Mami's Rants & Raves

I am a wife and mother before anything else. I get free things and then get to write, talk and/or answer questions about them. It's really a win-win situation. What you will find here is as simple as the title states. I will write about my family (my beautiful wife and gorgeous son) or the products I receive, things that I like or things that bother me.

[kristenmami]

I just signed up to be a Fan for Goosebumps. Learn more and become one yourself here

[kristenmami]

It's that easy. Like this and reblog it and I will leave your s/o up for A week

[sunflowarh]

FOLLOW TRAIN :D

like/reblog this if u follow back and follow everyone else who has liked/rebloged !!!!

[kristenmami]

Other ways to contact me:

Twitter: @k_mami_2 @kristen_mami Instagram: @kristen_mami (personal) @kristen_mami2 (freebies) Follow me on all 4 and share my information!

[kristenmami]

‪#‎HelloKeurig‬ Review: We received the Keurig K 2.0 K200 brewing system to test and review. I was so excited for this campaign because I have been wanting to try the Keurig machines but haven’t wanted to spend $100+ on a coffee maker that I wasn’t going to be happy with. We drink coffee but aren’t huge coffee drinkers so the regular coffee makers aren’t a good fit for us and we tend to waste a lot. So, I put it together immediately which was really really simple. Remove a couple pieces of tape, put the filter in water for a few minutes and then into the machine and the drip plate just slides in the bottom; seriously it’s that simple. Now to the fun part. The Keurig actually comes with a sample pack and in the voxbox we also received a box of others so choosing was fun. I went with the Starbucks Pike’s Place Roast for obvious reasons! I placed it in the machine, filled the machine with water and followed the prompts. It’s touch screen and you can choose the cup size and strength, again it’s really simple. Then press the “Keurig” button and watch it it’s thing. This system makes very hot coffee and the perfect strength. Now, to my understanding, the K cups are single use only but I had to see if there was life in them after that first glass. I left the cup in and went through the steps again to see if the next glass of coffee was as good, it was just like the first: Perfect! I used the same k-cup a total of 4 times, once using the “strong” option. They all were good. My overall opinion of the Keurig K2.0 brewing system is great. I think it’s a wonderful machine for me, as I can make a cup at a time and it’s always fresh. I researched the price as well and it’s definitely worth it. The k-cups are a little pricey but if you’re like me, you can use them more than once so it balances out. My main reasons for liking the system are: every cup is hot and fresh, there’s no mess or measuring out coffee, and there’s hardly any clean up. I don’t have any dislikes about the brewing system itself. Thank you Influenster and Keurig ☆I received the products in this review complimentary for testing and reviewing purposes.

[kristenmami]

Help me with this awesome giveaway for Mommy's Bliss!

[kristenmami]

My review of Reese's Spreads As soon as I received this jar I immediately had to open it and try it. I tried it alone at first so that I could later identify the flavor when trying it will different things. I was very surprised with my initial taste test. This creamy goodness tastes just like Reese's peanut butter cup. The flavor is very authentic. Its so rich and creamy. Next we tried it with a "safe food." Nilla Wafers. It was very good and tastes similar to the Reese's Sticks™. Then we tried it with bananas, apples, strawberries, pears, and kiwi, all were delicious. We then started getting more courage! I fried up some bacon and took the plunge, at it was phenomenal. Next up was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with Reese's Spread instead of peanut butter, that was good too. We spread it lightly on top of Birthday Cake as a makeshift frosting, again it was amazing and so full of flavor. This product is now a sweet treat that will remain in our home. I have yet to find something it doesn't go well with. Start small when you use it though. If you use too much the flavor can drown out other flavors. I received this product for free from @Influenster. All opinions are my own.

[kristenmami]

Free Items list

I had planned on just taking screenshots of my lists but a few of them would have been confusing so I’ve combined them all in text form. These are the lists off free items we’ve received since April 2014. Enjoy! 😀

From Bzz Agent: •Special K Moments •Dr. Scholl’s Dream walk shoe inserts •Culinary celebration at Kroger (Fry’s) •Purina Beyond dog food •MyMonopoly •Kroger beauty supplies •International Delight creamers •TONY’S pizza •eBay guides •Fry’s community reward •Comforts for baby (diapers & wipes) •Quaker instant oatmeal (2 kinds)

•The Art of Shaving •Dial Acne wash •Claritan-D •International delight iced coffee •Copper socks •Barbie Fashion Designer doll •Charmin Ultra •Gillette fusion razor & shave gel •Chicken & a 20oz Coke

From Influenster: •Sally Hansen fingernail polish •Pure Silk shaving cream •Rimmel Mascara •Rimmel lipstick •Rimmel lip liner •Tide to-go •Olay rejuvenist •Eco tools facial sponge •Kleenix Puffs soft box •Swiss Miss hot chocolate •Resource water •Jergens hand lotion •Clairol hair mask •Reese’s spread •3 other Sally Hansen polishes for being a top earner

From Moms Meet: •Beech but baby food (11 jars) •Living Now Banana bread mix •Living Now Brownie mix •Living Now Pancake mix (2 boxes) •Effer-C Acia berry drink mix (30 packets) •Mommys Bliss sweet slumber mist, body creme and body wash

From Smiley360: •Arm & Hammer baking soda •Preparation H •Invincible book preview •Purina One dog food •5-hour Energy •Baby orajel •Emergen-C drink mix •Arm & Hammer truly Radiant tooth brush, mouth wash, tooth paste

From PinchMe: •Beyonce Rise perfume •Gevalia coffee (3 different kinds) •Allegra allergy •Crew hair stuff •Wetnaps •Shaklee180 shakes •Dove Oxygen shampoo & conditioner •African Black soap

Other miscellaneous freebies: •Diapers, cleaning supplies, baby supplies from the Honest company •Formula and checks from Similac •Formula and coupons from Gerber •Formula (9 tubs) checks and coupons from Enfamil •diapers and wipes from Huggies •diapers from seventh generation •adult diapers from tens •adult diapers from depends •tums from Costco •Veev Wine •Red Velvet oreos •sterling silver ring, eye shadow, USB drive, sterling silver Mickey mouse necklace from tophatter •Shampoo & Conditioner, Eye shadow (4 kinds), eye liner from l’oreal not counting the confidential products I’ve tested •baby wipes to test from mindfield and springboard •Shampoo & conditioner from Dove •Shampoo & conditioner from Nexxus •Shampoo & conditioner from Matrix Biolage •tampons and pads from Kotex •pads from Poise •pads from Always Infinity •bathtub basketball game from pampers rewards •miscellaneous samples from Kate Somerville •Gucci perfume •body wash from Tone •hair serum and creme from John Frieda •vitamins from caltrate •lotion from Gilchrist and Soames •face washes from garnier •make up remover from Olay •5 different items from Modēre •Maybelline lipstick •Dove deodorant •secret deodorant (2) •olay shine reducer •Books from several different Authors through Goodreads •pictures, canvas prints, picture books, magnets, mouse pads and $20 from Shutterfly •pictures from Snap fish •advanced screening movie tickets •body sprays and perfume from Victoria’s secret •make up and perfume from sephora •food items from several different companies •acne products from Mary kay •hand sanitizer from Purell •Cookies from Betty Crocker •Cereal from Pillsbury •heartburn meds, shaving razor, deodorant from p&g •split end hair cream from Aussie •baby safety stuff for cabinets from safety first? •educational stuff Educents •sweat pants, shirt, socks from Aēropostale •gift card from hallmark •candles from Yankee candle •miscellaneous baby samples from Seventh Generation, Eucerin, Averno, Tri-Derma, Mama Mio, Mommys Bliss, Desitin, Babyganics, Mum+bub, Butt Paste, Mustela, LansinOh, Dapple, Belli, Nivea, and Boogie Wipes •gift cards for Amazon, PayPal, eBay, piercing pagoda, Macy’s, buffalo wild wings, staples •Onesie from Disney •Playtex bottle and nipples •baby toys •playing cards, stress ball, lunch bag, DVD from diabetes foundation •11 Timex watches from Brit+co •11 masquerade mask kits from Brit+co •several large pizzas from Papa Johns •subscription box(es) from citrus lane, stunner shades (4), birchbox, julep, bluum, Walmart (2), bestowed, crave, spicy subscription and fantasy box

I’m sure there’s more but I can’t remember them. Lol!!!!

[kristenmami]

Free items

So, I was asked a question about 2 weeks ago if I could list all the stuff I've gotten for free since I started this in April. Its taken me a while to compile the lists since there is so much stuff and I'm having to do most of it from memory. Lol! I'll be posting the lists in a little while so keep your eye out for them. And let me know if you have any questions.

[67888875322467]

In light of Leelah’s death, I’m giving away clothes, make-up, and wigs to trans women and AMAB feminine non-binary people to help embrace their identity. I have 3 boxes of clothes including dresses, skirts, and blouses; over a dozen wigs; and a box of make-up that I bought but have never used. I was planning on selling everything but I don’t need the money as much as I believe they need these items. I have plenty more than what’s pictured; these are just examples. I will also send a stuffed animal with every package because I know they’ve helped me with my emotional and mental break-downs and I can only hope they help others with theirs as well.

Because of my size I only have the items in small and medium with a dozen or so in larges but I can get larger items if requested. I also am only able to supply feminine clothes at the moment so I can’t supply anything for trans men or AFAB masculine non-binary people.

If I end up giving away everything I have, don’t worry. I have a Target credit card that I will use to buy E.L.F. make-up for those who request it. I print business cards for local thrift shops and beauty supply stores so I can get feminine clothes and wigs at a discounted price. I will continue doing this as long as my help is needed.

I understand how hard it is to have an unsupportive family who won’t allow you to get the things you need to express your gender identity and feel comfortable with who you are so I will do the absolute best I can within my power to give you what you need. I also can send everything in discreet packages if needed (I have Amazon and eBay boxes I can use).

I eventually want to turn this into an organization that does this for all trans and genderqueer people but I have to start somewhere, right?

You don’t have to follow me to request anything. You just have to feel comfortable enough to send me your address so I can send the items to you. Because I’m limited on what I can offer, the most I can supply for one person is 1 dress, 1 blouse, 1 skirt (or pants, leggings, etc.), 1 wig, and a pack of basic make-up essentials. I will also try my best to send packages outside of the U.S. but since shipping is coming out of my own savings account, I may not be able to do so.

Please stay safe. Please know that you aren’t alone and that there are people who care for and love you. Please know that you have help if you want it.

[butifloveisagame]

HUGE SIGNAL BOOST

[kristenmami]

I'm going to share this because this person is truly amazing! What am amazing thing you are doing!!!!

[kristenmami]

HELP MY FRIEND, PLEASE.

Okay guys so I don't normally ask for help but I have an amazing friend who is in need. He is Transgender and he's in need of "top surgery," this surgery will help him to feel more comfortable in his own skin. Now, please don't get all judgy and start to be hateful. That's counterproductive and ignorant. I support all people, no matter what! Unless you're a murdered or rapist, of course. Please share, like, comment... Anything to help get the word out. End this year KNOWING you helped someone better their life. Here's the link guys. Please help. http://lm.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gofundme.com%2F5g48ok&h=IAQEdBE5Q&s=1

[kristenmami]

So, Resource Water was inside my #ModaVoxBox. I don't really like drinking plain water, in fact, I actually hate it. I tried this water feeling a little bit hesitant. I was truly pleasantly surprised. It's really good. It tastes good cold or warm. Most bottled water has a nasty after taste to me, but not this kind. This water is 100% spring water deliciousness! We've started to use it in Gabriel's bottles and he doesn't spit up as much. I'm definitely going to invest in some more of this. Also, they deliver directly to your door which is really nice too! Give it a try! influenster

[kristenmami]

So, Resource Water was inside my #ModaVoxBox. I don't really like drinking plain water, in fact, I actually hate it. I tried this water feeling a little bit hesitant. I was truly pleasantly surprised. It's really good. It tastes good cold or warm. Most bottled water has a nasty after taste to me, but not this kind. This water is 100% spring water deliciousness! We've started to use it in Gabriel's bottles and he doesn't spit up as much. I'm definitely going to invest in some more of this. Also, they deliver directly to your door which is really nice too! Give it a try! influenster

[kristenmami]

Super Excited!!! #ModaVoxBox influenster

[kristenmami]

Rules and things

Some fun facts that I have learned by being a mom and some basic rules:: 1. There is a show on Disney called "Girl Meets World" Yes, Corey and Tapanga are the parents. 2. Bedtime doesn't mean it's time to go to bed to a 7 month old, it means jump around in the crib and scream happily until Mama realizes what bedtime actually means. 3. Sleeping for two hours is considered "good" sleep. 4. Pooping or Peeing in peace doesn't exist. 5. Just because your child was a great sleeper, and slept through the entire night last week (or yesterday) does not mean they will do the same today. 6. Getting rid of pacifiers is WAY easier than what people say. 7. Breaking your child of sleeping in your bed is easier than they say too. Breaking yourself of the same habit is much harder. 8. I always thought kids cried, laughed, everything for a reason; I was wrong. 9. Momzilla exists and my wife and I both assume that role. DON'T TOUCH OUR CHILD. Whether it's his foot, head, shirt or the tip of his pinky toe. Doing so can and probably will result in a punch in the throat. 10. If you smoke, do NOT come within 30 feet of our baby. I'm an ex-smoker, the sh!t stinks. If you violated #8 and somehow were able to touch Gabriel and because of that he has that smell I WILL NOT hesitate to trip you, spit on you and then beat your a$$. It stinks. You chose to smoke, you can kill yourself with that vile, disgusting habit. We want to live so stay away. 11. You see on the news, hear on the radio and even read in the newspaper that Ebola, the Bubonic Plague and EnteroVirus are here, that means, unless you're in a hazmat suit, Why are you so close that I can smell your breath? Back back or I will gladly assist you in doing so. 12. I'm aware that I'm crazy, so is my wife. When it comes to our boy the crazy intensifies to a gazillion. That's okay. 13. If you get a picture of Gabriel or take one yourself, have some respect, do NOT post it without asking. Seriously though. I don't go around touching your kid, trying to kill you or your kid so Why do it to ours? I have No problem being THAT mama, and neither does my wife. Good Night

[kristenmami]

My current rant

3 things I really want to talk about.

1: Gay rights I am so excited that I can finally get married. You have No idea how exciting that is. Now I know I’m gonna get several arguments about What’s right and wrong but I’m not bothered. Knowing that I can marry the WOMAN of my dreams, legally, means so much. I never ever thought I’d see the day that I could marry my wife. #Blessed

2. Kids needing a mom and dad: Stop saying children need a mother and a father. You’ve been proven wrong a billion times. There’s so many single parents out there it’s unreal. Not to mention all the kids that have had to bury a parent and even the military families that one parents is away for months at a time. Seriously, your argument is invalid.

3. Transgender individuals. A lot of people don’t understand. I didn’t either until a friend of mine Informed me. I still feel like I don’t know much, but what I do know this: transgender people are people too. Please stop saying “my friend is transgender, he was born a she or vice versa. He was born he although his body didnt agree and you should always refer to him as such. He may not have always been “out” but neither was I. Imagine telling someone that you are the opposite of what you appear to be….. it takes a lot for people to realize that and and a lot of people will disagree with you even though you yourself know in your heart that you are not what you appear to be. It’s not wearing different clothes or using different pronouns, it’s about being yourself. Imagine for a moment that (although this is much smaller) you are a nurse, you’ve worked all your life to be a nurse, accept that you are a nurse and you’ve spent all this time getting those close to you to realize you are a nurse and accept it, yet at ever turn people say that “you don’t look like a nurse therefore you aren’t a nurse”, you “were a doctor last week”, you’re “confused about being a nurse”, “just because you wear scrubs doesn’t male you a nurse”… those things would make you feel like crap right? Afterall, you worked your entire life to be a nurse and get those closest to you to address you as such and identify you that way. Same idea.

Please understand that people are allowed to be different things, different people. Give them the same respect they give you. Understand that people look different too. Your beliefs may be different, you may not understand but take that time to educate yourself. I have a friend, (I won’t “out” him because that’s not my place) and he is really cool, I have probably asked the stupidest questions of him because I don’t know much about this topic at all but he has answered my questions without even the slightest hint of annoyance or anything.

My point is this: everyone is different, and has different beliefs, don’t judge people because they are different. It does NOT affect you in any way. Let people live and most importantly, let people be themselves without them having to worry about what comes out of your mouth. You may think what others are doing is against your religion or whatever…. it is NOT your place to tell them that or anything for that matter. It’s NOT YOU that has to deal with it. Did you know that on judgement day, you only have to answer for yourself? You dont have to answer for me or hilter or anyone else so my life should not affect you in any way. If you dont like what im doing, keep it moving. I’m so tired of people acting like what I do (or my lgbtq brothers and sisters) affects them. That’s like saying when someone gets caught killing someone and they get arrested, everyone my, in that city arrested too. It’s stupid.

Anyway, my rant is over. If you feel like you must state your peace on these issues; go ahead and click “comment” and we can discuss it.

[kristenmami]

WALMART BEAUTY BOX $5 shipped

*My box was free*

Contents include:

-Full size Secret Clinical Strength Deoderant

-Full size L’oreal Glossy Balm lip gloss in “Pink Me Up”

-Travel size Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo

-Travel size Dove Oxygen Moisture Conditioner

-Travel size Dove Pure Care Dry Oil for hair

-Travel size Nicki Minaj Pink Friday Perfume

-Travel size Covergirl Glowing Nights nail polish in “#AfterDark”

-Sample size L’oreal Youth Code Pore Vanisher

-Sample size Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Makeup in 8 different shades (classic ivory, natural ivory, buff, nude, soft beige, natural beige, fresh beige, warm beige)

-$2 off coupon for Neutrogena makeup listed above

Question time: 1. Is it worth it? YES 2. Would I subscribe to this box? Definitely, for $5 a month it is a steal. The deodorant alone is over $5. 3. Is this mass produced or is it a limited quantity? There’s a limited quantity. 4. Is this a monthly subscription? I’m pretty sure it’s a monthly subscription but the card inside the box says “Your Fall box…” so it may be a seasonal thing. I will have to double check. 5. Where can I order my box? Order it online at WALMART.com/walmartbeauty Don’t hesitate to ask if you have other questions!