top 30 Vancouver mom bloggers - vote for me!

In an earlier post I had shared with you that I had been chosen as one of 2012 Top 30 Vancouver Mom Bloggers by Vancouvermom.ca!  It is an absolute honour to be chosen as one of the top 30 among so many inspirational moms.  {swank}mama has grown from a diary about my kids to a blog that people seem to enjoy reading.  I'm so happy that I've been able to somehow capture your attention and hope that you'll enjoy {swank}mama for years to come.

You can now vote for your overall favourite Vancouver mom blogger and I would sincerely appreciate it if you could vote for me {Kristina Cross aka {swank}mama!}.

Thank you in advance and I'm looking forward to meeting the other top 29 bloggers that made this prestigious list soon!

{swank} review & giveaway: Lunchbox Love {Say Please}

CONTEST CLOSED!  Congratulations to our winner Kelly A.!

When I think back at my school lunches as a child, I fondly remember the personal touches my mother put inside my lunch bag - the infamous "I love you" notes.  I recently came across a few that I had saved over my elementary school years and when I came across Lunchbox Love notes by Say Please, it brought back many happy memories of my mother's own notes.

Lunchbox Love is a collection of "feel good" notes for your loved ones - your kids, significant others, extended family members, or simply the most special people in your life.  They come in many different categories and volumes - Lunchbox Love for Kids, Lunchbox Love for Camp and Lunchbox Love for People You Work With, just to name a few - and can be bought individually or in sets.  There are also special Lunchbox Love notes for different seasons and holidays such as Valentine's Day and Hallowe'en.

I was sent one of each of Lunchbox Love for Kids {vol. 1}, Lunchbox Love for Loved Ones and Lunchbox Love for Those You Appreciate.  Each individual pack comes with 12 cards with different love notes written on each, such as "Thanks for volunteering your time", "Can't wait to see you later", and simply "I love you".  On the back of each note there are cute trivia sayings or quotes which add a special touch.  I like how there is extra space on each note to write your own personal note if you choose and that each Lunchbox Love note pack comes with it's own plastic carrying case - just so you can have Lunchbox Love on the go!

There are no boundaries as to where you can use your Lunchbox Love notes.  Put them in your kids lunchboxes, backpacks or binders, or place them on their pillow or discretely in your partner's pocket.  Send a thank you card and add a Lunchbox Love note to show how much you care.

{Buy It!}

Lunchbox Love notes can be purchased from Say Please or on Amazon.com. Use coupon code LBLBLOG for 10% off your next order through the Say Please website!!

{Win It!}

Say Please is generously offering one lucky winner a pack of Lunchbox Love notes including Lunchbox Love for Kids {vol. 1}, Lunchbox Love for Loved Ones and Lunchbox Love for Those You Appreciate!  To enter, please use the Rafflecopter entry form below.  The giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only and ends at 9pm PST on June 14, 2012.

The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of Say Please or Lunchbox Love. Note that {swank}mama does not accept responsibility for sponsors that do not fulfill their giveaway duties.  Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond, otherwise, a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

collective media magic team: fabulous finds for father's day

The following post is a group giveaway in collaboration with the Collective Media Magic team.  {swank}mama wasn't provided any items mentioned in this post for review or otherwise.  The content in this post does not reflect the opinion{s} of {swank}mama.

Do you dread Father's Day because you can never find the perfect gift? The Collective Media Magic team, Closer To Lucy, Have Sippy Will Travel, Just Like June, 3 Princes and a Princess 2, and That's What She Said, have found awesome gifts for any dad. Whether he's high tech, healthy, or laid back, we've got a gift that's sure to please. Join us and our friends as we make dads feel like a king! 


One Grand Prize Winner will receive a prize pack of the following items valued at approximately $500:


A Linksy EA2700 wireless router Router  with unrivaled speed (value $109) -winner cannot have won a Linksy router in the last six months  

 

A copy of Microsoft 2010 (value $119)

  An Eat Smart Retro Food Scale (value $40)

A Cafe Press Gift Certificate (value $50)

A Pair of Shoes from Shoes For Crews - Winners Choice 
(no price limit on the pair of shoes! $100 value)

Plus Work Out Gear (winner's choice of item)  
and a 
Series of Books For Dads (value $30) 

The Fabulous Finds For Father's Day  Event will begin at 12:01 AM May 31st and end at 11:59 June 14th. Contest Open to US only due to company shipping restrictions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!

the journey 2.0: the waiting game {days 4 & 5 of #bedrest}

Day 4

Yesterday was interesting.  I didn't have any doctors appointments so I just stayed in bed all day.  I got to sleep in until almost 11:30am {don't hate!} and caught up on all of my favourite TV shows.  Weirdly enough, my right leg started feeling sore even though I wasn't in any way mobile!  Must have been lying in one position for too long.

I also hit a milestone on day 4 - baby is now 37 weeks which is considered full term! 

Day 5

Today I woke up a little earlier and took a quick shower.  I had a NST test at the hospital and was anticipating that anything could happen at this point, so I figured I should wash my hair and keep myself fresh and clean just in case.  Turns out the test results were normal {yay!} so I'm not due back at the hospital until Sunday.

The rest of the day consisted of me in bed catching up on more emails and watching more TV shows.  I quickly discovered that daytime television is not extremely interesting - probably the reason why I hardly watch any TV on a normal day.  I also caught up on some reading {Glamour magazine} and my daily online gossip.

All of this waiting has made me feel kind of anxious - especially at nighttime.  I find myself waking up 4-6 times a night wondering and worrying if I'm going to pass my next NST test.  The true test will be on Tuesday when I'm scheduled for a NST test, ultrasound and my weekly checkup with my OB.  My OB advised that if my fluid levels show up as alarming on my ultrasound, she'll have no choice but to go ahead with a c-section.  That really scares me.  Especially since I'm really aiming for a VBAC.

I've also found out that I'm not a candidate for induction due to my previous c-section and the risk of rupture to my uterus.  So it's either I go into labour naturally or I have a c-section.  Definitely praying for the natural route.  I just hate the thought of being cut open again but if baby is in distress, I would do anything to get him/her out safely and healthy.

So now I'm going into a long weekend on bedrest.  At least I still have my own maid, housekeeper, cook, child minder, etc. - aka the husband - looking after my every needs.  I'm definitely enjoying this moment!

{swank}mama is a top 30 Vancouver Mom Blogger!

 I am so excited to share with you that I have been selected as one of the Top 30 Vancouver Mom Bloggers by VancouverMom.ca!!

This is such a personal accomplishment for me since I started this blog only as a means for it to be a diary for Lil J to read when he grows up.  I'm horrible with writing in a traditional diary and figured that since I'm already a social media addict, I might as well do something constructive with the time I spend on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

My blog has seemingly increased in popularity over the past couple months and I'm extremely thankful for all of my followers.  I am also very excited to meet all of the recognized local Vancouver mom bloggers at VancouverMom.ca's June 13th celebration event, Fabulous, at the Museum of Vancouver.  What a fantastic opportunity to mingle and network with the best that Vancouver has to offer!

Early bird tickets are currently on sale until May 25th for $25 each.

Special thanks to VancouverMom.ca for recognizing such a fabulous group of women!

the journey 2.0: out and about {day #3 of #bedrest}

Yesterday was day #3 of bedrest.  It wasn't so bad - I stayed in bed for most of the morning reading magazines, catching up on emails and blogging.  I also took a picture of my bump in anticipation that it could be my last bump picture {possibly ever??}:

36 weeks & 6 days!

