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  • Blog
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Subscribe to our List Serves!
    • Press Page - Travel
    • Hire Me!
    • DIY Hair Inspo!
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimers
  • Family Travel + Momcations
  • Membership
  • NJ / NY Guides
    • Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from NYC
    • Hudson Valley >
      • Day Trips & Activities
    • Bay Ridge Families >
      • Life in NYC >
        • Brooklyn
        • Bronx
        • Manhattan
        • Queens
        • Staten Island
      • Summer Camp Guide
      • Birthday Party Guide
      • Classes & Activities for Babies & Toddlers
      • Halloween Guide
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      • Scavenger Hunt
      • Advertising
      • Submit Your Event

Eco-Baby Giveaway

2/22/2016

2 Comments

 
The green-themed Eco-Baby Giveaway, sponsored by Mommy Scene, features everything a baby could need for diapering, feeding, naps, clothing, sensory play, and travel! 16 brands each contributed unique products to the jackpot that help make life a little simpler and more eco-friendly for families with little ones. Check out all the innovative products below and enter to win the entire gift set!
Mommy Scene's Eco Baby Giveaway featured on US-Japan Fam

Here's some info about each of the brands and prizes (enter to win in the Rafflecopter box at the bottom):
Coco & Kiwi - $50 Gift Certificate
Coco & Kiwi's mission is to provide smart products with easy cleanup. Your time is important, so spend it on what really matters and let us do the rest. Messy Baby, Happy Mom. Learn more at cocoandkiwi.com.
FunBites Red Heart Food Cutter
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As seen on Shark Tank, award winning FunBites creates fun shaped bites that kids can't resist! It's great for picky eaters & creative moms and makes healthy food fun! FunBites is also made in USA, dishwasher safe, and BPA free. Learn more at funbites.com.
Zipadee-Zip Swaddle Transition sleep sack
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The Zipadee-Zip wearable blanket is loved by sleep experts, pediatricians and parents everywhere! It provides a womb-like environment but full range of movement to roll over and wiggle around safely and freely. The slight resistance in the arm-span helps soothe the startle reflex and will often work to ensure sounder sleep. Even with the full enclosure the Zipadee-Zip provides, babies can pick up and put in their pacifier or play with a toy while wearing it! It keeps those little hands warm all night and prevents scratching! It's also perfect for keeping germs at bay on airplanes, in doctor's offices and in grocery stores. Learn more at sleepingbaby.com.
Buttons Diapers - One trial pack of cloth diapers: 1 cloth diaper cover + three daytime inserts
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Buttons Diapers are an affordable, easy-to-use, all-in-two cloth diaper system. Buttons Diapers AI2 system features soft waterproof diaper covers available in dozens of colors and prints, snap-in absorbent diaper inserts, and diapering accessories as well. Learn more at buttonsdiapers.com.
ChubChub PouchBuddy feeding attachment
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PouchBuddy is an innovative pouch feeding tool that promotes mess-free self-feeding. The mom-approved one piece design is easy to clean, convenient, and travel friendly. BPA, Phthalate, & PVC free. ChubChub is committed to creating real solutions for real parents. Our product development team is constantly seeking and testing new ways to make parenting easier and more efficient with safety as a priority. And together, we help families spend less time on the challenges of parenthood and more time enjoying childhood. Learn more at chubchubbaby.com.
Sudsy Dough - 1 tub of Sudsy Dough Moldable Soap - 12 oz.
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Sudsy Dough makes bath time fun and encourages sensory play. Kids can rub it on as a cleansing body wash and make soapy bubbles with this scented soap-based play dough. It's moisturizing thanks to Shea butter and beeswax and comes in 4 great fragrances; Merry Mango, Sassy Strawberry, Bubbly Blueberry, and Awesome Apple! Learn more at sudsydough.com
Thinkbaby Starter Set + Complete Feeding Set + Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen, 6 ounces
​Thinkbaby and Thinksport's founder, Kevin Brodwick, brought his interest in health and preventative medicine and his background in biotechnology together to form a company whose sole purpose is to create alternative products for babies to athletes alike. With a team of physicians and scientists focused on the latest biological and chemical sciences, Thinkbaby and Thinksport continue to lead in the usage of safe, non-toxic materials for consumer goods. Thinkbaby and Thinksport's efforts are further energized by working with both leading child and health advocacy partners and like-minded individuals. Learn more at gothinkbaby.com.
Fiddle Diddles LullaBelay car seat adjustable strap system
LullaBelay is the first & only adjustable strap system that safely secures an infant carrier to a shopping cart. LullaBelay provides you with a safe, worry-free & hands-free shopping experience. No more placing your infant carrier precariously on top of a toddler seat, or in the basket of the cart taking up all your room. With LullaBelay you can easily shop with a toddler and a baby, all while enjoying full use of your cart basket. Fully safety tested and meets all CPSIA safety requirements for children's products. Learn more at fiddlediddles.com.
Silkberry Baby 1 organic cotton long sleeve romper - choose from silver cloud stripe with owl, blush stripe with bunny, or arctic blue stripe with bear
Silkberry Baby long sleeve rompers are soft and comfy and made from certified organic cotton fabric. The roll up cuff can be flipped over to cover hands to prevent baby scratching and two front snaps open the neck wide for easy dressing. Snaps at the inside of legs make for easy diaper changings. Available in sizes nb-3m, 3-6m and 6-12m. Silkberry Baby offers cute, trendy and comfortable baby gear made of eco-friendly and sustainable fabric for baby and toddler. All our natural theme-inspired clothing and accessories are designed by Vancouver moms in Canada. Learn more at silkberrybaby.com.
Revelae Kids - Cozy Blanket Pouch - style of choice + Yummi Pouch Brights reusable food pouches
Cozy Blanket Pouches are a unique way to keep your little one warm during playtime and slumber. The soft fuzzy material keeps baby cozy from the waist down, secured by an elastic waistband to fully surround baby's legs and keep the blanket in place. Cozy blanket pouches leave room to wiggle and don't restrict leg movement — an ideal extra layer to use when a baby is playing, sitting, or lounging during the day. Available in sizes small & large and four colors. Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches make it easy to take baby food and healthy snacks on the go, save money, and reduce household trash. Learn more at revelae.com.
Bambo Diapers - Case of diapers, winner's choice in size
For over three decades, Bambo Nature has taken every measure to bring you a premium baby diaper that's gentle, soft, and made of a high percentage of sustainable materials. Bambo Nature has earned more credentials, awards, and eco-labels than any other diaper on the market. While other brands are busy making claims, they're busy substantiating their diaper's premium quality with concrete proof. The diapers are guaranteed skin-friendly with no dangerous chemicals and/or allergens, Eco-friendly and made using sustainable resources and less waste, and sleep-friendly with maximum absorbency, ultra-soft and flexible textures. Learn more at bambonatureusa.com.
organicKidz Baby Grows Up Thermal Gift Set
organicKidz Baby Grows Up stainless steel bottle kit grows with your child! Baby Bottle converts to Sippy Cup and then to lunch box ready Water Bottle by simply attaching the accessories included in the kit as your baby grows up. Bottle keeps liquids hot or cold for 6+ hours making it perfect for parents on the go, play dates, travelling, daycare or just about anywhere else. Unlike glass and plastic bottles, organicKidz Stainless Steel is naturally bacteria resistant, unbreakable and light weight. Kit includes 9oz Thermal Baby Bottle, 3 flows of vented silicone nipples, silicone sippy spout, handles, stainless steel lid, and leak proof bottle cap. organicKidz Baby Grows Up kit makes a great gift from newborn to toddler to preschool and beyond! Learn more at organicKidz.ca.
Wee Can Too Veggie Dough and Veggie Crayon set
Wee Can Too was founded with a mission to bring art supplies to babies and toddlers by offering the highest quality products made from fruit and vegetable powders, plus plant-based ingredients. Our products are all natural, and made from the safest ingredients without chemicals, preservatives, color additives, and are made from food based ingredients. Our colors come from nature! Learn more at weecantooart.com.
Two (2) Pure Hazelwood baby necklaces
World leader on the market for more than 18 years, Pure Hazelwood products are inspired by a First Nations tradition, handcrafted with 100 % natural hazel wood and meant for the whole family. Rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules, hazel wood helps relieve several symptoms related to inflammation such as: teething pain, colic, skin problems, digestive disorders, joint pain, and more! Learn more at purehazelwood.com/en/teething-pain.
Poncho Baby Organic Roly Blanket
Award-winning Organic Baby Blanket is perfect for outings, this breathable organic cotton blanket unfolds quickly to create a soft, clean place for babies to play and relax. Made in the USA with 100% organic cotton muslin Imported. When you're done, the blanket rolls back up, closing up to be no bigger than a petite clutch purse. Learn more at ponchobaby.com.
Liliputi Stretchy Wrap - color of choice
The Liliputi stretchy wrap is a beautiful, comfy and versatile carrier for newborns and young babies. It holds a baby softly and safely, distributing the baby's weight equally along the back, shoulders, and hips, allowing you to comfortably wear your baby for long periods of time. The Liliputi stretchy wrap is made of Certified OekoTex 100 fabrics and is also suitable for front and hip carry and perfectly fits any body type. Liliputi solutions help parents ensure the safety of their young children, strengthening contact and supporting physical and mental health in all kinds of situations. Liliputi carriers, coats, bags and accessories are designed in-house with the help of talented Hungarian designers. Every Liliputi product supports babycarrying and upbringing based on close human contact, inspiring a healthier and more harmonious world in every aspect. Learn more at liliputibabycarriers.com.
Loopy Gear 2-Pack
Loopys are a baby rattle holder designed to attach baby's favorite toy to their wrist. Great for shopping, on a walk or even around the house because babies inevitably throw and drop the things they play with most. With a number of colors and styles to suit anyone's taste, Loopys are a fun gift idea that new moms will come to love because the five second rule doesn't apply to babies. So versatile, they can be also used on car seats, strollers, baby carriers, highchairs, and shopping carts. Loopys are handmade in USA, machine washable, and meet CPSIA standards. Learn more at loopygear.com.

