The Ultimate Baby Gift Guide: A Must See!

The Ultimate Baby Gift Guide: A Must See!


Baby Products, Kids Toys & Childrens Clothing Reviews From Trusted Mom Blogs

If you're pregnant, know someone who is pregnant, or have a new baby, you have to check out The Ultimate Baby Gift Guide that Cecelia at Cool Baby Kid put together. It is the most comprehensive list of baby must-haves on the web. It is fabulous and the best part is that all the items are linked to reviews. Cecelia collaborated with many bloggers (including me) to present the best-of-the-best baby products for you to access and read about all in one place! While you're there, make sure to check out her other blogs, Ask Baby Kid and Smart Baby Kid.



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Friday, February 27, 2009 | 2 comments | Read more...
The Perfect Sippy Cup: The Safe Sippy Review and Giveaway

The Perfect Sippy Cup: The Safe Sippy Review and Giveaway

By now, we are all aware of the dangers of BPA and other toxins on the health of our children. Since leaching usually occurs when the item is heated, we need to be very cautious with items that go in the dishwasher or come in contact with hot liquids or foods. A biggie is of course, the sippy cup. I recently had the opportunity to test The Safe Sippy and it is the best sippy cup my son has ever had. Honestly, they should call it The Perfect Sippy!

The Safe Sippy is made by Kid Basix and this is a company that thinks of every thing. Every detail of this cup is well thought out. First and foremost, The Safe Sippy is made from non-leaching medical-grade stainless steel, which does not interact with foods or liquids. As Kid Basix says, "what you put in is what you get out." It has a colorful rubber sleeve, which serves a few purposes. One, it looks cool! It definitely makes the cup appealing to children (and me) with the bright colors and sleek design. It also protects the cup from being damaged when your toddler inevitably slings it across the room. Also, it helps insulate cold drinks and protects little hands from getting cold. It comes with removable handles so that when your child outgrows them; you can just take them off. The spout is actually shaped like a straw because research has shown that the traditional, wide spout can cause speech problems. The little plastic this cup actually has is all certified free of Bisphenol A, phthalates and DEHA.

After having Lucas use this sippy cup for almost two weeks, here's what I can tell you:
  • It's dishwasher safe and this makes me very happy.
  • Unlike other stainless steel sippy cups, this one is very light and Lucas can pick it up without any problems.
  • The rubber sleeve is also removable, which means you can clean under it if you want.
  • This cup is totally leak proof. Truly, I haven't seen it leak once yet.
  • I love that it doesn't have a lid or top. I bought a very highly acclaimed stainless steel sippy that has a hinged lid and it broke within a week after Lucas threw it across the room. The entire cup is useless now and it was not cheap. The Safe Sippy doesn't have a top or cap because it doesn't need it since it does not leak.
  • The rubber sleeve is not only great to look at, but it definitely prevents the cup from being damaged. Lucas has thrown this cup around a couple of times and it's still intact.
  • Did I mention that it doesn't leak?


The Safe Sippy comes in three bright, modern colors and can be purchased at various online retailers or in a store near you.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Deidra. Winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to contact me.






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Friday, February 27, 2009 | 388 comments | Read more...
Toddler Snack Ideas

Toddler Snack Ideas

Lucas has decided to not eat AGAIN. He literally eats a couple of bites during meals and then he is ready to play. There's no way to get any food into him at that point. Ugh! Seriously, it is so frustrating. I mean I spend time cooking him healthy, balanced meals and then he eats TWO BITES-LOL! I don't know why I'm laughing because it's really that not funny.


Anyways, I've realized that I'm going to have to use snack times to get the healthy stuff in so I have been scouring the web looking up ideas. I thought that I'd list them here for you guys to use and for me to have handy when I do my menus and grocery lists. Here's what I've found so far.

  • Yogurt dip with bananas (or any type of fresh fruit)
  • Mini Bagels with various soft cream spreads
  • Yogurt Frost (Combine yogurt and fruit juice and add pureed or very soft fruit)
  • Potato skins sprinkled with shredded cheese, broiled and topped with either yogurt or sour cream
  • English Muffin "Pizzas"
  • Raw vegetable strips served with small amounts of cream cheese.
  • Cooked vegetables served with a yogurt based dip
  • Mini Muffins (healthy variety made with whole grains)
  • Pita Pockets filled with tuna or chicken salad
  • Stuffed Mini Tomatoes (stuff with a mixture whole grain rice, light mayo, and shredded chicken or tuna)
  • Sweet Potato "Fries" with yogurt dipping sauce (peel & cut sweet potatoes into "fries" and roast)
  • Deviled eggs or hard boiled eggs
  • Whole grain crackers with hummus
  • Orange Creamsicles made from orange juice, yogurt and water
  • Cut flour tortillas into triangular sections ( like a pie ). Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake until crisp. Dip in applesauce and enjoy. The sweetness of the applesauce eliminates the need for any added sugar on the tortilla crisps. (Submitted by Dawna from A Kiss and a Peck)
  • PB & J Sandwiches cut out with cookie cutters. (Submitted by Pretty Pink Momma)
  • Celery, cut into bite sized pieces with hummus or natural peanut butter. Mini pretzel sticks dipped in natural PB. (Submitted by Heather at Grab Bag Reviews and Kristen at My Art and the Mom in Me)
  • Quesadillas: melt some cheese in a tortilla and cut it up with a pizza cutter. (Submitted by Sharon at The Good, the True, and the Beautiful also check out Sharon's post HERE for some great recipes.)

