Reviewing Citrus Lane: The July “Bon Voyage” Box

Let me start out by saying that I was extremely excited for this month’s box. Within the next few weeks Jack will be taking his first plane trip to Chicago and also spending a week down in Ocean City on the beach with my family.

The July “Bon Voyage” box from Citrus Lane!

When I found out that the theme for July was “Bon Voyage” with the goal of making traveling with your baby both easier and more fun, I may have yelled out “Wheeheewww” in the office and then had to explain myself to my boss.

Citrus Lane did something new this month and released a YouTube video review of the box before it was shipped.

I think that the video was really cool and a neat idea, but in my opinion they should have waited to post it until a week after they shipped the boxes out. Part of the fun is the anticipation of receiving the box in the mail and then the surprise of what goodies are inside. I tried really hard to resist watching the video, but gave in and was totally disappointed in myself afterwards. It was like finding all your Christmas gifts in the closet the week before Christmas – it totally takes away the fun of Christmas Eve!

The June box arrived at my house a few days ago and here is what I found:

Nom, nom, nom…Hippo likes baby food!

• Tiny Love Harry Hippo Stroller Toy ($7.99 value) This is a really cute little stroller toy and when you pull on its string it does a little wiggle. I already have a few different stroller toys, but this one is a bit more compact. I will definitely be taking this on the plane and using the (much more awesome than usual) clip to attach it to the seat in front of us.

Potter thinks that the bracelet is really cool, but not really his mommy’s style. Isn’t it weird how both me and my dog think alike?

• Chewbeads Bangle ($14.50 value) Hmm… A bit of a mixed reaction on this. I really, really like that they included something for the mommy, which is also useful for a teething baby (it’s made of 100% silicone for chewing). It’s not really my style to wear normally, but if Jack likes it than I can try it out. However, since Jack was sleeping during today’s photo shoot, Potter got his chance to admire the bracelet.

• California Baby Travel Set ($7.50 value and 10% off code) I’m familiar with the California Baby brand because my doctor recently recommended it for their baby sunscreen. The brand is pretty expensive, but since Jack is a preemie, it makes sense to use the best stuff possible (especially because you’re not even supposed to use sunscreen on your child until they are 6 months old). This month’s box includes shampoo/body wash, lotion and diaper rash cream in the perfect sizes to throw in our suitcase.

• On-the-Go Baby Laundry Detergent ($1.99 value) Now this came in PERFECT timing for our trip! I’m hoping to not have to do any laundry on any of our upcoming trips, but if I do these little packets are perfect for washing yucky clothes in the sink. I will definitely be throwing a couple packets in while packing.

• Me4Kidz Diaper Bag Buddy ($5.95 value)This is a pretty awesome little kit – it contains: disposable diaper trash bags, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer, latex free bandages, organic tush wipes, single use thermometer, and a coupon for wipes. And look how tiny it is — not only can you keep it in your diaper bag, it easily fits in a purse or even your glove compartment!

Look how tiny!

• Ella’s Kitchen Organic Baby Food Stage 1 ($1.69 value) Jack started food a week or so ago (so far his favorite is green beans) and I’ve been keeping my eyes open for good baby food options. I plan on making some myself, but still need some pre-packaged stuff to use when traveling. This pouch is 100% organic fruits and vegetables with no additives. The best part, no refrigeration is required, so they’re perfect to keep in the diaper bag for emergencies.

• Sincerely Inc – 10 Free Postagrams ($10.00 value) I’m going to consider this the only thing I’m not too excited about. In theory it sounds nice, using a free Postagram app you can turn your photos into printed, personalized postcards right from your phone. I just don’t know if I’d actually bother to use this. I guess only time will tell!

So, was this month’s box worth it?
Yes.

I didn’t have any “oh my gosh I love this sooo much” moments like I did with the hat, book and teething toy from the May box. However, I think most of what we received will come in handy over the next couple months. Best of off, it contains things that I wouldn’t have necessarily bought myself, but seem fun to try out. So, I’ll consider that another win Citrus Lane!

One thing I’d like to see in the future though – it would be great if they could let us know the next month’s theme when we receive our box. That way we can get excited and keep that anticipation going a little longer!

Here’s my typical disclosure: I was not rewarded by Citrus Lane for reviewing their box on my blog. I review the boxes, because I feel like other mom’s would be interested in seeing what they’ll get if they sign up for the monthly service.

HOWEVER, if you decide that you would like to sign up for your own
subscription and use my link, I will receive credits on my account. As an added bonus to my fabulous readers, you can get 10% off the cost of any subscription (normal cost $25 each month). You’ll save $7.50 on three months, $12.50 on six months, or $25 on twelve months. To redeem the deal, click on my link and enter the word SPRINGFUN when checking out.

Check out my other Citrus Lane box reviews:
March 2012: Dining Out
May 2012: Fun in the Sun
June 2012: Little Artists

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2 Goofballs & a Baby… on a Plane

I love to travel.

Not just love it, fully LOVE IT!*

I daydream about the trip, figure out what to do in the area, plan out my packing list like a military strategy, and wake up the morning of the trip with a sloshy stomach of anticipation.

It doesn’t really matter whether it is a family cruise, road trip to the beach, or a work conference, I fully enjoy leaving town to mix up my days. I especially enjoy staying in a snazzy hotel somewhere for a full change of scenery and have gotten my packing list streamlined down to a reusable excel spreadsheet.

Which is all well and good, but what do you do when you add a baby to the mix?

I have a wonderful opportunity to go to a week-long conference for work. It will not only be a super educational workshop that will benefit the work side of my brain, it is also in Chicago… a place I’ve never visited. And I freaking love going to new places!

However, I have a 5 month old baby. I guess I could leave him home with my husband, but I have a feeling that my sweetie’s head might implode if he had to work 12 hour days, take care of the baby every night and then do it over again with no help. So, I decided to bring Jack with me.

No, I’m not going to stick him in my Baby Bjorn during the daily presentations and scribble notes over his head. I’m bringing one of the awesomest friends in all the land, Lindsay, to hang out with Jack while I’m in class. Then, once my presentations are done each day we can go out and have fun – exploring the city and finding fun places to eat.

I’m actually totally looking forward to the trip, since it’s kind of like a mini girl’s vacation. And last time we did that we had such an amazing time we ended up coming home with an unplanned tattoo and piercings. Oopsie.

But as much as I’m looking forward to the trip, I’m also a little bit intimidated because I’ve never traveled with a baby. This will be our first overnight trip away from home AND our first plane ride. Jack is typically a pretty awesome baby, but I have to assume that at some point he’s going to freak out and I’m just waiting for that day.

I’m pretty comfortable grabbing Jack up and going out the door for a full day of stuff, so I’m trying really hard to keep it in my mind that it shouldn’t be too much harder than that. Right? Or am I totally insane?

Anyways, here are my initial thoughts on how I’m going to do this and keep my sanity at the same time:

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
My diaper bag is usually pretty well stocked, but I’m going to make sure to have a couple extra onesies, diapers/wipes, and bottles ready to go in case I need to be quick-draw-Joules and whip them out at a moment’s notice. We’re going to be checking the stroller and car seat at the gate, so I got one of those car seat bags to keep it clean while it’s under the plane. I’ve requested a crib for the hotel room and plan to confirm that again the day before we arrive.

This is Jack having a happy dance party. Notice the smizing eyes, pursed lips and flailing blurry hands. This is the opposite of how I want him to appear when other people get on the plane!

Be THAT girl
I’m flying Southwest, so we will be seated by rows based on our boarding group. I know that families with children are typically able to board first and we plan to use that to our advantage. If the flight isn’t full, Lindsay and I are going to spread out on the window and end seat of a row leaving one seat in between us. When other passengers see me with Jack on my lap in the end seat, they’ll just keep on walking. NOBODY wants to sit near a baby on a plane! Hmmm…maybe I can time his morning bottle so that he’s really grumpy when the plane is loading up…

Let’s be Low Maintenance
I plan on changing Jack’s diaper right before we board the plane. Since it’s only a 2 hour flight, he should be fine for the duration without any awkward mini bathroom changing sessions. Of course, if a random blowout occurs, all bets are off.

Figure Out How Much to Pack
I’m going to try really hard to just have one large suitcase for me and Jack to share. With wrestling a baby, stroller/car seat, carry on diaper bag, and more through the airport, having more than one bag might put me over the edge. However, just the amount of diapers, wipes and formula needed are kind of freaking me out. I’m planning to call the hotel and find out how far the nearest Rite Aid/Walgreens/Whatever store is so that I can just pick up a pack of diapers and wipes while I’m there. It’s only 5 days, so I’m trying to keep it as streamlined as possible!

Bring Important Stuff
I know I have to bring Jack’s birth certificate in order for him to fly. I also will be bringing his favorite giraffe pacifier, bottles, dish detergent, a couple clip-on baby toys and his Baby Bjorn. Oh, and extra outfits for him too. But is there something else I’m forgetting?

My Secret Weapon
Whenever I start to get freaked out thinking of what could go wrong on the trip, I remember that Lindsay will be there! When I describe her as awesome, I fully mean it. Not only is she a great friend to me, she also makes my life easier by anticipating ways to help out before I even think of them. So if I wander away without my bright orange suitcase by my side because I’m too focused on how to find the shuttle bus while also looking for a Starbucks because I need a caffeine fix and oooh is that something shiny? I know that Lindsay has my back!

So I’m feeling mostly excited for the trip and a little bit unprepared too, but I think we’ll survive it. Do you have any tips or suggestions that will help our very first trip go smoothly?

Also, if you’ve been to Chicago, do you have any recommendations of fun stuff to do in the Magnificent Mile area? I mean, it’s called the MAGNIFICENT mile, so it must be pretty awesome, right?

Let me know your thoughts by commenting here, on my facebook page or tweet me at @JoulesDellinger.

*Imagine me staring at you with crazy eyes while forcibly saying LOVE IT. That’s kind of how it sounds in my head.

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Random Acts of Sadness

I was feeling a bit blue for the past few days for no reason.

And no, it had nothing to do with my blue feathers in my hair – har de har har.

I just felt kind of blegh as I trudged through life, which isn’t too typical of me. Usually I can let the bad roll off and go back to my happy self pretty quickly. It may have been a moody thing or perhaps the 10 different tiny things currently weighing on my mind merged together to overwhelm me.

Either way, I was feeling down with life when the perfect phrase came to mind. I loved it so much that I scribbled it down on a piece of paper in my car:

Struggling Against the Confines of Motherhood

Don’t get me wrong. I love Jack with a fierce mama bear kind of love that just keeps growing every day. We totally planned for him and are absolutely freaking thrilled that he’s here with us in our lives. He’s a pretty easy baby (most of the time) who we bring with us everywhere – restaurants, shopping, wine festivals…you name it. He’s even sleeping through the night most nights (he still likes to test me every couple weeks by waking up at 3am a few nights in a row), so I’m back on a normal person sleeping schedule.

With all that said, he’s still our responsibility 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And sometimes, it feels a little bit overwhelming.

Now, before you respond with “Now Joules, you knew that kids were hard work before you had one,” let me respond with: I KNOW! And I knew what I was getting myself into. And I LOVE my baby.

But sometimes it would be nice to have just a teeny little bit of time to myself.

Now I do go to work four days each week, where someone else is taking care of Jack. I fully understand that stay-at-home-mom’s don’t have that luxury to get out of the house. However, when I’m at work I’m pretty much working hard and not off on my own getting a pedicure or something. Since Jack came home from the hospital, I have literally had one day on my own to do what I wanted all by myself.  And in truth, it wasn’t even a whole day – I went to a movie (The Hunger Games) and Homegoods with a friend and then returned home.

So, when I say struggling against the confines of motherhood – I mean that sometimes I do feel like I’ve suddenly been bound into a life of being “Mom” all the time. And a little piece of me wants to run. Just run off on my own for a little bit.

Anyways, I shook my blueness and I’m back to normal now. But I do realize that sometimes I really do need to give myself a break. I’m going to a conference all by myself for a couple days at the beginning of August, and I plan to fully revel in that empty hotel room. Of course, I’ll probably be calling my husband and baby every two hours, because the whole other side is greener thing.

Of course, it still wouldn’t hurt to line up a babysitter so that my husband and I could have a day to ourselves…

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