Zephyr Hill

A Family Blog

Carson Dellosa Educational Games Review and Giveaway

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My thanks to Carson Dellosa for sending us 3 games to review!

A long time ago, my husband and I designated Thursdays for “game night,” and it’s something that we and our oldest children look forward to each week. We might just crack open a deck of cards for a couple of games of Battle; on other nights (when the baby is happy and the toddlers have fallen asleep early) it might be something more involved like Monopoly, Risk or Agricola.

Carson Dellosa Publishing sent three educational games our way to ring in a new year of homeschooling, and so we’ve spent the past month giving them a whirl! We received Deep Sea Rescue, What Time is It, and a box of Tangram Puzzles.

Deep Sea Rescue: This game is unique because the game board can be assembled any way you like; just match up the bubbles to make a path from start to finish. Game play consists of moving along the path and answering general knowledge questions that will align roughly with grades 3 through 6. Subjects covered are math, reading, science and social studies, and up to six can play. The boards and movers are very colorful and the ocean theme is vastly appealing. Plus, it all fits nicely into a small box that’s easy to store and has a stretchy elastic band to keep it closed securely. At just $12.99, this is a great buy! My 4th and 5th graders really liked it. The only snag we encountered was that Joseph (my oldest) got discouraged several times when the questions were too hard, or about things he hadn’t learned yet. So I would definitely recommend an adult playing along; that way you can either screen questions, or explain the answers to ones they don’t know.

What Time is It?:  With four different game boards to choose from and lots of easy-to-read clock cards, this game went over very well with my preschooler, Benjamin (5 and just about to start Kindergarten). Game play is quick to learn. Players draw a card and if it shows a clock, then they say the time out loud and then place their mover on the matching game board space. Some of the cards have simple directions like “move ahead 3 spaces.” If your child is just starting out with clocks (like Ben) you can use the game as a teaching tool rather than a practice activity. The only thing is, I wish the cards were a bit sturdier. They are laminated but thin, and with a lot of usage from the K through 3 types, I can see them not lasting very long. What Time is It? retails for $9.99 and is targeted towards ages 5 to 8. It comes in a compact and very sturdy box for storage.

Tangram Puzzles: This is designed so simply that I didn’t even have to explain what to do. Benjamin (5), Catherine (9) and Joseph (10) jumped right into arranging the colored geometric shapes onto the pattern cards, and it kept them quite busy for a while. A month later, I’m happy to say they still get the Tangram Puzzle set out to play with, so it definitely has staying power. Even my toddlers, Susanna and Samuel, can “play” this game simply by arranging the Tangrams on the table in whatever way they please. I like that everyone can have fun with this set! Tangrams help to build skills in copying, matching and problem-solving. The set contains 48 different puzzles with two sets of plastic Tangrams (red and yellow). Retail is about $23.50. It includes a box for storage.

 

We’ve found some great things to brighten up our homeschool from Carson-Dellosa: this spring, I purchased the ABC train punch-outs to edge the bulletin board, and some informational charts to hang on the wall.  Some of these full color, laminated charts cost less than a dollar each!

The selection of books, puzzles, games, manipulatives, posters and other fun school stuff is so HUGE at Carson Dellosa that I could easily spend hours on the website. It’s a great resource for teachers, homeschoolers and parents, and the prices are extremely reasonable.

Back to School Clearance is going on right now at Carson Dellosa! You can save up to 80% on over 500 products. Plus, free workbook samples and live chat are always available on their website.

More exciting news:  One lucky reader will win ALL 3 games that I reviewed. That’s over $40 worth of games for your family to enjoy! The entry form is below. CLOSED

 

 

 

Oh Sew Smitten Hybrid Fitted Review & Giveaway

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Thanks to Oh Sew Smitten for sending us a diaper to review!

Four years ago I had never heard of a hybrid fitted diaper, but they are getting to be a pretty big thing now, and for good reason. A hybrid fitted is super absorbent because a hidden layer of poly fleece inside provides extra protection against leaks. That means a hybrid fitted consists of three parts: the (super cute) outer fabric, a hidden fleece layer, and then a velour inner fabric. Because a hybrid fitted isn’t completely waterproof, it’s still a very breathable diaper.

Courtney keeps her hybrid fitted fans coming back for more at Oh Sew Smitten. And she was kind enough to send us a diaper to try out. My package contained this exquisite gray and yellow chevron creation!

The diaper includes a snake-style insert (heavy organic bamboo fleece with bamboo loop terry in between) and one extra 2-layer doubler made of the organic bamboo fleece. The bamboo fleece is super soft and plush.

The fitted I received was made for older babies around 10 to 40 pounds, so it fits the best on both 18 month old Susanna and 3 year old Samuel. But by folding down the rise, it looks pretty good on Erik, too. To cut down on bulk, I don’t use the extra insert for him.

I really love the fit on my toddlers!

And the fabric is just amazing in every way. Soft and smooth, and it looks and feels great even after lots of washing. The gray chevron is so chic!!

With superior absorbency comes a longer drying time. But that’s ok with me since I don’t have an entire stash of fitteds. I can dry this diaper with everything else, and then just hang it in the laundry room or on the line to finish it off. That way, an extra-long cycle is not needed and we save some energy.

Hybrid fitteds are so fun and fashionable that you might be tempted to let your baby go with out a cover. I say go ahead! A thirsty diaper like this will hold my toddlers for hours on its own.

And now, a few more pictures, so you can see Courtney’s range of talent! Oh Sew Smitten hybrid fitteds are available in an impressive array of designer prints. That smashing fox print on the left is an imported Euro knit.

And I spotted these weird and wonderful Dr. Who pocket diapers on her Facebook page recently!

If you’d like to order a custom fitted from Oh Sew Smitten, contact Courtney in advance because a limited number are done each month. Also, check her Facebook page for stocking updates (about every 2 weeks) plus occasional flash sales and giveaways!

One of you lucky ladies is going to win either a custom or in stock fitted of choice. How nice of Courtney!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entry Form:

*GIVEAWAY CLOSED*

Buttons Diapers Review & Giveaway

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Thanks to Amy at Buttons Diapers, I was given the opportunity to try
a diaper in exchange for my honest opinion!

The Buttons diaper “hybrid” system was designed by a husband and wife team who value simple, healthy living. Buttons Diapers consist of one-size waterproof covers (just $11.00!) in 5 different colors, plus inserts that snap in. Amy sent us two day time ($3.50) and two night time ($5.00) inserts to try out with our “Blueberry” cover.

The covers feature a rise with 3 size settings, front and back elastics, double gussets and a wipe-clean inner.

Performance: The Buttons cover is a versatile component because it’s reusable if only the coordinating pad gets soiled or wet. Two layers of PUL make this a very durable and highly waterproof cover, yet the fabric is by no means stiff or uncomfortable. In fact, it’s very soft, smooth and pliable.  The cover closes with a single row of snaps. My personal preference is for a double row of snaps, but this hasn’t affected the fit or function of our cover on Erik.

Buttons inserts are made of multi layers of microfiber. There are two sizes: day and night – and you can customize them in whatever way you wish. Inserts can be snapped into the shell individually, snapped together and then fastened to the shell…or simply laid in. One side is topped with microfleece which goes right up against your baby. At night, I put a day time insert on top of a night time insert which results in 10 layers of fabric. It’s a very thirsty combination, and paired with the double layer of PUL in the cover, has been bulletproof so far for my toddlers, and they are both tummy sleepers. For Erik, who is younger and smaller, I found the two inserts together were too bulky to get a good fit at night. So I use the Buttons cover instead with a pad folded flat and doubler. Nothing ever escapes the cover.

I also like that Buttons is a hybrid system, so it can work in harmony with other things already in your stash. My flats and Geffen prefolds work great in the Buttons covers, and the Buttons inserts work just fine with my other one-size covers.

You might have noticed that the Buttons system is somewhat similar to the Best Bottom diaper system. I did, and discovered that the inserts are interchangeable; i.e. the soaker pads will snap into either brand.

Fit: Ok, now it’s time for Buttons pictures on Erik, Susanna and Samuel. Compared to other one-size covers in my stash, Buttons diaper covers run small.

UPDATE: Erik is now 10 months old/17 pounds and wears his Buttons on the largest setting at night when the diaper is really stuffed. So he will most likely outgrow them by 25 pounds.

 * Where to Buy Buttons *

Receive FREE shipping at the online store with orders over $75

Shop for Buttons at My Affiliate Partners:
Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique – free USA shipping
Fluff & Familia – free USA shipping
Diaper Junction – free USA shipping
Lagoon Baby (Canada)

*GIVEAWAY CLOSED*

Squishable Baby Wool Longies and Shorties Review

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After happening upon The Squishable Baby blog, I knew right away it was one-of-a-kind. And the person behind the blog, Lisa, is just as unique. Her writing makes me smile; it’s upbeat, positive and family-focused. And she injects her fun personality into the Squishable Baby bamboo and wool shorties and longies that she sews and sells.

Where did the cute name come from? Says Lisa: “I have 3 very cute and sweet squishes in my life – two sons (8 years old and 7 months) and one baby girl (4 years old).  They are my all and my everything.  Heavenly Father certainly blessed me with these three kiddos.  They drive me crazy and give me complete joy – at the same time.”

Lisa sent us two delightful selections from her shop. Each design has its own name:

 

The Arlo shorties are made of felted Merino wool and start at just $15.00. The size small fits perfectly on Erik, who’s now past the newborn phase and just over 13 pounds. I love the soft and smooth fabric and wide stretchy waistband.

The Haydn longies are also made with a Merino wool upper and lower and start at $20 a pair. Erik is short so the legs are a little long, but since he’s not crawling yet, I’m not bothered one bit. I love that the longies keep his legs cozy and warm.

Besides being naturally antimicrobial and resistant to odors, wool is extremely waterproof. For me, they are the perfect thing for Erik to wear overnight over his cloth diapers; they keep in wetness and keep him warm, just like a pair of pajama pants. Basically, a wool cover doubles as an article of clothing. Pretty nifty, huh?

When ordering from The Squishable Baby, you get to choose from an enticing assortment of colors. It’s fun to look at the fabric selections and pick my favorite color pairings for the upper and lower parts of the pants. Some of the shorties and longies are made with bamboo lowers and wool waistbands, which is a really unique combination.

And now for the giveaway!

Lisa told me that one of you will get to choose a shorty and longy set for your little one! Isn’t that wonderful? Get your entries in by using the Rafflecopter form below. And don’t forget to follow Lisa’s blog!

*GIVEAWAY CLOSED*

Cradle & Thread Baby Clothing Review & Giveaway

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Marriage and children have changed the way I shop. More and more, I keep an eye out for classic, high-quality clothing that will serve us well. With six children in this house, it’s important to me that the products we buy will stick around for the long haul. Especially baby clothes. Thanks to spitup, blowouts, leaks and food messes, infant clothes get washed and dried a lot. So I’m not just looking for soft and cute – durability is right at the top of the list, too.

My husband works at a family-owned manufacturing company, so USA-made is also something that’s very important to me. We know firsthand that American goods help to keep productivity and prosperity here at “home.”

The baby clothing at Cradle & Thread gets 5 stars from me in all the above departments! Their soft, adorable knit clothing for babies is made of 100% American grown and sewn cotton. They are meant to last. And yes, they are incredibly soft and cute! Even better, there’s “Giving Sewn In” the clothes you buy from Cradle and Thread. Here’s how it works: They will donate a set of clothing to a child in need for every $100 in purchased goods. Even if you don’t spend a hundred dollars all by yourself, that’s ok! Your purchase will be combined with others, and every time the $100 mark is reached, another set is donated. It’s a team effort!

My wonderful friends at Cradle & Thread sent Erik this lovely bundle in blue and white, size 3-6 months:

Erik is 12 pounds now and just over 3 months. Everything in the set fit to perfection, except the legs of the pants were a bit long. He’s a short little guy; all my babies tend to be. 🙂 He looks so cozy and sweet in his little Cradle and Thread ensemble. I just want to kiss him!

The Little Sumpin’ Sweater (retail $23) and the Knotty Hat (retail $10) are two of the most versatile pieces in this set. The sweater is perfect for light layering on a cool day, or even in warm spring weather when there’s a breeze or when the air conditioning inside is too chilly. Erik wears this sweater almost daily. I really need to buy another one to keep in the diaper bag! And the Knotty Hat is so clever. You can quickly adjust the size by tying the knot higher or lower. Baby can wear it from the newborn stage forward. This wardrobe staple is just $10 so it’s a great little investment. It would also make an ideal baby shower gift.

Buying classic styles like this really makes sense to me because they are so versatile. Erik can wear the whole outfit to church just as easily as he can around the house. The onesie and pants together make a perfect little “pajama” set. His Little Sumpin’ Sweater can be worn with pretty much anything in his wardrobe – a simple footed sleeper or a dressy church outfit. The styles you find at Cradle and Thread will last through more than one child, and stay cute and fresh no matter what the latest trend is. Everything in our bundle is made of soft, sturdy cotton with good strong seams.

The small up front investment is well worth it in the long run!

* SHOP FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE *

Now is a GREAT time to grab some wardrobe essentials
for your baby from Cradle & Thread – code SPRING2013 will get you 25% off!
Plus shipping is FREE on orders over $25.
 
* ENTER TO WIN *
Use the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter for your chance to win
a “Perfect Gift” bundle from Cradle & Thread, which includes
1 sweater, 1 bodysuit and a pair of pants (choice of size and color)!

 
*GIVEAWAY CLOSED*