#BAGITFORWARD! GIVING BACK!

Share .

Free digital slideshow customized with Smilebox Recently, we were able to participate in a wonderful campaign for Collective Bias sponsored by Elmers! We went on a shopping trip at Walmart to purchase new school supplies for two kids who can't afford them this year. We had a wonderful time picking them out and enjoy shopping for someone else. Our kids also worked on original works of art to put in each tote bag wishing each child a happy school year! I love the fact that we added that personal touch!

Digg It!Add to del.icio.usStumble This

Betty Crocker Birthday Cake for Korbyn!

Share

We are so excited to tell you about Korbyn's 3rd birthday party!!
When preparing for his party we asked him a few questions that we tried to capture on our FLIP camera but I couldn't get my soon to be 3 year old to stay focused long enough to answer some questions.






Here is what I asked!!

• If you could have any famous person at your party, who would it be? SHREK
  


• What is your favorite birthday party game? WATER BALLOONS
  


• What would your dream birthday cake look like? BIG
  


• How would it taste? How big would it be? YUMMY
  


• Do you think your mom can bake that cake? Yep, because you love me!

OK! Mommy tried to do my best with planning his party. We decided to have a PIRATE theme!
I looked all over for all of the supplies and decorations we would need. We bought our Betty Crocker Birthday cake mix along with a bunch of frosting. I begged my mother to make Korbyn his cake since she is so amazing at making designing cakes for parties.


So we had our invites sent, cake, presents, decorations and food for the guests.
















OUR CAKE FOR KORBYN! MADE FROM BETTY CROCKER CAKE MIXES AND FROSTINGS.















Upon seeing the cake Korbyn wanted to stick his fingers in it right away. Big sis wouldn't allow that.




















My little man turning 3!! I can't believe it!















GIFT TABLE!!!


HHHMMM! Whats inside??














We had a treasure hunt and let the kids follow a pirate map! They found the Hidden treasure!











This is only about two seconds of about a 30 minute pinata break. It took forever for the little ones to break open the SKULL.





If you would like to win your own loot enter by leaving a comment:


The giveaway will include VIP coupons and all the baking tools you would need to recreate the cake we made for Korbyn's party.










Leave me a comment of what type cake you would choose if you win this contest. Click over to BettyCrocker.com and don't forget to leave your email address!
* For an extra entry follow me on twitter. www.Twitter.com/ShandaBauman
* For 2 additonal entries follow us on twitter and subscribe to our feed. (leave us a comment telling us)

(All of the VIP coupons, gift card, Flip video camera, information, and gift pack were all given to me from Betty Crocker and MyBlogSpark.)

Paityn's Guardian Angel SAVED HER LIFE!!

Share

Since becoming a Mother I have dealt with post partum depression and anxiety. I have tons of fears that something will take my babies away from me. I worry about car accidents, them falling down the stairs, kidnappers, fires and anything that could harm my kids.

When I went out to California for the Lexus family safety camp, I learned about all the ways children can get harmed in cars and outside of cars. So I freak out about my kids being around cars.
I actually think about it all the time and I know that is not good. I WORRY ALOT! When I hear of a story where someone was killed...I panic for days. I cannot help it. I am wondering how many other Moms do this like I do.

I don't go to church every Sunday...but I can tell I BELIEVE in GOD with all my heart! I believe in Guardian Angels ever since one of my dear friends Ranae shared her Angel story with me when we were younger. Did I ever think I would actually realize when our family was touched by an ANGEL? I always hoped and always knew that they touch our lives everyday, we just don't recognize it each time.

My day started out normal yesterday and so did my hubby's. I went to work and he stayed home with the kids. What could happen that could scare me so badly that I am physically ill today? Crying at the drop of a hat over my little Paityn's life?
We put in a new ceiling fan in our bedroom and move a large ceiling fan out to our living room. So Rusty can do his P90x workouts with a little air flow and not have to crank the air up real high to stay cool. Well, the fan kept making a ticking sound for two days..maybe this was GOD telling us that something wasn't right. We would move it bit and it would stop for awhile. Paityn was playing on the floor underneath the large fan. Rusty adjusted it and thought for a moment to move Paityn a foot away. He went to grab a chair to stand on to figure out what was going on with it. One step away from the fan and the whole thing crash to the ground and shattered the glass fixture everywhere.

Our little Paityn NOT HARMED!! Just scared to death! Thank GOD! Not a piece of glass on her and only one fan blade touching her shoulder. How does that happen??? The fan huge..my baby could have been gone in a blink of an eye. As I continue to cry today over how this happened and how it could have been worse, everyone tells to look on the bright side..the is fine. It is hard and I am grateful..just scared to death. I consider myself pretty lucky and sheltered. This scared me to the core and I just want everyone to take an extra few minutes to hug your kids and tell them how much you love them. I want to THANK GOD and Paityn's GUARDIAN ANGELS for protecting her. Thanks for reading my story! Shanda





Digg It!Add to del.icio.usStumble This

Infantino Twist and Fold Activity Gym review!

Share .

Read about a great product for your baby by Infantino.

Unique twist and fold action makes using and storing gym easy! Pops up in one simple motion and folds down for easy storage or travel. Comes with 4 linkable toys and bolster pillow for tummy time. Encourages reaching and engages baby's senses.

158-353 Uni
158-354 Girl

As an Infantino Test Drive Mom, I get to give you the insights into my thoughts on all kinds of products that we are using with our little angel Paityn. The Twist and Fold Activity Gym is the first product I am choosing to tell all of you about. When I received the box it was super simple to open and assemble...I think it took a total of 2 minutes. Just remember that the cross bar needs to be flat at the top.

What do I love about it besides the ease of assembly?? I LOVE THE COLORS!!! Totally my taste and I adore the patterns they choose for this product. The fabric is well constructed, plush and thick so baby is super comfy. Taking this product on a trip to Grandma's is a cinch with the fold up instructions and it is lightweight to carry anywhere.

I will highly recommend this product for your baby and as the perfect suggestion for a baby shower gift. I would be so excited if a friend bought me this product.

LOVE IT! Parents with Style highly recommends it.


Now for my Paityn posing on the Twist and Fold.

Here is Paityn checking out her new Gym!

.
.








Discovering the toys!


















A shot of our Gym!




























LOVE THE MIRROR! Nothing like seeing your baby see them self.




CHECK OUT OTHER GREAT PRODUCTS!

2-in-1 Activity Mirror
Explore & Store Elephant Gym NEW!
Happy Hippo Gym™
Lil' Lion's Happy Hangout Activity Gym
Merry Monkey Gym
Monkey's Jungle Retreat Activity Gym
PlayTime Activity Center
Surfboard Tummy Time Mat
›Twist & Fold Activity Gym NEW!
Tummy Time Mat & Bolster Set NEW!
Wall Mounted Mobile & Mirror NEW!
Wiggle Worm Gym


Thanks to Mom Central for choosing me to be a Infantino Test Drive Mom! www.MomCentral.com. “I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation.” I was not paid for my opinions...this is my honest review!




Digg It!Add to del.icio.usStumble This

LEXUS FAMILY SAFETY CAMP!

Share .

Lexus invited me out to Pasadena, CA to attend Lexus Family Safety Camp. We have not been happy with our GM vehicles and were so excited to get to learn more about what Lexus can offer our family! There has been a lot of media coverage on recent recalls that made me think twice about the brand of vehicles we want to own. I want my family to be safe and if I can afford it..I want all the options possible that will make our ride perfect. Lexus has always been one step ahead when it comes to safety and if there ever is an issue, they correct it right away.
As a mother of three my families safety is number one concern and I will research and ask questions until I know all the answers.

One of the first things I learned is the our eyes are the most important tools we have to stay safe in a car. You should also always have your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock on the steering wheel to give you the best control of the steering. Not the 10 and 2 we learned in drivers training.
Another important must do before driving is to adjust your side mirrors so that you don't see the side of your car. They need to be turn out more so you can see more...this is crucial.

Lexus set up three courses for us to physically test drive ourselves. We had instructors who were famous race car drivers. The instructors informed us just how dangerous car can be and how we can help make them safer by making the right choices when driving. One of the first courses taught us how great anti lock brakes are and how they really feel when used correctly. DON'T PUMP YOUR BRAKES...SLAM THEM THROUGH THE FLOOR!

The second course and third course taught us how to steer the car when the road is slippery or how to cut a turn quickly and safely. I can tell you that Lexus has thought of everything when it comes to keeping our family safer. I am impressed with the quality of cars that Lexus builds...I can't believe how much they have changed since I bought my car in 2006.

We learned a ton of information to keep our kids safe and one thing I did learn was the a child should continue to sit rear facing up until the age of 2 years old. I didn't know that and I was shocked! everything I read on the internet was that you could face them forword as soon as they reached 20lbs or 1 year of age.

Do you want to explained to your child that they were injured because Mom and Dad turned their seat facing forward too early? Not me!!!!! I couldn't live with myself if that happened! Wow! we are so un-educated when it comes to car safety!! So please keep your child safe and don't turn them around too soon!!

Digg It!Add to del.icio.usStumble This

THE INCREDIBLE EDIBLE EGG! PLUS CONTEST!!

Share



In March, I was lucky enough to get to travel to Phoenix to enjoy a tour of Hickman's farm!
I can honestly tell you after viewing the farm and how clean they keep it made made me an egg fan for life. I love that my kids can start their day off right with a balanced breakfast along with a serving of yummy eggs.









A picture of some of the Blogger's who attended!












I have never been to an egg farm before was so impressed with all of the measures they take to keep our eggs clean. When the employees drive into work everyday their vehicle tires drive through a sanitizing rinse..this rinse removes all of the contaminants that could harm the chickens.
I couldn't believe it...but was so happy when I learned about all of those measures they do everyday to protect our families. Even our shoes went through a chlorine mat that kills any germs we tracked in.

The Hickman's farm was amazing and to see all of the chickens in the cages was a sight to see. Those birds have it good...four meals a day and nap-time. I know a lot of you are thinking CAGES!!!! AHHHHH! YES, cages are the way to go...they are protected, in air conditioning, they are not pecked to death and they feed 4 times a day. They have it really good and I prefer the caged birds over the CAGE-FREE! WHY??


Well, the cage free are still in a cage..but it is much bigger and the birds sometimes peck each other to death because of pecking order. Also, the eggs drop down onto the ground and can land in fecal matter or all kinds of disgusting things...because they fall on the ground. YUCK!!


Did you know that California is trying to pass a law that all eggs farms must go CAGE FREE in 2015?? OMG!!! We have to stop that law from passing!

Please buy plain white eggs for your family!!
They are the best in my opinion!!!

This year I am going to give all kinds of updates from my trip along with videos and awesome recipes to keep your families tummy full! So Stay tuned. Here were a few details from an earlier post about my trip. HERE and HERE!

So in honor of our favorite eggs, we are offering a contest for all of you! I am giving away three of my favorite egg products to one of my lucky readers! All you need to do is follow me on twitter @ ShandaBauman and come back and leave me a comment. If you would like a second entry then leave me your favorite way you eat eggs or leave your favorite egg recipe. Contest will end on June 10th @ 12pm est. (don't forget to leave your email address)
Here is what you will win....
My favorite egg timer, the best way to carry your deviled egg container and silicone egg rings!







Digg It!Add to del.icio.usStumble This

LEXUS FAMILY SAFETY CAMP!

Share

I am so excited to share with all of you that I will be flying out to California, compliments of LEXUS for their FAMILY SAFETY CAMP on June 3rd. I cannot wait to learn more about LEXUS and all of the safety features that will make my family safe. I will be posting all of the details on TWITTER, FACEBOOK and WHRRL!!!
At the Lexus Family Safety Camp, you’ll get to:

I WILL BE...........
· Spending time with and talk to technical specialists about vehicle safety features in a language that makes sense

· Test drive vehicles on special courses set up at the Rose Bowl parking lot and gain hands-on experience with vehicle stability control (VSC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), brake override system, LATCH child seat system, Bluetooth and Lexus telematics (Lexus Enform and Safety Connect)

· Visit with other safety experts and advocates including Stephanie Tombrello of SafetyBeltSafe USA, an organization dedicated to child passenger safety, and Janette Fennell, founder of KidsAndCars.org, a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing injury and death to children in and around motor vehicles

· For each attendee, Lexus will make a donation so that low-income, inner-city kids can also enjoy the Kidspace Children's Museum

HOW AWESOME IS LEXUS?? I love that they are educating a Midwest Mom like myself!!

I can't wait to share the details. Stay tuned more coming!!

Digg It!Add to del.icio.usStumble This

Easy Stroll

Share

This season we have been using our newest and coolest product that I swear was made for Russell and I. The Easy Stroll is an ergonomic stroller handle that allows you to push the stroller with one hand comfortably. I love it cause it is made to suit taller parents and you know that we are over 6 foot tall so it is the perfect product for us.
Now that we can finally get out into the beautiful Michigan air....this product goes everywhere with us.
Easy Stroll™ is the most meaningful advancement in strollers and will be on every parents want list this year. Easy Stroll™ also promotes proper posture to eliminate back and arm strain while pushing a stroller. Fits on most strollers that have standard handles with rubber or foam hand grips. We highly recommend this product..it is made well and will make life with baby easier. Pick up one for the next baby shower gift.


CHECK IT OUT HERE!

Easy Stroll™ is one product with two benefits...

Convenience and Comfort.

Convenience... East Stroll provides total control of the stroller with just one hand. Your free hand can swing naturally as it would while walking without a stroller or can be used for other tasks, such as carrying a bag of groceries or holding hands with another child. A free hand is needed at some point virtually every time a stroller is used. Easy Stroll gives you this new freedom.

Comfort... Easy stroll is an ergonomic stroller handle that promotes proper posture. Baby Strollers without Easy Stroll require two hands for operation. "Hunching" over the stroller puts an unnatural curve in your spine. Unfortunately, these improper body mechanics are unavoidable when pushing a stroller with two hands. Over time, it manifests itself as fatigue and/or discomfort in the back and arms. The good news is Easy Stroll fixes the problem. Using single handed operation, Easy Stroll straightens your back and allows for "normal" posture when pushing the stroller. There is no arm or back strain.

Easy Stroll works on most strollers that have standard handles with rubber or foam hand grips. Easy Stroll does not work with Umbrella type stroller handles or strollers with hard plastic hand grips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Easy Stroll make it hard for me to steer with my arm?
Using your arm to steer is the most common mistake make when using Easy Stroll. With Easy Stroll, there is little need to use arm or back strength when pushing your stroller. Simply change the direction you're walking and the stroller will effortlessly change directions with you. To turn the stroller to the right, walk slightly to the left. The leverage of your entire body will easily turn the stroller to the right. Small steering adjustments can be made with your arm, but most of the control comes from moving your feet.

Is EasyStroll difficult to use?
Easy stroll is a completely different way of strolling - a better way. You steer with your feet, not with your arm. Simply move your feet and the stroller will move with you. After a short period of time, the operation of the stroller becomes second nature and you'll found out just how easy strolling can be.

Will Easy Stroll work on my brand of stroller?
Easy Stroll works on most strollers that have standard handles with rubber or foam hand grips. It does not work with Umbrella type stroller handles or strollers with hard plastic hand grips.

Will Easy Stroll fit my stroller?
Easy Stroll works on most strollers that have standard handles with rubber or foam hand grips. Easy Stroll does not work wiht Umbrella type strollers or strollers with hard plastic hand grips.

Does Easy Stroll come in different sizes?
Easy Stroll comes in just one size. However, each handle comes with 3 different ring sizes (S, M, L) to fit most stroller handles.

What makes Easy Stroll an "ergonomic" stroller handle?
Baby Strollers without Easy Stroll, require two hands for operation. "Hunching" over the stroller puts an unnatural curve in your spine. Unfortunately, these importer body mechanics are unavailable when pushing a stroller with two hands. Over time, it manifests itself as fatigue and/or discomfort in the back and arms. The good news is Easy Stroll fixes the problem. Using single handed operation, Easy Stroll straightens your back and allows for "normal" posture when pushing the stroller. There is no back strain.

Does Easy Stroller work with baby joggers?
Easy Stroll will work with most baby joggers that have standard handles with rubber or foam hand grips.

Will Easy Stroll interfere with 2 handed operation?
Easy Stroll was designed to work with most strollers so that you can choose between 2 handed operation and using Easy Stroll for one handed operation.

Is Easy Stroll safe to use?
Yes. Easy Stroll is made from strong plastic materials similar to parts on many strollers made today. We do recommend firmly grasping the stroller manufacturers handle with 2 hands when pushing a stroller down hill.

Is Easy Stroll difficult to put on my stroller?
There are 8 simple steps to attach the Easy Stroll handle to your stroller. Installation time is about 5 minutes and requires only a Phillips screw driver. Watch this installation video to see how easy it is.

Will you give my name and contact information to other companies?
No, we will not provide or sell your information to any other company.

What is your refund policy?
We're so confident you'll like Easy Stroll, we'll give you a 30 day risk free trial! If you don't like Easy Stroll for any reason, just email us (using our "Contact Us" page) within 30 days of receiving it to tell us why you aren't satisified. We'll refund your money and we'll pay for return shipping, no questions asked! To qualify for your refund, you must contact us within 30 days of receiving your Easy Stroll and return ALL parts in the original packing conditions. Easy Stroll fits nearly all strollers as outlined on the "About Easy Stroll" page. Please visit that page to make sure Easy Stroll will fit your stroller.

BUY IT HERE!

PWS was given the Easy Stroll to review..we did not receive money for our opinions.

Digg It!Add to del.icio.usStumble This

Jawbone! A Mother's Day Top Pick! (CONTEST)

Share .
CONGRATS TO WINNER JENNA B!


Don't I look great in this picture?? Yeah! I wish!!! HA! HA!

One of our TOP PICK's this year for Mother's Day and Father's Day is the Jawbone ICON.

If you have a busy Mom that would love to free up her hands while talking on the phone than this is the product for her.

Aliph's new Jawbone ICON helps multi-tasking Moms do it all without having to use her hands. This hands free connectivity piece will make Mom the envy of all her friends. Whether she is sitting at the kids soccer game, shopping for groceries or relaxing on the couch...Moms hands are free! How awesome is that??? We love the sleek look of the Jawbone ICON and the look of it appears as if you are wearing a piece of jewelry. Another great feature is the all of the background noise is block out when using the device. You won't hear screaming kids in the background or hubby yelling about finding his car keys!

Parents with Style is proud to recommend this product for one of our Mother's day picks!

More details from the JAWBONE SITE~

Heavy-Duty Sound Equipment

Originally developed for use in tanks and helicopters, Jawbone ICON's NoiseAssassin is a proprietary technology that eliminates background noise from mobile phone conversations. Jawbone is the only Bluetooth headset with a Voice Activity Sensor (VAS) that actually feels your speech, which helps Jawbone distinguish your voice from background noise. As a result, Jawbone offers better audio quality than any other headset on the market.

Try new apps and updates-like A2DP, which let's you listen to music, podcasts, turn-by-turn direction and other audio through your Jawbone® ICON™

How would you like to win one for Mom or Dad...well all you have to do is tell me how would you use your hands if you have had a Jawbone ICON? (If your hands were free to do whatever...what would that be?) Please leave a comment here with your email address and you will be entered to win. Contest will end on May 23rd @ 12pm EST.
*****For an extra chance to win Follow me on twitter.com/ShandaBauman
*****For and extra chance to win Friend me on Facebook- Shanda Goff Bauman
*****For 2 Extra entries Blog about this contest!

GOOD LUCK!!



Digg It!Add to del.icio.usStumble This