Have you ever put your hand in your purse in search of your wallet, only to pull out a mouldy sippy cup of milk? Ever forget to feed your kids until you’re half way out the door? Perhaps you’re tired of having to make Timbit runs to ensure that your kids make it through until lunch. If this sounds like you, you are not alone. This has been my daily routine until recently.
You Name It Baby makes unique and personalized gifts for babies and toddlers and they also make snack packs. Snack packs that are large enough to fit in what the girls need but are still small enough for them to carry themselves (which means two less things for me to have to worry about). They are super cute and have the kids’ name on them so that no one argues over who gets what. The snack packs are insulated and easy to clean, and reasonably priced. Better yet, they eliminate mouldy purse syndrome completely! Can you find a snack pack elsewhere? Sure. But it won’t be as cute. And as you all have come to know, cute is very important in this household!
WIN IT: Win your own personalized snack pack from You Name It Baby! Send an email to contests@wundermums.com with “SNACK PACK” in the subject line and the answer to this question: How many designs do the beach cover up towels come in? Contest closes March 20th, 2009. Good Luck!
Reviewed by Melanie Morgan for Wundermums. All rights reserved.
Categories: Uncategorized
My kids have issues. Luckily, these issues can be easily fixed with hair clips. My eldest is currently growing out her mane and unless I want her running into the rails, she needs something to keep them out of her face. My baby is proudly sporting a spot of what could be called hair, but wanting to be just like her sister, demands to have it done up nicely. Not having time to constantly readjust falling clips and loosening bows, I was on a mission to find a good non-slip hair clip. I had seen many a clippie company claiming to stay put in the wispiest of hair so I decided to try a few out. I also had heard that these clips were incredibly easy to make so I asked my friend, Brei to join in. Off to the races…
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Little Miss Clips
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Reid’s Reserves
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My Friend Brei
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First Impressions
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Clips came in individual packages with a cute logo – looked very professional.
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Clips and elastics came grouped together in a bag with a business card.
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No packaging.
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The Details
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Clips are well made but are not fully lined with ribbon. There is one strip of Velcro on top.
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Nicely finished and fully lined, clips have foam gripping on the bottom only.
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Fully lined, neat finish, and foam gripping on both the top and bottom.
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Staying Put
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These clips stayed in for a good amount of time but did need some readjusting.
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Clips stayed put until I took them out with no slipping.
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No movement or slipping at all – stayed in all day.
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Cost
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$4.00 per clip
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3 clips for $6.50
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$1.00 per clip
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Notes
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Clips are well made and super cute but the most costly of the group.
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Good variety and well made, these cute clips are a great value for your money.
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Cheap and quick to make but you have to buy in bulk which can be quite costly.
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The race, it seems was neck in neck. All three clips won me over on looks, kept my kids’ hair in place, and were really well made. I liked the fact that I can pick individual clips from Little Miss Clips but if I buy all the ones I want the cost adds up. Brei’s beautiful hand-made clips took five minutes to make and cost next to nothing but to be honest I know if I buy the supplies they will just sit on my craft table for the next six months. All things considered, I would have to say the reigning champion of the Hair Clip Competition (by a hair) is Reid’s Reserves. They offer a great product at a fair price; have cute styling and best of all… come ready-made! So next time you’re in the market for a clippie or two, trot on over to Reid’s Reserves and see what strikes your fancy.
WIN IT: Win a gift pack of clips from Little Miss Clips and Reid’s Reserves so you can decide for yourself! Send an email to contests@wundermums.com with “CLIPS” in the subject line and the answer to this question: Which clip company is currently sporting Valentine’s Day themed clips? We’ll pick one winner at random. Contest closes February 18th, 2009. Good Luck!
Reviewed by Melanie Morgan for Wundermums. All rights reserved.
Categories: Uncategorized
I am great at remembering things. Well, I used to be great at remembering things before I had kids. Now I am shockingly moronic when it comes to remembering the simplest of things. Where I left my keys (they have actually been MIA for about a week now), who I was supposed to call about JK registration, or when this review was due? Needless to say, keeping track of my kid’s belongings has been somewhat of a problem. My latest and greatest solution is Stuck on You labels.
Stuck on You makes labels for just about anything you can think of from traditional sew-on clothing labels to funky mermaid bag tags. They come in a variety of bright colours that make your kid’s name stand out in a sea of sippy cups. The vinyl labels (which stick to just about anything) are waterproof, dishwasher and microwave safe, and UV resistant. They are easy to put on and so far have stayed put (with a few exceptions that I can only attribute to me not reading the directions beforehand). My absolute favourites are the shoe labels that adhere instantly to the inside of your children’s shoes. Not only did this get my kids excited about putting their shoes on but it also made sure that the right shoes made it home from school at the end of the day. That means one less thing to have to keep track of… and that makes me happy (and we all know what makes mommy happy, makes everyone happy)!
Bright colours, fun icons, and useful… along with the fact that I now have to spend less money on replacing lost stuff makes these labels an real asset around here. My kids can get out their own cups, find their own backpacks, and have a little fun at the same time. Stuck on You labels are helpful and long-lasting… the exact opposite of my memory.
WIN IT: Win a Stuck on You Day Camp Pack! Send an email to contests@wundermums.com with “STUCK ON YOU” in the subject line and the answer to this question: How many designs do the star charts come in? Contest closes January 31st , 2009. Good Luck!
Reviewed by Melanie Morgan for Wundermums. All rights reserved.
Categories: Uncategorized
I have always been a nervous bather. No, I don’t get anxious cleaning myself… just my kids. I hate washing my young, wiggly, slippery kids. On the rare occasion that I have to do it (my husband takes over for the most part) I get so nervous that I’m going to drop the baby that I basically just let her sit there, dirty. The thought of having to pick up a wet and wiggling kid freaks me out and I figure that Daddy can get the missed parts the next night. Kids don’t need to be cleaned every night. I’ve heard that bathing too much can dry out their skin. She didn’t even poop today. Convinced?
Apparently I am not the only nervous bather. I must not be alone in my paranoia because I discovered a simple solution called Palm-Palms. Palm-Palms are simple terry mitts that you wear while bathing your kids so that you can get a good grip. Seemingly simple and straightforward, I opened them up to discover that they reminded me of those cotton wrist bands I used to wear while playing tennis in the 80’s. Why I wore them… I will never know. But why I wear Palm-Palms is obvious: you get a good grip.
My Palm-Palms are not overly useful for lathering, but they are so grippy and non-slippy that I do not care. Not only did the baby get clean, but she got really clean. She got bubbled and bathed, and into her pyjamas with nary a scare. I felt calm, and confident and in control. The fact that these gloves are solely responsible for my kids being sanitized and non-smelly even on the days my husband is away is reason enough to shout from the roof tops “buy yourself some Palm-Palms”. Really… buy yourself some Palm-Palms. You can colour me happy and my baby’s bum clean!
WIN IT: Win a pair of Palm-Palms Baby Bath Grips! Send an email to contests@wundermums.com with “PALM-PALMS” in the subject line and the answer to this question: How many sizes do Palm-palms come in? Contest closes January 15th, 2009. Good Luck!
Reviewed by Melanie Morgan for Wundermums. All rights reserved.
Categories: Uncategorized
There are three things in my life that I am absolutely crazy about:
1. My family – my husband and kids make me giggle with joy.
2. Funky, wear-anywhere-with-anything, notice-me jewellery.
3. Receiving fun packages in the mail.
Alli’s Originals combined all three in a pretty little necklace. When Canada Post came knocking on my door, I was like a kid on Christmas morning. When I opened up the package and saw the beautiful, silver tin, I was giddy. And when I opened that tin to find, nestled inside it, a unique and delicate sterling silver necklace with two delicious charms featuring the names of my children, well, it was all I could do to not leap in the air out of sheer elation. In fact, I may have jumped…just a little.
I immediately put on the necklace and my daughter immediately yanked on it. Score one for Alli – the necklace didn’t budge or break and withstood the pulling, biting and other abuse my daughter put it through. It’s unique and delicate, yet strong. I hadn’t even been wearing it for five minutes and I was impressed.
When I went out, my Alli’s Originals necklace did what I expect any stylish necklace to do – it got looks. And it got second looks. I should also mention that Alli’s Originals have no personal space, especially among other mama’s – not only did my necklace get the once over, it got the ‘twice over’, and I even had a few bold women come up and reach out and touch the cute and contemporary charms around my neck.
Would I recommend an Alli’s Originals necklace? Absolutely – in fact, I would recommend that you check out www.allisoriginals.com and then leave the computer up to Alli’s site…nothing like a subtle hint for your partner! Alli’s beautiful hand stamped jewellery is unique, sweet and sentimental – a breathtaking blend of funky and feminine and the perfect way to wear your heart on your sleeve.
WIN IT: Win a $30 gift certificate to put towards your choice of Alli’s Originals jewellery! Send an email to contests@wundermums.com with “ALLI’S ORIGINALS” in the subject line and the answer to this question: How much does a kids charm bracelet cost? Contest closes December 31st , 2008. Good Luck!
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sandham for Wundermums. All rights reserved.
Categories: Uncategorized
December 3, 2008 · 1 Comment
I received an email from my mother the other day with “nice boobs!!!” in the subject line. Curious, I opened the attached picture and was shocked (and slightly horrified) to discover that my mother was talking about my boobs. She had attached a couple of pictures that my dad had taken of me (leaning over in what I did not realize until that moment was an extremely revealing top) holding my daughter. Wow. I have to admit they looked great. I noticed later that day a couple of people actually talking to my chest, and had numerous comments on how “nice” I looked.
This is not at all usual for me and I had honestly never had this kind of reaction to my breasts before. I was stunned and confused until I remembered one very small (and comfortable) detail: that was the day I first wore my new Nummies bra from Milk Diva.
I know you think I’m kidding, but I’m not. I went to see Tess (the owner) for a personalized fitting on a new nursing bra. She was patient and knowledgeable and after a few dozen attempts she had me wearing a bra I could hardly tell I was even wearing. The Nummies Style bra is one of a kind. It has molded cups that still allow for easy access all the while providing support and a shockingly nice shape. I was fitted in a size much larger than I would have suspected (and I always swore I was never one of those women who didn’t even know their own bra size)! What makes the Style bra so special is that this bra achieves all that without the aid of an underwire (which means greater comfort and no risk of clogging those oh-so-important milk ducts). For the past four years of my life I have lived in comfortable and practical nursing bras that certainly did the job, but none came this close to actually making me feel sexy. Damn, this bra is good!
All in all I can’t decide what has made me so happy with my Nummies Style bra. Perhaps it is simply the best nursing bra ever made. Maybe it is the refined expertise of Tess who just knew how to fit me. Or maybe I just have fantastic jugs. One thing’s for certain: if you find yourself in need of an amazing nursing bra and friendly customer service that goes the extra mile, contact Tess at Milk Diva and see what she has to say. Your mom may even send you some pictures!
WIN IT: Win a $40 gift certificate good towards your choice of awesome bra from Milk Diva, along with a personal fitting! Send an email to contests@wundermums.com with “MILK DIVA” in the subject line and the answer to this question: How much does it cost to rent a hospital grade breast pump from Milk Diva? Contest closes December 15th, 2008. Good Luck!
Reviewed by Melanie Morgan for Wundermums. All rights reserved.
Categories: Uncategorized
We are all too familiar with the “you have to wear your helmet” cycle. They want to ride their bike. You want them to wear their helmet. They don’t want to wear their helmet. You won’t let them ride their bike. But they want to ride their bike. Then they have to wear their helmet… on and on it goes. Well hold on to your helmets ladies, I have stumbled upon a cycle breaker… a tantrum tamer… a helmet cover.
As soon as my daughter opened up the package, her “Big Stinker” Tail Wags was on her head. She thought it was hilarious to walk around with a skunk on her head and try to scare the rest of the family. As much as we all enjoyed that… I broke the news to her that it was, indeed, a helmet cover.
Despite the near-freezing weather, she immediately wanted to ride her bike. So out she went (with Daddy… thank goodness he was home)! The Tail Wags fit perfectly over her helmet and did not hinder her visibility in any way. It did enhance ours though – just try losing your kid while she’s wearing a giant skunk on her head! The soft fleece kept her head warm and she loved riding around with it on… almost as much as the neighbours loved watching.
There are 30 different Tail Wags covers to choose from and they are all made right here in Canada. The helmet covers fit over virtually any type of helmet from bike to hockey, equestrian to motorcycle. They come without packaging which passes savings along to you while at the same time being environmentally friendly. All things considered, Id’ have to say that Tail Wags Helmet Covers are a fun and worthwhile investment. You can even wash them when they get dirty… if you can manage to get it off your child’s head!
** Please remember to check your child’s helmet for signs of wear periodically.
WIN IT: Win your very own Tail Wags Helmet Cover. Send an email to contests@wundermums.com with “TAIL WAGS” in the subject line and the answer to this question: How many basic helmet covers are offered by Tail Wags? (not including animal helmet covers). Contest closes November 30th, 2008. Good Luck!
Reviewed by Melanie Morgan for Wundermums. All rights reserved.
Categories: Uncategorized
I have a confession: I am drawn to polka dots. I really like flowers and fairies and other girly things when decorating a little girl’s bedroom. However, when it comes to decorating my daughter’s room, I’m looking for just a little bit more. She is energetic and sensitive and unique. She knows what she likes and wants to have it in her room. I don’t want to simply putty up a Disney Princess poster or paint giant pink circles on her wall to fill up space. I want something as fun and exceptional as she is… I want Mump & Grump.
Mump & Grump Studios creates unique, custom artwork for children and their families. Owner and artist, Sarah, makes everything from sketches to growth charts, paintings to plaques. So when I needed some help finding something different for my daughter’s room, I turned to her for help. In an initial consultation you can discuss what you are looking for and come to an agreement on what product(s) and theme you would like to incorporate. Sarah can integrate fabrics and paint swatches, anything really, that you want to reflect, in her design. In as little as four to six weeks you too can own a personal masterpiece.
Sarah’s designs are beautiful and her talent is immense. I was most blown away by her portraits (would make a great gift for a grandparent) but all of her creations simply squash a pre-made print. She has an artistic flair and creative personality that you just won’t find elsewhere. Sarah creates beautiful, one-of-a-kind art that you simply need to own.
So if you have a little time, a unique vision, and the desire to create a special and singular room for your child… consider using Mump & Grump Studios to help enhance and accentuate your vision. Polka dots be gone!
WIN IT: Win a $50 gift certificate good towards your own custom artwork from Mump & Grump Studios. Send an email to contests@wundermums.com with “MUMP & GRUMP” in the subject line and the answer to this question: What are the dimensions of Mump & Grump’s hand painted Growth Charts? We’ll pick one winner at random. Contest closes November 15th, 2008. Good Luck!
Reviewed by Melanie Morgan for Wundermums. All rights reserved.
Categories: Uncategorized
October 20, 2008 · 1 Comment
I’m fickle. I’m passionate. I’m passionately fickle… especially when it comes to baby stuff. I fall head-over-heels in love with the latest and greatest only to discover its hidden pitfalls a week or so later and then fall hideously out of love with whatever it was that had me temporarily tricked. It happens with strollers, it happens with gadgets, and it happens with carriers. But recently I found a product that stopped this pattern dead in its tracks: the Beco Butterfly baby carrier.
When I first discovered the Beco Butterfly online I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It had the most beautiful fabrics I had ever seen on a baby carrier. I knew the benefits of babywearing and had heard of some pretty fantastic carriers but had never known that they could look so good! I wanted it instantly but since my main goal in obtaining yet another baby carrier was to allow me to wear my sucky baby around for hours at a time – my priority had to be comfort. Wanting to be reasonable yet also wanting that beautiful carrier, I very practically went about convincing myself why the Beco Butterfly would be the most comfortable carrier ever. I must have been convincing…
My Beco Butterfly arrived when the baby was sleeping so since it claims to carry up to 45lbs, I tossed in my toddler and gave it a go. Now while I certainly wouldn’t want to run a marathon with my 40 lb kid, the carrier was actually quite comfortable. When I switched from toddler to baby – shazam! – it was like being in carrier heaven. The wide hip belt and thickly padded shoulder straps made carrying my little one literally effortless. I could unload the dishwasher, sweep the floors, or throw in a load of laundry (not that I’d want to) all while comfortably wearing my baby on my back. It is easy to put on and take off and there is a safety panel that allows you to do a back carry easily, safely, and alone! You can even pass the baby from one person to another without even taking her out of the carrier (in theory only as I was in no way willing to share)!
Almost a year has passed since I first fell in love with my Beco Butterfly baby carrier and I am still as enamoured as when our eyes/pretty fabric met across that glowing computer screen. I use it each and every day of my life and will continue to do so until the day I die (or maybe when the kid hits 45 lbs). Not only did I discover what I believe to be the best baby carrier around but I also learned a very valuable lesson: pretty and practical are not mutually exclusive. Now if only I could convince my husband of that…
WIN IT: Win your very own Beco Butterfly Baby Carrier. Send an email to contests@wundermums.com with “BECO” in the subject line and the answer to this question: How many different styles of baby carriers does Beco make? We’ll pick one winner at random. Contest closes November 2nd, 2008. Good Luck!
Reviewed by Melanie Morgan for Wundermums. All rights reserved.
Categories: Uncategorized
You have a little wine. You have a little fun. Then you have a little baby. That was the easy part. What follows is more trying and wretched than you could ever imagine… decorating the nursery. Ok, maybe I’m exaggerating a tad, but the idea of creating a fun yet peaceful, stimulating yet understated, juvenile yet stylish room for a person that doesn’t even care is not what I call fun. Add to this trying to find anything not splattered with bears, rainbows, or rattles and I just cringe.
When I was pregnant with my second child, the house we lived in had a small, yellow room in it we lovingly referred to as the junk room. We hauled out the junk, threw in a crib and bought some cute accessories. They didn’t go with the yellow… nothing pleasant would go with that yellow. But being too tired and too pregnant to care, we didn’t repaint.
When I first spoke with Shawnna from Undercover Baby about designing a custom blanket set for the baby I explained the nursery to her. Much to my surprise, she didn’t hang up on me, but instead took on the challenge with confidence. She was convinced that she could come up with a cute set that would marry my lousy attempt at an underwater theme with the shocking yellow walls of the junk… I mean baby’s room.
She sent me some mock-ups to give me an idea of what things would look like and let me pick the combination I liked. Let me tell you it was hard… I went back and forth a few times (unbeknownst to her) because they were just all soooo cute! A short while later when my Undercover Baby blanket set arrived on my doorstep I was pleasantly surprised again. It was even cuter in real life! The fabric was fun without being babyish. The minkee was so soft that my one year old immediately laid down on it – I kid you not! Perhaps this was the one thing that would actually get my baby to nap (no such luck, by the way but I had a moment of hope). Both of my kids were so taken with the blanket that it has in fact never made it to the crib. They both love to watch TV on it, play tea party on it, use it as a magic carpet, a cape… well just about anything to have it with them. I did take it into the nursery briefly and it did slightly distract my eyes from the yellow… in all fairness, that alone it a lot to ask of any blanket.
Undercover Baby makes a mean blanket set. Shawnna can actually make decorating your nursery fun. Her stuff washed up like a dream just by throwing it into the washer and dryer and the whole experience was easy as pie. Granted, the blanket may not be in my nursery but it is used, and loved on a daily basis. Short of making yellow my new favourite colour… there’s not much else that I could ask this blanket set to do.
WIN IT: Win your very own Undercover Baby bib made lovingly by Shawnna. Send an email to contests@wundermums.com with “UNDERCOVER BABY” in the subject line and the answer to this question: How many of each crib set design does Shawnna make? We’ll pick one winner at random. Contest closes October 17th, 2008. Good Luck!
Reviewed by Melanie Morgan for Wundermums. All rights reserved.
Categories: Uncategorized
