Simply 7 = Simply Heaven [Review]

I grew up in a household where we used healthy ingredients like:

• Carob Powder vs. Chocolate

• Molasses vs. Syrup

• Wheat Flour vs. White Flour

 You get the idea, HEALTHY!

You might think that since I grew up that way, I might have gone the opposite path and started eating "junk food" when I was older.  Luckily, that wasn't the case.  My dear momma set me on a pretty healthy food path that I've continued on (for the most part).

Simply 7 recently sent me some delicious snacks to try and I have to say they are probably our family's new favorite.

Simply 7's Snacks Follow These 7 Rules

• No Trans Fat
• No Artificial Colors or Flavors
• No Preservatives or Additives
• Gluten Free
• All Natural Recipes
• Simple Ingredients
• .........and Simply Delicious

I tried all (11) flavors of their Hummus Chips, Lentil Chips and yes, even Pomegranate Chips and after careful evaluation think they hit the Simple 7 ball out of the park with ALL of them!

Honestly, there wasn't one of them that we didn't like! But if we have to narrow it down............

Our Simply 7 Favorites

Simply 7 - Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Chips

This one was MY personal favorite. A light and crispy chip make from chick peas, with a bold slightly sweet roasted red pepper flavor and nice paprika kick!

Simply 7 - Sea Salt Lentil Chips

Simply 7's Lentil Chips with Sea Salt were my husband's favorite.  This was a nice flavorful chip, great for dipping or just eating alone.  My husband likes basic, no frills flavors, which this was.  Don't let the simple flavor of Sea Salt fool you though, this chip is nowhere close to boring.

White Cheddar Pomegranate Chips

My Toddler's favorite were the Pomegranate Chips that come in White Cheddar, Sea Salt and Black Pepper. Have you ever heard of a Pomegranate Chip? I hadn't until now. It's a surprisingly sweet snack that turns slightly savory with the White Cheddar flavor. Crazy, but good.

Simply 7 = Simply Heaven

Check out the rest of the delicious snacks at Simply 7 HERE!

Don't forget to LIKE Simply 7 on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW them on TWITTER too!

P.S...........................YUM!

Also, be on the lookout for a GIVEAWAY of this delicious product in the near future!

FREE Cookbook from Food & Wine Magazine!

I'm always game for some new recipes!

How about you?

No need to go BUY a new recipe book. Just download this great FREE cookbook by clicking below!

FREEBIE - Working Mother Magazine

Check out this great FREEBIE!

A free 6 issue subscription to Working Mother magazine.

No strings attached and you'll never receive a bill.

This subscription is yours, compliments of StartSampling.com. You don't have to sign up for any of the additional offers on the first page.

Working Mother is the only national magazine that helps moms with careers balance their personal and professional lives.

Gerber Graduates - Printable Coupons $.85 and $1.35 OFF!

My toddler still loves these Gerber Graduates Pouches.

Click the box to get your own printable coupon for $.85 off!

85¢ off when you buy any SIX Gerber® GRADUATES® Grabbers™ Pouches GET COUPON

It's a great way to get some fruits and veggies in them on the go!

........and here's another one for Gerber Graduate snacks

$1.35 off when you buy any FOUR Gerber® Graduates® Snacks GET COUPON

100% Organic for Your Baby? Funkoos All Organic Baby Gear [Review & Giveaway]

Our babies deserve the best, right?

Maybe it's because my mom was a hippy, or maybe it's because my little ones have such sensitive skin, that I tend to lean towards all natural fabric blends in my children's clothing.

Polyester? No thank you.  

Give me 100% Organic Cotton for my little ones clothing, please.

Funkoos, funky name and all offers 100% all Organic Baby Clothes in their online store.

What's the diff' between Organic and Regular Cotton?  

Well, according to the all knowing Wikipedia.org -

        "Regular cotton production uses more chemicals per unit area than 

          any other crop and accounts in total for 16% of the world's pesticides" 

         and on the other hand, organic cotton "eliminates the use of toxic 

          chemicals used in cotton."

