Citrus Lane review - May 2015

Olivia got her Citrus Lane box last week, I've been pretty busy so it took me a while to get around to this post. Citrus Lane is a monthly subscription box for babies/toddlers. You pay a certain price per month depending on how long you want to subscribe (it’s cheaper for the longer subscriptions). Every month you receive four to five items for your child and sometimes something for you as well. The boxes are age and gender appropriate (or you can pick neutral). This box is for a 27 month old girl.

Everything Olivia got in her May Citrus Lane box.

 

Hape sand toys: These are really cute and we don't have many sand toys so I'm glad we got this set. It comes with three ice cream cones, three bowls, a scoop and a bucket to carry it all in. I can't wait to go to the beach now, I'm sure these toys will keep Liv busy. We also have some kinetic sand at home, so this will be perfect for a rainy day too. Retails for: $4.99

 

 

Tea Collection dress: I think this dress is so adorable! I love the colors and the print but I was disappointed to see that they sent a size 3T. Olivia is tiny, she still wears 24 months and 2T (which is a little big on her). She wont be able to wear this dress until next year. I wish they had let me pick the size but this wasn't the item we got to customize, which doesn't make much sense to me. I ended up emailing Citrus Lane about it and they are sending me a new one, I wasn't expecting that so I'm really excited. I am very pleased with the customer service and I decided to add on another two months because of it. Retails for: $29.50 (Wow!)

 

 

Goodbyn portions to go: I was so glad we got this because I've been meaning to buy her some snack containers for daycare. This is the item we got to customize, the choices were purple or green. I love the color and they are really sturdy. The two smaller containers are perfect for Liv's snacks, I've been using them a lot. Retails for: $14.95

 

Plum Organics mighty sticks: These snacks will be great to throw in Olivia's lunch bag. They are organic and made with fruits and vegetables. Olivia has been super picky lately so I'm not sure if she will like them but it's always possible. Retails for: <$2

 

 

I really liked the box this month, the dress was my favorite! The total value of this box is about $51, a really great value. I used coupon codes and only paid about $15, so I'm very impressed this month. If you're interested in getting a Citrus Lane subscription for your child, you can use my referral link to get 50% off your first box - Melissa's CL referral. Please keep in mind that it's a subscription so make sure you cancel after your receive your boxes or you will be charged again.

Citrus Lane review - April 2015

Olivia got her box pretty early this month, I wonder if they were trying to make up for last months shipping delay. Citrus Lane is a monthly subscription box for babies/toddlers. You pay a certain price per month depending on how long you want to subscribe (it’s cheaper for the longer subscriptions). Every month you receive four to five items for your child and sometimes something for you as well. The boxes are age and gender appropriate (or you can pick neutral). This box is for a 26 month old girl.

Everything Olivia got in her April Citrus Lane box.

 

Green Toys flower set: I was so excited to get this for Olivia! It comes with a bunch of little flowers, leaves and stems that you can build and arrange to your hearts desire. I think it's a really fun/cute toy and she will love it, I kind of want to play with it myself. I love Green Toys, they make their toys out of recycled milk jugs and they don't contain any BPA, PVC, phthalates or coatings. This is only half the set so the price is just an estimate. Retails for: $14

 

 

Eco Kids finger paint mix: I saw spoilers (per usual) and I was hoping we would get this, it's finger paint mix. All you have to do is add water, we can use just what we need and save the rest, this will last us a while. I'm sure Olivia will love to get messy with it, she has never used finger paints before. We got two colors, blue and yellow. The mix is just white so it will be interesting to see it change into a pretty color. The ingredients are food-based (carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, etc.) so that's pretty cool. It's also supposedly easy to clean up but I'm sure Olivia will test the limits on that.  Retails for: $8

 

 

Barefoot Books - If You're Happy and You Know It: We haven't gotten a book in our box since December so I was happy to see this. The cover is so bright and happy, I love it. The book is basically just the song, the last page has different kids from around the world saying hello in their own language. I'll read this to Liv but I'll have to keep it out of her reach since it's a paperback. She hasn't ripped any books in a while but she still might be a little rough with it. It also comes with a CD, I was teasing Paul and told him that we should bring it with us on our road trip to South Carolina. I said we could just play it on repeat for Liv, he gave me a dirty look so I guess that's a no. Seriously though, I'm going to bring this in my car and play it for her, I think she will like it (even though I might not). Retails for: $8

 

 

My Super Cookies whole grain cookie - Chocolate heroes: I used to hate getting snacks for Liv but now I like it. She eats much better now and the snacks they send us are usually quite tasty. These cookies don't exactly taste like chocolate to me but they are still pretty good. Liv had one and seemed to like it, I packed the rest in her lunch box for tomorrow. They are whole grain and made with some healthy ingredients (quinoa, chia, flax, super fruits, etc.) so that's always a plus! Retails for: <$1

 

 

This box was great, I am really happy with it! I'm glad we got it earlier than we usually do because I am so impatient. The total value of this box is about $31, not a great value if you're paying the full $29 per month. I used coupon codes and only paid about $15, so it's not a big deal to me. My subscription runs out next month and I still don't know if we will continue or not. We don't really need extra toys or books but I still think t's fun. I also love discovering new products but lately they have been sending a lot of items from the same companies. I have had Citrus Lane for over a year so that's probably why but I wish they would start introducing some new brands. Anyway, If you're interested in getting a Citrus Lane subscription for your child, you can use my referral link to get 50% off your first box - Melissa's CL referral. Please keep in mind that it's a subscription so make sure you cancel after your receive your boxes or you will be charged again.

Citrus Lane review - March 2015

There were some major shipping delays this month but we finally got our box today. Citrus Lane is a monthly subscription box for babies/toddlers. You pay a certain price per month depending on how long you want to subscribe (it’s cheaper for the longer subscriptions). Every month you receive four to five items for your child and sometimes something for you as well. The boxes are age and gender appropriate (or you can pick neutral). This box is for a 25 month old girl.

Everything Olivia got in her March Citrus Lane box.

 

Begin Again elephant family puzzle: My first impression was "ugh, another puzzle" but this one is a little different from what we currently own. Olivia is getting to be a pro at all her chunky puzzles so when I gave her this one, it was a challenge. I sat with her and helped her put it together (about ten times). She seems to like it but it might take her a while to be able to do it on her own. I think this puzzle will be a great stepping stone to jigsaw puzzles (for toddlers of course). It's also good quality, the wooden pieces are really thick and sturdy so she would have a hard time destroying it. Retails for: $13

 

 

North American Bear Co. goody bag - bunny: This is kind of a repeat for us. I got Livy a mystery box a few months ago and it came with the poodle goody bag. When I saw this, I was thinking about how she never plays with the poodle version so I might as well sell this one. Low and behold I walk into the living room and she had the poodle bag around her arm with her play cell phone in it. After seeing that, I decided that I will just add this to her Easter basket. It's actually pretty cute and soft, she loves bunny rabbits so I think she will love it. Retails for: $12

 

 

Baby Bow Tie barrette: This is the item that I got to pick this month. I wanted to pick one that would match her Easter dress but I didn't know what she would be wearing at the time so I decided on the pink. She has a lot of pink in her wardrobe so I figured we would get the most use out of this one. She actually wore it today for her picture with the Easter bunny (I will post about that soon). It's a pretty good sized bow, it looked big on Liv. She usually wears the little mini bows in her hair but she looked adorable with this one on. I love the design and the back of the clip is velvet so it stayed in place really well. She tried taking it out a few times but somehow it lasted until we got home. Retails for: $12.95

 

Back to Nature mini chocolate chunk cookies: Our card actually says we should have gotten the honey graham sticks. We have gotten those before and they were really good but I am so glad we got the cookies instead. I've seen people get these before and I've been eyeing them for a while now. I'm pretty obsessed with cookies (my husband likes to make fun of me for that) so I couldn't wait to try these. I gave them to Olivia and secretly hoped that she wouldn't like them. She loved them but she shared a few with me so I was happy. They are so delicious! I have to find out where I can get more because I need these in my life. They are also made with good ingredients, no artificial preservatives or high fructose corn syrup, always a plus. Retails for: $1.25

 

 

When I was looking through spoilers, I was hoping that Liv would get the box with the animal magnets and snack container but I like this box for the most part. I was frustrated that there was a shipping delay but I'm glad that they e-mailed me to let me know about the issue. The total value of this box is about $39, I feel like that's a higher value than I've seen in a while. I used coupon codes and only paid about $15, so right now I'm satisfied. I really can't see myself paying $29 for these boxes though. My subscription runs out in two months and I'm starting to think about if we will continue with this or not. I've really enjoyed getting these boxes for Liv but our living room is starting to get a bit cluttered. Anyway, If you're interested in getting a Citrus Lane subscription for your child, you can use my referral link to get 50% off your first box - Melissa's CL referral. Please keep in mind that it's a subscription so make sure you cancel after your receive your boxes or you will be charged again.



Citrus Lane review - February 2015

We got our box a little later than usual this month but better late than never. Citrus Lane is a monthly subscription box for babies/toddlers. You pay a certain price per month depending on how long you want to subscribe (it’s cheaper for the longer subscriptions). Every month you receive four to five items for your child and sometimes something for you as well. The boxes are age and gender appropriate (or you can pick neutral). This box is for a 24 month old girl.

Everything Olivia got in her February Citrus Lane box.

