Mulling an idea around...

So my husband's sister is thinking about going back to college to get a business degree.  She really wants to run a cloth diaper store with me as her right-hand man.  I have little business sense -- I mean, I have some..but not enough to feel comfortable running a business.  So, she's setting up a meeting with some people who act as mentors to help folks just like us...

So..that got me thinking about what I would want to carry in our "Store" (which would  be run out of our house to begin with).  I have several brands that I have used and love and would probably try to carry those.  But I think I'd want to do some of my favorite breastfeeding products as well -- like Milkies Milk-Saver, MoBoLeez nursing hats and Mommy Necklaces...

But then I was thinking about marketing and how I could get the word out about cloth diapers.  A class at the Y?  Church?  WIC?  Hospitals?  Our local hospital doesn't deliver babies, so I'd have to contact ones within a 45 mile radius.  I'd love to be able to do a "Diapering Decisions" class (if that's not copyrighted) as a prenatal class option, ya know?  You take breastfeeding and baby safety.  Why not do a class where you learn about the different diaper options?  But how do you even go about trying to set something like that up?

Oh, and don't get me thinking about financing and all that stuff...

I know there's a lot that would go into this..but it sure would be fun, don't ya think?  

2 fun weekends in a row

New helmets = Warm heads

So I do have a life outside of cloth diapering, lol! Hard to believe, I know.  A couple weekends ago, me, Mark and Collin went up to Michigan to go snowmobiling! We haven't made that trek in 3 years!! We brought Mark's parents along to watch Collin (no, he didn't go snowmobiling)--they were excited about all the Collin-time they were going to get! We stayed at a hotel that had an indoor pool--Collin loves to float around..usually while being held :)  The trails were beautiful! While we were up there, we bought actual snowmobile helmets. We had been using open-face helmets with goggles...cold!!!! The last morning we went out, we didn't see the temperature.  We have snow gear rated for negative 50 or more.  We were the only ones out..in fact, I think we made first tracks.  We had a great time..got a little chilly but not much...found out later it was negative 15 degrees!! Kind of glad we didn't know at the time:)  Collin enjoyed all his time with grandma and grandpa too!

The trail we got engaged on 7 years ago

Collin testing the new helmet

He was fascinated with the luggage cart

So then this past weekend we attending the Indiana Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Convention in Indianapolis.  It's a convention for people, 35 and younger, who are farming or who have interest in anything farming related.  Well, my hubby's parents have their own farm and he aspires to one day have his own farm or take over theirs when they retire.  So we went down there and had a blast! Our expenses were paid, so that was cool! Collin and I hung out in the pool or played with other kiddos while Mark attended different sessions.  I did get to hear Chad Hymas speak..and wow...he had so many tough farmers and cowboys crying as he shared his story of how his family (in particular his kids) are the reason he was able to continue to make his dream of running an elk farm come true.  He's been paralyzed for 10 years after a 2000 pound bail of hay fell on his neck.  With his family's encouragement, he was able to find a way to make his dream come true.  Very inspiring.

Chillin' in his ValcoBaby stroller

We never leave home without toys and books

So those are our 2 weekends in a nutshell.  Lots of fun adventures for the Biehl family! And we have a ski trip in a couple weekends! Woo! Who says having a baby slows you down?!

SodaStream USA Review: Family night just got a little more fun !

When I was growing up, we didn't have a ton of extra money.  My mom was a stay-at-home-mom to 5 kids while my dad was in the Navy.  Things like candy or soda were a bit of luxury.  But, every Friday night, my mom would buy soda and other items and, as a family, we'd gather in the living room (usually in our sleeping bags) and watch T.G.I.F.'s Friday night line-up! We did this every Friday night for as long as I can remember. It was so much fun and I have such good memories. 

I want to start a family night like that when Collin gets old enough to enjoy it.  And, thanks to our SodaStream USA Fountain Jet Starter Pack, we get to add a little more fun (and nutrition) than just popping open a can or bottle of soda from the store! 

Have you seen these Home Soda Makers from SodaStream USA? I have always thought they looked so neat! I was ecstatic when they agreed to let me review one! When I first took everything out of the box, I was a little intimidated.  I decided to wait until my husband got home to set it up.

Well, that was just silly.  I could NOT believe how EASY it was to use this! All you have to do is:

*Fill up the carbonating bottle with water to the fill line.

*Let the water get cold in the fridge.

 

*Screw the bottle into the Fountain Jet.

*Press the button on top that adds the carbonation 

*Take the bottle off and add in the flavor.

 

*Slowly shake it up. 

*AND ENJOY!

