Blogging Through the Alphabet - Letter "A" Links

Well, its that time!  Time to post all of our "Blogging Through the Alphabet" posts for this week!  WooHoo!!!!  Every week I'll post the links to everyone's blog posts so you can cruise around and read what they've written!  This week's posts are on the letter A and I'm REALLY excited about them!!!  We have all sorts of posts from homeschooling help, to recipes, to personal stories, to finding joy in ants!  I've put the posts in alphabetical order (by the poster's first name).  I'll do that each week so that they are in the exact same order every week.  You can also click on the blog button below to go to a comprehensive list of all of our posts!

Click this button to see all the

"Blogging Through the Alphabet" posts
 

Charity (Family Redefined) - ABC's of My Heart - A = Adoption

Jessica (Jessica Buxton) - Blogging Through the Alphabet - A

Kenan (Granger Babies + all the rest) - A is for Chunky Apple Chicken Salad

Marla (MIPRIP: Finding Joy) - Finding Joy in Ants

Rebekka (The Proverbs31 Mama) - Blogging Through the Alphabet - "A is for Apple Walnut Bread"

Sarita (The Lone Tater) - ABC's of My Heart: Abortion, Adoption, Abandonment

TaMara (Tales of a Pee Dee Mama) - A is for Alphabet Walk

Tara (Organized SAHM) - Homeschooling at 3: A - Z (Letter A)


I hope you have fun reading all of these posts and discovering some fabulous new blogs!  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think, what post(s) really helped you, what you'd like to see us blog about, etc.

Green Sprouts Training Pants Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

We are currently in the midst of potty training.  Yep.  Lots of fun.  Haha!  We had been using pull ups, but my daughter just thought they were diapers - which sort of defeats the purpose of trying to potty train.  Plus, using disposable training pants is SO EXPENSIVE!!!  So I've been trying out reusable training pants with my little one.  We've used several different brands.  Some we liked (which I've posted about on here) and some we haven't liked.  Some were really thin and she leaked right through them.  Some were so huge and bulky I might as well have wrapped her in blankets!  LOL!  But then I found the Green Sprouts Training Pants...



Kid Basix Safe Sippy 2 Review

You may remember my review of the Safe Sporter by Kid Basix.  We LOVE these bottles!!!  They are colorful, easy to grip, stainless steel, and dishwasher-safe!!! That's every mama's dream!!!  Well, if you read that review and were bummed because you little one isn't old enough for sports bottles yet, FEAR NOT!  Kid Basix also has the Safe Sippy 2!!!  WooHoo!!!



Blogging Through the Alphabet - "A is for Apple Walnut Cake"

Yay!  My first post for the Blogging Through the Alphabet series!  I'm so excited!  I went back and forth for over a week trying to figure out what to blog about.  I was stumped.  Can you believe it?  I'm only on the letter A and I'm already stumped!  This doesn't bode well for me!  But then I remembered this recipe and I knew I had to share it!  

 

Citrus Lane Photo Contest

Hi guys!  I NEVER do this on my blog, but I've entered my oldest in the Citrus Lane Fun in the Sun Photo Contest!  If she wins, she gets a 6 month subscription!!!  (And you know how much we LOVE Citrus Lane!!!)  If you want, please use the link below and vote for her!  (Isn't she stinkin' cute???!!!???)
PS - The hat, duck scoops, and sand pail are all items she's received in past Citrus Lane boxes!  :)

My Citrus Lane Photo Contest Entry

Sesame Gifts Baby Steps Box and Game Night Box Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

Have you ever wanted to send a gift to someone, but you didn't have time to shop or you had no idea what you should buy them?  I've had both of those problems!  Sometimes I remember someone's birthday or a baby shower and I know if I don't go RIGHT OUT and buy a gift I'll forget. It can be frustrating!  But Sesame Gifts has taken ALL the stress out of gift giving!!!  Simply download their app at the Apple Store and you can literally order a gift ANYWHERE ANYTIME!!!  So, when you're out of the house and you realize, "Oh no!  I forgot to send my friend a birthday gift!"  You can literally press a button and order one from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch!  WHAT???!!!???

The fabulous folks at Sesame Gifts sent me two of their gift boxes for review!  The first one I received was their Baby Steps Gift Box...



