Disclaimer: We received product free in exchange for our review and hosting of this giveaway. This post contains some affiliate links, you don't pay more but we will receive a small commission from any purchases made.
I recently posted about my concerns over the typical (quite revealing) swimwear options available for young girls these days (read more here) and my hunt for more conservative and sun safe options for my toddlers. I did find a few options, one of them being UV Skinz, who sent us some great children's sets for review, and will be giving away a full children's swim set (hat, top, bottom) to one lucky reader!! Watch our fun unboxing and swimwear fashion show, keep reading the rest of our review, and enter to win in the app at the bottom of this post!
Founded by Rhonda Sparks after losing her 32-year old husband to Skin Cancer in 2001, UV Skinz produces UPF 50+ sunwear for babies through adults, aiming to provide families with "peace-of-mind in the sun". You'll find great styles in everything from swim suits and rash guards to sun hats and cover ups to dresses and hoodies!
Our 3 year old twins received adorable swim sets from UV Skinz Girls' Seaside Breeze Collection. Emi got the purple-hued Hibiscus Floral Stripe design and Mia got the Pink Flamingo Stripe design in: Swim Shirt ($28.95), Swim Skirt ($29.95), and Sun Hat ($24.95). The skirts have built in bikini bottoms and an adjustable tie on the inside. The skirt provides extra coverage (from the sun, etc), as well as the "fun" skirt factor that some little girls (like my Mia) can't get enough of! We haven't had a chance to wear them in the sun or water yet, but they're absolutely in love with their new outfits and demanded wearing them around the house for 3 days straight, I kid you not, you can even see them donning their swimwear in our latest cooking video LOL!! That's definitely one perk of these modest swimwear - you can wear them in the water, on the beach, and once dried off, even straight into the shops and restaurants - no cover up needed!
Our 6 year old son received a set from the Boys' Seaside Breeze Collection - the Jaspe Royal Turtle Sport Sun & Swim Shirt ($31.95), Board Shorts ($26.95), and Snap Back Hat ($19.95). The board shorts have velcro and tie, are nice and long (knee-length) for maximum sun coverage, and are adjustable inside so you can make them snugger or looser, which is not something I've seen in swim shorts before and is great!! They also have built in mesh underwear which I know some people don't like (inspect before each use to make sure there are no holes that could entrap anything, or cut them if super paranoid), but they're required in NYC public pools so I was grateful to see it! The hat is adjustable in the back, and has a moisture-wicking terry cloth sweat band.
The designs and the quality are top notch, and the sizing seems to be correct as well. The shirts are a great length, we've had some rash guard shirts that were a bit short, leading to their bellies hanging out, but these are perfect! The only negative is that the necks are cut pretty small, meaning my kids aren't able to get them on and off over their heads by themselves, but on the bright side, they're fitted and tall, meaning more sun protection (without need for regular sunblock applications) for those delicate little necks!
You can purchase UV Skinz on uvskinz.com and Amazon (affiliate link), but you can also win some in our giveaway here!! Open to US residents ages 18 and over, one lucky winner will receive a hat, swim top, and swim bottom set for boy or girl in their choice of size. Don't forget, the more actions you take in the below app, the more chances you earn to win! Good luck!! Giveaway ends at 11:59PM EST on Thursday, April 11.
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We are excited to partner with Create Play Travel to announce the Winter 2019 Eco Award Winners! Each of these products are sustainable or natural, easy to use and have a great design. You can find the full award details here! Giveaway Prizes Revelae Kids cloth snack bags - set of 3. These reusable snack bags are decorated with colorful, modern patterns. They're moisture resistant and have a zipper that's easy for kids to open. Java Skin Care Full Body Routine & Bloom Duo. Collection includes body serum, body scrub, body wash, body bar soap, rose lip scrub and tinted lip balm. All products contain Java Skincare signature raw coffee-argan oil infusion, packed with nutrients, caffeine and antioxidants to make your skin look, smell and feel beautiful. ergoPouch Cocoon swaddle & sleep bag - winner can choose boy or girl and size. goSili $40 gift package of assorted goSili items. Buttons Diapers (1) trainer & 2-pack of cotton boosters - winner can choose style based on availability. Andy Pandy Organics (1) pack of bamboo diapers (any size), Organic baby body wash & shampoo (any fragrance) and Organic baby lotion. This giveaway is coordinated by Create. Play. Travel. and is open to US entries ages 18 and older. One (1) winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Instagram on April 11th, 2019. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Create. Play. Travel. and the participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand. No purchase required to enter. Have fun and good luck!