 I'm embarrassed at just how easy it really was.  In fact, later on, the 4 year old that I watch helped me make some soda--just the two of us.  It really is so easy!

Is it worth it, you ask?  

Well, the starter pack I received is a $99.95 value.  With that, you receive the Fountain Jet, 2 bottles, the Carbonator, and 2 soda mixes (that make a total of 12 liters of soda, EACH).  If you want to add additional drink mixes, they are 9.99 a piece (each making about 6 liters).  And, every 10th drink mix you buy is free! 

And if soda doesn't strike your fancy, they also have sparkling tea and sparkling water mixes!!

Additionally, you get the added convenience of not having to go to the store to buy soda.  You don't have to store the cans and bottles in your pantry/on the counter/on the table.  You also don't have to worry about taking all of your cans and bottles to recycling.  AND, if you live in a state where you have to pay a deposit on cans and bottles, you don't have to worry about that either! I remember what a hassle it was saving all the cans and having to take them in to get our deposit back! 

But there's more than just convenience that makes this Fountain Jet worth the money--there's the nutritional aspect.  These sodas have less sugar, less caffeine, less sodium, less carbs, and less calories! When we start our family night, I can feel better about letting Collin have some of this soda instead of the soda we buy from the store!

Sure, but does it taste good?

It tastes AS GOOD or BETTER than the sodas you buy at the store.  Seriously.  We made the grape soda first and my husband and I both said "Oh my gosh...that is really good!" We have also tried and LOVED the pink grapefruit and cranberry-raspberry mixes!!!

Overall:

This is just such a neat product.  If you are looking for something to add some fun to family night--or hey, maybe now you want to start a family night--This would be the perfect addition.  It's a fun activity that everyone can enjoy! And it tastes sooo good! 

You can purchase these at several stores and online!! Go splurge on the family; it'll be worth it!

Also, be sure to follow SodaStream on Facebook and Twitter for deals and giveaways!! 

I would like to thank SodaStream USA for providing me with my product, free of charge, in order to complete my review.  Please know that this is my honest opinion of the Fountain Jet and your opinion may be different.

AMP Duo Pocket Review: I am in fluffy love...

Before I tried the AMP Diaper, I hosted a giveaway for one during Fluff Baby Home.  When I was reading about the diaper, I was dying to try one!! I was so stoked when I was the given the opportunity to review one.  I was sent the AMP Duo Pocket diaper that comes in 2 sizes (we got large).  And you know how sometimes you build something up in your head but then it doesn't turn out that way...yeah, that is NOT the case here.  This diaper is AWESOME!!

First and foremost, we love the FRONT STUFFING pocket! This is so fantastic for me.  I always pull the insert out before washing and sometimes I get yuck on my hands because it has gone up the back of the diaper.  Well, that is NOT a problem with the AMP diaper.  

Secondly, the gathering at the belly, back, and legs makes for a bullet-proof leak proof/blow-out proof fit!! Also, it's ADORABLE! I love the "ruffles" look on my tough little man!

The fit is fantastic.  Collin weighs 27 pounds and he's almost 14 months.  He is at the 2nd to smallest setting on the diaper!! This diaper will definitely get us through potty training!

Thirdly, the microfiber insert that came with our diaper is thick and long! This makes it VERY absorbent! But it still remains a trim fit! 


Oh! And the inside of the diaper is SUPER soft fleece--LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

  You can even use this diaper AT NIGHT!! Yep! We tried it with our heavy wetter and it worked.  I was shocked...because Collin pees through nearly everything! What's great is that when you buy one (and trust me, you WANT to buy one) you can pick between a microfiber, Hemp, or Bamboo insert!

Finally, it is ADORABLE.  And have you seen the color choices?? Holy moly!! Honestly, once I get pregnant and know what I'm having, I will be buying some size small Duo Pocket diapers! 

AMP Duo Pocket diapers retail for around $18.00! Pretty affordable for such an AMAZING diaper that can be used during the day AND at night!!

Now, go out and get yourself one!

And be sure to follow AMP Diapers on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with giveaways and deals!


I would like to thank AMP Diapers for giving me the opportunity to review this diaper in exchange for ad space.  Please know that this is my honest opinion and your opinion may differ from mine.

Wordless Wednesday: Peanut Butter Toast Aftermath

I wish I had gotten a picture of him before this.  He had the peanut butter toast stuck to his forehead! It was hilarious!  This, however, is the aftermath!

The Ginger Kid Dryer Balls Winner!!

And the winner is...

 
Maia! 


Congrats!! You have been emailed! Please respond within 48 hours!!


