Delicious Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt

I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour conducted by Clever Girls on behalf of Dannon. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program but my opinions are my own.

For more information and recipe ideas, visit www.oikosyogurt.com or www.Facebook.com/oikos. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.




For the past six months I've been working hard at losing the last of my baby weight. I've been hitting the gym and/or running several times a week in addition to watching what I'm eating. By no means (at all) am I someone that completely deprives myself of food that I enjoy. I believe in moderation and eating food that tastes good, but is good for my body. Of course, as you all know, I'm also careful about feeding my children healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. Easy, healthy snacks are hard to come by.



When I was given the opportunity to review this yogurt I jumped at the chance. As soon I mentioned to the kids that they would get to try it too they were so excited (we usually make our own plain yogurt, so this was a special treat!). Dannon® Oikos® is created through an authentic Greek straining process which gives it a rich and creamy-thick texture. Dannon® Oikos® 0% varieties contain active yogurt cultures and range from 80 calories (Plain) to 130 calories (Fruit on the Bottom) per 5.3 oz. cup and is, well, de-licious!

This yogurt is the perfect, easy to grab snack for moms and kids (and anyone else, but the snacks around here are mostly for moms and kids). We tried Strawberry, Black Cherry, Peach, and Raspberry and they were all delicious. Peach being my personal favorite.

(Bonus- John Stamos is a part of their new advertising campaign. You can't go wrong there. Am I right?)



Have you tried Dannon® Oikos® Greek Yogurt yet? What did you think?

I Love Pleats!

Top- For Elyse, Skirt- Lulus.com, Slip- Vintage, Jewelry- Forever 21, Shoes- Urban Outfitters

I love (like, LOOOOVE) this Lulu's skirt. I'm definitely going to be wearing it a lot into the Fall and Winter. I used to have two distinct wardrobes- hot weather and cold weather and I would put one away as the seasons changed and pull the other out. I'm so glad I've now discovered the fine art of remixing clothing. Do you have two separate wardrobes or do you make things work throughout the year? What are some items that you'll be transitioning into the cool weather?

Also, isn't this the best retro building ever? When Eric and I were out of town for our anniversary we kept noticing all of the old-school retro building signs and commenting on how cool they were. Then, when we got back in town, we noticed that we have a lot of them around here, too. It's funny how many things you don't notice when you live in the same town your entire life (give or take six months)- this building being one of them.

Don't forget to enter to win the $40 Lulus.com shopping spree going on right now!

I'm linking up at The Pleated Poppy.

Recent Thrifted and Yard Sale Finds

This weekend I had a little bit of time to stop by a few yard sales and a thrift store. Last Summer I was went to yard-saling almost every weekend, but unfortunately, this was only my third time this Summer. I have hardly been thrifting at all, either. I know I've missed out on a lot of good stuff, but this weekend was successful!

This is just a handful of the items I got. I also found a few vintage scarves and blouses (the blouses totally remind me of the most recent Anthropologie catalogue, which I LOVE!), some wooden puzzles and a pair of binoculars for the boys. Eric found a few t-shirts (one vintage and one made from recycled materials).

Have you been thrifting and yard-saling lately? Have you found anything good? I love yard sales and thrift stores!

September Sponsorship Spots

Hi, friends! You still have a few more days to sponsor Mama Loves Papa for September. September marks the start of the holiday season here on the blog (I know, I know, it's still August!) and next month will be full of Fall style, projects, and tutorials. It's a great time to promote your blog, shop, or business!

I'm also (officially) open to the possibility of incorporating something from your shop or business in a Small Style or outfit post. If you have something you think I'd love, contact me. I'd love to review it and include it in a post!

For more information on sponsorships or other ways of working together you can email me at mamalovespapablog@gmail.com or visit this post.

Also, don't forget to enter the See Kai Run and Lulus.com giveaways going on right now.

Blogher Fashion and a Lulus.com GIVEAWAY

One of the (many) highlights of Blogher, for me, was wearing some gorgeous items from one of my favorite online shops, Lulus.com. The Lulu's website is full of SOO many great items and the best part is that they're all super affordable. You don't have to feel guilty buying two or three (or ten) things because you will find that many that you like. Trust me.


My favorite dress of the Summer- a maxi from Lulu's (better pictured here).
This was at the Haute Green party with Megan of Sorta Crunchy and Hanan of Lilac City Momma (photo via So Fawned, because I took absolutely none myself. Thanks Des!).


Dress c/o Lulu's, Purse- Forever 21
Here are some fabulous bloggers and I (Jenelle of Rella's Bella, Audrey of Putting Me Together, Liz of Peach on Earth, and Morgan of The Little Hen House). Photo via Liz.


Dress and Shoes- c/o Lulu's
The beautiful Stephanie, who is in charge of Blogger Relations at Lulu's, and I at the Lulu's Mixer at the Hardrock Hotel rooftop bar, Float.


Jean Jacket- Gap, years and years ago
My fabulous roommate, Desiree of So Fawned, and I in a session (I think?). I still need to tell you all about the sessions. They were great!


Top- c/o Lulus, Shorts- Target, Shoes- Urban Outfitters
This was my flying home outfit. It was comfy and easy and I love this top- it's so versatile. Take this advice: never, never wear a maxi dress when flying. When I put it on I was thinking how comfortable it would be but, apparently, airport personnel were only thinking about what I could be hiding under that skirt. Yes, I did get patted down at every single stop. Not fun. On a completely different and much more fun note, today Lulu's has a fun giveaway for you!

Lulu's is giving away a $40 credit to one lucky winner. To enter, visit the Lulu's website and leave a comment here saying what your favorite item (or items) are.

This giveaway is open to readers in the US and Canada only. A winner will be chosen using random.org. You have until Sunday, September 4th to enter.

For additional entries (please leave a separate comment for each):
-Follow @lulusdotcom on twitter
-Like the Lulu's facebook page
-Follow the Lulu's Blog
-Follow this blog

Finley at 20 Months

Finley,

You are kind when you play with your dolls and feisty when Silas tries to take them away. When I put your dress on you today you said, "cute," and yes, you are.

I love you,
Papa

Week One = Done

On a nature walk.

Small Style #26 (and a GIVEAWAY from See Kai Run!)

Welcome to Small Style #26! Thank you so much for joining me!

Last night my grandparents took us to a local minor league baseball game. The team or franchise or something is actually going out of business (or something, I'm not really a sports person), so they only have a few games left until they're done for good. They have little songs and cheers during the game and the boys all got to go out on the field in between innings and play a game. We had a good time and stayed up a little past bedtime (although, we left way before the game was actually over) and I even managed to snap of few Small Style pictures of my sweet Finley Girl.








Dress- Old Navy, Clip- Made by me, Shoes- c/o See Kai Run

Ok, do you love Finley's shoes? See Kai Run is one of my very favorite children's brands. Not only are these shoes incredibly adorable, they're also well-made and have flexible soles perfect for growing feet. See Kai Run graciously gave me a pair of shoes (and the amazingly soft organic socks) to review and I love these Belle shoes in Bronze. Aren't they the perfect color for Fall?

How would you like a pair for your little one? See Kai Run is also giving away a pair of See Kai Run or Smaller shoes (Kai line not included) and organic socks of your choice to one lucky winner.

This giveaway is open to the US and Canada and I will choose a winner using random.org. You have until Thursday, September 1st to enter.

In order to enter all you have to do is visit the See Kai Run website and leave a comment saying which pair of shoes and socks you would pick to win. (GIVEAWAY CLOSED.)

For additional entries (please leave a separate comment for each additional entry):
-Follow See Kai Run on Twitter or Facebook
-Follow the Mama Loves Papa blog, Twitter, or Facebook
-Mention this giveaway on your blog, Twitter, or Facebook (@mamalovespapa and @seekairun on twitter)



Link up here:

At The Market

On Mama: Dress and sandals- Lulus.com, Carrier- Beco
On Finley: Top- gift from our brother in law and sis in law, Shorts- Gap, Shoes- See Kai Run via Zulily

(Finey's bruise on her cheek was from her brothers trying to teach her how to jump on the bed. Oh, my tough cookie with three older brothers.)

On Friday night Silas spent the night at my mom's house and Judah and Samuel spent the night at my in laws. It was the first time in a long time that Eric and I got to spend time with just Finley. Eric buckled her carseat into his '68 VW truck and we all rode together in there. Friday night we went and got ice cream and then hung out with friends. Saturday morning we went out to breakfast, then to the Farmer's Market.

Riding in the VW feels a little like a roller coaster. You feel every bump and your face is right at the window. The whole time Finley kept saying, "Wheeeee!!! YAY!!" While we were sitting out in front of the ice cream shop eating our ice cream cones Finley stopped eating, stood up and walked over to the truck and wanted to get in. She wanted to ride in the truck over eating her ice cream. Now, that's saying a lot. She really liked riding in the truck. She'll have to have another special ride with Papa soon.

