Review: Twistshake Kid Cup

While my two older kids love milk, my 2 year old Aubri loooves herself some water.  She also loves fruits, so I always thought trying a fruit infused water drink on her would be a great idea.  However, busy mom that I am, I never actually got around to trying it.

Enter in Twistshake of Sweden!  Their baby bottle has won numerous awards in many different countries, which is impressive.  And now the company has branched out to create many new amazing products for babies and kids. 

Since Aubri is 2 years old and no longer in the bottle phase, for our collaboration with Twistshake, we decided to try out the 12 oz Kid Cup.  This cup is perfect for the stage Aubri is in because she is past bottles, but not quite steady enough with her hands to use a regular cup without spilling.  A lid is still very much necessary.

The kid cup comes with a fruit mixer so you can mix and shake up fun fruit infused drinks for you kids.  Aubri's favorite so far has been a watermelon/strawberry combo, but she also just really loves regular water in her cups as well.  

Just a few of  Twistshake's amazing features:

- BPA free

- Top rack dishwasher safe

- Leak free and spill free (a mama's dream!)

- Interchangable lids

- Tons of cool colors to choose from!

Check out Twistshake to see their whole assortment of products. And because everyone loves a good discount code, be sure to use code onewhimsylane20 for 20% off of your purchase too!  It's FREE SHIPPING over $25.  Go check them out!

xo,
Carly

Visit: San Diego Children's Discovery Museum

If you're in San Diego and on the hunt for a fun place to take the kiddos, you should definitely check out the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum in Escondido.  It's a fabulous indoor and outdoor space for kids to play, explore and learn.  It's big enough for the kids to be entertained for hours, yet small enough to feel cozy and safe.  We have fun every single time we visit!

There are so many different stations inside, where kids can work on their fine motor skills, use their imagination, and even climb and slide.  

Landon enjoys building with the blocks.  His goal is always to build the tallest tower EVER.

These floating balls were entertaining for Aubri. She kept going back to them.

The food stand is always a hit too.  There's something about pretend food that kids just love.  They enjoyed playing store, and selling food to me.  :)

For some reason Landon really wanted to get this scale to hit 6.  And when it did, he was so excited!

The outdoor section of the museum has just as much for the the kids to see and do, and if you're there at the right time, you could catch an arts and crafts workshop or storytime. A good portion of the outdoor space is covered by shade, which I truly do appreciate.  You can also find a bunch of picnic tables out there if you want to stop and have a snack, or eat lunch. 

 Whoever thought up this lego duplo water table is a genius.

And we can't ever leave the museum without playing with some bubbles.  That smile says it all!

We highly recommend the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum to anyone with young kids.  There's actually so much that we didn't even have time to play with or photograph this visit.  But luckily for us, we're members so there's always next time!  It's a fantastic place to spend a few hours....or all day!  Go check them out!

xo,

Carly

The San Diego Children's Discovery Museum is located at 320 North Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025.

Two Looks feat. Pink Blush

   As most of you know, I have three kids, (three crazy kids!), and even though it's been a couple years since I've been pregnant, I still remember how hard it was finding clothes for a changing body.  And let's be honest, your body changes once you have kids as well.  Today I'm happy to share with you a company called Pink Blush that I recently came across on Instagram.  Pink Blush is an online women's boutique specializing in clothing from pregnancy and well into the motherhood years. I wish I knew about them years ago!

What I love about PinkBlush is that their clothes are feminine, flowy, and comfortable.  And they really can be worn both when you're pregnant, and afterwards.  Now how cool is that?!  

I received two pieces from PinkBlush; a gray long sleeve top, which I think will be perfect for fall, and a navy floral maxi dress, which has been great for summer.  Did I mention I'm in love with the fact that this dress has pockets?!?  Dress pockets, where have you been my entire life??  It's also on sale right now!  Check it out HERE.  I saw that it comes in a variety of colors. 

If you're a soon to be mom, a current mom, or even if you're just looking for a new place to shop (they also offer a ton of footwear options, and other accessories), go check out Pink Blush!

Until next time!

xo,

Carly

Jord Watches GIVEAWAY

Hi friends!  I'm so excited to be teaming up with Jord Wood Watches for an awesome giveaway!  If you haven't heard about Jord watches, you should definitely check them out.  Jord creates beautifully hand-crafted wood watches that are unique and modern.  And they offer styles that are perfect for both men and women!

The style that my husband is modeling is part of the Delmar series and is shown in Dark Sandlewood and Blue Carbon.  I love the size, and the masculine rectangular shaped face.  It also features the following:

- 100% natural hand finished woods

- carbon fiber design dials

- scratch resistant mineral glass

In addition to being a stylish watch, it's also a lightweight watch, which is a huge plus.  And we both think the style is great for both special occasions as well as every day use.  You can even customize your Jord watch with engraving, how cool is that?!

Okay, so here's the GIVEAWAY info!  One lucky reader will receive $100 credit towards the Jord watch of your choice, BUT everyone is a winner because just for entering, you'll receive a code for a $25 credit, which is pretty awesome as well!  Either get a watch for yourself or start Christmas shopping early for that someone special!

- Click HERE to fill out the contest form.

That's it!  Easy, right??

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm September 17, 2017.

Good luck to you all!!!

xo,

Carly

Luxury Wooden Watch

Motherhood - Late Night Musings

Follow Your Heart tank top by Brigeeski

One of the things I like to do when I have a few spare minutes is browse Pinterest for quotes that either entertain me, give me inspiration or just hits a spot that I can relate to.  In particular, I have a lot of motherhood quotes saved because I'm currently a SAHM so really, the mom role never gets turned off, not even for a potty break.  (Did you know moms aren't allowed to go the bathroom in peace? Can you imagine if we could?!)  

I was going through my saved quotes tonight, as it has been a challenging week with the kids and I needed some inspiration.  

Days with my three kids can be long, and I admit...very challenging and trying at times.  A 15-hour day brings its moments of fun and joy, but unfortunately, sometimes, moments like these take over:

- Two kids fighting and poking at eachother in the car, which leads to both crying, and me in the front seat feeling helpless and completely annoyed.

- At mealtime each kid wants to eat something different, and none of it is what I've just cooked.

- Asking the kids to do something over and over and over again, but all I get is ignored.

- I sit down to finally eat a (already cold) meal, then the baby wakes up from her nap.

- The kids fight over the same toy.  Repeat.  ALL. DAY.

Frustration, and just pure exhaustion cause me to lose my cool at times, and I'm not proud of it.  Patience is something that I am constantly working on with my three kids.  Like the quote above mentions, there are days when I feel like I'm just doing everything wrong....like I'm totally failing.  And I pray to be better the next day.  Sometimes I am.  Sometimes I am not.  But I always try and am a constant work in progress.

I also saw this on Pinterest a while back and it always spoke to me when I feel like I needed to step back and check myself.

When I first saw this, it really spoke to me because everything on the left were things that I found myself complaining about all the time.  Looking at it from a grateful perspective helped me so much, as this the way I want to always look at everything.  It's hard, and I won't always be able to do it, but what I can do is put my best effort in to try.  

Being a mother, and a stay at home mom at that is exhausting and challenging...but it's also the most rewarding, amazing, and most important job that I'll ever have in my life.  These early years with the kids are so unbelievably precious.  And I wouldn't trade it for anything.  

xo,

Carly

From Diaper Bag to Camera Bag

For awhile I have been wanting to switch out my boring plain black camera bag that I've had for years.  But instead of buying a new bag, I thought it would be fun if I could turn one of my existing bags into a camera bag with the help of an insert.  

In the past year I have bought a ton of bag inserts mainly to organize my diaper bags, but I've bought smaller ones to organize my purses as well (with awesome results!).  So I figured a camera bag insert was the next clear purchase for me.  I reserched camera bag inserts until I found one that worked perfectly for my needs.  I was so happyto find this insert on Amazon for just $17! 

 Photo: Amazon

The insert is padded and the partitions are removable/adjustable, making it customizable to your needs.  In this insert, I'm able to store my camera body, 3 lenses, and the battery charger/cord.  

It also closes with a drawstring if you ever need that function.

The bag that I put this insert into is actually a diaper bag!  It's the Ju-Ju-Be Hobobe in the Queen of the Nile print.  The insert into this bag is a perfect fit.  

In the front pocket of the bag, I can fit two extra lens covers into the mesh pockets and the USB adaptor in the main section, with plenty of room to spare.  

I also fit the camera manual in the bag's internal zipper pocket.  I never use it, but putting it in the zipper pocket means it's out of the way but there in case I ever do need it.  

Overall, I'm loving the versatility that this camera insert gives me.  It allows me to use this diaper bag way beyond diaper days...and that's a winner in my book!

xo,

Carly

Review: Lily Jade Madeline Convertible Diaper Bag

  As a mom of three kids, I am definitely outnumbered!  I don't have enough hands for each of them plus a purse, diaper bag, etc.  So when my third child Aubri started walking (and running), it really made me reevaluate my diaper bags.  Being hands free would become not only desired, but necessary!

A while back I came across Lily Jade diaper bags and was instantly intrigued.  What's great about their bags is that almost all their styles are convertible and can be worn four different ways: as a tote, on the shoulder using the messenger strap, crossbody using the messenger strap, or backpack style.

In addition, what sets Lily Jade apart from other brands is their included baby bag insert, which allows you to to keep all your baby stuff (and your mom stuff) super organized, in a bag that really doesn't look like a diaper bag.  This insert comes with 12 compartments to hold all your necessities, and is removeable.  It can easily be taken out and left with babysitters, or be put into another tote bag if you're into switching bags a lot like I am. The bag style that I ended up with is the Madeline, which is one of their smaller sizes, but still holds a TON.

