I am forever trying to find healthier, more affordable snacks for myself and my children.  Konnor has always been huge on fruits and veggies (I know I’m one lucky mama), but it isn’t always convenient when you are going to the park to slice up an apple or peel an orange, and then find a plastic container (don’t throw it away on accident – those are spendy) to store it in until the kids are ready to eat.  Or you could put it into a sandwich baggie and hope it doesn’t get squished and spill all over everything else in your bag.

With Dole, these problems are a thing of the past!  Each individual serving of their fruit bowls come in a little plastic containers with a peel off lid, which is not only disposable, but easy to open.  Konnor has no problems opening their fruit cups and digging right in, with or without utensils!  Seriously.  The fruit inside are bite size, and great finger foods too!

Ariana can pick up the mandarin oranges bites (which are her favorite) and put them into her mouth with little effort.  Teaching her independence and helping to develop her hand/eye coordination, these are a great snack for her age.

What I love about Dole’s Fruit Bowls is that they come in 7 different flavors:  diced apples, diced pears, mixed fruit, tropical fruit, diced peaches, mandarin oranges, and pineapple tidbits.  My children are not at all picky, but if you have a picky child, they are sure to enjoy at least one of these delicious fruit bowls.

Dole was also sweet enough to send both Ariana and Konnor a Marty (from Madagascar) Snack Pack (shown on the right), which is an insulated pouch that easily fits one of the fruit bowls in.  There is a key chain clip, so you can clip it onto the diaper bag, purse, or, like Konnor does, right onto a belt loop.

Three(3) lucky winners will receive a Marty Snack Pack along with a coupon for a pack of Dole Fruit Bowls.

Mandatory Entry:

Head on over to Dole’s website and tell me what other product from them you like or would like to try.

Extra Entries:

Additional entries (each are worth one extra entry, unless stated otherwise. please please leave your email so I can find you if you win):

• Follow Dole on Twitter
• “Like” Dole on Facebook
• Follow theJAKAfiles on Twitter
• “Like” theJAKAfiles on Facebook
• Become a google friend follower (publicly)
• Grab my button and put it on your blog
• Grab Ariana’s Birthday Celebration button & put it on your blog (2 extra entries)
• Subscribe via RSS
• Blog about this giveaway (3 extra entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway once per day (leave the link in a comment & make sure you use @theJAKAmommy in your tweet)
• Enter Kristin or Jackie’s Dole giveaway. (one extra entry for entering each for a total of two extra entries)

This giveaway will end 7/3 at 8pm PST

Anyone who has been to my house knows that I am a clothing fa-na-tic! Seriously, I don’t know why I buy so many clothes for my children when I know that I am going to have to wash them, dry them, and put them away! It’s probably a problem that I am this addicted to buying the kids clothes – really.

Zutano was kind enough to get me hooked on their clothes by sending Ariana their Annika Short Sleve Dress with pants to match. All I can say is… WOW!! As soon as I pulled the outfit out, I was absolutely shocked. The fabric is extremely soft and just makes me want to snuggle my daughter every time she wears this outfit. No matter how many times I wash it, it stays really soft.

Zutano makes bright, colorful patterns for their clothes so you and your child can enjoy them.

Compliments? Oh boy do I get those. Every time Ariana is out in her Zutano outfit, people comment on it. It’s just so bright and fun!

Jackie, Kristin, and I are giving away one $75 gift certificate to Zutano’s Itzy Bitzy line (which is for 0-9mos). This is one giveaway you want to enter! (please note: due to unfortunate events, the gift card must be used AFTER Sept. 1st, 2010.)

Mandatory Entry:

Fill out this form.
 

Extra Entries:

Additional entries (each are worth one extra entry, unless stated otherwise.  please please leave your email so I can find you if you win):

• Follow Zutano on Twitter
• “Like” Zutano on Facebook
• Follow theJAKAfiles on Twitter
• “Like” theJAKAfiles on Facebook
• Become a google friend follower (publicly)
• Grab my button and put it on your blog
• Grab Ariana’s Birthday Celebration button & put it on your blog (2 extra entries)
• Subscribe via RSS
• Blog about this giveaway (3 extra entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway once per day (leave the link in a comment & make sure you use @theJAKAmommy in your tweet):
  
• Enter Kristin or Jackie’s Zutano giveaway. (one extra entry for entering each for a total of two extra entries)

This giveaway will end 7/3 at 8pm PST

Between Konnor’s “white patches” and Ariana’s sensitive baby skin, I am a worry wart when it comes to the sun.  It would be wrong and unfair of me to not protect them from the harmful UV rays, which is why I spend a ton of time, every year, in the sunscreen isle.

