Ginger Casa

Dallas, TX blogger - parenting, cooking, gardening, DIY-ing, crafting, and life with three boys!

Serve The Perfect Holiday Meal With Help From HoneyBaked Ham

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This is a sponsored post in partnership with The Network Niche Influencer Agency and HoneyBaked Ham.  All opinions are mine.

I love the holiday season!  Everything about the holidays are so special and memorable.  I have fond memories of the delicious meals my mom would always prepare for Christmas, but I really had no idea how much work goes into each meal until I became an adult.  And now I know….it is SO much work, and so often, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, etc can miss out on special moments because they are in the kitchen, cooking away.

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Spring Fashion For Boys That We ALL Can Agree On!

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I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Carter’s. I received a complimentary gift card to facilitate my review as thanks for my participation. All opinions in this spring fashion for boys post are my own.  #SpringIntoCarters #IC

#SpringIntoCarters #IC

Winter was long and cold, and we had record snowfalls in Texas!  While it was fun, we are so glad that spring is here and we can enjoy the sunshine outdoors.  Spring means green grass, flowers, Easter, and FUN!  I wanted to get the boys matching outfits to wear to church on Easter Sunday and for spring pictures, but apparently the Captain is "over" matching with his brothers, so we settled on coordinating outfits.  We went to Carter's and were greeted with adorable clothes in gorgeous spring colors.  The Easter shop at Carter's is full of vibrant colors, florals for girls, and new classics for boys.  You can go with dressy styles, coordinating accessories, and even "My First Easter" products for babies.

#SpringIntoCarters #adWhile I wanted to choose everything, I let the boys go with the mission of finding something that fit their individual styles.  D immediately went to a beautiful blue shirt …. of course!  He loves blue!  He held on to that shirt for the duration of our shopping trip.  He was so proud!  Then, the Captain worked with D's choice to find a cute plaid short sleeved shirt and some khaki pants.  I then visited the baby boy section to pick out the most adorable navy blue romper with marlins on it for Baby Brother.  We were set and everyone was happy!  Oh and Carter's always has great sales, which makes Mom and Dad happy.

#SpringIntoCarters #ad

After we had agreed on Easter Sunday outfits, I let them choose a few other items and I visited the clearance section.  The Captain loves sports clothes more than just about anything, so I let him pick out this outfit, that he wears every chance he gets, like during this trip to the zoo.
#SpringIntoCartersAll of the clothes at Carter's are stylish, comfortable, and fun!  There is definitely something for all personalities.  While we were there, I also picked up a set of adorable long sleeved onesies for Baby Brother.  They are so soft and comfortable.  I love to dress him in these at night because they don't ride up and expose his back while he sleeps.  They are also great for chilly spring days.#SpringIntoCarters #ad

Through April 5th, you can save 50% off of everything in the store!  BUT, before heading to Carter's to stock up on the new spring essentials such as tees, shorts, tunics, leggings, tops, polos, dresses, skirts, and much more, print out this coupon to save even more.  Or log on to Carters.com and use the code to save big without leaving your home.  (Note that this savings coupon expires April 5, 2015.)  Check out the Swim Shop while you're there and get ready for warmer days, now up through sizes 7-12.  I'll be going back to pick up some swimwear with UPF 50+.carters_0326_marchblogger_coupon

Visit with a Doctor – Day or Night – Without Leaving Your Home with the Doctor On Demand App

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This post was brought to you by Doctor On Demand.  All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Doctor on Demand logoBaby Brother is our third child, but yet, we still find oursevles questioning whether or not we need to take him to the doctor when he is sick.  I remember as first time parents with the Captain, everything was a huge question mark.  Fever?  What did the doctor say about how high is too high and for what age?  How many poops is he supposed to have in one day?  What is this rash?  Is this normal?  On and on and on and on…..we were a bit over concerned, first time parents, I'm sure, but there were times when we should have taken him in to see the doctor, too.  Had we taken him or D in every time we thought we might need to, we would be swimming in medical bills.  How cool would it have been to have a doctor to call, day or night, when we had a question or needed some medical advice?

Well…finally this exists!  Doctor On Demand is an app available on iTunes and Google Play that connects you to a US licensed, board certified physician ANY TIME, day or night.  No need to wait until the doctor's office opens, then wait on hold for an appointment, and then drag your sick kid(s) to a germy waiting room when you don't need to.  Doctor On Demand is only $40 (the cost of many copays and much cheaper than what we pay for a sick visit!)  All doctors have years of experience, are highly educated, and background checked.  You get to video or voice chat for up to 15 minutes.  

When should you call Doctor On Demand?  Use DOD for:

  • a cold, cough, flu, or allergies
  • rashes
  • pink eye
  • asthma
  • bladder infections
  • pediatric questions
  • most cases that are not life threatening
  • prescription refills
  • referral to a specialist

When you should NOT use Doctor On Demand:

  • ANY problem that IS life threatening
  • chest pain/pressure
  • seizures
  • serious head, neck, or back injury
  • broken bones

 

Doctor on Demand

We were given the opportunity to try Doctor On Demand and I'm glad we did.  Baby Brother has had eczema for a long time, but the other night, his flare up was BAD.  His face was bright red, he had raised spots on his arm, and it was almost bedtime.  I entered his symptoms and was quickly connected with a doctor.  (I am not sharing his name for privacy reasons.)  

Doctor on Demand app

I showed him Baby Brother's eczema and he quickly said it was just eczema and said to continue with what his pediatrician had recommended, but that he would call in a prescription for a different medicine to see if that would help.  I got the phone number for our pharmacy, and he told me some other tips like limit the number of baths and stay away from scented stuff.  He also said to follow up with our pediatrician if it hadn't cleared up in a few days.

Doctor on Demand

I was very impressed with our experience and will be calling Doctor On Demand again if the need arises.  It is such a simple, money saving way to get the professional medical advice I need without having to spend money and time driving to the doctor.  

Doctor on Demand

Find out more at the Doctor On Demand website, Facebook, and Twitter.

AND for your first Doctor On Demand call, use code "LW14" to save $10!

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We would like to celebrate the fact that you can now talk to a board certified doctor (on demand!) from the comfort of your own home, thanks to the Doctor On Demand app…. with a great giveaway.

Doctor-On-Demand-Giveaway.png

 

The $200 Target Gift Card Giveaway will end on July 22nd. It is open to US residents, 18+ only. Please use the Giveaway Tools Form below to enter! Good Luck!

Disclosures: The participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Giveaway is open to US residents, age 18+ only. The giveaway will close at 11:59PM EST on 7/22/14. One winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries. If you have any questions about this giveaway or would like to inquire about group events like this, please contact the Blogging Mamas Network at bloggingmamas.blog@gmail.com.

Your Baby Will Feel Like Royalty in a Cloth Diaper from Royal Fluff! {giveaway closed}

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This cloth diaper post was brought to you by Royal Fluff.  All opinions are mine.’

Baby Brother inherited many cloth diapers from his older brothers, but I wanted him to have something new and luxurious for his cloth diaper days.  When I was asked by Royal Fluff to review their adorable diapers, I had no idea just how luxurious they would be!  I was sent two pocket diapers, “Prince in Blue” and an adorable “Blue Stars on Black” print:

Royal Fluff Cloth Diapers

The outside of the Royal Fluff diapers are super adorable, but it’s the inside that really gets me.  It is made with fleece and so super soft and luxurious.  I have never felt a cloth diaper so soft on the inside!  

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Finally! Sunglasses for Kids that are Durable and Stylish {giveway, too}

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This sunglasses for kids post was brought to you by Paxley.  All opinions are mine.

Eyes are valuable, we all know that.  Kids' eyes are so delicate and they need to be protected.  When we introduced him to his first pair of sunglasses at the age of 1, they weren't comfortable and he hated them.  Well, sometimes he would wear them, but they were off soon, and likely thrown on the floor.  Most kids' sunglasses aren't constructed well and break easily.  We've been through countless pairs of sunglasses.

The folks at Paxley understand kids and the need for quality glasses and sunglasses.  They have conducted extensive research and come up with safe, health concious, and chic eyewear for our kids.  Paxley eyewear has age-appropriate dimensions and the most quality, child-safe materials.  

  • pinchless hinges
  • adjustable temples
  • BPA free
  • lead free

 

paxley

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Grow a Wonderful Urban Garden in Any Space with UrbMat

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This urban garden post was brought to you by UrbMat from UrbnEarth.  All opinons are mine.

urban garden

Spring is coming!  Spring is coming!  I know it's hard to believe with the cold temperatures in the United States, but it really is coming, and that means that it's time to start thinking about your Spring garden.  And now there's a great solution for urban gardeners, too!  We have a big backyard with lots of room, but there was a time when we had only a small space for a garden.  I was bummed because I wasn't sure what I could grow in such a small space.  UrbMat has made it super simple for city dwellers with only a patio, fire escape, or small backyard, to have a boutiful urban garden.

urban garden

The UrbMat was created to help families, educators, and kids learn about gardening and protecting urban resources.  It is an easy to use, easy to grow garden that isn't high maintenance.  The 2' x 3' UrbMat allows you to grow 12 herbs, flowers, and vegetables in any space.  All you need is six inches of healthy soil, water, and sunlight.  It can be placed on a raised bed or exisiting soil.  The UrbMat is also reusable, so it's good for the environment in that respect, too.  Just purchase more GrowUps next year (and the years after that…) 

urban gardening

Other great aspects of the UrbMat:

  • non-GMO
  • deters weeds and pests
  • built in drip line saves water
  • fast and easy setup
  • great for all ages
  • plants can be grown in most areas
  • GrowUps are made with organic nutrients, clay, compost, earth worm castings, chili powder, and non-GMO seeds (each UrbMat comes with 30 GrowUps including arugula, basil, carrots, catnip, cilantro, chard, lettuce, marigold, parsley, kale, radish, and spinach)
  • plant types are color coded, pre-spaced, and integrated with companion planting
  • no digging required!
  • garden staples secure UrbMat to soil
  • full warranty for 12 months

I cannot think of a more perfect product for a beginning gardener or a city dweller – just give it a little love and TLC and the UrbMat does everything else for you.  Of course, as a parent, I think of how awesome this would be to encourage a love of gardening, as well as a major teaching tool, with my kids.  With a little help, the Captain could have his own little UrbMat garden!

urban garden

Order your UrbMat today!  UrbnEarth is offering Life With Captain Fussybuckets readers 15% off with coupon code "CAPTAINFUSSY".  AND…each purchase allows Urbn Earth, along with a partnership with 2 Degrees Food and Feeding America, to donate two meals to kids suffering from hunger in the United States.  

Find out more about UrbMat on the UrbnEarth website, Twitter and Facebook pages.

What do you think about the UrbMat?  Could you use one where you live?

urban garden

Dairy Fairy – Help For Low Milk Supply Mommies

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Disclosure: I received this product as part of an advertorial. All opinions are mine.

Being that Baby Brother is #3 for us, you would think that we had it all down.  While I do feel like I was very well prepared going into this for the third time, I never quite knew what to expect.  Breastfeeding was never easy with the Captain or Baby D, and after countless chats with lactation consultants, doctors, fellow mommies, and reading up on my own, I now realize that having to supplement the boys wasn't my choice, but there are great ways to give the most and best to my newest bundle of joy.  I know that breastfeeding is best for babies, and I am so happy to have breastfed the boys for as long as I did, but we did always have to supplement, and while most people were understanding and supportive, there are some people that just won't be supportive at all.  I'm glad that there are honestly nice people out there, doing all they can to support new moms and not give them a guilt trip for their choices, or as was in my case, things that weren't my choice.

dairy fairy

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Newborn Cloth Diapers! (On Our 10 LB Baby)

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This newborn cloth diapers post was brought to you by Thanks Mama.  All opinions are mine.

Baby Brother weighed 10 lbs, 7 oz at birth.  I'll admit, I was a bit disappointed that he wouldn't get to wear his newborn clothes and diapers.  It's like we skipped a whole phase!  I received two cloth diapers from Thanks Mama to review, and they were prepped and waiting for him when we got home.  One was a newborn BumGenius All-In-One and the other was a Thirsties All-In-One in Size 1 and I was estatic that they both actually fit!

His first cloth diaper was the newborn BumGenius in Albert:

newborn cloth diapers

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Shaving is Easy with the Giraffe

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This post has been brought to you by Giraffe.  All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Shaving is something I really don't like to do.  I always forget to shave or simply don't have enough time.  Or, I'll think about it while in the shower and talk myself out of it because it's just so annoying to do, especially now that I'm 30 weeks pregnant and have a big belly in the way.  I received a pretty handy bath and body wand for shaving, called the Giraffe, to review, and it couldn't have come at a more perfect time.  Shaving has become less tricky and easier to do while pregnant, with the Giraffe.  This would make a great, unique gift for a mother to be or anyone with injury or back pain!

shaving

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Make a Memory Last with Canvas4Life

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gift ideas

I am a lover of pictures.  I love to find new ways to display them, too, beyond the typical framed picture, which I already have way too many of.  We needed a great family picture taken and when we were offered a Canvas4Life canvas to review, I immediately knew I wanted a family picture on a canvas.  The only hard part in the whole process was taking a great picture with two independent little boys!

While on a family vacation to visit our family in Oklahoma, my dad took this picture:

picture

Yeah, Baby D is eating and the Captain is scratching his ear and looking mischievous and none of us match, but well, that’s our family!  I really like this picture and I knew it would be perfect for a canvas from Canvas4Life in our home!  It was super easy to upload the picture to the website, pick the different coatings and depths, order it, and then, it arrived quickly at our house, all ready to be hung on our wall!

I couldn’t be more pleased with the canvas or the friendliness of the peope I worked with at Canvas4Life.  You can really tell they care about their customers and aim to please.

Here is a side view of the canvas, just to see the depth, which was 1.5″:

picture

Canvas4Life uses genuine HP Vivera quality inks that are guaranteed to last OVER 75 years!  As long as we keep the canvas out of heavy sunlight and away from heavy moisture, it should last for a lifetime.

The canvas that we ordered is 16″x20″ and sells for $78.99.  Canvas4Life is generously giving our readers a 20% off discount with code “CaptFussy20” at the Canvas4Life checkout.  The code is case sensitive and expires on December 14, 2012.  You can also follow Canvas4Life on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed about new products and coupons!

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