When my husband and I found out that we were expecting a boy, I immediately turned to him and said, “Well, we’ll be saving a lot of money because I won’t be buying tons of dresses and accessories.” It turned out that this was only partly true because my husband, whom I lovingly refer to as a metrosexual, loves accessorizing his wardrobe with bright, patterned socks and funky shoes (Puma only), in fact, family members jokingly refer to [funky socks and shoes] as ‘Sean Shoes’. It made perfect sense when we decided that crazy socks and shoes would be our son Declan’s ‘statement pieces’.
Clek: A Marriage of Form, Function…and Foonf [in Car Seat (Safety)]
The name “Clek” came about when asking a kindergarten class what they thought the sound of fastening a seat belt made. Most of the kids said “click”, but one little boy said “clek”. The brand development team thought that that was pretty accurate, and hence the name was born.
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Foonf Travel by tokidoki |
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High vantage point & easy-to-adjust headrest w/ deep side wings |
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The Clek Foonf features an anti-rebound bar in rear-facing position |
And another view from the door side:
- Extended rear facing (until age four)
- Anti-rebound bar in rear facing position (our infant seat had this feature)
- REACT Safety System
- Form+Function — the Foonf is a sexy-looking car seat!
- Higher base = better view
- Narrow-width profile creates more wiggle room and an open/unconstrained feel
- Fun design and color(s) are visually appealing – this is not your mother’s car seat!
*After publishing my initial review, I was informed that Clek makes travel easy with the Clek Weelee, a wheeled travel bag/carrier designed to easily transport your seat.
*This post contains affiliate links.
Road Tripping in the RECARO Performance RIDE #RECARORoadTrip
I am excited to share our #RECARORoadTrip experience with you today! What is the #RECARORoadTrip, you ask?
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RECARO Performance RIDE |
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The RECARO Performance RIDE sits higher in the car, allowing for a better view |
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Yarn Bomb! |
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Attman’s Deli |
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Patterson Park |
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The lights on 34th Street |
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Exploring 34th Street |
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Bushed after a busy day! |
After our long day, Declan was asleep just minutes after starting on the drive home. While the headrest provides valuable side impact protection, the memory foam also serves as a soft cushion for your little one’s head!
Simply put, the RECARO Performance RIDE is the perfect seat for running errands around town and taking long road trips. RECARO proves that safety and comfort can coexist in a car seat, without sacrificing form or function. Here are our favorite features:
Nüby Bath Time: Octopus Floating Bath Toy (Review)
One of the great things about being a Nüby Mom Blogger is that they send me fun products for Declan to try, and this octopus is no exception. Designed for toddlers, 18 months and older, Nüby’s Octopus Floating Toy is guaranteed to provide bath time fun for your little one.
*Product was sent to me, at no cost to myself, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Ella’s Kitchen: It’s What’s In Declan’s Kitchen
- no extra salt or sugars are added
- no additives
- only organic ingredients are used, no GMOs
- use only fruit and vegetable purees, no concentrates
Smart Bottoms Cloth Diapers = Smart Diapering!
*I was provided product, at no charge to myself, in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links.
The Smart Bottoms Smart One 3.0 is a diaper I kept hearing a buzz about, so naturally I was curious to try a Smart One 3.0 on my little guy. I was delighted to have the opportunity to review the Smart One 3.0, and I was sent one of their bright and beautiful color combinations to try: Juliet.
There are so many smart features about the Smart Bottoms Smart One 3.0, that make cloth diapering functional, fun, and stylish! The Smart One 3.0 is a one-size diaper with 4 rise settings, fitting babies from 8-35 pounds; for the average-sized baby, the Smart One is the only cloth diaper you will need to take you from birth to potty training. The PUL outer shell keeps wetness in, while the organic cotton inner and ten-layer soaker make sure that moisture is absorbed and distributed without irritating baby’s sensitive skin.
Since I have a boy, I need all of the absorbency I can get in the front of the diaper, which is why the Smart Bottoms Smart One 3.0‘s attached soaker is my favorite feature.
I’m able to fold the soaker in the front, for maximum absorbency, which alleviates unnecessary bulk in the back of the diaper (which you often have in all-in-ones). The Smart One’s attached soaker maintains a trim fit, without sacrificing absorbency, and allows for a quicker drying time (major bonus in my opinion).
The fit of the Smart One 3.0 is another feature that makes this diaper a winner for us, it’s almost as though this diaper was made specifically for Declan. Two rows of snaps for the waist tabs anchor the waistband in place, without being too snug or digging into Declan; I often have to snap the waist tightly, with other diapers, to prevent a gap in the front waist. The fit in the legs is perfect for a mobile baby, with fleece covering the elastic and preventing chafing (in the lower right corner you can see the chafing caused by D’s previous diaper).
In a nutshell, the Smart Bottoms Smart One 3.0:
- is 100% made in the USA (bonus!)
- has a trim fit
- features an attached organic cotton soaker, allowing you to adjust where you need the most absorbency
- the attached organic cotton soaker makes for a much quicker drying time than most AIO diapers
- comes in an array of fun colors combinations and prints (diaper style is important, after all)
I have to say that the Smart One definitely lived up to its reputation. Not only am I pleased with the performance of this diaper, but I am also impressed by the quality workmanship and the vivid colors and patterns available. If I had to start my cloth diaper stash from scratch, Smart Bottom Smart Ones would definitely make up a good part of my collection.
For more information about Smart Bottoms diapers, visit www.smartbottoms.com. To find out the latest product news, you can connect with Smart Bottoms via Facebook and Twitter.
Interested in purchasing Smart Bottoms diapers? You can order yours HERE.
Do you own a Smart One? What is YOUR favorite feature?
The Little Bee Co.: Cloth With a Cause
* I was sent product, at no cost to myself, in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was delighted to have the opportunity to work with The Little Bee Co., sharing both their amazing mission and talking about their wonderful cloth diapers! The Little Bee Co. is actually ‘local’ to me, just an hour-and-a-half away, but their impact is global in nature.
The Little Bee Co.’s mission is: Bee changed and change the world. According to Little Bee Co., “Along with providing a quality diaper, our passion is to help children in need and bring an awareness to the orphan crisis consuming the world today.” What exactly does this mean? Well, it goes far beyond the scope of cloth diapers, that’s for sure. When you make the choice to purchase a Little Bee Co. cloth diaper, you are being economical, helping the environment, AND you are helping children around the world. The Little Bee Co. makes it unbelievably easy to give to give, they do the work for you!
How does it work? Well, The Little Bee Co. has one of the most generous cloth diaper donation programs I’ve come across, donating one diaper to a child in need for each diaper they sell. Let me repeat, The Little Bee Co. has a 1-1 matching system, which means that for each diaper you purchase from them, they will match your purchase and donate diapers to an organization in need. Recently, The Little Bee Co. had one of the most amazing Black Friday cloth diaper deals I’ve seen, as they ran a Buy 2, Get 1 Free deal that extended to matching, meaning that the free diapers customers received were matched and donated!
Now that we know that The Little Bee Co. is a noble company with a wonderful mission, I’m sure you’re wondering how their diapers perform. For review purposes, I was asked to choose a color, which is another interesting thing about The Little Bee Co. Each color/design is representative of a country with children/babies in need. I chose the Bee Changed Microsuede OS Pocket w/ microfiber inserts in Polk’ish Dot, honoring my Polish heritage (my grandmother came to the US from Poland in the early 1900s), and The Little Bee Co. added a Bee Changed OS All-in-One in American Meadow, symbolic of my heritage and my present cultural identity.
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My beautifully packaged diapers w/ detergent sample |
My review diaper is the Bee Changed Microsuede One Size Pocket diaper in Polk’ish Dot. Having a boy, the soaker design is perfect, with the ability to fold one end over and secure with snaps (this is perfect for putting towards the front of the diaper where it gets the wettest), and the choice to attach another smaller, contoured soaker (newborn) to that of the larger for added absorbency. With a 17 month-old, I go all in, doubling up the soakers for maximum absorbency. For those of you that stuff your diaper (I just lay the soaker in the diaper with a fleece liner on top), the opening in the back is elasticized and helps to hold the insert in place.
I’m using the Bee Changed All-in-One to illustrate the snap design. As a one-size diaper, there are two rows of snaps to adjust sizing. Two rows of snaps on the tabs secure the diaper in place. One of my favorite features of the Bee Changed Pocket is the elasticized front waist, which creates a snug fit; I can’t tell you how many times my son has peed straight out of the top of his diaper! The elastic keeps the diaper nice and close to the body, which is great when you have a
boy.
The fit takes a little getting used to (I’m not used to having elastic in the front), but I think Bee Changed diapers are great choice for chunky babies (Declan’s on the leaner side and has plenty of room in these diapers). If you melt at the sight of fluffy bums, The Little Bee Co. diapers don’t disappoint!
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The AIO doesn’t have front elastic |
From mission, to function, to fit, The Little Bee Co. does it right! To purchase your own Bee Changed diapers, and to change the life of other babies across the globe, you can visit: www.thelittlebeeco.com. To find out the latest news, you can connect with The Little Bee Co. on Facebook and Twitter.
Does your little one(s) sport Bee Changed diapers or swimmers? Please share your thoughts with others by commenting below!
