Category: Reviews

Baby Banz

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Now that summer is here you understand the need to protect our children from the suns ultraviolet rays. UVA can cause premature aging, wrinkling and can be a cause of skin cancer while UVB is much more dangerous and is a major cause of sun burning, skin cancers and cataracts. So as I started our summer, I knew I needed to protect my babies sensitive skin with sun block, UV clothing and sunhats. So while scouring the internet for these items I found Baby Banz.

About Banz

Baby Banz Inc. started with one Australian dad trying to find proper eye protection for his infant which lead him to the development of Baby Banz sunglasses. Baby Banz didn’t stop at sunglasses, they have everything to keep your child safe in the sun.banz image

“In an ever deteriorating UV climate, Baby Banz continues its journey, striving to preserve the sensitive eyes and precious skin of generations of little ones to come.”

Keeping your child’s safety in mind Banz has UV clothing, UV protective hats, eye wear including sunglasses, swim goggles, clear safety glasses and ski goggles as well as hearing protection for infants and kids. Banz also provides a easy to read size chart making it simple to order the right size.

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Babybanz Eye Wear

babybanz editIt wasn’t until I found Banz did I realize that Baby Banz sunglasses weren’t just a cute fashionable accessory. Baby Banz cover your infant or toddlers eyes and protects them from harmful UV rays. What I didn’t know was that until the approximate age of 8 or 9 a child has no filters in the eye to block out UV light. Here’s the scary part, if you are just using tinted eye wear for your child you could be doing more harm by allowing the iris of the eye to open and let more UV light into the eye.

Baby and Kidz Banz lenses offer 100% UV protection and reduces sun glare. The frames not only come in a wide variety of colors they are made of shatter-resistant polycarbonate. Baby Banz have a velcro elastic adjustable strap making sizing easy and helps keep eye wear in place. I love that the neoprene straps are easy to clean and float in water!Baby Banz edit 1

“Often imitated, but never duplicated”

Baby and Kidz Banz can be fitted for prescription lenses, you just need to take your Banz frames to your optician.

I have found that it’s easier to get my daughter to wear her Baby Banz once we are already outside. Trying to put them on her while in the house doesn’t seem to work and I think that’s because it makes the room to dark. After having them on for a minute she seems to forget she is wearing them.

I myself have light blue eyes and always have sunglasses on even on cloudy days so it’s easy for me to remember to make sure the my daughter has her eye wear on especially now that I know how important it is that she wear sunglasses.

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Earbanz Hearing Protection

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I have used Earbanz more than I ever thought I would this summer. I placed my order to make sure that I had them for the 4th of July weekend knowing that we wanted to hit that parade as well as fireworks. I failed to have hearing protection for the Memorial Day parade thinking that I could just use my hands to cover my daughter’s ears. Luckily it wasn’t a very loud parade because she was not having it with my hands over her ears. I knew the 4th of July parade would be much louder with the whole beginning of the parade being emergency vehicles blaring their sirens and flashing their lights, and flags flying, however, that will not be loud unless there are new loud flagpoles for sale out there, I highly doubt it though. While we waited on the parade route my husband and I were exchanging glances at each other wondering if she would keep her Earbanz on or if we would be making a mad dash to the car. As the sirens got closer I placed the Earbanz on her and I’m not going to lie her first reaction was to pull them off. As the line of fire trucks and ambulances reached us she no longer fussed with her hearing protection, I feel she knew why we had them on her. Earbanz are so light and comfortable after a minute she didn’t even remember she had them on.

earbanz 3 editEarbanz are perfect for any loud or noisy activity such as concerts,sporting events, air shows (have you seen the recent photos of Prince George wearing Earbanz at the worlds largest military air show). I have a friend who’s child has sensory sensitivities and Earbanz are literally a life saver for them in any noisy situation. I even saw a picture of a mom with her sleeping baby wearing Earbanz at a wedding out on the dance floor.

Earbanz will lower the noise level while still allowing your child to hear. The ear pieces are made of soft leather likeearbanz edit cushions and the inside is foam. They can be adjusted to fit securely over your child’s ears and with a nice padded headband. Earbanz come in 2 sizes Earbanz mini is perfect for infants to 2 years. The Earbanz mini fit my one year old perfectly and she has lots of room to grow. They also have Earbanz Kidz that fit 2 years and up. Earbanz come in so many colors and designs you will have a hard time picking a pair. Even better you can get a set with not only the Earbanz but you get a matching pair of Baby Banz sunglasses.

Reversible UV Bucket Hat

bucket hatBanz has your child covered from head to toe, keeping them protected from the sun and not only keeping them cool but looking cool. I love that the Reversible UV Bucket Hat not only comes in Baby (0-2 years old) but also Kids sizing (2-5 years old). With a ultraviolet Protection Factor rating of 50+ and will block out more than 97.5% of UVA and UVB Rays. We all know how sensitive our scalp can be to the sun and how it’s nearly impossible to apply sunscreen, keeping covered with a hat is a must. Banz bucket hats are made of a poly blend which keeps your child’s head cool under this breathable material. The bucket hats have a velcro closure on the brim of the hat making getting a great fit easy and allowing the hat to grow with your child. The Reversible UV Bucket Hat is perfect for poolside or at the beach since not only does it keep your child’s head covered while shading their face it also drys quickly if it gets wet. Banz Bucket Hats come in so many colors and designs I love that you can coordinate them with Banz sunglasses.

Handmade by Ozella Review

Putting your kid in cute clothing is one of the most fun parts about being a parent. Doll them up in spiffy new outfits. In my house my daughter is obsessed with dresses and skirts. All things highly feminine is the key to her toddler heart. The bigger the swirling action that a ‘tutu’ can give the better.

Handmade By Ozella 1

So many people sell children’s clothing, but what really makes children’s clothing stand out? After pondering this for some time I came to the conclusion that quality, correct fit & affordability are what you look for in all children’s clothing. If those 3 key elements are checked off then odds are you are going to purchase the outfit.

Use code MAMAFOX10 for 10% off a purchase

At a local art show I noticed a booth that really stood out. I walked up and the owner was just as friendly as can be and her clothing was stunning. The prints and designs were so steller that I didn’t want to leave the booth. I kept gawking at piece after piece. Once I really examined the clothing I could see that the seams and cuts were perfection. These garments are not quickly thrown together, but carefully and thoughtfully made. I showed the outfits my daughter models here to a mother-like friend of mine. She has been sewing or years and really knows her stuff. The first thing she commented on that “these were exceptionally made” and that “whoever made these was really talented and knew what they were doing.” Wow, right?!

Handmade by Ozella specializes in little girls dresses and little boy ties/suspenders. These classic garments are perfect for holidays, parties, outings and everyday wear. With the average price of only $25 for a dress, they are perfect for playing in too. She also makes scarves, purses, headbands and shorts! She can custom make some orders, so just reach out to her through Etsy and see if she can take on an order you may have been pondering.

Handmade By Ozella 2

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This Mama’s Experience

I cannot say enough positive things about Handmade by Ozella. Her clothing is such a quality its as if it came from a boutique. Her uses high quality materials, her perfectly sew clothing and accessories along with her eye for fashion and design you will never be bored looking at her shop. With new designs and prints constantly coming out as fashion moves forward, you will be wanting to favorite this shop without any doubt.

Horse Skirt from Handmade By Ozella

Every outfit from Handmade by Ozella is perfect for family photos, first day of school, school photos, special occasions and everyday use.

My daughter was tickled pink when our package arrived. She is 3, turning 4, and all about the “princess dress”. If it doesn’t twirl she is not about to wear it. Handmade by Ozella’s designs give her room to move and play, but are durable for everyday play. When I put the headbands on her she was speechless. I think it gave her the feeling like a crown or tiara. Something matching in her hair that made her feel a step lighter. She typically doesn’t like headbands in her hair, but these are soft and easy to wear, making her keep them on for longer than I honestly ever expected. She constantly picks out her Handmade by Ozella outfits to wear, I know she really does favor them.

