Bummis: Sun Line & Giveaway!

The weather has been really nice recently so when Mason received a few pieces from the bummis sun line for review, we were ready to hit the beach.  Although Kenzie has been going to swim lessons during weekend mornings, she wanted to hit the beach with her new sand toy so I suited Mason up in his ever adorable UV-Tee, Swimmi and Sun Cap from bummis, picked up her grandmother and off we went.  

The camping critters print for the swimmi and sun cap is beyond adorable.  When my mother in law saw Mason she couldn't stop smiling.  Since I don't cloth diaper (shocked?) I didn't know what to expect from the swimmi swim diaper but I was pleasantly surprised.  Mason is wearing size Medium and he's almost 22 pounds.  It works just like a disposable in that you velcro the straps onto the front.  The inside features a polyester mesh and coated nylon layer for easy cleanup but since Mason didn't go #2 while we were at the beach - no mess for me to cleanup!  I'm sure we may encounter this at the pool sometime this summer but crossing my fingers that his swimmi will stay poo free.    

The UV-Tee is awesome.  I am all about sun protection and the turquoise tee (9-12 month size) fit Mason like a glove.  It features a UPF rating of 50 and the swimsuit like fabric allows it to be snug yet flexible for movement.  The material is thicker than the usual rashguard and Mason's chubby self was happy wearing it.  

The coordinating sun cap in camping critters is a must have.  The flap (baseball cap) design works well with Mason's head and the neck protection can't be beat.  This also has a UPF rating of 50 so I know his delicate skin is not being exposed to harmful rays as much as without the cap.  The material is thin, light and breathable - no sweaty heads here.  I would actually love one for Kenzie and myself.  

Find a Retailer here to purchase.  

Make sure to connect with bummis on Facebook and Twitter!

One Winner will Receive a swimmi, UV-Tee and sun cap!

(Open to US and Canada)

Storytime with HABA Lilliputiens Wolf Hand Puppet & 3 Little Pigs

Kenzie is a natural storyteller therefore I was excited to receive the Lilliputiens Wolf Hand Puppet & 3 Little Pigs from HABA for review.  This is another fantastic toy from HABA's Lilliputiens line of small, fairy tale rattles, puppets and squeakers.  These unique toys take your child on a magical adventure limited only by their imagination.  The wolf handpuppet & 3 little pigs includes a wolf hand puppet and 3 pig finger puppets with their coordinating houses.  

The simple story line of the big bad wolf and the 3 little pigs was easy for Kenzie to follow and the huffing and puffing of each house by the wolf hand puppet manipulated by Kenzie was classic.  She initially asked if the wolf was the monster and in theory he is but I just said no, he's just the wolf.  She exerts much energy into trying to blow down each house (minus the brick).  

The pig finger puppets are the perfect size for Kenzie's fingers (and ours) and she can identify each pig's home because each matches their outfit.  Kenzie has a vivid imagination and she likes to make up her own stories all the time.  

 

 

 

 

Mason even gets excited when she recites her own version of the story to him.    This Lilliputiens toy is so much fun for both and I am really fond of it because the pigs and homes all fit neatly inside the wolf for easy cleanup.    

     

 

 

 

This toy is recommended from 0-2 years but can be enjoyed well beyond that age.  The quality of stitching and detail in materials is amazing and definitely fits in with HABA's high standards.  This toy is meant to last and I can't wait to get Kenzie and Mason several more from this line.    

Buy It:  You can purchase the Wolf Hand puppet & 3 Little Pigs for $64.99.  

Make sure to connect with HABA on Facebook and Twitter!

Being MVP received one or more of the products mentioned above for free for evaluation purposes. Regardless, all opinions expressed are still 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials In Advertising. Being MVP Disclosure.

Luv Chicken Booster Seat for Those In Between

Kenzie received the Luv Chicken Booster seat for review and it is just so versatile.  It is a large square cushion covered in a kid-safe coated fabric that is easy to wipe clean with a non-slip bottom.  The Woodland Friends print is whimsical yet chic.  Kenzie was all over it when it arrived and when I told her it was her booster cushion, she got all giddy. 

