Yummi Pouch -Reusable Food Pouch- Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Storing foods in your own re-usable storage bags gives you the confidence that what you or your child is about to eat is not only healthy, but contaminant free.

Yummi Pouch offers three different size pouches. The standard, which holds 6 ounces, the mini, which holds 2.5 ounces and the sport, which holds 10 ounces.

All of their pouches are free of BPA and phthalates, they are dishwasher and freezer safe, easy to fill and convenient to use (learn more here)!

Pictured above is the standard 6 ounce pouch, which comes in a variety of colorful patterns. They have a zip style closure at the top, the bottom is expandable so you can prop it upright while filling and get maximum fill space. On the back of the pouch there is a "fill line". Filling beyond this line will cause the contents to overflow when sealing the pouch. There is also a space to write the date and contents of the pouch. Great for toddler snacks especially apple sauce on-the-go!

This is the mini pouch. Holding 2.5 ounces it is perfect for taking that home-made baby food on the go! This one opens on the bottom (does not expand). On the back is a fill line and date/contents space.

This one is my favorite! I have been making green smoothies almost daily. I always have about two servings. While I like to enjoy it all freshly made, I can't always consume it fast enough. This 10 ounce sport pouch is perfect for storing my left over smoothie! It is air tight so the ingredients stay fresh. I can then take it on the go later in the day or just have the rest of it for snack at home. 

This one also has the expandable bottom and a fill line. Perfect for the mama on-the-go who wants to have that fresh, healthy snack at the park or after a work out.

While you can put the pouch in the top rack of the dishwasher, I choose to hand wash. Which is fairly simple. I just add a small drop of dish soap and fill half way with hot water. Shake well, removing all food particles from the corners and crevices. I then rinse well. I put the cap inside the bag to keep it propped open for airflow and to ensure it dries fully.

You can purchase Yummy Pouch and the great accessories on their website.

Connect with Yummi Pouch on Facebook and Twitter!

What and who would you use Yummi Pouch for? The baby, the toddler, the big kids or yourself?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Premier Designs $30 Credit Giveaway {Feel the Love Hop}

Welcome to the Feel the Love Giveaway Hop hosted by the Blogging Mamas Network.

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day approaches and I've joined with a group of bloggers who want you to Feel the Love this February! Each blogger in this Hop has a giveaway worth at least $25 that you are sure to love!

Just Me and the Boys has partnered with Premier Designs jeweler Amber to offer you a $30 credit!

I was not a jewelry person until my first Premier Designs purchase. Now, I don't leave the house without jewelry, I'll leave without makeup, but not jewelry! I own a lot of pieces and get compliments where ever I go!

Premier Designs prices range from $5-98 dollars with the average price point of $39, there is something to fit every budget! Each piece is also backed by their Golden Guarantee!

Premier offers a wide variety of fashion jewelry. What I love most about it is it's versatility. There are so many pieces that can be worn in many different ways. One of the pieces I own, called Layered On, can be worn in over 20 different way! Check it out here.

Whether you want the whole look for special occasions or for casual wear, you'll find what you need with Premier Designs.

Premier Designs is a biblically based company, which shows through their jewelers and throughout the catalog. The necklace below is new to the spring line. Matthew 17:20, one that will be added to my collection!

You'll definitely feel the love with Premier Designs!

Enter to win a $30 credit from Amber Wilfahrt Jewelry Lady below! 

Must be 18+ and a US resident. Ends February 14th!
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail before a new winner is chosen.

Entry-Form

After you've entered my giveaway, hop on over and enter to win the lovely Grand Prize - where you'll find a Maggie Bags Butterfly Bag, a delicious spread of Lovely Candy Co, and a girl's best friend - jewelry thanks to Jewelry in Candles by Karine!

Enter the Grand Prize.

Pregnancy Update {18 weeks}

Almost half way there!

When I met with my midwife at 13 weeks I was measuring 16 1/2 weeks, which kind of concerned me. Nothing I could but wait though. So it was nice to know that now at 18 weeks I am measuring right were I should be! But I still feel rather large for 18 weeks!

So far I have been feeling pretty good. I have had occasional heart burn, but for the most part it has subsided. I am dealing with migraines. The only time I have had migraines is when I'm pregnant. I remember I had migraine that wouldn't go away between 16-20 weeks with Squirrel. I dreaded the 16 week mark with Bug, but I didn't get the migraines with him. Although, they are back now. Here's to hoping they stop in a couple weeks!

I started feeling baby move around 14 weeks, a few weeks sooner than Squirrel, a week later than Bug. I love the feeling. It is such a blessing to be able to have children and the feeling of a baby moving around inside of you is just incredible. Sometimes uncomfortable, but indeed incredible.

Since my 13 week appointment I have completely changed my diet. You could call  it some sort of pregnancy diet. I have cut out most refined sugars, stick to whole grains rather than white flours. Eat mainly fresh fruits and veggies, then proteins and grains. The first few days I felt really hungry. I consulted with a friend, Brittany Parker Health Coach who informed me that I have to make sure I am eating lots of protein (75-100 grams/day) and healthy fats. Those will help keep me full and regulate blood sugar. Her suggestion helped, a lot! I have also been much better about my water intake. Which is easier to do when I am home than when I am out.

Unfortunately, I have been experiencing hypoglycemia the last two weeks, some mornings it is pretty bad. Midwife suggests small snacks of cheese or macadamia nuts when I wake up at night. As well as having some sort of protein bar by the bed side so when I wake up in the morning I can get something in me before catering to boys. Low blood sugar is not a fun way to start the day. It makes me cranky. So her advise will be utilized!

Progesterone shots are going well. The shot itself isn't too bad, but I feel bruised for days afterwards. My lucky (and wonderful) husband gets to give me the shots twice a week. After doing some more research, there are some women who have to take the shot daily. I am thankful that I'm not one of them!

But all-in-all, I feel pretty darn good! Sleeping well, don't have any major complications, and I'm fairly comfortable. 

Squirrel constantly talks about the baby. He will randomly suggest names, or randomly say things like "Its a good thing there is another seat in the car so the baby will have a place to sit!". He is funny. He's already looking out for his little brother or sister.

At 13.5 weeks baby's heartbeat was in the 150's, today in the 160's. So what do you think, girl? Ultrasound in two weeks! Can't wait to see this little one!

Here is a comparison at 13, 16 and 18 weeks! The belly is definitely getting bigger, I'm actually getting nervous about how big I will get this time!

So, are you pregnant? How far along, how are you feeling? Share your advice, updates and stories!

Blogger Opp!

Spring Into Cash Event

Organized by: Mom Powered Media

Grand Prize: $1,000 Visa Gift Card

Event dates: 3/20 – 4/10

Open to all bloggers with 2,500 facebook fans or more.

SIGN-UP HERE

Toys 'R' Us $100 Gift Card Winter Days Giveaway

Welcome to the Toys"R"Us $100 Gift Card Winter Days Giveaway sponsored by Demagogue and hosted by The Parenting Patch! 

 Although the winter days seem long, soon the dog days of summer will be here. To pass the winter days by, how does a $100 gift card to spend at Toys"R"Us sound? Get some indoor toys to pass the winter by, or start getting ready for outside play this summer. 

What would your plans be with a $100 gift card to Toys"R"Us? My son loves his wooden train set. We would probably get more trains or tracks to go along with it! Or maybe even a train table! What are you little ones' favorite toys to occupy them during the gloomy winter months?

 One (1) lucky reader of The Parenting Patch and Demagogue will win one (1) $100 gift card to Toys"R"Us. To enter for your chance to win the Toys"R"Us $100 Gift Card Winter Days Giveaway, simply use the following Rafflecopter form. Good luck! 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway 

The Toys"R"Us $100 Gift Card Winter Days Giveaway is open worldwide. An international winner will receive $100 via PayPal in lieu of the specified prize. The Toys"R"Us $100 Gift Card Winter Days Giveaway ends at midnight CST on January 30, 2014. One winner will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter. The winner will be sent an email and will have forty-eight hours to respond. If no response is received within forty-eight hours, another winner will be chosen. The Parenting Patch and other participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Mama's Got A New Look- Pretty Mommies Giveaway!

We just rang in 2014 and with a New Year comes the chance to develop a new YOU! Welcome to the [2nd Annual] Mama's Got a New Look Giveaway Hop Event. The Blogging Mamas Network, along with co-hosts Mama's Baby Cupcakes, So Easy Being Green, and Viva Veltoro want to give the special, deserving Mamas a chance at a New Look for the New Year!

This Event will run from January 15-29 and each blogger in the hop has a great prize, worth at least $25, to help you achieve that new look!

Just Me and the Boys has partnered with Pretty Mommies to offer one of my readers their three step skin care system (value of $119) that is safe to use during pregnancy and while nursing. Get clearer skin without worrying about chemicals or toxins affecting your baby!

Check out my full review of the Pretty Mommies skin care line here.

Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below.
Open to US residents 18 years and older.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail before a new winner is drawn.

Entry-Form

This wonderful Grand Prize has two packages up for grabs. The first prize pack, Fashion Mama, features a whole Gel Nail Kit from Couture Gel Nail Polish, a $100 Gift Code to the online jewelry retailer The Vintage Pearl, and a crocheted Infinity Scarf in winner's choice of color from Treasured by Holly.

Our second prize pack, New Mama, features a breastfeeding camisole from Undercover Mama, a Chewbeads "Jane" necklace in winner's choice of color, winner's choice of fabric for a diapers/wipes carrying case from The Diaper Clutch, Bamboobies set of Multi Pack Pads, and winner's choice of item shown from Loving Moments by Leading Lady and their Maternity to Nursing line.

Disclosure: Viva Veltoro, Blogging Mamas, Mama’s Baby Cupcakes, the Blogging Mamas Network, and the Mama’s Got a New Look participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

Leftovers Egg Scrabler {Tasty Tuesday}

If you are looking for a great meal that you can use the next day as breakfast leftovers with a completely different taste, here it is!

This leftover egg scramble was made with leftovers from my Roasted Potatoes (w/ sausage, peppers and onions) recipe. If you haven't tried this, it's a must! We have it fairly often at our house! This last time I made it I added more veggies!

This was very simple to throw together. 

I started with more multi colored bell peppers. I buy them at Target. They are organic, chopped and frozen. 

Using a non-stick frying pan I added the peppers until no longer frozen, then threw in my left overs. While that was heating up I tossed some eggs into a bowl and scrambled them up. Added a splash of milk and my favorite egg seasonings (Lawry's and fresh ground black pepper).

Once the potatoes and sausage were heated through I poured the eggs into the pan and cooked just like scrambled eggs!

It is very good and makes a second great use out of an evening dinner!

What other meals do you like to have as leftovers, how do you prepare them?

Valentines Giveaway!

Enter the Rafflecopter below to enter one of 6 prizes! 

This is Hosted by Debras Random Rambles
Co- Hosted by Mom Loves 2 Read and Networking Witches
Go HERE to read more about the sponsors!

Win one of six prizes from 3 Sisters, Nature's Intention, Loves 2 Read, Jaxx candles, Paypal and x-mini speaker! Win for yourself, a significant other or a friend!

Enter to win through the Rafflecopter form below. 

Winner must be 18+ and a US resident. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Just Me and the Boys is not responsible for prize fulfillment and was not compensated in any way. 

Pretty Mommies (pregnancy/nursing safe) Facial Skin Care

Thank you Pretty Mommies for the skin care system pictured above.
This post contains affiliate links.

Pretty Mommies offers a skin care system that is not only safe for pregnant or nursing moms/babies, but it is also an effective skin care system!

Gina, the president and founder of Pretty Mommies had looked for a pregnancy safe facial cleansing system that was safe for pregnancy to get rid of the acne from pregnancy. She failed to find one. Eventually she decided this was something that needed to be on the market, so she made it happen! Pretty Mommies is free of all those chemicals found in traditional facial cleansers. Making them safe for mom and baby.

Pretty Mommies skin care line is a three step process. It is recommended that you do the process twice a day to see the best results. Each product can be used separately, but again, for best results use the three step process all together. 

#1 Let's Be Clear (Facial Cleanser)

The facial cleanser comes in a 4 oz bottle. The cleanser is clear and colorless. I use two pumps, get a good lather and wash my face. As with using any facial cleanser, do not push too hard. Gently rub your face with your fingertips, letting the lather work for you. I love how my face feels after using this cleanser. Most of the other chemical-free cleansers I use leave a "squeaky-clean" feel, leaving my skin feeling more like dry plastic, which I'm not too fond of.

Step #2 Truth Be Told (Skin Brightener)

The skin brightener comes in a 2 oz bottle. Shown in the upper right corner of the picture is the product itself. It has a creamy white look and a silky smooth feel. Apply this product right after washing your face. Use a towel to pat dry (do not rub) your face. One squirt of the product is enough to cover my entire face. Truth Be Told contains agents that help brighten your skin, assist in hydration and decrease inflammation. It also has antibacterial properties to help kill acne causing bacteria. It goes on really smooth and doesn't leave my face feeling tight and dry.

Step #3 Protect and Reflect (SPF 30 Sunscreen)

The sunscreen lotion comes in a 2 oz. bottle, it provides protection from the sun's harmful rays, hydration and is also an anti-inflammatory. This lotion is what I would describe as a 'dry lotion', it doesn't really penetrate the skin deep down. If you use too much it will start to roll off between your fingers. In the winter my skin requires a lot of moisture. I don't feel this is the right moisturizer for me during the winter months, being that I'm not exposed to the sun much either, I'd rather hold on to this and use it in the summer. I know this will be a perfect summer lotion for my when I don't require deep moisturizing but do require sunscreen. The size of the bottle is also convenient, it fits perfectly into a small/medium purse or diaper bag!

Buy it: You can purchase the set all together ($119) or each one individually on the Pretty Mommies website.

Connect: Like Pretty Mommies on Facebook and follow on Twitter! 

As a pregnant or nursing mom, do you pay attention to the chemicals in your skin care products that could affect your baby? What is your favorite part about the Pretty Mommies system?

Disclosure: I received the skin care line discussed above to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and are honest. This post contains affiliate links.

$100 PayPal Cash Giveaway {2014 Resolutions}

Welcome to $100 Paypal Cash 2014 Resolutions Giveaway - Sponsored by The Leaker News and Hosted by Giveaway Monkey together with BloggieAway and Parenting Patch.

It’s that time of year again. Time for us to make a list of Resolutions that we will probably forget about by February. But it is a tradition so let's do it, anyhow.

Would a $100 PayPal give you the motivation you need to stick to your resolutions? What is your resolution? Whether it's to live a healthier life, a greener life, or avoid all things vegetables, it is always easier with a little extra cash!

One (1) lucky reader will win $100 Paypal Cash. This giveaway is open worldwide and ends on February 03, 2014 EST. To enter, simply use the following Rafflecopter form. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One winner will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter. The winner will be sent an email and will have forty-eight hours to respond. If no response is received within forty-eight hours, another winner will be chosen. Giveaway Monkey, Just Me and the Boys and other participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Iokai Bracelet Giveaway

Sponsored by: mylokai

Hosted by: Living Frugal in Georgia

Co-Hosted by: Bloggieaway

The lokai bracelet represents life as it is marked by highs and lows. The bracelet is infused with elements from the highest and lowest points on Earth. Mud from the Dead Sea and water from Mt. Everest. These beads are linked together with a string of clear beads, signifying your own path along the circular journey of life. We all have a story, this bracelet symbolizes it for us!

 Rachel from Living Frugal in Georgia has recently fell in love with this bracelet and the meaning behind it.  

You can check out her review here. 

Now on to the giveaway...

One lucky winner will receive a lokai bracelet valued at $18. This giveaway is open to US residents of ages 18+. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 24 hours to respond. To enter please use the Giveaway Tools application below. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Just Me and the Boys is not responsible for shipment of prize. The sponsor is responsible for shipment. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social network.

Thayers Natural Remedies Witch Hazel Review

Thayers Natural Remedies products have been around for a long time, since before the 1900's! One of the things they specialize in is Natural Witch Hazel. Witch Hazel is a small shrub that has natural astringent properties. These astringents are derived from the shrubs foliage, twigs and bark. There are many uses for Witch Hazel; some of which include reduction of swelling, treatment for cuts and bruises and even hemorrhoid treatment. I know a few friends who swear by it for postpartum care. It is easily applied with a cotton ball.

Thank you Thayers for providing me with the product shown below!

One of the products I was sent is Thayers Peach Witch Hazel.

This peach witch hazel is formulated with Aloe Vera and vitamin C. It has a wonderful fresh peach scent, that totally makes my mouth water when I smell it! Main uses are for cleansing, softening, refreshing and moisturizing skin.

They also sent me the Cucumber Witch Hazel.

The Cucumber Witch Hazel smells like peppered cucumber. This formula also has Aloe. It is an alcohol-free toner that is gentle on the skin. It also has a bit of a cooling effect. 

Thayers offers multiple scents of Witch Hazel in both 12 oz full size bottles and 2 oz sample sizes as well as many other products, all which can be purchased on their website. 

Connect with Thayers on Facebook!

Do you use Witch Hazel, what are your favorite uses for it? What scent would you like from Thayers?

Disclosure: I received the product above to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. 

Eggplant Lasagna {Tasty Tuesday}

With my third baby on the way, I have drastically changed my diet, for the better! I am eating lots of veggies and fruits as well as protein rich foods and whole grains.

I have always loved lasagna. But decided that I should avoid the white pasta, even if it would have been for a single meal. I found an Eggplant Parmesan recipe and decided I would make two half pans of lasagna. One would be traditional, for the boys and the other would substitute parmesan baked eggplant from the eggplant parmesan recipe for noodles in mine.

It turned out so well that I decided to share the recipe! Being that I wasn't planning on blogging the recipe I didn't take any pictures of the process. Nor was the lighting right to take pics of the final product. But it was seriously delicious!

Ingredients:

2 eggplants

2 cups mozzarella cheese

1 container of ricotta cheese

1 jar of you favorite red pasta sauce

1 can of crushed tomatoes in puree

1 lb hamburger or other meat/meat substitute (optional)

1 cup Parmesan cheese

2 eggs

Italian seasoning to taste, sea salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Rub some butter on the bottom of a cookie sheet (you could use non-stick spray, but I prefer not to). You'll probably need two cookie sheets. 

2. Mix together parmesan cheese, Italian seasonings, salt and pepper and put on large plate. Beat eggs in shallow bowl.

3. Slice eggplant lengthwise in the thickness you prefer (1/4-1/2 inch), making long, wide 'noodles'. Dip both sides of the eggplant in the egg mixture then coat with the parmesan mixture. Lay flat on cookie sheet and put in oven for 20 minutes, flipping it over halfway through.

4. Brown hamburger or other meat of your choice, season with Italian seasoning, drain. Add pasta sauce, crushed tomatoes and more Italian seasoning. Heat through. (When eggplant is done cooking, reduce oven temp to 350).

5. Spoon some of the sauce mixture into the bottom of your lasagna pan, enough to coat the bottom. Add a layer of eggplant. Cover that with half of the ricotta and 1/3 of the mozzarella. Then add half of the remaining sauce mixture, another layer of eggplant, the rest of the ricotta, some mozzarella and the rest of the sauce. Put the remaining 1/3 of the mozzarella on the top. Cover and bake for 20-30 minutes, until nice and bubbly! 

You get a very strong flavor from the parmesan. If you aren't that in love with parmesan you could probably try half parmesan half whole wheat bread crumbs on your eggplant noodles.

Have you made a change in your diet recently? Is the rest of your family on board with those changes or do you find yourself making meals differently for yourself and for the rest of the family?

Action Baby Carrier Giveaway!

Welcome to the Action Baby Carriers Giveaway!

Keep your little ones close with the comfort of an 
Action Baby Carrier

Photo Credit: Action Baby Carriers

Hosted by: Crunchy Livin Mama Style

Sponsored by: Action Baby Carriers

Co-Hosted by: Mommys Craft Obsession, Attached Moms, Divided by Zero & Ramblings of Mama

Crunchy Livin Mama Style recieved an Elle Toddler carrier from Action Baby Carrier in exchange for her honest review. Just Me and the Boys blog has not been compensated in the promotion of this giveaway.

Action Baby Carriers is a family operation located in Detroit, Michigan - purchased by a husband and wife team who adored wearing their own baby.  They have since been dedicated to producing high quality, comfortable and extremely useful carriers for other families!  Action Baby Carriers are great for many reasons! They're made in the USA and designed to create the perfect sitting position for your little one for weight displacement and proper positioning of baby's hips. Not only do they offer great quality carriers, but also allow parents to share special bonding moments with their little one while affordable for families.

There are many benefits to baby wearing. Some of those benefits include a baby that cries less (when babies aren't crying they can spend more time learning), a greater bonding experience between baby and mom/caregiver, the ability for the baby to learn and experience from a position where mom is experiencing the same thing. Baby wearing is also very convenient. You can do pretty much anything while wearing baby! Baby can even sleep or nurse while you get the housework done!

Action Baby Carriers currently offers a variety of prints and colors in both their Classic carriers and Toddler carriers. Their carriers have the same webbing; however, the Toddler carrier is 3 inches taller in the body than the Classic carrier while also offering a longer hood.  Their Classic carrier as a body width of 13.5" whereas the Toddler carrier's 'seat' is 19" cross.  The Toddler carrier is also great for your older children as it goes from 15lbs-45lbs over the 40lbs of the Classic carrier.

Click HERE to read Crunchy Livin Mama Style's review of the 

Elle Toddler carrier from Action Baby Carriers!