Wow! So what does one say when a long, long journey, many hours of hard work, and lots of sweat and tears comes to something physical? For me this was a labor of love, for you this is a new way to preserve your favorite recipes – and to complete my job.

When a coloring book artist creates line art that is intended to be colored by someone else, it takes a long time to get it just right.  We need to use our imaginations to recreate mentally what someone else might want to do with it, what is best to add in, and what is best left out. Sometimes we’ll even decide to ditch a page and leave it out of the book, replacing it with a new creation made from scratch.

Even when it’s ready to publish, proofs are ordered, corrections made, more proofs ordered.

So when the book is finally approved, and I hold my copy in my hand, I taste victory.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

A new way to preserve your favorite recipes:

A while ago, a subscriber suggested that I create a recipe book that can be colored in. I thought it would be cooler to have a journal where you can fill in your own recipes.

I hit a problem: Everyone has different needs. So I decided to create a digital book that can be printed as needed. But I also wanted to have a print version, ready and bound, that follows more of a journal format than a binder. So I decided to work it out.

I ended up placing ten recipe card pages in each recipe type section, and five in the less popular section. Each page has space for two recipes. The recipe card designs repeat about five times (see more page count information below) so that you can play around with it. This way, I was able to keep the price affordable while offering plenty of space to add recipes. 

Most of the recipe card designs are open-ended enough to play around with – you’ll enjoy coloring them multiple times. 

You’re going to end up with a beautiful recipe journal to preserve your favorite recipes, that will be a keepsake your children will enjoy after you.

Features of the color-in recipe journal:

Some important numbers:

• 25 unique page designs to color including:
• 15 unique recipe card styles (repeated a few times to give you enough space between categories.)
• 9 unique category/divider pages that are fun to color even if you don’t plan to journal.
• 1 cover design repeated inside the book as well so that you can color it in.
• 92 total color-able pages.
• 164 total recipe card slots
• 2 recipes on a page.
• 100% hand-drawn by me and vectorized for sharpness.

More cool features:

• Divider/category pages have blank backs to avoid bleeding (so you can use wet media such as markers).
• Recipe card pages are back-to-back to give you more space (color with dry media such as pencils) 
• Extra page(s) at the back can be pulled out to use between pages when using wet media.
• Beautiful, glossy cover.
• Space to fill in your own bio right below mine so that you can truly present this as collaborative work!
• Page size: 8.5×11 inches (letter size.)

You can see a full walk-through of the book below:

 

Some more cool ways to use this to preserve your favorite recipes:

You don’t need to just use it as is! Here are some fun ideas:

1. Pass it around at a bridal shower for guests to fill in and (optional) color recipes for the bride.
2. Gut it, remove the pages, and add it to a binder on your own.
3. Color in the cover as well using permanent markers! I purposely left the line art intact so that you can do this.
4. Color in the divider pages, remove them from the book, frame them and make a gallery wall in your kitchen!
5. Color in the divider pages and a recipe card for each divider. Create a bulletin board/gallery with the titles of your recipe for easy menu planning.

I truly hope you enjoy this new way to preserve your favorite recipes and give it a try! 

Get the color-in recipe journal:

Print version:   Amazon   |   Createspace   

Digital version:   Learn more   |   Gumroad   |   Etsy

The post Preserve Your Favorite Recipes with the Color-in Recipe Journal appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love giving photo gifts – they are so much more meaningful! But sometimes I want to go beyond a framed photo. These six unique ways to gift photos do just that!

Of course, if you’re going to go for a framed photo, get a cool frame. Here’s a little tip: try to find out what the recipient’s decor looks like and match that style! That way, not only might it fit right in, but regardless, the recipient is more likely to love it.

Otherwise, these ways to gift photos offer a unique slant that has the same meaning and personal feel as gifting an actual framed photo.

A favorite place for gifting photos:

Fujifilm is opening their first Wonder Photo Shop in North America right here in NYC! This beautiful boutique is a fun stop, whether you are passing by, touring, or spending an afternoon in the city.

6 unique ways to gift photos:

1. Photo gifts:

Go beyond a framed photo with something more functional! You can get pillows, mugs, throws, or mounted gallery photos.

2. A photo shop date:

If it’s for a loved one, call it a date. If it’s for a friend, call it a girls’ night out. Either way, the Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop in NYC is more than just a place to print photos! You can print together, craft together, take photos together, and allow a budget for a take-home gift. That way, you’re giving an experience along with the gift! Bonus points if you provide babysitting…

3. Give the camera:

If the recipient doesn’t have a camera, that can be a perfect gift. Even if he does have one, you can give a unique option. The Fujifilm Instax camera is perfect for this! You get instant photos reminiscent of your childhood, and perfect for crafting with. I’ve been having so much fun taking unique photos of my new little prince. It’s a great change from the smartphone photos, and something to proudly and instantly display on the fridge.

This brings me to…

4. DIY

You know I’m all about the DIY…

Create something beautiful with your Instax photos. It can be as simple as mounting the photos on magnet, or making a mini garland with some clothespins and baker’s twine. Or, you can go all-out and attend a craft workshop at the Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop, and learn to make something truly unique. They have a selection of DIY supplies for you to test and try for free.

