Tag: review

09
Oct
2015

Bunnies By The Bay Review

categories: Reviews

Bunnies By The Bay Review

About Bunnies By The Bay

Bunnies By The Bay is a division of Kids Preferred

Kids Preferred’s Mission

Kids Preferred is dedicated to creating superior quality, innovative soft toys and gifts for children of all ages using unique, playful designs that help instill a love of learning and create everlasting childhood memories.

Bunnies By The Bay was founded in 1986. Where were some tragic events that unexpectedly happened to one family which lead them on a journey from tragic loss to hopeful healing, which brought Bunnies By The Bay to life.

Red Thread Collection

Each time you purchase from our Red Thread collection, Bunnies By The Bay donates a portion of the proceeds from that sale to help support Half The Sky Foundation.

“We provide individual nurture and stimulation for babies, innovative preschools that encourage an early love of learning, personalized learning opportunities for older children, and loving – and most important, permanent – foster homes for children whose special needs will keep them from being adopted.” – HalfTheSky.org

To view the items which are part of the Red Thread Collection, please click here.

What Do They Sell?

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Mama’s Experience

Stinkin Cute Bunsuit

This is a onesie but made to look like a tee shirt. I love how versatile it is and how it can go with so many different bottoms. Jeans, dress slacks, khakis, or solid colors. I do think they run large. My son is 18 months and can fit in the 6-12 month onesie. My son is crazy tiny and wears 9 month pants, but he typically wears a 12 month top.

I have washed and dried this outfit several times and it still looks new! I am so pleased that no pilling or wear is noticeable after a wash. I washed on warm with like colors and dried on mixed/cotton medium heat in the dryer. No shrinkage either, which is so important in clothing.

This onesie is available here for $35!

Pretty Friends Shirt and Pants

This Pretty Friends outfit is everyone a little girl would want to wear. Its pink, light blue and cozy! With tiny messages like ‘listen’, ‘be polite’ & ‘care’, it spreads the message the being pretty on the inside is what really matters. The pants are a light pink and really go with every outfit. They are a smooth soft pink that works with any pastel or dark primary top. With a light ruffle at the bottom of the legs to give it that extra feminine touch.

08
Oct
2015

A Touch of Dazzle Review

categories: Reviews

A Touch of Dazzle Review

What is A Touch of Dazzle

Touch of Dazzle is a new jewelry company that specializes in hip new jeweler for children and women alike. Owner and created, Goldie, has been a fine artist for years. Working with the arts, the ability to create and mix colors, patterns and designs was a natural and organic ability. Goldie naturally started working with jewelry and things took off. Now she is making new designs all the time to keep up with each holiday and season. As a mother of 5 girls, little girl jewelry was an obvious choice. Having a 3 year old daughter who is currently obsessed with jewelry, I knew that Touch of Dazzle was going to be a great company.

What Do They Sell

Check out A Touch of Dazzle on Amazon. Available with Prime Amazon!

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Mama’s Experience

My first impression with A Touch of Dazzle was with their communication. I was so happy to get timely responses to my questions. They are kind, professional and very helpful. This is a key factor in where I purchase anything. If service and ownership is not strong then I typically take my business elsewhere.

I Love You To The Moon & Back – Floating Charm Locket Necklace

When I received my necklace I was instantly impressed with the packaging. It arrived in a beautiful blue box with a ribbon. It was packaged as a present and it made is 100% more special to receive. If you need a gift in a pinch for a friend or family member, you can knowingly order a gift from A Touch of Dazzle, have it sent directly to them, and not worry about gift wrapping it first.