This giveaway is sponsored by Mommy Scene and is open to US entries. One winner will be chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on March 4th, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.
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2 Comments

What Your Belly Looks Like After Twins

2/18/2016

10 Comments

 
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As soon as you discover you're having twins, you start googling... How big will I get? How much should i eat? Will I have to get a c-section? What will my belly look like after twins? Well, for the latter question, one catch phrase comes up again and again... TWIN SKIN!
Twin skin is basically saggy wrinkly skin that will never bounce back to its former taught self, no matter how much weight you lose or how many crunches you do. Not every twin mom will get twin skin. Some moms will bounce back to their pre-pregnancy bodies in a split second, without a stretch mark or ounce of fluff to show for it. Good for them... but most of us are not quite so lucky.

Some of the unluckier moms will even end up with Diastis Recti, which is a permanent separation of the abdominal muscles. The abs separate during pregnancy, but in some cases, especially multiples pregnancies, the muscles never go back together. This can leave you looking 6 months pregnant for... forever! A physical therapist can guide you through certain exercises that may or may not help, some only find a fix with surgery. On the bright side, they can couple that with a tummy tuck - et voila beautiful belly (minus the hip to hip scar, that is).
We're all so excited to watch our bellies grow through the pregnancy, I even made a stop-motion video about it!
But the belly that remains after your little ones are delivered is not quite so exciting. For the first month or so, you still look very much pregnant. I remember being on the elevator one week postpartum and my neighbor asking in disbelief, "You haven't had them yet!?" Ugh. I nearly socked her!

