Mommy To Be Archives - My Newest Addiction

Conceive Plus

August 31, 2015 1 Comment

This post is sponsored by Conceive Plus.

Being a mother is probably one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever taken on. It is also one of the hardest. You want to give your kids everything but you don’t want to spoil them. You want to discipline them but you don’t want to be too hard on them. You want to help them learn to be independent but you don’t want to let them go too quickly. So many fine lines to be walked when it comes to raising children but one thing is definitely true, even if it sounds cliche; you will love them unconditionally right from the very start. And sometimes even before the start…

During the time when you are trying to get pregnant can be the most frustrating in your journey through motherhood. When you are trying to conceive you want nothing more than to be pregnant, but it can take months or even years sometimes to get pregnant. Obviously we all know HOW to make a baby but sometimes there are factors that can be working against you. Conceive Plus is actually the world’s leading fertility lubricant and has been helping couples globally on their path to pregnancy since 2008.

The best part of Conceive Plus is that it works naturally. It is not a fertility treatment; Conceive Plus is a sperm friendly personal lubricant that can be used by ALL couples who want to have a baby. And I think that is pretty fantastic. When you are trying to conceive you sometimes find yourself trying to reproduce during quick lunch breaks or when your other kids are napping, so you are most likely using a lubricant anyway. Adding one that actually helps you achieve your goals is an added bonus.

If you have just started trying or have been trying for a while, Conceive Plus® fertility lubricant can help increase your chances of getting pregnant naturally! Now available from selected online retailers from just $14.99. I would also recommend checking out a video Conceive Plus as well as their user reviews!. Also follow them on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

SASMAR Conceive Plus® sponsored this blog post. The opinions and text are all mine.

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

Livie & Luca | Straight from the Heart

July 4, 2015 Leave a Comment

Picking out shoes and clothes for my daughter is seriously one of my favorite things. I love seeking out the cutest, most unique things and pairing them with staples. Sometimes she is in a super detailed top and a simple pair of skinny jeans while other times I put together an outfit that the most exciting piece are her shoes. Those are the days she is the happiest with her outfit because even at 2 years old she is OBSESSED with shoes. She brings me shoes all day long so that I will switch them on and off. I never thought in a million years that I would have this girly of a little girl, but I eat it up because its the cutest thing in the world.

Whether she is out picking flowers or getting ready to go on a shopping trip with mommy, she has really been LOVING the pairs of shoes we have from Livie & Luca. Livie & Luca is about handmade shoes of extraordinary comfort and durability, shoes expertly designed for the safe development of your little one’s precious feet. The two pairs we have are so well made and have so much cushion in the foot. The materials made have withstood the true toddler test. Each of these pairs of shoes has gone through weeks of wear and they both look brand new.

Livie & Luca Merry Bell evokes the feeling of frolic and fancy in childhood summers – think a secret garden with delicate vines and falling blossoms. With her dangling tassels and scalloped edging in contrasting color, this peep-toe sandal is feminine and sweet. It is made with real leather and the fact it is a metallic gold makes it very neutral. It has velcro closures at the top and this is a part of shoes that she can actually get on and off all by herself.

Aren’t they adorable?

Livie & Luca Petal in pretty patent leather is the brand’s all purpose spring and summer sandal, ready for a day at the playground or a twirl at a birthday party! It really is a very versatile shoe while looking pretty and girly. The lilac patent leather exterior is so pretty and soft in shade. It is a statement shoe without screaming for attention. Love it.

Both of these shoes has a natural leather lining and you can tell that my daughter is super comfortable in them because she runs wide open and never complains or has any issues with blistering and whatnot. Livie & Luca are a brand that is new to me, but definitely has become a staple. You can find Livie & Luca shoes at stores like Zappos, Nordstrom, Amazon, as well as livieandluca.com!

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

Chicco NextFit Carseat

May 23, 2015 Leave a Comment

Press Sample

My kids comfort during this entire move from Florida to Washington has been the most important thing to me. Our lives have been turned upside down so I am trying to compensate that with making sure my children have the best care otherwise. Whether it be an extra hug every day or a comfortable seat in the car, my children deserve the best. My daughter, who is now 2 years old, is in that transition zone with carseats and the Chicco NextFit Carseat has been A GODSEND.

