Elf on the Shelf: Day #5 #Elfontheshelf

Day #5 found Elvis, our Elf on the Shelf, had hidden coins in some "fake" snow aka baby cereal.  So each child got 1 minute to dig up as many as they could find.

Elf on the Shelf Day #4 #Elfontheshelf

On Day 4 Elvis made the kids a breakfast fit for Santa.  The breakfast included waffles smoothered in syrup and topped with candy canes.  It is apparently a staple for breakfast at the North Pole.  Needless to say, the kids are big fans!

Elf on the Shelf: Day #3 #Elfontheshelf

On day 3 Elvis was found outside on a chair, on our porch, surrounded by notepads and pencils.  His note said that we were to attend Child #1's Orchestra's Concert and Child #1 was to put on a great performance.  The other 3 children attending the concert were instructed to take notes or draw pictures of what they saw and/or heard.  Elvis wanted them all to fill him in since he was unable to attend the concert himself.  Child #2 was attending a goalie skills clinic during the same time as the concert, so Elvis asked child #2 to write down and the things he learned when he returned home. 

Elf on the Shelf Day 2, #Elfonashelf

Day #2 Found Elvis in the bathroom hanging out on the toilet :P.  He left the movie Brave and some Beary special fruit snacks to eat while watching the movie.  He, also, told the kids to watch for the Bear's bare booty.  Elvis apparently finds that part very funny!

Elf on Shelf Day #1 #Elfonashelf

On Day one our Elf on a Shelf introduced himself.  I am going to preface this by saying two things.  First, our Elf on a Shelf is teeny, teeny tiny.  He was a gift and we are going with it.  Second, I have never done nor read the "Real" Elf on shelf material that is out there.  That being said, our Elf may roll a bit different than yours. 

Our Elf is named Elvis and he is Elf #255.  He has been assigned to our family to keep tabs on the children and report back to Santa.  He told the kids that they would never know where he might be and what he may be up to.  He told them he would keep them on their toes!  He left them each a chocolate advent calendar.  I long dated tradition in our household!

Merry Fluffy Christmas Event #FluffyXmas

And Then There Were 5.  Here at Mama Bucks we are so excited about our Merry Fluffy Christmas Prize Pack valued at over $60.

 Mama Bucks is giving away one lucky winner a 100% pure wool Knaebean Creations longies featuring fleece around the cuff {ARV $25}   You can find our review of Knaebean Creations longies here. The winner will also receive a matching Knaebean Creations crocheted Santa Hat {ARV $18}.  A picture perfect ensemble for Christmas Morning!

Additionally Mama Bucks is giving away a Hazelaid Hematite and Red Hazelwood necklace {ARV $17.95}

 The giveaway is open to US and Canadian Residents 18 years of age or older.  Good Luck and don't forgot to hop around and enter all the other great giveaways in the linky at the end of this post!







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Hazelaid Review & {Sponsor Spotlight}

I have a 15 month old who spent her first year of life congested.  She slept in the Fisher Price Rock and Play Sleeper or swing for most of her 1st 9 months of life.  I had heard Hazelwood could help alleviate congestion and when I was given a chance to review a Hazelwood necklace from Hazelaid I jumped at the chance. 

This same 15 month old is just in the beginning stages of teething (yes all 5 of my kiddos have been late teethers).  I chose a Hazelwood-Amber necklace to help with both the congestion and teething.  Boy did it not disappoint.  When she is not wearing the necklace she is cranky.  When I have bathed her and forgotten to but the necklace back on, she has even woke in the middle of the night crying owie, owie, owie.  And while we are dealing with congestion right now, it certainly isn't as severe nor is it waking her at night.

I was also able to choose a necklace for me, too.  I chose a Hazelwood Necklace for myself.  I have been struggling with acne.  It has been driving me bonkers, too.  I mean it is worse than I remember my teen years being.  I am super impressed with the healing powers in Hazelwood.  When I don't wear it for an extended time, I experience flare ups.  I am recommending Hazelaid to all my friends struggling with post par-tum acne.

Hazelaid was extremely helpful in helping me select the correct necklaces for our family's needs.  I have even since purchased another necklace for my 2 year old that struggles with eczema and it has worked wonders for her skin.  Hazelaid was even kind enough to follow up on my purchases.  Now that is some amazing customer service!

Mama Bucks blog will be giving away a Hazelwood necklace from Hazelaid beginning December 1-7 in the Merry Fluffy Christmas Hop.  But, if you can't wait until than you can make your purchase here.

Knabean Wool Longies Review and {Sponsor Spotlight}

My name is Heidi and I am a cloth diaper addict!  Every good cloth diaper knows at some point it is time to venture into wool.  Wool can be a very scary place to explore.  I mean it takes extra care.  You can't just throw it in your wet bag with your diapers and call it good.  My friend Beth at Knaebean Creations has made it not scary at all.  In fact she has made it delightfully fun!

Her longies have been heavenly for our super soaker pictured above.  Baby #5 wears them overnight and not a single leak.  In fact, they aren't usually even damp.  And as far as maintenance, I use Sheepish Grins products found here.   This makes care of your wool a no brainer. 

When Knaebean Creations came up with the idea for custom longies, I had no inkling that they would be this adorably cute!  I should not have doubted Knaebean Creations for a minute.  I mean just check out all of the amazing items she makes here.  Knaebean Creations can take any idea you have, or are beginning to have, and create something one of kind and out of this world.  Join us on the blog December 1st-7 for the Merry Fluffy Christmas Blog Hop where can win your own wool longie set.  But if you can't wait that long place your very own order here now.

 *I was given a product free of charge for the purpose of providing an honest review. All the opinions and thoughts are my own. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review.

Why have there been crickets on this blog?

Many of you may have been wondering why there have been crickets on the blog (At least I hope someone is wondering as that means someone is reading this). Every fall I work from home for a fundraising company as a Contract Data Entry Specialist. I am blessed that my office is in my home and is surrounded by a plethora of toys.

I am thankful that I don't have set number of hours to work each day or week. That being said, I do set my own personal goals and mid September until Thanksgiving becomes extremely nutty with Mama not getting much sleep at all! This work from home opportunity helps out our family of 7 tremendously!  And while due to my contractual obligation I cannot provide you anymore information or details, I will say that I have found this and many other work at home opportunities at the forum on this site Wahm.com. Take a look and good luck if you are looking for this kind of opportunity. Thanks for sticking by me in the fall of crickets.

Christmas Gifts for Kids Blog Hop{Creative Cat $25 Gift Certificate}

 

With the holiday shopping season upon us, zuuzs introduces their holiday shopping page. We all have price points in mind while shopping for our friends and family, so zuuzs has made it easier for you to find the best deals according to your budget. Make sure to check it out! And as always, you get cash back on everything you buy through zuuzs.com.

To help with your Holiday Shopping for your kids, zuuzs is offering the Grand Prize of a KidKraft Grand Espresso Corner Kitchen. Go over to Makobi Scribe and enter to win the Grand Prize! Then hop around all the other blogs participating in the Christmas Gifts Hop for kids below. *the grand prize may be substituted to a similar item to suit the winner's child

Mama Bucks Blog is giving away a $25 gift Certificate to Creative Cat.  You can find our review of Creative Cat here. Also check out Creative Cat's two sites: Creative Cat and Creative Cat Photography Props to begin day dreaming about what you would choose if you win.  Or, if you don't want to wait you can purchase some amazing hats, blankets, headbands, cowls, mittens you name it now.
 

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Creative Cat Review{Sponsor Spotlight}

Creative Cat is a mecca for anything crocheted and I mean ANYTHING!  Cheri is the creative genius behind Creative Cat.  This uber talented mama can take any idea you have and run with it.  She made me this awesome slouch hat for review.  I basically described to her my likes and dislikes with the only caveat that it be a hockey mama hat that I could wear to the rink.  I think she nailed it on the head!  She choose a grey soft comfy yarn and blinged it out with a super fun tulle flower.  I can't wait to rock it at the numerous youth hockey games I will be attending this year!  It will keep my head warm and provide fashionable flair.  If you are in the market for hats for your youngsters, Cheri has you covered.  Check out all of her creations here.  Cheri, also, lends her crocheting talent to designing photography props over at her other site, Creative Cat Photography Props.  If you are having your little ones pictures taken or you are a photographer yourself, check her props out here. She will help you create the perfect addition to your pictures.  Here are some of my favorites from the Creative Cat sites:  And make sure to come back tomorrow and enter the Christmas Gifts for Kids Hop running November 12-22 for a chance to when a $25 gift certificate from Creative Cat.

