Dapper Snappers Review

12 Feb posted by Robin

If you have a child who is lean for their height, you have dealt with the frustration of finding pants that fit properly. My toddler daughter has a tall and lean build, so I have experience in this area. Toddler belts can be cumbersome for children who are in the midst of developing potty skills, so they are out. While I have found a couple brands that make interior adjustable waistbands, selection can be limited.

There is a new alternative to the traditional toddler belt, now. They are called Dapper Snappers, and are made in the USA. A Dapper Snapper is a elasticized band with heavy rivet snaps, which utilizes the rear belt loops of the child’s pants to make a tighter fit. The band is threaded through the three rear belt loops, then folded over on each end and snapped into the appropriate rivet. I guess they could almost be called a half belt. Since the belt doesn’t wrap around the front of your toddler, it will not interfere with potty training.

One of the biggest advantages of Dapper Snappers, is that they will enable you to either grab pants on sale, or make use of hand-me-downs. These are quite sturdy, and should last through several sizes.

*This review was made possible by MomMadeThat.com

70 Comments
Filed Under: Children, Clothing, Reviews & Giveaways, Shopping

Mommy Brain Moments

12 Feb posted by Robin

I had never even heard of the “mommy brain” phenomenon, until after the birth of my daughter. A couple months after her birth, my husband started claiming that our daughter had done something to me, and that I used to be smart. Thanks honey, I love you too.

I do have to admit that I have had a few more air headed moments, than in the past. The vast majority of those moments, especially in the first year or so, I would blame on the shear quantity of items required to take a baby anywhere. You have to plan for every contingency, and a mom can’t just assume the diaper bag is all set.

My daughter is now a toddler, but I still have my moments. A few weeks ago, I completely forgot about one of my daughter’s therapist appointments. There was the therapist on my doorstep, for the predetermined appointment… there was me, still in my pajama bottoms and a T-shirt (my hair wasn’t exactly styled for company either). The mommy brain had struck again.

This incident was partially due to the beginning of the year calendar changeover. I didn’t pick up a new date book before year’s end, so I had quite a few January appointments jotted on pieces of easy to misplace paper. Of course if I had one of those handy new smart phones, calendar change over would not have been an issue. Maybe cupid will bring me one for Valentine’s Day.

5 Comments
Filed Under: Family

Join Kelly’s Bake Off to Fight Ovarian Cancer

10 Feb posted by Robin

Electrolux, Kelly Ripa, and Buddy Valastro (The Cake Boss) have teamed up to support ovarian cancer research. The campaign is called “Kelly’s Cake Off For a Cause”. The team recently hosted an event for baking enthusiasts. The participants were broken into 5 teams, to decorate cakes and show off all they had learned from the Cake Off event.

Visit Kelly-Confidential.com to view the lovely cakes and vote for your favorite. Be sure to check out Buddy’s decorating tips, while you are there. Visitors can also decorate virtual cakes to send to loved ones.

Electrolux will donate $1 for every vote cast, and another $1 per virtual cake sent, to help fight ovarian cancer. In addition to the donation, anyone who logs on and sends a virtual cake is automatically entered to win a beautiful new Induction Range from Electrolux!

2 Comments
Filed Under: Misc.

Wordless Wednesday Valentine’s Edition

10 Feb posted by Robin

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I am sharing my video of this amorous duo.

*For mature audiences

Have a Great Valentine’s Day!!!

Filed Under: Misc.

Free WordPress Themes (that aren’t quite so free)

9 Feb posted by Robin

I am a bit of a WordPress theme addict. Even when my blog uses a theme for a length of time, I am probably trying on others behind the scenes. Many of my Blogger friends are switching to WordPress, or thinking about it. The switch leaves them shopping around for a new theme. Most are not accustomed to paying for hosting and paid premium themes often leave them with sticker shock. These noobie WordPress users start seeing some rather attractive free themes around, and wonder why all their friends aren’t using them already.

The problem with many top quality “free” WordPress themes, comes in the fine print. These themes are often funded by the designer selling their own links in the footer. I am not talking about the common links most designers leave to their own business. These are sold by the designer to third parties. Unless you feel comfortable with the possibility of your sweet little mommy blog, having links to casinos, international dating sites, and mesothelioma lawyers sitting at the bottom of the page, proceed with caution. BTW there will also be notation that comes with the theme stating you are not allowed to remove these links.

There are some great themes out there that do not contain these PR draining, and sometimes questionable links. If you are concerned about increasing your PR, I do suggest you take a look at the footer code of free themes, prior to using them. On several occasions, I have discovered “invisible” links. The designer added these links in the same color as the background color. This takes out the issue of your readers seeing links that you would not approve of, but they are still there. Sneaky, very sneaky.

If you are looking for a theme to start off with while finding your perfect match, there are many wonderful options: Thematic, Arras Theme, TypographyWP 1.1 and Atahualpa are all good choices. All can be installed directly through your WordPress dashboard, and are relatively easy to customize, as well.

Filed Under: Blogging, Misc.

10 Tips for Stress-Free Car Trips with Kids

9 Feb posted by Robin

Whether using your own car or are renting one for your trip, most parents find keeping children occupied during long rides challenging. While these tips won’t guarantee your child won’t get cranky, following them should keep them happy longer.

Pack a variety of snacks. Kids will already be fighting boredom, don’t let them be bored with their snacks, as well.
If you don’t already have them, or are renting, install sunshades on windows. Glaring sun can not only, interfere with a child getting some rest, but can be quite annoying for them.
Bring some small toys and books. I also suggest picking up something new beforehand and surprising them with it during the trip. The novelty will buy you some time on their patience meter.
Road trip games are a great way to occupy kids. Try and come up with some topics to cover before you leave.
Make rest stops more frequently than you feel you need. Kids are more restless than adults and will need them more often than we do.
During rest stops, make an effort to occupy your kids for a few minutes in a fun activity. Throw a ball around, let them try out the vending machines, investigate the tourist info. booth or any statues etc. present. They will feel like it was a mini-destination. It is easier for children to anticipate the next rest stop, than the final destination.
When possible one adult can sit in the back with the kids for portions of the trip. It is easier to occupy someone you are face-to-face with.
Supply kids with their own map, to chart progress. Print one off the web in black and white, so their colored markings will show up clearly.
If you are renting a vehicle, get something with ample room for everyone. The money saved in getting a tiny econo-car, won’t seem like a bargain when cramped kids are having meltdowns.
Bring spare sports bottles/sippy cups. Kids are bound to not finish a drink from a restaurant or fast food place, and you will want a secure spill proof container for travel.

1 Comment
Filed Under: Family

Swanky Aprons Review & Giveaway (Closed)

6 Feb posted by Robin

Review

Swanky Aprons is an online boutique specializing in vintage style aprons. The owner Jamie started the site in 2009, and has managed to keep down the prices on the great designer aprons she sells, by maintaining low overhead costs. Swanky Aprons currently carries two well known lines of designer vintage style aprons, Flirty Aprons and Jessie Steele Aprons.

I received the Original Women’s Pink and Chocolate Apron, from Flirty Aprons. It came nicely boxed and was shipped amazingly fast. The apron was well made. It had strong stitching and washed well. Double layered cotton fabric helps the apron maintain it’s shape and durability, without adding bulkiness. I found it to be very comfortable, unlike some aprons I own. One of the great features of this apron is the ample length of the ties. This apron could readily be worn by women of any size. I am a plus size woman and had no trouble wearing this apron the way intended, but ladies who are very tiny, or on the larger end of the plus size spectrum, could always tie the apron in the back. When they say this apron would fit anyone, it really would.

The Jessie Steele Aprons have a chic retro look to them. This designer is especially known for hostess aprons. These are just the thing, when you need an apron appropriate for hosting dinner parties. The styles from Jessie Steele range from vintage kitschy to the refined, and Swanky Aprons has an ample selection of both available.

If you are an an apron fan like myself, take advantage of Jamie’s current deal. Purchase 3 aprons and get a 4th free!!

The Verdict: I was very pleased with the service from Swanky Aprons. The selection and pricing is excellent. I would certainly buy from them in the future

Disclaimer: I received the apron reviewed here, as a prize from another giveaway. I was familiar with the excellent reputation of the apron brands carried by Swanky Aprons, and Jamie was kind enough to agree to a giveaway for my readers. This review is my own honest opinion, no monetary compensation was given.

Giveaway!

Swanky Aprons has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway for my readers. The winner of this giveaway will receive their choice of any in stock apron.

How to enter: A separate comment must be left for each entry.

For the mandatory first entry: Go to Swanky Aprons and tell me which apron you would choose.

For additional entries:

Follow this blog via email or RSS
Follow me through Google Friend Connect
Follow @Swanky_Aprons on Twitter
Follow @TwiMommi on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway up to one time per day.
For 2 entries! Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
For 2 entries! Become a fan of Swanky Aprons on Face Book. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
For 2 entries! Become a fan of Blommi on Face Book . (remember to leave 2 separate comments)

The winner will be selected from all valid entries, using random.org, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Contest ends Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST. Open to US residents , age 18+.

461 Comments
Filed Under: Clothing, Household, Reviews & Giveaways, Shopping, Women


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