Category Archives: Reviews

Stick it, Tag it, Find it {Kiddotags Review}

So, I will be the first to admit I am always learning as a mom. Last year, when LC first started going to preschool I never thought about labeling all of his stuff. I never even considered writing his name on the tag of his coat, on his sippy cup, or his lunch box. Why wouldn’t the teacher’s know he was the kid with the blue Patriots fleece and lunch box with a “C” embroidered on the front?

It wasn’t until he started coming home with masking tape on his cups with his name written on them or in black permanent marker on the bottom that I realized I should probably be labeling my kids stuff. Once I realized this, it was a matter of actually doing it and keeping up with it for every new cup, snack trap, or coat that I had to keep up with.

Enter Kiddotags into my life.

I feel like such a dork, because the day our Kiddotags arrived, I could barely contain my excitement to slap these adorable sticky labels all over my kids cups, bowls, food pouches – you name it! We got a value pack with labels in different shapes and sizes to fit on sippy cup tops, bottoms, sides, all the way around so we would have no more missing lids or cups!

We also got clothing tags, which are not only practical, but adorable! I love that they are so easy to use – they just iron on and Kiddotag’s says they’re also easy to remove for when your little ones grow out of their clothes so the name isn’t left on there when it’s time to donate or re-sell. I even read they can stick onto glass, so since I chose the cute crab design, I might just use them as part of the decor for Lavery’s “under the sea” birthday party coming up too!

The awesome news? No more black permanent marker coming home on cups!

I also think I’m completely in love with these super adorable AND practical Social Kiddo “business cards.” How many times have you been to the park and met a mom with children playing so well, you want to plan another playdate!? Social Kiddos lets you carry around your kids names and all of your info to just hand right over if you need to! We like to be out and about, and my kids get their socialization skills from their mama, so these are a perfect cute, practical, and fun accessory to keep on hand while out and about! Need to give someone your phone number or email? Hand them a Social Kiddos card and you’re good to go! Anyone who know me, knows it’s only natural my children would walk around with their business cards ;)

Can I just tell you… even if these (dishwasher safe I might add!) tags weren’t so practical, I would still want to use them, because they’re so darn cute! And super easy to apply, all you have to do is make sure the surface is clean and dry and stick it right on – easy peasy! You just want to make sure you’re sticking onto a smooth surface.

In love with the cuteness and practicality of Kiddotags too!? They’re perfect for my need to reuse and keep things organized and NOT lost for once! What would you use them for? Check out Kiddotags on Facebook and Twitter to watch for deals, usage ideas, and more!

Spring Fashion with Stride Rite & Zoe Girl Designs

Having a daughter means many things. One of my favorites? Fashion. I love dressing up Lavery probably just as much (if not more) than she loves to get all dolled up too. I love to pick out adorable outfits with accessories to the nines and watching her prance around so proud.

Among one of her favorite accessories? Shoes. Ever since she was a baby, she has loved shoes and she stands at the shoe closet banging on the door until you open for her to take her pick. Lately, her first choice are these adorable pink pom pom shoes from Stride Rite. Aren’t they adorable?

I love the girliness of these shoes and Lavery does too. We’re having so much fun pairing these with the endless selection of dresses, shorts, leggings, and skirts in her closet! The part mom loves? Stride Rite is a trusted brand making their shoes with good quality, so no worrying about them getting ruined after a few spills outside.

Even though I have one serious girly girl with a love for fashion on my hands, she’s one tough cookie and she likes to keep up with her big brother. The durability of these shoes gives her both the fashion and the strength an active toddler needs. I can’t tell you how many pairs of shoes we have gone through between both kids and anytime we make the investment on Stride Rite, it’s worth every penny.

Now that we’ve got THE shoes, what about the clothing and accessories?

I had the opportunity to work with the fabulous Zoe Girl Designs at an event last weekend and she graciously gave us the adorable chevron skirt seen in the photos. I first recognized Zoe Girl Designs, because her adorable boutique clothing is on sale at The Boulevard at South End and as soon as I spotted the chevron toddler fashion, I was hooked! I was so thrilled when she contacted me to participate in The Great Cloth Diaper Change last weekend and even more excited when she offered up one of her especially cute creations for my princess to sport at the event!

Lavery’s Zoe Girl Designs skirt plus Stride Rite shoes are polished off with an adorable headband purchased from The Boulevard at South End! I think I have a little fashionista on my hands, don’t you? Move over Gisele, there’s a new girl in town! ;) I think she’s got what it takes to start a fashion blog, Toddler Fashionista.. whatcha think!?

Thank you so much to my lovely partner Dana of Baby Elan {Daily} for introducing us to these adorable Stride Rite shoes and Zoe Girl Designs for our fabulous skirt. Good news – they’re both Lavery approved! ;)

 

 

Forever’s Like a Dream Sample Disclosure: The opinions expressed above are honest, accurate, and not encouraged anyway by monetary donations. A skirt and pair of shoes free of charge were received from said company, as stated within the editorial.

 

 

For My Little Lady {Kivelli Baby Review + GIVEAWAY!}

When my good friend Dana of Baby Elan {Daily} first told me about Kivelli Baby, offering ”elegant infant and toddler blankets, gifts, & more”  I was so excited! Her little Gracie and my little Lavery are such the biggest little girly girls (YES – only at 20 months… did I ever mention they are only a few weeks apart!?) Anyway, they both love to wear jewelry and they prance around showing it off like they’re having breakfast at Tiffany’s!

I could not wait for the gorgeous Crown Jewels bracelet to arrive in her pretty little hands and I think we were both jumping for joy when it finally arrived!

The Crown Jewels bracelet is from their Vintage Collection, but Kivelly Baby features a Layette Collection as well and let me tell you… seeing how stunning this bracelet is in person has me seriously wanting every.single.one!

I love how my little 20 month old princess can wear such a timeless and elegant piece at such a young age. And one of the best parts? She’ll be able to grow with the bracelet, because even though it fits her now, the adjustments will allow for her to wear it in years to come. I love how she can have something so gorgeous at such a young age, continue to wear it, then even save it for her daughter when she grows up. The bracelet is that gorgeous.. I will certainly be saving it for her to keep!

My little active 20 month old even sat still with her hands in her lap for a little photo shoot showing off her precious Kivelli Baby fashion. I can honestly say this bracelet has me so in love with finding more perfect pieces for my little lady!

 

And you want to know what’s really awesome? I have an amazing giveaway for you! There will be FIVE winners!

The grand prize is 1 bracelet of the winner’s choice. Be sure to browse the Vintage & Layette Collections to pick out your favorite!

And four second place winners will receive a $15 gift certificate to the Kivelli online store to spend however you like!

All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below!

Make sure you are a VERIFIED email subscriber. You MUST be a verified email subscriber to win!

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Forever’s Like a Dream Sample Disclosure: The opinions expressed above are honest, accurate, and not encouraged anyway by monetary donations. A bracelet free of charge were received from said company, as stated within the editorial.

Oz the Great and Powerful :: A Classic Story Turned Modern

Growing up, “The Wizard of Oz” was hands down my favorite movie. How many times have you heard someone say that? The lives of Dorothy and Toto as they met their furry and whimsical friends on their journey to Oz has always been a family favorite.

Fast forward to 2013 and Disney brings you “Oz the Great and Powerful.”
When Disney released the trailer, I was intrigued. The previews did what they were supposed to and had me so excited to check out this film.

In extreme rarity, I can say the previews certainly did not disappoint. I can’t count how many times I’ve been excited to see a movie in excitement over the teasers in the trailer only to be disappointed the best parts were scenes I already saw in the trailer. My honest opinion?

“Disney got this one in the bag.”

James Franco stars as the “Wizard of Oz”, Michelle Williams as “Glenda the Good Witch,” and Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis as Glenda’s bad witch sisters. The cast couldn’t have been more perfect.. and surprising to say the least. I love James Franco and it was so fun to see him in such a fun role as Oz. Another blogger friend even said she thought Michelle Williams was a better Glenda the good witch than the original! I never would have thought to put this cast together for this film, but they brought our old favorites back to life.

‘”Oz the Great and Powerful” is filled with action, good humor, and fun in this modern day take on a classical favorite.”

I think in modern times, it’s so rare to pull off a sequel or twist to a modern day classic such as “The Wizard of Oz,” but in this case.. Disney certainly did do good.

And check out what the handsome star, James Franco was honored with this week!

“Oz the Great and Powerful” hit theaters today… I promise friends, you won’t want to miss out on this one! In my opinion, make this a date night. I don’t think your littles any younger than 10-12 would be a good fit for this one.

Use #DisneyOz to chat your thoughts with Twitter!

 

 

Forever’s Like a Dream Sample Disclosure: The opinions expressed above are honest, accurate, and not encouraged anyway by monetary donations. Tickets free of charge were received from said company, as stated within the editorial.

Taking Chances & Finding Your “Safe Haven”

Before I even get into the movie, can I please just show off I think one of my favorite moments … EVER? Seriously! Over the summer, you might remember posting about the Safe Haven movie filming while on vacation in Southport, NC. Yes, that’s right. I totally met Josh Duhamel. And, let me tell you… he is total SWEETNESS in person. Like, more than you drool over in your sleep! ;)

Josh was seriously so nice. It was so clear he was exhausted, but after making best buddies with the security guard who brought Josh over to see me, he took the time to chat with me for a few minutes and take a picture. Seriously…. my favorite family vacation – EVER. Yep, Josh Duhamel and I… we’re friends ;) Landyn talks about him all the time and thought it was cool his mom got to see his friend Josh on the big screen! HA!

Notice the shirt in that picture? I could totally point out what scenes I actually saw them filming during the movie!

Now aside from my drool worthy moment, the movie. Can I just say : LOVE!?

Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough bring Nicholas Sparks novel to life. Let me first say. I was NOT a fan of the cast when they first released it. I love Josh, don’t get me wrong.. ever since his Leo Dupre days, BUT he is so not the Alex as described in the book. But I was blown away!

I can’t even rave enough about this movie (I’ve done it for weeks via social media and constantly since I saw it Monday night!) Julianne and Josh have so much chemistry it’s kind of hard to believe they’re snuggling with Mr Seacrest & Fergie Ferg right now instead of each other ;)

I am a Nicholas Sparks girl. I’ve read every single one of his books, own all of the movie adaptations, and pay attention to every detail. Heck.. I named my first born after a character in his book! Mr Landyn Carter.. that’s my boy ;) I am a CRITIC when it comes to these films and left “The Last Song” so disappointed in the movie.

“Safe Haven”.. there’s simply no disappointment. Josh plays Alex, a widowed father of two living in small town Southport, NC running the general store that was passed down to him. Enter Katie, a fearful Boston native who is running away from her abusive husband and lands in Southport. It’s no surprise being a Nicholas Sparks story the two overcome fears, soar through obstacles, and find love, but it’s all the in between’s that have you at the edge of your seat.

Is it different from the book? Yes, in many ways. Does it leave out a lot of important detail? Absolutely. There is so much about Katie and Alex you don’t get to see or feel in the movie, BUT they bring those characters to life in a way that’s not easy to do when adapting a book into a movie.

So much was crunched into the run time of the movie, it would have been impossible to really pull it all into the film. However, despite my casting doubts.. Julianne and Josh are Katie and Alex. In every way. And Josh Duhamel was easy to watch on the big screen ;)

I fell in love with Alex and his heroism. I admired Katie and her strength. And I felt their love unfolding before me. Safe Haven is simply a must see. They captivated the words of Nicholas Sparks in such a great way and I absolutely cannot wait to see it again! It’s a classic Nicholas Sparks story. The movie is so different from the book though, even though I knew the story going in, I was pleasantly surprised as it unfolded before me.

Obsession of Josh Duhamel and Nicholas Sparks aside… “Safe Haven” tells a story we can all relate to in one way or another. Whether we can relate specifically to Katie and her situation or in another way, “Safe Haven” is all about taking chances and falling in love. That’s something everyone deserves to experience in their lifetime and it was absolutely captivating to experience and watch this book come to life. You can feel the chemistry and feel what Katie and Alex are going through.

If you haven’t read the book… you must! I would seriously recommend reading it before you see the movie if you haven’t and I even started reading it again after watching ;)

The surprise at the end wasn’t much of a surprise if you’ve read the book (although admittedly, I completely forgot what was coming until my husband guessed and I thought about it.) I thought what came at the end made the whole story and tugged at your heartstrings. I’d be interested to hear what those of you who’ve read the book or will see the movie think about it.

SAFE HAVEN OPENS IN THEATERS ON VALENTINE’S DAY!

So men…. take those women in your lives, suck it up for one night… and you’ll even get to see Julianne in a bikini! ;)

Follow Safe Haven on FACEBOOK , TWITTERYOUTUBE

& I’ll leave you with the official music video from the soundtrack with Gavin Degraw and Colbie Caillat. I’m kind of obsessed.

Forever’s Like a Dream Sample Disclosure: The opinions expressed above are honest, accurate, and not encouraged anyway by monetary donations. Tickets free of charge were received from said company, as stated within the editorial.

 

Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey ® {Review}

Last night was a night full of firsts for our family. It was out first time taking Lavery to any sort of performance and our first night at the circus! Kyle and I both realized we didn’t think we’d ever been to the circus before (and if we did, it was when we were really young so we didn’t remember it.) We weren’t really sure how it would go bringing a one year old to the circus, but to our surprise… she LOVED it!

Before the show, we got to check out a cool animal clinic where we met Kelly… Yes, Kelly (the elephant!) Landyn got a kick out of the elephant sharing the same name as his mommy and he made sure everyone knew it – HA!

Lavery had a blast at the preshow watching all the dancing.. she even got down with the crew herself!

Once the show started it proved its title to be true.. “The Greatest Show on Earth.” I have never in my life seen anything like it and both kids watched with big eyes as they performed tricks on motorcycle in the air, ran through fire, flipped around on horses, and so much more!

The stories you’ve heard cannot do the circus justice – you HAVE to see it for yourself!

If you live in Charlotte, you can still get a discount on tickets until February 3rd! Experience “The Greatest Show on Earth” and watch the light in your little one’s eyes as they experience the impossible with Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey ®Presents Dragons!

For tickets & more info, check out Time Warner Cable Arena’s website here.

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

The Clueless Chick {GIVEAWAY}

Anyone who knows me knows a few well known facts about me and the way I operate. Those facts are:

  1. I’m a control freak. Yes, I’ll admit it. I like to be in control and with that being said, fact #2 is a necessity in my life.
  2. I must be organized. Because, I’m famous for taking on too much and trying to keep everything in control, organization is key in making my life stay sane.
  3. I like to plan a party.

Those three facts is the reason why I have fallen in love with The Clueless Chick. The name in itself is catching. Every woman who wants to have any sort of organization in her life whether it be while preparing for a new baby, traveling, or planning any sort of party or gathering needs The Clueless Chick in her life. Because, in all honesty… even someone like me who is an organized control freak planning parties and getting through day to day life, The Clueless Chick is helping me too!

The best part? Jennifer Durbin (aka : The Clueless Chick) takes a low key and casual approach to giving pregnancy tips, party planning tips, and travel tips with baby in tow.

Each of thee above, I have been through. Pregnancy… when I read all of those What to Expect books and every other book under the sun on sleeping, routine, & whatever else as a first time mom to be I felt was necessary. I have traveled alone with a baby, and planned several parties. The Clueless Chick gets it. She’s been through it. She gives you a fun approach on each of these topics all mom’s can always use some advice and hear stories on to prepare.

My favorite part? While I’m currently diving into Party Planning Tips for the Clueless Chick as my son’s fourth birthday is fast approaching (along with my husband’s 30th shortly after!) I found these cool little checklists you can take on the go with you so you’ll never truly be a “Clueless Chick” when it comes to party planning, travel, and pregnancy!

I just love all of the questions answered in these books – and I think you will too! And they are SUPER affordable! You can purchase an individual book for just $9.99 or all three for $24.99 – what a steal! Who doesn’t want a fun light read that can give you tips along the way!? The Clueless Chick approaches all of those questions we want answered.

During pregnancy, she talks morning sickness, maternity fashion, what to pack for your hospital stay and more. For travel, she discusses how to pack, planning for both local and international travel, and so much more! And party planning questions are answered regarding when to use a planner and when not, budgeting, and the whole party planning process from start to finish!

She has also been featured in Carolina Parent, Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine, ABC, NBC, FOX, & more!

So.. what are you waiting for!? Stop being such a “Clueless Chick” and check them out! You can even win all THREE books – just check out the Rafflecopter form below!

& stay tuned… because I’m putting these tips to the test as I start the planning process for TWO exciting parties coming in March & April! Maybe I’ll even chat some more with Jennifer and share my party planning technique and how I used her help with you too! ;)

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Forever’s Like a Dream Sample Disclosure: The opinions expressed above are honest, accurate, and not encouraged anyway by monetary donations. A sample free of charge was received from said company, as stated within the editorial.

Baby Spa :: Natural Care {Review}

It’s no secret that I prefer natural products and shop for only the most natural and healthiest products for my children. Skincare is no exception. When Baby Spa contacted me about checking out their products, I was so excited to try them out!

I normally find a brand that I like and stick to it, but I was excited to test our Baby Spa. The assortment of products had me excited to check out them all! I was sent samples of stage 1 and stage 2 Soothing Face Cream to use with both my 1 year old and 3 year old and the Moisturizing Baby Lotion. I love that they came in different stages for different ages. Baby’s are not a one size fits all and I love that Baby Spa gives safe options for different ages.

When reading Baby Spa’s website, I found all of the ingredients are ECOCERT certified (which is a certification for natural and organic cosmetics.)

I am not the type of person to just trust a brand who says it’s organic or to buy it, because a business says it’s safe and healthy. I research. Even before I opened these samples, I read about the company, ingredients, and products before even considering trying them out. Everything I’ve read and tried – I love! As a mom who is constantly searching for the best, I have wholeheartedly found a favorite in Baby Spa products.

Aside from the fact that Baby Spa stands for everything I believe in when it comes to natural skincare and health… it also works! We have all had some serious dry skin lately and I’ve found myself using the lotion on my hands (and making sure it gets thrown in the diaper bag on the way out the door!) I’m also really picky about the thickness of my lotion and I love the consistency and it smells amazing too!

Loving the products I’ve been trying so much – I am so anxious to try out the Tearless Shampoo and Calming Massage Oil! I’m hooked! I have to laugh at myself for getting so excited now that I’m a mom about natural baby products… I love when I find a company who is as passionate as I am about providing the safest, healthiest, and all natural products for those precious little angels of mine! ;)

 

Just Dance Disney {Review #JDDisney}

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. #UbiChamps

Let me first start by saying; we love the Wii! Our whole family loves to play the Wii and bust out some moves. Ever since getting Just Dance 4, Landyn and Lavery both love to dance around to the songs (even if they aren’t getting any points!) And of course mama is way too competitive and I love to beat dad!

When we got Just Dance Disney, I was so excited, because Landyn loves to pick his own songs and I knew with Disney on the title I didn’t have to worry much about what he was hearing. Being 3 1/2, he repeats everything and I was pleasantly surprised with the play list and the fact that we recognized almost all of the songs.

Aside from Disney classics such as Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, Just Dance Disney also features songs from new popular series such as Good Luck Charlie, Phineas & Ferb, and more!… Landyn especially loves “Squirrel in my Pants,” HA!

Batman even gave his hand for a dance…!

My favorite song is “Be Our Guest” from Beauty & the Beast (and no, don’t get your hopes up, because no pictures of me or a video either!) But, my little princess is obsessed with Disney princesses, so it’s no surprise she loves it too! It’s so fun watching her try to be just like big brother and keep up! (Don’t mind the ugly wires on the wall, we just moved into our new house! yay!)

I haven’t really messed around with the parental controls yet (and since my kids are so young, I likely won’t need to for a while, because they aren’t playing without me right there with them anyway,) but I love that they offer parental controls so you can have say in what you’re kids are doing. I’m a huge advocate for sticking with friendly games and even though I haven’t come across anything inappropriate on the game yet, I love that it gives the parents control.

We are huge fans of the Just Dance games and having kids… this one is for sure one of my favorites – they all have a blast and mom and dad are having a blast watching them! It’s so fun to be able to let your littles be a part of the Disney magic! ;)

Many of you may have some holiday giftcards burning a whole in your pocket.. head over to your local Toys R’ Us or hit up Amazon.com (it’s on sale for $19.99!!!!) for Just Dance Disney… it’s a sure way to put on a rockin’ NYE party with the kiddos before the ball drop!

 

 

Follow me on Twitter to check out some more Just Dance photo fun! #JDDisney #spon #Ubichamps

Just Dance With the Whole Family! {Review:: Just Dance 4}

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. #UbiChamps

As we embark on one of the biggest caloric intake days of the year, who doesn’t want a FUN way to shed those holiday pounds you can share with the whole family!? Having two kids under five and both at very different stages (Lavery is 1 and LC is 3 1/2,) it’s hard to find a game for the whole family to enjoy.

Growing up, I remember having so much fun with family game nights and while I know those days will come soon enough, we have found a game the whole family can actually enjoy! Just Dance 4 is fun for the whole family and both kids have laughed and danced until they dropped.. literally!

Thanksgiving for our family is normally a quiet day. Since almost all of our family lives in New England and we are here in NC, we like to spend time together doing fun things as a family of four. Aside from a few other traditions we’ve adopted over the last few years, playing games together is something we love to enjoy. This year, Lavery is old enough to want to be involved in what we are doing and she has loved following her brother’s movement with the Wii remote dancing away! We can’t wait to dance together tomorrow evening after filling our tummies with lots of Thanksgiving goodness!

Check out my littles here movin’ and groovin’ to the hot playlist featured on the game!

The playlist is filled with family friendly tunes such as “Good Girl” by Carrie Underwood (my personal fave,) Carly Rae Jepson’s hit, “Call Me Maybe,” and fun characters to go along with it such as the lobster in “Rock Lobster” by the B52′s (LC’s favorite) and so many more!

I love that there is not only a “Just Dance” option where you can dance with up to four people, but there’s a workout option too… and let me tell you.. it kicks your butt! There’s a warm up section, full work out, then cool down so you can get the most of your dance workout and it comes with different themes to work out to a playlist of your choice. Even though the kiddos don’t use it as a way to burn calories, mom and dad can burn calories and have fun with the kiddos at the same time after filling up on delicious Thanksgiving feasts tomorrow evening!

I think my little three year old is turning into quite the performer if I do say so myself!

Just Dance 4 on the Wii retails at $39.99 at Amazon.com or if you can’t wait for it to ship, snag it at your local Toys R’ Us and enjoy some family fun this Thanksgiving and the rest of the Holiday season! I think this game will certainly bring some holiday cheer to your holiday parties this year! ;)

C’mon!.. You know you want to.. Just Dance! ;)

Have you played Just Dance 4? Tell me about it! And Tweet #CleverJD4 to @Kelchristina if you check it out!