With three kids to shop for now, we need to find clothing that is high quality and cute, however... affordability is also a priority to us. Thankfully, we have found all of these things from Carter's, the leading provider of baby and young children's apparel.

If you're familiar with Carter's you know that they carry a large selection of adorable clothing for little ones! We love going to our nearest Carter's store many times throughout the year to stock up on clothes for the kids. With everything from pjs to dressy clothes and everything in between, they're really our one-stop-shop when it comes to children's clothing for our 8 month old, 2 year old and 4 year old!

Every time we visit a Carter's store, the whole family has a blast! My husband and I love finding great deals and clothes, while the kids enjoy checking out the super cute clothes, specifically the adorable baby pajamas with characters on the feet! I love their pajamas for the kids - in fact, each Christmas we get our kids pajamas to wear from Carter's!

Christmas 2011 - In their pajamas from Carter's!

And of course, the kids love their comfortable pjs as well!

 

Back to the big news though! Being such a huge fan, I was excited to learn about the Carter's Stock Up on Basics Sale! Carter’s is your destination for super cute summer styles! Through July 17, select Basics for your little ones online or in-stores start at just $3.99! This is a great time to get your favorite Carter's clothes for amazingly low prices!

Featured select styles for Girls include: 

Knit Dresses - Adorable and comfy knit dresses can be worn alone or with a pair of leggings to make the perfect outfit. Carter’s offers the perfect knit dress basics that are perfect summer staples.

Tees - From cap sleeve to short sleeve graphic tees, she’ll love mixing & matching with various bottoms.

Bottoms (shorts/leggings) - Shorts and leggings are comfy and cute with a no-pinch elastic waist, great for easy outfitting. Your little fashion darling will be oh so comfy in canvas shorts and her favorite tee.

Kaelyn has owned many Carter's clothes. Over the years we've found that they hold up great, are super cute, and are comfortable for her to wear on a daily basis. I was excited to check out the Basics Sale items at Carters.com, and thought these two pieces would be especially perfect for her. 

Flutter Sleeve Print Dress for $9.99

Kaelyn is a girly girl and loves all things with ruffles, bows, and pink! If given the choice what to wear everyday, she would choose a dress hands down! She loves dresses! I always look for dresses that are comfortable and cute, which is why the Flutter Sleeve Print Dress stood out to me! The colors are great, and I love the bottom as it would make it easy for her to twirl around in (one of her favorite things to do!). It's a cute dress that would be easy to play in and the smocked top and ruffled hem really give it a super cute look, making it a perfect choice as one of Kaelyn's back-to-school outfits!

Cap Sleeve Tee for $4.99

Kaelyn loves pink and so do I. That's why this basic tee jumped out to me right away. I love that it can easily be paired with different bottoms. It would be easy to dress up with a skirt or cute leggings, or dress down with a pair of shorts or jeans. Either way, this tee would be perfect for my little princess!

Of course, with two little boys I couldn't help but look at all of the boys Basics Sale items as well! Featured select styles for Boys include:

Graphic Tees - A short sleeve graphic tee is every little guy’s favorite. Tees with cool graphics and soft cotton are fun to wear in the summer sun.

Cargo Shorts - Cargo shorts will be his favorite in the summer heat! Soft and sturdy, he can mix & match his cargo shorts with tees and tops for easy outfits.

I searched and found some cute items for my boys!

Plaid Cargo Shorts for $5.99

I love the colors and style of the Plaid Cargo Shorts. They are perfect for summer and into fall. We are getting our family pictures taken and I was planning to do browns and turquoise colors for each of us, so I have already ordered the boys each a pair of these shorts! Can't wait to see them on them! They can easily be paired with a tee or polo to dress up or down which I love as well!

Snap-Up Creeper for $3.99

This would be absolutely perfect for Caysen, as it's lightweight and cool enough for him to wear on these hot summer days. I love one-piece outfits like this, as they're easy to get on and off, especially with the snaps that make diaper changes a breeze! The colors are fun for summer, and best of all...is the monkey! I love monkeys on little boys clothing!! Everything about this outfit is just my style (and my little man's as well!).

I love Carter's clothing and am super excited about the great prices during the Stock Up on Basics Sale going on right now! I would definitely recommend checking out the great deals and cute styles!

Buy It: You can check out the Stock Up on Basics Sale online, or at a store near you. To find a store, head over to Carters.com.

You can also connect with Carter's online! Like Carter's on Facebook to discover the latest great deals and engage with other moms just like you! You can also follow Carter's on Twitter for exclusive events, deals and offers for your little ones!

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a $50 Carter's Gift Card! US Only. To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter Giveaway below. If you don't see the Rafflecopter form, please click here.

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**Carter’s partnered with bloggers such as me to help promote Basics. As part of the program, I received product or gift cards. Carter’s believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words, and therefore did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the products I used. Carter’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. The winner of any giveaway in this program will be randomly chosen and gift card fulfillment will be handled by a third party.**

Summer is my favorite time of year. Once the warm weather hits, our family is outdoors as much as possible. It means pool time, walks, vacations and of course family BBQs, picnics, and other outdoor adventures! My kids especially love picnics and are always asking if we can go on one. That's why I'm always looking for new picnic food ideas, and was happy when introduced to a summer themed recipe from Libby's Fruits & Vegetables.

The same old peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or cold meat sandwiches get old after a while. It's fun to change it up and add in something different that the whole family will enjoy. The following is a Smoky Carrot Hummus Sandwich Spread recipe...a flavorful and healthy sandwich topper, perfect for summer picnic food!

Ingredients:

1 (15 ounce) cans Libby’s® Sliced Carrots drained and rinsed

1 (15 ounce) can Libby’s® Organic Garbanzo Beans, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 small lemon)

2 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or curry powder)

½ teaspoon cumin

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

In a food processor, blend together carrots, garbanzo beans, lemon juice, garlic cloves, paprika, cumin and pepper. While processor is running, slowly pour in olive oil. Process until smooth.

To make a sandwich, spread 2 tablespoons of carrot hummus on one slice of whole grain bread of your choice. Top with avocado, tomato, turkey or your favorite sandwich fillings. Top with another piece of whole grain bread.

Keep remaining spread in sealed container for up to 10 days in refrigerator.

This seems to be very simple recipe and one that would help us get out of our typical boring sandwich rut when it comes to family picnics. I'm looking forward to trying it out, and that should be easier thanks to the assortment of products we were sent from Libby's!

With summer here, it's the perfect time to try new recipes and pack up the picnic basket to enjoy some time outside with the family! And, what better way to do that than with a great summer picnic prize pack to get started?! 

Win It: Libby's wants to encourage you to pack up your picnic basket this summer and enjoy some fun family time. They have offered one lucky reader the same summer prize pack I received, which includes an assortment of Libby's products, an insulated Picnic Basket in red, and a Picnic Blanket Tote in red!

To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below. If you don't see the form, please click here.

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

After a long, cold winter...summer has finally arrived here in the Midwest. We've been enjoying the warmth and time outdoors as much as possible. The past couple of weeks have been especially hot, so we have being keeping cool by swimming in the pool and of course one of our favorite things to do, eating lots of yummy frozen treats! My kids love ice cream, freeze pops, etc. I like to find healthier alternatives, and have tried to make them myself in the past. Unfortunately I had not found a good way to do this, until I was introduced to a great product carried by HearthSong!


Since 1983, HearthSong has committed themselves to providing parents with age-appropriate, wholesome, and quality playthings for children. It is their belief childhood is a vital chapter in life and a special time when children can experience as much creative, imaginative play as possible. They guarantee that each item is carefully selected for it's quality and safety...and as their motto states, their products are Toys You'll Feel Good About Giving.

I am a huge fan of HearthSong and their great selection of products! I find everything to be unique and something my family would be able to enjoy together. That's why I was drawn to the Zoku Quick Pop Maker and couldn't have been happier to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review.

Features/Benefits:

• 6 durable, reusable plastic pop sticks with unique ridged designs that allow pops to adhere securely
• 6 drip guards for tidy eating
• Super Tool to help quickly release frozen treats from molds
• Phthalate-free
• Makes up to 9 Quick Pops before having to refreeze mold

When the Zoku Quick Pop Maker arrived, I was really excited to check it out.

Upon opening the box, I was impressed with the size right away. I had expected the Quick Pop Maker to be larger, so I was pleasantly surprised with the 8"L x 4-1/4"W x 4-1/2"H size! It's big enough to make good-sized free pops, yet small enough to easily handle and find space for in the freezer. I love it!

The quality is also fantastic. I could tell right way that this is something that will last us a very long time. I appreciate this, as I know our family will enjoy a fun and delicious activity that we can do as a family throughout the summer, year after year!

Once I had checked it over, I read through the user-friendly instruction manual and placed the Quick Pop Maker in the freezer for 24 hours prior to making freeze pops. Once it was frozen, the kids and I decided to to cool off with some yummy frozen pops. I love that we are able to use our own ingredients to make the quick pops (juice, yogurt, chocolate milk, etc) and even make them unique with stripes or flavored cores!

The first time we used it, we decided to use grape juice. The Quick Pop Maker uses no electricity, so once it had been in the freezer for at least 24 hours, we removed it and got started. We first inserted three sticks, then poured chilled juice into the molds just before the fill line.

The kids and I loved watching as the pops began to freeze and became completely frozen and ready to eat in just 7-9 minutes! I had read that the process was quick, but wow! Ours took 9 minutes the first time and I thought that was incredible. How fun to be able to watch the whole process too!

Once we could tell the pops were frozen, we placed the orange Super Tool over the top of each pop stick and rotated clockwise until the Quick Pops released. I then lifted each Quick Pop free from the mold, took off the Super Tool and attached the optional drip cup to the stick. It was really that easy!!

I was amazed just how easily the Quick Pop's came out of the mold. It really only took seconds, which was good since I had two very eager children waiting to test them out! :) And, the fact that the pop sticks have unique ridged designs helped the pop adhere securely to the stick as well.

Once removed, I was also impressed with the large size of the pops. They are the perfect treat to cool off on a hot summer day, and the kids absolutely love helping make them! I appreciate the drip cup that attaches to the stick, as it helps contain the mess as well.

And for larger families, or those who have visitors over...the Zoku Quick Pop Maker actually makes up to nine pops before having to refreeze the unit (three at a time!).

Overall I've been thrilled with the Zoku Quick Pop Maker! The quality is fantastic, and it's been great being able to make our own, healthy frozen pops in just minutes. It's a fun activity our family can do together and one I know we'll continue to do a lot through the coming months and years! We look forward to trying out more flavors and creations!

Of course, the Zoku Quick Pop Maker is just one of many great products for summer at HearthSong! I would recommend families with young children, head over and check out their great selection summer toys!

 

 Buy It: You can purchase the Zoku Quick Pop Maker from HearthSong for $49.98.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Zoku Quick Pop Maker of their own! US Only. Just enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below. If you do not see the Rafflecopter form, please click here.

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

Summer is the time of year our family is on the go a lot. That means we need to have a safe, portable place for Caysen to rest, and most times a play yard is too big and bulky to take with us. For trips, visit's to Grandma's. and even playmates at the park...I like to have something portable and small, something like the Deluxe Infant Travel Bed from Summer Infant!

For those who aren't familiar with Summer Infant, they are a company dedicated to bringing parents a large selection of products that are both safe and sensible for little ones. I love how Summer Infant puts their heart and soul into everything they design which is why I am a huge fan of their company and products.

When I learned we were going to have the opportunity to review the Summer Infant Deluxe Infant Travel Bed, I was really thrilled. I have always been impressed with the quality, design, and convenience of their products and had a feeling I'd love this one just as much. I was right!

Features/Benefits:

• Light easy fold-n-go design
• Perfect for changing baby and napping on the go
• Breathable mesh allows for airflow and prevents suffocation
• Removable toy bar with toys
• Side pockets
• Shoulder straps

When the travel bed arrived, I was immediately impressed with how compact it is. This is definitely the ideal thing to take with us when we're away from home for a bit. The fold-n-go design along with the convenient shoulder strap makes it easy to carry along anywhere we go. I also appreciate that it's lightweight as well. 

Of course, as with all Summer Infant products, I was also impressed with the great quality. I love how durable this travel bed is, and that the materials used are made to last. The frame and pad are easy to keep clean which is great as well! This is a must with any baby gear item in my opinion!

Best of all though, this travel bed couldn't be easier to use! First I unbuckled and removed the carry strap. I then undid the flap and opened the travel bed completely. I lifted the flap located within the travel bed and pushed up until attached to the siding (via Velcro). This created one sturdy edge of the product. I then lifted the remaining flap and secured it to siding to create the opposite end of the Travel bed. It took about 30 seconds and I had the travel bed assembled and ready to use. 

I love the neutral colors and modern print. It could easily be used with a boy or a girl...which means it's great for any family with a young baby. 

I like that there's even a sheet included. It comes off the pad easily which makes it easy to clean. 

Speaking of the pad, it seems to make it a very comfortable place for Caysen to lay. We have used the travel bed as a place for him to rest when we're outside, or even gone to Grandma's. I much prefer this than laying him on the floor or ground. And he seems to like it too! 

The breathable mesh allows for airflow and prevents suffocation while he's laying in the travel bed. 

I think his favorite part is the toy bar, and I have to admit...it may be mine too. I really appreciate that Summer Infant thought to include this feature. When Caysen is just relaxing on his back, he loves to play with the toys on the toy bar. And, for times when it's not needed, it easily removes. 

I've also found the side pockets to come in very handy. Since this is used when he's relaxing or resting, I like to make sure we have his pacifier along as well. I keep it in the mesh pocket so we have it and don't have to worry about losing it. It's perfect!

In the times we've used the Deluxe Infant Travel Bed, we've been very happy. The quality is fantastic, and the features make it convenient, portable and easier to change diapers and give Caysen naps when we're away from home. It seems to be a very comfortable, relaxing and safe place for him, and is a product I would definitely recommend to parents with a young baby. 

Buy It: The Summer Infant Deluxe Infant Travel Bed retails for $29.99, and can be purchased  from a number of stores and online retails. Check the Where to Buy tab on the Summer Infant website.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Summer Infant Deluxe Infant Travel Bed! Just enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below. If you don't see the Rafflecopter form, click here.

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