HEADER PHOTO

HEADER PHOTO

Fun Filled Weekend!

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Where do I begin?

Saturday morning was the Great Cloth Diaper Change & that night a pretty big AppleCheeks dinner!

The Great Cloth Diaper Change was held at the Direct Energy Centre here in Toronto. I'm so glad I was able to participate for a 2nd year! At 11a a whistle blew and all of us changed our babies at the exact same time into cloth diapers!

Here I had just finished changing Justin's bum and holding him up for the group "we did it!" Shot!


This was also a day of firsts for me because it was the first time I nursed Justin while babywearing! More specifically the ring sling! I was even able to shield him from the wind with the tail of the fabric and it worked perfectly. He fell asleep and slept the whole way home!

We sat right outside the Direct Energy centre where the cloth diaper change was and I was able to nurse him right there!
 

After the change Jordan and I went for lunch then we came home and I tidied up wasting time for our big dinner.

You see, co-owner of AppleCheeks - Ilana, who is also my boss was in town for the weekend so there was a dinner event created on Facebook in her honour. We went to a Mexican place to eat. There was a ton of AppleCheeks fans and friends and it was a great time! I finally got to meet some people I had been waiting a very long time to meet!

I was completely out of my comfort zone, felt a little out of place at first but once Ilana arrived all was right. She lights up a room and any ounce of nervousness I had instantly left. When she walked in, everyone cheered and it was like we had all known her forever! At least I felt that way, it was like seeing an old friend for the first time in a long time - because we've known each other over 2 years online and via Text! It's something I never thought would happen, but now that it has I wish we all lived in the same City (and Country for that matter, BETH AND KATIE MOVE HERE!) because it would be incredible to be able to actually work together in one building!

It was a really great night. Although I will say I wasn't too fond of our waiter at Playa Cabana Cantina here in Toronto. I found him to be rather rude, short and not at all personable like I am used to {my husband works in restaurants, and I couldn't imagine him ever being like this guy!} the good was wonderful though which makes up for the waiter being less than stellar.

If you have Instagram and are interested I posted a ton of a photos from that night. It was a ton of fun and I really hope we can do it again! Here are two of my favorite pics from that night.....


 I hate this photo of myself, but Ilana looks flawless and perfect as usual :)


Hey look! Heidi was there too!!! (photo cred: Katy!)
Then Sunday Ilana came over - got to meet all my kiddos and we went out for dinner just the two of us. We got to talk about work and basically everything we could think of! We were at the restaurant for over 2 hours. Then it was time to go home, she took me home and we sat in the car for a bit longer chit chatting. I can honestly say she is beyond what I imagined. She is so full of life, and happiness just pours out of her all over and you can't help but feel wonderful when with her! AppleCheeks fans - If you ever get a chance to meet Ilana, do it! Shes incredible.

I can't wait for the day I get to meet Amy, and hopefully one day Beth and Katie too. That would be absolutely amazing!

Great weekend, Great memories!

The Great Cloth Diaper Change!

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Do any of you participate in The Great Cloth Diaper Change?


We do! Last year was our first year. The whole family went, which won't be happening this year. Although we have 2 in cloth, I'll be taking the baby on my own with Jordan in tow - he asked if we could go to lunch after, so I thought why not! He is excited to be going.

This year in Toronto it's at the Green Living Show, and is hosted by My Lil Sweet Pea (my absolute favorite Canadian retailer) and So Green Baby. If you are in the GTA and would like to participate register here today!

Last year I changed Jackson into a not yet released AppleCheeks Winging It! Sadly, this year I don't have anything not yet released to change Justin into but I'm sure it will still be a hack of a time! 


After the Change later on Saturday evening I have a pretty big dinner to go to. One of my bosses, and co-owner of AppleCheeks Ilana is in town and we are having a big dinner with her and some AppleCheeks fans! I'm anxious and excited, also nervous! It's going to be a fun filled weekend!

Have you ever participated before? Are you going this year? Where are you heading?

Erin Condren Notebooks

Friday, April 18, 2014


Okay, I apologize. I've fallen under the spell. The Erin Condren spell. I absolutely LOVE my EC products and recommend them to everyone!

