Healthy Family Giveaway!

We are excited to partner with Mommy Scene and celebrate Fall and the launch of a new product — Sudsy Dough moldable soap on Kickstarter! What better way to celebrate than with a Healthy Family Giveaway featuring some great family-focused products! Be sure to check out the Sudsy Dough Kickstarter Campaign and all the other prizes below and enter to win!

Sudsy Dough

Prize: 2 tubs of Sudsy Dough moldable bath soap, 12 ounces each

Now on Kickstarter! Sudsy Dough is a interactive bath toy that doubles as a moldable scented dough and a cleansing sensory soap! Sudsy Dough was created by a mom to make bath time fun for her own daughter. Kids can squeeze and squish Sudsy Dough in the bath, rub it on as a cleansing body wash, or take it outside the tub and make custom shapes that will dry into soaps. Each ball also has a surprise bath toy hidden inside! Sudsy Dough is offering some great rewards to thank their campaign supporters — all deliverable before Christmas for a great gift!

See the Sudsy Dough Kickstarter »

Piggy Paint Hug Life Gift Set

Prize: Hug Life Gift Set with 3 shades of non-toxic nail polish including Let's Flamingle, Wild Child, and Periwinkle Little Star
Piggy Paint is a natural, eco-friendly nail polish for kids. It's non-toxic, hypoallergenic formula makes it safe to use on all piggies. Piggy Paint dries to a hard, durable finish that can easily be removed with the eco-friendly, low odor Piggy Paint nail polish remover. Both are made in the USA! piggypaint.com

SOPHi Nai Polish

Prize: 2 shades of SOPHi natural nail polish for adults plus SOPHi's PRIME + SHINE + SEAL System for maximum durability
From the maker of Piggy Paint, the non-toxic nail polish for kids, SOPHi is a natural nail polish in SOPHisticated colors for adults. These polishes are virtually odorless, eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and made in the USA. SOPHi is free of all harsh chemicals and does not cause nails to yellow or become brittle. sophinailpolish.com

Baby Comfy Care

Prize: Baby Comfy Deluxe Safety Nail Clipper

The patented single-blade design of Baby Comfy Nail won't cut baby's skin. Baby Comfy Nail Deluxe safety clippers have only one blade! The bottom flat plastic ledge pushes baby's skin back out of the way while the top blade cuts the nail... and only the nail. The unique ergonomic design and larger size makes it easier to hold and operate when you don't want to make a mistake. The design also protects from cutting too closely to the sensitive nail bed. babycomfycare.com

Leaf Therapeutic

Prize: Leaf Skin Therapy Lotion - 2 ounces


Leaf Skin Therapy Lotion features a formula that is both hydrating and healing for damaged skin, without using toxic preservatives. Leaf Skin Therapy Lotion uses natural and safe (and expensive!) fermented radish root and goldenseal extract. It is safe enough to use on babies and, although this lotion was specially designed for people with eczema and other dry skin conditions, it works great on normal skin, too. Best of all, it has an extremely low toxicity rating on the Environmental Working Group website. If you are looking for an ultra-hydrating, hypoallergenic, unscented lotion, this is the lotion for you! leaftherapeutic.com

Little Standout

Prize: 100% Silicone Diamond Teething Toy

Add a little bling to your day with Little Standout's 100% silicone Diamond Teether! Made for tiny hands and achy gums, our silicone teethers are non-toxic and free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, cadmium and all that other yucky stuff you don't want to see your baby putting into their mouth. They are dishwasher safe, making them super easy to clean and totally awesome!littlestandout.com

Young Living

Prize: One Bottle of OrthoEase massage oil, one Oola Book + samples from Young Living

OrthoEase massage oil soothes and warms tired and stressed bodies, helping to combat the damaging effects of everyday activities. With a calming blend of oils, it will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. OrthoEase contains: coconut oil, wintergreen, peppermint, juniper, eucalyptus, lemongrass, marjoram, thyme, vetiver, sweet almond oil, and olive oil
The international bestselling book "Oola, Find Balance in an Unbalanced World. The 7 areas you need to balance and grow to live the life of your dreams" is written by Dave Braun and Troy Amdahl. This book inspired Young Living's Infused 7 Line.
As a Mom and wife, I strive to provide my family with a lifestyle of wellness and abundance. My life has changed since November 2014, using Young Living Essential Oils. I have less anxiety, more peace, more energy and an overall sense of well being. Not only do I apply and diffuse them every day, I cook and clean with them and save tons of money. Our body is our greatest asset. The healthier we are and better we feel, the more we can enjoy life, our families, friends and go after our dreams. Each day we get older and each day we are given a fresh new opportunity to age better, to have more joy, energy and focus and to truly experience "young living". Follow me for upcoming class updates and daily Oily Living.
Erika Miller
Independent Distributor
Young Living Essential Oils
#2108472
ylwebsite.com/ErikaMiller