I don't know about you, but I'd prefer NOT to have a bunch of pesticides in the products my newborn is wearing!

Polka Dots Short-Sleeve Organic Bodysuit

Funkoos sent me this Polka Dots Short-Sleeve Organic Bodysuit for my baby girl. I have to say that that 100% Organic Cotton really does feel so much softer than the other onesies I have from bigger brand names. 

I love that it's tagless, so there's nothing to rub against the baby's neck, which eliminates irritation. She didn't seem to sweat in this bodysuit, which is a major concern for me living in TEXAS!

One more item to note, which could be a plus or minus, is that the leg openings are especially wide (as you can see in the picture above). Now, for me and my ginormous baby with cute little rolly polly little legs this is a good thing. If you have a petite baby, maybe not so great.

More of our Favorites from Funkoos

"Messy But Fun" Organic Baby Boy Bib

Funkoos Girls Stripes Tee and Denim Jeans Set

Trucks Short-Sleeve Organic Bodysuit|Newborn Boy

Next time you have a baby gift to purchase or decide you want to keep your little one's clothing all-natural and organic, remember to check out the cool stuff at Funkoos!

Keep in touch with Funkoos by FOLLOWING them on FACEBOOK, TWITTER and GOOGLE +

ENTER to WIN 

Your choice of either Trucks or Polka Dot Bodysuit 

($23.99 value)

• Complete Rafflecopter Entry Form below to win!
• Ends September 14th, 2012

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. The products used to facilitate this review were given to me free of cost by the company for evaluation.  However, all opinions are 100% my own and were not influenced by the complimentary product received.

Breakfast Shakes with SILK Almond Milk - $1.00 Printable Coupon

I like to make breakfast shakes.

It's an easy way to get some good protein down the old gullet without having to stop to scoop spoons of cereal into my mouth, or rather onto the floor when my toddler is pulling at me.

When my mom was visiting recently after Baby O. arrived last month, she made me some shakes with almond milk instead of regular milk - DELISH!

 

Here's a coupon for $1.00 off Silk Almond Milk if you want to try it yourself!

Blogger Opportunity: FREE $200 Dollar Fall Giveaway Event

ATTENTION Fellow Bloggers:

Here's some info on a fun Giveaway Event that you can be a part of!

Jenn's Blah Blah Blog, Diva Fabulosa and Simply Shawn & Jenn are bringing you an awesome FREE Blogger Opportunity!

They will be giving away $200, in their Have it your way event! How will this work? Whatever the winner wants, the winner will get! Kindle Fire, PayPal Cash, Amazing, Wal-Mart, Target! Who cares, they get just what they want!

Blogger get FREE Facebook link with the option to purchase additional links! Jenn's Blah Blah Blog had a giveaway just like this called the Sizzling Summer Giveaway that was fabulous, so were going to bring it back over and over and over again! This time Simply Shawn & Jenn has decided to join in the fun to celebrate reaching over 10K fans!

About the event:

• Prize: Whatever you want up to $200 (shipping included) Do you want a Kindle Fire? Maybe an iPod, hummm maybe gift card to Target, oh wait Paypal cash? We don't care we want you to have it your way! So let the games begin, and let's have some fun with this one!
• Event will run from Sept 20th until Oct 20th.
• Free Facebook
• Additional likes $2
• Daily Votes $3
• Co-host spots $10. (with this you will receive your blog mentioned all blogs posts, FREE Facebook, and FREE Twitter! If you choose this please be sure to add your links in the assigned spots on the form below)

You can sign up for this event, HERE

Sounds like FUN - I'm in!

Printable coupon for Kellogs Fiber Plus Bars

Is it strange that I actually ENJOY a fiber product?

Click below to print out your own coupon for these TASTY Fiber Plus bars

Free Your Hands with Balboa Baby Adjustable Sling [Review & Giveaway]

Sleep, is my number one wish for my newborn right now.

