Mama Chocolate

Monday Meet & Greet - Real Dad Reviews

2011-08-01T00:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Week 1 of our new "Monday Meet & Greet!"

Mama Chocolate has joined up with a group of bloggers to help you discover new blogs, and to meet the bloggers behind them!

Nathan at Real Dad Reviews is the lucky featured blogger this week!

Tell us a little about you... "My name is Nathan! I am a retired United States Army Veteran. I have been married to my wonderful wife Skye for 4 years. We have three beautiful children together. We also have custody of our two nephews, and my sister in law."

Tell us 5 of your favorite things...

Top Five Movies of all time-

1-Twister

2-Stargate

3-Independence Day

4-Hard Rain

5-Day After Tomorrow

What do you blog about? "I blog about anything and everything my family can use, that I think others would want to know how it worked and if it worked. Some products rock my socks off, while others I would not use if I was paid. Well maybe if I was paid a lot..."

How did you decide what to name your blog? I decided on Real Dad Reviews because I was getting jealous of all the cool stuff my wife (Real Mom Reviews) was getting in the mail. Every time I mentioned something I liked or didn't like about the items she was getting, she told me it was real MOM reviews, not real dad reviews, so I improvised!

What is your favorite blog post? My Newest Baby

Favorite item ever reviewed.. Pack It

When do you find time to blog? I am a stay at home dad, who does the majority of my blogging after the kids are asleep!

What does your family think of your blog? My wife, of course loves it. We team up sometimes for reviews together. The rest of my family just doesn't understand how it works.

What advice would you give a new blogger? Never give up- it is not easy. Take a step back, give yourself a week break, and hit the ground running when you get back!

What are your favorite blogs to read?

Frugal Mom of Two

The Oatmeal

What brand or product would you really like to work with/review? Boon! I love all the products from Boon.

Follow Real Dad Reviews on:

Google Friend Connect

Please stop by and leave him a comment!

Energy Bites - Fun with Food Friday

2011-07-29T00:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this week's Fun with Food Friday! (ALERT: Read to the bottom for extra bonus entries opportunity!)

This delicious recipe comes from reader Lauren Kane-Sample!

ENERGY BITES

Ingredients:

1/2 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, sunflower seed or another other nut/seed butter)
1/3 cup honey or other liquid sweetener (be careful of thinner sweeteners as they might not hold together as well.)
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (you can toast for a nuttier flavor at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes)
1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (you can substitute any dry ingredient for this: wheat bran or germ, oat bran, ground flax seed, (I wouldn't recommend using an entire cup of flax seed,) any ground nuts or seeds. For a cookie dough type bite, try adding a few tablespoons of your favorite whole grain flour.)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1-2 tsp your favorite spices or spice combos (optional: I skipped this)
pinch of sea salt if needed
1/2 cup other add-ins (any whole or roughly chopped nuts/seeds, dried fruit, chocolate chips, etc.)

Directions from Lauren:

In a large bowl add the nut butter, honey or other sweetener, vanilla and salt if needed. If all your ingredients are room temperature you should be able to stir to combine. If this is difficult you can warm in the microwave for a few seconds or even place the bowl in an inch or two hot water for a few minutes to soften everything.

Once this is combined add the remaining ingredients.

In this case I used almond butter and for my addins I used equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds and mini chocolate chips. Mix well. Once it’s all combined place in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Then remove from the fridge, scoop out some dough and roll into a ball. I find it’s much easier, and works better to squeeze the handful together to compact it and then roll it into a ball.

If yours are too sticky you can considering adding more dry ingredients into them or rolling them in something like ground nuts, coconut, etc so they aren’t as sticky. Place the balls in an airtight container either in the fridge or freezer for quick and easy snacks.

* * * * * * *

I started by making some dairy-free chocolate chips with coconut oil. I'll have to write a review on that recipe sometime. They were good, but very dark chocolate.

And coming from me, that's saying something, 'cause I like my chocolate dark.

Anyway, they worked well in this recipe, so I was happy, and my poor chocolate-deprived daughter was very happy.

I was pretty in-exact in my measurements, mostly because I hate trying to measure things like peanut butter.

I used about half almond butter and half peanut butter. I think I'd prefer them with 100% almond butter, but I didn't have much, so I combined them.

These are very similar to a recipe I have for "Power Balls" from a friend, (the mother of 7 boys that just had their first girl!)

They are a great snack to have in the freezer. Perfect for when I'm pregnant and/or nursing, and a healthy and deceivingly cookie-like option for my toddler.

I rolled most of them in a unsweetened coconut/sesame seed mixture and left some of them plain so as not to be so messy for Katie to eat.

This pan is sitting in my freezer now, and when I get around to it, I'll put them in a container back in the freezer for easy access!

Thanks, Lauren, for this healthy and delicious snack!

* * * * * * * *

See what Michelle at The Not-So-Secret Confessions of a ~~First~~ Second Time Mom has cooked up this week!
Please check my archives for more delicious recipes!

You can get 10 extra entries into any ONE giveaway of your choice for each recipe you submit, (you can send me as many as you like!)

Just send the recipe(s) to mamachocolateblog@gmail.com and add the entries into the appropriate box on the giveaway entry form.

Keeping Your Toddler Busy - Toddler Talk Thursday

2011-07-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

Check out the hosts of this fun weekly link-up, Family and Life in Las Vegas, Crazy about My Baybah, and My Life as a Sippy Cup Mom!

This week's topic is:

"How do you keep your toddler entertained in difficult situations - grocery store, doctors' office, etc?"

It doesn't take much to keep Katie entertained.

Keeping her entertained and quiet is a whole different issue...

Grocery stores and even doctor's offices aren't usually too difficult for us, just so long as she can talk.

She is a talker.

Church is the hardest for us right now, because of her chatty personality. We have worked on this a lot with her and we're starting to see success!

We keep her involved during the service as much as possible, and then during the sermon, (which is usually 45 minutes long!) we bring out her special "purse" that contains a special toy or two and some crayons and paper and maybe a little book.

She at least whispers when she feels the need to communicate, and she mostly plays quietly with what we've brought.

Where it isn't essential for us to be quiet, (waiting in doctors' offices, etc,) we read books, or I'll tell her stories, (or she tells me stories, which is much more entertaining! She has an amazing imagination for a 2-year-old!)

So how do you keep your toddler entertained during times when they need to be quiet?

I would love your tips!

My Little Mama (Wordless Wednesday)

2011-07-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

I adore this picture.

Katie found a jar of baby-food peas and then eagerly asked me for a "soom!"

Then she took her dolly to the couch and gave her some lunch!

She was so sweet:

"That yummy, baby? Taste good? Take a bite!"

Overnight Crockpot Oatmeal

2011-07-26T00:14:00.000-07:00

Oatmeal is one of my favorite options for breakfast, and I discovered recently an easy (and delicious) way to eat it regularly!

Use your crockpot!

The night before you plan to eat your oatmeal, in a glass measuring cup, (or any heat-safe bowl.) combine:

1 cup water

1 cup milk

1 cup rolled or steel-cut oats

1 Tb butter

dash of salt, (optional)

spices, sweeteners, and fruits if desired:

cinnamon

honey

brown sugar

chopped apples

raisins

etc.

Fill your crockpot half-full with water and turn it onto "Keep Warm" or "Low," (depending on the crockpot...experiment.)

Voila! Delicious, hot, perfectly cooked oatmeal waiting for you when you wake up in the morning!

This is doing wonders for my recent commitment to make sure John has a home-cooked breakfast every morning, (no matter how early he leaves for work!)

He loves oatmeal, (especially the Tropical Traditions Organic Thick Rolled Oats...he commented on how good they were before he knew I was supposed to be reviewing them!)

I love knowing that he has a healthy breakfast when I know I will not be remotely conscious when he leaves for work.

I am also looking forward to using this regularly when I am pregnant (Lord willing!) again someday! You know how hard it is when you first wake up in the morning to even want to think about food, let alone try to cook something?

This handy hint solves that problem for ya! (Assuming, of course, that oatmeal sounds remotely palatable in your pregnant state. You can do this with any hot cereal: cream of wheat, 10-Grain (Katie's favorite,) steel-cut oats, you-name-it.)

Another handy feature of this method is the ability to cook more than one kind of cereal at a time.

Katie does not care for oatmeal, but she loves 10-Grain, so along side our oatmeal, I sneak in a little half-pint of 10-Grain cereal mixture, (using the same proportions, and with almond milk to keep it dairy-free.)

Organic Thick Rolled Oats - Tropical Traditions Review & Giveaway 8/9

2011-07-26T00:12:00.000-07:00

After winning a bag of Tropical Traditions Organic Thick Rolled Oats at ABCs & Garden Peas, I was thrilled when Tropical Traditions offered to giveaway away another bag to one of MY readers! (By the way, ABCs & Garden Peas has a giveaway going on right now from Tropical Traditions for their natural deodorant! It still has super low entries and ends August 1st, so your chances are good!)

I've already shared with you my love of Tropical Traditions premium coconut oil and their raw honey, and I'm excited to tell you about another of their excellent products!

5lbs/$10.65 - 10lbs/$21.35

"Oats provide high quality, well-balanced protein. Thick Rolled Oats and other whole grain oats are a good source of soluble fiber. Tropical Traditions Thick Rolled Oats are most commonly used for oatmeal, and cook in about 15 minutes. Thick Rolled Oats can also be used in granola and of course oatmeal cookies."

Oatmeal is one of my favorite options for breakfast, and I discovered recently an easy (and delicious) way to eat it regularly!

Find out how to use your crockpot to have a hot breakfast waiting for you in the morning!

John and I both love these oats. The extra thickness gives them a pleasant chewiness, and they have a great flavor! We have enjoyed them a lot lately, (thanks to my latest crockpot discovery,) and we're hooked!

Tropical Traditions also carries organic wheat, spelt, barley, millet, (another good breakfast cereal!) and rye grains among the premium quality foods they stock.

To get delicious recipes for using Tropical Traditions' excellent foods, check out FreeCoconutRecipes.com.

Tropical Traditions is giving away another 5lb bag of their Organic Thick Rolled Oats to one of my lucky readers!

Recipe Linky! - Fun with Food Friday

2011-07-22T07:00:00.001-07:00

Welcome to this week's Fun with Food Friday!

This week I didn't get around to trying a recipe ahead of time, and I'm leaving to go camping for the weekend today, so we're going to try something new!

Today, I want you to link up your own recipe blog posts!

I will leave this linky open all week for you to continue adding.

I look forward to visiting your blogs and getting a peek into your kitchens, and hope you'll hop around and get some fresh ideas to spice up your cooking!

Visit my Recipe Archives for inspiration!

I {Heart} Rafflecopter

2011-07-22T00:20:00.000-07:00

By now, I'm sure you've heard of Rafflecopter, and if you're lucky, you've already experienced first-hand how super-easy and quick it is for you to enter a giveaway on blogs that are using it!

If you haven't seen Rafflecopter in action yet, head over to my Thirsties cloth diaper giveaway to check it out!

This is truly an amazing break-through for those giveaway addicts out there, (myself included!) helping you spend a fraction of the time to enter giveaways!

Besides the obvious benefits to you, I am really more excited about the benefits to bloggers who host these giveaways.

I have been using Google Forms for a long time to make entering my giveaways quicker and easier for you enter, but using them is very time intensive for me. Lindsey at So Easy Being Green, (who also has been using Google Forms,) recently posted the pros and cons of Rafflecopter that she has seen so far.

A lot of work goes into setting up each one of the giveaways that you enter, and the Rafflecopter app saves hosting bloggers valuable time and ensures greater accuracy and detection of invalid entries or "cheaters."

At this point, Rafflecopter is a by-invitation-only application, and I have 5 invites left to pass on to any bloggers out there who still need one!

Please comment with your email address if you'd like me to send you one!

First come, first served!

Update: All my invites are gone! Enjoy, ladies!

Moody Mamas Maternity Nursing Maxi Dress - Black

Free Shipping at Lilla Rose!

2011-07-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

Now through Saturday, July 23rd, Lilla Rose is offering free shipping on all orders of $20 or more!

If you've never heard of this amazing company before or want more info, check out my review of the Lilla Rose Flexi-Clip, and see how it works for hair of all kinds: from my sister's long hair, (below her waist) to my short and layered hair, to my 2-year-old's baby-fine hair!
Lilla Rose has something for every woman (or girl!) wanting to spruce up their 'do, including hair bands, bobby pins, hair sticks, and the new "You-Pins!"
Now is a great chance to try them out or stock up on your favorites!
Visit Lilla Rose on Facebook to keep up-to-date with specials and new items!

Toddler Meals - Toddler Talk Thursday

2011-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Check out the hosts of this fun weekly link-up, Family and Life in Las Vegas, Crazy about My Baybah, and My Life as a Sippy Cup Mom!

This week's topic is:

"How does your toddler's mealtime go usually? How do you deal with not eating, or picky eaters?"

Katie is not so much of a picky eater as a...NON-eater.

We have always had trouble getting her to eat much, even from the very beginning, when we struggled with her lazy nursing and lack of weight gain.

We can get her to eat a little bit of almost anything, but it is rare for her to want to eat what we feel is enough.
Two bites and she's "all done!"
Even the above ice cream cake we made her for her birthday she only ate about half of it before she was satisfied, (even though she loves ice cream, and is always excited to eat it!)

Victoria is another story, (thank goodness!)
She can stow it away!

Much of it still ends up on her face, bib...and thumb these days, however. ;-)

I've started to not worry about Katie so much...she is growing and gaining weight, albeit slowly.

She eats healthy food: some of her favorites include scrambled eggs, broccoli, and green beans, (!!) so we're good in that department.

I can always get her to drink quite a bit of a breakfast smoothie, so we do that pretty often.

Right now we are in the midst of a no-dairy trial period to see if it helps her constantly runny nose and congestion go away.

It has been difficult...I didn't realize how many of my go-to dishes included milk or cheese. Or chocolate! (Which almost always has milk in it.)

It will be worth it, though, if we find that it clears up these issues she's been dealing with.

In the mean time, I'd love any dairy-free recipes or tips you can give me!

Victoria's Birth Story

2011-07-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Victoria is more than ~~5 months~~ 8 months old as I finally sit down to finish writing this, and I know some details are already becoming blurred. I had to click "Older Posts" on my Facebook profile 3 billion times to get all the way back to early November's status updates just to remind me of some of the time frames of the labor!

On the night of November 7th, I was puttering around on the computer wrapping up some blog posts and emails in preparation for the Merry Fluffy Christmas event coming up.

John, Katie and I had all come down with a nasty cold/flu and were feeling very under-the-weather. John had gone to bed feeling nasty at 5pm, promptly passed out, skipped dinner and slept all evening.

I was chatting on Google Talk with my mama, telling her all the reasons that I was going to be happy to have this baby late. (Katie was a whole week "late," so of course I'd be late again, right?)

we were sick - who wants to bring a baby into a house full of sick people? Who wants to be in labor while you're sick?

John's whole office was moving to a new location, and he was heading up most of the transfer of equipment, setting up phones and internet, and generally extremely busy.

My mama, (who was planning on staying with us for several days after the birth,) was in the thick of a kitchen and bathroom remodel project and all the decisions involved - not a good time to be leaving the house for a week

Besides, I'd had no Braxton-Hicks, (during my entire pregnancy!) No intuitions of impending labor. My last baby was a week late. My due date wasn't even for another few days.

After telling Mama how improbable and inconvenient it'd be for the baby to come on time, (trying to encourage myself to be patient and stay sane in my lumbering state,) I merrily posted the following as my Facebook status:

Johanna is thinking that this baby is staying in here for another week at least. We'll see...

  I was so proud of myself for feeling genuinely willing to wait another week or so under my less-than-comfortable circumstances.

I wrote that status at 10:19pm. I shut down the computer, brushed my teeth, and ~~hopped~~ rolled into bed. Less than 5 minutes after lying down, I felt the first one. Before 11pm, I was on my hands and knees on the floor, dealing with pretty intense contractions, (all the pain was in my back, just like it was with Katie.)

  God just likes to remind us now and then that, yes, HE is the One in control.

  I didn't wake up John since I knew he wasn't feeling well and would need all the rest he could get if this was really happening. I also didn't want to jinx it by getting too excited.
I waddled to the living room and moved between resting on the couch and rocking on my hands and knees on the floor during each contraction. They were still pretty far apart at 5-7 minutes, but intense.

  Still, I waited to wake up John. I turned on "Little Dorrit."
What better to help you get through the long early stages of labor during the wee hours of the night than a 7-hour movie?

  At 2am, apparently my laboring noises finally woke up John, and he stumbled bleary-eyed out of the bedroom, saw me on my hands and knees on the floor, and puzzled, (not to mention, half-asleep,) said, "What are you doing?!"

   "Um. I think I'm in labor."

  I don't know why I said it that way. To break it to him gently? I didn't think I was in labor. I was in labor.

