Make Feeding Your Baby and Toddler a Breeze with the Baby Dipper Bowl and Spoon {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**

Congratulations to the winner, Heather!

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There are a lot of products on the market right now that claim to make feeding baby easier than ever. I've tried a few and have honestly never been that impressed. We have all sorts of bowls and spoons that we used with EG, and it seems we had the same feeding "issues" no matter what. The bowls would slide all over the table, EG would stick her hand in the bowl, there's always that last bit of rice cereal you just can't get to, etc., etc., etc. Now I'm certainly not saying that feeding a baby is the hardest thing in the world, but wouldn't it be nice to find a product that could make a daily task, like feeding, easier and more enjoyable for everyone? And, not only that, also be helpful down the road with feeding your toddler. Who wouldn't want such a product? Well if you're like me, and will take anything to make your life easier at all, then you should definitely check out the Baby Dipper bowl! As far as baby/toddler feeding supplies go, the Baby Dipper is definitely top ranked in my book. The basic design is a triangular shaped, contoured bowl that helps guide food onto the accompanying spoon (in other words it has a bit of a slope to it inside) and has a non-skid base to allow for one handed feeding. The matching spoon is designed to fit perfectly into all "corners" of the bowl and sit propped on the bowl without falling in when you set it down. The bowl itself also has transparent sides that allow adults and toddlers alike to be able to see the food in the bowl from all angles. I have to say that, after testing it out with EG, it lives up to all of its promises (and my high expectations!)! And if you're wondering about the creator of the Baby Dipper, I can assure you she has plenty of experience with baby/toddler feeding. Barbara is a mom to two sets of twins and has certainly had plenty of experience with trial and error of feeding products. Her frustrations with everything else out there led to the creation of the Baby Dipper. It is most definitely a mom created, mom tested, and mom approved product!

I have to say that I was quite impressed with the performance of this nifty little bowl and spoon. The first thing I noticed was that the bowl itself was of a really nice weight, unlike the flimsy bowls I am used to seeing for infants and toddlers that inevitably slide everywhere and tip easily. The sturdiness of it alone would probably do well to keep it from sliding all over the table while you try to feed your little one. But, the added non-skid base really helps it to stay put. We used it on our wooden kitchen table and it worked great. EG is pretty much feeding herself now, and more than once her plate has ended up on the floor, or almost on the floor, because she's trying to get a piece of food that just wont stick on her fork. The Baby Dipper immediately alleviated this problem by allowing her to easily access all of the food in the bowl, due to the contour and transparency, all without it sliding all over the table. I thought that was awesome! Also, the matching spoon really does fit perfect in the bowl and allows you to get to all of the food. It has a great curve to it as well that makes it easy to hold in your hand (or your toddler's) and helps direct food right where it needs to go. I no longer have an infant to test on (*tear*), but I have no doubt that this would be excellent. If EG can feed herself with no sliding around, etc. then I know this would be terrific for a mom needing a non-skid bowl for easy one handed feeding. The Baby Dipper would allow you to leave the bowl out of reach of your child (rather than right in his/her face while you're trying to get the food out where it's just so tempting!) while you scoop up some food quickly, easily, and steadily. And it also eliminates that final scrape of the bowl! Topping off all of the cool features, when you need to set the spoon down to wipe a face, take a drink, etc. you don't have to worry about the spoon falling into the peas (or carrots, sweet potatoes, or whatever the food of the day is...). The coating on the spoon keeps a pretty good grip on the side of the bowl to prevent slipping and sliding.

I have truly enjoyed using the Baby Dipper with EG and find that it is a great size for baby and toddler servings. I would love to see a divided bowl and a bigger bowl in the future to expand the uses even more! The Baby Dipper would make an awesome shower gift for an expecting mom because goodness knows you can always use an extra hand! The Baby Dipper makes one handed feeding a reality, and allows your toddler to more easily self-feed. Who could ask for more in a product than to do what it promises and do it well? The Baby Dipper does just that and I'd love for you to try it! The set retails for $9.99 and is worth every penny. See details below for how to purchase and also how enter to WIN one of your own to gift or keep for yourself.

TO BUY: You can purchase the Baby Dipper online from Amazon.com or check out the Baby Dipper website for a list of stores in your area.

TO WIN: Visit the Baby Dipper website and tell me something awesome about the Baby Dipper that was not discussed in my review. Feel free to check out Barbara's Twitter, blog, and Facebook page as well! See details below for further entry guidelines.

