Washable Swim Diapers!

 Tomorrow is June 1st and the weather is warming up so I thought I would post about Swim Diapers!

For the past few years we have used AppleCheeks washable swim diapers for our youngest 3 children. Not only do we never not have to worry about running out, or not having anything on hand for an impromptu swim or trip to the splash pad but we don't have to put disposable swim diapers on their bums. Which is extremely important to me. Why would we do that when we are trying to stay away from disposables and all the chemicals in them? So crazy not to have swim diapers too, at least to me!

Well, we do! Lots of them!

They go on like our normal AppleCheeks. But fit a little differently. Because of not using inserts they generally fit bigger therefore sometimes if your baby would be in a size 2 regular AppleCheeks diaper they could fit into a size 1 swim diaper. This has been the case with us. Jayden was the only one to fit into size 2 swim diapers, but he has since moved on to just swim trunks -- Jackson is still so tiny, he fits into 1s nicely and even with Justin's huge chunky belly and thighs he fits nicely into them too (on the same snaps, go figure!)

 

You may be wondering well what catches the pee since these swim diapers are just a mesh material (two actually! Outside coloured and the inside white!) NOTHING! Did you know disposable swim diapers don't catch pee either? Sure, they may get huge and absorb tons of water and you may see some yellow in there but don't be fooled. No swim diaper is absorbent, they are meant to catch and hold solids. That's it and AppleCheeks swim diapers do just that!

So if you think you may swim a lot or play in a water table, head to the beach or even just keep the kids home to run through the sprinkler a few times this summer why not try a reusable, washable swim diaper? Why not try AppleCheeks? Why waste your money on something you will throw out and will end up in a landfill for the next 25+ years. Also, how cute are these?  With no harmful chemicals either!

To wash simply throw them in with your diapers or even with your swim wear. You can even just rinse by hand and hang them up to dry. They dry really quickly. They are really great and easy to care for! Simple, huh?:)

For more information on AppleCheeks and AppleCheeks swim diapers please visit the official website at http://applecheeks.com.

Disclosure: although I am an employee of AppleCheeks I was a customer longer before an employee. These are my own opinions and I was not asked to write this, these opinions and posts are solely my own.

Tattooed Mama!

For as long as I can remember my mom had tattoos. I always thought they were the coolest, and I knew I'd have some one day. Well, 2 days ago I got tattoo #5. I also have an appt next week to finish up my tattoo I have for my kids (it needs 2 stars added for Jackson and Justin!) and for tattoo #6. I cannot wait!

When I was 16 and my mom passed away I finally got my first tattoo. It is dedicated to my mom, and says "Mommy's Girl" It's on my stomach to the side, and its been through 6 pregnancies and still looks the same. Now that I've had other tattoos done, I see what crappy work it was, but it's still dear to me regardless because of what it means.

I know some people think "omg, tattoos are for life! you shouldn't get them!" but I love them anyways, and mine are all where they can be covered if needed no problem.

I can honestly say, to this day 4 out of my 5 tattoos didn't hurt. The one done just 2 days ago? WORST PAIN! It felt like burning, and deep, deep, pain. But, I'm told it's because it was on the top of my foot and it's a pretty sensitive area due to the thin skin! I'd agree.

I am impressed with how it turned out though. I love every single one of my tattoos. Next week,  #6 is an autograph of someone famous that recently passed away. I've taken 6 months to think about it and I decided I wanted to do it - It means a lot to me. I donate to this persons charity monthly, I have for a long time, and I always thought autograph tattoos were super cool.

Here are all my tattoos to date, in order of when I got them!

 My very first tattoo on my stomach - says "Mommy's girl"

 My 2nd tattoo I got when I was 18 on my lower back.

 3rd tattoo on my right wrist. Big yellow star symbolizes me and the others are my kids. Need 2 more for the 2 babies!

