Monthly Archives: April 2014

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.

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

Helpful Tips for Buying Dollhouse Miniatures – Things Every Hobbyist Should Know

dollhouse miniatures

Having dollhouse miniatures as a hobby is a lot of fun and there are many people who are passionate about collecting miniatures and building their own little world. There are so many different types of dollhouse furniture and miniatures out there and your collection will never really be complete – you will always be inspired to find more and more to add.

 

You can buy dollhouse miniatures online, as well as in your local miniature hobby shop. Before you start buying these tiny treasures, there are a few things that you should know which will make things easier and will help you save you a little money. Here are some tips that you can keep in mind which will help you when buying dollhouse miniatures.

 

Where Can You Save and Where Will You Splurge?

If you are building your dollhouse on a budget, you probably cannot afford to spend a lot of money to ensure that every detail is as luxurious as possible – such as designer wallpaper, high end miniature furniture, high quality paint and other accessories. However, if you can budget your money in a clever way you can add luxurious details to your dollhouse with breaking the bank.

Figure out on which aspects of your dollhouse you can get away with spending less. For example, you can use a cheap paint for the walls or find carpet samples for free to cover the floors with. Whenever you are able to cut down your expenses, this means that you will have more money to spend on a few lavish treats – such as a beautiful miniature canopy bed or a chandelier.

Even if you have to choose the cheapest dollhouse building supplies because you have a small budget, with a little bit of care and creativity you can make it look beautiful. Dollhouse building is more about the love and care you put into the project, rather than the cost of the materials.

dollhouse minis 1

Look for Sets

Here’s a tip when you are buying furniture for your dollhouse – look for “sets”. Sometimes dollhouse furniture will come in a kitchen set, a dining room set, a bedroom set, etc. For example, a bedroom set might include a bed, a vanity with a mirror and a wardrobe. A living room set might have two arm chairs along with a footrest or a coffee table.

Usually, buying this furniture in sets means that you will save money. Also, it will ensure that all of the furniture in the room matches and has a similar style – which can be difficult when you are buying pieces separately.

dollhouse minis 2

Don’t Forget to Think About Scale

It is important to make sure that the dollhouse furniture that you are buying is on the same scale – otherwise it will not work in your house and will look strange with the other furniture. Once you choose a scale you will need to stick with it and buy all of your furniture in that scale from that point on.

The scale you choose is up to your preference – so think about how much room you have for your dollhouse and how large or tiny you want it to be. The most commonly used scale is the 1/12 scale, where one inch of the dollhouse is equal to one foot of the real item. There are other scales used, but since they are not as common you might find it more difficult to locate furniture in this scale.

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Shop Online

When you are looking for dollhouse furniture, one of the best places to look is on the internet. There are many advantages to shopping for dolls house furniture online – especially because there are so many websites out there to choose from. You can quickly and easily compare prices and availability from a number of different sources and with such a large selection, you are sure to find exactly the doll house furniture that you are looking for. Make sure that you shop around and compare, as well as ask other dollhouse enthusiasts on forums for recommendations to the best deals that they have found.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind when you are buying miniatures for your dollhouse. A dollhouse hobby is a lot of fun and collecting tiny furniture can bring you a lot of enjoyment over the years. A collection is never complete, because the fun is in the challenge when hunting for the next exciting, rare, beautiful and unique miniature piece. Have fun and enjoy collecting.

dollhouse mini eggs


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Sharing My Coffee Journey With Mr Coffee® & Millstone®!!! #CoffeeJourneys Giveaway!!!

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias, Millstone® Coffee, and Mr. Coffee® #collectivebias.

#coffeejourneys #cbias #shop #collectivebias

Growing up, whenever I heard the familiar quick double ring of the doorbell, I knew without a doubt,  behind that door stood my favorite uncle.  The sound of the doorbell had me acting like Pavlov’s dog because after letting him in, I started a fresh pot of coffee.

There was no question if he would like some or not, it was a given.  Coffee was a catalyst for bringing us all together.  When the coffee was ready we would all gather round the table or sit on the deck with my parents and whatever siblings were home and talk, laugh and share memories.

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

Coffee is the way I start my morning, it’s something I share with friends, it’s comfort, it means talking with family, sharing time alone or sitting back and watching my kids play. Coffee is weaved throughout my life and it’s more than a drink, it’s a link that joins people together, it’s my #coffeejourney.

Some of my greatest memories of my parents, who are no longer with me, are the talks we had over coffee.  Even as a child, before I drank coffee, the familiar smell was comforting and it meant that I could dip a shortbread cookie in my dad’s cup and savor a bit of the grown up drink that always drew people together.

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

As a mom of five, I understand that interruptions are a part of life but cold coffee shouldn’t have to be.  The Mr Coffee® 10 Cup Optimal Brew™ Thermal Coffee Maker has moms covered and I can always come back to find fresh hot coffee in the sleek, stainless steel carafe.

 

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

Simple pleasures are some of the best and for me, wrapping my hands around a hot mug of rich, flavorful  Millstone® coffee is the ultimate.  Millstone® has a great selection of coffee that works so well in the Mr. Coffee® drip coffee maker.

Sharing My Coffee Journey With Mr Coffee® & Millstone®!!! #CoffeeJourneys Giveaway!!!http://www.mommyramblings.org/2014/04/25/mr-coffee-10-cup-optimal-brew-thermal-coffee-maker-review-giveaway/ … #coffeejourneys #cbias #shop

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

My favorites are the flavored coffee, the smell of French Vanilla wafting through the house gets everyone’s attention.  To learn about the Journey of the Bean and get some great insight into Millstone® coffee just click HERE!

Mr. Coffee® 10-Cup Optimal Brew™ Thermal Coffee Maker and Millstone® coffees are available at Walmart.  I went to Walmart to purchase the Mr. Coffee® 10-Cup Optimal Brew™ Thermal Coffee Maker and Millstone® coffees.

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

The coffee maker is easy to start using right out of the box.  Just a quick rinse and wash of the water reservoir, filter basket and carafe and you are ready to brew.  I purchased a reuseable Mr Coffee basket filter because I find it more eco-friendly and cost-effective than using disposable paper filters.

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

 

The side mounted, filter basket is removable and makes filling a breeze.  The removable water reservoir allows for easy filling at the sink. The water filter that’s included  fits in the top of the filter basket and will remove up to 97% of chlorine  from the water.  There is a handy red, sliding clip on the top that lets you select the month you put the filter in so that you know when it is time to change it.

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

The clock is easy to operate and you can set it for delayed brewing.  The Fresh Brew Timer ensures your coffee is hot and fresh.  You can brew 10 cups of coffee in less than 7 minutes, and if you just can’t wait, there’s a pause and serve feature.

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The clean cycle helps eliminate any calcium build up.  The stylish, vacuum-insulated stainless steel carafe keep your first cup as hot and fresh as your last.

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

 

I saved the best for last because you can WIN a Mr Coffee® 10 Cup Optimal Brew™ Thermal Coffee Maker with a bag of Millstone® French Vanilla flavored coffee!!!  To enter just use the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!! Open to US residents in the contiguous 48 states.

While you are entering, I need to go because it won’t be long until I am interrupted by that familiar door bell ring.  These days taking time for conversation and coffee with my 89-year-old uncle are more precious than ever!

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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.  

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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.

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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!!!

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Chef Apron, Father’s Day Giveaway!!!

Memorial Day is fast approaching and will fall this year on, Monday, May 26th. Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday celebrated on the last Monday of May in remembrance of the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  It’s  also the unofficial start of  summer!

Many people break out the barbecue for the first big cookout of the season and more often than not, it will be a male member of the family that’s manning the grill!

What is it with guys, fire and raw meat?

The perfect gift for the guy that grills or any cook or chef is an apron and for that reason, Crooked Brook is sponsoring a Chef Apron Giveaway. These professional chef aprons will also make a great Father’s Day gift for dads who like to cook.

Sierra Exif JPEG

 

Since 1989 Crooked Brook has designed and manufactured chef wear for the world’s most recognized men and women in the noble art and science of gastronomy. All Crooked Brook branded garments and accessories are made to order in the U.S.A and can personalized with the customer’s choice of fabric, pockets, buttons, piping and embroidery.

Sierra Exif JPEG

The giveaway consists of:

  • Two, Apron Style #700 – 35” W x 25” L (approximately), made in white, 10 oz., 100% cotton denim. Depending on the height of the wearer, this apron is calf length.  Total Prize Value with SHI…$45.00

Aprons were originally worn as a utilitarian outer garment to cover the front of the body to protect the wearer’s clothes from soiling, wear and tear. Over the years many different styles of aprons evolved depending on the purpose and were often named after the trade, craft or profession that used that particular design.

 

A chef apron is waist apron which is a square or rectangular piece of fabric that ties around the waist to cover the body from the waist down. For a cleaner look, some chefs fold the top of the apron over the ties (see image). With a pocket (sometimes divided to create a pen pocket) to hold an order pad (dupe pad) it becomes a bistro apron.

 

These mid-calf length “old school” heavy duty chef aprons are hard to find and coveted by professional chefs and serious cooks alike.

Crooked Brook also makes a 35” W x 25” L apron that is perfect for grill masters who like to wear shorts and cook over an open or pit fire because the length protects bare legs from the heat.

Another good thing about these aprons is that after they are too dingy and beat up to wear in public, you can cut them up into 100% cotton rags.

Cant to wait to see if you won? Receive a 10% discount on all Crooked Brook Chef Wear and Accessories: Aprons, Bib Aprons (blank, printed or embroidered) Women’s Aprons (blank, printed or embroidered) Chef Coats (blank or embroidered) and Women’s Chef Coats (blank or embroidered) offer valid thru 5/13/14 with the Coupon Code “Mommy Ramblings Chef Apron Giveaway”.

  • You must be 18 years or older to enter.
  • Crooked Brook will ship the prizes to the winner within 30 days of contest end. If address is undeliverable or prize is unclaimed and sent back, winner is responsible for re-shipping charges.
  • Physical address required for shipping; no PO boxes, US recipients only residing in one of the 48 contiguous states.

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

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Make These Easy Easter Cupcakes & Learn How To Bake Eggs For Coloring!!!

If you are looking for an easy, festive treat to make for Easter, you still have plenty of time to make these adorable cupcakes.

Cupcakes Easter 2

Just make your favorite flavor cupcakes and then get your frosting ready.  I use my own buttercream but you can use canned if you do not like to make your own.

cupcakes Easter

Cupcakes Easter 1

Get a decorating bag ready and use  a Wilton Multi-Opening Decorating Tip 233.  Tint your frosting green with Wilton Gel Coloring or you can use liquid food coloring if you want.  Then just squeeze and pull up to create grass.  

Easter Eve 8_edited-1

In the grass you can put a PEEPS bunny or chick, little M & M eggs,  Robin’s Eggs, Jelly Beans, or chocolate covered almonds.  You can also use some white buttercream and make little nests with an open crown tip and fill with candy eggs.  You can sprinkle the nests with sugar decor to make them sparkle or coconut flakes.  

Another great tip I got from a friend is to bake your eggs instead of boiling for coloring. You just put your eggs in a muffin tin and bake at 325 degrees for exactly 25 minutes. Do not over bake!  You will get great eggs with no cracks!  I tried it and love it!

eggs

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Happy Easter from Mommy Ramblings!!!

Easter Eve 2_edited-1


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Celebrate Earth Day With Flight of the Honey Bee, Little Pear Tree & E.I.E.I.O!!!

Candlewick Press

April 22nd is Earth Day and I want to tell you about some great books you can read with your child to celebrate.

Flight of the Honey Bee by Raymond Huber:

Your child will get to follow the flight of a honey bee as she searches for nectar to sustain her hive and, along the way, pollinates flowers to produce seeds and fruits.

Flight of the Honey Bee

A tiny honey bee emerges from the hive for the first time. Using sunlight, landmarks, and scents to remember the path, she goes in search of pollen and nectar to share with the thousands of other bees in her hive. She uses her powerful sense of smell to locate the flowers that sustain her, avoids birds that might eat her, and returns home to share her finds with her many sisters. Nature lovers and scientists-to-be are invited to explore the fascinating life of a honey bee.The back of the book gives examples of how to save the bees that you can discuss as a family as well as an index.

Little Pear Tree by Jenny Bowers: 

little pear tree

Children will be captivated as they watch a tiny seed grows through the seasons into a fine pear tree in this beautiful book. This format showcases vibrant artwork with more than twenty-five flaps that you lift to discover creatures hidden in every scene. The charming text makes this the perfect interactive primer to a key scientific topic.

 

E.I.E.I.O, How Old MacDonald Got His Farm With A Little Help From a Hen by Judy Sierra:

eieio

The Little Red Hen gives Old MacDonald some pointers on composting — and a legendary farm is born — in this rhyming, rollicking read-aloud. Once upon a time, Old MacDonald didn’t have a farm. He just had a yard — a yard he didn’t want to mow. But under the direction of the wise (and ecologically sensitive) Little Red Hen, Mac learns to look at the environment in a very different way, and whole new worlds start to bloom with the help of some mud, garbage, horse poop, and worms!

Judy Sierra’s spirited verse, paired with Matthew Myers’s exuberant illustrations, yields a fresh take on a children’s classic, complete with raised-bed gardens and an organic farmers’ market—making this a perfect story for armchair gardeners and devoted locavores of all sizes.

Enter To Win All 3 Books:

My kids love books and these 3 were a big hit and have spurred some great conversation about nature, growing plants and trees and of course all the ways bees are essential in our world.  Candlewick Press is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One luck blog reader will win all three of these books!  Thank you to Candlewick Press for the review books and for sponsoring this Earth Day Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Candlewick Press, Earth Day Trio of Books Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Save $10 Off Your Online Lovable Labels Purchase!!! April 15-17 Only!!!

Lovable-Labels-Logo

Hurry, hurry because it will be over before you can blink twice.  Lovable Labels Y.O.L.O Sale is on!!!  Right now you can save $10 off your order of $25 or more when you use the promo code yolo2014 at checkout!  To start shopping and saving click HERE!    Hurry sale is only on April 15th-17th!

YOLO SALE

 


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Kidorable, Fireman Rain Wear Collection Review & Giveaway!!!

Kidorable Logo Kidorable Logo

April showers bring May Flowers.  Time to get in gear for spring rain.  We love Kidorable Rain Wear, they are our go to brand for kid’s rain coats, rain boots and umbrellas.  The quality is great and boots, rain coats and umbrellas used by my older son can be passed down to his younger brother looking brand new.

We love the great details and designs that are used on everything and how there’s such a large selection of coordinating items for each style.  We recently had a chance to review products from the Fireman Collection.

kidorable fire raincoat

kidorable fire boots

kidorable umbrella

When everything arrived, my son could not wait to try it on.   Actually, both little boys wanted to try everything on and so they did. Everything is easy for them to get on and off and the attached hat on the hood of the rain coat provides great coverage with the wide brim.  The rain boots are fun and keep puddle jumpers dry and the umbrella is easy to open and close for little hands.  My son loved this set and his little brother can’t wait for him to outgrow it!kidorable2

Kidorable larger

kidorable

 

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Kidorable is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Kidorable Umbrella in their style choice (subject to availability). Thank you Kidorable for the review pieces and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Kidorable Umbrella Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Save 10% Now at LabelDaddy.com With Exclusive Discount Code!!!

Label Daddy Logo

If you have kids, you know that they are very good at misplacing or losing things.  If you label their belongings with quality labels you have a better chance of the item being returned.  Label Daddy  is  the perfect  solution for labeling your children’s belongings!

Remember to label all the clothing, sports equipment and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep your belongings from getting lost or mixed up with others. These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels — they’re washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant!

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Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels! . . . Pick from many colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. Our exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide. Save 10% on Label Daddy labels!Save 10% on your entire Label Daddy order. Use code USFAMILY10 at checkout and click HERE to start shopping and saving.

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