Can’t have it. Not now. I’m not saying NEVER…but not for a while.

I had to walk away from several projects over the last few months, with blogging included! Between work issues, the holidays, and just not having enough hours in the day, blogging has unfortunately taken a back burner.

Not to mention the fact that I felt I had stepped away a bit from what I actually enjoyed about blogging. I have had several blogs through the years, and this was my first venture into “professional” blogging. With it came pitching clients, writing reviews – getting a million spamy emails to wade through. To be honest, it was thrilling to chase those fun reviews…but then it was also a bit overwhelming to fulfill the promises I made to these, my clients.

So, rather than jump on the holiday train of trying to find all sorts of new and amazing products to review, I decided to step away. And then I felt bad for not blogging, and so that kept me away for even longer than I intended.

This is how I felt about blogging for a while…

I’d like to give this another go, but more to blog about things that I’m interested in…not to see it as a “job” where I have to post so many posts a week, worry about page views, SEO, etc. It might not be the smartest move in the competitive (and sometimes mean!) world of “Mommy Blogging” but I think it’s the only way that this blog will live another year.

So, dear reader, if you’re reading this. I’m sorry I left you hanging, and I’m back…for now.

My interests are shifting as well, I’ve been working on losing the baby weight, and I’m down 17 pounds since January 1! I’ll talk a bit more about that later.

In the meantime, what have YOU been up to? Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? Have you been able to stick with it?

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The Rattle Rumble Toddler Push Toy!

One of my readers will win a Rattle Rumble Toddler Push Toy from Melissa & Doug! This contest is open to all U.S. residents aged 18+. Entries will be accepted until the end of the day (11pm Central) Thursday, November 29th, 2012. By entering this giveaway you agree to the Official Rules. Giveaway is listed on Sweepstakes Advantage Instant Win page.

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Disclosure: I received the Rattle Rumble Toddler Push Toy for my consideration. All opinions and recommendations are honest and my own.

Last year when I wrote about Chrimstas cards from TinyPrints.com, I was 7 months pregnant and I knew that this year it would be my turn!  So, I’m so excited to tell you that the 2012 Holiday Collection has arrived at TinyPrints.com! It’s filled with fresh designs and fun features including their new Premium DoubleThick™ Matte Paper, ooh la la!

Fancy!

I’ve already bought an outfit for Rea and am going to be working this weekend to get that perfect family photo to share. I know it’s so cliche, but sharing Holiday Photo Cards with friends and family is just one of those random milestones I had locked in my head for so many years as a right of passage.

Here are a few of my favorite TinyPrints designs from this years collection!

Wishful Happiness – I love the chalkboard look!

Shadowed Snowflakes – I’m a sucker for lowercase fonts

Peace Hope Joy – Another grey theme, I’m liking this clean look with whimsical fonts!

Cheerful Sentiments – I love the classic holiday look of this card!

There are SO many cute designs this year, I am going to have such a hard time choosing!

If you like these designs, head over to TinyPrints.com and check out the rest of their holiday collection, and click here to check out their special offers and discounts!

Plus…

One of my readers will win $50 off total order (expire 12/14/2012 – no extensions, does not include shipping & cannot be combined with any other promos) from TinyPrints.com! This contest is open to all U.S. residents aged 18+. Entries will be accepted until the end of the day (11pm Central) Thursday, November 15th, 2012. By entering this giveaway you agree to the Official Rules. Giveaway is listed on Sweepstakes Advantage Instant Win page.

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Disclosure: I received product from TinyPrints.com for my consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.

Can you believe the holidays are nearly here already?? I certainly can’t, and I’m super excited to celebrate Rea’s  first Christmas! Of course that means that I and others will be looking for toys for all the kids in the family, and I for one am always at a loss when I stand on the toy aisle of the store.

Luckily, Melissa & Doug are helping me and others out by eliminating some of the guesswork with their “Terrific Twenty” list of great gift ideas!  The list includes toys for all age ranges and interests, so there is something for everyone on the list! Just by checking out the list, I’ve already covered half of my Christmas shopping for family!

I think Rea would LOVE the Rattle Rumble Toddler Push Toy!

Melissa & Doug is holding a giveaway on their Facebook page.  Every day they’ll be giving away one item from their Terrific Twenty list to at least one of their lucky Facebook fans! So, be sure to Like them on Facebook and get in on the chance to win!

Note: I am being provided a toy from the list to facilitate an upcoming review, and will be provide a toy for giveaway as well. I was not compensated monetarily for this post. All opinions are honest and are my own.

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Hi Mom!

Holy cow, she’s only 7 months old! My life is about to get a lot more complicated! O.o

A recent study by American Journal of Preventative Medicine indicates that one key reason for this is that overall, low proportions of U.S. child passengers are using the age appropriate restraint. Many children are also placed at risk by sitting in the front seat of the car. The study can be found here:  http://www.ajpmonline.org/webfiles/images/journals/amepre/AMEPRE_3475-stamped.pdf

Ahem, as I was saying…

I remember what when I would get sick as child my mom would pull our her humidifier. Ironically these are fond memories, despite the fact that I was sick! I thought that humidifiers were just part of the deal when you got sick, but as I got older, I realized that a lot of other kids’ parents didn’t seem to use them as much. I guess it was an old school thing. Combine that with the fact that most humidifiers use heat, and I could see where they would be considered unsafe to use around small children!

Baby Rea has always been kind of snotty – ever since she was born she’s been a champion sneezer! Add the allergies of Texas in to the mix and we found ourselves running around the house when we would hear that sneeze to wipe her nose and face. I knew that she needed a humidifier, and was intrigued when I heard about the Crane Cool Mist humidifiers.

I was sent a Crane Cool Mist Humidifier for Review, I chose the pink Drop design

According to the Mayoclinic using a cool mist humidifier in the spring and summer months can actually help with reducing symptoms that arise with allergies, colds, and dry air. A Cool mist humidifier can relieve nasal congestion, dry cough, and overall cold and flu systems all without using over the counter cold medicine, which is advised by the FDA not to be given to a child under the age of 6.

I love the Drop Design! Most humidifiers I’ve ever seen have been clunky and ugly.

• Loosen nasal congestion
• Ease Dry Coughs
• Soothe Itchy Dry Skin
• Moisten Chapped Lips
• Prevent Nose Bleeds
• Helps with Overall Cold and Flu Symptoms
• Cool mist is best for croup

I personally enjoyed the ease of setting up the Crane. There are no filters you have to use, no medicines you have to add, so once you spend the initial investment on the humidifier itself you’re DONE!

Simply remove the tank and fill with tap water, or filtered water if you prefer

The tank holds one gallon, and if you run it continuously for 24 hours, it can humidify 2.3 gallons; there there isn’t a lot of refilling needed.

• Less expensive. You do not have to pay for a heating element.
• Less expensive to operate. Because you are not required to heat the water, it uses less energy.
• Runs with a gentle fan and is usually more quiet.
• Safer for children – the warm mist from a warm humidifier can actually burn a child if they get too close, whereas a cool mist is safe for the child to touch.

Straightforward! No crazy settings or multiple dials. Simply turn it on and up until you have the amount of mist you desire.

Not long after taking the Crane out of the box, Rea got a case of the sniffles and was sneezy, snotty, and generally unhappy. We moved the Crane cool mist humidifier to our room that night and ran it next to her bassinet. She was feeling better within a few days.

If you are expecting to not get a good stream of steam from a cool mist humidifier, you’ll be surprised!

See??

Like I mentioned, I chose a Crane Drop design for my review, but they have the cutest humidifiers to choose from! Their Adorable line offers many different designs to make your and your little ones smile.

You can purchase Crane humidifiers, air purifiers and more products from their website! Or…

One lucky reader will win a humidifier from Crane, in either the Drop or Adorable design! This contest is open to all U.S. residents aged 18+. Entries will be accepted until the end of the day (11pm Central) Thursday, October 4th, 2012. By entering this giveaway you agree to the Official Rules. Giveaway is listed on Sweepstakes Advantage Instant Win page.

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