I have several winners to announce!

My Baby Clothes $25 GC ~ Commenter 216, Carrie Phelps
Hazelaid $25 GC ~ Commenter 124, Karen Lonesome
Moover Toy of choice ~ Commenter 28, Courtney Bella
Rinse Hopper ~ Commenter 72, Michele Caldwell Lawerence
Little Tikes TikeStix Clubhouse Building Set ~ Commenter 123, Lynanne Mack
Attracted to Magnificent Magnets Kit ~ Commenter 114,  Stephanie Petty-Grant

Thank you to everyone who entered these giveaways. Be sure to check out all current giveaways along the sidebar!

Kaelyn is not yet in preschool, however I do still try to incorporate fun educational experiences into our daily routine in the form of activities, games, etc. With today's technology, she can easily do this with a computer, especially when there's great, age-appropriate programs like K5 Learning.

K5 Learning is an online reading and math program for kids K-5. With the mission to help kids build reading, math and study skills through independent study, K5 Learning is designed for use at home, after-school, on weekends and during the summer by children in this age range. It could also be a fantastic used in conjunction with homeschooling!

Kids complete an online assessment of 8 key reading and math skills, and then work independently and at their own pace through over 3,000 lessons and activities. Wow, that's a lot of learning going on!! The lessons are animated, interactive and simple enough that even a 4 year old can use them independently. The system helps to choose lessons for students (based on assessment and past lessons), tracks progress and provides reports to parents.

Just hearing how much fun this program was, I knew we needed to try it out with Kaelyn. Thanks to K5 Learning, we received a 6 week free trial period to do just that on this great educational website!!

Setting up our account and getting everything ready to go was super easy and took no time at all. Once we were all set, we logged and in and found that there were 4 modules: K5 Reading and K5 Math, K5 Math Facts and K5 Spelling with Kaelyn's name in the upper right corner (This made her day, by the way! She loved that it was tailored just to her!)

This menu screen was very simple for her to use. She knew that she simply needed to click on one to get started. And, even though she can read many words yet, the images gave her a good idea of what was what.

I will admit, since this is a K5 program, I was a little worried that it would be way above Kaelyn's head. She is 4 1/2, and although she is really smart for her age, I didn't know how much of this program would be geared towards her. To my surprise though, there was a lot she could do! It made me realize just how valuable K5 Learning can be, even for preschoolers!

Once she was more familiar with the system, we completed some of the free online placement assessments in reading and math. The point in doing this is to gauge skill levels in different areas (phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, site words, numbers/operations, etc) and cue the lessons at an appropriate starting point. Once this was done...she had a lot of fun checking out the program and lessons.

She loves to try and sound out words, so we played around with the Spelling Tutor some. This was geared toward children who are a little bit older, however...working together she and I had a lot of fun and I believe she learned a lot too!

There were several math activities for her to do. Some of them she was able to do independently, while others she and I did together. It was a great way for her to practice some of the math skills she already knows, while challenging herself to learn more advanced things as well! I also enjoyed the bonding time it offered she and I. Just take a look at this example of the great skills some of these lessons teach....this is why it's also a great program for preschoolers as well! Kaelyn loves patterns!!

Her favorite activities would definitely have to be those focusing on basic sight words. I've been working a lot with her on this exact topic before she heads off to school, so she really thought this was a lot of fun...and she was great at it as well!

Not only were the words simple, but the game itself was simple too. For instance, in one it asked her to click on a word when it was said. So when the game said to click on the word up, she would do just that. I wasn't sure how she'd do with this, but I saw her sounding out and using the skills she and I have been practicing. It was really neat to watch. Not just that, but to see her excited about learning, having fun and not wanting to stop was even better!!

In the times we were able to use the K5 Online Reading & Math Program, I can tell that Kaelyn learned a lot! I love that this program focuses on curricula based education and not games and entertainment. It is also great for kids of all ages because the online assessment part of it actually places kids at appropriate skill levels. It is also nice that it gives kids the ability to work independently at their own pace, as this really seems to make learning very meaningful. Kaelyn sure enjoyed it and I know it's something that could easily grow with her.

