We are very excited to bring you another awesome giveaway and help announce the 2016 Fall Green Scene Mom Award Winners, hosted by Mommy Scene and celebrating Eco-friendly product design and creative innovation. Award winning products include natural body products, universal baby gear, essentials for moms, and items for solving problems and making family life with kids easier. Enter to win a fabulous collection of prizes! Open to US entries and ends 11/20/16.

THE PRIZES!!!

Yoro Naturals Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream (2x 2 oz. jars)
You'll love this natural, creamy balm by YoRo Naturals. It’s incredibly soothing and healing for eczema, diaper rash, chapped skin, bug bites, cuts and scrapes.  Use it anywhere your skin ails you. Gentle and safe for little ones. Soothing and effective for adults too. Full Award Details »

Back Buddy All-In-One Support Pillow
Back Buddy is an award-winning maternity and feeding support pillow, designed by a Chiropractor and a nursing mother. It alleviates common back pain, provides comfort and support for holding or feeding baby, and encourages proper position for breastfeeding. Made in the USA from high-quality structural foam that is certified to be made without harmful flame retardants, phthalates, CFC's, mercury, lead and other heavy metals. Full Award Details »

Bebe Bamboo zZippy Sleepsuit (Pear)
Bebe Bamboo specially designed zZippy sleepsuit makes change time quick and easy. The 2 way zipper unzips from the bottom for quicker changing without having to expose the chest, and top to bottom to undress your baby as usual. Extremely soft, delicate and smooth, and promotes comfortable and restful sleep. Full Award Details »

Andy Pandy Diapers 2 packs of bamboo diapers
These eco-friendly bamboo diapers are made from the highest quality premium materials. Naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, making them ideal for babies with sensitive skin. Made from biodegradable bamboo, these diapers are extremely soft and silky to the touch, yet strong and absorbent. Moisture wicking and thermal regulating capabilities keep your baby's skin dry and comfortable in hot or cold temperatures. Natural aloe liner nourishs your baby's skin and a wetness indicator lets you know when baby needs to be changed. Does not contain chlorine, alcohol, peservatives, phthalates, latex, PVC, TBT, or antioxidants. Full Award Details »

​Revelae Kids Cozy Sleeper and Blanket Pouch
Revelae Kids Cozy Baby Sleepers create a secure sleeping environment that helps babies sleep through the night, thanks to the fully enclosed baby sleep sack design that resembles the womb and keeps hands and feet tucked inside. One-of-a-kind Cozy Blanket Pouches keep baby cozy from the waist down and are hard to kick off, secured by a soft elastic waistband. The fuzzy polyester material is comforting and can't be pulled up near the face, providing a cozy and safe sleep space. Full Award Details »

Baby Care by e-cloth chemical-free cleaning
(Stroller & Car Seat Cloth, Toy & Nursery Cloth, Table & High Chair Cloth)
Baby Care by e-cloth products clean with just water, 100% eliminating the risk of chemical sensitivities, allergic reactions, rashes and asthma attacks associated with the use of chemical additives, fragrances and dyes. Baby Care by e-cloth is the safe cleaning choice for thoughtful moms who want to protect their babies and kids by eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals without sacrificing performance. Full Award Details »

Crane Cube Cool Mist Humidifier
Here at Crane, we put "Design for Better Living" into everything that we do. We started with a few designs in 2005 and continue to grow each year working towards solving your indoor needs. Crane products are designed with efficiency, function and style in mind. We love to be creative with colors, designs and we know our products will bring comfort and smiles to your home! Full Award Details »

Active Essentials
(Egyptian Calendula & Aloe Baby Body Wash & Shampoo, Egyptian Calendula Calming Baby Bath, Body & Massage Oil, Egyptian Calendula & Comfrey Healing Baby Balm)
Active Essentials is a luxury organic skincare company offering safe products for babies, kids and adults that are made using ONLY fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers. Active Essentials products are free of any harsh chemicals and chemical preservatives, synthetic fragrances, GMOs, parabens, sulfates or phthalates and are cruelty-free, gluten-free, color-safe, vegan, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and naturally non-toxic. Full Award Details »

Fresh Wave Works Laundry Booster
Loads of happiness is within reach. Fresh Wave Laundry Booster removes odors using natural ingredients. No harsh chemicals. No harmful ingredients. Give your laundry detergent a boost and remove difficult, set-in odors. Add 2 to 4 capfuls during the wash or rinse cycle. To remove washer odors, wet a soft cloth with Laundry Booster. Wipe the rubber gasket, the door and any other visible seals. Full Award Details »

​Buttons Diapers Muslin Burp Cloth Bibs
Buttons Diapers 100% cotton muslin burp cloths and bibs are the perfect baby essential. They work as a contoured over-the-shoulder burp cloth for baby, an large coverage bib during meals, and a handy cloth to wipe up messes. These cute muslin bibs are soft, breathable, absorbent, and made from natural material that gets even softer & fluffier each time you wash it. The burp cloth easily converts to a bib by using the sewn-in snap. Full Award Details »

Better Life New Baby Essentials Kit
(All-Purpose Cleaner (32oz), Nursery Cleaner, Lavender & Chamomile (16oz), Dish Soap (22oz), Hand and Body Soap (12oz), Hand and Body Lotion (12oz), Six-Compartment Cleaning Caddy, (2) General Purpose Microfiber Cloths - green)
Safe for bottles, binkies, bibs and even your baby's bum. Better Life was born by two dads who set out to create a line of plant-derived, non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaners that would be the perfect marriage of safety and performance. The result is a line of cleaners that work better and are safe enough for everything in your home and sink. Even baby. The Better Life New Baby Essentials Kit has everything you need to prep for baby and makes clean up a snap after your bundle of joy arrives! Full Award Details »

​Pacific Baby Natural Bamboo Feeding Apple Plate (cream)
Made from natural bamboo, this modern apple plate is completely plastic-free. Strong, durable and safe, Pacific Baby bamboo feeding products are machine washable, top rack. Full Award Details »

This giveaway is coordinated by Mommy Scene, sponsored by the participating brands, and is open to US entries ages 18 and older. No purchase required to enter. One winner will be randomly chosen and contacted through e-mail, and their name displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on Nov. 20, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand. Have fun and good luck!

Enter to Win Now!!

ALL 2016 Fall Green Scene Mom Award Winners »

• Active Essentials Calendula & Aloe Baby Body Wash & Shampoo + Calming Baby Massage Oil + Healing Baby Balm
• Andy Pandy Bamboo Disposable Diapers
• Back Buddy Support Pillow
• Bebe Bamboo zZippy Sleepsuit
• Better Life's Stain and Odor Eliminator
• Buttons Diapers Muslin Burp Cloth Bibs
• Crane Personal Cube Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
• e-cloth Chemical Free Baby Care Cleaning Cloths + Hand & Face Cleaning Kit
• Fresh Wave Laundry Booster
• iBaby Air Smart Air Quality Monitor
• Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream
• Pacific Baby Natural Bamboo Plate
• Philips AVENT Innovative Baby Products
• Revelae Kids Cozy Blanket Pouches + Cozy Sleepers
• Yookidoo Intl. Fill & Flow Spout + Submarine Station
• Yummi Pouch Cloth Snack Bags

You know how you struggle to get mittens on your baby and 30 seconds later that little rascal has ripped them off and flung them from the stroller? Yeah, one company felt your pain and created the solution! I give you SNOWSTOPPERS!!!

Available in a rainbow of colors as both mittens ($16.95 in sizes 6 months - 12 years) and gloves ($19.95 in sizes 4-16 years), SnowStoppers feature an extra long cuff that keeps snow out and keeps them on your child! Simply put the gloves or mittens on the child, pull the cuff all the way up, tighten the velcro strap on the wrist, and put their coat over on top. Et voila. Good luck trying to pull that one off little guy!!

SnowStoppers gloves and mittens feature tough grip palms and thumbs, making them fabulous for sledding, skiing, snowboarding, etc. A nylon shell resists ice and snow, while the ​40g of Thinsulate™ insulation adds warmth without bulk.

We just got the SnowStoppers mittens for our girls, so we haven't had a chance to test them out in the brutal cold or snow yet, but I have a really really good feeling about these bad boys. My girls are loving them, and were not able to pull them off despite their best efforts. So, eventually they gave up and had a grand old time marching around joyfully clapping their little lobster hands together!

SnowStoppers has an array of other products, including hats (like the Jester hats my girls are wearing above - how freaking cute?!?!?!?), fleece mittens, and brand new this season - snow boots!!

We got a pair of the new SnowStoppers Snow Boots ($36.95 in sizes Toddler 7/8 - Youth 4) for my son and just like the mittens, these things are game changers!! They're like regular boots, but with an extra long water-proof sleeve on the interior, which is removable and machine-washable!!  The inner part zips and the outter part velcros over it, so they're easy to get on and off but will stay on and keep the snow out. We haven't had a chance to try them out in the cold just yet, so I can't attest to them keeping the tootsies toasty warm all day long, but I think we are going to be loving these boots this winter!!

You can find SnowStoppers gear on Veranda Outdoors' website (along with lots of other great stuff!), and on Amazon. You can also win a pair of SnowStoppers Mittens (winner chooses size and color) in my $480 value Winter Is Coming Giveaway going on right now!!!

What is there to do on the boat?

I have to say, there’s not a whole lot of kid-friendly things to do, so you’ll definitely want to bring some amusements to keep your little ones entertained! The seats on the boat are not bolted down, which means you can move them around a bit to give yourself some space to squeeze your stroller in, or even to lay a blanket down for your kids to have a little play space (we saw one family doing this and thought it was brilliant!!). There are also a few outlets around so you can charge a tablet or phone if need be.

There is some open space near the band, and though it is the thoroughfare for people getting food and drinks and moving about the boat, several kids (including our own) were bopping joyously along to the music here, and we didn’t notice anyone getting annoyed by it - phew!​

So… is the Oktoberfest Bear Mountain Cruise Family-Friendly??

You betcha! I wouldn’t say it’s geared toward families, but there were plenty there having a great time, including me and my brood! My personal recommendation would be to leave the stroller at home or at least on the boat and have a ratio of at least 1 adult per child for the most fun and least stressful outing. It’s a great escape from the city and fun for all! Get more information about the Bear Mountain Cruise on Circle Line’s website.

Location: Pier 83 at 42nd Street and 12th Avenue in Manhattan.

Hours: Boards at 8:30AM, departs at 9AM and returns around 6PM on Saturdays and Sundays from late September through early November (September 24 - November 6, 2016). 

Tickets:  $65 for adults, $52 for ages 3-12, free for under 3.

I fell in love with Zutano's warm booties a while ago, but was recently introduced to their clothing and you know what? We may have a new favorite children's brand over here!!!

In a nutshell, I find Zutano to have adorable designs with tons of mix and match possibilities for one child or siblings, extremely high quality material - super soft & comfy, and an affordable price point.

Zutano carries clothing and accessories in sizes preemie through 4T - tops, bottoms, hats, jackets, booties, toys, jewelry, and more! They even offer monogramming on select items - how perfect for a special gift!!

Below, my trio is modeling an example of how Zutano creates several different items with the same design, giving you fun opportunities to mix and match siblings so they're coordinating!! My son is wearing the "Hello Monkey Toddler Long Sleeve Screen Tee" ($22) and "Playtime Toddler Reversible Hoodie" ($48.50) - which features print on one side and solid blue (with pockets) on the reverse, and both sides zip up thanks to a really cool flippy zipper! Mia, on the left, is wearing the "Playtime Baby Raglan Trapeze Dress" ($29) with "Black Baby Leggings" ($16.50), while Emi, on the right, is coordinating in the "Mouse Baby Peasant Top" ($20.50) and "Playtime Baby Jogger Pant" ($22).

And below are my girls playing around in Zutano's "Velour Baby Pocket Dress" ($34) in Caramel and Cream, with "Folktale" (on left) and "Apple Basket Baby Skinny Leggings" ($19.50) - all available in toddler (2-4T) sizes as well! I'm loving these dressees because they could be easily dressed up or down and either way are totally cozy and comfy!!

And finally, here are my lil' snow bunnies ready for the harsh NYC winter (which arrived this morning - a brisk 39 degrees as we walked big brother 20 minutes to school!

How cute are they!?!? The adorable furry lined "Velour Baby Bunny Hats" ($22) are super soft and warm, with long flaps that can hang down or be tied under the chin. They come in caramel, cream, hot pink, and red, and you can get velour booties to match (like ours) for $21, in sizes 3, 6, 12, or 18 months.

I wanted to show a closeup of Zutano booties because they are quite extraordinary!! They open way up so you don't have to cram baby or toddler feet in there, it's super easy!!! Then the tongue pulls up and the two straps meet in the middle with two snaps, giving you a bit of room to grow! And because of the ankle straps, they stay on baby feet really well. They have lots of different booties to choose from, including the velour ones we have, "cozy" teddy bear like ones, "gripper" booties with grips on the bottom, and "interlock" with fun patterns.

OK now that I've professed my love of Zutano, I want to let you in on a little secret. OK, it's not such a secret... you can win a $75 gift card to Zutano.com in my $480 value jackpot Winter Is Coming Giveaway going on right now!!!!! So, what are you waiting for???

Subscription & rental boxes are all the rage these days and it seems there is one for everything! Pley for toys, Preggonista & Bella Gravida for Maternity, Stitch Fix for men's & women's clothing, and now clothes for the wee ones with Fitted Tot!!

So now you're thinking, "OMG this is AMAZING!!!! But... how much does it cost???" Right? Well, it's not cheap, but it's totally doable for most families, and would make a really really cool gift for new parents, a child's birthday, holidays, etc!! Here's the breakdown:

• 1 child subscription: $44.99 / month
• 2 children subscription: $59.99 / month
• 3 children subscription: $69.99 / month

For once, there's a deal for families of 2 or more kids!! The price per kid really drops, which is awesome! This mother of 3 is loving that!

​We recently tried out Fitted Tot for our 1 year old twin girls. It was both exhilarating and scary to have no idea what kind of clothes a perfect stranger will be sending. I tried to get my style across in the memo at sign up: "I prefer bolder colors to pastels, logo tees as opposed to cutesy babyish prints". Would they "get me"??

Everything was folded nicely and upon inspection everything looked brand new, all were Children's Place brand. I'm not sure how many kids the average piece goes through, but it seems they must meticulously inspect each returned piece and toss out anything with a stain or showing wear. Going through piece by piece was so fun, we opted for just 1 set of clothing and there was only 1 shirt that I wasn't in total love with. Score! They DID get me!!

​The best part is you don't have to wait til you can wash everything like you do when you buy something new - it's all ready to wear when you receive it! So, my girls were in new outfits moments after opening the new box. Boom!

The trouble is deciding which pieces to keep or send back... Seriously. A true dilemma!!!

You can find out more about Fitted Tot, and sign up, on their website. And, get this, you can win a free month subscription in my 12-prize $480 value Winter is Coming jackpot going on now through November 3!!!! 

The days are getting shorter and cooler. You've completed the tedious task of swapping out everyone's wardrobes. Maybe now you're briefly enjoying sipping a Pumpkin Spice Latte while shopping for coordinating family pajamas for your annual holiday card. But, there's a nagging voice in the back of your head telling you something is near. Something dreaded. Something dreary. WINTER IS COMING!!!

But rejoice!! I have put together a fabulous giveaway of amazing products that will help your family prepare for and survive the winter!!! YES!! 12 brands have contributed $480 in prizes to our humongous jackpot, and 4 runner-up winners will also get some goodies!! Read on for more details on all of the prizes in the jackpot, and enter for your chance to win them all in the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of the post!

Shaklee - Vitamins & Immunity Support​

​This winter, wouldn't it be nice to stop the sickness cycle!? Keep your kids and yourself healthy this year with all natural, immunity boosting vitamins for the whole family! Our grand prize winner will receive a wellness pack from Shaklee, valued at $85, including Shaklee Vita-Lea (high potency multivitamin and multimineral), Shaklee Incredivites (children's multivitamin), and Shaklee Vitalized Immunity (everyday immune support). Every botanical ingredient in Shaklee products is screened for over 350 contaminants, pesticides and impurities, and they conduct over 10,000 quality tests a year to ensure their products are safe for you and the planet. Shaklee stands by their products, offering a no-questions-asked 100% money-back guarantee. ​

Zutano - $75 Gift Card

Designing colorful and whimsical clothing, accessories, and more, Zutano is one of the most beloved and influential brands in children's fashion. Their playful, fun, and functional clothes and accessories for babies through toddlers come in prints, patterns, and textures that are easy to mix and match. If you don't yet have their baby booties for your little one, you are missing out. They are simply a must-have for any tot as they are incredibly comfy, easy to put on, and actually stay on! Our grand prize winner will enjoy shopping online for their kids with a $75 gift card to Zutano.com!!! (Don't miss my review here!)

Kokoala​ - $50 Gift Card

Babywearing can bring you closer to your child, and can save you from having to lug a stroller up and down stairs and through nasty wintery slush! But how do you keep baby warm? Kokoala has you covered, literally, with their maternity / baby wearing coat extensions!! They zip right onto your regular winter coat, and cover your bump throughout pregnancy and little one while babywearing. Kokoala also sells great babywearing accessories such as babywearer scarf, a baby hood, and baby fleece booties! Our grand prize winner will be able to use their $50 gift card to Kokoala to purchase a couple of accessories, or to greatly discount a coat extension (prices range $30-119)! (Don't miss my review here!)

Bobux - Children's Shoes

With stylish, comfortable, and functional footwear for newborns through 5 years old, Bobux makes great shoes for all stages: soft soles for babies, lightweight and flexible shoes for pre- and early-walkers, and durable grippy shoes for confident walkers! Our grand prize winner will receive one pair of Bobux shoes (winner chooses size and their top 3 style choices - prize shipped is based on availabilty).

Fitted Tot - 1 month Baby or Toddler Clothes Rental Service

Fitted Tot is a clothes rental service for babies and toddlers! You pay a monthly subscription fee and are sent a box of freshly cleaned clothes (in the size, gender, and style you selected) - use them as long as you want, send them back, and get a new box - unlimited boxes per month, and shipping both ways is included! Plus, if you fall in love and just can't part with any of the items, you can purchase them at 50% off retail value! Our grand prize winner will receive a free one month subscription ($44.99 value)! (Don't miss my review here!)

City Stork - 1 set of stroller tire covers

When you bring a stroller in from the elements, those tires are NASTY! Protect your floors with City Stork's fabulous stroller tire covers! These covers feature an inner absorbent layer, a rubberized no-drip outer layer, and mesh ventilation windows to prevent growth of mildew. They slip on and off quickly with an elastic bungy, are machine washable, and sets are available for strollers with 4 tires and with 6 tires. Our grand prize winner will receive a set of their choice, valued at $34.99-$39.99!

Game of Thrones - Complete 1st Season DVD Set

This one isn't for the kids, but couldn't be more appropriate for my "Winter is Coming" giveaway!! Valerie of Mommy R+R is obsessed with this HBO Original Series and just couldn't resist throwing it in the jackpot for us! Our jackpot winner will receive the complete 1st Season DVD set of Game of Thrones, a $30 value!

Baby-Vac - vacuum powered nasal aspirator (FIVE WINNERS!!)

Whether you're cleaning out your newborn's congested nose or sucking out major gunk during your toddler's fight with the flu, BabyVac will get the job done. I can say, from personal experience and without a doubt, this bad boy blows all other nasal aspirators out of the water (and I've tried a lot!!). It is powered by your own vacuum, which sounds scary, but it regulates the power so it's nothing crazy and does an AMAZING job at clearing all the snot from noses (even my husband uses it on himself sometimes!). Our pediatrician even said it helps to prevent secondary sinus infections since it pulls out drainage so well! FIVE lucky winners will receive one BabyVac, valued at $29.99.

