Valentine's Card box - #Unicorn #BeaDandelion

When my little girl wants something, she gets it! Just kidding. No she doesn't. But when Mommy wants it too, then it is a different story.

Check out this adorable Unicorn Valentine's Day Card box we I made!

All you need is:

• Tissue box
• Tissue paper
• Modge Podge
• Glitter
• Paint for the horn
• Construction paper
• Card stock
• Googly eyes
• Hot glue gun
• More Glitter
• Some form of ribbon, some jewels, maybe eyelashes
• *I used pastels on card stock to make the rainbow puke

Make sure the box is covered with enough sheets of tissue paper that you can not see the pattern underneath it. I left the back open for the cards to be inserted. I mixed glitter with matte Modge Podge and covered everything but the bottom of the box.

That glue gun is your friend. After covering the box, form the horn with card stock, glue it, paint it, let it dry, cover in Modge Podge (I used iridescent Modge Podge), sprinkle in glitter. You will want to hot glue it to the top of the box and be ready to add the streamers.

The ears, eyes, and nose are all construction paper. Hot glue everything. Add false eyelashes.

The rainbow vomit was an after thought by my 5 year old. I didn't want it to look like it was coming out of the nose, but I also didn't want to make a fake smile to attach to this otherwise real looking unicorn. Making a nose shows that the rainbow is not snot, and is coming from under the snout.

I must say that my little kid is very thrilled with the final product.

[Review] Qi Orthopedic Pillow

The QiPillow is far more than an ordinary pillow. It provides scientifically tested orthopedic back support for people of all shapes and sizes.

This unique pillow is adjustable. You can unzip the cover and then unzip the pillow to reveal a blow up nozzle to add or remove air from the pillow to make it softer or firmer depending on your preference.

Find them at www.QiPillow.com

• Like a Sleep Number bed, it uses an air controlled orthopedic core to provide the much needed dynamic and individualized support to your back.
• It does not collapse under body weight and will help you to maintain the correct posture.
• It will support your back and adjust to your body, seat and comfort, instead of the other way round.
• Size: 18" x 18" 
• Colour: camel or sage 
• Cover materials: Mirco-Suede 

Disclaimer: I was sent one of these to try out and completely forgot that it was a review. We were in the middle of a move, a car dying, buying a car, selling a house... but I DID in fact receive this pillow and have been using it constantly regardless of the review. And I must tell you I love it!!! All opinions are 100% mine.  

[Review] Ultimate Kitchen™ French Press

I finally got a French Press and now coffee will never be the same. I can not make this up. It is like night and day. My coffee is something from Trader Joe's, not really even sure what it is except caffeine. That is all I need. I'm not high maintenance.

Not only is this prettier than my bulky black and stained coffee pot, it came with a 5-year warranty. I have always wanted one and then it showed up for me to review and suddenly I was like, "ok now what? How does this work?" Turns out it is super easy and not much more time than a normal coffee pot. When I wake up, I throw some water in a pot to boil, I throw my grinds in the French Press, I get the kids ready for school, then I pour the boiling water in. By the time I have poured the kids cereal, my coffee is ready to press and pour!

Ultimate Kitchen™ – French Press Coffee Maker, 1 Liter (4 cups), Chrome Finished Stainless Steel, Loose Leaf Tea Brewer. Delicious Coffee Recipe on Box

• MAKES SMOOTH, ROBUST COFFEE EVERY TIME – Precision 3-part Filter Design removes all grounds leaving you with a perfect cup of rich coffee. Recipe for delicious coffee on the box.
• DURABLE, HEAT RESISTANT DESIGN – Insulated Borosilicate Glass Carafe keeps your coffee hot, prevents burns, and is dishwasher safe.
• BREWS A VARIETY OF GOURMET BEVERAGES – Start every day with a mug of your favorite drink for a fraction of the cost. Ultimate Kitchen Coffee Maker can brew 34 oz of hot or cold brew coffee, tea, or espresso.
• LUXURIOUS DESIGN – Prevents hot water from touching plastic when brewing coffee so you can treat yourself to genuine European coffee shops coffee at home.
• 5 YEAR REPLACEMENT WARRANTY – Who Else is Offering You That Kind of Protection?

Available now at Amazon for under $10!!! 
Find them on Facebook and look at all our other awesome products: 

Disclaimer: I received one of these for free for my honest review. I only endorse items that I truly love. And this is one of them!!! All opinions are 100% mine. 