PC: lily-jade.com

Convertible bags are honestly the greatest thing since sliced bread.  Having the option of being carried like a purse and also as a backpack make them amazing purchases, it's like a 2 for one.  I usually leave the backpack straps attached, and when with the kids, use it almost exclusively as a backpack.  I was never much of a backpack girl, but I'm officially converted, and obsessed.  Outings with the kids are SO much easier when I can just throw the bag on my back and be hands free.

For the times that I am without the kids, I just take out the insert, and use this bag as a purse.  For those occasions, I use it tote style.  In addition, I was pleased to find out that it is also large enough to fit my laptop so the bag is often my companion when I head to Starbucks to get some work done.

The Lily Jade bags are an investment, but look at it this way...when you're done with the diapering stage, you're still left with a leather hand bag that will last you for many, many years!  I say it's worth it.  :)  My only regret is that I didn't find Lily Jade sooner!

xo,
Carly

Life Lately

Hi friends!  Wow, it's been almost 6 weeks since I've posted on here!  Where have I been?  Well of course life is busy every second with the three little ones and sometimes I wonder where in the world did the week go. But besides normal mom life stuff, I've also been spending a lot of time exploring Instagram. 

Even though I joined Instagram back in 2011 before it was the social media platform it is today, I still feel like I'm super late to the game with all it has to offer.  I love IG as an easy way to keep in touch with friends and family from home that I don't get to see very often and I still love it for that!  Also, in the past few months I've learned just how big the mommy blogger community is over there.  It's such a supportive, encouraging and creative space to share ideas, get inspired and talk about life.  Everyone's journey is different and each person has something unique to offer.  It's been fun to explore that!  

Come join us over on Instagram @onewhimsylane - I share a lot of pictures over there and would love to see you!  Snippets of us...

I will also be back on the blog more regularly soon and have a few posts waiting in the wings...a couple of diaper bag reviews, some inspiration posts and of course mom life.  Stay tuned!  We're on spring break over here but will be back soon!

Have a wonderful Easter week!

xo,

Carly 

Target Dollar Spot

Is it just me or is the Target Dollar Spot just the gift that keeps on giving?  It always has its staples like sticker books, pens and other cheap entertainment for your kids, everything is under $5, and it's stocked for every holiday.  Seriously folks, I am a regular Target shopper and with each visit it is hard not to browse "just for a second" through the bins to see what's new.  

It's genius really...the bins are strategically placed right where you enter so you have to pass by them, you don't feel guilty dropping items into your cart cause they're just so darn cute for cheap, plus your cart is empty when you start browsing anyway so no damage appears to be done yet.  

I have to admit, picking out a few pretty things and having them stare up at you from the cart seat do in a way help to get through the mundane task of picking up shampoo, coffee filters and tissue.  At least there will be something fun to play with when you get home, haha!  

My only complaint is that I wish things in this section were still just a dollar.  These days most of the items that I look at end up being $3-$5 and sometimes I do put them back on the shelf.  But overall, it's still a fun experience and I'm always looking forward to what I will find there next!

Hope your week is going well!

xo,

Carly

It's The Simple Things

On any given day I have a list of all the things I need to get done...preferably that day...but more realistically just "sometime soon".  And I admit, the things that need to get done "soon" often get pushed back more times than I'd like.  Every day things like dishes, grocery shopping, school, and cooking take up a good portion of the day so in between tackling all of those things, it's hard to also successfully complete the additional "to-do" list, and spend quality time with the kids.  It's that constant quest for balance, know what I mean?  I'm a slave to my "to-do" list, and it's something I'm constantly working on to change.  

The other day I decided I really wanted to put the "to-do" list away.  So we went for a walk.  Nothing fancy, just us and the outdoors.  It was great!  We go to the park all the time with friends, but we don't go as often just ourselves.  I found out though, going by ourselves allowed me to really focus on the kids and appreciate the simple things they found entertainment with.  

Aubri did spend much of the beginning moments rifling through my bag in search of food.

But she did stop to enjoy the birds flying overhead.  She loves anything that flies...birds, airplanes, etc.  

In normal Landon fashion, he immediately found a cool stick, jumped on the bench, and proceeded to freeze Aubri and I with his stick wand.

We walked around a lot and found flowers and rocks.  But my favorite moment was seeing the kids share a smile over fruit snacks.  They really do love each other and they melt my heart.

It won't be long before these two are in school every day like Shaylin so I hope to enjoy more of these simple moments with them while they are still young and home with me.  It was a no-frills outing, but sometimes those really are the best.  The quality time really reenergized me and gave me motivation to tackle the rest of my day.  Every day life is so busy, I often forget that it's the simple things that often bring the most enjoyment.  This day was a good reminder of that for me.  What are some of your favorite simple things to do with your kids?  I'd love to hear!

xo,
Carly