Author: MamatheFox

Pediped Shoes for Summer

With summertime here all parents are updating their children’s shoe collection. Out with the boots and in with the sandals! While the kids will always love having new items, shopping for new shoes can also be a great way to bond with a child. This may not be an issue for parents, but if you’re caring for children as a Cultural Care Au Pair, a trip to get some new shoes could be a great way to bond with the children you’re caring for. With so many brands and styles it can be overwhelming. There are a few basic things most carers look for when buying their kids new shoes.

  1. Comfort (We all hate to hear those dreaded words “they hurt me”)
  2. Affordable (Kids need several pairs of shoes each season as they grow, we need a break in the pocket book)
  3. Stylish (The cuter and more versatile the shoe, the better)

I have been trying so many brands of shoes over the years, but I am in love with Pedipeds 2017 summer collection. Each pair is fun, easy to put on, durable and affordable. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take the right care of our shoes. Many find that a boot and shoe holder can be a great way to show off and maintain our lovely shoes. Even children can benefit from this, my friend tells me that her children appreciate their shoes so much more when they are shown off. I love how my 4 year old is able to put these shoes on herself! It really boosts her confidence and gives her the assurance of independence. Most 4 year old’s are in preschool, and its important for them to be independent and take care of those little things on their own, we all know their teachers have enough other things on their plates other than helping our kids with their shoes.

These shoes stay on her feet without rubbing and causing blisters or irritation. They are thick enough to withstand her rough play and running and they support her growing feet. One of the things I remember from my childhood is my mom taking the extra effort to get us durable, supportive shoes. It really does make a difference in their development. Toddlers feet are not fully developed and those muscles and ligaments need support. Without proper support the muscles cannot form correctly. Some of the top feature one should look for in children’s shoes (according to the AOFAS) are:

  • For children 9 to 18 months, choose a high-top shoe which will stay on the foot better than an oxford or a low-top tennis shoe. A leather or canvas tie shoe is more secure, will stay on the foot, and will fit fat little feet better. The sole of the shoe should be smooth like the palm of your hand. A smooth sole means less friction so the shoe won’t grab the floor, which could cause your child to fall.Choose a light-weight shoe, since children use a lot of energy walking at this age. Toddlers can go barefoot in a protected environment such as indoors.

I am pleased to tell you that Pediped hits all of these goals! Click here to read more about Pediped and to grab a pair for your child

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Pediped features 3 lines

Pediped Originals: Theses are the best for infants and are the best option for toddlers learning how to walk. With soft and flexible soles they are recommended by pediatricians and podiatrists because they allow children to clearly mimic barefoot walking. You need to make sure you get in contact with trusted podiatrists to give you the best professional advice they can. I have been in regular contact with our family podiatrist for advice on this subject matter. I must say, appointments have become a lot more stress-free ever since they started using podiatry billing services. Making payments could not be more straightforward.

Pediped Grip n’ Go: There are a great second step level type of shoe. They are perfect for kids who are more confident with walking. They are made with G2 Technology which includes a specialized soft rubber sole, rounded edges that mimic the natural shape of a child’s foot, heel stability and a soft show toe that allows toes to curl and grip the floor.

Pediped Flex: These are the ultimate shoes for confident walkers. They have developed a shoe with a cushioned arch support and a soft rubber sole which provides excellent flexibility and promotes healthy foot development.

Omaiki Giveaway

Reusable menstrual pads from Omaïki’s Lötus line are a great way to go green! They’re trim, absorbent and made in Canada with Canadian materials. With a waterproof PUL backing, they keep your clothing dry and have wings to secure around underwear. Available in multiple sizes including thong-liners, they are a great way to keep toxins away from your most intimate areas. Read Mama Banana’s Adventures Omaïki Lötus review for full details and enter to win a set below!

Why cloth pads? Cloth pads are free from the toxins found in disposable menstrual products and many women report that they seriously reduce or stop menstrual cramps. In this fantastic starter set, you get 2 panty liners, 2 mini-maxi, 2 maxi and a matching wetbag! It’s a great way to try out reusable pads, add to your collection or to give as a gift. The Omaiki Lotus starter set can be found on their website and at select retailers. More information:

Omaïki Lötus Features

  • Made in Canada with Canadian fabrics
  • Organic cotton and bamboo
  • Washable
  • Thin but absorbent
  • Waterproof PUL backing
  • Nature-inspired prints
  • Serged edges for minimal panty lines
  • Available in 5 sizes for Menstrual Care
    • Panty liner 8.5″
    • Mini-Maxi 8.5″
    • Maxi Pads 11″
    • Maxi Plus 11″
    • Thong liner
  • Available in Incontinence
    • Light, Medium and Premium
  • Wings that snap around your underwear
  • Matching web bags with zipper and pouch

Enter the giveaway below! $60 arv open to USA & Canada 18+, void where prohibited. Good luck!

Disclosure: This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. Event organized by Mama Banana’s Adventures. Open to legal residents 18+ of USA and Canada. Confirmed Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Mama Banana’s Adventures & participating bloggers are not responsible for lost or stolen prizes. For questions about this event contact MamaBananasAdventures@gmail.com

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Educational Insights Toys

Finding a toy that is fun and educational is like hitting the parenting jackpot! This is exactly how I feel about finding Educational Insights and their several lines of toys. Each line features toys that help a child develop and grow while in a playful and fun manner. These sorts of toys can also help your child develop critical thinking skills from a young age. You can read about that here: https://littlethinkerscenter.com/parents-guide/learning-challenges/critical-thinking-problem-solving/

I was able to play with 3 different products from Educational Insights. My kids LOVE these toys and have now become front runners in our daily play. If you are looking to spice up your toys, looking to teach your children about letters, words, numbers or science in a fun and creative way then do yourself a favor and check out Education Insights website today.

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Playfoam Shape & Learn Alphabet Set

Kids love to play with textiles like PlayDoh and clay, but they are hard to manipulate and work for some children with less developed fine motor skills and hand muscles. With Educational Insights Playfoam this is no longer an issue. Their foam is fun and easy to use. It sticks to each other but never your hands or other things like clothing or your table. It consists of tiny little foam cylinders, similar to a bead shape. The Shape & Learn set comes with 9 different colors for your child to play with. I choose to move mine into resealable bags after being opened, but you don’t have to do this as they don’t dry out!

The Alphabet set comes with all 26 letters of the alphabet to work the foam into the correct shape. Each letter shows with arrows the direction which you would go in to draw the letter on paper. This way when a child is ready to pick up a crayon or pen they can remember what direction it is they are to move their writing utensil.

I like to take the letters and form 3 letter words out so my 4 year old can see short words spelled out. Some words I have set in front of her include: pig, dog, cat. The Playfoam Alphabet Set fun for children to play with as a toy and as a learning tool. If your child loves to play with shaping clay’s or dough’s then I would highly recommend this Playfoam set.

GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope

Children are fascinated by the world around them. By exploring what is interesting to them you can help nurture and encourage them to feel confident that learning is exciting and fun. For instance, if your kid loves watching movies like Star Wars or something similar, you could try getting them Minifigures of their favorite movie character. My kids love taking a closer look at things and now with the GeoSafari Jr My First Microscope by Educational Insights they can take an even closer look than they ever could before. This microscope if fully functional, it works just as a real science tool should. The two large eye-pieces for you to look through, a child sized large knob to turn to gain focus and an LED light to brighten the environment you are exploring. You are able to view items up to 8x its original size.

My children love to find small things that they desire to take a closer look at. The pictures here show my kids looking at the tiny pieces that go in the game Operation! They wanted to see the tiny pieces in a closer and they were thrilled at what they saw. Knowing that this toy works like a real grown up microscope, and they they could use it like a grown up would made them feel so confident. My husband went to college for biology and is an expert at using the most amazing and high tech microscopes the world has to offer. We love helping our children fall in love with science. By learning about all of God’s creations they can fall in love with the world around them over and over again.

Design & Drill Robot

My son loves to take toys apart and then attempt to recreate it and put it together again. This is a natural form of play for him, I call it my future engineer in the making when he does this type of play. He also thinks robots are amazing! Most little kids think robots are fun and interesting, especially after they watch programs all day about robots! Robotech seems to be a popular program amongst children, even though it was originally released many years ago. Of course, once they start watching Robotech, they have to know more about the Robotech Wars. Apparently, Canada was important in the first Robotech War, or so I’ve learnt from reading an online article. Robots are harmless though, that’s why so many children are amazed by them. Anything with robots in, the kids are interested. They walk and talk like a person but are in no way a person at the same time. When I saw this toy I knew my son would flip out! Being only 3, he is still working on developing his fine motor skills. My 4-year-old daughter is able to use the screwdriver with ease, but he is still working on his hand muscles. I love that this robot can by played with by using not only the perfect toddler-sized screwdriver but also by hand. My son loves to try to use the screwdriver, but when he gets frustrated by his lack of ability, he can drop it and turn the screw or bolt by hand.

The Educational Insights Design & Drill Robot is perfect for introducing STEM learning through basic engineering and construction play. My son is working on his hand-eye coordination with his new robot as well as his matching skills. The screws can color coordinate with the robot’s body parts. It comes with stickers you can use to customize your robot and make it your own.

Bible Belles – Ruth, The Belle of Loyalty

Bible Belles is one of my households favorite series to read together. With biblical values at the base of each story they are packed with entertainment, Truth and beautiful images. In each book the reader follows Rooney, the protagonist, who finds herself in a pickle and needs some advise. It is then that a fairy like angel comes to Rooney’s rescue with a story from the bible that helps guide her decisions and actions. Each book pulls from a princess like biblical women and how she handles what God as put in front of her. The book of Ruth shows us to remain loyal, no matter what turmoil we may face. In Ruth, The Belle of Loyalty, Rooney wants to give up and all she wants to do is leave…but can she choose to love instead? As Rooney watches Ruth face the choice to stay or walk away, she learns what it means to be loyal and put another person’s needs before her own.

My children love to read books, it is part of our daily life. Finding Christian books is not a problem. There are tons out there, but I have never come across books that show the readers the women heroes of the bible, and then shows them how to apply the truth in their own lives. No matter our ages, we have room for growth. Establishing the Truth and a solid foundation at a young age can help the young girl in your life set herself up for a successful walk with Christ.

Wouldn’t it be great if girls today were just as excited about biblical women as they are about princesses? Wonderful, real life examples of true beauty, women who can be real heroes for girls today. That would be something. That would be everything.  Bible Belle’s Website

What we love about Bible Belles: Ruth, the Belle of Loyalty

  • It focuses on Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times.”
  • Rooney learns things don’t always end how you want them too, life is not a fairy tale
  • Putting others above yourself is what God calls us to do
  • Trusting in prayer, patience, bravery and now loyalty

 

Connect with Bible Belle’s

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Check out more books in the Bible Belles Series

Treat Yourself Mothers Day Giveaway

Welcome to MamatheFox’s Treat Yourself Mothers Day Giveaway

This giveaway is loaded with some amazing prizes that any mother or grandmother would love to receive. Be sure to check out MamatheFox’s Mothers Day Must Haves for some gift ideas this Mothers Day. This giveaway runs 5/5 – 5/19. The winner will be emailed on 5/20. Come back daily to increase your chances of winning!