 Handmade By Ozella Smock Dress

Calm Color Create

Calm Color CreateHave you jumped on board with the adult coloring book trend? Well thanks to my mom and brother I found myself eyeing coloring books as well as coloring pens, markers, pencils and everything coloring related. There is nothing edit 8better than zoning out with my colored pencils and a black and white pages just waiting for a splash of color. It takes me back to my childhood where I could spend hours coloring. Now it helps me relax and take a step away from reality and just focus on what color I will be placing where. Redan Publishing has just come out with a adult special interest coloring magazine that is perfect for those of us that love the coloring craze. Calm Color Create is a 64 page magazine filled with patterns and mandalas on one page and a small starter image on the other page to let yourCCC edit 6 creativity go wild and doodle your own picture. Although this is labeled a adult coloring book I feel that a subscription would be perfect for a preteen or young adult who loves coloring. I would have loved this at the age of 12, because let’s face it I thought it was cool to get mail and was always looking for a way to use my creativity.

About Redan

Redan is known for their fun educational magazines for kids. They are jammed packed with stories, games and puzzles that will keep your children entertained for hours. Redan helps give your child a head start in early learning skills with help from their favorite characters such as Peppa Pig, Scooby-Doo, Thomas & Friends and Marvel Spider-Man to name just a few. Redan is excited to introduce their newest magazine Calm Color Create, a coloring magazine geared towards adults.

CCC_US_Banner1Calm Color Create has 64 pages of intricate coloring spreads, designed to help focus the mind and aid relaxation. The coloring book is filled with sophisticated designs, bespoke patterns, mandalas and tangles. Each issue has a strong theme and perforated pages in order for the colorists to easily remove their masterpieces.CCC edit 7

You will also find a new feature section within Calm Color Create, offering tips and techniques, craft projects and a gallery showcasing the colorists wonderful finished coloring pages.

Calm Color Create can offer a form of escapism, where one can shed the stress and worries of daily life.

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My experience

I can’t tell you how excited I was when I opened my mail box to find my Calm Color Create magazine. I eagerly flipped through the pages trying to decide which page I would fill with color first. I can’t help but to get creatively inspired by the exotic patterns that fill the pages. Calm Color Create subscription is 1 year and is 6 issues delivered right to my doorstep. I can color right in the book or easily rip out each page with their perforated pages. I enjoy spendingCCC edit 9 my down time relaxing over a black and white image waiting for me to add color or I can get creative and doodle on the starter image on the other page. Each magazine has a fun distinct theme and no two pages are the same.

With the stress of everyday life it is so nice to have a easy way to relax, where my toughest decision is what color to us next. Do yourself a favor and step away from reality and into the would of adult coloring with Calm Color Create. If stress is really taking its toll on your everyday life, why not think about combining it with some alternative medicines like CBD to bring you that calm you need, you can get info about it on sites like cannaunion.com, don’t feel like you are alone in this. Please discuss this with your doctor first as they can better advise you on if this can work for you and your stress. If you are able to, you may want to look at some MagicalButter discount codes so you are able to save money and relax at the same time.

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Norwex Review

Norwex is one of those things that may confuse you at first (at least for me) but once you understand how life changing & awesome their towels are, you will totally be obsessed with them. I never heard about Norwex until about 2 or 3 months ago. I’m like…okay they are rags…towels? Yeah, so? They are way more than just rags or towels – they will change your life. 

The Norwex antibacterial Microfiber EnviroCloth removes dust, dirt and grease from all washable surfaces using only water—no chemicals! Norwex Microfiber has the ability to remove up to 99% of bacteria from a surface when following the proper care and use instructions. – Norwex’s Website

How It Works:

So in layman’s terms, this cloth (rag, towel, whatever term you like to use) only needs water to wash and clean your house. No chemicals. No solutions. Just water. Now you are wondering what is special about this cloth to make it actually work silver. Like the kind that your wedding ring may be made out of. Basically there is a tiny, itty -bitty thread of real silver sewn into the cloth. The silver is what kills the germs, bacteria and doesn’t allow the cloth do get mildew or moldy. You do have to be sure that the towel dries out each night, by hanging it to dry (I use a 3M hook in my kitchen). The silver doesn’t kill it on contact. Once you’ve wiped up dirt, bacteria and viruses with your Antibac cloth, the silver works to inactivate the bacteria and viruses within the cloth. It does this by suffocating the bacteria so that it doesn’t get the oxygen it needs to survive. So it’s once you are done cleaning and the rag is sitting that it starts to do the dirty work. It can take up to 18-20 hours to completely kill the germs, so the hanging up at night is super important.