Chicago Steak Company Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I recently received the Chicago's Best Seller from Chicago Steak Company for review!  I have to say, this was one review that my hubby was REALLY excited about!!!  I got my hubby a charcoal grill for Father's Day last year and he's been really enjoying becoming a grilling man!  So when I told him I was ordering some steaks to review he was definitely on board!

Chicago Steak Company delivers Mid-Western, Corn-Fed, USDA Prime, Black Angus, and Premium USDA Choice steaks right to your door!  And these steaks are featured in some great restaurants including Mike Ditka's Restaurant in Chicago!



HALO Innovations SwaddleChange Review

I have an exciting new product to share with my readers today!  If you've had a baby recently, I'm sure you've heard of HALO SleepSacks!  These are fabulous swaddle sacks that don't restrict the hips and legs. (The restriction of the legs and hips during swaddling is now thought to lead to hip dysplasia.)  Well, the awesome folks at HALO have done it again!  This time, they've introduced the SwaddleChange Changing Pad Cover...



BuyGreen.com Skoy Scrub Cloths Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I love finding shopping websites!  Its so much easier to shop online - especially with 2 kids.  Online shopping is the height of convenience!  And an online store that specializes in green products just makes me happy!  That's why I'm happy to introduce you guys to BuyGreen.com!  The good folks at buygreen.com were kind enough to send me a pair of Skoy Scrub Cloths for review...



The Spice Lab Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I love to cook!  And I love making new things and using new ingredients!  That's why I was thrilled to find The Spice Lab!  They have some salts, peppers, and spices!  And best of all, they have some great gift selections!  The fabulous folks at the Spice Lab were kind enough to send me their Gourmet Sea Salt Sampler Collection No. 2...



Wipebox Review

As a mom, I want functional items.  I need things for my kids that work.  But a lot of the time, functional means "boring."  That's why I'm happy to introduce you guys to the Wipebox by Uber Mom LLC.  These little boxes are functional AND cute...

Blogging Through the Alphabet

I've been playing with the idea of doing a special blogging series recently.  I love doing reviews and recipes, but I also love just blogging my thoughts, stories, etc.  And so, after seeing a few other bloggers do a "Blogging Through the Alphabet" series, I decided that this would be a fun and challenging idea! 
But I didn't want to do it all by myself.  I thought this would be a great way to introduce my readers to some of my mama-blogger friends!  So folks, we're gonna have some great fun and some interesting reads for the next 26 weeks!  Starting next week, myself and 7 of my blogger friends will be blogging through the Alphabet!!!  Woohoo!

Citrus Lane June 2013 Boxes Review and 50% Off Your First Box!!!

Its that time again!  Our Citrus Lane boxes arrived this week!  WooHoo!!!  We LOVE receiving these boxes each month.  And my oldest recognizes the Citrus Lane boxes now.  She says, "Is that my box?"  Its so exciting for both of us!!!  Citrus Lane doesn't do many "theme" boxes anymore - which I actually agree with.  They are better able to put great products in each month's box if they aren't hampered by trying to make it fit a theme.  But every once in a while, they do a special theme - just for fun.  This was one of those months.  The theme was "Fun in the Sun" and it we really enjoyed it!  We got 3 boxes this month - a 4 month old box, a 12 month old box, and a 35 month old box.

Here's what we got in our 4 month old box...

 

"Mama, I Wanna 'Hep Oo'..."

If you're the mom of a toddler, you've probably heard these words a million times - "Mama, I wanna 'hep oo'."  I hear it every day - when I'm doing laundry, dusting, vacuuming, or making beds.  When I'm cooking, getting the mail, or clearing the table.  When I'm loading the dishwasher, taking out the trash, or changing the baby. - "Mama, I wanna 'hep oo'." 



Summer Sun Protection Essentials for Kids

With Summer here, I thought it would be appropriate to share with my readers some of my favorite sun protection essentials for kids.  Sun protection is serious business!  For example, did you know that we get almost 80% of our exposure to the sun before the age of 18?  And sun exposure can cause problems that are much more serious than a sunburn.  In fact, one of the leading causes of skin cancer in adults is sun damage that occurred during childhood.  But sun damage can cause not only cancer, but immune system problems, eye disease, and other issues.  So I'll say it again.  Sun protection is SERIOUS BUSINESS!!!

With that being said, here are some of my favorite sun protection items for kids:

1.) A Great Sunscreen - A child's skin is more sensitive to the sun than an adult's.  The AAP recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater on children 6 months and up.  Our favorite sunscreen to use? - Episencial Sunny Sunscreen! 



