iTwinsDay: Safari UNLIMITED

Well, Safari Ltd. But there are so many things you can do with their products — unlimited possibilities, as it were. They promote education, exploration, and imagination with all of their products!

Playing with dinosaur toys encourages not only imagination, but also the concept of research.  That they might find out something new that no one has found out before.  So if they have not yet been exposed to the dino itch, or if they have full blown dino fever take some time to play and share with your children this wonderful world of dinosaurs with the amazing toys that help bring dinosaurs to life from Safari Ltd. In addition to dinosaurs, they also have models that show how plants grow under the earth, cracking seeds and all!

For going out to dinner, it’s always a good idea to bring a little something extra, just in case the crayons and the word search on the back of the placemat aren’t doing it for your kids that night. Better too many toys on the table than having to leave with a squalling child under each arm without having eaten anything! Our family favorite are small toys like Safari Ltd’s TOOBS. They come in an easy-to-carry case to take with you wherever you go. I recently brought them out to eat with my daughter and some friends, and they were clearly fully occupied until their food came. They made zoos!

As a parent, imagine the power of this question on your child: “What could happen?”  Some of history’s greatest thinkers were not afraid to ask that question.  At one time flying or walking on the moon would have been considered fantasy.  But due scientists, inventors, and engineers, what was once considered magic, is now reality, and supports the livelihood of millions.  Fantasy play encourages a playful questioning of reality in your children, a skill that will continue to serve them well as an adult, and who knows “what could happen” from that. Safari Ltd. has pirate packs, fairy packs, and even really awesome, incredibly-detailed dragon packs for your budding storytellers!

Safari Ltd. is one of the finest companies we work with. They’re incredibly family-friendly, and best of all, educational and their minis are beautiful to look at. They’ve been creating their products for over thirty years, and are partnered with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, which allows them to produce authentic, scale-model dinosaur figures in collaboration with their paleontologists. They also promote recycling and a number of wonderful conservancy groups throughout the United States.

So today, enter to win a fun prize pack from our friends at Safari Ltd. Fill out the form below!

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10 Tips for Dining out with Kids (#giveaway included)

Going out to dinner tonight? The Diaz Gang loves a night out.

Dining out with kids can occasionally be a hassle, especially with twins. We’ve compiled some helpful tips to make the experience a little better for everyone involved.

1. Location Location Location- It’s always a good idea to go to kid-friendly restaurants, where there’s food you know they’ll like (chicken fingers seeming to be a perennial favorite in almost every household), crayons provided for drawing all over the placemats, and maybe some bread to take the edge off your hungry little dudes.

2. Pack a snack- Sometimes what your tots want can not always be found on the menu. If you have a picky eater a quick sandwich from home (served on the restaurant plate) might hit the spot. Perhaps you can even bring an “appetizer” of snacks that you know the kids will enjoy.

3. Make it fun – It’s always a good idea to bring a little something extra, just in case the crayons and the word search on the back of the placemat aren’t doing it for your kids that night. Better too many toys on the table than having to leave with a squalling child under each arm without having eaten anything! Our family favorite are small toys like Safari Ltd’s TOOBS! They come in an easy to carry case to take with you wherever you go. I recently brought them out to eat with her daughter and some friends, and they were clearly fully occupied until their food came. They made zoos!

4. Set some rules before you leave the house. Before you get out the door tell your kids what you expect their behavior to be like. Maybe even play restaurant at home and see how your kids react. Sometimes if they can’t run around within a few minutes, their patience might run thin right along with yours. Let your kiddos know what they are getting into before you step out the door.

5. Be considerate. If you see a meltdown on the horizon, try to head it off at the pass or perhaps take your little ones out for a breath of fresh air or a trip to the restroom. Removing yourself before it starts will prevent those iron bending stares from folks trying to enjoy a romantic night out. (see #1 and avoid date night spots)

6. Allow a treat. If the meal goes well consider adding a dessert on to the meal. Maybe even a fancy drink. My kids love seltzer and cranberry juice with a slice of lime. They feel like they are getting a real treat and it makes going out to a restaurant a special event.

7. Check Please. Ask your server to bring the check once your food arrives. If you have to get out of there quickly, at least you won’t be waiting around for the bill. Even if you ended up adding things to the meal because the night is going well, they can always amend the check. It’s just nicer to have it right there waiting on you instead of you waiting on it.

8. Early Birds=Less Meltdowns + Savings. If you dine out before 4pm, many restaurants offer Early Bird Specials. This will save your family a few bucks. There is another hidden benefit. Often these restaurants will be on the less crowded side so you can let your hair down and have a bit less stress PLUS you won’t be nearing your kiddos bedtime and they will be in better moods.

9. Try something new- Make a wish. My grandmother always used to tell us that when we tried a new food for the first time we should make a wish. I’m starting to see what a smart cookie she was. Allowing us to make a wish outside of our birthday cake gave us motivation to try some new foods. Often, one bite and we were hooked. So take a page from my grandma’s book and start that as your own family tradition. She won’t mind.

10. Set the mood. If you are stressed, your kids will be stressed. Take a chill pill and enjoy the experience with your family. Even if it’s just a quick trip to KFC, you can still enjoy the dining out experience. Teach your kids that napkins go on their lap and if available, your bread dish goes on your left side and your drink is on your right. Tip to help you remember: hold your hands in front of you, make your index finger touch the tip of your thumb, see the letters they are making? B stands for bread and D for drink! If you enjoy the night, the kids will too.

 

Want to make your next night out adventure a bit more fun? Grab some goodies for your kiddos. Fill out the form below and you are entered to win. Two lucky families will get a set of TOOBS for their very own! Let us know in the comment section which you want: there are so many options.

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Special iTwinsDay: 4th of July Edition!

We know what goes on today: it’s the Fourth of July, a national holiday celebrating American independence. You’re probably having a barbecue with friends and/or family, kids happily screaming and running around with each other, meat roasting on the grill, potato and macaroni salads in abundance, sticky ice pop desserts all over the place.

Your kids are also probably covered in mosquito bites as they watch the fireworks in awe.

How can you stop them? With our friends from Mosquitno, of course. This Fourth of July we’re giving away a Mosquitno prize pack of Bandz and Spotzzz. Their natural citronella-infused products are fully recyclable and a great way to be safe this summer. What better way to show your kids how to be safe outdoors than to help them stay away from potentially dangerous bug bites? Go hiking and barbecue without fear!

Fill out the form for your chance to win!

iTwinsDay: TheTwinShop!

We don’t know if you knew this, but here at Twiniversity, we have a weakness for really good-looking baby clothes. When we saw TheTwinShop on Etsy, we knew we had to get them in for an iTwinsDay so you could have the chance to win a set for your lucky kids!

The proprietor of TheTwinShop is Tanya, a former chemist and science teacher. Her clothes provide a dapper air for your younglings, colorful and full of patterns that will make everyone look twice at your well-dressed little darlings. Tanya started her online boutique eight months after her boy/girl twins were born. She was surprised at how difficult it was to find coordinating clothes for brother/sister siblings, especially twins.  Her hobby soon became a business after several Facebook friends asked to purchase her creations. Within two months of opening, she had to hire help to fill her orders. She is a mom of five creative, wonderful, busy children aged, 16, 11, 8, and 13 months. She hopes to turn TheTwinShop into the number one online place for brother/sister clothing.

Interested? We knew you would be. Head on over to her Facebook page to get a sneak peak at her newest creations, or over to her Etsy to purchase them. In the meantime, fill out the form below to enter to win a $50 gift certificate to TheTwinShop!

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iTwinsDay: Summer Preparedness Edition

We know how summer goes: hot sun, sticky drinks, delicious grilled food, water, kids running around and screaming (sometimes happily, sometimes not so much). But with the food and drink comes those nasty buggies that no one is fond of, particularly your kids, who are most susceptible to the harm that comes with them. Unfortunately, many bug repellants aren’t safe for your children’s skin! How are you going to get the little buggers away from your babes? Here at Twiniversity, Mosquitno is our solution.

In addition to focusing on creating products made from nature’s best mosquito repellent (naturally effective citronella oil, of course), Mosquitno also has a goal of supporting organizations that promotes the education and appreciation of the outdoors. They even give UNICEF 10 percent of all their profits!

After all, mosquitoes aren’t just annoying. They also can spread deadly diseases and illnesses, like West Nile Virus, Yellow Fever and Malaria. Keeping your little ones safe from illness is one of the most important things a parent can do, which is why this iTwinsDay we’re giving away FOUR sets of Mosquitno products! Fill out the form below and let us know which you’d like, Mosquitno™ Wrist Bands or Mosquitno™ SpotZzz Stickers, for a chance to win!

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iTwinsDay :: Super Playmat For Two or More

Tara at  TOT Runway did a review of the Tiny Love Super Mat. See why she says this play mat is great for twins and more!

“It’s hard to fit two babies on one tummy time mat or activity gym and owning two is costly and takes up too much space. Thankfully Tiny Love’s Super Mat ($44.99) is an extra-large developmental playground of fun and discovery that can accommodate multiples and older siblings. It’s ideal for tummy time and play.

I wish I had heard about it sooner as I could have just registered for this and been done. It’s not just a blanket though, the different patches include multiple textures for baby to explore, a mirror to attach, a rattle and a hidden squeaky spot to encourage further sensory exploration. Even better, it folds up easily, so we can put it out of the way when we’re not using it and it’s perfect for travel or going outside even.”

Want a Super Mat for your wee ones? Fill out the info below. One Twiniversity winner will be chosen and notified via e-mail.

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iTwinsDay :: Cloud B’s Twilight Turtles!

Make fear of the dark a thing of the past! Cloud B’s adorable Twilight Turtle transforms a dark room from scary to starry with a shell that projects REAL constellations onto bedroom ceilings and walls.

 

Parents can give kids a little interactive lesson after lights-out. Twilight Turtle’s illustrated Star Guide helps you point out the “Dippers” and “Ursa’s” twinkling above you.

Check out all the other toys from Cloud B in this video and fill out the form below for a chance to win a sleeping buddy for your kiddos!

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Wonder Bumpers? What’s Wonderful About These Bumpers?

I’m sure by now you’ve been keeping up to date with our tips and tricks for what you’ll need when you’re expecting and helping your little lovelies sleep, but just in case you haven’t, one thing that always comes up in discussion is crib bumpers. Our friends at GoMamaGo have partnered with us for this week’s #tWinsDay giveaway!

Bumpers are a controversial topic for our members here at Twiniversity. My daughter Anna needed them after her little arms and legs got caught between her crib bars one too many times, and once they were on, she slept like she’d been thrown from a moving vehicle. It was miraculous. Also, pacifier containment! So handy.

We had a discussion on our Facebook page last week about bumpers. Here’s what some of our members had to say:
“We started using the mesh ones because our girls kept rolling around and getting their chubby little legs stuck between the bars.”
“I did! Once removed from my b/g twins crib, my daughter got her leg stuck above the knee…she is skinny weeny but managed to get herself into an awkward position where we couldn’t turn her to get we out….we were forced to saw through the crib!! 😦 it was a nightmare!!”
“I put them in the snuggle nests and they slept on their sides bc that’s what they did at the hospital. When they started rolling around on their own I put up the bumpers.”

iTwinsDay :: Yiftee :: A Little Something For You!

Gift + Nifty + Yippee = Yiftee

Have you been so busy and just realized TODAY is an important date to someone you love; a birthday or maybe an anniversary? Oh No!! What can you do now?! You are stuck at work till 5 or have newborn twins to care for or for whatever reason just can’t go out to get a gift!

That is where yiftee comes in! In just minutes you can send them a personalized gift to their favorite participating coffee house for a cup of Joe, a local restaurant for dinner, or a local fine wine distributor to choose a way to celebrate with their favorite refreshment! All these and MUCH, MUCH more are available with a yiftee gift. And you can do if from your smart phone or  from the web RIGHT NOW!

How does it work?

1. Choose a merchant. Search the Yiftee website to find participating locations in the city and state nearest the recipient. From this list you will find a list of local businesses that participate in the program.

2. Choose the friend- via facebook, e-mail or text message.

3. Personalize it with a note.

4. Pay with Paypal or credit card.

Your friend will be notified immediately via facebook, e-mail or text message. They will get a single use digital credit card along with the gift and merchant descriptions and your note. Then they take their smart phone to the merchant to pick up the gift by showing the credit card. The merchant rings up the gift as usual, charging it to the credit card.*

*Note: The recipient has four weeks to pick up the gift. After that, he or she may donate the gift value to charity or the money is returned to your Yiftee account and you can give another Yiftee gift. Any change remaining on the credit card is also returned to your Yiftee account.

So why not try sending a yiftee gift to someone you love. A “hang in there” gift for someone having a bad day, a thank you gift for a that someone who did something nice for you last week, or a teacher who deserves some appreciation.

But don’t forget about YOU!! Today we want to say “Thank You” to our Twiniversity family for being such a wonderful group of people who have come together to be a great support system for parents of twins! To show our thanks we are giving away $10 yiftee gifts to TEN Twiniversity members!

We will choose 5 winners who are Twiniversity members and 5 from Twiniversity GOLD Members (choose which type of member you are in the drop down box).

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iTwinsDay :: Ella’s Kitchen

Ella’s Kitchen foods are healthy, organic, delicious, and easy to pop into a backpack for an on the go lifestyle. They take into consideration the highest nutrition standards and listen to moms, dads and kids to make a wonderful product that is full of nutrition and taste that everyone will love! Choose a food pouch and flavor perfect for your little ones and have a chance to win a case below!

 

First Tastes :: These have just one fruit are perfect for babies’ very first tastes, helping them get started on their tiny taste bud journey. They’re also great mixed with baby rice, cereal or yogurt for older, hungrier babies.

Ella’s 1 Baby :: 100% organic fruits and vegetables purees, with absolutely nothing else added, not even water to dilute its goodness – perfect for early taste bud exploring when weaning. Use as a yummy snack or add them to meat or fish to create great meals for older babies and toddlers.

Ella’s 2 Baby :: Ideal for growing babies from 7 months. These introduce chewy textures, new flavors, meats, dairy and protein for curious taste buds. Plus a deeelicious dessert in a smaller pouch – a perfect portion for little ones.

Fruit + Baby Rice :: This line has been created to provide a healthy combined option for moms who want to give their little ones more than just fruit but are not yet ready to go onto dairy and protein – a perfect solution for hungrier babies!

Baby Brekkie :: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so Ella created the Baby Brekkie line. It’s a blend of organic fruit puree, natural yogurt and wholegrain rice. A great way for your little ones to start his/her day off right.

Smoothie Fruits :: These are primarily designed to be a healthy lunchbox snack for older children. Kids love to shake, squeeze and slurp these smoothies and they’re a great way for them to enjoy 100% organic fruit on the go!

Also check out Ella’s Organic Nibbly Fingers and Organic Cookies as well.

We are giving away a case of food pouches (28 in a case) to two of our Twiniversity families. To enter fill in the info below. We will choose a winner on 2/25/13.

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