Craft Rookie

Christmas Cards from Pro Digital Photos

2017-11-30T20:51:00.000-08:00

Last year we used a local shop here in Pleasant Grove called Pro Digital Photos to print our Christmas cards. They were so adorable, and we got so many compliments on them that we decided to go with them again this year. I LOVE working with them because they have so many adorable templates on their website, and it's a pain-free process.

You just upload your photos into any of the templates and change the text to what you would like it to say, and "Voila!" you are done. They also have custom design options if you have something in mind that isn't available on one of their templates (unlikely....because there are pages and pages to choose from!) They also have cute options of card shapes (accordion, square, rounded edges, etc) so there is something for literally everyone.

My other favorite thing about their store is that they call you on the phone (or email if you prefer) and clarify any questions they have before printing, and for just $5 they'll print a proof for you to approve before having the rest of your cards printed. I like knowing that I know exactly what the finished product will look like before investing too much time or money into a style of card.

When your order is ready for pickup (if you are local), they email you and tell you you can come and get it--and then they WRAP your cards in adorable paper and bows, and make you feel like a million bucks. ("It's my birthday gift to me, I'm so happy!" -Name that movie)

So before looking at Shutterfly or TinyPrints or a million other online sites where you'll end up with the same card as your neighbor, take a look at Pro Digital Photos website and see if they have a style that will work well for your family Christmas card!

(PS they also do wedding invitations, print portraits, etc etc so there are a lot of great reasons to familiarize yourself with them year-round!)

Happy Designing!

How to Survive Disney, Part 4: Tanner Scooter Rentals

2017-11-20T22:38:00.003-08:00

I already mentioned the strollers a couple of posts back and how they saved our sanity at Disneyworld. They were the first thing on my mind while planning, and I knew they would be a MUST. Later down the road in our planning, it occurred to my sister and I that a scooter would also be a vital part of our trip for my dad, who has really bad knees at the moment.

So back on the hunt I went, searching for scooter rental options, and lo and behold, Orlando Stroller Rentals had a sister company--Tanner Scooter Rentals! (Angels were singing.) So I messaged them and asked them about the scooter situation, and pretty soon I was locked and loaded and ready to have my dad cruising in style!

Just like with the stroller rental, they dropped the scooter off, helped transport it from our Universal Studios hotel to our Disney resort, and then picked it up at the end of the trip. They even let me extend the pickup time by a few hours on the last day when our plans changed a bit.

The scooter ended up being VERY useful. It certainly came with its own set of challenges--parking it before going on rides (which we were doing with the strollers anyway), maneuvering through crowds, occasionally having to wait for a shuttle with more room, etc. That, however, was a small price to pay for the number of benefits and uses it had. It had a basket, which proved useful for keeping drinks, bags, etc. contained but handy. My parents kept their bag hanging off of the handle when we parked it, and we felt confident that it was pretty self-contained and inconspicuous. My mom and dad ended up switching off occasionally (my mom got REALLY sick one of the days we were there), and I even ended up taking it for a spin one day when I needed a break from babywearing my deadweight sleeping two year old.

Some of the even more unplanned benefits of having the scooter rental is that it occasionally got us bumped up in the line. Because we had someone in our party who needed "assistance," we would sometimes get better seats at shows, quicker access to the shuttles, bumped up a bit in ride lines, etc. Even though when we rented it we initially thought it was a bit of a luxury, to keep my dad from unnecessary discomfort, in hindsight it was probably almost as much of a necessity as the strollers were. It served a plethora of purposes, it was very convenient, and if we ever do a trip like that again we'll definitely be renting a scooter.

How to Survive Disney, Part 3: LilleBaby Carrier

2017-11-02T13:51:00.003-07:00

DISCLAIMER: I received the product being reviewed in this post compliments of LILLEBaby.

My opinions are all my own.

Have you ever had a product that when you first thought about getting it you wondered if you'd end up finding it very useful....and then it becomes your new favorite item? That is how the LILLEBaby carrier was for me on our recent Disneyworld trip. With my herniated disc, babywearing is really hard for me. Any extra strain on my back seems to wear me down quickly and I find that I'm in a lot of discomfort (if not flat on my back) if I overdo it with lifting and lugging things (or children). So when I got the LILLEBaby carrier, I thought I would take it along in case of an emergency where I just had to have Hazel contained....but it turns out I used it constantly throughout our vacation.

When we went from our hotel to the Disney parks and back on the shuttle, we had to fold our strollers down. We had rented strollers from Orlando Stroller Rentals and they served us very well--and I couldn't have done the trip without strollers--but they often had to be folded down, parked before waiting in a line, etc. When that happened, I immediately transitioned Hazel into the LILLEBaby.

Not only that, it happened several times that when we got to the shuttle, Hazel was asleep in her stroller, getting a much-needed catnap. I know if we hadn't have had the LILLEBaby to transfer her into, her nap would have been over. BUT with it close at hand, she finished off several naps in it. One day we even went from one park to another on the shuttle with her completely asleep, and then I rode my dad's scooter straight into the park with her still strapped to me, and right to the back of the park where we watched an entire show before she woke up. That could NOT have happened any other way--and she needed the nap badly.

Back to my herniated disc--I'm happy to say that it didn't give me a spot of trouble on the trip. The LILLEBaby is very ergonomic, and even has a padded back support that I would shift to the side (right where my weak spot is) to help support it.

Also, because we rented strollers, we didn't have our own strollers for the airport trip there and back. The LILLEBaby was perfect for going through security, getting to our gate, and then boarding the plane. Once we were on board, I just tucked it into our carry-on. It was SO convenient!

So that's why the LILLEBaby made my list of important tips for surviving Disneyworld. I had no idea what a lifesaver it would be for us, By the way, the particular carrier I'm using in these pictures (The Carry-On Airflow Toddler) holds babies and toddlers from 20-60 pounds and is specifically designed for babies with a size 2T pant and taller. Even though I didn't carry Cache in it on our trip, he took a couple of test runs in it (at about 43 lbs) and loved it. :)

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A LILLEBABY CARRIER, USE

THIS LINK

FOR A $10 DISCOUNT!

