Hulabye Happy Changer Review

I recently had the opportunity to review the Hulabye Happy Changer. And boy did I wish I had heard about this much sooner! So what exactly is a Hulabye Happy Changer?

The Happy Changer is a soft fabric vest that secures to your changing pad. A comfortable easy on and off vest that prevents your child from rolling or moving around on the changing table, thus keeping them safe and both Mom and baby happy!

About Hulabye
The Happy Changer was of course invented by a Mom. When Erin Kelly welcomed her second daughter into the world she couldn't wait to experience all the babyhood "firsts". However she was not looking forward to a mobile baby at changing time.

Once changing became a wrestling match Erin searched for something that would hold her daughter still long enough to change her diaper. Finding no such product on the market, Erin drew up a sketch, got out the sewing machine and got to work.  The original Happy Changer was born and did exactly as intended, keep her daughter from rolling over and most of the time taking away the urge to roll.

That first prototype survived with Erin's daughter and then for two more families. So with her second daughter off to preschool in 2011, Erin decided to make the Happy Changer available to all families and formed Hulabye, LLC. A company dedicated to making parenting as joyful and hassle-free as possible.

Hulabye Happy Changer Review
As I stated above I really wished I had heard about this sooner. Little Brother was such a wiggle worm on the changing table that we started changing him on the floor at about 9 months old or so. The Happy Changer would have helped so much and extended our changing table usage.

We currently use our Boppy as a pillow for Little Brother when we change him. At 19 months it is still hard to always keep him in one place long enough to change his diaper. So although this is really meant for the changing table. I used ours over the Boppy with the same great results! The sizing is meant for a changing pad so the velcro wasn't long enough to reach all the way around the Boppy. So I just tacked on the Happy Changer to the back of the Boppy.

Photo Courtesy of Hulabye

Little Brother didn't mind putting putting on the Happy Changer at all. It was easy to put on and take off. Simply slip babies arms in the vest like holes and velcro. Done. Super sticky nice large velcro to guarantee a safe and secure baby!

The Happy Changer comes in 5 different flannel prints ($36), 3 minky solids ($42) or 3 minky prints ($44). All beautiful fabrics that will match with any nursery design. We reviewed the Brown/White flannel Happy Changer which matched Little Brother's room perfectly! The Happy Changer is made in the USA and is both machine washable and dryable which of course it super important!

This would make the perfect baby shower gift or for any new mom (or dad) expecting! Take away some of the new baby stress and make changing diapers a breeze!

Follow Hulabye on Facebook for updates, coupon codes and mom sharing tips as well as Twitter!

Change the way you....change! Try out the Hulabye Happy Changer! You will be so glad you did!
Disclosure: I received this product for the purpose of review. I did not receive any compensation for this review. The opinions in my reviews are my own, and others’ opinions may vary. This post was written by me and not edited by anyone.

Soft Star Shoes Review

I recently got to do something that is very rare in the blogging world. Or at least it is to me and my blog. I was able to go physically see where my review item was made and meet a the fabulous team behind the scenes!

I came across Soft Star Shoes just by chance online. I was excited and shocked to see they were located  in Corvallis, Oregon. A town I have visited many many times, yet I had never heard of them. What is even more rare is that each and every shoe is hand made right in their shop in Corvallis.

As I was lucky enough to have the chance to review a pair of their shoes and they were close enough to drive and visit, the boys and I packed up the car to go for a visit and check them out!

Arriving at Soft Star Shoes we entered into a fun, whimsical atmosphere that totally fits the feel and designs of their shoes.

About Soft Star
Soft Star was started in 1984 by Tim Oliver and his wife Jeanie. They started the company as young parents who were looking for a soft, quality shoe for their little girl. They first started in a garage in California, then a bus in Texas before settling in Corvallis.

In 2005, Larkin and Tricia partnered up with Tim to introduce more people to Soft Star. And again in 2010 Soft Star expanded its line of leather moccasins to include the RunAmoc, a shoe for minimal or barefoot runners.

Soft Stars Core Values
• Make our workshop a wonderful place work: A creative, energizing and efficient workspace. An open, honest atmosphere where we work with mutual respect and dignity. A place where our families and community are welcome and integrated.

• Share the handcrafted experience with our customers making unique, beautiful, comfortable and quality footwear while encouraging direct interaction via excellent customer service

• Walk lightly on the earth: Conserve raw materials by thoughtful use. Minimize our environmental footprint by reducing waste, reusing and recycling.

Soft Star Review
I had the opportunity to review the Rambler shoe in colors Ocean and Ultra Blue. The shoes themselves are adorable! Super soft leather, easy to put on and a cute little star detail on the tongue. They have smooth leather uppers and suede innersole. They also feature a flexible rubber sole for durability and an elastic band that makes the shoe easy to get on. They are also water resistant!

NOTE: All leather at Soft Star is formaldehyde free and meet the highest safety standards! See more about their Citizen of the Earth stamp! (Way too much cool stuff to list!)

Little Brother put on the shoes with no problems at all. We tried them with and without socks and they stayed on perfectly! They look cute with any outfit and are so nice to throw on quickly.

The colors are bright and bold and very stylish. We had the opportunity in our visit to see Soft Star's wall of leather! Just look at all the colors. With Soft Star Shoes each shoe is handcrafted right there in their workshop, meaning you can design your own! You choose the colors and style and they cut the leather, soling and sheepskin and begin building your custom shoe! It is all very cool see the process and to know your shoes are coming straight from an Oregon town, all made in the USA! Awesome!

They don't just make shoes for kids. In fact they make so many varieties of shoes for men, women and children. One of their most popular right now is their RunAmoc. A barefoot minimalist running shoe. People swear by them, and they do look really comfortable. I didn't try the RunAmoc, but I did slip my foot in a black Merry Jane. Oh my gosh, so comfortable, so soft, the kind of shoes you don't want to take off. I'd have to say they look pretty stylish too!

The "Elves" at Soft Star were all very friendly and hard at work. It was so great for them to take time and show us around. I also want to mention that Soft Star does not waste anything when making their shoes. They are very very conscious in how much scrap is left after making the shoes. In fact they even have a leather scrap box where anybody can come grab some scraps to use on their own projects for free! All they ask is that you share your project with them! They have had a quilt, hacky sacks, skirts and more all made from their scrap bin! I love it! So cool! We picked up a few scraps on our visit but I'm still brainstorming on what I want to do with them. Suggestions? You can also purchase a one pound bag of leather scraps on their website, so get creative!

Soft Star also has a special scrap box to make Playful Pancakes Cat Toys. The cat toys are catnip-filled and are just $4.50. Inspired by their friend Cassidy, 100% of the proceeds of each toy goes to Kids For Kids, an organization that combats hunger in Sudan.

I could go on and on about Soft Star. But why not find out for yourself. You can find Soft Star on Facebook, Twitter and other popular social media sites. It is really fun to see on Facebook the custom orders that come through.

Special thanks to resident elf Martin for taking time out of his day to show us around and let the boys play around the store. What a fun atmosphere and we hope we can come back and visit soon! And of course pick up a new pair of Soft Stars!

Disclosure: I received this product for the purpose of review. I did not receive any compensation for this review. The opinions in my reviews are my own, and others’ opinions may vary. This post was written by me and not edited by anyone.

maamam haarbib review

How many times have we all said...I really could use something like _________ or I need to invent something for ____________. Well the Mom's at maamam actually stopped saying it and now have a successful company creating modern, safe, innovative and practical products.

About maamam
maamam was started by two ambitious and driven moms. They left their professional careers to focus on expanding their families and as they became mothers they realized the challenge of raising children and the need for more functional gear to help us every day in the difficult tasks we take on parenting.

maamam = motherly, nurturing, special.

The main goal of maamam is to solve common problems we encounter as parents. They realize that everyday moms know best on what products could simplify the tough job of parenting.  We all have good ideas but just can't take on the means of such a big project to design and sell them.

maamam wants to hear your unique ideas! If your idea fits their ideology and design standards their mission is to enable you with modern design, high quality production and professional go-to-market and support. To help make your idea a reality!

haarbib review
We were sent the haarbib in the short style and with orange trim for review. Other colors include teal, green, yellow and pink. maamam offers a long version as well for longer hair.

I can see this being used for a million different uses. We have been using ours for teeth brushing. Throw the haarbib on and skip the spray and mess that comes with brushing kids teeth. Also love that they can wipe their mouth on it and skip sticky toothpaste mess (that you know you will wipe your hands on) on the bathroom hand towel.

When were done brushing we hang up the haarbib and can reuse it the next night. This has been saving us days worth of hand towels going in the laundry. You will want one for each kid. And you can even personalize them making it that much more easy to keep organized and personal.

This doesn't have to just be for kids either, how easy it would be to throw over your shoulders in the morning and feel secure there will be no toothpaste glob or makeup landing on your work outfit!

As I have boys we don't have any long hair other than mine. But if you did have girls and again for us women too, just snap on the haarbib and you've got no drippy wet hair soaking your clothing. It all stays on the bib. This would be perfect for taking to the pool as well!

One side of the haarbib is a 100% cotton terry fabric while the other side is a soft cotton. It has two different snap positions and is very well sewn. A simple clean product that makes things run a little more smooth in the household.

Other products from maamam include the award winning aacua and the laavo. The aacua is a 4 in 1 apron, towel, baby wrap and bath wrap. And the laavo is multi purpose washcloth of sorts. Could be a cloth wipe or wash rag or small towel. You decide.

Follow maamam on Facebook and Twitter for updates, new products and other fun information! And calling all Moms & Dads! Submit your fantastic ideas to maamam here! I'd love to hear that one of my readers was the new feature product at maamam!
Disclosure: I received this product for the purpose of review. I did not receive any compensation for this review. The opinions in my reviews are my own, and others’ opinions may vary. This post was written by me and not edited by anyone.

Fun Fall Flower Projects

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Fall weather is upon us and my poor flowers have sure taken a beating from the Summer sun. I'm embarrassed to even show these planter boxes! Eeek! It's time to Find beauty in the Fall!

I have the best luck with Pansies for my Spring and Fall gardening in these boxes as they receive mostly shade. My Pansies will last through mid Summer and then slowly start fading to the bedraggled mess of flowers you see above. Then it is time to replant for Fall.
I recently found two ideas on Pinterest that I will really spruce up and beautify my front porch for the coming Fall Season.
The first on is this adorable Mumkin! This idea is courtesy of Circadee and you can find detailed instructions on her page. I'll need to pick out a few large pumpkins and Mum's at my local flower shop and use Miracle-Gro® LiquaFeed® to help extend the life of my flowers.

My next project is this fabulous Potted Candle Planters courtesy of Family Chic! This is what I think I will do in my planter boxes. I need to completely redo the soil, and I love to use Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix! This potting mix will automatically feed my plants for up to 6 months! It is amazing how big and beautiful the flowers get with this soil. I think instead of candles I will either use solar lights, or possibly the new flameless candles as I do really love how the candles look.

Miracle-Gro® has numerous other products that will make your Fall planting experience a good one. Make sure to check out the Miracle-Gro Facebook page where you can see other fellow gardeners projects and share your stories!

Good Luck on your upcoming projects and Happy Fall!

Ozeri Green Earth Wok Review

Shortly after Big Brother was born 4 years ago, I slowly started replacing my old Teflon pans to the new and much safer "green" pans. They have been great and I really haven't noticed a difference in cooking. I'd heard about Teflon chemicals and if there was even a slight chance of that happening with my pans, I wanted something safer.

Did you know that the nonstick coating "Teflon" has been found to release one or more of 15 different toxic gases when heated to certain temperatures? Which chemical is released depends on the temperature the pan reaches. This outgassing has been proven fatal to pet birds and can cause "polymer fume flu" also known as "Teflon flu" in humans. Um, yeah...no thanks!

I have a growing collection of green pans but nothing big, so I was happy to have the chance to review the Green Earth Wok by Ozeri.

This pan is amazing! It is 12" around and a nice deep wok. I don't have any pan that can compare to this. The handle is nice and sturdy and ergonomically designed, as well as being completely oven safe.

The ultra-safe smooth ceramic coating is completely non-stick and 100% PTFE and PFOA free. No harmful heavy metals or chemicals to leach in your food.

I made a super sticky Orange Chicken for dinner in my test run on this pan, you would have thought it was oil. The orange sauce beaded up and stuck only to the chicken! Yay! Clean up was a breeze! I literally just sprayed out the pan and ran a sponge around with a tiny bit of soap.

I also love the green color of the pan as well as the the magnetized induction stove safe base for rapid heat transfer. This pan will definitely see a lot of use!

As this is my second Ozeri product I've reviewed (see my Ozeri Brezza Fan Review) I see their products living up to their name and promise of quality.

You can purchase this pan directly from Amazon. Prices change frequently on Amazon, however right now the pan is on sale for just $38.95.

Find out more about Ozeri and their products on their Facebook page, as well as sales, specials, new products and more.

Disclosure: I received this product for the purpose of review. I did not receive any compensation for this review. The opinions in my reviews are my own, and others’ opinions may vary. This post was written by me and not edited by anyone.

Green Family Giveaway #gbgreenfam - Twig Kids Footwear Giveaway

Welcome to the Green Family Giveaway Hop hosted by Formula Mom and Glow Bug Diapers! I am so excited to bring you this giveaway as you can not only enter my giveaway but over 45 other family friendly giveaways as well! PLUS a grand prize giveaway retailed at over $300! This giveaway will end on September 30th!

Glow Bug Cloth Diapers is the grand prize sponsor for the Green Family giveaway. One lucky reader will win a complete cloth diaper stash! The stash includes 24 cloth diapers with inserts featuring the newest prints! The winner will be able to choose from either a boy set or a girl set.
Enter the Grand Prize Giveaway!

My giveaway is one you don't want to miss! 

Something you can never get enough of!

***KIDS SHOES!***

Please enter below for a chance to win $60 toward a pair of shoes from
 Twig Footwear! These shoes are high quality, comfort and style! 
The company is top notch and will treat you right! 

Please see my full review and details of our Twig shoes!

Here are just a few samples of the shoes you can choose if you win! 
Did I mention these shoes are amazing? Good Luck!

Disclosure: Formula Mom, and the Green Family bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that fail to fulfill their prizes. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway