Rave and Review

Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers {Review & Giveaway}

My little guy hates diaper changes.  Actually, hate is not a strong enough word.  My normally good-natured little guy turns into a completely different kid when you try and change him, and it’s not fun for any of us.  Even me singing, telling him stories, or offering small toys to play with don’t diminish his desire to pull his classic move – the “arch and twist” – and wriggle off the changing pad.

Huggies knows how hard changing active, squirmy babies can be and has created Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers for this very reason.  Their slogan is “catch, slip-on, and release!” and I wanted to give it a go with the little guy to see how well they work. 

To start with, I love that they can either be pulled on like training pants or put on like a diaper by undoing the stretchy sides and then reattaching.  I especially like the slip on feature when he’s fresh from the bath or getting ready in the morning or at night because we don’t have to deal with jeans and shoes at those times and slipping the Little Movers Slip-On Diapers is so easy that he doesn’t even need to lay down on the changing pad {yay!} and I can put them on with him standing. 

The rest of the time when he is wearing jeans and shoes, I lay him down and put them on like a diaper by undoing the stretchy sides and then attaching them with the Velcro tabs.  It isn’t really any quicker than a regular diaper, but I really like them because they are easy to reposition without ruining the diaper and they feel so soft, especially on the sides.  This stretchy and soft side is important as my little guy is so incredibly active these days and I like that the diaper stretches with him and offers awesome leak protection.  In fact, we’ve had no leaks at all with the new slip-on diapers, which is awesome. 

The only thing I would note is that if you are dropping your little one off with Little Movers Slip-On Diapers to a babysitter, you should definitely explain that the sides open and close since they are bound to think that they are slip-on only because they look so much like training pants.  Even hubby didn’t realize that they opened on the side and I came in to find him taking off my son’s entire outfit and shoes for a quick change.  That, obviously, did not go down well and that mistake was never made again. 

Overall, we really have liked the Little Movers Slip-On Diapers and will definitely be stocking the changing table with some for those quick pull-on changes.  I think they will be especially convenient as he gets older and starts getting interested in potty training.  This, hopefully, will come quick as his desire to not change his diapers hopefully pushes him in this direction{fingers crossed}. 

Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers Features

•    Stretchy sides for a fuss-free fit
•    Tabs for easy removal and disposal
•    HUGGIES LEAK LOCK® System – the protection and security you both need between changes
•    Absorb-away layers and long-lasting core lock in wetness and keep your baby dry
•    Stopping guards around the legs and waist help keep wetness in
 
In addition, HUGGIES is calling all moms to upload a video of their squirmy babies to their YouTube Channel.  Spoiler alert: it's adorable!

Two lucky Rave & Review readers will win a pack of Huggies Little Mover Slip-On Diapers and a magnetic picture frame!

To Enter: Tell me what your child's patented "move" is!

And, as always, there are extra entries available! {Please leave a separate comment for each completed}

1 Extra Entry - Post on your Facebook wall about the giveaway {http://t.co/dE09dn4v} and tag R&R on Facebook

5 Extra Entries - Upload a video of your little one to Huggies YouTube channel

2 Extra Entries {per method} - Follow Rave & Review! Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter. Simply tweet about the #giveaway with the post URL {http://t.co/dE09dn4v} using @Huggies and @raveandreview after following us both {feel free to retweet this tweet}

2 Extra Entries - Blogger Bonus. Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post and leave an address where I can find your writeup

1 Extra Entry - Comment love. Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

On March 7th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. US addresses only.

Huggies provided me with a pack of Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers and a magnetic picture frame to conduct a reader giveaway.  However, my opinions on the product are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive sentiments towards Huggies or their products.
 

MAM Personalized Pacifiers {Review & Discount Code}

When listing off the things my son loves, there’s really no debating the order.  His list of loves goes like this:
1)    Me, hubby, and his big sister
2)    His MAM pacifier
3)    What he refers to as his “magic” blanket that he can’t sleep without

As you can imagine, when I heard that MAM was coming out with a line of personalized pacifiers where you could add your own text to the center, there was really no question at all that we needed one.  The only real question was how we were going to personalize it.  Once we were on the site and ready to customize, there was a few moments of discussion and then we both agreed on the perfect personalization.

We could have gone with his given name, a funny saying, or just his initials but in the end we went with “Danger”, a shortened form of “Dangerous Dimples”, which we have called him since he was born and now speaks to his wild side as well.  After it was chosen, it was as easy as choosing a color, a font and size and then mere moments later we had a set of two ordered for only $19.99.

