Backpack, Backpack

I very recently became interested in baby wearing. I have an 18 month old DD. She loves to be independent and see everything but she isn’t old enough to walk on her own. She is too independent to let me hold her hand so everywhere we go it becomes a struggle of me chasing her around. I take the stroller most everywhere we go but she always wants out after about 15 minutes and then I’m stuck pushing the stroller and chasing Natalie. I really needed a solution to our issue because what we were doing just wasn’t working. I started looking into carriers for toddlers. I asked around on twitter (my go to place). And found that when it comes to baby wearing what works for one doesn’t always work for everyone. There were so many different opinions on which carrier was better that I think it confused me more than anything. There were so many carriers that I wanted to try but the price was pretty high. There was no way I could talk Hubby into letting me get one of these carriers when we are going to get more than a few months use out of it (so I thought).

I waited and kept researching, I checked the swap board but they were still too pricey. One day Ergo Carriers came on babysteals.com. I was so stoked! I waited a few hours to order though, I still wasn’t sure if I had convinced Hubby. He said yes so I went ahead an ordered it. I received it within a week and as soon as we got it I tried it on with Nat. We were home alone but I still wanted to try the back carry. It was a little difficult but we got it ok. Snapped a few pics and it was nap time.

That night when Hubby got home from work we went outside and played basketball with Natalie in the Ergo. She had so much and felt like she was right there with us playing. It was so sturdy that I never worried about her falling out or even being uncomfortable. I have used it many times since to make dinner or do the dishes.

Today I decided to push mow the grass with Natalie in the Ergo! It was kind of spur of the moment but this kid loves being outside and the grass needed to be mowed. So I strapped her on in the back carry which we are getting much better at and off we went! We had so much fun. She kept pointing to the animals in the yard and leaning over my shoulder to see what was going on. I will be doing this more often now!

It’s just starting to get warmer out but I can’t wait to use the Ergo more, I am already thinking of all the places I can take it. One thing I really like about it is that if Natalie wants down, the carrier is light enough that I can still wear it and chase her around, so far she doesn’t want down though.

When I want to put her in the carrier I ask her if she wants to go in Mommy’s Backpack because she is a huge Dora fan. She repeats back to me “backpack backpack”. I love that we have a special name for it and she knows exactly what I’m talking about when I say it.

Now I just wish I had looked into baby wearing when she was younger. I feel like wearing her gives us such a special bond, we are sharing things that she will never share with anyone else. I feel like she learns so much more because she has a great view of the world.

Reisenthel Review & Giveaway- closed

I have talked before about how I am trying to change my ways and become more “green”. In trying to change I would like to use reusable bags every time I grocery shop or buy anything really. Maybe I should set my goals a little lower… how about 75% of the time? I made this goal oh let’s say a year or so ago. I know it was sometime after Natalie was born. I bought the bags from Meijer and vowed that I would use them when I went grocery shopping. I would bring them in the house to unpack and then forget them. With both hands full of baby or baby gear I would walk into the store and remember my bags were at home! I really couldn’t find a good way to get in the habit. Even when they did make it to my car I would get in the store and to the checkout and realize they were in my car, with a baby and a full cart there is no way I’m running back outside.

In my search to the solution for this problem I came across Reisenthel. I love the look of their bags, but I knew that I wanted to try the Mini Maxi Shopper L. It looks like a great size to carry enough groceries but the feature that I really loved about it is that it comes with it’s own carrying pouch! When you are done using it you just fold it back up and put it in the pouch. It’s small enough to throw it in your diaper bag or purse so you don’t have to worry about forgetting it!

Some of the features of the Mini Maxi Shopper L from their site:
*Can be packed into separate pouch
*2 long carrier handles, can also be used as shoulder straps
* Available in over 15 colours and pattern variations
* Volume 18 liters= 4.75 Gallons
* Capacity Max 15 kg= 33 pounds!

One thing that I was worried about with the carrying pouch is that it wouldn't fit back in there. If you have ever used a sleeping bag or tent, you know that you can never fold them back the way they came out and they don’t go back. Well with these you don’t have to fold them perfect they just slide right back in. I was very impressed with that. I have a toddler I don’t have time to stand there and fiddle with a bag trying to get it to go back.

