Sharing My Instincts

Not Your Daughter's Jeans

2010-01-30T05:43:00.000-08:00

Dealing with a post baby body can be a challenge. Not only are our emotions as a new mom (or in my case, now, mom to 2 under 3) completely awry, our bodies have gone in a million directions and as we hate to admit, gravity has started to work against us.

And the thing is, I REALLY loved to shop before I had babies. I loved the feeling of carrying an armload of clothes into a dressing room, and doing the take off-put on-look-turn-stare-“how does this look?” dance with myself (and my hubby if he were so tortured as to have to go with me). Back then, I had a lot more money, a lot more time, and a lot more patience.

Jeans have become my worst nightmare. There are so many stipulations when searching for the perfect jean. I often ask myself questions like “Do they go up high enough on my belly, but not too high?” and “Is the color of the denim dark enough, but not too dark?” and “Is the length ok? Will they shrink too much when I wash them?”. You know, all the typical questions.

I have had many favorites in my days, but I was recently sent a pair called Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (aka NYDJ) to try out, wear about town, and tell ya’ll what I think.

I must say, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality and appearance. I was slightly worried about the name. I can see where the company is going with it, making it clear that they care about the ever changing needs in the clothing department of those of us with “daughters” (not just daughter’s, but you get my drift). There are a number of added perks with these jeans that I have never seen in any other jeans. With their “Lift-tuck” technology that flattens the tummy, contours the hips, and lifts the booty, crisscross stitching and reinforced pockets, all working together to make you look an entire size smaller.

Now, I’m not sure I looked an entire size smaller, but I do think I looked pretty good if I do say so myself. I also felt pretty good too. The front of the jeans were high enough to cover my troubled area, and with a belt looked pretty good. I’m not sure if I would be comfortable wearing them with a shorter shirt or something tucked in, because I am still self-conscious about “looking” like I am wearing Mama Jeans, but I do adore what they do for me in the fit department. They are a great length, so I am not stepping on them, but my ankles aren’t showing. They stretch enough so they don’t feel binding, but aren’t baggy. And regarding the name, the label says NYDJ, so even with a name like Not Your Daughter’s Jeans; no one will know the implications behind the initials. They are an all around genuine and authentic department store quality pair of jeans, well worth checking out.

NYDJ can be found at a variety of locations, such as Nordstrom’s, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, and more.

Stella & Dot GIVEAWAY

2009-11-15T20:30:00.000-08:00

I have never really been a “jewelry” kind of girl. I have often found a basic necklace or earrings, and wore it for an extended time where it became my staple piece. The only time I would change it up on the rare occasion of getting dressed up, like a wedding or night out with the hubby. Now, being a Mom, I have found that anything I can use to show my “Motherly Pride” scores big points with me, so when I came across Stella & Dot jewelry and their line of monogrammed necklace charms, I was sold. And with the extreme generosity of Elise, a super sweet Stella & Dot stylist, I was able to pick out my very own necklace, complete with the initials of my two kiddos as well as their birthstone (they were both born in March).

I chose the leather cord instead of a glitzy chain, because again, I’m not really much of a sparkly kinda gal, not to mention I have a super strong baby girl who pulls and tugs on anything within reach numerous times a day! And let me say, this necklace has taken a beating and still looks brand new and is as tough as ever.
What I really love about Stella & Dot is the selection of beautiful pieces to choose from. You can search by style, occasion, piece, or price. And within all of these categories, you will be sure to find something to fall in love with! There are items for the minimalist as well as the show stopper and all of these glamorous items would work well with outfits you already own, or shoot, go out and buy yourself a whole new outfit revolving around that new Stella & Dot piece you just HAD TO HAVE! You deserve it!
Aside from making me a happy girl with my new piece of jewelry, Elise wanted to make sure a very special Sharing My Instincts reader got her hands on a piece of Stella & Dot as well! She is generously offering up a Soiree Pave Bracelet in Turquoise to a special winner right here! Perfect for you, or specially packaged and ready for gift giving this holiday season! Just follow the rules below!

WIN IT!
*Visit Stella & Dot and pick out your favorite sparkly piece of jewelry and leave a comment here with your pick!

The fine print:
*Contest end Sunday November 22, 2009 at 11:59pm.
*Winner will be chosen by a random number generator and will be given 48 hours to respond. In the event the original winner does not respond within 48 hours of congratulatory email, a runner up will be chosen.
*Contest is open to blogger and non-bloggers alike, just be sure to leave an email address so I may contact you in the event you WIN!
*Don't worry, by entering my email, I will not keep your info for any other purposes.

