July 2016 – Graceful Mommy

The Story Box Subscription

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Graceful Mommy

28
Jul

I love monthly subscription boxes! I think they are just so much fun, and gives you something to look forward to each month. I’ve tried a few for me that I really loved. So when I stumbled upon a subscription box for Gracie- I instantly fell in love. And what’s even better? This box contains books!!!! It’s called The Story Box.

The Story Box was created by Holly & Clint- parents that wanted to help other families enjoy reading! Holly is also a nationally certified speech-language pathologist! So the books are carefully chosen to best fit the child’s age.

To receive a box each month, just visit the website to subscribe. Once you subscribe, you’ll receive you’re carefully chosen books each month. You have three different packages to choose from. Gracie got the Board Books package because she is in the age range of 0-2 1/2. In this package you get 2 board books and a reading guide! The Picture Books package is appropriate for children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 6. And then there is the family package which is for children of both age groups. It comes with one board book and one picture book and a parents guide.

Before I became a stay at home mom to Gracie, I was a first grade teacher. I really saw the importance of reading at this age. In fact, I realized it was super important to start a love for reading early. I saw the difference in my students. The students who were read to at home excelled at reading. They truly enjoyed books and learning new words. I had students who came to me without ever owning a book at home. It broke my heart to see the gap between these two kinds of students.

That’s why I love The Story Box subscription! It can truly make a difference in your child’s life! The parents guide can coach you through reading with your child and make it easier for you. Having new books around the house will encourage your son or daughter to read more.

Gracie is at the age where she loves to flip through the pages and point at things she knows. She loved the two new books we received. See for yourself in the video below of Gracie unboxing her Story Box!

To subscribe to The Story Box, visit their website.

Follow The Story Box on

Facebook & Instagram

My Reviews

ZOOCCHINI Products!

Posted on July 26, 2016August 15, 2016 by Graceful Mommy

26
Jul

I had the pleasure of working with an amazing company that I wanted to share with you! They are called ZOOCCHINI.

ZOOCCHINI is a brand that started in 2007. They are known for their love for animals, nature, and color and for the positive message that everyone and everything is beautiful and different.

What I love about ZOOCCHINI is their huge variety of products! They have everything you need in a day. We were lucky enough to receive a few different ZOOCCHINI products. You can see all the products modeled in the video below. Here are my thoughts on some of their products!

Swim Diaper + Hat set: These are so adorable! Gracie got the frog set. It fit her perfect! I love how the hat is lined. And both pieces are made with UPF sun protection! This set was very breathable and Gracie seemed to love wearing it!

Bib: What I love about ZOOCCHINI’s bibs is that they are BIG! They actually covered Gracie’s hold chest so she really did stay clean. The bibs are made out of terry cloth which really makes them feel comfortable. Also, they are made with a bit of padding around the neck which I love!

Hooded Towel: These are my favorite products that ZOOCCHINI makes! I just think hooded towels on babies is like the cutest thing in the world. Gracie received the unicorn towel- ADORABLE! These towels are so comfortable and extremely absorbent (unlike a lot of baby towels!). They are big enough for the beach or bath time! I just love the way Gracie looks in hers!

Receiving Blankets: We love these!!! They are the perfect size, and are a lot thicker than most receiving blankets. They get softer as you wash them too!! Love!

Buddy Blanket: ZOOCCHINI also makes adorable buddy blankets. These are the perfect size for baby to snuggle with. They are extreeeeeeemely soft and come with a little “buddy” attached to it. Gracie got the turtle- and she loves it! It’s the perfect size for us to keep in the car because Gracie loves having a blankey in the car.

I highly recommend ZOOCCHINI products for all of your baby needs! Their products make adorable baby gifts, so keep that in mind when you’re looking for the perfect baby shower gift!

Visit ZOOCCHINI’s website here.

Follow them on Facebook.

Follow them on Instagram.

Watch our ZOOCCHINI film here:

Random

Toddler Meal Time Essentials

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Graceful Mommy

19
Jul

Okay, first of all- it is crazy to refer to Gracie as a toddler. When I titled this blog post, I about had a heart attack! How does time go so fast? I will never understand. Anyways, Gracie has become such a great eater. She loves trying new foods. When she sees her new high chair she gets SO excited- it’s adorable! She is really growing up and is eating big girl foods. She loves pasta, watermelon, yogurt, goldfish, pizza, cheese, peas, ok… you get it. She likes to eat. There are a few things that we use every meal time and I’d love to share these finds with you!

1// Pretty bibs – We love Peace Love Snugs for bibs! She makes the cutest bibs that can dress up any outfit. They also making eating way more fun and stylish. That’s what Gracie’s all about! Shop for a pretty bib here.

2//ezpz mat – This silicone plate/placemat is amazing. We have the mini one because it’s the best for traveling and eating out. But they have all sorts of mats you can get. I love how the mat suctions to the table so food doesn’t get EVERY.WHERE. It’s made of silicone which is super easy to clean and does not promote the growth of bacteria. Just wash with soap and water after each use. We get so many questions when we take our ezpz mat to restaurants. Everyone wants this! Get your mat here!

3//Num Nums – Gracie has been eating with these dips for a while. Read the previous blog post about them here. We love these! Gracie just keeps getting better and better at dipping with them.

4//Neat Cheeks – Neat Cheeks were actually on shark tank! They are flavored wipes that make wiping baby’s face a million times easier. No more face wiping meltdowns. Gracie loves the peach flavor! Get yours here.

5//Silizoo – We used to use this freezer tray for our homemade baby food. Now that Gracie is a toddler (what!?), I use this tray to keep her favorite snacks in! It makes it so much easier to feed Gracie when all her snacks are ready and cut up. Also, if we are ever going out of town, this tray really comes in handy for the car! You gotta get one!