Look Who's Back!

Cali here! So what's new? So much, I know it has been a long time. My once tiny peanut is now a walking, "talking" 16 month old baby girl, and my 5 year old starts kindergarten in a few short weeks (emphasis on short). As we prepare for this new adventure, I have really been forced to face my shortcomings, as a parent and as a wife. My entire life I have struggled with focus and I have recently come to realize that I can do something about it. So I have began getting professional help and have been diagnosed with Adult ADD, no surprise there, it will be a journey that I look forward to sharing with everyone.
I have some fun things planned, I want to share other parts of "what I do" with everyone. Some of my crafting projects and maybe when we get to 500 followers I will do a little give away of my own. Of course I will continue to share my adventures in parenting!
I know since I have been slacking I am behind on visuals... Miss Cordelia at her first birthday party in the tutu I made her. The shirt was made by the ever talented Andrea at dOoDiEs bOoTiEs.
I can't wait to share some of my current adventures and challenges with everyone. Soon to share my own blog about a little website called "youtube".

Chaos Ensues: Part I

Well it's been quite some time since I've posted anything. 2010 was a whirlwind year. It was filled with some of the highest highs and lowest lows. My son turned two in November and just before then, I realized I had resented him somewhat since he was born.

That's not something a mom likes to admit, especially to the entire world through a blog post. I got married at 22 and started a family at 24. I realized I went through a quarter-life crisis last year. There's so much pressure on people in our age group to be at a certain place in our lives at this age. I had to grow up so fast, and hold so much responsibility that I cracked under all the pressure. It damaged a few close friendships and countless other intangible consequences.

In times like this, I like to focus on what I gained and learned from my experiences. I learned more about life and myself in one summer, than I had in the last few years. I'll start from the beginning but this is going to take more than one post. I'll try to get the whole story up too...

It started about a year and a half ago. I suddenly had a renewed self-confidence that was bursting right out of me. At the time I had just graduated from college and landed my dream job.  I had a hard time in college. It was a lot of pressure to keep up with school, work, buying a house and being a wife - and that was before I was pregnant. I remember crying on my way home one day thinking, why can't I handle all of this? There are so many more people in this world who do it in worse circumstances than I am. Why can't I handle it as well as them? After graduation in June of 2009, I of course felt relieved. Relieved that I no longer had to be a wife, mother, full time student, and super star employee (among other things like sister, daughter, best friend, etc.). I could scratch one thing off the list of responsibilities.

My career was thriving. I was promoted to Senior Account Executive in late 2009. Though it seemed I had everything a girl could ask for, I had a feeling deep inside that I was missing something. An emptiness I couldn't understand.

That's a Cute Baby You are Wearing Today!

Cali here! Took a little break over the Holidays, I hope that all of you enjoyed time with your families. I know we did!
Along with the holidays comes a lot of shopping! That meant crowded stores, the last thing I wanted to do was maneuver a giant suv stroller around. So, I didn't! I have a great baby carrier, a Moby Wrap to be specific. It was perfect for the holiday crowds. I love wearing my baby, as in my intro post stated, she really is the cutest accessories I have. Left me with free hands to wrangle my four year old, without having to leave my baby in a stroller.
Here is where I could relay different facts about baby wearing... Like babies that are worn are less fussy. BUT it's all perspective there. I can only say what I know to be 100% true to me. I know that wearing my baby gives me two free hands when she wants to be held and other things need to be done around the house. I know that I love to have her near me, that I love to feel her warmth, and I would imagine that she feels the same way. It has sure had other advantages, like, a safe semi-private way to breastfeed.
So really quick... Just to answer the two most asked questions I get in public:
1. Is that hard to us? Not at all, they have great directions with them and really helpful videos on youtube
2. Is that safe? Absolutely! Follow all the directions and as always, pay attention to your baby!

I really love wearing my baby, and they're are a lot of ways to do it, a lot of resources out there as well.

I will leave you all with my baby wearing picture from the holidays:
Sleepy Santa at her big brother's Christmas Concert.

For those of you that practice baby wearing on a regular basis, what do you love about it? What kind of carrier do you use? For those of you that don't, what's stopping you?

The Tiny One Gets a Little Less Tiny

Bunny had her weight check and the good news is she is gaining weight again! Hooray! She is back up to 13lbs 13oz. So that is great! I have been spending all my time, nursing, pumping and feeding her. I have some things planned as soon as I do several things, including survive the holidays! Some baby (and kid) food related things, a post about my choice to use cloth diapers, and a holiday induced post about my adventures in babywearing. Possibly a giveaway or two in there as well. Stay tuned!

My Tiny Baby Girl by Cali

I have debated a few weeks now just how I was going to address this. It's a touchy subject, and I still feel guilt in someways, and I can identify why part of the time.
All of it started on Oct. 25th. My oldest had a pretty nasty cold, and his school insisted we go to the dr. for a note. So to the office we went. As the dr. wrapped up his appointment (which was, "it's just a virus, probably a cold"), I told him I was worried about the baby, that she had felt lighter. He said what I had been hoping, that I am probably getting used to her weight. He sent a nurse in and we had her weighed, she was 12lbs 14oz. I felt my stomach crawl into my throat. The nurse reset the scale and began telling me it was a good weight, she stopped when she saw the look of panic on my face. I told her that 2 months prior on Sept. 9th she weighed in at 15lbs. The dr. came in to talk to us briefly, he didn't push us to use formula, but told me we would stay vigilant for the time being, and we would weigh her at her six month appointment on Nov 5th. After a SNAFU at the dr. office when we were six minutes late, I took her to the Lactation Consultant that runs the group I had attended in the past. She weighed in at 12lbs 10oz. It was a long long weekend as I waited to see her dr. at our rescheduled appointment on Monday. I spent much of the weekend on google looking desperately for parents in the same boat as me, I came up empty handed.
Last week she saw her regular ped. and a ped specializing in breastfeeding. My mind has been put at east a bit. On Monday her regular ped (who also happens to specialize in Failure to Thrive cases) recommended that we add formula to her intake. What does that mean? I pump between feedings and at night, when she gets that pumped milk, formula is mixed into it as if it was water, it increases the calories. I was reluctant and very surprised when the Breastfeeding dr. agreed on Wed. I had to get over my mental formula block. I had to really get it through my own head that formula is NOT evil, and that I am not in anyway failing my baby, but I would be failing her if I didn't do everything I could to change what was going on.
It's been difficult, I can't lie. I spend a good part of my day nursing or pumping. But I am doing my best, and that is why I am okay with it. Right now I am looking to buy or rent a scale to measure her intake, and make sure she is gaining. I will keep posting, because I am sure that there are other parents out there that are going through this, or have been through this.

Marie Claire on "Fat" People: Belligerent or Brilliant?

I just happened to stumble upon an interesting debate today while casually glancing through my Twitter feed. I happened to notice that Marie Claire was a trending topic. I thought to myself, "That's weird - do people even read that magazine anymore?" And more importantly, "What's going on there that's such big news?"

It appears a blogger at Marie Claire posted an article titled, "Should 'Fatties' Get a Room?" Sure, even at first glance of the headline this article is already pissing off readers. Well, I don't want to get into that. Agree or disagree, this could turn out to be one brilliant stunt. Sure, Marie Claire may still have subscribers, but are they as in as Elle, Glamour, or InStyle? I don't even know if I've noticed Marie Claire in the checkout aisle at the grocery store in recent months. This really got the internet marketer in me thinking...

One of the tweets that stands out in my mind in particular is one that read, "Who the heck was still reading Marie Claire anyway?" This is what makes this ploy (if it truly is one) brilliant. Think about it... the title itself is controversial in and of itself. Using the term "fatties" definitely catches attention. Then after you read on, and are inevitably infuriated over the blogger's insensitivity and judgment, you (well maybe not you specifically, but enough of "you" to start the buzz) tweet about it, protest on the mag's Facebook wall, and create a media frenzy over one poorly thought out article.

Can you remember the time you last saw even one of your favorite brand's as a top trending topic in the world on Twitter? Just in the time I've spent writing this post (about 20 minutes) the mag's Facebook page has gained 15 fans. Even if they only "liked" the page to be able to protest on the Wall - they're still "fans."  Imagine the gigantic spike in traffic their website is seeing today. Just think, if they're selling ads on their website based on impressions the page gets- Marie Claire may have hit the jackpot.  Sure the brand will have to bounce back and spin it "PR style" but I know one thing for sure... Marie Claire magazine isn't dead...

