I am in complete denial that July is almost over! Although there is so much to look forward to in August, Summer is coming to a rapid end, and it really is bittersweet. My days with four kids at home are fun, but so busy that I don't have as much time to blog. I miss writing my favorite things roundup each week, so I decided to share a few of my favorite things from July to end the month!
One of my favorite things about blogging and social media is discovering awesome products and companies that I might never have even known existed. Social media influence really is a powerful thing! It has definitely worked on me many times. Some of the products can even be life-changing, so when I discover something that works for me or my family, I love to share with others!
A Few of My Favorite Things - July Roundup
DISCLOSURE: I received some of the items listed below complimentary. I ONLY share it if I truly love it, and believe it could be beneficial to my readers!
Lillebaby CarryOn Toddler Carrier
I am a big fan of extended baby wearing! Although Liam is small for his age, at almost 4 years old, he was getting too big for our beloved carrier. Liam's tendency to run is a safety issue, especially while I'm trying to keep my eyes on three other kids!
A friend recommended the
Lillebaby CarryOn Toddler carrier, and it is the life-changing product I mentioned! It is designed specifically for kids who wear 2T pants and above, up to 60 lbs. It can be used for a front, hip or back carry, and features lumbar support that makes it unbelievably comfortable to wear your child.
The wide, padded waist belt and shoulder straps help distribute the weight (an added bonus is no tummy bulge or muffin top) and the 3D mesh promotes airflow. The carrier also features a removable sleeping hood and a large pocket to safely store belongings.
Since I received this carrier, I've been wearing Liam so often! It makes quick trips to the store, walks around the neighborhood and our family outings so much easier. It's the most comfortable carrier I've
ever used, and I love the fact that I will be able to safely wear Liam for a few more years!
Nike Air Max Running Shoes
I'm one of those people who become attached to comfortable running shoes, and wear them until they fall apart! I never get blisters or sore feet from running, so I dread giving up a pair of beloved shoes and breaking in a new pair.
After many miles in my favorite running shoes, I finally had to toss them. My dear friend bought me a pair of Nike Air Max running shoes to replace my old ones, and I love them! I was so worried about the change, but they fit just as well as my previous pair of Nike shoes, and I'm running comfortably and pain-free!
Origins GinZing
I'm not getting much sleep right now!
These products from the Origins GinZing collection, which I received free for review from Influenster, are amazing! They are formulated with coffee and help wake my skin up. Do you know how your skin just feels really good after using a product? That's what these do! Plus, my skin looks brighter, so I don't look like a Mombie, even if I feel like one!
Book of the Month
I'm still making my way through my Summer Reading List! Although I would love to read one book a week, it just isn't happening right now. I finally finished
Into The Water by Paula Hawkins. I didn't love it as much as The Girl on the Train, but it was my favorite read in July. It's definitely suspenseful, it held my interest, and I LOVED the twist at the very end, even if I did predict it! It's the perfect pool/beach read!
Nuby Thirsty Kids Flip-It Active
We are always on the go in the Summer, so I tell my kids to grab their reusable water bottles as we run out the door! Lily is 5, but she still prefers straw cups, and I insist on a cap and a no-spill design. We BOTH love the
Nuby Thirsty Kids Flip-It Active water canteen!
Made for kids 18+ months, this 12 oz cup comes in a variety of colors for boys and girls, and the prints are more grown up. It's BPA Free, made from durable tritan plastic, has a silicone band for gripping, and is no spill when the cap is closed.
Lily loves her pretty purple cup! It has already gone on many adventures with us this Summer, and will be joining us in a few weeks on our road trip to the beach!
Connect with Nuby:
Gloves In A Bottle
My hands get so dry these days! I never used to have this problem, but it started about a year ago, and it can be really uncomfortable. I'm always on the lookout for a good moisturizer, and I loved
Gloves In A Bottle!
This lotion is different from others because it is a shielding lotion. It means it bonds with the outer layer of dead skin cells and protects the skin so it can heal using its own natural oils and moisture. I have been using Gloves In A Bottle every night before bed, and I noticed a big difference after just a few days!
Block Island Organics Mineral Sunscreen
My family spends so much time outdoors in the Summer. We love to go to the park or to the pool!
All the time outdoors means sunscreen is a must. We love this all natural mineral sunscreen from Block Island Organics!
I do worry about all the chemicals in regular sunscreen, so I prefer to use mineral sunscreen. This SPF 30 formula for face and body is free of phthalates, sulfates, parabens, dyes, artificial fragrances and petrochemicals! It's kid tested × 4 AND mom approved!
Natasha and the Christmas Wish + Giveaway
Ever since I had Liam, I became very passionate about Down syndrome awareness and adoption, particularly special needs adoption. Right now isn't the time for our family, but I do hope that one day we might have room in our home for another little one who is blessed with Down syndrome, and needs a loving family!
Sometimes the thought of all the kids out there who need a loving home is too much to handle. Kids with special needs, like Down syndrome, are especially unwanted. If I could find a way to shower them all with love, I would!
I was recently given the chance to review an incredibly moving book called Natasha and the Christmas Wish. It's a story about Natasha, who has Down syndrome and lives in an orphanage in Russia, and the family who is desperately trying to adopt her, but couldn't bring her home due to the Russian adoption ban.
Spoiler alert: This is a true story, and I had to choke out the story through tears as I read it to my kids for the first time. Katrina Morriss, who is one of the authors, is still fighting against the adoption ban 5 years later. Purchasing this sweet and beautifully illustrated book will help benefit Downside Up, which is an organization that provides resources to families who have a child with Down syndrome in an effort to keep them out of orphanages. Proceeds from purchasing this book will help Downside Up AND help bring Natasha home to her loving family!
GIVEAWAY!!!
One reader will receive a copy of this beautifully illustrated children's book, which is perfect for kids of ALL abilities!
To enter:
- Leave a comment telling me who the lucky recipient of this book would be!
Additional entries:
Giveaway will end on August 2nd at 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be verified and notified the following day!
July was a great month! Although I'm looking forward to all the fun events in August, I hope it goes by VERY slowly!
What are some of your current favorite things?
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