Deep Sleep with Andrew Johnson MP3 Review

Apparently, since I was born, I've had a hard time falling asleep.  I've tried counting sheep, going to bed early, lavender, sleep medications...  Nothing worked except sleeping pills, but I don't like taking them for fear of not being able to stop.  Usually I try to sleep for an hour, give up and just read till my eyes get too tired.  Needless to say, I've read a ton.  

When I found out I got to review Deep Sleep by Andrew Johnson, I was hopeful it would work, but also skeptical.  I read on his website that it is a type of hypnotherapy, which made me a little leery.  Though once I tried it, my worries went away.  It is mostly some relaxation techniques, positive suggestion and soothing music. 

His website states:

"Build a natural, deep sleeping pattern
Have more energy during the day
Be more productive and effective
Feel happier and more relaxed

A good night’s sleep is essential for both your physical and mental health. However for many people this basic requirement for health and well being does not come easy. 

Listening to Deep Sleep will help you gently drift into a deep, natural sleep every night. 

Through a range of relaxation techniques and visualizations, Deep Sleep will help you enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of a regular, deep sleeping pattern."

I've now used it more than three weeks (as suggested) and every night I have been able to go to sleep in less than half an hour.  I've never in my whole life been able to have that many nights in row of going to sleep easily.  Now I go to sleep within 15 minutes of starting the recording.  I consider this product to be a miracle for me and I figure if it can work for me, it can work for anyone.

If you want to learn more you can go to withandrewjohnson.com or facebook.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Mama Says Sew Eva Dress Pattern

While I was visiting my grandmother for the last time and waiting for her memorial service, I was given a welcome distraction to test Mama Says Sew's newest pattern, the Eva Dress.  It was quite interesting using my mum's new sewing machine and borrowing tools from my sister to be able to make it.  While buying fabric with my sister, I told her I need something somber, but playful enough for a little girl.  I think we achieved it.

I used a navy blue with shiny silver snowflakes.  The yoke and ruffles around the hem and sleeves is a white with navy blue polka dots.

It is so cute and perfect for the holidays!  It can also be made as a top and there are different sleeve length and hem finishing options.  Terra is going to be releasing it on Black Friday, and it will be on sale for $5 with the code EVA2OFF. The sale price will be effective through Monday.  On Tuesday, it will go back to the regular price of $7.  For a super cute pattern on sale go to her shop here!

Moving Sale!

I thought I'd let everyone know that I'm currently having a moving sale in my etsy shop, LittleEllaLu.  Everything is 25% off through December 23.  I have several owls and sewing patterns up, as well as baby blankets and a few baby clothing items.

My husband's job here at the camp is ending January 31, so I'm trying to reduce the amount of stuff we have to take with us, where ever it is that we are going.  I've also decided that I'll be closing the shop once everything sells or the listing expires.  I believe the last items expires March 4.  

This Year's Family Photo Shoot

This post is going to take care of a few birds with one stone; I get to show off our family photo shoot and I made all three of the dresses.  These pictures were taken by L'amore Photography and once again we love what she did!

I made both of the girls' dresses last summer for a wedding and can't believe they still fit!  Eleanor's is a pattern by Me Sew Crazy called Julie's Dress.  Super cute!  I love the two layers making it extra puffy and giving it a vintage feel.  I'm just sad the pockets turned out too small.

Laurel's dress is a peasant dress from the pattern I mentioned here.  I keep thinking I really should make her more peasant dresses.  They are just so darling!

My dress is Crepe from Colette Patterns.  It was one of those patterns I knew I had to have from the moment I first saw it.  I really loved it.  The pattern was beautiful and wonderful to follow.  Though next time I make it I'm going to do the bodice fully lined rather than use the facing pieces they suggest and make it a size smaller (still looking for my size since I've lost weight, so probably nothing to do with the actual pattern sizing).

Fabric by Fabric One Yard Wonders: Logan's Guitar

At the end of the summer, we were invited to a last minute birthday party and forgot to pick up a gift and one of our nephews' birthday sneaked up on me, so I sewed something up twice, two days in a row (because I wasn't smart enough to remember the next day was my nephew's birthday).  Luckily, Logan's Guitar from Fabric by Fabric One Yard Wonders was a fast and easy project that turned out pretty cute.  I only wish I had a dowel to stiffen the neck.

Fabric Bucket

With the fabric left over from my new trash can, I decided I wanted to make a fabric basket for my girls' Duplos.  They broke the drawers that they were in so they've needed a new home for a while now.  

I'm not going to tell you how I put it together since there a bazillion tutorials out there.  No need to reinvent the wheel.  I just threw it together with old jeans as the lining and braided rope as the handles.  I love how it turned out and it took less than an afternoon to sew up!  As a bonus it holds all of the Duplos and will be really hard for them to demolish.

Laundry Canister Upcycle

While I was doing some unexpected (for me) housekeeping for Camp, I found the coolest container.  My husband recently changed janitorial suppliers so now the laundry detergent comes in a fiber canister rather than a plastic bucket and there just happened to be one sitting empty in the laundry room.  I asked Michael if I could have it and he said I could.  I knew it would be perfect for a trash can for our home school room.  Yay for not having to buy one!

It was really easy to transform. I measured around the top to find out how long I needed the fabric. Then all I did was turn the edges over on my piece of fabric, so no raw edges would show and hot glued it around the bottom, then the edges running up the side and then again along the rim on the inside.  Super easy!  I think it would also look really fun done with rope or twine.

Now, I'm wanting to volunteer to do laundry for Camp to speed up getting another one for my sewing room!

Simplicity 4496 and Violette Field Threads Charlotte

I know it has been forever and a half since I last posted anything, but I've been too busy/lazy.  I have been sewing quite a bit though.  To ease back in to blogging, I thought I'd post about an outfit I made a long long time ago (more than a year ago).  The top was made using a vintage nightgown pattern, Simplicity 4496, and the bloomers are a pattern from Violette Field Threads called the Charlotte pantaloons.

Originally, I was making it to be an actual nightgown, but it turned out so cute she's worn it to a wedding.

I have a thing for bows.

Looking at these pictures makes me want to make more!

Woolzies Dryer Balls Review

This is a product I've been wanting to try for a while now and got the chance to review it!  I'm so glad I did!  I love them!  They are Woolzies Dryer Balls; handmade balls of wool that act as a fabric softener (without chemicals or residue) and reduce drying time.

For the first load I decided to hit them hard.  We had just gotten back from camping and I needed our comforter clean before we could go to bed that night.  Usually it has to go through the dryer twice to get mostly dry.  With the dryer balls I only had to put it through once.  Amazing!  With clothing I'm still trying to figure out the right time to set the dryer at, so far they are getting done way before the dryer thinks they should be.

100% handmade, 100% natural and saves money and time doing laundry.  They are a winner in my book!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Dapple Travel Dish Liquid Review

While I was on vacation camping, I reviewed another product, Dapple Travel Dish Liquid.  Since I don't really have any babies I couldn't test it on formula or breast milk, so I tried using it for regular dishes while camping.  I'm not sure it is very fair of me to write a review since I didn't use it as intended, though it does say it is a travel dish soap.  It has low suds so it does rinse out really well,  but it doesn't do well with the slightest bit of oil.  I was left very frustrated (and with greasy hands) trying to use it as a regular dish soap.  I do like that is all natural.  If used as intended to be used, it probably works great, I just couldn't test it on baby bottles.  

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Noxicare™ Natural Pain Relief Cream Review and Giveaway

I was recently asked to review some Noxicare pain relief cream lotion.  My husband got to be my test subject.  A few weeks back he hurt his shoulder.  (I say it was from throwing the girls up and catching them repeatedly.)  It has still been bothering him a bit.  All I had to do is rub it in and 10-15 minutes later he notices the pain is gone.  Yay!  I asked him his thoughts on the lotion and he said "I like it." 

It is so wonderful to have a natural pain relief.  It didn't feel too greasy, the smell was mild enough to not bother me (I can't stand smells on my hands) and has a nice warming effect.  One of the things I did think was a little strange was that the color is a yellowy green that did tint his skin a tiny bit, but was hardly noticeable.  All in all a great product!

As well as trying it out, they are letting me give some to two people!  All you have to do is use the rafflecopter below.  They just ask that you follow them on Facebook.  I'll pick the winners soon after I get back from our vacation.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Moving on...to bloglovin

You've probably heard that on Monday Google Reader is bidding us farewell.  If you are one of my few followers, I'd love for you to follow me still.  It is really easy to import all the blog you follow into bloglovin.  

Hope to see you there!

Puddle Jumping!

Towards the end of April, the girls did a photoshoot with L'amore Photography.  We did a fun rain and puddle jumping theme.  The dresses I made were only seen at the very bottom of their coats, but still worth the large iron I managed to get while making them.

Since it is Mother's Day, I thought I'd share my cuties with you.  Be sure to check out L'amore Photoghraphy!