Thankful for YOU! / Smiling Tree Toys Giveaway

This post was originally part of the Thankful for our Followers Giveaway Hop

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2 years ago, I began the journey of taking my blog to the next level. When I started this blog in February of 2012, my goal was to keep an online journal / baby book for Penny. After a few months of writing about topics that were important to me, I saw my stats and numbers increasing!  As an attachment and natural parent, I found that my parenting style was supported and influenced by bloggers sharing their experiences and I wanted to be a part of that. There were so many occasions where I doubted my gut and instincts because what I was doing wasn't always the way my friends and family did. I never got harsh judgement, mind you, but I would get such relief when I'd find a blog post, written by another blogger, talking about and justifying some of the choices I was making.  This experience drove me to also become a source for moms in their journey.

One of the first businesses that I worked with was Smiling Tree Toys! I approached Kathleen because I loved the esthetic of wooden toys and their approach to providing all natural, safe products for families. We worked together on my first review and giveaway - Penny's first Christmas ornament! It was only fitting to work together again on Ruby's first Christmas ornament too.

I'm happy to see that even after two years, the quality and craftsmanship with Smiling Tree Toys remains the same, even though the popularity of the business grows! The ornaments (as well as any of the other wooden products in their shop) are created from sustainably harvested American Maple trees and finished with their homegrown Camelina oil and beeswax. These ornaments will be heirloom pieces for my girls; that will be hung on Christmas trees for many decades past my time and enjoyed by future generations of my family. And I think that's root of Smiling Trees Toys goal too - to create products that will be enjoyed for years and years while being respectful to our Earth and honoring the gifts it gives.

Smiling Tree Toys is expanding their product line this season - in addition to ornaments, rattles, balancing toys, wooden blocks, wooden musical instruments(and so much more!), they are launching Smiling Tree Home. Keep an eye on their facebook for more teasers and information!

Keep up with Smiling Tree Toys 

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And don't forget all the ways you can be social with
The Pierogie Mama!

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This giveaway is over - thanks to all for entering! 

Keep an eye out for more Pierogie Mama Giveaways.

Disclosure: I received product in exchange for my honest review, no other compensation was provided.

Lazy Girl Gnocchi

There's definitely a legit, old school, traditional way to make gnocchi. Friends, this is NOT a tutorial on how to do so! I'm positive that there are several really good Italian girl blogs that share their nonna's passed down recipe.  This is my lazy girl / busy mama / using all the leftovers recipe for gnocchi. Take what you will, but I promise that it's a delicious way to use your leftover mashed potatoes for a new meal that your family will love!

Gnocchi is a versatile dish. You can serve it with your favorite red sauce, or make a delicious pan sauce with the meat that you are cooking that night and pour it over gnocchi as a side. On this night I experimented with making an Alfredo style sauce with lemon essences, which needs some tweaking. A couple summers ago I shared a Gnocchi Mac n Cheese recipe that I found on Pinterest, which uses Gruyere, Fontina and Parmesan. Delish. Truth be told, that was my first pin ever. You know how you remember your first CD? Well, I guess I won't be forgetting my first pin either!

This recipe will make enough for 2 adults. If you have more mashed potatoes or want to make extra to freeze, just follow the ratio of 2 cups of flour : 1 cup of mashed potatoes.

You will need:
1 cup of leftover mashed potatoes (it's ok if you seasoned them with cream, sour cream, salt / pepper, whatevs. Again, this isn't traditional gnocchi so everything goes!)
~2 cups of flour
1 egg yolk

You will do:
1. Make a little volcano of mashed potatoes on your work surface. Dump your yolk into the crater.
2. Work the yolk into the potatoes using your hands.
3. Add 1/2 c of flour at a time, working the flour into the dough. You might not use all of the flour, it just depends on the consistency of your potatoes. Continue to add flour until your dough is firm but not hard. Keep your hands and working surface well floured to avoid sticky dough.
4. Divide the dough into quarters and roll each piece into a log, about the width of your finger.
5. Cut 1/2" long pieces (perfection is not necessary).
6. Bring a pot of salted water to boil.
7. Using a fork, gently roll each piece up the fork to create the trademark indentations. Keeping your fork floured will help prevent the gnocchi from sticking to it. Fun fact: the ridges on gnocchi are there to hold sauce to the noodle better. All pasta noodles were developed with different shapes to compliment the type of sauce they are served with. You can freeze them on a floured cookie sheet at this point for later use.
8. Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water and wait for them to float, should be about 2 minutes.
9. Scoop them out and allow them to drain.
10. Most people top them with their favorite sauce at this point, but I like to give them a quick pan fry in a bit of olive oil to give them a slightly crispy side.