With an 18 month old sister, running around shrieking for joy, I can't blame Baby O. for having a hard time getting to sleep most days.

Balboa Baby has given me at least a few extra peaceful moments in the past few weeks (thank you).

Balboa Baby - Adjustable Sling - Lime Poppy

The Adjustable Sling by Balboa Baby is a great option to free up your hands and provide your infant with a cozy embrace much like being in the womb. 

My newborn is having trouble settling into a good sleep, and when I put her in the sling, she calms down very quickly. 

There are a few different positions you can put your baby in, depending on your preference:

Carrier Style

 

Cuddle Style

Cradle Style

Photos courtesy of balboababy.com

As with any baby wearing product, It's very important to follow the directions and warnings very specifically for using the sling - as the baby can fall into a dangerous position that can inhibit breathing if used incorrectly. 

When wearing Baby O. in the sling, it gives me better ability to connect with my toddler since I can reach out and use my hands, play with toys, help her color, and even give her a funny little side hug.

Me & Baby O. in the Balboa Baby Adjustable Sling

Why Choose Balboa Baby - Adjustable Sling?

• Product endorsed by Dr. Sears
• Contemporary fabrics and design
• One size, designed to grow with your baby
• Can be used during breastfeeding
• Machine washable

FOLLOW THEM 

• Balboa Baby on Facebook
• Balboa Baby on Twitter
  

BUY IT

Balboa Baby - Adjustable Sling  

(available in 10 beautiful patterns)

WIN IT

Enter to Win Your Choice of Balboa Baby Adjustable Sling

 

(Retail Value $60)

• Complete Rafflecopter Entry Form Below to Win (only 1 mandatory FB "LIKE" to enter)

• Giveaway ends: September 5th, 2012

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: This was not a paid post. The products used to facilitate this review were given to me free of cost by the company.  However, all opinions are 100% my own and were not influenced by the complimentary product received.

 

PeppyParents - Price Match Guarantee on Baby Gear [Review]

Since, our exciting event last month (the birth of our second little girl), we've been talking about infant products that we're excited about here at McKinney Mommas.

Baby O's grandparents live in Idaho and California, and we're in Texas.  Needless to say, traveling is in our future if we want Baby O. to see her relatives with any regularity.  Naturally, my mind starts to wander to airline car seats, pack and plays, and travel strollers. 

PeppyParents.com is a great website, started by a mom and dad team after a few not-so-perfect experiences in baby gear stores.  I'm sure you've also experienced what they did, where employees didn't have through knowledge of the products they were selling and you were left guessing yourself.

Each year, PeppyParents test, evaluate and research tons of baby strollers and gear to find the best products for their customers.  They also pride themselves on offering great customer service!

One product I found at PeppyParents that will be great for our upcoming travels is the Phil & Teds Nest - portable baby bed.

Phil & Teds - Nest

I wish I would have had this portable bed when I traveled with my oldest daughter, now 18 months.  We always had to build a make-shift sleeping area when visiting relatives. The Nest by Phil & Teds is a perfect alternative to makeshift infant sleeping areas during travel and is made for newborns up to 9 months.

Some great features of this bed is that that it folds flat in seconds, and sets up in the same amount of time.  For traveling, it comes with its own carry bag that you can stow in overhead luggage lockers on the airplane.

Photo courtesy of: philandteds.com

PROS / CONS

Pros

• Can be carried on an airplane
• Quick set up and disassemble
• Comes with a breathable mesh zipper top for outdoor use against bugs and sun
• Carry bag has an extra roomy zippered pocket for tons of baby gear
• Clean, modern design

Cons

• Hard to clean - Baby O. spit up the first time on the "mattress" pad and I realized there was no removable sheet present.
• Sheets are sold separately

Buy It at PeppyParents

Phil & Teds Nest 

baby bed and gear all in one!

- FREE SHIPPING included

- Delivers in 1-5 days after PeppyParents ships it

- Price Match GUARANTEE

*Disclosure: This was not a paid post. The products used to facilitate this review were given to me free of cost by the company.  However, all opinions are 100% my own and were not influenced by the complimentary product received.

