Bathtime Favourites - Bbox Nappy Wallet and The Flexibath

A friend of mine, Tamara, from Australia, just sent me a bunch of her faves. Her little guy M is a few months old and she now has a ton of faves ready to share. Here are two of her bathtime faves!

Bbox Nappy Wallet:
"The bbox is my new best friend. It is way better than a nappy/wipes wallet because it is more compact and fits in my handbag. The change pad is really thin and not padded BUT unless you are changing your baby on concrete, it doesn't matter. It can hold two nappies, and is perfect for a day out. The accessibility of the nappy wipes is perfect because you can access them without opening it or by opening it. It also holds lots of them. The bbox comes in a variety of colours and patterns too. I had to order it online."

The Flexibath
"The flexi bath is great for us because commonly in the tropics we do not have baths, just showers (too hot for a bath). Also for a small home, it stows away very nicely. Even if you have a bath tub, it saves on water cuz you don't have to fill the whole tub just for a little munchkin. It is quite deep as well. Also comes in a variety of colours."

Thanks, Tam! Both of these are very cool products! I also got excited after looking them up on the Internet. The nappy wallet sounds ideal and I am hoping that the diaper clutch I ordered a few weeks ago is just as great... It was hard to find this item online in Canada, but I did find it on www.amazon.com selling for $18.95.

The Flexibath is a really neat idea and great for those whose travel a lot. It is also good for those who are looking for something bigger than the baby tub but smaller than the regular bathtub. I have a lot of moms looking for an alternative and this is definitely it! I found it online at many stores, but it was the cheapest at www.storksandberries.ca as it was on sale for $49.99.

Thanks for sharing and I cannot wait to post more of your faves very soon!

Toddler Favourites - Mater's Tall Tales

The TV seems to be always on in our house but surprisingly H doesn't watch a lot of it. His attention span seems to be about 4-5 minutes and then he loses interest and is running around playing with something else. I have it on sometimes just for background noise... but there is one video that seems to be able to capture his attention for just a bit longer: Mater's Tall Tales.

Mater is Hs favourite Disney Cars character... and a couple times a week he asks to watch his Mater show. What we like about this video is that it consists of about 10 short clips that are about 5 minutes long. Each clip features Mater doing a different job (e.g., monster truck, doctor, stunt man, private investigator, etc.) H loves to talk about all of Mater's costumes and his favourite is Monster Truck Mater: The Tormentor.

Of course, Disney has profited on Mater's popularity by creating toy cars, t shirts, books and other items that coincide with Mater's Tall Tales.

You can check out some of the clips at youtube.com before purchasing the video to see if your little one is interested or not.

Favourite Update - Kinderville Silicone Popsicle Molds

We finally got around to trying out our new popsicle molds today - even though I had made the popsiciles over two weeks ago (the day after receiving them in the mail)! Boy, were they a hit! H loved them (just bananas, strawberries and apple juice blended in the magic bullet).

Here is what I really liked about them:
1. They were basically mess free as the popsicle stays inside of the holder while you eat it.
2. If H hadn't have finished it all, I could have just put the lid back on it and saved it for later.
3. Because the popsicle was inside of the holder, it was fairly easy for H to push it up (and fun too!)

This definitely is the best way to eat a popsicle and I like how I know exactly what is in it!

I would highly suggest ordering these if your little one enjoys cold treats as much as mine!

Just for Moms - The Broken Plate

I came across this etsy shop in my Canadian Family magazine and while searching aimlessly online and I just LOVE the pieces this woman makes.

She takes chipped pieces of china and turns them into necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc. Each piece is wrapped in black (lead free) silver solder.

You can look through her selection online at www.etsy.com/shop/TheBrokenPlate?ref=top_trail or you can even send her your own piece of broken china and she will custom make a piece for you.

Her jewellery is beautiful and unique and I think it would make a great gift for that special friend who seems to have everything and need nothing.

Check out her amazing work at the link above.

Looking For - Your Faves and Your Comments

Looking for any favourites that you might have in mind and would like to share.... summer favourites, first year favourites, any favourites at all!

Also, have you purchased something after seeing it here on the blog? I would love to hear about it!

Any sort of feedback would be greatly appreciated!

We have hit over 2300 visitors, so it must mean that you are enjoying what you see here and keep coming back for more (thank you!), but I would also love to hear from you too!

Email me at ecurrie33@hotmail.com or leave a comment under any of the blog posts just by hitting the "comment" button!

Thanks!

Looks Good - Sadie Lucille

While searching for Hs name plaque for his bedroom door I came across this company that specializes in wall decor for the home. They make a variety of signs such as wood, vinyl, frame art, car decals and even t-shirt stickers.

What really caught my eye were their vinyl sayings like the one about family above ($28.00), the wood signs - baby sleeping ($15.00) and the t-shirt stickers ($14.99). They have a wide range of sayings and the prices are quite reasonable too!

There are so many products that I love on this site and could spend a lot of money decorating my home with them.

Check them out at www.sadielucille.com

Favourite Books - Our Faves Right Now

Here are some of our favourite books right now, that we seem to be reading over and over lately!! (The book write-ups are from Chapters.ca)

1. Knuffle Bunny: Trixie, Daddy, and Knuffle Bunny take a trip to the neighborhood Laundromat. But the exciting adventure takes a dramatic turn when Trixie realizes somebunny was left behind. Using a combination of muted black-and-white photographs and expressive illustrations, this stunning book tells a brilliantly true-to-life tale about what happens when Daddy's in charge and things go terribly, hilariously wrong.

2. Itsy Bitsy Spider: A silly new twist on an old favorite! Children can trace the glittery trail of the Itsy Bitsy Spider as he is blown out of the window of a barn and then drifts, flutters and glides from barnyard animal to barnyard animal. Colors and barnyard sounds are introduced in this rhythmic title. Sturdy card stock pages are highlighted with the Itsy Bitsy Spider''s web trail in "flitter"-a non-shedding, durable glitter.

3. The Very Cranky Bear: In the Jingle Jangle Jungle on a wet and windy day, Moose, Lion, Zebra, and Sheep found a perfect place to play. None of them had noticed that someone else was there. Sleeping in that cave was a VERY cranky... When four friends encounter a cranky bear, they decide they must cheer him up. Moose, Lion, and Zebra''s outrageous ideas all backfire, which leaves it up to poor, plain Sheep to deal with this beast, who just wants a quiet place to sleep. Whatever will she do? This rhyming story with hilarious illustrations is guaranteed to entertain its readers and its listeners.

4. I Love You Stinky Face: As a mother lovingly tucks her child into bed, the imaginative child has a few questions. For instance, "what if I were an alligator with big, sharp teeth that could bite your head off?" This unstoppably devoted mother will have readers laughing out loud as replies to one question after another.

Looks Good - Pish Posh Mommy

How many of you hate carrying a diaper bag? Wouldn't you rather carry a really funky purse instead? Well, have I found the trick for you!

Pish Posh Mommy makes these great carry alls that slip into any purse and convert them into a diaper bag. They come in two styles: zip up or pull string and in a variety of fabrics. The carry alls have 7 outside pockets and 6 inner ones that zip up and elastic close. The inner lining is water resistant and the entire carry all is washable. Both styles sell for $44.99.

Pish Posh Mommy also sells diaper clutches, change pads, wet bags, or bundles of their items for a reduced price!

Right now they are offering free shipping on items over $50.

Check out their beautiful items at www.pishposhmommy.com

Looks Good - Lunch Punch

H is just starting to get interested in eating sandwiches and I remember my sister-in-law talking about how my niece loves to eat sandwiches that are cut out using cookie cutters so when I saw this product it made me think of exactly of that.

The lunch punch is just like a cookie cutter but they are larger than a regular cookie cutter so it makes less waste of bread and larger pieces. Lunch Punches come in sets of cool shapes that are bound to catch any little one's attention. There are four sets: Sandwishes (princess shapes), Vroom! (transportation shapes), Critter Cutters (animal shapes) and Match and Munch (puzzle shapes). The cutters are BPA free and are dishwasher safe.

