July Bluum Review

Company: Bluum

Price: $24.95 monthly & free shipping.

Type: Baby/Kids

About: A hand picked-selection of essential products for you and your baby.

For a 5 month old boy.

The Box

First Look

The theme this month (for a 5 month old boy) was Solid Foods

Neck Pillow Chums $13.00
This says 0+ ages but I don't think my 5 month old will get much use out of it, but my 3 year old will! Especially since we are going on a very long flight soon.

Lansinoh mOmma Fork $5.00

Lansinoh mOmma Teether $5.00

Nurturme Plump Peas (2) $2.38 ($1.19 each) & 0.25 Nutureme Coupons (2)
I just bought a bunch of Nuturme & I'm waiting patiently until I receive it! I'm excited :) So of course I will be using these!

Baby Ecos Laundry Detergent Free&Clear 0.65(4oz) ($7.75 for 50oz)

ZizzyBee Bag $7.00 (3 for $19.99)
Washable, reusable & BPA free storage bags. For snacks, diapers, make-up & pretty much whatever you want!

Funktion Insulated Baby Bottle Holder $34.00
I don't know why this is $34 but I'm not liking the color combo. You can't really tell by the lighting but it's Christmas Red & Christmas Green.. but I'll get a lot of use out of it anyway :)


Conclusion: This is my first box from Bluum , I'm not disappointed! $68.00 total value! Way over the $24.95 I paid for it. I will use everything in this box. It's the first time I feel like I really got my moneys worth (based on if I'll actually use the product, not the overall price of the products) in any subscription box for babys/kids so far!
Although... it did take 15 days to get here! But I'm guessing that isn't the norm.
**contains referral links

Scrumptious Sunday

Looking for mostly healthy & yummy recipes!?

Grilled Turkey Mexiburgers

Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 burger buns
2 oz reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese shredded 1/2 cup
1/4 cup Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsa

Directions:
Heat grill. In medium bowl, mix ground turkey, parsley, onion salt and pepper.
Shape mixture into 4 patties & place patties on gas grill over medium heat (or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals)
Cook 11 to 13 minutes or until thoroughly cooked, turning once.
Place 2 tablespoons cheese on each cooked patty.
Place patties on bottom halves of buns.
Top each with salsa and top halves of buns.

Nutrition Info:
Serving Size: 1 Sandwich Calories 330 (Calories from Fat 110)
Total Fat 12g (Saturated Fat 4g)
Cholesterol 85mg
Sodium 600mg
Total Carbohydrate 23g
Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 6g, Protein 32g
% Daily Value (based on a 2,000 calorie diet):
Vitamin A 6%; Vitamin C 2%; Calcium 18%; Iron 14%

This is so good! I eat a lot of ground turkey so it's nice to mix it up with some new flavors!

Smoky Ranchero Corn

Ingredients:
1/4 lb mesquite-smoked or regular bacon (cut into small pieces)
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
11 oz of corn
1/4 cup ranch salad dressing
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 lime slices
2 fresh cilantro sprigs

Directions:
Cook bacon in large skillet over medium heat until crisp.
In same skillet, combine cooked bacon, onions, bell pepper and corn.
Reduce heat to low; cook 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine salad dressing, lime juice, cumin and red pepper flakes; mix well.
Add dressing mixture to corn mixture; mix well.
Remove skillet from heat. Stir in chopped cilantro.
Garnish with lime slices and cilantro sprigs.

Nutrition Info:
Serving Size: 2/3 Cup
Calories 150 (Calories from Fat 80)
Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 2g)
Cholesterol 5mg
Sodium 480mg
Total Carbohydrate 13g
Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 7g, Protein 3g
% Daily Value (based on a 2,000 calorie diet):
Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 10%; Calcium 0%; Iron 4%

Mexican Hot Chocolate Sugar Cookies

(So this isn't exactly healthy, but it goes with the Mexican theme)

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 roll (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookies (of course you can make your own)
1/2 cup chopped cinnamon-flavored chewy candies
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Heat oven to 350°F.
In small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon and chili powder; set aside.
In large bowl, break up cookie dough.
Stir or knead in chopped candies and miniature chocolate chips until well mixed.
Shape dough into 1 1/2-inch balls; roll in sugar mixture.
On ungreased cookie sheets, place balls 2 inches apart.
Bake 10 to 14 minutes or until edges are golden.

Nutrition Info:
(not provided)

So there you have it! A healthier Mexican Style Meal. Like my previous Scrumptious Sunday, this isn't necessarily kid-friendly, but still yummy & still easy!

Thursday Thoughts

Linking up with Jennifer @ Ramblings of a Suburban Mom
for Thursday Thoughts.

