Tag: Dad

Great Companies, Parenting, Parents, Reviews

Mealtimes Without The Mess With Tidy Tot Canada

Mealtimes with little ones can get messy at times (ok I will admit all the time). We have all seen the mess that is left on the table, floor and even on the child themselves. However, what if I told you that it doesn’t need to be like that anymore?!

We at Momma Braga are very excited to introduce you all to Tidy Tot Canada! They have a solution that can help with mealtime mess and that is the coverall bibs.

What is so awesome about this product is that they have coverall bibs for the different stages of your weaning journey. From early weaning to toddler feeding and on-the-go.

Stage One Weaning – Tidy Tot Bib and Tray Kit

This stage is for children up to two years of age. All you need to do is attach the bib to the tray for no more gaps between your baby and highchair and to keep food well within baby’s reach. This is the only kit to be certified 100% food safe.

Benefits
  • Fully waterproof long sleeved bib attaches to tray for no more gaps!
  • Protects baby, floor and highchair from food mess and spills.
  • Tidy Tot Tray is just wider than babies arm span preventing food being dropped to the floor.
  • Easy to clean. Machine washable.
  • Comes in wipe clean travel pouch for easy storage.
  • BPA free, Phthalate free and food safe.
  • Compatible with highchairs and booster seats.

Stage Two Feeding – Tidy Tot Long Length Coverall Bib

When you no longer regularly need the full protection by the Tidy Tot Bib and Tray Kit, the next stage is the Tidy Tot Long Length Coverall. This is ideal for toddlers up to three years old. This bib is one of the longest coverall bibs on the market giving full protection from food and messy play.

Benefits
  • Large crumb catcher pocket to catch dropped food with side fastening poppers to make for easy cleaning – just open the poppers and scoop out the mess.
  • Water-resistant, lightweight and durable.
  • Comes with travel purse.
  • 360-degree protection from mess with long sleeves and full cover fastening at the back.
  • Easy clean, machine washable.
  • Fun unisex print that appeals to inquisitive toddlers.

Tidy Tot Disposable Coverall Bib- On the Go Mealtimes

This is great for families on-the-go and it is great for children up to two years of age.

Benefits
  • Long sleeves and unique patent pending design keeps little ones clean from head to toe when eating out.
  • Essential for travel, holidays and meals out.
  • Resealable strip at the bottom of the bib sticks to table or highchair – no more gaps!
  • Waterproof.
  • Made from recyclable materials.
  • Resealable Twin Pack for easy storage – two bibs per pack.

#MelAndNikkiReview

We at Momma Braga are very lucky as we have amazing testers to try out products that we receive and in this review we got my goddaughter, Adriana who is one years old. We got Adriana to try the Tidy Tot Bib and Tray Kit by Tidy Tot Canada.

Adriana’s mom tried it out and completely fell in love with Tidy Tot. “This is SO amazing! We love it!” stated Adriana’s mom after the first use. Best part is that Adriana didn’t mind it at all and the mess truly stayed contained which made clean up faster and easier.

Adriana’s mom also mentioned to us that the Tidy Tot Bib and Tray Kit is especially great when rice or spaghetti is served for dinner. “It gets REALLY messy! But the Tidy Tot Bib and Tray Kit made it so much better”, she stated. We call this a parent win!

Adriana enjoying the little bit that is left from her rice dinner and look at how clean everything looks!

We love how Tidy Tot is making life easier for parents especially during mealtimes! Now these great coverall bibs are not just great for mealtimes but also great for creative play. The coverall bib fully protects their clothing from paints and spills whilst the tray provides a secure, self-contained (and wipe clean!) surface, and keeping any mess well away from the floor. So time to get creative with your little one! 😉

Therefore, for this #MelAndNikkiReview we give Tidy Tot Canada 10 stars out of 5! We love it and it has received thumbs up from our tester, Adriana which is the highest compliment you could possibly get. 😉 There are so many great benefits for your little one to use Tidy Tots and of course the benefits for parents is the peace of mind of a safe product that makes mealtimes less messier.

If you would like to purchase one of the Tidy Tot Canada products, please click here. You will love it too!

Special thank you to Adriana and her mom for testing out this product for us as we really appreciate their honest feedback.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*The Tidy Tot Bib & Tray Kit in Dove Grey was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.

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Books, Children's books

Little Senses Series

“The Little Senses series, inspired by creator Samantha Cotterill’s own life, illuminates the experience of children on the autism spectrum as they navigate life’s everyday overwhelming moments with the goal of destigmatizing and normalizing their behaviors.”

Synopsis

This Beach Is Loud!

Going to the beach is exciting. But it can also be busy. And loud. Sand can feel hot or itchy or sticky…and it gets everywhere! In This Beach Is Loud!, a sensitive boy gets overwhelmed by all the sights, sounds, and sensations at the beach. Luckily, this kiddo’s dad has a trick up his sleeve to help his son face these unexpected obstacles.

Combining accessible storytelling and playful design, This Beach Is Loud! gently offers practical advice for coping with new experiences to sensitive children on and off the autism spectrum.

Nope. Never. Not for Me!

Children are often picky eaters, but for kids on the autism spectrum or with sensory issues, trying new foods can be especially challenging. In Nope! Never! Not for Me! a young child refuses to try a bite of broccoli — that is, until her mom guides her through a careful exploration of the new food. First she looks, then she sniffs, then touches, and finally takes one tiny bite. What do you know? Broccoli isn’t so overwhelming after all!

With simple, reassuring text and bold illustrations in a limited palette, Nope! Never! Not For Me! espouses a patient approach to picky eating and empowers kids to explore new experiences without stress or pressure.

#MelAndNikkiReview

What an amazing series! We loved both books as they both flowed beautifully and the illustrations compliment the story. Nikki really enjoyed both stories and after I finish reading, she tries to read this series herself. That is usually the sign that she really likes the books.

Love how both books took an everyday situation and showed a positive solution. I think we can all learn from it for every child. However, I do appreciate the fact that this series is tailored to children on the autism spectrum and love the goal of the series – destigmatizing and normalizing behaviors.

Therefore, for this #MelAndNikkiReview we give the series 10 broccolis out of 5! 😉 We recommend the series to children ages three to seven. Also please note that this book is great for all children and not only for children on the autism spectrum. This series is a great way to have children understand how overwhelming some moments could be for some. No harm in learning to be inclusive and understanding. 🙂

To purchase This Beach Is Loud! click here. To purchase Nope. Never. Not for Me! click here.

About the Author

Samantha Cotterill is an illustrator and textile designer. She works and resides with her family in Upstate New York. This series is very near and dear to Samantha’s heart: She herself is on the autism spectrum, and is very close to others on the spectrum as well.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*These books were provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.

Books, Children's books

The Fog | Book Review

“Warble was a devoted human watcher.”

Synopsis

Warble is a small yellow warbler who lives on the beautiful island of Icyland, where he pursues his hobby of human watching. But on a warm day, a deep fog rolls in and obscures his view. The rest of the birds don’t seem to notice the fog or the other changes Warble observes on the island. The more the fog is ignored, the more it spreads. When a Red-hooded Spectacled Female (Juvenile) appears, Warble discovers that he’s not the only one who notices the fog. Will they be able to find others who can see it too? And is the fog here to stay?

#MelAndNikkiReview

The Fog is a great children’s book that addresses the environment which is so great. It teaches children that we should be asking questions when the environment is changing quickly and to not ignore it. It is evident in this book that once we question it, things can change.

Nikki enjoyed the book too and just wondered if the little girl ever found her way back home. Nikki was relieved that Warble was able to keep asking about the fog and to finally get an answer. We both enjoyed the inside cover and back page as it lists all the different people that Warble watched. The descriptions for each are humorous and we appreciate that.

Above all, The Fog is a great children’s book especially for children ages four to eight. We loved the concept around the environment and the illustrations were beautifully done. Therefore, we give The Fog 4.5 stars out of 5!

If you would like to purchase this book, please click here.

About the Author

Kyo Maclear is a Blue-Hooded Word Gatherer whose sweet-whistled song has been known to attract and repel her offspring. In spring and summer, this chocolate-loving female can be found flitting about city parks and waterways. In the colder months, she is best spotted in bookshops, libraries and cafes. Common activities include restless foraging and picture-book making. Originally a migratory species, Kyo enjoys her current nesting ground of Toronto.

About the Illustrator

Kenard Pak is a Black-Coiffed Noodler whose magical scratchings consistently beguile human species far and wide. Formerly found pecking away in animation companies, he is now most often observed diving into picture books. Ken can be spotted primarily in foggy San Francisco with his nesting mate and three feline companions.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.

Books, Children's books

Wipe Clean Travel Books Just In Time For Summer Vacation

Summer vacation time is quickly approaching as the school year ends and summer begins for most kids. At this time many families have already or are planning summer vacation. This might mean a car trip or even an airplane ride. But how can your kids be entertained on the trip without the use of a tablet?

We are delighted to introduce you to two books that can be used on your next summer trip: Wipe Clean Vacation Time Activities and Wipe Clean Road Trip Activities.

Wipe Clean Vacation Time Activities

Wipe Clean Vacation Time Activities is packed with all kinds of fun activities to keep young children interested and entertained through summer days, rainy days, long journeys, and holidays.

The spiral-binding and attached wipe-clean pen offer a portable activity book, plus the wipe-clean pages mean the activities can be completed, wipe away, and repeated again and again. With spot the differences, mazes, games to play, doodles, stickers, and much more, kids can have hours of vacation fun!

Wipe Clean Road Trip Activities

Wipe Clean Road Trip Activities is packed with all kinds of fun things to do to keep young children interested and entertained on long car journeys and vacations.

The spiral binding and attached wipe-clean pen offer a portable activity book, plus the wipe-clean pages mean the activities can be completed, wiped away, and repeated again. With word searches, seek and finds, games to play, doodles, stickers, and much more, kids can have hours of fun on the road!

#MelAndNikkiReview

As soon as we received these activity books Nikki was very excited. She has expressed great interest in word searches and games that she can do. Best part is the ability to wipe them clean and do them again. Repeating the same activity had great benefits to Nikki as she was able to really learn what she was doing. We loved that! It also kept her really busy for awhile which is very helpful on car rides that we do.

It is truly filled with lots of great activities to do and it is relatable to the summer season. These are a must try! 😉

We give both books 5 stars out of 5! To add these to your summer vacation plans click on the title to purchase: Vacation Time and Road Trip.

About the Author

Roger Priddy’s passion for educating children through fun, informative and engaging books has led him to create some of publishing’s most enduring and successful non-fiction early learning books. Roger lives in London and has three children, who have been the inspiration behind many of his best publishing ideas.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*These books were provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.

Books, Children's books

Hair Love | Book Review

“Sometimes, love looks like braids, puffs, and twists.”

Synopsis

Zuri’s hair lets her be her. It coils and kinks to perfectly match a princess tiara or a superhero cape. But an extra-special day calls for an extra-special style!

Comb in hand, Daddy steps in to help Zuri find the perfect fit. With heartwarming text and radiant illustrations, Hair Love celebrates the curls that are uniquely yours, the bond between dads and daughters, and the joy that fills you up when you get to express yourself freely.

#MelAndNikkiReview

Perfect book for Father’s Day as Hair Love highlights the relationship between father and daughter. A children’s book full of love as a father gives his daughter the most unique hair style for a very special occasion. This book will have your heart melting as you see their adorable bond.

We just adored it from beginning to end and I have to admit that I wish my hair was that awesome! Books that reflect dads mean so much to us as we don’t see many of them out there and dads are very important people in a family. I think having dad work on his daughter’s hair is so special and sweet. We will be reading this book on Father’s Day to Nikki’s dad so that he has more confidence in his ability to do Nikki’s hair. 😉

This children’s book is a debut from former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and the illustrations were done by New York Times bestselling Illustrator Vashti Harrison. They make a great duo in Hair Love. The story flowed beautifully and the illustrations are a perfect addition to this children’s book. We are sure this book will appeal to many children and dads as I know we loved it.

Therefore, for this #MelAndNikkiReview we give it 10 kinks out of 5! We recommend this book for children ages four to eight or anyone who loves a good dad and daughter book. 🙂

If you would like to purchase a copy, please click here.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.

Books, Children's books

Babymoon | Book Review

“Shhh…we’re on our babymoon.”

Synopsis

Inside the cozy house, a baby has arrived! The world is eager to meet the newcomer, but there will be time enough for that later. Right now, the family is on its babymoon: cocooning, connecting, learning, and muddling through each new concern. While the term “babymoon” is often used to refer to a parents’ getaway before the birth of a child, it was originally coined by midwives to describe days like these: at home with a newborn, with the world held at bay and the wonder of a new family constellation unfolding.

#MelAndNikkiReview

Babymoon is the perfect gift for an expecting parent as it pays tribute to the wonder and emotion of a family’s first quiet days with a newborn. I loved the message in this book and love the concept of a babymoon. The first couple of days are so important to just spend it alone to really get to know each other. All new expecting parents should read this book and have it part of their story time with their little one. Time flies by and the first few days are precious days to enjoy.

Beautifully written and illustrated! It truly touched my heart to read and it is a must read in my books. Therefore, we give this book 10 babymoons out of 5! It is recommended for children ages two to five but we recommend it for everyone who is expecting! 

If you would like to purchase a copy, click here.

About the Author and Illustrator

Hayley Barret says that fond memories of her own days spent nesting and cocooning with her husband and each of their newborns inspired her to write Babymoon. She lives in eastern Massachusetts.

Juana Martinez-Neal is the author-illustrator of the Caldecott Honor Book Alma and How She Got Her Name and the Pura Belpre Award-winning illustrator of La Princesa and the Pea and of La Madre Goose: Nursery Rhymes for Los Ninos, both by Susan Middleton Elya. Juana Martinez-Neal was born in Lima, Peru, and now lives in Arizona.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are our own.

 

Books, Children's books

Count on Me | Book Review

“But there are infinite ways to see the world…”

Synopsis

Some people see the beauty of the world through art.

Some people see the beauty of the world through music.

Our heroine sees the beauty of the world through…math?

Other’s don’t understand her passion, but she doesn’t mind. There are infinite ways to see the world. And her way is through math.

#MelAndNikkiReview

Count on me is such a special children’s book that gives us a different perspective of how one little girl views the world and that is through math. It was so insightful and fantastic to read. I am sure many other children view the world through math eyes and many of them grow up to do amazing jobs that require a lot of math skills. I personally was not the strongest student in math but I truly admire those who are and this is why I loved this book. It encourages math and it lets children see the world through a different lens.

Beautifully written and illustrated! Loved that we get to take a look at the little girl’s math notebook as it really allows us to see how she sees things. Great added touch!

Therefore, we give Count on me 10 Polygons out of 5! Fantastic children’s book especially for children ages three to seven.

If you would like to purchase a copy, click here.

About the Author

Award-winning artist Miguel Tanco is a children’s book author and illustrator. He teaches illustration and organizes creative workshops in Spain, where he was born and raised, and in Italy. He has published over forty children’s books, including Great Dog; You and Me, Me and You; and The Story of Cyrano de Bergerac. He lives in Milan with his wife, Federica, and their two sons, Pablo and Javier.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are our own.

Games, Reviews

The Family Game of Wacky Vision | Googly Eyes

Googly Eyes is the hilarious family game that challenges your vision and leaves you googling for more! Put on the zany, vision-altering google eye glasses and start to draw while your team tries to guess what you’re drawing. Is that an igloo or a turtle? A birthday cake or a fortress? Players take turns drawing and guessing, so everyone gets a change to wear the glasses. The glasses come with three sets of lenses that range from mild changes to mind-blowing fun, so no one can see (or draw) straight-your vision will bounce off of the lenses.

Googly Eyes is a fun twist on classic drawing games that lets players of different ages and skill levels compete on equal terms, since the goggles make it fun and challenging for everyone. Unlike any other drawing game you don’t need to be an artist, and the rules are simple. Just roll the die and move-the space you land on tells you which color lenses to use (easy, medium, or hard). Then pick a card, set the timer, and start drawing. If your team guesses correctly you get to roll and move again; if not, then you stay where you are on the board. The first team to reach Finish wins.

This game is great for 4 to 16 players and for ages 7 and up.

Game Contents

  • Colorful Board Game
  • Spiffy Tablet
  • Timer
  • 162 Challenge Cards
  • 1 Die
  • 1 Pair of Glasses
  • 3 Changeable Lens: Easy, Medium and Difficult

How to Play

#MelAndNikkiReview

Googly Eyes had us all laughing out loud from beginning to end. This game is truly fair for everyone at any skill level. Usually I am not bad at drawing but having to use the glasses was very challenging but so much fun! Every time my husband and I would use the glasses it had Nikki giggly the whole time. That is what family game night is all about! Spending time together and laughing the night away.

Googly Eyes did exactly that and we loved it! It really exercised our minds and challenged us in a way that most games don’t even come close to. We got to conquer them together which made it so much more fun.

Therefore for this #MelAndNikkiReview we give Googly Eyes 5 stars out of 5! It would make a great addition to Family Game Night and remember to stretch out your face muscles as you will be using them a lot during this game. 😉

Nikki rocking the glasses look 😉 

If you would like to purchase this game for family game night, click here. You will all be laughing the night away! 😉

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*This game was provided in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are our own.

Books, Children's books

Where’s Waldo? Exciting Expeditions

Where’s Waldo? Now in travel-size and just in time for summer vacation! – Momma Braga

Synopsis

On the road again? Planning a vacation? Be sure to pack this compact compendium full of things to spot, story games to play, and puzzles to create, featuring the elusive Waldo and his wily friends. Want a creative challenge to boot? Check out the writing prompts for making up your own stories, plus bonus journal pages inviting you to record your own travel escapades and a creative story game with twenty-four cards. Move over, Waldo – there’s more than one intrepid traveler in town!

#MelAndNikkiReview

Always loved Waldo and trying to find him in all his travel adventures. Now we can take him with us on our own summer adventures and we can write them all down. Love how this book is travel-size and it is full of puzzles, searches and prompts for writing about your own adventures.

Where is Waldo? But where is Nikki?

This book inspired us to do our own searching game as Nikki decided to hide herself and the book in some of her toys which we featured in the photo above. Can you find the book and Nikki? 😉 Waldo always brings lots of fun when we are looking for him and this book offers so much more activities for a child to do. If a long travel time is required to your summer vacation plans this year then this book would be great for the trip as it would keep your child entertained.

For this #MelAndNikkiReview, we give Where’s Waldo? Exciting Expeditions 5 Waldos out of 5! A classic character in travel-size fun full of activities and dare we say learning (shhhh!). This book is recommended for children ages five to nine and it is perfect for your summer vacation plans!

There she is!

If you would like to purchase your very own copy, click here.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

* This book was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are our own.

Games, Reviews

Build or Boom | Game Review

The big boss is looking for the best builders in town!

Build or Boom by Goliath Games is a game that inspires so much and it encompasses lots of fun! The objective of the game is to be the first one to bring the blueprint cards to life. Build your structure quickly yet carefully on your platform. Then SMASH your boomer to send your opponent’s structure tumbling. There’s only room for one building in this town…do you have what it takes? Or will you get boomed on your way to the top? This game is perfect for two players and ages four and up.

Game Contents

  • 4 Boards
  • 4 Blocks
  • 4 Triangles
  • 4 Arches
  • 4 Cones
  • 4 I-Beams
  • 4 Barrels
  • 2 Builders
  • 30 Blueprint Cards
  • 2 Platforms
  • 2 Boomers
  • 2 Air Hoses
  • 1 Card Holder
  • Complete Instructions

How to Play

  • Draw a blueprint card and place it in the card holder. Make sure both players can see the blueprint card equally.
  • Count to three and say go! The object of the game is to follow the plans on the blueprint card using blocks from the pile, and reproduce that structure on your building platform.
  • Once you have completed the plans, smash the Boomer to send your opponent’s structure tumbling!
  • If your tower matches the card exactly, keep that card and score one point.
  • Replace the blocks in the middle of the table and get ready to play again!
  • First person to earn 10 points wins the game!

#MelAndNikkiReview

Since I work in the Construction industry, I thought it would be best to use my expertise in this game review. 😉

Momma Braga proudly sporting her Sherhill Construction shirt along with the amazing Build or Boom Game by Goliath Games.

We literally had a blast playing this game! We love the idea of promoting construction in this fun and interactive game. There are so many skills that can be learned with this game such as building STEM skills which include analytical thinking and shape recognition. Great skills for your child and as a family to grasp together.

We have been playing this game almost every night as Nikki loves it and keeps reminding me that it should be easy for me since I work in Construction. I still haven’t told her that I don’t actually do the heavy labor work but I will let her believe that I do. On a side note, there is no heavy lifting or hard labor involved in this game. 😉

Build or Boom is great for two players, ages four and up. On this #MelAndNikkiReview, we give it 10 booms out of 5! This is such a unique game and it is a much needed game for Family Game Night.

If you would like to add this fun game to your family game night, click here. You will have a booming blast!

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

-Momma Braga

*This game was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. Please note that Sherhill Construction did not sponsor this article or endorsement.