Why?

Because not only do I absolutely love the quality of the products but I really love how wonderful their Customer Service is as well as their team behind social media. Amazing all around. What is Erin Condren you ask? Well take a look at ErinCondren.com - I'll wait..... Okay, awesome right?

I've had nothing but pleasant experiences and great quality products. I now have a Life Planner and this beautiful notebook.. 




I ordered "favorite things" the best part of the whole thing? Picking out all of my favorite things in this world for the cover. LOVE.

I have yet to write in it because I'm not too sure what I want to use it for yet but either recipes, fish logs (we just got some new aquariums and fish) or maybe I can use it for blog ideas and posts/giveaways.

I absolutely love Erin Condren and the products I have gotten have been incredible, I even won a shirt off their Facebook page when they did a giveaway. Which is super comfortable, and I love the fit...



But I do have 1 gripe. Shipping to Canada. While I don't really mind that it's higher, $39.95 is extreme. I didn't really mind paying that either, what I did mind was the fact they use FedEx and the fact FedEx adds on some charges too.

I got a bill the other week for $14.17 sure it's not a lot but on it it said the value of my item I bought was $20. Which wasn't, it was $50 without shipping and even if it was $20 paying $14.17 extra just didn't seem fair.

So I called FedEx to pay it and ask why I was being charged $14.17 in duties for this item and I was informed it ISNT duties, it's a FEE FedEx added on to and I quote "rush, and release my package from customs" umm WHAT?

In fact my duties on this item? $2.89 - that's a big leap from $14.17... As a one time curtesy they removed their fee and I just had to pay the $2.89....

So although this isn't an Erin Condren issue - the fact that they use FedEx is and although they did promptly respond to my Facebook message about this saying they are looking into other shipping options I just don't know if I will be able to order from them again for a while... Which is sucky because I want note cards, gift tags and a few other things but can't have all these silly fees on top of the already high shipping cost... It just isn't worth it to me.

However, if you are in the US or even in Canada and would like to try a product or two from Erin Condren I would love it if you would use my referral link? Not only would YOU get $10 off your first purchase but I too would get a $10 credit and it may help me with those silly fees so I can order more goodies too:)

I promise it is worth It, and I probably won't be able to help myself from ordering. Just wish the fees were eliminated or at least shipping was a little less to make up for it! Hopefully one day.

A Baby Bag: Review & Giveaway!

Monday, April 14, 2014

If you've been reading the blog for a while you would know I absolutely adore the monthly bag called  - - a baby bag it's a monthly bag where you can choose between Toddler or Baby items and they come to your door once a month in an adorable little bag! How amazing right? The best part of all? It's all a SURPRISE! You won't know whats inside until it's at your door!

  • BABY BAG USA - $47.00 USD/month
  • TODDLER BAG USA - $47.00 USD/month
  • BABY BAG CANADA - $50.00 CAN/month
  • TODDLER BAG CANADA - $50.00 CAN/month
The price may seem a big high but I can assure you, it's perfect for the product you receive in a baby bag. Unlike other bags or boxes that come to your door monthly, a baby bag sends FULL sized items while other bags/boxes you usually get 1 full sized item and the rest samples, or ALL samples. BOOOORING.

"We created A Baby Bag to simplify your life and do the research for you. We will gear the bag for your child’s current age, leaving you with that oh so precious time to spend with them. Each month a new bag will be sent to you with new products to help introduce you and your little one to the hottest items." - ababybag.com

This month I got the toddler bag, last time I got the baby bag grab bag.



Okay, so you are probably wondering what I got? Well, I'll tell you! I got Baby Leggings, A SnuggyBaby sling, Eos Lip Balm, Maxwell Designs snack bag and 2, yes 2 Hello Apparel t-shirts. Why did I get 2? Well, keep reading and I'll let you know!

As soon as my oldest daughter got home from school she claimed the SnuggyBaby sling! She loves that I babywear, and she now loves even more that she can wear her babies too - talk about cute right?


Every single thing I got in this current bag I will use, Everything in my last I did too. I'm extremely happy to say that every single person I know that has ordered this bag has been happy as well. I think these bags would make absolutely amazing gifts for a new mom, or a toddlers Birthday! A surprise in the mail is always fun for everyone, right?

Be sure to follow @ababy_bag on instagram and like their facebook as they will be doing pre-orders for special theme bags! They just had a Superhero bag and it sold out fast! You won't want to miss what these ladies have up their sleeves!

Now remember I mentioned I got TWO hello apparel tees in my bag this month? Well, that's because the generous ladies behind a baby bag wanted me to give one away to YOU! Yep, one lucky STM reader will win a size 4 Hello Apparel shirt of your own!

GIVEAWAY!
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway


This giveaway ends 4/21 at 11:59p - is open to US and Canadian Residents - Winner will be chosen and announced via rafflecopter and e-mail during the day on 4/22. Winner will have 24 hours to respond and claim prize, or a new winner will be chosen!

Kidoodle.TV Review, Trial & Giveaway!

Saturday, April 12, 2014

I'm a firm believer in "Everything in moderation" so yes, I do let my kids watch tv. However, they don't sit after school all night watching tv, or all weekend long. They wouldn't even if they wanted to because my kids are get up and go kids - always active and I don't mind one bit!

But when you think of tv and SAFE shows for kids to watch not a lot comes to mind. Most television stations that have children's shows have commercial's I don't like my kids seeing or shows I wouldn't allow them to watch (Family Guy, The Cleveland Show, American Dad? no thanks) but then there's channels dedicated to kids, but they all seem to be aimed at kids 3 and under... So what's one to do with kids above 3?



We have 3 televisions in the house, and usually only 1 is on in the living room. My husband drives me nuts with the tv, he always has to have something on meanwhile during the day I would have it off all day when he's not home, I don't mind and would rather the quiet. But when he's home the kids can't watch anything because he always has his silly Gold Digging shows on or whatever - so Kidoodle.TV takes care of that! You can even use it on your iPhone, iPad or Android device! How awesome is that? It can also be accessed from a computer, or laptop!

In our house we have 3 tv, 1 ipad, 2 laptops and a netbook. The laptops are mine and the netbook is the kids - they get 1 hour a day on it on the weekends each, and after school they can do that or watch tv and we alternate. It can be a big confusing, so I've had to start keeping track... Again, Enter Kidoodle.TV

Not only can they watch TV shows together, but the selection is endless on Kidoodle.TV and they don't have to fight over what to watch because there is no commercials, which gives them more time to watch more shows!
My boys enjoyed watching "Chuck and Friends" together. It was really cute to watch them, and knowing it was safe for them to watch that they wouldn't see anything inappropriate was very reassuring. All of my kids absolutely love watch Kidoodle.TV even Jordan who is almost 11 was watching the National Geographic's they have as well as Sonic the Hedgehog! So not only is it great for kids 2/3/4/5 but also the older 10/11/12 can enjoy it as well!

My girls got a kick out of all the My Little Pony and Pound Puppies too!





What exactly is Kidoodle.TV?

Kidoodle.TV is a streaming monthly television service geared towards children 12 and under! 

How is kidoodle.TV any different than other services?

Kidoodle.TV is different because it lets YOU the parent control every aspect of what the children watch. With parental locks, and timer settings you can not only control when they watch but how long they watch too!




How much does Kidoodle.TV cost?

Kidoodle.tv is extremely affordable at only $4.99 a month.


Kidoodle.TV is completely ad-free, and gives all the control to the parents all while letting the kids watch their own shows, and not be worried about watching something they aren't suppose to! Kidoodle.TV has a wide variety of shows, and movies to choose from..


There is great content to choose from even older shows that I remember watching as a kid "Inspector Gadget" anyone? So awesome..


If you are like me and don't like the kids watching too much television, but want to feel safe and secure by allowing them some shows - give Kidoodle.TV a try! My 4 year old asks all the time now if he can go watch Kidoodle.TV on the iPad after dinner "Just for 1 hour mom!?" he likes being able to sit quietly and watch something HE wants to watch....  I even don't mind watching a show or two with them because there's such great content! I'm most definitely a #kidoodlemom now!

Still not too sure? Why not give Kidoodle.TV a try?
Free 14-Day Trial:
Kidoodle.tv is  currently offering a free 14 day trial. Visit Kidoodle.TV to sign up.
Win 1 of 3 iPad Minis:
Enter to win 1 of 3 iPad Minis from Kidoodle.TV by entering on the Kidoodle.TV Facebook Page - The Facebook contest is open only to residents of the 50 United States & District of Columbia, & Canada (except Quebec).  Ending April 30.

25% Off Discount Code:
Would you like to try Kidoodle.TV at a 25% discount? Of course you do! Use coupon code MCC25 to receive 25% off at sign up -  Discount code expires June 30, 2014.

GIVEAWAY! 

How would you like to win a 1 year FREE subscription to KIDOODLE.TV right here on sixtimemommy? ENTER BELOW! Winner will need to provide their email address to Kidoodle.TV

Giveaway only open to Canadian residents excluding Quebec... ends at 11:59 pm EST on April 20th



a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Disclosure: I am part of the Kidoodle.TV blogger program with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

Recipe: Crock Pot Broccoli & Cheese Soup

Friday, April 11, 2014

I made this the other night and had a lot of requests for the recipe on Instagram so here it is. I combined a recipe from my Grandma's old cook book, with one I had from my mom and it turned out incredible! The crock pot was completely empty by the end of dinner. The kids even had seconds!


Ingredients:
  • 1 head of broccoli (frozen or fresh, I used fresh), chopped
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 can cream of cheddar soup
  • 1 cup of homemade chicken broth
  • 2 cans EVAP milk
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup of cheddar cheese, grated

Directions:
  1. Empty all soups into crock pot
  2. Put in chopped brocooli
  3. Add chicken broth, evap milk, cheddar cheese
  4. Top off with garlic powder, and salt & pepper to taste
  5. Stir
  6. Place on low for 4-5 hours or until broccoli is soft

My Grandma always used homemade soups within her soups, but I didn't have any homemade mushroom or cheddar soup but can's did the trick. If you want to use homemade that is fine too and would probably taste better but its amazing as is.

My Open Letter To Lauren Kitt

Monday, April 07, 2014

To the soon to be Mrs. Nick Carter,

I'm SORRY.

Why am I sorry? Because you are marrying the heartthrob we thought we'd all marry, and it hasn't been all rainbows and sunshine for you.

One day 18 years ago I too married Nick Carter. Well, sorta. Not really though. It was an internet website that printed out marriage certificates so my eleven year old self married a then sixteen year old Nick Carter. Yeah, I wonder why that never worked out?

I'm sure a lot of other girls feel the same as me, and thought at one time we too would be marrying Nick Carter next weekend but we aren't, YOU are. Honestly, I thought I would be a little bit more upset about it, but I'm truly not. I'm so glad he's finally found someone like you to spend the rest of his life with.

I've read comments on instagram, and have seen the tweets directed towards you. They aren't so nice, and for that I'm truly sorry. I've never said anything of the sort, but I feel as a woman, and super fangirl of your soon-to-be hubby it is just the right thing to do by saying sorry for all those who genuinely thought they'd get to marry the man of our dreams, and aren't. Most being in their late 20s and early 30s I couldn't imagine acting the way some of them have, it's embarrassing and I'm sure our dream guy feels the same, right?

I met Nick August 2011, 3 months after giving birth to my 5th baby - oops, did I forget to mention that? Yeah, I too am married and have lots of babies... I couldn't wait for Mr Dreamy any longer ;)

Anyways, I remember the day like it was yesterday. I believe I said Hi, nice to meet you and  that's all I could mumble. He smelt so good, and looked perfect. I stood beside him, his arm around me and my 15 year dream came true. It was also then I realized he's only human, he isn't what we all pictured as little pre-teens - he was even better, but still HUMAN (I think we all thought he was some sort of super human hottie back then). We took some photos, he signed my cd (I'm taking off) and away I went.

The second I stepped out the door I burst into tears. I dunno maybe it was the post pregnancy hormones, or maybe it was because I finally realized my one and only dream had come true - I don't know but The day I had waited for so long, had arrived.. It was wonderful. He was so dreamy, but..... I am an adult, I have 6 kids of my own, I'm happy. What more could I want?

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love your soon-to-be, but I'm not a little teenage girl anymore - and neither are these "women" being so heartless and mean to you. Next weekend is your weekend. It's your day, it's his day. I for one am truly happy for you, and can't wait to see little blonde babies with that old "Nick Carter hair cut" we all loved and swooned over many, many years ago. I hope for happiness, and peace for the both of you.

From one major, MAJOR fangirl..... to the woman of HIS dreams, I hope you get your happily ever after. I'm cheering you on!

Yours Truly,
still fangirling but maturely
JEANINE

PS: Don't be mad but my youngest son, Justin Nickolas was totally named after your soon to be husband! My hubby wasn't too happy, but hey - 18 years is a long time to be virtually fake married to someone, I had to do SOMETHING! ;)

Review & Giveaway: Little Toader AppeTEETHERS!

Saturday, April 05, 2014


Teething sucks. There is no other way to put it. It's awful, painful and keeps babies up at night. There isn't a lot we can do about it either as it's just what happens when our babies grow. But - it doesn't always have to be awful and without relief.

Justin has recently discovered Little Toader AppeTEETHERS.

What are these you ask? Well quite simply; Amazing.


They are FOOD shaped teething toys. When I first saw them I had to do a double take because my first thought was "huh? That baby is gnawing on a chicken wing?" Nope. It was an AppeTeether.


So cute, and extremely well made we chose the Ice Cream, U Scream.


Want to know truly how real they are? My 2 year old had a melt down because the baby got "ice cweam" and he didn't. They look pretty real.

Made from BPA, Phthalate, PVC, and Lead free food grade silicone these flexible teethers help soothe babies sore gums while also being easy for little fingers to grasp! Little Toader AppeTEETHER meet or exceed safety requirements in the US, Europe, Australia and Canada.

AppeTEETHERS look like real food -Chompin' Chicken Wing, Baby-Q Rib, Broccoli Bites, Nopainapple, Ice Cream U Scream, and LOL! Sucker.

"Consistently ranking as one of the top teething toys, AppeTEETHERS are a truly unique teething solution. Babies love them and parents get a kick out of watching their precious bundle of joy using them." - littletoader.com

I won't lie I still get a kick out of Justin chomping away on an Ice Cream! While secretly wishing it was real and I was eating it! He really goes to town on it. It's thick, and has grooves that soothe his itty bitty gums with every chomp.

They are adorable and to top it off? They are extremely safe and easy to care for  -

"Our teething toys are not porous so they do not absorb germs, dirt, or any other undesirable deposits. This makes them very easy to clean at home or on the go." - littletoader.com

If you are looking for one well made, easy to clean, safe teething toy or a a whole set that will not only satisfy and soothe your baby during those rough teething months but also be the talk of any party or get together - Little Toader AppeTEETHERS are the toys for you!

They retail for $9.99 each, and as mentioned above there's A Chicken Wing, Pineapple Ring, Ice Cream, Broccoli and a Sucker! Hilarious, Cute and Serious soothing! You can purchase directly here or find a retailer near you here.

Thank you Little Toader for our Ice Cream, U Scream! We absolutely love it!

Find Little Toader on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!


GIVEAWAY!

Little Toader has been kind enough to offer one of my readers an AppeTEETHER of their choice! Required: Email & Phone number upon winning! Open to US and CANADA! How exciting... Enter to win below!  
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I was given these products complimentary to review. However all opinions and views expressed are mine and 100% true.
Giveaway open to US and CANADIAN residents. ONE WINNER will receive 1 (one) Little Toader AppeTEETHER of your choice .. You have 24 hours from prize announcement to claim your prize before a new winner will be chosen instead. Giveaway is open from April 5th-April 13 at 11:59p, winner will be chosen and posted/emailed the afternoon of April 14th . Good luck!

Hover Pin It Code

 
Designed with ♥ by Nudge Media Design