Safe Sleeping Tips {& the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper}

Disclosure:  I was provided with product for review, however all opinions are my own.  I seriously love this thing.

One of the baby items I was more excited to use with Sam, was this HALO® Bassinest™ Swivel Sleeper Essentia Series.  I was kind of panicking towards the end of my pregnancy because a bassinet was one of the last things we needed to get - and since we planned on having him sleep in our room for the first few months, it was pretty essential.  But everything I looked at just didn't seem good enough.  We have a high bed and our room is kind of small, so we didn't have much space to work with.  It was proving to be a challenge.

But then I heard about this new Bassinest.  I hadn't seen anything like it before, and after looking into it further it seemed to be the answer for us!

It's very sturdy.  My husband put this together and it didn't take him long at all, however once you have it where you need it.. hopefully you won't need to move it.  It's heavy!  It has a sleek design and isn't bulky.. it fits nicely in the small space on my side of the bed.  The height is adjustable and it has a 360 degree swivel, so you can put it up next to you on the bed if you wish.  The mesh sides are safe and nice so you can be face-to-face with your baby while you're sleeping.  There's one storage pocket on the end - perfect for storing a few diapers and wipes for those midnight changes.  And one of my favorite things about this - the retractable side wall.  The side wall easily pushes down so you can get your baby out with ease while you're still in bed.  It's recommended for babies up to 5 months or 20 lbs (maximum of 30 lbs), so I know Sam will be getting some use out of it for a while!

I've also been loving their SleepSacks.  Sam won't sleep unless he is swaddled, and the SleepSack helps me get a nice and snug wrap on him.. which helps him to sleep longer.  Longer sleep for him equals longer sleep for Mama.. longer sleep for Mama equals happiness all around!

As a friendly reminder, here are some tips for a safe sleeping environment...

ALWAYS

• Always use a crib or bassinet that meets the current safety standards - with a firm mattress and is covered with a tight-fitting sheet.  
• Remove all toys, loose blankets, bumpers, pillows, etc, from the sleep area.  Use a wearable blanket if needed.  
• Always place a baby to bed on his or her back.
• Offer a pacifier when putting baby to bed.

NEVER

• Never dress your baby too warmly for sleep.
• Never allow baby around any smoking or smoky area.
• Never put baby to sleep on any soft surface such as a sofa, plush blanket/surface, etc.

You can find and follow HALO via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Google+, and YouTube.

Just Born for Baby {review}

Clara was my difficult baby for the first month or so of her life.  And she hated to be swaddled.  She hated being contained.  After I figured that out, I never tried very hard to swaddle her again - honestly, I wasn't very good at it to begin with.

As a second-time mama.. I prayed and hoped my child would enjoy being swaddled.  Having a toddler who no longer naps.. and a newborn who I desperately need to take good naps.. I would try just about anything for him to take a nice long snooze.  I got smart and looked into the Deluxe Swaddle by Just Born, already knowing I wasn't the greatest at swaddling.   I still have a hard time getting a good enough swaddle with a regular muslin blanket, he always seems to houdini his way out.  This particular swaddle blanket is perfect for those mama's who aren't the greatest at swaddling - there's no shame in that.. we can't all be good at everything!  But Sam instantly stops crying when I wrap him up in this.  It's practically houdini-proof.  ;)

A few things I love about the Deluxe Swaddle?

It's easy to use!!  It comes with instructions on both arms-in-swaddling and arms-out-swaddling, and though it may look a little intimidating.. I promise you it's not.  It comes with cradle support for the baby's head and neck, provides tummy support, and allows for healthy hip movement while swaddled.  It's a good feeling to know that my baby boy is not only comfortable while he's wrapped up in the Deluxe Swaddle.. but he's also safe.

The thing is kind of like magic.  He really does stop fussing once I put him in it.. it gives me at least a few minutes of peace and quiet.  ;)  And I mean really.. look how cute he is in it...