Again- NOT condoning the content or point of view of this article. I just want to wait and see how this faux pas can affect their overall brand and reputation. In the age of Twitter where news is instant, the brand really needs to step up to the plate and address the situation before it gets really out of hand and they can't recover from a reputation perspective.

I challenge you to think beyond the content of the now infamous blog post - What's your take on this? Not on the hatred and disgusting display of insensitivity, but if it truly is just a PR stunt - brilliant or belligerent?

Let's Talk Boobs by Cali

When I found out I was pregnant with my first child I was overwhelmed with what I had to do! Take
prenatal vitamins, find a Dr., go to said Dr., A LOT, find a pediatrician for your baby, register for baby
items you are unfamiliar with and have no idea what you need, go to baby shower, get the rest of the
things you need. Can't forget dealing with the things that happen to your body, whose boobs are these?
Where is my baby bump? THERE it is! Why are my boobs leaking? I need nacho cheese Doritos at 2am.
Why can't I sleep? No I really wanted cooler ranch Doritos? What do you mean you can't find
peppermint stick ice cream at the store? I could go on for weeks! So hard to prepare yourself
emotionally for what is about to happen.

Eventually it crossed my mind "oh my gosh I am going to have to feed this being!? Now I get to my
point. I knew breastfeeding was best. I knew that I wanted to do what was best for my baby. So why
not? Well from the very beginning of my son's life I ran into SO many "booby traps."
Booby trap number 1 for me, formula! I had more cans of formula than I knew what to do with before my son was even born! Samples, checks you name it, they gave me even more IN the hospital too! Other road blocks included a total lack of support and advice. After my son was born we were thrown into a breastfeeding class that had at least 15 other moms and their own new bundles of joy and ONE lactation consultant, with a half hour to help us all.

That was no good! We got a quick once over and I was told he had a great latch. Well okay then, this
will be smooth sailing! Then the melt down came, my first night home, no milk had come in, baby was
crying, I was crying, my boobs hurt, chaos! What do I do? Oh yeah, all that formula they gave us (see
how that works?) Then it happens, for me the most crippling blow to my attempt to breastfeed...
Nursing. In... PUBLIC!? Going out was scary, leave the house? What if the baby gets hungry? What if I
have to feed him in public? What if someone is offended and says something rude to me? I was so sure
I would crumple into a pile of tears that I resigned to staying home. But that got old fast as my father
came to town a few weeks after my sons birth and we were off to the races, lunch out, shopping, visiting
family, and it felt GREAT to be out and about, except for that cold sweat panic when the baby got
hungry, so formula it was (again, see how that works?). I felt so much guilt as my milk supply decreased,
and his formula intake increased, what a slippery slope.

My return to work also yielded many issues for me. Working in the food industry as a server provided
many pitfalls. Long shifts often, what we refer to as "doubles", left no time to pump, when can a server
stop and breath, let alone sit down for 10-15 minutes and pump? It was the end of the end. I would be
lying if I said sometimes I don't feel pangs of guilt about not breastfeeding him longer. However I
learned a lot from that first attempt.
With the birth of my daughter I felt ready, I was prepared with support groups and more knowledge than
the first time around. While I took the diaper bags that the formula companies used for marketing, I hid
away, gave away, threw away the samples, keeping the bag and even the occasional convenient cooler
bag. This time around the hospital I delivered at had changed things around; instead of one class with
many moms and one lactation consultant, they had a lactation consultant that came to my room to
help. I had people to call when I got home and realized, oh yeah this hurts! I came to realize, well yes, it
hurts at first (only the initial latch, not the entire time), and about two weeks (if even that) later it didn't
hurt. Wew! I made it through, with no formula. Then the big hurdle... Nursing. In... PUBLIC! Maybe it
came with a little bit of age, maybe it came with a little experience, but this time around I figured, I really
didn't care what anyone else though, I would not put someone else's needs in front of my child's. Armed
with a few nursing bras and a few nursing shirts, I was ready to take on the world. I did it! Here we are,
five months into breastfeeding and I feel like a superhero!

Two great "movements" that have come around since I had my first child that I would like to give credit
too are, Ban the Bag and Best for Babes. I was very happy to see that the hospital I was delivering at was a participant in Ban the Bag. I feel that it's really setting mothers up to fail, "breastfeed because it is best for the baby."

But here is some formula for when you fail". It would be like a doctor sending you home with a prescription
for chantix to quit smoking, and a pack of cigarettes, what good is that? I can't say enough great things
about Best for Babes, they are doing a great thing, and I recommend that site to any mom that is
breastfeeding, wants to breast feed, or is struggling with breast feeding. If I can do it, you can try! But
importantly, if you don’t suceed, do not beat yourself up over it. Because while breastfeeding is good
for your baby, having a hapy healthy (phsically, mentally and emotionally) mama is really what matters
most!

Have any mama’s here run into any “Booby Traps?”

A Few of My Favorite Things

There are so many things I love about the Traverse. The cargo space helps me transport everything from a six foot table to a big load of groceries. Hands free Bluetooth makes me like talking on the phone because I don't have to search for it when it rings. My son (and I) love the skylight in the back seat - he always tells me when it's raining. The heated seats warm me right up!

Here's a clip of a couple more of my favorite features the Traverse offers! Stay tuned because there are more to come! :)

Favorite Traverse Features from Amanda Bastock on Vimeo.

Win Tickets to The Greatest Show on Earth!

The Circus is in Town! Well, not yet, but it will be!

I remember the very first time I went to the circus. My parents told my sisters and me that if we did all of our chores and were good little girls, we would get a surprise. We had no idea we would get to go to the circus!
It was so exciting! The lights! The animals! The adventure of it all, right in our "backyard!"

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Barnum’s FUNundrumSM!

The Greatest Show On Earth® just got Greater!

Ladies and Gentlemen…Children Of All Ages… The Greatest Show On Earth® just got Greater with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Barnum’s FUNundrum!SM. Featuring 130 performers from six continents, almost 100,000 pounds of performing pachyderms, cowboys, pirates, and mermaids, Barnum’s FUNundrum! is a super-sized spectacle so massive you just can’t miss it!

SEE Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Barnum’s FUNundrum!SM at the Quicken Loans Arena OCTOBER 20-25.

SHOWTIMES for Barnum’s FUNundrum!SM include:
Wednesday (10/20) at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday (10/21) at 7:30 p.m.
Friday (10/22) at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday (10/23) at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday (10/24) at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Monday (10/25) at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices are $15.00, $20.00, $43.00 (VIP), $68.00 (Front Row) and $85.00 (Circus Celebrity) and are currently available at the Quicken Loans Box Office, online at ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800-754-3000

I'm so excited to get to take my little guy to the circus now that he's old enough to appreciate it!
Cleveland-area parents - Win tickets to take your little one! I have 3 pairs of tickets to giveaway good for a show this Wednesday 10/20, Thursday 10/21, and Monday 10/25.


This one is Cleveland only so first come, first serve!


Leave a comment then I'll email you to get your mailing address or we can arrange to have them picked up/dropped off if you're local.

And those who don't want to enter to win but do want to enjoy the circus- use the code FAMFUN to get $5 off your tickets!

Toasty Buns!

Well, this week was challenging... I had a pretty bad head cold (which I was finally able to kick just in time for the weekend) accompanied by a lovely case of larygitis. Meanwhile, I worked about 50+ hours and gave a two hour presentation. What's the one thing you hate to be when you have a cold? Being cold!

I'm such a freeze baby. The weather went from beautiful and warm fall weather, to typically cold Cleveland fall weather in the matter of a day. Cleveland is known for the weather changing at the drop of a hat. At lunchtime it's beautiful and sunny - just warm enough for the sun to heat up your car so you're good to go without a jacket. And by 5:00, it's cold again. The sun went away (of course because it's only ever nice outside when you're at work and unable to enjoy it) and now you need to warm up- and fast!

After having worked 11 hours with a cold, sniffles, and aches, I race out to the car in the light rain and fridgid temps. The heated seats warmed me up so quickly I didn't even have time to sit in the car and complain about how cold it had gotten!

Going in the Right Direction

As I mentioned in my last post, I was pretty much worthless all week due to a head cold. So this weekend was pretty busy to make up for all the down time!

First off, this week's mission was to go out to lunch with a girlfriend got some girl time. I can do that! Lucky for me my sister-in-law also happens to be one of my closest friends. We decided to take some time out and meet for dinner.

