Magnolia Mamas

Monday, August 8, 2016

WaterWipes Review {Giveaway}

This post was sponsored by WaterWipes as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

As a parent, you are continuously trying to make good decisions in regards to your child and their well being. Each day you make what seems like a million little choices that affect your tiny humans and their needs. We want to give them the best, make sure they are always safe, and hope that even down to the tiniest of issues the right choice was made.

I remember walking into Babies "R" Us for the first time years ago. Carrie Beth, already being the mom of two little ones, was kind enough to help me with my baby registry. I walked in and was in sheer awe of all the baby products available. Overwhelmed was an understatement, and thank goodness she was there to point me towards what I needed. I mean who knew there were 4,368 different options of pacifiers??

I'm kidding.

Sort of.

Luckily, as I got my mommy feet underneath me, I've figured out just what products I like the most and my trips to Babies "R" Us are a breeze. Recently, I was given the opportunity to give WaterWipes a try and let me tell you - life changing!

WaterWipes are a chemical free baby wipe and literally are only made up of (surprise, surprise) - WATER! The wipes consist of 99.9% pure Irish water and 0.1% grapefruit seed extract. With out all the harsh chemicals, I've found that the WaterWipes not only leave Baby Cute's skin feeling amazing, but that she also feels better and complains less when I wipe her.

I've mentioned a few times that she continuously battles with bad eczema, and she would sometimes get fussy when I would wipe her tushy, hands, or face. I felt awful! Her skin is always so dry, and the chemicals of regular wipes sometimes wouldn't feel the greatest, but it's hard to avoid using a wipe in certain situations. I love that the WaterWipes aren't harsh to the touch, leave her feeling fresh and clean, and are a safe all natural option for her sweet baby skin.

I purchase my WaterWipes at Babies "R" Us, but they are located at most major retailers. They are super easy to find - usually in the diaper section of the store, but I've also seen them sprinkled throughout specialty aisles.

They can be purchased as singular refills, we resealable tops, or in larger packs.

Babies "R" Us keeps WaterWipes pretty well stocked, and we usually swing in for refills when we need or grab a couple of packs on our regularly scheduled trips.

One of my favorite things to do is place my order online for store pick up so its just a quick in and out with my cute sidekicks.

We've given WaterWipes a whirl in just about every scenario possible - three messy kids and two in diapers lends to lots of quality controls testing. I couldn't be more pleased with WaterWipes, and love knowing that I'm using a safe natural product on the most precious things in the world to me.

In partnership with Babies "R" Us, I-C is hosting a giveaway where five lucky readers will win a $100 gift card to the store. The giveaway will be open until August 18th, and you can enter below. I-C will randomly select winners from all program entries and will facilitate fulfillment of the winning prizes (5 winners).

To learn more about WaterWipes and finding a retailer near you:

What baby product have you discovered you can't live without?

Friday, August 5, 2016

Friday Favorites

We made it to Friday! Getting through the first week of school can be kind of rough. Not only are the kids adjusting to their new schedule, but the mamas are, too. For someone like me who is not a morning person, I couldn't be happier to go to bed tonight and not have to set an alarm.

Today I'm going to share a few favorites from this week and link up with some of our favorite bloggers for Friday Favorites.

Just before school started, Jen and I were trying to squeeze in some last minute fun for the kids so we went to a local trampoline park. After we grabbed lunch at our favorite, Chick-fil-a, and while we were finishing up we looked over and the boys were taking fake selfies. They weren't holding a camera or phone, just pretending that they had one. Well, Jen gave them her phone and they proceeded to take what might have been the funniest selfies ever. I snapped a quick pic of them in action and we were dying laughing. We have to say, as bloggers' kids, they come by it honest.

On Saturday night the Mr. and I got all dolled up and went out on a date. I can't remember the last time we did that just us. We have work events to attend or do things with friends, but for it to be just the two of us is pretty rare. We went to a nice dinner, did a little shopping, and ended the night with margaritas. It was super fun and just what we needed.

My green dress is an oldie, but still one of my favorites. I've worn it to weddings with fancy jewelry and shoes, to the beach with flip-flops or on a date night with wedges. It's so versatile and I love solid colored dresses like this that can be worn just about anywhere. Mine is from years ago, but there are similar ones HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

On Monday the girls went off to school and I think one of the hardest things as a mom is to send our kids off on the bus and spend the next 7 1/2 hours wondering how their day is going. Is their teacher making them feel welcome, are they making new friends, who are they sitting with at lunch... The absolute BEST thing though and a definite favorite of mine this week was seeing them bound off the bus that afternoon with big smiles, telling me all I needed to know. I'm super hopeful for a great school year for them this year!

Back to school also means back to volunteering. I love being able to help out at the school and in my kids classes, but it can be a lot. This week we ramped back up with room mom responsibilities, PTA committees and everything else I can't say no to. :-)

I love my Lilly Pulitzer Callahan shorts.

A few Friday's ago I shared my monogrammed tank from Preppy & Personalized and mentioned that I'd ordered the youth sizes for the girls, too. Blondie wore hers to school yesterday and looked darling in it. She also has been loving her new converse, which happened to match perfectly!

And last, but not least, for my favorites this week is spending time with this little guy. He will be in the "Young 5's" class at the preschool so he has one last year before heading to Kindergarten. He doesn't start school until Monday so I've been trying to soak up my time with him this week. We've done lunch dates, he's been my errand running partner, and I'm just really trying to soak it up because next year he'll off and gone all day with the big kids!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Kitchen Confessions: The Tastes of Tessemae's

Thank you to Tessemae's All Natural for sponsoring this post.

Since life lately has been nothing short of chaotic, our eating routines have been way off. We normally try to eat as healthy as possible, but between hospital visits and back-to-school prep our little family began to eat for convenience rather than what was best. Now that we aren't spending most of our days in the hospital cafeteria, and school is underway, I've made a conscious effort to get back to our healthier ways - and trust me it makes a world of difference in both the way we feel and our moods.

Mr. Cute was a little reluctant at first because apparently the jalapeno poppers in the hospital cafeteria are on point, and healthier usually means he's about to get hit with my nine hundred ways to make baked chicken. Little did he know I was about to blow his foodie mind.

Recently I was given the opportunity to try Tessemae's All Natural line of dressings and marinades. Let me just sum up my official taste test for you in one word: YUM!

How I had missed this deliciousness on one of my many ~~hundreds of~~ trips a week to Whole Foods or Publix is beyond me. Especially with the super cute anchor themed packaging. The nautical theme should have been a given to just jump in my cart.

If the nautically cute packaging and all natural goodness didn't seal the deal, then the inspiration behind the brand surely did. I love that this is a homegrown family business inspired by their mom.

But now I know - never leave the condiment aisle without at least grabbing one of the 25 delicious flavors available. Honey Balsamic (as you will soon see) has become my new favorite go-to marinade.

While jumping back into our normal healthy eating routine did mean more baked chicken in our lives, at least it is baked chicken with a yummy flavor to it.

A few nights ago, I marinated chicken in the Honey Balsamic dressing and then did one of my favorite things - recreated a new meal the following day with the left overs. I was inspired by one of the many recipes listed on the Tessemae's website when I was looking for additional ideas for dinner. The Tessemae's recipe blog is amazing and packed full of yummy creations - several being Paleo and Whole30 approved.

This mango and chicken salad was delicious with the Tessemae's Balsamic Dressing sprinkled on top. I usually don't think of adding fruit to my salads, but when I saw a recipe adding mango I just had to try it. I sliced up my leftover chicken, and within minutes had a delicious lunch ready to go. It the right amount of light flavor for a summer lunch time!

I also used the Tessemae's Honey Balsamic as a marinade for pork chops. It was out of this world, and will definitely be a repeat in our house soon.

I am excited that we are getting back on our regular eating routine and hopefully from here forward if we have to be frequenting the hospital cafeteria for three meals a day, we can at least sneak in our own yummy dressings.

