Step2 MailMaster Hudson Mailbox {Review}

In the same way that some people drive through a neighborhood and immediately notice the mature trees or the number of America flags blowing in the breeze, the aspect of the curb appeal that somehow always sticks out the most to me is the mailbox.

Take a look next time you drive down the block, what do the mailboxes look like? The majority are... adequate. Nothing special. Metal box with a red flag on a wooden post, right? But you'll always also see a handful of fancy mailboxes (which are usually a bit overdone and fru-fru for my taste) as well as a handful of... well, let's just say not-so-pretty ones.

The rust, the cracks, the covers bolted on that look like they were designed in 1972... is that really the first impression that you want to give people of your home?

Fortunately, it's a fairly quick and easy fix to turn your old, worn out mailbox into something crisp, stylish, functional and new, thanks to Step2.

Known as one of the nation's largest toddler toy manufacturers, the Step2 Company was founded on the philosophy of quality, value and service backed by a commitment to customer satisfaction.

With products distributed to retailers throughout the U.S., Canada and over 70 other countries, this is one name that is recognized and known worldwide for being top-of-the-line and fostering learning and development through creative play in children from birth to school-age years.

But did you know that their selection moves beyond only playthings for children? That's right, there are full collections of indoor and outdoor furniture, baby gear, safety items, lawn and garden products and more.

Considering that Step2 puts their same high quality workmanship and attention to detail into making these categories just as dependable, durable and convenient as their toys, I had no doubt that the arrival of the MailMaster Hudson Mailbox would be just the thing to fix up a family member's new home.

From the heavy-duty construction to the all-in-one post and mailbox design, the MailMaster Hudson Mailbox is an attractive and functional way to keep your mail and newspaper clean, dry and in place.

Happy to see that nearly everything we needed was included right in the box...

...my husband and I laid out the pieces and began following the easy step-by-step instructions.

After installing our 4" x 4" post securely into spot, the upper and lower halves of the MailMaster Hudson slid on and snapped right into place over it.

After securing the post with a few bolts and screwing the remaining pieces of the mailbox itself on tightly...

...I screwed the final handle into place on the door...

...and stepped back to compare just how much better the After looked, as compared to the Before.

Hello, curb appeal!

In around 15 minutes we had switched out the old, worn, rotting, slanted mailbox and the MailMaster Hudson had provided a durable, reliable, simple-yet-stylish way to keep incoming and outgoing mail housed perfectly.

Just check out how easy it was to put this whole thing together!


For a way to add contemporary styling (yet with a classic design) to your yard, the Step2 MailMaster Hudson Mailbox would be a great addition to any home's outdoor decor. Currently retailing for $89.99 directly from Step2 or on Amazon.com, this great product also comes in a white option with an attached planter for a cute way to add a floral touch.

For more information about all of Step2's incredibly fun and/or practical products, be sure to visit Step2.com and connect with them on Twitter and Facebook.

Other than the MailMaster Hudson Mailbox that I was provided by Step2 to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this product.

Step2 Headquarters, Factory Tour and Pampering {Was that all a dream?}

There is an ongoing joke in the blogging world that, once your kids pass out of the toddler years, you've got to have another baby. How else will you be able to keep up with reviewing the incredible gear and products that continue to come out on the market without one?

For my husband and I, there has never been any doubt that our family is complete with our girls. Everything from the size of our house to the independence that our girls display are aspects that confirm to us that we're perfectly content with the two kids that we have.

However, I'll admit that there have been plenty of times that I've been nostalgic for a baby around again. That sweet baby smell, their adorable little fingers and toes, that grin of recognition when you walk into the room.

Plus, there are the companies that I'll miss. While it hasn't been difficult to say goodbye to reviewing bottles or play yards, I'm going to forever have a soft spot in my heart for the quality, value and entertainment provided time and time again by Step2.

You know that feeling when you wake up after a very vivid dream and you want to tell someone about it? But there aren't really words that can sum up all of the colors, details and events that happened to serve it justice?

After spending 2012 as a Step2 Ambassador, I was surprised and thrilled when I was notified that I was one of the small number of bloggers that were being brought out to the Step2 Headquarters for a weekend of touring their facilities and being pampered at an Inn. Any chance that anyone would say no to that?

After a turbulence-filled plane ride and a 40-minute car ride, I arrived at the Inn Walden and was immediately blown away.

If you are ever in the Akron, Ohio area and are looking to stay at an incredibly gorgeous, very friendly, impeccably clean, luxury inn, I highly recommend the Inn Walden.

A girl could definitely get used to a massive, amenity-filled room, twice a day maid service, and someone turning down my bed and leaving me a cookie with a note about tomorrow's weather. Talk about feeling pampered!