The necklace I review was the Over The Moon style, and it is so pretty. The piece itself is tightly sealed, so when my 1 yr old may play or tug on it, I do not worry about the tiny pieces falling out. However, it is easy to open as an adult with developed motor skills 😉 If I wanted to add or remove stones, gems and pieces inside the locket, I am fully able to do so. The chain to the necklace it not flimsy, which any mother can appreciate. I hate getting a new necklace and my toddler can rip it in half instantly. That’s why I have to make sure all my jewellery, especially my prized John Atencio jewellery locked away and safe! I guess this lovely new necklace will have to join that club! Not that I suggest letting a child play with your necklace, but I know things like that happen without warning. I prefer a more smooth chain though, and this one is a big for texture which bothered my neck at times. Its a quality chain, I am not saying its a low quality by any means, I just personally prefer a smooth chain on my neck.

14K Gold Plated Kids Bracelet

This bracelet came in a small box, so I was instantly pleased that it truly was a children’s bracelet. So many times I get huge bracelets that are more for adults than for children when shopping for my 3 year old. I was so impressed by the high quality of this bracelet. It is something you would find in a large department store or even specialty jewelry store. The gold shines like the sun and is so smooth to the touch.

This bracelet features a safety clasp with is truly the best concept. My daughter is only 3 years old but that is small enough so that it cannot slide off her wrist, but large enough that I would bet it could fit an average child ages 3-8 without a problem. The safety clasp is the same as you would find on a luxury piece of jewelry from a designer. It is too difficult/complicated for my daughter to figure out, which mean she cannot take it off and loose it! I am SO happy about this.

I cannot say enough positive things about this bracelet. I honestly think it should be in every little girls stocking this Christmas.

07
Oct
2015

Unforgettaballs Review

categories: Reviews

Unforgettaballs Review

What is Unforgettaballs?

One day, 20 years ago, Emily Wolfson, took an average white baseball and painted an American Flag on it as a gift to her husband. Once they saw the final result they knew that they had something here. An American classic, the baseball, made to be a unique and one-of-a-kind piece of art. Emily at that time was an architect and drawing in fine detail was a skill her mastered but also loved. Over the years Emily has made old and new ballparks, city landscapes, and family occasions for all types of baseball collectors.

What Do They Sell?

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Mama’s Experience

When I first heard of Unforgettaballs I thought it was one of the coolest concepts I have heard of. You could get your favorite baseballs teams stadium painted onto a baseball. A one-of-a-kind creation. Then I saw the prices! They are very reasonably priced. The average baseball enthusiast can have a collection of these on their shelf. Its such a fun collectible that I could see buying these as gifts for the sports enthusiast in your life. Birthdays, Fathers Day, Mothers Day, Sweetest Day, Christmas…you get the idea. All you need now is a baseball bat to get with it…after all, you can’t play baseball without the bat! You can take a look at these leading bbcor baseball bats if you’re having trouble finding some.

The ball arrives in its own, beautiful and classic Unforgettaballs box. The design is slightly raised, just as the stitching in a true baseball. Super impressive packaging. You know a real treat is going to be inside.

Inside the box your baseball is delivered in a clear, durable plastic collectors box. This allows the ball to arrive in perfect condition. As I mentioned above, each ball is hand painted. To ensure that the paint doesn’t rub off during transit the ball has a small amount of bubble wrap inside the plastic case with the ball. I thought that was a very thoughtful addition to the packaging.

When you touch the ball itself you instantly can feel the texture of the paint. This just made me truly appreciate the high quality and personalized touch that each Unforgettaballs ball has.

Whether you have a die-hard baseball fan in your family, a sports enthusiast, the hard to shop for person on your holiday list, I sincerely think you should get an Unforgettaball for them, you will not regret it.

07
Oct
2015

Burt’s Bees 2015 Holiday Review

categories: Reviews

Burt’s Bees 2015 Holiday Review

Buzz-worthy Gifts from Nature, for Everyone On Your List

About Burt’s Bees

When you see the Burt’s Bee’s logo you probably notice 2 things: a man with a beard and bee’s. These are the 2 founding concepts behind the company Burt’s Bees. Founded by Burt and his friend Roxanne their huge journey began with humble roots. Roxanne bought some of Burt’s honey off him for her candle business. The business quickly became and hit and they teamed up to make more and more products. They eventually launched into beauty products and then worldwide success shortly followed. Burt’s Bees lost their founder, Burt this year (2015), but his legacy will live on.

Philosophy:

Good for you, Good for me, Good for all = The Greater Good.

They have a triple bottom line. They have a triple bottom line: people, profit, planet. They practice this right down to their packaging. They keep it simple, natural, and responsible.

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Mama’s Experience

This year for 2015 Burt’s Bees has created a ton of fun and easy to find Holiday Gift Sets! The gift sets can be found in mass retails starting in November of 2015.

These kits all come packaged ready to gift! No extra gift wrapping needed, which helps keep down on waste (and your precious time). The cartons are made out of 70% postconsumer-recycled paperboard. The film window is made without the use of petroleum-based plastics. Each kit is priced under $20 each, so they are easily affordable for every budget. They make the perfect stocking stuffer and teacher gift. With cold weather approaching their lip balm will be a must need on everyone’s list.

Click here to see more products by Burt’s Bees

05
Oct
2015

gDiapers Review

categories: Reviews

gDiapers Review

Who is gDiapers

Kim and Jason founded gDiapers in 2005. One morning, over breakfast, they found out that disposable diapers are the 3rd largest contributor to landfill across the globe. They also found out that it is thought that a single disposable diaper will take up to 500 years to dissolve. 500 YEARS! They knew that they didn’t want to contribute to those numbers. Living in Australia, where water shortages often occur, doing cloth was also not an option for them. So what to do? Their only option was to create a diaper that is right in the middle. One that can be composted but also not take too much water in a drought.

Fair Dinkum. It’s a fun way of saying be genuine. Be real. Have integrity. Be respectful. It’s Australian in origin but the sentiment is global. Be genuine. – gDiapers Website

Fair Dinkum is the thought behind everything the gDiapers stands for. One of the ways that gDiapers see’s Fair Dinkum in their business is on-site childcare. This is such a wonderful business practice in my opinion. To save all the commuting to and from a daycare, being able to care for and help your children through the day, not just after 5. This is priceless.

What is a gDiaper

gDiapers is a very unique product. It is not a cloth diaper and it is not fully a disposable. It’s in it’s own category really.

Outside: The outside part is called gPants. This is a cloth material that is machine washable.

Inside: The inside consists of 2 parts. The pouch & the insert.

“Made with gDiapers’ unique gBreathe™ technology, the gPants pouch provides the waterproof barrier in gPants while allowing baby’s delicate skin to breathe. More breathability means less diaper rash. Pouches unsnap easily for quick changes. So you can change the pouch, not the whole pair of pants.” – gDiapers Website
Pouches are available in 2 sizes. Small and Medium/Large. The newborn pouches are sewn in and not replaceable.
The inserts are able to break down in compost (only the wet ones) & the inserts are flushable.

Cradle to Cradle certified: gDiapers are the only diaper that is certified Cradle and Cradle! Click the links to read more about this amazing organization that helps guide us to reduce our global footprint.

How to Use

In order to use gDiapers you will need the gPants and an insert. Place the insert inside of the pouch and then place the diaper on the baby. Easy as that!

gDiapers is unique in that they also feature rear velcro. Instead of having the closure on the front hips, gDiapers is secured by the rear hip area. I think this is super perfect for toddlers. My kids love to try and take off their diapers. This makes taking them off more difficult for a toddler.

How to Dispose

Flushable: gDiapers inserts can be safely flushed in North American city toilets. I live in the country and have a leach field, I am not going to flush my liners because they could get tangled around my aerator (fancy word for the machine that turns my flushing). Then I would have to get in the ground and remove the tangling, which is no fun. In a city setting the liner would break down pretty fast in their septic system. Regardless of whether you flush the liner or not, all waste must be flushes down the toilet. This is even true of disposable diapers. Solid waste is not allowed to be placed in your trash cans.

To read more about how to properly flush the inserts, please click here and watch the video which gDiapers created for us.

Compostable: “The Disposable Inserts are made of cellulose, fluff pulp and super absorber, which alone would be a valuable contribution to your compost, but when combined with the added nitrogen from your baby’s urine, makes an incredibly rich soil amendment safe for all manner of plants and vegetables.” – gDiapers Website

I have a tumbler composter. I have added greens and browns to my mixture. This particular mixture is about 12 months old. I am adding the inserts in October of 2015. I will update as they begins to breakdown. I will be folding this mixture into my vegetable garden in the spring of 2016.

To learn more about how to compost your inserts please click this link.

Every Mother Counts

Did you know that every 2 minutes a women dies from complications in childbirth? I didn’t, but knowing this face makes me sad and worried. gDiapers has partnered with Every Mother Counts (EMC). This also means that for every 2 minutes a average of 4 orphans are left behinds. These women are their caretakers, their educators and their community leaders. By makes strides to lessen birth related deaths we can help make a huge difference in cultures across the globe. 98% of these deaths are preventable.

How gDiapers is helping: When you buy a Gentle Giants print gPants gDiapers will donate 50% of their net profits to EMC. Help them help others and buy a pair today.

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Mama’s Experience

I was instantly excited to try out gDiapers. The idea that I could compost my dirty diaper was thrilling! Whether I was going to fold it into the ground, place it in my tumble compost or simply toss in the trash can, I knew that it would compose sooner than any disposable diaper on the market.

The liners fit a tad snugly in the pocket. Occasionally I fold over about an inch of the insert in the front side of my diaper for a double up effect for my son. If I would do this for a little girl I would put the folded part in the back. Boys pee up and girls pee back, it’s science (LOL not really, it’s just my observations after having one of each).

I love how easy these diapers are to use. I can dispose of the old insert and pop a new insert in pretty fast. I love how quick it is. Changing diapers can be challanging with a busy 18 month old son. I also like to have another gPants all ready and premade so when I remove the dirty diaper I have the new one all ready to go. Then I just pull the soiled insert out and place a new insert in for the next diaper change. Sometimes the urine gets heavy and I need to wipe the pouch with a wet rag or wet wipe. Sometimes it gets messier and just needs to be changed.

You can get a starter bundle to try out gDiapers. This comes with 2 gPants and 1 package of inserts. It’s really a great way to get the ball rolling. If you have used cloth but need something that is more disposable like for a vacation or a babysitter, this is the perfect solution. I may be taking a vacation in early 2016. I honestly don’t trust my parents to correctly wash my sons cloth diapers. I plan on buying a ton of inserts and gPants for them to use while I am gone. It will be easy on them and easy on the environment. This is also great if you feel like you don’t have time to do all the extra laundry that cloth diapers involves.

Why choose gDiapers?

Because your childcare provider cannot figure out cloth diapers/you don’t trust them with your stash.
Because you don’t have time to wash cloth diapers but care about our landfills.
Because the smell of disposables makes you sick (it does to me now).
Because the chemicals in disposables makes your child have skin irritations/rashes.
Because you are going on vacation and don’t want to lug your cloth stash with you.
Because gPants come in super cute designs and you need that on your baby now!
Because you want to support a company that cares about their employees and mothers across the globe
I could keep going but you get my drift.

Purchase gDiapers

gDiapers are available in many combinations and colors. They are always coming out with fun and new designs. Be sure to follow their Facebook page to keep up with the excitement!

In the meanwhile, head over to this link and see what fun stuff they have available today.

28
Sep
2015

The Moodsters Review

categories: Reviews

The Moodsters Review

“We Do What We Do Because We Care About You!”

About The Moodsters

The Moodsters were created by Denise Daniels, who’s workbooks have already reached over 15 million children. She has appeared on shows like Oprah and The Today Show. She created The Moodsters to help children recognize and understand their feelings. They help teach children that there are no right or wrong emotions, all emotions are okay to have.

To see the parents guide click here (great tool for helping your child learn more about their emotions and how to handle them).