Enter to win the GRAND PRIZE consisting of:

(1) Plume All Natural Eyelash Enhancing Serum ($95)

(1) Yorba Organics Family Hessian Gift Bag ($40)

(1) Necklace from Danique Jewelry ($65+ value)

(1) Good Genes sample with a Tidal sample by Sunday Riley ($57 value)

This giveaway is open to US addresses only. Winner has 24 hours to respond to claim their prize.

Hosted by

MamatheFox

Sponsored by

Yorba, The Plume, Danique Jewelry and Sunday Riley

Co-Hosted by

The Homespun Chics, Michigan Savings and More, Mom to GrandmaMommy and Love, Love, Mrs Mommy, Southern Honeysuckle and Basically Speaking

 

 

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

 

Love Being a Kid Giveaway

Sponsored By:

Safety Tat, The Magic Of My Name, ZumoepBuzz, ChanteurCozy PhonesMy Bright Family, and My Grandmother, Mi Abuela

Hosted By:

Love, Mrs. Mommy

Co-Hosted By:
Easter Babe’s Theory, My Silly Little Gang, First Time MomMichigan Saving and More, and Heartbeats~Soul Stains

1 Lucky Winner Will Receive Over $230 worth of goodies!!

Plus half of the prizes are Winner’s Choice! Details are listed under the descriptions…

Safety Tat

For nearly a decade, Safety Tat has been America’s leading choice for ensuring safe returns.
Their proven, award-winning temp-tattoo and labeling solutions not only provides a fun level of security for your little ones, but peace of mind for Moms and Dads as well. And SafetyTat offers a wide range of flexible products to fit your needs for literally any occasion. Winner can choose any 6-pack of write-on tats, a $10.99 RV!

The Magic Of My Name

In this book, each name generates a unique and fully customized story for each child. No matter if the boy or girl is called Carl, Mary, Egoitz or Brianna, everyone will have a book for their name! In addition, you can edit the physical characteristics of the main character of the story for free. You can also include a personal dedication without additional costs. Winner will receive a personalized copy of The Magic Of My Name, a $29.99 RV!


Zumoe

Zumoe’s Mouthguard and Pacifier Cases add pizzazz to your very important items. The Carabiner assures safety in finding your mouth guard or pacifier a snap and the ID tag is a helpful feature. Other great uses for these cases include storage for your retainer, barrettes, jewelry and all the little things that mean a lot to you. Winner will receive a case of their choice up to an $19.99 RV!


pBuzz

Designed by a team of British musicians the pBuzz is a completely new musical instrument. The brightly colored, light and smooth curved edged product has been designed specifically for mini musicians’ little hands. Simple and easy to play the mouthpiece makes it the perfect introduction to brass playing for early learners. Winner will receive a pBuzz instrument, a $29.95 RV!

Chanteur

Chanteur started out by selling a few products to local shops, but has since expanded to produce and sell thousands of jewelry items per year. We can honestly say our brand represents a line of jewelry that is world-class, and is a perfect choice for the ones you love most. Winner will receive any item of their choice from their website, worth a retail of $94.95!


Cozy Phones

CozyPhones is a small family-owned business that started off by selling sleeping headphones on Amazon, then developed their own brand of fun, comfortable, kids headband headphones called CozyPhones™. They are a veteran owned, U.S. based business and promise a 100% satisfaction with their products. Winner’s choice of any in stock kids headphones, a $24.95 RV!


My Bright Family

​Teaching our children to be polite and have manners is very important. From the time my daughter was very little (yes, even younger than now, hehe), I always made sure to incorporate “please” and “thank you” into her daily routine. Now that my daughter is older, there is this great placemat to help teach her how a place setting looks and helps keep her place at our table clean. This adorable and very helpful placemat was made by My Bright Family, and was definitely a bright idea! Winner will receive a 60-pack of placemats! A $9.99 RV! Read more of my review here!
My Grandmother, Mi Abuela is a Bilingual children’s picture book. My Grandmother, Mi Abuela celebrates the relationship a Granddaughter has with her Grandmother. As they both grow, the unconditional love they share for one another shines through the pages.This heartwarming story is sure to make you want to hold your own Grandmother closer. Winner will receive a copy of My Grandmother, Mi Abuela, a $10.99 RV!