And thank you to The Ginger Kid!! 


Remember, when you buy 3 dryer balls, use code "FREEGINGERBALLS" to get your 4th one free!

Just need to vent a little...

So nothing happened to me that is prompting me to write this post.  But as I said earlier, I become an angry mama bear when someone unjustly attacks my friends or family.  So, that being said..I wanted to share some thoughts.

Blogging is fun.  I started out blogging just to win contests, really.  Then I decided to try my hand at reviewing products (EcoMom was my first!).  And I loved that too! And then one thing led to another and here I am..blogging, facebooking, tweeting...all for Biehl Adventures.  I absolutely love it.  I love that, as a SAHM, I have the opportunity to work with companies and promote their products, while getting to try things for free.  But I think some people don't see that when I do a review in exchange for a product, that's a business transaction.  Some people pay for sponsored posts.  Some people offer up a sample in exchange for publicity (always good here--I refuse to review a product unless I love it).  But I spend my time testing the product, crafting up a well thought-out review and then promoting my giveaway and the company during and after the giveaway.  I never un-fan a company.  I just make separate newsfeeds for all my giveaway links :) 

Anyways...sometimes, after I've used the product, I might give it to a friend or trade it for something else because I don't use that product as often (like Collin outgrows it). Or I might sell it if there's something else I really need/want. And I'm here to say that there's nothing wrong with that.

Now, on to another topic.  My husband and I don't have tons of money floating around, but when we can, we donate...to charities, to church...to people we know who need a little help...I don't tell others that I do this...it's not their business.  I also know that it is not possible for me to donate to every cause or help every person in need.  And that's okay because there are other people out there who are looking to help.

And sometimes, it's okay to splurge on myself...mama needs love too.  Nobody should be made to feel bad for this, either. 

I think basically I'm just saying...you don't know every aspect of someone's life...don't be a hater..don't be mean...spread love.  There's enough bad crap out there..why add to it?

Ok, thanks for listening..sorry if I made anyone mad...but sometimes, mama needs to vent!

Fabulous Family Reviews and Giveaway Raffle for Coupon Mommy of 3!!

This giveaway has been put together by Melissa at Fabulous Family Reviews and Giveaways.  This huge raffle is for a fellow blogger.  Shannon's (Coupon Mommy of 3) three year old daughter, Emily, was recently diagnosed with stage IV cancer.  Although I do not know Shannon personally I have seen her constantly helping businesses and other bloggers by promoting them and asking nothing in return. Melissa wanted to put this together for her in her time of need.  I am reposting the giveaway here so as to help her get all the donations she can! All the entries go to the same place (Melissa's form)

This is all for little Emily

You can read about Emily's story here.
Shannon's blog
Shannon's Facebook page
Shannon's Twitter

Here are some important details: 

• To enter this giveaway a mandatory $5.00 ($5 = 1 entry) donation is required.  All money is going directly into Shannon's paypal account.  Click here to donate.  
• For every $1.00 over the $5.00 mandatory entry you receive another entry.  Ex. donate $10.00 and receive 1 entry for the first $5.00 and 5 more entries for the other $5.00, total would be 6 entries.  
• Must be 18 or older to win.
• This giveaway is open to US and Canada.  However some sponsors are not able to ship to Canada.  In that case I (Melissa from Fabulous Family Reviews & Giveaways) will be the go between and have the items shipped to me and then I will ship to Canada.  
• Sponsors and bloggers ARE allowed to enter.  Fabulous Family Reviews & Giveaways will be the only one with access to the entries therefore they will not be eligible to win.  Everybody else is fair game.  
• You MAY win up to TWO packages.  If random.org picks you twice I will allow it but if you are lucky enough to be picked a third time then it is somebody else's turn to win.  
• If you are a sponsor or blogger and you win the item you have donated it will be separated from the prize package and be raffled off via random.org as a single prize to all other entrants.  
• If you have any questions at all please email Melissa from Fabulous Family Reviews & Giveaways at fabulousfamilyreviews@gmail.com
• Feel free to comment on this post but it will not count as an entry unless you fill out the giveaway form posted below.   
• If you have not entered a giveaway from Fabulous Family Reviews & Giveaways before it's really simple.  Just fill out the form and add up your entries at the end.  ALL entries will be verified. 
• Here is a Link to all Sponsor's websites, Facebook pages, Twitter pages, and blogs. 
• You also get an extra entry for following all participating blogs on Google friend connect, twitter, and 'Liking' them on Facebook.  So be sure to hop around all blogs below for up to 3 extra entries for each participating blog.

