I put the swing away today

I put the swing away today.

My youngest, my last baby, hasn't used it in almost 2 weeks. It was taking up space.

This is hard - harder than I thought it would be.

When you prepare to have a baby, you collect all the things; crib, car seat, swing, jumper, play mats, clothes (so many clothes!). When you and your baby are done with them, you often put it away for future babies, still holding on to them and the memories that are attached to them. I have done this a few times with 5 babies.

After my older two were done with their things, off they went to friends and family that could use them for their own babies. I was in my 20s and it didn't seem like such a big deal. I kept a few items to hopefully pass down to my children for their children one day. I thought I had put the "baby days" behind me.

Fast forward 8 years and I was doing it again. After I went through a regret stage over not keeping any of the big stuff, it was time to collect it all again. The car seat, crib, playpen, jumper, play mats, toys, cute little snow suits, tiny shoes that they never wear, the swing...

Now that my little guy is a year old, exploring the world, it is time to start packing those things away. It's time to pass them on to friends, my sister who is having her first baby, or even sell some stuff on Facebook. This time is different though. It feels so final - which is good! - but, now I have to come to terms with the fact that my baby isn't a "baby" anymore.

At first, I was excited to pass on all the cute little clothes and tell stories about my journey to find the perfect stain remover 🤣
I don't know what it was about the swing that made me hold on for so long. I knew he didn't need it, I needed the room, and I wanted my 4 and 3 year olds to stop playing in it all the time, but feeling that the baby stage was over really hit me this time.


Now, I will be 34 next week. I am totally done with the baby stage - plus, everyone know that is the easy part anyway - but I will miss it. Soon, he will be too busy to sit on my lap. He will be too big to cuddle with mom. He is growing up so fast and I feel like it just went by too quickly.

ChunkyBabies!!!

So, since my last post, ChunkyBabies has launched!!

I am totally excited as I have actually been making sales! As someone who is often self-conscious about work and business decisions, this has been an amazing journey so far!

I finally have all social media set up too! So, feel free to check them out :)

Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

Here are some pictures to get an idea!

Some teethers I have already sold!

My PLN "Dear Baby" Entry

In our family we do things a little differently.
Now, I know you are not born yet and, when you read this you will probably say "Mooooom...", but I wanted - no, needed to write this letter.
You are our last born. You are your brother's  greatest wish (and after three girls, your dad and I, while all we wanted was a healthy baby, were very happy to have another boy!).
We aren't traditional in the sense that we have decided when to have children, as you may have noticed with the gap between your sisters (8 years!). We have always had the mindset that, if we were meant to have another baby - we would.
...But it stopped with you.
Our not so little family will be complete the minute we see your face. You will be the last baby we rock to sleep at 3 am, the last we get to watch take their first steps, the last we hear say their first words (please say "mommy" first!), the last we teach to use a potty, read, and ride a bike. You will be our last baby to head off to kindergarten, graduate high school and go off to college.

All these firsts will be lasts for us, and will be very bittersweet, but I am looking forward to every second we get to watch, teach and learn with you.

You have 4 amazing siblings as well. They are all looking forward to meeting you. I know you will love them just as much as they love you. Your brother is an amazing artist and I know he is looking forward to drawing with you and teaching you all of his skills. Your sisters are so excited to finally have a baby brother, I know you will make them proud.

We are all counting down the days until we can hold you and love you... when you are ready to join us.

BIG NEWS!!

Some big news to share...

I have decided to take a huge leap and jump into small business mode!

With recently finding out that we are expecting baby #5 in the fall, I turned my brain to business ideas.  I had been looking at starting a business for a while now, and this was a great push/motivation for me.

So... I will be launching ChunkyBabies in late June or early July.  It is a line of 100% non-toxic, BPA-free, lead-free, food-grade silicone teething accessories. These products have form and function. Not only will they help keep tiny gums busy and soothed, moms and dads can wear them in their every day lives. From necklaces, to bracelets, to pacifier clips, to completely customizable pieces, I've got you covered!

