Several months ago, we received and reviewed a couple of Thumbuddy books. Today, the folks at ThumbPeople are releasing a very sweet video to remind parents about the importance of unconditional love for our kids.
From ThumbPeople: The video reflects the cry of our children’s hearts – when our kids don’t feel our love, many of them will look for love in the wrong places. Our hope is that we will re-ignite a desire for parents, grandparents & caregivers to love their kids – unconditionally after watching this video.
I’ve been looking for a baby teether for months. Literally. Mostly because all this time I’ve been convinced Baby Girl was teething. Well, three months later and still no teeth. HA. Shows what I know about my daughter (who will clearly need dentures). But, now she really is teething (or at least that’s what I tell myself) and she’s been gnawing on a Maple Teething Ring from Down to Earth Toys.
About Down to Earth Toys Down to Earth Toys is a family owned business run by a work at home mom who says, “Down to Earth Toys is the perfect step for our family to take. It’s a way for us to make terrific toys and games, which run off of kid’s imaginations and are built with environmentally sustainable practices, available to many more families.”
The Maple Teething Ring is shaped perfectly for a baby’s chubby hand to hold. It’s not perfectly round and some areas are thicker so your little one can find a perfect spot to grasp and a comfortable spot to chew. The Teething Ring is unfinished Maple which is a hard non-splintering wood perfect for toys. The wood does appear somewhat dull, but you can apply a beeswax finish to safely coat the Teething Ring.
If your little one is teething, Down to Earth Toys also has a collection of Amber Teething Necklaces. Used in other parts of the world, amber is a natural analgesic (pain reliever) and anti-inflammatory. Obviously, this should be closely supervised by an adult, but it’s an interesting option for a cranky teething baby. I also love the Little Wren Teether. To Buy… The Maple Teething ring has been great for Baby Girl. It is a well-crafted and perfectly simple teether that she can easily hold and manipulate.
Or Not to Buy… My only improvement to the Maple Teether would be a shinier or colored finish.
Win! A Maple Teething Ring from Down to Earth Toys.
How to Enter: Take a look around Down to Earth Toys and leave a comment with a toy that catches your eye.
Bonus Entries: * Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet this: Teething baby? Win a beautiful made in the USA Maple Teething Ring @TheShoppingMama www.theshoppingmama.com * Be a Shopping Buddy: a.k.a. Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect * Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in Email or in a Reader * Put The Shopping Mama button to your blog * Add The Shopping Mama to your text blog roll
The fine print: Open to US residents only. Please leave a valid email in the comments so that I can contact you if you win. If you prefer, you may email me directly with your contact information. Giveaway ends September 9.
Thank you to Down to Earth Toys for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review. The opinions expressed in this review are mine and others may have a different experience.
This is the second installment of my review of the Bumbleride Indie Twin stroller. (Click to read {Part 1: Introduction} of the Bumbleride Indie Twin review.) The focus of the written review is the Indie Twin accessories, but the video is an overview of many of the stroller’s features.
Standard Accessories included with the Indie Twin: * Rain Cover * Air Pump * Single Cup Holder * Headrest and Shoulder Pads * Infant Seat Adapter Bar and Safety Belt
Luckily, we haven’t had to use the Rain Cover or the Air Pump yet, but I love that they are included. After all, these are not the kinds of things you want to hunt down or seek out – when you need them, you need them right away. The Rain Cover comes folded in a zippered pouch and doesn’t take much room. You can easily leave it in the basket of the stroller so you’re prepared if it rains. Likewise, the Air Pump is small and will easily connect to your tires if they need some extra air. I’d love if the under the seat stroller basket included a velcro attachment or some way to carry the Air Pump so that it is always securely with the stroller.
The Single Cup Holder is a great feature. Neither of my single strollers have a cup holder so, for me, this is a total luxury. It does add width to a side by side stroller, which can be problematic, but it is super simple to put on and remove if need be. I also like that you can put it on either side of the stroller.
I really like the Headrest and Shoulder Strap pads. They are super easy to put on the stroller and add comfort without being too bulky.
The most valuable standard accessory is the Infant Car Seat Adapter Bar and Safety Belt. The Adapter Bar clicks in quickly to two slots on either side of the seat The safety belt simply attaches to the safety harness of the Indie Twin in the seat and straps around the car seat. It really couldn’t be easier. Baby Girl uses a Graco Snugride and it fit on the Adapter Bar with no trouble. It snaps securely and it’s recommended you adjust the foot rest and stroller seat to cradle the car seat for added support. In addition, the Safety Belt adds another layer of security.
The Infant Seat Adapter Bar can be used on either seat in the stroller, but the Indie Twin can only accommodate one infant seat at a time. I was worried that the infant car seat would encroach on the other seat but it really doesn’t. The Infant Adapter seat is compatible with the following car seats: Graco Snugride, Graco Snugride 32, Graco Safeseat, Chicco Keyfit, Chicco Keyfit 30 and Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP.
There are also some super cool Optional Accessories. If you like in a cold climate, the Footmuff & Liner are perfect! I love that they perfectly match the stroller so you can continue the streamlined, modern look of the Indie Twin while keeping little ones super cozy and warm. I also adore the idea of the Carrycot for an infant.
This short video includes an overview of the stroller and some of my favorite features as well as more photos of the accessories.
To Buy… I LOVE that the Indie Twin can accommodate an infant car seat and that the Adapter Bar is a standard accessory. I also think the Air Pump is a must with inflated tires. The optional accessories are great additions to the Indie Twin and it’s great that they add function while allowing you to maintain the style of the stroller.
Or Not to Buy… I wish the stroller basket included a way to hold the tire Air Pump. And, I’m sure mamas to twins would like it if the Indie Twin could carry two infant seats at one time.
Thank you to Bumbleride for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review. The opinions expressed in this review are mine and others may have a different experience.
Today’s Sunday Spotlight and giveaway is why I love my blog. Seriously. I featured Diaper Bag Wrangler a month ago in a Ten Dollar Tuesday post. I emailed the link to KC of Diaper Bag Wrangler to let her know I wrote about her shop. We’ve exchanged a few emails and in the process I’ve learned more about her. She’s an amazing, inspiring, talented woman and I’m so excited for you to learn more about her, too. The Diaper Bag Wrangler is now back for a Sunday Spotlight and a giveaway!
KC is the mama to a 3 year old daughter and an “incredibly fat pug Caeser.” Last year, KC’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 30 years old. She says, “It was totally surreal, and everything was happening incredibly fast, so I started blogging candidly about my experiences and treatment. On August 18th 2009, I became a one year survivor.”
TSM: What’s a random fun fact about you? I got married at the Tropicana in Las Vegas and my wedding pictures are in front of slot machines. We were young, it was fun…and yes, it was planned in advance.
TSM: When did you start making and selling your goods? Is this your full time work or do you have a “day job”? I’m a stay-at-home Mom, and I started making Diaper Bag Wrangler products shortly after Lilly was born. I just wanted to keep all my diaper stuff together! There were some similar items available, but not exactly what I was looking for. I started out making things for myself and some friends who were having babies and it just grew!
TSM: What is your favorite item to make or sell? My favorite item is definitely the Link Loop Diaper Bag. I just love the practicality and versatility of them. Plus, it was the item that started my business.
TSM: What is your inspiration? I like things simple. When I see something complicated, I wonder, “how can I make that easier?” I love being inspired by my family and friends to create things. My background is in Design so I am always thinking/planning/creating.
TSM: Do you have any plans for new, additional products or business expansion? I’ve recently expanded my line to include additional aprons – there was a lot of demand from my customers for matching “Mommy & Me” apron sets! It’s even grown from there to coordinating doll and maternity aprons.
