If you have a little guy in your home who is getting to the age where everything goes "zoom!" and "VROOM", then you probably have loads of cars and trucks for him to play with. My son is 21 months and has just really become fascinated with those little matchbox cars. He will have one in his hand at any given time of the day...including bedtime! We have a horrible time keeping track of them too. They go EVERYWHERE! I fish them out from under furniture, my piano, piles of shoes and toys and beds. It is nice to have toys like these though to help him develop his sense of boy hood. Having a big sister around means that there are loads of dollies, strollers, ribbons and a barrettes but not many toys for boys. This is the other reason I am glad for little cars and trucks for Jacob. He just LOVES them!
In keeping with our baby shower theme, I have a great company to introduce you to that carries not only newborn and infant products, but also toddler toys! I received many toys for my first baby at my shower and it was nice to be able to pull them out when my daughter was old enough for them.
Hello Baby is a UK based company that offers a plethora of products for both babies and toddlers. Whatever you are looking for, Hello Baby probably has it for you! Here is a bit more about this company...
At Hello Baby we love quality, fun and practical baby and nursery products. Our company is based in historical St Albans, UK. We also care for the environment and stock a range of ethical baby products such as reusable nappies and organic skincare. We work hard to provide an excellent level of customer service.
We stock a fantastic selection of baby and nursery stuff in our online shop including furniture, feeding equipment, toys, activities, safety and travel stuff, all at great prices. Shipping is FREE over £50 to mainland UK addresses and most items are shipped within 24 hours. We deliver worldwide.
I really love that they stock brand name items such as Lamaze, Little Tykes, Safety 1st and many others. Having brand names also makes shopping convenient and fast if you are looking for a specific type of product.
So, for this review I was sent a Brio Classic Wooden Car for my son. I knew it would be perfect for him and would really add a nice touch to his growing collection of cars.
It arrived very promptly and I opened it for him right away. This car is not a tiny little car either...it is big enough for him to hold and carry around. I love how the wheels have nice treads on them too!! Awesome! The whole "build" of the car is very durable and seems like it will last a long time for us, which is great.
My little guy was very anxious to get his little hands on this car and as soon as I gave it to him he was zooming it all over my house. I got a few pictures of him enjoying it and as you can see, he LOVES it!
The only problem we had was trying to keep big sister away from it so Jacob could play with it in peace! :) He was (and still is) VERY protective of his Brio Classic Wooden Car! Oh, and this car FLIES when it is pushed across the floor. He was chasing it from one end of my house to the other and it kept him occupied for quite a while!
When daddy got home from work on the day we opened Jacob's car, he also loved playing with it! Good to know that toys not only entertain children, but adults too! :)
The Brio Classic Wooden Car - Blue is available from the online nursery shop Hello Baby. Hello Baby also sells a wide range of other baby and nursery stuff including Baby Toys, nursery furniture, baby travel and baby safety products. If you would like to keep up with Hello Baby on their social media platforms, it is simple to do! Like them on Facebook and connect with them on Twitter so you don't miss anything new and exciting that they are offering.
So, in my opinion...Hello Baby has some awesome products! I love the Brio Classic Wooden Car that I was sent for my son and he loves it as well! It is durable, easy to handle and very fast too. This would make a great gift for a mom-to-be who is expecting a boy...she could pack it away until he is old enough to use it and from that point on, it will definitely be a favorite toy for him! I would definitely recommend this company to anyone looking to purchase high quality toys and gifts for newborns and toddlers.
Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a Brio Classic Wooden Car for review purposes. All quotes and stock photos are from the Hello Baby website and email. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.