Fathers Are Great!

Its Father's Day today.  Have you hugged your Daddy?  Or called him to wish him a Happy Father's Day? Well, in the spirit of the holiday, I thought I'd say a little bit about the 3 best Dads in the world! -

 

Lip Factory June 2013 Box Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

Its that time again!  Time for another Lip Factory Inc. box review!  I received my June box this past week, and once again, I loved it!  This month's theme was "Vacation."  It was a compilation of great items to take along in your summer bag!



Mi Cielo "Sewing Trooper" Shirts Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

You may remember my previous review of Mi Cielo.  We LOVE their clothes!  They are so adorable!  So when they contacted me about another review, I jumped at the opportunity!  This time, with Father's Day coming, I decided to review a pair of matching shirts for my hubby and my toddler.  And since my hubby is a Star Wars fan, these were perfect...



Salem Baking Company Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I love reviewing things!  But some of my favorite items to review are FOOD!  Haha!  Especially sweets!!!  So, I've got a great review for you guys today!  And it comes from the good folks at Salem Baking Company!





Trusting God When The Gorillas Charge

In God have I put my trust:

I will not be afraid... - Psalm 56:11

 

A year ago last month we took our oldest to the zoo for the very first time.  What a fun experience!  I always enjoy experiencing things through my kids' eyes.  Its such a wonderful thing to watch her see animals that she's never seen before, watch her ride on her very first carousel, and see her taste her very first frozen lemonade.  But at this zoo trip, I got to see something else through my toddler's eyes - complete trust. 

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Pediped Flex Darcy Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

You may remember my previous reviews of Pedipeds Footwear.  (You can find those 2 reviews Here and Here.)  Just to remind you, I LOVE Pediped!  Its practically all my little girl wears anymore!  I'm very particular about my little one's shoes since I found out how much damage poor shoes can do to a child's feet.  And Pedipeds are not only a great footwear choice, but they are also stylish and very practical!



Kid Basix Safe Sporter Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

One really incredible side effect of doing blog reviews is that I've learned A LOT about the dangers of things like plastic.  Not only is plastic not environmentally friendly, but many plastics leach harmful chemicals (many of which are considered to be cancer-causing).  The more I've learned, the more I've decide to become plastics-free.  We've been replacing our plastic food storage containers, our plastic bags, and especially the plastics that we used with our kids - sippy cups, water bottles, plates, etc.  And that's why I'm THRILLED to introduce you to one of my favorite new brands - Kid Basix! 

Kid Basix sells safe, eco-friendly baby bottles, sippy cups, and water bottles!  And today I'd like to introduce you to their water bottle - the Safe Sporter...



Barefoot Books Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

We love books in our house!  I don't think its possible to have too many books!  Haha!  But I did buy a Kindle to help control the number of books that I bring into the house for myself.  When it comes to my kids however, there's NOTHING BETTER than a real book that they can hold in their hands, touch and turn the pages, look at the beautiful illustrations, etc.  My toddler already has a huge book collection.  And I hope that continues as she and her sister grow!  Recently I learned about an independent children's book publisher called Barefoot Books.  Actually, I received one of their books in one of my Citrus Lane boxes!  I immediately fell in love with Barefoot Books!  Their books are lovely, colorful, and fun!  And I was lucky enough to receive a few of their most popular books for review...



Genesis One Designs Etsy Shop Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

You guys know how much I love Etsy!  Its seriously addicting!!!  So I love introducing my readers to Etsy shops!  And I've got another fabulous one for you today! - Genesis One Designs!  They sell some really lovely jewelry!  And they were kind enough to send me a couple of items for review!  The first item I received was this cute Mother Bird Necklace...

 

Rubbabu "My Animal Farm" Playset

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I've found another fabulous toy company and I'm so excited to introduce my readers to them! -Rubbabu!  They are the world's only rubber foam toy maker!  And their toys are colorful, fun, imaginative and eco-friendly!  The fantastic folks at Rubbabu were kind enough to send me their "My Animal Farm" Playset for review...



Cotton Booty Cloth Diaper Subscription Box Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

You all know how much I LOVE subscription boxes.  Well, I've found another!  But this one is different from any subscription box I've ever seen!  Its a cloth diaper subscription box!  - Cotton Booty!  The creator of Cotton Booty, Rebecca Oleson, was kind enough to send me their VERY FIRST BOX for review!  And I was so excited!!!!