Ju-Ju-Be Bags {review}

So Ju-Ju-Be has some pretty awesome diaper bags, but they have other cute bags as well!  I received The Legacy Starlet (in the Duchess pattern) and the Legacy Be Set (also in the Duchess pattern) from them a few weeks ago and I was so excited when they arrived!  I chose the Legacy Starlet, which is similar to a small duffle bag, because I wanted to use it as my hospital bag for when I had to head out for baby boy's arrival.  I'm happy to say that when I had it all packed up, everything fit in there so nicely!  It's just the right size - it would also be perfect to pack for a weekend getaway.  It has an Agion treatment, which protects the bag and inhibits odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew.. so it would also be great for a gym bag!

Also.. can I just say.. as a mom, I LOVE that these are machine washable.  It makes life so easy.  Not only that, but it's made with a Teflon fabric protector that helps repel stains - so it's tough and durable.  It has an outside zip pocket that makes it easy to grab the most important things quickly (phone, wallet, etc).  Plus, it's cute - and who doesn't like to be cute?  It's easy to carry and I received a lot of compliments on it while I was in the hospital!

I also received the Legacy Be Set, which is a set of three different sized bags/wristlets.  I love these because I can use these as my "purse" and throw them into my diaper bag so I can easily find my things vs. the baby things.  And again, these are machine washable - yes please!  They're also easy to just grab and go, if you're heading out for a night with friends.  I love that Ju-Ju-Be's bags are so versatile.

Clara had to jump in the photo with me.. and how could I say no?  She's just too cute.  :)

Have any of you owned a Ju-Ju-Be bag?  What one do you have, and what do you think of it?

I received two Ju-Ju-Be products in exchange for my review & opinion.  

Earth Mama Angel Baby {review}

When it comes to your baby (and you!), there are so many different products to choose from these days... and so many of them that have harsh chemicals added.  It's hard for me to think about putting those things on such delicate baby skin.

I was gifted with the Big Push Birth & Baby Kit by Earth Mama Angel Baby, and was so excited to be able to try everything out!  Their products are 100% organic, cruelty-free, and vegan.  I had no doubt in my mind that they were just the right products for my little babe and I.  Here's what is included in this particular kit (they also have a kit for all you c-section mama's, too)..

New Mama Bottom Spray & Mama Bottom Balm
-- Both of these items are fabulous for that first week (especially those first few days) after giving birth.  They're both naturally cooling and work well together to soothe soreness and discomfort.

Organic Monthly Comfort Tea
-- This caffeine-free tea is supposed to be great to soothe those cramps you have the first couple days after childbirth.  I haven't tried it yet, but I plan to use it monthly for cramps once I need to!  *Not safe during pregnancy, but safe to use while breastfeeding.

Natural Nipple Butter

-- This is my FAVORITE.  It's lanolin free and non-GMO.. it's so smooth and doesn't create a sticky mess!  I would buy this over and over again.. I only wish I had known about this when I had Clara.  If you've ever breastfed, you know how terribly sore, dry, cracked, and irritated you can get.  It's so aggravating to me.. kind of makes you want to cry a little every time you need to nurse.  But this butter is heaven-sent.  Most importantly, it's safe.  There's no need to wipe it off before feedings.. in fact, I've used it on my baby for chapped lips once or twice!

Postpartum Bath Herbs

-- Childbirth is a bit harsh on your lady parts.. nature of the beast.  After childbirth you can use these herbal pads iced for any achey bits.. and then you can use them again later in a bath for more soothing.  This particular blend of herbs helps to heal and soothe any soreness, tears, or bruising.  I haven't used these either, but when I'm able to take a bath - I will!

Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

-- Ok, this stuff smells amazing.  It's naturally scented with vanilla and sweet orange essential oils.  It's gentle and hasn't dried out my little guy's delicate skin.  Again, it has no chemical additives.. however, this is not a 'no-tear' formula.  Just use a little extra caution when using it on your littles!  :)

Angel Baby Oil
-- Natural baby oil for your sweet babes - we used quite a bit of baby oil when Clara was an infant.  It's great for cradle cap and to really moisturize their delicate skin.  Also great to use to give them a little massage.. I find that helps calm my babies down a lot.  :)

Angel Baby Lotion
-- This also smells yummy.. again with the vanilla orange scent.  Clara loves to help rub her baby brother down with this stuff.  Who doesn't love a yummy smelling baby?

Angel Baby Bottom Balm
-- This is another one I haven't had the chance to use yet.  His little newborn bottom hasn't gotten a rash yet.  However, once I do have to use it, I have no doubt that I'll love it.  Their website states that it's also "soothing to thrush, itchy bug bites, scrapes, chicken pox, minor rashes, and burns."  And it's made with a blend of antibacterial and antifungal herbs.  Sounds like a pot of gold to me!

All in all, I loved these products.  I would absolutely recommend them to any expecting mama, and wouldn't use anything else again.  Like I said before, I'm sad I didn't have this when Clara was born! 

Earth Mama Angel Baby provided me with the Big Push Birth & Baby Kit in exchange for a review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

What's in my Diaper Bag? {Timi & Leslie diaper bag review}

I've never been a huge fan of diaper bags.  They basically take the place of your purse for the first two years of your kids life, and a lot of them seem to be so... not cute.  But then I came across Timi & Leslie.  Their bags don't look like diaper bags - shoot, I'd carry it around as my purse even if I didn't have a baby!  They have a good selection to choose from, and I decided on the Dawn 7-piece Diaper Bag Set in Caramel to review.

Totally doesn't look like a diaper bag, right?  The classic caramel leather would go with any outfit.  And not only is it obviously cute, it's practical and functional.  It has six interior pocket and 3 exterior pockets for optimum organization, it's water-resistant and easy to clean, it comes with a cross body strap in case you need to go hands-free and it comes with stroller straps so you can easily hang the bag from your stroller.  Also, it comes with a nice changing pad, an insulated bottle tote, and a stylish matching clutch you can use as your purse - I was really excited about this.. being able to keep my things noticeably separate is important to me!  This bag is super spacious and has plenty of room for all those necessities (for baby and toddler and myself) that I need to keep in it!

I always like to know what others keep in their bags.. maybe I'm lame, but I think it's interesting, so I thought I'd share what I have in mine at the moment.  I'm 10 days away from my due date, and little man will be here any time now.  One of the exciting things about getting a diaper bag... is filling it up and getting it all ready for the sweet babes!

What's inside:

1. Diapers, wipes, changing pad.. a given.
2. An extra outfit.. or two if you know your kiddo likes to have some blowouts or major spit-up episodes.  Also little baggies in case I need to toss a dirty diaper (or for soiled clothes) and there's no where to toss it, or I don't want to stink up someone's trash.  ;)
3. A bib and burp cloths.
4. A couple little toys/rattles/lovey's.
5. Dr.  Brown's paci wipes and a pacifier, of course.
6. I keep the little clutch that it came with inside the bag and in it I keep my wallet, sunglasses, keys, phone, hair tie, chapstick/gloss, hand sanitizer & lotion.  That way I can just grab it quickly if I don't need to take the whole bag.
7. Nursing cover & nursing pads.
8. Ring sling.
9. Bébé au Lait Muslin Swaddle blanket.
10. A little first aid kit of sorts - Band-aids, Neosporin, etc, along with diaper cream.
11. Stuff for Clara:  A little drawing pad and crayons, a snack, a sippy cup of water.

Thanks to Timi & Leslie for the chance to bring you a review of this bag - check them out on Facebook!  I'm thinking I might come back and do another post on this after I've had the chance to carry it around and put it to real good use when little man gets here.  But for now.. What do you keep in your diaper bag?  Am I missing anything?  It's been a long time since I've had to pack up one up!

