Being pregnant in the winter is tough. Not only do you have to figure out how to get your boots on and off, but your winter coat just won't fit around your belly! You could buy a maternity coat, OR you can go another route by getting a coat extension by Kokoala that'll last you throughout your pregnancy AND while babywearing!! Kokoala has 7 different types of coat extensions, from waterproof heavy nylon fleece (available in regular 22"-30" zipper for $86-$99 and long 31"-39" zipper for $108-$119) and good for the harshest winters, to a simple lightweight fleece extender ($40) for spring and fall. They even have a mini extension ($30) for the beginning or middle of pregnancy when you're not huge yet but still struggling to get your jacket closed. For my first child (a Christmas baby), I bought a super cheap maternity coat. It looked nice, and it lasted til the end of my pregnancy and for babywearing as well, but it wasn't warm enough for winter in NYC, so I had to bundle up with 2 hoodies under it to stay relatively warm (still not warm enough!), and baby had to be bundled up as well. So annoying!! The second time around, our twins were born in early October so thankfully I didn't need a winter maternity coat. I didn't do a lot of baby wearing but did on occasion, so this time I wore my regular winter coat (super warm puffy monster) and pulled it tight using a scarf as a belt over the coat and baby. This kept me warm and kept the wind and cold from entering from the open coat, but it didn't keep baby warm since she didn't have any coat around her, so I still had to bundle her up. Suffice it to say, it wasn't a great system and I was very very intrigued by the coat extensions Kokoala had to offer and really excited to try it out!! Here's how it works. You go on their website and choose the style you want. I went with the original. You then select the color and the type of zipper - the latter is the part I struggled with the most! Some coats are easy to figure out (my husband's for example was very obviously YKK metal), mine on the other hand I didn't really know. I e-mailed them a picture and they helped me make the best choice. When the product arrives, it comes in 1 or 2 sets. If you have a very standard zipper, you'll get the extension panel with zippers already on it. If you have a less common zipper, you'll get the panel with velcro and a separate zipper set - this is what we got. In this case, you unzip it and zip each half onto your coat. Each half has a velcro strip to which the coat extension will attach to. The diagrams that come with it make it easy to figure out how to wear it - wide side down during pregnancy and wide side up for babywearing! We got 2 sets of zippers so we could wear the panel on 2 different coats - my husband's and mine. My husband's coat set up perfectly without a hitch. Super easy! Mine on the other hand, no dice. I think in the end the zipper was not a close enough match and I just couldn't get it to work (though it did fit on my spring coat). But have no fear, Kokoala lists a 30-day return period (shipping not included, and return must be pre-approved by Kokoala), just be sure not to remove any tags or labels until you've confirmed your set works perfectly on your coat! One cool feature is that the zippers and panel are good for a variety of lengths and include a little removable velcro tab so you can fold them over to make it the perfect length for your coat. Here's the coat set up for pregnancy on the left and babywearing on the right. It also features a 2-point adjustable width so you can get it fitting just right! So, now that the coat is set up, time to test it out! We didn't realize the panel should have been shortened to be safer for baby, instead we simply folded it back (below right) which seemed to work just fine, but please take note the safety advisory from Kokoala below! SAFETY NOTE FROM KOKOALA: We do not recommend to cover baby's head with our coat extension (as shown in photo above left - this is NOT safe), instead use the baby hood for that purpose. The coat extension should be adjusted (as shown below) so that the elastic is behind baby's neck (shown below right). We haven't had a chance to test it out in the extreme cold yet (it's 70 degrees today, ummm... where is Fall???), but it seems like it'll do a great job and it's really easy to set up and use! Did I mention it's waterproof and washable? YES! Now, some may wonder why one would buy this panel when you could find a maternity coat for pretty much the same price. Well, good question. For my friends down in the South, it's probably not worth the investment. But my sister lives up in Montreal, and I can tell you, they spend a LOT on their winter coats that last them for years and years and keep them warm in the FRIGID weather up there. So, as Kokoala is a Canadian company, I'm thinking this panel is geared more toward those in colder climates who can't afford a maternity coat of the caliber needed, so they can buy this extension and continue wearing their super duper warm coat they love throughout pregnancy and babywearing. It's also great for city-dwellers who simply don't have the closet or storage space for more than one winter jacket - think about all the space a warm maternity coat would take up when stored in between babies! That is valuable space!! Kokoala also carries a few great babywearing accessories: scarf ($24), baby hood ($19), baby fleece booties ($20), & zipper adapters ($18). What's more?? The grand prize winner of my $480 value Winter is Coming Giveaway (ending tomorrow night!!!) will receive a $50 credit to use on Kokoala's website!!! Disclaimer: Although I did receive these products free of charge, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
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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!!
