A Book for the Moms

I've read my fair share of parenting books since joining the "mom club". All of them were regarding rather practical things that I was looking for advice on - sleep, health, vaccinations. So, Kathi Lipp's new book I Need Some Help Here was new territory for me. It's a Christian book dealing with the shortcomings of parenthood...or the shortcomings of our children, however you would like to look at it. 

This book was so good, I read through it in about 24 hours. It is one of those parenting books that I found myself shaking my head in agreement at numerous times. It's a very truthful, relatable, encouraging, inspiring, helpful and practical book. It covers a variety of issues you will face as a parent, from temer tantrums all the way up to dealing with children on the cusp of adulthood. I have a feeling, I will wear my copy of this book out rereading it through my years of parenting that I face. 

The book is covered in real and helpful tips for dealing with kids (and ourselves) in various situations. And, my personal favorite, at the end of every chapter, Kathi included prayers to pray over your children and yourself. Sometimes I feel like I don't know the words to pray, so I like that there are prayers to help get me started. 

If you are going through (or have gone through) hard things with your kids, this is most definitely the book for you. And, as moms, we have all gone through hard things with our kids! 

I Need Some Help Here, by Kathi Lipp, is available at major booksellers, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 

I was provided a complementary copy of this book for my review, but all my opinions are truly my own and are honest.  

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A Life Changing Toddler Hair Tip

We can all agree that Isla has herself a crazy amount of hair for her age. And, well, I have never exactly been great at doing my own hair, so the thought of doing another person's kind of overwhelmed me. But, we were taking it one day at a time and managing. The only problem was, the longer it got, the more she fought me to brush it. Then, one day while perusing Target (actually running toward the register with a non-compliant child in tow...but, you know) something caught my eye...

Suave detangler. This stuff is magic, I tell you. I can use on both dry and wet hair. I don't know how it does it, but I spray it on and magically the brush easily glides through Isla's hair. Like I said, magic. If you have a child of any age who's hair you are still brushing and it is a challenge, I recommend running out and grabbing yourself a bottle of this stuff. You can thank me later. Oh, and I find the apple scent divine, but I know there is another sent as well.


By the way, this post is completely unsponsored. But given that this may have been the best $2 I have ever spent, I thought I should share the love...cause us mom's gotta help each other out, right?!? 

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Sometimes

Sometimes you just need a quiet (or even just calm) evening. But when Isla is tired and NEEDS a bath, that usually won't happen. After putting a crying and resistant Isla in a bath, I remembered a bath painting set I had tucked away in the cabinet and pulled it out. Let's just say the crying stopped and only restarted when I finally pulled her out of the bath.

The fact that I pulled these bath paints out should show how desperate I was. They were thrown in the back of the cupboard because of awful experience I had with bath crayons a couple years ago. The bad experience didn't come from the kids playing with the crayons, because they loved them. The bad experience came from the impossibleness of scrubbing the crayon off the walls of the shower. It was a bit of a nightmare. In my desperation, I decided to give these bath paints a chance and they were way better than I expected. Not only did they make no mess (besides coloring the water a bit), but Isla loved them and was super entertained. She painted the bath and painted herself and had a good ole time. It was a huge win in my book. And I am thinking I should get another set of these (not sure where they were from as they were a gift) so I have them on had the next time I am dealing with a more challenging than usual day. 

 

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Kids Can Enjoy Brushing Their Teeth?!

Teeth brushing in our house has always been a bit of an ordeal. We have gone through good times and ugly times. We have been not so serious about it and crazy about it. Randomly, a couple weeks ago, I bought the kids new motorized toothbrushes. In all honesty, I got them because with a sale and a coupon, they were $1 each. I thought the kids would get a kick out of them. Well, I totally underestimated that one. 

As soon as Connor saw the toothbrush, he was super excited. And both him and Isla have been asking to brush their teeth all the time. What really makes me happy is Connor is actually brushing his teeth, not his tongue or just sucking the toothpaste off, he is actually BRUSHING HIS TEETH. I would have paid full price for these toothbrushes a long time ago if I knew that would happen. 

So seriously, if anyone out there is in the predicament of their kid hating brushing their teeth, get one of these Colgate toothbrushes. They are a game changer. And on a side note, we have used other spinbrushes with not as exciting results. I don't know if it is the characters, the on/off switch or the fact that the brush pulses rather than spins, but the kids LOVE them. 

 

Oh, and I was totally NOT in any way asked by Colgate to write this. I just think the toothbrushes are that awesome. 

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Buy Now, Thank Me Later

One of the first things I did when I moved back to the states was get me some toms...because, well, all the cool kids had them. And it didn't take long for those amazingly comfortable shoes to stink oh-so-bad. And other than my super rad (and super honest) friend Karen, no one else would admit that their toms made their feet smell. I eventually wore out those toms and moved on.