I really love these bags, I need to order more so that I can keep 1 in the car, 1 in the diaper bag and 1 in Hubby’s truck.

Reisenthel also has many other great bags. I would also love to try the Loopshopper L, it looks like it would hold a ton of groceries!

Want to try a Reinsenthel bag for yourself?

Buy one by visiting Reisenthel.com and locating a store near you.

OR

You can WIN one here! Reisenthel has offered to give 1 of my lovely readers a Mini Maxi Shopper of their very own.

Mandatory Entry: 
Visit Reisenthel and pick out another product you would like to try, come back here and leave me a comment letting me know.

Extras:
Follow my blog via GFC. (1 entry)
Follow me on twitter. (1 entry)
Tweet about the giveaway, include a link back here and @Kaylynbuckner. Or use this “Carry your groceries in style. Enter to win a Reisenthel bag from @Kaylynbuckner. http://bit.ly/cQKhrd #giveaway ” (1 entry per hour)

Enter any of my other giveaways (1 entry per giveaway)
Sign up for Swagbucks here.  You get 30 free Swagbucks! (10 entries)
Add my Toddler Tuesday button to your blog. (2 entries)


*This is open to U.S and Canada Residents. Giveaway will end on 5/25/10 at 9 PM Est. I was sent a Reisenthel bag to review however all opinions expressed here are purely my own.

Seventh Generation Review & Giveaway- closed

I love cleaning my house, well not love but somebody has to do it right? I normally use cleaners that have chemicals in them and never think twice about it. I hate the smells but I usually open the windows or turn on the bathroom fan and keep my DD away from where I am cleaning. I have been looking into more natural cleaners and recently switched mostly to vinegar and water. It works ok but my Hubby can’t stand the smell. I didn’t feel like I was getting a good clean. I then came across
Seventh Generation cleaners. I just knew I had to try them!

I started researching more into the company because I was curious how they came up with these “green” cleaning products. Here is a little bit from their mission statement on their site that says a lot about the company.

Inspire Conscious Consumption
Our focus is to inspire thoughtful consideration of each purchase—from the immediate impact of the products you buy (Is it safe? Is it gentle on the earth? Does it work?), to the broader impact throughout their lifecycle.

 Toxic Chemical Policy Reform:
Americans assume that chemicals used to make ordinary products are tested for safety — but often they are not. Seventh Generation has partnered with the Safer Chemicals, Health Families Coalition to create the Million Baby Crawl campaign. The Million Baby Crawl allows consumers to join tens of thousands of Americans calling on Congress to strengthen federal laws regulating toxic chemicals used in products ranging from household cleaners to baby bottles.

I feel like their focus totally fits with the lifestyle that I want for my family and myself.
I received a Free & Clear Starter Kit to try out. Which includes; Disinfecting Multi- Surface, Disinfecting Bathroom, Disinfecting Wipes, Laundry Detergent, Liquids Fabric Softener, Dish liquid, All- Purpose Cleaner, Auto- Dish Pacs, Glass Cleaner, Nautral Paper Towel, Seventh Gen Recycled Bag.

As soon as I opened the box I found something to clean! My sliders are always dirty. Natalie just loves to look out them and has to put her hands on them. I have learned that it’s ok if they aren’t clean all the time, but this gave me the perfect opportunity to try out the Natural Glass Cleaner. I sprayed a small amount and cleaned as usual. At first it was a little streaky but I let it dry and it came out just fine!

Next I moved to the bathroom that seems like it always needs to be cleaned. The very first thing I noticed when I used the Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner
was that there was no harsh chemical smell! I didn’t have to turn on the bathroom fan to use it. It did have a slight smell but it wasn’t a bad smell just clean. It worked really well in cleaning my whole bathroom.

When I received the kit everyone in the house was sick. We have been passing it back and forth for a few weeks but I didn’t want to disinfect the house with something that was going to be worse for us. I got the Disinfecting Wipes out right away. I wiped all the doorknobs, bathroom surfaces and also Nat’s crib. The smell wasn’t the best, it smells like lemongrass and thyme but it went away quickly. I felt so much better after wiping all the surfaces knowing that it was 99.9 % effective at killing germs.

I have since tried out almost all of the products and I love them all equally. I feel really safe using them around my DD knowing that there are no chemical vapors that are going to harm her, or even better yet, leach in to my skin and harm me. I have been looking forward to cleaning more lately! For me this product is more about peace of mind.

Want to try Seventh Generation cleaners on your house?

Buy them: You can go to their website and find a store near you that carries Seventh Generation products.

OR

You can WIN them here! Seventh Generation has been kind enough to offer the Free & Clear Starter Kit to one of my readers! The starter kit includes Disinfecting Multi- Surface, Disinfecting Bathroom, Disinfecting Wipes, Laundry Detergent, Liquids Fabric Softener, Dish liquid, All- Purpose Cleaner, Auto- Dish Pacs, Glass Cleaner, Nautral Paper Towel, Seventh Gen Recycled Bag.

Mandatory Entry:
Sign up for the Seventh Generation Nation and get email updates and coupons. Post a comment back here stating that you did.

Extras:
Follow my blog via GFC. (1 entry)
Follow me on twitter. (1 entry)
Follow Seventh Gen on twitter.  (1 entry)
Tweet about this giveaway, include @Kaylynbuckner #giveaway and a link back here or use this “Want your house to be clean? Enter to win a Seventh Generation kit from @Kaylynbuckner http://bit.ly/bYeG2N. #giveaway “ (1 entry per hour)

Like Seventh Generation on Facebook. (1 entry)
Add my Toddler Tuesday button to your blog. (2 entries)
Enter any of my other giveaways. (1 entry per giveaway)
Sign up for Swagbucks here. You get 30 free Swagbucks! (10 entries, only for newly signing up)
Let me know what product you would like to try from Seventh Generation (1 entry)

* I was provided products to review by Seventh Generation, however all opinions expressed here are purely my own. This is open to U.S and Canada Residents. Giveaway will end on 5/25/10 at 9 PM EST.

Blogs

I am the type of person who loves reading blogs. I love going from site to site and seeing what is going on in everyone’s lives. I love that I can relate to some or all that they are going through and it makes me feel more normal as a Stay at Home Mom (SAHM). It’s hard to find normalcy when you don’t know what “normal” SAHM’s are going through. To me, it feels like a little window into their life. It’s so personal yet they are sharing it with me.

That said I also love going from blog to blog and reading the reviews and entering the giveaways. It’s so much fun and the anticipation of whether you will win or not is great! I never realized until I became a review blogger how much work really went into a review. You can just sit down and think it all up. You have to use the product and think about what you will say and how you will say it. You actually have to spend time thinking about what you will say, how you will keep your readers entertained. So I wanted to say thank you to all the review bloggers out there! I really appreciate all of your hard work for bringing up honest reviews so that we may base our decisions to buy off of your posts.

Also while I’m here, I want to give a shout out to some of the blogs that I read (almost) daily. I love them and like I said before, they make me feel normal!

Mandy over at Big City! Baby because she is one cool momma!


Madison from Life Happens During Naptime ( love the name too!)


Amanda from Among The Mess because she is good company on twitter and her kiddos are cute!


Jess over at Welcome to the Zoo because she is such a sweetheart.


And

Mindy from The Inquisitive Mom because her posts are always so honest and heartfelt.

Wordless Wednesday- Hair Do's

Zestra Rush Review and Giveaway- closed

I have a toddler. Most of the time by the end of the day I am ready to fall into bed and not think about another thing. Hubby has other “ideas”. And most of the time unfortunately he gets the response “I’m too tired” or “I’m not in the mood”. Poor guy. When I heard about an opportunity to test out Zestra Rush, a product that will help you feel more in the mood, I couldn’t wait to try it out. I want that time with my Hubby I just don’t have the energy.

Here is a little more about the product from the website:

Zestra is a safe, patented blend of botanicals oils and extracts, created to help women feel more — effortlessly. Topically applied Zestra works within minutes by heightening your sensitivity to touch – for deep, pleasurable sensations, sexual satisfaction and fulfillment.

