General Post | MommyMandy l California Mom Blog

Hey guess what? We don’t need that advice! #ParentOn Giveaway closed

Our sweet baby boy is already six months old. Time has been going by so quickly I can’t blink or else I’ll miss those sweet little milestones.

So as most of you know our boy came after we had three girls. I am used to girls, everything girl! So I am sure you can imagine the advice or more like “advice” I received from all those “expert” parents on how to deal with a boy. But also the comments…

When your baby wants to taste his sister’s popsicle – why not? #ParentOn

I can not even believe how everyone has opinions on how we should raise our children or the comments they make like

“Oh I see dad finally got a boy”

“well now you have a boy you’re done having kids right??”

I didn’t realize that everyone else got to decide on how many children we have, or that we better not let him play with his sisters tutus or dolls.

This is what I have to say…

If my son wants to play with tutus and dolls, I will let him. Why? Because boys can be ballerinas, and think of the imagination he will have dancing with his sisters? If he wants to play with dolls, I hope he does. He will learn how to care and nurture for a baby and become an amazing father one day.

Because I am going to #ParentOn and trust my instincts! #ParentOn encourages parents to ignore the unsolicited advice they may receive, trust their instincts and embrace all of the perfectly imperfect parenting moments as their children grow! ….. This is what you can do with that advice……

Tommee Tippee also released the results of its #ParentOn Poll, revealing that more than half of moms feel overwhelmed by unsolicited advice.

The survey also found:

Moms crave shut-eye, with 42% citing “more sleep” as the one thing that would have been most helpful to them as a new parent.
Weary moms are also hoping to grow an extra set of hands (13%) and magically acquire telepathic powers to better understand their baby’s needs (13%).
More than half of today’s moms (54%) say they feel more pressure to be the perfect parent than their own parents did.
Although they’re feeling more pressure, nearly half say they are more prepared than the previous generation (46%) and are having more fun than their parents (48%).

For more information on #ParentOn, come join us online at www.parent-on.com.

ONE winner will receive a set of feeding bottles and pacifiers from Tommee Tippee.

Hey guess what? We don't need that advice! #ParentOn *Giveaway ends Sept. 24th*

Note: This giveaway is open to US shipping addresses only.

Please make sure to follow ALL Giveaway Rules. Please read sweepstake rules HERE.

This giveaway will end on Sept. 24th

Amanda September 9, 2015 General Post, Giveaways #TommeeMommee 20 Comments 2,134 views

Happy 6 months Mikey

Happy 6 months Mikey! Time is going too fast and I’m trying to enjoy every single moment with him! He loves to play, suck on your face, roar like a dinosaur, rocks on all fours, loves being sung to, sits on his own for a few minutes and his smile melts your heart. You cut your first tooth too.

Amanda August 30, 2015 General Post Monthly Milestones No Comments 240 views

Now save with Groupon Coupons!

We have officially been back in school for a week, and boy can I tell you the lsit of things my kids are already telling me they need for certain activities, or tennis shoes for PR. I know we have already spent a ton of back to school shopping so in order for me to get the rest of the things they need I rely on finding coupons that I can use online.

Groupon has recently partnered with 8,500 national retailers to launch a service called Groupon Coupons. Unlike the regular Groupon, you don’t have to register or purchase anything upfront. It’s a collected and curated group of 55,000 coupons and promo codes from top stores like Macy’s, Office Depot, and Sephora.

I am so glad that Groupon Coupons is here to help me, and come another month when I start Holiday Shopping! Groupon Coupons shares the latest coupons and all you have to do is lick on the “get coupon code” and it reveals the code.

If you scroll to the bottom you can see the entire list of stores that Groupon Coupons has coupons for. As you can see there is tons of retailers in fact as of right now there are 79,097 free coupons at 9,186 stores!

Head on over to www.groupon.com coupons and start saving!

Amanda August 29, 2015 General Post 2 Comments 1,341 views

Happy 5 Months Mikey!

Wow, another month has flown by! Another month of so much fun with Mikey! The girls are staying busy with all their summer activities and love to see Mikey watching them play and swim!

Mikey loves to go in the pool, he loves water!

This Month Mikey started sitting up on his own at 5.5 months(well 9 days before he turned 6 months old)!

At 5 months Mikey is 26 inches tall!

