Since becoming a Mom I've wanted to make sure my kids have the very best start in life. This includes making sure that they are eating healthy foods. When Kaelyn began eating solids, I did my best to make sure she was getting all of her food groups and that they were as natural as possible. I still do this, but as time goes on, I find that she has become more and more picky when it comes to eating her fruits and vegetables. Within the next couple of months Kaden will begin eating solid foods. I hope to do the same for him as I have for Kaelyn, and that's why I was excited when introduced to Ella's Kitchen!

Paul Lindley passionately believes that his daughter, and her generation, should have the opportunity to eat better and discover how great healthy food can be..and so, Ella's Kitchen was born! Realizing the importance of approaching things from a child's point of view, Ella's Kitchen contains food made of simple and natural ingredients with packaging that kids can really connect to.

I was very happy to learn that the Stage 1 Baby Food and Fruit Smoothies are made of nothing but 100% organic fruit and vegetables...not even water is added! Some benefits include:

• USDA organic approved
• For babies 4 months and older
• New pouch with re-sealable anti-choke screw top
• Gluten free
• Dairy free, egg free, wheat free
• Allergen free
• Great taste - kids love it!
• No mess, no spoon
  

When I was asked to review some of the products from Ella's Kitchen, my first thought was to wait until Kaden has started eating solid foods. The thought of Kaelyn enjoying them had not even crossed my mind until it was pointed out to me that this may be a great way to sneak some yummy healthy food into her day! After realizing that the pouches would allow her to squeeze the food right into her mouth, I decided to give it a try. It could be kind of fun, right?!

We were sent a sample pack which included 6 Stage 1 Baby Foods and 2 Smoothie Fruits from Ella's Kitchen.

The moment I opened the box Kaelyn was begging to eat some. This impressed me right away! The fact that the packaging was so colorful and fun made even my picky 2 year old want to try some! YAY! I couldn't wait for her to try it, so that day for lunch we tried The Red One Smoothie Fruit which included a blend of strawberries, bananas, apples and raspberries.

She LOVED it! It was not only great tasting, but also fun for her to squeeze and slurp. I couldn't believe getting her to eat healthy foods was this easy!

Since then, we've tried several of them (even a couple of the stage 1 baby foods) and have had the same response. I couldn't be happier knowing that she's eating healthy and loving it at the same time! I am really looking forward to trying them with Kaden once he begins eating fruits and veggies.

The fact that they are good for 48 hours in the fridge after opening is great! I especially love the twist on cap which makes keeping leftovers (if there are any) even easier. They would also be really easy to squeeze into trays and freeze for months. What a great way to have baby food on hand!

After having had the chance to try Ella's Kitchen products, I would definitely recommend them to parents of babies and/or toddlers. They're not only fun and healthy, but great for busy parents...you can just grab them and go!

Buy It: You can purchase Ella's Kitchen food at a number of locations found here, including Babies R' Us and Diapers.com.

Win It: Ella's Kitchen is offering one lucky reader a sample pack similar to the one we received. To enter, visit Ella's Kitchen and leave a comment letting me know something you learned.

Extra Entries: (only valid after the required entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Ella's Kitchen) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 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)

4. For THREE extra entries, Grab my 'Celebrating Moms' event button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! RT Enter to win a sample pack of @EllasKitchen organic baby food and smoothies @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/y8fdcmk Ends 4/8

6. Follow Ella's Kitchen on Twitter

7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share

9.Become a Fan of Ella's Kitchen on Facebook

10. Become a Friend of Ella's Kitchen and receive e-mails with helpful tips, product info., etc.

11. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

12. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end April 8th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost by Ella's Kitchen. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

I have found that some of the highest quality toys my kids have are those found online and not in department stores. Kaelyn seems to enjoy the unique, simple toys much more than the 'must-have' high tech toys we see so much of in stores. That's why I'm always on the lookout for great toys that are educational, well-made and encourage active and pretend play. I am so thankful to have found this with Gifted Imaginations and the large selection of items they offer!

