Sushi-Themed Cloth Lunch Set by Brookiellen Designs!

At this point,  I try to stay away from plastic and wasteful packaging as much as possible. Not only is it better for the environment, it's better for the health of my family- way less toxins getting into our food. Having a toddler, lunch accessories are a must. I teach M-W and Ava goes to a babysitter. On my days off, we are often out and about, meeting with friends, or running errands. I don't know if you have ever met my child but she can EAT! She loves to eat and often requests snacks throughout the day.

My girl Brooke at Brookiellen Designs hooked us up, big time! She sent over some of her brand-new products- an insulated lunch sack, a sandwich bag, and a snack bag! The lunch sack snaps closed and has a handle for easy toting, and the snack bags have a waterproof nylon lining.  They perfectly accommodates a few snacks or a full lunch for Ava.

Since receiving the snack bags a few weeks ago, we have used them so often, and we get tons of compliments on them. People love the sushi design (we are so in love with it!), and people love the earth-friendly way to port toddler snacks!
 

I love the velcro closures and the easy-to-clean insides- just wipe with a damp towel. If something icky gets on it, simply hand wash it or put it in the washer!  We actually used ours up in the Poconos on the beach and on the dock for food and believe it or not---our iphones fit perfectly in them!!!

I cannot wait to buy some more, to stock up for our fall back-to-school time. The hardest part will certainly be deciding which pattern to choose!!!

If you're interested, head over to her shop, she JUST returned from vacation, so these will be flying off the shelves!

We received samples from Brookiellen Designs to help facilitate this review. All opinions are our own.

It Gets Easier! ...And other lies we tell new mothers

I had the opportunity to review this funny and informative book by Claudine Wolk. It Gets Easier! And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers is packed with really good information that I REALLY could have used after having Ava!

The book addresses common issues women face while pregnant, during labor, and those oh-so-stressful months after the baby has arrived. I have to be honest, it was tough, and I am very guilty of saying those three words~ "It gets easier". I mean, it does, because you (hopefully) will sleep again, and if I have sleep, I can handle anything, but as a mom of a feisty two-year-old, I cannot say it's gotten easy. Ha!

I am the type of mom who likes to prepare. I research. I read blogs. I talk with other moms. But I never really quite felt ready.  I have to think that if I had gotten my hands on this little ditty, I might have had half a clue!

Wolk tells it like it is, without being crass and condescending. She writes with experience and humor- something that is invaluable to a new mom.

I love the layout of the book, it's easy-to-navigate and easy-to-follow.  There are tips offered in the side bar, and Wolk includes a summary at the end of each chapter.

Both sides of the breast-feeding debate are addressed, birth plans (and how much of a waste of time they are) are discussed, and there's a whole chapter dedicated to the often-debated idea of schedules.  Wolk includes a resource section in the back, including websites, books, blogs, and my favorite, a New Mom Glossary--LOVE IT!

I think I have found my new baby shower go-to gift, as it truly addresses all important topics for new moms!

We were provided with a sample of this book to help facilitate this review. All opinions are our own.

Kidz Bop Dance Party Wii Game

Who doesn't love an awesome Wii game?! In our family we have a lot of kids. By a lot of kids, I mean, A LOT. For example, we had four boys born on my husband's side SINCE JANUARY, and one girl on my side since January!!!! Wowsas, I know!  Our "kids" range from the tender age of 1 month old and span all the way up to the age of 30.  Often, the kids naturally branch out into natural age or gender-related groups to play, but to be honest, there have been many a holiday dinner than ends with EVERYBODY packed into the living room, taking turns playing Wii! We have done Wii Sports
to death. Don't get me wrong, we still love the game, but this year, we are ready for something new!


I know you have heard of the CDs by Kidz Bop, an ingenious company that takes popular songs and remakes them into kid-friendly versions, complete with appropriate language and "kid" voices.  The songs are familiar and fun, and kids LOVE them. I actually had this funny moment last night while listening to a CD by Best Pals with my daughter---all children love music, but MOST children really love music by voices they can relate to!! My daughter kept cackling and yelling "MORE MORE!!!!!!".

Anyway, back to Wii. Wii and Kidz Bop have teamed up to create Kidz Bop Dance Party! Awesome, no?  Rated "E" for everyone, kids of all ages (even grandma!) will love rocking out to 24 popular dance hits, including "Party in the USA" and "Paparazzi".  The moves are relatively easy to master, though putting them all together is quite another story.

The game is fun and exciting and is sure to bring a lot of laughs to any family game night!!!!

Thanks to Wii and Kidz Bop for providing us with a copy of the game to help facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% our own.