If you have some toddler snack ideas, please send them to me and I'll add them to the list.


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Thursday, February 26, 2009 | 17 comments | Read more...
Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday



These vintage purses are some of my favorite things. They belonged to my great-aunts so they hold a lot of meaning. Not to mention that they are gorgeous!




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Wednesday, February 25, 2009 | 33 comments | Read more...
A Stylish Way to Contain Messes On-The-Go! Wet Happened? Bags Review and Giveaway

A Stylish Way to Contain Messes On-The-Go! Wet Happened? Bags Review and Giveaway

We've all been there. You're out somewhere when your child has some sort of wet or messy accident and needs a change of clothes. Yes, a plastic bag will contain the mess, but why not use something cuter? That's where Wet Happened Bags come in! These are made for the fashionable mom who wants more than just a plastic bag to contain wet items.

Wet Happened Bags are made with a thick cotton outer fabric and then lined with a Polyurethane Laminate. The the two layers are sewn separately and the top has a zipper to secure its contents. The wet or messy contents stay in the bag as do the smell! Best of all, the whole bag can be machine washed and either laid flat to dry or on low heat in the dryer.

I received the Pink Butterfly Wet Happened Bag (pictured right) to review and it is awesome! It's totally chic and is a great way to store Lucas' dirty clothes and bibs while out. It will also come in very handy when I start to potty train Lucas and he has an accident while we're out. If you use cloth diapers, these bags would be very useful for that as well. The bag's exterior is very soft and the whole thing can be easily folded and takes up virtually no space inside my diaper bag.

What I love the most about them (besides the fact that they are gorgeous!) is that they have so many uses beyond just containing childhood messes. These are not just for moms. You can use these to store wet bathing suits or other items while at the pool or beach. You could even use them to store toiletries when you travel. Anytime you need to separate something wet from the rest of your items, these will work beautifully.





Want It: Wet Happened Bags are available in either medium or large sizes and come in a multitude of modern prints and patterns. Prices start at $12.99 and go up to $21.95 depending on which fabric or size you choose.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the 2nd winner (first never emailed me back), Cher. Winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to contact me.



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Wednesday, February 25, 2009 | 271 comments | Read more...
A Cute Way to Reduce Waste and Save Money: Fabkins Review

A Cute Way to Reduce Waste and Save Money: Fabkins Review

Did you know that if we all gave up just ONE paper napkin per day that we would prevent a BILLION pounds of paper waste from going into landfills per year? I have to admit that I didn't know that until I wrote this review. It really goes to show that we don't have to make huge changes to really make a difference IF we all do our part. One great way to reduce waste and consumption is by using cloth napkins. However, for kids cloth napkins can feel too formal or they're just too big, which is why Joyce Raffo and Paige Rodgers created Fabkins. The two friends and fellow moms wanted to offer kids a fun and easy way to be a part of saving the environment.


Fabkins are the cutest cloth napkins for kids! They come in a wide variety of playful patterns and colors that will suit all boys and girls. I was sent two Fabkins to review and we just love them. They are soft, adorable, and easy to care for. Lucas is only 19 months, but he has actually already started to wipe his own mouth after he eats so I think it's a perfect time to introduce him to cloth napkins.

The Many Ways to Use Fabkins
• With meals at home
• In a school lunch box
• As a birthday present
• As a party favor
• As a hostess gift
• At a playtime tea party
• On a picnic
• On the go

The truth is that Fabkins are not just good for the environment; they also offer parents an opportunity to educate their children on the importance of being kind to our planet. It's a way to get your kids involved in the process. Fabkins are also a great way to encourage proper table manners. And, finally if you stop using paper napkins and paper towels, you will also save money. Gotta love that!

Fabkins come in sets of five and are priced at $22.95. While you're at the site, make sure you check out the Tips section where you'll find great advice on going green, packing lunches, and teaching kids table manners.

