I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and is able to relax and enjoy time with family and friends this Memorial Day! We have had a fun-filled weekend and plan to enjoy this beautiful day outdoors. Be sure to check back tomorrow, as the Gearing Up For Summer event will continue with many more reviews and giveaways to come! I also have several winners to announce tomorrow as well.

The Scentsy Giveaway ends TONIGHT! Be sure to enter for your chance to win if you haven't.

Scentsy Mid-Size System (1 mid-size warmer and 3 scents) Ends 5/31

Also, here is a list of my other current giveaways...

Gearing Up For Summer #10: Little Tikes Spray and Rescue Fire Truck Ends 6/21

Gearing Up For Summer #9: Easy Lunchbox System from EasyLunchBoxes.com Ends 6/17

Gearing Up For Summer #8: Easy Stroll Ergonomic Stroller Handle Ends 6/16

Gearing Up For Summer #7: Hayneedle KidKraft Big Top Covered Wooden Sandbox Ends 6/22

Gearing Up For Summer #6: Crocs Shoes (winner's choice) Ends 6/14

Gearing Up For Summer #5: Adorable kite of choice from HearthSong Ends 6/14

Gearing Up For Summer #4: UV Skinz item of choice Ends 6/10

Gearing Up For Summer 3: Noodle Head Toys ~ Travel Buddies Children's Neck Pillow Ends 6/9

Gearing Up For Summer #2: Smart Trike Deluxe ($129.99 Value) Ends 6/8

Gearing Up For Summer 1: Kids Chair World Kids Beach Chair with Umbrella (color of choice) Ends 6/7

Celebrating Moms #30: Kolcraft Jeep Wrangler Twin Sport All Weather Double Stroller Ends 6/7

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday!

It's important to me that my kids have quality toys that we can depend on lasting us through the wear and tear of daily use. One of the companies we always know we can turn to and trust is Little Tikes. They are very well known and offer an amazing selection of children's products. Little Tikes has been bringing families innovative children's products since 1970, which means 2010 marks their 40th anniversary! Offering everything from sandboxes and ride on toys to dollhouses and children's furniture, they have created a line of products that parents have come to trust and turn to time after time.
With summer around the corner I've been drooling over the large selection of outdoor toys Little Tikes offers. As Kaelyn gets older and is able to enjoy doing more and more things outside, I was thrilled to find ride on toys, climbers, swing sets and more. I couldn't have been happier when I learned we were going to have the opportunity to review their new Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck.
Features:

• Foot-to-floor ride on has a friendly smiling face that children adore
• Pressurized water tank and hose really squirts water
• Water tank is easily removed for easy filling and holds up to 2 gallons of water
• Cool retro styling
• Easy assembly
• Ages 1 1/2 to 5 years

It arrived at the perfect time, as the weather was finally beginning to warm up here. I was excited to get it put together and let Kaelyn test it out. My hubby put it together in no time and said it was very easy to assemble. The instructions were clear and there weren't too many pieces to put together.




Kaelyn was so excited to test out her new Spray & Rescue Fire Truck! I mean, what kid doesn't want to play firefighter?! She absolutely loves this adorable fire truck and so do I. Once it was all put together it offered more features and was cuter than I even expected it to be. Once again, Little Tikes did not disappoint. Aside from the fact that it's great quality, it also offers unique and fun features that kids of all ages would love!


The biggest hit has been the pressurized water tank and hose that really squirts water. All we had to do was fill the tank with water (it holds up to 2 gallons, so it lasts a long time), pump it, and start spraying!

Her favorite thing to do is help water the plants with her fire hose...it has made her feel like such a big helper and is adorable to watch!

When the hose is not in use, it simply slides into a hold in the back of the fire truck so it is out of the way when she is riding in it.

There is nothing I have found that I don't like about the Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck. It is made very well and helps spark creativity and encourages pretend play. Once again, Little Tikes has created an adorable and fun product that kids of all ages can use and enjoy. I would highly recommend the Spray & Rescue Fire Truck to any family with younger children. It offers hours of fun when playing outdoors.

Buy It: You can purchase the Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck for $69.99 on the Little Tikes website.