5. A homemade photo craft kit:

If your recipient likes to craft herself, you can put together the supplies for a photo craft in a pretty gift box. Make sure to include instructions and printed photos (or a gift card to print her own.)

6. Fresh skills:

Does he love taking his own photos but have room to improve? Gift a photography class – it’s sure to be appreciated!

About the new Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop in NYC:

Visit this beautiful boutique for an amazing interactive experience! You can attend workshops, purchase beautiful frames, print photos instantly, get unique photo gifts, check out the Instax and other Fujifilm lines of products, and more!

The shop is located in the Flatiron district of Manhattan which is accessible via the New York subway system.

The Wonder Photo Shop is a great place to relax a little on a busy day in the city. You can lounge around a little and unwind with a craft class and enjoy a small break. Get instant photos of your day out to take home too! And, of course, you can get those photos off your phone once and for all.

The Wonder Photo Shop is charming and fun just to be in! You’ll find great ideas to gift photos, and some real DIY crush while visiting.

Connect:

Learn more about the Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop  | Follow along with Wonder Photo Shop NYC on Facebook

Which unique ideas do you have to gift photos? Comment below!

The post 6 Unique Ways to Gift Photos appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Playtime is serious business for your toddler. Whilst your toddler is having fun playing a game or interacting with a toy they are also developing important skills. Whilst they sit and play with building blocks they are strengthening their fine motor skills and escaping into a world of make-believe with a toy telephone is an excellent prompt to get their creative juices flowing.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

Toys are an essential part of your toddlers day, but how do you decide which toys to buy when you are overwhelmed with so much choice? Over at Learning Toy Guide, we do the research for you. Sorting through the many products available, leaving you with just a few of the best toys to choose between. All you need to do is read through our handy toy guides and choose the best ones for your toddler.

We are delighted to have been invited over to Moms and Crafters to share our Essential List of Toys for Toddlers.

8 Essential Toys for Toddlers

Wooden Building Blocks

A staple toy for any toddler’s toy box. Hours of play is guaranteed as your toddler escapes into a world of imaginative play building up towers and then knocking them down again.

Stacking Toys

Stacking up cups or rings provides an excellent introduction to learning about different sizes and sorting them from biggest to smallest for your toddler, whilst working on hand-eye coordination.

Dressing Up Clothes

Stowing away a few of your families old clothes and accessories into a box or purchasing a few simple dressing up outfits makes for a great rainy day activity to not only entertain, but also build imaginations and important social skills.

Threading Toy

Threading cotton reels or beads onto a chunky piece of thread is great for determined toddlers to build hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.

Shape Sorter

Having fun dropping shapes into the bucket and then through the shape sorting lid is the perfect activity for a naturally inquisitive toddler. Excellent for working on good hand-eye coordination and early identification of shapes.

Musical Instruments

Singing along to the beat of a drum or bashing out a tune on a mini keyboard is the perfect introduction to music and rhythm and a great way to work out those toddler frustrations.

Peg Puzzles

Inviting your toddler to take out the individual pieces and the match them back up again provides them with a fun challenge that not only gets them thinking, but also works on strengthening their pincer grip ready for picking up a pencil.

Pop Up Toy

Pushing, turning, sliding and pressing the buttons on a poplar pop up toy is sure to make your toddler gasp and giggle with delight as they play and give their fine motor skills as excellent work out at the same time.

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For more information about what toys to buy for your toddler, ideas for different ways to play with them and learn more about the benefits of playing with toys, pop over and see us at Learning Toy Guide.

What are your must-have toys for toddlers? Comment below!

The post 8 Essential Toys for Toddlers appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

When my baby was born, I went straight to my sister and asked her which diapers she used. I stuck with one brand for a while, until it disappointed me. I tried a few new brands. I’ve discovered many things along the way, and here are some tips and feedback.

This is technically a separate section of my baby registry guide, dedicated only to diapers.

5 Tips for finding the best diapers for your baby:

1. Start with smaller packages in case you don’t like a brand.
2. Find out if you can order samples from a specific brand. (Read: 21 Freebies for Moms)
3. Fit is a huge factor. Keep in mind that each child is different, boys will be different from girls, and things can change as your child grows.
4. You don’t need to have one favorite! You might prefer one for night, one for day, one for play…
5. Cheaper doesn’t always save you more if you need to change more frequently or wash more clothing.

The best natural diapers:

Natural diapers are disposable diapers that simply contain fewer chemicals. M has sensitive skin, so we’ve gone with these a few times. They cost more but are better for your baby and for the environment, if you can afford it.

• The Honest Company – It is my all-time favorite brand and I buy it when I can. Their prints are adorable and the quality is great, even for a water-guzzling toddler overnight! It’s not very cheap, but you can save with a subscription. You can easily cancel your subscription if you need, or adjust the date your next package arrives. If you don’t like subscriptions you can purchase by the package.
• Parasol – This new brand of natural diapers is getting rave reviews. It seems to be taking things up a notch and a  higher end product. You can order a free trial packet and see if it’s for you.
• 7th Generation – I’ve used these a few times and they are great as well.

The best diapers from big brands:

The major brands you grew up on or you’re used to hearing can be great options too. Amazon tends to have good deals, especially for Amazon Family members (you can get a free trial), with discounts for subscribing and digital coupons you can clip. I’ve gotten samples of these in baby registry bags and by contacting the brand.

