A Look at Our Local Favorite Tees!

To say Nolan has just a few Golden Knights tees would be an understatement!  He requests one on most game days and I'm always on the hunt for some good, unique prints for anything VGK related for him.  We're often asked about Nolan's collection of VGK shirts, so I figured I'd share some of his favorites!  These are his current stash, which he's quickly outgrowing, so we'll be searching for some new designs and sizing up come Christmas/birthday time for him.  If you know of a shop you love, feel free to share with us!  Follow below for the ones pictured above. 

Threads of Envy is sold out of one of Nolan's most worn tees in "It's a Great Day for Vegas Hockey", but they have tons of other great designs, many on our wish list for future tees!  They also make one of the most popular hat designs for VGK wear that fans and players alike can be seen wearing all over town.  We also own their "Seven Zero Two" print that's one of their more popular sellers.  Follow the link to check them out and save by using code KELTON10 at checkout! 

These two logo tees were both found at Old Navy!  There are none available online currently, but I was in the store last week locally in Henderson, and they were fully stocked of various designs in all sizes- toddler boys/girls, boys, and adults.  (Acelyn's tee in the bottom picture is from Lids Locker Room, but from 2017 ("Rookie season").  

We've shared Wild Is Calling numerous times on our Instagram feed, because she's one of our fav fav favorite local small shops!  Her Knights Squad tee is a perfect alternative to something a little different and unique for VGK gear.  Nolan reaches for this one often and the material is super soft!  Follow the link for the above design, but also scroll down further to see more prints from her shop!  To save on this tee, use code Vgk2019 at checkout!

Store702 is in a transition period right now, but they had some great discounts that we picked up on during their liquidation sale.  Their "Future Vegas Hockey Star" and "Derek England is my Homeboy" tee run a little larger, and I'm hoping they will be back up and running their online store soon!  They did close their local retail store, but follow along on their Instagram as we wait for their re-opening for end of 2019 / beginning of 2020!

Nolan was gifted his Bark Andre Furry tee by the one and only, himself, at Nolan's 5th Birthday Party!  This adorable little pup has his own Instagram page and is VGK famous, and you can purchase all of his gear here!

This is another most-worn tee by Nolan, and was found at Dick's Sporting Goods last season.  They always have a great selection among ages and sizes, and one of my most-worn VGK tees comes from here, also.  There's tons available online, but locals can check out their stores for more, too!

On top of Golden Knights gear, I love finding local tees for him and he's learned a ton about the state of Nevada and to have some hometown pride just by us snagging these for him!  Since Nevada Day is literally a few days away, I figured we would share our favorites of Nevada/Vegas tees, too!  Even better, these small shops are all local and we always love supporting small biz!  Check them out below!

"Seven Zero Two" tee found at Threads of Envy (use the code above for discount!)

"Battle Born Kid + Born and Raised" tees found at Wild Is Calling (use the code above for discount!)

"Home Means Nevada" tee found at Home Means Nevada Co.  (They are currently running a buy 2, get 1 free promo until Nevada Day on October 31st!)

Inchbug Labels for School Days {a&n Share It All}

Well, as you'll tell from the pictures below (and how it's Christmas in February, obviously), we've been on a blogging hiatus over here, between holidays and family in town, fighting winter germs and sickness, and surviving single mom-status and balancing work life plus Momming life plus keeping a household up... needless to say, it's been busy!  BUT!  We're back at it and I'm trying to make this a New Year's Resolution of getting some nightly me-time by blogging!  So here we go!

New Sandals Launch from Freshly Picked! {a&n Share it All}

It's no secret that our favorite in footwear for Acelyn is Freshly Picked, hands down, so when we heard of the new sandal product launch coming up, I knew I had to try them out!  We passed on last year's initial sandal release, so I was interested to see how we would like them compared to our typical summer sandals.  Even better, Freshly Picked released three all new colors and four new styles... making it hard to choose exactly which one we wanted since they all look amazing!  

Easy Bath Time Fun with Nuby Bath Crayons {a&n Product Review}

As the kids grow older, especially at the ages and stages we're currently in (ages 4 and 1.5), bath time becomes more challenging and quite a bigger mess, with larger splashes, louder yells and extra fighting over toys... a peaceful bath typically turns into chaos and myself cleaning the kids as quick as I can just to get them out ASAP!

Fortunately, the Nuby Bath Crayons turn bath time into the complete opposite experience, which is AMAZING! A once crazy, intense bath time vibe suddenly transforms the tub into a fun art studio, where the kids actually sit, draw and color all over their surroundings, allowing their creativity to flow.  I love that I can wash them up while they play and doodle, engage in conversation with Nolan about what he's creating and review the vibrant colors with Acelyn.  

On the Go Snackin' With Nuby {a&n Product Review}

If one thing is for sure, running errands and being on the go with my kids isn't an easy task.  Both my kids love getting out of the house, but they also love running the aisles of Target like madmen or asking to be "in" then "out" then "in" then "out!" of the shopping carts... it's true chaos when I'm not prepared.

Luckily, I've learned a few tricks to keep things at a minimum level of chaos while we're out, and snacking is one of those secret distractions.  

Why and Whale Monthly Surprise Pack {a&n Product Review}

One of the kids' favorite times of the day is that moment after their afternoon snack, where Nolan jumps up and asks, "IS IT TIME TO CHECK THE MAIL!?!?!"  This kid is all about the mail... probably because he shares Mommy's excitement of receiving packages (multiple times a week), and he's started to get his little sister amped up about the afternoon routine, too.  After he announces that it is, in fact, mail checking time, Acelyn darts to grab the mailbox keys and we take a stroll across the street to find our treasures.

One package that is totally worth the daily hype of mail-checking is the Why and Whale Monthly Surprise Pack.  This is a monthly subscription package that features handpicked apparel, toys, books and more for little ones ages 6 months to 6 years, and the goodies inside do not disappoint!  

Bath Time Necessities with Nuby {a&n Product Review}

Bath time with two kiddos is no joke, especially now that Acelyn is independent in the tub and goes where she wants and splashes when she wants!  And although most nights are filled with more soaking the floor than there should be, it's definitely one of the best bonding times for these siblings during the day and a routine that's looked forward to every evening.  Anything that helps bath time a little less chaotic is a "yes" in my book, and our Nuby bath time accessories are just that!

The kids love the Nuby Octopus Floating Bath toy, and it's one that gets pulled out at every bath.  I love that this is a toy that both kids can play together, as it floats above the water and each of them can toss one of the three rings onto the Octopus' arms (or in Acelyn's case, mostly chew on the rings before Nolan steals it away from her).  Not only does it help with learning to share and take turns, it helps develop hand eye coordination and stimulates their senses with fun shapes and colors.  Nolan's focus and ability to toss onto the arms has improved so much just over the last few months, so it really does help in those fine motor skills!  We love taking this toy with us to the pools we've been frequenting with the start of summer, and they love using it as a fun floating toy next to them as they swim!

While they play, I'm getting down to business scrubbing and sudsing them up!  Nolan is very sensitive when it comes to water... he's particular about the temperature and extremely delicate when it comes to bubbles or water in his face or over his head.  I love that the Nuby Tear-Free Rinse Pail can ease his anxiety with rinsing the wash out of his hair with the tear-free comfort edge.  It simply sits directly onto their forehead/top of the head and washes away the bubbles with limited water dripping into his face, if at all!  This is a game changer for us and has reduced our fits and screeches due to his sensitivity tremendously, and makes life easier with rinsing a younger child's head, like Acelyn, too.

Watching these two make memories together splashing and playing is worth all the water on the floor, and although I can't exactly sit back and relax during their bath time, I feel good knowing their bond is growing and the products I'm using are quality- BPA Free and durable, just like always with Nuby!

Each product can be found at these retailers: 

Octopus Floating Bath Toy: 

www.amazon.com

www.kohls.com

www.bedbathandbeyond.com

www.buybuydirect.com

www.walmart.com

www.buybuybaby.com

www.babydepot.com

Tear-Free Rinse Pail

www.buybuydirect.com

www.amazon.com

www.idealbaby.com

www.cookieskids.com

www.babyhaven.com

ww.babiesrus.com

www.kmart.com

www.meijer.com

Nuby sent these products to review, but did not compensate me to write this post.  All opinions and thoughts are of my own.  

You can find Nuby and all of their great products by following their social media sites here:

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest 

Dancin' & Dishes: Nuby Easy Clean Soap Dispensing Bottle Brush with Suction Base {a&n Product Review}

As we mentioned in our last Nuby post, our family has a nightly tradition of dance parties after dinner... because what better way to let out all that energy before settling down for our bath and bedtime routine!?  While the kiddos get their wiggles out in the living room, I'm often found jamming to the same music in the kitchen, while cleaning up from dinner and washing down dishes, one of my least favorite chores to do. Luckily, Nuby's Easy Clean Soap Dispensing Bottle Brush with Suction Base is one tool I've learned to love when it comes to doing something I hate!

The strong suction base of the brush is really, by far, much better than other stand-up bottle brushes we've had experience with.  It really is that strong and keeps the brush upright and away from germs at all times, whereas other brushes are often flimsy and fall over almost every time I do the dishes.  I also love the structured and strong bristles of this brush, much different than the sponge type bottle brushes we've used in the past.  It is engineered with two different types of bristles, to ensure thorough cleaning, even on irregular surfaces.  Before, our brushes would last only a few weeks to a month at the most, and the Nuby Easy Clean Brush is going on month #3 for us with no issues and looks as good as the day I received it!  Plus, with no sponge-like material, I feel comfortable knowing there's no leftover food, germs or whatever else the kitchen sink holds, sitting and making the brush so nasty like most sponge related cleaning products do.  This brush is totally good for my germaphobe soul, and as always with Nuby products, is BPA Free!

The main highlight of the Nuby Easy Clean Brush is the one touch, simple push button to dispense the perfect amount of soap, rather than creating a huge, dripping mess of dish soap all over your counter (like time and time before).  I will say, I've had a difficult time using the push to dispense the button seamlessly, but after a few pumps with my thumb, it does the job.  I've never been any good at these types of devices, no matter what the kitchen tool... maybe it's just me!?  Either way, this brush is still top quality over the others and I would still choose to dabble a bit of soap over the top of the brush quickly to do the job just as well.  We also use larger size bottles and cups for the kids, now that Acelyn is a little older, so fitting in a tiny space is never an issue, but because of the sturdiness of the bottle, it does run a bit large and may be more difficult to squeeze into smaller spaces.  For me, the bristle strength, sturdy base, and soft textured handle to allow for a comfortable grip are a better trade off for those small imperfections!  

The Easy Clean Soap Dispensing Bottle Brush with Suction Base can be found at these retailers: 

www.buybabydirect.com

I love knowing that the Nuby Easy Clean Brush makes my dish-doing chore quick and painless, with plenty of time left to enjoy our nightly dance parties with my babies! 

Nuby sent these products to review, but did not compensate me to write this post.  All opinions and thoughts are of my own.  

You can find Nuby and all of their great products by following their social media sites here:

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest 

Life with a New Walker & Freshly Picked {a&n Product Review}

For the past month or so, I've been busy chasing Acelyn around as she's quickly learned of taking her first steps to, no joke, running full sprint through the house, in the backyard, when we're out and about... this chick has no chill when it comes to moving and she knows what she wants!  I was completely compared for an early walker, as Nolan started extremely early at 9.5 months, yet even though Acelyn took a few extra months to start, she is a completely different type of new walker (which, I shouldn't be surprised... their personalities are 100% opposite just like their walking traits), and definitely keeps me on my toes all day long.

With a new walker comes new worries about safety; things they can get into, where they can and can't go, and what is keeping those tiny little feet safe, both inside and out.  Our love for Freshly Picked is no secret, as we've been wearing the brand since Nolan was a baby, and we continue our love affair for these moccasins through Acelyn's first years, too.  Not only are these moccs perfect for matching every outfit as early as newborn days, but they are our number one go-to for actual, wearable shoes that stay on, look cute, last forever and offer amazing support!

Especially for a new walker (or runner, in Acelyn's case), I love the durability of FP's leather, which stands up to long wear and cleans easily.  As a mom of two busy babes and the temper tantrums that come with the start of the "ones", I'm thankful for the flexibility and easy on/off that the elastic ankle has to offer, because no one has time for sitting when there's plenty of go-go-go-ing to do!  And, as we discovered when Nolan was a baby, it's hard to find well fitting shoes for a first time walker that stay on.  Freshly Picked nailed it with their fit of both comfort and success of keeping their moccasins on with zero hassle of laces, velcro, or slipping and sliding.  

Perhaps my favorite part of Freshly Picked is the ability for first time walkers, like Acelyn, to walk as if they actually are barefoot, which has a number of benefits to a growing baby, such as allowing little toes to grip while walking, muscle and ligament development, and assists with good posture and gait... all while keeping their feet safe and protected.  

And, when your shoe gives you a footprint of memories like these... how could you not love them!? 

I absolutely love that Freshly Picked can grow with our family through every stage of baby-hood, and I'm loving that the company is growing, too!  This year, they have a ton of new releases, including City Moccs, Sandals, and Mary Janes to add to the variety of soft sole moccasin designs.  We are loving the new Mary Jane style that Acelyn has been wearing recently, and continue to be so satisfied with the quality of their products.  

If you're looking to snag your first pair or have the FP obsession bug like us, don't miss out on their May Sale that is happening TOMORROW, May 23rd, at 10AM MDT.  The sale will last for 24 hours and includes Mary Janes and City Moccs (for the first time ever!) along with most other designs, and can be found at www.freshlypicked.com.  

You can find Freshly Picked and all of their great products by following their social media sites here:

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest 

M is for Mealtime with Nuby {a&n Product Review}

Sitting down for dinner at home as family every night is something we have done since before we had kids, and definitely a habit we pride ourselves on practicing with our kids, too.  Both Jason and I grew up with families that enforced the same rule, and we have every intention of carrying this through our kids' childhood, knowing that instilling this now will make it just that much easier for them to continue through their adult lives.  I love having the time of dinner for my family to sit down and interact together.  With Jason working during the week, and two small babies constantly on the move and with differing needs, plus keeping up with the housework, it's tough to find a time each day to call for our family to be together, enjoying each other fully.  That's why I love a good routine in our lifestyle... and dinnertime is one of those routines that we rely on every day to allow us that special time together.  

I typically start dinner shortly after Jason gets home from work, where he plays with the kids or we allow screen time, where Nolan is allowed his designated iPad time of the day and Acelyn usually tunes into Sesame Street while playing.  As dinner gets closer to finishing, Nolan will help set the table with silverware and napkins, and also loves to get out the croutons for our salads. As he's setting the table, I'm dividing and serving plates, cutting and prepping the kids' dinners, that way we aren't up and down the whole meal.  Everyone typically eats the same meal, which makes life easier than cooking all separate dinners, and even Acelyn eats most of what we are eating, as well as a puree in addition.

During dinnertime, our Nuby Sure Grip Miracle Mat Section Feeding Placemats are the best plates for both toddlers and babies alike.  I love that it's a plate and placemat in one for Acelyn to be introduced to eating off of something other than her tray, and the integrated section plate gives new dimension for her to navigate.  For Nolan, I really love the super suction feature that doesn't quit... he's super clumsy and the non-slip base that sticks to flat surfaces allows for no tipping of bowls or elbows hitting corners of plates, saving us extra mess to clean up... plus allows us to continue our own meal while he's content on his own!

While we eat, we share each of our days and I love getting to hear Nolan's stories and imagination spark as we talk.  Listening to Acelyn mimic sounds and new words is always a favorite during dinner, and she's the most vocal and in the goofiest mood at this time, which makes for even better memorable moments.  She's always willing to share her newest tricks at dinnertime, and recently, she absolutely loves to throw things off of her tray, whether it's food or cups, and the Nuby Keepeez Adjustable Cup Strap prevents her sippys from hitting the floor.  In colorful and fun patterns, the strap keeps cups tightly fastened with the adjustable, spring powered push button locking mechanism, and attaches to her high chair, or stroller, car seat or shopping carts if we are out on the go.  

In between Acelyn feeding herself bits of finger food and taking spoonfuls of purees as I feed her, if I want a little break to catch myself up with my own dinner, I hand her over her Nuby Designer Series Flip N' Sip Cup, where she drinks (but mostly plays) with her sippy and practices her straw drinking skills.  The twin handles make it an easy hold and the soft silicone straw is gentle for her teething gums and emerging teeth.  My favorite is the No Spill weighted straw that allows her to drink from any angle since she's still getting the hang of using her cup like a pro.  

Although we enjoy talking and sharing about our day, we do go against the norm of a "family dinner" by having the television on while we eat.  Every dinner, we watch Jeopardy, another tradition we've carried on from before kiddos, and both of our kids at an early age loved the intro theme song and signature flashing squares float across the screen.  We continue to interact with the T.V. on, as we engage with the trivia and it allows Nolan to ask questions and lights interest in certain subjects, which we love to discuss as a family as we watch.   

Cleaning up is always the thing I least look forward to, but I try to make it easier on myself by cleaning as I cook, before dinner is even on the table, that way most of it is picked up and put in the dishwasher when we're cleaning up our plates from meal time.  Another plus point on our Nuby items is that all are dishwasher safe, allowing for a quick rinse and a toss into the dishwasher with no hassle and no extra scrubbing.  I'm also a fan of the Nuby Easy Clean Soap Dispensing Bottle Brush, which I'll highlight in a separate post soon.  And, as always with most Nuby products, they are all BPA Free, which gives me even more peace of mind with our constant use.

As I finish up dishes and a quick wipe down of the kitchen, it's a pretty common occurrence to blast some music and have a dance party to end our dinnertime routine and transition into bath and bedtime.  We let the kids get our their last bits of energy for the evening, and I love being able to get one last wiggle and giggle fest out before our last routine of the day begins.  I think the most important part of our schedules and routines is the consistency, so by routinely practicing the same habits, the babes are more likely to respond positively because they know what's coming next and what to expect, which they thrive on.  

Now, of course our dinnertime routine is not always happy smiles and cleaned off plates, but the more important part is that it happens every night.  There's spills and scream wars and bribing with "three more bites for a cookie!" and flinging baby food... but there's always the four of us, sitting together, experiencing the craziness together!  

Thanks to Nuby for all of our extremely helpful and awesome products.  They currently are partnering with Babies R' Us for the M is For Mealtime Campaign, featuring a Buy More, Save More Sale! Great savings on Nuby infant & toddler feeding products at Babies R’ Us stores & online. http://bit.ly/2mvCGgL

Buy 1 Get 10% off 

Buy 2 get 20% off 

Buy 3 or more get 30% off 

Sale includes bottles, cups, mealtime, bottle accessories, & bottle dish soap 

Sale dates: 3/2-3/26.  Promotion details: http://bit.ly/2lNZmEJ

And, because Nuby is so generous to us, as always, we partnered with them to give you a chance to win your own Sure Grip Miracle Mat!  To enter, keep an eye out on our Instagram @jenkelton for details on how to Enter!