Thursday, May 17, 2012

Baby T is 6 Months! {photos}


Today, 6 months ago, Baby T was born. It feels like 2 years, not 6 months. Just yesterday I wasn't sure how I would deal with Baby E's attitude when her baby brother was born. Just yesterday the newborn size cloth diapers were too big on him. Just yesterday I was sleep deprived. Okay, still am, but now it is from Baby T teething. Can't wait for that first tooth to come so he can stop being completely miserable!


Big blue eyes that have my heart...


Big baby smiles that brighten up even the worst of days!


Monday, May 14, 2012

$1,000 Summer Splash Giveaway Hop! {five winners}




You are in for a treat! We have lined up some amazing, generous sponsors for the Summer Splash Giveaway Hop hosted by Life With Two BoysWith Our Best, and Bella So Savvy! This event begins on May 14, 2012 at 12:01am EST and will end on May 27, 2012 at 11:59pm EST. Five of you will win some [ridiculously over the top] fabulous prizes here at Eco-Babyz! A special thanks to our premium sponsor, KiddyUSA, for providing the Kiddy World Plus car seat from an  amazing family-owned German company!

Over 130 blogs have come together to bring you some amazing prizes to help you kick off your summer... with a SPLASH! Each blog is giving away at least $25 worth of prizes, plus we have an awesome grand prize for one very lucky winner. Be sure to hop along to each of the participating blogs because the more giveaways you enter, the more chances you have at winning the Grand Prize! Thanks to Kid's Creations one very lucky winner is going to win a Two Ring Adventure Playset valued at $3,598! Made from the highest quality Redwood and loaded with fun activities, this swing set is sure to make this summer one to remember! (Please note that the grand prize is only open to residents of the Continental United States and does not include assembly/installation.)

WithOurBest Event Button


Here is a quick synopsis of each prize package you can win at Eco-Babyz with the link to full review of each product!

Prize Package 1 (first photo above)


Kiddy World Plus Car Seat: This forward facing car seat for two year old toddlers and older children is the last one you'll need! The weight limit goes up to 110 pounds and it converts to a booster with Side Impact Protection. As you can see in the image, it uses a protection shield instead of a 5 point harness - very neat feature! Read full review/video.




Prize Package 2


Ice Pop Joy: We love all the Anni Daulter books, especially Ice Pop Joy - filled with healthy and delicious treat recipes. Read full review
LifeWithoutPlastic.com: Winner will receive a large and small air tight glass container, love these for leftovers, homemade ice cream, or lunch for work. Read full review
Elizabeth Mitchell: Her music is captivating and loved both by kids and adults. Great to listen to in the car, outdoors, or while having fun in your own backyard. Read full review.
NoPlastic.ca: Awesome alternative to plastic ice pop molds! Read full review.
Glass Dharma: Sip your beverage without resorting to plastic, these are great for smoothies, juice, iced tea, and adult drinks! Read full review
ECOLunchboxes: Pack a healthy lunch in stainless steel, take a pic nic, grab a snack for the beach. Great for summer! Read full review.
KidCo PeaPod: Traveling? Don't be stuck without one of these travel beds for infants and toddlers. Now you have a bed no matter where you go, set up literally in seconds! Read full review/video



Prize Package 3


BetterLife: Non-toxic soaps and lotions for clean hands and smooth skin. Winner gets the whole set! Read full review
ThermaCELL: Place one of these on your patio and ban mosquitoes without toxic repellents. Read full review
Elizabeth Mitchell: Her music is captivating and loved both by kids and adults. Great to listen to in the car, outdoors, or while having fun in your own backyard. Read full review.
Sabi: Travel vitamin case will keep you organized and energized for this summer. Read full review.
Wee Can Too: Swirl chalk and tempera paint that is edible! Nuf said! Read full review
Babyganics: For your teething infant (or one you know), instant natural relief. Read full review
Thanks Mama: The SWIMTRAINER and the Bummis Swimmi are perfect for your infant or toddler. Read full review
COOLA: Non-toxic sunscreen, pass it around and keep that sunburn at bay. Read full review
Planet Flops: Flip flops made of natural rubber, genius! Comfy, natural, in a variety of colors. Read full review
Kushies: Pool shoes and sunglasses for your little one from a great brand that makes cloth diapers too! Read full review



Prize Package 4

Heys: A leader in luggage has created an Eco friendly luggage line made with recycled plastic bottles and recylced polyester fibers. These durable suitcases will keep your family organized. Travel in style and keep that trash out of the landfill, make use of it! Winner will receive one Eco suitcase (size tbd). Read full review


Prize Package 5

Little Red Fish: This New Zealand made line of UV Swimwear for babies and kids is perfect for hot summer days! The choices are numerous and there are styles for both boys and girls. We love the nautical look! Read full review


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Please note that the Summer Splash hosts and participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prize. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation that they will fulfill their prize in a timely manner. While we are not responsible, we will make every effort to assist the winner in obtaining their prize.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent {Sponsor Highlight}



If there is one thing that I do not like about summer, it's those pesky mosquitoes. It's the only thing I don't like about being outdoors and taking my kids out, especially because I'm so sensitive to mosquito bites (they look like huge bruises on me and actually hurt). While we do have some natural mosquito repellents that we regularly use, I was on the lookout for something that doesn't have to be applied - something perfect for playing in the backyard on a summer evening. I found it at ThermaCELL, their mosquito repellent lanterns can transform your backyard space into living space even after the sun goes down. Not only do they have a nice glow, they repel mosquitoes in a 15 by 15 foot zone around the lantern. So depending on the size of your patio, deck, or backyard - only a few of these would be necessary to keep the mosquitoes (and black flies, no-see-ums) away from you and your kids. A perfect DEET free solution!

How does it work? It uses the synthetic equivalent of the repellent that naturally occurs in chrysanthemum flowers, it doesn't harm humans or pets. The lantern is cordless and the repellent is heated and vaporized by a butane cartridge that creates the heat. It is certainly not something to leave your kids alone with, but then neither is a bottle of toxic DEET repellent. When it comes to immediate health effects, there is no doubt this lantern is a much safer option. They also have portable mosquito repellent appliances that are perfect for hiking, camping, hunting, etc. If you ask me, I think it is genius!

If you are still in the DEET camp, I highly encourage you to switch to natural repellents. It is not something that humans, let alone children, should be exposed to. The toxic properties of DEET are pretty well known, so in fact you may be paying not just for repellent, but for damage to the central nervous system. 

Perhaps the only thing about these lanterns that I do not like is that you have to keep buying refills and batteries, which can really add up. The lantern itself is $29.99 and comes with 1 butane cartridge (12 hours) and 3 insect repellent mats (4 hours each). Plus you need 4 AA batteries that are not included. A butane and repellent refill will cost $6.99 or you can buy in bulk at $49.99 for 30 mats and 10 butane cartridges (which would just about last all summer). Out of my price range for sure. It depends on how much you're willing (or can afford) to pay for a mosquito free outdoor space. 

Come back Monday May 14th to 27th during the Summer Splash Event and enter to win a Mosquito Repellent Patio Lantern! (PS: There will be $1000 in prizes and 5 winners thanks to some new sponsors!)

Connect with ThermaCELL on Facebook and Twitter


What do you think of the ThermaCELL mosquito repellent lanterns?






Disclaimer: I did not receive payment for this post. The opinions are solely my own.