As a Mom I love having my kids' names, birthstones, etc. on the jewelry I wear. It's pieces like this that have the most meaning to me and I find myself grabbing to wear most often no matter what I'm wearing or where I'm going. That's why I couldn't have been happier to find Alli's Originals and her amazing collection of personalized sterling silver jewelry!

Alli began making jewelry as a hobby over 9 years ago. Over the years, she designed jewelry, taught courses on jewelry making and even become educated in silversmithing and lost wax casting which helped to expand her collection to include things like stamped pendants and charms, hand cut pendants, and unique casted charms that are unique to Alli's Originals. Through the inspiration of becoming a new Mom to her son Jacob, she began her website and officially 'opened up shop'. Her collection now sells in stores Worldwide!

As I browsed through the selection of jewelry Alli's Originals offers...I was very impressed. They were so beautiful and unique! I was thrilled when I found out I was going to have the opportunity to review a piece with Kaelyn and Kaden's names on it.

Before I even saw the necklace, I was already impressed! Alli had packaged my necklace in her new signature keepsake tin which is included with every necklace and bracelet order. It was cute and gave a very good first impression. I always like it when companies take the time to personalize their packaging like this.

Of course I couldn't wait to see the necklace! I opened the box and was in awe...I absolutely loved everything about it. The necklace includes 3 squares on a 16" sterling silver ball chain necklace. Each square tag measures 8mm x 8mm. I am a girly girl and love how dainty and cute this necklace is.

My favorite part though, is the quality of her work. I could tell Alli took much time and care into creating a personalized piece for me. Kaelyn and Kaden's names are so nicely hand-stamped on each square. The letters are not stamped straight or evenly spaced...this gives it the hand-made look, feel and charm of the design Alli is going for. I just love it! On the middle square, Alli added a heart which symbolizes the love I have for my children. There are different symbols available on the Little Squares necklace...but the heart means so much to me.

I wore the necklace over Easter to each of our family gatherings. I received several compliments on how pretty the necklace was and how unique. I love wearing a piece that proudly showcases my kids' names. I couldn't be happier with the look, the quality...everything about this necklace. It's beautiful and a piece I will not only wear a lot, but will cherish forever!

As I said, Alli has an amazing selection of jewelry to choose from. Whether you're looking for beautiful keychains, bracelets, earrings, or something else...she has it all! I would definitely recommend Alli's Originals to anyone I know looking for high quality, personalized jewelry! Her pieces would make fantastic Mother's Day gifts too.

I have my eye on this Mini Tags LOVE Necklace and the cute Large Disc Charm Bracelet...aren't they cute?!


Buy It: You can purchase the Little Squares Necklace like I received can be purchased for $50 CDN.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win a $40 Gift Certificate to Alli's Originals website! To enter, visit Alli's Originals and leave a comment letting me know which piece you'd use your $40 GC on if you won!

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 Alli's Originals) 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: Celebrating Moms #7: Win a $40 GC to Alli's Originals (Handmade Personalized Jewelry) @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/y9crroj Ends 4/26

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

7. Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share

8. Sign up for Alli's Originals Newsletter

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 April 26th and is open to the US and Canada!

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

To come across a company that is not only dedicated to providing great products but also the environment and their workers, is quite refreshing and impressive. These were the two things I felt as I visited the Fair Indigo website and learned more about who they are as a company.

Committed to starting something completely new in the apparel industry, a small group of people decided to leave their jobs and start a business of their own. Dedicated to providing high quality products and paying a fair wage to the workers who produce those products, not just a minimum one...they searched the globe for factories who felt the same about this Fair Trade concept. After coming across several who did, Fair Indigo was born and has since expanded to include organic and other eco-friendly fabrics.

They offer a large selection of amazing products for babies and kids, women and men! I was very excited when I learned that I was going to have the opportunity to review one. It was not an easy choice deciding which item to review, as there were several that caught my eye. I decided to go with the Bulbs Recycled Sling Bag and am so happy I did.

I love that this bag is Recycled, reusable, and fashionable all in one! It is made of 55% polyester and 45% recycled polyester from post-consumer plastic water bottles. What a fantastic way to keep water bottles out of the landfills! I knew the fabric would be nice, but until it arrived I didn't realize how nice. I could tell right away it is very well made and will last me a very long time....especially since it's fully washable!


Aside from the great quality, I also thought the pictures online did not do it justice...everything about it is so beautiful! I especially noticed the colors right away...they're very vibrant and fun. Designed to be worn diagonally across the body or over one shoulder, this bag can be used in several ways. I have used it as a bag when we're out and about to take the place of my purse and diaper bag. With a size of 15.7" x 16.5:, I have found it to be large enough to hold these items, but still a nice size to be able to carry around comfortably...and it's oh so stylish at the same time! There's plenty of room inside for everything I could need with the larger compartment and then 1 pocket on the outside and one on the inside! I was amazed just how much it could hold!

It makes a cute large purse, diaper bag, beach bag, etc...but would also make a fantastic alternative to disposable shopping bags...something that has already caused so much damage to the environment worldwide!

The fact that it can be folded up and secured with a handy loop would make it an excellent choice for travel!! What a great way to easily pack an extra bag that can be used in so many ways.


I am absolutely in love with the Bulbs Recycled Sling Bag. It's not only eco-friendly, but also fun and fashionable. It's multi-functional and convenient, which means I can use it a number of ways in my daily life. I also have so much respect for Fair Indigo and the kind of company they are. I love that they care about the environment and the people in it enough to start up a company like this, which puts people first! They have definitely gained me as a customer and someone who will recommend their products to others.

As I mentioned, Fair Indigo offers a large selection of great products for the whole family. I absolutely love their Joobles Collection for kids and the accessories they have for women especially! This would be a great place to shop for Mother's Day gifts this year...as there's just so many beautiful pieces to choose from!


Buy It: You can purchase the Bulbs Recycled Sling Bag on the Fair Indigo website for just $15!

Win It: Thanks to Fair Indigo, one lucky reader will win a Bulbs Recycled Sling Bag like the one I received! To enter, visit Fair Indigo and leave a comment letting 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 Fair Indigo) 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: Celebrating Moms Giveaway #2: Win a fashionable & fun Bulbs Sling Bag from @FairIndigo @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/yj3y3a2 Ends 4/19

6. Follow Fair Indigo 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 Fair Indigo on Facebook

10. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

11. 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 19th and is open to the US Only!

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

Whether we're going for a walk or are out shopping, a double stroller is something we have found to be a must with two young children. When it comes to strollers, I want something that not only meets our needs, but one that will last us a very long time. That's why I was very excited when I came across Zooper and their line of amazing strollers!

Dedicated to improving baby products for busy moms, Mr. Red Lan and his partner put their innovative ideas together and started a company parents have come to love and trust. Since establishing the Zooper brand in the US 11 years ago, Zooper has become known for things like safety, convenient features, reasonable prices, innovative products and so much more! With the core philosophy of putting more into each and every product they make, Zooper makes sure baby's needs are put first, products are convenient for parents, and customers get more for their money.

Zooper sent us their Tango double stroller in the Red Waves color/fabric.

Having read about this particular stroller on their website, I was looking forward to receiving it in the mail and testing it out with the kids. I knew that it offered many of the features I wanted, but had no idea it would far surpass any of the expecations I had.

When it arrived, I was amazed at how easy it was to put together. Much of it was already assembled which I really appreciated! Along with the stroller came a cup holder, sleeping bag, and rain cover...all of which were fantastic quality. I'd love to have a second sleeping bag at some point, as the weather here in the midwest can be quite unpredictable. We've already used it once with Kaden and love it! Here is a picture of the Zooper Tango accessories.

As soon as the stroller was put together I could tell there were going to be many things I liked about it! My immediate impression was what a nice size it is. I've seen and used some strollers that are far too wide for every day use. At 30 inches wide, the Zooper on the other hand, makes it easy to take into stores and other places we go. It's not the easiest to get through clothing racks and other tight spaces, but that's the case with most double strollers. It's narrow enough to fit through most standard size doors, yet wide enough to allow for both our kids to be comfortable and have plenty of space to ride.