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!!! Disclaimer: Although I did receive these products free of charge, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
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??? Disclaimer: Although I did receive these products free of charge, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
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!! Here's how Fitted Tot works:
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:
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"?? When the box came, it was like Christmas morning! OHHHhhhh the excitement!! The first thing I noticed upon opening the box was the amazing smell. I recognized this smell from when I receive shipments from the Twins Resell groups I am addicted to on Facebook. The glorious yummy scent of Dreft!! We use unscented Seventh Generation laundry detergent for our whole family, so having beautifully scented clothes is like, wow, what a treat HAHA!!! 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!!!! Disclaimer: Although I did receive this product free of charge, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
Our family has been a big fan of pediped shoes for several years now! I've previously reviewed the Grip 'N Go Orion Sneakers, the Originals Natasha Black dress shoes, and the Grip 'n' Go Max Navy shoes, and we're back again to showcase a new shoe in honor of Back to School, or as is the case for my son - Off to School for the Very First Time!!! Before we get to the review (and how to win a pair!!!), a bit about pediped first... Sold in over 2,500 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide, pediped offers more than 140 designs for boys and girls between its three lines: Originals® (0-24 months), Grip ‘n’ Go™ (1-3 years) and Flex® (2-12+ years). pediped is the fastest growing children's footwear brand in the United States and has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development, among many other industry and consumer-based awards! A well respected company making cute, comfy, and healthy shoes that make both parents and kids happy! Whoot whoot!!! Shopping for back to school can be a bit overwhelming, you've got all the school supplies to stock up on but then you've also got clothes and shoes to worry about for your little kids who grow like weeds!! Looking for a cute and slightly dressy pair of shoes to make my soon-to-be Pre-K student feel special, I turned to pediped and picked out the Flex® Norm Navy loafers. How adorable are these!?!? Offered in size 24 (US 7.5-8) to 33 (US 1.5-2Y), the VEGAN Flex® Norm Navy loafers features clarino (synthetic leather) upper, breathable neoprene lining, flexible rubber sole with protective toe caps, easy yet stylish velcro strap closure (so kids can put them on without help - YES!!!). What's more? They're MACHINE WASHABLE and water safe, made from eco-friendly material, and are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development!! One more cool thing about these shoes I should mention? The Flex® line is kind of brilliant... they feature a removable lining that makes the shoe nice and snug, and can be removed as your child's foot grows (giving you about an extra half a size) - so you get a bit more life out of the shoes! How's that for making every penny count!? LOVE IT!! My son is loving them as well, I mean, how cool is this guy in his new school shoes!?? You can shop pediped shoes on their website, and you can also win a pair in my $400 value 12-product jackpot Back To School Bonanza Giveaway running through September 15!!! ENTER TO WIN NOW!!! (Winner selects size and gender, style will be a surprise!) Disclaimer: Although I did receive this product free of charge, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
Thanks to an invite by the lovely mama behind Stroller in the City, I was recently lucky enough to attend ENK Childrens Club, an international exhibition featuring hundreds of brands in children's fashion, accessories, and more. Held at the Javits Center in New York, it was huge... HUGE!!! It took me a good FOUR HOURS to meander through the aisles, stopping and chatting with the reps when a certain item caught my eye. After a brief pumping session in the bathroom, I finished the day at a blogger & brand meet and greet, another awesome opportunity to hear about the latest trends in children's fashion and make some great connections (which means plenty of product reviews and giveaways coming soon for YOU, my loyal and fabulous readers). OK, without further ado, I'm happy to present you with some of the brands and products that blew me away!! Chiggy & N Sunglasses My three-year-old son was recently diagnosed with terrible Fall and Spring seasonal allergies (thanks to my hubby), so when I ran across these full coverage sunglasses my immediate reaction was "NO WAY!!! Are these anti-allergy sunglasses?!?!?!" And you know what? THEY ARE!! Not only do they help keep the pollen out of kids' eyes, they're super cute, extremely durable, and have UV 400 protection. They go for $30 a pop on their website and Amazon - in black, blue, or pink - one size fits all (ages 4-10). Watchitude Slap Watches Do you remember those slap bracelets we used to love in grade school, that became illegal because it turned out they were dangerous? Well, Watchitude figured out how to make them safe again, using silicone, and turned them into a very very cool "slap watches". They have a bazillion designs, and retail for about $22 on their website and Amazon. Hoonana Kids' Elastic Waist Pants I will be the first to admit I love maternity pants. So freaking comfortable!! Baby pants also feature this uber awesome elastic waist, but once toddlers graduate to bigger sizes you are stuck with the annoying side elastic button thingy, or have to use a belt (which can be frustrating for younger kids to get on and off by themselves). So, when I saw Hoonana Kids' pants featuring the elastic waist in sizes 12 months through 8 I was like helllllll yes!!!! Not only practical, but super cute! They retail for $46 on their website. Keenz Stroller Wagon This one had all the bloggers talking at the show, and for good reason. We've never seen anything like it and we all WANT ONE!!! As a mother of 3 kids under 4, this thing was begging for me to take it home. This 29-pound stroller wagon features two 5-point seat belts (one on each end), a 110 pound weight limit, 1-step on/off brake, removable fabric, adjustable simulated leather handles on each end, built-in storage, retractable roof (hello - convertible!), and a fairly compact fold. Offered in green, purple, or gray, it retails for $450 on their website. Fasten Swimsuits You know how annoying it is to change your baby's swim diaper when they're wearing a swimsuit? Fasten does and they've solved the problem by making diapers easily accessible in their baby swimsuits which open at the waistline via magnetic snaps!! Can't get much easier than that! They retail for about $35 on their website and Amazon. Meiya & Alvin Teether Toys Created by our Canadian friends over at Great Pretenders (see our review of my son's amazing superhero cape here), Meiya & Alvin feature adorable books, teethers, and toys made from natural, sustainable, and recycled products. I especially fell in love with their super cute plush toys which are like little stuffed animals with heads made of natural rubber - perfect for teething! They retail for $22 on their website and Amazon. Blade & Rose Baby Leggings I mean, come on, just look at the photo. I want these on my girls!!! I can just picture them toddling around falling on their adorably decorated bums! Available in sizes infant through 4 years, in tons of designs (matching bandana, sock, and body suit available!!), they retail for $16 on their website and Amazon. Baby moccasins and crib shoes are all the rage these days, but I've never seen anyone with fun quotes and designs like Silly Souls! In love with these!! They retail for $20 on their website and Amazon, in sizes 0 - 24 months. I'm not sure how I got in and out of this booth without a million pictures, actually not even one (SMH), but they have pretty much the cutest boys clothes I have ever seen. Like, SO COOL, basically how your hubby dresses (or how you wish he would dress), but in miniature. LOVE LOVE LOVE their stuff - high quality and super fashionable! Boy moms (and dads), definitely check them out! Tick Talk Wearable Phone & Locator Track your kid, talk to them (one or two-way), send a voice message, and even turn the watch off remotely (like when they're in school and shouldn't be using it). Pretty cool way to ease the minds of both parents and younger children in the absence of their parents. It requires a data plan, and retails for $150 on Amazon. So there you have it, my top picks in childrens' fashion and accessories from the Summer 2016 ENK Childrens Club!! There were SOOOOOO many amazing brands, I just can't mention them all, but I did want to take a second to mention a few trends I noticed popping up again and again:
So, what do you think? Are you pumped about any of the above items?? Are you already a die hard fan of one of these brands? Share in a comment below!!
Whether you're looking for adorable crib shoes or stylish footwear for a new walker, I can't recommend Freshly Picked moccasins highly enough!! While they do come with a fairly steep price point, you should know that in the world of baby shoes you do get what you pay for, and with Freshly Picked you're getting top quality - we're talking durable 100% genuine cow hide leather with elastic that comfortably keeps them on little one's feet, and a company that was literally founded by a mom at her kitchen table! We're also talking a bazillion amazingly adorable designs!!! I mean, come on, get a load of these:
And for those who want to get their little one's into the spirit for the Games in Rio this summer...
The biggest problem with Freshly Picked? Picking out just one pair... I mean, talk about a dilemma!!!! I must have spent at least an hour trying to pick out a set for my 9 month old twins. Since I was only getting one style, it needed to be something that could go with any outfit, right? I eventually went with Platinum, and I'm seriously loving them! More silver in some lighting and more gold in other lighting, they're shiny and simply spectacular!!
Freshly Picked moccasins are super soft, and it seems my girls might add "pretty tasty" as well - ha!! The elastic makes them easy to get on and off even the chubbiest of baby feet.
