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Giveaway: The Calla Toddler Pillow

10/30/2014

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We are a co-sleeping family. It started when my son was about 18 months (see my story on Mommy Nearest) when we realized bringing our son into our room and attaching his crib to our bed "sidecar" style meant a full night's rest for all three of us. Now, I couldn't be happier with our situation! Except... my son is a pillow thief!! About halfway through the night he'll roll or crawl his way into our bed and basically push me off of my pillow and use it himself. If I dare try to reclaim it, all hell breaks loose! So, I've been sleeping without a pillow half the night for a couple of months now. It could be worse. At least I'm sleeping! But it got me thinking: isn't he about ready for his own pillow?

Most pediatricians and professionals recommend waiting until a child is at least 2 years old before allowing ANYthing into the crib, from pillow to blanket to stuffed animal. I've adhered to this for the most part so far, but my son is 22 months old and I figure we're close enough! I did some research and got what I found to be one of the best toddler pillows on the market...
The Calla Toddler Pillow
US-Japan Fam reviews the Calla Toddler Pillow
So what makes the Calla Toddler Pillow so awesome!?
  • The cover is made of organic cotton, which is not only more durable but it's grown without herbicides, fungicides, insecticides or pesticides.
  • It washes and dries like new (no clumping).
  • It's hypoallergenic.
  • It's designed to last 3+ years without going flat or clumping.
  • Comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee - so go ahead - wash it, dry it, give it the good ol' toddler trial!!

My first thought upon opening it was, awwwww, how cute. It's like a mini pillow (13" x 18" - great for toddlers, or even as an adult's travel pillow). It was really soft and fluffy, a natural cream color (not all bleached and processed in appearance like most pillows), and there were no chemical smells or anything, phew! Also, the following were included and a nice reminder that the Calla Toddler Pillow is a family-business - love that!!
US-Japan Fam reviews the Calla Toddler Pillow
My only problem is now I have to find a pillow case that fits it. For now we have a regular sized pillow case on it, which is fine. I might try a t-shirt on it as well. I feel like a snug fit is probably safer.

Also, it should be noted that while the cover (i.e. the part that comes directly in contact with your child's face for 12 hours a night) is made of organic cotton, the filling is not. But that doesn't mean the filler is all chemicals and baddies. Quite the opposite.
The filler is a special blend of Calla Polyester Cluster Fiber. It's hypoallergenic, washable and non-aromatic. Jeremy Mentz, half of the parenting duo behind the Calla Pillow explains, "Unfortunately there are no organic filling options for toddlers that are washable, hypoallergenic, and non-aromatic...so we did our best to match form with function.
This might be a deal breaker for some parents, but we've found most parents (and their kids) appreciate the practicality."

So, what's my toddler think about it? As they say, a picture speaks a thousand words...
US-Japan Fam reviews the Calla Toddler Pillow
Sleeping like a baby on his new Calla Toddler Pillow!
And the best news? He slept on it the whole night!! My pillow is mine again!!! Hooray!!!

Oh wait, I lied, that's not the best news... The best news is that you can enter below for a chance to win your very own Calla Toddler Pillow (you must be 18 or over and a resident of the US to enter, giveaway will end at 11:59PM EST on Thursday, November 6 and winner will have 48 hours to respond to my e-mail)! If you can't wait, you can buy one on Amazon for $49.99 (don't forget to add code "
NU8IBVXP" for 15% off! valid through the end of the year).
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: Although I did receive this product free of charge, I was not compensated in any other way to do this product review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
58 Comments

Miny Moe Variety Packs:  Lifesavers for Expecting & New Parents!

10/22/2014

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The amount of products parents-to-be feel the need to stock up on even before baby arrives is incredible. What's more? Each product is made by a bazillion brands, with a vast array of differences to consider! So you buckle down, ask friends, do your research, and make your purchases. Baby arrives. Life is good! Unless it isn't... because one or many of those products just don't work well for YOUR baby. He won't take the pacifier. The diapers leak and gives him a diaper rash. And mom has three boxes of nursing pads that are just not cutting it. Welcome to the joys of new parenthood!!

But I have a little secret. It doesn't all have to be a guessing game! Let me tell you about an itty bitty company (ok ok, MY company) called Miny Moe. Miny Moe curates variety packs of various products so that new parents can have the top brands in one pack, try them all, and know for sure which one works best for their baby! It's not a subscription service; you just buy the sampler that you need, and it's yours to keep. Some even come with fun score cards to help you keep track of what you like and don't like about each brand.