 

Open To US – Must be 18+ to enter 
Giveaway Dates ~ 5/5 12:01 AM EST through 5/31 11:59 PM EST
Good Luck!

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. Love, Mrs. Mommy received products at no cost to facilitate the above-mentioned review. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. The winner has 48 hours to reply before a new winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

 

Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder

I need my coffee! I am a mother who struggles in the morning. That cup of coffee, shot of espresso or warm cappuccino is what gets my brain working and my feet moving. If I dont have a lovely jolt of caffeine, I can often become cranky and slow which is not good for anyone really. I have been using Capresso espresso and coffee machines for years now and love everything thought about them. I am a big fan of French Press coffee, but it takes more work to get it right. Anyone using a French Press really needs to check out this article on Creating the Best French Press Coffee by ChefSteps. I like these machines because of how easy they are to use. But what makes a cup of coffee stand out is freshly ground beans! When a bean is ground just before you brew it, it gives it a more bold and true flavor. Pre-ground coffee will work in a pinch, but for the real coffee lover, you can taste the difference in a bean that was ground that day and the bean that was ground a few months ago.

By grinding your own coffee, you can have the coffee house feel in your own kitchen. It’s is easy to do and makes such a difference that there is no reason for you not to try to grind your own. If you’re thinking about buying a coffee grinder, these espresso grinders are worth a look. I typically grind several days worth of coffee at a time, because I don’t have the counter space to keep the grinder out for daily use. If you love to spice things up and try new beans you should consider trying a coffee delivery service. It is an easy way to get coffee delivered to your home.

Capresso Infinity Conical Burr provides the widest range of precision grinding for every type of brewing method from Turkish, espresso, drip coffee, French press, pour-over brewers and percolators.

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I was so glad to find out that this coffee grinder is super easy to use, but has more functionality than most other grinders. The Conical Burr can grind your coffee in whatever form you need. From Turkish (very thin/finely ground) to drip (medium, your standard coffee maker) to French Press (larger grind/thicker) you are able to get the perfect texture you desire. I use an espresso machine, a standard coffee and a peculator, which all 3 require different grind settings. Having this grinder on hand has given me the opportunity to use the same bag of coffee in all three machines. If you use the large grinders found in some grocery stores, you are mixing your beans with goodness knows what else. With the help of a coffee press, you can make coffee to your choice whether it is light or strong. By having a personal machine you can keep it as clean as you want with the satisfaction of knowing what has gone into and out of that device.

Be sure to read the user manual before use! I couldn’t figure it out on my own, but once I took a peek at the instructions I could use the machine with ease. Be sure NEVER to put water inside the machine to clean it. The machine is a closed unit and cannot be rinsed with water. It does come with a brush that you may use to dust it out. I shake mine out upside down above my sink or trash can, then dust out with the provided brush after each use. If you let old grinds sit inside of it, they turn stale and just gross. Be sure to maintain your machine after each use and putting it away.

Scream for Ice Cream Sign Up

Theme – Open
Minimum prize value of $10. Must be a new item.
Date: 7/16  – 7/31
Start time: July 16 – 9:00 am EST
End time: July 31– 11:59 pm EST
Winner(s) must be drawn on 8/1. Events must be open to US entrants.

Adding your link means you agree to the following terms:
Your post must include the following:

The full HTML which will be provided by email.
A clear form of entry (a giveaway form or a blog comment)
The giveaway hops image (in HTML and also included by attachment to the email)
The linky must be included in your post (code will be sent in email)
Your giveaway item(s) have a value of $10.
Must include disclosure included in email
A Link to the hosts: MamatheFox (https://mamathefox.com)
Send any questions to mamathefox@gmail.com

 

If you sign up and can no longer participate please let me know so I can remove you from the linky.