I am very excited about this new venture and I hope to expand on my existing idea and serve the population of people I studied to work with in college. My goal is to expand into production of sensory - based products (I already have designs in mind!) for children with Autism and other sensory or processing difficulties, as well as adults (because, let's face it - Autism doesn't stop at 18!).

I have been working like crazy this week to get most of the social media up and running. I just need to finish original concept designs and post photos. Then, next step is to launch and set up orders.

I will post links to all social media and website as soon as possible in a follow-up post!

I discovered something...

I am not a 4 am mom.

Even after 4 children, I am NOT a 4 am mom.

You know... those moms who are up every day at 4 in the morning, kids down for a nap by 9:30 am, in bed at night at 6 pm.

I am NOT that mom.

My fourth child has given me a run for my money.  Her sleep patterns are nothing like my first 3 children, and she goes through phases where she either doesn't sleep all night, or is up at obscene hours (like this morning... 3:45am). She has made me realize that I am not 20 anymore, I miss my late evenings and, after being a mom for 13 and a half years, I am tiiiireeeddd.

For the last couple years, I enjoyed my routine. Up with my older two for school, an hour for coffee and quiet before my younger two get up around 10-10:30 am. Now, I am either up all night with my busy busy 18 month old, or she wakes me after 2 hours sleep to be up for the day. I drag my tired behind around all morning until my older kids get up, she falls asleep shortly after they leave and then my 3 year old is up for the day...

I am NOT that mom.

I know a lot of moms that can run circles around that schedule, but I am not one of them. By 11 am I look like I have spent 2 months on the Survivor island. There are also moms that take their tots to 8:30 am swim classes... 9:30 am playgroups... afternoon mommy groups...  while I struggle to book time with a friend for coffee at my house because I don't want to nod off in my mug...

Sometimes I wish I were that mom, but I kind of enjoy the disorganized version. My kids are happy, they are comfortable and, despite my lack of sleep, still meet their recommended hours of zzzzzs. I wouldn't trade the sometimes dazed time I spend with them for anything in the world. Especially not the 4 am alone time I get with my 18 month old.  She never wakes in a bad mood so, even if I don't want to get up that early, her playful smile automatically gives me that little boost I need -- to stick a K-cup in the machine.

I will be the first to admit, I sometimes crawl back into bed after my older two leave for school now. That 45 minutes of sleep is very much needed sometimes, and the extra couple hours I sporadically  get are glorious!

I enjoy not being that mom. I am far from perfect, but my kids are happy - and that is worth every sleepless minute and 3 am espresso!

Interested In Product Testing? Check out my Top 3!

So, a while back, I said I would give a run down of some of the ways I get to test products at home - for FREE! I have many different sites that range from free samples to review sites that I am a member of, but I am just going to focus on the big 3. I will create a post about some of the "smaller" or not-as-frequently-used sites.

I am going to start with My Top 3. These are my tried and true, been with them for a while, always full-size product companies. Now, let's get started!



1. BzzAgent

BzzAgent is the program I have been with the longest. It offers product testing campaigns to Canadians, Americans and has expanded to the UK and other countries over the years. I have had many campaigns over the past few years, ranging from deodorant to shampoo and conditioner, even toothpaste and a toothbrush! 

I get roughly 3-4 campaigns per year. When new campaigns open up, I usually get an email letting me know that a campaign has opened up that I qualify for. I log in and can accept or decline the product (I have never declined though!). Once I receive the product in the mail, I try it out and then log in to write my review. The activities have been expanding based on social media trends so, right now, here are some activities you can expect to complete:

- Post to Facebook

- Post to Twitter

- Post on Instagram

- Create a Board on Pinterest

- Post a Review on Amazon

and

- Write about interactions with people you have spread "Bzz" about your product to.

When I am not involved in a campaign, BzzAgent has now started to provide smaller activities that I can complete to keep me active. The more active you are with BzzAgent, the higher chance of qualifying for campaigns.

2. Influenster 

Influenster is another company which focuses more on beauty products (I have found, anyway), but also offers the opportunity to test a wide variety of products. You can link your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, blog, Tumblr, YouTube and other social media accounts to boost your influence score. You write reviews, ask/answer questions, complete campaign activities which include:

- Post to Instagram

- Post to Facebook

- Post on Twitter

- Review your product on Amazon 

This is the only one of my top 3 that has an App! 

