Share the Love with MAM--Review!!

Parenting can be hard, but your unbridled love for your children drowns out all fears and tears. Share with us what makes your little ones so special, your hopes and dreams for their futures and the joys of parenthood by posting a video, photo or letter on facebook.com/mambabyusa. Eligible entries will be considered for a grand prize of a year’s worth of spa treatments, valued at $2,500. It’s MAM’s way of celebrating you for the love you share.  Enter here: http://bit.ly/mamsharethelove.  Deadline to enter: April 15, 2014.

 Our Thoughts:

MAM was kind enough to send two of their products for review, and, well, we love them both! I have been a fan of MAM for several years; quality products and a reasonable price.

The sippy is playful an d practical. A spill-proof spout or nipple gives you several options of use. Easy to assemble makes cleaning a breeze! The handles are easy for little hands to grasp, come off for when older and cleaning. We take the trainer cup everywhere with us!

The nipple option is great for just starting out and you can graduate to the pink spout with the plastic add in to make it spill-proof. When you baby has the hang of it and is ready to transition to a cup you can remove the plastic piece from the spout for a more cup like feel.

The teether is fun! My daughter loves it! Specifically designed to reach the back teeth, it offers relief from those pesky teeth coming through. Small enough to fit in the mouth but big enough to grasp, it has become more of a toy than a teether. We put it in the refrigerator to get cold and she will gnaw on it for quite a while!

We are thrilled to have these products! they would make a great addition to your home or that of a special baby you know! 

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Reviewed by Steph

The Forgotten Pharaoh Release Day Giveaway!!

Purchase

Amazon * Smashwords * OmniLit * Barnes &Noble 

Julie Gerber isn't thrilled to be pulled out of school her senior year to follow her parents halfway around the world to unearth a lost pyramid. However, when the cute British guy and the mysterious financier of their project both fight for her attention, things start to get interesting.

The pharaoh known as Djedefre was cursed for the murder of his eldest brother. The work of the archaeologists brings new secrets to light, ones that prove the fallen god-king wasn't the villain history had painted him to be. Can they prove his innocence?

As the team digs deeper into the mystery, members of the party vanish or end up dead. Someone is determined to keep the truth hidden at all costs, even 4,500 years later.

 Be sure to add The Forgotten Pharaoh to your to-read list on Goodreads and check it out on Manic Readers!

 About the Author

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the editor of a popular review blog called New Age Mama.  Her works include romantic thrillers, paranormal fiction, contemporary romance, and young adult.

  Follow the author Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Pinterest

The Giveaway

Author Laura DeLuca has put together a selection of prizes that go along with the story. All the prizes are Egyptian themed. Prize pack includes a decorative wall plague, oil diffuser, incense, book mark, collectible pens, necklace, scarab bead, real papyrus bookmark, pin, and ankh charms. ACV is around $100.

Our friends from Magical Monk Bags have also created a one-of-a-kind Egyptian style handbag depicting a scene of the Great Pyramids. The bag was hand-embroidered and is absolutely beautiful. AVC - $40.

Finally, The Whimsical Pixie has contributed a handmade dowsing board complete with blood stone pendulum valued at $45.99.

One lucky winner will walk away with all these prizes! Total value is over $180. To enter, simply fill out the rafflecopter form below. Giveaway will end on 4/29/14 and is open to the US only.

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Disclosure: Host blogs are not  responsible for prize delivery. Face book, pinterest, and twitter are in no way associated with this giveaway.

Book Review: Go Take A Bath!

• Invert the family hierarchy. The tendency of 21st-century parents is to place the child first, a partner second, and the self, third. This is exactly the reverse of a healthy family hierarchy and actually causes stress to children because they are out of place.
• Be a good role model. Children learn through observation and mimicry, so parents must make sure they are demonstrating the right lessons by living full, balanced lives complete with hobbies, vacations, and, yes, even baths.
• Balanced, happier parents create balanced, happier kids. Take responsibility for your own happiness and resolve trigger issues. Exploring childhood traumas and experiences helps parents identify their parenting strengths and challenges.
• Learn the art of letting go. Children can work out many of their stressors on their own, without parental involvement, so encourage them to independently problem-solve when possible. This lesson extends to acting as chauffeur, social director, tutor, and all the other ways parents over-extend themselves for their children. 
• Choices within Limits.  Parents should provide opportunities for children to make decisions—they might be surprised at all the good choices their children make when given the chance! The caveat is that you must be consistent, calm and follow-through with appropriate consequences when they don’t.
• Simpler is often better. Fun is a skill that must be taught, as is joyful living, appreciation for both tangible and intangible things, or unplugging from television and the internet. Parents need to create moments for families to rediscover and simplify their lives together.

Our Thoughts:

In this book you are reintroduced to parenting. We learn that parenting doesn't have to be hard. Taking care of ourselves first so that we can take care of our children is important. They actually have the ability to become more independent and better problem solvers. 

Robin gives us the tools to empower our kids, and give them confidence, while at the same time parenting with a firm and loving standard. This book is amazing and really should be given out to parents, new and established alike. You can read this book ten times and take away something different each time you read it. 

Her approach isn't easy and it isn't quick. In order to change how you've started you have to work. It will no doubt cause some rough edges in your relationships with your kids, but in the end you will reconstruct and build a better more loving one. 

The take away's at the end of each chapter are priceless information! I love them. It's an overview, that requires you to take a toll on your own life and delve deeper. I have to say it hurts, to have to look at yourself as a person and take action before you can parent. But, you kids will be better for it; having a whole parent instead of a spaced out, stressed out one. 

Buy the book here.

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Review: Minnie Mouse Precious Petals Walker

Let's be honest, Minnie Mouse is heard of in pretty much every house around. If you have a daughter, at one point I would bet she has had something that had miss Minnie on it. No different from my daughter, who LOVES Minnie, and she is only seven months old.

This walker suits my sweet girl's personality, and cheery nature perfectly! She has so much fun playing with the steering wheel on it, and trying to pull Minnie off! I would have never thought that a walker would be such a high favored gadget for such a little lady!

This was super easy to put together! My husband usually puts together the kids' toys and I watch. But, I took the reigns on this one for the review, and I was surprised by how easy things fell in place. You just need some big muscles to push the toys into the holes. The seat slid right on, and the tabs provide a secure lock to the walker. The metal bars pop into their proper holes fairly easily, I did have a tiny bit of trouble, but that was my own fault! I love the no fuss attitude behind putting this all together!

Within 10 minutes I had it all ready and little miss in it and she played in it for about 30 minutes! She hasn't figured out how to make it move forward yet, but she has it down moving backwards! This was the perfect toy for the perfect time! I cannot wait to watch her grow with this, and really start moving!

You really can't go wrong with any walker, but Disney Baby provides a wonderful timeless addition to your babies growing stash of toys and gadgets! We love ours, and I'm sure that you and your little one will love it too!

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Review: Diono--Much More Than Car Seats!

Diono car seats, Convertible boosters, storage solutions, stroller and travel accessories consistently earn high ratings from industry experts and families worldwide. Their product designs combine safety, convenience and style.

Since their company started Diono has worked to solve the real everyday worries and hassles parents face. Their first product idea was born from a family discussion on a documentary demonstrating the consequences of improperly secured car seats in collisions. Within the year family members had created a prototype that would come to be known as Mighty-Tite® — the world’s first and only seatbelt tightener designed for ease of use and peace of mind.

Our Thoughts: 

I was thrilled when I learned that Diono was sending their product! No, it wasn't a convertible car seat, but it was organizational help and window shades! Both of which was desperately needed. I am now a believer in these products! I originally thought things like this was silly and just money spent that you could have saved. I. Was. Wrong. 

The Car Shade for Kids is a life saver! My daughter doesn't care for the sun in her face, and in our car, the windows aren't tinted enough for her liking! The shade allows her to relax a bit more and enjoy the car ride. And it comes in a two pack!

Easy to install the Cool Shade goes on the window with ease in just seconds! No more worrying about creases and crinkles, it goes on smooth! Protection from the sun it filters both UVA and UVB rays. Static cling keeps it on, it's reusable and removable! 

The back seat organizer keeps my eight year old's things contained and not all over the back of the vehicle! He enjoys having his books, his hand held game consoles, his tablet, and many other things when we go places. 

This keeps them all neatly in one place, and even holds a drink! There's even enough room to hold my daughters toys as well! I would have definitely passed this up when purchasing items for the kids and am so thrilled to have it now!

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Review: Reflo Smart Cup

"The Reflo Smart Cup ™ is a revolutionary new concept in training cups. It's a smart alternative to sippy cups and a great transitional tool for your children to learn to drink from an open cup.

No buttons or other complicated mechanisms to operate. It's as easy as drinking from any ordinary cup without the worry of big spills due to the patent-pending Reflo ™ insert that controls the flow of beverage anywhere along the cup’s rim and at virtually any angle.

BPA-free, phthalate-free and dishwasher safe, the Reflo Smart Cup ™ is designed for safety and hygiene with no moving parts to trap dirt and germs.

Recommended for all ages as a smart alternative to "sippy cups" which have been associated with dental and speech problems.

The Reflo Smart Cup ™ is the safe, smart way to learn to drink from a regular cup." --from Reflo

I love the idea behind this cup! You don't get a "no spill" effect, but you teach your baby or toddler to drink out of a real cup! It's nice because you don't have to worry about the regular sippy cups that have all the pieces and parts to make it spill proof. Reflo has two pieces, the cup and the plastic piece that slows the liquid down.

This has to be the easiest to use as well! You don't have to twist anything, listen for anything to pop in place, or spend time worrying if you did it correctly! You fill your Reflo cup, slide the plastic piece down inside, and you're set! They couldn't have made this any easier!

I was so excited to get this as a review because my daughter is at the age now where she is learning to drink out of a cup. I still think there's a place for a sippy that's spill proof, like in the car or something; however, at the dinner table, or out to eat, this is the new thing to have!

My sweet girl loves this and I"m sure your special kiddo will too! They come in a variety of colors. You can purchase them online, or use their website to find a store near you!

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Sweet Moments Make the best Memories

 So I don't think I share enough about my daughter! HAHA Yeah, right! Anyway, here she is sitting up like a big girl and being a hammy ham for me. I love my babies, and am so blessed to be a mom, but let me tell ya, it's hard work sometimes too!
This face, you see it right? Adorable, and sweet? This face isn't so sweet when I'm trying to eat my dinner of an evening. She cries and whines, and thinks that because I'm eating she needs to be attached to my hip trying to grab my food, fork, drink, etc. I have a newsflash for her, that's not how that works!
At night, she doesn't sleep. I don't mean she only sleeps for like 5 hours and wakes up to nurse and goes back to sleep. I mean, maybe 2 hour stretches. Most of the time it's only an hour. I do a mix of co-sleeping and putting her in the crib and neither work very well! I remind myself, this too shall pass, but man!
I'm sure so many moms can relate to my lament. I love every minute of it though, honestly. I love those late night nursing sessions, I love being there to comfort her when she cries. I wish though, that she wouldn't be so needy! Then I remember, she's a baby, she's supposed to be needy! Then she gives me a face like these and, it makes all of those troubled times worth it.
Those times when she plays my boobs like drums, or kneads them like a kitten does to its mother, or even bites  my nipple, I love her! I love those moments, and all too soon she'll be too big for those simple gestures of love and acceptance and need.
She won't need me for milk, or to help her go to sleep. She won't need me alone to sustain her life. She'll be too enthralled with other things and won't want to come and sit on my lap for quiet time. In the blink of an eye she'll be potty trained and in school and have friends and will need me and my advice even less.
So, for now, I'll enjoy those bothersome things and remember that before I know it she won't be the baby I birthed back in 2013, she'll be a big girl and ready to take on the world. And I will cry, I'm sure, as I did with my now 8 year old. When she weans herself from nursing, I will cry. When she no longer needs her cloth diapers and goes to the potty like a big girl, I will cry. Not because I don't want her to grow up, but because they just don't stay little for that long.

Review and Giveaway: Snuggy Baby Wrap

Snuggy Baby offers a variety of products for baby and Mom, not to mention doll carriers for your older kiddos who want to be like Mommy or Daddy. Cloth diapers, ring slings, wraps, Oh My! When I tell you that's just the beginning of the products offered, please believe me! Not Sure? Go here and shop for yourself at their site.

I decided when I saw all the cute carriers out to wear my daughter. I really wish I would have had a wrap when she was younger, and not so squirmy. Wraps are great, but also take some time to figure out. You can find videos here on how to use your wraps/slings.

I love this company because it's one mom who started out doing something she loved! I am always willing to help promote Moms' and Dads' alike with businesses they've started. Baby gear is all the rage today and there are certain things that Moms and Dads can make themselves to help earn some income, slings and wraps are among those things.
If you're wondering what kind of quality Snuggy Baby offers, it's great!: You get a great product and a reasonable price. Customer Service is through the roof, they want you to be happy at all costs. Questions or concerns, they want to know! Don't hesitate to contact them.

I used a ring sling (not Snuggy Baby) for quite some time with my daughter, and it worked great! I would have loved a wrap though especially in the times where she loved to snuggle on my chest. These wraps and slings are great for newborn to about 4 months, in my opinion. My baby is too squirmy for either of these now and much prefers a more structured carrier. But, your baby may love these clear up to toddler age. It's really a preference for Mom and baby.

There are so many carry's you can do with a wrap it's incredible! Kangaroo carry (baby faces outward), Craddle carry (baby laying parallel to ground in wrap), etc. And the benefits of carrying your baby are vast! You can find information on that here. Let's not forget that the wraps, slings, wet bags, etc are all way too cute and you can coordinate them all together!

The Giveaway: Snuggy Baby is offering one lucky reader the opportunity to win one of their wraps! This is only available to residents in the US. Enter the Rafflecopter form below to enter!

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Review: Sprout Organic Baby Food

About Sprout Organic Foods:
Naturally sweet and wholesome, Sprout recipes are made with certified organic ingredients and contain no preservatives, artificial colors, flavors or other additives. Sprout is also pleased to be able to offer a selection of recipes suitable for those with allergies and food sensitivities.

Our Thoughts:
My daughter is almost 7 months and just starting out with solids. With my first child, I didn't read a lot about the dangers of some baby foods, and how there are preservatives and such that can be added. I have taken extra care to make sure that her foods are pure and natural. Honestly, a lot of her foods I make myself. 
This is a company I hadn't heard of before and when I saw that it was organic, and the ingredients list was literally the organic food and water, I decided it was worth a shot to try it out. I wasn't disappointed, and neither was my baby girl. 
She loves to eat, and I have been leery of giving her too much at one time. I hadn't bought any foods yet, because I had intended to make my own. So when we got these to try I was eager to see how she liked them. I knew the sweet potatoes she'd like only because we had already tried them; however, the butternut squash was new. 
She loved them, ALL of them! I am excited to know that if we're out and about and I don't have enough of the foods I've made, I can easily find this brand. Not having to worry about whether or not this is safe for her is another ease of the mind for me as well.
Resealable and easy to dispense, you really don't even need a bowl to put anything in. I just squeeze by the spoonful for her and it doesn't create more of a mess to clean up later. They're handy and store simply. 
Purees isn't all that's available, either. They have some great recipe combinations that I am excited to try out! You won't be saddened or feel you've made a bad choice by purchasing Sprout Organic Baby Food! We loved it, and so will you!
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Review: Tommee Tippee 3 Ring Circus Collection

Our Explora Truly Spill Proof Spout Cup has been developed for babies and toddlers of around 7 months and over. The Truly Spill Proof Spout Cup has a soft spout that’s easy-peasy to drink from, while the easy-grip sides and base help little ones of around 7 months and over grab and sip with confidence. Like all our Explora cups it’s truly non spill.
Uniquely decorated with daring displays from the 3 Ring Circus, including tightrope walking and balancing acts to dancing, high-diving and magic, this range of cups will engage and excite to help make drink time fun. In addition to the endearing decorations, these cups are specially designed
with the same great intuitive product features for which tommee tippee is known.

• Truly non spill, Easiflow® technology for easy drinking
• Unique soft-flex spout protects gums
• Hygiene cover
• 11 oz. easy-drink cup
• Dishwasher, microwave and sterilizer safe
• Suitable for babies aged 7 to 12 months
• BPA-free
  

Our Thoughts:

I discovered tommee tippee after my son was already too big for their products. Now, I have my daughter and I can use and enjoy the product! Several friends have used and loved tommee tippee, and when the review came I was ecstatic!