“The BacLock* in the cloth—our micro silver antibacterial agent—goes to work to self- purify and inhibit odors from bacteria, mold and mildew growth within the cloth within 24 hours so that it is ready to use again.”Norwex Website

There is a limit as to how much the cloth can pick up germ-wise. You do need to launder the cloth after heavy uses like raw meat clean ups and toilet washing’s.

Norwex Review

How to Clean the Cloths:

It is recommend that you clean the cloths with the Norxew brand laundry detergent. I was able to try out the detergent and it works very well. You need such a small amount I honestly didn’t think my laundry was going to be clean. But it was! I even had some stinky workout clothes washed with a small amount of the detergent and it totally took the funk out.

If you want to use another type of laundry soap be sure that there are no softening agents, bleach or dryer sheets with any Norwex cloth. These can leave reduce and decrease the effectiveness of the products.

Uses for the Cloths:

EnviroCloth:

  • Used dry for dusting, it creates static electricity that lifts the smallest particles of dust and dirt up into the cloth and prevents them from resettling on surfaces.
  • Used damp for general cleaning and heavily soiled areas, it picks up everything using water. Cleaned surfaces become so clean that new dirt and dust do not return as quickly.
  • Cleans any surface that would normally be cleaned with soap and water, including bathrooms (taps, sinks, tubs, counters, toilets and more), walls, windows, floors, vehicles, toys, tools, kitchen appliances and surfaces, outdoor furniture and much more.

Makeup Remover Cloths:

  • Effectively cleans all skin types, including oily, dry, sensitive and mature
  • Whisks away foundation, eyeliner, mascara, sunscreen, moisturizers and toners from skin’s surface and holds them in the cloth
  • Removes makeup as well as daily buildup of oils and dirt
  • Contains Norwex’s exclusive BacLock™ agent*

Kitchen Cloths:

  • These highly durable, environmentally friendly, microfiber Kitchen Cloths and Towels are super absorbent, quick-drying, non-abrasive and safe on most kitchen surfaces. Scratch-free and lint-free, they won’t harm delicate surfaces like crystal and are excellent for drying dishes. Use them damp to clean grease, grime, smudges and more.
  • The BacLock™* agent inhibits bacterial odor, mold and mildew growth within the product. This means cleaner cloths, less frequent laundering and reduction in cross-contamination. Use them dry to absorb moisture or attract dust and dirt like a magnet and trap it inside. They’re perfect for a variety of surface jobs.

Window Cloths:

  • Removes EVERYTHING from all surfaces. BacLock, the micro silver agent in the cloth, goes to work with self-purification properties against mold, fungi and bacterial odor within 24 hours so that it is ready to use again.
  • Cut cleaning time in half and save money by using only water
  • No need for harsh chemicals that can harm your family’s health
  • Save money and protect the environment by eliminating the need for paper towels
  • Eliminates residual “chemical muck” left behind by typical cotton cloths and harsh cleaning products
  • Experience less paper dust in your home as paper towels are eliminated
  • Dries quickly so it’s ready to use when you are.

Body Cloth:

  • Norwex Microfiber has the ability to remove up to 99% of bacteria from a surface when following the proper care and use instructions.
  • Perfect for sensitive or mature skin
  • Great for both face and body
  • Cleanses skin gently yet thoroughly
  • Made from super-soft Norwex Microfiber containing our exclusive BacLock™* agent

If you want to learn more about these cloths and all the other Norwex products contact Abbie through her Norwex page by clicking here or email her at abbie @ eliker. net  She is not pushy and won’t bother you like other sales reps. She is just an average gal like me who just loved the products so much and used them so often that starting to sell them just made more sense.

Reach out if you want to host a party so you can get some free Norwex too! Can’t hurt, right?

Capresso Perk Review

Capresso PerkYou guys know that I’m a massive coffee lover. I drink a cup every morning and then a few more during the day depending on how long my day is. I don’t think there’s anything better than having a good cup of coffee from A Good 4 Cup Coffee Maker, first thing in the morning. And I don’t like just any nstant coffee, I like high-quality products that taste amazing. This is why Capresso is my go-to coffee and tea machine company. They always hit the mark with each product they release. My current favorite is their Capresso 12-Cup Perk. This is a coffee maker that percolates your coffee to release deep, rich flavors.