When my children are born, I have found that the one way I can get them to sleep soundly is if I hold them. I don't believe that you can spoil a newborn...ever. I also believe that having mom at arm's reach is the best for baby. I don't co-sleep unless I am beyond tired and really need the sleep. Then, my babies are right next to me. Have you ever noticed that the times a newborn is most calm (MOST of the time) is when they are close to mom? There is a reason for this and that reason is bonding. Babies know their mom's scent even before they are born...isn't that incredible? Just as they can see, hear and feel in the womb, they can also smell. They know mom's voice at birth and recognize her smell as well. This is one of the reasons I stay away from perfume when I am giving birth or just coming home with a new baby. I don't want the baby to be confused with different scents...I want them to know me.
Well, if you are the parent of a preemie or a baby that needs to be separated from you for any reason at all, then you are going to love this next product that I am reviewing for my Baby Shower Gift Guide!
Snoedels are blankets that are used for comfort and bonding in newborns and infants. They are made out of 100% cotton flannel and the head is stuffed with pure, clean and carded sheep's wool. First developed by a Dutch woman, the Snoedel was created for a friend who had a premature infant in hopes that the infant would thrive by smelling the scent of his mother. "Snoedel" is Dutch for "snuggle" and this makes perfect sense!
Here is a bit more about Snoedel and how it can help you and your baby cope with moments of separation...
Snoedels bring comfort as “aromatherapy of the very best kind - the scent of a mom”. They are designed specifically to absorb and retain a mother’s (or father’s) scent. Then when held or placed near a newborn or infant the scent is slowly released to comfort the baby, thus improving sleep, aiding in bonding, and soothing a baby’s crying or distress. A parent (preferably the mother) should sleep with the soft Snoedel for a couple of nights prior to giving the Snoedel to the baby. Snoedels can be “infused” this way before the baby is born, especially if a premature birth is anticipated, so that the baby can be given the Snoedel soon after birth when taken from mom and placed in an incubator.
I have never had a baby in the NICU, nor have I ever had to leave a baby in the hospital for any reason but I know people who have and this product would have been perfect for them!
So, for this review I was sent a Unisex Pastel Snoedel to touch, feel and "get to know". As you all know I have a baby due in just 4 short weeks and am very excited to try out this blanket at that time.
This blanket is SUPER soft and cuddly. I can see why it would be needed for a preemie or newborn. Their skin is so delicate and needs to be handled so carefully, I would have no problem putting a Snoedel next to a sleeping baby. Snoedels measure about 18" by 18"...as you can see in the above photo, it is a good size.
I also love the detailed stitching along the edges...isn't it pretty? The fact that this blanket is for a boy or a girl also comes in handy as I do not know what sex baby I am having. :) Works out fine for me! Oh yes, and it is also noteworthy to mention that all Snoedels are handmade right here in the USA, in newborn friendly environments containing no tobacco or perfumes!
Snoedel's come in a variety of colors and patterns and you can also purchase sets containing a Snoedel and a baby blanket. The price for a Snoedel is $25.95 and the sets retail for $41.95.
Make sure you also check out Snoedel on Facebook and give them a shout on Twitter too! They will be very glad that you did. :)
So, in my opinion...Snoedel is such a cute and innovative product! I love how soft and snuggly it is and how it works to keep your baby close to you. If you or someone you know currently has or has had a preemie, then you know how important the bonding process is. Snoedel takes the guess-work out of making sure your baby knows you and feels you close to them. I would definitely recommend this product to any new parent...for now and for down the road. You won't regret giving your baby the best start that they can get!
Now for the fun part...one of my readers has the opportunity to WIN a Snoedel for themselves...their choice!! A HUGE thank you to the sponsor for this wonderful giveaway. Here are your entry options...
Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a Snoedel for review purposes. All quotes and stock photos are from the Snoedel website and email. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.
My husband and I started a tradition on our tenth wedding anniversary. We really like to watch the Travel Channel together, thanks to our direct tv boise, and we always dream about taking trips to the exotic places we see on there. My husband had the idea that for every fifth wedding anniversary, we take a trip to somewhere we saw on the Travel Channel. I did not think we could afford to spend that kind of money traveling, but my husband came up with a plan that would involve us saving money in between each trip so that we would have the money to spend when it was time for the trip. For our first trip, we decided to go to Paris. I have always wanted to go to Paris and although it was not my husband’s first choice, he agreed and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. It was so romantic and there were so many famous sites that we were able to see. We were gone for 10 days and we probably could have stayed for a month without seeing everything I wanted to see. I cannot wait until our next trip.
I am a huge advocate of breastfeeding. Always have been, probably always will be. Not only do I advocate breastfeeding, I also advocate breastfeeding in public. Why? Because you and I eat in public, why shouldn't a baby when they are hungry? Now, I am NOT for just flipping out a breast and showing the whole world your breastfeeding techniques without covering. Modesty while nursing has always been a HUGE deal with me and having breastfed two children, I know how hard it can be to stay modest while breastfeeding. When I stumbled upon this next company, I was thrilled beyond thrilled with how their nursing covers looked. I felt the need to include this company in my baby shower gift guide event because I believe EVERY nursing mom should have one of these covers. As you will see, they are very different from others but also very modest and practical at the same time!
Covillow is a company that makes unique nursing covers that are a cover with a pillow attached for extra comfort for baby! When I first found Covillow my first thought was "WOW! Look at how much of the mom is completely covered!" Pretty astounding and very amazing! Here is a bit more about this company and it's founder, Candice Boehm (a breastfeeding mom herself!)...
Covillow, LLC was established in 2010 by Candice Boehm, a stay at home mom and experienced breastfeeding mother of two, on a mission to change the way the public and mothers perceived breastfeeding in public. Being a modest mom that still wanted to breastfeed anywhere, anytime, conventional breastfeeding covers on the market inadequately provided privacy for her sides and the small of her back while lifting up her shirt to breastfeed. She also carried a popular nursing pillow with her to make her breastfeeding experience more comfortable for her and her baby while out and about. Bringing multiple breastfeeding items on the go in addition to everything she needed for her and her children for a trip somewhere became cumbersome and frustrating. This is when Candice had the idea to design one item that provided privacy in public, the comforts of nursing at home with the convenience of bringing only one item with you while on the go.
The Covillow, and its patented design, is the first and only of its kind, and gives breastfeeding mothers the privacy, comfort and convenience they need to confidently breastfeed in public. The name Covillow, pronounced cuvillow, combines the words cover and pillow together, and is the first product for Covillow, LLC. We are proud to say our products are handmade with love in the USA.
Candice faced the same problems that I and other nursing mothers face...modesty. I currently have a nursing cover that slings over my head and covers me in the front. But, I have experienced very "busy" babies while nursing that love to fling the cover up and be nosy while eating. If I had a cover that went completely around me and was more secure, how much better that would be for me!
So, for this review I was sent a Covillow and the design I chose was Happy Blossoms. When my Covillow arrived, my first impression was how small it looked. It was in a cylinder shaped bag and looked very compact.
When I pulled the cover out however, it was HUGE!!! In order to give you an idea of how large it really is, I laid it over a chair in my living room. It is not a small piece of cloth, nor is it thin and cheaply made. This cover is THE cover that you are going to want! (The square at the bottom of the cover is the pillow).
This cover is unique in that it has a pillow attached on the underside that your baby can lay on while nursing. This can really come in handy as well because with the baby laying on it, it secures the cover OVER the baby so they cannot pull it off.
I also love this pillow because the pillow itself is removable and you can go with or without it. This feature also makes washing the cover easy. Just pull the pillow out of the cover and you are all set. This also comes in handy if you are really wanting to make the cover less bulky to fit into a purse or tiny diaper bag for small outings.
So, the next thing that I did was to try this cover on! I have a long torso and I am tall, so having enough coverage is important for me and difficult to do. Above, you can see what this cover looks like on me from the front. As you can see, it covers me completely in the front. There is also boning in around the neckline so you can peek in and see your baby.
