mamaRoo giveaway at momsfocusonline.com

Have you heard of or seen the 4moms mamaRoo? It is different than any other baby swing I've ever seen and has some really awesome features. There's a giveaway at momsfocusonline.com that you should check out if you have a new baby coming your way in the near future!

Enter Here

Good Reads: Toxic Flame Retardants, Avoiding Phthalates, Avoiding High Fructose Corn Syrup, Recipe for Cough Syrup

Here are a few things I've been reading this week and last:

Toxic Flame Retardants (series to come)

How to Avoid Phthalates in 3 Steps

Four Reasons to Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup

And a cool sounding recipe for homemade cough syrup!

Read anything interesting lately? Link me to it! I love reading anything and everything!

Stuff, Stuff and More Stuff

I'm not exactly sure when it happened. If the seed was planted 6, 7 years ago when my father and I went to Jamaica for a week. For the area we were in and the people we met, they didn't have a lot but they were happy. That's to say nothing of the underlying beat to life I soon found myself walking in step to as we worked and enjoyed Montego Bay.

Happy Birthday, Son!

It is amazing how quickly this year has gone. It still feels like yesterday I was feeling you squirm and kick in the womb. Now you are walking like a pro, climbing like a monkey, and wrestling anyone that lays on the floor!

Merry Merry Merry Merry Christmas!

Christmas is here!

I'm so excited!

Oh, Craigslist! Let me count the ways...

Craigslist and I go way back. Like, '06 way back. No one really knew what it was in my area at the time. Now I don't even remember how I came across it but it was invaluable to me as a nesting-in-the-winter mama. We cleaned out so many things in the house that weren't needed and were able to find some truly wonderful pieces to add to our home.

Mac'N'Cheese (plus) Cheeze Whiz (equals) Brilliant

The other day I had a flashback to the first time I made Mac'N'Cheese.

It was circa 1997 and I was about 15 or 16. My job that evening was at the neighbor's house babysitting their 7 year old daughter. As her mom ran through everything, she indicated dinner was to be... you guessed it, Mac'N'Cheese. Simple enough, right?

Wordless Wednesday- Is it Here?

You don't mind if I just open one, do you?

Green Blog Hop

Welcome! Join us as we connect with green bloggers and discover new ways to live a more eco-friendly, sustainable lifestyle.

A few changes as we switch hands:  the McLinky will remain open all week for entries.

Thank you for taking the time to visit us! 

We are on The Fence!

Picket Fence, that is!

I'd be so grateful if you'd take a second and click the button- but only if you enjoy what you read! You can vote for me once a day.

Thanks a million!

Hello, Organization!

Yes, I'll admit it. Hello, my name is Stacy. 'Hi, Stacy.' And I like to organize!

Look, just look at these gorgeous shelves!

You What?!

It never fails.

'You don't have a TV?!' says (insert 95% of the people we've ever told) in a mixture of shock and horror, staring in disbelief at my husband and then double checking my head to verify no horns protrude.

Petit Tresor and Fresh Baby winner!

I had a fun week this week, found out I won two contests! One for nursery design on Petit Tresor's facebook page(they liked my hand painted tree) and another for Fresh Baby's Making the Grade.

Huge Sale at My Baby's Green!

Head over to My Baby's Green for an awesome 50% off sale. Code: GOGREEN

Almost everything in the store is 50% off with that code- there are just a few things that can't be due to vendor rules. I picked up some piggy paint for my daughter and the push duck for my son. Can't wait! Hurry, the sale is only for now through the 18th.

Also check out My Baby's Green on facebook. Tina shares really wonderful tips and quotes every day- I just love them. They also have a great blog!

Stacy's Brazilian Soup recipe

I know, another recipe this week! But I made this today and had to share it- I forgot how good it was(at least, I think so). This is a very versatile soup. The idea is to use what you have on hand, which means different things to different people. I garden, so I have corn, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, etc. either fresh, frozen or canned in jars. Basically, give it a tomato base, throw in some veggies and beans, add a grain and spices. Easy!

Fall Follower Giveaway Winner... What do you do with $750?

You build a deck.

No, seriously, you build a deck!

First Steps!