One last Lake House Dinner + Lavender Lemonaid Recipe (with Essential Oils)

“I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for the Beef Checkoff. I received products to facilitate this review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

7 days.

That's all the time that my parents have until they take off for a fabulous two year assignment to Germany.

Between the mixed emotions of their departure, we knew one thing was for sure - we had to take one last family trip to Mount Rainier and we had to have a one last hurrah dinner on the deck of their lake house. The house that hosted our wedding, the house where we lived for the first nine months of my daughter's life. There's a ton of memories tied up here, and farewell dinner was a little bit of closure for this life changing event for them.

What did we serve?

Filet mignon wrapped in bacon, seasoned with Williams & Sonoma Butcher's Rub
Baked Potatoes
Sourdough bread
grill roasted corn on the cob
and my new favorite.. Lavender Lemonaid.

You'll need:
1 large, juicy lemon
1/2 cup raw honey
1/2 cup water + 6 cups water
6 drops of doTERRA Lemon Essential Oil
3 drops of doTERRA Lavender Essential Oil
ice

You'll do:
1. Juice the lemon into your pitcher
2. Gently heat the 1/2 cup of raw honey with 1/2 cup of water in a small sauce pan. Heat just until the water and honey combine well, you don't want to boil it. Remove from heat.
3. Add your drops of lemon essential oil and lavender essential oil to the honey mixture.
4. Pour the honey mixture into the pitcher with the lemon juice. Mix well.
5. Add the 6 cups of cold water.
6. Fill your pitcher with ice.
Now let that cool down and garnish with a sprig of lavender from your garden and you've got an absolutely delicious spa-like drink!

This was an excellent, hearty meal after our day trip to Mount Rainier. After an unexpected 4 mile hike from Narada Falls down to Longmire, it's an understatement to say that we were tired and hungry!

The Beef Checkoff was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. It's a national marketing and research program funded by America's cattle farmers and ranchers. Cattle farmers, ranchers and importers direct the national checkoff program, which uses funds toward research and promotion efforts designed to increase domestic and/or international demand for beef. The Cattlemen's Beef Board and USDA oversee the collection and spending of these beef checkoff funds. You might be familiar with "Beef. It's What's For Dinner."

DIY Soap Bits for cloth wipes

This post was originally part of the Accessorize Your Stash in August Giveaway Hop

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If you're a cloth diapering parent, at one point or another you may have been lured further into the deep dark underworld of going against the grain by learning about cloth wipes. Cloth wipes, in the long run, probably don't save you that much money, but they certainly mean you have 100% control over the ingredients that come into contact with your baby's skin. They're also super convenient because they go into the wash with your cloth diapers and can be used for a plethora of other things; like dish rags or wash cloths. They can also be made from a plethora of different things; such as dish rags or wash cloths or re-purposed old sheets/t-shirts/left over fabric, and if you're not the crafty type you can certainly buy them pre-made. 

Same goes for the solution that you pour over the cloth wipes. You can buy a pre-made solution (though I can't recommend any because I've never tried it) or you can make it yourself! And it's super easy - it's all done in less than an hour and it'll last you probably for the entire duration of your diapering of a child. My first batch lasted me almost 20 months, and that's with diapering 2 kids for 5 of those months! So it goes a loooooooooooong way! Read below on how to make it yourself!

A special shout out to Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil for sponsoring the giveaway prize in this post.  Enter to win a jar of your own after the recipe! I love coconut oil, it has so many uses (check out my recipe for banana bread using coconut oil) and it has many health benefits. Coconut oil, in the cloth diapering application, is extremely useful to keep on hand as a rash cream 

and I love using it in my soap bits recipe. 

You will need:

1 bar of Dr. Bonner's Castille Soap (I like the lavender scented)
1/4 c of Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil
6 drops of Melaleuca Essential Oil (also known a Tea Tree Oil)
water



Directions:
1. Using a cheese shredder, grate the bar of soap into a bowl. Transfer into a medium sized pot. 
2. Add coconut oil and Melaleuca.
3. Add water until the soap is covered.
4. Heat at medium-low and stir occasionally. It will begin to clump, but as the water evaporates and the soap heats up it will all become one big lump.
5. Pour into a parchment paper lined baking dish. Allow to slightly cool at room temperature and cut into small pieces (about the size of your thumb nail). Finish it off by cooling it quickly in the freezer until it is completely solid. They'll break apart easily. Store in tupperware or ziplock baggie a cool, dry place.