* * * *

LILLEBaby Carry On Airflow Specifications (Taken directly from the LILLEBaby site):

The LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn is a roomy carrier made specifically for growing toddlers from 20-60 lbs. Featuring 3 carrying positions and a wider and taller torso; the CarryOn is a versatile, ergonomic and comfortable way to carry your child for many years.

1. ERGONOMIC CARRYING – Carry on your front, hip or back. The CarryOn grows with your child up to 60 lbs.

2. LUMBAR SUPPORT – Increases comfort, maintains healthy posture and alignment, and prevents lower back strain. Combined with an extra sturdy waist belt to maximize parents comfort.

3. THREE-WAY STRAPS – The carrier offers near limitless adjustability! Enables wearer to carry "backpack style" or with straps crossed on the back. Dual adjustment buckles simplify breastfeeding and adjusting straps on the go. The CarryOn also has an adjuster on the front so that you can easily position baby closer to you.

4. SLEEPING HOOD – Features dual adjustment points to provide tailored support for baby's head while sleeping, sun protection while exploring, and privacy while nursing. Removable.

5. EXTRA TALL TORSO – So comfortable your baby will fall asleep. The carrier features an extra roomy torso with wider and padded support for baby's legs, as well as a tall torso that reach high on baby's back.

6. POCKETS - Large zippered storage pocket, plus easy-reach pocket for storing hood and essentials.

7. WIDE, PADDED SHOULDER STRAPS & WAIST BELT - Evenly distributes baby's weight for maximized comfort.

8. (ALL SEASONS ONLY) - Temperature-control panel that easily zips-up for warmth and zips-down to expose cool, breathable, 3D mesh. This feature is not available on the CarryOn Embossed or the CarryOn Air. This feature is exclusive to the CarryOn Four Seasons.

How to Survive Disney, Part 2: DockATot

2017-10-23T21:40:00.000-07:00

DISCLAIMER: I received the product being reviewed in this post compliments of DockATot. My opinions are all my own.

I've been dying to try out DockATot since they started becoming widely used here in Utah soon after Hazel was born. I never had occasion to really buckle down and get one while she was in her infancy, but as our Disneyworld trip approached, it occurred to me that the larger DockATot (the Grand, meant for toddlers 9-36 months) would be a great thing to have along in Orlando for Hazel! While planning the sleeping arrangements for our trip initially, I had planned that Hazel would just sleep in whatever crib or pack-n-play the hotel room provided, and that that would work for us. If I'm honest, it would have. I mean, eventually a kid is so exhausted that they'll sleep pretty much anywhere...but I had no idea how handy the DockaTot would be!

In my mind, I was picturing that the DockATot was a little more on the "inflatable" side, but in actuality, it's much more cushiony, and it doesn't deflate. It's made of all-natural, 100% cotton and is tested for breathability, so you can see why that makes sense--it just hadn't occurred to me until I saw it in person. SO, when it arrived on my doorstep I was skeptical about its ability to make the trip to Orlando with us.

We waffled back and forth on whether or not we should dedicate the space to take it, and literally the morning we left, we made a last-minute decision to fold it down into one of our checked bags (because we had free checked bags on our flight). It took up an entire carry-on sized suitcase, and it probably wasn't the most ideal scenario for it to maintain its shape long-term, but it worked, and it didn't seem any worse for the wear once it had a second to flatten out again. (We were worried for a sec.)

SO I suppose the point of that big long introduction is that in a real-world situation, the DockATot is maybe not the most practical thing to take on an airplane...BUT we were glad we had it with! Hazel took one look at the mini-crib they brought in the first night and wouldn't so much as let me set her in it. So we put the DockATot on the bed next to us, and she laid in it and fell asleep. Then we transferred her to the floor, where she slept soundly between the two beds. After that, each night, we just laid her in it on the floor and she immediately snuggled down into it and fell asleep. (I kind of want a DockATot for myself now that I have seen how cozy they seem!)

Anyway, it saved our bacon. Hazel loved having a space that was all hers. She felt safe and cozy in an unfamiliar environment, and I liked not having to lay her down in the same pack-n-play that a million other babies at Disney had used before us. #controlfreakprobs

So, as the title of my post suggests, the DockaTot helped us "survive" Disney because our baby was well-rested, safe, and comfortable in our hotel room. Since she was getting the majority of her daytime naps in the stroller or the baby carrier while we were busy park-hopping, it gave me peace of mind knowing she was getting a really healthy and comfortable night of sleep in between each of the hectic days.

One last thing I want to throw in here is that the DockaTot is certainly not just for travel. It's great for a quick overnight trip to Grandma's, for those nights when they just won't sleep in their own room and you hate the thought of them kicking you in the face in the middle of the night, for a comfortable and safe transition into a toddler bed, or even just as a daytime lounger while they watch their favorite show. Pictured in these photos is the Grand, which as I mentioned above is for kids ages 9-36 months. There is also the classic DockaTot, made for infants and babies up to 8 months of age.

If you are thinking of purchasing a DockaTot, you can go HERE to get a $10 discount just for being one of my readers. Message me or comment below with any questions!

How to Survive Disney, Part 1: Orlando Stroller Rentals

2017-10-12T21:12:00.001-07:00

We just got back from a wonderful family vacation to Orlando, Florida a couple weeks ago. We were there for ten days (yes, ten!). We visited Universal Studios Orlando for the first two days, and then spent the rest of the time in Disney.

(I WAS COMPENSATED FOR THIS POST, BUT MY OPINIONS ARE ALL MY OWN.)

With three small kids (ages 5, 4, and 2), I was really worried about their ability to have the stamina necessary for that kind of long, walking-intensive trip. With my concerns in mind, I started searching online for options for stroller rentals. In my search, the rental company that seemed to be the most talked-about and have the most positive online presence was Orlando Stroller Rentals. I did a little digging and found out that they had double stroller options, as well as singles that would hold kids up to 75 pounds. I could have taken my double stroller for Cache and Hazel and made Chloe walk...but she IS only five, and it was going to involve so many long days that I was SO glad to find a stroller rental option that would accommodate her height and weight comfortably, because she is pretty tall for her age.

I contacted them, and they were happy to schedule my rentals for me. They were very communicative and easy to get a hold of, quick to respond to my questions via email and phone, and they even contacted me the day before our trip to make sure that everything was still on schedule.