The fact is, it takes a while for your very overstretched uterus to shrink back, and all the extra fluid and bloating to ease away. But sure enough, little by little your belly disappears, leaving small reminders of the amazing journey your body has been through to carry and birth two beautiful miracles. So, yes. I have twin skin. I have stretch marks. But you know what? I'll take 'em, because I also have the most amazing little twin girls in the world!! And on top of that, my squishy pug-like belly provides endless amusement for my toddler. HA! 
US-Japan Fam shows what what a postpartum twin belly, and
Have you learned to embrace your postpartum body, or are you struggling to come to terms with it? Share in a comment below!
Related: 
How To Prepare for Having Twins
My Positive Twin Birth Story

UPDATED April 18, 2017!!!
I've been using Nerium Firming Body Contour Cream nightly for 3 months now, it's made a pretty dramatic difference on my twin skin!! It's not gone, but definitely better! I waited until 15 months postpartum, down to pre-pregnancy weight, so my body did all it could do naturally. No more weight to lose, haven't been working out, and still have about a 1-2 finger gap in my diastasis recti. I didn't edit the pix. It's a true before and after, with only the cream at work. Pretty cool, huh? I got my cream free for review, but you can reach out to the rep to try out her Nerium goods here!
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Cloud b Stay Asleep Buddies

2/18/2016

2 Comments

 
Struggling with your child waking up waaaaaay too early? Or maybe you are facing the opposite problem and you have trouble getting your child up and ready for school or day care in time? If either of these cases sound familiar, I have a cool product for you!
US-Japan Fam reviews Cloud b's Stay Asleep Buddies
Cloud b's Stay Asleep Buddies are sleep training plush pals that your child (and you) will love! 
US-Japan Fam reviews Cloud b's Stay Asleep Buddies
Here's how it works:
  1. Take out the control pack to set the timer (from 1-12 hours, so it works great for naps and bedtime)
  2. Turn on the music and adjust the volume (it plays gentle lullabies)
  3. Put the control pack back in the belly (it's now glowing orange, which means it's sleep time)
  4. It will automatically shut off sound and lights after a while, and is motion-activated so will turn back on if child wakes and needs to be soothed back to sleep
  5. When the timer is up, the belly will glow green and play a wake-up tune

Watch my YouTube video below to see and hear it in action:
Acting as a night light, soother, and sleep trainer all in one, Stay Asleep Buddies are battery operated, super soft, and simply adorable. ​Your child's buddy also comes with a story book and adoption certificate, how cute is that!?
And now for some really awesome news... you can win one of Cloud b's Stay Asleep Buddies as well as over $300 worth of fabulous sleep-related gear for the entire family in my Get Your Sleep On Giveaway, running til Feb 25!
ENTER TO WIN HERE!!!
Disclaimer: Although I did receive this product free of charge, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
2 Comments

BittaKidda SleepSacks - Wearable Lovies For Better Sleep

2/17/2016

4 Comments

 
My son put us through the ringer with sleep. He did great from 2-5 months and then it went downhill fast. He wouldn't take a pacifier. He threw his lovie out of the crib in anger. Nothing helped him fall asleep except the boob. Apparently my child is not alone. A couple of exhausted yet genius parents came up with a brilliant idea - the wearable lovie - and BittaKidda was born!
US-Japan Fam reviews BittaKidda's wearable lovies!
Basically, a lovie can be an amazing sleep aid that children learn to use to sooth and calm themselves. But a lose blanket or stuffed animal can make its way across the crib becoming out of reach for the baby, can pose an increased risk for suffocation or SIDS, or can be tossed in anger out of the crib. So, BittaKidda provides lovies that are built into their sleeper or sleepsack! They also have clip ons for daytime wear. So awesome!!
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We recently got the BittaSacks for our 3 month old twins. They just learned to flip to their bellies so we had to stop swaddling them - making it the perfect time to introduce them to their new sleepsacks!
They're a bit young to really get the idea of the lovie, but when I put them down for a nap or for the night, I bring their hands to the little lovie swatches and they hold on to them for a few seconds. I think you just have to keep at it and they'll catch on eventually.