To make soap solution for your cloth wipes, you will use 4 cups of boiling water to one bit. Boil the water, pour into your desired container (I have a 4 cup Pyrex cup that I reserve for this) and add the bit. Stir a little to help incorporate it. It will not bubble, it will just become slightly soapy water. Pour this mixture over your cloth wipes until they are as wet as you'd like them to be. I like to keep about a day's worth of cloth wipes (about 8-10) in my wipes warmer and refill in the early morning so that we don't have issues with mildew.

Learn more what what is coconut oil, 

more uses for coconut oil and 

buy coconut oil.

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Your clicking on these links helps support my family & this blog - purchasing through these links is no additional cost to you but if you purchase something then I get a little kickback. Makes sense, I'm telling you about how awesome it is, right? So thanks for stopping by :)  I am a Tropical Traditions customer, and while they are providing a free product to giveaway, I was under no obligation to write a positive review. 

Joanna Monger Photography: Greater Seattle area Photographer

You know that quiet awkwardness you sometimes see in portraits? How your smile is strained, your eyes are just a little fake and your entire posture is so stiff and unnatural? That's because you're trying to show a very personal side of yourself to a complete stranger. Portraits are hard work! 

Shortly after Ruby was born, I had the pleasure of working with Joanna Monger, of Joanna Monger Photography, to take our family portraits. I was a little worried as I was preparing for this event. To call Penny "shy" in new situations is a severe understatement. She was at a very insecure stage; she would cling to me and completely shut down in new situations.  I knew that it would show in a picture that she's uncomfortable. Her comfort level was extremely important to me, but getting a family picture with our new addition was too. I knew this was going to be a very difficult task.

Joanna and I met in January when she was at the tail end of her pregnancy with her second son and I was in my 3rd trimester with Ruby. We initially started out meeting for coffee but ended up at the local burger joint - what a sight we two pregnant gals must have been! We chatted for a couple hours about our two businesses and how we anticipate the addition of second children would be. Not too long after our meeting, she had her precious little boy and a few months later Ruby followed suit.

Ruby was a fresh 13 days old when we visited Joanna at her home studio. In addition to the challenge of getting my toddler to be at ease for the photo shoot, we asked Joanna for the trifecta of a photography session - newborn, sister and a family portrait session all into one sitting. We approached our appointment with caution and hoped for just one great photo. Just one is all I ask for!

As soon as we arrived I could tell that Penny wasn't completely at ease. Her eyes roamed around Joanna's studio, eagerly searching for something to play with. Joanna quickly brought out necklaces, boas and a toddler sized rocking chair. She got down to Penny's level and simply introduced herself. Imagine my shock at how quickly Penny warmed up to her! Words couldn't describe how much it meant to me that this woman knew exactly what to do. It has to be a mom thing, because within a few minutes Penny saw the environment as comfortable and safe...and as we all know, if the toddler is happy - everyone is happy!

Getting along with Joanna was so easy, and that clearly shows in her photography. You can see the genuine smile on our faces - because even our eyes are happy. She caught so many wonderful moments in our studio session and my entire family was comfortable while she was working with us.  Joanna also made sure that I was getting the breaks that I needed to either sit down or nurse Ruby, and took advantage of the few minutes of just Adam and Penny to take very sweet Father/Daughter portraits too.

When it was time for Ruby's newborn session, we sent Adam and Penny home so that we don't have to worry about keeping the toddler content and quiet. I gave my new little lovebug a nice top off of milk and attempted to get her into that sleepy newborn state that everyone loves for their newborn photography.

...Well, Miss Ruby had other ideas. She wasn't letting me put her down so that we could take adorable swaddled poses! Eeek! After a few attempts with only being able to catch a millisecond of snooze time, Joanna suggested that we try taking some pictures of her nestled in my arms. Those pictures ended up being my favorite...

It's so hard to believe that this tiny little girl is now 4 months old and is rolling around, pulling toys to her mouth and will be sitting up before I know it. Looking back at these precious images reminds me just how fleeting these moments are. Thanks Joanna! 

If you're in the greater Seattle area, don't wait! Joanna offers several styles of photography to fit what you're looking for. She offers maternity, glamour/boudoir, family, studio or in home sessions for newborn portraits, and she's currently booking 2015 seniors (better hurry!). She also has a fun "Baby's First Year" program, which documents their first year with sessions as a newborn, 6 month and 12 month old. 

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JBF Consignment Sale: Everett Spring 2014 Edition: Are you READY?!