Overall I've been really impressed with K5 Learning and would definitely recommend other parents check it out. I especially feel it would be a wonderful asset to any homeschool setting or classroom.  If you'd like to learn more, be sure to head over to K5Learning.com! They have lots of info, including sample lessons you and your children can check, a 14 day free trial offer and the option to subscribe and start using their great program.

K5 is available on a subscription basis for $25/month or $199/year with deep discounts for siblings. Each subscription includes a free math and reading assessment and unlimited use of each of K5's four programs.

You can also connect with K5 Learning on Twitter and Facebook

**I was provided a 6 week trial to test out K5 Learning with my preschooler. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.**

When I was expecting our first child, I remember being overwhelmed as I walked down the baby isles in the store. There was SO much baby gear to choose from offering different features, colors, sizes, brands, etc. I had no idea which would work best for us, and like most...have learned as we go...replacing the things we weren't happy with and keeping the things we now can't imagine living without! One of the hardest things to find...even to this day is an infant bathtub. Yes, there are many too choose from...but something I've learned is that a lot of the baths we've tried are hard, cold and slippery for little ones. In fact, there are some that just make me down right nervous to use! That's why I was thankful to learn about a new bath from Summer Infant!

Summer Infant is dedicated to bringing parents a large selection of products that are both safe and sensible for little ones...they have made it their mission to be make this "the best time of your life'. I love how Summer Infant puts their heart and soul into everything they design. Between their high quality baby products and great customer service which I've experienced first hand...it's no wonder parents continue to turn to them for their baby gear needs!

As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of Summer Infant and their high quality products. We have owned several of them and are continually impressed with the quality, safety and thought that goes into each one. I'm always excited to learn of new products from Summer Infant, and when I read more about the Cushy Cradler Newborn Baby Bath...it was no different!

Features/Benefits:

• First ALL foam bath tub and softest tub for newborns
• Built-in cradling design to provide the ultimate support for newborns
• Convenient drain plug
• Designed for babies birth to sitting up unassisted

We were sent a Cushy Cradler Newborn Baby Bath to review. When the tub arrived, I was instantly impressed with the size. I've seen and used several different types of baby baths....all different shapes and sizes. Some of them make me nervous using, especially in the sink because it seems like they're too big or not made to sit securely enough while I'm bathing my baby. This however...is the perfect size. Not only for sitting in the sink (which it does so very securely!), but also for storing in between Caysen's baths!

Of course, one thing that makes this different and also caught my eye right away was the fact that's it's the first ALL foam bath tub. I love this feature!! Instead of being hard and uncomfortable, the foam makes it a very soft tub for newborns....very cushy. 

We have been using it with Caysen and have been really happy with how well it works! Not only does it sit in the bath tub and sink nicely, but he seems to really enjoy it as well! He's comfortable and safe which is most important! The Built-in cradling design to provides amazing support for him, but is especially great for a newborn. I love how it cradles around Caysen making him feel safe and secure. Because of this he enjoys bath time a lot more!

Overall we've been really happy with the Cushy Cradler Newborn Baby Bath from Summer Infant. The quality is great, and best of all I know Caysen is comfortable, cozy and safe while we're giving him his bath. It's definitely a baby bath I'd recommend other parents with babies check out. 

Buy It: You can purchase the Cushy Cradler Newborn Bath for $39.99.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Summer Infant Cushy Cradler Newborn Baby Bath (US & Canada) Just enter my Rafflecopter giveaway below... (if you don't see the Rafflecopter form, click here).

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*The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own**

7 Ways to Save on Your Home Energy Bill

[IMAGE CREDIT: Some rights reserved by John Edwards 2008]

Energy costs in many parts of the country are skyrocketing today. Add in the overall economic woes, and many people find it hard to keep their heating oil coming in, or enough power to run that air conditioner. Yet, utilities are one of the must-have items in life, part of that whole “shelter” need. 

So, you do what you can to get by. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to save even more on your home energy bill. Some of these you may have already tried, but others will hopefully give you an opportunity to see at least a few dollars a month in energy savings:

1. Start with the windows. It’s estimated that as much as 15% of the heating and cooling loss in most homes takes place in the windows. There are several ways you can make your windows more energy efficient. You can install new windows with a higher grade of insulation. You can make sure that the window is framed in correctly, and patch any leaks surrounding it. In some cases, simply adding the right window dressings – light enough in color so as to not soak up the heat and thick enough to keep the cool air in – can result in significant savings.
2. Seal other cracks, too. A little bit of caulking insulation around your doors can help realize significant energy savings. Weather stripping is another option. Some of the materials you buy may be eligible for a tax credit, so make sure that you save those receipts and ask your tax preparer about those credits come tax time, as well.
3. Tune your heating and cooling equipment. It’s usually a relatively inexpensive proposition to have a certified HVAC technician come out to your home and perform an annual check and maintenance on your heating and air conditioning units. Generally, you’re talking about less than $100. That annual inspection can provide savings of as much as 20% on your energy bill, which will most likely pay for those inspections at least a couple of times over. Keeping your units clean by regularly changing the filters can help out, as well.
4. Get a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat lets you lower the amount of work that your heating and cooling system are doing during the work day when no one’s there. In addition, you can let things get a little bit more relaxed during the wee hours of the night, and not have to wake up freezing. According to Energy Star, using a programmable thermostat to allow higher daytime temperatures can realize as much as $180 per year in savings.
5. Go for energy efficient appliances. Running out to replace all of your appliances with ones that are more energy efficient isn’t practical, of course. However, when the time does come to replace an appliance, consider getting one that’s more energy efficient. Keep in mind, as well, that there are often tax incentives for investing in more energy efficient equipment. In many cases, it can add up to around 30% of the cost of the new appliances.
6. Change your light bulbs. Controversy surrounding the outright banning of incandescent light bulbs notwithstanding, CFLs can save you money. To be sure, a single bulb is expected to realize about $3 per year in electrical savings. If you replace 20 bulbs in your home, you’re looking at $60 per year. Add in the fact that CFL bulbs don’t generate as much heat as incandescent bulbs, and you’re looking at additional savings. While these aren’t significant amounts, they do add up.
7. Unplug those appliances. Microwaves, entertainment centers, radios, computers, and even cell phone chargers all use a minimal amount of electricity when they’re plugged in, even if they’re not in use. As long as they’re attached to a power source, they’re sucking energy and creating heat. This “standby” power add up to about a full 10% of the electricity used in your home. Consider unplugging appliances that you’re not using, or invest in “smart” power strips that cut the power to those outlets when they’re not actually being used.

Saving on your home energy bill takes some planning and some work. The fact is, however, that if you’re dedicated to the task, there’s no reason that you can’t realize a year-round energy savings of as much as 15-30% if you implement each of these important energy-saving techniques.

Author bio

Nick Simpson is Social Media Coordinator at Blindsgalore, a leading provider of wood blinds and faux wood blinds. In addition to their wood blinds collection, Blindsgalore carries a number of additional lines, including elegant roman shades.

We had Caysen's pics taken this past weekend. It's hard to believe our little boy is already 6 months old!

As a busy mom of three, I need energy to keep up with my kids and the other daily tasks I face each day. To do this, I make sure my body is getting enough fuel and from what I've learned thanks to the Midwest Dairy Council, dairy is a great way to do that!

For those with an active lifestyle, milk's nine essential nutrients play an important role in fueling the body. Drinking milk can be a great way to help the body not only refuel, but also rehydrate and recover after a workout. A couple of months ago I began doing an intense cardio workout 5 times a week. I was feeling extremely exhausted and tired every evening because of it. On top of that, I'm still nursing my 6 month old son...so I really needed something that would help give me some energy. I began drinking a glass of milk after each workout and found it to be a fantastic way to help me recover so I wasn't feeling so exhausted.