3. ChickAdvisor

ChickAdvisor is solely Canadian! It offers a wide variety of products to test, from makeup to chocolate! The only requirement I have seen is that you write a review within 14 days of receiving your product. You can write reviews on other products you have tried, as well, to earn points. Points give you a higher chance of qualifying for campaigns and enters you into a draw each month to win gift cards.

ChickAdvisor now also offers a Premium feature, where you pay a minimal fee for boxes of products throughout the year - similar to other subscription services. 

I have been with ChickAdvisor for quite a while. I have tested sunscreens, dry shampoos and chocolate bars, participated in twitter cooking classes, and more! They now offer a men's program as well "XY Stuff".

Christmas is Coming?!

This Christmas is going to be crazy!

This is the first year in a while that I:
a) haven't been too broke to afford it
b) haven't been able to just shop when I need to (something I fixed today!)
c) managed to start my shopping before December 20th!

Having 4 kids changes the way one would shop for Christmas.  This year, I have done more online shopping that I have in my life... and it feels good.  Especially now that both of my under 3s are sick! I can shop without having to take my babies out in the cold, try to wrestle them to blow their noses, or pry toys out of their hands as I browse.

If we go back about a month ago, I accidentally melted my baby carrier in the dryer.  I thought it would be OK to only put it in for 10 minutes. I was horribly wrong.
*Note to self: Never, never, never again*
As a result, I now have no carrier. So this means a lot of time spent at home browsing the online retailers to try to have all of my children's gifts shipped to my door as quick as possible. I am about 90% finished now!

I am actually loving this! I am almost done shopping!!  A lot of retailers have really awesome sales on baby/toddler stuff this time of year, and I managed to take care of some of my shopping on Black Friday/Cyber Monday. My two older ones are waaayyy harder to shop for. Their tastes are pretty expensive, and it gets worse as they age! Amazon was amazing for my older two, and Walmart was actually really great too!

Luckily there are places like Melissa & Doug, Mastermind Toys, and Toys R Us that keep the costs down with crazy sales! I managed to pick up a few things that were "Daily Deals" at Toys R Us - and their selection of Peppa Pig stuff was beyond anything I could have imagined!

I will say this, shopping for 4 children at Christmas time shouldn't have to break the bank. May retailers offer so many sales between Black Friday and Christmas that it makes it easier to get almost everything on your little one's Christmas list for decent prices.  I use a lot of cash back and retailer apps to curb the costs as well.  I will post a breakdown of how they all work soon.

Remember, Christmas is a magical time for your little ones. There is no need to stress about the cost! They are only little once...

Get Target’s weekly ad on your iPhone, iPad or Android mobile device by downloading the retailer’s app. You can also capitalize on Target savings by taking advantage of store pickup. Order online and pick orders up you local store for free and avoid pesky shipping costs, or Target always offers free shipping on orders over $25!

The Children’s Place’s entire website is currently 50-60% off. It’s the perfect time to find outfits kids love for Fall, and cool weather fun. Check out their graphic long-sleeved tees or make it easy on yourself and browse The Children’s Place’s matchables and complete outfits for girls, boys, toddlers and babies.

Been Away... big plans!

So, I have been away for a while. There is a post I have been working on for, I don't  know, 8 months?!

I have also been working on a few other ventures!

One of those have been helping fundraise and promote a family business. I have been busy with all the social media and the blog for The Plaza Theatre in Nipigon, Ontario, Canada.  The theatre was built in the 1940's and closed in 2001. It is now time to give new life to the building! Here is a link to the GoFundMe page.

My second venture is more of a personal one. I am toying with the idea of starting my own business! This thought has been on my mind for months and I am in "business planning mode" at the moment. It is scary but so exciting! I will definitely link to that as soon as everything is final.

I have also been working on some different campaigns from Shopper Army, Influenster and Chick Advisor. No new BzzAgent right now -> 😭😭😭 <- SUPER sad face. I will be sure to update if I get anything new from them.

I have also paired with another company and hope to share a bit about them soon as well.

Check back for updates!

Next blog coming really soon!

Happy Birthday

**Now, this post is somehow making it out of the woodwork earlier than my original post.. not yet complete. I will post it eventually- I think.**

Happy Birthday.
You know who you are.

It has been just over a year and a half since you left. There isn't a day that I don't miss you. There isn't a day that I don't wonder where you are. There isn't a night that I don't look at the stars and hope that you see me...

This isn't getting "easier".
...and today, it's really hard.

Today, your beautiful soul turns 29 - but your body isn't here to celebrate.

Today, 2 years ago, is the last time I talked to you. Which is something I will regret for the rest of my life.

Today, we celebrate a life cut short.

Today, 29 years ago, your mother became a mother.

Today, my heart hurts.

I just want to let you know how much I miss you. I want you to know that, I will never understand why you had to leave. I will never understand your pain.

You had this great light about you. You always smiled through it. I saw you as a strong young woman who tried really hard to achieve your goals. I even remember you texting me once, out of the blue, to ask about something. It was a subject that I didn't think that you would ever consider, but I was glad that you asked me. It was kind of a turning point because it was the first sign that we weren't all kids anymore - which is funny, because you getting married a few months before that never really solidified that for me. I'm glad you came to me. I'm glad that you felt you could come to me.

I remember you coming to visit me a few months before you got married, and I remember thinking how happy you were. You were glowing - you were giddy and funny - so happy.

I remember when you and your sister came to visit a couple years before that too. You were making a long drive back from the East Coast and, even after the long drive, you still found amazing things to say about it. "The trees are sooo pretty" (Now, if you know the area I live in, the trees really ARE pretty - but it's something that someone who lives in a bigger city definitely appreciates more). Watching you with my children was amazing. You were so kind, loving. My daughter was in her veeerrrrrrry inquisitive phase and asked you a bunch of questions. I don't remember the questions, but you handled it like a pro... you sat with them, played with them, joked, laughed... something you perfected as a big sister <3

I remember when I was going through probably THE worst time in my life. I was making horrible choices. One day, there you were. I know we were going to lunch. I remember how you looked at me. It was like you saw past everything and ignored it. You looked at me like I could do no wrong. I felt like crap inside, and you still looked at me like we were kids (we still were I guess, I was 19 and you were 16). I thank you for that. It felt like you were the only one who saw past my faults at the time. Thank you.

Today is so hard.
There will be posts on Facebook, and I will try to read them all. No. I WILL read them all. But, in my usual way, that even I don't understand, I will not acknowledge them. One day I will have the strength, but not yet.

Until then...

Happy Birthday, Cousin.
I love you. I hope you have a fabulous birthday, wherever you are. I hope you can feel the love we have for you.

Strong, beautiful, caring, kind, funny, delicate, stubborn, witty, soft, smart, proud, sophisticated, friendly, generous... just a short list of you.  You were so much more.
I love you.

So, CoverGirl surprises me again!

The last few weeks have been somewhat of a blur.

With 2 babies under 2 (at least for ths next week) and one of said babies teething (*gah*) I have been averaging about 2-6 hours of sleep per day. Yes, I say per day and not night because, I will get 2 hours here, an hour there, sometimes a nice 4 hour stretch in the evening... I rarely get any actual sleep between the hours of 2 and 7 am.

Anyway.... Last night was one of those nights. Baby woke at 2:30 am.
I had a total of 2 hours sleep in the previous 24 hour period so, I knew that if I even attempted to got back to sleep, I would not be able to wake myself come the morning 'rush' (my older two still have school to go to -come oooooon summer break! Lol).

******
Needless to say, I did attempt the impossible and, once my littlest finally closed her beautiful eyes around 5:30 am, I waited a few minutes and crawled into bed at 5:49 am.............fast-forward 21 minutes. Yes. 21 minutes.
You think, after 4 kids, I would have learned my lesson. NOPE! LOL
******

My day started officially at 6:10 am.
Woke my older two just after 7, showers, breakfasts, lunches, oh my.
BUT... This morning also involved a meeting at 9:20 am. Ugh... 

