Handprint Christmas Tree Wall Art

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We’re finally adding some art to our walls and I love being able to add some for the holidays. Since Charlie loves any kind of crafting, this was the perfect choice for a new canvas for us.

 

Playtime Fun with GALT Toys

We received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

I don't think that playtime should always be educational. While I know some people do, I think kids should be able to just run around and be crazy sometimes. With that being said, I do believe that education is an important aspect of play. We've found some great products from GALT Toys that really bring out the fun, but sneak a little learning in there too.

As you know, Charlie is really working on his alphabet skills at preschool (and home) and loves anything he can do with them!

Alphabet Puzzles// Opposite Puzzles

KidOFit Shoes Offer Barefoot Comfort + Giveaway

We received product in exchange for this review, but all opinions are my own.

Our boys have both been early walkers and were running at their 1st birthday parties. Before they really start walking, it's all about cute shoes (if shoes at all)! Once they're on the move, we want to make sure they have a good shoe: one that is comfy, ergonomically designed and can really offer a long lasting fit. And if they're cute, that's even better!

We were recently introduced to KidOFit shoes and I fell in love! These shoes offer all of the necessities for kids that are constantly on-the-go: running, dancing and playing! Medical experts worldwide agree that barefoot walking is optimal for foot development and enhances good posture for growing kids. KidOFit uses unique soles, made of thin, flexible elastomer, which perfectly mimics the barefoot walking experience and promotes natural foot motion.

Get Creative with Crayola for the Holidays

We received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

We all think about Crayola for back-to-school supplies and those giant packs of crayons, but do you think about giving Crayola products for Christmas?

Charlie loves crafts, coloring and all things artsy. We try to give him gifts that can really be used and allow his imagination to go crazy. He'll be getting a box of Crayola goodies to restock his craft drawer.

Tommee Tippee Explora Truly Spill Proof Straw Cup

I received product to facilitate this review, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

We’re just starting to give Owen some water in a sippy cup and occasionally some milk (mommy or other) if I’m not around and he needs nursed. This past week Tom pulled out our mountains of sippy cups from Charlie. We have a ton of them that we saved, but in all honesty- we should have tossed half of them after the first use. If you have already been through the sippy cup stage, you know how spill proof most of those “spill proof” cups are!

When we were offered to review the Tommee Tippee sippy cups, I jumped at the chance!

Happy Family Toddler Nutrition + Giveaway

I received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

Now that Owen is 1, I guess it’s safe to say we have a toddler. How do you really decide when they’re a toddler and not a baby anymore? Owen walks, climbs, babbles, and tries to play with everything big brother does.

He is still nursing about 3 times a day: in the morning, mid-day, and before bed. Now that nursing has slowed down, we find ourselves wondering if he is getting enough of what he needs.

Happy Tot Grow & Shine Toddler Milk is formulated to support toddler’s extensive physical and cognitive development and ensure toddlers receive the essential nutrients necessary for their continued growth.

Laugh with the Hide ‘n Spin Monkey

I received product in exchange for this review. This post may contain affiliate links.

I’m sure we all know that the best sound in the whole world is a baby’s laugh. This Hide ‘n Spin Monkey from Bright Start’s Having a Ball Collection is sure to get your little one laughing.

Owen just turned 1 on the 29th. This is the perfect gift for him! The Hide ‘n Spin Monkey plays silly monkey sounds, songs, and lights up! What toddler or baby wouldn’t love that? If you’re baby is not yet standing, they can still play because they’re able to sit or stand. To play, you just drop the balls into the monkey’s hat. He’ll count the balls and then spit them out. The leaves on the chutes can open up to let the balls roll around for chasing fun.

Making Our Own Food Pouches with Infantino

I received free product to produce this post, but all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

When Owen first arrived, I thought about making our own baby food. Plenty of people do, so I figured I’d give it a go. Well… we didn’t end up doing that, and now at a year old, he’s pretty much done with “baby” food. However, Charlie (at 3.5) still loves pouches! When we were given the chance to try out Infantino’s Fresh Squeezed line, I thought this was the perfect time to make our own.

I set everything up the night before. When I opened the Squeeze Station box I was surprised at how simple it was! All I had to do to set it up was wash the parts and put it back together. To put your station together, you just need to slide the pouches into slots and screw on the tube. How easy is that?

Tissue Paper Pumpkin

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Easy crafts are perfect for our house. This pumpkin is a fun and easy craft that’s perfect for fall. Charlie loves making crafts and I love being able to use them to decorate the house. This is now hanging on our door!

Lots and Lots of Fire Trucks

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Like most children, Charlie is completely in awe of fire trucks. This Lots and Lots of Fire Trucks set is perfect for him because he can see all the real action while staying inside the house!

I was rather impressed with the book that comes with this set. The book is aimed at older children and parents in my opinion, but I really do think it’s great. The book includes facts, history information, recipes, pictures, safety tips and so much more. The audio CD that comes with the set is perfect to entertain the little ones in the car.

Barney: A Super-Dee-Duper Day & Giveaway

I was provided a DVD for my review. All opinions are my own.

My sister loved Barney growing up and I think it’s fun that Charlie does now too. I must say that 20 years later, I like Barney much more!

When Barney: A Super-Dee-Duper Day arrived in the mail, Charlie was so excited to see a baseball on the front!

Summer is in full-swing and Barney and his friends are celebrating the summer with in the all-new movie Barney: A Super-Dee-Duper Day available only on DVD July 15, 2014 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment.

Tips for Taking a Baby and a Toddler to the Movies

This week was our first adventure to the movie theater with both boys. Charlie went once with me when about 2 years ago. He did pretty well then, but that was just the two of us. This time we had Owen!

If you’re thinking about taking your baby and toddler to the movies, these tips are for you!

Heroes of the City Baby App

I am being sent promotional items in exchange for posting this review. All opinions are my own.

You might remember hearing about Heroes of the City from me back in April when I reviewed the movie app. Heroes of the City has now rolled out a new Baby App. The only thing I don’t like about this is that it’s called “Baby”. Charlie, a little over 3 years old, LOVES it! He calls it his “color car game”.

Keeping Kids Safe With DreamBaby

I was sent product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. DreamBaby has also supplied one for giveaway!

When you have kids (of any age), you want to keep them safe. DreamBaby makes some wonderful products to help us with that.

I was sent the Royal Converta 3-in-1 Play-Yard and Wide Barrier Gate after seeing that we have two little ones. We have small gates at the top and bottom of our stairs and one dividing our kitchen from the dining room.

Warning: My house is a hot mess and this is a real post. I can’t show you real pictures of how we’re actually using the Royal Converta if I clean up my house and stage everything. I’m not one of those moms that keeps a neat house. It’s just not in me. Add a toddler and a baby, it just gets worse.

Rachel & the TreeSchoolers need your help

To be completely honest, Charlie watches entirely too much tv. Kids these days are exposed to way more screen time than we were growing up. Here’s the kicker: Did you know that only 1 in 8 kids shows are “highly educational”?

Rachel Coleman created Signing Time with her sister Emilie. She has been nominated for an Emmy for her work on the show, which airs on public television, Nick Jr. and Netflix.

Rachel is now bringing you a family-funded program, making smart kids smarter: Rachel & the TreeSchoolers.

About Rachel & the TreeSchoolers

It is based on a complete preschool curriculum, preparing children for kindergarten. This is a show that actively engages children in learning using their favorite things: signs, games, songs, and dance. Rachel & the TreeSchoolers teaches children HOW to learn with the CORI Method (wonder, ask, learn, share).

Disney Junior on Zulily

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If you have little ones around, you know how awesome Disney Junior is. Today on zulily, you can find some awesome Disney Junior items at up to 45% off!

You’ll find books, potties, wall decals, clothes, shoes, meal sets, art sets, and so much more from our favorite Disney Junior friends!

Look around on zulily for other awesome finds!

Paper Plate Sun Catcher

If you’re looking for an easy and affordable craft, this is it. Sun catchers are great for any age.

You’ll need:

• paper plate
• clear contact paper or clear packing tape
• scissors
• tissue paper
• hole punch
• yarn or ribbon
• crayons, markers, stickers (optional)

Move & Groove

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Charlie has been all about playing games lately. However, he doesn’t have the attention span right now to play a whole board game. Thinkfun’s Move & Groove is perfect for Charlie!

Sand Play Dough

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When we went to the Turkey Hill Experience, Charlie found something that we had to tear him away from. He called it “Ice Cream Play Dough”. It was basically a sand-like play dough with an ice cream set. He sat there and played for a good 30 minutes (on and off of us dragging him away). I told him that Mommy could make him “Ice Cream Play Dough” at home.

Two weeks later, I finally made the poor boy his “Ice Cream Play Dough”. It was super easy and I love easy things that make my boy happy!

10 Ways Toddlers Can Help With Baby

Charlie loves to help out with his brother! We try to make him feel as though we need his help, but don’t pressure him into helping. Make sure not to rush your toddler while they are helping or they might resent you or the baby. From the beginning, we made sure Charlie knew that Owen loved him and loves when Charlie helps. Though toddlers might not be able to completely do a task on their own yet, they can certainly get involved and feel important in taking care of their new baby sibling.