Author: Mama Bradford

Scrub-A-Dub

Kids get dirty, it’s just a part of life.

So, in the bath they go!

We have an almost two year old and he gets a bath nearly every night, so we use the tub a lot. In fact, we recently had to replace our old tub with a new one from Room to Rooms. We used it so much it had just started to look old and dirty no matter how hard I scrubbed it. We all love the new one and use it more than ever.

Filling up the tub night after night can get to be a lot. A lot of water means a lot of money.

Sometimes, this is money that we simply don’t have. We have been able to scrimp and save where we can, and haven’t quite fallen behind on payments yet, but this could soon happen and we need to be prepared for any eventuality. Ultimately, this means that we need to save in other areas of our life (which is going to be hard to do), or we need to start thinking of ways to improve our financial situation. In fact, our friends have recently told us about how they have decided to Startup Aktien kaufen, or buy startup stocks, because they needed the money and it worked. They now have the finances needed for emergencies, which is why I should think about doing the same too. I better ring her and ask her how she got started.

Whilst this a solution, it’s not ideal. We can’t be losing this much money just from filling up the tub and having a bath every day.

There’s got to be a better way, right?

Yes, there is!!

The BabyDam Bathtub Divider is the perfect solution! This bathtub divider allows you to [easily] section off a portion of your bathtub creating a smaller, safer, and more comfortable space for your little to bathe in.

Instillation is super easy with the BabyDam. Just follow these instructions and you’ll be all set! You can see more clearly the instructions HERE along with an instructions video.

This product is brand new and has only been on the market for 1 year.

Originally designed for European bathtubs, the BabyDam was redesigned and started distribution in February of last year.

The high quality materials that the BabyDam is made with are BPA free and safety tested; it’s eco-friendly!

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The BabyDam has been proven to save time, money, water, and energy. As you can see in the photo below, the BabyDam makes it so easy to save. With this example we see that using 100% of the tub uses roughly 30 gallons of water; but using 50% of the tub uses just 15 gallons of water. A clear cut picture of how easy it is to save!

This is seriously the coolest, smartest contraption for kids the bathroom.

I love that I can get right in the tub and clean my child on this level. Reaching and leaning over the the tub can really take a tole on your body, so just having to squat for a short time really makes a difference.

The BabyDam will last much longer and is more beneficial than a baby bath tub. The BabyDam will grow with your child. As they get older you can move the BabyDam further and further away from the faucet; giving them more room to bathe.


I love that the BabyDam is easy to store. The holes on the top give you the option to hang it from a hook; but you can tuck it away very easily because it is so slim. We have it tucked between the shower wall and towel rack – works just great.

There are a lot of sizes, shapes, and textures of bathtubs; the BabyDam is not compatible with all of them. Use this quick and easy guide to decide whether the BabyDam is right for your tub.

You can even click HERE to watch a short video explaining how to determine if your tub is compatible for the BabyDam.

Seriously people, go and check out the BabyDam. This small invention makes such a large difference in more than one aspect – water, energy, heat, money. You will not be disappointed after getting a BabyDam!

Planning for the Best

Purple Trail is one of the coolest websites/services I’ve ever had the privilege of using. This site gives you customizable stationary and gifts made to meet your every need. Their high-quality materials, fine paper, and state-of-the-art printing methods allow them to stand out from other companies. They offer so many options to choose from including: invitations, cards, planners, stationery, and gifts. If you are looking for something more specific, such as a cool letter opener, you may want to additionally check out websites such as polaroidfotobar.com for help.

 

I’ll be focusing on planners for this review; specifically monthly planners.

When I received the planner it came wrapped in bubble wrap with a cute little sticker on it. Fully protected with no scratches or dings.

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Ranging from three different sizes, you can find a planner that is the prefect fit for you. There are different planner categories for each size too, as you can see in the image.

 

The steps in creating your planner are fairly simple and easy to follow. Four steps are as seen in the image below.

Step 1:

Choose the size, cover type, and quantity you want. This is also where you do your personalization. Click the green button to fully personalize. This is where it gets fun!

The options are literally endless. There are so many colors, designs, backgrounds, and fonts to choose from. You can even add your own photos to the design!

Step 2:

Here you choose the inside color theme – colorful or neutral grey, inside page options, the start month, and whether you want stickers or a pocket folder.

Step 3:

Choose up to four add-ons here! These will be added to the end of your planner. The full list of add-on options is listed below.

