New and Improved Pampers review and GIVEAWAY!

It's been SO long since I have blogged. I am still trying to figure out the wife - mommy - buisness owner balance. Though I might always face that challenge ... I feel so blessed.

It has been a big year...I turned 30, LA turned 5, Boatboy turned 3 and started preschool, Trey and Quatro turned 1, I nursed the babies until they were 1, my business has close to doubled. I am loving being a Momma of 4 boys. It is CRAZY, but so fun. The boys love me so well.

The last month I have received some amazing products to review. I can't wait to share them with you and offer some really amazing giveaways!!

First things first - the new and improved Pampers Cruisers that hit shelves a couple months ago. I was sent what was supposed to be a week supply, but let me remind you I have twins. So they lasted a few days! After watching the boys crawl around in them I realized a few unique things about the diapers...

1. They are SO similar in feel to the Pampers Swaddlers (which I have been a huge fan of for all 4 boys when they were infants)...I loved the the very soft cloth feel. Well, the new Cruisers design is the same. I love it!

2. A more absorbent core (much longer) and very fun Sesame Street designs!

3. They are SO thin. It was very nice to throw them in my NEW Funktion changing pad (you will hear about very soon)! This is SO important. I don't want a bulky diaper or a thin one that leaks.

I am very impressed with the comfort it provided my very sensitive/exezma skinned child, Trey. Not one leak, blowout or rash.

Win
I am excited to give away one Blondes, Poop and Mascara reader a Jumbo Pack (size 3-7) of newly improved Pampers Cruisers with 3-Way Fit diapers, a 64-Count Tub of Pampers Wipes and Hasbro’s new Let’s Rock! Elmo. Elmo comes with his very own microphone, tambourine and a drum set and sings sings six rockin’ songs.

To enter you must tell me your very favorite thing about being a Mom (or Dad)!

Extra Enrtries:
1) Like Pampers Facebook fan page
2) Follow Pamper on Twitter @Pampers
3) Tweet about this giveaway something like this "Yeah! @blonde1s of #BlondesPoopandMascara is giving away a jumbo @Pampers prize package http://cot.ag/tMDbUO"

The winner will be chosen on Monday, November 14th.

I will be reviewing a new and amazing company called Funktion, my favorite shoe company, Pedipeds and my most complemented new piece of jewelry in the coming days!

Product and information was provided free of charge in exchange for this post and giveaway from Pampers and doesn’t affect my views or feedback of the product or service. This post is based solely on my personal opinion.

put a label on it

In September I began looking for labels for LA (4.5-yr-old) as he was about to start school. I needed to find labels for his coat, backpack, lunch bag, etc. It was incredibly hard to find labels that were...

1. Dishwasher safe for his lunchbox/drink containers
2. Washer/dryer safe for his coat and backpack

That's when I stumbled across LabelDaddy.com. When I found a "school pack" package option I truly thought this is way too good to be true. They carried everything I was looking for and more for an amazing price!

When we received the set LA was so excited. I was overwhelmed by the quality of printing and thickness of the labels. So we spent an hour labeling. We labeled EVERYTHING!! His coat, hat, lunch box, crayon boxes, reusable lunch containers and his sweat shirts.

WOW, it is 4 months later and the labels have been washed MANY times and they look just as good as the day we received them. Outstanding! I have found many more ways to use them. No need to pull out the marker, I just grab a label. These things are the best!!!

I can't wait to order for labels for Boatboy (2.5-yr-old) and the twins next. If you need labels look no further. Label Daddy is awesome. You will be so pleased!

Check out all the ways you can make labels with many different package options!

Thank you Label Daddy for sending me these amazing labels in exchange for sharing an honest review on Blondes, Poop & Mascara.

alive and well

Where have I been? It's like I had twins or something! I have not been on this blog for quite some time. I usually only have enough energy while nursing to scroll through Facebook updates.

I have been trying to figure out life with four boys...4 and under. So much has changed for me. SO much good!

I have had to become much more diligent about asking God for strength and patience each day...

nursing twins 6 times a day and giving LA and Boatboy the love they need from me each day...

learn how to love my husband and keep him a priority as I deeply want too...

learning how to get 4 boys dressed and in the car for LA's preschool is always challenging...

how to find time to get back in shape before I turn the big 3-0 this July!!!

So as you can tell, I am still trying to figure life out. It is a fun journey and I am blessed!

That being said I have been delayed on sharing some great products with you. You are very familiar with the oh, so great Eleven shoes if you have been following me.

I chose the Miles for sweet LA. Definitely my favorite 2010 shoe. They are a part of the 2010 Fall/Winter collection line. I love them!!! While LA wears them to school and he looks super studdly and can even wear them to gym class because of the great rubber sole. LA puts them on and zips them on his own. The insole of the shoe is extremely cushioned. I could go on and on. The great thing is... after 5 months of wear and tear he is about to grow out of them....and they still look perfect to pass on to Boatboy. These shoes are true quality.

Believe me when I say quality is very important to me, because LA only has a pair of black and brown casual shoes and gym shoes. So I need a pair of shoes to last an entire season. If you have boys you know kids are so tough on shoes. LA jumps in puddles and in mud in these oh, so great shoes as I tell him you do not have your snow boots on....and they still look so great. There is no secret I love dressing my boys in Eleven shoes!!

I am so excited to be able to give away yet another pair of Eleven Collection shoes from their Fall/Winter line to one lucky Blondes, Poop and Mascara reader.

Win: Let me know what pair of shoes you would pick if you are randomly selected and why.

Extra Enrtries:
1. Follow my blog publicly through Google's easy reader tool.
2. Subscribe to my blog via email (and except the confirmation email).
3. Follow @mrsblonde1 on Twitter.
4. Tweet about this giveaway like so "Yeah! @mrsblonde1 of #BlondesPoopandMascara is giving away a pair of @ElevenShoes http://cot.ag/e3NIjX"
5. Blog about this contest and leave the post link in your comment.
6. Tell 4 friends about this giveaway via email, provide a direct link and cc me (crystal@beautybycrystal.net).
7. Sign up for Eleven's newsletter on their website and let me know!

Thanks so much for entering! I will select a winner on February 2. And thanks Eleven Shoes for allowing to review these amazing shoes in exchange of this review.

First family of six photos!

Our dear friend Katelin Carter of Full Pockets Photography has been taking photos of our family for years now. Our first session ever with her is so fun to look back at now.

Last night we had her take our first photos as a family of six up at Mrs. Blonde's Aunt & Uncle's new gorgeous home in the burbs. Below are just a couple from her original sneak peek blog post.



All smiles! From left to right - LA, Mr. Blonde, Quatro, Mrs. Blonde, Trey and Boatboy



Can't believe how tall LA and Boatboy are getting.



To the smilers go the spoils. GIANT marshmallows!



Thanks, Katelin. We love you!

Twins: the birth story

Wow! Two weeks ago today, I doubled the amount of sons I have!

Thursday, September 9th I began having contractions every 15 minutes starting around 9am. They were quite sporadic. I thought it was strange. "Could today be the day?" I went in for my normal weekly check-up at 2p that day. I was dilated to 2cm. My doc said things looked good. He even said maybe we will have babies tonight. We were pretty excited!

Let me remind you (& myself) this was the hardest pregnancy I've ever had. I was in severe pain all day. Everyday. I hit 37 weeks and wanted these babies OUT! So when I started contracting I was so ready.

Jump ahead to Friday, September 1oth at 1am I was woken up by contractions. Amos was up, dressed, finished packing the bags. I took a long shower. Then, I got tired and went back to bed. After Amos realized I was asleep he laid back down (fully dressed and ready to go!). We snoozed until a little after 6am when the big boys woke up.

So I called my doc in the morning as I was having contractions again. He wanted to see me...soon. We got in at 10am. I was so determined that today was the day. My Mom and Dad had the big kids already so we were ready to pop these babies out. Once to the doc's office they hooked me up and saw that I was having contractions but they were very spread out. So they checked my cervix to see that I was now at a 3cm. But, again, progression was slow. I was so tired and discouraged that I was only at a 3. The doc told me that he thinks "your uterus is so stretched from carrying twins and already having had two babies that sometimes it does not work as effectively as a normal uterus." My thoughts: "Oh, great!"

Then he said, "I am going to call the hospital and you should head over there to be monitored. So Amos and I grabbed some lunch, a pumpkin latte, parked in a nice sunny location, chilled for a bit and talked, then headed to the hospital. Before we went in we walked around the parking lot five times and I did squats. No joke! Once we got to triage and got hooked up she said the same thing. "You are having them just not close together. If we don't see your body progressing we will have to send you home." I felt like crying. While waiting for the doc on call to come in and check on me, Amos and I went for a walk. I did squats again in the bathroom. :) I wanted these babies out!

Doc showed up and checked me. 4cm! Progress! We got admitted to a laboring room and hooked me up to a slow pitocin drip. You know what this meant! BABIES! Soon! I was so thrilled and so SCARED!

Would I have a c-section?

Would the boys be ok?

We prayed. A lot! This was going to happen through God's strength in accordance with His plans. Not ours. We also got so many amazing messages via text, Facebook and Twitter! Thank you, all!

From 3pm to 11pm I slowly progressed and then it was go time. I started the pushing in my room. Six seconds into the 1st push, it was apparent Trey was ready to move and move quickly. The nurse said, "Woah! Alright...we're good. Let's get over to the O.R." Yep! Definitely go time!

Off to the OH SO COLD and frightening O.R. There were about 16 people in there including Amos and me. A NICU team for each child. A few nurses. A med student in rotations (which I personally approved - SO glad the doc asked me prior to) PUSH! PUSH again! Out came Trey. He looked great! Amazing!! Then seven minutes later our sweet little Elliot came out with just three pushes! I was so excited to hear them both scream and cry. It was the best sound ever. Healthy baby lungs!

And then there was two. We were taking care of two babies. I was/am nursing two little babies. (Mr. Blonde note: After Quatro was born, I actually said out loud to the entire troop in the room, "Wow! There really are TWO of them!" /laughter/) We were holding two little miracles.

Beyond their delivery, things have been perfect. We stayed two more days at the hospital with our new little men. The staff were all so amazing as they have been for the birth of all our boys. It's only been two weeks, but they've continued to hit all their benchmarks. They cry like they're supposed to. Toot like they're supposed to. Pee like they're supposed to (Trey shot Mr. Blonde once already - won't be the last time I'm sure). It's all so crazy, so tiring and so wonderful! I still am in complete awe that these two beautiful boys were formed in me by the One who formed me! I love getting to know each of them!

We have so much more to share. These last two weeks have included brought about much more than just our two new guys. Like my Dad sustaining major injuries. LA's first full day of pre-school. My best friend's engagement. I also have some great reviews coming up on Pediped shoes, Eleven shoes and Label Daddy!

-Mrs. Blonde

Oh Brothers Where Art Thou?

<-- Trey & Quatro being monitored while hanging out in utero together.

Prior to the birth of the twins, Trey & Quatro, brother was a term already used quite often between LA and Boatboy.

"Hey brother, come here!"

"You're handsome brother!"

"Brother hit me!"

"I love my brother all the way up to the stars and moon."

With the entry of the twins, the term is being used in, it seems, every other breath. I suppose growing up a member of the Four Brothers Blonde it will continue...forever.



Our last family photo of four, LA and Boatboy came to visit short after admission to the labor room.



...and provided some pre-birth dance entertainment for all those in the room.



Trey (in foreground) & Quatro under the "incubator" (as Papa called it) less than an hour after coming into our lives.



L-O-V-E this photo. Some of you likely already saw it via our Twitter account. One of my (Mr.) favorite ever, actually. A proud (& GORGEOUS) Mrs. Blonde with her two new guys.



Oldest brother LA came to the hospital to meet his two new little brothers. Including learning their names which he insisted for 9 months were Baga & Momen. 'Cause he's funny like that. He even convinced Boatboy that's what they were to be called. We thought he would take to them, but he was so much sweeter and into them than we had originally imagined. Some very very cool moments. -- So sad, but Boatboy didn't get to meet his new little brothers until they came home as he'd had a cold.



Sleep deprived and proud Mr. Blonde showing off half of his fleet of sons.



The twins in their take-home outfits.



LA & Boatboy playing with animals together while their new brothers were getting aclimated into their new home. This photo was taken right when Boatboy grabbed LA's nose and said "HONK!"



Boatboy making sure Papa is giving him as much attention as is being given to Trey.



LA stealing some cuddle time with Quatro while Nana is holding the wee one.



Boatboy says "I wanna see!" "I want to help!"

It's the coolest thing to grow up with a brother. Mrs. Blonde did it. So did Mr. Blonde. But, neither of us had more than one. All our boys get to each have three brothers! That's so cool! Stay tuned for a photo of them all together...at some point.

Am I ready?

I am in waiting mode. They're coming. Any day now we're going to double the amount of sons we have.