To enter this giveaway follow the rules and entry guidelines below (US ONLY):

1. REQUIRED: Visit Baby Dipper and/or their Twitter, Facebook, and blog and tell me something fabulous you learned!

To earn extra entries you may do one or more of the following and leave me additional comments here telling me which you have done:

2. Follow me AND Baby Dipper on Twitter and tweet (be sure to leave me the link and your Twitter name).
3. Blog about this contest and leave me the link.
4. Follow Mommy Works
5. Subscribe to Mommy Works via reader/e-mail

6. Grab my button, place it on your site, and leave me the link where I can find it.

7. Enter another one of the Mommy Works giveaways and tell me which one(s)

**Be sure to leave me your e-mail address, if there is not a visible one in your profile, so that I can contact you if you win. This contest will end at 11:59 PM CST on Tuesday, June 30. The winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on or around Wednesday, July 1.**

Kids Konserve - Cute, Reusable Waste Free Lunch Kits! {Coupon Code for EVERYONE!}

I stumbled across Kids Konserve one day while searching for a reusable lunch kit made for kids. I don't pack EG a lunch yet, but I know my husband and I have wasted so many plastic bags, forks, etc. by taking our own lunch over the years. I wanted to find a great kids lunch kit that EG will be able to take with her once I begin packing her lunch, because I know I want to instill in her the responsibility to be more "green" rather than being unnecessarily wasteful. I instantly liked the Kids Konserve kits because specifically created for kids, include everything you need, and have such cute colors and designs. They also offer other products, including their brand NEW Party Pak (a resuable party kit for classroom parties, picnics, etc.) and all of their lunch kit items sold separately!

Here is some more information about the company:

"Kids Konserve got started by two mom's and an interest in doing something for the environment.Choose to REUSE and REDUCE: Kids Konserve is greening the way we pack our lunches and snacks. Waste-free lunch kits and eco-cool reusable lunch products... Toss out the baggies, fold up the foil, Kids Konserve empowers children and parents to do their part in saving the environment. Kids Konserve challenges children and families to cut down on the waste created by packing lunches, while teaching about the importance of reuse. The company was sparked by the amount of trash that was coming home from our preschooler's lunch. We took what has been a family endeavor, reducing the amount of trash we put into the landfills, and made it a business that will help all families. Kids Konserve offers its reusable lunch products directly to individuals, families and also as a fundraising opportunity in schools. Kids Konserve can help lead to a major savings in our landfills and hence reduce greenhouse gases. All items are made from the safest non-leaching materials available and all items are sold separately (find more products such as a thermos, tiffin, and mini stainless steel containers (great for dips, dressings, seasonings at http://store.kidskonserve.com/). Making it easier for you and for our planet; Kids Konserve. Go waste-free this Earth Day!

Kids Konserve has launched their Blog. Look forward to tips, education, encouragement, and stories (Stay tuned for "What's in your thermos?", "Small Voices, Big Ideas", "Why stainless steel?" and more). http://www.kidskonserve.com/blog/

I contacted them and told them how I loved their kits, and they agreed to give all of my readers a coupon code for 10% off of your Kids Konserve purchase. I hope you will take a look at all of the wonderful items they have for sale that will help your family to be "greener". I'm going to be trying out the lunch kits myself! Just enter the code "mommyworks" at checkout to receive your discount. Thanks to Kids Konserve!

Fun, Fashionable Reusable Snack Bags: Snack-a-Long from Moja Creations {Review and Giveaway} **CLOSED**

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Congratulations to the winner, susieqtpie! Thanks to all who entered and please check back for more great articles and giveaways! If I have not been contacted by the winner within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.

When I stumbled across Moja Creations' Snack-a-Long reusable snack bags I knew I had to try them! Since having EG I've become more aware and concerned that we should all do what we can each day to help preserve this planet we live on, so that our children, and their children can enjoy it as we have. It's up to all of us to make "greener" choices in our every day lives. And, thankfully for us, there are businesses like Moja Creations that make it a little bit easier! I wanted to find a cute, reusable snack bag for my daughter's snacks, and she had the solution. We were able to try one of the small Snack-a-Long bags and are offering a small/medium/large set of three to one lucky reader (the set pictured is the set you can win!). The Snack-a-Long is made from a variety of cotton fabrics and comes with a choice of two different linings, both easily wiped clean and safe for foods. The two lining choices are as follows:

-Nylon- kid-safe (guaranteed no lead, phthalates, or BPA), water resistant, durable, washer/dryer safe, and sanitary. Made from 100% ripstop nylon. Available in white, blue, and red.
-ProCare- WATERPROOF, durable, washer/dryer safe, and sanitary. Made from polyester and vinyl. Available in white, pink, green, and blue.
We loved the small bag that we were able to test out! Don't be fooled by the word "small" because this bag was actually a really great size. It held more than your standard Ziploc sandwich bag! The perfect size for my toddler. EG loved carrying the bag around like it was a purse, and could easily get snacks out with minimal mess. All of the bags come with an elastic strap that can be used as a wrist strap or for wrapping around the bag for storage (or for wearing the bag like a purse... :) ). The bag closure is a 6 inch strip of Velcro. The Velcro kept everything in very well, including little crumbs, but was still easy enough for my daughter to open by herself. It stayed closed so well that, because of the way she opened it, half of it would stay closed while she could still get her little hand in there. That definitely cut down on the mess! We took the bag to the park with us and she didn't want to put it down. She liked the bag as much as the snack! And, when we came home, we simply dumped out the remaining crumbs, wiped it down with a paper towel, and hung it on the cabinet knob to dry for a few minutes. It was ready to go just minutes later with another snack. Good news if it needs more than a little wipe down with a paper towel, they are machine washable. What mom could ask for more? I know you'll love these snack bags and you have a chance to try out all three sizes for yourself. Simply follow the easy entry instructions below. Happy snacking!

To enter this giveaway follow the rules below (US ONLY):
1. For your initial, required entry visit Moja Creations and check all of the great fabrics and bags they have to offer. Then come back here and leave me a comment telling me your favorite thing about the Snack-a-Long and your favorite design.
To earn extra entries you may do one or more of the following and leave me additional comments here telling me which you have done:
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave a tweet about this contest. Leave me a link to your tweet as well as your Twitter name.
3. Blog about this contest to earn TWO extra entries and leave me a comment with the link to your post. **Be sure to leave TWO separate comments if you do this**
4. Follow my blog through Blogger.

5. Subscribe to my blog via e-mail.
6. Grab my button and place it on your site (w/ link to site in comment) for THREE extra entries. **Be sure to leave me THREE separate comments indicating that you have my button so that they will all be counted**

7. Enter another one of my giveaways. Leave me a comment(s) telling me which one(s).

**Be sure to leave me your e-mail address, if there is not a visible one in your profile, so that I can contact you if you win. Winners also submitted via PRIZEYWinners if you would prefer not to leave an e-mail address. This contest will end at 11:59 PM CST on Monday March 23. The winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on or around Tuesday, March 24.**

Quick, Healthy, TASTY Meals to Go: GoPicnic Review

When I stumbled upon GoPicnic I immediately thought they had a great idea. Everybody has had a need for an easy, quick meal that needs no heating or refrigeration. Luckily for us, that is exactly why GoPicnic is here! They offer pre-packaged, instant, balanced meals for everyone, including kids! GoPicnic uses all natural products, many of them organic, and includes meal choices that are appropriate for any special diet. This includes gluten-free, vegan, kosher, etc. They offer meals for everyone, but I was particularly interested in the MightyMunch Kids Meals, which are all guaranteed to have NO NUTS! From the GoPicnic website:

"MightyMunch meals are packed with fun, tasty, kid-tested foods that are nutritious AND delicious! Each meal is balanced to limit overall fat, saturated fat and sugar content, and contains protein, grains & fruit as well as a sweet treat and a fun surprise. Natural ingredients are at the core of MightyMunch meals – our food contains no trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, MSG, artificial flavors or artificial colors. MightyMunch meals also have no peanut or tree nut ingredients. Each food item is individually packaged and needs no refrigeration or heating – that means you can eat MightyMunch meals anytime, anywhere!"

They truly are DELICIOUS too! We were given three of the kids' meals to try: SafariMunch, GalaxyMunch, and ExploreMunch. All three of the meals had plenty of things my toddler would, and did, eat! She loved most all of the items in the meals as well. I appreciated that everything was individually wrapped so we didn't have to worry about eating everything all at one time. It took two or three days for EG to eat all that was provided in ONE meal. We divided it up for lunch AND snacks and there was plenty for her! For an older child, there would have been more than enough for a great lunch! I can't pick a favorite meal because they all had items EG loved. I especially liked the fact that the meals had "different" foods that EG had never tried before, but really enjoyed. Her favorites were the Mrs. Mays sunflower seed crunch (in the SafariMunch and ExploreMunch) and Sensible Portions apple cinnamon multigrain crisps (and the cheese of course, but that's an old fave!).

GoPicnic meals will definitely be a stocked item in my house as the weather starts getting nicer and we begin taking our meals on the go more (i.e. the park, hiking, etc.). They would also be great to keep on hand for those days you don't have time to pack a lunch, to take on the road for vacations, or even every day lunches (especially for those who require special diets). They are reasonably priced between four and six dollars for most of them. GoPicnic also has certain meals on sale each day, and the choices rotate often. Try them for yourself and let me know how you like them! With all of the choices they offer, there is sure to be one you'll love!

Timesaver Tuesday: Feed Me First!

I'm not sure that today's tip is as much as time saver as it is a sanity saver. Over the last nearly 18 months, I have learned that dinner time is much easier if I feed EG first. This is especially true now that she is more active and hates to sit still longer than a few minutes at a time. What we started doing a few months ago is going ahead and getting EG her plate of food before we sit down to eat. That way, the focus is all on her and she can take as little or much time as she needs without aggravating hubby and I by getting up and down. If we haven't sat down to eat yet or are not in the middle of eating, we don't mind getting her down and cleaning her up early. We don't get to do this every night, but it's definitely nice for her to already be finished with dinner so that we can sit down and enjoy ours. While we eat, EG can either sit in her highchair and finish eating (if she hasn't already), sit in her highchair and draw or play with something, or play in the kitchen. This is, obviously, hard to do at restaurants, but at home it works great! Also, it's not something that I want to continue forever because I feel like (and research shows!) family meals are VERY important (even though she does stay with us through dinner...). It may not be a solution for everyone, but it works for us. In the end, I'm sure it saves time as well because we don't have to interrupt our dinner to put her down, clean her up, etc. Try it and see if it works for you!