Sunday, June 29, 2014

Kitchenaid Artisan Design Collection Stand Mixer Giveaway Summerdreams



#SummerDreams KitchenAid Decision Sweepstakes

Hosted by Mom to Bed by 8 and Iowa Mom

I'm so excited to share this giveaway with you! Now through July 14th you have a change to win a KitchenAid mixer in electric blue!! Don't forget to head over to momtobedby8.com for your chance to win a mixer in Raspberry as well!! 

High performance meets designer style with the KitchenAid Artisan Design Collection 5qt 325 Watt Stand Mixer. Finished in a smart, jewel-toned color, this tilt-head Artisan Stand Mixer boasts 10 speeds and a 325-watt motor that keeps up with you in the kitchen. Whip up everything from homemade cookies to mashed potatoes in the mixer's glass bowl, which includes a spout and measurement markings for convenient pouring and prep. Features:
  • Includes stand mixer, glass bowl, burnished flat beater, burnished dough hook, six-wire whip, and use-and-care guide
  • 325W motor
  • 10-speed slide control
  • 5-qt bowl with comfort handle
  • 59-point planetary mixing action allows for quicker, more thorough mixing
  • Power hub for additional attachments
  • Non-hinged hub cover
  • Yields up to 4-1/2 bread loaves, nine dozen cookies, or seven lbs of mashed potatoes
  • Embossed trim band
  • Two-coat color finish
  • All-metal construction
  • Measures 13-15/16"H x 14-1/8"D x 8-3/4"W; weighs 29 lb; 5-qt capacity
Want a second chance to win KitchenAid Artisan Design Stand Mixer in Raspberry? Visit momtobedby8.com for more information.

One reader will receive a KitchenAid Artisan Design Collection 5qt 325 Watt Stand Mixer in Electric Blue.


Giveaway ends July 14th at 11:59pm, open to US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. Excludes Quebec. Only one entrant per household, per address. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Enter using the giveaway form below. Good luck!


Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com if you have any additional questions or comments.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Every Man Jack Review




Every Man Jack Products: So a few months back we decided to try a new deodorant for my husband because we wanted something with more natural ingredients and aluminum free. He's normally a Old Spice deodorant user but I decided to pick up some Every Man Jack Cedarwood deodorant that I ran across at Giant. A few days later his armpits were red rimmed and looking kinda awful. Obviously he and the new deodorant were not meant to be. I chatted with Customer Service about the reaction he had and several days later a box shows up with not one but three Every Man Jack products for my husband to try out(seriously the BEST Customer Service!). Cedarwood body wash, and fragrance free face scrub and face lotion. After being disappointed with the deodorant these three products got a thumbs up from my hubby. Especially the face scrub and post shave face lotion. 

The body wash smelled great, the face scrub helps remove dry, dead skin and the lotion keeps his face moisturized. Important to him since shaving daily can take a toll on his face. Another reason to like Every Man Jack products is because they are naturally derived ingredients with no parabens, phthalates, no dyes and no sodium lauryl. Instead they contain great ingredients for your skin like essential oils, shea butter, aloe, jojoba and vitamin e. If you've never tried this brand before and you have a special man in your life - pick some up for him! 


Connect: Visit the Every Man Jack website, like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.


Buy It: You can buy these products at everymanjack.com and retailers like Target, Giant Eagle, Whole Foods, Wegman's & more... 


Disclosure: I was provided the items mentioned(minus the deodorant) at no cost. However, Every Man Jack didn't know I'd be doing a blog review. All opinions are my own.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

First Child Eats Dirt...


I'm not sure who created this picture but it made me chuckle. Levi's Dr who has several children said something along the same line about pacifiers. Levi's had fallen on the floor during a visit and the Dr said for the first child when the pacifier falls on the floor the parents take it home and disinfect it. For the second child you pick it up and wipe it off before giving it back to the child. For the third child you just pick it up and put it back in the babies mouth! 



Sunday, June 15, 2014

Happy Father's Day Mike

In honor of Father's Day I wanted to share some pictures of Mike and Levi. I love these two guys with all my heart. And all the pictures of Mike holding Levi make me feel all mushy inside! Mike was(is) very adamant that he has no idea what to do with babies. But he put that aside and did such a great job with Levi this past year and a few months! Especially in those first weeks when I was recovering from the c-section. I love all the pictures of the two of them sleeping. The ones of Levi looking adoringly at his Daddy. And all of the memories that goes with these pictures!! As first time parents the last year has been an adventure but I can't wait to watch all the adventures these two will have together as Father and Son!! <3 
















Walk With Me, Daddy
by Helen Bush

Walk alongside me Daddy,
and hold my little hand. 
I have so many things to learn
that I don't understand. 

Teach me things to keep me safe
from dangers every day. 
Show me how to do my best
at home, at school, at play.

Every child needs a gentle hand 
to guide them as they grow. 
So walk alongside me, Daddy,
We have along way to go. 

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!
Love, Levi (and Momma)




Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Weight Loss Week Two


Well, Operation Weight Loss Week Two is over. I’ll admit I’ve been a little lax over the last week. I’ve had chocolate chip cookies, lemon pound cake and a few nibbles of banana bread and ice cream. I’m not on a “diet” but I’m trying to pay attention to portion sizes and eat more veggies. I’ve continued to do big salads for lunch with some sort of protein (eggs mostly) in it. Yesterday was an acceptation because I ran out of lettuce. So I just had carrots, broccoli and egg salad (that I somehow messed up but waste not want not) which wasn’t quite as filling as my big ol’ salad. Sadly I stlill don't have any lettuce today so not sure what lunch will be...

I’m all about weight loss not being about restricting yourself to only eat certain foods. Or to only drink meal replacement shakes and cut out all carbs and sweets. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with doing any of those things. I drink a meal replacement shake every once in awhile. But I feel there’s room in your life for all kinds of foods if your eating healthy portions of those foods. During this new weight loss journey I haven’t counted calories and I’ve only measured my foods out a few times. I just don’t have the time or energy for it. I want to be able to have a healthy relationship with food and trust my body to tell me how much I need. To only eat when I’m hungry and not because it’s fun. And to only eat until I’m full and not over-stuff myself because something is yummy and I don’t want to stop eating it. I’ve had unhealthy relationships with food and I’m not going back there.

So with all that being said - are you wondering how things worked out for me?

Goal ONE: So excited to see 165 on the scales this morning! Makes me feel like 160 is easier to reach now! 

Pregnancy Weight: 205

Week 1 Weight: 168

Week 2 Weight: 165 (down 3 pounds)

Lost: 40 pounds

Pounds to Pre-Pregnancy Weight: 15

Pre-Pregnancy Weight: 150

**Goal Weight: 140**