I received Zestra in the mail in a very discreet package. I don’t like to talk about these things or for other people to know so that was relieving for me! My mom got the mail for me that day and had no idea!

We tested out the Zestra, it says to start with a whole packet and from there decide how much you need for future use. I think I need less! But it was really nice. I didn’t have to worry about being in the mood. It really boosted the way I um felt. And Hubby wasn’t complaining!

I feel like with a toddler or any child around, you have to work to have intimacy in your relationship. For me, Zestra took part of the work out of it for me.

Want to try some Zestra Rush for yourself?

You can buy it by visiting their website.

Or

You can WIN some here! 3 of my readers will receive a 2 pack to try out for themselves.

Giveaway is closed.

Mandatory Entry: Head over to Zestra and comment with something you learned there about this product.

Extra Entries:
Follow my blog via GFC. (1 entry)
Follow me on twitter ( 1 entry)
Tweet about this giveaway. Include @Kaylynbuckner and link back to the giveaway. Or use this “Want to spice up your marriage? Enter to win Zestra from @Kaylynbuckner  http://bit.ly/cIkEnT #giveaway” (1 entry per hour)

Put my Event button on your blog (counts if you already have it there) (2 entries)
Enter any of my other giveaways. (1 entry per giveaway)
Sign up for swagbucks using the link here. (10 extra entries)

* I was provided a sample of Zestra to review, all opinions expressed here are my own. Giveaway will end on 5/18/10 at 9 pm Est.

Greenzys Review and Giveaway- closed

When I was growing up my parents didn’t even know what “green” meant, other than a color of course. Now that I’m older and live on my own I make my own life style decisions. We have decided to be more “green” as a family. It’s been a little hard retraining ourselves with some things. Now that we are used to it though, the changes are great, and better for our families in most ways.

I came across a book called Greenzys, it is geared towards children to help teach them early on to be more “green”. I read through the book before I let Natalie see it and it was so cute! The illustrations are great and the story is written in a way for children to understand. Now I think Natalie is a little too young to understand the meaning of the book but I’m happy about letting her read it over and over until she is old enough to get it.

They also offer stuffed plush animals that match the characters in the book, what a neat idea! Here is a little about their plush animals from their site:

The soft cuddly plush toys are made in socially responsible factories from soy fibers and non-toxic dyes with packaging made from recycled paperboard. When you purchase one of these loveable toys, you and your child will have an opportunity to actively help preserve the environment.  For every toy purchased, a tree is planted. Your child can personalize a printable, digital certificate documenting the planting of the tree that they will cherish forever. Imagine the excitement children will experience knowing they can personally make a difference!

I also really like the company who makes Greenzys; they are very Eco Friendly. When you make a purchase of one of their stuffed toys or books they make contribution to a green non-profit organization! How awesome is that! First, you are helping your child learn to be more green and you are making a contribution at the same time!


Want a Book and plush of your own? Books can be purchased from Amazon.com, FAO Schwarz New York, Kids Books Section of Green Depot Retailers and Green Depot.com. The Plush animals can be found at FAO.com and FAO Schwarz New York.

Or you can WIN your very own copy of the book here:

Giveaway is closed.

Mandatory Entry:
Check out the Greenzys website!  Browse the selection of plush toys, come back here, and leave a comment telling me which one is your favorite.

Extras:
Follow my blog via GFC. (1 entry)
Follow me on twitter (1 entry)
Follow Greenzys on twitter (1 entry)
Tweet about the giveaway include @Kaylynbuckner, @thegreenzys and link back here. Or us this “ Teach your child to be green, win a copy of @thegreenzys from @Kaylynbuckner   http://bit.ly/9H5vom #eco #giveaway “ (2 entries per day)

Enter any of my other giveaways (1 entry per giveaway)
Like Greenzys on facebook (1 entry)
Add my event button to your blog, or if you already have it. (2 entries)
Sign up for swagbucks using the link here, even if you already signed up under me. (10 extra entries)


*I was provided a copy of the Greenzys book to review. Giveaway will end on 5/18/10 at 9 PM est.