Bring On Lemons

Thanks Tools4Wisdom.com I am absolutely loving this planner. There are so many options to help you get organized, but the goal setting has been key for me. This Tools4Wisdom planner is helping me keep my goals in front of me so I can lead a more purposeful life. There are spots to track short term goals, long term goals, provide yourself with inspirational thoughts and quotes, and so much more. I've showed this to a few friends who were also so impressed they plan on purchasing their own. This is a great buy for a busy mom! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HR8KFF2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks Babypreferred for making this fabulous set of babywearing accessories! I tried this set on my Lillebaby complete as well as on my Tula and the Lenny Lamb soft structured carrier we have. They are most functional on a carrier that allows for forward facing, but they look just as cute on the other types of carriers. The design is very gender neutral which makes this a nice set to purchase as a gift for someone or if you are part of a group that has a lending library. When using the Baby Preferred strap covers and bib cover, you are keeping your carrier in good condition because you can just remove and clean the accessories instead of trying to clean the entire carrier. If you're borrowing a carrier, you have piece of mind knowing your baby isn't sharing extra germs with whomever used the carrier previously and if you are lending your carrier out, you can also led these accessories so someone else's baby isn't gnawing on your expensive baby carrier. These are ...

2016 - what a year! There were so many amazing high points, but I'm ready to close this book and start a new one. My step-dad passed away a few weeks ago and that took me right back to 1994 when my dad died. That grief shit is no joke...it's a moving target and just when you think you've got it handled, it shifts around and you're left sobbing on the shower floor. This time, it's even harder than when I was a teenager. This time I have to pick myself up, wipe the tears away, and help my children navigate their own grief. I've held my mom's hand through this before and I've navigated my own way - but this parenting through grief is an entirely new territory for me. And in case you were wondering, it absolutely sucks! A box was delivered yesterday. It was our family Christmas present from my mom and step dad - let's just call them Grandma and Grandpa since that's what they are called at our house. I needed to take some time before opening it....

Do you ever see a cute little girl with adorable piggy tails and wonder what sort of magic potion her mom is drinking, spraying, or using to make that magic happen? Maybe you just assume her mom is a unicorn as you look at your daughter who is currently wearing a cap because you couldn't find the strength to go through yet another screaming match so you opted to skip hair brushing again today? I've been there...in fact, with my oldest daughter, I just had the beautician chop her hair off because I couldn't wrestle with her each and every morning. I'm so much wiser now (that or I really am a rainbow pooping unicorn) - and I use Hip Peas detangler on my littlest daughter and she has the cutest hair each and every day WITHOUT TEARS! Seriously - if you haven't tried these products, you need to. They smell great and make life so much easier - whether you are or are not a unicorn mom. #MusesOfInfluenster #UnicornMom Click Here to learn more about Hip Peas and the full...

What's the perfect gift for a birthday, christmas, or just because? A Tortuga Life bath bombs gift set with bubble bath of course!!! The packaging is fabulous, and even if you or the gift recipient isn't into taking a bath, they can enjoy a foot soak. Who doesn't love being pampered for a few minutes? This is a great company and they've put a lot of thought into everything from their ingredients to their packaging. Order two today - one for a friend and one for yourself! You won't be disappointed. In the picture you see here, I am enjoying a foot soak with one of my littles - such an awesome mommy moment and a great way to enjoy a story and some together time! http://www.amzn.to/2estlia #TortugaLife

I'm excited to report that after using this diaper bag for several weeks, it has exceeded my expectations. It's canvas and my fear was it would show dirt easily. This is not the case. It'a held up quite nicely to every day use. It's been thrown on the floor of the minivan and stepped on by toddlers. It's been hanging off my pinky while balancing 2 toddlers and an infant in a carseat. It's been to church, the grocery store, grandma's house, and everywhere in between. This isn't a super huge diaper bag and since there are days we cloth diaper 3 children, I can say this would not be a good fit for a "gone from home" day for us. However, it's great for a 2-4 hour adventure, trip to the store, etc... Ultimately, it's perfect for every day chasing around, errands, picking kids up from school, etc... I really appreciate the fact it doesn't look like a traditional diaper bag. I don't feel silly if I happen to run errands by myse...