Step 4:

Take your pick of extra stickers, pens, and accessories to complete your planner.


I would suggest using your computer to design your planner; but they do have an app that you can use too.


I love the layout of the monthly planner. The boxes are just large enough to write out what I need to. I chose the monthly planner so that the planner wouldn’t be so thick. I take my planner everywhere with me, so I don’t want it to be more heavy than it needs to.

Another plus is that the monthly planners are 24 months rather than 12. This is great because I don’t have to buy a planner every year. I’ll take money saving anywhere I can get it!

 

There are thick tabs that separate each year and each add on. These tabs are heavy duty and very easy to grab and flip with your fingers.

 

 

These planners are perfect for someone who really loves and needs a good paper planner. The more you personalize, the more expensive the planner becomes. So, if you’re really dedicated to a paper planner, this is defiantly the one to go with.

 

 


Messmatz Giveaway

 

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Welcome to the I’m So Fancy Giveaway Hop!

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Be sure to come back daily to get your daily entries to increase your chances of winning.

Scroll down under the form to find more awesome giveaways to enter.

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Sponsored by:

PlaSmart – Messmatz

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Hosted by:

MamatheFox

and

Rits’s Reviews

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Enter for your chance to win (1) Messmatz from PlaSmart

Runs 2/1 – 2/15

Open to US & Canadian residents, Must be 18+ to enter

 

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

No Mess Here

Hey mamas!

If you have kids you know one thing’s for sure – they’re messy! Whether it’s eating, playing or crafting; pretty much anything kids do has the potential of being messy.

So.. with that being said, let me introduce you to Messmatz.

These are seriously the perfect product for kids (well lets face it, this product is really for parents) of all ages.

 

 

PlaSmart is a toy distributer that seeks out interesting, one-of-a-kind toys that are smart, simple, and fun. They focus on these toys and stay away from toys that are difficult to understand and/or operate. This company chooses to discover toys that occupy, entertain, and educate kids. “The company focuses on toys that develop motor and dexterity skills, balance, creative and imaginative play, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills and, of course, entertainment.” PlaSmart products can be found in over 60 countries on five continents.

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Keep the mess off the floor, protect the table from paint, and keep sticky things off the carpet with these amazing mats.

The Messmatz are made with non-toxic, food grade silicone; so its completely safe. The mat is flexible and has raised edges to keep spills and messes confined. It’s seriously perfect – why haven’t more people thought of this?!!

I love how large the mat is. I was expecting it to be the size of a placemat, but it is much larger. At 24 x 18 inches, this mat covers all the space you need it to. It gives ample room to not only eat off of, but to craft off of. It’s large enough to lay out all your materials and yet still have enough room to get your work done.

 

 

The other night my son and I had a “picnic” on the floor in the living room and I pulled the Messmatz out. I laid it on the floor and put this plate and cup on it. I was seriously perfect! It kept the mess on the mat and off the floor – exactly what I wanted!!

 

Something that every parent wants to hear is that a product is easy to clean and easy to store; Messmatz meet those standards too. The silicone allows for very easy clean up – just wipe it down with a wet rag. The mat also rolls up however loose or tight you want. Wrap a rubber band around it and store it away when not in use.

 

The mat has endless uses. As previously mentioned, it’s perfect for kids. But it can also (very easily) be used for adults too! Here are just some of the uses I’ve thought of::

placemat

painting

play dough

coloring

jewelry making

felt/sewing

 

 

Seriously, Messmatz are the prefect product for any family with or without kids! Use it for a multitude of purposes, I guarantee you won’t regret it.

 

Boost Your Milk Supply

You’re not alone if you’re concerned about not producing enough breast milk for your baby.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 75 percent of new mothers begin breastfeeding their babies, but many stop either partially or completely within the first few months. Concerns about insufficient milk production are one of the most common reasons for this.

The more you nurse your baby, the more milk your body produces. Don’t stick to a strict schedule. Nursing your baby whenever they are hungry, for as long as they want, is especially important during the first few weeks of establishing your supply, and offer the other breast when the first is empty. Majka, another one of the most popular brands of protein powder for breastfeeding, also uses food additives.

Hey lactating moms, check out Boobie Bars!

Boobie Bars – the original herbal lactation bars – are your daily dose of milk-boosting herbs in just one bar. They are full of nutritious ingredients that boost milk supply for lactating and nursing moms.

No more pills to swallow.

No more teas to brew.

 

 

Nurse Wendy is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) – a healthcare professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. In 2011 Nurse Wendy created and started making Boobie Bars in her kitchen. She hand selected each ingredient that assists in milk-making; this blend of herbs in know as the Boobie Blend.

Boobie Bars are so great because just one bar gives you an entire daily dose of galactagogues (milk-making ingredients). One bar replaces brewing tea or taking multiple pills throughout the day.

 

Boobie Bars ingredients:

rolled oats, flaxseed

coconut oil – gets its ‘good fat’ from lauric acid (an anti-microbial found in breastmilk

turmeric – an antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory effects and disease fighting power

moringa – a powerful plant rich with potassium, fiber, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C and contains high levels of protein and antioxidants

Nutritious Information:

 contain no dairy and no corn

vegan, kosher, non gmo

gluten free

good source of fiber

 

The three flavors offered; peanut butter, blueberry coconut, and oatmeal chocolate chip are so good. They aren’t your typical granola bar flavors, which I really like. The peanut butter bars are even gluten free!

The bars are individually packed in an easy open, quick grab box. Boobie Bars are different than other milk production products because the extended shelf life. There is no refrigeration or freezing necessary.

These bars are so perfect to eat as a snack – they are not a meal replacement. Keep them in the car, in your purse, the diaper bag. Boobie Bars are a great treat that will boost your supply AND taste good.

 

 

Check out the Boobie Bars website for more information on breastfeeding!

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Lalabu Giveaway

Welcome to the Gobble Up Giveaways Hop brought to you by The Hopping Bloggers!

Hosted By: Mama’s Geeky & Women and Their Pretties

Co-Hosted By: Teacups and Fairy Tales

 

Enter for your chance to win (1) Dad Shirt from Lalabu in your choice of color! A $75 value!!

Each giveaway has a value of a minimum of $15, however some are worth much more. Be sure to enter to win all of them because there is no limit to how many you can win. GOOD LUCK!

We Love Dad

Every time I wear my baby in our baby carrier or wrap I get multiple people who comment on how great they are. It never fails that someone will speak to me about how they wish they had a carrier or wrap when their kids were younger.

“Those are such a great idea. I wish they made them when I had kids.”

“Wow, he looks so cozy!”

“What a great contraption for keeping your hands free.”

These comments, among others, are some that people have said to me.

 

 

Let me tell, I have never had so many people talk to us and comment on how cool the Lalabu Dad Shirt is than when my husband wore this shirt. It seemed like every step we took someone different asked us about it. People just couldn’t get over how genius the shirt was!

 

 

Lalabu is a small business that’s based in Atlanta Georgia. The husband and wife team were first interested in babywearing when they were on a trip to Africa. Babies were soothed by their mom’s presence and were a part of their parents everyday lives. When connected to their parents, babies feel very safe and secure. Babywearing jump starts learning because they can easily observe how the parent moves, talks, and interacts with the world around them.

The creators of Lalabu wanted parents to be able to wear babies easily so they would wear them more often. Simplifying babywearing was the perfect solution; they combined the clothing and gear into one brilliant design – the Soothe Shirt for moms and the Dad Shirt for dads.

 

This dad shirt is different that all other baby carriers because it makes babywearing simple. It is seriously so easy to wear your newborn baby with this shirt. The simple design allows anyone to be able to figure out how to use it. There is no wrapping, adjusting, or tying involved when using this shirt; just simply slip the baby into the open pouch an go!

The slim-fit design looks flattering on any body type. I love how the shirt looks like a normal t-shirt; it just has a cute little pouch to keep baby in. The v-neck neck line allows the shirt to be stylish even without baby in it. So, once baby weighs more than 15 pounds, dad can still wear the shirt!

The polyester, rayon, and spandex blend that creates the softness of the shirt is just that – soft! Not to mention, the inner mesh panel provides breathability which is perfect for men. My husband is always warm, so when he’s wearing the baby you better believe that he’s going to be hot. This mesh panel is great because it allows him to be cooler and not sweat as much as he normally does.

 

The adjustable head-support panel is a great feature. It can fold down into the pouch when not in use, then while baby is growing you can flip it out to extend the life of the shirt. We liked using the panel when baby is sleeping. It gave his head extra support, and it was great to cover his face up a bit and keep passerby’s from getting too close. On sunny days the panel is perfect for keeping baby’s head protected from the rays.

 


Dads can be basically hands free with this Lalabu dad shirt. It is such a life savor when you have multiple kids. My husband was able to play and interact with our 18 month old while holding our newborn in the shirt. He defiantly needed to be careful and keep a had on the back of baby’s head just to insure safety.

