SwaddleDesigns Swaddling Blanket Review: Oh Baby Baby! Registry Event!


Oh Baby Baby! I just gave birth to our third child, Baby L. on 11/1 and in honor of her birth, I have teamed up with Buddy Doo's Adventure-Roos & Little Angel on a Mission to feature some of our absolute must-have baby & mama items!

Today Features:

 

About SwaddleDesigns Marquisette Swaddling Blanket (source: www.swaddledesigns.com)

Breathable, lightweight and whisper soft cotton marquisette blanket. The generous size and square shape makes it easy to swaddle. Multiple uses include sunshield on the stroller, playmat for tummy time and privacy throw for breastfeeding.
Marquisette is crafted from cotton that is superior in length, strength, and smoothness to create a very soft and premium quality blanket that will get softer after every wash.
  • 46 x 46 inches (118 x 118 cm)
  • 100% lightweight cotton marquisette
  • Perfect for warmer days & nights
  • 123 Swaddle label sewn to edge of blankets
  • Multi-use and versatile
  • Designed in Seattle
  • Imported
New parents love the 123 Swaddle label with easy how-to-swaddle steps sewn to the blanket.

S.M.M. Review


Twotara Gender Neutral Infant Clothing Review and #Giveaway! Oh Baby Baby! Registry Event!


Oh Baby Baby! I just gave birth to our third child, Baby L. on 11/1 and in honor of her birth, I have teamed up with Buddy Doo's Adventure-Roos & Little Angel on a Mission to feature some of our absolute must-have baby & mama items!

Today Features:



About (source: www.twotara.com):

twotara (too-tahr-uh)

Named after the TUATARA which is a chameleon-like lizard - native to New Zealand - that changes colors over time.
Since our garments also "change colors" to best serve your changing needs, we thought the name is a perfect fit. Change the TUA to TWO - since all of our garments are two-in-one-and our name, and our philosophy were born!

Twotara, Inc. was born out of the frustration of buying uninspired gender neutral gifts. With 40% of expectant parents not learning the sex of the baby until birth--the Twotara clothing line has your baby covered! This premier product line is redefining the newborn, gender neutral market with garments that are pink on one side, blue on the other.
Twotara, headquartered in Chicago, has launched an innovative line of garments and accessories by offering expectant moms an alternative to green and yellow. We have designed whimsical, yet sophisticated outfits that are gender specific…and right every time!
Pink or Blue... ready for you!

S.M.M. Review


Timi & Leslie Diaper Bag Review & #Giveaway! Oh Baby Baby! Registry Event!


Oh Baby Baby! I just gave birth to our third child, Baby L. on 11/1 and in honor of her birth, I have teamed up with Buddy Doo's Adventure-Roos & Little Angel on a Mission to feature some of our absolute must-have baby & mama items!

Today Features:



Remember when I introduced you all to the uber-stylish Timi & Leslie and the Abby Espresso back in September during our The BIG One First birthday event?  Well, I knew the moment I fell in love when them that they would make the best 'congrats for keeping your sanity this long!' mommy gift in celebration of your anniversary of becoming a mom, and you know I couldn't leave them out of our must-have picks for your baby registry and gift-giving!  I mean c'mon, its Timi & Leslie! Every single one of their bags are absolutely showoff worthy, drool-inducing beautiful.  Every mom deserves a Timi & Leslie diaper bag.
I'll never get tired of the boxes they come in.  It just screams excitement.  If there could be a party in a box shirt, this box is wearing it.

Gymboree Review! Oh Baby Baby! Registry Event!

Oh Baby Baby! I just gave birth to our third child, Baby L. on 11/1 and in honor of her birth, I have teamed up with Buddy Doo's Adventure-Roos & Little Angel on a Mission to feature some of our absolute must-have baby & mama items!

Today Features:



Remember when I checked out Gymboree for the first time during their BIG Red Balloon sale back in July?  Well they've released some pretty awesome holiday collections that I couldn't let ya'll miss out on!


What I love about Gymboree is that their collections are both fun and versatile.  They feature collections with the sweet and cozy classics like the Fair Isle Reindeer sweater and the adorable Silver Bells outfit, as well as fun and nontraditional collections like the Winter Peacock (seriously, click that link and check it out! GORGEOUS!) and London Lad.  I like that you can find both your winter wardrobe and your picture-perfect attire at one place....and be guaranteed to look good :)


Let's spill the beans! Here's what we hauled off on our holiday shopping spree:

Big 25th Anniversary Release and Free Downloadable Trading Cards!

source: www.eventbrite.com

How many of you love the movie Big?  It is probably one of my all-time favorite movies.  I just love watching the main character morph physically into an adult, but still be a child on the inside.  For me, it's a reminder to step back from being an "adult" and let my inner child shine through play and laughter! 

I have great news! Big 25th Anniversary became available on Blu-ray/DVD combo on December 10th courtesy of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Easy Healthy Holiday Eating Tips! Sponsored by Hyland's Homeopathy

 Disclaimer: I am a Hyland’s Homeopathy Ambassador and receive various products and gift cards from Hyland’s and promotional partners at no cost to me. All views and opinions expressed on this blog post and corresponding social network mentions are my own and are not to be interpreted as medical advice.
Holiday Time!  That means extra family, food and fun!  But, what it doesn't have to mean is extra pounds or calories. And believe me, when I say that I am a sweets addict and I love the holidays because they are full of yummy homemade ones that you just don't get any other time of the year.  And besides the sweets there are appetizers and homemade feasts galore! Are you like me and reach for everything else before the salad and then just fill that tiny slice of plate that is left with it, or just skip it because who wants salad mixed in with all of their food? If so, then I'll give you some insight into three methods that I find work the best for me all year long, but especially on the holidays.

1. Eat the salad/veggies and lean protein first.  

Yes, you read that right.  My best method for making sure I get those all important nutritious foods in during a big meal is to start my plate with those items that I know are good for me and I would likely under-portion myself in lieu of over-portioning the not so healthy items.  So, I pile on those veggies (no, corn is not a veggie and green bean casserole doesn't count!), salad (minimal dressing) and lean protein (fried chicken excluded!) to your plate and chow down.  Then, when you are finished, reward yourself with the rest of the meal and you will find that not only will you have fulfilled your body's need for nutrient filled foods, but you will feel fuller and be less likely to over-indulge in everything else!
Need some help figuring out what is a vegetable or lean protein? Below are some great resources:
How to Make Wise Protein Food Choices
What are Vegetables?

Join the Hyland's Holiday Challenge!

Disclaimer: I am a Hyland’s Homeopathy Ambassador and receive various products and gift cards from Hyland’s and promotional partners at no cost to me. All views and opinions expressed on this blog post and corresponding social network mentions are my own and are not to be interpreted as medical advice.

The holidays are upon us and we know what that means - lots of food, fun and family!  I love all three of these things, but the one thing that can really be a drag around the holidays is trying to stay healthy. As we all know, it's cold and flu season and although we can't avoid germs that cause illnesses, we can do our best to keep our bodies ready to fight off these germs and possibly avoid the illnesses from attacking us.  For me, one of the hardest things to do at the holidays is remember to eat healthy.  Eating healthy isn't just about avoiding too many sweets, but it's also about filling your plate with happy, healthy fruits, veggies and lean proteins and trying to avoid the starchy, sugary pitfall of holiday meals.  Trust me, I know it's hard! 
This is where your friends at Hyland's are here to help!

On December 9 Hyland’s will launch the Holiday Wellness Challenge Tab on Hyland’s Facebook where you can invent your own healthy challenge and sign up to receive encouraging tips, coupons and be eligible to win a gift basket of healthy Hyland’s products including the NEW Hyland’s DEFEND Severe Cold and Flu Powder. This is a special app that you can sign up for in order to participate that will give you access to these unique opportunities to help make your holiday a healthier one. 

Join Hyland's Holiday Challenge!

Day 2: Pinterest Challenge: Fancy Pancakes

Hello again!  As I stated in my Day 1 Pinterest Challenge post, I have decided to take on Pinterest and determine once and for all, can the average mom or person, who isn't truly crafty by nature, but has a desire to be, actually complete pins that look and sound easy?! Or is Pinterest the ultimate mom trap?!

Well, here we are at Day 2 and I have decided to take on a pin that I found a while ago and even bought the supplies for but never attempted.  It's a pin that showcases using squirt bottles to create pretty, delicate pancakes for your kids or anyone you love! Looks and sounds easy, right? Let's just see how I did....