 

Skip Hop Zoo Lunchie - ladybug: This is the item that I got to pick this month. Olivia already has the ladybug backpack so now she has the matching lunchie to go with it. The other animals were really cute too, I love the Skip Hop zoo stuff! This is adorable but we probably wont use it that much right now. I think it will come in handy when Liv is a bit older. It's really great quality and it's also insulated. Retails for: $14

 

Alex Hoops for the Tub: I saw a lot of spoilers this month for Liv's age group and everyone was getting Boon links or Boon pieces. I am so glad we didn't get those because they would have been repeats for us. I was hoping we would get this, I actually almost got it for Liv with our Pampers reward points and now I'm glad I didn't. She wanted me to open it right away, she was throwing the balls around and playing with them. Today I actually put it in the bath for her and she kept putting the balls in the hoop and taking them out, it kept her busy for a while. She has a lot of other bath toys but I think she started to get bored of them because we haven't gotten anything new in a while, we got this at the perfect time. Retails for: $10

YumEarth sour beans: These are little sour jelly beans and they are all natural. There aren't any artificial dyes in them, they are also gluten free, fat free, nut free and soy free. Olivia doesn't have any known allergies so I don't look for this kind of stuff much. I tried a few and they are actually pretty good. They aren't too sour and they are smaller than other jelly beans. I normally don't give Olivia sticky candy but once in a while isn't a big deal, I think she will like these. Retails for: $1.49 per bag

Stephen Joseph Little squirts - ladybug: It's interesting that we got another ladybug product, it matches her lunchie and ladybugs are so cute. This drink pouch is freezable and dishwasher safe. I haven't given this to Liv yet but I tried it out and I have a few issues with it. It took me over a minute to get the top off, maybe I'm just weak but I doubt a child could do it. Also, it doesn't seem to leak when the top is on but once opened and turned upside down, the water just pours out. Olivia is still a toddler so turning something upside down is inevitable. This might be great for when she's older but I don't think it will work well for us right now. It's not a big deal though, I rather get things that are too old for her than too young. She will eventually be able to use it. Retails for: $4.99

This box was pretty good, I really like the lunchie and hoops for the tub. The jelly beans will be a special treat and the drink pouch will be useful eventually. The total value of this box is about $32, not a great value this month if you are paying the full $29. I used coupon codes and only paid about $15 so I am happy with it. My subscription ran out this month and I was going to cancel but they offered me another three months at $15 per month so I decided to continue it (for now at least). Anyway, If you're interested in getting a Citrus Lane subscription for your child, you can use my referral link to get 50% off your first box - Melissa's CL referral. It's a subscription so make sure you cancel after your receive your boxes or you will be charged again.

Citrus Lane review - January 2015

It's officially been one year since we first started getting Citrus Lane boxes and I still love it! I think it's the anticipation of wondering what we will get, it's just really fun. Citrus Lane is a monthly subscription box for babies/toddlers. You pay a certain price per month depending on how long you want to subscribe (it’s cheaper for the longer subscriptions). Every month you receive four to five items for your child and sometimes something for you as well. The boxes are age and gender appropriate (or you can pick neutral). This box is for a 23 month old girl.

Everything Olivia got in her January Citrus Lane box.
 

Petit Collage Beginner Puzzle Set - Pets: This puzzle is adorable! I really love this brand too, all the stuff they make is so cute. These little puzzles are great because they each have a different amount of pieces (3, 4, 5 & 6) so Olivia can start with the easiest and then move on to the next when she's ready. I'm glad we got the pets version because she's slightly obsessed with cats and bunnies. I'm not quite sure if she will be able to figure these out yet so I am going to save them for Easter. I love getting stuff like this because I rarely have to buy presents now, it makes life a little easier. Retails for: $14

 

 

JJ Rabbit Cuppie: Hmm, not sure if Liv is ready for an open cup yet. Judging from the way she drinks from her straw cup (she hurls it around and turns it upside down), I might hold off on this. My plan is to give this to her in the Spring when she is playing outside, at least if when she spills it everywhere it wont matter. She needs practice and outside seems much easier to me. Anyway, the cup is pretty sturdy and I think it will hold up well. There is also a cute little rabbit inside of it, I'm not sure if this will help her drink faster to see the rabbit or if she will decide to just dump out her drink to see it. Retails for: $8.99

 

 

Eco-Kids Eco-Dough: Olivia is not a fan of play-doh and she doesn't seem to be much of a fan of this stuff either. It's great that it's made from natural ingredients and is safe for her to play with. Although, I still wouldn't want her to eat it (obviously). When I first let her hold it, she put it up to her lips and said "mmm", so I had to let her know that it was not food. After that, she wasn't interested. She did have fun taking off the lid and putting it back on (ten times) though. It has sort of a weird smell to it but it still doesn't smell as bad as play-doh. Retails for: $8 (estimate.)

 

B4 Products To Go Hand Sanitizer Packs: I can't believe this actually counts as an item. This is just a sample pack of hand sanitizer. I guess it's because the other three items cost a bit more. Oh well, I'm sure I'll use these at some point. I will say that It's pretty awesome that this company gives 50% of their profits to children-focused causes. Retails for: < $1

 

 

I didn't really love this box but it's not bad, the puzzle is my favorite and the cup may come in handy soon. The total value is about $32, not a great value this month. Luckily I got a six moth subscription (running out next month) and with coupons, I paid about $15 per month so I'm happy with it for that price. Although I have to say that I really miss all the coupons and deals that Citrus Lane used to have, they haven't been doing that as much and I'm bummed about it. Anyway, If you're interested in getting a Citrus Lane subscription for your child, you can use my referral link to get 50% off your first box - Melissa's CL referral. It's a subscription so make sure you cancel after your receive your boxes or you will be charged again.

2014 reflection tag

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year? Olivia's progress. Specifically, getting her to the 10% weight curve. Feeding her was/is a huge struggle for us and I am finally able to be slightly more relaxed about her calorie intake.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened? Definitely financial issues. It took me months to find a job and money was very tight for a while, especially with all of Olivia's medical bills piling up.

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year? It's hard to pick just one thing. Every time Olivia reaches a new milestone, it's exciting for us. Seeing her unexpected reactions to something fun/new is awesome.

4. What was an unexpected obstacle? Taking Olivia to the ER when she hit her head. Being back there was scary but luckily everything turned out fine.

5. Pick three words to describe 2014. Challenging, exciting, overwhelming.

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2014 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you). Stressful, happy, exhausting.

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2014 (again, without asking). Different, an adjustment, exhilarating.

8. What were the best books you read this year? I Heart My Little A-holes, If I Stay.

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships? Olivia, Paul & My parents.

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? Going from being a stay at home mom to working part time (and missing Olivia like crazy).

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally? Being a mom has made me grow emotionally, I love Olivia more and more every day. I've never been an overly emotional person but that has changed (when it comes to her).

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually? Honestly, I don't think I've changed much spiritually. My beliefs have always stayed the same thus far.

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically? Well, I definitely could stand to lose a few pounds. I've been eating terrible (I plan on changing that). Although, baby number two might be in the works soon so maybe I'll put that off for a while.

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? I've met a lot of awesome people at my job and gained some new friendships. My relationship with Paul has changed since we are both new parents and we have our own way of doing things (very different). I think we are doing a pretty good job of coming together and compromising when it comes to Olivia's best interest.

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)? Meeting new people (the nice ones).

16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)? Learning a whole new job. Adjusting to not seeing Olivia at night and missing her bedtime routine four days a week (sigh).

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? Probably watching TV. I can admit that I get addicted to way too many shows. After I put Olivia to bed, I stay up till almost 3am catching up on shows (totally unnecessary). I think it's the main reason I ended up in this terrible sleep routine.

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year? Bringing Olivia around other kids. Going to play group, the library, the playground, Monkey Joe's. She loves it and I think it's so important for her to socialize, we get a kick out of it too.

19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year? Not to worry. I still do but so many things I worried about never amounted to anything. This is something I constantly struggle with, I like to have a solution before I even know that there is a problem. I am going to try my hardest to wait for a definite problem and then go from there.

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2014 for you. Go with the flow and if you don't like something, change it.

Paul and Liv enjoyed the snow today while I stayed warm in the house.

See ya later 2014

On Monday I took Olivia to the aquarium, we met up with my sister and nephews. She loved it at first (especially the sharks and seals). After about an hour, she started to get antsy. It's an hour away and I think she was getting tired, she skipped her nap which is always a bad idea. It was still fun though, next time we will take a nap before we go.

 

Yesterday I took her to the doctor, she's had a cough for almost two weeks now and it just wont go away. She hasn't had a fever and she's been eating/acting okay so I wasn't too concerned but I figured I should get her checked out just to be on the safe side. There were so many kids in the waiting room, it was packed. I've never seen that many kids there, I know it's cold season but I was still surprised. The doctor said her chest sounded fine and her ears/throat looked good. Apparently there is a nasty cold/cough going around that is lasting around three weeks. I was told to give her another week to show some improvement and if she's still sick then I have to bring her back. I'm pretty sure she will get over it soon or at least I'm hoping she will. She also gave me her cough which I've had for about a week now. I'm really surprised that I've been catching everything she has, I never got sick before so I thought my immune system was strong but that's obviously not true.

Left: Happy to be wearing Mommy's Uggs.

Right: Not happy while waiting for the doctor.

 

Well, it's the last day of 2014 and like I always say, this year once again flew by. I thought time went by fast before, it's gone by even faster after having Olivia. It was a great year and I hope that 2015 is even better. Maybe Olivia will become a big sister, I guess we'll see! ;) I hope you all have a very Happy New Year! (I'll be working through it.)