Pleygo Review {Netflix-Like Service for LEGO}

We are LEGO people! Although, up until Pleygo we were Duplo people.

Squirrel was super excited when our first Pleygo box arrived, even though he had no idea what it was until I opened the box!

Thank you Pleygo for providing us with a 3 month subscription to help facilitate our review of your Lego exchange service!

What is Pleygo?

Pleygo is a Netflix style rent, build, return program for Legos. They offer three different types of monthly subscriptions starting at $15.

After you open your account you add Lego sets to your wishlist. Pleygo will then send you the available set closest to the top of your list. Our first set was number 5 on our list. This set could make a fighter jet, a race car or a robot.

Inside the box was the instruction booklet for all three items, a gallon sized bag full of the pieces, a smaller bag with the most common spare pieces and a shipping label to send the box back to Pleygo.

Squirrel was ready to get building... immediately. 

He chose to build the robot first. 

We got about half way through the robot when we noticed we were missing pieces. So I went to the computer and logged into my Pleygo account. I was then able to 'shop' for the missing pieces, which they then mailed to me. Unfortunately it took a full week before the pieces showed up. We didn't really want to waste time and Squirrel really wanted to finish the robot. There were three unused pieces we were able to use to make up for the one missing piece. The other missing pieces were only aesthetic, and not necessary for the structure of the robot, so we just did without. 

He played with this guy for a couple hours. He thought the antenna and the moving 'wings' were pretty cool!

The next day we took it apart and started working on the race car. I was fairly surprised at his ability to follow the instructions and build on his own. He did make a few mistakes, but hey, he's only 4!

After he played with the car for a bit he was ready to take it apart so we could get the box to the mail man and get another set.

These types of play sets are a great way to practice fine motor skills and problem solving!

Despite the missing pieces we have been enjoying Pleygo. Being that they include the return shipping label in the box it was simple for us to return the package. The Pleygo box doesn't fit into the mail box, but I set it on top with the flag up. Our mail man (rather mail lady) took the box. It was pretty simple. If balancing the box on your mailbox doesn't work for you, you can schedule a package pickup with the postal service.

I may be more excited than Squirrel to get our next set! 

Before we got our first set I did have a few concerns:

Germs! --- Each set is cleaned in a unique way to ensure that almost all (99.99%) of the germs are removed before being sent off to the next eager Lego architect.

Missing Pieces! --- Will I be charged, what do I do if a piece is missing or if my child looses a piece? No, you will not be charged for missing pieces. Simply fill out the online form and the missing pieces will be sent to you at no additional charge. Pleygo understands that pieces occasionally go missing.

Shipping! --- Shipping is free (or included in subscription fees). Return label is included with your Legos.

 I think this is a great service for those that don't want to spend the money to own all these Lego sets, or for people like me who just don't want these Lego sets all over the house. I feel like this helps me keep the pieces all in one place.

I also think this would be a great gift idea for the little one in your life, whether you are Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, God Parent, neighbor or long time friends.

Receive your First Month FREE at  http://www.usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?bid=11329&dealid=1389®ionid=75 or directly at www.Pleygo.com to register!

Are LEGOs a popular toy with your little one(s)? What is your child's favorite thing to build with LEGOs?

Daregal Gourmet Frozen Herbs Review and Easy Alfredo Recipe

Disclosure: I received the above sampler of Daregal Gourmet fresh frozen herbs to review as a part of a Blog Friendly PR campaign. All opinions are my own and honest, no other compensation was received.

Daregal Gourmet offers a line of fresh frozen herbs. These herbs are harvested at the peak of maturity and washed, chopped and frozen within three hours of harvest, preserving flavor and freshness.

Daregal operates all aspects of their herbs; from planting on through packaging.

I was sent parsley, basil and ginger. They came packaged in a foam insulated box with dry ice to ensure they stay frozen in the delivery process.

Upon opening the boxes I could see how the frozen herbs retained their color, as opposed to dried herbs which look rather dull. They smelled wonderful too, as if I had just chopped them up myself. 

The first dinner I made using Daregal's fresh frozen herbs was Grilled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. Super easy Alfredo recipe!

