Christmas Cards from Pro Digital Photos

Last year we used a local shop here in Pleasant Grove called Pro Digital Photos to print our Christmas cards.  They were so adorable, and we got so many compliments on them that we decided to go with them again this year.  I LOVE working with them because they have so many adorable templates on their website, and it's a pain-free process. 

You just upload your photos into any of the templates and change the text to what you would like it to say, and "Voila!" you are done.  They also have custom design options if you have something in mind that isn't available on one of their templates (unlikely....because there are pages and pages to choose from!) They also have cute options of card shapes (accordion, square, rounded edges, etc) so there is something for literally everyone.

My other favorite thing about their store is that they call you on the phone (or email if you prefer) and clarify any questions they have before printing, and for just $5 they'll print a proof for you to approve before having the rest of your cards printed.  I like knowing that I know exactly what the finished product will look like before investing too much time or money into a style of card. 

When your order is ready for pickup (if you are local), they email you and tell you you can come and get it--and then they WRAP your cards in adorable paper and bows, and make you feel like a million bucks.  ("It's my birthday gift to me, I'm so happy!" -Name that movie)

So before looking at Shutterfly or TinyPrints or a million other online sites where you'll end up with the same card as your neighbor, take a look at Pro Digital Photos website and see if they have a style that will work well for your family Christmas card! 

(PS they also do wedding invitations, print portraits, etc etc so there are a lot of great reasons to familiarize yourself with them year-round!)

Happy Designing!

How to Survive Disney, Part 4: Tanner Scooter Rentals

I already mentioned the strollers a couple of posts back and how they saved our sanity at Disneyworld.  They were the first thing on my mind while planning, and I knew they would be a MUST.  Later down the road in our planning, it occurred to my sister and I that a scooter would also be a vital part of our trip for my dad, who has really bad knees at the moment. 

So back on the hunt I went, searching for scooter rental options, and lo and behold, Orlando Stroller Rentals had a sister company--Tanner Scooter Rentals!  (Angels were singing.)  So I messaged them and asked them about the scooter situation, and pretty soon I was locked and loaded and ready to have my dad cruising in style! 

Just like with the stroller rental, they dropped the scooter off, helped transport it from our Universal Studios hotel to our Disney resort, and then picked it up at the end of the trip.  They even let me extend the pickup time by a few hours on the last day when our plans changed a bit.   

The scooter ended up being VERY useful.  It certainly came with its own set of challenges--parking it before going on rides (which we were doing with the strollers anyway), maneuvering through crowds, occasionally having to wait for a shuttle with more room, etc. That, however, was a small price to pay for the number of benefits and uses it had.  It had a basket, which proved useful for keeping drinks, bags, etc. contained but handy.  My parents kept their bag hanging off of the handle when we parked it, and we felt confident that it was pretty self-contained and inconspicuous.  My mom and dad ended up switching off occasionally (my mom got REALLY sick one of the days we were there), and I even ended up taking it for a spin one day when I needed a break from babywearing my deadweight sleeping two year old.

Some of the even more unplanned benefits of having the scooter rental is that it occasionally got us bumped up in the line.  Because we had someone in our party who needed "assistance," we would sometimes get better seats at shows, quicker access to the shuttles, bumped up a bit in ride lines, etc.  Even though when we rented it we initially thought it was a bit of a luxury, to keep my dad from unnecessary discomfort, in hindsight it was probably almost as much of a necessity as the strollers were.  It served a plethora of purposes, it was very convenient, and if we ever do a trip like that again we'll definitely be renting a scooter. 

How to Survive Disney, Part 3: LilleBaby Carrier

DISCLAIMER: I received the product being reviewed in this post compliments of LILLEBaby. 

My opinions are all my own.

Have you ever had a product that when you first thought about getting it you wondered if you'd end up finding it very useful....and then it becomes your new favorite item?  That is how the LILLEBaby carrier was for me on our recent Disneyworld trip.  With my herniated disc, babywearing is really hard for me.  Any extra strain on my back seems to wear me down quickly and I find that I'm in a lot of discomfort (if not flat on my back) if I overdo it with lifting and lugging things (or children).  So when I got the LILLEBaby carrier, I thought I would take it along in case of an emergency where I just had to have Hazel contained....but it turns out I used it constantly throughout our vacation. 

