Manic Tuesday

~ My, oh my, have I been missing out in the blogging world! Holidays, Christmas posts have surrounded us all. Now I'm not exactly a grinch, Christmas is one of my favorite holidays to participate in. It's the people. I really do think that people have lost the meaning of togetherness and what Christmas really means.

Starting with Thanksgiving. Crazy sales happening at 8:00 Thursday night?! Seriously? Making those poor people work at such an early time that they barely have time to eat and share with their family?! It's ridiculous. I for one, did not do any black Friday (even Thursday, for that matter) shopping. If you're not part of the solution, then you're part of the problem.

Of course, if you did holiday shopping on any of those days, I am not going to bash you. Who am I to judge? But I seriously feel for those who worked those days. I've been there. /rant

~ So I am pretty much done with this semester. I have two finals to take on Thursday and good riddance until January.

~ My baby E is sooooo big. She's already taken her first few steps and I am glowing with pride. :D 3 more weeks and she'll be my little one year old. 

~ Speaking of which, party planning committee of one has been working non-stop to make JD's birthday a memorable one. Since he's turning 4, he's ben very vocal about the things he wants for his birthday and who he wants to share his day with. They grow up so fast... I am relieved he hasn't changed his mind regarding the theme. (He chose cars)

~ I honestly tried getting all my holiday shopping in November. -shakes head- Nope. Didn't happen. Going to the mall or other retail places once a week, definitely doesn't cut it. And now, working non-stop on JD's and Emma's birthday parties, yeah, STRESSED TO THE MAX.

~ So I know I didn't post a November bluum box entry. Here was the thing: There were a few items missing from the box and one of them came damaged. I was, of course, a little upset cause that's never happened to me before. BUT, the good people of bluum answered back after 48 hours (yeah, I am guessing they get a lot of emails) and have already sent me a replacement box that is showing up at my door this week! So far I am pleased with their customer service. We'll see what the box has to say about that!

~ Ipsy has already sent me my tracking number after announcing it yesterday that glam bags were shipping. 

Yes! I am loving the things coming to my door, but I wished I could've gotten the NYX lipstick rather than the JCat lip crayon. Oh well, maybe this means I should experiment more with those lip crayons!

That's it for now! How's your Tuesday looking?

Disclosure: Links are referral links, unless otherwise noted.

bluum September 2013 "Let's Practice Standing!" (9 month old baby)

Yes, I realize how late this review is. At least I posted it! Better late than never. This month's (october) will be up soon, keep on the look out!

Shipping for this box was actually pretty fast. Can't complain. I got my tracking number and next thing you know, my mail lady is dropping this off at my doorstep. Awesome.

For those of you who are not familiar with this subscription, bluum is a monthly subscription box curated with products depending on the stage or milestone that your child is in. Products for baby and for mom.

First look

Bumpkins Starter Bib ($4.95):

This is actually my favorite bib that I have used for E. Waterproof, easy to clean...what more could a mom ask for? I have one similar to this from Koala Baby but it is not really NOT that easy to clean... This one wipes down quickly...even after mealtime.

Susan Brown's Baby Cleansing Cloths ($14.00):

Lightly scented, soft to the touch. I didn't really use it for myself although this was considered one of the "mom" items. I used it more on E for those little wipe downs when she'd make a mess and it didn't irritate her skin so I'd say that this is also baby friendly.

Priddy Books Baby Play Day ($13.00):

My favorite part of this book is the little tabs that you see above ^. Great for those little fingers and it's very bright colored so E can spend hours just looking at the book. JD loves it too so I consider all the books I get from blumm a twofer.

Bumkins Divided Plate - Cat in the Hat ($6.95):

JD saw this and declared it "his plate". Not for E because she's a baby. shrugs What can I say? She prefers throwing it off her high chair and finds it hilarious. JD, on the other hand, actually uses it for its intended purpose. He likes his food separated and likes all the little dividers. Plus he likes the show. Another twofer I'd say.

Redex Udderly Smooth Cream 2 oz ($1.99):

Another "mom" item. I am not a big cream person but I have used this cream on my husband's feet... Resulting in silky smooth feet. lol It's texture is more like water and not so oily so it sinks into the skin very quickly. So I'd say this works for people who don't like the sticky feel of cream.

Child's Play Mulberry Bush ($6.00):

Probably not my favorite item from this box. I don't really use CDs...at all. Plus this is a rhyme that I am familiar with but I wouldn't say was a staple in my childhood. -.-

Total value of this month's box: $46.89. The CD was probably the only thing that I found that I would not use at all but other than that, I never really argue the value of the box because I really do get a good bang for my buck every month. :)

Try it out!

Disclosure: There are referral links in this post, unless otherwise noted. I don't know if people really read these sort of things anyway!

bluum August 2013 "Giggle Monster" (8 month old) review

Bluum is getting better at the whole delivery thing. By the time I see my tracking number, it's finally on it's way to me! This time, they used Fed-Ex tracking and I feel is much more reliable than USPS or DHL for that matter.
Another note: I don't know what or how bluum picks what people get. I have this habit of googling the crap out of all the boxes that bluum sends. Looking for the same themes and things like that. But, even if someone gets the same theme, they get different things. (Which was a good thing since I was afraid that maybe I was going to the same thing I got the month before...yikes.)
Anyway, on to the review!

This month's theme is "Giggle Monster". Between you and me, E is more like just monster. O.O DON'T MESS WITH HER AND HER FOOD.

Happy Family Happy Munchies Rice Cake - Apple: ($3.00):

The first time I got anything from this company was through Citrus Lane in their toddler box back in May. And it was pretty good. E has been in the habit of chewing (yes, it's funny seeing her chew with no teeth) a lot of different foods so this is something I know she will definitely consume and I will have to buy more.

Razbaby Snack Pack ($7.00):

This just saved me hours of headaches looking something similar to this. I already use the NUBY formula dispenser but the unfortunate thing is that if you don't twist the knob part just right, it'll spill formula into the other compartments and I'm through with that mess. This also separates into 3 little packs so this will also be convenient for long times that I am away from E (rare but it happens).

Little Learners Snuggle Bunny book & plush toy ($13.00):

Toys for E = welcomed. Plus it brings a book, JD also enjoys it because since he already understands most of the actions that the little bunny does in the book, he likes to mimic them which is frikin cute as hell. He really likes doing it with this book and that makes my heart melt and I hope he never grows up :(

Dreambaby Rainbow Outlet Plugs ($4.00):

Another item that was on my "to buy" list. I don't know where I leave those damn little plugs after I take them off! So in my forgetfulness I am left with a few open outlets. E is already kind of doing those little military crawls so I am deeming that a mobile baby and getting the house baby-proofed ASAP.

Funktion Clutch ($39.00):

My oh my. First off, I did not expect such an item to show up in this month's box. I really like it, then again I'm a sucker for purses and clutches. It's perfect for those rare Ladies Nights with a few moms that I hang out with and I can't wait to show it off :P

Luna Fiber Bar Vanilla Blueberry ($2.00):

Before I could even get a picture of it, both Edward and JD were staring at that bar waiting to get a piece. So, I didn't get a change to try it but heard it was great! -.-

The total value for this box is $68.00 versus the $25 I paid for the box which is a great deal :)
I know that a lot of people have been having issues with their boxes and things like that according to their FB page, but from the looks of it, bluum is on top of all those problems and trying very hard to fix all those issues. That's a plus in my book, more of a reason to at least try them out :)

Disclaimer: Links on this blog are referral links (unless otherwise noted). You and I will both be rewarded for accepting the referral = awesome-ness.

Wednesdays = Hump day

Hump day? Now who could've come up with something like that?

- As of lately, my son has been attending daycare and I couldn't be more proud of him. He's such a good kid (when he wants to be) and I'm more than sure that I miss him more than he misses me. Hahaha

- I have been having issues with the updating of my blog (I do not recommend the mobile version of blogger to anyone) so I have been working on trying to make a good schedule for myself in addition to my work morning ritual of coffee and blog reading. Should it be coffee, write and then blog reading? I'll work out those kinks. In the meantime, pointers? Anyone?

- I expect to have in my possession in subscription boxes by this week and next week bluum, Citrus Lane, ipsy and UMCheeky. It always feel like an eternity from one month to the next until I am up to my neck trying to write those review posts. lol

- Why is it that vacations feel so far away and yet once they arrive, its over almost as soon as it arrived? And is it October yet? D:

- September is definitely around the corner and that means I will be 24. Another birthday. :O Getting closer to 30 by the second. lol

- I have been also working on a post about my recent journey what I have learned in Crossfit. Kinda like a mythbuster post. I feel this is something I should share with those who are curious about it and I'm sure it will inspire someone to get up and do something when they thought they never could. Now I'm not saying it's for everyone and you'll find a post urging you to join. No. I am like any other mom who had kids and never got around to working out because I don't like it. This pretty much summed it up:

You're pretty much nodding your head right about now.

If you're feeling in the dumps about today, just remember this: you're closer to the weekend than you were yesterday!

blumm July 2013 "Look Who's Sitting!" review

For those first learning about bluum, it is a subscription box for babies with 4-5 full sized items plus a little gift for Mommy. It is put together according to age and milestones for $24.95/mo with free shipping. This month's theme is "Look who's sitting" which of course E has already started to learn how to master this milestone! One step closer to standing. (Oh boy.)
Last month, I got the tracking number pretty late and I didn't get the package until like the first week of July. Bummed me out, especially after I saw that they had already charged me for this month's box. Aggravating, I know. But this time, I got my tracking number the day after I got it for ipsy. Brownie points for you bluum!

First look

Info card

Little Learners Bathtime Book & Duck Toy ($10.00):

Toys. Always a plus in my book and I was looking into some bathtime toys for E since now she doesn't feel the need to stay still when she's in the bathtub. This is super cute and it comes with a little squirting rubber duck!

mOmma Teether Penguin ($6.00):

As soon as I had this in my hands, I sterilized it and popped it into the freezer. E is still teething so this is a lot of help for her poor swollen gums. Perfect for her little tiny hands! She likes this one better than the butterfly teether my mom bought for her. Hmmm.

Kellytoy Travel Pillow Chum Friends - Parrot ($15.00):

E is not amused by this pillow. Plus I was a little concerned when I saw that this pillow loses a lot of its "fur"...so I gave it to JD since he doesn't put things in his mouth anymore. We keep it in the car for those small cat naps that JD takes in the car. Perks of having two kids! ...but why a parrot???

Ella's Kitchen - Carrots/Apples/Parsnips ($1.89):

I can't wait for E to try this out! I am still being very careful with the things I feed her since she is still trying out new solid foods, but once she's in the clear, this is one of the very next things I'll have her try. I know JD LOVED those little pouches. But I know that they sell reusable pouches so I can make my own blend of things E likes. For now, we'll stick to the disposable ones.

Booginhead Sippigrips Green and Orange ($7.50):

Why green and orange? No idea. Why not pink? Whatever. This, however, is a godsend. I don't know how many times I've had to pick up E's little toys and rattles off the floor and not be able to give it to her because they are yucky from a floor that god knows what passed through there??? Once she moves on to sippy cups, this too shall be the biggest help. I give it thumbs up.

Ella's Kitchen Puffits - Raspberry and Vanilla ($0.75):

I was here hoping for the little box as shown on my email but instead I see a little bag. Hmm. Not too happy about that. False advertisement! lol Regardless, E has already started munching on little puffs that I buy at the supermarket (Gerber brand) so this is just an addition to her snack collection.

Tranquil Force Headband ($8.00):

I don't normally wear headbands, but maybe after getting this, I might. Very comfortable, very soft and stretchy. Not too crazy about the pattern but the point is it fits on my big head. lol Here's their website to look at the different patterns they have.