• Huggies – A top brand, the quality on Huggies never failed me. My exact line preference changed along with my babies and their needs as they developed.
• Pampers – These do well as far as “big brand diapers” are concerned. The quality is fantastic, and the fit great. As far as which line is concerned: once again I find that that really changed along with my baby. It’s the brand I was able to rely on.
• Luvs – This is far from my favorite and I’m listing it here for the sake of balancing my feedback. I found it to be too plastic-y on the outside and less breathable. I know some people who enjoy it, and it’s cheaper than most others, but I’d recommend you try it before you buy – either by asking a friend for a sample, or by reaching out to the brand.

The best diapers from store brands and private labels:

Private labels don’t need to mean bad. I haven’t tried that many, but here’s what I’ve learned from what I did try. Since these are mainly available on the store’s channels, it’s harder to find samples, coupons, and discounts such as the Amazon Family one. However, since the retailer is “closer to the source”, pricing tends to be competitive.

• Up & Up (Target) – I’ve used these a lot for good reason. The quality is great. Not as good as my top brands but great nontheless. Their prices are among the most competitive. If you sign up for a Red Card (go for the debit if you don’t want another credit card) you get 5% off all your purchases and free shipping. They have frequent sales, Target Cartwheel offers, and gift card deals going on with their diapers (including big label diapers) and since their store brand diaper’s prices start pretty low, the bottom line is very affordable. (On size 5 and 6 I tend to pay in the 16-17 cents/diaper range)
• Kirkland (Costco) – The quality is also good but the pricing not as competitive as other store brands. We’ve ended up just buying Huggies when purchasing at Costco, but the quality is definitely good enough.
• Parent’s Choice (Walmart) – I purchased this once, and it really was not my favorite. If you’re really looking to save as much as you can, these can work but I personally found them to be leaky and not the best quality.

5 tips for helping you save on baby diapers:

1. Subscribe and save – many websites, including The Honest Company, Target, and Amazon give you the option to subscribe and receive diapers regularly for a discount. If you know that you are brand-loyal and will stay on top of sizing, this is a great way to save.
2. Credit/debit cards – some brands (such as Target’s Red Card) offer a discount if you use their credit card. Save on gas as well by not needing to drive out to buy diapers with free shipping offers.
3. Try before you buy – order samples (brands such as The Honest Company and Parasol offer sample packs – just pay shipping)  OR buy singles off a friend. Sometimes you can even reach out to a brand for a sample or two. This way you know you like it before you stock up and end up with diapers you won’t use.
4. Scour for coupons – Target has a coupon center, plus their Cartwheel app with frequent discounts on their store brand. You can find regular coupons for some of the big labels on coupons.com.
5. Buy in bulk –  Buying larger size packages can DEFINITELY allow you to save, as long as you’re on top of sizing. Babies don’t outgrow diapers overnight, so usually you’ll notice you’re getting close and still be able to finish the size. Some stores (read: Target) have discounts for buying more than one box too.

What are the best diapers in your opinion – which do you use? Which brands do you like, dislike, have what to share about? Any tips on saving, or finding the right one? Join the discussion and comment below!

The post The Best Diapers: Which diapers to choose for a new baby appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Not long ago, I was forced to throw out my old other-brand coffee maker due to infestation. Let’s just say that instant coffee is okay – but just okay! I like my single serve freshly brewed cup of Joe, made just right!

Disclaimer: Before I start, I just want you to be aware that I did receive a product sample with the expectation that I’ll share a review here on my site. That being said, I rarely do reviews and only do this with products that I really believe in. Even so, I give you a thorough breakdown and try to be as objective as possible, so that you can make an educated decision. 

This post contains affiliate links.

The iCoffee Opus is an affordable single serve coffee maker. It has a sleek black finish and serves you just the cup you want.

First, in honor of this review, I created a free printable coffee sign for you. Click on the image below to be taken to the download page.

The iCoffee Opus looks great with this printable sign I made for you! Print it out, frame it, and hang it above your iCoffee Opus – it will look perfect together, and really complete your breakfast nook.

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Now back to the iCoffee Opus review. Here is the rundown….

Features of the iCoffee Opus:

• “Dial-a-brew” allows you to choose the cup size that you want in .5 oz. increments. 
• Choose from 4 oz. to 12 oz. cup sizes.
• Large 75 oz. water reservoir.
• Bonus: comes with an iCup reusable cup.
• Comes with a sampler pack of cups too.
• Spinbrew technology steams, spins and stirs the contents of the K-style cup to prevent an acidic aftertaste
• Works with basically every brand of k-style cup, including private label brands. 
• Removable drip tray (so you can fit a larger mug).
• Features energy saver modes, and auto-shutoff that you can control.

Alright, enough with the details!

Here is the rundown of what I thought about the iCoffee Opus…

What I loved about the iCoffee Opus:

• Small footprint, sleek design: with a tiny apartment to deal with, I simply don’t have the space for another huge appliance on my counter top. The iCoffee Opus measures 13 1/8  x 10  x 13 1/8 inches, Which is smaller than similar models that have large water reservoirs. I also appreciate the sleek, modern design of the machine. That’s what inspired me to incorporate it into my decor with a free printable. 