It was so nice to not have to worry about getting our strollers gate-checked at the airport. I have almost without fail had my strollers damaged while transferring them via airplane travel, and it was great to have the kids just walk through the airport and wear Hazel, and know that there were strollers waiting for us at our destination.

Orlando Stroller Rentals is a Walt Disney World Preferred Stroller Rental provider. That means that they are allowed to leave the stroller with the bell service so that the strollers are ready for guests to pick them up when they check in at their hotel. They have thorough safety inspections done on every stroller in between each customer. Orlando Stroller Rentals has been renting strollers to families since 2008, and have only "high end" strollers in their fleet. When your trip is over, you schedule a pick up time, and they come right to your hotel lobby. It was a completely hassle-free experience. I was really impressed with how well the company communicated with me on meet-up times over text message and phone calls. They were prompt, polite, and efficient.

Additionally, both strollers looked brand new. Even though they were rentals, there was no sign of the many other families before who had used them for their trips, which I really appreciated, I was very impressed by how well-maintained they both were.

I have had several people ask me since we got back how on earth we managed to squeeze so many things into our trip--park hopping, nap missing, tram riding, etc. Immediately, my response is THE STROLLERS! Without them, I'm positive that two days in, everyone would have been crying. Hazel napped in her seat (which reclined completely back) almost every day of the trip at least once, and Cache (who doesn't even nap anymore), took several as well. Even Chloe fell asleep one afternoon. I seriously can't even describe how much these strollers made the difference in our trip.

SO, if you are planning a trip to Disneyworld or Universal Studios Orlando, do yourself a favor and look into Orlando Stroller Rentals! Their commitment to their customers is awesome, and it will make your trip 180 degrees different from what it will be without it. I wouldn't have changed anything about my experience with them.

Comment below if you have any questions. I'd love to answer them! Also, watch for my upcoming post about Orlando Stroller Rentals' sister company, Tanner Scooter Rentals, which (spoiler alert) also saved our bacon.

Mama's Favorite Store

2017-06-28T21:33:00.003-07:00

*Click on the pictures to shop some of the items featured in each photo.*

This post contains affiliate links. I was compensated for this post, but my opinions are all my own.

The Baby Cubby

When I had Chloe, it seemed like there were just a few basic things I felt I needed. Off the top of my head, I know we had a carseat/stroller combo, a crib, a pack 'n play, a boppy, a swing, a diaper bag, a baby monitor, some clothes, and a couple of receiving blankets. Things have changed since I had her just six short years ago, and even since I had Hazel less than two years ago, it seems the baby market has really exploded. From baby fashion, to diaper bags, to baby monitors, to swaddles, to the "big" stuff like cribs, strollers, carseats, and high chairs, it seems the choices are nearly endless.

So how do you wade through it all? You can ask friends, you can read online reviews, you can compare prices...but the thing that helps me make a decision is being able to handle an item in person. That's actually how I discovered the Baby Cubby. I was looking for car seats that had a three-across option right before I had Hazel, and I had heard that this little children's boutique in town had some of the more unique, high-end car seats (as well as the typical stuff), so I decided to head down there and take a look.

When I walked in, I think angels were singing.

WHAT MAKES THE BABY CUBBY DIFFERENT?

The place is like Disneyland for moms and moms-to-be. The Baby Cubby carries adorable nursery decor, endless swaddle choices, boutique children's clothing (Freshly Picked, Piper Finn, Billy Bibs, Lulu & Roo, Coco and Kiwi, Baby LitBooks, Saranoni, DockaTot, the list goes on and on). They also carry really nice gear like the Uppababy Cruz/Uppababy Mesa, the Skip Hop high chair, the 4Moms Breeze playard, the Britax B line, and all the basic stuff too. Like I said, it's a New Mom Playland.

Speaking of playlands, the other thing I love about the Cubby is that there's a great area for the kids to play where you have a pretty clear line of sight of them while you shop. They always have the newest, coolest toys out (Tegu, Plan, Hape, Fat Brain), and usually a fun movie going too. Heck, they've served my kids popcorn and suckers before! (Well-played, Baby Cubby.)

Last but not least, the staff is great. You can always call and ask if they have certain sizes or styles of things in stock and they will go check them for you (and even put them on hold). They have moms working there that have experience raising babies and know what to recommend, which is so much more helpful than the childless teenage boys stocking diapers in the baby aisle at Wal*Mart.

Oh, plus they price match. If you find something on Amazon for a better price, you can walk right in and they'll give it to you for that price. Freshly Picked having a sale? Price match. You get the drift.

SO. If you live in Utah County, you need to hit it up. It's located on the West side of the freeway off the 1600 North exit in Lindon. But not for long--they are moving soon to a new location just across from Costco in American Fork. Curse you, Baby Cubby....now you will be twice as easy to access.

If you don't live locally, don't stress--you can access The Baby Cubby online, and you get free shipping every day on orders over $49. OH! Also, if you sign up for their newsletter, they let you know about special deals, promos, and sales going on, plus sometimes they send coupons for additional percentages off.

Win, win, win, win, win.

See you all there!

Freshly Picked Review and Giveaway

2017-06-16T19:52:00.001-07:00

As you know if you follow me on Instagram, I've had a giveaway going this week for a pair of Freshly Picked moccasins.

*THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS AND IS A SPONSORED POST. MY OPINIONS ARE ALL MY OWN.

I've done enough giveaways and reviews with FP through the years that it's obvious at this point how I feel about their company. I could praise their high quality, their great customer service, their adorable designs and color options...but you've heard it all before.

So instead I'll just take a sec to tell you why I personally keep going back time and time again. There are a million mocc shops out there, so why Freshly Picked?

1) Susan Petersen--the lady who started it all and continues as Freshly Picked's CEO. She is hard working, generous, and employs some of the coolest and nicest folks around. She hosts giveaways, interacts with fans via live videos, throws parties, and genuinely cares for and interacts with her customers. She's the real deal, and I love supporting that.

2) Handmade with genuine leather. Everything from their $60 collection down to their $29 "First Pair" is handmade, uses the best hides of leather, and is consistent. You can always count on a gorgeous pair of moccs...and if for some reason they aren't, their customer service fixes you right up!

3) New styles and patterns all the time. Mary Janes, City Moccs, Sandals, Prints, Solids, Oxfords...they are constantly trying to listen to their customers and bring them what they request. It's an exciting time to be an FP fan!

So. If you haven't been over to their site for awhile, check it out because you are missing out on all kinds of new colors and styles! Take a few minutes and see what I mean! FRESHLYPICKED.com

Shedo Lane: Review and Giveaway

2017-05-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

Guys, I suck at blogging.

You know how some people post religiously every day? I'd like to drink whatever KoolAid is making that possible for them, but it's just not happening over here! I struggle to keep my kids' hair combed some days...

BUT

I wanted to hop on and post about my newest giveaway!! As usual, you can enter over on Instagram.

NOTICE: This post contains affiliate links. I was compensated for this post, but my opinions are all my own. #sponsored

You may recall a review and giveaway I did last year for Swimzip--UPF swimwear for babies, toddlers, kids, and adults. I LOVED Hazel's swimzip romper, and used it all summer at the beach, splashpads, and even Lagoon.

So a few months ago when I heard about SwimZip's new sister company, Shedo Lane, I had to get my hands on it! It's UPF APPAREL, people! So if you are interested in protecting your kiddos' delicate skin while at the park, on vacation, at theme parks, browsing around the farmer's market, playing in your backyard, or attending that family reunion you have coming up? THESE CLOTHES ARE FOR YOU.

Shedo Lane's line of basic staple items for your family is SO ingenious! I have little blue eyed, fair-skinned Scandinavian babies, and they need all the sun protection they can get! I am in LOVE with their swing dresses, leggings, and cardigans for Hazel, and I want them in every. single. color. I get compliments every time she wears them around town.

Their rompers are also perfect for summer--particularly for the park, the zoo, the pond, etc. It zips right up and down for easy diaper changes, and has an adorable hood--complete with little ears--for full coverage from the sun.

All of the clothing is SUPER soft, SUPER lightweight, and great quality! Every piece has held up in the wash beautifully, with no fading or pilling so far. I'm loving it all!!!!

So now...the giveaway!

Head on over to INSTAGRAM to enter to win $30 to Shedo Lane! Tag friends, please! I want everyone who can to be aware that there are simple, stylish ways to protect your babies (and your own!) skin from harmful UV rays!!!

This giveaway will run until Sunday, May 21st at Midnight. This giveaway is not endorsed by Instagram.

Why I Love Keepy!

2017-02-19T20:18:00.001-08:00

One of the biggest constant frustrations in my life revolve around the clutter. There's of course the typical stuff--shoes that don't make it back to their spots, toys that you painfully trip over in the dark, the never-ending piles of laundry....and then of course, there's the paper.

SO. MUCH. PAPER.

There are bills, junk mail, coupons...and artwork. Every scrap of paper that your kid touches with a crayon is a masterpiece that can't be thrown away or the world will end. Plus, there are a lot of papers (schoolwork, artwork, little notes) that you WANT to save. But what do you do? I've got three kids five and under and we haven't even started dealing with school papers yet, other than preschool odds and ends.

So when I ran across Keepy, I had to know more. I'm glad I took the time because I'm telling you, it's so cool! One place to upload pics of your kid's artwork, extra special photos, and my personal favorite--quotes! You can type in little funny things your kids say and have them saved, by date, in all the same place.

Another cool feature is having the KeepyBot. It sends you private messages on Facebook asking if you want pictures you upload to Facebook saved in Keepy. It's nice to be able to pick and choose what you want moved over, and the interactive reminders make it easy to keep up and not get overwhelmed.

So if you've been looking for a great solution to the paper clutter, you should download the Keepy app and see if it's a good fit for you. If you only want really limited use (5 uploads per month), it's free. If you want unlimited use, it's $2.99 a month, or just $9.99 for the year. That's less than a dollar a month to keep everything in one place. Well worth it for this stressed out mama!!!

Feel free to comment below with questions, or direct message me on Instagram. I'd love to chat!

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post, but my opinions are all my own.

Have a great week!!

xoxo, Dani

Christmas Cards

2016-12-06T22:24:00.000-08:00

So starting in about October/November every year, I begin keeping my eyes peeled for coupon codes to the typical Christmas Card printing sites. This year, they kept sucking me in with their steep discounts and "free" offers, and then I'd spend all evening designing something only to find out that "Just Pay Shipping!" meant "Just pay the full price of our cards--disguised as shipping!" No thank you.

That's when I discovered that there's a shop in my own town that prints adorable Christmas cards, gives you one-on-one advice (they reprinted my cards twice over the phone so the lady could tell me if my pictures looked crisp), and then they wrap them up for you in gift wrap.

ProDigital Photos has THE CUTEST cards to choose from, and did I mention yet that their shop is darling? It was decorated so festive, and they even had a tray of Smarties for the kids (which they promptly pocketed far more than their share of) and that kept them busy while I picked up my order. On top of all of that, they even donated cards to my PICU project, which you'll hear more about in the upcoming week or two! :)

When I passed my cards out to family, they all commented on how awesome they were and asked where I got them. I was proud to explain that I got them from a local shop that helped me design them.

ProDigital Photos is located in Pleasant Grove, UT, so for all my local followers, this is the place to go for cards this holiday season! If you aren't local, good news--they have FREE SHIPPING throughout December so hurry and order now!

FYI: You can get darling holiday cards even without getting professional family pictures done! I know a lot of people say they don't do holiday cards on any given year because they didn't get family photos. Well guess what? Neither did I--and I'm still SO glad I got to update my friends and family with snapshots of our year.

Do it! Order! You won't regret it! OH, and by the way--they have a giveaway on their Instagram feed that ends tomorrow at midnight! You could win $100 toward your holiday cards! Head over there by clicking HERE to enter now!

Happy Designing!

XOXO, Dani

Glamour Gels: Review & Giveaway

2016-11-30T22:05:00.002-08:00

Note: I was compensated for this post, but my opinions are all my own. See how you can win a chance to try out Glamour Gels yourself at the bottom of this post!

A few months ago I was introduced to Glamour Gels in Draper via Mom Crush Monday's blog launch event. My sisters and I had a great time chatting, eating yummy food, and getting pampered in their cute salon!

So I decided to take Chloe for a little Mommy-Daughter morning a couple of weeks ago. Chloe was SO excited and had been looking forward to it so much she could barely sleep the night before. She had her nail color all picked out--Christmas red with sparkles. She was practically jumping out of her skin all morning waiting to go!

