Whiny Wednesdays: Skip Hop Zoobrella Makes Rainy (or Sunny) Days Fun

What can I say? She's the cutest two-year-old I've ever seen. It literally kills me that my blogging policy has always been not to show faces because, y'all her face is adorable. She has so many hilarious expressions these days, I love it.

For about a week, we had rain literally every day. And, oh, that just so happened to be the first week of school and our new Sunday School classes. So one morning as the three of us hovered under the same tiny umbrella, I realized what we needed. Our very own umbrellas. (It kinda helped my decision as I watched another family quietly and so elegantly waltz towards the building each with their own, while we fought and screamed over getting the tiniest drop of rain on ourselves because someone was hogging the umbrella. Ok, I might hate getting wet, myself, and it wasn't just the kids. Sigh.)

So now that she has her own Skip Hop Zoobrella umbrella ($15) that looks like an adorable ladybug (there are seven different animals to choose from), it hasn't rained. A drop. But, you know what? She doesn't care! She carries it around like there's a tsunami coming - and looks cute as can be. The "Livie Ladybug" umbrella really is just her size. It features a child-sized handle and a release that's gentle to open and close. The 3-D ears are definitely the cutest features, but I also love the peek-a-boo window so I can still see her when she's holding it - and (drumroll) it's phthalate free. You don't find many of those, folks.

I'll post more on her outfit soon (because there's a cuuuuuute vest) that coordinates with it when it gets slightly cooler), but you know how we love our Zutano for everyday (hello, all-the-time) wear. They have the most amazing sets, like this one from the fall 2016 collection, that slip on and off so easily and wash like whoa! This is the new Folktale print flora top ($28) and it's paired with the hot pink stretch knit leggings ($29). Little L. is in love with the bunnies on this print so much!

I'm so excited about her new fall wardrobe and mine as well! It's finally here.

See you at the playground! And...bring an umbrella?!


For even more similar pieces we love from Zutano, shop the styles below!

[Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post. Skip Hop and Zutano sent us these pieces for testing and review. All opinions are my own. We adore!]

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Whiny Wednesdays: The Sweetest Knot Dress

With every season brings change. New milestones (she can hop on one foot and ride a tricycle! separately, of course)...cooler weather...and a new fall wardrobe. Chock full of Matilda Jane lovelies like this one, natch. It's the Loveliest Garden Knot Dress ($62) from the fall Once Upon a Time collection...swoon.

Last fall was full of change for us when she started daycare for the first time, little C. started kindergarten and I settled into being a full-time working mom. I'd like my coffee with less change this fall, please, as we settle into more of a routine lifestyle. Whatever that is. Working with two kids is hard work no matter how you swing it, but it's truly an honor and blessing I get to raise these two sweet peas. Kitty-Kat shoes and all.

Church is part of our Sunday routine, and it brings joy to my heart the kids love it. And it's also fun watching them get all dressed up. 

Pretty, twirly dresses just make little L. happy - and I don't blame her. She comes by it honestly. 

[Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. Matilda Jane sent pieces to us for the purpose of testing and review. All opinions are my own. We're obsessed.]

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Whiny Wednesdays: Is It Really Peanut Allergies?

Kids and allergies. Where do I start? If you're a mom of a household of allergies, including yourself like me, you know. It can be overwhelming. What's more, what happens when you aren't quite sure of the allergy? Yep, allergies have been taunting us for years.

little C. has always had seasonal allergies just like his mama, but when we found out last winter he might have a peanut allergy, I nearly fainted. If you know me, you know I'm already a worry-wart, so the peanut allergy sent me into overdrive. How would we make it through life?

I was confused and mad and scared and all of the emotions, if ya will. I immediately got an Epi Pen, Benedryl and researched like crazy. I even found these Mabel's Labels allergy stickers that are just perfect! Because besides peanuts, he tested positive for soy. Let me tell you, the past 9 months of grocery shopping have been not so glorious, to put it lightly. (I don't agree with soy anyway because it's a dirty ingredient no matter how you look at it, but finding things without on purpose for the sake of your child's health can prove to be extremely daunting since it's in everything. And that's a shame.)

So to move the story along quickly, we had him retested. Always have everything retested, folks.

He may or may not have an actual peanut allergy now that we have further results back - and he doesn't have soy at all! I couldn't believe it when I got the call. I actually almost started crying at the office. 

So what's next? A scary food challenge that I'm not excited about and that we have to wait practically a year to do. The worry-wart in me is already shaking to pieces, but it's the only way for us to truly know and maybe (finally) we can rest at ease knowing there's nothing wrong. Fingers crossed.

For now, I'll stick with these cute lil' customized allergy stickers (that I'm going to have revised - oh, and these are mock ones...his name is def not Sam) and relish in the fact that we might have good news before long.

Tell me. Have you had any allergy tests done with your kids? Aren't these stickers an amazing idea?!

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this post (nor am I a doctor). Mabel's Labels sent us these labels for review purposes. All opinions are my own. So genius.

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Whiny Wednesdays: New School Year, New Shoes

A new school year calls for new fancy shoes, yes? Nothing makes little L. happier than new kicks - what can I say, she gets it from her mama. And I'm pretty sure her daycare teachers get the biggest kick (pun intended) out of her footwear attire each day (we like to rotate). I mean, don't they know she's a future blogger? Wink.

New Balance is our fav brand for those days where we know we're gonna be active. (ok, where they are gonna be active - not we. I sit at a desk.) Of course, I love her fancy cat shoes or chic gladiator sandals, but you just can't beat a good pair of sneakers for that rough-and-tumble play on the playground (well, squealing and bouncing up and down at the top of the slide, anyway).

This fall, New Balance sent us several styles to try out (many her age have laces now, and as pretty as they are, I saved those for home and the daycare teachers should thank me). These purple ones with Velcro are the standouts of the bunch. They're gorgeous (purple is her fav color), but also functional. She really loves running around in them because they're so comfortable. They don't rub at all, and slide right on because the top completely raises up to get her foot inside. No trying to "squeeze" them in with these - I always hate that! They Velcro on both sides (and it's a sturdy Velcro, so she can't take them off easily, bwahaha). And, of course, they truly bring out her fashion-loving personality.

His favs are these blue ones because they're so classic - and he can tie his shoe now! I was super proud of him last year in kindergarten when he won the shoe-tying contest in his class (insert proud mom moment here). These New Balance sneakers are just gorgeous and I love how this brand seems to last forever. Little boys need lots of sneakers for how rough they can get (or is it just mine? nope, didn't think so.), so I can't wait for an entire year of these cute shoes.

See you on the playground, mamas?

Here are some of the other styles for fall we love!

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this post. New Balance sent sneakers to us for testing and the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. What a hit!

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Whiny Wednesdays: cute & comfy favorites

Oh, Kickee Pants, how we adore you. I can count on one hand the brands both of my kids want to absolutely live in and Kickee Pants is right up there at the top. Love. it.

I'm 

These are the moments I wish you could see their whole faces because when they smile, their eyes really show how happy there are! I've been putting little L. in these bamboo-soft and slinky pieces since she was born and felt like she was cooing at me in thanks the minute I slipped the onesie on her. I reached for her little Kickee Pants onesies again...and again. And you know what? I still have a dress she wore at 12 months that she now wears as a "tunic." The fabric is so slinky and forgiving they can practically live in the closet forever! And do a child's pose? :)

Here she's wearing the basic short-sleeve Swing Dress (with keyhole and button closure, in Lotus). This dress is a popular silhouette from the line and I know why. It's just perfect - so easy on both mama and little L. It pops right on and off and is adorable with little ruffles. Can I let you in on a secret though? We use it as a nightgown! Eek. She wore it to bed one night and after that she was hooked - I can hardly get her in anything else. And I don't blame her - can they make adult sizes, please? But rest assured, this little dress is perfect for daytime play, inclduing tea parties and big birthday events.

I didn't even know they made "big kid" sizes until the other day - little C. is ecstatic! (I didn't know they made training pants and crib sheets either, and this, friends, is life-changing.) Sizes go up to 10 years, and that's amazing. That means little C. has a few more years left wearing his fav Kickee Pants like this pajama set.

He's always been very tactile, so he can't get enough of his new viscose and bamboo pajamas. (During the summer before school started, it was pretty much his stay-at-home uniform. Ahhhh...the life!)

Tell me...have you tried Kickee Pants? Do you love like we do?

P.S. Stay tuned for another review of, drumroll, their matching long-sleeve Kickee Pants PJs as it gets cooler outside!

Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post. Pieces were provided to me via Kickee Pants for testing and the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. Gosh, I adore it.

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Whiny Wednesdays: Back to School Backpack

Both of my kids headed back to school this week - and by school for her, I mean daycare. Womp.


While I still cringe at the thought of sending her every day, it's been really good for her. She's developed so many social skills over the past year, and loves being around other kids. I can def attribute that to daycare, even though I'd much rather the nine hours a day she spends with someone be with me (as exhausted as it used to make me). But life works in ways we can't always plan and we have to think that everything happens for a reason!


So, I promised you I would share a few of our fav things for heading back to school this year, and by far it has to be this Miss Mouse backpack from Dabbawalla. I mean....squeal a hundred times!!

　

This line from their Web site says it all for me: "crafted from a revolutionary material that is degradable, recyclable and 100% toxic free, with zero lead, BPA-free, and no phthalates or PVC." I mean, who wouldn't love a cute backpack with these qualities, right?


There are a lot of really cute ones (including this cat!), and Miss Mouse is actually on sale now! It's only $32 and, of course, you can personalize it for extra. The size of these bags is great for daycare and preschool because it's "just right." And promise you they look brand new after ages of wear and tear (must be that eco-friendliness in play).


Function, too? Oh, yes. It has a top handle, and easily adjustable straps that actually adjust from the inside. It's pretty nifty.

　

little C. had a Dabbawalla when he was little, and I'm pretty much obsessed at this point. Be sure to check out the site for your fav pattern, and the matching lunch bag, too!


Happy back to school. It's going to be a GREAT year...I can feel it.


P.S. If you're wondering about little C getting some love, rest assured, he wouldn't budge from his former backpack. What can I say, he loves his routines like his mama.


[Disclaimer: I received no compsensation for this post. Dabbawalla sent us the backpack in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own. Loves it.]

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Whiny Wednesdays: Nom Nom

Despite little L's expression (omigosh, she has so many of them at two, y'all), we are all so excited to head back to school this these cute-as-a-button lunch boxes. (Thank you, Zoli!) little C. has been obsessed with this brand (ok, it's partly me, too) since he was born. 

True story. I searched high and low for the perfect lunchbox this year because this is an extremely important component of back to school. I mean, they use it every day! And it's something they need to love since they carry it. I love how the design on the Zoli Nom Nom is subtle, yet they can pick their fav colors to express themselves. (And they hate to admit it, but they kinda love having the same lunchbox this year.)

The reason why none of the others I found made the cut? They had nasty chemicals all over. Who really wants to eat from that, seriously. Zoli is both PVC and lead free - thank goodness. It's also insulated with a divider on the inside. I love it because instead of wide, it's tall. Which always feels like there is more room and it's easier to organize, especially with the drink situation. 

The exterior is canvas and I've actually washed it in the past and had luck with it coming clean (just make sure you don't wait too long to wash or will be too late). These cuties come in 5 colors and are $24 on zoli-inc.com. I promise you if you're looking for something functional, durable, cute and chemical-free, these are the best. 

Keep reading the next few weeks on all of our back to school picks!

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Whiny Wednesdays: Road Trip Snacks (Allergy Friendly!)

Last week we had a heck of a road trip, y'all. When we drive to the beach, it's never a piece of cake with two kids. So I didn't think it would be this year, either. On top of that, we found out this year that little C. has food allergies (another post on that soon!), so I knew traveling long hours in the car with only fast food along the way would be challenging.

Insert Enjoy Life. It was already one of our favorite brands before we found out about his allergies, and it's now become a complete go-to because it's free of all of the major food allergies (no soy! no peanuts!). What's more, the brand provided us with snacks for our road trip and it made traveling with his food allergies a complete CINCH.

While we had tried the beloved mini chocolate chips we keep in the fridge on the ready, we hadn't tried Plentils. They're now our absolute favorite (they're basically yummy chips!) and I'm going to buy them in bulk for school lunches. I loved them on the trip because they were portable - little C ate them in the car, but also on the beach and at the pool!

There are also tons of flavors, which he appreciated. Having food allergies can be a downer on what you can eat, so being able to eat pizza flavor and his favorite, Dill and Sour Cream, was a complete dream. (He loves pickles, so I called them the "pickle chips." Worked like a charm.)

And while I couldn't get him to venture out to the Seed and Fruit goodness, I ate those religiously myself. The beach bash flavor with dried cranberries and sunflower and pumpkin seeds was so fitting and perfect to snack on (mamas, need nourishment, too!). 　

If your littles have food allergies, or even if you're just traveling with them soon, I highly rec Enjoy Life!

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Whiny Wednesdays: Jeremy Scott + Mini Melissa Boots

These days, girl is on the move. But as much as she's moving, she's moving to stop and take her picture for me. And, of course, I'm just loving that!

Just before we left for vacation mini Melissa sent us these precious monkey boots. I mean go ahead and squeal!!! She pretty much did. 

You know I'm just as obsessed with a sweet-smelling plastic pair of mini Melissa kid's shoes as I am my own pair of heels. Fact. These boots are part of a collab with super-chic designer Jeremy Scott. So, natch, she has to read bedtime stories in them. 

And, yep, she may be girly on the outside, but she thinks tractors are all that, too. Ok, not really. It's just her big brother's book and she had it handy. (She'd much rather prefer her shoe books.) 

Here's to another chic week in rain boots and shorts! Kids these days... 

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Whiny Wednesday: Our Favorite Sunscreens of the Summer

As you know, we're headed to the beach incredibly soon - EEK. So naturally with a family full of light-headed babies, we must talk sunscreen. When I'm packing every summer for our annual trip, it's one of the first things I list in my Google Doc (bwahaha, yes, I've started packing with a Google Doc - don't make fun of me!). Honestly, it's next to diapers. It's that essential.


We always get super excited to test out the best of the best sunscreens. I always refer to the EWG list of the safest ones when I'm choosing them for my littles (and me, for that matter - I've definitely had skin cancer removed in the past). I look for the green ratings, which are 0-2 and lowest hazard. Anything red - stay away! 

It seems like every year Badger Balm is on the good list, and it's no wonder. It's amazing! We use the Kids Sunscreen Cream SPF30 ($15.99) religiously because it's simple, safe and effective. In essence, it's a mineral zinc oxide formula with no chemicals (there are only SIX ingredients!) - it's 100-percent certified natural and 95-percent certified organic. It's water and sweat-resistant for 40 minutes, and it even contains lightly-fragranced tangerine and vanilla essentials oils with a sunflower oil base (that are all hypoallergenic). The kids honestly love it and I even use it on me.


Our other summer favorite (and I'm sure I will use it again and again now that we've tried) is Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($12.99). little L loves this stuff (and so do I!). Funny enough it's the same exact formula as the kids' version they sell, with only the packaging that's different. So if you have older kids like I do, you can use the same bottle (just don't let kiddo see "baby" on it! Wink.). This sunscreen has been top rated by EWG since 2010 and was the first to pass Whole Foods Premium Care Requirements (and I live there, so...).


Thinkbaby actually lasts an entire 80 minutes (and I've definitely tested it out at the pool and it works), and although it applies white like all other formulas of this nature, it absorbs well and before you know it, it's no big deal. And I'm pretty sure the raspberry and cranberry oils in it are what make me go completely gaga over the light scent. It's truly amazing!


If you're headed to the pool, the beach or just outside in general this summer, you absolutely cannot beat these two sunscreens! On a scale of 10 hearts, we give them a true 10. No one has had a single sunburn!


P.S. I'll be at the beach, so we'll just see how much posting I get done next week. More than likely I'll be updating you on the fun with the sweet little things in a couple of weeks! Don't forget about me - and follow along on instagram and Twitter @iheartheels! xoxo


Disclaimer: Sunscreens were sent as samples for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. No compensation was provided for this post.

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Whiny Wednesdays: See Kai Run Shoe Sale

Little L. has quite literally been wearing her See Kai Run metallic gladiators all summer long - they are amazing for daycare. The girl has an entire closet full of shoes (she gets it from her mama), but I find myself reaching for these shoes nearly every day because they're just so easy - and they've lasted several months so far (I sized up since they have a back on them, and we were able to get even more wear out of them!)

See Kai Run is having a huge sale right now with with select summer styles at 60-percent off...squeal! This includes, sneakers, sandals, water-friendly runners, Mary Janes and trainers. From one shoe-loving mama to the next, I just had to let you know. It ends tomorrow, so hurry!!

[Photo courtesy See Kai Run]

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Whiny Wednesday: Sweet Stripes

Gosh, I just love dressing little L. up in sweet little summertime dresses. It's the absolute best! But not fancy dresses. Zutano has the ultimate dresses that really almost feel like play attire to me - in a dress! Everything is knit and so soft (and washable!) - and it helps that they come in really cute colors and patterns and real people can actually afford it. No, really.


Sometimes I dress her for church in these and then she literally stays in it all day, playing and happy. And I definitely don't mind sending her to daycare in them, either. Of course, she wears shorts and tees like any other toddler, but there's something adorable about a summer dress. Ya know?

She's officially a spunky little girl these days and getting into everything, by the way. What melts my heart is when she holds her big brother's hand to cross the street or wants to say good morning to him when she wakes up. As much as they have their sibling squabbles (oh man, they do), you can tell she really adores him and I hope they can be good friends as they get older. With the 4-year age gap it's a little difficult right now, but it gets easier every day. I think she's growing on him just a little bit.


And I certainly do treasure these moments of little when I can dress her up like a little baby doll. Because I know prettttttty soon she's going to have a say-so. But I'm also pretty sure she would pick a Zutano dress in a heartbeat. Wink. I've brought her up well. 

Hope all you mamas are enjoying the start of this hot summer with your kiddos...stay cool! xoxo

Disclaimer: There was no compensation for this post. I did receive this dress from Zutano in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own. Best brand ever!

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Whiny Wednesdays: Dealing with Mom Guilt

Where did time go? Really. It was just last summer (and I know because she makes me watch the videos on my phone over and over!) that she was just trying to get her little bottom up off the floor to walk a few steps across the floor. She wasn't saying anything but mama and now she can say just about anything (it's a good thing I just squeal when stub my toe).

little L. has now been in daycare a full 10 months, and while many kids at her age have been even longer, it still seems like an eternity to me. I long for those days I had with little C. where we could show up at the bookstore every Friday and play trains in our ripped jeans (for different reasons) - and to cuddle on the couch with the iPad. Being a second child, it's different anyway. little L. doesn't know any different, so I tell myself it's ok. 
Mom guilt. It's the worst, isn't it? You feel like you can never give enough. And that transition from stay-at-home-mom to working mom is a mixture of #girlboss, #runtheworld, #supermom, #youvegotthis and #momfail #sotired #sobusy and just plain...yep, #momguilt. 

It's important for my kids to see me being me and not just mom, and that some day they will go out into the world and do things they love, too. Every mom is special - from those who stay at home to those who work. And I'm glad I've been able to experience both. It truly is rewarding at the end of the day to know how hard I've worked for my little family, and then to snuggle on the couch before bedtime. 

Tell me, mamas. How do you deal with mom guilt?

P.S. This cute little summer outfit (butterfly top; striped dancing skirt) was sent by Zutano and I'm in love. I was so surprised by how soft the tee is - it's not just any tee! And everyone needs a little yellow to brighten things up, right?

Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this post. This outfit was sent by Zutano in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own. By the way, look how fast she is these days!

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