UPDATE

2009-10-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

Keep an eye out, and although a little later than expected.....

The SHARING MY INSTINCTS re-launch is scheduled for MONDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2009!

Six fulls days of reviews and giveaways to celebrate the re-launch!

Be sure to stop back, you won't want to miss it!!

Reviews and Giveaways from:

Stella & Dot Jewelry
Method
Mary Kaye Music
Bach Remedies
Chicken Soup for the Soul
Hugamonkey Slings

NEW RE-LAUNCH OF SHARING MY INSTINCTS

2009-09-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

I first and foremost, I want to thank all of my loyal readers and awesome companies for sticking by me through these past months of my non-existent writing. I know a majority of you are mothers as well, and therefore completely understand my lack on involvement in the internet world since the birth of my second child, Lily. The adjustment from mothering ONE child to TWO children was extremely difficult for me, not to mention how much of a different baby Lily is compared to her older brother, Jonah (who is 2 1/2yo). I have had to learn how to be a mother all over again. I won't clog up this site with my personal life (you can visit my personal blog, Mommy Instincts that you can read all about it at if you are interested).

For the EXCITING news!

A complete and total RE-LAUNCH of Sharing My Instincts is in the works and is currently scheduled for the first week of October!

I have lots of reviews and GIVEAWAYS planned (and am still looking for more exciting products and companies to feature, please contact me if you would like to be highlighted on this site!).

I will continue to keep you all in the know through Twitter and Mommy Instincts and Facebook, so keep your eyes peeled for all the details!

Again, thank you for your understanding and patience. Without you, all of this would not be possible!

Sorry for the Delay....

2009-04-17T06:47:00.001-07:00

I want to apologize to my readers and companies I have been working with. I have had a huge delay in reviewing products you have sent and products I have been dying to tell you about. With the birth of my new baby girl, Lily I have been going through a lot of adjustment issues. I have been needing to find new ways to live and cope with life as it has been given to me, directly resulting in not being able to devote as much time to my internet obligations as I once did. I am going to set a goal of ONE review/giveaway a week, and as time goes on and life gets a little easier, I will try to up the amount of posts gradually. Thank you for understanding and if you need to contact me, please shoot me an email at sharingmyinstincts AT comcast DOT net.

And if you want to keep up with life as I find time to post at my personal blog, you can find me at Mommy Instincts.

A Mother's Boutique GIVEAWAY!

2009-03-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

When I became pregnant, I decided that I wanted to breastfeed my new baby girl. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I wanted to try. I knew that I would need to do things differently with her right from the start than I did with my son, so I started researching all things breastfeeding. I looked into breast pumps, nursing covers, and even clothing made for the nursing mother. That was when I came upon a now good friend, Judy ( @MommyNews on Twitter) who is the owner of an online store called A Mother’s Boutique.

Judy runs a well-oiled machine over at A Mother’s Boutique, with a huge variety of only the best when it comes to the needs of the pregnant of breastfeeding Mom. From top-of-the-line Breast Pumps, to Nursing Wear, to Slings and Carriers, she’s got it all. She carries brands like Ameda, Bravado, the Maya Wrap, and Japanese Weekend, just to name a few. And with her great prices and amazing selection, you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for.

When Judy heard I was planning on breastfeeding, she graciously sent me something amazing to try, The Body Tank by Annee Matthew, a revolutionary combination of a tank, a corset, and a nursing top, all in one. And I must say it is all of that, and much more! It was the first thing I put on in the hospital after the birth of my daughter, and I wore it all day and night long. It is super comfy, made accessing the breast, even at 3am, easy and effortless. Without the added snaps and clasps found on most nursing tops, this tank is top notch. The added little bonus is tummy control it offers, every little bit helps in making a new mom feel cute and stylish, and this top did just that. Now in these following days since leaving the hospital, I have also discovered the added support made for the breasts of a nursing mom, yes, support is VITAL!

Not only can you find all this awesome stuff at A Mother’s Boutique, but Judy also has an amazing blog, Mommy News & Views, where she talks about all sorts of breastfeeding and parenting topics that are important to all of us mama’s out there. Keep an eye on Judy’s blog as it continues to grow and flourish with valuable information that is sure to not be missed.

Judy can be found on Twitter under the name @MommyNews. She is a valuable asset to the breastfeeding community as well as an amazing friend. Contact her with your nursing questions and I am sure she will be more than happy to assist you.

WIN IT!

One lucky Sharing My Instincts reader will win an Annee Matthew Body Tank in size/color of their choice by simply answering the following question:

"What material is the Annee Matthew Body Tank made out of?"

Email your answer with the subject line reading "A MOTHER'S BOUTIQUE" to sharingmyinstincts@comcast.net.

The fine print:
*Contest ends Sunday March 22, 2009 at 11:59pm CDT.
*Contest open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike.
*Winner will be chosen from all correct answers at random by a random number generator and with have 48 hours from initial congratulatory email to respond. If original winner does not respond, and alternate winner will be chosen.
*Don't worry, by entering my giveaway I won't keep your info for any future use!

Exergen Temporal Scanner

2009-02-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

One Less Thing to Worry About

Being the hypochondriac that I am, we currently have about 4 thermometers in our house. And now that I am a mom, I have had to put that thermometer someplace “new”. Well, I wasn’t quite the fan, and decided that there had to be a better alternative out there. I was intrigued by the thermometer they used at our pediatrician’s office. I came to find out it was called a temporal artery thermometer. It is so amazing that the temperature can be taken of the child in less than 3 seconds with a slight swipe of the probe across their forehead. Let’s just say that my son even slept through it a few times, it’s THAT non-invasive.

I never asked the nurses at the pediatricians office about those thermometer’s, because I figured they were medical grade, and not supplied to the regular mama, but after a short bit of research on the internet, I came across the Exergen website where right there on the front page is a place to click on more information regarding the Exergen Temporal Scanner for Consumers [$30-$50]. I saw that it was sold at Wal-Mart so I made a trip there and found it. After bringing it home and even taking it along to the doctor’s office at our next visit (to compare readings with the medical grade version that they use), I got the exact same reading. I was totally impressed and have since bought another one (FYI…don’t let your child play with it, being dropped on the floor too many times by him resulted in damaging our first one).

Even better yet, it’s not restricted to be used only with babies and kids, the hubby and I use it on ourselves as well, and have always been pleased with it’s functionality and complete ease of use. We found it was completely worth the price.

The Exergen Temporal Scanner can be found at Walgreens, Sam’s Club, WalMart and many other retail locations.

John Grout's Relaxing Sounds of Nature CD

2009-02-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

The Rain on My Face...

With my past experiences with anxiety and all the different medications I have tried to calm and relazx me in stressful situations, I have found that nothing can compare to the power of an amazing CD full of nature sounds. I have tried my hand with a number of different environmental CD’s but none have stuck with me like John Grout’s Relaxing Sounds of Nature.

Now, how different can one nature cd be from the next you ask? Well, we all are wired to respond to sounds and situations differently, so explaining why this one would great for everyone is difficult. But I can assure you that the first 3 tracks are the best! I actually have them memorized, with each hooting owl and raindrop like the lyrics to a song. It is comforting to know what’s coming up next. And if I close my eyes and meditate on it, I imagine myself sitting in that rainforest or on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, experiencing all of those noises first hand. Feeling the rain on my face, the breeze blowing by, and the waves at my feet.

If you are in need of some relaxation and releasing some tension, then I think this CD just might be you’re all natural answer. No medications, no therapy, no stress. It is all around relaxation. And come on, leading the life of SuperMom, SuperWife, and all around SuperWOMAN, can be tough. Give yourself a break!

Little Stork ~ The Essential Delivery Bag

2009-01-30T10:08:00.000-08:00

I’ve Got It in the Bag!

Now if you know me, I am a list-maker. I attempt to be as strictly organized as possible. Now ever since having my son almost 2 years ago, that obsessive-compulsiveness part of me has sort of been thrown to the wayside, but in preparation of the birth of our second ( a daughter, Lily), I have taken it back and am using it to my advantage.

You see, I am almost 36 weeks pregnant, so it’s nearing time and the inevitable “Hospital Bag Packing Ritual” of mine has begun in full force. But not without the help this time of Little Stork, a fun company that has taken all the guess work out of what you need to make your hospital stay during labor, delivery, and post-partum a breeze.

I got my hands on the Essential Bag [$115], but let me tell you, that is plenty for me! They also carry the Original, Deluxe, and Mother of All versions, all with a little more than the previous bag, so you would just need to check them out to see which one would satisfy all of your needs.
In the Essential Bag, there were 5 smaller bags, all for a different part of the process. The Birth Experience Bag has everything necessary to keep you calm and cool during labor; like ponytail holders, a headband, socks, camera, notepad, and more. Then there are Mom and Dad bags, all with the necessary toiletries for each parent. Then a small bag with an ever so cute hat for the baby (pink for girls, blur for boys, or green as a neutral), and then a small bag with breastpads and nipple cream (if you so choose to breastfeed).

Of course, I had to add some things of my own, like a few outfits for me, the take-home outfit for Lily, my video camera, and a few other small things, but with the amazingly large size of the bag, IT ALL FIT!!! And I quite the over preparer!

It’s nice to know that someone out there combined all the pertinent items needed for an expecting mother, so we can spend more time resting and relaxing for the big day. Now, as long as we remember to grab the bag on our way out the door, then we’ll be set!

Welch's Aquajuice

2009-01-25T12:01:00.000-08:00

A healthy alternative to your regular fruit juice

“Juice” was one of my son’s first words. And even now, after he has been talking for a few months, it is still one of my favorite words for him to say. He just sounds so cute saying it and the way his little mouth looks when he does is priceless!

So when we got a chance to try out Welch’s new juice, Aquajuice, not only was I thrilled to give him something new, but to give him something that is so good for him was even better. With no added sugars or artificial flavors, no high fructose corn syrup and it containing an entire serving of fruits for him, I can feel good knowing I am giving him a high quality drink that actually tastes good! I even tried it myself and was surprised at how refreshing it tasted. It wasn’t thick or syrupy; it didn’t taste sugary at all. I can see why they call it Aquajuice, because that is exactly what it tastes like!

Since we were sent the Apple Aquajuice to test out, and Jonah has a high sensitivity to apples, I ran right out to our local grocer and picked up the Fruit Punch flavor as well. They were both super yummy, I loved them and Jonah loved his new “juice” so much that we have since bought a few more bottles. I saw that they also make a Kiwi-Strawberry flavor that I bet is really good too!

And with the price of a bottle of Aquajuice being comparable to that of any other bottle of juice in the juice aisle, it’s not like we only get it on occasion or when we are splurging on special stuff. I have found myself buying it right along with my other groceries each and every time we go shopping.

WIN IT!
Wanna win a bottle of Welch’s Aquajuice for yourself and your family? Welch's wants to make sure one of my lucky Sharing My Instincts readers gets their hands on a complimentary bottle, too!

All you need to do it email me at sharingmyinstincts AT comcast DOT net with the answer to the following question:

*How many calories are in 1 serving of Welch’s Aquajuice?

Extra Credit:
*Tweet about this contest. Be sure to include a link back to this contest. Send me a separate email with a link to your tweet as verification as well as @ me at my twitter name @sharingmyinstincts.
*Add @sharingmyinstincts as a friend on twitter. Be sure to email me a separate email with your twitter name for verification.
*Add the Sharing My Instincts button to the sidebar of your website. Send me a separate email with a link to your website as verification.
*Blog about this contest, be sure to link back to this post! Send me a separate email with a link to your post, as verification.

That's FIVE chances to win! Good Luck!!!

The fine print:

*Contest ends Tuesday February 3, 2009 at 11:59pm CDT.

*Contest open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike.

*Winner will be chosen at random by a random number generator and with have 48 hours from initial congratulatory email to respond. If original winner does not respond, and alternate winner will be chosen.

*Don't worry, by entering my giveaway I won't keep your info for any future use!

Rachael Ray ~ Rachael's Rescue & Nutrish

2009-01-23T19:38:00.000-08:00

Most of you know I am an avid animal lover. And since my heart has always belonged to the all animals that walk, crawl, swim, fly, squirm, slither, hop, and slide their way’s through life, it would seem exactly appropriate that I would absolutely adore Rachael Ray’s newest venture, Rachael’s Rescue.

Rachael Ray wanted to use her fame and popularity for the good of all those animals, so she created a line of Dog food and treats called Nutrish. And along with this new line of nutritious and delicious line of food, based off of the pallet of her beloved pooch, Isaboo, Rachael donates a portion of the proceeds of their sales to a number of very worthy animal rescue organizations, such as the ever popular North Shore Animal League, the ASPCA, and Bad Rap. Be sure to check out all of their websites, to see what they are all about.

Nutrish comes in two different flavors of food and 4 different flavors of treats. You are sure to find one that your pooch will devour. And you can trust that Rachael had a hand in the make-up of these products, because the first ingredient in each of them is real meat, not a nasty by-product or knock off of the real deal.

Not only can you learn all about Rachael’s Rescue and Nutrish on her website, but you can read the often updated Pet Lovers Blog and even find some snazzy recipes to whip up in the kitchen for your four legged friend.

Nutrish can be found at a variety of locations across the country and internet, so check THIS out to find someplace near you.

Balance Water for Children

2009-01-11T16:24:00.000-08:00

Water for the Wee Ones

I am always on the lookout for healthy alternatives for my son, and Balance Water from Australia has impressed me enough to want to tell you all about it!
Balance Water for Children [6 - 13.5 fl oz (400 ml) bottles @ $7.49-$7.99] is an unflavored, homeopathic bottled water that is designed specifically for kids and their needs. With 4 essential Australian flower essences to help calm, focus, and concentrate it is more than just your basic bottle of water. The 4 essences are Black-Eyed Susan (for focus, concentration, and channeling of energy), Crowea (to help center and calm), Bush Fuchsia (balances the brain between creativity and analyzing) , and Paw-Paw (helps with feeling overwhelmed) and I must say, I noticed a bit of calm come over Jonah after he drank some of the Balance Water. Now, I don’t know if it really worked or not, and I know a lot of people will be skeptical of the actual effectiveness of the water, but my thought is, it doesn’t hurt to try.

I’ll be honest, I was skeptical of homeopathic remedies prior to using them regularly with my son, and sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. But I am far more inclined to try out a homeopathic remedy before jumping to a more chemical-based alternative. So my honest opinion behind Balance Water is that if I can provide my son with a drink that he will actually DRINK, and even if only “sometimes” it helps him in the areas listed above, I am going to give him that alternative because a more natural alternative is far safer than a chemical based one.

Aside from Balance Water for Children, they also have a few other waters to choose from.

Water for the Mind ~ provides help with focus, concentration, and has a centering effect on the body
Water for Women ~ provides the same help as Water for the Mind, with additional flower essences to help control mood swings, menstrual cramps, and fertility
Water for Traveling ~ provides help against fatigue, jet lag, and stress

Balance Water can be found at select stores and is soon to be carried at Babies R Us & Toys R Us stores across the U.S.

The Jimmies ~ Make Your Own Someday

2009-01-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

Toe-tappin, Hip-Shakin', Head-Boppin' for the Whole Family

My kid is a music fanatic. I’m not real sure if we did something to make him love music the way he does, or if he got the genes from us (we were both active in music all throughout all of our school years, even through college), or if he is really just that cool (I think it’s the latter), but when he hears the beat to pretty much any kind of music, he dances like he is Kevin Bacon in Footloose.

So when I received the CD Make Your Own Someday [$15] by the ultra-awesome kid’s rock band, The Jimmies I knew he would love it before I even opened the package. I’ll tell ya, the BEST part of this album is that it’s not your typical kiddie songs. The songs are catchy and don’t make you want to gouge your eyes out when your kid wants to hear the same song over and over and over. I seriously find myself singing along and having, almost as much as Jonah! Even long after the CD has stopped, I still can’t get some of the rhythms and melodies out of my head.

If you are in the market for an upbeat, fun, and funky CD for your little ones, and Wheels on the Bus or Old McDonald just aren’t cutting it anymore, head on over to The Jimmies website and pick yourself up a copy of the album, Make Your Own Someday. And while you are there, browse their super awesome website, where you will find fun video’s, songs, pictures, and more. You can even snag yourself a Jimmies t-shirt for your little groupie! Now, rock on!

Baby Lists: What to Do and What to Get to Prepare for Baby

2009-01-04T20:28:00.000-08:00

Lost of Lists, for the List Maker in You

I have never officially been diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, but I swear, I have to have at least an inkling of it running in my veins. I obsess over many things, yet have the memory of a goldfish. So lists are a vital part of our coexistence as a family in this house. We have a list of housework on the refrigerator, and a list specifically for when Jonah last took a medication or had his temperature taken. We have lists for groceries and daily tasks. And it works well around here. That visual reminder does wonders over trying to remember everything, because I am bound to forget something at any given time. It’s so true.
So you can imagine my excitement when I received the book Baby Lists: What to Do and What to Get to Prepare for Baby [$15] by Elaine Farber. And even though this is my second pregnancy, it doesn’t mean I don’t need a few reminders on what to do and when to do it. Plus, I plan on doing things a little bit differently this time around, and the information found within the pages of this book are helping me make wiser choices than I did the first time around.
For example, I did not breastfeed my son. I was uneducated and uninformed on the facts of breastfeeding, but ever since I did my research, I always knew how important it was going to be to breastfeed my next. In this book I found a list of products that are useful for breastfeeding mothers, as well as a thorough section of the recommended birth plan that applies specifically to my breastfeeding beliefs. Another list I really liked was in Chapter 25, the Master Shopping List. It takes all of the important products from the preceding chapters, wraps them into one nice and condensed list, so you can go straight from Newborn Necessities (like how many onesies, sleepers, and bibs you may need) all the way through Feeding, Baby Gear, and Toys and more. Seriously, I feel as though if I were to follow these lists, I wouldn’t forget a thing for my new baby girl!
Honestly, this book is a must-have guide for any mom, primarily those new mom’s, who feel as though “if only this baby came with an owner’s manual”. Elaine didn’t seem to forget a thing within these a pages.
If you are expecting or know of a fresh, new mama who is…this book would be the perfect gift, whether given/used DURING pregnancy, or even shortly after.
Baby Lists: What to Do and What to Get to Prepare for Baby by Elaine Farber is available at most major book retailers such as Border and Barnes & Noble as well as a number of online websites.

SkincareRx

2008-12-28T15:02:00.000-08:00

Spoil Your Skin

For as long as I can remember, I have had a problem with dark circles under my eyes. I guess I am kind of lucky, because I wear glasses, so the severity of them is hidden slightly. But even though they aren’t as noticeable doesn’t mean I am not self conscience about them. You see, for me, I am not too high maintenance when it comes to my looks. I am pretty basic and boring, but I do like to wear makeup and look pretty. And on those few occasions I am actually able to spend some time on my skin and makeup, I like to look nice and put together. I have spent lots of time, energy, and money on products that have promised to help hide my under eye circles, and none have really done the trick. Just short of some sort of surgical procedure, I have finally found a product that has actually helped brighten my eyes up a bit.

The Eye Brightening Cream [$37] by Belli, that can be found on SkincareRx.com, not only helps diminish the shadows under my eyes, but gives me a little boost and opens my eyes up a bit, even after a long, sleep-deprived night! What I really like about not only the product, but the Belli brand, is that it is specifically geared towards those common concerns that result from pregnancy and early motherhood. And with holding strong at nearly 31 weeks pregnant with my second child, I am willing and able to try anything that promises to help ease the stresses of pregnancy and motherhood.

From the first application, the Eye Brightening Cream was a wonderful addition to my under eye circle care. Yes, I still need to use my concealer to help cover them up completely, but I have noticed a bit of a difference, and the cooling sensation brightened up my eyes immediately. I felt refreshed and my eyes looked well-rested. And I know, after I give birth to my baby girl, I will be relying on this product more than ever, to keep me looking like I got a full night’s sleep, even if I am only running on fumes!

SkincareRx.com, carries SO MUCH MORE than just products by Belli, but they carry products by so many more companies that are bound to carry the exact skincare product that you are looking for. You can easily shop by condition, brand, skin type, and more. And if the selection they carry isn’t enough, SkincareRx.com offers a 115% price matching promise, so even pricing shouldn’t keep you from shopping this awesome site!

WANT IT?

But wait, as if all of that wasn’t enough…SkincareRx wants you to be able to get your hands on some of their great products by giving all of you your very own $20 Gift Certificate. Just follow THIS LINK, enter in some basic information, and SkincareRx will send you your very own e-GiftCard worth $20! And feel free to forward this link on to your family and friends so they can experience SkincareRx for themselves!

Little First Act Discovery

2008-12-24T18:17:00.000-08:00

Discovering his musical side

We recently had the opportunity to check out a really cool toy from Little First Act Discovery, and I can’t say how excited my little guy was to put it to the toddler test! We received the Musical Learning Pal, Penny Piano and within seconds of taking it out of the box, my 20 month old son, Jonah had it all figured out! To tell you the truth, I was hoping to set it aside for my new little girl who I am due with at the beginning of March next year, but the little guy wasn’t about to let it out of his sight! By pressing on the hands, arms, and feet of Penny, a number of different songs and sayings can be heard. I was particularly happy with the selection of songs this toy came with. With Jonah loving his ABC’s and the Itsy Bitsy Spider, I knew he’d end up loving Penny. I had a hard time figuring out the sequence of pressing the hands and legs in order to get to a specific song, but like I said, after a few minutes, Jonah had found all the songs he loved. He would proudly sit Penny on the coffee table, press her right hand twice, and play his songs over and over, dancing along the whole time. I can’t tell you how many times the spider crawled up the water spout!

This wasn’t the first time I had heard of First Act Toys, so I knew before it even arrived at my doorstep that the quality of the toy being sent to me would be top of the line. I have no fear letting my son (and soon to be daughter) play with Penny to their hearts content. And even though Penny is recommended for ages 6 months and older, my nearly 2 year old son still had a ball with it. She is soft and squishy, so I know when our baby girl gets here; she will have just as much fun with playing with Penny as her older brother does now.

Little First Act Discovery Toys also carries a variety of musical instruments and toys for little tikes, to tap in to their musical side, long before playing a real instrument is possible. And as they grow, they can move on to the First Act line of instruments and specifically made for older kids. And with musical programs being cut from the public school curriculum over and over again in our country, it’s nice to know that there is a company out there making sure our kids are still able to create music.

Baby Potential

2008-12-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

Dreaming big, from the very beginning

We all dream about what our kid’s are going to be when they grow up, don’t we? I always imagine that Jonah will grow up to be something great. But more importantly, I want him to grow up and be whatever it is that HE wants to be and to do whatever it is to make HIM happy. But in the meantime, I have no problem giving him the tools to imagine all of those things. That’s why Baby Potential and their line of infant and kid’s apparel is such a great idea.

Baby Potential was born from the belief that with love, education and community support, all babies have the potential to grow into productive adults and achieve career success - regardless of gender, race or socio economic status. So I have no problem believing that they truly see the future in our kids, from the very beginning. Whether you have a studious scientist on your hands, or big hearted philanthropist, you will find a wide variety of future occupations available through Baby Potential. And since these tee’s are hand-sewn and embroidered to order by the caring hands of the “Sew Circle”, you know they are made with 100% love. There are also a select few online retailers that offer the Baby Potential line of tee’s and onesies, such as Sugarplum Dreams, with more retailers to come. And you can find them in a variety of sizes and styles to meet your needs as well.

Jonah looks so cute strutting around in his “Rocket Scientist” tee, and I have no doubt that some day, if that’s what he wants to be, he will surely achieve it. I love giving him the confidence, even this early on, to dream of all those amazing things he could one day be. My other favorite options of tee’s are “Supreme Court Justice” and “Artist”. I am excited to say that Baby Potential will be releasing colored tees and onesies in 2009, so keep an eye out! As much as I appreciate and value the clean, crisp-ness of a bright white tee, I also know that it won't stay white for long, so I am particularly excited to see them in different colors! The tee does wash nicely and is moderately soft to the touch. I also love the fact that it is tagless, because I know that some kids out there have a really hard time dealing with tags on their clothes.

WIN IT!!!

Baby Potential wants to make sure you get your hands on your own onesie for your little one. They are offering one Sharing My Instincts reader the opportunity to win a 6-12 month “Veterinarian” Onesie of their very own. Just email me the answer to the following questions at SHARINGMYINSTINCTS at COMCAST dot NET with BABY POTENTIAL in the subject line and I will chose one winner at random from those that provide the correct answer sometime after midnight on December 24, 2008. Good Luck!

WHAT IS THE NAME AND OCCUPATION OF THE CREATOR OF BABY POTENTIAL? AND WHAT IS ONE OCCUPATION THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE ON A BABY POTENTIAL TEE OR ONESIE?

Wanna earn extra entries?
~Blog about this giveaway, and link back to this post AND the Baby Potential website to earn ONE extra entry! Be sure to email me at SHARINGMYINSTINCTS at COMCAST dot NET to let me know you did, along with the link to your post!
~Tweet about this contest on Twitter! Be sure to email me with the link to the tweet along with your twitter name, so I can give you credit and the extra entry!

The fine print: *Contest ends Tuesday December 24, 2008 at 11:59pm CDT.
*Contest open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike. *The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond. If original winner does not respond within the specified time, an alternate winner will be chosen.*Don't worry, by entering my giveaway I won't keep your info for any future use!

Oscar the Pig: Mommy Goes to Work

2008-12-14T22:52:00.000-08:00

When the Time Comes to Spread Your Wings (or Snout That Is)

When I had my son, it was never a question as to whether or not I would go back to work or not because there truly was no option. We had just built a new home in a wonderful neighborhood, but the offset was that with my husband’s salary alone, we would not be able to make ends meet. Now, with baby number 2 on the way, there isn’t much different than 2 years ago when we had the same discussion, except for the fact that my desire to be at home with my child(ren) has increased significantly. There is nothing more that I want than to be home with them, all day long, every single day.

The reality is, whether or not being a stay at home mom or a work out of the house mom, is something that you have a choice in or not, 72 percent of us have jobs that involve leaving our children in the care of another. And of those 72 percent, and I can only guess here, most of us have dealt or are dealing with the separation anxiety involved with it.

Personally, in my situation, i have to go with the “sneak attack” when it comes to leaving my son while I am at work. I am absolutely blessed to be able to have two amazing Grandmother’s (my mother and my mother in law) who live in the same town as my place of work. I drop him off in the morning and pick him up late afternoon. We have been doing this now since he was 6 weeks old. At first, he didn’t mind, I think because he didn’t really know any different. But now, at 20 months of age, he has figured it all figured out. He knows that when we get there, Mommy will leave, so in order for me to be able to leave, without any tears, he must be engaged in an activity he finds suitable to entertain him enough for me to sneak away. For now, this works, but I am sure as he gets older, he too, will figure it all out.

I am happy to say that I have found a book that can help me be prepared for when that time comes, to make the transition a bit smoother.

Megan Calhoun, a fellow blogger, twitterer, and the founder of Twittermoms.com can now add author to her list of accomplishments. Her new book, Oscar the Pig : Mommy Goes to Work [$17] was a hit with me AND my son from the moment I opened the package.

He of course, liked the pictures and pages, and I liked the wonderful little story it told of Oscar and his Mommy, and how they handled the situation regarding her return to work. This cute story captured my son’s attention long enough to get us through to the end, as he pointed at the colorful images of ‘piggy’s’ and ‘panda’s’, but what I really liked was the underlying message, and the pointers it was giving me, as a Work Out of the House Mom as to how to handle the day when I can no longer ‘sneak’ out while he isn’t looking.

This book will not only be a keeper for a long time in our house, but we will return back to it time and time again as we hit different milestones in the stages of his life, as well as use it when we hit those same milestones with baby number 2. You can purchase Megan’s book through Amazon or the publishing company, Silly String Media.

Uncommonly Cute

2008-11-23T09:20:00.000-08:00

Standin' Out in a Crowd

With my second baby on the way, I believe I can call myself a professional mom, or at least a more prepared one. Now, I’m not saying I know it all, but I have been mommy-ing for about 20 months now, and with my second child on the way, I think I am far more prepared for this one’s arrival than I ever was for my son’s. That being said, I know what I like and what I don’t like. And I am not about to allow my new and only daughter to be anything “typical”. I am a fan of unique and funky products for cool kids, and that is exactly what can be found with Uncommonly Cute.

This company is more than your ordinary kids clothes boutique. They specialize in tee’s with slogan’s like “I’m Kind of a Big Deal” and “Miso Cute” just to name a few. And with the option to get these amusing lines and graphics on onesies, short-sleeved tee’s, or long-sleeved tee’s, you’ll be able to deck out your kid, no matter what the weather or climate you live in. And don’t you think they forgot about comfort, because all of these little pieces of work are made on 100% combed cotton and are super-y soft.

But you see, I have had the most fun playing with the Build-a-Bootie portion of the site! Here you can create your very own pair of soft-soled shoes or furry booties with your child’s name and even a cute little graphic. The concept of being able to design your own shoes, and see it during the entire process makes this a very valuable asset to the site.
With the fun and funkiness of Uncommonly Cute, I’m sure you’ll be able to find something for all the little kids on your Christmas lists this year!

Smart Bargains

2008-11-19T09:23:00.000-08:00

A Smart Place to Shop

Who doesn’t love a bargain? I mean seriously? And with the time of year, and the economy in the shape that is in, I have found that bargain shopping is the only kind of shopping I can handle. Thank goodness the snazzy little site, Smart Bargains has emerged. It is a place that gives me a huge variety of products (many name brand, designer products, to be exact) to choose from, at prices I can actually afford.

Under Shoe Bargains alone, you can find designers like Michael Kors, Betsey Johnson, and Badgley Mischka, just to name a few. And for you foodies out there, they carry Gordon Ramsey cookware, David Tutera dinnerware, and Wusthof cutlery. But my favorite place to shop, is their Home Furnishings Bargains Department. There you can find anything and everything you need to spruce up your home, particularly for the holidays (you MUST check out their BIG BRIGHT HOLIDAY SHOP…there are lots of deals there on great items that you DO NOT want to miss!). And the fact that it is like shopping at a department store, but with much better prices AND from the comfort of my own couch, Smart Bargains simply cannot be beat.

With Christmas a comin’, I am sure I will be purchasing more and more from them, and the best part is they seem to get new items in EVERY DAY! So I have found myself checking back often, just in case something else pops up that I just cannot live without! I’m sure you will find something that your heart desires at Smart Bargains, so check them out today!

Sharing My Instincts Disclosure Policy

2008-11-18T14:43:00.000-08:00

Some items/products/services are sent to Sharing My Instincts on the behalf of the company or maker of said product.

Some items/products/services are purchased and obtained solely by Sharing My Instincts.

In general, whether the item was purchased or "free" will not be discussed within each and every review. But if you are curious, go ahead and send an email to sharingmyinstincts AT comcast DOT net, and I will be happy to let you know.

Thanks!