 

I especially love that Lalabu gives 2% of every individual sales is given back to fund the dreams of families. You can now choose what cause you want your 2% to be given towards. Choose from four different categories that you have the opportunity to give back to. To learn more about their For New Lives Giving – give back program click here. 

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This company is really awesome and we absolutely love the dad shirt. I love that my husband can wear our newborn so easily and enjoy it! Kiddos grow up so fast, so this babywearing shirt that allows dads to connect with their kids from the beginning is great. Lalabu makes mom shirts too, so be sure to check them out on their website.

 

Happily and Organically Ever After

Having a new baby in the house means a lot of ‘newness’; new clothes, new toys, new adjustments. That’s what we’re going through in our home right now. Baby number two is causing us to adjust a lot – but what new baby doesn’t?! We’re still swooning over him and teaching our 18 month old how to be gentle. Let me tell ya, there’s never a dull moment!

 

I have some hesitations when it comes to health and safety. I want to keep baby healthy while his little body is growing and building up its immunity! Keeping chemicals and dirtiness at bay is quite the struggle. I’m constantly washing toys and cleaning the floor. I even wash brand new toys. Is that weird?That is why I am swooning over the Finn + Emma play gym that we have. I am 100% confident pulling out the play gym and having baby near it (and soon chewing on it). It is super stylish, so it looks great in anyones home; and most importantly it is made with natural and organic materials.

 

::About Finn + Emma::

Finn + Emma is a brand that we, here at MamatheFox, have grown to know and love. Their products are beautiful, so unique, and 100% safe for kiddos. Stylish, sustainable, and whimsical are words that you  could use to describe their brand.

Finn + Emma strives to make homes (and the things in them) safe. With products that include clothing, blankets, headbands, play gyms, and more; you will for sure find something of theirs that catches your eye.

This brand really lives out the sustainable, no chemical life. They replace chemicals and unsafe materials with 100% organic cotton, eco friendly dies, and all natural wood – that is music to any mamas ears!

The wooden toys are made from untreated Indian hardwood and finished with vegetable seed wax then filled with little beans. While their hand-knit toys are made with G.O.T.S. (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton yarn and wool stuffing. The rattle inside is even phthalate-free!

All the garments and accessories sold by Finn + Emma are produced in fair trade settings. These settings focus on social and economic independence for local people who are working to provide for their families in a safe and fair environment. Buying fair trade is a great way for us to reduce poverty through everyday shopping!

Finn + Emma’s quest:

“To live happily and organically ever after”

 

Upon arrival of the Finn + Emma play gym I was so, so excited. We received it before I even had baby 2.0 but that did not stop me from taking it out of the box right then and there. I just couldn’t wait to see it!

I put this play gym together in about ten minutes. It is really easy to figure out and totally doable with one person. There is not a lot of pieces and the directions are very straight forward. My 18 month old son really wanted to help, so don’t be afraid to have your kiddo help you out; they’ll love it!

 

The play gym is seriously so stylish. I don’t feel like I need to put it away or hide it when company comes over because it actually looks good. The neutral colors and tones make it appealing in any room. I like how the play gym doesn’t come with loud, musical toys nor bright colors or crazy patterns. Although I like those features for my kiddos to learn, I don’t necessarily like them in my living room all the time. This play gym really is the perfect toy to keep out in the open – you almost WANT people to see it.



This play gym is very versatile too. Included with it is four different rattle/teether toys, these are great because you can attach them to the gym or take them off and let baby play with them independently. The two wooden toys are teethers and are perfect for an older child getting some chompers. The two cloth/knit toys are rattlers, they work great while on the go. Take them in the car with you or pull them out while grocery shopping!

Seriously adorable.

 

I love how the play gym is a grow-with-me toy. Unlike most traditional play gyms, it can easily be used once baby is able to sit up; the lifespan of it just increased! The legs of the play gym are adjustable so you can increase (or decrease) the height based on baby’s age.

I’m all about toys that have multiple purposes and uses – this one defiantly meets those standards.

 

 

The play gym is really easy to store too. With our first child we had a traditional play gym that was “collapsable” but still was hard to store. You couldn’t get to it easily because it needed taken out from wherever it was kept and then to be put together. I keep my Finn + Emma play gym right up against our couch so it’s easily accessible but also out of the way when we’re not using it.

