Sweet Art by Elizabeth

I'm so excited about this review.  Sweet Art by Elizabeth was a huge part in finding out the sex of our second child.  I would love everyone to know about her.

Once Elizabeth and I started talking about our upcoming party, I got to know just how  nice and talented she really is.  She was super easy to talk to, to come up with ideas together, and creative.  We were planning a party to find out the sex of baby #2 in a unique way that I originally saw on 19 Kids and Counting.  They had a cake made with the colours pink or blue on the inside to find out if they were having a girl or boy, and I loved that idea!  I couldn't wait to finally get pregnant and copy it, and Sweet Art was the 1st and only place we turned to.

We held out party Sunday May 15th 2011, and had our family and friends join us.  Jayla got to run around, snuggle with her grandparents, show off her puppy, and get spoiled as our only child for a little bit longer.
We all munched on some food to make the anticipation stretch out, had everyone write their name on the boards saying weather they thought girl or boy, and then finally cut the cut with everyone watching.

We decided that we would have a 2 tier square cake, with the top being either blur or pink on the inside, and the bottom cake being chocolate because I'm a chocoholic :-P
I let Elizabeth decide how to make the cake look and go with the flow.  She iced it smoothly in a white buttercream icing, added blue and pink dots, ribbons, and yellow balls to keep it gender neutral and keep everyone guessing.   The top had tiny little baby shoes. An added special touch was the sparkles to make it glitter.    The top cake had the white buttercream icing filling, and the chocolate cake had a chocolate pudding filling.

The room was so quiet and filled with suspense.  We let our daughter Jayla do the 1st cut, since she is going to be a big sister for the 1st time, and we want her to feel as included in everything we do as usual.  She made that cut that let just enough colour out to have everyone in the room gasp, and be totally surprised, the cake is blue!  That means a little baby brother for Jayla in September.  I immediately started crying, John could not hold his excited face back any longer, my Mom also started to cry.  The room was filled with smiles, and excitement.  Jayla was and still is unsure of what that actually means for her, and what's to come.  lol

I am so glad we had this party and found out the sex of nugget #2 with those that are closest to us.  I couldn't imagine doing it any other way now.
We are so thankful to Sweet Art by Elizabeth for working with us and making us a cake that would change our lives.  

Sweet Art by Elizabeth is located in Niagara Fall Ontario.  They make cakes for ALL occasions.  Weddings, Corporate, Special Occasions, Cup Cakes, and anything in between!  She also works on local charities, and contributed to our last Mom to Mom Sale.  If you feel you have an opportunity for her, chat it up with her.  She is very friendly, you won't be disappointed. 
Visit Elizabeth online at http://www.sweetart.ca/ and find them on Facebook.

Here are some more examples of her amazing work.

Baby Gourmet Review & Giveaway

I was recently sent an All Stage Sample Pack of Baby Gourmet baby food to try out on J. These are made with 100% organic ingredients.  They come in this super cute and fun for kids packaging.  The packaging also has a double duty, working hard for parents to make sure you can get every last drop of goodness, and also that it's BPA free, and come on, your kids are going to love squeezing their food out.

They come in 3 stages.  Stage 1 is simple purees for 6+ months, Stage 2 is yummy combos for 7+ months, and Stage 3 is tasty textures for 8+ months.

In the All Stage sample pack J received, it contained:

• 1 pouch of Stage 1 Orchard Apple, Carrot & Prune
• 1 pouch of Stage 1 Juicy Pear & Garden Greens
• 1 pouch of Stage 1 Harvest Pear, Pumpkin & Banana
• 1 pouch of Stage 2 Baby’s Sweet Potato Pie
• 1 pouch of Stage 2 Apple Sweet Potato Berry Swirl
• 1 pouch of Stage 2 Roasted Squash & Fruit Medley
• 1 pouch of Stage 3 Vanilla Banana berry Risotto
• 1 pouch of Stage 3 Tropical Banana Bliss
• 1 pouch of Stage 3 Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

Her favourite seems to be the Harvest Pear, Pumpkin & Banana.  I let her decide which one she would like to try based on the pictures.  She likes bananas, so it was expected by me to be her choice.  I gave it a try as well, and it tastes just like what it says. Yummy.   She really had fun getting to slurp out of the pouch itself.  She felt like a big kid, but also got to decide how much food she wanted at a time, and likes squishing, because, every kid loves to squish ANYTHING...lol 

Each pouch comes with a recyclable screw on lid, so you can re close it if your nugget will want to come back to it soon.  These are great for your diaper bag or purse, you never know when a hungry cranky kid will attack. Taking up way less room than a jar, and because it's packaging is adaptable making them fit into smaller spaces.  These are yummy and fun so your little nugget is going to think this is a treat, and you're going to love the healthy goodness getting into their growing body.  They can slurp it right out of the pouch itself if they're a little older, and enjoy it, or you could put it into a bowl and spoon feed.  They can be served straight out of the cupboard,  cold out of the fridge, or served warm (do not heat in package).  Each pouch contains 128 ml (2 servings)

The packaging is going to keep that yummy goodness fresh on your shelf for 15 long months!  So keep these on hand just in case a snow storm happens.  That's just like keeping canned goods in your cupboard, but know that these are way healthier, contain no added salt, sugar, thickeners, fillers, and are delicious.  You might even catch yourself taking a taste or two.  I mean you wanna know what your precious cutie is eating.

With so many of these baby foods some of them taste, ummmm, like butthole.  Don't people ever think that babies/children deserve a healthy food that also tastes good.  It seems that lots of people are forgetting that these young ones are also people, and come on, they're not going to be eating something that makes them gag.  Just because they don't know what they're missing doesn't mean they don't have taste buds.  At Baby Gourmet they make sure to do just that.  Give you want you want to feed that sweet little child, while also making sure the one eating is is happy and excited to eat.  This makes feeding time so much easier, and not so much of a chore.

As an added benefit to you, each pouch has loyalty points. Just set up an account and track down the points from the back of your pouch. Just to let you know how many points you can get, when ordering a sample pack you will get 600 points for ordering online.  These will add up fast!  Read more about their loyalty program here.

There are so many great flavours to choose from.  I would suggest feeding your nugget foods 1 at a time to rule out any allergies before trying mixed foods.  J was allergic to cow's milk, peanuts, and tree nuts for the 1st  2  years of her life.  She had to carry an epi-pen everywhere we went just in case.  You never know if there might be an allergy there.   Everyone is different.  Then once you know they can handle the foods in certain pouches, you can introduce them. Knowing very well you're doing it the safest way possible.  


I think Baby Gourmet is a great addition to any parent's food list.  They are super healthy, very yummy, fun, and enjoyed by kids.  Also a little side note, from looking at my pics of J you can see Baby Gourmet isn't just for babies.  These are great for toddlers and older kids as well.    

Win It

Baby Gourmet is giving one of my readers their very own All Stage Sample Pack 

Mandatory Entry

Like Baby Gourmet on Facebook and show them some love :-)

Extra Entries-Must complete mandatory entry for these to qualify. Each entry separate-post links to all blog/status changes by you.  Each count as one entry unless specified.  If it counts as 2 please post 2 separate entries.  Please leave your email or make sure it's in your profile,other wise I will have no way of contacting you.  Good Luck!  

1.  Visit their online store, and let me know a flavour you'd love to try from Baby Gourmet 

2.  Tell me what your favourite feature(s) are of Baby Gourmet

3.  Change your facebook status and tag Baby Gourmet in it.  Can be done daily-post link back here 2 Entries

4.  Blog about this giveaway.  Can be done daily-Please post link back here  2 Entries      

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This giveaway is open to  Canadian residents.  Closes March 24th 2011 at 11:59pm Eastern.  MUST complete mandatory entry for all entries to count.  

Peekaboo Bottoms Review & Giveaway

   
Peekaboo Bottoms is a natural parenting store located in Welland Ontario Canada.  They make it easy to shop, you can go into their store front, do phone orders, or go online.  Peekaboo Bottoms offers a wide variety of modern, organic and environmentally friendly items for moms, babies and toddlers.  I can honestly say a large selection of products we have bought for J we've gotten here.  
   
Amy started up Peekaboo Bottoms back in 2007 when she had a hard time finding cloth diapers and environmentally friendly baby items in the Niagara Region.  And boy has she expanded.   Starting out as an online store in 2007, opening her 1st store in 2008, and recently expanding again to a huge store in 2010.  
   
If you had to ask how many things I've gotten from Peekaboo Bottoms, my invoices would be super long!  They sell all the brands we love for diapers-FuzziBunz, bumGenius, and Flip.  They carry our favourite wet bag-Planet Wise, the most stink proof wet bag I've ever come across.  They sell amazingly durable and attractive diaper bags.  Nursing bras that still make momma feel hot, low cost pregnancy and ovulation tests.  They offer a wonderful mix of classes open to the public.  Great quality toys for our nuggets, which takes us to my review.  






J got to review the Melissa & Doug Animal Stamp Set.  She had so much fun!  This was her 1st ever stamp set.  I knew she would love this set because she LOVES animals.  Any kind, she adores them.  

