Rave and Review

Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer Review

I have a confession to make: my two year old daughter still sits in a baby bouncer.  Daily.  It started when she was first born and this was the only way I could get in a daily shower, and then I just couldn’t give up this hands-free 15 minutes to myself and have done just about everything I can think of to keep her happily bouncin’, even at 24 months.  So, having used a baby bouncer every day for the past 24 months, I feel I am some what of a bouncer expert and, in turn, my daughter would be a bouncer-sitting expert.

But, it wasn’t the expert in us that was so excited to open the Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer when it arrived a few weeks back, as it really didn’t take any sort of expertise to know this was something very cool.  So cool, in fact, that I could barely get it out of the packaging before my little one was happily reading in it.  Not only is the Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer so, so much cooler than our old bouncer, it’s got some seriously cool features that make this little seat a top pick for any new parent.

To start with, the Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer is foldable, just as the name suggests.  This means that it’s great for us since we are always on the go, and also means that when we {finally} retire this little seat, we don’t have to get a storage unit just to house it.  By simply sliding the safety latch to the side and squeezing a toddler-proof lever, the seat folds nearly flat and can be stored against a wall, under a bed or couch, or even hung by the handle.   

I am a firm believer of the fold-up, twist up, or roll up trend in baby gear, which is why I am absolutely loving Infantino’s new line of go-anywhere baby products.  Not only is it great for traveling parents, it’s also great for parents with limited space, grandparents who only have the grandkids on occasion, or caregivers who don’t want their house to look like a nursery once the kiddos leave.  In short, it’s for everyone that doesn’t have excess square footage they are dying to fill with baby gear.   

Some other great features of the Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer are:
• Cute and character-free plush, padded seat with infant head support
• Removable entertainment bar that includes detachable toys
• Machine washable seat cover
• For babies {or toddlers, in our case} up to 25lbs or 11.3 kgs
• Vibration function
• Comforting bouncing action occurs with baby’s movement
• Soothing sounds, music and more with volume control, saving both kids’ and parents’ sanity
• Easy to fold and unfold with a space saving design

The only thing I’m not really wild about is ease of removing the removable toy bar.  While I love that it is easy to snap into the seat, it also means that it is easy to unsnap from the seat for older babies and toddlers.  While we have completely removed the bar for our toddler, I’m worried that when baby #2 arrives, he may never get the joy of a toy bar without his big sister grabbing it away from him.  Although, in our expert bouncy chair opinion, the toy bar is really only useful for a very short amount of time, anyway.  In our 24 months of bouncing, we have used a toy bar for roughly 1-2 months of that time, making this our least-used feature and one that would be the easiest to go without. 

Overall, I am extremely happy with the Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer and would whole heartedly recommend it to parents shopping for a bouncer for their little one or for shower presents for new parents.  It's cute, comfortable, and quality-made, as well as being foldable and easy to store, travel and more.  Whether you fall under the “on-the-go” umbrella or are limited on space, the Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer is definitely worth checking out. 

Price: $49.99

Did you know that Infantino is part of the Step2 family of brands that make all sorts of classic indoor and outdoor toys for kids of all ages?  Check out our recent review of the Step2 Gather & Grille Playhouse to see what kinds of toddler fun my daughter's been having this summer!

See more about the Fold & Go Bouncer at http://www.infantino.com/ and be sure to connect with Infantino all over the web: Facebook, Twitter, and on their own Infantino Blog

I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received for this Rave Review.

PTPA Summer 2010 Latest & Greatest Campaign Winners!

Parent Tested Parent Approved has just announced their newest campaign winners - The PTPA Summer 2010 Latest & Greatest Awards!  The Latest & Greatest Campaign now includes a category for food, and features some really fun and exciting new products any parent (or kid) would love.   

If you're not already familiar with PTPA, here's a brief overview:  PTPA Media utilizes the expertise of real parents reviewing real products and giving their honest feedback.  PTPA selects the award winning products based on how the evaluators rate the value, functionality, quality and appeal and then awards each with their well-known PTPA Winners Badge.  The great thing about PTPA is that anyone can get involved – you don’t have to be a blogger or even be related to anyone famous to get on their list of parent evaluators and start reviewing products for them. 

Want to learn more about PTPA?  Jump online or click here for information on how to become a PTPA Parent Evaluator (P.S. If you want to spread some love, when you sign up they ask you “How did you find us?”, simply select “Other” and enter Rave and Review - they have a great new referral program so don't forget to refer your friends).

Some of the Summer 2010 Latest & Greatest Winners include some awesome products we’ve featured on Rave and Review this past year and even more great products and brands that we will be profiling in the next few weeks (*ahem* Britax *ahem*)!

See the full list of Latest & Greatest Campaign Winners here.
 

Boba Organic 2G Baby Carrier Review and Giveaway!

I am a huge fan of babywearing and was really sad when my daughter outgrew the baby carriers she lived in for the first year and a half of life.  When I first heard of Boba Organic Carriers and their 15lb to 45lb weight range, I was naturally really excited because of how much we all loved babywearing and didn’t want to give it up just yet.  I’m happy to say that after a very brief hiatus, we are now happily babywearing again and loving every minute of it.  In fact, baby absolutely loves the Boba Organic carrier and asks to be put in it almost daily.

What it is:  The Boba 2G Organic Baby Carrier is a soft structured design that is reminiscent of a backpack, but it is designed to carry your baby on either your stomach or back to give you a hands free way to snuggle your little one.  It is obvious from first glance that the Boba Baby Carrier is designed for comfort – both for baby and for parents.  With no poking poles or metal parts, the Boba 2G is easy to pack, store and wear comfortably.  Starting with the fabrics used all the way to the optional attachments for babies and toddlers of all ages, the quality of the carrier is exceptional and will easily last through multiple children. 

Features:  The Boba 2G Carrier has thick padded straps and an ergonomic, weight-bearing waist band made with high quality foam to take the weight of baby off your shoulders and back.  This feature is great if you’re walking to the market or spending the day walking the beach, but is absolutely indispensable if you’re planning on baby wearing all day and even weight distribution is a necessity.  And, for these all-day excursions, you will be really happy to have the optional attachments for baby that really enhance their coziness and make it much more likely that they will stay content all day.   

One feature I have never seen in any other carrier that I absolutely love are the foot straps that help keep your baby’s legs at a 90-degree angle so they don’t just hang awkwardly from the Boba.  This is great for baby in that it provides superior comfort and increased circulation over dangling legs, and also wonderful for parents who prefer not to be kicked with each step as baby’s legs hit your thighs.  For young babies who don’t need the foot straps, you can easily remove them from the carrier and then reattach as needed.  But, as an added bonus, the foot straps are fully adjustable and can be loosened or tightened to hold a blanket or toy for the trip. 

Another feature I absolutely love in the Boba Organic is the removable hood that helps support baby’s head or provides coverage for exposed baby skin in the sun and light rain.  We have used multiple other carriers with a similar type multi-purpose hood, but really loved that Boba made theirs fully removable so you can get it completely out of the way if you no longer need it.  Although the hood is wonderful for smaller kids, we found that it is also great for toddlers who should be sleeping and instead tend to get distracted by every little movement around them.  Unrolling the hood and attaching it to the straps helps minimize distractions nicely and also leads to more napping being done at nap time.  

Quality Construction:  I was really impressed with the fabric of the Boba 2G Carrier over all other baby carriers I have ever tried.  Although the 100% organic cotton is extremely soft to the touch and feels really nice against your skin, it also has this great mix of sturdy and durable all at the same time.  The lightly padded fabric of the body of the carrier where baby sits definitely adds to this sturdy feel of the Boba, but surprisingly does not add excess weight to the carrier, which makes the lightweight Boba 2G the perfect carrier for long excursions or hikes. 

Boba even used a heavy-duty military grade buckle that ensures your child is safe at all times.  It’s the sturdiness of the fabric and the high quality features used that go a long way in making me feel that baby is completely secure in the carrier.  Unlike other carriers that I felt I needed an arm under her at all times, baby felt really secure from the first wear and made hands-free baby snuggling effortless. 

I really love the included elastic bands that help keep the Boba 2G Organic Carrier straps looking neat and tidy at all times and get rid of dangling straps that make the carrier look sloppy.  This goes a long way in making the carrier look and feel more urban than other carriers.  As well as giving your Boba a more polished look, it also helps the adjustable straps stay as you have adjusted and limits your baby’s access to exposed straps.

The sleek looking Boba Organic Carriers all have a very unisex appeal, which makes them the perfect baby carriers for traveling as a family.  When you’re talking days on end of walking or traveling with a baby, bringing something that you can take turns carrying is the only thing that makes sense.  Not only does hubby happily babywear with the Boba Organic, he actually looks good doing so. 

I’m so happy with the Boba Organic Carrier and am absolutely thrilled that we will get to extend our babywearing for much longer than I thought possible.  My daughter is currently 24 months (image at right is her wearing her baby in the Boba Carrier) and just a little bit under 30lbs and not only does she fit comfortably in the Boba, she looks like she will be riding in comfort for quite a while.  Since our travels often take us places no stroller would ever dare go, the Boba really opens up our options and makes traveling as a family easy.

Additional features of the Boba Organic 2G, from the Boba Baby Carrier website:

• Human-friendly materials – made without pesticides, herbicides or harsh chemicals.
• Shell and batting are made with GOTS and OE100 certified organic cotton and lined with 100% organic Texas cotton
• Child can be carried on front or back easily
• Weighs less than 2lbs.
• Is 15” tall and 16” wide
• The Boba is completely adjustable and easily fits adults of all shapes and sizes. 

Price: $118, and available at www.bobababycarrier.com
 

 Read more about Boba Baby Carriers and see the PTPA award at www.ptpamedia.com

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a Boba Organic 2G Baby Carrier of their very own - {ARV $118}! 

To Enter:  Leave a comment, response, or an interaction of some kind on PTPA's Facebook Page as well as Boba Baby Carriers on Facebook. 

And, as always, there are extra entries available:

 

1) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview, @PTPA and @BobaCarrier after following us all (daily Tweet, just post link here)

2) Let me know you subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count - leave two comments)

3) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the Rave and Review homepage 

4) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (must have an active link)

5) Comment love.  Leave a new comment on any non-giveaway post and/or any of my current giveaways!

6) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

7) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On July 26th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Color of Boba sent to winner will depend on stock on hand.  Giveaway open to US and Canadian addresses only.

Winner, Winner!  This giveaway is closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to Bao who won the BOBA 2G Child Carrier! 

A huge thank you to the PTPA winning Boba Organic Carrier for sending their 2G Carrier to be reviewed and extending our baby wearing well past age 2 as well as offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no monetary compensation was received for this Rave Review.

My First Apartment: The Step2 Gather & Grille Playhouse

These past few weeks we have been planning and building a new addition at our house.  Just some additional square footage where our daughter could decorate to her specific tastes (pink) and hopefully give her some much needed freedom.  Since she’s only two, I wasn’t quite ready to send her off to her own apartment, so we came up with a compromise that the whole family is thrilled about. 

It started with a plan, and we quickly put that plan into action. 

The buidling foreman

The construction crew

 
 
The resulting addition was even cuter than the plans had let on, and the Step2 Gather & Grille Playhouse is hands-down the coolest thing a toddler or her parents can imagine.  I’ve talked before about how much I love Step2 and their wide array of products that inspire the imagination and encourage little ones to explore the world around them, but this was my first experience with one of their outdoor toys. 

The Gather & Grille Playhouse is one of Step2’s awesome new releases for 2010 and the perfect thing to get our house ready for hours of play.  Besides being the perfect little apartment for our daughter, the Gather & Grille Playhouse has some amazingly cool features such as a working door bell, an opening and closing front door, and the coolest little patio a kiddo (or her mama) could ever hope for.

The Gather & Grille Playhouse also has plenty of large open windows to provide lots of light and air, which makes the playhouse ready for all sorts of shaded summer fun.  Hopelessly cute from the outside, but even more so on the inside thanks to all sorts of touches only Step2 could create, like a mini kitchen with a sink and stove (which is great so she doesn’t mind being away from her mega Step2 indoor kitchen for long.)  But, to make it really feel like home, the Gather & Grille Playhouse has a fireplace, mantle clock, and pantry decals that really make the playhouse feel like an apartment.

On the outside wall of the playhouse is an attached BBQ grill for realistic outdoor cooking that can be accessed right off the playhouse kitchen.  The patio feel is completed with a bench that is just the right size for a child or two waiting for something hot off the grill.  Included grilling accessories/tools hang on little hooks underneath the BBQ so they are always ready for action, and little condiment bottles are supplied so you can have your burgers just how you like them.

This back patio area is one of my favorite things, and what makes this little playhouse so amazingly versatile.  Having more than one way in and out means numerous kids can all play together at the same time without getting in each other’s way.  While one child is busy opening and closing the front door, another child could easily be manning the back door and entertaining a small gaggle of kiddos on the BBQ patio. The back door is also extra large, making it much easier for older kids or even grown ups to join in on playtime (thank you, Step2!

Having a real destination for outdoor play that holds the kiddos attention for hours has been a great addition to our house and our entire neighborhood.  While we had always talked about building a tree fort someday for her, the sad truth is we don’t have any trees large enough to support one, and our daughter is much too young to be climbing trees anyway.  The Step2 Gather & Grille Playhouse gives her the same exciting play, in a sturdy, well-built structure that she will surely be playing with for years. 

The Gather and Grille Playhouse is not only absolutely adorable, it's twice as cute and three times as sturdy as anything we could have built ourselves.  And as an added bonus, I feel like the best mom on Earth when I see her eyes light up after I suggest we go play in her house today.

Dimensions: 54" interior height, ouside dimensions of 59" H, 51.50" W, and 72.00" D 

Price: The Step2 Gather & Grille Playhouse retails for $399 (though we’ve seen it on sale) and is sure to be a favorite hangout for years and years to come.  

http://www.step2.com/

A huge thank you to Step2 for not only giving us some much needed living and playing space by sending their Gather & Grille Playhouse for review, but for also making our backyard simply adorable in the process.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received for this Rave Review.

Diaper Pail Test Drive: Conclusions

Many of you know that for the past few weeks we have been hard at work testing two different diaper pails as part of the Mom Central Diaper Pail Test Drive.  We spent the four weeks alternating between the Diaper Genie II Elite and the Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail and now we’re at the conclusion of the Diaper Pail Test Drive, which means it’s time to make the decision of which pail will become our main diaper disposal system. 

I’ve already talked a bit about the benefits of both diaper pails and what we thought half way through the test drive, but after a month of using the pails, I really have formed an attachment to one over the other.  The pros and cons our weeks of testing have uncovered are outlined below:

Diaper Genie II Elite Pail Benefits – 

*A foot pedal for hands-free opening and closing of the pail.  I have always hated that I had to use two hands to dispose of a diaper and love that with the Diaper Genie, I can simply step on the foot pedal and toss the diaper in.  Everyone raves about one-hand access, but even better than one hand opening is the fact that it opens with NO HANDS.  This means that the diaper pail stays clean and sanitary no matter what kind of mess I’m dealing with.  

* Speaking of sanitary, I love that the diaper does not come in contact with the Diaper Pail at all and only touches the disposable refill bags on the inside of the Diaper Genie. 

* Larger diaper pail holds more diapers than any other pail we have tried, and disposing of a full bag and getting a new bag ready is fairly easy with their integrated bag cutter and a simple knot.  The Diaper Genie refill pack can accommodate a few easy bag changes before you need a whole new refill pack.

* The Diaper Genie II Elite is also the only diaper pail that you can change bags on as often as you'd like without wasting a whole bag.  Because of the unique bag refill system that allows you to cut the bag to whatever size you need, it allows you greater flexibility when refilling your pail.  I find this especially handy when the pail isn't quite full before garbage day but I would still like to empty it to start fresh for the week, or if we are going to be out of town and I don't want to come home to a half full pail.  

* Odor control.  Although there have been times when some odor did escape from the Diaper Genie as I stepped on the foot pedal to dispose of a diaper, I would still rate it the best at odor control of the pails I have tried.  We even tried the pail in a small powder room for a few days so we could see what it smelled like in confined spaces, and it passed that test with flying colors. 

Diaper Genie II Elite Pail Cons –

* The process of changing the diaper pail bags may be easy, but it does require the pail to be open longer than I would ideally like.  Even holding my breath and hurrying through the process, I would still rate it as fairly unpleasant scent-wise. 

* The Diaper Genie II Elite is bigger than most other pails, which can be a problem if you have a tight space.  Fortunately for me, bigger is better when it comes to diaper disposal and I actually like that the pail is taller and hold more.

* The cost of refill packs, which are typically around $6-7, but can be found in bulk packages of 3 for $19.99

Price: $39.99 

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail Benefits –

* The twisting action of the bag closure eliminates the pail being stuck open accidentally when a bag gets too full.  When the Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail does get full, the twisting action when you close the lid does get harder and louder, which signals to you that it’s time for a refill. 

* The bag removal process in which you seal the bag before you even open the pail.  This saves you having to be near a full bag when it is open, and is a huge plus for someone who cannot stomach unpleasant smells. 

* Again, the diaper does not come in contact with the actual pail at all, and only touches the disposable inner bag.

* I like that the Munchkin Pail has a refillable Arm & Hammer cartridge to help control odors.  I also like that the cartridge is unscented and cheap to refill, and doesn’t mask the room with a fake floral scent or something equally repugnant.

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail Cons –

* The two handed operation of the pail and the fact that you have to push the diaper through to the refill below is something I would definitely like to see modified on future models. 

* The odor control on the Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail is much lower than the Diaper Genie Elite Pail, but yet is still better than our old diaper disposal system.  My pregnant nose still has a hard time being in the room with the Arm & Hammer pail unless the diaper pail has just been emptied, which means there is quite a bit of time that I avoid the nursery.

* I dislike the base of the diaper pail that is far too easy to open with a simple handle.  When you add that this easy to open door doesn’t have any sort of seal, the recipe for disaster is huge.  I’m not sure if this is what is causing most of the odor emission from the pail that we are experiencing, but it would make sense that an unsealed base would lead to odors. 

* The Arm & Hammer refills are also costly at $5.99 for 10 bags and need to be changed more frequently than the Diaper Genie refills.  The other issue is that these can’t be found at many of our local stores, which would be a huge bummer if I didn’t plan ahead far enough. 

Price: $34.99

Conclusions: As you can see from the massive pro and con list, both diaper pails do have their faults.  But, since cleanliness and odor control are top of my list of requirements in a pail, the Diaper Genie II Elite wins hands down.  The minor odors caused by the opening of the lid and the changing of the bag are much better than any other diaper disposal system I have tried previously, and something I am definitely willing to live with in exchange for a pail that doesn't emit odors even when closed.  When you add in the foot pedal and the hands free disposal, the choice was really quite easy. 

Have you tried either Diaper Pail?  Do you have any opinions about these two brands?

I am a member of the Mom Central community and I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central, sponsored by Diaper Genie, and received a free Diaper Genie diaper pail and a free Munchkin Arm & Hammer diaper pail to facilitate my review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received for this review.

Yüm Gourmet Skin Care Giveaway

There’s something about a change in seasons that inspires change everywhere.  Whether it’s a new hairstyle, freshly painted toenails, or merely clutter-free counters, I like to start each season off with newness and promise.  So, in honor of the first week of summer, I thought I would let you in on my newest little beauty find – Yüm Gourmet Skin Care Crème Moisturizers.

Maybe even better than a new ‘do or paint job, and definitely better than a clean house which requires upkeep from the start, Yüm Crème Moisturizers are the perfect way to celebrate a little bit every single day.  With my brand-new moisturizer in its bright orange and pink bottle greeting me day and night, Yüm has made the past few uncharacteristically drizzly weeks of spring almost bearable.  While, of course, I would prefer to be celebrating the new season in a non-indoors kind of way, at least I can get through the greyness smelling like the perfect summer day and with perfectly moisturized skin.   

Since I have a huge weakness for all things fruity and summer-y, I’m all about the Cranberry Crème Moisturizer, and its almost good-enough-to-eat scent.  This does mean that I have to hide it from my two year old, who thinks that Yüm should be applied every hour on the hour, and insists that she get a dollop of crème for her own flawless baby skin on that schedule.  While this does mean that I sneak my summer behind closed doors or during her sleep schedule, it really is worth it so I can smell Cranberry Crème all day and feel how soft and fresh my skin feels.    

Cranberry Crème Moisturizer is a thick and rich crème that is chock full of nutrients and antioxidants that Yüm says encourage healthy, vibrant skin. While I don’t know anything about skin care alchemy, I do know that my skin feels great and nourished, as well as smells delicious.  The ingredients include cranberry extract, Amazonian fruit butter, BioActive antioxidants, Omega-3, Omega-6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and pure oils in a potion that Yüm says helps repair cellular damage and deter free radicals.   

About the company, from the YumSkinCare website:  Yüm Gourmet Skincare is dedicated to enlightening and promoting a superior approach to skincare.  It's our desire to exceed expectations with exquisite products that are so fresh you won't believe they're natural.  Our fresh organic and natural ingredients such as juices, oils, herbs and pulp are meticulously harvested and processed to draw the most significant health benefits possible.  Each hand crafted batch is carefully cooked and packaged preserving its unique beneficial ingredients.  Yüm – the Tibetan symbol of wisdom and enlightenment – reflects our philosophy that truly exceptional skin is more than skin deep.  We are a different kind of skin care company whose goals exceed simply making the best skincare products.  Yüm is skincare with a conscience.

Cranberry Crème Moisturizer ingredients:
• AMAZONIAN FRUIT BUTTER - helps the skin retain water by creating a protective film.
• BLUEBERRY OIL - extracted from blueberry fruit is known as a powerful antioxidant.
• COENZYME Q10 - to improve appearance and texture of skin. Raspberry Oil Fruit extract has potent antioxidant properties and antibacterial properties
• CRANBERRY OIL - Cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) Oil is derived from the seed of the cranberry red berry. The oil has potent antioxidant abilities.

Price: $65 Retail

http://women.yumskincare.com/ or go to Organic Spa Solutions to purchase this moisturizer or any of Yüm's wide line of beauty products

And now for the Giveaway...

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a $65 bottle of Yüm Cranberry Crème Moisturizer! 

To Enter:  Tell me how you celebrate the start of summer and why you'd love to try out Yüm Gourmet Skin Care products. 

And, as always, there are extra entries available:

1) Let me know you subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count - leave two comments)

2) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview and #giveaway after following (daily Tweet, just post link here)

3) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the Rave and Review homepage 

4) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (must have an active link)

5) Comment love.  Leave a new comment on any non-giveaway post and/or any of my current giveaways!

6) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

7) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On August 4th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US and Canadian addresses only.

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to Karla Sceviour who said...

daily tweet
http://twitter.com/ksceviour/status/19697132899

A huge thank you to Yum Gourmet Skin Care for helping us celebrate summer all season long.  All opinions are 100% ours and no monetary compensation was received for this Rave Review.

Backyard Safari Outfitters Review

Nature walks, hikes, and exploring outdoors is an essential part of growing up, which is why I am adamant that my girly-girl of a daughter will eventually appreciate playing with bugs, dirt, and more.  When I received an awesome package from Team Mom the other day filled with Backyard Safari Outfitters equipment to get my little one exploring, I was more than excited.  It took a bit of warming up to the idea, but once my daughter saw her cousins go crazy for the gear, even she was begging to play. 

By far, the hot ticket item in the package was the Bug Wrangler’s Bug Vacuum, which has been used to pick up all sorts of creepy crawlies and insect life.  It’s great for my daughter and her other non-dirt-loving cousins because you don’t actually have to touch the live bugs, the Bug Vacuum merely sucks them up with the press of a button and then you can observe them inside the plastic cone using the included magnifying glass.   

Bug Wrangler’s Bug Vacuum Product Description:
• 2 CATCH & RELEASE CAPTURE CONES WITH BUILT IN MAGNIFYING GLASS
• PLUS: EXTRA NOSE CONE FOR THE REALLY BIG BUGS
• AGE: 5 & Up
• Retails for $19.99

The Backyard Safari Outfitters Essential Cargo Vest is another piece of outdoor gear that kids go crazy for.  Not only does it make your little one look like a serious outdoor explorer as soon as they put it on, it also helps organize and carry all your little explorer’s gear on the journey.  Pockets and D-rings help you attach all your gear and the clear-view chest pocket is the perfect place to store the Pop-Up Field Guide that comes with each Backyard Safari product.  I think it's great that the back of the cargo vest is adjustable to fit a wide range of kids and that the ploy-twill fabric is easy to clean after their time playing in the dirt.

Essential Cargo Vest Product Description:
• RUGGED POLY-TWILL FABRIC WITH REINFORCED DETAIL
• 4 CARGO POCKETS WITH VELCRO CLOSURES
• 1 TWO INCH DEEP ZIPPER POCKET WITH MESH-NET OUTER POCKET
• 6 D-RINGS
• CUSTOM ZIPPER PULLS
• CARGO SHOULDER EPAULETS WITH SNAP CLOSURES
• ADJUSTABLE REAR STRAP
• 2 OVER-SIZED MESH-NET CARGO POCKETS IN REAR
• PLUS CLEAR-VU FRONT POCKET CONTAINING ESSENTIAL FIELD POP-GUIDE
• AGE: 5 & UP
• Retails for $19.99

For little explorers who are curious if the grass really is greener on the other side, there is a Land and Water Mega View Periscope that can help them see over, around, and even under large objects using the expandable periscope that can be used on land or in water.  While we’re not talking professional grade lenses and optics, the Full View Periscope is great for little ones who need that extra bit of height or want to see in the water without getting wet.  By extending a whopping 4 feet, the Full View Periscope is perfect for peeking, peering, or learning – all while keeping their feet firmly planted on the ground. 

Land & Water Mega View Periscope Product Description:
• THREE NESTED SECTIONS EXTEND OVER 4 FEET
• WIDE-VIEW FACE PLATE FOR BINOCULAR VIEWING
• ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED HAND GRIPS FOR STEADY, VERTICAL HOLDING POSITION
• 16 INCH WATER-TIGHT SUBMERSIBLE SECTION FOR UNDERWATER VIEWING
• AGE: 5 & Up
• Retails for $24.99

Check out Backyard Safari Outfitters to get the most out of exploring the great outdoors with your little ones this summer.  It is great fun, keeps them entertained outdoors, and has so many learning possibilities.  Who knows, maybe you will find that it gets your girly-girl excited about nature, too!

View their whole selection of outdoor exploring gear and purchase your own explorer gear at http://www.summittoy.com/

You can also find Backyard Safari Outfitters on Twitter and on Facebook

A big thank you to Team Mom and Backyard Safari Outfitters for makign our nature walks that much more educational and fun.  All opinions are 100% ours and no monetary compensation was received for this Rave Review.

Timberland Sunglasses Giveaway

Since I am fair skinned and have really light eyes, I have to have sun protection even on grey and overcast days.  This means that I always have one or twenty pairs of glasses at the ready and a tub of sunscreen.  Before I was a mom, this used to mean a pair of shades in the car, one in my purse, another in the camera bag, and a few at the house “just in case”.  But, now that I am charged with carrying a whole family’s worth of gear in my “mom purse”, I really see the allure of having sunglasses and sun gear that is substantial and rugged and ready for any of us to grab and wear whenever the sun peeks out. 

When we found that both my husband and I could wear a few of the Timberland sunglasses frames and actually share them between us, these became some of our go-to glasses to stash in my purse or the diaper bag for family outings.  We picked up a pair of their sweet Aviator style sunglasses in Sundance this year and now we fight over who gets to wear these when we are out and about.  In fact, everyone fights over who gets to wear these shades, including our family and friends.   

I honestly never, ever would have chosen Aviator frames for myself, and even I was shocked when I put them on and they didn’t look half bad.  Maybe it’s the red hair, maybe it’s the fact that they were free, or maybe it’s that I was starting to get sick of the classic frames I always used to pick, but I really like the fact that Timberland glasses have shaken me out of the glasses funk I used to be in.  Even though they appear rather fragile looking from the first glance, these Aviator frames have seen quite a bit of sun action this past year and are holding up really well.

Some features of the Timberland Sunglasses, from their website:
• Corrosion resistant metal alloy construction
• Acrylic lenses with maximum UV protection-99% to 100% of the UVA and UVB radiation from the sun is blocked

Price: $35-$40

http://www.timberland.com/  

 

And now for the Giveaway...
One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a pair of Timberland glasses!  Winner’s choice of either the Timberland Plastic Wrap Sunglasses in green ($35) or the Timberland Semi-Rimless Shield Sunglasses ($35)

To Enter:  Tell me why you need new glasses, and which of the two Timberland sunglasses you would like. 

And, as always, there are extra entries available:

1) Let me know you subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count - leave two comments)

2) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview and #giveaway after following (daily Tweet, just post link here)

3) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the Rave and Review homepage 

4) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (must have an active link)

5) Comment love.  Leave a new comment on any non-giveaway post and/or any of my current giveaways!

6) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

7) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On July 31st 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US and Canadian addresses only.

Winner, Winner!  This giveaway is closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to Karla Sceviour who said...

daily tweet
http://twitter.com/ksceviour/status/18707563940

All opinions are 100% ours and no monetary compensation was received for this Rave Review.

Gifts for Baby and Toddler from Sleeping Partners International

Being a mom today, I am constantly in awe of all the gear and gadgets they make for babies and toddlers.  Sure, I love all the innovative new products on the market, but I also have a soft spot for the classic items that remind me of my youth.  Sleeping Partners International carries a large selection of the traditional baby and toddler gear you can’t find anywhere else as well as new twists on the classics. 

Because I was a Moses Basket baby when I was an infant, I immediately fell in love with Sleeping Partners’ large selection of Moroccan palm hand woven baskets.  With a wide variety of patterns and color schemes available, you are bound to find the perfect Moses Basket to match your nursery or household décor.  It took a little while to decide on the perfect print because they were all so cute, but once I did, the rest of the process was easy.

The Green and Pink Damask Moses Basket was shipped quickly and came packaged in its own zippered plastic case for storage, which I am a huge fan of.  Once I opened up the zippered case, I was really happy with the quality of the Tadpoles Bedding Moses Basket and see how adorable it is in person.  As well as being much cuter than my old Moses Basket from my childhood, the quality and safety features are much better in the Tadpoles updated version.  For instance, every part of the interior basket is lined with a slightly padded fabric that continues over the top of the basket.  This definitely adds to its adorable looks as well as making it so no rough sides are accessible to baby.

The Tadpoles Moses Basket set comes with the basket liner, a coordinating mattress with removable sheet for the bottom and even a soft little blanket to snuggle with, and it is all ready for gift giving or for baby’s arrival.  They even have Moses Basket Gift Sets available for purchase that includes some new baby accessories to coordinate with the set.  And, if you find your baby uses the basket a lot and you are struggling to keep it clean, you will be happy to know that they also sell bedding sets individually for the Moses Baskets, so you can have more than one on hand when you have one in the washing machine or just to update colors as you’d like.  

But, the really great thing about the Tadpoles Bedding Moses Basket is that once baby outgrows the basket and no longer naps or plays in it, it will be perfect for holding all my daughter’s dolls and stuffed animals in her room.  Then, when she is done with dolls and animals, I have plans to remove the mattress and repurpose the Moses Basket for storage in our living room.  Any mom knows that this ability to repurpose is certainly a unique quality in a baby product, and something I think most every parent would be ecstatic about.   

From Organics, Bedding, Moses Baskets, Toddler, Room Décor, and Layette items, you are sure to find the perfect present for little ones as well as their parents.  They have a full collection of things I would absolutely love for both my toddler’s room and the new baby, as well as some super cute clothing I would love to order to bring the new baby home it.  Check out the blue striped layette on the right and picture an adorable baby boy being brought home from the hospital in it.  Yep, I think I need it.

Price: Pink and Green Damask $79.99, dimensions: 32” x 14” x 10”

Check out the selection of baby and toddler items at http://sleepingpartners.com/index.html or, to purchase, go to www.tadpolesbedding.com

Diaper Pail Test Drive

This past few weeks we have been hard at work testing two different Diaper Pails in the Mom Central Diaper Pail Test Drive.  The first week, we were using the Diaper Genie II Elite, and then the second week we switched to the Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail.  We are now back using the Diaper Genie, and then will switch back to the Arm & Hammer Pail after this. 

The question at this point will be which pail will ultimately stay in the nursery and which will be demoted to our downstairs bathroom permanently in our less-used diaper station.  Although I’ve already started forming some opinions of the pails, I’m determined to give each its fair shot and not make my ultimate decision until the entire test is over.  

So far, I am seeing some pros and cons of each pail, and I have outlined below what I really like in the two designs:

Diaper Genie II Elite Pail benefits – it has a foot pedal for hands-free opening and closing of the pail.  I’m going to be completely honest when I say that this feature alone might ultimately make the decision for me.  I have always hated that I had to use two hands to dispose of a diaper and love that with the Diaper Genie, I can simply step on the foot pedal and toss the diaper in.  The diaper pail stays clean and sanitary, something I think is one of its biggest benefits now that I have a curious toddler who touches everything.  I am also really impressed with the odor control of the Diaper Genie II Elite, and me and my pregnant nose no longer have to completely avoid the nursery. 

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail benefits – I love the twisting action of the bag closure each time the lid shuts, which eliminates the often “stuck open” issue our old pail used to be fond of.  This was especially common when our old pail would get too full and the bag was at its limit and therefore not able to shut completely.  I’m sure you can imagine the stink that happens when a pail isn’t sealed properly, so this is a huge benefit for me.  Another huge plus is the bag removal process which allows you to seal the used bag before opening the pail to empty, which means you don’t have overwhelming stench while you change bags.  Again, my pregnant nose is very grateful for the thought that went into the design and the fact that I never have to spend extra time with an open disposal bag.

I've still got a few more weeks to weigh out the pros and cons of each pail and will be posting again towards the end of the Diaper Pail Test Drive to let you know where each pail will end up.  However, I would love it if you let me know what brand diaper pails you have used and whether you like your current system.  Do you have any opinions about these two brands?

I am a member of the Mom Central community and I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central, sponsored by Diaper Genie, and received a free Diaper Genie diaper pail and a free Munchkin Arm & Hammer diaper pail to facilitate my review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received for this review.