25% off Lunchbots

The Lunchbots collection certainly has grown since I first posted on them 3 years ago! They now have various sizes, colors, and insulated products!

Now is a great time to give them a try...or to add to your collection! Through Sunday, April 22, they're offing 25% off your order in celebration of Earth Day. Use coupon code EARTHDAY at checkout to take advantage of this very generous offer!

Visit lunchbots.com to start shopping!

Tourist In Your Own Town

August and I took our first mother/son trip this weekend to New York City. Introducing him to a city I love dearly and watching him see the famous landmarks in person for the first time was as memorable for me as it was for him.

On Sunday morning my sweet friend with whom we were staying asked me what we had planned for the day. "Jane's Carousel and Mast Brothers Chocolate in Brooklyn," I replied. She had never heard of either, and after watching the passionate Mast Brothers Chocolate video (it's so moving that my family has watched it tens of times), she asked if they could tag along. "Of course! The more the merrier!" And we set out on our journey, which got me thinking, what are we missing in our own neck of the woods back home?

Whether you're short on money due to the economy or just looking to spend more quality time together as a family and learn more about your local roots, an at-home vacation is a great idea! And not only because you don't have to spend time packing and unpacking.

Contact your local visitor bureau and request a travel catalog and calendar of events. Ask friends, family and even strangers what their favorite local attractions are. Where do they like to eat? What event do they go to annually?

There are sure to be magical happenings close to home you've yet to experience...what are you waiting for?

Nest by Phil & Teds

I can't even begin to explain how much I wish this travel bed had been around when my children were babies. With all of our weekend trips, play dates during a baby's nap, long days/nights spend at grandparent's houses, and even just to have downstairs for the baby to nap in when older children were playing upstairs, this would have been a dream!

The Phil & Teds Nest bed folds flat for easy storage and pops open in an instant. So not only is it lightweight while taking up vertually no space, but it's job isn't done there...this travel bed can also be used as a travel bag! You can pack your baby's things right in the bed...it's the baby's weekender!

This amazing bag can be purchased at giggle.com for $100 and it ships FREE!

Guyot Designs

Parenting and outdoor lifestyles have a lot in common:

1. They are adventurous.
2. They require a whole lot of planning before you leave the house.
3. Durable products are appreciated...preferably waterproof and unbreakable.
4. A desire to care for our planet for future generations is important.
5. And many more...

Considering all of the similarities, it isn't at all surprising that many products are marketed toward parents of young children and those who camp, hike, ski, mountain-bike, etc. Guyot Designs is one of those companies reaching out to both groups.

Their Squishy Bowls, shown on the left, are one of my new favorite products! They can be packed easily for a road trip, picnic, or day outing in a diaper bag...or simply carried into the play room with a snack for my kids without any worries of it breaking. The smaller sizes also make great break-free cups for kids.

The MicroBites shown on the right are great to keep on hand as well (I have some in my glove box and have used them more than a few times when we're out and about). They are 5 utensils in 1: spoon, fork, knife, spatula and spreader. Talk about multi-tasking!

Guyot Designs also offer stainless steel food jars and lights to turn your water bottle into a lantern (what kid wouldn't want that?!)...and Squishy shot glasses, but perhaps that's where the similarities between parenting and outdoor adventures end...unless you're at my house after a long day. I kid.....kind of.

Visit guyotdesigns.com to learn more and to purchase. Their products are also available at amazon.com where they ship free with a $25 order.

Baby Hip Hugger

My little Hazel is now two and not so little. But seeing as she's the baby of the family, she still wants to be carried a lot...and since she's the last child, I want to hold her a lot. Although my desire is strong, my arms are not always as tough.

I've been using a Baby Hip Hugger in the house to tote her around...but I only have to do half the amount of work. It's a cross between carrying and balancing with the help of the tilted seat (which really helps my back).

There are no crazy straps to keep straight and this carrier goes on in a second flat! And the storage pocket (à la a fanny pack) is large enough to hold your keys, phone and spending money. And the color options are great and even include a denim fabric!

Baby Hip Hugger comes in two sizes: baby and toddler. The baby size can be used from the time children can sit on their own to about 10 months (or 22 pounds). The toddler size can be used until your child is 36 months (or 40 pounds). I'm glad I've got a ways to go!

Visit babynari.com to learn more about the Baby Hip Hugger or to purchase. Also available at amazon.com for a few dollars less.

Aladdin

I was introducted to Aladdin, a food storage company, when I attended the International Gift Fair in New York in August. I was impressed with their products and couldn't wait to try them. I've had the opportunity to this past week and have to say, I'm so happy I've discovered them!

I have many stainless steel products to tote food, but none of them are truly leak-proof, even if they say they are. I learned this the hard way this past summer when I attempted to take a caprese salad to the beach...I got there only to discover olive oil and red wine vinaigrette covering the inside of my lunch bag. I am happy to report I will no longer have that problem.

Aladdin has some amazing food jars in both stainless steel and BPA-free plastic. The tops securely screw on and there is no leakage whatsoever! It's perfect for salads with dressings and even soup!

My other favorite products of theirs is the Recycled & Recyclable Snack Container. It's BPA-free and is made from, you guessed it, 100% recycled food grade polypropylene...and it can be recycled when you no longer use it. The top opens two ways for both small and large snacks and the hard shell of the container keeps them from getting smashed in your bag.

Aladdin's travel mugs are sturdy and obviously high quality...and I love a built-to-last product! There are collections for children, luxe collections with great designs for stylish parents and some in between...although for me, the line is blurred on them all. I didn't see anything that not everyone in my family would be happy to use.

Visit aladdin-pmi.com for more information and to shop their online store.

Kinderville (on sale!)

I've become a big fan of silicone over the last few years, so when I learned of Kinderville's products, I was excited to learn more!

All Kinderville products can not only go in the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer, but they're safe in there as well (because silicone is a naturally occurring element). The perk of being able to put something in the dishwasher (and have it clean up well) is a huge factor when I'm buying something. It cuts down on water waste and saves me time. And there's never too much time to go around...especially to use cleaning!

Kinderville's products are fun and bright making them attractive for kids and they're non-breakable and bacteria-resistant making them desirable for us parents! But best of all, they're on a huge sale right now at Zulily! Up to 40% off!

Visit zulily.com now to take advantage of this sale. It ends on Monday, September 13.

My Scratch Map

When our son was born six years ago, I blew up a vintage map we had, applied it to a cork board and framed it. Since then, we've added map tacks to each place our children have been. Coming back from a trip and placing the tacks has become a favorite pastime for us. And covering the map is a goal for this travel-loving mother! If you're like me, but more high-tech and savvy, you'll love My Scratch Map!

I recently met with representatives from IWOOT (stands for I Want One Of Those), makers of My Scratch Map at the New York International Gift Fair. I loved being in their booth...and it wasn't just because of their sexy British accents. Their products were great! This one being no exception.

This global map is gold foil upon arrival in the safe storage tube (although it's certainly frameable). As you travel, you can scratch off each destination...and the map becomea more colorful! What a wonderfully rewarding thing for a child (or yourself) to do! Who doesn't love scratch offs?!

Available at iwantoneofthose.com for approximately $23.00. They are currently sold out, but you can pre-order for the next shipment that arrives the first week of September...which is what I'm doing. I'm ordering one for my world-traveling father for his birthday...shhh, don't tell him!

tag*a*long

With three children, there are times I simply do not have as many hands as I need. Sometimes I want Martha to stay close to Hazel's stroller, and that can be a difficult task for her. She wants to run ahead or lag behind, which is find for leisurely walks. But when we're at flea markets or walking to parades or festivals, I like her to stay close. That's why I'm thrilled I discovered tag*a*long!

Naptime Industries is the maker of tag*a*long, a stroller handle that attaches in seconds. It's a great option for older siblings who no longer use a stroller. It keeps them close while still providing them with the freedom that is so important at the preschool age.

I've noticed that asking Martha to hold the handle instead of simply asking her to stay close to the stroller is a much more visual and concrete concept, which is helpful to ease her frustration...and mine!

The tag*a*long is available at tagalongkids.com and amazon.com for $9.99 in the four fun colors shown above.

Jackson Reece

Wipes are handy to have around the house and car...and not only for diaper changes. I have wipes on hand in the kitchen for wiping faces and hands when a dry napkin doesn't cut it...like this morning when Hazel had oatmeal. I also keep some stashed in the car for ice cream outings, popsicles after soccer games, and all of the other messes that come along with having children.

When wipes are being used so often, it's nice to know there is a biodegradable, compostable and organic option like Jackson Reece.

These herbal wipes smell great and are organic which makes them suitable for children with eczema and sensitive skin. They're free of alcohol, cholorine, parabens and phthalates. And they're safe for the environment too because not only are the wipes biodegradable, but even the package is!

Jackson Reece Herbal Baby Wipes just landed in the US from the UK and will be available widely soon. For now, I've found them located online at activeforever.com for $4.99. You can also sign in at amazon.com and ask to be notified when they're in stock.

Printable Car Games

Is your family planning a road trip this summer? If so, you'll want to head over to MomsMinivan.com where they have a whole slue of games to print...for free!

Your kids will love becoming familiar with Tic Tac Toe, Battleship, Car Bingo, lines and dots games, the License Plate game, a travel scavenger hunt, coloring pages, and all of the sing along songs at the site!

My family is headed to Lake Delton for a week in July and you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be printing my share of games for the three hour drive there...and the even longer (or so it seems) ride home!

Visit momsminivan.com to get printing!

1¢ Agoo Leg Huggers

I've written about Agoo Leg Huggers before and how I always have a pair on hand for diaper changes in the Wisconsin winters, to keep my little one's knees protected when they're learning to crawl on our hardwood floors, and for summer day trips when the weather takes an unexpected chilly turn.

If you haven't purchased any Leg Huggers yet, now is the time to give them a try! Agoo is selling Leg Huggers for only 1¢! There is no catch...order only one pair for 1¢ or more than one pair and your first pair will be 1¢ and the rest will be regular price ($10-$12). What am amazing time to order Leg Huggers for your little boy or girl!

They work on baby legs and arms scrunched up and on toddlers and older children as well! Talk about a long-term investment!

Visit agoo4u.com to start browsing their extensive collection today!

Eco Vessel

Many of you know that I do my very best to avoid anything plastic (including BPA-free) when there are glass or stainless steel alternatives. And I'm always on the lookout for new options in fun colors and great designs. And one such company worth sharing is Eco Vessel.

Eco Vessel has some amazing stainless steel bottles for both children and adults in many sizes, colors and unique varieties.

Some of my favorite features are the insulated bottles and the filtering water bottle. Most stainless sippy cups are single walled which is perfect for water, but when you've got a toddler attached to her milk, like I do, insulated is better.

As for the filtered bottles, they're great in my town where we have well water. We filter our water at home, but when on the go, bottles that filter water is a great luxury! And Eco Vessel's other Vacuum Sealed bottles also feature a removable mesh strainer basket so you can brew your own tea right in the insulated bottle. What ever will they think of next?!

All bottles and accessories are available to purchase at ecovessel.com where prices start at $12.95 for a sippy cup.

Life Factory Beverage Bottles

When Hazel was born I purchased Life Factory silicone-sleeved bottles to use when I was out of the house (although she never took to them...or any other bottle, for that matter). I always coveted her color bottles and wished there was an adult version for me. And now there is!

Life Factory has started making beverage bottles for us adults that come in the six colors you see above. I ordered the white, and have to say I love the clean, sophisticated look of it! Although I may be ordering another one in a fun color as well...you can never have too many water bottles around!

I think these bottles would make great Mother's Day gifts for moms and friends! What better way to show you care than to give a healthy and eco-friendly gift! And one that can be thrown in the dishwasher!

And this beverage bottle gave me an idea for Hazel's old bottle too...I ordered the solid baby bottle caps for hers and now Martha uses them as water bottles when we're on the go.

Visit lifefactory.com to purchase where they retail for $21.99. And enter coupon code ILOVEGLASS to receive 25% off your order of beverage bottles!

FREE Starbucks Coffee

Reusable travel mugs have been such a staple in my life for so many years that I sometimes forget that there are many people who still get the paper (or worse) cups from coffee shops.

Starbucks is doing their part to make a change for the good of the planet...they are encouraging everyone to switch from paper cups to reusable travel mugs. And to add extra incentive, on Thursday, April 15, bring a reusable travel mug into your local Starbucks and get a free brewed coffee. Save some green by going green...talk about a win-win!

Built NY Giveaway!

I have a Built NY Tasty Lunch Tote in this cute Nolita Stripe to give away (a $22 value)!

This adorable lunch tote will stay insulated for up to four hours keeping your salad cold or your soup warm! It's made of wetsuit neoprene which is machine washable and stores nice and flat.

This tote is lead-free and contains no vinyl or PVC so it's safe and secure with the full zipper top! Perfect for summer picnics or toting your lunch to work!

To enter the Built NY giveaway, click here to provide your contact information. Deadline for entry is the end of day Wednesday, April 7. The lucky winner will be announced Thursday morning, April 8 and alerted via email.

Buddha Board

Last month a friend and I took our oldest daughters out to eat and to the ballet. It was a wonderful double date full of good food, a beautiful performance, and an introduction to Buddha Board. Since that day, I have purchased a handful of Buddha Board products...including the three mini boards that have become a staple in my everyday bag.

Buddha Board makes eco-friendly water painting surface boards that my children (and I) love! When we are out for coffee or at a restaurant, I simply get a small glass of water, pull out the boards and my children go to town painting with the enclosed brush on the magical board. As the water makes contact with the board the painting shows up...and it fades as it dries. To give you an idea of how long it takes for the painting to disappear, my children usually complete at least three paintings in one sitting.

In addition to the Mini Buddha Boards I carry with me on a daily basis, there are two other models as well...the Laptop Buddha Board (also called Water Wizard) which is a larger version of the fliptop mini board and the Original Buddha Board, a stand-alone permanent board. These two are great at-home options!

Although I have discussed my children's love of this painting medium, I should also mention that the act of painting and watching it disappear is quite relaxing for adults too. I'm hooked myself...and I've already given my brother a board as a gift since he fell in love using my son's board while him and I were out for a glass of wine one night.

Visit buddhaboard.com to learn more about their family of products. They are also available to purchase directly from Buddha Board or on Amazon.com where some models ship free! And keep in mind all of the summer birthday parties approaching...the Mini Buddha Boards come in a gift packaging that is perfect for giving!

FREE Luggage Tags

Just in time for spring break and summer vacations, Royal Dutch Airlines is giving away free luggage tags that you can personalize with a photo and your contact information. No more wondering if the bag you're eying on the carousel at the airport is yours.

But you have to hurry because there are only 50,000 free tags left, which may sound like a lot but considering the entire world can take advantage of this deal, they'll probably go fast!

Start designing your 2 free luggage tags at baggagelabel.klm.com.

AeroBed for Kids

Our family travels a lot...not necessarily extravagant trips, but overnight ones nonetheless. And with a family of 5 (plus two pets to find care for), figuring out logistics is key. One product that has made a huge improvement financially and strategically is the AeroBed for Kids!

I first wrote about the AeroBed for Kids on Ugga Mugga a year and a half ago when I made my first purchase. But now that I've had quite a few more experiences with it, and that I just noticed it's marked down 33% plus free shipping on Amazon, I thought I'd give it another well-deserved shout out.

When my family travels, we usually stay in hotel rooms with the business suite layout so that our children have the lounge area equipped with the pullout couch/bed and my husband and I get the separate bedroom. This enables us adults to stay up watching a movie instead of turning in early with our children for the night. We can also then get up earlier, shower and get ready without disturbing them in the mornings.

After a few trial and error attempts with various room and sleeping arrangements, we've perfected our routine and it is now well-orchestrated. Our son August gets the pullout couch bed, our oldest daughter Martha sleeps on the AeroBed for Kids, and Hazel is in the Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper...but not for much longer. Which is why I was on Amazon looking at the price of the AeroBed. I'll be making another purchase in the near future for some upcoming trips we're taking.

The AeroBed for Kids sets up amazingly fast and packs away just as quick. It's light and small and really, I simply can't say enough great things about it! Especially with the 33% off and free shipping at amazon.com! If you're planning a Spring Break trip with your family or thinking about upcoming summer vacations, give the AeroBed for Kids a try!

Lunchboxes

I'm working on scheduling activities for my children this summer...it's amazing how early us parents need to be on the ball to ensure classes aren't full and schedules don't conflict! And as I've been researching and planning, I've happened upon two different unique lunchbox companies I think are great to take to summer day camps: Yubo and Citizenpip. Read more about both below...