Review & Giveaway: Pink Blush Maternity

Now that the big prego belly is gone, it's time to find a new, cute wardrobe, right?! Ok, who has time and money for that? But in the meantime, a few nice, new items would be well deserved, right?

Right now the hardest thing for me is finding outfits ( especially for church) that are breastfeeding friendly. It's so much easier to have a nursing shirt with a skirt at church rather than a dress- but when I was browsing Pink Blush maternity, I found the cutest and best dress ever for nursing that allows me to nurse, and wear a dress at the same time!

I was able to review the Colorblock Maternity/Nursing maxi dress! It is such a flattering dress, and I have gotten so, so many complements on it! And the best part, all I have to do is pull down the front and I can nurse at church, or anywhere for that matter, at ease! I love the color, and the lace detail! It's easily one of my most favorite dresses. I also love that I can wear it when I get pregnant next time around ( but let's not talk about that just yet!)

There are lots of different styles similar to this dress on the Pink Blush Maternity Website! One of my new favorites is the Navy/Coral Print top Maternity/Nursing maxi dress. Very similar to the dress I am wearing, but with a cute patterned top! Their prices are very affordable, this one going for $39.99.

Pink Blush Maternity has offered my readers a $25.00 gift certificate to their website! Enter in the contest form below. Contest ends 10/5.

Entry-Form

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guidlines Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Cascade Platinum Pacs: Review #MyPlatinum #sponsored

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Cascade. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

When we moved to Iowa, I didn't realize how moving to a smaller suburb of a small city would affect my dishes- our water is SO hard! So hard in fact, that after I do my dishes, I have hard water spots all over them and sometimes I can't get them off! What I had been using was just not doing my dishes justice when I washed them in the dishwasher- I would have to wash them and dry them all by HAND- and let's be honest, who likes doing that? 

Cascade© Platinum Pacs feature an advanced triple action recipe that is specially designed to leave dishware virtually spot-free and help prevent the build-up of hard-water film on dishwasher walls. Each pre-measured Pac contains a granule dish-detergent paired with the grease fighting power of Dawn. Convenient, easy to use and they fit perfectly into my dishwasher’s detergent holder. 

When I got the opportunity to try out the new Cascade Platinum pacs, I was so excited! It was so great to not have to pour any powder ( we all know that stuff gets everywhere and sometimes doesn't come off the dishes- yum!) and it was just so simple to pop a pac into the little soap tray and send the dishes on their way. 

Once the dishes came out, the amount of hard water spots was insanely less than before! These pacs work really hard to eliminate the hard water deposits, and I could definitely notice! My dishwasher even sparkled when I opened it up!

Cascade's Partnership with Gail Simmons:

Now, more than ever, people eat with their eyes, and the evidence is all over sites like Facebook and
Instagram. With that in mind, Top Chef judge and editor of Food+Wine magazine, Gail Simmons, has
partnered with Cascade to discuss why presentation is just as important as preparation.

· From prep to plating: It’s more than just a great-tasting recipe, but also perfect presentation.
Sparkling dishes, shining flat ware and spot-free glasses truly let you put your best food forward
with culinary creations that pop!

· Gail recommends impressing with a Platinum Presentation: “The easiest recipes pop with
unexpected, gourmet presentations. Drizzle bright sauces on sparkling white plates or layer
desserts in crystal-clean glassware. Keep your presentation sparkling with Cascade Platinum,
which keeps dishes perfect for anytime entertaining and impromptu guests.”

Learn more about Cascade’s partnership with Gail Simmons by viewing additional videos available on Cascade's Facebook page as well as Cascade's YouTube page.


Don't forget to enter the #myplatinum instagram contest!

The Cascade “My Platinum” contest is a four-week Instagram contest encouraging fans to upload photos related to the weekly contest themes. Show off how sparkly Cascade makes all your pots, pan and plates! Visit the contest landing page for information on how to enter and submit images:

Each week, two contestants will be selected to receive a brand new Whirlpool dishwasher. Additionally, one lucky grand prize winner will receive a Platinum kitchen!!

To win, users have to both register and upload a photo with the #MyPlatinum hashtag and tag
@MyCascade. Participants that have not registered will be disqualified from winning.
Each week will have a 6-day entry period where Instagram users can enter the contest with their #MyPlatinum Photo. Cascade will choose two weekly winners and one final grand prize winner after the entry period has ended. Please be sure to include both the #MyPlatinum hashtag and tag @MyCascade in your entries to the contest!

• Week 1: My Platinum Plate (Entry Period: 6/3-6/9) Show us your best dish styled from the sparkling plate up!
• Week 2: My Platinum Bite (Entry Period: 6/10-6/16) Show us your best bite and most creative use of sparkling silverware!
• Week 3: My Platinum Clink (Entry: 6/17-6/23) Show us how you serve up creative concoctions in sparkling glasses. Cheers!
• Week 4: My Platinum Table (Entry Period: 6/24-6/30) Show us your sparkling tablescape for your most special celebrations!
• Grand Prize Winner (Entry: 6/3-6/30)

EcoShag: Review & Giveaway!

I am so excited about this review and giveaway I have for you today! Tania, from EcoShag, has generously let me feature her business on n.c. baby blog. As you may know, I have a love for all things handmade, especially items that are vintage or one of a kind. Tania has combined these two and has made beautiful statement pieces that give us moms a chance to look great at an affordable price. I can tell by just a few of our conversations that Tania is such a kind and generous person. Not only does she hand make each item she sells, but portions of her sales go to the National Brain Tumor foundation and the Humane Society! I asked Tania to tell us a little bit about herself and her shop, here's what she had to say:

"I’m a mother, a wife, a philanthropist, and I own a little place called EcoShag.
Losing my sister in 2008 is what inspired my company. She was my creative counterpart and in many ways, her memory lives on with each item I make. Heck, she’s the one who taught me how to make a scarf necklace back in the 80’s….I think I was 6!?!

From infinity scarves made of vintage inspired fabrics, to scarf necklaces born of upcycled materials....I create them all with my own two hands.

One of the most gratifying aspects of my work is in finding the fabrics I use. Unlike many scarf and accessory makers, I don’t go to my local fabric store for textiles. I hunt down materials at estate sales, remnants when I’m fortunate to find enough, as well as organic/eco-friendly textiles. Even though it’s a lot more work, it feels really good to be eco-friendly."


   Here is the infinity scarf I reviewed, isn't it beautiful!! Don't mind how tired I look, it's been a long week! :)

When I got in touch with Tania about this review, she graciously accepted and allowed me to review one of her items. I chose the Pear Green Floral and Stripe Infinity scarf. Isn't it AMAZING?? This fabric is unbelievably soft and breathable. It is so lightweight, I love that I don't feel like I am wearing a 20 pound weight around my neck like with some other scarves. It can be dressed up, or down, and I love that. It was hard to choose, she has so many fun patterns and colors to choose from! Here are a few more of my favorites:

Buy It: Head on over to Tania's etsy shop page, EcoShag, to purchase any of these beautiful items!


Win it! Tania has offered one of my readers a $30 credit toward her shop EcoShag!

ENTER TO WIN! There are TWO Mandatory Entries! All other entries are optional, but the more you complete, the better chance you have at winning! Leave one comment per entry.

1) Mandatory: Head on over to Tania's shop and tell me what you would use your $30 towards!

2) Mandatory: Follow n.c. baby blog via GFC (or tell me if you already do)

3) Follow n.c. baby blog on facebook

4) Follow EcoShag on facebook!

5) Share this link on Facebook or Tweet about the giveaway ( you can do this once daily!)

6) Leave a comment on my Fashion Hunters blog post! 2 entries!

7) Pin a picture of your favorite item from either this post or Tania's EcoShag etsy shop to Pinterest! Leave the link to your pin!

8) Enter any other of my CURRENT giveaways ( 1 entry for each giveaway entered)

9) Subscribe to n.c. baby blog via email ( on right side of blog)

10) "favorite" EcoShag on Etsy!

GOOD LUCK!!! Giveaway will close 9/23 at 11:59 pm EST. Giveaway is open to U.S. and CANADA residents only. Winner will be picked the following day by Random.org and will be emailed and announced on the blog. Winner has 48 hours to confirm their prize, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. A BIG thank you to Tania @ EcoShag for providing the review product and the giveaway prize!

One Busy Mama

You guys! Excuse my blogging hiatus. I have been spending the last 10 weeks snuggling this little bug.

It has also been interesting learning to be a mommy of two! And I am loving every second of it! With that being said...IM BACK!!! We have some great stuff coming up!

Difrax Pacifiers: Review & Giveaway!

I apologize for the drought of posts lately- I had my little boy 3 weeks ago and life with 2 kids has been BUSY to say the least! I am so excited to introduce you to my little {N} with this review and giveaway!

{B} has always been a binky/pacifier lover. In fact, I am THAT mom. The mom that said she would never let her kids have a pacifier after the age of 2 max- and well, {B} is now over 3 and still has that darn binky. I have learned that some things just aren't worth making a big deal about-and the binky is one of them. Pick your battles, right??

Well, little {N} got to review a new pacifier in his first week of life, and so far it is by far his favorite! I am so glad we had this opportunity!

Difrax is Europe's leading pacifier company, and the produce a very science-developed product, similar most to Dr. Brown's here in the USA. Their pacifiers are trendy looking and are BPA free! Some of the features of the Difrax pacifiers are:

~Unique butterfly shape keeps nose free

~Holes allow extra air to prevent irritation

~completely round nipple to best resemble mother's breast

~Dutch design

~Comes in multiple sizes to grow as baby grows ( from preemie to 24 months!)