Rae has a lot of changes that are going on, not only with our move, but her body. She is much larger than the average 2 year old so the rear facing days are over, but she is still growing so I needed something that would grow with her. The Chicco NextFit Carseat seemed like the perfect answer because it has a lot of features that most other carseats on the market just don’t have.

For starters, here are a few of the features of the Chicco NextFit Carseat:

ReclineSecure 9-position Leveling System adjusts with one hand for an accurate fit to most vehicles.
Two RideRight bubble levels indicate the correct angle in both rear and forward facing modes.
SuperCinch Latch tightener with force-multiplying technology helps achieve a tight and secure fit.
6 Position height-adjustable headrest for growing children.
One-pull harness tightener for quick and secure fit.
Integrated slide path makes it easy to re-position the Latch strap when switching from rear to foward facing.
removable cup holder for use on either side on the seat.

We have only had it for a couple of months now but I know that this is something we will use for years. I also love that it comes in a variety of colors, because this pink shade is perfection. My daughter (and myself) are extremely partial to pink so I like that this one in particular really lets her personality come out. It really is the little things in life…

If you are on the market for a new carseat then I highly recommend Chicco NextFit Carseats. They are fabulous, high quality, leading technology, and the best part is that they really grow with your child.

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

5 Tips For New Moms

May 4, 2015 16 Comments

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Mustela through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Mustela, all opinions are my own.

With Mother’s Day coming very soon I wanted to take a minute to speak to all the moms out there. Specifically I wanted to talk to the new moms or soon-to-be moms. Having a baby and stepping into the world of motherhood is so stressful and I am sharing 5 tips for new moms that will hopefully help make it a little easier.

{one} Don’t put too much stress on yourself. Being a mom is a BIG job but stressing out about all the little things that are out of your control is not productive. Tackle one thing at a time and don’t overwhelm yourself.

{two} Pamper yourself. Definitely take some time for yourself every day or you will lose your mind. Whether you are a brand new mom or still pregnant doing little things for yourself is so important. For instance, even taking 5 minutes out of your day to put on your stretch mark oil. When I was pregnant with Raegan, and even after I had her, I would rub the Mustela Stretch Marks Care Oil. You can actually purchase Mustela products at Diapers.com!

{three} Have systems. If you don’t have a set routine or systems for certain tedious parts of your day then they can get the best of you.

{four} Use multi-tasking products. Cutting down on the amount of products you are using can save you so much time. The Mustela 2 in 1 Hair and Body Wash is a life saver. I wrote a post about a year ago taking you through the Mustela products I use on her and that one is a favorite for sure.

{five} Use SPF! I know it sounds funny, but baby skin is precious skin. They are so much more sensitive to the damaging rays of the sun because their skin is so new so protect it any time you go outdoors. I really like the Mustela Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen Stick because it is so small and easily thrown into a diaper bag or purse.

Overall, just take it easy. You and your baby will benefit from a cool, calm and collected you.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Mustela wants to hear from real moms like you! Head on over to their Facebook page to enter into their Mustela Moms Know Best contest to win a bundle of products (over a $100 value!). There are two winners every day, so be sure to enter into the contest daily with your tips, tricks and advice!

Also there is a Diapers.com Mother’s Day sale: Buy 2, Save 25% off Mustela maternity products through 5/10/15! Promo code: BUY2MOM

So tell me in the comments below: What are some tips or tricks that you do to stay efficient or just to relax?

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

5 Tips To Conquer Bed Wetting

April 25, 2015 10 Comments

Thank you UnderJams for sponsoring today’s conversation. All tips are my own!

Bed wetting is one of the most frustrating things that parents and children go through. I believe that everyone has done it at least once during their childhood. I actually went through it on a reoccurring basis with my son. It was like a never-ending series of waking up in the middle of the night and washing sheets and giving a bath. MISERY for everyone involved. Thankfully I learned 5 tips to conquer bed wetting and I am ready to share them with YOU!

{one} Restrict liquids before bed. The first thing I learned in this whole process was to DEFINITELY cut out drinks and food close to bed time. If they go to bed with full bladders they are more likely to wet the bed.

{two} Boost Self Esteem. A parent’s first reaction to bed wetting is being annoyed. It is natural, but I URGE you to not let your kid see it. They are already embarrassed that they wet the bed so don’t make them feel worse.

{three} Teach. Read a book about bed wetting with your child. Help them learn good routines in a fun way. You can also download these awesome coloring pages.

