Summer Favourite - Kooleez

I recently found a company, Kidzikoo, that sold the cutest neoprene covers for your child's sippy cup.  The Kidzikoo keeps your child's drink cold and the cup free of condensation.  They come in a variety of prints and I liked them so much that I purchased one for each of the kids who came to Ps 1st birthday party last week.

Just today I see that they have a new product out and I have already pre-ordered mine! Kooleez are neoprene wraps for freezies and such.  Already this season, I have had to many times wrap my little guy's treat in a washcloth as it was too cold for him to hold.  This is the perfect solution.  Kooleez sell 2 for $5.50 and they will be arriving mid-July, but you can pre-order yours now (just like I did!)  They come in a variety of colours and combinations and you can check them out at www.mykidzikoo.com/Kooleez.html

Kidzikoo also makes water bottle covers for adults, Koverz!  I may see one of those in my near future as well!  :)

Favourite Snacks - Mini Muffins

I have been at a big of a loss lately in the snack department, so the other day I bought one of those mini muffin pans.

What a neat idea!  H always found the larger muffins so daunting and these fun and cute size ones are just perfect for him.  So far I have tried putting my Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf recipe and an Oatmeal Rasperry Muffin mix in them and I must say the loaf recipe was better. It came out more dense and dryer than the muffin mix.

I am on the lookout now for some other great loaf recipes to try out next!

If you are stuck in a snack rut like I was I highly suggest you try these!

Just Gabbing - Back On Track

Wow!  I cannot believe that it has been over 2 weeks since my last post - where has the time gone?

I guess that I have just gotten busy with the nice weather outside (and my season finales) but now I feel like I am back on track.

Thank you for checking back often and for the next few months my goal is to post at least 1 new favourite each week.

Stay tuned in the next few days for a new favourite of mine (and the kids!)

~Erin :)

Toddler Favourites - VTech Write and Learn Touch Tablet

For Christmas, H received a VTech Write and Learn computer from my brother and sister-in-law.  I must admit, that I was a bit hesitant to introduce a computer to him at such an early age (as I do not want him addicted to computer games) but after hearing how it worked I changed mind instantly.

The Write and Learn Tablet helps preschoolers learn their letters (uppercase and lower) and shapes.  It has 5 different play modes and a "pencil" that they use to practice writing their letters and drawing their shapes.  It also has a touch screen for many of the activities too!

His favourite activity right now is the Guess The Letter game where a letter is being shown, only partly, and he has to try to figure out which letter it is and then push it on the keyboard.  Just from doing this he has learned almost all of his letters and can easily recognize them in print all around us.

He has also just started doing the letter writing practice and I was pleasantly surprised to see that he could already print many letters such as H, C and D.

If you are looking for something like a computer for your little one, but a bit more educational than many others out there, than I would highly recommend trying the VTech Write and Learn Touch Tablet.

Favourite Websites-No Time For Flash Cards

Just recently, I found a great blog that has super activities to do with you little one - No Time For Flash Cards.  So far, H and I have been doing the Uppercase Alphabet Crafts from this blog and he has been loving them.  We have done the A is for Alligator, B is for Bee and today we are going to do the C is for Caterpillar.  I use these along with this preschool program that we do each week that I found on another site.

No Time For Flash Cards, also has other great things to do like Earth Day crafts, Math Activities and themes like Farm Animals, Puppets and Snow.  The list is just endless.

If you are looking for some fun and educational ideas of what to do with your little one definitely check out their site!

Favourite Websites - JetBaby.com

While searching the Internet the other day I came across a cool Canadian online store that sells trendy kids clothing for a good price.  They carry names like Roxy, John Deere, Daily Tea, Puma, DC, Quicksilver, Vans, Uggs, (the list goes on and on) for babies, boys and girls. They also sell shoes, toys, books and other accessories.