Here is a short(very short) clip of my sweet prince's first steps! The official day was 12/9, he will be 1 year on the 28th.
(Yes, I bribed him with a graham cracker piece.)

Good Reads: Composting, Midwives, Etsy and Bloggers, Shari Criso, Facebook guidelines!

Here are a few links to some of the things I've read this week:

Thankful Thursday- Working computers(and tech savvy husbands)

This Thankful Thursday is short and sweet: I'm thankful for a working computer and a husband that is tech savvy enough to fix it! I have no idea how my computer ended up with over 30 viruses. According to several knowledgeable people, Avast is the way to go for the best protection so that's what I'll be switching to this weekend.

Is it Friday, yet?

Salmon with Pecan Honey Glaze recipe

I am not a fish lover, but I try to set a good example for my kids and make it every other week at least. Oddly enough I love sushi and seafood, just not a cooked fish. There are two ways I can eat cooked fish- one for salmon, one for tilapia. Here is the Salmon option found on my beloved allrecipes.com!

Toddler Christmas Activities on the cheap!

It's that time of year... colder temps, snow for those of us far enough north, bored kids ready to drive us to Mexico... what do you do for kid-friendly activities that don't cost a lot? Here are 2 fun ones that were a hit with my kids!

Belated Wordless Wednesday- The Face of Determination

Breathe, little netbook!

Dr. Crazy Green Daddy says I broke the computer. He is currently running some stuff to try and save it but for the time being I am relegated to his I touch. This is the first time I have used it for anything other than to play angry birds so bear with me. I am unsure of my limitations on this regarding web use.
You probably did not notice the change but I am switching to a new email address due to random sending and receiving errors. My apologies to anyone that has tried to contact me and has not heard back- chances are it was a glitch. Hopefully the new email will alleviate those issues!
Thanks for your patience! Hope to be back to normal in a day or two!

Hey, Monday! Play nice!

I've been around the block enough that you'd think some things would be giant, waving, red, obvious flags. Like when the kids were playing so nicely(read: no screaming, crying, etc.) for 5 minutes while I completed a task. Oh yes. What was I thinking? For that matter, what was I thinking leaving a box of markers in a reachable basket?

From the Man- Green Christmas

Gift giving and receiving has always been a special event in my family. Any gift was treasured. There was one Christmas we decided as a family to not purchase any presents since the money would be better used elsewhere. Not knowing of our family's decision, my grandparents sent a box full of presents for all 8 kids- truly a Christmas miracle for us! Another year we gave each other old toys or made something to give using what we had on hand.


Growing up and without meaning to, we truly had green Christmases. There wasn't lots of wrapping paper or waste, we just could not afford it. We did have plastics but hey, a little BPA won’t hurt you right? Now if I could only get rid of this 3rd arm that keeps sprouting from my back... (queue wife punch).

Boodle Bottoms review and giveaway!

I was out browsing Facebook one afternoon while the kiddos were napping and an ad on the side caught my eye- it was for cloth diaper friendly pants ala Boodle Bottoms! Finding pants that fit over our cloth can be tricky, so I was intrigued. After a look through their site I was sold. And for several reasons. But let's start at the beginning!

Friday Frugal 101: Gift Wrapping on a Budget!

It's that time again... Friday Frugal 101 at The King's Court IV!

My guest post today is on how to wrap those wonderful gifts in a frugal and fun way.

Head on over and check it out- make sure to leave any tips or tricks you have up your sleeve, too!

Did you miss last week's? Cristi wrote a great piece on Creating a Grocery Budget. A must read for anyone and everyone.

Until  next week, pinch those pennies tight!

Curried Wild Rice and Butternut Squash Soup recipe

A couple weeks ago I came across this recipe on allrecipes.com while browsing for something new to do with one of the gazillion butternut squashes I have in the basement. I like curry. I like butternut squash. This sounded right up my alley! And it pretty much was. Here's the recipe with some commentary at the end.

The Merry Fluffy Christmas Winner *Master List*

*Master List*

Maria over at Fitteds and Pockets and Snappis, oh my! put together this nice list for us detailing each blog's winners for our A Merry Fluffy Christmas event. Thanks, Maria!

Green Living Award!

Thankful Thursday- I have arrived.

I had some quiet time to think the other morning as I rocked my son down for his nap. Our new thing at sleepy time is he loves to put his head on my/his daddy's shoulder while we rock and pat and sing. It is so wonderful to have these quiet snuggles amidst the usual chaos. I don't worry about a 'bad habit' in rocking(like my mom believes, tsk), but rather bask in the brief moments we have like these before our children grow up.

The Santa Express!

Choo-Choo!

Last weekend my little family was able to go on the Santa Express at the nearby Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum. It is similar to The Polar Express, but different due to copyright reasons.

Liquid Center Chocolate Cake recipe

My last goodie from the Chicago Marriott adventure.
If you're going to be on Santa's Naughty List, might as well make it good! Or, leaving one of these out for the big guy might just get you off that lump of coal list.

Liquid Center Chocolate Cake

2 1/2 cups Bittersweet chocolate
3 3/4 sticks of butter (15 ounces)
9 eggs
11 egg yolks
4 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cups cocoa powder

A Merry Fluffy Christmas Giveaway Event- Winners!

WINNERS!

Just a quick 'Thank You' to all of our wonderful sponsors, the A Merry Fluffy Christmas blog mamas, Jessica of And Then There Were 4... and of course, everyone that took the time to enter. This was a really fun first event for the Crazy Green Mommy and I look forward to our next one!

Day 1 out of 331 comments- #71 Mama needs a nap

Day 2 out of 245 comments- #78  Heather M

Day 3 out of 357 comments- #107 Rebecca O

Day 4 out of 501 comments- #16 Sradke 1024

Day 5 out of 278 comments- #7 Jessica A

Please sign up for my newsletter if you haven't already- we have a couple more reviews and giveaways in the wings yet this week! Thanks!

*All winners have been contacted via email and given 48 hours to respond and claim their prize. 

A Merry Fluffy Christmas Giveaway Event- Day 5 *CLOSED*

 *CLOSED*
Welcome to A Merry Fluffy Christmas!

How A Merry Fluffy Christmas works:

Each of the 5 days of this event, there will be one post up on each blog. In each post, there will be one or more items to be won! Each day is ONE prize package, so there will only be ONE winner for each day for each blog. Each giveaway is open for 3 days.

You MUST do the Mandatory Entry to enter the giveaways! If you do not do the Mandatory Entry, all your other entries will be deleted.

Please remember to read ALL instructions on each blog. We are all a part of the Merry Fluffy Christmas event, but we are each doing different ways to enter. Please read ALL instructions or you might miss something and your entries will be deleted.

The Extra Entries are just that, extra and optional! You can, if you'd like, enter only the Mandatory Entry and call it a day. But entering ALL Extra Entries as well will provide you with a greater chance at winning!

Please visit ALL 19 BLOGS! You can find the Linky at the bottom of each giveaway post..

*****

Day 5 Sponsors:

Abby of Little House Creations has contributed a sweet girly fitted diaper and 5 wipes!

1 medium bamboo fitted diaper (fits approximately 15-25 pounds)

Outer material: decorative jersey knit

Inner material: 2 layers of bamboo velour

Extra soaker: 2 layers of bamboo velour that folds in half to create a total of 4 layers of bamboo velour to add to the diaper for night time or long car rides

5 flannel/bamboo wipes

*****

Lynn from Rhoadworks contributed 2 more super cute girlie onesies for today!


A pink 19-26lb short sleeved onesie that says, 'Does this diaper make me look fat?'

And a yellow short sleeved onesie that says, 'I'm an optimist.. my diaper is always half full!' 

*A special 'Thank You' to Lynn for being a rock star supporter- Your encouragement meant a lot!*

*****

Bunnyfeet Boutique made us another pair of toasty warm slippers! This pair is size 12-18mos in a Christmas stripes print. 


Check out the specs:

Made from Malden Mills fleece with a knit print top and light weight contrasting fleece top lining.

Soles: Neoprene waterproof, slip proof "toughtek" brand (black with mini bumps)

12-18 months: 5 1/4" fits up to 5" foot length Ankle elastic: 5 1/2 inches

*****

And as a little something extra, I have a super cute green bow from Sophia's Bow-tique that I am self-sponsoring!

White with green giraffe print, medium 4" stacked bow.

*****

How to enter:

1. You have to be a public follower of Adventures in Green Living on Google Friend Connect- this does not count as an entry. 

2. Please leave your email address in each entry- ex: bigbird at yahoo dot com

3. Each entry is a separate comment.

Mandatory Entry:

Do mandatory entry prior to completing any Extra Entries!

Comment with the item you'd be most excited about in this package!(one entry)

Extra Entries:

-Visit Little House Creations and comment on your favorite item(one entry)

-Follow Rhoadworks on her new blog(one entry)

-Follow Bunnyfeet Boutique on facebook(one entry)

-Follow Sophia's Bow-tique on facebook(one entry)

-If you have a blog, grab my Adventures in Green Living button and put it on your main page(three entries)

That is a total of 8 entry opportunities!

*** This giveaway closes December 7th @ 11:59 EST; winner will be chosen via Random.org and contacted via email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email or I will have to draw a new winner. Open WORLDWIDE!!***

A Merry Fluffy Christmas Giveaway Event- Day 4 *CLOSED*

*CLOSED*
Welcome to A Merry Fluffy Christmas!

How A Merry Fluffy Christmas works:

Each of the 5 days of this event, there will be one post up on each blog. In each post, there will be one or more items to be won! Each day is ONE prize package, so there will only be ONE winner for each day for each blog. Each giveaway is open for 3 days.

You MUST do the Mandatory Entry to enter the giveaways! If you do not do the Mandatory Entry, all your other entries will be deleted.

Please remember to read ALL instructions on each blog. We are all a part of the Merry Fluffy Christmas event, but we are each doing different ways to enter. Please read ALL instructions or you might miss something and your entries will be deleted.

The Extra Entries are just that, extra and optional! You can, if you'd like, enter only the Mandatory Entry and call it a day. But entering ALL Extra Entries as well will provide you with a greater chance at winning!

Please visit ALL 19 BLOGS! You can find the Linky at the bottom of each giveaway post..

*****

Day 4 Sponsors:

Linney of ScotiaFarmGirl has made us a holiday diaper and set of 6 wipes!

The diaper is a white PUL, Oodie Bums One Size diaper with a white minkee inner and microfiber towel insert. The 'tabs' of the diaper have a super cute Santa and Snowman print! Oodie Bums grow with your child from 10-35+lbs.


The set of 6 wipes are a blue snowflake flannel on one side, silky organic bamboo velour on the other side. SO soft!

Linney is offering our A Merry Fluffy Christmas readers 15% off their entire purchase with the code: FLUFF15. Thank you, Linney!

*****

Lynn from Rhoadworks contributed another sweet shirt- this one a red short sleeved onesie that says, 'They call me Mr. Stinky Pants.' I think we can all relate to that! It is size 14-18lbs.

*****

Bunnyfeet Boutique made us some toasty warm slippers! This pair is size 6-12mos in the ooga Christmas print. Check out the specs:

Soles: Neoprene waterproof, slip proof "toughtek" brand (black with mini bumps)

Size 6-12 months: 4 1/2" fits up to 4 1/4" foot length Ankle elastic: 5 inches

*****

Valerie of Green Mountain Wee Woolies is offering our winner a $25 gift certificate to her etsy shop! What will you choose? A sweet snuggle sack? Some Christmas gifts for the kids? Whatever it is, you can't go wrong! 

*****

How to enter:

1. You have to be a public follower of Adventures in Green Living on Google Friend Connect- this does not count as an entry. 

2. Please leave your email address in each entry- ex: bigbird at yahoo dot com

3. Each entry is a separate comment.

Mandatory Entry:

Do mandatory entry prior to completing any Extra Entries!

Comment with the item you'd be most excited about in this package!(one entry)

Extra Entries:

-Follow all of the A Merry Fluffy Christmas blogs on twitter(five entries)

-Visit ScotiaFarmGirl and comment on your favorite item(one entry)
-Visit Rhoadworks and comment on your favorite item(one entry)

-Follow Rhoadworks on her new blog(one entry)

-Visit Bunnyfeet Boutique and comment on your favorite item(one entry)
-Follow Bunnyfeet Boutique on facebook(one entry)

-Follow Green Mountain Wee Woolies' blog(one entry)
-Follow Green Mountain Wee Woolies' on facebook OR twitter(one entry)

That is a total of 13 entry opportunities!

*** This giveaway closes December 6th @ 11:59 EST; winner will be chosen via Random.org and contacted via email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email or I will have to draw a new winner. Open WORLDWIDE!!***

A Merry Fluffy Christmas Giveaway Event- Day 3 *CLOSED*

*CLOSED*
Welcome to A Merry Fluffy Christmas!

How A Merry Fluffy Christmas works:

Each of the 5 days of this event, there will be one post up on each blog. In each post, there will be one or more items to be won! Each day is ONE prize package, so there will only be ONE winner for each day for each blog. Each giveaway is open for 3 days.

You MUST do the Mandatory Entry to enter the giveaways! If you do not do the Mandatory Entry, all your other entries will be deleted.

Please remember to read ALL instructions on each blog. We are all a part of the Merry Fluffy Christmas event, but we are each doing different ways to enter. Please read ALL instructions or you might miss something and your entries will be deleted.

The Extra Entries are just that, extra and optional! You can, if you'd like, enter only the Mandatory Entry and call it a day. But entering ALL Extra Entries as well will provide you with a greater chance at winning!

Please visit ALL 19 BLOGS! You can find the Linky at the bottom of each giveaway post..

*****

Day 3 Sponsors:

Inspired mama MAKES! has offered the winner of Day 3 a sample month of her yarn subscription! The winner will get to choose from the 3 exclusive colorways just for subscribers. They will receive 4 ounces of the colorway of choice plus a 2 ounce solid trim skein to match. The colorways will be ready to preview the 3rd week in December and the yarn will be sent out the following week. How cool is that?!

*****

The second item in today's package is from Lynn of Rhoadworks! 

Lynn sent me a super cute short sleeve t-shirt that says 'Poop Happens', size 14-18lbs 

It's a gender neutral white with black, sure to match whatever sweet woolie you choose above!

*****

The third sponsor for today is the wonderful Traci of Northern Essence! Traci has provided a wool wash bar, rash salve and an organic cloth wipe. We love, love, love Northern Essence for our wool care, baby care and lip care needs.

*****

The last sponsor of today is TomBoyKnits! Shannon has contributed a sweet newborn wool soaker in nice gender neutral colors of mint and brown on soft Malabrigo merino 1-ply yarn. It is already washed and lightly lanolized- ready to go on a sweet new babe!

Here is some additional information:

'Newborn (12" hip, 12" rise for soakers) will fit exactly that: newborns. This is the perfect size to cover disposable or cloth diapers for those newborn photo shoots. They will also work well as cloth diaper covers for newborns, though most cloth-diapered bums tend to grow out of them within a few weeks.

This soaker should be hand-washed in tepid water with wool wash. Re-shape and lay flat to dry, and re-lanolize as needed.

Comes from a smoke-free, dog-friendly home.'

*actual soaker is mint and brown stripe with brown trim*

*****

How to enter:

1. You have to be a public follower of Adventures in Green Living on Google Friend Connect- this does not count as an entry. 

2. Please leave your email address in each entry- ex: bigbird at yahoo dot com

3. Each entry is a separate comment.

Mandatory Entry:

Do mandatory entry prior to completing any Extra Entries!

Comment with the item you'd be most excited about in this package!(one entry)

Extra Entries:

-Visit Inspired mama MAKES! and comment on your favorite item(one entry)
-Follow IMM's blog(one entry)

-Visit Rhoadworks and comment on your favorite item(one entry)
-Follow Rhoadworks on facebook(one entry)

-Visit Northern Essence and comment on your favorite item(one entry)
-Follow Northern Essence on facebook(one entry)

-Visit TomBoyKnits and comment on your favorite item(one entry)

That is a total of 8 entry opportunities!

*** This giveaway closes December 5th @ 11:59 EST; winner will be chosen via Random.org and contacted via email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email or I will have to draw a new winner. Open WORLDWIDE!!***