Author: MamatheFox

Little Adventures Halloween 2015

Little Adventures Halloween 2015

costume

With Halloween quickly approaching we are all trying to figure out what our kids want to be. My daughter, like a ton of other kids out there, keeps telling me that she wants to be a princess for Halloween. I knew exactly where she would be getting her princess dress from…Little Adventures!

Little Adventures is your go-to online dress up store. They carry a huge variety of princess dresses, fairy costumes, knights, superheros and more.  This fun company was started by 2 mothers who started sewing the costumes by hand and selling them at fairs. They have now grown into a huge player in the princess dress market and is a go-to brand for many celebrity moms. See my first article for more information.

Get 20% off orders with code FOX20 (active 9/27-10/12)

cape set

Why Little Adventures?

Little Adventures features the top 3 qualities I look for in all dress up clothing

  1. Affordable
  2. Machine Washable
  3. Comfortable

They hit all 3 of these on the head! My daughter spills all over herself, like any respectable 3 year old should. I can easily toss her outfit into the washer and all the yogurt, pickle juice, peanut butter and whatever else may be on their from that days adventure. Her favorite part is that it is so comfortable. So many dress up clothes are itchy. Therefore, it might be a good idea to opt for comfy costumes like L from Death Note or similar oversized apparel rather than ones that are too tight here and too big there. Little Adventures uses high quality materials to manufacture their super cozy costumes. Lastly, my husbands favorite part is how affordable they are.

headband

dress

Follow Little Adventures

Facebook               Twitter               Instagram               Pinterest

Enter to Win!

Now you can enter to win a fun costume for yourself! Runs 10/1-10/15 US only

(1) person will win their choise of either the Arabian Princess Set or the Dragon Hero Set.

Arabian Princess set includes: (1) Arabian princess outfit & (1) crown

Dragon Hero set includes: (1) Dragon cape and sword & (1) black power vest

Giveaway runs 9/28-10/12

giveaway

 

Super Undies Giveaway

Super Undies Giveaway

When it comes to potty training, each and every kid brings a whole new experience.  You have to find something that works for your child.  There are several options out there for training pants…  You’re probably familiar with disposable training pants, but when they can cost up to $100 per month it’s nice to know what other options there are. Super Undies is here to save the day!  They offer several reusable cloth training pants styles to help you find something perfect for your little soon-to-be potty master.  Read Latched On Mom’s review of Super Undies Pull-on Training Pants to find out more!
And here is a giveaway!  One person will win a Super Undies Pull-on Potty Training Pants in their choice of color AND one Super Soaker Step-Up insert- a combined value of $22.95!  The winner will be emailed, announced here in the giveaway widget once closed and a shout out to the winner on Latched On Mom’s Facebook page will be made so make sure to sign in with the email address you check most often!  You will only have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be drawn.

To enter, just fill out the giveaway form below. Must be 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. Giveaway will run from 9/22/15-10/7/15. Open to US only. GOOD LUCK!!!
Super Undies Pull-on Training Pants and Super Soaker Insert
Latched On Mom and other participating bloggers did not receive compensation to promote this giveaway, however Latched On Mom was given a free product in exchange for a review. This post may contain affiliate links. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media. Prize fulfillment is the sponsor’s responsibilty. If you have any questions about this giveaway, or have a product you’d like for me to review, please email latchedonmom(at)gmail(dot)com.

Wild Dill Giveaway

     If you’re a parent, and have tried finding quality organic items, you know it can be challenging. I was shopping in a well known baby store and couldn’t find one clothing item organic or made in the USA. I asked customer service, who called the manager. He looked through an inventory book and eventually found a few “organic” toys made in China…that was the extent of their collection. Luckily we have the internet, and great shops like Wild Dill. Wild Dill is an online shop dedicated to natural, organic and responsibly sourced baby and children’s items. This Mom run and owned company offers many unique and attractive items for little ones. Read Mama Banana’s Adventures Organic Bunting Bag Review and learn more about the company. One lucky winner will take home a GC to this online shop! Check out the details below and thanks for stopping by.
$40 GC to Shop at Wild Dill USA/Canada ends 10/5

Disclosure; Participating bloggers have not been compensated for their participation and are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Questions? Contact MamaBananasAdventures@gmail.com
$40 GC to Shop at Wild Dill USA/Canada ends 10/5

BALM! Baby Giveaway

BALM! Baby Giveaway

Read my full review here

giveaway balm
Falling for Giveaways Featured

Welcome to the FALLing For Giveaways Giveaway Hop, brought to you by The Hopping Bloggers!

