What's on Mommy's iPod this week? One eskimO

When it comes to music, I'd say my taste is all over the place.  I tend to pick genres based on the time of the day or even the occasion.  There is driving in my car music, bath time music, glass of wine with hubby music, gathering music ...  Favorite artists tend to be the ones that offer selections that I can fit into multiple lists.  One Eskimo is my latest find to appear on multiple lists.

Farm Rich frozen snacks and appetizers {review}

It seems like everything needs to be done in a hurry in a busy household of 7 like ours.  Lunch needs to be done in 10 minutes and the Memorial Day party appetizers need to be done in 5.  With that in mind, I'm always happy to find tasty items I can have on reserve in my freezer and pull out as needed.

Vtech MobiGo Touch Learning System {Review and Giveaway}

Just in time for summer vacation comes the Vtech MobiGo Touch and Learning System complete with a touch screen like mommy and daddy's iPhone and a Qwerty slide out keyboard just like big brother's cell phone.  Better still, it's sturdy yet small and light design enable Mommy to fit one or two of these in her diaper bag or purse without sacrificing her favorite sunglasses and go to lipgloss.

My two cents on Pampers Dry Max Diapers (Part 2)

I think my latest random conversation starter is going to be “I once saw a Dry Max Diaper being made by hand” and then maybe I’ll dazzle them with my new found knowledge in super absorbing gels?

The Making of Pamper’s Dry Max Diapers:

You may recall that I mentioned in my part 1 post that Pampers dry max diapers were a work in progress for approximately the past decade. And while that may sound like a large exaggeration, it's not. I learned on my recent visit to P&G Pampers Baby Care HQ that Pampers diapers are currently used in approximately 95% of all U.S. hospitals.  This makes Pampers the first piece of clothing to touch most newborns including all 5 of my own. Pampers stressed in our meeting that they do not take this honor lightly. This new Dry Max diaper design included a pair of rather lofty goals. It sought to both improve the lives of families and to be kinder to the planet, a tall order for a disposable diaper.

Dry Max is a diaper designed to give oodles of parents surveyed by Pampers what they wanted. Those wishes included a diaper that would take up less room in their diaper bag, create less bulk on their child while worn, and take up considerably less space when it arrived at their local landfills. The inspiration for the Dry Max design came from the high performance sports apparel all the top athletes wear. If you’ve ever worn that type of clothing you’ve likely noticed how quickly it wicks away moisture from your skin. Though, in the case of a diaper we are talking about lot more moisture and some other “bonus items” that also need containment.

Pet Frogs: The Wild Creations EcoAquarium {Review & Giveaway}

It's a conversation Hayden (my 11 year old) and I had for months.

I'd say, "There are 7 people living here and a dog, 7 people.  This is a very busy household and the last thing we need is another pet.  I barely have time to brush my hair in the morning some days.  I am certainly not going to be giving up minutes to clean out a cage or scrub a tank."

My son Hayden would say, "I'll take care of it myself.  You won't have to do a thing.  I'll clean the tank/cage.  I'll feed it.  You'll never even know it is here at all.  I'll also keep my room clean all the time, get straight A's in my classes, and watch the twins every day after school.  I'll bring you breakfast in bed and clean Cordelia's room too."

I'd then say, "No." until about six weeks ago. 

Clementine Art - Natural Paints

Children's painting projects can be a dreaded activity of parents in many households.  Covered in smocks and confined to an easel in the kitchen, Mommy still ends up completely stressed out as she tries to keep the paint from inevitably ending up everywhere.  Paint in the hair, paint by their nose, paint on dog, paint between the toes ...

A clever mess saver: Straw-lution Straws

Have you ever sat at a dinner table either at home or dining out and watched your child play with the straw in their cups lid?  Did it irk you more and more as you watched them pull it "in and out" and "in and out" until it eventually, much as you anticipated, their drink spills everywhere?

After P&G Visit: My two cents on Pampers Dry Max Diapers (Part 1)

For those of you who aren't regular readers let me tell you briefly who I am.  I'm a 40 year old married mommy of 5 from a Chicago Suburb.  My husband and I have been parents for over 15 years and I currently have two of my children in diapers, twin 23 month old boys.  Any apparent expertise on diapers comes solely from changing a lot of them.  Hubby and I have changed an estimated 18,800 diapers so far ... one moment, make that 18,801.

Over the years I've tried several different brands of diapers.  Pampers, Huggies, 7th Generation, Costco's Kirkland Brand, Luvs, and Target's Up Brand to name a few.  I've found that despite the best efforts of these Diaper Companies, not every diaper works best for every baby.  Perhaps it's the difference in the way each person puts the diaper on, how frequently they change it, or what their child may do in or to it; nonetheless I assert that some diapers simply work better on one child and not on another.

Selected Winners:

New Episodes of Dinosaur Train Premiere Tomorrow

I recently spoke with my contact at the Jim Henson Company and was told that beginning tomorrow Monday, May 24, PBS KIDS will be airing four new episodes of the hit preschool series DINOSAUR TRAIN™.  My twin toddler boys are fans of this show and I look forward to catching some of these new summer-themed vacation episodes with them.

Airing May 24-27, the special week finds the family packing up and boarding the train to discover the wonderful variety of dinosaurs inhabiting the globe as they journey to Asia, Europe and Africa.  Also joining this trip is a new character Gilbert, the conductor’s young nephew.

Reese's Loves You Back! {Giveaway}

I missed it!  Don't you hate when you miss a reason to celebrate.  Apparently May 18th was deemed "I love Reese’s Day"  after nearly 40,000 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup fans showed their support by signing an online petition to create this new holiday.

But, it's not a total loss ... "I Love Reese’s Day" also kicks off the Reese’s Loves You Back on-pack, instant-win promotion that will give away up to $2 million in cash prizes through December 31, 2010.  During this promotion, specially marked products will potentially give away cash prizes in $10, $25 and $100 increments. 

