Cammo Style Love

Max's Mole Mash for IPhone and IPad Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Since my recent surprise gift of an IPhone 4S from Santa, aka The hubbs, I've been searching for Apps. "Searching" is really a loose way to describe what I've been doing. I'm obsessed! Upon receiving and setting up the phone I immediately began texting friends to see what they had for Apps, what their favs were and which ones they would recommend. And of course I had to down load some apps for the kid. When I had a blackberry I had your token "kid" apps to keep the kids from freaking out while in the line at the grocery store. Seriously, who among us hasn't chosen THAT line at Wal-Mart.

So, when I was given the opportunity to review a kid's game app I took it! I reviewed Max's Mole Mash. I love the show Max and Ruby. It so cute, and that snarky big sis, Ruby, is just the most hysterical. Finding good kids shows is really hard these days, so I'm happy to have Nick Jr. around and hope I can keep my five year old entertained with that for as long as possible. Here's a little bit about the game:

Entertain your child for hours and hours with hilarious game play as they help Max mash moles before Grandma gets home. Tap the screen every time a mole appears and watch as they quickly disappear back into their holes. Mash all the moles before time runs out to win!

•Select from 8 Max & Ruby themed mole mash machines.
•Play in Arcade or Puzzle mode.
•Enjoy an unlimited number of levels to play and mash.
•Unlock a mini version of the racing game, Speedy Max.
•Collect 8 Max & Ruby Wallpapers.

Both of my kids enjoy this game. I only showed them once what to do and they were easily able to navigate playing the game and also navigating between the games. My five year old is probably on the last stretch of being interested because it can be a slow moving game, but the levels do increase with difficulty. I think that this game is perfect to about 3-4 years of age, but kids a little younger and a little older could still enjoy it for sure. The designs and sounds are straight out of the show, so if you have little Max and Ruby fans this game is perfect for you. I can trust that my children are playing some safe for them. Max's Mole Mash encourages hand eye coordination and recognition of colors and, in my children, patience! At first they just wanted to mash everything that came into view, but then they were happy to inform each other which ones to hit and which ones to not. Needless to say, when mommy is feeding Phillip and they are fighting and nit picking and disciplining them is just not within my realm of reasonableness, this is the perfect key! When mommy and daddy were silly enough to go to the grocery store and it took a little bit longer than we thought and ran into pre-dinner melt down time, this game saves the day!!

I definitely give this game 4 Stars!

Wordless Wednesday: New fluff

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:47:00 +0000

Mil-Spouse Fill #68

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:45:00 +0000

Yay another fill-in!!! Thanks to Wife of Sailor for another great linky. If you're a milspouse (wife, gf, fiance!) come join us. Also Military Ladies, check out two giveaways I have going on my site right now, in the right sidebar. Both giveaways are military themed! And if you are searching for support please check out Love and Dogtags

1. What is your favorite winter memory?
My favorite memory was the last Christmas I spent in West Virginia with my mom's family. I was 16 and it was so wonderful. Everyone was there, it snowed....it was wonderful.

2. What is your current favorite TV show?
Gosh, how do I chose!! Probably the Big Bang Theory and Rizzoli and Isles

3. What was your favorite thing that happened in January?

WE finally moved back east!!! whooohooo!!!!

4. What is the best sound in the world to you?
My kids laughing :)

5. What is the biggest lesson you have learned as a MilSpouse (or significant other)?
Nothing is for sure. I have to be okay with things changing last minute, for him to be gone a lot and not know when or where or anything about anything! LOL! I'm such an organized, listy type girl in my non-military life that not being able to do that in my military life was hard for sure. I'm still learning nine years later.

Valentine's Giveaway Hop!! #VDayHop

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:16:00 +0000

Mama to 4 Blessings and Chubby Cheeks Thinks
are teaming up to bring you the Valentine's Day Giveaway Hop! With 73
bloggers participating there will be a lot of great Valentine's giveaways! This is the perfect way to get something nice for yourself, your kids, or that someone special in your life. Valentine's Day is another great holiday of giving so we are all going to have a giveaway of at least $25 in prizes per winner and that is just the minimum. Some blogs will have more!

I'm so excited to be a part of this wonderful giveaway and if you saw the sneak peeks i posted earlier this week you know you're in for some good stuff!! First we've got Patriotic Purses and Accessories amazing pants purse. Then we have one of Pretty Bow Peep's military themed bows and lastly an adorable headband in choice of yellow or pink, and choice of size as well, from My Sweet Baby Love. These are some amazing prizes, so good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

From Our Heart To Yours Giveaway Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:52:00 +0000

Welcome to From Our Hearts To Yours hosted by Life With Two Boys, With Our Best, and Mama-Nibbles. There are over 100 bloggers participating in this hop, and each blogger has their own prize package of at least $25 worth of Valentine-related items! So after you have entered my giveaway, I encourage you to hop along and see what the other bloggers are giving away too!

Thank you do much and good luck here at Cammo Style Loves' portion of the giveaway. Have fun!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Valentine's Day Giveaway Hop sneak peak #2

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:31:00 +0000

I have one more great sneak peek for the hop in a couple of days. This is another Military Mama who I stumbled upon on etsy for her shop My Daddy My Hero! And you an find her on Facebook at My Sweet Baby Love. I just absolutely fell in love with her products. I'm always looking for fun ways to incorporate military themed items into our lives, especially when I'm doing professional pictures of the kids. So when we were about ready to have our third I sought out Jennifer to make some headbands for me.

I thought the one of my kids with the military items turned out so well thanks to Jennifer's designs. But perhaps my favorite thing she makes are these darling shoes. I mean you really can't get much cute than this.

Heres little about Jennifer in her own words....

"My Name is Jennifer Demo and I sell items made from upcycled military uniforms including dresses, shoes, and stuffed animals. Most of what I make is used as deployment gifts, pictures during deployments or outfits for homecomings from deployments, so I take a lot of pride in what I am doing and try to put as much attention to detail as possible."

Jennifer has graciously offered one of the headbands pictures above, either pink or yellow, in the size of your choice.....so this is either a mama gift or a daughter gift, or for the little lady in your life. I've totally caught myself wanting to sneak my daughters so I wouldn't blame you if you kept that for you ladies. Thanks for stoping by and we'll see you tomorrow for the first event and be sure to come back in the second for a chance to win one if Jennifer's amazing headbands!

Valentine's Day Giveaway Hop Sneak Peek!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:58:00 +0000

Hello one and all! I have another sneak peak for you. This time for another wonderful holiday hop hosted by the wonderful Mama to 4 Blessings and Chubby Cheeks Thinks. I am so excited to be able to participate in this event and hook you guys up with amazing prizes here on Cammo Style Love...but also show you all the other amazing prize packages to be won on the other blogs participating. Its sure to be quite the event. This particular event runs from February 2 - 9th.

Now, onto the sneak peek!

I have several wonderful gals helping out in this event and this will also be a military themed giveaway and its kind of a mommy and me thing. The first lovely gal is Amanda, from Pretty Bow Peep
Here's a little bit about Amanda in her own words:

Hi! My name is Amanda, I'm a SAHM of two. I have a 7 yo son and a 3 yo daughter. I've always loved all things crafting since I was little but it wasn't until the summer of 2010 that one of my best friends, Mary, introduced me (and taught me how!) to sew. Ever since I've been sewing anything I can get my hands on! That led to needing adorable bows to match what I was making my daughter and then feeling bad because my son had no need for hair bows so I added embroidery in to the mix! Everything I make you are able to fully customize and of course is made in a smoke free (& pet free!) home. If you don't see what you're looking for on my page just let me know, I'll give it my best shot!

Seriously you guys should see some of the cuteness she comes up with. What I love the most about what Amanda provides is the matching sets she has. So perfect for mom's like me that really like to go all out for things like birthdays and special occasions like that.

I make bows for my daughter but nothing like these! They are truly works of art if you ask me. For the giveaway Amanda will be providing a military themed bow similar to the one pictures above. Something so perfect for your little girlie.

The next portion of the giveaway is for the Mama's out there. The amazing Amber from Patriotic Purses and Accessories (a wonderful sponsor of mine) is offering up one of her Pants Purses. Now just from hearing that you may be thinking "hmmm, what the heck is that and how can it possibly be cute?" Well trust me, it is!

See, now didn't I tell you? This print above is the Navy fabric. Currently that is all she has available, but if a non-navy lady wins she will make a bag out of your man's pants for ya! How awesome is that? So much fun I honestly don't even want to give it away. I just want to snag it for myself, I'm telling you.

For extra entries into this giveaway, comment on this blog by February 1st with an item you would like to have from Amanda's shop, Pretty Bow Peep. Thanks for stopping by and good luck on the giveaway!!

From Our Heart to Yours Blog Event: Sneek Peak!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:24:00 +0000

I am so excited to be participating in my first blog giveaway events! The first event is "From Our Heart to Yours" hosted by Life With Two Boys Mama-Nibbles and With Our Best.

These are all wonderful blogs and I'm so honored to be participating in their first ever Valentines Event.

Now, on to the good stuff. This is your sneak peak into the event. As a military wife you often run across other military wives and develop the most unconventional of friendships. Being in the position that we were in I didn't have access to what some might consider the normal military life, with a base and a commissary and all. So many of my closest military gal pals are girls that I have met through online support groups and the like. I consider this event sponsor to be in that category. We met online, through facebook. We are both crafty ladies and have shops on there. I am happy to introduce you to the lovely talents of Amber! She is an active duty Navy Submariner's Wife who is a WAHM of three boys. She describes herself as having a passion for "creating and sewing" and it "has been a great outlet for all of my ideas. It also allows me to stay home while proving some income for our family. I create and deliver custom sewn or crafted products to your specifications. I specialize in military products but I will do anything to make your sewing needs become a reality". On top of that she is a Mary Kay consultant (check her site out).

Here's a little sampling of some of my favorite things she just whips up for people! I swear, sewing is just one thing I never have gotten into and I'm crazy jealous of her skills.

shopping cart cover

Seriously how cute are those bears? I want to order ones for my kids from my husband's uniforms. So sweet.

What you will win is the sleep mask in your choice of fabric and a $30.00 gift certificate to Amber's Mary Kay Store! How awesome is that?! Pamper yourselves this Valentine's Day by winning this sweet prize package.

For extra entries - Check out Amber's facebook page, Patriotic Purses and Accessories and comment here on this post with something else you might like to have from the shop. Complete this by January 31st at midnight and you're get early entries on the rafflecopter form!

I will be providing a sleep mask with the winners choice of fabric and $30.00

wordless wednesday and some hops :)

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:57:00 +0000

Preggo Buddies!!!!!!

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Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:17:00 +0000

join the linky fun

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PetCakes Review and Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 04:38:00 +0000

I am so excited to be reviewing this adorable stuffed animal for you guys! I mean, if my kids didn't love them I totally would. Its an animal that looks like a cupcake? Seriously adorable right? I popped these little things open and my daughter especially went nuts. She's three and anything that looks like a cupcake is number one in her book. And the top was purple, which is her favorite color. My five year old boy was a little harder sell, but squirrels are his favorite animal this particular second and the fact that I was sent a squirrel for him increased his interest. both of my kids thought these animals were extremely cute and I whole-downheartedly agree.

Here's a little bit about the company.

Well Made™ Toy Manufacturing Corporation, introduces PetCakes™, a new collectible plush pet line that will be a sweet treat for children ages 3 & up. Each PetCakes animal features a "frosting" hat, comes nestled in its own cupcake wrapper and has its own whimsical backstory. At first look, children will see a delicious cupcake but will then be surprised by the pet they find snuggled inside! Combining sweet faces and cuddly plush with a clever cupcake theme, PetCakes are collectible and provide hours of open-ended imaginative play. PetCakes make perfect gifts for a special friend and for pet lovers. They are ideal for birthday party favors, stocking stuffers and as rewards for good grades. Most of all, PetCakes deliver the kind of fun kids eat up!

For my review I received two from the Series 2 Limited Collection grouping. I received the adorable Nutty Nicky (Squirrel) and Roco Coco (the racoons). Stuffed animals in general aren't of great interest for my five year old son, but my three-year-old daughter scooped these things right up and just absolutely fell in love. Although secretly I caught my five year old putting him with his stash of animals on his bed. I think these would be a perfect little gift for your little girl 3 - 8. PetCakes is working on a interactive world for the PetCakes, so I could see this toy going for older girls that love that sort of thing. So keep an eye out for that.

Buy it: You can get these petcakes in 8 different varieties and right now there are some specials running!

Buy (4) or more Petcakes® Collectibles plush toys and receive the PetCakes® Collectibles Minis - 4 pack FREE you only have to pay an additional $1.99 shipping/handling.

Shipping Charges: When you place a multiple order for PetCakes® plush toys you pay $6.99 shipping /handling for the 1^st. PetCake® and each additional is only $1.99 shipping and handling.

Win it: Right here on Cammo Style Love you can win yourself a random petcake for your special little one! (US/Canada). Just complete the rafflecopter entry below. Thanks for stopping by.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item from the Publishers, Manufacturer and/or Production Company as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:53:00 +0000

Thanks for stopping by for this weeks Military Spouse fill-in. Please check out my military tab up top. I'm always updating it with the latest info. If there is something specific you are looking for please let me know. Also, if you are looking for some specific and more private support I'd love to have you check out my forum, Love and Dogtags.