HOSTED BY: Mama Smith’s & Women and Their Pretties

CO-HOSTED BY: Time Out With Mom & Natalie Made It

Each blogger participating in this hop has a giveaway with a prize value of at least $15 – and some are much more than that! Be sure to scroll down the whole list and enter them all – there is no limit to how many you can win! Good luck and have fun!

BALM! Baby Essentials Kit

Simba & Mama Giveaway

Simba & Mama Giveaway

Read my full review here

*Disclosure : The prize will be in the form of an Amazon Coupon and you will have to pay shipping, unless you are an Amazon Prime member.

Welcome to the Back 2 School Giveaway Hop

The host of this event, The Review Wire, will be offering 4 prizes! 3 winners will each receive a Student All Star Set and 1 Grand Prize winner will receive a mix of products worth over $50.00 from TreeSmart. Make sure to swing over and enter to win!

 hop1
hop main

Simba & Mama Cloth Diaper Giveaway

Disclaimer: This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 2015. The Back To School Hop Event Bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. Companies and bloggers, if you would like to participate in events like this one, visit Review Wire Media and sign up to be emailed about future events hosted by The Review Wire.

Hotel Transylvania 2 Giveaway

Hotel Transylvania 2 Giveaway

Hotel Transylvania 2 is coming to theaters September 25th, 2015. It is just in time for the Halloween season. Kids and parents alike are so excited for this sequel.

poster

 

Dennis (Asher Blinkoff) and Dracula (Adam Sandler) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation's HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2.
Dennis (Asher Blinkoff) and Dracula (Adam Sandler) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation’s HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2.

Visit Hotel Transylvania 2

Follow @HotelT2 on Twitter
Like ‘Hotel Transylvania 2’ on Facebook
Visit the Hotel Transylvania 2 Official Website

Fun For The Family

Click here for the Fun Faith Guide

Enter to Win!

Enter for your chance to win (1) Cape, (1) Stationary Set, (1) Vampire Fangs, (1) Blobby Putty and (1) Activity Book

runs 9/16-9/30
Hotel Transylvania 2 Giveaway

Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Void where prohibited by law. One person entering per household please. MamatheFox is not responsible for shipment of prize.

BALM! Baby Taylor’s Skin & Soap Review

BALM! Baby Taylor’s Skin & Soap Review

Who is BALM! Baby

BALM! Baby was created by parents for parents. They knew that plastic never goes away. It will never disintegrate. Never. They thought about how they are planning to buy that natural child product, but what happens when it gets heated? That’s right, those nasty chemicals in the plastic can leach into your product. That makes the natural product not so natural anymore. Since 2008, they have been eco-leaders, providing natural quality products in natural containers.

Who is Taylor Pure & Natural

Taylor’s Pure & Natural is shop home to BALM! Baby, RAW Materials, Island Botanicals & Taylor’s Soap & Skin care lines

“We now boast a baby & Mama specific product line called “BALM! Baby”, a whole bath & body line called “Taylor’s”, a “RAW Materials” line (for all us DIY lovers), a Spa Line called “Island Botanicals,” a Natural Household Cleaners line called “Taylor House” and we plan to branch out into any sector that lacks quality, integrity and appreciation.”Taylor’s Skin and Soap Website

Allergy Friendly Company

BALM! Baby & Taylor can customize ingredients, so if you have any topical (skin) allergies to nut oils. If you have any other allergies & need a custom made order, please choose “custom order” & email them with more detailed info.

What Do They Sell

Being that they own so many divisions I will limit my list to only some of the amazing products they offer. Please visit their website and the links below for a full and comprehensive list of products available.

Follow BALM! Baby & Taylor

BALM! Baby Facebook Taylor’s Soap Facebook Twitter Pinterest Taylors’s Instagram BALM! Baby Instagram

Mama’s Experience

Sanitize those Hands! $5.49

sanitize those hands

With back to school season here we are all using more and more hand sanitizer. A friend of mine is using this Hand Sanitizer Canada brand and loves it, but I can’t get it that easily. At least this sanitizer kills 99.9% of germs plus it leaves my hands super smooth and silky soft. I hate using commercial sanitizer that leaves my hands sticky or dry. Being in a small bottle makes it easy to plop into your pocket for day trips to the store or zoo. It’s great for diaper bags, backpacks and in your purse.

With flu season right around the corner, I highly suggest getting a few bottles of Sanitize those Hands today.

Spray that Bottom! $11.99

spray that bottom

This spray is cloth diaper safe. This spray is not just for butts! It can be used as a first-aid product too. Use on “cracked feet, sunburns, dry lips, diaper rash, razor burn, eczema, bug bites, newborn’s peeling skin, itchy cradle cap, postpartum owies, scrapes, cuts, bruises, minor rashes, hemorrhoids, dry hands, stinky armpits, burns and all that other funky stuff!”BALM! Baby Website

A few days after receiving my spray, my daughter fell on the driveway. She got a nice elbow scrape. The ouchie that mommy kisses cant handle on their own. I got the spray bottle and my daughter got scared. I have used other sprays on cuts and she got very nervous. I told her this is a new ouchie spray and we need to put some on. I misted it onto her cut and she didnt even flinch! Even she was shocked. She instantly said, “it isn’t hurting me” and I knew it was a new staple product for our household.

Diaper Rashes:

I have been blessed so much and my son has not had a diaper rash….ever. We use cloth diapers and change frequently. Rashes can be due to a few things including (but not limited to): not changing frequently (urine against skin causes irritation), highly acidic foods in diet, and heat. By controlling his environment and diet and help prevent those nasty diaper rashes. But, they can just happen sometimes. This product contains NO alcohol. Unlike store brand wet wipes that can burn and irritate the rash further, you will want to lightly dab the irritated area with a soft, wet towel. Once cleaned, then apply Spray that Bottom directly to the diaper rash. They use a gentle, yet effective combination of all-natural, Vegan and GMO-Free ingredients to help get your baby’s bottom back to being the cute little bum you love.

Mad Rash! $9.95

mad rasha

Speaking of diaper rash, this is a very cool product you will definitely want to try out. Mad Rash can actually help prevent diaper rash. “Natural Mad Diaper Rash Balm protects against crazy diaper rash from Buildup in diapers / Food allergies / Teething / etc.! NO reaching for 2 different products while changing Mr. or Mrs. Squiggles! Yay! { Use a liner when treating mad diaper rash on cloth diapered babies}. Also doubles as an SPF30 Sunscreen!”BALM! Baby Website

Living in the country I cannot flush those flushable wipes and disposable liners down my toilets. BUT, I can use them when using a product like Mad Rash! Using cloth diapers you CANNOT just put anything on your child bum. There are ingredients that can ruin a cloth diaper and render it unusable. The ingredient latches on and makes it lose the ability to be absorbent. In these situations, you need to use a barrier between the diaper and the ointment. I choose to use thin disposable cloth diaper liners. Many companies sell these. Other parents choose to cut up fleece strips and use those and toss them like you would a disposable wet wipe. Either way, you slice it, be sure to use a barrier with cloth diapers and this product.

Diaper Balm! 1st Aid $9.95

diaper balma

BALM! Baby’s Diaper Balm 1st Aid can be used on “cracked feet, sunburns, dry lips, diaper rash, razor burn, eczema, bug bites, newborn’s peeling skin, itchy cradle cap, sores from drippy nose, post partum owies, scrapes, cuts, bruises, minor rashes, hemorrhoids, dry hands, stinky armpits, burns and all that other funky stuff!”BALM! Baby Website

Doesn’t that list make you feel like you just read that above…like the Spray the Bottom! spray? Ding ding ding! Tell them what they won, Bob! 😉 That is because it is basically the same product. One is in a spray form and the other is in a solid. This way you can easily use the product in whichever way suites your needs. I love to apply it to my lips as a lip balm, but when applying to a boo-boo on a scraped elbow, the spray is much more simple. Be sure to grab both so that no matter the situation you have the easier to use the solution on hand.

Juice those Wipes! $13.95

Juice those Wipes

“Our Natural Cloth Wipes Juice Concentrate is formulated with Taylor’s liquid soap to be sure all those parts get clean! We blend herbally infused oils & yummy essential oils to moisturize and smell good! Even in the most humid climates, where bacteria breeds, our wipes juice will not go bad! Perfect for changing baby’s precious bottom, or as reusable “wet ones” for wiping hands & faces!”BALM! Baby Website

This super formula can be used a few different ways. You can pour the juice into a spray bottle and use it as a spray during diaper changes. You can use is in a tiny squirt bottle for on-the-go, like when you go out to eat and need to clean a messy noodle face. You can also add 1-2 tsp of Juice those Wipes! to 32 ounces of water, stir & add approx 18-24 wipes.

This is the perfect item to add on top of a baby shower gift!

Shaving Cream $7.49

shaving cream1

I stopped using shaving cream a few years back. Using those horrible chemicals on my skin PLUS the can that is difficult to recycle made me guilty and feel icky. I honestly never thought about using a natural product like Taylor’s Shaving Cream. The coolest part about this product is that I dont need to apply lotion after I shave! Right after I get out of the shower I have to apply lotion to my newly shaved legs. They are so dry, even in the summer, after I shave them. Its like my legs were shaved of their moisture too! With Taylor’s Shaving Cream, I do not have to apply post-shaving lotion to my legs. They are super soft and smooth. The product contains raw shea butter, which really helps moisturize your skin. Make sure you use a VERY small amount, otherwise it will clog your razor pretty fast due to it being a natural product and a thicker agent.

The scent that this comes in is Grapefruit – making it great for both men and women to use. My husband is very picky with with shaving products and he practically stole this jar from me! This would be a great stocking stuffer for any guy in your life.

Tea Tree – Essential Oil Raw Materials by Taylor’s $8.50

tea tree1

Essential Oils such as Tea tree oil by Rouh essentials are the new and hot thing right now. So many of my friends and family are already using them and swearing by them too. I have been very curious about them but was overwhelmed with the research that would be involved (ain’t nobody got time for that). Taylor’s website makes it easy to read what these oils can be used for and how to use them! Below I am going to share some information from their website. Please click here to visit their site and read more about Tea Tree Essential Oil.

Use on: Acne, athlete’s foot, candida, chicken pox, ringworm, oily skin, whooping cough

  • Add 1-4 drops to a q-tip & apply to cold sores, gums, acne, sore ear, etc.
  • Add 1-4 drops to washer. Great for heavily soiled laundry / moldy laundry / Cloth Diapers
  • Dandruff and Lice -Studies have shown that shampoos with 5% of Tea Tree Oil can cure dandruff and help get rid of head lice.

**Pure Tea Tree Oil should never be taken internally in its undiluted form. Extra care should be taken when using it near the eyes, genitals, or even as a mouthwash. If taken internally, Tea Tree Oil can result in diarrhea, vomiting, impaired immune function, excessive drowsiness, sleepiness, confusion, poor coordination, and even coma. If you notice any of these symptoms of overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

I love to clean using Tea Tree Oil. I add it to water in a spray bottle and I use it as a sanitizer on my counters, floors, bathrooms. Think of using it like you use vinegar to clean. My husband is not a fan of vinegar in general – the smell is what bothers him. Using Tea Tree Oil I can safely clean on a tight budget without stinking him out of his own home.

Orange 5x – Essential Oil Raw Materials by Taylor’s $4.99

orange 5x1

Below I am going to share some information from their website. Please click here to visit their site and read more about Orange 5x Essential Oil.

Use on: Kills bacteria, viruses, fungus & pathogens in the air. Relieves anxiety, anger, depression.

  • Add 1-6 drops to 2 cups of water & 1-2 TBS. of liquid soap for a nice citrus kitchen cleaner.
  • Add 1-6 drops in a humidifier to brighten spirits & lighten moods (I am so doing this when winter set in and all my humidifiers are cranked).
Lavender – Essential Oil Raw Materials by Taylor’s $9.99

lavender1

Below I am going to share some information from their website. Please click here to visit their site and read more about Lavender Essential Oil.

Use on: Acne, allergies, anxiety, asthma, athlete’s foot, bruises, burns, chicken pox, colic, cuts

  • Add 2-6 drops to a warm bath or pillow to calm little & big minds.

I have used this on my kid’s pillow and in my baths. It’s just such an easy way to unwind. Although, relying on something as simple as an essential oil as a treatment for your anxiety or depression might not be as effective as one may think. While there are alternative oils that adults can use like Nutra CBD olie which can work for easing anxiety and depression, I’m not sure if it is suitable for the little ones. However, keeping it natural may be more of a preference than taking something pharmaceutical. Luckily you can go down the route of marijuana to help relieve any of these mental illnesses, accessible from websites like https://www.togoweed.ca/product/blue-city-diesel/.

Enter to Win

Now that you have read about all these awesome products you have the chance to win some of them for yourself!

There will be 2 separate giveaways in which you will be able to win products from either the BALM! Baby division or the Taylor Pure and Natural division.

Enter to win a BALM! Baby Essentials Kit (Contains: Sanitize those Hands, MAD! Rash, Juice those Wipes, Diaper Balm & Spray That Bottom). CLICK HERE TO ENTER

giveaway balm

Runs 9/16/15 – 9/30/15 Open to US only

To enter to win the Taylor Raw Essentials Giveaway CLICK HERE

raw giveaway

Runs 10/1/15-10/15/15 Open to US only

Green Mountain Diapers Prefolds

Green Mountain Diapers Prefolds

You may have caught on by now, but I am a huge supporter and fan of Green Mountain Diapers. They make such high quality products, that when coupled with their outstanding service and morals, I just cannot deny that they are simply the best online cloth diaper supplier.

Prefolds are a scary concept for a new-to-cloth parent. Before I started to use cloth diapers I thought of them as “old school”, “out dated” and “too tricky to use”. Those are direct thoughts from my brain. This was before I really researched and tried them out. Now, Green Mountain Diapers Cloth-eez Prefolds are some of my favorite diapers. When I am at home for the morning I prefer to use only Green Mountain Diapers Prefolds. This is the time my son likes to pee at least 1 time per hour. It’s how he works. I LOVE being able to easily change his diaper and not “waste” a larger AIO diaper. Prefolds are easy to wash and dry. They are a simple rectangular piece of cloth that can easily dry in the dryer, unlike my AIO diapers that I like to drip dry due to the elastic (dryers can break the elastic down over time and eventually break the elastic over time due to the heat).

My best friend has a new, beautiful, little lady. She (when these pictures were taken) was 1 month old and weighed approx 8 lbs. Below you will find a bunch of photos showing how they fit an infant of this size. You will see Green Mountain Diapers Cloth-eez Newbie Lightweight (NEW) Grey, the Cloth-eez Newborn Orange and Cloth-eez Small Yellow, as well as a Thirsties Cover over a GMD prefold. In the comparison size photo you will see a 4th prefold option, the Cloth-eez Novice (NEW) Light Green, but this diaper was literally too big to get around her tiny body. She will be rocking it out super soon though!

My BFF has used several other brands of prefolds on her newborn. When I asked her what made Green Mountain Diapers Prefolds different from the others she said, “I love how soft they are! I also tri-fold them and them stuff inside my pocket diapers for extra absorbency.” I am agree that they are so soft. When you buy these you should prep them by washing them several times. They will become more absorbent the more they are washed. Around 8 washes I would say is then mine hit their max absorbency (they dont lose absorbency after 8 washes, I am saying that they become more thick and absorbent as they get broken in, once fully broken in they are at 100 efficiency).

If you have ever touched a prefold then you have noticed that the center/middle strip of the cloth is thicker. This is to help aid in better absorbency. Here is a break down of the layers for the 4 diapers I reviewed:

Cloth-eez Newborn (ORANGE) : 11 x 11 inches  /  4-8-4 ply (outer sides are 4 ply and the center/middle is 8 ply)

(NEW) Cloth-eez Lightweight Newbie (GREY) : 11 x 11 inches  /  2-6-2 ply

Cloth-eez Small (YELLOW) : 12.5 x 13.5  /  4-8-4 ply

(NEW) Cloth-eez Lightweight Novice (LIGHT GREEN) : 12.25 x 13  /  4-6-4 ply

GMD

Newbie Grey B
1 month old, 8 lb infant. Type of fold on prefold: Bikini Twist
Newborn Orange B
1 month old, 8 lb infant. Type of fold on prefold: Jelly Roll
Yellow AB
1 month old, 8 lb infant. Type of fold on prefold: Jelly Roll

Thirsties Cover

Nursing Bra Express Giveaway

Nursing Bra Express Giveaway

Read the full review here

Giveaway
welcomeautumn

Welcome to the 1st Annual Welcome Autumn Giveaway Hop hosted by Karen’s Got Mail and Housewife on a Mission. I have teamed up with a fantastic group of bloggers to share these giveaways with our readers. Be sure to hop around to the participating blogs and enter some fabulous giveaways! Also, make sure to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway which features a $50 Amazon Gift Card from Kinsights: online pediatric health record keeper and parenting community!

Nursing Bra Express

Karen’s Got Mail, Housewife on a Mission and the Welcome Autumn Giveaway Hop participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations.