The Next Kid Thing

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!  Our family celebrated our country’s independence, perhaps, just like most of you: with tons of fun in the sun, fireworks and good times with friends and family.

Photo Credit: Illuminate Life

I know much of the east coast right now is enduring really steamy weather and with this weekend’s festivities in mind, I thought it’d be a good time as any to share some thoughts about sunscreen. 

Since becoming a parent, I’ve learned so much that I didn’t already know about sunscreen, particularly how it expires, some of those pricey brands are nothing but bottles of toxic lotion and how so many different kinds just are not suitable for the kids.

Earlier this year, the Enivornmental Working Group, released the fourth annual list of their best rated sunscreens.  The nonprofit research organization that says they aim to use information to protect human health and the environment, say their top-rated sunscreens all contain the minerals zinc or titanium. EWG says these types of sunscreen are best for people who are looking for UVA protection without any chemicals considered to be a potential hormone disruptor, and for like-minded parents, these details are pertinenent when selecting sunscreens that work best for our family.  Not-so-surprising observation here:  not a single spray sunblock makes their list

It’s important point out this staggering statistic: 
EWG researchers recommend only 39, or 8 percent, of 500 beach and sport sunscreens on the market this season.

As a full disclosure here, I’m sure I mentioned before that my husband works in the health and beauty sector as a warehouse planner for a big box store, thus I get to try out many great brands (and not so great ones, t00).  When summertime rolls around, I’m always on the lookout for the samples of the “better” sunblock, meaning those brands that aren’t laden with chemicals that I don’t want to slather over the kid’s super-sensitive skin.

EWG’s list this year included many of those brands that I considered tried and true, particularly my two favorite brands for the kid:  Blue Lizard and TRUKids.  Both brands were samples that I came across from husband’s work and haven’t strayed since.  They’re staples in my beach bag and I’m super happy to see them on the EWG top-rated sunscreen list.

Last year, in fact, I reviewed TRUKid’s Sunny Days, which received a 1 overall score from EWG’s rating system.

(more…)

I’ve joked before how, as kids, my brothers and I used to race to see who could get the most tan. In retrospect, it wasn’t the safest “game,” even with our darker complexions. It was the 80s, afterall—y’know, the decade of excess… But now, as a mama (with a very fair-skinned mestizo babe) naturally, like many other mamas, my perspective on sun safety has since changed.

According to Kidshealth.org, most kids rack up between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18.

That’s a lot of fun in the sun, which is also why my mom friends and I often compare notes on the best natural sunscreens for our kids. Kiss My Face, California Baby and Jason products are often mentioned, but since being introduced to TruKid products, I can’t say enough great things.

A small family-run business, TruKid was born as a result of a mother who sought to fill a void. After searching for safe, but effective skin products for her five active kids (now six), Jennifer Adams Bunkers created TruKids. TruKid uses natural ingredients and essential oils, and it’s no surprise that he Environmental Working Group has given TruKid’s entire line, (including the products I’m about to review) the safety rating of 0-3.

Just as I started this blog, TruKid was one of the first companies to reach out to me after a mention on my Toxic Tub post. Yeah, they’re that awesome. I’ve spoken highly of the Happy Face and Body Lotion in the past, (seriously, can’t get enough of that fun apple scent and I love the smell of my clean boy) but with another long and SUNNY holiday weekend upon us, I wanted to share a review about TruKid’s Sunny Days, which comes in a fabulous sunscreen lotion and super-convenient face and body stick.

The Sunny Days sunscreen lotion comes out thick and creamy, yet not greasy or oily. Because of its creamier consistency, with just 2 dollops, the boy is good to go. I’ve used much watery sunscreens in the past, and I feel like all I do is squirt, squirt and apply.

The facestick is definitely a favorite for us. We have it tucked away in our diaper bag, stroller pocket and even our beach/playground bag. About twice the size of a tube of chapstick, the facestick, is easy to apply with just a few swipes. It, too, isn’t too thick, but light enough to apply and smooth on with one or two swipes. Because the kid thinks the facestick is actual chapstick, I tend to wipe some on my fingers to avoid unnecessary sunscreen-licking.

(more…)

Some of the best things about summer—well, besides fun in the sun and vacations—are the killer sales!  I’ve been known to stock up on jeans and sweatshirts when the weather is scorching, but all for good reason.  Who can pass up $5 jeans and $10 coats?

As July 4th approaches, it seems more and more sales and clearances are announced.  I got wind of a great sale going on over at Pokkadots; they have a great variety of super cute dresses, shorts and shirts.  With vacation on our mind, I adore the touristy button down shirt.  Better yet, I love finding bargain shirts, so how’s this for size:

This Swimming Fish Button Up shirt from Tea Collection is 100% cotton.  I love the classic, but modern designs from Tea Collection, but I always wait for things to go on sale.  The shirt, which originally retailed for $23.00, is on sale over at Pokkadots for $5.95 and comes in sizes 6-12 months and 12-18 months.  So, snatch it up while you can!

Yesterday marked the official first day of summer, but this past weekend the gang at Sheetrock Hills started the summer fun with a Quinceañera.   Handy Manny, the popular Disney Channel show that stars Wilmer Valderrama as the voice of handyman Manny Garcia, has a lineup of new summer shows that are set to premiere every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. this summer.

The first Saturday of new Handy Manny shows, dubbed Superstar Summer Saturdays, featured pop star Ashley Parker Angel who needed some help before his concert in the park. Everyone’s favorite cartoon handyman, Manny, and his crew were tasked with helping to fix a flower situation for Señor Ayala’s niece’s Quinceañera after a fan threw a wrench into things.

Going beyond helping popstars, Sheetrock Hills’ go-to guy, Manny and his quirky buddies, the talking tools, have a new set of tasks and adventures to accomplish this summer, including overcoming a blackout, saving the turtles and enjoying a day at the beach. The list of new shows included in Superstar Summer Saturdays are as follows:

Saturday, June 20 (8:30 a.m., ET/PT) – “Danny Starr / Quinceañera”

Saturday, June 27 (8:30 a.m., ET/PT) – “The Good, The Bad, The Handy”

Saturday, July 4 (8:30 a.m., ET/PT) – “Lyle & Leland Lopart / Blackout on the Block”

Saturday, July 11 (8:30 a.m., ET/PT) – “A Day at the Beach / The Party Dress”

Saturday, July 18 (8:30 a.m., ET/PT) – “Singing Salon / Manny’s Makeover”

Saturday, July 25 (8:30 a.m., ET/PT) – “A Night with Abuelito / Canine Case”

Saturday, August 1 (8:30 a.m., ET/PT) – “Saving the Turtles / Abuelito’s Siesta”

Saturday, August 8 (8:30 a.m., ET/PT) – “Picture Perfect / Some Assembly Required”

If you’re into cute, yet edgy cool for the kid, I’d suggest checking out Sweet Shoes. Ok, so, nevermind that I just scored a pair of $5 lookalike slip on vans for the boy from H&M (seriously, check out their sale going on right now!), I love the look of Sweet Shoes. I spotted Sweet Shoes not too long ago while on the hunt for a pair of casual shoes. I love that all the little boy shoes all seem to be versatile for coordinating for day-to-day and playwear.

The wave design in navy are perfect to pair with shorts, yet can be worn well with jeans in the cooler weather, too. Add the convenience of Velcro to a super cool design, Sweet Shoes are on our shoe-shopping list! What can I say, I love cool shoes!

If I associate anything with summer, it would definitely be a Mango A Go Go Jamba Juice smoothie.  When I was pregnant, I craved these smoothies (ok, and ice cream too!) like it was nobody’s business!  So when I heard that Jamba Juice is coming out with a line of toys, I couldn’t be more excited!

Think Wow Toys will create a Jamba-branded blender for kids, EZ-2 Make! Jamba Juice Smoothie and Ice Pop Maker, giving kids a chance to make their own smoothies and ice pops at home.  Um, yum!
Beyond their delicious smoothies, it’s good to know that the company announced their eco-sustainability initiative earlier this year, too.  Go, Jamba Juice!

On a related note, I’m wondering if Paris Hilton will invest in these toys to avoid the paps?  Probably not.

Beyond the unofficial start of summer with cookouts and the 3-day weekend, we shouldn’t forget that Memorial Day is a time for remembrance and gratitude.  And so when I stumbled upon the Toddler Virtue Tees, I thought the messages conveyed were so relevant for Memorial Day.   Kids are such sponges, and it’s true what Monika Hall, the founder and mom entrepreneur of Toddler Virtue Tees says, ” children often do as we do rather than as we say.”  True that.

Toddler Virtue Tees available are: Kindness, Courage, Patience, Tolerance and Gratitude for $20 each. There are also Ladies Virtue tees which are $22 each. Toddler Virtues offers free shipping as well.  Be sure to check out the 5 steps to teach virtues.

With Memorial Day weekend upon us, it’s no surprise that many families are going the Staycation route. Some families are forgoing expensive vacations, but instead are bolstering their litany of outdoor toys in preparation for summer fun, especially with big-ticket items like pools and playgrounds.

Boy, have inflatable pools come a long way! They’re more like theme parks—awesome ones at that!  The Rocky Mountain River Race by Little Tikes is one of many newer water slides that came out earlier this year.

The slide features includes: a two-person rock climb, a surprise dump bucket, twin water slides that lead to the splash pool. It’s best suited for ages: 5-10 years; and retails for $499.99

(more…)

No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ funny looks!  Ok, so maybe two out of three still applies.

Summer vacation.  It’s a great time to catch up with friends, enjoy the outdoors from sun up until sun down, and of course, catch up on reading!  Just a few weeks shy of summer vacation, Barnes & Noble has announced their 13th annual summer reading program with the  series “Percy Jackson & The Olympians.”  Author Rick Riordan takes readers on the adventures of Percy Jackson, a young half-god, half-human son of the gods of Olympus.
The reading program, which encourages kids to read throughout the summer, asks kids to read any eight books of their choice, then to write about the book in a summer reading journal and once the journal is complete, kids can get a coupon for a free book.

(more…)

Dubbed the “World’s Best Flip Flop”, Havaianas have been a staple in Brazil for many years, but are making their mark stateside. For a few years now, while walking in the City, I have always noticed the simple-looking rubber flip flops that boast a tiny Brazillian flag on its straps. Once I learned that they were Havaianas, I began to see them everywhere all the time!

As a flip flop fanatic, I can never have enough flip flops! Some families wear Crocs, we wear flip flops! But unfortunately, I have yet to find well made and comfortable flip flops for kids—that is, until I came across Havaianas for kids! They come in a spectrum of vibrant colors and look super comfy, making them perfect for the beach and for everyday wear. Kids and Baby Havaianas can be found at various stores such as giggle and Flip Flop Style for Kids!

While we’re talking about Havaianas, moms and dads, this is for you: I thought I’d mention that the Gap is stocking them as well! Gap stores nationwide will begin carrying select Havaianas styles and colors for women and men through August, with select stores carrying Havaianas year-round. As a way to usher in summer, from now until June, the Gap will have a concept called the Urban Beach Flip-Flop Shop on 54th and 5th Ave in NY. Fellow flip flop fanatics will have a chance to customize a pair or two of their own Havaianas at the Make Your Own Havaianas customization bar.  Hello, summer!  Hello, flip flop season!