Umi Shoes (Fall collection) ~ Review of Super Shoes!

I love the new fall collection of Umi Shoes! I love Umi's shoes, because they are very stylish, made with amazing quality and they are comfortable on my kid's feet~ plus, they last their (my kid's) exuberant activity!
Madelyn got a pair of the June Bug Umi Shoes, and they are so adorable! I love that the June Bug's can be worn with most of Madelyn's outfits, and they will keep her feet warm this winter~ since they are leather shoes.

The June Bug shoes are very easy to put on, and Madelyn loves putting on her own shoes. These shoes are easy to slip on, and they have one big velcro strap that goes over the top of the foot. No laces. Easy, and simple. I love that the velcro does not wear out on the Umi shoes, either...which is very helpful!

The soles are very flexible, and move well with the feet inside them. I like that the soles are a little thicker, for longer wear. Umi uses only non-toxic drum-dyed leathers and other environmentally friendly components, which make them earth friendly, as well.

Madelyn loves her Umi Shoes, and she is happy to tell others about her shoes. The June Bug Umi are for sizes : 20-26 EUR size. Please see the Umi site for the right shoe size for US sizes.

Cole loves putting on his shoes and going on adventures. He is under 2 years old, but he is pretty good about putting on his own shoes when it is time to go. He has a new pair of the Borneo shoes (in chocolate color). These are great shoes!
Cole likes to shoe off his new shoes, and he likes to run around in them, too. Usually we are chasing behind him. The Borneo Umi shoes are made with superior quality and comfort. My son has bigger and wider feet, and the Borneo fit him great.
The Borneo Umi shoes are for sizes 20-26, as well. Umi shoes offers sizes for little girls (ages 1-3; sizes 20-26); and bigger girls (ages 3-8; sizes 24-36). Umi has boy shoes for little boys (ages 1-3; sizes 20-26); and bigger boys (ages 3-8; sizes 24-36). I like that Umi has shoes for so many sizes, and their shoes are all hand crafted with a high quality leather.
Umi shoes are sold many places all over: Please see website for the store locator's. You can also purchase them online, and orders over $50 will have free shipping!

Thank you Umi for providing such great shoes for my kids. Their feet are happier and better off with your shoes on their feet.

I was sent a pair of Umi June Bugs, and a pair of Borneo shoes to review. I was not compensated in anyway for my review. The opinions and statements in this review are of my own. I was given the products for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers.

Stay organized this school year with Busy Body Books!

The older I get, the harder it is to remeber all that I have going on. With four kids, one of which is going into middle school, our lives keep pretty busy. Doctor appointments, meetings, events, sleep overs, play dates, etc. all have specific details that I have to remember.

When I was younger, like college age and below, I could remember things that I had on my "calendar" with no problems. Most of the time, I didn't even write things down, I just remembered. Well, those days are long gone. I HAVE to write everything down, or they will be forgotten (and even then sometimes I forget).

I am so thankful that I can use the Busy Body Book, to keep me organized, punctual, and not-forgetful. This is a great product for the on-the-go mom, college student, daycare provider, business lady, and more. You can keep your activities, appointments, events, and more all inside the pages of these designer books.

I will take you on a "tour" of my book, in Spring design, for the 2010-2011 school year book.

The front cover has a plastic cover over it, providing great protection. On the inside cover, there is a pocket, to keep your coupons, notes, and more. The front page has a spot to write your name on your book, in case you misplace your book. In the next few pages, are locations to store your contact information and emergency numbers. There is a page to reference a 3 year calendar and the year's holiday dates.

This book has a great layout! I like that there are pages that you can list each family member, and write down each person's schedule. Just taking a look, you can see who is doing what/when, and how to plan your schedules. If you are a single person, and not needing to keep track of everyone, you can list your school subjects, meal planning, personal diet and fitness goals, business projects and time management, home/school/work projects or babysitter scheduling and instructions. For me, I use it for a few different things: My husband's schedule, my schedule, school/church functions and meetings, and more. I like that on the opposite page, there is a location for doodling...which is a great place to write a note to yourself, a reminder, grocery list, or other.

The book has a location where you can list some of your memorable moments over the year. Each month has a paragraph length spot to write your memories down. There are months listed so you can write your special days on the calendar (with holidays, daylight savings, etc.) on the days.

The back of the book has pages for writing down notes and "to do lists" that are meant to tear out of your book (great grocery list, or paper to write a phone number down). I love the section for writing down special restaurants/take-out spots down and their contact information. The last page is where you write down important people, with e-mail and cell phone slots. There is a tear-out book mark, and a pocket in the last page for extra storage. Again, on the back of the book, like the front, there is a plastic protective cover page.

I love this book, and I highly recommend it to you, it may help you stay organized better! :)
I was sent a Busy Body Book to review from the company. I was sent this product and information in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my time or written review. The opinions in this post are of my own and do not reflect on the company.

Hasbro helps get you geared up for school!

Only a few weeks left until school starts up again, well at least in central MN. I know my sister started school already in her state. Kids are gearing up, getting all their supplies, new backpacks, lunch totes, clothes, and more. I wanted to highlight Hasbro's products that are available to help your kids get ready for school with flair and fashion. These items are great for the traditional students, as well as the home educated.
Caleb is going to be a Kindergartener this year, and he is so excited to learn! I am home schooling him this year, and we are going to have a great year. He has the new Bumblebee Transformer backpack from Hasbo, and the Transformer's lunch tote. The backpack is very spacious and has two pockets for storage. On each side of the bag there is two mesh compartments for storage (like a water bottle). The straps are adjustable, and there is a hook strap to hang the backpack up. Inside both pockets there is a couple pockets to keep pencils, or something similar. Transformer back has an ARP $14.99. Sold at Target.
I think the colors on the backpack and tote are very colorful, and fun designs. The lunch tote is very spacious, as well, and wipes clean. One zipper keeps your child's lunch secure, and together. Transformer lunch tote is licensed by Zak Designs, and retails for ARP: $7.99-$9.99 Sold at Target, Meijer, Brookshire Grocery, AAFES, Hy-vee, Winn-Dixie, Publix and Unified. Transformers water bottle matches great with this set, and it fits perfectly into the Transformers lunch tote. Also licensed by Zak Designs, the water bottle is ARP: $2.99. (sold at the same stores).
For your little princess, Littlest Pet Shop has an adorable lunchkit available, and my daughter loves this little bag. She is so excited to take it on our field trips, or trips to the park. I am home schooling her in pre-school this year, so we will be using her new Littlest Pet Shop lunchkit. I love the bottom zippered portion of this lunchkit, for storage of water bottles, or a thermos. The top of this lunchkit, from Hasbro, is very roomy for your child's lunch to fit. Adorable design on this very girlish tote! ARP $9.99 Sold at Target, Toys R Us, Office Depot, Meijer, HEB and Academy.
For those rainy days, your son could use a stylish umbrella. This is a great umbrella, and totally made for boys! Transformers are all over this umbrella! My son was absolutely thrilled to get this umbrella, and he loves sitting under it on the rainy days. I really like how this Transformers umbrella matches the backpack and lunch tote, too. ARP $5.99 Sold at Burlington.
Want to surprise your son or daughter with a new little greeter in their room on the first day of school? Hasbro has a great selection of wall peel and stick appliques. These self-adhesive decals are easy to peel and to apply to the wall. The peel and stick characters stay on, but leave the paint on your walls. Kids can remove the stickers, and place them how they want on their walls. I think these decals are a great way to spruce up a room, and doesn't require you to paint. ARP$12.99 Sold at Target (Transformers are sold at Walmart and Kmart, too).
Boys can gear up in Transformers on their shirts and briefs for their school attire. ARP$7.99 (T-shirts). ARP$5.54 (Fruit of the Loop briefs) both sold at Walmart.
Girls can wear dazzling T-shirts with fun sayings and adorable Littlest Pet Shop characters. ARP$7.99 (T-shirts) Girls can match their tops with LPS undergarments. ARP$3.99-$8.00 for a 3-pack; and $7.99-$16.00 for a 7-pack. Available at Walmart, Target, JCPenny, Kohl's and Meijers.
Your little girls can freshen up with fun toiletries with Hasbro branded Bubble Bath and toothpaste. My Little Pony Bubble Bath is scented with Sweet Berry and the My Little Pony Orajel toothpaste is fluoride-free, and is designed to help train your child for proper dental care. ARP$3.49 Sold in grocery stores, CVS, Target, Walmart and Toys R Us.
Want to make school lunch or snack time fun, but also another great opportunity to learn? Sunshine Cheez-It has a new line available: Scrabble Jr. baked cheeze-it crackers. These are great snacks, tasty, and fun to write words with the tile-like crackers. Each cracker has a different letter, and so it is fun to create words. It is also fun to eat your words! :) My kids love finding different letters, and we work together to make words. I love using these Scrabble Junior Cheez-It crackers to teach my Kindergartener the letters, the sounds they make, and early reading skills. Great homeschool hands-on activity to do with food!
It is so much fun to wear socks that have designs, colors and themes. My son loves to wear fun socks, and he was thrilled to see there were Transformers on his socks. I will have to get some more of these socks, because Caleb wears them everyday! Payless sells these socks for ARP$5.99 (set of three).
I love to encourage my kids toward imaginary play. I love products that will engage their minds, and help raise up their creativity. Hasbro has a few great play tents, and I am so glad that we got to review these! First of all, the Mr. Potato Head Spud Hut is a really fun product! This play tent comes with 10 different interchangeable accessories (eyes, mouths, noses). I was amazed at how many different faces the kids could create (up to 36 faces). The kids had a great time checking out the Mr. Potato Head when they fixed his face.
The Mr. Potato Spud Hut was easy to assemble, with only two poles. The fabric is very colorful, and soft. I really like that this play hut has two fold up doors on it, so kids can get in and out easy.
Being a home schooler, this is a great project to pull out for my kids to have unstructured play time. They are learning about our body parts, being creative and using their imaginations. My kids like to "play house" in thier hut, too. I love listening to their conversations.
My kids tried to make themselves into Mr. Potato Heads, and were giggling the whole time.
They have a blast in the Mr. Potato Head Hut, and our family recommends it! Super fun, and hours of play! ARP$24.99 Sold at Kmart and JCPenny catalog.
Another fun play tent from Hasbro's Entertainment, and my daughter's favorite, is the Littlest Pet Shop Clubhouse. This is a really big tent, and my kids can all stand up in it without hitting their heads! (40 inches in height, and 30 inches in length). Very spacious!

Inside the LPS Clubhouse there are little see through pockets where kids can put their LPS pet, and then they can be apart of the scene. This Clubhouse play tent is easy to assemble, too. There are two sheer curtains, and they can be tied to the side for easy viewing.

My kids love the new play tents, and I am sure many play time hours will be spent inside and outside these fun new hideouts. The Littlest Pet Shop Clubhouse ARP$24.99 and is sold at Target and Kroger.
I hope these suggestions will help you in your last few weeks of school shopping...or just some fun ideas to encourage your children to work hard on those grades! :)

I was sent a selection of products from Hasbro, including the products mentioned in this post, in exchange for a honest review. I am not compensated for my time or written review. The opinions in this post are of my own and do not reflect on the company.

Guess who's a movin' and a shakin'?

I think it is well past the time for an update from my household, what's going on...and who's doing what! Here is a photo of Caleb and Madelyn waiting at the top of the stairs for someone to follow... (don't mind my walls...we have been remodeling our home...~ever since we moved in, ~lol)
Who is coming up the stairs behind them? Oh yes....

Cole is on the move! For over a week now, Cole has decided that he needs to move up those stairs to see (for himself) what is up there. He is such a busy guy and is getting around very quickly lately! I can't believe how much he has grown and learned recently!

He is a drool-monger, and I always miscalculate when those chompers are due to show up. He has been drooling for months, and still no teeth coming in. He is a big eater lately, so that growth spurt must be happening. When he was in to the clinic about a week ago, he was #18.1 pounds.

So, he is on the mission toward those stairs...crawling faster and faster everyday.

He keeps close tabs on his older siblings. I am thinking he can't wait until he can do what they do!

Here he goes...

Look how he is on his tip-toes! How cute is that?? I love this picture...

Madelyn was needing some attention, so she ran over to the closet and said, "Take a picture of me like this..." with a pose. I think it is adorable! She is so sweet~

Caleb wanted some snap shots, too. He was posing "in the cool" for this one. He is now a home schooled pre-schooler. He is loving his home education, and he is currently working on his name and how to cut with scissors. I make a few different types of lines on paper and he cuts them (squiggly, straight, and angled). He is very active and busy....even hitting his head on the fireplace today leaving a puncture wound to his head. Poor guy! He is OK, it just looks like it hurts. I am hoping we won't have too many trips to the ER with him.

