"Halloooooweeeeen" 2010

... what a great weekend filled with many wonderful friends and memories!!! Saturday evening we headed over to our friends house for a little combined Sunday School class Halloween Party! Everyone with kids brought them dressed up and we hit the streets together! It was so much fun watching Sophia go to a few hours to Trick-or-Treat this year! She toddled (is this even a word?) herself up to the door with her little kitty basket and said, "Halloooooooweeeeeen" followed by Thank You. It was so cute!! The first few houses, she had a hard time understanding the concept of going up to a house, getting candy, then leaving! She never wanted to leave!! On her last few houses, she finally picked up the concept!!

I have to admit, she looks awful cute in her ladybug costume! (Thanks MEGAN W.)

Here are a few pictures!!!

"Whatch-u talkin' 'bout Willis?"

Clearly looking at the camera is over rated ... especially when
there are so many other kids dressed up to look at!

Isaiah, Jen, Sophia, and myself ... Sophia once again was interested in someone else! :) HA!

Do you see a trend?

Isaiah, Sophia, and Saundra (small group buddies!)
(Tear ... missing Jaida)

Trying to give hugs!

Checking out the loot ... however, this is about the closest Sophia got to her candy! Since
she has never had any, she didn't really know what it was ... next year the candy battle won't be so easy huh? I might have to give her at least 1 piece!

End of the night, eating a cracker, and getting ready to rock her baby ...

Any favorite Halloween Memories?

Floating Doctors

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of vitaminID. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was approached to write a blog post about the Floating Doctors.  Honestly, I had never heard about this mission, but after watching the short 3 minute you tube video, I was awestruck by their incredible plan to serve those less fortunate around the world, in remote locations!   

The Floating Doctors mission reminds me of my medical mission work in El Salvador!  Oh how I just fell in love with those people!  They were so grateful and made a lasting impact on my life!  

Dr. Benjamin LaBrot and his team are going to sail over 20,000 miles searching out people in need!

Here is an excerpt from the Website: 

Floating Doctors is the first global medical team to utilize a green energy platform, the Southern Wind, a 76-foot expedition sailboat. Delivering medical relief to thousands of people in remote coastal areas, Floating Doctors will leave long lasting health benefits and a small carbon footprint in her wake.

vitaminID.com supports Floating Doctors' approach of employing cutting-edge technology, traditional medicine and altruism to promote better health, and the improvement of health care delivery worldwide.

 

What an awesome and inspirational story!!  

Day 3: Getting more beautiful ...

Well, the men have left ... we have "most" of the kitchen put back together ... we still have 1 picture left to hang, 2 coat racks, 1 shelf, trim painting, wall touch-ups, and some other finishing touches!

Here are a few pictures thus far ....

Doesn't it look like a totally new place?

Peter Rabbit Organic REVIEW

As most of you know, I am a lover of organic foods!  Why do I love organic so much?  Oh, let me count thy ways....


1. It doesn't contain JUNK (ie. High Fructose Corn Syrup, Partially Hydrogenated Oils, MSG, Aspartame, need I go on and on?)
2. Nothing artificial ... no chemicals 
3. It hasn't been genetically modified ...
4. They aren't toxic to my body ... no pesticides, insecticides, or fertilizers  
5. They are a sustainable crop and are safest for the environment!
6. We are supporting local farmers and our local economy...
7. Usually way better tasting (esp. fruits and veggies)


and the list could go on and on and on ..... 


I was very intentional when I made Sophia's homemade baby food to try to find the best foods possible!!  I am always on the lookout for good, healthy, snacks for a growing girl!!


The fine folks over at Peter Rabbit Organics sent me 3 packages of the Squeezable Fruit packs for Sophia to try!  

Apple and Grape was the FAVORITE!
 Mango, Banana, and Orange made her sweet face pucker, but she still enjoyed it!!

Here is some info from their website about this product:

What's inside our pouches?

Made from pure, organic fruit, our BPA-free pouches have no added sugar or preservatives.  We only source organic ingredients certified by the USDA, and whenever possible we use local suppliers in Oregon. Our 3 delicious pouches have a thick, smooth texture and aren't diluted with water or juice. 

Why the pouch?

Similar to squeezable drink pouches, Peter Rabbit Organics pouches are easy to drop into a diaper bag, lunch box or purse without breaking or spilling.  Unopened pouches don't need to be refrigerated so they're great for car trips, cycle rides...and for all the family to enjoy. 

Ideal for ages 6 months and upwards, the fruit can be enjoyed straight from the pouch - no spoons required!!  Our no-choke cap makes them safe for little ones and the larger size makes it easy to get a full serving of fruit in each pouch.

Overall, we were very thrilled with this product.  It is so portable, that I stuck one in my purse for "emergency" use!  We all know as mom's we need to be able to provide food at all times!  They each tasted great cold, out of the fridge!  I would highly recommend this product for a safe, healthy, and tasty treat for your precious little ones!!  (And big ones like mama's too!) 

If you are interested in purchasing them, you can check out Amazon.com or Diapers.com!

Disclaimer: I received this product to review free of charge. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not monetarily compensated for this review.

Day 2: Something Beautiful ...

They are working hard .... 

Looking from the family room into the kitchen!, laundry room straight back!

Coat Closet

The floor looks great with the cabinets!

Door into the garage

Pantry

Oven slot and fridge slot!

I'd say things are coming along nicely!!  

Hyland's Teething Tablets: RECALLED

I know I have many natural mama's that read my blog, so I wanted to make sure you all knew you would no longer be able to find these teething tablets in the store!  I know, I am as equally upset! Believe me, this is the only thing that would work for Sophia's teething!  I liked it b/c it was a homeopathic treatment.  However, you always have those few irresponsible people that think b/c it says "homeopathic" it means you can give your baby as many as you want (or think you need)!  Hyland put a dosage recommendation on the side of the bottle for a reason folks!!!  

Here is the blurp from the FDA website:

Hyland’s Teething Tablets: Recall - Risk of Harm to Children

[Posted 10/23/2010]

AUDIENCE: Consumers, Pediatrics

ISSUE: FDA notified consumers that Hyland’s Teething Tablets is being recalled because the tablets may pose a risk to children. The tablets are manufactured to contain a small amount of belladonna, a substance that can cause serious harm at larger doses. For such a product, it is important that the amount of belladonna be carefully controlled. FDA laboratory analysis has found that Hyland’s Teething Tablets contain inconsistent amounts of belladonna.

FDA has received reports of serious adverse events in children taking this product that are consistent with belladonna toxicity. The FDA has also received reports of children who consumed more tablets than recommended, because the containers do not have child resistant caps.

BACKGROUND: Hyland’s Teething Tablets is a homeopathic product, intended to provide temporary relief of teething symptoms in children. It is sold over-the-counter (OTC) in retail outlets. The FDA has not evaluated Hyland’s Teething Tablets for safety or efficacy, and is not aware of any proven clinical benefit offered by the product.

RECOMMENDATION: FDA recommends that consumers not use this product and dispose of any in their possession. FDA advises consumers to consult their health care professional if their child experiences symptoms such as seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation after using Hyland’s Teething Tablets.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm230764.htm

Thanks for all the help you were over the many months of teething .... we will miss you!!

The Start of Something BEAUTIFUL!!!

Precision Flooring began work on our hardwood floor bright and early this morning!  Here are just a few pictures showing the progress on DAY ONE!!

16 boxes of Natural Red Oak Hardwood

Getting ready to begin ...

The first pieces are going down ...

Looking good, huh?

Stay tuned for more pictures and updates .... and the big REVEAL at the end of the week!!!

WINNER!!!

Congrats INDEPENDENTMAMI!!  I just emailed you!!!  Make sure to email me back within 48 hours or I will have to pick another winner!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:36Powered by RANDOM.ORG

independentmami said...

Comment #2 Artist Series
independentmami said...
I always gave my son paper..i loved to see what he could do. Scratch, color, lines, smears

October 14, 2010 10:50 AM

super_alba_star@yahoo.com

Blog Giveaway Suggestions/Instructions

Are you confused and overwhelmed with the blog reviews and giveaways? 

I have had a few people tell me they want to enter, but looking at that huge long review and all those steps seem overwhelming!  It really is not as scary as it looks!  Just browse through the review, check out the pictures, and then head down to the bottom where I says: WIN IT!   Underneath that title, you will find the MANDATORY ENTRY requirements.  That is ALL you have to do to enter!  Usually it is only 1 or two things (1 of which is always become a public follower (Google friend connect, on the upper left sidebar) -- which most of you have thus far anyways!)

Ok, so specifics in a list format (for those that love lists! LIKE ME!!)

1) Scroll to the bottom of the post and click on "comment".  It will pop up a new menu, you can scroll down or hit, "jump to comment form" .... there you will put the entry

For example .... if the mandatory entry says "Become a public follower" --- and you already "followed me" just write, "Follower" followed by your email address!

If there is only 1 mandatory entry requirement, then you are done .... you entered .... see SUPER EASY!!

2 ) Now, if you want to increase your chances of winning, that is where the EXTRA entries come into play ... meaning, you can do any or all of those things, leaving seperate comments for each, and get extra entries into the giveaway!  Just like extra raffle tickets!!!

For example ... MANY of you (in your awesomeness) have already "LIKED" Go LONG Go Green on Facebook ... so for the current giveaways, that gives you 3 extra entries ... so you would comment FB #1, FB #2, FB #3, in three separate comments .... and boom ... you are done!

*** Please don't hesitate to email me if you have questions about the giveaways!  I don't want anyone to feel like it takes too much time to enter .... SERIOUSLY .... less than 5 minutes!!! ***

Have a great weekend .... and enter away with ease now!!!

Tomme Tippee Review and Giveaway

All of you women (and men) reading this know a mother's (or father's) biggest pet peeve is a leaky sippy cup (or bottle)!  I know I have been searching for a reasonably priced leak-free sippy cup!  Every cup I have purchased always CLAIMS to be leak free, but never have actually fulfilled that promise --  UNTIL NOW!!

Christine over at Tommee Tippee graciously sent me a 2-pack of their Stage 5 "truly spill-proof drinking cup!"  I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical of their "spill-proof" claim, but upon receiving the cups, I have 100% faith in their design!  I put water in the cup, screwed on the lid, turned it upside down, and shook as hard as I could and NOT ONE DROP OF WATER came out!!  Can you believe it?  I was in shock and so thankful ... finally a cup that was truly-spill proof!!

I also really like the fact they have an insulated core to keep her water cooler for longer!  As most of you know, I won't purchase anything for my daughter that isn't BPA free ... so another perk to the Tommee Tippee company!  Thanks for GOING GREEN Tommee Tippee!!

Two Pack -- I love the purple princess cup!  

A close up image of the lid and spill-proof system!

Taken apart ....

A glimpse of the top ... I felt like their internet image
was hard to imagine, so here is the real-life shot!

The true test .... how did Sophia like it?  She LOVED it?  We have been trying to teach her how to drink from a real cup, but she seems to have a problem spilling! (I know, she isn't even 2 yet).  I thought getting selecting this trainer drinking cup would be best to teach her this needed skill!  The water flow is directly related to how hard or soft she is drinking! (I tried it out myself!)

All in all, I am extremely impressed with these sippy cups and will most likely purchase their earlier stages when the next baby comes along!!  Until then, I will recommend this brand (hands down) to all my pregnant friends and new mothers!!!  (Cause it seems like everyone I know is PG right now!! Yay for babies!)


From the manufacturers website:  Explora® truly spill proof drink cup x 2 - pink / purple

• 2 x 9floz/266ml Cups
• Unique drinking spout for Kids on the Go
• Advance-flo™ technology for easy drinking
• BPA Free
• Insulated base, keeps drinks cooler for longer
• Stage 5 Cup
• BPA Free
• Truly non spill & leak proof

The Clever Bit

Unlike other valve systems our active sensor valve is designed by a physicist to be both so sensitive that liquid flows on demand, yet truly spill and leak proof!

BUY IT!

You can purchase Tommee Tippee products at Babies R Us and Toys R Us!!

WIN IT!

The giveaway, what you all have been waiting for!! Christine has most graciously agreed to giveaway a 2 pack of sippy cups to one lucky Go Long! Go Green! reader!

*** Make sure to leave your email address in each comment/entry if it is NOT visible through your blog and MAKE SURE TO LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EVERY ENTRY!***

Mandatory Entry:

1. Publicly follow my blog through Google Friend Connect (left bar of the blog) and comment that you are a follower! If you are already a follower, just say, “I’m a follower!” (1 entry)

Additional Entries:

1. Follow @SGsMama on Twitter and comment. (2 entries) Leave two separate comments.

2. Re-tweet daily for an additional entry, but you need to include @SGsMama, #giveaway, @tommeetippee_na, and the URL in the tweet. Leave separate comments with the permalink each time. (1 entry daily)

3. Head over to Tommee Tippee's website  and tell me what product you would like to have! (1 entry)

4. Subscribe to Go Long! Go Green! emails and comment after you confirm your subscription. (Subscription form located in right sidebar). (2 entries)

5. Add the Go Long! Go Green! button to your blog or website and comment with the URL where it can be found in TWO separate comments (HTML code found in top right sidebar). (2 entries)

6. Comment on a normal blog post or current giveaway and leave a comment below on which one. Limit 3 extra entries. (up to 3 entries)

7. Like Go Long! Go Green! on Facebook (3 entries). Make sure to leave three separate comments.

8. Blog about the giveaway and comment with the URL (3 entries). Make sure to leave three separate comments.

9.  "Like" Tommee Tippee on FB and tell them that Go Long Go Green sent you! (1 entry)

10. Follow Tommee Tippee on Twitter and leave a comment that you do! (1 entry) 

This giveaway is open to the U.S. and will end on Wednesday November 3rd, 2010 at midnight. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be drawn. Please, no PO Boxes.

Disclaimer: I received this product to review free of charge. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not monetarily compensated for this review.

Fun at the Park with Grandma and Grandpa Long!

Yesterday was a special day in the Long household!  Sophia got to go to the Washington Township Park with Grandma and Grandpa Long for the first time!  Here are a few pictures of our time together!  We also celebrated Aunt Rhoda's homecoming from Germany and the UK!  It was great to see Aunt Ro-Ro!

Grandma, Sophia, and Grandpa

Shotzi (Aunt Ro-Ro's "dog"hter)!

Grandma coaching Sophia on how to drive!

Sophia, Aunt Ro-Ro, and Shotzi!

Accessorize Kait Review and Giveaway!

With winter fast approaching, have you started thinking about how you are going to keep your little one’s ears warm? Might I suggest you head over to a wonderful Etsy site called Accessorize Kait!

Janel has many adorable pieces for your child, regardless of sex! She makes adorable crocheted beanies and headbands, Sweet Mary Janes, Hair Bows, Clippies, Bracelets, and Necklaces. You maybe thinking, that sounds great and all, but I have a little boy …. no worries, she has you covered …. Check out her Bear-y Cute Beanie or the Off White Beanie with Navy Stripe.

Can't you just see your son wearing this?

Perfect for the church Christmas Service or a Christmas Party!

She graciously sent me one of her Delightfully Simple Beanies to review. I was so excited to receive my first giveaway “fluff” in the mail! The timing was perfect as I received it after a LONG Saturday at work! I opened it up and my first thought was WOW …. this is excellent quality!

I have received a few crocheted beanies for Sophia as gifts, none of which even compare to the workmanship of this beanie! However, Sophia immediately saw it and said, “Hat, Hat, Phia’s Hat.” She proceeded to wear it around the house for the next hour! She would stop, look at Nate and myself and just “CHEESE!” Nate said, “Sophia, you look beautiful in your new hat!” To which she would look at me and say, “New hat mommy, new hat!” Now mind you, it was over 80 degrees outside!! Ah …. the little things in life that make us smile!

A smile ... wearing her new hat!

"And this is how I put on my hat!"

Once Sophia went to bed, I was able to get a closer look! As I mentioned above, it is very well made. It is a tight crochet, minimizing the amount of cold air that could get in and nip those precious ears! Although, it is still very “breathable!” For a family that spends a lot of time outdoors, this is very important to us! The beanie looks like it should hold up really nicely, even through a few kids!! The brown will work well even if our next kiddo is a boy!! The pink leopard bow she handmade and attached is of excellent craftsmanship as well. The ribbon is of good sturdy material while the alligator clip has a special “no slip” strip when it is in the hair as a stand-alone bow!

Overall, I am extremely impressed with this beanie! I am looking forward to those cool fall days that I can put it on Sophia’s precious head and wait for the flood of compliments to come in!! Make sure to head over and visit Accessorize Kait to see what unique treasures you will find!!

BUY IT!

You can purchase any item over at Accessorize Kait’s Etsy shop. She also does customer orders! So head over and order away!

WIN IT!

The giveaway, what you all have been waiting for!! Janel has most graciously agreed to giveaway a beanie and bow (if applicable) of your choice, size, and color to one lucky Go Long! Go Green! reader!

*** Make sure to leave your email address in each comment/entry if it is NOT visible through your blog and MAKE SURE TO LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EVERY ENTRY!***

Mandatory Entry:

1. Publicly follow my blog through Google Friend Connect (left bar of the blog) and comment that you are a follower! If you are already a follower, just say, “I’m a follower!” (1 entry)

2. Head over to Accessorize Kait’s Etsy site and tell me what product you would like to have! (1 entry)

Additional Entries:

1. Follow @SGsMama on Twitter and comment. (2 entries) Leave two separate comments.

2. Re-tweet daily for an additional entry, but you need to include @SGsMama, #giveaway, and the URL in the tweet. Leave separate comments with the permalink each time. (1 entry daily)

3. “Like” Accessorize Kait on FB, leaving her a comment that says, “Go Long! Go Green! sent me!” (2 entries)

4. Subscribe to Go Long! Go Green! emails and comment after you confirm your subscription. (Subscription form located in right sidebar). (2 entries)

5. Add the Go Long! Go Green! button to your blog or website and comment with the URL where it can be found in TWO separate comments (HTML code found in top right sidebar). (2 entries)

6. Comment on a normal blog post or current giveaway and leave a comment below on which one. Limit 3 extra entries. (up to 3 entries)

7. Like Go Long! Go Green! on Facebook (3 entries). Make sure to leave three separate comments.

8. Blog about the giveaway and comment with the URL (3 entries). Make sure to leave three separate comments.

9. Make a purchase from Accesorize Kait’s store and leave a comment on which product(s) you purchased. (10 extra entries)

This giveaway is open to the U.S. and will end on October 25, 2010 at midnight. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be drawn. Please, no PO Boxes.

Disclaimer: I received this product to review free of charge. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not monetarily compensated for this review.

Hey Sleepyhead .....

DID YOU SEE AND NOTICE THE NEW BLOG LOOK?? Now that was truly a miracle makeover!

I have to say that Lindsey did such an amazing job!! If you are looking for an affordable, yet super hip new look for your blog, check out her site! She was so wonderful to work with and her customer service was out of this world!! She made sure I was 100% satisfied with my new look before we uploaded it! You won't regret your choice!! :)

PS> I need 3 more followers to reach 200!! I have a giveaway just waiting to be posted .... won't do it till I get 200 followers though!!! So sign up your friends, sign up your hubby .... As Nike says, JUST DO IT! :)

Allyson

Artist Series

Most of my readers know my LOVE for the BumGenius diapers!! They just released a new print line called The Artist Series. This is the first print line in the BG diapers!

The Bum Genius new Artist series by Cotton Babies has sparked many moms to ponder this question: How do you encourage a creative, artistic spirit in your baby, toddler or young child?

Each week, Sophia shows new interest in coloring, learning shapes, and doing fun craft projects. A few months back she showed much interest in learning her numbers, so we started working on 1-10 during each day's coloring session. Instead of coloring, she wants us to write numbers on her coloring sheet. We have slowly started incorporating numbers in with coloring exercises! We also are working on teaching her the different colors and how you can combine crayon colors on the paper! We have started doing small crafts with her in the afternoon! Nate recently took her favorite cereal box and cut it into pieces and turned it into a colorful dice rolling box! Sophia loves shaking dice and tossing them into the cereal box! (Starting Yahtzee early huh?) Each month when I read my copy of Parents and Parenting Magazine, I save the craft ideas so we can do those when she gets older!

Sophia has a very creative side too! She loves imagining with her play kitchen!! In the evening, after dinner, she loves to cook us her version of the meal in her own kitchen! She serves it and smiles with a huge sense of accomplishment. It is so rewarding to see her playing in a creative way! She has recently taken a new liking to baby dolls. She loves to be a "mother" cloth diapering her baby doll and Elmo doll. She also loves to feed her and burp her! She will be a wonderful mother someday!!

So those are the way we incorporate creativity in our house! Do you have any favorite ways to incorporate these into your family?

Check out Cotton Babies website and blog for more information on the Artist Series!!

Demo 2010

Did you do anything fun this past weekend? A common question we tend to ask our friends and family on Monday morning!! Welllllll .... if you must ask, we did something *really* fun this weekend! We like to call it Demolition 2010. We are in the process of remodeling our kitchen. When the house was built, the builder put the cheapest of all cheap floors in the kitchen: peel and stick flimsy tiles! After 5 years of wear, they were all faded, warped, and coming up around the corners (especially in the cold weather). We are replacing it with natural red oak hardwood! To save ourselves lots of money, we volunteered to do the demo part ourselves. Thank heavens one of our friends, Chad, volunteered to come help with the demo!! Nate and Chad were able to get the whole kitchen floor (tiles and luan) ripped out in 8 hours while I pulled up all of the tiny 1/4 in staples that were left in the floor. I am not talking about just a "few" staples, but THOUSANDS of them!!! The builder got a little crazy and stapled them more than then standard every 2 inch squares. After 8 hours of work, all of the staples were FINALLY out! My left hand hurts SO BAD I can hardly type!! Although, I will take the temporary pain for the permanent $$$ saving!! :) Wouldn't you???

Here are a few pictures from the demo ... somehow I didn't manage to get a picture of Chad!

The hardest part was getting the luan up from under the cabinets. It required a toe-kick saw! See the floor was put in first before all the cabinets, trim, appliances, so that created TONS of extra work!

Don't mess with my man! He might saw you to pieces! HA!!

A little tired after 8+ hours of work. Still tons more staples to pull!

If you click on this picture to enlarge it, you can see all the hundreds and hundreds of staples that still needed pulled!

We will be anxious to have our hardwood floors laid in the next few weeks ... until then I must live with a crazy messed up, dirty kitchen (and thus house)! It is almost a little too much for this TYPE A person!!

Allyson