Enter for your chance to win in the app below, and don't miss our other giveaways running at the moment as well:
Here's our roundup of the kids' activities and family-friendly events going on in the Greater Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn for the week of March 28 - April 3, 2019!
Don't forget to sign up for our e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay in the loop of all the local goings on!! All the events and ads below are linked, so click away for more details and to double check before heading out for an event (time changes, cancellations, and mistakes do happen on occasion). Click here to submit your Bay Ridge area family-friendly event or program for a complimentary listing in an upcoming events roundup! Businesses are invited to read more about advertising with us and to sign up for our advertisers' newsletter to receive occasional ad specials and upcoming deadlines. 
ONGOING:
THURSDAY, MARCH 28:
FRIDAY, MARCH 29:
SATURDAY, MARCH 30:
SUNDAY, MARCH 31:
MONDAY, APRIL 1:
TUESDAY, APRIL 2:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3:
I ran across EzyRoller at the 2019 Toy Fair New York (check out my highlights post and video here!!) and knew it would be a hit for my whole family. I was thrilled when they offered to send us a couple in exchange for review, and even more thrilled that they are GIVING ONE AWAY to one lucky reader!!! Watch our fun demo & review video, keep reading, and enter to win your own EzyRoller Classic in the app at the bottom of this post!!
It's hard to explain exactly what an EzyRoller is, there is a great demo video on their website that will give you a better idea!! But basically it's low-to-the-ground ride-on that you maneuver with your feet, not by peddling, but by kind of swerving them left and right. It's so easy, even my 3 year old twins got the hang of it quickly!
There are 5 EzyRoller models:
Our EzyRollers were surprisingly pretty quick and easy to assemble, just a couple of minutes to snap and screw parts together (1 tool required and included). It was also easy to change the length of our classic on the go, meaning the adults and the kids could share it, just screwing in and out the extension rod in just a minute.
I believe your environment will have a big impact on how fast you're able to go. I expect you'd get the best performance on smooth flooring such as in a gymnasium. We took ours out for an inaugural spin at a local park with a roughly paved track, and it was VERY windy. Still, they did great, but I blame the terrain on my snail pace performance (I came in dead last in a stop watch race against my husband and 6 year old son). My 6 year old, however, was a pro. He won the race. He didn't get tired (yes, I found it a bit of a workout for your thighs, which is good!!!). One of my 3 year olds got the hang of it much quicker than the other, and it surprised me because the one who did better on her EzyRoller was the one who is still pretty terrible on her scooter! But, I guess it's a completely different kind of skill set and muscles / coordination at play here!
All in all we found the EzyRollers to be extremely fun, and unique!! So different from the traditional bike, scooter, skate board, or roller skates! The perfect addition to round out your collection of movin' and groovin' fun active toys!! They're also pretty easy to store since they are self-standing, they fit into our crowded closet no problem!
You can purchase EzyRollers on their website or Amazon (affiliate link), but wait, you can also win one!!
ENTER WIN A CLASSIC EZYROLLER BELOW!!
Open to US residents ages 18 and above. The more actions you take in the app, the more chances you earn to win! Some points are gained daily, so keep coming back!! Giveaway ends Wednesday, April 3 at 11:59 PM EST. WInner will be randomly selected, e-mailed, and have 48 hours to claim prize. Good luck!!! 
Here's our roundup of the kids' activities and family-friendly events going on in the Greater Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn for the week of March 21 - 27, 2019!
Don't forget to sign up for our e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay in the loop of all the local goings on!! All the events and ads below are linked, so click away for more details and to double check before heading out for an event (time changes, cancellations, and mistakes do happen on occasion). Click here to submit your Bay Ridge area family-friendly event or program for a complimentary listing in an upcoming events roundup! Businesses are invited to read more about advertising with us and to sign up for our advertisers' newsletter to receive occasional ad specials and upcoming deadlines. 
ONGOING:
THURSDAY, MARCH 21:
FRIDAY, MARCH 22:
SATURDAY, MARCH 23:
SUNDAY, MARCH 24:
MONDAY, MARCH 25:
TUESDAY, MARCH 26:
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27:
At the 2018 Toy Fair New York (click for my highlights video) I stumbled across the EggMazing Egg Decorator and was totally blown away. It's basically a cute little machine that spins the egg while you hold the marker, creating a unique design every time. I regrettably didn't try it out myself, but last month at the 2019 Toy Fair New York (see my blog post & video here), I ran across their table again and they had added a new product, the TreeMendous Christmas Tree Ornament Decorator, which allows you the same fun, unique, and mess-free decorating but this time for round Christmas tree ornaments (that come with the kit)!