Crawling Crew - baby / toddler tights

Crawling Crew tights for babies and toddlers really go the distance, adding to the knees and soles of the feet an anti-slip coating on the outside and terry lining on the inside! What's more? Their yarns and manufacturing process are Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified (free of any harmful substances or chemicals) - hooray! Oh yeah, they're also super cute, come in sizes 6-12 mos / 12-18 mos / 18-24 mos, and FYI, these tights are NOT just for girls!! Our grand prize winner will receive one set of tights in the style and size of their choice, a $19 value.

SnowStoppers® Nylon Mittens

Keeping your little ones' hands warm in the winter is a challenge, but SnowStoppers mittens are here to save the day! The extra long cuff (GENIUS!!) goes under the coat and will keep snow out and help keep mittens on! The nylon shell resists ice and snow, 40g of Thinsulate™adds warmth without bulk, and the tough grip palms makes these mittens functional - great for skiing, sledding, snowman making, you name it! Our grand prize winner will receive one pair of mittens in their choice of color and size (from 6 months - 12 years), a value of $16.95. (Don't miss my review of their mittens & boots here!)

Sudsy Dough - Moldable Bath Soap

What's better than soaking in a nice hot bath in the winter? Well, your kids might say "soaking in a nice hot bath with some fun toys", and we've got some to recommend! Sudsy Dough doubles as a cleansing soap and scented moldable dough! They come in a number of colors and scents, are paraben / phthalate / sulfate-free, are infused with Shea butter & coconut oil, and get this - they're handmade by moms in the USA! They're reusable (get wet, lather up, mold them into fun shapes, let them dry in those shapes, then use again!), and each ball even has a little toy hidden inside, your child's reward for getting nice and clean and having fun in the tub! Our grand prize winner will receive one 12oz tub of Sudsy Dough, a $14 value.

Wubba Water - organic alternative to Pedialyte

Did you know electrolyte replacement drinks tend to be full of artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners? Big Bang Beverages wasn't too thrilled with that, so they created an organic and healthier alternative to Pedialyte: Wubba Water, a children's hydration drink free of synthetic dyes, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, and GMO's! Colored only with fruit and vegetable extracts and having only 1 gram of organic sugar per serving, Wubba Water is a healthier way for your little one to replenish water and electrolytes when sick (and they'll get a Vitamin C boost to boot)! You can find Wubba Water at Whole Foods (in the TriState area) and on Amazon, and our grand prize winner will receive a 3-pack (one of each flavor - blue raspberry, fruit punch, and orange).

So, there you have it!! 12 prizes in a $480 value jackpot - amazing right? This is gonna be one awesome winter for one very lucky winner!! This giveaway is open to US residents ages 18 and over, and will conclude at 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, November 3, 2016. The winners will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen. Good luck to all!!!

Whether you are a sucker for children's books that feature cute rhymes, learning the alphabet, or introducing sports and culture, I have a pretty awesome one to recommend...

R is for Rugby!!

Written by Mike Petri, a local Bay Ridge dad of 2, who also happens to be a player on USA's National Rugby Team (rated #11 "hottest thighs of the 2016 World Cup" no less!!), R is for Rugby is educational not just for kids, but also for parents like me who don't know a darn thing about rugby! HA! And obviously it's a MUST HAVE for any family with rugby (or sports in general) running through their veins already...

I mean, come on, "sin bin"?? Love it! I may have a new word for my toddler's time outs...

Played by over 2 million people in 100 countries, rugby is one of the most popular sports in the world. Whether you're a player or a "non-rugger", you'll definitely get a kick out of this book (HA!!! Pun TOTALLY intended). R is for Rugby is self-published and available on Amazon and their website for $14.95.

Read more about Mike, the book, his coaching sessions, book signings, and more at risforrugby.com, and be sure to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! You can also find him at local parks having the MOST adorable daddy-daughter dates...