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Carlsbad Village Street Faire

November 1, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Carlsbad State Beach at sunset

This Sunday, November 4, 2018, the nation’s largest one-day street faire returns to charming city of Carlsbad! From 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., more than 100,000 people will have the pleasure of exploring the seaside city’s unique artisan offerings, reveling in scrumptious international eats, and live entertainment from over 900 vendors, including Timber Wave, Sunset Bay Candy Company, Kona Ice Central North County SD, Coppersmith Studios, Thai & Thai BBQ, Stay Cheesy, Brecht Enterprises/BMW of Escondido, Tri-City Medical Center, and The Rush Coffee. This family-friendly function will entertain parents and youngsters alike with games, super slides, and rock climbing walls, for kids, and a beer and wine garden—courtesy of Rotary of Carlsbad– featuring large TV screens and live bands for adults. Additionally, The Kiwanis Club of Carlsbad will continue its more than 25-year tradition of hosting a pancake breakfast at the Carlsbad railroad depot. The meal, which includes pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice, will be served between 7 a.m. and noon. Furry friends are also welcome at this eight-hour extravaganza.

 

In addition to this lively function, guests can top off their day-cation in Carlsbad by traversing the city’s diverse landscape, home to some of the state’s best, cleanest beaches, natural occurring lagoons, assorted hiking trails, premiere shopping scene, and vibrant culinary and brewery experiences!

 

Credit: Visit Carlsbad. 

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Wells, Nov. 1st Pet of the Week!

October 31, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Wells is a jolly good name for a proper English gentleman! It fits our lad here—he’s 2 years old, dignified and affectionate. If he were human, he’d wear a top hat and a cravat, and he’d also have sunglasses and carry a white cane. Why? Because our orange aristo-cat is completely blind—he came in as a stray, so we don’t know where the blindness originated. But Wells’s lack of eyesight doesn’t create a hindrance either to his morning and afternoon tea or his use of the gents’ lavatory. Wells is a loving moggie—meet him at the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A616225.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Bohemian Rhapsody: Amazing Script, Constantly Daring And Unexpected

October 31, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound. They reach unparalleled success, but in an unexpected turn Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career. Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen, Freddie manages to reunite with his band mates just in time for Live Aid. While bravely facing a recent AIDS diagnosis, Freddie leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. Queen cements a legacy that continues to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calista B. comments, “Before seeing this movie, I was mostly neutral about Queen. I did like their songs, but I was never really a fan. However, this movie completely changed my perspective of the band.” Zoe C. adds, “This live-action, biographical or biopic film is electrifying! The music is absolutely incredible!… The actors are great. Rohan F. wraps it up with, “I like how they used lots of clips from that time by inserting televised shots of important moments. I also enjoyed the use of montages to Queen’s songs to show different things. The format never gets boring because there is a unique twist to each one.” See their full reviews below.

Bohemian Rhapsody
By Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

Before seeing this movie, I was mostly neutral about Queen. I did like their songs, but I was never really a fan. However, this movie completely changed my perspective of the band. Even though I only knew the most famous songs, that doesn’t matter. You don’t need to be a fan to enjoy this film. It belongs to everyone, like Queen does.

The story follows Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek), the lead singer of Queen, and his rise to fame, but also his fall from grace. It sounds really simple, but the other aspects of the movie, such as the writing and acting, really set it apart from other similar films.

First, the script is amazing. Kudos to the script writer, Anthony McCarten. There are so many scenes in this movie that are genuinely full of tension particularly scenes showing the band arguing and practically any scene with Paul Prenter (Allen Leech). The writing really helps deliver tension in the darker scenes and make the more uplifting scenes really motivating. The writing makes you feel Freddie’s downward spiral. The scenes with Paul especially made me genuinely nervous. Because, you know he doesn’t care about Freddie and he just wants to leech off of him. All you want is for Freddie to cut ties with Paul. Thankfully, this movie isn’t a complete downer, as there are some genuinely heartwarming moments, especially in the beginning. Then, things get dark pretty quickly. It’s nice seeing the band get together and hang out. You genuinely believe in their friendship.

This movie also shows Freddie dealing with real issues – his race, his sexuality and not feeling like a disappointment to his parents. Life is complicated, whether or not you are rich and famous. We also got to give special attention to Freddie’s actor. Rami Malek really is Freddie Mercury! It is so spot on that Rami Malek and Freddie Mercury look almost identical. That’s what I call amazing casting. While the rest of the cast is really great as well, Rami Malek completely steals the show.

This movie also excels at showing how destiny works in mysterious ways. For example, five minutes before Freddie asks to join to the band, the lead singer quits. I find that really interesting. To be honest, the only issue I have with this movie is the final scene. It’s a recreation of the Live Aid performance Queen did, which seems fine at first. However, the scene goes on forever. It is a good scene and I get why they made it so long, but after a while I kept wondering how much longer the scene was going to last. That’s really my only issue with the film. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, as well as adults. Even if you’re not a huge Queen fan, I think you’ll enjoy this. It opens in theaters nationwide November 2, 2018 so look for it.

Bohemian Rhapsody

By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

This live-action, biographical or biopic film is electrifying! The music is absolutely incredible! Of course, it’s the music from the British rock band Queen. I am familiar with the band’s music; because my mom is a 80s rock fan and I grew up listening to this and other bands. I do like and know the songs and enjoyed summer camps at “School of Rock” playing music from those bands.

The actors are great. The actor that plays Freddie Mercury, Rami Malek looks exactly like the real Freddie Mercury. He mimics his stage movements and reflects on the artist who loved music and art in general. The rest of the actors’ are flawless as well. At first, I didn’t think I would like this film, but when I watched it, I absolutely fell in love with it. It is amazing. At least half the songs that are in this film I didn’t even know were by Queen!

The story is narrated through Queen’s hit songs. It starts showing how Mercury joined a band that played at bars and became one of the most important rock bands in the world, creating iconic music. The film focuses on Mercury’s story and tells it with so much respect. Once he joins guitar player Brian May (Gwilym Lee) and drummer Roger Taylor (Ben Hardy), they start composing songs. They got the attention of important music producers and record labels and became Queen. The film shows the creative process – how these songs were made, how the band members agree and disagree, go on tours and got tired of the routine of making albums and touring. At one point, we see Freddie Mercury becoming so popular and later kind of losing himself. But, the band members were a family and the movie shows those who always stood by his side as well as those who betrayed him. Freddie decided to go solo, but he reunites for the spectacular Live Aid Show in 1985 that was impeccably recreated.

The photography, production design and costumes reflect the look and feel of the 80s. They look exactly as they do in Queen’s music videos and live shows. The editing mixes the drama of Mercury’s life together with the songs really well and the camera work is remarkable. My favorite scenes are all those when music is involved, especially the operatic “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” both written by Mercury.

I watched the film under my mom’s guidance. I don’t recommend this for kids under 13. The film shows, in a very elegant way, Mercury’s dark side and relationships in his life. There are no explicit scenes, but is definitively a movie for ages 13 to 18, as well as adults. I definitely give this film 5 out of 5 stars, because it is amazing and actors and filmmakers have worked really hard to interpret and recreate an important moment in music history. I truly love this film and definitely recommend it. You are not going to want to miss this extraordinary film. It opens nationwide in theaters November 2, 2018 so, check it out.

Bohemian Rhapsody

By Rohan F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

Bohemian Rhapsody is a biographical film based on the life story of Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the incredible British super-band Queen.

Bohemian Rhapsody takes place when a young boy named Farrokh joins a college band which later becomes Queen, the band that revolutionized concerts with audience participation and became one of the biggest stadium bands in history. The movie mainly focuses on Freddie Mercury’s relationship with the band, his family and other people around him and how he remained true to his unique personality.

I like how they used lots of clips from that time by inserting televised shots of important moments. I also enjoyed the use of montages to Queen’s songs to show different things. The format never gets boring because there is a unique twist to each one. I especially enjoyed how they started the film by setting up for Live Aid, the most ambitious charity concert ever, and ended at Queen’s mind-blowing performance of that same concert. I also like how they used the running joke of lateness to show power throughout the band’s life.

The cinematography in the movie is wonderful. There are lots of shots showing the entire room which really helps you understand the locations. I particularly like the shots showing how low the ceiling is in the drummer’s room. There are some very emotional shots of Freddie communicating with his girlfriend using lights in their opposing apartments.

My favorite scene is when they try to sell their new song, Bohemian Rhapsody, to Ray Foster. I like this scene because it shows how the members of Queen really didn’t allow themselves to work the same way that other bands do. It shows that they wouldn’t use a formula to write any of their songs. I also enjoyed the scene when the band writes Bohemian Rhapsody, because there are lots of good jokes in it. They use simple digital transition effects that wouldn’t usually be in a professional movie to show how the band was different. These transition effects are also true to the 70s and 80s when the movie is set.

The moral of this film is to be yourself, even if you’re different. This moral is important to the story. It influences every decision Freddie Mercury makes and is an important part of his legacy. Freddie Mercury was a unique individual, but by staying true to himself, he gained acceptance in the world and became an icon.

They use mostly Queen songs (of course) and they use them well. There are a lot of cuts in the music, but they aren’t too noticeable. The songs that aren’t by Queen are used mainly as music the characters are listening to in the background.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to for ages 13 through 18, as well as adults. I believe lots of adults will enjoy it, especially those who were teen and young adults during this time. This film opens in theaters nationwide November 2, 2018 so look for it.

 

Photo Credit: Alex Bailey; TM & © 2018 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Not for sale or duplication.

 

 

Filed Under: Media Reviews

4Pcs Halloween Pumpkin Costume Outfit Set Baby Boys Girls Funny Romper by Deefly is a must-buy this Halloween!

October 29, 2018 By Leave a Comment


 

    

Looking for a cute Halloween baby outfit? This 4 piece set is perfect for both boys and girls! It’s 100% cotton and really cute! It would also make a perfect Halloween gift and is available in sizes 0-18 months. Package included :1 X Romper+ 1*Pants + 1*Headband + 1*Hat and it’s really affordable! It’s not too late to buy it on Amazon for this year! I like that there is a hat and a headband because some babies won’t wear a hat. The material is soft and the print quality is really great! It also did not shrink when I washed it! I would include a photo of the baby reviewer but her Mom prefers not to have her posted on the internet. But, I just love the Halloween print on the pants!
I would buy this for any Halloween babies! It is affordable and seems to fit true to size. I had purchased the 6 months and it fits our little reviewer quite well.

You can find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FY3F6Y1

Self Disclosure: I received a discounted item to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

How to Plan a Great Family Vacation on a Budget

October 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

When was the last time you took your kids on a family vacation? If finances are tight, this may seem like an impossible venture.

However, family vacations are shown to make kids happier and benefit their brain development. Plus, it’s important for you and your spouse to cut loose and relax.

The good news is that a vacation doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are plenty of ways you can plan a family vacation on the cheap.

Do you want to know more? Keep reading to learn our tips for planning a great budget vacation for your family.

Pick the Right Location

The location is arguably the most important factor when planning a budget vacation. You’ll be hard pressed to plan a vacation on the cheap if you want to go to Paris or Australia–unless, of course, you plan to go backpacking and stay in hostels.

Luckily, there are tons of destinations right here in America that are fun for the whole family. Hit a beach for a constant source of free fun or head to one of America’s National Parks to let the kids enjoy some nature.

If you have your heart set on traveling abroad, focus on budget locations, like Central America and South East Asia.

Travel During Shoulder Season

Of course, you’ll want to experience the best weather when you go on vacation. You’ll just be wasting your money if it rains the entire time or is too cold to do anything. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay the inflated prices of traveling during high season.

Many locations have what’s called a shoulder season. This is the time between high and low season when the weather is still favorable but there aren’t as many crowds.

Not only can you enjoy your vacation more with fewer crowds, but you’ll find prices can be substantially cheaper during this time.

Drive

If you’re planning on vacationing in an area where you could drive, do it!

Flying as a family is expensive. Not only are the tickets pricey, but you’ll have to pay to check bags. When you’re traveling with kids, you’ll probably want to pack a little extra to make sure you’re set, so those checked bag fees can really add up.

Spending a full day or two driving to your location may not seem ideal, but you’ll save tons of money on your vacation. Plus, who says driving can’t be fun?

Hit the grocery store and get your kids’ favorite snacks that you don’t usually let them have. Prepare some road trip games to keep your kids occupied. If your kids are a little older, you can turn some of these games into a friendly competition to keep them interested–let the winner pick where you go for dinner that day or give them a little extra treat.

Splurge Only Where It Matters

When you’re planning a family trip on a budget, it should go without saying that you can’t splurge on everything. Decide what is most important to you and save everywhere else.

For example, maybe you know your kids will want to spend a day in Universal Studios Hollywood on your trip to California. So, splurge on park tickets, but cut out the fancy hotels and dinners.

Sign Up for Loyalty Rewards Programs

Are you planning on making family vacations a regular thing? Then be proactive and sign up for loyalty rewards programs now.

Airlines and hotel chains usually offer these and will let you rack up points by booking with them when you go on vacation. After a while, you can score some great deals. So, while this may not help you on this vacation, it could help you save big on trips in the future.

Look for Free Things to Do

Most tourist destinations have some affordable or free things to do. This can be anything from the hitting the beach or going hiking to free nights at the local museum.

Take your time to research what there is to do, so you can fill up your days with activities that won’t break the bank.

Notify Your Credit Card Company

Whenever you’re traveling outside of your city, it’s important to let your banks and credit card companies know. If you forget to inform them, you may have to deal with your credit card being frozen for suspicious activity.

Not only is this frustrating, but it means you may have to take money out of the ATM while you get everything sorted out. You’ll have to deal with those pesky ATM fees and risk your debit card being frozen, too.

So, whether you have a First Premier card, or you go with a different company, make sure you call them a few days before you leave.

Use Apps or Websites to Find the Best Deals

When you want to save as much money as possible, it’s important to shop for the best deals. Don’t just book the first flight or hotel you see.

There are tons of apps and websites, like Hopper, Booking.com, and Kayak.com, that can help you compare prices and find the best deals. You can also search for tickets to attractions to get some great deals rather than paying more by buying at the entrance.

How to Book A Budget Family Vacation

If you haven’t taken your kids on a family vacation in a while, it may be overdue. But traveling doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Just follow our tips to planning a family vacation on a budget, so you can enjoy your trip without stressing about money.

Are you planning a trip to Southern California? Check out our blog for great activities and hotels.

 

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

5 Tips to first-time acrylic pouring for mom and kids

October 26, 2018 By 3 Comments

Most moms who love painting would enjoy that their kids learn some painting and painting techniques. Kids are naturally born with art skills which can be developed fast using drawing or painting. You can decide to teach your kids acrylic painting at home and as they grow, they will gradually master the skills. This enables them to learn fast even when they start school and enjoy drawing with ease. Here are five tips for first-time acrylic pouring for mom and kids.

Put up the materials before you start

Decide on the materials that you will need for acrylic pouring before you start. In case you have more than one kid, ensure that each child has their own set to practice with. Shop for them early and have them ready. Several beginner guides are available for moms and kids to learn acrylic pouring. Get beginner tips at https://acrylicpouring.com/low-cost-acrylic-pouring-recipe-lots-cells/.

Start with simple skills

Depending on your child’s age, you can start with simple skills that your kid will be able to master. This will enable them to have fun while practicing painting and they might even turn out to be painter pros in the future. As your kid gradually learns, you will see which skills they love and enjoy.

Have a painting place

For first time mums, it is important to decide on the best place to practice acrylic pouring before you even begin. Most of the time acrylic pouring leaves a mess of paint which needs to be cleaned after you are done. Find an ideal spot to practice acrylic pouring where you can comfortably work and then set the painting to dry.

Get ready to do some cleaning of the trays and any items or surfaces that are messy. This should be done before the paint dries since it might be harder to remove.  Use materials that can be washed afterward and reused.

Set a few rules

In acrylic pouring colors influence how the final painting will look. As a beginner in acrylic pouring, you need to set some rules that will guide you. This includes the number of paint colors to use. If possible limit your first-time acrylic pouring to four paint colors. You should then ask each kid not to interfere with another kid’s painting until it is complete and dry. This teaches them to master their skills as well as respect the other kid’s work.

Teach one kid at a time

When teaching more than one kid, set some time for each kid. Every kid has their own learning pace and while some might learn fast, others need some patience. Have time for each kid while looking at what they are doing as you correct them. Once they grasp the techniques it will be easier for you to sit back and watch them practice the skills on their own.

Give your kids enough space to do the acrylic pouring while showing them how it’s done and then check what they are doing. However, always allow them to use their art skills and do not control what they do. Learn to be patient since they will always spill or drop paint either on themselves or on the floor at some point as they learn.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

4 Things You Can Expect When Listing Your Property for Sale

October 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Selling a house is comparable to remodeling a home unless you’re that rare homeowner who receives multiple offers only days after listing it. It costs more, takes longer, and can drain you emotionally. However, the end result can be sweet. After signing a listing, expect the following things to happen.

 

  1. Multiple Listing Service, Lockbox, and Signs

 

Your agent may begin by placing your house in the local MLS. This is to notify all the other agents within your area that the home is on sale. Then, you’ll see a “for sale” sign in your yard. The agent is also likely to place a lockbox on your front door. This is to allow local agents access to your house whenever you’re not around.

 

You may feel a bit uncomfortable with the lockbox. However, it’s vital to allow any local agent to show your house when you’re away, especially if the market is slow. Otherwise, they wouldn’t place your property at the top of their clients’ list of houses to see. This is because it is difficult for agents to trace you whenever a buyer wants to see the home.

 

  1. Open House Holding

 

Agents prefer to hold a number of open houses soon after sellers sign the listing. That’s why you should never list your house when it isn’t ready for showing. Otherwise, you’ll need to do a bunch of last-minute clean-ups and touch-ups.

 

A brokers’ open house is likely to be on weekdays to allow area agents who have potential buyers see the house. The next one is for the public and it happens mostly on Sundays. It’s wise to be absent during open houses so that buyers can have the freedom of looking into closets and making comments.

 

You can choose to have multiple open houses depending on your agreement with the agent. However, they may not be effective towards increasing your chances of selling the house. In fact, the open houses may end up frustrating you.  

 

  1. Changes in Traffic

 

Expect heavy traffic during the first two or three weeks after the listing. Every buyer who is looking for a house of your caliber may come visiting. When the traffic subsides, don’t fret. Serious buyers can come back twice or thrice. If there’s an offer, even lowball, begin to negotiate. Often, it leads to a sale.

 

  1. Change Your Course

 

If you’re unfortunate, six weeks may go by without getting the most-anticipated sale. At this time, you may not be as excited as at the beginning. Keeping a model look on the house is tiresome if it’s going to take that long. It can even be irritating to see another potential buyer come through the front door.

 

If the market you’re in isn’t very difficult, it’s time to meet with your sales agent to discuss another strategy. Markets can be dynamic so you may consider reducing the price or enhancing the outlook of the home. Maybe repainting your bedroom walls with another color or cleaning up your garage could make a difference.

 

Conclusion

 

It’s crucial to know what to expect once you list your house. It is like winning half the battle of selling. However, changes occur in the market and you do well to prepare yourself for anything. Otherwise, you can get a home-sale stress.

 

Visit https://getlistedrealty.com/ for more information about listing your property for sale.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

It’s time for the Fall Baby Roundup!

October 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment

I’m a big fan of pediped shoes for babies, toddlers, and young children!

The pediped Louisa Burgundy Originals shoe is just too cute! But, these shoes aren’t just cute & stylish..they are comfy too!

About Originals® Louisa Burgundy

  • Sizes newborn – 24 months
  • Man-made textile upper
  • Breathable leather lining
  • All leather soft-sole with slip resistant diamond tread
  • Mary Jane with Velcro® closure
  • Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development

There are so many other cute styles too!

About pediped®
Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort, and distinctive styling have made the award-winning company the fastest growing children’s footwear brand in the United States. pediped®footwear has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development, and preeminent orthopedic medical professionals, Dr. Mininder S. Kocher and Dr. Thomas W. Vorderer, deem pediped® shoes an excellent choice for parents/caregivers who want their children’s feet to develop naturally and healthily. pediped® has received numerous industry awards and accolades including recognition from Earnshaw’s, the premier media resource serving the children’s market. In 2015 pediped® was recognized by the Footwear Industry Awards as the Children’s Footwear Brand of the Year and earned a 2016 Earnie Award from Earnshaw’s magazine as the Footwear Brand of the Year.

pediped® is sold in over 750 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 120 designs for boys and girls between its three lines, Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex®. The award-winning footwear is available in EU sizes 17 to 38 (US newborn to 6 Youth). For more  information, visit www.pediped.com.  LIKE on Facebook at/pedipedfootwear and follow on Twitter and Instagram @pedipedfootwear.

Covered Goods multi-use nursing cover is also a must-buy!

   

Founder Jamie Yetter, herself a mother of four, faced a common fear that many women have while nursing in public; the fear of being exposed!  This fear often kept her and other nursing mothers searching for a hidden place somewhere. Sometimes, it was impossible to nurse at all.  In researching available nursing cover options on the market, Yetter found none of these options offered the security of optimal privacy.  She designed a nursing cover that would not only offer all over coverage but would also allow for the cover to conveniently convert for use as a scarf, car seat cover and shopping cart cover.  Moms can truly nurse anytime, anywhere!  There is no more fear of being exposed with Covered Goods.

Covered Goods nursing covers allow for mom and baby to nurse comfortably.  The high quality covers are made from an ultra-comfy breathable lightweight and stretchy fabric.  There are no straps, rings, or cords to mess with.  The covers take seconds to put on and take off, and alleviate any worry that baby will kick or pull mom’s cover off.  The flexible neck is also designed to be able to be worn down under one arm to give mom even more freedom when nursing.  An added benefit of the flexible neck allows mom to peek in on baby or to make sure her little one has latched properly.  Covered Goods nursing covers can be folded compactly for storage and they are ideal for traveling with baby.

Covered Goods covers are available online at www.coveredgoods.com and at specialty boutiques and stores across North America.  Recommended retail: $34.99.

About Covered Goods™

San Clemente, CA-based Covered Goods was founded in 2012 by mom Jamie Yetter.  The original multi-use nursing cover, Covered Goods covers provide true all over coverage and can also be used as a scarf, car seat cover and shopping cart cover.  Covered Goods covers are manufactured in the USA.  For more information visit www.coveredgoods.com.

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The b.box feeding gift set would make a great baby shower gift this Fall! 

Help your little one on their weaning journey as they venture out into the world of solids…the new b.box feeding set will help them master their eating moves! Also, makes for an awesome baby shower gift set.

Includes: award-winning b.box sippy cup, toddler cutlery set and divided plate, all in a giftable box set. 

And of course, it’s BPA, Phthalates, and PVC free.

Australia based b.box was founded in 2007 by Dannielle Michaels and Monique Filer.  b.box products are fun and functional to make parent’s lives that little bit easier with a touch of cool thrown in.  The award-winning b.box collection of innovative designed everyday baby essentials includes the Travel Drying Rack, Sippy Cups, Feeding gift sets, silicone drink tops, Diaper Wallet, Baby Bottle + Dispenser, Diaper Caddy, bibs, Snack Pack, Mesh Feeder, Baby Spoon, Bowl + Straw, Toddler Cutlery Set and Divided Plates.  For more information visit www.bboxbaby.com.