What You'll Need:

• 4 chicken breast
• 1 package of fettuccine noodles
• 6 ounces of cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded parmesan or parmesan/romano/asiago cheese blend
• half pint of heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 stick butter
• splash of milk
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon Daregal Gourmet frozen parsley
• salt/pepper to taste

Step 1:

Season and cook your chicken, we chose to grill it! I love the flavor of a charcoal grill!

Step 2:

Start boiling water for your pasta. Meanwhile, add cream cheese, shredded cheese, whipping cream, butter and a splash of milk to a saucepan. 

Keep an eye on your pasta water, add pasta when water starts boiling (cook per packaging directions).

Step 3:

Heat on medium and mix with whisk Once everything starts to melt together grab a fine cheese grater and grate the garlic into the sauce, then continue mixing sauce until it is smooth and blended (about 15-20 minutes). Make sure you do not allow the sauce to burn to the bottom of the pan.

Step 4:
At the end of cook time stir in the parsley flakes. It is not necessary to thaw the herbs. Just take the container out of the freezer, give it a little shake before opening to loosen the herbs, then sprinkle on food!

Step 5:
Plate the pasta, pour sauce over the noodles then add chicken! Enjoy!
Serve with your favorite steamed vegetable and bread sticks or garlic bread!

Working with frozen herbs cuts down on meal prep time and gives you a cooking experience you won't get with traditional dried herbs. Even if you don't use herbs that often, these are a great buy because they have a three year shelf life in the freezer!

Daregal Gourmet herbs are 100% natural, kosher and free of GMOs, preservatives and gluten.

Would I recommend Daregal Gourmet's fresh frozen herbs to a friend?

Most definitely. 

Buy it: Daregal Gourmet herbs are available on Amazon.com and in the Northeast region at Stop n Shop and Giant Landover.

Do you have a favorite recipe that you'd love to try with Daregal Gourmet's fresh frozen herbs?

Which herbs would you be most interested in trying? I'd also like to try garlic, how nice would it be to have fresh garlic without having the scent on your fingers for the following 24 hours?!

Diamond Candles {Ring Reveal, Review and Giveaway}

When I first started seeing these Diamond Candles on the internet I thought they were pretty neat. 

As time went on I knew I had to get one!

Now... I may be addicted!

Disclosure: I was sent the product below to help facilitate my review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own and 100% honest.

I ordered the Pumpkin Chai scent. Yes, I am one of those people who goes "Pumpkin Crazy" in the fall! I love my pumpkin coffee, pumpkin bars, pumpkin pie and of course my pumpkin candles!

So here it is! Don't know what a Diamond Candle is?

Well, a Diamond Candle is an all natural soy candle... with a surprise ring hidden inside! All you have to do is burn it to find it! Each ring is in a small bag and wrapped in foil. The ring inside every candle is valued anywhere from $10-$5000!

I love candles, I love jewelry and I love surprises! So I was really looking forward to this candle!

I didn't waste time. I took pictures of the candle, then brought it inside and lit the wick.

It smells delicious! Although my husband thought the Pumpkin Chai scent didn't meld well with the Alfredo sauce I was making for supper, so I put it out for the evening after burning for about three hours.

Here's a tip for putting out a candle without creating any smoke. Just grab a butter knife and carefully dip the burning wick into the wax. This puts out the candle and coats the wick with wax, preventing smoke. 

Again, the picture above is after three hours of burning. If you look closely, to the left of the "J" you'll notice the foil packet the ring is in starting to make it's appearance.

I lit it right away in the morning. A couple hours later I was really starting to see the foil package. With a little bit of anxious digging I found my ring!

Would you like to try one of these Diamond Candles yourself?

Diamond Candles is offering one of their all natural soy candles to one of my readers.

Enter below to win one (RV $24.95)! 

Don't want to wait? Buy one here before Oct. 4th and get 20% off!

Before you enter the giveaway make sure you 'Like' Just Me and the Boys on Facebook!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Smart Silk Pillow Giveaway

Hosted by The Budget Bandit

Sponsored by SmartSilk

The Budget Bandit is giving away your choice of 2 Luxury Queen size pillows from SmartSilk ($130 value) or 2 SmartSilk Pillow Protectors ($55 value) for 1 reader to win!!!

Did you know that your pillow doubles in weight over a span of time from absorbing dust, bacteria, mold, allergens, and dead skin...and by the way, you sleep on that!!! Plus that's not even to mention the nasty bodily fluids we let our pillows soak in. How many times of you woken up in a puddle of drool? I bet you didn't run and wash your pillow right afterwards....instead you let it grow bacteria that you will later breathe in while once again dreaming of puppy dogs and rainbows. 

Needless to say maintaining a clean pillow is essential to your life (regardless of allergies). You could always wash your pillow and replace it as recommended every two years...but if you are like me you don't want to toss one you LOVE just to have to break-in a new one! Plus who has time to wash their pillow weekly??? 

Pillow protectors are the answer to all your problems...SmartSilk makes an all natural silk filled Pillow Protector made an exclusive patent pending technology that ensures an increased level of comfort with its smart blend of breathable and moisture materials. (PS I can vouch for that!) Want more information on SmartSilk? Check out my full product review of the SmartSilk Pillow Protectors HERE.   SmartSilk Pillow Details:

• Polyester micro gel fiber filling
• All natural silk fill liner
• All natural cotton outer shell
• Moisture wicking properties help to reduce effects of night sweats
• Keeps your skin moisturized
• Water repellent non-woven material
• Breathable materials: no longer need to flip the pillow around looking for a cool spot
• Certified asthma & allergy friendly™

Get a better night sleep and reduce allergens from bacteria and dust build-up in your pillow.

Enter to win your own SmartSilk Pillows or Pillow Protectors....Giveaway runs

September 20th through September 30th

For US Resident only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We appreciate the support of our sponsor, please show your support by following them on their social media pages.

• Web site
• Twitter (Twitter handle @smartsilk)
• Facebook

Disclosure: Just Me and the Boys is not responsible for shipping and delivery of the prize to the winner. No compensation was received for this giveaway.

Baby Bullet Giveaway!

Welcome to the Baby Bullet Giveaway Event!

 Sponsored By: Baby Bullet

Hosted By: Mami's 3 Little Monkeys

Make your little one the best foods with the finest ingredients of your choice. Don't be concerned about added sugar, salt, or preservatives! Make meal time fun and healthy! 

Making baby food is really simple! Baby Bullet makes it even easier! 

One lucky reader will win the complete set for making healthy homemade food for baby! 

Mami's 3 Little Monkeys & Baby Bullet have teamed up to giveaway a 20 piece Baby Bullet set. 

This prize pack will include: 

• The Batch Bowl
• Power Base
• 6 Date Dial Cups & Storage Tray
• 2 Short Cups & 2 Stay Fresh Lids
• Easy Pop Batch Tray & Lid
• Blend Blade (Stainless Steel)
• Mill Blade (Stainless Steel)
• 1 Spatula
• User Manual
• Pocket Nutritionist
• Cookbook

Total Value of $60 

Read Mami's 3 Little Monkeys Review HERE!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents whom are at least 18 years of age at the time of entrance. This giveaway will run from September 16th at 12am CST til September 30th at 11:59pm CST.

Enter through the Giveaway Tools entry form below for your chance to win this great prize pack! All entries are optional, but please be courteous and help us show our appreciation to the sponsor by following them via at least one social media site. One winner will be chosen at random and notified via email, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. 

Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Just Me and the Boys and all other participating bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment of the above prize. I received no form of compensation for this publication. If you would like to see your product(s) in an event similar to this one please contact Sarh at mamis3littlemonkeys@yahoo.com.

Making Tracks Painting Activity

This one is fairly simple.

What you need:

-Cars with different patterned/sized wheels (easy to wash, my favorite was the Duplo car).

-Tempra paints

-Paper

-Washable surface (we use plastic placemats) or newspaper

1. Squeeze paint onto washable surface (we used red, blue, yellow).

2. Let child drive his cars through the paint.

3. Drive cars on the paper.

When your child has finished you can:

Explore the different textures and sizes of the tracks made.

Talk about the new colors formed from red, yellow and blue. 

Discuss the shapes/patterns found in the painting; 'X', 'T', square, triangle, rectangle.

Have you tried this craft with your child? Would you?

Home School Pre-K Week 1

Theme: Trains
Talk about trains; what they are used for, the sounds they make, safety near train tracks.
Color the picture of the train.
Read books with trains.

Printables:
train
Photo of RR crossing sign (save/print)

Letter: Xx 
What sound does 'X' make? Share examples of words with the letter x.
What shape is the RR crossing sign? X!
Walk around the house, what else looks like an 'x'?
We found shadows, Squirrel used painters tape on the table to make an x, letter magnets.
Practice writing X in a capitals workbook and a lowercase workbook (or find printables).
Have your child color and cut out his 'X'.
Read books with X's. My X Book

Printables:
X

Number: 1
Count things around your house that come in one.
While setting the dinner table have your child give each family member 1 plate, 1 fork.
Have your child write the number 1 on an index card and add one sticker.
Give child 1 apple (or other fruit) for snack.

Shape/Color: Rectangle
Talk about the shape of a rectangle. It has 4 sides, two are long, two are short.
Rectangles have four corners.

Printable:
Rectangle

Verse:

I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Activites:

In this craft I drew varying sizes of rectangles on colored paper.

Squirrel cut them out then glued them to another colored paper with a glue stick.

Train shapes craft. I pre-cut shapes to make a train.

Squirrel had to re-arrange the shapes to make the train and train cars.

He then glued them on with liquid clue. We discusses "a little spot does a lot".

He seemed to understand at first, but then got a bit experimental and loaded one of the trains wheels with glue.

1. Colored the 'X' then cut it out. Then we hung it back on the bulletin board.

2.  Found a picture of a rectangle with squares in it. Squirrel drew an 'x' in each square. He then cut out the rectangle (he really likes cutting).

3. Making (train) tracks! Click here for instruction.

4. Played with the train set. His tracks make a figure 8. So we also discussed the other shapes we could make with the tracks; circle, oval, triangle (w/rounded edges) and so on.

To wrap up the week we reviewed each of our topics.

Well, for those who home school... how did I do?
For those who don't but are interested... does this sound simple enough?

Safety 1st Advance Air+ Car Seat Giveaway

Sept 15-21 marks Child Passenger Safety Week. Did you know that car crashes are the leading cause of death for children age 1 through 12 years old?  Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the goal of Child Passenger Safety week is to make sure all parents and caregivers are properly securing their children (ages 0-12) in the best car restraint (rear-facing, forward-facing, booster, seat belt) for their age and size.  If you haven't yet, have the installation of your seat inspected or attend a car seat safety class. Improper usage can cause injury.  

In honor of this important week, I've partnered with Thrifty Nifty Mommy, IHeart-Motherhood, Housewife on a Mission, Viva Veltoro and a handful of other great bloggers to offer our readers a giveaway for a Safety 1st Advance 70 Air+ Car Seat!

Product Details (provided by Safety 1st): This convertible car seat was inspired by race car drivers. Air Protect+ combines Safety 1^st Air Protect® Technology with GCell HX™ - hexagonal rebounding foam used in the body of the car seat to protect the child from the multiple hits that occur in crashes. Coupled with this is the placement of Air Protect® Technology which takes crash forces away from a child’s head.  This technology was developed in partnership with racecar engineers at Bald Spot Sports and INDY Car Driver Scott Dixon to better understand the energy dynamics that a high performance driver faces in the event of a crash. 

One lucky person will win a Safety 1st Advance 70 Air+ Car Seat, valued at $190!

Open to the US only, ages 18 and up.  Ends 9/29/13 at 11:59 PM EST.

Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below.  Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: The participating bloggers have not been compensated to host this giveaway. Prize fulfillment is the responsibility of Safety 1st. If you are a business or company and you're interested in being featured in a giveaway like this, please contact Thrifty Nifty Mommy.

DIY Colored Rice

We just made this the other day. Squirrel had so much fun making it and then playing with it!