{four} Use Pampers UnderJams. UnderJams are comfortable and have a low waist so they don’t poke out from the clothes. This gives them confidence and

{five} Be informed. Knowing some simple facts about enuresis will help you know what you are dealing with. It will also empower you because you will learn that you are not alone.

UnderJams are easy to find at your local Walmart, If you go to PampersUnderJams.com you can watch videos and read articles with helpful insights from Moms who are leading pediatricians – who have dealt with their own children suffering from bedwetting!

Tell me in the comments below: what tips do you have to conquer bed wetting?

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

Living The Suite Life

March 4, 2015 12 Comments

Press Sample. Affiliate Links.

I am sure you have heard me rambling on about moving across the country for the last month or 5. Well, the time has come. We have moved out of our home and are now living in hotels. Life has definitely been turned upside down but it is what it is! haha

I must say, the kids have been LOVING living in a hotel. I think it is the adventure of doing something different. Sleeping in different beds, IN MY BED. I must say that having breakfast ready and cooked right downstairs isn’t half bad either.

There is a pool at the hotel we are currently staying but the weather is just too cold, even in Florida. What would be really nice is if they had a hot tub. I would TOTALLY ditch the family for the evening to soak in the hot tub. This entire moving-across-the-country ordeal has been a little bit too much for me. We have moved to different states a few times (military life) but never have I left the east coast/south. And I am flying with the kids across the country by myself for weeks before my husband meets us. He is driving the cars up; driving his and pulling mine.

So much crazy. I try to keep things as normal as possible though. I have been getting Raegan dressed up in her normal cuteness, going to local shops and window shopping, letting her watch Minnie’s Bowtique! LOL You know, the normal stuff. Living the suite life has definitely been interesting.

This outfit is from FabKids! In case you aren’t familiar, they are asubscription service that offers you a complete outfit for $29.95 a month. Every outfit includes 2 pieces — so you can get a fabulous dress, paired with leggings OR a top and a bottom, etc. They make girls and boys clothing with a wide range of sizes. My daughter is wearing 2-3T but this company can even fit my 9 year old! I call that a win!

So tell me in the comments below: When you are traveling and living in hotels (err… the suite life), what do you do for fun?

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

Things Are Changing + FabKids

January 25, 2015 1 Comment

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So, you guys know we are moving from FL to WA by now. I find it insane, myself, that we are moving clear across the country. I thought that we were going to have months to prepare and such. We put our house on the market this week and within a couple hours we had a request to come and have the house shown to them. I loaded up Raegan and we went shopping and had lunch with my husband and when we got back there was a message that the guy put in an offer. WHAT?

We don’t have to move until April, but we were afraid that our house wouldn’t sell fast so we put it up a few months early only to have it sell in 1 day. I am NOT complaining, so please don’t think that. I am still in shock over how fast everything is happening. Not only did our house sell, but the closing on the house is on the day before my birthday. Essentially I will be “home-less” on my birthday! haha So crazy to think. So I have been trying to plan out my life and what we are going to be doing in the mean time.

So far I think we are going to stay in my friend’s spare bedroom or maybe a hotel for a week or so. I have been in touch with different rental companies and realtors in WA and man… it is SO HARD to find something when you don’t know a single thing about the area you are moving to.

For instance… we pay about $600-700 total for our utilities here in Jacksonville but all the research I have done says we will pay about $100-200 for utilities there. What a difference. Thank goodness for the difference though because all the homes that are semi-comparable to what we live in know are like $500+ more a month. Numbers, numbers, numbers… Why can’t things be cookie cutter and the same everywhere so I know what I am jumping into?

I do like the excitement of new and changing things, but there are some things that I just want to be consistent. For instance, the outfit that Rae is wearing in this post is from FabKids! They are a subscription service that offers you a complete outfit for $29.95 a month. Every outfit includes 2 pieces — so you can get a fabulous dress, paired with leggings OR a top and a bottom, etc. They make girls and boys clothing with a wide range of sizes. My daughter is wearing 2-3T but this company can even fit my 9 year old!

Tell me in the comments below: Do you thrive on wild and crazy or do you like safe and steady?