Win It: Little Tikes has generously offered one lucky reader a Spray & Rescue Fire Truck of their own!

Mandatory Entry - To enter, visit Little Tikes and leave a comment letting me know another product you like.

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

2. 5 extra entries- blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Little Tikes) and leave FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 3 extra entries- Grab my 'Gearing Up For Summer' event button and leave THREE comments with the URL to your blog.

4. 2 extra entries- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

Gear up for summer and WIN a @LittleTikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/34t2utn Ends 6/21 RT PLS!
5. 1 extra entry- Follow Little Tikes on Twitter

6. 1 extra entry- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

7. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act

8. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share

9. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like Little Tikes on Facebook

10. 1 extra entry- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

11. 1 extra entry- Sign up for the Little Tikes Newsletter (toward the bottom on left side of homepage)

12. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end June 21st and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost by Little Tikes. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions have been given. The experiences and opinions of others may differ from my own.**

Messes are a part of the process when a child is first learning to eat at the table with utensils. The plate getting thrown or knocked to the floor is inevitable. With a 2 1/2 year old, and a 6 month old who is just beginning to eat solid foods...I am always open to learning about new products that make eating time easier for them and us.


The Baby Diner is a product that attaches to any smooth table top or surface. It allows parents to secure dinnerware using suction cups to prevent accidental knocking over or throwing of plates and bowls. It also provides a safe and sanitary eating environment when dining out and works great with standards restaurant bowls, plates and baskets of all types.


Here is a little clip of how it works:

With a toddler, and a baby who is just beginning to eat solids, I was thrilled to find out I was going to have the opportunity to review the Baby Diner. Who wouldn't want a way to make dinner time a little less messy, right?! When it arrived I was impressed with the size. It was smaller than I expected which was great! It's something that not only is easy to store at home, but would be small enough to slide into the diaper bag when we're dining out as well.

I also found it to be great quality and love the fact that it has no BPA, Lead and Phthalates. Finding products that are safe for my kids is most important, so this was a huge plus!

When it came to using it, it was quite simple! All I had to do was take the suction cups provided and attach one on the top and two on the bottom. It really took no time at all and I had the Baby Diner put together and ready to use!




I love using it with Kaelyn! Every once in a while her elbow knocks a plate to the floor, so this has been great. It really does securely attach to the table. Once it's in place we have no problems with plates accidentally getting knocked to the floor. I have found that it also makes it easier for her to use her utensils. We used to find that as she would slide her spoon or fork across the plate to get food, that the plate would slide along with it. This became frustrating for her. Now, using the Baby Diner, the plate does not slide around as she's trying to use her utensils which makes dinner time much more enjoyable for her, and us.

With Kaden just beginning to eat solid foods, I haven't used it with him yet. However, in no time he will be eating from a plate and I know this will come in very handy for him as well.

I am very pleased with the quality and usefulness of the Baby Diner. It's a product I would recommend to parents with young children for sure. Its design and ease of use makes it a very practical baby product to have on hand at home, and when out to eat.

Get one for FREE (only pay shipping)! Right now, Baby Diner is offering this product for FREE! It can be purchased right from the Baby Diner website. All you have to do is pay shipping and handling on the order.

You can also find Baby Diner on Facebook.

**The product for this review was received at no cost by Baby Diner and my honest opinions have been given. The opinions and experiences of others may differ from my own. This post does contain affiliate links.**

For those who missed it last week, Friendly Friday is here! Friendly Friday is new and something I'm so happy to share with others who enjoy making new friends, finding new blogs and gaining followers. You can learn more, and link up to join in the fun, by visiting the three great sites who are hosting it: Xenia @ Thanks, Mail Carrier, Christi @ The Frugal Novice, and Charla @ Healthy Home Blog

Also, thanks so much for visiting A Mom's Balancing Act ! Whether you're a new follower or have been for quite some time, leave me a comment and let me know. I'd love to come follow you and visit all of your sites as well! :)


Be sure to stick around and check out all of my current giveaways. One is ending tonight that you won't want to miss!

$50 Western Union Gift Card (FIVE Winners each get one!) Ends TONIGHT (5/28)!

With summer just around the corner, I wanted to pass along a fun contest I was recently introduced to....the BIC Soleil 100 Days of Sunshine Sweepstakes.

This contest gives participants the chance to share happiness, experiences and prizes with their friends. To celebrate the season and sun (and of course the new BIC Soleil Bella razors), BIC is giving away thousands of “sunsational” prizes all summer long, including a girlfriend getaway, Dell laptops, and the grand prize: a 2011 Mazda MX Miata Two-Seater!

To play, all you have to do is visit www.100daysofsunshine.com and register. Once registered you can:

* Find out if you’re an instant winner
* Choose which grand prize you want to win
* Complete tasks to earn Sunz (each Sunz = 1 entry)
* Sit back and wait for your day to get a little sunnier

The sweepstakes goes through August 8, 2010 and there are tons of great prizes...but the best part is they all come in pairs! That means each winner can make someone else’s day a little brighter by sharing with a friend.

**This was not a paid post and no product was received. I received information about the BIC Soleil - 100 Days of Sunshine Sweepstakes to pass along to others who might be interested in entering**

With warmer weather comes lots of outdoor time and picnics...one of my favorite things about summer! During the weekdays it's often just the kids and I...so I'm always looking for the easiest way to pack a lunch for us all and carry it to our picnic destination. That's why I was very excited when I came across the Easy Lunchbox System from EasyLunchBoxes.com!

EasyLunchboxes.com was born out of response to unhealthy school lunch programs. It started when owner, Kelly Lester, had the desire to send her 3 kids to school with a nutritious meal, using little to no wasteful packaging. Since its launch in 2009, EasyLunchboxes.com has become a favorite in many households. It's not only great for children, but adults as well! Their mission is to help on-the-go families quickly, easily, and affordably pack great meals, while encouraging a sustainable lifestyle.

Features/Benefits:

• Great for work, school or travel
• Sized perfectly for kids and adults
• Sturdy and reusable
• FDA Approved
• Dishwasher and Microwave Safe
• No BPA, PVC, lead, vinyl, or phthalates
• Convenient
• Several great colors to choose from
  

I was thrilled when I learned I was going to have the opportunity to review the Easy Lunchbox System...especially with picnic weather upon us! When the package arrived I was very impressed with the quality of the lunch bag. It was much nicer, and larger than I expected which was terrific!

It came with the lunch bag, 4 lids and 4 bottoms. The bottom has three compartments to hold an entree/sandwich and two side dishes. The fitted lid (which comes in 4 colors) covers all three compartments at once. I was also impressed with the quality of the containers and appreciate the fact that they are BPA-Free and eco-friendly.

What I love about the Easy Lunchboxes containers is that 3 can easily fit inside the lunch bag. This means I have no problem packing a lunch for the kids and carrying it all in one carrying bag...which I might add, is offered in 5 great colors! I just love the red one we received!

We've had the chance to use the Easy Lunchbox System several times already. My hubby even enjoys taking them to work, not only because it's a great way to save money and not eat out every day, but also because it supports a healthy and green lifestyle. He doesn't have to worry about using plastic baggies and throwing them in the garbage when he's done. He simply uses the handy containers and washes them out so he can reuse them. How easy is that?!

I have found that packing a lunch with the Easy Lunchbox System is much faster and easier. I have everything I need right there. I really haven't found anything that I dislike about this product. I think it's great for packing lunches for school, picnics, work....even traveling in the car! I can definitely see us getting a lot of use out of ours and would love to get another one at some point!

I would highly recommend EasyLunchBoxes.com to anyone looking for a way to be more frugal and green when it comes to packing lunches, as well as having the convenience it adds to the whole process.

Buy It: You can purchase the the 4-container set for $13.95 and the Cooler bag for $7.95 on EasyLunchBoxes.com.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win a Container Set and one Lunch Bag in the color of their choice from Easy Lunchboxes!

Mandatory Entry - To enter, visit EasyLunchBoxes.com and leave a comment letting me know something you learned.

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

2. 5 extra entries- blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and EasyLunchBoxes.com) and leave FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 3 extra entries- Grab my 'Gearing Up For Summer' event button and leave THREE comments with the URL to your blog.

4. 2 extra entries- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

Gear up for summer & picnic weather! WIN an Easy Lunchbox System from @easylunchboxes @mombalancingact http://tinyurl.com/3yzxekx Ends 6/17

5. 1 extra entry- Follow EasyLunchBoxes on Twitter

6. 1 extra entry- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

7. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share

9. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like EasyLunchBoxes.com on Facebook

10. 1 extra entry- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

11. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end June 17th and is open to the US and Canada!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost by EasyLunchBoxes.com. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions have been given. The experiences and opinions of others may differ from my own.**

For quite some time now...Kaelyn has been dressing herself. She's very independent and loves being able to do it on her own. She even likes to help pick our her clothes each day, and if I give her the choice...she'll ALWAYS choose a dress or skirt! She's becoming quite the 'girly girl' which has been a lot of fun! That's why I was thrilled when contacted by Matooka Kids Couture to check out their amazing new line of girl's clothing.

Two moms who are best friends and now business partners, teamed up to create a new contemporary girl's clothing line that both moms and daughters would love. They have 8 daughters between them and 6 sisters each...so Yona and Daniella definitely know little girls and what they love! After leaving behind the safety of their legal careers, they launched Matooka in 2009 with the mission of creating a line "...that would attract girls with its fun attention to detail, and comfortable fit, but also appeal to parents with its reasonable price-points and quality make."

Having browsed the Matooka website, I was impressed with all they had to offer. They feature lots of fun pieces that are contemporary and edgy, but also young and sweet. I think having a stylish and playful line of little girl's clothing to choose from is great and can see why they are quickly growing and are already found in over 20 stores in many large cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

We were sent the Flapper Girl shirt and skirt in Red to review.

When it arrived I was extremely impressed with the quality. The fabric is incredibly soft. I've never seen such high quality little girl's clothing before, and couldn't be happier that Kaelyn has something as nice and cute as this!


It's absolutely adorable. I love the details and design...everything that makes it unique from any other clothing I've seen or found for her in the past! It's stylish and playful...something she just loves! The moment she saw it she couldn't wait to put it on. The first time she wore it, she told me she felt like a princess. Awww!

Matooka offers several adorable pieces that are fun and fashionable. I just love their Spring 2010 line...as there are choices for everyday wear, as well as dressy. I am very happy to have been introduced to a clothing line like this and would recommend their clothing to anyone looking for beautiful, fashionable clothing for a little girl in their life! Matooka also gives back by donating 10% of all profits to research in infertility and to families undergoing costly assisted reproductive treatments.

Buy It: You can purchase Matooka Kids Couture girl's clothing from a number of retail locations, including online at Peachandplum.com and Shopbabytrends.com.

You can also find Matooka on Facebook.

**The items for this review were provided at no cost by Matooka. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions have been given. The experiences and opinions of others may differ from my own**

Three Pack of Sugar Free Ring Pops Winner...
Commenter #21, Donna said, "I'm a facebook fan."


CornerStorkBabyGifts.com Giveaway Winner...
Commenter #227, A. Smith said, "Daily tweet http://twitter.com/asmithonline/status/13863727714"

EcoTools EcoPouf Giveaway Winners...
Commenter #127, trixx said, "1 I subscribe via email."

Commenter #120 Tylerpants said, "Entered your Corner Stork Baby Gifts giveaway."


Thanks to everyone who entered! The winners have been e-mailed and have 48 hours to get back in touch with me.

Don't forget to check out these three giveaways ending THIS week!

Sukey's Circle! Children's DVD Giveaway Ends 5/26


DownEast Basics Mix and Match Swimwear of choice Ends 5/27


$50 Western Union Gift Card (FIVE Winners!) Ends 5/28

This is the time of year when we use our stroller more than ever! Whether it's for a trip to the mall or our daily walk outside....it's definitely one of the things we use a lot during the summer months! Even while pushing the stroller, I find myself multi-tasking and trying to push the stroller with one hand and carry or do something with the other. For anyone that's done this...you know it's not an easy task while trying to push a stroller at the same time. That's why I was excited when I came across the Easy Stroll Ergonomic Stroller Handle!