[Review] Puffy eye solution

Did you get enough sleep last night?
Do you get puffy eyes when you cry?
Do you just need a stress reducer?

I recently was sent these cooling sun-glasses, called FreezeFrames®. And on the first day I tried them out I discovered that they work really well when I am under pressure! There have been a lot of changes in my life lately and the stress has been getting to me like crazy!

The glasses come with 4 pads that you freeze for a few hours and then they magnetically attach to the inside of the frame. You can use them just at your brow or just under your eye, or like me, all at once!


Available exclusively online at FreezeFrames with more styles and colors to debut.

Follow them on: 

Facebook 

Twitter 

nstagram


From the company:

New therapeutic treatment for 'Bad Eye Days' comes in FreezeFrames® Cool Eye Wear ($89.95) providing soothing relief to puffy tired eyes through a never-before-seen unisex sunglass line, the first conceptualized as a dual-purpose device for both 100% UVA-UVB protection and cooling eye therapy.

Resuable Gel-Pads magnetically click into place within the FreezeFrames® casing, and are anatomically engineered to discretely target zone-specific problematic eye areas unlike any other eye care product on the market today.

"Applying ice is easy to do most anywhere on the body except for the one area we need it the most, the eye area,” says LA-based specialty nurse Alison Read who invented FreezeFrames®. Alison works in a specialized surgical role as a Registered Nurse First-Assist (RNFA) alongside some of Beverly Hill’s top surgeons.

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Dr. A. Stone recommends using FreezeFrames® before and after treatments, claiming "Other devices can’t effectively reach the recessed tissues, structures and nerves around the eye that trigger inflammation and pain. But FreezeFrames® do."

Up until now, the only solution for ‘bad eye’ days left you trapped under messy ice packs and dripping compresses, keeping swollen eye sufferers indoors, immobile, out of sight, feeling unattractive and unable to do anything else.

FreezeFrames® naturally, conveniently and discretely solved Alison's own puffy eye problem and is now available to ‘nurse’ yours. Her patented Gel-Pad attachments soothe ‘the puffy and tired’ with gentle cooling compression customary of how a ’nurse’ might apply ice to swollen, symptomatic eyes areas.

Wear after a spa or medical treatment to decrease pain and bruising while also increasing the healing. Use to soothe allergic puffiness, PMS inflammation, computer dry eye strain, or revitalize after a long flight. Helpful also in relieving headache and migraine symptoms. End result: look and feel 'cool' while on-the-go!

Disclaimer: I was sent a pair for free for my honest opinion. And honestly, I really really like them. I only endorse products I have used and love.

Cord Blood can help with memory and autism!

New Stanford Study Links Cord Blood to Possible Memory Improvement

The Today Show on NBC recently featured exciting results of an early research study at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The study investigated the potential for a protein found in the enriched plasma of fresh umbilical cord blood to aid older mice with memory loss and learning. Although this does not apply to cord blood as it is currently being stored, it is exciting as it provides additional insight into the regenerative potential of cord blood.**

Check out The Cord Blood Registry HERE. When you get an account and bank your baby's cord blood, you get a full year free with every referral! 

Stem Cells offer hope for Autism... how cool is that? 

Unlimited Kindle Offer

Swagbucks & #StarWars

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, Swagbucks had a fun team challenge to help you earn SB from Swagbucks!

For those of you who don't know what Swagbucks is, it's a website where you can earn cash back on everyday tasks you do online like shopping, answering surveys, discovering deals, and watching videos. You can even earn for searching the web!

 If you've never tried Swagbucks before because you didn't know where to begin, their Team Challenges are a great way to learn the ropes! Their latest, the "Swag Wars" Team Challenge, begins Monday, May 1st at 8am PT.

Here's how you can join the challenge and the site:
1. Click here to join the challenge and be assigned to a team.
2. Starting May 1st at 2pm PDT, in addition to earning SB you'll contribute points to your teams total as you complete different activities on Swagbucks.
3. Check back on the page often to see the scores and what you've contribute so far. All members who participate and contribute at least 400 points to their team’s total will receive a SB bonus in the form of a SB Swag Up Rebate on their next gift card!

 Not only that, but if you earn 300 SB before May 1st, you'll get a 300 SB bonus (as long as you've signed up under me)!

Members of the 1st place team will receive a 50 SB Swag Up Rebate, members of the 2nd place team will receive a 35 SB Swag Up Rebate, members of the 3rd place team will receive a 20 SB Swag Up Rebate, members of the 4th place team will receive a 10 SB Swag Up Rebate, and members of the 5th place team will receive a 5 SB Swag Up Rebate. Your SB Swag Up Rebate will be made available on Friday, May 5th and will expire on Wednesday, May 31st at 11:59pm PT. May the Force be with you!

Survey Roundup - Updated 4/25/17

I have used all of these at some point and earned money from them too! My favorite is Pinecone Research, hands down. 

NCP Home Scan

• The Nielsen Homescan Consumer Panel has opened up again and is now taking NEW applications! You may be approved based on your zip code.

Pinecone Research

• FAVORITE
• On-line interviews with consumers from all walks of life to obtain their opinions about new products. They send you products to try, pay for the products to be returned and pay you for returning them!

Vindale

Reward Survey

Toluna

Ever wonder how many drops?

ALEX by Heather BeaDandelion Hazen

CBR - It's insurance for your child's life

Make the decision to save your child's newborn stem cells with CBR^®

I did. Easiest decision ever. And I only did it with my first child, but the likelihood that it would match my second child is high, the likelihood it would match me or my husband is slightly less and then it tapers off from there down the family blood line. It has been used before for aunts, uncles and grandparents, so it is not impossible to use it for other family members.

The likelihood that a member of your family will need a stem cell transplant is 1 in 217 for an individual (by age 70) using his or her own stem cells or someone else's.

Help reach more families who could potentially benefit from stem cell storage. Refer your friends or family through this link and you'll BOTH receive a free year of storage - a value of up to $260.

If you know anyone expecting, send them this post by clicking on the little envelope at the bottom of this post! We will both save $260!

#Influenster #Voxbox - Box Opening

Wanna see all the fun things that just arrived in the mail for me to try out?

Let's see all the fun things inside! I love to be the first to try out new products. 

Merry Christmas to me! 

#OREOThins #ReynoldsKitchens #NYMCleanFreak #SoLashyxTarget #CocoaKeepsWarm #MakeItYours

[Review] San-J Organic Tamari Gluten Free Soy Sauce #momsmeet

Gluten free?? I like my Gluten! Gluten hates me though! Gluten free has no taste! Gimme Gluten! You've heard it all before.

And my family doesn't necessarily need to be Gluten free, but why not if it is available where we shop. It's healthier and every little thing I can avoid and it makes my life healthier, then why not?

For people with a Gluten sensitivity, they can have symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, brain fog, low immunity, dental issues, weight issues, intense headaches, skin problems, hormonal imbalance, aches and pains, and fatigue. I am really starting to reconsider getting tested!

I've been trying out these San-J Organic Tamari Gluten Free Sauces and the kids are eating them. That is proof enough that they taste good. And they don't need to know that it is healthy, right? Well if they like the flavor and I tell them it is healthier than some of the other sauces, then they enjoy the fact that not everything that is healthy tastes bad. That is the myth they think and I strive to prove them wrong daily.

With the many varieties of San-J Organic Tamari Sauces, I am choosing a healthier alternative multiple times a week!



Disclaimer: I received these 3 bottles for free to try out on my family and friends. All opinions are mine. 

[Review] Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Toothpaste #momsmeet #HimalayaUSA

My kids are now 6 and 4. They have only ever used the pink, candy flavored toothpaste with a train, Muppet, or pony on the tube. It drives my husband batty because the label says it is for kids up to 2 years old. It does not mean that it wont work on day 731 of life, yeah I did the math. It simply means that there is no fluoride, which is hard to find, for kids who don't quite spit well enough. 

My husband thinks that I dont want to change their toothpaste because I believe (and I do) that fluoride is a neurotoxin and the government is already pumping enough of it into our water. He thinks I am drinking the kool-aid and that the kids will be fine swallowing mouthfuls of $2 toothpaste. 

So he has been trying to get the kids to get the kids to brush with the blue-striped poisons. They hate it. They gag. They cry. They complain that it is too spicy and minty.

These tubes of Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Toothpaste arrived at the perfect time. My kids don't mind the taste, my husband doesnt realize that they are fluoride free, and they dont say "up to 2 years old" on them. 