Ordering and opening up my girls' first pair got me all nostalgic for when their big bro got his first FP moccasins 2 years ago!! That time around I measured and rounded WAY too far up (I was seriously at least 2 or 3 sizes off, which is surprising since they make it pretty easy with this sizing chart!). I did much better this time - I got probably a size too large but that means they'll fit my girls for that much longer! I call it a win :)
The bottoms are just as soft and smooth as the tops of the shoes, which means they're not especially grippy and not padded at all. This can be seen as a good or bad thing. They're definitely not the shoes to send your toddler running around on gravel in, to be sure. But the thin bottoms mean that they are great for new walkers learning how to maneuver around and keep their balance.
Freshly Picked has also recently come out with a "Hard Sole" line (sizes 7-13) which is the next step for kids needing more of a proper shoe with support and protection rather than the slipper-esque soft soled moccasin.
So, to recap, they're absolutely adorable, comfortable, practical, and one of the hottest and most sought after brand of footwear for babies and toddlers. The soft-sole line comes in sizes 0 (about 0-3 months) - 9 (about 4.5 years) and a TON of designs and colors for boys and girls alike! And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for, here is your chance to...
WIN A PAIR OF FRESHLY PICKED MOCCASINS!!!!!
That's right! Enter in the Rafflecopter Box below to enter your choice of size and color of soft sole Freshly Picked Moccasins!! Open to US Residents ages 18 and over, the giveaway will end at 11:59 PM EST on Monday, August 15. A winner will be e-mailed on August 16 and have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen. Good luck to you all!!!
Disclaimer: Although I did receive these products 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.
In need of some beautiful clothing that will work throughout your pregnancy and beyond, and that is breastfeeding-friendly but not obviously so? If yes, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Loyal Hana!! The most unique and fabulous thing about Loyal Hana is how discreet they make their breastfeeding slits. Rather than simple nursing tanks with clips similar to nursing bras, Loyal Hana tops have breastfeeding slits that zip. That's right - zip! And when they're zipped up, you cannot tell they're there at all (see the pic below on the right - that is the top and bottom of the zipper - you can't see it!!). Really really cool. This means no one will possibly know you're wearing a nursing top, and you can keep it in your wardrobe even after you finish breastfeeding / pumping! SCORE!! All of their pieces are wonderfully flowy - so they will fit you through all 4 trimesters of your pregnancy. Yes I said 4, that includes the "4th trimester" - the one where you are no longer pregnant but still have quite a bump that you wish to disguise. Let the dresses and tops flow or add a belt to accentuate your baby bump or postpartum waist. I tested out the Amanda Black White Chevron v-neck tank ($90) and the Anya arrowhead print dress ($105). Both are a silk-like 100% polyester, light-weight and comfy. I found the quality to be top-notch and felt so super stylish (especially compared to my normal wardrobe of basic nursing tank and jeans), yet still able to quickly and discreetly whip out a boob to feed one (or both) of my babies. They are on the pricier side but their ability to work with you throughout pregnancy, breastfeeding, and beyond (so for years really) makes them quite a good bang for your buck in my opinion!! You can check out all of Loyal Hana's chic, stylish, and comfortable maternity and nursing garments on their website here. Disclaimer: Although I did receive these products free of charge, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
South Bay Ridge, Fort Hamilton, FoHa... There are many names for this quickly gentrifying area and this Memorial Day weekend will see the Grand Opening of what is likely to become one of the newest favorite local spots for families. Raine and Riley's is an online children's boutique opening its first brick and mortar right here in Ba(b)y Ridge. Owner and Creative Director, Sarah Oszust (Bay Ridge born and bred!), always wondered, "Why are stores so quick to put kids into ONE category, ONE box? Why should all children look the same way. Kids aren’t supposed to dress ONE way. Act ONE way. Be ONE kind of person. They have the rest of their lives to do that - to figure out who they really are. They’re all so beautifully unique with so many different gifts to offer the world. Why isn’t there a store that let’s them express themselves in a way words can’t?" That question led Sarah to create Raine & Riley's. She explains, "It’s a place for kids to be kids. To find themselves lost in Capes, Tutu’s, Cartoon Ties, Animal Overalls, Elephant Suits, Masks, Band T-shirts, Bell Bottoms, Leotards, Sushi Onesies, Winged Sneakers, Zipper Bracelets, Custom Outfits.. You name it.. We got it!" Sizes range from Newborn to 16 and almost 75% of their items are handmade in the United States. They're planning to open this coming weekend at 276 91st Street, but be sure to check their Facebook page for updates on the opening. You can also follow them on Twitter and Instagram, of course! While you're down in FoHa, don't forget to drop in on these other local family faves:
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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! Categories
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