We recently had an episode of fruit flies congregating in the kitchen. We looked up some natural ways to get rid of them. We tried sitting jars of apple cider vinegar with drops of dish liquid out to bait them. We even set some out with just the vinegar. They were drawn in, but they were obviously too smart to land in the vinegar. Guess we should have used a funnel. We ended up loading the dishwasher and leaving it unlocked overnight. In the morning, we turned it on and poof, no more fruit flies.

Just thought I’d share this lil’ tidbit of domesticness with y’all.

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Post tags: domestics, fruit flies

Since Jayden is a little older, I decided to sign up for Team Mom blog tours again. In the latest tour, we received a Pop on Pals Amusement Park Playset which Jayden could not wait to get out of the package – it was in there pretty TIGHT! He circled Greg exclaiming turys (toys)! until Greg was able to get all of the packing elements detached. I’m sure waiting on the day that opening toys becomes easier.

Included with the playset were a pal (what, only one?), three pop-on rings/outfits, and of course the amusement park. The whole Pop On Pals concept reminds me of the Fisher-Price Little People, but these people pop up when pressed down on. Pals can ride on the musical ferris wheel, play the strong man striker as they play some fun, realistic sounds. There’s a round, yellow lever behind the ferris wheel that has to be toggled to switch between controlling the ferris wheel and dragon swing. That’s something I’d have to do for Jayden if requested. He hasn’t let them hinder his fun.

In the photos above, you can defintely tell he’s putting his imagination motor skills to use. I think he’d really enjoy a few more pals and vehicles to play with. This is a great toy to go alongside with his growing Duplo collection. I just love seeing him get creative .

Spinmaster on Twitter

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Post tags: imagination, motor skills, team mom, toddler, toys

— — —

I’m a babywearing enthusiast. I don’t talk babywearing often because I am still searching for the perfect carriers. Since Jayden is much older now and wearing him in a sling requires a little more effort, I want to be able to wear him on my back. I’m considering something similar to a mai tai or the ever so popular Ergo. Something that I wouldn’t have to fight with. Something that I’d be physically and financially comfortable with.

I was sent a Boba Organic Carrier to review and I have been swooned. Absolutely. In the Boba I can comfortably wear Jayden forward or backwards without any straps cutting into my shoulders, neck, or waist. The Boba is designed with high density foam padded shoulder straps and waist straps which I just love. Having a carrier that does not cut into my body is really important to me. The Boba is designed to have higher back support, so there is absolutely no strain on any part of my body while wearing my growing toddler. To ensure the comfort of the child being worn, Boba incorporates foot straps to support a healthy sitting position. I thought this was a pretty neat feature. I haven’t seen foot straps on any other structured carriers I’ve researched. The Boba can be worn from newborn to 4 years of age or 15 to 45 pounds. Just when I thought my babywearing days were coming to an end, they’ve been extended and that REALLY makes me happy.

November 2009

The first time I wore Jayden in the Boba, he didn’t want to be taken out. Talk about a major meltdown. He’s even started bringing it to me indicating that he wants to be worn. I can tell you that the Boba is worth every penny (the 1G was $99 at the time). If I didn’t have the opportunity to review it, I would have nudged family to purchase it as a Christmas gift . I know that this carrier is going to stand by our family. I highly recommend the Boba as a first structured carrier or an addition to a growing collection. The creators of the Boba also created the Sleepy Wrap. Remember when I expressed my love for it? I think I’m becoming brand loyal to NAP, Inc.

If you would like to purchase an Organic Boba Carrier of your own at a 10% discount, enter code mommy-daddy at checkout.

New Boba 2G in Tweet Fabric

Boba Carrier on Facebook | Boba Carrier on Twitter

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Post tags: babywearing, boba, coupon codes, organic, reminiscing, sleepywrap, structured carrier

Jayden is one baby who doesn’t appreciate being layed down. If you do so much as to tilt him, he will begin fussing. Although he loves his bouncer, he will only tolerate it for so long. So when he refuses to nap on his own or sit in his bouncer, we use the Sleepy Wrap.

The Sleepy Wrap has become an essential that we use for hours each day. I can just pop him in the Sleepy Wrap, continue working at my desk, or picking up around the house. Jayden could be disgruntled one minute and knocked out within minutes of resting in the wrap. If he wakes up to nurse, I don’t even have to remove him. I’m able to discreetly nurse him while he rests inside. I’m certain Jayden feels safe knowing he is attached to me and I have the joy of watching my little guy peacefully chuckle and snort while he sleeps.

The Sleepy Wrap is very comfortable to wear. It’s made of a fabric that resembles stretchy cotton jogging pants; like a heavy cotton knit with a touch of spandex. The Sleepy Wrap supports my back and Jayden’s bottom well. There’s no skin chaffing, muscle tearing, or straining of the back involved when wearing this baby.

The Sleepy Wrap is durable and machine washable. Ours goes through the occasional spit up and poop session, so it has been through many wash cycles. The Sleepy Wrap is such a great investment. It wouldn’t hurt to have more than one on hand. They come in twelve colors which should match any outfit. Since I wear a lot of browns, that is the color that I chose. My next choice would have been grey. The Sleepy Wrap serves us well. It is certainly a must-have for babywearing mamas, papas, and munchkins.

Sleepy Wrap on Twitter | Sleepy Wrap on Facebook

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Post tags: babywearing, reminiscing, sleepy wrap, sleepywrap

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Post tags: cucumbers, garden

Jayden at 5 months (October 2008).

At 23 months, we hid them.

And he didn’t even notice.

Hold the applause .

Kiddo number two probably won’t be given one.
–
I’m taking a trip down memory lane through photos of Jayden I never edited or photos I feel need to be re-edited. His first year was a blur for me, but luckily I did take a lot of pictures. This trip through my photo collection is something I need to do for myself and boy before planning to extend our family.

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Post tags: jayden's first year, pacifier, reminiscing, throwbacks

I’ve been facinated with bento lunchboxes for years; since my late teens. I had the desire to impulsively buy a few, but I had no place to even bring my lunch to. So sadly I sat hoping for an excuse to use bento lunchboxes some day. Fast forward to today and I’ve got a reason; a toddler and family outings to persue.

Since my first bento encounter, I’ve become a little more eco-conscious, checking the numbers on the plastic dishes that we eat from. While searching for BPA free bento lunchboxes, I came across EasyLunchboxes. I noticed that they were reaching out to bloggers, so I applied to receive their lunchbox system and a cooler bag to review.

EasyLunchboxes was born out of founder Kelly Lester’s need to quickly pack healthy lunches for her children without wasting time, money, or packaging. She created a practical and safe solution both kids and adults love. The EasyLunchbox system includes four bento-style plastic food containers and colorful lids. The containers and cooler bags have been FDA approved and contain no BPA, phthalates, or PVC. And the systems are also very affordable at $13.95 per four container set and cooler bags; $7.95 per bag.

EasyLunchboxes make packing and eating lunch fun. The yummy combos of sandwiches, salads, fruits and veggies are endless! Not only are the systems great for lunch, but every day meals at home. Jayden always has to have his snacks in bowls. Now he’s able to eat his chips, dips, berries, green beans, and cucumbers in a larger sectioned container.

EasyLunches make great products to sell for fundraisers. What better way to raise funds by selling a product that encourages healthy eating and eco awareness? Kelly offers an affiliate and fundraising program where organizations can sign up to sell her products. I’m an affiliate, so I will receive 20% commission on all purchases made through my affiliate link. So buy from me, mmkay?

Kelly wants to offer an EasyLunchbox System and cooler bag to a Sophistishe reader. For a chance to win, fill out this here form. The secret code is Sophistilunchbox. The form will close July 30th, 2010 at 7PM CST. You may want to take a look at my basic giveaway rules. Good luck!

Easy Lunch Boxes on Twitter | Easy Lunch Boxes on Facebook

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Post tags: bento, bpa free, eco friendly, green, lunch

I’m doing some last minute shopping for BlogHer and I’m hitting up Old Navy for some cute pieces. It’s definitely going to be hot outside and possibly chilly at the hotels, so I need some basics to layer. I don’t like sweating and when I do, I get self conscious. I chill easily and can’t stand cold arms. Sometimes I shake, sometimes I twitch, sometimes I get grumpy. I don’t want to scare anyone, so I need to layer. I’m looking at dresses, skirts, cardigans, and capris. I love this look below.

And although I probably won’t be wearing polos to BlogHer, I may grab a few, they’re on sale in stores for $8 through July 29th!

You can check out these polos under the “Weekly Ad” tab on Old Navy’s Facebook page. While you’re there, check out Barker’s Bones where you can dig around for unlimited coupons. This week’s highest-value unlimited coupon is $10 off $50, but I bet I have something a little more enticing…

I’ve been hooked up with 10 $50 off $100 Old Navy coupons, I’m choosing to keep one for myself and to give away 9. For a chance to win 1 of 9 $50 off $100 Old Navy coupons answer the following question in the comments: The collars on the women’s fashion polos reveal colorful designs when popped. Are you awesome enough to pop your collar, or are you keepin’ it down low (for lack of better words)? Nine winners from the U.S. and Canada will be chosen July 24th, 2010 at 7PM CST. The coupons are good through July 29th, so winners must reply ASAP! You may want to take a look at my basic giveaway rules. Good luck!

Old Navy on Twitter | Old Navy on Facebook

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Post tags: blogeher 10, coupons, frugal, old navy

© Sophistishe: Finding Zen in Being Human 2010. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: silly

Some chub’s still present.

Belly. Knobby knees. Curled legs.

Last year’s swim diaper still fits, but for how long?

What are we going to do?

© Sophistishe: Finding Zen in Being Human 2010. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: growing up, reflections