The BittaSack is a really unique product, and here are some features I'm especially loving:
  • velcro strap at the diaper area keeps the sack from twisting around (a common problem with traditional sleep sacks)
  • diagonal zipper that ends under the armpit makes it nearly impossible for child to unzip
  • zipper stops mid fabric (like a dress, not like a jacket) so it saves you the frustration of feeding it in
  • lovie swatches are cotton velour and really soft
  • roomy sack is safe for hips
  • machine wash and dry
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You can purchase BittaKidda products on their website but... you can WIN a BittaSack (as well as over $300 in sleep gear) in my Get Your Sleep On Giveaway running from February 15 - 25!! Enter to win here!!

Disclaimer: Although I did receive this product free of charge, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
4 Comments

You! Lingerie for Pregnant & Nursing Mamas *GIVEAWAY*

2/16/2016

4 Comments

 
Just because you're pregnant or breastfeeding doesn't mean you can't look and feel beautiful... stunning... and simply fahhhbulous!! But you'll need the right clothes. I recently wrote about maternity wear rental with Bella Gravida, but how about your sleepwear and underwear? Sure sure, you can just wear your hubby's oversized tee to bed. But wouldn't you rather wear something super cute, comfy, practical, and *gasp* sexy!?? If you answered YES, then I'd like to introduce you to You! Lingerie!
US-Japan Fam loves You! Lingerie for pregnant and nursing mamas.
Photo credit: You! Lingerie
All of their bras, sleep and lounge wear are pregnancy and nursing friendly - that means they're comfortable, supportive, and convenient (with easy access for breastfeeding). On top of that, they're seriously stylish. I don't know about you, but it can be hard not to feel frumpy during pregnancy and the postpartum period, but You! Lingerie is here to help unfrump your bump!

I recently got the Ashe Maternity & Nursing Tank and Rosette Super Mom Super Tired Maternity & Nursing Pajama Set and I'm totally in love. Funky colors, super soft and stretchy, what's not to love!? The nursing clips work perfectly, and the Tank has cute little bows on them which is super cute!!

They both have inner-shelf / built-in bras, but personally I like my milk monsters to feel super duper supported, so I wear these with a bra on (which you really can't see, so it's a non-issue in my book). The two-layered-look tank on the left has a kind of pleated baggy front which will highlight your beautiful baby bump but is also great for hiding any postpartum muffin top you might be sporting. Not saying I have a muffin top... not saying I don't... but it's a nice feature, as is the fact that you can wear the straps straight or criss-crossed on the back!
US-Japan Fam loves You! Lingerie for maternity and nursing!
The red "super mom super tired" tank set said "hand wash only" and I was like ohhhh heck no... I don't do "hand wash"! Ain't nobody got time for that! But before throwing caution to the wind and tossing it in the laundry basket I decided to do a quick test to make sure it wouldn't bleed. But it did. BIG TIME. I rinsed it out in the cold water for a good 5 minutes and the water kept turning pink. So, yeah, they're serious about the hand wash thing but it's such a cute shirt, I'll just deal with it. Though I'll be extra careful to not get spit-up or other wash-necessitating things on it! (The leopard pants and the black/pink tank on the other hand did fine in the wash, phew!)
OK, now that we can agree that You! Lingerie has some awesome stuff, are you ready for some awesome news?? The grand prize winner of my "Get Your Sleep On Giveaway" will receive a Maternity & Nursing Chemise from You! Lingerie's Sprinkles Collection (pictured below). The winner can choose size and color.

Head on over to the giveaway (running February 15-25, 2016) to enter to win this and $300 worth of awesome sleep-related products for babies, toddlers, and mamas!!
Win a You! Lingerie maternity & nursing chemise in US-Japan Fam's Get Your Sleep On Giveaway!!
Disclaimer: Although I did receive this product free of charge, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
4 Comments

Get Your Sleep On Giveaway for Baby, Toddler, & Mama

2/15/2016

74 Comments

 
Sleep... We could all use more of it, am I right!? There are a bazillion and one products out there claiming to help you or your kids sleep longer and better. Do they all work for everyone? Nah. Are they all safe? Unfortunately, no! You gotta do your research and listen to your gut. In the meantime, you're in luck because I've put together a fabulous giveaway of sleep-related products for the entire family! YAY!!! The jackpot is valued over $300, here are the prizes one lucky winner will receive:
US-Japan Fam's Get Your Sleep On Giveaway features $300 in sleep gear for baby, toddler, and mama!

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QuickZip is a game changer in the bedding department, revolutionizing how we change our sheets! QuickZip is a two-piece fitted sheet, so once it's on the mattress you simply zip the top part off, launder, and zip back on - it couldn't be easier!! Our Grand Prize Winner will receive one Crib Premium Starter Pack (base + 3 zip-on sheets - $79.99 value) and our 2nd place winner will receive a Twin Premium Starter Pack 200 Thread Count (base + 2 zip-on sheets - $89.99 value). Check out my personal review and demo video!

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You! Lingerie carries bras, panties and sleepwear for pregnant and nursing mothers. All are comfortable, supportive, convenient for breastfeeding, and seriously stylish! Our Grand Prize Winner will receive a Maternity & Nursing Sprinkles Chemise in her choice of size and color, a $48 value. Check out my personal review here!

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Achieve with Carolina is a Certified Pediatric Sleep Specialist who helps parents solve a multitude of sleep issues, from multiple night wakings to creating a schedule to toddlers not staying in their beds. Our Grand Prize Winner will receive a 15-minute phone consultation with Carolina, as well as a copy of her new children's book, "Goodnight Melanie. Good Morning Corey!" in which Melanie Melatonin and Corey Cortisol teach Crabby Cornelia how to be a Master of Sleep!

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Provided by Saira of Bath Time Fun, our Grand Prize Winner will receive a Disney Sofia the First Costume Nightgown ($49.99 value; Size 2, 18-36 months), featuring a satin bodice, glittering organza peplum and puffed sleeves, and screen art appliqué. Great for sleeping, playing dress up, or even for Halloween!

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Provided by Allaya at Babydroppings, our Grand Prize Winner will receive Graco's Sweet Slumber Sound Machine ($44.99 value), featuring 12 high-quality soothing sounds, jack for mp3 player / iPhone / etc, soft glow nightlight, timer, and easy control buttons!

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Bitta Kidda provides unique children's sleepwear with built-in lovies, which help babies learn to sooth themselves but cannot be lost, tossed out of the crib, or become a suffocation risk! Our Grand Prize Winner will receive one BittaSack ($44 value), with a choice in color and size (for babies 10-36 pounds). Check out my personal review here!

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Cloud B has been providing products that help families sleep better and live healthier for over 13 years nationwide and in over 42 countries! Our Grand Prize Winner will receive one of their Stay Asleep Buddies ($30.95 value), interactive and plush pals that teach toddlers when to sleep and when to wake, using gentle melodies and glowing lights.  Check out my personal review here!

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Barefoot Books, founded by mothers Nancy Traversy and Tessa Strickland in 1992, is a publishing company providing award-winning children's books worldwide. Our Grand Prize Winner will receive a $15 credit to shop through Barefoot Ambassador Alison DuBois-Eker.

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Revelae Kids produces innovative products for kids, from their Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches to their Sudsy Dough moldable soap! Our Grand Prize Winner will receive one Revelae Kids Blanket Pouch ($14.99 value), in their choice of blue, pink, lavender, or lime.


Now that you're familliar with the prizes, what are you waiting for?? Enter in the Rafflecopter box below for your chance to win!! ( Open to US residents ages 18 and over; ending at 11:59 PM EST on Feb 24, winner will be contacted via e-mail on Feb 25 and have 24 hours to respond before another winner is chosen).
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74 Comments

Silikids Silicone Straw Tops, Spoons, & Bib

2/10/2016

68 Comments

 
I've posted several times about my preference of silicone to plastics - namely that silicone is non-toxic, doesn't leach into food like plastic can, and doesn't harbor mold/bacteria/stains. Our favorite snack pouch to date is the silicone Squeasy Gear Squeasy Snacker (it seriously blows all others out of the water!). I also am in love with Stella Mamma's silicone baby-proof necklaces!