The first time I read about the Easy Stroll on their website, I was very intrigued. The Easy Stroll was created to provide convenience and comfort when pushing a stroller...something I have wanted for a long time, but never knew existed!

Convenience: Easy Stroll provides total control of the stroller with just one hand. Your free hand can swing naturally as it would while walking without a stroller or can be used for other tasks, such as carrying a bag of groceries or holding hands with another child. A free hand is needed at some point virtually every time a stroller is used. Easy Stroll gives you this new freedom.

Comfort: Easy stroll is an ergonomic stroller handle that promotes proper posture. Baby Strollers without Easy Stroll require two hands for operation. "Hunching" over the stroller puts an unnatural curve in your spine. Unfortunately, these improper body mechanics are unavoidable when pushing a stroller with two hands. Over time, it manifests itself as fatigue and/or discomfort in the back and arms. The good news is Easy Stroll fixes the problem. Using single handed operation, Easy Stroll straightens your back and allows for "normal" posture when pushing the stroller. There is no arm or back strain.

Features/Benefits:

• Provides total control of the stroller with just one hand.
• Promotes proper posture
• Reduces back and arm fatigue and discomfort
• Works on most strollers that have standard handles with rubber or foam hand grips

When it arrived I was really looking forward to testing it out the next time we took a walk. It came with several pieces and very easy to follow instructions for how to install. In just minutes I had it put together and attached to the stroller handle.

One thing to note, is that the Easy Stroll is made to work with most strollers that have standard handles with rubber or foam hand grips. It does not work with Umbrella type stroller handles or the strollers with hard plastic hand grips.

We use our Bumbleride Flyer stroller a lot, and having a standard handle, the Easy Stroll worked perfectly on it!

Not only was putting it together a piece of cake, but using it is too. You just slide your arm and hand into place and push...that's it! I love the comfort pads where my arm rests. This makes using it very comfortable and enjoyable.

I have to admit that I was a little bit skeptical as to how easy it would be to use. Having used it several times now though, I can tell you that I've found it to be wonderful! The control grip makes it very easy to push and steer with just one hand. Now, when I need my other hand, I can still easily push the stroller at the same time. I can't tell you how many times I get a phone call while on walks, or am trying to hold Kaelyn's hand at the same time. It's been great having my other hand available to do these things and still being able to push the stroller with ease.

Not only do I love the convenience of having my hand free when needed, but it makes pushing the stroller very comfortable. Rather than hunching over the stroller as I push it with two hands, the Easy Stroll promotes proper posture when using one hand....meaning no back, arm or wrist strain!

There are times when I still push the stroller with two hands and really appreciate the fact that the handle pivots and hangs down so it is not in the way. The fact that it pivots also means it's something my 6' 3" husband and my short self can both use comfortably.

Overall, I'm very happy with the Easy Stroll Ergonomic Stroller Handle and would highly recommend it to others who are looking for a way to make pushing a stroller more comfortable while giving you the freedom to use one of your hands when needed. The quality is great and I can see this lasting us, and being used for a very long time to come.

Buy It: You can purchase the Easy Stroll for $29.95 on the Easy Stroll website. It is available in black, brown, silver, and red.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win an Easy Stroll of their own!

Mandatory Entry - To enter, visit Easy Stroll and leave a comment letting me know something you learned.

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

2. 5 extra entries- blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Easy Stroll) and leave FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 3 extra entries- Grab my 'Gearing Up For Summer' event button and leave THREE comments with the URL to your blog.

4. 2 extra entries- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

Gear up for summer and WIN an Easy Stroll Ergonomic Stroller Handle @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/3xxcqbk Ends 6/16 RT PLS!

5. 1 extra entry- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

6. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

7. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share

8. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like Easy Stroll on Facebook

9. 1 extra entry- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

10. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end June 16th and is open to the US and Canada!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost by Easy Stroll. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions have been given. The experiences and opinions of others may differ from my own.**

This is how I found my kiddos when I walked into the room one day last week. :) Kaelyn was reading to Kaden and he had his arm around her with his little hand on her back.