Children are fickle beasts. Take meal time, for example. One day, they love pizza. They adore pizza. They sing and smile about pizza while eating it by the fist full. Pizza is definitely a winner. Then, towards the end of the week, the exact same pizza is put in front of them and you’d think world war three had been announced. The tears. The anger. The inconsolable anguish. So, what changed? The answer is nothing. Bringing up a child is like bringing up a small drunk psychopath. Good luck second guessing them. However, second guess them we must when it comes to eye glasses. Vision is important. Kids who can’t see clearly can’t learn clearly. And that can affect mood, outlook, self-confidence, and … yeah, it’s not a great list of outcomes. That’s why getting the choice of frames right is key. And we think we’ve cracked it. You need lighter frames.

Children and lighter frames

Even in adults, lighter frames are nowhere near as noticeable as bulkier chunky frames. Ultimately, lighter frames present less of a fashion statement. They become more of a tool for seeing and reading rather than being seen as a daily demand or rule (which is how some children towards the more precocious end of the personality scale – which is to say, all of them – will view the repeated instruction to wear their glasses). Lighter frames are also more likely to be forgotten when in use. As opposed to much larger frames that will present an opportunity for children to fiddle, lighter frames are sort of set-and-forget technology, delicately perched on the nose and largely forgotten about throughout the day.

Light frames are harder to break when you think about it

This takes a leap of imagination, but picture the scene if you will. Two children drop their glasses onto the hard surface of a school hall or playground. Another child running by absentmindedly kicks the glasses as they hit the floor, propelling them across the ground and into a brick wall. Now. Which of a thick pair of glasses and lighter frames do you imagine will stand more chance of breaking? Bingo. The heavier frames will break, the lighter frames will bounce and survive. Children are walking disaster zones. Glasses will be dropped. Glasses will be kicked. Glasses will be lucky to survive the whole school year. Choose light frames and save money on replacements.

Thinking of sunglasses? Find out more here!

Looking for cute but comfy shoes for your little one this Spring? pediped has you covered with their Originals Harvey shoes. They are available in sizes Newborn-24 months and are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development.

About pediped^®
Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort, and distinctive styling have made the award-winning company the one of 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 and consumer awards and accolades including recognition from Earnshaw’s, the premier media resource serving the children’s market, with a 2016 Earnie Award as the Footwear Brand of the Year. In 2015 pediped^® was recognized by the Footwear Industry Awards as the Children’s Footwear Brand of the Year and in 2019 pediped® received a Cribsie award for Favorite Footwear.

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 or call 1-702-567-0311. LIKE on Facebook at /pedipedfootwear and follow on Instagram and Twitter @pedipedfootwear.

The ergoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Bag is designed to contain startle reflex while keeping baby snug and securely swaddled throughout the year without the need for complicated wrapping. There are press stud poppers in the armholes that convert this swaddle into baby’s first sleeping bag.

The Cocoon Swaddle Bag is recommended for swaddled newborns & arms out (rollers) to age 12 months.

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

No more frustration trying to find your lost pacifiers at night! This pacifier glows in the dark, making it easy for baby and parent to find in the evening hours. Specially designed with your little one’s teeth and jaw in mind, the MAM Perfect Pacifier is clinically proven* to reduce the risk of open bite and increased overbite later in life. With a 60% thinner neck and 4 times more flexible nipple** than a regular pacifier, you can be assured that your little one’s favorite binky is safe for their development as it puts less pressure on their jaw and teeth. MAM’s medically engineered nipples feature life-like, SkinSoft textured silicone that feels more natural, just like mom. With multiple nipple and shield sizes to pick from, MAM nipples are easily accepted by babies of all ages, with 94% nipple acceptance among babies tested***.Babies simply love the ease and comfort of latching onto MAM nipples. Sterilize baby’s MAM pacifier in the microwave using the convenient MAM self-sterilizing storage case. Pacifiers kept in the closed box will remain disinfected for up to 48 hours: Fill pacifier case with water. Place pacifier in the pacifier case with the nipple facing down. Follow Pacifier package instructions for microwave setting. Cool completely before use.*Y. Wagner, R. Heinrich-Weltzien, “Effect of a thinneck pacifier on primary dentition: a randomized controlled trial”, Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research, Volume 19, Issue 3, pages 127–136, August 2016. **Scientific reports from Wild Hi-Precision institute verify: the MAM Perfect’s teat neck is on average 60% thinner; test series by the University Clinic of Dentistry Vienna confirm: it is also on average 4 times more flexible than comparable soothers. (Between: 32% – 83% thinner / 1.1 – 19.5 times more flexible than regular silicone soothers). *** Market Research 2009-2017, tested with 1,508 babies.

Can be found on Amazon.com.

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 sets visitwww.mambaby.com.

Follow MAM

Facebook: facebook.com/MAMbabyUSA

Pinterest: Pinterest.com/MAMUSA

Instagram: @mambaby_usa

Looking for natural products that will help baby sleep better?

FROM ZOEY NATURALS Lavender has long been touted for its anxiety-relieving properties while it increases relaxation and a sense of calm bringing about sleep.  Consider incorporating  lavender into your baby’s end of day routine with products Zoey Naturals such as 

• Soothing Lavender Head to Toe Wash
• Soothing Lavender Moisturizing Lotion
• Soothing Lavender Body Oil

Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Shampoo & Body Wash:  A pediatrician’s solution for soothing normal skin and/or dry, itchy, irritated or sensitive skin for children of all ages. This moisturizing cleanser is dermatologist and clinically tested and is free of skin irritants like fragrance, dye, alcohol, sulfates, phthalates, and preservatives known as parabens. Over  95% of our ingredients are of natural plant-based origin. Ingredients were carefully selected for their soothing properties—Oatmeal Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Aloe Vera, Provitamin B5, and Hyaluronic Acid. Happy Cappy is cruelty free and vegan.Happy Cappy complies with pediatric dermatologist recommendations for eczema by being a non-soap cleanser that is hypoallergenic, fragrance free and has a low pH. Non-soap means that we do not use harsh surfactants that strip skin of its natural moisture. Happy Cappy has a low pH (unlike most other soaps) to match the pH of normal skin, which preserves the skin’s barrier function.  Generally, normal skin has a low pH (a pH from 4 to 6). Patients with eczema (atopic dermatitis) can have skin that becomes neutral to basic (high pH). The majority of soaps available on the market are basic (they have a pH of 9 to 10), and can alter negatively the pH of skin. Studies have shown, “maintaining a normal pH through appropriate therapy is well known to benefit disease states such as atopic dermatitis. 

For more Info: https://happycappyshampoo.com/

You can buy on Amazon.com.

Busy Baby Mat: This food grade silicone place mat securely sticks on just about any surface including tables, floors, shopping cart handles and also keeps toys off the floor with its tethers providing a fun surface for babies to eat and draw on too. No more dropping, and no more tossing!

For More Info:  https://busybabymat.com

Bek and Jet:  Wiping down reversible vegan-leather changing mats and bibs with antibacterial wipes has never been so easy or looked so good!  These soft, stylish, fashionable and functional bibs and changing mats remain soft and look great day after day no matter how many times they have been washed or wiped. 

For More Info: https://bekandjet.com

Babies’ car seat buckles are tough. By law, they require at least 9 lbs of pressure to release. That’s great for keeping kids safely buckled up, but what about grandparents with arthritis who don’t have enough strength to unbuckle? Or parents whose thumbs are sore from unbuckling 3 kids x 3 times a day? With UnbuckleMe, ALL caregivers can safely and easily unbuckle their kids. UnbuckleMe is the original, patented, award-winning tool that makes it more than 50% easier to unbuckle a child’s car seat. UnbuckleMe is type II lever that reduces the force needed to unbuckle a child’s car seat by more than 50%. Invented by an Occupational Therapist and a Child Passenger Safety Technician, it’s an essential safety tool that works on ALL push-button car seat buckles.  For more information please visit: https://unbuckleme.com/

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Information and images were also provided. No additional compensation was received and I only feature products that I highly recommend.

Can’t Get to your favorite coffee place? STEEPED COFFEE delivers gourmet eco-friendly coffee bags directly to your door-The compostable bags require no machines, just hot water for gourmet brew. I love the taste and was really impressed with the samples I received.

For more information, visit http://www.steepedcoffee.com. 

I love this next one! It would make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift and also a graduation gift!

Love Bank is a beautiful rustic wooden heart with a clear glass front, filled with love felt notes for your Grad. It’s a great gift for them to take to college with them to read their notes when they’re homeseick.  Loved ones write their messages on adorable cardstock heart-shaped paper. It’s not only a gorgeous gift, but it’s incredibly meaningful as well.  https://bankyourlove.com

Plus, with every purchase of Love Bank, love and kindness is also spread to those in need and meals are being donated through their partnership with Feeding America®.

With the current pandemic and safe at home order in California, Mom won’t be able to make it to the Spa this Mother’s Day! But, Mom can pamper herself at home! This next product is a wonderful one for Mom! 7th Heaven Charcoal & Black Sugar Peel Off Mask features cleansing Activated Charcoal to draw out deep down dirt and impurities mixed with a spoonful of Black Sugar to revitalize, hydrate and smooth – You’ll feel squeaky clean and sensationally soft. Use weekly for healthy glowing skin! Other key ingredients include Witch Hazel and Kaolin Clay. Comes in a generous single-serve pouch – perfect for travel. MSFP $1.99 at Walmart stores nationwide. Also cruelty-free, and a member of BUAV/Leaping Bunny and PETA

I loved trying this one out and it really left my face softer and clean!

This next gift idea is just simply perfect for self-care during these trying times. The Happy Planner provides a collection of journals, notebooks and planners that are a wonderful outlet for elevating our self-care regime through noting our thoughts, focusing on ourselves and organizing our lives. 

My favorite is the Be Happy Today Journal! I mean any Journal that starts out on the first page saying “Rainbow is my fave color” is the Journal for me! It is bright, colorful and inspirational! I love all the space for notes and it’s just so much fun to write in! Besides Journals and Notebooks, there are also student Planners, Teacher Planners, and even Fitness and Wellness Planners! I also really like the Budget Planners!

With the economic environment in an increasingly uncertain position, keeping track of financial matters will continue to be an important aim for everyone. Happy Planner’s budget focused planners provides resources such as expense trackers and payment calendars to streamline this process. This one is an absolute must-buy!

Find them all here.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of all of the above products to facilitate this post. The images were also provided. No other compensation was received.

Looking for a way to keep in touch with family and friends during the pandemic? Smilebox has you covered! I love that this website is more than just a site to send an ecard. You can make a photo collage that the family will just love! It is really a great site!

They recently introduced something new that invitations now include Smilebox Live virtual events. You just have to check this out on their website. There is a free account but I highly recommend the Smilebox PRO account.

I really love that there are so many different varieties of occasions from Birthday to Thank you but they also have anytime and greetings that you can send doe Corona-virus. This is a wonderful way to connect with family and friends at a time where we have to social distance from our loved ones.

Giveaway Opportunity!

We have teamed up with our friends at Smilebox for a giveaway! One lucky winner will win a Smilebox PRO subscription. To enter, check out the website and let me know your favorite thing about the website. Just leave a comment below! The deadline to enter is April 30th, 2020 at 12 noon PST.

Find out more at Smilebox.com.

Self Disclosure: I received a free Smilebox Pro account to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. Images were provided.

pediped®’s Adventure Line of high-quality shoes that are perfect for outdoor activities come in an array of new colors and styles. The Adventure Line offers eco-friendly, low-maintenance, water-safe shoes that are rugged and functional, yet provide the style and comfortable fit that pediped® is renowned for.

The Adventure Line is constructed with an eco-friendly, sustainable luxury microfiber that is formulated without any solvents during the manufacturing process. This process results in reduced carbon dioxide emissions, a reduction in water usage and less use of energy. Crafted using water-safe washable material, allowing kids to run, jump and play in all types of outdoor activities, while providing easy shoe cleanup for parents.

Style, comfort and durability go hand-in-hand with the new Adventure Line. This durable footwear includes a natural rubber sole, toe caps and Velcro straps. The natural rubber sole provides ultimate flexibility, and the toe caps protect feet and provide longer wear for active kids. Velcro straps keep the shoe securely in place while making it easy for kids to pull the shoe on and off. Just like all pediped® shoes, the Adventure Line is lightweight, comfortable and stylish.  

The new Spring/Summer 2020 pediped® collection will be available at retail stores and online at www.pediped.com beginning February 2020. pediped® footwear’s Adventure Line comes in EU sizes 20-36 (US sizes 5 Little Kids – 4.5 Youth), and retails for $50-$53 USD per pair.

About pediped®
pediped^® footwear was founded in 2004 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth in their quest for the perfect soft-soled shoe for their first daughter. 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. 

pediped^® footwear is sold in over 300 stores in the United States and worldwide with an offering of more than 120  designs for boys and girls between their three lines, Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex®.

-Originals® (soft-soled shoes for newborns to age 2)

-Grip ‘n’ Go™ (thin rubber-soled shoes for children ages 9 months to 3 years)

-Flex® (rubber-soled shoes for children 1 to 6 years) are available in EU sizes ranging from 20 to 36.

For more information visit www.pediped.com.

Credit: pediped.

Looking for something a little different for the Easter Basket this year? Foodie Surprise Yolkies and Foodie Surprise Candy Slime Eggs are sure to be hit with the kids! Foodie Surprise Yolkies would make the perfect egg-tra addition to your Easter baskets this year! Yolkies are the first collectable toy including delicious slime you can eat! Inside each Yolkies egg is a yummy candy slime ‘egg white’, gummy yolk and an adorable egg yolk character with surprise costume! With 12 Yolkies to collect in season 1, there will be an assortment of holiday Foodie Surprise Yolkies rolling out throughout the year. These are great for kids ages 6+ and can be found on Amazon and at Target! Although I wouldn’t suggest Amazon right now because shipping times are taking longer than usual!

Foodie Surprise Candy Slime Egg:

The Foodie Surprise Candy Slime Eggs are fun too! Just crack open the egg to find a whole new series of yummy candy slime.  Just like real slime, customize your candy slime with the included mystery mix-ins such as edible glitter, pastel pearls, blue crystals, and candy flowers. With 6 Candy Slime Eggs in Season 1, there will be an assortment of holiday slime eggs rolling out throughout the year. You can find these on Amazon and at Walmart! I would recommend these for over the age of 5.

Happy Easter!

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

Spring isn’t here quite yet and with this cold season and rainy days…many of these products are must-buys!

2.5 TOG ergoPouch Sleep Onesie’s

New to the USA is the ergoPouch 2.5 TOG Sleep Onesie! It’s extra thick and perfect for little ones who continue to kick off bedding but don’t love to wear a sleeping bag.  Made from skin-friendly organic cotton and also filled with organic cotton, this Onesie will keep your child warm & help regulate their body temperate all night long. The onesie can be worn on its own but is also roomy enough for extra layers underneath. This will keep your little one warm and cozy!

Find out more here! Also, find them on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ergopouchusa/ and @ergopouch_usa on Instagram. Right now they are having a 30% off sale until 3/19! Don’t miss it!

Babo’s Smoothing Detangling Shampoo & Wash is a must have for anyone who has hair licks, knots, tangles and frizz. Contains smoothing and detangling moisturizers for faster combing time, less pulling and no more tears! It really smells great too!

About Babo Botanicals

Babo Botanicals launched in 2010 by Kate Solomon who at the time was a pioneer in natural. She is a beekeeper and was an agricultural volunteer in the US Peace Corps. She took the best of natural and developed Babo. Before Babo, she was at L’Oreal working with chemicals to develop products and wanted change in personal products – particularly with children and sensitive skin.

Now Kate has gone beyond kids and has developed a range of non-toxic cosmetics and skincare for women with sensitive skin. Babo Botanicals products are designed for the most sensitive skin, from babies to adults and are 100% gluten, soy and dairy free. Babo Botanicals retail partners include Amazon, Anthropologie, buybuyBABY,,The Detox Market, Follain, Goop, Grove Collaborative, Pharmaca, Target, Thrive Market, Ulta, Whole Foods Market, Wegmans and many more. For more information, visit www.babobotanicals.com.

Follow Babo Botanicals on Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/babobotanicals/?hl=en

About Originals® Boo Bear

Man made and leather upperSoft fleece lining All leather soft-sole with slip resistant diamond treadEasy, pull-on design with elastic at the ankle for stay-put fitApproved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development. And, they are so adorable! About pediped® Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort, and distinctive styling have made the award-winning company the one of 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 and consumer awards and accolades including recognition from Earnshaw’s, the premier media resource serving the children’s market, with a 2016 Earnie Award as the Footwear Brand of the Year. In 2015 pediped® was recognized by the Footwear Industry Awards as the Children’s Footwear Brand of the Year and in 2019 pediped® received a Cribsie award for Favorite Footwear. 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 or call 1-702-567-0311. LIKE on Facebook at /pedipedfootwear and follow on Instagram and Twitter @pedipedfootwear.

The MAM feed and soothe gift set includes 4 anti-colic bottles, 2 each of 5 ounce and 8 ounce. Also included are 2 MAM 0-6 months silicone pacifiers. The anti-colic bottle is just one of the innovative developments from the MAM design studio. You can buy the set on Amazon.com.

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 sets visitwww.mambaby.com.

Follow MAM

Facebook: facebook.com/MAMbabyUSA

Pinterest: Pinterest.com/MAMUSA

Instagram: mam_usa

With such delicate and sensitive skin, parents need to keep baby’s skin protected. Baby Magic’s line of lotions will keep baby hydrated and soft all winter long. Even mom or dad can use it! With wholesome ingredients and classic scents, Baby Magic will be your go-to throughout the chilliest of days!

Moisturizing Lotion

·         A sweet buttercup scent that will wrap your baby’s skin with nourishment. Great for babies on the sensitive side, this gentle lotion will help sooth and replenish precious skin. Packed with ingredients like Calendula and Coconut.

Baby Lotion

·         The classic Baby Magic scent that will leave baby with smooth, hydrated skin! Infused with Camellia Oil and Marshmallow Root to help moisturize skin while calming inflammation. Perfect for after a bath or throughout the day this lotion is sure to keep baby smiling.

Calming Lotion      Your baby nighttime routine must-have. After a relaxing bath, moisturize baby with Calming Lotion to lull them to sleep. Lavender and Chamomile help soothe and relax baby while getting them ready for bed.

All formulas are free of sulfates, mineral oil, dyes, parabens, phthalates, talc and lanolin for a worry-free parent and a happy baby.

The Exergen Smart Glow TemporalScanner™ is the lifesaver you need. With just a gentle forehead scan, you can see if your child – or anyone at home – has the flu, which is indicated by a fever.  This is so easy to use! I highly recommend having this one at home especially right now! Sold in major retailers including Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens, RiteAid, Costco, Kroger and BJ’s, the Smart Glow thermometer’s suggested retail price is $49.99. For more information visit Exergen’s website.

Self Disclosure: I received samples of the above items to feature in the Winter Baby Roundup. I only feature items that I highly recommend! Images were also provided.

Are you still on the hunt for the perfect Valentine’s gift for your beloved partner or your children? Search no more – we have a great idea for you. 

The first year of the months is over, but somehow it feels as if 2020 has just started. Nevertheless, Valentines is just around the corner. Although more and more people have a certain perspective on that day and say they don’t need a certain day to show their love to family and friends, in the hectic everyday life this affection can get neglected. 

For everyone else, cherishing the 14th of February and still thinking of it way too late – we have a nice gift idea for you. How about sunglasses? They are trendy, affordable and show your loved one how well you know them, in choosing the right look. 

Designer sunglasses 

There are many great designer sunglasses for men and women out there, in various styles, colors, frames and last but not least, prices. Let’s be honest, not everyone has the possibility and wants to spend 500 bucks on a pair of designer sunglasses, no matter how great they look. Sunglasses have become somewhat of a fashion piece, yet something we use everyday. 

Therefore, they need to be durable too and having an expensive pair of sunglasses might make you think of them as being too valuable for some occasions. Of course, there are some cheaper variants for $10-$20, but let’s be honest, the quality is sometimes not the greatest. 

Sometimes it is a good idea to keep an eye on new innovative brands. One of them is MessyWeekend, a danish startup from Copenhagen. They design their sunglasses in their headquarters and focus on high quality as well as fair prices to make Danish Design available for everybody. Their sunglasses are durable, of high quality and stylish – I have a pair myself and adore them!

Great idea for other occasions 

All in all, sunglasses for women and men are the perfect gift, not only for Valentines. Birthdays, graduation parties or maybe just a nice gesture – you cannot be wrong with them. Everybody needs sunglasses, especially in summer, not only to see better, but also to protect the eyes from dangerous UV radiation. And last but not least, they are after all a great fashion accessory!