Isn't life strange? And wonderful!
This is a sponsored post. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
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I have been compensated by JOHNSON’S® for this post; however, I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own.
Over the holidays, some of us travel to visit friends or relatives. While sometimes a short trip doesn’t take much planning, a weekend away is much different with a baby along. You’re now packing not just for yourself and your partner, but, also, for your little one.
Here are some tips to make things easier
Expect the unexpected in terms of clothing changes. Take at least two or three extra outfits for your little one. A diaper mishap is not something you want to stress about when you’re on vacation. On that note, bring extra diapers and wipes. Pack more than you would usually use. As I said, expect the unexpected. Poop happens at the very worst times. It’s Murphy’s Law.
If you’re breastfeeding, that’s taken care of (just bring your nursing pads). If you are bottle feeding, bring extra formula and extra food if your baby is on solids. Have fruits and veggies and snacks at the ready.
Crucial: Do not forget that favorite blankie, pacifier or toy! When you bring your baby’s beloved items, you bring some ‘home’ to a strange place, and, the more your child feels at home, the easier the trip.
Extra Tip: If your child has a favorite blanket, toy or lovey, consider buying an identical one so that should anything bizarre happen (and believe me, it happens!), you can replicate it without too much trouble.
Odd fact: My younger sister’s favorite self-soother when she was a baby was a piece that had ripped off of my dad’s long johns. We still kid her about that to this day.
Also, bring along your Mommy Must Haves. Mine always include Johnson & Johnson’s baby products.
We love and trust JOHNSON’S® products because of the care they put into their products and have always had a wonderful experience with them.
Another tip for you: When getting ready for your trip, or any day, for that matter – Order in. Why spend time and energy getting the kids in the car to go to the store to stock up on baby items when you can order in from the comfort of your living room in your pj’s.
I love shopping at Walmart because it’s my one-stop easy shopping haven. This week I put in an order for baby goodies and got my order in two days along with free shipping because I spent $35 or more.
With the cold weather and preparation for the holidays, it was so easy to order baby products online and they arrived in record time, delivered right to the door so I didn’t even have to brave the snows or icy temps, or defrost the car.
My Mommy Must Haves
This wash gently cleanses and soothes sensitive baby skin without drying, is the number-one choice of hospitals and has a creamy lather that pampers and is soap-free, dye-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested. Also gentle to baby’s eyes.
No time for tears with this clean smelling shampoo. It’s hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and gentle enough for newborns.
This is my favorite baby lotion for after bath. With Vitamin E, it gently moisturizes your baby’s delicate skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Pediatrician and dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic and mild.
These are perfect for a quick and gentle all-over clean between baths, hypoallergenic and ultra-mild. They’re almost 2x the size of average baby wipes with a thick soft texture, enriched with JOHNSON’S® baby lotion and pre-moistened so no water is needed.
You can also get travel sizes:
We’ve found that a good bedtime routine is an essential part of healthy baby sleep habits. A good bedtime routine alerts your child to the fact that sleep time is approaching. Sometimes trial and error is the best way to find what works for you.
Start with a warm bath and gentle shampoo with JOHNSON’S® bath products to help relax your little one. After toweling off, it’s time for a baby massage with JOHNSON’S® baby lotion so they feel secure and loved. These rituals help engage your baby’s sense of smell and touch while strengthening your bond and preparing them for a good night’s sleep.
Next, it’s time for a lullaby or a book, or both. This is especially comforting because your child loves your voice, has since Day One, (or even earlier)! Music is good for the soul.
Time for kisses and lights off and hopefully everyone can get some peaceful refreshing sleep.
A good night’s sleep is essential for the overall health, cognitive ability and mood of your little one –- as well as for the parents.
Sweet dreams!
As the new year begins and we wish you all a happy 2018, we’re back with a great giveaway and a free book for you!
Also, good news:
Book Three in the Sound of Silence Series is now available!
Did you miss Book One, STONE SILENCE?
No worries. It’s FREE for five days, Jan. 1-5!!!
Grab it on AMAZON
HOTHOUSE FLOWER
by
TAYLOR DEAN
Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean
I loved Jace Faraday with all my heart.
I loved everything about him, from his huge smile to his fabulous laugh. Another man never caught my eye. It was always Jace and Shay, together forever.
Until it wasn’t.
He devastated me, he ruined me. I’ve never gotten over it.
But, I’m a survivor. I’m not a precious flower that can only thrive if kept safe from the perils of the outside world.
Except now Jace has returned home. He’s just across the street from me, so close I swear I can actually feel his presence.
I can’t avoid him forever. At some point I have to face him. And when I do, I know sparks will fly.
To redeem himself for his past actions, I need major remorse. I need a profuse apology and maybe even a little begging for forgiveness. I won’t settle for anything less.
However, when the truth behind our break-up is revealed, I’m stunned. It leaves me reeling—and yearning for the six years that have been lost to us.
The thing is, once the truth is known, there’s nothing to keep us apart.
Absolutely nothing.
Dear Reader: This book deals with a sensitive issue.
The Sound of Silence Series is a three book series.
Book One: Stone Silence, Spencer’s Story
Book Two: Jailbird, Mia’s Story
Book Three: Hothouse Flower, Shay’s Story
Each book has a happy ending and there are no cliffhangers. They are not standalones and should be read in order.
Read an excerpt from HOTHOUSE FLOWER:
“I’ll be right down to help with dinner, Mom,” I holler. It will just be a few minutes because I’m busy staring out the window at the man I’ve loved nearly all my life.
He’s home. He’s actually home—just across the street from me, only yards away. I swear I can physically feel his presence and it’s killing me.
Jace Faraday. The love of my youth.
He just arrived at his mother’s house across the street. It’s early evening and I’m watching from my upstairs bedroom window just like I used to do as a teenager. All those old feelings I had for him are rushing over me just as strong as ever. Except now I’m a twenty-six year old woman and, sadly, I feel as though I’m too old to feel giddy over a man.
He is the one man in my life that I have ever truly loved. I loved everything about him from his huge smile to his soft voice to his fabulous laugh. I loved his brawny physique, yet the fact that he had such a gentle touch.
I loved his sense of humor the most of all. When we first started to say I love you to each other, they were serious moments and I knew he meant it as much as I did. As time went by, I would whisper I love you to him and he’d respond in a silly voice, “And I’ve grown fond of you.” It reduced me to a writhing mass of giggles every time.
I was young when I first met him. His family moved in across the street when I was in kindergarten. By the time I was in fifth grade, I was sure he was the man I would marry. I was just a little girl with stars in her eyes, someone who was in love with love. By then Jace was in the eighth grade and seemed larger than life to me.
That feeling of hero worship I felt as a little girl has never left me.
Stone Silence by Taylor Dean
Great big beautiful love.
Does it really exist?
Everyone tells me it does. They say, “Spencer Elliott, don’t worry, you’ll find it one day. You just have to find the right man and when you do, it will surprise the heck out of you.”
I’m still waiting for that heck of a surprise to hit. It has proven to be elusive thus far. I’m pretty sure the entire world is lying about love and the joke is on me.
I know I want a man in my heart and in my life. Unfortunately, most men immediately push my OFF button and I lose interest quickly.
Feeling pressure to prove I’m trying to find my soulmate, I finally give in and agree to a date. Huge mistake. Afterward I find myself abandoned in the middle of nowhere, in desperate need of help.
That’s when I meet Stony by chance.
He’s a silent and unsmiling man who intrigues me with his ability to keep going after life has knocked him down. Suddenly the abstract notion of love becomes tangible and within my reach. Once I experience it, I wonder how I ever lived without it.
That’s when I stay with Stony by choice.
But when Stony’s hidden past and present-day reality collide, his silence is broken. And the truth about his life nearly brings me to my knees. I can’t compete with ghosts from the past.
I refuse to fight for a man’s love. He either loves me or he doesn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.
My only hope is . . . he does.
Catch Book Two, JAILBIRD.
Jailbird by Taylor Dean
My hometown decided to rename me Jailbird.
Every day I silently scream out, “My name is Mia Faraday!” My time in jail does not define me. I am so much more than one heated mistake.
And yet, my slip-up weighs on me. There’s so much more to the story than anyone realizes. I must face Stony, my ex, and confess everything.
I don’t want to. I’d rather have five teeth pulled. While I’m awake. Without anesthesia.
But this is something I have to do, something I need to do. Not just for Stony. I need to do it for me. Especially for me. I can’t move forward with my life until I gain closure from the past.
When I meet Grayson Elliott, I am easily pulled into his orbit and it’s exactly where I’d love to stay. He makes me laugh and not take life so seriously. He makes me want to live again.
But I don’t love me right now, and that healing needs to come first. I’m not relationship-ready or marriage material. My mind is focused on redemption. I want it. I need it.
Besides, when Grayson hears about my colorful past, I’m sure he’ll be gone before I have time to utter the word goodbye.
After all, who could ever love a jailbird?
Praise for JAILBIRD:
Mia’s story about forgiveness and redemption is packed with emotion and will leave you wanting more! -Jana, Amazon Review
An adventure from start to finish, a wonderful sequel to Stone Silence. -atvtnv, Amazon Review
Once I started reading, I just couldn’t stop! It has been a LONG time since a book has kept me up WAY past my bedtime! -KJ’s Book Nook
Author Taylor Dean
Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.
Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Newsletter
Blast Giveaway Details
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/21/18
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
We don’t remember days, just moments.
As we head into 2018, may all your moments be blessed.
I wish you all joy, love, health and abundance, and most of all, I wish you hope.
My Mom taught me to always have faith.
So keep your eyes to the sun, the moon and the stars.
May you always be home wherever you are.
May the light always guide you.
This review was made possible by iConnect Influencer Management, Luvs. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.
When the first child arrives, of course you want the very best of everything – the finest nursery, the latest stroller, the best clothes, the best toys, the best activity mat.
You make homemade food in the special baby food processor and even the first birthday party is a big production.
When the first child arrives, things can get expensive really fast. Nothing wrong with that, but, things change.
When you’re a second time parent, you don’t trust something just because it costs more, you trust that it works. You relax and realize that a lot of parenting is intuitive and you aren’t going to screw things up!
Luvs is the official diaper of experienced parents and is now an even greater value with new lower prices!
And guess what #MoreToLuv(s) = more money in the bank for parents. So yeah, go ahead and get that massage or dress you really want.
Luvs, with NightLock Plus locks away wetness with quality leak protection at new lower prices so head out to your local retailers and check them out!
What’s not to Luv about that?
About The Luvs Mom:
She is confident. She trusts her instincts and doesn’t sway in the face of external pressures to be a perfect mom. She makes no apologies.
She’s the wing mom, savvy and unfiltered.
She has a great sense of humor and isn’t afraid to laugh at herself. She knows she’ll make mistakes and is now more apt to laugh than cry.
She’s always honest and authentic. She’s not ashamed to admit that sometimes it’s not always pretty, but she’s figured out what works for her and her baby – and she’s not afraid to admit it.
She exists in a no judgement zone. With time and experience, she’s figured out that there’s no such thing as perfect parenting. Loving her kids and getting by in a way that works for her is all that matters.
And remember…
9 times out of 10 kids get their awesomeness from their mother.
So Relax! Live, Learn and Get Luvs, at even lower prices.
BOOK TWO IN THE SOUND OF SILENCE SERIES IS NOW AVAILABLE!!!
JAILBIRD
by
TAYLOR DEAN
I’m really enjoying Jailbird which is Book 2 in the Sound of Silence Series and you can read it free with Kindle Unlimited. How cool is that?
Check it out:
My hometown decided to rename me Jailbird.
Every day I silently scream out, “My name is Mia Faraday!” My time in jail does not define me. I am so much more than one heated mistake.
And yet, my slip-up weighs on me. There’s so much more to the story than anyone realizes. I must face Stony, my ex, and confess everything.
I don’t want to. I’d rather have five teeth pulled. While I’m awake. Without anesthesia.
But this is something I have to do, something I need to do. Not just for Stony. I need to do it for me. Especially for me. I can’t move forward with my life until I gain closure from the past.
When I meet Grayson Elliott, I am easily pulled into his orbit and it’s exactly where I’d love to stay. He makes me laugh and not take life so seriously. He makes me want to live again.
But I don’t love me right now, and that healing needs to come first. I’m not relationship-ready or marriage material. My mind is focused on redemption. I want it. I need it.
Besides, when Grayson hears about my colorful past, I’m sure he’ll be gone before I have time to utter the word goodbye.
After all, who could ever love a jailbird?
The Sound of Silence Series is a three book series.
Book One: Stone Silence, Spencer’s Story
Book Two: Jailbird, Mia’s Story
Book Three: Hothouse Flower, Shay’s Story
Each book has a happy ending and there are no cliffhangers.
They are not standalones and should be read in order.
Did you miss Book One, STONE SILENCE?
Grab it on AMAZON
Great big beautiful love.
Does it really exist?
Everyone tells me it does. They say, “Spencer Elliott, don’t worry, you’ll find it one day. You just have to find the right man and when you do, it will surprise the heck out of you.”
I’m still waiting for that heck of a surprise to hit. It has proven to be elusive thus far. I’m pretty sure the entire world is lying about love and the joke is on me.
I know I want a man in my heart and in my life. Unfortunately, most men immediately push my OFF button and I lose interest quickly.
Feeling pressure to prove I’m trying to find my soulmate, I finally give in and agree to a date. Huge mistake. Afterward I find myself abandoned in the middle of nowhere, in desperate need of help.
That’s when I meet Stony by chance.
He’s a silent and unsmiling man who intrigues me with his ability to keep going after life has knocked him down. Suddenly the abstract notion of love becomes tangible and within my reach. Once I experience it, I wonder how I ever lived without it.
That’s when I stay with Stony by choice.
But when Stony’s hidden past and present-day reality collide, his silence is broken. And the truth about his life nearly brings me to my knees. I can’t compete with ghosts from the past.
I refuse to fight for a man’s love. He either loves me or he doesn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.
My only hope is . . . he does.
Praise for STONE SILENCE:
Oh. My. Gosh! I absolutely LOVE Stone Silence! Talk about swoony! This book is AMAZING! I was sucked in from the very beginning and found myself lost in the journey of Spencer and Stony. I laughed out loud, got teary eyed, let out little dreamy sighs and refused to put this book down until I finished it! I devoured it! -KJ’s Book Nook
Oh man. I will always read everything Taylor Dean writes with no hesitation. I LOVE Taylor Dean books. If you have never read anything by her, you really must. -Aimee, Getting Your Read On
Hothouse Flower, Book Three will be released on January 1st, 2018
Read an excerpt from Jailbird:
Excerpt #1:
Stony and Spencer’s Place.
Ugh. It’s magical inside the fenced-in property, as if I just walked into a secret garden. Stony always said he was going to build himself an oasis in the middle of the prairie land, and he did it. I didn’t expect it to be quite this beautiful. Green grass covers small rolling hills. Sidewalks meander the property. Flower beds bloom madly with all the colors of the rainbow. It’s almost like being inside of a Thomas Kinkade painting.
I want to run. I want to turn around and erase this serene picture from my mind. I’m not sure I want to witness Stony’s happily-ever-after. The consolation is that now I know I didn’t ruin his life. I should feel grateful for that knowledge. I kind of do and I kind of don’t. My emotions are a tangled mess when it comes to Stony. I’ve had two years in jail and a little over a year in Galveston to think about this moment, to anticipate exactly what I want to say to him. Now that it’s upon me, I can feel my mind going blank.
But I’m doing it anyway.
I march forward with determination in every step and I push on the doorbell before I can change my mind. I hear a Windsor chime echo through the house in a majestic sort of way. A little more cringing goes on inside of me at the perfection of it all.
The seconds before the door is answered seem interminable. I’m a hot mess.
Lock me in a tank with hungry—no—starving sharks. Put me in a lion’s den and let them have me for dinner. Make me appear on that dumb TV show, Naked and Afraid.
Anything but this. I don’t want to face Stony. I don’t, I don’t.
Author Taylor Dean
Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.
Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Newsletter
Blast Giveaway Details
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/22/17
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Disclosure: Strange Daze Indeed did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.
Hosted by: Queen of Reviews, Homeschool Insights & Deliciously Savvy
Sponsor: Bialetti
Prize: Bialetti Pasta Pot & Coffee Grinder RV $80
This week’s giveaway is for a wonderful Bialetti pasta pot and coffee grinder. Two of my favorite things are pasta and coffee and Bialetti makes fantastic products! I have the pasta pot and love it. Wishing you best of luck and happy holidays!
Bialetti Pasta Pot
Bialetti Coffee Grinder
Bialetti’s manual coffee grinder is considered to be the best performing manual grinder in the market. It’s easy to adjust wheel allows you to adjust for your preferred coarseness, whether course for coffee press, fine for the moka express or extra fine for Turkish brew. It is designed to utilize less effort, while creating twice the output.
Dates: 12/2-12/9
Open to: US Residents 18+
Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!
Disclosure: Strange Daze Indeed did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.
Hosted by: Queen of Reviews, Michigan Saving and More & Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains
Sponsor: Women’s Bean Project
Prize: 3 Winner’s, choice of Bundle from WomensBeanProject.com
This is such a cool giveaway. Hope you will enter!
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Dates: 11/25-12/9
Open to: US Residents 18+
Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!
The Loacker #WeekOfGiving offers you a chance to win Loacker treats while raising funds for No Kid Hungry, a global cause to end world hunger.
The holiday season is a time of giving and I hope you’ll join me and Loacker in fighting to end child hunger with No Kid Hungry. Together, we can help children get the food they need.
The Week of Giving Fundraiser and Giveaway is November 18-25, 2017
Get started by making your donation to No Kid Hungry now at: nokidhungry.org/loacker.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends 11/25/17 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Open to legal residents of the continental United States of America, DC, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. Prizes will only ship to the aforementioned locations. No P.O. Box addresses accepted. You must be 18 + or age of majority at time of entry to win. Limit one winner per household. This contest and drawing are wholly run and operated by Loacker USA Inc. Loacker USA Inc. is a partner of Share Our Strength, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Any donations made will go towards Share Our strengths and their No Kid Hungry initiative. Visit www.loackerlove.com for more info.
This sponsored post is brought to you by Loacker USA Inc. and coordinated by Wendy’s Bloggers.