Forgive my crazy hair day.

There was also this little pamphlet about reading to your child that I didn't include in the review. It was basically that, all about ways to start reading to your baby or toddler.

I totaled the box to a value of $49.14. I don't think I ever had complained about the value of the box since it's value has always surpassed what I paid for it :) But overall, this month was still good, lots of things that I have already begun to use for E and is not sitting in a corner collecting dust! lol
Wanna give it a go? Click my referral link to get started!

Disclaimer: This post contains referral links.

Manic Tuesday

Such a manic week I've been having (and it just started!):

• On Saturday - ipsy, unmentionably cheeky AND bluum (le gasp, i know) made it to me. So I have a few reviews to write this week which is great! I like reviews :) Helpful for myself and for other people that stumble unto my blog
• This week is also Edward's toughest work week. He's been working double shifts since last week Friday and it sucks :(
• I jumped back onto the Citrus Lane wagon for next month. I had a credit for referring and I decided to use it :P Woot woot!
• T-minus 33 days until I start the fall semester at FIU and I am sort of bittersweet about it.
• JD and I have been at each other's throats the past couple of days. I know, I'm no better. I'm fighting with a three year old...don't judge me.
• I finally snagged myself a bag of trail mix at Wal-Mart and I couldn't be happier! It's about time too. I need some good snacking habits.
• Oh, did I mention I spent the weekend with my in-laws? -cue the dramatic music- It's not all that bad, but I don't know. Is it an in-law thing? I get chills when I know that the in-laws are coming. <.< Please tell me that I am not the only one.
• Crossfit kicked my butt yesterday. Our workout was the same as today's WOD for the CF games, the Naughty Nancy.
• Also, I have been re-evaluating the whole blogging thing. As I have posted on many other link-ups, I am trying to find my voice on the vast world of the interwebs. I have a lot to say but I need a way to organize myself for this whole ordeal. Maybe come up with a list of topics? I am not any sort of guru, I have no idea what I am good at. I only browse stumbleupon and reddit like you would your morning paper. And I am a mom, which as you all know is already an occupation in itself. What do you think?

Happy Tuesday readers :D

Disclaimer: Most of these links are referral links. Meaning you click them, you get rewarded and I get rewarded for awesome-ness. It's a win-win! Otherwise, they are links to their respective website.

Friday's Letters

Dear Miami weather, first you are hot. Then you are rainy. Then you are blazing hot and now you are extremely rainy with thunderstorms and everything. Please make up your mind. I do not work well with indecisive people, let alone indecisive weather. -.- Is there a hurricane I am not aware of?
Dear E, I feel like I'm in the singing frog situation where you are babbling away and it looks like you are about to say your first word. As soon as I pull out a camera, you stop. I'd like very much to catch this special moment and you are being silly. Do it for Mommy, please? Pretty please?
Dear Edward, I don't know how else to plead with you about the coffeemaker thing. I promise that this what I really want and it won't sit there in a corner!
Dear JD, I am so proud of you. You behaved like a good little boy at the movie theaters last week when you went to watch Monsters University with your aunt and uncle. AND you behaved extremely well when you were at church with your grandmother. Just, enough with that one piercing scream when you have to say good-bye.
Dear bluum, I can't wait to see what you have in store for E this month! "Little Chompers"? Right on time with the milestones, keep it up!
Dear Friday, you're back! But just like you came back so quickly, you will also end quickly. <.<;
Dear Crossfit, we will see each other again today. Bring it on!

Disclosure: Some of the links are referral links, which of course mean bonuses for you and me. Win-win, right? Otherwise, those links are just links to their respective websites.

Thursday Thoughts

• 8 days left until classes end and I couldn't be happier. I have 8 more chapters to finish before then and I am working overtime!
• I've got tracking numbers for Edward's gift (coming Friday), Ipsy AND confirmation shipping email from Unmentionably cheeky. I'm so excited! (Christmas, etc.) Can't wait until bluum starts sending out tracking numbers too...(Yes, I stuck with bluum, I think I liked it a lot better...)
• Hot, then rain, then humidity and then the terrible heat. Miami, make up your mind!!!!! You're killing me here.
• I still haven't signed JD for the daycare. D: I know, I know...procrastination.
• Tuesday night, I went to watch "This is the End". Man, oh man. I loved it! I give props to that little Canadian weirdo Seth Rogen. I mean, if you want a good laugh, this is the movie you should see. I shall say no more for the sake of spoilers. 
• I think I can watch Grey's Anatomy all day...it's competing with my already big obsession with SVU. I know I've watched my fair share of SVU marathons and I love it...maybe small doses is better, for now.

What are your thoughts this Thursday?

Disclosure: All links, unless otherwise noted, are links to their respective websites.

bluum May 2013 Review "Solid!" (5 month old)

This is my first bluum box! It's so exciting to see a new box just waiting for me, it's like Christmas! So, since I got my Stork Stack and Citrus Lane already, this was the last one to get here this month.

The box

Apparently, the boxes used to be much smaller...

First View

Ok, I cheated. More like bluum made me cheat. After you get your box delivered, they send you an email with all the details of the goodies you get in your box that month. I was surprised when I saw so many things!

There's themes to your box every month depending on your child's age. E is turning 5 months next week, so this month's box was "Solid". Here is the introductory card regarding baby's first solid foods.

Inside, I found a magazine "Chicago Parent", a 20% off coupon for Angel Dear and another little card about another product (it was accidentally thrown away...)

B Kids Sandfish Rattle ($12.00):

As I mentioned before, anything that's a toy for E is plus in my book. I can't wait to have her try it out! It has all sorts of ridges and different surfaces that I'm sure will keep E entertained for some time.

Icky Bib-Girl ($6.99):

I have no problem washing E's bibs after she finishes eating. But, this is not a bad idea to have. It helps when I'm on the go and the bib she has is already filthy.

mOmma spoon ($4.99):

Now that E has started eating solid food, having another spoon is a great thing. I don't remember how many times I found myself without a spoon because I accidentally left it at my mom's house or my mother-in-law left it behind, etc. It has a soft tip so that's great for her gums (she's been pretty sensitive since her gums have been bugging her) and it has a round bottom shape that's easy for her to hold. (She likes holding her own spoon...)

Nuturme Plump Peas (Dried Baby Food) Pouch ($10.00):

I have seen this before in different reviews and I am still like wth? I have never used powder-like baby food before. It's just like rice cereal where you add breastmilk or formula to it. One pouch is equal to a 2.5 oz jar. Once I start giving her veggies, I might consider this for her to try. Regardless, I'm taking out her little blender I can finally use (baby shower gift).

Angel Dear Monster Blanket Green ($13.00):

When I read "blanket" I expected blanket size. But it's more like a cuddle blanket, it's small (13"x 13", I believe) but it's soft (cashmere soft, yum) and it has the little monster head. I'm not too fond of the monster head but E is really enjoying it! Reminds me of one that JD used to have but it was Mickey Mouse and it was blue. He still has it, heh. He used to really love that thing...

Bobo Buddy Pacifier Holder ($11.00):

E kinda started using pacifiers. And I really mean kinda. She puts it in her mouth but she spits right out after a while. Even though I don't see myself really needing this, for those mommas who do have babies with pacifiers. This looks like a good method of finding where the hell the paci fell this time.

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer ($5.00):

I am really well aware of this brand since my days at Bath and Body Works. I currently use a cuticle moisturizer that I oh so very much love. The color is subtle enough for an everyday use, perfect for those quick moments when I'm out the door in a rush.

The box came out to a value of $62.98 which is awesome! For only $24.95/mo, it's worth it. Here's my referral link to try out a box.

And now that I got all my boxes, I'm weighing out the pros and cons of each box and which one is truly worthwhile. Oooo the suspense!

~Mel