Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
NUK Bundle Of Joy Sweepstakes & Genius Pacifier Giveaway
Win It!
Go enter into the NUK Bundle Of Joy Sweepstakes and come back here and tell me you did, and you will be automatically entered into my contest of winning a NUK Genius Pacifier in the size of your choice!
Winner will be chosen at random from random.org Winner has 24 hours from being contacted to respond, or else a new winner will be chosen.
*US Only Please. Sorry! :(
Contest ends Friday, April 30, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. CST!
*Winner is #4-Congrats Bethany!
*I received no product or monetary compensation for this post. I just feel blessed to be able to give one of these away to one of my readers! :)
Winner will be chosen at random from random.org Winner has 24 hours from being contacted to respond, or else a new winner will be chosen.
*US Only Please. Sorry! :(
Contest ends Friday, April 30, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. CST!
*Winner is #4-Congrats Bethany!
*I received no product or monetary compensation for this post. I just feel blessed to be able to give one of these away to one of my readers! :)
Monday, March 29, 2010
Adoption Update
I know some of you may have been wondering about our adoption and as much as I'd love to talk more about it here, I don't because that is why I created our adoption blog. However, being that this is our family blog and this child will be a part of our family I do want to talk quickly about it here. We were matched with a birthmom who was due at the end of March, and that placement fell through. You can read more about it On Our Hearts as I am blogging many of my hurts and struggles through it.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Kidorable Review & Giveaway
Spring! Glorious Spring! We are so excited that this past week, we finally experienced Spring. Not just on the calendar, but it is noticed in the weather too! Since the state we live in gets lots of snow, when Spring comes, the snow melts and is replaced with a muddy mess. That muddy mess can be just fine for someone without kids, but for us, with two little girls and a mom who is a neat freak, mud is a bit too much!
My problem was solved however when a few weeks ago, Kidorable sent me some super cute rainboots and a raincoat to review! Not only was I thrilled to have a solution to the melting, muddy mess the snow was causing, but Zoelle was enamored with them.
Cute right? I loved everything about them. They fit perfectly, they were high quality, and of course cute! The only thing I didn't love about them is that being that they are made out of PVC, they had the "plasticy smell". That might go away with time, and I'm honestly not sure if one could have rain gear without that smell.
Buy It!
Want to surprise your little one this Spring with some great rain gear? Head on over to Kidorable today and order anything you could possibly need for outdoor rainy fun!
Win It!
Kidorable has very generously offered to give one of my readers their choice of umbrella to enjoy!
Mandatory Entry:
Visit Kidorable and tell me which umbrella you would choose if you won. Please do me the favor of making sure you leave your e-mail address in the comment if it is not visible on your profile. (1 entry)
Extra Entries:
1. Follow me on google friend connect and leave a comment telling me you are. (1 entry)
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. (1 entry)
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. (1 entry)
3. Follow Kidorable on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. Hint: if you follow them, you will receive a special code for a free umbrella. (1 entry)
4. Tweet about this contest making sure you include @jewelsntreasure and @kidorable and link to this contest somewhere in your Tweet (1 tweet/entry per day)
5. Become a fan of Jewels & Treasures on facebook and leave me a comment telling me you are a fan. (1 entry)
6. Become a fan of Kidorable on facebook and leave me a comment telling me you are a fan. (1 entry)
That's It!
Winner will be chosen at random from random.org Winner has 24 hours from being contacted to respond, or else a new winner will be chosen.
Contest ends Sunday, April 4, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. CST!
Congrats #8- Andrea, I hope you enjoy it! :)
Congrats #8- Andrea, I hope you enjoy it! :)
*The featured product(s) in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.
*The umbrella is an umbrella we won from a different blog and decided to get it matching so she completely matches and is just plain ole adorable!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
My mom always said...
that one day, she hoped I had a child just like me...
and I did.
She is stubborn, but I pray for the stubborness to be a blessing in her life. May she use it to stand firm in what she believes.
She is serious, but I pray that in her seriousness, she is becoming astute and intuitive to the world around her.
She is smart, but I pray for her intelligence to be used wisely for God.