The 5 Moodsters are:

HAPPY Coz, the lead detective of The Moodsters, approaches life with an optimistic, can-do attitude—Coz shows kids the good things that can happen if you’re willing to give it a try. When Coz is super-duper happy (which is often), bubbles float out of his ears—and he may even break into his joyful Happy Dance!

Razzy is a little red dynamo with an ANGRY streak—yes, it’s okay for girls to get angry!—and she’s determined to crack every case.
Razzy uses her Moodster Meter to take her friends’ mood temperature, and she’s discovered that when she’s feeling mad, counting to 10 helps in any number of ways!

Quigly is the Moodster who’s AFRAID of most everything, even his own shadow or silly, made-up creatures like “two-headed hippos with carrots for teeth that wear striped socks and hide in the treehouse.” Quigly shows that even big boys get scared—luckily, his Moodster friends are there to help show him how to be brave.

Lolly is the sweet, pink Moodster who’s full of LOVE for every creature, big or small. This girly girl is also strong—she’s ready to get
her hands dirty, lend a listening ear, and or provide a snuggle to anyone who needs it (like sniffly Snorf or frightened Quigly). Lolly rallies the team and comes up with creative solutions for every challenge.

Everyone feels SAD sometimes—especially Snorf. Whenever Snorf is feeling blue, he turns to his never-ending hankie, the support of his friends, and a big brave, healthy cry to feel better again. Fortunately, his enormous blue ears can act as windshield wipers to wipe the tears away!

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Moodster Mirror & Book

The Moodster Mirror is a fun an helpful tool that allows my children to see what their emotions look like. Pressing the button will cause one of the 5 Moodsters to say a line about their name and their emotion. My kids then look at themselves in the mirror and practice making that emotion. Then I tell them to show me a face and I can try to guess their emotion. I love this tool because by recognizing the facial expressions that accompany an emotion my kids can learn empathy and how to help and understand each other based on their emotions.

Feeling Flashlight & Book

This Feelings Flashlight is fun because in it’s basic functionality, it’s a flashlight! My kids are so in love with any type of flashlight. It helps bring security at night, as well as fun! You can use your fingers and move the blue dial to change the settings which allow a different character to talk at each stop. My 3 year old has a hard time moving the dial, as its a finer motor skill ability. I help her move it and know that by the time she hits 4, she should be able to move the dial on her own.

Moodster Meter & Book

The Moodsters Meter is a perfect tool for those children who cannot verbalize how they are feeling. By simply sliding their finger along the meter, moving the arrow up or down, they can show their adult how they are feeling. At each of the 5 options you are able to press a button while will make the meter talk about that particular emotion. This is a great cause and effect toy for younger children as well.

Win The Moodsters

Now that you have read about how great The Moodsters products are, you have the chance to win all 3 of them!!

Click here to enter to win.

Runs 10/1/15-10/14/15 – Open to US & Canada

14
Sep
2015

BALM! Baby Taylor’s Skin & Soap Review

categories: Reviews

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.

Laundry Soap
Sun Screen
Shue Bug – Bug Spray (great for this fall!)
Teething Rub (help those chompers)
Nipple Soother
Soaps
Oral Care Products
Household Cleaners
Essential Oils & Raw Materials

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

To enter to win the Taylor Raw Essentials Giveaway CLICK HERE

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

14
Sep
2015

Green Mountain Diapers Prefolds

categories: Reviews

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

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

13
Sep
2015

Nursing Bra Express Review

categories: Reviews

Nursing Bra Express Review

About Nursing Bra Express

There are so many places that you can buy a nursing bra from. It can be overwhelming. Who to trust; why pick one over the other? When I found out about Nursing Bra Express I checked out their website. I instantly could tell they were different. When you visit Nursing Bra Express’s website on the side bar to the right, currently, there is a list of 8 ways that fathers can help a nursing mother. Showing that they are not only an online retailer, but a company who cares about breastfeeding mothers and their families.

As you scroll down, on both the left and right sidebars, there is a plethora of information and resources for moms. Links like

What Does Nursing Bra Express Sell?

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Mama’s Experience

Molded Nursing Bra by QT Intimates

Comfortable, supportive, soft and has a pretty trim. Wear this nursing bra every day – it is perfect for all occasions and will keep you comfortable and cool with breathable cotton and quick-release one-hand nursing clasps on each cup. Larger cup sizes have foam support in cup and wider straps. This best selling nursing bra will ease you through both maternity and nursing – buy one in each color! No underwire, non-padded. Cotton/spandex. Imported. By QT Intimates™

This bra is comfortable! I have been on the search for a comfortable nursing bra that is a nice nude color and that doesn’t have a razerback. I need a bra that I can wear under my shirt without being obvious that I am wearing a nursing bra. But I am not looking for an full on undewire nursing bra. As a stay-at-home-mom I have the ability to be a bit relaxed in my daily wear. When I first have a child and I am nursing constantly I am in a sleep bra like 24/7. They are so cozy and just make sense for a mom nursing a newborn. Now that my son is older and I am out and about daily, I need something with more support and structure but I don’t want to sacrifice the comfort of a wireless sleeping bra. This is where the QT Intimates Molded Cotton Bra fits in. Its the perfect transitional bra. I still wear an underwire when I am going on on the town. But this QT Intimates Molded Cotton Bra is now my everyday bra. Being that it is only $19.99, there is no reason for you not to try one out yourself.

The snaps are super easy to open and close with one hand. This is super important feature to any mom. When always having a baby in one hand, you only have 1 hand available to work and maneuver a bra. This bra not only helps support your breasts but it is comfortable. Do your self a favor and try one of these bras out.

Molded Seamless Washable Nursing Pads

When you are a new mom you never really understand the importance of a good nursing pad. You know they are a thing you need, but they are all the same right?….WRONG! There are so many details that can make or break a nursing pad.

These nursing pads are so soft. Our nipples are tender and in those first few weeks, if your latch is not going well, they can be in pain. You need a pad that will not make you cringe when you put them into your bra. These pads are seamless so they don’t create any odd shaping or lines in your bra. The outer most layer is 100% cotton, so they can be easily washed right along with your other clothes (the inside is 5% polyester). They can be put in the dryer at a low tumble, or just placed on a counter to air dry.

My favorite part about this pad is that it helps shape my breast when in use. I prefer not to wear heavy, under wire nursing bras. I was so used to being in a bedtime nursing bra for the first few months after having my children that I needed a smooth, easy to wear bra. Using these pads with a non shaping nursing bra helps give my breast a nice smooth appearance and helps boost confidence when out and about. Anything to make life easier and make you more comfortable with nursing is a win/win in my book.

By using a reusable nursing pad you are helping minimize waste and lessening the non-renewable resources put into our landfills. Using these nursing pads are not just good for you, but it’s also better for our planet. They are currently priced at only $14. This is going to save you so much money throughout the duration of your nursing journey. Click here to check them out.

Like all nursing pads, be sure to change them out when wet to avoid any infections, irritations and to avoid leaks.

Enter to Win!

Now that you have read about how great the QT Intimate Cotton Bra and Baby Nip nursing pads are – you can enter to win them for yourself! Click here to enter.

Runs 9/14/15-9/28/15 Open to US only

04
Sep
2015

Goumi Review

categories: Reviews

Goumi Review

Who is Goumi?

Goumi was founded by 2 friends, Lili and Linsey. As new moms they both had trouble finding socks and mittens that would actually stay on their babies. They then decided to “start a company that would be mission-led and product- supported so we could nurture our babies and make more good in the world where our children would grow up”. – Goumi Kids Website

They didn’t just want to make more stuff, they wanted to make good that would make our world a better place

Their goals were to make products that were:

Functional
Fashionable
Sustainable

Why the name Goumi?

“In the beginning we named ourselves after the guava… because guava’s are so good for you. But as we grew, we realized that guava as a name had some limitations and thankfully, we discovered goumi berries … a little-known berry that is a nutritional powerhouse. We were also “little known” but intended to be a powerhouse, so we became Goumikids.” – Goumi Kids Website

What Does Goumi Sell?

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Mama’s Experience

Goumi Jamms

My youngest is 18 months now and far too big to fit into a snugly and luxurious pair of Goumi Jamms. Luckily, my best friend just had an adorable baby girl! So she gets to use my Goumi Jamms until Fox baby #3 is one day here (this is not a hint! I am NOT expecting LOL!!).

She is 8 weeks old and approximately 10 lbs.

There are so many fun features to Goumi Jamms. They are beyond cozy. We love babies that are soft and fun to cuddle with. Goumi Jamms are so soft and so sustainable! They are made from bamboo and organic cotton. They used these materials because they have a natural breathing quality to them as well as being naturally antibacterial. Babies are so susceptible to so much more than you and I. They have not built up their immune systems. I know I try to keep my baby on lock down until they have their 2 month shots. But we have to live life and leave out houses. We get cabin fever, have older children, need to get groceries and all these involve leaving the house! The easy snap down bottom makes it so that you can still have your baby in this super outfit and be securely strapped into their car seat. The Jamms easily go from the gown style to the closed feet style. It was one easy smooth motion to change from one style to the next. Because the material is a super silky texture it makes it very easy for baby to wiggle and move around it. She never got upset with having her feet snapped in. She had plenty of room to kick and play around. I have a feeling my bestie will be having her daughter wear these Jamms ALL the time!

Goumi Hat

The Goumi hats are made with the same wonderful combo of bamboo and organic cotton. This gives out babies a soft, cozy and breathable hat. Babies typically don’t have a full head of hair and their skin on their scalp is very much exposed. The top of the head, when exposed to direct sunlight for periods of time, can result in sunburn or irritation. By wearing a light hat, you can avoid a sunburned scalp. This hat has the unique ability to be worn in winter and summer. Its light a breathable, which makes it okay to wear on warm days, but also warm enough to help cover the child’s head in the winter. Please remember when its very hot outside you can run a risk of over heating a child, please be sure avoid your child being exposed to too much heat. Especially when sleeping, which has been linked to SIDS. Never dress your baby too warmly for sleep; keep room temperature 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.

This hat was the same silky soft material as the Goumi Jamms. It was a very interesting fit. It was able to fit her perfectly, yet had room for her to grow. This will probably last her throughout this fall and into the winter, if not all the way into spring 2016. The chin strap tie is the same material. It was long enough to be tied in a knot or a bow, whichever your preference, and soft so it will not irritate a tiny babies delicate skin. It is breathable to wear on a warm fall day and warm enough to wear as a winter hat. This hat is so great.

Goumi Boots

Goumi’s Boots have a very convenient design. They have a 2-part closure system. This makes the shoe last so much longer than other boots or shoes would last. Children’s feet grow fast. When my first child was young I learned this the hard way. I think that is true to every first time mom. They can grow out of shoes and socks overnight sometimes. Having the 2-part closure feature this allows your child to get more use out of these boots then you would a boot without this design.

The fact that these are super hard to kick off is a huge selling point too. There was never a sock my kids couldn’t kick off. All of them would eventually be kicked off at some point. These have a secure closure allowing for the boot to stay on! No cold feet and missing socks. The closure is velcro. It makes it so that you can secure the boot on your child’s foot. It has give, allowing it room for growth. New parents, like me when my daughter was a newborn, are shocked at how fast your children grow out of socks and shoes. Having the velcro closure gives you so much more time in them before they grow out of them. These boots can be used as socks or shoes and are able to be worn year round.

Enter to win a Goumi Jamms

Now that you have read about how great Goumi Jamms are, you can enter to win one for yourself!

Runs 9/7-9/21