Freshly Picked Moccasins

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The Giveaway

Freshly Picked is offering one of you the chance to win a pair of their Moccs! If you've seen ABC's show Shark Tank, you know exactly how hard the creator has worked to make this dream a reality! A huge thanks to Freshly Picked for allowing us to do this! All you have to do is fill out the form above. This is giveaway is open until July 31, 2014. Open only to the US and you must be 18 to enter. 

The Review

Freshly Picked is a self made company, made by a mom who only wanted quality shoes for her babies to wear. So many soft soled shoes don't stay on, that's where the change came. A company forged out of sweat and love for not just this mom's little ones, but for yours as well!

When I first learned about these adorable moccasins, I was shocked and slightly jealous they are so adorable! I still wish they had some for grown ups available! However, I will live through my daughter and enjoy listening to people tell me how sweet she looks in her moccs!

You really can't beat the quality and workmanship. They are so well designed that I have no doubt they will hold up and withstand some beatings! We all know kids are hard on shoes-especially babies who will ruin a pair just from crawling around. Thus far, I have yet to see any wear marks on our pair! They stay on baby feet and you don't have to worry about losing a shoe. This is a huge relief for me as a parent! My little is squirmy, and has managed to kick off shoes quicker than I can catch them.

Freshly picked has a huge variety of moccs to pic from! They range from gender neutral to the perfect boy or girl colors. Below are just a few samples of the colors to choose from!

Birthday, Christmas, or just because, these are the perfect gift! I am thrilled that I am able to write about such an awesome company, who truly values quality and fashion! 

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***I received no monetary compensation for this review. All thoughts and ideas are my own. Covered In Cloth is not responsible for shipment of prize and cannot for any reason be held accountable if prize should not be received.***

Just a Mom. . .

So many times I hear these words: You're Just A Mom. And a lot of those times it comes from someone who isn't a parent. Just a mom, huh? Well let's look into what being "just a mom" is.


1. You carried your children for 9 months.
     

38 Weeks

  I wasn't the only person who made my children, but I was the carrier, their life line for the time they were inside me. I took on the hardship of weight gain, morning sickness, vomiting, and every other ugly thing that sometimes accompanies pregnancies. I did it, and I would do it again in a heart beat to see them take their first breath, to hear their first cries, and to see the immeasurable amount of love being released from their Daddy when he saw them for the first time. NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING can ever replace those feelings.

          Labor and delivery isn't something to take lightly. It's painful, it's a transformation, and you are giving something that is beyond words. But, I'm just a Mom.


2. You are the soul source of nutrition. 

First latch 8/12/13

Yes, I CHOSE to breastfeed my children. Yes, I asked for every bit of frustration. But, I am their mother, the one who carried them, and it is my duty as their mother to provide their nutrition now that they live outside of me. Pain, sheer pain, the first couple of weeks; cracked and bleeding nipples, breasts so sore even the shower water hurts, and copious amounts of tears 

There are times when it's not so glamorous to nurse your children. People look at you like you're a weirdo, or like you are doing something wrong.  But, I'm just a Mom. 

3. Sleepless nights.
          Enough said on this one, right? No one understands how difficult getting up in the middle of the night for the fourth time really is. Or, when baby is sick, sometimes every single hour. Luxury of a full nights sleep is lost on those who are getting it. Sometimes, as a mom, you may not see a full nights sleep for many moons. But, I'm just a Mom.

4. You are their doctor, chauffeur, and teacher. 

Their first meeting! My babies!

          I know this is talked about so many many times, but really think about this. For five years, you are their teacher. They rely on you to learn how to talk, walk, crawl, spell, animals and the sounds they make, etc. You, not their Grandparents, aunts or uncles. YOU, their mother (or father).
          Oh, and let's not forget that until they are old enough to drive themselves, you do that for them. Ball games, tutoring, school functions, sleep overs, and the like, that's all on you.   There isn't any one else they rely on for these things, until they're old enough that maybe you may have one of their friends' parents offer to give them a lift.
         Let's play doctor or nurse. Every bump, scrape, and bruise is yours for the diagnosis. You are the one whom they look too for explanation that, "No, it's not bad enough to go to the emergency room." You are that person until they move out, and sometimes, even after that they still call you! But, I'm just a Mom.

My son, 9 years ago!

5. Bad dreams at night, Mommy the shrink.
          That's you. their therapist. For ever dream they need interpreted, for every friend that doesn't want to be friends anymore, and when their significant other breaks up with them. You are the one that deals with it. Until the day they realize, you might not know as much as they thought, then they don't speak to you at all about those things! But, I'm just a Mom.

6. You are the one who always has their back--No matter what!

Sibling bonds!!!

          It's like an unspoken promise when you become a mother, that no matter what, you'll protect them. You protected them for the time they grew inside you, kept them safe and in your arms as a baby, and now that they are independent you still must have their back. No one else will be in their corner like a Mom will. No one will help them up and brush them off like a mom. It's a need, a constant urge, to protect them from everything. You are their body guard, their secret service. . . Just you alone, save maybe their Dad. But, hey, I'm just a Mom.

September 2013

This list goes on and on. And I in now way am negating the role their father plays! He is so important! I'm a Mom, so I'm speaking from my point of view. There are so many people out there who forget how important parents are in the lives of their children. So many times, you take for granted everything that was done for you! You wouldn't be where you are, without your parents, especially your mother.

Before you say to someone, "You're just a Mom," remember what all goes into being a mother. Sometimes it's not fabulous nights out and play dates, or Mommy & Me, and it's hard. The worst thing you can do to a mom who is having a rough day is tell her, "Oh, it's OK, you're a mom." Or, when you find out someone stays at home, "You must have it so easy, to be just a Mom." It's not easy, it's hard. Sometimes, it's beyond hard!

April 2014

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

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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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: 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

Review: Melzy Baby -- Blowout Blocker and Soaker Stopper

About Melzy Baby:

Melzy Baby LLC sells the first and only diaper extensions to catch those disastrous diaper leaks!  Melzy Baby was started by a mother of three boys who was tired of dealing with those messy up-the-back diaper blowouts.  She wanted the freedom to leave the house and not have to worry about cleaning up a stinky blowout mess that would ruin baby’s clothing, car seat covers, etc.  After a lot of creating and experimenting she came up with the Blowout Blocker!  Her goal was to save parents from the stress and mess that a diaper blowout creates.

As her boys grew she discovered another diaper leak issue that caused her much worry, loss of sleep and extra laundry.  When her boys started leaking out the front and sides of their diapers at night she flipped the Blowout Blocker around to the front of her child to catch those night time leaks.  With some minor adjustments the Soaker Stopper was created!  No more waking up in the middle of the night to a crying wet baby!

When I first saw these I seriously that, "WHAT?" But upon seeing how many leaks and blow outs my baby had in disposables I figured why not! I also cloth diaper, so this was a great opportunity to try them out of all the CD Mommies out there!

Firstly, these truly are great for disposables! Let's be honest, when baby has a blow out it's not pleasant cleaning it up without making a HUGE mess of baby, you, and possibly the floor or changing mat. This really does cut down on that! I cannot express enough how when wearing a disposable the Blowout Blocker has saved our clothes AND time. 

Secondly, the Soaker Stopper is another great idea. However, little miss doesn't really soak out the top of her diapers, cloth or disposable, so this one didn't give me the best information to go on. I cannot honestly give an opinion based on my daughter. Now, with that being said, I tried it on a friends baby who does leak out the top front of diapers, and it does work! Boys especially! 

When my baby is in cloth, we don't have blowouts so, again, this isn't relevant for cloth, but I can imagine there are some babies out there who even in cloth, would benefit from this product. Every baby is different. 

I would definitely suggest this to a mom or dad! These are super affordable and will save you so much headache and TIME!

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REVIEW: Warmies wipesWarmer by Prince Lionheart

 

The WARMIES^® wipesWARMER is designed to work with WARMIES^® reusable cloth wipes—the eco-happy way to wipe. A new three part heating system and specially designed anti-microbial micropore pillow help keep cloth wipes warm, moist, fresh, and ready for all of Baby’s delicate needs.

WARMIES^® cloth wipes are 100% rayon—made from bamboo—the fastest growing plant on Earth. This means that our source is highly renewable. No dyes or bleaches either, so Warmies^® are safe, soft, and more absorbent than cotton or disposable wipes—meaning you need less to get the job done! Using reusable wipes for your baby keeps tons of trash out of landfills annually, making WARMIES^® the environmentally conscious way to wipe. The patented everFRESH^® System helps keep your wipes the freshest they can be to soothe Baby’s skin. (WARMIES^® wipesWARMER $35 (includes 4 WARMIES^®), Reusable WARMIES^® are $11 for a pack of 8).

This Patented System works 3 ways:

Moisture Retention
The everFRESH^® pillow keeps wipes moist by an evaporation and condensation process. Micropores in the pillow trap and release water as needed to maintain wipes’ moisture.

Non-Browning
Keeping wipes moist prevents most discoloration caused when wipes are warmed. Discoloration also occurs when aloe, lotions, and other additives typically found in baby wipes are warmed over time. The everFRESH^® Pillow effectively insulates your wipes from the warming surface, preventing browning.

Anti-Microbial
Both the WARMIES® wipesWARMER’s tub and the everFRESH^® Pillow are treated with an EPA approved additive to inhibit the growth of microorganisms that may cause spoilage, odors, and mildew.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Who would want something cold against your skin? Unless it's on a hot day, but even then, when we're talking about your bum, we tend to like things a certain way. And when we're talking about a baby? We forget that they would rather be warm and cozy, too.

Prince Lionheart and the Warmies wipesWarmer is a great way to give your sweet baby that added luxury of even though it's a diaper change, you're pampering their sensitive skin. No shock and awe with these wipes, because they stay moist and warm! I love that you don't have to scare baby with a cold wipe.

This is also a great idea for babies/kids that might have a sensory issue to cold things. They stay warm but not overly, and on a cold day, these are so nice for your little prince or princess. I give my baby girl one to hold while I change her; she loves the warmth it provides.

You don't have to worry about germs, because The warmer and the moisture pillow are treated to help prevent the growth of mildew and other ickies. There really isn't too much else to it, really. It's super simple to use, and the wipes are soft and are thick enough that you don't get anything on your hands!

Prince Lionheart has a range of products from play time toys, to bath time and potty. Their products are fashionable, and trendy!

I really think this is a great gift for any momma, even if you don't use cloth diapers! They make great wash cloths, face wipes, etc. Great baby shower item or welcome baby gift!


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REVIEW: Changing Diapers-The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering

 Being new to the cloth diapering world, I had been searching for a book that was comprehensive and to the point. I don't want to be confused in the end, and I really want to learn even more about cloth diapering. Let's face it, when you have a Facebook, and Twitter and you talk about cloth, you need to know your ins and outs. That's where this book comes in, and oh boy!

Here's just a tiny bit about Kelly Wels:

Kelly Wels is a leading cloth diaper expert and advocate who has a passion for helping parents make informed decisions when it comes to how they diaper their babies.

In November 2010, Kelly founded Kellywels.com, which she calls her "passion project." Her mission is to share her love for cloth diapers and advocate for diapering change. She says she believes that through education and knowledge, parents can be empowered to make more positive diapering choices. Kelly also is a green living promoter and social media marketer.

Kelly was previously known by her peers as the founder and owner of DiaperShops.com and KellysCloset.com, two popular online cloth diapering stores. In the summer of 2010, Kelly decided to turn her business over to new owners and pursue her advocacy passion full-time, without dealing with the day-to-day pressures of running a multi-million dollar business. (Biography from Kelly Wel's Amazon profile.)

Cloth diapering isn't rocket science, but it is a skill to learn. With Kelly's book, I was able to read quickly and thoroughly. It was to the point, easy to understand, and had lots of helpful tips and tricks! It is always nice to have a go to source in your hands!

Are you wondering what other think about certain cloth diapering topics! There are mom quotes all over the book to give you a real perspective on cloth diapering! As a mom who doesn't have a lot of other mommy friends that use cloth, this was insanely helpful!

There are so many great things about this book, it's really hard to pick just a few to tell you about! From washing tips, to detailed pictures of different cloth diaper systems, this book is truly a one stop to help your journey! Even if you are a grandparent who's grand-babies are in cloth, this book is such a wonderful know how for everyone! There isn't any lingo that's too difficult to understand, and Kelly doesn't use a whole lot of silly terms. 

You definitely won't go wrong with this book! This would make a great gift for the new to cloth mommy in your life!!

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