~ fun and unique designs for boys and girls!

We were sent some blue pacifiers for baby {N} to review in the 0-6 month size. When I opened the package I was immediately drawn to how cute they are! I had never seen anything like them, and I love having unique things for my kids since it seems like so many things are the same these days! When I gave it to {N}, he immediately took to it! I was shocked! He doesn't love his pacifiers and was gagging on the ones I was trying on him, but he loves these Difrax ones!

Difrax is beginning to distribute their pacifiers to Babies R Us locations all over the US! Check on the Difrax website for locations near you!

Booginhead distribution is helping Difrax launch their pacifiers here in the US, and they are offering one reader a set of 2 Difrax Pacifiers of their own! Size is whatever Booginhead has on hand to send to the winner. Please enter in giveaway form below!

Entry-Form

VeggiTales: The Little House that Stood DVD Review & Giveaway!!

{B} is in a stage where he loves movies and loves to be entertained by cartoon characters. He had never seen VeggieTales before, so I was excited when I was asked to review this darling DVD of VeggieTales: The House that Stood! I knew he would be so excited to watch something new, and I was happy that it was a show that sends a good message to kids! About the Little House That Stood:
When the VeggieTales: The Little House That Stood Three Little Pigs roll into Cabbageville looking to build some new houses, they meet one builder with a plan and two without a clue! Larry builds with hay, Mr. Lunt with bricks, but only Bob builds his houses on a firm foundation – following the wise plans from the Master Builder’s Handbook! Will the Little Piggies make the right choices when it comes to building their houses – and their lives – on solid ground? Find out in this parable that shows kids when they follow God’s blueprints, then can stand strong when the storms come!

{B} loved this movie. It was silly, interactive, had lots of things going on all the time, and it sent a good message! If you have ever watched VeggieTales, you know that some episodes are more religious than others. I did not feel this episode to be overly religious, you can feel comfortable taking this on a playdate, to church, or with any friends over...it is darling!
Watch the Trailer:
This DVD JUST released last week, so look for it at your stores! I saw them at Wal-Mart for only $9.99 close to their movie section, this would be a great Easter Basket Stuffer this year! 

FlyByPromotions is offering one lucky reader their own copy of the DVD VeggieTales: The House that Stood! Enter in the giveaway form below!

Entry-Form

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guidlines Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Kid's Squeez'Ems by BooginHead, LLC: Review & Giveaway!

If you are anything like me, convenience and time savers are a huge priority in my life! I have fallen in love with all of the new baby food pouches that are available. Super convenient, not messy, you can throw a couple in your diaper bag, give them to your baby in the car...they are wonderful! But...not the cheapest things in the world, right? You pay for the convenience factor of it. AND, not to mention not very earth-friendly! We go through those things like cadbury mini eggs- they just don't last long in our house. So I went in search for the perfect pouch...one that I could use over and over again, and even better, one that I would only have to buy ONCE!

Since we have a huge garden here in Iowa, I am going to attempt to make *some* of my own baby food for our new baby...and I wanted to figure out a way to be able to take that ( or any jar baby food for that matter) in an easy, on the go kind of way! Insert Squeez"ems, possibly the best invention ever known to mankind. Thank you BooginHead, you are my life saver.

Squeez"Ems are a reusable food pouch for any pureed food! They are easy to fill up, store, and clean. They are top rack dishwasher safe, freezer safe, microwave safe, non-toxic, cost conscious and don't have any removable parts, so no worrying about losing anything! Do you want me to pinch you yet? You're not dreaming folks.

All you do is fill your pouch with whatever pureed food you would like, squeeze, enjoy, and clean to re-use! Freeze or refrigerate for later use, or throw it in your diaper bag to enjoy in the car on road trips or a quick trip to the store! They hold 4.2 ounces of food, so a whole jar of baby food will fit in there! Not only are these awesome for babies, but perfect for older kids who go to school! They are small enough to fit perfectly inside a lunch box ( just make sure to tell your little one to not throw them away!)

{B} tried ours out with some strawberry applesauce in it. All I did was spoon it into the pouch, and it was ready to go! You can also purchase a Squeez'Ems funnel that makes for faster filling, but I'll be honest, it was totally easy to fill with a spoon. We actually were packing ours up to take on a picnic lunch last week since the weather was nice, but {B} couldn't even wait to eat it, he was so excited about the pouch! The pieces are durable, ours have held up great since freezing, and using over and over again...I can't recommend this product enough.

You can purchase these awesome products here on their website. They are only $7.99 for 2, so grab a couple pair!!

Our friends over at BooginHead LLC have graciously offered a set of Squeez'Ems to one of our lucky readers! Enter in the giveaway tools entry form below!

Entry-Form