Kidorable- Review & Giveaway!

True to it's name, Kidorable makes THE most ADORABLE children's items I have ever seen! Seriously! Kidorable takes normal, every day items like rain boots and umbrellas, and turns them into exciting, imagination-inspiring objects that help your child to grow and learn, all while living day-to-day.

From rubber boots, to rain coats, to backpacks, hats, gloves and scarves, Kidorable has got something for every little boy and girl out there. You will love how your little one looks, your little one will love how they look and feel, all while being functional and ready for whatever challenge the day holds for them!

We were able to choose what we wanted to review from Kidorable, and I just couldn't resist the Dinosaur themed items. We were sent the Dinosaur Rain Boots and the Dinosaur Hooded Towel! I love that Kidorable has their rain boots sized for little ones. The smallest they go are size 5 and are called "My First Rainboots." The second I put {B} in his new Dino rain boots, I knew it was love at first sight. He stomped around ( all while my heart was melting all over the sidewalk into a giant puddle) and he wouldn't let me take them off ... until I had to pry them off at nap time. I know these are going to be coming in handy come Fall in North Carolina! We get a lot of rain, I can't wait to see those feet do some puddle jumping!



We also chose to review the Dinosaur Hooded Towel. They also make these in small sizes for the little guys, so we got a size Small and it fits him perfect right now! These towels really come to life when put on the proper way. I loved how it has snaps on the front so it doesn't slide off. It wraps your little one up so nice! There are also little pockets for little hands to tuck into on the "hands" of the towel! I took this to the splash park the other day, and after {B} had been playing for a while, he was so cold he was just shivvering, and his lips were purple! I wrapped him up, snapped it in the front, and he was so happy and warm (and might I add just the cutest little dinosaur I have EVER seen!) I got so many compliments on this towel, I just might have to go order me the Froggy one now!


Last but definitely not least are some of my other favorites, Kidorable's umbrellas. Have you ever gone to the store, and mr. or mrs. independant child wants to hold the umbrella " by myself!" We all know how that scenario ends, which is mommy with sopping wet hair, and little one happily enjoying the rain storm. Well, this is the perfect solution the that problem! Kidorable offers simply adorable umbrellas for children! I honestly can't pick a favorite, but I love the zebra, frog, lotus, and polka dot umbrellas! If you can't find one that you or your child will love, then you are crazy! :) These are definitely on my wish list.


Buy It: Head on over to the Kidorable website and pick up your favorite pair of rain boots, hooded towels, an umbrella, or even a backpack for back to school.

Win it! Kidorable has generously offered one of our readers an adorable Umbrella of their choice!

ENTER TO WIN! There are TWO Mandatory Entries! All other entries are optional, but the more you complete, the better chance you have at winning! Leave one comment per entry.

1) Mandatory: Head on over to the Kidorable website and let me know which umbrella you would choose if you won!

2) Mandatory: Follow n.c. baby blog via GFC (or tell me if you aleady do)

3) Follow n.c. baby blog on facebook

4) Follow Kidorable on Twitter and tweet about your favorite product! Please leave your twitter ID and link to tweet.

5)Like Kidorable on Facebook! Let them know n.c. baby blog sent you :)

6) Blog about this giveaway and leave your link so I can find it! (+3 entries, leave 3 comments)

7) Enter any other of my CURRENT giveaways ( 1 entry for each giveaway entered)

8) Subscribe to n.c. baby blog via email ( on right side of blog)

9) Add my n.c. baby blog button to your blog! (+3 entries, leave 3 comments!)

GOOD LUCK!!! Giveaway will close 9/15 at 11:59 pm EST. Giveaway is open to US and Canada readers! Winner will be picked the following day by Random.org and will be emailed and announced on the blog. Winner has 48 hours to confirm their prize, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. Thank you to Kidorable for the review product and the giveaway prize!

Kidorable provided samples for my review and the grab bag prize for my readers. No other compensation was recieved. All opinions are 100 percent my own.

Vintage Retro Shorts- Review & Giveaway

As a mom, I think that sometimes we forget that we are still our own "people." We get so wrapped up in daiper changes, park outings, meals, snacks, nap time, and time-outs, we forget to take care of ourselves. We might not even get a chance to glance in the mirror some days!

I have made it a personal goal to find one thing every day that makes me feel like "me", not just "mommy." Whether it be to take 15 minutes to read a book, put on makeup, excercise, or put on something cute, it is solely for me and it is important to me.


When I came across the Vintage Retro Shorts website, I was so excited to contact them about reviewing their cute shorts! Vintage Retro Shorts sells 100% cotton retro shorts in awesome color combinations. I was able to review the black with white trim retro shorts. They are SO comfortable, and they also make you feel cute, even when you might not look it! I wore them last weekend at a birthday party, we rode this awesome surf machine and I got so many compliments on them! They are perfect for running, walking, or just slipping on to lounge around the house in!



If you are planning on buying a pair of these, the only recommendation that I would have for you is to order a size larger than you normally wear. I normally wear a medium bottom, and they are borderline small for me. A size larger would be just a bit roomier for this mommas bum!


Buy It: Head on over to the Vintage Retro Shorts Website and check out all of the MANY awesome color combinations! They are getting ready to release some new colors soon as well, so keep checking back. Shorts retail $14 and ship worldwide.


Win it! One n.c. baby blog reader is going to win a pair of vintage retro shorts in the size and color of their choice!

ENTER TO WIN! There are TWO Mandatory Entries! All other entries are optional, but the more you complete, the better chance you have at winning! Leave one comment per entry.

1) Mandatory: Head on over to the Vintage Retro Shorts website and let me know what shorts you would get if you won!

2) Mandatory: Follow n.c. baby blog via GFC (or tell me if you aleady do)

3) Follow n.c. baby blog on facebook

4) Like Vintage Retro Shorts on Facebook! Let them know n.c. baby blog sent you :)

5) Blog about this giveaway and leave your link so I can find it! (+3 entries, leave 3 comments)

6) Purchase anything from the Vintage Retro Shorts website during the giveaway period (+5 entries, leave 5 comments) Please leave invoice #.

7) Enter any other of my CURRENT giveaways ( 1 entry for each giveaway entered)

8) Subscribe to n.c. baby blog via email ( on right side of blog)

9) Add my n.c. baby blog button to your blog! (+3 entries, leave 3 comments!)

GOOD LUCK!!! Giveaway will close 9/6 at 11:59 pm EST. Giveaway is open worldwide! Winner will be picked the following day by Random.org and will be emailed and announced on the blog. Winner has 48 hours to confirm their prize, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. Thank you to Vintage Retro Shorts for the review product and the giveaway prize!



Vintage Retro Shorts provided samples for my review and the grab bag prize for my readers. No other compensation was recieved. All opinions are 100 percent my own.

Baby Rock Apparel- Review

It's always hard to find that perfect gift for baby showers, especially clothing. You want your gift to be practical, but cute at the same time! And by cute I don't mean princess puppy-dog cute. Cute as in rememberable...unique, trendy, fashionable clothes are hard to find! After learning about Baby Rock Apparel, I haven't had any trouble finding the perfect gifts for my friends who are poppin' out the babies.

Baby Rock Apparel offers a twist to the normal baby and kid clothes you find these days! Their hip and edgy style is one that most parents want for their kids, but just don't know how, or have the resources to achieve it. From band t-shirts, cool onesies, tutus, to hats, pacifiers, and other accessories, they have it all to make every outfit just plain fashionable and adorable! Among my favorite is this Lock Up Your Daughters Onesie gift set...um best baby shower gift ever! I'd love it!

Baby Rock Apparel sent {B} the Black and Grey Striped Visor Beanie to review! It was unbelievably adorable on him. My hubby loves to wear these in the winter, so I was so excited to dress {B} up like his daddy! The fit was perfect and true to size, and I can't wait for him to wear it more this coming Fall and Winter!


Buy It: Head on over to Baby Rock Apparel and check it out for yourself! You won't leave without falling in love with all of their many varieties of t-shirts, hats and more! Sizes range from 3-6 months- 8T.

Baby Rock Apparel sent me product for review. No other compensation was recieved, and all opinions are 100 percent my own. Thank you Baby Rock Apparel for allowing me to review your product!

Swaddle Designs- Review & Giveaway

When I was pregnant, I was all about swaddling. I wanted to know everything about it. I practiced, I tried several different swaddling blankets, and I REALLY wish I would have known about Swaddle Designs!

{B} absolutely HATED being swaddled as an infant. And I will never really know if it was because I didn't use the right kind of blanket, if I was swaddling the wrong way, or if it really was just his personality. But I wish I would have known about the Swaddle Designs Ultimate Recieving Blanket!
Swaddle Designs is best known for their amazing Ultimate Recieving Blanket. What makes this blanket so great? Well, the Ultimate Recieving Blanket is much bigger than your average swaddling blanket and is sqaure in shape ( as opposed to the blankets with multiple folds, and a triangle shape with pockets and velcro, etc. etc.) One of the most amazing thing about this blanket is that it has proper swaddling instructions sewn to its edge, so you will have instructions for the perfect swaddle right at your fingertips ( baby will probably like to even play with the little tag!)

Swaddle Designs offers two types of fabric for swaddling: Flannel and Marquisette.

Flannel is the #1 Choice in US hospitals for swaddling babies, because it is thin, lightweight, breathable, but not too thick. Cotton flannel is appropriatefor moderate to cooler environmental temperatures.

Swaddle Designs also offer a very lightweight open weave cotton Marquisette Swaddling Blanket which is appropriate for warmer climates or summer swaddling. Cotton marquisette is the highest quality open weave fabric due to its highquality threads and thread count.


Since we in the South (which is known for its extremely humid and hot summers), big, heavy blankets have kind of been out of the question for us. I introduced {B} to a lovie blanket last summer and it has been his sidekick ever since. Swaddle Designs sent me a Very Berry Jewel Tone lovie blanket of theirs to review, and let me just say, it is SO soft, the pattern is to die for cute, the color is so vibrant, and I can't wait to have a little girl so she can snuggle it, just like {B} snuggles his. Go check out all of their varieties of lovie blankets, you will be sure to find at least one style that you love!

Swaddle Designs has just announced their Safe Sleep Program which helps educate parents and caregivers about safe sleeping and lowering risk of SIDS in infants. Check out the Swaddle Designs Safe Sleep page http://www.eswaddle.com/safe-sleep to learn more about their safe sleep program, and to read more about their Goldilocks Guide~ "baby should be dressed appropriately for the current temperature of their environment- not too hot, not too cold, but comfortably warm."

Buy It: You can purchase lovie blankets, Ultimate Recieiving Blankets, and more at the Swaddle Designs website.

Win It! One lucky n.c. baby blog reader is going to win an Ultimate Recieving Blanket in the color and design of their choice!






ENTER TO WIN! There are TWO Mandatory Entries! All other entries are optional, but the more you complete, the better chance you have at winning! Leave one comment per entry.

1) Mandatory: Head on over to the Swaddle Designs website and let me know what your favorite product is!


2) Mandatory: Follow n.c. baby blog via GFC (or tell me if you aleady do)

3) Follow n.c. baby blog on facebook

4) Follow Swaddle Designs on Twitter and tweet about your favorite product or print! please leave your twitter ID and link to tweet.

5)Like Swaddle Designs on Facebook! Let them know n.c. baby blog sent you :)


6) Blog about this giveaway and leave your link so I can find it! (+3 entries, leave 3 comments)

7) Purchase anything from Swaddle Designs website during the giveaway period (+5 entries, leave 5 comments) Please leave invoice #.

8) Enter any other of my CURRENT giveaways ( 1 entry for each giveaway entered)

9) Subscribe to n.c. baby blog via email ( on right side of blog)

10) Add my n.c. baby blog button to your blog! (+3 entries, leave 3 comments!)

GOOD LUCK!!! Giveaway will close 8/28 at 11:59 pm EST. Giveaway is open to US and Canada readers! Winner will be picked the following day by Random.org and will be emailed and announced on the blog. Winner has 48 hours to confirm their prize, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. Thank you to Swaddle Designs for the review product and the giveaway prize!



Swaddle Designs provided samples for my review and the grab bag prize for my readers. No other compensation was recieved. All opinions are 100 percent my own.

Kooli Poolside Mat- Review & Giveaway!

We all know the ritual. You have a baby. You work out, you get ready for summer, and you splurge for that perfect swimsuit- the swimsuit that costs you 3 figures but makes you look and feel like you again! You head out to the pool with the kiddos and only after a few minutes you are sweating from every pore. You don't want to get all the way in, but why not just sit on the edge for a little feet dangle? HOT BUM. 15 mins later, its time to get back to your favorite book. You stand up... and *snag* ... Your favorite swimsuit is now accompanied by several snaggy lumps on your bum, and you have never felt worse about buying a $100 swimsuit. GRRRR!

****INSERT KOOLI HERE****

**Kooli™ is a cushioned mat that has been stylishly designed to prevent swimsuit snagging and provide comfort while sitting poolside and in other locations where swimsuits are commonly worn.

**Kooli™ is great for kids, too! It protects them from hot and often rough pool deck surfaces.


**Kooli™ is made of Neoprene (the lightweight, flexible material used to make wetsuits) and features a soft and comfortable nylon fabric surface. Each Kooli™ has an attached elastic band that makes it easy to roll, secure and store in a beach bag or purse.

**Kooli™ is washable, waterproof, slip proof, resistant to chlorine, sand and other similar abrasive surfaces.

**Kooli™ measures sixteen inches in diameter and is available in four fashionable colors, black, blue, red and green.

I took my new Kooli mat on our family vacation last week to Lake Tahoe. It was all the rage! I had each family member test it out for themselves and they all absolutely loved it. My little sister was kind enough to demonstrate for my review photo and I think she did a fabulous job! :) While swimming in the kiddie pool, my youngest sister mentioned that her swimsuit was snagging on the bottom of the pool. I tossed her the Kooli, and she tried it out. Needless to say I didn't see it the rest of the day!

Kooli can also be used for many other things, such as at the beach on the sand, a diaper changing pad (cleans very easily), use on hot leather car seats, and more! The possibilities are endless. Hurry on over to Kooli's website and pick a few up today!

Buy It: Visit http://www.kooli.com/purchase.html to purchase a Kooli of your own! Use Promo Code: aholtkan for $2 off making the Kooli only $7.95!

Win It! One lucky n.c. baby blog reader is going to win a Kooli in either black, red, green, or blue!

ENTER TO WIN! There are TWO Mandatory Entries! All other entries are optional, but the more you complete, the better chance you have at winning! Leave one comment per entry.

1) Mandatory: Like Kooli on Facebook

2) Mandatory: Follow n.c. baby blog via GFC (or tell me if you aleady do)

3) Follow n.c. baby blog on facebook

4) Follow Kooli on Twitter, please leave your twitter ID.

5)Share this link on Facebook or Tweet about the giveaway ( you can do this once daily!) Please leave the link to your share.

6) Blog about this giveaway and leave your link so I can find it! (+3 entries, leave 3 comments)

7) Purchase anything from Kooli during the giveaway period (+5 entries, leave 5 comments) Please leave invoice # ( and dont forget to use the $2 off promo code: aholtkan )

8) Enter any other of my CURRENT giveaways ( 1 entry for each giveaway entered)

9) Subscribe to n.c. baby blog via email ( on right side of blog)

10) Add my n.c. baby blog button to your blog! (+3 entries, leave 3 comments!)

GOOD LUCK!!! Giveaway will close 9/1 at 11:59 pm EST. Giveaway is open to US and Canada readers! Winner will be picked the following day by Random.org and will be emailed and announced on the blog. Winner has 48 hours to confirm their prize, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. Thank you to Kooli for the review product and the giveaway prize!
Kooli provided samples for my review and the grab bag prize for my readers. No other compensation was recieved. All opinions are 100 percent my own.

BabyBond Nursing Cover- Review & Giveaway

Breastfeeding is one of those topics that I love and hate to talk about, because everyone has their own opinion about it. So... just let me preface this post by saying that these opinions are solely my own, and you do not have to agree or disagree with anything I might say! With that being said...I am so excited to introduce you to the BabyBond Nursing Cover.

When I contacted BabyBond about doing a review, I was currently nursing {B} and was looking for an alternative to the standard over the head nursing cover that covers everything, including baby's head. {B} got into a phase where he would literally fling the cover off of him because he hated being under it, not being able to see anything! It was frustrating for both of us. I didn't want to expose myself, but wanted {B} to be comfortable.

When BabyBond agreed to the review and giveaway a few months after contacting them, I had just weaned {B}, so sadly there will be no picture of me actually reviewing the product. Aside, I feel like I can fully give you an honest review due to the fact that I have been nursing the past year, and know the things that I am looking for in my "ideal" nursing cover.


One of the main things I love about breastfeeding is the bonding gaze that baby and mom are able to share. Classic over the head covers prevent this, where Babybond allows full view of baby's face, but still covers you completely allowing for public nursing in comfort. BabyBond is made to be used with shirts that you can nurse from the top. It is very easy to use, is lightweight, and doesn't feel like you are even wearing a nursing cover at all.

I was able to review the BabyBond Flex in Charcoal grey. BabyBabyBond Flex is worn like a sash, functioning like a nursing top. Separate the layers of fabric to achieve latch on, and the double panel keeps breast covered above & below baby. Best part is that your belly & back remain covered with your own shirt! The Flex comes with a removable 9 x 12″ double layer terry velour burp cloth. You can also attach one of your own burp cloths, or simply wear it without a cloth attached. There are 2 other types of BabyBond nursing covers, the Original ( burp cloth is not removable) and the Cotoure ( can be worn around the waist or over the shoulder). For more info on the Flex and the other 2 styles, see the Baby Bond Videos.

I highly recommend the BabyBond Nursing Cover for any mom, beginning or "seasoned." I thought that I loved the over the head nursing covers until I was able to see how the BabyBond Flex actually works. I can't wait to have another baby so I can try it out for myself. BabyBond would also make an excellent baby shower gift!

Buy It: Head on over to the BabyBond website to purchase any of the 3 styles of nursing covers and to read more detailed information on each style. Retail Value $35.

Win It! One lucky reader will win a BabyBond nursing cover in the style and color of their choice!


ENTER TO WIN! There are TWO Mandatory Entries! All other entries are optional, but the more you complete, the better chance you have at winning! Leave one comment per entry.

1) Mandatory: Like BabyBond on Facebook

2) Mandatory: Follow n.c. baby blog via GFC (or tell me if you aleady do)

3) Follow n.c. baby blog on facebook

4) Follow BabyBond on Twitter, please leave your twitter ID.

5)Share this link on Facebook or Tweet about the giveaway ( you can do this once daily!) Please leave the link to your share.

6) Blog about this giveaway and leave your link so I can find it! (+3 entries, leave 3 comments)

7) Purchase anything from BabyBond during the giveaway period (+5 entries, leave 5 comments)

8) Enter any other of my CURRENT giveaways ( 1 entry for each giveaway entered)

9) Subscribe to n.c. baby blog via email ( on right side of blog)

10) Add my n.c. baby blog button to your blog! (+3 entries, leave 3 comments!)

GOOD LUCK!!! Giveaway will close 8/27 at 11:59 pm EST. Giveaway is open Worldwide! Winner will be picked the following day by Random.org and will be emailed and announced on the blog. Winner has 48 hours to confirm their prize, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. Thank you to BabyBond for the review product and the giveaway prize!


BabyBond provided samples for my review and the grab bag prize for my readers. No other compensation was recieved. All opinions are 100 percent my own.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com