Zephyr Hill

A Family Blog

Candlewick Press Children’s Book Review & Giveaway

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Just in time for Christmas gift-giving, Candlewick Press has released some new children’s titles featuring favorite characters. We received an assortment of books from Candlewick to review and share with you.

There’s also a giveaway for you to enter at the end of this post!

Two-year-old Mary Kate has had loads of fun with her Frankie’s Food Truck book (2019, 12 pages, Educational Insights with illustrations by Lucia Gaggiotti.  This lift-the-flap board book is full of tasty foods that young children will love to reveal and name. Frankie is an adorable orange tabby, and every day of the week he serves up different treats by shape out of his food truck. Pizza is a triangle, tomatoes are circles and so on. It’s educational and fun and very cute.

In August, Candlewick released a new tale in the Peppa Pig series: Peppa Pig and the Christmas Play (2019, 32 pages). Suitable for reading aloud to ages 2 to 6, it’s a story about Peppa and her class getting ready for a Christmas play that they hope Santa himself will attend. Wendy Wolf is an elf, and Peppa is the Christmas fairy; Suzy Sheep opts to be Christmas nurse, in case someone in the cast gets sick! But the biggest question is, while good St. Nick arrive in time for the show?

Candlewick’s three new Gigantosaurus books, based on the TV series, were a really big hit with my boys. If you need an “introduction” to the characters like we did, start with the hardback Story of Gigantosaurus (2019, 32 pages) which relates the wild adventures of Mazu, Rocky, Bill and Tiny. Great for reading independently or out loud, it’s got vivid, exciting illustrations and even a few laughs.

Next up in the series are two paperback stories, The Lost Egg (2019, 34 pages) and Don’t Cave In (2019, 34 pages). This time around, the four friends are puzzled by a mysterious egg discovery. Not only does Gigantosaurus come barging into this tale, but there’s quite a surprise from the little lost egg! Don’t Cave In delivers a lighthearted scare when Rocky, Tiny, Mazu and Bill are forced to take refuge in a cave inhabited by the fearsome (so they think) Shriekosaurus. You and your children will enjoy unlocking the secrets of the dark cave.

If your young reader is a fan of Peg + Cat, there’s a new Level 1 title called Up a Tree (2019, 32 pages, by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson). We all know that cats are fond of getting stranded in trees, but what happens when the roles are reversed? No worries because Cat is on the ground and ready to help his friend! It’s a cute little story and appropriately crafted for new readers, although we found the illustrations to be on the bland and repetitive side. 

Christmas Shopping at Candlewick is Easy!

One of the best and longest-lasting gifts you can give at Christmas is a book.
To make that easier, Candlewick Press just announced their Friends & Family offer.
⁠Use promo code CANDLEWICK at checkout to get 25% off and FREE shipping

Offers expires 12/31/19

Giveaway: Candlewick Press is giving away the same 6 books that I reviewed today to one lucky winner! Open to US and Canadian residents. Prize will be fulfilled by Candlewick Press and ship in January, due to the holiday rush.

Use the entry form below, and good luck!

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Bebeboo Cloth Diapers: The “Choice” AI2 + a Giveaway

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We’ve tried many styles of cloth diapers over the years, and one of my top picks is the All-in-Two because it’s versatile and user-friendly. Today I’ll introduce you to a work-from-home, mother-owned brand that’s gained popularity in this age of “gray market” diapers for being affordable, adorable and durable: Bebeboo Diapers! 

Owner Thea, who hails from Las Vegas, generously sent us an assortment of Bebeboo products to review; today’s focus is on the Choice AI2 and the Fine Bib.

The print you see below (Romeo’s Song) is a tribute to Thea’s father who was lost to Lymphoma. Music was an important part of his life, and naturally made its way into this lyrical design.

Features: You get a lot with this system for a price point of $17.95:

  • Adjusts to fit babies from 10 to 35 pounds
  • Includes a 5-layer snap-in bamboo insert, which is also adjustable
  • Pocket openings in the front and back
  • Crossover snaps (for a snugger fit at the waist)
  • Hip snaps (to prevent sagging)
  • Lined with soft athletic wicking jersey (poly knit)

Use the snaps on the insert to shorten the length for smaller babies. You can attach the insert at front or back, because there are receiver snaps at both ends.

Performance: I mentioned that an AI2 diaper is versatile and the Bebeboo Choice is no exception. The included insert can be stuffed inside the pocket, snapped in, or just laid in like you would a diaper cover. I tested the diaper all three ways and was happy with the absorbency and fit every time. As is, 10-month-old Camille can wear it 3 hours. Keeping it snapped in is my preference; the diaper basically functions like an “All-in-One” and the insert stays put in the laundry. Couldn’t be easier!

If you opt for stuffing inside the pocket, the insert does agitate out on its own in the wash, so you don’t have to get your hands dirty pulling it out.

