I want nothing but the best for my kids. This not only includes the products we use in our home, but also the foods they eat. I knew from the moment I became a mom that I wanted to make their baby food from scratch and was able to do so with both Kaelyn and Kaden. It has helped give me peace of mind knowing what is going into their food and that it is as healthy for them as possible. With baby #3 due in just a few weeks, the thought of homemade baby food has crossed my mind a lot. I want to find a way to make it easier and less time-consuming this time around (without having to get out the pots and pans, the big blender, etc), which is why I was happy when introduced to the Beaba Babycook!! Now, making his/her baby food will be easier than ever!
BEABA was born in 1989 with the goal of creating innovative products for the juvenile industry. Introducing a range of 7 products, it's no wonder they quickly became a popular brand with mothers who were looking for practical, multifunctional, compact and smartly designed accessories! As I browsed their website, I was especially drawn to the Beaba Babycook and couldn't have been happier to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review one!

The Beaba Babycook Baby Food Maker is a one of a kind, patented compact countertop appliance that functions as a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster all in one! Helping moms prepare fresh, healthy meals for their baby, it is a practical solution to steam cooking veggies, fruits, and meats in less than just 15 minutes, while preserving their vitamins and flavors! It also purees the food to the deired consistency and can be used to reheat or defrost precooked foods as well.
Features/Benefits:

• Multifunctional - steamer, blender, defroster and warmer
• Easy to clean - top rack dishwasher safe or hand wash
• Bowl has a 2 1/2 C capacity, is unbreakable and BPA Free
  
• Unit also includes cooking basket (BPA free also), spatula and recipe booklet
• Super fast cooking - 15 minutes or less
• Cook fruits, veggies, meats and even grains (thin or thick purees)
  

Knowing that I'll be making this baby's baby food in just a matter of months, I was really excited to come across such a versatile, practical product for busy moms and couldn't wait to receive one to review and check it out for our ourselves. Could it really be as great as it sounded?! The answer is YES!!

When the Beaba Babycook arrived, I was impressed with the size of the box. I thought it was going to be another large appliance that I wouldn't have room for, but thankfully, I couldn't have been more wrong!

Pulling it out of the box, I found the Beaba Babycook to be compact and the perfect size for using and storing. Of course, the new color option...Gipsy, caught my eye right away as well! I love it!! It's very attractive looking and something I don't mind having sit out on my counter for people to see.

Aside from the Beaba Babycook appliance and bowl, I also found the box included a cooking basket, spatula, gasket, mixing lid, bowl lid, and recipe booklet! Basically, it had everything I need to prepare baby food in the easiest and healthiest way possible. I couldn't wait to test it out!

First, as recommended in the user instructions, I cleaned it by completing 3 cooking cycles with water only and then the accessories with warm, soapy water. Of course, I then tried it out to see just how great this product really is and now, can't get enough! My kids love homemade applesauce, so even though we don't have a little one to make baby food for just yet, we've been able to use it several times to prepare delicious applesauce for the whole family! In just a few simple steps, it's cooked and ready to eat!

To begin the baby food making process, I first measured out the amount of water needed. The lower part of the bowl is marked with a 1-3 measuring scale. These mark lines are for measuring how much water to pour into the heating reservoir and so set the cooking time. The amount of water needed depends on the food being used.

In the user manual there's a convenient cooking guide which lists the level of water need for everything from vegetables, meat, fish, and fruit. I found that apples needed 2 measures of water, so I filled the bowl to the line marked with a 2.


At this point, I simply poured the water into the heating reservoir at the top of the Beaba Babycook appliance.

I then cut up an apple and placed the pieces into the cooking basket.
I love that Beaba has thought of safety with every step! The unit will only work once everything is locked into place. Once I had the lid on and locked, as well as the bowl in place on the pedestal, I was ready to get started.

I plugged in the appliance and turned the button to the left towards the steam symbol. A light indicator on the button immediately went on, letting me know that it was steaming.
No matter what kind of food you're making, it cooks in 15 minutes or less. I found the apples took about 15 minutes exactly and knew they were were done being cooked when the indicator light on the button turned off.
Carefully taking off the lid on the bowl, I was able to safely remove the basket of hot apples with the handy spatula. It simply slides through the basket handles! I seriously think Beaba has thought of everything!!

