Ride Safely With Britax ADVOCATE CS Convertible Car Seat Review And Giveaway

Isabella is reaching the stage where she is getting tired of laying in her infant car seat. She wants to be up looking around. We knew it was time to make the switch to a convertible car seat.



Britax has been a leader in mobile safety for more than 70 years so I knew they were a name that I could trust with my children. I learned that their engineers have brought more innovations like Versa-Tether™ and True Side Impact Protection™ to child seat safety than anyone else in the world. In addition to car seats, they also have strollers.

Britax sent us the Kathryn Advocate CS Convertible Car Seat.

A new convertible child safety seat that features patented Side Impact Cushion™ Technology is now available from Britax Child Safety Inc., making it the safest car seat in the Britax product line. The Britax Advocate™ CS introduces energy-managing side impact cushion technology which dramatically improves the safety of child seat occupants and their adjacent passengers in the event of a side impact crash.

The Advocate CS is meant for babies that range in weight from 5-65pounds and in height from 18-49inches. This could actually be your baby's first car seat and it would last them for several years. It allows babies to be rear facing from 5-35 pounds and can be turned around for toddlers after they are 1 year old and weight more than 20 pounds. As we all know, it is best to keep your child rear facing for as long as possible.


The side impact technology reduces side impact crash energy by 50%, by diverting crash forces away from the child. This car seat is really large, but it makes me feel better. It takes 368 pounds of pressure to compress so there is less crash force that reaches the child. The Side Impact Technology goes down the entire side of the car seat, not just around the head.


A five-point harness system is designed to make contact with the strongest parts of the body – the hips and shoulders, and transfer crash forces over those strong parts of the body.


The Energy-Absorbing Versa-Tether is a strap near the top of the seat that anchors the car seat to the car. It can be used when they are rear facing or forward facing. Below are pictures to demonstrate how it is used. The picture on your left is a child seat with a tether. The picture on your right demonstrates what happens if the tether is not used.


EPS foam is used to absorb some of that crash force energy. Britax has placed the foam where it is needed so your child does not absorb all of the energy in a crash.


The LATCH System allows the seat to stay in place. The connector clicks onto the anchors in your car. I love how easy it is to take the seat out or put it in. Simply push the red button to release the connector and take the seat out.


The Harness Ultra-Guard System(HUGS) helps reduce forward movement of the child in a crash by adding friction to the harness against their chest as they move forward, similar to break pads on a car.


After watching the video and reading all of the features, I feel confident that I'm doing everything that I can to keep my baby safe in the event of a crash. Not only is the car seat safe, but it is super comfy. She has napped peacefully in the seat several times and it has forward and rear recline so that the child is always comfortable.



My first instinct was to go with a gender neutral color, but I absolutely love the Kathryn print. They did a great job with the design of the seat and the fabric choices. Even though it takes up a large part of my back seat, I am so glad that I have Isabella in the Britax Advocate CS with all of its safety features.

Visit Britax to view all of the features of the Advocate CS and to see all of the other amazing products that they offer.

Buy It!
The Britax Advocate CS Convertible Car Seat retails for $369.99.

Win It!!!
Britax is giving one of my readers an Advocate CS Convertible Car Seat(winner picks the fabric)!

To enter, visit Britax and tell me another product that you like. This is required and must be done before the extra entries count!

EXTRA ENTRIES!
You can do any of these things for an extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do.

1- For TWO extra entries, Subscribe to my blog via email.

2- For THREE extra entries, blog about this giveaway and link it back to this post and Britax.

3- Follow Twoofakind AND Britax on twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day! You can copy and paste: WIN a @Britax Advocate CS Convertible Car Seat ($370) @twoofakind http://tinyurl.com/2ftda4n #OutdoorOasis

4- Become a fan of/like Britax on Facebook.

5- Follow my blog publicly.

6- Enter Jennifer's Summer Infant Giveawy.

Contest ends May 31st at 11:59pm EST on when I will draw a winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address if it is not visible on your profile. I will notify the winner and they will have 36 hours to respond!

Open to US Only.

This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may very from others. Thank you to Britax who supplied the products for the review and giveaway.

Aloha Friday

It's Aloha Friday over at An Island Life! Answer my question and make sure you post one on your blog! After that, go relax because today is Friday!!

My question for this week is:
Can you parallel park or do you drive around the block?
I am almost never in a situation where I have to parallel park, but when I am, I usually pull up behind a car that doesn't have any car near it. I'm NOT comfortable with my parallel parking skills...or lack there of.

Great Mother's Day Idea - Vivabox

It can be hard to find a gift for the mother that has everything. Gift cards are so impersonal, so I try to get something that I know they will love.



Vivabox has the perfect gift for any mother on your list. Simply choose a theme and they have a thoughtful gift ready to give. It is more personal than just a gift card, but the recipient still has the freedom to select things they'll really love. The boxes include a sample of the theme to try now, and then they get to choose their final gift when they redeem the included gift card.

I had the opportunity to review their Bar-B-Que Box in December and I was completely impressed with the whole experience. When they asked me to share their products with you for Mother's Day, I knew exactly what I wanted. The Wine Experience Box makes a great fit for Mother's Day.

Keeping track of (and predicting) people's tastes in wine can be quite a challenge. Instead, savor an array of heavy reds, crisp whites, or everything in between with a Wine Vivabox.

The box includes:

• Gift card for a six-bottle collection of wines
• Book: Wine Spectator's Essentials of Wine
• 12 issues of "Wine Spectator" Magazine

I'm not too savvy when it comes to wine and always wish that I knew more about it when we go out with my husband's company. The book has been so informative and has taught me so many things.

My husband and I looked through our options of wine and decided on the Big Bold Red collection. We had our box of 6 different bottles of wine within a few days. They just arrived last night so we haven't had time to completely enjoy them yet.


One of my other favorite boxes is the Spa Beauty! What mom doesn't need to be pampered?


It is so exciting to have a gift that is thoughtful and allows you to personalize it. These boxes would make a fantastic gift for any occasion. Visit Vivabox for all of their other amazing gift ideas!

Buy It!
You can purchase the Wine Box for $145.

This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others. Thank you to Vivabox who supplied the product for review.

Wee Little Changes GroBaby OneSize Cloth Diaper

I have been using mostly cloth diapers for over a year now and I love it. I'm so mad at myself for thinking it would be too nasty and not doing it earlier. I can't even imagine how much money it has saved me on disposable diapers.



Wee Little Changes has a fantastic selection of cloth diapers and accessories. They offer FREE SHIPPING to US & Int'l US Military APO/FPO,which I think is amazing. They are so dedicated to cloth diapering that they offer a great program to local parents in the Wilmington, NC area. They offer $10/week rental for those parents that are wanting to see if cloth diapers are for them and they give local parents a FREE Cloth 101 class!

Wee Little Changes sent us the Sunset Stripe GroBaby One-Size.


The Gro Baby™ one-size diaper is a revolution in cloth diapering. Our innovative shell design minimizes diaper waste and cost.

Shell sets come with:

* 1 Organic Soaker Pad
* 1 Organic Booster



Here is what all three pieces look like.


Gro Baby is designed so that the outer shells may be used for multiple diaper changes. You can purchase another soaker pad so that you don't have to buy a ton of shells. Just put a new soaker on when they get wet. The soaker pad simply snaps into place.


One size diapers have always been my favorite. They may be a little more bulky than fitted diapers, but it saves me more money because I don't have to keep buying new diapers when they outgrow a size. GroBaby has snaps that make the size adjustable.


I'm going to be bold and say that this is my favorite cloth diaper. It keeps Isabella dryer than any other cloth diaper that I've tried. I washed the shell once and the soaker 5 times before the first use. Not only does it keep her dryer than any other cloth diaper, but it is also adorable. Look at her super cute fluffy bottom!


These are the colors that it is available in.


GroBaby has some exciting changes coming up. They are rebranding the Company, and all of their products will be known, worn & loved as, GroVia. They will make improvements to current products as well as introduce new products under the GroVia brand. Wee Little Changes will be introducing the new GroVia line in May.

Visit Wee Little Changes to view their amazing selction of cloth diaper products.

Buy It!
Since GroBaby is rebranding for next month, Wee Little Changes has the GroBaby One-Size cloth diapers on SALE for $19.96-$21.96. They have FREE SHIPPING in the US and All orders over $60 receive a free sample of the new Hard Rock!

Win It!!!
Wee Little Changes is giving one of my readers a GroBaby OneSize Cloth Diaper. The pattern will be chosen by Wee Little Changes.

To enter, visit Wee Little Changes and tell me another product that you love/would like to try. This is required and must be done before the extra entries count!

EXTRA ENTRIES!
You can do any of these things for an extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do.

1- Subscribe to my blog via email.

2- For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway and link it back to this post and Wee Little Changes.

3- Follow Twoofakind AND Wee Little Changes on twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day! You can copy and paste: WIN a GroBaby #clothdiaper from @WeeLittleChange @twoofakind http://tinyurl.com/2aw5bv5

4- Become a fan of/like Wee Little Changes on Facebook.

5- Follow my blog publicly.

6- For FIVE extra entries, follow the Wee Little Changes Blog. I'm sure they'd appreciate some comment love too! :)

7- Sign up for the Wee Little Changes Newsletter.

8- Enter Jennifer's DVD Giveaway.

Contest ends May 17th at 11:59pm EST on when I will draw a winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address if it is not visible on your profile. I will notify the winner and they will have 36 hours to respond!

Open to US Only.

This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may very from others. Thank you to Wee Little Changes who supplied the products for the review and giveaway.

The Tooth Fairy Takes Flight On Blu-ray And DVD On May 4th Review And Giveaway

We often have family movie night with my parents and siblings. We get take out and cram in front of the television. With ages going all the way down to 8 months, we need family friendly movies.

We were sent The Tooth Fairy for a family movie night.

In the spirit of The Game Plan and The Pacifier comes a funny “fish out of water comedy” perfect for the entire family. Hilarious and wholesome, Tooth Fairy arrives on Blu-ray Disc/DVD Triple Play and DVD May 4 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Dwayne Johnson (The Game Plan) stars as Derek Thompson, a hard-charging minor league hockey player whose nickname comes from his ability to knock out other players’ teeth. After discouraging a youngster’s hopes, he is ordered to one week’s hard labor as the real Tooth Fairy, complete with the requisite tutu, wings and magic wand. At first he “can’t handle the tooth,” but eventually learns how to adapt to his new position and finds himself rediscovering his own forgotten dreams.

From Emmy® award-winning* director Michael Lembeck (“Friends”), the whimsical adventure features a stellar supporting cast including Academy Award® winner** Julie Andrews (Enchanted),
Ashley Judd (Crossing Over, Helen), Stephan Merchant (“The Office”), and professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler.

The DVD is rated PG and lasts about 102 minutes so it was perfect for our family. I'm not going to lie, my dad, brother, and husband were all skeptical. However, within 5 minutes, all three guys were laughing and I knew this was a movie that we'd all enjoy. I knew it was going to be good, but it was better than I thought.



Dwayne Johnson does a fantastic job of keeping your family entertained and rolling on the floor. Tooth Fairy is one of those DVDs that we'll watch over and over again. Evan has even asked to see it twice in the past few days.

Be sure to go pick up a copy of Tooth Fairy on May 4th! You can play the Tooth Sleuth Game in the mean time.

Buy It!
The Tooth Fairy Blu-ray with Digital Copy lets the good times soar to new heights with interactive special features including the Tooth Fairy Training Center – a high-energy kid-friendly boot camp that will get the whole family off the couch and into the fun – featurettes, deleted scenes, a gag reel and much more, and will be available for the suggested retail price of $39.99 U.S. / $49.99 Canada. The single disc DVD will include the “Tooth Fairy Training Center” featurette and Fairy-oke and will be available for the suggested retail price of $29.98 U.S. / $43.48 Canada.

Win It!
20th Century Fox is giving one of my readers a copy of the Tooth Fairy DVD.

To enter, tell me what the tooth fairy leaves at your house. This is required and must be done before the extra entries count!

EXTRA ENTRIES!
You can do any of these things for an extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do.

1- Subscribe to my blog via email.

2- For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway.

3- Follow Twoofakind on twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day! You can copy and paste: Win a copy of the Tooth Fairy DVD (released May 4th) @twoofakind http://tinyurl.com/22vnylg

4- Become a fan of Fox Connect on Facebook.

5- Place the PINK Two of A Kind, Working On A Full House button on your blog.

6- Follow my blog publicly.

7- Become a fan of Two Of A Kind on Facebook.

Contest ends May 10th at 11:59pm EST on when I will draw a winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address if it is not visible on your profile. I will notify the winner and they will have 36 hours to respond!

Open to US Only.

This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may very from others. Thank you to 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment who supplied the products for the review and giveaway.

Wordless Wednesday - You're Gonna Miss This

Tears come to my eyes every time that I hear this song because these little moments are what I live for. These kids make my heart swell with love and I don't want to think about them growing up.

You're Gonna Miss This -Trace Adkins

She was starin' out the window of that suv
Complainin' saying i cant wait to turn 18
I'll make my own money and I'll make my own rules
mama put the car in park out there in front of the school
and she kissed her head and said i was just like you

your gonna miss this
your gonna want this back
your gonna wish these days
hadn't gone by so fast

these are some good times
so take a good look around
you may not know it now
but your gonna miss this

before she knows it shes a brand new bride
in her one bedroom apartment and her daddy stops by
he tells her its a nice place, she says itll do for now
starts talkin bout babies and buyin a house
daddy shakes his head and says, baby slow down

cause your gonna miss this
your gonna want this back
your gonna wish these days
hadnt gone by so fast

these are some good times
so take a good look around
you may not know it now
but your gonna miss this

five years later theres a plumber workin on the water heater, dogs barkin, phones ringin, one kids crying
ones screamin and she keeps apoligizin
he says they dont bother me ive got 2 babies of my own
ones 36, ones 23, huh its hard to beleive

but your gonna miss this
your gonna want this back
your gonna wish these days
hadn't gone by so fast

these are some good times
so take a good look around
you may not know it now
but your gonna miss this

your gonna miss this
oh yeah, your gonna miss this



If you have a Wordless Wednesday on your blog, leave your link here!


For more Wordless Wednesday go check out 5 minutes for mom and 7 Clown Circus!

Winners

Just a reminder that I do check the giveaway entries. If you say you have the outdoor oasis on your blog and its not there, I go to the next number on random.org. You also need to have your email address in your profile or in your comment. If it isn't visible, I can't get in touch with you.

The WeeRide Bicycle Child Carrier Giveaway had 683 comments and the winners are:
ColleenMarie82
fancygrlnancy

The TJ Maxx Giveaway had 1423 comments and the winner is:
Darlene

The Planet Wise Wet/Dry Bag Giveaway had 625 comments and the winner is:
Kimberlys Ways

The Pink Paisley Giveaway had 551 comments and the winner is:
Paulbett

The Amy Michelle Diaper Bag Giveaway had 769 comments and the winner is:
Mom vs. the boys

Baby BanZ UV Swimwear And Swim Goggles Review And Giveaway

Summer is my favorite season. We spend all of our time outdoors in some sort of water. I have to take every precaution to protect my children's skin from the sun so that they don't get burnt.



Baby BanZ is steadfast in its ongoing effort to preserve the sensitive eyes and precious skin of little ones everywhere. As their website states, they are committed to developing children's UV protective sunglasses, hats, accessories and swimwear that not only protect them from the sun's harmful UV rays, but are also comfortable, fun to wear and strong enough to last.

Baby BanZ sent us a pair of UV Swim Goggles.


Designed for ages 3+, Banz Swim Goggles are perfect for swimming lessons or at the beach this summer!

Made from tough and durable polycarbonate, the lenses are 100% UV protective. The Anti-fog system prevents the lenses fogging under all conditions, and the soft silicon cups ensure maximum comfort to the wearer!

I was completely impressed with the goggles. They arrived in this protective case so we can always keep them safe.


Evan thought he was so cool wearing his goggles. The strap kept them on his head and they never fogged up. Usually he takes goggles off quickly, so I guess these were more comfortable for him to wear.


Baby BanZ also sent Evan swim shorts and a shirt.


Banz swimsuits were originally designed in Australia for one of the world’s toughest UV environments. Our suits are made to provide maximum protection and comfort. All Banz swimwear has been clinically tested to a rating of UPF 50+.

Evan is outside more than Isabella and I'm always worried he will burn This shirt keeps his back, shoulders, and most of his arms protected.

Sometimes UV swimwear is not too cute, but I think this set is adorable. I feel better knowing that he's wearing something that has a UPF 50+.

Visit Baby BanZ to view their full selection of swimwear, glasses, and other protective gear!


Win It!!!
Baby BanZ is giving one of my readers protective swimwear AND a pair of swim goggles.

To enter, visit Baby BanZ and tell me what swimwear you'd want. This is required and must be done before the extra entries count!

EXTRA ENTRIES!
You can do any of these things for an extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do.

1- Subscribe to my blog via email.

2- For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway and link it back to this post and Baby BanZ.

3- Follow Twoofakind AND Baby Banz on twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day! You can copy and paste: WIN @babybanz swimwear and goggles during #OutdoorOasis @twoofakind http://tinyurl.com/286eeaa

4- Become a fan of Baby BanZ on Facebook.

