Whether you’re working on a new year’s resolution to get fit or thinking about spending time outdoors this spring, a jogging stroller might be high on your list of must have products. The best fit for our family is a stroller that is appropriate for jogging AND for day to day use. And, obviously if you can find one stroller that checks multiple boxes it’s a win-win and a smart buy. With that in mind, we were excited to use the Joovy Zoom 360 Jogging Stroller. It is designed for jogging, but the front wheel also has the ability to swivel 360 degrees for day to day maneuverability.

Zoom 360 Specifications & Details

• Stroller weight: 26.8 pounds
• Weight capacity: 75 pounds (!!)
• Recommended age: 6 months and older
• Wide seat with five point harness
• Reflective stitching and fabric on sunshade and harness strap
• Adjustable reclining seat position
• Front wheel swivels 360 degrees and locks inline for jogging
• Shock absorbing system
• Oversized sunshade and peek-a-boo window
• Made with aircraft grade aluminum

Zoom 360 Video

Jogging with the Zoom 360

You may know, my husband is the jogger in our house, so he has done the majority of the jogging with the Zoom 360. He quickly realized it’s very different to run with an actually jogging stroller – in a good way! The large tires together with an insanely good suspension system make the ride smooth and, in turn, the run smooth. His only real issue is that the handle height is not adjustable. He’d like the handle a little taller, but it is perfect for me (which, of course is the beauty of an adjustable handle).

Strolling with the Zoom

The Zoom 360 is very easy to push and has great maneuverability, though I did notice its size immediately. It’s a pretty long stroller so it took a little getting used to. For daily use, I love how easily and compactly the stroller folds. It does take two hands to fold and unfold the stroller but it’s really simple and quick. Another feature that makes the Zoom easy to use is the five-point harness which is completely adjustable from the front of the stroller with almost no effort.

The large seat with two mesh pockets for toys, snacks or cups is great for kids. I’ve seriously never seen such a generously sized stroller seat and it also has tremendous leg room and seat height. Adding to the comfort factor for kids is the enormous sunshade and the adjustable seat position. It reclines nearly flat and doesn’t have set positions so it’s fully adjustable which is nice. I do find the seat a bit difficult to adjust. It’s easy, in theory, as you just lift a tab and push the seat down or pull on the d-ring to raise the seat. It’s just a little stiff and hard to move but hopefully that will improve with more use. For parent’s comfort, there is an optional neoprene cup holder with room for two cups and a small zippered pouch for keys and other small items.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Zoom 360 is a great option for a do everything stroller. It has great suspension, large wheels and a huge sunshade for jogging. The front wheel swivels for tremendous day to day maneuverability, a good size basket, as well as an adjustable recline and large seat for comfort. Because the large seat accommodates children up to 75 pounds and is very large you can plan to use this stroller for literally years and years. For the price, I think it’s a good buy for a versatile jogging stroller

Or Not to Buy… The Zoom 360 main weakness is due to the length and width for daily functionality. It’s not an issue when jogging or walking outdoors, but the length can be problematic in other uses like shopping and crowded areas. I’d also love to see the handle height be adjustable.

Shop! The Joovy Zoom 360 is available in two colors (black and blue). It retails for $269 but is currently on sale at Joovy.com for $199.

Check back in the next couple weeks for a follow-up review to share some more details about the Zoom 360. Please let me know in the comments if you have any particular questions or concerns about the stroller and I’ll make sure to answer them in the next post.

Disclosure: Thanks to Joovy for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review. Opinions are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

First things first, you should know that I am not a very accomplished housekeeper. In fact, I pretty much stink (although, thankfully, my house does not). I mistakenly thought the task would get a bit easier last summer when we replaced much of our carpet with laminate flooring. Instead, the dark colored floors show every single speck of dirt that is tracked from outdoors. And don’t even get me started on the amount of crumbs that find their way from the tile of the kitchen to the dark floor. It mocks me. Until I pull out the Dyson DC25 All Floors – a vacuum cleaner for every floor type.