Click on the ChipIn Widget below to donate.  After you donate Click HERE to fill out the entry form.  If you have any questions at all please email Melissa at fabulousfamilyreviews@gmail.com




 Thanks!!!!   







Now on to the fun stuff!!  The prizes you can win!  

Cloth Diapering Package #1

FuzziBunz one-size diaper from Wee Little Changes
Small wetbag in either cars print or vines print (winners choice) from Green Bumkin

1 gender neutral diaper from Mud Butt Cloth Diapers

Bag of Rockin' Green from Rockin' Green Cloth Diaper Detergent
Fitted diaper, winner's choice of in stock diaper or a custom one from Wee Expressions

$25 Gift Certificate from Sew Crafty Baby
Limited Edition diaper (only two of a kind!) from Knickernappies

Wool Longies (boy or girl colors) from Babee Greens
Diaper kit including The Champ diaper, wipes, wet/dry bag, and pail liner from GoGreen Pocket Diapers

$15.00 Gift Card to the The Fruit of Her Hands

2 Little Bundles from AppleCheeks
$5 gift card from HootHootBaby

Cloth Diapering Package #2

Limited Edition diaper (only two of a kind!) from Knickernappies

$5 gift card from HootHootBaby
bumGenius 4.0 onesize pocket diaper from Jennifer's Cloth Diaper Boutique
Go, Baby, Go! 14" X 12" Hot Pink wet bag with orange and lime stripes from Gina Turella Garcia- Go, Baby, Go! Independent Consultant

2 size Medium gPants, a bag of gRefills and a package of gCloth from gDiapers

$10.00 gift certificate to The Ginger Kid

Happy Heinys OS Snaps Puppy Print from Cute N Fluffy Cloth Diapers
$15.00 Gift Card to the ali AND swan

6 pack of organic prefolds with 2 covers and a roll of biosoft flushable liners from Bummis 
Wetbag from Prairie Tales, LLC
LolliDoo Diaper Anonymously donated
Bag of Rockin' Green from Rockin' Green Cloth Diaper Detergent
Fluff's Enough donated a set of Tree Huggin Momma's fleece liners. (*Not pictured)
1 size Medium BabyKicks Hemparoo Joey-Bunz PREMIUM donated by Life With My Littles (*Not pictured)

Cloth Diapering Package #3

Pack of 6 Charlie Banana 2-in-1 eco-diapering system from Charlie Banana
24 oz bag of detergent from Eco Sprout



Cloth Diapering Package #4

Good to Go package from SoftBums


Baby Package 

Pacific Moby Wrap from Moby Wrap
Key Fob from BabyBug Creations 
Carnival bloom bib & burp cloth set from Designer Bub
Aden & Anais Diwali - Bamboo Muslin Swaddles 3 pack from Kelly's Closet (DiaperShops.com)
Winner's choice of hat from SweetPeas An Bumpkins
Custom shoes, size and print from Clothbaby.org
Fabric covered wipes case from BabyBug Creations
(1) pair of Rock-a-thigh baby socks in winners choice of color from All American Baby Boutique

Custom diaper/wipe case from BabyBug Creations

Gift Basket - Items will include some crinkles, loopies, soakers, reusable lunch sacks, cloth wipes and some baby balm from Hen House Creations (*Not pictured)

Toddler Package

Musical Gear Center toy from Playskool
Toddler Pillow from BobbleRoos

Custom appliqued shirt/onesie from Tiny Toe Creations
Winner's choice of ERGObaby carrier and color choice from ERGObaby

$25.00 Gift Card to The Head said

10 Handmade Birthday invitations of any Disney Character from Moms Saving Money

1 green children's edition of the i like book
$15 gift certificate to EcoMom
Denim apron from Five Talents Boutique

Girls Package

Custom tutu and matching flower clip from Little Miss Posh
Two girl style pair of BabyLegs from Mom 4 Life
Size 3T dress (pictured) from Cute Factor
Pink & white korker from Lily's Bowtique
$25.00 Gift Card to The Head said


Mom's Package #1

1 BEADtastic book bling from Bouncing Woolies
Pair of FUNKtastic dryer balls (design will vary) from Bouncing Woolies
Wool car freshener (colors will differ, without beads) from Bouncing Woolies
A batch of french pressed soap for the  winner from Beck, The Crazy Housewife 
$20.00 Gift Card to Homestead Emporium
Necklace from Avon anonymously donated
Wrap-a-Nap winner's color choice from Wrap-a-Nap
2 - $5 Amazon gift cards anonymously donated
Corn/therapy pillows, facial-sized with flannel cover from Delaynie Cooper Designs
Sewing Instructions/PATTERNS/ Tutorials from 2 Teens and a Toddler Boutique

Sewing Instructions/PATTERNS/ Tutorials included:

• -Shopping Cart Cover (Single)
• -Rag Quilt Blanket
• -Boppy Nursing Pillow COVER
• -Crayon Roll
• -Ring Sling
• -I Spy Bag Toy
• *Theseare  for a sewing pattern only, the items pictured are NOT included.