After living without toms for a while, I decided I wanted another pair in my life. When at the store buying them, the lady mentioned that toms are supposed to be worn with socks. Uh, what?! I then admitted to her that my last pair smelled not so good and she convinced me to get some socks to wear with them. Let me just say, these socks have changed my life! I can now wear toms AND not have stinky feet (and shoes).

So for all of you stinky feeted tom-lovers out there, you are welcome. Go get you some little tiny socks for your toms and you will thank me...and so will anyone else that has to smell your feet after you wear your toms. And for all of you that don't have stinky feet from toms, whatever. I still don't believe you.

I Now Own Everything Coffee Related

You know how sometimes you don't even know what you are missing out on until your life is changed and you discover what you have been missing all along. Well that happened to me...again.

My father in law came back from England (I know, I am just as shocked as you that he didn't ask me to come along. I think of myself as an amazing travel companion.) the other day with gifts in hand...smart man. He knew after not inviting me on the trip, coming home gift less would not be safe. I kid. Anyway, so he hands me my gift and I find myself staring at this piece of fabric that I have no clue what it was. Then he enlightened me...and changed my life for the better. Everyone knows what a tea cozy is, right? Well my father in law got me a COFFEE COZY!

An adorable little invention that keeps my coffee warmer for longer. And let's be honest, also makes my coffee corner look even cooler. And we now truly own practically every coffee related item out there.

Step-Up Stool {nuby product review}

I have to say, the Nuby step-up stool has quickly become one of the most used toddler products in my home. It mostly stays in the bathroom and is used for turning on the light, going to the bathroom and washing hands. It's so light that both Connor and Isla can pick it up and take it where they need it...though sometimes this works to my disadvantage!

With grippy surface not only on all the feet, but on the top of the stool as well, it makes it amazing for kids to use. This bad boy has been used a gillion times in our house already and not once has it slid out from under the little person (or mama) using it. Also, it is easy to clean. And we would know given it has taken a direct hit from some well, uh, pee a couple times now. Cleans right off, no fuss. Here's the crazy part, this stool is rated for up to 800 pounds...yes, you did read that correctly. So it is certainly able to handle more than one set of feet at a time.

The Nuby step-up stool is available for purchase at BuyBabyDirect, echildstore.com, and Kid's Land.

I did not receive any compensation for this post, although as part of the Nuby Mommy Blogger program I may receive items to sample or review. All opinions are my own and 100% honest. 



You can stay up to date on all things Nuby by liking the Nuby Facebook Page, following Nuby on Twitter, following Nuby on Pinterest, and watching for Nuby Photos on Instagram.

Nuby No Spill Cup {nuby product review}

When it comes to things like sippy cups, I am a no-frills type of mom. I want one with as few parts as possible, that doesn't leak and can take a beating. Oh, and I'd like it to be reasonably priced too! I'm not asking too much, right?!

The Nuby no-spill cup is just that. With only three parts, its simple enough. Having used it for over a month now, I know it can take a beating. And so far, no signs of leaking. No need for me to run after my kids and set their sippy cups upright to keep my floors semi-clean. And guess what, it is cheap! At $4.99 for two cups, it's quite the bargain. And as always, the cup is BPA free. 

I love how the restrictor can be flipped to allow for either slow or fast flow. I have Isla's cup set on slow and Connor's on fast. And one of my favorite things about all of Nuby's sippy cups, is they actually offer replacement pieces. So, if you happen to lose that restrictor, you can order a new one. I can't begin to tell you how many cups I have thrown away because of things like this. That alone literally makes me want to only use Nuby sippy cups...that and the fact that this is currently my go-to cup for both kids.

The Nuby no spill cups are available for purchase as BuyBabyDirect, Walmart, Diapers.com, Amazon and CookiesKids.


Perhaps you have a younger baby who isn't quite ready for a hard spout cup. Be sure to check out my review on three of Nuby's soft spout cups. Their soft spout cups are amazing for transitioning from bottle (or breast!) to cup. 


I did not receive any compensation for this post, although as part of the Nuby Mommy Blogger program I may receive items to sample or review. All opinions are my own and 100% honest. 

Its the Little Things

I have found my true calling in life. My world was rocked this weekend. I ask that you please hold your judgement until you know. Because when you know, you will understand. But, back to my true calling. I want to be a sweater shaver salesperson. No need to refresh your browser, you read that one correctly. This magical little device rocked my world and I want to see it change others as well. 

How did I go so long in life without such a cheap and useful little tool?! Seriously, it is less than $10 and works amazingly well. Lets not even talk about the fact that I have gotten rid of sweaters before when they had too many fur balls on them. Yes, I called them fur balls. 

I am such an instant gratification person, so I loved the sound it made when it chopped off the fur balls. And even better was throwing away the lint. It was amazing! You think that is a lot of lint for one sweater? On my next one, I had to empty the tray two times! Loved it!

I tried to do a little before and after shot for you. Just focus on the disappearing fur balls. Amazing. If you don't already own this amazing product, get one NOW. It will change your life. 

Stop laughing. Seriously. IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.