Sorry for the glare, you'd think I'd take the wrapper off 1st eh

The Pros
-Nice chunky stamps, great for you little's one's hands
-Super cute animals, that actually look like the picture on the stamp!
-The ink is washable!!
-It helps teach your children about animals
-It's a good value for your money
-Who doesn't love wooden goodies for the kids




The Cons
-The box is made just the right size to house the stamps, which is great for packaging, BUT when your nugget is trying to take stamps out, or put them back in, with the rubber it is a sticky situation
-Since it's such a tight fit, you get ink on all the tops of the stamps (you can wipe it off) and on the actual box, which you can't wipe off.
-I found the pencil crayons pretty light, which is great because it makes it possible to see the stamp through the colours, but they are very faint.

J having tons of fun!

All in all I'm super glad this made it into our house.  This is a great way to help teach animals to your nuggets.  They can tell you their names, what sounds they make, and if they're older where they usually live.  J loves this, and has used it many times since she took it home.  I like how the animals actually look like what the stickers looks like. I know that's the 2nd time I've said it, but come on, anyone with kids and stamps knows how they usually hardly look like the actual stamp.  
  

Buy arts and craft supplies from peekaboo Bottoms

Buy It

Clementine Art - Natural Crayon Rocks

Melissa & Doug - Palm Stampers - Pink

Melissa & Doug - Vehicles Stamp Set

Melissa & Doug - Vehicles Stamp Set

VALENTINES DAY SALE  On Monday February 14th ONLY (online or in store) you'll be able to enjoy 15% off any brand of RED, PINK or WHITE CLOTH DIAPERS. Additionally you'll be able to save 10% off any PINK ICE or BLUSH coloured Bravado Bra! Details will be posted on the HOME PAGE of our website a couple days prior with coupon codes (if applicable).  Win It Peekaboo Bottoms is giving one of my readers a $15 gift voucher to spend at their store. Mandatory Entry Like Peekaboo Bottoms on facebook. Extra Entries-Must complete mandatory entry for these to qualify. Each entry separate-post links to all blog/status changes by you.  Each count as one entry unless specified.  If it counts as 2 please post 2 separate entries.  Please leave your email or make sure it's in your profile,other wise I will have no way of contacting you.  Good Luck!   1.  Visit their online store, and let me know another thing you'd love to try from Peekaboo Bottoms. 2.  While checking out Peekaboo Bottoms leave a review on a product you have tried before (Can be done daily-post link back here) 2 Entries 3.  Change your facebook status and tag Peekaboo Bottoms in it.  Can be done daily-post link back here 2 Entries 4.  Blog about this giveaway.  Can be done daily-Please post link back here  2 Entries       5.  Publicly follow ABC's of Life 6.  Change your facebook status and tag ABC's of Life in it.  Can be done daily-post link back here 2 Entries 7.  Subscribe to ABC's of Life 8.  Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post.  Can be done daily 9.  Like ABC's of Life on Facebook 10.  Grab my button-post link where I can find it  2 Entries 11. Follow ABC's of Life under NetworkedBlogs  2 Entries                                                 This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents.  Closes March 7th 2011 at 11:59pm Eastern.  MUST complete mandatory entry for all entries to count.

ROCKin' GREEN Review & Giveaway!

So as most of you know, we're a cloth diapering family.  It comes with happiness, and a little bit of sadness to say that we no longer use diapers, well we do at bedtime.  So that means very few diapers to wash.  I am a huge ROCKin' GREEN advocate, it has saved J's bum from some rashes-which she was always prone to.  So what can I wash with it now, ...ummm everything and anything!!

Lots of people hear about how awesome ROCKin' GREEN is on cloth diapers, well guess what, it's also wicked on anything else you could want to wash.  My example for this review is my band new puppy Toby's beds, and blanket.  Even  though he's new, and you would think how dirty could they be with only 2 weeks under their belt,..let me tell you.  He is still peeing in places he shouldn't such as those beds.  He doesn't actually sleep in them, hence he doesn't get the whole you don't sh*t where you sleep or eat :-P hahaha

These beds had pee stains, the smelled horrible.  I had actually just washed them a couple of days ago, but he peed in them again.  We also have 4 cats, so at any point in the day there could possible be 5 animals in either of these beds, so they get dirty.  As you can see from the dirty dirty water, ROCKin' GREEN was working it's magic.  Pulling all the yuckies right out of it.  ROCKin' GREEN had sent me 3 sample packs to do my review.  I picked hard rock (because I'm not sure what kind of water we have) and Rage Against the Raspberries, because it's my favourite :-)

I rocked a soak for a couple of hours while I was finishing up some of our other laundry.   It was long enough to get all the stinkies out, the stains out, and freshen everything up.  I couldn't even put the cover on his one bed fast enough before Toby and J were snuggling in it.    SO glad it was clean! lol  Since Toby has joined us, J has been in too many pee snuggles...ewwww.  Next on my list is our duvets, also another pee zone.  I can't wait until our new puppy is "potty trained".  

There are so many reasons why people go gaga over it.  It works great in a top loader or front loader.  We all know there is a big difference.  They've got a formula for everyone, from soft rock to hard rock, even an Ammonia Bouncer for cloth diapers.    They make a smell that will satisfy anyone, seriously, tons of scents to pick form.  They also have unscented.   Also, let's not forget about their great customer service!  So many companies seem to forget this part once they get big, and without friendly, honest, and helpful staff, a company is nothing in my opinion.  They are truly there for you, to help solve any issue you may be having, to giving you tips.

Rockin’ Green features:
- Dye free
- No fillers
- No enzymes or optical brighteners
- 100% Phosphate free
- Vegan
- Great for sensitive skin
- Easy rinsing formula
- Approved for military use
- Works wonders on microfiber stink
- Perfect for cloth diapers
- HE compatible
- Reusable packaging
- Great for all water types
- Economical at .13 cents a load!

All nice and clean, awaiting the next pee

Buy It

Vsit ROCKin' GREEN's website and take a look around.  You will find multiple formulas and a never ending list of scents.  If you're not sure which formula or scent if for you, they sell sample packs for .75 cents!  You can bundle up to save even more!  

Win It

The lovely ladies behind ROCKin' GREEN are giving one of my readers the chance to win their very own bag (45/90) in their scent and formula of choice.  

Mandatory Entry

Like ROCKin' GREEN on facebook, remember to say hi and thank you for the giveaway!  They love your facebook love.  -Post it in the comments section

Extra Entries-Must complete mandatory entry for these to qualify. Each entry separate-post links to all blog/status changes by you.  Each count as one entry unless specified.  If it counts as 2 please post 2 separate entries.  Please leave your email or make sure it's in your profile,other wise I will have no way of contacting you.  Good Luck!                           

1.  What formula and scent will you pick if you won? Visit their site to find out

2.  Change your facebook status and tag ROCKin' GREEN in it.  Can be done daily-post link back here 2 Entries

3.  Blog about this giveaway.  Can be done daily-Please post link back here  2 Entries

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5.  Change your facebook status and tag ABC's of Life in it.  Can be done daily-post link back here 2 Entries

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Open to US & Canada.  Closes February 16 2011 at 11:59 pm eastern.  MUST complete mandatory entry for all entries to count.  

Kahava Review & Giveaway

What is Kahava?  It's a travel bag for both men and women of any age.  It's great for any activities where you wouldn't want to wear a backpack or carry a purse.  It fits tight against the body making your personal belongings safer.  No more worrying your cell phone has fallen out of your pocket when you sit down.

These come in a variety of colours to make sure you find one that suits your tastes.  I picked Bare Grey for my colour choice and was very impressed when it showed up. You can really see the attention to detail they take while making these.  The inner of the shoulder is reinforced, making sure it will be a long lasting purchase.  You can fit your cell phone, and iPod.  If you're like me and you're a parent you can really take advantage of being hands free, while still being able to carry around things you need.  Such as keys, soothers, and snacks.

I would love for someone to send me a tummy tuck for review, but no one has :-P  so I opted to have the hubby model it for me.  He said it was very comfy, and would be great to wear while at work.  He would have a place to keep his pens and pencils, papers (he is a quality inspector)  and anything else small he doesn't want to leave at his desk or locker.

Kahava comes in 3 different sizes, making sure you get the right fit.  It has hook-and-loop fasteners letting you decide how snug or loose you want it to fit, depending on your activity.  2 hidden pockets on the inner lining so you can keep your valuables such as money, credit cards, and license.  Each attached pocket is attached by hook-and-loop and a buckle, making sure the pockets holding what you treasure are kept on.  

We all know how hard it is to find things not made in China, especially handmade.  Kahava  is handmade in the U.S.A!  On top of that each one comes with a 2 year guarantee.  If that doesn't show you their commitment to making quality products, I don't know what does.  

They have added an interchangeable passport pocket that you can replace any of the hook-and-loop compartments with.  This will make traveling so much more relaxing, knowing where your airline tickets and passports are at all time, not digging through the bag where you thought you put them into, no need for a racing heart rate.  Peace of mind for only $5.00

Buy It

Visit Kahava and browse their colours and sizes.  They range from $19.99 - $24.99.  

Win It

Kahava is generously giving one of my readers their very own "sash" You will be able to pick between Red, Grey, Black or Purple, UCLA or ASU.  This is open to CAN & US and includes shipping.  Closes February 8th 2011 at 11:59 pm.

Mandatory Entry-Post in the comments section  

Like Kahava on facebook and tell them what colour would you pick

Extra Entries-Must complete mandatory entry for these to qualify.  

Each entry separate-post links to all blog/status changes by you.  Each count as one entry unless specified.  If it counts as 2 please post 2 separate entries.  Please leave your email or make sure it's in your profile,other wise I will have no way of contacting you.  Good Luck!

1. Change your status on facebook and tag Kahava in it (can be done daily)  2 Entries

2.  Blog about the giveaway -Can be done daily 2 Entries

3.  Publicly follow ABC's of Life

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8.  Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post.  Can be done daily
9.  Who would you like to win this for?
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Look Who's Growing Review & Giveaway

   If you have a little one at home there are some major milestones.  With every doctor visit you are reminded of how much they're growing, as they get older the visits become farther spaced, and we miss all those little details.   Keeping up to date on our nugget's height is something every parent is curious to keep track of.  Look Who's Growing wants to make it easier for you.  They make great quality long lasting growth charts.  These are definitely not an eye soar in your child's room.  You will be displaying it proudly, and your child will be encouraged to use it.  You can pick from over 30 different designs and colours and personalize it with your child's name and birth date.  You can even add a picture of the sweet little one you have using this chart.  That's something that would just make your child feel special, kind of like a super star.  Having their name and birth date on there is also a great way to familiarize them on the spelling of their name along with their date of birth.   Each chart is available in 2 widths, 6  or 12 inches.

I picked the Giraffe for our growth chart.  Instead of getting J's name and birth date on it, I had a few sayings and let her select the winning one to be printed.  She chose "Watch me grow".  I wanted to make sure if we have another child that it can be used on them as well, plus I loved having a saying on it that would make her excited and say "Watch me grow"   It was super easy to install, and comes with instructions in the box.  Just measure 2 feet from the ground and secure the top.  All we had in the house was nails, and that did the job for me.  If I can do it, anyone can.



Look Who's Growing is located in Toronto Ontario Canada.  I love Canadian businesses, and watching them succeed.  This is an alternative to keeping track on the walls in your house, you can keep this and bring this with you whenever you move.  You can never have a child accidentally erase it, or colour over it.  You can pass this down to your grandchildren, to show Mommy/Daddy's growing spurts.  This is truly a keepsake.

Coupon Code-Look Who's Growing  is offering readers of ABC's Of Life a great coupon code.  Enter ABC15 for 15% off.  That's some great savings on a great quality product!  Good until January 31st

J seeing how tall she is

J very proud to have this on her wall, we like giraffes as you can see :-)

             

Buy It

Visit Look Who's Growing,  and pick from their 26 available designs.  Almost every design lets you customize the colours.  Pick from 6 or 12 ", decide to add a picture or not, and select your child's name and date of birth. Charts range from  $34.99 and up, depending on size, and personalization of a photo.  Don't forget to use the above coupon code to save 15% :-)

Win It

Look Who's Growing is giving one of my readers their very own personalized 6" chart (photo additional charge)  Giveaway ends February 8th 2011 at 11:59pm.  Open to CAN & US

Mandatory Entry-post in the comments section

Like Look Who's Growing on facebook and let them know which design you would pick if you won.

Extra Entries-Must complete mandatory entry for these to qualify.  

Each entry separate-post links to all blog/status changes by you.  Each count as one entry unless specified.  If it counts as 2 please post 2 separate entries.  Please leave your email or make sure it's in your profile,other wise I will have no way of contacting you.  Good Luck!

1.  Who would you like to win this growth chart for?
2.  Change your facebook status and tag Look Who's Growing in it.  Can be done daily-post link back here 2 Entries
3.  Blog about this giveaway.  Can be done daily-Please post link back here  2 Entries
4.  Publicly follow ABC's of Life
5.  Change your facebook status and tag ABC's of Life in it.  Can be done daily-post link back here 2 Entries
6.  Subscribe to ABC's of Life
7.  Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post.  Can be done daily
8.  Like ABC's of Life on Facebook
9.  Grab my button-post link where I can find it  2 Entries
10. Follow ABC's of Life under NetworkedBlogs  2 Entries

Close up to show you the texture, sorry about the glare :-(