$1.00 off Kraft Singles and Oscar Mayer Deli Meats - Printable Coupons

Are your kiddos back at school?

That means many of you are packing daily LUNCHES!

Here are some printable coupons to help you save on your grocery budget this week:

$1.00 OFF Kraft Singles

$1.00 OFF Oscar Mayer Deli Meats

ENJOY!

Haribo Gold-Bear Summer Facebook Challenge - Win PRIZES!

Here's a fun SUMMER Facebook Challenge hosted by Haribo..............

STEP ONE: Go to the Haribo USA Facebook page and print out the Gold-Bear

STEP TWO: Take photos of you and the Haribo Gold-Bear while you're out on the town, in a grocery store, etc.

STEP THREE: Upload your photos for your chance to WIN COOL PRIZES!!

GOOD LUCK!

Schylling Toys - Classic Toys for Skill Building - Review & Giveaway - ends 8/31

My family was very musical growing up.

We all took piano lessons, I played the saxophone, my brother the trumpet, sister the flute and little brother the drums.

It's important now that I have my own children, that they are introduced to music and instruments at an early age, as it develops their creativity and self esteem.

I found a cool little toy that does just that, and in a playful exciting way!

The Ambi One Man Band by Schylling, gives young children (12+ months) the opportunity to learn key sounds and the beginning components of music while playing to their heart's content. This toy is truly a one man band with a whistle, bell, drum, and ratchet sound for your child to discover.  

Schylling is a toy company I came across in my search for classic toys for my children.  I love that this company has some history to it, was founded 30 years ago by a Harvard grad and still strives to create toys that aren't "trendy" and complicated, rather ones that encourage creativity and imaginative play.

Ambi Toys from Schylling is a line of preschool toys that was designed to match specific developmental levels and skills based on research.  Their toys are all come in bright and basic colors, good for both boys and girls (Shhh...don't tell anyone, but I'm SO not into pink toys even though I have two girls).

Meet some of our Favorites from Ambi Toys 

Ambi Rub A Dub Tub

My 18 month old loves this bath toy!  I had been searching for a boat of some kind that also had a learning element to it for the bathtub and couldn't find anything I liked before finding this.  The Rub A Dub Tub has three cute little figures that are hidden in the boat until the water fills up and pops the toys up to the surface.

I have to say, my little one spent more time trying to fish these little guys out of their holes when it was on "dry land" than when it was floating in the bathtub. So this toy is a win/win in my book!

Ambi Oscar Octopus

The Oscar Octopus is a great toy for both infants and toddlers. It's a rattle, teether and spinning top all in one.  My newborn loves the colorful arms of the Octopus, and the sound it makes.  While my toddler likes the challenge of trying to use it as a spinning top.

Ambi Sunflower Rattle

Ambi Rattle Keys

Ambi Toys also has some great infant rattles available, the Key Rattle and Sunflower Rattle are both perfect for beginning eye-hand coordination and recognizing colors and sounds for my infant.  At only 4 weeks, Baby O. is already reaching for and holding the Sunflower Rattle, starting to enjoy the sounds she can make by moving the rattle back and forth.

Baby O. and her Ambi Toys Sunflower Rattle

So, the next time you're on a quest to find classic toys that meet your child's developmental needs, look no further than Ambi Toys by Schylling. Don't forget to follow them on Facebook and Twitter too!

"Toys don’t have to talk to you, and you don’t need a computer to play with them. The best toys don’t even need electricity! They are powered by hand and imagination."

  - Jack Schylling

BUY IT

• Ambi One Man Band by Schylling - 12+ months
• Ambi Rub A Dub Tub by Schylling - 24+ months
• Ambi Oscar Octopus by Schylling - 3+ months
• Ambi Sunflower Rattle by Schylling - 6+ months
• Ambi Rattle Keys by Schylling - 3+ months

WIN IT

A BIG Ambi Toys PRIZE PACKAGE from Schylling Toys

including ALL (5) of the toys mentioned in the review!

 Retail Value $60.00

• Entry deadline:  August 31, 2012
• Complete Rafflecopter Form below to enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

*Disclosure: This was not a paid post. The products used to facilitate this review were given to me free of cost by the company or PR representative.  However, all opinions are 100% my own and were not influenced by the complimentary product received.

Famous Footwear - Printable Coupon 15% off

Kids going back to school? 

Save some money on SHOES with these printable coupons for 15% off!

20% off

Wordless Wednesday

Oh, the joys of SUMMERTIME!

Hullablalu - Eclectic Stuffed Animals - Launching October 1st

I have two nieces and three nephews....

that means at least five birthday gifts and five Christmas gifts per year.

Instead of making 10 shopping trips to the toy store, I prefer to shop online for the kids gifts.

Hullabalu is a SUPER fun website that has a great and eclectic selection of stuffed animals that you can't find in traditional stores and each have an exciting storyline too!

They launch on October 1st, plus you can earn points and credits towards FREE shipping and products for referring your friends and family to shop there.

So, check it out and mark your calendars for October 1st!

*Disclosure: This was not a paid post. The products used to facilitate this review were given to me free of cost by the company.  However, all opinions are 100% my own and were not influenced by the complimentary product received.

NOVICA - Unique Gifts from Artisans Across the World - Review & Giveaway - Ends 8/31

Tired of shopping for the same old boring gifts, at the same old boring stores?

I've been an admirer of NOVICA from afar for the past few years.  A shop that offers a huge variety of handmade gifts from artisans around the world.

Ever since my trip around the world when I was in college, I love to give and receive unique gifts from all corners of the earth.  

There's just something extra special knowing that the gift you've chosen for a friend or family member came to them after a long journey, from the small shop of an artisan on the beaches of Bali or high up in the mountains of the Andes.

After having my second, and final child last month, I wanted something to commemorate the birth and start of our (finally complete) family of four.  I was excited to find that NOVICA had a number of beautiful wood family sculptures from West Africa, Bali, Java and the Andes.

I chose this gorgeous piece from Made Wirata, a 33 year old artisan from Bali who learned his trade from his father and uncle at a young age.  Carving these sculptures has given Wirata the opportunity to pay for his education in Bali. Now, that's a cause I'm all about supporting!

This wood sculpture "Family Scene" is now proudly displayed on my mantle.  It was packaged perfectly and shipped with absolutely no damage all the way from Bali!  It was much larger than I expected, as I guess I didn't look at the dimensions carefully, but perfect for my high mantle and high ceilings.

I am so excited to finally have a beautiful piece of art sculpture that will surely be passed down in my family as a keepsake.  Someday one of my kids will proudly display it in their home too!
 

NOVICA also has a wonderful selection of silver jewelry and wrap bracelets. So, the next time you're looking for a birthday gift for your mother or sister, browse NOVICA before you go anywhere else.

Here are some of my favorites from their collection:

Leather wrap bracelet, 'Autumn Leaf'

Handcrafted in Indonesia

 

Sterling silver filigree earrings, 'Remembrance'

Handcrafted in Bali

Opal cocktail ring, 'Sky Temple'

Handcrafted in Peru

NOVICA also has a cool program called NOVICA Live where you can host parties in your home, and have samples of their products from around the world to show your friends and family that are available for purchase. I can't think of a better way to shop, earn a little money, and also support the artistic ventures of artisans worldwide!

Hey, you could even WIN a trip to Bali by hosting parties and earning points! 

I'm in.

ENTER TO WIN

Prize: $50 Gift Certificate to NOVICA
Deadline: 8/31/12
To Enter: Complete Rafflecopter form below

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
*Disclosure: This was not a paid post. The products used to facilitate this review were given to me free of cost by the company.  However, all opinions are 100% my own and were not influenced by the complimentary product received. As I am under no obligation to post a positive review if I feel it is not warranted.