In fact, Reese's loves you back enough that they are even providing us with some specially marked Reese's candy items to give away to our readers.  (Yum!  I also received a couple Reese cups myself as a thanks for sharing this info thing, but we aren't mentioning that to the rest of the household.)

Enter to Win:  Two winners will be selected to receive the five specially marked Reese’s products that are part of the Reese’s Loves You Back promotion. Winners will receive some of each product: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Big Cup Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Pieces Candies, and Reese’s Crispy Crunchy Bars.  Simply leave a comment below this post to be entered.

Optional Additional Entries for:
1 extra entry if you "like" this post on facebook (use button below).
1 extra entry if you follow this blog or subscribe to this blog's feed.
1 extra entry if you "like" Reese's on Facebook.
1 extra entry if you tweet about this giveaway and include @andtwinsmake5.
1 extra entry if you blog about this contest and link back to it.

Rules:
An email address is required to enter. Please leave it in your comment, or make sure one is visible for me to find in your blogger profile. If you qualify for additional entries please comment separately telling us which options you have used. A winner will be chosen via random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen.  This contest is open to 18 + USA only.  Ends on 6/12/10 @ 11:59PM CST.

My visit to P&G Pampers Baby Care Headquarters regarding Dry Max Diapers (Intro)

I wanted to let you all know that I am back from my quick trip to Cincinnati.  After arriving on Wednesday evening, I had a chance to meet a few of the P&G Pampers people along with 3 other bloggers at an informal dinner across from my hotel. 

Yesterday, I spent the entire day at P&G's Pamper Baby Care Headquarters.  While there I met and spoke with dozens of employees as well as a few outside experts.  I also went on an extensive tour, that among other things, included watching a Dry Max diaper being made by hand.


Some of you may be thinking "big deal", Pampers invited 4 virtually unknown mommy bloggers to visit as a way of diverting attention away from what is really going on.  You may even be thinking, who cares what these four average moms think about this whole Pampers Dry Max drama anyway.  Perhaps few of you will even bother to read this post at all.

Those of you who do take that attitude will be missing the entire point of my trip to Pampers.  The point was that I am an average mom.  I am married, I have 5 kids ranging in age from 15 all the way down to my almost 2 year old twins.  I'm not a ultra famous blogger, I am not a powerful woman of business, I am not a doctor, I am not a scientist, I am a mom.

And guess who does care what this average mom thinks about the fears being put out there about Dry Max Diapers?  Pampers cares.  Going beyond that, they wanted to know what my readers think, what my neighbors think, and even what my facebook pals think.

I had a chance to ask all the questions I was armed with about the safety of Pampers Dry Max Diapers as well as the questions my readers asked both in comments and emails sent to me over the past couple days.  Equally important to getting answers, was the fact that Pampers took the time to listen.  They listened to my critiques about how the product was launched, putting the diaper ingredients on the website vs. directly on package, and even my readers thoughts on their removing of the mesh liner from cruisers.

I plan to share this whole visit with you in detail once I compile the big stack of handwritten notes on my desk along with some scratchings on my iPad.  In the meantime, I thought it would be remiss if I didn't let you know that I do think this was a HUGE opportunity for not only myself and the 3 other invited bloggers but for all parents.  In the meantime, if you have any concerns you want to discuss with Pampers about the safety of their Dry Max Diapers I would highly suggest you call them (1-800-Pampers).

---

Added 5/29:
After the Visit, My Two Cents on Pampers Dry Max Diapers (Part 1)
My Two Cents on Pampers Dry Max Diapers (Part 2)

Dry Max is in the news, I'm heading to Pampers P&G Baby Care Headquarters

Back in February, I received a sample of Pampers new Dry Max Diapers for review from P&G. The Pampers Dry Max Cruisers became an instant favorite in our household and we have been buying them exclusively for our twins ever since initially trying them. I just love how thin they are and have had great results with both boys. I've also had the opportunity to host a few giveaways here on the blog so my readers can give them a try.

It was no surprise to me that many of you have left comments about how much you have liked new Pampers Dry Max too. The surprise came when I began seeing a flurry of questions about Pampers Dry Max diapers being the rumored cause of rashes and other skin irritations on the news, facebook, twitter, and other blogs. With all that negative coverage even a fan of the Dry Max diapers, such as myself, begins to question if they are safe for their babies.

With this in mind, I've accepted an invitation to visit the P&G Baby Care headquarters in Cincinnati tomorrow for a "behind the scenes" look at the Pampers brand. On the agenda is an inside look at how the Dry Max diaper was created and how it works. Additionally, I'll have the opportunity to speak with the people behind the brand such as managers, developers, pediatricians, and researchers.

I'm forming my list of questions now and thought I'd reach our to all of you for help. Is there anything you would like me to ask Pampers? What would you like to learn more about? How can Pampers best assure you that the new Dry Max diapers are completely safe for your babies?

Twins: Declaring a Favorite Parent

Lately it has become increasing obvious that despite our best efforts to prevent, our twin boys, Cormac and Declan, have a clear favorite parent.  In fact, last night Cormac confirmed my rising suspicion by blatantly staking his claim to me.  During snuggle before bedtime, Cormac who was presently snuggling with me, told his twin who was coming over to "go see Dada".  Declan has done the same in reverse pushing me aside for Daddy.

Hubby and I did our best from literally minute one to keep things equal and nourish our bonds with both twins the same.  I'd actually witnessed twin girl cousins (now age 18 or so) who on visits to see us seemed to each have a designated parent.  The one was always with the mom and the other with the dad.  This was pairing off was something I hoped would not be as written in cement with my own twins.  Flattering as it may be that Cormac seems to always want me lately, I couldn't help but wonder where we may have failed.  But wait, have we failed?

I've given this a lot of thought lately, and I while I initially thought we had.  I've come to a conclusion we have not failed, in fact I now believe that we actually have passed with flying colors.

As best I can tell, this "choosing favorites" is just a lesson in like vs. love.  I'm secure in the knowledge that the twins both love Hubby and I fairly equally.  Nonetheless, each twin currently likes one of us more.  Here's where parents tend to get the urge to panic, so keep this in perspective.  Choosing a favorite parent is just a baby or toddlers way of demonstrating their ability to recognize the differences in their parents.  At 23 months, my twins each have different needs, abilities, and difference; why shouldn't they be drawn to the parent they think is the current best match for them.

Hubby and I rotated bottle feedings, carrying, and cuddling sessions whenever he was home.  We took turns pushing the twin stroller, changing their wet diapers, and rotated who we held.  Neither of us to the best of our knowledge have ever shown a preference for one twin over the other.

The reality is that despite of what we have done so far, my twins have favorites.  Declan currently likes hanging with Dad more and Cormac currently likes hanging with Mom more.  That doesn't mean Declan doesn't love me, nor does it mean that Cormac doesn't love Hubby.  That also doesn't mean they will have the same favorites tomorrow.  Toddlers are fickle and ever changing.  Hubby and I will still continue to try to keep time spent with each twin as equal and varied as possible, never declaring our own favorites.  However, I think we may just need to concede to that fact that the twins are playing by their own set of rules.

Add Flings to the Party Supply List

Parties for Graduation, Father's Day, Birthdays, Sports Team Gatherings, End of School Bashes, and Family Reunions all have one thing in common in the end, trash and clean-up.  Often this trash contains a plethora of bottles and cans you would normally recycle, but simply were unable to easily designate a spot to do so for your guests.

However, I was recently sent a product to review that makes your party trash and recyclables a far more manageable task.   Flings trash and recycling containers are prices at around $3-4 per container.  Each Fling is designed to be easily stored in your pantry until you need them.  Before the party begins you simply pop-up your flings containers.  Sized at 13 gallons, each fling can fit approximately 60 cans or bottles.  When the party ends, your Flings can either be re-used by dumping their contents out or simply recycled.

Sid the Science Kid: Weather Kid Sid DVD {Review & Giveaway}

Did you know that May is Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection Month?  Having personally lost an aunt to skin cancer last June, sun protection is something I strive for my whole family to take seriously.  Fortunately, Sid the Science Kid has made my job easier with the release of the Weather Kid Sid DVD on May 4th.

In this new DVD release, Sid the Science Kid learns about various weather-related topics.  In Sid’s Rainy Play Date, Sid is supposed to have a play date outside, but the forecast calls for rain! Sid isn’t too happy and wonders if the rain knew he wanted to play outside? At school, Sid and his friends discover that rain actually comes from rain clouds! They also learn that rain is really important because it helps living things grow.  In Sid’s Cool Holiday, Sid loves celebrating the winter holidays where he lives, because it’s always sunny and warm. But this year, Sid and his family are visiting relatives where it’s chilly and cold. Sid wonders why it can’t be warm everywhere? At school, Sid discovers that temperatures are different all over the world!  And in The Wind Did It Sid can’t figure out who messed up the pile of leaves he raked up in the backyard. At school, Sid and his friends discover that wind is strong enough to make sand dunes, waves, move sail boats, and even blow away a pile of leaves.

It's Sid’s Special Sunny Dad’s Day episode that makes this DVD, sent to us for review, required watching for any pre-schooler.  This episode depicts Sid reluctant to lather up in sunscreen, because it takes way too long to put on.  At school, Sid and his friends discover that sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin from the sun. And they also learn about the amazing ways the sun helps the Earth.

This episode provides an excellent tool for parents to demonstrate exactly why they have to put on that sunblock.  Additionally, parents and their children can explore and learn more about sunscreen at the Sid the Science Kid official website at PBSKIDS.org/sid.

Sid the Science Kid is an Emmy-nominated television show from The Jim Henson Company and KCET/Los Angeles.  The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 50 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. Best known as creators of the world famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Recent credits include the Emmy® nominated "Sid the Science Kid", “Dinosaur Train”, “Wilson & Ditch: Digging America” and "Pajanimals."  Features include "The Dark Crystal," "Labyrinth," "MirrorMask," and "Unstable Fables." Television productions include "Fraggle Rock" and the sci-fi cult series "Farscape."

Sid the Science Kid and Jim Henson fans may want to check out the newly opened Official Store of The Jim Henson Company where you can look for all new merchandise and create customized product.

Enter to Win:  You can enter to win this DVD by leaving a comment below.

Optional Additional Entries for:
1 extra entry if you follow this blog or subscribe to this blog's feed. 
1 extra entry if you tweet about this giveaway and include @andtwinsmake5.
1 extra entry if you blog about this contest and link back to it.

Rules:
An email address is required to enter. Please leave it in your comment, or make sure one is visible for me to find in your blogger profile. If you qualify for additional entries please comment separately telling us which options you have used. A winner will be chosen via random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen.  This contest is open to 18 + USA only.  Ends on 6/17/10 @ 11:59PM CST.

Buying a Swing or Playset: The Cedarworks Playaround Swing Set Review & Cedarpede Giveaway

As a mommy of 5, I am well aware of the countless hours of fun a swing or playset in your own backyard can provide children.  In fact, I may be 40 now but I remember my swingset from childhood like yesterday.  A swingset is a vehicle to much needed outdoor exercise and activity.  They become boats, planes, rafts, forts, and castles within the minds of the young.

We had a wooden swingset when our oldest 3 were younger, but we took it down a few years back because it was badly splintering and wobbling beyond repair.  It was originally my youngest brother's swing set from when he was little.  He's 13 years younger than I am.  It was just a basic 3 swing arm structure with a slide on one side and climbing thing on the other.  It was good fun while we had it, but it was beyond it's time.

We knew we were going to want to buy and put a new one up by the time the twins hit two.  With two approaching in June, now was the time to do it.  BTW, where did those two years go?

We began the hunt by visiting all the local dealers and sending away for all the top seller's catalogs online.  My head still hurts a touch from trying absorb all the features, options, designs, and selling points.  Honestly, who knew there were so many choices when it came to buying the kids a swing set or playset for the backyard?

Budget and Assembly
I would highly suggest you first come up with what your budgeted financial amount is for this playset purchase.  After you have determined your maximum budget, I would decide if you plan to assemble the set yourselves or want the set installed by someone else.  You can save a pretty penny if you are handy enough to assemble it yourselves, but it's not for the impatient or "non direction reading" types.  Most places have assemblers available for a charge, if you decide building it yourself is not in the cards.  Don't forget about shipping costs and tax where applicable as well.

Space Available
Once you've determined the money related basics, you should really measure your space for the swing or playset.  We personally have gobs of land to work with, but this is essential if your area for this structure is limited.  You'll want to keep in mind that most of the sets sold ask that you add on around 6 ft. around the perimeter to allow for a truly safe play zone.

Wish List vs. Priority List
We had the older kids help with a wish list for this play structure.  They told us about all their dream items they would want on it and then with our help, we got them to "star" the priority items.  Our list read something like this, "a spot for two infant swings to be switched out to normal swings later, a 3rd swing option, a rock climbing wall, a gangplank style walk up ramp, and a slide."  Sturdy enough to handle even the big kids was real important to us too.

Warranties, Maintenance Requirements, and Reviews
Next it was time for the real grunt work ...  Figuring out exactly which sets were priced within our budget and had what we want.  Once that was done, we began comparing them all based on reviews we found, maintenance requirements, maximum weights handled, and warranties.

Cedarworks
We ultimately chose the Cedarworks Playaround Frontier Fort.  It's a beautiful set.  It is maintenance free, fairly easy to assemble, has everything the kids wanted, and quite a few extras too.  It features a 10' Wave Slide, a Climbing Wall, a couple Leaning Ladders, a Picnic Table & Bench, a Telescope, a Steering Wheel, Ramp & Rappelling Rope, 2 swings, a Trapeze Bar & Ring, Safety Fences, a 2 Wooden Roof fort areas, a Tire Swing, and a Double Yarmarm with both a Firefighter's Pole and a Knotted Rope.

We love it!  It's been a huge hit with our kids and with the rest of the neighborhood too.  How could it not be?  The slide is speedy, the rock wall is just hard enough, the plank is a blast to dash up, and there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out and try something.  The picnic table is even ample sized for adults and provides the perfect shaded spot for me to hang out as they go up, down, and all over.

It's made exclusively from Northern White Cedar.  According to Cedarworks, this is the only wood species that meets their requirements for strength, long life, and no splinters without added chemicals.  Additionally according to the National Forest Service, Northern White Cedar is classified as "highly decay resistant" and will last up to 20 years untreated.  This means staining the set yearly is not needed unless you want to do it to keep the color from turning gray.

Having 5 kids, the oldest a football player in high school, we were very concerned with how low some manufacturers weight limits were.  (Be sure you read them, it's pretty surprising how low they are sometimes!)  The reality is I didn't want to worry our set would collapse each time J.C. and his buddies decided to test the slide or something.  To my relief, the Cedarworks swing area weight limits are 200 lbs. for a single user and a 320 lb. maximum load for all three swing positions when used simultaneously. The play deck weight limit is 250 lbs. for a single user and 1,000 lbs maximum total load.  It's clear why it can handle larger kids/ adults by looking at it.  The wood beams and poles themselves are thicker than other sets in this price range.

With this in mind, I'm happy to report it exceeds my expectations in regards to sturdiness.  It can take anything my kids or the neighborhood throw at it with flying colors.

I'm so happy that all the time "doing my homework" on playsets paid off in the end.  We found exactly what we wanted in terms of function and fun within our budgeted price.























Add-ons
The Serendipity and Revelry lines by Cedarworks allow for full customization, however the Playaround line that we chose a set from does not.  Add-ons for the Play-a-round line are limited to toddler swings and a couple other basics.

Outdoor Toys
Cedarworks offers a few independent backyard toys as well.  In fact, we fell in love with the idea of their Cedarpede and added it to our playset order.  It's basically an outdoor balance beam that comes in movable configurable sections maximizing play options.  The kids have made up countless games with it and it's been a wonderful compliment to our new set.

Enter to win
You can enter to win a Cedarpede of your own (Retail Value of $300 including free shipping)!  Simply visit the Cedarworks' website and return here to tell us all about your favorite indoor or outdoor playset or item.




Optional Additional Entries
1 extra entry if you "like" Cedarworks on facebook.
1 extra entry if you "like" this post on facebook (use button below).
1 extra entry if you follow this blog or subscribe to this blog's feed.
1 extra entry if you tweet about this giveaway and include @andtwinsmake5 and @CedarTweets
1 extra entry if you blog about this contest and link back to it.

Rules
An email address is required to enter. Please leave it in your comment, or make sure one is visible for me to find in your blogger profile. If you qualify for additional entries please comment separately telling us which options you have used. A winner will be chosen via random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen.  This contest is open to age 18+ USA (48 states) only.  Ends on 6/14/10 @ 11:59PM CST.

* Please note I was not provided with any products for this review, I purchased them all myself.  However, I would like to thank Cedarworks for providing the Cedarpede prize for our reader giveaway.

The BornFree Twist’n Pop Straw Cup

BornFree, a baby brand specializing in products that are 100 percent free of BPA, Phthalates and PVC, announced the launch of three new products: The Twist’n Pop Straw Cup; BPA-Free CoolFlow Pacifier; and BPA-Free Clear Pacifier.

We were recently sent one of the yellow Twist’n Pop Straw Cups to test out and have been fighting over it ever since.  Twin 23 month old boys sharing and taking turns with a really cool cup, not going to happen.  (Not at our house anyway.)  I see a trip to the local Target or BabiesRus in my immediate future.

The generously sized 14 fl oz toddler cup has a twist straw mouth with a pop-up soft silicone straw that keeps the straw clean when not in use and reduces possible spills in transit.  I wonder if BornFree realizes that the twisting of the top to reveal and hide the straw over and over is also a huge source of entertainment?

Thankfully, the cup has removable parts for easy clean up too because difficulty in cleaning is the one thing that can be a drawback to these straw type cups.  This one isn't too bad.

Another plus, the bottle is ergonomic in design making it easy for a child to grip and hold on to (even when their twin brother is desperately trying to yank it from them).  Gotta love twins?

Sign-up to review Neutrogena Sunblock

I'm reviewing the Neutrogena UltraSheer® Liquid Daily Sunblock and you can too.

Smart Trike Deluxe Tricycle Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the Smart Trike Giveaway is #7 NL6369!

Stroller Liners and Stroller Contest News

 

Stroller liners by etsy merchant Dimples Monkey:

I'm a big fan of using stroller liners on my various strollers.  I've found them to be a great way to protect my investment in the pram and add an additional layer of comfort and style in the process.  In my opinion, if you plan on donating, selling, or passing along your top of the line stroller to someone else later, stroller liners are a must.  No one wants to buy or inherit a stroller with mystery stains.

With that in mind, I just had to share this etsy find with all my readers.  A few months back, I purchased these liners for my Bumbleride Indie Twin stroller.  I was impressed at how well they fit as well as how they awesome they look.  If you are in the market for liners of your own, you should definitely check this etsy merchant out.

You can pick from an array of fabrics and she'll coach you through measuring your stroller if she doesn't have that models on record yet.

I wonder if she's done the new Stroll-air my duo model yet?  I may have to measure it and get some more for that one now.

Win a Stroll-air My Duo Stroller on Facebook:

 

Exciting News!

Stroll-Air is giving away a Stroll-Air My Duo in Red.  

You have to "like" the Stroll-Air Facebook page AND  rsvp as "attending" the "Stroll-Air My Duo Red" online event to be entered.  The winner will be chosen randomly from the attendee list. 

Retail value of this double stroller is $799.99 and our full review can be found here.

Baby Magic Patty Cake: Dustless Baby Powder {review & giveaway}

This new product by Baby Magic has to win points just for looking cute.  It's like a little make-up compact, only this one is for baby's bum.

Patty Cake is the first patented pressed baby powder that allows for precise application, which means no waste or mess and is convenient for home and travel use. The doctor recommended, talc free formula is presented in a duo-compact and comes with 40 disposable cotton round applicators.  (just like the ones mommy uses)

Application is simple and brilliant.  You use one of the disposable cotton rounds to swipe the powder then apply it to your baby or toddler's bottom and other areas that can use powder and are susceptible to irritating friction.

The only trick it to remember that for sanitation purposes, never touch a cotton round applicator that has been on the baby's bottom back to the powder again.  (Eww!)  Instead, toss it and use another if you need to apply more.

I was sent one to review and found I didn't miss the powdery mess the sprinkle container use to leave and found the uses for this adorable compact extend well beyond baby's bottom too.  Put one in the swim bag to help slide the swimmies on faster, put one in your daughter's dance recital bag to apply in spots where those sequins rub and annoy, and add one to your gym bag to quickly freshen up at the gym.

Baby Magic Patty Cake will launch at CVS stores nationwide June 2010, with more retailers to follow.

Enter to Win:  1 lucky reader will win their own Baby Magic Patty Cake compact.  Simply leave a comment below.

Optional Additional Entries for:
1 extra entry if you "like" Baby Magic on facebook.
1 extra entry if you "like" this post on facebook (use button below).
1 extra entry if you follow this blog or subscribe to this blog's feed.
1 extra entry if you tweet about this giveaway and include @andtwinsmake5
1 extra entry if you blog about this contest and link back to it.

Rules:
An email address is required to enter. Please leave it in your comment, or make sure one is visible for me to find in your blogger profile. If you qualify for additional entries please comment separately telling us which options you have used. A winner will be chosen via random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen.  This contest is open to 18 + USA only.  Ends on 6/10/10 @ 11:59PM CST.

Go Diego Go!: The Great Panda Adventure DVD

After our recently family trip to the local zoo, my twins have been all about animals and animal noises, so a DVD featuring even more exotic creatures was a huge hit with the boys.

Now available on DVD!  Nickelodeon’s Diego and Baby Jaguar rescue animals all over the world in the four new-to-DVD episodes featured on Go, Diego, Go!: The Great Panda Adventure. In these action-packed journeys, preschoolers help Diego pick up pandas in the mountains of China; return a lost koala to his mommy in the Australian Forest; reunite a lemur with his family in Madagascar; and protect a beaver’s dam from a giant wave in the Canadian Rockies.

All Aboard The Giant Panda Express:  Diego and Baby Jaguar are helping their friend, Yang, the Giant Panda Rescuer, at Bamboo Mountain in China, where lots of bamboo has just been planted. Their mission is to take a train ride to pick up all of the hungry pandas and bring them back to Bamboo Mountain as bamboo is the Giant Panda’s favorite food! Along the way, they keep Pan Pan the Giant Panda from falling over the mountain, find Grandpa Panda camouflaged in the snowy filed, use panda gloves to climb the tallest tree in the forest to find Baby Panda and growl like Giant Pandas to save the panda twins from leopards. They’ve got to hurry because there’s a train full of hungry Giant Pandas and only one food will do – bamboo.  

Our favorite episode had to be the Panda one.  It featured twin pandas and a train, need I say more?

Koala's Birthday Hug:  Diego’s in an Australian Forest when suddenly he hears a cry for help. It’s a koala who’s stuck in the middle of the road, with a truck headed right for him! Diego rescues the little koala and learns that today is Joey the Koala’s birthday. He must help Joey get back to his mommy and celebrate his birthday.

Leaping Lemurs:  Diego and Baby Jaguar are returning a group of animals to their home in Madagascar. But one animal, Sara the Sifaka Lemur, hasn’t been home in such a long time, that she can’t remember how to get there. To find her home, the trio travels through the island meeting many lemur friends until they finally catch up to Sara’s family.

Diego Saves the Beavers:  Diego and his friend, Billy the Beaver, are in the Canadian Rockies helping all of the river animals keep their homes safe from an overflowing river. They are interrupted when Alicia calls to say a giant wave is heading straight for Billy the Beaver’s family! The duo race to make it to the Beaver Dam before the giant wave hits.

We see Beavers and Beaver Dams on visits to the Colorado Rockies frequently.  Even the big kids got a kick out of this episode on our provided review copy featuring Dam building to save the day.

Another winner:

The winner of the Cardboard playhouse giveaway by Kidscraft is #116 Fine Insanity!

Giveaways ending soon & winner announcement

Giveaways ending soon:
Smart Trike Tricycle
KidsCraft Playhouse (Shuttle or Cottage)
The Madeline Movie: Lost in Paris DVD

Other great giveaways:
Spring Gazillion Bubbles Prize Pack
Tide Febreeze Sport Coupons & a $10 Target Gift Card
Where's Spot? DVD
$50 Gift Certifcate to Initials, Inc.
Simply Go-Gurt Prize Pack
Parigi Fashion Giveaway
Suave Mango Mandarin Body Wash

Giveaway Winner:
# 29 (sweetpea08) is the winner of the Pampers Olympic Prize Pack # 2 Giveaway.

Summer Health and Beauty Goodies:

For the Body:  

Swimsuit season is arriving soon and if you are looking to add a few new workout DVDs to your rotation you should definitely check out the Fame Dance Workout & Jillian Michaels Yoga.  I was sent both of them for review and had a lot of fun doing them with my 9 year old daughter.

The Fame Dance Workout DVD features four fun fat-burning dance routines designed by the film’s Emmy award-winning choreographer Marguerite Derricks. Master their moves as you dance to music from the movie, including Naturi Naughton’s hot remix of the original theme song. Learn the hottest moves directly from the new Fame generation - Kherington Payne (TV’s “So You Think You Can Dance”), Paul McGill (Man on Wire) and Kristy Flores.  I loved the Fame remake so loving this workout DVD was no suprise.

Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown is unlike any other as Jillian combines hard core yoga power poses with her dynamic training techniques to get you real results fast.  The DVD features two complete 30-minute workouts that include a warm-up and cool-down.  Begin with the Level 1 workout which focuses on quickly flowing yoga sequences to burn mega calories. Then progress to Level 2 which adds twists and balance poses for an even greater burn.  I've always been a fan of Yoga and this DVD is a great addition to my current library.



For the Hair:  

Tonic Shop Hair Care Products are a line of quality, organic, environmentally-friendly hair care products specifically formulated for those who love being in the outdoors.  If your the kind of girl who spends her summer days at the beach, by the pool, or constantly out and about you'll want to check these out.  Tonic is all about sun, surf, and style.  Products include The Chronic Tonic Shampoo and Conditioner, Luster Tonic, and Threesome Tonic.

Threesome is an innovative all-in-one hair care solution for the active waterman looking to get rid of a little extra baggage (and salt): a high performance shampoo, conditioner and body wash in one convenient bottle.  This is the perfect way for mommy to minimize what she's dragging with her to the pool or gym.

Luster is a leave-in conditioning mist with powerful UV-inhibitors and natural botanical oils designed to protect hair from the damaging effects of sun, salt, wind and chlorine.  It can be used before or after your outdoor exploits.  I found it to be a great way to detangle and tame my long curly hair on the go, plus it smells island-like.

The Chronic shampoo and conditioning system is a potent formulation of superior plant-infused ingredients created to cleanse and fortify weather beaten hair. The lightweight formulas gently cleanse and restore balance while improving the overall condition of your hair with intense shine and added volume.  My hair hasn't exactly taken a beating from the summer elements quite yet, but this did leave my hair soft and shiny.



For the Skin:

KINeSYS Performance Sunscreens are the ONLY oil, alcohol, PABA, preservative and paraben-free spray sunscreens on the market! Providing photo-stable, broad spectrum UVA / UVB protection while being very water & sweat-resistant, KINeSYS Sunscreens are also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (won’t block pores). With it’s Micro-spray technology, KINeSYS mists on and feels like a powder; no need for messy rubbing, dries quickly, leaving no residue.  With topical anti-oxidants (to fight free radicals) KINeSYS Sunscreens are Dermatologist & Pediatrician recommended.

I'm a freckled redhead who lost her aunt to melanoma skin cancer last June.  Sun protection is a must when leaving for outside our home.  I was highly impressed with the samples sent to us by KINeSYS that I used both on myself and on my 5 children.  It was of particular importance to me that this sunblock sent for review hold up without issue on my older sons while working up a sweat at track practice and stayed on my littler ones while actively playing with their water table.  KineSys passed my tests and I'll be back for more.

Personalized Items by Initials, Inc. {review & giveaway}

Initials, Inc. was founded by sisters, Britney Vickery and Ivy Hall, shortly after they both became stay at home moms.  They found that while they enjoyed being home with their children, they sought to be challenged creatively, and contribute financially to their homes.  However, they didn’t want to give up time with their young families to get it.  Initials, Inc. was created to meet their needs as women and new mothers.

Fast forward ...
Initials, Inc. is now national in scope and is supporting thousands of women and families all across the country through home parties selling their customer designed personalized items.

I was recently contacted by BSM Media to see if I'd be interested in working with Initials, Inc. on a review and reader giveaway.  As a result, I was sent their new Personalized Resort Tote.  I was able to pick the font color, font style, and name or initials to be embroidered upon it.

The Resort Tote is one of Initials, Inc.'s new items for Spring. In fact, it is on the cover of their catalog. The catalog describes this oversized Tote is roomy enough to carry everything you need for a full day of fun and they aren't exagerating one bit.  This cute tote which I chose to have personalized with my last name in a light blue measures 24”w x 18”h x 10”d.

I've put the tote to use several times already.  It's come in quite handy on outings where everyone may need a coat or even sweat pants to throw on.  I've simply have everyone toss jackets, hats, and long pants in it and kept in the car to access as needed.  Come summer swim time, this will clearly be our families pool bag filled with towels, sunblock, swimmies, hoodies, goggles, pool toys and more.  It's made of a durable chocolate brown microfiber with white dots and is fully lined.  A hidden top magnetic closure and snap top corners keep it shut.

The resort tote is just one of the many adorable items offered in the latest catalog.  Other items include a matching resort box cooler I have my eye on, as well tons of other bags, purses, backpacks, outdoor serving items, diaper bags, wallets, buckets, and various cases.

Enter to win:  We are giving away a $50.00 gift certificate to one lucky reader.  This certificate can be applied toward any product of your choice in the Initials, Inc. catalog.  Simply comment below with an item you like in their latest catalog.

Optional Additional Entries for:
1 extra entry if you "like" Initials, Inc. on facebook.
1 extra entry if you "like" this post on facebook (use button below).
1 extra entry if you follow this blog or subscribe to this blog's feed.
1 extra entry if you tweet about this giveaway and include @andtwinsmake5 and @InitialIncs
1 extra entry if you blog about this contest and link back to it.

Rules:
An email address is required to enter. Please leave it in your comment, or make sure one is visible for me to find in your blogger profile. If you qualify for additional entries please comment separately telling us which options you have used. A winner will be chosen via random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen.  This contest is open to 18 + USA only.  Ends on 5/23/10 @ 11:59PM CST.

Suave Naturals Mango Mandarin Refreshing Body Wash {Review & Giveaway}

"Question:  Mommy, what do you want for Mother's Day?
Answer:  All the things kids hate. A nap, a bath, quiet time, a clean house ..." -- Me, 2010

We remodeled our Master bathroom in 1998 when the water stop flowing from the pipes in there.  At the time, I was 6 months pregnant with my second child and all to eager to have a working bathtub again.  We went beyond getting the tub working again though.  We did our best to create a nice relaxing mini retreat.

Since then, we've added a daughter and twin boys to the family bringing the total of children to 5.  I'm certain I do not need to point out that my need for that bathtub oasis Mommy Break is all the greater these days.  Part of the full experience for me is the scented body wash.

I like to have several different scents on hand to choose from as a special treat.  Thanks to a provided sample from MomSelect for Suave, I've added a new one to my collection just in time for summer.  Suave Naturals Mango Mandarin Refreshing Body Wash is infused with mango and mandarin extracts, along with skin conditioning Vitamin E.  While it does it thing moisturizing your bits and parts as you soak,  it also delivers a bit of lively citrus and fruity fragrance bliss to your senses.

Now how can you beat that bit of delight for only $3.50 per bottle?

Enter to win:  You can win your own bottle of Suave Naturals Mango Mandarin Refreshing Body Wash by leaving a comment below.  Just tell me how you take your much needed Mommy break.

Optional Additional Entries for:
1 extra entry if you "like" this post on facebook (use button below).
1 extra entry if you follow this blog or subscribe to this blog's feed.
1 extra entry if you tweet about this giveaway and include @andtwinsmake5 and @SuaveBeauty.
1 extra entry if you blog about this contest and link back to it.

Rules:
An email address is required to enter. Please leave it in your comment, or make sure one is visible for me to find in your blogger profile. If you qualify for additional entries please comment separately telling us which options you have used. A winner will be chosen via random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen.  This contest is open to 18 + USA only.  Ends on 6/6/10 @ 11:59PM CST.

Akademiks by Parigi Fashion Review & Applebottoms Giveaway

Parigi Fashion has been a major part of the children's fashion industry for nearly thirty years.  It is the name behind childrens' brands such as PUMA Boys, AppleBottom Jeans, Akademiks, or LRG.

As a mommy of 5, I've found it can be difficult at times to keep up with all the trends in children's fashions.  So, I'm always happy to find a brand that does that for me, yet doesn't go beyond my standards of what is appropriate and tasteful for each child's age group.

Thanks to MomSelect, we were sent an Akademics outfit for my 11 year son.  Hayden was very happy with both the jeans and the black graphic t-shirt.  The jeans fit perfectly and had just enough edge to please Hayden without seeming like too much.  He now considers these his "good jeans" and wears them to all his most important events.  He loved Akademics label t-shirt as well.  In fact, he liked the items so much that he talked me into ordering him a couple Akademic hoodies about a week later.  While I was at it I ordered matching hoodies for my twin toddlers too.

In addition to the Akademics outfit, I was sent an Applebottom Jeans outfit for a reader giveaway.  If you have a little girl in the 3/6 month size range or are expecting one soon, you'll adore this 3 piece outfit.  The outfit retails for $48.00.  The three piece set includes a hoodie, tee, and denim skirt.  The ruffled hem skirt has front scoop pockets, button/zip fly closures, and an embroidered logo at back.  The striped short sleeve top is fashioned with a elasticized cuff cap sleeve, snaps at top, and embroidered detailing at the collar.  The short sleeve hooded zip up hoodie features an embroidered apple at back, front pouch pockets with stitched logo, and embroidered detailing at neck.






Enter to win:  You can enter to win this Applebottoms outfit by leaving a comment below after visiting one of the Parigi Fashion brand's sites.  Simply tell us about another outfit you liked from PUMA, Apple Bottoms, Akademiks, or LRG.

Optional Additional Entries for:
1 extra entry if you "like" Parigi Fashion on Facebook.
1 extra entry if you "like" this post on facebook (use button below).
1 extra entry if you follow this blog or subscribe to this blog's feed.
1 extra entry if you tweet about this giveaway and include @andtwinsmake5 and @ParigiFashion.
1 extra entry if you blog about this contest and link back to it.

Rules:
An email address is required to enter. Please leave it in your comment, or make sure one is visible for me to find in your blogger profile. If you qualify for additional entries please comment separately telling us which options you have used. A winner will be chosen via random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen.  This contest is open to 18 + USA only.  Ends on 6/5/10 @ 11:59PM CST.

Stroll-Air My Duo Stroller Review - A great stroller for twins!

The Stroll-Air My Duo, it's the stroller I looked for back when I was pregnant with my twins.

When I was pregnant with my now 22 month old twin boys I was completely stroller obsessed for months.  Let's face it, having a way to easily cart around not one but two babies at the same time is absolutely fundamental to a multiples mommy.

I had a huge laundry list of stroller wants and quickly became disenchanted when I realized that it was not possible for them all to be met with a single stroller.  I realized I was going to have to buy multiple strollers in order to meet all my goals.  One tandem style for carrying both babies when still in car seats and one side by side for doing more serious strolling.  The reality was no side by side stroller could accommodate two car seats at once, not until now.

The Stroll-Air My Duo Stroller is a side by side stroller that can go the full distance for twins.  With the purchase of high and low car seat adapters, it can take two car seats for all those store and doctor visits.  It can be used without car seats from day one with infants too, thanks to it's full recline seats.  It even has optional basinette / carry cots.  In fact, it goes beyond what I dared to dream about in a stroller, with it's the ability to reverse the seats.  Face both little ones forward, face both little ones to the rear, or face one forward and one rear so they can essentially face one another.  Reversing the seats is easy too.  Presto Chango.  In merely seconds you press the buttons, pop it off, flip it, and pop it back on.

So what else did I want in my fantasy stroller?  I wanted it light yet sturdy, compact and easy to fold yet roomy enough and comfortable, easy to push, and easy to keep organized.  Oh and since this is a fantasy and all; let's throw in sturdy rain covers, bug netting, foot muffs, positionable foot rests, fully adjustable seat backs, mesh vented generous sun shades, an adjustable height stroller handle and fully rotating yet lockable wheels.  Throw in a matching high quality diaper bag with both shoulder and stroller straps too.

While I dared to dream, the people at Stroll-air were clearly waving their magic wands and chanting bippity boppity or something because the Stroll-Air My Duo is pretty much a dream come true for twin parents.  It has everything I listed above and probably a few more I've neglected to mention.








Since it was sent to me by Stroll-Air for review, I've been putting this double stroller through the ringer with the help of my twins of course.  I've taken it to track meets, Target, the Zoo, muddy fields, grassy back yards, all about the neighborhood, and right inside the front door of my home.  The stroller handled each space and place wonderfully.  And I'm happy to confirm that at 29 inches wide, it fits through any standard doorway without issue.  It's two 12-inch foam tires in back, and two 8-inch foam tires in front are more then adequate for any place I've explored with it, but if you are into really serious off-roading air tires are an add-on said to be coming soon.

While I was in the process of writing this review, I received an email from someone considering this stroller that had a few questions.  One of her concerns was with the width of the seats being adequate for a 2-3 year old child.  You'll note in my included pictures that my twins are just shy of that 2 year mark and have plenty of room still.  I've also included a picture of my 9 year old daughter sitting in it.  She's well beyond the weight requirements and stroller riding stage but I thought this photo (for demonstration purposes only) might help people with sizing perspective.  I find it adequate for a child up to the weight limits of this stroller.

There are several add-on options available and more to come.  I'd highly suggest the Stroll-Air Double Stroller Universal Organizer.  You can use it to organize and carry a variety of items and it was a total life-saver when we took our recent trip to the zoo.  I think I had 6 cups in it at one point.

A deal breaker for me (with any stroller) would be if it didn't fit in the back of my 3 row Buick Enclave without the need to fold down a row of the car.  I have 5 children in total and need ever single seat.  I'm also not a fan of having to pop the seats or wheels off the stroller chassis each time I run in some place for two seconds.  The moment of truth came and the Stroll-Air My Duo passed.  Positioned on it's side it fits in the back of my car (wheels and seats on) it fits with enough room for a diaper bag and a couple other small items.  The fold is a touch tricky the first couple times but both hubby and I have got it down now.

I'd highly recommend the Stroll-Air My Duo to any twin or singleton parents.  It has virtually everything I wanted as a new twin mommy.  It's also an equally great fit for our active lives now with our almost two year old twin toddlers.

Another giveaway winner:

The winner of the California Blooms Roses for Mother's Day giveaway is # 124 Barbarawr.

Brookfield Zoo: The Great Bear Wilderness and More

Yesterday our family of 7 visited Brookfield Zoo (located outside Chicago) just in time for the Zoo members preview of the Great Bear Wilderness.  According to the Zoo itself, "This National Park-like experience is the largest exhibit ever undertaken at Brookfield Zoo."  This area includes a bald eagle, bison, wolves, and Bears in vast landscapes and a 3,600-square-foot underwater viewing area.  When the bears swim, zoo visitors can go nose to nose with giant wet polar bears (thankfully through a very thick pane of glass).

One of a few wolves we saw in the Great Bear Wilderness area

This is no small bear

This bear isn't tiny either

We brought bears home too

After a stop at the gift store for plastic bears, it was time to head off to tour the rest of the zoo.  This was our 22 month old twins first zoo visit, so there was much to see.  Our older 3 children led the way to their favorites.  We visited tropic world and found that the twins don't care much for Gorillas but do like the little monkeys.  We also checked out Pinniped Point, the home of the sea lions.  Additionally, we visited the Childrens' Zoo, the Hamill Family Play Zoo, Kids' Playground, The Swamp, and Habitat Africa to name a few.

A Gorilla from Tropic World

Pinniped Point Resident

Underneath viewing at Pinniped Point

Penelope the Pig found in the Childrens' Zoo

This big boy is a Swamp Resident

Declan loved the Geese found in the Childrens' Zoo

Declan and Cordelia found a great place to kick back in the Hamill Family Zoo Area

Towards the end of our day we stopped for ice cream to eat as we hit the last of everyone's list of "to-dos" at the zoo.  Declan, who normally has a rather unending hunger, proved just how tired he really was when he fell a sleep in his stroller mid ice cream eating.  Even a transfers to the car and to the house barely woke him.

Ice Cream and Tigers and Bears = Zzzzz!

Brookfield Zoo's Great Bear Wilderness officially opens on May 8, 2010. However, Members can preview it May 2-5th.