Product Review: The Little Black Dress Jewelry Organizer

I love this Little Black Dress jewelry organizer from The Container Store. So much better than the tangled mess I had in my jewelry box under my bathroom sink. I had to go several times because it goes out of stock just as quick as they get more in. Wish someone would have told me about this sooner, so I thought I would share with you! It is two-sided and hangs on a rod or hook to maximize space and swivels so you can see your jewelry collection easily, with clear pockets on one side and hanging loops on the other. It has 39 clear vinyl pockets and 24 hook and loop closures. Cost: $19.99

You Need a Budget

You need a budget! My husband and I have been married almost 5 years now and in our married life our circumstances have changed from him finishing school and working part time and me working full time to having a baby and he working full time and figuring out having me stay home. I have been blessed to be able to stay home shortly after our first year of marriage when our almost 4 year old Sage joined our family. Our financial circumstances have changed again and again. It was especially difficult to create a budget when he was being paid commission. We always have been able to pay our bills and have never had much if any credit card debt, but we have never really budgeted. Occasionally we would make it a goal to sit down and go over our finances in hopes to save some money and it almost always ended with me crying.

 I did not like talking finances... until a friend of mine introduced me to YNAB- You Need A Budget. We have tried to follow Dave Ramsey and have read his Total Money Makeover and we had tried Mint and creating our own spreadsheet, but decided to give YNAB a try. There was and is a free month trial. After the first month we knew it was the perfect program for us. We were discussing our budget and finances daily and without any tears on my end or frustration on my husbands end. We were on the same page and knew every cent of our money coming in and where every cent of our money was going. 6 months later, we have saved more than we have saved in 4 years of marriage and are making progress to our goals. We take a few minutes every night to discuss and make sure we are on the same page. It is so easy and life changing that I wanted to share this program with all of you, especially right now at the end of the year, during this sometimes financially stressful season. It doesn't have to be! A new year is around the corner! Check out this program! I promise if you give it a chance you will love it as much as us!  The program costs $60 for a lifetime membership and is worth every penny. Check it out here! 

Tired Teddies

My kids are early risers and I mean legit early risers. I sometimes hear parents complain that their kids wake up early and I think, "oh good, I'm not alone!" and then I find out that their "early" is 7 am!  Do you know what I would do for my kids to sleep in until 7?!

I have followed Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child by by Dr. Marc Weissbluth, with both my girls and it really has worked wonders. I will have to save my love for that book for another post. I will just say that both my girls have slept through the night early on and have had really good nap schedules. However, the one thing that no book, advice, mother's intuition, praying has been able to do for me is get my kids to sleep in. I have been blessed/cursed with early risers. 5:30 am risers! Some days, like today it was 5 am. Occasionally we go through spurts where they sleep until 6:15-6:30 for several weeks and all is right in the world and I think we have made a break through, only for the next week for them to begin waking at 5 am once again!

Disclaimer: I'm happy to hear any advice, but let me just tell you I have tried putting them to bed earlier, putting them to bed later, black out blinds, white noise,  a timer on the light, snacks by the bed because they wake up hungry, laying with them and rubbing their backs to get them back to sleep, letting the scream and cry hoping they will go back to bed...

I told my oldest when she was barely two and just starting to talk that she was an early bird, which got her all offended and she snapped back at me, "I'm a girl. Not a bird!" As my oldest who is almost 3 1/2 transitioned into a "big girl bed" and we took her bottle away, our perfect bedtime routine would be followed by an hour and half- 2 hour battle of getting her stay in bed and because it doesn't matter what time she goes to bed, she is still up at the crack of dawn this made for a very cranky little girl monster.

Tired Teddies unfortunately has not helped her sleep in, but they have helped her to relax and go right to sleep giving her a couple extra hours of sleep and my husband and me a couple extra hours to relax and spend time together instead of fighting her. I also feel like she gets a better night sleep. She is less restless and wakes up happy, even at 5 in the morning. Wish I could say the same!

So, what are Tired Teddies? Check them out here. You can thank me later!

Tips & Tricks Tuesday: Bath Toy Solution

I have been overwhelmed with bath toy clutter for a couple years now and have tried numerous baskets and expensive bath toy holders to no avail. Can any moms relate? For about $12 at IKEA I found the perfect solution! The "trash baskets" are found in the kitchen section and the hangers are found in the bath section of Ikea. This seriously has been a life saver for me. 

5 pack hangers- $7.99 http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90225793/

trash basket- $3.99 http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80182237/

Product Review: Melissa and Doug Water Wow

A friend at church had one of these incredible books for her little ones and I knew we needed them! Sage girl got some for her birthday and they are awesome! They have several different versions that include an animal theme, letters, numbers and vehicles. They are perfect for church, in the car, in restraints, doctors office... any place you have to wait! We purchased them at Target for $4.99 or they can be found on Amazon too. 

No-mess painting for kids! This exciting paint-with-water coloring book includes four reusable pages and a refillable water pen. Simply use the pen to color in each scene--details and vibrant color appear with every stroke! Then let the page dry to erase the pictures and fill it in again and again. This animal-themed book includes four scenes to color, and a search-and-find activity for each scene. The chunky-sized water pen is easy for kids to hold and stores neatly right in the front cover, so Water WOW books make ideal travel activity books and travel toys for kids!

Product Review: Truly Erasable Pens- No more crossing out!

My planner and calendar will never be the same again! I do not like writing in pencil, but I can't tell you how many times I have had to cross something off my planner or calendar leaving it look a mess because I write with pen. Can you relate? Well, my husband discovered the most amazing erasable pens that truly do erase without leaving a smudge. They are seriously amazing! I know they carry them at Target. They come in a 3 pack of red, black, blue for $5.99. Give them a try! They won't disappoint! 

Product Review: Tommee Tippee Bibs

These bibs actually work! Easy to take with you or store in diaper bag as well as use at home. Easy to clean. Doesn't stain. Difficult for child to remove. Flexible and comfortable. Add this to your must have list! $7.29 for a pack of 2 at Target!

Product Review & GIVEAWAY: It's more than just a planner!

I am a list maker and am goal driven. There is a weird sort of satisfaction I find in checking something off. I am also very visual, which contributes to my desire to write everything down. I also thrive on organization. I have an iphone and we have an ipad so I have downloaded several apps to help keep my time and goals organized. I however have learned that I need to physically write things down on paper with a pen. That's just me. I love planners. I always have. I was the kid in school that would color code my class assignments in my planner. That doesn't mean I actually did the assignments... but I color coded non the less. Can any of you relate to this? Or maybe you are not a list maker or organizer and you feel a bit overwhelmed and a little bit of chaos in your daily life...

I was introduced to the "Mothers Who Know" planner and immediately fell in love with it! I showed my husband this video of it and all that it included and expressed my need for it! Next thing I knew he had it ordered and it was on it's way. I have only been using it a couple weeks now, but I absolutely  LOVE it! It is no ordinary planner! For once in my life my planner is also organized because there is a place for everything. Every little thing has been thought of. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I purchased an LDS version, which includes quotes from leaders of our church and scriptures, a Book of Mormon reading chart, Sunday church lessons, FHE planning, a place for general conference notes, a place to record tithing fast offerings and visiting teaching. It is incredible. There is however a non denomination version! The planner I bought also includes a ton of things for planning for your children, but there is also a third version that is for young single adults without children or for the empty nesters! There is a planner for everyone! And everyone should have one!

Lucky for you, I am honored to a host a GIVEAWAY! One lucky winner will receive a planner of their choice!!!! Before I give you details on the giveaway here are a few more things you may want to know about the planners.

For Mormon Moms
Planner Details:

• Jan-December 2014
• Cute and stylish full color imprint
• Size: 6" x 9" and .75" thick
• Rounded Corners
• Spiral-bound with wire coils so it can be laid flat
• Monthly tabs and dividers

The planner includes pages like:

• Monthly Budget Sheet (with tithing)
• Visiting Teaching Contacts
• Holiday Planning Pages (Traditional U.S. Holidays)
• Thank you Card Tracker
• Family Focus Section
• Monthly Planner (Unique and simple)
• FHE Planner
• Sunday Lessons & Teaching Pages
• Weekly Planners
• Journal pages 

Know It, Live it, Love it Planner- This planner is designed for you! The LDS woman who needs a cute and functional planner without all of the mom stuff. 

Mom on the Go Planner- This planner has the same bright colors and great layout as the popular Mormon Mom Planner, but without any of the specifically LDS religious elements.

Watch the video to learn more. Remember this is the Mormon Mom version, but there is a planner for everyone. 

Also visit MormonMomPlanner.blogspot for more details. Also, check out their website http://intheleafytreetops.com for reviews and more inforamtion!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: One Motherhood in the Major Leagues follower will win a free planner of their choice ($40 value). Either the Mother's Who Know (Mormon Mom version), Know it, Live It, Love it (Mormon Young Single Adult or Empty Nester version) or Mom on the Go (non denominational version). The giveaway begins Thursday, January 30 and will close Sunday, February 2nd at 7 p.m. A winner will be announced shortly after closing. 

HOW TO ENTER: Must be following Motherhood in the Major Leagues facebook page. "Like" the page as well as Mormon Mom Planner's facebook page. Comment on this blog post stating you have liked both pages!

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES: Keep your eye on Motherhood in the Major Leagues facebook page for opportunities for extra entries. 

All entries will be verified. Good luck!