What they DO say is what they DO NOT have in them!
OrganicSLS FreeCarrageenan freeFluoride freeGluten free
Connect with Himalaya:
himalayausa.com 

facebook.com/HimalayaUSA 

twitter.com/HimalayaUSA 

instagram.com/HimalayaUSA
Disclaimer: I was sent these toothpastes to try out. So far we are really enjoying them... if the kids will use them, it's a win. All opinions are 100% mine and not influenced by anyone. I would tell you if they were awful, and they are not. 

[Review] Skinny & co.

By now you know that coconut oil is all the rage. It conquers any aliment you may have. It sounds like witchcraft and voodoo and all the moms are doing it.

It's true! It is magic

Kidding. It is just nature. When we take our life, health, and nutrition back to the basics we are healthier for it.

​Skinny & co. is doing just that. They have an entire line of amazing products made with coconut oil... and they want me to tell you about it.

Disclaimer: They sent me a whole bunch of products to test out as long as I promised to give my honest opinion. I am not paid for this post, I just got some free things to share. I would never endorse an item I had not tried. And if I did not like something, I would tell you why.

First of all, I love oils. If you know anything about me, you KNOW I am all about essential oils and I use coconut oil every day of my life. So when Skinny Coconut Oil contacted me I was thrilled! These products are handpicked, wild-harvested, 100% pure, cold-pressed, always alkaline, and chemical-free! Yes to all of that, amiright?

While they have more products, they sent me five: Skinny Coconut Oil, Skinny Body Butter, Skinny Facial Oil, Skinny Oil Pulling, and (my favorite) Skinny Sugar Scrub that smells good enough to eat... it is safe enough to.

​Not only is coconut oil moisturizing and healthy for us, it is safe for kids too! Suggestions for adults include: healing balm for stretch marks, and anti-fungal, anti-yeast. For babies and toddlers, use it to sooth skin rash and baby acne, moisturize after bath, calming to help sleep, and can eliminate diaper rash.

If you are an oil-puller, then you know not all oils taste good enough to hold in your mouth for 20 minutes. The Oil Pulling one is infused with peppermint so it feels and smells tropical and fresh... so much better than the sesame oil I had been resorting to using.

This has been my favorite. Skinny Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub. Every time I open the jar, it entices my tastebuds. It seriously the best smelling thing in the world. Ever. If I had to pick one thing to smell the rest of my life. It is Skinny's Sugar Scrub. It is made with only Organic Coconut Sugar and Vanilla Bean. It softens, exfoliates and leaves your skin smelling delicious.

I'm not sure how I hadn't heard of Skinny & co. before, but I will be looking for them now!

You can visit their website - skinnyandcompany.com
Like them on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SkinnyCoconutOil/
Follow them on Twitter - https://twitter.com/SkinnyCoCo
See them on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/skinnycoconutoil/

Disclaimer: Once again, all opinions are 100% mine. Except the way the Sugar Scrub smells, that is straight up fact!!! Hahahaha!!! I am lucky enough to try these products for free, I was not monetarily compensated. I am always honest with you guys and if I was not blown away with these items, I would tell you.

[Review] Peppermint Oil #NewYorkBiology

This is my first time trying an essential oil from New York Biology. My sister swears by some of their skin care products so when I found them on #Tomoson, I thought I should give it a whirl and try them out.

If you know me, you know I am in love with Essential Oils. Today that opinion did not change. I am very careful about the quality I use however because I have little kids and pets to consider.

I was asked to review a peppermint oil from New York Biology. It smells great, but next to my other peppermint oil (which I use for cooking) it doesn't quite smell like what I am used to. It also reads not to take internally... so no Peppermint Chocolate Chip cookies with this.

I also love to diffuse my oils, but I am not sure I want my children inhaling this oil since inhaling oils sends them straight to the olfactory system and into the lungs, which is technically "internal."

I do fully intend on cleaning with this oil and I am sure it will smell lovely! I will do so when my kids are no home and make sure I can air it out with plenty of time.

I really appreciate that NYB gives the chemical component percentages on the front of the bottles. I like that they are clear and honest, when I see so many cheaper oil companies skimming by. I look forward to trying many more of their oils!

If you want to talk more about oils, please email me! BeaDandelion at gmail

Disclaimer: I am reviewing this through Tomoson and this post contains affiliate links. All opinions are completely mine and not influenced by anyone.

[Review] Magic Cube

So sometimes your kids open the mail before you do and you can't do an "unboxing" video. And sometimes, you think they break the item... most of the time that is the case, apparently this time it was not.

This was what I was supposed to have:

This is what I found...

