REVIEW & DISCOUNT: The sugarSNAP files

Alright, so I don't know about all of you, but my diaper bag is like the black hole.

Once in a while, I'll get so grossed out by the half eaten fruit snack stuck to my debit card that I'll dump the entire bag on the floor and start fresh -organizing as best as I know how.

...Then 4 hours later, it's back to where I started.

Right?!

Maybe it's just me, but I have a feeling that everyone has this problem to some degree

-though probably few to MY degree...

b/c let's be honest here, me and my kids tend to be a bit disgusting...

Just for fun-I'd like to share a story about the contents of my diaper bag...

To set the scene:

I get to stand in front of an entire congregation at church every Sunday, "leading" the music (not that I really know how..)

A short while back, while I was "leading" a song and my husband was wrestling a baby, I looked down at my 3 year old to see him waving an open tampon as high as he could reach- trying to also "lead" the congregation in song. :)

Needless to say-it was awesome.

BUT-If I'd have had this amazing file folder system for my diaper bag that day, I'm certain he would have found something else more fitting to lead with...;)

Now, everything having to do with my bag is so much easier and things run a lot smoother!

What it is, is a file folder system FOR YOUR BAG.

It's genious!

Here's what they have to say about it, in much better words than I ever could:

The Files set comes with five beautifully designed bags. We did extensive market research to ensure they fit perfectly in most diaper bags on the market. Each File has an easy-to-identify tab on top, which makes it easy to pack and carry all of your baby and toddler gear in a well-organized and intuitive system.

All of the Files stay organized by snapping together with our innovative, patent-pending hook-and-ring system. Use the entire set, or grab a couple Files, and clip them together to carry with you or stash under the stroller for quick trips!

The set comes with the following Files:

Shirts + Socks: keeps extra clothing as well as change of clean clothes within reach

Dipes + Wipes: holds everything you need for a quick change

Snacks + Supplies: keeps items like snacks, spoons and bibs handy

Lotions + Potions: holds diaper cream, sunscreen and sanitizing hand gel

Me + Mine: last, but certainly not least, the mommy file is just for you! Holds everything from lip gloss to the emergency granola bar

Each File has a different inspirational and surprising saying inside, such as This is Your Story and You Change More Than Diapers. Because who can't use a little inspiration?

We’ve even included a comprehensive, mom-tested and mom-approved packing list. We know that every mom can use a little extra help getting out the door some days.

And now, because I can see at a glance, what I have in every necessary category:

-I'm rarely ever "that girl who always shows up to a play date without bringing a diaper"

(yes, I read a rude comment referring to that on facebook recently-aren't we all on the same mom team? why so snippy?!)

-I always have the snacks I need, because I don't have to just assume there are some unopened fruit snacks somewhere in the bottom of the bag.

-I can find my hand sanitizer as fast as my toddler can find a chewed up piece of gum on the ground.

-No longer are my husband and kids waiting impatiently while I hunt for the keys "I know I put them in here somewhere"

-When there's an angry booger hanging down to the lip of a child, I can find and grab a Kleenex before anyone else notices it!

  It truly has been a life changer.

Which seems dumb to say about a bag accessory,

but this is FAR more than an accessory,

in fact, for me-it's become a necessity!

Look how magic it is!

It turned this:

Into this:

I've found a little bit of a different way to use it too.

Because I have so many different places I go.

And because I have such a different combination of which kids are with me at what point and time.

Or if I am out without the kids all together.

I used to have several different bags I would use.

-One for church

-One for "me/adult" time

-One for all necessities in case of an accident

-One for everyday

Usually all of these were cluttering up my van, and I'd end up going somewhere with the wrong bag, or with my wallet locked in the van in a different bag and it caused a lot of confusion and inconvenience... but what I do now,

thanks to the amazing sugarSNAP files,

is this:

If I am going somewhere by myself, I get to ditch all of the kid necessities in the car and take whatever I want with me, in my ONE BAG. And the switch is super fast and simple.

Then after I pick up the kids and we are going on an outing, I snag the other files and toss them in my bag.

It makes life so much easier, therefore making it better!

I am certain that the next thing I need is the Car-Go System by the same company.

I think this company is so amazing and the products they have come up with are so in tune with what a busy mommy needs!

It's a definite- BUSY MOMMY LIKES!!

get yours here
use the code: "mommylikes" and get 15% off!
code is valid until 8/1/12

**Because my bag is so cute that I'm sure you'll want to know what it is: Its an Emily

Sloan (Seattle) My mom & sister found it for me at TJMaxx :) thankyouverymuch.**

  *I was provided this product for the purpose of review, my opinions are honest and solely mine. I received no monetary compensation for this review*

REVIEW: BabySpa Baby Products

I have three kids with excema.

My three year old and my five year old have pale, sensitive skin. They constantly have chapped, dry rough patches all over their faces.

My one year old has scaly skin on her tummy and back.

I have tried so many over-the-counter items to help with their problems. Nothing has caused significant improvement in a short amount of time. I want a product that I can actually SEE working, one that makes a difference over night.

I slather stuff on their faces after they are asleep in bed at night.

I slather stuff on their bodies and faces after bathtime.

I've poured yucky stuff in the bath with them to soak in.

I don't like the cream that takes an hour to run and rub and rub in until it absorbs. I've heard that it does work on the problem areas for the people who have the time and patience to rub it in. My kids are not that patient. Nor am I.

The greasy stuff works, kind of, and it's a mess to deal with. But I do usually opt for that over the time consuming thick non-absorbing cream.

I have several prescriptions to help with their serious skin issues, but I don't really love rubbing that all over their little bodies. If it's got to be given by a pharmasist, it seems a bit intense. (don't get me wrong-i love drugs...but mainly for me...)

But I have come across a treasure that has changed routines around here.

It's changed skin around here.

It's amazing!

I seriously got this in the mail one day and rubbed in on my poor boy's extremely chapped, scaly cheeks and chin that night. The next morning his face looked a bit better! (what?!)

The company who made this miracle cream has products specified for two different stages. Baby-stage 1. Preschooler-stage 2.

I was lucky enough to get face cream and moisturizing body lotion in both stages.

I have not been disappointed!

I am almost out of my samples and I will soon be placing an order.

I need a couple travel sizes for my bag.

I need gigantic sizes for my house...in several rooms.

 I LOVE THIS STUFF.

I will not stray from this being my go-to for my kids' sensitive skin.

I am not an all-natural advocate by any means. And that isn't what intrigued me about this product. What intrigues me about this product is that it actually does something for my kids' skin!

And I consider it a bonus that it is natural and healthy!

I have even been able to declutter my bathroom by packing away several of my lotions, greases, oils and crap I've accumulated over the years while looking for a solution.

I've found the solution!

I'll keep the prescriptions out for emergencies and have this within reach after every bath and at bedtime.

I can't say enough about this product.

I haven't been excited about a baby lotion since....EVER.

BONUS: It smells delicious! Now my kids don't smell like a shmorgishbord (spelling?) of doctors office/mechanic/and great grandma. :)

More info- directly from the pros:

Unlike any other baby skin care line on the market, BabySpa is a line of natural lotions, oils, etc. that cater to the specific needs of a growing child's skin physiology by providing quality products that match up with key developmental progress and milestones such as crawling, walking and going to preschool. Made with the finest natural ingredients, including 5 ethnobotanicals (not available in any other baby skin care line), BabySpa nourishes the skin while meeting baby's sensitive needs and also making for a great bonding experience between a mother and her child.

Visit them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BabySpaUSA

Well-deserved Awards they have won:

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The National Parenting Center 2012 Seal of Approval Mom’s Choice Awards 2012 Gold Seal

I'm excited to try the diaper cream.

If there was one thing I would add (not change) about this product-It would be a solution for my kids' chapped lip problem. Maybe someday the brilliant people at BabySpa will have that for me...perhaps it's already in the works? who knows... I hope I'll be one of the first to get my hands on it if they do :) Because I am a very happy customer. Pleased with an excellent product.
I also could go for the sample size being available for purchase because the little containers are adorable and sturdy-perfect for bags and little "go-to"s in every room :)

Needless to say... BUSY MOMMY LIKES!!

*I was provided a sample of this product for the purpose of review, my opinions are honest and solely mine. I received no monetary compensation for this review*

What Busy Mommy is made of:

...I've finally figured it out.

I am sporadic.

I am real.

most of all:

I am honest.

I do this blog because I want to.

I do this blog because I like to share really cool things that help me through my crazy journey I call "life."

I do NOT do this to get free things. (though that is a gigantic bonus)

I do NOT do this for money. (though I might wish- that would be an even bigger bonus)

I do NOT do this because I have to.

I have been feeling guilty lately.

Guilty because I've received a few items that I haven't reviewed-Because quite frankly they weren't that great. (I've had to offer to send them back or pay for the item so I could send it to the thrift store guilt-free. I really don't like doing that. I feel like a jerk.)

But it's more important for me to be honest to my readers (all 3 of you)

Honesty is a big part of who I am and what I stand for.

How am I supposed to teach that principle to my kids if I am on the computer typing up lies, just in hopes of growing a blog or getting more items sent my way? Not my style.

I've also been feeling guilty because of my lack of consistent posts.

But if I'm not excited about a product, I'm not going to write about it.

It takes time to sift through "things" to find "prizes"

to be brutally honest: I don't endorse crap just for the sake of a daily post.

On another note: I'm not a fan of clutter. I love taking loads to the thrift store. So I don't like to get items just for the sake of having things. I like for everything I have to have a purpose. (though I know I could do better) -so what I'm trying to say is that I'm not going to suggest you get anything unless I really believe it's useful, or extra special.

Just as all mothers of young children, I go through stages and phases where a lot of products are useful to test out, and it's usually evident what is going on in my household by what I'm posting about... (ie: a zillion pacifier holders) 

I do, on occasion, request products that I think will be helpful for what I'm dealing with. And sometimes, a company is nice enough to oblige me. (If I know its awesome , I buy it and still do a review) At other times I'm approached and asked to review products by different companies. If I think it's a fit, I gladly accept and am flattered they asked. If it's not, I don't accept, but still flattered.

To sum it up: I am choosy about what I endorse.

For that reason, my goal is quality over quantity.

If I wanted to post everyday about average junk and get paid in merchandise and money from advertisements-I think my reviews would be weak, and nobody could trust me.

What I'm trying to say in this long winded post is:

Busy Mommy Likes is an elite club.

I won't compromise my opinions and reviews by selling out.

I also won't post daily.

What I will do is post about things that truly make my life easier or better when I come across them.

I will disclose anytime a company gave me the product I review and I will tell you if I found and purchased it myself.

But you can be certain that even if it was given to me- its an honest opinion, or I sent the product back and I never mentioned it.  

(to be honest-my favorite reviews to write are on the products I found myself, or by word-of-mouth. If I'm really excited about something-it shows in my post. and I want to be excited about everything I post, so I only post about what's awesome.)

That is my promise to you :)

Thanks for the support.

and thanks for patiently waiting for me to find more amazing products to share.

REVIEW: SteamVac® SpinScrub® TurboPower® Carpet Washer

First off, I should let you know that I love my house.

It's mine. The plan is for it to be mine until I die. It's not a temporary thing. It is my "whole rest of my life" house and I think that is something that is pretty dang cool. I like making plans based on my kids AND my grandkids...

With that being said, I can also point out, that I whole-heartedly dislike certain aspects of my house.

My 28 year old carpet is in the top two.

It's original to the house (which was born the same year I was...so yeah it's OLD)

Luckily it's multi-brown-colored, so you can't see stains...

Everything is camoflauge and kind of mysterious, in a disgusting sort of way.

But anyway, it is what it is, and there's no telling when it'll change-

what I really want to talk about are my current messes-not the messes of the past...

