Summer in Saltwater Sandals

Summer in Saltwater Sandals

As a mommy of southern California girls I am always on the lookout for the best summer shoes… with the hope of avoiding burnt feet. 

This summer we took a family vacation to New York City. I wanted to get my girls a couple of pairs of durable shoes that could withstand getting wet and wouldn’t cause blisters… 

AND looked nothing like Crocs. Sorry. Not sorry. 😁
I picked up a pair of name-brand tennis shoes, figuring we would do a ton of walking, and a pair of Saltwater Sandals from my favorite children’s boutique: Kissui – Redlands, CA, recommended by a fellow mommy on the go. 

I presented my girls with their new sandals upon arriving to NYC. (I got my 3-yer-old niece a pair too.💕) Thrilled! They immediately put them on and we headed to a park. They ran, jumped, climbed, played hard… didn’t complain once about their feet. We walked a total of 8 miles on our first day there!

Each morning, I would announce that it was, “Time to get our shoes on.” And both girls obliged by strapping on their Saltwater Sandals. By the fourth day I was recommending switching to their name brand tennis shoes, to give the sandals a break, and my six-year-old responded with tears! “But Mommy, I just love these.” — Holding up her sandals. 

I chose not to argue & allowed her to wear what was most comfortable. After two weeks in New York City, wearing the same pair of sandals, I was happy to see that they were still firmly intact, not rusted or discolored after the numerous times playing in water & in the city heat. My girls had NOT complained of one blister or one sore foot for that matter. I am so impressed by these sandals. Honestly, they wore them EVERY DAY of our trip!


I recommend that everyone go out and buy a pair of Saltwater Sandals! The sizes range from the tiniest baby foot all the way up to Adult. Yes, ADULT! Both of my girls have told me that they would love, “These same sandals in other colors…” 

🔹They run big so I would suggest going down a size. 

🔹PRODUCT INFORMATION:

* Water-friendly leather upper since 1940!

* Breathable leather lining and footbed.

* Ankle strap with buckle closure ensures a secure fit.

* Hand stitched construction.

* Brass buckles won’t rust if you get them wet.

* Vulcanized rubber outsole.

* Measurements:

    * Weight: 6 oz

My CarseatDancers are always DANCING in Car Seats … from now on, I would be surprised if they weren’t also dancing in Saltwater Sandals.

 
❤️ Jen
Just so you know, I was not paid for this post. I was not given any sandals for free. Although, I’d LOVE some. I am writing this purely on factual occurrences that I HAD to share. 😍You’re welcome! 😉 I have never been more impressed by a shoe! 

Drop Stop® • Review • Giveaway

Summer is almost upon us and if you’re like me you are already planning your summer vacation. Are you a fan road trips? Where do you hope to go to next? What are your road trip necessities?

I am excited to introduce you to a new product that will help your road trips run a bit smoother. Drop Stop® is a cool new tool that prevents keys, phones, change, jewelry, makeup, bottle caps, pens, gum, food and more from falling down the car seat gap.

In less than 30 seconds I was able to install the Drop Stop® on my own. The soft, flexible Neoprene molded easily in the gap between my car seats & center console.

After a week of driving I usually find a myriad of junk piled in the gap mentioned previously. But not this time! Drop Stop® truly stopped EVERYTHING from falling to the floor and ultimately getting lost or forgotten. Wow! And, any crumbs that landed on it were easily vacuumed off. Excellent for parents on the go!

Stats:
* As Seen on Shark Tank
* Easily fits between your car seat and console.
* Moves with the seat and is attached via the seat belt catch.
* Prevents anything from falling between the seats and center console.
* ONE SIZE FITS ALL – Trucks & Cars!
* One Time Installation!
* Drop Stop® is made using HIGH GRADE NEOPRENE.
* Drop Stop® seat wedge is durable and easy to clean!

 

I am excited to announce that they are airing tonight (April 5th) on “Beyond The Tank” at 10pm/9pm cst on ABC.

They are also offering FREE SHIPPING on any Dancing in Carseats fan’s order! Just visit the www.BuyDropStop.com website & tell them I sent you – in the comments. This offer will be valid from now until midnight Sunday 4/10/2016. So, go grab a set!

Cheers!

❤️ Jen

I was not compensated for this post; however, I did receive a set of Drop Stop® products to try myself.

+

One lucky Dancing in Carseats follower will win their very own Drop Stop® over on @CarseatDancers on Instagram. Head on over there now for all of the details.

 

 

Christmas Wishlist for Girls >> Gift Guide

Every little girl has sugar plum dreams about the goods on her list for Santa. Is the little girl in your life a girly-girl, crafter, sporty, bookworm or misfit… maybe? The “Christmas Wishlist for Girls” that my CarseatDancers and I have put together has something that every type of little girl would adore. Here’s our list of Christmas Must-Haves for girls from 5 to 12.

1. Book: The Little Girl Who Lost Her Name
A personalized gift is something that will be cherished forever. The creativity in this collection of books is phenomenal. Each story is different, as the main character searches for the letters to spell the name of the child who receives it.

2. Globe – Elenco 5″ Political Globe:
Kids who dream about adventure and love to explore will be filled with excitement with the World at their fingertips.

3. American Girl Doll:
“American Girl’s mission is to celebrate girls. We embrace who they are today and look forward to who they will become tomorrow.”
Since 1986, American Girl has inspired girls of ALL walks of life. Online & in store you will find an amazing selection of dolls, books, clothes, toys, and accessories. My CarseatDancers LOVE American Girl. ❤️
Here’s my sweet AKA7 with Grace. Grace is 2015’s Doll of the Year.

4. Penny Board
These cute little skateboards are the newest trend. We are absolutely loving that they have made these a little bit more girly but still PERFECT for the sporty girl in your life. Remember to pick up elbow & knee pads and a helmet if you decide to grab or customize one of these boards.

5. Seedling‘s – My Mini Masterpiece
“Our Kits + Your Imagination = Endless Play”
Painting is one of our favorite indoor craft activities. With this sweet little ARTIST kit your sweetie will create a masterpiece perfect for any wall.
KIT INCLUDES:
Wooden Easel
Canvas
Artist Quality Acrylic Paints
Paint Brush
Instructions

6. Hammond’s Candy Cane
Since 1920, Hammond’s has been creating the best Christmas treats. This JUMBO candy cane is a must-have stocking stuffer!

7. LEGO – Disney Princess – Rapunzel’s Tower
Your little one will build this cool Lego tower as Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, & Pascal the chameleon watch.

8. Justice- Fashions
The perfect Christmas outfit for my little firecracker came from Justice. They have a lovely selection of fashions for the girl in your life.

Happy Shopping & Merry Christmas!
❤️🎄🎅🏻
Jen & my Carseat Dancers

Matilda Jane Clothing // It’s A Wonderful Parade // Review

If your preschooler is like mine, when it comes to fashion, then you know all about the morning struggle that we deal with daily. Until now… meet Matilda Jane Clothing. {You’ll fall in love with their, “It’s A Wonderful Parade” collection for Spring 2014. With girl’s sizes 3 months to 14.} Every piece coordinates beautifully and can easily mix and match with items already in your daughter’s closet. You will be able to allow your wild dresser to be independent. No more hassle and no more cringing when she walks out of her room having dressed herself.
Each MJC piece is beautifully tailored, super soft and has sweet as pie patterns. Here, my beauty is wearing MJC’s Love Bug Knot Top and Sweetheart Ruffled Leggings.

The Cloudy Puffer Tee is adorable with this ensemble. It can be layered under anything or worn solo. We received compliment after compliment while shopping. My girls love the autonomy that comes with Matilda Jane and my dear husband and I appreciate our newfound sanity. Join the “club” & dance on over to —> Matilda Jane Clothing to browse their {Spring 2014} “It’s A Wonderful Parade” collection, shop their other lovely free-spirited creations & find a Trunk Keeper near you.

Cheers to being a free spirit!
❤️ Jen

(I was provided with an outfit to review but, did not receive compensation for this post. All statements are my own.)

P.S. Be sure to stay up-to-date with all of our Dancing In Carseats happenings by visiting me on: Facebook , Twitter & Instagram

Stroller Review // Joovy TooFold Double Stroller // Link to Giveaway

 

Having more than one little darling requires a stroller that can accommodate more than one kid. A double stroller is essential for a growing family. Often double strollers are heavy and cumbersome, taking up a ton of space. I was thrilled when I was “introduced” to the lightweight, all-in-one, all-terrain, Joovy TooFold that can easily be converted into a double stroller. Even though the TooFold is lightweight it is still very functional and fashionable. {Both important factors in my Mommy Manual.❤️} Be sure to read all the way to the bottom for a link to a giveaway that Joovy is doing on their blog.

Stroller Checklist:

Is the price point under $500?
Not this one folks, the $799.99 price tag on the Joovy TooFold is comparable, but on the lower end of that spectrum, to all of the other high end strollers on the market. The unique, all-in-one, all-terrain abilities of this particular ride is well worth the price. And it’s lightweight frame is perfect for traveling families and those, like mine, always on the go.

Can it be folded with the seat attached?
This stroller can be folded with the main seat attached. However, the seat for the second child must be removed prior to folding.

Does it have a cup holder?
There is 1 cup holder conveniently located on the side of the canopy {My average sized water bottle fit well.} I like that the cupholder is made of material and not hard plastic like on some strollers. I just wish it had one more. The zippered storage pocket perfect for my mommy essentials is a nice bonus.

Are the tires foam or need air?
Joovy thought of everything this time! The TooFold comes equipped with a tiny stroller pump for the back tires since they may require air. Brilliant! The front tires are foam.

Is the seat forward and rear facing?
Both seats are forward facing.

Is the storage space large enough to hold a bag of groceries?
The under storage has an extended wheel base that is large enough for one bag of groceries. One super cool, extra feature, that the TooFold has is a unique cross-body, XL, zippered backpack that can be carried or attached to the stroller. {On our trip to Disneyland we were able to store all of our snacks, jackets and my purse in this bag.}

Can I fold it with one hand?
The TooFold has a unique, patented, one-hand quick folding frame that even STANDS alone when folded. Impressive!

Can I push it with one hand?
Pushing with one hand is no problem when only one child is riding. With two kids on board, it takes a little bit more effort & really requires two hands for the long-haul.

Can it be used from birth?
This stroller can accommodate a baby as small as 3 months old and holds a combined seat weight of 90 lbs. Perfect for a growing family.

Will it fit in the trunk of my car?
With folded dimensions of: 17.5″L x 19″W x 41.25″H it fits nicely into the trunk of an average car.

Bonus Question:
Is it easy enough for my tall husband to push?
The rotating handlebars with quick release handle adjustment & multi-position handles make pushing comfortable for all parents. No hunching over for those over 6 ft. tall. No back pain. It’s perfect for travel and leisure and everyday use as it is incredibly light. FYI: Just last week I had to carry it up four flights of escalator stairs, at Disneyland, while my husband carried our sleeping preschooler. {Everything at the resort was nonoperational after an earthquake.} Let me just say, I felt like Supermom! It didn’t even phase me. 😉

Room for improvement?
I love that the TooFold has a built-in stand-on board for older children, but if a kid is standing on the board and there’s nobody in the front seat the stroller tips backwards. This is just something you need to acclimate yourself to and is not a huge issue.

Interested in joining the Joovy Family too? Visit the Joovy website. Plus check out my “Mommy on the Go” post where I style the Joovy TooFold with on trend fashions and accessories.

I was provided with a stroller but, did not receive compensation for this post.

Happy Strolling! ❤️Jen

Excellent news! Do you want to try to win this GREAT stroller? Joovy is sponsoring a #giveaway over on their BLOG! Hurry! Good luck! 😊 {Say Jen @CarseatDancers sent you.}

http://blog.joovy.com/2014/04/time-for-a-serious-all-terrain-stroller-joovy-toofold-joovyrush/
—> You have until Easter Sunday, 11:59 PM CST.

Go! What are you waiting for? – Jen

Joovy Groove // Stroller Review

Umbrella strollers are essential for a growing family. When your kid has outgrown the travel system, and you need a stroller for getting around town fast, that does not take up a lot of space, many parents opt for an umbrella stroller. With so many lightweight strollers on the market it can be hard to decipher between them all. So, here is my review of the Joovy Groove umbrella stroller, one of my go-to everyday strollers.  Even though the Groove is lightweight it is still very functional.

Stroller Checklist:
Is the price point under $300?
Yes, the $199.99 price tag on the Joovy Groove may sound a tad high for an umbrella stroller. But, the quality and grit of this particular one is well worth the price.

Can it be folded with the seat attached?
This stroller has a seat that is permanently attached and cannot be removed therefore it is able to be folded with the seat attached.

Does it have a cup holder?
Technically, this stroller has four, YES – 4, cupholders two for the baby and two for me. The placement of the “Essential Parent Organizer” is perfect and allows me to stash all of my mommy essentials.

Are the tires foam or need air?
It makes me so happy knowing that I don’t need to worry about a flat with the Joovy Groove since the tires are foam.

Is the seat forward and rear facing?
The forward facing seat allows my baby to see the World as we stroll. The high-back and wider seat frame is perfect for toddlers and leggy preschoolers too.

Is the storage space large enough to hold a bag of groceries?
The under storage is large enough for a bag of groceries and I’ve been known to hold grocery bags on each of its sturdy handles as well. This is one hefty umbrella stroller!

Can I fold it with one hand?
It takes one hand and one foot to fold. Holding a sleeping baby? No problem. Still drinking your coffee? No problem. Folding is a breeze.

Can I push it with one hand?
Pushing with one hand for any long period is a tad difficult.

Can it be used from birth?
No, the Joovy Groove stroller can accommodate a child from 3 months up to 55 lbs.

Will it fit in the trunk of my car?
With a handle height of 42.5 inches, full dimensions: 45.2 x 11.0 x 10.0, it fits nicely into the trunk of a small car.

Recently, in my Chevy Traverse, {See my car review.} I fit an open Joovy Groove — I was giving Greenie as a gift at a baby shower — along with another stroller, a filled gift bag and a few other items into my trunk!

Bonus Question: Is it easy enough for my tall husband to push?
As mentioned, the handle height is 42.5 inches high which makes pushing super comfortable for tall parents. No hunching over. No back pain. This is a great umbrella stroller compared to the others on the market, it’s perfect for travel and leisure // everyday use, for the average-sized person and tall parents alike.

Room for improvement?
Hmmm… The only thing that I would improve would be to change the dual-handles to one. I have found that having only ONE handle makes for better, single-handed, smooth steering and maneuverability. All of which come in handy when you are a new parent.

Interested in joining the Joovy Family too? Visit their “Qool” website here: Joovy

Cheers to Happy Strolling!
❤️ Jen

The 2014 Oscars // Through the Eyes of Preschoolers

Watched the 2014 Academy Awards with my girls, who are 4 & 5. I know that that may sound like a young crowd, but they were thrilled to see the anticipated Disney’s Frozen performance by Idina Menzel. Who knew that it would be the last performance of the night? Needless to say, the girls kept me rolling with their commentary through the duration of the show. Enjoy the 2014 Oscars // Through the Eyes of my Preschoolers!

Tonto to a 4-year-old —> Logan, not Johnny Depp. I was impressed by her memory.
Had me in stitches… Question after question. Comment after comment. Hysterics!

Finally what they’ve been waiting the whole night for and they requested that I it play it five times in a row. I didn’t mind hearing the song that many times {the girls belt it out & dance along} but John Travolta’s awkward flub, now that was painful! This post on Twitter made me laugh…

The Oscars were great!
Cheers to Motion Pictures, Date Nights & Family Movie Days!
❤Jen

Find me on Twitter & Instagram —> @CarseatDancers

Fashionable Girls // Matilda Jane Clothing // Gift Card Giveaway

It seems that every time we leave the house I receive compliments on my daughters’ sense of fashion. Hearing, “Your girls are the most stylish kids I know.” makes this Mommy smile.

One brand that has me and EVERYBODY swooning is Matilda Jane. Their versatile patterns are made to mix-n-match with other Matilda Jane Clothing & items already in your closet, allowing even the youngest in my brood to style herself so sweetly. Their *Paint by Numbers* line is filled with bold colors that are just perfect to coordinate with myself and the whole family for that matter.

{Styling Tip: When leaving your home, plan ahead for family photo opportunities by coordinating colors with each family member. I even have my wonderful husband “trained” to consult with me prior to dressing.}
Addison’s selection features: Turtledove Knot Top {her absolute fave}, Gallery Leggings & oh so soft Stippling Tee. {The moccasins are my own, from Freshly Picked.} Matilda Jane’s fabrics allow my girls to look amazing while whirling, jumping and playing make believe. Their looks are über fashionable… from everyday play to the perfect birthday party look. My sweeties wear Matilda Jane here, there & everywhere.
“It’s all about keeping a little girl…a little girl. Keeping her youthful. Keeping her spinning and twirling and carefree. And most importantly, bringing her happiness.”
– Denise DeMarchis, designer and founder.
Thanks to the generous folks at Matilda Jane, my Carseat Dancers & I have a $50 Matilda Jane Clothing gift card to give away to one lucky Dancing in Carseats reader!

Cheers to Style!
❤️Jen

Please enter via this –> Rafflecopter link. <– Good luck!

Learn with Homer // Educational iPad app

Learn with Homer is an all new interactive educational app for children ages 3 to 6. Being a teacher, I often hear about the latest and greatest phonics programs claiming they will teach my child to read. These programs often come with a hefty price tag and little interest. Learn with Homer has proven to be quite the opposite.
In-app purchases start at $1.99. I know! Super reasonable, right?

I encourage my girls to be 21st Century learners by giving my three and four-year-old the opportunity to play interactive games on my iPad early in the morning, as I’m preparing dinner, on trips in the car and visits to Starbucks.

My Carseat Dancers found Homer, his friends & their antics a joy to interact with. Both of my girls are especially fond of the colorfully illustrated books found in the app’s library, catchy songs, sweet poems & tools for being creative.
Another added bonus is that Homer gives each learner the opportunity to choose hats for their own character icon. This icon uses their own photo… So personal & the girls thought it was super amazing! I’m impressed with Learn with Homer. Check it out for yourself!

Cheers to 21st Century Learning!
xoox, Jen

Focus Group // Legoland CA

Want to be part of a LEGOLAND {CA} focus group?

My parents, Mema & Papa, took the girls last week. Here, they have a giant replica of a spaceship.

They have crazy roller coasters & places to tinker & build.

With an upgraded ticket you can enjoy a refreshing time at the water park; so cool! Here’s a short film clip of our girl’s last trip to Legoland’s Waterpark. {Reminder: They are 3 & 4.}

Soooo… If you have a child between the ages of 6-8 & are available on August 5th, sign up for the possibility to participate & win all of the great perks mentioned. Legoland will contact those chosen. Just follow this link:
Lego Toy Focus Group

Goodluck!

Cheers to Legoland & perks!