**edited to add at the 2020 New York Toy Fair (watch that video here) we discovered their DinoMazing decorating kit (with tiny dinosaurs and slime inside the eggs that crack open - OMG so cool!! video/review linked at bottom of this post) 
So, as a blogger does, I reached out and they sent us BOTH products to review! Watch our demo video to see how easy and mess-free it is to decorate Easter Eggs with EggMazing Easter Egg Decorating Kit, even for our 3 year old twins!!
The EggMazing kit is incredibly easy and quick to set up - you just need 4 AA batteries and some eggs. I googled and found this recipe produced perfectly hard boiled eggs:
The 8 markers included in the kit are non-toxic and certified lead free, so as long as you handle the eggs safely and don't have them out of the fridge too long, eat away! After ours were beautifully decorated, I actually got my kids to eat hard boiled eggs for the first time in their lives! HA! Win win!! Now, it's not 100% mess-free, but pretty close! You are dealing with markers after all, and markers + toddlers = uncertainty. You'll see Mia manages to get a dot of marker on her shirt, and a bit on her fingers (I would expect no less from her). But, compared to the stinky vinegar dye splatter messes we're used to with traditional Easter egg dipping, this was 200% better, and our little ones could actually do this unassisted! We did have trouble one time with the spinning wheels picking up some of the marker and then transferring that onto our egg. But the instructions have a simple solution, just wipe the wheels clean with rubbing alcohol. 
So, if you're ready for fun, easy, relatively mess-free Easter egg decorating with kids, the EggMazing kit is a MUST!! You can order your EggMazing kit on eggmazing.com or Amazon (affiliate link), the TreeMendous on eggmazing.com or Amazon (affiliate link), or the DinoMazing on eggmazing.com or Amazon (affiliate link).
Read our reviews of the DinoMazing Dinosaur Egg Decorating Kit (with mini dinosaurs in slime inside the eggs!!) or watch our DinoMazing and Treemendous reviews below!
The 7th Annual Brooklyn Baby & Family Expo, presented by A Child Grows in Brooklyn, will be held on Thursday, April 11 from 3 - 7:30 PM at 501 Union. At this family-friendly event for expecting parents and parents of young children, you can expect dozens of exhibitors, gifts, raffles, demo classes for young kids, a sing-a-long with a Grammy-winning artist Lucy Kalantari, new baby talks, children's play space, and special experiences for soon-to-be moms (including mocktails & massages!). And we're giving away a ticket to THREE WINNERS (enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post)!!
SCHEDULE:
TICKETS:
Various ticket options are available, including an all-day all-access ticket ($22), companion ticket ($11.36), after work (delayed entry) ticket ($16.67), family pass ($18.80), and VIP ticket ($102.87).
GIVEAWAY:
3 winners will be chosen - each winner can choose between a single all-day all-access ticket OR 1 family pass. Open to US Residents ages 18 and over, enter to win 1 of 3 tickets in the app below! The more actions you take, the more chances you earn to win! Giveaway ends at 11:59PM EST on Monday, March 25. Winners will have 24 hours to respond with their info to claim their ticket. Good luck and see you at the expo!! 
Here's our roundup of the kids' activities and family-friendly events going on in the Greater Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn for the week of March 14 - 20, 2019!
Don't forget to sign up for our e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay in the loop of all the local goings on!! All the events and ads below are linked, so click away for more details and to double check before heading out for an event (time changes, cancellations, and mistakes do happen on occasion). Click here to submit your Bay Ridge area family-friendly event or program for a complimentary listing in an upcoming events roundup! Businesses are invited to read more about advertising with us and to sign up for our advertisers' newsletter to receive occasional ad specials and upcoming deadlines. 
ONGOING:
THURSDAY, MARCH 14:
FRIDAY, MARCH 15:
SATURDAY, MARCH 16:
SUNDAY, MARCH 17:
MONDAY, MARCH 18:
TUESDAY, MARCH 19:
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20:
This past weekend we were hosted by Pip's Island for a special bloggers' preview of this "immersive theatrical adventure" and can I just say, MIND. BLOWN!!! I was expecting a cute generic children's theater kinda thing, but boy oh boy, was I wrong! Rather than being the audience, your children are actually TAKING PART IN THE ENTIRE SHOW! There is no stage but rather a series of rooms designed so well that you actually feel transported to this other dimension - Pip's Island!
The kids are immersed in the adventure right from the start, getting dressed in special explorer vests and digital wrist bands. Led by a park ranger from set to set, meeting other characters, engaging in exciting challenges. The kiddos' care givers join but take a back seat, figuratively and literally, being encouraged to sit back and watch from comfy benches and chairs toward the back of each room. But for the kids, it's never about watching passively. They're engaged in every moment - helping to find gems to open up a hatch, fly a magical ship, crawling through mole hills, decorating cake to feed to a huge monster, and in the end, working as a team to destroy the villain and save the Island.
As a parent, I found the entire show captivating. The actors were terrific, the sets were incredibly creative, the dialogue at times downright hilarious. But watching my children's faces as they participated in the adventure was the absolute best thing ever!
It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for both kids and adults. If you are a NYC-area parent, take your kids to Pip's Island, from the bottom of my heart, you will not regret it! Whether it's a birthday treat, weekend adventure, or random after-school splurge, you and your kids will be talking about it for days (or weeks, or longer!).
Pip's Island is geared toward kids ages 4 - 10 years. My 3 year old twins thoroughly enjoyed it, though there were a couple of short-lived moments that unnerved them a wee bit, and one of them sat on my lap during the last scene because of the "scary bad guy" haha! There are strobe lights and loud noises, too, but it's very kid-friendly, the actor / guides are great with the kids, and parent(s) are there for reassurance as well. So, take that into consideration, you know your children best!
Pip's Island started previews today (March 11)! You can buy tickets for $39 online or $49 at the box office (adults & kids require a ticket, and all children must be accompanied by at least 1 adult parent or guardian). The 60-minute long show runs Wednesdays through Mondays at 400 W. 42nd Street at various times throughout the day.
Don't forget to pop back to this blog post (or @usjapanfam on Facebook/Instagram) to leave a comment after you've seen it and let us know what you thought!! 
There are numerous milestones our kids reach, where we just kind of sit back dumbfouded going "Whoa, when did you get so big!?!" Upgrading out little ones' sleeping situations is always a huge one for me. From crib to toddler bed to twin bed, from swaddle to sleep sack to light blanket and now, to comforters!!
We were provided these adorable Milo & Gabby 3D Blankets from jolimoli.com in exchange for review, but don't worry, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased. Watch our fun unboxing here, then keep reading and don't forget to enter to win $150 credit on jolimoli.com in the Rafflecopter app at the bottom of this post!!!
Once your toddler is ready for his or her first comforter, there are countless options out there. I have to say, I've never run across one quite as unique and, in a word, ADORABLE, as these Milo & Gabby 3D Animal Blankets.
Measuring 39" wide by 51" long, these comforters are the perfect size for a toddler bed, but as you can see they also work just fine on a twin or even a crib mattress! Our 6 year old graduated to his Ikea Kura twin bunk bed a year ago (see our blog post about the best products for bunk beds here), and while this blanket doesn't go all the way to the end, it's definitely big enough for him to use for a few more years! And he couldn't be more in love with the Tiger he picked out - it even has paws and a tail!!
Of course my 3 year old girls picked out the pink bunny design, which is super cute. They also have a blue dinosaur (I kinda feel sad none of my kids picked him, poor guy, no offense, you rock, too!). I love how simply designed they are - you could potentially have all 3 designs in one room and it would totally work because the colors are bold and basic, cheerful and childish without being over the top or babyish.
Each blanket comes with an attached mini stuffed animal, which is such an unexpected and sweet bonus! The shell is 100% cotton, with polyester fiber, and they are MACHINE WASHABLE!! YES!!! Machine wash cold, tumble dry low, good as new!!
The Milo & Gabby 3D Animal Blankets retail for $158 a piece over on jolimoli.com, so if you win the $150 credit giveaway, you could get one nearly for free!! But they have TONS of other great stuff to choose from, too! We're talking 3D Animal Pillowcases ($38), Animal Shaped Backpacks ($38), and other great items for baby through big kid from Innobaby, Kinderspel, Milo & Gabby, Aquaheat, Dono&Dono, Little Fennec, Ecleve, Botanical Therapy, Clarmiel, Sage Pole, and Spike.
ENTER TO WIN $150 to JOLIMOLI.COM IN THE APP BELOW:
The more actions you take, the more chances you earn to win!! Open to US Residents ages 18 and over. Good luck!!!
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About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins plus 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, saving moms time finding the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! 
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