baby

Mommycon Scholarships Available!

Abby H.

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Mommycon is coming! Mommycon Anaheim is October 5, and Mommycon San Diego (where I’ll be!) is November 23.

Being a mom is hard, and having a tribe of supportive moms is crucial. That’s why I love Mommycon! There are classes, panels, vendors, and of course FREEBIES, all to support mommies and littles. If you are a first-time mama or a seasoned pro, there is something for every mama!

If the cost of tickets is preventing you, or someone you know, from attending, the Mommycon ladies want to help. Please apply for the scholarship program here.

If you are a military mama, or military dependent, check out this awesome complimentary/discount ticketing program here.

To view the schedule, buy tickets and get more info go to MommyCon.com and use code “MTAH19” for 10% off!

This year will be my third year at Mommycon and I love it!

3 Days Only: $15 Summer Styles from Tea Collection!

Abby H.

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Now through Thursday (9/12), get select dresses, tees, and rompers for $15 and under + free shipping on orders over $99. This is an incredible sale- Tea Collection has quality clothes for babies and kids that last. And with prices like these- you gotta shop quickly to get the best selection.

Here are a few that are in my shopping cart:

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Fine print:
$15 and under styles prices as marked. Valid on items labeled $15 & Under Style. Offer available online at teacollection.com only and valid through 9/12/2019 at 11:59 PM PST. Excludes Every Day Play Sets, Sussex Baby Sets, and third party items. Cannot be combined with other promotions. No adjustments on previous purchases. Not redeemable for cash. Limited to stock on hand. Cannot be used towards the purchase of gift cards. Discount taken will be pre-tax and before shipping. Discount applied at time of purchase will be taken off each item returned.

For free standard US shipping, use code SEPTFREESHIP at checkout. Shipping offer valid on standard US shipping only. Not valid on Canada shipping.

9/6/19- Weekly Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

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Woo Hoo! Friday means Freebies and deals!

In the Mail:

In Stores/Events:

 

Magazines:

Looking for a Great Baby Shower Gifts?

Abby H.

file0001971678256.jpgBaby Shower Season is upon us! I’ll be going to three in the next few months. As a mommy, there are tons of stuff in the baby stores that are completely unnecessary (like this thing– someone bought it for us as a joke… I think).  However, I am going to share with you a couple items that are a staple in our house- I couldn’t leave home without them. With Coupon Codes, most of these deals are free, just pay for shipping!

3 FREE Custom Pacifiers from Mothers Lounge, use code SHOPHER at checkout.

Order 5 pairs of new Babyleggings for only $2.00 plus shipping, use code SHOPHER1 at checkout.

These are great for cool fall days, or when your kiddo starts crawling.

Next is the Carseat Canopy.  Some people just drape a blankie over the top, but this canopy fastens onto the handle of the infant car seat. It won’t fall off. You can score a canopy for free from Carseat Canopy or get $50 off The Whole Caboodle 5 piece set, plus shipping. Use code SHOPHER1 at checkout.


I’m a proponent of breastfeeding. Even in public. However, I always covered my boobs up, because nudity makes some people uncomfortable. Right now, Udder Covers wants to give you a promo code for a free patterned breastfeeding cover (a $35 value). Use coupon code SHOPHER1 at checkout.

And I saved the best for last! I’m a baby wearer.  I wore both of my kiddos in all kinds of contraptions, including a sling. Thanks to our buddies over at Seven, you can be a baby wearer too!
Seven Slings wants to give you a promo code for a free baby carrier (a $48 value). Use coupon code SHOPHER1 at checkout.

Top Five Ways to Save Money as a New Parent

Abby H.

765500e0739c9b82c56108534584887c.jpgAhhh, kids. So cute and cuddly (and frustrating sometimes, let’s be honest), but oh my goodness, do they cost a fortune!

A few friends have recently given birth, and I shared with them my tips for saving money the first few years, so I thought I’d share them with you too!

  1. Resale shops, consignment shops, clothing swaps, and hand-me-downs are life (and budget) savers. Kids grow so fast, there is no reason that you need to break the bank buying new clothes. Most of these also have gear and toys too!
  2. Speaking of kids growing quickly, Car seats are a thing that has to be replaced too. Between September 16-30t, 2019, you can trade in an old car seat at Walmart and receive a Free $30 Walmart Gift Card to use on the purchase of a new car seat or other baby gear item. Target sometimes holds similar events.
  3. Mom support groups- Hear me out. Mommy groups get a bad wrap on social media, but it’s nice to know that there are people out there that know what you are going through. You can find mom groups via Facebook and Meetup.
  4. Free Stuff. There are so many companies that cater to parents and kids, everyone is giving away something, you just need to know where to look. Formula companies give away samples and send coupons (I won’t get into the whole debate of breastfed vs. formula fed. If you’ve read my blog long enough, you know about my struggles with IGT– FED IS BEST). Kabrita has a great offer. And as your kids get older, companies like Enfamil/Enfagrow have transitional formulas- and they offer samples and coupons too. I post freebie offers that include stuff for kids and babies each week!
  5. Stores like Walmart and Target usually run free gift bag deals when you start a registry. Right now you can order a Free Walmart Welcome Baby Registry Box when you start a registry.  Huggies has a “Made By You” free sample kit right now as well.

If you aren’t a new parent but know of one, here are a few ways you can help them out (and a recipe, because really, I love cooking!).

 

NYC Area Moms- Baby Gear Reviewer Wanted!

Abby H.

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I received this in my email this morning and I thought I’d share! Please pass along to any moms you may know in the area!

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No Experience Necessary- You Just Have to Be a Mom!

Are you the next Baby Gear Reviewer for Toys, Tots, Pets, & More?

  • Do you (or someone you know) live in the New York City metropolitan area?
  • Are you looking to make some extra $$?
  • Would you like some free baby gear?
  • Be available for 2-5 reviews a week?

If you answered YES to all of the above then send an email to BrilliantMinds@BrilliantPRM.com and include 2-3 recent photos of yourself and if you have any videos of you reviewing/talking about products we would love to see those as well!

Want more info? Check out the video review below or check out even more reviews at TTPM.com. While you’re there join their website so you can be in the know about all the hottest products!

Applicants must live in the greater NYC area as filming is in the city. Each Review takes approximately 1 hour. Weekly quantity of reviews typically done at the same time.

6/22/19 Mass Creativity Day at The New Children’s Museum!

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2019-06-09 at 10.27.50 PM.pngHave you heard about the awesome with the New Children’s Museum in Downtown San Diego?

Mass Creativity Day is held at the park across from the Museum on Saturday, June 22, 2019 from 9:30am-3pm. Bring the whole family and enjoy live music, food, hands-on art-making activities, free admission to the Museum and more! Snacks at the event are generously donated by KIND.

I am looking forward to taking the kids to play and explore!

Screen Shot 2019-06-09 at 10.35.07 PM.pngThe New Children’s Museum is a great place for kids of all ages- And if your kiddo has accessibility issues such as autism or sensory issues), four times a year, the museum hosts an Accessibility Morning. RSVP is required to take advantage of this special morning (includes discounted admission for kids, and caregivers are free).  Learn more here.

Ready for MommyCon 2019?

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2019-03-29 at 12.20.20 PM.pngJoin me at the largest natural parenting convention EVER!

I can’t wait for MommyCon San Diego on November 23rd. MommyCon is being held at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley.

This multi-day event features amazing shopping, interactive workshops, inspirational speakers and so much more. I loved the goody bag that I got last year! And of course, no event for moms (and dads) is complete without a snack station with all kinds of tasty snacks and drinks from some of the sponsors.

To view the schedule, buy tickets and get more info go to MommyCon.com and use code “MTAH19” for 10% off!

Are you or a family member in the military? Check out their Military Ticket  Program.

Would you like to attend but need a discounted ticket? Please learn about their Complimentary Scholarship Ticket Program.
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I’ll be posting more about MommyCon over the next few months, with more details and fun stuff!
Talk Back: With MommyCon all over the US, which one is closest to you? IF you have kids, will you be attending?

Upcoming Clothing Swaps!

Abby H.

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It’s time to start cleaning out the closets, dressers, and drawers! My favorite clothing swap is this weekend!

I love clothing swaps- it’s a great way to get gently worn clothes and other goods (I love looking for linens and new accessories), and get rid of the clothing your kids have outgrown.

The Skyline Swap is scheduled for March 30, 2019. I’ve got it in my calendar and I’ve started the bag of clothes to swap! It costs $2.00 to get in, kids under 12 are free. I have two huge bags in my garage ready to go!!

Porchlight Community is hosting a Clothing Swap on April 27th at their office in Clairemont.

And if you’ve got kids, Bethel Christian Assembly in Alpine is hosting a kids clothing, toy, and gear swap on June 8th.

And as always, here are a few other clothing resources:

Naomi’s Closet is located in Santee, and they provide clothing and toiletries to women in need.

The Sonrise Church in Santee has a clothing swap too! One for kids clothes, and another for women’s clothing. Miss Charity’s Closet & Little Blessings Boutique 2nd Saturday of every month at 9:00 am Contact Charity Murphy for more info clmurphy71@gmail.com

If you are looking for a group that hosts clothing swaps more frequently, check it out the Thread Bumpin’ Meet up Group. They host a monthly swap in OB area.

And Finally, the Closet of 54th isn’t a clothing swap per se, but they do help those in need with new to them clothes. They are open once a few times each month. You can find them on Facebook. They are located at the Calvary Lutheran Church, 3060 54th Street, San Diego, CA. Contact The Closet at thecloseton54th@gmail.com.

 

Talk Back:  I’d love to hear about other San Diego area clothing swaps that you know of! Favorite swaps and/or what your best score has been!

 

Kiddolab Toys and Win a Trip to DisneyWorld!

Abby H.

Recently the cool people over at Kiddo Labs asked me to review a product from their website. Uh, yeah! I love reviewing toys!

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KiddoLab is a new brand which supports the initiative to provide babies with a solid foundation for the development of early skills during play. I love that all of the toys are made in vibrant colors with interesting textures and lights and/or sounds.

Screen Shot 2018-12-22 at 5.44.31 PM.pngI chose the 2-in-1 Activity Center, which features:

  • AN OCEAN OF FUN CHARACTERS: This interactive activity center is decorated with adorable sea creatures including a fish, turtle, clam, crab, and starfish.
  • A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES: More than just a toy piano, all of the fun ocean creatures double as activities of their own; a click-clack fish, a rattle spinner, a sliding star, a push-down squeaker and a baby-safe mirror.
  • LIGHT-UP PIANO KEYS: Three big, brightly colored light-up piano keys are easy to press for little fingers. Intended for ages nine months plus.
  • TWO MUSICAL MODES: Loaded with cheerful music to entertain babies and toddlers, you can choose between free play and tunes to play along with.
  • ATTACHES TO YOUR CRIB: This activity table boasts detachable legs and can then be easily attached to your infant’s crib.
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I set it up, added batteries and let Margaret go to town. She played with it for about 20 minutes. She had a great time.  What I like it that it’s easy to set up and change to attach to a crib. The sounds aren’t high-pitched or tinny, so listening to the sounds wasn’t like most baby/kid toys (parents- you know what I’m talking about!). I love that it’s a toy that can grow with your child. The crib straps and the legs are both easy to install and remove.

Right now, Kiddo Labs is offering my readers a a 25% discount with coupon code: TTPM25  To get started, visit Kiddolab here.

Oh, and it gets better. Not only does Kiddo Labs have great, fun toys for your littles, right now they are giving away a vacation to Disney World. Visit their website to learn more.

 

Thanks so much to Kiddo Labs for the fun toy! All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for my review. Please see my Disclosure Page for more information about reviews.