I'm linking up at The Pleated Poppy.

The First Day of (Home)school

(Look how little they were on the first day of school last year!)


Yesterday was our first day of school. We had a great day together! At the end of the day Samuel told Eric, "I had a great first day of school! I can't wait until the second day!" Well, at least I (we) succeeded for one day.

Our goals for this year are: 1. Love God, 2. Love each other, 3. Have fun. Something that I hear from people all the time is how patient I must be to homeschool and that they could never have enough patience to do it.

Well, are you ready for the truth? I don't have some superhuman amount of patience (or, even an above average amount) or any other special gift that makes me some amazing homeschool teacher-mom. Homeschooling is a choice that we make because we believe it's best for our children and family and, just like anything else you commit to, you work hard and make it work. I don't think it's so much that I have a lot of patience, but maybe that I'm completely lacking in patience and God wants it to be a (never stinking ending) lesson for me.


Second grade and kindergarten


Pre-school and baby school (as we like to say)

This year is our first year having two kids officially in school. Samuel is already way ahead of his grade, which makes things much easier (total blessing of homeschool- he's learned right along with Judah!). Last year Silas and Finley were both super clingy during our school time, but so far it's been a lot easier and they seem to be either participating in an age-appropriate activity at the table or playing by themselves. I know it is only the second day of school, so ask me again in a few months.

Each morning we start school with a time for them to write whatever they want in their journals. Judah's journal entry yesterday was TOO cute.

Proof that homeschool isn't too torturous:

Lovely Room Makeover from Elizabeth of Sugarpetite

Hi everyone! It's Elizabeth from Sugarpetite here with some peeks of my daughters' newly finished bedroom. My girls Daisy and Louisa (or "Rosebud" as I call her on my blog) are 5 and 2.5 years old and have been sharing a room for a little while now. They love  being with each other so much and often can be found in the same bed. I wanted  their space to be bright and happy with old-fashioned charm.

I painted their walls "Heavenly Blue" by Sherwin Williams. Blue is my favorite color, and I think this shade is so peaceful. Their painted white twin beds belonged to my mother and uncle when they were children. The quilts are old, and the white hobnail bedspreads are new.


All of the woodwork was painted white. The bookshelf at the very top displays my childhood dolls. The girls each have their own doll shelf toward the bottom.



Many of the little things in the room were either mine or found at flea markets.



on top: Daisy's baptismal dress, on bottom: Louisa's cowgirl boots






dolly beds, our bedtime prayer, beloved books



horse paint by number by Daisy, old lamp sprayed pink



grandma-made vintage hankie curtains



grandma-made vintage linen turned sham


Both girls love their little cottage-style room.
Now, if only I can get the motivation to tackle the rest of the house! :)

p.s. Feel free to use the coupon code MAMALOVESPAPA15 for 15% off your purchase in my Shop!

_________________________________________

Isn't this the cutest little room? (Almost as cute as the names Daisy and Louisa!) This is such great inspiration for me as I'm redoing my homeschool/craft/playroom. Thank you so much for sharing your girls' room with us, Elizabeth!

Don't forget to visit Elizabeth's blog and shop!

Vintage Bow GIVEAWAY from Gingerbread CLOSED

Today I have an adorable giveaway for you! April's shop is filled with so many lovely items and I know you'll love what she's giving away!

hello, my name is april and i document my days over at gingerbread. i am a wife and momma of two busy boys, who keep me on my toes. my days are filled with cooking, crafting and all things vintage. i am pretty convinced that all things look better with a coat of spray paint and covered in colorful bunting. ha! i have an etsy shop filled with vintage treasures and handmade hair bows, you can check it out here.
blog | etsy | twitter | facebook


giveaway items:

To win the two adorable hairbows (one for you and one for someone you love! Or, maybe two for you!) visit the Gingerbread Shop and come back here and leave a comment with your favorite item.

A winner will be chosen using random.org. You have until Thursday, August 25th to enter.

For additional entries (please leave a separate comment for each one):

-Follow April's blog

-Favorite the Gingerbread Etsy Shop

-Follow April on twitter

-Like Gingerbread on facebook

-Follow Mama Loves Papa blog

GIVEAWAY CLOSED: Congratulations to Commenter #2- Bethany!

Small Style #25

Welcome to Small Style, friends! Hope you are having a fabulous week!




On Samuel: Rashguard- Old Navy, Swim trunks and flip flops- Gift from grandma
On Finley: Swimsuit- Gap
On Judah: T-shirt- Via Zulily, Swimshort- Yard sale, Flip flops (on the ground)- Gift from grandma
On Silas: T-shirt- Via Papa's business, Swim trunks- Target (from when Judah was his age!!)

This is our last week of Summer vacation, so we're living it up and trying to have as much fun as possible. (Although, when school starts we'll still be trying to have as much fun as possible, of course!)

Monday will be our first day back to (home)school. The next few days I'll be busy getting all of our curriculum, assignments, and our new little classroom (/playroom/craftroom) in order. Do you love the first day of school? I always loved the first day of school. It was so exciting and fun. I loved wearing a new outfit and seeing what friends were in my class. Did you love it, too?

Of course, my kids don't have those same things to look forward to (although, I'm always up for buying them a new outfit! You know me!), but we still make sure the first day is special and exciting!



Link up here:

Ready For Fall (Fashion)

Dress and Shoes- Lulu's, Vest- Forever 21


Three of the kids (Samuel was with my mom) the other day when we visited the monastery.

Day 15 and I'm half way through my 30 for 30. This outfit here is pretty much the epitome of a perfect Summer oufit- an easy dress, fun accessories (still LOVING that vest!), and sandals. Although, as each season comes to an end, I'm always itching for the next season's fashion. Right now I'm dying to wear some cute Fall outfits. I love boots with dresses, cardigans, my new high-waisted trouser jeans from Gap and moccasins. Here's a few things that you'll probably be seeing on me in the next few months. What are you looking forward to wearing this Fall?


1. Gap Trouser Jeans, $49.95
2. Urban Outfitters Yellow Cardigan, $49
3. Frye Paige Boots, 348
4. Modcloth Bunting Season Shorts, $49.99
5. Anthropologie Shelby Blouse, $58
6. Lulu's Pleated Skirt, $38

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy.

Organic: Is It Worth It?

About six years ago, when Judah was just starting to eat solid foods, I started thinking about food and nutrition for the first time in my life. When it was just Eric and I we usually went for what was quick and easy (lots of eating out) and before that, in college and high school, it was more about the calories and fat (or, lack thereof).

This was right about the same time when organic foods started to become more mainstream. I knew there was something to it then, but when Eric and I would go shopping together and we'd see the organic and non-organic sitting right next to each other, and one with a higher price tag, it was hard for him to pay more. Understandably so. Who wants to spend more money unnecessarily?

Over the past several years, after doing a lot of reading and research, we decided that it is worth it for us and we've switched our diet to almost entirely organic. There are definitely different things to consider for you own family, but know that you can eat organic without going broke. Here is a list of why we choose organic and how we make it cheaper and more accessible.



Chemical toxin free. Chemical toxins are made to damage and kill bugs and other irritants that live on plants, but when you eat the food you are also putting the herbicides and pesticides in your own body. Washing or rinsing your food does not completely get rid them. The same toxins that kill bugs can damage your body.

Non-Genetically Modified (GMO). GMO food is sturdier, stronger, looks better and can grow faster and more uniform, but that doesn't mean it's better for your body. In eating GMO foods you are introducing substances that our bodies have never before come in contact. Many scientists are opposed to genetically modified foods and we don't fully know their risks.

More nutrients. Conventionally grown food is planted in nutrient depleted soil, which in turn produces crops that are also depleted of nutrients. Organic farming involves common practices such as rotating crops, which keeps the soil nutritionally dense.



Save money in other ways. Part of bringing organic into our diet was taking processed foods out. Sometimes we do pay a little more for organic, but we save a lot of money by not buying packaged crackers and cookies, frozen foods, pre-made meals, canned soups, and anything else that contains unfamiliar ingredients. If we don't know what something is on a package, then we usually don't buy it. Now, our kids do have these things sometimes, but we save them for special occasions.

Find it cheaper. We don't have a Whole Foods here, but if we did, I probably wouldn't shop there often. They have a delicious salad bar, but super inflated prices. I do occasionally shop at Trader Joe's, but most of our shopping, especially produce, is at the Farmer's Market and the local co-op. Another great thing to do, that we've done in the past, is to join a CSA. I wrote a post about all why we eat local, but one Farmer's Market tip is to go right when it's closing. The selection is slimmer, but a lot of farmers are practically giving things away, so they don't have to take them back home. Also, you don't necessarily need to buy "certified organic," just talk to the farmer about their farming practices and ask if they use pesticides. To get an organic certification is a huge, costly process, but a lot of market farmers are selling organic without the certification (although, some aren't, so be sure to ask).

For more information I highly recommend watching one of my favorite documentaries, Food Matters.