So, armed with my Maybelline foundation and my CoverGirl Plumpify mascara (that I got for free from BzzAgent!), I quickly slapped this wonderful magical sleep-deprivation-hiding product to my face. I didn't even have time to make coffee - which, in hindsight I should have put a pot on at 3 am (don't judge).

I get 3 out of 4 of my babies ready to head out the door, we walk over to the school. I say goodbye to my oldest daughter and walk around the building to the front door with my oldest - did I mention he had a giant project that had to be carried over too? No? Ya, there's that. Lol

Just as we are rounding the corner, I smell it. Coffee. Parent council was giving away free coffee! I love free, but I love coffee even more!

I grabbed a coffee, headed to my meeting, and not ONE person commented on how tired I felt LOL

The magical parent counsil ladies thought I was fibbing when I told them about my night: Thanks CoverGirl & BzzAgent!

The school staff said something along the lines of "you don't look it!" (Aww thanks, you make me blush!): Thanks CoverGirl & BzzAgent!

*****

▪I absolutely love the curl effect with this mascara! I almost instantly felt a change in how my eyes felt.
▪I could feel my eyes widen because my lashes weren't weighed down.
▪I applied less than I normally would and it still worked to curl my lashes.
▪It didn't clump! (Probably because I used less)

See! See!

Want to test products for free??

Join me on BzzAgent! 

http://www.bzzagent.com

More BzzAgent fun with Cover Girl!

So, one of my latest campaigns for BzzAgent is for Cover Girl Plumpify Very Black Mascara!

Now, I am not really a "make up" person, the most I have put on my face since having children (and even before that) is a decent foundation/concealer and mascara.

I was excited to get this campaign because I am always looking for an easy to use, great looking mascara. I chose the "Very Black" colour. I am fair skinned for the most part, so I felt it would "pop" more than a regular black. This mascara is also supposed to lift and curl lashes.

So, above, is my "before and after"

I took a pic of each eye - because, really.. It's easier to take a decent Instagram picture that way - am I right?!

The bottom photo shows after I applied 2 coats. As you can see - not only does it make this momma NOT look tired, but it actually DID lift my lashes to a certain extent. Not fakies high, but still a lift :)

A bit of a con for me; was the clumping. As you can see, it did clump a bit in the corner of my eye. Nothing that smothing out a bit didn't manage. 

A neutral point for me; was the wand. This product prides itself on having THE biggest wand. Pic below ↘↙↘↙↘↙

Bzzzzz Campaigns!!

I have two new BzzCampaigns right now.
Covergirl Plumpify blastPRO in Very Black and Pantene Expert Collection Intense Repair Shampoo and Conditioner.

These campaigns just keep getting better and better.

*****

On a side note, I haven't posted because I have been working on a more personal blog post for the past few weeks. Still debating whether I will publish it once finished - forewarning; it's heavy.

*****
Stay tuned!

New Influenster and BzzAgent Campaigns!!

So, I received my new Influenster campaign last week, and am waiting for my new BzzAgent campain (which shipped today!) - very exciting!

My new Influenster VoxBox is the L'Oréal Preference Infinia hair colour in R5 (Red Mahogany).
My new BzzAgent campaign is Pantene Expert Collection Pro-V Intense Repair shampoo and conditioner.

I am definitely looking forward to trying both campaigns. With 2 under 2, pulling all-nighters, I could definitely use a non-caffinated pick me up! 

This is my hair before trying either product. I am curious to see how this one will turn out!

My hair definitely neexs some repairing - why not get it for free?

 Try BzzAgent and Influenster for yourself today!

*test products for free*

*write honest reviews*

*have your voice heard*

STAY TUNED!

New #Influenster Campaign!!

Well.. my new Influenster box with the new Bioré Baking Soda cleanser and scrub came last week, and I have tried it a couple times already.

I am so happy I get to try stuff like this for free to review - because, frankly, I am cheap and wouldn't normally pay to try anything new. I would just stick to my tried and true Dove soap LOL

I am amazed at how CLEAN my face feels now! Don't get me wrong, I love Dove soap (the sensitive kind) because it doesn't really leave a film on my face like *other* soaps. This new Bioré cleanser is a totally great alternative. I may actually have to buy it when I run out!

I'll start with the Bioré Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub...

So, this stuff is actually a powder! It activates with water. You should wet your face first, then put a bit in your hand, add a bit of water and BAM - the best exfoliant I have ever tried! As you scrub it around your face, it dissolves - WAY better than those other creams or washes that have those little beads in them that don't dissolve and end up in our lakes and rivers. Also, Baking Soda is so much more natural than a lot of the harsh chemicals that are in most products.
I also have combination skin... This works on all of it!
Great thing about this too; it will LAST quite a while because it's not an every day product. I can use it 2 or 3 times a week and my skin feels so great.

*****

The next AMAZING product that was included in the box is: Bioré Baking Soda Pore Cleanser...

I absolutely LOVE this product. This one is a daily cleanser; wet face, pump, lather and massage on your face - your skin will thank you! I swear, I heard my pores give out a sigh of relief when I rinsed my face. This stuff is hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested and so simple and clean. It also has exfoliating properties, so on the days you don't use the cleansing scrub, you still get a bit of exfoliation action. It SMELLS really good too!

Stay tuned! I have a bit more 'facial' advice coming up!

Did someone say "free"?!

I am pretty excited this week!

I have a #voxbox coming from Influenster, and a new campaign from ChickAdvisor too! Both are beauty products/make up - a big change from the Brookside chocolate bars I reviewed from ChickAdvisor last time.

I don't usually wear make up, so this should be pretty fun.

I also signed up for a few "freebies" on some random sites last week. I am hoping that they were legit, and that I start to get some things this week.

*edit: my voxbox and chickadvisor campaigns came last week. Working on my reviews now that I have tried them a few times! Stay tuned!*

Lookie What Came Today!!

I received my Brookside Chocolate ChickAdvisor campaign today!

Excuse the pic, I already ate one and sampled the other two, lol
They are all dark chocolate - my FAV! I got three different flavours, which I think is completely awesome!

ChickAdvisor is pretty cool. It's pretty simple in that you don't have to really do as much social media sharing, although I do.

Join me!

So, I figured it's time to share how I get the opportunity to test out new products!

Influenster:
Influenster is very social. There are user-posted reviews, you can answer questions about products you have tried, and there are perks too - free products to test and review!

BzzAgent:
BzzAgent is WOM (word of mouth) marketing. Users complete a series of surveys and get different products to try, review, and tell people about.

ChickAdvisor:
ChickAdvisor is a product review club. When products become available to test, you sign up and cross your fingers, lol

Keep an eye on this post, I will update soon!

Check out my Pinterest!!

I thought you'd like this Pin on Pinterest... http://pin.it/8K96HBC

This links to my Secret Outlast Xtend post on Pinterest.

I love BzzAgent campaigns!!

Anyway, check it out!

#IChooseHuggies

Well... Sort of...
I really enjoyed the double grip strips. I wish ALL diapers came with them!
My poor baby ended up with a rash 3 diapers in :( To be fair though, my first 2 babies ended up with rashes from Huggies as well. They have sensitive skin like their dad.
Baby #4 (who will be 3 months soon, omg) is the first baby that can actually wear Huggies! Too bad they didn't send me a pack of size 2s LOL

I am really happy to have been selected for this #voxbox though! I know a lot of people that swear by Huggies, my babies just seem to disagree with them!

I really recommend them to people who use Huggies regularly. Those strips are truly amazing!!

Thanks influenster!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

I am LOVING this week!

So, yesterday I received my first Influenster Campaign! Huggies LilMovers... My size 4 "lil mover" is loving them!
*mommy loves them more because lil mover can't take them off* #DoubleGripStrips Thanks Influenster! #IChooseHuggies (join now!)

Today, I received my long-awaited Secret Outlast Campaign! I had actually checked this morning to see if it had been sent out yet. It said no, but VOILÀ! Thanks BzzAgent!!

Too bad I already put on deodorant this morning LOL. Will definitely start that one tomorrow!!

Stay tuned

Influenster referral link:https://influenster.com/r/1125587