Great Styles for the expectant mom

So, lately I've been trying to find some great maternity clothes. Finding great styles and fits can be so difficult. In a lot of my local stores, all the outfits seem to be, well, how do I say it... Old Ladyish. I don't understand why so many designers believe that since we're "expecting" aka turning into a whale, that we don't want to look attractive! Well, I think that is all the reason to create clothes. To make the Mom, or Mom to be feel better about herself. Let her feel beautiful. It doesn't take much of a baby bump to feel like you've outgrown everything you own, and the only thing that makes you look good are low cut tops that show of your new bust.

Well I'm happy to say that I've found some great designs at Simply Be. They've only recently added maternity wear,as well as their Plus Size Catalogue and I'm really glad that they did. They have some great outfits that I know would make many woman feel like...well Woman!

I've picked out a few of my favorites to share with you. Here they are in no particular order...

Pants are always so hard to find. With summer approaching, and for anyone who lives in warmer climates, these two selections would be great.



As for tops...I think this one would be great for the office, the mock top pulls of the illusion of layers, but it keeps it nice and cool for the Mom who is always overheating.



Hope everyone finds some great buys!!

7 Weeks Pregnant

Ok, so I'd just like to say that being pregnant SUCKS!!! I so don't remember feeling this horrible last time around. I mean I really feel awful! With 33 more weeks to go, I've barely started this rollercoaster ride....please please please let this get better.

I've come to realize a few things. #1 I need way more sleep, this little night owl has been hitting the hay at around 10pm. I usually don't mosey off to bed until around 2am. So this is a huge change for me. #2 My body is so used to junk food that it is seriously going through withdraw. I'm used to eating on the run, and ever since adding more nutrition in my diet my blood pressure has dropped considerable. It used to be normal, but as of late has become very low at times, leaving me with absolutely no energy.

I know I shouldn't be complaining, I really do love what the outcome of this discomfort will produce, but right now....it just plain sucks.

Hope everyone has had a wonderful week, I plan to get a few reviews and giveaways up this weekend. Sorry I've been MIA but when your in bed at 10pm there just isn't enough time to get everything done.

My Mom and Me

With Mother's Day coming up so fast, I've been finding myself thinking about those special times that I had with my Mom. My Mom ran a restaurant, and many of my days and nights were spent there, working along side of her. I don't know how many Mother's Day's we spent, running around the dining room on the busiest night of the year. It almost became a tradition...

When you work along side someone, in high stress situations, you learn a lot about them. And I have to say, working with my Mom gave me an outlook on her life. What it was like to be a single Mom, taking care of 3 kids, and running a restaurant. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she did it, every single day.

I'll never forget the life lessons that I learned in the restaurant, from how to run a business, to how to deal with customers. How to feed 300 people in less than 2 hours, to how to keep the place clean and organized. I grew up in a restaurant with my Mom and I wouldn't have it any other way. So this year, I think I may treat her to something special,a nice surprise from 1800flowers this mothers day.

The Jogging Suit

Her legs go unshaven
Her hair is a mess
With little to no time
To find that great dress.

Her children are screaming
She's ready to cry
She doesn't know how
To keep make them all try

To help her clean up
To clean for themselves
To make her life easy
If just for one day

But she loves her life
And she lovers her kids
And she wouldn't trade it in
For the highest of bids

So she'll keep pushing on
Training her troop
with fuzzy legs
and a jogging suit.

6 Weeks Pregnant

OK, so right now I am 6 weeks preggo, and boy oh boy am I feeling it. My first realization, this pregnancy will be very different from the last. While I was in the early stages with my little guy, I was tired and weak, but that was about it. This little one inside of me is making my body react completely different.

#1 I constantly feel sick...I've got if figured out that if I eat every 2 hours, I feel ok...but when you eat every 2 hours there is going to be some serious weight gain, and I so don't want to gain what I did last time, I'll never get rid of it!!

#2 I am freekin tired, all the time. I struggle to try and peel myself off the couch. This morning I woke up at 7:30, I started moving around 11. (So not a good thing) Part two to this is normally I'm quite the night owl, you can usually find me on twitter or skype at 1 or 2 am, last night I was out like a light around 9:30....

#3 I'm headachey, and I don't like it!!!! Regular strength Tylenol does nothing....absolutely nothing.

#4 The above factors have all combined to make me CRANKY! I'm sorry family, there isn't much I can do about it. Let's hope that by the time trimester two rolls around that most of the above issues will pass and I can get back to being my old self again.

With Ben, my pregnancy went really smooth, and I hope for the same this time around. I gained almost 68lbs, and to date, I have only lost about half of it. First time around my prepregnancy weight was 125lbs, 192 when he was born. I lost about 15 on the table and went down to 150ish while I was nursing. My weight settled betweet 160 and 165lbs, and I am happy and content at that weight.

This pregnancy starting weight is (hold on, let me go weigh myself) 160lbs - my goal is to gain no more than 30lbs. Fingers crossed that healthy eating and lots of summer walks will help my stay within my goal.

For right now, I have to force myself to move, get up and do stuff. So I'm hoping that I will be able to keep myself going, at least until that burst of 'nesting' energy sinks in and I am self propelled. (please don't tell me that only happens with the first one, pretty please!!)

Snap Totes - A Must Have for Mother's Day

OK, so I was given the wonderful opportunity to check out Snap Totes and their great products and wow, the bag I received couldn't have come out any better! I am amazed at the quality of the picture, and the bag. It couldn't have been any better.

Just Check It Out!

So, now that you've seen Snap Totes, are you craving one yourself? I know you all are! Snap Totes have upped their offer and now, anyone who used the code busy15 will get a whopping 15% off their order!

Be sure to order by April 30th to be sure it will arrive

Hump Day Contest Hunt

OK, so I'm a day late....must be the pregnancy brain kicking in. Here is Mr. Linky for all to share, please post your giveaways, and enter a few while your here too!




Happy belated Hump Day

Introducing Kraf Online

Do you love Batik designs as much as I do? Well, I just had to tell you about this great new Batik store that has seriously caught my attention. The site is called Kraf Online, and it has some of the most wonderful batik designs that I've seen in some time. Be sure to check out their site, as well as the batik blog.

I'm especially fond of their Men's Shirts. I think they would be wonderful Father's Day gifts for the Daddy in your life. (They would look great on the Golf Course)

Shirts are not the only thing you'll find there though, they have some great Stationary Set, Bedding and Shoes!

Not quite sure what Batik is? Well, let me tell you! Batik is an Indonesian style of fabric dying that is created by putting removable wax over the areas of the fabric where the dye is not wanted. The fabric is then hand painted or dyed and the wax is removed. What is left behind is a beautiful, one of a kind design!

I encourage everyone to go check out the great designs at Kraf Online! They're great, and would make some wonderful Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts. I know I would be thrilled to receive it!

Use the special code "crafty" to receive 10% off your purchase!

Photofidde Product Review and Giveaway

If you are on the hunt for a great gift this year for Mother's Day, I've got it for you! Have you ever had your Photo Fiddled?



Well, I recently had my Photo Fiddled and it's the best thing I've ever done! I chose a great picture of my little guy sitting in a tree. And I couldn't have been happier with the result! Check out my before and after shots!

BEFORE

After

Want to see more, check out the PhotoFiddle Before and After Gallery for some great Ideas!

Receiving a Photo Fiddle as a Mother's Day Gift would bring just about any Mom to tears (the happy kind) I know I shed one or two when mine showed up on the door step! There quite popular all around, being seen on Oprah, The Washington Post, USA Today and just about everywhere else!

The folks over at Photofiddle are celebrating Mother's Day with us! When you order your Photofiddle, just enter the code mom15 and receive a whopping 15% off! Order by May 6th to receive it in time for Mother's Day!

Now, I know that is just amazing, and I can't wait to let you in on a little secret! One of you lucky A Busy Mommy readers is going to win a $50 Photo Fiddle Gift Certificate! Entry is easy.

Head on over to Photofiddle and check them out, come back here and let me know what style you would chose if you are the lucky winner!


Extra Entries! Please leave a Separate Comment for each additional entry.

• Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post as well as Photofiddle. Don't forget to link me!
  
• Tweet this giveaway and don't forget to link me!
• Add my button to your sidebar, link me!
• Subscribe or Follow my blog (or both)
• Stumble, Technorati, ect me...
• Join my Newsletter
• Make a purchase from Photofiddle and receive 10 extra entries.
  

This giveaway will end on May 5th @ 12am Atlantic Time...I will chose a winner using random.org and they will be notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to reply to the email, or they forfeit their prize and a new winner will be chosen. Winner must have followed the rules.

Sound Oasis Product Review

Please go check out Sound Oasis!

CD Earth Free Video Games CD with Software Club Trial

I just came across a great offer for all anyone into software, gamer moms, homeschooling parents and the like! (bet you didn't know that I am a closet gamer mom) I just had to tell you all about it!

When you sign up for a 25 day trial to CD Earth, you will receive a CD full of fun and exciting arcade games, plus another software cd of your choice! A really awesome deal! All you have to do is pay $2.96 Shipping and the CD's are yours to keep! Easy as pie!

I checked out the website, and was excited to see all the software available for school aged children. Membership to CD Earth would be a wonderful advantage to all the home schooling parents out there, looking for great and effective ways to help teach their children school lessons as well and computer knowledge.

But they don't only have educational stuff. You'll also find software for web designers, video editing software, awesome computer games like soduku and mahjongg, 10001 recipes, and so much more!

I am excited about this site, and just signed up to receive my free cd's. I hope your just as excited and I am, and can use this site to it's full potential.

Disclosure Policy

Dear Hubby...

First of all my dear hubby, I love you very much...but we have a few things that we need to chat about. Nothing big, no huge issues...there are just a few things I need to clarify.

1. Please stop leaving your wiskers in the sink...I know it's so hard to rinse them out, but a toothpaste and wiskers stew is not something that I or your son, like to wake up to.

2. Please stop cooking. I know you love to cook and experiment, but #1 11:30pm is NOT the time to do this, and #2 "I cooked, you clean" does not work in this house...no one but me cleans when I cook! OH, and your idol, you know that chef on TV, I bet he cleans up after himself.

3. The next time you think you'll help out by doing some laundry...Don't. nuff said.

4. Thank you for all the work you did last night putting our new fridge together, the fridge looks great! Did you know it took me longer to clean up your mess then it did for you to make it!

5. Your nasty work clothes belong in your hamper. Not mine, and not your son's and most definitely not on the floor. There is a reason you have your own, I like to keep our clothes grease free.

6. "I'm trying to relax" are bad words in this house, the day we decided to have kids is the day you gave up your right to relax. And besides, I haven't relaxed in 4 years, you do it daily, how fair is that?

7. Hiding in the bedroom after work is not acceptable behavior!

8. You know those big sliding doors when you first walk into the house, that is a closet, c-l-o-s-e-t. It's a neat little invention, designed to contain your hat, coat and shoes! I know, it sounds too good to be true but it is there, and yes, we are lucky enough to have not one, but 5 or 6. Could you please get lessons on how to use a coat hanger (if you don't know what this is, google it, I'm sure you'll find a detailed description) The back of the coach is not the designated coat drop!

9. Taking out the Garbage is YOUR JOB! And it is the only one I ask of you. And guess what, tonight is garbage night! Your first shift! Are you as excited as I am?

10. When I do decide to ask you to help me out with a household chore, please do not do it completely ass backwards so I never ask you again...just do it.

11. After I've done all of this, gone to work, raised, played with, bathed and fed your child, please do not wake me up at 2am for a little fun...because you will be disappointed.

As I said before, I do love you very much! But you have a few, hmmm, what shall we call them...lazy attributes that I just can't take anymore. Do I need to call your mom and get her to retrain you? I'm sure she'll help.

More Pregnancy Questions

So, as many of you now know, I am pregnant. Omgosh, I cannot seem to get the questions of my pregnancy out of my head! I've spent so many nights just tossing and turning, thing about all the things I forget!

One thing I've noticed so far is that this pregnancy is a lot different from my first. Now, at only 5 weeks along, you may ask, "how do you know?" Well, first of all, I feel ill....a lot! With my first one, I never got sick once, not a single time. Now, OMGosh...the evening sickness that I am getting is so overwhelming! I just don't know how to deal with it. I've learned a few things from a really great site, like ginger root will help make morning sickness go away, and lots of other great tidbits in that forgotten information. But I just can't get over, how different I feel from the first time around.

My second issue is headaches. I can't stand headaches, but really...who can? I only had one headache the whole time I was pregnant the first time, but this one. I've had them every day! And as many of you mom's out there will know, you can't take anything decent for a headache. Regular strength acetominaphin is about it...and what does that do? Absolutely nothing, doesn't even put a dent in the pain.

Now, I do have to say, I notice little things a lot more this time. Those little twitches in your belly that just aren't normal. Little flutters and flips. I know I can't really feel the baby, but I can feel things moving around, my little bundle of joy making him/her self know.

Lots more baby posts to come.

Boogie Wipes Review & Giveaway

Thanks so much for checking out my vlog about Boogie Wipes. Up for grabs is 2 (two) 30ct packages of Boogie Wipes, one in fresh scent and one in Great Grape scent. (my personal fav)

To Enter:
Head over to Boogie Wipes. Check out their site and their products! Come on back here and leave me a comment telling me something about their product that you learned from visiting the site! Be sure to leave your email addy in the comment, If I can't reach you, you can't win. Easy Peasy!


Extra Entries! Please leave a Separate Comment for each additional entry.

• Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post as well as Boogie Wipes. Don't forget to link me!
  
• Tweet this giveaway and don't forget to link me!
• Add my button to your sidebar, link me!
• Subscribe or Follow my blog (or both)
• Stumble, Technorati, ect me...
• Subscribe to my NEW monthly newsletter
  

This giveaway will end on May 3rd @ 12am Atlantic Time...I will chose a winner using random.org and they will be notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to reply to the email, or they forfeit their prize and a new winner will be chosen. Winner must have followed the rules.

The Jen Blogs

Though my time in the Blogoverse, I've learned that a lot of bloggers have the very common name of Jen, Jenny, Jennifer and the likes.... I thought it would be neat if I could kinda put them all in one space, just so I can see how many Jen's there are out there.

So, If you name is Jen (or within the Jennifer family) please sign Mr. Linky and link to your blog!

Thanks a bunch!

The Real Canadian Poutine

Recently I was reminded of the fact that Americans don't really know what Poutine is, and it is not served in their fast food restaurants. So, I just wanted to take a minute to share just how to make Poutine.


The recipe is very simple, all you need is Cheese Curds, Gravy and French Fries!

First, cook your fries how ever you usually do. I chose to bake mine. Then place them on a plate or in a bowl.

Second, add the cheese curds. (Usually Mozza) If you don't have cheese curds, you can just chop up Mozza cheese into chunks, 1/2" X 1/2". Put the cheese over top of the french fries.

Third, pour gravy over the french fries and cheese. The gravy will melt the cheese over the fries making the most yummy treat you've ever had.

This is not for the weak of heart, and should not be eaten regularly. With close to a day's worth of calories I'm sure, once a month is more than enough for this yummy heart attack in a bowl.

Now I'm Pregnant....what happens next?

You know, it's been 5 years since I found out I was pregnant with Ben, 5 whole years. And now, I know I'm pregnant again, but for some reason I just don't know what to do. The reality hasn't set in yet....It still doesn't seem real!

So now I need to brainstorm.

I've been trying to think of what I'll need for this little bambino....

I still have my bassinet that DH made for Ben, our crib and mattress, carrier car seat and I think that's about it! Most everything else I gave away to others who have had kids since. So, what is it that I need?

EVERYTHING!!

The overwhelming feeling of OMGOSH I have a lot to do is starting to overcome me!

Here starts my list of baby things that I will need.

Big Things

1. Stroller
2. Change Table (?)
3. Swing
4. Sling for baby wearing
5. 2 years worth of Diapers
6. Dresser

Small Things

1. Onsies (have 3 - 2 unisex - 1 girlie)
2. Sleepers
3. booties
4. hats
6. winter clothes for newborns
7. Car seat cover (to keep baby warm)


This will be an ongoing list of the things I realize I don't have ready for my new bundle of joy, and I only have 35 weeks left to prepare. I'm sure my list will get much much longer, and I will be updating hourly I'm sure!

The Deer Infestation

Omgosh our area has a lot of deer this year, they're going everywhere! My guess would be that because we had such a harsh winter, with more snow than any community should ever need in one season, the deer have left the woods and landed in the urban areas looking for food! Well, now that the snow is gone, the deer are still hanging around! In the school yard, at the police stations...they're everywhere.

Now that planting season is upon us, these deer NEED to go home. I don't know about all of you, but it is so disheartening when you sweat and slave over your garden, watching your beautiful plants and veggies start to grow...then you wake up and all your work has fed the local deer population. That happened to me last spring. I planted a huge garden of veggies, carrots, beets, beans, tomatoes and one morning I woke up, and it was all gone...I think I may have even shed a tear!