Travelin' with Baby Blog Hop

Welcome to the Travelin’ With Baby Giveaway Hop Event, hosted by So Easy Being Green and According to Jenny! This Event will run from October 10th - 24th with a Twitter Party Grand Finale on October 25th from 9-10 PM EST!
In this Hop, each blogger has a great prize, worth at least $25, to make traveling with your baby easy and fun! Don’t miss out on the fabulous TWO Grand Prizes worth over $550 EACH - featuring the best, must-have Baby Travel Products - including a Britax Car Seat, QuickSmart Backpack Stroller, Beco Baby Carrier and MUCH more! Mama Bucks will be giving away:

A collection of Live Clean Baby products. You can the review here.

Two coupons good for free Farm Rich snacks and appetizers ($6.99 value each, which covers the cost of the product). You can read our review here.

Indigo Ocean Dreams CD. You can read our review here. According to Jenny, So Easy Being Green, and the Travelin’ With Baby participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Indigo Ocean Dreams CD {Sponsor Spotlight & Raffle}

Mama's Emporium sent us the Indigo Dreams CD.  When traveling with baby, naps often come in the car.  This CD will help any little one to invite rest and relaxation in.  Indigo Ocean Dreams is a 60 minute CD/audio book designed to entertain your child in an ocean setting while introducing them to four relaxation and stress-management techniques. Children follow their sea friends along as they learn to release and manage anger with Angry Octopus, build self-esteem with Affirmation Weaver, implement breathing with Sea Otter Cove and visualize with Bubble Riding.

The narration is accompanied by calming sounds of dolphins, sea otters and gentle waves. An additional music sound track is included to further enhance your child’s relaxation experience. These proven techniques encourage wellness and provide tools for children who suffer from anxiety, stress, trauma, hyperactivity, anger, sleep issues and lack of confidence. This kids relaxation CD is ideal for bedtime, transitions and children’s health.
 One lucky winner will win this CD in the Travelin' with Baby Blog Hop

And if you haven't heard:  

Mama’s Emporium is having a huge raffle!

There will be multiple winners of this ongoing drawing through-out the month of October!

As more people enter, bigger prizes will become available (like the lottery jackpot)!

Winners will be drawn every few days through-out the month of October!

To enter the raffle or increase your chances of winning, purchase raffle tickets from Mama’s Emporium

  You can order them here. 

If you want to be sure that you will get something, even if you aren’t one of the raffle winners, check out the Grab Bags!

Mama’s Emporium Grab Bags contain 1 Raffle Ticket and 1 surprise each! You can find the grab bags here!

If you happen to win a prize you have no use for, you do have the option of store credit instead!

Possible PRIZES include:

3 Teething Bling Necklaces

1 Earnest Efforts Wooden Rattle – Winner S. J. 10/2/12

1 Baby Banana Teething Toothbrush

1 Baby Sharky Teething Toothbrush

1 Dapple Toy and Surface Wipes

1 EcoSprout Fresh Linen Scent Pail Freshner

1 EcoSprout Eco-Bottom Biodegradable Diaper Liners 100 count

1 Rockin’ Green Femme Rock Detergent

2 Mighty Bubbles 10 Count Detergent Packs

12 GroVia AI2 Diapers

4 GroVia Biosoakers 20 packs

4 GroVia booster 2 packs

1 GroVia newborn diaper

3 Rumparooz One Size Diaper Covers

11 Rumparooz One Size Pocket Diapers- Winners: A. T. 10/4/12 + 10 more winners TBA

Melissa and Doug Toys

Stress Free Kids Books and CDs

and More!

The Winner of Oct 2nd Drawing is #737935 – Winner’s Initials are S.J.!

The Winner of the Oct 4th Drawing is #737925 – Winner’s Initials are A.T.!

The Winner of the Friday October 5th GroVia Halloween AI2 Pack is #737918 – Winner’s Initials are A.S.!

