Red Wellies ~ The Blog

Baby/Children’s Book of the Week: # 2 ~ Green Eggs & Ham

1/8/2018

Welcome to week 2 of our reading journey!

I adore Dr. Seuss books and they were bound to make an appearance here sooner or later. And here we are at week 2 with the first, but not the last one, I’ll feature.

Reading aloud to your child is a wonderful shared activity to promote language development and early literacy skills in a fun and stimulating way, and as Dr. Seuss would say:

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ~ Dr. Seuss

Title: Green Eggs & Ham
Author: Dr. Seuss
Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Ages: Preschool and up

Click here for:

Activities:

First published in 1960, Green Eggs and Ham is a classic children’s book by Theodor Seuss Geisel aka Dr. Seuss. The main character of the book, Sam-I-Am pursues his friend who is surprisingly nameless, and offers him “green eggs and ham” in numerous places with a variety of different dinner guests until he ultimately gives in and tries the “delicacy”.

Would you like them in a house? Would you like them with a mouse?
I do not like them
In a house.
I do not like them
With a mouse.
I do not like them
Here or there.
I do not like them Anywhere.
I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam-I-am.
And the result? Does he like them? You’ll just have to read the book to find out!

Although the target age is pre-school and above, Freyja at 12 weeks loves this book! She doesn’t have a favorite page yet, but enjoys the images and lyrical rhyming that is classic Seuss.

Written using just 50 words, Green Eggs and Ham is a delight to read and will quickly become a favorite with your kiddos reciting their favorite pages from memory even before they can read it themselves. It’s a must addition to your library.

Be sure to check-out the above activities courtesy of seussville.com for fun ideas including games and coloring pages.

Purchase from Amazon or borrow from your local library.

I hope you enjoy our choices as much as we do and if there are any that you’d like to see featured, please let me know.

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Move Over Brahms There’s a New Lullaby in Town.

1/7/2018

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As any parent will tell you babies love lullabies, something that may sound “tinkley and plinky” and annoying to them, will soothe a fussy baby and, as was intended, “lull” them to sleep.

But did you know that you don’t have to stick with the traditional lullabies and that there’s an awesome company called “Rockabye Baby” who take rock and pop music that parents love and turn them into cool instrumental lullabies?

Rockabye Baby is based in LA and part of the CMH Label Group, who was founded in 1975 by German native Martin Haerle and renowned guitarist Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith. Originally a bluegrass label, before moving into other genres, the Rockabye series was launched in 2006.

As a parent to a 12-week-old, I was thrilled to discover their music and even more thrilled to learn that many of their albums are available for free in Amazon Music for their Prime Customers, because what parent doesn’t belong to Amazon prime, but that’s a post for another day.

With more than 76 releases available; classics like the Beatles, Prince, Michael Jackson and Queen; hard hitters like Metallica and modern-day music of Adele, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake to name but a few, there is a wide range of solutions for your baby’s listening pleasure 🎧

Thankfully and surprisingly they’re enjoyable for an adult too and it’s quite entertaining to try and figure out early on which track it is and even more amusing for baby when you start belting out the lyrics 😂

If all this wasn’t cool enough they also offer organic baby bodysuits at RockabyeBaby.com featuring their lullaby renditions album art. I for one need to get the Metallica onesie for Freyja as Daddy played “Enter the Sandman” to her all the time when I was pregnant [don’t ask] and now she has the lullaby version to listen to

Available on CD, live streaming or download and even vinyl!! Rockabye Baby albums are a must-have for new parents everywhere.

Images: RockabyeBaby & Amazon.com

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Baby/Children’s Book of the Week: # 1 ~ The Pout-Pout Fish

1/3/2018

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I love to read and I love to read to and with my kids and wanted to share what we’re reading with you by way of a “Book of the Week”.

Reading aloud to your child is a wonderful shared activity to promote language development and early literacy skills in a fun and stimulating way, and as Dr. Seuss would say:

“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.” ~ Dr. Seuss

Title: The Pout-Pout Fish
Author: Deborah Diesen
Illustrator: Dan Hanna

Ages: Preschool and up

Click here for:

If you’re not familiar with this story, it’s an endearing journey of a sad and grumpy fish who learns that even the poutiest of frowns can be turned into the brightest of smiles. That being glum is not his destiny and he can do something about turning his frown upside down with the help of a special friend.

Catchy rhymes and beautiful, bright illustrations, The Pout-Pout Fish available in hardcover and board book format, is sure to be a hit with your little ones.

Although the target age is pre-school and above, even at 11 weeks Freyja loves this book! Sometimes she “zones” out partway through, but she more often stays focused all the way to the end and then I go back to her favorite parts which are when he’s blubbing lol…

Be sure to check-out the above activities and videos courtesy of PoutPoutFish.com for fun ideas including rhyming & matching games, crafts and coloring pages.

Purchase The Pout-Pout Fish or borrow from your local library

I hope you enjoy our choices as much as we do and if there are any that you’d like to see featured, please let me know.

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I LOVE: Madison Reed Radiant Cream Hair Color Kit

12/11/2017

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If you want to try Madison Reed Radiant Cream Hair Color for yourself for FREE! then please follow the instructions at the bottom of this post.

Right or wrong, I’ve been coloring my hair for as long as I can remember. My hair is thick, curly and dark brown, albeit that I have my fair spattering of grays, however, I’m just not ready to be gray!

About 2-years ago, I started looking for a more natural home coloring system and after trial and error, thankfully came across Madison Reed and have stuck with them ever since.

When I was pregnant for the 4th time, the question was still; “Should you wait to color your hair until after the baby is born?” Of course, it’s a matter of personal choice and guidance of your doctor. But for me, I tend to wait until the second trimester and then start to color again on a regular basis and because of my lovely gray hairs, that’s typically every 3 weeks.

To be honest, this time around, I felt a lot more comfortable with coloring whilst being pregnant because the Madison Reed hair color meets the strict European Union standards which bans chemicals not proven to be safe. It’s free from: PPD, phthalates, ammonia, resorcinol, parabens & gluten and it's still a permanent hair color.

Especially when I'm pregnant, I only want to use products that are ammonia free so I am not breathing it in or exposing my baby to it during the process.

I also have an extremely sensitive scalp and Madison Reed is one hair coloring system that is gentle and doesn’t irritate at all. [Please don’t just take my word for it, remember to do a strand test ahead of time to check for sensitivity

Before purchasing the Madison Reed Radiant Cream Color Kit, to take their Color Quiz, a fun, quick online tool which helps determine the look you and color you want to achieve.

Once you have chosen the best color for you, mine is MESSINA BROWN - 4NA [Dark cool brown with a blend of cool ash], add to your cart and check out. The kit comes with everything that you need to color, wash and condition. However, I would recommend that you purchase the Pro Color Bowl and Brush Kit to make your life a lot simpler when you color. Using a brush helps you paint on the color exactly where you want it.

Your hair color will arrive in 3 - 10 business days. I know when my hair color has been delivered even if I’ve not collected the mail yet, as I receive a “Good Hair Day Delivered” email from them J

List of contents and quick instructions

A) Customized Instructions
Whether you’re applying all over color or a root touch up, the simple to following instructions walk you through in less than 10 easy steps. If you’re a visual person, check out their videos here.

B) Barrier Cream
Apply to your forehead, ears and neck to keep it color-free. Before I’d use conditioner as a barrier when coloring with other systems, but this is far better! Just be sure not to get any one your hair. This stuff really does work!

C) Cleansing Wipe
Just in case – to wipe away any unwanted color that sneaks onto your skin. With all the coloring that I’ve done using Madison Reed, I’ve never had to use this. The barrier cream works so well. But I do keep them on hand just incase…

D) Gloves
They provide you with 2 pairs, one to wear when mixing and apply the color, and another when you’re ready to rinse. These are thicker gloves than normally come with at home coloring kits. I’ve never had a pair break on me!

E) & F) Radiant Cream Color & Conditioning Color Activator
To be mixed with the color activator either in the bottle or in the bowl if you’re using the Pro Bowl & Brush Kit.

Remove the cap from the end of the color tube and puncture. Remove the cap from the applicator bottle and squeeze the color tube contents into it. Replace the cap and shake until blended, about 20 seconds.

If you’re using the pro kit, empty both the cream color and activator into the bowl and mix with the brush until blended and a unified color.

Once you’ve followed the instructions and applied the color, put on the protective cap and sit back and wait for the magic to happen!

G) Protective Cap
With long hair, I find using the cap especially useful to contain my locks whilst the color takes effect. The cream color is so rich and thick, that I’ve never had any concern with it dripping, however the cap makes me feel more confident – just in case.

After waiting for the allotted time, it’s finally time to rinse, shampoo and condition.

H) Color Enhancing Shampoo and Conditioner
Two small travel sized tubes of shampoo and conditioner and included, which even with waist length long hair is more than enough. The shampoo and conditioner leaves my hair silky smooth.

Top 10 Things I love about Madison Reed:

Color kit contains natural and quality ingredients
Free from: PPD, phthalates, ammonia, resorcinol, parabens & gluten and it's still a permanent hair color
Doesn’t irritate my scalp
Covers my grays and lasts for 3 weeks
Simple instructions and easy to use complete hair coloring kit
If you have long hair, you can add an extra tube of color to your order for only $10
Auto-subscribe is available with 20% savings & samples with each order
Madison Reed keeps you informed of offers and shipments via emails without spamming you
Supplementary products to use in-between colorings [Root reboot, Root touch up, Color reviving gloss & Prime], shampoos & conditioners, styling products and accessories.
Access to professional colorists – at a click of a button, they are there to answer your coloring questions

Enter for a chance to try Madison Reed's Radiant Cream Color Kit for FREE:

40 lucky readers will receive a code worth $25 to try the Madison Reed Radiant Cream Color Kit for FREE!

All you need to do is:
1) Comment on this post
2) Sign up to be on our email list
3) Follow me on Instagram @red_wellies
#MADISONREEDCOLOR #Red_Wellies
4) Comment on my Madison Reed Instagram post

Codes expire 12/31/2017. Good on your first order of Radiant Cream Color only.

If you don’t believe me! Check out their customer reviews

Don't forget to comment below for your chance to try the Madison Reed Radiant Cream Color Kit!

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12 Must Have Baby Items

12/11/2017

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Having a newborn again after 9 years and fourth time around, I wanted to share with you my top 12 favorite baby items.

If you’re stuck for last-minute gift ideas or want to know which must-have baby items to add to your baby registry, here's a list to get you started.

Some items that made the list are tried and true and I’ve used before and are using again, others are new discoveries that we’ve fallen in love with.

**List below contains affiliate links**

1. Ergobaby Four Position 360 Baby Carrier & Infant Insert

If I was only able to choose one item from this list, then this would be it!

Starting with baby #2 and after much research and tying of different carriers, we settled on an original ergo and loved it, that was 14 years ago and so for Baby Freyja we registered for the updated version Ergobaby 360 and infant insert and we’re thrilled with the decision. As with most newborns, Freyja wants to be held all the time and the Ergo is an arm saver and allows me to love, nurse, cuddle her and get a few things done around the house. Despite having a forth c-section the ergo is very comfortable over the incision area and can be adjusted to be worn by anyone from Daddy [6’2”] to Grandma [5’6”]. I highly recommend the Ergo and infant insert to allow wearing of babe from birth.

The infant insert should be used from birth to about 4 months of age or until baby can support her head well.

2. Snuggle Me Organic
Even though I co-slept with our other kids, this time around we weren’t planning on it. We knew that we wanted the baby close and in our room for at least the first six months to a year and had a bassinet and her crib in there. But after 5 weeks of sleepless nights with her nursing every 1-2 hours, and worry about her after her stint the hospital when she was sick, we wanted her closer to us and after much research decided to try the Snuggle me organic and we’re all loving it! During the night, she sleeps on it between us safe and sound and during the day may take a couple of naps in it. She also just loves to lounge in it and as it’s so light it’s easy to cart from room to room.

3. Andy Pandy Biodegradable Bamboo Disposable Diapers
We're cloth diapering however Freyja is a heavy wetter, so I needed to find a nighttime solution. Initially we used Pamper Swaddlers from the hospital but then after trying several of the natural choices out there came across Andy Pandy Biodegradable Bamboo Disposable Diapers. They are brilliant and hold the messiest of poops and largest of wees without leaking! And more importantly they are super soft and gentle on baby’s delicate skin as they are naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial which makes them perfect for even sensitive skin. They are 100% free of any Chlorine, Phthalates, Latex, PVC, TBT, Alcohol, Preservatives, and Antioxidants

4. Ecopiggy Natural Rubber Pacifier
I hadn’t planned to use a binky, but when Freyja was sick with jaundice and undergoing her treatment and in an incubator, she wasn’t able to nurse for comfort aka use me as her pacifier, so we offered up a binky to help sooth her. She doesn’t use one all the time, but on occasion wants to and whilst we still use the Soothie pacifiers, she prefers the natural rubber ones and we love that.

5. BabyBjorn Bouncer and Toy Bar
With the other kids they had the noisy, all singing, all dancing, lights flashing, vibrating baby bouncers and I must admit they did love them, but sometimes were overwhelmed. At the same time a good friend of mine was using the BabyBjorn bouncer which her baby seemed to really enjoy. After much research and as we’re trying to get back to basics with Freyja, we registered for the BabyBjorn Bouncer in organic cotton and the optional toy bar. It’s really a hit with her! It’s super soft and supportive with 3 positions for play, relaxing and sleep, and as a bonus can be used as a chair up to 2 yrs of age. It’s so much simpler and doesn’t overstimulate baby. The optional toy bar is also a hit and can be positioned easily at any height or removed completely. At 6 weeks Freyja discovers the toy bar and loved it!

6. Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Mittens
From experience, no matter how short you keep your baby’s nails, inevitably at some point they’ll grab at their face and cry not realizing they’re the ones causing the pain. Therefore, since the day Freyja was born, she’s been wearing these cotton mittens. Initially all the time, but now I put them on when she’s upset or going to sleep so that she doesn’t scratch herself.

7. Shnuggle Baby Bath Tub
With the other kids, before they were big enough to go in the kitchen sink for bath time, I used the First Years bath tub which is still a wonderful option and makes bath time very easy, however with the reclining positon, much of baby was out of the water and prone to getting cold which is never good. After weighing up the options this time around we settled on the Shnuggle Baby Bath Tub and Freyja is thrilled that we did. With this tub, the only parts that are exposed are her chest, arms, neck and head.

She loves bath time and we love the functionality of it. The tub is designed with a large bum bump to help support baby in a sitting position and has a large foam back rest so baby isn’t leaning on cold plastic. Before baby can sit unaided, this design allows for one handed support and the other to bathe her and then unaided, supervised bathing when they are older. The tub should last them from newborn to 12 months.

Because of its small, lightweight footprint, it can be used anywhere in the house. We’ve used it in the sink or on the floor in front of the fire for the baby spa experience

8. Halo SleepSack
I cannot say enough good things about wearable blankets to keep baby warm and safe without using lose blankets. When Freyja was a newborn and still wanted her arms tucked in when swaddled we used the SwaddleMe infant wrap, and now that she’s a little older and bigger we’re using the Halo 100% cotton SleepSack Swaddle which still allows for arms to still be swaddled fully or partially or arms out, next we’re going to progress to the Halo 100% cotton SleepSacks until she’s too large for them. Available in microfleece and cotton, they’re designed with a reversible zipper which makes midnight diaper changes a breeze.

9. Pigeon Baby Nail Scissors
If you’re like me, the thought of cutting a newborn’s nails fills you with dread. In the past, I’d used tiny baby nail clippers and nicked baby’s skin. After doing a little research I stumbled upon Pigeon Baby Nail Scissors, made in Japan. They offer 2 version, new and 3 months +; the only difference being the length of the blade. These little scissors are super sharp and cut easily and precisely, with the rounded tips ensuring safety. They make cutting baby’s thin nails a breeze when she’s asleep

10. Muslin Everything!! Blankets, Towels, Burp & Wash cloths
Yup, muslin everything!! Muslin is soft and gets softer with washes, it’s adsorbent and dries quickly, breathable and lightweight, and can be doubled to add warmth... We have large receiving blankets, which can be folded into a two-layer triangle for swaddling, used as a stroller blanket, car seat cover or for privacy while nursing. Towels for bath time with a hood and tie that baby can use from newborn and grown into, super cute burp cloths which also snap together as a bib and finally wash cloths we use as spit-up cloths and for bathing her. Move over toweling, there’s a new absorbent fabric in town!

11. Hatch Baby Rest Night Light, Sound Machine and Time-to-Rise
Both M and I love to sleep to a sound machine, something soothing like waves crashing or gentle rain and when I was looking for a nightlight for Freyja’s room was delighted to come across this combination of night light & sound machine. From the app available in the App store and Google play, you can control the type of sound & volume, color and intensity of light, so no need to disturb a sleeping baby, all this is controlled remotely. Once your child is older you can set programs to run each day to help them get on a healthy sleep schedule, using the time-to-rise setting to help them learn when to get up.

12. Boppy Nursing Pillow and Cover
I confess… I have 2. One in Freyja’s nursey and another downstairs. I’ve used them with all the kids and have found them to be great for not only nursing but also to help baby to be held more easily by her siblings. This added support has allowed her to have many sleeping and awake cuddle/bonding sessions with them. [It also allows me to nurse her and support with one arm whilst typing this with one hand ] There are a variety of covers and fabric choices to support all décor and personal preference. Downstairs the cover is a fun 100% cotton print which is cool and smooth to the touch, upstirs a subtle, soft 100% cotton jersey double sided print. As baby gets a little older it can also be used, under supervision, as a support when she’s sitting.

Well, that's the list. If you'd like more details on any of the items mentioned above or have any questions, please email us at hello@redwellies.com and we'd be happy to help you out!

If you're interested in purchasing any of the items above, just click on the images.

Have a favorite not on the list? Let us know what it is in the comments below.

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Red Wellies Blog

Baby/Children’s Book of the Week: # 2 ~ Green Eggs & Ham

Move Over Brahms There’s a New Lullaby in Town.

Baby/Children’s Book of the Week: # 1 ~ The Pout-Pout Fish

I LOVE: Madison Reed Radiant Cream Hair Color Kit

12 Must Have Baby Items

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