Features of the Dyson DC25

• Full size vacuum designed to work on all floor types.
• Ball™ technology for extreme maneuverability.
• Root Cyclone™ technology that doesn’t lose suction power as you vacuum (220 air watts).
• Quick-draw Telescopic Reach™ wand.
• Bagless vacuum with lifetime washable HEPA filters.
• Weight: 16.12 pounds
• Measurements: 42.4 x 15.4 x 12.2 (HxWxD) inches

Ball™ Technology

One of the features that intrigued me the most about the DC25 All Floors was the Ball Technology. If you watch this quick video demonstration, you’ll see what had me so interested. (And, frankly, it does a much better job at demonstrating the Ball capability than I ever could on video.)

Pushing the DC25 with the rolling ball is quite different from pushing a typical vacuum with four wheels. As expected, it turns like a dream and makes it very easy to maneuver around furniture (and toys). It’s also surprisingly easy to vacuum under the coffee table, and it vacuums the edge along walls and into corners with ease.

All Floors Vacuum

Switching from carpet to hard surface flooring is easy and only requires the push of a button. Turn the brushbar on for carpets and rugs and the Dyson uses bristles to remove dirt; with the brushbar off, the vacuum relies on the powerful suction to clean hard surfaced floors.

In the short video I will give you a glimpse at the mess that is my floor after a day with my 3 year old and 1 year old. Like I mentioned, we have laminate flooring and it shows every little crumb. Sadly, as you can imagine with two young kids I have a lot more than little crumbs to deal with. Indeed, my daughter’s current method of indicating she’s finished eating is to throw food from her high chair. The crumbs from the kitchen inevitably find their way around our house.

In some ways, what’s more shocking is that I didn’t even realize how much dirt and crumbs we were tracking until we got the wood floors. So, even though I can’t see them, all those crumbs also end up in the carpeted bedrooms. The cyclone technology allows me to see all the dirt that’s been collected – and I admit the first time I vacuumed our carpets I was pretty grossed out. But that’s the great thing about having the vacuum cleaner that works on all floor surfaces. The DC25 applies the same powerful suction to the carpet and rugs as it does to the hard surfaces. And, clearly, I need that power everywhere.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Dyson DC25 All Floors Vacuum is pretty spectacular. It moves easily from our wood floor to tile to rugs and carpets. And, most importantly, it picks up everything in one sweep. Though thankfully not an issue in our home, the DC25 with its HEPA filter is certified asthma-friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Though the cost might seem steep up front, you do not need to buy bags, belts or filters which may save you cash in the long run. Oh, and clearly the thing looks cool as any vacuum possibly can – that’s what’s really important, right?

Or Not to Buy… The DC25 weighs a bit over 16 pounds, but I was surprised by how heavy it feels. If you have only one surface in your home, the All Floors might not be the best bet for you.

Shop! Visit Dyson.com for more information about the entire line of Dyson vacuum cleaners. With a suggested retail price of $499.99, you can browse and purchase the Dyson store on Amazon.com.

Disclosure: Thank you to Dyson for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review. Opinions contained here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience. Shopping my sponsors and affiliates (like the Amazon link) is a great way to support The Shopping Mama.

As you know one of my resolutions for the year is to pay better attention to the products I’m using with my kids. I think to some extent, going green goes hand in hand with that goal. I want to avoid nasty and unnecessary chemicals and toxins when possible. But, I’m a realist and frankly don’t have time to research every single thing we bring in the home. So, for me, it makes sense to find brands that I can trust and use throughout our house. I think ecostore USA might be a go-to resource and safe, eco-friendly store.

About ecostore USA

ecostore USA  loves making a difference in people’s lives. We are passionate about improving the planet and bringing you everyday household products that are safer and healthier for you and your family. Originating in 1993 as a New Zealand-based manufacturer, wholesale distributor and retailer of sustainable household and personal care products, ecostore USA offers plant-based cleaning products as well as body and baby care products. The guiding principle of our formulations is that the end product must not only be good for the planet, but must also be good for the user.

ecostore USA Baby Care

Formulated from all natural ingredients, including plants and essential oils, ecostore USA baby care products are perfectly suited for baby’s soft, sensitive skin. We’ve been using the Baby Body Wash and Baby Nappy Balm for a couple weeks, and ecostore also offers Baby Shampoo, Soap and Massage Oil. And, you know I love to include photos in my reviews, but I will not be including pictures of my wee ones in the tub or getting a diaper change.

I love, love, love the Baby Nappy Balm. Made of a blend of olive, coconut and sesame oils, the Nappy Balm is a great consistency. It is not thick or goopy, and goes on clear. The first time I put some Nappy Balm on Toddler Girl’s bottom she had some irritation and a little diaper rash. And, I’m not exaggerating when I tell you her bottom cleared up the very first time I used it. I was impressed from that moment. My only concern is that the Balm is in a round glass container, and I’m not looking forward to digging it out when we get down to the bottom of the container. In that respect, squeezable dispensers are easier, but so far the Nappy Balm is worth a little inconvenience.

The Baby Body Wash does include some ingredients I can’t pronounce, but it contains no toxic chemicals, no dyes, no artificial perfumes and no parabens. (And that’s a good thing.) The smell is refreshing, not babyish at all, maybe eucalyptus? It creates a nice lather and is not too watery. I do wish ecostore USA offered a combo body wash and shampoo because, well, I like my products to multi-task like me.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Like I mentioned in the post, the Nappy Balm rid my daughter of a diaper rash the first time she used it. I really love the lightweight, but effective formula. And, most importantly, I like knowing the products contain No Nasty Chemicals.

Or Not to Buy… I’d love to see a combination Body Wash and Shampoo.

Shop! In addition to Baby Products, ecostore USA has products for your home, pets and bath and body. The Nappy Balm and Body Wash are $10 each. And, ecostore USA products are now sold in Meijer stores in the midwest!

Win! A $25 Gift Certificate to ecostore USA.

How to Enter: Visit ecostore USA and tell me one thing you’d like to own.

Bonus Entries – leave a separate comment for each you do:

* Follow ecostore USA on Twitter
* Fan ecostore USA on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this every day, just leave your tweet link every time you tweet.
Win a $25 Gift Card to ecostore USA and avoid nasty chemicals @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/9f1wcM
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Be a Shopping Buddy, aka, follow in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a RSS
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 19. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to ecostore USA for providing a product for the purposes of this review and the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

One of the coolest parts about going to the ABC Kids Expo way back in September is that I was exposed to products and companies that I didn’t know much about. But, when I had the chance to talk to people enthusiastic about their products and the opportunity to touch and play with stuff, it goes a long way in piquing my interest. Kelty is the perfect example of this. Before ABC, I had heard of Kelty but didn’t really think it was a great fit for me or my family. I mean, we don’t camp or hike. However, after spending almost an hour browsing all the Kelty Kids products, I was a convert. The Child Carriers ARE perfect for outdoorsy families that camp and hike, but they also have a place in homes like mine.

About Kelty

Since 1952, Kelty has built affordable, reliable outdoor gear that enables everyone, from the first-time camper to the experienced mountaineer, to embrace any experience with confidence. Kelty: Go Anywhere.

In 1992, Kelty enters the kid carrying business with the “Kelty Child Carrier”.  This iconic pack was built around a tubular aluminum frame.  This kid carrier was based on the classic Kelty pack design proven in 40 years of wilderness use.  See the full line of Kelty KIDS carriers.

Kelty Transit Carrier 2.0

When given the opportunity to review a Kelty Child Carrier, I was realistic about it. While the FC 3.0 looks amazing, with its auto-deploy kickstand and Sun Hood, it’s far more carrier than I need. Don’t get me wrong, the TC (Transit Carrier) 2.0 has awesome features as well, but it’s less intimidating and I know we’ll get use out of it.

Here are some details on the TC 2.0:
Safety Features:

• Five-point, adjustable child’s harness

Carrier Features:

• Padded, adjustable-height child’s seat
• Toy loops
• Carry/lift handles
• 40-pound weight limit
• Foot stabilizer for safe loading
• Lightweight internal aluminum frame
• Mesh water-bottle pockets
• Organizer pocket

I’ve used a lot of different carriers in my day, and this is up there with the best of them as far as safety for the child. First, the entire “cockpit” area can be raised or lowered to fit your child so little ones are high enough to see and bigger kids are low enough to be safe. There are adjustable leg straps that are super easy to fit around your tot. And, there is also a harness that go over the child’s shoulders. To give you an example of the detail-oriented and well thought out design of the TC 2.0 – the shoulder strap buckles (similar to the chest strap in a car seat) are covered. It’s a small detail, but it means your child can’t get to it without major effort and it adds a very finished look.

Kelty thought about the parents’ comfort, too. The shoulder straps are VERY padded, and they are padded all the way down the front of your chest. There is also a padded hip belt that adds comfort and support. I carried both kids around on my back – my 32 pound 3 year old and my 20 pound 1 year old. And, don’t get me wrong, my 3 year old got heavy on my back but it was still comfortable. I think my little guy was comfy, too, because he keeps asking to go for a walk. (Note to self: In the picture it looks like I should adjust the straps better next time so the pack is higher on my back.)

And, of course, because the TC 2.0 is made by Kelty the backpack area allows for all the storage you could need for a day trip. There are two zippered areas with plenty of room for diapers, snacks and change of clothes and more. The pack also has designated spots for water bottles and an easily accessible closure for keys.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Kelty TC 2.0 is perfect for day trips, or trips around town. I think this is PERFECT for travel, too. I know we’re planning to use it at the Disney Social Media Moms Convention next week as one of us can wear it, wear a kid and it takes the place of a diaper bag. (If my husband ever flies alone with the kids, I think this would be a lifesaver.) There are too many features and details to mention in one post, but suffice it to say, I’m really impressed with the TC 2.0.

Or Not to Buy… The 2.0 is one of the most basic Kelty Child Carriers and it still might be more carrier than you need. It’s definitely designed for outdoor adventure use.

Connect! Find Kelty on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Shop! Kelty Kids has a whole collection of products to help get your kids involved in the outdoors, including Child Carriers, Diaper Bags and Strollers. The Child Carriers range from the TC 2.0 for $149.95 to the Frame Carrier 3.0 for $249.95.

Tell me… Do you own a Kelty Child Carrier? If not, which model do you think best fits your family?

Disclaimer: Thank you to Kelty for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review. The opinions are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

One of my new year’s resolutions is to be more aware of the products my kids are using. Between Bisphenol-A and other unpronounceable chemicals, there’s a lot to be weary of. I figure the least I can do is try to shop smart and try to provide the best products I can for my kids. thinkbaby products are designed specifically with safety in mind and, thankfully, in addition to being safe the sippy cups are actually really great.

About thinkbaby

With a team of physicians and scientists focused on the latest chemical and biological science, thinkbaby continues to lead in the usage of safer materials for baby products. Our efforts are further energized by working with both our leading child advocacy partners and parents who seek alternative products.

Our Experience

I admit, with my goal of finding safe and eco-friendly products, I was a a fan of thinkbaby before I even received the 9 ounce bottles and sippy cup conversion kit. It’s hard to find fault with a company that is based in the science of keeping my kids safe.
The thinkbaby bottle 2-pack includes two slow-flow anti-colic nipples and travel cap. The conversion kit includes two sippy cup spouts and one trainer cup handle. The transition from bottle to sippy cup is super easy: The trainer cup handle fits snugly over the mouth of the bottle top, the spout replaces the nipple in the top and screws on to secure the handle in place. Toddler Girl has used the cup quite a bit from the time we received it. The handle is easy for her to hold, but we’ve also used the cup spout without the handle. The bottle is contoured so it is very easy for little hands to hold even without the handle.

The most important question for sippy cups, is, of course, the leak factor. I’m happy to report we’ve had very little leakiness! I used the bottle travel cap with the cup spout to throw the cup my diaper bag and while the inside of the cap was a bit wet my diaper bag was totally dry.