To learn more about Tessemae's All Natural

Happy Eating!

**This post was sponsored by Tessemae's All Natural as part of the Mom It Forward Blogger Network. All thoughts and general awesome opinions are our own. **

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Back to School Essentials

Well, sadly the summer is over and our biggest kids started back to school on Monday. I'm happy to report that my girls had a great first two days and I think they are all set for a great year!

As a kid I remember always going back to school shopping with my mom to get new clothes and outfits. However, we started a lot later back then and now since the kids go back so early it's still SO hot. They'll be wearing their summer clothes at least through September so no need for new clothes. However, I do like to get them a few new things so they are excited about the new year so today I thought I'd share all about our back to school essentials.

Some kids get new backpacks every year, but I invested in a nice Pottery Barn Kids backpack when they started elementary school and made sure to pick a pattern that would last. These backpacks hold up SO well and have continued to be great for us. I usually wash them at Christmas break and again right when Summer break begins and they hold up through the washings wonderfully, too. (I wash on cold and then just hang to dry.)

I get the large size and while it is a little big for a Kindergartener, it's best to be able to easily fit their folder, lunch box, etc. instead of having to cram it in a smaller bag. Then it is the perfect size as they enter 1st grade and start having a binder and the size still works well for my 4th grader!

I also go with the Pottery Barn Kids lunch boxes. In the past I have gotten them a new one each year just because they get so dirty throughout the year, but this year I tried washing them like I do the backpacks and I was amazed by how well they washed and how clean they were.

New shoes is always something on our back to school essential list. My girls would love nothing more than to wear their sandals and flip-flops to school, but they are expected to wear sturdy shoes for the playground and on PE days (which is every other day) they have to be in tennis shoes. This year I got them each a new pair of tennis shoes and the girls made their selection quickly, but Boo-Boo wanted them all so it was hard for him to narrow it down. I ended up with two pairs for him since he wears his every single day! Plus, one was last year's color so it was SUPER cheap. They are both the Nike Flex and they come in lots of different color combinations and also come in both tie and velcro, depending on the size you need.

Note the outfit...it's one of his favorites, but I have let him know when school starts for him next week I'm going to have a little more control in the outfit department. :-)

Blondie picked these and I wish they came in my size because they are so bright and fun! I also got the girls a pair of Converse. I feel like they are cuter than plain tennis shoes with some of their outfits, but still will work out great for PE.

Lastly, I got them each of the girls a pair of Chacos. While they are still sandals, they are sturdy enough for playground time.

They are encouraged to take a water cup to school each day and so new cups are fun for them! These Thermos Funtainer 12 ounce cups are our favorite because they don't leak and the keep their drinks nice and cold all day.

We'll wait to do fall clothes when it cools off a bit, but I did get each of the girls a denim vest. They each have a lot of thin or spaghetti strapped dresses and outfits which aren't allowed at school. However, wearing them with these vests covers up that part so they can keep wearing these cute clothes to school! A friend told me that is what she does for her daughter and I never would have thought of that on my own, but I love it and love that it adds a layered look to their outfits, too.

The last thing that is on my essential list for back to school is actually for myself. I mentioned it a few weeks ago, but I just love my Erin Condren life planners and it is a must for me to have a new one to start the school year so I can stay organized and keep up with everything I have going on. From room mom responsibilities to my blogging schedule, to the kids practices and lessons, it helps me survive the crazy busy school year!

That's about it for our back to school essentials. I hope everyone who started back to school this week is adjusting to the new schedule and I hope those of you that don't start for another week or so are soaking up the last days of summer!

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Book Club: August

It's the beginning of the month and that means it's book club day! Some of you are excited for some new summer reading material, and some of you are all "Eh, see you tomorrow!". :)

Last month we decided to change things up a bit and planned for a free read. With a summer filled with travel, swim lessons, and camps we wanted our reading to be just as carefree as summer is.