EEK! Right? I turned the box around and apparently it is salvageable... after all when *I* am done playing with it, it has to withstand the kids! 

This Magic Cube is a really fun brain toy, much like the original cube, but this one moves easier. I think it must be the design. I also really love that there are no stickers to lose, but I can not promise I will EVER get it back into it's original color scheme once we mess it all up. But I will let the kids enjoy playing with it and trying to. Anything to get them off the TV and Tablet!!!


Other details about the Magic Cube:

• The Puzzle is made of safety ABS material and it can be quickly returned,you can adjust tension in screws point on six sides.
• This speed cube puzzle game, very educational and exercises brain.
• The cute speed cube fits for beginners. Bright colors can stimulate their senses, make their brains thinking more active.
• The best gift for your children ,it can keep your kids far away from the video games,to protect their visual health.
• he speed cube is easy to carry.When you are on the way, you can play this speed cube puzzle rather than doing nothing.

UROPHYLLA also makes a bunch more brain toys in other shapes that look like a lot of fun!


Disclaimer: I am reviewing this through Tomoson and this post contains affiliate links. All opinions are completely mine and not influenced by anyone. 

[Review] NeilMed - Saline Nasal Irrigation Systems

I hate snot. I hate seasonal irritants. I really hate constant sniffling, not only does it sound gross, but it doesnt sound comfortable. I want my babies to feel good. Plus *I* want to feel clear with no congestion.

I was contacted through Green Moms Meet to review NeilMed Sinus Rinse and Nasal Irrigation items for both adults and children. I will be the first to admit it was a little scary to use it on my 6 year old. I'm not even sure he liked it, but he likes breathing air, so win/win!

My 4 year old was more hesitant to let me try the Naspira. When she was a baby I used the same type of item on her, but from another company, she clearly didnt remember that. The Naspira is a silicone bulb that has a tube that you suck through. It comes with 7 disposable filters, so it isnt as gross as it sounds. It is highly effective though! And you can take it completely apart to clean and sterilize it.


I have been using NeilMed rinses for a few years and I have gotten comfortable with it. The first time I tried it, I think I almost drowned myself. I also didnt realize you were supposed to use distilled water ONLY. That is very very important. Now I boil a pot of water for 5-10 minutes and then let it cool before pouring into the bottle with the saline solution.

NeilMed now makes products for babies too! The PediaMist keeps the baby's nose moist instead of flushing it out like one of the larger volume irrigation systems. It can help alleviate such things as sinus issues, post nasal drip, and allergens in and around the home. Hopefully you'll no longer have a snotty baby!


If you visit the NeilMed.com website, they tell you exactly how to use these products and they demonstrate in videos too. You can order directly from their website and get free shipping! Use promo code "MOMSBLOG" for $3 off. You will also find various other products: ear care, first aid, and many different types of sinus rinses in case you arent comfortable with one type or another. I personally like the Sinus Rinse more than the Netipot, but that is just me.

Find NeilMed on Facebook and on Twitter

Disclaimer: I was given these products to try out in return for my honest opinion. All opinions are 100% mine and not influenced by anyone else. 

Freebies for baby!

Whole Mom Baby Samples

Sign up HERE for a FREE Trial kit of Diapers & Wipes and/or our Family Care essentials from EverydayHappy, just pay $5.95 for shipping and handling.

Right now you can get this adorable Nursing Pillow for FREE (a $40 value) with coupon code: ENBABY, just pay S&H. You can upgrade to the minky style for just $5 more.


Get a FREE Nursing Cover (a $35 value) by using coupon code: ENBABY at checkout, just pay S&H.

Get a FREE Carseat Canopy (a $50 value) by using coupon code: ENBABY at checkout, just pay S&H.

Get a FREE Baby Carrier (a $40 value) by using coupon code: ENBABY at checkout, just pay S&H.

[Review] Super cute shoes

I'd love to post a review today, but they are not here, so I cant. But I will. I want to know if these shoes are comfy. I NEED to know if I can walk in them and them not leave a crease, or worse, in my ankle. I think they are adorable and want to wear them as soon as possible!

[Review] Petite Namaste

Move over fancy gauze baby swaddle blanket things!!!

When I told my sister about this review and sent her a link, she basically begged me to let her do the review. Nope! I made her buy her own blanket. And I am really really glad I did. Pretty sure she isn't regretting buying her own too.

This blanket is much bigger than I expected.  It is 42" by 42". I was thinking it was just another swaddling blanket with a pretty pattern. I was wrong. They have pretty patterns, but this is a much bigger and thicker and softer blanket!

 We acquired so many blankets and afghans and knitted things when the kids were first born. They were beautiful and my-hoarder-self can never get rid of them (more sentimental than hoarder... but there are too many). I wish I had had a favorite, gotten 3, moved on, gotten gift cards.

This blanket is amazing. It is 3 layers. I thought that would feel hot. Nope. It is a great lap blanket, but it is not anything like a fleece or the fancy couch thing my MIL crocheted us. Obviously I would use it for a baby... but I would use it after-baby, too.

I'm currently using it! LOL. I am at my desk and it is draped over my legs. It is super soft and not flashy in colors and I keep trying to figure out how it is 3 layers? The fabric is HAND pressed from hand carved blocks. That seems like a lot of work! This blanket is beautiful. The work was clearly worth it.

And I dont want to give it away to an infant. Or my sister. I assume it will end up on my kiddos bed when one of them find it. If that happens, I will have wanted to get the bird print... I was really trying to deter them by getting a grown up print. We shall see.

I am blown away by this blanket. I was thinking it was something for the kids. It might be. They can't have it.

You can check out their website here.
Follow them on Facebook here.
Follow them on Pinterest here.

Disclaimer: I received this item for free to review it with my honest opinion. All opinions are 100% mine. I would never endorse a product on my blog that I did not like, without telling you fully why I was not impressed with it. I was given free range to pick the item I wanted to try, so I am only able to speak of the actual item I picked. 

[Review] YooToo Nursing Bra

Hey, moms! Finding a comfortable way to nurse anytime you want to is not an easy task. I didn't wear a dress for well over 5 years while nursing my kids. No, that isn't true, I wore a dress ONCE. My son was being Christened and I even went out and bought a dress. I wore it about 2 hours. It is beautiful. I can finally wear it again!

I am no longer nursing, but I know a LOT of moms that are so I was thrilled to be asked to review this YOOTOO Nursing Bra!

 There is so much going on when you have a demanding little one ... forget looking attractive. So we give that part up, but we still want our clothes to look good. I tried on this bra (no you don't get a picture) and it was totally un-noticeable or bulky under my shirt or tank top. You'd never know it was a nursing bra. It wasn't bulky.

 The inside of it is virtually not there... so you unsnap and nurse. Not much to move over. And it seems to be durable... it doesn't seem to be cheap material that will stretch out for 18 un-snap and pull-overs a day. My goodness I had hungry babies... always in the 85-95 percentile for size. I am fairly small so this was always baffling and back breaking.

I would wear it even NOT nursing. It feels very supportive and doesn't feel like my normal big box store bras that I usually bought. I'm cheap. But even my nursing bras were pretty expensive. I am sure I would have shelled out the $49 to have had this bra. (gahhh I MUST share this bra with my friend or I can't live with myself. Here is hoping we are the same size)

The support, the coverage, ... probably don't even need the leak-pads (or baby socks... yeah that happened).

I laughed, the recommend 3 bras while nursing. One to wear, one is probably dirty, and one for those accidents... Seems accurate to me.

You can check out their website here.
Follow them on Facebook here.
Follow them on Twitter here.


Disclaimer: I received this item for free to review it with my honest opinion. All opinions are 100% mine. I would never endorse a product on my blog that I did not like, without telling you fully why I was not impressed with it. I was given free range to pick the item I wanted to try, so I am only able to speak of the actual item I picked. 

[Review] SOZO Monkey Blanket

When I was first asked to review this SOZO Cuddle Mat blanket, I thought, "These might be for infants, not my 4 year old... but I know infants if it doesn't work out for us." FAST FORWARD I am NOT giving this one away. I should say, "My little girl is not letting me give this one away."

 When I told my 4 year old this Monkey Cuddle Mat wasn't hers she told me I was wrong and then laid down and said, "It is as big as me. Mine." Can't argue with that.

 She has one of those fancy dancy cribs that are supposed to last from birth until marriage. I have no idea how to convert it and I haven't looked it up. Same thing happened with my son and I just gave in and got him a twin bed. One day I hope to get a bunk bed for them (can I review one?!!?!?).

When my little one took the Cuddle Mat to bed, it was pretty much the same size as the crib mattress. I know you aren't supposed to have blankets and whatnot in with infants, so this might be a great option for a nice rug for tummy time for your bitty baby.

The backing is really sturdy. It claims to be machine washable, I haven't needed to yet, but I'm certain it would hold up for many many washings. I told my little one that it would be softer to have the fuzzy side on her at night. She finally agreed and began hugging her new friend just after I took this photo. It's also super warm... so if you outgrow tummy time and do use this on your little kids bed, don't do it in July.

In the Summer months, use the loop and hang it on the wall. The backing is thick enough that it wont crumple like a regular blanket would. They also have Terrier and Ladybug Cuddle Mats!

Check out all the SOZO items here!
Follow them on Facebook here!
Follow them on Twitter too!


Disclaimer: I received this item for free to review it with my honest opinion. All opinions are 100% mine. I would never endorse a product on my blog that I did not like, without telling you fully why I was not impressed with it. I was given free range to pick the item I wanted to try, so I am only able to speak of the actual item I picked.

Heimlich saved her life

I know it has been a while since my last post, but I have been doing the mom-thang and hangin' with my kiddos. Usually at the water park. Busy, fun, tiresome Summertime :)

Please read this post. It was a frightening day. 

I'm a pro. I don't want to be, but I am.

Heimlich. Learn it. If you have ever played with kids, babysat, birthed kids, seen kids in the park, if you know what a kid is... learn it. I have used it no less than 5 times.

Today was the worst one.

I don't let my kids eat in the car, much less candy. I can't turn around to get them if they start coughing without wrecking and killing us all, so no. When my 6 year old handed my 4 year old a hard peppermint on the way out of Vacation Bible School, he asked if they could eat it yet. I told them absolutely not in the car, but if they would wait until the water park, then they could eat it before getting into the water. No complaints at all. They know my rules. They have both also almost died from choking before. The first time was here... AWFUL! Since then we have choked on kale, hotdogs, and clover to name a few. The clover wasn't even my kid, but I snatched him up and somehow got it out. 

We are walking from one side of the water park to the other to get to the wave pool and I am dragging the little one along, trying to keep up with the big one and then the little one STOPS. I look at her and her eyes are drifting off and the hand I had been holding moves to her chest. I tried to get eye contact, but she just kept opening her mouth.

Then I stepped out of my body and watched myself ball up my fist and, since she is so tiny, I had her whole body weight pressing down on my fists while I bounced her especially hard onto my fists. Up and down a full 3 times. I have no idea when I realized what I was doing was actually me and not just me seeing myself do it... I just knew I was doing it... but I felt like I was watching myself. That image is strangely ingrained even though I know it was not a real image.

It felt like an eternity and I didn't know if I was doing it right or not. I just kept wondering why no one was running over to help. I had tunnel vision and I think the 6 year old was walking in circles around us. I looked up to see a table with 3 teenage girls watching... but no adults or (Heaven forbid) lifeguard rushing over.

I later asked my son and he said that no one looked over other than a little girl that was walking by.

I set my baby girl down and turned her towards me, she was still coughing and crying. Thank God she was crying... she was breathing. Cry away. We hugged. I figured it had gone past her windpipe. Then she started gagging again and coughing and I thought for sure it would get caught again. Instead she threw it up into her mouth and I almost lost it again. I reached for it and leaned her forward and then she spit it (and a lot of gunk) into my hand.

Of course the 6 year old old was like, "ew gross... do you see what she just did?" I threw it in the nearby trash and still no one stopped or looked or asked if everything was OK. I must have sat there hugging her for 5 minutes while she wept and tears drizzled down my cheek. I was shaky and suddenly drenched in sweat, but so happy that she was OK. I saved her life. What if I hadn't known what to do or where to press? I wouldn't be sitting right here typing, that is for sure.

This was taken after leaving the wavepool...
so about 45 minutes after nearly dying. 

Kids are terrifying. They are gross, stinky, mean, filter-less, manipulative, part-barbarian, narcissistic, and the most wonderful gift from God. Thanking God extra tonight. 

More resources you should watch and then save:
American Red Cross

Red Cross CPR PDF

How to do INFANT CPR
How to do ADULT CPR

How to do the Heimlich Maneuver on Adults 

How to do the Heimlich Maneuver for Infants and Toddlers

Disclaimer: I am not a life saver person. I have no qualifications other than my own life experiences. I am not endorsing anyone or claiming anything. Everything you learn should be from your own research and experience. Learn everything. And the FDA has not said that anything I have said will cure, treat, or prevent anything. All opinions are mine.