If you’ve been guilty of a mommy meltdown, it may be comforting to know other moms have as well. An article on a new parenting site allParenting recounts some of these “less than finest moments” along with sanity saver ideas from real parents like you and I.  Browsing around this cool new site, I found features including:

• How to Steal 10 Minutes of Me Time Every Day
• Take Your Family Calendar Online
• Spring Brunch Ideas
• Hair How-To: Beach Waves

Well-designed with categories ranging from My Pregnancy and My Family to My Me Time and My Style, allParenting covers every inch of parenthood and beyond. As a mom of two with a full time teaching job, social media consulting company, blog and blog conference, there isn’t a ton of spare time for reading and internet surfing. On the other hand, articles such as ”Mommy Meltdowns” remind me that I’m not alone in the craziness that is pareting two preschoolers. While I may not have time to visit allParenting on a daily basis, liking on Facebook, following on Twitter and catching up with articles that pique my interest is a worthwhile time investment. When you sign up for the site it allows users to customize content by following specific authors on topics you find most interesting. I chose Katie Kavulla, for instance, after reading a few of her hilarious articles and realizing she keeps it real. She says parenting is like starting a brand new job each day, and I couldn’t agree more as you never know what challenge or joy lies ahead.

From dance mom confessions to the most extensive baby names resource on the planet, allParenting is a great new site for moms and dads worth checking out!

Cool Tip

In the “My Family” tab you’ll find ages and stages with articles geared toward your children. For instance, this is where I found We Skipped Preschool and Lived to Tell About It.

This post is sponsored by allParenting.com; all opinions are 100% my own.

This could be me with glasses. Pre-lasik surgery, I wore either glasses or contacts since middle school and love that GlassesUSA.com has a virtual mirror where you can try before you buy. Just upload a picture of yourself or take one with your webcam, and you can  “try on” various styles of glasses to see how they look! Test out this cool feature below or on the GlassesUSA.com website.

Purchasing eyeglasses online makes sense with so many options and customer service with guarantees. GlassesUSA.com offers a 110% lowest price guarantee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee along with a generous refer-a-friend program. I was never a fan of purchasing glasses. Expensive with insurance never seeming to cover the cost, there always seemed to be a long wait and I must admit to not missing the process since I’ve stopped wearing eyeglasses since lasik surgery. I would have been thrilled to simplify the process by purchasing online through a reputable source, especially with the cool “try it on” feature below. Test it our for yourself to test drive various styles:

Stay up-to-date on all GlassesUSA happenings through their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/glassesusa) and their Twitter feed (@GlassesUSA) and let us know if you have a great experience ordering eyeglasses!

While this post is sponsored by GlassesUSA.com, all opinions are 100% my own.

Cool Discounts

Take advantage of their Spring Savings Sale, 50% off any pair of prescription eyeglasses or sunglass frames, available storewide (for eyeglasses, basic single-vision lenses are included), PLUS Free Shipping! Use Code: SPRING50FS

Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Use Code: Blog10

In March my son received a Nintendo DS for his birthday. So far we’ve tested out Silverlicious for DS and Gogo’s Crazy Bones, and he’s loving the “big boy” teach toy. I’m amazed at how inherent the play is for him as he picks it right up and begins to navigate through the screens. “DS time” is needed to limit it’s use since we’re a long way off from self-reglation. Come to think of it, I’ve had to pry my husband from Temple Run so maybe it’s a boy thing.

Some background. Gogo’s are mini-characters that come in various colors and designs each with their own name, personality and ability. Kids can collect GoGo’s; we saw one just yesterday checking out at the grocery store! Bringing the popular collectibles into the gaming world, DS seems a perfect outlet for these mini-figurines as players shoot and sling them into the air in battles, baskets and other fun configurations of GoGo games. My son is crazy for GoGo’s Crazy Bones, and I definately find myself having to set time limits to his new additction:

Each level unlocks additional Gogos with over 30 Puzzles and 70 GoGo’s in total. Gogo’s Crazy Bones ($29.99 retail)  is rated “E” for everyone!

Cool Tip

Purchase GoGo’s Crazy Bones for Nintendo DS from our Amazon affiliate shop for $29.68.

Cool Tip

Support cool new children’s book Roger Nix President at Six written by Nick Daze  illustrated by Bill Robinson www.FlimFlammery.com and his incredible Kickstarter campaign which has already raised nearly $22,000 and only has $8,000 more to go in order to put the book into production.  . Each $30 pledge towards the Roger Nix campaign comes with a first edition hardcover copy of the book, delivered in time for the new school year this fall.

Our friends across the pond are familiar with Pinypon, and now American girls will be delighted with a world that includes mermaids, travellers and sweethearts. Mini dolls (this is a great starter set) who swap clothes and accessories invite endless possibilities. I like how easily they snap on and off, making it simple to mix and match. My five year old daughter loves mini-toys and bright, colorful Pinypons were an instant hit. The Caravan is as adorable as it gets. Opening up to a swimming pool complete with surf board, lounge chair and more, it also comes with a Pinypon girl and pet making a perfect gift since the line is fairly new in the US. Total immersion into the world on Pinypon can be accomplished with a visit to their website which includes games, puzzles and printables like the one pictured here. 

Pinyponm is available at Toys R’ Us exclusivly both in stories and online. Keep up with the world of Pinypon by following them on the following social medis sites:

• Fan on Facebook.com/pinyponusa
• Follow on Twitter
• Subscribe on YouTube 

Cool Tip

Use one of two current Pinypon coupons like the one below or buy two get one free.

Sample products were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% my own.

Savvy Laptop Tote

As I headed down to North Carolina to put finishing touches on Reviewer’s Retreat at Great Wolf Lodge, it occurred to me that packing for a conference requires a special set of packing skills learned only after multiple trips, conferences of all kinds and a few mistakes along the way. A mini-weekend with Bridgette was just what the doctor ordered to remind myself how to prepare for a conference/family vacation at Great Wolf Lodge.

#1 Tech Packing

This includes all of the “techie” stuff you’ll need since any blogger worth her (or his) mettle will have a laundry list of chords and such as they head out to network and learn. In partnership with eBags who will be attending RR12, I used this Savvy Laptop Tote ($39.99) from eBags to get the tech packing complete. The list included my laptop and iPad with chargers for both. My iPhone plus charger and an extra Apple compatible chord after an incident once left me without a charger making me a bit overcautious in their area. A few magazines for the plane (no electronics on takeoff and landing after all) along with my liquids in a clear bag, wallet with ID and boarding pass and I was nearly set. Toss in some Phineas & Ferb pretzels plus a small Carolina Pad notebook and pen (keeping it old school) and this one is ready to roll.

Packing Cubes

2. Luggage

Without kids a two night trip to GWL is a fairly easy pack. Using these Packing Cubes from eBags, a few pair of shorts and shirts, two sundresses, two pair of flip flops, a bathing suit and coverup, and some PJs and my carry-on is almost ready to roll. A Too Faced eyeshadow pallet means on package for eyes. A light sweater for any conference is a good idea since conference room may be air conditioned.

3. RR12 Miscellaneous Items

Packing specifically for a conference, one item important to never leave home without are your business cards. At Reviewer’s Retreat you’ll also need PJs and slippers for the Slumber Party and your favorite sports-themed attire for the opening evening’s Tailgate Party. Most of all, bring and open mind and willingness meet new people, and RR12 will be a fun, worthwhile trip.

Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% my own.

Cool Tip

Check out more cool travel picks on Bags by eBags Pinterest page.

Making the most of the last day of Easter vacation, we enjoyed delving into an American Gift craft, specifically the Painted Memory Box. The line includes Sew & Shares, Historical Character Kits, and 2012 Girl of the Year products. Crafts specifically designed for girls ages 8-12, our Memory Box, though fun to create and well-made, don’t look exactly like the picture since my daughter is a pre-schooler and a bit under the recommended age.

Easy to read instructions were included along with the necessary materials to create the memory box. Of course, the American Girl name and logo with Josephina on the cover made it a “special craft” for our day at home. An American Girl family, my daughter has both Ruthie and a Bitty Twin. We also tested out Kit’s Fabric Flower Kit making a headband which was much easier than I anticipated, not being the crafty type myself. Check out the entire line of American Girl Crafts Kits and Gifts or, for a fun birthday party theme, the party products which include make your own invites and more.

Whether your family falls into the American Girl or crafty categories, or none of the above and are looks to find fun activities for girls ages 8-12 (or even a bit younger in my opinion), American Girl crafts are highly recommended earning a Cool Baby Kid *Top Pick* designation.

Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Tip

Always on the lookout for a good deal, we found these American Girl crafts on sale.

I’ve tried every imaginable system to make laundry less of a chore. Created schedules, alternated days with my husband, brought the kids in on the task…no matter what we try, it seems this is one chore destined to be endless.  I’ve asked my family to stop wearing clothes, but since they refuse laundry continues to pile up each day. Any way to make it simpler, such as one using one of my all-time favorite products, the Bounce Dryer Bar, and I’m all over it.

When I heard about Tide Pods, I naturally jumped on the opportunity to check them out.  The “pods” features three chambers especially designed to brighten, fight stains and clean all in one neat container. Tide Pods also dissolve in all water temperatures. Unfortunately I only had one opportunity to test a pod, which was as easy peasy, when it dawned on me I need dye and perfume free detergent and couldn’t use the remainder of Tide Pods. My son, recently diagnosed with eczema, has extremely sensitive skin, and we’re still getting used to the changes needed to keep breakouts under control. Reluctantly I gave the pods to my mother. Today during a shopping trip to Target I asked her about them. Her response…”Love, Love, Love” which sounded exactly like something I would say! “For convenience I love them. I just realized I was getting to the end and had to go back to liquid, to use it up, and was bummed.”

Jealous, I respectfully request a Tide Free Pod so I may enjoy the same connivence as mom in my laundry routine.

Cool Giveaway

Enter to win a container of Tide Pods by sharing one way you’ve made the chore known as “laundry” easier on your family. For extra entries (leave a seperate comment for each):

• Follow Cool Baby Kid on Pinterest
• Like Cool Baby Kid on Facebook
• Follow Cool Baby Kid on Twitter
• Follow Tide on Twitter
• Follow Tide on Facebook

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 4/20/12.

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

While I’m bummed our family will not be travelling to London for the 2012 Olympics, it will be exciting to watch from home. We’ll especially be watching the U.S. Beach Volleyball Team now that our daughter has a signed volleyball from two-time Olympic Games Gold medalist and Team USA athlete, Kerri Walsh! Having partnered with Pampers to help introduce Limited Edition “USA” diapers and wipes hitting shelves this April, this mom is proud “our boys to be representing the USA flag.” The new diaper designs feature an adorable “USA” print with red, white and blue stars and stripes so your little one can show their Team USA pride, while still exploring and conquering their world through play.  The wipes packaging also pays tribute to Team USA with similar packaging designs.

We received a package in the mail with the products pictured and gave them to babies whose parents are excited to sport the USA logo on their bitty bums. Celebrity endorsements can feel forced making parents question how genuine the partnership is. Having worked closely with Pampers for some time, however, I very much believe Kerri Walsh is sincere in her enthusiasm about the brand. It’s not an accident the Pampers website is titled “Pampers Village.”  They care about babies, as many are parents themselves, and I root for Pampers just like will this summer for the good ol’ US of A.

Product samples were provided for review purposes as a Pampers Baby Board member; all opinions are 100% my own.

Cool Tip

Keep up with Kerri Walsh and Team USA on Twitter. Starting April 16th you’ll even have a chance to win a trip to the London for the 2012 Olympics so be sure to stay tuned by following Pampers on both Twitter and Facebook.