Category: Reviews

02
Nov
2017

5 Myths About Babies Sleeping Through the Night

categories: Reviews

5 Myths About Babies Sleeping Through the Night

by Nicole Johnson, Founder and Lead Consultant at

The Baby Sleep Site®

When you bring your beautiful baby home for the first time, it seems like anyone and everyone has a piece of advice for you to follow. From what diapers to buy to what sleep sack to buy. Some advice is fantastic! Obviously, some pieces of equipment you are going to need, like strollers, the best Moses baskets and cribs, which as a new time parent you may need advice on. You can find the top baby travel system on Amazon, with reviews on Strollerbuzz if you’re struggling. Some advice will make you say ‘huh?’ You will learn the “nod and smile” very quickly as a new parent and figure out for yourself what advice to keep and what to file away for never.

As a sleep consultant, I can share with you the 5 most common myths about your baby sleeping through the night – however, my myths are not proven to work, you might want to speak to a professional baby sleep consultant who specializes in baby’s sleeping patterns to be confident they will work. I can share with you the 5 most common myths about your baby sleeping through the night:

5 Myths About Babies Sleeping Through The Night

One quick note that when people sometimes say their baby ‘sleeps through the night’ they may technically mean just 5 hours of sleep without waking and without feedings. However, if you’re ike me, you’re wondering when babies will actually sleep ALL night…8-10 (or even 12) hours of uninterrupted sleep. For the purposes of this article, we’ll use that second, and most-coveted, definition.

“Keep your baby awake a lot during the day; then, she will sleep through the night.” When your baby is tired, she will sleep, right? Even though it might seem to make sense that keeping a baby awake for long stretches during the day would help her sleep better at night, it generally doesn’t work that way. It’s counterintuitive, but true, that if your baby is overly tired before bed, she will have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep. Remember, better naps = better night sleep.
“Your baby isn’t sleeping through the night yet? It’s probably because you’re breastfeeding.” I think this myth exists because formula takes longer for babies’ tummies to digest, and breastmilk digests fairly quickly. However, this does not mean that formula-fed babies automatically sleep better than breastfed babies – I’ve worked with plenty of parents whose formula-feeding babies are not sleeping through the night. Although some bottles are definitely better than others, using one type of bottle will not make your baby sleep through the night either. They can affect things like gas and bloating though, so you check the ratings of bottles and other baby products at mommyhood101.
“All babies can sleep through the night by .” Yes, a small percentage of babies will sleep through the night early, but in my experience, most babies will take several months and it has nothing to do with a specific age or weight. We have worked with thousands of parents and I promise not all of them suddenly let us know their baby sleeps all night at the same age or weight. Not even close!
“If you feed your baby solids, he’ll sleep through the night.” Sure! If your baby is only waking out of hunger, it might follow that more food would mean more sleep. But, in my experience, hunger is only one of many reasons babies wake at night. There is no meaningful connection between feeding a baby solid foods and having her sleep through the night.
“Your baby still isn’t sleeping through the night?? MY baby started sleeping through the night when she was 4 minutes old!” Some parents seem to rub it in that their baby slept all night from a young age! And while some of those claims are true (some 8 week old babies really do sleep 8 straight hours at night), they often aren’t. For starters, a parent who makes a claim like this could be using a different definition of ‘sleeping through the night’ than you are (see above). Additionally, they might also be straight up lying about it. Many parents take it as a reflection of their own parenting skills whether their baby is sleeping well and if they aren’t, they don’t want to admit they “failed.”

In the end, all babies will sleep through the night…eventually. Although some of these myths aren’t true, it doesn’t mean you can’t establish healthy sleep habits from a young age. Maybe your 4 month old won’t sleep 8-12 hours straight, but she surely shouldn’t wake up every two hours, either. You know your baby best and if it feels like a “sleep problem” it probably is. So find a reputed baby sleep consultant online.

Nicole Johnson is a married mother of two wonderful boys and owner of The Baby Sleep Site. When her eldest son was born, he had a lot of sleep problems – he would wake every one or two hours, all night long! She got busy and thoroughly researched literature and scientific reports until she became an expert in sleep methods, scheduling routines, baby developmental needs, and more. She overcame her son’s sleeping issues in a way that matched her own parenting style, and knew it was her mission to help other tired parents “find their child’s sleep”. If you have your own sleep issues, Nicole and her team at The Baby Sleep Site® can help! Download the popular free guide, 5 Ways To Help Your Child Sleep Through The Night, to get started today.

02
Nov
2017

Discover the Benefits of Pogo Sticks for Kids

categories: Reviews

For close to 100 years pogo sticks have never seized to provide kids with a fun and exciting way to enjoy the outdoors. The pogo stick has come a long way since it was first designed in 1891 and patented in Germany in 1957. The pogo stick has since come along way with newer and cooler features. Kids can use them for hours without feeling bored in the slightest. If you believe your child would benefit from a pogo stick, you may wish to view the sports equipment here.

A pogo stick is a device that allows a kid to jump and down off the ground. The stick comes with a footrest in the middle, a handle at the tip and a spring mechanism that joins both sections of the stick.

The jumper positions his feet on the footrest. He balances himself on the pole and jumps up and down by bending his knees to provide the spring with energy.

To this very day, a lot of manufacturers produce pogo sticks is various styles and designs. Pogo sticks today not only provide kids with a favorite outdoor toy, it is also a good exercise device.

How to Select Pogo Sticks for Kids

Your kid is going to be jumping up and down the pogo stick. It is therefore important that you take much care in selecting one for him. Your choice of pogo stick will dictate whether your kid is going to have so much fun in it or run the risk of injuring himself.

Age and Weight Appropriate for the right age of your kid.

Make sure you are choosing a pogo stick that is right for the age of your kid. Pogo sticks come in different lengths and built depending on the age group it caters to. Pick a pogo stick that is right for the height of your kid.

The weight of your kid the pogo stick is capable of handling should also be a major consideration. It can be dangerous to have your kid of 80 pounds jumping up and down a pogo stick that could carry only about 50 pounds. The springs may give way and your kid may fall.

The best choice of pogo stick is one that has a height and weight capacity in a few inches and pounds more than your kid. This will allow him to use the pogo stick longer.

Design and Construction

Meticulously check the materials the pogo stick is made of. Some pogo sticks come in an all metal design. Some are of half metal and half foam enclosures for additional safety. The metal models have springs that bounce the highest. The ones with foam enclosures though are the safest.

Safety and Comfort

The best pogo stick for your kid is one that safe and comfortable. Make sure it has a solid construction and made of durable materials. Portability of the pogo stick is also one factor you need to look into.

In choosing a pogo, price should be the least of parent’s concern. The safety of your kid is the most important consideration. It is thus best to do some research before shopping for a pogo stick for your kid.

By the way, make sure your kid is always with a helmet and closed=toed shoes each time he goes outdoors to jump up and down in his pogo stick. For younger kids, adult supervision is a must.

Benefits of Pogo Stick Jumping for Kids

Parents should not only consider pogo stick jumping as a favorite pastime for their kids. It should also be considered as offering something more than keeping outdoors instead of playing computer games indoors. The simple jumping up and down on a stick is able to provide kids with physical and mental benefits.

Physical Benefits of Pogo Jumping

Kids these days spend more time indoors playing with computer games than kids about 20 years ago. Pogo jumping is an exciting activity that will allow your kid to have a more active lifestyle which can benefit his overall well-being especially their stability and core strength. Here is how your kid can benefit from a pogo stick workout.

Your legs do all the work when you are in a pogo stick whether you are simply jumping up and down in one area or jumping up and down from one area to another. These motions will allow the muscle mass to be much stronger.

The Butt and Hips. A firm butt and hips are the goal of every women when they exercise. Jumping up and down the pogo stick will make you have a firm butt. The up and down motion will also get rid of all the flabs in your hips.

The Stomach. Most people workout to have a strong and flat stomach. Jumping up and down on the pogo stick will make the muscles in your stomach work double time. It will make all the four groups of muscles in your stomach vigorously work so you can maintain your balance.

The Back. The act of balancing on a pogo stick makes the muscle work as uch as the muscles in your stomach. Continuous exercise on the pogo stick will help strengthen the muscle. It will also enhance posture with a strong and straight back. This will prevent the issue of potential back issues that many children and adolescents are suffering from, namely kyphosis, a rounding of the upper back. Unfortunately, such an issue can sometimes result in kyphosis surgery, which no child should have to face. For this reason, ensuring your child is maintaining a positive posture, such as through the use of a pogo stick, is vital.

The up and down motion also burns calories while enhancing agility, endurance and balance.

Mental Benefits of Pogo Jumping

Toys are meant for the enjoyment of kids. The best toys though are those that are able to provide a lot of enjoyment while benefitting both the physical and mental well-being. Such is the pogo stick.

One of the best things parents will love of the pogo stick is the fact that kids will once again consider indulging in more outdoor activities. An active lifestyle is always a healthy lifestyle.

As kids learn to balance on the pogo stick, they are able to develop and boost their confidence. As they develop more confidence they are able to execute some tricks other than just simply jumping up and down with the stick.

The pogo stick is not just a toy to keep kids busy outdoors. While having fun, they are able to enhance their over-all well-being and boost their confidence. Be safe- always wear a helmet while on a pogo stick!

01
Nov
2017

MacDaddy Milkers – Bath Bombs Anyone Can Afford

categories: Reviews

It’s another Mama’s Tub Time feature!

This month we are showcasing MacDaddy Milkers

When it comes to using bath bombs, I use a lot. I mean, like several a week people. This can add up in cost over time. If you love bath bombs but cannot afford to shell out $6 to $10 per bomb, but still want a fun and moisturizing bath bomb, them MacDaddy Milkers are the ones for you.

MacDaddy Milkers features a package where you can buy (30) 2.5 ounce bath bombs for only $30!

All of her orders are made to order, so you can tell her to make the batch you most desire. Here are her options:

Her fragrances are:

Bay Rum, Beach, Beautiful, Bamboo Grass, Brown Sugar Fig, Butt Naked, Cashmere Glow, Champagne Kisses, Cherry Almond, Cucumber Melon, Fresh Linen, French Gardenia, Honey Milk and Oatmeal, Honeysuckle, Hot Pink Lime, Jasmine, Kool Water, Love Spell, Pina Colada,Pomegranate, Sweet Pea, Urban Cowboy, Vera Wang Coconut Lime Verbena, and Very Sexy.

The Essential oils she uses are:

Jasmine, Lavender, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Spearmint, Lemon Grass, Citrus, and Eucalyptus.

Once you have selected the smell/oil you want, you can easily place your order. If you want them wrapped for presentation that is a small additional fee. These bath bombs are perfect when you need to buy a large quantity like for a baby shower, wedding party or birthday event. It is perfect for sorority gatherings too, as they make for a fun gift to give your littles or bigs.

What this Mama loves about MacDaddy Milkers bath bombs are

Their price! Anyone can afford them
Even the 2.5 ounce bombs fill your normal size tube with coloring & scent
They have enough moisturizing agents to soften your skin without greasing up your tub

MacDaddy not only makes custom bath bombs, but they have a super collection of Goat Milk Soaps.

The MacDaddy Milkers have their own goats! Their registered Nubien dairy goats give us the milk used in their soaps.

Most of us don’t know that beautiful skin starts with the best moisturizing, skin-loving oils and goat milk soap takes it a step further with it richness and alpha hydroxy. Eczema – gone. Dry skin – gone. Softness and clear skin is the result. – MacDaddy Milkers

Their Goat Milk Soaps are so creamy and luxurious to use. By using a goat milk product you are not only cleansing but moisturizing your skin in a safe and natural way. Once I switched to a goat milk based cleansing bar a few years ago I have not need able to stand liquid soaps – those liquid soaps give my body a slimy feeling. When I use a goat milk product I feel clean and soft.

With the winter months approaching we are coming upon so bitter cold and dry weather. My skin lacks the moisture it requires in the Ohio winters. As soon as I step out of the shower I MUST apply lotion. My poor skin is getting more dry with age. The great news is that the goat milks used in the soaps above are also used in the MacDaddy Milkers lotion line. This gives my skin the final line of defense it needs.

The ingredients: MacDaddy Milker’s super emollient, ultra-moisturizing All Natural Goat Milk Lotion is made with all-natural goat milk, distilled water, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, emulsifying wax, palm steric acid, shea butter, vitamin E (as a natural preservative) and fragrance.

Connect with MacDaddy Milkers

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Many bath product companies make Sugar Scrubs. Eh. I have used a ton of them. But the homemade ones never seen as nice as the store bought ones…until now! I am super pumped up about MacDaddy Milkers Sugar Scrubs! Typically a sugar scrub will get clumpy, the oil will rise to the top and leave you will half the jar of just scrub without any moistener, and then I sadly toss it out, feeling like such a waste. MacDaddy Milkers did some sort of magic on their scrubs and came up with a mixture that is not only smooth, but its soft and full of oil throughout the container. I do not have to mix it up before use like a jar of organic peanut butter, but I can just take some right off the top without fear of getting a dry bottom half of the jar. I cannot tell you how perfect these scrubs are.

29
Oct
2017

The Magic of Bibiti-Bobiti Boutique

categories: Reviews

I remember for my son’s 1st birthday I pulled out all the works. I had a photo slideshow, games, gift bags, and decorations. I am sure you would all agree that every event, every milestone, is a big deal when its your first little. Not to mention I had the time being a stay at home of one.

But second child syndrome hit hard in our family…I now understand as the third child in my family why there are no pictures of me.

So when October rolled around, I started to panic about planning my littlest’s first birthday!

I knew if I did not have the time to perfect every little detail then I needed to pick priorities. I love photography, and capturing the joy and excitement of events is my favorite. When I anticipate a photo opt I always dress my family accordingly to make sure we coordinate and are aesthetically pleasing.

My daughter’s first birthday party was an approaching photo opt that was sure to bring hundreds of pictures from multiple cameras.

So my priority? An adorable outfit to make every picture extra cute!

I searched far and wide through Etsy for a birthday outfit that matched the theme of my daughters vintage gold party.

Bibiti-Bobiti Boutique is a high quality, high fashion children’s etsy shop. Paula, the owner, was inspired to create Bibiti-Bobiti Boutique after struggling to find coordinating outfits for her daughter. She learned to sew and now everything she sells is handmade with organic cotton and is created by her.

Connect with Bibiti-Bobiti Boutique

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And I would have to say, Bibiti-Bobiti Boutique has stylish and posh merch.

I seriously loved the results of my daughters three piece birthday attire!

The shirt is an made with organic cotton and includes petite puff sleeves. The gold glitter calligraphy “one” is bold and showed up perfect in pictures. Being handmade I had doubts about the durability, but the screen printing proved itself after a smash cake, a few washes, and life of a toddler.

The black and white floral skirt matched perfectly with my daughter’s birthday invites. I loved the high waist ruffled fit and satin bow accent. It laid nicely when she sat and didn’t ride up to her armpits like most baby skirts.

A matching nylon headband completed her birthday outfit! My daughter has a HUGE head, a gift from her father, so I was elated it fit her without leaving any mark or indent.

And yes, this red frosting stain did wash out in the washer!

The greatest part about it being three pieces is the ability to mix and match as my daughter grows. She’s on the squishy side so I know the shirt will be the first to go. However, the skirt will continue to be a staple piece in her wardrobe as well as the bow.

Bobiti-Bobiti Boutique sells over a 100 items on its Etsy shop. The collection includes baby coming home attire, rompers, birthday outfits, hoodie sets, gowns, swaddle sets, and even mom and dad shirts. I know. How amazing does that sound? We’re all proud parents, so why shouldn’t we tell this to the world, and have them printed on shirts that we can wear for the rest of our lives? My friend even told me about a company like Revel Shore, who helps you to print and design your very own clothing, (you can have a look at some of their t-shirts here) so you can see your creations come to life. It’s a great idea, but I’m just so pleased that Bobiti-Bobiti Boutique created these gorgeous outfits for a very special day. I will never forget the part they played in my daughter’s first birthday.

After my daughter’s special day I did what I always do, upload all the pictures. I was so pleased to have such adorable memories captured and her looking so posh!

28
Oct
2017

Tips to Try to Keep Your Child Disease-Free

categories: Reviews

Got Your Little Angel Home? 5 Tips to Keep Your Darling Disease-Free!!

If you and your partner are newborn parents and finally brought your little one home then you might be feeling the utmost happiness. Right? But, what if your new baby was injured or became ill during the birth? What should you do then? It can be the worst feeling knowing your baby isn’t well, especially if it was the doctors themselves that caused the problem. It can leave you feeling helpless and as though you were responsible. The first thing you should do is click here to find a lawyer who will take care of your medical malpractice case – you’re not responsible for your baby’s poor health, so let your lawyer deal with it whilst you ensure that your baby makes a full recovery.

Moreover, you need to be very conscious about this whole episode as your baby will be generally more prone to all kinds of diseases, thanks to their developing immune system. Just a little neglectfulness from your side might end up with him or her suffering from dangerous diseases.

One infection to keep an eye out for when your child is very young is chickenpox. Chickenpox infections are caused by a virus. It can spread through direct contact with a rash and it can also spread when a person with the chickenpox virus coughs or sneezes and you inhale the air droplets. Although there is no specific treatment for chickenpox, there are plenty of pharmaceutical remedies that can alleviate symptoms. For example, children over the age of 2 can be treated using valtrex. Most chickenpox infections do not need special medical treatment. However, some problems can still occur. Always call a doctor if your child seems particularly unwell or is not responding to treatment.

Wondering how to keep your baby away from all the germs?

Well, here I am today with some incredible suggestions for you that will definitely help.

Source:- News.usc.edu

Just read ahead and understand!

Don’t entertain such visitors in your home and especially in your baby’s room who are suffering from any disease or flu. For instance, if someone is having a cold, cough, sore throat or any other disease-related symptoms then probably he shouldn’t visit your baby. Also, even if someone suffered from any contagious disease before a couple of weeks then you should try to avoid him or her.

You, your relatives, your visitors or whoever else it is, your baby should be touched only after the hands are being washed and sanitized. Never allow anyone to touch your little one simply just after entering your home from outside. It is the best way to stop the spread of any kind of infection.

Try not to have too many outings with your baby during the first a few weeks. Well, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t at all take your baby out. There must be some places where it’s mandatory to take your baby.

You could get your HVAC units checked, especially the air filters and the ducts. Failing to maintain the components of your HVAC units, might lead to more bacteria and virus growth in the air inside your house and could thus, elevate the symptoms your baby might already have. Thus, it is prudent for you to get your cooling or heating appliances inspected by reputed HVAC service providers like WireNut Home Services (visit this link to navigate to this website), and alike.

In such scenarios, cover your darling with clean and comfortable clothes, dresses or blankets to keep him or her away from any kind of germ or pollution. Further, you can buy such things of absolutely premium quality while opting for Debenhams offers for kids.

At least, continue with the breastfeeding for first 6 months. It’s because mother’s milk is way too much necessary for babies to build their immunity strong and fight away the diseases. So, don’t step behind to breastfeed your infant unless you have some serious and unavoidable constraints.

And, the last but not the least, make a list of all the vaccines that your baby should take in the first a few months while consulting with the doctor. To get all those vaccines is really necessary because it will protect your baby from all kind of life-threatening diseases. So, to gift your child a disease-free life, don’t forget the vaccines!!

Wrapping Up My Thoughts

So, now when you have the most precious someone of your life in your home, just keep in mind these aforementioned tips. And, thus you would be able to keep your baby absolutely safe and healthy!!

26
Oct
2017

Kids Cuddle Up With Blankie Tails

categories: Reviews

My kids are lazy, lazy people in the mornings.

They cannot function – I am pretty sure their brains are not fully on until at least 20 mins goes by. They take after me… just aren’t allowed to speed up the wake-ups with coffee.

So instead of caffeine, my kids like to be cozy. Maybe a pair of personalized photo blanket for them could do the trick? Or maybe some fitted custom bed sheets?

To be honest, no matter the weather, they require a blanket and couch time while getting themselves fully awake. Most of the time they grab a soft blanket then fight over it until I grab another, just as a soft blanket, to stop the bickering. Wouldn’t it be easier for them to have their own cozy way to cuddle up on the couch, something that is fully their own and isn’t going to be fought over? Now, thanks to Blankie Tails, my kids stopped fighting over the same couple blankets and each have their own special tail to cuddle up inside.

Ever since I introduced my children, ages 3 and 5, to Blankie Tails they have been obsessed with them. Each night and morning they require their Tail to cozy up inside for story time and for morning couch time. The other night my daughter couldn’t find hers while my son had his and panic ensued. This is when I noticed how attached they have become to these seemingly simple blankets.

Be Cozy & Have Fun with Blankie Tails

What makes Blankie Tails special is their use of super soft material….like super soft. The mermaid tails and whale tale is made of this super soft material. I honestly have even used the mermaid tale myself a few times! There are a few brands that make mermaid tails, but none with the high quality that Blankie Tails gives. Each tail is super durable, knowing that the kid who falls in love with it will drag it, shake it, pull it and get messy with it.

Blanket Tails knows that not all kids want to be a mermaid, but all kids love to be wrapped up like a caterpillar in a cocoon – snug as a bug in a rug. This is why they came out with several other types of tails, so that all kids can get the cozy blanket they desire. They are currently featuring: Shark Tails, My Little Pony Tail, Orca Whale Tail and a Rocket Ship Tail…along with several of the classic Mermaid Tails.

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It’s not just kids who love Blankie Tails, but toddlers and adults do too! Blanket Tails now features 3 size options: Toddler, Kid and Teen/Adult.

The Rocket Ship has a minky material, making it warm and super soft. My son, who is 3.5 years old, loves his Rocket Ship Blankie Tail so much that he has been sleeping in it every night for weeks. He is so much easier to get into bed now for our bedtime routine now that he has his Rocket Ship. It creates much less of a fight knowing he gets to get inside of his ship during story time. My daughter, age 5, now loves to rotate between her Mermaid Tail and her Orca Tail. She loves how they are both crazy soft, made of a smooth thinner fabric that allows her to wiggle around in a soft environment as she drifts off to sleep.

Click here to check out all the designs and options Blankie Tails has to offer

25
Oct
2017

Happiness for Little Hands

categories: Reviews

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!

24
Oct
2017

Playing with Princesses – Subscription Disney Princess Boxes by Pley

categories: Reviews

Most little girls love princesses.

The tiaras, the dresses, the hair….all of it!

My daughter, age 5, is no exception. She loves all of the Disney Princesses in her own way. When we found out about Pley Disney Princess subscription boxes we instantly fell in love.

Each month Pley will ship your little princess a Disney Princess themed box. Each box transforms into a play set for the princess.

I cannot tell you how cool this is. My kids always want to keep the boxes that items are delivered in. Making them into play houses, seaside beaches, castles, race tracks, really the ideas are endless. They Pley box, when opened at the sticker marking, can be turned inside out to create a play area for the Princess of the month.

The Official Disney Pley boxes are designed for girls ages 4 to 7. They include a tee shirt each month, and they will ask for the shirt size at the time you sign up. So if you are planning on giving a box as a gift, be sure to ask the parent for their tee shirt size. Kids grow fast! I always suggest sizing up based on getting more use out of the tee shirts.

You can buy a previous Disney Princess Box here

Get your first box FREE! Click here to get the coupon directly added to your cart

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The October Disney Princess Pley Box was…..drum-roll please….Merida! This “Brave” princess is one of our very favorites.

Being an out of the box type princess, Merida wants to explore what some people may consider a “boy” activity of shooting a bow and arrow. She learns from her father, then gets in a fight with her parents over her inability to listen to them and then disaster strikes (because heck we need a plot turn people). Throughout the movie we follow Merida on her adventure and see how her bravery, strength and quick thinking give her the abilities she needs. We love this story because it shows my daughter that she too can stand up and be brave. She can be a good daughter while also being strong.

The October box featured a bunch of amazing Brave products including: a tee shirt with Merida on it, a play set of mini figures of all the main characters from the movie (even the bears!) and 2 cases for storage – one hard shell cased and the other a zip up pouch.

The Pley box was turned into a fun Celtic design all over it, giving it the Brave feel. The box has pop out designs, when pressed out correctly, make a bow, arrow and crest! It is black and white and perfect for coloring in using crayons, markers or colored pencils. The box comes with a booklet with instructions on how to turn the box inside out and make it turn into a fun Celtic treasure box…at least that is what my kids refer to it as. Our treasure box is now a daily “tote” which carries their toys from one room to another.

We love that this is a screen free toy! There is no waste – as even the box is part of the toy and it’s at a perfect price point

21
Oct
2017

Cooking With Technology – The NetChef Kitchen Helper

categories: Reviews

Cooking is one of my favorite things to do, other than listening to music that is.

When I am in the kitchen I am in my special place. It is where I cook for my family & where we meet to talk about our day. It’s where I listen to my music, talk radio and other podcasts. Honestly, most people spend more time in their kitchen than they realize.

I am a huge technology lover. Being a blogger, I am constantly on my cell, using social media, playing with smartwatches, laptops, WiFi devices and such. Even in the kitchen I’m surrounded by tech, from my smart fridge to arguably the best microwave oven under 15000, and every part of it always in use. I also enjoy finding new tips and tricks on how I’m able to increase my blog’s awareness (sometimes even while whipping something up in the kitchen), to be fair, most of these pointers are posted by a Digital Marketing Company. I also love finding the next best thing in the tech world – and I found the coolest new product to help simplify your life – the NetChef Digital Kitchen.

This fully loaded device is like a tablet – but with better speakers, it’s light & portable, and it’s easy to store. But the best part is that it comes loaded with tons of wonderful recipes, right at your fingertips.

I hate lugging my laptop into the kitchen to pull up my latest Pinned recipe off Pinterest – or trying to read it off my phones small screen and needing to keep zooming in to read it better. The NetChef is perfect for people who love to use recipes off Pinterest because Pinterest is one of the pre-loaded app options for your to add to your device!

The NetChef has 10 preloaded buttons for you to scroll through on the main home screen: Audio Books, Enjoy Music, Enjoy Video, Internet Radio, Stored Photos, Social Media, Online Recipes, Cooking Sites, My Recipes and a Utilities button. Each of these main options opens up to give you options to download apps on the device which suit you and your family best.

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I love that they don’t spam up the device with assumptions. Some people may not use Instagram and not need it uploaded, taking up memory. Others may love YouTube and want that to be easily accessible. Giving the user the option to pick and choose what they want their NetChef is priceless.

However, being a cooking based device, each NetChef device is pre-loaded with tons of amazing recipes for the user. These recipes are accessible through the Online Recipes button. I was in shock by how many yummy and fun recipes I know have at my finger tips. There are 18 categorizes to choose from, such as breakfast, lunch or dinner…Main course, soups, vegetarian…quick recipes, kids recipes or special occasions. You can favorite any of the recipes themselves to save for future use and to make finding them even faster.

At the bottom of the Online Recipes screen there are several super helpful features which include a timer and a conversion tool. You can use the timer for not only your recipes but other reminders, like if a kid is in time out, to make a phone call in an hour or to grab that load of laundry out of the washer. The conversion tool is great for knowing how to figure out liter, ml, cup, fluid ounces, tablespoon and gallons ratios. Often when changing the recipes by needing to make more or less this will come in handy. Have you ever found a recipe that is in European measurements? I have! Now you can easily figure out how to make it using the measurements you are familiar with.

The last option in the Online Recipe tab is cuisines. This is amazing because it allows you to search by country, such as Italian, Middle Eastern, African, French, Japanese, Mexican, Russian and many others. The foodie in me loves this feature, because I can find recipes I never thought of exploring.

If you love having music play in the background while cooking or just in the background throughout your day then this NetChef is going to be a big lifestyle changer in your home. By having access to tons of audio options you are going to put it on your Christmas list right now and mention it to several people too!

There are 3 main ways to hear audio features: Internet Radio (Pandora, iHeartRadio, TunedIn), Pi Music (located in Enjoy Music button) and an Audio Book button (Audible, AudioBooks.com and LoyalBooks).

At the Fox house we love using Pandora, as it is also on my cell phone and I have been curating my lists for years now. Being able to hear my favorite channels through perfect Hi-Fi speakers to get the volume I most desire is wonderful.

When things get messy and that sauce splatters, don’t fret – it’s waterproof! Just use a damp towel to wipe it clean and a dry one to get the screen clear. No more worries about ruining your phone or laptop with grease or sauce splatters.

Being a plug-and-play tablet, this device is super easy to use. Perfect for anyone who cooks, listens to music or browses the internet. Being a fully functional tablet, you can easily get online and use the device like you would a laptop computer. Now that you are super excited about the NetChef – click overe here to see it on Amazon and read even more about the features and availability.

The future of smart devices and smart homes is very exciting. Companies like Crestron are already making a name for themselves in this sector by installing high end devices in the home to automate life and connect everything to the palm of your hand. But if you were the kind of person that loves building their own smart home lights by installing motion sensors in them and whatnot, check out Octopart. They have a great range of electronic components for any project you have in mind.

Photos! The NetChef Digital Kitchen comes with a few pre-loaded images but you can upload your own photos using any photo apps you enjoy, or by saving them off any social media channels like Facebook or Instagram. Click on the little 3 dots, save to device and it will download into the applicable folder in the Stored Photos button. You can make them scroll by clicking the play button symbol. It is set to change photos every 3 seconds, but you can change the length of the flip by going into the settings. Its very simple to do. My family, especially my kids, love seeing their daily adventures pop up. They them recall the previous adventures they have experienced.

Tips for Users:

Read through the information booklet that comes with the device, its full of helping information.

To get the device to turn on or off, you need to HOLD DOWN the power button for 3-5 seconds, or until you hear a “pop” noise. This is the speakers and unit turning on and a good noise so dont be alarmed. It will not turn on or off it just touch the button for 1 second – you MUST hold down the button for several seconds.

After the device is on, go to the top right corner of the screen like you would any other smart device and find the connection to set up your Wi-Fi. Without the Wi-Fi turned on you will not be able to use all the features like social media and music apps.

Be sure to allow the screen to fully complete it’s task before touching it. If you are downloading an app or opening something do not touch the screen before its done thinking – it can freeze up, causing you to have to start over.

Download the apps you want as you need them. Why clog up the memory for apps you may not use. Just download them as you go.

Play around and browse the recipes that are pre-loaded. You are going to have such fun trying new recipes!

Check out some other fun NetChef products by clicking here

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18
Oct
2017

My Love for Lottie Dolls

categories: Reviews

My daughter, like so many other children, loves to play with dolls.

When you look at most dolls in retailers and online, you can easily see that the dolls looks like little teenagers or grown ups. Why is this? My daughter likes to make her dolls play like little kids – just as she is, a little kid. Giving the dolls fun scenarios that kids may get into, and some situations that only a 5 year old could drum up!

Finding a doll that is for children, that LOOKS like a child finally became a reality when Lottie walked into our lives.

What Makes Lottie Dolls so Special?

The dolls are made to resemble an elementary age child who really exists – they are Inspired by Real Kids.
Each dolls outfit is made to easily go on and off. My daughter is the kid who constantly wants to put on and take off her dolls clothing. Many times my daughter cannot get a shirt over the head of the doll. Or cannot manage to get the pants back on. The designers of Lottie knew this was a problem for many kids. They took that into consideration when designing all of their dolls clothing. With easy to remove and easy to put on clothing, you can allow your child to stay in imagination mode longer without them needing adult assistance.
The heads are slightly larger than a child’s head would be in real life, but this is to allow for a super fun amount of hair to be on each doll. Some children love to brush and manage their dolls hair. Lottie Dolls allow for load of hair play. They even have a special hair care accessory kit that helps with hair playing.
Loads of extra outfits, pets, buildings and play sets to give your children even more scenarios to engage in.

Allowing your child to engage in creative play is a key to strengthening their imagination and development. Creating situations on their own allows them to express themselves and engage in a fulfilling type of play.

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Forest Friend

The Forest Friend doll gives the child a doll with soft red hair who wears a fairy like outfit. The fairy clothing has a very earthy feel with shades of green and purples. With a bow in her hair and golden shoes, this Lottie doll is just what a little who who likes fairy gardens will want. When my daughter and I play with the Forest Friend Lottie we like to imagine she is the fairy that unlocks the world of gnomes, talking animals and beautiful fields of flowers. Will we find a secret door in the tree in the front yard? Can we fly today through the corn fields while looking for our secret frog friends?

Snow Queen

With winter coming up soon my daughter keeps talking about ice skating, the holidays and snowball fights. With the Snow Queen Lottie you can play in the snow all year long! This beautiful doll comes with a mask, which allows you to image she was invited to a special Masked Ball Party, and may meet her prince charming there. Snow Queen wears a light blue dress with icy white accents. Studded with snowflakes, she looks like a tiny princess about to hit the town in her finest attire. When she puts on her mask will people know its her? Can she pretend to be someone completely different with her mask on? How will your child engage with the Snow Queen?

Biscuit the Beagle Dog Accessory Set

My daughter has a soft spot in her heart for dogs. Playing with small animals is one of her most favorite things to do. Each Lottie animal is made to perfectly pair with any of the Lottie dolls. The Biscuit the Beagle comes with a fall themed outfit for the dog to wear, a leash, bone, food/water dish and a bag which he can be carried in my any of the Lottie Dolls. Biscuit can easily because your Lottie’s favorite pet with his fun furry coat and easy to play with accessories. Will Biscuit be the faithful side kick for your Lottie or will be run a muck and track pretend mud into the dolls play area?

The Lottie Dolls Make Perfect Gifts for Birthdays and Holidays

I gave my daughter the above mentioned dolls and dog for her 5th birthday. Her face was beaming when she opened her packages to see beautiful dolls that looks like someone she would see at school. She instantly wanted to take them out of the box and start playing with them. I head her talking about how the pet is going to be the best pet ever! Her enthusiasm was reassuring, knowing that these dolls are above average and what you truly want to give as a gift.

Modest Dolls for Modest Girls

Keeping up with fashion of the day, but trying to remain modest and not allowing my daughter to wear certain tighter fitting clothing, is a choice my family made long ago. We love being in style, but want to sit with our convictions. We do not wear bikinis, or too shirts that are too low cut. Sadly, all of the dolls we have seem before Lottie we not dresses as we would dress. The clothing very tight, almost revealing at times too, made me sad. What a child sees on their doll is what they see on themselves. They set into those dolls shoes in their mind and become part of the play they are engaging in. Now with Lottie, my daughter can play without imagining herself in attire we would not wear. We love everything about Lottie.