Then it was off to the hospital for a NST test.  Baby did wonderfully and actually moved around more than usual.  Definitely a happy, active baby!  After the test was complete, it was off to pick up Lil J from daycare and bring him to another hospital for an asthma evaluation.  He's had persistent coughs after his last two colds, which is relatively normal, but given my history of asthma the doctors wanted to be on the safe side.  Then it was off to Walmart where Lil J and I waited in the car and it took my hubby a good hour to find everything on the list.   He did really well too and came out with a $140 grocery bill.  Oooops!

The good thing out of this bedrest fiasco is that my responsibilities have gone to zilch.  And I'm loving it!  I have a personal chauffeur, a chef, a housekeeper, a nanny, a maid and a husband - all in one!!  Yup, I'm basking in my luck.

I know I didn't really achieve "bedrest" on day 3 but it wasn't like I was moving around constantly.  Hopefully my fluid levels are still on the mend.

the journey 2.0: be careful what you wish for {day 1 & 2 of #bedrest}

If you haven't seen my Twitter updates yet, you'll probably enjoy reading this post.

All throughout my pregnancy I was hoping I could have extra time off to get ready for baby.  I started cleaning up early but as you probably know, keeping a house clean for weeks on end with kids in the mix is a hard feat to accomplish.  Especially if you're already working full-time.  So I ended up leaving a lot of stuff for the last minute - stuff I could do next week while I was off work.

I really need to be careful about what I wish for.

Yesterday, I went for my routine two week ultrasound at the hospital where I'm delivering and the first technician advised that my fluid was low.  She didn't know how low the fluid was so she told me she would measure it against her chart.  While she was working on her report, a second technician came in.  Then I started to worry.  She said she was going to try to find something the other technician couldn't find.  Oh great, I thought.  Then a guy came in.  The technician introduced him as someone that was working with her that day.  Ok.  But then I noticed his jacket said "Dr".  A doctor?  Why would a doctor have to come and monitor my ultrasound?  All I remember afterwards was him taking over and trying to find whatever it was that the other two technicians couldn't find and him telling me I couldn't leave until they talked to their bosses about what to do.

Cue the waterworks. 

I just started bawling.  Right there in front of the doctor.  He was a young guy and he looked just horrified.  And he felt really bad.  I tried telling him that it wasn't his fault and that I just felt like I was reliving my experience with Lil J.  Daddy G wasn't with me and I was afraid they would make me deliver the baby that day.  I was also afraid I wouldn't get ahold of my hubby....again.  But I did and he was at the hospital within 15 minutes.

After waiting around for the technicians to get ahold of my doctor, they advised me to go up to the maternity ward for fetal monitoring.  I thought I'd be in the clinic but they actually ended up admitting me and putting me in a private room.  It was nice but I knew this could mean something serious.  You don't get put in a private room unless the doctors were anticipating something big.  After my fetal monitoring test {or non-stress or NST test} was done, there was more waiting.  I had now been at the hospital for more than four hours and was getting more and more anxious by the second.  My hubby looked extremely uncomfortable trying to sleep on a chair and I was so exhausted and worried, I couldn't even think about sleeping.

A resident came into the room and went over my chart with us.  He told us that the attending doctor would be up to talk to us as soon as possible.  That meant two hours later.

A nurse came in to give me a tray of good 'ol hospital food.  I was hungry again even though I just ate a Timmy's breakfast meal that my thoughtful hubby bought me so I forced myself to eat something resembling vanilla yogurt, a soggy grilled cheese sandwich and some tomato soup concoction.

Finally, the attending doctor came in and explained our options.  Either I could deliver via c-section that day {WTF?!} or I could go on bedrest.  The results of the ultrasound showing low fluid was borderline severe which meant at least I had an option.  I chose bedrest.  I'm really aiming for a VBAC but, at the moment, my chances of that happening look low.

Today is day #2 of bedrest and it's definitely trying.  There's so much to do around the house and I can't actually do anything about it.  Luckily, my sister-in-law kept me company this morning and brought over my cute godson and some awesome trashy reads:

I was also able to enjoy a bit of sunshine on the way to my doctor's appointment and we had a maternity photo shoot out in our backyard.  Yeah, I kind of cheated on my bedrest today.  Oooops.

Tomorrow I go for another NST test at the hospital so at least I get to get out of the house again.  Have you ever been on bedrest?  Any tips on how to get through it? 

happy mother's day!!

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful, swanky mamas out there today!  Hope you are truly spoiled by your loved ones.  Here is a pic of my own mother holding Lil J right after he was born.  Love how life goes full circle!

Lil J & my mom

Me, my beautiful Grandma {Po Po}, my mom & Lil J

{swank} review: Peggalish Baby Designs

 I told myself I would be frugal this time around and give baby-to-be Lil J's hand-me-downs but when I come across a Peggalish Baby Designs, it brings out the shopaholic in me and makes me crave for more new baby items.

Peggalish carries high-quality, handmade {and Canadian-made!} swanky baby blankets and accessories.  All of their designs and prints are selected carefully with a stylish mom and baby in mind.  I was lucky enough to score a luxury blanket in Neptune Damask, a gorgeous designer wipes clutch in Lemondrops and a cute Washcloth Lollipop!

Luxury Blanket in Neptune Damask.  Photo courtesy of Peggalish

Let me start with the luxury blanket.  The patterned side is made of 100% high quality cotton and the reverse side is a plush, oh-so-soft ivory coloured minky fabric.  I might just have to steal the blanket for myself!  I love the generous size {30" x 45"} and, although it is not a thick blanket, you can still feel the quality and love that was put into making it so luxurious.  The luxury blanket is perfect for stroller rides, to drape over car seats and shield the sun from baby's eyes, and to just simply cuddle with.  It can also serve as a stylish addition to your child's nursery!  I also love how the Neptune Damask pattern is gender neutral since the sex of baby-to-be is a surprise.  I'm so excited to use our luxury blanket as baby's going-home blanket!

Wipes Clutch in Lemondrops.  Photo courtesy of Peggalish

Don't get me started on Peggalish's designer wipes clutches.  Seriously!  They are to die for and I will certainly be parading this gem around town in other jealous mama's faces - ha!  It's a simple wipes case transformed into glamour and style {who would have thought a wipes case would be glamourous?!}.  Exactly what a {swank}mama needs!

Washcloth Lollipops.  Photo courtesy of Peggalish

And how adorable are these Washcloth Lollipops?  The washcloths are made of natural organic terry washcloth material {super soft!} and come paired with a natural bamboo baby spoon.  Sold separately at $5 each, they are the perfect baby shower gift and can be paired with a Luxury Blanket, Wipes Clutch, receiving blankets - you name it!  You can also purchase a bunch of 3 Washcloth Lollipops for $12.

While we're surrounded by all of this Peggalish cuteness, you can't get any more adorable than Pegglish's tutus.  If baby-to-be is a girl, she's definitely going to be prancing around in one of these creations:

Photo courtesy of Peggalish

{Facebook Promotion}

Peggalish is currently offering a special promotion just for their Facebook fans for the month of May.  Head on over to Peggalish's Facebook page, "like" them and you will get a free Wipes Clutch {$20 value} plus free shipping with the purchase of a Luxury Blanket.  This offer is open to both Canada and the US.

{swank}mama was provided with a Luxury Blanket, Wipes Clutch and a Washcloth Lollipop free of charge from Peggalish for the purpose of this review.  The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of Peggalish.

the journey 2.0: the calm before the storm

It's 9:40pm on a Thursday night and there's dead silence.  Not a TV on, not a kid screaming or running around.  Just me.  I don't get a lot of days like this - where Lil J and Daddy G are sleeping and Miss S is off with her mother.  My weekdays usually consist of chasing Lil J around the house, feeding him, bathing him, getting him ready for bed, struggling with Miss S and her homework, making Lil J's lunch, packing his bags for the next day and, finally, getting myself ready for bed.

This is the calm before the storm.