Another great thing about this stroller is that the minute you see it, you know it's well-made. Quality is very important when it comes to something like a stroller that will be used often. Not only does it have extra strong die cast front wheel housings and front latch frame lock, but it also has a high strength aluminum frame design and material that is durable and easy to clean!


With any stroller I use, I want to make sure that it's able to accomodate my children at all ages. This means from the time they're very small. To be suitable for a newborn, a stroller must accommodate most infant carriers and/or recline to a flat position. In this case, the Zooper Tango offers both! By the time we received the stroller, Kaden was already out of his infant carrier, however I'm very glad it offers this feature for future children. I love that it reclines to a flat position, as this makes it much easier for him to ride in. He's getting better at holding up his head now, but even for naps this is a great feature for both kids! In fact, each seat not only reclnies independently, but actually has a 4-position seat recline and is super easy to do with the convenient one hand backrest recline.

One hand backrest recline

The canopies on this stroller are like nothing I've ever seen before. They are amazing! If you're looking for something that gives shade and coverage when needed, the Zooper Tango is for you. There are individual napper canopies with a sun visor, viewing window and storage pocket. There's even a zip-off hot weather ventilation canopy for those summer days.

Ventilation Canopy

Storage Pocket

The storage on this thing is amazing too! I was shocked to see the storage basket under the seats. We took this with us shopping one day and put the diaper bag as well as many of the shopping bags in it without a problem. It was the perfect way to keep all of our things in one place. Due to cold weather, we haven't been able to take this stroller to the park yet, but I can see the storage basket coming in handy when we do to house the diaper bag, sippy cups, snacks, etc.


Other features I like:

• one step rear link break
• front and rear wheel suspension
• removable front arm rests
• quick release front wheels with one touch auto swivel lock
• auto frame lock
• individual adjustable legrest
• 5 point adjustable safety harness with toddler and infant settings

As I said, the Zooper Tango is extremely easy to open and fold. I was impressed with how compact it was when folded. It is large, but still fits in the back end of our Ford Escape. It takes up a lot of room back there, but it was still much smaller than I expected it to be for a double stroller.

Overall, we really love the Zooper Tango double stroller. It's perfect for our needs. I can see us using this when shopping, going for walks, the zoo...you name it. The quality is great, it's made to keep my kids safe and comfortable, and all of the features really make it a very convenient for parents as well. You can definitely tell that Zooper had both baby and mom in mind when designing this stroller. It's definitely one I'd recommend to other parents looking for a double stroller.

Buy It: You can purchase the Zooper Tango double stroller at a number of stores and online sites.

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

As our family continues to gro, I am realizing that the house I once thought had a lot of storage, is not so spacious anymore. Between the strollers, tubs of clothes, and other gear, we are finding that the storage space we have is filling up quickly. Although this is an issue I'm sure many families face, I was looking for a solution to make storing some of this gear easier and make it more functional for us. That's when I came across MetroTOTS.

After the birth of her son Billy in 2004, Mary Ann found herself overwhelmed with a a lot of new baby gear in a very small apartment. As with many urban moms in particular, she found storing her new stroller to be the hardest. Wasn't there some sort of system to store the stroller? She asked at a baby gear store, and to her surprise there was no such thing. Mary Ann soon realized this was a storage issue that had not been addressed. And, with much time and research, MetroTOTS and The StrollAway were born!

Mary Ann was kind enough to send us a StrollAway to review.


Features/Benefits:

• Over the door storage system for most brands/models of foldable strollers.
• Made of durable steel
• Adjustable to 9 different positions
• Attractive chrome plate finish
• Arms fold flush to the door when not in use
  
• First and only storage solution for bulky strollers

Let's face it...strollers are probably one of the largest things to store. This is one thing that takes up much of the storage space our home offers. That's why I was really excited to have the opportunity to try out the StrollAway.