The Capresso Perk is a full-sized, 12-cup coffee maker and is just what every home needs. I dislike the loss of my counter space. I have limited room in my modest kitchen and need to really take advantage of minimalist-like tactics. The Capresso Perk is perfect for smaller kitchens. You can make you coffee in the Perk anywhere in your home and easily store it away in a cupboard or under a counter when not in use. When brewing it needs to stay still, kept on a flat surface, and remained plugged in. It also needs to remain plugged in when you want to keep the machine on and the coffee warm.

My favorite feature of this machine is the clear top, which allows you to see the coffee being peculated! Watching it splash and move around inside the lid is fun and lets you know that its almost time to get your caffeine on! The biggest tip I have for this machine is to wet the coffee grind basket before you put in your ground beans. This will help keep them from falling through the filter and getting into the water/coffee storage area. Another tip, when filling the filter basket with the coffee grinds, place you finger over the perk tube. This will help to stop grinds getting into your water/coffee.

Using Capresso Perk

I love how easy this machine is to use. How I don’t have to leave it on my counter all the time. I can bring it to a party or event and make coffee on-to-go with such ease. Now when people want coffee at a party hall we rent I don’t have to make a trip to a donut shop for a box of coffee or pack up a big table top coffee maker.

 

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Purchase the Capresso Perk

  • Through their website or from Amazon (see link below)

Zoku Tumbler & Dino Pop Mold Review

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Zoku package edit

Now that summer is upon us I try to be outside with my daughter as much as possible. Keeping myself as well as her hydrated is so important. Zoku has not only helped with that they have made it so much fun. Zoku is known for their housewares and prides themselves on making family memories around their products.  Zoku has Quick Pop Makers, Ice ball molds, Slush & Shake Maker (where was this when I was pregnant and all I wanted was slushies), Iced Coffee Maker, Ice Cream Makers, Pop & Ice Molds, Travel Tumblers as well as recipe books. I am going to review the Pop & Ice Molds as well as the Travel Tumblers in this article.

Zoku E2 edit

Dino Pop Molds

I was so excited when I received the Dino Pop Molds. Now that my daughter is almost one I want introduce her to everything I remember about being a kid in the summer. I love that with the Pop & Ice Molds I get to decide what is in them and can keep my recipes baby friendly. The pop and Ice Molds are so simple and easy to use, it’s a perfect activity for your kids to help out with. The Pop and Ice Molds make 6 different molds and I love the little details down to the unique handles. Each handle and a symbol to mach to the corresponding mold.  These are perfect size, especially for smaller children. They come in fun designs such as fish, polar and space molds.

Make sure you check out the Recipe Blog on the Zoku website or get creative and make your own. Here’s the recipe I created for my daughter.

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Baby Friendly Strawberry Peach Pop

1/4 of a Peach cut into very small chunks

3 Strawberries cut into very small chunks

1/2 cup Peach and Mango Coconut water

1/2 cup water

Mix Coconut water and water in a measuring cup. Divide evenly among your Pop & Ice Mold just under the fill line. Add pieces of Strawberry and Peach to your already filled molds.  Insert handles and freeze for 8 hours. Un-Mold and enjoy.

Kuhn Rikon Sandwich Knife Spreader & Corn Holders

Kuhn Rikon makes the highest quality kitchen tools. Always with the consumer in mind, they design products and tools that are useful and made to function easily. Kuhn Rikon carries a huge variety of products, from baking tools to cookware to cutlery. They are of such high quality that many professional kitchens and bakers choose to use Kuhn Rikon in their establishments, but it’s humble enough to also be available for the everyday consumer as well.

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Kuhn Rikon Sandwich Knife & Spreader

Kuhn Rikon Sandwich Spreader

The Kuhn Rikon Sandwich Knife & Spreader is currently my favorite kitchen utensil. Being a mother of 2 toddlers I make more peanut butter and jelly sandwiches than I ever imagined I would. Making the sandwiches is a simple enough tasks in itself, but honestly if the jelly or peanut butter are ‘acting up’ you can easily rip the bread. If the bread is ripped it may be deemed unedible by my picky kids. This can cause the sandwich making process to be dreaded and even stressful at times. I am typically running around at a 120 miles per hour speed while making lunch as my kids are at my feet screaming for snacks. I need to make those sandwiches fast! My mom-life has been forever changed by the Kuhn Rikon Sandwich Knife & SpreaderBeing able to spread on my condiments, then use the same product to cut the edges off the sandwich is so amazing. Less dishes is always a win/win!

Kuhn Rikon Saftey Sheath

The Kuhn Rikon Sandwich Knife & Spreader is perfect for making sandwiches, spreading frosting, and cutting everything from a tomato to bread crust. This is such a versatile product, it’s the ultimate multi-use tool.

  • A knife and spatula in one versatile and handy tool.
  • Ultra sharp Japanese stainless steel blade
  • Silicone based nonstick coating ensures food will release easily from blade.
  • Safety sheath included

It is dishwasher safe, but recommend that you hand wash and air dry (which is what I do).

Kuhn Rikon Scalloped Edges

Kuhn Rikon Corn Holders

Kuhn Rikon Corn Holder in use

Kuhn Rikon Corn HolderThe Kuhn Rikon Corn Holders are slightly different than any other corn cob holder I have use, their magic is in their corkscrew tip. This ensures that the holder stays in place and doesn’t slip out while in use. Growing up I have nothing but awesome memories of eating corn on the cob. My grandmother always grilled it and it was so tasty. However, back then we didn’t have Kuhn Rikon Corn Holders, so our holders would constantly slip out. A child’s motor skills are constantly developing and improving, and holding a corn holder does take practice. You can build your child’s confidence when using these corn holders, knowing they will stay in place and allow you child to enjoy their corn without fear of dropping it or loosing their grip.

These corn holders are adorable and super summery. They are perfect for outdoor parties, grilling and everyday use.

  • Corkscrew tip holds corn securely.
  • Soft, textured handles for a clean and comfortable grip.
  • Set of 8 Corn Holders makes 4 pairs.
  • Stacks together for safety and convenience.

The holders are dishwasher safe, but it’s recommended just to hand wash and drip dry (this is how I wash mine).

Kuhn Rikon corkscrew tip

Tilit Chef Review

Judging Rib Fest 2016Chef’s jackets and aprons are pretty basic. But not all chefs are basic. Some require apparel that has been taken up a notch. Jackets and aprons should stand out like the food they make and the people they are. If you like to stand out in a positive and fresh way then Tilit is the brand for you.

Whether you bake, saute, flambe, or just mess around in your own kitchen at home, you should try and protect your threads by wearing an apron or jacket. It’s just common sense. If you are in a professional setting, then this type of apparel goes without question. If you are in the back of the house or on the front line, you want to look your best and represent your food with a clean and fresh look. This is exactly what Tilit provides.

When I was asked to judge the Strongsville Rib Burn Off in 2016 as a culinary judge I knew I wanted to stand out in a positive and honest way. Being a SAHM blogger and food reviewer I never owned a ‘real’ chef’s jacket of my own. I knew that I would need to sport one at this event and after doing some online research I saw that Tilit was exactly the type of style that I would wear. Fresh, modern and functional – everything a chef desires. Tilit’s brand boasts an amazing array of products with designs you want to wear. These are not your Fathers’s jackets.

If you are, or know someone who is, an avid home cook or baker then Tilit Chef Aprons are just what you need. They are made for professionals, but are what can really elevate your home cooking and baking experience. They make the perfect gift for that hard to shop for family member. Classy yet modern & functional, it’s a real win/win.

Tilit Aprons

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This Mama’s Experience

I love, I mean love, everything about this chef coat.  The fit, the texture, the cut, the material, the features…all are totally on point. The Women’s Short Sleeve Chefs Coat is perfect for any kitchen, bakery or home. This coat is tailored with a women’s body and curves in mind. By having true mobility you can function and work properly. This coat makes a women feel comfortable and at ease in her body. Being at ease (…as much as your kitchen allows that is) helps with productivity and can boost confidence which can also boost performance.

This coat is perfect for working in my kitchen, whipping up some family meals.