Join us online:

Facebook/bboxforkids

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Instagram.com/bboxforkids 

Here’s another great gift idea for a new Mom this Fall! A GoSili bowl! I love the colors and the quality of these! 

    

The Silibowl is perfect for first time feeding and food storage.  The lid of the bowl can be used as a plate and also inserts into the bowl creating an airtight seal for storage.  Simply press the middle of the lid to create an airtight seal pushing out any excess air.  By removing the air from the bowl, food stays fresh longer!   The silicone bowl is 100% food grade silicone with an embedded stainless steel ring to hold its shape.  It won’t collapse when gripped.   It’s also MICROWAVE SAFE. You can defrost and warm up food in the Silibowl.  The perfect alternative to plastic bowls!

  • Plate acts as lid and inserts for tight fit
  • 100% Silicone and 100% Stainless Steel Embedded Rim
  • Dishwasher and Microwave Safe
  • Bowl does not collapse when gripped
  • 8oz

About GoSili®

Traverse City-based GoSili was founded in 2006 by Stacey Feeley and Giuliana Schwab with the mission of Waste Less!  GoSili designs and manufactures silicone tableware products for the whole family.  The excessive use and waste of disposable paper and plastic inspired the GoSili founders to create a modern line incorporating all the practical benefits that silicone has to offer.  GoSili is the parent company of the award-winning children’s silicone products brand Silikids.  GoSili products make the basics better by bringing an alternative to plastic, bridging the gap between great design and affordability while improving the way we live! A win-win for all!  For more information visit www.gosili.com.

The ergoPouch Cocoon Swaddle & Sleep Bag is a real must especially with the upcoming cooler weather! 

The Cocoon ‘no origami’ baby swaddle sleep bags are designed to be both easy to use and difficult to escape from. The simple zip up design will keep baby snug and securely swaddled without the need for complicated wrapping. Made from skin-friendly, breathable organic cotton for superior comfort, the Cocoon is acknowledged as ‘hip-healthy’ by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute for its ergonomically designed bell shaped bottom which provides extra leg room for healthy hips. For those bubs that like a little more freedom or are ready to transition out of a swaddle, the Cocoon has poppers in the armholes that can be used to convert from a swaddle to a sleeping bag. Tog rated for warmth, there is an ergoPouch swaddle to suit every season.  From SRP$24.99.

ABOUT ERGOPOUCH:

Melbourne, Australia-based ergoPouch was founded in 2009 by Alina Sack.  As a mother, Sack drew on her own personal experiences of sleep deprivation to come up with innovative products designed to help babies and kids get a better night’s sleep.  The award-winning ergoPouch collection includes premium quality baby swaddles, sleeping bags, sleep suits and layers available from birth to 6 years of age sizing along with organic bedding.  All ergoPouch products are made with natural fibers including Organic Cotton and Bamboo.  ergoPouch products offer great functionality and versatility with swaddles that can easily transition to a sleeping bag and sleep suits that convert from bags to suits with legs for easy use from bassinet to stroller.

For more information visit www.ergopouch.com.

FOLLOW ERGOPOUCH:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ergopouch

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ergopouch

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ergopouch

YouTube:  ergoPouch

Teething can be a real pain but the MAM Cooler Teether is really helpful! 

The MAM Cooler massages and soothes sore gums. Filled with purified water, this teether can cool and calm tender gums. The unique shape reaches back teeth and the varying structures massage sensitive gums. The ring handle is lightweight making it easy for baby to hold. This one is perfect for babies 4+ months.  I like that its unique back shape reaches back teeth, for cooling and calming tender gums. It is BPA/BPS Free.

About MAM – standard setting baby products

MAM combines technological innovation, medical function and contemporary design to develop superior baby care products that support a baby’s development from day one. Since MAM developed its first pacifier in Vienna in 1976, it has evolved to become a global authority on baby care product design and quality. Today MAM products are used by families in over 60 countries and on six continents. To find out more and view MAM’s baby care range of award-winning pacifiers, bottles, cups, teethers, oral care items, coordinating accessories and gift setsvisitwww.mambaby.com.

Find MAM:

https://www.facebook.com/MAMbabyUSA

https://twitter.com/mambaby

https://www.instagram.com/mam_usa/

https://www.youtube.com/user/mambaby

 

I love the Cleansing Wipes from Babo Botanicals!

Babo’s 3-in-1 Face, Hands & Body Wipes gently cleanse face, hands and body without rinsing, leaving skin soothed, soft and moisturized. These plush wipes are non-drying and perfect for daily use. They are 99% natural, hypoallergenic and gentle enough for babies or anyone with sensitive skin. Contains moisturizing Oat& Calendula & Babo’s signature natural scent. These multi-taskers are great for babies, kids, and grown-ups too. Great for use after yoga, post workout, or as a makeup remover.

https://www.facebook.com/babobotanicals

Twitter 

https://www.instagram.com/babobotanicals/

https://www.youtube.com/user/BaboBotanicalsMedia

Looking for a way to put your name on your little one’s clothing?

Stuck on You clothing stamp kit is a must-buy!

This clever pack provides the perfect personalization tools so you can label by the seat of your pants. Or label the actual seat of your pants, if you so choose.

You know how it is, when you’re about to rush out the door and you hear a little voice bleating that today is swimming carnival/dress like a pirate day. How do you ensure that those hastily-assembled goods make it back home at the end of the day?

This is where this handy personalization pack comes in. The Clothing Stamps are ideal for the last-minute labeling of light-colored clothes. At the flick of your wrist, quickly and efficiently label those school shirts, hats and swimmers. For darker-colored clothing, iron the blank labels onto the desired garments, wait for them to cool down, then apply the Clothing Stamp on the labels.

Just remember to wait at least two hours before laundering the stamped/labeled garments.

About Stuck on You

 Australia based Stuck On You was founded in 1995 by Carrie Felton, a mom of three boys.  A global leader in personalized products for baby & beyond, Stuck On You products are available in more than 15 countries.  Felton created Stuck On You to celebrate the individuality of every name, bring joy to new parents with unique, timeless products for every child, save families time, energy and money and help them to lead a more organized life.  In addition to a broad offering of labels, the Stuck On You collection includes activity and personalized books, durable and stylish bags, lunchboxes and drink bottles, stationery, bag tags and gorgeous gifts for all ages.

Follow Stuck on You:

https://www.facebook.com/StuckOnYouUS/

https://www.instagram.com/stuckonyouofficial/

https://twitter.com/StuckOnYouTweet

https://au.pinterest.com/StuckonYouAust/

https://www.youtube.com/user/StuckonYouLabels

https://www.linkedin.com/organization/935409/admin/updates

Check out a few essentials to get your hands on before strapping your own little “BooginHead” into the stroller for a stroll this Fall! I love these next unique items! 

SplatMat:  This protective and fun mat folds down to fit easily in a bag or purse, and is perfect for picnics, parks, beaches, airports, and other public places where you don’t want your little BooginHead touching the floor or ground. And since it’s so easy to clean, SplatMat can go right back home again to the high chair or playroom. ($14.99)

PaciPurse – This one’s for mom! This fashionable, vintage-inspired piece is modeled after the classic and stylish kiss-lock coin purse. Another BooginHead original design layered with function, PaciPurse holds two pacifiers and PaciGrips now, while baby still takes a paci, and can be repurposed later to hold small necessities like cash, cards, makeup, and other personal items. If you’re sick of pacifiers getting covered in grit from the bottom of your bag, you’re gonna love this! ($6.99)

PaciGrips & SippyGrips:  Keep pacifiers, soothers, toys, and teethers close, clean, and ready for baby.  Are you over pacifiers and teethers ending up on the ground? Or does your kiddo get a kick out of playing fetch with a sippy cup?  You need PaciGrip, PaciPals, Bandana Teether Bibs, & so much more.  With patented grip material, universal attachments, and food-grade silicone, BooginHead products will be your little saviors at home and on the go!

Now more than ten years in business, BooginHead products are well-loved by parents everywhere for their unmatched high-quality construction, stylish patterns, versatility, and attractive price.

Check them out at https://booginhead.com/

How about a Teething Mitten? I just think this next product is so clever! 

Jodine Boothby launched Gummee glove, the World’s first teething mitten designed solely for babies to wear, in 2012.

However, because of its appeal and success, this has led to a wealth of copycat products reaching parents across the world.

“I have a huge amount of issues concerning Intellectual Property.”  Jodine told us.  “My business was built from absolutely nothing, my husband and I were bankrupt when we started. And it has taken 6 long years of incredibly hard work and many sleepless nights to ensure our Gummee Range met all the required standards.  Our research, development and quality control processes are rigourous.”

“Sadly we’ve found in the last few months we have been getting complaints from customers regarding inferior products because they have purchased them, believing that they have purchased a genuine Gummee glove.  Copycats within the industry have not only copied our designs but also copied our trademark and logo – despite the thousands we invested to protect both.”

“These issues have been very damaging to my business, and we are now at breaking point after years and years of dedicated struggle on behalf of parents everywhere to bring a safe and reliable product to the shelves.”

“The ease with which these often foreign companies (and particularly Chinese in origin) can just list on third party platforms is astonishing and it is happening to so many British brands. I have set up the Nursery Industry Productpreneur Association, which started as a Facebook group and is made up of over 40 British Nursery brands, all ran by hard working parents who launched genuine, authentic and original products. We have banded together to try and present a united front, and we have created social media platforms (NIPA Baby) so that we can show our direct customers who we are, and how the products came to be. We are hoping this will be an amazing platform for us to use to present our Original products to an established, informed following.”

How can parents’ avoid accidentally buying inferior untested products?

“They need to shop directly from small businesses and brands and really do their homework on what they buy for their babies especially! Independent shops are also very good places to buy from as the people that run them are often just as passionate and knowledgeable about the brands they stock as the brand owner themselves. A lot of the products are sent into the country without proof of testing on them, or information about where they are manufactured, or traceability details in case there needs to be a product recall.  I think that is most frightening…..be careful what you buy for your little ones and just do some research on the company first.   We have spent over £50k on safety testing because it is THE most important thing to us here at Gummee.”

You can find this product at https://www.gummee.life/

Babies and books? I love that these are great for babies!

Indestructibles are “friggin genius”—Olivia Wilde

INDESTRUCTIBLES® are built for the way babies “read”: with their hands and mouths.

Printed on a unique paperlike material that is nontoxic, washable, and rip-proof, INDESTRUCTIBLES® are the little books that could.

MY NEIGHBORHOOD tours the town, where community helpers are hard at work. Babies will meet the mail carrier, garbage collectors, police officer, and more!

HELLO, FARM invites babies to greet friendly farm animals, from noisy roosters to playful pigs.

BUSY CITY takes in the many sights and sounds of a bustling metropolis, from buzzing traffic to a lively park.

Find them at https://www.workman.com/brands/indestructibles

How about a toy that develops along with your child?

alphaTUB is a brand new customizable alphabet peg board- each letter on the board is represented with a range of symbols that are printed on interchangeable sheets.

With the original wooden letter board, the letter “A” is often represented by simply an apple. With alphaTUB, the letter “A” can also be represented by an alligator, an avocado and even an antler as your child’s vocabulary expands over time.

With the alphaTUB mobile app, you not only keep track and share the learning progress of your child, but also download new graphics or sheets, and even create new content to share or sell on the TUB marketplace. Kids can even draw their own content sheets to learn and share with others.

alphaTUB is offering a child-safe plastic version starting at $24, making it affordable for all families, while the classic wooden model starts at $42. Both versions are now available on Kickstarter for a limited time.

alphaTUB is world’s simplest alphabet learning tool. (Website/App/Social links below). Winner of 2018 Startup ICT Awards India, 2017 Edison Awards for Innovation in New York, and many more global awards. alphaTUB is world’s first & only alphabet Peg Board with ability to introduce dynamic & personalized learning content to kids powered by a mobile app. alphaTUB is simple & easy to use tool to engage, immerse, involve and educate alphabet to kids & people with learning disabilities. The mobile app can be used for personalized content & to track-monitor the child’s learning progress.

I think that reading and listening to music are so very important for babies and toddlers so I am quite excited to tell you about the next product!

Classical Lullabies for Sound Sleep, Vol. 1: Bach, by The Well-Tempered Baby, is an album of J.S. Bach’s most soothing and joyous compositions, arranged for harp, and tailored especially for small babies. Oh, and it’s probably the only album of baby music made entirely by a new mom – with a sleeping baby on her lap!
The album features a gentle, rocking tempo, easy-to-listen-to melodies and arrangements, minimal volume changes that won’t disturb a sleeping baby, and is timed to the approximate length of a baby’s sleep cycle.
I highly recommend this one! I had a friend try it out with her baby and her little one loves it!
I’m going to close the Fall Baby Round up with another pair of adorable shoes!
NEW Trendy Moccasins For Fall!  These are really cute and a must for Mickey and Minnie Mouse fans!

Mia’s Moccs are high-quality, affordable moccasins and boots for babies and toddlers, made with wide openings, so parents can slip them on with ease, while also keeping the shoes in place thanks to the elastic at the top. Crafted with durable, quality leather that is designed to last, they offer moccasins with leather or rubber bottoms strong for even the toughest terrain! For comfort and protection on your little one’s feet, they have an extra cushy insole. Mia’s Moccs offer a variety of colors and styles to fit the personality of your little babe!

They also just launched their NEW Magic Collection inspired by their favorite theme park in July 2018. With two cute styles, choose from their Mia Mouse Moccasins and Minnie Bow Leather Moccasins!

I received the Minnie Bow Leather Moccasins and they are super cute!

They also have other really cute styles!

Look for all these cute products this Fall! Stay tuned for our Holiday Baby Roundup coming in early December.
Self Disclosure: I received free samples of many of the items mentioned in this post. I also received information and images to facilitate this featured roundup.

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week
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