This tea pot is super cute and I love the design. Unfortunately, mine must have been used or at least unboxed before being sent to me. There is a ding in the side of the tea pot (about the size of a quarter). I was planning on giving it as a gift and now had to keep it for myself because of the blemish. Other than that, the design is attractive and functional. #ChefsLimitedTeaKettle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017GBADNY

This sweater is pretty, it's a very pale pink. It fits my 9 year old daughter and looks great with her leggings. I thought when I ordered that it would be for an adult - but either it's a very small adult sweater or it's truly intended for a child. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NA6F6QR #CSFamilyStore Copied text to clipboard:

There's a few things I really like about these tests: 1) They are nice and large so you don't have to deal with tiny test strips that may be hard to handle 2) The instructions are very clear and easy to read as well as understand 3) The packages are color coded so you can quickly tell the difference between the ovulation tests and the pregnancy tests 4) The tests "develop" quickly and are very vibrant in color so there's no guesswork on the results A suggestion to make this a 5 star product instead of a 4 star: I suggest color coding the tips of the tests to easily differentiate between a pregnancy test and an ovulation test. Once you unwrap the tests, the only difference between the two types of tests is some small writing just to the side of the results window Overall this is an awesome product I'll likely purchase again. #EZMLH8HCG2 https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Home-Ovulation-Tests-Pregnancy/dp/B01ETNF300/ref=sr_tnr_p_7_3762501_1_a_it?ie=UTF8...

Copied text to clipboard: I'm not quite sure what I did before this milk frother came into my life. I can whip up (literally) a batch of chocolate milk before the children start whining, it works great for scrambled eggs, and I can make coffee shop quality latte's right in my own kitchen. Also works great for mixing protein shakes and greens drinks. Doesn't take up much room on the counter and the batteries seem to last a long time without needing replacing. I love that it comes with batteries - this might just be the perfect gift for the hard to guy for person on your list. #SimpleTasteElectricMilkFrotherOneTouchHandheldBatt https://www.amazon.com/SimpleTaste-Electric-Frother-Handheld-Battery/dp/B01K6YLWQA/

Here's what I have to say about my fun new watch! Comfortable and stylish! Easy to read, set, (and clean)! Goes with any outfit. Suitable for men or women. It's just that nice size where it's not too huge for a woman to wear but not so tiny that a man might think it's dainty. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6USVK1 #mensleatherbandwatch

5 Star Product Review of Moni's Cozy Kitchen Kitchen Rules Glass Cutting Board by Moni's Cozy Kitchen This glass cutting board is super safe and I prefer using it instead of the wooden kind that can harbor germs. Not only that, but it's a nice size for food preparation as well as serving off of. My kids asked if daddy can put up some sort of holder so we can store it on the wall when not in use. I love the way it looks and all the great rules included on it. It's nice and solid though not terribly heavy. You can bet this will be getting a workout in 2 days when we have everyone over for thanksgiving! http://www.amztk.com/krtop3 #kitchenrulesutilityboard

Hi! My name is Crystal Casavant-Otto. I run the page Lakeshore Baby Love as well as being an Amazon top reviewer, Tomoson Influencer, Influenster member, blogger, and busy mom of 4. I receive lots of offers to product test items ranging from soaps, lotions, and foods, to strollers, baby items, cloth diapers, jewelry, books, and flashlights. When people approach me, they understandably want to have all the information regarding my influence and my reach. I thought if I place those links right here on my blog, it will make it easier for all involved. So here goes: Here is a link to my Tomoson profile - click here Here is a link to my Influenster profile - click here Here is the link to my Amazon reviewer profile - click here Here is a link to my LinkedIn page - click here Here is a link to my personal FB page - click here Here is a link to my group FB page for Lakeshore Baby Love - click here Here is a link to my group FB page for Relax Consulting - click here Here is a ...

Here’s your chance to gather with old friends and make some new ones while enjoying some seasonal smiles and refreshments. Bring your little one(s) and your camera and snap a photo of the magical moment when your little one whispers in Santa’s ear. Admission is free, but you are asked to bring (if you are able) a new, unwrapped toy that can be donated to the Salvation Army toy drive. When and Where? Saturday, December 3rd 4-6pm Jenn’s Java * 1124 Washington St * Manitowoc, WI 54220 Please thank our sponsors: Cocoa—Jenn’s Java Coffee & Cookies—Lakeshore BabyLove Swag Bags, Entertainment, Refreshments, and Marketing—Mark & Crystal Otto Family Farm Swag—Hip Peas, MotherLove Organic Products ***Please RSVP on the Lakeshore BabyLove FB page —the first 25 registrants will have a swag bag waiting for them the evening of the event! Stay tuned to the event page for a complete list of participating sponsors! Merry Christmas One and All!

My oldest has been bullied, and it was hard to hear the stories through the tears as she told us how the kids on the bus teased her about her weight, her hair, her clothes, our cows, and just about anything they could. It didn't have to make sense. It wasn't true. They just enjoyed her reaction. We turned to scripture for some guidance and I gave her the same advice my dad had given me: "Hey punkin' they are just jealous. Turn the other cheek." After simultaneously reading Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult and watching the news coverage after Donald Trump's Election I made a facebook post about how emotionally drained all the anger and hate is making me feel. That bring me to this open letter to bullies. Dear Bully, For a moment you feel big because you make someone else feel small. When the moment ends you will go back to the emptiness that drove you here in the first place. I understand how helpless you must feel to crave the high that comes in th...

Please enjoy this 5 star review of Organic Bamboo Muslin Swaddle Blanket - Oversized 47 inches X 47 inches - Excellent Baby Shower Gift - Premium Breathable Receiving Blanket Such a lovely single layer swaddling blanket - very soft and breathable. Works great for snuggling but is light weight enough you can use it to cover a carseat or stroller to keep bugs or the sun away from baby too. Rolls up nicely and takes up very little room in the diaper bag. Washes well and dries quickly with no special instructions - you can just wash it with your other laundry (with all our muslin blankets, we avoid washing with anything velcro or sharp that might catch on it though). Simple pattern and design - very adorable. Comes packaged nice enough to give as a gift. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1E8NAR #NaniBearBlanket

Before I tell you what I love about this diaper bag, I need to first explain who we are so you can understand some of the quirks of this review. I'm a busy mom of 4 (9,8,3,1) with a business and several part time jobs including taking care of my 4 month old niece and my friend's 1 year old. When I go somewhere, it's super important that I'm organized and have everything I need. Grocery shopping with 6 children (3 in cloth diapers) can be a simple task if you are prepared. It can also be a huge nightmare if you can't find something or have neglected to bring it along. This particular diaper bag offers a lot of features, plenty of room, a surface that easily wipes clean, and it comes with hooks so you don't take up valuable room in the cart or stroller (ie: you don't have your diaper bag IN the cart, it's hanging OFF of it - so it's easily accessible). There's a special compartment at the bottom of the diaper bag that is large enough to hold on...

“Heather Kaufman’s debut book, The Story People, is full of fascinating characters whose voices you can hear in your mind. In fact, if I were walking down the street and passed Mrs. Gardner, I’d know her right away! The story sweeps you away to a land between reality and the imagination, perfectly mingling Kaufman’s superb storytelling skills with a strong message of encouragement for Christian life. I would recommend this book for anyone.” —Sarah Baughman, author of the Regency Silhouettes series, deaconess, wife, and mom of four cph.org/storypeople

If you're looking for a lip gloss made with natural botanicals, this is a great one! It goes on smooth, the color is vibrant and lasts a long time, and you can feel wonderful about the ingredients and the company! I recently went out of town on business and this was the only lip product I brought along. I find hotels to be very dry which sometimes causes lip chapping and with my Skin2Spirit gloss along, my lips stayed hydrated and unchapped as well as being glossy and pretty! Amazon Link  #Skin2SpiritBotanicalLipGloss

I have been looking for a great sounding speaker I can enjoy out in our calf barn. Since the weather conditions are always changing in the barn (hot in the summer, cold in the winter, sometimes humid, sometimes wet, etc...)it is important for me to use and indoor/outdoor style speaker in that environment. I also want it to work wirelessly with my iphone and be easy to operate. That's exactly why I'm loving this particular speaker. I walk into the barn and my phone picks up the signal right away and connects without any trouble. The speaker stays charged for a long period of time and I go several days without having to plug it in. When I do charge it, it charges quickly. The sound quality is really impressive for being so small. I think I finally found "the one" that will work long term for me. This would be ideal for someone looking for something for their porch or patio as well as near a hot tub or swimming pool. You don't have to sacrifice sound quality for ...

Brenda Gilbertson - Founder of the Dairy Girl Network One of my favorite song lyrics is "God bless the broken road that led me straight to you" and I truly believe that life is a journey and not a destination. We joke here at the farm about the likelihood of me ending up a dairy farmer. Truthfully, we joke about most of my life and how it is nothing like I had planned. Funny thing is, I couldn't love it any more than I do. The business woman I once was is a far cry from the crunchy mom I now am and even more removed from my position as cow mom. I turned in my high heels in exchange for some cowboy boots and dressing up now means throwing on a clean pair of jeans. I'm often asked what a typical day looks like. Farming is about as boring as chasing toddlers. You never (and I mean NEVER) know what is going to happen next. Yes, the cows always need milking, the babies always need feeding, and if you like cleaning, there's never a lack of dirty somethings in nee...