Amanda August 26, 2015 General Post Monthly Milestones 2 Comments 1,404 views

September 2015 Norwex Host Specials!

For those that don’t know I have signed up with Norwex. I am in love with the products and love that I am cleaning my home with out using harsh chemicals… in fact no chemicals at all!

I’d love for you to host a party and get some amazing goodies! Look what hostesses can receive the month of September!

Amanda August 17, 2015 General Post 23 Comments 2,574 views

Product Feature: Must have baby product those first few months! (and beyond)

The first few months with a new baby is challenging. You and baby are getting used to a whole new world and routine. If you are like me than exclusively breastfeeding your newborn is hard too. It really doesn’t matter if you are having your first baby or fourth baby, every new baby brings new challenges.

And with new babies comes new products. Everyone telling you what to buy and you have to have this or that. It can be so confusing and frustrating.

So I have to say that one item I have now used with two babies is my Tommee Tippee Nursing Cover. I have really loved my cover, it allows me to adjust the neck and I can still see baby. The underside of the cover is terry so I can use it for spit ups or like a burp cloth.

Being an active mom to four I find myself out and about a lot with my kids. I love that I can nurse in public using my cover. I can nurse him any time, any where and not feel uncomfortable exposing myself.

Amanda August 14, 2015 General Post 11 Comments 2,347 views

Show off Your Children’s Artwork in a Wall Collage with WhiteWall

This year I have really been trying to do a lot of new decorating in the house and changing the walls up from canvas prints that are eight years old to current photos of the kids!

My kids are always bring home amazing artwork and I just don’t have the space to showcase it all so I thought what better way to show off all their work than with an Art Collage?! I had photos of each of the kids printed using WhiteWall‘s online photo printing services. I really love that I can print photos out all all different sizes. I chose an 8×10 print because I could find 8×10 frames easily. (I purchased the frames on amazon as a set of 12 for only $31.99)

Then to make the Art Collage print I used picmonkey.com to get the perfect size of the smaller frames, plus I was able to edit the photos perfectly.

Price Breakdown:

10×8 Photo Prints from WhiteWall: 8 at $6.95 each= $55.60 (plus tax)
10×8 black frames came as a 12 pack on amazon for $31.99
Total price for this project was $87.59 (unless you need to buy a package of nails)

WhiteWall offers tons of print options at all different prices. I really liked going with a print in a frame because it will be easier to replace them and I can update the photos whenever I want. The print quality is awesome and I really love how the Wall Collage came out!

Check out all WhiteWall has to offer at whitewall.com

Amanda August 7, 2015 General Post 26 Comments 3,881 views

Hey new mom.. It’s ok you are doing fine! #ColiefMOMents

Being a new mom to four babies you would think I know what to do with each one right? That bringing home a newborn is a piece of cake because you did it before and you are a pro… ohhh no! Every new baby brings new hurdles and challenges. No two babies are the same.

All four of my kids have been different as babies. My first baby had colic the first few months and would cry and cry for hours at a time. I would be so upset because I just had no idea what to do with her or how to help her.

I would sit with her tummy side down stretched out on my lap and pat her on the back. Endless nights of standing and swaying her, trying just about everything to help her calm down from the colic.

Colic affects approximately one in five infants born in the United States- about one million new babies annually. Be prepared before baby arrives and add Colief Infant Digestive Aid to your baby registry. Before you turn to major lifestyle changes, such as radically restricting mom’s own diet or switching to expensive infant formulas, Colief Infant Digestive Aid has been shown to help reduce colic-associated crying time caused by temporary lactose intolerance (TLI) in infants.

Colief Infant Digestive Aid is a gluten-free dietary supplement for the reduction of colic-associated crying resulting from temporary lactose intolerance (TLI) in infants. Different from other colic solutions, Colief Infant Digestive Aid is not given directly to the baby, but added to the formula or breast milk before each feeding, making it easier for them to digest the milk by breaking down most of the lactose. Available online and at Walgreens stores nationwide, or more information about Colief Infant Digestive Aid and tips for new moms or to order online, visit http://us.colief.com and join the online community at www.facebook.com/ColiefInfantDrops and also the YouTube Page.

Share Your #ColiefMOMent Giveaway

Enter the Share Your #ColiefMOMent Giveaway now for a chance to win a $500 Walgreens gift card, a Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag of your choice, or be one of five weekly winners to receive a package of Colief Infant Digestive Aid! Enter before 8/14 here.

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. All opinions, text and experiences are my own. Colief Infant Digestive Aid is a dietary supplement to provide relief due to colic-associated crying from temporary lactose intolerance (TLI). These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Amanda August 2, 2015 General Post 3 Comments 1,968 views

Bonding with your Newborn #formulaforhappiness #gerbergoodstart

I still can not believe that my little boy is already five months old. I feel that time is just flying by so fast and I am trying to savor and hold onto ever little moment I can with him. Every time he achieves a new milestone I am so excited for him.

I still remember that very first day home with Mikey and I have a few tips for a great Formula for Happiness and bonding with your newborn. The first day with Mikey was home just a few hours after he was born, the perks of having your baby at a Birth Center. It was absolutely wonderful to just be in my own bed with Mikey and getting to know each other. Cuddles, nursing and looking at every single detail of my little guy. That first day is exhausting yet it goes by so incredibly fast!

One way I found to be a great way to bond and get stuff done is Babywearing! I totally agree that babywearing is a great way to Formula for Happiness when you are trying to still care for other children and keep a happy newborn.

Baby needs to also bond with Daddy and Siblings! Mikey is already in love with his family. Everyone spends time with him each day talking to him and singling to him!

Lastly, because Newborns grow soooo incredibly fast take photos! Take lots of photos. Of their little hands, feet, back of their head. If you can hire a photographer to take month photos do it!!! Here are a few of the professional photos from birth to 4 months of Mikey.

Be sure to also make a FREE appointment with Gerber’s new certified sleep consultant, or with a nutritionist or certified lactation consultant at gerber.com/experts.

Amanda July 27, 2015 General Post 23 Comments 4,523 views

Wonderful 4th of July with Tommee Tippee

4th of July is one of my favorite times of the year. I love spending time with my family and celebrating our country’s Independence! We usually spend 4th of July out on the lake boating and swimming followed by a wonderful BBQ and then head back to the lake for Fireworks!

This year we did it all different with a BBQ at the house with friends and the whole family. Then in the evening we headed out to the Lake where my husband and his band Doobius Distinction played a concert on the lake! At 9pm the fireworks started and we had such an amazing time!

Of course we had our trusted Tommee Tippee cups with us for Shelby! The Insulated Straw Tumbler has quickly become her favorite cup. Perfectly designed to keep your toddler happy and hydrated. Insulated base to keep drinks cool and encourage drinking. Straw flips down between sips to stay clean and stop spills. Super soft straw makes drinking easy and is gentle on gums. All tommee tippee cups are BPA free, with swappable parts.

Amanda July 9, 2015 General Post #TommeeMommee 7 Comments 3,234 views

DIY Backyard Retreats

With Summer in full swing many people are thinking about ways to spruce up their back yards into a fun retreat. A place to sit and spend the summer days or evenings relaxing and having fun.

We love the idea of creating a special space outside where you can call it your own little retreat! It can be for you, or even a place for the kids. From an outdoor bar to a reading nook there are tons of ways you can create your own special space.

The great thing is you don’t have to spend a ton of money either. You can purchase a ready to go shed from Tesco then paint and customize it how ever you like.

A few ideas:

Using a Mercia 8 x 8 Dutch Style Shiplap Shed is a great retreat for teens. You can paint it and add in a couch and other goodies that teens love to have like a mini fridge and snack bar.

I love the 7×7 Timberdale Overlap Double Door Shed. You can replace the doors with window doors and create a special place for mom to go and read or have some girl time.

You can turn the simple Lifetime 10 x 8 Plastic Shed into an amazing playhouse for kids! You can add a kitchen set and a little table. It is a great space for kids to go and use their imagination!

Do you have any ideas on using sheds as a Backyard Retreat? Tell us in the comments!

Amanda July 8, 2015 General Post DIY 8 Comments 3,614 views

Mikey is 4 Months Old!

I am so late on posting this update on Mikey! I didn’t get his 4 month photos back and then time got away from me. Anyways! We are enjoying this little guy so much!

The day he turned 4 months he rolled over!

And he is officially rolling over. Exactly 4 months old today. #rollingover #babysfirstmoments #4monthsold #stopgrowingsofast

A video posted by Amanda (@mommymandy) on Jun 21, 2015 at 7:33pm PDT

This month Mikey celebrated Father’s Day with Daddy, went in a swimming pool, Celebrated his first 4th of July and became a great little sleeper!

Mikey talking

A video posted by Amanda (@mommymandy) on Jul 1, 2015 at 4:07pm PDT

He has a great bedtime routine. bath, nursing and bed by 8pm and he sleeps in his crib until around 4am.

Amanda July 6, 2015 General Post Monthly Milestones No Comments 531 views

Kids Should Be Free to Be….. #FreeToBe

Silly…Athletic…Creative…Goofy…Lovable…Artistic.. to be kids!

Sometimes it still blows my mind to think I have four kids. And each one of them brings something incredibly magical to my life. They love to be outside, to play, dance, cook and be creative. I love sitting and watching my 3rd grader do arabesques and Samantha hitting a softball way out to center field.

Shelby is loving to get outside and explore her surroundings and now that Summer is here what better ways to let our kids be free to explore outdoors!

She didn't want to stop for a photo

A photo posted by Amanda (@mommymandy) on Jun 7, 2015 at 5:01pm PDT

With getting outdoors does come dirt.. and messy clothes! lots and lots of messy clothes! Two of my kids have extremely sensitive skin so I am glad I can turn to a clothes detergent that is gentle on our clothes yet gets them nice and clean, all free clear.

Yep, that’s right now my kids can get outdoors, be creative , get dirty and I don’t have to worry about their clothes!

all free clear is the #1 recommended detergent brand by Dermatologists, Allergists, and Pediatricians for sensitive skin. It’s tough on stains yet gentle enough for the whole family. Plus, it’s safe for use in standard and HE machines. It rinses clean and has a gentle, hypoallergenic formula. Powerful Clean. Gentle on Skin.. all free clear is also 100% hypoallergenic.

NEW From the #1 Detergent Brand Recommended by Dermatologists Allergists and Pediatricians comes all® free clear liquid fabric softener, dryer sheets, OXI mighty pacs and OXI boosters. Use together to make fabrics cleaner, softer, and more comfortable against your family’s sensitive skin. 100% free of dyes and perfumes. Gentle on skin. Safe for all washing machines. Find it in your fabric conditioner aisle!

Also, you can get a Coupon to save a $1.00 on any all product!

Amanda June 9, 2015 General Post 26 Comments 5,796 views

Like That he is 3 Months Old!

My sweet boy is three months old ad boy are we having a lot of fun with him! He wakes up smiling and goes to bed smiling. He coos all day long and loves to be outside checking things out.

He is a big boy already weighing in at around 15 pounds and 25 inches long! He wears 3-6 month clothes but at the rate he is growing he might move up quickly! I like to call him Chunk or Bubba.

Here is our third month with Mikey! Lots of fun! In his third month Mikey celebrated his first Mother’s Day with mommy. Went on the boat, started to giggle and well have lots of fun exploring the world!

Amanda June 5, 2015 General Post Monthly Milestones 5 Comments 1,586 views

ZAQ Dew Aromatherapy Essential Oil Difusser

*A product was provided.

I absolutely love using my Essential Oils. It has bee two years now since I was first introduced to oils and since then I use them for everything! Over the past few weeks I have literally been using them on a daily basis because well.. they help my family and I!

One way you can use Essential Oils is to Diffuse them. This is a must have for me because some days I need something to uplift me, or to help me when I wanted support to open my airways or if I just want my living room to smell awesome.

The ZAQ Dew Aromatherapy Essential Oil Difusser is a great diffuser to have if you are looking for one under fifty dollars. The Dew is filled with inspiration and good wishes for each day. The dewdrop-shaped diffuser releases refreshing aromas from its custom-designed top, creating a unique and trendy diffuser design. Sleek and compact, Dew brings the freshness, optimism, and inspiration of the early morning into your everyday life. It runs for four hours! The Dew covers 200-300 square feet of room space which is great for a living room,

It has LED lights as well that you can choose to either have them on or you can run the diffuser with the lights off.

As you can see I really like duffusing Lemongrass and Wild Orange in the diffuser. You just add a couple drops of each oil along with filling the diffuser with water to the water line and then turn it on.

You can purchase the ZAQ Dew Diffuser along with all the other ZAQ products on Amazon.