Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Awesome 80's!!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

If you've ever been around my hubby you know he's obsessed with 80's music. When I saw the Jammy Jams new CD "Eighties Babies: Awesome '80s Go Lullaby," I jumped at the chance to check it out. It was one of those times I knew he'd be excited when he saw what came in the mail!! These are available on iTunes, on Amazon (mp3 download or CD), and on their website linked directly below.

Nolan has his own iPod (of course our old 1st generation one!) and it's hooked up to speakers in his room. Normally it plays the sound of a vacuum cleaner to him all night long but I decided to give him a treat and let him hear some fun jams. These songs are instrumental and so many of the great classics we ALL know and love. Two of my favorite tracks are In The Air Tonight (originally by Phil Collins) and Private Eyes (originally by Hall & Oates). Nolan asks me every night to sing to him... poor kid has no idea how terrible I really sound. Now I have some new ideas and don't have to keep singing him the "Hush Little Baby" song I make up random lyrics to! I sing the lyrics as the instrumental only versions play in the background.

I'm probably completely wrong on exactly which instruments I've been hearing but the songs are composed with not just the traditional choices of guitars and bass. I heard what I thought was bells, xylophone, and more making it very dream like and relaxing.

If the 80's aren't your thing, I feel sorry for you Jammy Jams has some other fun titles and one is bound to be your style.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Friday Farm Fun

The boys and I went with our awesome moms group to a local farm for a tour and hay ride. I took Nolan here when he was 2 but we haven't been since. Jacksonville Carriage Company is always such a blast.

Here is Nolan today and almost 2.5yrs ago. He's pretty good at model pouty poses!!

Carter was scared the moment he got out of the car. A calf moo'd at him and it went downhill from there. I managed one picture without him being worn in my arms but that was it.

Brotherly Love!!

After we explored the petting farm area we all loaded up and drove around the farm on a huge hayride. This isn't some short jog but a nice and long trip around the farm. It culminates with a cow and horse feeding frenzy. Words just don't do justice to the giant cow heads... and tongues.. that invade your space and for a piece of bread. My kids were cautious but most others were giggling and in hysterics. 





Here are some more shots from the day!!







Sunday, March 16, 2014

Beach must have...

Haha totally not my picture but no watermark or way to figure out where it originally came from. I just love this and it's my favorite (and ONLY) use for disposable diapers!!!







I'd love to link back to the original creator so if it's you send me a message or comment!

Monday, March 10, 2014

Zumbini Dance Fun!

Our moms group had a demo class with a fun Zumba for kids, Zumbini,  instructor today. The instructor, Jenny, is a ball of energy and great at getting the kids motivated and moving. I took a 6 week Zumba class myself and was so uncoordinated. This wasn't a problem at all for the kids because of course it's all about fun and feeling the music.

Nolan hates classes and if I tell him he's going to one he whines and says no. I have no idea why but the idea of a class is scary to him. He likes free play and free movement and not having the structure I guess although he loves actual school and classes. He loved today's demo. He ran out of our last try which was a karate class but today he was all about it. Check out my little movers and shakers!!



Free Dance Time!


Groovin' Nolan!



Haven Series Book Review

Disclosure: I received this product as part of an advertorial.


I'm a fan of reading books which allow you to escape from your own life and explore another world. I'm not really into reading books that mimic my own life. Reading is an escape for me. Haven Books 1 and 2 did just that! I definitely can't do magic nor do I have awesome hidden family secrets.

Book 1 is a quick read (technically a Novella I think?) that introduces you to Sam, a typical teenage boy, and his single mother and sister. Not everything in his life is as ordinary as it seems and the family secret begins to be revealed. Book two jumps right in where one left off and gives you a bigger glimpse into Haven. Can't wait to read on and actually experience some story that takes place in Haven. Although it's the title of the books, the actual world of Haven is just introduced in the books and little action takes place there yet. Based on the Book two ending, book three will be in Haven! This series reminds me of The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. If you enjoy those books be sure to check our D.C. Akers!!

Both books quickly captured my attention and kept me wanting to read more. I put the kiddos to bed and stayed up entirely too late reading on my kindle app.

I finished book two today and now can't wait to buy three once it comes out!!  Want to read these great books for yourself? Leave a comment below with your favorite genre of books and I'll randomly draw a winner on 4/3 to receive a digital copy. Don't worry you don't need to own a Kindle or Nook to read digitally. If you haven't tried it before, Kindle has an app (free) and there are others such as OverDrive and iBooks. I love reading on my phone because it's ALWAYS with me.

Directly from the publisher:


Haven Series Collection (Books 1 & 2)

A Stranger Magic (Book 1):
Sam Dalcome thinks he is so completely average that no one ever notices him. Until he discovers a mysterious stranger outside his home. Bewildered, he tries to uncover the stranger’s intentions. But Sam is sidetracked when he and his friend Travis discover a secret passageway deep in the town’s quarry that leads to a hidden cavern. What they uncover next will not only change their lives forever, but will uncover the first clue to a deadly Dalcome family secret. Sam finds himself drawn into a world of mystery and magic he never knew existed, which brings him closer to a destiny he never knew was possible.

Revenge of the Viper (Book 2):
The Great War of Haven ended thirteen years ago but Alisa Dalcome is about to discover that the war did not end for her. Placed on Earth as a sleeper agent for the Majesty of Haven, Alisa had one objective—protect the portal keys at all costs. After barely escaping the caves Sam begins to piece together the past day’s events when he stumbles onto his mother’s secret past. With the clues mounting, Sam must dig deeper to uncover the truth that could change his life forever. Can Sam uncover the truth in time or will his mother’s past collide with the present placing them all in grave danger?


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Doodle Pants Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. 




I'm always looking for cute and fun new clothes that BOYS can wear too. When I got the chance to check out a Doodle Pants outfit I jumped at it! The leggings and sweatshrt came yesterday and Carter was already wearing it today. Besides him being called a girl, it was ridiculously adorable! I loved the trendy chevron and polka dot prints that accompanied the monster booty. I couldn't help but send out texts of him in his monster get up first thing this morning.



The leggings kept him nice and warm on our cold Florida day! These are perfect for fast diaper changes and even for new crawlers. They protect the legs without being burdensome.

I found that they tend to run a bit small so if you're thinking of ordering between two sizes I say size up. Want to try a pair out yourself?? Enter our giveaway below and share with a friend.

Here's my four year old (32#) in the same outfit.



a Rafflecopter giveaway
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Monday, March 3, 2014

The Perfect Bib Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I recently got the chance to try out a new innovative made in America bib called the Perfect Bib. It's a versatile bib designed to do so much more. The Perfect Bib is made of EcoPUL which is solvent free. It can be worn as a normal bib, have the bottom portion snapped up to form a pocket and collect any messes, be attached to the table topper portion for a large clean eating surface, and more!

I love supporting local small business that gives back to their community. The Perfect Bib is made in America and created and owned by a small FL business. 


Let's talk table topper. I always forget to bring either my bib or a clean table topper when we go out to eat. With the Perfect Bib you have both in one! the table topper can even be used as a changing pad in a pinch and disconnects or easily velcros onto the bib portion.



Want to win one to try out yourself?? Enter our giveaway below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Disney Side Party



We got to show our #DisneySide last week. What a blast.  Check out when we opened our box in my previous post.



 
Even Mickey joined the party.

Mom why are my toys on the table?
We celebrated all things Disney with some great themed snacks and fun with friends. To put our fun ESPN cards to use we asked the children if they could be magical like Disney (#DisneyMagic), what would their magic powers be? The answers were quite cute!




Flying Magic

What's your #DisneyMagic??