I finished up a few make-up artistry jobs last week that I really wanted to do. One being them Dream Makeover reveal party.

I have been pretty much on my own "couch rest." I can't really do a whole lot. The only time I am comfortable is when I am lying down. The boys (LA: 4 / Boatboy: 2) have been great most days. And a struggle other times.

I have struggled with feeling like a real sucky Mom lately. I don't chase
them around the yard, kick a soccer ball, take them to the park, play tag, push them on swings, carry them like babies or turn the music up so loud we can't even hear ourselves singing and dance our little hearts out. Those are the things I so miss right now. We read. A lot! Thank goodness they like me reading to them!

I had a break down 4 nights ago...

When LA was born I nursed him day and night and just stare at him. I never ever put him down. I was so madly in love with this child and loved every minute of it.

When Boatboy was born I nursed him day and night and was in awe of him every moment. I often wondered before he was born if I would have enough time to get to know him as well because LA was taking up all my time. But it worked! So perfectly! God gave me plenty of time, energy and love for both boys!

So, I am now questioning the same thing. How will I really be able to know each twin fully while two toddlers are running around? I know the answer to my own question and my amazing loving husband reminds me that I am not doing this alone. (I truly have the most precious husband.)

I often wonder about the twins....who will i look at when I am nursing? who will I pick up first? What if one is more fussy than the other? Will I favor one over the other? I had 2 very easy boys...will the twins be that easy?

I know God has prepared me to a Mom of multiples as my 3rd and 4th child(ren) And, all of these questions will work themselves out. But I still ask myself them all the time.

I started having uncomfortable contractions last week. I am SO tired. I am HUGE (35 1/2 weeks). But those sweet boys are still growing in me and I praise God everyday for that.

God has blessed us with so much!

FAMILY who selflessly love us and help with anything we need. For example - my mom and dad take the kids ALL the time to provide much needed breaks and the boys come home so happy!

My sweet Momma does laundry like a super woman and even took home an entire basket of unmatched socks to match for us.

My Aunt and Uncle take the boys once a week for an entire day to give me rest. AMAZING!!

My Mother-in-Law came over and hand washed an entire sink of dishes, brought us dinner and fresh fruit...my favorite.

FRIENDS who have us over for dinner and bring us meals. Wow! Food that I don't have to prepare and know my family is eating well is such a blessing. People offering to watch the boys for a couple hours. And all the people who continue to encourage me, send me texts, diapers, gifts and pray for me daily. I am so BLESSED!

As I write all of this, I know I am being prepared for the arrival of the twins. My body feels very different as of last week. My heart feels more ready. And I am getting silly, excited and nervous. The delivery of two just scares me a bit. However, I am ready when they are.

I am two days from being 36 weeks pregnant. So bring on the babies and your prayers! If the timing is right for the babies to come this weekend I would be thrilled. My doctor is on call!!!!

A big thanks to Emily, the designHer Momma, for lending me her cute black preggers dress effectively hiding 51 extra pounds! No shame here - I have TWO in there!

Indianapolis Woman Dream Makeover 2010

As you likely know, I started my own make-up artistry business 4 years ago. Through Beauty by Crystal I have had some of the most wonderful experiences. My favorite work is bridal. I know how much of a princess I felt like when Mr. Blonde and I got married and I SO enjoy playing a role in helping other brides feel the same.

In addition to the bridal work I do, I've had the opportunity to work with some outstanding companies and projects. Like the NCAA, NCAA Wives' Club, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indy Racing League (where I've had the chance to work with my favorite IndyCar driver ever, Helio Castroneves, several times), IZOD, FFA, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Splash Salon, several wonderfully talented local photographers, a fair share of inspirational other mua's and dozens of beautiful make-up lines.

Via a relationship I have with the regional representative of Jane Iredale and Meridian Plastic Surgeons, I was honored by being asked to be Lesly Davis's make-up artist at her final Indianapolis Woman Magazine photography session for their annual Dream Makeover.

Lesly will be the cover story in Indy Woman's September issue. Mr. Blonde and I will be attending the Dream Makeover reveal party this Thursday night where I'll be doing Lesly's make-up again and we'll be enjoying our last formal evening together before we have two more beautiful boys.

Stayed tuned to this blog, our Twitter account and my Beauty by Crystal Twitter account for more updates and pictures!

-Mrs. Blonde

What people say when they see 10+ lbs of baby in a belly

I'm 34 weeks pregnant with twin boys. I happen to be measuring 35 weeks. The last couple weeks, I've hit the point where passersby are just saying whatever they want. Mostly, I think it's comical. Here are a few in blue. My responses are included in green.

"I like your shirt. I am sure you'll be glad to hang that one up anyday." - fellow shopper

"Thanks. It's not a maternity shirt. And, I have 5 weeks to go."

"Woah! You're about to explode!" - gas station attendant

"$20 on Pump 1. Thanks."

"Oh, let me back up. You aren't going to be able to make that corner." - fellow shopper

"Yeah, there is no sucking in these days."

"Oh my gosh! You're huge!" - my business client TONIGHT

I just smiled. I love her. Doesn't matter.

the time has come

I have been reading about this day a lot lately. In my multiples books. On blogs. Thinking it would not happen to me this early. Nope. I have two toddlers at home. I can't slow down. I am going to be running around town until the end. Just like I did with my first two pregnancies. Carrying twins can't be that much harder?!?

Today started out great. A morning to myself. Mother-in law had the boys so I thought perfect time to catch up on laundry, dusting and prepping the house for our house church that meets in our home on Thursday nights. I was feeling great and had no distractions.

The kids came home and I took Boatboy for his 2-year-old well appointment. He got a great report too! 95% in height. 45% in weight. And, "speaks better than most 3-year-olds I (pediatrician) see." A proud mother am I.

Got home. Made lunch for the boys. Then, put both boys down for their nap. Made lunch for myself and mother-in-law. After she left for her hair appointment it was time to rest.

I have had some sore days. And, many sick days in the beginning through this 28-week journey for sure. BUT, today was the day where I realized I had done way too much. Once I started feeling what I thought was some contractions I laid on my side, chugged water and had some more protein. The pulsating, striking pain straight to the downward "area" started to really concern me. After about 2 hours of breath taking pain I decided to call the doctor's office. After hearing my symptoms they wanted me in triage at the hospital immediately. That was not the response I was looking for. Nor was I prepared to have these sweet boys tonight.

I started praying that God would take away the contractions and keep these babies in longer. After calling Mr. Blonde and packing up the big boys (in the pouring rain) I was simply just trying to stay calm...
This cannot be happening. I am only 28 weeks pregnant. We don't have the nursery done. I don't have all the baby stuff out and ready The house is not ready. This is not happening!

Trying so hard to hold it together and prevent the tears welled up in the corners of my eyes as I drive to the hospital to meet Mr. Blonde, I cranked up Justin Bieber so the boys would dance, sing and laugh! That little Disney popster helped too!

Two other times I've walked through those doors so excited! This time, I was in all but complete panic. They were waiting for me. My doctor's office had already called ahead. I was escorted to triage immediately. I laid in the bed hooked up to monitors and waited for news.

I kept asking, "Am I having contractions?" "Am I dilated?" Self talk. Fear. Rebuking it all. Calling on God every second for sustained faith and safety for the twins. And, me.

After a half hour (which seemed to be 2 hours) the first report was good. No contractions. Then, the second report. Just 25% effaced. And, the boys are doing great.

So, what gives?! Why all the pain?! Turns out Baby A is very low and hitting a nerve or sitting on a ligament that is lighting up every pain receptor down south. The ultrasound actually showed him moving his little head in unison with me wiggling around on the bed in discomfort.

Furthermore, the doc believes the cramping is happening from a day of way too much. He also warned me that bedrest is, in fact, the next step in all of this. Three hours later I'm on the couch and the little guy is still causing me complete discomfort.

But, you know what?! I'm HOME!

I am completely unable to do anything since this pain started. So the dreaded time has come. I have to slow down. I'm having two babies. Not one. I'm not superwoman after all.

Thank goodness for an amazing husband who is doing the dishes and laundry right now. It's really hard to sit here and watch him do all of this after working all day and caring for / putting the boys to bed. Oh, and, fetch me ice water! :) I know it is only for a short time, but it is still very hard.

Please keep me in your prayers as I get bigger and bigger and bigger and look and feel like a beached whale. Also that these twin boys stay in me for much longer.

last "Family of Four" photo highlights [Part 2]

You saw Part 1 of our last Family of Four photo session earlier this week. This is Part 2 of our fav shots captured recently by Katelin Carter of Full Pockets Photography.



This is our favorite picture of the two boys from the entire session. They were playing peek-a-boo with "Dadda" and jumping up and down on an old park bench and caught being their playful selves so well in this shot. We're lucky the bench didn't break!



Family of Four (well, six if you count the bumps in Mrs. Blonde's belly visible here to the left of Boatboy).



For what we can recall this is the first hands-on-pregnant-belly shot we have on file. We didn't know Katelin took it until we got the final disc of images. Fitting that such a photo was taken of the last pregnancy we'll ever have (at least we're saying that now...nothing's done until it's done).



The boys



All teeth!



The family portrait classic. Everyone walking away from the camera. Why do we like this so much. Can't see any faces. Can see everyone's cans. Yet, we still like it.

last "Family of Four" photo highlights [Part 1]

I wanted to share some of our last Family of Four photos with you from a recent session with Full Pockets Photography. It was megahot out the morning of these photos. But, thanks to a willing aunt & uncle to assist, the wonders of blowing bubbles and bribery of marshmallows, we had a blast!

It is crazy to imagine there are going to be two more little guys in our next family photo session!

I've broken this up into a couple posts along with some other updates you'll see this week from Blondes, Poop & Mascara. We love you, your photography gifts and your friendship, Katelin!



Love this one!!



We found a trail we'd never been down. So, of course, off the boys went.



LA lovin' on the twins. Not a posed photo. :)



Boatboy carrying a stick bigger than him. Again, not a posed photo.

More to come later this week. Hope you all are well!

Nesting. The 3rd trimester begins!

Is it because my body is really starting to ache?

...or that my head is telling me how big I am really going to be?

...I don't know.

But, I am experiencing pain like I have never felt during pregnancy and I am only 24 weeks. 24 weeks?! That means I'm officially in my third trimester. Wow!

I (mostly Mr. Blonde carrying out my motives) have been trying to get the big boys' room ready, the nursery organized, blinds for our massive picture window in the living area, prepping for a garage sale purge, finding a large dining room table (for SIX!) and putting together a new playroom (office conversion). Along with much more. Nesting they call it.


In addition to preparing our home for two more adorable little boys, I'm preparing in practical ways like getting a rocking recliner instead of a rocking chair to nurse two babies at once instead of just one. Since we're talking nursing, the right gear is also crucial. Like this Peek-a-boo nursing shirt. The Peek-a-boo maternity and nursing collection enables us nursing mommas to breastfeed without exposing ourselves and still looking quite stylish. The side stitching really flatters my belly. I feel good while wearing this shirt! It's practical and comfortable yet stylish. Nobody would ever know it's a nursing shirt! There is also a cute little duck illustration situated on the inside of my tank that is only revealed while feeding. It gives the baby something to look at and provides us Mommas of a little reminder of what side we last fed on. Brilliant!

This is a practical tank that I enjoy now in my 24th week and will continue to enjoy through my nursing days with the twins!

Thanks Peek-a-boo for allowing me to review the cap sleeve tank in exchange for this review. Be sure to check out the entire collection!

maternal comfort

Comfort, simplicity and bump style. My twins boys are causing me to really find more quality simple pieces that are comfortable as I get humongous!!

This is my 3rd pregnancy and I can't believe I just recently discovered the amazing Bellaband. I am always looking to stretch a dollar and find more comfy clothes while I am preggo. Ingrid & Isabel have it all figured out. They carry only staple items. I love it! So practical and so comfy. The first product that I was thoroughly impressed with is the Bellaband. Some people use it when their maternity pants are too big. But, I love it for support and comfort. I look forward to using it post pregnancy as well.

You also have to check out the Ruched tank. It is my favorite tank!! Last week I wore it 3 days in a row and that includes through the night. That is how very comfortable it is. It looks so cute with a skirt or a cami over it. It is a seamless tank that can expand even more...thank goodness because I look 7 months now and have a long way yet!

Another staple piece is their everyday cami. Again just pure comfort. It is longer than my other preggo cami, seamless and quality. It has been washed and washed and washed and looks brand new each time out of the washer.

I have been very impressed with Ingrid & Isabel. The simplicity of their site and their collection is just brilliant. I love the three pieces I was able to review in exchange for writing my thoughts on this blog. Thanks Ingrid & Isabel. I love love your products!

i. hate. laundry.

I am completely horrible at laundry. I don't enjoy doing it. It's not a priority during my day. And, I have 25 pair of underwear so I have never need to do that often! BUT, it can't be this way. My husband likes clean clothes in his drawers and not in a basket. I have 2 boys who stain clothes. And I am expecting two more boys!

You know what I love about laundry? When it's done. I really need to work on doing a load everyday to keep up. It was much easier when I was just doing my own laundry. But, that was 7 years ago! It is definitley something I need to improve on. So I kind of laughed when MomSelect contacted me to review a laundry detergent. But I do love detergent that really works and fits our budget.

I was sent some new all Ox-Active Laundry Detergent. I was very excited to give this 2-in-1 advanced cleaning powder a chance. I usually just buy whatever is on sale. But I have been noticing how hard it is to get grass stains out. I have really noticed a difference in the way this new Oxi Active gets out stains. And it doesn't break the budget!! With 2 active boys and an active hubby I need a GOOD and TOUGH laundry detergent!

Oxi-Active delivers cleaning powder that keep whites vibrant and colored clothes extemely bright. It is safe for both traditional and high-efficency washing machines. Ours is "traditional." It is the most powerful all product on the market.

I know I need a laundry detergent that is going to fight stains the first time for a reasonable price. I have almost finished the bottle provided to be and I am loving it! Though it has not changed my motivation to do laundry, I have found a new detergent that really works!

Guess who else gets to try some? You or any other reader that enters to win. I have two bottles to give away! What Mom doesn't want a free bottle of laundry detergent that fights grass stains, blood, wine, grape juice, coffee, formula and chocolate!?

Buy a bottle: $4.49 for a 28 load bottle at most all mass merchandisers and food stores.

Win a bottle: Two Blondes, Poop & Mascara readers will each win a bottle of all Oxi-Active detergent. Leave me a comment about a major stain you have faced.

Extra Entries:
1. Follow my blog publicly through Google's easy reader tool.
2. Subscribe to my blog via email (and except the confirmation email).
3. Follow @mrsblonde1 on Twitter
4. Tweet about this giveaway like so "Hey! @mrsblonde1 is giving away All Oxi-Active laundry detergent (all-laundry.com) Enter here: http://tinyurl.com/27v6z7y Please RT"
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Thank you once again MomSelect and all for allowing me to review a pair of shoes in exchange for my honest review!

New shoes for LA: Pediped

Once again (1st review: 3/09 | 2nd review: 8/09) Pediped has graciously sent me another pair of fabulous shoes for LA (3.5-year-old boy) to try out. I am always excited to receive new shoes in the mail even when they aren't for me. Because I LOVE hip shoes for my 2 little guys. And, if you haven't heard...we will be adding TWO MORE little guys to our family sometime in September.

Pediped has come out with their new 2010 Spring/Summer collection and introduced a new technology that blows me away. This Spring/Summer it is all about washable and keeping the feet dry and odor free! Say goodbye to dirty and smelly shoes in our home (Can you imagine what it's going to smell like after basketball games with four boys in the house?!)! DRYZ is a specially-formulated, odor resistant insole that controls both moisture and temperature. A version of these insoles sell online for $15.99 but are included free in this pair-a great deal, but is included in the Spring/Summer collection!

We were able to review the super cute and sporty Adrian in Chocolate Brown and Tan from the flex line. These shoes are MACHINE WASHABLE!! And if you are like me I have tried to machine wash other shoes before that don't claim to be machine washable and they turn out awful. These shoes are made with clarino, a wash and wear fabric that tolerates a rough wash and tumble. I threw LA's in the washing machine after a day full of mud and let them air dry. They result was perfectly clean shoes without shape or fit problems. There weren't even any hanging threads. Thank goodness because these shoes have to be passed down to 3 other brothers!

Pediped has always offered their exceptionally soft, flexible soles and uppers to help provide healthy foot development. Ultra flexible flex zones provide maximum flexibility and support natural foot motion. Shock absorbing cushions on each heel protect against impact and distribute pressure through-out the foot. Each pair comes with an additional 2mm insole to customize the fit so it's just right for each child. LA loves his shoes. As soon as I opened the package he got really excited and put them on himself right away! The downside was that his little brother (Boatboy, 23-month-old) immediately said "Want some too!" I felt so bad! But, I told him he would get these too. Luckily, that worked!

Go check out Pediped's amazing new Spring/Summer Collection. Follow them on Twitter too @pedipedfootwear. Let me know what you think.

Thank you once again Pediped for allowing me to review a pair of shoes in exchange for my honest review.