Now, the drawback of a thick, absorbent bamboo insert is its dry time. That’s just the way of cloth diapers, though. Lots of thirsty layers mean you can change your baby less frequently….and wait longer for the diaper to come out of the dryer. There are ways around this, like if Bebeboo were to have 2 thin inserts in place of one, but then you’ve got more moving parts in the system. Honestly, I like the way Thea has kept it simple. Longer dry times are not a deal breaker for me.

Fit: The double snaps at the waist assure a neat and tidy fit across the front, which I really like. And if the leg openings are too snug or too loose, you can angle that bottom snap to suit your baby. That third (top) snap you see is designed to prevent wing droop; that’s what happens when a diaper starts to sag downward on an active baby. It doesn’t eliminate it totally (sometimes the bottom of the wings will sneak out a bit) but it certainly does help. Using these extra hips snaps is totally optional, by the way.

Camille is 10 months old and about 18 pounds now, so an average sized baby. The Bebeboo AI2 fits as expected, with 2 more rise settings to go. I see us getting a lot of use from this diaper well into the potty training stage.

Bebeboo Fine Bib: Here’s a practical and affordable way to enjoy some of the new Bebeboo prints, even if you’re maxed out on diapers! For just $7.50 the Fine bib features an easy-to-clean waterproof PUL outer and athletic wicking jersey inner lining. There are two snap settings at the neck and a roomy food catcher pocket.

The only thing I would change about these wonderful bibs is to make the tag a bit smaller, so it wouldn’t distract at all from the print. You can shop Bebeboo bibs here!

What sets Bebeboo Diapers apart from the rest?

  • The choice of materials is very forward-thinking. Bamboo is soft and highly absorbent; athletic wicking jersey is a superior lining material (in my opinion) to the typical fleece or microsuede. And not many inserts are adjustable.
  • Bebeboo colors and fabrics run the gamut and are sure to please just about any aesthetic. Some diaper brands have a “look” and they stick to it, but that can be very confining. Take a look at Bebeboo’s online shop and you’ll see that choices range from classic (Here Comes the Sun) to modern (Nature’s Gold) to whimsical (Arabian Nights).
  • Thea works with a small factory overseas to mutually support another small business. Her limited releases allow more oversight of product quality and result in less production waste.

You can buy with confidence because Bebeboo diapers are tested by a Consumer Product Safety Commission Laboratory. and have passed all relevant CPSIA standards.

I really love Bebeboo’s friendly approachable style, especially to those families that are learning the ropes. “New to cloth?” Thea asks on Instagram, “Let us help!”

Shop Bebeboo cloth diapers today
and check out the 30-day trial program

Use zephyrhill10 to get 10% off your purchase!

Visit Bebeboo Diapers on Facebook, and say “hi” on Instagram!

Giveaway: Enter to win a a shop credit of $25, courtesy of Bebeboo Cloth Diapers! Use the entry form below. Open to residents of US, Canada and Mexico. Good luck!

 

 

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Hint Fruit-Infused Water for Kids + a Giveaway

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Hint water kept me hydrated throughout my last pregnancy; it was a delicious way to enjoy my daily quota. I’m the person who buys bottled water and then never drinks it. Why would I reach for that when there are lovelier things to imbibe like black coffee and kambucha? Just kidding, I don’t drink fermented beverages. But anyway, with Hint in the fridge, I actually wanted to drink water again. The children were mighty jealous that mama had her own special water to drink.

But now Hint has added something new to their product lineup: hint® kids. I wonder if maybe one of my children wrote them an email……?

Founded by Kara Goldin in 2004, Hint Water is a result of her eye-opening search into diet soda ingredients. Kara was drinking 8-10 cans a day, and realized just how much junk was going into her body. After quitting cold turkey and going back to water, Kara decided a new twist on hydration was needed.

Hint contains no sugar, real OR fake. There are no additives, no calories, and no preservatives. The concept is very simple: it’s pure water infused with fruit essences. Hint has taken the popular concept of floating fresh fruit slices in a pitcher of water and conveniently bottled it up for the busy masses. And now we have a lot more choices beyond lemons, limes and berries – how do mango, kiwi and pomegranate sound?

Our family received the variety pack which contains 32 boxes (6.75 ounces each) and 4 flavors (watermelon, cherry, blackberry and apple).

When you think about drink boxes for your children, I bet a sugary beverage comes to mind. Because there just aren’t that many healthy choices on the market.

hint® kids is a healthy treat in a cute package (the cartoon fruit character on the box says “it’s fruity water!”) that’s recognizable to children, and the perfect size for tucking in their lunchbox or backpack. And ALL but one of my nine children love to drink it (her preference is either plain water or a sweet drink – to each his own!). 

Hint water is sourced from multiple US locales and purified through reverse osmosis. Low mineral water is an ideal medium for Hint’s subtle fruit infusions. 

If you have been searching for a more natural and healthy way to stay hydrated, please give Hint a try. And let me know which flavor is your favorite! Mine is a tie between blackberry and pineapple. 🙂

Stock your fridge and get free shipping
on 3 cases of Hint water!

Giveaway: One lucky Zephyr Hill reader will win a case of hint® kids with assorted flavors (watermelon, cherry, blackberry and apple)! This promotion is open to US residents and ends on October 14th. Enter using the form below and good luck!

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Pure Balance Cat Food Review

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I discovered Pure Balance pet food while shopping for a high quality, grain-free option that wasn’t terribly expensive or hard to find. Pure Balance is made and sold exclusively for Walmart – it’s easy to find in stores or online. The top three ingredients in the dry kibble version are US farm-raised turkey, chicken meal and ground peas. It’s also fortified with Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, magnesium, Vitamin E, Taurine and Vitamin C.

We have three cats right now. As far as taste testing goes, our male kittens aren’t very helpful; Lionheart and Loki will eat just about anything. But Juno, our older female cat, gets more finicky every year. She ate both the kibble and the wet varieties with relish.

You’ll probably laugh when you learn how Juno made her way to our home. Leaving the library with my children one day, we were approached by a woman cuddling a tiny brown tabby. “Would you like a kitty?” she pleaded with us. “I have a few already and can’t take another. This little guy was walking the streets and I’m so worried he’ll get hit.”

A shamelessly small amount of arm twisting was required; I’ve rescued many cats over the years and wasn’t going to say no to this one. The children and I gladly accepted the starving, furry hobo and named him Ajax.

But several weeks later, when I jokingly commented that Ajax was gaining weight as fast as I was (my baby was due that November), it turned out NOT to be a joke. Ajax was a girl! Her kittens were born a few weeks later, and just like that I had rescued not one cat, but SIX.

A 3.5 pound bag of Pure Balance is $8.97, or 7 pounds for $14.92. That’s an affordable price for a premium pet food. Plenty of the top brands are over twenty dollars for a 7-pound bag. So whether you’re trying to nourish a hungry rescue cat, or just want to treat your pets to a higher quality diet, definitely give Pure Balance a try.

Pure Balance grain-free formulas contain no corn, wheat or soy. You won’t find any artificial preservatives or flavors, either. Here’s their suggested schedule for introducing Pure Balance into your pet’s diet:

Shop Pure Balance pet food at Walmart.com (free 2 day shipping over $35)
or in stores

SPECIAL COUPON OFFER!

Back to School Educational Toys: a Review & Giveaway

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Imaginative play is such an important part of early learning, so I always make sure to have educational toys on hand for my homeschoolers. My boys especially loves sets that allow you to build and create. Two great examples are Magformers and the science kits from Thames & Kosmos. I’ll share our experiences with these toys, and then you can enter a giveaway from our sponsors!

You can also enter more “Back to School” giveaways in this hop, organized by Review Wire Media and Chatty Patty’s Place. Just look below the entry form for more participating blogs.

Magformers Amazing Sets

Magformers are a magnetic construction toy that offers endless creative possibilities. The newest AMAZING sets allow children to dream about becoming a firefighter, a police officer, and construction worker as they build vehicles and structures.

Perfect for ages 3 and up, the magnetic pieces click together and are both colorful and sturdy. You can create over 50 projects with the follow-along booklet or build your own adventure. Even better, all of the pieces from different Magformer sets can be pooled together for even more fun possibilities. They are a great investment and will last for years! Our children are still playing with Magfomers that we bought over 6 years ago. Magformers Police Set Retail Value: $59.99   

All through August, you can get 40% off the basic Magformer rainbow sets!

Air-Walker

How about a robot that defies gravity? That’s what you get with Air-Walker, a four-legged bot that uses a physics-based system of suction cups and pumps to crawl along smooth, vertical and horizontal surfaces like windows and tables.

Air-Walker is easy to assemble; my boys had theirs up and running in under 20 minutes. The bot worked best on flat tables and our sliding glass door. It can go forward or turn around. However, the boys did have some issues with it going forward on a vertical glass surface; it took some tweaking of the air hoses, but even then there wasn’t much forward momentum.

The included directions guide you through four different models, and will teach your children about suction and air pressure. It’s a great way to reinforce STEAM concepts at home or in the classroom. Air-Walker is geared towards ages 8 and up. Air-Walker Science Kit Retail Value: $39.95

Giveaway: One lucky reader will receive a fun prize assortment from our sponsors, which includes:

  • Glitter Ooze Slime (courtesy of Thames & Kosmos)
  • Rabbit’s Hat Magic Tricks (courtesy of Thomas & Kosmos)
  • Nintendo Switch Wireless Controller and Carrying Case (courtesy of Ematic)

Open to US residents only. Use the entry form below and be sure to enter the other giveaways (listed below) in the hop! Here’s how you can follow our sponsors on Instagram:

Thames & Kosmos
Magformers
Ematic

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Links to More Giveaways!


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