kid

Babywearing: Getting stuff done with the Mamaway Ring Sling Baby Carrier!

Abby H.

I’m a baby wearing mama. Why? Well first off, both my kiddos did really well being close to me. They slept well, and were less fussy when I was wearing them, in contrast to the times when they were in their stroller or carseat. There is something to be said for the comfort of being close to Mommy.

IMG_0880Secondly, you can get more stuff done when you are baby wearing. You aren’t trapped in the room with the baby swing or whatever contrivance the kiddo is chilling in. Washing dishes, folding laundry, doing crafts with Lil’ Man. All of these things are possible while baby wearing.

Recently I got the chance to try out a new ring sling from the cool folks at Mamaway. Their ring sling is made fron 100% Pima Cotton, so it’s super comfy, breathable and machine washable!

Mamaway Ring Sling is an all-around baby carrier perfect for your newborn. The right fit and customizable shape gives your baby the perfect comfort, snugness and love they deserve. Position your baby any way you want; upright or lying down, in front, on your hip or behind your back. Ideal for hands-free cuddles- as you can see from my photos in this post.

IMG_0878You can also nurse your kidlet in this sling too, which is a plus in my book! While this ring sling can hold up to 100 pounds, I don’t think I’ll still be toting around Birdy when she’s that big!

Screen Shot 2015-09-05 at 7.21.23 PMI chose the striped “Cesar Salad” Color because I’m trying to keep everything gender neutral. I’m just not into pink. The rings are STRONG, and there is a little pocket in the sling too- perfect for stowing a few things (like my sunglasses!). This is a must have, and would make a great Baby shower gift!

I was given a free Mamaway Ring Sling to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and I received no financial compensation for this review.

Getting Crafty at Home: Play Dough!

Abby H.1 Comment

This is another “Don’t eat this” recipe, but it’s oodles of fun to make and play with!

Play doh can get expensive, especially when the kids mix the colors or leave the lid off, and you are constantly having to replenish the supply.  The following recipe is super easy to make, and most of you have the ingredients in the house. I don’t recommend having the kids help you make this recipe.

Play Dough/Doh

Ingredients:

  • 1c flour
  • 1c warm water
  • 1/2c salt
  • 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (you can also use melted coconut oil)
  • 1 Tablespoon cream of tartar (optional, but it makes the dough last longer)
  • Food Coloring (I use Wilton Gel Food Coloring– it’s less messy)

Directions:

  1. Mix dry ingredients together, set aside.
  2. In a sauce pan, combine water, oil, and food coloring, stir over low heat.
  3. Add dry ingredients and stir until combined. cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously.
  4. Turn dough onto cutting board, and when warm to the touch, knead for 2-3 minutes until dough is elastic.
  5. Store in zip-loc bags or air tight containers.

I made 5 batches last week, each one a different color for Lil’ Man and his buddies to play with!

Screen Shot 2015-04-10 at 10.59.00 AMI’ve made other recipes, including one with conditioner and corn starch (smells nice, but it’s super sticky and gets stuck to EVERYTHING), and by far, this is my favorite recipe. It lasts a long time, doesn’t get moldy (that’s important), and doesn’t dry out INSTANTLY if you leave it out.

 

Screen Shot 2015-04-10 at 10.59.06 AMYes, the brown Play Dough looks like poop! But the kids don’t care- they were mostly concerned with having brown, so they could have dirt play dough for their cars.

You can also add glitter if you’d like. Some recipes recommend that you add essential oil or scent, but with littler kids, I do not recommend that, it will just encourage them to eat it.

Here are a few of the Play Dough toy sets that Lil’ Man loves:

We also use cookie cutters, a garlic press, potato masher, and whatever fun looking kitchen gadgets we find at the thrift stores or the 99 Cents Store.