Here is the link to the Pin I am attempting.


I used the pancake recipe suggested on the pin as it said it would be slightly thinner to ease the exit from the squeeze bottles.   It is located on Bite Delite.

Supplies: 

  • Plastic Squeeze Bottle
  • Pancake Batter
  • Plastic funnel (I didn't have one, but it would have made it a little easier)

Directions: 

Fill squeeze bottle with batter and create your fancy pancakes on a hot pan or griddle. Let them slightly brown on one side and then flip to the other for a few minutes.

Experience: 

Little Me Infant Clothing Review! Oh Baby Baby Registry Event!


Oh Baby Baby! I just gave birth to our third child, Baby L. on 11/1 and in honor of her birth, I have teamed up with Buddy Doo's Adventure-Roos & Little Angel on a Mission to feature some of our absolute must-have baby & mama items!

Today Features:

About Little Me (source: www.littleme.com)

At Little Me®, we create unique clothing that celebrates those fleeting years when newborns transform into young toddlers. At the heart of Little Me is this time of exploring and delight—the magical years of discoverhood. Our products let little ones be little—whether they’re napping, throwing cereal on the floor or crawling through deliciously muddy grass.
We are constantly developing innovative apparel, accessories and products that nurture discoverhood. We never use tweed, leather or any other “grown-up” material. We use fabrics like soft cotton, terrycloth and velour. We believe babies should always be comfortable, snuggly and safe, free to do what they do best: play, sleep and thrive. Everything we design allows babies to discover the world at their own pace. They’ll have plenty of time to dress like adults. After all, even the tiniest newborn will grow up soon. Let them—and yourself—enjoy the wonder while it lasts.

S.M.M. Review


We received a coordinating leopard print blanket and one piece size newborn outfit for review.
Immediately I loved how cute they both are! The pattern is girly but not overpowering or obnoxious. To be honest, I'm not usually a big fan of animal print, but this print is really pretty!  It has a delicate feel to it as the print is not too small or too big and the brown and pink contrast is really beautiful.  
The one piece outfit has some really wonderful features:

Santa Will Write: Letters from Santa


source: www.santawillwrite.com
Only 30 days until Christmas and if you have little ones that believe in Santa, I highly suggest you check out Santa Will Write!
This awesome company features fun personalized letters from Santa to your child that you can easily order and have delivered to your home. They feature a variety of packages that contain various letters, activities and fun stuff straight from the North Pole! With letters starting at just $9.95 there is something for everyone!

Below are some examples of what you can order and receive:
source: www.santawillwrite.com

Thomas & Friends: The Thomas Way DVD Review & #Giveaway

If you have a Thomas fan in your house, you have to check out the review and giveaway below from my friend at Little Angel on a Mission!

Available On DVD, Digital HD And Video On Demand December 3, 2013 From Lionsgate And HIT Entertainment
 

Street Date: 12/3/13

SRP: $14.98

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Clicky-clack down the tracks as Thomas and his engine friends learn to be Really Useful Engines in the all-new Thomas & Friends®: The Thomas Way available on DVD, Digital HD and Video on Demand December 3, 2013 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. Everyone’s favorite #1 True Blue Engine and his steam team learn that they must work together to stay on track and reach their destination! The DVD, including five great CGI-animated adventures plus a BONUS episode along with a game and puzzles, will be available for a suggested retail price of $14.98.

SYNOPSIS

Hop aboard for fun on Sodor as the engines find out that there is always something new to learn! While Thomas and Duck learn how to steam ahead together with a special delivery, Luke and Millie find out what it's like to drive in each other’s tracks - literally! Percy steams straight into a lucky encounter with Bill and Ben, Caitlin gets a lesson in how things are done and Paxton works hard to recover Thomas' lost puff. With so much activity on Sodor, it's always important to steam ahead and remember that the best way is the Thomas Way!

Episodes Include:

· “The Thomas Way

· “The Switch”

· “Percy's Lucky Day”

· “Calm Down Caitlin”

· “The Lost Puff”

My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow Review: Oh Baby Baby! Registry Event

Oh Baby Baby! I just gave birth to our third child, Baby L. on 11/1 and in honor of her birth, I have teamed up with Buddy Doo's Adventure-Roos & Little Angel on a Mission to feature some of our absolute must-have baby & mama items!

Today Features:

About My Brest Friend (source: www.mybrestfriend.com)

The first pillow specifically designed for breastfeeding. My Brest Friend was developed in a “laboratory” of new moms, babies, and breastfeeding experts who set out to do what no one had done before: create a pillow whose sole purpose was to answer all the needs of breastfeeding moms and babies. Spearheading the effort was inventor Andrew Zenoff, a bachelor who proved that sometimes the best ideas come from those who have just enough distance from a problem to imagine solutions that have never been considered before.First, Andrew and his team compiled a list of every complaint breastfeeding moms could think of with the existing pillows. The list ranged from lower back pain due to improper support, to poor latch-on, to babies “rolling” inward or away during the feeding due to using U-shaped pillows. This began a lengthy cycle of design and test, followed by redesign and retest until we had built over 50 prototypes in a single year. We poked, prodded, raised, lowered, tightened, loosened, shifted and adorned until, at last, we had a pillow that our mom testers loved so much, they couldn’t find a single way to improve upon it. Then, and only then, did we introduce My Brest Friend to mothers everywhere.16 years later: the pillow loved around the worldToday My Brest Friend’s patented wrap-around design has made fans in over 33 countries where it is sold, as well as being used in hundreds of NIC units and birthing hospitals. It is the #1 choice of lactation consultants and consistently earns raves among nursing mothers, many of whom tell us our pillow has helped them achieve longer holding and feeding cycles with their babies. My Brest Friend has helped millions of moms breastfeed their babies. Our stylish new prints and fabrics make My Brest Friend the perfect item to register for or give as a gift.

S.M.M. Review

Allergy Buyers Club Down Comforter Review & #Giveaway

Winter is quickly closing in on us and here in Chicago it is already COLD, COLD, COLD! When it's cold out I make sure we have our nice warm down comforter on the bed for keeping toasty on those cold nights. Read below a review by my friend at Open Hands of a wonderful down comforter and enter to win one of your own!
Brrr....baby it's cold outside!! Well, at least in our neck of the woods. There are some things I absolutely adore about this time of year. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite Holidays, pumpkin in any dessert is my absolute favorite, celebrating the birth of Christ and so much more. However...I am not a fan of the cold; but if it's going to be cold , I don't want to complain ; I want to find the perks of it. So...
Hot cocoa, fuzzy socks and snuggling up under a warm blanket. You may remember that a few weeks ago we were introduced to the company Allergy Buyers Club, you can read our initial review here. Allergy Buyers Club has a great variety of products, and we were sent a new comforter for our bed. Now, Hubs and I have been married for a little over 9 years now and we've had our share of comforters. Our favorite though was a down comforter we invested in years ago...sadly it went missing (I'm pretty sure it was "kidnapped" by a house guest...but that would be a story for another day). SO , I was thrilled when the Restful Nights- All Natural Down Comforter showed up on our doorstep.

Day 1: Pinterest Challenge - Kids Turkey Craft

We all know how fun it is to "pin" all over Pinterest, but how many of those ideas can the average person actually replicate? I mean, I have tried a handful of pins and can admit I have about a 50% success rate. Who really has the time to make some of that stuff?! Do the moms stay up all night or lock their children up while doing it?! Are there people whose only job is to create pin worthy crafts and recipes with the sole purpose of making the rest of us feel like failures half the time?!

With this on my mind. I've decided to challenge myself (while taking care of 2 toddlers and a newborn) and see how successful I can be at completing my favorite pins. I haven't picked a particular time frame for this challenge but the idea is to cross different types of pins (ie kids crafts, home remedies, recipes) and report back my success or failure here on the blog.

So, enjoy the ride, it's sure to be a bumpy one!

To start off, I selected something easy and fun to do with the kids and perfect for this time of year:

Turkey decorations!

Click here to see the pin.

Basically, the supplies are:

  • Toilet paper roll (I used paper towel roll cut in half)
  • Paper plate
  • Brown, red, orange, yellow paint
  • Construction paper
  • Craft googly eyes

Directions:

  1. Paint toilet paper roll brown for turkey head/ body
  2. Cut paper plate in half and paint it yellow, red, orange for the turkeys tail
  3. Let both dry and glue two googly eyes near top of toilet paper roll.
  4. Cut out triangle from orange or yellow construction paper and glue under eyes for beak.
  5. Glue back of body/head to front of tail (paper plate).

Experience:

Both kids easily painted the body/head brown. Then, they enjoyed painting the tails anyway they wished. The only limitation I gave them was the colors they could use. Otherwise, they both freely painted the tail and made it uniquely theirs. Once finished, we let them dry. We didn't have any craft googly eyes so I just painted the eyes on with white paint and made the centers the colors of the kids eyes. I also decided to paint yellow legs and feet on them for added fun.

Outcome:

I think this was a success as the kids are just shy of 2 and 4 years old so they aren't exactly painting experts but they really loved it!

Improvements?

The only thing I would do I'd trim down the paper towel roll halves a little so the tail would stick out above them, but otherwise it looks pretty close to me!

Verdict:

Enjoy today's post? Make sure you check back often for the next Pinterest Pass or Fail!

Also, while you are here, please take just a moment and vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs! Thanks so much!

 

Velata Raclette Fondue Review & #Giveaway

The holidays are upon us and with that comes the fun (and burden) of entertaining. I always find the biggest challenge is planning a meal that's fun for everyone yet doesn't require me to spend all night in the kitchen, away from the fun. Below is a review and giveaway of a great kitchen appliance for entertaining by my friend at Open Hands!
The Holidays are all about bringing people together, and I truly believe one of the best ways to connect with someone is over a meal. Think about it...a first date and you're so careful about what you order, how big of bites you take, you pray that nothing is stuck between your teeth. Then it happens, you're married and you eat your meal laughing without a care in the world of how that food gets in your mouth. Right? That's what happens when we are comfortable with someone, we can enjoy a meal and have fun ; with no nerves.
So, I love having people over for meals. I just think its a great way to connect & I love to entertain. So I was really excited to see that Velata has come out with a new product to make entertaining even more fun. You might remember a little over a year ago I did a review for this great company and their fondue warmers. You can read that review here. Consultant Anna Lessard, has been kind enough to work with me again and share this fabulous new Velata Raclette with us.

If you didn't watch that video, stop reading and go watch! Really, you must see this thing in action. .....

 

Ok, now that you're back, let me tell you. This thing really is great. When I first saw the video above it kind of reminded me of the Melting Pot, which is one of our favorite places to eat; but the nearest one is over an hour away so we just really don't have the chance to go. To be able to have this experience at home, sounded perfect to me!

 

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil #Giveaway

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil Giveaway

32 OZ Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil
 
Coconut Oil is great for a ton of things!  From cooking to nursing a baby, it has versatile uses all over your home.  Below is a giveaway of Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil hosted by my blogger friend at Little Angel on a Mission.  Be sure to read her full review and enter to win some of your own!
Vote for me @ Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory
A while back, Little Angel on a Mission received a 32 oz jar of the Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil to review. She absolutely loved it and now has the chance to giveaway a jar to one lucky reader!! You can read her review here. 

•       Tropical Traditions Home Page: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com
•       Gold Label Product Page: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/virgin_coconut_oil.htm
•       What is Virgin Coconut Oil: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/what_is_virgin_coconut_oil.htm
•       How to Use Coconut Oil: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/how-to-use-coconut-oil.htm

Enter to win below!

Connect with Tropical Traditions:
Facebook|Twitter|Pinterest|Google+

Purchase here online.
 
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Disclaimer: If this is a product review, I received a free sample to facilitate my review. No monetary compensation was provided. All opinions are completely my own. My participation is voluntary. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255:"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."  Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. “If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.”

*Savy Mommy Moments did not receive any form of compensation for posting and promoting this review/giveaway.

Go Mama Go Designs Review & #Giveaway: Oh Baby Baby! Registry Event!


Oh Baby Baby! I just gave birth to our third child, Baby L. on 11/1 and in honor of her birth, I have teamed up with Buddy Doo's Adventure-Roos & Little Angel on a Mission to feature some of our absolute must-have baby & mama items!

Today Features:



Our Mission: Educating parents about crib bumper safety...

Go Mama Go Designs was started by moms armed with a mission to create a safecozy sleep environment for infants. We also believe that you don't have to compromise fashion for safety!




Go Mama Go Designs