Jet Baby is located in Oakville, Ontario and they have both an actual store and an online one which makes buying from them very easy.  They carry kids sizes from newborn to size 12.  They also have a large selection of Rock tees for any of your favourite bands.

Check them out online at Jet Baby.

I have my eye on some skull stuff for H and some cute Hello Kitty shoes for P.

Looking For - Toothpaste, Sunscreen, Flip Flops, Sippy Cups

Heather put out an all call on the Mommies Favourites Facebook page looking for some suggestions and I was hoping that you all could help!

"Hi! I'm having a shopping crisis for my boys so thought I'd ask this group of experts. I need: a drinking cup that won't leak or spill, no matter if it falls, etc.; boy's flip flops that you can run in, once their feet are too big for the styles with the ankle strap; healthy toothpaste; sun block recommendations. Help!"

Please comment below with any of your suggestions and I will make sure to pass them on to her!

Thanks!

Little Boy Favourites - Toothpaste Rex

H received this as a gift from my parents and at first I was a bit skeptical.  First off, I worried that it wouldn't fit his toothpaste and secondly that it was just another gimmick and something that I was going to have to throw away almost immediately.  I was wrong!

The SpreadHeads Toothpaste just twists onto the top of your toothpaste tube and it even has a stopper to close it up.  We have Toothpaste Rex and it really does make H want to brush his teeth more.  It even makes it easier for him to put his own toothpaste on and he loves that independence. 

SpreadHeads also comes in many other styles such as a dog, cat and fish.  They sell online at Black Lab Products for $4.99.  I am not sure where my mom found ours, but I know it was a store in Thunder Bay.

SpreadHeads also makes fun heads for ketchup, mustard and wine. 

Toddler Favourite - Potty Flip

Once again I found this cool product on one of my discount websites.  The Potty Flip is a disposable potty that folds up small enough to be stored in your glove compartment or in your purse.  The great thing about it is that it is biodegradable so you don't feel so bad about using it and then throwing it away.

We are just starting to get into potty training but I know that a lot of my friends have had to stop alongside the road for a quick potty while driving from here to there.  Some friends even keep a plastic potty in the car with them for these emergencies.  This would solve everyones problems.  I think it would also be good for places like the beach or long walks where a bathroom just isn't available.

My first worry was would it hold my little H, but it says that it can support up to 75lbs!!!!  Supposedly you just unfold it and it is ready to go.  It comes with a bag that holds "the mess" and then you just seal it up and throw it all away!!

I found it on a few American online stores, but had no luck finding it here in Canada.  It sells online for about $7.99 for a set of 3.
Learn more about it by checking out Potty Flip USA

Looks Good - Wonder Bumpers

How many of you have worried about putting up those bumper pads that come with your crib sets?  I know that I gave in with both my kids as they were moving around so much and hitting their heads off of the rails that I just couldn't take it any more.

Well I think that Go Mama Go Designs might have just solved that problem!  They have created a new product called the Wonder Bumper.  The wonder bumper is an individual cover for each of the bars in your crib.  This allows good air flow to your baby while also protecting their little noggins from the hard wood.

Although these are such a good idea - they seem a bit pricey to me!  A 2 pack sells for about $10, a 24 pack for $97 and a 38 pack for anywhere from $165 to $209.  They come in a variety of colours and themes and also have many coordinating items such as swaddle blankets, crib sheets, dust ruffles, window valences, etc.

The store has a free shipping policy for orders over $150 - which wouldn't be hard to meet with these prices!

Check them out at Go Mama Go Designs.

First Year Favourites - Graco Bumper Jumper

I LOVE our Graco Bumper Jumper.  When H was a baby we borrowed one from a friend, but for P we bought one even before she was born in anticipation of her using it.  I like it because I don't have to strap her in and it has this hard tray surrounding the entire seat so if she were to hit the door frame it would bounce off of it.  We use ours at dinner time to keep her busy (as she eats earlier than us) so then I can actually eat my meal when it is hot!

