Mamatography: Week 18

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Week 18

Wednesday, May 8, 2013:  Such a good photo of him at lunch time!May 8th Thursday, May 9, 2013:  He and Sofia seem to love to read together.  We spent the evening working on some art!May 9th (3)May 9thMay 9th (2)

Friday, May 10, 2013:  Corban wanted to help me pack away some of my quilt pieces.  He took the job very seriously as you can tell.  May 10th

Saturday, May 11, 2013:  We took Corban to the beach for the first time!  He loved it! May 11thMay 11th (2)May 11th (3)May 11th (4)

Sunday, May 12, 2013:  He must have still been exhausted from his day at the beach because it was not difficult for him to fall asleep in Daddy’s lap.  When he woke up it was time to play again!  May 12th (2)May 12th

Monday, May 13, 2013:  I just love how they all like to sit together and read their books.  May 13th

Tuesday, May 14, 2013:  I love these outdoor photos!  Sofia and Corban are really quite the pair.  When he got home he was ready for some bath time giggles with Daddy.  May 14th (3)May 14thMay 14th (2)

Mamatography 2013This post is part of the Mamatography 2013 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje. I will be sharing a photo a day in one weekly post to keep a record of the year. My week will be running from Wednesday to Tuesday. You can join this project at any point during the year and start sharing your own daily photos!

 

Without further ado, here are the Mama/Papatography 2013 participants!

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101 Things That Make Me Smile

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Smiling

Believe it or not it was not easy to sit down and come up with 101 things that make me smile.  At one point I was debating whether or not I smiled enough during the day.  It really forced me to pause and think about the small things in life.  I realized that I smile plenty, but I just take some things for granted.  Sometimes you just need to slow down and appreciate where God has placed you in this world–in this life.  He has certainly given me plenty about which to smile!

A Random List of 101 Things that Make Me Smile:

  1. Corban laughing for no obvious reason
  2. Corban laughing for obvious reasons
  3. Baby bumps
  4. Onion paper
  5. Ale8
  6. 1950s
  7. Cloth diapers
  8. Gouda cheese
  9. Grippos
  10. Smell of the cab of Daddy’s truck
  11. Egg rolls
  12. I Wanna Kiss You All Over by Exile
  13. Corban eating
  14. Justin dancing the Cha-Cha
  15. When Justin “does” the Cookie voice
  16. Mom’s baked potato casserole
  17. Dairy Queen
  18. Harry Potter
  19. Bad Romance by Lady Gaga
  20. Corban playing with his homemade toys
  21. Watching Dad work the Rubik’s cube
  22. Crocheting
  23. Enjoying split schedules on the lazy river
  24. Jack White
  25. Alice Lloyd College in the fall
  26. Corban playing with his puzzles
  27. Playing chess with my dad
  28. Quilting
  29. Watching my nephews playing sports
  30. When the hubby kisses me as he passes by
  31. Organic/health food section at the grocery store
  32. Sue’s hotdogs
  33. Successfully completing the Bakasana (crane pose)
  34. Journaling
  35. Painting
  36. Funnel cakes
  37. My niece
  38. West Coast Swing
  39. List making
  40. Completing to-do lists
  41. Friends (the television show)
  42. Lacto-Fermented Orange Juice
  43. A clean house
  44. Playing chess with the hubby
  45. Watching the hubby do yard work
  46. Pinterest
  47. Prague
  48. Toe shoes
  49. Vintage photos
  50. People watching
  51. Hoodies
  52. Massages
  53. The pant dance
  54. London
  55. Cheese on a stick
  56. Well done tattoos
  57. Finishing a good book
  58. Fetal hiccups
  59. Genealogical research
  60. Baby feet
  61. Corban’s lips
  62. Housesitting
  63. Dad’s stories
  64. Knowing Mom has accepted God into her heart
  65. Sewing
  66. Hand-written cards and letters
  67. Leonardo DiCaprio
  68. Watching Corban absorb the world around him
  69. Quilting
  70. New sheets
  71. Sarcasm
  72. When Corban learns a new word
  73. Mom’s peanut butter fudge
  74. Shopping with Mama Rita
  75. Cross stitching
  76. Learning something new
  77. Organizing
  78. Emails from Rosanna
  79. Dippin’ Dots
  80. Coconut
  81. Comments on my blog
  82. Fiddle tunes
  83. Appalachia
  84. Cosleeping with a happy baby
  85. Good grammar
  86. New recipes
  87. Salli Schmalli’s cookies
  88. Bluegrass music
  89. A Scottish accent
  90. An Irish accent
  91. The airport
  92. Margaritas
  93. Cuervo
  94. Bagpipes
  95. Sharing information
  96. Back-to-school shopping
  97. Queso dip
  98. The smell of Bill’s Carryout
  99. Couples in love
  100. Christmas trees
  101. When the hubby and I think/speak the same thing at the same time

What in your world makes you smile?

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Green Deals & the Go Green Marketplace {Review & Giveaway}

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300x250 daily deal
As I am always looking for ways to save money I constantly find myself signing up for daily deal websites.  Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to use most of them because very few provide the healthy and eco-friendly products that I enjoy using.  This is why when I discovered Green Deals, a daily deal website focuses on Green America approved brands, I was happy to jump on board.

What I like about Green Deals is knowing that not only am I benefiting from some great deals, but I am also supporting companies that share my same values.  The business you will find on Green Deals all go through a thorough screening process that ensures they exercise green business practices based on criteria developed by Green America.  Green Deals works to make sure that the local and national online businesses they promote are committed to socially and environmentally responsible policies and products.  With the Green America Seal there is no need to worry about sacrificing your commitment to healthy living for great savings because you know the deals you are getting are definitely green!

Green Deals runs a new deal every 24-48 hours or until it sells out.  If you somehow miss out on a deal or if the daily deals are not what you are looking for, then you can visit the Go Green Marketplace where you can shop thousands of eco-friendly and sustainable products for the home, office, and family.  They do not just stop there though.  Their commitment to helping you live and shop greener extends into their Go Green Blog where you can read about green tips for everyday living, catch some great green coupons, and learn about offers from their approved business.

Check It Out

If you have been searching for a daily deals website that offers eco-friendly and sustainable products like I was, then look no further!  Sign up for the Green Deals newsletter to be notified of the latest and greatest green deals.  If you see something you like then be sure to use offer code NAKEDTRUTH5 to receive a $5 credit toward.  This offer expires 30 days from the date of this post, so be sure to act fast!

Win It

As a way of thanking my readers for checking out their website, Green Deals has graciously offered to sponsor a giveaway for a $25 gift certificate to shop Green Deals.  If you are looking for a way make your shopping experience a little greener while saving money on some great deals, then simply complete the Rafflecopter form below to win!  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  This post includes links to an affiliate, sponsors or affiliates, which give me a small percentage of the sale. You are not obligated to use these links when you make a purchase, but when you do so it helps to support this site, so thank you!  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I received no additional compensation.  The opinions expressed here are completely that of my own and based on my experience.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  I am not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

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Lovable Labels’ Ultimate Camp Pack {Review}

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Let’s face it.  Children lose things no matter how hard we strive to teach them the importance of being responsible.  We do our best to instill in them an understanding of obligation and a sense of appreciation.  Yet, we can only do so much when it comes to teaching our children how important it is to take care of their things.  I believe one of the best ways to approach this kind of education is by establishing a clear set of expectations and setting an example.  Not sure of where to start?  I suggest starting with working on becoming more efficient and better organized.  What better way to do this than to invest in some super cute and pragmatic Lovable Labels?!

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Loveable Labels has been in business since 2003 and can easily be considered the best source for personalized labels.  They have so many different categories and designs from which to choose that everyone is sure to find the labels that suits their taste and needs.  They are dishwasher and microwave safe, durable enough to withstand the washer and dryer, waterproof, and UV resistant.  Best of all, they help to inspire and encourage children to better keep up with and take care of their belongings.  This is important because we all know that as soon as children are out and about and on the social scene parents will be asked to label everything.  Lovable Labels provides parents with a fun and unique way of getting the job done!

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Their Ultimate Camp Pack, a new best seller, is jam-packed with over 150 multi-purpose labels and would be great for any parent preparing for summer festivities.  Label back packs, shoes, travel gear, and more!  With the Ultimate Camp Pack you can eliminate that nagging feeling that your child might pick up someone else’s bag at the pool or leave their tennis racket at summer camp.  While my son is not quite ready to gear up for hiking or fishing anytime soon the Ultimate Camp Pack has made distinguishing his sippy cups, clothing, and toiletries from all the rest quite a breeze.

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I decided to personalize the labels with our last names (yes, I kept my last name after getting married) to make better use of the variety available, meaning the whole family gets to use them!  Daddy uses them to label binders and other school supplies, and Mommy gets to label her books and food containers.  I have even used them on some of my son’s larger toys.  I imagine that once Baby White #2 arrives I’ll be using them to help distinguish clothing so Daddy won’t be trying to fit him or her in one of big brother’s 18-24 month outfits!

 Lovable Labels

I loved the variety of designs available.  I chose the Hoo Am I print because, well–they are just so darn cute.  I am certainly pleased with the quality of the labels.  They arrived very neatly packaged.  They are certainly durable, because they have not offered to peel off in the slightest.  In fact, I am so impressed with Lovable Labels that I am looking forward to trying out some more of their products.  Their selection of clothing labels, bag tags, household labels, and stationary makes getting organized a snap, not to mention browsing through all their products and seeing such clever ideas is so much fun!

Make Lovable Labels a Part of Your Organizing Routine

Are you looking for a fun way to be unique, yet organized?  Perhaps you wanted to find a way to nurture your child’s individuality while teaching them the importance of being responsible?  If so, then Lovable Labels is just for what you have been searching!  Visit the Lovable Labels today to view all of the amazing products they have to offer!  From now through June 30th, receive $5 off any purchase of $25 or more when you use the promo code CAMP1307.  Learn more about Lovable Labels by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube!  You can also follow their blog, Label Me Crazy:  Chronicles of the Crazy Life Moms Lead, to stay informed about new products, company updates, daily challenges of working mothers, raising kids, and so much more!

I am happy to announce that there is another way that you can enjoy Lovable Labels for yourself.  They have been kind enough to offer you, my wonderful and valuable readers, a chance to win a personalized Ultimate Camp Pack (a $45 value) as part of the Something Special for Mom Giveaway!  The giveaway ends May 26th, so don’t delay.  Check it out now!  Remember to keep Lovable Labels in mind when worry over misplacing belongings or lost items starts to consume you.  You always save money when children’s things manage to make it back home!

Disclaimer:  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. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own, based on my own experience, and are in no way influenced by monetary compensation.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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State of the Uterus: Week 36

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36 WeeksHow far along:  36 fabulous weeks!

Baby Stats:  He or she now weighs almost 6 lbs. and is more than 18 1/2 inches long and continues to get beefier everyday!  He or she is roughly the size of a honeydew melon.

Weight gained:  More than enough.

How I am feeling:  I am frustrated with the worsening of RLS symptoms and am now suffering from the effects of one of the worst charley horses ever.  Outside of that though I still feel pretty good.  I’m getting nervous though.  I still have a lot to do and not much time in which to do it. 

Food cravings/aversions:  I could eat my weight in ice if it were available.  There was one day when I really wanted apple slices.  I have also spent a lot of time thinking about Shrimp Linguini Alfredo from Red Lobster.

Movement:  There is no more room for her to kick like she used to, but she sure turns the pressure on during certain parts of the day.  I love to watch my belly move around.  It’s weird, but so amazing.  Hopefully, she is maneuvering herself into position for the big day!

What I miss:  I have never missed being able to bend at the waist more than this week.  There is so much to do and it could get done so much faster if I could just bend!

Best moment of the week:  He or she had the cutest little case of fetal hiccups this week.  I have not felt as many incidents of this during this pregnancy as I did with the first.  When I do feel them they just keep going and going though. 

Next midwife appt:  May 16th!

Baby Preparations:  We started painting the nursery!  I picked out supplies for curtains and have even purchased fabric to make some crib sheets.  I still have wool diaper soakers to sew, as well as some sleep sacks.  If I don’t get these done in the upcoming week, I hope to finish them up the next.  I have made out my grocery list for the freezer meals I hope to get around to making this week.  We still need to assemble the crib and organize clothing.   

What the Dad is saying/doing:  Daddy is really bonding with Corban this week.  He loves hanging out with him and has been busy making the most of this time together.  He has also helped a lot with getting caught up on laundry.  He has helped a little with painting, but he hates it so much that he can’t claim he has had been a significant source of help.

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Mama’s Got a Brand New Babe Giveaway Winner!

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It’s time to announce the winner of the Mama’s Got a Brand New Babe Giveaway Hop.  I want to thank my generous sponsors, Juppy andZIPaboo, for sponsoring my participation in this event.  Read my review of the Juppy Baby Walker Momentum and my review of the ZIPaboo to learn more more about these terrific products.  I am very much looking forward to putting these items to more use once Baby White #2 arrives in less than a month!

Juppy (3)

ZIPaboo

Now on to the winner.  Congratulations Lisa P.!  With entry #279 you have won a Juppy Baby Walker and a ZIPaboo!  Thank you for entering the giveaway.  I’m sure your daughter is going to love these products!  I certainly hope she thanks you for them (after all Mother’s Day is this weekend).  Speaking of thanks, be sure to send a thank you to our sponsors when you get a chance.  Thank you again!

Disclaimer:  Should prize not be claimed via email within 48 hours another winner will be selected.  Prize holds no cash value and cannot be exchanged or duplicated.  No refunds, rebates or exchanges may be made.

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Something Special for Mom Giveaway!

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It never fails.  Every year the month of May rolls around and children everywhere start to panic about what to do to honor that very special woman in their lives, their mother.  This year, the Blogging Mamas Network has made it easy for you!  Whether you are a mom yourself or you’re doing something special for your own mom, the Something Special for Mom Giveaway Event is for you!  From May 10th-26th, a terrific group of bloggers will be offering you a chance to win some amazing prizes for Mom!

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Here at Whey Beyond the Naked truth you have the opportunity to win the Ultimate Camp Pack from Lovable Labels ($45 value).  Label everything from kids’ shoes to water bottles!  It is a simple concept, but a necessary one when it comes to children.  You can finally stop worrying about picking up the wrong jacket from daycare or leaving that sippy cup behind at church.  As a mother of a toddler, and with another little one on the way, I have loved having these labels around.  Thanks to Lovable Labels my need to remain organized and efficient has escalated to a whole new level.  Why?  It’s so easy!  Check out my review of Ultimate Camp Pack from Lovable Labels for more details.  I would love to get my hands on some of their household labels!  Now is your chance to join in all the labeling fun.  Simply complete the Rafflecopter form below to win your own personalized Lovable Labels:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

While you are waiting to hear the results of the giveaway take advantage of this special coupon code for Whey Beyond the Naked Truth readers only!  Type in CAMP1307 at check out to receive $5 off any purchase of $25 or more.  This coupon code expires June 30, 2013 so act fast!  Also, be sure to hop around to all of the participating bloggers, in the linky below.  They have some great prizes to share with you!

Mia Mariu Giveaway

Make sure you also enter the Grand Prize – a $250 Gift Card to Mía Mariú! One lucky Mama is going to look so pretty with all that eco-friendly makeup!

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Disclaimer:  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Lovable Labels.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I received no additional compensation.  The opinions expressed here are completely that of my own and based on my experience.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  According to Jenny, So Easy Being Green, the Blogging Mamas Network, and the Fluffy Mail participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

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Guest Post Opportunities

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Guest Post Opportunities

Salutations followers!  In only a month, hopefully slightly less, the Shoemaker-White family will be welcoming their newest addition!  Needless to say, the expectant mother-to-be, moi, is getting very anxious.  Among the things to complete on my very long list of things to do before the arrival of Baby White #2 is to invite guests to post here on Whey Beyond the Naked Truth while I am busy cuddling with and getting to know my little one.

I am looking for posts on naked foods, naked recipes, parenting, motherhood, cloth diapering, and/or natural living.  You do not need to be a parent to contribute.  My blog covers an array topics, ranging from healthy recipes to all things “green” and “crunchy.”  Really, the sky is the limit as long as it’s family-friendly.  You also do not even have to be a blogger contribute.  If you are considering blogging someday, look at this as an opportunity to practice.  If you are already a blogger, just think of the backlinks and targeted visitors!  If you would like to contribute a post while I am on “maternity leave” then send me an email with your suggested topic:  leonamartine@hotmail.com.  If writing is not your thing, then feel free to share this with anyone you think would be interested in guest posting.

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Mamatography: Week 17

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Week 17

Wednesday, May 1, 2013:  My little man is such a sweetheart!     

May 1st

Thursday, May 2, 2013:  People tell me, “He’s such a happy baby.”  I think they are right!  Check out those dimples!  Porter must have said something funny in that second photo.

May 2ndMay 2nd (2)

Friday, May 3, 2013:  He loves to climb up on Miss Jessica’s bookshelf and just hang out.

May 3rdMay 3rd (2)

Saturday, May 4, 2013:  A naked baby likes to roll and hide under the bed! 

May 4th

Sunday, May 5, 2013:  Since learning how to climb ladders it has become evident that my little man is a dare devil! 

May 5th

Monday, May 6, 2013:  Together my two favorite men started on the long process of preparing our front yard for summer.  Then, after a hard day’s work, they reclined together.May 6thMay 6th (2)

May 6th (3)

Tuesday, May 7, 2013:  Daddy took a break from yard work to wrestle with his favorite little guy.

May 7th

Mamatography 2013This post is part of the Mamatography 2013 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje. I will be sharing a photo a day in one weekly post to keep a record of the year. My week will be running from Wednesday to Tuesday. You can join this project at any point during the year and start sharing your own daily photos!

 

Without further ado, here are the Mama/Papatography 2013 participants!

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