In the bottom of the bowl was some of the water left over from the steaming process. By saving the condensed water after steaming and using it in the pureeing process, I am able to add valuable nutrients back into my kids' food. It also helps make any stage baby or toddler food and get the food to the desired consistency (thin to thick). With apples, I didn't need all of the left over water, but used some of it to get the right consistency for applesauce. I poured off the excess and then dumped the basket of apples right into the bowl.

After placing the mixing lid on the bowl, locking the lid into place, and locking the whole unit onto the pedestal again...I was ready to start blending. I simply turned the button to the right towards the blender symbol until I got the right consistency.

I was amazed how quickly it worked, and impressed with how well it pureed! I have never found an appliance that worked this quickly or well!!

In no time I had steamed and blended the apples...all with one appliance. I absolutely love not having to get out the pots and pans and big blender. This appliance is multifunctional and compact, making it super easy and fast to prepare homemade baby food. It is much more convenient than the way I have made baby food in the past and has me excited to make it for our little one once he/she is old enough.

The following is a quick clip I made, showing how easy it is to make homemade baby food with the Beaba Babycook.


The Beaba Babycook can also be used to easily reheat prepared baby food, as well as defrost it. As I said, this machine is very versatile and really offers everything you could need to prepare your baby's food. I have enjoyed the great features that not only make making baby food easy, but also fun!

One thing I always dread about any cooking, is all the dishes and cleaning involved. I am always looking for products that make clean-up a breeze, and the Beaba Babycook definitely does! I don't have all the pans and things to clean... just the spatula, lids, basket and bowl! I can either wash them by hand or put them on the top rack of the dishwasher. Either way...it couldn't be easier or faster!

If you can't tell, I am more than thrilled with the Beaba Babycook! The quality is fantastic, and the time and thought that went into making it such a practical, easy to use appliance for busy parents is evident! I can't wait to use it even more once our little one is eating solids and will be sharing about this product with any new mom I know! In my opinion, this would make the ideal baby gift and is a definite mommy must-have!

Buy It: You can purchase the Beaba Babycook Baby Food Maker from Scandinavian Child for $150.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Gipsy Beaba Babycook of their own!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Scandinavian Child and let me know another product you'd love to have.

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

1. 1 extra entry - Like Beaba Babycook on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry - Like Scandinavian Child on Facebook

3. 1 extra entry - Follow Beaba Babycook on Twitter

4. 1 extra entry - Follow Scandinavian Child on Twitter

5. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Beaba) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

6. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a Beaba Babycook Baby Food Maker from @Beabausa and @ScanChild! http://bit.ly/s22wlo Ends 11/14

7. 3 extra entries- 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)

8. 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.

9. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

10. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

This giveaway will end November 14th and is open to the US Only

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.

Christmas may be a couple of months away, but many of us have probably already been busy making our lists and checking them twice. I've already given my hubby a wishlist and on it, you ask? You guessed it...jewelry!! There's something about a timeless, beautiful necklace or diamond studs that make the perfect gift for any woman. I'm going to have to send him over to Brilliance.com where they offer a large selection of stunning jewelry that will not only be enjoyed on the holidays, but the whole year through.

*This was a sponsored post.

As someone who keeps quality, style and comfort in mind when shopping for myself, I also look for the same things when shopping for my kids. That's why I love Tea Collection! Having owned several different pieces of clothing from them (for both myself and the kids), in my opinion...the qualityand comfort simply can't be beat!

I enjoy browsing the Tea Collection website and find that season after season they continue to impress me with their great selection of clothing. With colder weather and the holidays nearing, I have been in search for cute clothes for both of my kids. Browsing Tea Collection's new arrivals selection for girls clothes and boys clothes, I found many options that would be absolutely adorable!

I'm still undecided what I will get for the kids this year, but either way...I know if I get it from Tea Collection, the quality, comfort and style will be top notch.

I have more winners to announce!! All winners have been contacted and have 48 hours to get back in touch with me!

Costume Express $25 GC ~ Commenter #10, Anonymous
Aeromax Fire Power Super Soaking Fire Hose with Back Pack ~ Commenter #141, soccermom1
On The Go Designs ~ Commenter 21, Jennifer L.
Magic Cabin $50 GC ~ Commenter 200, Leonard Family
Learning Resources Mini Time Tracker ~ Commenter 51, Carrie Phelps
Yoomi Bottle & Warmer ~ Commenter 13, Courtney
Cafe Press $50 GC ~ Commenter 415, Brooke
Mythic Paint ~ Commenter 214, KellyR78
Exederm Prize Pack ~ Commenter 104, Raven in a Blue Room
Inch Blue Shoes ~ Commenter 29, Denise

Be sure to check out all current running giveaways along the sidebar. I've also listed them below. The Kolcraft Jeep Liberty Stroller Giveaway ends MONDAY!

Kolcraft Jeep Liberty Limited Urban Terrain Stroller Ends 10/31

Kiki's Maternity Fashions $25 GC Ends 11/2

Kokopax Classic Carrier Ends 11/2

The First Years miPump Double Breast Pump Ends 11/3

The Woombie Donut Ends 11/4

Libby's Vegetables Prize Pack Ends 11/7

HABA USA Giveaway (WINNER'S Choice!) Ends 11/8

DownEast Basics Women's Top of Choice Ends 11/10

Candle Warmers, Etc. Candle Warmer and Melts Giveaway Ends 11/10

HABA Sorting Box Animals Ends 10/11

Both of my kids have birthdays coming up, which means I've been busy looking for great gift ideas. When it comes to toys, I look for high quality, open-ended products that they will enjoy playing with on a daily basis. Thankfully, I know I can always count on HABA for just that!

Found nationwide in over 1,000 U.S. specialty retail stores, catalogs and websites, HABA products have been recognized with German and American awards including Parents' Choice, National Parenting Center, Creative Child, Dr. Toy and The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. They are a name parents know and trust...one that provides both fun and education for children of all ages.

We are a huge fan of HABA toys, which is why I was excited to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review their Sorting Box Animals toy.

When the Sorting Box Animals package arrived, both my kids were begging to play with it. And, who could blame them?! Just from looking at the box, we could tell this was going to be something that both of them would enjoy.

As I took it out, I was impressed once again with the high quality naturally covered birch wood, fun colors, and overall appeal for young children. It's heavy duty and not something I have to worry about breaking when my kids bring it out to play on a daily basis (and believe me, they do. This is a favorite for both of them!).
Aside from the quality and well thought out design, I could also tell a lot of time went into making sure that this is something kids would want to come back to time after time because of how easy it is to use. There are 6 shapes, four animal scenes (2 templates with a scene on each side) and a wooden box for the scenes to slide into.

What I love about this sorting box, is that it's so much more than I expected it would be. For Kaden, the shape sorting is perfect! He has been getting the hang of finding the right shapes and putting them in their correct spot. In fact, he gets very excited when this happens and claps and smiles from ear to ear! :)
I also found that the size of the blocks are just perfect for little hands. They're large enough for him to easily hold and maneuver which is great!
To be honest, at first I thought this was just your simple shape sorter, but I quickly learned it even has something for children Kaelyn's age. I love this, because that means it's a toy that will grow with my kids, keeping them entertained and challenged for years (starting at just age 1!).

What I learned about this box after we began playing with it, is that each template has two scenes, one on each side. They easily slide right into the box (while the other one slides in the back for easy storage). Each scene has different animals on it and the shape blocks have the different foods the animals eat on them. Not only can the kids (especially Kaelyn, as she's a bit older) use this to match their shapes, but they can also use it to learn more about what each of these animals eat. For instance, there's a cat on one, so Kaelyn grabbed the shape, looked at the picture on each side of the block and decided that a cat would eat the mouse. It was so neat seeing the sense of accomplishment on her face. I love that even a simple toy like this promotes so much learning even at her age.

The one thing we did find, is that the templates slide out of the sorter pretty easily. When the kids put the shapes in the sorter, it often moves which frustrates them at times. After using it several times, they have learned to hold the template while they insert the shape and that seems to help.

Overall we've been really impressed with the HABA Sorting Box Animals toy from Maukilo. The quality is fantastic, and the educational value and fun it provides is great! The big wooden pieces simulate the curiosity of little ones, foster their senses and train motor skills. It's definitely a toy I would recommend for families with young children.

Buy It: You can purchase the Sorting Box Animals toy from Maukilo for $31.49.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a HABA Sorting Box Animals toy of their own!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Maukilo and let me know another product you'd love to have!

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

1. 1 extra entry - Like HABA USA on Facebook

2. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and HABA) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a HABA Sorting Box Animals toy! http://bit.ly/uFGfDD Ends 11/11 #giveaway

4. 3 extra entries- 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)

5. 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.

6. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

7. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

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

This giveaway will end November 11th and is open to the US Only

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.

When people enter my home, I like for it to be inviting. This not only means in the way I decorate and clean it, but also the way it smells. That's why I love the idea of candles, but am not wild about the open flame due to safety with little ones around. Thankfully, there are warmers out there like those from Candle Warmers, Etc. that will give the yummy scents of a candle without the safety concerns.

Founded in 2001, the idea behind Candle Warmers, Etc was conceived when it was realized that there should be a different method used to release fragrance from a candle. Over the years this company has continued to grow, recently ranking them by Inc. 500 as the 57th fastest growing consumer product's company in the US. Offering candle warming appliances and other related giftware appliances and accessories to accent and frangrance the home, Candle Warmers Etc. also domestically manufactures and distributes candles under the Jamie Clair brand of hand-poured, scented candles bringing both wicked and wickless candle options.

When I was asked to review a plug-in fragrance warmer from Candle Warmers, Etc...I was really looking forward to seeing what it was like. With it being fall (and Halloween just around the corner), I was sent the Jack O' Lantern to review.
When the plug-in fragrance warmer arrived and I pulled it out of the box, I was impressed with the size. For some reason I was expecting smaller, so this was a pleasant surprise. It stands out in a room without taking up any space since it doesn't have to sit on a counter or table.

I plugged it in right away and found it was even cuter plugged in. I like that the Jack O' Lantern lights up when the on/off switch is pushed on. It's very festive for this time of year and the kids love it!

I received two melts, one was and the pumpkin spice and the other was the hot maple toddy. I usually like something a little less fragrant than these scents, but for the most part really enjoyed them. Again, they're perfect for this time of year! It didn't take long, and soon I could smell the fragrance. The warming bulb quickly warms it (in just minutes) and releases the fragrance with no open flame.

I really like the idea of candle warmers like this, as it helps to prevent smoke damage and is safe for my kids to be around too. I don't have to worry about it being a fire hazard and that helps give me piece of mind.

For traditional plate candle warmers, candle warmer lamps and lanterns, the Jamie Clair line of wicked/wickless candles, and candle warmer lamp accessories, you can visit CandleWarmers.com!

Buy It: You can purchase the Jack O' Lantern Plug-In Fragrance Warmer for $9.99.

Win It: One reader is going to win a Fall Leaf candle warmer with Pumpkin Spice wax melts from Candle Warmers, Etc.

Mandatory Entry - Visit Candle Warmers, Etc and let me know a warmer you'd love to have.
Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry - Follow Candle Warmers, Etc on Twitter

2. 1 extra entry - Like Candle Warmers, Etc on Facebook

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Candle Warmers, Etc) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a Fall Leaf Candle Warmer & Pumpkin Spice Melts from Candle Warmers, Etc! http://bit.ly/vujVOQ Ends 11/11 #giveaway

5. 3 extra entries- 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. 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.

7. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

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

This giveaway will end November 10th and is open to the US Only

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.

Kaelyn has been a great sleeper right from the start! Kaden, however, had his days and nights mixed up like most babies for a while. Thankfully, that has now worked itself out...but for those first couple of months...the nights were long for both he and I. There were those nights he needed a little extra TLC to calm him down and fall asleep. I only wish I had a wonderful product from Infantino that I was recently introduced to.


Since becoming a parent, Infantino is one of those companies I know I can count on for high quality, interactive and practical baby products. We have owned several of their toys and gear over the years and have always been impressed. That's why I couldn't have been happier to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review the Soothing Snuggle Pup.

Features/Benefits:

• Strap attaches to car seats, strollers & cribs.
• Three 15-minute sound options: Heartbeat, Nature, & Baby Spa
• On/off switch with adjustable volume.
• Removable sound box for easy cleaning.

When the Soothing Snuggle Pup arrived, I was looking forward to checking it out. Even in the box, I could tell this cuddly little pup was going to be very soft and appealing for little ones. Of course, seeing how cute he was, I couldn't wait to pull him out and see all this adorable pup had to offer.

