Zion's First Haircut & $100 Visa Giveaway {Find Great Deals on SquareSpot}

Thank you to SquareSpot for sponsoring this post! 
Visit SquareSpot to find great deals and discounts on high quality family-centric products and services.

It was finally time to take Zion in for her first hair cut.  We've put it off as much as possible because her hair has been relatively easy to handle and beautiful, crazy beautiful even.  But Easter morning confirmed the need:

Luckily, I had just signed up to try SquareSpot, an online market providing great savings and benefits for busy urban moms on a wide range of high quality goods and services in New York City.  They just so happened to have a fantastic deal for a cute little children's boutique in Brooklyn called Mini Max.

I am always looking for reasons to go to new places and experience new things in the city, and haven't been to Brooklyn in who knows how long, so I new this deal was perfect for me.  For $15 I was able to purchase a $20 gift certificate which would cover almost the entire cost of Zion's haircut.  Plus, I knew they also carried a small collection of fun eco-friendly toys and couldn't wait to have Zion pick something out on our special date.

This morning, we ventured out in the windy but warm weather…on our special date to Brooklyn for her haircut.  We enjoyed the long relaxing train ride with relatively few transfers.  Getting to Brooklyn never felt easier!  We arrived at our destination where Zion was warmly welcomed and given her choice of kid show and salon chair.  She chose a Diego video and then a yellow cab to sit in for her cut.  (Such a NYC girl already!)  I, of course, hovered and took pictures like the paparazzi, just like any first time mom would do!

There have been so many big milestones this week, all blatantly screaming at me that my little baby girl is a full on little girl now…no baby at all.  It really hasn't all hit me yet, but I am sure it is just a matter of time, in fact I can feel the "they grow up so fast" tears just waiting to be released like a torrential Spring rain.  

After Zion's haircut we took some time to pick out a couple of new toys.  First she gravitated to the tea party sets, then to the musical instruments, but in the end we took home some cute animal bath toys and a new farm puzzle.  Prices were incredibly reasonable and we both had a great time.  My expectations were far exceeded for both Mini Max, for being crazy awesome, and SquareSpot for connecting me to such a great establishment through a great offer!

Shortly after I purchased the Mini Max offer on SquareSpot, I had to go back and check out the additional deals and discounts on high quality, family-centric products and services that were being offered to make sure I didn't miss out!  They rotate new deals in and out on a weekly basis.  

source

As you know I've been working hard at losing weight and getting in shape in my weekly Meltdown series, so I simply had to purchase the Moms of Steel offer for three Fitness "Bootcamp" Stroller workouts in Central Park for the price of one!  I haven't booked my dates yet, because I am still finishing up my current program, but after such a great experience with the first offer I tried, I am sure this is going to be top notch!

One of the things I loved learning about SquareSpot was that they test each product or service so everything on the site is hand picked!  They also offer a SquareCard program that gives you discounts off hundreds of New York City services and programs!  From what I have seen so far they are constantly adding more partners to their list.  The website is super easy to use and thankfully I don't have a ton of offer emails flooding my inbox.  If you are a New York City mama I totally recommend you check them out and sign-up for an account!

Thanks to SquareSpot, one of my lovely readers is going to win a $100 Visa Gift Card!!  Will it be you?

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I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all my own. #CGSquareSpot #spon

"So Yummies!" Dessert Everyday!

I've told my husband as long as I can remember, that it does no good to keep dessert out of our house…because I have a very demanding sweet tooth!  Instead we try to make sure we have plenty of lower calorie treats waiting for me when the I'm in the mood for dessert…which is, well, almost every night.

Here are some of my favorite everyday desserts made extra special by simply adding COOL WHIP whipped topping:

Chocolate Mousse!

Recipe: 

One single serve container of Jell-O Decadence Chocolate Mousse, 

+ a big dollop of COOL WHIP right on top!  Voila!

I'm definitely not the only one in the family that enjoys their dessert!  Recently, Zion has been asking more and more for a "treat" after dinner.  I have to admit, I love love love the joy it brings when I bring out something I've baked for her and she smiles and says, "So Yummies!"

Berry Smoothies!

Recipe: 

1 Cup Frozen Berries, 

1/4 Cup Yogurt, 

1/4 Cup COOL WHIP, 

1/2 Cup of Milk - 

Blend together, 

Top with a dollop of whipped topping!

My husband has a soft spot in his heart for brownies with ice cream, but I've discovered that I can help him cut out a few calories by forgoing the ice cream and using COOL WHIP instead!  He certainly hasn't complained!

Brownie "A'La More"!

Recipe: 

Brownie Mix prepared per package directions, 

Topped with generous amounts of COOL WHIP!

I love my coffee and I love chocolate.  So when I discovered that I could make rich, creamy home-made mochas using brewed coffee and hot cocoa mix, I never turned back!  I have to say that nothing makes a homemade mocha more perfect than finishing it with a dollop of COOL WHIP and a few sprinkles.

Homemade Mocha!

Recipe:  

8oz fresh brewed coffee, 

1 packet instant cocoa mix, 

Whisk together.  

Top with a generous dollop of COOL WHIP.

Now that the weather is warming up, and fresh fruit is filling up the produce sections…I'm ready to make some delicious fruit salad.  Is there anything more enjoyable than sitting out on the deck on a warm sunny day eating a bowl of fresh fruit salad!?

Fresh Fruit Salad!

Recipe:  

A bowl of chopped fresh fruit (whatever is in season!) 

Tossed with plenty of COOL WHIP, so simple, yet so divine!

What is your go-to dessert!?  Have any simple dessert recipes to share?  I'd love to hear about it!

Sponsored posts are purely editorial content that we are pleased to have presented by a participating sponsor. Advertisers do not produce the content. I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all my own.

Lovelies Wanted! + Giveaway!

I'd love to get to know you better, because, hey…that is one of the best things about the blogging community…relationships!

I'd like to formally invite you to swap with me in April.  :)  Why swap?  Well for one, you get to put a darling 200x100 button on the right side of my blog under the label of "The Loveliest."  It is also great exposure for your blog or shop.  But best of all, we'll get to know each other a little better!  ;)

If interested, just shoot me a quick email here.

But wait!  Before you go, I'd like to also give you the opportunity to win FEATURED space on Baxtron{Life}:  It's simple, just enter via the Rafflecopter widget below (viewable on the actual post/not rss!)

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The Verdict {Somme Institute MDT5 Review}

About six weeks ago, I was graciously contacted by a representative from the Somme Institute asking if I'd like to do a full trial of their MDT5 5-Step Skincare Regimen.  They had heard of my BeautyMint debacle and believed they could help my skin recover from its bad reaction and even help with my desire to reduce my fine lines (forehead), even out my skin tone (red red red cheeks)..and have overall healthier, more beautiful, skin.

You guys, I have been dying to share the results of this trial with you…get ready to be AMAZED!

First, let's talk about claims:

In case you have forgotten where I began with my little search for a great skincare line, let's start with my before picture.  This picture were taken just after I discontinued use of BeautyMint.  You can see redness, irritation, bumps, big pores, breakout action and of course…those measly fine lines that have been bothering me!

I started my trial of the MDT5 regimen shortly after arriving in Texas last month.  Almost immediately following the first couple of uses of the product, I could tell the texture of my skin was improving.  

Let's chat about the actual products in the regimen for a minute:

After about two weeks of using the products I was already starting to notice a huge improvement in the all around texture and appearance of my skin.  The redness was starting to fade and my skin was looking clearer, softer and more youthful.

As you can tell in the pictures, my skin looks much softer and way more even-toned.  That big blemish on my chin completely vanished with no scarring as well.  

I got in touch, with my contact at Somme, once early on because I had been experiencing a little dryness around my nose, a problem I've experienced before.  Being that it was cold and I was in a different climate, the representative and I agreed that it would probably go away with a little Aquaphor applied at bedtime.  I also found that making sure I didn't use the Transport pads around that area of my nose helped greatly, and since being back in New York I haven't encountered any dryness in that area.

Are you ready for the big reveal?  Here is my after picture:

I am thrilled with the results of using Somme Institute's MDT5 5 Step Regimen.  

Here is what I've noticed after six weeks of use:

My skin is softer, tighter, and more even.

My pores have shrunk noticeably.

The redness (possibly mild Rosacea) has improved dramatically.

The fine lines in my forehead as well as around my eyes are visibly smoother, and less noticeable.

I haven't had a single breakout in six weeks (even around that time of the month…not a single pimple!)

Here are a few remarkable comparison shots to really show you how noticeably different my skin is:

One of the more shocking before and after shots is seeing the difference in Infrared imaging.  One of the claims of the MDT5 Regimen is the ability to actually reverse and repair sun damage…you can see a significant difference in my before and after pictures here:

**A note on the infrared images - these images are completely my own amateur attempt at using an infrared filter on my camera.**

Lastly, this review wouldn't be complete without showing you how incredibly healthy (and different) my skin looks even with make-up on.  I honestly feel as though I've turned back the clock on my skin.

 There are a couple of last things I'd like to share about the skincare line that I feel are important to note if you are considering trying this amazing regimen.

First, because of the highly concentrated levels of Vitamin A in the product line, this regimen cannot be safely used during pregnancy.  

And second, as an individual becoming more progressively concerned with the chemicals I am exposed to in my day to day life, both in food and other commodities, I made sure to check on EWG's Skin Deep website to evaluate this product line.  The 5 Step Regimen has a safety rating of 4 which is a low moderate risk.  (The scale is 0-9, Zero being no risk, 9 being high risk.)  

I really love that the Somme Institute is a progressive thinking company as well, and they are already at work to reduce their rating even more by reformulating their line to eliminate as many unnecessary chemicals as possible.

So, what do you think about the results!?  Are you as amazed as I am!?

Connect with the Somme Institute: Web / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest

I received complimentary products for this review, however; all opinions and view expressed are my own.
Disclosure Policy

Is it Possible to be Cute while Pregnant?

One of the things that was a major bummer for me when I was pregnant with Zion was the financial struggles we were going through at the time.  There were several items that I felt would have made my pregnancy more enjoyable, (had we had been able to purchase them), one of which was, maternity clothes.

I had just achieved my ideal weight and the best shape of my life prior to getting pregnant, so going through the weight gain and body changes accompanied by pregnancy was very difficult for me.  I think that part of the reason it was so difficult was because I couldn't by comfortable clothes that made me feel cute and pregnant.  Next time around it is going to be different.  :)

Even though I am not pregnant {yet} I love checking out maternity clothes.  I really love Destination Maternity, so I was browsing their new arrivals for Spring the other day and fantasizing about what a cute pregnant Courtney could look like sometime in the not too distant {hopefully} future!

Here are a few ways you can save big this week if you are in the shopping mood:

Free shipping on orders over $100 at Destination Maternity. Use code: FEBDM - valid February 16-20, 2012.

Buy One Get One 50% off select styles ż jeans, pants, tees, tanks, panties & nursing tanks at Destination Maternity. Valid February 1-20, 2012.

Buy One Get One Free on select clearance items at Destination Maternity. Valid February 1-20, 2012.

Featured Sponsor {Mallory of Mallory's Musings}

Hi!  I'm Mallory.  I am stay at home mom in my late twenties living on the Gulf Coast of Florida with my handsome husband and a very spirited almost 2 year old daughter named Aubrey .  My blog is basically about the ins and outs of me as a mom, which has proven to be quite the adventure.  I love to cook, craft and take photos and I share all of those things with you.  Please stop on by and say hi.

Define "Love" in your own words?

This one is a toughy because love can mean so many different things.  The definition can change drastically depending on what or who you are talking about.  I do think there are a few words that universally describe love and those are: respect, desire and admiration.

Your favorite Love story and why?  

I love the classic love stories and the ones that start out as young love and last a life time.  Maybe because that's how my love story goes(the young love ones, that is).  Some favorites that come to mind are Queen Victoria and Prince Albert,  Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, and of course Allie and Noah from The Notebook.

Tell us about the Best Valentine's Day you've ever had? 

 We aren't big about Valentine's Day around our house.  There have been plenty of romantic things that we have done for each other but they don't necessarily fall on Valentine's Day.    Instead of telling you about my best Valentine's Day, I will tell you about the one that I remember most, which is our first one as a couple.  Joe and I were seniors in high school and we had just started dating the month before.  I wanted to do something cute but not over the top for him so I asked his twin brother if there were any video games or movies that Joe wanted.  He told me that he wanted some basketball game for Playstation.  I went out and bought the game plus a bag of mini snickers bars because I knew they were his favorite.  I put the game in a gift bag surrounded by the snickers.  I was so excited to give it to him Valentine's morning at school and he loved it.  The bummer was that he nothing for me.  He said it was because he didn't want to bring it to school and he was going to come visit me at work that night.  I worked at a resort and that night I was working at the ice skating rink there.  Joe did show up that night with a few gifts for me.  He brought flowers, chocolate covered strawberries and a perfume gift set.  Which was totally sweet except for he must have forgot that he told me he had bought that perfume for his ex-girlfriend for Christmas but they broke up before he had the chance to give it to her- whomp whomp.  From that moment on I knew if I wanted a real romancer Joe was probably not my guy.  Thankfully ten happy years later, he has more than made up for his for first Valentines Day mishap.

Connect with Mallory: Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Toddler Mealtime Magic! {Tommee Tippee Tableware Review!}

Does this look familiar?

If you have a toddler, like me, this might be all too familiar!

I have been so frustrated teaching my daughter mealtime manners, and cleaning up monumental messes.  I've been searching for a solution for a while, so when I was given the opportunity to try out a few items from the tommee tippee explora tableware line, I was really excited and hopeful!  

We received several different items to try out, including those pictured above, as well as spoons that I will share with you later in this post.  One of the things I love about the tommee tippee brand is that they have a science behind everything they make, and it really shows.  I'm going to share a little info on each of the products I received and then I'll share my thoughts on them!

   

The explora easi-roll bibs are made from a soft and light material, totally BPA free and roll-up for convenient storage!  They are the easiest to clean bibs I have ever used, plus they don't retain the smell of food or get mildewy like some of the other bibs we have.  The wide catch-all at the bottom of the bib is great and does a fantastic job of catching most food.  These bibs are best for tray-free/booster seat eating and restaurants because high-chair trays can decrease the effectiveness of the bib's catch all, depending on how they line up.

The explora section plates are designed with deeper sections and are angled for easy self-feeding.  I especially love that they keep food separate … great for my picky toddler.  One other fun thing about these plates is that you can make mealtime fun by using the side sections for "ears" and the center section to design a little "face" out of whatever food you are serving up.  With little effort these plates can make meal-time fun-time!  These plates fit perfectly on my new favorite toddler tool:

The explora easi-mat is pure magic.  If there was one tool I'd say you need to rush out and by from this collection, it would be the easi-mat.  This soft silicone mat sticks to almost any flat surface, and features a special suction circle that holds smooth bottom tableware securely in place.  In order to release the tableware you have to pull the special tab to release the suction, a trick most kids cannot figure out!  This means NO more plates and bowls tossed over the edge or dumped over on the table!  I was most excited to try this out and I've been very pleased with the result.  I would say that 95% of the time Zion cannot break the suction.  We use the easi-mat on our high-chair tray and I think the surface is not completely level which allows for the occasional break of the suction if it isn't optimally lined up. Overall, I have to say this is one of the most genius eating tools I've ever used!

A note about the explora tableware from tommee tippee's website:

All our products are made from hardwearing materials that can be put in the dishwasher, freezer or microwave. None of our products contain PVC and are all BPA free, so you can have complete confidence that your baby’s wellbeing is looked after. For less stress and mess at mealtimes, the tommee tippee® explora® tableware range has been created with both mum and baby in mind, and has those little extra touches that help make feeding an enjoyable experience.

The explora heat sensing spoons are soft, flexible and easy for small hands to use.  The special curved design makes learning to self--feed easy, while the shape of the head measures out the perfect bite size portions!  The coolest feature of this spoon is the heat sensing technology.  Remember those hyper-color t-shirts from back in the day?  That is exactly what this spoon reminds me of.  When food is hot, the color changes to let you know…and it doesn't just change one color…you can tell how hot it is by the intensity of the color.  When the pink changes to an orange-ish color food is warm, when the color changes to a bright yellow the food is hot.  Either way, any color change will let you know to test the food to make sure it is not too hot for you toddler to eat!  

We are very happy with our tommee tippee tableware, and hope you enjoyed learning about them!  For more information you can visit tommee tippee on the web or head out to Babies R Us/Toys R Us where they are sold exclusively!

The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  I received several product samples from the explora tableware line by tommee tippee to review.  Disclosure Policy