I have two distinct issues with most sunscreens that I have purchased since Konnor was born (and I have bought a LOT of sunscreen):

1. the smell
2. the consistency

Hawaiian Tropic’s sunscreen isn’t like normal sunscreen.  What do I mean by that?  You don’t have that nasty coconut smell that most sunscreens posses.  It’s more of a…. well, tropical smell, which is exactly what drew me in.  Before I could apply this to my kids, before we even had sun here in Oregon, I knew I was going to love this sunscreen.  Yes, because it smelled good.

Now, when you are talking sunscreen and babies, or sunscreen and toddlers, you might cringe.  For one reason.  Applying it to the face, right?  Yes! This is probably the worst part of using the stuff.  Sure, you can use the regular sunscreen, which is runny, and the chances of getting it in their eyes or mouth is pretty high.  Or, you could try the spray sunscreen which you have to end up rubbing in anyways because if you are like me, you have to be sure there is enough on your child to avoid sunburn.

The Baby & Kids Protection line of sunscreen is thick.  Not so thick that you have a hard time getting it to come out, but thicker than normal sunscreen.  It is more of a creme, making it easier to apply, easier to rub in, and that must mean it’s less likely to come off in the water, yeah?  This makes face application a heck of a lot easier, let me tell you!

Plus!  Hawaiian Tropic has come out with a Baby Stick Sunscreen for the easy to miss places on the face, such as nose, under and around the eyes, and even the ears.  It literally is like applying deodorant – super easy and super safe!

Here are some of the features and benefits of Hawaiian Tropic Baby Crème Lotion straight from their website:

• NEW indulgent crème form!
• NEW very light, tropical scent!
• Formulated with our patented SunSure® Technology
- Tested in the natural sunlight!
- Less chemical sunscreens
- Advanced UVA Protection
• Pediatrician & Dermatologist tested
• Gentle & mild
• Won’t run into eyes
• Water resistant
• Island botanicals

Thanks to Hawaiian Tropic, one of my readers will win away one 6oz bottle of Hawaiian Tropic Baby Crème Lotion and one 0.5oz tube of Hawaiian Tropic Baby Stick Sunscreen to one lucky.  Trust me, you want to try this amazing sunscreen!

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Hawaiian Tropic’s website and tell me which other product you are most likely to try (they have stuff for Mommy’s too).
Extra Entries:
Additional entries (each are worth one extra entry, unless stated otherwise):

• “Like” Hawaiian Tropic on Facebook
• Follow theJAKAfiles on Twitter
• “Like” theJAKAfiles on Facebook
• Become a google friend follower (publicly)
• Grab my button and put it on your blog
• Grab Ariana’s Birthday Celebration button & put it on your blog (2 extra entries)
• Subscribe via RSS
• Blog about this giveaway (3 extra entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway once per day (leave the link in a comment & make sure you use @theJAKAmommy in your tweet):: ”
  
• Enter Kristin or Jackie’sHawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Giveaway (one extra entry for entering each for a total of two extra entries)

This giveaway will end 7/3 at 9pm PST

Every child needs a stuffed animal.  A snuggle buddy.  You know, something to curl up with in bed, to hold when you are sick, or even for a long car ride to visit relatives a state away.  I’m sure each and every one of my readers have had, at some point in their life, such a stuffed friend.

Thanks to Build-A-Bear, Ariana now has one.  Their new (and limited edition) Zoorrific Collection has all new animals to choose from, and let me tell you – they are ADORABLE!!!  Ranging from $16-$20, these make for an affordable gift for any child, young or old.  Whether you have a baby who enjoys soft, cuddly toys, or you have a 10 year old whose favorite animal is a Flamingo, Build-A-Bear’s Zoorrific Collection is bound to be a hit!

Ariana received the Giraffe, which is 19 inches in height.  Not too big, and not too small, she took to this stuffed animal right away.  The neck of the giraffe is long and slender, making a perfect area for Ariana to wrap her little arm around and snuggle her new friend.  Not only that, but Build-A-Bear’s animals are so very soft.

Naturally, if you want to dress up your new zoo friends, they have a ton of options in their Clothing and Accessories section.  From adorable dresses, to pants, sunglasses, and shoes, there is literally everything you can think of to put onto your furry companion.

Now, generally with limited edition items, you get some special offers and incentives to go along with it, yes?  Indeed you do, and this, my friends, is no exception.  For one, if you purchase a Zoorrific Collection Furry Friend between 6/4 and 6/13 (only a couple more days), you will receive a reusable backpack for both your furry friend and yourself!  Also, between now and 6/30, Build-A-Bear is hosting a Zoorrific Orlando Sweepstakes (click on the link for more information).  And finally, after receiving your Zoorrific Collection Furry Friend, you can head over to Build-A-Bearville where you will have exclusive access to the new Zoo & a free Zoo Ride for your avatar.

Want to know what the best part about this review is?? Well, Build-A-Bear has graciously decided to allow me to host a giveaway on my blog!  I’m ecstatic!!!!!

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Build-A-Bear Zoorrific Collection’s website and tell me which animal you would like to win and why.

Extra Entries:

Additional entries (each are worth one extra entry, unless stated otherwise):

• Follow Build-A-Bear on Twitter
• “Like” Build-A-Bear on Facebook
• Follow theJAKAfiles on Twitter
• “Like” theJAKAfiles on Facebook
• Become a google friend follower (publicly)
• Grab my button and put it on your blog
• Grab Ariana’s Birthday Celebration button & put it on your blog (2 extra entries)
• Subscribe via RSS
• Blog about this giveaway (3 extra entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway once per day (leave the link in a comment & make sure you use @theJAKAmommy in your tweet):: “Win a @BuildABear Zoorrific Collection Furry Friend from @theJAKAmommy http://tinyurl.com/2wmr9qe.. ends 6/23”
  
• Enter Kristin or Jackie’s Build-A-Bear giveaway (one extra entry for entering each for a total of two extra entries)

This giveaway will end 6/23 at 9pm PST

Happy Birthday to my sweet sweet baby, Ariana!

She turned one last Friday, and so we had her birthday party over the weekend.  The following picture will give you an idea of how all THAT went down…………….

She didn’t touch her cake.
She didn’t care about her presents.
She did eat some pizza.
Didn’t care about who was there.
And who had the bright idea of singing?!

Ariana’s top right tooth is coming in and, apparently, having a birthday party during that phase of teething was a really bad idea.

Well, now that I have exhausted my “Wordless” Wednesday post, go check out some others.

You can find WW at 5 Minutes for Mom, J. Leigh Designz, and Extraordinary Mothers !!

Something Ariana has been in need of for a while now is a new high chair. With her new-found independence, the need to feed herself has become overwhelming. She has to sit in a high chair to avoid a mess everywhere.

Saving Konnor’s high chair was a bad idea. Made solely from wood (oak i believe), with no means to keep him from falling out, I don’t know how my son managed to eat with no incident when he was little. I mean, yeah, we had the little seat belt wannabe thing, but the wood was finished, meaning slipping and sliding.

Moving on…..

Kolcraft has a nifty high chair out right now called the Recline ‘n Dine High Chair . With their adorable Sesame Street design, this is a perfect high chair for a little girl or a little boy.

There are two different trays. As you can see in the picture, you have your standard high chair tray. Underneath that, though, there is a “snack tray” which has different sections if you prefer to go that route.

The other thing I despised about our wooden high chair was the difficulty of cleaning it. To be honest, I am terrible at cleaning up right after a meal. Ariana gets a bath after dinner, and then I tend to forget to clean the high chair. Ew, right??? With the Recline ‘n Dine High Chair a mess is simple to clean up, even the next day (typically right before dinner).

We have a HUGE giveaway here. We have a prize pack of all three of the following items to giveaway to one lucky reader! Kolcraft has offered to give away one Recline ‘n Dine High Chair, one 1-2-3 Learn With Me Potty Chair, and one Elmo Tiny Steps 2-in-1 Walker.

Here are the details on how to win!!

Mandatory Entry:

Fill out this form.

Extra Entries:

Additional entries (each are worth one extra entry, unless stated otherwise):

• Follow Kolcraft on Twitter
• “Like” Kolcraft on Facebook
• Follow theJAKAfiles on Twitter
• “Like” theJAKAfiles on Facebook
• Become a google friend follower (publicly)
• Grab my button and put it on your blog
• Grab Ariana’s Birthday Celebration button & put it on your blog (2 extra entries)
• Subscribe via RSS
• Blog about this giveaway (3 extra entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway once per day (leave the link in a comment & make sure you use @theJAKAmommy in your tweet)
• Enter Kristin or Jackie’s giveaway for this Party Pack. (2 extra entries total)

This giveaway will end 5/29 at 8pm PST ***** this giveaway has been extended to 6/10

Ever since she learned to sit up on her own, Ariana decided she no longer “dug” her sit up bath chair, and she was never really a fan on her infant tub either. She just loved being able to sit in the tub, with the water, and splash and giggle and play.  

This, my friends, was a total waste of water. While we only filled the tub up a few inches, I knew that there had to be a better solution to this whole bath time business.  

When I first saw the new FlexiBath from Easy Walker, I knew I was going to love it!  It is the only hard plastic children’s bathtub which folds up flat with just a touch of your hand. Available in 3 different colors, there is a bath for boy, girl, or neutral. This bathtub makes for a great transition from infant tub to the “big” tub.  

Ariana loves to stand up in the bath. Have I ever mentioned that? My daughter is a dare devil. The FlexiBath’s no slip bottom really is no slip. She stands up, sits down, stands up, and sits back down again, and has never once fell.  

The size is great, too! As you can see in the video below, Ariana has room to grow but it still makes for a perfect bath right now. Aaaaaand, seriously, the folding action makes this tub so fabulous! It takes up less space than the baby tubs we have for her now, and when you live in an apartment, every bit of space is needed! Literally, it folds flat. You can hide this tub ANYWHERE!!!  

With the FlexiBath I am using less water, Ariana still gets to sit up on her own and play, and Mommy gets a peace of mind knowing that she is surrounded by a soft tub, rather than the big hard tub.  

WIN IT!!!

I have one FlexiBath in Pink/Red to give away.  

Mandatory Entry: 

Visit the website and tell me one thing about the FlexiBath that you find most interesting.  

Extra Entries: 

Additional entries (each are worth one extra entry, unless stated otherwise):  

• Follow Easy Walker on Twitter
• “Like” Easy Walker on Facebook
• Follow theJAKAfiles on Twitter
• “Like” theJAKAfiles on Facebook
• Become a google friend follower (publicly)
• Grab my button and put it on your blog
• Grab Ariana’s Birthday Celebration button & put it on your blog (2 extra entries)
• Subscribe via RSS
• Blog about this giveaway (3 extra entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway once per day (leave the link in a comment & make sure you use @theJAKAmommy in your tweet)
• Enter Kristin or Jackie’s  FlexiBath giveaway (one extra entry for entering each for a total of two extra entries) **Jackie is giving away a blue one!!!**

This giveaway will end 5/18 at 9pm PST

We are kicking off the 1st Birthday Celebration with cakes!  It totally fits, right? 

Bake Me A Wish is a company that friends have raved about but I have never had a chance to actually try one of their infamous cakes.

I can officially say that I have now, and Oh.  Em.  Gee.  I was totally missing out!!!

These cakes are absolutely FABULOUS!!!  My family tried the Cookies And Cream cake out of the Decadent Delight Cakes line.  Actually, they didn’t really try it as much as they devoured it!  Justin was diving in before I could even grab my camera to take a picture.  So, I apologize.  Generally, I like to use my own pictures on my blog, but this was a circumstance all in its own.

This cake was out of this world amazing!!  From the brownie-type cake to the real Oreo cookie pieces on top, my mouth was watering.  Every bite was pure bliss – there is no other way for me to put it.  Here is what the family thought:

Justin:  “Wow, this is really good.” (coming from my picky eater)

Konnor: “Mommy, I want this everyday!”

Ariana:  Well, she doesn’t talk yet, but she drooled and pounded on her high chair for MORE!

Bake Me A Wish cakes made with the finest & freshest ingredients to ensure that you receive the tastiest cake imaginable.  Plus, their guarantee is that you receive your yummy, fresh cake on schedule, right when you need it.

So, do you need a cake for a birthday?  How about an anniversary?  Need to say Thank You?  Or does someone you know deserve a “Get Well Soon” cake?  Well, my friends, Bake Me A Wish can cover all of those occasions, plus some!  And really, who wouldn’t want to be surprised by the delivery guy with a cake??

Don’t believe me and all the hype over this cake?  Well, you have a chance to win one of your own.  That’s right, the fabulous people at Bake Me A Wish are awarding one of my fabulous readers try their Cookies And Cream cake.

Want to know how to win?  (US entries only… sorry!) Alright:

First and foremost (this is the required entry.. if you do not complete this entry, all other entries are null and void), head on over to Bake Me A Wish and tell me what cake you would love to try. Oh yes, there are many many many more cakes aside from the one I was able to taste test. 

**PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS**

Additional entries (each are worth one extra entry, unless stated otherwise):

• Follow Bake Me A Wish on Twitter
• “Like” Bake Me A Wish on Facebook
• Follow theJAKAfiles on Twitter
• “Like” theJAKAfiles on Facebook
• Become a google friend follower (publicly)
• Grab my button and put it on your blog
• Grab Ariana’s Birthday Celebration button & put it on your blog (2 extra entries)
• Subscribe via RSS
• Blog about this giveaway (3 extra entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway once per day (leave the link in a comment):   Win a @BakeMeAWish cake from @theJAKAmommy! ends 5/18 – http://tiny.cc/burq5
• Enter Kristin or Jackie’s Bake Me A Wish giveaway (one extra entry for entering each for a total of two extra entries)

This giveaway ends 5/18/2010 at 9pm PST.. Open to US residently only!