We’ve also introduced headbands and caps for women undergoing chemotherapy. The headbands tie in the back so they are great to wear with wigs, but I have found that just about everyone loves them as well. The chemo caps are stylish, contemporary and comfortable. 10% from every cap and headband sold is donated to a cancer charity.
TSM: If money were no object what is one thing you would buy right now? I would have to say a new studio for my business! Right now I have a great studio in my home but my dream is to have my own storefront studio where I could work, teach sewing workshops, and have a boutique set up.
TSM: What are some of your favorite stores or Etsy shops online? On Etsy: Little Lesiw (I am seriously obsessed), Frank and Me, Ahpeele, JewlLi. Other Stores: Anywhere I can buy fabric…I have a major fabric addiction.
Shop! Head over to www.diaperbagwrangler.com and enter the code SHOP20 in the discount coupon box at checking for or 20% off your entire order. Discount code expires October 31, 2009. Diaper Bag Wrangler always offers free shipping on all orders over $40!
The Diaper Bag Wrangler was “born” in 2006 when a new mom decided to design a small diaper and wipes case that she could easily take on the go. As the design evolved, the result was the awesome Link Loop Diaper Bag, the first product in the Diaper Bag Wrangler collection. The Diaper Bag Wrangler has expanded to offer a variety of totally affordable, practical and very cute products. The affordability of all the products is what makes this giveaway so amazing – you can get A LOT with a $75 gift certificate!
The Nursing Cover and Pouch is only $25. And, this isn’t your average nursing cover – each cover comes with a matching drawstring pouch for storage. Brilliant! I’m also loving the oversized Zippered Wet Bag for $15.
Learn More! Read the Sunday Spotlight on Diaper Bag Wrangler to get to know KC, the mama behind the designs.
Shop! Enter in the discount code SHOP20 at check out for 20% off your entire purchase at www.diaperbagwrangler.com. Valid through October 31.
Win! A $75 Gift Certificate to The Diaper Bag Wrangler!
How to Enter: Visit The Diaper Bag Wrangler and tell me at least one thing you’d buy with your gift certificate.
Bonus Entries: * Read the Sunday Spotlight on Diaper Bag Wrangler and leave a relevant comment on that post then come back here to let me know you did. * Follow Diaper Bag Wrangler on Twitter. * Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet this: Just entered to win a $75 gift certificate to The Diaper Bag Wrangler @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/eS45v * For TEN bonus entries, blog about this giveaway including a link to www.theshoppingmama.com and www.diaperbagwrangler.com * Be a Shopping Buddy: a.k.a. Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect * Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in Email or in a Reader * Put The Shopping Mama button to your blog * Add The Shopping Mama to your text blog roll
The fine print: Open to US residents only. Please leave a valid email in the comments so that I can contact you if you win. If you prefer, you may email me directly with your contact information. Giveaway ends September 9.
Back to school shopping is in full swing and I have loads of great sales and coupons to tell share with you.
ShopatHome.com ShopAtHome.com offers coupons and cash back on purchases from top companies and brands. This weekend’s special one-day only cash back opportunities feature travel sites – ideal if you’re already planning that first school break! * Today: Hotwire.com – 6% cash back * Saturday, August 22: Travelocity – 6% cash back * Sunday, August 23: Hotels.com – 12% cash back You can find a complete list of the daily deals with extra cash back here.
Sales * See Kai Run: Free Shipping with no minimum purchase until August 28.
Coupons * Bebe au Lait: Hooter Hiders is turning 5. To celebrate, when you buy one Hooter Hider, you can get a second for only $5. Put two in your shopping cart and use the code HHFOR5 and you receive $30 off your order. Expires August 31.
Discount Codes * Gymboree: 30% off everything with code GYMCLUB. Ends August 23. PLUS, Earn $25 Gymbucks for every $50 you spend. * Crazy8: 25% off everything plus free shipping with code C8EMAIL. Ends August 23. (You may need to sign up for Crazy8 emails for this to be valid.) Plus, Earn $20 Crazy Cash for every $40 you spend. * Gap Fall Preview Event: 20% off with code FALL. Ends August 23. * The Children’s Place: Use code X49A79F489 for 15% off. Expires September 7.