Currently, Miny Moe offers three different lines of these samplers, focusing on disposable diapers, nursing pads, and the latest (that just launched today), pacifiers! (But they're always open to feedback and are working on expanding to many more types of products for baby and parents).
Miny Moe Variety Packs for Parents bring you samplers of disposable diapers, nursing pads, and pacifiers! Try all the top brands to find the best for YOUR baby!
Miny Moe carries 9 brands of disposable diapers, including 4 "green" brands (Honest, Earth's Best, Seventh Generation, and Naty by Nature Babycare), 2 "big" brands (Pampers & HUGGIES), and 3 "budget" brands (Target Up & Up, Walmart Parent's Choice, & Luvs). Diaper variety packs start as low as $7.99.

Miny Moe carries 3 brands of washable nursing pads (Bamboobies, Itzy Ritzy, and Philips AVENT) as well as 3 brands of disposable nursing pads (Lansinoh, Johnson's, and NUK). Nursing pad samplers start as low as $4.49.

The brand new Miny Moe Soother Set contains 5 different pacifiers: Philips AVENT Soothie, Philips AVENT Freeflow, MAM Start, Dr. Brown's PreVent, and The First Years Gumdrop. Whether you are trying to calm your colicky baby, or just want to have something on hand for when she's fussy, you're sure to find a winner in this sampler!

Want to be as prepared as possibly before your little bundle of joy arrives? Go ahead and order Miny Moe diaper, nursing pad, and pacifier variety packs. Within a week of giving birth you will know, for certain, which brand is best for YOUR baby, and mama. Then off you go to diapers.com or Amazon or your local shop to stock up, with confidence!

Oh hey, by the way, Miny Moe offers free shipping on all orders over $5 (within the US), and ships to Canada as well. And Miny Moe has great bulk pricing, in case you have a bunch of friends' baby showers coming up!! Get 10% off when purchasing 3-5 samplers, and 15% off when you purchase 6 or more!

Follow Miny Moe on Twitter (@MinyMoePacks) and Facebook to stay in the loop on sales, giveaways, and special promotions!
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Giveaway:  Brooklyn BabyFEST & Family Jam Tickets

10/19/2014

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Calling all expecting and new parents in the Tri-State Area! The Brooklyn BabyFEST & Family Jam, produced by Town Square and The Mamas Expo, is coming up on Saturday, November 1 and is going to be epic!! You'll have the chance to check out the latest and greatest products for baby, attend informative seminars and demonstrations, enter to win fabulous raffle prizes, participate in Town Square’s Greenpoint Children’s Halloween Party & Parade, let your tots play in the Toddlertown (with bouncy houses!!), get a free stroller cleaning & tuned up by Baby Bubbles NYC, and let dad chill out in the Dad's Lounge!

WHAT:  Brooklyn BabyFEST & Family Jam

WHERE: 
Brooklyn Expo Center, 79 Franklin Street – Greenpoint, Brooklyn (click here for map)

WHEN:  Saturday, November 1 from 12-4 PM

SEMINARS & DEMOS:
  • New Dad Boot Camp Workshop
  • Plan for Postpartum
  • Preschool 411
  • Getting Around the City: Babywearing & Baby Gear
  • Intro to Baby Massage
  • Flexercise:  How Even a Little Workout Can Go a Long Way to Make a Happy Mama

TICKETS:  individual tickets from $15 (1 adult & 1 infant) and family tickets from $25 (2 adults & up to 3 children), purchase here or...
enter below to win 2 tickets!
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a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Mommy R+R's Kids' Flea Market

10/15/2014

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I've said it before and I'll say it again, kids are expensive! They grow like weeds and it seems like you're endlessly changing out their wardrobe as they grow in and out of items, and as the seasons change. I had to retire many a clothes and shoes before my baby even got a chance to wear them, because he fit into them at an inappropriate time of year, or I misjudged the size written on the label, ugh! Big time pitty party!!

So, I'm all about promoting events that support parents saving money and recycling gently used clothes, shoes, toys, and books. And there is one such event coming up!!

WHAT:  Kids Flea Market by Mommy R+R

You’ll find everything from children and maternity clothing, accessories, toys, books, strollers and other gear, furniture and so much more!! Complementary snacks and beverages will be available. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a portion of the door tickets sold will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

DATE:  Saturday, October 26

TIME:  11:30 AM - 3:30 PM

LOCATION: 
Bat Haus (279 Starr Street in Bushwick Brooklyn; L train to Jefferson Street station)

BUYERS:  tickets are $5 per adult, children are free (get your ticket here).

Please bring your own reusable bags to hold all of your purchases

SELLERS:  Fee for a table is $50; you must register by Saturday 10/18; more details here
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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).  This blog is chock full of product reviews, family travel guides, and giveaways galore! It's also home to Bay Ridge Families, and several guides focused on kid-friendly activities and guides to South Brooklyn, Hudson Valley, and New Jersey, as well as family-friendly destinations beyond the NYC area (check the menu bar!)

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