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

My Daughter’s Hair Routine | The Gnarly Whale

January 11, 2015 10 Comments

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I go on and on about me and my hair routine but I never really mention what I do for anyone else in my family. Today I want to talk a little bit about my toddler. She is super active and has an ABUNDANCE of hair. WHen people see her they assume she is much older than she is because she has a head FULL of hair. It is pretty and silky and flippy and I love it. I am basically jealous. But it also snarls and tangles and smoothing it out sometimes provokes unwanted and unnecessary tears.

Some background on her hair… She has a thick head of fine hair. Just like mine. It makes it bouncy and have a lot of movement BUT it can easily get weighted down when heavy products are used. I can tell when something disagrees with her hair. It will fall flat immediatly.

Like most children, my daughter is super active. She is always whipping and running around like a little monster.

She wants to be at the center of everything. Including her dad’s vision. HA He can’t catch a minute to himself. When he fails to stealthily sneak out of the house for his run she will catch him and he is forced to do a lap with her until she is just too tired. See the enthusiasm on his face?

He is usually left carrying her in his arms on the 2nd half of the small trip. And she eats it up.

So to keep her hair as gorgeous as her little face I have been using The Gnarly Whale products. The Sudsy Shampoo in Sugar Plum smells AMAZING and it lingers in her hair for the entire day. I LOVE IT.

Her hair is easily tangled and its so fine that it can be rather hard to comb out after her bath. I have been using the Hair Detangler in Cotton Candy on her and it is truly amazing. I have to admit… I have been using it also. Not because I need it, but because I ADORE the scent. If my son didn’t protest smelling like pink candy I would spray it on his hair, too!

So tell me in the comments below: Do you use a detangler in your hair routine? What about for your kids (if you have them)?

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

OSHKOSH B’Gosh | Give Happy

December 6, 2014 27 Comments

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for OshKosh B’gosh. I received an OshKosh B’gosh gift card to purchase product and to thank me for my participation.

So get ready for the most adorable pictures of an outfit I have ever taken in my entire life. My daughter Raegan just turned 18 months a couple weeks ago and I am amazed at how big she is getting. I feel like I am shopping for her all the time and one of my favorite stores OF ALL TIME is OshKosh B’Gosh. I know that no matter what, I will always find something that matches the cuteness of my daughter! (Can you sense the proud mama in me?) OshKosh B’Gosh really keeps ahead of the trends and with the Holidays coming I know that I can shop for the kids in my family and find something perfect every time.

On a recent trip I was shopping for the winter as well as our upcoming move from Florida to the state of Washington. I know that her entire wardrobe must change. No more bare feet or sandals with light short sleeve tops. Sweaters and hats and mittens (oh my) are definitely going to be needed.

And can we talk about these boots for a minute? I have been wanting to get furry boots for Raegan for a year now but never saw the need since it stays pretty hot here. Usually our winters are even mild, but a few days in the last month have managed to get down to the 30s. And the glitter!!! I am gaga for these boots. I wish OshKosh B’Gosh made adult sizes in these!

I got her all dressed up and took her outside thinking she would want to run around like a crazy woman, but she wanted to be right by my side at first. I kept trying to run away from her to take a good picture and she got so upset with me. I was trying to get these photos out of her for no less than an hour. Poor baby. I had to share the picture with you guys though. It is so cute. Even if she is crying a little bit.

Once she was happy again and got moving around she kept pulling off the mittens and hat and throwing them everywhere. Back to her normal mischievous self.

I bought a ton of stuff that day, but I am planning on wrapping some of it to put under the tree so I can #GiveHappy! I got a few pieces that are perfect staples, like a demin shirt. I can already see it with a pair of pink sparkly skinny jeans and those boots!

And this sequin heart top is so gorgeous! I can also see this with a different pair of OshKosh shoes I have for her that are the same color blue with some pink in them!

Now through 12/31/14 you can save 25% off in store or online at OshKosh B’Gosh. You can print it out or show them this picture on my blog right in the store and they can scan it (see the bar code?) or use the Promo Code: GIVE25 online. #GiveHappy and make someone’s holiday wishes come true!

Find an OshKosh B’Gosh store near you and buy #allthethings! They have sizes ranging from infant all the way up to 12! My son is in 3rd grade and can still wear their clothes! Also follow OshKosh on Facebook and Twitter and keep up with their sales! They do them pretty often! I even got cash to spend the next time I go back from this purchase! #SCORE

It is so easy to #GiveHappy! Even the smallest acts of kindness can really brighten someone’s day! How are you going to #GiveHappy this holiday season?

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.