12 Days of Giveaways: Day 6 with Little Passports

If you're looking for a unique gift idea that keeps on giving for the children, let me introduce you to Little Passports.

When I initially discovered this monthly subscription, I was instantly captivated.

Anything to do with culture is of huge interest to me. But what about your child? How can you teach your child to love and learn in an enjoyable and fascinating way? Kids get bored so easily -- we all know that.

Little Passports nailed it on the head with their subscription packages where they follow Sam and Sofia on their exciting adventures around the USA and/or the world. 

It helps them to inspire a love and understanding of the world as they learn about geography, history, culture, and language in a fun and memorable way. How can you not love this? Brilliant!

They offer two subscriptions: World Edition and USA Edition (perhaps a Canadian Edition next?)

Your child's first month’s Explorer Kit arrives in a suitcase and contains everything your child needs to get started: a letter from Sam and Sofia, a map, a passport, stickers, access to online games and more. Country specific packages filled with fun souvenirs, letters, stickers, photos, activity sheets and more arrive every month thereafter.

My daughter really loves that she has 2 friends that travel the world and send her cool things from each country every month. She looks forward to their packages/letters and stamping off her passport and finding the place on the map! For example, her last package, her friends just visited Japan so she received a letter and some origami among other fun stuff! So cool! Even I was into it! 

On a side note: Origami is NOT as easy as it looks.

Little Passports is truly your child's ticket to an exciting global adventure... in the comfort of home!

Perhaps one day when they're older, they will take you along with them on their real travelling adventures around the world!

To learn more about Little Passports, visit them at www.littlepassports.com.

For Day 6 of CAC's 12 of Giveaways, I am gifting a 3 Month Subscription to two winners!

To enter, leave me a comment below telling me Where in the World does your child want to travel to and why.

Contest is open to Canada and US Residents.

Ends 12/12.

Good luck!

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Quality Choo-Choo Time with the New Thomas & Friends™ DVD and Train Sets #FP_Thomas

The other day during a phone chat with my very pregnant sister, I listened, laughed and sympathized as she told me how difficult the easy day-to-day tasks were now that her tummy was the size of a small watermelon.  I remembered very well what she felt like having only been in her position last year.
These conversations I have with my family and friends are always a great way to de-stress during my hectic days.
I grab my warm cup of coffee once the kids are either down for a nap or my husband is home and appreciate the adult conversation -- where talking about anything but imaginary friends, why ice cream is not considered a crucial part of your diet or Baby Jibberish is welcome with open arms.

Once dinner has been enjoyed, my family usually likes to put on our runners, comfiest sweats and take a stroll around the neighbourhood.  It's a great way to decompress for all of us! We get in the fresh air, a little exercise and the kids enjoy looking around and discovering things different in their environment each time.
Especially during Fall and before the sun retreats into the sky - it's absolutely beautiful!

Another thing we love to do with our kids after a busy day after dinner is hang out together in the rec room and either watch a movie together or some creative play time.
It's great because I noticed how much more my daughter talks to us about her day and that she remembers when she's so enthralled in play.
Win-win!

One of my children's favourite character of all-time is Thomas the Train!
They even sing along to the theme songs every single time - it happens to be my son's favourite tune. I admit, I can't help but sing along too! It's so catchy!

"They're 2, they're 4, they're 6 and 8. Shunting trucks and hauling freight. Red and green and brown and blue; they're a really useful crew..."
(You know the lyrics, don't you?)

What I love most it that they deliver messages about important values through imaginative, relatable storytelling and characters… and always in the friendliest, most engaging ways!

Fisher-Price’s Thomas & Friends™ recently came out with a new awesome DVD, King of the Railway, which was released on September 24th.

Join Thomas & Friends as they embark on a legendary movie adventure! The steam team's quest begins when a special guest arrives on Sodor with a big surprise and important jobs for Thomas, Percy and James. The engines meet new friends and discover suits of armour; coats of arms and legends of long-ago heroes. Then their bravery is put to the test when their new friend Stephen goes missing. Will Thomas find him in time? Will the engines discover the truth about the Island of Sodor's biggest mystery? It's a crusade of knightly proportions for Thomas & Friends in this epic movie!

My son LOVES, loves, loves trains! So much so that my husband is really considering constructing him his very own massive Railway from his own design.
But of course, that's wishful thinking right now so perhaps we'll just stick with heading over to our closest toy store and picking up one of the latest Thomas & Friends™ Train Sets!

Have you seen them yet? They are super duper cute!