1. My favorite song of the season is Silent Night.

2. Anyone who faces extreme hardship and does something great is someone who inspires me because even ordinary people can be super human. I think we often don't give people the benefit of the doubt or expect greatness from people. People can surprise us.

3. If I had $100,000 to give to a charity, I’d give it to something to do with Children. Either Shriner's, St. Judes or the Ronald McDonald House. They are all so important.

4. If I had a theme party, I’d make it a decades party. Come dressed from your favorite decade. Love it!!!

5. If I had one wish for my kids/future kids/some young person I care about, it would be to make themselves proud. So many times we do things for others, or what others think we should do. But if we really look inward and do something that actually makes us proud of ourselves, I think that's an even greater thing.

Kebbie's Diaper Bag Blogging Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:13:00 +0000

Here I am sharing a wonderful blogging opportunity again with you all! One of the things on my giant blogging list of things to do is share with yo my Cloth Diapering Journey. Its a new one and I'm super excited about it. As a past sposie using mama its been quite a journey...but along with posting my story (inspired by many of you other cloth diapering mamas out there) I've also compiled lists an pictures and thoughts and ideas of the diapers I've used, I've finally gotten a Rafflecopter account for future giveaways and gotten me some good movies for the kids quiet time, which has fast become my blogging time. I'm also looking at some great guest blogging opportunities to share my story.

One of the wonderful bloggy ladies I have met recently would be Midnight Mommy. She has had some great reviews and giveaways over there and also has a business called Kebbie's Diaper Bag. Here's their facebook page. Adorable diapers, just FYI there. Kebbie's is looking for some bloggers willing to review and blog about some different products. So if you are interested check out the link here. But even if you aren't, but still love Cloth Diapering an all that goes along with that please stop by Daily Mothering and visit Kebbie's Diaper Bag as well! Thanks and good luck everyone!

Calling all bloggers!!!!!! Diamond Candles project

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:13:00 +0000

Diamond Candles is calling all bloggers with an interest to review their candles! How amazing is this? Diamond Candles...yep, exactly what you think it is. There's a ring in every candle valued from $10 to $5000. So amazing! I know I would. This is only open to the US and costs nothing but your review. check it out at Celebrate Women Today.

Good luck everyone :)

Announcing Phillip and my Labor Looks, post use, review!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:14:00 +0000

Well, everyone, let me just say this path month has been crazy. My little man will be a month tomorrow and time is flying way to fast for me. I am so happy and so blessed as a mom. My two other children are loving him and adjusting so beautifully. They want to help me feed him, change him, be around him and so far no issues of jealousy. I was so lucky when I had my daughter. My son was jealous either. I don't know if that was just luck, their personalities or the fact that I was so aware of the possibility that I tried so hard to make sure that he felt loved and special. Its something that I thought a lot about when we decided to have Ami, and I thought about again when we got pregnant with Phillip. How do you make sure your time is spread evenly? Can that even happen? I think it can. I think it doesn't have to be as deliberate and decisive, or even as black and white as it sounds.....but I fully believe it can happen. We spent individual time with our kids, both of us have. One of my favorite memories with Brian is when he and I went to Nick Jr. Live. It was so much fun. And I think we will continue to do those things as our kids get older. Its important and 100% possible. Now on to the fun stuff.

Here's me in my labor looks gown right after having Phillip

I have never had so many compliments in my life! Every single person that came into the room, including the anesthesiologist just went on and on about the gown. It was so comfortable and after having two kids in the regular hospital gown...in the weirdest way it made me feel different. I mean, seriously, how silly does that sound? Totally silly. But I love it. It gave me full coverage, I could tie and untie the ties by myself, even after having him. And it washed amazingly, even after a day of sitting in the dirty clothes at the hospital. How amazing is that? It is so comfortable that I have even worn it after the fact, when I was recovering. I absolutely loved my Labor Looks gown/my pjs! I think ever mom should have one and I really really really wished I had even heard of this option when I had my first two. The nurses and doctors loved it, said it looked just like a regular one, as far as the things they need to have a gown have.

Head over to Labor Looks and get a gown for yourself or even as a gift. And I believe the girls are planning an amazing Black Friday Sale, so get over to their facebook and check out that rumor!

and now a couple pics of my newest addition

and wanna know where to get the shirt i got for my hubby? Check out Daddy Scrubs, on their website and their facebook page.

Photo Card

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:54:00 +0000

Announcing our newest little one!!!!! How cute are these cards from Shutterfly? I mean seriously? It was so hard to pick just one background. Hopefully I'll be back to blogging on a regular basis here right quick. With our little guy just shy of three weeks old, and my darling three-year-old daughter and five-year-old son, it has been a little crazy around here. I am quite grateful for my other children, and my hubby. They have all been wonderful! Thanks everyone for hanging in there while i've been out of commission! I hope I still have some readers hanging on.

Andante Dots Cerulean Baby Announcements

Shutterfly has 100's of personalized baby announcements.

View the entire collection of cards.

Farm Rich Winners!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:54:00 +0000

hey everyone! thank you so much to my new followers and those that participated in the review and giveaway! Our two winners are number 16 and number 25 - Melanie and Becky. I have emailed you and Farm Rich and you will contacted shortly! Congratulations.

This is my last review and contest for a bit. I'll be laying low because Baby Number 3 is on the way!!! Hope to see you guys soon :)

Farm Rich Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 23:06:00 +0000

Hello all!!! Thanks everyone who is continue to follow along. I'm telling you, this whole pregnancy thing can really throw a wrench in your blogging. I'm not sure if its the pregnancy though, or the 2 1/2 and 5 year old running around the house....but oh well. Its one or the other I'm sure.
Now on to the fun!

I got to review a product from the Farm Rich company. A company that I've never really purchased anything from before....and I don't think I really had any idea what they were. They have a whole line of freezer products that are like appetizers! I don't usually buy much from the freezer aisle except for my juice and the occasional frozen veggie. As soon as I went hunting for it I knew immediately what I wanted to try, the Mozzarella Sticks. But that's not all they've got - Mozzarella Bites, Pizza Slices, Mini Cheeseburgers and the list goes on and on. But, oh man, I love me some mozzarella sticks. We had a great restaurant out here on the west coast that shut down not that long ago that had the most amazing Mozzarella Sticks. 100% reall Mozzarella sticks and 0g Trans Fat and the seasoning is pretty darn amazing. And it wasn't until now that I tasted any that compared with them. I'm telling you, these were the best out of a freezer bag appetizers I've ever had. They didn't taste like freezer food at all, and I'm sure most of you know what I'm talking about. I mean, its great for convenience and ease, and who among us hasn't snuck the occasional tv dinner when making one is just out of the question. I know I have.

The first thing I noticed was that it was kind of expensive for a freezer appetizer, about $7.99. Then I realized, "oh I'm getting anywhere from 22-28 sticks in the bag, not the normal like 10 or some lame number like that." Now that was nice, bang for your buck. That was before I even had the chance to try it. I love also how the bag opens. Now that may seem silly to some people, but the location of the seal bag is really nice and less likely to break apart in the freezer or when you try to open it, thus sacrificing the continuing freshness of your food.

Now you moms out there will appreciate this. I made me a couple and they turned out amazing

There is actual cheese in these things, lol, a good portion of it. I obviously couldn't finish them all and i went to just quick and nuke them in the microwave and they still tasted good? What?! LOL! My son even gobbled a couple up, dipping them in some ketchup. All in all it was pretty successful and I'm really glad that I was able to pick these up, because I don't think I normally would have. The people at Farm Rich have also graciously have offered to give some coupons to some of my lucky readers! And if you are a coupon person this is right up your alley! I don't have my rafflecopter ready to go yet, so unfortunately we have to do this the old fashioned way, so bare with me! leave your email on your entries please!

mandatory entry:
2 entries: like Farm Rich's facebook and thank them for the giveaway - leave your FB name

2 entries: follow my facebook page - tell me your facebook name

2 entries: follow my twitter page - leave your twitter id

1 entry: visit Farm Rich and tell me what product you'd like to try

1 entry: follow me via GFC - leave your name

1 entry: follow Farm Rich on twitter - leave your twitter name

1 entry per day : vote for me on the fence!

1 entry per day: tweet or share this giveaway on facebook (leave link)
#Win a free snack or appetizer @FarmRichSnacks and @RheChristine #giveaway
http://cammostylelove.blogspot.com/2011/09/farm-rich-review-and-giveaway.html

Giveaway ends October 9, 2011 12:00 midnight PDT
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item from the Publishers, Manufacturer and/or Production Company as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Military Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:33:00 +0000

Hi all! Its Friday again! Seriously? Sometimes I feel like time is crawling along like a snail, like with my pregnancy. However I think that might have more to do with the fact that I'm just totally excited and anxious to find out what I'm having. Then sometimes I feel like the days are literally flying by, and I look at my kids and they are not babies anymore. Where did the time go...and this week. Where did that go? The hubbs is uber busy so I was trying to fill my week with fun things for the kids in the hopes that it would go by fast and now that it has I'm like, "whoa! I did a good job." But one of the most favorite parts of my week is catching up and checking in my with MIlitary Gals!! So lets Fill-in, shout-out and Round 'em up!!!

If you are looking for extra support I would love for you to stop by and check out Love and Dog Tags and also stop by the Military tab up top. Thank you to Wife of a Sailor for another great fill-in!!! And stop in for the round-up at Mrs K and Captain J

1.My plans for this weekend include hanging out with my kids, some cleaning and wathing my friends baby while she and her hubby have a datenight, but I'd rather be - well, except for not being with the hubbs that's a pretty good weekend in my book!

2.I consider the Labor Day holiday the sign that summer is over. And the day you get to be on the news and get all sorts of cool stuff when you go into labor, LOL. Not that that's on my brain or anything :) Its a little too early though.

3.My favorite meal for cookouts is anything BBQ, potato salad, some beans and nice cold pepsi out of a glass bottle :) Yummy!!! And I can't think of anyone that wouldn't agree with that!

4.So far, my favorite part of summer has been so fun and exciting! We went camping, my son turned 5, ordered some school stuff to do with him this year, and possibly decided on a job and moving!! (more to come on that later)

5.When it comes to deployments, my philosophy is one day at a time. The hubbs tends to be gone quite frequently. This last time was especially hard, and I think that my son happened to be at just the right age and stage that it created a perfect storm. So one day at a time is all I can manage. I try to maintain a philosophy of "This is Life". I chose this life, I knew what it meant so it doesn't give me the right to go on and on and on and say horrible unsupportive things or cause my husband stress or grief because he feels guilty. I do however believe that I'm human and a girl and a bit emotional. So allowing myself to feel sad, cry, be mopy with a pint of Ben and Jerry's and a good movie....surrounding myself with people who encourage me, but also allow me to be sad is key. Its all about balance.

Thanks everyone and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Wordless WEdnesday

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:04:00 +0000

Labor Looks Review and Coupon Code!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 03:13:00 +0000

You don't even know how excited I am to be doing a review for Labor Looks hospital gowns. If you could see me now I'd be jumping up and down. Practically as soon as I found out I was pregnant I was hunting around for fun things that I could do this pregnancy because we have practically everything we need for a baby because we kept everything from our last two. We've got all their clothes and all of our other big gear type stuff was all gender neutral. One of the things I wanted to get for sure was one of those snazzy hospital gowns. I had seen them on tv and had run across them randomly on mommy websites. After looking at about a million other companies I finally came across LaborLooks. What first drew me to them was the price. I couldn't believe how much other companies were charging for their gowns. It was ridiculous! Then the patterns. All sorts of patterns, that were beautiful and detailed and not just a blue and a pink. I was really surprised at how many other companies had ugly patterns. I was thinking that I'd rather wear the regular hospital gown then this. Then I began looking at the company. LaborLooks was created by two sisters, one a Registered Nurse and one a Certified Nurse Midwife! Both moms, both wearing and testing out their product during actual deliveries! I mean, seriously? How much better does it get than that?

For those of us, including myself, that decide to go the hospital route we get the need for hospital gowns. I mean, it really makes things easy for everyone involved. But its so impersonal, they most certainly aren't one-size fits all, and lets face it....they aren't really the most fashionable thing you'll wear as a mommy. So just from that stand point its a completely novel idea and I can see why people have jumped all over it. Now let me tell you some other things that make these LaborLooks gowns different from some of the other companies I've looked at. One thing that totally jumped out at me was that these gowns have an overlapping tie (as you'll see in the picture) instead of the typical snaps (on regular hospital gowns and on other custom gowns I've seen). This feature allows for complete coverage and, as you'll see in the pictures) I could totally do it myself. The fabric on these is amazing. I have heard that some of these other gowns having fairly thin fabric. Not the case here. I mean, it literally feels amazing! These gowns are totally comfortable and I can see myself having no problem wearing it through the labor and after without it getting dirty. It seems really durable, so wearing it for future deliveries wouldn't be a problem. One of the creators of the gown even wore hers through her c-sections. And of course the last great feature would be the snaps on the shoulders for great skin to skin contact (by unsnapping both sides) and breast feeding (by snapping one side at a time).

