Everything Up Close

Ilissa's Homemade Pizza Sauce

2013-04-30T20:49:00.000-05:00

Since becoming gluten free, ordering from a pizza place (especially since living in a small town) is generally not a great option for us. And especially since being a bit more budget conscious, I've come to the decision that it is way easier and yummier to just make my own. I do buy the crusts from a local independently owned restaurant that is very gluten knowledgeable and their crust is AMAZING

Ilissa's Mexi Chicken Casserole (Recipe)

2013-02-01T22:21:00.000-06:00

Are you looking a yummy Mexican recipe that is sure to impress your family? Since becoming gluten free almost 2 months ago, we have been trying out a lot of new recipes in the kitchen! And, this is one of my recent creations. My husband isn't a huge fan of Mexican food and he loved it; he gave it an 'above average' rating and said he'd have it again! I forgot to shoot a picture of this recipe

A Year of Fun Thanks to Fisher-Price! (with reviews)

2012-12-19T21:59:00.000-06:00

This past year has been an amazing adventure thanks to Fisher-Price. At the start of the year, our daughter was only 4 months old and getting lots of use out of the Fisher-Price My Little Lamb™ Cradle ‘n Swing, My Little Snugabunny™ Bouncer, and just starting to explore the fun of the Luv U Zoo Jumperoo. Although we received them at the end of last year or the beginning of this year, these are

Try To Win It Thursday - December 5, 2012

2012-12-06T00:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Try to Win It Thursday! Are you looking for Canadian-friendly giveaways to enter? Or, are you hosting one on your blog? If so, make sure to check out the list below and come back each week to check out what's new and add your newest giveaways to the list! If you are adding a giveaway to the list, please make sure to include the following information: PRIZE - OPEN TO CAN/US/

Ensuring your Toy Shopping is Right On Target!

2012-11-30T21:09:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year again! It's time to gather your lists, check them twice, and figure out who has been naughty or nice! ;) Whether you are the type of person who loves Christmas shopping or cringes when it is time to head to the stores to shop for your little ones (the crowds don't' help!), there are some simple things you can do to make your experience fun and stress-free! When it comes to

Try to Win it Thursdays - November 29, 2012

2012-11-29T00:00:00.000-06:00

Cruising with a family is possible, fun, and easy!

2012-11-28T22:46:00.000-06:00

Tis the season. And no, not just doing your Christmas shopping! This is probably the time of year you are also busy planning your family vacation for somewhere nice and warm! Who knows, you might even be planning on surprising your family with a cruise vacation on Christmas morning (I know I sure wouldn't mind that!). If you have been following me on my blog, Twitter, Facebook, and/or Pinterest

Winners (a delayed draw)

2012-11-28T22:24:00.002-06:00

Somehow the winners of this giveaway got lost in the shuffle, so I have to apologize. But, I am finally excited to announce that the winner of the Touch and Feel Books Giveaway courtesy of DK Publishing has been chosen! Please check the Everything Up Close Winner's List to see if you were the lucky winner! Remember, the winner must email me within 1 week of this announcement to claim their

Playtex Diaper Genie Elite Review + Enter for a chance to review one!

2012-11-28T22:08:00.001-06:00

Do you have a baby or toddler in diapers? Or do you know someone who will be doing diaper duty in the near future? If you are looking for something to contain all those dirty diapers in between diaper changes, the Playtex Diaper Genie Elite is definitely a system that you'll want to consider. Review When I was pregnant and looking for a diaper pail, the Playtex Diaper Genie Elite is the one

How-to: Successful Shopping for Toys this Holiday Season!

2012-11-10T13:16:00.003-06:00

The holiday season is quickly approaching! That means if you haven't already, it is time to start researching the toys you will be buying for the holidays for your children and other friends and family! Researching toys before you buy them is a great way to avoid disappointment later on! It is so helpful to learn from other moms and dads what toys their children enjoyed, any difficulties they

Your Holiday To-do List: Photo Cards!