My 2 year old has been spontaneously vomitting lately, (?!) the other night he puked all over the living room while I was gone and my husband was watching him (lucky for me- for several reasons). So my mother-in-law was called and asked for "cleaning up puke" suggestions and she brought over a magic tool.

...that is where my love story began...

SteamVac® SpinScrub® TurboPower® Carpet Washer

Lucky for me, she left it at my house that night and is letting me borrow it for a while. (Or keep it, unless she can pry my fingers off of it when she wants it back-just kidding-maybe....)

Since this new addition to the household has been here, I have shampooed almost all of the carpet, some spots several times (though it would take 5 million times to get all the dirt out). It's hard to tell that there is much difference...but I know it's slightly cleaner-so that's all that really matters...

But what I really love about it is this:

When my baby dumped a cup of water on the carpet, I plugged this bad boy in and sucked it right up.

The next day, when my son peed on the floor, I brought in my new back up and sucked it all up, then shampooed it right there on the spot.

I don't know how I live without this 340 days out of the year!

I'm telling you it's freaking amazing!

I do have a different shampooer.

I "borrowed" it from my Grandma....like a year ago...

I know why she hasn't asked for it back... It's lame in comparison to this!

This is a Steam Vac, steam is all the rage, right?! Works.

This has so many easily removable parts, that you can actually clean all of the old gunk out!

I'm pretty sure there are things growing and living in my other one. I'm frightened to check...

I can't vouch for the attachments, I don't know how they work, I haven't seen them.

I like to imagine they are just as amazing-but heck I'd take it without-it's WORTH IT!

There is one small thing that I don't like about it, and it also kind of falls into the category of something that I do like, so it's a sort of catch 22.

But the top water container (the one for the clean water/cleaning solution) doesn't snap in anywhere, it just kind of balances, which makes it easy to get out to refill, but also makes it a target for my kids to push onto the floor and make a mess when it tumbles and the lid falls off (good thing I just plug it in and suck up the mess).

But that definitely not a deal breaker.

Oh and also-it works on hard floors, which I haven't tried yet, but want to.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is:

BUSY MOMMY REALLY LIKES!!

this product makes my life better,

by making my (endless) cleanup easier! 

        *I was not provided this product for the purpose of review, my opinions are honest and solely mine. I received no monetary compensation for this review, in fact the makers of this product have no idea that I'm doing this*

REVIEW:The tag*a*long

Sometimes it feels like I have A LOT of kids.

Especially times when I decide to leave my house ;)

I have a preschooler who refuses to stay sitting in a stroller, plus two other walking kids AND a baby.

So, one can imagine the spectacle we all are while I'm trying to get from point A to point B.

Luckily, I found a convenient, simple, and practical solution to the problem of my straying child. All of them are a bit absent minded and wander, but one of them is awful about it. He doesn't realize that he is 2 years old and not 12... So having this clever little handle that is his special handle makes him feel important and helps me keep tabs on him at all times. I'd like you to....

"meet the tag*a*long: a simple, fun way for kids to walk comfortably next to a stroller.

attaching the tag*a*long requires no tools and will fit on most strollers, providing a dedicated and fun place to hold onto.

it also works on shopping carts, diaper bags, rolling luggage, and more.

the tag*a*long is made responsibly right here in the USA (pennsylvania to be exact)"

(excuse the Oreo face)

I love it!

and it is so much better than just having him help me push (and me tripping over him) or having him hang on to the side of the stroller (and dragging it to one side).

it's kind of funny because it seems so easy and kind of "duh" but its amazing how much the kids love it!

my 5 yr old is so excited when we are places without the 2 yr old and she gets to hold the tag*a*long.

its awesome!

i just need a couple more to hang off my belt ;)

Needless to say... BUSY MOMMY LIKES!! this product makes my life better, by making outings with so many kids easier!

get yours here :)
(affililate link)

*I was provided this product for the purpose of review, my opinions are honest and solely mine. I received no monetary compensation for this review*