When it arrived I was immediately impressed with the quality. As their website says, it's made of very durable steel! This is great, because it lets me know that it will not only do what it is designed to do, but will hold up for a very long time. I couldn't wait to try it out...so I decided to hang it in our entry way closet. This is one of our larger closets, and as you can see from the following picture...had one of our strollers in it which took up a lot of useable floor space.

Hanging the StrollAway over the door couldn't have been easier. All I had to do was hook it over the top and it was done.



I then took our stroller and hung it on the two hooks. I wasn't sure how this would work, as this stroller in particular is fairly bulky, even when folded. To my surprise, it worked like a charm and hung there so well. Now I have a lot more space in the bottom of our closet for other gear that we previously had no space for. YAY!



It can even be folded flat against the door when not in use.


I have even found myself using the hooks to hang the diaper bag and jackets when the stroller is in the car or something. It's multi-functional which I think is great!

I'm very pleased with the quality and the overall idea of the StrollAway. It's great for those who live in smaller apartments especially, but also for those who are finding all of their storage options in the house filling up too! I would definitely recommend this product to any parent.

Buy It: You can purchase the StrollAway from MetroTOTS for $39.99.

Win It: One lucky reader will win a StrollAway from MetroTOTS. To enter, visit MetroTOTS and tell me something you learned or found.

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 MetroTOTS) 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 MetroTOTS StrollAway (The Stroller Storage Solution) @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/ydbmhv4 Ends 3/23

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

6. Become a Fan of MetroTOTS 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 Only!

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

When Kaelyn was little, I didn't find a wrap or sling to be necessary most of the time. Not only was she very content playing on the floor with her toys, but she was also the only child and she had our undivided attention much of the time. With the birth of our son, I have found myself wishing I had a wrap many times. He's not only more of a cuddler and likes to be held, but he also has dealt with more gas and acid reflux...making it difficult for him to lie flat on his back at times.


I've read about, and seen, many different types of wraps and slings. The only thing we had was a carrier that did not work well with such a small baby. We were in need of something that would allow for me to carry him in an upright position at times, while still being able to keep an eye on Kaelyn and do some simple things around the house. As I searched, I came across the Moby Wrap and was thrilled when I found out I'd have the opportunity to review one!

Moby Wrap Inc. was founded in 2003 by parents with a passion for babywearing. They saw the need for a more comfortable, secure and versatile way to carry their infants. Moby Wrap Inc. has expanded its product line to include great designs offered in a variety of colors, prints and fabrics, including UV protected and organic cotton. It has become the most recognized wrap-style baby carrier on the market today.

We were sent the Moby Wrap in the Moss Color.
The Moby Wrap is a long piece of soft cotton that wraps around you to create a custom fitted baby carrier. Some of the features include:

• machine washable
• one-size versaitility
• for babies preemie to 35lbs (even twins)
• no straps, belts or buckles

Benefits:

• develops a strong and secure attachment
• helps meet baby's security needs
• enables parents to accomplish day-to-day tasks
• helps prevent colic
• naturally soothing
  

When I received it, I was very excited to try it out. I knew that keeping Kaden in an upright position, especially after he eats, was very important and more comfortable for him. Before the wrap, it was difficult (and hard on my back) to hold him and get other things done. As I opened the box, I was immediately impressed with the pouch it comes in....made of the same fabric/color as the Moby Wrap inside of it.


As I took the Moby Wrap out of the pouch, I fell in love with the super soft, high quality 100% cotton fabric. I could definitely tell that this was not only something that would last us a very long time, but would be gentle on our son's sensitive skin. I also found the Moby Wrap to be very easy to put on. Following the simple directions that came with it, I was able to try out many different carrying positions. And, here's the best part...Kaden absolutely loves it! If he's fussy and uncomfortable, I put him in the wrap and he almost instantly stops crying and usually falls asleep within minutes. I was a little skeptical as to the comfort of wearing him for extended amounts of time, but to my surprise I hardly notice that I'm even carrying him. It's been such a lifesaver at times (and a back saver too)!

What I love about the Moby Wrap is that it can be used with children birth-35 lbs. This means that if necessary, we also have a way to carry our daughter (who is not quite 35 lbs yet). I could see this coming in handy for both of the kids in many different situations...walking around the mall, going to the Zoo, etc. I have even taken it to church and it's come in very handy with Kaden.


Our daughter Kaelyn has seen me use it several times. She's at the fun age of pretend play and has also enjoyed trying to put it on and use it with her babies. As I searched the Moby website, I realized that they actually carry a Mini Moby Wrap in a child's size. This is definitely something I'd love to get for her at some point...isn't it cute?!

Overall, I am very impressed with the Moby Wrap. It is very easy to put on and custom-fits to my body which is greatly appreciated. Having a wrap that can be fitted to whoever is wearing it is pretty amazing. The best part is that our son loves it and it helps him to be more comfortable and happy. I would definitely recommend the Moby Wrap to parents with young children and think it would make a wonderful baby gift too!

Coupon Code: Moby Wrap Inc. has kindly offered A Mom's Balancing Act readers coupon code, mbamoby, for 15% off your entire purchase from now until February 25th.

Buy It: You can purchase the Moby Wrap for $39.95 on the Moby Wrap Website.

You can also find Moby Wrap on Facebook and Twitter.

**The product for this review was provided for free from Moby Wrap. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

Most parents can relate to the stress that comes along with traveling with little ones...especially if it includes a crowded and busy airport! Trying to quickly get from one place to the next seems next to impossible when you have a bulky stroller, luggage and a toddler who insists at 'toddling' along beside you. It can become quite hectic...even if all you're doing is getting things unloaded and into a hotel. That's why I was more than thrilled to learn more about the Ride-On Carry-On.

The Ride-On Carry-On was born when Darryl was traveling with her two year old son. As a parent, and Flight Attendant for 19 years, she knew what a struggle it was to travel with lots of luggage, bulky strollers and everything else that goes along with traveling with a little one. After years of testing and design work, Darryl and her husband were proud to introduce the Ride-On Carry-On, a product that would forever change the way we travel with children. A metal framed chair that straps to rolling luggage, converts an everyday suitcase into a convenient travel stroller.

We were sent the Ride-On Carry-On to review.


Having only seen pictures online, I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to durability. I mean, how stable could a small metal chair really be, right?! Well, after having had the chance to try it out for ourselves...I can tell you that I was absolutely impressed! It is very durable and safe, comfortably seating a child up to 5 years old or 40 lbs.


I love that the Ride-On Carry-On metal framed chair attached securely to our suitcase, eliminating the need for a stroller when traveling, and a toddler who wants to tag along beside us. It's something which adds convenience for parents, and is fun for kids. Kaelyn loved it...and actually begs us to ride in it even around the house!

The straps fasten securely around your child, as well as around the handle and the back of the luggage, ensuring complete safety when carting your little one around.

I also appreciate how easy the chair folds up onto the luggage when not in use. This makes it easy to get through security checks and even for stowing on the plane in the overhead bins or in the trunk of your car.


There's even the added bonus of having a handy little removable tray which attaches right to the seat. They really thought of everything when creating this product! The Ride-On Carry-On now not only converts wheeled luggage into a travel stroller, but can also be used as a portable travel high chair, or a place to play with toys.


Other benefits:

• Installs in just seconds
• Universal fit on all carry-on luggage 18-22 inches
• No more waiting at your destination for your stroller
• Durable and washable 100% polyester fabric
• Safety tested and approved
• Kids LOVE it!
  

After having had the opportunity to try the Ride-On Carry-On for ourselves, I would have to say that this is a must-have for traveling families. Whether you're carting your luggage through the airport, or into the motel...the Ride-On Carry-On is a convenient way to make sure you get from place to place with ease and as little stress as possible.

Buy It: The Ride-On Carry-On can be purchased for $39.95. Or, save when you buy two chairs and pay $69.95.

**The product for this review was provided for free by Ride-On Carry-On. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**