My favorite features on this coat are:

  • Side performance panels (give me room to move around without being restrained)
  • Hip pocket (for my notes, cell phone, timer, thermometer…whatever tool I need that meal)
  • Roomy neck (no one likes a scratchy neck. This collar is soft as butter and perfectly designed)

Click here to see all of the features of this coat up close

Tilit Chef coats are the first crowd-sourced chef coat made by chefs for chefs

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Tilit Short Chef Coat

 

 

Bun Maternity Review

Bun Collage

There is nothing I cherish more than the bond I have made with my baby while nursing. Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and challenging thing I have ever done in my life. I remember when I was pregnant setting my breastfeeding goals, as a first time mom I was setting goals for something I was so unfamiliar with. I was naive about so much in the beginning, I started my breastfeeding journey with 2 nursing bras and 2 nursing tank tops thinking this was all I needed. I learned extremely fast that this was nowhere near what I needed to be successful in my goal of breastfeeding until my daughter was at least the age of one. I wore those two tank tops to death. Just the tank, tank top and cardigan and my everyday go to is the two top layer. You know what I’m talking about, nursing tank top layered another shirt on top. This was my favorite since I felt very comfortable nursing in public because I was covered. Well that was great through the winter, but now it’s 80 degrees outside and I’m either lugging around a infant carrier and diaper bag or chasing after my 11 month old, the last thing I want is multiple layers on. At this point in time my nursing tops aren’t really nursing tops, they are regular shirts that I have tried to make work. So I have been on the hunt for nursing tops that are fashionable and cute. I mean let’s be honest, it’s rare that I get to wear non-nursing clothes these days. If I don’t have my baby with me, I will likely need to pump. So even my work clothes need to be nursing friendly. So I went shopping, and every shopping trip ended in disappointment. No one has nursing tops and if they do they have one or two options and they are your typical “nursing” top. You know the ones with the big slit under the bust and scream “this is a nursing top”. So I took my shopping online, that when I found Bum Maternity. Finally nursing tops that don’t look like nursing tops! Not only that but I wish I had found Bun Maternity while I was pregnant because all these tops work as both maternity clothes as well as nursing.

About Bun Maternity

Bun is more than awesome nursing apparel. Bun Maternity is about supporting breastfeeding and a woman’s right to feed her baby anytime and anywhere. Even though normalizing breastfeeding in our society may be challenging, the more that women can feel comfortable nursing in the open helps to spread an awareness of the natural benefits of mind, body, and soul that breastfeeding offers. So feed when you need and wear Bun proud!

This paragraph right here hit all the “feelings” for me. It made me proud to be a nursing mom and it made me bun poncho 2 editproud that I am able to support such a amazing company. I love their drive to empower women to not be ashamed of feeding their babies and to make them comfortable and stylish while doing so. Bun Maternity is locally made in the U.S.A and is made with U.S.A. knitted fabrics. The quality of their clothing says it all, with their super soft fabric and versatile designs. Bun has put so much thought into their designs that they start as maternity tops and transition into nursing tops. They cover every fashion need with their beautiful Tank Tops, T-Shirts, Dresses, Ponchos and Hoodies (Yes hoodies, I have never seen a nursing hoodie and I can tell you from experience that unless you want to wear your husband’s over-sized hoodie you won’t be able to comfortably nurse in your pre-pregnancy fitted hoodies). Bun has all aspects for motherhood covered while being able to incorporate breastfeeding seamlessly into your everyday life.

This Mamas Experience

swing top side editI was so excited the day I received my Bun order. Finally, real nursing tops; why had I waited so long? The first top I wore was the Swing Top, on a beautiful 80 degree day. Talk about comfortable, it is made of the softest cotton and is so light and airy. The Swing Top is not clingy and has lots of movement, making it a perfect option for a hot day. I got so many complements, you should have seen the their faces when I excitedly said it was a nursing top. I love that the Swing Top has easy side access, I was able to discreetly breastfeed at a graduation party. You can easily dress this top up with a bold necklace and dress slacks, making this a perfect for work or a night out. I do love this as one of my work tops since it makes pumping at work easier.