2012-11-08T22:03:00.000-06:00

Once November hits it seems that everything is busier - our schedules, the stores, and the list goes on, along with our to-do list, which seems never ending! One of the items that is on many families' to-do lists are the holiday cards! In the past few years, I have noticed more and more families featuring their beautiful family pictures on their Christmas cards - these are my favourite! If

Try To Win It Thursday - November 8, 2012

2012-11-08T21:40:00.000-06:00

Try To Win It Thursday - November 1, 2012

2012-11-01T18:07:00.000-05:00

Try To Win It Thursday - October 25, 2012

2012-10-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday - Warm Destinations

2012-10-24T19:54:00.001-05:00

My view of the other side of the beach in Labadee, Haiti on our #FisherPriceOnRoyal trip (Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas). Thank you so much Fisher-Price and Royal Caribbean! If you aren't already, please make sure to follow my updates on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date on all the exciting aspects of our family cruise. Do you participate in Wordless Wednesday on your blog?

Try To Win It Thursday -0

2012-10-24T19:38:00.001-05:00

Will travel - with toddler! #FisherPriceMoms

2012-10-15T16:49:00.001-05:00

Since our daughter has been born, we have been doing a decent amount of traveling, whether it be by plane, car, or boat (in less than a week's time!). We can already tell that she is going to be quite the little jet-setter! Since my husband and I both love to travel, this is no surprise. Over the past few weeks, we have been busy getting ready for a very exciting family first travel experience -

Learning through play, thanks to Fisher-Price! (Reviews)

2012-09-30T22:23:00.006-05:00

What is the one thing you loved to do most as a child? I'm sure most of you would answer 'play'! Play is such an important part of being a child and for a good reason - play is a fundamental part of learning! I love that companies like Fisher-Price make it possible to have fun and learn developmental skills at the same time. This month, Lyla had the opportunity to try three new toys! Here

First Cheerios

2012-09-28T21:48:00.001-05:00

Do you remember your child's journey to eating solid foods? As a parent, we treasure all those special moments, especially the firsts! Whether it is the first crawl, the first steps, or the first time your little one fed him/herself! Each moment is so special! Did you know that Cheerios is recommended by 4 out of 5 pediatricians as a first finger food for your baby? Cheerios is delighted that

Lovesac Sactionals Sectional Furniture Giveaway

2012-09-10T19:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Sactionals Sectional Furniture Giveaway! Sponsored by LoveSac.com The Lovesac sactionals are only 2 pieces. You can combine any quantity of Sactionals "Bases" and "Sides" to arrange (and rearrange) any chair, sofa, sectional, loveseat, or bed you can imagine - no tools necessary (so easy!). Sactionals Covers are removable and can be changed at any time, so you’ll never be

Touch and Feel Books by DK Publishing Review

2012-09-09T22:50:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for some fun new books for your baby, toddler, or preschooler? DK Publishing has some great new Touch and Feel Books for your children. Introducing, Touch and Feel Dinosaurs and Touch and Feel Jungle Animals. Here is what DK Publishing has to say about these new titles, "With a sparkling new look, these bestselling DK classic preschool board books are sure to become favorites

Choosing Toys for Your Children

2012-08-30T22:09:00.000-05:00

Choosing toys for your children isn't always easy. There are many things that you probably take into account when purchasing new toys. This article will cover some of the things I consider and my routine when shopping for new toys for my daughter. I encourage you to take part and answer these questions too! 1. How do you determine what toys to purchase for your child? The first question I ask

Try To Win It Thursday - August 30, 2012

2012-08-30T11:58:00.000-05:00

Lovesac Chaise Sectional Giveaway: Giveaway Lovers and Bloggers needed!

2012-08-27T15:29:00.001-05:00

Do you love giveaways? If so, make sure to mark this one in your calendars! If you are redecorating or refinishing a new space, this Lovesac sectional is perfect (and beautiful!). Are you a blogger who loves participating in giveaway events? If so, bloggers are needed! You can find more information at the link below... Sponsored by LoveSac & hosted by Mom to Bed by 8 Prize: Four Cushion

Funky Fluff Stash'n'Cash Giveaway

2012-08-23T23:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Funky Fluff Stash & Cash Giveaway! DiaperDeals.ca and ClothDiaperTrader.com have teamed up with Funky Fluff to give away a full stash of cloth diapers for one lucky family - PLUS some extra cash to pay off some of those bills that start to pile up when a new baby blesses our lives! The prize: A complete Funky Fluff cloth diaper stash, worth over $500, plus some