The Prize for the Drawing on Saturday October 13th will be a rumparooz cover or anything from the GroVia Halloween AI2 Pack

(2 GroVia Shells, 2 cloth inserts, 20 count biodegradable inserts, 2 pack of boosters, and mighty bubbles 10 count!)

Drawings will be every few days through-out the month of October!

All winners will be announced in the Mama’s Emporium Facebook Group!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mamasemporiummarketresearch/

Tiny Love Tiny Princess Soothe 'n Groove Mobile

Tiny Love Tiny Princess Soothe and Grove Mobile

When you are Travelin' with Baby it makes the transition to sleeping in new and strange places easier if Baby has familiar loves and surroundings along with them. If you are visiting relatives and they have a crib why not take along Baby's crib mobile? We brought along Baby Brooke's Tiny Love Soothe 'n Groove Tiny Princess Mobile this summer when we went on a 10 day, 3000 mile excursion. Brooke loves her Soothe and Grove Mobile sent to us by Tiny Love. It was super easy to set up. Brooke loves watching the cute little animals spin around. And  I love that it has music that plays and you can set the volume control.  In addition, it lights up.  I have looked at other mobiles before, but how can baby fall asleep to the animals spinning around when they can't see it in the dark of their room?  The mobile has helped our baby to learn to fall asleep on her own and she is actually excited to snuggle into her crib to watch her Tiny Love Soothe n' Grove Tiny Princess Mobile.
 
*I was given a product free of charge for the purpose of providing an honest review. All the opinions and thoughts are my own. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review.

Travelin' With Baby - Farm Rich {Sponsor Spotlight}

When you are traveling long distances with baby Mom needs to have some quick and easy meals available.  Farm Rich sent us some coupons to try their products.  

This summer we traveled 10 days through 9 states and over 3000 miles. After spending over 8 hours in the car with 5 children we decided our first night of traveling that we need a quick and easy meal.  So we found a nearby grocery store and used our Farm Rich coupons to get Farm Rich Mozzarella Bites.  The mozzarella bites are made with 100% mozzarella cheese surrounded by authentic pizza crust. They are bite sized and microwaveable which was actually the kind of meal we needed.


We also chose Mini Pizza Slices The Mini Pizza slices are made with 100% real mozzarella cheese, whole pepperoni slices and classic marinara sauce enveloped in authentic pizzeria style crust.

After microwaving both items, we mixed them all together on one plate and the kids feasted! The kids approved and everyone was happy because after traveling and unloading we had a fast, easy kid friendly meal.  Farm Rich will be giving one lucky reader 2 coupons valued at $6.99 each to try Farm Rich products themselves in the Travelin' with Baby Hop October 10-24th. 





*I was given a product free of charge for the purpose of providing an honest review. All the opinions and thoughts are my own. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review.

Live Clean Baby Review

 




Live Clean Baby sent us a box full of Live Clean Baby products.  We were thrilled be able to take the Tearless Shampoo and Body Wash, Moisturizing Baby Lotion and Diaper Ointment on vacation with us.  As a parent of 5 children the two things I have learned while traveling: 1. The hotel never provides enough bath products for a family of 7.  2. The hotel does not provide products made especially for a baby's delicate skin. 

Live Clean Baby is formulated to put a Mom's worries at ease and gentle enough to be used on baby's and children's delicate skin needs.  Live Clean Baby is free of preservatives used to extend the shelf life commonly known as Parabens and other harsh preservatives, as well as chemicals commonly used to make fragrances last longer or phthalates.  Live Clean Baby  does not use animal ingredients in its formulas. The collection does not use testing on animals, either.

I love the clean fresh smell of Live Clean Baby products and the fact that they are value priced starting at $7.99.  Live Clean baby is available exclusively at Walgreens, the nation’s largest drugstore chain with more than 8,000 stores across the country as well as online at Walgreens.com.

*I was given a product free of charge for the purpose of providing an honest review. All the opinions and thoughts are my own. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review.

#PhantomFluff Cloth Diapers

Curious what the #PhantomFluff Mystery Diaper is?  Attend the #PhantomFluff Twitter Party on 10-4-12 from 9-10 PM ET and then purchase your own #PhantomFluff at Mamas Emporium.

Birthday Bash Blog Hop {ARV $107 Creative Cat Headband & Coastal Contacts glasses}#BirthdayBash

Welcome to the Birthday Bash Hop. The event is hosted by Cincinnati Coupons! Make sure to stop by the other blogs to see what goodies they have in store for you! You can also enter to win the Grand Prizes over at Cincinnati Coupons here!


Creative Cat is giving away a bad hair day headband in black (ARV $10).  You will never again suffer a bad hair day with this cute headband.

 Cheri is the talented Mama behind Creative Cat.  She, also, makes photography props at Creative Cat Photography props here.  She can customize almost anything to your liking.  From hats to headbands, blankets to cocoons and everything in between.

Mama Bucks is giving away a free pair of glasses from www.coastalcontacts.com (ARV $97).  The free glasses include the frame and standard 1.5 index lenses.



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Green Family Giveaway Hop {Knaebean Wool Soaker and Sheepish Grins Lanolin & Wool Wash} #gbgreenfam

Welcome to the Green Family Blog Hop Giveaway where 47 bloggers have gathered together to giveaway some "Green" Family friendly products. 


Knaebean Creations is giving away a Natural Colored 100% Pure Virgin wool paw print soaker in size small (up to 18 lbs). {ARV $20}.









{Front of Soaker}



{Back of Soaker-featuring the paw print} Read my review of the Knaebean Soaker here.  Orders for your own customized soaker can be placed here.


















Mama's Emporium is giving away a trio of Sheepish Grins (including Foaming Wool Wash, Liquid Lanolin and Creamy Spray Lanolin) products in Unscented found here. ARV $7.65.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: Formula Mom, and the Green Family bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that fail to fulfill their prizes.

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Mama's Emporium - September Sales {Sponsor Spotlight}

Mama's Emporium is celebrating baby K's 1st Birthday with some sales.  Mama's Emporium is small business helping Budget-Minded Mamas Find High-Quality Baby Essentials.  How does she do this?  She does it by asking her customers what they would like her company to sell in her Market Research Group on Face book here (stop by and tell her Mama Bucks sent you). Amanda is the darling and ever so helpful mama behind Mama's Emporium.  If you haven't shopped Mama's Emporium for your cloth diapering and Green Family needs.  Now is the time to start! Here are the Birthday specials for the month of September!

Get a party favor with every purchase from www.mamasemporium.com in the month of September!

Kiwi, Mandarin, and Blackberry GroVia Shells are buy 3 get 1 FREE all month long!

Inspired by Finn Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces are on sale!

Teething Bling Chewable Jewelry is on sale!

Mama Marketplace Listings are FREE for the month of September!

• Mama’s Emporium has opened a new re-sale section of the store featuring gently used items!
• More sales will be announced later this month!

*Mama's Emporium will be giving away Sheepish Grins Foaming Wool Wash, Sheepish Grins, Liquid Lanolin and Sheepish Grins Creamy Spray Lanolin in the Green Family Giveaway beginning September 15th.

Phillip Phillips - Home {Our Family's Summer Theme Song}

With this being the first full week the kids are back to school, I can't help but reminisce about the fantastic summer it was.  We took our 1st family vacation in 6 years to the Little League World Series.  In the process we traveled to through 9 states and logged over 3000 miles.  Everyone did fantastic!  We are huge Olympic lovers: Summer or Winter we love it all!  We watched countless hours of the Summer Olympics and then recreated it all in the pool and on our gymnastics mat.  And through it all Phillip Phillips' "Home" became our family theme song. What amazing memories we made and a great reminder why I love this family of ours.  This is where are energy, love and resources belong.

Gutzy Gear Backpack Straps Get Together

We hosted a Gutzy Gear Get Together by MommyParties in August.  What is Gutzy Gear?  Gutzy Gear is a cool new accessory that allows your child to express their style and personality on any kind of school bag.  You attach the Gutzy Gear straps to your backpack, tote, duffle bag or messenger bag.  Then, you decorate those straps with your "Gutzies"(patches) to make your bag totally one of a kind. The kids loved decorating their straps and making them their own!

As part of the party fun we played "Gutzy" bingo and Pin the "Gutzy" on the backpack.  You can find Gutzy Gear online here or at select: Kmart, Office Depot, Shop Rite, Target, Toys R Us and Wal-mart stores.