She is silly and spirited, but I pray for the silliness to give her a light-hearted view of life and the spirit to uplift those around her.
She is special and sweet, and on days when I feel frustrated, upset, or discouraged in parenting her, I remind myself that God is using each of these characteristics to grow her, to mold her, to form her into the woman she will one day become...just like me.
and I did.
She is stubborn, but I pray for the stubborness to be a blessing in her life. May she use it to stand firm in what she believes.
She is serious, but I pray that in her seriousness, she is becoming astute and intuitive to the world around her.
She is smart, but I pray for her intelligence to be used wisely for God.
She is silly and spirited, but I pray for the silliness to give her a light-hearted view of life and the spirit to uplift those around her.
She is special and sweet, and on days when I feel frustrated, upset, or discouraged in parenting her, I remind myself that God is using each of these characteristics to grow her, to mold her, to form her into the woman she will one day become...just like me.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wordless Wednesday: Snuggles With Papa
*Wordless Wednesday is in honor of my dad's birthday this week. A picture of him with his little one.
Gro Egg Review & Giveaway
Our girls share a room together upstairs in what is essentially our attic. In the winter, it tends to be very cold up there, and in the summer, it tends to get super hot up there. Our heating/cooling system hasn't been the greatest as the forced air just isn't strong enough to go up there. We solved the heating problem by buying a portable fireplace, and we will solve the cooling problem this summer by installing an air conditioning unit.
Recently, I was sent the Gro Egg which is a super cool color changing digital room thermometer. Room temperature is vital in creating a safe sleeping environment for your baby and should be maintained at 61-67°F to help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
I am super excited that I now know with just a glance at the color of the egg if the room is too hot or cold, and can adjust accordingly. It's that easy! This is definitely a product that I will not be without for many years to come. Another bonus is that it is super light weight and easy to travel with.
Buy It!
Visit Keen Distribution and purchase a Gro Egg today. It has provided me with a better sense of peace so that I know the girls are sleeping at the optimal temperature.
Win It!
The amazing team at Keen Distribution has been so kind to offer one of my readers a Gro Egg to use in your house.
Mandatory Entry:
Visit Keen Distribution and tell me where you will use the Gro Egg in your house. Please do me the favor of making sure you leave your e-mail address in the comment if it is not visible on your profile. (1 entry)
Extra Entries:
1. Follow me on google friend connect and leave a comment telling me you are. (1 entry)
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. (1 entry)3. Tweet about this contest making sure you include @jewelsntreasure and a link to this contest somewhere in your Tweet (1 tweet/entry per day)
4. Become a fan of Jewels & Treasures on facebook and leave me comment telling me you are a fan. (1 entry)
5. Follow Keen Distribution on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. (1 entry)
That's It!
Winner will be chosen at random from random.org Winner has 24 hours from being contacted to respond, or else a new winner will be chosen.
Contest ends Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. CST!
*Congrats to #9: Kathleen-Hope it gets lots of use in your sons room!
*Congrats to #9: Kathleen-Hope it gets lots of use in your sons room!
*The featured product(s) in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.
Friday, March 19, 2010
CSN Stores Ju Ju Be Be Light Giveaway
I recently posted that I would be doing a CSN Stores Giveaway very soon on my blog. Well, the week has flown by and it is here! I hope you all got a chance to check out all the incredible items that CSN Stores offer. As I said before, I was completely blown away and overwhelmed with all the choices of items to give away to you. However, when it came down to it, I decided to reward one of you with an item that I am familiar with and that I currently use and love myself.
The Ju Ju Be Be Light Diaper Bag is more than just a diaper bag. It can be used as a purse, a library bag, a dance bag, or anything else you want. The great thing about it is that it is light and it is reversible (thus you have two bags in one). Plus Ju Ju Be goes above and beyond in their quality, customer service, and styles. I know because I am a huge follower of all things Ju Ju Be and have never had a bad experience. One of the best things about this bag is that it is machine washable. As a mom, wouldn't you love to have a machine washable diaper bag?
Buy It!
I am extremely excited to see that CSN Stores carries a variety of Ju Ju Be Diaper bags as I am always looking for another place to shop.
Win It!
I am giddy with excitement at the thought that one of my readers gets the chance to win one of these amazing bags from the generous people at CSN Stores!
Mandatory Entry:
Go to CSN Stores and tell me which Ju Ju Be Be Light you would pick if you won. I know, I know, it's a tough decision as they have some gorgeous bags. Thus, why I am letting you pick what fits you best rather than having me pick for you. Please do me the favor of making sure you leave your e-mail address in the comment if it is not visible on your profile. (1 entry)
Extra Entries:
1. Follow me on google friend connect and leave a comment telling me you are. (1 entry)
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. (1 entry)
3. Tweet about this contest making sure you include @jewelsntreasure somewhere in your Tweet (1 tweet/entry per day)
4. Become a fan of Jewels & Treasures on facebook and leave me comment telling me you are a fan. (1 entry)
5. Just for fun: Which other Ju Ju Be bag would you buy from CSN Stores if money were no object? (1 entry)
That's It!
Winner will be chosen at random from random.org Winner has 24 hours from being contacted to respond, or else a new winner will be chosen.
Contest ends Friday, March 26, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. CST!
Winner: #80-Tammy congratulations! I have sent you an email! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Winner: #80-Tammy congratulations! I have sent you an email! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
*I received no product or monetary compensation for this post. I just feel blessed to be able to give one of these away to one of my readers! :)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Sleep Update
As many of you know we have been working on Meridian's sleep for the past week. It was not an easy decision for us to come to, yet one that we really felt necessary for our sanity and especially for our marriage.
The first night was horrible! Probably more so for me than for her, but none the less, it was awful. I cried right along with her and sent my hubby in to her every five, ten, fifteen minues so that my heart would possibly break less. At the end of two hours, all was silent and for once she fell asleep on her own. It should be noted that we consistenly checked on her and Meridian is not a "crier" meaning not screaming to the point of not breathing. Instead she just whimpers off and on. We realized after that first night that we missed her bedtime by a couple of hours that night, thus why it took her so long to fall asleep. The next night was only a half hour of crying. The following twenty minutes. Tonight, maybe ten.
We finally feel that we are getting some time together at night without having to rush to her crib, pick her up, and rock her to sleep. She is still struggling a bit with waking up between eight and midnight, but is learning how to put herself back to sleep if she does.
Our next step will be night weaning, but I am in no rush really to do that, as I let Zoelle do that pretty much on her own right after she turned a year old. I am curious how I should do it though when we do get there? Right now, and this is a first for me to admit on my blog (as I've always held back out of fear of criticism), when Meridian wakes up at night, we bring her to bed with us and co-sleep the rest of the night. That is a decision we came to after I was just way too exhausted to get up, go nurse, and come back to my bed at night. I would find myself falling asleep in the rocking chair, and not getting any sleep at night. The parital co-sleeping has worked well both times with both of our girls. We effortlessly transitioned Zoelle to sleeping on her own completely at a year. However, I think for Meridian it might be just a bit harder. I would really like her to be sleeping thru the night at or around a year. So if any of you co-sleepers, or partial co-sleepers out there have any ideas, I would welcome them!
Thank you to everyone for the advice, love, and prayers. Keep praying!!
The first night was horrible! Probably more so for me than for her, but none the less, it was awful. I cried right along with her and sent my hubby in to her every five, ten, fifteen minues so that my heart would possibly break less. At the end of two hours, all was silent and for once she fell asleep on her own. It should be noted that we consistenly checked on her and Meridian is not a "crier" meaning not screaming to the point of not breathing. Instead she just whimpers off and on. We realized after that first night that we missed her bedtime by a couple of hours that night, thus why it took her so long to fall asleep. The next night was only a half hour of crying. The following twenty minutes. Tonight, maybe ten.
We finally feel that we are getting some time together at night without having to rush to her crib, pick her up, and rock her to sleep. She is still struggling a bit with waking up between eight and midnight, but is learning how to put herself back to sleep if she does.
Our next step will be night weaning, but I am in no rush really to do that, as I let Zoelle do that pretty much on her own right after she turned a year old. I am curious how I should do it though when we do get there? Right now, and this is a first for me to admit on my blog (as I've always held back out of fear of criticism), when Meridian wakes up at night, we bring her to bed with us and co-sleep the rest of the night. That is a decision we came to after I was just way too exhausted to get up, go nurse, and come back to my bed at night. I would find myself falling asleep in the rocking chair, and not getting any sleep at night. The parital co-sleeping has worked well both times with both of our girls. We effortlessly transitioned Zoelle to sleeping on her own completely at a year. However, I think for Meridian it might be just a bit harder. I would really like her to be sleeping thru the night at or around a year. So if any of you co-sleepers, or partial co-sleepers out there have any ideas, I would welcome them!
Thank you to everyone for the advice, love, and prayers. Keep praying!!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
And so it begins...
Our first official night of sleep training begins tonight. I have to blog to get my thoughts off of her little cries. I really, really, really am not a cry it out fan, but at this point it is getting ridiculous the amount of time that we have to hold and rock her at night to go to sleep. I don't mind if she wakes up in the middle of the night to nurse, but not going to bed for hours at night is not good for her, or for us. So it begins...
I did my research first, made sure she wasn't teething, and she is not sick. She is ten months old this week and just started talking a lot (blog post to come later about that). So after many prayers and talking about it with her and each other, we decided it was time. Please don't judge me or criticize me for doing the CIO approach. I used to think it was horrible too, but we just can't keep doing this and we have tried everything with her to no avail. Trust me it hurts my heart to do this, literally kills me. My only consolation in all this is to know that holding/rocking her wasn't helping her either to fall asleep at night as she would just cry then too, so I know she is just fighting sleep in general.
I found the Sleepeasy Solution and am praying that it only takes about 3 days like the book says. I don't know if my heart can handle more. I also have no idea how I am going to do this on my own. I probably won't be able to stick to it at naps as Chris won't be here to comfort me. But at least nighttime is a start, right?
Have any of you ever had to sleep train? How long did the crying last if you did?
My heart is breaking for her. Please, please, please say a prayer for both her and I.
I did my research first, made sure she wasn't teething, and she is not sick. She is ten months old this week and just started talking a lot (blog post to come later about that). So after many prayers and talking about it with her and each other, we decided it was time. Please don't judge me or criticize me for doing the CIO approach. I used to think it was horrible too, but we just can't keep doing this and we have tried everything with her to no avail. Trust me it hurts my heart to do this, literally kills me. My only consolation in all this is to know that holding/rocking her wasn't helping her either to fall asleep at night as she would just cry then too, so I know she is just fighting sleep in general.
I found the Sleepeasy Solution and am praying that it only takes about 3 days like the book says. I don't know if my heart can handle more. I also have no idea how I am going to do this on my own. I probably won't be able to stick to it at naps as Chris won't be here to comfort me. But at least nighttime is a start, right?
Have any of you ever had to sleep train? How long did the crying last if you did?
My heart is breaking for her. Please, please, please say a prayer for both her and I.
Flower Duet Review & Giveaway
I am so very happy that finally it has warmed up enough around here that most of the snow is melted. Melting snow means we are so close to Spring and Spring means flowers! I love flowers! When we were dating, Chris would often get me flowers and I loved them. I still do and he still will surprise me with some from time to time.
Now, it is well known in my home that I am no flower arranger. I tend to just find a vase and throw the flowers in and call them good. That is until my handsome hubby gets home and does a beautiful arrangement. That is all about to change now though as I was sent a flower arranging DVD from Flower Duet.
Some of the things shared in the DVD are:
*They go through various flowers and greens and share how to pick out the best ones at a florist.
*How to condition your flowers before arranging them.
*How to clean them so they look nice & clean in a vase.
*Creating a centerpiece.
*How to make a bridal bouquet.
*How to make a tall organic bouquet
After watching it, I am so thrilled to try my hand at flower arranging this spring and summer!
Go to Flower Duet and buy the European Wrap Bouquet DVD for $29.95. I definitely think it is worth the price for beautiful lifelong flower arrangements. If you are planning a special event and want to save money and do your own flowers, it is even better!
Win It!
The generous sisters who own Flower Duet have offered one of my readers their very own do it yourself DVD.
Mandatory Entry:
Go to Flower Duet and check out the Floral Design Picture Gallery and then come back here and comment about which one is your favorite bouquet. Mine is pictured above! Please do me the favor of making sure you leave your e-mail address in the comment if it is not visible on your profile. (1 entry)
Extra Entries:
1. Follow me on google friend connect and leave a comment telling me you are. (1 entry)
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. (1 entry)
3. Tweet about this contest making sure you include @jewelsntreasure somewhere in your Tweet (1 tweet/entry per day)
4. Become a fan of Jewels & Treasures on facebook and leave me comment telling me you are a fan. (1 entry)
5. Become a fan of Flower Duet on facebook and leave a comment telling me you are a fan. (1 entry)
That's It!
Winner will be chosen at random from random.org Winner has 24 hours from being contacted to respond, or else a new winner will be chosen.
Contest ends Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. CST!
Winner: #15-Congrats Button and Bows! Hope you can use it for your daughter-in-law's wedding!
*The featured product(s) in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.
Now, it is well known in my home that I am no flower arranger. I tend to just find a vase and throw the flowers in and call them good. That is until my handsome hubby gets home and does a beautiful arrangement. That is all about to change now though as I was sent a flower arranging DVD from Flower Duet.
Some of the things shared in the DVD are:
*They go through various flowers and greens and share how to pick out the best ones at a florist.
*How to condition your flowers before arranging them.
*How to clean them so they look nice & clean in a vase.
*Creating a centerpiece.
*How to make a bridal bouquet.
*How to make a tall organic bouquet
After watching it, I am so thrilled to try my hand at flower arranging this spring and summer!
Buy It!
Go to Flower Duet and buy the European Wrap Bouquet DVD for $29.95. I definitely think it is worth the price for beautiful lifelong flower arrangements. If you are planning a special event and want to save money and do your own flowers, it is even better!
Win It!
The generous sisters who own Flower Duet have offered one of my readers their very own do it yourself DVD.
Mandatory Entry:
Go to Flower Duet and check out the Floral Design Picture Gallery and then come back here and comment about which one is your favorite bouquet. Mine is pictured above! Please do me the favor of making sure you leave your e-mail address in the comment if it is not visible on your profile. (1 entry)
Extra Entries:
1. Follow me on google friend connect and leave a comment telling me you are. (1 entry)
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. (1 entry)
3. Tweet about this contest making sure you include @jewelsntreasure somewhere in your Tweet (1 tweet/entry per day)
4. Become a fan of Jewels & Treasures on facebook and leave me comment telling me you are a fan. (1 entry)
5. Become a fan of Flower Duet on facebook and leave a comment telling me you are a fan. (1 entry)
That's It!
Winner will be chosen at random from random.org Winner has 24 hours from being contacted to respond, or else a new winner will be chosen.
Contest ends Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. CST!
Winner: #15-Congrats Button and Bows! Hope you can use it for your daughter-in-law's wedding!
*The featured product(s) in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Skin MD 20% Off Discount Code
Remember my post raving about Skin MD Natural Shielding lotion? Hoping to get some of your own, but didn't win the giveaway? Well, the amazing people at Skin MD have offered my readers a special discount just for you.
Head on over to Skin MD and enter the code JEWELS and it is good for 20% off all purchases at Skin MD. This code expires 30 days from now so make sure you buy what you need now.
I would love to know if you do buy something and what you got! I will for sure be purchasing their Skin MD Natural + SPF15 to use this summer.
Head on over to Skin MD and enter the code JEWELS and it is good for 20% off all purchases at Skin MD. This code expires 30 days from now so make sure you buy what you need now.
I would love to know if you do buy something and what you got! I will for sure be purchasing their Skin MD Natural + SPF15 to use this summer.
Friday, March 12, 2010
CSN Stores Giveaway Coming Soon!
Recently CSN Stores contacted me about doing a giveaway for my readers from one of their amazing sites. I have been completely overwhelmed (in a good way) with all they have to offer on their sites. They have anything from housware items, to luggage, to kids furniture to choose from. Seriously, go check them out and you will see what I mean about being completely overwhelmed with all of the incredible items they sell!
So be on the look out in the near future for a wonderful giveaway from CSN Stores. If you happen to find something that catches your eye, let me know and maybe, just maybe I can give that away! :)
So be on the look out in the near future for a wonderful giveaway from CSN Stores. If you happen to find something that catches your eye, let me know and maybe, just maybe I can give that away! :)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Mama Again
I get to be mama again!! No, I am not pregnant, but we are adopting!! After close to two years in the adoption process, we are finally matched with a birthmom!! Woohoo. Head on over to our adoption blog more if you want to find out the details and so you can be in prayer. I'm sure you will be hearing a lot on here in the coming weeks, but for now, all the details will be on there.
Thanks for the prayers and encouragement everyone!!
Thanks for the prayers and encouragement everyone!!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Good Nite Lite Review & $100 Think Geek Gift Certificate Giveaway
Being that we are on the topic of sleep here on my blog, I thought I would introduce you to the Good Nite Lite. What exactly is it? It is a programmable nightlight that helps establish healthy sleep/wake cycles for your children.
Now as I have said before, going to bed is not a problem for Zoelle. In fact, I think she actually looks forward to it. She also is an excellent sleeper at night and typically doesn't wake up until eight in the morning. However, lately, we have had some issues with her both not falling asleep right away or also not sleeping until eight. I know I shouldn't complain right? I have tons of friends who have told me over the last few years that I am beyond blessed to get her to sleep in that late. And I know I am! It's just when you get so used to sleeping in until then and all of a sudden you have a certain little two year old singing at the top of her lungs at seven in the morning, you are tired, and it's not so fun! Thus, I found Think Geek and the Good Nite Lite.
When we first got it and showed it to Zoelle, she was thrilled to finally have a nightlight in her room. I'll admit, this thing is not very pretty. But her room is dark, very dark and I've always wanted her to have a nightlight, plus it works on sleep training, so I thought why not give it a try? Plus she loves the corelation between the sun and the moon.
How it works is pretty simple. You set the time on when you want your little one to go to sleep and wake up in the morning. You also take the time to explain to them that when the moon is on, it means quiet and to sleep.
When the sun is on, you may get up. Pretty simple to use and simple for a toddler to understand.
I am pretty sure you are all wondering if it worked to help Zoelle to sleep again until eight? The answer is that some days it does, and others it doesn't. I think if we had started this a year ago when she was one, she would have absolutely no problem sleeping in until eight every morning. The thing with Zoelle is that she is too smart! One morning as she was singing/talking/playing at 7:30 a.m., I quickly ran up the stairs and told her that the moon was still on so she has to stay sleeping. What does she tell me? "No, no, no mom! The sun isn't on the nightlight, but it is outside so I can be up now!". Yep, that smart! :) One positive is, that she does seem to realize that if the moon is on, she must be quiet even if she is awake.
Now as I have said before, going to bed is not a problem for Zoelle. In fact, I think she actually looks forward to it. She also is an excellent sleeper at night and typically doesn't wake up until eight in the morning. However, lately, we have had some issues with her both not falling asleep right away or also not sleeping until eight. I know I shouldn't complain right? I have tons of friends who have told me over the last few years that I am beyond blessed to get her to sleep in that late. And I know I am! It's just when you get so used to sleeping in until then and all of a sudden you have a certain little two year old singing at the top of her lungs at seven in the morning, you are tired, and it's not so fun! Thus, I found Think Geek and the Good Nite Lite.
When we first got it and showed it to Zoelle, she was thrilled to finally have a nightlight in her room. I'll admit, this thing is not very pretty. But her room is dark, very dark and I've always wanted her to have a nightlight, plus it works on sleep training, so I thought why not give it a try? Plus she loves the corelation between the sun and the moon.
How it works is pretty simple. You set the time on when you want your little one to go to sleep and wake up in the morning. You also take the time to explain to them that when the moon is on, it means quiet and to sleep.
When the sun is on, you may get up. Pretty simple to use and simple for a toddler to understand.
I am pretty sure you are all wondering if it worked to help Zoelle to sleep again until eight? The answer is that some days it does, and others it doesn't. I think if we had started this a year ago when she was one, she would have absolutely no problem sleeping in until eight every morning. The thing with Zoelle is that she is too smart! One morning as she was singing/talking/playing at 7:30 a.m., I quickly ran up the stairs and told her that the moon was still on so she has to stay sleeping. What does she tell me? "No, no, no mom! The sun isn't on the nightlight, but it is outside so I can be up now!". Yep, that smart! :) One positive is, that she does seem to realize that if the moon is on, she must be quiet even if she is awake.
Buy It!
Have an early riser and want him/her to sleep in past five in the morning? I definitely think it could work! Go to Think Geek and buy it, try it, and please let me know if it worked for you.
Win It!
Want a chance to win your own Good Nite Lite, or any number of items on Think Geek? The VERY generous people at Think Geek are giving one of my readers a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to spend on anything they want at Think Geek.
Mandatory Entry:
Go to Think Geek, have a look around, and come back here and tell me what you would buy with your $100 Gift Certificate. Please do me the favor of making sure you leave your e-mail address in the comment if it is not visible on your profile. (1 entry)
Extra Entries:
1. Follow me on google friend connect and leave a comment telling me you are. (1 entry)
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. (1 entry)
3. Follow Think Geek on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID.(1 entry)
4. Tweet about this contest making sure you include both @jewelsntreasure and @thinkgeek somewhere in your Tweet (1 tweet/entry per day)
5. Become a fan of Jewels & Treasures on facebook and leave me comment telling me you are a fan. (1 entry)
6. Become a fan of Think Geek on facebook and leave a comment telling me you are a fan. (1 entry)
That's It!
Winner will be chosen at random from random.org Winner has 24 hours from being contacted to respond, or else a new winner will be chosen.
Contest ends Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. CST!
*Congrats to #155 Tina Reynolds! I hope you enjoy! :)
*Congrats to #155 Tina Reynolds! I hope you enjoy! :)
*The featured product(s) in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.
I want my husband back!
Sigh...I am angry, frustrated, and sad tonight. I want my husband back! Each night we pretty much go through the same routine with the girls. Bath (if it is a bath night), brush teeth, pajamas, some nights we read one story, we always sing four songs, and then we say two prayers (yes two, Zoelle has to say one and we say the other according to her). Anyway, then Zoelle hops into her bed, calms down pretty much right away and goes to sleep. Which leaves us with Meridian. I love Meridian, but man am I frustrated with her and her sleep!
I nurse her before bed and then typically go downstairs and leave her with Chris while I either blog or workout. Chris ends up rocking her anywhere from 5 minutes to tonight an hour and a half and he is still up there! Yes you read that right! I want him back! Seriously, we had a movie all planned out tonight, but instead I am all mad down here and frustrated that he isn't with me but instead working with her to sleep.
I don't know what to do. I am typically anti-cio (cry it out) but at this point, it is hurting our time together and so I am ready to cave. I'm in tears as I so want her to go to sleep like her older sister always did as a baby. Instead I struggle all day to get her to nap (as she still only sleeps in her car seat or my arms for a nap) and then struggle at night to get her to go to sleep. Once she is asleep, she is pretty good. Once again, it's just getting her there takes hours (up down, up down) some nights.
I feel like we have tried everything, but it is all to no avail. I'm asking my blog readers for prayers first of all, and secondly for any advice you can give me. I will be honest and tell you that the crying it out approach is really not me, but I am open to hearing anything at this point.
Signed,
Sleepless in Jewels & Treasures
I nurse her before bed and then typically go downstairs and leave her with Chris while I either blog or workout. Chris ends up rocking her anywhere from 5 minutes to tonight an hour and a half and he is still up there! Yes you read that right! I want him back! Seriously, we had a movie all planned out tonight, but instead I am all mad down here and frustrated that he isn't with me but instead working with her to sleep.
I don't know what to do. I am typically anti-cio (cry it out) but at this point, it is hurting our time together and so I am ready to cave. I'm in tears as I so want her to go to sleep like her older sister always did as a baby. Instead I struggle all day to get her to nap (as she still only sleeps in her car seat or my arms for a nap) and then struggle at night to get her to go to sleep. Once she is asleep, she is pretty good. Once again, it's just getting her there takes hours (up down, up down) some nights.
I feel like we have tried everything, but it is all to no avail. I'm asking my blog readers for prayers first of all, and secondly for any advice you can give me. I will be honest and tell you that the crying it out approach is really not me, but I am open to hearing anything at this point.
Signed,
Sleepless in Jewels & Treasures
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Wordless Wednesday: Soft Baby Curls
I love these curls and am determined to give her a healthy mindset about having curly hair, so I am reading Curly Girl and learning to set my wavy hair free and work with her curls.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Seventh Generation Review & Giveaway
I admit I am kind of a freak when it comes to making sure my house is picked up and clean. Drop by uninvited and I won't panic because my house is normally always clean. Or at least it has the pretense of clean. The deep cleaning normally only happens every two weeks. Otherwise I keep my house picked up and presentable. My house was truly in need of a good cleaning this week, and my mother-in-law (whom I absolutely adore by the way) was coming to babysit on Friday, so on Thursday I got to clean. I certainly didn't want her thinking I don't keep a clean house, so I had to clean even though my husband reminded me I just did so a little over a week ago.
Now I don't mind to clean, but with two little girls, I am finding it harder and harder to have the time to do so and I often dread it. Not this week! You see Seventh Generation recently sent me a Living Home Starter Kit which included:
With all of that, who wouldn't be excited to clean? Not only is it natural cleaning supplies, but they work just as well as my chemical filled supplies and they don't smell nasty either. I was literally so excited I breezed through cleaning and my house looked just as nice afterwards as it does with my regular cleaning supplies. Plus when I was done, I could neatly tuck all of my cleaning supplies in the reusable tote and store them nicely in my basement. I think I'm in love and may be cleaning much more than I normally do because of it!
Now I don't mind to clean, but with two little girls, I am finding it harder and harder to have the time to do so and I often dread it. Not this week! You see Seventh Generation recently sent me a Living Home Starter Kit which included:
*Natural Shower Cleaner
*Natural Kitchen Cleaner
*Natural Glass & Surface Cleaner
*Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner
*Natural Tub & Tile Cleaner
*Natural All Purpose Cleaner
*Natural Paper Towels
*Reusable Tote
With all of that, who wouldn't be excited to clean? Not only is it natural cleaning supplies, but they work just as well as my chemical filled supplies and they don't smell nasty either. I was literally so excited I breezed through cleaning and my house looked just as nice afterwards as it does with my regular cleaning supplies. Plus when I was done, I could neatly tuck all of my cleaning supplies in the reusable tote and store them nicely in my basement. I think I'm in love and may be cleaning much more than I normally do because of it!
Buy It!
Needing some new non-chemical cleaning supplies that work excellent? Head on over to Seventh Generation to buy them or see if a store near you carries them.
Win It!
Feeling jealous of the kit I received and want your own? Well here is your chance!
Mandatory Entry:
Go visit Seventh Generation, look around and come back and tell me one product that you would love to try! Please do me the favor of making sure you leave your e-mail address in the comment if it is not visible on your profile. (1 entry)
Extra Entries:
1. Follow me on google friend connect and leave a comment telling me you are. (1 entry)
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. (1 entry)
3. Follow Seventh Generation on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. (1 entry)
4. Become a fan of Jewels & Treasures on facebook and leave me comment telling me you are a fan. (1 entry)
5. Become a fan of Seventh Generation on facebook and leave a comment telling me you are a fan. (1 entry)That's It!
Winner will be chosen at random from random.org Winner has 24 hours from being contacted to respond, or else a new winner will be chosen.
Contest ends Monday, March 8, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. CST!
*Winner: #5-Ecky! Congrats and enjoy!
*Winner: #5-Ecky! Congrats and enjoy!
*The featured product(s) in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.