Product Review: Origami Owl

I did a giveaway for Origami Owl a few weeks back sponsored by the amazing Neisha Dressler. I received my necklace a couple weeks ago and I love it! I have also received a ton of compliments on it. It is great quality and beautiful. There are so many charms and dangles to choose from too. Origami Owl is jewelry that tells a story. My necklace has 6 charms- a birthstone for both my girls, my initial, a ring to represent my marriage, a pearl and a plate that says "faith". Now through February 15th she is offering 20% plus free shipping on all orders. Visit her website and contact her to order. Let her know Motherhood in the Major Leagues sent you!

http://neishadressler.origamiowl.com/default.aspx 

Product Review: Foam Paint Rollers

Santa brought these for our girl and she loves them! I think I may have had just as much fun as she did! They are foam rollers with different patterns. Santa got these at Lakeshore Learning Store. They come in a pack of 12 which includes 2 of 6 different patterns for $12.99. If you don't have a store near you you can order online. Or you can search on Amazon for textured foam rollers. 

Product Review: GoGo Squeez

Applesauce on the go. It is brilliant! And before anyone calls me out on it, yes I know an actual apple is just as convenient on the go and healthier, but my girls love applesauce. I love that I can throw it in the diaper bag and it can stay in their without bruising. And my girls love it! Anyways, thought I would share this awesome deal at Target right now. 

Deal: Buy 2 GoGo Squeez 12-Packs ($7.19) & 1 Fast Fruit 4-pk ($3.49) = $17.87

- $3.49 (the GoGo Squeez Fast Fruit 4-pack will be FREE with Target Deal thru 2/22

-$2.87 (use 20% Off GoGo SqueeZ 12 pk Target Cartwheel x1/11

-$1.50 (use two $0.75 off any ONE (1) GoGo squeeZ product
= $10.01 for all 3 after stack & freebie. 

If your store allows a coupon on a SALE freebie- use 1 more -$0.75 off any ONE (1) GoGo squeeZ product
= $9.26 for all 3 or a total of 28 pouches or like paying .33 cents a pouch

Thank you Totally Target for posting this deal!

Product Review: Jumbo Crayons

Did you know Crayola makes jumbo crayons? They are even bigger than their large crayons. I assumed this was common knowledge, but I have had several moms ask me about the jumbo crayons when they have seen my girl coloring, so... yes, the jumbo crayons are amazing! Easy to hold and hard to break! Walmart has the best price I have found or I have purchased ours at Toys R Us when they have had a buy one get one free Crayola deal.

Product Review: BEMIS NextStep Toilet Seat

We got this wonderful toilet seat as a gift and it has been the best! It can be purchased at Home Depot for about $40-$45 depending whether or not you need an elongated or round front. We started potty training with this portable seat for the mere convenience of being able to bring it with us anywhere. We spent a few days naked with the potty right next to her wherever she was in the house. A dozen accidents and one day later we were accident free. I realize this isn't the case of my many little ones, but boy am I grateful it was the case for ours. It is just about the only thing that she has been so easy going with in her short 2 year life. Anyways, back to this wonderful little seat... It is just that. Wonderful. Unlike the children's seats that can be put on the big toilet and you take on and off, this wonderful seat is nice because there is no additional cleaning. Easy to clean when cleaning your bathroom as usual. No extra handling. It was super easy to install. Easy for little one to use by themselves. Sturdy. There is a "quiet/slow close". When the child's potty is not being used you would never know it was even there; the little seat stays up magnetically. This is the perfect product if you have small children at home. 

Product Review: Antilop Highchair from Ikea

We got a big, pretty, fancy highchair with our first child. It was easy to clean, but not really. The fabric was machine washable, which made it nice, but what mom needs more laundry? Food would get under the fabric and there were just so many crevices to clean. With our second princess we decided to get a "cheap" highchair from Ikea and it has been the best decision. We wish we would have got this one from the start. It doesn't  take up a lot of room, it's easy wipe down to  clean and is lightweight but sturdy. Ikea also carries a support cushion for $4.99. Highchair- $19.99 and tray- $5.00. 

Product Review: Braun Thermoscan

We have loved this thermometer. It is accurate and easy to use.  LCD display. This digital ear thermometer's built-in memory capacity lets you store up to 8 previous readings. It is quick!; Takes only seconds to get a reading. We love this thermometer. The only downside is that the LCD screen does not light up. However, we would recommend this thermometer. It has made the hassle of having our little one hold still for minutes to get a temperature, so much easier! She likes listening for the little bird, which we call the little beep. We can take her temperature while she is sleeping without disturbing her and it is reliable. So, if you are in the market for a thermometer the Braun Thermoscan is the one to get! It cost about $40 at Target or Amazon. It has been given 4.5 stars out of 650 reviews on Amazon. 

Product Review: Prince Lionheart Booster Seat

Love this booster seat. Simple, clean and durable design. It is easy to carry around and slip resistant. I like the fact that it has no buckles. It is easy to clean and comfortable. It has 4.5 out of 5 stars from close to 300 reviews on amazon. Prices range from $25-$35 depending on the colors. 

If interested check amazon. 

Product Review: munchkin Shampoo Rinser

I wish someone would have told me about this shampoo rinser! I saw it every time I walked through the baby aisles at Target and finally one day I decided to splurge and spend the $4.99. Boy am I glad we did. I once got soap in my littles eyes and so rinsing her hair has been quite the ordeal ever since. Not any more. This soft cup by munchkin forms to your little one's head and is worth every penny!