Well, that's not going to happen this year! I've recently found a deer repellant that will save my lawn, garden and stress level! DEER OFF is a great product that will keep the deer, rabbits and squirrels out of my veggies! This OMRI listed product is approved for organic gardeners too!

So you may ask, how does it work? Well, Deer Off mimics the scent of rotting animals and tricks the deer into thinking that there are preditors nearby. The great thing is that it dries odorless to humans...so we don't have to live with the scent! Deer Off will repel animals for up to 3 months!

The Gruffalo - Children's Book Review

Have you ever heard of a Gruffalo??

Well neither had we until my son received this wonderful gift for Christmas just past. Now I have to say he adores this book, and is learning very quickly to read it himself! We were very excited today when he received his Easter present from Aunti Kiki. It was the next book, The Gruffalo Child!

"A Mouse took a stroll
through the deep dark wood.
A Fox saw the mouse
and the mouse looked good."

The Gruffalo is a wonderful book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. With a great story line, and wonderful illustrations, this book is sure to peek the interest of most little ones. A great book for story time...not too short, not too long and the words roll off your tounge with ease.

Not only is there a whole line of wonderful children's books, but there is also a great website for your little Gruffalo fans to play and learn at. Check out Gruffalo.com for some great games and activites, and more details on how your family can be enjoyng this wonderful read as much as mine does.

I'm so excited....

And I'm not hiding it!!!!

I just found out that the A Busy Mommy family is going to get a little bigger this coming December!
After 6 months of trying, we are finally pregnant with out second child! Let me tell you my little guy is sooooooooo excited! He has been asking for a little brother or sister for quite some time now, and we can finally give him one!




Our due date is December 16th...so definitely a HOLIDAY baby, kinda neat cause DH's Dad and Grampa were both born on Dec 24th....could continue the tradition.

Advertise With A Busy Mommy/ Request A Review

A Busy Mommy Media Kit

If you have a product, specifically geared toward a busy, outgoing and fun mom, or children, that you would like to have featured on A Busy Mommy, please email me: jen@abusymommy.com

If you are a PR rep for products that you think our readers would love or someone who makes great products, I would love to hear from you!

I am more than happy to post product reviews and/or reader giveaways. Our readers have come to appreciate our recommendations. They also love to find giveaways here.

Contact Me

Send us an email describing the product you would like to submit for a giveaway or review, include a link to your website. We will contact you within 48 hours with an address to send samples.

While I currently do not charge for product reviews we do require a sample for all reviews. The sample will not be returned, and you will be responsible for any shipping costs involved.

Though I are open to most anything, I especially love companies, products, and services that appeal to family life and are non-toxic, safe, and fun.

.
I have one little boy (4) and am expecting my second child this December.

Sponsor a Giveaway

Another great way to get your product seen is hosting a giveaway. Giveaways or contests are a great way to increase your traffic to your site. Giveaways that are held on A Busy Mommy normally run for two weeks unless otherwise noted by the sponsor. Each giveaway does require that participants visit the sponsors site and is asked to answer a questions. Most giveaway question that is asked is "Please visit the sponsors site [linked] and in a comment tell us another product you love/would like/or is your favorite.

Most giveaways are held at the end of a product review unless otherwise discussed.

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What makes us different from other review sites is that we USE your products. In many cases you will see my personal photos of my family using your items and I also try to do vlogs (video blogs) as well.

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Unfortunately, no your samples will not be returned. I fully use each product to test out which makes returning it impossible. On occasion, I will work with you on loaner items. It will be your responsibility to pay for shipping the loaners back.

Advertiser Information

Advertising is available here on A Busy Mommy. Advertising is available for a 30 day duration. Ad spaces will be available for 125px X 125px at $25/30 days, 250 X 250 px at $40/30 days.

All advertising will be placed on the right hand sidebar . Please send us the banner HTML code you would like used to jen@abusymommy.com, and you will received an email back explaining the next steps.

Hump Day Contest Hunt

So here on A Busy Mommy, we're adding a new Wednesday Feature. The Hump Day Contest Hunt! Since we all love posting our giveaways, and getting the word out, I thought I'd add a Mr. Linky here so we can all share! So, go ahead....share away! I"ll be sure to come over and enter!

Tunes On Tuesday!

Leave your link if you participate in Tunes On Tuesday!

Binoculars For Father's Day

It's that time of year again folks, both Mother's Day and Father's Day are just around the corner, and as I scurry around, trying to find that perfect thoughtful gift for my hubby this year, some wonderful sites are popping out of the woodwork.

Now, one thing my hubby truly enjoys doing is watching the birds through his binoculars, and since the pair he has now are quite dated, I though a great gift idea would be a new pair! I happened upon Optics Planet and was thrilled by all the choices I had, they carry 45 different brands, with over 1000 choices! Literally a pair for any given situation. Optics Planet is also one of the largest US Authorized Dealers of binoculars.

I chose this pair for my hubby, and I'm sure he'll love them. They're perfect for Birdwatching, and spying on that funny neighbor down the street. (Cause every neighborhood has one or two of those) For under $300 and free shipping, I'm sure he'll love his Father's Day Present this year!

My Mother's Day Present!

I am so excited! I just ordered my Mother's Day Present for ME! It is so adorable, I just can't wait to see it in real life! Though, I won't hold all of you in suspense...

I love this picture of my little guy, and I was so excited to be able to add it to such a beautiful purse! I chose The GiGi Custom Leather Photo Handbag and I can't wait to receive it, and I'll be sure to show all of you the finished product....Every Mom should have one of these bags.

I just finished ordering my GiGi purse from Snap Totes and oh my gosh it couldn't have been easier! All I had to do was pick out my bag of choice, upload my photo and place it on! There are two easy buttons so you can adjust your picture, nudge it left, right, up or down. There is also an editor that allows you to customize or play with your picture, you can even make collages and use multiple pictures.

SnapTotes has offered all the wonderful A Busy Mommy reader10% off! After you've completed your bag, just use the code BUSY10.

The fate of the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

It's inevitable. Every single time I try to make grilled cheese sandwiches, I burn them. Now, usually I will just burn one side, and can easily slide of the burnt piece of bread, and replace it with a new one, but....not today.

Today, I made my sandwiches, put them in the pan to "grill" then Ben calls me..."MOMMY, I need your help!" So off I run, to find out he's having trouble with a video game. I sit, take my turn, and help him out...then, he steps on a tack. Ear piercing screams of my tack infested child follow, and I (nurse mommy) must then clean the wound and place a animal band aid over the pin hole owie.

All of this is going on while my grilled cheese goes unflipped in the pan, and smoke filled my house. Then I clue in, run out the the kitchen, and as I scrape away the remnants I think to myself..."Every Time"

Yes, this happens every time, someday I'll learn that when I'm cooking lunch, I should just plant myself right next to the stove and not move...maybe then I wont have to do it twice.

I hope you all had a much more enjoyable lunch then I, and have a great day!

Looking For Web Hosting...

Since many of my readers are bloggers as well, I'm sure you'll agree that hunting for a domain and web hosting service can be frustrating. Trying to find the site that gives you the best value for your dollar can be maddening. There are so many of them out there!

Well, that's why I just had to tell you all about my new favorite site. Web Hosting Choice. They have compiled a list of all the highest rated web hosting companies in the industry, and have listed all the perks and services that go along with it! From price to tech support, reliability and uptime. Overall a great site, and I've made sure to bookmark it for my upcoming ventures!

This easy to use site will be a total time saver for me, and I hope for all of you as well. And that's what all us Busy Mommies need, Time Saverrs! Thanks Web Hosting Choice!

Disclosure Statement

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter.

We had a very fun filled early morning, and Ben was happy with his easter loot! Nothing to big, but a wonderful selection of chocolate eggs, Easter bunnies, and summer toys!

I hope your bellies are full, and the kids calm down, for a relaxing evening!

Happy Easter!

The Questions Of Pregnancy...

Being a parent is a very difficult job, and it starts from the day you decide to start trying to have your first child (or in some cases, the day you find out your pregnant!). All the questions that run through your head are amazing...things you never thought of before. I remember when we were pregnant for our son Ben all the anxieties and worries...will he be healthy, will we find out if we're having a baby boy or a baby girl? Will our pregnancy go smooth, and even how will I know how to be a MOM? Well, I have to say that most of it came naturally.

Some things came very easy for us, Daddy already had a name for his son, Ben obviously,though I did have to push to make his name Benjamin (just in case he wanted a stronger name when he's an adult). If our little guy had been a girl, choosing a name would have been much more difficult. I wanted Olivia and Daddy wanted Emily...