Here's what's been gracing our night stands and filling our diaper bags this last month.

WHAT WE READ...

CARRIE BETH'S SELECTIONS

I'm what is known as the slow reader of our duo. Or rather I just don't make the time to read, but when I get into a book I really love it! This month I read The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes and Jo Plazza. Jen had passed it on to me after she got done reading it and I really loved it.

It gave a great insight to the world of fashion magazines and also tackled the issue of digital and tech everything competing with the "old school" way of doing things. It had me cheering for the main character as she figured out and learned her way around social media and the online world. It's a great fun, girly and easy read.

JEN'S SELECTIONS

Last month, even amongst all the chaos going on I was still able to sneak in two books. The first one I read was The Last Original Wife by Dorothea Benton Frank.

This was a total cover purchase. I saw beach and went right for it. Surprisingly it had very little to do with the beach.

The Last Original Wife is based in Atlanta (wahoo!) and follows Leslie Carter as she realizes her marriage might not be all that its cracked up to be. After falling in a hole (literally!!) she decides to shake things up and move in with her brother in Charleston. Here she runs into her first love, and lives it up with her brother's furry side kick. I loved the humor and Southern sass throughout the novel and most definitely look forward to reading more from Frank.

The One That Got Away by Leigh Himes was the second book that I read. This was one that I grabbed on a whim before I went out of town. I had never heard of the author, but when I saw a recommendation from Nicholas Sparks I was in!

For the most part I read this at our family cabins and in the hospital. It was a quick and easy read, and and gave me just the escape I was looking for. In The One That Got Away you meet Abby Lahey - over worked, tired mommy of two. She returns something to Nordstrom and after an unfortunate accident while shopping, she wakes up to discover she is uber rich and polished Abby Van Holt.

This book was so fun to read. Kind of a little bit fantasy, and filled with a ton of humor, but I loved how it also made you think what would happen if you woke up as someone you thought you wanted to be. Would you be happy? Would you miss your old life? It was a definitely one of my favorites of the year.

AUGUST'S SELECTION

We had so much "free reading" in July the plan is to do it again for August. Technically it is still Summer so we plan on getting in all the beach reading we can...even if its vicariously through our Kindles on our humid back porches with a misting fan as the closest thing we will get to an ocean breeze.

Carrie Beth's First August Pick:

Back in June I finally finished reading the best-seller, Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes, because I knew the movie as about to come out and I really wanted to finish the book before seeing it. Well, I still haven't seen the movie, but the book was amazing! Because I loved it so much I knew I needed to read the sequel so I just picked up After You, also by Jojo Moyes.

Jen's First August Pick:

The Singles Game by Lauren Weisberger

BOOK CLUB 2016

Happy Reading!

Monday, August 1, 2016

Teachers Meet & Greet Gifts {Printable}

I can't believe today is the first day back to school! Summer flew by! In my opinion it is way too early for school to start. #summerforever

Not to mention, today also marks the day that this guy is now officially a Kindergartener.

Insert MAJOR tears.

I feel like he was just born yesterday. How on earth are we here already??

Last week we had our official "Meet & Greet" with his new teachers at his new school, and we whipped them up a fun little gift.

We found these super cute donut themed drink bottles and went with it as inspiration for our theme. Because who doesn't like donuts? ;)

I was able to quickly make a fun printable to partner with it, and then we grabbed a few Dunkin' Donut gift cards.

We added some fun coordinated wrapping and we were all set! I love when a gift comes together so easily.

Cute was beyond excited to meet his teachers and share a little something with them. I'm hoping it brightens their first day too because I know they are just as sad that summer is ending as we are.

Now if you need me for the rest of the day, I will be crying uncontrollably while hugging the other two Cutes, willing them to stay babies forever.

Download the Donut Meet & Greet Printable.

Check out past year's Back to School gifts and fun:

Apple Themed Gifts

"Tears then Cheers" Printable

Back to School Teachers Gift Basket

Back to School Favorites

Back to School Book Worms Gift Printables

Happy Back to School everyone!