As I marvel at my 36 week belly, I can't help but wonder how much life will change in four short weeks - give or take a couple.  I can't believe my journey has almost come to an end.  Is this the last time I'll be on this journey?  That I can't answer yet...hubby and I haven't made a final decision as to whether this will be my last pregnancy.  It's kind of nice to keep it open like that.

36 weeks :)

I'm really enjoying tonight.  After I finish writing this post, I'm going to take a trip down memory lane and revisit our photos from a few years back.  I'm planning to put together a photobook for Daddy G from the kids - a perfect Father's Day present!  Can't wait to see his face when he opens it.

I know this calm won't last too long.  It almost feels too good to be true.

What do you do after the kids go to bed?

{swank}review: guzzie+Guss G+G 1+1 Gabriola Stroller

For my first ever stroller review, I was given the guzzie+Guss G+G 1+1 Gabriola Stroller to test out.  The 1+1 is a versatile stroller that will grow with your family.  More on the features of this fabulous stroller will follow below.

guzzie+Guss is a Vancouver stroller manufacturer that strives to make the best product on the market at the most affordable prices.  Combining over 30 years of product development and market experience, guzzie+Guss offers everything from strollers and stroller accessories to high chairs, safety gear and toys.  They even have  universal car seat adapters for each of their stroller's models which makes it easier for parents to choose whichever car seat they desire.

{Review}

{What I Love}

• The 1+1 grows with your family.  You can use it with guzzie+Guss' universal car seat adapter {sold separately} when baby is an infant and transition to the stroller seat when ready.  The top seat is suitable to up to 50 lbs.  When baby #2 comes along, you have the option of adding a second seat {included} which is suitable from birth to 35 lbs.
• It has a huge canopy which blocks out unwanted sun rays and light - especially needed when you have a sleepy baby.  There are also ventilation windows built into the canopy.
• It also has an enormous storage basket underneath the seats.  The basket is easily accessible for Mommy or Daddy from the front or back of the stroller, even when using the stroller with both seats.
• Handling on the 1+1 was amazing.  You could easily maneuver the stroller with just one hand which definitely comes in handy when you're juggling a child in your arms or just need your other hand to browse clothing racks!
• The cushioned handlebar is adjustable with the push of a button and flips up or down instead of extending upwards like most strollers.  I think this feature makes more sense than having the handlebar extend and risk over-using it.
• Both of the stroller seats come with bumper bars that are easy to remove - also with the push of a button.
• The one-step "parking" brake was easy and efficient to use.
• The stroller seats have 3 recline positions.
• You can use the stroller seat/car seat combination in 10 different configurations to suit your needs!
• A guzzie+Guss stroller hitch can be added for older kids.  My experience with this is that the hitch is a must-have.
• The stroller frame can be folded together with the top stroller seat still attached.  Saves time and space!

{What Could Improve}

• The weight of the frame is very heavy.  I believe the frame and one stroller seat is a combined weight of 34 lbs.  You'll definitely gain some bicep muscles with this baby!
• The stroller itself seems a bit wide but once you get used to the entire frame, I don't think it would be a problem.
• Although I loved how easy the stroller's "parking" brake was easy to use, I was worried that the plastic piece was going to break off - it seemed slightly flimsy to me.
• If you are using both seats, you would need a bigger vehicle {SUV or mini-van} to ensure that you can fit the entire stroller comfortably {my Mazda3 just didn't cut it!}.  I'm sure this goes for any double stroller though.

{How Much $$?}

For a double stroller, the price point on the 1+1 is amazing and cannot be beat.  At $499, you get both stroller seats and a rain cover, as well as a 1 year warranty on the frame and a 6 month warranty on fabric.  It's definitely a fantastic investment if you're planning to expand your family.

{Where to Buy}

Use the store locator feature on guzzie+Guss' website to find the nearest retailer.  guzzie+Guss products can also be found on amazon.com, although I don't see the 1+1 on the site yet.

{swank}mama was provided a demo model of the 1+1 stroller from guzzie+Guss for the purpose of this review only.  The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of guzzie+Guss.

{swank} review: Mama Mio's Boob Tube

I have been obsessed with Mama Mio since my pregnancy with Lil J.  Not one to want to flaunt stretch marks around, I turned to their trusted Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter for my entire pregnancy with Lil J and also for baby #2.  So far, so good - no stretch marks!  Plus the butter smells extra yummy without using artificial fragrances.

You can imagine my excitement when Mama Mio sent me a bottle of their infamous Boob Tube to try.  Already aware of the quality of their products, I was interested to see what the Boob Tube had in store for me.

Here is an excerpt from Mama Mio's website:

"Aim North, not South! One of the major body perks of pregnancy are your new and improved boobs. But alas, bountiful as they are, they are not yours forever and it is very important to protect the delicate skin of your bust from the post-baby droop. The skin in your decolleté is similar to the skin around your eyes; thin, fragile and not very elastic. A doubling in cup size can be too much for your skin to cope with without help. You need to nourish and protect this delicate skin on a daily basis. Boob Tube to the rescue!"

Any of you pregnant mamas out there can relate when your boobs all of a sudden balloon to 10x its original size during your pregnancy.  Not to mention another 10x after you have baby due to your breast milk coming in.  I'm not saying this is a bad thing {this coming from a woman who has tennis balls for boobs} but it does take a toll on the beauty of it all.  And it should be taken care of.  Hello Boob Tube!

Rich in CoQ10 (to maintain strength and structure of collagen fibres), avocado oil, fenugreek, shea butter and milk thistle, the Boob Tube is chalk full of natural ingredients to help boost the assets you were blessed with.

After almost a week of using the amazing Boob Tube on my bust, chest and neck, I can already see and feel the difference - no joke.  My skin feels firmer, smoother and healthier.  I can only imagine the positive long-term effects the Boob Tube can have on a woman's skin.  The plus?  You already know it's safe to use during pregnancy but it's also safe to use while breastfeeding your baby.  Just make sure you avoid applying to the nipple area as baby doesn't need any Boob Tube!

I would definitely recommend the Boob Tube to any woman, anytime.  I plan to use it as part of my daily beauty regimen which, as of now, doesn't consist of a whole lot.  A mama's gotta compensate somehow!

{Buy It!}

You can buy the Boob Tube and any other Mama Mio products through their website {US}, eBeauty.ca and BeautyMark {Canada} and Amazon.com.


{swank}mama was provided a bottle of Boob Tube from Mama Mio free of charge for the purpose of this review.  The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of Mama Mio.

do you truly feel like a mom?

Is it safe to say that you truly don't feel like a mom until you have more than one kid?  I've heard other moms say this before and I've definitely felt this way.  Maybe becoming a mother to Lil J was a little more surreal than anything else.  It still is!  Some days I just look at him and can't believe he's mine!  My son!

Sometimes I wonder if I feel this way because Miss S is in my life.  We are only 16 years apart which makes it easier for me to relate to her age {so I'd like to think} because my high school years and early 20's are still fresh in my mind. That's a good thing right?  Forever young?

So now that baby #2 is expected to arrive in about 4 weeks, I wonder if it will change my perspective on motherhood.  Or will I still feel the same way - in awe and disbelief that these beings are actually my kids - only just a little more sleep deprived?

Did having more kids change your perspective on motherhood?

monday giveaway linky {5/7 - 5/14}

My excuse this week about the late linky is..........pregnancy brain!!

Time to link up your giveaways!

This linky will stay open until Monday, May 14th.

In the "Link Title" box, please submit your giveaways in the following format:

"Name of Giveaway - Country {End Date}"

Please leave a comment after you have linked your giveaway and don't forget to check out my current giveaways - both end this week!

Beba Bean Knit Hoodie & Pant Set - US/CAN 5/9

RoomMates Peel & Stick Decor $50 GC - US/CAN 5/10

Now it's time to link up!