My daughter happened to be sitting in her high chair and I was feeding her lunch when they came in, so it worked out perfectly! I washed them up really quick, and put some water in it, and she spent the next several minutes trying to figure out how to use it!

It's always so hard to find just one thing that I love most about any product, but with these it's especially difficult. When tommee tippee says they're spill proof, they mean it! I have thrown them, turned them upside down and shaken them, and let the baby do her damage, and they don't leak--at all! This is a huge plus for me, as so many cups leak, if even just a tiny bit. 

I love the spout! They're soft and baby doesn't have much trouble forming her mouth around them. They have they're own "lid" that is attached, so you aren't spending time searching for a cover to the drinking spout. Flip it up and into the indentation, and you're set! You keep the spout clean and clear of gunk, and you don't lose the lid! 

These are super easy for baby hands to grasp and keep a hold of. We love how even though the cups are wide, her little hands fit perfectly. The no slip sides work beautifully to keep her hands firmly on the cup, and provide an excellent chew toy as well! 

Another plus is that these aren't super expensive either! Less than 10 dollars USD for two sippy cups!
tommee tippee's 3 Ring Circus Collection is available at Babies'R'Us.

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Boba: Review and Giveaway

Who wants to carry their baby all the time? You'll spoil your kid. You'll have a bad back, carrying your child will only hurt your shoulders. Do these sayings sound familiar? If so, has it stopped you from doing research to find that there are great baby carriers out there, that WON'T hurt your back or shoulders? You may even find out that wearing your baby, in fact, will not spoil them, but will make them calmer and more independent later down the road.
If you think carriers are expensive, well, they are. But, you pay for quality. And as a mom who didn't have a quality carrier with my first, I would definitely pay for a more expensive carrier to have the quality and comfort that Boba offers. Pricing isn't as important when you look at the grand scheme of things. I can wear my daughter in this carrier even when she is a toddler. Newborn to toddler is enough of a reason for me to pay for a well made carrier.
How long can you wear a baby before you get uncomfortable? I suppose that would depend on the parent and child. My daughter is six months old and twenty pounds. I have worn her for several hours in the Boba and haven't had any issues. Sure, I get tired, but I have a twenty pound kid! Ultimately, you have to decide how long is too long to wear your baby.
The makers left nothing out! There are step-by-step instructions on how to put the carrier on and adjust. They included pamphlets on baby wearing and what it helps establish, as well as a safety guide. The carrier looks overwhelming at first. But once you read the instructions and watch the video's provided on Boba's website, it's easy as pie!

I love how simple it is to adjust! It really is as  easy as pulling on the straps. I honestly thought when I first was playing around with it that it couldn't possibly be that easy, I was wrong. Anyone, young or old, can figure this carrier out with minimal issue. It fits not only me, but my husband, and our eight year old son!
Let's talk extras and perks. You want a place for your cell phone? Done! What about a rain cover for baby? Got it. There really isn't anything they didn't think of. Busy moms everywhere will love all the features of this carrier. It even has a snap on the shoulders for your purse!
Carrying an older child is easy too. Their legs may get tired of hanging. No problem! The Boba carrier has foot straps! This comes in great to keep your little ones legs and hips aligned. Do they not like the front carry? No worries, you can back carry your older kiddo's no problem!
 Another great feature is the cushion for newborns that snaps in. It has two ways to wear it. You can fold it in half to snap or leave it open. There are so many features to the Boba, that I was really impressed with how user friendly everything is!
If I had to pick just one piece of baby gear that I couldn't live without, it would be my Boba 4G carrier! My daughter loves it, I love it, and it helps that everyone we see asks about it! A huge thank you to the people over at Boba for providing me with their product for review! I am in love with the ease and functionality that is provided every time I wear it.

 Reviewed by Steph

 The Givewaway:
Enter for your chance to win a Boba Baby Carrier, a Boba Wrap or a Boba Air! All products can be seen at www.boba.com. With Boba products it is easier than ever to enjoy Freedom Together as a family and Boba wants YOU to get a chance to use their products. To enter to win, follow the Rafflecopter instructions. a Rafflecopter giveaway