5- Place the Outdoor Oasis button on your blog.

6- Follow my blog publicly.

7- Enter Jennifer's UV Skinz Giveaway.

Contest ends May 17th at 11:59pm EST on when I will draw a winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address if it is not visible on your profile. I will notify the winner and they will have 36 hours to respond!

Open to US Only.

This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may very from others. Thank you to Baby BanZ who supplied the products for the review and giveaway.

Joovy 2010 Ultralight Caboose tandem Stand-On Stroller Review And Coupon Code

Every family has different needs when it comes to strollers. If you have two infants, you won't need the same thing that a family with two older babies will need. Our stroller needs have recently changed since Isabella isn't in her infant carrier as much.



Joovy has several strollers that are sure to fit your family's needs. They have single, double, and triple strollers available. After having the pleasure of working with them, I can see that they have put a ton of time and effort into researching what features moms need/want in a stroller.

Joovy sent us the 2010 Ultralight Caboose tandem Stand-On Stroller.

The new Ultralight Caboose is the lightest, most maneuverable tandem stroller available on the market today.

At 21 pounds the Caboose Ultralight is 20% lighter than the original Caboose and far lighter than most double strollers.

When we say maneuverable, we mean it! The Caboose Ultralight can navigate narrow spaces with ease. The large, sealed ball bearing wheels give your children a smooth ride and you’ll find it is super easy to push. And thanks to its minimal weight, you can steer with just one hand!

I don't even know where to start with this stroller. It totally rocks and meets my every need as a mom of a 2 1/2 year old and 8 month old. I honestly wish that I would have had this stroller from the beginning. A double stroller that only weighs 21 pounds? WHAT? Count me in! Juggling two small kids means I have no energy to try and fold/lift a heavy stroller. I need something that is easy for me to lift and doesn't take up much room in the back of my car.


Here are the pieces that it came in. I put it together myself and it didn't take long at all.


Isabella is starting to make the transition into a convertible car seat, but she still often rides in her infant carrier. The Joovy Caboose Ultralight has a Universal Car Seat Adapter that snaps easily into the tray housings.


I simply place her car seat up there and she rides safe and sound. Click here for the full list of infant car seats that are compatible with the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stroller.


When I'm not using the infant seat, I simply put the tray back on there. The tray is definitely at the top of my list of favorite features! I don't understand why people even make strollers without trays. I can put her juice, snacks, or toys on there.


I also need a cup holder for myself. I almost always have a bottle of water with me and I like to keep my cell phone and keys in the parent organizer. Constructed of machine washable neoprene, the organizer has a rear zippered pocket that is perfect to securely store your keys, cell phone, camera, etc. and the dual cup holders will keep your drinks cool.


The front seat can actually recline in THREE different positions which makes nap time so much easier. Evan can simply stand on the platform in the back when Isabella is napping in her stroller. Here it is in the 3rd position.


The canopy is very large. It keeps the sun from beating down on both kids. We have had to make a run through the rain with it and it kept them both pretty dry!


They even improved the 2010 model by making the storage basket larger! Just think of how many shopping bags I can pack in that. The sides have pockets on them so we can keep toys or other odds and ends in them.


The Ultralight Caboose is incredibly easy to steer and linked rear brakes adding extra security when the stroller is parked. The new 4-wheel suspension will make for the smoothest ride for your back seat passenger.


Here is a picture from the front of the stroller. Isabella and Evan are really close and love to jabber away to each other. Each seat can hold up to 45 pounds and Evan is only at around 35 pounds right now.


This is a shot from the back of the stroller.


I love that this stroller can be used when you only have one child. I always had to switch strollers around if I was going to only have one of my kids because I looked dumb carting one of them around in my huge double strollers. This one is so small that I just use it. If you plan on having more than one child, this would be a great investment to buy as your first and only stroller. Your infant seat will fit in the front now and when you have more than one child, you'll have the seat in the back.

Not only have they included every feature that I could want, they also made it super trendy. Isn't this green color adorable? This sleek design is available in four other colors. Visit Joovy and view their full selection of strollers.

Buy It!
You can purchase the 2010 Ultralight Caboose tandem Stand-On Stroller for $269. Use the coupon code, 1270093663 that is good for 10% off an Ultralight until the end of May 2010!

This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may very from others. Thank you to Joovy who supplied the product for the review.