But the luxury of the Inn Walden didn't stop there. We also enjoyed multiple meals and drinks in their accommodating restaurants...

...as well as yoga...

...and a massage (complete with steam shower and jacuzzi tub) in the Spa Walden. Did I mention that I could get used to this?

However, while all of the pampering was amazing, I also had a great time visiting the Step2 Headquarters and meeting so many of the wonderful employees that are behind this inspiring company.

How many office buildings have you been in that have lobbies and boardrooms that look like this?

We spent a few hours at Step2 and each department that we visited or employee that we spoke with (whether the CEO, heads of departments or folks in the factory) was just as warm and friendly as the next.

While I may have imagined that working at Step2 would be akin to being employed by Willy Wonka himself, it was clear that each department puts an extreme amount of time, care and diligence into what they do.

From the researchers that develop 100 new ideas each year (so that 40 of them can be brought to consumers) to the carvers, who turn 2-D images into 3-D, extremely detailed foam models...

That's right, foam models. You start to wonder if your eyes are deceiving you when you see a pink castle playhouse and assume it is "real," when, in fact, it isn't, down to the last tiny detail.

...to the Customer Service Department, who have each fully assembled every Step2 product themselves. If you've ever called in to a company asking about instructions or how to make a toy work, then you can imagine how great it is to call to Step2 and get to talk to someone who has personally been in the exact same situation as you.

We saw fantastic new products coming out by Infantino for the younger crowd, a pre-photo shoot for the new Step2 Glo Buddy Turtle Night Light...

...gave our opinions on children's toys to Marketing, and much more.

But lest our minds were blown in this portion of Step2, I'm pretty sure none of us were prepared to see and learn all about the Step2 Factory.

We were able to see the way that their plastic is delivered (in little pellets that resemble rice), how it is ground up into super soft, colorful sand, and how that is poured into molds, placed onto giant machines, and heated (while being spun around) to form the toys, furniture and products that we all know and love.

I'm telling you, in the same way that the kids were flabbergasted by Wonka's lickable wallpaper, we could only stare at the way that each factory worker worked in unison with the next to make the entire assembly line turn grains of plastic into boxed, ready-to-ship toys.

Throw in Step2's incredible dedication to safety, the way that they continue to test and retest their products to make sure that they are durable and long-lasting, and their mission to be the leading innovator of quality children's products, and there just isn't much more that you could ask for.

While it was hard to say goodbye to our wonderful Step2 hosts and my fellow blogger attendees (and the feeling of being treated like a queen at Inn Walden), I left Akron feeling a mixture of awe, inspiration and thankfulness.

Where would childhood be without Step2? And how much longer do I have before my kids completely outgrow our collection of their high quality, creative, laughter-producing toys?

More importantly, does anyone have a baby that I can borrow so that I can have a reason to continue to browse and buy more Step2?

Step2 covered all of the expenses associated with my trip to their Headquarters, however, I was not compensated or asked to write this post in any way. I just wanted to recap the amazing time that I had and how much I appreciate the opportunity to have come for a visit!

Step2 Fun Time Room Organizer {Review}

As a parent, you're told time and time again that you are your child's most important role model (a fact that, quite frankly, makes me feel immense pressure).

So while I hope that my children will be paying attention to the times that I display kindness, love and generosity, I also secretly hope that they will somehow overlook my faults. It could happen, right?

Of those that I long for them to ignore, my lazy disorganization is high on the list. When they look back at their childhood, are they going to remember all the times that I was stressed as I dug through piles of papers and stacks of clothes for one receipt or a particular t-shirt? Please tell me the answer is no.

Therefore, when I come across ways to make any part of our home more organized and less cluttered, I'm interested in giving them a chance. But, when I am introduced to a way that can actually show my children firsthand the benefits of having their belongings sorted, accessible and easy to find, then I know that we've found a winner.

And that's where the Step2 Fun Time Room Organizer comes in.

A colorful storage center designed just for kids, the Fun Time Room Organizer by Step2 (available in Pink or Tropical - blue, orange and yellow) makes it easy to teach your child to clean and organize in a fun way! Each of the 11 removable bins — nine smaller and two larger — can hold a variety of items in a multitude of sizes.

Even better, the shelf itself and each of the bins can be labeled to indicate their contents, so keeping the play food separate from the baby doll clothes has never been easier.

Knowing that this was the perfect addition to our house, when it arrived the hardest decision that had to be made was which room was in the most dire need for some organization. However, as I've long realized that Little Sister B's toy box provides storage but results in an extremely large jumbled mess inside of it, opting to replace it with the Fun Time Room Organizer seemed to be the perfect choice.

As I removed the pieces from the box, it was clear that Step2 had, as with all of their great products, designed it to be easy to assemble.

