Ciao Baby. Cool Baby Kid’s Final Post.

The Cool Baby Kid story dates back to pre-blogging when I created a website for my classroom using Netscape. No teacher I knew managed a website, and I had limited knowledge of creating one. After finding out my first child was coming into our family July 2006, my focus online became a site for the new baby. Shopping habits turned quickly from the latest lipgloss to finding the ultimate stroller. With some time off of work, all of the above converged as I turned my wiki of cool baby finds into a blog while somewhat unsure of exactly what blogging was all about. Cool Baby Kid was born in 2007 and has seen at least four major re-designs all with a singular focus…brining cool picks and tips to families. From baby products to educational ones, naturally over the years CBK evolved with my own interests. For instance, always a Disney lover, in 2011 when our family joined Disney Vacation Club (DVC), I began to infuse the site with weekly doses of the mouse.

 

Along the way, as with all bloggers who have been in the business of sharing their thoughts online, life happened. In 2009 I met Bridgette (Experimental Mommy) at BlogHer and together we realized bloggers who balance other life tasks–motherhood, careers, fitness–were truly Double Duty Divas.  A network of women bloggers to support each other, eventually adding post opportunities as it grew to over 1,000 members, the Divas became a springboard to Reviewers Retreat, the first blog conference geared 100% to blog/brand relationships.

 

Needless to say, double became triple duty and while relinquishing my blog was once unfathomable, the time came to streamline so many tasks and so, with a heavy heart but an excited one too, I leave Cool Bavy Kid begins to managing the Double Duty Diva blog. Together with the Diva team including Angie at My Four Monkeys and Jena from Ramblings of a Healthy Chic, I can now be found in my new Diva home.

 

Ironically this final CBK post is being finished on the morning of BlogHer12. Three years ago at BlogHer09 the new chapter of my blogging career was set in motion when I walked the streets of Chicago in slippers with two fabulous ladies from New Orleans that I hardly knew, Bridgette and Renee from What Mommies Need. Now, they’ve become close friends, business partners and an integral reason while I’m completely comfortable moving on from Cool Baby Kid to my new role. I will miss cool picks and tips but hope you’ll join me at DoubleDutyDivas.com.blog. The Divas can also be found on Facebook and Twitter although I will be blogging and tweeting as Cool Baby Kid keeping my CBK Twitter handle.
Ciao Cool Baby.

EcoAquarium: A Self-Cleaning Frog Aquarium {Coupon}

When our daughter had “monsters” in her bedroom, we bought a fish (and Little Mermaid tank) to keep her company. It actually helped, but then my son was left animal-less until we were introduced to EcoAquarium, a perfect solution for a family that knows very little about pets and their upkeep.

EcoAquarium is brought to us by Wild Creations a toymaker based in Myrtle Beach who was recently named one of the most successful small businesses in the country by a trade publication and ranked by Inc. Magazine  as the 259th fastest-growing private company in it’s recent Inc. 500 issue. How exciting for a small business and lucky for us to have connected with this cool pick!

Essentially the Classic EcoAquarium is a self-contained home for two African Dwarf Frogs that arrives with everything you need to get started (except food which they are given 2x per week).  Their specially conditioned Wild Creations Living Gravel™ acts as a natural biological filter converting excess food and waste to soluble nutrients that are then used by the aquarium plant. Simply put, easy maintenance.

Our son named his frogs Reddie and Pinky, and these color-themed frogs have been living happily in his room for a few weeks now. We’ve found the company extremely responsive and with FAQs and even resources for teachers, the possibilities of brining nature inside are endless. Ready to give a smile to little one with Wild Creations? Check out our cool coupon below.

Disclaimer: A product sample was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Tip

Use code “COOLBABY”for $3.99 off any purchase greater than $22.99.  This covers the cost of food for your frogs for a whole year!

Chatman: Your Child’s Personal Online Guide

A new product unlike any on the market, Chatman will become your child’s new bst bud while they’re online. Geared toward age 6-12).  Chatman (www.mychatman.com) chats with kids, helps with homework, sends reminders about events, features games and apps, and participates in chats online while keeping them safe.  With both “boy” and “girl” modes, once taking Chatman out of the box setup is as easy as hooking up to the computer via USB, install and personalize. Either Meeko or Ginger will then interact with your child in various ways including moving his eyes, ears and hands as he talks to them. Check out this video:

So what exactly can Chatman do? Quite a bit actually:

  • Chatman moves his eyes, ears, and hands and talks using a built-in speaker and a unique LED mouth sync.
  • Chatman comes loaded with two personalities (boy & girl) with over 2,000 chitchats that Chatman says and over 30 customizable moods.
  • Chat with Chatman – he understands and expresses emotions like a real friend! Chatman recognizes over 15,000 English words and expressions.
  • Teach Chatman – Easily teach him words or create new chitchat actions.
  • Have fun with Chatman – Access over 1,000 games, cool videos and more.
  • Helps with homework – Ask him a question or browse for the answer. Chatman makes finding info online a breeze.
  • Reminders – Keep schoolwork, birthdays, parties, etc. organized
  • Download new chitchats and software features from www.mychatman.com
  • Chatman is safe:
    • Not a stand-alone chat platform so there’s NO STRANGER DANGER.
    • Alerts when inappropriate chatting is exchanged on social networks.
    • Alerts when inappropriate web searches are attempted.
    • Parents can add additional malicious expressions or questions to watch out for.
  • Optional safety features will allow parents to:
    • Filter web browsing to safe websites only.
    • Ensure Chatman is not disconnected by the kids and he is up and running when they search and surf.
    • Receive reports of malicious content and dangerous websites that were accessed.

From the ability to download apps such as those adding additional security to your child’s online experience to the ability to add to Chatman’s vocabulary as he interacts with your child, one of my favorite features is his encouragment of communication skills. An educational tool, Chatman also like to just have fun and be a friend too which is endearing to see as a parent.

A sample was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% my own.

 Cool Tip

Follow Chatman on Facebook and  Twitter to keep up with current news and happenings.

The Hunger Games *Movie Trailer*

Cool Tip:

Read the first two chapters of The Hunger Games on their Facebook page, and look for it in theaters March 23rd with a one week limited engagement on IMAX as well.

Neosporine Essentials are Essential for Eczema

Don’t let the fun alliterative title fool you, Neosporine Essentials are no joke. As a parent of a preschooler newly diagnosed with eczema, I couldn’t have been more excited to review this new line of products. Not only is the entire line of eczema care including daily body wash, moisturizer and anti-itch cream specifically designed for eczema sufferers, they eliminate the need for more expensive products. I was shocked a few weeks ago when scouring Target for eczema lotion and fragrance free body wash to discover how much I’d have to pay for such products. Holy pricey Batman!

Luckily not only do they seem to help my son’s delicate skin in the midst of his first flare up, but the website is also an incredible resource with help for parents and caregivers whose children can’t stop itching from this unfortunate condition. The 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-itch Cream works especially well. My son has itched some spots to the point of bleeding, so with the help of short nails, this cream and even a band-aid or two for more troublesome areas, in just a few days I’ve already noticed a marked improvement.

From NeosporinEssentials.com

Neosporin Essential products “are all fragrance-free, and the National Eczema Association (NEA) has given their Seal of Acceptance to the Daily Moisturizing Cream and Daily Body Wash.” Other tools such as the Flare Discovery Tool that helps identify eczema triggers, their FAQ page and links to additional resources offer parents like myself a one-stop shop for all things eczema. This is a product I can stand behind 100%. Thanks Neosporin!

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Neosporin Essentials and received a product sample to facilitate my review, and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Cool Tip:

Download and print these Neosporin coupons before you shop.

 

Premium Walt Disney World: Pirates & Pals Voyage

Disney's Pirate Adventure (Photo Credit: WDWNews)

In the midst of planning our Disney World vacation this summer, we looked at two special experiences  including the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage and My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party. On the voyage adventurers “play Disney trivia games, sing songs and sea chanteys and savor “Wishes” fireworks lighting the night sky above Cinderella Castle. On the sail home, your pirate hosts enchant you with the tale of Peter Pan, plus more trivia questions and special prizes.” Once tied up, the voyage concludes with a visit from a very special guest.” Additional Details:

  • Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage is currently scheduled Fridays through Mondays.
  • Cost is $53.99 adults, $30.99 children ages 3-9.
  • To reserve call 407/WDW-PLAY.

Cool Tip: Follow Cool Baby Kid for more Disney news and special events.

Icebreaker Kids Merino Wool Camper Hoodie

My ten year old son loves his Icebreaker camper hoodie  It’s a perfect layer for when he’s skiing or playing in the snow because it keeps him warm,  it’s not bulky, and doesn’t make him overheat. I plan on letting him wear this as an outer layer instead of a jacket when the weather permits.  The hood fits his head instead of flopping around keeping his neck warm. Also, the New Zealand merino wool is so soft and lightweight and best of all itch free. I would have expected a wool sweatshirt to be itchy but to my surprise this was super comfy and silky and when it gets wet, there is not odor, which often occurs with wet wool. Bottom Line: get this hoodie for a warm base layer or an outdoor top layer your kids will be warm and not feel too bulky. I plan to purchase an Icebreaker top  for husband too who also is a skiier and outdoor sportsman.

Written by Amy, Cool Baby Kid Review Team

Disclaimer

Sample products was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Tip: Icebreaker offers kids, men and women’s apparel including running gear and technical sports wear. Be sure to follow Iebreaker on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

Disney on Ice “Treasure Trove” Recap

Last evening the family officially began “six months of Disney” as we prepare for a big trip to Disney World this summer by watching Tinker Bell fly through the air and marvelling at an enormous crocodile gobble up Captain Hook. We’re not taking this Disney prep lightly and have already begun shopping at Disneystore.com for tees and plan to turn “Movie Monday” into an exclusively Disney event. A little nutty? Maybe. But we love every minute. (“We” is defined as myself and my princess-loving daughter as well as our son but not necessarily the king of the clan who is excited about Disney World, loved Disney on Ice but isn’t exactly eating and breathing it like the rest of us.)

This was our third Disney on Ice performance and my favorite to date. It encompasses the princesses, my daughter’s favorite, but also takes audiences through other classic Disney stories such as Peter Pan and Lion King.  The highlight of the evening, barring a bigger than life-size elephant giving Prince Ali a ride and the incredible ice skating stampede that took Mufasa’s life, was an appearance by the newest princess and her unlikely friend. Rapunzel and Flynn elicited a special shriek from the kids sitting near us as did the final song which included all of the Disney princesses. As they circled round and round the ice, my children shouted their names over and over again: “Mulan…Cinderella…Belle” could be heard even after they waved goodbye and exited the ice.

Admittedly I watched my own children as much as the show and particularly enjoyed the overzealous clapping at the end of each segment. At one point my daughter leaned over, kissed my shoulder and said, “Thank you mama.” If only there was a Disney on Ice every weeknd. But then it my not be as special since now we wait until next January when once of the many Disney on Ice productions from Feld Entertaiment which this year include, in addition to Treasue Trove, include Dare to Dream, Toy Story 3, Magical Journey and 100 Years of Magic come to town. Not only would I highly recommend the show for both Disney and ice skating fans (which now the kids want to do of course), but I would encourage families to make the evening an experience by preparing, counting down and enjoying every minute of the magic.

Cool Tip: Find a Disney on Ice show near you and follow them on Twitter for updates.

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