Kangovou Stainless Steel Dishware

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Your child's dishware....

It might not be something you think of often. You probably don't think about what is in the materials that your children are eating out of or with. You probably don't think about if toxic elements are leaching into your child's food and, thus their bodies. 

I know I didn't think about it much....

Until NOW!

Until I was introduced to Kangovou and their mission to create high quality food-grade stainless steel dishware products that are BPA, PVC, phthlatate, lead, and melamine free. All of Kangovou's dishware products are made from quality food-grade, Type 304, 18/8 stainless steel.

Why is this important?

Because you want the surface your food touches to be BPA free, naturally anti-bacterial and to not leach chemicals. Kangovou food-grade stainless steel provides these benefits and is also light weight, durable, does not rust, cleans easily with soap and water, and is top shelf dishwasher safe.

Kangovou outer jackets are also BPA, PVC, and phthalate free. Kangovou uses materials which are free of bisphenol-A, polyvinyl chloride and the chemical phthalate.

Bisphenol-A and polyvinyl chloride are plastics used for making PVC pipes, DVDs and CD’s. Phthalate is a chemical which helps plastics bend.

I now think about these toxic chemicals in not only in my storage containers but in my children's dishware! It is definitely a good idea to keep these types of plastics and chemicals away from our food so I love that Kangovou doesn’t use them in their products!

On top of being really safe for my children, the pastel colors of the dishware are so pretty!! I love the Iced Mint color we received of the dishware set!

It includes:

• 18/8 food grade stainless steel divided plate
• Keeps foods separated and provides a built in space for condiments
• 18/8 food grade stainless steel flat plate
• Use for larger food items such as a sandwich or a slice of pizza
• 18/8 food grade stainless steel cereal bowl
• Use for cold or hot cereal or even soup
• 18/8 food grade stainless steel snack bowl
• Use for crackers, sliced fruit, yogurt--the choices are endless
• 18/8 food grade drinking cup
• Includes pop-up drinking straw
• Snap on lid to prevent leaks
• Mixer to avoid clumps when adding food powders to drinks
• Intended for children 3+ years of age
• Protective jackets which are FREE of BPA, PVC and phthalates

My youngest LOVES the drinking cup and the fun straw to drink with! I love that the lid snaps on and doesn't leak!

My two oldest beg to use the plates and bowls - I love that they come with lids. This makes it great for traveling, snack time in the car and leftovers! And the divided plate is perfect for my son's lunchbox!

Overall, I love the mission of Kangovou and their safe, great products! I am definitely conscious now of what my children are eating out of and on and I will never look at children's dishware the same again!

Buy It:

You can purchase the full Kangovou dishware set (in four colors) for $69.99 from the Kangovou website.

* Thank you to Kangovou for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Healthy Valentine's Day Treats from Plum Organics

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

You know me by now....I am all for the healthier treats for my children instead of the artificial colored, high fructose, sugary candies, desserts and snacks!

So this Valentine's Day, I am showing my love for my children by giving them organic but tasty snacks from Plum Organics!

Plum has so many tasty snack ideas and many that come in red and pink so you can stick with the Valentine's Day theme! :)

My children beg for Plum Organics every day and I love watching their faces light up when they see I have given them just what they have asked for! Plus, I love knowing that are eating organically, without artificial colors or preservatives and without all the added sugar that comes in many snacks and treats these days!

My 18 month old son calls out "puffs, puffs" every snack time and I know he is begging for Plum Organics' Super Puffs! The Strawberry & Beet Puffs are perfect for the Valetine's Day theme and they are healthy for your baby or toddler too! My son also loves the Raspberry, Spinach and Greek Yogurt food pouches and sucks those down like they are candy! Luckily they aren't but are instead filled with hidden veggies that I can't get him to eat! :)

And my two older children LOVE the Jammy Sammy's in strawberry and the Mashups in their lunch boxes. It is always a special treat for them anytime they see Plum Organics foods for snack or lunch!
And I love giving it to them because I feel like I am giving them the gift of good health and great taste!

It doesn't hurt either that they say I am "The BEST Mom in the World!!!" every time I give them Plum Organics! :)

This Valentine's Day give Love AND Plum Organics to your children and you could be called the Best Mom in the world too! :)

Buy It:

You can purchase Plum Organics products at your local retailer or online.

* Thank you to Plum Organics for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Laboos Bamboo Dining Sets

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

I am all about making eating time fun! But I also want to make sure I am feeding my children healthy food but that also means feeding them on safe dining wear.

I recently found dining sets that not only make my children happy when they are eating but are safe for their food to be on.

Laboos dishes are made of 100% natural bamboo that’s not only designed to look cute, it is also very durable and safe!

The name of the brand "LaBoos" is a made up of the Latin word "la" meaning "the" and the English word "boos" short for bamboo.

Inspired by a trip to Japan-Kyushu, Laboos creators were motivated to look for a more natural, healthier and beautiful way to experience a greener lifestyle.

With Laboos you can experience a more natural, healthier and beautiful way to a greener lifestyle!

I received the super cute Kitty Dining Set and Bear Dining Set for my two youngest. I love the two compartments for their smaller portions and the spoon and fork were so cute with the little bear and kitty on them.

My older son got the Hippo Dining Set and he loves it because it has one big compartment for his larger portions!

My children instantly LOVED these different designs and ask to use them for every meal!

Each set is 100% all-natural bamboo, dye and chemical-free and lightweight, strong and long-lasting

If you want to make eating more fun, more safe and more durable, then make sure to check out these Laboos dining sets! My family is loving them!

Buy It:

You can purchase the Laboos Dining Sets for $27.99 from the Laboos online shop.

* Thank you to Laboos for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

12 Sport Balance Bike

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

This year, skip the new pedal bike under the Christmas tree and opt for a Strider Bike instead! Check out the 12 Sport Balance Bike, which is the perfect starter bike for children 18 months - 5 years!

It requires no-tool height adjustments for seat and handlebars and includes bonus padded seat & XL post for taller riders! The lightweight design makes it easy for toddlers to control and the simple, no-tool assembly makes it a winner for adults too!

Plus, the tires are Flat-free and your child gets one in their favorite color because there are 7 vibrant colors available!

Check out some of the other awesome features: 

Handlebar

Unique 12.7mm steel handlebar is 43% smaller than standard to allow better control with tiny hands. Custom logo mini-grips are soft urethane with protective ends. Machined-aluminum quick release allows “No Tools” height adjustment from 46-56cm (18-22”).

Wheel

Strider-exclusive, ultralight one-piece wheels sport a raised-letter, five-spoke design with 10 bearing support gussets for maximum strength at the lightest weight possible.

Top-quality sealed cartridge bearings roll smooth and never need adjustment.

Tires

EVA polymer (industrial foam) tires are super light and durable yet offer a smooth ride. Best of all, they never need air and will never go flat.

Seats

The durable, all-weather mini-saddle is designed specifically for beginning riders and their tiny hips. Smaller, narrower, and lighter than a typical saddle, this seat allows for proper riding position and posture. ** The Sport model also includes a padded saddle and long XL seatpost to fit kids over 3 years and allows seat height adjustments up to 48cm (19”).

Bar and seat clamps

Machined aluminum quick release allows “No Tools” saddle height adjustment from 28-41cm (11-16”) for the perfect fit for your child.

Footrest

Unique, frame-integrated footrests are properly positioned directly below the saddle for natural bike balance. This position also fosters the advanced ability to stand while gliding as well as pumping and jumping the bike.

Brake mount

Strider-exclusive rear brake mount allows the addition of a foot-operated brake once the kids are proficiently gliding with feet on the footrests. Brake sold separately.

Buy It:

You can purchase the 12 Sport Balance Bike for $119.99 from the Strider website.

* Thank you to Strider for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Light Up the Holidays with Laser Pegs!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Laser Pegs, the Original Lighted Construction Set®, is gearing up for the holiday season with five all new sets. Each set was developed so the user can build multiple creations; these five new mode ls alone can make up to 60 different sound activated colorful models.

With a kit for everyone on your holiday list from ages 5-99, the variety of these new models will keep children and adults alike entertained for hours while utilizing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills and educational fun.

New features in the holiday introductions include the following advancements to engage the senses. These features were added to some existing sets as well.

• Tinted Brick Colors: New kits containing the new “Tinted Brick Colors” will enjoy a variety of shades to build and play with. The new tinted brick colors are shaded to reflect the same colors that Laser Pegs already creates with LED lights, but now colors are even brighter, with or without the LED lights activated, giving builders even more options to tap the imagination.
• Sound Activated Illumination: Kits with Sound Activated Illumination use LEDs that strobe to the beat of music, voices, clapping, etc. Imagine the light show you’ll get while singing carols around the tree.

Among the new models for the holidays are:

· 6 in 1 Monster Truck - $21.99 Includes 1 Laser Peg, A Zippy Do Power Base, 66 Tinted Construction Bricks, Instruction Manual

· 4 in 1 Helicopter - $ 16.99 Includes 2 Laser Pegs, 45 Construction Bricks, Mobile Power Base, Instruction Manual

· 8 in 1 Helicopter - $ 26.99 Includes 10 Laser Pegs, 78 Construction Bricks, Triangle Power Base, Peg Cord, Instruction Manual

· 16 in 1 Space Fighter - $ 41.99 Includes 20 Laser Pegs, 82 Construction Bricks, Triangle Power Base, Peg Cord, Instruction Manual

· 24 in 1 National Geographic Dinosaurs - $ 59.99 Includes 27 Laser Pegs, 191 Construction Bricks, Triangle Power Base, Instruction Manual

We received the 24 in 1 National Geographic Dinosaurs and my son IS LOVING IT!!! He plays with this kit whenever he can and he loves watching his creations light up and shine in the dark! He now is hooked on building and creating and I love watching him!

Best of all, all Laser Pegs sets are compatible other 32mm grid pattern construction kits (like Legos) so my son can combine them all to make epic creations!

Buy It:

You can purchase Laser Pegs online at Laserpegs.com, Amazon.com, Toysrus.com, Walmart.com, Select Barnes and Noble Stores, Learning Express, Shopko, Independent Toy Specialty Retailers, and other retailers near you.

* Thank you to Laser Pegs for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Have Fun in the Kitchen with Curious Chef

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

It’s official. Summer is almost over so what better time to celebrate an awesome summer and the upcoming school year by throwing one more fun bash, like an ice cream party with homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches! With fun tools like the Curious Chef Ice Cream Set Gift Bundle, complete with an easy-to-grip scoop and fun colored ice cream bowls, kids can have fun by not only devouring the sweet snacks but, preparing them too!

Curious Chef inspires a love for cooking in kids by providing fun, safe, and easy-to-use kitchen tools for kids ages four and up.

I love that all their products are small enough for small hands but look like their full size coutnerparts so kids feel BIG making foods just like mommy or daddy!

This summer my kids have been enjoying the Ice Cream Set Gift Bundle ($12.99).

Scoop and serve yummy ice cream with your little chef using the Ice Cream Set Gift Bundle.

The Curious Chef® Ice Cream Set Gift Bundle screams family fun. Scoop out, dish up and top off your favorite flavors with the help of the Curious Chef® Ice Cream Scoop, Set of 4 Ice Cream Bowls and 4-Piece Silicone Pinch Bowl Set.

Your child will love scooping up their favorite flavors using the easy to grasp ice cream scoop. The child friendly handle features soft touch grips for a firm hold. Serve it up in one of the brightly colored (red, green, blue and orange) easy-to-grasp ice cream bowls. And colorful (red, blue, green, orange) silicone pinch bowls are the perfect place to store sprinkles, nuts and other delicious toppings. This is the perfect bundle for family fun!

Other Features: 

• Gift box dimensions: 12” x 6” x 6”
• Gift Bundle includes Ice Cream Scoop, Set of 4 Ice Cream Bowls and 4-Piece Silicone Pinch Bowl Set
• Gift Bundle comes packaged in a white gift box with crinkle paper inside, ready for your wrapping paper
• Vibrant colors - Red, Blue, Orange, Green
• Silicone heat safe up to 450°F
• Dishwasher safe and BPA free
• Appropriate for children ages 4+

And with Fall on its way quickly, we will start baking yummy, warm goodies around our house! My kids will definitely be helping me and using their Baking Set Gift Bundle ($12.99) from Curious Chef!

The Curious Chef® Baking Set Gift Bundle is the perfect set of kids cooking utensils for your budding baker. This fun gift bundle includes a Nylon Cookie Turner, Nylon Frosting Spreader and the always popular Curious Chef® Non-Stick Rolling Pin.

Each of these uniquely designed kids cooking tools are created with kid-friendly ergonomic handles featuring soft-touch button grips. The nylon cookie turner features a large surface area so your child can safely join in on the cookie baking fun, while the nylon frosting spreader has an angled tip for a smooth and seamless finish. The Curious Chef® Non-Stick Rolling Pin is a favorite tool for cooking with kids. It includes a slightly weighted design and non-stick surface. Enjoy family baking cooking time with the Curious Chef® Baking Set Gift Bundle.

Other Features: 

• Gift box dimensions: 12” x 6” x 6”
• Each tool features ergonomic handle and soft touch button grips
• Gift Bundle includes Nylon Cookie Turner, Nylon Frosting Spreader and Non-Stick Rolling Pin
• Gift Bundle comes packaged in a white gift box with crinkle paper inside, ready for your wrapping paper
• Nylon heat safe up to 420°F
• Silicone heat safe up to 450°F
• Dishwasher safe and BPA fre
• Appropriate for children ages 4+

Spend some quality time with your children baking, making and creating in the kitchen with the fun, colorful and awesome children's cooking tools from Curious Chef! Children will love helping and using cooking tools just like you use!

Buy It:

You can purchase all Curious Chef tools from the Curious Chef website.

* Thank you to Curious Chef for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Walmart & Pampers Team Up for Donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals & Giveaway

This post is sponsored by P & G. All opinions are mine. 

One of the biggest fears of any parent is having their child be afflicted by a serious illness. Even small illness or injuries can cause so much stress, anxiety and cost.

But there are so many great organizations out there these days to help parents and children that have are going through injuries and illnesses and one of those great orgnanizations is Children's Miracle Network Hospitals!

Whether a child suffers from common childhood afflictions like asthma and broken bones, or fight bigger challenges like birth defects or cancer, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals provide comfort, treatment and hope to millions of sick kids.

To show support for the organization and the one in 10 kids in North America who are treated by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals each year, Walmart and Pampers have teamed up to donate $200,000 in the month of June!

Additionally, by purchasing products like Pampers Swaddlers at your local Walmart, portions of the proceeds will go to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Check out the story of a local boy here in Minnesota that really touched my heart:

Michael

Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare

Apert Syndrome

Age 9 (as of 11/30/14)

A favorite among his school peers, “delightfully mischievous” Michael was born with Apert syndrome, a rare genetic disorder causing birth defects such as abnormal head and limb development. 

At just 5 months old, Michael underwent major surgery to expand and reshape his skull to make room for his developing brain. Thirteen more surgeries followed, including procedures to adjust his jaw and separate his fused fingers and toes. With so many treatments, Michael’s mom dubbed medical terminology as the family’s “third language” in addition to the English and Spanish they already speak. 

Michael has a bright future thanks to his continued treatment and surgeries at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare. Michael enjoys playing guitar, drums and recorder and can’t wait to show off his skills at school music concerts. He also likes to ride bikes and play soccer. Recently, Michael joined the Boy Scouts and is excited to be a Cub Scout.

One in 10 kids in North America is treated by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals each year and your support helps provide 32 million patient visits for 10 million kids every year!

So head on over and visit Walmart.com/cmnh for more information and to make your own donation!

And if you have a personal story to share about your journey with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, I would LOVE To hear it! 

Please share in the comments section below!

Win It:

(1) $25 Walmart gift card to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) $25 Walmart Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This post is sponsored by P & G. All opinions are mine. The Walmart gift cards and information have been provided by P&G. *

Switch to A BETTER Sports Drink This Summer: BODYARMOR Sports Drinks

This post is brought to you by BODYARMOR Sports Drinks. All Opinions are 100% mine!

With summer here and the heat rising, many kids are starting summer sports and playing outside. Although, it is important to keep your children hydrated, I don't recommend sugary sports drinks as the way to do it! In addition to all the excess sugar they contain, they also have artificial colors, high sodium and other icky ingredients your children definitely don't need in their bodies!

It’s time to rethink the sports drink and you can do that by replacing it with a healthier and safer alternative:  the new natural sports drink, BODYARMOR.

BODYARMOR has more potassium-packed electrolytes than any other sports drink, coconut water, and vitamins and is low in sodium and contains nothing artificial (unlike other sports drinks on the market).

Many of the top professional athletes have chosen BODYARMOR over all other sports drinks, including Andrew Luck, Richard Sherman, Mike Trout and James Harden – and Kobe Bryant is a major investor in the brand. It is definitely time to rethink the standard sports drink you see everyone giving to their kids during the summer and during sports (or even drinking themselves!) and switch to a better for you sports drink!

What is BODYARMOR?

BODYARMOR is a natural sports drink with more potassium packed electrolytes, vitamins and coconut water. It is low in sodium and contains NOTHING ARTIFICIAL – unlike other sports drinks on the market. It’s a GREAT choice for young athletes especially, who don’t need all the extra sodium in their diets or the artificial ingredients that come from drinking other sports drinks on the market.

BODYARMOR comes in 7-great tasting flavors: fruit punch, orange mango, strawberry banana, tropical punch, lemon lime, mixed berry and grape. They really are all delicious and fun flavors so even the kids will drink them!

As a health care professional, a mom, and an avid athlete, I really LOVE that these are a great alternative to standard sports drinks. HAVE YOU looked at the ingredients on most sports drinks lately!??!! It is not pretty nor most of it comprehensible except for the bold artificial colors, high sugar content and high sodium!

Next time you need to keep hydrated in the hot sun, switch to BODYARMOR. Your children are sure to find a flavor they love (and so will you!). I personally love the Strawberry Banana flavor and love even more when I look at the ingredient list and see all the vitamins included and COCONUT WATER!

BODYARMOR sports drinks should definitely be the choice for hydration for your WHOLE Family this summer! Thank you BODYARMOR for caring about our children's health, our athletes, what you put into your products and for creating a safer way to hydrate!!

Buy It: 

You can purchase BODYARMOR sports drinks at many local retailers including Target, Meijer, and Publix!

And make sure to go to this link and print off the downloadable coupon when you head to the stores to purchase and try out BODYARMOR sports drinks!!

* This post is brought to you by BODYARMOR Sports Drinks. All Opinions are 100% mine!*

Zippy Sacks & Giveaway

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Do you have the same issues with your children having messy beds that I do??!!! 

Or maybe you worry about your children not being warm enough at night because they never seem to use the blankets that are in their bed!!! My son is definitely that way! He has blankets and sheets in his bed that seem to never get used!!! He is in the basement of our house and in the winter it gets REALLY cold down there! 

But I have found the perfect solution to our woes and I am so excited to share with you Zippy Sack!! Maybe it can help you and give you peace of mind for your children (and a cleaner bed!!!) like it has for me!!!

Zippy Sack is the fun new way to help kids make their bed with just a quick zip and a flip! Made from soft and cuddly machine washable fleece, it slips over the child’s bed like a fitted sheet and stays in place.

At bedtime, kids simply zip inside for a night of snug and cozy dreams without the worry of their covers sliding off. It even includes a pocket for their favorite things. In the morning, with just a zip and a flip, the bed is made and magically transformed into a cuddly friend. Making the bed will become kids’ favorite chore.

Each Zippy Sack comes in a reusable bag with carry handle. Characters include: Kitty, Puppy, Dino and Panda. Ages: 4+

My son got to transform his bed with the Dino ZippySack and the material is SO SOFT! It isn't a very thick blanket so I wouldn't recommend only the Zippy Sack blanket for cold winter nights but it is definitely better than nothing! :) At least you know it will stay in place to keep your child covered with something in the winter!

It really was simple to put on and literally took me a few seconds! It fit perfectly on my son's twin mattress and transformed his bed and room into a fun place to sleep! Even my daughter had to try it out! :)

So, forget messy beds and searching for blankets to try and stay snug! ZippySack is like sleeping inside a fleece hug! In the morning when you wake, just zip and flip. Your child will love it and so will you!

Buy It: 

You can purchase Zippy Sacks for a MSRP: $29.99 (twin size); $39.99 (full size) at www.ZippySack.com and at retailers nationwide.

Win It:

Zippy Sack is generously offering (1) Zippy Sack (choice of the four zippy sack characters) to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) Zippy Sack
(winner can pick one from the four zippy sack characters)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Thank you to Zippy Sacks for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*