Exclusive Discounts * Bumkins Discount: Use the Back 2 School coupon code b2school09 for FREE UPS Ground Shipping on orders over $35.00. Expires September 1. * Piggy Paint Discount: The code COOL15L will get you 15% off your purchase until August 31. Plus, get free shipping on orders over $25. * Kolobags Discount: Special back-to-school savings of $5 off a purchase of $40 or more. Just use code: b2s09kolo at checkout thru August 19th. * Slimpressions Discount: Get 25% off your purchase with code TheShoppingMama2009! Expires August 30. * Ju Ju Beane Boutique Discount: Use SHOP15 for 15% off your entire purchase at Ju Ju Beane Boutique! Expires August 31.
I’m sure you have a long shopping list for back to school items – you’ll undoubtedly need everything from school supplies to clothing to gadgets and who would’ve thunk it gear – but there are lots of great ways to save money, too. In the next few weeks, in particular, look for everything you need from Discount School Supply coupons (for, well, school supplies) to Land of Nod coupons (LOVE this store and they back to school suggestions arranged by age).
I normally announce winners in The Shopping Mama Giveaway Winners post that can be found to the right under the “Current Giveaways” banner, but this was a biggie so I wanted to blog about the 4 winners of the Ju Ju Beane Boutique gift certificates. As usual, winners will be emailed and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected using random.org.
Out of 847 entries, the winner of the grand prize $100 e gift certificate is Pink Nothings. The 3 winners of $25 gift certificates are: VickeC, Jake, Mel & Mazee and Dana! Congratulations!
But, everyone who reads The Shopping Mama is a winner because you can save 15% off your entire purchase with the code SHOP15 until August 31. Check out the adorable baby boutique Ju Ju Beane Boutique.
There are a lot of things I like, no LOVE, about Toddler Boy going back to school in a week and a half. But, there are a couple things that I do not so much enjoy about the return to school. As you know, I have a fear of and inability to pack a school lunch for Toddler Boy, but the other thing I do not look forward to about the start of the school season is the inevitable “bug” that will makes it way around the school (several times) throughout the fall and winter. I swear 48 hours after the first time he went to “school” his nose started running and he had a fever.
Kleenex® Anti-Viral Tissues is looking out for us mamas and has developed a tissue that actually kills the virus in the tissues so you can avoid those dreaded “sick days.”
About Kleenex® Anti-Viral Tissues
* The middle layer of Kleenex® Anti-Viral Tissues contains active ingredients that kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses * A blue-dotted, moisture-activated layer indicates it’s a Kleenex® Anti-Viral Tissue * Tissues are fragrance free * They are extremely soft and gentle enough even for small children
To spread the word about the Anti-Viral Tissues, Kleenex® has a series of webisodes about ways to Battle the Bug. They are funny in an “ew that bug-germ thing is gross” kind of way.
Kleenex also has a cool website with information for parents, teachers and school nurses – www.BattletheBug.com. There’s an interactive Cold and Flu tracker map and there are even games for kids. I really like the activities and resources for parents to download to help teach kids how to fight germs and Battle the Bug.
Win! Kleenex® is offering one lucky reader Kleenex® Anti-Viral Tissues and a $50 Visa Gift Card to help with your back to school shopping list!
How to Enter: Leave a comment and let me know how you plan on Battling the Bug this season.
Bonus Entries: * Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway: Just entered to win Kleenex Anti-Viral Tissues and $50 for back to school shopping @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/eH4bX * Be a Shopping Buddy: a.k.a. Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect * Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in Email * Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in a Reader * Add The Shopping Mama to your blog roll
The fine print: Open to US mailing addresses only. Contest ends September 4 at 11:59 PM. Please leave your email so that I may contact you if you win.
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