Mama Review: Graco Modes 3 Essentials LX Travel System

First off, let me just say that if I could go back in time I would definitely have gotten the Graco Modes 3 Essentials LX Travel System when Ryder was born. We purchased the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller off my registry when I was pregnant. The Baby Trend is a great stroller, but we had to wait until he was 6 months to use it which was brutal. I made due the first 6 months by babywearing Ryder everywhere we went.  Don't get me wrong, I love babywearing, especially at the store to keep grubby little stranger hands away from my precious cargo, but I will confess that I used to dream of casual strolls in the neighborhood without feeling like a pack mule. 

As I mentioned, my favorite part about the stroller is that you could use it from day one. It has 7 different ways for your little one to ride with the infant car seat attachment, bassinet seat, and all the way through to a toddler seat (which can face both forward and backward) making it the only stroller you would need. 

Full disclosure, my husband put it together, but he had no problem with it and I was there cheering him on the whole way! To my credit, I was able to switch the toddler seat from the forward facing position to facing me lickity-split with no husband-assistance needed. I really like this feature because the man cub can face the world or face Mama when we are out on our adventures. 

The included infant car seat is the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 30, and is very easy to latch and secure. The storage basket is plenty big to fit all of our stuff when we are out and about for the day. The tires are sturdy plastic and there is no worry of popping a tire like with rubber tires. Which has happened to me after running over an earring inside of a Claire's store. You don't know fun until you are trying to navigate through the mall with a blown stroller tire. 😐 

Not only is it loaded with great features, but it is also really cute! It reminds me of an old fashioned baby buggy. The only downside of this stroller is that it is still quite large when folded up for storage, but I feel all the other features make up for it.

I received this stroller as a gift from the weeSpring Parent Panel in return for my honest review. You can check out this stroller for yourself by clicking here.

Thanks for stopping by! I would love to hear your feedback, so feel free to leave a comment! <3

Mickey Mouse Deviled Eggs

This past weekend was my son's 1st birthday party, and we celebrated in Mickey Mouse style! (My husband and I are total Disney nerds!) I had been craving deviled eggs and remembered a pin I had seen around Halloween where black olives were used to create spiders on deviled eggs, so why not try to create Mickey Mouse with them for the party?! Well, it was super easy and a total success!

I personally like a classic deviled egg, so I included the old fashioned recipe, but feel free to use your favorite deviled egg recipe!

Mickey Mouse Deviled Eggs

12 eggs
1/2 cup of mayonnaise 
2 teaspoons of yellow mustard
2 teaspoons of white vinegar
1 can of whole black olives 
Salt and pepper to taste
Paprika for garnish

1. Hard boil and peel your eggs.

2. Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Carefully remove yolks and put in a medium sized mixing bowl. Place egg whites on plate or serving dish.

3. Mash the egg yolks using a fork.

4. Mix in mayo, yellow mustard, white vinegar, salt and pepper until smooth.

5. Using a small spoon, scoop egg yolk mixture into the egg whites. If you prefer, you can also put the egg yolk mixture in a ziplock bag, cut off a small chunk off one of the bottom corners of the bag, (think icing bag) and fill the egg whites by squeezing the mixture in that way.

6. Drain your black olives and start by slicing the olive short ways to create the "O" for Mickey's face. I used the small ends of the olive and also larger chunks to trim and make the Mickey ears. Carefully place the olive pieces in the center of the deviled egg mixture.

7.  I chose to do every other egg with the Mickey shape and garnished the plain eggs with paprika for those that may not like black olives, but you do whatever floats your boat!

Thanks for stopping by! I would love to hear your feedback, so feel free to leave a comment! <3