My Wonderful Walls Review and Giveaway

I have been in a rut lately. I look around my house and think blah the same old same old. It would be fantastic to breath new life into the place without a time consuming redecorating spree. With the weather turning colder, my son and I play in his room many days. It is the smallest room in our home and it is always nice and toasty in there. While his little play room is adorable and attractively decorated I have often thought it  would be nice to add a little something to his room.

When My Wonderful Walls offered to send an item to review, I nearly jumped for joy! This is exactly what we needed!

I was impressed with their selection. They offer wall decals, stencils, kids wall murals, wall stickers and canvas art. While many of the available items were really too cute for words, I hesitated to invest a lot of my time in this project. We know we will need to move within  a year or so.

After spending about an hour browsing the site and leaning towards several different options, such as the Dinosaur Days Wall Mural Stencil Kit and the Dinosaur Wall Stickers I found the perfect addition to the                                                         decor in my little boys room.

The Significant Submarine Canvas Wall Art was perfect for my sons room. While it might not match his cars theme it added a touch of unique flair and the visual appeal of this work of art is undeniably strong. I love that it is personalized with his name and he can enjoy it for years to come, no matter where our journey of life takes us.

My husband I were both impressed with the quality of the canvas wall art. It is a nice touch for a child's room. I would love to invest in several other canvas works for my son in the future.

If you are looking for a great last minute gift idea, consider giving the gift of a unique bedroom or nursery. My Wonderful Walls offers an impressive line of nursery murals.

One lucky reader is going to win a $100 gift certificate for My Wonderful Walls.

This giveaway begins on 12/23 and ends on 12/31.

Connect with My Wonderful Walls:

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Wax Vac Review

When I heard about the wax vac I really wanted to try it.  I am always looking for a quick and effective way to keep my ears clean. I was thrilled when the opportunity presented itself. I had high hopes that this would be one of those products that would be used and loved by the family.

When it arrived I was ready to be the guinea pig. I knew my ears were a little waxy. I placed the bottle of mineral oil in very warm water for 6 minutes and then I placed several drops in my right ear. I got comfy and allowed the oil to remain in my ear for 6 minutes. I then used the Wax Vac as directed. I felt like nothing was happening. I followed the directions as best I could but this thing flat out didn't work. In fact, it did the exact opposite of what it was supposed to do. It made the ear wax issue worse.

I thought maybe it was a fluke. Maybe I didn't do it right. I tried again. Using the mineral oil, which was as warm as I could stand it to be, I allowed it to stay in the ear a little longer, I tried the Wax Vac again. Again I had no results. I had to use a q tip to  get the oil out of my ear. This made the wax impact into my ear. I went thru an entire process to remove the impacted wax in my ear after 2 uses with this ineffective product. I won't give you details on removing impacted wax as I am not a medical professional, however I will suggest you look this up on the Mayo Clinic site.

This led me to try another test. I took a tiny little sliver of notebook paper, you know the little stuff that comes off after tearing a piece of paper from a notebook? The Wax Vac didn't have the suction to lift a 1/4 inch of notebook paper. The paper didn't budge, not even a tiny bit. If this thing doesn't have the suction to life a sliver of notebook paper how in the world can it effectively suction and remove ear wax?!

I hate to write a negative review. I almost didn't write this one, but I have hopes that my brutally honest feedback can help make this product better. I feel that the idea behind the wax vac is fabulous but... the unit I was supplied with simply didn't have any suction to it.I honestly feel that this is a dangerous and ineffective product. The light has been handy however. It made a great impromptu flashlight during a power outage. Simply put, while the product idea is great, the product doesn't work as it is supposed to.




"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Teton Sports Celsius Jr Sleeping Bag Review

My husband loves the great outdoors. He is athletic and adventurous. He loves hiking, fishing, swimming and camping. I am an indoor girl. I appreciate the beauty of nature and I am not afraid to go out and get dirty from time to time, which makes things work well. I don't always want to tag along on Adam's great adventures, but I will go along when the timing is right.

When we found out we were going to be the proud parents of a little boy, my husband had a twinkle in his eye. He instantly started talking about taking him on a camping trip. When Rolf was 6 weeks old, my husband was ready to go camping... 

Well, as you will probably guess, the camping adventure didn't take place at that time. I have honestly been less than ready to send my little boy out to sleep under the stars. I know I tend to get a sore throat when I camp, and without a proper sleeping bag, I knew the same would happen to my son.

Teton Sports sent my son a Celsius Jr Sleeping Bag. This is a fantastic sleeping bag! I expected it to be much shorter than it is. It was in all honesty the ideal size for me to use. I am only 5'2" tall and I swim in the standard size sleeping bag.

My husband knows outdoor gear, and he was most impressed with the quality, function and portability of  this sleeping bag. It weighs about 2 and a half pounds, so it isn't too heavy for carrying to a campsite. The zipper is durable and easy for little hands to pull up and down. We loved the design of the sleeping bag, it has a very attractive pattern. My favorite feature is that you can unzip at the bottom for sticking your toes out if you get too toasty. This appeals to both my son and myself. Neither of us like to have our feet covered while we sleep.

This is a great sleeping bag for spring, summer and fall camping. It will keep your kid toasty and looking stylish in the process. We didn't get to test it out in the great outdoors, but we did have a semi-camp out in the living room. We popped up our play tent and tossed the sleeping bag inside for a nap. It was comfortable, warm and a super fun way to rest for my son.

You can buy this sleeping bag on Amazon, it would make a great Holiday gift for a little adventurer on your shopping list.

The Snotarator Nasal Vacuum... Does It Work?

My son is under the weather, with every sniffle, cough and sneeze, I feel my heart break a tiny little bit. With his age in mind, there are not many medications that we can offer him to help him fight the symptoms that are making him so miserable.

We had been relying on a bulb syringe to clear his snotty nose, and as all parents who have tried this will agree, this is not a fun task. My son fights, runs, hides and cries every time. I feel like the worst Mama in the world when I have to pin his arms with my knees and straddle him to actually use the bulb syringe. I roll my eyes every time my husband reminds me "That is what the doctor said to do. It doesn't hurt him." While it might not hurt the little one, and it is necessary, it doesn't make me feel any better about the process.

The Snotarator  is a simple plastic device, it is clear, it has removable parts for easy clean up and it sounded like a great option for Mama's like me that feel guilty about wrestling their kids to use a bulb syringe. When Rolfie came down with his cold, I pulled the sample out and I told my husband... I think it is missing a part. He said "Really? Let me see it." He shook his head and asked if I read the directions... uh no. I am one of those people that tries first then falls back on instructions if needed. The wise, instruction reading hubby explained it just goes in the vacuum hose. I threw my hands up in the air. No, no way. I am not looking to traumatize my son any more than the bulb syringe does.

Well, then my son starting sniffling and sneezing again. I sighed in defeat and went for the vacuum cleaner. I expected this to be a huge deal, I thought my son would scream, possibly freak out and maybe cry. I set everything up and called for Rolfie. He generally likes the vacuum, but how would he react to me coming at him with the hose?

Geez, did I make this into a huge deal for nothing? The prospect of Mama sucking his face with the vacuum delighted my son for some reason. He laughed and had a twinkle in his eye as I approached him. The Snotarator is non invasive so really all I had to do was wave this little gadget under his nose. Whoosh, everything that was in there, was out of there in the clear chamber. I liked that I could see that it worked before my eyes.

It was easy enough to clean up with hot water, soap and a nipple cleaner left over from baby bottle days. It worked better than anything else would have. My son seems to enjoy the experience. He howls with laughter every time I use this on him. Maybe he is a goof ball? Maybe he knows it is helping him? Maybe it is just plain hilarious to have someone slurp your nose with the vacuum?

Regardless, this cold has been easier on the whole family. We can easily clear his snotty nose, he can breathe easier, and no fighting over the bulb syringe. I love this product Every family with small children should have one. It is easy to use, it is easy to clean, and it is super effective. 

Okay, here is a moment of truth. I was curious, how does it feel? I have a touch of a cold too, so when no one was paying attention to me, I tried the The Snotarator Nasal Vacuum. Oh my gosh. It feels neat. No wonder my son howls with laughter. It is not painful, it is quick and unlike any experience I have ever had. 

Trust me, get this! You will be glad you did. Visit http://www.snotarator.com/
and use coupon code BREATHE17 to save 10% on your order.

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.

I Am Not Really A Cat Person... Am I?

I am not a cat person per say. I have always favored dogs, but that doesn't mean I don't find cats charming, fun and to be all around lovely creatures.

But then one day I began desiring a cat. So I batted my eye lashes and looked at him with my big blue eyes, my husband, who was at the time my boyfriend, promised me we could get a cat. Oh the power of eyelashes.

I wanted to be specific about my cat to be. I know this is ridiculous. But, I had already given my cat a name, I wanted a black and white or gray and white cat.

Well, I worked with a lady that had black and white kittens. Well, I didn't want one of her kittens even though they met my request in terms of color. Adam said "Why not?" I sighed and said "I don't like that (insert nasty word here) and if I get a cat from her I will always have to be reminded that I don't like her."
Yeah, I was younger and feisty. This was pre motherhood days.

We went to one of our favorite places, the apple orchard. It was winter, but they have the best cider there. They had a sign, Free Kitten. We inquired. The kitten was a little boy, gray with a white spot. I said "I want him!" The lady promised to bring him in the next day if we could return to pick him up.

So, that is how we got him.

He is 4 years old now. In the past few months our relationship has really taken on a new level. My cat and I have a moment together every night after the kid is in bed, the cat curls up in my lap to be adored and stroked. I have come to look forward to this special time with my cat, my lovely Maurice. So maybe... yeah I guess I am a cat person.

The Lovely Bone

The Lovely Bone

Fru Fru is sweet, kind, patient, he makes me laugh everyday. He is loyal, and never leaves my side, he is without a doubt my best friend forever.

He is the Lovely Bone.

Pictures of Our Summer

My son is a future Olympic swimmer! He has been floating on his back at 2 years old! Needless to say, his pool is a hit. Who would have thought a 30"x12' pool would be so much fun for our little family!?

The poor dog wants to get in the pool too! He has been cracking us up, while we are in the pool he circles it, and all you can see is his tail. It seems like we are being circled by a big, beautiful red shark! LOL

If you get near the edge, the dog (Fru) stops to give you a smooch. 

I can't resist sharing this one, from our trip to the Little Buckeye Museum. 

And one of us cuddling up on the Carousel. 

                                                            Gotta love that face!

   

Getting his face kissed off by Daddy at the park.

Meet My Family

My little boy isn't feeling well, and he can't seem to sleep without Mommy at his side, so I am sitting up in bed, listening to him sleep. He reaches over to make certain I am still here every few minutes.

I don't post much about my family, I realized that the other day. Well, let me introduce you to my family!

                                          My husband, Adam and my son Rolf

                                           This is my Prince of a Puppy

                                                       This is Fru, my bestie! What a face! He was caught mid yawn~

                                         Maurice- our darling kitty

                                                        My hubby loves to fish :)

                                              My little darling Rolf!


 Rolf is a wonderful child. He is kind, he loves to help Mommy around the house. He is sweet, he is generous and loves to share. Rolf is funny, he has a great sense of humor and  he is busy, busy, busy! My son is very bright and he is absolutely adorable. I consider myself lucky to be his mother.

It breaks my heart to see him sick. He has been coughing and sneezing, he has been grumpy and restless, and tonight he had a low fever. It seems as if this year has been rough on our immune systems. We spent the day indoors, napping and coloring. We read a few books, cuddled and in general tried to take it easy. After a busy weekend I needed a day to relax, and Rolf needed me, so I have pushed the guilt I feel when I don't accomplish much aside.

My husband, Adam, gives me a gift every day. The gift of time, to watch Rolf grow and the opportunity to stay at home with Rolf. Our family could certainly benefit from a second income, but the money is not worth all of the things I would miss.

Well folks, there you have it, my family and a little bit about us!

What remedies did you or do you use for your toddler when he or she has a cold? The pediatrician advised us not to use any OTC medicines, and to give him plenty of fluids, zinc and vitamin C, and to use a nasal aspirator and humidifier to keep Rolf comfy. I have been giving him vapor baths too. I like to use natural products and remedies when I can. I would love to hear what works to soothe your kids!