With only a few tools needed to have this constructed, it only took around 20 minutes before this Organizer was ready to be put to use.

It was immediately evident that the pink and green bins were big enough to hold a good number of toys, books, stuffed animals or more, without being too large that they would then be too heavy for kids to move if needed (the small bins measure approximately 6" x 8" and the large are around 10" x 13").

The lip on the front of each of the shelves is just right to keep the bins from sliding down, while the slanted angle in which they are positioned allows little hands to reach right in. Step2 even included a wall strap so that the entire shelf can be securely attached to the wall for safety.

After Little Sister B and I successfully separated and sorted through the mountain of mess and had her new Fun Time Room Organizer fully stocked...

...we simply applied the labels and grabbed a dry erase marker to identify the contents of each of the bins.

While she's still too young to know how to read, we decided to write out the words and pair them with a little drawing to help her get a visual clue as well. I love that not only will that help her get the items back in their correct place, but will be subtly encouraging word recognition at the same time.

Without a doubt, the Step2 Fun Time Room Organizer has been a great addition to Little Sister B's bedroom (it would have been perfect in Big Sister E's room or our play room as well)! The 27"L x 13"W x 35"H size is large enough to be convenient and great for kids, without being so big that it is overwhelming or would require a generous-sized room to house it.

Having two sizes of storage bins ensures that just about any toys, books, dolls and more fit right in and Little Sister B has had no problems accessing them. When she wants a particular one (or if one needs to be removed to be brought into another room or for cleaning), it can just be lifted right out.

Combine that with the overall encouragement of organization with the labels and the colorful, kid-friendly, functional quality of this storage unit and we're all pretty darn happy that it is around.


Two thumbs up by a very pleased 3-year-old... who is quite proud to have something so neat, tidy and organized to call her own!

The Step2 Fun Time Room Organizer is currently retailing for $49.98 from Sam's Club and for $85.15 on Amazon.com. For more information about all of Step2's incredibly fun and/or practical products, be sure to visit Step2.com and connect with them on Twitter and Facebook.

Other than the Fun Time Room Organizer - Pink that I was provided by Step2 to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this product.

Step2 Big Splash Water Park {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, kellyr78!}

With the weather ups and downs we've been experiencing lately, it has not only been difficult to keep track of what season we're in (one day it is sunny and 55° and the next there are 6" of snow?), but it has made our longing for the arrival of spring even stronger.

My visions include relaxing on a comfortable swing or lounge chair with a glass of lemonade while contentedly listening to the sounds of the breeze and the birds chirping. My children, on the other hand? Unfortunately, that's not exactly something that they choose to partake in for longer than a minute. Maybe two.

Instead, I look to offer them ways to stretch their creativity, keep them entertained, and provide hours of fun, all while getting to spend time outside enjoying the long-awaited sunshine. And when it comes to a company that is known for being a leading innovator of quality children's products that are designed to build imaginations and celebrate childhood, Step2 is always a top choice.

One of the nation's largest toddler toy manufacturers, the Step2 Company was founded on the philosophy of quality, value and service backed by a commitment to customer satisfaction. With products distributed to retailers throughout the U.S., Canada and over 70 other countries, this is one name that is recognized and known worldwide for being top-of-the-line and fostering learning and development through creative play in children from birth to school-age years.

Therefore, when the new Step2 Big Splash Water Park arrived, I had no doubt that it would be just the thing to keep Big Sister E and Little Sister B happy with their love of all things related to water.

Designed to provide endless fun, the Step2 Big Splash Water Park offers everything from a catapult to a spinning water wheel to a multilevel pool for characters to swim. Whether kids want pour water down the waterslide or flip swimmers through the air into the pool, this versatile toy has the ability to entertain with ease.

Recommended for ages 2-8, my 5-year-old and 3-year-old took one look at the box and the, "Can we play with this now?" began to repeat time and again.

Knowing that Step2 designs their products to include easy assembly, I laid out the pieces of the Water Park and was happy to see that there were no tools needed to have this constructed.

In fact, it took a total of six minutes before I had each part snapped into place and sat back to look at this colorful, durable, imaginative toy.

Measuring in at a diameter of around 31" and with so many different features throughout this Water Park, it was easy to see that there would be room for multiple children to play at once and express their own creativity.

While the weather outside was still slightly too cold to play with water, that wasn't going to stop us from enjoying plenty of playtime. Fortunately, as this toy only weighs 12.8 pounds, it wasn't difficult at all to lay out a towel and easily lift it right on top. No snow is going to keep us from our water park adventures!

As the included accessory kit provided two swimmers, a cup, a catapult, the tower (with slide and wheel), and green bucket on top, all we needed to do was add water and it was time to play.

