The winner of the Mini Chalkmat from Katherine’s Kloset is… #43!
gkstratos said…
I like the Patchwork Dress

Random.org Timestamp: 2009-02-25 19:24:06 UTC.

Check out chalk mats and crayon rolls, adorable dresses and lots more at Katherine’s Kloset!

I’ve been on the hunt for some great belts for Toddler Boy. I am pleased to say the search is over! Toddler Boy and I were lucky to get the opportunity to try some C.Belly Belts and they are now the go-to belt in our house.

The unique design of C.Belly Belts is the result of one mom’s frustration with droopy drawers. In fact, the creator’s daughters have been wearing these belts for over six years! Each belt is made of sturdy cotton, covered with cute grosgrain ribbon and fastens with velcro. The belt secures around the front two loops of a pair of pants, leaving a front button uncovered and a zipper easily accessible. The design makes diaper changes easy without the hassle of undoing a belt buckle. At the next stage in the game, it’s perfect for potty training because little ones can get a pair of pants down quickly and easily. And, even farther down the line, the belt is a great tool in promoting the independence of youngsters because it’s so easy to put on.

Toddler Boy is at that horrible in between stage where his 18-24 month pants are too short but anything bigger literally falls off his little behind. He wore the XS size which fits 12 months to 3T. (The belts are available up to a clothes size 14.) Below is a photo of Toddler Boy in jeans after walking around for a few minutes before the belt. On the right he’s showing off the Earth Stripe belt with the same jeans after a day of play. What a difference! (And, there is no diaper peeking out. Woo hoo!)

Toddler Boy really put the belts to the test. The first day he wore a C.Belly Belt we went straight to the park where he ran and climbed liked a wild man. The belt held his pants up and looked cute, too. On another afternoon, my little guy literally jumped on a trampoline during a playdate and his pants were still up where they belong around his waist. I know they must be comfortable because Toddler Boy was excited to put on a belt in the morning and he isn’t afraid to tell me when he doesn’t like something! (And,what you can’t see in the picture above is Toddler Boy holding his shirt up with a big ol’ grin because he’s so excited for me to take a picture of his belt.)

C.Belly Belts come in a wide variety of colors and cute designs. They are $13 individually and also available in value packs of 2 for $20. Quite the value when you consider that little ones will wear the belts for a longer period of time than they can wear most pants.

C. Belly Belts is generously offering TWO BELTS of your choice to one lucky reader.

HOW TO ENTER: Visit C.Belly Belts take a look around and then leave a comment telling me which belts you’d like to win.

Bonus Entries. Leave one comment for each of the following:
1. Blog about this contest and link to The Shopping Mama and C.Belly Belts.
2. Be a “Shopping Buddy” (aka follow on blogger).
3. Post my button on your blog.
4. Read and be a fan on Facebook.

The fine print: Please leave your email address in your comment so I can let you know if you’ve won. (If you don’t want to post your email here, post your name and send me an email.) You have 48 hours after the winner is announced on the blog to claim your prize before another winner is selected. Contest ends March 13 at noon EST. Winner will be selected using random.org.

(Random.org Timestamp: 2009-02-20 17:13:40 UTC)

Thanks for leaving your email address in the comment. I’ll be in touch.

The last week has been full of car travel for the little ones and me. We have literally driven over a thousand miles over the course of a few days. Anyone who’s traveled with a newborn and a toddler (and anyone with a vivid imagination) feels my pain. Sadly, in two weeks we’re back in the car for a return trip. Toddler Boy remains fairly content when he can watch movies on his little DVD player, but I hate having it on constantly so I’m trying to come up with other ways to keep him occupied. He likes to color and read, but it’s hard to do with no hard surface which brings me to my current search. I’m in the market for a good lap tray that will fit over his toddler car seat.

Do you remember these bean bag lap desks? I used to love mine as a kid. They are cute and available in lots of designs. One of these wouldn’t take up too much room in the car when not in use, and this version from Room It Up even has a cup holder. But, I think it might be better suited for a child older than Toddler Boy. Can you just see the meltdown when he knocks it off his legs and his crayons and cup go crashing out of reach to the floor?

Another option I found is a plastic lap desk. Most designs have large storage pockets on the sides for books and crayons. I like that they can be personalized but, I think the drawbacks of one of these are similar to the bean bag desk. It would make more sense for a fun little desk to have at home, but I don’t think it would be very helpful in the car.

While certainly not the cutest, the most practical tray I can find is the Snack and Play Travel Tray by Star Kids. It secures to the car seat so no worries about it being kicked to the floor. It has a lip to prevent crayons or books from falling to the floor. It fits well over a car seat and even has storage pockets on the sides, allowing Toddler Boy to get his own toys which would give him some independence in the car. The Travel Tray costs $20 and, if successful, is well worth the money. (A great blog is currently giving away a Snack and Play Travel Tray.)

Wish me luck on the return trip!