BPA-Free, Phthalate-Free, and PVC Free, the Splash’s space saving circular design holds a ton. The bottom shelf is perfect for tiny items -  nipples, straws, valves. The Splash holds up to 9 bottles and/or cups, the bottom tray can be removed easily to get rid of excess water, no tools are required to put it together, and it’s dishwasher safe. Includes a rubber gripped bottle brush.

Getting ready for a picnic at a T-ball game on our Central Park blanket by Skip Hop

This time every year we rave about our favorite picnic blanket because, with little kids, we all know how necessary a blanket is. This year is the first year, in the 5+ years I’ve written for Mommies with Style, that I’m changing my mind and telling you about a different blanket. This year, everywhere I go, I take the Central Park Outdoor Blanket & Cooler Bag.

So, what makes it so much better than my blanket of the past? This blanket is firm. The under-side is a firm canvas and the top its a satiny, easily wipeable fabric. The combination of these two qualities is key–it spreads out and lays down flat and keeps it shape, while the inevitable spills are clean-up-able.

The size of the blanket is deceiving from the angle of my picture (I really need a lesson in photography!) It actually measures 5×5, which is more than large enough for my family to eat and run on. And when the boys are running, the Huz and I have found ourselves relaxing with Little on the blanket.

What makes this blanket even better, and makes you think why didn’t anyone do this before?, is that it folds up inside itself and zips shut, into a square that wears as either a messenger, tote or a backpack. Plus, it has a detachble little bag that expands and can be used as a cooler bag. (The bag zips on and off. We keep it on even while we’re using it. You’re not likely to fit much more than a few water bottles inside it, but I use it to store an emergency diaper and a book.

I also love the idea of using it folded up as a seat cushion when you’re sitting at fall sports on the bleachers.

Thanks to Skip Hop for providing a sample for this review.

The breathable mesh on the back and shoulder straps make it easy to handle in the heat. While its compact, I can stash a lot in it and it’s perfect for trips (when you end up wearing it). Taking sippy cups/bottles is a breeze – I can put a cup in each of the two pockets on each side of the backpack and fit two more inside. This is the diaper bag I take everywhere for my 2 year old right now. While it seems full, I like that I’m easily able to stash more things inside for my older child too – it really holds a lot!

There’s a side zipper which allows easy access to main compartment while wearing. It also features contrasting lining to make it easier to find your child’s stuff. Dimensions (inches): 11″ wide x 16″ high x 5″ deep.  
Reviewer received sample for testing purposes.

For example, she definitely has a few favorite toys. She loves the Teeth teethers from Nuk. I know. I’m thinking teethers are just things to chew, what difference does one make from another? Well, apparently, a lot. Because today I gave her a different teether and she continued to cry until I grabbed one of the 3-piece set. I really think its the size, the way they’re so easy to pick up and hold firmly in her hand while its shaped to fit in her mouth just where its needed. Other toys she enjoys include International Playthings Hide’N Squeak Eggs, Taggies Grabby Elephant and books and books and books (see below).

Her hair is finally just barely long enough to wear clippies and bows. After two boys, its hard for me to get used to (and remember to) putting a bow in her hair. And I just don’t think of myself as a bow-type of mom. Still, I’m really pleased with how the clips by Giddy Giddy stay in her hair. (She still has very little locks, so the teeny tiny clips that would probably hold back about 3 strands in my hair are perfect for a little baby girl.)

My bag of choice has been, for a while, the Skip*Hop Studio Tote. I’m still amazed that its fitting everything I need. And I love the pocket placement on the outside. Everything has its place.

I’ve also found myself using my Vera Bradley Tech Case all the time. This obsession started at Disney World, where I stored my cell and our Keys to the World. Because our room key and our credit cards were all attached to the cards, I never needed to carry anything else. Now that I’m back my tech case goes everywhere with me. It travels from bag to bag holding my ipod touch, cell phone and�drivers license. And when I’m doing a quick trip (like preschool pick up) without a bag, the tech case is all I need.

She’s eating now, too. And I’ve mentioned it before, but I just love feeding her with Plum Organics baby food. We’ve eaten out almost every night this week, and its been so easy with Plum Organics. I don’t need to bring a bowl because the baby food just squirts out onto the spoon–less mess, less dishes. And the fact that the packaging rolls up means there’s less carbon footprint.

Little also has a few favorite books. She’s really into the touching books, so I’ve been collecting a few of the That’s Not My… series from Usborne, which are so sweet. We also read Eric Carle’s The Very Lonely Firefly and Martha Alexander’s A You’re Adorable at least once a day. Note to anyone looking to buy a baby a book: my baby loves to touch, feel and sing!

Over the past 5 years we’ve received a lot of samples. Some of the companies mentioned in this post have provided samples including products by Vera Bradley, Skip*Hop, Plum Organics, Giddy Giddy, Nuk, International Playthings and Usborne.

I was a little worried about the size, because it seemed smaller than his other bag. But it fits a sandwich, apple, side snack and a reusable bottle into the bag, plus a cooler pack, napkin and utensils.

In addition to its easy wipe-ability, I love that the carrier strap hooks on to other bags, like Skip*Hop’s Zoo Packs, as well as bags not made by  Skip*Hop.

Thanks to Skip*Hop fro providing a sample.

Also from Skip*Hop, I’m so glad I now have the Splash Drying Rack. I pumped the first few weeks and there were bottles and pumping pieces drying all over the kitchen. I couldn’t stand the mess. I was sent the drying rack, set it up (takes about 2 seconds) and was relieved by the order it brought to my kitchen. And added bonus–it has a bottle brush creatively centered into the rack so even that has a place and isn’t littered in the kitchen with no where to go.

I may be biased but there’s no denying that the line of Zoo Packs from Skip Hop are completely adorable and perfect for any preschooler. At 11.5 inches high, these backpacks are great for the first time student. (As a comparison, I just bought my Kindergartener his backpack and it’s 16 inches high.)

There’s a write-on tag inside so you can mark it with their name, a front pocket for little extras and ample room for any preschool needs like extra pull ups, art work, spare set of clothes.

At $20, these bags are BPA-free, Phthalate-free, PVC free.  Get it on Amazon, in-store at Target or Toys R Us or direct from Skip Hop.

Nancy O’Dell recently celebrated her daughter Ashby’s 2nd birthday with a live performance by The Jumpitz at a lavish candyland themed celebration. It’s enough to make any mom jealous! Every wish you could party like a star? Or that your kids could? I’m so in love with the partyscape that Jennifer Sbranti of Hostess with The Mostess created for Nancy O’Dell’s daughter that I had to look a little closer at the goodies. I may not have the budget of the O’Dells when it comes time to celebrate with my kids, but so many of these ideas can be adapted for a smaller budget.

The Goody Bag:

The O’Dells used these Skip Hop backpacks for the guest’s Goody Bags.They look so adorable on the table and hold a lot of loot! Our local dollar store has kid’s backpacks for under $5 on a regular basis. If you’re a planner, keep an eye out for sales in the months before the party. Oriental Traders also has these white canvas backpacks that are easily personalized or painted with candy colored dots.

The Table:

Ashby’s table was a childhood fantasy come true with towering containers of candy. For more ideas on how to achieve this look for les (and with a little less candy) check out the Hostess With The Mostess Site. My favorite crafty tip from her blog? Wrapping colored paper lanterns with cellophane to create giant pieces of candy! Jennifer shares secrets on her site of where to shop for supplies and decor for your own candyland party – no matter what your budget.

Entertainment:

Odds are you don’t have your child’s favorite video characters in your rolodex and the ability to get them to perform live at your house. No worries. Pop on their favorite musical dvd as background entertainment and they will still be happy to dance. We love the Jumpitz series, all of their videos are fun, energetic, educational and put a smile on our sons’ faces.

Photos Credit: Gina Lee Photography