Do you know what my top tip is for parents to save money? It's not skimping on the occasional family outings and it's definitely not cutting back on a food budget. It's not paying full price for things that can easily be reused. Like clothes. Especially children's clothes!

Not all used clothing stores and sales are created equal - there are some that let anything through the door and there are others that are a little too picky. My experience is that the Just Between Friends Consignment Sales events are the best bang for your buck. Each location generally holds 2-3 sales per year and are season specific. Today I'm sharing with you about the next Just Between Friends of Everett Spring Sale, which will be held in my town of Monroe at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds.

Why is JBF just so awesome, you might ask?

• JBF sales carry a range of clothing and products that will suit families from pregnancy (gear and maternity clothing), the newborn stage all the way through teens. I've even seen some high school formal dresses show up at sales - only worn once and maybe a season old. 
• Each sale will have sometimes hundreds of consignors - that's a huge pool of items to draw from!
• You can expect to save 50-90% off of retail prices
• Volunteers inspect each of the items before they go on the sales floor; ensuring there are no stains, holes, missing pieces or have a safety recall.
• If you are a volunteer or consignor you get special perks such as early access to the sales floor or a higher percentage of return for your consigned items!
• Each sale is franchised and locally owned, so the money you spend is returning to your community. Local vendors are also featured at each sale and you can support local businesses by checking them out too!
• Get 50% off on the final day of the sale!
• Be green by buying used clothes, toys and gear that are in great condition - all they're missing is that silly price tag.

I've had the chance to shop at the Just Between Friends of Everett sale twice now and each time the event just gets bigger and BIGGER! Because of the awesome selection of clothing and items at this sale I've been able to condense my spending budget to primarily shopping for my children's clothes twice a year, with very few "full price purchases" at big retailers throughout the year. Because the sales are seasonal, you can plan ahead and get that Easter outfit early (and at a great discount!) or pick up birthday presents for your kids, nieces and nephews within the next 6 months. Because of this tactic I can't even begin to guess how much money we've saved over the last two years, but I'm sure it is in the thousands.

Have I convinced you that JBF is the way to go for shopping for your kids?  Here comes the fun part! Seattle area mamas, this deal is for you. Just Between Friends of Everett, a special group of local bloggers and The Pierogie Mama want to have YOU shop early at the JBF of Everett 2014 Spring Event! The public sale is April 4-6, but we've put together some amazing prizes to get YOU shopping early!

This giveaway will end with 4 winners -the prizes up for grabs are:
(2) Prime Time Passes + $5 JBF Bucks - these lucky winners will get to shop first on Thursday 4/3/14 3:30PM - 8PM and each have $5 spending cash to get your savings smorgasbord started!
(2) Presale Passes  - Jump in on the sales on 4/3/14 between 5pm - 8pm.

The following morning on Friday 4/4/14 through Sunday 4/6/14 the public sale opens up. See the full calendar to get the details.

Ready to get your thrifty shop on? Enter in the giveaway widget below, and be sure to check back here on the evening of 4/3 to see what I snagged and what could be in store for you for the rest of the weekend!

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Have you been to a Just Between Friends sale before? 

What was your proud score?

Be Social: Follow Just Between Friends Everett via

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Disclosure: This post was sponsored by JBF Everett. The Pierogie Mama and participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is not associated in any way with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Google. Winners will be contacted via email ONLY and will have their prize waiting for them at check-in for the JBF Everett Spring Sale Event.

What Should I Bring to the Birth Center?

Delivering in a stand alone birth center is different than delivering in a hospital for several reasons, in my experience. In Washington State you typically are discharged from the birth center 4-5 hours post partum. If you and baby are completely healthy and fine, there's no reason to stay any longer. For my first birth I was a little anxious about being sent home so quickly (especially knowing that many of my friends stayed at the hospital for 2-3 days), but found that after 3 hours I was more or less ready to get settled in my own bed at home. It would be quieter and I would have everything I prepared at my finger tips.

For this reason, my birth bags are really minimal. Everything for myself, husband and newborn fit into a carry-on luggage. I packed it at 37 weeks and kept it in the back of my car, along with extra towels (in case of early waters or for the ride home).

For mama:

• Warm, comfy robe
• Warm socks and slippers
• Labor clothes (sports bra, swim suit, skirt / pants)
• After birth clothes - loose, comfy pants, nursing tank, zip up sweat shirt, Nuroo pocket (I am so excited to share my review once Ruby is born!)
• Breastfeeding gear: cloth nursing pads, Motherlove Herbals Nipple Cream
• If you wear contacts try to remember to remove them during labor and bring your glasses, I didn't want my tears to flood my eyes and leave me completely blind.
• Something to pull your hair/bangs back with
• chap stick, deodorant, face cream - just a few small items that will help you begin to feel yourself and refreshed once you come down from your amazing high!

A great idea that I came across from Ooops I Craft My Pants was to make post partum padsicles ahead of time! For these I simply poured witch hazel onto some disposable pads. I will be using Deerfoot Herbs Post Partum Sitz Bath solution for a few relaxing baths as well as will be making the switch to Mamacloth post partum cloth pads (review soon!).

For dad:

• Change of clothes, swim trunks
• Cell charger, cell phone, camera
• That Mama Gretchen also made the great suggestion of his favorite snacks for the daddy birth bag- because the marathon of labor is tough on Daddy too!

For baby:

• Coming home outfit (probably the hardest decision for me to make! I packed 3 different outfits..)
• Coconut oil to rub on their bottom to help the meconium slide off easily
• 1-2 diapers
• Swaddling blanket
• Car seat, extra blanket
• Hat

Food:

• I loved coconut water during labor. So refreshing and hydrating!
• Fruits
• PBJ sandwich
• Fruit juice popcicles
• Trailmix
• Broth (I keep bone broth frozen in ice cube form) 
• Applesauce

What did you pack in your birth bag?

A Few of My Favorite Things: Cloth Diaper Edition (Review & Giveaways!)

Welcome to the Favorite Things Giveaway Hop, hosted by the Cloth Diaper Revival. 

Each blogger participating has a great cloth diaper prize for you to win, worth at least $20, so after you enter mine, be sure to hop around to all the others in the linky!  Don’t forget to enter to win one the GRAND PRIZE for the event!
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Oprah gets to giveaway some of her favorite things, right? So here's your chance to win some of mine!

1 Funky Fluff Bamboo Fusion 2.0 cloth diaper 

This diaper saved my (well, Penny's mostly) butt for night time. We were beginning to go through a phase where it seemed like anything and everything leaked throughout the night and then I got to try the original version of Funky Fluff Bamboo Fusion diapers. Worked like a charm! Then I got the opportunity to review the revamped 2.0 Fusion diaper and was just as pleased!

1 10lb box of Country Save Detergent

At the beginning of cloth diapering, I gave several brands a shot. Country Save has withstood the test of time and our diapers have consistently remained clean and a 10 lb box lasts me a LONG time. In the almost 23 months of cloth, we've probably gone through about 4 10 lb boxes; and that includes at least 75% of our clothes being washed with this detergent too!

Doodle Pants

Every mom wants her little cuties in adorable outfits, right? I first discovered Doodle Pants because they make cloth diaper friendly leggings, which we absolutely adore! You will get a chance to win 2 pairs of Doodle Pants leggings. Now they've come out with a line of clothing to coordinate with some of their most popular styles of leggings! I can't wait to share pictures of Penny in her Pink Monster outfit.

1 box with 6 Woolzies Wool Dryer Balls
Woolzies Wool Dryer Balls have been essential in my laundry regime. They've cut down on my drying time, are all natural and mean ZERO fabric softener or dryer sheet use! That's been a huge help in making sure that our cloth diapers have zero build up. Learn more about how Woolzies wool dryer balls save money.

$20 egift certificate to Irresistibly Green
Now it's your turn to get you get one of your favorite things, or try something new! The Irresistibly Green family has so much to offer; from cloth diapers to skin care to something for the home. They even have a great bargain bin to stretch your dollar further!

Enter here!

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Disclosure: The Pierogie Mama, Cloth Diaper Revival and the Favorite Things participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations. This post contains affiliate links.

Babymoon at Salish Lodge and Spa #seattle

"Just had the best night's rest I have had in YEARS. Must have been the 30 minute mineral soak, 
hour massage and delicious food right before bed, falling asleep to the sound of a crackling fire. 
EVERY pregnant mama deserves this in her 3rd trimester! 
Had an amazing babymoon at Salish Lodge with my handsome hubby"

That was the status update I posted on my personal facebook account after checking out of Salish Lodge and Spa about a week ago. Seriously - blissed out. 

We booked our 3rd trimester babymoon at Salish Lodge and Spa because they offer a special package for expectant parents that in my opinion really hits the mark. Having lived in the Seattle area my whole life, I had heard about how amazing this hotel was; I was not prepared for exactly how true this really was. 

Let's start from the beginning.  As I pulled up into the driveway a valet greeted me, took my bags and parked my car. By the time I reached the lobby (read: waddled), the concierge had my reservation pulled up. I guess the big ole belly gave me away. Minutes later, we were in our room; the bags had beat us there. 

We walked into a gorgeous, tastefully Pacific Northwest themed room that had rose petals spread over the king sized bed, French sparkling cider (read: not Martinellis!) chilling with a little stuffie for our impending bundle. The room also featured a balcony, a set of plush robes and slippers, two closets, a real wood fireplace, a Keurig with coffee and tea amenities. This waterbirth mama specifically drooled over the bathroom - a two person jetted tub with a peek through window that allows you to enjoy the fireplace from the tub. Everything felt so luxurious and relaxing, it was honestly very difficult to leave the following morning after resting in this oasis for a night. 

After we settled in and marveled over this really well appointed room Adam and I met with Greg Prescott, the Rooms Division Manager for a personalized tour of the hotel. Yes, being a blogger has its perks! :) Greg shared some of the most impressive highlights of the hotel as a business and vacation destination for locals and travelers alike.

The hotel has two restaurants on site. While they are extremely different from each other as far as their ambiance, the quality of service remains the same. Their sit down style restaurant is Falls Terrace, which is quiet and very personal. You will find over a thousand wine labels on their list; not kidding. You can order anything from the standard house wine to the once in a lifetime 1950's Bordeaux. Oh, and then there is the best table in the house - which offers 180 degree views of the waterfalls.

One of the many things I loved that Greg shared with us was exactly how connected Salish Lodge is to the Pacific Northwest community and their commitment to sustainability. They work with many local vendors to bring in the freshest, tastiest ingredients and products to their clients, but they're also doing the legwork on one other important part. In 2011 they began a small apiary with 4 beehives. This year they have brought it up to 12 hives and produce 2,400 pounds of organic honey a year. The honey is used throughout the hotel, from their dinner menu and spa, to their private selection of Salish Honey Ale and Salish Honey flavored Vodka and wine. Sweet deliciousness aside, the bees and their honey serve an important role in our environment - locally and globally. 

After our tour we checked into Salish's spa. The babymoon package includes massage treatments for both mama and daddy and I was READY for some relaxation. We first soaked in their two mineral pools - this was the perfect way to start my evening. You mamas know how few and far between quiet, relaxing baths are and this hit the spot. We sipped chocolate orange tea, relaxed to the sound of rushing water from the waterfall (and laughed at just how buoyant I am!) and were gently escorted to our treatment rooms.

I had the Mellow Mama massage (featuring Mama Mio products) and Adam had a relaxing tranquility massage. My therapist propped me and my belly on my side so that I'd be comfortable for the entire hour and got to work immediately. She checked in often to make sure that I was comfortable, but otherwise it was an hour of quiet, deep relaxation and wonderful work on some really tired mama muscles. Lifting and carrying a toddler during your 3rd trimester definitely takes a toll on your body, and it was nice getting those kinks worked out. After our hour apart, we met up in the 'recovery room' with huge, euphoric smiles on our faces. A comment that Adam made was that he was really surprised at how we weren't greasy at all when we came out; our skin had a really easy time absorbing the oils but left us feeling very glowy. 

Massages make this mama hungry so our next stop was a late dinner at The Attic - the second restaurant on the property. Here we found a more relaxed, lounge style atmosphere, where you can choose to sit at a table by the window or in any of their comfortable couches. Their claim to fame here is their wood fire pizza oven. Their pizzas are anything but the standard fare (though you can get a cheese or pepperoni pizza if you want!). We started with their baked clams (which featured chorizo in the broth, Adam insists that I now figure out how to make this at home!).

For dinner I ordered a pear and fig pizza (Salish Honey Fig Spread, Caramelized Onions, Prosciutto, Arugula, Bleu Cheese) and Adam ordered a shaved beef sandwich with a glass of the Honey Ale. Both were prepared to perfection - the dough and bread were soft, the pizza toppings and Adam's sandwich were perfectly paired with each other. Great food is always the perfect setting for the best conversations, in my book. 

We retired to our room, Adam started a cozy fire in their real fireplace (Salish has over 90 wood burning fireplaces!) and we sipped our sparkling cider. Later, I woke up around midnight to realize that we had probably fallen asleep mid-sentence and the fire was still crackling happily away. Big sigh of contentment. 

The next morning I got to do something that I haven't done in years...I sat in their library, sipped tea and read the paper for several hours, in front of yet another fire. 

Was this all a dream or did it really happen? Thankfully I have photographic evidence to prove that indeed, it did. If I can be promised a babymoon like this every time I'm pregnant, sign me up for 10 more kids please!

The biggest impression that Adam and I left with when checking out was how Salish Lodge and Spa proactively seeks the continuous improvement of their guests' experience. No, I didn't copy that from their website - that's straight from my genius husband's mouth. In addition to the connection that Salish Lodge has with its community to keep business local and provide sustainability, the guest leaves the hotel feeling like they were truly cared for during their stay. Everything was thought of ahead of time, down to having a screen door on your balcony so that you can sleep with the doors open on a summer night. What hotel thinks of that?

A few tips for you if you plan on staying at the lodge...

• Purposefully forget your laptop, tablet, whatever at home. They do offer free wifi, but seriously. Check out.
• Bring a camera to see the falls.
• Plan to spend a lot of time in your room. Even if you don't schedule anything in their spa, the rooms come in at a close second for relaxation. 
• Visit their Country Store. It's cute, has a ton of their honey products, you can take home a bottle of their Honey Ale beer or signature wine and a good variety of other things.
• Show up for their morning beverage service and afternoon tea and cookies in The Library. The fire will be stoked and ready for you :)
• Come midweek - my biggest tip. We stayed on a Monday night and it felt like we had everything to ourselves. We got to choose the best seats in The Attic and there weren't many tourists at the Falls when I went for a hike the next morning. 

What to expect with their signature babymoon package:

• Rose petals, sparkling cider and baby gift
• Special pregnancy pillow for the mother-to-be, to be enjoyed during her stay
• Two 50-minute Salish Signature spa treatments of the couple's choice (I had the Mellow Mama)
• $50 dining credit in The Attic

All in all, Seattle friends, this is one place where you do need to stay at least once - don't mistake this for "just another a tourist retreat!"

Find out more about Salish Lodge and Spa

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Disclosure: Thank you, Salish Lodge and Spa for hosting my babymoon through accommodation, meals and massage. All opinions are my own, though I wouldn't share about this amazing hotel if I didn't think you'd love it as much as we did!

Yummy sandwiches in a "JIF"

 I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Jif. 

I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Lately grilled sandwiches have been my thing. Grilled cheese + tomato soup is always a great standby, but something about this pregnant belly of mine craves all sorts of grilled, buttery, crispy goodnesses.

A current favorite? A grilled Jif Hazelnut spread sandwich with sliced strawberries. Can hazelnut, chocolate and strawberries be a more perfect combination or what?!

Did you know that Jif Peanut Butter holds an annual Most Creative Sandwich Contest every year? If your household has a kids between the ages of 6-12 you can submit your original sandwich recipe (has to include two tablespoons of your favorite Jif products) and you can have a chance to win a $25,000 college fund and a trip to New York City! Be sure to read more about the Jif Most Creative Sandwich contest. Last year's Tropical Fantasy runner up sandwich is on my to-do list ASAP. 

What are your favorite Jif products to use in a sandwich or for lunch?

Disclosure:  I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Jif. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Bamboobies: Best for Breasts!

You don't have to be a Pierogie Mama reader for long to know that I'm passionate about breastfeeding. If you can and have the desire to do it, more power to you! I believe that breastfeeding is making a huge comeback in our generation and proper education and support are a big factor on this.

One of my all time favorite boobie products has been Bamboobies. When I first started breastfeeding, I battled a lot of really uncomfortable issues - ligaments that needed stretching, I thought I was getting vasospasms, the typical soreness/cracking/dryness that many mamas experience. In addition, there was the leaking. Some of my post-lactating mama friends passed on their almost empty boxes of breast pads for me to try out. Maybe these pads worked well for them, but those suckers stuck to me so bad and pulling them off was like ripping off a scab each time. Not exaggerating. Oh, and of course, the appearance of being a biscuit smuggler was always so attractive. I was thankfully introduced to Bamboobies very quickly and learned that breastpads can be luxurious and no one has to know you're wearing them. HALLELUAH!

But what is the third most important factor of a good breastpad? Leak proof. Doesn't matter if it's comfy or hidden. It just plain has to work. Ladies, Bamboobies work. I did a small test to see exactly how much water it would take to soak into a Bamboobies breastpad before it showed up on the other side.

3 1/2 tsp of liquid before these beauties leak! Amazing! I can tell you from personal experience that it takes way less than 3 1/2 tsp of liquid to soak through disposables. Also keep in mind once you get past the initial engorgement stage, your letdown should ease up as your body acclimates to how much milk to produce for your baby so leaks will become less of an issue.

And of course, being a cloth diapering mama, my favorite part is buying once and never having to buy again. No running to the store because you're out. Just pop these in the wash (I stuck mine in a small lingerie bag to make sure they didn't get sucked up) and they're as good as new. As I prepare for Pierogie #2, I'm stocking up on these beauties!

Bamboobies also offers thicker overnight pads, different bundles and gift packs, nursing wear and Boob-ease products to help soothe your girls in the early days.

Want to know one more thing about just how awesome Bamboobies is? Pierogie Mama readers get 20% off at checkout by using the discount code PIER20! WOOOOAHH! A pack of 2 sets of regular nursing pads is $16.99. You can also buy them on Amazon and Babies r Us.

And I lied. There is one more awesome thing.. Bamboobies is partnering with The Pierogie Mama for a $25 Bamboobies gift certificate giveaway starting on Oct 22. Mind = blown. Make sure we're friends on Facebook and on BlogLovin' so that you don't miss out!

Keep up with Bamboobies via Facebook, Twitter, their blog and online store. 

And a parting secret tip - keeping in touch has some definite perks. 

Bamboobies fans are the first to know about their very awesome freebie offers 

that only come once or twice a year.

Motherlove Preggie, Boobie and Bottom cream review

Motherlove Herbal Company has a customer for life in me!

Motherlove Herbal Company makes the commitment for all of their products being environmentally responsible and organic wherever possible - both of the creams I am reviewing today are 100% organic.

By loving mothers and providing safe, high quality products with superb ingredients, Motherlove Herbal Company helps support a healthy pregnancy, comfortable post partum recovery and successful breastfeeding relationship. For any stage of the new mama, you can find a product from Motherlove Herbal Company that can fit you. They carry breast milk supplements, creams and oils for your and baby's skin, and products for those sensitive mama areas too.

Today I'm going to share my experience with 3 of their products - their pregnant belly salve, nipple cream and diaper rash/thrush cream.

Motherlove Pregnant Belly Salve
I was so surprised when I didn't get any stretch marks during my pregnancy with Penny. I joked that I already had stretched out that skin when I put on my freshman ... something ... in college ;) But even though I don't have scarring, the changes a mama's skin goes through during pregnancy and postpartum still deserves extra care. We're talking about changes in collagen, elasticity and OMG the itching. I'm only 14 weeks along and I've already had some major itchy episodes. But I keep my jar of salve close by, and if I'm on the ball I automatically slather up after my shower, and it helps soothe my belly skin in no time.

Motherlove Nipple Cream
The early days of breastfeeding are not easy for many moms. I had a few struggles in the beginning that I'm thankful to have overcome. One thing that I hated to have to worry about was "is this safe for my little one?" I was given a few left over packages of different products from other mamas who were done nursing and found that quite a few 'mainstream' nipple products recommend wiping yourself off of whatever product you applied before nursing - how backwards is that? Especially in the very early days of breastfeeding, there was no way I was going to wipe my boobs - they were just too sore. The point of these products was to help me you more comfortable, and doing an extra wipe was not going to happen.

Luckily, one of those knowledgeable mamas also got me set up with a cute little blue jar of Motherlove Nipple cream. Oh, thank heaven! In comparison to lanolin (which I had used as well), it was so silky to apply. Best of all - you don't have to remove it prior to nursing. YES! All of the ingredients are safe for baby and organic. This cream healed the ugliest of breastfeeding hard knocks - cracks, scabs and soreness of all kinds.

Motherlove Diaper rash / thrush cream
To date this is still my favorite cream for Penny. Just like other Motherlove products, this is made with the safest ingredients and is also cloth diaper safe. Even though Penny is cloth diapered, sometimes the poor dear will still get a little red so after a nice warm bath I like to apple some of the cream and condition her skin. When using this cream she always clears up in less than a day. I definitely recommend it for your diaper table (and medicine drawer - it works great on owies of all kinds).

Check out Motherlove Herbal Company on Facebook, Twitter. 

Guess what? You have a chance to win a set of 

Motherlove Pregnant Belly Salve and Nipple Cream 

The Pierogie Mama's #readytopop Labor Day giveaway! Enter here.

Don't miss out by following me on Facebook, Twitter, via email or BlogLovin'!

Disclosure: Thank you Motherlove Herbal Company 

for providing me with products to facilitate this review. I've loved you from the beginning of Penny's life and am excited to continue the journey with Pierogie #2.  

All opinions expressed and words are my own.