Other features of it are:
•Attaches easily to door frame

•Height adjustable

•Soft bumper

•Spring loaded, no-mar clamp

•Bounce spring with hidden safety cord

•Washable seat pad

•Two removable toys

•Tray

It is recommended for use for babies 25lbs and under which H never even got close to but P will be there soon!  :)
If you are looking for a great activity for your little one, I would most definitely recommend getting one of these.  I have never used a Jolly Jumper before, but my friend who has one says that mine is so much easier!

We purchased ours from Winners for $20, but I am sure you can find them just about anywhere!

Looks Good - Lay-n-Go

Lay-n-Go is a play mat that turns into a carry bag for all of those pesky little toys that our kids love.  It is available in three colours (blue, green and pink) and 2 sizes. 

I think that this is a great idea for Lego.  Keeps it all together and then it is easy to clean up and store.

The original Lay-n-Go sells for $64.94, while the Lay-n-Go Lite sells for $24.95.  They also make a Lay-n-Go Cosmo bag for $29.95

Check out their products at Lay-n-Go

Looks Good - Monkey Balm

Monkey Balm is this 100% natural lotion stick for kids that soothes dry skin and eczema.  Have I used it, no? But it sure sounds good!

Their website says:

"Monkey Balm is a 100% homemade, all-natural remedy for eczema and extremely dry skin and is formulated specifically for children and infants. This formula includes all-natural ingredients and features the amazing healing power of the sea buckthorn berry. Sea Buckthorn (seed and fruit) oil is time-tested and clinically proven to soothe irritation and heal dry, cracked, even abrasive skin resulting from eczema, rosacea, dry climates, seasonal changes, sunburn, rashes, and even minor burns and wounds. Sea buckthorn has been used for centuries in Asia and Europe to heal skin problems and is considered a "Holy Fruit" by ancient and modern Tibetans. Its been recommended by doctors (even Dr Oz) as the best natural cure for acne. Monkey Balm incorporates these oils from the sea buckthorn berry with other soothing botanicals like shea butter, cocoa butter, and Vitamin E to create a truly remarkable product in an easy-to-use use "lotion-bar" – kind of like a super-sized lip balm for your whole body."

Right now they have a promotion on, buy 2 sticks and get free shipping.  One stick sells for $15.95 and two sticks cost $31.90.

You can learn more about Monkey Balm by checking out their website.

Looks Good - Retro Ice Bags

Remember those ice bags that our parents use to give us - well Gal Pal has brought them back in some cute designs that are very irresistable.  I know that we usually use a ziploc bag filled with ice wrapped in a tea towel, but these would probably be a much better idea (and reusable too!)

You can use them for cold therapy by filling it with a combination of ice and cold water to soothe tension headaches, bruises, swelling, migraines, hangovers and muscle aches. Or heat therapy by filling it with hot tap water to soothe sinus pain, migraines, upset stomach and joint pain.


They come in 9 designs (hearts, dinosaurs, happy faces, stars, etc.) and sell for only $12 on their site, Gal Pal.
 

Looks Good - Moonjar

I have seen this product mentioned on many different sites and never knew what it was exactly.  It was up again on one of my discount websites this week so I took some time to visit the website and learn more about it. 

Basically, it is a bank that has 3 separate compartments.  One for saving, one for spending and one for sharing.  The idea behind it is to teach your child the importance of not only saving money but how important it is to share it with those that are less fortunate. The Moonjar sells online at many stores for $25.  You can check it out at its website, Moonjar Moneybox. 

I think it is a really neat concept, but probably something just as easy for you to make using 3 jars.  It could make a neat gift though for the child that just seems to have everything.

Little Girl Favourites - Tinker Bell Glowing Lamp

B and H picked up this cute light for P at Home Depot a few weeks ago and now she is addicted to it.  As soon as we walk into her room she is looking on her shelf or in her bed for it and she won't go to sleep without it - it is an obsession.  How does an 8 month old already have such at attachment to an item?