When we arrived, she LOVED looking at all the fun nail polish choices, and even though she knew what she wanted before she got there, she still pondered a bit. Plus, there were like 18 red shades to choose from, so the girl still had work on her hands.

We waited in their super-glam lobby while the Master Nail Techs got our stations ready. We took some selfies, and of course Chloe had to try out every chair. They even brought me a (much-needed) Diet Coke, and the little princess got some ice water.

They walked us back to our fancy chairs, and Chloe was beaming! My favorite part was when they did the sugar scrub on her feet--she was giggling like crazy. The curse of ticklish feet! LOL.

Her least favorite part was waiting for me to get done with my pedi while her toes dried. #firstworldproblems

Look at her cute little toes in those big flip flops. I thought they were hilarious!

Our pedicures took just the right amount of time, Chloe felt like a princess (and made sure to talk her nail tech's ear off), and my feet felt baby soft when we were done! Chloe's did too, but they were already like that before, so...

We had such a nice time and I hope this becomes a new tradition for us. It's hard to have your baby get bigger, but it's fun to get to watch her enjoy some "grown up" things. Because let's be honest: Who doesn't like getting pampered?

Speaking of getting pampered, one lucky reader gets a chance to win a pedicure! The timing of this giveaway is perfect--your feet will look their best for all the upcoming holiday events! Maybe you can even choose Christmas Red with Sparkles as your nail color choice. Chloe would certainly approve!

So how do you enter?

1. Follow @craft.rookie on Instagram.

2. Follow @glamourgels on Instagram.

3. Tag THREE or more friends in SEPARATE comments on the Instagram Giveaway Post!

DISCLAIMER: You need to be local (or be willing to travel to Salt Lake/Utah County) to win this giveaway. Glamour Gels is located just off of the 11400 S exit on the border of Sandy/Draper in the Scheels parking lot.

Good luck to all who enter! This giveaway will run from tonight (11/30) through Monday (12/5) at Midnight. Don't miss out on your chance to enter! Your feet will thank you.

Freshly Picked Giveaway

2016-11-21T23:30:00.002-08:00

First thing's first: Freshly Picked's sale goes live at 10AM MST today!!! Don't miss out! Everything on their site (including Marketplace) is 25% off!

As you know, Freshly Picked is one of my most favorite companies. They are so good to their customers, their products are exceptionally made, their customer service is unmatched, they love community outreach, and they are just all really nice, good people!

So that brings me to the main reason for this post: GIVEAWAY!

I love when I get to work with Freshly Picked on these giveaways--as you've probably noticed, you can hardly find Hazel without one of her pairs on!

The winner will get to pick a pair of moccs of their size and style choice! (Winner cannot have one a pair of Freshly Picked moccs on any giveaway in the last 60 days.)

So how do you enter?

Same as usual!

1) Follow me on Instagram.

2) Follow Freshly Picked on Instagram.

3) Tag three friends (or more) in separate comments on my Instagram giveaway post.

Winner will be chosen this Sunday, November 28 and announced Monday, November 29th. :)

Good luck to all!

The Blushing Baby: Review

2016-11-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post, but my opinions are all my own.

So a few months ago I got in touch with The Blushing Baby to see if they'd be up for sending me one of their carseat/high chair/cart covers. I was intrigued, because even though I'd had a normal nursing cover/carseat combo when Hazel was smaller, the one thing that limited its versatility was that you couldn't very easily buckle your baby into a high chair or grocery cart. The Blushing Baby's design solved this dilemma for me by having little slits built into their covers for just that!

I use my Blushing Baby cover ALL. THE. TIME. and in addition to it's innovative features, it comes in a cute little matching drawstring pouch which makes it easy to toss in the diaper bag. It has saved me from many a gross grocery cart and provides an additional amount of comfort for Hazel as well. It's also been a great nursing cover, high chair cover, and even served as a great little blanket the other day when we were out car shopping and it got a little nippy.

She was thrilled about the car shopping, can you tell?

To top it all off, it's one of the most reasonably-priced covers out there! You can order it on Amazon for as little as $9.99 and there are several cute colors to choose from! So if you are in the market, either for yourself or as a gift this season, check them out!

Additionally, The Blushing Baby has ADORABLE, soft bibdanas in great gender-neutral colors!

So check them out and give them a follow over on Instagram as well! Support small this holiday season!!!

Freshly Picked Anniversary Sale!

2016-09-29T14:09:00.001-07:00

Just a heads-up: Freshly Picked's 7 Year Anniversary Sale is LIVE on their site! It will run until 10am MST tomorrow (9/30).

If you've been looking to score moccs for fall/winter (or to hoard for next Spring/Summer!!) now is the time. All "seasonal" styles are marked 25% off, which brings them to $45 a pair. This is a sale they only run a couple of times a year, so don't miss out! Run, don't walk...styles are selling out fast.

Don't say I didn't ever do anything nice for you! ;-)

XO,

Dani

Tenderleaf Toys: Review

2016-09-23T22:14:00.002-07:00

Note: This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links. I was compensated for this post, but my opinions are all my own.

We had the opportunity to try out a few different toys from a great little toy company called Tenderleaf Toys. They specialize in adorable, simple, classic wooden toys--which are my favorite kind to own!

My favorite thing about the toys are their bright, cheerful, inviting colors and the attention to detail each piece has. They encourage imagination and inspire kids to play and learn. I also love that they look great on my playroom shelves--classic, stylish, and whimsical.

It helps, of course, that my kids love them too!

Hazel LOVES her stacking tree with the adorable pink birdie on it. She's still learning how to stack them on the peg, but she loves the discs and cries if I try to take them from her. She's little Miss Independence lately!

Chloe loves the cash register. She likes to play grocery store, restaurant, and "Hot Cocoa Shop."

"Hot Cocoa Shop" works out well, since she also has the adorable coffee maker set. She will play for hours making all kinds of imaginative concoctions. It's a good thing make-believe cocoa has no calories. (It doesn't, right?)

Cache received this construction set. He adores it--as do all the kids that come over to play. I actually have to take it away when he has play dates and hide it because it is a source of contention, lol!

He loves zooming the cars down the track, and attaching everything from dinosaurs to Care Bears to the crane.

So with Christmas approaching (it's coming whether we like it or not, peeps!), it's a great time to start looking into these great toys for your kids and grandkids! Also, just a tip: If you sign up for Tenderleaf Toys' newsletter, you get a coupon for 10% off! :) So check them out!

Wee Booties+Ritters & Ruffles: Review and Giveaway

2016-09-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about this giveaway!

Hazel has been a brand rep for a great little shop called Wee Booties for a couple of months now. We love working with them! Their products are adorable and very well-made, plus the yarn is locally and ethically sourced, and each item is hand-crocheted by ladies right here in the USA. I also love that Wee Booties are great for healthy foot development as babies start crawling and walking.

Additionally, they stay on Hazel's feet really well and are adorable! I mean, how cute are these pumpkin booties?!? I also love the non-slip bottoms they have, so I don't have to worry about Hazel sliding around as she cruises around the house.

Well, I've teamed up with Wee Booties and another great little shop Ritters and Ruffles to host a fun giveaway! Ritters and Ruffles is giving away one of their adorable, hand-made bibdana and teether sets! They are so soft, and I love that the bibdanas have buttons in two different spots on the neck so that they can grow with baby! You have to head to her Etsy shop and check out her super-cute fabric patterns for fall!

So how do you enter?

1. Follow me on Instagram

2. Follow Wee_Booties on Instagram

3. Follow Ritters and Ruffles on Instagram

4. Tag three friends in separate comments on the giveaway post on Instagram!

Can't wait to see who takes away this great prize! PERFECT for fall photos, trips to the pumpkin patch, or the perfect little Halloween costume!

Enter, enter, enter! This giveaway ends on Sunday, September 18th at Midnight!

Jewelry in Candles Review

2016-09-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

Note: This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links. I was compensated for this post, but my opinions are all my own.

I'm not usually a candle person. I really like holiday scents (specifically Christmas and Autumn smells), but I'm not much into burning candles or using a warmer every day. Whenever I burn them, Wes comments that our house smells funny, and generally he's right--it's hard to find ones that don't smell too fruity, too sweet, or too fake.

So when I was approached by Jewelry in Candles, I wasn't sure if it was going to be the right thing for me. Jewelry in Candles is a unique company that creates eco-friendly candles that are soy-based instead of paraffin-based. They burn clean in your home and don't leave a film, or burn unwanted fumes into the air.

Additionally, Jewelry in Candles has added a fun little twist to their product: When you order, you pick if you want your candle to have a necklace, a ring, or earrings. Once the candle burns down far enough, you can pull your jewelry from its burn-safe packaging to reveal your new piece. The jewelry ranges from costume jewelry, up to valuable pieces with real stones. Kind of a fun little perk, if you ask me!

Jewelry in Candles sells tarts for those of you who who prefer candle warmers, as well as full glass candles. And lucky you--they are offering to give away either a wax tart or candle of the winner's choice, so we're going to run a little giveaway!

This giveaway will run from today (Monday, September 5) through Thursday, September 8th at midnight.

Entry Requirements:

1) Follow me on Instagram.

2) Tag three friends who you think might be interested in entering as well!

*3* For a bonus entry: You can go to Constance's Jewelry in Candles page and tell me on Instagram or in the comment section below which scent you think you'd like to try!

Thanks again to Constance for sponsoring this giveaway! If you are interested in learning more about Jewelry in Candles or would like to join their monthly Preferred Customer subscriptions ($29.95), you can head over to her Facebook Page to connect with her by clicking HERE. Or you can shop directly from her site HERE.

BapronBaby Review

2016-08-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

Bibs.

There's no great answer. Either you have to wash them after every single use, or they get a weird sour smell after wiping them down every day, or the velcro starts to wear out after two weeks. You can't win.

I have a bib drawer...and it's FULL of bibs of all varieties. I never use any of them, because the maintenance is more trouble than the mess itself! Until BapronBaby.

BapronBaby was started by a gal I went to high school with, and I got in touch with her when she started posting about her great new product! I was intrigued. It doesn't stain, it dries quickly, you can run it through the washing machine...all the best of the bib worlds. :)

So far it's lived up to its hype. Hazel reaches out to have it put on before mealtime and it fits her comfortably and covers her clothes completely--right over her shoulders! Even when she turns her head quickly to look at her big sister or brother mid-spoonful, her messy chin doesn't leave a streak on the neck of her clothes.

Bonus points? BapronBaby has the cutest prints. I mean...how adorable is the Aztec style? She also has dinosaurs, flowers, sports-themed, and many more! If you are a mom facing the same bib dilemma I've been fighting for years, it's time to upgrade!

It's the last bib style you will ever buy.

Disclaimer: I received discounts for this product, but my opinions are all my own.

Featured Brands:

Bib: BapronBaby

Pineapple Bow: Sunny Days Boutique

Wood Bow: Reagan and Kate

Purple Floral Bow: Two Tiny Owls

Snack Cup: RePlay Recycled

Crispy Squash

2016-08-16T22:56:00.000-07:00

"Crispy Squash" as my mom calls them, are a family favorite. They're very easy to make, delicious, simple, and so refreshing on an August night! This recipe is taken from my mom's cooking blog, Savings for Sisters, where it was originally posted in 2013.

If you want to see a live tutorial, you can check it out on my Instagram Stories until it expires tomorrow afternoon. I made them tonight for dinner and did a little vlog as I went.

If not, simple instructions are posted below. Let me know what you think if you make them--they hold a special place in my heart! Not only that--they are a crowd favorite. My son, who literally eats about four food items (fruit snacks, milk, cheese, and bread) even tried one and swallowed it last night which is a big deal for him. BIG deal.

CRISPY SQUASH

YOU NEED:

-Zucchini or Yellow Squash sliced 1/4 inch thick.

-Beaten eggs (2 large makes one cookie sheet full)

-Finely crushed saltine crackers

-Melted butter

-Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1) Wash and slice the squash as evenly as possible and place in large bowl.

2) Beat eggs and crush crackers. You can use a food processor or blender, or put the crackers in a Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin to crush them as finely as you can.

3) Spray cookie sheet or sheets with cooking spray.

4) Place cracker crumbs in a small, shallow bowl and eggs in a second bowl. Don't add all the crumbs in the bowl at once, just keep refilling it, or it will get mushy from the egg and not stick as well.

5) Set up an assembly line with the sqaush first, then the egg, then the crumbs. This is a great project for kids to help with. Chloe loves being the one to put the squash into the egg for me.

6) First immerse a slice in the egg, then the crackers, coating well on both sides. Then place them in a line on the cookie sheet. Use a fork or wooden skewer or Pigtail to keep your fingers from being coated in egg and crumbs.

7) Keep going until you have as many as you want or your cookie sheets are full, beating more egg and crushing more crackers if you need to.

8) Once they are all laid out, drizzle melted butter over them. It takes about half a cube of butter or so per pan. Remember, this is in place of deep-frying them, and you need enough butter on them to help them brown up and get crisp. So don't be too stingy even if you are trying to save calories, or they just won't turn out well!

9) Sprinkle each slice with salt and black pepper.

10) Bake at 375 degrees for around 40 minutes. No need to turn them. They will crisp up fine on the bottom as well as the top. If you want to do two pans in your oven and it's not convection, rotate the pans partway through to ensure even browning. I have also put both on the same rack with the two sheets overlapping just a tad and rotating them if needed.

11) Serve as soon as they come out of the oven. They cool quickly! If desired, you can dip them in ranch dressing, but we always eat them plain as our "vegetable" side dish. ;-)

Ziddis Rompers Review

2016-08-11T21:40:00.004-07:00

Note: This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links. I was compensated for this post, but my opinions are all my own.

So, let's talk rompers.

Obviously one-piece rompers are all the rage. Why is that, you may ask? Um, because they are adorable.

I've been hesitant to feed my curiosity on this one because there are a million adorable styles out there, and they all cost about that much to buy! LOL, not really--but they aren't cheap, and I sort of have a "don't pay more for baby clothes than you'd pay for clothes for yourself" rule. I know, I know....

ANYWAY, so this led me to Ziddis Clothing. You guys: Their rompers are adorable, and at the price point I was skeptical. ($15-$20 each?) So, I got in touch with them, and three days later I had a romper in my mailbox. I tried it on Hazel, and let me just say I couldn't stop looking at her all day. It was so cute!

So my three favorite things about them?

1) Super-easy diaper changes--you aren't fussing with a million snaps at the crotch that come undone when they squat.

2) Really nice, stretchy necklines that you don't feel like you are stretching out when you put it on.

3) They are buttery soft, and they have great style! I love the cuffs on hers with the stripes! She gets so many compliments on it when we're out!

So yeah, now I think I need one of each. Just sayin'. So good.

Also, they look adorable with moccasins, which is my other obsession, as you are probably aware if you know me at all! :)

So go on over to Ziddis and check them out. They have 20% off all of their rompers right now! Also, head on over to follow them on Instagram for info on their sales as well as their upcoming inventory.

Ziddis Rompers

2016-08-11T21:40:00.002-07:00

So, let's talk rompers.

Obviously one-piece rompers are all the rage. Why is that, you may ask? Um, because they are adorable.

So my three favorite things about them?

First, super-easy diaper changes--you aren't fussing with a million snaps at the crotch that come undone when they squat.

Second, really nice, stretchy necklines that you don't feel like you are stretching out when you put it on.

Third, they are very soft, and they have great style! I love the cuffs on hers with the stripes!

So yeah, now I think I need one of each. Just sayin'. So good.

Also, they look adorable with moccasins, which is my other obsession, as you are probably aware if you know me at all! :)

Grandma's Buttermilk Cornbread

2016-08-09T22:17:00.002-07:00

Tonight I whipped up a pan of our favorite cornbread, and thought I'd pass the love along to you all! I stumbled across this recipe on allrecipes.com about a year or so ago and I've made it a ton since. It's always a big hit--this cornbread is one of about ten things that Cache will even eat, and Hazel got her first tastes of it tonight and kept clapping and whining until I gave her more!

I'm going to say it got her stamp of approval.

Grandma's Buttermilk Cornbread

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup butter

2/3 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk (or 1 scant cup regular milk with 1TBSP vinegar mixed in it)

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 cup cornmeal

1/2 tsp salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease or spray an 8x8 inch pan. (You can also double this recipe and put it in an 8x13 inch pan.)

2. In large pan or skillet, melt butter. Remove pan from stove and add in sugar. Quickly add eggs and beat until well-blended.

3. Add baking soda to buttermilk, and then add buttermilk mixture to pan. Stir.

4. Stir in cornmeal, salt and flour until well-blended. Few lumps should remain.

5. Pour batter into the prepared baking dish. Cook at 375 for 30-40 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean.

6. ENJOY! Add honey or jam to it for a sweeter treat, or just butter to go with savory dishes.

Beachfront Baby Wrap

2016-08-08T15:49:00.000-07:00

Note: This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links. I was compensated for this post, but my opinions are all my own.

I'm excited for the chance to talk a little bit about Beachfront Baby Wraps! Have you been curious about the mesh or swim-style wraps that have been all over social media recently?

Read on!

First, I quickly want to say that I'm going out of my comfort zone a bit on this one. I had to use my Instagram Husband to get these shots for me...and being on this side of the camera is not something I'm used to! Wonder why there are so many pictures of my kids on Instagram? Because I am not a model. Not even a little bit. However, after looking through the pics he snapped, it was fun to see what life looks like from the outside. It made me realize I should work on capturing more moments like this. We had an enjoyable "Fun Friday"--Costco snack bar for dinner, pondering over Halloween costume options, and grocery shopping with the kids.

So onto the wrap.

I contacted Beachfront Baby because up until this point (three children) I have never tried a wrap--only carriers like Bjorns and Ergo's. I have had friends swear by wraps, and one of my good friends has been raving about her swim wrap and has a baby just a bit younger than Hazel, so I figured it was time to jump in and give them a try!

So...all of this is coming from a completely inexperienced wrap or sling wearer.

The Pro's:

1. The Beachfront can be worn in water--in fact, it's encouraged! It is made of a mesh material, so it can be worn while you are swimming, showering, etc. to keep baby nice and secure, and then dries quickly out of the water. I'm excited to try that feature out, but haven't yet because I haven't been swimming at all this summer (I know, I know...), and I'm pretty sure I'm not going to post shower pics on the worldwide web ever. SO, my experience thus far with the wrap has been limited to grocery trips....so we'll move on to pro number two.

2. It's very lightweight. Unlike the Ergo or Bjorn, I haven't felt like Hazel or I have been uncomfortably warm after wearing for a bit. I live in Utah, and this summer has been a beast. I can't remember the last time it was lower than about 85 in the middle of the day when I'm typically out and about.

3. Great color choices, nicely made, and they feel secure. I haven't been worried about fabric ripping, rings coming loose, or anything like that as I have worn it. It's very well-made, and it comes with a very detailed instruction manual for baby-wearing rookies like me!

4. Hazel really enjoys it. I didn't really babywear with her much--even in the Ergo--until recently, and I've been pleasantly surprised by how much she loves. The sling was the same. She cuddled right up to me and was full of hugs and snuggles. Can't say I hated that. ;-)

The Con's.

1. Even though the instructions show you how to put it on, I sort of feel like it requires two people to get it on properly. I'm sure as I get more confident and quicker at it, that will change....but for now I have found that as I'm putting it on I am wishing a bit for the more simple strap-and-go style of the carriers I'm used to.

2. It requires a little more supervision. Unlike my Ergo, which I feel like I can pretty much use hands-free, the ring sling requires you to keep one hand on baby. I find that a little inconvenient when I'm out shopping, for example, because it's pretty hard to lug a box of diapers into my cart or things like that with only one hand.

Those two things above said, I have to say--the ability to have some support and control of your baby while in the water (whether swimming or showering, or even at the splash pad) in circumstances where you otherwise can't use a traditional carrier, makes this an excellent product to own.

Honestly, I'm probably going to continue to wear my Ergo for my everyday outings, but the Beachfront Baby ring sling will be tucked away nicely in my beach bag for those impromptu trips to the splash pad!

JUST FYI Beachfront Baby also sells traditional wraps (made of mesh). So if you aren't a ring sling fan, but love to wrap, you should take a look! Outdoor summer trips (to the zoo, the fair, the rodeo, etc) are a great reason to have a lightweight, breathable quick-dry wrap option!

Thanks Beachfront Baby for the opportunity to try out your awesome product! I'm excited to see how many more ways I find to make use of it, even into the cooler months. :)

Swimzip: Review and Giveaway

2016-07-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

Note: This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links. I was compensated for this post, but my opinions are all my own.

It's been a while since I posted anything on here! Life has been busy. We've been working on getting our yard landscaped, Hazel has started crawling all over the place (which basically means I'm stuck sitting on the floor by her all day), and top it all off we went on a big family vacation to San Diego this past week (which if you follow me on Instagram, you are painfully aware of.) #sorrynotsorry

So in honor of my trip to San Diego, I have an awesome review and giveaway to share with you all this week!!! While at the beach, we had the opportunity to take Hazel's Swimzip on it's maiden voyage--and it passed with flying colors. Her cute Swimzip kept her covered with 50+ UPF which meant less sunscreen and less sun exposure, both of which was a relief for this mama! To top it all off, she looked adorable in her blue polka dots, leg ruffles, and matching hat. She got compliments and oohs and ahhs from all kinds of admiring passersby.

Our second day at Sea World, it was kind of overcast, so we got a little lacksadaisical about her sunscreen and hat. We regretted it immensely when that afternoon we could see the red around her poor cheeks, nose, and knees! The next day, we actually put her in her Swimzip for our day at the zoo, just for added coverage. She was comfy and cool in it all day long, I had super-easy access for diaper changes, and we avoided additional burns to her poor knees and legs.

So, if you are looking for a really multi-functional summer piece for your days at the pool, beach, or splash pad, head over to the Swimzip site for awesome quality swimwear (for your entire family!) and a large inventory of styles and fabrics. I'm itching to get Cache the Dino-Mite style!

If you'd like a chance to win a $30 shop credit to Swimzip so you can snag one for one of your own little cuties, take a second to enter over on Instagram! I make entering pretty simple:

1) Follow me on Instagram.

2) Follow Swimzip on Instagram

3) Tag three friends (additional friends=additional entries)

Hurry, because this giveaway ends Sunday, July 3rd at Midnight!!!!!

Why My Kids Wear Freshly PIcked Moccs (AND A GIVEAWAY!)

2016-07-09T23:48:00.001-07:00

Note: This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links. I was compensated for this post, but my opinions are all my own.

I am so excited about our Freshly Picked giveaway this week! It's no secret that we are big Freshly Picked fans around here. Since Chloe was two, we've pretty much constantly had one or more pairs rotating around on their cute little feet.

So why am I such a big advocate of Freshly Picked? Well, besides their awesome team, their stellar Instagram feed, the quality of their shoes, and the fact that they originated here in my home state? I think the biggest reason I continue to be so drawn to them is that I have so many fond memories of my kids wearing them!

They've worn them for birthdays, for vacations, for special occasions, to the zoo, to the park....the list goes on and on. I went through some of my phone pics, and it only took me a few minutes to track down some of my favorite photos of the kiddos sporting their favorite soft "mocc-sins."

There's nothing sweeter than being able to see their little footprints stamped into the soft leather and see how much they've grown and changed. The other great thing? They are still in awesome shape for their younger siblings, so I get to make new memories with each of my babies!

If you've never had a pair of Freshly Picked moccs, and you don't understand the hype, just get a pair for your new walker and you'll see!!! Not only are they perfect for babies learning to balance (and the best possible choice for their feet at that age), those little footprints are priceless! I can't wait for Hazel to start walking in her new Platinum pair this fall.

Of course, they're also great for toddlers as well--they make playing at the park, going on walks, or running errands so much easier. No complaining about shoes hurting, no retracing your steps at Target for that missing shoe, and be prepared for lots of compliments from passers-by. ;-)

So how can you win a pair for the sweet baby in your life? Easy as pie:

1) Follow me on Instagram. (@craft.rookie)

2) Follow Freshly Picked on Instagram.

3) Tag three friends or more (separate comments please!!!) on my Freshly Picked giveaway pic on Instagram.

4) For a bonus entry, post a pic of your baby on your Instagram feed and tag me (@craft.rookie) and tell me why your baby would look extra-cute in a pair of FP's!

Can't wait to see who the lucky winner is! Have a great week! Enter, enter, enter!!