You can learn more about them online on their website at www.thelunchpunch.com and they can be purchased from many online stores as well. I found them on www.cheekymonkey.ca/LunchPunch.htm for $16.99.

Canadian Favourites - Little Monkey Doodles

Now that Hs big boy room is all done, we have been searching for a cute door sign with his name. With my new obsession with etsy I decided to search and see what I could find there. I found this amazing woman, here in Ontario, that designs beautiful wall art and door signs - Little Monkey Doodles. She hand draws the pictures first, then converts them to digital where she then adds colour and some shading. She uses bright and vibrant colours and great graphics that are really eye-catching! (Her prices are also very reasonable too! and so is her shipping)

While searching her site I found a whole bunch of things that both myself and my girlfriends would love for our kids. Things like ladybugs, monkeys, transportation, owls, etc.

Tonight I am going to order H the race car door sign above and I can customize the font and its colour for his name and the ribbon it hangs on!!! I can also pick the colour of the two cars and the numbers on them!

If you are looking for some of the same thing check out her work at www.etsy.com/shop/LittleMonkeyDoodles

Summer Favourites - Kinderville Silicone Popsicle Set

I am so excited! My new Kinderville Popsicle set arrived today in the mail. I had purchased these for half price off of one of my baby sites and have been anxiously awaiting their arrival. The nicer weather that arrived today is definitely getting me thinking about cool summer treats!

These silicone popsicle molds are BPA, PVC and Phthalate Free. They are tapered to make pushing them up easier, stickless and are dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer and microwave safe (although I wonder why you would put them in a microwave??) They come in a set of four and each popsicle mold has its own lid. They came with some instructions and when I looked at them briefly this evening, there are fill lines that you need to pay attention to and what not.

Kinderville also sells other similar items like storage jars, bowls, cups, freezer trays and divided plates - all silicone.

The popsicle molds sell for $24.99 (which is a bit pricey) but all of the reviews say that they are totally worth it. (I paid half price for mine!!)

They are available at a bunch of online stores, but you can first check out all of their items at www.kinder-ville.com.

I am hoping to give them a try this weekend and will post more of my thoughts very soon!

Bring on the SUMMER!

Looks Good - 3 Sprouts Organizers

I have this dream that one day I will be totally organized... but I don't think it is ever going to happen! :) I do love it, however, when I come across cute organizational items that could make my life easier.

I came across these organizers awhile back and thought they were just the cutest things. I love the animals they use (e.g., monkeys, bears, owls, elephants, etc.) and the fact that their products are eco-friendly and are made from organic cotton. They offer neat organizational items like storage bins, wall organizers and caddies as well some other fun items like hooded towels, picture frames and art smocks.

You can find 3 sprouts products in a variety of baby stores across Canada and the US and they are also available online.

None of these items fit with either of my kids' themes, but these would make a great gift for someone who had an animal or forest theme in one of their rooms.

Check them out at www.3sprouts.ca

Canadian Favourites - Small Potatoes

I don't know about the rest of you, but my purse is a MESS! I must clean it every week, but nothing seems to help. It is filled with receipts, makeup, wallets and now diapers, wipes and snacks (as I am tired of carrying a diaper bag for just a few items). There is stuff everywhere and it is totally unorganized! After much frustration (and searching on the Internet) I have found a diaper clutch that will at least help with some of the clutter. I have spent a great deal of time searching for a Canadian company, that makes handmade diaper clutches that offers decent shipping rates and today I found it.

Small Potatoes is a Canadian company that is based out of Winnipeg. They make various items such as bibs, blankies, dresses, pants, hats, etc. Their items are made out of beautiful fabrics with modern designs that really catch your attention. Small Potatoes had the best shipping rates out of all of the Canadian companies that I have been looking at($2 for items under $25, $4.00 for items between $25 and $35, $6.00 for items $35 - $50 and so on).

