All posts by Anne Younger

Anne is a 30-something full-time SAHM mom of 5 ranging from 3 to 17 and grandma of 1 who resides in Ashwaubenon (Green Bay) Wisconsin. She started blogging in 2008 as a way to regain her sanity. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, cheeseburgers and vodka along with spending time with her husband and kids.

Picasso Hair Feathers {Review}

Having a tween daughter means I have to constantly keep up with the latest trends. Right now it seems that the big thing sweeping the nation is hair feathers. The Libby has wanted to add the colorful feathers to her hair for quite some time but frankly, I feel that the salons charge way to much to do it and didn’t find it to be something worth spending a ton of money on.

We were recently introduced to Picasso Hair Feathers (cruelty-free).

Picasso Hair Feathers is a premium-line of Cruelty-Free Feather Hair Extensions. The majority of feather extensions on the market are the result of overt brutality and the slaughter of thousands of roosters. This is done in the name of fashion and most customers are typically oblivious to the consequence of their purchases.

Picasso Hair Feathers are cruelty-free and designed specifically to improve the look, feel, and experience when wearing a feather hair extension.

Picasso Hair Feathers come in a variety of colors and are moderately priced starting in packets of 5 feathers for $19.95, 12 packs for $29.95, 25 packs for $59.95 or a single hair feather for $3.95.

I was also really surprised how easy it was to put these in the Libby’s hair and was even happier that they stayed in her hair through the shower, combing and even when we straightened it! Not only were the feathers easy to use, care for and remove; they also looked great along with her peekaboo pink hair color!

You can learn more about Picasso Hair Feathers by visiting their website, liking them on Facebook, following them on Twitter or checking out their blog.

Disclosure: 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.

Gifts for Mom this Mother’s Day – Wine Lovers

As you know, Mother’s Day is next month.  I know that sometimes shopping for the perfect gift for mom can be a challenge, so this year I’ve decided to dedicate some of my time to steering you in the right direction and helping you find some great gifts that mom will love!

Since I have a mom, Granny the Great, who LOVES wine and all things wine related, I have decided to dedicate this first post to the moms who are wine lovers.

Gifts for Mom – The Wine Lover

Reclaimed Wine Barrel Coat Hook from Uncommon Goods -$75.00

Baggy Wine Coat from Wine Enthusiast Catalog – $64.95

Collapsible Party Wine Bottle Tote from HomeWetBar.com – $19.99

Wine Cork Board Kit from Wine Enthusiast Catalog – $24.95

Recycled Glass Bottle Platters from Uncommon Goods  – $18.00

Corkcicle Wine Chiller – $24.95

Disclosure:  I was not asked to include any of these products or websites in this gift guide.  Items included are items I would give as gifts.

itzy ritzy Snack Happened Mini Reusable Snack Bag {Review}

Last month when the Alex, Ellie and I attended the 2012 International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago, I found a new line of products that I can see many moms swooning over very soon, if they are not doing it already.

I was invited to stop by the itzy ritzy booth and check out their award-winning Snack Happened Reusable Snack Bag and fill it with some yummy candies.  What peaked my interests in stopping by this particular booth (aside from the candy) was when I read that the liner of these bags was custom, FDA approved lining and also easy to clean!

What mom doesn’t enjoy something that is reusable and easy to clean?

In addition to using the as snack bags, you can also use them to hold your cell phone and keys, travel toiletries and other small items.

After learning all about the Snack Happened Mini Reusable Snack Bag (sells for $12.99 online), I discovered that itzy ritzy carries a large line of items that this mommy wants.

While we were standing in the booth, I am pretty sure I heard Alex calculating the cost of the items I was falling in love with!

There are larger (7″x7″) reusable snack & sandwich bags. car seat covers and handle cushions, the Wet Happened?  zippered wet bag (this is on my list of must haves for the summer!) that can be used for soiled cloth diapers, clothing or as I would like to use them, swimsuits when we leave the beach.

One of the other must have products on my list is the Ritzy Sitzy Shopping Cart and High Chair Cover. The Ritzy Sitzy is a 3-1 multiple use item; it fits standard shopping carts (including the new Target carts), double warehouse carts and restaurant high chairs; it is padded and reversible, contains 4 toys loops, 2 safety belts and 2 pockets. It is machine washable and comes in a reusable carrying case. The Ritzy Sitzy sells online for $67.99

If you are looking for some quality items with great functionality, be sure to check out itzy ritzy and all of their great products.

Disclosure:  I was not compensated or asked to complete this review.  I found a product that I fell is love with and wanted to share it with my readers along with products that I would like to purchase.

Infected

My poor little Baby Ellie has her first ear infection.
It makes me very, very sad.
She is in a lot of pain and is tugging at her ear constantly.
She will only sleep if she is laying on someone, preferably mommy, or if she is upright in her swing.
She has had 3 doses of antibiotics and is taking some Advil for the pain as well.
I hate seeing her in pain and not being able to really do anything to comfort her.
Since she hasn’t been sleeping much, neither have I.
Needless to say, my lack of sleep is causing me to snap at every one about every little thing.
Other than the ear infection, Ellie is doing great. Her umbilical hernia is almost gone and looks much better than it did a month ago. She is also getting big! According to the scale when they weighed her in the ER she is just over 11 pounds but I will have an official update on weight and height when she goes in for her 4 month check on the 17th.
She is also full of smiles and loves to talk and play.
Oh and she is totally enamored with the television and cannot take her eyes off of it!
Other than that, I’m really hoping we start to see some improvement in the next 24-48 hours because we could all use some rest before the busy holiday weekend arrives.

Nail Art Stickers from OnlineNailBar.com {Review}

Having a tween daughter is EXHAUSTING.
The Libby is at that point in her life when she has decided she likes to do her hair, her nails, experiment with makeup, shop and all of those other girly things.
I have never been one who is known to be girly so some of this is not easy for me.
I am the kind of person who would rather throw my hair up in a pony or bun, slip into a tank and some comfy yoga pants and call it a day. Part of that might have something to do with the fact that I spend 85% of my time at home with a preschooler and an infant attached to me.
I am the girl who dresses for comfort not for looks.
Now that the Libby is maturing, she spends most evenings painting her nails, trying out different hair styles and picking out her clothes for the next day.
Right now, nail polish is a constant thing.
She seems to be painting her nails every other day.
I recently introduced her to nail art stickers from OnlineNailBar.com, Nail art stickers are fairly inexpensive, are long lasting and are just cute to see on.
I think they look super cute on the Libby, especially since she is always wearing such funky colors.
Nail art stickers give her a little something to spice up her nails each day without having to constantly change her polish.

You can learn more about OnlineNailBar.com and their nail art stickers by visiting them on Facebook, Twitter and their blog.

Disclaimer: I received a free product in exchange for my complete and honest review.