baby dee dee Booties- Past kicking & fussing they stay on!

Baby Kolton sporting 0-3 mo
Babydeedee Booties which
fit him perfectly!

"Baby booties are so cute they just never stay on..." my mom said as I was showing her these adorable booties from baby dee dee for Kolton.  I laughed a little and told her that's why these ones were different because they buttoned.

Baby products have changed so much over the last couple of years, especially since I had Maison almost 13 years ago.  So when I came across baby dee dee, I knew they were something we had to try!  

Yes, they are as soft as they look!  The Faux Fur Sherpa material on the outside is one of the softest materials I have ever felt!  


The inside is a comfy jersey cotton that is also  soft but not difficult to slide baby Kolton's feet into like most baby shoes.  But these booties open up with a snap design that includes two buttons making them tighter or looser.  The buttons combined with the small elastic in the back make these booties stay on!  Yup, that's why I wanted to try the baby dee dee booties so bad!  They stay on!  Past the kicking and fussing, and rutting around, the booties really do stay on!  


Now while I realize Kolton won't be up and running around in the next 3 months, (that's the size I ordered him), but all of the baby dee dee booties have non-skid bottoms and a padded sole for not only comfort but safety.  So when I go back and order him bigger pairs, I know he will be able to wear them safely around the house without slipping, sliding, and falling on the hard floor.  

These booties are a must have!  I love the quality of the materials used, the fact that they do indeed stay on, and they are safe for little ones learning to walk.  

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We received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for an honest and non-biased review. While we have been compensated for our review with the product, our reviews our our own opinion based on our personal experience and realize our experiences may be different than our readers.

Avoid the mass jewelry stores and shop with meaning- Waxing Poetic

There's no denying I love shopping. Duh! I love shopping for the kids, hubby, and for the house and every now and then, I enjoy getting a little something for me too. But when it comes to me, I don't really need a whole lot so a little self pampering is generally where I turn.

I recently decided it was time for a new necklace. It's been a really long time since I've found one that I like and one that's different from what everyone else is wearing. I'm sorry, I just don't like running into someone and they have the same clothes or jewelry as me. But then again, who does?

One of the companies I recently came across with some really unique pieces is Waxing Poetic. Sure I could go to a mass jewelry store to get a new piece but when I come across small companies like Waxing Poetic, the pieces are more memorable because they have a story and a purpose. I'm a firm believer in shopping at companies with a purpose rather than getting the rich man richer.

Waxing Poetic creations are based on the old time fashion of a personal wax seal, you know like the ones used as a signature or on envelopes.  I bet my kids wouldn't have a clue what I'm talking about.  It's just that special personalized touch that we've lost over time. 

According to the philosophy of Waxing Poetic, most of their jewelry is made in Bali, Indonesia “one of the only regions today that makes a worthy living of ancient crafts and traditions like silversmithing” (waxing poetic). The facility used to make some of the Waxing Poetic jewelry has been around for over 20 years and of the 125 employees that work there many of them have been there over 10 years.  I can't really think of a whole lot of companies around here that keep employees that long. 

(Waxing Poetic)

Why do they stay around for so long? It appears they are very well cross trained to not only help each other in times of need such as illness or religious holidays but then if an employee wants to take some work home for extra income or a mother would like to work from home, they are able to.  Those are special attributes that you don't find in the mass jewelry stores.  

Waxing Poetic values it's employees and that's obvious but they also value the quality of their pieces. “Human touch and craftsmanship will always be what we value most. Skill sets are prioritized and cultivated, and every stage is carried by human hands” (Waxing Poetic)

Now with all this being said, you can see why it's important for me to shop outside of the mass jewelry stores. Companies have stories and stories of passion produce skill and a quality that's hard to find in pieces that are just mass produced by the thousands.

I ordered the Waxy Double HeartNecklace from Waxing Poetic and I just love it! On an 18” Sterling Silver Minuet chain the two hearts paired on a single link settle gracefully with each other. I don't like big bulky jewelry and these hearts are about the size of my thumbnail which is absolutely perfect. You can see the hand carving throughout the hearts in great detail.

  Then there's the chain. I don't think I've ever owned a chain  that was so dainty and fashionable but created with such perfect links.  I also love the beads that are spaced perfectly throughout the chain because they are so different for a chain of this quality.  They are rare.  Usually when a chain has added flair its big, bulky, and not very attractive.  This piece, the Waxy Double
Heart Necklace, is just beautiful and I'll definitely be ordering from Waxing Poetic again.

Waxing Poetic offers so many different pieces and even some for men as well. If your looking for a gift that truly symbolizes quality and passion you need to check them out. Avoid the mass retailers and shop with meaning!

Waxy Double Heart Necklace  Waxing Poetic Website     Facebook   Instagram   Pinterest    Youtube           

We received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for an honest and non-biased review. While we have been compensated for our review with the product, our reviews our our own opinion based on our personal experience and realize our experiences may be different than our readers.  

"Not a Football" Passback Sports

“That's not a football!” Maison said as he opened the package from Passback Sports. I kinda laughed a little because I had told the kids that I had footballs coming for them that I thought would help them get better before the season started. I guess I failed to explain that they're not traditional footballs like the ones that are laying around in the woods rotting because they play with them for about half a minute and then never again.

Yes, all three kids have footballs, and basketballs, baseballs, and just all sorts of sports gear. But the problem with sports gear or games is that more often than not only one of them really wants to play at a time. So while Jeramiah want's to go through a ball around, Maison and Layla are usually off doing something else. Hubby will get out there and toss the ball back and forth with them but I don't think the “once in a while” is really going to help them train to get better and better before the next season.

When I came across Passback Sports I knew it was another perfect item to not only get the kids out of the house more but help prepare them for the football season. So when Maison said “That's not a football”, no he's right it's not your traditional football like the ones they play with so rarely. The Passback football is half a football. Check it out! But the half a football is designed to be thrown against a surface and you guessed it, it “Passes itself back”. I almost said bounces back, but it comes back in a manor that it helps learn how to catch it as well. So the passback ball is truly passing itself back to you. Which is what makes it so significant. The kids don't need each other to go outside and play ball. Now they can take their Passback Balls outside whenever they want without begging someone else to come throw it back to them.

The Passback Sports football is like a triple win! The kids are getting out of the house, they are getting in some quality training time, and they can toss the ball by themselves.  No fighting involved! Passback also comes in three different sizes, so there's a fitting one for each level of your player.  Or  my monsters, Layla got the PeeWee ball while the boys got one of the larger ones.

 Be sure to check Passback Sports out at the links below;

Website     Youtube     Instagram     Facebook                

We received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for an honest and non-biased review. While we have been compensated for our review with the product, our reviews our our own opinion based on our personal experience and realize our experiences may be different than our readers.  

Kyocera Sonic Wave Sharpener

Knives, scissors, blender blades, carving tools, fishing hooks and pruning shears. What do they all have in common? They can be sharpened by the Sonic Wave battery operated sharpener, which is why we're giving it a try. I love ordering tools that have so many different uses! Multi-use tools just save so much room, money, and are so convenient!

When we received the Sonic Wave Sharpener, hubby took off with it right away. Figures.... But there he was first sharpening his pocket knifes, then a couple work knives. I've caught him using it several times since we received it and I'm so glad it's going to be a tool that he continues to use rather than just sitting in a box somewhere.

Between hubby and the boys, they have so many different knives for hunting, fishing, work, and other recreational activities it's ridiculous! Maybe it's a man thing, I dunno! Jeramiah says “because when they get dull we need a new one”. Maison I think just likes collecting things. And hubby... Ok, I do understand he loses them occasionally and needs a new one for work and then WAM the old one is found again. Well boys, now you can sharpen the ones you have and don't have to buy anymore!

I'm completely comfortable with both boys using this hand held Sonic Wave Sharpener. As long as they leave the attachment on it, there's a clear guiding guard that prevents the knife from slipping out of control.

I like how easy it is for me to hold it and I can use it on my crafting scissors and garden tools. The button is easy for me to turn it on one handed while holding my tools in the other hand. The Sonic Wave Sharpener really is easy to use, even for me.

Be sure to check out the Sonic Wave Sharpener by Kyocera at their website and links below;

     Website     Facebook     Twitter     Pinterest      Youtube  

 

We received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for an honest and non-biased review. While we have been compensated for our review with the product, our reviews our our own opinion based on our personal experience and realize our experiences may be different than our readers.  

Kicking the kids outside w/ GoSports Cornhole Set

As I look out the window I have to wonder where those nice spring days are. We hit 70 over the weekend and yet again its 32 degrees out now. Wow, I thought spring was here? Where did it go?

I've really been trying to find the kids more things to do outside and hope before summer get's here to have a complete list of outdoor activities to keep everyone's kiddos busy during spring break. Goals!

Last week we received a Solid WoodCornhole set from GoSports. The two 4' x2' boards (regulation size) made up a pretty big box so I had the boys set it in the garage until the weather warmed up thinking they would need to put it together before playing with it. Finally.... I let them tear into the box and was really surprised to find it already put together in a really tough carrying case. I was shocked there was no assembly required and they were already outside playing!

So I was pretty impressed with the design of the cornhole set being 100% wood and the surfaces are made of a beautiful oak that although it has the American Flag graphics, its done in a vintage style which still allows the woodgrain to show through. I love that because I truly love wooden products. (Remember I'm a crafter) The legs also fold up pretty easily. Easy enough that Jeramiah was able to put the set away himself (considering everyone else left him anyways...).

Now I know Cornhole is truly a two person game, but we have a lot of BBQ's and swim parties over the summer, which means extra people and extra kids. GoSports sends 8 all-weather regulation bean bags but they also have additional sets available on Amazon. I'm planning on ordering some more before our next BBQ to allow more kiddo's (or the adults) to play at the same time. It's not like they really truly follow the rules that came with it anyways.

The verdict is... GoSports has a top of the line, regulation Cornhole set that's about half the price of other regulation wooden sets and the kids loved it! Heck hubby even got out there a couple of times and played a few games with them. I'm not to great on my feet lately, 5 days until baby! But I can't wait! I love being outside with the family.

Check out GoSports and all their outdoor activities at the following links

Website    Instagram    Facebook   

We received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for an honest and non-biased review. While we have been compensated for our review with the product, our reviews our our own opinion based on our personal experience and realize our experiences may be different than our readers.  

Stamina Wonder Exercise Bike- Great for the whole family!

So when the Stamina Wonder Exercise Bike showed up on my front porch, I immediately left it there for the boys to carry in...  I didn't think they would also beg and beg to put it together.  But it's not like this preggo was truly in the position to say no as bending and a whole lot of moving has become rather difficult. So fine..... There ya go bud! Have at it!

I went inside to get some work done and came back out and was incredibly surprised at how far he had gotten in such a short time!  “What mom? The instructions were easy!” Good to know!! And the boys, for half a minute, worked together! 

Now I've had exercise bikes before so when I found out this one was coming I wasn't really sure what to expect.  Just another piece of exercise equipment that the boys would probably use more than anyone and maybe just maybe it would keep them out of my hair for a little while here and there?  Wow was I wrong!  I've even gotten on it a couple of times (in small burst) and the seat and set up is extremely comfortable!  I was really surprised!  






The Stamina Wonder Exercise Bike has so many different features on it, it's definitely more than just your traditional exercise bike!  I love love love it!     The wheels on the back make it super easy for me to move around.  We are storing it in the garage, but when I'm ready to use it I would much rather be outside!  Easy peasy!  And as guilty as I feel for wanting to watch TV and ride on it at the same time, it's still just as easy to move it in the living room because it's actually pretty light-weight once it's all put together.  





Battery operated, The Stamina Wonder Exercise Bike has a simple multi-function monitor which tracks workout time, calories burned, speed and distance travel!  Hubby is constantly coming in and telling me that he did x amount of miles and is really proud of how fast he's doing them.  Soon honey, I'll catch up with ya!  I see a little friendly competition in our future! 

The knob you see just below the monitor easily adjust the resistance too!  I love that because that allows everyone in the house to personalize the workout experience specifically to their needs.  







So check this out, that little knob controls the adjustable Wonder Arms!   Here's what makes the Stamina Wonder Exercise Bike different from all the rest!  Pull the knob and the arms you see coming up from the top can move all the way down giving you several different options for an upper body workout!  


 The elastic tension cord is perfectly paired with resistance and position to change up the upper body workout and tone not only my arms but shoulders, chest, and back!  With the ability to move the wonder arms, I've seen the boys do exercises like the chest press but I like using it to throw punches.  At this point in my pregnancy that's the way I have found it easiest for me to use.   

Oh my gosh I remember when the boys were little, they were at work with me while I was taking care of an incident and Maison goes "Mom what happened to your arms!  They are hanging!!"  Yea..... Now they know better but I have a smaller smarty pants on the way so I'm not even going to take the chance!   

I can't wait until Baby Kolton get's here and I can really put the pedal to the metal and give the Stamina Wonder Exercise Bike my turn!  I've gotten to use it so very little so far I just keep growing more and more anxious watching everyone else enjoy it.  And by the time it's my turn, those trees will be in full bloom and my wild flowers should be growing nicely out in front of the garage.  I just can't wait!!


Be sure to check out The Stamina Wonder Exercise Bike is available at the following links!  Give it a try after all summer is right around the corner and not only is this a good piece of equipment to help get into shape to have enough energy to keep up with summer but who doesn't want to fit a into that swim gear a little nicer???

Stamina Products Website 

     

   Also available at Sears & Walmart!


We received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for an honest and non-biased review. While we have been compensated for our review with the product, our reviews our our own opinion based on our personal experience and realize our experiences may be different than our readers.  

Tallys Begging- Sweet Potato & Venison Treats from Chewy!

        I was sitting here checking e-mails and kinda just taking a break when Tally Girl stops in front of me and just started staring at me.  I thought it was weird but she's been doing that a lot lately, usually when I'm having contractions or doing something I'm not supposed to be like climbing the ladder in the garage.  I'm pretty sure she knows Baby Kolton is coming any day now because she tends not to leave my side if I'm up doing just about anything....

       But this time I was just sitting here....   I kinda ignored her for a minute or two and then I realized her most recent delivery from Chewy.com was sitting in the chair beside me. Oh Tally Girl.....  Alright, bad doggy mom moment I suppose.  Woops!  But for real, how did she even know it was for her....

Our March delivery included  Sweet Potato & Venison Formula Treats from Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance.    We ordered the 14 oz bag, of course they are on sale for $6.39, but they are listed for Regular Breed dogs.  Each treat measures about 1.5 inches which is perfect for Tally.  Chewy.com also has a Small Breed bag for $4.33.  So there are options to this treat which is nice!
 
Needless to say, Tally loves these crunchy treats. Yup I said crunchy and unlike a lot of other crunchy treats they don't leave behind a mess of crumbles when shes done. 


So what's Chewy.com say about these treats?
"Limited Ingredient Treats are designed with a limited number of protein and carbohydrate sources. Scientifically formulated to provide high quality nutrition and optimize skin and coat. A perfect treat for pups with tummy troubles or food-related allergies! Natural Balance L.I.T. Limited Ingredient Treats Sweet Potato & Venison Formula are completely grain-free and are made without common protein sources that often trigger allergies in dogs." (Chewy.com) 

I ordered these this month to help support Tally with her skin an fur as summer's coming up, shes getting out in the woods more and with the warmer weather means less of a coat.  I want her to stay healthy and although I know she's going to start shedding that winter coat, I want to protect her as much as possible from the skin allergies that seem to affect her during the summer months.  The all natural ingredients in these treats means I know exactly what she's eating which is a good place to start!  So bring on summer!

Check out the Sweet Potato & Venison Formula Treats from Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance on Chewy.com by clicking HERE    Of course you can save 20% by adding these to your monthly auto-ship and 1-2 day shipping is always free for orders over $49! 


We received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for an honest and non-biased review. While we have been compensated for our review with the product, our reviews our our own opinion based on our personal experience and realize our experiences may be different than our readers.  

Janiebee Personalized Nap Mat, Back Pack, & Lunch Sak

So it goes without saying Baby Kolton is going to be very very spoiled!  Luckily, I can share all the sweetness with you my readers!  Last week, I found Janiebee, a company that personalizes handmade, quilted backpacks, lunch bags, and sleep mats.   The quality in each of these pieces is amazing! While browsing their website, I found so many different designs that actually picking one was kinda difficult.  But today when I went back to their site to grab links for this post, I seen that even if they don't have a fabric listed that your interested in, shoot them an e-mail and they will work with you to create the special design you have in mind.  

From Janiebee, we ordered the a complete 3-Piece Dig-It Set, which is perfect for the amount of traveling we do or a day off to the babysitters.   Each piece is embroidered with Kolton's name.  The insulated lunch sack is just adorable and again really well made.  It measures 9" by 7.5" which is perfect for his bottles and a couple jars of baby food. The hard bottom and velcro closure are perfect to support the contents of the lunch sack.  

  

Also included in the 3-Piece set from Janiebee is the 10"x 12" backpack, which is actually lined with a polyester batting to pad the entire back pack.  The linking makes the back pack super sturdy but yet soft and easy for little ones to carry. 

 Momma's favorite feature of the back pack is the size because it will hold everything from a couple sets of clothing to coloring books and toys on those long car rides.  

 But last but not least, and probably the cutest piece of all from this set is the nap mat.  Oh my goodness!!!  I can't wait until Baby Kolton is big enough to cuddle up all over this mat!  





The baby blue minky fabric that holds the pillow and the cover blanket is just the softest fabric ever!  The mat is lined with 2" thick but very soft batting and the entire mat is 53" long.  

I love how each section of the mat even has different multicolored fabrics to give more of a quilted design feel.  We are a big quilt family, but that's a story for another time.  The design makes it feel like it belongs here with the rest of the quilts grandma made.  

 The mat is machine washable, (Thank goodness!!) and dryer safe.  I was especially surprised to see it even came with a cute travel pillow and the pillow case has a velcro closure to keep the pillow tucked in safe and sound.  

Now, here it is.... The goofy picture of the post.  Since moving around a whole lot has been really uncomfortable for me, Jeramiah and Maison have been helping with unpacking and helping with pictures for the blog. Jeramiah just couldn't get away without wanting one of him trying out the mat.  Ya know "To make sure it's good enough for Kolton" he says... What a goof!  



Be sure to check out Janiebee and all their different designs on the following sites: 
 Website       Pinterest     Facebook  Twitter  Instagram


We received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for an honest and non-biased review. While we have been compensated for our review with the product, our reviews our our own opinion based on our personal experience and realize our experiences may be different than our readers.  

Ozeri Tower Fan Review- Perfect for small places!

Spring is right around the corner and I'm so ready to have the windows open and the fresh air flowing through the house! Our house is rather small, which I guess helps with the electric bill but leaves for a hassle to have a big stand up fan in the living room or any room in the house for that matter. I just feel like they get in the way...

I came across the Ozeri Tower Fan a few months ago and we have already gotten a ton of use with it! I know spring is still technically around the corner but we have been using it to circulate some of the heat throughout the house and its been perfect so I know it will be great for spring and summer too!

The Ozeri Tower Fan set up is has a super slim design being only about 3-4 inches thick but stands 44 inches tall with three separately controlled fans. And get this, controlled by sleek buttons on the fan or a remote! Wow we (as a generation) are getting lazy but that's totally OK because this pregnant lady totally appreciates the ability to turn the fan off and on with the remote!

My favorite feature with this fan is how quiet it is even with all the different airflow patterns. There are actually 3 pre-programed airflow patterns and with the 3 different fans and 3 different fan speeds, there are up to 9 different levels of airflow. The Ozeri Tower Fan just seems so unlimited! Oh oh oh!!! Let's not forget the timer on it that can be programmed in 30 minute increments for 7.5 hours!

This has got to be one of my favorite fans we have ever owned. There are just so many different features and setting possibilities. Be sure to check out the Ozeri Tower Fan at the following links;

                    Wal-Mart 

We received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for an honest and non-biased review. While we have been compensated for our review with the product, our reviews our our own opinion based on our personal experience and realize our experiences may be different than our readers.  

Easter Plush Bunnies, Ducks, & Lambs

These have been so much fun to make!   We can personalize any plush to have your little ones name on them.

Especially perfect for parent's like me who named their children with ummm "different" names or spelling.  I mean, how often are you going to find something at Wal-Mart with the name Jeramiah spelled with an "A" or Maison with an "I".  Yea..... I did that.....  But I love them so much I just wanted their names to be different!  I guess that's a story for another day....

These are with commercial grade heat transfer vinyl. 
The bunnies stand approximately 8 inches tall and the ducks and lambs are 6 inch.

To order, come message us on our Facebook page.  They are $5 each and shipping starts at $4.

Back Road Momma Facebook

Dunky Cup Review

As the kids are getting older its getting harder and harder to find gifts for them. Of course over the last year I feel like I've bought them ten million pairs of headphones, and then there's the traditional “cool” school items that they need but it's nice to just give them something fun and useless once in awhile.

Easter's coming up and I try to steer away from traditional candy and junk in their baskets. So when I came across Dunky Cup, I first giggled a little at their name, and then thought how perfect would that be to put in one of the boys baskets! But..... Like a ding dong I opened the mail right in front of them yesterday. Hummm should I stash it and make them wait or give in?

Jeramiah said “Oh that's cute” Jeramiah I think your a little old to think a cup is cute! Maison wanted to eat the cookies that came in it before we even hit the driveway. Of course they are always hungry after school.

SO! Just looking at it on Amazon, I thought the cup was actually glass. It looked shinny and fragile but not at all! It's actually made out of a Food-grade ABS plastic and is super thick and sturdy. It's perfect for all three of our clumsy kiddos and microwave and dishwasher safe.

I love that the Dunky Cup comes ready to give as well. Like I said, Maison wanted the cookies! The total package actually included cookies so you can dive right in! Of course the milk is not included hehe!

Dunky Cup is a great gift for my older kiddo's. Check it out on the following links;

Dunky Cup Website

Disclaimer: 

We received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for an honest and non-biased review. While we have been compensated for our review with the product, our reviews our our own opinion based on our personal experience and realize our experiences may be different than our readers.