--Finally got my Pacifica order today that was shipped out on July 1st! I guess it got lost & they 2-day'd me another one, which was very nice! After all that time I'm wishing I would've gotten a different scent...figures. With any luck I'll eventually get the original one and have 2. I can give it to my mom or something :)

--Still waiting on my Bulu Box (which was shipped July 10th) & Bluum Box (which was shipped the 16th). It's my first time for both of these. Does it usually take forever? Or is it the good 'ole Alaska curse? (80% of items take 10x longer & cost 10x more to ship to Alaska & Hawaii) Which brings me to my next thought-

--I am so ready to leave here! I can honestly say I hate it! The end of August needs to hurry!

--Does anyone have a HTC Windows Phone? Mine keeps saying SIM card error & it's so annoying because you have to restart your phone. I looked online & it seems to be a common issue. Should've went with the iPhone5. My husband loves rubbing it in because he told me I should've gotten it before I even decided I was getting the Windows Phone.

--When I was shopping at Safeway today, I came across Cookie Chips! I had seen them in some food box review a few times, I can't remember which one, but of course I had to try them.. and Oh. My. God. Yumm!(I am on a diet but these are 1g of fat a cookie so if I just have like a couple a day...)

--Speaking of my diet, I am doing pretty good. About 15lbs to go before I weigh what I did before both of my kids! Eating good sucks but I'm loving the results. I am also taking these Ab Cuts Sleek & Lean pills. They seem to be helping a lot! Has anyone ever taken them or heard anything about them?

(I take both the Thermo Rise & Dreamweaver PM)

--I'm so upset that Bri got sent home from MasterChef. She was my favorite! SO WHAT if she was a vegetarian. Krissi & Natasha need to go. I can't stand their attitudes. I don't know who I'm rooting for now that Bri is gone. Natasha will probably win the whole thing though.

--Well I think that's it for today. Mostly negative, I know.. :)

Ipsy: Exclusive Beauty Finds by Our Stylists--Just For You!

Thinking about finally subscribing to Ipsy & need that extra push?

About Ipsy:

"Michelle Phan has inspired countless women around the world through her beauty video tutorials on YouTube. Every day, the question Michelle gets asked the most is: "What are the right products for me?" With infinite beauty product combinations in the marketplace, choosing the best items for your needs can be a challenge! That was why Michelle created Ipsy. Michelle and her team of stylists have selected products they love, for you to try. Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month."

These are just some of the products I've received from Ipsy!

& what's even better is upon signing up, you take a Beauty Quiz so they can personalize your Glam Bag so it's right for you! I've been a member since October 2012 & I've never been disappointed!

So what are you waiting for? Take the plunge! Subscribe Now! You won't regret it! You can see my Ipsy Reviews here.

**contains referral links

Codes! Coupons! Offers! Free Stuff!

Got some more free/discounted finds! Enjoy!

Get this bundle for $5.95! Click Here!

Klutch Club is offering free boxes! Code: ZZBACKTOSCHOOL (today is the LAST day)

$10 off a order of $25 or more! Code: TenOff Click Here! By clicking on the link you also earn 60 4x6 prints for free, and I earn a $10 credit! (it's a win-win!)


Pampers Rewards Code (15pts): PAMPERSREWARDS1 (by August 4, 2013)

Scrumptious Sunday

On the hunt for mostly healthy kid-friendly recipes?

Apricot-Glazed Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

1/2 cup apricot preserves
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Heat gas or charcoal grill. In small microwavable bowl, mix preserves, lemon juice, soy sauce and onion powder. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
Place chicken on grill; cover grill. Cook with medium heat 5 minutes. Turn chicken;
Spoon about 1 teaspoon preserves mixture over each breast. Cook covered 5 to 8 minutes longer or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (170°F).
Microwave remaining preserves mixture on High 30 to 45 seconds or until hot. Spoon over chicken before serving.

Nutrition Info:

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories 250 (Calories from Fat35)
Total Fat 3.5g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g)
Cholesterol 70mg
Sodium 520mg
Total Carbohydrate 28g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 20g)
Protein 25g;
% Daily Value (based on a 2,000 calorie diet:
Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 2%; Iron 6%

Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots

Ingredients:

1 bag (1 lb) ready-to-eat baby-cut carrots
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

In 2-quart saucepan, heat 1/2 cup water to boiling. Add carrots.
Cover; simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until tender. Drain.
In medium bowl, mix remaining ingredients. Add carrots; toss lightly to coat.

Quick & easy! A simple way to dress up boring carrots. I'm not really a fan of carrots myself but this sounds yummy!

Nutrition Info:

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories 80 (Calories from Fat 25)

Total Fat 2.5g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g)
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 190mg
Total Carbohydrate 13g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars9g)
Protein 0g
% Daily Value (based on a 2,000 calorie diet):
Vitamin A 250%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 2%; Iron 0%

Fresh Fruit Frozen Yogurt Pops

Ingredients:

2 containers (6 oz each) of 99% fat free yogurt
2 cups cut-up fresh fruit of your choice
1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

In blender, place all ingredients. Cover; blend until smooth.
Divide mixture among 6 (5-oz) paper cups. Cover cups with foil; insert craft stick into center of each pop. (Or fill ice pop molds)
Freeze about 6 hours or until frozen.

Nutrition Info:

Serving Size: 1 Pop
Calories 110 (Calories from Fat 5)
Total Fat 1g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g)
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 35mg
Total Carbohydrate 22g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars17g)
Protein 3g
% Daily Value (based on a 2,000 calorie diet):
Vitamin A 6%; Vitamin C 10%; Calcium15%; Iron 0%

Make it a meal! Add brown or white rice to your Chicken & Carrots and have the Frozen Pops for dessert! Mostly healthy, kid-friendly, & yummy!!

Newbie Blogger Problems! Help?!

I am trying to come up with catchy titles for each day of the week (Tuesday Troubles, Silent Sunday ect.) I've seen many variations on several different blogs I follow & it seems everything I think of is taken. What's the proper etiquette for this? Can I "borrow" someone else's? Do I ask? Do I do an unofficial link up to them to give them the credit? Is it even a big deal? Do I suck it up & keep trying to come up with my own unique catchy titles? Would love feedback, thanks!

What are 10 Random facts about you that most people do not know? #challengetowrite

First off, I'm definitely failing this #challengetowrite! Just been so busy!

(19) What are 10 Random facts about you that most people do not know?

1. I am 1/8 Mexican & 1/8 Portuguese. My biological father is Mexican & Portuguese. I don't really look it besides having dark hair.

2. I can't fall asleep with the TV on. My husband kills me with this! He prefers it on to fall asleep. I have to wait for him to fall asleep so I can turn it off.

3. I would like to go to college someday. I never got the chance because I stopped in my tracks when I had kids.

4. I love the smell of rain. I don't know, just something about it. Also what the sky looks like... & the breeze that goes along eith it.

5. I collect Owls. I. Love. Owls. I have them everywhere! From salt&pepper shakers to paintings on the walls.

6. I enjoy watching trashy, dramatic reality TV shows. Yep, my husband can't believe I "watch that crap". I love it. Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Breaking Amish, Married to Jonas & a lot more!

7. I'm going to miss being an "Army Wife". I guess it's just the being proud part. Proud your husband serves. I guess I can still be proud of what he's done though. Going to be so different...

8. I joined the Army when I was 18 for a short period of time. I went to basic when I was 18. Got discharged a few months later for medical reasons. (nothing serious, they just have a lot of rules about certain medical problems.)

9. I never wanted to have any kids & I ended up with 2. I never ever wanted kids, but I am so glad I did! They have changed my life for the better! 2 is enough for me, though. No more please!

10. I wish I lived in the 1950's. I just love everything about the period. The fashion & the way society was.


That was harder than I thought! #challengetowrite

July Citrus Lane

Company: Citrus Lane

Price: $25.00 & free shipping.

Type: Kids/Baby

About: A monthly subscription box filled with goodies personalized to the age & stage of your little one!

Code: Use code TAKEHALF to get your first box for $12.50!

For a 5 month old boy.

"Beautiful weather means you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Whether you're planning a trip out of town or just running around town, we've put together items from some of our favorite partners- including ZoLi & Tiny Love- that will make traveling with you little one a lot easier- & more fun! Be sure to capture & share your summer memories with postcards from our partner Postagram. Bon Voyage!"

Inside the card there is a description of each item inside.

First Look

On-The-Go Formula & Snack Stacker from Zoli $15.00
Will definitely be getting use out of this!
BPA & Phthalate-free.

Jittering Giraffe from Tiny Love $8.99
This is why I love getting these boxes... Discovering new brands!
This is super cute & my baby boy loves it!

Little Buddy Wipes from Me4Kidz $2.49 (32 count)
Kills 99% of germs & is alcohol and sting free. In Fresh Cucumber & Tea Tree.
Well of course these will be used. Who doesn't need antibacterial wipes?

California Baby Shampoo & Body Wash and Aloe Vera Cream $1.00 (samples)
Offers more than 50 pediatrician & dermatologist recommended products. Toxin free.
Always love sample sizes to throw in my bag. Never know when I'll need them!

NurturMeals from NurturMe $1.50 (1 4oz serving)
First & only certified-organic, gluten-free dried fruit & veggie meals. For ages 6mo-4yrs. No added sugar, salt or preservatives. Add milk, formula or water to make purees.
I'm all about organic when it comes to my kids so I am super excited about this and will probably be ordering more.

Postagram from Sincerely Inc.
An app that lets you turn your pictures into printed, personalized postcard right from your smartphone. Citrus Lane subscribers get 10 free postcards.


Conclusion: $29.00 value, not including the Postagrams. Not a bad box at all! I like it a lot more than last month's! What did you get in your July Citrus Lane Box?

& before you go, here is my baby boy playing with his Jittering Giraffe :)

***Contains a referral link. You get $10 off your first box & I get $10 as well. (a win-win)