Today I ordered from them the above diaper clutch in Tatsu Black (on sale for $15) and the very cool cotton hat (also above) for H in Guitar Hero ($24). I also did a bit of searching online and found a coupon code to use that gave me an extra 10% off of my order (email me if you would like the code).

I cannot wait to receive my stuff and will hopefully see a bit more organization in my purse!

Check out all of their great products at www.small-potatoes.ca

Safety Favourites - Allermates Wristbands

Allegies are something every parent worries about and something that is becoming more and more common these days. I came across these cute wristbands in one of my parent magazines the other day - Allermates Wristbands.

Allermates are bright and colourful so they are easily noticeable. They have two snaps so they are somewhat adjustable and should fit kids 2 years old and up. Allermates are hypo-allergenic and waterproof as well! They are available in four styles: Peanut, Milk, Tree Nuts, and Dairy with three news ones coming soon: Shellfish, Penicillin and Wheat.

Their cute characters would attract any kid!

If your little one has one of these allergies, it wouldn't hurt to pick one up and see if they would wear it!

Check them out at http://store.allermates.com/allergy-wristbands

Toddler Favourite - IKEA Children's Table

H is at the age now where he doesn't want to sit in his booster chair but in a big chair like mommy and daddy. So, for his BDay, on the suggestion of us, my parents picked him up his own little boy table from IKEA.

I just love this table for a few reasons: #1 it is cheap ($29.99 for all 3 pieces) #2 it is simple and plain (goes with any decor) and #3 it is easy to clean. The table and 2 chairs are made from pine and the table top and seats are painted fibreboard. H loves to colour and play on it as well as eat his snacks and small meals on it.

If you are looking for a cheap, yet sturdy, table set for your little one I would highly recommend getting one of these instead of investing the big bucks on one of those themed ones that your child will just tire of.

Check it out at http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/50178411

Looks Good - Lollitops

Here's another item that I came across the other day on one of my websites - Lollitops. Lollitops are these cute little crochet hats, with these big and beautiful flowers, that can also transform into a purse. What a cute idea!

If I had a girl, I would be all over these!

This US company also sells items like headbands, clips and hats for mom!

The hats sell for $29.99 and come in just about every colour possible!

Check them out at www.lollitopsusa.com

Looks Good - Parking Pals

Do you have a little one who is always getting away from you as you step out of the car? - well then have I found a product for you - Parking Pal.

Parking Pals are these magnetized stickers that you attach to your car, so when your little one gets out they have to put their hand on it until you are ready to go. They come in a variety of colours and designs that appeal to kids. They were made to keep your kids safe and out of the parking lot when you are busy unloading other kids or items from your car.

They sell for just $7.99 and can be purchased from their website www.parkingpalmagnet.com

Looks Good - Shady Baby

I came across this product awhile ago and thought it looked pretty neat. Shady Baby is a parasol (umbrella) that clips on to your stroller.

The website says it:
•is made with bold and vibrant colors with retro accents
•is a UV-protected parasol: SPF 50+
•is easily adjustable in three places
•blocks the sun from any direction
•just clips on and cruise

It is also made of waterproof material and can bend in two different directions to help block the sun from any direction. It is available is 6 different prints (most of which are girly). It also fits many strollers and a list of compatibility can be found on their website.

It looks like a neat and trendy idea, but not one that I am going to try as I have already purchased my Buggy Bubble which does the same things as well (and protects from bugs).

You can check out the Shady Baby at www.shadybaby.com

Looks Good - Chic Couture Boutique

I have been doing a lot of searching on etsy lately and there are a lot of neat handmade items available there. This particular American company makes personalized ties on onesies, bibs and t-shirts.

I just love the sets above with the Big Brother/Little Brother or the Big Brother/Little Sister ties! I cannot wait to find out what this little one is so I can order one of these sets!

They also specialize in tie shirts for holidays, like Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day and their products range anywhere from $8 to $25 ($40 something for sets).

Check out their items at www.etsy.com/shop/ChicCoutureBoutique

Looks Good - Personalized Birth Charts

While searching the internet today I came across these cool personalized birth charts posted on Etsy made by an american artist. You just send her your name and birth date and she hand draws this chart with your zodiac sign, birth stone, flower, chinese zodiac, element, etc. She also includes what each of these mean as well! What a neat idea!

They fit into an 8 x 10 frame and would look nice in your room or your little one's as well!

They sell for about $65 (a bit pricey) but I think this would be a great gift for that someone who has just about EVERYTHING!

Check these out at http://www.etsy.com/listing/67481067/custom-birthchart

Favourite Snacks - Smoothies

One of Hs favourite things to eat right now is a smoothie (or as he calls it a milkshake). Bruce and I have a few a week as they are so easy to make with the Magic Bullet. I find in the mornings, this is a quick and fun way to get H to eat when we are rushing to get out the door. I just throw a banana, some yogurt, some frozen strawberries and some milk into the bullet, blend it up and voila I am the best mommy in the world. Just today, I only got to eat half of my smoothie as the little guy wolfed down the other half in no time. If you are looking for a quick and healthy snack, why not try whipping one of these up for yourself and your little one?!

And if you don't have a Magic Bullet I highly suggest you go out and get one, they are easy to use and so easy to clean - much better than a big and bulky blender! (I also used mine for making baby food and yummy strawberry daiquiris in the summer!)

Favourite Toys - Magformers

We were at a birthday party yesterday and the kids were loving this toy that I had never seen before. Kids from ages 2 to 10 (and even some adults) were sitting around this small table totally focussed on building with these toys called Magformers. Basically, they are these somewhat translucent squares and triangles that magnetize together to make larger and more complex shapes. The little ones were stacking the shapes on top of one another and then pulling them apart while the older ones were building all kinds of things.

You can purchase these toys in basic sets of 14, 30, and 62 and you can visit their site at www.magneticcity.com to check out other specialized sets and suggestions on what you can build with them.

I have been looking around and so far I have found them at Scholar's Choice and Chapters (best price).

You definitely need to check these out - I know my friends and I are running out to get our own sets this week!

Toddler Favourite - Personalized CD from Name You Tune

I had posted about this company before as Steph had shared it as one of her favourites, but H just received his own CD from his Nana a few weeks ago and just LOVES it, so I had to post about it again.

We received our CD in digital format online which is a great idea - all I had to do was download it from their site. All of the songs say Hs name numerous times and they are classics like "If You're Happy and You Know It" and "Old McDonald". They change the words to "If You're Erin and You Know It..." and "Little Erin Had a Farm...". It is so cute to see him singing and dancing along to his own songs.

My only fear is that he will learn the songs with the wrong words, but they listen and sing a lot at daycare that I am hoping he will learn the real versions as well.

Check out their personalized CDs and other great gifts at www.nameyourtune.com

All in all it was a great gift and one that I think we will be listening to for a VERY LONG time! :)

Looking For - Cord Blood

Hello Mommies!

I have a friend who will be expecting her second in just a few short weeks and she considering the whole cord blood thing? So I thought I would throw it out there, what are your thoughts on this topic and what did you do and why?

This is an interesting topic, which also interests me with my second due in just four months.

Any input or opinions would be greatly appreciated!!!

Just For Mom - HandStamped Jewelry by StephieMc Designs

As soon as I saw this woman's jewelry on one of my discount websites I fell instantly in love with it!!! She makes personalized hand stamped jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, key chains and more. Her jewelry is very basic but includes small hints of colour and style. I really like her pieces where she has put the names of family members and such. I will be ordering a necklace myself once our second little one arrives and am even looking at a necklace for grandma and a keychain for daddy.

Check out her items at www.etsy.com/people/StephieMc?ref=pr_profile. She has 7 pages of items to browse through and you will find yourself going back through them again and again. She also has a facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/StephieMc-Designs/79189542741

The business is based out of Kansas and right now she also has a special of free shipping worldwide. It takes about 2 weeks for your item to be made and then a few more weeks for it to arrive internationally.

Please let me know if you end up ordering something from her - I would love to hear your thoughts!