Overwhelmed

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed lately. I haven't been neglecting my blogs on purpose, and yet somehow they have sat virtually untouched. I have so many things I want to blog about both here and on our adoption blog, but I haven't found the time to do so. What have I been doing?

Well besides playing outside, going on walks, drinking tea, and eating play food, I have been preparing for a birthday party and a baby shower. Whose birthday? My two precious little girls. I can hardly believe they will be three and one! Time truly goes quickly. We are in the midst of figuring out what they will wear, what we will bake (that one is staying a surprise until later), and how we will pull it all off all while taking care of two little adorable girls! I'll keep you updated as we get closer (or maybe I won't if it gets too busy) on the party and I'll definitely take pictures to share!

I bet you are all wondering whose baby shower it is I am planning for then? It's in celebration of my little niece or nephew who is due to arrive in July. I will be throwing my sister an eco-friendly and organic shower for her at the end of May. May is a very busy month for me! I'm so happy to throw her a shower that is unique just like her. I'm looking for a good dessert recipe that goes with the theme of eco-friendly and organic, so if any of you have any, please send them my way!

Lastly, this month I will be taking a few different continuing education classes so that I can keep my Elementary Education license up to date. I worked hard for it and even though I am not teaching now, I may one day want to and I don't want to have to scramble to get my license up to date then.

For now, I'm off but don't forget to enter the NUK Genius Pacifier giveaway (all 15 minutes of it left) and the DevaCurl Travel Pack giveaway. Stay tuned for more great reviews and giveaways to come!

Wordless Wednesday: Looking Up

*This is a sneak peak into the girls birthday outfits. We were trying them on to make sure they fit, thus the tag on Meridian. I just love how she is looking up with adoration at her big sister!

DevaCurl Review & Giveaway

Remember back here when I talked about teaching my daughter to love the curls God has given her? In order to learn all about her curls and taking care of them, I read Curly Girl. In reading it, I found out that 65% percent of women have naturally curly hair, yet most of us hate our curls and try and get our hair to go straight. While reading it, I was struck with the realization that if I want her to love her curls, I need to love my own. It wasn't that I hated mine, in fact to the contrary, I loved them, but just didn't always know how to take care of them so that they were nice. Now I don't have tight curls, but rather naturally wavy hair that I would always curl again with a curling iron, or at times, use a flat iron to straighten. Thus after reading the book, I knew to turn to DevaCurl and wow have I been impressed!

DevaCurl sent me the Deva 3-Step which simplified hair care for curlies into a three step process: Cleanse, Hydrate, Style.

Step 1. Cleanse with No-Poo

No lather = healthier curls. Yes you read that right. I have been "poo free" for about two months now (I started actually not using shampoo a month before I received DevaCurl). Why poo free? Because shampoo produces a lather in your hair but dehydrates it, which is not healthy for any hair types, but especially not curly hair. No-Poo is 100% sulfate free and provides cleansing all while hydrating the hair and scalp. I will admit that at first, I had such a hard time with the thought of not using shampoo in my hair. 20+ years of using shampoo had become ingrained in me and not having lather was super weird. I'll also admit that at first my hair got greasy. This is normal people! You have been stripping your hair of it's natural oils for years while using shampoo so as you work back to getting healthy hair, the oil glands in your hair start working properly again. About half way through my experiment not using shampoo, I got worried and one day broke down and used shampoo. That was the worst decision I could have made. The next day my hair was dry, thin feeling, and brittle. Never again will I do that!

Step 2. Hydrate with One Condition

This daily conditioner keeps curls shiny and manageable while providing maximum hydration for all curl types. One thing I loved about it is the scent! Mmm.....a heavenly lemongrass smell! It left my hair feeling soft and smelling great!

Step 3: Style with AnGel

The best gel I have ever tried! It holds my curls without feeling sticky or gross. It never left my hair feeling hard, yet it still helped with any frizz or fly aways that I had.

My overall thoughts on DevaCurl are that they are high quality products that I believe really helped me take the next step into allowing my hair to go curly. I would highly recommend them to anyone with curly hair! I've also been using them on Zoelle with great results. Here we are together with our wavy/curly hair!

 And if you don't think you have curly hair and that these products wouldn't be worth it to you, think again, you might just have some natural curl hidden after years of straightening.

Buy It!

