Mamascarf


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Having to breastfeed on the go is something that all nursing moms are forced to deal with.  Having a cover up that is discreet, easy to use, and comfortable has been difficult until Mamascarf came along!  The award winning, European designed Mamascarf is just that, a scarf for nursing mothers that doubles as a wonderful nursing cover!  It covers you from everyone but your baby, allowing for you to have eye contact with him as well as making sure he is nursing correctly.

Instructions

One of the most unique and appreciated aspects of the Mamascarf is the support it lends to mommy while nursing.  Because it ties around the mother’s neck, it helps avoid strain, therefore forfeiting the need for a cushion or pillow for support.

As an obvious supporter of breastfeeding, but never one to deny its hardships, I am very appreciative of tools like the Mamascarf that help make the process more comfortable for both baby and me! It’s little wonder that so many celebrity mothers have embraced the Mamascarf as well! Mamascarf is offering our readers a discount using code: KEIRA01

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation was received for this review.

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MamaRoo by 4moms


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Infant swings and bouncers have traditionally had one form of movement that swings the baby back and forth or side to side.   This can sometimes work for lulling a child to sleep, but often times is but a brief distraction during waking hours before a fussy baby grows bored of the mechanical movement.  MamaRoo is a new and exciting Baby infant seat with five different movements that successfully emulate those of a parent holding their child.

Having an infant that I would consider to be much more temperamental than my first son was as an infant, the MamaRoo has been a wonderful tool for getting some time to myself while my baby admires the three egg shaped plush toys that hang over him as he gently glides to one of five different fluid movements like “ocean wave” or “kangaroo”.  In addition to the five different movements, there are also five different speeds and five different sounds that you can easily adjust to your infant’s mood!  The sound system also easily connects to your iPod, opening up your entire digital music library for your baby!  Chic.

Thumb_roos

Designers, doctors, medical experts, developed the MamaRoo as well as, and perhaps most importantly, hundreds of parents.  This shows in all of the details that set this seat apart from its now prehistoric looking predecessors.   My husband and I affectionately call the MamaROO the baby’s “spaceship” because of the sleek design, color options, and impressive movements.  This truly is the infant seat of the future!

4moms is offering a Mamaroo to one of our lucky readers($199.00 value)!!!  To enter the giveaway, simply check out the website and leave a comment here that you did.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends October 10th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation was received for this review.

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Serena and Lily Prague Sling


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From Serena and Lily, a wonderful textile company, comes the beautiful Prague Market Sling.  The simple design is made from one seamless piece of fabric, free of buckles and straps and so easy to wear!  My husband and I (and baby too!) have both gotten a great deal of use from this sling during my sons first few weeks of life, both indoors and out.  My infant son absolutely adores being close to his mommy in this sling and it is a sure way to calm is crying anytime he is a bit fussy.

The Prague sling is made from high quality jersey cotton, and is very breathable and comfortable for both you and your baby.  With celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Ethan Hawke photographed wearing the Prague Sling, its no wonder why it has become such a hit with so many parents and their babies!

The Serena and Lily website has the whole selection of their wonderful child-centric products which includes everything from bedding to house paint!  Be sure to visit, you won’t be disappointed!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation was received for this review.

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Art to Inspire from Leaves and Feathers


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I’ve been getting the crazy urge to nest. No, I’m not pregnant (that I know of) and my baby is nearly a toddler. I blame it on our recent relocation to a lovely sublet that was devoid of anything personal. As I put together a play area for my girl (thank you, Ikea) I started searching for some art that would be beautiful, child-friendly, meaningful and not crazy expensive.  Off to Etsy I went! And Leaves and Feathers I found.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I was already familiar with the artist behind Leaves and Feathers, Faith Evans-Sills. She was my amazing labor support doula during the birth of my daughter. But because I had umm, other things on my mind while I was in labor, it wasn’t until recently that I explored her talents as an artist.  I spent a good hour looking through all of her beautiful prints before ordering one that I fell in love with.

Faith, a Brooklyn-based artist and a graduate of Parson’s School of Design, draws inspiration from the world around her.  Images of nature permeate her work in bold but soothing tones and textures. She seeks to “inspire hope” through her work and I think she accomplishes this beautifully. Her prints draw you in and leave you with a peaceful and uplifted feeling.

Most of the prints are reproductions of Faith’s original mixed-medium paintings. They are printed with fad-resistant ink on hand cut watercolor paper. My print came carefully packaged in protective sheet with cardboard backing.

When I received my Grow print, I framed it and hung it (with one of those velcro hooks) low enough that my daughter could enjoy it. She regularly takes it off the wall and jabbers to it.  I can only imagine what she it telling the pretty flower in the picture…

Why not add some inspiration to your home for you and your children to enjoy? Send a Leaves and Feathers postcard to a friend and brighten their day. So many reasons to love it.

Leaves and Feathers is offering a free print of Awakening (image at the top of the post) to one of our lucky readers!  In addition, get free shipping when you use the coupon code doesmommyloveit in the comment section of your order. To enter the giveaway, simply check out the website and leave a comment here that you did.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

6) Become a Facebook Fan of Leaves and Feathers and leave a comment that you did!

7) Subscribe to Faith’s blog and leave a comment that you did!

This contest ends October 5th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation was received for this review.

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Flexibath


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I cannot tell you how annoyed I am by all the baby items storing in my house.  With all the gadgets and furniture needed for young children, I am thankful when a new product is made that is space efficient.  I get rather annoyed with those big bulky plastic baths for babies.  I made the mistake of buying one of these with my first child and was disappointed that I only used it for the first few months of his life! Afterwards, I was forced to find a space to store it in our small NYC apartment.  Well I am happy to say that I was able to donate it after scaling down with the Flexibath!

The Flexibath is a Danish designed and manufactured foldable children’s tub that can be used from ages 0-4.  I love the modern sleek design and countless colors it is available in.  Aside from the stylish look, after using the tub it folds thin enough to store under a bed, sink, side of tub, and more.  There is a non-slip surface at the bottom of the tub.  This ensures safety comes first!  It is so wonderful to finally have a baby bath on the market that combines safety, sleek appearance, and is so space efficient!

Flexibathis offering a tub to one of our lucky readers!  To enter the giveaway, simply check out their website and leave a comment here that you did. You must also become a flexibath facebook and twitter follower.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends Oct 5th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly on my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above.  Flexibath provided the tub, and I provided my honest opinion.  No other type of compensation was received for this review.


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Nursing Tops from Momzelle


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As I head into the land of “extended” breast feeding (ack!) it is a daily battle to find something to wear that is functional that doesn’t look like it’s just functional. Momzelle, a Canadian based company, specializes exclusively in eco-friendly nursing tops.  I have definitely shied away from tops designed just for nursing, opting instead for regular tops with easy access.  I’m sorry now that I waited a whole year before trying this lovely line. By the way, for all of you who are like me and thought, “I’ll just wear this button down shirt and then it won’t look like a nursing top!” The sweet baby sucking away at your breast is going to give you away eventually. You might as well be more comfortable and more discreet while you’re doing it.

My highest praise for Momzelle is that their tops are extremely wearable.  They have universal openings that fit all breast sizes and discreetly conceal the rest of your body.  I gave up the “hooter hider” after a couple of months (don’t we all?) because I simply couldn’t be bothered with another piece of gear when my baby needed to eat. Their tops feature breast cut-aways hidden under an easy to adjust panel. There are a ton of great styles to choose from, including long sleeved v-necks and turtlenecks. I really hope that they bring back their nursing hoodies one of these days! Whatever style you go with, Momzelle‘s tops are the perfect remedy for moms who are out and about with their breast feeding tiny ones.

Momzelle not only provides you with some great options for breast feeding apparel, they also offer breast feeding advice and support on their website.  Who doesn’t love a company that stands behind what they profess to support? These tops definitely deserve a place in your wardrobe under “must have” basics. Get a few. They are offering 25% off their whole line right now until August 25th. Amazing.

Fun bonus: Momzelle included a magnet of a breast feeding mama with my top which has turned into my “Ring the doorbell and you die” note holder while my girl is napping. Thanks, Momzelle! Another reason…Momzelle is offering a $25 gift certificate to one of our lucky readers!  In addition, get $5 off your order when you use coupon code doesmommyloveit. To enter the giveaway, simply check out their website and leave a comment here that you did.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends September 30th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Momzelle provided the product, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

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Grasshopper Preschool Prep Kits


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 Kit 1 & Kit 2: Following Directions / ABCs and Simple Shapes

Nothing could really have prepared me for the overwhelming task of caring for two children, 22 months apart.  Nursing a newborn for forty-minutes while having a toddler demanding my attention has caused me to go a little bonkers every now and then!  I was desperate for educational activities to give my preschooler in the midst of diaper changes and burps.  Luckily, Grasshopper Preschool Prep has captured my son’s attention.

Getting Our Hands Ready Kit

There are four different Grasshopper Preschool Kits to choose from such as Following Directions, ABC’s and Simple Shapes, Getting Hands Ready, and Snip Glue and Grow.  We have the Getting Hands Ready and found it to be incredibly stimulating and fun for my son.  This kit includes playful games and an illustrated guidebook to prepare children for early writing and grasp.  It includes this adorable “Mr. Crunch” character that you feed little insects to.  This happens to be my son’s favorite activity.  He counts each bug as he forces it into Mr. Crunch’s mouth.  This kit also is filled with re-usable stickers, dough stamps, stretchy dough, coloring pages, and more.  I tend to focus on one activity at a time when sharing this with my son.  This truly has given me spare time to spend with my newborn.

I have to admit; television has been all too easy a distraction in the midst of this new sibling addition.  However, I am trying my best to give my son other activities to consume his attention and time.  The Grasshopper Preschool Prep Kit has impressed me with its fun and very easy to do educational activities.  I look forward to investing in their entire line!

This review is based strictly on my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Grasshopper Preschool provided the kit, and I provided my honest opinion.  No other type of compensation was received for this review.

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Contest Winners


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Thank you to all who participated in the following contests!  Thanks to random.org we have our winners!  Congratulations!  Please continue to enter our current contests.

Labels from Name Bubbles: Angela

Creative Toy Shop GC Winner: Jill

I Cherish Planet Earth Winner: Kate

Design Schooled Kids Winner: Lola

Birthday

Cantaloop Maternity Winner: Kate B.

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Shox Scooter by Shred Sled


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My soon-to-be kindergartener is always on the move.  He’s fast on his feet but has loved cruising on the scooter since toddlerhood… It was no wonder then that he can’t get enough of his new set of wheels:

The Shox Scooter by Shred Sled– Appropriately named for the built-in spring shock deck that absorbs impact when landing jumps and springs back to increase momentum!  Not that my son is into the stunt thing (yet), but even for a cruise around the neighborhood, I have noticed the cruise to be much, much smoother… No *thumps* when riding over cracks on the sidewalk!

Quite the upgrade from his first plastic scooter, the Shox is built from lightweight aluminum (yay for trips to the park) and can fold in half for quick and easy storage for the winter months when not in use.

The handles are easy to grip and can adjust to various heights, and the grip surface is wide and sturdy for foot control and traction while performing tricks.  Again, even for beginners, it’s a great feature that will build confidence as they learn to balance for longer periods of time.

The Shox is made by Shred Sled, a company specializing in extreme sports products for children.  This uber-cool find retails for approximately $59.99 and is appropriate for ages 5+.

This review is based strictly on my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above.  Shred Sled provided the scooter, and I provided my honest opinion.  No other type of compensation was received for this review.

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Mini Backpack from Lassig


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interiorIf you’re anything like me, you’d rather munch on some foil before you set eyes on another Dora the Explorer backpack (my mochila!).  Why not send your kids back to school (yep, it’s really that time again) in comfort and style?  The Lassig Mini Backpack offers pint-size proportions of adult style and amenities.

With a market that is saturated with cartoon characters and kiddie celebs, it’s so very refreshing see some sophisticated graphics on a backpack. Face it, you are going to be looking at this backpack a whole lot (asking where it is, fetching it from the car, etc) and it’s nice to have something that you won’t grow tired of and that your child loves. I received the Mini Backpack with a deer print in lavender. It’s perfectly adorable without being too girly and very reasonably priced at around $30.00.deer exterior

The attention to detail on these bags is exceptional. The straps are fully adjustable, there is a name tag on the inside, plenty of interior pockets and my personal favorite: the bottom, zippered lunch compartment.  It is perfect for stashing a juice box (or a bento box) or anything that your little one would need to snack on during the day. Keep in mind that these truly are “mini” and are ideal for pre-schoolers.

Lassig is a German company that began with designing chic diaper bags in an eco-friendly manner. They continue to use eco-friendly practices with their expanded line.  You can be assured that there are no harmful chemicals or pollutants on your munchkin’s bag.  They also contribute to the funding of an animal rescue shelter in Europe. You go, Lassig. Get down with your environmentally responsible self!

Check out all of their products on the website- it’s worth your time. Shop in the US for Lassig products at at Amazon or BabiesRUs.  Be sure to “like” them on facebook to take advantage of some awesome giveaways and exclusive discounts. Adios, Dora. It’s been real.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Lassig provided the product, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

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Tomat


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Tomat is brainchild of Indonesian transplant graphic designer (and mom), Eli Latief. Latief created the baby and toddler clothing line as a personal project in addition to her graphic design work.  Her expertise in this field shows in her wonderful prints adorning her tees and dresses.  My son wears the dark teal cotton tee with a wonderfully retro print of a Polaroid style camera on the front.   Other favorite designs include graphics of a cassette tape, a unicorn, a turntable, and a wonderful “rock on” image.   Like all of the products on the Tomat website, my son’s tee is made from one hundred percent cotton and in a sweatshop free environment.  Tomat meaning tomato in Indonesian truly is “pure goodness for your funky little monkey”! Check out the site for the full collection.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Tomat provided the tee, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

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Breast Ease


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Coolkidz

Between the births of my first and second son, I seemed to have forgotten how painful breastfeeding is in the beginning!  The birth of my first son required a c-section and I left the hospital with some assistance in the form of very potent painkillers.  Unbeknownst to me, these painkillers numbed me from the pain of nursing my first son.  So, after the birth of my second, which happened to be natural, I was left with over the counter Motrin and Tylenol which did very little for any of the pain I’ve been experiencing.  I could not believe the discomfort and pain of my milk coming in and the latch on of my son.   Keen’s Breast Ease has provided unbelievable comfort and relief from my achy, swollen, and sore breasts.

Coolkidz

The Breast Ease contains two reusable gel pads that soothes discomfort caused by blocked ducts, mastitis, and breast tenderness.  Warming the pads prior to nursing helps milk flow and using cold helps reduce swelling.  I love the fact that I can keep them in the freezer and they still stay soft and and flexible, easily forming to contours of my breast. They are also hypoallergenic, BPA-free, and PVC-free.  Now that my milk has regulated and the soreness has subsided, I can use my pads as instant ice pack for other minor bodily injuries!

Keen’s Breast Ease would make a GREAT gift to a new mother.  Now that I know how much relief these pads can bring, I will definitely keep these in mind for baby shower gifts. I cannot tell you how much relief these gel pads have provided!  I am so thankful I live in a time that supplies such wonderful tools to help the nursing process be a less painful experience!

Keen Distribution is offering Breast Ease to one of our readers! Simply visit their  site and leave a comment here on your thoughts.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends September 26th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Keen Distribution provided the Breast Ease, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

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skoy cloths


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Picture of SKOY cloths in orange, blue and yellow

As often as I am cleaning up spills and messes of all sorts, I need tools that will assist me in this daunting task.  I was thrilled to run across Skoy Cloths, which help my home stay clean and green as well!

Skoy Cloths are extremely light, absorbent, biodegradable, natural, and can be used in a variety of ways.  I use my cloths while cleaning nearly every surface in my home.  Instead of wasting paper towels and sponges, I’ve replaced them with these!  Because they are made from natural cotton and wood-based cellulose pulp, they are chlorine-free and 100% biodegradable.  In fact, after an independent composting test, the Skoy cloth broke down completely after just five weeks! As one who avoids buying paper towels, I felt at ease knowing when I do eventually dispose of these cloths, they are gentle on the Earth!

Skoy cloths are another way to go green in your home.  Using the re-usable skoy cloth is equivalent to using 15 rolls of paper towels!  My favorite feature from these cloths is that you can throw them in the wash and dryer!  So, after a few uses, I simply throw them in the hamper with my other towels.  These European made products are most assuredly worth the investment!  Spread the word, and go green with Skoy!

Skoy Cloths is offering two 4-packs to one of our US readers! Simply visit their  site and leave a comment here on your thoughts.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends September 20th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Skoy provided the cloths, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

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Babibu


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There is nothing quite like snuggling a newborn baby!  It is almost enough to make you forget all of the work they require!  One way to make you and your bundle of joy even more comfortable is the Babibu nighty.  Handmade from the highest quality bamboo fabric in Canada, the Babibu gives quality, comfortability, and eco awareness all in one luxurious baby sleeper.

The wonderful fabric absorbs moisture away from your baby’s body in order to keep your baby dry and cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making it a very useful, year round weight.  The elastic opening at the bottom makes for easy diaper changes, which tend to be rather often with newborns!

Check out Babibu’s website to choose from one of eight gender neutral gorgeous hues for your baby’s nighty, sure to get a great deal of use.  Newborns sleep up to twenty hours per day, so why not make sure they are as comfortable as possible?

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Babibu provided the nighty, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

 

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Waiting for Gregory by Kimberly Holt


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As soon as I discovered I was expecting another child one of my firs thoughts were, “how can I prepare my first son for this arrival”?  One of the things that have eased his transition was the various books I read to him about the anticipation of a younger sibling. Of those books Waiting for Gregory by National Book Award winner Kimberly Holt was one of our favorites.

Waiting for Gregory centers around an inquisitive little girl called Iris, who is eagerly waiting for her cousin to be born.  As she asks family members how and when it will happen, she receives answers that are clearly contradictory of each other. Only her mother gives her a straight answer, and still Iris must wait and wait for her baby cousin to be born.  The mixed media illustrations by Gabi Swiatokowska are perhaps the most endearing part about this book, adding greatly to the adorable story.  My son loves reading it and discussing the painting images throughout the book.

It’s no wonder why Kimberly Willis Holt is a winner of the National Book Award.  We have greatly enjoyed the story.  She has written various books ranging from novels such as the Water Seeker to picture books.  As I continue to recover from the birth of my second son I look forward to reading it.  Check out Kimberly Holt’s website for a listing of her books!

Kimberly Holt is offering a book to one of our readers! Simply visit her site and leave a comment here on your thoughts.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends September 15th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Kimberly provided the books, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

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Bergstein gumboots from Little Elk


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Wellington boots are an essential for my family’s members.  My son recently outgrew his previous pair, so  we replaced them with a pair of Bergstein Gumboots, sold on Australian website, Little Elk.  The boots are made from durable rubber and cotton lined for comfort.  They make rainy days fun and allow puddles to become the source of thrills rather than dread for Mommy and child!  The boots come in a variety of colors, and my son has the navy blue, his favorite color.  The boots are elegantly shipped in a brown shoebox wrapped with red and white twine, and on the tissue paper in the box, you will find a stamp of the Little Elk insignia.  Perfect!

Little Elk is a new Australian website that currently exclusively carries Bergstein Boots.  Stay tuned however for new products selected from around the globe for kiddos!   Order a pair of boots for your little one now, and look forward to the next rainfall!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Little Elk provided the boots, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

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Dream Essentials Marpac SleepMate


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SleepMate Sound Conditioner

As our family has transitioned into a family of four the noise level has increased!  My eldest son is full of energy and if he hears that a party or conversation is going on in the next room, sleep is out of the question.  In addition to this, New York City is called “the city that never sleeps” for a reason!  Street noise can be loud!  I was desperate to find a sleep mate that could help block the noise and aid him to sleep.  Fortunately there is a wonderful site called Dream Essentials that carries a number of sleeping aids.

Sleep Essentials for Beautiful Awakenings

As I perused their site, I ran across the Marpac SleepMate Sound Conditioner that creates the soothing sound of rushing air to combat and block out all unwanted noises.  I placed the sleepmate next to my sons’ bed, and have noticed a dramatic difference in his ability to fall asleep for naps and at night.  It really does provide a calm environment in his room.  With the craziness of New York City summer hangouts in the streets, it has really helped block out those noises.  I am truly grateful.  I need one of these machines in my room!   For the past forty years the SleepMate has been used to help sleep amidst an array of noises such as TV, barking dogs, street noise, snoring partners, noisy neighbors, and more.  Everyone can relate to at least one of the problems.  One of my other favorite features to the Marpac is its ability to transport anywhere.  This machine is small enough to move from room to room or for traveling.  This will definitely make a difference on our future vacations.

Dream Essentials Home

There are many other reasons why sleep can be disturbed.  Dream Essentials provides products ranging from body pillows to eye masks and aromatherapy to prevent sleep problems.  Thankfully, Dream Essentials is offering Does Mommy Love It? Readers 20% off till September 1, 2010 on all non-sale merchandise using discount code: RELAX889

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Dream Essentials provided the Marpac, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.


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strider prebike


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Remember when you first learned to ride a bicycle?  If you are like most, your first two-wheeler started off with four in the form of training wheels. One day, your father or mother removed the training wheels, held onto the seat and sent you on your way with “Keep Peddling!” ringing in your ears as you crashed for the first of many times.  Sure you eventually got the hang of it, but it didn’t need to be so difficult.  Today, there is an easier way for your toddler!

The Strider balance bike allows for toddlers able to walk to be able to learn the fundamentals of balance, coordination, and confidence used to ride a bicycle.  My son is on the first step, which is straddling the bike standing up and walking it around.  After this, the child sits and begins to balance by putting their feet up on the side bars (that include grip tape), gliding around, and balancing on their own!

My son, at 22months, straddles the bike and steers while walking.  This is the first step before he learns that he can balance himself on it.  We are continuing to practice nearly everyday in order for him to get the hang of it.  Yesterday he sat on the seat and walked around at a much faster rate!  I cannot believe how quickly he has learned how to work this bike!   I look forward to the day when he takes off on his own down a little hill.

The Strider balance bicycle is a wonderful introduction to the bicycle and allows your toddler to skip the bulky tricycles and training wheels.  Best of all, it is so much faster to learn on, so much safer than the previous method!  Check out the video on their website to see this Strider Prebike in action!

Strider Sports is offering a Prebike to one of our US readers(a $99 value)!! Simply visit their site and leave a comment here on your thoughts.  For entry please join their facebook page here: facebook.com/striderprebike

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends September 10th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Strider Sport provided the bike, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

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Theo Chocolate


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If you need an excuse to indulge in a great treat, look no further than Theo brand fine chocolates.  These creations are not only delicious, but organic and fair trade certified, made with renewable energy and sustainable packaging, and sold primarily in natural food stores and small co-ops.  There is also a vegan line available.

Theo Confectionsfair for life logo

Be forewarned, these chocolates are designed for the discriminating chocolate consumer, not the casual user!  Including such flavors as coconut curry, bread and chocolate, fig, fennel and almond as well as some more traditional flavors such as mint dark chocolate and coffee.  I liked the single origin Costa Rica 91% for it’s extra antioxidant punch, but recommend trying the hazelnut crunch or bread and chocolate for a less intense experience!

Premium Organic, Fair Trade and Specialty Chocolate

Theo Chocolate

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above.  Theo Chocolate provided the sample, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

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Ani’s Raw Food Essentials


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Looking for a delicious detox diet?  No, that wasn’t an oxymoron – thanks to raw food chef Ani Phyo.

As an unabashed foodie, I have to admit I was curious, if not suspicious, of the raw food phenomenon.  My first taste experiment at raw “cooking” (no heating involved) was a chocolate raspberry ganache cake.  Let’s just say curiosity turned into conversion.

From the intro of her latest book, Ani’s Raw Food Essentials, dubbed ‘the how-to uncookbook’:
“Raw food is more than just a diet.  It’s an entire philosophy and way of life… Whole, fresh, unheated, unprocessed, organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are rocket fuel for our body.  This turbo-charged, nutrient-dense food fills us up with the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes our body needs to hum like a well-oiled machine.”

Drop every preconceived notion you might have of raw food:  eggs in smoothies (gag), endless piles of celery and carrots, questionable greens.  Now trade it for:  Chocolate Flurry Shake, Mango Gazpacho, Pine Nut Shiitake Risotto with Peas, Quinoa Tabbouleh, Coconut Cake with Nutella Hazelnut Sauce…  Hello?!

I love how raw food “uncooking” cuts down on the amount of dishwashing (read: no pots and pans) and on the kitchen heat during the summer.  The nut-based “mylk” recipes quickly made their way into my diet, as it’s easily incorporated into my cereals and smoothies.   There’s a cherry tomato marinara recipe that calls for Medjool dates, making it sweeter than the jar stuff – love it!  Almost every dish can be warmed, and though it technically can no longer be considered “raw”, the adaptability is always a plus.

In my opinion, the only downside to this book is that some recipes (namely ones that mimic carbs, like crackers, breads, pizza crust) call for the use of a dehydrator — not exactly a kitchen staple, but the book does equip the reader with dehydration techniques using a regular oven.  That and the amount of recipes found in Ani’s Essentials, coupled with a straightforward how-to’s on raw basics (including utensils and pantry essentials), more than compensate for the raw food beginner.

Plenty are the benefits of eating more unprocessed whole foods.  Personally I can’t say I ever intend to go 100% raw, but I appreciate the philosophy and the approach in Essentials:  it’s not about going to extremes, but taking small steps – maybe it’s adding raw dishes to the diet every now and then.  We fuel the body with good stuff, knowing that good things will come.

Here’s to living healthier, greener, fitter, leaner, happier… Bon “raw”petit!

This review is based strictly on my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with this book listed above.  I was not compensated aside from a copy of the book for review purposes.

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