Diaper Rite One Size AIO – Quality Cloth Diapers at a Budget-Friendly Price
*This post contains affiliate links.
Cloth diapering takes an initial lump sum investment, but you are sure to see the returns in your savings over time. Many people are unable to drop $300-$500 on diapers in a sitting, but thankfully there are other options. Those budget friendly options are typically prefolds and flats – nothing to sneeze at as we diapered, almost exclusively, with prefolds for Declan’s first year. I love prefolds, and even wrote about why I preferred them, but they became a pain when D began to wriggle and squirm non-stop in the changing pad. Over the summer, I wrote about my dream diaper stash, on multiple budgets, but this amazing diaper was not yet available at the time: the Diaper Rite One-Size All-in-One. I like this diaper SO much that I’m going to have to go back and amend that post to reflect that!
After one wash, I tried the Diaper Rite AIO on Declan, and left it on for a bit longer than I usually do (when I test diapers, I leave them on for a minimum of 3 hours, despite me regularly changing D’s [pee] diapers every 2 hours). I was so amazed by this diaper’s performance, that I contacted my Diaper Junction rep and let her know that this diaper was a WORKHORSE! Well, not really, my exact words were: Julie, the Diaper Rite AIO is a BEAST! I love when my theories are proven wrong, and the Diaper Rite AIO completely shattered my initial opinion of this budget diaper. Admittedly, I was a
skeptic when I saw the price ($11.95), despite the wonderful reputation Diaper Junction’s Diaper Rite products have.
So, the basics. The Diaper Rite One-Size All-in-One features a microfiber inner, sewn into the cover lining and another microfiber soaker flap that is attached at one end. This is one of my favorite features because it allows this diaper to air dry in just hours. Nothing is worse that running a full dryer cycle, or hanging diapers on the line for an entire day, only to discover that some of your diapers are still damp inside (I fear developing mold issues).
The Diaper Rite OS AIO also features an additional hip snap, which is my husband’s favorite feature (he calls it the ‘anchor’ snap). The second snap makes daddy diaper changes a breeze, by providing an ‘anchor’ snap to quickly hold the diaper in place during changes.
Another of my favorite features is that, while fitting babies from 8-35 pounds, this is not a bulky diaper. It’s actually one of the trimmest AIOs I’ve encountered that doesn’t sacrifice absorbency for a trim fit. With 12 vibrant colors to choose from, you can build your entire stash from Diaper Rite One-Size All-in-Ones and not get tired of looking at the same diapers (trust me, I have 10 AIOs of another brand in cream & sage green – BORING).
The bulletpoints:
- affordably priced at $11.95
- great color selection
- trim fit
- extremely absorbent (I recommend this diaper for heavy wetters)
- air dries in just a few hours
If you’re looking to add a few more AIOs to your current stash, or build a stash from scratch without breaking your wallet, head over to Diaper Junction and pick up the Diaper Rite One-Size All-in-Ones! While you’re add it, sign up for their newsletter and rewards program to take advantage of frequent specials. You can connect with Diaper Junction via Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Hyland’s Taste & Soothe Event!
*I received product, at no charge, to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed are my own.
As the mother of an extremely active toddler, I rarely have time for myself. I’ve talked about the small changes I’m trying to make to take care of ME, and my health is one of those non-negotiable areas – if I get sick, the whole household is thrown into a tailspin. Simply put, I don’t have the time to get sick. But, life happens, and when I do get sick, I know to make the most of the little downtime/me-time that I get so that I can recuperate much faster.
In an ironic twist, Hyland’s sent me a Cold & Flu Care Package to sample…and I ended-up with a sinus infection the weekend I was to test it. I was delighted to be selected for this opportunity (not the sinus infection), as we are a Hyland’s Homeopathic family. When I was pregnant, my midwife recommended I use Calms Forte´ to help with sleep (which it did, and still does), and we use Hyland’s Teething Tablets when Declan has new teeth coming in. In August, we began using the children’s Cold ‘N Cough Remedy for D when he contracted a cold with a nasty cough; we had noticeable results at nighttime (read: we all slept better!) when we gave Declan Hyland’s Cold ‘N Cough Remedy. I am not a fan of taking medication for symptoms, especially since I’m still nursing, but there are times that I just need a little relief…and Hyland’s makes that choice easy for me.