Out of the box he was even more soft and cuddly than I had expected. I love how cute he is, and the size is really nice too. Perfect for cribs, car seats, etc. The pup and the sound box were in the box, and I was thrilled to find that the sound box came ready with batteries! YAY! That doesn't happen very often with toys, so I was very impressed!

The sound box slipped easily in the back of the soothing pup, and covers nicely with a flap that velcros. It's very easy to access for parents when they want to turn it on, but is out of sight for little ones so they're not messing with it.


The box features an on/off switch with adjustable volume. There are three 15 minute sound options...heartbeat, nature and baby spa. I really liked them all and can see how they would soothe babies. I'm really looking forward to seeing how well our baby likes them once he/she is born.

It attaches easily to car seats, strollers & cribs with two straps that keep it secure. The sound box also removes so the pup is easy to clean.

I'm really happy with the quality and overall appeal of the Soothing Snuggly Pup! I can see this being a great addition to our little one's nursery and think it will be perfect for soothing him/her when they need it. It's great for children of all ages and is something I would definitely recommend to parents with little ones.

Buy It: You can purchase the Soothing Snuggle Pup for $14.99.

**The product for this review was provided for free by Infantino. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.

As I get older, I find I become more picky about the clothes I wear. Having had two children, and currently pregnant with baby #3, my body continues to change with each year that passes. That's why I'm always looking for cute and stylish clothing that I can feel good and confident in. Thankfully, I've found just that with DownEast Basics!

Offering high-design and trendy fashions at low prices, DownEast Basics offers something for everyone. Their clothing line includes cute tops, skirts, dresses, accessories and more to enhance any woman's wardrobe. Over the past several years, DownEast Basics has continued to grow and become a company people come to when looking for high quality, fashionable styles at affordable prices.

I was first introduced to DownEast Basics last year and fell in love with their stylish, yet modest and affordable clothing. Browsing their website never gets old, as the selection of clothes offered is very impressive! I always find something I like which is why I was excited to learn I was going to have the opportunity to review another of their great items!

DownEast Basics sent me their Over the Shoulder Tee to review.

As a stay at home mom, we're home quite a bit, which means comfortable, casual clothes make up most of my wardrobe. When it's time to go somewhere and get a bit more dressed up, I don't have a lot to choose from. That's why I'm always looking for more dressy attire that I can wear with either jeans or black pants...and have definitely found that with the Over the Shoulder Tee!

The Jadeite color is absolutely beautiful. I love that it's neutral and have found that it goes with everything from a nice pair of jeans to black pants and khakis...pretty much anything! This makes it easy to dress up or dress down depending where we're going.

As always, the quality from DownEast Basics is more than impressive! I can tell this is something that will last me a long time, and for that I am thrilled. I love the care that goes into every detail. On this top, it's definitely the jeweled bow over the shoulder that really stands out as unique and beautiful. I love it and have received many compliments on the top when wearing it.
Being nearly 9 months pregnant, I wasn't sure how it would fit...but decided to get a size small which is the size I typically wear when not pregnant. I had high hopes that it might even fit my growing bump now since DownEast Basics offers more modest, longer styles of tops. Thankfully, I found that it fit me, so I've been able to wear it several times, even while pregnant! I love the longer length, and know this is something I will appreciate even when not pregnant.


Another thing I love, is the half-sleeve style. I'm picky about the way things cover my arms, and prefer to wear a half-sleeve or full sleeve...so this top has been perfect! It's especially nice for this time of year as the weather cools off a bit.

Overall I've been very happy with the Over the Shoulder Tee from DownEast Basics! The quality is fantastic, and best of all...I have found modest apparel without sacrificing style and comfort. For those looking for clothing they can feel good and confident wearing, I would definitely recommend DownEast Basics!

Buy It: You can purchase the Over the Shoulder Tee for $17.99.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win the top of their choice from DownEast Basics!

Mandatory Entry - Visit DownEast Basics and let me know your favorite item for fall!

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

1. 1 extra entry - Follow DownEast Basics on Twitter

2. 1 extra entry - Like DownEast Basics on Facebook

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and DownEast Basics) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a top of your choice from DownEast Basics! http://bit.ly/u8tHKE Ends 11/10 #giveaway

5. 3 extra entries- 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. 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.

7. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

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

This giveaway will end November 10th and is open to the US Only

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.