Recently a friend of mine on facebook posted that they think it is sad that the gift of privacy has been lost through facebook and blogs. I sat for a good five minutes before I decided to respond. Essentially, I disagree. While to an extent, I can understand that we "hear" about everything through a facebook status or through a blog post, however I disagree that we have lost the gift. In fact, I think that those of us on the receiving end have gained a gift. A beautiful gift.
This friend's post in and of itself was a gift to me (although they probably didn't know it). It was a gift, as it made me think. How open is too open on our blogs, or facebook statuses? Are there certain things that are private and shouldn't be shared? For me the answer is yes. For someone else that answer may be no. I strive to be open and honest in real life, so for me anything I would talk about in real life is open to talking about on my blog or facebook. For some, the information I share may be too much, for others it's nothing. However, I would not be true to myself and would feel like I was lying if I didn't blog or facebook about something that I typically think about, talk about. It's all part of my bold blogging. For those of you who read this (or my facebook), know that you will read posts on marriage, child-rearing (and yes that includes breastfeeding), and my journey to become a woman of God. I'm pretty much an open book and I'm ok with that. I will tell you that I'm fairly certain that the only thing you won't read on here is about our sex life (in fact this is probably the only time you will see me type that word). It's just not something I feel would glorify God (talking about it that is) or help others which is why I blog in the first place. Anything else is fair "game" so to speak. As long as my husband (who has read pretty much every post) is ok with me publishing and I know that God is prompting me to post, I will post.
Which brings me to the ultimate question I had: Were our lives ever meant to be private? Or were we to be open, honest, and uplifting to each other. I believe that God intended the latter and that man in their inability to be open has tried to hide things that are embarrassing, wrong, etc. and we just glorify and post the good, or we don't post the things that may be taboo to talk about in our culture (politics, religion, how to raise children, etc.). Ultimately it is our pride that tries to hide the bad in our lives and only show the good. I have a different look on blogging, message boards, facebook statuses etc. than my friend. I see them all as a beautiful gift God has given me. Many of my friends, through posts on social media have opened my eyes to things I never even knew. They challenged me and made me think on things I otherwise never would have had they not posted. I would like to think that I have become a better wife, mama, and woman of God because someone went against the norm and clicked the publish post button even when they knew they would be open to criticism because of it.
So I will keep posting. I will keep blogging bodly. I will keep being honest in all areas of my life because one never knows who God knew needed to see that post, or that facebook status. One never knows the beautiful gift of openness that God wanted us to have with each other so we can be drawn closer to Him.
*Disclaimer: To my friend (if you happen to be reading) who originally had this as your facebook status: This post is not geared toward you or to attack you. Rather, it is just my opinion on the matter and actually something I have felt God laying on my heart to share for awhile. So thank you for being bold enough to post in the first place so that God could prompt me to post. It's that kind of ripple effect that God desires to have in our friendships.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Sweet Dreams Aden + Anais Review
When I was pregnant with Zoelle and roaming around my online message boards I kept hearing over and over again about a certain swaddle blanket from a company called Aden + Anais that was supposedly amazing. I didn't think much about it and never got one with her. When I was pregnant with Meridian, I once again heard about these amazing blankets and was determined that I would try one someday. Well, a couple of months after she was born I actually won one through a message board. I fell in love and could definitely understand why everyone was raving about them. However, now that both of my girls are bigger and past the swaddle stage, I really wanted a nice, quality blanket that would last forever. My dream for that was answered when I was sent the Dream Blanket by Aden + Anais.
In the words of my husband: I LOVE that blanket! I honestly don't think I could find a nicer blanket. It is heavy, yet not too heavy, soft, stretchy, and is a great quality blanket. I know that it will last us for years to come! Not only do we love it, but Zoelle (who is currently using it) loves it too. I'll let her explain to you why she likes it:
Well there you have it! She loves it and looks completely adorable in it too! My only wish (and obviously Zoelle's too) is that Meridian had one too!
*Please note I have since learned that it is pronounce Anay. I never knew quite how to pronounce that so forgive my pronunciation on my video! :)
In the words of my husband: I LOVE that blanket! I honestly don't think I could find a nicer blanket. It is heavy, yet not too heavy, soft, stretchy, and is a great quality blanket. I know that it will last us for years to come! Not only do we love it, but Zoelle (who is currently using it) loves it too. I'll let her explain to you why she likes it:
Well there you have it! She loves it and looks completely adorable in it too! My only wish (and obviously Zoelle's too) is that Meridian had one too!
*Please note I have since learned that it is pronounce Anay. I never knew quite how to pronounce that so forgive my pronunciation on my video! :)
Buy It!
Want one of these incredible Aden + Anais dream blankets? Head on over to their site to buy one today. You won't regret it!
*The featured product(s) in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.
*The featured product(s) in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Boogie Wipes Review & Giveaway
When I first heard of Boogie Wipes I was pretty convinced that they were a gimic created by a couple of moms who were just hoping to make a buck (hey I strive for honesty here on my blog). However, after hearing about them working super well on little ones noses, I decided to give them a try.
Of course, the week I got my Boogie Wipes in the mail, it just so happened that both of my girls got stuffy little noses. Now typically my girls have never minded blowing their noses with Kleenex (well Meridian can't blow her nose, but Zoelle can). Anyway, I brought out the Boogie Wipes and immediately, Zoelle was taken with the packaging.
Me, I was taken with how soft they were! I seriously never would have thought that these would be better than a regular kleenex, but somehow they are. The saline in them dissolves the boogies and the Vitamin E, Aloe and Chamomile moisturize their little noses.
My take on it: Mindee and Julie knew just what they were doing and they have at least one new follower in me! Oh and Zoelle told me that she loves them. The only problem is, we can't stop her from using them all the time. She is constantly coming up with some excuse as to why she needs a Boogie Wipe! Buy It!
Go to Boogie Wipes and purchase them directly from them. Or check out their store locator of where to find them near you. Not only do they have 30-count packs, they also have individually wrapped wipes which are perfect to stick into your diaper bag or purse.
Win It!
Boogie Wipes have generously offered one of my readers (2) packs of 30-count wipes (fresh, grape or menthol – combination varies). May I just say, I have a slight obsession with the grape smell-yum!
Mandatory Entry:
Go visit Boogie Wipes, look around and come back and tell me one other thing about them that I didn't mention in my review. Please do me the favor of making sure you leave your e-mail address in the comment if it is not visible on your profile. (1 entry)
Extra Entries:
1. Follow me on google friend connect and leave a comment telling me you are. (1 entry)
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. (1 entry)
3. Follow Boogie Wipes on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. (1 entry)
4. Friend Boogie Wipes on Facebook and leave a comment telling me you are friends. (1 entry)
5. Join the Boogie Bunch and leave a comment telling me you did. (1 entry)
That's It!
Winner will be chosen at random from random.org Winner has 24 hours from being contacted to respond, or else a new winner will be chosen.
Contest ends Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. CST!
*Winner-#10-Kathleen, congrats!!
*The featured product(s) in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
You what?!?
For those of you who know me, my post Bittersweet Goodbye was no shock to you. However, I'm guessing there are quite a few of you who sat at your computers with your mouths wide open, shaking your head back and forth, all while mumbling, "Two years, 8 months, and 8 days!?! But, but, but, that is almost 3 years! 3 years! That is way too long to nurse a child!". Yep go ahead and admit it, you were shocked, grossed out, disgusted, etc. Nothing will phase me as I think I've heard it all in my almost 3 years of nursing. Besides, I used to sit right where you all sit. I once staunchly declared that I would only nurse until a year and anything after that was too old. I eat my words ladies and gentlemen. I also judged others who nursed past two years in the same way that I have been judged (huh interesting biblical aspect there, isn't it?).
I can't even begin to tell you how many times people asked me when I was going to wean. Starting pretty much right after she was born. Some told me I should stop when she could ask for it. For Zoelle that was at 9 months, which in my opinion was too young to wean. Around a year old was when I started really getting the looks or people asking me if I was almost done. When I got pregnant, people assumed that surely I would quit nursing because it wasn't safe to nurse while pregnant (not true people, it is more than safe to nurse through a healthy pregnancy). Then shortly before I had Meridian, many told me I must stop or else Zoelle would never wean, or the new baby wouldn't get enough food, or that she was just plain ole' too old to still be nursing.
What exactly is extended breast feeding and why do it? Kellymom has some awesome information about what it exactly is and why do it, but being that most of you won't click on that link, I thought I would summarize here so you can see it for yourself.
*Nursing toddlers benefit NUTRITIONALLY
*Nursing toddlers are SICK LESS OFTEN
*Nursing toddlers have FEWER ALLERGIES
*Nursing toddlers are SMART
*Nursing toddlers are WELL ADJUSTED SOCIALLY
*Nursing a toddler is NORMAL
*MOTHERS also benefit from nursing past infancy
If you didn't do extended breastfeeding or didn't breastfeed at all, please don't be offended by that information. It's just that: information that you can take or leave. If you want to know specifics, please read the information given.
Not only all of that but The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that "Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child... Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother... There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer." (AAP 2005)
For me I simply did it for Zoelle. She is smart, very smart. She was also more than capable of following her own instincts and gradually weaning when she felt emotionally and physically ready. Did I love it the whole time? No way! I wanted to quit many times, but she just wasn't ready so I followed her lead. In case your wondering, I'll do the same for Meridian (although I have my doubts that we will make it much past one year). So there you have it. I did it for her and I have provided you with the information to do with as you please.
Want to learn more? Please see these great resources!
There's No Such Thing As Extended Breastfeeding
A Natural Age of Weaning
Continuing Breastfeeding Beyone The First Year
Breastfeeding Guide & Tips
What are the benefits of breastfeeding my toddler?
Already nursing a toddler and need some extended support? Check out Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy it has many wonderful articles to encourage and support you in your extended breastfeeding journey.
I can't even begin to tell you how many times people asked me when I was going to wean. Starting pretty much right after she was born. Some told me I should stop when she could ask for it. For Zoelle that was at 9 months, which in my opinion was too young to wean. Around a year old was when I started really getting the looks or people asking me if I was almost done. When I got pregnant, people assumed that surely I would quit nursing because it wasn't safe to nurse while pregnant (not true people, it is more than safe to nurse through a healthy pregnancy). Then shortly before I had Meridian, many told me I must stop or else Zoelle would never wean, or the new baby wouldn't get enough food, or that she was just plain ole' too old to still be nursing.
What exactly is extended breast feeding and why do it? Kellymom has some awesome information about what it exactly is and why do it, but being that most of you won't click on that link, I thought I would summarize here so you can see it for yourself.
*Nursing toddlers benefit NUTRITIONALLY
*Nursing toddlers are SICK LESS OFTEN
*Nursing toddlers have FEWER ALLERGIES
*Nursing toddlers are SMART
*Nursing toddlers are WELL ADJUSTED SOCIALLY
*Nursing a toddler is NORMAL
*MOTHERS also benefit from nursing past infancy
If you didn't do extended breastfeeding or didn't breastfeed at all, please don't be offended by that information. It's just that: information that you can take or leave. If you want to know specifics, please read the information given.
Not only all of that but The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that "Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child... Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother... There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer." (AAP 2005)
For me I simply did it for Zoelle. She is smart, very smart. She was also more than capable of following her own instincts and gradually weaning when she felt emotionally and physically ready. Did I love it the whole time? No way! I wanted to quit many times, but she just wasn't ready so I followed her lead. In case your wondering, I'll do the same for Meridian (although I have my doubts that we will make it much past one year). So there you have it. I did it for her and I have provided you with the information to do with as you please.
Want to learn more? Please see these great resources!
There's No Such Thing As Extended Breastfeeding
A Natural Age of Weaning
Continuing Breastfeeding Beyone The First Year
Breastfeeding Guide & Tips
What are the benefits of breastfeeding my toddler?
Already nursing a toddler and need some extended support? Check out Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy it has many wonderful articles to encourage and support you in your extended breastfeeding journey.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Ecostore USA Review & Giveaway
For some time now I have been on the look out for natural cleaning products for my home. I have two little girls who I cherish immensely and I want the best and the healthiest things for them in all areas. I have managed to change my lifestyle in many areas to make it not only healthier for them, but also me. However, one area I have struggled to change is in the area of cleaning products. I just could not find a natural cleaning product that I felt did as good of a job as those that are filled with chemicals and nasty for you. Thus when I found Ecostore USA I was super excited and could not wait to try their products. I received the Cream Cleanser and the Citrus Spray Cleaner to review.
This weekend is the first chance I have gotten to try out them out as I have been putting off cleaning my house for...umm...let's just say a while.
I was super excited to try out the Cream Cleanser as it stated on the website that it worked wonders on stainless steel. I hate the smell and the chemicals that I know are in my stainless steel wipes, so even though this was a bit more work, I was willing to try it in order to avoid that. The result: it was good, not as good as I thought as it would be as it still left streaks, but overall I would definitely use it again. An added bonus was that it cleaned my glass stovetop beautifully!
The Citrus Spray Cleaner I used in my bathroom to clean my sink and the area on the outside of the toilet. Again, I have previously been using homemade wipes that have some scary chemicals in them. This stuff was awesome and definitely worked just as well as my homemade wipes!Buy It!
Go to Ecostore USA and buy various items from them (they have other products then just cleaning items). Also, their prices are awesome!
Win It!
Ecostore USA has generously offered one of my readers a $25 gift card to use on their site.
Mandatory Entry:
Go to Ecostore USA, look around, then come back here and comment on what you would spend your $25 gift card on if you won. (1 entry) Please do me the favor of making sure you leave your e-mail address in the comment if it is not visible on your profile.
Extra Enteries:
1. Follow me on google friend connect and leave a comment telling me you are. (1 entry)
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. (1 entry)
3. Follow Ecostore USA on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you are along with your Twitter ID. (1 entry)
3. Tweet about this giveaway making sure you mention @jewelsntreasure and @ecostoreusa (1 entry)4. Become a Ecostore Usa fan on facebook and leave me a comment telling me you are along with your First name and last initial. (1 entry)
5. Sign up for the Ecostore USA newsletter and leave me a comment telling me you did. (1 entry)
That's It!
Winner will be chosen at random from random.org Winner has 24 hours from being contacted to respond, or else a new winner will be chosen.
Contest ends Monday, February 22, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. CST!
*Congrats to #27-Jess - hope you get everything you want and enjoy! :)
*The featured product(s) in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.
