When it comes to the shoes my kids wear I am incredibly picky. I want to make sure I'm doing what's best for their developing little feet...while at the same time, like to find shoes that are cute and stylish too. I am always on the lookout for good quality shoes and was happy to come across Umi and their great selection of children's shoes!
With the belief that every step your child takes is as important as their very first, Umi is dedicated to providing high quality children's shoes that are comfortable and stylish. Every shoe made is tested for safety and durability and meets strict guidelines for child-safe materials. With their many years of experience and dedication to providing the very best for little feet...it's no wonder Umi is a name parents have grown to know and trust!

When I learned we were going to have the opportunity to review a pair of Umi shoes, I couldn't have been happier. I was impressed with the selection of boys shoes and girls shoes, and although a difficult decision with so many cute ones to choose from...we decided to go with the Chickadee in Chocolate for Kaelyn and I'm so happy we did!

The shoes arrived in a signature Umi box. I love when companies take the time to package their products in a way that sets them apart.

As I pulled the Chickadee shoes out of the box, I was instantly drawn to the adorable details! I mean, how cute are these?!


I absolutely love the decorative stitching and scalloped-edge heel, as well as the great colors! They're something that go with almost everything Kaelyn wears which is great! They're very stylish and definitely stand out. In the times she's worn them, we've received several compliments as well as people asking where we got them.

I am also very impressed with the quality! The Butter-soft leather is incredibly soft, yet durable enough to protect her feet. It also resists scuffing which keeps them looking as good as new every time she wears them!



Kaelyn is at an age where she's becoming more and more independent. She insists on dressing herself and that means everything from her shirt and pants down to her shoes. Since she doesn't know how to tie her shoes, it's always nice to have something easy for her to fasten them. That's one of the features I like best about the Chickadee shoes. With a simple strap that has Velcro, it couldn't be any easier for her to do on her own. I love it!

Overall we've been very happy with these Umi shoes and would love to purchase a pair for Kaden at some point. They are well-made and much thought has gone into making them comfortable and stylish for even the smallest of feet. I would highly recommend checking them out if you haven't, and think they would make a terrific gift for any child on your list this Christmas!

Buy It: You can purchase the Chickadee shoes for $56 at UmiShoes.com!

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win a pair of Umi Shoes!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Umi Shoes and leave a comment letting me know which are your favorite.

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

1. 1 extra entry- Enter the Umi shoes giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier

2. 1 extra entry- Like Umi Children's Shoes on Facebook

3. 1 extra entry- Follow UmiShoes on Twitter

4. 1 extra entry - Sign up to receive the Umi Emails (bottom of homepage)

5. 3 extra entries- Grab our Checking Our List Holiday Gift Guide Button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

6. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Umi Children's Shoes) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

7. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

Checking Our List 27: #WIN a pair of @UmiShoes for your little one! #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/fVoNQ9 Ends 12/23

8. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

9. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

10. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

11. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

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

Leave one comment for each entry you complete. Be sure to leave your email address with your comments or make sure it's visible in your profile so that I have a way to contact you if you win!

This giveaway will end December 23rd and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review & giveaway were provided for free by Umi. All opinions found here are 100% mine and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own**

It wasn't until I had children that I really started to think more about the cleaning products I use in our home. I am especially picky about what I use to clean the floors (both hard floors and the carpet). With two little ones who play and lay on them daily, it is a must that they are kept clean and done so in a way that is safe for them to be on. I am always looking for more natural, eco-friendly ways to do this, which is why I started looking into vapor steam cleaners.

Using a vapor steam cleaner would not only make it possible to clean with just water (no cleaners)...yay for no chemicals!, but it also would take very little effort to effectively clean everything from tile floors and counters in our home to the carpets, upholstery and even toys! I love the idea of being able to clean and eliminate germs, bacteria, allergens and more in a way that is safe for my family.

I've taken some time to browse 1-800-go-vapor in search for the best vapor steam cleaner for us, and have been impressed with the many of the products they offer. I think something like the Reliable EviroMate looks like it would be just perfect for our family's needs and is definitely something on my Christmas wish list this year.

What about you...do you own a vapor steam cleaner? If so, how do you like it?

**This is a sponsored post, however all opinions are 100% mine. The opinions of others may differ from my own.**

I love for the decor in our home to represent who we are and the things that are important to us. That's why many of the walls, ledges and tables are full with pictures of our kids. I enjoy displaying them around our home, sharing them with family and friends who visit, and putting together photo albums so we have them to cherish always. I am always looking for fun ways to display and share our pictures, which is why I was excited to come across AdoramaPix.

Known for the excellent quality of their prints and great customer service, AdoramaPix has become a company trusted by professional photographers and savvy consumers all over the country. Whether you're looking for photo prints, photo calendars, photo books, greeting cards, or something else...they have it all.

As I browsed the AdoramaPix website I was instantly drawn to their beautiful photo books. What a great way to turn treasured memories into a timeless keepsake that can be enjoyed for a lifetime! Offering several sizes to choose from and many different layouts and themes there's something for every occasion.

Before our kids turned 1 year old, we had their pictures taken every 3 months. After that, we have made a point to have them taken once a year (and of course take hundreds throughout the year ourselves too). It's always fun to look back and see how much they've grown and changed, however, I've never had a great way of displaying all of them. That's why I was excited to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review a 10 x 10 Hardcover Photo Book with 26 pages!

I have to admit I was little nervous getting started, as technology can be intimidating at times. However, I quickly realized that the convenient PixPublisher Applet couldn't be easier to use and makes creating a unique photo book very simple! It did take me quite a while to make, as I was having a lot of fun checking out all the backgrounds and different graphics and designs.

Once it was finished I was eager to see the finished product in person. Thankfully I didn't have to wait long...the photo book arrived in no time at all! When it arrived I was speechless. It is even more stunning and professional looking than I ever expected. I love the hard cover and how durable it is. Its scuff-resistant, pearl-gloss finish is something I know will last us a long time...not to mention absolutely beautiful!

As I flipped through the pages I was even more in awe (my pictures do not even do it justice!).


They use Fuji Crystal Archive photo paper which gives vivid fade-resistant colors and brilliant whites you just can’t get in press print books. The pictures are absolutely beautiful and incredibly crisp and clear.

I love that the pages are so thick. Kaelyn has looked through the book several times and I never have to worry about the pages bending or tearing easily.

I have the book sitting out for us, as well as for family and friends to enjoy when they visit. We've received so many compliments on the quality, as well as how professional looking it is.


I am very happy with AdoramaPix! They allowed me to create a personalized and unique photo book that is above and beyond any other photo book I've seen. This is definitely a keepsake I know we will cherish forever and I plan to turn to AdoramaPix again and again for all my photo book needs. With the holidays just around the corner (or for any occasion during the year), I would highly recommend checking out AdoramaPix and the wonderful selection of photo books and other products.

Buy It: You can purchase the 26 page 10 x 10 Photo Book from AdoramaPix for $53.95.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win a 10 x 10 26 Page Photo Book (OR any size photo book up to the dollar value of the 10 x 10 26 Page Photo Book) from AdoramaPix!

Mandatory Entry - Visit AdoramaPix and tell me another of their products you'd love to have.

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

1. 1 extra entry - Like AdoramaPix on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry - Follow AdoramaPix on Twitter

3. 1 extra entry - Sign up to receive the AdoramaPix Newsletter

4. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and AdoramaPix) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

5. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

WIN a stunning 10 x 10 Photo Book (or winner's choice of size up to $55!) from @AdoramaPix #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/ekqRdU Ends 12/23

6. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

7. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

8. 2 extra entries- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

9. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

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

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

This giveaway will end December 23rd and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by AdoramaPix. All opinions found here are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own.**

Over the years my mom has held onto many of the toys my brothers and I grew up playing with. The classic ones...created before technology, cords and chargers were even around. In fact, the playroom she now has set up for the grandkids is full of the toys I once treasured most. It's the highlight of any visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house for sure! It is my hope to create a space like this in our own home for the kids, which is why I'm always on the lookout for the finest toys that are made to last. Thankfully, I don't have to look any further than Maukilo.

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 and 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".

Every time I visit the Maukilo website I am impressed with the array of high quality toys offered. Designed for babies to big kids, Maukilo offers the finest wooden puzzles, games, books and playthings that are sure to suit the interests of children at all ages. It's a company that has gone above and beyond to not only provide well-made toys, but also those that exceed safety standards. We've had the opportunity to review some of Maukilo's amazing products, and I've learned that when it comes to finding playthings that last, they are a name I can count on.

I couldn't have been happier to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review Haba's Memo My Toys Matching Game.

Features/Benefits:

• Recommended for ages 2+
• 20 illustrated beech wood blocks (memory game)
• 2-4 players
• Made in Germany
• Helps build memory skills

When the Memo My Toys Matching Game arrived, we couldn't wait to check it out.

As I pulled the pieces out of the box, I was instantly impressed with the quality. There are 20 beech wood blocks that are very durable and something I know will last us a long time. Since it's a game that I know we will get much use out of, this is very much appreciated!

I love how much time and detail went into each colorful illustration on the blocks too. Aren't they fun?!

The moment Kaelyn caught a glimpse of this game, she was very intrigued and excited to learn more. Over the past few months she has been very interested in memory type games and has always had a love for learning. I had a feeling the Memo My Toys game would be a big hit, and I was right! She absolutely loves it!! She and I sat down together and had so much fun (and have had several times since!). I enjoy seeing the excitement on her face when she finds a match!

I see her learning from this game each time she plays with it. It's great for helping build memory skills, matching, and we've also talked a lot about colors and counting while playing it too. Because it challenges her, it's something she does not get bored with. In fact, it's a game she pulls out almost every single day and will sit and play with for the longest time.

We're very happy with the quality and fun the Memo My Toys Matching game provides. Of course, as I mentioned...this is just one of many great toys found at Maukilo.com though. If you've never checked them out, I'd highly recommend it. With the holidays just around the corner, you're sure to find a vast array of high quality, safe and educational toys that will last for years to come.

Buy It: You can purchase Haba's Memo My Toys for $32.99.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win a Memo My Toys Matching Game like the one we received (ARV $33!)

Mandatory Entry - Visit Maukilo and leave a comment letting me know another product you'd love to have.

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

1. 1 extra entry- Enter the Maukilo Blabla Basil Bunny Doll Giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier

2. 1 extra entry- Like Maukilo on Facebook

3. 1 extra entry- Follow Maukilo on Twitter

4. 3 extra entries- Grab our Checking Our List Holiday Gift Guide Button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

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

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

Checking Our List 26: #WIN Haba's Memo My Toys Matching Game from @Maukilo! ARV $33! #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/h1apSf Ends 12/23

7. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

8. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

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

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

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

Leave one comment for each entry you complete. Be sure to leave your email address with your comments or make sure it's visible in your profile so that I have a way to contact you if you win!

This giveaway will end December 23rd and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review & giveaway were provided for free by Maukilo. All opinions found here are 100% mine and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own**