Giveaway: BreathableBaby's New Momspiration Swaddle

Earlier this spring while attending Mom 2.0 in Pasadena I stopped by BreathableBaby's table where I learned about their safe bedding as well as a special contest they were running to submit advice to new moms for inclusion on an upcoming swaddle design. It didn't take me long to think of advice - I quickly wrote it down on the slip and handed it over. 

Grayson and His superMOPI

Disclosure: I received a complimentary superMOPI for review purposes; all opinions expressed are my own.

If you've followed me on social media for some time there's probably something you've noticed about my 3 year old son, Grayson: he stays living his best life. From his Michael Jackson re-enactments to being his big sister Virginia's best dancing partner ever (remember this?), he is one of the happiest kids I've ever met. 

When superMOPI reached out to us during our recent cold snap here in Boston to see if Grayson would be interested in giving the bike a try, I gave a resounding yes! We get a bit stir crazy inside the house and one quick glance at the awesomeness of superMopi, and I knew Grayson would love it. 

I was right!

How to Decrease Screen Time with a Reading Nook

The month of January flew by and one of the things we've been committed to as a family now more than ever is reading more books. With the recent data about kids and screen time plus as someone who works in a world of screens, it's important for me to have time that we all pull away from our devices. 

My kids have a strict screen time rule: we are screen free on school nights. Their schools have some screen time, which is fine, but otherwise from TVs to tablets, the children don't use them during the week. It's been a struggle at times and my 7 year old being older is good at reinforcing it with her 3 year old brother, but this holiday when we took down our Christmas tree and were left with a gaping space I decided it would be perfect for a cozy reading nook as an alternative to screen time.

Celebrating National Women’s Small Business Month with zulily

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of zulily; all opinions expressed are my own. 

Running Harlem Lovebirds as well as my own small business has made me a champion of fellow entrepreneurs and when zulily reached out to me highlighting their efforts to celebrate National Women's Small Business Month I was excited to join in!

Win It!: Looking Good with EasyKicks

Disclosure: I received a complimentary subscription to EasyKicks to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 

We've had a bit of a dilemma in our household: teaching my 6 year old Nia to tie her shoes. We've been working on it since Kindergarten, and I've troubleshooted showing her different methods (I still remember my mom showing me how to "make two bunny ears!"). When EasyKicks reached out to me about their subscription service for kids' growing feet, I looked at their stylish options and thought that it might just be the motivation for Nia to finally figure out how to tie her shoes. 

Introducing zulily's 4th Trimester Closet Concierge

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of zulily; all opinions expressed are my own.

Lately I've been having thoughts about my pre-baby body and while I'm extremely thankful for my two little people, I'm in awe that my body's gone through in the past 7 years! I've learned how to dress in a way that covers up my "most changed" areas and I've become pretty good at it but when zulily reached out to me about their new 4th Trimester Closet Concierge service I was excited to learn more. 

Save the Date: Polarn O. Pyret's March 2nd Sample Sale

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post on behalf of Polarn O. Pyret. All opinions expressed are my own. 

If there's one thing that makes me excited about preparing for the seasons changing it's the chance to snag amazing deals on kids' clothing and this Thursday, March 2 Polarn O. Pyret is having their sample sale in my old stomping grounds of New Hampshire:

Polarn O. Pyret's clothing is a great fit for our family because it's durable, gender neutral and has such whimsy patterns that I don't have to fight with my kids to get into! It's a win-win all around. 

And of course I couldn't sign-off without a throwback of Grayson in Polarn O. Pyret (and me too!):

Be sure to follow Polarn O. Pyret on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more fashion fun and the latest news on their sales and special offers.

 
 

$100 Holiday Giveaway from WaterWipes

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by WaterWipes as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

When I was pregnant with Grayson I remember how people annoyingly loved sharing their thoughts on the differences between having boys and girls with me. One of the biggest differences was concerning the reported difficulty potty training boys. As a result, I kind of dreaded what was to come with potty training Grayson especially after Nia's experience being so easy. Well in the past year we've come a long way (remember how he was removing his diaper last December?) and now we're at the point that when we're home he prefers to be diaper-free and has woken up dry from a nap. I know we're in the home stretch of potty training, but that doesn't mean we don't have accidents though - and they doesn't always come in the form of potty training challenges! 

Tis the Season for Swimming with Frogglez

Disclosure: I received a sample to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own.

Growing up I remember hearing the term, "soccer mom" and often wondered if I'd end up being one. I played soccer for only one season as a kid and my own mom was more of a "track and field mom" given the unfair amazing talent of my younger siblings, two of whom went to college on athletic scholarships. There's one sport that both my kids have been doing a solid 2 years now and I'm realizing my position is finally being solidified: I'm a swim mom.

Zutano Cuteness on Cyber Monday

Disclosure: I received clothing to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 

I'm back with more Cyber Monday awesomeness cause there's just too many good deals to share! Zutano's been adding extra cuteness to my children's wardrobes for many years now and this season is no exception (remember Grayson in his fuzzy bear suit???).

Score Name Brand Fashion Finds at Kids for Less

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Kids for Less. All opinions expressed are my own.

Each season there's one truth that resonates with me as I consider my children's wardrobe: they grow too fast! Nia and Grayson both inherited their father's height (he's 6'8"), and while it's easier to ignore the crazy growth of their legs in the spring and summer months, by the time we hit fall and need long pants those pesky jeans genes smack me right in the face. 

Keeping Track of Things with Minted Labels

Disclosure: I received complimentary labels from Minted to facilitate this post; all opinions expressed are my own. 

 

Little did I know just a few months ago that we'd be in a complete upheaval suddenly moving from Portsmouth, NH to Boston, MA in about a month's notice. Although it's only about an hour's drive apart, as new home owners it's been quite the transition and that's included getting acclimated to Nia's new school.

Build Your Baby's Fall Wardrobe with Carter's

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Carter's; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Just because fall is fast approaching doesn't mean we're slowing down up here in New England! Grayson is fully embracing all the excitement of being 2 years old and when we're out and about exploring Portsmouth people always comment, "Wow, he seems like a lot of fun!" Truer words have never been spoken.

Clean Out with Polarn O. Pyret & thredUP

Disclosure: I received a gift card from Polarn O. Pyret to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 

We are a family of secondhand clothing, and we're proud of it! It's a thrifty tip I watched my mom use for me and my three siblings growing up and now with the online store thredUP I'm sure it's something my mom would've used had it existed. This Earth Day Polarn O. Pyret, the Swedish children's clothing brand, has teamed up with thredUP creating special mailers so you can receive credit when you shop. Polarn O. Pyret's clothing is very sturdy - out of all of the leggings Nia owns theirs last the longest - and with their bright colors and playful, gender-neutral prints it's a brand that gets fantastic resale value on thredUP. 

Never used thredUP? Here's all you have to do:

On the Go with Robeez Shoes

Disclosure: I received a complimentary pair of Robeez to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own.

In Grayson's last fashion post did you see those adorable shoes he had on?  They're Robeez. Our first Robeez experience was a hand-me-down pair from a friend and I purchased our second pair from a flash sale site - I instantly became a fan!

Grayson's Happiest in His Doodle Pants

Disclosure: I received complimentary Doodle Pants to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 

As Grayson nears 2 years old (he just turned 21 months on Sunday - GAH!), I'm remembering how opinionated that age is, and lately he's getting plenty of practice! We were recently introduced to Doodle Pants, a New England-based company which makes the most adorable leggings for babies and toddlers. These aren't regular leggings - they have bright motifs full of personality that your little one will be excited to wear (and you might wish they were in your size too!). When Grayson received his Blue Alligator Doodle Pants I held them up to show him the back, and he immediately started growling - that's his automatic sound for any animal lately!

Zutano's New Hallo Velo Print Wins for Fall!

Disclosure: I received a sample from Zutano to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 

Zutano never fails! I shared a teaser when they sent over an ensemble based on their Hallo Velo print for Grayson, and when my best friend Julie visited over the weekend I knew it was the perfect time to break it out for our visit to Applecrest Farm. When we arrived at the farm I saw a notification pop up on my phone that there would be a freeze warning so naturally that was my queue to put Grayson in his Charcoal Waffle Cozie Baby Shaggy Cap!

The Hallo Velo print is a playful mix of bicycles with brightly colored wheels which pair nicely with the gray neutrals of the cozy Charcoal Waffle Cozie Baby Booties and Reversible Vest. Layering in multiple texture is one of my favorite things about fall fashion, and I like that Grayson gets in on the action with the waffle print along with the furry hat plus the brightly colored Pagoda Baby Pants which add a bit of cheer on dreary days. 

When we rolled up to the apple cider donut line I let Grayson out of his stroller and I let him roam amongst the pumpkins. It was his first time in a "pumpkin patch," and he didn't want to leave it!

Over the years I've appreciated how Zutano's clothing holds up in the wash especially their vibrant colors! Temperatures are now in the 30s in the evenings here in New Hampshire (might dip down to the 20s tonight!), and as we're sorting through clothing from last season Zutano's pieces are ones that I hold onto in case I have more kids to pass down to friends. 

At 15 months Grayson is in between the 12 and 18 month sizes so we had to roll up his pants a little bit! 

He tries his best to keep up with his sister so when she found the cutest little table and chairs he finally broke away from the pumpkins to join her:

Wanna see my lil guy in action? Here's a quick clip of him toddling around:

Thank you to our friends at Zutano for helping keep Grayson fashionable this fall season! 

Would you love to see your lil one in Zutano? Head over to their website and sign up or their newsletter for the latest news on their sales and new, fun prints! Also, be sure to follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

 

Fab Discount on the Quinny Zapp Xtra!

Disclosure: I received a sample to facilitate this post; all opinions expressed are my own.

Do you remember when I trekked over to giggle in Soho from Jersey City on a rainy weekend morning to stand in line for a few hours for a Quinny Yezz? Well, it was totally worth it! Two years later our Yezz is still going strong especially thanks to the awesome customer service of Quinny who quickly replaced it for us just a few months in after an airline ruined it. 

Just this month Quinny announced that their super stylish Quinny Zapp Xtra is newly discounted at select retailers for $299 instead of the regular $349.99. Quinny is known for their functional style and the Zapp Xtra definitely lives up to that! Here's why it's such an amazing stroller:

• Lightweight: At only 18 pounds and with its signature swivel wheels, the Zapp Xtra is easy to maneuver
• So compact: It can fold down even with the seat attached
• Multiple positions: Allows your little one to be placed in 3 forward or 2 backward positions including the ability to recline
• Grows with your child: The Zapp Xtra is compatible with a Maxi-Cosi car seat making it a complete travel system! 

The retailers for this sale include Albee Baby, PishPosh Baby, BuyBuy Baby and more and you can visit the Quinny website to find the retailer closer to you. 

Be sure to follow Quinny on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest product news! 
 
 

Keeping My Family Sun Safe with The Vision Council

Disclosure: I was provided promotional items from The Vision Council to facilitate this post; all opinions expressed are my own.

Right before I left for my Caribbean cruise I was invited to participate in The Vision Council's webinar sharing their annual report on the importance of sun safety for your eyes. If you've been a reader for a while you know my health history with discoid lupus and the role that sun safety plays in my family. Last year I also participated in the Vision Council's webinar and the Nicole Miller sunglasses I received are still going strong and even came along with me on my cruise (a milestone achievement since I'm historically *the* worst at keeping sunglasses!). 

This sunny season now that we're in New England somehow the sun seems stronger up here. Sure, we've had plenty of gloomy days, but when the sun is finally out, boy is it blinding! During the webinar with Dora Adamopolous, OD I was surprised to learn that 1 in 4 people don't wear sunglasses...at all. I have a pair in the diaper bag ready to put on at all times and despite gloomy days, I've learned that the UV rays can be even more damaging in the winter than the summer especially due to snow blindness, something we were definitely at risk of this past harsh winter. 

While sunglasses are mostly viewed as a fashion accessory - I'm loving the pair of BCBG Daring in Nude I received for this post - they're a necessity just like a seatbelt even for your children. One issue I've struggled with is keeping them on my little ones. While Nia at almost 5 years old doesn't have a problem keeping on the Polaroid sunglasses she received from The Vision Council, little Grayson at 11 months old just wants to rip his sunglasses off. He has a pair with a velcro strap, but he just wants to suck them! Instead I put him in a sun-safe hat which he also tries to yank off, but I keep his shade extended on his stroller as well as his car seat plus I have an extra sun-guard on his window in the car. 

Check out this handy infographic from the Vision Council's findings (click to enlarge):

If you're interested in learning more about the Vision Council please visit their website where you can view the full annual report and don't forget that National Sunglasses Day is June 27 (also Grayson's 1st birthday!).

Does your little ones keep sunglasses on? Any tips or tricks to share?  

Summer Tot Style with Zutano (and a $75 Giveaway!)

Disclosure: I received product to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own.

And just like that the sun is finally coming out here in New Hampshire and those awful snowy days feel far behind us! We're celebrating warmer weather with Zutano this season and while their Fury Baby Zipper Suit was too adorable on Grayson, we've now packed it away and are breaking out these toddler-worthy outfits they recently sent over:

We still get a chill in the air from time to time up here so I especially like the graphic tees and fun prints for layering. An extra bonus? They're reversible! We've been wearing Zutano since Nia was a toddler, and the pieces keep so well over the years and wash up nicely without fading. Zutano's commitment to style and quality is the best and they're definitely hand-me-down worthy. 

Who says boy clothes aren't exciting? With Zutano's quirky Mighty Dog print offset with the Periwinkle Multistripe Pants and Baby Booties your little one will be the most stylish tot on the playground. Every time I step out with Grayson dressed head to toe in Zutano I get asked where his outfit is from - it's definitely a conversation starter! 

I've also shared the importance of sun safety before on the blog and Zutano makes it easy and stylish for little ones to stay sun-safe with their Baby Sun Hat which comes in a variety of playful colors and patterns. Grayson tries to pull it off from time to time, but I think it's because he just doesn't realize how cute he looks in it!

Would you like to dress your little one in Zutano this season? Well they've generously offered to give one Harlem Lovebirds' reader the chance to win a $75 gift card! The giveaway starts today Thursday, June 4 and ends on Wednesday, June 10 with the winner announced on Thursday, June 11 (open to U.S. residents only). 

Just enter below via Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck!