Category Archives: Toddler

Shop Wonder Forge Games This Holiday Season & Enter Our Giveaway To Win 2 Star Wars Games!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

wonder-forge-logo

Wonder Forge has consistently offered top-quality experiences, raising the bar for preschool and family games everywhere. The preschool titles celebrate the “can do” attitude in all kids—engaging them physically, socially, and creatively. The family games bridge generation gaps and create wholesome family moments and lasting memories.   If you are shopping for kids big and small this holiday season, Wonder Forge has some great choices that will have the whole family playing and interacting together.  Check out these great games:

 

Disney Pictopia Family Trivia Game

 disney-pictopia-game-contents

Our family loves games we can play together and Pictopia is certainly one that fits that description.  This uniquely collaborative yet competitive trivia game will have your family teaming up and testing their knowledge on 1,000 questions covering the World of Disney!  Questions range from Disney Jr., Disney XC to the Disney Parks and classic films.  Players place wagers based on knowledge of those images, and then work together or on their own, to answer the question.  For ages 7 and up.

 

Promotes:
  • Family together-time
  • Strategic thinking
  • Cooperation and teamwork
Product Contents
  • 200 Cards (1000 Questions)
  • 30 Wager Coins
  • 1 Game Board
  • 6 Movers
  • 6 Scoring Dials
  • 1 Die
  • Instructions

Pictopia

Pictopia 5

Pictopia 4

Pictopia 2

 

Do you have Star Wars fans in your house like I do?  If so, check out these great games:

Star Wars Face Off Dice Game:

 

star-wars-face-off-contents

Go head-to-head in this action-packed bluff ‘n’ battle dice game!  Roll hero combos to rack up points or push your luck and “go villain” to steal the win!  Pack it all up in the collectible cup and play anywhere!  For ages 8 and up and 2 to 4 players.

Product Contents
  • 1 Darth Vader/Luke Skywalker Dice Cup
  • 5 Dice
  • Instructions

Star Wars Face Off

Star  Wars Face Off 1

Star Wars Force Grab:

 

star-wars-force-grab-contents

Force Grab is edge-of-your-seat fun! Race to spot when the Star Wars objects match the pictures. React fast! Look out for decoys, bonus scoring twists, and other disturbances in the Force!  My kids love playing this race to action game with us   Ages 6 and up and for 2 to 6 players.

Promotes:
  • Physical dexterity
  • Memory
  • Quick reflexes
Product Contents
  • 15 Objects
  • 4 Lightsaber Markers
  • 1 “3” Marker
  • 1 “0” Marker
  • 50 Placards
  • 15 Score Tokens
  • Instructions

Star Wars Force Grab Game

 

Star Wars Force Grab Game 1

Star Wars Rebel Missions:

It’s a dark time in the galaxy as the evil Galactic Empire tightens its grip of power. Work together as the ragtag crew of the Ghost starship and fight Imperial forces on the remote planet of Lothal! In this exciting team strategy game, race against the Imperial Timer to complete daring Rebel missions and find the four secret codes that will deal a blow to the Empire! Every game is a different edge-of-your-seat adventure!  Ages 6 and up and 2 to 4 players.

Promotes:
  • Cooperation and teamwork
  • Strategic thinking
Product Contents
  • 1 Imperial Timer
  • 2 Dice
  • 44 Resource Tokens
  • 28 Mission Placards
  • 5 Rebel Profiles
  • Instructions

Star Wars Rebel Missions

 

Star Wars Rebel Game

 

When you are ready for a stretch, it is time to play Disney Junior Super Stretchy Game:

disney-jr-super-stretchy-contents

 

Get moving with the beloved characters from Disney Junior, including Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Sofia the First, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! While you stretch your body, other players flip over cards and call out characters, colors, and shapes. How many can you reach at the same time? It’s active fun for your wiggly ones!

Promotes:
  • Self-confidence
  • Teamwork and cooperation
  • Physical dexterity
Product Contents
  • 44 Game Cards
  • 1 Card Holder
  • 1 Play Mat
  • Instructions

Super Stretchy Game

Super Stretchy Disney Game

 

Where to Buy:  You can purchase these great games at Major Retailers like Toys R Us, Walmart, Kohls and Amazon.com.  You can find Wonder Forge on our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide at Mommy Ramblings.

 

Giveaway!!!

Wonder Forge is sponsoring a giveaway and one lucky Mommy Ramblings’ reader will win their own Star Wars Rebels Mission and Star Wars Force Grab Game!!!  Thanks to Wonder Forge for the review games and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Wonder Forge Star Wars Rebel Missions and Force Grab Game Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

 

  Continue reading


15 Comments

Filed under Family, Family Fun, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Toddler, Toys

Star Kids, Snack & Play Travel Tray Is Perfect For Holiday Traveling!!!

starkidslogo

The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year!  If you are traveling over the river and through the woods by car, boat, plane or train with kids, bring lots of activities.  Little ones have a harder time gauging the time it takes and lucky us if they are great sleepers in the car, but we are sure to hear at least 10 “Are we there yet?” questions. Having fun things they can do in the car can eliminate at least 5, maybe even 6 of those.

The Snack & Play Travel Tray is ideal for traveling and it is perfect to use with your car seat, on airplanes and even strollers.

snack-and-play

 

snackandplay-4halfinch

The Snack & Play Travel Tray is made of a soft, durable, 100% nylon that is easy to clean.  The tray easily buckles around the child or stroller, has large mesh storage pockets for all their toys and books and a 2 inch wall to stop things from rolling off the top and falling.

trayedgeinset-4halfinch

Star Kids Products is an innovative children’s product manufacturer that specializes in making fun and safe products for busy, traveling families. Travel tray makes a great gift. Snack & Play Travel Tray can be purchased through their retail network.  You can follow Star Kids on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to stay in the know.  Mommy Ramblings is adding the Snack & Play Travel Tray to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

 


2 Comments

Filed under Baby, Baby Gear, Christmas, Giveaway, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Review, Toddler, Toys, USFG

Get a Free BanZ Slip Case & Sunscreen Sample With Coupon Code In Post!!!

banzlogo2010

As parents we want to protect our kids from everything harmful.  BanZ is the place to shop when you are looking to protect your baby or child from sun, wind, loud noises and more.  Founded in Australia, BanZ has a complete protection collection of sun safety products for children ages 0-12. Sunglasses, hats, hearing protection and swimwear are available in multiples styles and sizes as well as sunscreen, swim goggles and more.  Right now you can get a FREE BanZ Slip Case & Sunscreen Sample when you use the coupon code FREE at checkout.  You can follow BanZ on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.  Mommy Ramblings thinks that BanZ is a great choice for holiday gift shopping this year for gifts that really say you care!  You can find BanZ on our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide!!!

Banz Swimwear


Leave a Comment

Filed under Baby, Baby Gear, Discount Code, Holiday Gift Guide, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Sale, Shopping, Toddler, USFG

anaMalz Wooden Creature Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

anamalz-logo

You might just get overloaded with cuteness in this post so fair warning given. anaMalz, are the cuddliest wooden creatures you will set your eyes and hands on!. Designed by Louise Causon-Scott and her partner Tim Scott in Australia, these little heartbreakers were first brought into the world in 2007.  anaMalz have legs you can move and fabric embellishments along with the cutest expressions.  They open up a world of imaginative, creative play for kids and as a parent I love that!

anaMalz has won more than 15 industry awards including the Australian International design award.  The poseable figures each have their own unique markings that make anaMalz unique, individual and fun to collect.  anaMalz wants to give everyone a chance to help make nature grow so a part of the proceeds of every anaMalz is donated to preserving nature forever

anamalz

When you enter your registration code found on your anaMalz hang tag and become an anaMalz Guardian, you will receive a real Guardian certificate. Help anaMalz protect nature!

anaMalz Trio

anaMalz are made from a wood known as schima superba or “needlewood” (also known as Chinese Maple) – a fast growing tree harvested in a forest plantation in China. All waste wood from the manufacturing process is given to a local farm to grow mushrooms.  All anaMalz are carefully hand painted using child friendly paint, tested under EN71, ASTM, CPSIA accreditation.  The glues used are formaldehyde free and pass all EN71, ASTM, CPSIA testing. Fabrics are tested and have passed EN71, ASTM, CPSIA standards and contain no AZO dyes.

Anamalz-lion-giraffe-alligator

anamalz-Giraffe

anaMalz-Giraffe-Figure

We have a lion, giraffe and alligator living with us and they are so much fun, we will definitely be expanding our family!!!  Mommy Ramblings thinks aniMalz are a marvelous gift choice this holiday season so you will find them on our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

anaMalz-Alligator

anaMalz-Alligator-Figure

anaMalz-Lion

Animalz 7

Would you like to win some anaMalz?  I know you do, so enter our giveaway below to win 2 anaMalz cuties and good luck!!!  Thank you to anaMalz for sponsoring this giveaway and for the review animals they provided to Mommy Ramblings!!!  Good Luck!!!  Open to US Residents.

anaMalz Wooden animal giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

Continue reading


15 Comments

Filed under Christmas, Collectibles, Dolls and Dollhouses, Education, Family Fun, Giveaway, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Toddler, Toys

Easy Appliqued Holiday Shirts You Can Make For Thanksgiving & Christmas!!!

You may remember my tales of woe from learning to sew in my post where I showed how I finished an antique vanity as a sewing table.  Aside from an owl pillow I made in 6th grade Home-ec, my attempts at sewing were nothing to write home about.  However, I’m not a quitter, so I was ready to give it another go when I wanted to create some cute whimsical holiday shirts for my kids and family.

I bought some long sleeve cotton shirts and then visited the craft department for some fabrics.  The first shirt I was going to try to make was a turkey for Thanksgiving.  I planned to make the turkey body in brown flannel fabric so I bought a yard of that since I also planned to use it for the Christmas shirts, then I picked several other fabrics for feathers.  I also purchased some polka dot fabric for the antlers and solid red, yellow, black and green for various accents.  Armed with my array of fabrics and some notions like colorful buttons and embroidery thread, I was ready.

I drew my turkey template free hand onto some card stock and cut it out.  I thought I would do feet too but did not end up putting feet on the design.

Turkey shirt 1

I washed the shirts and all the fabrics prior to sewing anything.  After I ironed the fabric I cut the pattern shapes and laid them out how I wanted, then when my design was the way I liked, I secured the fabric pieces with a sewable heat bond.  After that it was off to the sewing machine where I sewed around the pieces with an applique stitch.  The first shirts were a bit laughable but my little ones thought they were great and with every shirt I got better.

Turkey shirt 3

Turkey Shirt 4

Turkey Shirt 5

Turkey Shirt 2

Turkey Shirt

 

For the Christmas shirts I did the same thing except I made a moose template which honestly ended up looking more like a reindeer but nevertheless is still cute.  I was in a rush because we were using them for a picture but would like to add bows on my daughter’s shirt and mine as well.  For all the boys I want to add a bow tie.

This is the light hold heat bond that is sewable, I just wanted to hold it in place so I did not need to use pins for sewing.  It worked well.

This is the light hold heat bond that is sewable, I just wanted to hold it in place so I did not need to use pins for sewing. It worked well.

 

Moose Shirt 1

Moose Shirt 4

Moose Shrit 2

 

Moose Shirt 5

Moose Shirt 6

Christmas Shirts

 

Applique shirts_edited-1

I made 9 shirts in all (2 turkey shirts and 7 Christmas shirts). It really gave me confidence to make friends with my sewing machine and if I could do this, anyone can.  I know they are far from perfect but they are made with love and to me that is what matters the most.  If you would like any more specifics please ask.


4 Comments

Filed under Christmas, Crafts, DIY, Family Fun, Fashion, Holiday, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Toddler

Safety 1st Alpha Elite 65 Convertible Car Seat Giveaway!!! #OurSummerJourney

safety1st_logo_trans

You may remember reading about our Summer Journey and how Safety 1st made my kid’s road trips much more comfortable and most of all safe!  Now Safety 1st is giving one of our blog readers a chance to win an Alpha Elite 65 Convertible Car Seat!  This car seat is so versatile because it goes the distance and works with children as small as 5 lbs right up to 100 lbs!  Use rear facing from birth to 40 lbs and forward facing from 22- 65 lbs.  When you child is older it becomes a belt positioning booster good for kids up to 100 lbs.  The QuickFit harness is easy to adjust in height from the front of the seat and the 3 position recline takes just one hand to operate.   LATCH equipped seat has a removable infant head support, padded arm rests and a cup holder.

Safety-1st-Car-Seat-Giveaway-#OurSummerJourney

 

Product Description

With a harness rated to 65 pounds, the Alpha Elite™ Convertible Car Seat is helping keep children in harnesses longer. As an extended-use car seat with superior comfort and convenience features, it’ll please parents and children alike through 3 separate stages: Rear-facing infant car seat, Forward-facing car seat with harness to 65 pounds, and Belt-positioning booster!

The Safety 1st Alpha Elite 65 Convertible Car Seat Features:

  • Extended use car seat – rear facing: 5-40lbs and forward facing: 22-65lbs
  • Belt positioning booster 40-100lbs
  • 5-point harness with center front adjustment
  • QuickFit™ Harness System adjusts height from front in one easy step
  • 3-position recline, adjusts with one hand
  • Removable infant head support
  • LATCH equipped

Safety 1st is a Dorel Juvenile Group brand, the global leader in car seat design and manufacturing and the trusted experts for baby products that make life easier and more enjoyable for both parent and baby. Safety 1st offers a wide variety of top-rated products, such as Air Protect car seats, high chairs, thermometers, safety gates, play yards and much more, that offer modern parents and their children both convenience and comfort. At Safety 1st we remain committed to giving you peace of mind for every 1st you and your child experience.

Features

  • The Safety 1st Alpha Elite 65 Convertible Car Seat is an extended use car seat that includes rear facing 5-40lbs; forward facing 22-65lbs; belt positioning booster 40-100lbs
  • 5-point harness with center front adjustment, QuickFit™ Harness System adjusts height from front in one easy step – never needs re-threading!
  • 3-position recline, adjusts with one hand. Removable infant head support. Removable infant lumbar support
  • Padded, pivoting armrests. Removable cup/juice holder
  • LATCH equipped. Meets or exceeds Federal Safety Standards

28.2 x 22.2 x 21.5

Enter To Win!!!

To enter the giveaway to win a Safety 1st Alpha Elite 65 Convertible Car Seat use the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!  Open to US Residents.  Thank you to Safety 1st for the review seat and for sponsoring this spectacular giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!

Continue reading


31 Comments

Filed under Baby, Baby Gear, Giveaway, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Shopping, Toddler

Finn + Emma® Made For Organically Grown Babies!!! Exclusive 20% Off Discount Code In Post!!!

Finn and Emma Logo

Do you have a little one?  Maybe you have a new grandchild or just searching for a great baby gift.  Whatever the reason, if you are looking for quality, organic, safe clothing and accessories for baby, you will want to check out Finn + Emma®.  Have you heard that 1/3 pound of chemicals including pesticides, chlorine bleach, formaldehyde, ammonia, lead and phthalates go into the production of  a single conventional tee-shirt.  These toxins have a negative impact on the environment, the workers in the fields and factories and of course the little one wearing the shirt.  Considering the skin is the largest organ of the body, these chemicals that are worn directly on the skin are easily absorbed and  that’s really scary!

Finn + Emma® believe in the balance of stylish and sustainable, whimsical and sophisticated, classic and contemporary. With fresh prints, modern colors,and heirloom quality construction, they are creating a new world for the organically grown baby. One where boring designs and toxic chemicals are a thing of the past, and adorable, wearable, remarkable organic cotton is abundant!

Finn-Emma-Gym

All Finn + Emma® products are designed and tested according to applicable rules and regulations. In the U.S., this includes acts enforced by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, and those defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).  As per CPSIA, Finn + Emma® tests post-production samples of all regulated products, using certified third-party laboratories. These products are labeled with tracking information to identify the manufacturing date and location of each product.  This is something that gives parents, grandparents and let’s face it anyone that is concerned about chemicals and toxins peace of mind.

 

I recently reviewed the Long Bodysuit in the Word design.  The long sleeves of this 100% G.O.T.S. certified organic cotton bodysuit keep little ones warm and protected.  The bodysuit features lead and nickel free snaps with coconut inserts that make it easy to dress squirmy babies and toddlers.  The super soft, organic cotton is so comfy and this versatile bodysuit can be worn alone or pairs so well with pants.  This bodysuit is an essential piece to have in any little one’s wardrobe.   This bodysuit is made using low-impact inks and dyes.

Finn and Emma

 

Finn and Emma 1

 

Finn-Emma-Bodysuit-Snaps

Another Finn + Emma® product I had the chance to review was the adorable Piper the Elephant organic Teething Ring.  Lots of textures for little ones cutting teeth on this teething toy.  The hand knit teething ring features and uncoated hardwood that is finished with a bit of beeswax, no harsh chemicals here!  The ring is soft, smooth and safe to bite to help ease the pain of growing those pearly whites.  Toy is made with 100% G.O.T.S. certified organic cotton and  is eco-friendly using non-toxic dyes and sheep’s wool stuffing.  The toy is fair trade and is hand knit by artisans in Peru.

Finn-Emma-Teething-Ring-Piper-Elephant

Finn-Emma-Teething-Ring-Piper-Elephant-Pic

Exclusive 20% Savings For Mommy Ramblings’ Readers:

I have great news, Finn + Emma® have provided Mommy Ramblings’ Blog readers with an exclusive 20% Off Promo Code.  This code is valid starting today thru August 13th.  When checking out on FinnandEmma.com use the code VFOFW to redeem the discount.  Stay in the know with Finn + Emma® by following them on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

 


Leave a Comment

Filed under Baby, Baby Gear, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Toddler, Toys

Trunki, PaddlePak; Water-Resistant Backpack Review & Giveaway!!! #TrunkiUS

trunki logo Swim lessons, boat trips, water parks and other outings where kids need to bring along some extras is the perfect time to use a PaddlePak.  A PaddlePak is a water-resistant backpack designed to stop wet stuff from getting in, or leaking out! Made from lightweight and durable material it’s big enough to fit everything your little one needs for fun-filled days out and about, at school camp, parks, family vacation, sleepovers as well as trips to the beach or pool.  trunki Pinch trunki clown fish paddlepak   paddlepak1   paddlepak 2   paddle pak 2 We received a Pinch-Lobster PaddlePak to review and my son thought it was super cute and so did I. It is roomy enough to hold a swim suit, towel and more.  There is a spacial zippered pouch for small things and it has padded comfy straps that let little ones carry the pak securely and comfortably. Lots of cute friends to choose from to accompany little ones on all kinds of trips.

Trunki

PaddlePak is recommended for ages 2 and up! Trunki is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own PaddlePak!  Thank you to Trunki for sponsoring this adorable giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents. trunki pic Trunki, PaddlePak, Water-Resistant Backpack Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules: Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

Continue reading


30 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Giveaway, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Shopping, Toddler

Sunny Sleevez – End the SunScreen battles

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Sunny Sleevez Logo

After a long, cold winter, the sun is finally beginning to shine again.  Time to start thinking about protecting our skin from the sun’s damaging rays.  This is an issue that is very important to me especially where my kids are concerned.  So many sunscreens contain cancer causing toxins, even those marketed as baby and children’s sunscreen.

sun sleeves 1

I do have a sunscreen that we use and love that does not contain  hazardous chemicals but I am excited to share another option.  Sunny Sleevez are remarkable UV sun gloves that are perfect for babies, kids, tweens and beyond.  They come in great colors and designs and all kids need to do is slide them on.

sunsleeves 1

Sunny Sleevez are a patent pending, chemical-free option that is not greasy, never needs to be reapplied and will not get rubbed in kid’s eyes.  A wonderful choice for kids that don’t like the feel of sunscreens.  The lightweight, breathable fabric wicks away moisture to keep kid’s skin cool.  Sunny Sleevez work from the minute they are on, don’t wash off and offer  50+UPF UVA/UVB protection, keeps SPF even when wet.  Easy care machine washable and line dry.  Sunny Sleevez are sold in pairs and have a SRP of $14.99.  

sun sleeves

My son loves them and he flipped over the cool flame design.  He loves wearing them and I can go all day without having to reapply sunscreen.

Sunsleeves

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

2 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Health, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Shopping, Toddler

Nui Organics, Kid’s Clothing Review & $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway!!!

nui organics

Kids want to be comfortable in their clothes.  Naturally, active kids want to be able to twist, turn, wiggle and jump without feeling constricted.  

Nui Organics loves producing quality clothing for children using only the world’s purest merino wools and cottons. No harsh chemicals for our children, or our planet. Everything is manufactured in a socially and environmentally responsible way.  

nui organics group 1

I recently had the chance to try some of Nui Organics clothing with my son.  I chose the Kavi Shorts in ocean stripe and the Vic, 3/4 Sleeve Top in ocean whale.

nui Ocean Whale Top

nui organics kavi short

My son loved them and immediately started jumping around because they were so comfy and that worked to my disadvantage when trying to snap a picture of him with the outfit.

nui organics collage
It did show me that they are an excellent children’s clothing choice that feels great and looks great and to kids, comfort trumps most anything.  Lots of easy to mix and match pieces are available for boys and girls.

nui organics group 3

nui organics group 5

Nui Organics is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a $50 Gift Certificate to Nui Organics!  Thank you Nui Organics for the review outfit and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Nui Organics $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

Continue reading


23 Comments

Filed under Baby, Fashion, Giveaway, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Shopping, Toddler