RELATED: The Ultimate Review of Reusable Food Pouches

I previously reviewed Silikids' awesome placemat and glass covers, and now I'm back to review (and GIVE AWAY) some more of their fabulous products!!
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First up we have the Siliskin Straw Tops (and Sippy Cup Tops), with allow you to literally do away with your kids' bulky bottles!! Made of silicone, you just stretch these tops over any cup and et voila, spill protection!!
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You can see the tops make such a tight seal, no water leaked out when this glass was placed (or knocked) on its side. Siliskin for the win!! You should note that they are quite tight to stretch over, especially the first few uses, so they probably wouldn't work on a flimsy cup. We tried on a number of glass and plastic cups we had at home and they all worked great! (And in case you're intrigued, that's a GLASS STRAW we are using. Yes glass, and yes it's safe! Check out Glass Dharma here!)

We will probably still use our trusted Kleen Kantean bottles at home, but these tops are amazing for throwing in the suitcase when going on vacation, or even in the diaper bag for use at restaurants that don't offer kid cups.
We also tried out Silikids Silibib and Silispoons, which are both included in our giveaway (at the bottom).
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​What I love most about the bib is the scoop (100% necessary in a bib), which flips to the back so when not in use the bib lies completely flat. Because of this, it stores well in the diaper bag for on-the-go use. It also has a hole and knob type neck that is difficult for a baby or toddler to rip off.
The Silispoons are really really unique. I have never seen anything like them and my son is now obsessed!! They have a thick handle with bumps, which is cool to hold (and great for teething babies to gnaw on). The scoop part looks more like a shovel than a spoon, which is a blast for the kids! Because the whole thing is siliicone, it's bendy, functional, and fun. They come in two-packs with one green and one purple spoon.
All 3 of these Silikids products are made of 100% silicone, are dishwasher safe, BPA/Phthalate free, and non-toxic. You can find them on Silikids' website and on Amazon.
OK, now it's GIVEAWAY TIME!!! One lucky winner will receive a Silikids Silibib and 2-pack of Silispoons!! Open to US-residents age 18 and over, enter in the Rafflecopter box below. The giveaway will end at 11:59PM EST on Tuesday, February 23. The winner will be contacted by email and have 24 hours to respond before another winner is picked. Good luck!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: Although I did receive these products free of charge, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
68 Comments

Mommy Scene "Be Mine" Valentine's Day Giveaway

2/3/2016

0 Comments

 
I'm psyched to bring you the "Be Mine" Valentine's Day Giveaway sponsored by Mommy Scene - the jackpot is full of goodies for mama, baby, and the whole family! Check it out!!
Mommy Scene's
One grand prize winner will receive ALL of the following:
  • Bun Maternity Classic Black Cozy Nursing Hoodie + Cozy Nursing Tee
  • Wythe and Berry Organic Vegan Creams - Lavender & Chamomile + Lemon & Eucalyptus
  • La Magie Nail Polish - 1 peel off pink polish + 2 pink wash offs + 1 color lock top coat
  • Sudsy Dough Moldable Soap - 12 oz. fragrance of choice
  • Pure Hazelwood necklaces, 1 adult size and 1 child size
  • Jack N' Jill Bunny Gift Kit
  • Baby Bump Bundle - Lollacup Straw Sippy Cup
  • GroVia Hybrid Trial Kit - 1 Hybrid Shell with Hook & Loop Closure + 1 No-Prep Cloth Soaker Pad + 3 Disposable BioSoakers
  • Revelae Kids Discovery Box style of choice
This giveaway is sponsored by Mommy Scene and is open to US entries. One winner will be chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on Feb. 14th, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.
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Tandem Wearing Babies & Toddlers with TwinGo

2/1/2016

1 Comment

 
Sometimes a stroller isn't allowed or appropriate. Sometimes you want the freedom (and cuddles) that babywearing provides. Lucky for us there are TONS of babywearing options out there, from wraps to slings to mei tais and soft structured carriers (SSC's). But what about tandem babywearing, i.e. wearing two babies at once? We just got our hands on a carrier that, in my opinion, blows all other tandem wearing options out of the window. I give you, the TwinGo!!
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Photo credit: TwinGo
The TwinGo carrier is a 2-in-1 SSC that works together or apart. This means, for example, mom and dad can each wear one baby, or one caregiver can wear one child on the front and one on the back! What makes the TwinGo really stand apart from its competitors is that you can remove one set of shoulder straps when wearing the front and back configuration, cutting out a lot of unneeded bulk!
On our maiden voyage with the TwinGo, my husband and I each wore one of our twins in the front carry position... for 6 hours straight (only breaking for boob and diaper time)!! 
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At almost 4 months, they're weighing in at about 14 pounds a piece and by the end of the day we were relieved to take them off but in no way, shape, or form would I say it was painful for anyone. The TwinGo shoulder and waist straps are well padded and designed in a way to distribute the weight extremely well, and the carrier holds the baby from knee to knee, which is ergonomic for their hips and spine.
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Some features that really stand out to me as exceptionally awesome include:
  • A large pocket on the front of each carrier, so you could do without a diaper bag. The carrier also folds in on itself INTO that pocket, so for packing or storing they are compact and easy to work with!
  • Sleep hoods (blue and orange come standard, and they have custom designs as well)
  • Safety elastic for buckles
  • 2nd set of shoulder straps remove when tandem carrying
  • Color coding (they use blue for the "base" carrier and orange for the "attachment" carrier)
  • Extra accessories including infant insert, mei tai straps, teething pads, and panel extender
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This is how the 2 TwinGo carriers pack up - into their own pockets!! Just unzip and unfold and you're ready to go!
Here's a quick demo of how the carrier unfolds out of its own pocket. This was my first time and you can see how genuinely impressed I was, haha!!
The TwinGo can accommodate a total of 70 pounds in tandem mode, or up to 45 pounds in single carrier mode. Because you cannot wear a child in the back carry configuration until they are at least 4 months old and have good head neck control (and many babywearers would suggest waiting til they can sit independently), our babies are not quite ready for this mode!! But, I have a feeling I will be rocking that setup a LOT!!
We haven't worn our toddler in over a year, so I don't think wearing him in this carrier will be something we start doing now (it's a different case if you start when they're little and your body strengthens as they grow), but just to test it out I threw him on in the back and one of the babies in the front. It actually wasn't that bad!! As I mentioned above, the TwinGo is well padded and designed to distribute weight across your hips. So in a pickle (like if we were out and my toddler just couldn't possibly walk any more, I could totally make this happen!

Looking at the photo below, I'm horrified to see that I didn't have my baby situated in there correctly - she was a bit askew with one leg not pulled out all the way. BUT, this is a great time to mention there is an extra safety strap that buckles in place for the child in the "attachment" carrier when tandem wearing (the safety strap is built into the shoulder straps for the "base" carrier and also the "attachment" carrier when wearing it solo). So, god forbid I actually went on my merry way without realizing my baby wasn't seated correctly, the safety strap should keep her from slipping out the side... So YAY for safety measures, and a good reminder that practicing at home with a spotter is key, as is always triple checking every time that everyone is in there safely before you take off! TwinGo's instructions include great visuals and flagged safety checks to confirm that you have it on correctly, and don't miss their "how to" demo for the dual carry!
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Stay tuned for my review of tandem babywearing our twins in the TwinGo, coming in a month or two! In the meantime, you can check out TwinGo and if you like, buy it on their site or on Amazon (for about $215).
Disclaimer: Although I did receive this product free of charge, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
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