Thomas & Friends™ Thomas’ Adventure Castle Playset

Inspired by the new Thomas & Friends™ adventure, King of the Railway, Thomas’ Adventure Castle puts movie-size fun right in the hands of your little engineer! It’s time to get Ulfstead Castle ready for the Earl of Sodor’s celebration, so Thomas and the Troublesome Truck are racing down the track to get the job done! As they zoom downward, the flags unfurl and the treasure is revealed! Thomas and Troublesome Truck come together at the bottom to knock down the drawbridge as the knights arrive! Then they load up the King’s treasure to display for all to see!
For ages 3+.

Thomas & Friends™ Trackmaster™ Castle Quest Set

Inspired by the new Thomas & Friends™ DVD movie, King of the Railway, the TrackMaster™ Quest for the Crown Set features Thomas’ journey for the missing King’s crown. Can your little engineer help him navigate the crumbling castle grounds and emerge with the prize? Use the crane to swing the missing track in place so Thomas can continue on his journey as walls collapse around him. He needs to chuff through the castle before the gate drops down, then descend into the abandoned mine and escape with the crown! With excitement around every turn, the TrackMaster™ Quest for the Crown Set provides endless entertainment for your little engineer!
Requires 1 AA Battery
For ages 3+.

If you've got some Thomas & Friends Lovers in your family, these would definitely be a great addition and the perfect way to unwind and spend some quality "choo-choo" time with the kids.

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Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Blogger Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

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Why Hugs Mean So Much featuring #BigHugsElmo plus #Giveaway

I remember the time when I was a 6 and my dad removed my training wheels for the first time.
The feeling of riding freely on two wheels on my big girl bike on my very own was incredible.
But when I fell off and scraped my knees and arms, I also remember the pain. Oh, the pain was so bad. My mom cleaned my horrible wounds with alcohol (how I hated that alcohol) and the stinging made it even worse.
My tears would not stop but the moment my mom wrapped her arms around me and squeezed me tightly close to her (I could feel her beating heart going so quickly because she was feeling my pain too) I felt so much better.
This was one of the first memories of my childhood that I can actually still remember.

I was 15 years old, my parents just picked me up from my close friends house after a day filled with laughter, and you know, all that fun teenage girl stuff.
I was on a natural high when I stepped into my parents car ready to head home for dinner.
I noticed my mom was quiet and didn't even greet me.
My dad looked somber.
What was going on here? Did I do something wrong?
As we moved along, my dad suddenly broke the cold silence. "Your Lola Pay (Lola means Grandma)..." I became frozen in my seat.
My grandma (my mom's mom) was like my 2nd mother. She took care of me for many years and I had a very close bond to her. It wasn't until she moved back to her country across the other side of the world that she got very sick. I didn't even realize how sick she was. I would talk to her on the phone and see pictures of her beautiful, smiling face. She never showed her pain or sorrow around us, ever.
"Lola Pay passed away today."
 My eyes started to burn from forcing my tears in... I didn't want to cry in front of my mom.
When we got home, my mom, like a zombie and without words for the remainder of the night, crawled into her bed and slept for the rest of the day.
I couldn't even imagine how she must have felt. Losing a mom? She was extremely close to her mom.
I remember walking into her room after I had my cry and then embracing my mom for the longest time.
I can't even recall when a hug meant so much then that very moment.
My shoulders wet from my moms tears and mine, it was the hug that mattered so much that night. No words, just the hug.

It's amazing how much hugs can really help and make a difference in how a person feels.
Whether you're a child, a baby, a teenager or an adult... everyone can always use a good hug.

I was thrilled to be selected as a new ambassador for the latest must-have plush toy of 2013 from Hasbro, Playskool's Big Hugs Elmo!

My kids have always had a love for Sesame Street and especially for that happy little Elmo!

There's something about the colour red and his friendly and positive disposition that makes kids feel comfortable and excited.

It's also great to know that Big Hugs Elmo has recently been awarded the PTPA Seal!

I didn't tell my children that they were expecting Big Hugs Elmo to be delivered to us, so I was pleasantly surprised at my daughters reaction when it got to us!

The fact that Elmo finally hugs you back is ginormous in the eyes of a 4 year old and 12 month old (and umm... a 30 year old too).

But that's not all he does!

Elmo is so super smart that he says things and reacts depending on how he's being held. Very responsive!

He also sings 3 different songs including for nap time.

My son takes Elmo ev-ery-where.

It's actually quite challenging to have a Big Hugs Elmo hanging around on an already small change table when trying to change a 12 month old's dirty diaper.
But overall, it's really special seeing how my kids react and feel about having Big Hugs Elmo around.
It's definitely a must-have for your child, especially if they love Elmo! And who doesn't love Elmo?

“A hug is a great gift. One size fits all. And it’s easy to share!” – Playskool

I'm thrilled to be giving a Big Hugs Elmo away courtesy of Hasbro to one of my lucky readers.
I will also be giving away another one for next month as well, so stay tuned!

The contest closes October 18th, 2013.
Open to Canada (including Quebec) and US residents.

1) Leave me a comment below telling me when a hug meant so much
2) Additional entries available via rafflecopter below

Good luck! And don't forget to give someone a nice, big hug today!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I am participating in the Hasbro Big Hugs Elmo Blogger Campaign by PTPA Media and received compensation as a thank you for participating. The opinions expressed on this blog are my very own.

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Take Your Child On A Global Adventure with Little Passports [Review & #Giveaway}

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” ~ Saint Augustine

The world is larger than we think and only after you have experienced staying in another country far different than what you are use to, with different languages, food, beliefs... will you truly begin to get a broader understanding of life and human kind.

I still have many untapped corners of this world that I would love to encounter. 

Our last escape was to Paris, France (to which I fell in love with) and instead of staying at a hotel like most tourists do (we like to consider ourselves travelers not tourists), we stayed at a friends pied-a-terre apartment located in the heart of Paris just a few steps away from La Tour Eiffel.

We bought groceries, cooked, did our laundry with a one-shared complicated washer/dryer combo in our building, got to know our neighbours, walked around on foot and took the metro and RER with nothing but a small map, attempted to speak only in French and indulged in delicious French fare.

We learned so much more this way and truly felt like locals. It was such a wonderful experience!

One of the most important things that I wish for my children as they get older is be able to travel the world and experience other cultures and ways of life.

I was so excited to learn about a monthly package subscription called Little Passports that provides monthly goodies and access to online games and activities to inspire children to learn about other countries and cultures in a fun and engaging way.

Your child is taken on a mini-adventure right from home with two new pals, Sam and Sofia, as they travel the world and share their findings with them via monthly package.

It comes in two subscriptions; you may sign up for one or both.
World Edition: Join Sam and Sofia as they travel to a new country every month
USA Edition: Travel with Sam and Sofia as they visit two new states every month

Little Passports offers several different subscription plans depending on what works best for you. Sign-up for the convenience of their month-to-month plan or sign-up for a set number of months upfront. If you decide to sign-up or gift a set number of months upfront, you can also renew your subscription so your child doesn’t miss out on any adventures.

I decided to go with a World Edition for Ava and this is what we received.

My daughter was very excited to see a package delivered to our front door with her name on it!
Upon opening we received an adorable little blue and green suitcase complete with world map, passport, a letter and picture from Sam & Sofia and much more!

The Explorer Kit is the 1st month of the World Edition.  It is a starter Kit and it gets your child ready for the adventures ahead!  The next 11 months of the first year are country specific.

Ava was really excited to get started!

I was excited for her! Such an adorable package -- wonder if they will start making one for adults? 

We got started right away! Ava got to know Sam and Sofia and learn some how to say Hello in different languages also learned a few capital cities of different countries to determine where her buddies are headed to next!

I was actually so impressed with how involved and intrigued Ava was (having a 4 1/2 year old you will remember how easily distracted and bored they can get!). She loved learning where all the countries were on the map including where we were located in Canada.

She asked where her grandparents were from on the map and where her relatives were located all across parts of the world. She really loved it!

And I really loved seeing how much she was learning all while having fun.

She is looking forward to receiving next month's package and goodies from her friends while at their new destination. She talks about Sam and Sofia to her friends and family (as if they are real people - which I find super cute!).

Overall we are really impressed and content with Little Passports and I am so glad I learned of them for my daughter (and my son when he gets older!).

The benefits of this subscription go far beyond the years!

It's a one-time payment of $41.85 for the 3 months or $13.95 per month. For everything included and what this will do for your child, I would say it's truly a great deal!

To learn more about Little Passports, visit them online at: www.littlepassports.com.

Little Passports is giving one of my readers a chance to win a 3-Month Subscription (Your choice of The World Edition or US Edition)

1) Leave a comment below telling me Where in the world you would LOVE to travel to with your child/ren and why.

2) Submit via rafflecopter and get additional entries to win!

Contest ends October 1st. 

*Open to US and Canadian Residents.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Disclosure: As part of this review, I received a complimentary subscription to Little Passports; however as always, all opinions expressed are my very own.

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Save BIG on Fisher-Price Fridays

There are two things that make me very happy:
1) Seeing my Children Laughing and Learning 
and
2) Saving money

Well, those two things I love have united to bring you one seriously sweet deal.

Two brands that I trust and am loyal to, Fisher-Price and Babies“R”Us, are introducing Fisher-Price Fridays!
Starting every Friday in September, Fisher-Price will offer half price Friday deals for one day only.

The very first half price sale on ALL Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn toys will take place tomorrow Sept 6 in store and online at babiesrus.ca/fp (this site goes live on September 6th).

This couldn't have come at a more amazing time for us because this Saturday we celebrate our sons 1st Birthday! I will definitely be taking advantage of this amazing deal.

One example of a Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Toy that I have been eyeing for him is this Laugh & Learn™ Crawl Around™ Car.

How adorable is it?

You can check it out all the fantastic Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Toys by clicking here.
Quality toys that are proven favourites at half the price? Don't miss out!
Which one will you be grabbing on a Fisher-Price Friday?

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Movie & Munchies Night with A Turtles Tale 2: Sammy Escapes From Paradise

Remember your childhood? When old animated films were very simple, kind and good?
Now children's movies these days seem to be geared a lot more towards pleasing an adult and many may have lost a lot of that clean and light innocence that were made for children in the first place.

A Turtles Tale 2: Sammy Escapes from Paradise has brought back good old-fashioned children's animation but with a more modern flair with it's fun and lovable characters and a lively and merry soundtrack.

Synopsis:
When Sammy & Ray find themselves trapped in The Tank, an underwater aquarium, they must hatch a plan to escape past Big D and his dopey friends to reunite with their grand-kids Ricky & Ella.
With the help of some unlikely friends, Sammy & Ray find that when you work together, anything is possible!

The movie is rated G for everyone with a target towards 3-10 year olds which I find to be the appropriate and fitting age range given the plot of this film. Although I too as an adult really enjoyed the animation and beauty of this film!

My family gathered together for our Movie and Munchies Night and also invited some of Ava's cousins, Aunt and Uncles and Grandparents to join us as we “Dive into a Fun-Filled Adventure!”



We were all really awed by the vibrancy and liveliness of this film.
The four year olds really enjoyed themselves and especially the adorable characters!
How cute are they?! Oh my goodness, it makes me want baby turtles...

In all honesty though, we are dealing with four year olds.
Had they been in a large movie theatre with surround sound and a massive screen in front of them with no place to escape, this movie may have kept them grounded for the entire film but it took about 30 minutes into the film before their attention and interest strayed elsewhere. Although there would be sporadic moments from that point to the end of the film that they would keep coming back and watching for a few minutes here and there.
It's not surprising though because it was beautifully animated!

We watched the first movie a year back and this was much better than the first in my opinion.
Picturesque underwater scenes, fine landscapes and elaborated graphics, not to mention a lot of fun.
The movie offers a great message about family, friends, and working together. It taught the children that if you work together and put in your best efforts towards one common goal, you can achieve anything.

We had a great time with this film -- it is so colourful, musical and positive, that it creates a truly festive atmosphere for kids of all ages.

A Turtle’s Tale 2: Sammy’s Escape from Paradise debuts on Blu-ray/DVD/3D Combo Pack July 9th.

View the trailer here:

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“Disclosure: I am participating in A Turtle’s Tale 2 – Sammy Escapes From Paradise Blogger Campaign by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

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The Verdict Is In: Banana Boat® Natural Reflect™ Kids Sunscreen Reviews

I asked mothers, just like you and I,  to try out the new Banana Boat® Natural Reflect™ Kids Sunscreen and let me know their honest thoughts.
Sun exposure can be very dangerous for our children (and of course ourselves) without proper use of Sun Protection. But little ones tend to have much more sensitive skin and Banana Boat created a new product with that in mind.

You can read more about the new Banana Boat® Natural Reflect™ Kids Sunscreen here.

Here is what the Reviewers had to say:

Thanks for the opportunity to try out the Banana Boat Natural Reflect sunscreen.

I love that the sunscreen is SPF 50 and has both UVA and UVB protection. The scent is very mild. The lotion itself feels thick but is easy to apply and rub into the skin. I also like that the Natural Reflect lotion is water resistant, something that is on the top of my list when shopping for sunscreen for my active kids!
- L.R.

I was so excited to be chosen for this opportunity, as I was looking into this product for purchase.  I hate purchasing something only to find out-I don't like it.  After checking out EWG, -the reviews were strong. I was eager to try.

The item does not have an overwhelming smell.  My LO is very sensitive to that.  I liked that it was easy to put on and more thick than other brands we have used in the past that tend to get all over the place.  This one you are able to see where you have already applied before rubbing in more thoroughly. It felt in a way like I was moisturizing her in addition to protecting her skin from the sun.   I was happy with the result and cannot wait to continue to use it (WONDERLAND TOMORROW!)  I plan on picking up the baby one this week.  In sum, I am happy that a larger company has made an attempt into producing a more easily accessible natural product that is affordable to boot.  I would definitely recommend.
- P.S. 

Here are my thoughts on the Banana Boat Natural Reflect Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50.
Since we camp a great deal and don't want to attract bugs I am happy that there is no noticeable scent to it.

I love that it is sting free and was able to test that this morning when I put it on my daughter before leaving for school, since that new skin around scrapes is very susceptible to burning.

My daughter is only 6 and because of the thick consistency of the sunscreen she is unable to rub it in adequately making that a bit of a problem for us especially since she likes to be independent.
I like that it takes  fair bit of water and scrubbing to get the sunscreen off your hands after applying.
My rating (mainly because of the thickness of it) is 4 out of 5. 
- L

I received my sample bottle yesterday which luckily started out to be a nice sunny day and therefore a good day to test the sunscreen.

When I first applied it there was a white film on the skin that made me wonder if my grandchildren were going to look like little mimes or ghosts. After about 10 minutes the white hue disappeared and seemed to just blend into the skin and just left it looking moisturized.  After the 15 to 30 minutes recommended for applying before going outside there was no evidence of it on the skin.  It felt almost silky on the skin and I was pleased to see that it did not leave a rash or redness to delicate skin.  There was virtually no scent to it which is an added bonus.  I would say that it lives up to it's claim of being sting-free too.  Unfortunately the rain did not stay away long enough to need to reapply it after 2 hours.  It did give good sun protection during the time we were out.  I would recommend it to anyone looking for a gentle, natural, and non greasy sunscreen.  Even though it is labeled for kids I also used it and found it to pleasant to wear.

Thank you far allowing me to review this sunscreen.
- D.G.

I was really excited to try the new Banana Boat Natural Reflect Kids Sunscreen SPF 50, because I was looking for a less chemical based product to protect my child from the sun. It claims to be "as mild as water," and it seems to be as we experienced no hives or rashes from using this product.  With an active toddler, it can be difficult to get them to stay still for sunscreen application. Luckily, the day we tested this product little one was cooperative.  I found that it took awhile to massage into the skin, this would be frustrating if you have a child whom is too busy at play or is of a squirmy nature.  Once we had the product rubbed in, we waited for the time allotment before we went outside, we paused and headed to the sink to test the water resistance as we had no intention of water play that day.  Beads of water slid off the arms like it was nothing, a quick shake of the arms and we were off.  The product proved to be effective and left my little ones skin feeling soft. I really like that it was non-greasy. Pros: does what it says it's going to do Cons: You really need to massage the product in.
- S.T.
 
I was really excited to be chosen to try out the new Banana Boat Natural Reflect for Kids. We've been using Banana Boat for years and years, and its a name I trust.  I put the sunscreen to the test on 3 of my children (ages 3, 4 and 5), and myself. My very first impression: there is no smell. This is a huge plus factor for me as I am allergic to fragrances, and a couple of my children have eczema so I like to try to watch what I put on their skin. Second impression: it works! We had zero reaction to the sunscreen, AND we didn't get a sunburn either! Worked just as well on my 3 year old as it did on myself. I have found our new sunscreen. I love it. A sunscreen that is not scented and works! I'm sold!!
- A.A.

I recently was lucky enough to test out the Banana Boat natural reflect kids sunscreen because
Banana boat is a brand we know and trust.
 The first thing I noticed was that there was no scent. It was very easy to apply and absorb very quickly.
Leaving no oily residue behind. I loved this product and will be using and recommending it.
- A.M.

What I like about Banana Boat Natural Reflect is the thickness of it; I feel you can "see" the coverage and protection. It is a thicker paste compared to other sunscreens but easily blends in.

I like that the formula is more natural and is Paraben and PABA-free. This is important for me and my son's skin.
I rate it:  9/10.

We will definitely be applying this sunscreen in the summer and on holidays to the beach.
- D.B.

I have a child that absolutely hates having anything put on her skin (bathtimes are a struggle just putting on lotion).
I can't sacrifice the importance of proper skincare especially when it comes to my child and their exposure to sun.
The sunscreen sprays I have used in the past have proven well as they are quick BUT problem with them is they do not get all the spots on her body and especially her face. Spraying a child's face is not an easy task!
This sunscreen was actually quick to absorb which was a big plus for me; at first I thought it wouldn't be as it was a thicker consistency.
I was able to get all the spots on my childs face and there was no harsh or annoying smells.
Definitely going to continue using this summer!
Thanks for the great opportunity to sample and review!
- L.Y.

Background info up until now I have been using the banana boat spray on my oldest reason was its supper quick to get on him and little mess.  I would spray it then rub it in to make sure i didn't miss any spots. When it came to his face i would spray it on my hands then rub it in. This worked well for us. So when I saw that these new one was a old school lotion I have to be honest my heart sunk a little. I tried this once before and it was a disaster! But in the effort of doing a review I thought I would give it a try again.

The first few times it took a bit to convince him to stay in one spot long enough to put it on as he liked the fun of the spray as well as the speed if it. The lotion took more work/time to rub in. I found that at first I didn't like this part of it but I quickly realized it was better as I was sure I covered all the spots. Something I always feared with the other one. Also he was WAY more willing to let me put it on his face and no longer fought me on it. I asked him my and he says "it smells better and not ouchy" which is a big win!

I have noticed no tan on my son while using this product which is a great thing. I also love that he doesn't look greasy.

All and all I like the product and feel good that its more natural the others I have used in the past.
-D.K.

OVERALL SCORE: 9/10
Pros: No Harsh Scents, All-Natural (for sensitive skin), Quick to Absorb, Water-Resistant
Cons: Takes Time to apply (Due to thickness - must be rubbed in very well)

It was a winner for all the Reviewers!
Thank you to all for taking the time to sample and provide your honest opinions.

Each Review was entered to win a $50 Visa Gift Card.
The winner selected via Random.org is: L.Y!
Congratulations!

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Better Health: One IronKid Gummy at a Time {Giveaway}

What could possibly be worse than a house full of sick kids? A sick mother too!
The past couple of weeks in our household has been a hot pot of vomit, headaches, allergies and fevers. Not pretty at all.
No exaggeration when I tell you that week after week, when one sickness goes away, another comes creeping right back in and bouncing from one family member to another.

Here I thought labour pains to be one of the most painful things I've ever experienced (albeit one with positive and happy conclusions), have you ever got an adult ear infection before?
Holy Excruciating Pain Batman!
Never do I hope and pray that I ever experience that again.
Aside from the fact that I can be somewhat of a melodramatic hypochondriac when sick (yes, the world is ending!), this ear infection that I contracted after recovering from a horrid flu virus was extremely uncomfortable and painful to say the least.

Which is why it pained me to see my 8 month old baby go through his first ear infection as well after also recovering from a bad flu virus. Poor, poor baby.
To make things even worse, he then got a bad allergic reaction to the antibiotics he started taking to clear the ear infection. I wish I had known that it's best to let a little one's ear infection clear naturally on it's own then resort to antibiotics right away. The plus side to that awful experience is that we now know he is allergic to penicillin.

My 4 year old daughter who thankfully got the better immune system from her father (knock on wood), rarely gets sicks but when she does, she gets really sick. And this nasty bug that has invaded my home made sure not to miss my little girl either.

What worries me about my (very active) daughter getting sick is that she also is going through a slightly picky eating stage at the moment too. She eats well but the balance in food groups isn't so great.
On top of that, I'm also concerned that she isn't getting enough sun as she should (especially considering the really disarrayed weather as of late).
One day your enjoying the warm sunshine in flip flops and shorts, the next day sitting next to an open fire with hot tea seems more appropriate.

If you've already read, I am a big fan of the Adult Essentials Gummies Vitamins (what my husband and I take every day), but did you know that they also have a line strictly for kids?

*Click on this image to see close-up*

PTPA-Winning IronKids Gummies are specially formulated to support the health, growth and development of your children. Not only are they all-natural Canadian-made products you can trust, but they really taste yummy!
My daughter LOVES her gummies!
I have to remind her that she can only have a certain amount per day (I also have to remind myself that when taking my own Adult Essentials Multi-Vitamins) -- they taste so much like candy!

IronKids are sold in Real Canadian Super Stores, Loblaws, Shoppers, Rexall, Metro, Sobeys, Target, Walmart and you can find the Omega 3s in Costco.

To learn more about IronKids Gummy Vitamins, visit them at www.iron-kids.com.

She was super excited to receive a generous new supply of her favourite gummies (we were running out!) and I'm even more excited to share this with my readers!

One of my readers will win this awesome IronKids Prize Pack which includes: 4 IronKids Vitamins, 1 water bottle and Coupons.

*Open to Canadian Residents only.
Contest Ends 6/16.

To Win, leave me a comment below giving me what you do to keep your child/ren healthy and active in the Summer months.

Good luck!

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Bring on the Sunshine with Banana Boat® Natural Reflect™ Kids Sunscreen {Sampling Opportunity}

My daughter (on the right) & her BFF enjoying the sunshine wearing  Banana Boat® Natural Reflect™ Kids Sunscreen !

Spring has finally sprung and Mr. Sun has decided to grace us with his warming presence.

My daughter is just as excited as I am of course because that means lots of outdoor play and discovery. What's even more fun is that we now have a new little addition to join us for our many Spring & Summer activities outside.

As a mother, the one thing that I get very concerned about once the sun starts radiating stronger and stronger each day within the next few weeks is my children's skin. My daughter already has very sensitive skin and now I also have to worry about the delicate skin of my baby boy.

I've tried quite a few different sunscreens for my daughters skin and most often she would react to it, from mild to strong.

I've had success with Banana Boat® products in the past and now I'm excited to try their latest product, Banana Boat® Natural Reflect™ Kids sunscreen.

Whether you’re off for a day at the beach or an in-city adventure with the kids, the new Banana Boat® Natural Reflect™ Kids sunscreen lotion provides the clinically proven protection mom loves, but is gentle enough for the most delicate – and sometimes finicky – skin. 

The Natural Reflect™ Kids sunscreen lotion provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, yet is Paraben, PABA and Oxybenzone-free, so parents can feel comfortable applying it on their kids. The pediatrician-tested sunscreen, made from 100% naturally sourced sunscreen ingredients, is also water resistant allowing for a tear- and sting-free sunscreen experience. 

The Natural Reflect™ Kids sunscreen is currently available at grocery, drug and mass retail outlets across Canada for approximately $11.99.

So worries no more! We are super excited to welcome the warmer months and plenty of fun outdoors thanks to Banana Boat® Natural Reflect™ Kids sunscreen lotion!

Memory Lane: Summer fun at the Cottage - Ava at 18 months.

I'm looking for 25 of my readers that would like to receive a full sample of a Banana Boat® Natural Reflect™ Kids Sunscreen to try and then share their review with me for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card. 
If you're interested in participating and receiving a free sample + a chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card, simply enter via quick rafflecopter entry.
The first 25 to reply will be chosen! 

*Please note if you have applied & were chosen for this review opportunity with another Blog, I ask that you be courteous and allow for others to have a chance to participate.
Thank you! 

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What Does a La Roche-Posay Itch-Free Day Look Like? {Contest}

As a mother, one of the worst things to see and hear is your child in pain or suffering.
You will try whatever you can do to help but when it's just not working, it can be frustrating.
We'd much rather take that pain away, wouldn't we?

This was the case for my daughter's recent eczema flare-up this winter.
It was horrible!

She's four years old and has always had very mild cases of eczema since she was 12 months old.
Never did she have this type of flare-up that she had recently (as seen in the picture above) that lasted 2-3 weeks. This photo taken was actually the beginning and milder stage of the flare-up.
At first I thought she had an allergic reaction to something but after getting her checked, it was confirmed that it was eczema.

I tried creams, prescription creams (although I did not want that on her for too long), and even home remedies offered from family and friends. I did see some sign of improvement but it was on and off.
One day it would look like it was getting better and all of a sudden the bumps and redness come back in full force.
She didn't complain or seem to be in any discomfort but seeing it was painful enough for me.

In a previous post, I wrote about this issue my daughter had with eczema and introduced La Roche-
Posay's 100 Families Program, a program to follow families with children suffering from eczema and to provide them with the education necessary to better manage their eczema, as well as free Lipikar products.
The Lipikar product line is designed for dry and eczema-prone skin and is especially adapted for children and infants.

Once again, La Roche-Posay Canada wants to put children at the heart of their Itch Free Day contest on their Facebook page.

They are asking children suffering from dry skin and eczema to draw what an itch free day looks like.
La Roche-Posay Facebook fans will vote for their favorite drawing and a jury will then select the winning drawing among the top 10. The artist will win a selection of La Roche-Posay products and will see his or her drawing on a limited edition Lipikar Baume AP container, released in October 2013.

This is not meant to be competitive with the voting, but more of a fun "itch-free" initiative for little ones that are suffering with eczema with a bonus of potentially winning a prize.

The contest ends March 31st so get your little ones drawing and participating in the fun!

Wishing you and yours more happy itch-free memories! 

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Fisher Price: A Million Moments of Joy Launch & Contest

After a year of infertility treatments... a MOMent I will cherish for a lifetime.

As a mother, I have surely experienced many MOMents of Joy.

Some, perhaps, not so "joyous", but still something to cherish nonetheless.
That's the great thing about Parenthood. Every day is a new day... to learn something new about our child and about ourselves.

Wouldn't it be great to go to a place online where you can visually share via photographs these wonderful Moments of Joy, whatever they may be, with other parents just like you?

Fisher-Price is creating an online space (website) where moms can come and commiserate by looking through (and adding their own) photos of the good, the bad, and most importantly, the REAL moments of motherhood we all experience… They can have a laugh, a cry, and a sigh of relief knowing that we’re all there, together.

Starting this week and throughout the next couple of months, you can share your Million Moments of Joy by uploading a picture, video or text to enter the contest and be eligible to win one of eight weekly prize packs!

The value of each prize pack is approximately $200 and each prize pack consists of:

•     My Little Snugabunny™ Bouncer ($89.99 CAD)
•     Laugh & Learn™ Dance & Play Puppy ($59.99 CAD)
•     Ocean Wonders™ Aquarium ($54.99 CAD)

Head on over to Fisher Price online here and submit your Moment of Joy or just enjoy viewing the wonderful collection of those priceless MOMents of Joy submitted by other Parents.

Check out who made Moment of the Week. Look familiar?

**Disclaimer: I am participating in the Fisher Price Million Moments of Joy Campaign and am compensated for my participation. The opinions expressed are my very own.

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Personalized Books to Treasure for a Lifetime with Paper Hat Press

 

I was rummaging through my daughter's collection of toys, games and books one day in her room while attempting to do some early spring cleaning. I spent a few minutes reminiscing on the time we purchased each item for her, the sweet memories behind each one is priceless.

The grape juice stain on one the pages of her book, the missing eyeball on one of her bears... they all held a special memory.

It's one thing for us as parents to remember and share these with our children, but it's not always easy for them to remember for themselves.  They're too young.

This is why I have a fondness for personalized items. There's just something about seeing their name on something that gets them giddy with excitement and offers them a touch of super stardom (of course they are super stars in our eyes, right?)

On top of that, having their name on something let's them know that that particular item belongs just for them. And you know how territorial these kids can get.

I came across Paper Hat Press and knew I just had to have one of their custom hard cover books just for my little girl.

She loves to read!

What is so exclusive about this custom book is that it's very personalized to your child, not just with their name, but their appearance, their unique interests and qualities and even a chance to include the name of their sibling and parents/caregiver too.

Constructed in a beautiful hard cover filled with vibrant pages of images and a wonderful and engaging storyline, this is the perfect gift for your child, or even as a great custom gift for your niece, nephew, grand-child, etc.

It was extremely easy to create online.

You can even choose the child's eye/hair/skin colour and length of hair to resemble the child and another special add-on -- the ability to add a personal dedication in the beginning of the book.

It's like you're the author!

Just 3 easy steps and your custom book will be on it's way to you!

1) Choose a book based on the child's age and gender.

2) Personalize the book by simply entering basic and optional information about the child (name, birthday, favorite food, etc.) on the guided order form. Customize the character (choose eye color, hair color, length and style, skin tone) to resemble the child you are buying the book for. Add a personal dedication for the child.

3) Receive your personalized book within 1 week via express FedEx shipping, or within 2 weeks via standard FedEx shipping.

I was impressed with how quickly I received my book!

Each book comes specially wrapped in kraft paper that can be folded into a paper hat!

I was instantly satisfied with the book the moment I held it in my hands and with the cover alone.

The book was filled with 25+ pages of personalized content (so you're not just getting a hard cover book with very little pages -- this offers a lot more!) and the little girl in the book really reminded me of my Ava! From the hair right down to the boots. Amazing. I know the boots was a coincidence but just the appearance alone blew me away.

 

We chose Little Sparkle because I always tell my daughter that she lights up our world.

This is what we added as our special dedication to her right on the first page of her custom book.

I know that she can keep this book with her forever, even onto adult age and perhaps even share with her future daughter and always remember these cherished words from her Mommy and Daddy.

"May life never dull your sparkle. Shine Bright."

Reading the book together was such a treat for Ava.

The look on her face when she heard her name and even the name of her brother... priceless!

There are a lot of things I love. Products I endorse, recommend, and share with my audience. But I have to say that this may just be one of my absolute favourites.

It's one of those items that really tug at your heart strings and will forever hold a special place in your heart and those of the ones you love.

Our next purchase will definitely be for our little boy.

Currently the books are on sale for $31.95 from the usual $39.95, so it's a great opportunity to jump on it! 

PLUS, receive 25% off your next order by entering code PAPER25.  

If you want to learn more about Paper Hat Press and their selection of books, visit them at: www.paperhatpress.com.

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