Baby Buddy

Prize: Baby Buddy 360 Toothbrush (Step 1 & Step 2)

The Baby Buddy 360 degree toothbrush is truly innovative - it is the world's first 360 degree designed toothbrush. Developed in the Osaka University Dental Hospital of Japan, the 360 Toothbrush has unparalleled cleaning power thanks to over 10,000 micro fine bristles - 10 times more than the average toothbrush. Circular rings firmly hold bristles in place, while spacing washers between bristle layers make it more effective for removing plaque and keeping the brush clean. Works great for cleaning the tongue and for massaging gums. Take a 360 Toothbrush to work, out camping, or on the road, as it may be used effectively with water alone when you are on the go. Available as Step 1 for ages 4-24 month olds and as Step 2 for 2-12 year olds.Smile4BabyBuddy.com

Genesis 950

Prize: Gallon of Genesis 950 & spray bottle

Genesis 950 is a green, all purpose cleaner that makes cleaning your home safe. Genesis 950 is free of harsh chemicals and works as a concentrate with water to break the bonds of stains by making them water soluble. When a stain becomes water soluble, it can then be broken down and flushed from the surface. In doing so it removes the toughest stains and biggest messes.genesis950.com

Babycook Pro

Prize: Babycook Pro Original Baby Food Maker, prize color may vary - winner may be able to select preferred color if in stock

babycook pro is the original baby food maker on the market. It makes up to 4.7 cups of food in a sleek, patented countertop appliance that steam cooks, blends and reheats all-in-one, in 15 minutes or less. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers, then simply defrost and reheat right in babycook. Steam cooking locks in vitamins and nutrients, a multi-purpose mixing blade provides just the right texture, the timer has an audible alert to tell you when meals are ready, and all of this with total one-handed operation. This appliance is loaded with features that make any parent a "pro" in baby food preparation. beabausa.com

Sip & Spin

Prize: Sip & Spin Straw Cup

The Sip & Spin straw cup has a unique fun-factor - a pinwheel in the lid that spins as you sip. Playful artwork on the pinwheel disc coordinates with the cup art, creating an engaging drinking experience for your child. The racing trucks and soaring butterflies can encourage playing kids to take a water break, cheer up and rehydrate a sick child, or motivate a toddler to transition from a bottle or spouted sippy to a straw cup. As parents, we know what a pain it can be to clean kids' cups, so we made sure all the components come apart easily for cleaning and are dishwasher safe. The Sip & Spin straw cup is a cute gift and a fun way to keep kids hydrated... Hydration Motivation! nuspinkids.com

kidSTAT

Prize: kidSTAT First Aid Kit

kidSTAT is targeted for active toddlers and kids. This kit is equipped with hospital-grade products to treat the most common childhood emergencies: aches+sprains, bites+burns, and cuts+scrapes. kidSTAT has easy-to-follow, first-aid instructions to reassure you when your child is in distress. Together with "red flags" warnings on when to seek medical attention, this comprehensive kit was designed by moms, who happen to be ER doctors, too.
kidSTAT contains:

91 items
Doctor-written, step-by-step instructions
Full-sized items, latex & BPA free
Hospital-grade products
Red flags to go to the ER
Emergency contact/Pediatric CPR card
threemommydoctors.com

Pacific Baby

Prize: Natural Feeding Starter Set - Green

Made from Natural Bamboo. Safe & Healthy. Machine Washable and Biodegradable. pacificbabyworld.com

Yummi Pouch

Prize: Yummi Pouch Brights Reusable Food Pouches

Yummi Pouch Brights (Set of 4) combine style and convenience in an eco-friendly container you can fill with homemade smoothies and blended snacks! Easy to fill and clean through the top zipper opening and enjoyed by drinking from the side spout, Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches are great for kids taking healthy snacks on the go. Includes set of 4 assorted patterns.revelae.com

Enter to win these great prizes!

This contest is sponsored by Mommy Scene and is open to US entries. One winner will be chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the contest ends on Oct. 8th, 2015. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.


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Mother's Day Giveaway!

We are excited to bring you another Mommy Scene giveaway featuring 5 natural brands and celebrating 7 days of Mother's Day! After all, Moms deserve more then 1 day!



Each of these natural products is perfect for pampering yourself after a long day, or serves a practical use for health and cleanliness. Many of these products are handmade, and all are crafted from natural ingredients! One lucky winner will win all of these wonderful products and the chance to try something new!

Dr. Fedorenko True Organic Bug Stick and Bug Bar Tick and Mosquito Repellent

Dr. Fedorenko True Organic Bug Stick and Bug Bar are designed to protect and nourish skin to keep it looking and feeling healthy while keeping mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, horseflies, black and biting flies away. Works quickly to protect you and the whole family. Luxurious botanical butters infused with pure essential oils help to hydrate your skin. Powerful blend of pure essential oils keep biting insects away for hours. Aromatheraputic properties of our advanced formula energize and elevate the soul. drfedorenko.com

Sudsy Dough Moldable Soap - 2 12oz containers

Sudsy Dough is a new interactive bath toy that doubles as a moldable scented dough and a cleansing soap! Kids can squeeze and squish Sudsy Dough in the bath, rub it on as a cleansing body wash, or take it outside the tub and make custom-shaped soaps! Sudsy dough shapes will dry to become scented soap shapes when left out in open air. Each ball also has a surprise bath toy hidden inside! Sudsy Dough is infused with Shea butter & Coconut Oil and is Paraben-free, phthalate-free, and sulfate-free. Available in fragrances Merry Mango, Sassy Strawberry, Bubbly Blueberry, and Awesome Apple. sudsydough.com

It's the Balm Lavender Gift Box

This Lavender Gift Box is filled with everything the Mom in your life needs to indulge herself. Made with pure lavender essential oil, these products are truly luxurious, therapeutic and relaxing. Packaged in a beautiful damask gift box filled with soothing, relaxing treats including 4 oz. Lavender Body Scrub, 4 oz. Lavender Body Lotion, 8 oz. Lavender Foaming Body Wash, 2 oz. Lavender Body Mist , 4 oz. Serenity Aromatherapy Spray, and Lavender Lip Balm.
Each product is made using pure, therapeutic grade essential oil. Allow the dreamy scent of lavender to ease the mind and give a feeling of peace and calmness. Indulge the Mom in your life with these natural treats. etsy.com/shop/itsthebalm

3 Wythe & Berry Creams

Wythe & Berry Apothecary offers botany-based, natural, handcrafted wellness products, rooted in genuine aromatherapy. This package contains a trio of oil-based creams including Cedarwood; Lavender, Chamomile and Lemon and Eucalyptus. These creams are handcrafted, completely natural and package in glass as to avoid toxins from plastic leaking into the product. Each 4 ounce cream is plant based, with the main ingredients being Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Apricot Kernel Oil. wytheandberry.nyc

Buds and Scrubs Facial Serum

Crafted using Rosehip Seed Oil, our facial serum is a vitamin for your skin. What is Rosehip seed oil? With its amazing healing properties and ability to moisturize with a non-greasy, oil-free feel, your skin will look and feel hydrated and revitalized. This unique oil not only penetrates dry skin, it has also been known to heal scars as well as treat wrinkles and premature aging.

Enter to win one of these fabulous products!

This giveaway is hosted by Dr. Fedorenko. The giveaway winner will be chosen May 17th, 2015. Giveaway is open to US entries and void where prohibited. No purchase is necessary to enter. Mommy Scene and the affiliated blogs are not responsible for brands who do not fulfill prize obligations. Entrants may receive a thank you email from one or more of the participating brands. Dr. Fedorenko 7 days of Mother's Day Giveaway

Free Printable Menu Planner!

It's almost Summer time.

It's almost vacation time.

It's almost swimsuit time.

Any other mama's out there dread that combination!?!?

I've taken a huge leap over the past several months towards becoming the healthiest I can be.  

For myself. For my husband. And, for my kids.

I work out with the girls at lunch every single day.  We run 2 days a week and do circuit training the other 3.  I run once on the weekend.  They're such great motivation and if they weren't doing it with me, I wouldn't have been going on about 3 months straight of working out! 

Let's be honest....if it weren't for them, I probably wouldn't have started to begin with!

That's step one.  

Get a friend or someone else to do it with you.  

If they're waiting for you at the gym, you're way less likely to stand them up and not go!

Anyone else struggle with finding the time?

That was my biggest obstacle.

I already work 40+ hours a week. Plus several hours on my side job, Thirty-One.

I am on a committee for our annual hometown Apple Festival which requires time for planning and meetings.

I'm also helping to plan my 10 year high school reunion for this summer.

I'm not willing to give up any more time from my family that I already have to.

That was always my reasoning.  And, really it's still true.  If I didn't make it work during my lunch hour, I still wouldn't be doing it. I'm not a morning person. At all.  So waking up at 5AM to do it, just isn't going to happen for this night owl.

And, we don't live in town.  So driving all the way back to town after the girls go to sleep just never seems like a good idea either.

Bottom Line - find a time that works for you.  Whether it be early morning, late at night, during lunch.  Whatever.  Just find the time that works with YOUR schedule and make it happen.

Lastly, meal plan and get your nutrition in order.  Charlie and I use Advocare products and really like them.  We're starting a 24 day challenge this weekend so that we can kick start ourselves again before vacation!  Part of the challenge is making sure your food is on point! So I made this meal plan worksheet to help me keep track of everything. 

I'm filling this out, then flipping it over and making my shopping list on the back so I make sure I have everything I need. 

Just right click, save and print! :) 

Or click HERE for a higher quality version. 

If you're interested in trying out Advocare, send us an email!  We'd love to have you do the challenge with us! I'm a distributor only because I love the product discount.  I'm working towards getting to the next discount level so I'm handing out some major discounts to anyone who wants to order! :)

True Life: The Men Behind Women Bloggers

• Blogger (person), a person who writes a blog, or web log

Since the late 90's there has been a vast growing of blogs on the world wide web. A quick Google search of the word "blog" and you will find someone writing a blog for almost anything. From DIY, how to dress, how to eat, exercise and some are even personal diaries. What ever it may be, there is someone out there writing their thoughts and feelings on a specific topic. Well I am here to tell you about a specific group of people who are associated with a blog. I refer to them as...

Hoggers(person), the husband, fiancé, boyfriend etc. of the woman who writes the blog. 

(I completely made this word and definition up)

These men are true vikings of the world wide web. The resume of a Hogger is forever long. There is no job that we are not very skilled in. We are experienced in everything. You see, the life of a hogger is o' so complicated.

The DIY Hogger: You my friend, are part carpenter, electrician, plumber, and Pinterest Ninja.  You find yourself always making things at the midnight hour. Working in the cold, blistering heat and during Football Sunday.  If building a masterpiece of wood, metal, plastic is not hard enough; you are now required to take pictures of every step you take....and then explain why you did what you did. The hardest part of your job, by far, is trying to comfort your wife in the nicest way, when this happens...

The Cooking Hogger: This group of men have an iron stomach. You can eat anything no matter the smell. Your metabolism is a finely tuned machine. You also probably have the best job in the world. Pinterest has been the best thing to have ever happened to you. You now have a plethora of recipes at your disposal. 

 The Fashion Hogger: You are a modern day Arthur Fonzarelli. Always quick with your words. For you, always get the question; "Does this look good on me? I want to write a blog post on my outfit but want to know if you think it looks good." AHHHHHHHHH!!!!! Not that question, How do I answer??? Relax, You're the Fonz.... you've done your research, you know to say that the scarf compliments the boots, and the dress makes you look younger. You have seen every episode of Say Yes to the Dress, Fashion Star and Americas Next Top Model.

The Exercise Hogger: Everyone should have healthy eating and exercise a part of their everyday life, but you are on a whole other level. Instead of getting to sit on the couch and play Xbox on a lazy saturday morning, you are up at the butt crack of dawn preparing for the next 5k. Go ahead and say it my friend, "would a piece of cake, a beer, and my ass planted on the couch for a day really hurt?"

The Coupon Hogger: Your wife is the thriftiest person you know. She has a binder full of coupons just like your baseball collection when you were a kid. You are glad that she is saving money on every item she buys. You've spent an entire Saturday at Sams, Costco, Walmart, Target, and Walmart.

But you often find yourself asking " do we really need 16 bottles of toothpaste, 4 cases of Qtips, and 9 bags of brown rice." We spent 2 hours of our time to save 65 cents on a case of soda. To spot this Hogger, just look for a man pushing a cart as fast as he can out the front doors of a shopping center and jumping on it as it is an oversized skateboard. Don't judge him, for this is his only excitement for the day.

You see, the life of a Hogger is oh-so-complicated. We could also be referred to as BOB. We are part Bob Villa, Bob Harper, Chef Bob, Bob Timberlake. For we do everything in full support of our wives, even if it means missing the game, missing a finger, or missing beers and cigars with the non Hogger guys. Writing a blog is something that your wife enjoys and you will go to no end in full support of her. I say this to all of the other Hoggers out there, " Keep doing what you are doing, you are appreciated more than you know. Continue to make things, endure healthy food and exercise, spend weekends doing things with your woman, for there is one thing you will never have to do, Be Bored In Your Relationship, for there is no greater bond than working together to achieve a common goal."

THE END

A Woodland Themed Baby Shower for Baby Fox!

My adorable friend Erin (seriously though, who looks that cute prego!?!?) is about to have a sweet baby boy and I had the honor of throwing her a little sprinkle last weekend!  

Her last name just happens to be "Fox" so we decided on a woodland themed baby shower! 

I got to partner up with the amazing Sweet Bee Design Shoppe and had these cute little invites personalized for Erin's party!  She also designed matching food labels, cupcake toppers and a banner!

Tori is sooooo great to work with and has some of the cutest designs in her shop!

If you're planning a baby shower, bridal shower or birthday party - you NEED to stop by Sweet Bee Design Shoppe!!!

It was just a small get together of Erin's closest friends and family so we just had it at my house.  

(You'll have to excuse the quality of the photo's.....I blocked my only source of natural light with my table setup!)

I made the welcome sign for the door on Picmonkey so that guests knew they could just come on in without knocking! 

I also made this little favor bag tag on Picmonkey and everyone went home with a smore kit! 

I found most of my food ideas on Pinterest of course! 

The toad stools were string cheese, tomatoes and french onion dip!

The Forest of Trees was a yummy broccoli salad! 

The Tortellini Trees were just skewers of cheese tortellini and tomatoes with moss dip (pesto sauce)!

Salad...aka Rabbit Food!

Hot dogs and croissants for 3 Pigs in a Blanket!

And, chocolate cupcakes with chocolate icing for the Black Forest Cupcakes!

I served regular ol' H2O (morning dew) and Green Apple Kool Aid (pond water) for refreshments!

I picked up this book and had all of the baby shower guests write a special message inside for Baby Fox!  Hopefully this book will be something Erin and Baby can always hold on to and look back and remember their special day! 

We had so much fun showering Erin and baby and it was so fun for this Girl-Mom to do something a little boyish for once! 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a great week!!!!

Don't forget to check out Sweet Bee Design Shoppe for your next party!!!

Thank You Card for Wedding Reception {Free Printable}

Y'all remember my beautiful friend Brie, right?

And, her amazing rustic wedding covered in burlap and lace?!?!

Well someone in Pinterest world when buck wild on that post recently and everyone's dying to have the Thank You Card printable file!  

I'd love to take full credit for the beautifully written note, but in all seriousness....I found it on pinterest, too.  I designed one for my wedding about 4.5 years ago (<--holy crap? Was it really that long ago???) Then, designed another for Brie and Tim's wedding last year.  

People have been asking daily for the file, so in an attempt to get the file to you quicker than me emailing it.......HERE YA GO! :) 

We used the purple and yellow version for Brie's wedding but I turned it black and white for you just in case that would work better.  Just right click and save to your computer.  You can use Picmonkey or any editing software to add your names at the bottom.  Or else of course, just cut that part off if you want!  We printed them in 5x7 size on Kraft cardstock paper.  They turned out beautifully and gave such a nice personal touch to all of the tables.  

I hope they work for you like they did for Tim and Brie!  

Have a great week everyone! Thanks so much for stopping by!