Now, here is the back view...I love how it goes all the way down my back. No problems with coverage there!
This is what I am most excited about. Look at the sides! The Covillow covers my whole arm and is stitched so it fits over my arms and body. This means that when I nurse, no one will see in my sides, back or front. (The huge bump is the pillow resting on my 36 week pregnant belly...don't I look HUGE with a pillow there too? HA HA!).
The Covillow comes in four different patterns/colors: Happy Blossoms, Peaceful Periwinkle, Tranquil Tangerine and Turquoise Dream. Each cover retails for $59.95.
So, in my opinion...Covillow is by far, my most favorite nursing cover EVER. I love how it covers each and every angle of my upper body while allowing tons of room for a baby. I also love the pillow that is attached and can be removed. This is so convenient! I would (and will...can't wait to show my Covillow to my Doula!!) and will recommend Covillow to any mom who wants a more private option to public breastfeeding. This would make a pretty awesome baby shower gift for a first-time-mom...what a confidence booster to encourage the most wonderful and bonding time of a new mom's life-breastfeeding. AMAZING product! :)
Candice, the owner of Covillow has very graciously offered to give away one of these fantastic nursing covers to one of my readers...in the winner's choice of color! THANK YOU Candace for this awesome opportunity! Readers, here are your entry options!
Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a Covillow Nursing Cover for review purposes. All quotes and stock photos are from the Covillow website and email. Prize is being provided and shipped by the sponsor. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.
Hello everyone and welcome to my second post that is dedicated to my Baby Shower Gift Guide Event! So glad you stopped by!
Anyway, today was a pretty busy and tiring day for me. I did a friend a HUGE favor and baby sat her 3 children for 6 hours. Between my 2 children and her 3, I had 5 children under the age of 7...which made for one crazy day. I could not believe how exhausted I felt at the end of my babysitting adventure. I knew I could survive the day but was unsure as to how I would feel afterwards. Believe me...at just about 36 weeks pregnant, this momma was tired. At the end of my day if I am feeling especially tired, I like to take a bit of "me time" and pamper my weary body. This next company that I am going to introduce to you all today offers such a lovely line of pregnancy skin care products that are sure to give you the comfort, pampering and relaxation that you deserve!!
Mama Mio is a skin care company that was founded in London. Their skin care products are unique and very different as they cater to not only pregnant women, but also any woman looking to give her skin the best in care and nourishment. Containing no nasty chemicals, Mama Mio's products are especially designed with women's skin in mind. Before I continue on with this review, here is a bit more about this company and the lovely ladies who founded it...
Founded in London by 4 beauty experts, Mama Mio is a very personal creation. Our skincare expertise gives us the know-how, but first and foremost we are 4 women who want to feel good in our skin. We selfishly create each product to solve the skincare issues that we want to overcome, using the very best ingredients at their highest potency to ensure that every product really works. We believe that, whatever your shape, your age or your stage, if your skin looks FIT, toned, nourished and glowing - you will feel and look your most gorgeous.
Right now, my current "stage", if you will, is VERY pregnant. I wish I had found Mama Mio earlier in my pregnancy as I could really have benefited from the pregnancy line of products that they offer. But, as I have heard, their pregnancy offerings can be used AFTER my expectancy as well so I am good to go!
So, for this review I was sent their Pregnancy Essentials Kit and I was very excited to try out these lovely products! Inside of my box of goodies I found three amazing tubes of creams...all created to help me enjoy my pregnancy more. This box contains:
*Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer
*Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter
*Lucky Legs Rapid Relief for Heavy Legs and Feet
After showering this evening, I eagerly began to try each of these products. The first product I tried was the Boob Tube. I know, sounds strange, but really - hang with me a minute.
This cream contains CoQ10, Avocado Oil, fenugreek, Shea Butter and Milk Thistle. All of these ingredients are great for the skin, not to mention that they come straight from nature so they are clean and pure too! It is recommended that you smooth this cream onto your neck and down over and under your breasts. It is designed to help with stretch marks and sagging (something that a nursing mom well understands!!). The scent is really great too and is very relaxing.
Next, I went for the Tummy Rub. Sometimes when I look down at my stomach, I think that there is absolutely NO hope for my stretching skin. But, the good news is that I can definitely work on what I have and lessen the appearance of the stretch marks. The Tummy Rub is thick, creamy and applies very evenly. The ingredients in this wonderful cream include Shea Butter, Wheatgerm and Borage Oils. Shea Butter helps to elasticize the skin (which is GREAT for a stretching belly). As with the Boob Tube, this product also smells terrific.
And now, for my most favorite product from Mama Mio...the Lucky Legs cream. Like the description of the cream says, this product is the "jackpot of remedies" for tired, aching, hot and heavy legs. Being pregnant really puts a tremendous strain on your legs and feet. There is also alot of swelling and water retention that takes place as well and sometimes, I feel like my legs are just huge logs. Well, if you feel like that at the end of the day then I highly suggest using Lucky Legs. Ingredients include Yarrow, V-tonic Spearmint, Chamomile and Aloe Vera. I used this on my legs tonight and could not even BEGIN to tell you how awesome it felt! I had just shaved my legs as well and there was absolutely no burning or irritation. This cream contains a shimmery glitter and so it makes you feel gorgeous...and pampered all at the same time! Immediately, my legs were cooled, tingling and felt soooo wonderful. I would put this on the top of my mommy-must-have list...for sure!!
This Pregnancy Essentials Kit is available for purchase directly from Mama Mio's website for $28. It is also noteworthy to mention that this trio makes a great travel companion for the expectant mother as the tubes are small and compact. How can you connect with Mama Mio for more skin care hints, tips and products? Check them out on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and sign up to get their newsletter! So many options!
So, in my opinion...Mama Mio would give you some great options when it comes to choosing a baby shower gift for a special mommy-to-be. My personal favorite out of the products I was sent is the Lucky Legs cream...amazing!!! Their products are clean, fresh and pure and really help to de-stress and relax. I would definitely recommend this company to ANY woman!!
Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a Pregnancy Essentials Kit for review purposes. All quotes and stock photos are from the Mama Mio website and email. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.
Back when I was expecting my first baby, I was obsessed with research and trying to find out as much as I could about pregnancy and childbirth. It seemed that magazines and websites had some information to offer, but not enough to satisfy my inquiring mind. Then, a dear friend purchased the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book for me and voila! I had found my one and only favorite resource. This book is what I like to call the "Pregnancy Bible" simply because it contains anything and everything you could possibly want to know about pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. When I was pregnant with my second child I once again dove into this book and re-read sections that I needed refreshing on...it was soo good and reassuring to find what I needed in it. Now that I am nearing the end of my third pregnancy I have kept this book handy for reference and hubby thinks it is so funny that I have read it so much. But, you do forget things and need to be reminded and boy am I glad to have such a powerful and helpful book on hand.
The "What To Expect" books have been written and designed to help you successfully and happily navigate your way through pregnancy, birth, infancy and toddler hood. I know that it can be very intimidating to be a parent and honestly, you just need help sometimes. That is where these books will come in handy.
Written by Heidi Murkoff, the What To Expect books are chock full of advice, questions/answers, tips and hints on everything parenting-related. Here is a bit more of Heidi's story and how it all began!
It all started with a baby…and a book. Heidi Murkoff conceived the idea for What to Expect When You're Expecting during her first pregnancy, when she couldn’t find answers to her questions or reassurance for her worries in the books she’d turned to for much-needed advice. Determined to write a guide that would help other expectant parents sleep better at night, Heidi delivered the proposal for What to Expect When You’re Expecting just hours before delivering her daughter, Emma. Heidi and her husband, Erik, have two children and live in Southern California.
My love for these books has been well-grounded for almost 4 years now as my journey as a mom has continued...and I love to share my passion about "What To Expect" with every mom I know!!
So, for this Baby Shower Gift Guide Event I have the privilege of reviewing and sharing three amazing books with you all from "What To Expect"!
Obviously, I will start with "What To Expect When You're Expecting" because this book begins the series from the very beginning. This is a pregnancy guide that takes you from conception all the way through birth and postpartum. Each chapter breaks down your pregnancy by month and you can very easily find out what each month will bring, both for you and for baby.
What I love about this book is the way you can see drawings of what you and your baby look like at a particular point in time. Right now, I am 35 weeks pregnant and the above picture gives you an idea of what my baby looks like.
I also like that each month contains a section detailing when you should call your doctor regarding pregnancy concerns and complications you may be having. Obviously, this book is not meant to treat you or act as your doctor, it just gives you guidelines as to what you should do when problems arise. This really helped me alot! Along with these sections, you will also find information about diet, exercise, common pregnancy "symptoms" and what to expect on your delivery day!
The next book that you will find very helpful as a mom of a newborn is the "What To Expect The First Year". Obviously, as a first-time parent I was very "green" about what to do and without this book I probably would have floundered more than I did. This book will deal with topics such as breastfeeding, first aid, starting solids and crying (you and the baby!).
One of my favorite sections of this book is the Baby's First Recipes. I was really wondering what I could give my daughter that would be good for her and contain the nutrients that she would need. She didn't start solids until about 6 months but after that point, she LOVED food and ate whatever I gave her. This section of the book has recipes that will satisfy little palates and keep them healthy at the same time.
I also really like the Common Home Remedies chapter in which you will find solutions and helpful suggestions for everyday and not-so-everyday ailments that plague babies. I have found that doing things naturally can sometimes save you a call to the pediatrician or a panic-stricken moment of "OH NO! WHAT DO I DO???". I have had LOADS of those moments and this book has helped keep me sane. :)
Last but not least is the brand new "What To Expect the Second Year" book!! YAY! Toddlers are so much different then babies and they present a whole new line of issues, challenges and questions. My oldest is now 3 1/2 and I can truly say that she was a fun learning experience for me.
One thing that you will always see your pediatrician doing when you go for well-child visits is mapping out your toddlers growth and progress on a growth chart. I have always been fascinated with these and LOVE that this book explains them and what they mean. It is so great that this book has included a section about them!
This book also details common issues that toddlers may experience. Right now, I am at the point with my 21 month old where he is not talking much. He says a few words, but has a sister who does most of his talking for him. This is sooo frustrating for me because my daughter was a chatterbox early on and because children are so different, I am struggling with comparing them. You can probably imagine my excitement when I saw that "What To Expect The Second Year" contains a chapter on TALKING! It basically outlines why children don't always talk as soon as their siblings and how you can help get them chattering...or even using sign language! What a fabulous chapter this was for me to read!
Each of these "What To Expect" books and many more books from the series are available for purchase directly from What To Expect's website. Retail values vary by book but they very affordable and make a perfect gift for a first time mom.
So, in my opinion... the "What To Expect" books are AMAZING. I cannot say enough about them. Really, I could have expounded much more on each of these books as there is just sooo much information in them! I would definitely recommend this series to any first-time mom, or to any mom who is going through these different stages in motherhood. Fabulous books...priceless resource!
The kind folks at What To Expect are offering to give away a set of these books to two of my readers! That means that two of you will each receive all three of these "What To Expect" books that I reviewed today! This giveaway is also open to both US and Canadian residents so I hope you all enter! ENJOY and here are your entry options...
Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive 3 free "What To Expect" books for review purposes. All quotes and stock photos are from the What To Expect website and email. Prize is being provided and shipped by the sponsor. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.