Dedicated to providing high quality, unique, educational toys, gifts and clothing...Gifted imaginations offers a large selection of fun and imaginative toys at the best prices. They carry items from many well-respected manufacturers that parents have come to know and trust. HABA, Plan Toys, Kaloo, Kathe Kruse, Melissa and Doug, Crocodile Creek are just to name a few.

Gifted Imaginations sent us one of their Crocodile Creek: My First Puzzles.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more about Gifted Imaginations and review one of their items. They have such a wonderful selection of toys and clothing, and I couldn't have been happier with the product they sent. Kaelyn loves puzzles and learning, so I knew one of the Crocodile Creek: My First Puzzles would be right up her alley.

I was right! When it arrived in the mail she immediately wanted to check it out. I couldn't blame her, so did I! As I opened it I was most impressed with the carrying case it comes in. With more and more toys accumulating in our house, it's nice when they have a specific place to be stored. I find this not only helps remind Kaelyn where they go when she picks up, but it's also a great way to keep from losing any of the pieces. It's also been great for travel. The convenient case makes it easy for her to take with wherever we go.

I was happy to see that there were four simple puzzles included. They were individually bagged and vary in difficulty (4 pc, 6 pc, 9 pc and 12 pc). We ended up taking them out of the packaging and putting all the pieces together in the travel case. It works well because Kaelyn simply looks for the animals color and can easily figure out which puzzle the pieces belong to.

She has really enjoyed putting them together because they are unlike the others she has. Most of her puzzles are the kind where there are pieces that fit into a specific place on a board. These were different and encouraged her to challenge herself a bit. She loves learning and trying new things, so this was something she really liked doing.

I think it's great that they help young children develop basic skills. As we put them together, she likes telling us the colors on each one and which animals they are. I would say these puzzles are designed for children a little older than Kaelyn when it comes to being able to put them together independently. However, it's still been a great toy for Kaelyn and one she thoroughly enjoys doing with Mom and Dad. It's been a fun activity we can do with her.



If you are looking for high quality, unique and educational toys, Gifted Imaginations is a company you will like. I would recommend their products to any parent I know. I have a feeling we'll be returning to Gifted Imaginations often to purchase more of their toys for our kids. I am particularly interested in getting more of their infant & toddler toys at some point.

Buy It: You can purchase the Crocodile Creek: My First Puzzles for $17.99 on the Gifted Imaginations website.

Win It: Gifted Imaginations is offering one lucky reader the Crocodile Creek: My First Puzzles like we received. To enter, visit Gifted Imaginations and let me know another product you love.

Extra Entries: (only valid after the required entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Gifted Imaginations) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 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)

4. For THREE extra entries, Grab my 'Celebrating Moms' event button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: RT Enter to win a Crocodile Creek: My First Puzzles Set from @GiftedImagStore @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/ykavy5n Ends 4/6

6. Follow Gifted Imaginations on Twitter

7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. Become a Fan of Gifted Imaginations on Facebook

9. Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share

10. Join the Gifted Imaginations Mailing List (found along the left side of their homepage)

11. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

12. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end April 6th and is open to the US and Canada!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost by Gifted Imaginations. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

It wasn't until after I had children that I realized the need for using safer products in our home. I became more aware of the hazardous chemicals in the cleaning products we were using and was determined to find a safer way to clean. I am so happy I turned to more natural cleaners! It helps put my mind at ease knowing that my family is not being exposed to all toxins in so many products on the market today!! I am always looking to learn more about natural cleaning products and brands, and was thrilled when I came across Dapple.

Dapple is a line of natural-based cleaning products for households with children. What I love about their natural baby products is that they are baby-safe and use ingredients found in nature that are proven to clean well. Whether it's dried milk on bottles or sticky fingerprints on toys...Dapple has something for every mess you need tackle.

We were sent a travel-size Dish Liquid and Toy Wipes to review.

I was very excited when the products arrived on our doorstep! I couldn't wait to put them to the test. I used the Dapple Toy & Surface Wipes first. I was amazed at how well they worked! Best of all, I was able to clean my kids' toys without having to worry about harsh chemicals and them putting them into their mouths afterwards. The fact that they are free of cholorine, parabens, phthalates, and dyes is much appreciated! I find the travel size to be very convenient when we're away from home. I just stick them in the diaper bag and go. Not only are they great for toys and high chairs, but also swings and more.


I also tried out the Dapple Dish Liquid and it works great! Like the Toy Wipes, I found the Dish Liquid to be very convenient when we're away from home. It's small enough to fit in our diaper bag so I can take it wherever we go. It would be perfect for vacations and plane trips too. I love to use it on all of my kids' dishes and cups as it's great to know that it's safe and going to work well.


I am very impressed with these two organic baby products from Dapple and would love to try the other products they carry at some point. I am especially interested in the Dapple Toy Cleaner Spray and the Dapple Baby Laundry Detergent.

If you have children and are looking for good quality, effective cleaners that are natural and safe...be sure to check into Dapple and the great line of products they carry.

Buy It: You can purchase the Dapple products I reviewed, as well as others on the Dapple website.

You can also find Dapple on Facebook and Twitter.

**The products reviewed were provided at no cost by Dapple. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

We are finally beginning to see signs of Spring and I couldn't be happier after the winter we've had! Unfortunately, Spring doesn't always mean the cold weather is behind us though. Over the next few months we'll still have many chilly days and cool Spring nights. That's why I was thrilled to come across Nowali and their award-winning Swedish moccasins!

Having been around since 1950, Nowali is a company people have grown to love and trust. I was not very familiar with their products until I had the opportunity to review a pair of moccasins from their new Spring line. They have four new moccasin styles...we were sent the Pink Dots & Stripes for Kaelyn.


Having a 2 year old who does NOT like to keep on socks of any kind, I was very excited to try these out and see if their fun design would be the solution I've been looking for. After they arrived, Kaelyn immediately asked if she could put them on. Of course, I was just as excited as her to see these cute little moccasins on her feet.

She has entered the 'I'll do it myself' stage and put them on all by herself! They're as easy as socks to put on (probably even easier), but so much better for little feet. I am extremely happy with the quality. They are thick, and the fact that they are machine washable lets me know they will last a very long time.

I love that they have a double elastic ankle which keeps them on her feet. They also come with a non-skid sole that is great for the slippery hard floors in our home. I think they would be perfect for a child who is learning to walk too. I plan to get some for Kaden when he's at that stage. Most importantly though, I can be certain they will keep her feet warm and safe. Seeing them actually has me wishing I had a pair of their adult moccasins!

The design is very cute too! Each moccasin from Nowali is hand-stitched, and made with yarn and foxing materials to ensure that they contain no harmful dyes or substances. She loves to stare at them when they're on her feet. I was concerned she may not want to keep them on her feet (much like the problem we have with shoes and socks), however with her Nowali moccasins we have just the opposite...she doesn't want to take them off! It's a good 'problem' to have.

I am very happy with the Nowali moccasins we received. If you're looking for something that is cute and high quality to help keep your little one's feet warm...I would definitely recommend checking them out!

Buy It: You can purchase one of their four new Spring styles for $26.95 each on the Nowali website.

Win It: One lucky reader will win a pair of Nowali moccasins from their new Spring line. To enter, visit Nowali and leave a comment letting me know another style that you like.

Extra Entries: (only valid after the required entry has been completed)

1. Tell me which one of the four new styles you would choose if you won (Spring line pictured above)

2. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

3. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Nowali) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 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. For THREE extra entries, Grab my 'Celebrating Moms' event button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

6. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! RT Win a pair of Nowali Kids Moccasins from their new Spring line @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/yd32lbo Ends 3/30

7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

9. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

10. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end March 30th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost by Nowali. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

Pretend play, or role play as some would call it, is one of our daughter's favorite things to do! Whether it's 'cooking' us supper in her play kitchen or giving her baby a bath...it's incredible to see her little mind at work. I am always on the lookout for toys that encourage creativity, and at the same time are educational. I happened to find both of these things in the developmental toy line from Baby Genius!


Baby Genius is a company that offers music-based products that are entertaining, educational and beneficial to babies and young children. You'll find everything from CD's to Books...and most recently added, toys! Baby Genius introduced their new developmental toy line consisting of musically inspired role-play toys that incorporate all of the Baby Genius Characters!

When I found out I would have the opportunity to review something from the Baby Genius toy line, I was thrilled! We were sent the Baby Genius Pet Care Center to review.


Includes:

• Pet Carrier which plays Melody's theme song when door is opened
• Melody the puppy
• 7 fun pet care accessories (trim her hair and nails, feed her, listen to her heart and more)
  

Before we even received it in the mail, I knew it would be a hit! We don't have a dog, but from day one, Kaelyn has always loved animals. Between that and the fact that she loves to role play meant that this was the perfect choice! I was right. The moment I pulled it out of the box she kept asking for the 'Puppy Cage' and hasn't stopped playing with it since.

She enjoys feeding the puppy and taking care of it by listening to its heart and cutting the hair with the play scissors. I could sit for hours and watch her as she plays with Melody the puppy and the rest of the toys included. As a parent it's so neat to watch them learning through discovery as they play. She also loves Melody's theme song as it plays when the cage door is opened.
I am so glad we were introduced to the Baby Genius toy line. They are something that both parents and children can enjoy! I would highly recommend Baby Genius products to parents of young children. We're very impressed with the quality, the educational aspect, and the uniqueness of the items they offer.

Buy It: You can purchase this and other Baby Genius products at Walmart.

Win It: One lucky reader will win a Baby Genius Pet Care Center like the one we received. To enter, visit Baby Genius and tell me another toy they carry that you like.

Extra Entries: (only valid after the required entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Baby Genius) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 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)

4. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: RT Enter to win a Baby Genius Pet Care Center Toy @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/yc78ff9 Ends 3/23

5. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

6. Become a Fan of Baby Genius on Facebook

7. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

8. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end March 23rd and is open to the US and Canada!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost by Baby Genius. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

You may remember me talking about wanting to get rid of our daughter's pacifier last month. If not, you can read about it here. Kaelyn only had her pacifier at night time, but was still very attached to it. There were some major changes between potty training, moving to her big girl bed, and a new little brother...which put off the 'weaning' process until just recently. Being two years old, I knew it was time, but wasn't quite sure the best way to go about it. Thanks to many of you who commented with your experiences and thoughts on the issue, I quickly realized that 'cold turkey' was our best bet.

Kaelyn around 4 months old

We wanted to be sure that when we took it, she had something meaningful to have with her at night (a stuffed animal or something) to take its place. We weren't sure what to do, and then someone gave us a great idea...Build-A-Bear! Why didn't I think of that?! We took Kaelyn to Build-A-Bear yesterday and let her pick out and make her very own animal (she picked a monkey). When it came time to stuff the monkey, she grabbed her pacifiers and stuck them inside. It was such a proud moment for me to watch!

Making her 'Build-A-Bear' monkey

Putting one of her pacifiers in the monkey

She picked out some pajamas for her (since the idea was to have something for bedtime in place of the pacifier) and named her Boppy since she always called her pacifiers 'bops'.

Meet Boppy :)

Everything was going great...she didn't fuss once about putting her 'bops' in the monkey. But, the true test was not whether she could part with them for the day...it was night time that we were really wondering about. Bedtime came and as she crawled into bed she asked where her pacifiers were. We reminded her where they were and that now she had a new special friend to sleep with at night. That was it...not another word was said about her pacifiers. She laid her monkey by her, we read a story and she said 'Night Mommy'. I was floored...was it really going to be that easy?! We thought she may wake up in the night crying, but again, nothing. She handled it like such a big girl!

I am so glad that someone gave us the idea of the Build-A-Bear. I think it was a great way to make her a part of the whole process so she understood what was going on each step of the way. It allowed for us to take her bops cold turkey while still giving her the comfort of knowing that they're always with her, and best of all...she now has something special to take its place.

One of Kaelyn's favorite things to drink is chocolate milk. It's not something she gets a lot of, but when she does it's quite the treat! We try to give her organic milk whenever possible, so I was pretty excited to learn that our favorite brand, Horizon, has come out with a new Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk with DHA Omega-3!

This new Horizon product provides an easy way to add calcium and DHA to your family's diet. As many are probably aware, DHA Omega-3 is a very important nutrient that helps support things like heart, brain and eye health. Since we're always looking for the best when it comes to the foods Kaelyn eats, I was thrilled to learn we would have the opportunity to review it!

We were sent two coupons so we could try Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk with DHA Omega-3 for ourselves.

Before drinking it, I wasn't sure what to expect. In the past I have tried 'healthy drinks and foods' that tasted bland and, well....'healthy'. I was hoping that this drink was as great tasting as it is for our bodies. After a couple of sips...I can tell you myself, my husband and Kaelyn all agree that it tastes great! It tastes lighter like other lowfat milks you may have tried, but still has a great sweet taste that you'd expect from a chocolate milk. I was very impressed and plan to purchase this again for our family. It's yummy and gives Kaelyn important nutrients she needs. You can go here to check out the ingredients and nutrition facts of this product.

Buy It: You can check out their store locator to find a location near you to purchase this and other Horizon products.

Win It: Horizon has kindly offered TWO readers each, 2 coupons for a FREE half gallon of this product and 2 coupons for $1 off Horizon Organic lowfat Chocolate Milk With DHA Omega-3 (that's 4 total coupons for TWO Winners)!

To enter, leave a comment letting me know why you would like to try this product.

Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Horizon) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 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)

4. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: RT Win Two FREE @HorizonDairy Organic Chocolate Milk W/DHA Omega-3 Coupons! 2 WINNERS! @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/yg35duh Ends 3/9

5. Follow Horizon on Twitter

6. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

7. Become a Fan of Horizon on Facebook

8. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end March 9th and is open to the US Only!

**Two coupons for free samples were provided to me by Horizon at no cost to review this product. Horizon also provided two winners with four coupons each. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

As a salesman who is in his vehicle a lot, my hubby finds it difficult to take leftovers to work for lunch. He's often on the road and doesn't have a way to warm his food up. When we're traveling, I have also run into the same problem with food for Kaelyn. Thankfully, I have been introduced to Warmables and couldn't be happier!


A family of three who are focused on what they eat, realized how important it was to provide their school age son a healthier alternative to the lunches he was being served at school. Given their love for fresh, healthy food...they decided to find a way to pack nutritious lunches which could be kept warm until lunchtime...and so, Warmables was born.


Warmables products were created to give people a way of keeping healthy lunches warm for an extended period of time. It started with Warmables for kids and now includes Warmables for the office and 5 pit bag products. The Warmables lunch systems are delivered as 3 or 4 piece sets (the Warmables pouch, liner, a BPA-free food container and a cherry pit bag) and do not produce any garbage at all! Now parents of children who eat lunch at school, and adults who pack lunches have an environmentally friendly and convenient way to keep healthy meals warm for 4-6 hours.

Some of the benefits to using Warmables include:

• healthier school lunches
• saving money
• fighting childhood obesity, a growing problem in the US
• environmentally friendly (does not produce any garbage)

Warmables was kind enough to send us a Warmables for kids lunch system to review.


When I received the product I was immediately impressed. I had no idea that each piece would be such good quality. The Warmables pouch acts as the insulator and is made with layers of various cotton and polyester fabrics which are then lined with nylon.


The BPA-free plastic food storage container holds up to 16 oz. of food and does not leak. It is safe to heat and store meals in as well which is very important to me.


The cherry pit bag is an old trick used before the time of modern heating systems. It helps to keep your child's (or your) lunch warm.


To use Warmables, you just fill the plastic container with food, heat it in the microwave and put the container with its hot contents into the Warmables pouch. You then heat the provided cherry pit bag in the microwave, but it in the Warmables pouch, seal it and put in your child's insulated lunch box.

