The Shopping Mama

Have you Checked Out SnapTotes for Mother’s Day?

by Kate on April 24th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Uncategorized

If you haven’t checked out SnapTotes, what are you waiting for? I blogged about ordering my SnapTotes last week and I was very excited when it arrived the other day. If I’m being honest, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. I knew it would be cute (I mean, it’s a bag with my kids on it – what’s not cute about that?) but there was no way of knowing how the photos would look, the quality of the bag or other details until I could get my hands on it.

More information about SnapTotes:

SnapTotes is an innovative company that helps you create your own personalized photo handbags. We are a custom manufacturer that allows you to select your favorite style of handbag, choose your options and add your favorite image(s) to it. Because we are the manufacturer, you receive your quality custom-crafted handbag in about three weeks!

So, back to my great bag. It arrived carefully packaged in bubble wrap and a protective SnapTotes bag. The protective bag definitely lends a luxury feel to the bag as it’s the kind of thing you find on super fancy designer handbags.

The bag itself looks awesome! It is so stinking cute. The pictures are printed beautifully and even though both images are quite large they do not appear pixel-y, which was a concern of mine. The images are clear and look great! The Beach Bag is, as I expected, a good size. It has one inside zip pocket and two open pockets.

The process of ordering a bag was quite easy and my bag arrived promptly. There are a variety of bag styles to pick from so you’re certain to find something for every mom on your shopping list.

Shop! Order a SnapTotes bag by April 30 and it will arrive in time for Mother’s Day gift-giving. Use the code TSM15 for 15% off your entire purchase!

TGIF: Sales, Coupons & Discounts (April 24)

by Kate on April 24th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Uncategorized

Some great deals this week! Check out the Bebe au Lait Mother’s Day special, the Macy’s Friends & Family coupon, and the exclusive SnapTotes and pacienvy discounts!

Bebe au Lait is celebrating Mother’s Day with a great sale! Order a Nursing Cover, a Bib or a Hooded Towel and receive TWO free burp cloths! Sale ends May 11.

Use this awesome Macy’s Friends and Family coupon for 25% off your purchase, and 10% off small electrics, personal care electrics, technology, furniture, mattresses and area rugs. Also good for free shipping on orders over $99 at Macys.com. Coupon is redeemable from Wednesday April 29 through Monday, May 4

Exclusive Discount Codes
* Snaptotes: Use code “TSM15″ for 15% off - order by April 30 for Mother’s Day
* pacienvy: Mention The Shopping Mama and get 1 clip for $7 or 2 for $13 (clips are normally $8.99)
* The Crazy Dazy: 10% discount code “SHOPPINGMAMA”
* Goore’s: Use code “TSMNM” for 10% off purchase of Natural Mat

Sales
* babyGap: 25% off Baby Sale Items through April 26
* Gymboree: Redeem Gymbucks now through April 26
* The Children’s Place: additional 40% off already reduced items
* Carter’s: Summertime sale clothes marked $5, $7 and $9

Babies Sleep “Green” with Natural Mat

by Kate on April 23rd, 2009 | 5 Comments | Uncategorized

I can’t tell you how long I spent debating crib bedding for Baby Girl’s room. But, in all the time I spent thinking about what the crib sheets looked like, I didn’t consider what she was actually sleeping on. That is, I didn’t consider that most crib mattresses are full of chemicals – think about it, they’re covered in that weird plastic covering. That’s where Natural Mat comes in. This line of entirely natural and organic crib mattresses ensures your baby is sleeping on the best.

At the Natural Mat Company we believe that every child deserves the best start in life and that means plenty of good sleep in a safe, comfortable and natural environment. In their first year babies will spend at least 2/3 of their time on their mattress, so concerned Mums and Dads want the most natural, most comfortable, most hypo-allergenic and safest sleeping environment for their new baby – a Natural Mat.

Benefits of Natural Mat:
* 100% Natural and Organic
* Breathable
* Better sleep
* Superior support
* Anti dust mite
* Naturally fire retardant
* Handmade
* Eco packaging

Natural Mat offers three different mattresses. The Coco Mat is the most breathable, the Latex Mat is the most allergy safe and supportive and the Mohair Mat is the most luxurious and firm mattress.

Now, I’m not gonna lie, Natural Mats are pricey. But, considering how much time your baby spends sleeping and that the Natural Mat can be used with multiple children you might find it a worthy investment.

If you can’t spring for the mattress, check out the Natural Mat waterproof matress protector. Made from soft flanette, the mattress protector is soft and breathable but still keeps your crib mattress dry.

Shop! You can buy the beautiful Natural Mat organic mattresses at Goore’s. Receive 10% off your purchase when you use the code “TSMNM.”

Guest Post: Shopping for Cloth Diapers

by Kate on April 23rd, 2009 | 5 Comments | Uncategorized

Heather, of Lil Green Baby Blog, is here to tell us about her experience using and shopping for cloth diapers. She is the single mama of a sweet little 8 month old girl. When she’s not shopping for miniature clothes and baby toys, she’s researching and blogging about keeping little ones safe. Check out her blog and leave a comment here with questions or comments about cloth diapers!

I used to hate running out of diapers. It just felt like another chore that I had to add to a long list. That is, until I started trying out cloth diapers. Now, shopping for diapers is – dare I say? – FUN. Believe it. Shopping for cloth diapers is kind of like hunting for the perfect pair of shoes. They have to look good, fit great, and stand up to wear. Unlike the ho-hum boring white exterior of disposables, cloth diapers come in every shade of the rainbow. You like pink? You can buy cloth diapers in every shade of pink imaginable.

There are a few different kinds of cloth diapers, and no – they are nothing like what you’re thinking! Prefolds are the old standby, just a flat piece of cloth that can be folded around your baby and fastened with a pin. This option is the most labor-intensive but also the cheapest. Fitted diapers are a modified version of the prefold. They resemble your basic disposable, but they are not leak-proof. Covers are usually made of plastic or wool and are used over prefolds or fitteds to provide a waterproof layer. Pocket Diapers combine an absorbent lining with a waterproof shell, and have a pocket for inserts to add absorbency. All-in-ones, as the name suggests, are everything rolled into one. Diapers can also be one-size fits all, but most are sized.

The very first cloth diaper I felt won me over. It was so soft, it felt like my favorite slippers. There are many different cloth diaper designs and they are all different. Some diapers are super-thick and some are as thin as disposables. Personally, I don’t like to put my daughter in the thicker diapers because they make her clothes fit funny.

There are a few different cloth diapers that I really love. BumGenius makes a bamboo fitted diaper that is incredibly soft & absorbent. I like to pair these with a Thirsties cover, available in every shade of the rainbow. BumGenius diapers are available at http://www.simplewonders.com/, run by an awesome mom named Sultana. Simple Wonders Diapers also carries a hard to find brand called Mommy’s Touch that is really great. You can buy Thirsties diaper covers at http://www.cottonbabies.com/.

Online stores that sell cloth diapers are usually extremely helpful for beginners, including how-to’s on everything from washing your diapers to any problems you may encounter. So you never know until you try – you might like them!

Thanks, Heather! So, do YOU use cloth diapers? What’s your favorite brand and how has the experience been for you?

Giveaways Galore

by Kate on April 23rd, 2009 | 5 Comments | Uncategorized

Welcome to the first (of many, I hope) Thursday Giveaways Galore at The Shopping Mama. It’s your one stop shop for finding great giveaways so stop by every Thursday to submit your link and browse other giveaways to enter.

While you’re here, check out a few of my giveaways.

Two “green” giveaways in honor of Earth Day:
* Finny’s Greens Eco-Savvy Onesie
* Under the Nile Doll from Green Baby Bliss

If you’re still looking for Mother’s Day gifts, check out these great giveaways:
* Sterling Silver Little Jewel Pendant
* Set of Handmade Stamps from Cupcake Tree
* M.A.H. Creations $20 Gift Certificate

I look forward to checking out your giveaways! Thanks for leaving them in this format: Blog Name – Prize (End Date).

My Breastfeeding Story: The Good, The Bad & The Not-so-Ugly

by Kate on April 22nd, 2009 | 5 Comments | Uncategorized

Sarah is hosting a Breastfeeding Bonanza giveaway party this week at The Ohana Mama blog. It’s a great theme to coincide with Earth Day, don’t you think? She’s asked for other moms to share their experiences with breastfeeding: the good, the bad, and the ugly. I prepared my little story for Sarah but I thought I’d share it here, too.

My mom is a postpartum nurse, calls formula “chemical soup” and nursed all three of her kids until we were, like, 2. So, you can imagine that it was expected I would breastfeed my kids. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to breastfeed. Hell, I’ve had giant boobs since I was a teenager and I wanted to put them to good use!

When my son was born it took a few days for us to get the hang of nursing, but once we did we were both hooked. I loved knowing that I was the source of his nourishment – the reason he was growing (albeit slowing) and thriving. I loved looking at his sweet little face and seeing him look back at me while he was nursing. When my daughter was born in December, I was thrilled when she latched on and started nursing the first time I held her. She has become our little chubster and I love that it’s something the two of us have accomplished together.

Don’t get me wrong, nursing hasn’t been without its challenges. My son has always been a little dude, falling well below average on the growth charts. My daughter and I have been fighting thrush for literally the last month. (Anyone have any tips to get rid of it once and for all?) And, the weirdest thing? I have a bum boob. Yes, I nurse on only one side. My son started refusing the right side when he was five months old and my daughter nixed it at only two months. It’s clearly a dud. But, it turns out you can successfully feed a child with only one working breast.

Even with the challenges and the occasional burden that comes with being the source of nourishment for my baby, I love breastfeeding. I nursed my son until he was 13 months old and now that we think we are done having kiddos, I cannot imagine ever choosing to wean my daughter. I think I’ll let her decide when we’re done and I hope it’s not for a while. I can only imagine the sadness (probably followed by a sense of freedom) I will feel after I nurse my child for the last time. Makes me sad just thinking about it!

So, that’s my story. What’s yours?

Green Baby Bliss Review + Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on April 22nd, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways

Inspired by the birth of her daughter two years ago, Stephanie Summers started Green Baby Bliss. She worked hard to find the best, safe and organize products for her daughter. The goal of Green Baby Bliss was to “create a site where parents and loved ones could find natural, safe and organic baby products all in one place.” Stephanie has thought of everything and Green Baby Bliss really is a one stop shop for green baby products.

More information about Stephanie’s mission:

Through the process of locating the best manufacturers I am delighted to find many wonderful small businesses and companies that had made it their goal to produce creative and high quality products. These are the products that are TRULY “best” for baby. All products and brands sold on Green Baby Bliss are specifically chosen for a reason and even tested on my own little one! We offer a variety of recycled wooden and organic cotton toys to cloth diapers, organic bedding and clothing, even safe baby skin care products. I am extremely excited to share these gifts with families across the United States.

The Green Baby Bliss website is easy to navigate with the ability to search for products by activity (“Scrub a Dub in the Tub” and “Time to Get Dressed,” for example) or by brand (such as Boon, Fuzzy Buns and Plan Toys). Pregnant or know someone expecting a baby? Green Baby Bliss offers a gift registry so you can ensure the baby has safe, earth friendly goods and gear. And I think it’s super cool that, Green Baby Bliss offers local delivery for those of you in an area of Southern Oregon.

Stephanie generously sent some Earth Mama Angel Baby bath products for my kiddos to use. Angel Baby is the only complete line of all natural and USDA certified organic herbal baby care products and all products are phthalate-free, toxin-free, cruelty free and vegan, with no artificial preservatives, dyes or fragrances. We received the Angel Baby Shampoo and Body Wash, Lotion and Diaper Rash Soap.

What I noticed immediately upon use was the smell of the Angel Baby products; a very subtle and sweet smell that reminds me of chamomile tea. It’s such a nice change of pace from typical baby smelling products that I often find overbearing. The Shampoo and Body Wash dispenses in a foam which I find to be super easy to use. I can squirt some on Baby Girl, put the bottle down and not worry about it running or being wastefully dripped all over the tub. It worked great as a shampoo and even left Toddler Boy’s crazy long curls conditioned and easy to comb. I love using the Lotion to massage Baby Girl after her bath. It is smooth, not at all greasy and very light. The best surprise of the bunch was the Diaper Rash Soap – who knew such a thing existed? “Angel Baby Diaper Rash Soap is like Bottom Balm in a bar! This diaper rash and first aid soap is tough on diaper rash but gentle and mild on tender little bottoms.” So cool!

Stephanie says, “Let’s make it our goal to raise happy, healthy, blissful, green babies together!”

Shop! Check out Green Baby Bliss for everything from cloth diapers to organic clothes to baby carriers. Purchases over $39.00 qualify for free ground shipping!

Win! To celebrate Earth Day, Green Baby Bliss is giving away one Under the Nile Harlequin Doll.
This colorful and adorable harlequin doll with embroidered face will become your baby’s best friend! Toy is stuffed with organic cotton so there is no fluff to inhale! Made with the finest 100% organic Egyptian cotton.

How to Enter: For the first mandatory entry, have a look around at Green Baby Bliss and leave a comment with your favorite product.

Bonus Entries:
* What do you do to raise happy, healthy, blissful green baby? Or, what is your green goal this year? (You can leave up to 3 comments with 3 different things.)
* Add The Shopping Mama to your blog roll.
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader.
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Blogger.
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter AND Tweet about this contest.

The fine print: Please leave a contact email address in your entry. If you prefer, you may email me your contact info. Winner will be selected using random.org and has 48 hours to claim the prize before another winner is selected. Contest ends 11:59 EST on May 8. Open to US and Canada residents.

Little Jewel: Big Love for Mama Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on April 21st, 2009 | 5 Comments | Uncategorized

Little Jewel offers fine mother and child jewelry including bracelets, earrings and pendants. Divided into a collection for mama and a collection for baby, all the jewelry is delicate and beautiful.

About Little Jewel:

Bestowing a mother and her newborn each with a gift of jewelry has always been a tradition in my family. This tradition has always been carried on to mark the joys of new life and the blessings of motherhood.

Our delicate and fine line of jewelry tries to capture the moments of joy and bliss that the birth of a child represents.

The collection for girls features beautiful 18k yellow gold bracelets and delicate 18k yellow gold earrings. I think an id bracelet would be an amazing gift for a girl’s first birthday or baptism. As the mom of a little girl, I know how much I would treasure such a gift and how I would encourage her to value and treasure it as well. I mean, does it get any sweeter than this ID bracelet engraved with a baby girl’s name?

But, today, Little Jewel is celebrating moms so let’s get to the gems we can wear! The Signature Collection offers a variety of adorable boy and girl pendants so you can find a little charm to represent your little one. I really like the silhouetted boy and girl.

To truly spoil yourself (or to drop appropriate hints to someone who should spoil you), check out the Couture Collection. My ultimate pick is the Round Yellow Gold Circle on Leather Cord with a Boy and Girl pendant. (::cough:: Honey, did you read that? ::cough::)

Shop! Browse and admire the Little Jewel collection of fine mother and child jewelry and order your favorite to arrive in time for Mother’s Day.

Win! Little Jewel wants to make sure you get a little something special this Mother’s Day. One very lucky reader of The Shopping Mama will receive the sterling silver Boy OR Girl pendant pictured here. How to Enter: For the first mandatory entry, visit Little Jewel and leave a comment here with a piece of jewelry you’d love to give or receive for Mother’s Day.

Bonus Entries:
* Tell me if you’d like the boy or girl pendant and who would get this great gift.
* Add The Shopping Mama to your blog roll.
* Blog about this giveaway and link to http://www.theshoppingmama.com/ and http://www.littlejewel.com/.
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader.
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Blogger.
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter AND Tweet about this contest.

**The fine print: Contest ends 11:59 PM EST on May 3. Because Little Jewel and The Shopping Mama want you to celebrate Mother’s Day with your new jewelry the winner will have only 24 hours to respond to my email. If prize is not claimed, it will be awarded via live giveaway on May 5.**Winner will be selected using random.org.