Kenzie is beyond the highchair stage (although she does want to hop into Mason's once in a while) but not quite big enough to  reach the dining table when sitting flat on the chair.  When we are at the table and Kenzie is in her chair, she usually sits on her knees or squats.  Since she doesn't sit still for an entire meal and hops off to go play or stands on the chair (which I constantly have to tell her to stop doing for fear of her falling), I was hopeful that the Luv Chicken Booster would help.  This booster seat fits perfectly on our Crate & Barrel dining chairs and when I placed Kenzie on top, she easily reached her meal with no contortions.  

This is perfect for children 18 months to 8 years old.  I'm sure Kenzie will be using it far longer than Mason as he is meatier than her.  The handle on the side of this lightweight cushion allows for Kenzie to carry it on her own around the house and out and about. This toddler booster is versatile as it can be used on the floor as extra seating, climbing obstacle for crawlers, beds for dolls, surfing and more.  I love that it is easily cleaned as I am all over spills and messes.  This would make a perfect gift for a 1st birthday.  

Buy It:  You can purchase the Luv Chicken Booster Seat for $45.

Make sure to connect with Luv Chicken on Facebook and Twitter!

Being MVP received one or more of the products mentioned above for free for evaluation purposes. Regardless, all opinions expressed are still 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials In Advertising. Being MVP Disclosure.

Kikko' Pilo & Giveaway!

We received the kikko' pilo for review and it is going to be great when we travel this summer.  On previous flights with Kenzie, it was difficult for her to sleep even with her own seat due to the uncomfortable seat and lack of pillows and blankets offered by the airlines.  The kikko' pilo is the answer to traveling with children because it is the perfect size for napping and more.     

The kikko' pilo is a 23 inch square memory foam mini pad / pillow  that is 1.5 inches thick.  It features a 100% cotton cover over a waterproof cover.  

I love this feature because that means I have a clean place to change Mason's diaper when at the airport.  I remember changing Kenzie's diapers in her stroller because I didn't want to use the icky seats or changing station in the restroom.  Who knows how many poopy bums have been on those?  She also freaked out every time I tried laying her on the changing station so the kikko' pilo would have been a tremendous help.  I'm glad that we will get to use it with Mason this summer.

The main use for the kikko' pilo is as a child travel mattress.  The memory foam makes it just like mama's bed and creates a comfortable and familiar sleeping place aboard planes.  Your child's face does not have to be planted on the potentially dirty seat.  Yes I am that parent who thinks there are germs everywhere!  The possibilities of use are endless as this can be used while on trains (hoping to go to the Swiss Alps again with the kiddos and this mat would be perfect for the trains that go around the mountains), visiting friends' homes and/or even during night potty training time.  Kenzie and Mason will most likely take turns using this on the 5+ hour flight hopefully to Maui this summer and to grandma's house in FL.  

It is delightfully well received by Kenzie that I tried it out myself and let's just hope kikko' pilo wants to expand their size range because it is fabulous.  The mat also rolls up compactly and can be used to relieve my back pains when not being used by the kids.    Since we fly economy most of the time, I'm sure you know how uncomfortable those seats can get after several hours.  I just love the packaging and the modern design - perfect as a baby shower and/or birthday gift.     

Buy It:  You can purchase the kikko' pilo for $55.

Make sure to connect with kikko' pilo on Facebook and Twitter!

One Winner will Receive a kikko' pilo!

(Open to US)

How to Make your Own Dol Towers for Korean 1st Birthday Parties #DIY

Mason's birthday is coming up in August so I have been on the hunt for dol towers for the head table.  I purchased Kenzie's from another mama who made them but since I can only find them for about $60+ each now... I decided to attempt making them.  

Materials:

• 2 rolls of paper towels
• card stock
• hot glue gun with lots of glue sticks
• tape
• assorted beans (white and black or even colored candies)

Print out your image or greeting on the card stock.  I chose the generic chook dol (1st birthday) and dragon (since Mason was born the year of the dragon).  Then tape the card stock onto the paper towel.  You can also tape a blank page onto the back to cover the writing of the roll.  Then it's time to bust out the glue gun.  I started with the black beans and lettering/outline.  Just glue on top and then use the white beans to fill in and go all the way around the back.  You technically do not have to do the bottom but I did (by mistake because I thought it was the top).  

You can put in a pattern or design if you want to make it fancy.  I stuck to a basic black circle in the middle on top and make a "tail" of black beans on the back.   

The towers will be facing forward so the back isn't shown in photos but since I had extra black beans, I just used them.  The large lima beans work well for the back because who wants to spend extra time doing the back when it won't be seen?  There is no limit as you can use multi-colored candies to create rainbow towers and even colored dragons.  I did not go THAT fancy because I wanted these to just be there out of tradition and use modern decor as the focal point.

I worked on the towers after dinner on several nights while babywearing Mason.  Several burnt fingers and voila - all done!  Minimal cost and hours of labor but made with LOVE :)   

Brian James Shoes & Giveaway!

I love shoes and was excited to receive two pairs from the new Brian James line created by Angela Edgeworth - the founder of pediped.  The lines are clean and the styles simple.  The ballet flats and sandals are perfect from spring to summer on my feet.

I have been searching for an easy black flat sandal for the warmer months that would not fall apart within months of wear.  The Katherine is comfortable and lightweight.  It's a versatile leather sandal with a cushioned footbed and elasticized ankle straps.  I love the ankle straps because some sandals I have found to leave a gap because my ankles are a bit thin.  These are just perfect because they can accommodate thin to thicker ankles without looking unattractive.  The back zip makes it easy to slip on and off.  There is a spring in my step when I am wearing these and I have received several compliments already!  I hope they are in stock again soon because I've directed friends to the site already.  I can wear these with skinny jeans, dresses - both short and maxi, shorts and a t shirt and much more.  They are a must have for this season. 

The ballet flat should be a staple in everyone's shoe wardrobe.  Brian James' Angie Ballet flat is timeless.  The cognac color is similar to nude and is perfect for my skin tone - so much so that people at work thought I was walking around barefoot.  Since I am in between a 7.5 and 8 (due to pregnancy), I chose size 38 rather than the recommended 39 as stated on the website.  I should have gone with 39 because while the 38 fits, I believe the 39 would have given me a bit of wiggle room.  The leather is supple and smooth, so much so that I did a little trip and scuffed up a bit of the front.  Let's just say that I try to be less clumsy when wearing these awesome flats.    

These feature a cushioned memory foam insole and a flexible sole.  It's almost as if I am walking barefoot - that's how comfortable they are.  I wish they had a bit more cushion but other than that, they are pretty awesome - perfect for the office and weekends :)    

Buy It:  You can purchase the Angie and Katherine for $98 each.

Make sure to connect with Brian James on Facebook and Twitter!

One winner will Receive Choice of Brian James Footwear!

(Open to US)

Baby Aspen "Just Hatched" Plush Dinosaur & Lovie

My friend is finally having her first baby and it's a boy.  She will be having her baby shower in a few weeks and a wonderful gift is going to be the "Just Hatched" Plush Dinosaur and Lovie from baby aspen. 

The plush dinosaur is colorful and bright, made with different textured fabrics to appeal to a baby's senses.  It is very well made and on par with other baby aspen products I own.  The body is soft yet firm and the perfect baby shower gift for either a boy or girl.  The lovie is a white velour 12 inch square with a flannel trim.  You can opt to get it embroidered which is super nice when giving as a gift.  It can definitely be a treasured item that the mother can save for the child as they grow older.   

The presentation gets a plus because it comes nestled in a cardboard egg - you can just toss into a gift bag and you are set.  

Baby Aspen offers many different baby boutique items that are just precious.  I am kinda crushing on the Beach Bums diaper covers.   

Buy It:  You can purchase the Dinosaur Plush for $32.19.

Make sure to connect with Baby Aspen on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

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.

Learning Resources: New Sprouts™ Fresh Picked Fruit & Veggie Tote & Giveaway!

Kenzie received the New Sprouts Fresh Picked Fruit & Veggie Tote for review because she can never have enough play food right?  

This play food set includes a durable canvas tote with the following foods: red apple, tomato, strawberry, apricot, carrot, lettuce, pear, cucumber, berry cluster, plum, grapes, corn, banana, lemon, onion, potato.  Kenzie already has a plethora of New Sprouts foods but was nonetheless glad to add a few new ones such as the pear, lettuce, strawberry, tomato and cucumber.  She, of course, knew all the names and was busy rattling them off to Mason.

The pieces are brightly colored and well made as all the New Sprouts products we own.  They are easy to clean by hand with soap and water without worry of mildew or mold.  I like that while these are small enough for Kenzie's hands, they are still large enough for Mason to not choke when he chews on them.    

Miss Kenzie loves to tote around her fruits and veggies as well as place them in her wooden shopping cart to go grocery shopping.  She is the cutest ever when she pushes her cart into the "store" (her playhouse) and then checks out with her goods.  

Buy It:  You can purchase the New Sprouts™ Fresh Picked Fruit & Veggie Tote for $29.99. 

Make sure to connect with Learning Resources on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

One Winner will Receive the 

New Sprouts™ Fresh Picked Fruit & Veggie Tote!

(Open to US)

Wordless Wednesday: Impromptu Dancing with Sound Effects #elainefromseinfeld

Crossing One Hurdle at a Time: American Cancer Society Sponsored Video #FinishtheFight #ad

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the American Cancer Society.

So last year, I wrote about my mother's doctor visit wherein they found cysts/tumors.  Since that time, she has undergone a hysterectomy and does not have to endure radiation.  During the entire process, I was in shambles and worrying from across the country.  With two littles and a full-time job with minimal vacation hours, it is difficult to just drop everything and jaunt to FL like I used to.  Good thing I have unlimited cell phone minutes with my mother and her husband.  Bad thing, her husband does not know details nor does he really inquire.  She is cancer free (that I know of) but is dealing with the aftermaths of the surgery - lack of energy, sudden aging (I think this is , pain in the cut/stitched area and other related complications.    

As my mother's birthday is coming up in a few weeks - the big 60 - I look toward the efforts of the American Cancer Society who is the world's leader in the fight to end this disease.  They will turn 100 years old on May 22, 2013 - Happy Birthday!

The American Cancer Society has contributed to a 20% decline in cancer death rates in the US since the early 90's, which equates for nearly 1.2 million lives - wow I am impressed.  They have also played a role in nearly every cancer research breakthrough in recent history.  When I was a child, I imagined going into the medical field to do something awesome such as finding the cure for cancer.  Sadly, my career path did not lead to that field but I am glad that I can support the American Cancer Society in other ways, especially when people near and dear to me have been affected.  

Another neat fact is that the ACS helped lead to a 50% drop in smoking since the 60's which contributes to a drop in lung cancer death rates.  This is amazing and I am really proud of them.  I detest smoking...so much so that I used to break cigarettes so that friends wouldn't smoke around me.  I even gave the ultimatum to my husband to quit smoking if he wanted to date me - - guess what he did? 

  

The video above shows an awesome progression of the works of The American Cancer Society through the years.  I am amazed at the now survival rates and have great hopes for my mother to live a healthy and strong life to see her grandchildren off to college and marriage.  

When my father passed away when I was 6 years old, I only knew that it was due to something with his liver - he went to the hospital one day and ended up staying until he died.  The American Cancer Society is undertaking a historic cancer research study called the Cancer Prevention Study-3 which will help save even more lives.  The society goes above and beyond by making sure those battling cancer have transportation to and from treatment(s) as well as a place to stay.  They also are fighting for everyone to have access to quality healthcare, lifesaving screenings, clean air and more.  The American Cancer Society rocks! 

Let's Make some Noise!!!

This post is sponsored by the American Cancer Society.