tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13282653088510156442024-02-19T00:38:09.170-05:00Manager to MomManager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.comBlogger428125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-63249448372306039332014-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:002014-01-06T07:00:03.709-05:00It's time to move on...You may have noticed it's been quiet here the last couple months. Life's been a bit of a whirlwind (trip to Mexico, back to work, two kiddo birthdays and Christmas), affording very little time for writing. <br /><br />But more importantly, I've made a decision - it's time for "Manager to Mom" to retire from parenting and review/giveaway blogging.<br /><br />While this hobby has certainly been enjoyable and fulfilling, it has also entailed a ton of time and effort, which the universe has been telling me recently to claim back and reallocate to family (first and foremost), friends, my day job and other interests and passions I have been discovering.<br /><br />To all my readers - a heartfelt thank you for coming along on this journey with me. I appreciate all your visits, your contribution to many great discussions and your words of encouragement. And to my sponsors, I am grateful to have had the chance to discover so many wonderful companies and products which are truly improving people's lives and making a positive impact on our planet. <br /><br />May you all be happy, be healthy and live with ease.<br /><br />xxoo<br />Kristy Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-60504747276193146472013-12-12T07:00:00.000-05:002013-12-30T10:59:16.374-05:00Baby Gourmet Creative Combo Purées & Mushies: Review & Giveaway! (Closed)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJx1BNbfK1F7d3yXkcuZdETo96tEvIJM50WkKKvXlPMEtiJpeER35OXxxgSYeNT9p5ticp0NVL5_hpYHPE8k4oNXntQh3EBgjMDdksU3XCoxE_1skQU7hIXkhRVRCOtwP6KJgpp8Tw0E/s1600/Baby+Gourmet+Logo+CAN.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJx1BNbfK1F7d3yXkcuZdETo96tEvIJM50WkKKvXlPMEtiJpeER35OXxxgSYeNT9p5ticp0NVL5_hpYHPE8k4oNXntQh3EBgjMDdksU3XCoxE_1skQU7hIXkhRVRCOtwP6KJgpp8Tw0E/s320/Baby+Gourmet+Logo+CAN.png" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.babygourmet.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baby Gourmet</a> is an organic baby food company with Canadian roots offering a wide variety of tasty, nutritious and convenient meals and snacks for little ones. Although we've historically made most of our baby food from scratch, there have been times when we've appreciated having "ready to go" options (e.g., while out and about,travelling, etc.) and, in these cases, Baby Gourmet's been our go-to brand. Our daughter has enjoyed various purées from their <a href="http://www.babygourmet.com/our-food/simply-smart-pure%C3%A9s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Simply Smart</a> and <a href="http://www.babygourmet.com/our-food/squoosh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Squoosh</a> lines, and earlier this year when our son CJ was starting solids, I partnered with the company to <a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2013/08/baby-gourmet-creamy-brown-rice-cereal.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">review their Creamy Brown Rice Cereal</a>.<br />
<br />
Today I'll be sharing my thoughts on two other Baby Gourmet products I've most recently had the chance to test out - <a href="http://www.babygourmet.com/our-food/creative-combos-pure%C3%A8s" target="_blank">Creative Combos Purées</a> and <a href="http://www.babygourmet.com/our-food/mushies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mushies</a>. Both are designed for babies 8+ months old, so the timing was perfect as our little man had just passed this milestone himself when I received my review package.<br />
<br />
We got to test two of the five available Creative Combos flavours (<a href="http://www.babygourmet.com/our-food/8-months/fruity-carrot-greek-yogurt-smoothie" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fruity Carrot & Greek Yogurt Smoothie</a>, and <a href="http://www.babygourmet.com/our-food/8-months/vanilla-banana-berry-risotto" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vanilla Banana Berry Risotto</a>) and both flavours of Mushies (<a href="http://www.babygourmet.com/our-food/8-months/banana-berry-greek-yogurt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Banana Berry Greek Yogurt</a> and <a href="http://www.babygourmet.com/our-food/8-months/fruity-greens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fruity Greens</a>).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Product Info: Creative Combos Purées</b><br />
<br />
<i>At around eight months, your baby is ready for a new taste adventure. At this age, babies like to feel the difference in textures. Our Creative Combos deliver enhanced texture in our fruit & veggie recipes.</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Fruity Carrot & Greek Yogurt Smoothie</b><br />
<br />
<i>Greek yogurt is perfect for babies because of the creamy texture and most importantly for the protein content. Jen`s kids love smoothies and a scoop of Greek yogurt always makes it way into the blender. Think healthy, natural creamsicle when you eat this one...yum!!!</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbw_lIbYzXOZIIZOBoHSLK22lP4qYZWX2Jk0YOuMRnFqCwkYnVDJe_O5MAvxqbS42l49vhDxAwG4_a0F-8y3ftyzouWRatKJ-hD-TVJ-aNErtvcjAFqaCm-pczt0aA6qzTI2rYPDthCo/s1600/baby-gourmet-fruity-carrot-greek-yogurt-smoothie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbw_lIbYzXOZIIZOBoHSLK22lP4qYZWX2Jk0YOuMRnFqCwkYnVDJe_O5MAvxqbS42l49vhDxAwG4_a0F-8y3ftyzouWRatKJ-hD-TVJ-aNErtvcjAFqaCm-pczt0aA6qzTI2rYPDthCo/s1600/baby-gourmet-fruity-carrot-greek-yogurt-smoothie.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Advantages:</i><br />
<ul>
<li><i>No added sugar or salt</i></li>
<li><i>No fillers or thickeners</i></li>
<li><i>BPA-free</i></li>
<li><i>No gluten</i></li>
<li><i>Kosher</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<i>Complete Recipe List:</i><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Organic Mango</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Banana</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Apple</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Greek Yogurt</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Carrot</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Orange Juice Concentrate</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Lemon Juice Concentrate</i></li>
<li><i>Ascorbic Acid</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Vanilla Banana Berry Risotto</b><br />
<br />
<i>Jen makes delicious vanilla bean rice pudding for her family and modifies it for baby by removing dairy and adding bananas and blueberries</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqN4OZ8z7GvTVoX3R9R4Jfek4cJUK9L_oq0xhPLTslT4tw6y5hvktodi2YJM0kDmg8wfbJq-rULhdtMcQx5Ec-RZuSgfHEe3exc-RVr1TYMKKVWRL6T9o0emZMmfkjdFi2F_YcYUf27C0/s1600/baby-gourmet-vanilla-banana-berry-risotto.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqN4OZ8z7GvTVoX3R9R4Jfek4cJUK9L_oq0xhPLTslT4tw6y5hvktodi2YJM0kDmg8wfbJq-rULhdtMcQx5Ec-RZuSgfHEe3exc-RVr1TYMKKVWRL6T9o0emZMmfkjdFi2F_YcYUf27C0/s1600/baby-gourmet-vanilla-banana-berry-risotto.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Advantages:</i><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Organic</i></li>
<li><i>65% Daily Value Vitamin C</i></li>
<li><i>No Added Sugar</i></li>
<li><i>No Added Salt</i></li>
<li><i>Nut Free</i></li>
<li><i>No Fillers</i></li>
<li><i>Kosher</i></li>
<li><i>BPA Free Packaging</i></li>
</ul>
<i><br />Complete Recipe List:</i><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Organic Banana</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Apple</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Brown Rice</i></li>
<li><i>Water</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Blueberry</i></li>
<li><i>Pure Organic Vanilla Extract</i></li>
<li><i>Ascorbic Acid</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Lemon Juice Concentrate</i> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>My Review: Creative Combos Purées</b> <br />
<br />
Having tried (and thoroughly enjoyed) many of Baby Gourmet's other purées, we had high expectations for these ones, and they definitely didn't disappoint!<br />
<br />
Taste-wise, both are flavourful and delicious. The ingredient combos work well together and the main flavours all come through. The Fruity Carrot & Greek Yogurt Smoothie is sweet and a little tangy, and the Vanilla Berry Banana Risotto is, well, very vanilla berry banana-y. (Shocker, right?) Both taste natural and "real", and neither is cloyingly sweet.<br />
<br />
The VBBR is the more "interesting" of the two, texture-wise. The brown rice in it is moderately blended (as though it's been pulsed a couple times through a processor), yielding a chunky consistency that's adventurous but still totally manageable for the toothless folk.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-Z6-ojbhyphenhyphenRb8iluLncUxNhfgbE4uVFu7NKQJMEGF_LovA8KlLEvHsomeNu2e2Xv4kv99XacSXTZBstiyrab5VMgXx-hxswIT1DZVGsRywNZpMumxlgo9k4OlOXgYkOuxP-xKhKSvmuU/s1600/bg-vanilla-banana-berry-risotto-texture.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-Z6-ojbhyphenhyphenRb8iluLncUxNhfgbE4uVFu7NKQJMEGF_LovA8KlLEvHsomeNu2e2Xv4kv99XacSXTZBstiyrab5VMgXx-hxswIT1DZVGsRywNZpMumxlgo9k4OlOXgYkOuxP-xKhKSvmuU/s400/bg-vanilla-banana-berry-risotto-texture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The FCGY is smooth, but thicker and creamier than the 6-7 month purées we've tried.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnns2SPwoBZfWGO2tnyfiOCahxcE21Hhe03f_Sjqw8Z3JKfOYN2KpSJQ4E4EAL9-NhPPPSIaJWh8hVQ9HwWp8_wRHIwp5jiS42037NManVW5bh7eXJXhPe9YfBWJRqc0MmkAX0HlLm5_Q/s1600/bg-fruity-carrot-greek-yogurt-smoothie-texture.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnns2SPwoBZfWGO2tnyfiOCahxcE21Hhe03f_Sjqw8Z3JKfOYN2KpSJQ4E4EAL9-NhPPPSIaJWh8hVQ9HwWp8_wRHIwp5jiS42037NManVW5bh7eXJXhPe9YfBWJRqc0MmkAX0HlLm5_Q/s400/bg-fruity-carrot-greek-yogurt-smoothie-texture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I like to serve both combos mainly as snacks on the run, but sometimes I'll bust 'em out at home after meals, as a special treat. Both of my kids go a little cuckoo when they see one. CJ gives it the crazy "I want you!" eyes, and S inevitably pleads "Can I have some????" So it works out well - Ceej gets the first half and then S polishes it off, which (mostly) pleases both and helps ensure neither is over-fruit-sugared. (Particularly key for the FCGY, which has 22 grams per pouch.) An open package does last for 24+ hours in the fridge, however, which comes in handy when the little guy and I are snackin' alone.<br />
<br />
On the few occasions we've allowed him to gulp down a whole pack in one sitting, it's taken him all of about 42 seconds. That's mommy's little competitive eater!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmix5YGU4nCVlkv6WgM2j7Qpesbf79svUG2bSG933IiOx9Iqws_WJBJ1Hh1fISy-lwc6lhekIJ4DyeOwo7x1nIY3PMsEesqrDmMU8Ei7rkRtxrA0RRcSlJenYNAxxZAd3WM_AH10JnAY/s1600/cj-eating-bg-creative-combos.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmix5YGU4nCVlkv6WgM2j7Qpesbf79svUG2bSG933IiOx9Iqws_WJBJ1Hh1fISy-lwc6lhekIJ4DyeOwo7x1nIY3PMsEesqrDmMU8Ei7rkRtxrA0RRcSlJenYNAxxZAd3WM_AH10JnAY/s400/cj-eating-bg-creative-combos.JPG" width="266" /></a> </div>
<br />
Overall, Baby Gourmet's definitely whipped up another healthy, tasty winner with their Creative Combos. (Heck, I may or may not have even slurped down a pouch (or two) myself - shhhhh! :) <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Product Info: Mushies</b><br />
<br />
<i>For little mouths just discovering new textures and flavors, Mushies are the next step in developing a taste for good food. These freeze-dried packets of healthy bite-sized snacks have no added sugar or anything artificial – just pure, top quality organic ingredients. Perfect for babies and toddlers.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Banana Berry Greek Yogurt</b><br />
<br />
<i>Babies love our Vanilla Banana Berry Risotto, so Jen replaced the rice with protein-packed Greek Yogurt to give a creamy texture. Like all Mushies, Banana Berry Greek Yogurt is freeze dried with nothing artificial and no added sugar, a perfect melt in your mouth snack for self feeding babies.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH50iD5ALBDKFJo5iVZsEoOzwsck5_CJDpDxUrzNTzqIbcMqV9-JL0vOIWbi5xLENlvkzKJp_1EIcz8pmvNRCiPM9YNp9Rl6eJqXUZGoo42DRTNEGH5eOwr0JDBheJP32yb0VCsJZVec/s1600/baby-gourmet-mushies-banana-berry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH50iD5ALBDKFJo5iVZsEoOzwsck5_CJDpDxUrzNTzqIbcMqV9-JL0vOIWbi5xLENlvkzKJp_1EIcz8pmvNRCiPM9YNp9Rl6eJqXUZGoo42DRTNEGH5eOwr0JDBheJP32yb0VCsJZVec/s1600/baby-gourmet-mushies-banana-berry.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Advantages:</i><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Perfect for little fingers</i></li>
<li><i>No Added Sugar</i></li>
<li><i>Nothing Artificial</i></li>
<li><i>Only the best ingredients</i></li>
<li><i>BPA Free Packaging</i></li>
<li><i>Kosher</i></li>
</ul>
<i><br />Complete Recipe List:</i><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Cultured Organic Milk</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Skim Milk</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Banana</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Blueberry</i></li>
<li><i>Organic White Grape Juice Concentrate</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Whey Protein Concentrate</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Tapioca Starch</i></li>
<li><i>Citric Acid</i></li>
<li><i>Mixed Tocopherols</i></li>
<li><i>Ascorbic Acid</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Fruity Greens</b><br />
<br />
<i>Inspired by the popularity of Juicy Pear & Garden Green baby food, Jen added the goodness of Kale and then freeze dried the new recipe into melt-in your mouth, bite-sized bits of fun that babies love to feed themselves. Another great way to help baby develop a love for green veggies!</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIl8hSLIAKOoCMLYTQ8DESO3mEzgI1rX5CVIpoA2U9M3YrOZV6Lff89-2iXrQ3ueAcsg2qEKXk-jW3Hm_gfejznX55E88sMnHmZqhtni1kTHIzoCIIf_B-INDXJU6Jgmjytgp81EYs-U/s1600/baby-gourmet-mushies-fruity-greens.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIl8hSLIAKOoCMLYTQ8DESO3mEzgI1rX5CVIpoA2U9M3YrOZV6Lff89-2iXrQ3ueAcsg2qEKXk-jW3Hm_gfejznX55E88sMnHmZqhtni1kTHIzoCIIf_B-INDXJU6Jgmjytgp81EYs-U/s1600/baby-gourmet-mushies-fruity-greens.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Advantages:</i><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Perfect for little fingers</i></li>
<li><i>No Added Sugar</i></li>
<li><i>Nothing Artificial</i></li>
<li><i>Only the best ingredients</i></li>
<li><i>BPA Free Packaging</i></li>
<li><i>Kosher</i></li>
<li><i>Organic</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<i>Complete Recipe List:</i><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Organic Banana</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Apple</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Spinach</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Pregelatinized Tapioca Starch</i></li>
<li><i>Organic Kale</i></li>
<li><i>Citric Acid</i></li>
<li><i>Ascorbic Acid</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>My Review: Mushies</b><br />
<br />
Mushies is Baby Gourmet's newest product line, launched this past June.When my BG contact first mentioned it to me, for some reason I assumed it would be a chewy snack and thus wondered how it would be safe for a toothless 8-month-old. Well, I assumed wrong. (And, clearly I didn't read the product description ahead of time, or the "freeze dried" bit would've steered me in the right direction!)<br />
<br />
In actuality, Mushies are reminiscent of mini meringue cookies. They start out lightweight and solid, and then instantly crumble and melt in your mouth. So definitely no choking hazard here. <br />
<br />
Here's a recommended(ish) serving size of Mushies including both flavours. I'm willing to bet you can tell which type is which. :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaIMnJQb2ncWI7-SJXrwegrHg6Ovsy2qe9KoTTy8QpT5-A3sUbXaLrdbIYq8SNTQtWNMZVGk25Tgxp_cdg3PuJa8FJuuyJU1pVCRIulgv5ZSTrJxvbyMNKacASNJWteqE11uDu6ugG2E/s1600/bg-mushies.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaIMnJQb2ncWI7-SJXrwegrHg6Ovsy2qe9KoTTy8QpT5-A3sUbXaLrdbIYq8SNTQtWNMZVGk25Tgxp_cdg3PuJa8FJuuyJU1pVCRIulgv5ZSTrJxvbyMNKacASNJWteqE11uDu6ugG2E/s400/bg-mushies.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mushies are the perfect size for little fingers, and the dry texture makes them easy to grip.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYKT7c1OtZ9H8M8OAzAGRHEh6cD29ES9AkcNngNCttboG-qwiUwSYyFzzw6xpQqzOHEipR_RFTdsn7zvbBqXeaeugNu6zIgiIlRx47-90jIcACqNS5MxN0ve65o-lwcBnaf_K1TZgbco/s1600/bg-mushies-finger-food.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYKT7c1OtZ9H8M8OAzAGRHEh6cD29ES9AkcNngNCttboG-qwiUwSYyFzzw6xpQqzOHEipR_RFTdsn7zvbBqXeaeugNu6zIgiIlRx47-90jIcACqNS5MxN0ve65o-lwcBnaf_K1TZgbco/s320/bg-mushies-finger-food.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndtTbf6G3gGMs9ymVFl4Nu_16E89jcdDUyeKLRrGirBRPrwqgKssN2L8cg-FjhnWCMDXq6C4lLjFTPzdlPFSUQE2r1EcBxyG5LLty67IFQYJmEzpvIvmVWI9fGprQP3WvXcuQ_IoDfXY/s1600/cj-eating-bg-mushies.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndtTbf6G3gGMs9ymVFl4Nu_16E89jcdDUyeKLRrGirBRPrwqgKssN2L8cg-FjhnWCMDXq6C4lLjFTPzdlPFSUQE2r1EcBxyG5LLty67IFQYJmEzpvIvmVWI9fGprQP3WvXcuQ_IoDfXY/s400/cj-eating-bg-mushies.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
OK, so that's all good - but how do they taste? Pretty darn good, I have to say! The Banana Berry Greek Yogurt is creamy with a subtle sweetness, and the Fruity Greens remind me of our morning green smoothies. The spinach comes through fairly assertively (which I like!), but it's tempered nicely by the apple and banana for an overall pleasing experience. Both our kids gulp down each flavour like there's no tomorrow! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><br /></b>
Another thing I love about this snack is that it's essentially mess-free. You can't say that about too many things that are consumed by almost-one-year-olds! <br />
<br />
I also like that each package contains about 3-4 servings. Big enough to share with friends, but small enough for a single child to consume before losing its freshness (i.e. within the recommended 5-7 day window). <br />
<br />
The only thing I'm not overly thrilled with is the presence of a few funky ingredients (e.g., mixed tocopherols and pregelatinized tapioca starch) but everything appears to check out OK from a safety standpoint so I can deal. :)<br />
<br />
Overall, I've gotta hand it to Baby Gourmet yet again. Mushies are a nutritious, fun, tasty, safe and accessible snack for new self-feeders (and their older siblings, who'll want in on the action too!) Definitely a great option to have kicking around your pantry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Buy It:</b> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Visit the <a href="http://www.babygourmet.com/store-locator" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">store locator</a> to find a store which sells Creative Combos, Mushies and other Baby Gourmet Products near you!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Win It:</b></div>
<br />
<b>Two</b> lucky Manager to Mom readers will each win <b>a 12-pack of Creative Combos and an 8-pack of Mushies!</b> (Note - flavours will be chosen by Baby Gourmet based on availability.) <b>Open to CANADA ONLY.</b><br />
<br />
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Please
follow all instructions within each entry option to ensure your entries
are valid.<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3de76892/" id="rc-3de76892" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<small><b>Disclosure: </b></small><small>The prize is being provided and shipped to the winner by Baby Gourmet. </small><small>I
received no financial compensation for writing my review or
offering this giveaway, although I did receive the sample items free
of charge. </small><small>This is my completely honest opinion above and may be different from yours. </small></div>
Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-90555595045969696632013-11-29T10:25:00.000-05:002013-11-29T10:25:14.657-05:00mimiTENS: Children's Mittens That Stay On With No Strings Attached! {Review and Sale Alert!}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtE2KnFUqFClIoEGimBb74JuSI8uU54Q1599CfTOEZHL7Y5wbCksh2t7Ns5PsULwP4gSPn5gaznMiB_RBjRSRQc8yM90jibTd2mx1MjVJyarsS6c5CiTQ8-EE5wi81xqWi4ph8dTLmIw/s1600/mimiTENS-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtE2KnFUqFClIoEGimBb74JuSI8uU54Q1599CfTOEZHL7Y5wbCksh2t7Ns5PsULwP4gSPn5gaznMiB_RBjRSRQc8yM90jibTd2mx1MjVJyarsS6c5CiTQ8-EE5wi81xqWi4ph8dTLmIw/s320/mimiTENS-logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Let's face it - there's a LOT of baby and kid gear out there, and it's certainly a challenge to figure out what's actually useful and what just looks good on paper! But every once in awhile, I stumble upon a product that makes <i>so</i> much sense I feel it's my duty to sing its praises at every opportunity.<br />
<br />
Enter <a href="http://mimitens.myshopify.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mimiTENS</a>, a quirkily-named brand of childrens' mittens made right here in Canada. Unlike your all-too-common "traditional" mittens which just cover the hands (and maybe a small part of the wrist), mimiTENS include cuffs which go all the way up to the elbows. This simple design ensures that <b>they stay on</b> and <b>keep wrists warm</b>, two things that traditional mittens fail to do. Like I said before - it Just. Makes. Sense! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4iSdxQ_BUEPzmbLHwmogsWCzLbvFs6u0nPeX2CaMdsfmYSDGF4VZ8Z2mzFxGfykD8U6lzT04DWxNYm4oZLRDyZEmIAxkdwBpOlLQZtgsHK_-wpw37pWSOK3nfOb96KIAWE4k5cg6MMw/s1600/mimitens-product-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4iSdxQ_BUEPzmbLHwmogsWCzLbvFs6u0nPeX2CaMdsfmYSDGF4VZ8Z2mzFxGfykD8U6lzT04DWxNYm4oZLRDyZEmIAxkdwBpOlLQZtgsHK_-wpw37pWSOK3nfOb96KIAWE4k5cg6MMw/s400/mimitens-product-photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There are a few other brands which incorporate a similar concept and I've tried a couple of these. However, I have to say I prefer our mimiTENS hands down (no pun intended) for two reasons. First, <b>the arm fabric of mimiTENS is super stretchy</b> which makes them <b>easy to pull on </b>and <b>able to be layered in different ways</b> - underneath everything, between clothing and outerwear, and on top of outerwear. By contrast, one other brand I've tried has stiff, tight arm fabric making them a pain to pull on, and another can only be worn on top of outerwear. Second, mimiTENS come in <b>the most redonkulously adorable array of colours and styles</b>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirsYm5qpxnWDKjpqzmnbmWKFzuJ7CpagiYsIgEVaHqpP3L0GyKj9iHEIv9DOdiKCxPJkQeQF7r-EWybbJRFZdg2e0pHT_jvxhFC9yIM5BHhWdkqyBk3gN2Jrw2jiCvbR96yQ4yup-yMY/s1600/mimitens-styles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirsYm5qpxnWDKjpqzmnbmWKFzuJ7CpagiYsIgEVaHqpP3L0GyKj9iHEIv9DOdiKCxPJkQeQF7r-EWybbJRFZdg2e0pHT_jvxhFC9yIM5BHhWdkqyBk3gN2Jrw2jiCvbR96yQ4yup-yMY/s640/mimitens-styles.png" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
mimiTENS are available in two main styles: <b>SOFT</b> (made with Oeko-Tex certified bamboo/organic cotton fleece, thumbless and designed for babies up to 18 months) and <b>ALL WEATHER</b> (made of water-repellent nylon, Thinsulate insulation and Oeko Tex certified bamboo/organic cotton fleece, and available in sizes ranging from 18 months to 5 years). <br />
<br />
For review purposes, mimiTENS owner Anna-Marie Mountfort generously agreed to equip both our children with brand spankin' new all weather mittens from the latest collection.<br />
<br />
CJ (almost 1 year) received a pair of <a href="http://mimitens.myshopify.com/products/classic-red" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Classic Red</a> mimiTENS in the baby size (i.e. no thumbs).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYVIQTUCZHNU3RNy8jImRDkHlvIzFhYTrS6F8YNaw7P13LIBNZquH-eueWL1qvnGSjdIIgAiBpTVMg9YdVEELBgq5MwFYskuheSXA8PmtOMfRQ8gxjK57WmBpDN8GPo14Yhm9QXQk6I8/s1600/mimitens-baby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYVIQTUCZHNU3RNy8jImRDkHlvIzFhYTrS6F8YNaw7P13LIBNZquH-eueWL1qvnGSjdIIgAiBpTVMg9YdVEELBgq5MwFYskuheSXA8PmtOMfRQ8gxjK57WmBpDN8GPo14Yhm9QXQk6I8/s400/mimitens-baby.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
S (almost 3 years) received a pair of <a href="http://mimitens.myshopify.com/products/silver-butterfly" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Silver Butterfly</a> mimiTENS in the 2-3 year size.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQ1k6d8V0YGuZGgU0I54nmgWaIsrJHQCip5oq0CFdENSvQdZm-mRX3wHnM_delnW1W4CbG-_otPgEeSbA9zqV7MQFvqbhZjfKnU1Axs-UdOh6vcSZ2jIXSV-DWoU5K5Beil3CznFeKGM/s1600/mimitens-2-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQ1k6d8V0YGuZGgU0I54nmgWaIsrJHQCip5oq0CFdENSvQdZm-mRX3wHnM_delnW1W4CbG-_otPgEeSbA9zqV7MQFvqbhZjfKnU1Axs-UdOh6vcSZ2jIXSV-DWoU5K5Beil3CznFeKGM/s400/mimitens-2-3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Silver Butterfly is one of several in the latest collection boasting an extra safety feature - decals made of 3M Scotchlite Reflective to help make kids even more visible!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJufRU3BYPmRr6Zl9_W843myDYN0o9lVTF9XwWRV2tmRIFTPRYzKgCaCHJr01IFGeUbwc1KDDn4AXywysPzWlLAaSfjk7VqD5Q2TyDrN5dHyBr1yBXXbK-j_76i96-lyke1oToYGT9l8g/s1600/mimitens-decal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJufRU3BYPmRr6Zl9_W843myDYN0o9lVTF9XwWRV2tmRIFTPRYzKgCaCHJr01IFGeUbwc1KDDn4AXywysPzWlLAaSfjk7VqD5Q2TyDrN5dHyBr1yBXXbK-j_76i96-lyke1oToYGT9l8g/s400/mimitens-decal.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Both pairs are made with the same super-stretchy cuff material. This should give you an idea of the "stretch factor":<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKouusOotw5EKIMpV-fgtUyI0VGQ9W8oved2qNjyK0OMNqSmpNR2YCiiEhcMSaCvEG1_1jl2dboikQDK9anEa3G-zISapYL30yTlvoO1uQfO7lqSO11VYq-r7Wh-iWQVjazWJSo2Jx-8/s1600/mimitens-stretchy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKouusOotw5EKIMpV-fgtUyI0VGQ9W8oved2qNjyK0OMNqSmpNR2YCiiEhcMSaCvEG1_1jl2dboikQDK9anEa3G-zISapYL30yTlvoO1uQfO7lqSO11VYq-r7Wh-iWQVjazWJSo2Jx-8/s400/mimitens-stretchy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our children usually wear their mimiTENS in between their clothing and outerwear...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFDAcot7NPZsYoY3lporxOApzpwN_9B6yppoqIdpc3YWpJiRO_OY3ypHdKQRaPXwI1Zi0NZOUZjItdMOH77VrVXOVr2GWEiewJh7aGw44s594PAN_BhX4V4awcWSTiwlr3tzG8lPB80s/s1600/mimitens-under-jacket-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFDAcot7NPZsYoY3lporxOApzpwN_9B6yppoqIdpc3YWpJiRO_OY3ypHdKQRaPXwI1Zi0NZOUZjItdMOH77VrVXOVr2GWEiewJh7aGw44s594PAN_BhX4V4awcWSTiwlr3tzG8lPB80s/s400/mimitens-under-jacket-1.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP3tc0w7GT0ZEJlaoKJyYl4KDWzLBdVBMIR48uM_-4Hg4-tbN8j0SNlBuc596aJ7SIX46Qanrl29YjRQW5Uj8NbQcrgz-avYoLatEaf0YLv5BaE5MSrtrL_ZChJDN_eHafd9bNGwt3Cs/s1600/mimitens-under-jacket-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP3tc0w7GT0ZEJlaoKJyYl4KDWzLBdVBMIR48uM_-4Hg4-tbN8j0SNlBuc596aJ7SIX46Qanrl29YjRQW5Uj8NbQcrgz-avYoLatEaf0YLv5BaE5MSrtrL_ZChJDN_eHafd9bNGwt3Cs/s400/mimitens-under-jacket-2.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
...but as you can see here, the mitts work perfectly well pulled on top of outerwear too - even a super-puffy jacket! This saves us those times when we put a jacket on one of our kids, then realize his/her hands are still bare. No problema!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJiLmObD5aQf1jwV8yrZhMg6_5-V_8UmG1_Ff_Vk3ycDRm_-qs3LVkdAaH7Qap1GUzg-XYU0rF0u_gWxGmcT1PovHFu4kO6y4NeWNF85R_yvQkD5TemxcaQWAw9QD22A3sI6aI-NQoYk/s1600/mimitens-over-jacket.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJiLmObD5aQf1jwV8yrZhMg6_5-V_8UmG1_Ff_Vk3ycDRm_-qs3LVkdAaH7Qap1GUzg-XYU0rF0u_gWxGmcT1PovHFu4kO6y4NeWNF85R_yvQkD5TemxcaQWAw9QD22A3sI6aI-NQoYk/s400/mimitens-over-jacket.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
During our li'l photo shoot, I asked S if her thumbs were in the right spot and she held up both hands proudly to show that they were. Yet another nice thing about mimiTENS - easy access thumb holes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D1WOESyejmqbhZlDR52UsZGCUTctEOEINVCeP9FZELKV4YlF8GmWMz-Jo8SK31ExA6BulvRp8-oj98tCNU5kMouaXO4F3OYbggfI9MWrhtleSllkdhOnBTWQbhsDehokQZ9IyJ78J6E/s1600/mimitens-easy-thumbs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D1WOESyejmqbhZlDR52UsZGCUTctEOEINVCeP9FZELKV4YlF8GmWMz-Jo8SK31ExA6BulvRp8-oj98tCNU5kMouaXO4F3OYbggfI9MWrhtleSllkdhOnBTWQbhsDehokQZ9IyJ78J6E/s400/mimitens-easy-thumbs.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Mr. CJ has been super-grumpy the last few days (battling both a cold and ear infection, poor guy) so he hasn't been overly eager to show off his own mimiTENS. :( I'll post a picture or two when he's feeling better so you can see the thumbless style in action.<br />
<br />
In terms of longevity, I'm happy to report that mimiTENS totally rock! I was lucky enough to discover the brand a couple
years back when my daughter was a year old, and I purchased both a soft
and an all weather pair at that point. I'm happy to report that after extensive wear
and numerous washes, <b>both original pairs have held up extremely well</b> and look almost as good as new!<br />
<br />
I can think of only one minor criticism with these mittens; they occasionally "ride down" a bit so that the hand ends up in the cuff
area. (This happens more often with CJ, who writhes around a lot
more & whatnot.) That said, this is the point where a traditional
mitten would fall off, so the mimiTENS are still in much better shape here! :) <br />
<br />
Finally, I want to quote a couple more cool things <a href="http://mimitens.myshopify.com/pages/about-us" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">about mimiTENS as a company</a>:<br />
<ul>
<li><i>All mimiTENS mittens are produced in Canadian factories known for their
excellence in making winter gear. Through our manufacturing partners, we
supports safe working environments and provides respectable wages.
mimiTENS are proud to create work in Canada. </i></li>
<li><i>mimiTENS will happily accept defective merchandise. While we have every
confidence in our products, sometimes things go unexpectedly wrong –
especially when you are making something a few thousand at a time. If
your mittens come apart at the seams or something else lame, please
contact us and let us know.</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
All in all, I can't recommend mimiTENS mittens highly enough. If you have children 5 and under and don't live in a tropical climate, you really have no excuse not to own some yourself! <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Buy It:</b><br />
<br />
mimiTENS can be purchased <a href="http://mimitens.myshopify.com/collections/all" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the company website</a> or from <a href="http://mimitens.myshopify.com/pages/find-a-store" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">numerous online & "brick and mortar" retailers</a> (in Canada, the United States and Worldwide).<br />
<br />
<b>** Black Friday Sale Alert!! ** - </b>mimiTENS is currently offering 20% off <a href="http://mimitens.myshopify.com/collections/all" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">orders placed on their website</a> from now until end-of-day Monday, December 2nd. Use code <b>blackshopin</b> to receive your discount!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Follow mimiTENS:</b> <br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MimiTENS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/mimitens" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<small><b>Disclosure: </b></small><small>I
received no financial compensation for writing my review, although I did receive the sample items free
of charge. </small><small>This is my completely honest opinion above and may be different from yours. </small></div>
Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-87046570313310241932013-11-18T22:06:00.000-05:002013-12-03T06:10:09.295-05:00Janine's Place - Upcycled Wool and More {Etsy} - Review & Giveaway! (Closed)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGq34GcENzjhZQ4RpX1M08GEImn7mSTUze9vA40BwYvNXff5z80RctQgp2Ee2mKEDH_iTlIGr_kn4I5k7BVpvI_n8u3wpsPwGVy23oyBF6vBWteO4HdkKjGU_TvMPjQPcma8KP0ebzpI/s1600/janines-place-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGq34GcENzjhZQ4RpX1M08GEImn7mSTUze9vA40BwYvNXff5z80RctQgp2Ee2mKEDH_iTlIGr_kn4I5k7BVpvI_n8u3wpsPwGVy23oyBF6vBWteO4HdkKjGU_TvMPjQPcma8KP0ebzpI/s400/janines-place-banner.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
A few months back when CJ started outgrowing his small wool diaper covers, I searched for a Canadian cloth diaper retailer specializing in wool so I could begin stocking up on the next size. In doing this, I stumbled upon <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JaninesPlace" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Janine's Place</a>, an Etsy shop selling wool covers (both soakers and longies), upcycled wool slippers (how cool!), carrier teething pads and other nifty hand-made goodies. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQEmZH4YIBltmFwOWLO-e_Ppxb0KbOnvKVTiiYSwbwG32pU8SWiCxwZDSoLQZLgzr2lnKryuancaMPbvSklX8p23tRm4NSyfDVQYpRLbMuCUq-Rn91FghPlSUHDXy36lp_gEYY_WdH1M/s1600/janines-place-shop-items.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQEmZH4YIBltmFwOWLO-e_Ppxb0KbOnvKVTiiYSwbwG32pU8SWiCxwZDSoLQZLgzr2lnKryuancaMPbvSklX8p23tRm4NSyfDVQYpRLbMuCUq-Rn91FghPlSUHDXy36lp_gEYY_WdH1M/s640/janines-place-shop-items.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The shop is located very close to me in Woodstock, Ontario and the owner (Janine - you probably could've guessed that, huh? ;) is not only a talented seamstress but also a mama to a beautiful one-year-old daughter and a <a href="http://janinegeauvreau.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">holistic nutritionist</a>. That's quite the resume! :) Janine was eager to partner up with me on a blog review and giveaway, and provided me with my review package in person at a lovely store called <a href="http://www.organicoasis.on.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Organic Oasis</a>, which has since become one of my favourite places to shop. <br />
<br />
My package consisted of two items, which Janine customized just for us - <b>a pair of 100% upcycled merino wool night time longies</b> (sewn from scratch to fulfill CJ's rise, waist and inseam measurements) and <b>organic bamboo/flannel teething pads</b> designed to coordinate with my Ergobaby carrier. Let's take a look at each one!<br />
<br />
Here are the longies. Anyone else compelled to play tic tac toe on 'em? ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEwx6rrVYCSvn_Eij8T0xMZb7CB5Xxo9zDU_ZWoHSC4ZMXDDZImR1-ku6GG-YRfKimi4ECZxfz7kQicMcwMSvCbsDCJpXK5_MEK-ruNmwFhI8DLmgmOZH91KyxGwNUNlwKLMnFADEYdE/s1600/janines-place-wool-longies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEwx6rrVYCSvn_Eij8T0xMZb7CB5Xxo9zDU_ZWoHSC4ZMXDDZImR1-ku6GG-YRfKimi4ECZxfz7kQicMcwMSvCbsDCJpXK5_MEK-ruNmwFhI8DLmgmOZH91KyxGwNUNlwKLMnFADEYdE/s400/janines-place-wool-longies.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Merino wool is known for being soft, and these longies are no exception! They definitely feel nice & smooth against the skin. Since we went with night longies, Janine sewed a single layer of fabric on the legs and a double layer in the soaker area for added all-night protection (vs. day longies on which she sews a single layer throughout).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRaGOcb11XP8nFO685mx3-WyTURf43sF-PwwE9HNUbnjv_kUiGIXh5t6enTs9Y5sYEpkDrxMDLH0ACO8_vOYht5GrwOFdfQZ-zl1poTM1wa02JDNyshZ1JqLluzNJXAfDt550bruCPVE/s1600/janines-place-wool-longies-double-layer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRaGOcb11XP8nFO685mx3-WyTURf43sF-PwwE9HNUbnjv_kUiGIXh5t6enTs9Y5sYEpkDrxMDLH0ACO8_vOYht5GrwOFdfQZ-zl1poTM1wa02JDNyshZ1JqLluzNJXAfDt550bruCPVE/s400/janines-place-wool-longies-double-layer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Janine definitely nailed the fit, dont'cha think?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiQ-Kz2P0uoTgoXV-7mJb2OTWVnER2XbXR2XCJCv1kxQt6xX-MvQAuog84KrkevMwANw6MmhqU6wSUpwDumI2nrHx4CpBAJ_5502IhXM5r-mL4xeKv6izZ6XNWJ1NNbFRqpED70crOxw/s1600/janines-place-wool-longies-front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiQ-Kz2P0uoTgoXV-7mJb2OTWVnER2XbXR2XCJCv1kxQt6xX-MvQAuog84KrkevMwANw6MmhqU6wSUpwDumI2nrHx4CpBAJ_5502IhXM5r-mL4xeKv6izZ6XNWJ1NNbFRqpED70crOxw/s400/janines-place-wool-longies-front.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYXbbqxgSC-KwXAuxkufhp9ka2fdCfwVftAk44ja8E7_K__1w915lTFtViRRKQqttgLwR_Mrv7LaILIKlHx_1foofmOPbc4uv_Zbt7_ds41FaPZ8GOjczvgoW_A4nKyOfS78NanErvCo/s1600/janines-place-wool-longies-back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYXbbqxgSC-KwXAuxkufhp9ka2fdCfwVftAk44ja8E7_K__1w915lTFtViRRKQqttgLwR_Mrv7LaILIKlHx_1foofmOPbc4uv_Zbt7_ds41FaPZ8GOjczvgoW_A4nKyOfS78NanErvCo/s400/janines-place-wool-longies-back.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXGjvzFnL4AlE-zKxIzQmp2MaJd9yIpUy_sD2bM8uITh8hihHjvwjHg9cWr2HPVj84dvb8KVWEEN-sQFsk3_ANMNL7AZ1Cj7eMIR5LoVoHhc4y4N-3-XkdxvD8XPfDhhynpGRd_cm8ME/s1600/janines-place-wool-longies-side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXGjvzFnL4AlE-zKxIzQmp2MaJd9yIpUy_sD2bM8uITh8hihHjvwjHg9cWr2HPVj84dvb8KVWEEN-sQFsk3_ANMNL7AZ1Cj7eMIR5LoVoHhc4y4N-3-XkdxvD8XPfDhhynpGRd_cm8ME/s400/janines-place-wool-longies-side.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyuCKJzNOBTBzuDr5bKhuC9MFTm2yve1idPuh8i6orFigPyBrOPa193AWGXRLuvj0ZDZKhyphenhyphenJBvmKF-W_pdAWiElBwjybzydHBGLU0ycFy-JWq3D0xZycioHgS1sGtqtJAmV_tnZTqoo8/s1600/janines-place-wool-longies-hello.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyuCKJzNOBTBzuDr5bKhuC9MFTm2yve1idPuh8i6orFigPyBrOPa193AWGXRLuvj0ZDZKhyphenhyphenJBvmKF-W_pdAWiElBwjybzydHBGLU0ycFy-JWq3D0xZycioHgS1sGtqtJAmV_tnZTqoo8/s400/janines-place-wool-longies-hello.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At first I thought they were a tad on the small side, but Janine reassured me that they'd stretch a significant amount and thus give us a long period of wearing time. She was right!<br />
<br />
Performance-wise, these guys have been bullet-proof! We generally outfit CJ with a fitted + doubler and the longies on top, and we haven't experienced a single leak in 20+ wearings. The inside does get damp after a full night of wear, but the moisture never makes it to the outside of the wool. When we change him in the morning, we just turn the longies inside out and they're generally dry enough to wear again the next night if we want.<br />
<br />
When we received the longies, CJ was workin' the army crawl so he really put the leg material through the wringer for the first month or so. Happily, they held up quite well to all the punishment, ending up with the general integrity intact and just some superficial pilling around the knees.<br />
<br />
In terms of maintenance, we've followed standard wool care procedures (lanolize and hand wash) and have had no issues! Note that <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127383356/lanolize-my-wool?ref=shop_home_active" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Janine offers a wool lanolizing service</a> for those who'd rather not deal with this part.<br />
<br />
Next up - the teething pads! I hafta say pads are a must when using a soft-structured
carrier. If your baby is teething, he/she will inevitably latch onto
your carrier straps and could potentially damage them, especially once
those chompers start coming through! It's also a heck of a lot quicker
and easier to wash a pair of pads than the whole carrier itself.<br />
<br />
Janine makes her teething pads with two layers of organic bamboo French terry fabric and one layer of printed flannel. Unlike many/most pads on the market (which have applix closures), she uses resin snaps on hers for a more secure fit and improved longevity. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0gfQ7kLzyaSZDlimasHsZljh4ys3TBxX5FXDkt_Cx6PK6Cq5S96N2LzmwV5wdjatGJIhHZFw0_DaHRFd7hhxBKvfxT5zhrt2kdYCgH4JgnbecPY373jd5pMaWC8K2ndKxXEG1YoNqHo/s1600/janines-place-teething-pads-open.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0gfQ7kLzyaSZDlimasHsZljh4ys3TBxX5FXDkt_Cx6PK6Cq5S96N2LzmwV5wdjatGJIhHZFw0_DaHRFd7hhxBKvfxT5zhrt2kdYCgH4JgnbecPY373jd5pMaWC8K2ndKxXEG1YoNqHo/s400/janines-place-teething-pads-open.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdGXN0kuLNeQEEaGEn6b9d22ENYq05CIFW42QtX_cwf4PvRH5jPjNpWayAVY-JX5rIWJlyCfzguudXkIUk8sjVgXvRFJ9I9XlMYj2L_lnpbUOuArzWaPtFlTnRBevX1bsdX-I-F5iFww/s1600/janines-place-teething-pads-closed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdGXN0kuLNeQEEaGEn6b9d22ENYq05CIFW42QtX_cwf4PvRH5jPjNpWayAVY-JX5rIWJlyCfzguudXkIUk8sjVgXvRFJ9I9XlMYj2L_lnpbUOuArzWaPtFlTnRBevX1bsdX-I-F5iFww/s400/janines-place-teething-pads-closed.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When I first tried our pads out, CJ immediately began chomping on them so I eagerly snapped this pic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHLUUu931nm3avqdjwblWEEtGxN_aBRfwCfw11wB_sA7zdWZ8774sIrptfhQvuaXuYVJbQxbtjgsLjI40LEu-LZIvxAVHdhR-ynDThW9uF-wYR9RFBeL7vNLoLYE5ZJFgQq5CXG7G72g/s1600/janines-place-teething-pads-cj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHLUUu931nm3avqdjwblWEEtGxN_aBRfwCfw11wB_sA7zdWZ8774sIrptfhQvuaXuYVJbQxbtjgsLjI40LEu-LZIvxAVHdhR-ynDThW9uF-wYR9RFBeL7vNLoLYE5ZJFgQq5CXG7G72g/s320/janines-place-teething-pads-cj.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
....and then I realized I had them on inside out! The off-white terry side is supposed to be on the outside as this material feels nicer on baby's gums. Like this!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRR9bTScZ6qBHhIlH-qyDMJX3wP7ZBqdj-19bS7ZkYHatFj5Hm91waEd_ODZuZZVv2uVnsMIO3ecyxaH2XCjIF5EFTOUd8g8FVi3ojFYJFtlXUBEeUg6X_e6TohBgH5TQoz28S3iJTKo8/s1600/janines-place-teething-pads-on-ergo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRR9bTScZ6qBHhIlH-qyDMJX3wP7ZBqdj-19bS7ZkYHatFj5Hm91waEd_ODZuZZVv2uVnsMIO3ecyxaH2XCjIF5EFTOUd8g8FVi3ojFYJFtlXUBEeUg6X_e6TohBgH5TQoz28S3iJTKo8/s400/janines-place-teething-pads-on-ergo.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Either way, the pads fit perfectly (not too loose and not too tight!) and the pattern does, indeed, look nice with the "Sienna Sunset" style of my Ergo. <br />
<br />
I've now worn the pads on many occasions, and they've proven themselves quite durable. CJ "uses" them a lot, I've washed them several times and they still look almost brand new.<br />
<br />
The one critcism I have is that they tend to ride up so they're above baby's head. This is easy to adjust when front carrying, but a bit tougher when you're sporting baby on your back. That said, my other pair of pads do the same thing so this isn't a specific issue with the pads from Janine's store. <br />
<br />
<br />
Overall, I'm happy with both items we got to try from Janine's Place. The longies are soft
and comfy, fit well, perform great and have held up quite nicely over time, and the teething pads are lovely, durable and obviously enjoyed by our little guy! Now I'm eyeing up those wool slippers as potential stocking stuffers for a few folks on my list! ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Buy It</h3>
<br />
You can purchase Janine's upcycled wool products, teething pads and other goodies from her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JaninesPlace" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Etsy store</a> or her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JaninesPlace" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. She ships to both Canada and the United States.<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Win It</h3>
<br />
One lucky Manager to Mom reader will win <b>a $20 credit to spend at Janine's Place</b>! (Note - shipping is not included.) <b>Open to CAN/US.</b><br />
<br />
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Please
follow all instructions within each entry option to ensure your entries
are valid<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3de76891/" id="rc-3de76891" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<small><b>Disclosure: </b></small><small>The prize is being provided and shipped to the winner by Janine's Place. </small><small>I
received no financial compensation for writing my review or
offering this giveaway, although I did receive the sample items free
of charge. </small><small>This is my completely honest opinion above and may be different from yours. </small></div>
<br />Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-81488475260501854092013-11-05T20:00:00.000-05:002013-11-05T20:00:00.156-05:00Wordless Wednesday: A Happy Halloween Monkey and His Grand-Minion!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpu-Vdq2GkvLk1VdBwcnEFrnwJJfkwIDsRKZLlzFpSRTAcrSLlxTRxgnOl9UeVgkqsLqkf8fiN2wKJZtAS9iqUgH6h_3D5e5fsKeWfHYCkq6FoXMfTuiHAM2QOO-0YnhQdJ8o_NFcs0k/s1600/WW-5-Nov-2013-halloween-monkey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpu-Vdq2GkvLk1VdBwcnEFrnwJJfkwIDsRKZLlzFpSRTAcrSLlxTRxgnOl9UeVgkqsLqkf8fiN2wKJZtAS9iqUgH6h_3D5e5fsKeWfHYCkq6FoXMfTuiHAM2QOO-0YnhQdJ8o_NFcs0k/s640/WW-5-Nov-2013-halloween-monkey.JPG" width="470" /></a></div>
Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-87041923255174063272013-11-03T07:00:00.000-05:002013-11-03T07:00:01.661-05:00Butternut Squash Soup with Sweet Potato and Coconut {Recipe}It's that time of year when winter squash is coming out the wazoo, toppling out of large crates at grocery stores and dominating roadside produce stands. This ubiquitous fall veggie is tasty, easy to prepare, super-inexpensive and packed with nutrients such as vitamins A and C, dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. And it's a perfect early food for babies too!<br />
<br />
One of our favourite ways to prepare squash is pureeing up a big batch of soup. We've tried numerous variations but always come back to this one which has the perfect (in my opinion!) balance of savoury, sweet and aromatic flavours. We use butternut squash but any (or most) of the other types of winter squash could probably be used instead.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpmV85gp60FTzaYdoqqVtFnGBvbyLhkxrZEprZA8YbYw-2jsBt62SX-KBNO0dR7isMH_WKBb-VPC_jFNKjX6WcsCJZVqwvZteNlpknfUr158AzM4hkxVXspc0hfUyVwMlaHMpgdXmFVU/s1600/butternut-squash-sweet-potato-soup-collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpmV85gp60FTzaYdoqqVtFnGBvbyLhkxrZEprZA8YbYw-2jsBt62SX-KBNO0dR7isMH_WKBb-VPC_jFNKjX6WcsCJZVqwvZteNlpknfUr158AzM4hkxVXspc0hfUyVwMlaHMpgdXmFVU/s640/butternut-squash-sweet-potato-soup-collage.jpg" width="425" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpmV85gp60FTzaYdoqqVtFnGBvbyLhkxrZEprZA8YbYw-2jsBt62SX-KBNO0dR7isMH_WKBb-VPC_jFNKjX6WcsCJZVqwvZteNlpknfUr158AzM4hkxVXspc0hfUyVwMlaHMpgdXmFVU/s1600/butternut-squash-sweet-potato-soup-collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<b>Butternut Squash Soup with Sweet Potato and Coconut</b><br />
<br />
<b>Prep Time:</b> 20-30 minutes<br />
<b>Total Time:</b> 2 hours<br />
<b>Yield:</b> 4 large bowls<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 medium butternut squash</li>
<li>1 medium sweet potato</li>
<li>1 tablespoon coconut oil</li>
<li>1 small onion</li>
<li>3-4 gloves garlic</li>
<li>2.5 cups chicken broth </li>
<li>1 can coconut milk</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon ground allspice </li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)</li>
<li>1 teaspoon sea salt</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon pepper</li>
</ul>
<br />
(Note - choose organic ingredients where possible.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Steps:</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Cook the squash. I like to cut it length-wise and bake it cut side up at 350 degrees on a baking sheet with a little water at the bottom until tender. (60-80 minutes usually does the trick.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgdP8Tv1Cs4G8Lpfhg-wg-k093_TaOu7442rP30MTXYzTCEfCGqshkkWuj9BZAVYpRtm76-iCfLbKpCrMLVvtWMEDlBexLaL8CyNm8hXCdc8wjViknqdH5ZKUeH0L_gLYmvzSbYsafZI/s1600/butternut-squash-roasted.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgdP8Tv1Cs4G8Lpfhg-wg-k093_TaOu7442rP30MTXYzTCEfCGqshkkWuj9BZAVYpRtm76-iCfLbKpCrMLVvtWMEDlBexLaL8CyNm8hXCdc8wjViknqdH5ZKUeH0L_gLYmvzSbYsafZI/s400/butternut-squash-roasted.JPG" width="353" /></a></div>
<br /></li>
<li>Cook the sweet potato. I cut it into medium-sized chu<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: black;">nks</span>, </span>throw 'em in my stove-top steamer, bring to a boil and steam for 8-10 minutes.<br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb67lGxqFXOfvRwmTdiScAYcusvFmWJ6MC-OURt2j3qQyDZduSxUIFB8ryEJN5mamAKnFfDtbpWP-P3qp_S_6Sh8fdLMGXicRdw3x7b4wQy8wDQ3KuuAv57ZjIBKtP5HvJg0g-Ql2H-g/s1600/butternut-squash-soup-steamed-sweet-potatoes.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb67lGxqFXOfvRwmTdiScAYcusvFmWJ6MC-OURt2j3qQyDZduSxUIFB8ryEJN5mamAKnFfDtbpWP-P3qp_S_6Sh8fdLMGXicRdw3x7b4wQy8wDQ3KuuAv57ZjIBKtP5HvJg0g-Ql2H-g/s400/butternut-squash-soup-steamed-sweet-potatoes.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></li>
<li>Saute onions in coconut oil (medium heat) until translucent - about 6-7 minutes. Add garlic and saute for another 3-4 minutes. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtysCUAE6pHJGZlN7GkNgl3dFgsQ3QEC9SSzIl44aubmgaLrIT-jKTTk7HTb6y713-QG5Vxq9RcZwD-wJHoLAQJQvn_5vXyUVfaqBJq-2-7fxmaCn3PYf9H49B2n0GDZJhRQSJUlLRSo/s1600/butternut-squash-soup-sauteed-onions.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtysCUAE6pHJGZlN7GkNgl3dFgsQ3QEC9SSzIl44aubmgaLrIT-jKTTk7HTb6y713-QG5Vxq9RcZwD-wJHoLAQJQvn_5vXyUVfaqBJq-2-7fxmaCn3PYf9H49B2n0GDZJhRQSJUlLRSo/s400/butternut-squash-soup-sauteed-onions.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></li>
<li>Once the squash, sweet potato and onion/garlic mixture have cooled slightly, use a standard or immersion blender and puree these ingredients together with the chicken stock. If using a standard blender, you'll probably need to puree in batches.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUk7h3vOK96is-UeIlRuR2gmlVmCu0KoGc4urfqelPX-1PgklRW9Vy1ze9ECSZhfvnUmY9Z2NmHnxQAPg2hsxqYvnA1r-mXakkjsQ0n1KOsQcvhTjZQZVponP0CXDNBP3gTAKlmgIhJwA/s1600/butternut-squash-soup-blender.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUk7h3vOK96is-UeIlRuR2gmlVmCu0KoGc4urfqelPX-1PgklRW9Vy1ze9ECSZhfvnUmY9Z2NmHnxQAPg2hsxqYvnA1r-mXakkjsQ0n1KOsQcvhTjZQZVponP0CXDNBP3gTAKlmgIhJwA/s320/butternut-squash-soup-blender.JPG" width="305" /></a></div>
<br /></li>
<li>Transfer pureed ingredients into a large pot or dutch oven. Stir in coconut milk and spices, bring to a low boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3jzF-Rl7iqr4Eakd2tlWYIEzTa41IckWc4RLwhFyGGD8mvdVu9SaW9QP9lbS5Rz84eqQ-Ziwmq42wNGoq4ODLqah47WyUjHwGvOCCL6076HNlk-wvfVlNk8OhWqvP3baMt7Hd1OBgx8/s1600/butternut-squash-soup-spices-coconut-milk.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3jzF-Rl7iqr4Eakd2tlWYIEzTa41IckWc4RLwhFyGGD8mvdVu9SaW9QP9lbS5Rz84eqQ-Ziwmq42wNGoq4ODLqah47WyUjHwGvOCCL6076HNlk-wvfVlNk8OhWqvP3baMt7Hd1OBgx8/s400/butternut-squash-soup-spices-coconut-milk.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></li>
<li>Serve with an additional sprinkle of cinnamon and pepper (and/or a dollop of yogurt or extra coconut milk, if desired) and enjoy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j4gThf3rdMSRZScabscS1ltl47Aq5bxp1bOeJpdNWWyYh4VroqMZacLLqltWt1WUm69rgNS6sHpslLo3WJCFKEq-8HTAspb9MLDPvp1qfTB3A1lMm4dx-gmfcp4SYsVu1wnN8a4_K1U/s1600/butternut-squash-sweet-potato-coconut-soup.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j4gThf3rdMSRZScabscS1ltl47Aq5bxp1bOeJpdNWWyYh4VroqMZacLLqltWt1WUm69rgNS6sHpslLo3WJCFKEq-8HTAspb9MLDPvp1qfTB3A1lMm4dx-gmfcp4SYsVu1wnN8a4_K1U/s400/butternut-squash-sweet-potato-coconut-soup.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Do you enjoy winter squash? What's your favourite way to prepare it? </b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-50996937520839748672013-11-02T22:09:00.000-04:002013-11-02T22:09:00.870-04:00CJ at 10 Months: Open & Shut<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm running around like a crazy person these days with almost no time to blog, so month 10 is gonna be a "cheat" update. But that's OK, because the whole month was basically a whole lotta this:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="264" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nZA6r_vXerQ" width="470"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
Over half way to 11 months now, so stay tuned for a meatier update soon!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
More CJ updates: <a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2013/09/cj-at-9-months-let-there-be-rock.html" target="_blank">9 months</a><br />
View <a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2011/10/s-10-months-animals-have-something-to.html" target="_blank">what big sis was up to at 10 months</a>! </div>
Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-32727411885599283072013-10-29T23:13:00.002-04:002013-10-29T23:13:20.942-04:00Wordless Wednesday: First Snowfall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoc5C00Oh1oU_vX0EEnzojYIO25T6ITJgxDjijJORyDlHWn1u6cxazXxnnuVGIhlrVeI18GWTGidB_-W_5aOL_HI434sFYZG1Pn9zNg2BLVcMu8S9CcDZ3H9iusnaje4oWT3DDcKvHGo/s1600/WW-29-Oct-2013-first-snowfall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoc5C00Oh1oU_vX0EEnzojYIO25T6ITJgxDjijJORyDlHWn1u6cxazXxnnuVGIhlrVeI18GWTGidB_-W_5aOL_HI434sFYZG1Pn9zNg2BLVcMu8S9CcDZ3H9iusnaje4oWT3DDcKvHGo/s640/WW-29-Oct-2013-first-snowfall.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
Wow, that snuck up on us, didn't it??Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-30120890680562142932013-10-23T07:22:00.000-04:002013-10-23T07:22:31.801-04:00Camp Spooky: Kid-Centric Hallowe'en Fun at Canada's Wonderland! #cwcampspookyFollowing <a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2013/09/canadas-wonderland-fun-tastic.html" target="_blank">our first visit in August</a>, my family got to spend another day at Canada's Wonderland this month to enjoy <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/daytime/things-to-do" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Camp Spooky</a>, the park's not-quite-so-scary daytime Hallowe'en experience for young children! For the month of October, the fun factor of kids' area Planet Snoopy has been elevated with the addition of a treasure hunt, costume parade, several mazes, a Peanuts-themed Trick-Or-Treat show and many other themed activities. (Note: the true thrills and chills for the 13+ crowd are reserved for the <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/haunt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hallowe'en Haunt</a>, which takes place in the evenings.)<br />
<br />
Our almost 3-year-old daughter S is quite the fan of creepy things (especially skeletons, which she calls 'dem bones'), so this experience was right up her alley! Her 7-year-old cousin H (who joined us) got a kick out of the festivities too!<br />
<br />
Here are a few highlights:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJajf8SVqisOtjEvk0gGqjB9OWoBWs8y7vkR3FRr6z3OMalif9TrtCwKegTYfYKJiWHH0N5Crgl38CKsKYubRzbal-0U9LCJFSJPvK0L4lLQcz1IIOxUJLRYhlxKqtg690ZuBTtwQGyv4/s1600/camp-spooky-spider.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJajf8SVqisOtjEvk0gGqjB9OWoBWs8y7vkR3FRr6z3OMalif9TrtCwKegTYfYKJiWHH0N5Crgl38CKsKYubRzbal-0U9LCJFSJPvK0L4lLQcz1IIOxUJLRYhlxKqtg690ZuBTtwQGyv4/s400/camp-spooky-spider.JPG" width="266" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> S test driving her spider costume!</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTN166BF1OWDNf1UEw3KlqG7hO3PNkhVxnOJR9gtr091KJr8jyRo8UuwcTdEQLn4KnfbwZ3dQAxcJZS8M-280G-U4MyPRcVlBkz6zNSDTN_O6xQ4HLK0ZDcaiGgj1HgJ6VIxhqJIS1Nc/s1600/camp-spooky-vampire-maze.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTN166BF1OWDNf1UEw3KlqG7hO3PNkhVxnOJR9gtr091KJr8jyRo8UuwcTdEQLn4KnfbwZ3dQAxcJZS8M-280G-U4MyPRcVlBkz6zNSDTN_O6xQ4HLK0ZDcaiGgj1HgJ6VIxhqJIS1Nc/s400/camp-spooky-vampire-maze.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Touring the "friendly vampire" maze!</i> </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWm7vq6I5pt6kEJFye-mXh8YKEUwUSk7g0xmzF6ykjwsDNNRwBtkuUTI3o8HfQxWb1TAVo_lYz7BdmJifvC2CEJkKnW7TnVVOoeW9oiJAoSIWPC6f4nSjpNhVeQzOk4gejoIVkbKXA9w/s1600/camp-spooky-treasure-hunt.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWm7vq6I5pt6kEJFye-mXh8YKEUwUSk7g0xmzF6ykjwsDNNRwBtkuUTI3o8HfQxWb1TAVo_lYz7BdmJifvC2CEJkKnW7TnVVOoeW9oiJAoSIWPC6f4nSjpNhVeQzOk4gejoIVkbKXA9w/s400/camp-spooky-treasure-hunt.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Score! Found treasure spot #3! </i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-IAC6SIEsloN9CkxKT-pMglNSL6Fo7ZXqDUhCYaMJEFol4BmeGfZzqc3bwuBYT0nl3TppdYXC5XfjnXK_USUaJKRN0AqRR_ugyF53bQ76g4eHQBara8g85Q_ib_-btUvQZ15T-BdY7Y/s1600/camp-spooky-corn-maze.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-IAC6SIEsloN9CkxKT-pMglNSL6Fo7ZXqDUhCYaMJEFol4BmeGfZzqc3bwuBYT0nl3TppdYXC5XfjnXK_USUaJKRN0AqRR_ugyF53bQ76g4eHQBara8g85Q_ib_-btUvQZ15T-BdY7Y/s400/camp-spooky-corn-maze.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Twisting through the corn maze </i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QhHXygp8eqffktVqfxO-vt-5rHcXSM_FWXUIMIXlqa79LLUYlPsGlJg13z_6I9LwGoOrX1poh9POcuACdPWtUfgNL3FHqLaUAoWJsavin8VqENCGLLGbT2FL4fq2zVq0fQDgabSKcYM/s1600/camp-spooky-corn-maze-frankenstein.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QhHXygp8eqffktVqfxO-vt-5rHcXSM_FWXUIMIXlqa79LLUYlPsGlJg13z_6I9LwGoOrX1poh9POcuACdPWtUfgNL3FHqLaUAoWJsavin8VqENCGLLGbT2FL4fq2zVq0fQDgabSKcYM/s400/camp-spooky-corn-maze-frankenstein.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Who's this funny guy?" </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-IAC6SIEsloN9CkxKT-pMglNSL6Fo7ZXqDUhCYaMJEFol4BmeGfZzqc3bwuBYT0nl3TppdYXC5XfjnXK_USUaJKRN0AqRR_ugyF53bQ76g4eHQBara8g85Q_ib_-btUvQZ15T-BdY7Y/s1600/camp-spooky-corn-maze.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
Of course we got in some non-Hallowe'en fun too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Asymh4upAVej5TuXhAr_rtiR4yOfGSuVAX9LiaJBEfQDyDMXxVK2LsnJAu0FPy0GgAXIXLm6JeAGA0P83VDUNEiimiuQv4T5beLo0lDr4jp1TZwxVJRwtEo9itnppFtPnK_Ohfcu__c/s1600/camp-spooky-hailey-peanuts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Asymh4upAVej5TuXhAr_rtiR4yOfGSuVAX9LiaJBEfQDyDMXxVK2LsnJAu0FPy0GgAXIXLm6JeAGA0P83VDUNEiimiuQv4T5beLo0lDr4jp1TZwxVJRwtEo9itnppFtPnK_Ohfcu__c/s400/camp-spooky-hailey-peanuts.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>H hangin' with Snoopy and Sally! </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWm7vq6I5pt6kEJFye-mXh8YKEUwUSk7g0xmzF6ykjwsDNNRwBtkuUTI3o8HfQxWb1TAVo_lYz7BdmJifvC2CEJkKnW7TnVVOoeW9oiJAoSIWPC6f4nSjpNhVeQzOk4gejoIVkbKXA9w/s1600/camp-spooky-treasure-hunt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KmrK2LroT0kmbroiBmcGcKD0TEG8Z8OZOXBmOXCol4Gwm17MCrtabwsDuq2IhnpSiDNA-a3Vzwclvk4N35XBFGpSV9o6NAC60bKF2Bi9qTIpyktGFyVXxIjIPMxbAEzUiMOC-2EebAc/s1600/canadas-wonderland-dinosaurs-alive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KmrK2LroT0kmbroiBmcGcKD0TEG8Z8OZOXBmOXCol4Gwm17MCrtabwsDuq2IhnpSiDNA-a3Vzwclvk4N35XBFGpSV9o6NAC60bKF2Bi9qTIpyktGFyVXxIjIPMxbAEzUiMOC-2EebAc/s400/canadas-wonderland-dinosaurs-alive.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Checking out one of many life-like animatronics at <a href="http://dinosaursalive.canadaswonderland.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dinosaurs Alive</a>.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNgZ9AM3cCzi1eNLvfV-5_1JO2bz6LmiLCNySZ-xCS1yPYqUE0hsOTlzqdVHsqslooNVx3vNN4zYZVNsjnG01zDgBYjphf7qreor-egwJ8FvEjo-UikoweNbAi2wHFQt3Uvcjf2kTocY/s1600/canadas-wonderland-peanuts-500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNgZ9AM3cCzi1eNLvfV-5_1JO2bz6LmiLCNySZ-xCS1yPYqUE0hsOTlzqdVHsqslooNVx3vNN4zYZVNsjnG01zDgBYjphf7qreor-egwJ8FvEjo-UikoweNbAi2wHFQt3Uvcjf2kTocY/s400/canadas-wonderland-peanuts-500.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Having a ball on Peanuts 500, one of S' favourite rides, along with <a href="http://littlemisskate.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fellow blogger Little Miss Kate</a> and her wee man!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Want to get in on this fun with your own family? As of this writing, Canada's Wonderland (and Camp Spooky) is open for one more weekend (Oct 26/27) - so grab your tickets and get down there! :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><small><b>Disclosure: </b></small><small>My family received admission to Canada's Wonderland and Dinosaurs Alive at no charge, however
I received no financial compensation for this post and was under no
obligation to write it. The opinions expressed are my own </small><small>and may be different from yours.</small></i>Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-50994394751981144732013-10-22T21:51:00.003-04:002013-10-22T21:51:51.924-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Cat Nap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUQJWu0763Uqij98AyKu4bH-JJZU11tjIjqB0V-uryZL59Kb9BD2nmYABiQJqBpjhdObiva0cPxVtTfrVqAQukWXnIOJD4rdP33zzRMZsEonxD-s8oVpRnXqRL9map7LN70dv_ykFbe8/s1600/WW-22-Oct-2013-cat-nap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUQJWu0763Uqij98AyKu4bH-JJZU11tjIjqB0V-uryZL59Kb9BD2nmYABiQJqBpjhdObiva0cPxVtTfrVqAQukWXnIOJD4rdP33zzRMZsEonxD-s8oVpRnXqRL9map7LN70dv_ykFbe8/s400/WW-22-Oct-2013-cat-nap.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-18039990033787739002013-10-21T11:27:00.001-04:002013-11-04T01:03:48.567-05:00Skip Hop "Grand Central" Diaper Bag from Pinky & Company: Review & Giveaway! (Closed)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokyMEXok5ysIfsOeDtXtPZzyTAISyl64l9_MJjQyhqZAs2SSEbNf6juapqy5aE8LVl2RqWoLOVYjVD-qSMJ2GXiuMZgsT_Ki2BLggwpYaEKJu6OI7gZOE6_wglqOqm6lyn99xb3ma79g/s1600/pinky-and-company-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokyMEXok5ysIfsOeDtXtPZzyTAISyl64l9_MJjQyhqZAs2SSEbNf6juapqy5aE8LVl2RqWoLOVYjVD-qSMJ2GXiuMZgsT_Ki2BLggwpYaEKJu6OI7gZOE6_wglqOqm6lyn99xb3ma79g/s1600/pinky-and-company-logo.png" /></a></div>
<br />
As a mom of two kids under 3 (including one in cloth diapers), saying we have to haul around a lot of stuff is the understatement of the year! The modest-sized diaper bag I received for my baby shower got the job done for my daughter, but when our son made his entrance it not longer cut the mustard, size-wise. As such, in a moment of unsound logic I dumped its contents and a bunch of other stuff into this huge, cheap-o, single pocket tote which fit everything but left us completely disorganized! ("Oh, he needs a change? Just give me 17 minutes to locate a clean diaper and a couple wipes," I'd say.) Needless to say, it didn't take long before I was shopping around for a better solution!<br />
<br />
Enter <a href="http://www.pinkyandcompany.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinky and Company</a>, an online family-owned and operated boutique based in Port Moody, BC, offering brand-name, designer diaper bags and other essentials for mom & baby. I discovered the company following a Google search for Canadian diaper bag retailers, and found myself quickly drooling over all the practical, stylish options for keeping organized. Upon contacting the company, the owner herself responded, taking me up on my review proposal and recommending the <a href="http://www.pinkyandcompany.com/products/copy-of-skip-hop-grand-central-cinnamon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Skip Hop Grand Central</a> - a diaper bag touted as being "for the mom who needs it all and takes it all". (Yup, that's me!)<br />
<br />
...And that, my
friends, was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. :D<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Product Info</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CF2JOM0RbcecDkBg27riaDwLiuRZlYh6gdwoL0idaaA8TBmbpfrnVt31yOA7H6MNO-aL6QIOi3ZWbKWZcbZ842k5ojHXpZWWwAWXnyPY1G99VDQZn2hDduNQC6aKCaLsehGdlxP3pKc/s1600/sh-grand-central-product-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CF2JOM0RbcecDkBg27riaDwLiuRZlYh6gdwoL0idaaA8TBmbpfrnVt31yOA7H6MNO-aL6QIOi3ZWbKWZcbZ842k5ojHXpZWWwAWXnyPY1G99VDQZn2hDduNQC6aKCaLsehGdlxP3pKc/s320/sh-grand-central-product-photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>For the mom who needs a little extra space, this is the perfect large-size, yet super-stylish, baby bag.<br /><br />Skip Hop's Grand Central diaper tote magically combines a compact modern style with an uncanny ability to hold more than you can imagine, tucked away and out of sight. High on style and superb in storage, it holds as much or as little as you want it to; it's the only diaper bag you'll ever need. Take it out for the day or away for the weekend - Grand Central's three innovative sections organize everything you need, without feeling over-stuffed.<br /><br />Available in <a href="http://www.pinkyandcompany.com/products/skip-hop-grand-central-black" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black</a> or <a href="http://www.pinkyandcompany.com/products/copy-of-skip-hop-grand-central-cinnamon" target="_blank">Cinnamon</a> - pick the one that's right for you!</i><br />
<i><br />Features:</i><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Baby's Section includes clear, wipe-clean zip pocket and webbing toy fob</i></li>
<li><i>Mommy's Section includes zip pocket, phone pocket, and fleece-lined sunglasses pocket + 3 large, divided sections</i></li>
<li><i>11 pockets include 2 large exterior zip pockets</i></li>
<li><i>2 insulated side-pockets fit extra-wide bottles</i></li>
<li><i>Main section has secure zip-top closure</i></li>
<li><i>Cushioned changing pad</i></li>
<li><i>Sturdy, lightweight material; water-resistant lining</i></li>
<li><i>Cotton tote straps; faux leather trim</i></li>
<li><i>Hangs neatly on stroller and can be worn over the shoulder</i></li>
<li><i>BPA-free, Phthalate-free</i></li>
<li><i>Size (inches): 18w x 13h x 6d</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
Cost: $108.00<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Let's Take a Tour</h3>
<br />
Pinky and Company sent me a Skip Hop Grand Central diaper bag in Cinnamon. (I decided to "live dangerously" and veer away from my standard black.) <br />
<br />
Here it is in its original glory!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknCZ3FrX9PqK4MyRwHycDzvGo-faH9JzVyK__hz_qoP-MEyuEnteYfJ-m9Ws-ly5o1G9KymQXzTW2MGvajhghZs0vDhPWza9uh_s2lZfYk7RtMJV4ixgnWgC81FAjfwWNUryWLzoeC0o/s1600/skip-hop-grand-central-new.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknCZ3FrX9PqK4MyRwHycDzvGo-faH9JzVyK__hz_qoP-MEyuEnteYfJ-m9Ws-ly5o1G9KymQXzTW2MGvajhghZs0vDhPWza9uh_s2lZfYk7RtMJV4ixgnWgC81FAjfwWNUryWLzoeC0o/s400/skip-hop-grand-central-new.JPG" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
Just look at all those "hungry" pockets, ready to bestow sanity upon my life!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMWCsTDBMBnlmxEF0ywq_d3KuaPUOGFVsy_EgGH9OjldCthdoAAb3lB0VFFMoOczdEbxkNBGYJtkOCJ2e3OUtYdngBgTfU1eCMzsUPXa7gav9_c8HJtRUK75lHDZaxwbMdgzQDNbZZnQ/s1600/skip-hop-grand-central-new-open.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMWCsTDBMBnlmxEF0ywq_d3KuaPUOGFVsy_EgGH9OjldCthdoAAb3lB0VFFMoOczdEbxkNBGYJtkOCJ2e3OUtYdngBgTfU1eCMzsUPXa7gav9_c8HJtRUK75lHDZaxwbMdgzQDNbZZnQ/s400/skip-hop-grand-central-new-open.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
And boom, here it is now stuffed to the gills... <br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ouwEzwONocAFK8_nuc2H0c5ah64fpqzXvAxcat_nnak3YgV2QgJPL1yxeNFvMfXAVmGplKFmSsHMp6GArZIZoZPxz-KBmrXcplCaS9X3VbhnmcBb5UsdfNqLabErPADfuBkm11lk6Xs/s1600/skip-hop-grand-central-full-open.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ouwEzwONocAFK8_nuc2H0c5ah64fpqzXvAxcat_nnak3YgV2QgJPL1yxeNFvMfXAVmGplKFmSsHMp6GArZIZoZPxz-KBmrXcplCaS9X3VbhnmcBb5UsdfNqLabErPADfuBkm11lk6Xs/s400/skip-hop-grand-central-full-open.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />
...yet still totally manageable and sweet lookin' over mom's shoulder!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWLmSnQ9fOf1Ebh9NN7mBRdeuC1wlKc__B8ckKu8vpN3XVbRW2iB6_gPCeDgoxZqAWFg-cPku9rzHGhQy9R_V1HYKyUFkFeh74IqyY__rsrLCTVtPC9Pi8pjyr8VPVWvm0KaVNANdsCs/s1600/skip-hop-grand-central-wearing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWLmSnQ9fOf1Ebh9NN7mBRdeuC1wlKc__B8ckKu8vpN3XVbRW2iB6_gPCeDgoxZqAWFg-cPku9rzHGhQy9R_V1HYKyUFkFeh74IqyY__rsrLCTVtPC9Pi8pjyr8VPVWvm0KaVNANdsCs/s400/skip-hop-grand-central-wearing.JPG" width="291" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A beautiful thing, ain't it? :) <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's a video highlighting the bag's features and how I pack it. If you prefer a written & pictorial tour, however, just skip this and read on! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="264" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/B20-r4v4KiU" width="470"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As you can see from the earlier photos, the Grand Central has three main sections. This means one for each member of our family who requires a bunch of stuff - i.e., everyone except Dad! It also has two roomy side pockets.</div>
<br />
I obviously assigned myself the "Mommy's Section" (at the front of the bag) and lemme tell ya - I'm workin' it! <br />
<br />
First of all, the outer top pocket holds my keys & that's it. A waste of space? Not at all, considering the time and frustration I've saved NOT scrambling around at the last minute for them. They're in the key pocket. <i>Period. </i>Below this is a larger zipped section where I keep my other most frequently-accessed items. Money, cards, chapstick (yes, I'm addicted), pen and a couple other things. Here you can see both uber-important sections in action!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUykjg0dPJY2Z7gwuYCZZoP9hMefmwVQx6FRf9xp3CZyv3YuzQVa47B7YCBwmGqhhU2_Rs_l2b5lijbRhPbVkwGmAsNViPgwnRsDsU4ygGKH2WJAfunoNH2rsfKDdXJeEFPMWxkh0NvBQ/s1600/skip-hop-grand-central-mom-section-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUykjg0dPJY2Z7gwuYCZZoP9hMefmwVQx6FRf9xp3CZyv3YuzQVa47B7YCBwmGqhhU2_Rs_l2b5lijbRhPbVkwGmAsNViPgwnRsDsU4ygGKH2WJAfunoNH2rsfKDdXJeEFPMWxkh0NvBQ/s400/skip-hop-grand-central-mom-section-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Two other items i'm prone to misplacing (my sunglasses and phone) now have dedicated homes inside the main mommy section. As you can see, I also store larger (and/or needed less frequently) items here such as hand cream & sanitizer, my nursing cover and toys for the kiddos. Opposite from the shades & phone pockets (which you can't quite see here, but trust me - it's there!) is a zipped section in which I store receipts, coupons, invoices and other paper items.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrmIGfZGYt1x2KpBZYgxNqPJBk5BH3gIyb8CLTbSD3jv4rxgWeSsHDHbst49Kj1GGsm1iWd6A5aLUPUT9vCW4c9rT3d1gXBBvAknpHrpgE4jDENexUTxQCIcqKnxi_xauecCb0MaLcAg/s1600/skip-hop-grand-central-mom-section-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrmIGfZGYt1x2KpBZYgxNqPJBk5BH3gIyb8CLTbSD3jv4rxgWeSsHDHbst49Kj1GGsm1iWd6A5aLUPUT9vCW4c9rT3d1gXBBvAknpHrpgE4jDENexUTxQCIcqKnxi_xauecCb0MaLcAg/s400/skip-hop-grand-central-mom-section-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next up - the biggest of the big sections, located in the middle of the bag and "zippable". This one's for 10-month-old CJ's goodies. Here it's stuffed with about 5 cloth diapers, a wet bag and a change of clothes, and his wipe solution bottle and wipes mini-bag which are nestled happily into their own little open pockets. (No more rooting around for these as the little guy wails in "getting pinned on my back sucks" frustration!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lyJi9gG7jhjxgG2G72EqJgP0CpCwvjNlhhaDkQKsz0LU7ptW3Pmn0mn516Gd-2qf0N1muykrcYXTN92TQIwvja8Cng-soU6nV_cpgsUgshh5mbVmG7HNbWylSNaTDdzznGMsm02NkPo/s1600/skip-hop-grand-central-baby-section.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lyJi9gG7jhjxgG2G72EqJgP0CpCwvjNlhhaDkQKsz0LU7ptW3Pmn0mn516Gd-2qf0N1muykrcYXTN92TQIwvja8Cng-soU6nV_cpgsUgshh5mbVmG7HNbWylSNaTDdzznGMsm02NkPo/s400/skip-hop-grand-central-baby-section.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The third big section is for my daughter's goodies. The main part always has a change of clothes and I'll sometimes throw in a couple books/magazines. At the back is a zipped, clear pocket which is perfect for holding her tiny little hair accessories (clips, elastics, etc.) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuK2G3mxtFIbaDJu4PhI3VSGRH60l0sD3FqLkzDG5Y1HW6ep8cJ_3KWaRn7TU6IVon9urJFMwnpXWnVlV2SYELRKvg41vX2ZL59ggccVKqlMRBc1owtUrS5WK2vxFUozrLK5zH2Oqk39k/s1600/skip-hop-grand-central-toddler-section.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuK2G3mxtFIbaDJu4PhI3VSGRH60l0sD3FqLkzDG5Y1HW6ep8cJ_3KWaRn7TU6IVon9urJFMwnpXWnVlV2SYELRKvg41vX2ZL59ggccVKqlMRBc1owtUrS5WK2vxFUozrLK5zH2Oqk39k/s400/skip-hop-grand-central-toddler-section.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This section also includes a toy loop to keep baby's favourite rattle or teether at bay. I haven't used this myself but here you can see it in action.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrghL0_9i8pl-mzViAiL5uu02voXA91rWGBCjAQ0cScPcvB93yjD-VPTQW2hpmveipFGfYxiC43LXd0azDWmu5ykd_0KckMF2MsDJtOtOlAW_FKqGSvi-hDt59E9eE4mWMGp4yfpX2-w/s1600/skip-hop-grand-central-toy-ring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrghL0_9i8pl-mzViAiL5uu02voXA91rWGBCjAQ0cScPcvB93yjD-VPTQW2hpmveipFGfYxiC43LXd0azDWmu5ykd_0KckMF2MsDJtOtOlAW_FKqGSvi-hDt59E9eE4mWMGp4yfpX2-w/s400/skip-hop-grand-central-toy-ring.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On to the side pockets. They're both extra-roomy and insulated, so I
stuff'em with bottles (obviously) as well as snacks and other items I
like to have close at hand. This one's holding my daughter's sippy with
almond milk and a pouch snack for my son. (The other one currently has
my own water bottle and sunscreen.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuVXbBw34nu9aHERxdDSbsiiJAh42QzGs2IGMaU2hbATn3eURW0jdSFioyem2wBVPc59g7kGQ_nJxBfnZRTAzMNTUv9pthcSmxTelk3k7qNR2omd2bgbo4EsTnCccnpn1MkF_dTXce3w/s1600/skip-hop-grand-central-pocket.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuVXbBw34nu9aHERxdDSbsiiJAh42QzGs2IGMaU2hbATn3eURW0jdSFioyem2wBVPc59g7kGQ_nJxBfnZRTAzMNTUv9pthcSmxTelk3k7qNR2omd2bgbo4EsTnCccnpn1MkF_dTXce3w/s400/skip-hop-grand-central-pocket.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Grand Central comes with built-in stroller clips. There's one like this on each side of the bag.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr1J0fP02g5eVj4e9qa3ZBBnZH0apGcXeT2_fNgUiB3QjMkNdobj1LC6lFTJn91uN8M4vLJQG2K71co_DGgkN_28aH5diJbiHZqhiFDrc944kBmOZ5GEL8eeb2m427Ni2aCRMxfAfpE8/s1600/skip-hop-grand-central-stroller-clips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr1J0fP02g5eVj4e9qa3ZBBnZH0apGcXeT2_fNgUiB3QjMkNdobj1LC6lFTJn91uN8M4vLJQG2K71co_DGgkN_28aH5diJbiHZqhiFDrc944kBmOZ5GEL8eeb2m427Ni2aCRMxfAfpE8/s400/skip-hop-grand-central-stroller-clips.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The clips are designed to work on most strollers. Here we have the bag attached to our UPPAbaby Vista. (Note - took this pic during <a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2013/09/canadas-wonderland-fun-tastic.html" target="_blank">a recent trip to Canada's Wonderland</a> where the ability to hang it came in extra-handy, since the basket was filled with all sorts of other stuff - blankets, snacks, souvenirs, etc.! Looks like I got a little lazy here re-packing the bag after one of little man's bum changes. ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoRWnZRNizn-XYAGFPswWOKq9eeF5wfFoi0UL-6U6k4Lvbgi_KOVF7Zj6KPhuYQd7UP6qu5GjLxIKZ2qV3jRDLvKHGhe-nlmGp2Ngp25PXHG-H4jgOqHvQQPWUzYYVA-CcMrb-SH2MPM/s1600/skip-hop-grand-central-attached-to-stroller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoRWnZRNizn-XYAGFPswWOKq9eeF5wfFoi0UL-6U6k4Lvbgi_KOVF7Zj6KPhuYQd7UP6qu5GjLxIKZ2qV3jRDLvKHGhe-nlmGp2Ngp25PXHG-H4jgOqHvQQPWUzYYVA-CcMrb-SH2MPM/s400/skip-hop-grand-central-attached-to-stroller.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, the bag includes a change mat. I haven't actually used this as I've replaced it with <a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2012/11/lil-helper-organic-bamboo-change-mat.html" target="_blank">another one I own</a> that I really like. As you can see, however, it's your standard
cushioned, foldable, wipeable variant. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwC-hu4O4BcNINlYY4WFdz6TutHC5jwLQ80bCj9NBIOY_1tkt3pDPiltZucCEXia6srk2hAzB9NFC-JCbSma9fGVB1Z2Sb7cDk5Ubs6QDS3gD6KpWfj_RV5ii469q1Au3_-q4usUxVOAw/s1600/skip-hop-grand-central-change-pad-folded.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwC-hu4O4BcNINlYY4WFdz6TutHC5jwLQ80bCj9NBIOY_1tkt3pDPiltZucCEXia6srk2hAzB9NFC-JCbSma9fGVB1Z2Sb7cDk5Ubs6QDS3gD6KpWfj_RV5ii469q1Au3_-q4usUxVOAw/s320/skip-hop-grand-central-change-pad-folded.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9sU96sVktl5jVGho9o9IjW32ax2OE4Sr1jh2WWJekfBvolsiypNigaplGXk8u3GicglMUAAlT8dSNJHBQuuwKKqAJ3fZPv9Yty8jrADdB3sSncScfRI5cSQGe3vSS7bnU0RGxCQ6-R4/s1600/skip-hop-grand-central-change-pad-open.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9sU96sVktl5jVGho9o9IjW32ax2OE4Sr1jh2WWJekfBvolsiypNigaplGXk8u3GicglMUAAlT8dSNJHBQuuwKKqAJ3fZPv9Yty8jrADdB3sSncScfRI5cSQGe3vSS7bnU0RGxCQ6-R4/s320/skip-hop-grand-central-change-pad-open.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
***********************************************************************************<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
My Review</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h4>
Loving It</h4>
<ul>
<li><b><b>Practically stylish</b> </b>- As in, it looks good but Dad doesn't recoil in horror at the idea of sporting it.<b> </b></li>
<li><b>Fits a boatload of stuff</b> - plenty of room for mom & two kiddos under 3 (including one in cloth diapers; the bag easily fits 5-6 dipes & associated paraphernalia)</li>
<li><b>Extremely well designed (from an organizational standpoint</b>) - I love that there are three main sections, each with their own special sub-sections (e.g. the sunglasses and phone pockets in the mom section). Everything is logical and I don't find anything extraneous.</li>
<li><b>Wipes clean</b> - both the inner and outer are pretty much impervious to nasty kid-originated messes. It all just wipes away.</li>
<li><b>Stays upright</b> - The base is wide, so you can set it on a flat surface without worrying that it's going to topple over!</li>
<li><b>Straps stay put -</b> I can't express how annoying it is when a purse or bag slides off my shoulder, especially when wrestling with a squirmy baby or toddler! Happily this isn't an issue with the Grand Central as the tote-style straps stay in place, regardless of how full or heavy the bag becomes.</li>
<li><b>Includes stroller clips</b> - Great built-in feature. Hanging the bag (vs. carrying or stuffing below) makes its contents more accessible and frees up the stroller basket (and your arm) for other key tasks! This is an item you need to purchase separately for many other bags. </li>
<li><b>Durable</b> - Lemme tell ya, I am putting this bag through the wringer and it's taking all the abuse like a champion. The material around the stroller clips, in particular, takes a lot of strain and it's not showing any signs of wear.</li>
</ul>
<h4>
<br />Could Be Better</h4>
<ul>
<li><b>No cooler section</b> - this is included in the similarly-roomy Bento line of Skip Hop bags, and would be a welcome addition to this one (if they could manage to find room for it!), as the one storage-related item we still often need to bring along is a separate soft cooler pack. </li>
<li><b>Sunglasses pocket is on the narrow side</b> - my own sunglasses fit just fine, but there isn't much additional room so I suspect pairs with large frames might fit very tight or possibly not at all.</li>
<li><b>Stroller clip mechanism could be easier to work</b>. OK I'm getting picky here. But I don't love that you need to press down on the lever (is that the right term?) to both attach and detach them. I feel that the type of clips you find on carseats (i.e. where the two parts snap together) would be more convenient, though, on the downside, this would result in some extra bulk.</li>
</ul>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Does It Last?</h4>
<ul>
<li><b>3 Month Update</b> - The bag continues to be in "like new" condition after 3 months of regular use; no signs of ripping, staining, etc. </li>
</ul>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<b>*** The Bottom Line *** </b>The Skip Hop Grand Central is truly One Amazing Diaper Bag, and I'd go so far as to say it may be my absolute favourite baby-related item we own. Seriously. If you're in the market for a stylish, roomy bag with uber-organizational powers, give the Grand Central a serious look.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
***********************************************************************************</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Buy It</h3>
<br />
You can purchase your own Skip Hop Grand Central, or another diaper bag of your choice, directly from <a href="http://www.pinkyandcompany.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinky & Company</a>. With several designer brands and dozens of styles, you're sure to find your perfect match! <b>Use promo code M2MPINKY and receive 10% off your order! (Good until </b><b>November 11th.) </b><br />
<br />
<b>Note - at this time, Pinky & Company is shipping exclusively within Canada</b>. Free shipping is offered on orders over $125 (before taxes), otherwise there is a flat-rate fee of $9.99.<br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Win It</h3>
<br />
Pinky & Company has generously offered to give away a <b>Skip Hop Diaper Bag (winner's choice of style & colour)</b> to one lucky Manager to Mom reader! <b>Open to CANADA.</b><br />
<br />
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Please
follow all instructions within each entry option to ensure your entries
are valid<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3de76890/" id="rc-3de76890" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<small><b>Disclosure: </b></small><small>The prize is being provided and shipped to the winner by Pinky & Company. </small><small>I
received no financial compensation for writing my review or
offering this giveaway, although I did receive the sample item free
of charge. </small><small>This is my completely honest opinion above and may be different from yours. </small></div>
Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com82tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-84887923708431690982013-10-16T00:00:00.000-04:002013-10-16T00:00:02.583-04:00Artsy Play Wednesday {10/16} - Top 10 Sensory Activities for Toddlers + Linky<center>
<img alt="Artsy Play Wednesday, linky" rel="nofollow" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tvoKGmrOWyY82OIrykFkPABhpEJsNMl5f7PYKVH3P3KckaYlASlQEusO7h9xKzPE6MptjiHauFt7bly9nLPiBSMgiNbw4x2tPIfdVleA-XsxIrV0ALfknVnyrGSPyJFwmrZo30UOUazC/s400/Artsy+Play+Wednesday+with+sun+and+less+butterflies.png" title="Artsy Play Wednesday Linky" width="300" /></center>
<br />
<center>
Hosted by: </center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.multiples-mom.com/">Capri + 3</a>
</center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.multitestingmommy.com/">Multi-Testing Mommy</a> </center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.shannonsviewfromhere.com/">Shannon’s View From Here</a>
</center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.babygiveawaysgalore.com/">Baby Giveaways Galore</a></center>
<center>
</center>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Welcome to Artsy Play Wednesday! Each week, one of the host blogs (listed above) or a guest shares an arts, crafts or play activity along with an ongoing linky list of reader-submitted ideas which you'll find below. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Manager to Mom been selected as this week's guest blog with one of my most popular posts from earlier this year: <a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2013/04/top-10-sensory-activities-for-toddlers.html" target="_blank">Top 10 Sensory Activities for Toddlers</a>. If you missed it then, be sure to check it out now! These hands-on activities absolutely thrilled my 2-year-old daughter, immersing her in imaginative sensory play for (in some cases) over an hour at a time. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhK3RdUklcl7l0hz0r94N86PHujwf6n3a49TP-UQ-UV3vaQSthpzPxv3QZcqf3-t9r9cAyUZgyqsDbyTASKTqsiXf9Q1bxTDtSyoXibaWtV0GXoNmJWpnIvpVNKxtAPmZOylEArlRPss/s1600/top-10-sensory-activities-toddlers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhK3RdUklcl7l0hz0r94N86PHujwf6n3a49TP-UQ-UV3vaQSthpzPxv3QZcqf3-t9r9cAyUZgyqsDbyTASKTqsiXf9Q1bxTDtSyoXibaWtV0GXoNmJWpnIvpVNKxtAPmZOylEArlRPss/s400/top-10-sensory-activities-toddlers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
Here is the linky and your chance to join in and share your own children's arts, crafts and play posts. Every week 5 different craft activities from the linky will be pinned to the <a href="http://pinterest.com/BabyGivesGalore/artsy-play-wednesday/" target="_blank">Artsy Play Wednesday Pinterest Board</a> (with over 1400 followers).<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Link up as many <b>kids' crafts</b> as you want, old or new.<br />
<br />
<b>PLEASE DO NOT LINK UP RECIPES</b> unless they are made by kids.<br />
<br />
<b>By submitting your link and image in this linky, you are giving us permission to use and share your photo (with a link back to your post) in upcoming round-up posts on our blog.</b><br />
<br />
<center>
<!-- start LinkyTools script -->
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=205698" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end LinkyTools script -->
</center>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you are linking up today, please consider copying the following code below onto your linked up post:</div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<textarea cols="40" rows="4"><center>
This
post was linked up on:<br />
<a href="http://www.multitestingmommy.com" title="Artsy Play
Wednesday hosted by Multiples Mom, Multi-Testing Mommy, Shannon's View
From Here and Baby Giveaways Galore" target="new"><img
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tvoKGmrOWyY82OIrykFkPABhpEJsNMl5f7PYKVH3P3KckaYlASlQEusO7h9xKzPE6MptjiHauFt7bly9nLPiBSMgiNbw4x2tPIfdVleA-XsxIrV0ALfknVnyrGSPyJFwmrZo30UOUazC/s400/Artsy+Play+Wednesday+with+sun+and+less+butterflies.png"
alt title="Artsy Play Wednesday" width="150" height="150"
/></a>
Hosted by <a
href="http://www.multiples-mom.com">Multiples-Mom</a>, <a
href="http://www.multitestingmommy.com">Multi-Testing
Mommy</a>, <a
href="http://www.shannonsviewfromhere.com/">Shannon’s View From
Here</a>, <a href="http://www.babygiveawaysgalore.com/">Baby
Giveaways Galore</a></center>
</textarea>
</center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
If you would like to received email reminders when Artsy Play Wednesday is live each week, you can subscribe here!<br />
<center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1udd26flGR7x1LWN7Sjm0gsoFYk57e5SkqbGtgd2MdTY/viewform" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Subscribe to Artsy Play Wednesday" border="0" src="http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp129/Shandon00/artsysignup_zps3b924d7a.jpg" title="Subscribe to Artsy Play Wednesday" /></a> </center>
<center>
</center>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Big thanks to all the APW hosts for this guest host opportunity at M2M!</div>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<a data-pin-do="embedBoard" href="http://pinterest.com/BabyGivesGalore/artsy-play-wednesday/"></a>Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-17590686535765670722013-10-15T21:17:00.003-04:002013-10-15T21:17:49.812-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Kid Captcha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJw-z-EkEz7V8lPALUGNdXBnMMdwBmUs-rhpEuowVn4llGSJYSfl5CJPTB543lKegfB96NhlK8HG3aWnf73uhUHPQ4ls4MvUrdROrBShoyAT1fgtMoPv0QZLnJkuvq3NX-Q_wQ5F2sZ3E/s1600/WW-16-Oct-2013-Kid-Captcha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJw-z-EkEz7V8lPALUGNdXBnMMdwBmUs-rhpEuowVn4llGSJYSfl5CJPTB543lKegfB96NhlK8HG3aWnf73uhUHPQ4ls4MvUrdROrBShoyAT1fgtMoPv0QZLnJkuvq3NX-Q_wQ5F2sZ3E/s400/WW-16-Oct-2013-Kid-Captcha.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-11336373757667444672013-10-11T11:36:00.000-04:002013-10-26T23:54:21.666-04:00Stonz Rain Bootz and Linerz: Review & Giveaway! (Closed)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcAOJZoK8Imb3wUJWSQe8xm7T_WlxI3qR1K9Gk9LPehteCthcTg_nGIFOeM2DYC1zZ5YMl8Mdntr2oz10n87jWV151WaoDxLgDwI6XnkchRYpm3Fnj1I6pb_U08xNDBT6MmrdS3ZR4yE/s1600/stonz-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcAOJZoK8Imb3wUJWSQe8xm7T_WlxI3qR1K9Gk9LPehteCthcTg_nGIFOeM2DYC1zZ5YMl8Mdntr2oz10n87jWV151WaoDxLgDwI6XnkchRYpm3Fnj1I6pb_U08xNDBT6MmrdS3ZR4yE/s1600/stonz-logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.stonzwear.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">Stonz</a> is a Vancouver-based company which offers a continuously expanding selection of practical, stylish outerwear options for babies and children.<br />
<br />
I previously partnered with Stonz to review their <a href="http://www.stonzwear.com/Stonz_Booties/Department.aspx?DeptID=7&&&RD=1" rel="nofollow" target="_new">Booties</a> and <a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2012/11/stonz-youth-mittz-review-giveaway.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Youth Mittz</a>, and today I'll be telling you all about their <b>Rain Bootz</b> and <b>Rain Boot Linerz</b>, two of their newer products. But first, if you're unfamiliar with the company, I encourage you to <a href="http://www.stonzwear.com/en-us/whystonz.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">visit their website</a>, check out <a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2012/01/stonz-booties-linerz-review-and.html" target="_new">my Booties review</a> (which includes info on the company's roots and values) and/or view the Stonz story via this short video clip: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/30684568?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=9b301c" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="400"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>Product Info - Rain Bootz:</b><br />
<br />
<i><span class="ProductLongDescription">Keep little feet dry this season,
with Stonz' brand new range of 100% Natural Rubber Rain Bootz! </span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="ProductLongDescription"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7JLanvMvu6HX_g8312-RjSuVMiGYf0mZVMVnbi-Xb1215n1dwWkxWoYnalOJVIzOniH9MztZCw-AGwb5vXcH0IQWxBg1WumF1pI0XefC2Ox-jrniop9M9d33cbT8qcIXJlo84x_V1xQ/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7JLanvMvu6HX_g8312-RjSuVMiGYf0mZVMVnbi-Xb1215n1dwWkxWoYnalOJVIzOniH9MztZCw-AGwb5vXcH0IQWxBg1WumF1pI0XefC2Ox-jrniop9M9d33cbT8qcIXJlo84x_V1xQ/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz.png" /></a> </span></i></div>
<br />
<i><span class="ProductLongDescription">Available
in 4 stylish colours, they can be layered up with <a href="http://www.stonzwear.com/Linerz-Fleece_Boot_liners/Rain_Boot_Linerz/Product.aspx?ProductID=126&DeptID=27&&" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stonz' Rain Boot Linerz</a> to keep those toes extra cosy.</span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwSJ0ZHWg05YqOtdYk_d7M6i-2rmOZcp7xX8BzlLhn0MV95c9cOMeZu7euEZfqjAL2SdpVf7DXG6K7swGYKnB1vNtVpa0tsuUFyp8A7yZ68oZcMQvJRjTcqA6Am9aZxNE5jZ5mkZ6wi0/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-styles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwSJ0ZHWg05YqOtdYk_d7M6i-2rmOZcp7xX8BzlLhn0MV95c9cOMeZu7euEZfqjAL2SdpVf7DXG6K7swGYKnB1vNtVpa0tsuUFyp8A7yZ68oZcMQvJRjTcqA6Am9aZxNE5jZ5mkZ6wi0/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-styles.png" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gOqn-J9M-Bsys7PHeYRpt9qV1On3iV255gM84CITkrcR2PWJSs67z-BzcmKkwqHmvngsAmOSXOjPlAeqPZnfzcXKMDx2SuLkUbJIQarBqDYAHz_0o3LEv-GnfKbhaw171g7STyJLbOU/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-linerz.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gOqn-J9M-Bsys7PHeYRpt9qV1On3iV255gM84CITkrcR2PWJSs67z-BzcmKkwqHmvngsAmOSXOjPlAeqPZnfzcXKMDx2SuLkUbJIQarBqDYAHz_0o3LEv-GnfKbhaw171g7STyJLbOU/s320/stonz-rain-bootz-linerz.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><span class="ProductLongDescription">Features: </span></i><br />
<ul>
<li><i>100% Natural Rubber</i></li>
<li><i>Durable and tear resistant, yet flexible and comfortable</i></li>
<li><i>Quick dry 100% cotton liner</i></li>
<li><i>PVC-free</i></li>
<li><i>Phthalate-free</i></li>
<li><i>Lead-free</i></li>
<li><i>Formaldehyde-free</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<i><span class="ProductLongDescription">Sizing:</span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcUaqhfI6SSffO1fKpEciM6mGyGjihR8I46xYVmWONEQbKMYwlrj405oOfC4WedQaydkpawa71gEo7b5rjTYLpbjOHZOC4Ns9oB1OjHOYMRrhulc-iDda2BawOarD1o4-tDYaj7XPbAk/s1600/rain_bootz_sizing_table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcUaqhfI6SSffO1fKpEciM6mGyGjihR8I46xYVmWONEQbKMYwlrj405oOfC4WedQaydkpawa71gEo7b5rjTYLpbjOHZOC4Ns9oB1OjHOYMRrhulc-iDda2BawOarD1o4-tDYaj7XPbAk/s640/rain_bootz_sizing_table.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<i><span class="ProductLongDescription"> </span> </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Product Info - Rain Bootz Linerz:</b><br />
<br />
<i>These versatile, ivory Rain Boot Linerz will coordinate with any boy or girl rain boots adding a cozy look on those cold, damp days. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EkF5Kc6pVYbAow9WxPXndbfScGXAsgLelEEKb6GPTsfCWMbmF2bahQRnJTX80lLNaCTCG4ELEXiGSqjlNSSZj26eKEfCN-kUSxfnd9ltqFkwHSZW1xQ6mD4LxReqWQ2pp72sTSCMrC4/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-liner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EkF5Kc6pVYbAow9WxPXndbfScGXAsgLelEEKb6GPTsfCWMbmF2bahQRnJTX80lLNaCTCG4ELEXiGSqjlNSSZj26eKEfCN-kUSxfnd9ltqFkwHSZW1xQ6mD4LxReqWQ2pp72sTSCMrC4/s320/stonz-rain-bootz-liner.png" width="281" /></a></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><i><span class="ProductLongDescription">Features: </span></i></i><br />
<ul>
<li><i><i><span class="ProductLongDescription">Made of soft, fine-fibre Velour-fleece – almost silky to the touch! </span></i></i></li>
<li><i><i><span class="ProductLongDescription">Adds a layer of warmth and comfort </span></i></i></li>
<li><i><i><span class="ProductLongDescription">Fits in almost all tall and short rain boots </span></i></i></li>
<li><i><i><span class="ProductLongDescription">Open seams along soles eliminate ridges and maximize comfort </span></i></i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Product Video:</b> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/72783792" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<b>My Review - Rain Bootz and Rain Bootz Linerz:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
For review purposes, I received a pair of <a href="http://www.stonzwear.com/Rain_Bootz-Grey/Black/Product.aspx?ProductID=160&DeptID=94&&" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grey/Black Rain Bootz</a> and <a href="http://www.stonzwear.com/Linerz-Fleece_Boot_liners/Rain_Boot_Linerz/Product.aspx?ProductID=126&DeptID=27&&" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rain Bootz Linerz</a>, both in size 8, to test on my daughter S (now almost 3 years old).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDoJFvMjbeMuuGwAHWwkoHA_qC5remSxVjt4Dm1YjWIeVp3YyZNDx21AnQQMqLDVIshAHzwXh859ExSI6VsqQ7Olez15ame-cO7pfSGYpxicPJXGttZ9gXQmbuezV_mOrxyM5tljyypw/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-review-pair.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDoJFvMjbeMuuGwAHWwkoHA_qC5remSxVjt4Dm1YjWIeVp3YyZNDx21AnQQMqLDVIshAHzwXh859ExSI6VsqQ7Olez15ame-cO7pfSGYpxicPJXGttZ9gXQmbuezV_mOrxyM5tljyypw/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-review-pair.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9Qy61JeQSlohvVH7t4B8QMULFJwZcofK_QVHMrsmX8y90-ce58q80LgwcV47QQVeaQMT-TA6JbgHeBEa3wdG4rT6dCv5UOXdB22McXOuIf6HmgExi9yULh51VgWgHjd0jiPtMSc0hmM/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-linerz-review-pair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9Qy61JeQSlohvVH7t4B8QMULFJwZcofK_QVHMrsmX8y90-ce58q80LgwcV47QQVeaQMT-TA6JbgHeBEa3wdG4rT6dCv5UOXdB22McXOuIf6HmgExi9yULh51VgWgHjd0jiPtMSc0hmM/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-linerz-review-pair.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the first things I noticed about the Bootz is how flexible the natural rubber material is. It can easily be twisted and bunched up like this and will bounce right back into shape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilX4ex_yRhM444z33NLtClnYS6Q-z2ciwiQiPlKdPKfIK0FRMwJ-7CzCsUnxLURMxC6sJ3X9YUHnPyWN0GEwwA9qL0eDr-BR02VxC_Ebxa47Q5sCWvgNl35vcDpQ700Y_V7HqOFbdMbSM/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-flexible.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilX4ex_yRhM444z33NLtClnYS6Q-z2ciwiQiPlKdPKfIK0FRMwJ-7CzCsUnxLURMxC6sJ3X9YUHnPyWN0GEwwA9qL0eDr-BR02VxC_Ebxa47Q5sCWvgNl35vcDpQ700Y_V7HqOFbdMbSM/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-flexible.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Synthetic rain boots, by contrast, are stiffer and prone to getting misshapen when they are manipulated in this sort of way.<br />
<br />
The cotton liner feels pleasantly soft to the touch. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFW7QlBj42P5C4xQw7FwEEDTNcT-F6dex5fkHUADkpzpSFnWmAoHbJvOHyZhhp9LUclMZu2KIlLwaEm3PaEQvirId7Vcv5Q7kGjdUsnxONhII-NXkk0rmC2MossMGzvMmDsj6VK_dJitY/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-inner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFW7QlBj42P5C4xQw7FwEEDTNcT-F6dex5fkHUADkpzpSFnWmAoHbJvOHyZhhp9LUclMZu2KIlLwaEm3PaEQvirId7Vcv5Q7kGjdUsnxONhII-NXkk0rmC2MossMGzvMmDsj6VK_dJitY/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-inner.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The soles are very grippy - a necessity for little feet splashing around on a wet day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmX8FM54iQ7IxL59ROv0_5e-fb1vU2BJ8chlnZu-iY82GEVflbFN1OsduHNxLZDCmuq5NZk8Utbx49LYkn1E2fBpBJS7D2CyjpmpuyCuRlzFODbZuLqZKx5XunwwvOTT70vbO6vlExFtE/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-sole.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmX8FM54iQ7IxL59ROv0_5e-fb1vU2BJ8chlnZu-iY82GEVflbFN1OsduHNxLZDCmuq5NZk8Utbx49LYkn1E2fBpBJS7D2CyjpmpuyCuRlzFODbZuLqZKx5XunwwvOTT70vbO6vlExFtE/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-sole.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, the Bootz do have a "rubbery" smell, but it's not offensive. Think Sophie the Giraffe as opposed to off-gassing dollar store shower curtain liner. All in all, it's comforting to know they're free from all those narsty chemical! <br />
<br />
The Linerz are soft & snuggly - just like the <a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2012/01/stonz-booties-linerz-review-and.html" target="_blank">Booties</a> variant but longer. The outer fleece is smooth and the inner is thick and plush. I tried to get my daughter to try them on as slippers, but surprisingly, she wouldn't oblige! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5F4SHED6cFnLgJrTPUZYb945DaiF6ylPJuSJPm9eyhNJy2t_Pzwj-ShZT_aq99J5FY96usedo5LriG30r7W4ziwFaxiqeaiyUL94zuRKv0wAErsj8x9VZx0AT1XfnsgPFLJK9JJyW-0/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-liner-side-view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5F4SHED6cFnLgJrTPUZYb945DaiF6ylPJuSJPm9eyhNJy2t_Pzwj-ShZT_aq99J5FY96usedo5LriG30r7W4ziwFaxiqeaiyUL94zuRKv0wAErsj8x9VZx0AT1XfnsgPFLJK9JJyW-0/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-liner-side-view.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJQih6juQaLIwv8cvMtjUN78avUOgXxHGTMPPaiNEuL8iL-s-3SCvWpgfbH36l9jlVnAoKPn8QdlOSxlpry202cqJbjn9HUCAODhi9u7qutk-qQcA4UW4r0IynYvWKZ8hHzttvCl8SBE/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-liner-up-close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJQih6juQaLIwv8cvMtjUN78avUOgXxHGTMPPaiNEuL8iL-s-3SCvWpgfbH36l9jlVnAoKPn8QdlOSxlpry202cqJbjn9HUCAODhi9u7qutk-qQcA4UW4r0IynYvWKZ8hHzttvCl8SBE/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-liner-up-close.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Happily, the material passes the "pull test" - i.e. nothing comes lose when you pinch a small section and give it a good yank. <br />
<br />
Outfitting the Bootz with the Linerz is pretty easy - "wear" each liner like a glove, align it correctly and work it down inside.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEp1riRjQkWf9dJAURdhCoB-B_NxsKfR8xQLUK3t8NONgCC6XgydpvRixDtQZ6Slb4x9WFuVQhMLLCh6UmXD7ll84_d2a-AfCOMHZuYLkY7pPqolqDaCFghN_13Xeic1ew3HSRZpQLo1w/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-liner-top-view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEp1riRjQkWf9dJAURdhCoB-B_NxsKfR8xQLUK3t8NONgCC6XgydpvRixDtQZ6Slb4x9WFuVQhMLLCh6UmXD7ll84_d2a-AfCOMHZuYLkY7pPqolqDaCFghN_13Xeic1ew3HSRZpQLo1w/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-liner-top-view.JPG" width="266" /></a> </div>
<br />
The two layers together result in quite the stylish look! The Linerz are longer than the Bootz, so the extra fabric can either be folded down overtop (my personal stylistic preference)....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2rLlqHORxonMJ2Z4AW6RBYUy-NTsL0sLGIciy3AR-RkZivegIVMIKRmA2IMK0hun0YSQjtW5upDr4ESoFmtnBp9DHsC8BZPlelOcaS1BozowHSAplZK4Na0lvNNQTVf4gh-AEVRLtQI/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-linerz-in.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2rLlqHORxonMJ2Z4AW6RBYUy-NTsL0sLGIciy3AR-RkZivegIVMIKRmA2IMK0hun0YSQjtW5upDr4ESoFmtnBp9DHsC8BZPlelOcaS1BozowHSAplZK4Na0lvNNQTVf4gh-AEVRLtQI/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-linerz-in.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
...or left upright for extra warmth around the legs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahKJH7JtZwnUb5XFyjaep3QIUb4SnrsrIh7WNlnanJD6TabHDCE5K-GOP2qWAaLOKrbNCgDoGndATjDC2N5nUvHvR7MYWBuG536sI6cYPL2PmoX07xs6moyf7TdtiBTU_jHWdTJBB0vM/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-liner-rolled-up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahKJH7JtZwnUb5XFyjaep3QIUb4SnrsrIh7WNlnanJD6TabHDCE5K-GOP2qWAaLOKrbNCgDoGndATjDC2N5nUvHvR7MYWBuG536sI6cYPL2PmoX07xs6moyf7TdtiBTU_jHWdTJBB0vM/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-liner-rolled-up.JPG" width="333" /></a></div>
<br />
On to the most vital factors - comfort, fit and functionality. But first, a li'l "history lesson". :)<br />
<br />
I actually received the Rain Bootz alone this past spring but wasn't able to review them at that point due to a sizing slip-up. My daughter had just come out of size 7 winter boots so I figured 8s would be good here, but they turned out to be <i>huge</i> on her. And indeed, comparing one to her size 7 rain boot, it's substantially
larger - much more of a difference than I'd expect to see going up one
size.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMK7mPhBAu_mIPX_sv384ECScBE2gnl207DYMVCTfRFWaiXbJ_1hAvQQUGWUqizj431MeG9e1t5F3A6f9nbxGOontOuzvA9TEe7iz9YWR64XUstzEz3PH3_CUxz6ooil1UZxCkCwVBgc0/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-size-comparison.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMK7mPhBAu_mIPX_sv384ECScBE2gnl207DYMVCTfRFWaiXbJ_1hAvQQUGWUqizj431MeG9e1t5F3A6f9nbxGOontOuzvA9TEe7iz9YWR64XUstzEz3PH3_CUxz6ooil1UZxCkCwVBgc0/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-size-comparison.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now,
my contact at Stonz informs me that the Rain Bootz are produced to fit true to size (based on measurements from another company
which has produced boots for 25 years), so it could be that the
comparison rain boots actually fit small. In any case, since every brand seems to
fit a little differently, it's always a good idea to measure a
child's feet and compare against a sizing chart to ensure he/she'll be
getting the right fit.<br />
<br />
Back to our history lesson. Upon realizing S couldn't wear the boots herself this past spring, her petite (almost) 5-year-old cousin A gave 'em a whirl and they fit beautifully, so she borrowed them over the spring and summer. Meanwhile, the Linerz were being revamped, and I received my test pair of the "new and improved" version in September. A then returned the Bootz so we could test the combo together on S, which we were happy to find out was wearable (whereas the Bootz alone were still too roomy). So ultimately our sizing gaff was a Good Thing from a review perpsective, as it led to feedback from two wearers (with and without the Linerz), and gave a glimpse into longevity, which isn't possible with standard reviews.<br />
<br />
So let's start with Miss A's experience! From her mama, T:<br />
<br />
<i><span class="null">"[A] wore them a ton...she had 2 pairs but she
always choose [the Stonz] which is impressive for a fashionista 5 year
old! She wore them likely 20 times! She really liked them, comfy,
worked, never leaked. She walked well in them, which is not to be said
for all rain boots, some are really clunky and hard for little ones to
manoeuver. The Stonz ones were 'soft' enough to get on and off easily
for her, but 'hard' enough to stay on and provide a good fit." </span></i><br />
<br />
Love this shot of her striking a pose in 'em. Fashionista indeed!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtYGxZZmhbZfcuohIcrfqpIYURfmkVyWtuQCmIDHnZ0L3RJW6zkes1yIkBchpLTi8_Jf8ZYWA-HDX3IONsyqoACm-a6N8fYg7E2jm9Wf3qrVBSR7mlMvTB6BQHzV5xW0YRn1vA5k1fT8/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-a-pose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtYGxZZmhbZfcuohIcrfqpIYURfmkVyWtuQCmIDHnZ0L3RJW6zkes1yIkBchpLTi8_Jf8ZYWA-HDX3IONsyqoACm-a6N8fYg7E2jm9Wf3qrVBSR7mlMvTB6BQHzV5xW0YRn1vA5k1fT8/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-a-pose.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<br />
Now onto S. Since our weather's mainly been lovely and warm since we received the Linerz, S has only worn the combo in earnest a few times. From this testing, however, I can report the following: <br />
<ul>
<li>The fit is quite good. Although there's still roominess at her toes, the Linerz help achieve a snug fit (and thus solid support) around her legs.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRQ9fczKNeTOiPCASiywqDOXZzm3iWl8wNpK-j9iSkphdcPMUObawWlXj6jX7KAnVDbyaBe6KpC87bz-oSscRRlRualX8otfGba_vf8PVvQtSuu4AOttCWfNHN9aV3iSHVZzCyOgTXMY/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-linerz-s-sitting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRQ9fczKNeTOiPCASiywqDOXZzm3iWl8wNpK-j9iSkphdcPMUObawWlXj6jX7KAnVDbyaBe6KpC87bz-oSscRRlRualX8otfGba_vf8PVvQtSuu4AOttCWfNHN9aV3iSHVZzCyOgTXMY/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-linerz-s-sitting.jpg" width="225" /></a> </div>
<ul>
<li>She finds them comfortable to wear, or at least she reports them to be. Like her cousin, she's shown a distinct preference for them over her other rain boots. </li>
<li>She moves well in them - jumping, hopping and even running with relative ease. </li>
<li>They certainly <i>look</i> snazzy. Don'tcha think?</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKakLER-lloasP9LJ7GRCb1IC9Wp2jZUtnMTBkerz7q5G7jQJknbNwGAAHlnHWEQVCdO6w6sYb8LCFql4cePNfeRPeMWx6fNQlOvBXaM80CabMlebh7e7-v_gMhojCSNs1q-Jq9Z7F320/s1600/stonz-rain-bootz-s-pose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKakLER-lloasP9LJ7GRCb1IC9Wp2jZUtnMTBkerz7q5G7jQJknbNwGAAHlnHWEQVCdO6w6sYb8LCFql4cePNfeRPeMWx6fNQlOvBXaM80CabMlebh7e7-v_gMhojCSNs1q-Jq9Z7F320/s400/stonz-rain-bootz-s-pose.JPG" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>One issue - since the Linerz aren't actually attached to the Bootz, they can come out of place when putting them on or taking them off. You need to grip the liner and boot together and manoeuver inside with some finesse. As such, my daughter (who's now adept with most shoes and boots) still needs some help with these.</li>
</ul>
<br />
One thing we haven't been able to test yet (due to the aforementioned mild weather we've been having) is the combo's warmth. I asked my contact if they have a temperature rating and he said no, not officially, though he has received anecdotal feedback from customers in colder regions of the country that they seem to keep toes really warm. <br />
<br />
Alright, final set of topics - care, maintenance and lifespan. <br />
<br />
The Bootz are simple to clean - in most cases, you just need to wipe down the outer and/or sole. We haven't needed to clean the cotton inner on our pair yet so I can't comment on this, however it appears they'd be easy to surface wash, and, if the liner managed to get really dirty, I don't see why you couldn't soak the whole boot with a mild detergent. (Now I want to try this and report back, but my hubby's already chastizing me for taking too long with this review. ;)<br />
<br />
As for the Linerz, they launder perfectly on cold wash / low heat dry, so no issues here.<br />
<br />
Finally, all signs point to Awesomeness in the longevity department. Following several months of regular use, the Bootz have suffered merely a few superficial scuff marks and some (completely expected) wear on the soles. The seams all remain intact and the overall intergrity of the rubber hasn't been compromised. By contrast, the exterior of my daughter's other rain boots has become wrinkled and scaly looking over a similar number of wearings. Here's a comparison pic to illustrate. (Note that I made sure to capture the most prominently scuffed area on the Stonz.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGY_5iAZGCDasRMtpa77KUJqWNPuGBxoNLqpORiNOWSq_apGvSVcKG_4fAKdQY6tz9IVUQIYOwsffQO_o7VCZVqfT22SLGYi4hCvqHD6KsM8G0GkeAvxZGSeUI22Pzd5o2L1V6BhR2JTM/s1600/rain-boot-longevity-comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGY_5iAZGCDasRMtpa77KUJqWNPuGBxoNLqpORiNOWSq_apGvSVcKG_4fAKdQY6tz9IVUQIYOwsffQO_o7VCZVqfT22SLGYi4hCvqHD6KsM8G0GkeAvxZGSeUI22Pzd5o2L1V6BhR2JTM/s400/rain-boot-longevity-comparison.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Since the Linerz are made of the same material as the Booties variant, I can tell you that they have a solid lifespan too. The only thing I noticed is that they lost a little plushness over time (and after many washings).<br />
<br />
As for constructive feedback, if there was a way to attach (perhaps via applix) the Linerz to the Bootz so they stay in place better for kiddos, that would be helpful. Expanding the available colour selection would certainly be appreciated by many folks as well.<br />
<br />
Overall, Stonz has hit yet another home run with its Rain Bootz and Linerz combo. Now the big question - which product(s) to try next? :D<br />
<br />
<b>*****************************************************</b><br />
<br />
<b>THE BOTTOM LINE - Stonz Rain Bootz and Linerz</b><br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b><br />
+ Leak-proof <br />
+ Comfortable to wear <br />
+ 100% natural rubber / free from dangerous chemicals <br />
+ Easy to clean<br />
+ Grippy soles <br />
+ Durable and long-lasting<br />
+ Linerz are soft and plush<br />
+ Combo (in particular) looks great together! <br />
<br />
<b>Cons:</b><br />
- Currently only 4 shades available<br />
- Can be challenging to keep Linerz in place - especially for young kids<br />
<br />
<b>*****************************************************</b></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Buy It:</b><br />
<br />
Rain Bootz and Rain Bootz Linerz can be purchased <a href="http://www.stonzwear.com/STORE/Shop-All/Toddler/Rain_Bootz/Department.aspx?DeptID=94&&" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the Stonz website</a> (shipping is free within Canada and Continental USA on orders
over $69.99) and from <a href="http://www.stonzwear.com/storelocator.aspx?RD=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">select retailers</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Win It:</b><br />
<br />
Stonz has offered to give away a <b>$20 store credit</b> to one lucky Manager to Mom reader! <b>Open to CAN/US</b>. <br />
<br />
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Please
follow all instructions within each entry option to ensure your entries
are valid. <b> </b><br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3de76889/" id="rc-3de76889" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
<small><b>Disclosure: </b></small><small>The prize is being provided and shipped to the winner by Stonz. </small><small>I
received no financial compensation for writing my review or offering
this giveaway, although I did receive the sample items free of charge. </small><small>This is my completely honest opinion above and may be different from yours. </small>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-77006066539513322492013-10-08T22:31:00.003-04:002013-10-08T22:31:48.379-04:00Wordless Wednesday: One Jump Ahead <div style="text-align: left;">
Our 34-month-old is currently obsessed with the Aladdin soundtrack (and, well, all things Aladdin)! Here she gets her groove on and discusses Jafar's evilness with her friend K!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XRjM0XERnT8" width="480"></iframe></div>
Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-76891158370575941672013-10-04T16:01:00.000-04:002013-10-19T23:53:18.809-04:00Dolphin Organics: Review & Giveaway! {Closed}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf6vJGkIf9oXW2ZvwNHkv3D7kwfTJUQfrv-LRzrSvx5z8g4_RwYrugyYI8U3TeoRqSpNlsc1vd7wZqfTOcnjHCwPPoyXGBVo1GmE4L7YzRwDp1cdP4E0kXceMrmJZf3nq2ehkph5ot6o/s1600/dolphin-organics-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf6vJGkIf9oXW2ZvwNHkv3D7kwfTJUQfrv-LRzrSvx5z8g4_RwYrugyYI8U3TeoRqSpNlsc1vd7wZqfTOcnjHCwPPoyXGBVo1GmE4L7YzRwDp1cdP4E0kXceMrmJZf3nq2ehkph5ot6o/s200/dolphin-organics-logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
As a green and health-conscious mama, I'm always excited to discover new eco-friendly and toxin-free products for babies and children - especially when they're created by a company that is as committed and passionate as the one I'll be telling you about today!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dolphinorganics.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dolphin Organics</a> is a family owned and operated business based in NY state which offers two lines of personal care products for little (and not-so-little!) ones. First launched at the Natural Products Association Marketplace in 2011, the company was subsequently chosen as one of <a href="http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Mom--amp--Dad-Go--Green--With-Bath-Products/133817898" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NBC New York's feature stories</a> for NBC Universal Green Week and then named the <a href="http://newhope360.com/beauty/delicious-living-s-2012-beauty-body-award-winners" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2012 Best Kids Skin & Hair Care</a> line by Delicious Living Magazine.<br />
<br />
So why is the company making such a splash? (Pun intended. ;) Well first of all, every Dolphin Organics product can boast the standard "green & natural" claims - i.e., 100% plant-derived, free of harsh chemicals (parabens, phthalates,
artificial dyes and fragrances, etc.), certified cruelty-free and vegan. Second, all products are made in the United States. Most notably, three main things set Dolphin Organics apart from their naturally-minded competition:<br />
<ul>
<li>All of their products use <b>organic aloe</b> as a base. Aloe contains 75 nutrients,
hundreds of active compounds, 20 essential minerals, 18 amino acids and
12 vitamins, all which serve to nourish and protect even the most delicate skin. </li>
<li>The company believes in <b>complete transparency and simplicity in labelling</b>, so it's plain to see which ingredients are organic, which are natural and, for some products, where the ingredient comes from and why it's used. I believe Dolphin Organics is setting an awesome standard here that other companies should strive to follow!</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99SshbXHjWleVP4NFFakZyzLvtEBG-b5Ax341M9tSwd29tZhk0WT2m4WZTlf_I0foQAyk9-C592jpGE8tq9JRkHegZVnBxSldJDvmjl_uQqaqzHtE4XiFpFV7IQiSPmBNibU5qq-ODoo/s1600/do-product-label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99SshbXHjWleVP4NFFakZyzLvtEBG-b5Ax341M9tSwd29tZhk0WT2m4WZTlf_I0foQAyk9-C592jpGE8tq9JRkHegZVnBxSldJDvmjl_uQqaqzHtE4XiFpFV7IQiSPmBNibU5qq-ODoo/s320/do-product-label.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li> In addition to thousands of hours of industry research, the company incorporated <b>in-depth consumer feedback from real moms</b> across the country, which has led to their continually expanding <a href="http://dolphinorganics.com/dolphin-moms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dolphin Moms™</a> program. </li>
</ul>
<br />
The company's two product lines break down as follows:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Dolphin Organics</b> (their original line) is designed for babies and toddlers. Formulated to be gentle enough for newborns, it includes shampoo & body wash, conditioner, lotion and bubble bath. All products are certified natural, and have a pH very close to a baby's tears and skin so they are naturally tear-free. The line is also certified to NSF/ANSI
305 by QAI which means all products have to be at least 70% organic
(the owner told me theirs are actually closer to 86% organic!) and all other ingredients
must be agriculturally-derived and non-GMO. Additionally, all products score either a 0 or 1 on the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">EWG's Skin Deep cosmetics database</a>.</li>
<li><b>DO Naturals</b> is intended for older children and adults. It was developed with the recognition that as children grow, their personal care needs change and baby products are no longer as effective. In addition to hair and body care, the line also includes two mineral-based SPF32 and SPF50 sunscreens. DO Naturals products are not <i>certified</i> organic, but many of the ingredients are and all are approved by
the NPA. </li>
</ul>
<br />
All in all, I'm totally digging what Dolphin Organics (as a company) is all about. So let's get to the products themselves.<br />
<br />
For review purposes, I was sent a <a href="http://dolphinorganics.com/dolphin-organics/dolphin-organics/shampoo-body-wash/citrus-shampoo-and-body-wash.html" target="_blank">Dolphin Organics Shampoo & Body Wash (8oz, Simply Citrus scent</a>) and a <a href="http://dolphinorganics.com/dolphin-organics/do-naturals/sunscreen/do-naturals-sunscreen-spf32.html" target="_blank">DO Naturals Sunscreen SPF32 (3 oz)</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7YVGD98FcB71MmKKUN-7bnC3hNEkSM8IdykW-r0MdMu3kF3MEMTQRuwlaKFEriaqYR5ppSS_smR_BoxrXsU-mSIYMkpnpmVioor-Lww4_zBJ7DOOBZmu6LRJUBTAu5ey_9fS7zHq34M/s1600/dolphin-organics-review-kit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7YVGD98FcB71MmKKUN-7bnC3hNEkSM8IdykW-r0MdMu3kF3MEMTQRuwlaKFEriaqYR5ppSS_smR_BoxrXsU-mSIYMkpnpmVioor-Lww4_zBJ7DOOBZmu6LRJUBTAu5ey_9fS7zHq34M/s400/dolphin-organics-review-kit.JPG" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Product Info - Shampoo & Body Wash</b>:<br />
<br />
<i>Our tear free Simply Citrus™ Shampoo & Body Wash is made from only 100% natural and certified organic ingredients and uses organic aloe leaf juice to gently cleanse hair and skin without stripping natural oils.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhCP5QWI0PZkVo6N-G5-EMP-rsZBTUOZiLW9AF1s1JOtIIUwc9VnJHYvFichr14bIpysBVrNw3gKv90nfxBobQZrVrezFIK-fuJH6E7FI4vzmQprOeC0R2FMiPBzjK7XK0catU8SYyGc/s1600/do-shampoo-body-wash.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhCP5QWI0PZkVo6N-G5-EMP-rsZBTUOZiLW9AF1s1JOtIIUwc9VnJHYvFichr14bIpysBVrNw3gKv90nfxBobQZrVrezFIK-fuJH6E7FI4vzmQprOeC0R2FMiPBzjK7XK0catU8SYyGc/s1600/do-shampoo-body-wash.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYqETbtIuj_iYWVwgz9TpdWGjfjIG2Z81sgFofwQ8A3rTut3ymmk-Sjqt916t5RIOKP4orQk7axmJFG10weKa4s9xl6v_yVCBW8MfOEYHXR_2cyGY8FJL3kKVVW41dKJmM7Q_FxUFdAU/s1600/dolphin-organics-shampoo-body-wash-ingredients.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYqETbtIuj_iYWVwgz9TpdWGjfjIG2Z81sgFofwQ8A3rTut3ymmk-Sjqt916t5RIOKP4orQk7axmJFG10weKa4s9xl6v_yVCBW8MfOEYHXR_2cyGY8FJL3kKVVW41dKJmM7Q_FxUFdAU/s320/dolphin-organics-shampoo-body-wash-ingredients.png" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>My Review - Shampoo & Body Wash:</b><br />
<br />
In addition to being all-natural and non-toxic, I feel a great baby shampoo & body wash should have a pleasant scent, lather well, last awhile (i.e. a little should go a long way!) and leave my children's hair manageable and soft, and their skin smooth and healthy. I'm happy to report that the Dolphin Organics Simply Citrus S&BW performs well in all these areas!<br />
<br />
The scent is definitely citrus-y, but in a subtle, natural and invigorating way - i.e. it doesn't assault your olfactory system like most artificially-scented products! My daughter is a fan of it too. When I ask her to pick which wash she wants before bath time (out of the three we have on the go right now), she chooses the Dolphin Organics most often!<br />
<br />
Suds-wise, the product creates an appreciable amount both for washing hair and when squirted under the faucet to create a bubble bath, which is the method we use for getting our kiddos clean.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2riG-GPv98W9SqQvu7_BG91LJK4dxSi_gDKJR8em8DblPGQxe_FFfpOtonOwifSXuQzwVBxDu9NSLrC1eI_pCYas5SrGqN-2KLwXay8ZLWSSKFeYziLnag9g_966A1Naxe_4brRdsIs/s1600/s-hair-wash-collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2riG-GPv98W9SqQvu7_BG91LJK4dxSi_gDKJR8em8DblPGQxe_FFfpOtonOwifSXuQzwVBxDu9NSLrC1eI_pCYas5SrGqN-2KLwXay8ZLWSSKFeYziLnag9g_966A1Naxe_4brRdsIs/s400/s-hair-wash-collage.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjzOkWt_1IVSarvcC9FFnHNT_EWLq4vwnxKM31g9X7cLIKVYupHEwDgF7yPrhQ_VhanGFwvRCE7_uKHuYrjvwa037bzYJmIx_bmDJFe23_u6ErfmimRT0kHZ3pmk6amFUxE_2-jmfVD4/s1600/dolphin-organics-body-wash-bubble-bath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjzOkWt_1IVSarvcC9FFnHNT_EWLq4vwnxKM31g9X7cLIKVYupHEwDgF7yPrhQ_VhanGFwvRCE7_uKHuYrjvwa037bzYJmIx_bmDJFe23_u6ErfmimRT0kHZ3pmk6amFUxE_2-jmfVD4/s400/dolphin-organics-body-wash-bubble-bath.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A little certainly goes a long way with this product! I only need about a 1/4 tsp to wash my daughter's hair (less for my son), and around 1 tsp for the bubble bath. Doing the math, this adds up to between 30 and 40 baths per 8 oz bottle with both littles in the tub. That's some pretty good mileage!<br />
<br />
When it comes to detangling hair post-bath, this shampoo is comparable to most others we've tried. Our daughter's hair does get fairly matted, but this is nothing her trusty Little Mermaid paddle brush can't handle!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTFApFeypv_1qCSs3rZG_3yGHX5w5Tv-E16plY1kkMD1GvIwXG6asKqSC2MsTXhjgWGsGABFyie19lkdE4BBBM0mILGjCy26P7Bd9rYN83a7gfe7CpVwvFGifIXxZMcNPzPCYKzkM8Ew/s1600/dolphin-organics-detangled-hair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTFApFeypv_1qCSs3rZG_3yGHX5w5Tv-E16plY1kkMD1GvIwXG6asKqSC2MsTXhjgWGsGABFyie19lkdE4BBBM0mILGjCy26P7Bd9rYN83a7gfe7CpVwvFGifIXxZMcNPzPCYKzkM8Ew/s400/dolphin-organics-detangled-hair.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Once dry, her hair is left super soft, silky and bouncy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSp3UJVwlZyBfmwpuKm6XM2MO7tA2Tdb4tJRcKB2PeRs7rzK6Vi2mBuiM8LO28zS5_V__Vv4ylx2gBn9Lnme3qWFT7PAmSukidDuEwwMsFQveqE1ZSeKNLmNgYnv-L2EwtSTVVBYbWhE/s1600/dolphin-organics-soft-silky-hair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSp3UJVwlZyBfmwpuKm6XM2MO7tA2Tdb4tJRcKB2PeRs7rzK6Vi2mBuiM8LO28zS5_V__Vv4ylx2gBn9Lnme3qWFT7PAmSukidDuEwwMsFQveqE1ZSeKNLmNgYnv-L2EwtSTVVBYbWhE/s400/dolphin-organics-soft-silky-hair.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now our daughter's hair is very fine so it's pretty manageable with a shampoo alone. The Dolphin Organics line does include a conditioner, however, which would surely be helpful for children with coarser and/or thicker hair in particular.<br />
<br />
Finally, all signs point to the product being gentle on our children's skin. Both come out of the bath feeling smooth and silky, and neither have had any recent rashes, dry skin or any other related issues. So, at the very least I can vouch for the fact that it hasn't <i>caused</i> any issues for our kiddos!<br />
<br />
As for criticisms, I can only come up with one and it has to do with the dispensing of the product rather than the product itself. This shampoo is much thinner than average so it runs inside the bottle rather than "gloops" (if you know what I mean). Now, the dispensing mechanism is the "pop the cap, turn upside down and squirt" variety, which works fine for thick shampoos as squeezing is required to get the product out. In this case, however, the shampoo starts running out as soon as the bottle is upside down, so it's prone to dripping down the side and over-dispensing. As such, I think a pump mechanism would work better for this particular product. <br />
<br />
Overall, I'd whole-heartedly recommend the Dolphin Organics Simply Citrus Shampoo & Body Wash to other parents on the hunt for an all-natural, pleasant-smelling <i>and</i> effective shampoo and body wash for their littles.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Product Info - DO Naturals Sunscreen SPF32</b>:<br />
<br />
<i>Our SPF32 mineral sunscreen offers broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection
without harsh chemicals or nano particles. With active ingredients
Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Protect your family from sun damage
with our all natural mineral sunscreen. Like our original Dolphin
Organics™ line, our sunscreen is based in certified organic aloe, not
water so a little goes a LONG way! </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuczh_U3MTF0Fev5MC0FuEkAbB3SnFh1Dnq8enP-2fx8U0oR1IRky8yv8EtHDZTwGyOW5TkMp7Sw1mUkvDW-8qCCwDkQgdwLUHLN8OWGnoiecsq-7tzFsSI-04FQYJ8spY-9BiuCdHjo/s1600/do-naturals-sunscreen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuczh_U3MTF0Fev5MC0FuEkAbB3SnFh1Dnq8enP-2fx8U0oR1IRky8yv8EtHDZTwGyOW5TkMp7Sw1mUkvDW-8qCCwDkQgdwLUHLN8OWGnoiecsq-7tzFsSI-04FQYJ8spY-9BiuCdHjo/s320/do-naturals-sunscreen.png" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ524Hz_ienSg_o9eyC5ufNU-zuiAEQCJ2hLcdEvmZKtr_H5HY_PHb69eMY9Gl1LXt36N8OTWbsZsnCxfWczaoyJwAST3ivZNAkNXX4-cTTVKUgOh3QGH9ONO6tb6q6fbvkAYiJVxNqTA/s1600/do-naturals-sunscreen-ingredients.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ524Hz_ienSg_o9eyC5ufNU-zuiAEQCJ2hLcdEvmZKtr_H5HY_PHb69eMY9Gl1LXt36N8OTWbsZsnCxfWczaoyJwAST3ivZNAkNXX4-cTTVKUgOh3QGH9ONO6tb6q6fbvkAYiJVxNqTA/s400/do-naturals-sunscreen-ingredients.png" width="276" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>My Review - </b><b>DO Naturals Sunscreen SPF32</b>:<br />
<br />
A few years ago, upon discovering that many of the ingredients in "standard" sunscreens are endocrine disruptors and may be unsafe in other ways, my family switched to using mineral sunscreen (i.e. titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide based) and we haven't looked back. Our experience with several different brands demonstrated that they get the job done as well as chemical-based sunscreens, but, on the down side, it takes longer to apply them (since they create a barrier on top of skin rather than getting absorbed, you need to really work 'em in to avoid looking like a ghost) and they leave a bit of an unpleasant coating on the skin. I was certainly curious to see if the DO Naturals Sunscreen would follow suit, or if I'd have a different experience with this one.<br />
<br />
First things first - this sunscreen is fragrance free, so it has virtually no scent - just an extremely subtle clay-like aroma. Some people may like this, others may not. I personally don't need my sunscreen to smell like a pina colada, so I'm cool with it.<br />
<br />
Next, the consistency. This sunscreen is much more lotion-like than others we've tried, which tend to be thicker and chalkier feeling. So this was a pleasant discovery.<br />
<br />
So the big question - how nicely does it apply? Well, about the same as the others I've tried. With its lotion-like consistency, it feels a little nicer on the skin, but you still need to put in considerable time & effort to rid yourself of that oh-so-attractive undead look. Once properly applied, however, the DO Naturals wins out in terms of "skin feel" - notably smoother with less of a caked on sensation than most of the other brands.<br />
<br />
It also rocks mileage-wise - like the shampoo & body wash, but even more so. For example, I can cover a full arm with a dollop the size of my pinky fingertip. OK yes, I'm ridiculously skinny at this point in my life, but that's still impressive, no?? :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgro0WPP1JiKVm9g07aQoPmnRup392G865hgzaQ1v_1XYFasyn-8b7d13LxT98Nmw1DCH9VcuoHDoLVLh03y33Kthxbt8fE-sRb2Ue2XcSkXUXgTJStBiZG0NURKg4UfSwF9_phDL_2m88/s1600/do-naturals-sunscreen-small-amount.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgro0WPP1JiKVm9g07aQoPmnRup392G865hgzaQ1v_1XYFasyn-8b7d13LxT98Nmw1DCH9VcuoHDoLVLh03y33Kthxbt8fE-sRb2Ue2XcSkXUXgTJStBiZG0NURKg4UfSwF9_phDL_2m88/s400/do-naturals-sunscreen-small-amount.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As expected, this sunscreen appears to do its job just as well as the others we've tried. We've used it on long walks, at festivals and other lengthier outdoor activities and it's kept our skin totally burn-free. It stays on well when exposed to the elements, which is obviously a good thing at splash pads and pools! I'd say we haven't really "stress tested" it yet as we tend to stay out of the sun and/or cover up during peak hours, however we'll likely get the chance later this fall as we're considering an all-inclusive vacation somewhere warm and (hopefully) sunny. Ahhhh....!<br />
<br />
All in all, the DO Naturals Sunscreen SPF32 is a solid choice for families looking for an effective mineral-based sunscreen which is safe and gentle enough to use for parents and young children alike.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Buy It: </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dolphin Organics products can be purchased <a href="http://dolphinorganics.com/dolphin-organics.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">directly from the company website</a> or from <a href="http://dolphinorganics.com/stores" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">numerous online and "brick and mortal"</a> stores. Third party retailers are located mainly in the United States at this point but are beginning to branch out internationally with three stores in Canada (<a href="http://www.wholegrainpharmacy.com/search?q=dolphin+organics&submit=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WholeGrain Pharmacy</a>, <a href="http://www.naturallifemarket.com/retailer/store_templates/shell_id_1.asp?storeID=D2E5C4A0352A4F609EEE0B53C1A8003C" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natural Life Health Market</a> and <a href="http://www.betterbabybums.ca/SearchResults.asp?Search=dolphin+organics" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Better Baby Bums</a>) and and one in the UK (<a href="http://www.healthmonthly.co.uk/products_search.php?search_string=dolphin+organics&search=+Search" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HealthMonthly</a>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Win It:</b></div>
<br />
One lucky Manager to Mom reader will win a <b>$25 store credit</b> to spend on Dolphin Organics products! <b>Open to CAN/US. </b><br />
<br />
<b>Important Note</b> - if the winner lives in the United States, the store credit will be redeemable at the <a href="http://dolphinorganics.com/dolphin-organics.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dolphin Organics website</a>; if the winner lives in Canada, it will be redeemable at <a href="http://www.wholegrainpharmacy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WholeGrain Pharmacy</a>.<br />
<br />
A little more about WholeGrain Pharmacy, our Canadian sponsor - based in Vancouver, British Columbia, this store sells healthy and beauty products which contain absolutely no toxic ingredients commonly found in mainstream cosmetics and health products. Each product is hand-picked by a licensed pharmacist and was created using organic, ethno-botanical and fair-trade ingredients. The owner's goal for the store is to promote healthy living choices simply by offering effective, honestly organic products, expert advice, and a great service.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cQjAWA4MWkQhyg0aNNH66Hz4ToFS4_35pRfKErpugNxLNLCWvHYbnyBc2Wzuo9L0H3mqp9dvPR2PjdmE6cPNPP7R4NYiGfeqrc2FbFVxWR8apKgxVYYH7kxRs7WoGeq8GBB78Qx9Qmc/s1600/wholegrain-pharmacy-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cQjAWA4MWkQhyg0aNNH66Hz4ToFS4_35pRfKErpugNxLNLCWvHYbnyBc2Wzuo9L0H3mqp9dvPR2PjdmE6cPNPP7R4NYiGfeqrc2FbFVxWR8apKgxVYYH7kxRs7WoGeq8GBB78Qx9Qmc/s1600/wholegrain-pharmacy-logo.png" /></a></div>
<br />
To enter this giveaway, fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Please
follow all instructions within each entry option to ensure your entries
are valid.<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3de76887/" id="rc-3de76887" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<small><b>Disclosure: </b></small><small>The prize is being provided and shipped to the winner by Dolphin Organics / WholeGrain Pharmacy (as applicable). </small><small>I
received no financial compensation for writing my review or
offering this giveaway, although I did receive the sample items free
of charge directly from Dolphin Organics. </small><small>This is my completely honest opinion above and may be different from yours. </small></div>
Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-90770990528825161762013-10-01T23:37:00.000-04:002013-10-01T23:37:33.392-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Family Photoshoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2J53SqJXXrvJHJl4Vh1ZceTYU9WJLKtlwwNSwvc4ybr_1ds2_aYNEBt5FfC54ezxP_JKWZ9bBbxYJdSm0wvNSwe81SNgVqwvJblCbA5mgnZz3lZ27JPWMLwGSVv73IbcE98ZLl3fGTU/s1600/family-photoshoot-all-grass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2J53SqJXXrvJHJl4Vh1ZceTYU9WJLKtlwwNSwvc4ybr_1ds2_aYNEBt5FfC54ezxP_JKWZ9bBbxYJdSm0wvNSwe81SNgVqwvJblCbA5mgnZz3lZ27JPWMLwGSVv73IbcE98ZLl3fGTU/s400/family-photoshoot-all-grass.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85jJrBwev__rYya_OoN73DYBftbaf6QXO_ncc9gx-uh9ybCrIAyIMiVIUAZdyd_sdE9Fz9O9cvTF7fvSXe_zRY0I82FmMKh_pMuta9xW5pWoKaTTxWAY0WnL22Ck1tpK_Ukb01TXyf9g/s1600/family-photoshoot-c-cj-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85jJrBwev__rYya_OoN73DYBftbaf6QXO_ncc9gx-uh9ybCrIAyIMiVIUAZdyd_sdE9Fz9O9cvTF7fvSXe_zRY0I82FmMKh_pMuta9xW5pWoKaTTxWAY0WnL22Ck1tpK_Ukb01TXyf9g/s400/family-photoshoot-c-cj-1.JPG" width="263" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCTGWyI84oBMLW39jxnnI3MKv-Df1l5FUAxgG1G1FpS5zs_xRKN-oaCc4e5PEG5IKpqaRh8xIqxFvwTGwr-CKkf3RNZ0RhA7pKhViOq_yMdfAcLESvDzFoiXEIuIQogzBE4SNVquot1c/s1600/family-photoshoot-all-wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCTGWyI84oBMLW39jxnnI3MKv-Df1l5FUAxgG1G1FpS5zs_xRKN-oaCc4e5PEG5IKpqaRh8xIqxFvwTGwr-CKkf3RNZ0RhA7pKhViOq_yMdfAcLESvDzFoiXEIuIQogzBE4SNVquot1c/s400/family-photoshoot-all-wall.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSmimeZISmN1mjr_h0V352BLOr0Z7i3xt1GWURFsMDCchhxZo3dqnCHKUdgGe8AWS7_L11ymAtp0kNRPJlnLsDQ8y37hje-IndK0MF1hAnIjNdKVmBfDxPh0vDbtAKl0MSilyAft_kas/s1600/family-photoshoot-c-cj-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSmimeZISmN1mjr_h0V352BLOr0Z7i3xt1GWURFsMDCchhxZo3dqnCHKUdgGe8AWS7_L11ymAtp0kNRPJlnLsDQ8y37hje-IndK0MF1hAnIjNdKVmBfDxPh0vDbtAKl0MSilyAft_kas/s400/family-photoshoot-c-cj-2.JPG" width="286" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEx02BneiJ455xt63YPZxvxugE4LLJB1DwoXkAsXq9hXk4vXAg6Qd8xnAwrs8shVBpew52SSv-tz3td5w_mJbtKOqRvTtotlWjAHApNefKMubJEZ78cH1rdzVyw4GGRXxSEpp9I7rxfc/s1600/family-photoshoot-k-cj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEx02BneiJ455xt63YPZxvxugE4LLJB1DwoXkAsXq9hXk4vXAg6Qd8xnAwrs8shVBpew52SSv-tz3td5w_mJbtKOqRvTtotlWjAHApNefKMubJEZ78cH1rdzVyw4GGRXxSEpp9I7rxfc/s400/family-photoshoot-k-cj.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2m68KGG700NmXe4GBRe1Hg2BFCtZXn42bBnysAYernvGcxf7QXNuVrtL8v1BrnAHZza8EqLs25UQUGl8OdvJ1riMf6liZ_uaPgqk0VVYk_fEFyEhDfM-fPwaF-GHcLjf11xAYKaqET0/s1600/family-photoshoot-s-stick.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2m68KGG700NmXe4GBRe1Hg2BFCtZXn42bBnysAYernvGcxf7QXNuVrtL8v1BrnAHZza8EqLs25UQUGl8OdvJ1riMf6liZ_uaPgqk0VVYk_fEFyEhDfM-fPwaF-GHcLjf11xAYKaqET0/s400/family-photoshoot-s-stick.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixECrZum0G0L4Y54QrZO7KWBmXv9NU-AcKzappVzgzkQMW09yIQrEvAYt-Zw1yqn1dJHr9l9pM-mSXFi4A8PJm3ORxGGhreBQ7GKriIIsOPxlEgS8b7pqPirwVQskZ_s5_awO4X1XZ1-o/s1600/family-photoshoot-s-window.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixECrZum0G0L4Y54QrZO7KWBmXv9NU-AcKzappVzgzkQMW09yIQrEvAYt-Zw1yqn1dJHr9l9pM-mSXFi4A8PJm3ORxGGhreBQ7GKriIIsOPxlEgS8b7pqPirwVQskZ_s5_awO4X1XZ1-o/s400/family-photoshoot-s-window.JPG" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_sEb2teH14VvSZrg0Mjqhyphenhyphen3LiqMjN-g_0AoGh4Fk-DGzXq3S67raygaYoGivbfC3ZmEqb2Cj2v_kL7gul8qjQA5skBMLL3yi5LfC2n13V2_qiIkTdWeP6VAwABK08uRwRvXoR6_JbEE/s1600/family-photoshoot-cj-s-flower.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_sEb2teH14VvSZrg0Mjqhyphenhyphen3LiqMjN-g_0AoGh4Fk-DGzXq3S67raygaYoGivbfC3ZmEqb2Cj2v_kL7gul8qjQA5skBMLL3yi5LfC2n13V2_qiIkTdWeP6VAwABK08uRwRvXoR6_JbEE/s400/family-photoshoot-cj-s-flower.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-7976100741379251102013-09-29T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-29T10:52:20.405-04:00CJ at 9 Months: Let There Be Rock!Ahhh Month 9 - how I love thee! With S I found that this was the month when her little personality really began to develop, and CJ has certainly followed suit! In addition to his continued affinity for getting into s!*t (drawers, stacks of books, S' "contains small parts" toys and the like) he's been developing in lots of other awesome, adorable and occasionally hilarious ways. Love!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Official 9 Month Photo:</b><br />
<br />
<i>"C'mon, take the dern thing already - I've got cupboard doors to manipulate!" </i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTwlueXqQGSHvQTOPPWGGbxTq3wHxB16gHoOKDouio-9RsQu4E3mDYcGrfNeHqM8hZUFAkCVh7mAiXRbiKuIXxqmMAKzwanbHTSDg1VQdBT7dOqwI1vx2euuVLT5eraoTbS0Dc801iZU/s1600/cj-9-months.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTwlueXqQGSHvQTOPPWGGbxTq3wHxB16gHoOKDouio-9RsQu4E3mDYcGrfNeHqM8hZUFAkCVh7mAiXRbiKuIXxqmMAKzwanbHTSDg1VQdBT7dOqwI1vx2euuVLT5eraoTbS0Dc801iZU/s400/cj-9-months.JPG" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Physical Development: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Weight:</b> We'll assume about 16 lb, since he clocked 16 lb 4 oz at his 9 month check-up 11 days later. So he continues to follow his own curve at around the 3rd-4th percentile, and no one's worrying nor throwing negative labels at him anymore. Amen to that.<br />
<b>Height:</b> About 28" (50th percentile)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Quite a few notables this month!</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Two more teeth popped - bottom and top left central incisors. The top one seemed like it wasn't too fun and bled a bit when it came in, poor guy. :(</li>
<li>Army crawl's been "upgraded" to the real thing! Thankfully my Norwex mop system will be arriving soon to replace the swiffering action we'd been taking advantage of - woot woot!</li>
<li>He's now pulling up on stuff like a pro! We first caught him standing in his crib at around 8 1/2 months, and shortly thereafter snapped this shot. Show off!! :) </li>
</ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_nfO4KRGb4aiJrUzQ99smmYEN-OqnhTfPnQaoLxAQw_TPOoeYwD2B9vpRgud9H7WIu2RIn5SSZNJE87OEXd4kj_FL1icvG3MiWv_TRqG6UhHEKqt5Zc24MJuzokLgbIdXR-IBlBynUk/s1600/cj-9-months-standing-one-hand.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_nfO4KRGb4aiJrUzQ99smmYEN-OqnhTfPnQaoLxAQw_TPOoeYwD2B9vpRgud9H7WIu2RIn5SSZNJE87OEXd4kj_FL1icvG3MiWv_TRqG6UhHEKqt5Zc24MJuzokLgbIdXR-IBlBynUk/s400/cj-9-months-standing-one-hand.JPG" width="266" /></a> <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>His pincer grip has been coming along much better. Approximately 73.6% of food bits placed on his tray now end up where they're supposed to go. *nods*</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zN0PBFTLLuawNBsll9giHBIPOLr0VC2ZF6p1kEUbEHYVZ2fFgzsURplY8Qj4J_oj_Iflb47s0q_-BkqXQmVWkwOJCyxKaxHA__3Fg_um41G4gnzmYdSW7gRGohJ1H5h38oS0lo3FDos/s1600/cj-9-months-pincer-grip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zN0PBFTLLuawNBsll9giHBIPOLr0VC2ZF6p1kEUbEHYVZ2fFgzsURplY8Qj4J_oj_Iflb47s0q_-BkqXQmVWkwOJCyxKaxHA__3Fg_um41G4gnzmYdSW7gRGohJ1H5h38oS0lo3FDos/s400/cj-9-months-pincer-grip.JPG" width="358" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>He can basically climb stairs on his own now, however he occasionally still loses his footing and/or attempts to sit down so spotting diligence is still a necessity!</li>
<li>He's started <i>seriously</i> rocking out. I'm thinking Baby's First Metallica Concert is on deck - who's with me?!</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UuTAFH0j4Tg" width="480"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Overall, due to his recent movement, agility and strength advancements, I'm amending my earlier assumption that he'd be a later walker (i.e. one year+) and now going with 11 mths, 1 week. Any other guesses??? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<b>Cognitive, Social & Emotional Development:</b><br />
<br />
CJ's interactions with objects are becoming much more varied and meaningful. While he still enjoys mouthing and mauling stuff, he often stops to focus on an object more intently and he's loving sensory experiences like touch & feel books (that is, when he's not repeatedly opening and closing the cover), running water, flowers, etc. He's also exhibiting <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHnMDDKAnI4" target="_blank">the same infatuation that S had </a>with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCjJyiqpAuU" target="_blank">this Twinkle Twinkle Little Star YouTube vid</a>. Baby crack, I'm tellin' ya.<br />
<br />
His babbling seemed to tone down this month, presumably because he's been working hard at so many other things! Though he continues to bust out his patented battle cry (both happy and frustrated/grumpy variants) on a regular basis. <br />
<br />
Lots of emotions this month! He goes from big smiles & giggles to instant indignation when you move him away from something he wants, put him on his back for a change, etc. Although he's still (mostly) OK being with other people, he's showing a distinct preference for his parents. Especially me, I have to say! When someone unfamiliar picks him up, he'll often look over at me for a sign of approval. And he's loving the little dances and lullabies we share before naps and bedtime, which brings me to...<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sleep:</b><br />
<br />
Naps somehow got all out of whack early in the month, with CJ either refusing to go down in the first place, or waking after 15-20 minutes in a total tizzy. Mid-month, I broke down and ferber'd a bit (using a variation of the interval thing) and thankfully it didn't take long before he was back in a solid 2 nap schedule. And, indeed, the 2-3-4 approach has worked like a charm; he's napping (approximately) 10 to 11:30 and 2:30 to 4, and then going down between 8 and 8:30. I'll have to adjust things soon as I just signed him up for a library program taking place on Fridays at 10:30. The downside is I'll have to wake him at 7 which dips into my morning time, but the upside is that this should result in better afternoon nap overlap with his sister. <br />
<br />
Overnight sleep continues to be blissful. Knock on wood.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Food:</b><br />
<br />
CJ continues to eat with gusto, and we're now feeding him what we eat much more often (vs. his purees). He can handle quite chunky food, and as I mentioned earlier, his pincer grip is getting much more reliable. Each day we try to give him a combination of spoon-fed and finger-fed foods so his motor skills and sensory experiences with food continue to develop. He's had so many foods that I no longer think about whether something in particular is new; I simply confirm that a dish I'm about to feed him doesn't contain peanuts, strawberries or honey.<br />
<br />
The above said, his nursing has held steady since the previous month - still at 5-6 sessions per day. I'm going to be back at work in less than 2 months, so I'll have to figure out how to gently ween him down to 2-3 sessions. I don't <i>want</i> to before he's ready, but at the same time a) I can't be running out to feed him during my work day, and pumping daily is less than ideal as well, and b) I've lost a ridiculous amount of weight since his birth. More than I did with S, and <a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2011/05/too-much-of-good-thing-losing-more-than.html" target="_blank">that was bad</a>. :-/ Cutting out a few sessions per day'll hopefully help me put a few pounds back on!!<br />
<br />
******************************************** <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
And finally, the 9 Month Cuteness Reel! I had to post the earlier head banging vid separately 'cause it was made of too much win to be "relegated" to a compilation, but I assure you <i>these</i> moments are well worth checking out too! <b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QTwjQyfIFTA" width="480"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
More CJ updates: <a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2013/08/cj-at-8-months-lemme-ater.html" target="_blank">8 months</a><a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2013/07/cj-at-7-months-our-irish-jigger.html" target="_blank"></a><br />
View <a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2011/09/starryn-9-months-growing-concern.html" target="_blank">what big sis was up to at 9 months</a>! (Note - pretty much the same thing. Getting into everything and being utterly adorable!)</div>
Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-44942897934811743832013-09-25T06:45:00.000-04:002013-09-25T06:45:00.258-04:00Mini Apple & Pear "Pizzas": A Fun & Healthy Snack! {Recipe}Our 34-month-old is not only an impressive eater, but she also loves helping out in the kitchen! As such, I recently stayed up way too late on Pinterest <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/managertomom/healthy-kid-friendly-food-cooking/" target="_blank">gathering healthy, kid-friendly food & cooking ideas</a> to help cultivate her interest.<br />
<br />
One of the neatest-looking "recipes" I came across was for <a href="http://www.glad.com/food-storage/blog-view/apple-sandwiches/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">apple sandwiches</a> - colourful, all-natural, low-carb and definitely something a young kiddo could help make and would surely love to chow down on! A couple days later we set out to whip up a batch, but found our direction changing somewhat. First, we had both apples and pears lying around so we used one of each, and second, we found it quicker and easier to both make and eat the li'l guys when kept open-faced - i.e. "pizzas" instead of sandwiches! Finally, we got quite creative with the sauce and toppings. The result - total yumminess! My mom said they were reminiscent of healthy candy apples, and I think she hit the nail on the head with that one!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium3gm-Fg6ViV_gAx_rlk1qK8G81OyO7Fg2eZ2DhcVSlU_SKlgSx7QDCVxJk68X9pbnVR7Hh6bP1HApCwv8DZC8MFwceqyiEyNZ6ZBDi2hIa8CiYhECNH-QDAVD8-e23R1D4rRHFc2MEI/s1600/mini-apple-pear-pizzas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium3gm-Fg6ViV_gAx_rlk1qK8G81OyO7Fg2eZ2DhcVSlU_SKlgSx7QDCVxJk68X9pbnVR7Hh6bP1HApCwv8DZC8MFwceqyiEyNZ6ZBDi2hIa8CiYhECNH-QDAVD8-e23R1D4rRHFc2MEI/s400/mini-apple-pear-pizzas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Mini Apple & Pear "Pizzas"</b><br />
<br />
<b>Prep Time:</b> 10 minutes (even with a preschooler's help! ;)<br />
<b>Yield:</b> About 12 mini pizzas - a good snack size for two kiddos, or one kiddo + mom!<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>One sweet apple (e.g. Royal Gala) </li>
<li>One semi-firm pear (we like Bartlett but any should work) </li>
<li>Natural nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew, etc.) </li>
<li>Liquid honey (optional)</li>
<li>A selection of raw, unsalted nuts and seeds (we like cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, and sometimes we sprinkle on some hemp hearts and/or chia seeds for an added healthy boost!)</li>
</ul>
<b>Steps: </b><br />
<ol>
<li>Gather your ingredients. Building the pizzas is way easier (especially with a wee one) when you're not running around grabbing stuff midway through!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcnQZsvKZsxCha2N11sxyD60cbEeOKdfJ3IPctEukvHyez09l_smNc9ifwW7yE0fb58CYTbU844exaWzx2nKPDvXqinAAadMtxyZAularLcCicAkkBP4c48BHGDRslWjr8HhfboidLto/s1600/mini-apple-pear-pizzas-ingredients.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcnQZsvKZsxCha2N11sxyD60cbEeOKdfJ3IPctEukvHyez09l_smNc9ifwW7yE0fb58CYTbU844exaWzx2nKPDvXqinAAadMtxyZAularLcCicAkkBP4c48BHGDRslWjr8HhfboidLto/s400/mini-apple-pear-pizzas-ingredients.JPG" width="273" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Ready your pizza "crusts"! Cut approximately 1/4" slices off
opposing sides of the apple until you reach the core, and repeat with
the pear. Eat (or save) the outermost slices as these will be too small
and won't sit flat, and do the same with the remainder of the fruit
after you finish slicing the opposing sides (unless you don't mind a few
narrower, rectangular pizzas, in which case you can slice down the
remaining sides too!) (Note - make sure your helper is a safe distance away and/or is acutely aware of knife safety for this step!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJodprrZjs6lPVNP6lNmb__sF4vpNoeo70iSQaGYfrDq1MzTM7kDKIicbdKgfvz-pEwquyQ8WYBvb1-LZMrl86q6Lc1UxQgoa262aB7dcrgXYrG6V6l817pc_UjiQEEb40P31YaDfQy0/s1600/mini-apple-pear-pizzas-slicing-crusts.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJodprrZjs6lPVNP6lNmb__sF4vpNoeo70iSQaGYfrDq1MzTM7kDKIicbdKgfvz-pEwquyQ8WYBvb1-LZMrl86q6Lc1UxQgoa262aB7dcrgXYrG6V6l817pc_UjiQEEb40P31YaDfQy0/s400/mini-apple-pear-pizzas-slicing-crusts.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Arrange crusts on plate(s) and spread a thin layer of nut butter on each one. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFkvgc5KvkFuvBJxGb7pSR0A91-cOC5vHk6k6Zmpj5G3OIy4YSNLVSDB7Db6jdbclutWD8F2mjdUsRB5SqUiICW-OyXqotYNHhYYgs89NilpK2zxV3OxqL46L1Wk52hx8gSrfgXcuRFE/s1600/mini-apple-pear-pizzas-spreading-sauce.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFkvgc5KvkFuvBJxGb7pSR0A91-cOC5vHk6k6Zmpj5G3OIy4YSNLVSDB7Db6jdbclutWD8F2mjdUsRB5SqUiICW-OyXqotYNHhYYgs89NilpK2zxV3OxqL46L1Wk52hx8gSrfgXcuRFE/s400/mini-apple-pear-pizzas-spreading-sauce.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Drizzle a small amount of honey across all crusts. My daughter loves to help with this part!</li>
<li>Decorate your pizzas. Here's where your little sous chef can really shine! Have them
press in, sprinkle and shake on the toppings to their heart's content - or until
their hunger gets the better of them! ;)</li>
<li>Enjoy!! </li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmKnbZIBY5tcZ7AcJOjED5jRjGvRTeDO07uR7QcM0jKJNxkYK10me_N6zlGU4F9XmgtjbhjYAqwMI4ussCiQ-7ClM1Dnp899i42Np-VJEeUXdwVBtWPtWA2faztJgBcK25-q4kpZmJ3U/s1600/mini-apple-pear-pizzas-close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmKnbZIBY5tcZ7AcJOjED5jRjGvRTeDO07uR7QcM0jKJNxkYK10me_N6zlGU4F9XmgtjbhjYAqwMI4ussCiQ-7ClM1Dnp899i42Np-VJEeUXdwVBtWPtWA2faztJgBcK25-q4kpZmJ3U/s400/mini-apple-pear-pizzas-close-up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>What are your favourite creative snack ideas to make and enjoy with your little ones?</b>Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-33875128549628915912013-09-24T20:07:00.000-04:002013-09-24T23:24:59.091-04:00(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: First Dental Visit!Our 34-month-old had her first dental visit last week. She was a superstar, exercising considerable patience and cooperation while the hygienist counted and polished her 20 teeth. She also had a ball spitting into "Mr. Thirsty" (the saliva ejector) and filling/refilling her rinse cup with water. The best part? Certified cavity-free! Well that was the best part for Mom, at least. S would probably argue it was actually the plastic suction cup lizard thingy she selected from the toy chest on our way out!<br />
<br />
Here are a few highlights from our visit. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLO4sC6zIwFeWpURhK2oslCFNT83WMSPoA1aKcexJ4wbYgHcEeu-Gyl64ASoOT1MzUD0OQL2GojPiW7y4aARW4r8ZPTfnakzPzSn4dJNQ6owGUN0wwRCZsJR5D6uk0fLe4DFxB8zwvvo/s1600/IMG_2472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLO4sC6zIwFeWpURhK2oslCFNT83WMSPoA1aKcexJ4wbYgHcEeu-Gyl64ASoOT1MzUD0OQL2GojPiW7y4aARW4r8ZPTfnakzPzSn4dJNQ6owGUN0wwRCZsJR5D6uk0fLe4DFxB8zwvvo/s400/IMG_2472.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Waiting to get called in</b> </i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOR5WigKOELfKooXboFZ4UeCBkxhqw7QhEj4Wj3Eqb-sNV9zYMr83gpxUNR-T80FV2kAaEzGjt73sD9hnjnPTQSGhD5kYC-2xowHsF2xPXk29omEnWmyItMAMtyUX_qbDgXUBtoZv0kQ/s1600/IMG_2473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOR5WigKOELfKooXboFZ4UeCBkxhqw7QhEj4Wj3Eqb-sNV9zYMr83gpxUNR-T80FV2kAaEzGjt73sD9hnjnPTQSGhD5kYC-2xowHsF2xPXk29omEnWmyItMAMtyUX_qbDgXUBtoZv0kQ/s400/IMG_2473.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Whoa - cool chair!</b> </i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeMVHYCZj9EFpiSNlpAuj3e_AKXUKupLLINopEqcF8BuA0MxNUqD9BYizFwd4AYEK-UyYC-teAo4WZYhCI9rRc6bu_HBqmrUEHYVyha8K_1udvl-zmKSi6teYnYIt7atoPnEs81Y-zm0/s1600/IMG_2475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeMVHYCZj9EFpiSNlpAuj3e_AKXUKupLLINopEqcF8BuA0MxNUqD9BYizFwd4AYEK-UyYC-teAo4WZYhCI9rRc6bu_HBqmrUEHYVyha8K_1udvl-zmKSi6teYnYIt7atoPnEs81Y-zm0/s400/IMG_2475.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Playing around with "Mr. Thirsty"</b> </i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjicch_uGP5hbP_0z2u0jouRia7k4X0dWV-nEBxhIIJDCVibrzim90rXr7IrO8vAyM3Ex29W56cUbX4Lx0uEpr2ZG67dhVgLtZ0mtK81XbXj0tHFo7d4-DT3nTqeTx-F5IazYfKBWcHk/s1600/IMG_2478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjicch_uGP5hbP_0z2u0jouRia7k4X0dWV-nEBxhIIJDCVibrzim90rXr7IrO8vAyM3Ex29W56cUbX4Lx0uEpr2ZG67dhVgLtZ0mtK81XbXj0tHFo7d4-DT3nTqeTx-F5IazYfKBWcHk/s400/IMG_2478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Scrub-a-roo on those pearly whites!</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>At what age did you take your child(ren) to the dentist for the first time? How did it go?</b></div>
Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-59299113357561388002013-09-23T07:23:00.000-04:002013-09-29T01:57:53.782-04:00Canada's Wonderland: A Fun-tastic Experience for Young Children!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz5WC4VxGbv4zlc2sUAexOGPg02SrZzQvDu94aS0k4pV6VkN28B_IeMFJ6ppL8jBqmLEnL0WBDvGLOhsSlhdoJhCZwkGzAiqxrvuAIjnrk606IeS6Lc8HuhLV3lWXZ7OV89HfPRDvdQw/s1600/canadas-wonderland-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz5WC4VxGbv4zlc2sUAexOGPg02SrZzQvDu94aS0k4pV6VkN28B_IeMFJ6ppL8jBqmLEnL0WBDvGLOhsSlhdoJhCZwkGzAiqxrvuAIjnrk606IeS6Lc8HuhLV3lWXZ7OV89HfPRDvdQw/s400/canadas-wonderland-logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxuA_9ojmr-24ptmxV0g3E4JJ_j17IFPsVknsxdgbr1X52qTD36z18m44PI1jgwVymW55inWsYfHD0aAfHCqM25H4SDX35Gh8ovEkftpBfd3JcDPsgzGQkFhyphenhyphen6lrAbsithb3B2xachlQ/s1600/IMG_2166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxuA_9ojmr-24ptmxV0g3E4JJ_j17IFPsVknsxdgbr1X52qTD36z18m44PI1jgwVymW55inWsYfHD0aAfHCqM25H4SDX35Gh8ovEkftpBfd3JcDPsgzGQkFhyphenhyphen6lrAbsithb3B2xachlQ/s400/IMG_2166.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Canada's Wonderland</a> (near Vaughan, Ontario) is home to Canada's largest and most diverse collection of rollercoasters and other exciting rides, so it's a natural hotspot for thrillseekers. As a coaster lover myself, I made the trip countless times throughout my older childhood and teenaged years. But how does it measure up for families with very young children? Well, I had the opportunity to find out, thanks to an invitation I received earlier this summer to bring my own family (including hubs, 31-month-old daughter, 7-month-old son and the kiddos' fun-lovin' nana and papa) down for a visit!<br />
<br />
We set things up for a weekday in early August. As our scheduled day approached,
the forecast looked ominous, and indeed it was pouring as we pulled into
the parking lot. But thankfully things cleared by mid morning and we
enjoyed beautiful weather for the remainder of the day. And, as a fringe
benefit, the rain also thinned the crowds so lines were nice &
short! <br />
<br />
All in all, the day went very smoothly and our whole group had a blast! Over a month later, our daughter continues to talk
excitedly about her favourite parts of the day, and the rides she still needs to grow
taller to enjoy. While I can think of a few improvements which would have made our visit even better, overall I feel that Wonderland is, indeed, a worthy experience for familes with very young children. We'll definitely be back many times with our own kiddos!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Fun Factor</b><br />
<br />
While the whole park is peppered with attractions of interest to younger guests, there's a huge dedicated section called <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/things-to-do/for-the-kids" target="_blank">Planet Snoopy</a>.
It includes over 20 rides, a colourful maze, a large
playground and the Playhouse Theatre featuring kid-oriented
entertainment. Naturally, since our visit was centered around S' enjoyment, we spent the majority of the day in this area.<br />
<br />
I was super-eager to see how our daughter would react to the rides, hoping she'd inherited my own genetic material - not my motion-sensitive husband's! Nevertheless we started slow, with a relaxing glide around <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/rides/Worlds-Best-Kids-Area/Swan-Lake" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Swan Lake</a>. Next up, an easy spin on <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/rides/Worlds-Best-Kids-Area/Sallys-Love-Buggies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sally's Love Buggies</a>. While S enjoyed both of these, it wasn't until the decidedly more intense <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/rides/Worlds-Best-Kids-Area/Peanuts-500" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peanuts 500</a> (a car rides which whips you around corners, wild mouse-style) that her eyes lit up and she broke out into the biggest grin. That's my girl!! Her subsequent excitement was contagious as we chased her from one ride to the next. Most
of the rides were walk-ons
so we were able to get on every one she was tall enough for (about 15
total), some multiple times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewwSS-gUOruLmUJqXGpj5eFsnRofWc3ECe7yG8TU8piWAPO6j1LBgFsM7nRxEupS4V9avTf537ZFj2GZ9ZdJudDTDjJ_PGh9HU6xnK6TRnL6KDeZwzKe9b1zBpOOy_9-fmiSjA6U4f3Y/s1600/wonderland-planet-snoopy-ride-collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewwSS-gUOruLmUJqXGpj5eFsnRofWc3ECe7yG8TU8piWAPO6j1LBgFsM7nRxEupS4V9avTf537ZFj2GZ9ZdJudDTDjJ_PGh9HU6xnK6TRnL6KDeZwzKe9b1zBpOOy_9-fmiSjA6U4f3Y/s640/wonderland-planet-snoopy-ride-collage.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kgUiX2tM-8o" width="480"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
Her favourites were definitely some of the more "interesting" rides - in addition to Peanuts 500, she also loved <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/rides/Worlds-Best-Kids-Area/Lucys-Tugboat" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lucy's Tugboat</a>, a rocking boat ride with a fairly disorienting twisting motion, and <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/rides/Worlds-Best-Kids-Area/Boo-Blaster-on-Boo-Hill" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boo Blasters on Boo Hill</a>,
a ride-on haunted house in which the passengers shoot targets to
activate ghoulish scenes and rack up a high score. Despite S' affinity
for skeletons (or "Dem Bones" as she calls them), I questioned my
parenting skills upon entering the latter, as it quickly proved itself
to be quite creepy! But, happily, S didn't get frightened at all, and
as we hopped off, she gave me mad props for my shooting skillz. :) <br />
<br />
When we realized she wasn't quite tall enough to ride Taxi Jam (the kiddo coaster), I'm not sure who was more disappointed - me or her! On the bright side, it has since provided her with some strong incentive to eat her veggies. ;)<br />
<br />
In addition to the rides, we watched Charlie Brown's Jungle Journey, a Peanuts-themed musical playing this summer at the Playhouse Theatre. The performance was fun and energetic, and the theatre is sheltered which gave us a nice break from the sun. When they're not on stage, the Peanuts gang can be found wandering around Planet Snoopy, meeting the kiddos and posing for pics! Upon running into Lucy, S was a little shy at first, but warmed up for a photo once Nana jumped in there with her!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7d-QWj0wwcTZIHme9IkmTIVVh8tgGKZsOdFZ9tu9PbVIO7zy5Jc9BkwcWYj2VTILkCbT3E1EOAQ8EOXazDIDETmv4dhTpnepEYy3H0dlhluTmDscbu1Ccray-Ew1IXxaoaMYoAaxOIM/s1600/s-nana-lucy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7d-QWj0wwcTZIHme9IkmTIVVh8tgGKZsOdFZ9tu9PbVIO7zy5Jc9BkwcWYj2VTILkCbT3E1EOAQ8EOXazDIDETmv4dhTpnepEYy3H0dlhluTmDscbu1Ccray-Ew1IXxaoaMYoAaxOIM/s400/s-nana-lucy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Throughout the day, we did manage to sneak in a few adult rides including the spectacular <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/Leviathan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leviathan</a> (on which my stepmother kept her eyes sealed shut and face contorted in a grimace the entire time, but then proclaimed afterwards that she enjoyed herself!), and White Water Canyon, which never fails to deliver an impressive soaker. (Though at least this time I wasn't so drenched that I felt inclined to wring out my underwear which, admittedly, I've done in the past! :O ) As a side note, having more than two adults along on a child-oriented visit is a Good Thing if you want to ride any non-kiddo rides. Otherwise mom and/or dad always have to ride solo.<br />
<br />
We also checked out a couple other "all ages" performances, including the Kinet-X Dive Show... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wPBJUHan2nWi-mtHaXC_OTG7WVRU-u4n8djVBbjcueXzZM5GfmJoFzvqC7s7SNXcXaka1n6fWSoUgAiEUzkEXQgiW5uMGz7d_szgXCImPZQqZ8IX-u2RyhWcjo91cDTTUliCdXCStNE/s1600/kinet-x-dive-show.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wPBJUHan2nWi-mtHaXC_OTG7WVRU-u4n8djVBbjcueXzZM5GfmJoFzvqC7s7SNXcXaka1n6fWSoUgAiEUzkEXQgiW5uMGz7d_szgXCImPZQqZ8IX-u2RyhWcjo91cDTTUliCdXCStNE/s400/kinet-x-dive-show.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
and the British Invasion at the International Showplace. This one was particularly fun with its lively dancing and impressive arsenal of old and new hits from the UK. We opted for lawn seating as the lush, well manicured grass was comfy and allowed the boys to get in a quick power nap. :) S had already finished hers so she was right into the music!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn8p8tR6gnsUS7MO14goQ41HapH3gMZyx7Xrk7Wz3YsBPsBR2QFo3LoKF5KFGUqnKcimtnoEb_9zsRtlgLHRL905rlfsDF0verWHkNhkz1dN-gg0x_cnq6Y3UbWoY0AwoCjDMkvsfZNA/s1600/wonderland-british-invasion-collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn8p8tR6gnsUS7MO14goQ41HapH3gMZyx7Xrk7Wz3YsBPsBR2QFo3LoKF5KFGUqnKcimtnoEb_9zsRtlgLHRL905rlfsDF0verWHkNhkz1dN-gg0x_cnq6Y3UbWoY0AwoCjDMkvsfZNA/s400/wonderland-british-invasion-collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, a day at Wonderland isn't complete without playing some games - fun for big and little folks alike! S loves Angry Birds so when we caught site of the fiercely familiar fowl at one of the booths, we knew we had to take a shot! Dads tried first and came up empty-handed, but our preschooler turned out to be a sharp shooter, knocking down all six cups on her first try! She adored the Angry Birds mini-basketball she selected as her prize.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6TVI1xC7zCwb9vF4vUAm28WXTBsYabrbZEqsr8VZFFfL80V2H6BqbJP367LrlJ6g7NFFbgaSRnZTBn5Y55e11nDBpUS3Dp5xiSVoVNoNV5AteG2iOFY8-t0vNff19li6IMXG5fBR0Go/s1600/s-wonderland-angry-birds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6TVI1xC7zCwb9vF4vUAm28WXTBsYabrbZEqsr8VZFFfL80V2H6BqbJP367LrlJ6g7NFFbgaSRnZTBn5Y55e11nDBpUS3Dp5xiSVoVNoNV5AteG2iOFY8-t0vNff19li6IMXG5fBR0Go/s400/s-wonderland-angry-birds.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYS_jflFAlFTSsXgQ3Ixkc1Rcrk1DBLoj0ZYq4VmD0DuQ0D2yCXV-N3XA60RfMwKF4W5OOsWIZwFX9rHGFBfSTDD1HkjQem5Fsg4rp1RG-ZC8t7xkcsOgt-yfBl68eLoL8KIjKknhLNF8/s1600/s-wonderland-angry-birds-prize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYS_jflFAlFTSsXgQ3Ixkc1Rcrk1DBLoj0ZYq4VmD0DuQ0D2yCXV-N3XA60RfMwKF4W5OOsWIZwFX9rHGFBfSTDD1HkjQem5Fsg4rp1RG-ZC8t7xkcsOgt-yfBl68eLoL8KIjKknhLNF8/s320/s-wonderland-angry-birds-prize.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVi02Db3KywC1Gjgo34f8w6UoAitV70_EG0e2fhVafUvOWAO93TCdYATgSFN6hrS4_61yAVBhDhErFY4z4wr7HXK-Gs7kgsiuOmnvsHfS67YNqbAZY6mr0OPaBSWZ4CVz5ULWwdBdnY8/s1600/s-angry-birds-game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
One area we didn't visit on this trip was Splash Works, a 20 acre water park included with general admission which (similar to the rest of the park) has many attractions for all ages - for example, a plethora of both thrilling and relaxing waterslides, a huge aquatic playground and Canada's largest outdoor wave pool. We could have easily spent half or more of the day there alone. Definitely something to check out on a future visit!<br />
<br />
Yet another attraction we didn't hit up was <a href="http://dinosaursalive.canadaswonderland.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dinosaurs Alive!</a>, an interactive animatronic dinosaur park which opened in 2012. It sounds pretty cool, but probably something best enjoyed by older children and adults. Since it's an extra-cost attraction ($5/person) we want to ensure that everyone in our family gets the most out of it if/when we do check it out!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Good (and Not So Good) Eats</b><br />
<br />
Canada's Wonderland is <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/things-to-do/dining" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">rife with places to chow down</a>, and traditional "kid friendly" options such as hot dogs, chicken fingers, ice cream, etc. are abundant, particularly within Planet Snoopy. Unfortunately, more nutritious options are not so easy to find.<br />
<br />
One option does stand out, and that's the Marketplace International Buffet (located in the Medieval Faire section of the park). As part of our admission, we received lunch tickets to eat here, and while I wouldn't call the dining experience "upscale" (as per its
description), the food options here were varied, quite tasty and
decently healthy. The most nutritious choices included bean salads, steamed veggies, fresh
fruit and roasted chicken. There was also pizza, pasta, a taco station
and a dessert buffet (including soft serve ice cream), among other offerings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fmMM1hdL-xTPh7KS2iqNhZhbtsKDxNdVKQV0h3bS58TGKr4wrjMwXaLPUXOE7VXqC5cCqlFNIp_4howFJzWcnsC747bBM4-xRV3wNL1CHBCIurSYg0AvURwaxjyFt_A9Yz8LgHG3X3I/s1600/wonderland-marketplace-international-buffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fmMM1hdL-xTPh7KS2iqNhZhbtsKDxNdVKQV0h3bS58TGKr4wrjMwXaLPUXOE7VXqC5cCqlFNIp_4howFJzWcnsC747bBM4-xRV3wNL1CHBCIurSYg0AvURwaxjyFt_A9Yz8LgHG3X3I/s400/wonderland-marketplace-international-buffet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I wasn't thrilled by the
beverage choices, however, which appeared to be limited to soft drinks
and water. The salad bar was also lacking in variety and flavour. But
overall, the meal wasn't bad as buffets go. It's also worth mentioning
that the staff members were very attentive and friendly, the items were
regularly replenished and the establishment was clean. All in all, I'd
definitely bring our family to eat there again - especially when considering the lack of alternative "real food" options available at the park which, as health-conscious eaters, we found disappointing.<br />
<br />
I have to say I was
particularly bummed by the lack of nutritious options within
Planet Snoopy. This, to me, sends the message to young kids that junk
food = "fun" food, but this doesn't have to be the case. How about a burrito station
(with fresh toppings) or a real fruit smoothie hut? Or perhaps a place
to get fruit, veggie and cheese snack packs? I realize the logistics of
offering fresh, real food at an amusement park must be tough, but I feel
it's gotta be doable and would certainly be appreciated by families like ourselves. Here's hoping we see some improvements in this area! In the meantime, packing a cooler is always an
option (if you drive, that is), but this means making the trek out to your car and back, which
can shave considerable time off an already jam-packed day.<br />
<br />
Finally, Wonderland does deserve credit for maintaining a <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/plan-a-visit/special-dietary-needs" target="_blank">Special Dietary Needs</a>
webpage which would certainly be helpful to those individuals with
allergies, intolerances or particular diets due to personal or religious
reasons.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Getting Around, Amenities, etc.</b><br />
<br />
Wonderland definitely makes it easy on young families in this department! Everywhere we went was stroller-accessible (for example, there were
ramps leading into the International Marketplace), and all bathrooms we
came across (mens and womens) were equipped with changing tables. We
were able to bring CJ's purees into the park without hassle, and I found
quiet places to nurse him pretty readily including a dedicated,
private area within the KidZville section of Planet Snoopy.<br />
<br />
(Speaking of CJ, here's proof that he actually came along on our trip. ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrE2D5z-YljCRJZcML5G_1c1FZ8NG0Bst3oygrnD452GC4pz7VvQ1l36h9B4TbKtGi7s6snQfpRuaJnqLcqK0cGQYg-nsv0vpa3EesV21O4y7zhyphenhyphengAzfo4fs5lVEXS47TJTdSHIle-3A/s1600/wonderland-family-pic-cj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrE2D5z-YljCRJZcML5G_1c1FZ8NG0Bst3oygrnD452GC4pz7VvQ1l36h9B4TbKtGi7s6snQfpRuaJnqLcqK0cGQYg-nsv0vpa3EesV21O4y7zhyphenhyphengAzfo4fs5lVEXS47TJTdSHIle-3A/s400/wonderland-family-pic-cj.JPG" width="341" /></a></div>
<br />
While
we brought our own stroller, we noticed many other folks carting around single and double rentals which cost $15 and
$20 for a single day, respectively (plus a $5 refundable deposit). A nice option for
families who don't own a heavy-duty stroller, prefer not to lug
it along or are visiting the park via an alternative method of
transportation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Want to plan a trip with your own family?</b><br />
<br />
Hop over to the <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/plan-a-visit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plan a Visit</a> section of Wonderland's website to view the operating calendar, purchase tickets, browse places to stay (for multi-day trips) and check out other helpful info. The park is still open this year on weekends until the end of October. Note that evenings from October 4th onward will feature the super-creepy <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/haunt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Halloween Haunt</a> which isn't for the youngest guests (as much as my daughter might insist she wouldn't be scared, given her affinity for the Boo Blasters!). The suggested age for this experience is 13 & older.<br />
<br />
Or if you'd rather make the trip in 2014, the older members of your troupe will get to experience <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/what-s-new/new-for-2014" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wonder Mountain's Guardian</a>, a super-cool sounding 4-D interactive attraction which will be unveiled at the beginning of the season! <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>How about you? Have you been to Canada's Wonderland with your own children? If not, which attractions do you think your kids would enjoy the most?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<small><b>Disclosure: </b></small><small>My family received general admission to Canada's Wonderland and lunch tickets at no charge, however I received no financial compensation for this post and was under no obligation to write it. The opinions expressed are my own </small><small>and may be different from yours.</small>Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-60979586452985573212013-09-10T23:00:00.004-04:002013-09-10T23:00:45.306-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Beans!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAF8qk8lACnrU6PjxM9r56n0WDGyYTGZb3NrWAr-IF5R9w4O5D5i0foDaQwSUmuiufI3yrixm_unjUPtBEuj4ljXHrkRhqAJdse6Y4BBFL0HX9VyvDcvmkKVZDSOKQsWxvPRpk3b1iUA/s1600/WW-11-Sept-2013-Beans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAF8qk8lACnrU6PjxM9r56n0WDGyYTGZb3NrWAr-IF5R9w4O5D5i0foDaQwSUmuiufI3yrixm_unjUPtBEuj4ljXHrkRhqAJdse6Y4BBFL0HX9VyvDcvmkKVZDSOKQsWxvPRpk3b1iUA/s400/WW-11-Sept-2013-Beans.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our garden beans have gone off this year! This was a single day harvest from the other week. Two meals enjoyed already and two more vacuum sealed in the freezer!<br />
<br />
<b>Do you grow vegetables? What do you have the most success with?</b>Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-9038655028830127572013-09-03T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-18T07:39:18.869-04:00Maya Wrap Ring Sling from Baby on the Breast: Review and Giveaway! (Closed)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85PDIjqdJ9ObXeHmb2rVBGDXrWwSmr7NfLQCQIMxi2i1ecK5k7TetJG1N1ruG6FWnB7CP7DBjqaLrjWUX8o85x1bHu7VyDkRB_Aiudwnz0vR3QjNAsW0kqZWUjsRVh1y8R8Qh7tI6X7w/s1600/botb-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85PDIjqdJ9ObXeHmb2rVBGDXrWwSmr7NfLQCQIMxi2i1ecK5k7TetJG1N1ruG6FWnB7CP7DBjqaLrjWUX8o85x1bHu7VyDkRB_Aiudwnz0vR3QjNAsW0kqZWUjsRVh1y8R8Qh7tI6X7w/s400/botb-logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Before CJ was born, one of my followers (and fellow mama blogger) suggested I review a ring sling. I already owned a Moby Wrap and Ergobaby soft structured carrier which had both seen a lot of use with S, but I'd yet to try a sling. For those of you unfamiliar with this type of carrier, it's basically a scarf-like piece of fabric with two rings at one end. You weave the non-ring end (called the "tail") through the ring end, pop the resulting loop over a shoulder (it's designed to go on either side), place baby in the middle in one of various positions (depending on his/her age and size) and tighten the fabric in the rings to secure. Online opinions on these carriers are divided - lots of enthusiasm around their simplicity, flexibility and low cost, but also a number of comments that they're difficul to get the hang of, uncomfortable, etc. Ultimately, I was very curious to try one myself and form my own conclusion!<br />
<br />
Enter <a href="http://www.babyonthebreast.com/" target="_blank">Baby on the Breast</a>, an online mom & baby boutique focusing on top-of-the-line breastfeeding and babywearing gear. The shop is owned by a mama of two who's a strong believer in both practices, and she offered to send me both a <a href="http://www.babyonthebreast.com/nursing-bras/31-bravado-body-silk-seamless-nursing-bra.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra</a> (which I <a href="http://www.manager-to-mom.com/2013/01/bravado-body-silk-seamless-nursing-bra.html" target="_blank">reviewed back in January</a> - LOVE this bra!) and a <a href="http://www.babyonthebreast.com/7-maya-wrap-ring-slings" target="_blank">Maya Wrap</a>, one of the more favourably rated brands of ring sling. In order to allow me to try out the various carry positions with CJ as he grew (and to accommodate the owner's big move from Ontario to British Columbia!) we agreed to hold off on the Maya Wrap review for several months. So here we are - hope it's worth the wait for y'all! :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Product Information:</b><br />
<br />
<i>Maya Wrap slings are uniquely versatile, comfortable, stylish, and all you need to simplify your life! The shoulder has a light cushion for comfort and ease, while the rails are unpadded for total adjustability. Fans say it is the perfect first sling for new baby wearers.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOToP9jScJkG0UnXEh2NsYukseqT_9gvdf1HbOqGVPFKlpUzfoGuK7gV_MExHfMUD7088RnFNeh_FPMl2vxdXuIdYT-_hEVOyeLHFoBjyF7KO0YJttxn5a_8ZwBQF1CI-Ekz-5getZAko/s1600/bright-stripes-maya-wrap-lightly-padded-ring-sling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOToP9jScJkG0UnXEh2NsYukseqT_9gvdf1HbOqGVPFKlpUzfoGuK7gV_MExHfMUD7088RnFNeh_FPMl2vxdXuIdYT-_hEVOyeLHFoBjyF7KO0YJttxn5a_8ZwBQF1CI-Ekz-5getZAko/s320/bright-stripes-maya-wrap-lightly-padded-ring-sling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Wear newborns through toddlers. Recommended for children 8 to 35 pounds. See note below.</i></li>
<li><i>Change positions to accommodate your child's growth.</i></li>
<li><i>Built in pocket for keys, diaper, cell phone.</i></li>
<li><i>Unpadded, open tail that is convenient as a nursing coverup.</i></li>
<li><i>Instructional DVD included.</i></li>
<li><i>100% cotton hand loomed fabrics.</i></li>
<li><i>Machine wash, cool water; line dry.</i></li>
<li><i>Fits easily into a diaper bag or tote.</i></li>
</ul>
<i>Choose your size according to your preferred tail length but remember that the tail should go at least to your waist. If you would like to use the tail to cover yourself when breastfeeding the tail should extend at least to the top of your legs. Choose a Medium or Large!!<br /><br />Note: Babies younger than 4 months, premature, or with respiratory problems have a higher risk of suffocation. Always ensure that baby's airways are unobstructed and baby is breathing properly. If your baby is premature, has low tone, developmental delays or weighs less than 8 pounds, Maya Wrap recommends you consult with a medical professional before using any baby sling.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>My Review:</b><br />
<br />
The Maya Wrap comes in <a href="http://www.babyonthebreast.com/7-maya-wrap-ring-slings" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a variety of lovely shades and striped colour combinations</a> (including a few gender neutral options for Dad!) As such, choosing a style was tough but I ended up with the vivid (and decidedly girly - sorry hubs!) <a href="http://www.babyonthebreast.com/maya-wrap-ring-slings/37-bright-stripes-maya-wrap-lightly-padded-ring-sling.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bright stripes</a> pattern. The wrap is also available in a few sizes, however the medium fits well for most people so we went with this.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc1WZnri6NUgyS671Vlskb4rKDsjHgTcPQKoBgkXj8C2zmV8VQ0-9gMSBU8ne2_pk9FLaq8WK1Y_3lCHnrzoxM_7pmwD-zYJ2ad4aBMMSKmNIIWu9oiJe67RUZRlZCY0SIlWEEVfTYgg/s1600/maya-wrap-out-of-package.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc1WZnri6NUgyS671Vlskb4rKDsjHgTcPQKoBgkXj8C2zmV8VQ0-9gMSBU8ne2_pk9FLaq8WK1Y_3lCHnrzoxM_7pmwD-zYJ2ad4aBMMSKmNIIWu9oiJe67RUZRlZCY0SIlWEEVfTYgg/s400/maya-wrap-out-of-package.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Construction of the wrap is flawless. The cotton material is soft yet sturdy, all seams are stitched perfectly and the two metal rings are super-solid. The shoulder padding is quite thick, as you can see here.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiW7LSx2ioCMOlgxnbvXbw3b7Qxqi1ZmMMAPHLXaQvIPHdtTGPmB2AsGQydxxmZ4uRa16AqmjB1UQUEtayOVywcShgrjVAfBVYgq8fpdn9nlwKGMVbCZyL7bcrfpQRLEcadI4XoVSZ4rA/s1600/maya-wrap-padding.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiW7LSx2ioCMOlgxnbvXbw3b7Qxqi1ZmMMAPHLXaQvIPHdtTGPmB2AsGQydxxmZ4uRa16AqmjB1UQUEtayOVywcShgrjVAfBVYgq8fpdn9nlwKGMVbCZyL7bcrfpQRLEcadI4XoVSZ4rA/s400/maya-wrap-padding.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The tail's pocket (for holding items like keys, cell phone, etc.) is quite spacious. I can actually fit my husband's Android tablet in there.Yknow, for those times my 8-month-old wants to play Candy Crush Saga.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8JWqH5LwF-iHiJYqkTuYWi3vB5CVs3mmUowxJEajfRhfUgBKUl7MEz7xxW2nBOiPzt69uGwifTf0ZzJmC4PqAjUKNI54xTUOo6DQ0TRIcIpvtVUDzXntHKbkPrOt7ZvpzkWGAG3gQAk/s1600/maya-wrap-zipped-pocket.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8JWqH5LwF-iHiJYqkTuYWi3vB5CVs3mmUowxJEajfRhfUgBKUl7MEz7xxW2nBOiPzt69uGwifTf0ZzJmC4PqAjUKNI54xTUOo6DQ0TRIcIpvtVUDzXntHKbkPrOt7ZvpzkWGAG3gQAk/s400/maya-wrap-zipped-pocket.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
So far so good. Now let's get down to business!<br />
<br />
First step - threading the sling. This part of the process is the same regardless of carry method, and it's quite easy to do. The <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9rODVcvYZY" target="_blank">instructional video</a> is helpful, especially its advice on how to fold the tail prior to threading the rings, as the edges of the tail need to remain accessible in order tighten the fabric (something that's done a <i>lot</i>). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's a close-up of a properly threaded ring. As you can see, the material is distributed quite evenly in the space between the two rings, and if you look closely you can see the edges on both sides.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lXZy6lLjDGfYMnKK6hUs1YDaUHGbl7ge1OYoA4jnPO72m3t3mTYSsO35lqvHWn4zd8Mto5frDFO5bVXCylRRsTyvq7qS1LEiFb-xtsz1vwUCosIEebRxhv4c24K5Flere-7zmgXx4Ho/s1600/maya-wrap-ring.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lXZy6lLjDGfYMnKK6hUs1YDaUHGbl7ge1OYoA4jnPO72m3t3mTYSsO35lqvHWn4zd8Mto5frDFO5bVXCylRRsTyvq7qS1LEiFb-xtsz1vwUCosIEebRxhv4c24K5Flere-7zmgXx4Ho/s400/maya-wrap-ring.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
I'll get to my experiences (and photos) with the individual carry methods shortly. First, a few comments about overall functionality, comfort, etc.<br />
<br />
There is definitely a learning curve to the whole ring system. Here are a couple challenges I've experienced and tips I've learned to help overcome them:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>The fabric can be tough to tighten</b>. As in, you pull on the tail and nothing happens. :-/ The most important thing to combat this is to ensure the tail's threaded correctly as I mentioned earlier. It's also good to periodically redistribute the fabric evenly across the rings so it's not clumped in one spot. Second, you need to ensure baby's weight is fully supported prior to tightening otherwise you'll be in a losing fight against gravity. (This requires both hands and some coordination!) Third, a helpful tip I learned from another mom is to pull back in the same direction as the fabric you're trying to adjust, as this creates a sort of "pulley" system and reduces friction between the fabric and the rings. Finally, laundering the sling helps soften the fabric so I recommend doing this prior to first usage. </li>
<li><b>The rings tend to sneak down too far</b>. General advice is to keep it high up near the shoulder, however I
find that it inevitably slides down and inward toward my little guy as I tighten
it. I'm wondering if this may have something to do with my body shape, as I'm tall & thin with narrow shoulders. It does help somewhat to wrap the shoulder pad <i>around</i>
my shoulder rather than on top, however this seems to just slow the sliding effect rather than prevent it entirely. So still battling this one. :-/</li>
</ul>
Thankfully, loosening the sling is a breeze - just pull up the top ring and the fabric slides right out. This makes it super easy to get baby outta there when you're done.<br />
<br />
Once secured properly, the wrap is pretty comfortable to wear - at least for awhile. After about 40-60 minutes my back starts feeling a little "tweaky". This doesn't happen with my front and back carriers, so presumably this is due to the uneven weight distribution with the sling. Maya Wrap does recommend switching sides periodically to alleviate this issue, however I've always had a preferred side myself, depending on carry position. So based on all this, I consider the Maya (and presumably any sling) more of a "short distance" carrier.<br />
<br />
In terms of baby's comfort and happiness, all three main carry positions are natural and ergonomically safe, which is obviously super-important. And all allow you to be nice & cuddly with baby, which is great for bonding as well. <br />
<br />
Another key aspect of carriers is whether they allow you to be truly hands-free. From my experience, the Maya Wrap does for the kangaroo and hip carry positions, but less so for the newborn carry. (More on this shortly.)<br />
<br />
A couple final general points:<br />
<ul>
<li>Care & maintenance - super simple; just machine wash on cold and lay flat to dry. I was initially concerned that the fabric might bleed during the first few washes due to the bright colours, but this wasn't a problem.</li>
<li>Breastfeeding in the Maya Wrap? Nope, didn't end up going there. Not with my Maya Wrap nor with any of the other carriers I own. I know many mamas do it but the idea has always struck me as more complicated than simply taking baby out of whatever carrier was on at the time, nursing, and popping him/her back in afterwards (if applicable). So sorry - can't comment on this one!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Alright, let's look at the individual carry methods!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tummy to Tummy Carry</b> - newborn (8 lb min.) to approx. 3 mths:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdPRsa71qnBSimHpMsbrpIc-iySZDAV1RKErQVO1Pq8NxqidBYzSOfAU_0pHs9efYVhtBT4NyulzZyRzKbRetsgRwFPa-pTkG6fCbc4M8e4DHp4IlQM1X24KkKk2vFqMSa5p6m_9M1gk/s1600/maya-wrap-newborn.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdPRsa71qnBSimHpMsbrpIc-iySZDAV1RKErQVO1Pq8NxqidBYzSOfAU_0pHs9efYVhtBT4NyulzZyRzKbRetsgRwFPa-pTkG6fCbc4M8e4DHp4IlQM1X24KkKk2vFqMSa5p6m_9M1gk/s400/maya-wrap-newborn.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
In this position, baby is facing inward with legs curled up in the "frog" position. (Instructional video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHcb0mvViB4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
Admittedly, I didn't love this position as I didn't feel entirely hands-free and I found it somewhat challenging to place baby in the correct position for proper air flow (and still wear the sling comfortably). So ultimately I didn't use it much (and, instead, preferred my Moby Wrap) and was therefore happy I'd get to test out the other positions prior to writing my review!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Kangaroo / Outward Facing Carry - </b>approx. 3 to 6 mths:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04vZhtaH9IL0Ubyyc-l7EuA8vCy1VzvQFzc2Yd5sCDKUA1L-tb2RSC-bZPQce6yDrHn-hzruvp9bioDTQVAG3isYiA0z63FIyUUyhyaWB8masDTr4iOS2CBVb7JOl7DEbzfm57_k9cHY/s1600/maya-wrap-kangaroo-carry.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04vZhtaH9IL0Ubyyc-l7EuA8vCy1VzvQFzc2Yd5sCDKUA1L-tb2RSC-bZPQce6yDrHn-hzruvp9bioDTQVAG3isYiA0z63FIyUUyhyaWB8masDTr4iOS2CBVb7JOl7DEbzfm57_k9cHY/s400/maya-wrap-kangaroo-carry.JPG" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
In this position, baby is facing outward, with legs still up in the "frog" position. (Instructional video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpt02CFBaJw" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
This was my favourite carry position with CJ, so I was a little sad when he outgrew it! I found it easy to "insert" him properly, he felt nice & secure in there (and, thus, I was able to be hands free) and he loved checking things out as I went about my business. As such, I used this position a lot while doing housework, going on quick walks, etc. Unfortunately CJ was super refluxy during this period, so on his really rough days I didn't wear him as the bouncing around and curled up nature of the position tended to make things worse. (Not to mention I really wasn't keen on washing vomit out of the thing on on a daily basis - yuck.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Hip Carry</b> - 6 mths (or baby sitting) to toddler (max 35 lbs):<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2eaAmNvFXb9O-jAdi-6JJxbnpDxVJtNgwCHFgYrJRiidmSi_qttPXKCG3S0-uy55MI_uRQe-IK-qiNOMt6V6YSeQ0bujNjtbyjYrZ_Q2_I8F3Zwx01k8LVjyc11KFYXn9lvnnx8ckDQ/s1600/maya-wrap-hip-carry-front.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2eaAmNvFXb9O-jAdi-6JJxbnpDxVJtNgwCHFgYrJRiidmSi_qttPXKCG3S0-uy55MI_uRQe-IK-qiNOMt6V6YSeQ0bujNjtbyjYrZ_Q2_I8F3Zwx01k8LVjyc11KFYXn9lvnnx8ckDQ/s400/maya-wrap-hip-carry-front.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9w3b27sPyv_W6KjTz5opHYFvec2azKb0dAi25Eljbqf7Ab-VOi2SRvZcA1yaocl5_k7MDiXD7urBRDTsfmdvyrpkokRLdD5nTigvas0wLAWggrhv45h5RA7JTISW5FzLGFGU5Dc2qG4/s1600/maya-wrap-hip-carry-back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9w3b27sPyv_W6KjTz5opHYFvec2azKb0dAi25Eljbqf7Ab-VOi2SRvZcA1yaocl5_k7MDiXD7urBRDTsfmdvyrpkokRLdD5nTigvas0wLAWggrhv45h5RA7JTISW5FzLGFGU5Dc2qG4/s400/maya-wrap-hip-carry-back.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
In this position, little one is straddling your hip with legs hanging out and bum resting within the pouch of the sling. (Instructional video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkiH8LUhEMQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
I'm lukewarm on this position. Pros? It's ergonomic and natural (after all, we carry our littles like this sans carrier, right?), babe feels secure and it's a nice position for bonding. I've found the following challenges with it, however:<br />
<ul>
<li>I'd preferred, and thus favoured, the ring on my right side for the kangaroo carry, but then realized gaaah - I had to switch sides for the hip carry (since I hold CJ on my right side). Two months in and I'm still not as adept at manipulating the ring on the left side. (Possibly a handedness thing?) </li>
<li>Inserting in this position is a little tougher for us. CJ is long and gangly so his legs tend to get bent up in the material.</li>
<li>I start to feel back strain sooner than I did using the kangaroo carry - after about 30-40 minutes. This is likely due to a combination of CJ getting heavier and being further off to the side, thus offsetting the weight distribution further. He also likes to reach out and move his neck and long torso in all different directions which may contribute to this too.</li>
</ul>
All in all, I do pop him into the hip carry periodically, usually when I'm doing quick things around the house, but I prefer my soft structured carrier for longer carries at his current age.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04vZhtaH9IL0Ubyyc-l7EuA8vCy1VzvQFzc2Yd5sCDKUA1L-tb2RSC-bZPQce6yDrHn-hzruvp9bioDTQVAG3isYiA0z63FIyUUyhyaWB8masDTr4iOS2CBVb7JOl7DEbzfm57_k9cHY/s1600/maya-wrap-kangaroo-carry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
So there you have it! Overall, I can confidently say that the Maya Wrap ring sling is a well-made, high-quality product, but in terms of personal preference I straddle the two aforementioned camps (enthusiastic and not-so-keen). I was really happy to have my Maya Wrap during the 3-6 (ish) month range in particular as I loved the kangaroo carry method, however I've preferred other carriers for the newborn stage and 6 months onward. (That said, CJ and I still have plenty of carrying days ahead, so the latter may change!)<br />
<br />
<br />
How about you? Have you tried a ring sling before? If not, would you like to? :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Buy It:</b><br />
<br />
You can purchase your own Maya Wrap and/or other great babywearing and nursing gear directly from <a href="http://www.babyonthebreast.com/" target="_blank">Baby on the Breast</a>! Shipping is free on Canadian orders over $50 and US orders over $100!<b> Use special code M2MBOTB to receive 10% off your order!!</b> <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Win It:</b><br />
<br />
One lucky Manager to Mom reader will win a <b>Maya Wrap</b> of their own, from Baby on the Breast! Winner chooses from among available patterns. <b>Open to Canada</b>.<br />
<br />
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Please
follow all instructions within each entry option to ensure your entries
are valid.<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3de76885/" id="rc-3de76885" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<small><b>Disclosure: </b></small><small>The prize is being provided and shipped to the winner by Baby on the Breast. </small><small>I
received no financial compensation for writing my review or offering
this giveaway, although I did receive the sample item free of charge. </small><small>This is my completely honest opinion above and may be different from yours. </small>
Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com110tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-5767502436245640802013-08-27T21:30:00.001-04:002013-08-27T21:30:43.204-04:00(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Snack Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5uTWb5hqMtmukxp8RAWFGxHtR4aFppzTFk7OrJK3zzvbPuPTph6Bqfa2o7HwF738kFlaZXlgF1xD4X2xuUG0FbPXr1knE-NhtzeOS6puTZwF6VnBQtTlaPIwandsLAdwiJHap7Ef7O8/s1600/WW-Aug-28-2013-snack-time.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5uTWb5hqMtmukxp8RAWFGxHtR4aFppzTFk7OrJK3zzvbPuPTph6Bqfa2o7HwF738kFlaZXlgF1xD4X2xuUG0FbPXr1knE-NhtzeOS6puTZwF6VnBQtTlaPIwandsLAdwiJHap7Ef7O8/s400/WW-Aug-28-2013-snack-time.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our 33-month-old is (by and large) an awesome eater. Here's a snack plate I served up the other day including peaches, cucumber, pecans, kale chips and a few honey nut cheerios as a treat, and she devoured the whole thing in minutes! People are constantly amazed at how much she can eat, and how quickly. :)<br />
<br />
<b>What types of snacks do your kids enjoy? Are they willing to eat many types of foods or are they on the picky side?</b>Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328265308851015644.post-70089903384507966942013-08-25T16:25:00.001-04:002013-08-25T16:25:53.140-04:00The Kraft Celebration Tour Helps Bring a Splash Pad to Wilmot Township!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLdbdPPHB8lVCvKWs7b0O0ks_laVmH_DaxcWN2FbgQoCIAz8810W3NvcYXDl-llT9mQE8jkzntGq0c5rcFLT39nghRiEqIogO3RzF6uOPWNxfEuBBaOkQuJEkdYdDMeN6quPER-j-hF8/s1600/kct-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLdbdPPHB8lVCvKWs7b0O0ks_laVmH_DaxcWN2FbgQoCIAz8810W3NvcYXDl-llT9mQE8jkzntGq0c5rcFLT39nghRiEqIogO3RzF6uOPWNxfEuBBaOkQuJEkdYdDMeN6quPER-j-hF8/s1600/kct-logo.png" /></a></div>
<br />
If you live in Canada, you are likely familiar with the <a href="http://www.kraftcelebrationtour.ca/en/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kraft Celebration Tour</a>, a joint effort between Kraft and TSN which awards money to community projects focused on a healthy and active lifestyle across the nation. The tour is in its 4th year of operation and has awarded $1,000,000 so far, with $25,000 going to each winning project. Each year's tour has four phases - nomination of projects, announcement of 20 finalists (as decided by the tour's judging panel), a day of intensive head-to-head voting to bring the list down to 10 winners, and the celebration tour itself, during which the winning communities host representatives from Kraft and a live TSN SportsCentre broadcast and receive their $25,000 cheques.<br />
<br />
Our own township of Wilmot was fortunate enough to be among the winners this year, with <a href="http://www.kraftcelebrationtour.ca/en/nominate/profile/township-of-wilmot/" target="_blank">our bid to help build a local splash pad</a>. With 14 tight-knit communities and a population of about 20,000 (including 4,000 children 14 and under), Wilmot could really use a splash pad to enable warm-weather fun and fitness for all of our local youngsters, regardless of income bracket. The township's goal is to raise $280,000 for this project, and we've come a long way with various fundraisers already under our belt, strong social media coverage via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BringASplashPadToWilmot" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SplashPadWilmot" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and other initiatives. Our KCT win is one more awesome step in the right direction!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The celebration party (including a barbecue, fun for the kiddos and numerous tributes to local celebrities and heritage), and live TSN SportsCentre broadcast with Kate Beirness and Rod Smith took place yesterday at the New Hamburg fairgrounds. It was an awesome event and we had the perfect weather to enjoy it! Here are some moments my family captured to commemorate the occasion. (A whole bunch more official event photos can be found <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.370234596413024.1073741845.262807383822413&type=1" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="353" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DUDSZBBXPp8" width="470"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>Video highlights</b>!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGM615MgH0yjCtzF5HShmutR8eaMrNEQQuBmPI9DyifCl6Yi_D1E1NNxs8jn5o89etukTkkeVLSlZjGsZGE-s39NSh3bLPPpkUzGFfwTpmdNldg6MSDaFeHb6nrcR-tVy5NzNifFIMkYo/s1600/kct-wilmot-tractor-bouncy-castle.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGM615MgH0yjCtzF5HShmutR8eaMrNEQQuBmPI9DyifCl6Yi_D1E1NNxs8jn5o89etukTkkeVLSlZjGsZGE-s39NSh3bLPPpkUzGFfwTpmdNldg6MSDaFeHb6nrcR-tVy5NzNifFIMkYo/s400/kct-wilmot-tractor-bouncy-castle.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> John Deere & a Jello bouncer</b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGq85lPNyJs4O_4yUlsv3DHLhdeoW4QDq54eSai3mOr11O1lJupyhb-QxxFcM2i6WIIQwdJZTnu2VW_hcZfs4lc2tVssEwangcT7jqeokWOdymO1SopIgPl3NTGv7Wc6N0jkPO5BFCm0/s1600/kct-wilmot-s-swing.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGq85lPNyJs4O_4yUlsv3DHLhdeoW4QDq54eSai3mOr11O1lJupyhb-QxxFcM2i6WIIQwdJZTnu2VW_hcZfs4lc2tVssEwangcT7jqeokWOdymO1SopIgPl3NTGv7Wc6N0jkPO5BFCm0/s400/kct-wilmot-s-swing.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Our daughter swingin' away!</b><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_B4P4D3RN-hf8xXEt9XfUkt438HzzRIQRuRzfKPZbgD6jS6lAIRdd_mscJYZKxWwc_2CNyx51LnAS8uG-u61qvLKrKTI229pDuwhe-fforzQROVIptl2-_TolbSoTcLflB1OIZB2rls/s1600/kct-wilmot-horse-cops.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_B4P4D3RN-hf8xXEt9XfUkt438HzzRIQRuRzfKPZbgD6jS6lAIRdd_mscJYZKxWwc_2CNyx51LnAS8uG-u61qvLKrKTI229pDuwhe-fforzQROVIptl2-_TolbSoTcLflB1OIZB2rls/s400/kct-wilmot-horse-cops.JPG" width="400" /></a> </b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Mounted police</b> </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EQjcm-eSUD8-CkAWgWVQ4_IMsnpugLCaHUAnSjt2i5xnR5Vr57Vstk4f5ErykwLvci3cgAeJke2__3DsHvB2AlFVk9xZSmgF8xKw5CW5bbiyDSXnwrBO6TLepVO_vmqLV75FN4NQXiY/s1600/kct-wilmot-broadcast.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EQjcm-eSUD8-CkAWgWVQ4_IMsnpugLCaHUAnSjt2i5xnR5Vr57Vstk4f5ErykwLvci3cgAeJke2__3DsHvB2AlFVk9xZSmgF8xKw5CW5bbiyDSXnwrBO6TLepVO_vmqLV75FN4NQXiY/s400/kct-wilmot-broadcast.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> The live broadcast</b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nKPI9BC-qW4dSaA24yjnkq9d6J2TAnv7UX5CWmvRMFNt7ORvFuS_XrvqPKfP8l4WU6YPT9cbn7HIs4lcY0SthrzTbKEoRkdzjRw3haKtB4Nuu6FxuiXxle03dLGPtVZVOIvvCFmla5s/s1600/kct-wilmot-wild-jersey-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nKPI9BC-qW4dSaA24yjnkq9d6J2TAnv7UX5CWmvRMFNt7ORvFuS_XrvqPKfP8l4WU6YPT9cbn7HIs4lcY0SthrzTbKEoRkdzjRw3haKtB4Nuu6FxuiXxle03dLGPtVZVOIvvCFmla5s/s400/kct-wilmot-wild-jersey-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9dlWhFTeSFOzZrN6LU5wd2xFTogzpBsR8FJ8llg4O70IKLCJx7PQldnvPki0Kig9jxdAOcMMFfe0oWypAB-iLxDKRo1_yBSJT6IDFdCH4Rk31L1ukhpwsLvTOucXc4DFOxl3jStNstM/s1600/kct-wilmot-wild-jersey-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9dlWhFTeSFOzZrN6LU5wd2xFTogzpBsR8FJ8llg4O70IKLCJx7PQldnvPki0Kig9jxdAOcMMFfe0oWypAB-iLxDKRo1_yBSJT6IDFdCH4Rk31L1ukhpwsLvTOucXc4DFOxl3jStNstM/s400/kct-wilmot-wild-jersey-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Kate in her personalized Wilmot Wild jersey</b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_cBVPiJlh-iXMPPsGR92C8CR2j9Y797woyDN27iGIcbh1C_74-2yrQX3lmtovsKUGfvbRutuf-UGPk-AkXbTh9xRv8rrmjR2wQIFr3iE9opTHQOAN-BluyVjiTjSLbCd2BLbJq8qRCs/s1600/kct-wilmot-cheque-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_cBVPiJlh-iXMPPsGR92C8CR2j9Y797woyDN27iGIcbh1C_74-2yrQX3lmtovsKUGfvbRutuf-UGPk-AkXbTh9xRv8rrmjR2wQIFr3iE9opTHQOAN-BluyVjiTjSLbCd2BLbJq8qRCs/s400/kct-wilmot-cheque-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZTef5lmdVGcDVMO5dNKR7xere69WKEZ3DvRPXIXo5malvhq71J4S2F7MM-AoPRTL69iaIyqZM5iDSOFNDOd1QadOMz6nz8p6Q_p7zGbdJonRiCVrzKnHU7ltiWcb7V8Oa3hnsCcM7ZE/s1600/kct-wilmot-cheque-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZTef5lmdVGcDVMO5dNKR7xere69WKEZ3DvRPXIXo5malvhq71J4S2F7MM-AoPRTL69iaIyqZM5iDSOFNDOd1QadOMz6nz8p6Q_p7zGbdJonRiCVrzKnHU7ltiWcb7V8Oa3hnsCcM7ZE/s400/kct-wilmot-cheque-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Presentation of the cheque</b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDV_A9DAjB5Hfo7Ee1W6iDaznud-KgWhznSTryQmpvkp6aBX_NXb7e0eRByBbLYGFKPOViwZ-bciUWKsv-imGV7QVM8IyEuiyTJv_6O5dpsMV-RciQNGTQawLN-DD996C13bwGNcRoQyc/s1600/kct-wilmot-family.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDV_A9DAjB5Hfo7Ee1W6iDaznud-KgWhznSTryQmpvkp6aBX_NXb7e0eRByBbLYGFKPOViwZ-bciUWKsv-imGV7QVM8IyEuiyTJv_6O5dpsMV-RciQNGTQawLN-DD996C13bwGNcRoQyc/s400/kct-wilmot-family.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Kiddos 'n I infront of all the action</b> </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJD6Yw5xFGw7OUSq2caVVJnhn-m_bFN4Ne9aanDJikM_ws39dZAJOBgG1kRs5zH6hMbJ8v4kTBz9xGr_9140pQSGbg39fqtnt080EuV7H-ZAQPnYhXHL1ryVVbG284gkekHJbRhjkkbc/s1600/kct-wilmot-kate-rod.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJD6Yw5xFGw7OUSq2caVVJnhn-m_bFN4Ne9aanDJikM_ws39dZAJOBgG1kRs5zH6hMbJ8v4kTBz9xGr_9140pQSGbg39fqtnt080EuV7H-ZAQPnYhXHL1ryVVbG284gkekHJbRhjkkbc/s400/kct-wilmot-kate-rod.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Kate (looking, IMO, distinctly Uma Thurman-esque) & Rod </b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBf2C0OVm_t5HxlSU2yCgz665iaJ-shBqigtW6d199GCst5NBQE29e3AtnBG2AWXBuAxkxLm3V1QSs2zHejXV7EfuWt0UWY_x4Sm2lD5Rg2wYgmv0WjInSVKMpr6vOjSadKmyECXs107s/s1600/kct-wilmot-reps.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBf2C0OVm_t5HxlSU2yCgz665iaJ-shBqigtW6d199GCst5NBQE29e3AtnBG2AWXBuAxkxLm3V1QSs2zHejXV7EfuWt0UWY_x4Sm2lD5Rg2wYgmv0WjInSVKMpr6vOjSadKmyECXs107s/s400/kct-wilmot-reps.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>KCT reps</b> <b>(and an awesome dancing kid photobomb!)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>What exciting events or festivals have you enjoyed in your own hometown this summer?</b> <b>Anyone else out there make it to KCT Wilmot?</b></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<small><b>Disclosure: </b></small><small>I was not sponsored in any way for this post. I wrote it simply out of appreciation for the KCT, the win for our township and the fun event our family had the pleasure to enjoy. Thanks Kraft, TSN and the Bring a Splash Pad to Wilmot crew! </small></div>
</div>
Manager to Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15276706916130729515noreply@blogger.com12