With a table height of just under 17" (a total of around 31" with the waterslide tower and bucket), the raised design of this toy helps keep the water inside and kids' feet and clothes clean and dry. Both of the girls were thrilled to be able to move all the way around so that they had access to both of the pools, the slides, the catapult and the full water tower.

Little Sister B quickly discovered the fun of flipping up the white spouts on the water tower to stop it from draining, therefore making it possible to fill up the bucket and let the water all come streaming out at once. Every time it would spin the water wheel or gush down the waterslide, she giggled a little more!

As for Big Sister E, she began coming up with stories immediately about the swimmers (she was certain that they were brother and sister), how they liked to play, and just how much they enjoyed sitting in their "hot tub."

However, as much as they enjoyed all of those aspects of the Big Splash Water Park, the continual favorite has been none other than the catapult. By placing a swimming on the end and flipping them through the air, the girls have spent hours sending them flying over and over again.

I have to admit that they haven't been the only ones having fun with the catapult. I've found myself sending the swimmers flipping and spinning quite a few times as well, simply because it's just so much fun to see them go flying!

For cleanup outdoors, Step2 made it easy to drain the water out of this Water Park, as the drain plug is conveniently located in the lower pool to let all of the water run right out. At first I was concerned that it wouldn't have a tight enough seal and might drip (a strong concern when playing with a water table indoors), but we haven't had a single drop.

For more convenience when you are done playing, the accessories on this table aren't permanently attached. They can therefore be laid down right in the table for storage and to ensure they won't get lost. Although there is no lid to cover the top, the next time the hose is pulled out to add water, any stray dirt or leaves can be washed right out.

With a list price of $39.99, the Step2 Big Splash Water Park is currently on sale from Toys 'R Us for only $34.99 (it is also listed on Amazon for slightly more) and is an affordable way to bring a child's love of water to your home for years to come.

I have no doubt that it is going to be providing entertainment for us for quite a long time, as the open-ended possibilities change each time the kids begin to play. Currently we've even added educational value to the motor skills that this toy is teaching, as the two original swimmers have brought their "extended family" to the Water Park and we've been spending lots of time counting them and letting them take turns on the catapult.

As each one flies through the air, it is fun to see the girls take notice of the different weights and how the amount of force needed changes depending on each person!

Step2 designs and produces new toys each year that continue to receive recognition for their durability, creative play value, and great designs... and their Big Splash Water Park is no exception! With fun like this, I just can't see the kids ever growing tired of it and am so eager to see them enjoy it even more when the weather permits us to play with it outside!


For a colorful, lightweight toy that assembles quickly and easily, the Big Splash Water Park would be a cute addition to any yard or deck this summer and is sure to provide hours of amusement. Visit the Step2 website for more information as well as to see all of the great options that they have for outdoor play!

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be able to have endless imaginative water fun as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Big Splash Water Park from Step2!

To enter to win: Visit Step2 and leave a comment on this post telling me the name of another of their innovative and fun items that you would like to own.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Step2 on Twitter and/or Like them on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

I want to WIN a Step2 Big Splash Water Park and be prepared for summer fun! http://bit.ly/zWDfy1 @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

1 Extra Entry (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
2 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on March 26th at 11:59pm CST. By entering this sweepstakes, you are agreeing to these official rules. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited by law. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway is open to residents of the 48 contiguous U.S. states only and must be 18 years of age or older.

A big thank you to Step2 for providing a Big Splash Water Park for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Get Ready for Spring with Step2 {Sale and Coupon Code!}

Depending on where you live, it might be sunny and 80° outside your window... or you may have just gotten 8" of snow dropped in your yard.

That Mother Nature, she's sure bringing us on some crazy roller coaster rides this year.

But one thing for certain is the fact that spring is coming. No matter if you're already dressed in shorts or you're pulling out the shovel, before we know it there are going to be flowers blooming, grass growing and the joy of opening the door and letting the kids run out into the yard.

So this weekend is the perfect time to pick up some amazing bargains on great outdoor play items from Step2 so that you're prepared to wow and dazzle your kids when the time comes. Check out these deals!

Pay just $2.99 in shipping (up to a $27 savings) on:

Clubhouse Climber

Welcome Home Playhouse

Skyward Summit

In addition to the $2.99 shipping sale, the following items are 10% off with code S2ADVEXT:

Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center

Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center w/Glider

Extreme Coaster

Or, do your kids need a place to rest, eat or hang out? Then pick up the Fun-Fold Jr. Picnic Table, as it is 15% off with code S2FF15!


Step2 also offers flexible payment options now (including PayPal and BillMeLater) but regular shipping prices will resume at 12:00 AM ET on March 6, 2012... so don't miss out on this opportunity to have these great items delivered right to your door!

What is your child's dream toy from Step2?