GlideBikes Mini Glider Balance Bicycle - A Review and Giveaway!

***Giveaway Closed 9/20***

Learning how to ride a bike is a rite of passage. You see in enacted in movies all the time. Dad spends a few minutes helping Junior. Junior tries a few times to no avail, and then finally rides off sans training wheels. It looks so easy.

The truth is, I've seen my neighbor trying to teach his son how to ride his bike and it isn't so easy. And now that Cakes is of the age to start trying, I'm not in too much of a hurry to get her started.

Up until this point, she has been riding her bike with training wheels. She gets it. She can pedal around, steer, and use her brakes very effectively. Training wheels have made it easy. But, the problem is learning balance. That's the hard part, and training wheels do nothing to help learn balance.

Glide bikes, or balance bikes help kids learn balance.

What is a Glide bike?
It's a bicycle that has no pedals, no crank set, no chains, and no training wheels. It utilizes downhill mountain bike geometry to achieve a very low speed balance point of less than 2 mph. It's very light weight and easy for a child the use. It is small enough for a child to walk the bike while sitting comfortably with both feet on the ground.

How does a child learn to balance on the bike?
They learn by walking the bike until they become comfortable enough to run and "glide" by lifting their feet off the ground and balancing. Since they can put their feet down while seated, there's never any fear of falling off the bike. If they lose their balance they just put their feet down.

When GlideBikes contacted me about doing a review, I wasn't sure if I was interested. Quite honestly, I had my eye on another balance bike. My nephew had a Skuut and I thought that was the one I wanted to get for my kids. After doing a little reading about GlideBikes, I was quickly convinced that GlideBike is a far superior product.

The GlideBikes aren't like any other balance bikes out there. The most notable differences are the adjustable seat, foot pegs, brakes, and foam tires.

The quick release adjustable seat height enables the bike to fit your child perfectly. Since it's quick release, both of my kids can take turns using the bike without needing tools to adjust it. The unique foot pegs give your child place to put their feet while gliding, and teaches them proper foot placement for pedal bikes. The brake is another great feature that give your child some more control (and sense of security). It also prevents them from destroying their shoes! No need to drag their feet to stop. And lastly, the foam tires are maintenance-free! The 12" durable foam tires are puncture proof and never need air. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, the GlideBikes come with a Lifetime Warranty!

GlideBikes are available in three different sizes: Mini Glider (ages 2-5), Go Glider (ages 5-10), and Super Glider (for riders 5' to 6'2").

We tested the Mini Glider from GlideBikes and are very impressed. The Mini Glider is designed for the youngest learners, from age 2-5 years. Since Cakes is 4 and the Bubby is almost 2, both kids will get a chance to learn on it! Since both kids will use it we chose red, although it is also available in blue and pink.

Cakes was very excited to ride her new bike so as soon as it got here she insisted that I get it ready for her to ride. I wasn't so sure I would be able to assemble it myself, but I gave it a try. To my delight, the only tool required was included so I didn't need to search the junk drawer for a screwdriver, wrench, hammer, or anything. That in itself would have taken me at least 30 minutes!

The bike came partially assembled and all that was required was to attach the front wheel, install and adjust the handlebar, set the seat height, and adjust the brake. It only took about 15 minutes and we were ready to go!

And go she did!

This was taken just after a few minutes on the bike. She was gliding short distances in no time, and was never scared that she would fall because all she had to do was put her feet down. What a confidence booster!

Since we got the Mini Glider, she hasn't wanted to ride her bicycle with training wheels. She asks to ride her GlideBike every time. She enjoys learning how to balance and is so proud of herself when she glides.

We think that the GlideBike is the best balance bicycle available!

Want to win a GlideBike?! The nice folks at GlideBike have offered a giveaway for a Mini Glider!

Enter to Win!

Mandatory Entries:
Visit GlideBikes and tell me what your favorite feature of the GlideBike is.

Extra Entries:

After completion of the mandatory entry you are eligible for any of these additional entries. Remember to leave a separate comment for each additional entry!

• Become a Facebook fan of GlideBikes
• Follow glidebike on Twitter
• Follow my blog publicly through Google friend connect.
• Grab my button and post it on your sidebar.
• Subscribe to Eco-Cheap Mom via email.
• Subscribe to Eco-Cheap Mom in a reader.
• Vote for Eco-Cheap Mom on Top Mommy Blogs.(once per day)
• Blog about this giveaway. Be sure to link back to my site and leave the URL where you blogged in your comment. (2 entries)
• Post about this giveaway on Facebook.
• Follow @ecocheapmom on Twitter and tweet (up to 2x/day): Teach your child to ride a bike the easy way...with a @GlideBike! Win one from @ecocheapmom! http://bit.ly/dC438f #giveaway ends 9/20

Good Luck!

Open to US. Giveaway ends September 20, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. EST. The winners will be drawn by the random number generator at Random.org and will be notified by email and announced on this blog. Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn.

*** I received a Mini Glider to review and was not compensated in any other way. The statements above are my own honest opinion.***

Chicks Dig Scars...

Right?

Of course they do when you're as cute as me!

This is what happens to boys that try to run down the sidewalk amidst a temper tantrum. Got to watch what you're doing Bubby!

It seems like when he gets boo boos, he gets several in one day. Later that day he burned his finger on a light bulb. Ouch! Poor guy! Surely he won't do that again. Our home is child proofed (to an extent) but how can I keep him from touching light bulbs?

Selena the Jack Russell saves owner's life

My dogs better be glad I just read this article about a Jack Russell named Selena who saved her owner's life. They have been on my sh*t list for a while now and are on the verge of being kicked out of the house and banished to the backyard. This story brought a tear to my eye and made me realize that I do kind of like our 4 little rats (Rat Terriers) and even though they have been making it hard for me to like them, they are in fact part of our family and I shouldn't be so quick to kick them out.

The Rat Pack watching over 4 day old Cakes

Damn dogs! They'd better shape up...or do something heroic like Selena. Shoot, I guess they do put up with the kids and love us unconditionally. That's pretty heroic!

When Rebecca Northern took a dive into her pool to cool off a couple weeks ago, it was very nearly her last act.

What saved her life was a 10-pound fuzzy fireball.

Read the rest of the article here.

Bedtime Routines - Help to sleep or not help to sleep?

Bedtime is, on most nights, pretty uneventful around here. We have a pretty straightforward routine that we don't veer from very often. Now the time might vary, but the way we do things does not. After both kiddos  brush their teeth and get their jammies on we read a few of Bubby's books. Then I take Bubby to his room for a brief nursing (with music playing) and we cuddle and talk for a few minutes. I then put him in his crib, say goodnight, and leave him to fall asleep on his own.

As Bubby and I are doing this, the hubs reads to Cakes and gets some daddy-daughter cuddle time in. Once I am done with Bubby, I then lie in bed with my girl and cuddle a bit until she falls asleep. She does not fall asleep by herself.  Never has, and I'm afraid, never will! To make things even more difficult, no one but mama can "sleep" with her at bedtime.

It's really not that big of a deal, but I feel like maybe I need to put an end to it. Although, most nights, I really don't mind the quiet time just lying in bed with my sweet girl cuddled up next to me playing with my hair. In fact, I enjoy it...as long as I don't have a million things to do. It doesn't take her very long to fall asleep (usually about 15 minutes) and sometimes I even get in a little power nap.

But, shouldn't she learn to fall asleep without me?

She's 4.5 and has only slept away from me one night, the night her brother was born. It didn't go well and the Hubby had to go help put her to bed. She spent the second night in the hospital with us. It was against hospital policy, but the nurses "didn't notice" that she was there.

Isn't it my job as a mom to help her learn?

My almost 2-year old goes to sleep by himself every night because I swore I wasn't going to have 2 kids that needed me to fall asleep. I made sure he learned how to do it on his own from pretty early on. And now he's so easy to put down for a nap and bedtime. But I don't get that special 15-30 minutes of sleepy cuddles.

Hmmmmm.

What is your kids' bedtime routine like? What would you do, or not do differently?

BabyLegs Legwarmers are Cool! - A Review and Giveaway!

***Giveaway Closed 8/31***

Being a cloth diapering mama, I learned about BabyLegs legwarmers from other cloth diapering mamas. They are the perfect compliment to cloth diapers. They are a great alternative to pants and offer both warmth and protection for your little ones legs. But BabyLegs leg warmers aren't just for babies, or legs, or warmth!

My 4-year old daughter, Cakes, loves to wear her BabyLegs on her arms and legs. She wears them for fashion and for function. Besides the fact they they look super cute, they also keep her legs (or arms) warm when she wears them to gymnastics. She gets so many compliments!

I also use them on Bubby's arms when he's wearing a short sleeve shirt for when it starts out cool in the morning and I know he won't need a long sleeve on by afternoon. Once it warms up I just pull his "sleeves" off. They are especially great for hanging out at home in just a diaper and t-shirt and make diaper changes and potty training much easier.
 

With  the hot weather of summer, you might think you don't need leg warmers, but BabyLegs has a special Cool Collection. They are made of lightweight mesh and provide UV protection of 50+. They will keep them looking cool while protecting them from the sun. These are the perfect summer accessory for your little ones!

I have discovered a great way to help my Cakes stay cool(er) during her horse riding lessons and protect her arms from the sun. I immerse her BabyLegs Cool in ice water, wring them out, and put them on her arms right before she gets on to ride! Her arms are immediately cooled and as she rides, the wind blowing on her wet arms help to keep her cool. Once they dry, I wet them again. Genius, I know! Here they are in action.

I like that BabyLegs serve so many functions and easily transition from baby to toddler to tween, providing many years of fashion and function. And that means that they don't quickly end up in a landfill. You really get your money’s worth from a one-time purchase!

Head over to BabyLegs and shop using coupon code ECOCHEAP for 20% off. It expires on 9-16-10. And you heard it here, they are running a sale on remaining BabyLegs Cool designs next week- they’ll be 50% off starting on the 25th! They also have the new fall designs available as well as a new Newborn size. Lot's of great happenings over at BabyLegs!

And now for the fun part! BabyLegs has offered to give away a grab bag of BabyLegs leg warmers to one lucky winner!

Enter to Win!

Mandatory Entries:
Visit BabyLegs and tell me which is your favorite pair of BabyLegs.

Extra Entries:

After completion of the mandatory entry you are eligible for any of these additional entries. Remember to leave a separate comment for each additional entry!

• Become a Facebook fan of BabyLegs
• Follow babylegs on Twitter
• Join the BabyLegs Forum
• Sign up for the BabyLegs Monthly Newsletter (main page bottom right hand corner)
• Follow my blog publicly through Google friend connect.
• Grab my button and post it on your sidebar.
• Subscribe to Eco-Cheap Mom via email.
• Subscribe to Eco-Cheap Mom in a reader.
• Vote for Eco-Cheap Mom on Top Mommy Blogs.(once per day)
• Blog about this giveaway. Be sure to link back to my site and leave the URL where you blogged in your comment. (2 entries)
• Post about this giveaway on Facebook.
• Follow @ecocheapmom on Twitter and tweet (up to 2x/day): Check out a great way to keep cool with @babylegs and win a grab bag from @ecocheapmom! http://bit.ly/dn1xxE #giveaway ends 8/31

Good Luck!

Open to US and Canada. Giveaway ends August 31st, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. EST. The winners will be drawn by the random number generator at Random.org and will be notified by email and announced on this blog. Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn.

*** I received BabyLegs to review and was not compensated in any other way. The statements above are my own honest opinion and I am proud to be a BabyLegs affiliate***

Sensational Haiku Wednesday - Comfort (My kids' obsession with mama hair)

Teddy bears, blankies,

a pacifier or thumb

Things that soothe babes

My kids aren't normal

What do they want for comfort?

They want mama hair!

Both of my children love to play with my hair. I thought that this mama hair business was a Cakes thing, but Bubby loves it too. They like to grab a handful and rub it on their face, hands, feet, or wherever it is the most convenient. My hair has magical qualities and can make any boo boo feel better, has the power to stop any crying, and is a essential for bedtime. All I have to do is give them mama hair and they are instantly soothed. Strange, I know. But it really is pretty sweet, I think! And convenient if they are with me, but they're screwed if I'm not around!

I still have a blankie that I sleep with every night. Bet you my husband is glad that my lovey wasn't my mother's hair!

Do you still have a lovey of some sort? What is your child's favorite comfort item?

Join in on the Sensational Haiku Wednesday fun! Head over to  You know...that Blog? and add your Haiku to the list! You know you want to!

Compost Wizard and Rain Barrel Hybrid - A Review and Giveaway sponsored by Hayneedle.com!

***Giveaway Closed 8/30***

Going green has been a very gradual process for myself and my family.We already do many things that are better for the environment (and good for our health and wallet). We are now recyclers and just recently started composting and collecting rain water to water my flowers and the few vegetables that I'm (trying) to grow in my flower beds.

I had actually been considering getting a rain barrel for a while, but being the cheap thrifty gal that I am, I just couldn't make the financial leap to actually buy one. And then the nice folks at Hayneedle asked me to review (and giveaway!) one of their products from The Backyard at Hayneedle.

Hayneedle.com is your one place to shop for everything related to your home, work, and play. You'll find true variety, a fun, easy shopping experience, and a whole team of people ready to help you. From our many stores and interesting collections of products, to on-time, careful shipping and a company who cares, Hayneedle is about choice.

With over 200 specialty stores, you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for. I particularly like the Eco Products section of The Backyard at Hayneedle, and the Green Living section of the Patio and Garden site. I had a hard time choosing an item to review because there were so many great eco products that I have been wanting to buy. Rain barrel, compost tumbler, clothesline, chicken coop...well, not really a chicken coop, but they do have them at ChickenCoopSource.com! I decided on the Good Ideas 52 Gallon Compost Wizard and Rain Barrel Hybrid. It can be found via Hayneedle at RainBarrelSource.com.

RainBarrelSource.com offers a large selection of, of course, rain barrels as well as all of the equipment needed for rain barrels. With over 200 products to choose from, you'll be sure to find a rain barrel to suit your needs. You definitely won't find a better selection anywhere!

The Good Ideas 52 Gallon Compost Wizard and Rain Barrel Hybrid was the perfect product for me. When trying to decide between a compost tumbler or a rain barrel I came across the hybrid which offered both products in one! Decision made. The order was placed and I received my hybrid within a few days. I couldn't believe how fast it got here.

I was so excited to use it that I had to get it all set it up as soon as it arrived. It was very easy to put together and required no tools. The hard part was getting it set up under the down spout, and that wasn't very difficult at all. I had to shorten the downspout (with a hacksaw) and level a spot for the tumbler/barrel. Notice I said I did it. I couldn't wait for the Hubs to get home and do it! Here's how it looks:

I did a good job, didn't I?! The only thing I would do different is put it on blocks to make it easier to hook a hose to the spigot and allow the water to flow out of it faster.

The top part is the compost tumbler and the bottom part is the rain barrel. The tumbler is easy to turn thanks to the recessed handles and works quickly producing compost in as little as 4 weeks. Additionally, the tumbler seeps compost juice into the rain barrel creating a nutritious "compost tea" for your plants. I thought composting was going to be a lot of trouble, but with the Good Ideas Compost Wizard and Rain Barrel Hybrid, it is super simple. Now I need another for the other corner of my house!

This is such a great product because it makes being green easy! If you are interested in greening up your life, you should give this a try. It's currently on sale for $248.98 (normally $299) with FREE shipping and 3% of your order goes to Habitat for Humanity!

Enter to win a Compost Wizard and Rain Barrel Hybrid in choice of color from Hayneedle!

Mandatory Entry:

Visit The Backyard at Hayneedle and tell me what eco products interest you.

Extra Entries:

After completion of the mandatory entry you are eligible for any of these additional entries. Remember to leave a separate comment for each additional entry!

• Like Hayneedle on Facebook
• Follow Hayneedle on Twitter.
• Follow my blog publicly through Google friend connect.
• Grab my button and post it on your sidebar.
• Subscribe to Eco-Cheap Mom via email.
• Subscribe to Eco-Cheap Mom in a reader.
• Vote for Eco-Cheap Mom on Top Mommy Blogs (once per day).
• Blog about this giveaway. Be sure to link back to my site and leave the URL where you blogged in your comment. (5 entries)
• Post a link to this giveaway on Facebook. Be sure to mention @Hayneedle and The Eco-Cheap Mom in the post.
• Follow @ecocheapmom on Twitter and tweet (up to 3x per day, at least an hour apart): #Win a Compost Wizard Rain Barrel Hybrid from @ecocheapmom and @Hayneedle http://bit.ly/cEb0W8 #eco #giveaway ends 8/30

Good Luck!

Open to US only. Giveaway ends August 30th, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. EST. The winner will be drawn by the random number generator at Random.org and will be notified by email and announced on this blog. Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn.

***I was given a Compost Tumbler and Rain Barrel Hybrid to review. I was not compensated in any other way and the statements above are my own honest opinion.***

Parenting FAIL!

The scariest thing happened to my son today. Thank God he is okay and we didn't have to take him to the ER, but I'm still very much freaked out about it! I wanted to share it with you so that it does not happen to your child.

We went shopping today and as we were leaving the store, and as I was putting the cart back, Bubby walked over to the doors. They were the automatic sliding doors similar to these:

I'm having a hard time typing this because I keep picturing it in my mind... it was horrible.

He walked over to the side of the glass that did not move, just a few feet away from me, waiting for me to take his hand. As he was standing waiting I approached and the door opened. This all happened so fast! My heart is racing just thinking about it.

Somehow his hand got caught behind the door. It continued to open and trap his entire arm between the glass and the door. I watched in horror not knowing what to do. How was I going to save my boy from losing his arm? How could I stop the door? How could I get his arm free? How was I going to stop the door from trying to close and drag my son back, or...rip his arm off?

He was screaming like I've never heard him scream. All I could do was grab him and hope I could get his arm free before the door tried to close. Hope I could get to him fast enough to free him. As I rushed to get to him, the Hubby grabbed the door and stopped it from opening any more. It was the worst five seconds, although it felt like an eternity.

I got Bubby's arm free and miraculously, all he had to show for it was a few scratches on his knuckles and some redness on his wrist. Somehow he was okay but I don't feel okay.

First of all, I feel like such a bad mom. How could I let my not yet 2-year old get anywhere close to those doors? Parenting FAIL!

Secondly, why isn't there some kind of safety feature on the doors? Some kind of flap or something that would keep anything (like my son's arm) from getting sucked in between the glass and the door. Or how about it automatically stopping if there's any kind of resistance.

All I know is he could have really gotten hurt. I keep replaying the incident in my head and all I can do is think of what could have happened. It could have been really bad. I could be in the ER with my son right now instead of blogging about this as he naps in his room. Thank you, God!