As we now embark on attempting to have a second child, a lot of these questions are popping back up again. Will I remember what it feels like to be pregnant? In what trimester should I feel the baby moving? What vitamins should I be taking to help ensure a healthy pregnancy?

Thankfully the internet provides a wealth of information to help make me feel better about becoming pregnant again, and I am looking forward to it with all my heart. Keep your fingers crossed for our family, Ben desperately wants a brother or sister. And we are finally ready to give him one!



Disclosure Policy

What are you doing for Easter?

So, Easter weekend is upon us, and I am so excited. Ben is almost 4 and it's such a great age for holidays like this! Tomorrow (my day off) we plan to spend the morning at my BFF's house, so he can play with her kids. I'm sure he'll have a blast! (and it will hopefully make up at least one of his broken hearts from yesterday) Later in the day, I plan to decorate some easter eggs with him. Now, he doesn't have a lot of experience in the field of egg decoration, but I'm sure with some newsprint and a good smock it will be an event to remember! I'll be sure to take some great pics and videos to share with everyone!

Don't think we're having a big dinner, at least not this weekend. Since tomorrow is my ONLY day off, I think my time would be much better spent playing with Ben than slaving over a hot stove. Maybe I'll switch dinner to next week sometime....maybe.

Sunday is the big Easter Egg Hunt! We have the plastic eggs that I put quarters in, and piles and piles of Chocolate....more than I planned but hey...I'm allowed, I'm MOM! And since I'll probably eat most of it, I don't need to worry about Ben getting TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE! He'll be hunting for hours!! Or at least until he gets bored!

Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter Weekend! Happy Hunting!

Lookie what I just found!

Many of you will know by now that I am always on the hunt for those great products for Mom's and Mom's to be! Well, today I came across a site that offers a wonderful selection of very Trendy maternity clothes.

OMgosh, you can't beat the prices at Kiki's Fashions, as I was browsing through the site, I was amazed that such beautiful clothes are available at such low prices. Since I was there anyway, I just had to pick out my favorite. Wanna see it?

Now, guess what this top costs? Really, guess!! I expected to see a price tag of around $40, but NO WAY...It's only $23.99. I couldn't believe it! Let me tell you, If I am ever blessed with another child, I'll be sporting Kiki's Fashions....Unbelieveable!

Kiki's has offered all my Lovly A Busy Mommy readers an amazing discount! Get 20% off when you use the coupon code "blogfriends". Hey, that makes my favorite top only $19.19.

So hey...what's your favorite!




Disclosure Policy

#5 Spring Giveaway Event - ProMom Couture

Spring is here and let me tell you, it is some nice to be able to walk outside without bundling up. Here in Nova Scotia, where I live, we still have our odd cold day, but there are few and far between.

I love being able to run out of the house, in just a t-shirt, jumping in the car and go... No more ten minute prep time before heading out the door, no more snowy boots, YAY!

With summer fast approaching and Mother's Day just around the corner, I'm excited to tell you about this great company that I recently got the chance to review. Promom Couture. I am actually wearing one of their shirts right now. And I absolutely love it! It is the perfect light weight T for the hot summers about to arrive.

The shirt that I received is adorable, my son loves to read it. Just check it out! I have had nothing but compliments for this T, It rocks!!

As Seen On Oprah!

I was so excited when I received my shirt, pink is my very favorite color, and the design is awesome! It is light weight, but durable, and it washes very well. Normally, when you wash a shirt with this sort of design, the design will crack. Well I can tell you first hand that I've washed mine a few times now, and not one crack and there has been no shrinkage. (That's washed and dried using permanent press ladies)

Well folks, the Spring Celebration continues! One of you lucky A Busy Mommy readers is going to win a T-Shirt from Promom Couture!

To enter: Head on over to Promom Couture and browse all their wonderful styles and designs. When you've picked your favorite, come on back here and leave me a comment with your fav and you email addy. Easy as Pie!

Extra Entries! Please leave a Separate Comment for each additional entry.

• Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post as well as Promom Couture. Don't forget to link me!
  
• Tweet this giveaway and don't forget to link me!
• Add my button to your sidebar, link me!
• Subscribe or Follow my blog (or both)
• Stumble, Technorati, ect me...
• Sign Up for our newsletter
  

This giveaway will end on April 23th @ 12am Atlantic Time...I will chose a winner using random.org and they will be notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to reply to the email, or they forfeit their prize and a new winner will be chosen. Winner must have followed the rules.

My Sad Child

Have you ever broken your kids heart? Made him cry, caused him to have a sad day? Well, that was my day today. Last night when I put my little guy to bed, he was excited cause my bff was supposed to bring her little boy over to play the next morning. When I talked to my BFF, I realized that her little guy was spending today with his Dad. So, I had to break the bad news to my little guy this morning. Broken Heart #1

That was so difficult to do...cause my little guy had a surprise ready for me when I woke up! He had written I Love Mom on his chalk board this morning....he's not even 4.

So, my BFF came over, and my little guy was very well behaved, totally out of charector for him, but alas...he was a good boy. We headed out to the dollar store to pick up some last minute easter basket fillers (very hard to do with child in toe) and to the grocery store for a few things. When we arrived back at home, the next door neighbours kids were outside playing. Ben wanted to go play sooooooooooo bad, but mommy had to go to work. Since I'm not yet prepared to allow him to play outside without my supervision, (again, he's not even 4) and I had to get ready to go work, in the house he came, tears and all. Broken Heart #2.

Then we come to work...he comes to work with me on occasion, just until Daddy gets off work and picks him up (about 2 hours) usually he watches TV or plays on the computer. Today, there were a couple of retired fella's here, playing crib. Once again he wanted to be included, he wanted a turn to play...but these guy's don't have the patients to play with an almost 4 year old. So, I had to carry him away from the table. He was so sad....all he wanted to do was play. Broken Heart #3

The bad thing is, I can't even make it up to him tomorrow. I have to work a 12 hour shift, 10 am to 10 pm. I've asked his Dad to try and make sure he has a fun evening tonight, and to get him outside playing tomorrow, and I have my fingers crossed that Ben is giggling his little bum off right now. But after a long day at work, chance are Daddy bigger bum has found it's way to the recliner, and Ben is watching TV or playing video games.

I can't say that I have ever before looked forward to losing my job...but I've known for a while that my full time job will be over early this summer. I have my fingers crossed that I will be able to find a way to stay home...it's Ben's last year before school, it's his last year being My Baby...I need to stay home with him, for both myself, and for him...He needs his Mommy.

I don't want to break his heart anymore....

Get yourself featured on A Busy Mommy

As our Spring Event is in full force, I am planning our Mom & Baby Madness for the month of May. To make our may event a huge success, I need your help! I would love to feature Mom's from around the blogosphere here on A Busy Mommy. Do you have a great story to tell? A no fail recipe that a new mom could whip up in no time, or a tip that no one told you...something every new mom should know? If so, I'd love to hear from you!

I've put together this easy form for anyone who is interested. Please fill it out, and I'll be in touch with you shortly!

Click Here To Get Featured

#4 Spring Giveaway Event - See Kai Run

Another great favorite in our family is See Kai Run, sister company to Eleven Collection (review & giveaway here) You would not believe the awesome styles and designs that See Kai Run has to offer.

We were very lucky to test out a pair of shoes from their new spring line up and oh my, we couldn't have been happier! These adorable little dress shoes are as cute as pie on my little nieces piggies.

These shoes are flexible, and very breathable. They stand up to everything they claim on the site. I have never seen children's shoes made quite so well. Their Spring line up is adorable and I'm sure you will find something for every little one in your life.

Check out just a few of my very favorites!

Now that I've peeked your interest, I want to let you know that See Kai Run is Celebrating Spring with us! They have offered one pair of shoes from their See Kai Run or Smaller line to one lucky A Busy Mommy Reader!

To Enter:
Head over to See Kai Run. Check out their site and designs and let me know which pair is your very favorite! Good Luck, I had a hard time chosing a fav...they're all so cute! Come on back here and leave me a comment with the name of the style you chose and your email Addy! Easy Peasy!


Extra Entries! Please leave a Separate Comment for each additional entry.

• Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post as well as See Kai Run. Don't forget to link me!
  
• Tweet this giveaway and don't forget to link me!
• Add my button to your sidebar, link me!
• Subscribe or Follow my blog (or both)
• Stumble, Technorati, ect me...

This giveaway will end on April 20th @ 12am Atlantic Time...I will chose a winner using random.org and they will be notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to reply to the email, or they forfeit their prize and a new winner will be chosen. Winner must have followed the rules.