  I was grateful that he was now with me, as I was really getting to the point where I needed someone to give me counter-pressure on my back.
(Both of my labors have been 100% in my back. I guess I don't even know what a "normal" contraction feels like!)

  We decided to officially admit I was in labor and we should probably finish up those last things on the "Before Baby Comes" to-do list.
   By this time there was no way I wanted to do a contraction without John there, rubbing my back and giving me support. So in between each contraction, (they were still 5 minutes apart,) we worked together to get the water-proof mattress cover on the bed and change the bedding to the I-don't-mind-if-they-get-ruined sheets.
We shoveled miscellaneous clutter from counters and dressers out of the way into boxes and hid them in the closet, (partly to be out of the way for the midwives, but mostly so our room wouldn't look like a dump in the pictures that were sure to be taken and kept for eternity. Who wants your untidiness immortalized for eternity?)

I got into the shower to see if that would give me some relief while John finished up some things. I got out pretty quickly...it was better when John was rubbing my back.

It was exciting, bustling around in the middle of the night together. I'd yell "another one's coming!" plop down on the floor and John would be there. When it was over, I'd get up and we'd bustle some more.

I think it was about 3am when we called our midwife, Carol. Things weren't going too fast yet, so she said she'd get a shower and gather her things and be over.

Carol arrived about 4:30. Our chatter woke up Katie, (way too early for a sick little girl!) She caught the excitement, though, and was cheerful. When I got down on my hands and knees for the next contraction, she joyfully exclaimed, "Mama! Horsey!" and John caught her just before she clambered aboard!

Carol checked and found me at about 3cm. I'll confess I was secretly hoping to be a little farther along than that. The contractions were still 5 minutes apart, but they were doozies!

We discovered that the baby was still posterior, most likely in part due to my diastasis, (abdominal muscle separation) from my pregnancy with Katie. This position is likely to cause back labor...check!

We'd called my mama about the same time as we called Carol, and she packed her bags and started the almost 2-hour drive! My two sisters Bethany and Susannah came with her. Two of my bestest friends were on their way, too: Amanda, (my home-birthing buddy ;-) and Hannah, who happens to also now be my sister-in-law!

My mama-in-law arrived from next door shortly before the rest showed up somewhere between 5:30 and 6:30, and we started the par-tay!

Somebody made breakfast. Ladies came and went through the bedroom as I alternated between resting in my uber-comfy rocking chair and...the floor.

Carol's two assistants showed up sometime during that early morning, also.
We had quite the crowd.
I loved it. I know some ladies prefer to be more alone and focused in a private sort of setting. For me, it was wonderful to be surrounded by supportive people that I knew and loved.
Because of the 5 minute breaks between contractions, we were able to chat and generally have a jolly time.

I believe it was sometime around 8am when I got in the tub. I had Katie in the water and loved it and hoped to repeat the experience.
The baby, (I guess I should refer to her as Victoria, now, huh?) was stubbornly staying in awkward positions. Never quite the same, mind you. It seemed like every time we checked, she'd skooched a little that way or this way, but never to an optimal position. The hands-and-knees deal, besides being more comfortable for back labor, is supposed to help move a baby to a better position. Victoria was a determined little gal, though, and quite comfortable where she was, thankyouverymuch.

I was at 9.5 cm when Carol got a call at about noon from another client in active labor, (45 minutes away!) She rushed off to check her out, (leaving me feeling calm in the capable hands of my husband and the assistant midwives,) ended up delivering that baby, quickly wrapping everything up there, and coming back to have me with still no baby at 2pm.
I'd tried getting out of the tub and standing/squatting during contractions to try to help move baby down and get some possible pushing leverage. I could just tell though, that it wasn't pushing time. My body knew it and I knew it. The contractions still kept up at 4-5 minutes apart, but they were getting nasty.

When Carol got back, she decided we needed to do something to help her budge. I got out of the tub and onto the bed. We decided to break my water and then we did a couple contractions on the bed while she held back the last bit of cervix to see if that would help any.
It didn't. I could just tell that any attempts at pushing were going to be fruitless...the lil' bugger was still stuck in the wrong position and she wasn't coming down.

I was getting frustrated. I wasn't so much at the "let's get this OVER with," so much as "can we at least get somewhere with this?" Contractions were still no closer than 4 or 5 minutes, but so intense each time, and we just weren't getting anywhere...I'd been stuck at 9.5 cm for over two hours now.

Looking back now, I am so grateful to have been home during this delivery. At most hospitals, I would likely have been having all kinds of interventions pushed at me by this point to hurry things up. Some of those interventions can lead to distress on the baby which can land you with a C-section before you know what's happening!

I later found out that during this time some of my labor-pals were starting to have thoughts that there could be a hospital transfer in the future. I'm glad this thought didn't enter my head, because it probably would have just freaked me out and made me start to think of all the things that might be wrong.

All the prayers that our family and friends were sending up were being heard, however, because I just seemed to know that we could do this...it just might take awhile.

Carol suggested I get into an exaggerated "running" position on my side for a "few contractions" as it can be helpful to get posterior babies into a better position. I had to bring one knee up towards my chin as far as I could, and the other leg backwards the other direction as far as I could.

Oh. my. word.

This was the first I had ever had the feeling of "losing my mind." I literally had to go to another place to get through the next 45 minutes.

A "few contractions" turned into "several contractions" as Victoria would still not budge. I was so grateful at this point to be surrounded my so many loving, supporting people. Hannah was sort of my focal point, and somebody was holding my hands and there was someone supporting each foot so I had something to shove against to keep from writhing.
Just having everyone there holding me made the difference. I just might have officially gone off the brink without them.

I remember hearing a couple ladies asking Carol hopefully if I could maybe be done with that position now...I think it was pretty painful to watch, especially for the mothers there who could sympathize with my pain!

But Carol was pretty sure that this position was what would finally get the baby out, and I'm so glad she encouraged me to stay there, despite the ~~hell~~ discomfort I was experiencing.

She was right.

Suddenly, the baby was coming. It was the weirdest feeling to go from horrible, fruitless pain, to "woo hoo! This baby is a-comin' OUT!"
I didn't even have time to say anything or tell anybody what was going on. I just flipped over, (somebody must have got some pillows behind me right away,) and I started pushing that baby out.

Talk about the urge to push. There is no way on God's green earth that I could have stopped that baby from shooting out. Less than 4 pushes later, a little before 3pm, I was pulling sweet Victoria up onto my chest and we knew we had another beautiful daughter!

Amanda later wrote about the labor, and you'll get some more accurate details there, since she wrote it the day after (not 8 months later.) Coincidentally, she is 11...12? days overdue with her 4th as of today, which is probably why I've been thinking about labor which inspired me to get my rear in gear and get this posted.
When she was there with me during Victoria's labor, they had just found out about this pregnancy. Feel free to go assure her that no woman has been pregnant forever...not yet anyways.

2 weeks old

She was worth it, don't you think? ;-)

See Katie's homebirth story, and how we prepared her for Victoria's arrival.

Linked up at:

Healthy 2day Wednesday

and

Wordless Wednesday - Trampoline Hair

2011-07-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

My sister, "Polka Dot" just wrote about her stay with us on her lovely blog.

Take a look to get a little peek into our lives!

Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted & Duo Wrap Review & Giveaway - 8/1

2011-07-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

I have long been a fan of Thirsties covers, and I was recently sent one of their Duo Fab Fitted diapers and a Duo Wrap to review!

Duo Wrap in "Alice Brights" with Snaps

Thirsties is a small, (but growing!) cloth diaper company committed to greener parenting and Eco Friendly solutions, not to mention 100% USA Made quality! Erin, founder of Thirsties, started this business with an old sewing machine and $100 five years ago. Through her hard work and diligence, the company is now one of the leaders in the cloth diaper industry. Their diapers are now made by work at home mothers, and very close to the warehouse, reducing carbon output. Their customer service reps are experienced cloth diapering moms, an offer their knowledge to their retailers and customers alike.

I have nothing to say except good things about Thirsties and their products.

The Duo Wraps coupled with regular (cheap!) Indian cotton prefolds make up the main part of my "fluff stash."

Grows with your baby so you only need two sizes from birth to potty!
Leg gussets for advanced leak protection
Pliable, breathable ultra-comfortable waterproof fabric
Snap or Aplix hook-and-loop closures
Wipe clean between washings

During the first year and a half of cloth diapering, I used Thirsties original sized diaper covers, (and I am using them again now with Victoria,) and as Katie got bigger, I bought some of the size 2 Duo Wraps.

The occasional time that I have had one of my girls in a disposable during their breast-fed poo days, (sorry if TMI,) and we were unlucky enough to get a BM in there, it was pretty much guaranteed to explode up the back and out the legs.

The leg gussets and elastic around the waist on the Thirsties duo wraps or covers do a wonderful job of containing everything, and I almost never have leaks...especially from newborn poo, which is the worst kind of leak.

For Katie, I pretty much cannot get a pocket diaper stuffed enough to hold up all night for her without leakage, so I regularly use a Thirsties wrap with doubled up prefolds and maybe an extra insert and the wrap holds it all!

I'm going to have a struggle now to stay content with my cheap-o prefolds now, though...

because the Duo Fab Fitted together with the Duo Wrap is now my favorite diaper system!

Duo Fab Fitted in Orchid with Snaps

With the Duo Wraps, this is a much trimmer way to diaper than using prefolds I have...and considerably less awkward to get on a squirmy baby than a prefold/wrap combo.

I tried size 2, which is recommended for 18-40lbs or 9-36 months.

It is working beautifully for both Katie, (27lbs/28months,) and Victoria, (15lbs/8months.)

I was particularly surprised to find it worked that well on Victoria who is a skinny, long little gal, (and 3lbs under the recommended weight!) but it is my favorite diaper combo for her right now!

It is more trim and so much less lumpy than a prefold!

For Katie, I can slip in an extra insert in the pocket of the Duo Fab Fitted for extra absorbency when she needs it, also!

There are six different color options at this time for the Duo Fab Fitted: honeydew, mango, meadow, ocean blue, orchid, and white, and there are even more options for the Duo Wrap, including four prints!

Duo Fab Fitted in Ocean Blue with Aplix

Buy Your Own:

Request a free catalog of Thirsties products!

Purchase directly from Thirsties or visit their Retailer Locator page to find a store near you or to find which of your favorite online diaper shops carry Thirsties products.

The Duo Wrap cost $12.75 for solids and $13.75 for prints, and the Duo Fab Fitted cost $17.00 each

Win Your Own!

Thirsties is giving away another Duo Wrap and Duo Fab Fitted in the winner's color choices to one lucky Mama Chocolate reader!

I am excited to use Rafflecopter for the first time! Please let me know what you think!

New Photography Contest Site

2011-07-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

On Top of the Tripod is launching today!

I just wanted to bring your attention to this brand new photography contest website, where you can come to vote or come to submit your own photos to be voted on!

Both the photographer and the voters get a chance to win Amazon gift cards! (Yay!)

Visit On Top of the Tripod for more details, and like them on Facebook to stay updated!

WINNERS! T. Ashley Tart Warmer & Leading Lady

2011-07-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

We have the some more winners!

The T. Ashley Candle Co. Tart Warmer giveaway ended with 259 valid entries, and the random number generator picked #108.

Entry # 108 is...Laura Jager!

**************

The $30 Leading Lady gift card giveaway ended with 414 valid entries, and the random number generator picked #81.

Entry #81 is...Janelle Prentice!

Congratulations to the winners!

Update: Both winners have responded and been confirmed!

Watch for exciting new giveaways coming soon!

Nutella Balls - Fun with Food Friday

2011-07-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this week's Fun with Food Friday! (ALERT: Read to the bottom for extra bonus entries opportunity!)

This delicious recipe comes from reader Anna Pry!

NUTELLA BALLS

Ingredients:

1 cup hazelnuts
1/4 cup cocoa powder (Anna used dark cocoa, I just used what I had which was regular)
1 tablespoon canola oil (I was out of oil, so I used butter!)
5 tablespoons agave nectar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon flax meal, (optional, but highly recommended)
pinch of salt

Directions from Anna:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Place hazelnuts on a rimmed cookie sheet and roast for 10 minutes.

In a food processor, add all ingredients - including the hazelnuts - and blend until the nuts are pretty much not nut-like anymore. The mixture should be thick.

Line another cookie sheet with parchment paper and drop onto it heaping tablespoon-sized dollops of the mixture.

Eat warm, but I advise refrigerating beforehand. Will make them turn out more like balls. Keep cold and should last all week, (if you don't eat them first!)

So, not caring for the rather drab look of the balls, I got clever and rolled them in cocoa powder.BAD idea.

For starters...it made them messy:

Secondly, 2-year-old Katie's first reaction was to tell me, "They not taste very good, Mama," and politely set it back on the counter, without having even bitten into it.

The cocoa powder on the outside was too bitter to her, and even to me & Suzy, the insides just aren't sweet enough to quite counteract the bitterness of the cocoa.

Once you start chewing, it's not a big deal. You get the deliciousness of the insides.

I cut one in half and persuaded Katie to try again. She still wasn't too sure, but she ate the whole thing, so I'm sure when I make them again, (and leave them alone!) she will be much more enthusiastic!

My cocoa-powder-fail aside, these are great treats, and come at a perfect time for us!

I just embarked on a 3 (or maybe 4 if I can make it!) week trial of no dairy and reduced white sugar for Katie.

If I get myself some canola oil before I make them next time so I don't use butter, these will qualify!

Yay!

Thanks, Anna!

See what Michelle at The Not-So-Secret Confessions of a ~~First~~ Second Time Mom has cooked up this week!
Please check my archives for more delicious recipes!

You can get 10 extra entries into any ONE giveaway of your choice for each recipe you submit, (you can send me as many as you like!)

Just send the recipe(s) to mamachocolateblog@gmail.com and add the entries into the appropriate box on the giveaway entry form.

Linked up at ABCs & Garden Peas' Hungry Toddler Hop!

Bringing a New Baby Home - Toddler Talk Thursday

2011-07-14T00:11:00.000-07:00

Check out the hosts of this fun weekly link-up, Family and Life in Las Vegas, Crazy about My Baybah, and My Life as a Sippy Cup Mom!

This week's topic is:

"How did/would/will you handle bringing a new baby home with a toddler in the house?"

I am grateful to say that Katie, at 19 months old, did wonderfully when Victoria joined our family.

I have always been of the opinion that telling your child how you're still going to love them just as much when the new baby comes can actually give them the idea that you might not.

We assumed Katie was going to love the new baby and acted accordingly...she never thought to think anything different.

We continually reinforced to her that a new baby is a good thing.

Showing your toddler that you still love them is obviously crucial.

We made sure Katie got plenty of attention when Victoria came around, (especially since she happened to be very sick at the time and needed plenty of cuddling, poor girl.)

In preparation for Victoria's arrival, we told her with excitement how there was a baby in Mama's tummy, (she was very interested in this idea,) and how it was going to be so fun to have a tiny little baby to cuddle and kiss!

She liked to put her dolls under her shirt and have a "baby in my tummy!" too. ;-)

When Victoria was born, Katie was almost immediately in the room per our request, thanks to some auntie.

She was very excited about the baby, (and didn't want to leave Mama & Baby!)

When Papa came in to give Victoria kisses, Katie basically indicated he needed to back off from her baby!

At that point we were pretty sure everything was going to be okay!

Over the next week or so, she went through an "acting out" stage, but I think it was more in part to her not feeling well, and testing to see how much she could get away with while Nana was here.

She never once acted jealous or resentful of Victoria and was very gentle and sweet around her.

And now they're becoming little buddies...

Of course, there are moments...especially as Victoria has recently started crawling, which means she can "steal" Katie's toys, already causing all sorts of drama.

I always loved having sisters, and I'm so glad that God blessed each of my girls with a sister.

I pray that they continue to get along and grow in love for each other as they become adults!

Linked up at Raising Mighty Arrows:

at Raising Homemakers...

...at Homemaker By Choice...

...and at Toddler Talk Thursday:

Wordless Wednesday - Papa's Girl

2011-07-13T00:46:00.000-07:00

GAH.

I love these people.

So.

Much.

(thanks to Polka Dot for the photo!)

A Blogtastic Extravaganza 2.0!

2011-07-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

Who's excited about A.B.E. 2.0?!

I can't wait!

When, Where, & Who:
Starting August 17th at 12:00AM EST and running until August 21st at 11:59PM EST, 100 elite blogs will be hosting awesome giveaway packages, (each will value $50 or MORE!) that you will be able to jump from blog to blog and enter! If you have a blog, I believe there are still a few openings!
Apply for approval at My Silly Monkeys!

I'm putting together at least two prize packages for you, and there are some awesome things in store for you!

Check out the amazing prizes we had in January...this time around is going to be just as good!

I'm planning on doing another "Natural Baby" (cloth diapers, etc,) and another "Princess" package...we'll see what else I might be able to put together for you!

If you are a company that is interested in some amazing quality exposure, and would like to sponsor Mama Chocolate, please contact me at jccchocolate@gmail.com.

I am still accepting applications and new ideas, and would be glad to send you more info on what you, as a business, can get from this Blogtastic Extravaganza!

Amy Adele Stationery Review

2011-07-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

Amy Adele's artwork is perfect for so many occasions, and you can find pretty much any type of card, invitation, announcements or label you could possibly want on amyadele.com! (Even adorable t-shirts & onesies!)

I got to review a set of customized note cards, and I chose the Pink Happy Daisy Row design for Katie.

The process for personalizing the cards on the website was simple and easy to navigate. You have a lot of control over the font style, font size, and where on the card the lettering is placed!

Toddler Gym for Girls

There are so many adorable designs to choose from...I had a difficult time!

Monkey

What's more, every paper product from Amy Adele is printed on paper made of 100% Post Consumer Recycled Fiber!

Sourced from one of the finest paper manufacturers in the world, their paper is:

Acid free & processed chlorine free
Made with 100% certified renewable energy
Procured through responsible use of forest resources

Besides their paper products for baby announcements and more, I am keeping this t-shirt in mind for if/when God chooses to bless us with another little one!

When we became pregnant with Victoria, I looked for a "big sister" shirt everywhere for Katie, but never ended up finding one I liked...I LOVE this one:

Check out Amy Adele's impressive 100% satisfaction guarantee, and get free shipping through the end of July by using code JULYFREE11, or sign up for their newsletter to receive your unique code for 20% off your first order!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Undercover Mama Nursing Shirt Deal!

2011-07-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

Today and tomorrow ONLY you can get the Undercover Mama nursing shirt for only $15, (with free shipping if you order by 7/31/11!) by using the deal at Gaggle of Chicks!

It is normally $25, (plus shipping costs,) so this is a big savings!

The Modest Mom alerted me to this deal on her Facebook page...thanks so much, Caroline!

I reviewed the Undercover Mama nursing shirt back in February, and since then, I have been using it even more, because of the splint I have to wear for my diastasis recti, (I'm using the same program as Amy at Raising Arrows.)

You basically have to wear an undershirt under the splint, which makes nursing difficult, since you obviously can't pull up the shirt from the bottom with the splint holding it down.

Now that I'm using it so much more often, having only a black one was becoming wearisome. ;-)

I just ordered a white one with this deal, so now I have one to wear with all my summer wardrobe!

WINNER! Sew is Your Baby Cloth Diaper

2011-07-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

The Sew is Your Baby cloth diaper giveaway ended with 901 valid entries, and the random number generator picked #590.

Entry # 590 is...Tiffany Uchida!

Congratulations, Tiffany!

Winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond before a new winner must be chosen.

If you didn't win, wipe your tears and enter the giveaway for T.Ashley Candle Co. Tart Warmer & Soy Melts (7/13) and the giveaway for a $30 Gift Certificate to Leading Lady Nursing Wear! (Ends 7/15)

Watch for exciting new giveaways coming soon!

Wordless Wednesday - Great-Great-Uncle

2011-07-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

My Great-Uncle Gus has always been a big tease...

I remember being teased by him (and all the other great-uncles when they were still with us!) every single time we got together!

At 90-years-old, he still couldn't resist all the sweet little girl cousins running around at our family reunion on Independence Day!

WINNER! Victorian Rose Soap Co. Gift Card

2011-07-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Victorian Rose Soap Co. giveaway ended with 327 valid entries, and the random number generator picked #180.

Entry # 296 is...Jennifer Kaylor!

Congratulations, Jennifer! You're a lucky gal! ;-)

Winner has responded and been confirmed

If you didn't win, wipe your tears and enter the Sew is Your Baby cloth diaper giveaway! (Ends 7/6) and

T.Ashley Candle Co. Tart Warmer & Soy Melts (7/13)

Watch for exciting new giveaways coming soon!

Breakfast Smoothies - Fun with Food Friday

2011-07-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this week's Fun with Food Friday! (ALERT: Read to the bottom for extra bonus entries opportunity!)
Check to see what Michelle at The Not-So-Secret Confessions of a ~~First~~ Second Time Mom has cooked up this week!
Please check my archives for more delicious recipes!
This breakfast smoothie recipe comes from reader Shannon!

BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE

Ingredients:

orange juice (Shannon says she uses Tropicana. I only had Minute Maid concentrate, so that's what I used)
frozen bananas
spinach
BarleyMax (a supplement from Hallelujah Acres)

Directions from Shannon:

Basically you just blend it all together! The amounts depend on how many you are feeding. We usually use around 3 frozen bananas and half a bag of spinach. You don't need the BarleyMax, it just makes it extra nutritious.

I didn't have any BarleyMax, but I looked it up online and it looks like something I may want to get!

All the smoothies I have ever made include dairy products, so we've been avoiding them lately with the post-vacation cold we all have, so this recipe was extremely welcome this week!

Katie loved this smoothie and drank more of it than any other smoothie I've made her, so it definitely has kid-approval!

Despite its green color, which may be disturbing to some, (my sister wasn't too sure!) you can not taste the spinach at all and it didn't add any strange texture!

What a great way to get more vegetables into your kids!

I love making, (and eating!) smoothies for breakfast, and here are some more ideas to mix and match to spice it up!

yogurt (I prefer using Greek yogurt for its higher protein)
milk
fruit and/or vegetable juices
eggs (preferably farm-fresh and/or organic since you'll be eating them raw)
frozen/fresh fruit of all kinds (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, peaches, bananas, cherries, pineapple, avocado, and more!)
veggies of all kinds (raw spinach, steamed broccoli, and dozens more! Google "green smoothie" for more ideas!)
ground flax seed
coconut oil (see my review of Tropical Traditions' coconut oil)

Please comment if you have ideas and recipes for smoothies that you love!

**********************We'll be doing this again next Friday, and we need your recipes!

To encourage ya'll to produce your tasty gems, I'm offering 10 extra entries into any ONE giveaway of your choice for each recipe you submit, (you can send me as many as you like!)

Just send the recipe(s) to mamachocolateblog@gmail.com and add the 10 entries into the appropriate box on the giveaway entry form.

If you have a blog post about a favorite recipe, I'd love it if you'd comment with a link to it!

Leading Lady Nursing Bra Review & Giveaway - 7/15

2011-07-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

* This giveaway is now CLOSED *

I've been looking forward to bringing this giveaway to you for literally months! Leading Lady sent me so many of their amazing nursing products to try out that it has honestly taken me months to feel like I've used them enough to give a proper review!

Leading Lady is a resource for quality nursing and full-figure apparel. I hate shopping for bras, and I've never been able to find a nursing bra that I really liked (they're all so BLAH,) or that I felt really fit me the way it was supposed to.

Seven out of ten women are wearing the wrong bra size! I was one of those seven, but thanks to Leading Lady and their "Find Your Fit Tool," I now have comfortable, well-fitting, and pretty nursing bras!

I tried the Organic Molded Wirefree Nursing Bra and the Sport Wirefree Nursing Bra, but my favorite was the Molded Seamless Lace-Framed Underwire Bra.

I need more support, especially while nursing so the underwire one was just right for me, and I will be ordering more of this style soon!

This was the most comfortable underwire bra I have ever worn, and it's not plain and boring like all the nursing bras that are the only options in my department stores.

I now wear this one all the time except when it's in the wash, (which is why I need to buy more!)

With almost daily use for several months, this bra continues to hold up wonderfully!

Occasionally, one of the adjustment straps will slip down over the course of the day, but it is by no means a frequent occurrence.

I do not sleep in an underwire bra, but either the Organic Molded Wirefree Nursing Bra or the Sport Wirefree Nursing Bra are great nighttime options when that support is needed!

For lighter support at night or during leisure times, the Nursing Chemise and the Nursing Bra Cami are also wonderful!

The Nursing Chemise in particular is my new favorite sleepwear option now! Besides giving the support a nursing mom needs even at night, the fabric is incredibly soft!

As my budget allows, I will be getting myself another one of these as well!

Besides the quality nursing wear available on their website, Leading Lady also provides loads of helpful breastfeeding advice via their free downloadable Breastfeeding Handbook as well as the Breastfeeding A-Z list of tips to help you have a better and easier nursing experience!

At Amy's Corner blog on the Leading Lady website, you can get your breastfeeding questions answered by a lactation consultant!

Leading Lady has graciously offered a $30 gift certificate (with free shipping,) to one lucky reader to spend as they please!

You must use the form below to enter!

Please feel free to comment to remind yourself that you entered!

(if you've forgotten, email me and I'll check for you)

jccchocolate@gmail.com

Remember, however, that comments will not be counted as entries, except for daily tweets or Facebook postings.

Current Entries as of

Friday, July 1st, 3:20pm PST: 59

Giveaway will close July 15th, Friday, 2011 at 11:59pm PST.

This giveaway is open to residents of US and Canada. I will choose the winner via Random.org, and the winner will be announced here on the blog and notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, after which a new winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for shipping the prize. Please allow 4-6 weeks for the prize to arrive from the sponsor.
*Leading Lady sent me the products for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received and opinions expressed were not influenced in any way.
All photos/images courtesy of Leading Lady.

Links You'll Want

Leading Lady Website

Leading Lady on Facebook
Leading Lady on Twitter

Mama Chocolate on Facebook

Mama Chocolate on Twitter

SAMPLE Tweet:

#Win a $30 GC to @LeadingLadyBras for #nursing bras & apparel at @ChoresChocolate! http://ow.ly/5uQer #breastfeeding #giveaway #bfcafe 7/15

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Wordless Wednesday - Reading

2011-06-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

We just got our Jesus Storybook Bible that I've been meaning to order forever, so we had to sit down this morning and read some of the stories!

So far, we love it!

(Thanks to my little sister Polka Dot, for the photo! I get to hang out with her for the next week and a half while most of the rest of the family is in Poland! Yay!)

T. Ashley Candle Co. Tart Warmer Review & Giveaway - 7/13

2011-06-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

* This giveaway is now CLOSED *

I'd heard of "tart warmer" before, but I'd never seen or used one until the T. Ashley Candle Company sent me their White Tart Warmer to review, along with a set of Mango Papaya scented soy melts.

Electric tart warmers are ideal for homes with small children.

There is no open flame and the warmer heats the soy melts at a low temperature, spreading the fragrance throughout your home!

Simply plug it in, turn on the switch and place one or two, (or all, depending on how big your warmer is!) of the soy melt squares into the bowl of the warmer.

The website says one package (of 6 squares,) will last 10-20 hours.

I had already used mine for a total of about 10 hours when I accidentally left it on for more than 48 hours this week!

(Note: The website says most of their warmers have a little indication light to help you notice that they are on, but mine did not. This would definitely be helpful.)

I was concerned that I ruined it by leaving it on with nothing in there that long...but when I went to check it...there is still some left!!

I couldn't believe it! Suffice to say...these last a LONG time.

At $3.95 a pack, these soy melts are much more cost effective for bringing a pleasant aroma into your home than most candle options!

Some candle fragrances have been known to give me headaches and I was pleased to find that although these soy melts give off a powerful (and pleasing!) aroma in the tart warmer, I have suffered no headaches!

Besides the Mango Papaya that I reviewed, you may also choose from Key Lime Pie, Lucious Cheesecake, Pink Sugar, Cherry Lemonade, and more!

The T.Ashley Candle Co. has several beautiful tart warmer options to choose from!

Here are a few of my favorites!

Shawnee from the T.Ashley Candle Co. is giving away another of the Round White tart warmers and a package of soy melts in one of the fragrances listed above to one lucky Mama Chocolate reader!

You must use the form below to enter!

Please feel free to comment to remind yourself that you entered!

(if you've forgotten, email me and I'll check for you)

jccchocolate@gmail.com

Remember, however, that comments will not be counted as entries, except for daily tweets or Facebook postings.

Current Entries as of

Friday, July 1st, 3:20pm PST: 26

Giveaway will close July 13th, Wednesday, 2011 at 11:59pm PST.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada. I will choose the winner via Random.org, and the winner will be announced here on the blog and notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, after which a new winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for shipping the prize. Please allow 4-6 weeks for the prize to arrive from the sponsor.

*T.Ashley Candle Co. sent me the products for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received and opinions expressed were not influenced in any way.

Links You'll Want

T. Ashley Candle Co. Website

T. Ashley Candle Co. on Facebook
T. Ashley Candle Co. on Twitter

Mama Chocolate on Facebook

Mama Chocolate on Twitter

SAMPLE Tweet:

#Win a tart warmer & soy melts from @TAshleyCandles1 at @ChoresChocolate! http://ow.ly/5snej #candles #soymelts #tartwarmer #giveaway 7/13

Happy Anniversary to US!

2011-06-23T15:07:00.001-07:00

Today, John and I celebrate 4 amazing years as husband and wife!

I can't believe how much YOUNGER we already look in our wedding photos...

...but I can't wait to be celebrating our 50th (...60th...70th?) anniversary and be marveling at what "young things" we once were. ;-)

I love you, darling!

Wordless Wednesday - My Steal

2011-06-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

I was pretty excited when I got this Graco Cleo stroller "thrown-in" with another Craigslist deal for only $25!
(It's $219 on Amazon!)

It had only been used once, and still had the crisp manual sitting in the basket part!

It's got some pretty snazzy features, but mostly I'm just glad to be rid of the stroller that was falling to pieces and looking older than me.

After I brought it home and used it a few times I went and looked at the reviews on Amazon. There are a few issues with this stroller, including the unfolding process (5 steps!) and this lady has it right-on.

I because of it's oddities, I would be really disappointed if I'd spent over 200 bucks on it, but for $25...I'm happy and it came just in time for our church's camp last week!

(...if you're drooling over Victoria's blanket, find out where to get it.)

Sew is Your Baby! Cloth Diaper Review & Giveaway - 7/6

2011-06-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

* This giveaway is now CLOSED *

I have the privilege of yet again introducing you to a new cloth diapering company!

Besides affordable pocket diapers, Sew is Your Baby also provides minky wetbags, flannel cloth wipes, adorable baby pants especially designed for those "fluffy bottoms," and MORE!

I love the Kaledidoscope Flowers baby wipes!

($5.95 for a set of 6!)

Sew is Your Baby also carries an amazing variety of BabyLegs for great prices!

These Blue Argyle ones are only $6.95 right now!

Michelle at Sew is Your Baby sent me the Pink Butterflies & Roses minky diaper to review ($14.00, including one insert.)

I'm going to be honest here...my absolute favorite feature of this diaper is the PRINT.

I have long been frustrated with the lack of pretty diapers out there! There are so many cutesy ones, which is all well and good, (and I love 'em too!) but seriously, people.

I have girls, I'm a girl, and sometimes, I want a diaper we can call "beautiful"...something that works with their outfits when I "dress-up" my girlies.

I suppose you wanna know how it performs, though, huh? A soft and pretty diaper isn't much use if it doesn't hold in the not-so-pretty part...

You're in luck, 'cause this diaper delivers!

It fits both my girls, (7 months and 27 months,) and held it all in!

(there is a newborn crossover snap for teeny babies, also. This diaper is designed to fit 6.5lbs - 33lbs)

For Katie, (27 months,) I needed to add an extra insert, (the diaper comes with one, and you can purchase extras for $2/each.) I think this would be the case for most toddlers, so be aware of this when ordering!

For Victoria, (7 months,) one insert was entirely sufficient, even for overnight.

I do need to mention that I still have not managed to get her to test a #2 in there for me, (sorry if T.M.I.)

We started solid foods recently, so her bowel movements are less frequent, and without fail she finally does it in the diaper after this diaper is used...

I do not have any doubts that it would contain it just fine.

The back pocket opening has great elastic, and it fits comfortably, but snuggly all around, so no blow-outs here!

Buy Your Own:

Pick your favorites from the printed minky diapers, the solid minky diapers and the non-minky diapers at Sew is Your Baby!

Win Your Own!

Sew is Your Baby is giving away another diaper of the winner's choice to one lucky Mama Chocolate reader!

You must use the form below to enter!

Please feel free to comment to remind yourself that you entered!

(if you've forgotten, email me and I'll check for you)

jccchocolate@gmail.com

Remember, however, that comments will not be counted as entries, except for daily tweets or Facebook postings.

Current Entries as of

Wednesday, July 6th, 11:59pm PST: 901

Giveaway will close July 6th, Wednesday, 2011 at 11:59pm PST.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada. I will choose the winner via Random.org, and the winner will be announced here on the blog and notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, after which a new winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for shipping the prize. Please allow 4-6 weeks for the prize to arrive from the sponsor.

*Sew is Your Baby sent me a diaper for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received and opinions expressed were not influenced in any way.

Links You'll Want

Sew is Your Baby Website

Sew is Your Baby on Facebook
Sew is Your Baby on Twitter
Sew is Your Baby Blog

Mama Chocolate on Facebook

Mama Chocolate on Twitter

SAMPLE Tweet:

#Win a @SewisYourBaby one-size pocket #clothdiaper at @ChoresChocolate now! http://ow.ly/5oeiM #gogreen #green #giveaway #clothdiapers 7/6

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

WINNERS! Happy Heinys, HT Dish Liquid, & $25 Kiki's Maternity GC

2011-06-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

We have the some more winners!

The Happy Heinys giveaway from Chic Cheeks ended with 799 valid entries, and the random number generator picked #691.

Entry # 691 is...Heather at the Tree Huggin' Momma!

Heather is going to be giving away a $50 cloth diaper package at her blog soon, when she reaches 1000 GFC followers!

Please help her reach her goal and enter to win!

**************

The Household Traditions Dish Liquid giveaway ended with 224 valid entries, and the random number generator picked #59.

Entry # 59 is...Zoe K!

**************

The $25 Kiki's Maternity Fashions Gift Card giveaway ended with 271 valid entries, and the random number generator picked #44.

Entry #44 is...Tenea Cannon!

(Sponsored by Tomoson.com)

Congratulations to the winners! (More winners to be announced soon!)

All winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to respond before new winners will be chosen!

If you didn't win, wipe your tears and enter my other current giveaways!

Watch for exciting new giveaways coming soon!

Current Giveaways

Planet Wise Reusable Bag Set - 6/21 Enter here!
$20 Victorian Rose Soap Co. Gift Card - 6/27 Enter here!

Bye-Bye Diapers Potty Training Event

Little Looster - Booster for the Loo! - 6/24 Enter here!

WINNERS! Super Skivvies & Envibum

2011-06-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

We have the some more winners from the Bye-Bye Diapers giveaways here on Mama Chocolate!

The Super Skivvies giveaway ended with 571 valid entries, and the random number generator picked #396 and #144.

Entry # 396 is...Nikole H. and entry #144 is Tattin' Kat!

**************

The Envibum giveaway ended with a whoppin' 1243 valid entries, and the random number generator picked #880.

Entry # 880 is...Brittany Higg!

Congratulations to the winners! (More winners to be announced soon!)

All winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to respond before new winners will be chosen!

If you didn't win, wipe your tears and enter my other current giveaways!

Watch for exciting new giveaways coming soon!

Current Giveaways

$25 Kiki's Maternity Fashions Gift Card - 6/20 Enter here!

Planet Wise Reusable Bag Set - 6/21 Enter here!
$20 Victorian Rose Soap Co. Gift Card - 6/27 Enter here!

Bye-Bye Diapers Potty Training Event

Little Looster - Booster for the Loo! - 6/24 Enter here!

Baked Beans - Fun with Food Friday

2011-06-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this week's Fun with Food Friday! (ALERT: Read to the bottom for extra bonus entries opportunity!)
Michelle at The Not-So-Secret Confessions of a ~~First~~ Second Time Mom is still taking a little break as she just graduated college and is enjoying well-deserved celebrations!
Please check my archives for more delicious recipes!
Melissa H. kindly responded to my pleading on Facebook for somebody to please send me a baked bean recipe, (and got 10 extra entries into the dish liquid giveaway for her troubles!)
Incidentally, this recipe comes from the Nourishing Traditions cookbook, which I just won in a giveaway from Exodus Books! Yay for me! ;-) I had this book on my birthday wish-list, and now I can already cross it off!

BAKED BEANS (this recipe serves 6-8)

Ingredients:

4 cups small white beans
Warm filtered water
2 TBSP lemon juice
2 medium onions
2 TBSP butter
2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1 small can tomato paste
3 TBSP naturally fermented soy sauce (I didn't have this, so I just used regular)
3 TBSP vinegar
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup molasses
3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
1 TSP salt
Pinch of red chile flakes

Directions:

Cover beans with warm water. Stir in lemon juice and leave in a warm place for 24 hours. In a flameproof casserole, sauté onion in butter and oil. Drain beans, rinse and add to casserole, with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil and skim. Add remaining ingredients, cover and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 6 hours. Serve!

* * * * * * * *

I had to do things a little differently, since I was planning on taking this to my brother and sister-in-law's house after church for lunch, and needed to have it prepared and cooked ahead of time.

I probably should have cooked it all as directed and then just warmed them when we got to their house, but I didn't think that far ahead, so I went with using the crockpot instead. The beans ended up a little crunchy, so I want to try it again properly.

(So they weren't exactly baked beans. More like crockpotted beans. That sounded iffy though, so I still called 'em baked beans.)

* * * * * * * *

I soaked the beans...not for the full 24 hours, but since I was going to be cooking them for almost 24 hours, I figured they'd be alright with a little less soaking time...I think they could have used the full 24 hours, and I'm sure there is some health/digestive benefit to soaking them longer first.

Instead of boiling the beans first, (I didn't want to make another pot dirty...I'm lazy, I know,) I just rinsed the beans and put them into the crockpot with more water. I should have at least poured boiling water on them, but it was late, and I wasn't feeling quite that clever. I believe this is why they turned out a little crunchy!

I didn't have any onions left in the freezer, (ack!) so I actually had to get some out and chop them up! At least I have my handy-dandy chopper thing-a-ma-jigger to help me out.
.
Even though it didn't say to, I added the garlic in with the onions when I was sauteing them.

Sorry, Sally Fallon, I didn't have any naturally fermented soy sauce, (??) so I used what I had!

This was super quick and easy to throw together! If you had your onions pre-chopped and sauteed in your freezer, (like I usually do!) this recipe would take almost no time at all!

These were the first baked (crockpotted) beans I've ever made, (shocking!) and I was pretty pleased with my success! The flavor was great, and left-over they'll be great, (when they'd had a chance to cook more!)
We'll definitely be making these again...and maybe next time I won't be such a rebel and actually follow the directions...

**********************We'll be doing this again next Friday, and we need your recipes!

Chicks & Chilluns

2011-06-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

We delighted our little Katie-girl last week by bringing home 16 little Rhode Island Red chicks!

(fresh eggs someday soon!)

She calls them "her birdies," or the "baby chickens" and always wants to hold them and feed them and get them more water.

"Birdies don't feel good! Needs food in her tummies!"

I wish I could spell the way she says "birdies."

It's epic.

In other news, THIS one is now 7 months old!

On the day she turned 7 months, she finally officially sat up on her own!

(she could have a lot sooner if she'd just quit trying to stand up instead!)

Victoria sure is a fun little character! I love watching her personality blossom...she's an intense one!

Her preferred method of communication is shrieking.

Happy or angry. It requires high-pitched vocalization.

Katie likes to respond,

"WHOA, Toria!"

My poor little pumpkin has eczema on her arms. :-(

It used to be a lot worse, but I still have to keep her in long sleeves all the time or she scratches at it until it's bleeding and oozing. (Yuck and ouch!)

Anyone have some good tips for fighting eczema? I recently heard of using hazelwood necklaces, (kind of like amber necklaces for teething.)

Have any of you used or had success with those for eczema?

Victorian Rose Soap Co. Review & Giveaway - 6/27

2011-06-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

* This giveaway is now CLOSED *

When Karen contacted me about reviewing their goat-milk soaps, I was excited!

I've occasionally heard of the loveliness and luxury of goat-milk soaps, but couldn't remember ever actually using any!

The Victorian Rose Soap Co. has so many options to choose from, including their scented collection, their all-naturals, and their adorable children's soaps. They even have body butters!

I had an incredibly hard time choosing, but I ended up with the Chocolate Vanilla Cut Bar, (it was chocolate, how could I resist?)

(photo courtesy of Victorian Rose Soap Co.)

the Peppermint Spearmint Cut Bar,

(photo courtesy of Victorian Rose Soap Co.)

...and the Lavender Patchouli Oval bar!

I wish I had more pictures of all the soaps...but I was too eager to get them into use...and so was my 2-year-old Katie! I opened the package and set them on the table, went to do something and came back to find her unwrapping them all!

"Soap? Wash hands?"

I shoulda picked one of those kitty soaps! That would have got her really excited!

(see the website for some beautiful photos of the soaps!)

We love them all! I think the Lavender Patchouli oval-shaped one is my favorite. Both for it's scent and lovely appearance! (You can get different scented soaps in that same mold, also!)

The website describes it has having just a hint of a woodsy scent, and it's a very accurate description!

We've used the soaps in our bathrooms, in our kitchen and in our baths and showers!

I love that the goat milk helps the soap to be less drying to your skin than regular bar soap.

Here's a little more about the company from their website:

* * * * * * * *

We handcraft Goat’s Milk Soaps with all the finest ingredients. We use the highest quality oils of Coconut, Olive, Palm, Canola, and Castor. We make our soaps with 100% Goat's Milk, Goat’s milk enriches the skin adding nutrients and is becoming one of the most sought after body care treatments worldwide!

We add butters of Shea and/or Cocoa for added smoothness, and for the vitamins and minerals they contain.

We select our scents for their mood enhancing qualities and hand blend them into each of our scented soaps.

Many of our designs are from the very romantic time period of the Victorian Era.

Our soaps are Natural, Enviromentally friendly, and Completely Handcrafted

* * * * * * * *

I loved getting to know Karen and her family a little during our correspondence! I ~~knew their suffering~~ instantly felt a bond, just knowing that they are goat farmers! My sister and I raised goats from when we were about 7 and 9 right up until I got married and moved out!

Besides the soap company that Karen and her daughter Emmeline run, they also raise cows, sheep, horses, and organically-grown produce in Coastal Oregon.

They raise kids, too. 8 of 'em! They're fellow Christian homeschoolers and Karen was excited to learn that I was a "daughter of Doorposts!"

I am excited to tell you about their company and encourage you to stop by and check out their selection and also their blog for updates on the farm and family!

The Victorian Rose Soap Co. is giving all Mama Chocolate readers a special 10% discount code, good through the end of June! Enter the voucher code "Chocolate" when you place your order!

And now...Karen and Emmeline have generously offered to give a $20 gift certificate (with free shipping,) to one of my lucky readers! That'll get somebody a lot of soaps!

You must use the form below to enter!

Please feel free to comment to remind yourself that you entered!

(if you've forgotten, email me and I'll check for you)

jccchocolate@gmail.com

Remember, however, that comments will not be counted as entries, except for daily tweets or Facebook postings.

Current Entries as of

Monday, June 27th, 11:59pm PST: 327

Giveaway will close June 27th, Monday, 2011 at 11:59pm PST.

This giveaway is open to residents of the Continental US and Canada. I will choose the winner via Random.org, and the winner will be announced here on the blog and notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, after which a new winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for shipping the prize. Please allow 4-6 weeks for the prize to arrive from the sponsor.

*The Victorian Rose Soap Co. sent me the soaps for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received and opinions expressed were not influenced in any way.

Links You'll Want

Victorian Rose Soap Co. Website

Victorian Rose Soap Co. on Facebook
Victorian Rose Soap Co. on Twitter
Victorian Rose Soap Co. Blog

Mama Chocolate on Facebook

Mama Chocolate on Twitter

SAMPLE Tweet:

#Win a $20 Gift Certificate for Goat-Milk Soaps and more from @victorianlady8 at @ChoresChocolate now! http://tinyurl.com/2amefms #giveaway 6/27

Escape!

2011-06-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, I'm off for our annual ~~exhausting~~ week of fun at our church camp at the coast!

(Don't be too jealous, now!)

I have some good things scheduled to happen here at the blog, so not to worry.

Feel free to still email me with any questions, but understand that my access to internet may be limited, at best, so unless it's super-dee-duper important, you won't be hearing from me until Monday the 20th.

Make sure you enter all the current giveaways...

...and watch for a special new one tomorrow!

Hummus & Pita Bread - Fun with Food Friday

2011-06-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this week's Fun with Food Friday! (ALERT: Read to the bottom for extra bonus entries opportunity!)
Michelle at The Not-So-Secret Confessions of a ~~First~~ Second Time Mom just graduated with her Associates in Business Administration yesterday, so head on over and congratulate her!Woo hoo! You won't see a recipe from her for the next two weeks, because she's ~~being a slacker~~ taking a well-deserved break to party with her family!
Please check my archives for more delicious recipes!
Today, I'm doing a quickie...I've been super busy this week trying to prepare to LEAVE for a week!Our church camp starts on Sunday, (!!) and I've got a lot of packing to do. I'm off to do some last minute grocery shopping this morning (alone with the kids - pray for me!) and I've got to get out NOW so that I can get back before nap time!

So, I'm going to tell you to go visit Nony the Slob (she's like my soul sister,) for this delicious hummus recipe!She has a nice little tutorial there for ya.
I've made it 3 or 4 times since I discovered her blog a few weeks ago! I never knew I liked hummus so much!I tried with and without the chili powder, (sounds weird, huh?) and I definitely preferred it without. (Nony left it out, too, so you can decide if you're brave enough to add chili powder to perfectly-good hummus.)
You can eat it with crackers, buy pita to eat it with, or find out how I make my own pita here, (in one of my very-first-ever blog posts!)

**********************We'll be doing this again next Friday, and we need your recipes!

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WINNERS! BabyLegs & F1B Potty Mat

2011-06-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

We have the some more winners from the Bye-Bye Diapers giveaways here on Mama Chocolate!

The BabyLegs giveaway ended with 999 valid entries, (how weird is that?) and the random number generator picked #22.

Entry # 22 is...Amber Meyers!

Check out Amber's blog for a giveaway for some adorable girls' hair accessories!

**************

The Fresh 1 Blankies giveaway ended with 362 valid entries, and the random number generator picked #357.

Entry # 357 is...Lisa L!

Congratulations to the winners!

Update: Both winners have responded and been confirmed!

If you didn't win, be sure to enter my other current giveaways, and watch for exciting new giveaways coming soon!

Current Giveaways

Happy Heinys One for All OS Diaper - 6/14 Enter here!

Household Traditions Dish Liquid - 6/17 Enter here!

$25 Kiki's Maternity Fashions Gift Card - 6/20 Enter here!

Planet Wise Reusable Bag Set - 6/21 Enter here!

Bye-Bye Diapers Potty Training Event

Super Skivvies Training Pants - 6/10 Enter here!

Envibum AIO Cloth Diaper - 6/13 Enter here!

Little Looster - Booster for the Loo! - 6/24 Enter here!

Little Looster Review & Giveaway - BBD Event 6/24

2011-06-09T16:25:00.000-07:00

I have one last giveaway for you during our Bye-Bye Diapers potty training event...and it's a good one!

(I extended the event, since we had so many sponsors!)

The Little Looster provides:

Comfort

Provides total comfort & leg support for years of use. No more painful pins-n-needles feeling when little legs are not supported.

Confidence

No scary feeling of "falling in." Kids legs do all the work.

Cleanliness

Allows children to have their hands free at all times. No need to grip the back of the toilet seat or the inner, germ-covered rim.

(photo from Little Looster's site)

This is truly a brilliant invention!

Buy your own Little Looster here, for $34.99!

I will admit I was surprised by it's size, and the bathroom Katie uses isn't particularly roomy to begin with, so it makes the bathroom feel a little cramped. It's not so much that it's in the way as it just takes up visual space, if you know what I mean.

In a few more months, I think we'll love this thing even more. Katie still can't manage to sit on the toilet seat with out the soft trainer seat on top, (she's only 26 months, and she's got a skinny little hiney!) With the trainer seat, there's extra height added, so her feet don't actually reach the booster, which means we aren't experiencing the full benefits yet.

She can, however get up onto the toilet all by herself now, and she now PREFERS the "big potty," just because she has this awesome specially-for-her booster!
This is great for me...no more rinsing out and constantly disinfecting her little potty chair! Just flush it down! Woo hoo!

I am now proud to announce that Katie is officially day-time potty trained! Of course, as soon as I planned on "announcing" this, Katie had a little accident while "washing the dishes" today. She gets so into her "work" that she forgets until it's too late, (I think the sound of the running water in the sink might prompt it, too, sometimes!) ;-)

Besides that, we haven't had any accidents for about 2 weeks! Hooray! A round of applause! *clap clap*

I'm so glad we made it...our church camp is next week, and I really did not want to be in the middle of potty training during that time!

Are you ready for the giveaway?!

WIN YOUR OWN Little Looster!

Little Looster has graciously offered one lucky Mama Chocolate reader their very own Little Looster Booster!

You must use the form below to enter!

Please feel free to comment to remind yourself that you entered!
(if you've forgotten, email me and I'll check for you)
jccchocolate@gmail.com

Remember, however, that comments will not be counted as entries, except for daily tweets or Facebook postings.

Current Entries as of

Wednesday, June 21st, 9:45am PST: 340

Giveaway will close June 24th, Friday, 2011 at 11:59pm PST.

*Little Looster provided me with a sample product for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was given and opinions expressed were not influenced in any way.

Links You'll Want

Little Looster Website
Little Looster on Facebook
Little Looster on Twitter
Purposeful Homemaking
Mama Chocolate on Facebook

Mama Chocolate on Twitter

SAMPLE Tweet:

Enter to #win Little Looster #giveaway from @LoosterMama and @ChoresChocolate! #BBD #pottytraining Event! http://ow.ly/5eqlP