Timi & Leslie sent me this bag in exchange for a review.  All thoughts on it are 100% mine.

Crane Cool Mist Humidifier {review & giveaway}

For the past 2.5 years we've been living in Arkansas.. where the weather is unpredictable this time of year (unlike in the summer where it's just constantly hot and humid).. one day it's in the 30's and the next it's in the 60's.  It really does take a toll on your body - your skin, throat, sinuses, and just your health in general.  And then we're just trying to keep the house comfortable, stop all the runny noses and sore/dry throats, and attempting to get a wink of sleep!  So when Crane USA contacted me a few weeks ago about reviewing one of their Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifiers, I was all about it.

Who knew a humidifier could be so exciting?  ;)  This pregnant mama couldn't wait to test it out.. and after doing so, I'm pretty sure we'll end up buying another one for Clara's room (baby boy can share with us since he'll be sleeping in our room for a while;).  Since I've started using the Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier a few weeks ago, I've noticed that my nose and throat are a lot less dry when I wake up in the morning.  I'm thankful to have this around, and especially will be when baby boy decides to make his arrival any day now.  Infants are nose breathers, and it's so important to keep those passages clear and easy for them to breath through... and since we're in the heart of cold and flu season right now, the humidifier should help out immensely!  I'm also happy to report that these are not noisy at all.  It has a very gentle whirring, which I think is actually pretty relaxing and definitely not enough to disturb even the lightest of sleepers.

I adore the sleek design of Crane's Drop Humidifier.  It's not an eyesore, and it can fit in with just about any decor - and it comes in some pretty colors!  I opted for the pure white one, because that's what fits best in my home.  Not only does it work great, but it's also a easy-peasy to maintain.  Make sure you change the water out daily, and clean it once a week or so.  I found this great video on using and cleaning the humidifier.. it's super helpful and only takes about 3 minutes of your time to watch!

See how lovely it fits in our room?  I love it!

Oh, and I have some great news for you!  Crane USA has so kindly agreed to giveaway a Drop Humidifier to one lucky winner - and they get to choose which color!  The color choices are:  the original blue/white, green, teal, white, pink, orange, and gray (you can view the Drop Humidifier colors here).  Enter below for your chance to win!


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Crane USA provided me with the Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier with no additional compensation - opinions are 100% mine!

Levana Stella 2 Camera Monitor {review}

Does anyone else have a husband who gets incredibly excited to test out new baby gadgets?  When our Levana Stella (2 Camera) Monitor came in the mail, he couldn't wait to get the box open and figure this thing out!  When we had Clara, we just had a plain jane monitor.. no camera, nothing too fancy.  It worked for us at the time.  But now that baby #2 is due in just 5 short weeks (less if he's nice to me like Clara was;), I really wanted something that was going to help me keep an eye on both of the kiddos.  We've been using it with Clara for the past couple of weeks, and I can honestly say that I would highly recommend this monitor.. it's 100% worth the money!

Just a few things that I love about the Stella Monitor?

• The screen size is perfect.. at 4.3 inches, it's big enough to clearly see but it's not obnoxious.
• You can talk to your baby through the monitor.. and it plays lullabies!
• Once it's charged, it lasts up to 36 hours in PEEP mode.  And PEEP mode is also awesome because it puts your monitor to sleep when it's quiet (no bright screen bothering your sleep!) but as soon as your kiddo makes a "peep" the camera will activate so you can immediately see what's going on.  Oh, and it's portable!
• You can use this with up to FOUR cameras.  It's great to know that is can expand along with your family.
• You can zoom & pan the camera!
• I also love the sleek design of these cameras and monitor.

A photo posted by Haley {LittleBitsBlog} (@hwes21) on Jan 22, 2015 at 8:39am PST

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll remember me posting about it when I received it in the mail.  And I'm excited to be able to use it with both of my kiddos, but it's great if you have older kids as well.  You can stick it in their playroom and check on them without disturbing their play time - I just know that when I would stick my head in to check on my daughter she would get distracted from what she's doing.

Disclaimer though.. if you have a toddler, you might want to first tell them that you can talk to them through it.  I said something to Clara through it for the first time a few days ago, and I wish I could show you her reaction - I laughed so hard I cried.  She was so confused and went up and put her face right in front of the camera.. she figured out it was just me after I started laughing so loudly from the other side of the house.  Haha! 

All in all.. this is a fabulous product!  This monitor is regularly $229.99, but it's currently on sale on their website for just $169.99... I'm telling you Mama's.. it's high-quality, and very worth it.  :)

Disclosure- I was given this product for review purposes and was not financially compensated otherwise.  All opinions are my own, based on my own use of this product.

Veggies in Space! {review & giveaway}

You're thinking.. say what?  But guys, I'm super pumped because the new VeggiesTales movie came out YESTERDAY (March 11, 2014)... "Veggies in Space: The Fennel Frontier".  I really don't know who was more excited... me or Clara. 

 Behind that DVD is definitely a big ol' smile!

This movie's message is about sharing.. an important lesson for all young children, no?  I love that the bottom line of this movie is, "When you have enough to spare, you have enough to share."  I've already caught myself saying that to Clara few times.

VeggieTales never disappoints!  Clara has already grabbed all her Veggie stuffed animals (Larry, Bob, and Petunia.. gangs all here!) and watched "the outer space movie", as she calls it, multiple times.  But not only does it have good lessons, it has a big dose of humor - even adults will catch themselves giggling at it.  And those new silly songs they sing?  You'll never get them out of your head.  ;)  Here's a quick synopsis of the movie;

• "A Lesson in The Power of Sharing! Join Captain Cuke (Larry the Cucumber) and his loyal first officer, Mr. Spork (Bob the Tomato), as they embark on an out of this world adventure to bravely travel where no Veggie has ever been. The entire USS Applepies crew takes on Luntar the Looter, a power stealing space pirate, but they're in for a big surprise when they find out what's motivating him!" 

)

Also, if you're interested, VeggieTales has some super fun printables and coloring pages pinned on their pinterest right here.. could make for a good family fun night.. watch the movie, discuss, and have some fun with some coloring activities.  You can visit the VeggieTales website to purchase this DVD and other goodies.  And you can connect with VeggieTales via Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Want to try your hand at winning a copy for your family?  Enter below using the Rafflecopter form.  :)  Giveaway ends on 3/26/14.  US only please.

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Disclosure:  As a VeggieTales blogger (and supporter!), I received Veggies in Space: The Fennel Frontier from VeggieTales for review.  Opinions are 100% mine and Clara's.  ;)

Citrus Lane #1

I've been wanting to order a Citrus Lane box for quite some time now, as I've been seeing it pop up around the internet here and there... it looked fun!  Well when they offered to send me a box to review, I couldn't resist.  Clara really enjoyed getting a package in the mail (she kept thinking it was a birthday present.. everything she opens is a 'birthday present' to her)... she was so anxious to see what was inside, I had a hard time snapping photos of it.  ;)

If you've never heard of Citrus Lane, here's a little info for you:   Citrus Lane is a monthly subscription box for little one's ages newborn to 5 years old.  There are different plan options, as little as $21/month (shipping included).  They also have a month-to-month plan, where you can cancel any time.  And then every month you get a fun little surprise shipped to your door, especially for your little one.

Here is what I received in my box for Clara (she's 26 months old):

Melissa & Doug "Lace and Trace", $9.99 -- I pretty much love all Melissa and Doug products.  Clara has a few toy from them that she just loves.  She was really excited to get it open and see 'how it works'... I think she's a tad small for this toy yet, but she still likes it.  She will sit there and try to get the laces in the holes - she's got determination.  ;)

Goodbyn Bynto Box, $9.50 -- Ok so this is the one that I'm personally excited about, haha!  Even though Clara doesn't go to school (so I have no need to pack lunches), she still loves to eat out of this thing so sometimes I'll put her lunch in it.  And it's perfect for taking on picnics (which we love to do).