Very easy recipe! 

This is what you'll need to make a small batch of colored rice:

1 - 2lb bag of white rice

4 - disposable zipper bags

Hand Sanitizer

Gel Food Coloring

Step 1:

Add four pumps of hand sanitizer to each of you disposable zipper bags.

Step 2:

Add about four 'drops' of gel food coloring to each bag in the desired color.

Step 3:

Divide rice into four equal parts (I used a kitchen scale to weigh half pound portions). Then toss measured rice into bag.

Step 4:

Squish the gel around with all the rice until even coated.

When Bug saw that his big brother was shaking/mixing a bag of rice he wanted to help too! But it wasn't long before he tried opening the zipper of the bag, followed by him trying to eat the bag. So he didn't get to help for too long.

Step 5:

Spread the rice out on wax paper to let dry. Allow at least a few hours to dry or leave it over night.

Now you're ready to play!

Squirrel played in the rice with measuring spoons, measuring cups, and we also hid a few small toys in the bowl of rice. He played with the rice for a couple hours. It makes for great sensory play! You could use sifters, funnels, jars/cups and other sand box toys.

It was very soon after placing the bowl of rice on the dining room floor that I realized Bug was not quite ready for this type of rice play. So I made him a Look and Find jar.

I filled the jar about 3/4 of the way with the colored rice. I then added some colored poms, tri color rotini, and some miniature farm animals and put the lid on really tight. I shook up the jar a bit to get the objects hidden around in the bottle. 

He then explored the bottle a little. Every time he got a glimps of the cow he said "Mooooo!". It was pretty cute.

Unfortunately, this didn't occupy him for that long. He really wanted to play in the bowl of rice with his brother. So I adapted the original rice play plan to suit Bug's personality and abilities. 

I gave him poms, a couple containers, measuring cups and a bottle.

This was definitely more his style! 

Bug loved playing with the poms and working on motor skills. He dumped the poms from one container to the other, he put them into the bottle, then of course, he threw them all on the floor! Which is where everything ends up with Bug is finished with it! 

Keep in mind that with all activities... each child is different! There will be times you'll have to adapt an activity for your child or their siblings.  

These types of activities are all about learning and exploration as well as cause and affect. If your child isn't enjoying it, adapt or do something different.

Have you ever made a sensory bin with rice, beans, beads or some other medium for your child? What did you use? What did you hide? Have you had to adapt a project for a sibling?

Hyland's Challenge and Product Giveaway

Do you have stress in your life? Hyland's Homeopathy wants to help!

Starting Monday, September 30th Hyland’s will be hosting a 5-Day Stress Challenge on their Facebook  page that will challenge you to stress less. The challenge will include tips and tricks that should help you manage the stress of your daily routine. To promote the challenge, Hyland’s is offering our readers the chance to win a Hyland’s Gift Basket valued at over $75 and including the following goodies:

• Hyland’s Calms Forte, 100 ct.; Approximate Retail Value (ARV) - $9.59
• Hyland’s Nerve Tonic, 32 ct.; (ARV) - $7.99
• Arnica 30X, 50 ct.; (ARV) - $7.49
• Muscle Therapy Gel, 3 oz.; (ARV) - $ 8.59
• Bioplasma, 500 ct.; (ARV) - $12.79
• Bioplasma Sport, 12 pack; (ARV) - $11.99
• Leg Cramps, 50 ct.; (ARV) - $9.19
• Restful Legs, 50 ct.; (ARV) - $8.99

Total Prize ARV:  $76.62

To win, please enter in the form below (Giveaway Tools) between Friday, September 13th at 12:00 AM EST and Tuesday, September 17th at 1pm EST. 

Feeling Stressed? Take the challenge!

Registration for the challenge will start on Wednesday, September 18th at 1pm EST on the Hyland’s Homeopathy fan page or directly at this link: http://a.pgtb.me/nH5S0n.  The first 1,000 users to register and fill out the entry form will receive a free full-size Hyland's Nerve Tonic. Stay tuned to the Hyland’s Homeopathy page for more details.  Check out all the other amazing products available from Hyland's for adults, children and babies! 