Anyways, it was definitely worth the $15 that they spent on it!  It is a push down to turn on and off style and the only thing I really don't like about it is that there is no automatic shut off so I have to sneak back into her room to turn it off once she is asleep.

The one we have (above) came from Home Depot, but Toys R Us sells a very similar one (below).


I have a strong feeling that we are going to have a Tinkerbell fan in our household, so bring on the fairy stuff, I am ready (I think)!
 
 

Just Gabbing - Infant Tylenol Recalled

Heard this through word of mouth today via Facebook.  It seems many bottles have been recalled due to a faulty cap.  574,000 bottles are being recalled that contain the new cap style.  Nothing is wrong with the medicine, just the bottle it is in.

Read the article below to learn more:

Infant Tylenol Recalled

Feeding Favourites - Gerber Tableware Set

When H was first born we got this gift, a Lil' Trainer Tableware Set, that I didn't think much of. But now that he is 3 and using a fork for all of his meals, I have changed my opinion as this plate sure has come in handy. 

The set comes with a fork and spoon and a plate that has a suction cup base and a removable rim.  The suction cup base never really worked for us but what I really love about the plate is the rim.  It is great for when we are eating things like pasta or rice as it makes it so much easier for H to scoop it onto his fork. 

The set comes in blue/green or pink/purple and sells at most stores like Shoppers and Walmart for under $10. 

If your little one is at this stage of eating, then I would recommend you pick one of these up!

Bathtime Favourites - Aqueduck Faucet Extender

I saw this today on one of my discount websites, Baby Heist, and thought it was a great idea!

It is a contraption that fits onto most bathroom sink faucets that makes washing kids hands much simpler, it brings the water to your kids' hands instead of you lifting them up to it..  Aqueduck is also portable so you can take it with you wherever you go!

It comes in three colours: aqua, pink and grey and sells for $13.00 on most online stores. Today it is on sale at Baby Heist 2 for $18.00.

Learn more about the Aqueduck at Peachy

Favourite Crafts - Valentine Butterfly

H is at the age where he is really enjoying crafts, so I have now added a new category - Favourite Crafts.

Here is one that we did today for Valentine's Day - Valentine Butterfly.  I got the idea from Pinterest (my newest addiction) from a site called She Knows. 

It was very simple and I ended up just drawing my own butterfly template instead of printing off the one she suggested (Valentine Butterfly Template).  Now, we were only making 4 of them for the kids at daycare, so it wasn't that much work, but if you wanted to do this for a whole class then I would definitely use the template. 

I did the cutting and writing, while H did the stickers and the googly eyes.  (He even picked out the coordinating googly eyes to match each butterfly colour!)

All in all it was a fun craft and an easy and quick one too that held his attention!

Another one that we are going to do is a Paper Heart Person (another Valentine classic).

Looks Good - My Hikes

I wrote about a very similar product for moms about a month ago, but My Hikes is for kids.

This product cuffs your kid's pants that are too long.  They are cute, colourful and three-dimensional!  They are supposed to be fast and easy to put on and take off and make the hassle of too long pants much simpler.  They come in 5 designs and are on sale right now for 2 for $12.00 (regularly $19.99).

I don't know about the rest of you but I just recently moved my H into size 3 pants which in some cases are just a bit too long.  There already have been many incidents where he has slipped because he was walking on his too long of pants, but the 2s are too short.  This product has been designed to help with just that!

Not sure that I am ready to dive in and purchase a set, but they are definitely a neat idea.  Let me know if you do and what your thoughts are of them!

Check them out at My Hikes

Just Gabbing - Took the Week Off

Decided to take this week off of blogging, just didn't feel like writing.  Might be because my little P has been sick or that we seem to be just exhausted in my house, who knows?

I will be back and blogging next week.  I have been collecting a lot of neat ideas - so stay tuned!

Erin :)

Just Gabbing - Top 10 Favourites of 2011

I have been meaning to do this all month and I just either never have the time or I have forgotten, so here it is, my Top 10 Favourites that I blogged about in 2011!  These are things that I have actually used that I just could not have lived without this year!

Click on each link to read my original blog on the item!

1.  Boso Buddies (First Year Favourites) - my favourite baby item right now.  I use it at least 4 times a day and get very frustrated when my husband doesn't tie the car seat straps back with it!  :)  Makes life so much easier!

2.  Buggy Bubble (Summer Favourites) - a definite summer must have for babies in their car seats.  I used mine at the zoo and on the beach.  It even fit over my bouncy chair!

3.  Little Monkey Doodles (Canadian Favourites) - I just love the signs that she has created for my kids' doors!

4.  Folding Potty Seat (Bathtime Favourites) - I keep this item in my diaper bag, comes in very handy when you are at a store or someones house who does not have kids.

5.  BabyTrend Sit and Stand Stroller (Other Favourites) - I love this stroller and so do my kids!  Makes getting around with 2 so much easier!

6.  SnuggyBaby Wet Bags (Summer Favourites) - I use these every time we go swimming.  Each member in my family has one!  Fits a large beach towel and your swimsuit!

7.  Etsy (Favourite Websites) - my go to website when I am looking for something in particular that is handmade.  I have made many purchases from here and spend a great deal of my time surfing the different shops!

8.  Wrapeaze (Little Girl Favourites) - perfect for when you are just going from the car to stroller, quick and easy to put on and cute too!

9.  25 Clever Ideas to Make Life Easier (Favourite Tips) - so many great ideas and I still have many to implement in my home!  If only we could all be so organized!

10.  Bath and Body Works Lip gloss (Just for Moms) - I love this lip gloss.  I keep one in my car and one in my diaper bag.  When you just need a hint of something, this is perfect!

So there you have it, my Top 10 of 2011.  What are some of the things on your Top 10?

Looks Good - Kidzikoo

Kidzikoo is an insulated cover that fits most 8-12 oz sippy cups or bottles.  They are made out of neoprene and come in 10 different prints. 

All you have to do is stretch it around the outside of your cup and voila you are ready to go.  (It should be a tight fit so that it won't slip off or be pulled off by your child.)

Some of its features are:
-machine washable, tumble dry low
-keeps cold beverages cold & warm beverages warm
-no more ice cold little hands
-eliminates water rings on your furniture
-soaks up condensation
-soft, squishy, and comfy to hold
-easily identify which bottle/sippy belongs to your child
-protects glass bottles

I know that there are a lot of other similar items out there on the market, but I always love to support a small, mom-owned company!  The kidzikoo sells for $6.99 on their site and according to their site can also be purchased from Winners and Homesnese.

Check them out at Kidzikoo

Favourite Toys - Fisher Price Glow Seahorse

How many of you had a Glow Worm?

Well this is even better!

The Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Soothe and Glow Seahorse, in my opinion, is so much better than a Glow Worm.  First of all it plays for 5 minutes before the music and lights fade out, while the Glow Worm only plays for about a minute.  The Glow Seahorse has 8 different lullabies, while the Glow Worm only has 6.  Also, I think the seahorse is much cuter looking than the worm.  :)

Both start up and shut off with a gentle squeeze, both come in girl and boy styles, and both have two volume levels.

I put Ps in the corner of her crib, give it a squeeze and she looks at it until she falls asleep - perfect!  :)

Both sell for about $19.99 at stores like ToysRUs and Walmart.

If you are looking for a fun take on a classic toy, then I would definitely try this toy out!

Just for Moms - Travel Mug

Being a coffee addict I have tried my share of travel mugs and I think that I have now found "the one".

The Thermos Vacuum Insulated 16 oz Travel Tumbler is "da bomb".  Some of its features are that it is made from unbreakable stainless steel, it is cool to the touch when filled with hot liquids and sweat proof when filled with cold.  The best thing is that it keeps liquids hot for 5 hours and cold for 9 hours.

