Product Review: The Bibbitec- The Multi-Tasking Super Bib

The strength of a Superhero, the adaptability of a Supermom! 

I had a great afternoon at the "It's a Baby and Family Expo" this past weekend. I chatted with so many different creators of awesome baby products. One of which in particular was Bibbitec. As I stood and  watched a demonstration on how it works, I was in awe...

We use to call my son Pirma-bib because he had such bad acid reflux and would spit up numerous times after a bottle. I use to run to the baby store to buy packages of 10 colored bibs a month because of course, he needed them to match every outfit. Needless to say, every burp cloth and bib was ruined by spit up. I came up with solution to tie-die everything to hide the nasty stains and then still be able to use them... but that only worked for so long.

As Bradley got older and started to out grow his reflux, he started to eat more solids and he hated wearing bibs. Within 5 seconds he would be ripping it off and thus staining everything he wore. Many times for dinner, I would just strip him down to his diaper to eat because I knew it was bath time after. 

All I could think about when watching the demonstrations was, why I didn't know about the Bibbitec sooner? The bib is a patented, multi-tasking super bib that serves as the catch all in your diaper bag and at home, delivering cleanliness and ease in a single bound. Bibbitec’s is easy-to-use, eco-friendly, stain-resistant, fast-drying, soft, lightweight, non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, UV protected and the list goes on and on.

Best of all, it can be used as numerous things such as a non-toxic burp cloth – changing pad – breast-feeding shield – full body bib – placemat – breathable stroller blanket – art smock – “lapkin” and apron. Bibbitec is one product that will last for five years. The specifically engineered material does not shrink or lose its quality because the goods are in the thread! 

So, I put the product to the test the minute I got home from the Expo... Not only did Bradley allow me to put it on him without a fight, it also covered his entire body, which I always seem to have had a problem with when he wore a regular bib, his shirt would stay clean but all the food that he dropped would land on his shorts. This literally was a full body bib. After dinner, I took a wipey and brushed everything off (or you can machine wash and dry it when necessary) and it was just like new again! AMAZING!!! I'm so in love with this bib and wish I knew about it sooner. I will never use another ordinary bib again! 

To all the superhero moms out there.. this is definitely a must! 

www.bibbitec.com

Twitter: @bibbitec

Facebook: Bibbitec Gang

STAY TUNED FOR A GIVEAWAY TO WIN A FREE BIB!!! 

The Tres Amigos Playdate- Upcycled Birthday Party

When we realized that both Jessica and Gina had weddings to attend on the day of Bradley's Birthday Party, we were all so disappointed. After going through so much together during pregnancies, baby showers and births, it was a huge disappointment to all of us that they were not able to share in the excitement of Bradley turning one. When I realized it was my turn to host the next playdate, I decided to to plan a recycled birthday party theme for the week after his real birthday party. My goal was to re-create the Cookies and Milk/Cookie Monster theme through left over supplies from his party.

When I set the buffet table, I made sure to use many of the same items I saved from Bradley's party. I hang the Happy Birthday Bradley sign, that was made by my friend Heather at MyPartyPartners@comcast.net. I used the extra table clothes that we had left over from that party and made sure to display the Letter B that I made from cookie crisp cereal.  I also had extra got milk mini cups and straws so made sure to have vanilla, strawberry and chocolate milk. Then, I served bagels with egg, tuna and chicken salad as well as fruit and snacks for the kiddies. For dessert we of course had an assortment of COOKIES. Lastly, I made sure to save Mason and Luke the party favors which included the music clappers, Cookie Monster cake pops, and the got milk? Magic Straws .

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Activity 1: Monster Straw Art

You will need:
Washable Colored Paint
Straws
White Card Stock Paper
Googley Eyes (assortment of sizes)



Since I had tons of left over barbershop striped paper straws from his party, I wanted to make sure we used them for an activity. First, we took globs of paint and placed them on white card stock paper, then we used the straws to blow the paint around to make unique splattered designs. To incorporate the theme of cookie monster and his googly eyes, we placed different size googly eyes on each glob of paint to create friendly monsters. We all loved our finished product!

Activity 2: Recycled Fill and Spill Bank

You will need:
Empty Oatmeal Container or Baby Formula Container
Colored Card Stock Paper
Scissors
Hot Glue Gun

Ribbon (optional)

Stickers (optional)

Empty tops of baby jars (used as coins)



In sticking with the idea of recycled materials around the house, we made a fun toy for the babies to practice their hand eye coordination and fine motor skills. First we used a scissors to cut a slit on top of the container. (Depending on the age of each child, depends on the length and width of the slit you make.) Make sure you can place a baby jar top nicely inside without difficulty. Next, we glued card stock around the outside of the container and glued stickers and ribbon that was left over from the birthday party around the perimeter of the container for decoration. At around 8-12 months of age, kids start to love filling and spilling objects, this activity is perfect for that.

Looking forward to our next playdate at Gina's! 

Bradley's First Birthday: Part 1- Preplanning

In order to pull off a fantastic birthday bash, PLAN AHEAD!!! Like I always tell my 4th grade writing students, from beginning to end, DETAILS! DETAILS! DETAILS! are what matters in a story. Think of the party you plan the same way. From beginning to end, make sure to have all the details carefully planned out.


To start, pick a fun and creative theme! After brainstorming with one of my girlfriends, we decided on the milk and cookies theme. I then started googling hundreds of ideas. From cow theme ideas to 'got milk?' ideas and much more... I had so many ideas racing through my head, luckily, I had my handy Pinterest board to help me organize all my ideas. I then thought it would be a nice touch to have the Cookie Monster character make a visit. Next thing you knew, my theme blossomed. 


Isn't it funny how when you're not even looking for something, it just appears? That is what happened with the adorable shirt I found. It had cookies, milk and cookie monster. It tied everything together perfectly, which of course became part of my inspiration for the rest of the party. I then brought it to my seamstress and they embroidered the number 1 on the back to add a special touch for the birthday boy. 










Finding the perfect invitation is always important as it sets the tone for the party. I spent a lot of time searching for a fun invitation and when I finally did it took us a few tries to finally come up with the perfect combination. It was amazing what it became from what I originally saw. I had a wonderful experience with Stampin Crazy in Texas. To finish off my invitations, I wrote a poem and attached it to an envelope from our local Make-A-Wish Foundation asking friends and family to make donations in lieu of presents and gifts. A great website to help with this is ECHOage.com. I also always try to coordinate the postage stamps with the invitations, it's the little details that always add that special touch. 


One of my ideas I wanted to do early on was display my sons month-to-month pictures at his party. I had seen numerous creative ideas on Pinterest, such as photos shaped into a number one or a collage of pictures digitally shaped into the a family monogram, but I wasn't satisfied. I then came up with a larger then life idea... I had my brother draw and cut out a huge number one out of plywood. He then attached a hinge on the back with another piece of scrap wood so that it would sit nicely when it was on display at the entrance of Bradley's party. 

After trying many different ways to organize the pictures, I finally decided to cover the number one with blue scrapbook paper, then I cut around the pictures so that they would be different sizes and shapes. Lastly, I cut words out of baby magazines that represented my son. Once I placed everything where I thought it should go, I used glossy decoupage with a small sponge brush to cover over the entire number one and let it dry over night. The next morning, I took thick ribbon and used a hot glue gun to attach it around the perimeter of the number one. It was a beautiful touch to the party and I had a so much fun making it. 

Below are some helpful tips and hints 

to make your planning process easy and organized: 

Contact local vendors that might incorporate your theme. You never know what they can send to you for FREE or even discounted. I contacted milkdelivers.org and was able to get The School Milk Mustache Photo Booth Kit sent to me. This included tons of items that I was able to use such as got milk signs, cups, and much more that were incorporated throughout the party.

I also went on etsy.com early on in the planning process and bought blue and red barbershop striped straws and plastic milk jugs that I used for the centerpieces. 

If you do not do your party at your house, find a venue early on and book a date. If you are doing a party outside, make sure to always have a plan B for weather. 

Remember to choose a theme early on so that you can keep your eyes and ears open where ever you go. You just never know what you will find. I was at a toy store and saw got milk? magic straws at the register. Once I saw those I knew they were a must have for Bradley's party. 

STAY TUNED FOR MORE!

Product Review: The Little Looster

Pottynomics- The average toddler uses around 180-200 diapers per month, if you speed potty training up by 2-5 months this means 400-1000 diapers less per kid is going into landfills. 

The Little Looster was invented by Monica Mylet a mother of 3. While raising her 3 kids she identified the need for a design in step stools for the big potty. The result is the Little Looster a horse shoe shaped plastic step stool that slides up against the front of the toilet. It's patented design provides the optimal leg position and support for little ones from the onset of potty training up until their little legs reach the floor. 

Although my one year old son is still too young to be potty trained, I knew I had many family and friends that would help me review the Little Looster. When my package first arrived, I was a little taken back by the large size but my son seemed to enjoy climbing all over it and using it as a drum.  


All joking aside, I had my neighbor take the Little Looster first because she had just finished potty training her 3 year old son, but he was still having trouble pooping on the toilet. Her goal was to have the Little Looster help since the stool he had in his bathroom was much shorter. She placed the the LIttle Looster in their downstairs powder room which is significantly smaller then her sons bathroom. She felt that it was definitely helpful for him learning how to go poop on the toilet, but it was difficult for him to move it out of the way for when he had to pee. My neighbor felt that it would be much better for girls or more helpful if it was placed in a bigger bathroom. She did agree that it was something that could be used for the next few years, until her son was able to touch the floor.

To learn more visit www.littlelooster.com, join their Facebook fan page and follow them on Twitter

Enter to win a FREE Little Looster Booster of your own! 

Product Review: JamBerry Nails

OK, I have to admit... I'm a bit OCD when it comes to my nails. As a child, up until probably high school, I was a nail biter, gross, I know. So now as an adult, they always have to be nicely manicured. If one nail starts to chip, my nail polish comes right off...  When I learned about JamBerry Nails, I thought it would be something fun to try, especially since I love decorating my nails with fun colors and designs. Best part, it's fast, easy and last long which is great for all the moms out there. 

After reading the directions carefully I felt overwhelmed because when it comes to painting my own nails I am the worst (right hand always comes out horrible) and hoped that wouldn't stay true with JamBerry Nails. With washing my sons bottles, doing laundry, cooking and bathing him on a regular basis, my JamBerry Nails not only stayed on, but lasted much longer then a regular manicure. I definitely recommend JamBerry Nails and plan to use them again in the future. 

If you are interested in ordering JamBerry nails, they are under $20 a sheet. Please contact: Amber Coleman JamBerry Independent Consultant for more information.