Toddler Girl has never really used bottles so I can’t speak to them our how well they work. But I do love the idea of using the same bottles for, literally, years with the ability to easily transition from bottle to sippy cup.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… thinkbaby products are free of BPA, Phthalates, PVC, Nitrosamines and lead, and that is a good thing. I love the bottle and sippy cup conversion kit and the ability to use the same bottle for years. My diaper bag appreciates the travel cap that prevents leaks and spills.

Or Not to Buy… The only thing that’s a different about the cup is it has a yellow-y tint to it. It takes a little getting used to and I kept thinking my daughter had gotten something in her water or really dirtied her cup.

Shop! thinkbaby products are available for purchase online. The two-pack of 9 ounce bottles is $16.99 and the Conversion Kit is $6.99.

Win! A thinkbaby 2-pack of 9 ounce Bottles and a Conversion Kit to turn bottles into sippy cups.

How to Enter: Visit thinkbaby and leave a comment telling me the product you’d like to try. (There’s stuff for moms, too.)

Bonus Entries – leave a separate comment for each you do:

* Follow thinkbaby on Twitter
* Fan thinkbaby on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this every day, just leave your tweet link every time you tweet. Win a thinkbaby bottle set and sippy cup conversion kit @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/dziiav
* Blog about this giveaway and include a link to this post and www.thinkbabybottles.com – leave five comments with the link to your post
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Be a Shopping Buddy, aka, follow in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a RSS
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 12. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Real Nappies for providing a product for the purposes of this review adn the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Let me start this review with a big time disclaimer: this was my first dip into cloth diapers. So, if it seems like I’m a beginner at cloth diapers, it’s because I AM. Completely, 100% new to this. My only prior experience with cloth diapers was when I wore them over 30 years ago. So, with that in mind, let’s get on with it!

Even though I have no experience with cloth diapers, when I got the opportunity to review Real Nappies I jumped at the chance. Was I hoping or expecting to be converted from a Pampers mama? Not necessarily. But I have often wished that I had just bitten the bullet and started using cloth diapers from birth with my kids so I was curious and intrigued to try the Real Nappies Intro Pack.

About Real Nappies

Real Nappies look like disposables, but are 100% natural, breathable cotton with a biodegradable liner and are as kind on your baby’s skin as they are on your pocket. They are easy to wash, and ultra-comfortable on your little one. Real Nappies make it easier than ever to do what’s best for your baby and the environment.

The Real Nappies system is made of 3 parts

• Nappy Liner: 100% biodegradeable and flushable (it looks like a dryer sheet)
• Cotton Nappy Insert: highly absorbent 100% cotton
• Nappy Cover: velcro fastening, leakproof and waterproof polyester

Great Cloth Diaper Experiment – Poo!

When the time came to try our Real Nappies for the first time, I called for reinforcements. My husband and I giggled as we struggled to get the diaper on the correct way, but were quite proud of the result. Turns out the joke was on me because about 10 minutes after getting it on, Toddler Girl pooped. In her brand-newly-washed-and-prepped-first-time-ever cloth diaper. I had waited for her to poo that day before putting it on and everything. But, you want to know what? It really wasn’t that big a deal to clean it. I just dumped the poo in the toilet, flushed and followed the cleaning instructions.

Real Nappies incorporate a flushable nappy liner that makes cleaning messy diapers a breeze because the bulk of the mess is flushed away. If you chose you can soak the cloth insert before washing, but I didn’t.

Girl Fold

While the Intro Pack does come with an informative guide to using nappies, I apparently needed a remedial course in folding a cloth diaper because I just couldn’t get it right. Luckily, Real Nappies has a couple great YouTube videos. This short video explains a bit about Real Nappies and demonstrates the ideal fold for girls.

My cloth diaper experiment took a turn in the right direction after watching that video and improving the fold. Toddler Girl seemed more comfortable, the diaper fit better and I felt more confident I was doing it correctly.

One the fold is mastered, the diaper fit is simple. There are two velcro tabs that really make it easy to secure and fit snugly and securely. It’s really similar to fastening a disposable diaper, actually, and I imagine it’s quicker and eaiser than snaps or clips.

Real Nappies Collection

Real Nappies are available in four sizes: Newborn (6 – 13 pounds), Infant (11 – 20 pound), Crawler (17 – 30 pounds) and Toddler (29 – 40 pounds). There are several different packages and the larger set you buy the more cost effective.

• Essentials Pack: 1 cloth diaper, 1 liner, 1 cover $15
• Top-Up Pack: 6 cloth diapers, 2 covers $39
• Essentials Pack: 12 cloth diapers, 100 liners, 3 cover $69
• Birth to Potty Pack: 24 Newborn and Infant, 18 Crawler and 12 Toddler cloth diapers; 800 diaper liners; 6 Newborn, Infant and Crawler and 5 Toddler covers; a number of accessories including swim cover and diaper sanitizer $499

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Overall, the experiment was fairly successful. That YouTube instruction changed the game and gave me more confidence. The Real Nappies system is very easy and not intimidating even for a newbie like me and I think much of that is due to the flushable liner. If you’re considering cloth diapering, I say go with the Essentials Pack and give it a real go.

Or Not to Buy… The Intro Pack is really not enough to get a good feel for what it’s like to cloth diaper, but it’s a great bet if you’re comparing brands and trying to find the best fit for your family.

Shop! Real Nappies are available in the US at RealNappiesUSA.com and on Amazon.

Win! Whether you’re an expert or novice, you can have your own cloth diaper experiment with the Real Nappies Intro Pack.

How to Enter: It’s easy. Visit RealNappiesUSA.com and tell me something you learned about cloth diapering or Real Nappies products.

Bonus Entries - leave a separate comment for each you do.

* Sign up for the Real Nappies newsletter on RealNappiesUSA.com
* Follow Real Nappies on Twitter
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post and RealNappiesUSA.com
Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: Real Nappies cloth diaper Intro Pack giveaway @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/bBdtJV
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 12. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Real Nappies for providing a product for the purposes of this review adn the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Organizing The New You….But How?

Is one of your goals /resolutions this year to be organized? Organize your home, organize your schedule, your kids, your life?
It can be done! But be careful not to bite off more than you can chew and end up in “it is too overwhelming and I don’t think I can do it” land.

Here is how to start.

Planning

1. Sit down with a pad of paper, pen, calendar and cup of coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.
2. Make a list of all the things you would like to organize.
3. Now number them in order of importance. (at least the top three areas that drive you the most CRAZY)
4. Put a date beside those top 3 of when you would like to have them completed by.
5. Block out at time on your calendar to start #1 on the list.

Supplies

Do not go out and buy a bunch of things to organize with. Until you know what you are going to end up with after your “sort” you don’t know what you will need. (unless you want to purchase some clear storage bins..but if you do be sure you have shelves to store them on and measure to be sure they will fit.

1. Black trash bags – trash
2. White trash bags – Donate (separate colors so you don’t throw out your donate items in the trash)
3. Labels for boxes or bins (masking tape & sharpie marker will be fine)
4. Boxes for storage (my favorite are clear bins)

Sort

Make 5 signs for each of the piles you are going to make while sorting. Then for each item only give yourself 5-10 seconds to make your decision (no time to wander down memory lane). Be tough if you want to reclaim your space.

1. Keep – Love it, Use it, Can’t live without it.
2. Donate – Others would put to better use, doesn’t fit, don’t like it, don’t use it (use the white trash bags)
3. Storage – Holiday decorations, speciality items you use (camping, skiing)
4. Move – Items that need to be kept but don’t belong in this space.
5. Trash – Broken, un-donatable. Try to recycle if possible. Use the Black trash bag.

Tips

* It will seem messier before it gets better. Don’t get discouraged and keep going.
* This takes time, don’t think you will get an entire room done in 2 hours.. Start with a small area.
* Once you have sorted your items you are ready to reorganize them in an orderly way.

In addition to sharing great organization tips and tricks on Organize with Sandy, Sandy can be found chatting away on her MomTV show Mondays at 1 PM Eastern and chat blog Chat with Sandy.

