Memory Collage Blanket Review + GIVEAWAY!

     I don't know about you, but I love to give and receive a good quality photo gift. With the holidays coming up, especially Christmas, this is the perfect timing for this review and giveaway!

(Disclosure: I received a complimentary blanket for this review. However, know that all opinions, are my own and based on my personal experience)

     Let's jump right in! First thing I want to say is that this photo collage blanket by collage.com is absolutely beautiful, so soft, and loved by everyone in the family.  The blanket was created with great color reproduction and the photos are crisp and clear, something I was a little worried about. However, it turned out great and I am thoroughly impressed. The quality truly exceeded my expectations.
     When you first visit collage.com they make the experience easy and fun! You can upload any pictures you would like and test them out on various collages and templates. They have so many different projects to choose from. I am so happy with the sherpa blanket, that we went with. It was fun experimenting with the different pictures, and honestly, the hardest part of the process was narrowing down which pictures to use. With the creative freedom that collage.com offers, the sky is truly the limit! They have projects such as blankets, canvases, photo books, and so much more. When you are choosing your layout you can choose to have the whole blanket be one picture or a layout with a lot of pictures. You can also add words or a quote to the blanket too, which is so fun for gifts!

     Once you have your layout just the way you'd like it, you can securely checkout and pick your shipping method. We received our blanket fairly quickly as well, which is so important around the holidays (ensuring you get your packages on time). Our blanket came wrapped up to help prevent any damages from the shipping process. Once we received our blanket it quickly became one of my families favorites. It ends up being moved from room to room and someone is always snuggled up in it. It really is SO soft! I love that BOTH sides of this blanket are equally soft, the size is perfect too. We went with the 50''x60''.

 I mean just look at our little man all snuggled up and fast asleep (pretty sure he approves :)

    We would love for one of you to receive a photo blanket too, which is why we've teamed up with Collage.com to have a giveway! One lucky winner will receive their very own collage blanket! To enter the giveaway head to my instagram @kaylawriter or CLICK HERE!

Thanks for stopping by! If you won, what type of blanket collage would you make?

-Kayla

Cinnamon Glazed Donuts (Keto)

I am currently obsessed with these cinnamon glazed donuts (Keto style). Fall is right around the corner and those donuts from the pumpkin patch are going to be all too enticing and having an alternative is just what I needed. I adapted this recipe from (Caroline's Keto Kitchen).

Here's what you'll need: (donuts)

2 eggs

½ cup almond flour

¼ cup or 1 packet of Quest cinnamon crunch protein powder (any keto friendly protein powder should work)

2 tbsp coconut flour

¼ cup erithyrtol, granulated (sweetner)

¼ tsp salt

2 oz cream cheese, softened

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup water

Glaze (from Caroline's Keto Kitchen):

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup erithrytol (sweetner)

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

1) Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. 

2) Separate 2 eggs. Set aside the egg yolks. Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks with a hand mixer and set aside.

3) In a large mixing bowl, mix together the dry ingredients (almond flour, cinnamon crunch protein powder, coconut flour, erithrytol, salt, softened cream cheese and baking powder).

4) Add wet ingredients (egg yolks, vanilla and whipping cream/water). Stir until mixed very well. 

5) Gently combine stiff egg whites with the mixture. Stir gently until mixture is all one color.

6) Spray a muffin tin and fill 1/3 of the way up OR Spray two donut pans with coconut spray and fill each mold about 2/3 of the way.

7) Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. (Longer for a muffin tin) Let donuts cool in pan for 5 minutes, and then take them out of their molds and set on a paper towel. If you used a muffin tin use a rounded piece to cut out holes.

8) Melt butter in a frying pan and then add the erithrytol. Once the sweetner is fully melted, add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla, and stir over heat for roughly 5 minutes. 

9) Remove glaze from heat. If you want a thicker glaze, wait at least 45 minutes to apply glaze. If you prefer a thinner glaze, dip each donut once in the frying pan, applying glaze to both sides. If you like donuts very sweet, you can dip each donut twice. If you are not a fan of sweet donuts, you can spoon glaze over donuts rather than dipping them in.

Enjoy your delicious donuts!!!

I hope you enjoy these low carb / keto friendly glazed cinnamon donuts! I sure know I'll be making another batch soon!

-Kayla

Instagram @kaylawriter

Orchardbaby Boutique Update

Thanks for stopping by! I thought I would do an update on how our shop Orchardbaby Boutique is doing. We've been having so much fun with creating and making items for all the little ones! I don't think Kenzie or myself ever imagined this is where we would be at this point in our life. Married to brothers, raising kids as stay at home mamas, and sewing mini creations for your little ones. Of course our days are filled with so much more, but when we find the time away from wiping noses, sweeping up breakfast off the floor, and snuggling with our precious babes, we turn into little sewers, and its pretty awesome!

We just launched a new collection in the shop called the "Basics Collection". Bringing you the basics for your trendy babe! Hoodies and pants are handcrafted with a super soft french terry knit. The cuffs are made with a soft and stretchy black and white striped cotton knit. All seams are serged for a professional finish and added durability. This line of "basics" will keep your little one super stylish, while allowing ease and comfort, that you and your babe will BOTH love! Here are some pictures from the collection, which you can purchase through our shop at www.orchardbabyboutique.com

We hope you love this collection as much as we do! We can't wait to see them on you precious babes. You can follow us for more information and the occasional discount code on Instagram @orchardbabyboutique

Adventure's with our Urbini Emi Travel System [A Review]

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Urbini. I received an Urbini stroller to facilitate my review as well as thank me for my participation.” #urbini #IC #ad

I have previously (up until I received this travel system) used an Urbini carseat/stroller.  They have a large line of different car seats and strollers for every lifestyle. You can check them all out on there website. Urbini is sold exclusively at Walmart stores and at Walmart's website (link to Urbini product page). I have decided that I want to take the kids on a walk every morning around the neighborhood. This stroller is great for this, because it is a awesome on the go stroller with tons of storage and plenty of room for your little one. This new and improved travel system is their best one yet. The many updated features are great. Improved features include the larger underneath storage compartment WITH an added zippered compartment.

 

The carseat and stroller both seam to be more sturdy and have several improvements. This stroller has a very unique look, which I would describe as sleek, urban, and trendy. I took my son (9 months old) for a walk in the stroller today and he loved it. There is ample room for his legs, and the straps were comfortable and secure. Not to mention the double snack and drink tray that attaches to the front handle bar. Another feature that I LOVE is the easy set up and take down of the stroller. When you're done, all you have to do is simply pull up on a handle (clearly marked) and voila, the stroller folds up with ease. This is nicer than previous strollers I have tried out. Some can be very confusing and difficult to fold up. 

You pull up on this flap  (the quick-lift system) and the stroller easily collapses into a manageable on the go stroller. Other features of the Urbini Emi Travel System:

-Carseat is easily adjusted for any size between 4-35lb baby with a height up to 32"

I set it up for Simon and he fits in it so much nicer that other car seats I have tried. This system comes with amstroller, car seat, AND the base.

-The stroller's handlebar is adjustable! How awesome is that. I am pretty average height but I have found that some strollers I find myself hunched over while pushing it, but not with the Urbini!

Overall, I would definitely recommend the Urbini Emi Travel System. I only have positive things to say about this stroller and car seat combo.  I would recommend this system for any mom who's on the go and looking for an easy store and go stroller, and a car seat that is easily adjusted and can be installed with ease. 

Be sure to connect with Urbini on their Facebook Page, Twitter Page, and Instagram Account for more information. They also have a Pinterest Page filled with boards on all things baby! Connect with others talking and sharing stories about their Urbini experience with the hashtag #Urbini .

If you have any questions about the Urbini Emi Stroller, feel free to comment below, and I will do my best to answer it!

Top Blog Posts of 2014 + Blog Stats

Blog Stats 2013

We are nothing, without our readers, so to start I would like to thank each and every one of you. Yes YOU! Thank you!! These numbers aren't to impress anyone, I just know I enjoy looking at other bloggers stats, so I thought it may be fun to share our little ol' blogs numbers. Also, it is encouraging to see that we are continuing to grow as a blog! In the upcoming year, we hope to continue to reach more people and gain more readership. Above all though, I think Kenzie and I both just want to continue to have fun with this blog and to keep sharing fun projects, recipes, and keep you up to date on what we've been up to.

Number of Posts in 2014 = 158 (2013 = 155)

Total Page Views 2014 = 735,081 (2013 = 288,008)

Total..Facebook "Likes" = 705 (2013 = 422)

Twitter Followers = 220 (2013 = 127)

Pinterest Followers = 802 (2013 = 429)

BlogLovin' Readers = 185 (2013 = 157)

Google Friend Connect/Google Plus = 148/226 (2013 = 125/135)

EXCITING NEWS: We have created a new series here on Orchard Girls. We love supporting Small businesses, a way we have found to do this is, each month we will be featuring a new small business. If you're a small business and would like to be featured, CLICK HERE to learn more about our Small Business Monthly Feature!!

Kayla's TOP 3 POSTS of 2014:

Top 5 Toddler Valentine's Day Crafts

5 fun Valentine's Day crafts for you and your toddler - can't wait to do some of these this year!

FREE Be Brave Little One and Arrows Nursery Printables

These are great for kids of any age, but I put them up in Simon's Nursery. Check it out for your FREE prints!!

Word's of Encouragement

I was going through a rough time, and thought I would share some encouraging quotes and pictures

Kenzie's TOP 3 POSTS of 2014

Top 5 Dollar Store Projects

These projects are great for anyone on a tight budget and looking for a fun DIY

My Breastfeeding Essentials

Breastfeeding can be a struggle sometimes, come see what Kenzie found to be the most essential products.

What's in My Hospital Bag

Pregnant? Check this post out to see the essential items to pack in your hospital bag.

Thank you so much for all of your support this past year! We hope you come back again to visit soon. We look forward to hearing from you on what you'd like to see in this upcoming year! Please comment below. Have a wonderful week, and stay warm! :)

Small Business Monthly Feature: Positively Oakes + SALE!!

I can't believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow! I decided to post our December small business feature a week early, so you don't miss out on their amazing sales this week. If you have a small business and would like to be featured you can CLICK HERE for more information, we would love to work with you! This month we are featuring a fun shop called Positively Oakes. Positively Oakes was created in order for kids to be comfortable but fashionable. They have the mindset that clothes should be functional and comfy for your little ones, but also fun! Which is great, because I think that is what every parent wants. They are having some great sales this week too, which is why I decided to post this feature a week early, so you don't miss out! You're welcome :)

Adeline wearing their Yellow Slouchy Beanie c/o Positively Oakes

The founder of Positvely Oakes is Jessica, who has a passion for fashion, sewing and growing this awesome brand. Positively Oakes is based in Idaho, but is widely known and has been featured on many blogs and a few magazines. 

 Simon wearing the Winterized Knotted Beanie c/o Positively Oakes (COMING SOON to their winter collection)

We received two products, the yellow slouchy beanie and the knotted beanie pictured above. We love them! Addie loves wearing this hat, which is rare, so that is great! Simon loved his little hat as well. Not to mention they are so adorable!!

Positvely Oakes features a variety of products including: tees, onesies, leggings, hats, headbands, and more! And they currently have the most adorable holiday collection, as well. One of my favorites is this "Don't worry my Dad has a beard" tee. Which would be perfect for Addie or Simon! :)

Be sure to check out this amazing shop - and find something or five things, for your little one!! Today's SALE -- All their tees are on sale for $14, one even marked down to $10!! Go check out the selection! Comment below if you find something that you end up purchasing or something that you would want to purchase! I'd love to hear about it.

Get social with Positively Oakes - Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter!

Small Business Monthly Feature and GIVEAWAY: Shop Lulu and Roo

We love supporting small businesses! I have especially become obsessed with all of the creative and trendy items out there for kids. Kenzie and I have decided to do a monthly small business feature, where we will highlight a small business, talk about what they make/sell and come up with some creative ways to highlight their brand. I am so excited about this new project. If you're a small business and would like to be featured, please feel free to contact us through email (orchardsisters@gmail.com). This month our first feature is an amazing Etsy shop I found via Instagram, and instantly fell in love with all of their adorable baby/toddler handmade clothing items! I am talking about the lovely Etsy shop called ShopLuluandRoo. Below, I've featured just a few of their items that we purchased, as well as put together a few mini outfit style boards. BONUS Shop Lulu and Roo has generously given us a $25.00 shop credit which will go to one of our lucky readers. (keep reading for details and your chance to enter this giveaway at the end of the post)

I couldn't wait to get my hands on a few of their items (even though I wanted to buy everything). Unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees, BUT I was able to get two super cute items for Simon. I purchased one of their slouchy beanies AND a pair of these super cute baby sweatpants.

Here are a few pictures of Simon in his new gear...

All of her items are so adorable, and I love that they are handmade (very good quality, as well) Like I said earlier, I wanted to purchase one of everything, but I had to settle with making a few mini outfit style boards, and here they are. 

| ShopLuluandRoo Headband | ShopLuluandRoo Hoodie | Jeans | Moccasins |

The sweatshirts that she makes are so adorable! I love to have hoodies for babies to keep them warm, comfy and cozy. In her shop you can find her hoodies HERE! I love that there are coordinating hoodies, pants, hats, and headbands it really lets you purchase a complete outfit.

| T-shirt | Jeans | ShopLuluandRoo Hoodie | Moccasins |

Here I've featured another one of her hoodies, which is great for any neutral outfit you put together and is gender-neutral, which is great to pass along to younger siblings.

| Hat | ShopLuluandRoo Sweatpants | T-Shirt | Moccasins |

I am so in love with these sweatpants. These are the ones that I purchased, and let me tell you...they are so soft and comfy (wish I had a pair for myself). The waistband and ankle cuffs are super soft, which is nice and is extra comfy for your little one. 

Thank you for stopping by and checking out our blog! We hope you like what you see and decide to follow along with us on:

Orchard Girls - Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter @orchard_girls, and Instagram (Kayla) Instagram (Kenzie)

Shop Lulu and Roo - Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram

Now onto our exciting giveaway!

This contest is open to everyone, enter below and feel free to follow us on our above mentioned social media channels, which is where we will announce the winner of the giveaway. This giveaway will run for ONE week from November 8, 2014 (12:00am) - November 15, 2014 (12:00am)

a Rafflecopter giveaway