Nathaniel is in the 5th grade, and I am home schooling him this year! I am really excited about him being home and teaching him. This is an answer to prayer, and I pray that it is a great year. I am hoping to get a lot accomplished, have fun learning together, and being creative. Nathaniel has had a busy summer with his close friends, and he is missing his best friend who is a neighbor. His friend is on a different school bus and is attending a different school this year, so even if Nathaniel was in public school, they would miss each other. Nathaniel is very excited to be home schooled, and we are having fun so far. We are apart of a great co-op that will meet once a month. I love our mom's monthly meeting, because it is time together, time to pray for each other, and work together for the best interest of our kids and home schooling. I am excited for this year, and for the field trips we will do together.

You know how hard it is to get four kids to sit together and all look at the camera at the same time? After about 10 photos, I did get this one.

I love my four kids! I am really enjoying being a stay at home mom and home schooling them.

Not too much is new here, besides the home schooling this year. I had 3 more moles removed from my back. This time, I had quite a bit removed. I had one removed that was about an inch in length, and one that was 1 1/2 inches in length. Each of those moles were about 3/4 inch deep. The third mole was punched off. GOOD NEWS~ all the moles were benign!! Praise the Lord! One of the moles would have turned into cancer someday (I can't remember the term for it), but they got it all out.

We went to a threshing show last weekend~ Terry, the kids, my mother-in-law and I. I will have to post the pictures from that. It was a lot of fun, nice day out for it, and the kids had a blast! I had never been to one of those before. Anyway...time for bed~ well, way past my bedtime, but I miss blogging!

Back to school with See Kai Run & a giveaway!

See Kai Run makes adorable, and long-lasting shoes! I am a happy promoter of the quality shoes that See Kai Run designs! I got a pair of Marco, in the smaller, shoes for Cole to review, and they super adorable as you can see in the pictures (of coarse the model is super adorable):

See Kai Run's shoes are quality shoes, made with super soft leather, great detail in design, and a wider toe area (more room for those fat baby feet). So many times Cole will ball up his feet when I try to put shoes on him, and I think See Kai Run's shoes are designed for this very fact. Baby feet need extra attention when putting on shoes, and the wear that they get.

I love the new fall collection that See Kai Run has! Go see all the new designs, colors, and selections they have! The soles are very flexible, which is great for those new walking feet. Cole is getting to that stage quickly. He is already walking around the furniture! I am glad he is wearing the See Kai Run shoes with learning to walk, because the sole is padded (for comfort) and the shoes are so flexible. With leather shoes, his little feet will stay warmer this winter, too! See Kai Run's footwear meets the American Podiatric Medical Association's rigorous standards for foot health and functionality and has been awarded the APMA's prestigious Seal of Acceptance. Retail prices range from $32-$46. My kids and I highly recommend the shoes from See Kai Run for your family and give them Two Thumbs Up!
Did you hear the great news? See Kai Run shoes have just won the iParenting Outstanding Product Award for 2009!

Seattle, WA (August 2009) -- See Kai Run, popular manufacturer of the perfect first shoe for new walkers, has been chosen as one of the outstanding products for 2009 by iParenting. The iParenting Awards, part of the Disney Interactive Media Group, is the leading family products evaluation program that is committed to helping parents make informed decisions as they choose products for their families.
The iParenting Awards’ method for testing and evaluating products requires review by leading experts, parents and childcare providers, and each product is evaluated on numerous attributes such as quality, durability, age-appropriateness and play value, among many others.
The award-winning product tested and honored in the 2009 Awards is the Cameron Sky sandal, which represents See Kai Run’s first walker line for kids 6 months to 3 years old. Features include:
· Quality construction for healthy development of children’s feet – flexible soles, padded collars, wide toe box.
· The use of quality, safe materials – butter soft leather which meets the most stringent U.S. and international guidelines available.
· Creative, fun, styling that appeal to children and their parents.
iParenting Awards, a Disney Interactive Media Group property, is part of the Disney Online Mom and Family Portfolio, which includes Disney Family.com, FamilyFun.com, PregnancyToday.com and BabiesToday.com.

See Kai Run is a family-owned and operated business located outside of Seattle, Washington. The idea was born when owner Cause Haun was on a quest for the perfect first pair of shoes for her son, Kai. Unable to find shoes in fun styles that still promoted the healthy development of little feet, Cause and her husband created their own line of shoes that satisfied all of these needs. In almost 5 years, See Kai Run has seen sales expand from a few boutiques, mostly in the Seattle area, to stores all around the country and worldwide. Please visit See Kai Run's website for additional information.

Would you like to win a pair of shoes for your little one? See Kai Run is offering a Sassyfrazz reader to win a pair of shoes from the Smaller Collection (0-24 months) or the See Kai Run collections (6month-3 years). (Eleven collection not included). To Enter, go to the See Kai Run website and pick out the pair you would like, if you are the lucky winner. You can be a blogger or non-blogger, but must reside in the USA & Canada. Another great way to get a bonus entry: sign up for See Kai Run's email list from their home page or become a fan on Facebook. **For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!** Contest ends September 25th, 2009.

U*neaks: Shoe/sock review & a Giveaway!!

Kids shoes just keep getting better, and better! Another great shoe that caught my eye lately, is the all-new U*neaks! With kids changing their mind all the time with what characters or designs they like, U*neaks is the shoe to appease to your child's tastes! U*neaks patented customizable footwear are sneaker style shoes with side clear panel windows and specially designed socks that allow kids to continuously customize their shoes by simply changing their socks. These great shoes are fitted for those in pre-school through elementary school. U*neaks have a great selection of double-sided decorated socks to wear with the unique shoes! One side of the socks have one design, while the other side carries a different design. So, depending on the day, kids can chose which design will be seen by all. U*neaks shoes come in 9 styles for girls and boys (sizes 8 through 3), and they range in price between $34.99 and $39.99. The U*neaks socks come in a variety of designs and you can get either crew or ankle socks. There are over 29 styles of socks to chose from, so kids will have many options for those changing moods, outfits, and occasions. The socks range in price from $4.99 to $5.99 for each pair of two sided socks.
Notice how there is two different designs on the socks. I think this is very clever, because it gives kids the control over what the design will be! Caleb absolutely loves picking out his socks for the day, and then choosing which side he prefers. He also loves showing off his shoes when he wears them. I am really liking this new shoe brand!
The footwear concept was developed by company founders Steve Braynock and Jeff Gabriele, company CEO, and included a collaboration with the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, New York. "Our product range is designed to meet the varied fashion desires of the younger set," says Gabriele. The shoes come in Velcro versions for preschoolers to cross training, fusion and hip lace-up skater styles for the older set. All shoes are high-quality construction including full grain leathers, breathable mesh, and custom comfort cushioning.
U*neaks are available on the web at http://www.uneaks.com/ or at any of the fine retailers listed on the web site. Would you like a chance to win a pair of U*neaks and also a pair of socks? This contest is open to all readers living in the Continental United States. Go to the U*neaks website, and find the shoes and socks you like best, then come comment about it. You may come back each day and enter again, just leave a comment about where your feet take you most days. Click here to see how you can earn extra credits to win, and click here to see guidelines and the official rules. Contest will end on November 24th, at 7:00 PM CST. GOOD LUCK~

Ladybug Backpack: Review and Giveaway!

It is back to school time again! Do you have everything you need? I have to admit that I did do some last minute shopping! I know a great place to get some great backpacks! Oompa Toys offers a great selection of bags among other great products for kids! Oompa sent me this adorable Ladybug Backpack from Crocodile Creek! It can fit several books and activities!

This bag has one large zippered pocket, where I keep all of Maddie's reading books, coloring books, and dolls. It also has 1 smaller zippered front pocket with insert for pencils, erasers, and smaller accessories. I love that I can keep the bag organized with this front pocket organizer. The outside of the bag has a mesh pocket to keep her sippy cup, or other water bottle.
1 side mesh pocket for holding a water bottle
2 lightly padded. The straps are padded for easy carrying and the interior is fully lined.

I love the picture of the ladybug on the front! It looks like it was just painted on there. Ladybug Backpack from Crocodile Creek meets or exceeds safety specifications set forth by ASTM International.

Would you like to win this adorable Ladybug bag? Oompa Toys sent me another Ladybug bag to offer in a contest for my readers! This contest is open to all readers living in the Continental United States. To enter the contest, leave a comment sharing a fun story about back to school memories. It can be a memory you have, or one you have had with your kids. Click here to see how you can earn extra credits to win. Contest will end on September 15th, at 7:00 PM CST.