Realizing that you have curly hair and want to try and unleash your curls? Take the first step and find a retailer near you today.

Win It!

No retailers near you, but you are still dying to try some? You are in luck! The wonderful people at DevaCurl have offered one of my readers a travel pack (containing 3 oz. bottles) of not only the three products I reviewed but also Set It Free.

Mandatory Entry:

First, visit DevaCurl and tell me something about them you learned that I did not mention in my review. Secondly, tell me what kind of curly haired girl you are (wavy, corkscrew, etc.). 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 DevaCurl 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 @jewelsntreasure and @devacurl along with a link to this contest somewhere in your Tweet (1 tweet/entry per day)

5. Become a fan/like of Jewels & Treasures on facebook and leave me a comment telling me you are along with your first name and last initial. (1 entry)

6. Become a fan/like of DevaCurl on facebook and leave me a comment telling me you are along with your first name and last initial. (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, May 1, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. CST!

*Congrats to #2-Alyssa! Enjoy using it on your curly hair!

*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.

Wordless Wednesday: Brushing Teeth

You are 11 months now

Hi Mer Mer,

You are 11 months now! It seems almost unbelievable that we are quickly approaching your first birthday. Is it really possible for you to be one? Sometimes I actually forget that you are that close to being one as you are tiny and oh so quiet.

You did have a language explosion this month in that all of a sudden you started talking non-stop. Everything you see you look at us and say "dat?" meaning "what's that?". We always tell you what it is and then you slowly have learned to repeat things. Your sister at this age said A LOT of words and you are definitely quieter which is different for us, but you still can say quite a bit. I'm sure I've actually forgetten some of what you have said, but here is what I have remembered:

Addie (your Papa and Grandma Lisa's dog), glasses, cat, hot, grandma, mama, dada, doll, all done, you can sign and say eat, you can sign and say sleep (nigh-nigh). But my favorite, oh my absolute favorite is how you say Zoelle! I remember when I was pregnant with you, I told daddy I couldn't wait to see how you would say your big sister's name. Well, this month you have finally done so. Each morning when you wake up, the very first thing you ask me is where Ah-well (Zoelle) is and then when you see her you screech so loud and smile so wide it melts my heart!

You are not walking yet. But, I didn't expect you to be either as Z was a late walker/early talker, so I am expecting the same of you. Of course, you are different, but so far, that seems to be what we are seeing. You have however, just as of yesterday, started squating on the floor. I know that means that fairly soon you will be standing up on your own in the middle of a room. It will make me smile with tears in my eyes because once you walk it's over baby  big girl. You will be big  just like that.

Today though you are still my baby, still little and I'll enjoy you for one more month as my baby girl. I'll hold you just a bit longer and stare at you just a little more because once I blink, that moment will be gone and you will be one.

I love you pumpkin!

Only 1 more month...

Sweet little Z, in only one month you will be 3. Wow! Just wow! It seems like yesterday that I pushed you out after a too many hours to count labor. You are everything I thought you would be and more! You are spirited, spunky, and sensitive. And even though you challenge me at times (which you are suppose to and all being that you are my firstborn), I love you and hope that you never change! Keep your spunk, your spirit, your sensitivity and most of all that sweetness. It's what makes you you, and I like that. Happy last month of being 2 honey!! I'm cherishing every minute because 3 is way too grown up!

Itzbeen Baby Care Timer Review & Giveaway

I was recently given the opportunity to review the Itzbeen Baby Care Timer. I cannot even begin to tell you how useful an item like this would have been had I had this when either of my girls were newborns.

The Itzbeen (pronounced 'it's been'...as in it's been two hours since...). is a multi-purpose tool that helps new parents, remember, learn, and communicate the basic details of baby care. Who am I kidding? It doesn't just help new parents, but I believe it helps second time parents as well. Of course, Meridian is now 10 months old, but that doesn't mean I haven't found this useful (because I have) and I know for sure it will come in handy when we have our third child.

The Itzbeen has four one-touch timers to indicate how long it's been since last...changing, feeding, sleep/awake, and an extra one for whatever you want it to be. Some other great things about it is that it has a soft-glow nightlight (super handy in the middle of the night), an optional timer alarm (to sound once time limit is reached), and a back clip. My two absolute favorite features however are the lock/unlock button so that once a timer is set you can lock it so say, a little 2 year old girl can't change it. :) I also love, love, love the nursing reminder which reminds mom which side baby last nursed from. That alone would make the Itzbeen worth it to me because at the beginning of parenting in those first few days, you have absolutely no idea what you are doing, what you last did, etc. 

Buy It!

Have a baby due soon, or know someone who is pregnant who could benefit from the Itzbeen? Head on over to purchase one today.

Win It!

Wish you could have one, but just can't spend the extra money right now? Well you are in luck, the wonderful people at Itzbeen have been generous enough to give one of my readers their choice of Itzbeen.

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Itzbeen and tell me which color you would choose if you win. 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 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, April 24, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. CST!

*Winner-Congrats to #40-Esther This is the second time Esther has won on my blog! It's always fun to see repeat winners! :)

*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.

Wordless Wednesday: Rockin' The 80's

An Open Addiction

I have an addiction. A rather strong one too. It's so strong that even though I've been feeling for weeks now that I need to blog about it, and even listened to a Bible study about it, I have avoided doing so. Finally tonight, I blog about it in hope that once it is public, I can be held accountable for my addiction.

It all started back in June, only a month after Meridian was born. I took the girls to our local parade which is  always a highlight of my year. Typically they throw candy out at parades and this year was no different. Now I am NOT a candy person. Sure I will have a candy bar here or there, but sweets do not generally appeal to me.

That is why my addiction would almost be comical, were it not just that, an addiction. I sat on the side of the road as all the cars, firetrucks, etc. drove by throwing candy and then someone threw out this:

Yes my dear blog readers, I am addicted to Tootsie Rolls! Laugh all you want because at first I did too. That is until I realized that I was buying (or having Chris) buy big bags of them once a week. 400 Tootsie Rolls in one bag and I would take only about a week or two to go through it. Of course Chris would have some here or there, and ultimately Zoelle got some as well, but I did *gulp* eat the majority of them. At $5 a bag, it hasn't been a wise use of our money either! I have a pit in my stomach just reading that. Yuck!

Seriously, it grosses me out thinking of all the things in Tootsie Rolls that aren't good for me, yet somehow, over time, it has become an addiction. At first it was only a handful here or there, but then it evoloved to me eating them every time I was stressed or upset.

In my mind, I've tried to justify and rationalize my addiction and I've been known to say thing like, "Well, at least it's not as bad as eating a candy bar everyday!". Yet it is! It's not healthy, it's fake, and I am well...addicted! Or I have found myself saying, "I can go for weeks without any, so I'm not addicted." And while that is true, as many weeks (or sometimes a month), I'll go without any, I always come back to them when I am stressed.

As silly as it is, somehow I don't think that is where God wants me to go when I'm stressed. I know each of us struggle with our own private addictions and the best way to break them is to get them out in the open. To be held accountable for our actions. Even just writing this out has made me seriously think about the amount of nasty corn syrupy filled Tootsie Rolls I have eaten and money I have wasted!

So, I'll start...I'm Vanessa and I'm addicted to all things Tootsie Rolls!

Your Turn: Do you have an addiction that is hidden? Silly or serious? I'd love to hear about it and how you've gotten over it if you are willing to share.

As for me, I am slowly going to rid myself of my addiction. I know from past experiences, that getting rid of them cold turkey will not help. So I will slowly limit myself (with Chris' help) and get rid of them. Already, I think just writing this and reading this has made me not want to touch another Tootsie Roll ever!

Bebe Au Lait Double Reversible Bib Review & Giveaway

When I first heard of Bebe Au Lait's Double Reversible Bib that is four bibs in one, I thought it was absolutely too good to be true. However I am a huge fan of Bebe Au Lait and knew that it would definitely be worth a try. Our current bibs are old and the velcro on them had gone bad so they didn't even stick anymore.

One of my absolute favorite parts of this bib are the magnets. They are perfect in that they are easy to use and work wonderfully using either side of the bib. They aren't too weak that a child can pull it off, yet the bib wasn't too tight on my girls either. Plus being able to use this bib four times before having to wash it is wonderful! Who wouldn't love less laundry?!?

On top of that, the bibs are absolutely beautifully made and are pure quality. Plus, they are incredibly cute. See

Buy It!

Want one of these incredible reversible bibs? If so, go to Bebe Au Lait and buy one for $16 today. Definitely worth the money invested!!

Win It!

Bebe Au Lait has been so generous to offer one of my readers a Double Reversible Bib of their choice.

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Bebe Au Lait and take a look around at all of the different patterns and come back and tell me which one you would choose if you win. 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 Bebe Au Lait 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 @jewelsntreasure and @bebeaulait 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 Bebe Au Lait 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 Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. CST!

*Congrats to #58-Esther-Hope you enjoy the bib just as much as we have!

*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.

Sick Girls

I have been noticibly quiet this week. So quiet that the many blog reviews and giveaways I have to do, haven't gotten done. I apologize for that. If you are a company waiting on me to do a review, please accept my apologies. My girls have gotten sick this week and I haven't gotten anything done. Tonight alone, both girls have been awake more than Chris and I could probably count. We are running back and forth to each of them constantly. We have been so blessed this year in that over the winter neither of our girls got sick. However, this cold has really hit them hard. I am praying it is over with quickly and we can get back to normal around here. I hate seeing them sick and knowing there is not much I can do about it. Pray for peaceful sleep tonight and a quick recovery for them. I want to see these smiling faces again!

Wordless Wednesday: A Day At The Park

I'm no longer "that" Christian

Sometimes I don't feel very Christian. As much as I want to be the "perfect" Christian, I know I'm not. Not only do I not feel Christian, I often don't act Christian.

For instance, today is Easter and while I would love to say I spent the whole day focused on Christ and what He did for me, because of me, I know that realistically I did not. Don't all gasp now, come on and admit that many times, we all fake it . I know I have and I'm not proud of it, yet I still often do.

We "Christians" go around with smiles on our faces and declare that we are doing great, praise God. Yet, all the while many of us are broken inside, hiding in our sin, living one life at home and another at church. How many of us have been screaming at our kids only for the phone to ring and we quickly change our voices to a happy hello? How many of us get in that fight with our husbands right on the way to church and then somehow when we walk through those church doors, we grab for our husbands hand and we act like we have the perfect marriage. All in the name of Christianity.

I've been guilty of it and I'm sick of it. I don't want to be that Christian. That Christianty is the one in which non-Christians are turned off. Oh how sad I am to know that those around me have looked into my life from afar (or possibly even close-up) and decided not to follow Him because of me. Because I chose to fake it rather than be real. Because ultimately my pride, my shame of exposing me was too great of a price.

I don't want to be that Christian anymore. The one who goes around pretending things are perfect. Who says, "bless you" and "hallelujah" just for the sake of looking Christian. Instead I want to be real. For God sees me, He knows what goes on in my home, He knows every thought my mind has and knows the direction of my heart.

To admit that I've failed, I've faked it, I've sinned is not wrong. It's why He died for me. It's going to take guts at times to not fake it, to be real at home and in public, but I'm broken and I want to no longer be that Christian.

How about you? Would you like to quit faking it and show others around you the real you?

Label Daddy Review

We are quickly approaching Zoelle's 3rd birthday. It's an exciting time in our life, but being three also brings about big changes. One thing Chris & I have been talking about a lot is whether or not we will put Zoelle into preschool one day a week for school this year. We haven't made an official decision yet, but if we do send her to school I have found some awesome labels to label all of Zoelle's things with.

Label Daddy is a company that sells labels for clothing, camp, and school, along with many other uses. They are microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and washer/dryer safe. I did a bit of a test with the dishwasher and my label came out looking exactly as how I put it in. Pretty amazing as our sippy cups go with us everywhere and I want to make sure her name isn't falling off of it, or we aren't losing her sippy. Another great thing about the labels is that they are laminated. This comes in extremely handy when you are using lotions, sunscreens, etc. Thus the label is smudge free and very easy to read.

Zoelle loves cupcakes, so when choosing from the available icons we knew she would love the cupcake. The cherry on top is an added bonus that has provided many fun conversations with us about how cupcakes have a cherry on top just like her label on her sippy does! :)

Buy It!

Looking to get some labels for your child who is going to school in the fall? Or how about some fantastic labels to label all the camp items your child will bring to camp? If so, head on over to Label Daddy and make sure you use the code SUMMERFUN to save 20% off your order. Shipping is only $5.95 to anywhere in the US or Canada, so it is a fantastic deal!

*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.