My hubby had originally picked one up for himself and then for Christmas I got one too!  I love this mug as it keeps my coffee hot FOREVER!  Like many of you, I find with being a mom, I never get to drink my coffee hot, so I have even been using my travel mug at home during the day and then my coffee is hot still hours later.

We got ours at MEC but I am sure that you can find this particular model anywhere.  The sell for about $25.99 but in my opinion they are definitely worth the price!  I have seen them in two colours: black and burnt orange.

Check them out at Thermos

Just Gabbing - PC Organics Baby Food Recall

I am sure that many of you have already heard about this, but thought I would post it just in case.

The recall has been made as The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Loblaw Cos. Ltd. are warning that their food may be "rancid".  Eight different types of baby food have been recalled.  Products in the recall can be returned for refund or exchange.

Read more about this at President's Choice recalled baby food may have gone ‘off’

Just For Moms - PlastiChic

Are you looking for a unique accessory to add to your wardrobe?  Then you definitely have to check out the watches by PlastiChic.

About PlastiChic (from their website):

"PlastiChic created a cultural phenomenon in Italy, with everyone from royalty, sports stars and celebrities wearing their favourite colours and watch styles. Millions of colourful watches were sold throughout Europe and Canada quickly discovered PlastiChic was the next best thing to come out of Italy since the pizza. With huge press coverage in magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair and InStyle, PlastiChic continues to cause a fashionable frenzy with 19 different colours and a variety of styles.


These Italian watches are also coated with tourmaline, a mineral that aids in emitting negative ions from the body, which can increase relaxation and reduce stress. Colourful and good for the soul!"

I like my watch as it is easy to put on and take off, it is durable and it is cheap enough that if something happens to it I won't be too upset.  I chose the fuchsia colour pictured above.  The only drawback I have found so far is that the time takes a bit to get used to as the hour is on the top and the minutes below and if you set the month/date option it cycles back and forth from the time to the date.  But after I got used to that I have no complaints!

They come in a variety of funky colours (that remind me of the 80s).  The plain watches sell online for $24.99 and the crystal ones for $29.99.  I purchased mine from one of my discount websites for half of that.
Check their products out at PlastiChic

Looks Good - Mommy Mitten

If you are an avid winter walker then I may just have found the thing for you!

The Mommy Mitten is this contraption that you put on the handlebars of your stroller to keep your hands warm while walking.  It takes the place of wearing gloves or mittens and makes helping out your little one a bit quicker as you don't have anything to take off.

It is fleece lined and water resistant and has a little pocket that you could store things like your cellphone or keys in.  It comes in two colour options: black with pink fleece lining or black with aqua fleece lining.

It costs $29.99 and can be ordered directly from Mommy Mitten.

Just For Moms - YA Fiction

Ever since I read the Twilight Trilogy I have been obsessed with YA Fiction.  A few months ago I blazed through the Hunger Games Trilogy (LOVED THEM!) and have ever since been looking for some more great YA reads.

I feel a little funny perusing the YA section at Chapters, but I just can't seem to get enough of vampires, werewolves, witches and the whole dystopia theme.  That's also what makes having a library card so great!

I am a member of this site Goodreads that helps match you up with books that are similar to the ones that you have read and liked.  All you do is put in some of your faves and then it just "bam" compiles a list of other suggestions for you to read.  Pretty neat!  The site also gives you a quick synopsis of the book plus thousands of ratings and reviews by other people.

On this site I came across two lists that I have started to read from:
Best Books of 2011
YA Novels of 2011

I am currently reading, Divergent by Veronica Roth and City of Bones (Mortal Instruments Book #1) by Cassandra Clare.  So far I am liking both.  Divergent reminds me a lot of the Hunger Games while City of Bones is more about witches and demons.

Do you like to read YA?  What are some of your faves?

Check out the lists above  by clicking on them, and pick a few for yourself!