Kathryn, Author at Mommy Kat and Kids

Help Kids Build Creativity and STEM Skills with Laser Pegs Monster Rally Building Sets

August 17, 2018 by Kathryn 1 Comment

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. We were invited to write about Laser Pegs by ShopHer Media Influencer Network.

Even before I had three boys in the house, I loved building sets. Assembling pieces to form a toy is great for helping kids develop fine motor skills, critical thinking and creativity.

And once my boys were old enough to start trying the many building sets available, they loved them just as much as I did!

I always noticed how hard their minds worked as they assembled a set, and how imaginative they were with their new creation when the building was done.

[Read more…]

Take a Break from Your Day with Live Clean Foaming Hand Washes-Giveaway

August 14, 2018 by Kathryn 104 Comments

With an almost-one-year-old in the house and my older boys home from school for the summer, moments of relaxation are few and far between.

But taking a little time for myself makes me a happier and more effective parent! So, I often try to find ways to sneak in a moment of peace between the kids’ arguments and the baby’s demands.

And as odd as it may sound, lately I’ve found that my daily bliss can be found when I wash my hands! Wondering just how that can be? It all comes down to choosing the right hand soap!

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Enjoy a Bug-Free Yard with the NuTone Haven Backyard Mosquito Repellent System-Giveaway

August 13, 2018 by Kathryn 83 Comments

I love almost everything about summer. The warmth, the sunshine, the time spent relaxing outside….

But as much as I love summer, I don’t love the bugs that come with it! And living on six acres of open prairie means that there are a lot of them!

That’s why I was so excited when NuTone, a company that specializes in innovative residential products, sent me the NuTone Haven Backyard Mosquito Repellent System to review. This unique system helps eliminate mosquitoes from an outdoor area, no bug spray required!

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Creating the Perfect Moroccan Style Bedroom Oasis with Brightech Lamps

August 9, 2018 by Kathryn Leave a Comment

One of the best things about moving into our new custom-built house recently was being able to plan the décor for every room that we’d designed so carefully.

We gave our family room a fresh and exotic feel with grey furniture, hints of blue and large plants. Our kitchen was more old-world European with granite countertops and weathered wood cabinets.

And upstairs, we wanted a decadent Moroccan style bedroom with warm wood and rich patterns. We took some time choosing the right nightstands, since our king-sized bed took up so much of the room. Eventually we also stumbled on the ideal vibrant duvet cover. Both paired great with the dark wood sleigh bed and opulent chandelier. [Read more…]

Best Flowers to Plant in a Cutting Garden

August 7, 2018 by Kathryn 18 Comments

I love gardening, but until I moved onto our current property, I only ever planted practical plants like berries and vegetables. As much as I love the fresh produce, I decided that this year I wanted some long lasting cut flowers as well.

And since we often buy bouquets for the dining room table, I thought I’d save money and beautify our house and yard by planning a cutting garden! The term is given to a garden that’s planted mainly so the flowers can be cut and arranged into bouquets.

If you want to plant your own cutting garden, these are some of the best long lasting cut flowers for bouquets. Choose flowers in a variety of colours and decide if you’d prefer complimentary hues or a more varied mix of different shades for your garden.

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Top 5 Emergency Telephone Hotlines To Keep on File

August 6, 2018 by Kathryn Leave a Comment

We’re lucky to live in a society that has emergency hotlines to help those in sudden need. But it is very important to have those hotlines on file in case a crisis arises. It’s not always an easy step to pick up the phone and ask for help, but it can be necessary when you’re in a situation where you cannot help yourself or the person in need.

A hotline enables you to communicate with trained personnel who know how to handle your current situation, and offer you the assistance that you need. Several organizations offer immediate help. From sexual assault to substance abuse to domestic violence, you can get help 24 hours a day.

Of course, calling a hotline might not mean calling every time a problem arises. Some issues, especially those to do with mental health, will be far more effective if a person seeks further assistance from a medical practitioner after dealing with the immediate crisis. [Read more…]

The Best New Summer Products for Babies and Kids

August 3, 2018 by Kathryn Leave a Comment

Finding fun new products for my boys that will help make summer more enjoyable is a top priority for me once school ends.

That’s why I love to round up all the hottest new products I’ve tested and tried, in case other parents find them handy as well! These are the five products that are my current favourites for babies to big kids:

1) bblüv Nido Travel & Play Tent

This pop-up play tent is perfect for camping, visiting the beach and any other outdoor activities you might have planned. What I loved most about it was the size. Unlike many pop-up bassinets, the Nido is big enough that even my one-year-old can sit in it happily with a few of his toys. And the play tent packs up in a flash and fits into a convenient carrying case for the portability I want. Find it in toy and baby stores across North America; learn more at bbluvgroup.com. [Read more…]

Long-Lasting Protection from the Elements with Banana Boat Simply Protect Sport Spray Sunscreen

July 5, 2018 by Kathryn Leave a Comment

With all the hot weather we’ve had so far this spring and summer (and with more heat in the forecast, sunscreen is a top priority for me this year. Of course, I always make sure that I have a good children’s sunscreen for my three boys.

But I also need a sunscreen for myself and my husband. I’ve been interested in sport sunscreens because even though we’re not playing active sports, we have been working hard and getting sweaty building our deck, planting trees and spreading topsoil.

That means choosing a sweat-resistant, long-lasting sunscreen is a must. Luckily, brand-new Banana Boat Simply Protect Sport Spray Sunscreen is the perfect solution! [Read more…]