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I have not been compensated for hosting this giveaway. Hyland's is responsible for prize fullfulment. Thanks to Thrifty Nifty Mommy and Viva Veltoro for organizing this giveaway.

The Beginning of Our Home School Journey

We have officially decided to home school. The decision took a few months to make, but we feel we have made the best decision for our family.

God has blessed us with the ability to survive off of one income so that I can spend my days with my children rather than at an away-from-home job, so I am already home with them, why not educate them as well?

We want the ability for our children to grow and thrive educationally, emotionally, spiritually and morally. We don't feel this could be accomplished in a public school setting.

We've made the decision. Now what? I am very overwhelmed. There is so much information out there and I don't really know where to start.

Luckily, Squirrel is only four, so starting with a Pre-K program isn't too difficult. I researched many different pre-k programs online.

There wasn't one that I felt completely worked for us. So I took ideas from a bunch of different programs and blended them together, as well as adding in my own ideas and other activities I see fit.

As of right now I have it set up so we work on the same things for a whole week.

Every week we have a different:

• Theme
• Number
• Letter
• Color/Shape
• Bible Verse

These are laid out on a bulletin board that is right above his desk. 

I am not really planning ahead. I am more-or-less flying by the seat of my pants! I am preparing each week a few days ahead of time, and being that I have a basic outline for each week it isn't too difficult to pull the details together.

Mondays we head to the library to get books that relate to our weekly topics.

I try to plan a project for every day. I try to incorporate projects that utilize scissors and glue, painting or some other craft project. At this point Squirrel is loving cutting things out and is asking all day if he can cut something.

Throughout our day we look for things that have our letter/number/theme of the week.

We work on writing the number of the week. He has four writing work books. One is capital letters, one lowercase, one a mix of both and the other is a write and erase (white board style). Each of the capital/lowercase books has two pages. We work on the first page of capital on Monday, second page on Wednesday. First page of lowercase on Tuesday, second page on Thursday. Friday will be for the book that contains both capital and lowercase as well as practicing all the letters we have learned so far.

Another thing I would like to incorporate is sign language. This seems like the hardest part. Mainly because it isn't something I use regularly and I forget it easily.


The first day went well. Squirrel enjoyed learning and looks forward to school time every day (for now anyway).

Every week I will try to put a post together that includes everything we did for that week in our home school preschool program.

Have you thought about home schooling? Do you home school? Any tips or advice for us as we start this journey? 

Wordless Wednesday

Only God.

Oriental Trading $25 Gift Card Giveaway! One-derful Birthday Bash!

It's the eighth and last day of My Life According to Pinterest's "One-derful" Birthday Bash!
In case you missed them earlier, here is the list of all the "One-derful" Birthday Bash open giveaways!

Today, we're wrapping things up with a giveaway from Oriental Trading Company with a $25 Gift Card!

At Oriental Trading you'll find the perfect decorations for your little one's first (2nd or 3rd) birthday party. Oriental Trading Company is your go-to place for FUN inspiration!  They are the nation's largest direct merchant of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, toys and novelties, and a leading provider of school supplies and affordable home décor and gift ware.  As a mom, I find the cutest party decor and fun knick-knacks.  As a teacher, I find the best classroom theme decor and treasure box items.  Planning a wedding or a Vacation Bible School program?  They even have you covered for that! Their prices are so reasonable too.  With Halloween coming up, this gift card could help you with all your costume or party planning needs!

Giveaway is open to U.S. only and ends 9/25 at 11:59 pm E.S.T

Entry-Form

My Life According to Pinterest, Just Me and the Boys and other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment.

Buh Bye Crib!

Bug has been rather rambunctious at night. Occasionally we hear a loud thud in the crib followed by crying. Usually when I get in the room he is either sitting or standing. I was thinking that maybe he just hit his head or happened to kick the crib in his sleep, startling him awake.

It wasn't until we were at a birthday party in the park last weekend that I thought something different. He walked up to the picnic table, grabbed the bench and pulled himself right up!

My mind immediately flashed with thoughts of him laying on his bedroom floor after successfully climbing out of his crib. What made this thought so horrible was that he also had a broken neck! Yes, I know, worst case scenario. Many kids have climbed out of their crib with little-to-no injuries.

On the way home from the park I discussed with my husband how I wanted to change Bug's crib from the crib to toddler bed. Which just required an allen wrench and a few minutes of time (which we all know that I -and all other mothers- have a lot of)!

It was the next day that I took the time to convert his crib.

By the time Squirrel was his age I was ready to put him in a toddler bed. Squirrel was laid back, didn't throw fits and was a great sleeper.

Bug, on-the-other-hand, is not laid back, he throws multiple (10-400) fits a day and while he does sleep through the night, it doesn't take much of a noise to wake him up. In the last couple months I had not prepared, nor did I want to prepare, for the time I would transition him to a toddler bed.

So he slept in his toddler bed for the first time Sunday night. He cried for a minute after he climbed in but then settled down and fell asleep. About an hour or two into his slumber I tip-toed into his bedroom to snap a photo, against my better judgement. Fortunately, he did not wake up.

He did great! He did not get out of bed until about 7:45 the next morning. All was well.

Nap time was a little different. When I left the room he cried and climbed out. I had him climb back into bed and the cycle was repeated two more times. I then stood in his room for about two minutes while he settled down then walked out one last time.

He fell asleep.

A little over an hour later I was heard a strange clicking in his room. Confused, I opened the door to see...

The transition has been much easier than I thought it would be. And in the last two days he has been climbing on everything! So I am really happy I decided to transition Bug from the crib to toddler bed.

I no longer have to worry about him breaking his neck trying to escape from his cage!

How old was your child when you moved them from the crib to toddler bed? Why did you decide to make the shift?

Pleygo- Subscribe, Rent, Play, Exchange, Repeat!

Pleygo is a Net-Flix like service for Legos! 

 

 Subscribe, rent, play, and exchange sets of LEGOs unlimited times per month.  

Shipping is always free both ways and sets are sanitized when returned.  We offer a convenient, quick, and inexpensive solution that relieves clutter and saves space at home while saving money.  

Co-Founded by influential parenting blogger and creator of A-List mom Elina Furman, Plegyo is the perfect way to supply your child with endless developmental tools and allow for that much needed quiet time at home!

Three levels of subscription starting at just $15 allow you to find the plan that best suits you.  We offer credit towards you account for sets and mixed bricks that you donate to us, and we provide the shipping label too!  

Pleygo is a perfect gift for a family friend, loved one, or birthday party.  Purchase a gift subscription and send it with a special message from you!  We are constantly expanding our inventory with more sets!

Receive your First Month FREE at  http://www.usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?bid=11329&dealid=1389®ionid=75 or directly at www.Pleygo.com to register!

BobbleRoos Toddler Pillow and Blanket Set Giveaway

It's the seventh day of My Life According to Pinterest's "One-derful" Birthday Bash!
In case you missed them earlier, here is the list of all the "One-derful" Birthday Bash open giveaways!

Today, we're giving away a Bobbleroos Toddler Pillow & Blanket Set in your choice of fabric (based on availability).

BobbleRoos is a mom-owned and run business by Renee Sirulnik.  She always loved sewing and creating things.   Renee started off sewing baby blankets as gifts for her friends that were new moms and they loved them!  After starting a family, she decided to take the plunge to leave her job in the computer field and focus on her family and her Bobbleroos business.  Bobbleroos now has customers in all 50 states and many countries.

Bobbleroos doesn’t just make baby blankets. They have also added toddler pillows, playard sheets, washcloths, bips, burp cloths, nap mat sheets, and larger supersize blankets for older kids!  This set features one toddler pillow with a matching standard size (35" x 44") baby blanket that is larger than most blankets and will last your child all the way into toddlerhood. With fabric choices that range from butterflies to construction to safari, you'll be sure to find the perfect print for your little one.  Check out my review here.

Giveaway is open to U.S. only and ends 9/24 at 11:59 pm E.S.T

Entry-Form

The winner will have their prize sent to them by Bobbleroos.  My Life According to Pinterest, Just Me and the Boys and other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment.