Re-Play and a Giveaway

This past spring we finally got our back patio set up. We stained the deck and purchased a table, chairs and umbrella to enjoy morning coffees and dinners outside. We looked all over for a nice and sturdy table that would last us for many many years. We ended up getting our set (Berlin Gardens) that is made from 96% recycled materials- mainly milk bottles. Not only is it low maintenance- which was a must- it helps the environment as well. This is something I have been trying to be more conscious of in my purchases this past year. The tables are also made in Berlin, Ohio which is a third plus being made in the USA.

A few months later, one of my friends (Andrea) posted about how she won a complete set of kids dishes and sippy cups from a contest online from Re-Play. The dishes were made from recycled HDPE, aka #2 plastic which of course is milk jugs AND the products are made and tested in the USA. I was so excited and immediately had to check them out. I went straight to Re-play's Instagram (Here) and then their website. These dishes come in a rainbow of adorable colors and stack well. I knew that we just had to have them!!!

 Up until now, our cupboard has been a mess of mish-mashed dishes and cups. It takes up so much room and was so disorganized. These plates and dishes stack up so nicely- it makes my slightly ocd self so much happier to see.

The plates and bowls have held up well to a crazy toddler. I was worried that he would destroy the forks because Logan likes to chew on forks and straws until they are no longer usable- so far they look just as good as new.

 As you can see, we've been using these dishes for a while. I  love the divided plates. It gives me a few options to place different kinds of foods and keeps things from getting completely mixed together by toddler fingers. The sippy cups are great too- they are no spill cups and I think we will get the most use out of them with Quinn as she learns to drink from somewhere other than me.

 Quinn will be getting a few pink and yellow sets for Christmas this year to add to our collection! I might try a few of their new flat plates as well. You can pick up a set at Walmart or off Amazon.

I absolutely love love love these dishes. They wash up well, can be thrown in the dishwasher and wont break when tossed on the floor. 

Re-Play has generiously agreed to giveaway a "Monster Mash" set to one of my readers. This includes 3 plates, bowls, sippy cups, fork and spoon in green, purple and orange... just in time for Halloween.

To enter- just leave a comment telling me which color is your favorite! (Bonus entry if you also include a fun snack you would serve... I'm always looking for fun and new ideas to serve the kids.)

This giveaway is only valid for those readers in the US (sorry guys), will close on the 9th and winner will be announced in a week- October 10th.

*Items were received for review but my opinions are 100% my own. I love these dishes and hope you do too. :)

You can check out more about Re-Play here- Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest

Covered Goods- Giveaway!

***GIVEAWAY closed. Amanda Z- please email me- you are the winner of the giveaway!***

One of the most nerve wracking things about becoming a parent the first time around was the thought of breastfeeding in public. I quickly learned after Logan was here that a hungry and crying baby trumped all worries I had about what anyone else thought. The first few weeks I tried really hard to time outings so they were in between feeds but one night we went out to eat with a coworker of my husbands family. I brought a bottle for Logan because I was nervous and had never met them before.... you can probably guess what happened next. It was the first time he refused a bottle and sat at the table screaming. Lucky for me, they were awesome (and the wife was also breastfeeding their youngest) so they told me to go for it and ordered me a beer.

Even now the second time around, when I am out, I like to use a cover. It is totally a personal preference and I don't bat an eye at those who don't... but I quickly found out that I have some very inquisitive babies. If they aren't covered, they want to stop eating to see what is going on and after delivery, I guess I'm still trying to hold on to what little modesty I have left. ;) Logan wasn't a huge fan of the cover but would tolerate it... Quinn is definitely not a fan at all of being covered up.

On our trip to Seattle a few weeks ago, we were out and about a lot. I quickly learned that the second Quinn is done eating she wants out and likes to karate chop the cover out of her way. It's crazy fast and I barely have time to adjust my shirt before shes peeking out and laughing at me. I knew that there had to be a better solution than the small and lightweight nursing cover I had been using. One that would actually keep me covered...

 Checking out Instagram, I came across Covered Goods. There is was, a nursing cover that actually covered you. I had to have it. Luckily, they were oh so nice and sent me one to try out. Let me tell you- this cover is fantastic. Not only did I get a beautiful design, but it covers your front and back and stays on until you are done and pull it off. I have used it nursing all over the place and haven't had to once worry about anyone accidentally seeing anything.

Not only does it work as a nursing cover, but it also can cover your baby in the infant bucket seat. So if it's windy out or your little once is napping, you don't have to worry about bringing another blanket along. It also can not blow away- which is amazing.

Also, when you baby starts sitting up in carts, you can also use it as a car seat cover. Right now, Quinn still goes in the carrier when we shop... but once she can sit a little better, I will be using this on our errands out!

In a few weeks, I'll be heading to the beach with a few girlfriends while Geoff hangs out with the kids. I will be pumping a lot to keep up my milk supply while I am gone. Two years ago when I went, I was in the same position and I remember how akward it was trying to pump and keep my nursing cover from flying all over the place. This year I am so excited that I will stay fully covered and could probably pump with a tropical drink in my hand instead. ;)

If you aren't completely sold on this cover yet Covered Goods is giving one away to one of you!

To enter to win a cover of your choice all you have to do is leave me a comment on what design you would love to have!
Contest will be open until Sept 4th at noon and I will email the winner shortly after it closes!

Good luck.

You can check out more Covered Goods here. Also feel free to look at their Instagram as well!


*This product was received for review, no other compensation was provided. All views expressed are honest and my own! :)

Giveaway with Freshly Picked!

*** Giveaway Closed! Winner has been notified. Thanks to everyone who entered!***

Hey guys, back today with a less serious topic. Shoes! When we found out that baby #2 was a girl, the very first thing I ordered for her was her first pair of Freshly Picked moccasins. Purple of course! We absolutely love these shoes in our household.

When Logan was an infant, I researched baby shoes and came across a lot of information about how babies who are learning to stand/walk should go barefoot or wear soft soled shoes. It helps them to feel the ground while they are learning to walk and they can freely move their feet around. They also provide some protection from anything on the ground, or ground that is too hot or cold.

After trying a few different types on (because lets be real, baby socks never ever stay on feet) I fell in love with the look of the moccasins. They are cute, made of quality leather (or suede) and stay on active little feet. Logan had a pair of camo moccasins that Quinn will wear once she grows into them. But as of now, you can find her cute little toes in these...

Made in the USA, these are by far my favorite first shoes for babies! Once Quinn outgrows her purple (Size 1), our friends at Freshly Picked sent us these Heirloom in Ivory and Chrome (Size 2).

 They are honestly so adorable even my husband loves them!

And whats the best news? YOU can WIN a pair too!!!
All you have to do is check out the Freshly Picked website here and leave me a comment letting me know which is your favorite pair.

This contest will close Monday July 20th at noon and the winner will be notified by email.
This giveaway is open to my US readers only... sorry!

Good luck!!!

(If you haven't seen the Shark Tank episode about these moccs, go and watch it! Susan Peterson's story of getting started is a good one!!!)

Freshly Picked Giveaway!

Happy Friday Friends!

Does anyone else just love Shark Tank? I don't know if it's the sharks themselves, the deals they make or learning about new companies and products (and the determination that got them started) but I love watching the show. My favorite is to watch it with my dad whenever I'm home in Ohio.

If you watch the show, then you are probably familiar with Freshly Picked... and if not, let me introduce them and their inspirational story to you.

Freshly Picked was started by Susan Petersen who was frustrated with baby shoes and in 2009 started to make her own moccasins with scraps of leather from a yard sale. Using her own baby as the tester, she continued to make designs until she came up with one that looked adorable and stayed on his feet.
To keep the business going when money got tight, she convinced here brother, who owns a window installation business, to let her keep the old windows. Encased in aluminum frames, she broke out the glass and recycled the aluminum to a scrap yard. This started her business.

We started putting shoes on Logan when he was around 6 months old and crawling. Around the house, we kept him barefoot but if we were going to be out and about... shoes it was. I read somewhere in all my baby research that soft soled shoes were the best for babies to wear while learning to walk so we kept him in soft soled shoes. When he started walking outside we got him his first pair of Stride Rites early walkers and these are the only shoes he has worn.

Freshly Picked was generous enough to send us a pair for Logan to try out!
We chose the Camo color - found here and it was a really hard decision with all the adorable colors. Good thing I don't have a girl... it would have been impossible with all the golds, pinks and purples. 

What I love about these shoes
1. They are adorable. Honestly, I love love love the look of these shoes when Logan is running all over the place.

2. They are made in the US. There is nothing better than supporting a company that keeps jobs in the US.

3. They are easy to get on and do not slip off my little guys feet. This is so important with shoes. The last thing I want is for him to be running around, slip out of his shoes and fall over.

My only con's are
- They are a bit pricey. At $60 a pop, they are definitely not the cheapest shoes around. But again, you are paying for well designed shoes that are made in the US.

-Mine are suede and might be a little tougher to clean than the leather. However, I went for style on this one. :)

Now for the fun part... YOU can win a pair!

Here is how to enter....

Check out the Freshly Picked site, Enter the Rafflecopter (could take a minute to load) and leave a comment below, letting me know what you love about these shoes and what color you like best. (I know it's hard... )

a Rafflecopter giveaway


This will be open until June 30th and the winner will be posted shortly after the giveaway ends- so check back to see if you won!
This giveaway is open to US residents only... sorry!

Good luck!

Squooshi review and Giveaway

***WINNER of the Giveaway is Julie E- please email so we can get your prize sent to you!***

Starting baby food for Logan has been so much fun! (Read about it here). However, once you start, you have to keep going. Which is fine until you throw some plans during "meal time" into the mix. I chatted about it before but carrying a bib, spoon, food in a container, something to clean up baby and mom with... it adds a lot of extra stuff to an already packed diaper bag!

There is another type of pouch that really takes the cake for cuteness!
Let me introduce you to the Squooshi pouch!

How is this pouch different from most others?
-The pouches come in 2 different sizes, 2.5 oz and 4.5 oz.
-They fill from the bottom and the spout is on the top.
(This helps to make clean up a breeze because the water runs straight through them.)
-They have Cuuuuuuuute animals on them, which make them extra fun!

Every time I have been out with these pouches, I have gotten stopped by a mom wanting to know what they were and where they could buy them. :)

This past week we traveled to Cincinnati for a friends wedding and to spend time with family. I brought these pouches for Logan to eat lunch on the airplane and used them off and on during the week when we were on the go. It was so helpful to have a quick and easy snack that didn't get allllll over the place while we were out. I filled them with applesauce, yogurt and a sweet potato mix. Half the time I really tempted fate and fed them to him without a bib and all the clothes made it out without a huge mess. Hooray.

Squooshi was started by a father-daughter team after Shannon was inspired to make a reusable pouch by her son Reid's love of eating food from pouches. She wanted to be able to give him fresh homemade food with the convience of the store bought pouches. After 2 and a half years of research, development and product testing Squooshi was launched in October 2012 with reusable food pouches that are BPA-free, Phthalate-free, PVC-free, and Lead-free.
They have a few recipes on the site, check out here to get you started on ideas of what to put in them.
I think we are going to try out the Apple, Carrot, Sweet Potato and Broccoli recipe this week! I also have enjoyed looking at the store bought pouches for food combination ideas.
Another fun tip is you can also freeze the pouches and use them as an ice pack to keep other food or drinks cold while out!

My only complaint with these pouches is that Logan would squeeze the middle and the top of the pouch would slump forward- keeping me nearby and from letting him eat from the pouch by himself. However, I found that if I used a thicker food, it seemed to work better and we didn't spill anything. :)

All in all we LOVED these pouches and are excited to continue to use them in the future.

Since we loved them so much and the people at Squooshi are so generous... I am super excited to give a set of Squooshi pouches to one of my readers!!! YAY.
It's not even the 4 pack that I was sent to try, we are giving away their new 6 pack to one of you. How cute are the new animals!?!?!

Here is how to enter the giveaway- You can do one or all three but make sure to leave me separate comments for each... giveaway will close on Friday (the 12th).

1. Follow "Fly The Friendly Skies" blog and leave me a comment (if you are already a follower just state that- of course you are still included!) I now read all my blogs via Bloglovin on my iphone and if that is your choice, there is a link up top.

2. Like Squooshi on Facebook. :)

3. Spread the word about the giveaway by Twitter, Instagram, Facebook... whatever you feel like. Just link back to this post, include Squooshi in the message AND let me know you did so in the comments! :)

Good luck. I will randomly pick a winner and announce/contact on Sunday.

You can check out more of Squooshi on their twitter, facebook and website!

*This product was received for review, no other compensation was provided. All views expressed are honest and my own! :)

Boba Carrier 3G & Giveaway

First things first... I Love love love Baby wearing!

When Logan was just a tiny little newborn, his favorite place was to be snuggled up on Geoff or my chest. It made for lovely, slow days enjoying his newness and getting to know each other but eventually we had to get back to real life. To keep him close to us, feeling safe and secure, we would wear him in wraps and carriers. This also allowed us to get a few things done like making lunch, grocery shopping or running errands. He was also a newborn in the middle of winter (aka flu season) so it also kept strangers faces further away from Logan when we were out. (People love babies always wanted to "take a peek". It was much easier to cover and turn my body to keep him away from someone coughing or getting too close, then if he was sitting in his car seat or stroller.)

There are many benefits of baby wearing such as
-Physical contact with baby creates a more intimate bond (works for both parents) and their attachment is more secure.
-Walking and movement and hearing the parents heartbeat mimics what was experienced in the womb and have a soothing effect.
-Decreases the risk of "flat head syndrome". Babies are supposed to sleep on their backs due to SIDS and spend a lot of time in their infant days on their backs in car seats, swings, seats. Tummy time and wearing your infant helps to keep the pressure off the back of their heads.

Boba was nice enough to send me a Boba Carrier 3G to try out in their very cute 'Tweet' pattern. (They also have a Boba wrap, Boba air and Organic carriers as well available on their website)

When it arrived in the mail, we immediately took it out of the package, adjusted the straps to fit (very easy to do with the instructions) and tried it on. There are some really cool features that makes this carrier really stand out.

You can wear this carrier with an infant without an extra infant insert.
They have foot straps that attach on for older children to keep their legs from hanging down- it keeps them in better alignment.
The strap for the chest/back slides up and down for a comfortable fit.
My favorite- there is a little strap on the shoulders that you can strap a purse to so it doesn't fall off your shoulder! Awesome. :)

Since the carrier is adjustable, Geoff can also comfortably wear it as well. Lucky for us, we are similar in height so most times i just have to adjust the straps around my hips after he has worn it. (I guess my hips spread a little since giving birth) I do have to caution that his arms aren't as flexible as mine so getting the carrier off is a bit trickier for him to do by himself. After wearing this carrier around for hours, we both agree that it is very comfortable!

He loves looking around while we are out and there is a sleeping hood (removable- just snaps on/off), which is great for sunny days or when Logan falls asleep on us.

You can also wear the carrier on your back, which we have not tried yet since it's meant for babies over 20lbs. The carrier can be worn from birth up until 45 lbs (or your baby is 4 years old) so we have a few more years of carrying little Logan around!

Logan absolutely loves being carried! I think our first big outing was at 12 days old to Costco and since then he has been worn on countless walks, days trips to Portsmouth Nh, Newburyport Ma & Boston, doing chores around the house and my favorite through the airport. (I didn't even have to take the carrier off to go through security!)

If you are pregnant, have small children or want to have a really great gift to give a pregnant friend...

Enter for your chance to win a Boba Baby Carrier, a Boba Wrap or a Boba Air! All products can be seen at www.bobafamily.com. With Boba products it is easier than ever to enjoy Freedom Together as a family and Boba wants YOU to get a chance to use their products. To enter to win, “Like” them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boba) and follow them on Twitter (www.twitter.com/boba).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This product was received for review, no other compensation was provided. All views expressed are honest and my own! :)

Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Can you believe that it's almost Thanksgiving?!?! Where has this year gone? Last I can remember it was July...
We are coming upon that time of year to stop, look around and recognize all we have and are thankful for (before devouring turkey, pie and then frantically shopping for the holidays). I love this time of year but I also know how easy it is to get caught up in the spirit and give all your energy to everyone else. That's why I want to give sometime to YOU!!!

I was contacted by Shabby Apple, an online boutique of wonderful women's dresses and accessories, to do a giveaway for all my amazing readers and I was so excited to do this! Their dresses are beautiful- go take a look and I'm sure you will agree. I love their jewelry, I'm an accessories girl... and so I will be giving away this necklace.

Through the Looking Glass. It's a beautiful glass pendant and even opens to hide something super special so you can keep it close. :)


This is a thank you for coming along my journey of life with me this past year through overnights, a new job, move and marriage!
This is open to my US readers only (I'm sorry!!!) but hopefully I can have another giveaway soon for everyone. (Because I like you all).


To enter to win this necklace you have to-

 1. Like Shabby Apple on Facebook and then leave me a comment saying you did.

Also to get extra entries...

2. Become a follower of this blog and let me know you did. (Or if you already follow me -thanks!- you are still included, Just say so!!!)

3. Spread the word about this giveaway... tweet it, post on facebook, or blog it... just let me know you did. :)

That is all!!! Good luck. This will be open a week and I will announce the winner next Friday! :)