Mom's Package #2

5 - 8x10 original photographs by Samantha Shuman (Fresh Samantha) 

Scentsy Warmer and bar of Scentsy from Independent Scentsy Consultant ~ Lisa Marie
You Go, Girl! Scentsy Bar from Adventures in Abby Land
Pin from Avon anonymously donated
A basket full of bath goodies made by a 7 year old little girl (with help from her Mommy.)    Wash Away Cancer (Beck, The Crazy Housewife)
Wrap-a-Nap winner's color choice from Wrap-a-Nap
4 EasyLunchbox containers and 1 EasyLunchbox cooler bag, winner's choice of color from Easylunchboxes
Corn/therapy pillows, regular sized and one facial-sized with flannel cover from Delaynie Cooper Designs *This is just an example, fabric will differ*
1 couples edition of the i like book


Boba Carrier

Boba Classic 2G, winner's choice of color from Boba Baby Carrier

BabyLegs

$50.00 in BabyLegs products

Sleepy Wrap

Classic Sleepy Wrap, winner's choice of color from Sleepy Wrap

Advertising Package

Enter to win ad space on multiple blogs (more blogs are participating in this than pictured - complete links to come soon!) ** I just wanted to note the winner for this package will be drawn last.  So if you win this you will not be taken out of the running for other prizes.  I know many individuals will enter the giveaways and might not be so interested in this package.  However it would be super cool if you are an individual that wins it and you donate all the ad space to your favorite shop(s)!  It would be a great way to pay it forward! **

Disclosure:  I nor participating bloggers received any monetary donations or item donations for this posting.  This is a charity event and all money goes directly to Shannon Hubbel of Coupon Mommy of 3 for her families unexpected medical expenses, travel expenses, and time off from work.  This is being done out of the goodness of our hearts.   ♥

JUMBIES Review and Giveaway!!

Are you trying to find a cute, fun stuffed animal but tired of the same 'ole lions, tigers, and bears? Yawn...

Well, what if you could buy a Mooscow?  Or a Dingbat?  How about a Mallit? Or even a Duckey?  


No, no, I've not gone crazy! I've gone to Jumbieland!! 


JUMBIES are the MOST adorable stuffed animals! 


But what is a JUMBIE?


"JUMBIES are JUMBLED Babies. The storks were so busy delivering baby animals that they started crashing into each other and JUMBLED up all the animals...so a Duck and a Monkey become a Duckey and a Dingo and Bat a Dingbat!!!"

 I was sent 2 JUMBIES for Collin to test (play with/abuse/toss about).  We received Yuri the Mooscow (Moose and Cow) and Samson the Sealion (Seal and Lion).  Well, Collin was immediately fascinated with Samson's tickling mane! In fact, he will put Samson on his face or mine and say "Tickle tickle tickle!"  Once I was able to distract him from Samson, he spent some time with Yuri.  Well apparently Yuri is quite the comedian..because nearly every time Collin plays with Yuri, Collin giggles! 
 
What I thought was especially cool, was that  along with the JUMBIES, we received Sand Dollars (the official currency of Jumbieland).  Older kids could really make playing with JUMBIES a fun, learning experience! You could share the stories of how JUMBIES came to be and then have the kids "adopt" their favorite JUMBIE!  There's so much fun to be had with JUMBIES! 


These stuffed animals are an adorable twist on the traditional plush play toy.  And the best part is they only cost $7.95 a piece.  At that price, you'll want to buy all 12 of the adorable Jumbieland creatures!


And now one of you gets the chance to win 2 JUMBIES of your very own (to be selected at random, by the company).  

The Rules:

1. This giveaway is open to the US and its territories including APO's.
   
   
2. You must be 18 years or older to enter.
   
   
3. You must complete the mandatory entry if you want all other entries to count.
   
   
4. Winner will be chosen using random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to my email.  Otherwise, I have to pick a new winner!
   
   
5. Contest ends January 31 at 9 pm PST.  All comments posted after this time will be deleted and will not count.
   
   
6. Have any questions? Email me--I love to help! biehladventures@hotmail.com

 

ENTER HERE