Simple {Stress-Free} Birthday Party Tips

These great tips come just in time as Mr. T is quickly approaching his first birthday. Having our first summer baby I’m super excited and finding it hard not to go overboard. Jenn’s call to keeping things simple and stress-free is just what the doctor ordered. ~alaina
h, baby’s first birthday. So special. You just can’t not throw a party. Well, maybe you can not throw a party. Evidently, I can’t not throw a party. Even if I try real hard not to. Still with me?
Bottom line: I like parties.
However, the Buckaroo was born about an hour before Christmas Eve, so our family has joined the ranks of those who must yearly wrangle Christmas and birthday celebrations.
This year, I just didn’t have it in me to do a bunch of hoopla for the little guy’s birthday. Holiday celebrations, travel plans, and winter sickness made the kind of extravaganza we had done for big sister’s first birthday just feel overwhelming.
Read MoreHow to Choose Baby Clothes
If you are expecting a new arrival to your family, you will probably be very busy purchasing all the things you will need once the baby is born. Choosing baby clothes can be tricky, especially if you are a first-time Mum. Here we have put together a few tips to help you on your search.
At first, your baby will mainly be wearing vests and stretch suits, which are practical because they are highly comfortable and easy to put on and take off. These garments are a good buy, as they are lightweight and easy to look after. Plus, they are easy to pack into a travel or changing bag.
Read MoreAre Your Kids Exposed?
Are they… when was the last time you exposed your kids to new flavors, textures, and colors? Yes, I’m taking food. Being married to a fantastic man who is a self-proclaimed “meat and potatoes” guy, I’m seeing how important it is to expose kids to new foods while they are young. It’s not that odd that my boys are more open to trying new dishes then my husband.

I wanted to get an expert opinion on the importance of food and nutrition. So I turned to Dr. Heather Manley the author of Human Body Detectives, a children’s educational adventure series that teaches kids about their bodies and why they need to take care of themselves.
Read MoreWhacha Lookin At! {this moment}

‘m joining Amanda Blake Soule for {this moment} -a Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
Read MoreThe United States of Baby Bumps
I find it awesome that according to this infographic in 2009 76.9% of mothers were breastfeeding. Now I’d like to know why when that many moms are breastfeeding their babies it’s such a big deal to see a mom breastfeeding her baby when just about everyone does it.
Another great fact that I should point out is 27.4 Billion disposable diapers are used each and every year in the United States alone. That is a lot of diapers and when they take 250-500 years to decompose they are going to be around for a LONG time. You don’t need to be scared nor do it full time but trying out bamboo cloth diapers during the day is a perfect way to reduce that number!
From: Bankrate Insurance’s InsuranceQuotes.com
TotLogic: Safe Baby Products
When was the last time you read a label? If you are like most parents it was probably the last time you went shopping and your favorite brand was out of stock.
Over the years I’ve become surprised at how many “eco friendly” and “safe for babies” products are on the shelves that are full of long, technical-named ingredients that only Dr. Sheldon Cooper would appreciate.
Well, bazinga on us as most of today’s “safe for babies” products are full of toxic chemicals that you would otherwise not let into your home.
So when Green Mom’s Network asked if I’d like to try the TotLogic © products I was intrigued and skeptical. I mean really… once you’ve tried a diaper rash ointment haven’t you tried them all?
TotLogic Soothing Diaper Balm
I’m here to say you have not tried them all and not all diaper creams are made the same. Being a cloth diaper user the first thing I want to know is the diaper-safe level of said cream. Most products I’ve used I have not had any issues. After the diaper safety check, the next thing I want to know is the sticky finger level. You know what I’m talking about when you are done lubing up your babys heiny you then have to wipe your fingers clean on their diaper.
Use this gluten-free diaper balm on yourself for skin as soft as a baby’s bottom!
I really love the TotLogic Soothing Diaper Balm – seriously. It’s the first diaper rash ointment that to me it truly different. It looks, feels and applies like a lotion then a sticky diaper ointment. It’s creamy and smooth. I will admit that I enjoy it just as much as the baby does. His bum is soft and rash free.

I am a long time sufferer of rashes and skin issues. Before showering I have to put lotion on the rashes to prevent my skin from feeling as if it’s burning. Also, most lotion burns my skin and I always try any lotion meant for the kids on myself first. You’d be surprised to know how many eczema lotions actually burn really bad.
I love this diaper balm for my elbows and hands! I slather it on the baby and instead of wiping my fingers off on the diaper I rub it into my own hands. No waste and I can honestly say that my hands are as soft as a baby’s bum.
About TotLogic Products

“With TotLogic, what you see is what you get. All products in the TotLogic line are sulfate, paraben, phthalate, formaldehyde, DEA and PEG free. We disclose all of our ingredients, which will take the guesswork out of your child’s bath and skincare routine. I feel at ease using TotLogic on my own kids and even use the products myself!” – from the TotLogic website
Another product I received was the low-lathering (this is a good thing) TotLogic Shampoo and looking at the ingredient list at first your think ‘oh my that’s some big words’. But really it’s the scientific name followed by the common name in parenthesis. For example Lavandula Angustifiola is Lavender.

Find TotLogic Near You
I cannot say enough about the TotLogic products. If you have been subject to my raving and going-ons about the diaper balm you know that I do go on and on about it. You can find this Made in the USA gluten-free children’s care line in their store.
I know I’ll be asking my local Giant Eagle to start carrying the TotLogic line on their shelves! They even have a safe line for pets, bed bugs and lice!!!

Win It!
Enter to win a TotLogic product of your choice. Entering is easy! Deciding which product to pick … that’s the hard part!
Green Mom’s Network and TotLogic provided the balm and shampoo. I provided my own honest opinion and the dirty baby!











Hello. My name is Alaina and I'm a app junkie. whew... I feel better. I'm raising four boys to be outstanding husbands and spectacular human beings. Thanks for stopping by and finding that little something to giggle about with me! 