When we went from our hotel to the Disney parks and back on the shuttle, we had to fold our strollers down.  We had rented strollers from Orlando Stroller Rentals and they served us very well--and I couldn't have done the trip without strollers--but they often had to be folded down, parked before waiting in a line, etc.  When that happened, I immediately transitioned Hazel into the LILLEBaby.  

Not only that, it happened several times that when we got to the shuttle, Hazel was asleep in her stroller, getting a much-needed catnap.  I know if we hadn't have had the LILLEBaby to transfer her into, her nap would have been over.  BUT with it close at hand, she finished off several naps in it.  One day we even went from one park to another on the shuttle with her completely asleep, and then I rode my dad's scooter straight into the park with her still strapped to me, and right to the back of the park where we watched an entire show before she woke up.  That could NOT have happened any other way--and she needed the nap badly.

Back to my herniated disc--I'm happy to say that it didn't give me a spot of trouble on the trip.  The LILLEBaby is very ergonomic, and even has a padded back support that I would shift to the side (right where my weak spot is) to help support it.  

Also, because we rented strollers, we didn't have our own strollers for the airport trip there and back.  The LILLEBaby was perfect for going through security, getting to our gate, and then boarding the plane. Once we were on board, I just tucked it into our carry-on.  It was SO convenient!

So that's why the LILLEBaby made my list of important tips for surviving Disneyworld.  I had no idea what a lifesaver it would be for us,  By the way, the particular carrier I'm using in these pictures (The Carry-On Airflow Toddler) holds babies and toddlers from 20-60 pounds and is specifically designed for babies with a size 2T pant and taller.  Even though I didn't carry Cache in it on our trip, he took a couple of test runs in it (at about 43 lbs) and loved it. :)  

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A LILLEBABY CARRIER, USE

  THIS LINK 

FOR A $10 DISCOUNT!  

*    *     *     *

LILLEBaby Carry On Airflow Specifications (Taken directly from the LILLEBaby site):

The LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn is a roomy carrier made specifically for growing toddlers from 20-60 lbs. Featuring 3 carrying positions and a wider and taller torso; the CarryOn is a versatile, ergonomic and comfortable way to carry your child for many years. 

1. ERGONOMIC CARRYING – Carry on your front, hip or back. The CarryOn grows with your child up to 60 lbs.

2. LUMBAR SUPPORT – Increases comfort, maintains healthy posture and alignment, and prevents lower back strain. Combined with an extra sturdy waist belt to maximize parents comfort.

3. THREE-WAY STRAPS – The carrier offers near limitless adjustability! Enables wearer to carry "backpack style" or with straps crossed on the back. Dual adjustment buckles simplify breastfeeding and adjusting straps on the go. The CarryOn also has an adjuster on the front so that you can easily position baby closer to you. 

4. SLEEPING HOOD – Features dual adjustment points to provide tailored support for baby's head while sleeping, sun protection while exploring, and privacy while nursing. Removable.

5. EXTRA TALL TORSO – So comfortable your baby will fall asleep. The carrier features an extra roomy torso with wider and padded support for baby's legs, as well as a tall torso that reach high on baby's back.

6. POCKETS - Large zippered storage pocket, plus easy-reach pocket for storing hood and essentials.

7. WIDE, PADDED SHOULDER STRAPS & WAIST BELT - Evenly distributes baby's weight for maximized comfort.

8. (ALL SEASONS ONLY) -  Temperature-control panel that easily zips-up for warmth and zips-down to expose cool, breathable, 3D mesh. This feature is not available on the CarryOn Embossed or the CarryOn Air. This feature is exclusive to the CarryOn Four Seasons. 

How to Survive Disney, Part 2: DockATot

DISCLAIMER: I received the product being reviewed in this post compliments of DockATot.  My opinions are all my own.

I've been dying to try out DockATot since they started becoming widely used here in Utah soon after Hazel was born.  I never had occasion to really buckle down and get one while she was in her infancy, but as our Disneyworld trip approached, it occurred to me that the larger DockATot (the Grand, meant for toddlers 9-36 months) would be a great thing to have along in Orlando for Hazel!  While planning the sleeping arrangements for our trip initially, I had planned that Hazel would just sleep in whatever crib or pack-n-play the hotel room provided, and that that would work for us.  If I'm honest, it would have.  I mean, eventually a kid is so exhausted that they'll sleep pretty much anywhere...but I had no idea how handy the DockaTot would be!

 In my mind, I was picturing that the DockATot was a little more on the "inflatable" side, but in actuality, it's much more cushiony, and it doesn't deflate.  It's made of all-natural, 100% cotton and is tested for breathability, so you can see why that makes sense--it just hadn't occurred to me until I saw it in person. SO, when it arrived on my doorstep I was skeptical about its ability to make the trip to Orlando with us.

We waffled back and forth on whether or not we should dedicate the space to take it, and literally the morning we left, we made a last-minute decision to fold it down into one of our checked bags (because we had free checked bags on our flight).  It took up an entire carry-on sized suitcase, and it probably wasn't the most ideal scenario for it to maintain its shape long-term, but it worked, and it didn't seem any worse for the wear once it had a second to flatten out again. (We were worried for a sec.)

SO I suppose the point of that big long introduction is that in a real-world situation, the DockATot is maybe not the most practical thing to take on an airplane...BUT we were glad we had it with!  Hazel took one look at the mini-crib they brought in the first night and wouldn't so much as let me set her in it.  So we put the DockATot on the bed next to us, and she laid in it and fell asleep.  Then we transferred her to the floor, where she slept soundly between the two beds.  After that, each night, we just laid her in it on the floor and she immediately snuggled down into it and fell asleep.  (I kind of want a DockATot for myself now that I have seen how cozy they seem!)

Anyway, it saved our bacon.  Hazel loved having a space that was all hers.  She felt safe and cozy in an unfamiliar environment, and I liked not having to lay her down in the same pack-n-play that a million other babies at Disney had used before us. #controlfreakprobs

So, as the title of my post suggests, the DockaTot helped us "survive" Disney because our baby was well-rested, safe, and comfortable in our hotel room.  Since she was getting the majority of her daytime naps in the stroller or the baby carrier while we were busy park-hopping, it gave me peace of mind knowing she was getting a really healthy and comfortable night of sleep in between each of the hectic days.  

One last thing I want to throw in here is that the DockaTot is certainly not just for travel.  It's great for a quick overnight trip to Grandma's, for those nights when they just won't sleep in their own room and you hate the thought of them kicking you in the face in the middle of the night, for a comfortable and safe transition into a toddler bed, or even just as a daytime lounger while they watch their favorite show.  Pictured in these photos is the Grand, which as I mentioned above is for kids ages 9-36 months.  There is also the classic DockaTot, made for infants and babies up to 8 months of age.  

If you are thinking of purchasing a DockaTot, you can go HERE to get a $10 discount just for being one of my readers.  Message me or comment below with any questions!  

How to Survive Disney, Part 1: Orlando Stroller Rentals

We just got back from a wonderful family vacation to Orlando, Florida a couple weeks ago.  We were there for ten days (yes, ten!).  We visited Universal Studios Orlando for the first two days, and then spent the rest of the time in Disney.

(I WAS COMPENSATED FOR THIS POST, BUT MY OPINIONS ARE ALL MY OWN.)

With three small kids (ages 5, 4, and 2), I was really worried about their ability to have the stamina necessary for that kind of long, walking-intensive trip.  With my concerns in mind, I started searching online for options for stroller rentals.  In my search, the rental company that seemed to be the most talked-about and have the most positive online presence was Orlando Stroller Rentals.  I did a little digging and found out that they had double stroller options, as well as singles that would hold kids up to 75 pounds. I could have taken my double stroller for Cache and Hazel and made Chloe walk...but she IS only five, and it was going to involve so many long days that I was SO glad to find a stroller rental option that would accommodate her height and weight comfortably, because she is pretty tall for her age.

I contacted them, and they were happy to schedule my rentals for me.  They were very communicative and easy to get a hold of, quick to respond to my questions via email and phone, and they even contacted me the day before our trip to make sure that everything was still on schedule.

It was so nice to not have to worry about getting our strollers gate-checked at the airport.  I have almost without fail had my strollers damaged while transferring them via airplane travel, and it was great to have the kids just walk through the airport and wear Hazel, and know that there were strollers waiting for us at our destination.

Orlando Stroller Rentals is a Walt Disney World Preferred Stroller Rental provider.  That means that they are allowed to leave the stroller with the bell service so that the strollers are ready for guests to pick them up when they check in at their hotel.  They have thorough safety inspections done on every stroller in between each customer.  Orlando Stroller Rentals has been renting strollers to families since 2008, and have only "high end" strollers in their fleet.  When your trip is over, you schedule a pick up time, and they come right to your hotel lobby.  It was a completely hassle-free experience.  I was really impressed with how well the company communicated with me on meet-up times over text message and phone calls.  They were prompt, polite, and efficient.  

Additionally, both strollers looked brand new.  Even though they were rentals, there was no sign of the many other families before who had used them for their trips, which I really appreciated, I was very impressed by how well-maintained they both were. 

I have had several people ask me since we got back how on earth we managed to squeeze so many things into our trip--park hopping, nap missing, tram riding, etc.  Immediately, my response is THE STROLLERS!  Without them, I'm positive that two days in, everyone would have been crying.  Hazel napped in her seat (which reclined completely back) almost every day of the trip at least once, and Cache (who doesn't even nap anymore), took several as well.  Even Chloe fell asleep one afternoon.  I seriously can't even describe how much these strollers made the difference in our trip.

SO, if you are planning a trip to Disneyworld or Universal Studios Orlando, do yourself a favor and look into Orlando Stroller Rentals!  Their commitment to their customers is awesome, and it will make your trip 180 degrees different from what it will be without it.  I wouldn't have changed anything about my experience with them.

Comment below if you have any questions.  I'd love to answer them!  Also, watch for my upcoming post about Orlando Stroller Rentals' sister company, Tanner Scooter Rentals, which (spoiler alert) also saved our bacon. 

Mama's Favorite Store

*Click on the pictures to shop some of the items featured in each photo.*

This post contains affiliate links.  I was compensated for this post, but my opinions are all my own.

The Baby Cubby

When I had Chloe, it seemed like there were just a few basic things I felt I needed.  Off the top of my head, I know we had a carseat/stroller combo, a crib, a pack 'n play, a boppy, a swing, a diaper bag, a baby monitor, some clothes, and a couple of receiving blankets.  Things have changed since I had her just six short years ago, and even since I had Hazel less than two years ago, it seems the baby market has really exploded.  From baby fashion, to diaper bags, to baby monitors, to swaddles, to the "big" stuff like cribs, strollers, carseats, and high chairs, it seems the choices are nearly endless.

So how do you wade through it all?  You can ask friends, you can read online reviews, you can compare prices...but the thing that helps me make a decision is being able to handle an item in person.  That's actually how I discovered the Baby Cubby.  I was looking for car seats that had a three-across option right before I had Hazel, and I had heard that this little children's boutique in town had some of the more unique, high-end car seats (as well as the typical stuff), so I decided to head down there and take a look.

When I walked in, I think angels were singing.  

WHAT MAKES THE BABY CUBBY DIFFERENT?

The place is like Disneyland for moms and moms-to-be.  The Baby Cubby carries adorable nursery decor, endless swaddle choices, boutique children's clothing (Freshly Picked, Piper Finn, Billy Bibs, Lulu & Roo, Coco and Kiwi, Baby LitBooks, Saranoni, DockaTot, the list goes on and on).  They also carry really nice gear like the Uppababy Cruz/Uppababy Mesa, the Skip Hop high chair, the 4Moms Breeze playard, the Britax B line, and all the basic stuff too.  Like I said, it's a New Mom Playland.

Speaking of playlands, the other thing I love about the Cubby is that there's a great area for the kids to play where you have a pretty clear line of sight of them while you shop.  They always have the newest, coolest toys out (Tegu, Plan, Hape, Fat Brain), and usually a fun movie going too.  Heck, they've served my kids popcorn and suckers before!  (Well-played, Baby Cubby.)

Last but not least, the staff is great.  You can always call and ask if they have certain sizes or styles of things in stock and they will go check them for you (and even put them on hold).  They have moms working there that have experience raising babies and know what to recommend, which is so much more helpful than the childless teenage boys stocking diapers in the baby aisle at Wal*Mart.  

Oh, plus they price match.  If you find something on Amazon for a better price, you can walk right in and they'll give it to you for that price.  Freshly Picked having a sale?  Price match.  You get the drift.

  

SO.  If you live in Utah County, you need to hit it up.  It's located on the West side of the freeway off the 1600 North exit in Lindon.  But not for long--they are moving soon to a new location just across from Costco in American Fork.  Curse you, Baby Cubby....now you will be twice as easy to access. 

If you don't live locally, don't stress--you can access The Baby Cubby online, and you get free shipping every day on orders over $49.  OH!  Also, if you sign up for their newsletter, they let you know about special deals, promos, and sales going on, plus sometimes they send coupons for additional percentages off. 

 Win, win, win, win, win.

See you all there!

Freshly Picked Review and Giveaway

As you know if you follow me on Instagram, I've had a giveaway going this week for a pair of Freshly Picked moccasins.

*THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS AND IS A SPONSORED POST.  MY OPINIONS ARE ALL MY OWN.

I've done enough giveaways and reviews with FP through the years that it's obvious at this point how I feel about their company. I could praise their high quality, their great customer service, their adorable designs and color options...but you've heard it all before. 

So instead I'll just take a sec to tell you why I personally keep going back time and time again. There are a million mocc shops out there, so why Freshly Picked?

1) Susan Petersen--the lady who started it all and continues as Freshly Picked's CEO. She is hard working, generous, and employs some of the coolest and nicest folks around. She hosts giveaways, interacts with fans via live videos, throws parties, and genuinely cares for and interacts with her customers. She's the real deal, and I love supporting that.

2) Handmade with genuine leather. Everything from their $60 collection down to their $29 "First Pair" is handmade, uses the best hides of leather, and is consistent.  You can always count on a gorgeous pair of moccs...and if for some reason they aren't, their customer service fixes you right up!

3) New styles and patterns all the time. Mary Janes, City Moccs, Sandals, Prints, Solids, Oxfords...they are constantly trying to listen to their customers and bring them what they request. It's an exciting time to be an FP fan!

So. If you haven't been over to their site for awhile, check it out because you are missing out on all kinds of new colors and styles! Take a few minutes and see what I mean! FRESHLYPICKED.com

Shedo Lane: Review and Giveaway

Guys, I suck at blogging.

You know how some people post religiously every day?  I'd like to drink whatever KoolAid is making that possible for them, but it's just not happening over here!  I struggle to keep my kids' hair combed some days...

BUT

I wanted to hop on and post about my newest giveaway!!  As usual, you can enter over on Instagram.

NOTICE: This post contains affiliate links. I was compensated for this post, but my opinions are all my own.  #sponsored

You may recall a review and giveaway I did last year for Swimzip--UPF swimwear for babies, toddlers, kids, and adults.  I LOVED Hazel's swimzip romper, and used it all summer at the beach, splashpads, and even Lagoon.

So a few months ago when I heard about SwimZip's new sister company, Shedo Lane, I had to get my hands on it!  It's UPF APPAREL, people!  So if you are interested in protecting your kiddos' delicate skin while at the park, on vacation, at theme parks, browsing around the farmer's market, playing in your backyard, or attending that family reunion you have coming up?  THESE CLOTHES ARE FOR YOU.

Shedo Lane's line of basic staple items for your family is SO ingenious!  I have little blue eyed, fair-skinned Scandinavian babies, and they need all the sun protection they can get!  I am in LOVE with their swing dresses, leggings, and cardigans for Hazel, and I want them in every. single. color.  I get compliments every time she wears them around town.

Their rompers are also perfect for summer--particularly for the park, the zoo, the pond, etc.  It zips right up and down for easy diaper changes, and has an adorable hood--complete with little ears--for full coverage from the sun.

All of the clothing is SUPER soft, SUPER lightweight, and great quality!  Every piece has held up in the wash beautifully, with no fading or pilling so far.  I'm loving it all!!!!

So now...the giveaway!

Head on over to INSTAGRAM to enter to win $30 to Shedo Lane!  Tag friends, please!  I want everyone who can to be aware that there are simple, stylish ways to protect your babies (and your own!) skin from harmful UV rays!!!

 This giveaway will run until Sunday, May 21st at Midnight.  This giveaway is not endorsed by Instagram.