 On my left wrist my hubby and I have this matching tattoo. His has a J in the middle for me:)

And my beautiful 5th tattoo I got a few nights ago on my right foot. My beloved Orca whale, which if you know me at all know is one of my all time favorite things in this world.

Do you have any tattoos? what are they? If not, and you'd like one what would you get?

Memory Book

If you've read the blog for a while, or followed me on any social media you would know I lost my mom to lung cancer when I was 16 years old. She was just 48. It's something I don't often talk about, but when I do (her birthday, anniversary of death etc) I can sometimes get a bit carried away in regards to it.

I'm not sure why but I still don't think I've fully processed the whole entire thing. I was in a weird place when she died, I was angry at her for getting sick - she smoked so I blamed the whole thing on her. I wasn't nice, at all. But even now, almost 13 years later and I still think she may walk in that front door one day. Kinda sad, and a bit scary considering she has been gone a while.

Anyways, I have kept in touch with her best friend that she was so close with for 20+ years, who I grew up very close with. We speak often, and would visit often when I lived back home. Now she lives 2.5 hours away in the town I used to live and every single year I've forgotten her Birthday. Sure I have 6 kids and am busy, but that is no excuse. She always remembers my kids on all holidays and Birthday's so this year I made it my mission not to forget hers!

I spoke with her on Mother's Day and I flat out asked her again when her Birthday is. June 17th she says with a snicker and tells me "Your mom always thought it was in May too!" - oops! Totally thought I had forgotten it, but was thrilled I hadn't.

I decided on a photo book from Shutterfly. At first I had planned to make the book with photos of my kids, but now that she has her own Grandbabies I didn't want to step on any toes, or anything so I got the idea to make a memory book for her of my mom. My mom loved her dearly, and they were always on the phone, visiting at each others houses or having coffee. She delivered the eulogy at my mom's funeral and was basically the only person who had promised to make sure I'd be okay that actually did just that. She was my rock. She had also told me she has 1 photo of my mom, one! That's it - so I knew I had to do this!

So yesterday, I made the book. I was a little hesitant because a few months ago we had a flood in our basement and all of my photo albums from when I was a child got ruined. Badly, water damaged and ruined.. Luckily, I found 2 albums that were hiding in my bedroom closet. 1 my grandma had made me, and 1 from my mom and dads wedding. It was perfect.

I decided to make the book photos and friendship quotes. Ones that could relate to them, and how much she meant to my mom. The program kept telling me "This photo is low quality" but I couldn't really help it as I was limited with the photos I had, not to mention had to use photos of photos. BUT, I'm hopeful it will turn out. If not, Looks like she may end up with a personalized Erin Condren address book!

Going through the photos brought back a lot of memories. Mostly wonderful, teary memories that I hope to one day be able to share with my kids as they grow. I hope my moms best friend likes this gift. I was a little unsure at giving someone a memory book for a Birthday but I wanted to give her something special, meaningful and that she would appreciate. She has 1 photo of my mom so I think this is something she will cherish.

Here's just a few of the photos I decided to put in the book...

She is missed.

Babywearing: Hotslings Review

I was recently sent this Hotslings sling to review and let me tell you -- I absolutely love Babywearing so I was excited for the chance to try the Hotslings because I hadn't ever tried on before. I wasn't so sure which size to get so I asked for a Large in AP Black.

It is a little bit big on me, but I think once baby grows it won't be much of an issue - plus I can toddler wear with it since my 3 year old doesn't weigh too much more than my 8 month old (I know!) hes just taller! 

I decided to go on a walk using the sling. It was super easy to put on, adjust and keep baby comfortable and in the correct position in. I was impressed. I wasn't so sure how I'd like the adjustable straps but it worked really well, and baby was good and snug in the sling.

I'm used to SSC's and Ring Slings which have quickly become my favorite, so this wasn't a huge switch for me. Justin is 8 months old and likes being held a lot. Most of the day actually, so it's important for me to have a carrier that is not only safe, easy to use but comfortable for the both of us. I'm happy to say our walk lasted just under an hour and I felt nothing. My back wasn't in pain, my side wasn't affected by his 20+lbs. It was wonderful. 

 

 Hotslings have full instructions on their website to learn how to use the Sling, they also have a full sizing chart available to make sure you choose the right size for you!

One of The most important parts of Babywearing - is not only being close to your baby but SAFETY. I can't tell you how many times I've searched a #babywearing hastag on Instagram and seen incorrect use of carriers and slings. It's so important to make sure you read about the speficic sling and carrier you are going to use and wear it properly. Not only for your back and shoulders but for baby's safety, and hips!

Hotslings has a great safety section on their website to show you exactly how to wear a Hotslings sling.. Plus a whole list of safe instructions! For smaller babies it's very important to make sure baby's face and chin aren't covered up!

If you are looking for a good, non-bulky, comfortable carrier that isn't tricky to get on I highly suggest a Hotslings Carrier! I know I'll get a lot of use out of this one this summer, I plan to keep it in my bag and have it with me at all times... You never know when baby or toddler will NEED to be held and the ease of this sling will make it easy to get on especially on the go!

Disclosure: This is a compensated sponsored post. I received this product complimentary for review purposes The views and opinions are my own and 100% true.

Loving Where You Live

This August will mark 4 years since we moved to Toronto. We moved to Toronto from a much smaller city - 114,050 compared to Toronto (GTA) 6,054,191.. At  first I hated it. It was too big, I didn't have a clue how to get around anywhere and we had to take TTC public transportation because neither one of us drive! How fun right?  We lived in a 3 bedroom apartment, on the 25th floor of a shady building. I couldn't wait to get out of there - so we did, ASAP!

Well, now almost 4 years later I'm happy to say I absolutely love it here. I wouldn't want to move anywhere else, well... Unless somewhere hot all year 'round but that just wouldn't happen.

We moved to the house we live in March 2012.. I love where our house is located. It's close to a bunch of stores, a brand new mall, wal-mart, corner stores, little pizza joints, and its located right on the TTC bus and subway line, also the street car line. How perfect for us.

I honestly never realized how important it is to love where you live and what an impact it has on  overall happiness. At least for me, it's truly been an eye opener. Before moving into this house, and truly loving where I am living I was so different in terms of feelings, and how I felt every single day not just mood wise but health too, I haven't felt so good in a long while...

So Ava and I decided to take a stroll yesterday and take some photos to show you all where we live. How beautiful, peaceful and clam it truly is. People are quite surprised I live in Toronto when they see the photos because HOW? well, simple.. it's all about location.

 This is a pretty long pathway behind our house. It leads to our street and another street, but in between is a tiny little park.

The little park that is on the pathway. It's super small, but my kids love running to have a slide every now and then! Notice broken down trees? Those are left after the Ice Storm this winter that left a lot of us powerless over 24 HOURS.

At the top of the pathway, on our street a little sitting area. This little old lady across the road plants a ton of flowers and plants around it too.

One end of my street, I live at the other :)

This is my end. Way down there is a Dead End and my house, which you can see on the left near the end it's one of the bigger ones.

My street is full of little bungalows then you get to the end and it has some bigger houses, remodeled and redone... Which is where we live. It's very quiet, and mostly older people but a few small young families. We keep to ourselves basically, although our neighbours to the right are super amazing nice - teachers - we speak to them when we see them. Otherwise, we say hi to a few others but that's it. We like it and love our location.

Do you love where you live? Do you think it makes a difference with how you feel daily? I really do!

Just 10 Seconds for Mom, PLEASE!

Lately it seems as though I can't even have 10 seconds to myself. I stand up and not only do I have 3 dogs on my behind but usually 2-3 kids as well. I have no idea why. No matter what I do, or where I go this happens.

Even if I just stand up and move to a different spot on the couch... they jump up to follow me, but I don't even move just scoot down. It's usually my girls and now Jayden that does this.

Which, is great I love sitting with them, cuddling and being close but is there a point it becomes too much?

It just seems like it's getting worse, and I'm not sure why. It's not like a nice little cuddle, or hug here and there, it's full on - on top of me!

When I went out to dinner with Ilana a few weeks ago we were talking about kids and I had mentioned it and she made a good point. They know my mom passed away when I was younger so maybe they don't want me out of their sight, or out of reach for too long out of fear?

I didn't really think much of it, but it really makes sense.

I've been very open and honest with them about my mom and the fact she had cancer so she did pass away. They've asked questions, so I have tried my hardest to answer them the best I can. I don't go into specifics, they just know that she was 48, passed away after getting sick with cancer. That's basically it. Which is really all that happened though, nothing bad or gory to explain. 

I get their concern, and I understand that in their minds I'm sure that fear will always be there. But not letting me have my own little space to breathe? Can be a bit suffocating. So I need to be gentle with this because I don't want them to think I'm pushing them away or I don't want the closeness, or I don't want them around because it's not that at all, so I really need to approach this with a lot of caution. This is very important to me to keep their feelings from being hurt, but be able to have a little bit of my own space. My kids are my everything, they are my world so you know if I'm saying this is too much, it's too much!

To be able to go to the bathroom, or stand up to grab a drink without tripping over them, you know?

This morning I tried to get up and go change the laundry around. Our laundry is in the kitchen which is on the same level, and eye shot from the living room and within seconds I had 3 dogs and 2 kids on my heels. So much so, one of them stepped on the back of my heel.

So, I had to have a little chat with them and let them know, just because I get up to walk around doesn't mean I'm not going to come right back to where I was, or if I go to another room, or floor of the house doesn't mean I'm not coming back. They need to understand that they don't have to be on top of me 24/7...... But I'm not sure how well it sunk in. I think we may end up having a few more conversations about this.

Hopefully soon I will be able to pee in peace. And a shower? bath? Can't remember the last time I was able to do that without having kids knocking, yelling or UNLOCKING the door with a penny to get in and say "Hi mom!" (and yes, I only ever do these things when my husband is home - he doesn't do a good job of keeping them from finding me!)

Has anyone ever dealt with this before? They've never dealt with people coming and going from their lives. There's nothing new going on in our lives, or big changes! I've never left for long periods of time, the longest I believe I've been away from them in the last oh, 5 years is when I was at the hospital to give birth and even then I was on the phone with them all and having them come visit..... So, it can be exhausting. While taking care of a baby, toddler and a household.

I wonder how else I can explain this to them in a way an 8, 7 and 5 year old can understand but not feel like I'm pushing them away or I'm mad. I'm not in the least. I just need a little space to be able to...BREATHE?

#imPress Manicure Canada VoxBox

 

I was excited when I got the notification that I was getting the imPress Manicure Canadian VoxBox from Influenster. I am a nail biter, oops! I know horrid. So, I thought this would be perfect to try to help me quit biting. I had received impress press on manicure nails before in my very first VoxBox ever and although they didn't last super long I was hopeful this time.

I got two sets. Both I liked, but I adored the greyish pair. SO PRETTY.

The pink ones didn't last long sadly, they fell off within an hour. I changed multiple diapers and washed my hands quite a few times but I was disappointed because they are so pretty.

I decided with the 2nd pair I would cut them to where I would feel comfortable and safe to go about my daily duties. These lasted much longer... 2 days to be exact! HORRAY.

I'm extremely active. I change diapers all day long, I wash my hands A LOT, and type on the computer non stop as well as lots of texting. So I knew they wouldn't last as long as most, but I really enjoyed having them stay on longer than an hour this time!

They are super easy to apply. Simply clean your nails, and pull of the sticker under the nail and apply. No extra glue or anything needed. Easy right? So easy in fact I the extra nails on my girls and they thought it was the best thing and showed everyone their beautiful nails.

please note, I did receive imPress press on manicure samples from Influenster for free for the purpose of testing and reviewing. The opinions and thoughts expressed here are solely 100% my own and factual, I did not receive any other compensation for my test or review.

Erin Condren $25 e-gift card Giveaway!

 We all know how much I love my Erin Condren products! Well I decided once I hit 1000 facebook likes for Six Time Mommy I would do a giveaway. My plan was two $25 e-gift cards to ErinCondren.com but it takes time to hit that many likes, and I got over 100 in a day so I decided I'd do one $25 e-gift card now and if/when I hit 1K I would throw another one in. Maybe this will help get some more people to the page!

So, If you would like a shot at TWO $25 e-gift cards go like Six Time Mommy on facebook, invite your friends, share the giveaway and I will add a second to this giveaway! Simple right? 

Well I'll keep this to the point.. Giveaway is open to EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE! It's open from 5/16 - 5/24. Winner will be emailed and posted here below on the Rafflecopter widget! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What's Hair Got to do With Anything?

So, I made the decision last week all my boys needed hair cuts. Usually I trim them at home but lately I just don't have the time, and to be honest it never looked too decent after I did it.

I decided I would take Jayden and Jordan first, then Jackson. I would need P to help me with Jackson at the salon so we'd go today when the kids are in school, no big deal.

Last night I took Jayden and Jordan.

Super cute, right?

Jayden got his first official real cut ever. Jordan, got his usual Ronaldo.

 

Poor Jayden needed his glasses for this pic but that's ok! Still adobs.

I got so fed up with people thinking Jayden was a girl so we decided together that he would get this cut. He loves it. I think it's adorable, and as long as he likes it then who cares what others think.

Jackson went this morning. It was LONG over do. Jackson's hair no matter what you do to it looks a mess. 5 minutes after a nice spray and comb his hair looks like a big ol' mess. But we don't really mind. Doesn't mean others didn't make comments, call him a girl or even flat out ask "did you brush his hair today?"

Rude. Simply put, rude.

Here is his before:

Long and scragly, right? This was after he had a tub this morning, hair washed, brushed and detangled!

Now here's his new cut:

I absolutely love it! I won't lie I will absolutely miss his long locks. They were him, but this is the new him. Even though he looks so much older, he will always be my itty bitty baby boy!

My kids have amazing hair. It's not too thick and frizzy like mine. It's curly and yes, always looks messy. So what? They are who they are.

Why chop off gorgeous locks because OTHERS feel it's inappropriate that his hair looks a mess or is "too long" If it's that big of a concern, then obviously the problem isn't with the child.

I've never been one to focus on my looks, I make sure my kids are decently dressed for school - - which doesn't ALWAYS happen because the 3 older ones like to dress themselves and let's face it 10, 7 and 6 - they sometimes mismatch BIG DEAL.

I do my best to have my girls hair sprayed, combed and up every.single.day but it doesn't always stay up. When it comes down? It looks a mess too. That's how their hair is. BIG DEAL.

My biggest concern? Having happy, healthy kids. And guess what? THEY ARE. They don't care what their hair looks like or if their clothes match EXACTLY. After a long day of school they don't care that they've played long and hard, that they have grass stains on their pants and mustard on their shirt - they are KIDS. All, mommy has a stain stick.

My point here is, a hair style, cut or brush or mismatched socks and top doesn't matter to the small child that is happy with who they are and they don't care if they aren't "perfect" because they are kids. It's the adults who need to take a lesson from these kids who are carefree and not as judgemental because it's us as adults who make them that way and that's sad..... Kids need to be kids, and not judged by adults who have nothing better to do.

We often wonder why kids make fun of other kids clothes, hair, make up or whatever - and this is a great example. When do kids turn into judgemental kids who think it's one way or no way? How did that happen? :/

DESIGN YOUR OWN kael+kaed genuine Baltic Amber necklace CONTEST!!

If there's one thing I could tell parent's never to be without it's a Baltic Amber Teething necklace! I didn't know about them with 4 of my kids but my last 2 had them and still wear them (yes, even my now 3 year old!) and they are absolutely AMAZING. I wore a Baltic Amber and Hazelwood mix necklace during my last pregnancy and it helped  with nausea and my very, very frequent headaches!

So, I am very excited to partner with one of my all time favorite companies Kael+Kaed to bring you this very exciting contest! Create your own Kael+Kaed Genuine Blatic Amber necklace contest!

ROUND 1

Submit your design concept to us based on the colors of raw and polished Baltic amber which are available thru the web form.

 Colors Available (all baroque (round-ish)):

·      Raw lemon
·      Raw milky
·      Raw white milky
·      Raw honey
·      Raw cognac
·      Raw dark cherry
·      Raw antique black
·      Raw green
·      Polished lemon
·      Polished milky
·      Polished white milky
·      Polished honey
·      Polished cognac
·      Polished dark cherry
·      Polished antique black
·      Polished green

Have fun! Be creative! Spread the <3

Submissions open Monday May 12 – closes Monday May 19 @ noon PST (3pm EST)

The top 5 design choices will be chosen by a small review panel from kael+kaed.

The top 5 design concepts will be posted on Wed. May 21^st @ noon PST (3pm EST) for fan voting.

Submit your design ideas here: SUBMIT

 

ROUND 2

The top 5 design concepts will be posted for voting and open on Wed. May 21^st @ noon PST (3pm EST).

Voting will commence on Weds. May 21^st @ noon PST (3pm EST) and end on Sunday May 25^th at noon PST (3pm EST).

Winner will be announced Sunday May 25^th after voting has ended.

Winner will receive 1 necklace that they designed in 11” OR 13” size. Winner will name this kael+kaed exclusive Baltic amber necklace. This necklace will remain named for the duration of its stocking in our Baltic amber range.

Not Another Somber Mother's Day

This year will be much different for Mother's Day. Most year's although I have zero reason to be sad on Mother's Day where my life is concerned, having so many sweet blessings in my life but I usually am a bit somber because my mother isn't here to share the day with me. I shed some tears, and usually look at her photo and light a candle for her at night. Talk to my kids about her, and just let them know she's always with us.

But this year - it will be a bit different. This Mother's Day won't be about me. Why? Because it's this guys 3rd Birthday on Mother's Day!

My little Jackson is turning THREE!!! I can't believe it. I'm excited, and thrilled to share my day with him!

So even though my mom still won't be here, she will be in Spirit and her Candle will be lit -but this year, on this day I've chosen to just celebrate Jackson joining our family and focus on him. Not me, not my loss! Because it's his day. He's been such a joy, and I couldn't imagine our family without him!

What do you plan on doing for Mother's day? Will you get a day at the spa? Hang out with the family? or take your mom out for a treat?

Monthly A Baby Bag Reveal!

I'm so excited. My monthly A Baby Bag has arrived, and it's just getting better and better!  This is what I got in my bag this month:

 

Budding Minds Humpty Dumpty Storybook, Do More Bar, Baltic Amber Necklace and a Corduroy book

Can I just say that the ladies over at A Baby Bag truly outdo themselves every month. I have yet to be disappointed. Justin clings to the Humpty Dumpty book and doesn't like anyone touching it. Kyla and Ava have read the Corduroy book more times than I can count and the Do More Bar? well, lets focus on that for a second...

AMAZING.

 

We got the Cherry Almond bar. It was incredible. YES, I tried it! Actually I split it with Jackson, and he loved it - otherwise I would have eaten the whole thing! I had never heard of the Do More Bars until I got this bag this month, but it got me curious so I googled and found the official website. The story of the bar reminds me of myself, trying to make good healthy choices when it comes to food for my kids that aren't full of junk. So I could relate.

 I read all the ingredients in the bars and I think my kids would like most, if not all the bars they offer. I was a little disappointed to find out though they don't ship outside the USA. But, if they ever do they will have a customer, RIGHT HERE! Very, very good!

So, this month was a win for me again. Great job A Baby Bag I am impressed!

If you would like to order you can do so here.

There are 2 bags to choose from. Baby and Toddler. You can sign up to receive them once a month OR sign up to try one to see if you will like it, and then you can get them when and if you choose to!

They are $47/US and $50/CAN - And most definitely worth it. You get full sized items, and I've always gotten 4-5 items in each bag! Amazing deal, and would make an amazing Birthday, Baby Shower or Just because gift for any mom, baby or toddler!

#KFCBucketList Contest & Shutterfly Prize Pack Giveaway!

There are few things in life I crave but KFC is a big one! I don't eat it often because I try to make most of our meals nightly but this week we decided to take advantage of a gift card I got for KFC and I'm SO glad we did, it was DELICIOUS.

KFC has a Bucket List contest going on! Do YOU have a bucket list? Is there a dream destination you'd love to visit? A concert you are just DYING to see? Share with me below some of the things you'd add to your bucket list!

Summer can be busy, stressful and on the go for many families how about trying a KFC bucket or Combo to help ease the stress a little bit? Why not especially when there is an amazing contest going on too!

Before I go into all the details of this wonderful KFC Bucket List Contest I thought I would share my bucket list with you! How fun, right?

My Bucket List:

• - Visit 2 Countries besides my own
• - Visit my Mom's grave
• - Meet Nick Carter
• - See whales swimming in the ocean where they belong
• - Stay a week in Sunny California
• - Move to a big city
• - Climb a Mountain
• - Run a 5K
• - Play the slots in Vegas
• - Go on a REAL Hike
• - Go back to Montreal

My bucket list has been around for years and I can happily say a few have been crossed off now, because I've done them!

Here I am meeting Nick Carter after being a huge fan of the Backstreet Boys since I was ELEVEN years old! 

The easiest part of a bucket list is making it, the hardest is not only crossing them off but sitting and looking at it yearly and not crossing them off! It's time to make more of these happen, I'm on a mission! 

This summer there are plans for me to visit Montreal with the kids and I just signed up to be apart of a 5K in September! My mom's grave has been on the list since her passing in 2001. I have had plans many times to go every year, but I just haven't been able to yet. Emotionally I think I'm not ready yet.

Have you heard yet about the #KFCBucketList? Well, heres what you need to know!

KFC Has a Bucket List Contest going on from May 12 - June 15:

• With every purchase of any bucket or combo, you'll receive a game card that gives you a 1 in 3 chance of winning.

• Every bucket or combo ALSO has an instant peel and reveal food prize and PIN that you enter online to reveal your prize.

What are these prizes you ask? Well I'll tell you:

• - THREE grand prizes of $10,000 to bud your own dream vacation
• - FIVE $5,000 Earth to Echo Adventures
• - FIVE $10,000 Pepsi Dream Rooms
• - FORTY $300 Try That Prizes
• - Over THREE MILLLION Shutterfly Prizes
• - Over ONE MILLION Food Prizes

KFC Has a wonderful offer on a 12 piece bucket for only $14.99 - please visit bit.ly/1jWQwOc for the KFC Bucket List contest and information!

GIVEAWAY!

SHUTTERFLY PRIZEPACK GIVEAWAY RIGHT HERE ON SIX TIME MOMMY!

This giveaway is for Canadian's only (see post below US friends!)

WINNER WILL RECEIVE:

One Shutterfly Prizepack: Shutterfly calendar, 15 free cards and collage print.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NOTE: You can apply across blogs participating, but may only win one time per household. Please allow 2-3 weeks after May 30th for shipping of prizes. GOOD LUCK! Giveaway ends 5/12 11:59p EST winner will be emailed by STM the day of 5/13! CANADA ONLY.

Disclosure: I am part of the KFC Bucket List Blogger Campaign and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Giveaway: The Very Fairy Princess Collection {USA ONLY}

We are a huge family of book lovers in our house! So when I was asked to do this giveaway for the Very Fairy Princess collection! I was more than happy to jump at the chance!

I was lucky enough to be sent one of the books from the collection. We got the "The Very Fairy Princess Graduation Girl" book and we absolutely love it. Not just my two girls, but I thought it was a really sweet book that actually had a lot of meaning for us. My girls recently switched schools and aren't having the easiest time adjusting, and are still a bit iffy about school. So although they aren't graduating - a lot of the story really applied in our situation and we've read it quite a few times since getting it!

Kyla even likes reading it herself, and has asked me to get her the whole collection for her Birthday in October!

 The book is extremely well written, both Kyla and I can read it, and she didn't have to struggle with any of the words. She is a bit behind with her reading but read this book with ease. The writing is a good size, and the pictures are amazingly illustrated.

Ava is in grade 1 and also read the book with ease. She was able to also sound out words, but look at the photos if she needed any assistance and was able to figure it out. The pictures also kept the girls focus on the pages and not wandering while we were reading, this was a HUGE plus for us!

ABOUT THE BOOK 

- I received "A Very Fairy Princess Graduation Girl"

While her friends and family may not believe in fairies, Geraldine knows, deep down, that she is a VERY fairy princess.

This is the fifth adventure in the adorable, sparkly, sweet Very Fairy Princess series from celebrated children’s book author Julie Andrews (best known for The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins and The Princess Diaries) and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton.

In this new tale, the end of the school year is here, and Very Fairy Princess Gerry is getting ready to graduate! She always loves a celebration, but can't help but feel a little sad as she empties her cubby, takes down her art projects, and says goodbye to her class pet, Houdini the hamster. She's also a little nervous about leaving Miss Pym... what if her new teacher doesn't let Gerry wear her wings and crown? Change can be hard, even for a fairy princess!  Thankfully, she realizes that new things can bring their own sparkle.  A perfectly delightful addition to your child’s bookshelf.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Julie Andrews is one of the most recognized figures in the world of entertainment, best known for her performances in The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, and The Princess Diaries. Julie has been a celebrated children's book author for over thirty years, and her works include Mandy, The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, and the Little Bo series. Her memoir, Home, was #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

Emma Walton Hamilton is a bestselling children's book author, editor, arts educator, and theater professional, and author of Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment. Together with her mother, Julie Andrews, she has coauthored many books for young readers, including the New York Times bestselling Very Fairy Princess series, the Dumpy the Dump Truck series, Simeon's Gift, The Great American Mousical, and the New York Times bestselling Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies, a book for families to treasure and share.

GIVEAWAY!!!

Spread your sparkle with the Very Fairy Princess collection! - in stores April 8, 2014

 Winner receives the complete collection of The Very Fairy Princess (6 picture books)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prizing & Samples courtesy of Little, Brown - - - Giveaway open to US addresses only

PLEASE VISIT THESE OFFICIAL LINKS

· Visit The Very Fairy Princess website

· Visit the authors’ sites: Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton

· Follow Little, Brown Kids on Twitter and Facebook

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I was given this products complimentary to review. However all opinions are mine and 100% true.

Giveaway open to US residents only. ONE WINNER will receive 1 (one) the Very Fairy Princess collection of 6 books ..  You have 24 hours from prize announcement to claim your prize before a new winner will be chosen instead. Giveaway is open from May 5 - May 12 at 11:59p, winner will be chosen and posted/emailed the afternoon of May 13th . Good luck!