One more thing I wanted to talk about was the sizing. Pre-pregnancy I was a size 16 and their sizing is right on. I was kinda of leary because in their sizing that made me a size m/l. I received the gown at about 30 weeks, so I'm pretty out there, and I see myself have extra room, but not so much that after the baby it would be too big or feel huge on me. It seemed to be designed similarly to maternity clothes in that the bulk of the extra fabric is just around your middle and not just all over, so you end up wearing a tent after the baby is born. Literally this thing is amazing I could see myself wearing it at home later on, in post-recovery. And now for some pics!

Please check out my YouTube review of this to see it in action and when you go to LaborLooks to purchase your gown use the code "rheanna" to receive 15% off!!

Thank you so much to the gals at LaborLooks for allowing me to review their product. I received to compensation in exchange for a positive review. I received one laborlooks gown to review and give my own opinion about.

Miss Rhe's Book Reivews!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 06:39:00 +0000

Well, its that time again, I've got a couple books to review here so hang on to your hats!

My First Hands-On Bible - New Living Translation

My First Hands-On Bible is the preschooler version of the popular Hands-On Bible, which has sold over a half million copies. Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations; My First Hands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. My First Hands-On Bible is a fun and simple yet meaningful way to engage preschool, pre-K, and K children (ages 3-6) with the Bible while helping them build a solid faith foundation. Each lesson focuses on a specific Bible point through a variety of activities in order to reinforce and help young children remember the stories and lessons. Using common household items, you can help your children have a “hands-on” learning experience while engaging them in 85 key stories from the Bible. My First Hands-On Bible doesn’t just retell the Bible stories; it also includes actual Scripture from the easy-to-understand and easy-to-read Holy Bible, New Living Translation. In addition to the stories and activities, there are fun illustrations, prayers, and a special Jesus Connection feature.

I am the mother of a 5 year old and a 3 year old and I loved this Bible. First off I really loved it just for me. A lot of times children's bible's can miss stuff, or skim over stuff or just shorten things down because its geared towards kids. I didn't feel like that at all when I was looking this over. But by far the best part is the illustrations. So beautiful and fun. When my son opened it up for the first time he said, "Wow mommy, i like these pictures". It was so easy to talk to him and have a conversation with him just about the pictures. That was before we even started reading it. The stories are great lengths and read in such a way that it kept my son's attention while also spurring questions and conversation between. I love this Bible and I would definitely recommend it to any parent looking for a first Bible for their children! An added bonus for you homeschooling moms with younger children who aren't quite ready for full on curriculum is the activities included within the stories. Its something for your younger kids to do that will make them feel like they are a big kid. I will be using it for my son who is doing pre-k and kindergarten learning at home this year.

**this book was provided by the Tyndale Blogging Program for my review. This review is my own and I was not provided any compensation for a positive review

Don't Check Your Brains at the Door, by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler

Don't Check Your Brains at the Door gives teens answers that make sense, even for the toughest of questions. Internationally known defender of the faith Josh McDowell and co-author Bob Hostetler offer clarity laced with humor to expose common myths about God, the Bible, religion, and life to show how Christianity stands up to the test of fact and reason. Teens will be better equipped to stick with their faith as they begin to understand why they believe and why it's important to make a lifetime commitment to Christ and the church.

I wasn't actually sure what to expect when I first got this book. But after opening it up and powering through about the whole thing in one night I loved it. Josh McDowell is amazing and so I knew anything by him would be great. I believe that this is such a relevant book for this day in age and I really think that groups from Jr. High and even College Age could use this book. The stories are relevant and easily comparable to life. The follow-up questions are great. I'm always worried with things like this because I fear that the topics would become too relevant if you know what I mean. The questions and topics become too watered down. The future of Christianity today is in the hands of our kids and feeding them wishy-washy garbage isn't going to do us any good. I would pick up this book if you're a youth leader or any kid, or if you have teens in your house, or even before your kids get to that age. I have a five and three year old and I loved this book! Its a tough task to raise our children and anything that helps with that is good in my book!

Chuck-e-Cheese Review!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:48:00 +0000

I recently was given the opportunity to do a review for Chuck-E-Cheese. I was quite happy because my children (more specifically my five year old) have become aware of its existence. I love PBS for the fact that there are no commercials, but Chuck-E-Cheese is a proud sponsor...so as a parent you get where I'm going with that. The purpose of the review was to test out there new pizza recipe. Now, anyone that has been there growing up might remember the pizza and its not being the best out there. I personally didn't really remember, but my husband said that right off the bat when I told him about this review opportunity. Honestly though, is anyone really going there for the pizza, LOL? So I went actually with a different perspective, not really remembering what the pizza tasted like before. Of course I brought my husband because he remembered. First off let me say that I was quite impressed with the place. I haven't been in forever, and we did go during the week, but it was amazingly clean, the games were great and I loved that there was a good selection for my kids, who are 3 and 5. I was expecting them to have maybe one or two options. The staff was great, and checked on us through out our visit. Two thumbs up on overall experience.

Now on to the pizza. It was a thin crust, which I'm not generally fond on, and it was actually good. I mean, its not a pizza place so I think the experience that you would have at a place that is exclusively serving you pizza, as a restaurant, will be different. I did love the sauce. Great spices. It was by far then something that I'd just get at a Sam's Club, or in the frozen section at the grocery store. It wasn't super greasy, the pizza wasn't chewy and the pepperoni wasn't rubbery or extremely spices. My husband could actually tell a marked difference between what it was before and what it was now.

All in all I was thoroughly impressed with everything. The food, the drinks, the staff, the games, the overall appearance of the place. Two things, from a mom's perspective that I also loved was A) the bathrooms had little toilets and little sinks and handles on the doors low and B) if my kids were like 5 away from a higher number for the tickets they rounded it up so that all the tickets could be used and I wasn't stuck with random tickets and the kids not being able to use them. We spent several hours there and are already planning our return trip back. It was a great place and I definitely would consider having a birthday there and just going as a family!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item from the Publishers, Manufacturer and/or Production Company as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

World Breastfeeding Week

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 03:56:00 +0000

I'm a little late on this everyone, but its World Breastfeeding Week! Check out their Link.
I am pregnant with my third, and will once again be breastfeeding. This time I'm determined to make it work longer than the last two. I think I do struggle with an actual physical issue. Some of it could have been just inexperience, especially with the first one, but heaven's it wasn't for lack of trying. I even got a fancy breast pump to help with that. The second time around I discovered a great herb called Fenugreek, and thank my mommy friend Barb for introducing me to that. What an angel! The thought had never occurred to me, before I was pregnant, that I would have any issues. But really, alot of stuff doesn't occur to moms before their moms, no matter how much babysitting you did (and I did A LOT!). My mom had a friend who was lactation specialist/nurse come over and talked to me. I never did a class with a certain organization and I probably won't ever. I am however going to class sponsored by Medela next week and I'm soooooooo excited, the awesome maker of my fabulous breast pump. The truth of the matter is that I have had one too many disspointing and irritating experiences with the unnamed organization that I'm over it. Now before I make anyone too mad, I am sure that there are wonderful people there and many many many people have been blessed by them. I'm also aware that there are nuts in every group of people. I feel like, along with the "natural" and "epidural" group, there is this ongoing battle between women in the breastfeeding/formula realm. And really it is so ridiculous!! Why do we as women fight over the stupidest things. Yes, I am here to tell you I get that breastmilk is amazing and wonderful and the best thing that I could give my baby. But from someone who has struggled, and felt like they did all they could, it doesn't help to tell them how horrible formula is. It doesn't help to tell me that I must not be really trying and must not be doing something right. I have two beautiful children raised primarily on formula. And, not to brag, but they are kinda smart and extremely healthy children - formula, vaccinations and all, LOL! If you are a breast feeding mamma that has had no problems I envy you! I think that is amazing. It is hard work, takes dedication and sacrifice and TIME! I'm excited to give it a third go...I'm all prepped with my mother's milk tea, my fenugreek, I'm going to my class and I'm excited! But I know that if I'm not able to, and I have to go to formula that's fine. I know my child will be healthy and wonderful. And to all those mom's out there that might read this...you aren't alone! I discovered a whole world of mom's that were like me after I had my experience. I thought to myself, what a blessing that we have herbs, and teas and professionals.....and formula! To think back in the day, or in many third world countries, mothers and babies aren't so lucky!

So three cheers for mother's everywhere!! Whether you're a breastfeeding or formula mom, a store bought baby food or homemade mom, a cloth diapering or disposable mom, an organic, no plastic mom or not! We are mothers and that should be enough to unite us!!! So lets celebrate World Breastfeeding Week and let it remind us that we are all moms!!!!!!!

One heck of a giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhe Christine) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 04:29:00 +0000

I don't do this often, but this one was too amazing not share...even if that lowers my odds of winning!!! check it out peeps