She hadn't seen the Traverse yet so I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to show it off! Her first thoughts? "This is awesome!" My thoughts exactly :) We took a picture to commemorate the occasion!

Then, Friday was my best friend's birthday. We packed up the kiddo (and all his stuff) and made the voyage down to Canton to visit. By the time we dropped the kiddo off and were on our way, it was dark. I've never driven to Canton in the dark. If you're like me (a landmark driver) it's really helpful to be driving in the daylight.

About 45 minutes into the drive I asked - did we pass Lover's Lane? (That's one of my landmark signs because it's so memorable) Apparently we did and I didn't notice... which lead me to the conclusion that we made a wrong turn because clearly, I wasn't paying attention.

We ended up getting on another highway that was going to take u way out of our way. I was already peeved because we were running late, so this was just great. I have a good sense of direction, but it was dark, and everything about it felt wrong...

OnStar to the rescue! This was exactly the quick fix I needed! In just a few minutes I was on my way (the right way) again! Just pressed the OnStar button, gave the representative my friend's address, and the car did the rest! Well, not really, I still had to pay attention and physically drive the car, but the Traverse let me know where to turn with visual help on the display! Such a lifesaver!

Here's a picture I took with all of our stuff loaded in the cargo space. That's a six foot table in there too! Plenty of room left! No matter how full I think I fill it, the back always seems like it can fit so much more... it's huge!

Pee Pee in the Pot-tay!

Today was an exciting day. We had a couple of our friends over last night to watch the Ohio State football game (don't even get me started on how bad we looked!). Our friends have a son who's just six months older than Josh (we'll call him B). It's amazing at how much six little months can make a difference. When they were younger - I would constantly compare Josh to B trying to see if he's "normal" and on track like the other kids... We all do it...

Well, B is potty training. We've seen that Josh is ready to start, but were introducing it slowly. He tells us he has to go, but is then afraid to actually sit on the pot. I think after "seeing" B use the potty yesterday (or seeing the praise he got when he was finished) sparked some motivation in Josh.

Shortly after I woke up, Josh said, "potty mommy." Of course, I was thinking, "ok, we'll go to the potty and he'll be afraid to do anything." I sat him down and waited... and waited... and waited...

He'd stand up and look in there, sit down again, stand up again. The third time he sat down, he stood up about 30 seconds later and said "all done." I, of course being the skeptical encouraging mother that I am, checked to see if any business was truly done.

To my surprise, there was actually pee in the potty! A celebration followed. I called my husband up the stairs, we hugged him and congratulated his accomplishment. Josh then just looked at me with a "so what" expression on his face. I could imagine him saying, "big deal, you pee in the potty every day and I don't give you a high five."

Now, I'm just hoping we can keep this going... Let the fun begin!

Toasty Buns

Well, this week was challenging... I had a pretty bad head cold (which I was finally able to kick just in time for the weekend) accompanied by a lovely case of larygitis. Meanwhile, I worked about 50+ hours and gave a two hour presentation. What's the one thing you hate to be when you have a cold? Being cold!


I'm such a freeze baby. The weather went from beautiful and warm fall weather, to typically cold Cleveland fall weather in the matter of a day. Cleveland is known for the weather changing at the drop of a hat. At lunchtime it's beautiful and sunny - just warm enough for the sun to heat up your car so you're good to go without a jacket. And by 5:00, it's cold again. The sun went away (of course because it's only ever nice outside when you're at work and unable to enjoy it) and now you need to warm up- and fast!
After having worked 11 hours with a cold, sniffles, and aches, I race out to the car in the light rain and fridgid temps. The heated seats warmed me up so quickly I didn't even have time to sit in the car and complain about how cold it had gotten!

Music to My Ears

Have you ever heard an old song on the radio that you haven’t heard in years, turned the volume up and jammed until the song was over – whether or not you were still driving? I love music. In the morning my favorite songs get my ready for the daily grind. In the evening, music helps me relax and unwind.

When I picked up the Traverse last Friday, I had to make sure I brought my CD book with me. I knew this car would have a great sound system so I wanted to make sure I could really enjoy it by listening to my favorite songs. It’s been 5 days and I haven’t even opened the CD book. I don’t understand how, after all these years, this music fanatic has survived without XM radio!