We have had the opportunity to use Warmables several times already. It's so simple to use, and the fact that it helps us to keep healthy meals warm is one of the best parts! No more eating out at fast food restaurants when on the road or while hubby is at work. I am really thrilled to have been introduced to this product, not only because it enables us to eat healthier by keeping food warm, but it also helps to save money and reduces garbage. I would definitely recommend the Warmables for Kids lunch system. I am very interested in trying the Warmables for the office at some point as well....it would be perfect for my husband.

*Warmables offers a giveaway on their website every month...all you need to do is sign up for the newsletter and read it. Information on the monthly giveaway is sent out via the newsletter.

Buy It: Warmables products can be purchased from www.warmables.com.

Win It: Warmables has offered one lucky reader a Warmables for Kids lunch system like the one we received. To enter, visit Warmables and tell me something you learned.


Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Warmables) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 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)

4. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: RT Healthier lunches for your kids! Enter to win a Warmables for Kids Lunch System @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/ycfxkra Ends 3/9

5. Sign up to receive the Warmables Newsletter

6. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

7. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

8. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end March 9th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Warmables. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

As a former preschool teacher, and a parent who likes to encourage my kids to have a love for reading...I believe books are a wonderful way to encourage our children in so many ways. I am always on the lookout for age appropriate books for our daughter Kaelyn and love when I find ones that she can relate to. Recently I was introduced to The Shushybye Sleepover Surprise book and was thrilled to have the opportunity to review it!

There is nothing Kaelyn enjoys more than sitting down with a book...so I knew she would be just as excited as I was to read this one. When it arrived on our doorstep, I barely had it out of the box and she was already asking if we could read it. Of course I said YES!


I'm sure there are many parents out there like myself who have dealt with a child who did not want to go to bed. In fact, sometimes it can be quite an exhausting task. That's why I love this book! Shushybye helps to encourage toddlers and preschoolers to look forward to sleeptime by introducing them to a land where the Shushies make magical dreams for little girls and boys. The catch, or main point of the story, is that if you want to dream you have to go to sleep. How clever is that?!

From the Press Release:

It is in Shushybye where dreams are made for children by the Shushies who live in such villages as Nap Valley, Snore Shore, Slumber Heights and Yawn Island. Every day, children give the Shushies their dream wishes - and the Shushies make them their dreams, delivered to them by the Shushybye Train as they fall asleep. Snoozles, Dozie and Zeez are three Shushy friends who enjoy making dreams and having all kinds of fun together. After making dreams, the Shushies gather in Pillow Park for the nightly Shushybye Dance, where they move and groove to the music of the Shushybye Dream Band.

I was very impressed with this book after reading it with Kaelyn, and knew she was equally as impressed when she continued to ask me to read it over and over again! Between the fantastic storyline and the colorful, animated illustrations...this is a book that parents and children of all ages can enjoy reading time after time. I not only love the idea behind The Shushybye Sleepover Surprise, but also the great CD that comes along with it! This is not your typical preschooler's music! It's something that adults will enjoy as well. Oh, and did I mention that the front and back covers of the book glow in the dark?! This was an added bonus to a book that we'd already grown to love!

The Shushybye Sleepover Surprise is not the only great product from Shushybye. In visiting their website, www.shushybye.com, and the Shushybye Shoppe I was happy to learn that they have everything from Shushybye Sleepwear to Shushybye dolls. I'd love to get these things for Kaelyn...she'd love it now that we have the book.


Also, The Shushybye Dream Band will be announcing some tour dates. You can check out the Shushybye website to find out if they'll be playing in a city near you.


Win It: One lucky reader will win a copy of The Shushybye Sleepover Surprise book! To enter, visit the Shushybye website and leave a comment letting me know something you learned.


Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Shushybye) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 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)

4. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: RT Win The Shushybye Sleepover Surprise Book & CD @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/ybumye6 Ends 3/9

5. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

6. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

7. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end March 9th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Shushybye. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

I always enjoy finding wholesome movies for my kids to watch....something that teaches a good lesson and is age appropriate. That's why I was excited to have the opportunity to review the latest DVD to release from Max Lucado's Hermie and Friends Series: Antonio Meets His Match.

When it arrived in the mail, Kaelyn was very eager to watch it. She saw the front cover which immediately sparked her curiosity. I let her watch it, and to my surprise...she sat through most of it (that doesn't happen very often with a two year old :)). What I like most about this movie was that the focus was on loving your neighbor...a lesson that's important for everyone...both children and adults alike.

In this movie, Antonio is looked up to as the brave ant for the way he leads his army ants and defends the garden. When other foreign ants move into the garden, Antonio would like to make them leave, but is reminded by God that each one of us is to love our neighbor. I don't want to give away the movie, but let's just say that although it's not easy for Antonio and his friends to accept the new ants, they work on loving their neighbors.

I thought this movie was very well made and would recommend it to any parent looking for a wholesome children's movie with a good message.

Buy It: You can purchase Antonio Meets His Match DVD from Thomas Nelson Publishers for $14.99.

**The product for this review was provided for free by Book Sneeze. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

I have found that the toys my kids like best aren't necessarily the 'must-have' high tech toys we so see so much of in our stores today. It's usually the higher quality, simple toys (much like the ones we had growing up as children) that encourage creativity and open ended play that spark their interest the most! That's why I'm always on the lookout for great toys that are educational and well-made.

Maukilo was born in 2000, when Alexandra Goedrich couldn't find any of the toys that she grew up playing with, here in the US. She began an ecommerce site specializing in the sale of European toys, but the business soon outgrew the small California apartment it started in as Americans discovered brands like HABA and more! Over the years, Maukilo has grown to offer a wide selection of wood and PVC-free plastic toys and games from more than 40 European and American based companies. Their goal is to provide toys that are made to last, so that any toy can withstand the test of time and be passed onto the next generation, which meets the company's motto of "Buy Once, Play Forever".

Maukilo sent us their Chelona Frog King Memory Game.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more about Maukilo and review one of their items. It was difficult deciding which toy to review, as they have such a wonderful and large selection to choose from! Whether it's baby toys, games and puzzles, outdoor play, or something else...they really have it all!

I decided to go with the Chelona Frog King Memory Game because I know how much Kaelyn loves games and learning. Although this particular game has a suggested age of 3+, I knew that even at 2 years old, she would love it! It's a memory game for the very young. It is a chance for children to learn about colors, figures, structures and quantities and to find pairs as well. The game consists of a base plate with four colorful pegs, a cover plate with ten holes and two plates that are printed on both sides each with five different picture pairs on them. To cover the pictures, there are ten frogs. All the parts except the template (which can be used to make your own matching plate) are made with wood.


When we first received it in the mail, I was extremely impressed with the quality. I can see why so many parents turn to Maukilo when looking for toys that will last. I can see this game being around for a very long time and something our family will enjoy for years to come. I was very excited to get it out and play with her. She immediately was drawn to the frogs and wanted to know more about what to do with this toy. As I sat there and played with her, she caught on very quickly. She played for the longest time, enjoying trying to find the matching pictures that were hidden under the frogs. I couldn't help but sit there in amazement as I watched my little girl learning right before my eyes. What a wonderful feeling that is as a parent! They have many other games and puzzles that I know she'd love as well.

If you are looking for high quality, safe and educational toys that will last for years to come, Maukilo is a company you will like. I would recommend their products to any parent I know. I have a feeling we'll be returning to the Maukilo website often to purchase more of their toys for our kids. When Kaden is a little bit older, I'd love to get him this Lokmock Wooden Train by HABA.

Buy It: You can purchase the Chelona Frog King Memory Game on Maukilo.com for $38.99.

Win It: Maukilo is offering one lucky reader their very own Chelona Frog King Memory Game! To enter, visit Maukilo and leave me a comment letting me know another product they carry that you'd love to have.

Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Maukilo) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 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)

4. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: RT Win a @Maukilo Toys: Chelona Frog King Memory Game @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/yaoj9tl Ends 2/16

5. Follow Maukilo on Twitter

6. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

7. Become a Fan of Maukilo Toys on Facebook

8. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end February 16th and is open to the US Only

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Maukilo. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**