Product Review & Giveaway!

Hello!

I'm really excited about this product review & giveaway from PRK Products, Inc.!

I also had the opportunity to review their Baby Food Organizer last year which fortunately I still have to make this review and giveaway double the fun!  Now, you have the opportunity to own BOTH to keep yourself organized!

Wooohooo!

Last week, I received the Universal Bottle and Sippy Cup product from PRK Products, Inc. and I was so excited that first and foremost, it's an organizing product - and secondly, it's compatible with almost every brand of bottle and sippy cups that are widely available today. You can go here to view the full list of bottles and sippy cups it works with.

With two young kids now, I feel like my cabinets (and the house in general) are a sippy cup disaster area!  Something is forever falling out of the cabinets determined to kill me (death by sippy cup parts!) or lids go missing and straws or tops get misplaced.

Yeah - you know what I'm talking about.

Well, this product completely takes care of that!  It will take you from the bottle phase of babyhood right through the toddler years for organizing your cups and parts.

Image courtesy of PRK Products 

From PRK PRoducts, Inc. web site, the features of the organizer are as follows:

• Stores up to 12 bottles or sippy cups
• Loads horizontally and uses gravity to dispense bottles one at a time
• Takes up less of a footprint in your kitchen cabinet
• Compatible with over 30 brands of bottles and sippy cups 
• Adjustable, so you won’t have to buy a new product when your baby outgrows a bottle
• Dishwasher Safe
• Can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer
• Comes with basket to hold accessories

The organizer with some cups
on my kitchen table

I had a lot of fun fitting the different brands of cups I own currently - Playtex, Munchkin and Gerber.

However, I totally missed the part of the box which CLEARLY states that it's adjustable.  So, at first none of my cups fit.  (I blame mommy-brain!)

Doesn't Elmo look so happy sitting on the BPA-free plastic :)  I also love the PRK logo of the happy baby face smiling back at me.

Okay, okay - On to the fun part!

Again, you can win these two amazing products!  Just follow the easy steps below.  Good luck!


Remember, see my review here of the baby food organizer.

To enter the giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

EWG's Cleaning Product Hall of Shame - sneak peek!

I love Environmental Working Group. They are a fantastic resource for researching the harmful contents of what is in tons of products, skin care, shampoos, baby products and so much more.

I use their Skin Deep Cosmetics Database quite often.  If you haven't done so yet, I would do so immediately!

I received word last night that they are creating a new database of household cleaners this coming fall but are offering a sneak peek - I'm quite excited for this!  I've made a huge effort over the past five years to go very green in our home.  You can view my simple and easy tips here.  I use non-toxic cleaners and I've greened products that come in direct contact with our bodies - all the way to the sunscreen we use - click here for that post!

Okay - back to EWG.

According to their email:

"Environmental Working Group is giving you a tool to help you figure out which cleaning products don't belong in your house. The EWG Cleaners Hall of Shame provides you with the names of some of the worst offenders out there, so you can begin the process of purging your home of these harmful cleaners."

Not only is their goal to help educate about harmful chemicals found in everyday cleaners - but they are making it easy to help avoid them all together by naming names and brands.

For the sneak peek - please view it here.

For the complete current hall of shame PDF - please go here.

If you have any questions on how to go green in your home for your family, please contact me anytime.

And the award goes to....

Yay!  It's a big day for the baby planning world because they announced the winners of the 2012 Cribsie Awards!  


(It's like the Oscars of baby products)

I love the brands that won but am sad a few of my personal favorites did not.


Either way, congratulations to all the winners!


Looking forward to the year ahead and the 2013 award season :)

Simple & easy ways to go green in your home

Hello!  I hope this post finds you well :)

It's a snowy morning here in Connecticut after topping the thermometer here at nearly 60 yesterday - crazy!

As it's been a fairly mild Winter here in the Northeast, we typically spend quite a lot of time indoors.  Like most people, you consider your home to be one of the safest places for you and your family, right?  You keep things tidy and as dust free as possible - but did you know that indoor air can be more "polluted" than outdoor air?

I came across a company's web site called GreenGuard with some information that was a bit shocking to me.  After reading it, it made sense, but like a lot of things in life - you really don't view things or realize things that seem like common sense until you read it!

For example (straight from GreenGuard's web site):

Facts You Should Know

Children breathe in a greater volume of air than adults relative to their body size.

Children's organs and respiratory, immune and neurological systems are still developing.

Children are much closer to the ground, and as a result, breathe in more of the heavier airborne chemicals than do adults.

Infants and young children breathe through their mouths, more so than do adults, which increases their risk of pulmonary exposure to particulates and fibers, that would otherwise be filtered out in the nose.

So of course, I wanted to share and write about this (in case you're just like me and have an A-Ha! moment or a OMG I should have known that!).

There are some incredibly simple and easy ways to keep your home as green as possible by doing just a few things differently in your home - which thankfully we already do, but it's never too late to start!

1. Take off your shoes - we have a no shoe policy in the house.  Think of ALL the places you walk during the day - public places, public bathrooms (blech), sidewalks, shopping centers, etc.  Do you really want those traces of these places tracked throughout your home?  Methinks not.  Not only does it keep toxins and grossness out of your home, it keeps your floors cleaner, also.
2. Get some green - Add some green houseplants to your home. Plants are amazing at removing toxins in the air and replacing it with cleaner air.  Here's a post from TreeHugger that I found on the best air filtering plants.  I personally love Gerber Daisy, Bamboo and the Peace Lily plants.
3. Don't be smelly - Steer clear of scented air fresheners, candles, harsh perfumes and other "smelly" products that you may use in your home.  They can inject harmful toxins into the air.  Try using things that are fragrance-free. 
4. Use non-toxic cleaning products - I am quite the clutter-bug, but I do love having a clean home.  Foreverrrrr, I thought clean meant brands like Clorox, Lysol, Windex, etc.  But harsher chemicals does not equal cleaner things.  I still use the "strong stuff" for certain places such as disinfecting the kitchen sink and the toilet where the germiest things may be - but everywhere else I use "green" products or natural products wherever possible.  A few products I love are Bona Floor Cleaners, ActiveIon, Shark Steam Mop and Seventh Generation.  You can also go to The Smart Mama for more information on making your own cleaners from Vinegar, Baking Soda, Lemon and more. 
5. Just be more aware - Read the ingredients and just increase your awareness.  Simply opt for bringing products into your home that are as natural as possible - use safe laundry detergents, soaps, shampoos and other products that you put on, in or near your body.  

One last resource I love is the Environmental Working Group and their Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.  You can search thousands and thousands of products in tons of categories for harmful ingredients and they rate them on their safety scale.

Thanks for reading and stopping by and please feel free to share this with your friends and family!
~Carly

Product Review: Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner - free & simple

First, so sorry it's been so long for a post - things have been crazy around here! 

Anywhooo - I had an amazing opportunity from  Healthy Child to use and review Bona's new free & simple product from their line of products. 

I was introduced to the Bona brand a few years back when I did some freelance work for a hardwood floor company.  The owner provided me with a sample and I was hooked.  At the time I had much less mess to clean.  :sigh:  

image courtesy of Bona web site



Fast forward to life now with a bigger home, more to clean, two kids and a dog - it goes without saying that our hardwood floors get messy fast. 

Fortunately, I have some wonderful products that make cleaning these messes easier - and that includes this new line from Bona. 

The free & simple cleaner is quite effective and powerful - despite the misconception that green cleaners are not as effective as those with harsh chemicals.  The free & clear product is just as it's name states: free of dyes and scents, hypoallergenic and is non-toxic and completely biodegradable. 

I can use this product and not have to wrangle my two toddlers to ensure they are at a safe distance from where I'm cleaning.  And, if the dog walks through a wet or freshly cleaned area (as she always does!) I do not have to worry about her tracking her chemical-laden paws through other areas of our home.  I don't have to worry about her paws being irritated by harsh cleansers, either!

After using the product on my floors, the wood felt so fresh and comfortable to walk on - you know that feeling of freshly cleaned floors.  Even though I couldn't "smell" the clean as it is unscented, I surely could feel it underfoot.  I'm truly trying to dis-associate that smell association with cleaning products! 

As I type this review, I am thinking of my list of to-do's for the week and beyond and cleaning our hardwoods is on that list.

So if you're in the market for a new cleaner or know someone who may benefit from this product, please share and let them know about it!  

And, if you have questions about any easy and simple steps to greening your home, visit Healthy Child for some excellent information! 

NOTE: I was given the Bona free & simple product for free.  However, I was not paid to write a positive review.  This review is of my own experience and honest opinion.  

Product Review & Giveaway!

I'm convinced that some of the baby products, gear and toy companies design certain things just to make life miserable.  For example - the toys that have a zillion pieces to keep track of or the crazy beeping noises some toys make.  Today, I'm specifically also referring to the odd shape and inability to stack jars of baby food.  

I still clearly remember how completely annoying it was to keep the containers of baby food organized in the small space I had allotted in our kitchen cabinets.  Keeping them organized, let alone stacked, in any sort of fashion was pretty impossible.  Reaching around to grab a specific one while desperately trying not to knock them all over was never easy.  Needless to say, I had broken quite a few jars over the years.  

However, I'm thrilled to share with you there is now no need for you to experience the frustration and disorganization I had to deal with!  

I've been given the opportunity to review (and give away!!!) an amazing product by PRK Products, Inc. called the Universal Baby Food Jar Storage & Organizer. 



Image courtesy of PRK web site

It is was designed by a mother of four who created this for us fellow mommies to make our lives easier!  

Aside from home use, I can see this being very helpful if used by day care providers or households where there are children who are close in age but eat different foods.  This could keep it very simple and organized for everyone!

I can also see this being a wonderful gift idea for a baby shower, family members, relatives or even for a co-worker. 

(I don't know about you, but I love giving the not-so-run-of-the-mill baby shower gifts - and this would be great!)

Here are some of the features of the organizer:

• Easy to assemble
• Holds all sizes and stages of jars  - up to 16 jars
• Can even organize the smaller plastic square containers
• Made of BPA-free materials
• Sturdy construction with ability to stack multiple units
• Has four rows for ease of organization
• Rows are slanted so jars easily slide forward for access to next one
• Space saving vertical design
• On their site, they even offer labels to be printed for even better organization

I truly wish this product was available for my family years ago and could have saved me the hassle. 

So, one lucky person will win the Universal Baby Food Jar Storage & Organizer!

All you have to do to enter is "like" Newly Nested on Facebook - do that here. 

Once you've done that, just leave me a comment here letting me know you've done so.

The contest closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 8th.

It's that simple!  I like simple things, don't you?

For more information on the organizer, please visit PRK Products, Inc. web site here.

A "Onederful" Idea

When I see products, I sometimes wish "Damn, I wish I thought of that!"  Well, this product is one of them.

Just as you find favorite outfits in a certain size, your baby starts growing out of it and into the next biggest size...seemingly overnight!  As you've quickly come to realize - baby stuff can be expensive!  So, I'm always happy to find some money-saving products to get any extra use or get more longevity out of the items I purchase for baby. 

Add A Size Onesie extenders
from One Step Ahead web site

And that's why I love these extenders because they allow you to continue to get the most wear out of those cute little onesies.  Well, that is until the diaper and clothes changing begins to become a battle royale - then I recommend separates rather than onesies.

It just so happens that I was able to keep both my kids in their size 3-12 month clothes for a little extra time by using these little miracle snappy contraptions. 

They are compatible with just about any brand, including my faves, Carter's, and also Gap, Old Navy, etc. 

And not having to run out and buy new, bigger clothes each time your child gains an ounce is a wonderful thing. 

So, why not get more use out of the clothes you already have?

If you are interested in buying them or giving them as a gift, go here.

Product Review & Special Offer: Bamboobies!

Image found though Google image search

Within the past year, I have really gotten into Twitter.  I have to tell you that honestly, I'm glad I did! 

For a few reasons, actually.  First, I've been able to connect, follow and be followed by some really great people and companies - including a company called Bamboobies. 

A personal choice that I'd like to quickly share with you is that for me, it was important to first try breastfeeding before using formula when I had my children.  Fortunately, I was successful in doing so with both my children. 

At times, with success also comes struggle. 

And, like everything else in the world, there are a few things that can be annoying about logistics.  The same goes for breastfeeding. 

In the grand scheme of things, these annoyances aren't such a big deal - there are bigger issues in life.  But, while you're going through them with a newborn and you're sleep-deprived...it can be the worst thing in the world at that time. 

Okay, okay.  Back to the point! (And the $ saving offer below!!!!)

This is where this product, Bamboobies, comes into the picture.  I am officially going to file this product under my "wish I had this when my kids were babies" category. 

As I began to say above, one of my logistical annoyances was having to wear breast pads in the early months of breastfeeding.  I knew of other products that were re-usable or had other features to soothe sore nipples.  There's even a brand that collects the milk you leak to collect and save. 

And disposable pads I had used most certainly served their purpose.  However, if I didn't change them in a timely manner, they became, at times, uncomfortable.  Since I had an active toddler and a newborn, I was often busy and would always notice I became uncomfortable around feeding time or shortly after.  And the days I would go out to run errands, the breast pads, even underneath a shirt, showed their outline which just screamed "I'm nursing!" to the world.     

Now, I'm happy to learn and share, there is a better way for nursing moms to stay dry and comfortable.  All while staying eco-friendly, too!

Bamboobies are these amazingly soft, re-usable breast pads with a really cool name.  Made from sustainable, organic bamboo and being for your boobies - they're Bamboobies. 

Adorable.

They come in two styles - daytime (thin) and overnight (thick).  Both incredibly soft and absorbent.

Pretty sure this says it all:



Taken from the Bamboobies web site



I'm so thrilled to learn about these wonderful pads.  I'm very impressed with their functionality and their overall feel. 

I've already recommended them to my friends and now I have the opportunity to share with you and your friends! 

Now for the best part!  If you need some Bamboobies or know someone who does, I have a lovely offer for you!

Save 20% on your order using the code

Nested20

at the checkout.

I promise you that these are awesome and should you purchase a pair for yourself or someone you know - your friend and her boobies will thank you ;p  They also make great baby shower gift or just a small gift for any new mom! 

Note:  I was offered two pairs of Bamboobies free of charge by the owner.   However, my opinions are entirely my own and I agreed to review this product on my own time.  I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

Book Review: One Year To An Organized Life With Baby



Image courtesy of Regina Leeds site via Google images



Every now and again, I come across something - a product, web site or book - that I wish I had known about before I was pregnant and had my two children (currently ages 2 1/2 and 15 months). 

I often do not find these said items very often.  When I do, it's much like those Ah-Ha! moments where the sun shines down from the sky and glorious music plays in the background (you get the picture).

As part of my mission to be an informed mother, as well as a good baby planner, I am always more than happy to pass along these goodies.  It just so happens this new goodie fell into my hands just this past week.  

Fortunately, thanks to a new book, you do not have to experience the same wishes and woes I that have had when it came to finding a parenting/pregnancy book that is worth your time and money. 

One Year To An Organized Life With Baby is a book in a series from Regina Leeds,  a professional organizer for 20 plus years.  It is written with Meagan Francis, writer and mother of five children.  In a nutshell, this book is genuinely refreshing, helpful and complete in preparing for life with baby. 

However, you'll want to keep this book apart from the other "must-reads" you've come across or have yet to discover.  (Some are better kept un-read.  You'll have to email me if you want to hear some opinions)

Image via Google Image search



One Year is filled with great information from both the perspective of a professional organizer and a mom's perspective.  I found it to be a smart combination and collaboration of ideas for the solutions and suggestions you'll find in the book.  From the easy to follow break down of pregnancy by weeks and what to do and when coupled with the time lines and checklists, it is one of those books I wanted to grab my highlighter and dog-ear page after page.  However, I could not bring myself to do so to this book - it's far too pretty to do that to!  So, I opted for those Post-It Flags instead :) 

One quote I found early in the book that really struck home with me was Regina recounting a conversation with a client.  The client said: "I get organized on a regular basis, but it never lasts." Regina responded with this (which I love and is totally me): "You didn't get organized. You tidied up."  Let it sink in...repeat.  Not organized, just tidied up.  Big difference.  I found myself implementing their advice immediately. 

Then, as I kept going through chapter by chapter, I found wonderful things in this book.  They touch on topics ranging from green cleaning to co-sleeping to fun and creative ideas and way too many to list.  Regina and Meagan also discuss and call attention to topics that are not always thought of in the grand scheme of having a baby - including sections on remembering to focus on your partner and making mom's emotional and physical health a priority.  From personal experience, I can say both of these can get lost when you're caught up in the utter cuteness of your newborn baby and all the change that comes with it.

All of which are presented with bits of humor and realistic advice.  There are checklists for everything you need to get organized for real and not just simply tidy up.  It is truly atop my new must-have resources for new and expecting parents. 

Hopefully after reading this book, you'll find yourself wanting to buy this for all your friends and family who are currently pregnant or even those who have had their babies.  

While I tell my clients that nothing can truly prepare you for life with baby (except your baby), I do feel you can do your best to educate yourself through reliable sources as much as possible.  I share my knowledge of products, tips and tricks with everyone to the best of my ability and cut out much of the leg work and research.  However, this book comes pretty close to taking what I feel is a great approach for preparing parents from pregnancy and beyond!

Note:  I was offered my own copy of One Year To An Organized Life With Baby for free by the author.  However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.