I will admit, I don't love milk and really have to talk myself into drinking it. But, when it's chocolate milk...I have no problem! So that's what usually what I end up drinking after a workout. That's why I was excited to learn that chocolate milk is actually nature's sports drink! Research published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism on young adults showed that chocolate milk is twice as effective as commercial sports drinks to refuel exhausted muscles! Wow, I was surprised and excited to read that. It makes me feel great about drinking my chocolate milk everyday!

Whey Protein is also a great way to boost energy. It is a high quality protein found naturally in dairy foods and it provides the protein your body can best use to help promote better health. It helps you get the most out of your workout by speeding up muscle recover after exercise and helping build and maintain lean muscle as well.

As a busy mom I'm on the go a lot, but I still want to eat well, boost my energy and get enough protein. That's why I usually turn to quick snack ideas and thankfully, Midwest Dairy Council has a lot of them! For instance, this Peanut Butter & Banana Breakfast Shake! YUM! It's packed with protein and super easy to take on the go. 

Midwest Dairy Council sent me a Get Moo-ving Pack which has helped me find healthy and delicious recipes and powered up my fitness routine. And, I have great news...

Win It: Midwest Dairy Council wants to power up your spring fitness routine with a Get Moo-ving Pack! US Only. This fitness pack (valued at $100) provides you with all the essentials for your favorite outdoor activity, including an iTunes gift card, a Cuisinart hand blender for your post-workout smoothie, and Dairy Makes Sense wicking gear!

To enter, simply enter my Rafflecopter giveaway below.... (if you don't see the Rafflecopter form, click here). 

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**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own.**

As a busy mom of three little ones, I have little time to think about my daily attire. I usually grab comfortable clothing and the outfit I start the day in is usually the same outfit I end the day with. The problem is...my comfortable clothing isn't always stylish. I've been looking for a happy medium, as it would be nice to be comfortable, but still feel confident in what I'm wearing as well. That's why I love Russell Athletic!

Russell Athletic is a brand that has provided sports apparel for professional and amateur athletes for more than 100 years. They have recently launched a new line of women's apparel with active and fast-paced lifestyles in mind. I appreciate this, especially as someone needing clothing options appropriate for both running errands and keeping up with the kids, as well as my daily exercise routine.

I was sent a variety of Russell Athletic wear to review:

• Full Coverage Performance Tank
• DriPower 360 Round Neck T
• Cotton Stretch Capris
• Semi-Fit Ferformance Capris

Our daily routine consists of playing, getting the kids fed, running errands, play dates, seeing family, etc. It usually leaves little time for me to get my exercise in. I like to stick to a daily exercise routine as much as possible, and with so much going on...it's usually easiest for me to workout right at home during my kids' nap time. I often choose between my elliptical machine and aerobic exercise and try to do this every other day at least 5 times per week. I typically have a very short window of time to do this, and am usually looking for attire to wear. Thankfully now, I have attire that I can feel comfortable wearing while we're out and about, at home, and while I am exercising.

When the Russell Athletic wear arrived, I was impressed right away with the quality. Unlike some of the cheap attire I have worn while exercising in the past...this is definitely made to last. I really appreciate this, as this is the type of clothing I wear almost daily!

With special attention to the details women say matter most...each of these items offer a comfortable and flattering outfit. Not only do I absolutely love the bright, fun colors...but they also are very comfortable to wear and make me feel good while wearing them!

The styles in this line help create a flattering silhouette with elongated lines. I especially love the casual-focused outfit (the DriPower 360 Round Neck and Cotton Stretch Capris) as they are super comfy and look great too! The DriPower 360 Round Neck shirt has the Dri-Power moisture wicking technology which I've noticed really does help to keep me dry even after a long day. I also appreciate the long length on the shirt, as I always am bending down to pick up kids, toys, etc...and I like to keep my back and mid-section covered. The pants are great as well..they are just my style! They're not too tight either, which I LOVE!

The performance-based clothing (Full Coverage Performance Tank and Semi-Fit Ferformance Capris) are also very stylish and comfortable. I have noticed that these seem to fit a little more loosely than I had expected, but again...I prefer my clothing to be a little loose opposed to too tight so it has been no problem at all! I love how supportive the top is, as well as the bright pink color!

Overall I've been really impressed with the quality and overall style of the clothing I was sent from Russell Athletic! They are extremely comfortable, cute, and best of all...make it easy for me to be comfy and stylish while still going on with my busy day. They really are perfect for even the toughest of on-the-go schedules! I would definitely recommend them to other women, especially busy moms!

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Russell Athletics and received a product sample to facilitate my review

Looking good whilst being pregnant is no longer the struggle it was only five or ten years ago! Many high street stores carry their own maternity wear and further more with a big turn to internet shopping, you can find maternity fashion around every corner. There’s no need to skip on style whilst you are pregnant, you will never have this type of glow once you have had your child so make the most of it while you can and show off your bump with pride! If you are still a little concerned about what to wear whilst pregnant, here are a few handy tips to keep you ahead of fashion.

(www.bounty.com)

During the summer it’s great to wear maxi dresses; they are flattering for every shape and flow over a baby bump with ease. Maxi dresses are also bang on trend as well as being light and floaty for the warmer months. You can usually get away with wearing the same dress after you are pregnant too which makes this option really good value for money.

During the first signs of pregnancy you may be able to get away with wearing your normal clothes but as you get larger you might start feeling a little self-conscious about gaining weight. Jackets can help you out in this scenario. Try to go for longer jackets than you would normally wear. You can also have the cut of a jacket help you out. A single breasted cut along with a low neckline gives the impression of a lengthier, thinner body.

If you are looking for more support for your unexpected bust which will be constantly changing during your pregnancy week by week, go for an empire line in a dress or shirt. The line fits right under your bust giving you extra support while an elegant wrap around style is adopted to smooth over your lower torso.

Elasticated waists are a must during the last few months of pregnancy but they don’t always look super attractive. Using a tunic top in this situation makes for a great fashion statement whilst also coving that elastic.

I have picture of my kids, family and the special times we've shared together all over our home. It's what really makes our house feel like a home. I am always on the lookout for unique frames and ways to display my pictures and decor, which is why I was thrilled when introduced to Poppy Tree Frames!

Poppy Tree Frames is a small business that recently launched. They make amazing hand-made frames that are easy to customize to fit the decor of any home. They are unique, and best of all...safer than traditional frames because they do not have glass, but acrylic instead!

Upon visiting the Poppy Tree Frames website for the first time, I was impressed with their unique selection of picture frames! They are one-of-a-kind and different than anything I had seen before. I love the colors and designs used, and couldn't have been happier to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review one.

I asked for something that was more neutral...as I wanted it to be usable in any room of our home. So, Poppy Tree Frames sent me the Strata frame to review in a tan and cream color and nebula shape.

When the frame arrived, I was instantly impressed with the great quality. These unique frames are made very well and of great materials. Not only are they heavy duty and durable, but the attention to detail is top-notch! I love the nebula shape...isn't it beautiful?! It's so unique, modern and fun! It really draws attention to the picture inside which I love!!

I also appreciate the neutral colors, however...I love all many of the colors Poppy Tree Frames offers. It goes to show that they really do offer the variety necessary to suit anyone's home and style. Not just that, but they are even willing to customize sizes for customers if needed!

The frame itself was actually larger than I expected which was a fun surprise. I love how it stands out on a wall even by itself. It could also be paired with other Poppy Tree Frames though, and look great as well.  The hanging hardware is already on the back, so hanging was a piece of cake!

Another feature that makes this frame different from others, is that it's made with acrylic rather than glass. In a house with busy little ones, I appreciate this a lot! I don't have to worry about the glass somehow getting broken and hurting them. Poppy Tree Frames really has thought of everything!!

I would love to get their 3 8x10's Collage Frame at some point. I love the look, and think it would be the perfect place to display a picture of each of my kids. You can check out other collage frames on their website as well.

Overall I really adore the frame I was sent from Poppy Tree Frames. It's incredibly well made, and very unique and beautiful! I would definitely recommend them to others! Simply visit PoppyTreeFrames.com and check out their large variety of frames!

**The product for this review was provided for free. All opinions are my own.**

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love jewelry! I own several special pieces that I hope to one day pass down to Kaelyn. I enjoy wearing all kinds of jewelry, but necklaces are my favorite. They are a great way to compliment any outfit...whether causal or dressy. Pearls are probably my favorite because they are a classic and timeless piece. And, thanks to Pearl Paradise, if you love pearls as much as I do...you will find a huge selection of beautiful pearl jewelry designed to suit a variety of styles and budgets.

Pearl Paradise is an online company that has been around for nearly 10 years. They are the world's largest online pearl company and offer high quality pearls at 80% off retail prices. Not only will you find great prices and the finest in pearl jewelry, but also terrific service. They offer a 90 day money back guarantee and assistance with anything you may need.

I had the opportunity to review a beautiful white freshwater pearl necklace a few years ago from Pearl Paradise and still enjoy wearing it to this day. It's absolutely stunning! Having been so happy with the quality, I was excited when asked if I'd like to review the Mini Collection Black Freshwater Pearl Pendant from Pearl Paradise!

Features/Benefits:

• Glitzy Forzatina Cable Chain
• Stylish, delicate look
• Color-treated black freshwater pearl
• Round, AAA quality and high luster
• Available in both white and yellow 14-karate gold

When the pearl pendant arrived, I was immediately impressed with how it came packaged. I love when items are packaged with care...it really shows a company cares about their customers. It would make this necklace great for gift-giving as well! 

As I opened the box, I awe struck with how dainty and cute this necklace is. I like simple pieces of jewelry and this one has a really delicate look that I could wear with anything from jeans and t-shirt to a black dress! It's beautiful!!

The Mini Collection Black Freshwater Pearl Pendant I was sent is a size 7.5-8.0 mm pearl, which is just perfect! It's not too big, yet not too small either. It's round, AAA quality and high luster really make it stand out as high quality and pretty. I love it!

As I said, I own white freshwater pearls, but have never owned any other color of pearl. Since this particular necklace comes in white, black or pink...I chose the black. I love that it has a little bit of a dressier look, while still being simple and timeless. It really stands out when I wear it, which I love too. I have received several compliments on it! In fact, my mom loved it so much, that she asked to borrow it to wear in my brother's wedding. It's going to look amazing! Now I know what to get her for her birthday this year!! ;)

When it comes to chains, I am rather picky. I wasn't sure what to expect...but once I pulled the necklace out of the box I was really happy with it! The small black freshwater pearl is on a cute, mini pendant cap set on a glitzy Forzatina cable chain. I could tell it's high quality and really suits the style of this necklace well. I love that it's so dainty, as it allows the beauty of the pearl to stand out more than anything. It's perfect! I decided to go with the 16 inch strand which is a typical length I wear, however...if you prefer an 18 inch strand, you can choose that size when ordering as well. And, although mine is white gold, it is also available in yellow 14 karat gold which is just one more way you can customize this necklace to tailor it to your style and needs. 

As you can probably tell, I've been really happy with the Pearl Paradise Mini Collection Black Freshwater Pearl Necklace! It's simple, timeless, beautiful and best of all...high quality which means it will last me for years to come! Once again, Pearl Paradise did not disappoint. 

Whether you're looking for pearl earrings, a necklace, bracelet or something else, they have everything you could want or need when it comes to freshwater pearls! I would definitely recommend taking a moment and visiting their site to see the many great pieces they offer!

Buy It: You can purchase Mini Collection Black Freshwater Pearl Pendant starting at $110 from PearlParadise.com.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Mini Collection Freshwater Pearl Pendant Necklace. US Only and previous PearlParadise.com blog winners will not be eligible. Just enter my Rafflecopter giveaway below... (if you don't see the Rafflecopter form, click here). 

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**The product for this review and giveaway was provided for free. All opinions are my own**

There are many baby gear items I have used with all three of my children, however, a carrier is not one of them! When I first became a mom I didn't think much about using a carrier. Kaelyn was very independent and as an only child, she was easy to carry or push in a stroller. That all changed once Kaden was born though. As I chased around a busy toddler all day, I knew I needed a way to keep my new baby safe and happy. That's when I began babywearing and am so happy I did. Having had such a great experience with it, I knew I would do the same with Caysen. It's much easier to have him in a carrier when we're outdoors, on walks, out shopping or even at home. It's been wonderful! I am always on the lookout for good quality carriers that are comfortable, convenient and stylish...and I know I can count on Boba for all that and more!

After successfully launching Sleepy Wrap more than 5 years ago, Robert and Elizabeth Antunovic realized the need for a way to comfortably continue carrying their growing toddler. They experimented with different carriers on the market, but none were quite what they, or their son, were comfortable with. They began toying around with the idea of creating their own soft structured carrier for toddlers. After a lot of brainstorming, eleven different prototypes and almost one year of going back and forth...they finally got it right and the Boulder Baby carrier- the “BoBa” was born.

A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to review the Boba Baby Carrier and absolutely love it! That's why I was thrilled to learn that they have announced a brand new Boba Carrier 3G! The carrier incorporates the Boba Baby Carrier design that I already know and love, but now includes several new and updated features making it truly one of a kind.


I was sent the Boba Carrier 3G in the Soho print/color.

Features/Benefits:

• Designed to grow with baby (7-45lbs)
• Available in 4 patterns and 3 solid colors
• 100% cotton
• Front and back carry options
• Removeable sleeping hood
• Adjustable Sleeping hood to grow with baby
• Zipper pouch to store hood 
• Comfortably fits 5'0" - 6'3"
• Additional adjustments for easier fit &breastfeeding
• Removeable foot straps
• Shoulder strap holders keep purses and diaper bags in place
• Easily adjustable chest strap
• Unique designs hugs child
• Converts to an infant carrier without insert
• Head support adjustments for infants
• Body of carrier rises 2-3" higher than other brands
• High quality military grade buckles

When the Boba Carrier arrived, I was drawn to the beautiful Soho pattern right away. Isn't it great?! I absolutely love it. The best part...my hubby doesn't mind wearing it either. The black cotton frame and inner lining compliment the beautiful red-hued pattern on the center panel perfectly. I love it!!

As I checked it over more thoroughly, I found the quality to be outstanding! It's durable, well-made and something that will last us a long time! Aside from that, the 100% cotton is extremely soft! The one thing I've found with other carriers is that many of them are not very soft. I appreciate that the Boba Carrier is, especially since it's touching my little one's skin.

I also love the fact that it's made to grow with children! As parents know, quality baby gear can be expensive. But when it comes to safety and quality, I don't mind paying a little more...especially when I know it will be able to be used with all my kids! Designed to hold children from 7 lbs to 45 lbs means I could use it with all three of my kids comfortably! That's amazing!

Of course, after checking it over, I was excited to try it out. As with the Boba Baby Carrier, it was very easy to use! I have tried carriers in the past that were difficult to get strapped in, especially by myself. This however, was a piece of cake. As a busy mom, I appreciate the convenience and ease of use!

My husband and I both have found it to be very comfortable to wear! All straps are fully adjustable to fit parents anywhere from 5'0 to 6'3". My husband is on the tall end of that spectrum and still comfortably wears Caysen for long periods of time. It's so nice to have something that he and I can both wear! And the best part...there is no need to even buy an extension belt or accessory!

The Boba has a few extra inches of height as well which keeps your center of gravity closer to your body and supports your little one's back. It's ideal for both parent and baby!

When we use the Boba Carrier with Caysen, we use the Newborn Carry as he is right at 15 lbs now. We have also used it with Kaden and Kaelyn and used the back carry. Both ways are comfortable and as I said, very easy to put on. We had no problem at all! It's so versatile and works great for our growing family.

The sleeping hood is great for Caysen. It's perfect for times when we're outdoors and it's cold or too sunny. Also of course for when he's sleeping! It easily stores in the zippered pouch when we're not using it.

I love that the Boba Carrier comes with foot straps as well. The foot straps attach to the waist belt for a child's feet to sit in when they're a little bigger. It enables a healthy sitting position and proper leg support for the child. I appreciate that they can be removed when not in use. Kaden doesn't like them much yet, as he has shorter legs...but Kaelyn loves them!

We've been very happy with the Boba Carrier 3G. The quality is fantastic and it's comfortable for both parents and children! It's also fun to wear because it's attractive, as well as convenient and easy for the busy parent to use. I love that it's so versatile and can be used for both front carry and back carry positions. It will come in handy as the weather continues to get nicer and we're out and about more.

If you're looking for a great baby carrier, I would recommend checking out Boba. You can purchase the Boba Carrier for $125.00 at BobaFamily.com.

You can also connect with Boba on Twitter and Facebook.

**The product for this review was provided for free. All opinions are my own.

There's something about a gumball machine that grabs the attention of children, and if you're like me...even adults! When we're out and about, my kids always ask for a quarter when they see a gumball machine. They get especially excited when visiting their cousins who have a gum ball machine of their very own! That's why I knew they'd be excited to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review the Junior Carousel Gumball Machine from Gumball.com!

Founded in 1993, Gumball.com is the #1 ranked bulk vending depot. They are the original online distributer of all things related to vending machines, including gum balls! Visiting their site for the first time, I was amazed with their large selection of vending machine products including not just gumball machines, but also snack machines, bill changers, etc. They have something for everyone!

We were sent the Junior Carousel Gumball Machine with Gumball Refill Box to review.

When the gumball machine arrived, the kids were instantly drawn to the colorful box and wanted to check it out. I couldn't blame them...so did I!

As I pulled the machine out of the box, I was happy to see that it comes completely assembled. It was also evident that it is fantastic quality. It's made with an all metal base, lid and coin mechanism and comes with a glass globe. It's nice to know that this is made well and is something that will last!

It holds small gum balls, candy or nuts only (gum balls must be smaller than .62 inches in diameter). We put in the gumballs which couldn't have been easier. By simply loosening the top we were able to open it, put them in and then gently tighten it again. I love the look of it with all of the colorful gumballs in it...it's what captures the kids attention every time they see it!

It is such a cute machine. I was happy to see that it wasn't too large. At 12 inches tall, it's really the perfect size for a home. We set it right on our kitchen counter and it has worked out very well. It looks really neat sitting there as well and is always a conversation piece for anyone who is visiting.

Of course, the kids absolutely love it...especially the fact that it takes real money! They each have their piggy banks and at least once a day, they ask me if they can take a coin out and put it in the gumball machine. I like that it accepts all types of coins so they can use any of them that they want. For those who prefer not to use coins, it can also be set to "free spin" as well. We use it as a fun reward after the kids pick up their playroom, eat all of their dinner, etc. What's fun is that they can easily use it themselves. I love that there's a carousel door with an easy lift-top...it helps to keep gumballs off the floor!

It's really been a lot of fun for the whole family, not to mention that the gumballs are really yummy! We've been very happy with the quality and fun design...it's the perfect size for home use. I'd definitely recommend this to other families with children...it's been a hit in our household for sure!

Buy It: You can purchase the Junior Carousel Gumball Machine for $46.98 at Gumball.com.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Junior Carousel Gumball Machine with Gumball Refill like the one we received. (US Only) Just enter my Rafflecopter giveaway below... (if you don't see the Rafflecopter form, click here).

a Rafflecopter giveaway


**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own.**