Goodbyn Sticker Set, $3.50 --  This goes along with the Bynto Box.  Clara had a ton of fun decorating her box with them - and they're dishwasher safe!

Cool It Buddy Instant Cold Pack, $2.99 --These will be handy to have, I'm sure -- use for packing picnics, or to have in case I need to ice a boo-boo;)

Mighty Shield Bug Repellent Lotion, $1.50 -- This was more of a sample size, so I'm just guessing on the price.  But with all the nasty mosquitoes down here in Arkansas, I've used this all up already!  I felt good about putting this on Clara because it's natural and organic.. and it doesn't have that nasty smell that most repellents do.

10 Free Postagrams, $10 -- Ok this is actually pretty neat, even though it's not really for  Clara.  But if you download this app on your phone (I think you can even do it from the web?), you can send a personalized postagram directly to a loved one!  This will be good for sending some Clara photos to her Nana's and Papa's.  ;)

Total Retail Value = $37.48, not bad for a box that costs between $21-25/month!

If you want to get your own Citrus Lane box.. go ahead and sign up!  I was happy with my box, and I looked forward to getting another!  You can also get 50% off of your first box... just use the code TAKEHALF at checkout (valid for the month-to-month subscriptions).  For $12.50, why not?!  Get it for your own kiddo, or as a gift for someone else!

Let me know if you sign up, and what you think of it!  And check out their Facebook to keep up on new information and any deals/contests they may post about.

Offer Terms: Only new, first-time Citrus Lane subscribers who start a monthly subscription are eligible to redeem this offer.  Multi-month packages and gift subscriptions do not qualify.  To redeem this offer you must enter code TAKEHALF at checkout.

The Little Green Pouch {& a giveaway!}

I can't even remember how I stumbled across this little gem... probably Pinterest, since I spend a not-so-healthy amount of time on there.  But I found these wonderful little green pouches, and was like... ah-ha!  I have to have them.

Pouch food is so easy to take for an on the go snack, which is exactly what we use them for.  Car trips, when we go to the park, or just out to run errands.. all the time.  There are certain pouches we still buy, but I am in love with these reusable ones.  One of my daughters favorite snacks is applesauce.. and it's just way too easy to go buy a big jar at the store (we prefer Motts Natural in this house!) and scoop it in the pouches and keep them in the fridge until we need to head out somewhere.  Less waste and a money saver!  We even took them on a picnic the other day.  :)

We have the small Starter Kit, which includes:  4-pack of reusable pouches, swiveling pouch nipple & bottle brush (for easy cleaning!), a measuring pitcher/funnel (makes filling the pouch easy-peasy), and a roll of 60 dissolvable content & date labels.  You can buy other accessories on their website such as spout extender and extra pouches as well.

We use them a lot for applesauce, but we also use them for smoothies.  If my husband and I make smoothies, there's usually a little bit leftover.. so we'll pour it in the pouches and stick it in the freezer (yes, the pouches are also freezer safe!).

The pouches are easy to fill because they have a zip-lock opening at the top - but no worries.. it's too tricky for Clara's little hands to get it open.  Actually, I don't even think she knows the opening is there.

If you need some fun new recipes to try out with these, the Little Green Pouch has some great ideas on their website. 

One lucky reader will win a Starter Kit, courtesy of the Little Green Pouch!  Just follow the instructions and fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  The more entries you complete, the better your chances at winning.  The winner will be contacted by email on August 18th.  Good luck!  U.S. residents only.

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You can shop for the Little Green Pouch on their website and find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.  You can even get 5% off of your purchase when you 'like' their FB page!

 
*I was gifted with the Little Green Pouch starter kit for a review and received no other compensation.  All thoughts & opinions are 100% my own.  The Little Green Pouch is responsible for sending 1 lucky winner their very own starter kit*

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