I absolutely love the variety of this Great Kids Snack Box!  - the majority of the snacks included in our box are things I have never tried before. I absolutely love the healthy theme of the snacks - they're not only tasty, but they are foods I can stand behind as a mom. The brands that have been chosen for the boxes are wonderful - as I learned about each company and their mission/vision, I was impressed and plan to purchase more of many of the treats. I'm planning on purchasing future boxes - not so much as a monthly subscription because with 4 children plus extras most days, it's just not feasible for us, but when my children have to bring a snack to school, I'll be ordering a box to send (avoiding the sugary cupcakes and traditional treats). The company provides excellent customer service and I'm happy with the value and quality of the products. http://www.greatsnackbox.com/GREAT-Kid…/gks-subscription.htm #GreatKidsSnacks

5 Star Book Review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto I want to start by thanking WOW! Women on Writing for asking me to be part of this book blog tour of Martha Conway's jazz age mystery Sugarland . This was a fabulous read and absolutely deserving of 5 stars! I was completely taken by the characters of Sugarland . They came to live so vividly you would have thought each one was written by the character themselves. I have no idea what it would be like to be a young black woman on a train during the early 1920's and yet the feelings Eve Riser was experiencing made my stomach knot up. As a piano player I was excited about the accuracy of the musical references. Additionally, I said to my husband "Martha Conway must be an amazing historian" because she did such a fabulous job with each and every details of the jazz age. Nothing felt out of sync or out of place. As an author, she give you the details you need without any extra flowery page fillers. I had no idea what w...

My daughter has been wearing the back posture corrector and it has drastically improved her posture. It's not uncomfortable - it's just a gentle reminder to sit up nice and straight with her shoulders in the proper position. She's 9 and has a bit of trouble adjusting it herself, but I am quite happy to do it for her. I also tried it on myself and wore it for a few hours. It's quite comfortable and not terribly difficult to put on and adjust by one's self. https://www.amazon.com/MEDIUM-Figure-Clavicle-Corrector-Brace/dp/B01LYV40CI/ref=sr_1_15_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&sr=1-15&keywords=Posture+Corrector #BackPostureCorrector

I'm kind of particular when it comes to lipstick. I like the feeling of a creamy lipstick that is easy to apply and it's irritating when you have to apply a chapstick first to get that silky smooth application feeling. This particular lipstick goes on creamy smooth and the color lasts quite a long time. I'm an avid coffee drinker so lots of lipsticks will eventually end up on my cup instead of my lips. This one doesn't transfer very easily - there's still a bit on the cup, but the color on my lips still looks fabulous. There's no perfumey smell or odd flavor - and I'm happy with the ingredients list. Impressive product. I would purchase again. #Skin2SpiritLipstick https://www.amazon.com/Botanical-Lipstick-BERRY-RED-Moisturizing/dp/B01MDJFNSL?keywords=natural+lipstick+lip+stick+organic+color+lips+moisturizing

CRYSTAL J. CASAVANT-OTTO 9906 Hershau Rd * Reedsville, WI 54230 * 920-645-7529 * CrystalJOtto@gmail.com Creative Professional I have strong written communication skills and was published in the Feb. 2012 edition of Collector Magazine and have recently been published several times each month on the daily blog of WOW! Women on Writing as well as my own blog (bringonlemons.blogspot). I am enjoying raising our family and working alongside my husband on our small family farm in rural Wisconsin. I enjoy the creativity that comes with juggling the duties of motherhood, volunteer opportunities, and business ownership. Key Skills Office Management Teambuilding &Supervision Staff Development &Training Policies &Procedures Manuals Report & Document Preparation Spreadsheet & Database Creation Compliance & Complaint Resolution Creative Writing / Blogging Meeting & Event Planning Community Involvement Time Management Work/Family Balance Experience ...

Looking for a great book to read this fall? Look no further than Fractured by Catherine McKenzie! Official Summary: Welcome, neighbor! Julie Prentice and her family move across the country to the idyllic Mount Adams district of Cincinnati, hoping to evade the stalker who’s been terrorizing them ever since the publication of her bestselling novel, The Murder Game. Since Julie doesn’t know anyone in her new town, when she meets her neighbor John Dunbar, their instant connection brings measured hope for a new beginning. But she never imagines that a simple, benign conversation with him could set her life spinning so far off course. We know where you live… After a series of misunderstandings, Julie and her family become the target of increasingly unsettling harassment. Has Julie’s stalker found her, or are her neighbors out to get her, too? As tension in the neighborhood rises, new friends turn into enemies, and the results are deadly. About the Author: Catherine McKen...