Fabkins has generously offered 10% off to all Jolly Mom readers by using coupon code Fabkins10 at checkout!



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Tuesday, February 24, 2009 | 12 comments | Read more...
Problem with Blogger!

Problem with Blogger!

Hey everyone! There's some sort of problem going on with Blogger. All of the blogs I was following have been deleted and my followers are being deleted! I'm not sure what the problem is, but I wanted you guys to know that I DID NOT unfollow your blog. I checked Blogger's Help Forum and I saw that others are having this problem too. I'll start adding everyone back, but it would be great if you could comment here with your blog's URL so that I can make sure to get to everyone. When you can, please check your Follow list and make sure that it's still there and add Jolly Mom. I'll keep checking the Help Forum and update you guys as I find out what's going on.

Here's the Blogger Help Forum link if you want to read about it or post yourself: http://groups.google.com/group/blogger-help-troubleshoot/topics

UPDATE: It looks like the problem is bigger than just Followers being deleted. Something is going on with comments too. Not sure yet what is going on, but Blogger in general is just acting very strange.

UPDATE: Ok, the problem is not that the Followers are being deleted-they have all gone from Public to Anonymous so you have to go to your Dashboard and scroll to the bottom and click on Manage Followers. From there you have to change each one from Anonymous to Public and that will fix the problem. I just changed everyone back so I am following everyone again.

Make sure that you do this too or that entry for contests won't count because I will not be able to see that you are following.

UPDATE: Here is what Blogger is saying about the problem (taken from the Help Forum link: http://groups.google.com/group/blogger-help-troubleshoot/browse_thread/thread/b1c638731a27ba37)

Hey folks,

You may have noticed the number of your public Followers has decreased
over the last few hours. We are in the process of integrating with
Friend Connect.

There is small set of users that already use both Blogger Following
and Friend Connect. To avoid linking the profiles of Blogger and
Friend Connect users without their permission, we have set these users
to "anonymous". They are still following privately and will able to
make themselves public again.

With the official launch of the Friend Connect integration, we will
communicate with the affected users to encourage them to reset their
relationship to public. To reiterate, the number of Followers has not
changed, and we believe that the launch will improve the visibility of
your blog and community. We will post more details on Blogger Buzz and
here as the launch approaches.

Thanks for your patience,

Gatsby
The Blogger Team




Monday, February 23, 2009 | 21 comments | Read more...
Make Something Monday: Shabby Chic Lamp

Make Something Monday: Shabby Chic Lamp

These are a pair of brass lamps that have been around for a very long time. They used to be my moms and then they spent many years in my parent's attic. When I went off to college, I took them with me. Except back then, I was into Trading Spaces and everything had to be silver so naturally, I spray painted it silver. Not so pretty though-LOL! Years later, Mike and I decided that the lamps needed a new home so we put them in the garage sale pile. A day before the garage sale, it came to me! I can repaint them and give them a new life! So, I took out my trusty white latex paint and some furniture stain and this is what I got. Now, they are some of my favorite lamps in our home. A little paint will transform anything!






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Monday, February 23, 2009 | 11 comments | Read more...
Smart Art for Cool Kids! smART Quotes for Kids Review and Giveaway

Smart Art for Cool Kids! smART Quotes for Kids Review and Giveaway

Words hold a lot of power. They can unite us, take us on adventures, and they can inspire us. Think about the "I have a dream" speech by Martin Luther King-every time I hear his words, it inspires me to want to be a better person. An inspirational quote can go a long way in motivating you to be more, to do more. Adults are not the only ones who need to be inspired. Children do too, which is why I was thrilled when I was asked to review smART Quotes for Kids.

smART Quotes for Kids sells canvas wall art that engages and motivates children through famous quotes by history's most notable thinkers. smART Quotes for Kids was created by Laura Sheehan Kallen who couldn't find modern, inspirational artwork for her 2 year old son's bedroom. So, being a savvy, creative mom; she made her own. Pretty soon her friends started requesting artwork for their kids and smART Quotes for Kids was born.

smART Quotes for Kids is not your average children's artwork though. These are fine art giclée prints produced with archival inks on heavyweight canvas. Each canvas is gallery wrapped over an extra deep 1.5" wooden frame and arrives ready to hang with either a grosgrain ribbon or saw tooth hanger.

Most of all though, these canvases are fun, modern, and will appeal to both children and parents. I was sent The Rocket canvas, which inspires children to reach for the moon through the famous words of Henry David Thoreau. It says, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams." I really want to attest to the quality of these canvases. They are truly beautiful, high quality works of art that will last through generations. Also, since there is no glass; they are perfect for a child's room where things have a tendency of falling.



smART Quotes for Kids can also be personalized and would make an amazing, meaningful gift for a child. Obviously, they would make a great gift for birthdays and holidays. Where I think they would be really meaningful is to give them as new baby gifts or as a gift for a child who is starting something new like being on their first sport's team, first recital, or to commemorate their first day of school. Give them to a child who has graduated from preschool or elementary school.

A very smart man once said, “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions”. Albert Einstein said that and I believe him. smART Quotes for Kids is a wonderful way to inspire our little ones to imagine who they can be.

Want It: These beautifully, inspiring canvases are priced at $48 and can be purchased directly from smART Quotes for Kids.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the NEW winner (previous never contacted me), Giggling Kids! Winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to contact me.




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Monday, February 23, 2009 | 207 comments | Read more...
Sprout Pouch Baby Slings Review

Sprout Pouch Baby Slings Review

If you follow Jolly Mom, you already know that I'm a babywearer and you have probably guessed that I am always on the lookout for any mom or baby essential that not only performs, but is also modern and stylish. If you're a mom with a discriminating sense of fashion, today is your lucky day!I have found a company called Sprout Pouch that makes baby slings and diaper bags made from fabrics that look like they have stepped right off the runway.

Sprout Pouch slings are pouch style so there are no rings or buckles to worry about. They are one piece of fabric made from two layers of woven cotton-lycra. They stretch in one direction over your baby's bottom and your shoulder, but they will not stretch in length. This is so important because many slings on the market will stretch in length and will become useless after a short while. The Sprout Pouch can be used from newborn to 35 pounds and is super convenient to use. You just slip it over your shoulder and place your baby inside. It's slim design makes it easy to travel with since it can be folded down really small and tucked inside your diaper bag. All Sprout Pouch slings are also reversible to a solid color, which also make them really versatile.



I was sent the Caroline Sprout Pouch to try out for myself and really all I can say is WOW! The fabric is incredibly soft and luxurious. The Sprout Pouch really stands out above other slings that I have tried because the patterns are incredibly beautiful and unique. They really remind me of high fashion and I can picture a runway model walking a catwalk wearing her baby in a Sprout Pouch! I tested the sling with Lucas and it is very comfortable for both him and me due to the lycra in the fabric.

You have to check out Sprout Pouch's Mama Bags too. These diaper bags are real beauties and also functional! You can actually get a Mama Bag in some of the same fabrics as the slings so that they coordinate!



Sprout Pouch has generously offered all Jolly Mom readers $10 OFF by using coupon code jollymom at checkout! Coupon expires 4/30/09.



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Friday, February 20, 2009 | 12 comments | Read more...
Handmade, One-of-a-Kind Jewelry! jaC Jewelry Review and Giveaway

Handmade, One-of-a-Kind Jewelry! jaC Jewelry Review and Giveaway

I really don't know of any woman that doesn't love jewelry and I am definitely not an exception. If you're anything like me, you are in for a real treat today because today's review and giveaway combines two things I love: jewelry and handmade!

I was recently given the awesome opportunity to review a jewelry shop called jaC Jewelry and ladies, you are going to love this store! jaC Jewelry is owned and operated by Janna who is really a true artist in every sense of the word. Not only does she handmake every beautiful creation at jaC Jewelry, but she is also an oil painter and cardmaker!

I received the Little Mermaid earrings pictured on the right to review and they are truly exquisite. The beading is impeccably done and the earrings themselves are so versatile. They can easily be worn with a pair of jeans on a casual day or they can be worn for an evening out. You know what I love the most about these earrings? I am the only one who has a pair! That's because Janna never repeats a design-she guarantees it. That means that every piece is truly one-of-a-kind!


jaC Jewelry really has something for every type of woman and every occasion. If you can't find what you're looking for, that's ok-just let Janna know and she will create it for you. Janna even does custom bridal jewelry! The designs are all classic and elegant while still remaining modern. Just check out some of Janna's creations below:


Because Janna feels very strongly that handmade shouldn't equal expensive, jaC Jewelry is also extremely affordable. She will even pass the savings on to the customer when she is able to buy her supplies cheaper than usual. Gotta love that! Gift wrapping and a personalized message card is always fee so if you're buying a gift, jaC Jewelry is definitely the place to shop.

Want It: You can find jaC Jewelry online at http://www.jacjewelry.net and at Etsy or follow Janna on her blog.

Win It! Janna of jaC Jewelry has generously offered to give the Mocha Chocolate Earrings pictured below to one very lucky Jolly Mom reader!


This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Cindy B. of Montana ! Winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to contact me.



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Friday, February 20, 2009 | 284 comments | Read more...