Engaging your children in arts and crafts at home doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a million supplies or spend a ton of money. You will need some patience and a realistic attitude. Most crafts don’t last a long time. Don’t worry you aren’t doing anything wrong, once you have been crafting a while you will figure out what your child likes to do the most and adjust. Wear washable clothes ( you and the kids) , make sure nothing close by could be ruined by flying paint or glitter and enjoy!

Here are 5 easy peasy crafts that you can do with 5 or fewer materials. Told you it can be easy!

Potato Masher Painting

Shape Snake

Paper Plate Ladybug

Cookie Cutter Prints

Recycled Rainbow

Allie is the brilliant, creative mom behind No Time for Flashcards – a must-see resource for parents looking for craft projects and children’s book recommendations. I know I’ll be hitting up the Letter of the Week posts to help Preschool Boy with shape and sound recognition. Follow No Time for Flash Cards on Twitter and Facebook for the latest projects and parenting discussions.

Nothing breathes life into your wardrobe like a new beautiful bag. And, practically speaking, for many moms that bag is a diaper bag. My lackluster wardrobe got a much needed pick me up with the practical yet uber stylish OiOi Giraffe Shopper Tote. Seriously, everything looks better when I’m carrying this bag.

About OiOi

OiOi bags have led the way for over a decade and are THE original and essential style accessory that mother’s throughout the world love almost as much as the little ones themselves! OiOi has continued to evolve, expanding from an Australian owned and designed brand to an internationally recognized label. …

OiOi Baby bags are stylish, innovative and practical bags known for their superb quality and reliability. The bags are loved for their spectacular designs, vibrant fabrics, and functional styles that have no comparison. Sprouting from a single bag in 1997, the collection now resembles a lively, bustling family with over 40 styles available.

Practical Baby Bag

OiOi Baby Bags are not just a pretty face, they are practical, too. Here are some of the many features of the Shopper Tote:

• printed poly canvas
• padded web top handles
• detachable nylon web adjustable shoulder strap
• fixed stroller straps
• back pocket with magnetic snap closure
• one main internal compartment with elasticized pockets
• water resistant nylon lining and accessories
• nickel adjustable hardware
• large padded microfiber change mat
• insulated bottle holder
• protective metal feet on base

And, how does that translate to real life? I use the tote handles and carry the bag over my shoulder, but there is also a single shoulder strap if you prefer to carry it that way. I LOVE that the bag contains straps to loop around stroller handles. They are fixed in the bag so you don’t have to bring extra straps or losing extra pieces.

The large main compartment of the bag is, well, large. Deceptively so, in fact. But, like some other diaper bags, it’s easy to organize and access because the top of the bag opens so wide that you can easily see and get to everything you need. In addition there are three elasticized pockets on the inside and one zipper pocket. I use one inside pocket for my things like chap stick and lotion, another for my wallet and the largest compartment is perfect size for diapers and wipes. There is also an outside pocket with a magnetic closure. I love this pocket and keep my cell phone there for easy access. The inside also has a clip for your keys so they’re always easy to find.

OiOi New Collection

OiOi is launching new collection of bags, and they are all to die for. I particularly love love the new Studded Totes, like the Red Studded Tote, is made of man made leather and features fashion forward stud detailing. You certainly won’t feel like a fuddy duddy mom carrying that bag!

To Buy Or Not to Buy

To Buy… I really, really love my new OiOi Baby Bag. If you’re looking for a way to spark new life in your wardrobe this year, I definitely recommend checking out OiOi Baby Bags. I think the biggest compliment I can give this bag is that I carry it even when I’m going out without my kids. Yes, I carry a diaper bag even when I don’t carry diapers!

Or Not to Buy… The only prohibitive factor to buying an OiOi is the price tag. But, justify it this way – it’s a stylish accessory you will carry every day for several years. Unlike that pair of jeans which you (hopefully) won’t wear every day.

Shop! Check out the complete collection of sophisticated baby bags at OiOiBabyBags.com. The Black Giraffe Shopper Tote is $160 and the Red Studded Tote will be available on January 22 for $160.

Disclosure: Thank you to OiOi for providing a sample for the purpose of this review. The opinions are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.