 

 

Our Finn + Emma play gym allows me to worry less and my kiddo to play more. The natural and organic materials gives me assurance that my baby (and yours too!) is safe and kept away from dangerous plastics and man made materials.

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Handsocks Giveaway



Enter for your chance to win (1) Handsocks Gift Pack valued at $50!

——- 2 Winners! ——-

Handsocks is offering 1 Holiday Gift Pack to TWO luck winners! These gift packs are a $50 value and include four pairs of Handsocks. You can learn more about Handsocks on our review page.

Hosted by:

MamatheFox

Sponsored by:

Handsocks

Open to:

US and Canada

 

 

Welcome to the Gobble Till ya Wobble Giveaway Hop hosted by Review Wire Media. #rvm #GobbleGobble

This giveaway is open until November 15, so be sure to come back often to get your daily entries in order to increase your chances of winning.

Scroll down under the form to find more awesome giveaways to enter.

 


 

 

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligation. 

Happiness for Little Hands

Ever go on a trip with your family and think of all the millions of things you have to bring with you? Seriously, there is so much stuff to bring along with children.

What do you do when you realize you’ve forgotten an essential? Are you the type of person who will run to the store and buy it OR are you someone who will improvise and use what you’ve got?

That is exactly what Casey, Virginia mom, did when she was on vacation with her family. She forgot to pack mittens for her daughter, so Casey grabbed some socks and put them on her daughter’s hands. Boom. Problem fixed!


Handsocks are the perfect solution to keep little baby hands warm and baby faces protected. It’s hard to cut those little finger nails, but it’s really easy to grab a pair of Handsocks and place them on baby’s hands. As you can see in the photos below they’re very easy to put on.

The Handsocks vision is to create limited quantity styles and prints. This means that if you find a specific print or style you like, get it while you can before it’s sold out! With a vision like that the prints you purchase will most likely be pretty rare; only a certain number of people will get their hands on them.

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Fun fact: You can enter for a chance to have a limited print of Handsocks named after your child. Pretty fun! You can apply on their website

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The prints they create are super cute and perfect for any child. With options for girls, boys, and gender neutral you are sure to find one you like! Recently they just released their college football line. Get your favorite teams logo on a Handsock and your child can cheer them on!

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We just brought our new baby boy home on October 1. In just three days he already had scratches on his face! I forgot to pack mittens in the hospital bag and we were unable to cut his nails while we were there. I was ready to wrap his little hands up to protect him! So, the first thing I did when we got home was grabbed a pair of mittens (that WEREN’T Handsocks) and put them on his hands. Literally within minutes the mittens fell off! I was so frustrated. This made me very excited to get my package from Handsocks so I could try them out!

 

Let me tell ya mama’s, these things are amazing.

 

The Handsocks are perfect for our new baby boy. Its been pretty chilly here the past few days, so they have been perfect. They keep his hands warm and toasty. The Handsocks are really great for him because they protect his little face from getting scratched. A lifesaver!

I love how the Handsocks are more like socks and less like mittens (hence the name!). They actually stay on baby’s hands! Why? Because of their sleeve-like effect. There is no velcro or straps to work with, and no tightness whatsoever. Notice in the picture how the stripe part of the handsock goes all the way up to baby’s armpit. It’s perfect! It would take a lot for a baby to work them off their arm.

 

Handsocks are the prefect accessory for your older child too. Their sizes are available for newborn up to 3T. You can use them as protection for your newborn and like gloves or mittens for your older child. They are perfect for the winter – going from the house to the car and the car to the store. Normal gloves are such a pain to put on little hands; it’s nearly impossible to get all the fingers in the right places! And just like with newborn mittens, child mittens fall off really easily. Save yourself the hassle and get your kiddo some Handsocks!

 

My favorite aspect of the Handsocks company is how they love and care for other kiddos around the world. While exchanging emails with Casey, the owner of Handsocks, she mentioned that she got a letter from one of the orphanages that she recently sent Handsocks to. She was ecstatic. She expressed to me how happy and grateful she was to have received it. That is why she does what she does. Casey, and the whole Handsocks company has a passion to make a positive impact on the world. That’s what they’re striving towards.

 

 

Handsocks are perfect for your kiddos – newborn to age 3. Your kids will have warm hands and protected faces; say goodbye to fingernail scratches. The soft, cozy socks will be a lifesaver this winter. I’m so excited to use them! Christmas is coming sooner than we think – these are the perfect gift for anyone with young kids. Click the image to the left to see and buy Handsocks!