Right after I picked up the car, I really put it to the test and drove down to North Canton for a visit with my best friend. If you’re from Cleveland, and have driven down 77 South before, you know this drive is not an exciting one. The road is typically lined with orange barrels which means the drive will consist of the speed limit going from 65 to 50, then back to 65, then when you get into Akron, back down to 55.

Chevy seriously thought of everything when putting this car together. One of my favorite features (which means it must be really cool because there are so many!) is the volume “control.” I’m sure there’s a way fancier name for it, but it’s one of those things that makes you go – “why didn’t I think of that?!”

So, I’m driving down the road, approaching the entrance ramp to the highway. You know what happens next: I accelerate and turn up the music since the sound of the engine and the noise from the highway drown out the awesome song that’s playing. Wait, no, I can still hear it… how’d that happen?

The Traverse automatically adjusts the volume when you accelerate! I think this is the coolest thing ever! So when you get on the highway or accelerate, the volume goes up just enough to compensate for the noise. When you decelerate (or when you’re getting off the highway, pulling up the the traffic light on the exit ramp) the volume re-adjusts so you’re not one of those people blaring their music to the high heavens for everyone to hear.

The combination of these two super cool features made my 75 minute voyage to Canton seem to be over in the blink of an eye. I jammed to the 90s on 9 and relived the first decade of the 21st century on Pop2K (yes, I’m a girl who likes the stereotypical pop music). I was having so much fun in the car that I almost didn’t want to get out of it when I got there. Luckily, when I got to my friend’s apartment, she wasn’t quite home yet so I got to hear a few more songs and weened myself from the radio.

Now, if only we could invent a TV that does the same thing for when those loud, annoying commercials come on…

Chevy Mom's Time Out

Well, I'm super excited to officially announce that I'm a Chevy Test Driver for the Northeast Ohio Mom's Time Out promotion! This is such a cool opportunity which has allowed me to drive the Chevy Traverse for a whole month and blog about my experiences. I love, love, love the car already! I think I fell in love the moment I laid eyes on it actually.

Of course my son loves it, too. He's almost 2 years old now and loves trucks. Every time we see one on the road, "truck mommy! Truck!" Which is followed by the "vvvrrrooommm, vvrrroooooomm" sound. It's so cute. So now that mommy's driving this "truck" (as it is to the little people) he just can't wait to get in the car and go! He seems fascinated by all the space around him compared to the sedan I drive. I think he may be just as sad to see it go at the end of the month as I am.

So check out the Chevy NEO blog that will document our fabulous experiences and excursions. You'll also get to see my first attempt at a vlog (video blog). It was not as disastrous as I thought it would be, but it's still kind of embarrassing since i was a video virgin...  :)

The Moms Time Out campaign is being sponsored by the Northeast Ohio Chevy Dealers who gave the chosen bloggers a 2010 Chevy Traverse to test drive for one month and blog about our experiences using the vehicle. Moms Time Out has given us some fun missions and will be providing us with gift cards to accomplish them.

Kitty Prize Pack

It seems appropriate that this review comes on the heels on my kitty being sick. I am the proud pet parent to two cats, both boys, and both playful. About four years ago my cat, Dusty, who I've had since he was a kitten, got deathly ill. He was lethargic, unable to urinate, and not eating. After taking him to the emergency vet, we quickly learned that he had a common condition called feline cystitis which translates to pretty much a bladder obstruction. This condition, if left untreated, can ultimately lead to death. I'm so thankful my little kitty cat is back to his happy playful self again and am excited to extend this fabulous kitty prize pack from My Blog Spark and 9Lives.

A survey of feline pet parents across the country commissioned by 9Lives found that an overwhelming 94 percent of cat owners are confident they feed their felines the most nutritious meals possible. However, nearly half (48 percent) admit they’ve fed their cats table scraps – which do not provide the essential nutrients cats need – an average seven times per month. Additionally, only 30 percent know that giving your cat milk may not be a healthy practice due to the common incidence of lactose intolerance in adult cats.

Additional findings include:

* 23% of American pet parents think it’s beneficial to keep their cats on a purely vegetarian diet, while actually it may be harmful

* There are a number of foods that feline parents assume are healthy for cats, but are actually not advantageous to their health including root vegetables (73%), green tomatoes (54%), and raw potatoes (50%)

* Nine out of ten feline pet parents would be willing to switch foods if they knew it would provide better nutrition. In fact:

o 92% of cat owners would switch foods if it would improve their cat’s health, and

o 91% would switch food if they could add years onto their feline’s life


In an effort to educate pet parents about the common misconceptions of proper cat nutrition, 9Lives is committed to raising awareness to this issue by providing advanced nutrition for all cats. With the 9Lives Advanced Nutrient System, feline parents everywhere can rest assured knowing their cats are getting the essential nutrients they need to help promote healthy skin and coat, strong muscle growth and a healthy immune system among other benefits.

Give your kitty some love and enter to win a fun-filled prize pack courtesy of My Blog Spark and 9Lives! The prize pack includes toys to keep your cat entertained, magnetic frames, and a 9Lives dry food scoop/bag clip.

Here's how to enter:

• Leave a comment and tell me about your pets! Names, funny things they do, do they get along with your kids? Anything! :)

Contest ends Monday, September 27th at 11:59 pm EST.  
**9Lives provided the product, information, and prize packs through MyBlogSpark.

gDiapers Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Karen! She's the lucky winner of our New Baby Bundle Giveaway sponsored by the very generous gDiapers!

You have 48 hours to claims your prize! Please email me at the email address found in my contact info to claim it!

Congrats and Thanks again to all who entered!!!

The Dad Life

This was just too hilarious to not share!!! Enjoy! :)

Be Green, Be Grateful, Be Genuine!

I was lucky enough to discover gDiapers four years ago when I had my son. When he was first born we used a big name brand diaper, I remember how much I hated changing his diaper to find those little gel crystals on his little bottom and boy parts.   I had looked into using cloth diapers, however living in an apartment it simply wasn’t cost effective.   I began searching the internet, there HAD to be another option.  That is when I found gDiapers, it was a disposable option, but also had cloth qualities. Flushable inserts that you have the option of flushing or even composting (just the wet ones please), and the ability to use cloth instead.  I ordered a starter pack and began stalking our mailman. 

When the diapers came I was so excited to strap them on to his little booty!  They were oh so cute, his little Grasshopper Green booty, complete with a g on the back, for Gabriel of course.  I soon realized the extra perks.  Only a few minutes in to our g-experience he had a blowout worthy number 2, one that would have warranted a wardrobe change in his previous diapers. I was perplexed, I HEARD it, but where was it?  It’s wasn’t leaking out the legs, it hadn’t gone up his back... I tentatively poked my finger into the waist band to confirm, yup, it was there, all in there, where it is supposed to be!  Amazing!  Then the diaper change came, that remarkably disgusting number two didn’t have to hang out in the nursery till trash day!   I simply took the flushable insert into the bathroom and ripped it, “swished” it, and flushed it.  It was gone!  No stinky ick in our apartment!  Over the next few weeks and months I appreciated our gDiapers more, for things like the Velcro being in the back, once I got used to it, it was much easier than the front Velcro, but way more difficult for his wandering hands to reach, no “look ma!  No diaper” moments for us!  Then when we were in a situation to not have to save quarter for laundry, we quickly figured out how to use prefolds inside our gPants while we were home, saving our flushies for outings.  It was clean, pure, simple and green, not chemicals on my little ones skin either!

Fast forward four years.  Number two (no not that kind), is about to make her appearance to the world.  I had began a small stash of cloth diapers, but I knew I want to use gDiapers again as well.  Right before we got pregnant with number two, gDiapers released their newest addition: tiny gPants, and oh man, were they CUTE!  A few changes from previous gPants, the liner didn’t snap in, it was built in.  I had to have them.  I had to buy them off a mom, who was no longer using hers because there was quite a large demand for them and they had been put on backorder.  Again I stalked our mail carrier.  I ordered flushies and was ready to go when they came, all of those tiny gPants were stuffed and waiting when Cordelia came home.  I really loved the tiny g’s, they had the features I loved about the regular little g’s, and then some.  I loved that they snapped down in the front to make room for her cord stump, it kept the diapers from rubbing on it and making it bleed.   The built in liner was also great, easy to clean.  I can’t lie I also love the cute “g word” print, not girly, not boyish (I am a mom that feels like anything that isn’t pink is too boyish too) just plain… well… baby! 

Another thing the wonderful folks at gDiapers have come out with since my son was in them, gCloth.  It is the companies very own version of our prefolds.  I found that while using prefolds in our gPants saved us money, it made the diapers bulky.  This time around we have gCloth as an option,   made with microfleece to pull the moisture away from your baby and a hemp/cotton fabric to absorb the moisture.  The microfleece is super soft on baby’s skin.  Also new to the gFamily are gStyles, oh so adorable gDiaper outfits!  One for girls and one for boys, and too cute for words!  This mama has been drooling over the gDarling dress set…  A truly picture worthy outfit!

I love gDiapers, not just the product, but the company.  I can’t speak highly enough of the people at gDiapers headquarters.  I have never had an unfriendly, below wonderful experience with them.  As a mom, and consumer that is a big deal to me.  If I do not have a good customer service experience, I simply find a way to live without your product (I drive an extra half hour to go to a theater other than Regal just because of a terrible experience).  I will tell you one thing, they are not lacking in that department.  They have someone that can answer any question or problem you might have, they stand by their product %110 percent, and because of that so do many of the parents that use gDiapers.   

I also appreciate that they are very environmentally friendly, not just the product, but down to shipping, using Green Shipping (see Greenshipping.com).  Possibly my favorite thing about this company (and trust me it is impossible for me to pick one but this is up there), is the value they place in family “We have an on-site child development center. If mom needs to nurse or wants some playtime with her baby, gDiapers is set up to accommodate her needs. If a child is sick, by all means, go home. We hope everyone feels better soon. If dad wants to see Jr. in the school talent show in the middle of the day, he has our blessing. In fact, we may come with him. “ if that doesn’t sum it up, then I don’t know what does!  If only I could talk my husband into moving to Portland…

I know that sometimes we post snippets (yeah I said snippets) from the company’s website, but I want you to go check it out www.gdiapers.com, I will give you a quiz on it later… Kind of… 
No blog is complete without a picture or two… I want to share mine.  

Baby Bunny hanging out in her Tiny g

Lets kick it old school with Gabe back in the day sporting his green gDiaper, and baby love handles.  (This picture was actually used for a Kiddie Kandids ad campaign. Just to throw out a mom brag)

I feel really lucky that I came across this product, and this company.  Now I want YOU to get to know them!  I contacted Michelle at gHeadquarters and they have been generous enough to donate a New Baby Bundle to one lucky reader!  One VERY lucky reader!  I am actually jealous of whoever wins this, and my baby can’t even fit in them!

So let’s get down to it shall we? Time for the Quiz!


Mandatory Entry:
Go to www.gdiapers.com tell us what you like.  What product, what philosophy, feature, anything, because gDiapers isn’t just about what they are selling.
 
For extra entries:
Become a follower of this blog on Google Friend Connect and/or RSS feed - one entry
Become a fan of The Mad Mom Blog on Facebook - one entry
Become a fan of gDiapers on Facebook (make sure to come back here and tell us)- one entry Post a link to this contest on your Facebook or Twitter (one entry per day and make sure to post a link here)


**Contest ends Friday, August 20th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize from the time the announcement is made.

Febreze Home Collections Review

As a mother of a soon-to-be two year old, I can't leave fresh smelling potpourri out - either the baby or the cats will eat it. Candle wax on the carpet, candle wax on the couch. It's a real pain to get out! The Febreze Home Collection wants to introduce you to their no mess, no spill line-up that’s perfect for creating a refreshing atmosphere.    The newest addition to the Febreze Home Collection, the No-Spill Wood Diffuser, combines everything you love about WoodWick diffuser technology and Febreze scents, offering a unique fragrance experience. The scented oil is drawn up through the dowel into the wood top, creating a hassle-free way to freshen your home. I keep this one in my bedroom because it adds a nice touch of classy decor and smells relaxing! If you’re looking to add character to your décor, then the Febreze Flameless Luminary is for you! The Febreze Flameless Luminary has interchangeable shade styles and the refreshing atmosphere of a burning candle without the danger of a flame. For a limited time, you can fill your home with the newest scent, Honeysuckle Orchid. I was so impressed when I turned it on. It really gave a relaxing candle-like glow. I actually fooled some of my friends who thought it was a candle! The scents last for about a week. You know how you get used to a scent though. My friends said "it smells good in here" after a couple weeks. **Disclosure: The product, gift pack, information and gift card to give away were all sponsored by Febreze and MyBlogSpark