Although I don’t dress up often, and I’m most comfortable in jeans and Chuck Taylors; Buns signature nursing tankbun tank edit spoke to me the most. These tank tops most resemble my pre-baby wardrobe and they make me feel connected to the old me. I love that they come in over 15 different colors (although I seem to gravitate to the dark grays and blacks, maybe one day I will be bold enough to wear a bright blue). The signature tank is super soft and is made of a “bounce back” rib material. This tank has convenient snap down straps with a built in under panel to keep you covered while breastfeeding. Although this is my ideal everyday casual top you can easily dress this up and wear it under and button up shirt or even just under a blazer. It is long in the torso which I love and is perfect if you are wearing as a maternity top.

I also have the Cozy Up Nursing Poncho. The name says it all, it is so cozy; it makes you want to snuggle your baby all day. This poncho is light enough that you can layer it and is perfect on a cool day. It is wrinkle free making it ideal to travel with. I can’t wait to take to take this on vacation with us to the smoky mountains where the temperature can drop in the evenings, I picture myself on a rocking chair in the middle of a forest cuddling with my baby. The Cozy Up Nursing Poncho has a flattering cut making it look great on all body shapes. You simply lift the top layer for nursing making this a very modest choice if you are at all nervous about breastfeeding in public.Bun nursing edit

I used the size chart to determine what to order. The size chart tells you to go with your truest size, so if your a medium at other stores go with a medium. Bun Maternity tanks are made of super stretchy material, making them perfect through the mid-stage of pregnancy and especially as your body changes after baby. I personally love that the underlayer is not a built in bra, as although they are easier to wear and breastfeed with, nursing tank tops with built in bras can be less comfortable. I feel that no built in bra helps with the fit and makes their clothing so much more comfortable.

I encourage anyone who is starting off their breastfeeding journey to do it right; get yourself the tools you need to be successful. The best thing you can do is get yourself clothes that not only make you look and feel good, they make breastfeeding easier. Breastfeeding can be so challenging on its own, don’t let improper clothing be a road block.

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“Wear Bun Maternity apparel anytime and anywhere…through all stages…and even long after you are done with pregnancy and nursing”.

Please know that you are by law allowed to feed your child anywhere whether it be public or private.

Geffen Fitted Cloth Diaper Review

 

 Geffen Review Photo editedIf you cloth diaper you know the struggle of the night time diaper. We spent many nights trying different options trying to figure out what worked best for us. Since my daughter was 4 weeks old our perfect night time diaper was a prefold and a super absorber insert. Well that has worked flawlessly up until now. My sweet 10 month old no longer will lay still long enough for me to get the prefold fastened. I feel sometimes it would be easier to diaper a alligator doing a death roll than it is to get a prefold on my fast moving baby. Geffens Fitted diapers have come to my rescue. I get the absorption of my prefold and it’s as easy to put on as a regular diaper.

About Geffen

Geffen baby is a company that prides themselves on being involved in every step of the manufacturing process. Starting as a Los Angeles based textile manufacturing company they saw the need for natural baby products. Geffen Baby has improved their fabric by adding more hemp, making their fabric more durable and absorbent with 60% hemp and 40% organic cotton. Geffen is proud to say that 95% of their products are made in the USA. They try to be as organic as possible in every aspect from manufacturing to their packaging. Geffen Baby makes everything including Flats, Fitteds, Prefolds, Absorbers, Cloth Wipes and Nursing Pads. You won’t ever want to try another brand once you feel how soft their fabric is.
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This Mamas Experience

   I love the Geffen Fitteds for more than just my night time diaper. We use them as our everyday diaper and love that we are able to reuse our covers and just change the fitted, making them much more cost efficient than AIOs or pocket diapers. I love that I can add extra absorption by layering with a quick or super absorber insert, which is what we do at night since my baby sleeps 10 hours without waking. We do use a snappy to secure our Fitteds although it is not necessary, they do require a cover to be waterproof. Prepping is easy, just wash and dry at least 3 times although they will continue to gain absorbency through 8-10 washes. The Fitteds come in four sizes fitting from preemie to 30+ pounds.  I find myself reaching for my fitted diapers over any other diaper.
  Once you try Geffen Baby products you will be confident that your baby is as comfortable as possible in a diaper.Geffen UnPrepped & Prepped

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