3 Thankful Tuesday

I think one of the most relaxing practices you can do is what I like to call a 'thankful meditation' moment. It's not hard, it doesn't take long, it makes you feel refreshed and joyous, all you have to do is take a moment to recognize and appreciate all (or even just a few) of the things you are thankful for today. It's something everyone could benefit from everyday, if not at least a few times a week.

That's why today I'm opening up a weekly blog post called 'Thankful Tuesday'. I'll post a few of the things that I am thankful for, and then ask you to leave a comment telling me something your thankful for today.

___________________________________

I am thankful for:

• My hubby who wakes up at 6:00AM to go work, and still comes home and takes care of me and our baby.
  
  
• My baby boy being a healthy, beautiful gift from God, I couldn't ask for a more perfect child! He is wonderful.
  
  
• Eggnog being sold this time of year! ;)
  
  
• My family being supportive and helpful during my labor/delivery, it was a rough 21 hours and I don't think I could have done so well without them!
  
  
• Halloween giving me the excuse to eat more candy than I should have!
  
   
  So what are you thankful for today?
  I'd love to hear from all of you! :)
  
  Stay Positive! Hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far.

0 Review for Brynn & Amie Good Karma Foods

Brynn & Amie Good Karma Foods
I was recently delighted to have the opportunity to review some wonderful chocolate from Brynn & Amie Good Karma Foods! Oh my gosh, delicious! I reviewed a box of their 'Chocolate Bliss' and it was phenomenal! It is a wonderful mix of yummy dark chocolate, dried cranberries, dried tart cherries, crystallized ginger, & pistachios, with just a pinch of sea salt that just makes these treats delectable! Also, they are made to order with no additional preservatives. I loved the pinch of sea salt, it compliments the dark chocolate amazingly! I have a few pounds to lose after having my baby and after trying these chocolates I think I'm going to have a hard time staying on my diet! My hubby asked me how they tasted, I told him they were amazing and he didn't believe me, he gave me one of those doubtful faces, but tried one for himself later and actually ended up finishing up finishing the entire box! (no fair!!) Simply put, he absolutely loved them too! Another great thing I loved about these chocolates was the adorable box they came in! They make a great gift because the packaging is so adorable! But they are also available to order in a gift package with a handmade ceramic candy dish. You can order the Chocolate Bliss Box, which contains 12 individual pieces, (the one I tried, presented in the super cute box!) or the the Chocolate Bliss bag, which contains 24 individual pieces.

I am excited to try more treats from Brynn & Amie Good Karma Foods, One thing I would love to try is their homemade, all natural granola called 'Karma Krunch' which is full of healthy fruits, nuts and seeds, and made with pure maple syrup, making it just slightly sweet (yummy!)

The holidays are approaching quickly, and I am recommending all of my readers to try some treats from Brynn & Amie, I promise you will love them!

*Disclosure: The above review is my own 100% honest opinion(s). I received products to complete this review but I was not obligated to write a positive review, I honorably only write my honest thoughts on all companies/products that I review.*

2 Win $450 worth of baby stuff!

I love entering giveaways! It is (almost) addicting! And today I came across an amazing giveaway that I'd love to share with you guys. myfourmonkeys.com is hosting a giveaway that is perhaps to big to miss out on!

It's a huge prize package including a BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Miracle, a Baby Dipper Bowl and Utensil Set, a Boppy Newborn Lounger and many more!

Click the button below to go enter now!

8 My Son is a whole week old!

On Friday (10/28) my beautiful baby boy turned one week old! I can't believe how fast time is going by! Granted, I did spend the first three days in the hospital, and with all the medication they were giving me, everyday felt the same. I was so happy to come home with my baby and felt so comfortable sleeping in my own bed again.

Since coming home, we've been working on getting him to sleep in his bassinet, but he's pretty stuck on sleeping next to mommy. At his one week appointment at the Dr. he did great, he has gained 10 ounces since coming home! (that's 10 ounces in 4 days!) which is apparently  more than they estimated would! & he is restlessly trying to hold his head up on his own!

He took the bottle for the first time on Thursday, (still breast milk, no formula for this baby) so now Daddy can help with night time feedings! 

As for mommy, well I'm not getting much sleep! I'm trying to put him on a schedule as early as possible but that's just not happening this early! (I'd love to hear any suggestions from other parents on this matter)

He is looking more like his daddy everyday! 

9 Saturday Blog Hops!

SATURDAY BLOG HOPS!


Blog hops are perhaps one of the best ways for bloggers
to meet each other and gain more followers.
+ They are tons of fun :)

Here is a few blog hops I've joined in on that I'd like you guys to check out too!

5 Gorgeous Panther Ring ($60 Value) Giveaway From Fancy Sexy Me Jewelry

 

Have you heard of Fancy Sexy Me jewelry? If not, I want to introduce you to them! They have the hottest modern jewelry around and I love all of their stuff! On their website you will find a beautiful collection of one finger rings, two finger rings, three finger rings, jewelry for men, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, body jewelry and pendants.

I promise you will find something you absolutely love while visiting their site, but I also have an amazing opportunity for TWO of my readers to win one of their gorgeous panther rings! And to add to the amazing-ness of this giveaway, both winners will get to choose any size and the ring can be in finished in brass, gold plated, silver (high or low polish), gunmetal, or rose.

This giveaway is just to good to pass up,
and entry is easy-peasy with the rafflecopter form below!

Good Luck Everyone!

14 Boudreaux's Butt Paste Review & Prize Package Giveaway ($35 value)

Review (&) Giveaway!

I have had the wonderful opportunity to review products from Boudreaux's, and I have nothing but absolutely great things to say about everything I've tried! If you haven't heard about their products yet, let me give you some details!

Firstly, Boudreaux's Butt Paste^® was specifically formulated by a pharmacist with direction from a respected pediatrician to provide effective diaper rash care.It is wonderful because it goes on and cleans off easily, it is available in convenient sizes, and I love the pleasant scent! Having my first baby not but a few days ago, I know I will be using this trusted product anytime my little one has diaper rash! Thankfully my baby hasn't gotten diaper rash yet, but I used the butt paste to treat a nasty diaper rash on my niece, and she was soothed immediately! Mommies (and daddies!) you really don't want to not have this product handy, because you never know when a diaper rash will come up! Boudreaux's Butt Paste also comes in an all natural formula made with with beeswax, Peruvian balsam and other natural ingredients! And they offer a maximum strength formula for those really bad rashes! Also try the Boudreaux's Rash Protector, it is easy to use with it's Bag-in-can technology that allows for dispensing at any angle, even upside down!

 

Moving on, I also got to try Boudreaux’s Baby Butt Bath™ Moisturizing Body Wash & Shampoo! It smells great, it's formulated to be tear free, PH balanced, non-irritating, and it even soothes irritated skin! I love it because it is a gentle soap that restores moisture to delicate skin and helps prevent the drying effects of cleansing. Today my baby had his first sponge bath at home and I washed his hair with this, I loved the way he smelled great after his bath and I know I'll be using this product for a long time!

Adding on to the list of great products they have to offer, they also offer baby chap stick! Boudreaux's Baby Kisses is formulated especially for infants and kids and free of any unnecessary additives, it contains Peruvian Balsam for healthy skin and like all of the other products it is non-irritating! Use it on chapped cheeks or lips for your little one this winter :)

 Buy it: You can buy any of these products at any fine retailers near you, visit the website to find a location closest to you!

Win it!:
Enter now to win a prize package worth $35, package includes:

• 1- Boudreaux's Butt Paste
• 1- All Natural Boudreaux's Butt Paste
• 1- ALL NEW Maximum Strength Boudreaux's Butt Paste
• 1- Boudreaux's Baby Kisses Lip Balm
• 1- Boudreaux's Body Wash & Shampoo
• 1- Boudreaux's Rash Protector

Entry is easy-peasy using the rafflecopter form below! Good luck everyone!

3 Hello World!

BABY IS HERE!! :)

Okay, so I'd like to start this post by kindly apologizing for my lack of updates for the last few days, I know I am behind on a few things and I'm going to get right on fixing things.

The reason for my negligence is a very honest one though, as I was in the hospital from the 20th until yesterday. It was a long and painful process, but my son is finally here! I was in labor for 21 hours, and I needed some time to heal after everything was done. I'm still healing and in some pain, but being home with my beautiful baby boy makes me the happiest woman on earth!

Samuel Matthew Doolan, born October 21st, at 12:06pm
6 lbs 10 ounces, & 20 inches tall :)

I have been blessed! He is absolutely beautiful, and 100% healthy :)
I couldn't have asked for a more perfect child.

The "birth plan" didn't exactly happen. Things didn't go according to the plans I had made, but that's okay, I'm so glad to have him here with me that it really doesn't matter how things went anymore.

I was induced on the afternoon of the 20th (one day before my actual induction date) due to extremely high blood pressure, I was diagnosed with preeclampsia. My entire pregnancy was great, I was healthy and never had high blood pressure or any other complications, so I was extremely worried. My doctor assured me that everything would be fine, and thankfully, everything was!

Having him with me makes me feel beyond happy. Being a mommy is the best feeling in the world. I love him more than anything on this earth! He is truly my gift from God.

I will be getting back to work here very soon, with lots of reviews and giveaways coming up for you guys! So stay tuned :)

17 Win a $15 gift card to CrazyDogTShirts.com!

Hey guys 'n gals (and Mama's, of course!)

 I've got a wonderful review and giveaway to tell you about today!

CrazyDogTShirts.com will be giving one of my lucky readers a $15 Gift Card!

I've joined up with CrazyDogTShirts.com, and they really have some

awesome stuff! I love all of the stuff they have to offer,

and they will help me out so much with shopping

for Christmas this year!

(Because who doesn't love a funny t-shirt?)

One of my favorite items from the shop is the Eaten Gingerbread Man t-shirt, and you

can find it in the "Funny T-shirts" category!  It is insanely adorable and funny!

BUY IT: you can buy this fabulous t-shirt or one of many others at their website,

www.crazydogtshirts.com

or you can WIN IT!

(one winner receives a $15 gift card to crazydogtshirts.com, redeemable only at their site.
Winners must not have received a promotional product within the last 90 days and cannot
enter if they own a review/giveaway blog of their own.)

ENTRY IS EASY-PEASY WITH THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM BELOW :)

(Be sure to enter your correct E-mail address,

as I will be contacting the winner via email.)

CONTESTANTS PLEASE NOTE: I MODERATE AND VERIFY EVERY ENTRY!

I will be deleting any falsified entries!

28 Win your choice of an awesome painting (worth $400) from Vincent Scala!!

ENTER TO WIN BIG!!

Have you heard of Viincent Scala? He an illustrator whose work has included the leaders in the children's entertainment industry. His experience has varied from working as a "Storybook Artist" for such popular shows as "Dora The Explorer" and "Go Diego Go". He as also shared his creative expertise in storybook art to other Nickelodeon shows such as "Team Umi-Zumi". His ability to create beautiful compositions and help improve the level of story-telling visually is highly regarded by the Nickelodeon Company. He has also worked for The Walt Disney Company as the Licensing Coordinator for Disney Publishing. In this position he used his ultimate Disney animation knowledge as well as his expertise in animation and illustration to help improve and expand the properties used in Disney published storybooks.

I am so excited to be hosting this giveaway for all my readers! The work he does is amazing, his creativity is endless and I was definitely "WOWED" while viewing his gallery. His art is so different, it is rich in it's very own style and every piece has it's own story to tell! I especially enjoyed pieces of his 'Fine Art'!

What I love most about his art is that it is so creative,
he truly has the ability to share a story with his work and it is wonderful!

WANNA WIN BIG?!
Vincent Scala will be giving one of my lucky readers any print of their choice from his gallery!
His paintings sell for $1000, and the print one lucky winner will receive is valued at
$400!! The best part is, the winner gets to choose which one they want!

Entry is easy-peasy with the Rafflecopter form below :)

Giveaway ends 11/20 and Rafflecopter will choose the winner,
be sure to fill out the form with your correct E-mail address,
as I will be contacting the winner via E-mail.

5 **GIVEAWAY** Prize Package Worth $35 from Boudreaux's Butt Paste!

Boudreaux's Butt Paste is a absolutely wonderful product that is loved by parents all over! I am so excited to tell you guys that I will be hosting a giveaway for them on 10/27, the prize package is worth $35 and you will have 14 days to enter!! I will also be writing review for them on the same day the giveaway will start! Please bookmark this and start entering A.S.A.P for your chance to win =)

Prize Package Includes:

1- Boudreaux's Butt Paste
1- All Natural Boudreaux's Butt Paste
1- ALL NEW Maximum Strength Boudreaux's Butt Paste
1- Boudreaux's Baby Kisses Lip Balm
1- Boudreaux's Body Wash & Shampoo
1- Boudreaux's Rash Protector

5 Montagne Jeunesse Deep Pore Cleansing Masque Review

Being pregnant has definitely had it's fair share of ups and downs, more ups than downs I'd say, but one of the biggest troubles I've ran into while being pregnant is acne breakouts and blemishes! I've never had acne in my life, I've always had really clear complexion... Until I got pregnant! Then, the hormones took over, I had breakouts like I had never seen before! All I could keep thinking was "I really can't wait to have this baby and go back to normal!!"

Well, then I took a trip to my local beauty store, and while looking for facial cleansers, I actually found a really amazing face mask that I hadn't tried before! So that's why I'm writing this review today!




So it is made by Montagne Jeunesse, and the kind I tried was "Crushed Raspberry"
It smelled great! I was skeptical at first, thinking, what this stuff really going to do for me
in just 15 minutes? But I went ahead and tried it anyway, and I'm glad I did!

Montagne Jeunesse is a UK based company that prides themselves for making "Sexy Natural Skincare", I myself am a huge fan of "All Natural" products =)

No, it's not a miracle treatment for acne, and I wouldn't suggest using it as anything more than a relaxing face masque. What I can say is it leaves your skin feeling refreshed, your complexion a little brighter, and your mood a little better :) It is definitely refreshing! The breakouts.. well of course they still happen! But this face mask really makes you feel great! Especially after getting out of a hot shower, pampering yourself with a cool refreshing face masque does make you feel great! :)

I'm looking forward to trying more of their products :)

3 $15 WalMart Gift Card Giveaway!

I just entered to win a $15 Walmart Gift Card from
"Not-So-Newlywed!"

All YOU have to do to enter is follow her blog via GFC,
and for extra entries, you can blog about this giveaway!

Once she has 200 followers, the winner will be chosen.
So go follow, go enter, and join the fun :)

ENTER HERE.

12 What's Coming Up!?

Okay, I've been super busy lately! I haven't had as much time as I would like to spend on this blog, but believe me, if I did have time things here would be progressing much quicker. However, I am excited to tell you guys about some upcoming things that I've got going on here!

First, I would like to let you all know that Blairex Laboratories (Makers of the amazing Boudreaux's Butt Paste) will be sponsoring a very fabulous giveaway at the end of this month! They have absolutely fabulous products and I will be both reviewing and hosting a giveaway for them before the end of this month, so stay tuned for more details and find out what and how you can win! :)

Also, for all you make-up lovers out there, I will be writing another review for Hard Candy! I wrote my first review for them last weekend and they will be sending me more products to review for you guys shortly! I'm excited to try more of the awesome make-up they have to offer and let you guys in on all the great details!

On a personal note, my baby boy is due 5 days from today, and if he doesn't decide to come on his own, labor will be induced in just 9 days! WOW, exciting! I am so excited to have him here with me already!

Also, I appreciate everyone who has 'liked' me on Facebook & followed me on Twitter and GFC, but I could certainly use more followers! I'll be doing a lot of blog hopping these next few days!

A lot is changing on this blog, and I'm just getting started! So if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please let me know, I would absolutely love your feedback! 

Thanks so much! 

 Xoxo,
Sarah Kay

1 What would you do with a $25 gift card to Target?

What would you do with an extra $25 to spend at Target?
If I won this gift card, I would put it towards
Christmas Shopping!

I'd love to hear your comments! Tell me how YOU would spend it!

And for your chance to win this $25 Target Gift Card,
head over to katenkaboodle.com
or enter HERE.