Once they arrived a few days later, I was really excited to show them to everyone.  I thought they turned out really cute and love that the words are actually engraved into the pacifier so they won’t scratch off or fade with use.  I’ve seen other cheap printed-on pacis and was really excited that these look nothing like those; the MAM versions are really well done and, even better, they are also the only brand of pacifiers that my little one will use!

I already knew that as soon as my little man saw them he was going to go crazy, so I made sure to open them beforehand and get them all cleaned up and ready while he was napping.  When he woke up it was mere minutes and he had found his new paci, which he promptly traded his old one for. 

As I suspected, he loves his new pacifiers and has been using the two of them for the past week now.  Of course, he can’t read and has no idea that his pacifiers are personalized just for him, but he does like all the attention it gets him.  Now, when the woman in the checkout line at the grocery store calls him “Danger” she is sure to get a dose of his famous dimples, to which they always exclaim “those dimples are dangerous!”  Exactly.  
 
For more information, visit Mam personalized pacifiers.  Bonus: Receive 20% off ANY MAM Personalized Pacifier set  when you use coupon code MAM20 at check out! {hurry, this offer expires on February 29th!}

Features:
•    MAM soothies developed along with dentists & designers allow healthy jaw
•    Engrave with your child’s name, nickname, or your own clever saying
•    BPA-Free
•    Available in 2 sizes and 3 colors

They are also having a Facebook contest where you can win some of these awesome personalized pacifiers!

We received a set of two pacifiers for review from MAM and Child's Play Team Mom and we simply adore them.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review. 

Pouch Carrier Cover from Rain or Shine Kids {Review & Giveaway}

While we’ve had a bit of a mild winter here in the Pacific Northwest so far, it looks like winter is going to hit us pretty hard in the next few weeks.  Taking other years into account, this means that we are likely looking forward to months and months of ice, freezing temperatures, and snow in our future.  While most of us have snow gear and down jackets we can slip on, the problem becomes what you can do to keep the littlest ones warm during freezing temperatures.  The answer, of course, is Rain or Shine Kids, our favorite Seattle brand. 

We’ve raved about their Woobee blanket that kept our daughter from freezing in our trip across Spain and Morocco, we’ve adored their UPF Sun Blanket that helped protect our little guy from sun, wind, and rain, and we’ve recommended the Fleece Blanket for all the weather in between, but now they’ve got a brand new line of Pouch Carrier Covers that we are crazy about.  Designed to keep your little one toasty while rolling, strolling, or sledding, the cover is the perfect thing to place over your baby carrier, your stroller, your car seat, or even in the event of a snowstorm, your sled.

We got to check out this new line at the ABC Kids show in September and thought it was truly brilliant, so we were thrilled when one arrived at our doorstep right before the cold hit.  Now that the weather has taken a dip, the Rain or Shine Kids Pouch Carrier Cover has gotten quite the workout over the top of the ERGO baby carrier.  When the weather dipped even further and the snow began to fall, we loved using the cover right over the top of our Mountain Boy Bambino Grande Pull Sled, keeping the little one toasty warm even while the flakes were falling.

Like everything made by Rain or Shine Kids, the design of the Pouch Carrier Cover is truly outstanding.  With the signature Woobee weatherproof cover paired with their super soft lining, it looks just like the Woobee we love, but with some important differences.  Instead of a flat perimeter as with traditional blankets, the bottom half of the Pouch Carrier Cover is gathered with an elastic hem, creating a pocket that your little one’s lower half is enveloped in.  Then, ¾ of the way up the cover, they included coordinating grosgrain ribbon to tie to baby carriers, strollers, car seats, wagons and more. 

Quality details throughout and extra features will make this the only cover you will ever use.  For instance, my favorite feature: the front kangaroo pocket for your hands {while front carrying} or your child’s {while strolling, rolling, sledding}.  This was great during our daily snow walks where I couldn't wear gloves and take pictures, and also served as a warm and dry place to hold onto the camera in between shots. 

I also love that Rain or Shine Kids included snaps tabs on the sides and the undersides that you can connect if you’ve got too much fabric and reduce bulk while providing the coziest environment possible.  Not only does this help keep the cover fitted to whatever carrier or seat you're using, it is also so incredibly snugglable that you will never want to take your babe out.

While I have focused the review on how great this is for babies {and the people that carry them}, this adjustable nature makes it a cover that is not easily outgrown. It is so adaptable that our three year old can still use it if she tucks up her legs and our 1 year old fits in it with room to spare, as you can see below. 

We’ve used it numerous times throughout the past few weeks and it’s now a fixture on our days out for keeping the little ones cozy in the car, in the stroller, the carrier, or just about anywhere else.  We love it so much that we always have it ready, which is great because we're going to be needing it around here well into June!

Find out more about the Pouch Carrier Cover from Rain or Shine Kids as well as the rest of the Woobee family at rainorshinekids.com

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a Rain or Shine Kids Pouch Carrier Cover of their very own!

To Enter: Visit Rain or Shine Kids and let me know what other item of theirs you have your eye on.

And, as always, there are extra entries available!  {Please leave a separate comment for each completed}

1 Extra Entry - Post on your Facebook wall about the giveaway {http://t.co/Ij0SzYCT} and tag Rain or Shine Kids and R&R on Facebook

1 Extra Entry - Like Rain or Shine Kids on Facebook

2 Extra Entries {per method} - Follow Rave & Review! Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter.  Simply tweet the following after following us both:

I want to keep cozy with the awesome @RainOrShineKids Baby Carrier Cover! Enter the #giveaway from @RaveAndReview http://t.co/Ij0SzYCT

2 Extra Entries - Blogger Bonus.  Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post and leave an address where I can find your writeup

1 Extra Entry - Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

On February 28th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. US addresses only.

The Rain or Shine Pouch Carrier Cover for review and the giveaway were offered at no charge to us.  All opinions remain 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review.

Build Your Own Robot with PlanToys

Every kid needs a robot, right?  PlanToys thinks they do, which is why they have released the new PlanToys Build-A-Robot.  This isn’t your typical one size fits all robot, this is a special friend that kids can build to their specifications, and with their own distinct personality. 

Like everything PlanToys, the wooden Build-A-Robot is quality made and simply adorable.  Using eco-friendly and sustainable products, the Build-A-Robot is heirloom quality and ready for hours of play.  Made with interchangeable heads that kids can alternate between, removable legs, and removable and positionable arms, the Build-A-Robot allows kids to create their own special ‘bot quickly and easily.

Our little builders couldn’t have been more excited about building their own robot.  They each had a ton of fun changing the heads of the robot, making up their own stories and games for each new friend they created. 

Run!  An angry robot is storming the town! 

No, no, not an angry robot, just hungry for strawberries.  Now we’re all friends and everyone is happy – just look at the happy ‘bot! 

This is what play time at our house usually sounds like, with the kids taking turns personalizing the robot and building towns and robot houses out of blocks.

Even though my son is just over a year old, he was easily able to figure out how to change the robot head just by pulling it off and pushing the new head back on.  Unscrewing the legs and replacing them was a bit advanced for him, but our three year old has no problem helping him.  Luckily the robot rarely ever sits down since they are so busy playing with it, so the legs pretty much always stays upright – unless of course the robot is practicing Taekwando... or eating strawberries at our daily tea parties.

While we eventually plan on displaying the PlanToys Build-A-Robot in our little guy’s room since it’s so adorable, it’s great that he can play with the robot as well since it’s so well made and durable.   It’s a rare toy that can spend all day playing and then be displayed beautifully when the day is done, but that’s exactly what the Build-A-Robot is. 

If you’re looking for the perfect toy to inspire imaginations and provide hours of play, the Build-A-Robot would be a perfect bet.  Whether you are displaying, playing, or both, it is sure to delight your little one.  Check out some of the other new PlanToys items just released and in stores now.  We got to see some of them in person at the ABC Kids Show in September and let me tell you, they are amazingly adorable!

Just look at all this cute-ness!  Wouldn't these look perfect in the new dollhouse from Santa?

A big thank you to PlanToys for sending the Build-A-Robot for review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this rave review.

Zubels Organic Hand-Knit Toys

Are you constantly searching for organic toys for your kids?  Have you noticed that when searching for organic toys, many of the selections that pop up are for babies?  It’s extremely rare that you can find organic toys that can grow with your child and go from rattle to playmate, but that’s exactly what Zubels do. 

Their organic cotton, hand knit toys are made with eco-friendly dyes and are squeezably soft and ready for snuggling, but they are also ready for play time for years to come.  Zubel's newest line is especially play-ready with the addition of the fall and winter characters that includes football players, cheerleaders, and more to get your child imagining and playing.  Find the colors closest to your team's colors and get your little one some players and fans and you've got hours of fun while watching the game on TV.

We got to check out a football player from the Zubels line a few weeks back, and even though my son has no idea what football is or why his new little friend is wearing a helmet and protective gear, he does know how super soft and snuggly he is.  My daughter, on the other hand, realized quickly what he was and began showing him how to play {in her limited view of how the game is actually played}, which was pretty cute. 

Since he has arrived, our Zubels football player has been a constant during play time and at naptime as everyone wants to play with him and snuggle him.  I love that it’s such a quality made toy that I don’t worry about seams ripping, ends fraying, or anything else you run into with lesser-quality toys.  This is a truly awesome thing as I see a whole lot more play in his future.   

In addition to being eco-friendly, organic, adorable, and fun to play with, Zubels are also incredibly affordable.  I personally love this as it means that I can get more of them for my little guy and really add to the playtime fun.  And, judging from how much both of my kids love the Zubel we received, we will definitely be getting more.  For instance, that adorable pirate.  And Red Riding Hood.  And the mermaid.  Simply swoon-worthy, right?

Zubels start at under $15, which makes them completely affordable for baby showers, birthdays, and for starting a little collection for your little one.  Most designs come in various sizes as well to add to the fun.  See the full selection at zubels.us

A big thank you to Zubels and An Island Life for this review opportunity.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review. 

Travel Light with the QuickSmart Line {The Backpack Stroller Review}

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide - Day 29

The holidays are right around the corner, and for most of us that means traveling.  We all know that traveling with young kids has its own unique challenges and considerations, most of which are even more prevalent in the busy, over-crowded, and over-packed holiday season.  The biggest challenge for parents of young kids is how to offer the comforts of home without compromising mobility... and that’s where QuickSmart comes in.

I remember the first major trip with our daughter as an infant was an exercise in patience.  From a Tetris-style packing of our sedan with a stroller, playpen, and all her other assorted gear, to realizing that we really, really should have brought the high chair, we definitely learned a lot about how not to travel with an infant.  Since traveling is a big part of our lives, I knew we needed to come up with a solution that would allow us to continue to explore as a family and enjoy a life on the go.

If I had been able to purchase every single one of QuickSmart’s amazing products back then, I would have done so happily.  Specifically, I would have gladly traded the 40 pound pack n’ play for the 3-in-1 Travel Bassinet {which is a changing mat, structured sleeper and shoulder bag packed into one}, and traded wrestling with a sweet potato-covered toddler in my lap for the Easy Fold High Chair {which folds down to a height of 9” with the tray attached}.  Both of these would have made traveling with a tot so much easier and fun that we just might have done it more. 

I’ve talked before about the utter amazement I felt playing with all the QuickSmart gear at the Funtastic booth during the ABC Kids Show in September and how I truly felt like I was seeing the future of baby gear, but nothing can compare to actually test driving them with little ones.  In our rigorous test driving the QuickSmart Backpack Stroller with both a young toddler and a preschooler, I quickly realized how ingenious the design really is. 

Not only it is the only stroller that fits inside a backpack, it’s also a great, compact stroller for quick and easy trips just about anywhere.  Since my son has gotten so heavy I’m not able to carry him for long periods of time anymore and unfortunately I require strollers to get around on a daily basis.  This isn’t a problem if we’re just exploring around town, but the problem comes when we need to transport the stroller along with other gear or we end up at a less-than stroller-friendly location.  While the QuickSmart Backpack stroller won't replace your big and bulky "everyday stroller" with all the fancy cupholders and storage compartments, it truly is the best travel stroller ever made. 

This holiday season has convinced me that having a super compact QuickSmart stroller might just be the best thing that ever happened to our on-the-go lifestyle.  In the overcrowded Seattle downtown and the last-minute mall shoppers, the QuickSmart backpack stroller pretty much saved my sanity.  Being able to have a compact stroller capable of navigating the crowds and the narrow aisles has made it possible for us to get out as a family and enjoy the magic of the season. 

Instead of feeling like I was constantly in the way of others or feeling like there were certain areas I would never be able to get close to because I wasn’t able to fit the stroller, the QuickSmart takes up no more of a footprint than a standing adult does.  Once we laid down the ground rules that all long-legged toddler feet had to be resting on the footrest at all times lest we come to a complete halt, we were ready for a day filled with crowds, holiday excitement, and some really un-stroller friendly areas we don't ususally get to explore. 

I love that I can easily slip right through aisleways and doorways and get right where I need to be with the QuickSmart backpack Stroller, whether that’s in a long line or it’s strolling around on crowded sidewalks.  Having the whole wheel area of the stroller open and unobstructed also adds to this feeling of nimble-ness and makes it my top pick for small areas and lots of people.  Not feeling like I was going to run over toes or into walls made the crowd not bother me a bit, and we were all able to enjoy the last few days of all the beautiful decorations and lights of our beautiful city. 

As well as getting around town and mall effortlessly, the truly amazing thing is that after we’re all worn out and ready to go home, we can still all fit in the car, even after making a few purchases.  I’ve talked before about my compact sedan and how hard it can be to get all of us and our gear back and forth, but what most people don’t realize is how many times we can be holding that perfect gift in our hands and have to put it back on the shelf instead of purchasing because we simply cannot fit it in the car unless we go back home, drop off the stroller, and try and reclaim some of our trunk space.  Calling this a pain doesn’t even begin to describe how frustrating this can be – especially when you can’t get back to purchase in a reasonable amount of time. 

However, with the QuickSmart Backpack Stroller, we still have so much trunk space available that we could fit every single present under our tree in our car with us and still have space for the QuickSmart ScrambleBug Ride-On Toy we reviewed earlier this year.  Even if we found the perfect gift that took up the whole trunk, we could still easily fit the Backpack Stroller in the backseat of our car, in between the two kids’ massive car seats, or in a real bind, it could ride in the passenger seat with me. 

While the QuickSmart Backpack Stroller has been simply amazing around town, I can only imagine how awesome it will be on our next family plane ride.  We found out the hard way on our way to BlogHer that airlines don’t accept any liability at all for damaging your stroller – whether you check at the counter or at the gate – and unfortunately have a ruined stroller to prove it.  The airline’s suggestion to us: If we have to bring a stroller we should drive next time.  My suggestion: Get the QuickSmart Backpack Stroller, the only stroller that can fit in the overhead compartment on an airline.  If that’s not truly brilliant, I don’t know what is.   

Here's why you need the QuickSmart Backpack Stroller:

• Lightweight: Weighs only 11 lb in its backpack
• IT FITS IN A BACKPACK!
• Has a 45lb weight limit, which is on the higher end of most strollers and well into the preschool years for most children
• 5 point safety harness
• 1 position recline
• Retractable hood for shade
• Aluminum and steel frame that is tough, yet lightweight

Find out more about their gear, how to use it, and why it is awe-inspiring on QuickSmart’s YouTube channel.  To purchase from the line, check out the QuickSmart's products on Amazon.com or BabyAge.com to get the most up to date prices as well as the fastest shipping.  Be sure to check out QuickSmart on Facebook and Twitter as well to keep up on all their amazing products!

Our Christmas Tradition: Steiff Classic & Collectible Plush

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide – Day 26

Even if you don’t know Steiff by name, I can guarantee you that you would recognize them if you saw them.  With their signature yellow “Button in Ear” {or, rather “Knopf im Ohr} tags and their classic good looks, they are the quintessential teddy bear company and the makers of the cutest plush animals ever.   Since 1880, the German company has been a collector’s dream; with yearly specials, limited editions, and one-of-a-kind qualities since they are created mostly by hand, Steiff tend to hold or increase in value each year as well as making for an irresistibly cute collection when displayed. 

I can still very vividly remember the first time I saw a Steiff display case up close and got to see all the amazing detail that goes into each plush animal.  With their classic mohair collection, play collection, baby line, and limited edition sets, it became very clear what all the hype was about.  Even though I was only a teenager, I decided right then and there that if I ever had a child, I would give them a classic Steiff collection.  Years later, I was in a high-end Seattle boutique with a baby on the way and saw that same signature yellow Steiff tag display and was immediately drawn to it. 

I knew my baby needed her own little Steiff animal to love and fell in love with the “big foot” Classic Mohair Teddy in pink for 2008, which would be my daughter’s birth year.  We decided that we would wrap up the small mohair bear for her first Christmas and hopefully begin a life-long tradition.  After she opened that bear on that first magical Christmas as a family of 3, we built a special display shelf in her room for it where we could see it every time we went into the nursery.  Surrounded by all the beautiful and special keepsakes of her first year, the Steiff bear simply looked perfect. 

The pink Mohair Teddy has since been joined by a small collection of the Steiff mini mohair animals we’ve picked up in our travels and gave to our daughter for her first big holidays.  On her birthday we added a miniature brown bear to the collection, on Easter we added the Dossy rabbit, and the next Christmas we added a classic Steiff elephant.  I love that each animal is representative of a certain season or specific time and my daughter loves that they are the perfect size for playing with as well as displaying.

Weeks after my daughter’s second Christmas, we found out we would soon be a family of 4 and we began to collect Steiff for our second child as well.  This included a little cutie for him to come home from the hospital with, a matching light blue “big foot” bear made out of mohair for his first Christmas, and a mini dark brown bear for his birthday.  While he’s still too young to play with his Steiff collection, he enjoys looking at it with us and cuddling with the more child-friendly stuffed animals.

So, now that Christmas is fast approaching again, I’m betting you’ve already figured out we will be continuing the tradition again this year and there will be some new Steiff plush animals under the tree to open.  The only difference is that this year the kids will be giving each other their special Steiff animals.  My daughter will be gifting the Sissi Piglet to her brother and he will giving her the Cappy Frog as her special present. 

With how much my daughter loves everything {and I do mean everything} about the holidays, I was really surprised that her big thing this year is asking how many more days until her brother can open his pig.  Not only did she decide on the special pig for him all on her own, she also made her own wrapping paper and then wrapped it up special for him.  As you can imagine, the excitement has been almost too much to bear as she eagerly awaits Christmas morning when he will open it.  If only she knew that he has also gotten her a Steiff animal of her own, the Cappy Frog, I don’t think I would be able to get anything done all day.

Quite honestly, this is what I am waiting for the most as well.  I love our Christmas traditions we’ve created as a family and to me Steiff animals under the tree is one of the most important.  Even though this year we are branching out and not getting Steiff mohair animals for the display shelf, I’m excited about them having special Steiff animals they can play with that were special presents from each other.  With the perfect mix of cuteness and realism that makes Steiff animals unlike mass-produced stuffed animals, I know both the Sissi Pig and the Cappy Frog will become fast friends for life. 

If you haven’t already found the Steiff website, I would highly recommend checking it out.  I had fun perusing the online catalogue and looking up all the little Steiff friends we’ve acquired throughout the years {as well as creating a wishlist for future holidays}.  Since we’re starting a collection for both kids, I love that I could find out more about the animals we own and was happy to note that a good portion of our collection has a specific release date listed which corresponds with the year we purchased it.  As we get more Steiff friends it will make it a lot easier to remember when we bought each one throughout the decades. 

If you’re looking to expand or start a Steiff collection, you should start your browsing at http://www.steiffusa.com/. To find a retailer near you, you can check out the Steiff Store Locator here - I will warn you that this is by no means a full list of retailers, since numerous stores near me carry the Steiff animals but only 5 come up on this list for the entire state of Washington.  You will typically find Steiff animals in high end retail shops and boutiques, but a large selection can even be found at FAO Schwartz and other big retailers as well as online. 

A big thank you to Steiff for sending some adorable plush animals this holiday season.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review - we simply adore Steiff and hope you do, too!

Corolle Dolls Wows this Holiday Season

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide - Day 24

When I was young, my mother and I bonded over dolls.  Whereas I liked reading, arts and crafts and cooking, my mother preferred dancing, music, and writing.  However, we both liked dolls.  I think this is a big part of the reason that every year when I was growing up there was a doll or doll accessory under the tree waiting for me, whether it was homemade or store bought.  Now with a daughter of my own, I am completely thrilled that she adores dolls as much as I once did and am really excited that dolls are something she and I can bond over like my mother and I did all those years ago.

Every year when Christmas rolls around, I think of the magic of finding something from Corolle dolls under the tree and I can’t help but get excited.  I used to dream about what doll or accessory I might find waiting for me and now I get just as excited planning what my daughter will find.  I can’t help but think that this must have been how my mom felt all those years ago and I feel like in some ways we bond all over again as I tell her which doll or accessory we’ll be opening on Christmas morning. 

In looking through the Corolle catalog over the past year, there are some amazing “Wow” presents that would be perfect under the tree this year:

The Corolle three-wheeled jogging stroller.  My daughter has had doll strollers before, but nothing like the Corolle Jogging Stroller.  As soon as she saw it, she squealed with delight and kept exclaiming that it was “just like Mama’s”.  As soon as it was put together, she grabbed onto it and began to run.  And run… and run. 

Anyone who knows my daughter just re-read that past line, because they have probably never, ever seen her run.  Even though she’s incredibly strong, she’s really not naturally athletic and prefers to walk, spin, and skip over jogging any day.  But, once she held onto the Corolle Jogging Stroller, she took off and ran for an amazing 1.7 miles.  Yes, you read that right.  It turns out, my daughter just needed to be motivated by Corolle Dolls in order to enjoy running!  Another “first” with Corolle Dolls!

The Corolle Coquette Blonde.  Speaking of firsts, my daughter is *almost* ready for a doll with hair, which means I will finally be able to get her one of the Miss Corolle dolls I love.  If you’ve got an older girl, I would highly recommend checking out the Miss Corolle line {as well as the Les Cheries line} that are perfect for your growing Corolle fan.  Just think of the hours your daughter would spend brushing and styling the hair of her Corolle and dressing her for school, riding lessons, and a wintery walk. 

The Corolle Cradle.  Quite possibly the cutest doll bed ever, the Corolle Cradle in soft pink is perfect for putting your baby down for a long winter’s nap.  You may remember that a Corolle Doll Bed was our “wow” Christmas present two years ago, and even after 24 months it is still one of the most beloved toys in our house.  When it’s not beautifully storing her Corolle collection, it is set up for her beloved Cora doll {the Bebe Do} with its classic Corolle floral print bedding.

The Corolle Bebe Amour.  This is my daughter’s newest addition to her doll collection.  Her Bebe Amour is named after her, tucked in with her nearly every night, constantly using my son's high chair/bouncy seat/swing, and is lovingly dressed in my daughter’s 3 month old clothing each day.  The size of a real 3 month old baby, the Bebe Amour would be the perfect gift for a new big sister, an older girl who loves baby dolls, and a great way to make your Corolle collection grow with your child.  And, doesn't my little girl look thrilled with her new best friend?

The Corolle Navy Blue & Pink Carriage. When talking “wow” gifts, you would be remiss not to mention the classic Corolle Carriage.  Is there anything more precious than a girl pushing a carriage with a beloved doll?  The Navy Blue & Pink Carriage is the epitome of the classic carriage and would wow just about any girl, regardless of age.  Maybe that's why this classic ride has been top of most little girl’s lists for years. 

The Corolle Bebe Charmeur.  I’ve seen the Corolle Dolls Facebook page discussions and hands-down the crowd goes wild for the Bebe Charmeur every year around the holidays.  If you are looking for the classic Corolle Doll, you don’t need to look any further than this little beauty.  A friend recently opened one of these classic baby dolls for her 2nd birthday and you would not believe the reaction from the party guests as they took turns carrying the baby, still in the box, around lovingly.  Can’t you just picture her leaning against the fireplace or displayed in the Corolle Cradle on Christmas morning?

As you can see from our list, Corolle has classic dolls for every age and stage, and any of their extensive line would be sure to wow this holiday season.  The Corolle brand is amazing in that it provides decades of open-ended and creative play for your little one with its dolls and accessories that grow with your child.  Even as their interests and abilities change, it ensures that whatever doll you choose can be a life-long friend. 

For more WOW gifts, visit corolle.com and take a look at all the goregousness that your little one could open on the big day!

A big thank you to Corolle for sending the jogging stroller for review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Discover the True Spirit of Christmas with World Vision {Review & Giveaway}

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide - Day 21

Are you looking for a holiday present that really touches on the spirit of the season?  World Vision gives you a way for you to surprise everyone on your list with something more than just a present to open on Christmas Day.  By purchasing a two-for-one gift from World Vision, it’s a way to give back and make a real impact in the world but still give the recipient something fun to open as well.

One look through their catalog of gifts and you will find toys, jewelry, holiday items and more to choose from for that special someone.  Whether it’s an acquaintance you don’t know very well, your husband who has it all, or it’s your brand new baby nephew, there’s so many ways to show your recipient how much they mean to you while still maintaining the spirit of giving this Christmas. 

We got a chance to hang the World Vision handmade Zakale wire and bead ornament set on our Christmas tree this year and I couldn’t be more excited.  Besides the fact that they are really festive and fun, I love that they are the ornaments are handmade from recycled materials by a group of Kenyan artisans reclaiming their lives from poverty.  My sister did a mission trip in Kenya when I was young and I remember as a young girl looking through all her beautiful pictures of all the amazing people and places that changed her life and dreaming of one day making it there myself.

As great of gift selection as the World Vision holiday gift catalog has, there are also numerous options for that person who truly does have everything and would rather their gift go entirely towards those who need it most.  Whether you choose a goat and chickens {a goat! For Christmas!} or money for clean water, you know that your contribution will not only make your recipient happy when they open your card telling them how they donated, it will also be fun for you as well.  Who doesn’t want to say you got someone a goat for Christmas?

Want another option to really wow someone this holiday season?  Why not sponsor a child in their name!  What an awesome way to really make a difference and share your love with someone thousands of miles away.  World Vision makes it easy to set up your sponsorship, learn about the child you are helping, and develop a relationship with them.  Besides being an amazing way to give to someone in need, I am excited about what an awesome learning experience it would be for small children to learn about people and cultures from around the world and feel a bond with someone they have never met. 

To learn more about World Vision and how they make a difference in the lives of children and families living in poverty in the U.S. and around the world, please visit http://www.worldvision.org/.  You can also see some amazing ways World Vision is giving back by visiting "The True Spirit of Christmas Tour" Facebook page.

 
One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a handmade ornament set from World Vision!

To Enter: Let me know what you would most like to give from the World Vision Holiday Gift Catalog this year.

And, as always, there are extra entries available!  {Please leave a separate comment for each completed}

1 Extra Entry - Like the True Spirit of Christmas on Facebook

1 Extra Entry - Post on your Facebook wall about the giveaway {http://t.co/amzS84KQ} and tag the True Spirit of Christmas and R&R on Facebook

2 Extra Entries {per method} - Follow Rave & Review! Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter.  Simply tweet the following after following us both:

Give while giving back with the @WorldVisionUSA Holiday Gift Catalog. Enter to #win from @RaveAndReview http://t.co/amzS84KQ #giveaway

2 Extra Entries - Blogger Bonus.  Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post and leave an address where I can find your writeup

1 Extra Entry - Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

On December 16th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. 

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all who entered and congrats to: #46 Erin E who said: Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=160547150713704&id=100000503974042 (Tagged both)

A big thank you to World Vision for offering the giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review.

Corolle Classic Doll Bebe Amour

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide - Day 18

It’s been a few years now since my daughter got her first doll, the Classic Corolle Bebe Do {lovingly named Cora}, and her love for that baby goes beyond anything else in her room or toybox.  In the months since she fell for Cora, she’s been given all sorts of baby accessories and even new Corolle friends and the impact they have made on her is nothing short of amazing.

In fact, in the past few years Corolle Dolls have taught her how to walk, potty trained her, gone with her off to school and prepared her for her biggest role – as a big sister.  This past month my daughter took another big step with Corolle with the addition of the Bebe Amour to her collection, her first life-size baby doll.  Since she took to dolls at such a young age, many of the dolls she has are the smaller Corolle dolls, meant for younger children.  But, because this year has been a big year of growth for my daughter and she has gone from my baby to a full-fledged preschooler that writes her name, helps with chores, and is an amazing big sister, we knew we wanted to get her something else in the Corolle line that was perfect for her age and stage.

The Corolle Bebe Amour was an easy decision for us, partly because our daughter has been carrying around a picture of her in her wallet for months now, and partly because the Bebe Amour is just so incredibly cute.  Just look at her chubby little cheeks, her flair to spare, and her realistic little hands and feet and I dare you not to fall for her.  And, oh boy, did my daughter fall for her.  She loves her so much, in fact, that she named the baby after herself.  Yes, the Bebe Amour is the first doll in her collection to take on her name, which I think is a little girl’s rite of passage. 

Of course, them having the same name leads to a lot of fun as I pretend to get them confused and my daughter inevitably ends up laughing “I’m not the baby doll!”  In my defense, though, it is rather confusing because Bebe Amour is actually wearing the same clothes my daughter wore all those years ago.  The Bebe Amour is the size of a 3 month old baby, which means she can wear all those sentimental baby clothes that I couldn’t bear to part with after my daughter outgrew them.  The 3-6 month clothing has a special significance for me as my daughter wore that size for nearly 9 months, and as you can imagine, we became very attached to all of her wardrobe.

I was always hoping that I could find something special to do with the sentimental  baby clothing and I can’t think of anything more special than her beloved baby doll wearing them as well.  I love that now those clothes will mean just as much to her as she will look back and remember all the time spent lovingly dressing her in her special clothes.  And, I smile every time I see Bebe Amour wearing that special dress my daughter wore to meet her great-grandfather the first time or the hoodie we got in Spain during my daughter’s first international trip.

In addition to putting the sentimental clothing to good use right when I’m collecting up my son’s for storage, there’s also an added bonus in getting the Bebe Amour while my son is still young so that my daughter’s baby doll can enjoy the same baby accessories I use for my son.  For this reason, the Bebe Amour would be my top pick for a child with a sibling on the way.  How cool is it that we can share a bouncy chair, a swing, a playpen, a high chair and my daughter really feels like she’s a little mama using the real baby gear right along with me?

After having been my little helper for the past year, I knew she was ready for her own special baby that she could take care of when I take care of her brother, but even I was surprised by how much she adores her “big girl” doll.  She’s taken to the doll like you would a real baby and she sleeps with her, takes her everywhere with us, and loves to feed, dress, and play with her. 
Yet again, Corolle has been with us through an important stage and we can add this to the list of milestones that have been made more fun with the addition of a best friend from the Corolle line. 

Check out the Corolle website to see all the wonderful holiday presents you could wow your little one with.  From their sweet vanilla-scented dolls to their accessories and classic nursery pieces, the Corolle site has everything a little girl could want.  I know I've said it before, but be sure and like the Corolle Facebook page, too.  Not only does Corolle respond personally to comments and questions, they have amazing monthly giveaways that you can enter right on their page!

A big thank you to Corolle, our favorite doll company, for once again sending us a best friend to love.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.