• Spinbrew technology means better taste: this is iCoffee’s specialty: a technology that spins the grounds in the cup, so that you have a smoother taste, and less bitter aftertaste. I’m not the biggest coffee expert, but I did notice that my coffee tasted great, with no acidic aftertaste. 

• Speed of brew: Because of the large water tank, you can brew a few cups in a few minutes. My previous  machine required you to put in a new cup of water, and brew the entire cup. Here, once the water in the tank was heated, it took me under a minute to brew a new cup! That means, that if a few family members are using it, they can make it one after the other without wasting too much time in between.

• Flexible cup sizes – including the physical cup! Coffee is a very individual thing, which is the inspiration behind single-serve coffee makers. That does not just include brew strengths and flavors, but also cup sizes! The iCoffee Opus is virtually dummy-proof when it comes to cup size and operation. A simple turn of the dial changes the brew size. Also, you can fit your favorite travel mug, because the drip tray is removable! Note, that when in use, the drip tray does stay in place nicely.

• Flexibility with brands: One of the key things that pulled me toward the iCoffee Opus is the flexibility it offers with which cups you use. You can use any brand – including their reusable options! I am VERY keen on reusable cups, and only use disposable ones on occasion. So, this was actually a huge drawback that prevented me from replacing my previous brewer. The iCoffee Opus allows you to use their reusable k-cup, included, which can save you lots more on the upkeep costs!

Things I didn’t love as much: 

In an effort to provide you with a well-rounded review, I always share my complete thoughts. However, I want to make it clear, that I would recommend this machine without hesitation. You can continue on to the section of this review titled “the bottom line about the iCoffee Opus review” to read the review round-up and why I think it’s worth buying.

Meanwhile, here are a few things the educated consumer should now before buying:

• Only their reusable cups work: Considering that reusable coffee pods are my favorite feature of the iCoffee Opus, it’s worth mentioning that only their reusable cups work with it. And their cups aren’t among the cheapest. However, a little more research taught me that this is because of the SpinBrew technology, that can’t work with the way other reusable k-cups are made. For me, the consolation is that the coffee maker comes with a free one. So, you DO have instant access to this amazing feature regardless. In homes where many people make coffee consecutively, you may want to invest in another cup or two (you’ll still save, as K-cups are expensive! It’ll just take a few more cups to break even on the investment.)
• Blue LED: Before I even start, I’ll be honest and share that this is DEFINITELY a matter of taste. But I did find the blue LED lights to be a bit much. I’m sure that some of you will find that to be a cool feature, but for me, it just made my coffee look not as good while coming out…

The bottom line about the iCoffee Opus review:

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! 

The iCoffee Opus offers far greater usability than similarly priced models from other brands. Even if you need to invest in more reusable pods, you’ll be saving in the long run, in comparison to purchasing a running supply of disposable k-cups. 

I personally will be sticking to the single cup, as I’m the only coffee drinker here. Regardless, if you don’t want to invest in more, and you have a few drinkers, a quick rinse usually makes it available again for immediate reuse.

I absolutely love this machine, and I find it easy and convenient to use. You get lots of bang for your buck, and I’d definitely give it five stars on value, function, and ease-of-use.

Loved this iCoffee Opus review? Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or check out their website here. 

You can also purchase the iCoffee Opus on Amazon here. 

Got any questions? Did I miss something in this iCoffee Opus review? Comment below and I will answer as soon as possible!

The post iCoffee Opus Review + free printable coffee art! appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Pregnancy is a blessing that can come with lots of discomfort. Read these practical tips for a more comfortable pregnancy so that it’s as great a time as it can be.

When I first became pregnant, my mom gave me the book “What to Expect When You’re Expecting“.

It’s the book the doctor gave her, that she used as a reference for some of her children.

It’s the long-running book on the New York Times Bestseller list, and for good reason! The advice inside are practical, middle-of-the-road, and very easy to skim. Pregnant women have many questions, with new ones arising each time around. This book had all the information I needed throughout my pregnancy, and I used it as my “bible”.

I decided to share my favorite tips for a more comfortable pregnancy, mostly derived from the book, and many reinforced by my own experiences.

5 Tips for a more comfortable pregnancy:

1. If you’re feeling so nauseous and sick that you can’t function, or if you are afraid of the labor pains, consider complementary and alternative medicine, such as Acupressure to help you through. Make sure you go to someone who is an expert and knowledgeable in obstetrics and to discuss it with your OB-GYN in advance to make sure you’re getting it in a way that’s safe for your baby.

2. If you’re feeling like pregnancy is taking a toll on your skin, and you’re experiencing more breakouts than usual, it may be time to change your skin-care routine! Here’s the regimen recommended in the book “What to Expect When you’re Expecting” that I followed as well:  Wash twice daily with a gentle cleanser. Moisturize using an oil-free moisturizer each time you wash. Look for “non-comedogenic” products. Drink well and choose a diet that is good for  your skin.

3. If heartburn is ruining your day, there are small things you can do to help! This is the pregnancy symptom I felt the strongest. Some tips include: noticing what triggers your heartburn, eating small and frequent meals, eating them SLOWLY, and relax. Also, drink between meals rather than during meals, wear loose clothing, and pop some Tums.

These simple tips, along with some more advice from the book really carried me through it. I personally also found that lying down on my left side helped a lot.

4. If you find yourself worrying about everything, have a great resource to refer to! For me, it was “What to Expect When you’re Expecting“. The worries of motherhood start early, and this book has an easy-to-use index to help you find the solution to every problem. I also read it cover-to-cover a number of times while I was pregnant with M, just for the information.

I love knowing that I have a book that is recommended by doctors to refer to, and it’s reassured me many times.

5. If you need the bathroom every five minutes, you’re just like every other pregnant woman! I know that’s not too encouraging, but don’t cut back on your water intake, as your body needs it. And, go as soon as you need to.

We made sure to take local trips during that time, and went to places with decent facilities. It really doesn’t need to slow you down!

And it doesn’t just stop at having a more comfortable pregnancy.

The book is full of information on what you can, can’t, and should eat, how you can exercise, what stages your fetus is developing at, and more. It literally answers all of your questions, and is full of answers to questions asked by fellow moms.

The What to Expect series continues on with “What to Expect the First Year“, which I’ve read multiple times as well. It kept me informed, and made my pediatrician visits much more productive. I knew what was expected at each age, and therefore knew what to ask the doctor, how to approach it, and even how to deal with the most common minor illnesses on my own.

Now, I am working my way through “What to Expect the Second Year“. It is guiding me with the milestones at the beginning of toddlerhood – ones that you didn’t even know existed. I learned to applaud my child when he first pointed to his nose and belly on his own, when he first took off his shirt, when he first completed an action I told him to. It really takes the guesswork out of so many aspects of parenting this challenging time.

The What to Expect series is a must-have for every expectant and new mom. I know I am a better mom because of it, as it took out so much of the guesswork! Plus, I had a more comfortable pregnancy because of it – and even recognized the signs of labor because of the What to Expect When You’re Expecting book. (Did you know that when your water breaks it does NOT necessarily come out in a gush? Sometimes it’s a trickle, as it was by me. I would have though of it as pregnancy-related incontinence but recognized it as the sign that my waters broke thanks to this amazing book!)

It’s no surprise that What to Expect When You’re Expecting has had over six hundred record-breaking weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list. It is timeless, and trusted by moms and doctors for many years. Learn more or purchase the books here. 

What are your tips and tricks for a more comfortable pregnancy? Did your mom, midwife, or doctor also give you this book to read?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

The post 5 Tips for a more comfortable pregnancy appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I am going to be working this review differently from previous ones, as an experiment. Instead of outlining feature, pros, and cons separately, I will be going over the various aspects and discussing what I liked or didn’t like about each one, separately. This review is pretty long, so I’ve split it clearly into various points and written in bold important points, so that you can skim and read the parts you want to.

In addition to this review, there is a giveaway at the end for a gift card to Incredibundles! So scroll to the bottom to enter to win one for yourself.

About Incredibundles:

Incredibundles offers various gift bundles for babies and young children. Instead of shopping around and throwing together a “bundled” gift package, they do the work for you.

The concept is brilliant, and a favorite of mine. I usually prefer to give baby (and birthday) gifts that include a few smaller items, rather than a single larger item, so that I can cover smaller essentials that others might not. It also allows you to give a gift on a theme (such a a favorite show) without scampering around looking for products.

In addition, because you can purchase according to a particular final price point, it takes out guesswork, and can ultimately save you time and money. It’s also a great option if you want to ship a bundled gift directly to the recipient. Plus, it allows you to buy items that are already loved by parents, eliminating the need for research.

Incredibundles Review: Selection

While most of the products focus on babies (that is the theme of the brand) Incredibundles does also carry some products appropriate beyond the newborn stage.

While they do have limited choices within each category, the categories are diverse. They range from diaper bundles in various sizes, and bath essentials, to fun toys and books.

Within each category, you have various price ranges to choose from. For example, if you’re looking at the book bundles, they have selections from $49 (for a bundle of six books) to $245 for a year of books (30 diverse popular books).

The only “character” assortment they really have is Sesame Street, which works for us as it’s my son’s favorite. I think it would be fun to see more popular characters featured in their own bundles. Incredibundles does have some themed book bundles (such as the Dr. Seuss), of which the larger ones also come with a plush character.

I also love that you can “build your own bundle” and choose what you want inside. I did find the selection there to be smaller, but it’s a great alternative if you want to tweak what you see and customize it.

Incredibundles Review: Fulfillment

The products I ordered came quickly and efficiently (literally within days). Ordering was easy and straightforward, and shipping is free for bundles $49 and over.

When I received the bundle, they accidentally sent the wrong bundle (something they said rarely happens, and I’ll take their word for it.) They were very efficient and professional with correcting it. When I review a brand I always wish I had a chance to tell you what happens when something goes wrong (as it happens to everyone), as that is a huge part of what determines how I like a product. I don’t often have the chance, but in this case I can assure you that they are prompt, courteous and take good care of their customers!

Incredibundles Review: Packaging

Wow! That is all…

Okay, I’ll give you more details. The products are bundled into a simply branded box that doubles as a storage box. It is the most ingenious thing I have seen!

I mentioned above that I am a huge fan of bundling gifts, right? Well, one of my favorite ways to give a gift bundle is in a functional package. Incredibundles sends theirs in a sturdy coated cardboard storage box, that snaps and folds compact. And the size is perfect ! The “medium” sized box that I received fits right onto my changing table shelves, and fits stacks of diapers, wipes, spare changing pad covers, and other essentials. The outside of the box is a simple alphabet print that looks great.

The box is simply branded, and has finishing touches, such as a ribbon and tissue paper, to help make it ready for gifting.

The listing description clearly states what size you’ll receive, so keep that in mind!

Incredibundles Review: Inside the bundle

Here’s the part you’ve been waiting for!

Sesame Street Bundle: I chose this fun bundle because M loves Elmo. Mind you, he says “Elmo” and still won’t say “Mommy”. He can even say “Big Bird” (or “Beebo”) and won’t say Mommy yet… But that’s a different story.

The Deluxe bundle that I received included 3 plush characters (Elmo, Ernie, and Big Bird) a huge book, a DVD and a CD. That is a great, diverse assortment. The quality of the products are great and M loves the characters. It would have been cool to be able to choose which (as he loves Elmo and doesn’t know Ernie that well). But then, again, you do know what you’re getting in advance, which is a great perk of Incredibundles.

From the media products included, the book is my favorite. It is a very large, hardcover, high quality book. I know it will be a favorite of his. (Update: it is!)

In summary: It was a nice, varied assortment that my son loves. While some I could have done without, and would have preferred other products instead, they are all very much loved. I could have done the “build a bundle” option, but it’s worth it for me to be able to have one that’s pre-made, knowing what’s inside before purchasing.

Dr. Seuss Bundle: This is officially a “book bundle” but the Dr. Seuss Bundle does come with a plush Horton too. It comes with all the most popular titles, including: The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who, Green Eggs and Ham and more. All the titles are listed in the link above.

I do love this bundle – it is a great asset for building a child’s library. The advantage of a book bundle is that it’s less hit or miss. A child can never have too many books, and this is a great, easy way to jump start that.

Incredibundles Review: Bundle Value

Sesame Street Bundle Deluxe: Cost: $99

• Each plush as a value of approximately $20 x 3 = $60
• DVD: $12.98
• CD: $11.99
• Book $9.99
• Don’t forget the box!

Considering that it includes the service, and free shipping, the value is very fair.

Dr. Seuss Book Bundle Deluxe: Cost $149

The 9 books run between $5-$10 on average (they are all hardcover, and some are larger). The plush is a very high quality weighted plush. I couldn’t find the exact product online to compare value, but I’ve found similar but smaller ones in the $35 range. It also comes with an informative booklet, plus the medium box (which is quite large). The value, again, if you consider the service, shipping, and packaging is fair.

In conclusion:

Incredibundles is a very efficient, convenient service that creates themed baby gift bundles. While their pricing is fair, don’t shop there to get a bargain. Shop there to get a beautiful, thoughtful gift that is helpful, and can last for the first few years of life.

You’ll get great service, a convenient, streamlined shopping experience and a lovely thank you card later from the recipient.

Do you have any questions or comments about my Incredibundles review? Comment below!

Update (2/8/16): Now until Valentine’s Day create your own bundle with 20% off! Use code LOVEU. 

Enter to win!

Enter to win a $50 Incredibundles gift card using the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway is open to residents of the Continental US only. Giveaway runs from June 7-June 14.
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Disclaimer: Moms & Crafters received products free of charge to facilitate this review. Nevertheless, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. The giveaway is coordinated and run entirely by Incredibundles. They are responsible for selecting the winner and prize fulfillment. Good luck!

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Graco Pack n Play Jetsetter reviewis unique in comparison to the rest of the Pack ‘n Play line from Graco. The look is streamlined, and so are the features. Instead of packing in every feature possible, it includes just a few key conveniences. The result is a much easier option for on the go, but a great solution for at home too.

Key Features of the Graco Pack n Play Playard Jetsetter:

• Weight: 17.5 lb
• Colors: Fern (pictured) and Sunshine
• For children less than 35 inches tall
• Bassinet for babies up to 15 lbs
• Dimensions: 26.9 x 10.5 x 10.4 inches
• Folds easily, even with the bassinet attached. Legs fold inward too.
• Features a removable domed canopy that snaps on

• Features a cozy removable bassinet
• Features a diaper changing pad that can clip on, and has multiple storage pockets.

• Storage bag with pockets, and backpack straps
• Two levels of vibration (removable) on the bassinet

What I love about the Graco Pack n Play Jetsetter:

This playard is much more compact and portable than most. The unique shape allows it to fit in between a much smaller space between beds at my parents’ house. It also folds smaller.

The shape also makes it harder for my toddler to climb out.

The large, visible buttons make it easy to fold, without help.

The padded mattress is very comfortable. This makes more than usable for extended visits. We used it for over a week, and my fussy toddler slept very well.

The backpack-style straps on the carrying case is my husband’s favorite feature! When he loads up the car for our visits, the hands-free carry saves him a trip.

The diaper changing pad is a feature that I do NOT have use for now. However, this adds a lot of functionality for use of this at home with an infant. We used a playard for M until he was about five or six months old. Having the options of a built-in changing pad, with storage for nearby supplies, both at home and while on the go, makes things so much easier.

This brings me to the bassinet… I love what the tapered sides do for the bassinet. It makes it much smaller, and more infant-sized. The mattress is tucked into the sides so that it’s firmer in place. The playard folds with the bassinet intact.

The bassinet attaches with an easy-to-use zipper. The zipper is covered with a velcro closure, making it more secure, and hiding it from curious eyes.

If I were to choose one “unnecessary splurge” on a playard, it would be vibrations. M loved them when he was little (he had them only on his bouncer) and it’s a great way to soothe an infant! The Jetsetter has two levels of vibration for the bassinet.

Finally, my favorite feature of all time is the canopy. It is easy to install and remove. While it’s not the best option for toddlers (M didn’t let me close it and then took it right off), it’s perfect for infants.

The darkening shade allows infants to relax better. It has large, open mesh areas so that you don’t need to worry in the least about airflow.

One Drawback:

The one drawback of the Graco Pack n Play Jetsetter is the fact that you can’t fit all the accessories in with it. The bassinet folds in with the playard, however the canopy and the diaper changer were stowed in the outside pockets, making it a bit bulky. That being said, I normally wouldn’t bring all the accessories along. I just wanted to photograph it in use at my parents’ house 🙂

In conclusion:

If you’re looking for a sturdy and beautiful playard, the Jetsetter should be an obvious choice. It has just the features you need to make it great both for on-the-go and for an alternative to a cradle or bassinet for an infant. I love how Graco streamlined it without stripping it of the handy “extra” features that make me a huge fan of the brand.

Get it on Amazon   |   Like Graco on Facebook 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Moms & Crafters received a sample product free of charge to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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For those of you who don’t know yet, I am very into car seat safety, ever since our little scare a year ago.  Our tall boy was about to outgrow rear facing in our old convertible, and he was only just approaching eighteen months. The AAP recommends toddlers to rear face AT LEAST until age two, or until they outgrow the maximum height and weight on the car seat.

When Graco contacted me to review their Milestone All-In-One car seat with Safety Surround, I was delighted. I will be offering my review based on two factors: 1. Car seat safety and the usability in accordance with the rules, and 2. convenience of features.

About the Graco Milestone All-in-One Car Seat with Safety Surround:

This car seat is intended to be good for most babies from birth, until they are ready for a backless booster. It is designed to be comfortable for baby, while providing utmost protection. Here are some features:

• Rear-facing infant car seat from 5–40 lb, and while head is at least 1 inch below the red handle.
• Forward-facing 5-point harness seat from 20–65 lb and 27″-49″
• High-back belt-positioning booster from 30-100 lb and 38″-57″
• Features Safety Surround™ Side Impact Technology
• 4 position recline
• Removable cup holder
• Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System for changing back height and harness position.
• InRight™ LATCH system for vehicles that are LATCH enabled
• Certified for use on airplanes when used with the 5 point harness.
• Expires 10 years after manufacture.

What I love: 

This car seat is a far cry from any other I’ve had in ease of use.  It’s super-simple to adjust the back and the harness using the red handle by the head. . This makes it more convenient, and also more likely that the harness height well be properly adjusted when baby grows, giving it a few points in the safety category.

The multiple recline positions means that even while rear facing M can go to sleep or sit up and see the world. All along the car seat are clear stickers with visible instructions (in both English and Spanish) to make safe installation more likely.

It’s easy to adjust between recline positions, using another red handle, again making a safe install more likely.

The Safety Surround design offers side impact protection. Our accident a year ago was a side-impact crash, so this feature is a definite must for me. I also love the extra head support and comfort it provides M with.

The (removable) cushion as well provides extra comfort. We often travel two hours to visit my parents in New Jersey. With traffic it can take three or more hours, and it usually overlaps with M’s nap or bed time. Having a comfortable seat that he can sleep in is a major bonus for us, and will make the trip much more doable.

It was easy to readjust the position of the bottom half of the buckle, but not too easy. I don’t mind this, as it’s something that only needs to get done occasionally. You need to lift the entire seat pad, but from there, you don’t need to do major threading.

Tightening the harness is very easy – you simply pull on the strap at the bottom. Loosening it is much harder (you need to remove the seat pad). This, to me is an advantage, as it helps discourage using a bulky coat in the winter, which is unsafe. It takes the same effort as re positioning the bottom half of the harness, which is only done on occasion, when the child really grows.

It has a built-in, removable cup holder – yay! That is such a simple and basic feature that we have been sorely missing.

What I didn’t love: 

On the first two tries I had a really hard time opening the chest clip. I was deliberating if this is an issue or not, as my tot loves opening buckles. I could just get a seat belt cutter (an essential for every car regardless) and be glad he won’t open this one. Then I tried again a third time. This time I tilted it slightly so that the front was facing upward. It slid right open. That means that in a pinch, I will not have trouble getting my baby out, but hopefully he will have a hard time figuring it out.

The bottom line: 

I love it, and so does M. I tried to take a photo to show how happy he was, but he wouldn’t stop dancing around in it…

We will be using it on our upcoming trip to my parents and can’t wait for our first big ride in a comfy car seat. 


I would highly recommend it, and would definitely buy it if I were on the market. The buckle issue had me scared at first, but I can see that Graco has really made it easier (I am speaking as a customer of various brand car seat recalls). It’s not easy to get a safe install in general, and this car seat makes it easy.

Bonus tip: Always read the car seat manual cover to cover. It contains valuable, potentially life-saving car seat safety information, and is one of the best ways to educate yourself.

Milestone All-in-One Car Seat   |   Graco Facebook   |   Graco Twitter

Disclaimer: I received a free sample in order to facilitate this review. No monetary compensation was received. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. I only review and endorse products I think highly of. This post contains affiliate links.

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Baby Bjorn has long been a leader in baby carriers, and their new generation adds extra features and versatility, expanding the usability for the toddler stage.

Why a baby carrier is a must when traveling with toddlers: When we traveled with my baby when he was three months old, there was no way we would have managed without a baby carrier! Now, with a restless sixteen month old, I don’t anticipate it to be any easier.

He WILL want to be held. A lot. And he will try wriggling out of our arms to crawl around the germy airport. Our stroller can help, however we will definitely enjoy loading it with all our carry-on baggage, and having our hands a bit freer. Not only that, but we will likely not have our stroller available for the few hours stopover in Russia, judging from previous experiences. So, for us, a baby carrier is a must.

Finding a baby carrier for toddlers is a challenge. Since the nurturing of baby-wearing is mostly targeted toward the infant years, all the compact and comfortable carriers seem to be targeted toward that. The others are bulky, metal-structured hiking backpacks that will be a pain to schlep along.

The Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier One features four carrying positions that take you from newborn to three years old. It’s a soft carrier, that’s ergonomic and structured, and built to be simple to use.

Features of the Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier One:

• Total age range: 0-3 years
• Total weight range: 8-33 lb or 3.5-15 kg
• Outward facing: from 5 months – 26 lb
• Four positions: newborn inward facing, toddler inward facing, outward facing, and back carrier.
• Available in cotton mix and mesh
• Available in five color themes
• Machine washable
• Made from taste-safe and skin safe materials.
• Roll it up and secure with the strap for portability.
• Change between newborn and baby/toddler with a zipper – no inserts required.
• Satin textured waistband allows it to glide smoothly from front to back.
• Switch between spread legs and dangling (for forward facing) with a simple zipper
• Fasteners narrow leg openings for newborns

The truth is, the Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier One is full of features, and I’ll discuss it a little more below…

My favorite features, thoughts, and critiques:

When I put my baby inward facing, he did not like it. I think that’s been the case for a while, and is totally normal, as toddlers do not like to be to contained. When I switched him around to back-carrier, he started giggling and loved it! Which toddler doesn’t love a piggy-back ride?

I am somewhat weak, with a bad back, and I did not find this too difficult to carry around. I’m sure hours and hours would not please my back, but we do plan for my husband to step in here. Overall, it is very ergonomic, with the wide, supportive waistband.

The Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier One is built for independence. It’s made so that you can place your baby in on your own, and then switch it to back carrier. The satin-lined waistband allows it to glide smoothly, and shows that Baby Bjorn had functionality in mind when creating each detail.

In addition to that, the various belts and buckles – both the ones that open the carrier to insert the baby, and the ones that offer shoulder support, are made sturdy, and easy to use. Those, and the waistband buckle click into place so you know you’ve closed it securely.

Everything is adjustable so that the fit is perfect. They are easy to adjust on your own, allowing for independence when using this baby carrier. Once again, in the theme of attention to detail, the waist straps have loops to secure them into place so that they don’t dangle.

One of the main upgrades of the Baby Carrier One over the previous generation is that it has baby’s hip development in mind, lowering the risk of hip dysplasia caused by baby carriers.  That being said, the outward facing position does require the zippers to be open (and legs dangling.) Since it’s not recommended before five months (the most important time in for hip development), that is not a critical flaw. In addition, I do find this to be the case with any baby carrier. In general, outward facing is NOT recommended for extended periods. I do appreciate how easy it is to switch the leg position using the zippers.

Speaking of zippers, Baby Bjorn totally eliminated the need for a newborn insert by allowing the position to be switched using a simple zipper:

And finally, they’ve included built-in instructions in the form of two long soft tags, that roll up nicely into a tiny little pocket.

I found it easy to use after simply watching their instructional video below once:

A few critiques: There are a couple of things that do bother me about it. Firstly, I find that the fabric on the cotton mix does attract lots of lint. I do appreciate, though, that it’s machine washable, however you might want to go for the mesh option if this will bother you.

Second, I find the infant head support hard to fold down for carrying a toddler. It only stays in place after some prying. As a back carrier, this does not matter to me, as it provides more back support for him. As an outward facing carrier, this will likely annoy, however, because of the hip dysplasia issue, we will likely use it like that very infrequently.

Overall, this is a great functional baby carrier, perfect for making a flight with a toddler easier! We will likely be rolling it up and stowing it in the basket of our stroller for our day trips too, as it’s compact, and will be convenient for when our toddler wants to be held.

Connect with Baby Bjorn:

Website   |   Facebook   |   Twitter   |   Purchase the Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier One

Disclaimer: I received the product(s) mentioned above to facilitate this honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I was not paid to endorse it. This post contains affiliate links.

Follow along with the Traveling with Toddlers series by clicking on the image below:

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