As I said, the timing of this care package couldn’t have been better, as I sit here writing this with a box of tissues on one side and a steaming mug of Hyland’s DEFEND Severe Cold & Flu on the other. I typically enjoy a cup of mild/herbal tea, with honey and lemon, when I’m under the weather. Hyland’s came to the rescue! Hyland’s DEFEND Severe Cold & Flu is very similar in taste to an herbal tea with honey and lemon. The first time I tried the drink, I was surprised by how good the ‘remedy’ actually tasted, as I’ve tried other cold & flu drinks in the past (and had to hold my nose to choke them down). I will say, however, that the full packet, for me, was a little strong and sweet-tasting, so I’ve been enjoying my DEFEND Severe Cold & Flu by making half to three-quarters of a packet at a time, with similar symptom relief. There’s something inherently restorative about an aromatic hot beverage! I tend to have a sore throat, pressure and congestion with a sinus infection, and Hyland’s DEFEND Severe Cold & Flu is helping to ease those symptoms.
DEFEND Severe Cold & Flu helped to ease my sore throat, and helped to clear some of my congestion. I found the taste to be smooth and calming, just like my herbal tea. The fuzzy socks and box of tissues that came with the pack helped seal the deal, aiding me in pampering and comforting myself while sick. While I’m still under the weather, I’m definitely on-the-mend, and enjoying the few moments I have to relax with a mug of Hyland’s DEFEND Severe Cold & Flu.
To find out the latest news and products from Hyland’s Homeopathic, you can connect with them on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and PINTEREST.
In preparation for cold and flu season, Hyland’s is offering one of my readers the opportunity to win a Hyland’s DEFEND Severe Cold & Flu Care Package of his/her own! The giveaway will run from Monday, October 21st through Monday, October 28th. But, the FUN doesn’t end there! At the end of the giveaway, Hyland’s will be partnering with Sampler to host a Facebook event that will end in 1,000 lucky winners! I’ll let you know what you need to do, but you’ll need to stay tuned to my blog and my Facebook page – more details will be shared when the winner is announced on Monday, 10/28! Good luck!
SIDS: Back is Best! HALO Sleep Sack
*I was provided a product, free of charge, for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.
HALO Innovation’s SleepSack® wearable blankets have become the standard for hospital nurseries and parents alike. In fact, 1,000 hospital nurseries use the HALO SleepSack Swaddle instead of blankets through the HALO Safer Way to Sleep Initiative. HALO Innovations also offers free Safe Sleep Practices kits to childbirth educators to help further the cause of SIDS prevention.
I’ve posted previously about the importance of safe sleep practices/creating a safe sleep environment and ensuring that you have a safe mattress for your little one. Today I’m going to share with you one of the items we’ve had as part of our safe sleep routine from the very beginning: the HALO SleepSack.
As I stated before, SIDS was on my radar before I was ever pregnant. When we were preparing for Declan’s arrival, not only did we ensure that his sleep environment was safe, but we also purchased sleepwear that was conducive to safe sleep practices. We started Declan off in the 2-in-1 Swaddle, which he loved; we were all sorry to see it go when our pediatrician said that it was time to ditch the swaddle – it was an adjustment period for everyone! From there, we put D in the SleepSack Wearable Blanket, one HALO brand and a couple of others in different brands. The SleepSacks worked well for us and I felt comforted knowing that Declan had just the right amount of coverage for nighttime – not too hot, not too cold. Once D became mobile, we once again had to abandon the sleep sacks, but it coincided with a warmer time of year.
Fast forward to this fall. Temperatures began falling, but Declan is now walking. In researching information for SIDS Awareness month, HALO popped-up and I discovered that HALO made SleepSacks for mobile Toddlers – the HALO SleepSack Early Walker!
We were fortunate enough to receive our microfleece Early Walker in the Robot print, one of the new designs released last month. So, what differentiates the Early Walker from other HALO SleepSacks? Foot openings that allow for mobility:
The Early Walker features openings for your little one’s feet so that s/he can walk around while in his/her wearable blanket. I will add that these SleepSacks run a bit large – Declan is a 24 pound, 32 inch 15 month old and he swims in the 18 month size. I am, however, able to roll up the legs to shorten them; it’s not a huge deal as D is only in his pajamas for sleep, not for play. I like that the SleepSack is sleeveless, allowing for more temperature regulation. There is a great deal of room in the bottom of the SleepSack, making it virtually impossible for your little one to kick off the blanket once his/her feet are inside. Most of all, I like the piece of mind the HALO SleepSack provides me. While Declan is 15 months old, I still worry about having a blanket in his crib with him, and am glad that HALO has the Early Walker. I you’re looking for a safe way to keep your little one warm at night this fall and winter, give HALO microfleece SleepSacks a try!
For the latest news, designs, and styles, you can connect with HALO on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest. During the month of October, HALO will donate $1 to SIDS Awareness for every new Facebook “like”.
HALO is giving one lucky reader the chance to win their own snuggly microfleece SleepSack! You can enter to win in the form below: