Looking for fun activities for the kids when they are done with their school work and say “Mom, I’m bored…..”? Here are a few of my favorites! The Glow-in-the-Dark Science Lab is really cool! Conduct fun and illuminating experiments with glowing substances and neon pigments! Cast your own glowing neon sidewalk chalk in fun shapes like stars, crystals, and frogs. Make flowers that glow in the dark. Mix up a glowing solution to make your own glow sticks. Observe your glowing creations under a UV flashlight (a blacklight). Learn about light, phosphorescence, and glowing materials. Includes two glowing pigments, UV flashlight, glow-in-the-dark star stickers, plaster for chalk, and tools and instructions. The box doubles as a blacklight showcase. Ages 8+ MSRP: $19.95. Find it on Amazon.com and also at Walmart.

Have a child who loves Unicorns? This next one from Creatto is a must! With CREATTO, you can design and construct illuminated, three-dimensional creations that literally light up your life! The kit includes flexible yet durable interlocking plastic tiles and a string of LED lights that you can piece together to make animals, decorations, or your own custom creations. Each set includes an illustrated manual with easy, step-by-step instructions for multiple designs, but the building possibilities are nearly limitless using your imagination. Creatto is available in 3 fun sizes: mini, medi, and maxi. Kids can choose to build: Moonlight Elephant Safari: Ages 6+ MSRP: $9.95; Magical Moose & Forest Friends: Ages 6+ MSRP: $9.95; Starlight Kitty & Cutie Crew: Ages 8+ MSRP: $19.95; Shimmer Shark & Ocean Pals: Ages 9+ MSRP: $29.95; Sparkle Unicorn & Friends: Ages 9+ MSRP: $29.95. I just love the Unicorn! It can also be found on Amazon.com.

Here are some more of my favorites!

CHALK OF THE TOWN T-SHIRT KIT is sure to be a hit! Dream it, draw it, wear it! These fun chalk t-shirt kits are erasable, re-usable and machine washable and allows kids to create and wear their own specially designed t-shirt. Available in youth sizes XS to XL and adult sizes S to 2XL in lime green! There is also a really cool purple Unicorn shirt! Check them out on Amazon.com.

DINOMAZING EGG DECORATOR — This dynamically different craft kit is actually a craft and activity in one! Pop in one of the plastic eggs included with the kit and let the decorating begin. Use the different colored markers, to add stripes, lines or other fun“prehistoric” designs to decorate your egg. Then, “crack” open the shell to discover a surprise mini collectible dinosaur dripping in cool colored slime! My little nephew found this one really cool! Find on Amazon.com.

FOODIE SURPRISE FOOD CARTS — Unpack each of the different Food Carts from its adorable ‘to-go’ container.  Along the way, kids will discover a variety surprise ingredients and supplies that will let them create their own edible candy! Find at Walmart.com

Have a Trolls Fan? They will absolutely love the AQUABEADS TROLLS WORLD TOUR (Epoch): Perfect time for crafting! Kids make creations from templates or their own imaginations placing beads onto a layout tray, spraying with water to fuse the beads together! Also available on Amazon.com.

I love that these are all very creative and children will have so much fun with all these products!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above items and highly recommend them. Images were also provided.

Although School has started at home this Fall, there are still school supplies that are needed! Here are a few of my favorites!

USA Gold and USA Titanium offers high-quality wood pencils sourced with American wood and finished in Tennessee.  With almost 60 years of pencil making, USA Titanium continues a family-run legacy in Lewisburg, Tennessee and a vital part of an American community.   These are a real must-have this school year!

·      USA Titanium pencils are high quality, high value.  Compare them to your favorite pencil and see what a difference American quality can make!  With their satin-smooth black finish for enhanced writing comfort,  USA Titanium pencils are available exclusively at Walmart in packs of 12, 24, and 36 pencils. These are sure to be a hit with all ages!

Looking for Felt tip Pens? I absolutely love the Scribble Stuff brand! I use these on a daily basis. They are great for journaling too! They are bold and bright so children will love them too!  Children can add some pizzazz to drawing and art projects!  And teachers will find they make paper grading fun. These long-lasting, vivid pens have a fine point tip for easy of writing and won’t bleed through the paper.  Available in 24 bright colors and an awesome price make it easy to add some fabulous fun to your child’s school day. Scribble Stuff also makes popular gel pens and scented gel pens. Available in assorted packs at Walmart, Target and Amazon.com. Once you try these, you won’t want to buy any others!

OWC also has some great back-to-school essentials! I love the USB-C Travel Dock that I had the opportunity to try out! The OWC USB-C Travel Dock might just be the ultimate portable docking solution for Mac PC and Chromebooks. Drive an HD display, connect and charge two USB devices (like a phone or tablet…), and even access photos on an SD card. You can even add a USB-C power adapter and have a standalone charging station, so you can keep all your devices up and running. The Travel Dock transfers up to 100W of pass-through charging from a USB-C power adapter, ensuring users are powered up and ready to deliver a client presentation or download the day’s last shots. With five essential ports and just one cable, users are prepared to display, charge, connect, and import while on the move. The USB-C Travel Dock features an HDMI port for easy display connections up to 4K resolution and can be used via bus power when users don’t have access to a power outlet.
MSRP: $54.99

OWC also has some other great  Used Macs that can save parents lots of money if they are looking to outfit the kids with a new laptop this school year. 

Here are a few more of my favorites:

Chalk of the Town“I’m Reading” Chalkboard Tote Kit:  A perfect back-to-school tote for the avid reader, book worm or teacher to carry AND share the book they’re reading! Use the included water-based chalk markers to write a title or topic on the tote or illustrate highlights from the book. Once dry, the ink will not smudge. Start a new book? No problem! Simply wipe the surface clean with water and design again. Available on Amazon.

Book Peeramid: This uniquely shaped pillow bookrest props a book, tablet, Kindle or iPad at the perfect angle for comfortable hands free reading anywhere –  bed, at a table, desk, in your favorite chair, on the  couch, on the floor and more!  Available on Amazon

PLAYMOBIL School Carry Case: Perfect, portable, packable playset for even the youngest students; readies them for what to expect when the eventually do get into a classroom. Features iconic PLAYMOBIL attention to detail. Includes teacher and student figures, chalkboard, desk, chairs, books, more!

Available on Amazon

Looking to make learning at home for young children more fun? OwlCrate Jr. is a fantastic Subscription box!
Spark a lifetime love of reading with OwlCrate Jr.’s monthly subscription box for kids ages 8-12. What’s really cool about OwlCrate is that subscribers get more than just a book—they get a whole themed experience including 4-6 goodies, a hardcover book, at least one usable item or activity to encourage creativity, imagination and exploration,  plus an exclusive letter from the author and a collectible monthly sticker. Each monthly box is curated for kids of all genders and the books are published within 45 days of ship date. The books are either standalone stories or the first in a new series. Past themes included Code Breakers, Bump in the Night, Rebels & Rulebreakers and more! Available for one time box, three or six month subscriptions. Starting at $27.99; https://owlcrate.com/owlcratejr

Face Masks are also a must this school year! I love that you can design your own!

Neon Earth equips non designers to create absolutely anything under three minutes with their easy-to-use design tool. All you need to do is select any item, add your designs, customize the designs, text, colors and more, and you’re done. You don’t need any knowledge of Photoshop or other designing tools because the in-built tool is extremely simple. What’s more, non-designers can also set up their own stores on the Neon Earth platform and earn royalty on any design that is sold. 
These products make for great thoughtful gifts (cute coasters, totes, scarves, notepads and more to choose from!). The platform also empowers homeowners and interior designers to run with their imagination and have their ideas rolled out with perfection to create the look they have envisioned. Home décor items such as throw pillows, tapestry, wallpapers and more can be easily customized or made artistic with thousands of designs to choose from. They even have Halloween styles!

Happy Back-to-School! Stay tuned! Later this month I will be featuring some helpful educational apps!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

The most important thing your baby needs in those first few months of his or her life is uninterrupted, sound sleep in his/her small space bassinet.

Aside from periodic doses of milk, a newborn requires 16 hours of sleep in order to grow and stay healthy. Meaning that your young one spends more hours sleeping than being awake in the first few weeks of its life.

Needless to say, preparing your baby’s bed is an essential part of welcoming the little one. Even when they are not asleep, your baby needs to be tucked in warmly inside a compact bassinet.

The Fisher-Price Rock with Me bassinet is a prime example of a great bassinet. Not only is it perfect for providing your baby with the warmth and comfort that it needs to remain sleeping for hours, but it also is the perfect home to your baby even when they are awake.

The bassinet is especially designed to keep your bundle of joy safe so you can go about your work while monitoring your baby from afar.

The Rock with Me bassinet is a multi-feature bassinet that is perfect for your baby. Still on the fence about getting this bassinet?

Well, lets look at a few features of the bassinet to see just what makes it so great.

Fisher-Price Rock with Me Bassinet Reviews & Features

Lets start with pro and cons of the bassinet

Pros	Cons
PortableRocking abilityComfortable sleeping spaceMesh sides	Not suitable for babies over 12 monthsMay need extra padding.

1.) Sturdy yet lightweight structure:

The bassinet itself is made out of extremely sturdy material. The metal structure that holds the sleeping surface is lightweight yet solid. Despite weighing a mere 7.5 pounds, the bassinet can hold a weight of up to 25 pounds. This means that your baby can sleep in the bassinet for a full year.

Being extremely lightweight and small in size makes it easy to carry around the bassinet as well. It is portable and  you can easily move the bassinet from one room to another without  breaking a sweat. You need not get a separate bassinet for your baby’s nursery since you can simply bring the Rock with Me bassinet anywhere. It folds completely flat which is great for storage.

2.) Comfortable sleeping surface:

The Rock with Me bassinet has a large, flat surface for your baby to snuggle on. The mattress is padded enough to make it comfortable for your baby to sleep in soundly. The fitted bedsheet is pure cotton as recommended by pediatricians around the world.

The components that make up the sleeping surface are machine washable so it is convenient to keep the bassinet and clean and hygienic at all times. You can simply swaddle up your baby and lay him//her flat for a nap in the Rock with Me bassinet.

3.) Mesh sides allow for ventilation:

The mesh sides of the bassinet perform a dual function.  This make the bassinet itself extremely lightweight and a breeze to fold, so much so that a single person can fold and unfold the bassinet in a matter of seconds, and it allows for air to pass through freely. Doctors recommend that bassinets or cribs must be well-ventilated to prevent breathing issues for babies, who already have really small nostrils. The mesh makes it possible for maximum air entering the bassinet and leaving it, assisting your baby’s breathing.

Another major advantage is that the mesh sides make it possible for you to  keep an eye on your baby at all times, even if you are at a distance. You can rest assured that your baby will be well and safe inside the Fisher-Price Rock with me bassinet.

4.) The rock ‘n’ play capability is suitable for calming your baby:

This is main feature of the bassinet that truly sets it apart from other bassinets in the market. The rocking features enables you to soothe your baby inside the bassinet, it prevents you from the hassle of picking up your baby. Since the rocking motion is triggered manually, this gives you complete control over the speed and duration of rocking. You can easily switch off the rocking mechanism so that the bassinet becomes completely stationary.

There is also a mirror and a linkable toy to help provide your baby with stimuli so they are able make use of their senses and become increasingly curious about the world around them. The Rock with Me bassinet is an excellent bed for your baby and doubles up as a perfect playpen for infants.

Final Verdict:

It is true that choosing a bassinet for your little one is no easy task. There are plenty of options in every price range. When it comes to making that decision, the sky is the limit. But when it comes to getting a great bassinet that fits your budget, is portable, safe, and comforts your baby, then the Fisher-Price Rock with Me bassinet is definitely a great buy.

A well-rounded bassinet that will provide your baby with comfort and hours of happiness, the Rock with Me combines a number of desirable features that make it an excellent choice. Add it to your baby’s nursery or make it a secondary bassinet in the family room, the options are endless.

It’s still important to wear face coverings in sunny Southern California and I know not everyone agrees but being an Essential worker at my other job…I believe that it is very important. I work in a shelter with women and children and I wear a mask every time I go to work. My son is a teenager and he wears a face-covering whenever he leaves the house. It’s not a political statement. We really are in a pandemic. I am happy to learn about this wonderful website that sells the cutest face masks for children. Chic Tweak is definitely a website to check out. They are founded with love in NYC.

I like that they have designs for boys and for girls. I received a few samples of the ones for girls and they are so colorful, bright and stylish! I highly recommend!

More about Chic Tweak:
Chic Tweak is founded by Bindya Lulla as an extension of her luxury Bindya and Lulla brands. Bindya (an FIT success story) started her career in fashion as a specialist in scarves, shawls, and pashminas and the line quickly evolved from there. You can find Bindya and Lulla collection pieces on shelves at nearly all major retailers. Bindya wished to launch a third venture, one that served the ever-trendy, super sassy, and always inspired young gal – Chic Tweak.

Find them at https://www.chictweakny.com/

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post, Images were also provided.

You don’t need us to tell you that buying strollers and other baby equipment can be stressful. However, you can at least make the process a little easier by buying a convertible stroller instead of a separate pram and stroller — you’ll be thankful when your baby grows into a toddler! 

Which is the best convertible stroller to buy, though? It’s a very good question, as there are numerous options on the market. We’ve selected our five best convertible stroller brands, to help you out — keep reading and you’ll find out what they are.

1. Evenflo

The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Single to Double Convertible Stroller has plenty of storage, making it a great 2-in-1 stroller to choose. It has 22 different configurations and four modes of use, effortlessly changing from a single to a double. 

It has a large storage basket too, holding almost everything you’ll need to bring with you on an outing, whether you have a baby, a toddler, or both. 

2. BabyStyle

A British brand, BabyStyle make great strollers, and their Oyster travel system is one of the best around. It’s suitable from six months unless combined with the carrycot or car seat, in which case you can use it from birth.

The stroller looks great too, as you have plenty of choice when it comes to selecting the colour, and it comes with a variety of accessories and features including an apron, changing bag, and footmuff.

3. BabyJogger

There are a number of great convertible strollers offered by BabyJogger, and one of the best is the BabyJogger Anniversary City Stroller. 

It has 16 different positions and configurations so it can grow with your baby and fit a sibling in too, should the need arise. It has all-terrain tires too, and is foldable — the only real drawback is the price. It’s one of the more expensive strollers out there, but as you can convert it to a double or triple stroller, it’s definitely worth the price!

4. Baby Joy

When looking at strollers for newborn and toddler use, the Baby Joy Convertible Bassinet Reclining Stroller Carriage is one to keep an eye on — it’s suited for use from birth up to three years of age, and with a bassinet design is one of the best all-round options.

The seat is reversible, while there are plenty of safety features for your peace of mind too. A diaper bag is included, and it comes complete with a mosquito net, sunshade and safety handle wrist strap. 

5. Cynebaby

One thing that certainly stands out about the Cynebaby Convertible Bassinet Stroller is its design, as it really does look great. However, it backs its good looks up with impressive features too.

There’s an adjustable canopy with a handrail, which you can remove to put a food tray in its place. Zip-up curtains come too, as well as foot covers, so it’s suitable for all weather. There’s ample storage in the bottom, and 360 wheels giving you the freedom to move where you want, making this a versatile convertible pram and stroller.

Choosing the Best Convertible Stroller for You

These are just five of the best strollers out there. When you’re looking for the best convertible stroller for you and your baby, you should take into account your budget, any features you’re looking for, and the design, as your dream stroller might be a little different to somebody else’s. Consider which stroller is the right one for you.

Looking for more tips on everything to do with family life? Check out some of our other posts — we might have just what you’re looking for.

Here are my favorite products for babies this Summer!

Babo’s 3-in-1 Face, Hands & Body Wipes gently cleanse face, hands and body without rinsing, leaving skin soothed, soft and moisturized. I love that these are non-drying and gentle enough for everyday use! They are just perfect for sensitive skin but Mom can use them too! Just great for removing makeup or for after the gym!

Find them here.

You can find Babo Botanicals on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/babobotanicals and on IG @babobotanicals.

Looking for Summer shoes for your baby? Pediped has you covered! They have new styles that you will love!

Spring/Summer 2020 Collection: Motivated by complimentary colors and textures, pediped^® developed its 2020 Spring/Summer collection to capture one of a kind aesthetics through unique combinations of new hues, textures and patterns in these must see (must have) designs. With a soft neutral color pallet, we were able to capture the NOW while staying true to our classic silhouettes.

For more NEW Spring/Summer 2020 styles and colors, visit https://www.pediped.com/new-arrivals!

For more information, visit www.pediped.com.  LIKE on Facebook at /pedipedfootwear and follow on Instagram @pedipedfootwear.

ergoPouch TOG rated sleeping bags are made from breathable natural fibers. Choose from stretchy organic jersey cotton with our slim-fit Jersey Bag, or luxurious 400+ thread count sheeting material with their Sheeting Sleep Bag.  The ergoPouch Sheeting Sleeping Bag has a 400+ thread count, organic cotton outer and feels luxurious on a baby’s skin. Unique stretch inserts on the side and shoulders allow baby to move more freely and stay comfortable while they sleep. This would make a great baby shower gift!

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 pajamas available from birth to 6 years of age sizing.  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/ergopouchusa

Instagram:  @ergopouch_usa

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

YouTube:  ergoPouch

MAM has been a favorite brand of mine for a long time! This next one is the perfect gift for a new Mom this Summer! MAM Infant Basics Newborn Gift Set (9-count), Includes Easy Start Anti Colic MAM Baby Bottles, Pacifier, Baby Bottle Brush, From Newborn to 2+ Months,

Babies love MAM nipples! Provide a soothing, comfortable and reassuring experience for mother and baby with the MAM Infant Basics Gift Set. I love that this set also includes a MAM Pacifier. If you have not yet tried those with your little one…you must! They are a hit with many Moms that I know. You can find this set on Amazon.com.

Follow MAM

Facebook: facebook.com/MAMbabyUSA

Pinterest: Pinterest.com/MAMUSA

Instagram: mambaby_usa

Baby Magic Calming Bath and Lotion

After a fun day playing with baby at the beach or park , end the night with an easy bedtime routine for baby. Baby Magic’s Calming Baby Bath and Lotion are infused with Lavender and Chamomile, making it the perfect way to whisk baby away into a sweet slumber. Cleanse baby’s delicate skin with the Calming Baby Bath that will help baby calm down before bed. Hydrate and nourish skin after, with the Calming Baby Lotion! This is great for summer weather.

MamaSingMySong: creates custom songs/lullabies that are professionally written and recorded for your baby!  The company offers 3 different lullaby packages to choose from.  Whether you choose an a-cappella or studio recorded package, MamaSingMySong’s hope is that 50 years from now, your child remembers YOU singing his or her song— your affirming love, sung over and over again.

For More Info: https://mamasingmysong.com

Baby Skincare Products that are So Good You’ll Want to Use Them Too! Here are a few of my favorites this Summer! This tear-free formula with a naturally gentle pH is the ultimate head-to-toe wash which doubles up as a shampoo. Thanks to green tea extract and aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Zoey Naturals Sweet Citrus head-to-toe wash is a great alternative for those who find that their grown-up shower gels irritate and dry their skin. ​​​​​​​

Babies love a gentle massage, and this Soothing Lavender Body Oil is a great way to soothe their skin and relax them ahead of a good night’s sleep. For adults, it’s a fantastic way hydrate skin while calming lavender helps to diminish stress.​​​​​​​ We all need that right now! I love how this one smells!

And a must-have for this sunny Summer weather is sunscreen! Don’t leave home without it! Zoey Naturals SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen gives UVA/UVB sun protection and is infused with nutrients to keep your baby’s skin nourished while in the sun. I love that this one doesn’t have any harsh chemicals. Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide.

Find all of these and more at https://zoey-naturals.com/

Here are a few great Underwear Solutions for Babies and Toddlers!

TrustyTrunks
TrustyTrunks are a leakproof diaper cover whose patented design keeps infant-prone accidents in, and pool water, dirt and sand out. TrustyTrunks diaper covers are the only swim diaper solution on the market designed to be leak-proof. It’s easy to use… use with any regular diaper (cloth or disposable), and then cover it with TrustyTrunks, and it is easy to clean—rinse and pat try or machine wash. They are made from elastic, non-allergenic, skin-safe silicone that is soft on your child’s skin. Currently available is size 2 (21-28 pounds) with more sizes available later this year. $34; https://trustytrunks.com/.

Tiny Undies
Dress your tiny bottomed baby or toddler in Tiny Undies’ unisex underwear. These 100% cotton undies are great for kids who are potty training early, using elimination communication or for parents looking for an alternative to single use diapers. They use eco-friendly dyes on colored styles and are free from harmful chemicals. Available in size 6 months-5T in 3-pack for $18; https://tinyundies.com/. Also available on Amazon.  

PEEjamas
These stylish, comfortable and eco-friendly nighttime training pajamas eliminate the need for nighttime diapers and also save parents money. PEEjamas’ patent-pending design absorbs moisture (10 times their weight in liquid) to help reduce messes, but still leaves a wet sensation to help kids with nighttime potty training. They can be washed more than 300 times before they lose their absorbency, which means they’re a super saver when considering the cost of disposable diapers, and they’re an extremely sustainable potty-training tool. Plus, it’s a lot less hassle to toss a pair of pajamas in the wash after an accident rather than a whole load of sheets. Plus, they’re so cute and stylish, kids will want to wear them even after potty training is over. Available in sizes 2T-6/7. Starting at $35.99; www.peejamas.com/.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided. No other compensation was received.