Mystery Vine...

I think we must have Spring fever over here because a lot of the books we are currently reading have a definite theme...warmer weather!  One of the most asked for reads right now is Mystery Vine by Cathryn Falwell.

Mystery Vine takes children on an adventure in gardening.  There are all the expected vegetables growing like carrots and lettuce but there is one mysterious vine making an appearance in the garden.  The pages take you through spring, summer and then, finally, fall when the mysterious vine reveals itself to be the bearer of pumpkins.

This is a good book to introduce children to the joys and excitement of gardening.  The illustrations are vivid and I find the text to be a very pleasant read (the words all just seem to roll off your tongue).  The boys ask for this one very regularly.  Another positive for this book is that it includes some yummy, child friendly recipes at the end as well as some fun gardening projects.  I think this book would be well suited to children 3 and up.  Enjoy and happy gardening!
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Moon Sand...

Oh, where to begin....Moon Sand.  Moon Sand is one of this Mom's worst nightmares.  I discovered Moon Sand about 6 months ago when I noticed it was on sale at a local Target.  It was actually marked down to about half price.  I was intrigued by the pristine children on the cover making neat little sand sculptures...I knew my boys would love it.  I just could not pass it up.

Oh, how I wish I had just kept walking past that "deal".  I don't know who those kids are on the package and I am certain those little sculptures are NOT actually made out of Moon Sand.  The scene at my house was NOTHING like this.  The packaging promises "never-ending fun" and "easy clean up".  Not so much.  The sand was not all that moldable and was impossible for the kids to keep on the play tray.  Somehow even with my direct supervision the Moon Sand ended up everywhere.  All over the floor, on socks, tracked through every room.  Luckily the "non-staining" promise is actually legit so there was no issue there. 

The real clincher here is that the kids loved it.  They loved the mess factor of it and did not seem to mind so much that the sculptures did not really stay in place.  So, I did what any mom in her right mind would do...I hid it!  No more Moon Sand here, thank you very much!

My recommendation is that you only purchase Moon Sand to be played with outside or for inside if you feel like finding purple sand in your grout for the next 6 months (me!me!me!).  If you just can't pass it up here is a link to buy it for that mom in your life you are just itching to make crazy...

Oh, and PS, it is on sale.  I think I have a very good idea about why Moon Sand always seems to be on sale.  You be the judge!

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Alex Toy's Poster Paints...

One of my children loves all things arts and crafts.  He really enjoys using different materials and often crayons are not enough to quench his creative thirst.  My little guy wants to paint and he wants to paint every single day.  Now, I like to think I am a Mom who is up for anything but sometimes saying yes to painting at 7 in the morning is a little more than I can handle.  During those times I am grateful for Alex Toy's Poster Paints.   

I just love, love, love these fabulous paints!  They come in easy to grip bottles topped with a sponge tip which lets out just enough paint to keep things interesting for the little ones but clean enough to maintain your sanity.  Each package comes with eight bright colors to keep your budding Picasso busy for hours.  The paints are washable (from kids AND clothes!).  When painting time is over you simply screw the caps on the paints and you are done...no mess and no brushes to contend with.  Perfect!

Alex's Poster Paints  are an absolute staple in our art bin and I would highly recommend adding them to your own stash.  A+ all the way for these!

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Elefun by Hasbro...

A popular game with my three year olds right now is Elefun by Hasbro.   The object of the game is to catch butterflies in the nets provided as they come shooting out of the elephant's trunk.  My boys squeal with delight as they scurry around after the floating butterflies.  It is fun to watch and participate in the fun. I love this game because my kids love it and because it does help with color recognition and counting as well as coordination (catching those butterflies can be a little tricky!).

For all the qualities I love about this game there are some I don't love so much at all.  First of all, those nets pop apart VERY easily.  If your kids are anything like mine they will immediately figure this out and pull them apart at every opportunity.  On top of being bit annoying this also causes a safety issues as the plastic portions can fit around necks...this is definitely a game that I play WITH the kids.  This game is also a serious battery eater.  The butterflies really start flying out of that trunk with brand, spanking new batteries but once the batteries loose a little "oomph" the flying is a little less life-like and you have to give the trunk a bit of a shake. 

The bottom line?  My kids would give this one an A+ but for me it is more of a C-....let's call it an overall B-!  Your kids will love you for buying it and it IS fun.  I would suggest pulling it out on rainy days when you want your kids to burn off some energy...just be sure to have plenty of batteries on hand as well as plenty of time to supervise.
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Fleece-Lined Camp Hoodie...

When it comes baby and children's clothing I most often find myself choosing what is cute, durable and on sale (I love me a good bargain!) but occasionally I find an item that earns eternal loyalty.  One of my forever favorites is the Fleece-Lined Camp Hoodie by L.L. Bean. 

I first discovered this hoodie a couple of years ago when the boys each received one as a Christmas gift.  This gem is cotton on the outside and lined with the softest, most divine fur/fleece on the inside (including the hood).  Pure coziness.   For us, this is a four season sweatshirt.  In the spring and fall it can serve as a jacket when  paired with a vest, in winter it is great as an indoor sweatshirt and it is just perfect for a cool summer night.  Even with four seasons of wear and tear this sweatshirt has held up (with little to no fading) so well that it can be passed along to the next child in like new condition. 

The price, at $34.50, is a little more than I would typically like to spend on a child's sweatshirt but with the durability, functionality and the excellent guaranty from L.L. Bean you really can't pass it up.  As a matter of fact, I loved this item so much for my boys that I even  purchased the adult version for myself!  Visit L.L. Bean to outfit the whole family, from baby to dad, in the camp hoodie.  There is a size and color to be found for everyone.  As an FYI...  I would recommend buying one size up as I have found this style to run slightly on the smaller side. 

Visit this link to check it out...LL Bean Camp Hoodie.  Happy Shopping!

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Cloud b Twilight Turtle...

My boys went through a rough phase last year when they suddenly became anxious at night about being separated from my husband and me in the dark.  They had a traditional wall night light but that was not doing the trick.  After much searching I found the perfect night time companion...Cloud b's Twilight Turtle.

The Twilight Turtle is an adorable companion/night light who casts constellations on the walls and ceiling of your child's room.  The shell is hard plastic and the body is a soft plush.  The stars on the ceiling create a relaxing atmosphere and also serve as a night light.  There are three color choices on each turtle: blue, green and amber, so your child can choose the color that suits them best.  The turtle is also set on an automatic timer so, after 45 minutes, it automatically turns off saving the batteries.  The unit is easily turned back on with the push of a button so even my three year olds can turn it back on if they need some extra light in the night.

For older children, there is a star guide so you can use the turtle as a learning tool helping them to identify actual constellations.  I am a huge fan of this product.  It has provided some comfort to me boys in the night and is also and adorable addition to any bedroom or nursery.  I would recommend the Twilight Turtle for any group and give it an "A" rating.
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My Many Colored Days...

My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss has been a favorite at our house for quite some time.  This is one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books and is far less silly than many of his tales.  In this vividly illustrated board book, Dr. Seuss uses colors to help kids understand feelings.  For example on a yellow day a child becomes a "busy, buzzy bee" while green days they are more like "a cool and quiet fish".

I think this is such a favorite around here because of how animated you can become while reading the book.  On a pink day there is a happy voice and a black day brings the mad voice...the kids love that and I love having a book that helps them understand the complexity of feelings even at such a young age.   I would recommend this book for toddlers on up and give it a "B" rating.
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Kiddopatumus SwaddleMe...

Before I had children I thought some things just "came" to you when you became a mother...breastfeeding, swaddling, multi-tasking.  Hmmm....not so much or so easily.  The breastfeeding part came along.  I am now a master multi-tasker.  Three kids later I still can't swaddle a baby to save my life.  Time and time again I watched the nurses, my mother, my mother-in-law, even my husband wrap my babies up all tight like a little burrito.  When I tried my hand at it this there was no burrito effect...something more like a taco, actually which is not nearly as effective.

Well, now, fellow swaddling flunkies, here is the answer to your prayers.  The Kiddopatumus SwaddleMe blanket.  This ingenious invention takes all the pesky guesswork out of which edge to fold up and over and allows you to get a perfect little burrito every time!  This little pouch with "wings" allows you to pop the baby in, swaddle the baby in the wings (which are secured with velcro) guaranteeing a perfect swaddle each time.  The wings are adjustable allowing  you to control the snugness.  Another great feature is that you can release the legs for diaper changes without disturbing the baby who is cozily swaddled.

Studies show that babies who are swaddled feel more secure allowing for better sleep and the SwaddleMe insures that you get it right every time...even after those 3 am feedings!  I say go out and buy a few of these for every mom-to-be on your list! "A"!
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Infantino Slingrider Baby Carrier...

When the twins were born 3 years ago I had two of the Infantino Slingrider Baby Carriers and I am certain I could not have lived without them.  I could often be found wearing two slings washing dishes or eating dinner...the boys loved those slings  and so did I.  When they outgrew them I happily passed them along to friends knowing I was giving the gift of free hands.  Fast forward to my latest pregnancy and, because my slings had since been given away, a Slingrider was one of the first purchases I made.  I knew free hands would be even more important this time around. 

When I purchased the Slingrider, it was described as "new and improved".  Why, oh Why Infantino did you mess with my beloved sling??  Something about the design does not "hang" right.  The baby still seems safe and snug but the way the wide strap hits my neck and shoulder is beyond uncomfortable.  I have tried every imaginable adjustment to the strap and nothing seems to help.  At first I thought it may be a height thing (I am 5'2) but my much taller husband has the very same complaints.  The bottom line?  This sling is just plain uncomfortable.  I give this a C- rating.  The fact that the baby seems comfy and oblivious to my aching back keeps it from earning a lower mark.  I suggest passing on this model.
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Here Come the ABC's...

I am sure I am not alone when I say how cringe worthy I find some children's music.  I actually feel guilty typing that but one can only stand so many rousing verses of "The Wheels on the Bus" screeched out by a pack of 5 year olds.  Enter Here Come the ABC's preformed by They Might Be Giants as the perfect antidote.  They Might Be Giants are a pop/alternative band who just happen to make children's music on the side.

Here Comes the ABC's is a CD that the kids and I all love and sing along to.  The catchy lyrics teach children (and parents!) not only the ABC's but about vowels, letter groupings and even an occasional geography lesson.  I often find myself singing along to such favorites as "Alphabet Lost and Found" and "Qu".  The boys love to hear "E Eats Everything" as well as "Alphabet of Nations" which has not only helped teach them the ABC's but the countries of Mongolia and Oman! 

I can't say enough positive things about this CD/DVD set.  It is educational, catchy, and something you can easily imagine playing on mainstream radio.  A+ for this one...buy it even if you don't have kids to entertain!

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Fisher Price Trios...

My three year olds love to build and create which was why I was super excited to check out the new offering from Fisher Price...Trios.  Trios are reminiscent of the "Tinker Toys" I remember as a kid only these are geared toward younger children so there are none of those pesky (and dangerous!!) wooden sticks. 

Trios are brightly colored plastic squares, sticks and panels that are easy to click together, even for small pre-schooler hands.  Each of the sets we have includes a booklet with building ideas but my guys have the most fun creating their own designs.  Just this morning the Trios morphed into ships, sky scrapers and fire extinguishers...not bad for a single toy! 

I think Trios are such a big hit here because of the bright colors which are pleasing to the eye as well as the ease of use.  Some of the other building blocks/sets out there are a bit too challenging for little hands to maneuver but Trios easily clip together.  We currently have the Building Set as well as a couple of the basic sets and I still think my guys would like more to add to their collection.  Fisher Price recommends Trios for ages 3-5 years but I can see Trios having even more staying power than that...at least at our house!  One word of caution though...the Trio squares are fairly small (slight larger than dice) so if you have a kid who is a "mouther" be on the alert.  Fisher Price Trios earns an "A" rating from me for the basic building sets we own.
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Tonka Titan Go Green Garbage Truck...

A couple of years ago anything garbage trucks became popular at our house.  The garbage men, recycling trucks and even garbage cans became something of an obsession.  Last year (at 2 years old) all the boys wanted for Christmas were garbage trucks.  Lucky for them Santa delivered two Tonka Titan Go Green Garbage Trucks right under our tree.  These durable trucks have been a favorite at our house for over a year.  Each truck comes with a garbage man, two garbage bins-one for garbage and one for recycling and  included cardboard squares for sorting. The truck even has flashing lights and realistic sounds including a cheerful voice with a pro-recycling message.

 The boys spend massive amounts of time filling and emptying the truck with blocks, legos, bits of paper and anything else they can imagine being garbage.  I will say that the automatic arm of the truck just recently became doable for them at age 3 and was more of a source of frustration prior to that.  The durability of this truck is pretty amazing especially since my boys use them as riding toys as well. 

I would recommend this toy for the garbage lovers in your life over the age of three and give it a "B" rating.

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Kiss Goodnight...

Kiss Goodnight by Amy Hest and Anita Jeram is a bed time staple for my three year olds.  It is a delightful book about a bear named Sam and his bedtime ritual with his mother.  It is a soothing book full of the nightly rituals which are so important and popular with the toddler and pre-school set.  My boys particularly like the closing in which Mama Bear kisses Sam "once, twice and then twice more" which is now a ritual we share at our house.  I would reccommend this book for children under 5 and give it an "A" rating.

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Who Am I?

By definition I am a stay-at-home Mom. Before I became a stay-at-home Mom I figured the job description was fairly simple...take care of the kids. Now that I am living the life of a "SAHM" I have learned that my job description includes, but is not limited to, the following:

chauffeur, chef, house cleaner, stylist, hair dresser, aerobics instructor, singer, photographer, monster police, boo-boo kisser, hazardous materials remover, artist and product tester.

The last of the above descriptions is what ultimately led me here, to "Reviewed By Mom". Throughout the day I am exposed to a constant barrage of products aimed at Mom's and their children. There are toys, books, videos, equipment and even foods tailored to the needs of babies and children. What is a Mom to do when faced with all these choices? For me it has been lots of trial and error. There are things I love and couldn't have survived without and some things that even seemed to make life harder. My goal, with this website, is to share what worked for me and to warn you about those toys that fell apart in five minutes.

I am certainly NOT claiming to be an expert but, three kids in three years has given me lots of experience in the kiddie product arena. If it says "new" I am drawn to it like a bee to honey often to be dissillusioned by that snazzy packaging! Hopefully, I can save you some trouble and help you find some things to make life easier for yourself or the Mom in your life. Pin It