Thanks for stopping by to link up and browse some great giveaways. While you’re here, check out the Fitness Package giveaway from Trop 50 by Tropicana that is worth $100 – it ends tonight! And, of course, there are still lots of amazing Get Cool for School Prize Packages up for grabs.
I’d appreciate if you spread the word about this linky – send a tweet, tell a friend – the more the merrier. Thanks again, hope to see you next Thursday and have a great day!
You want to know my biggest fear about my little man going “back to school”? It’s not that I’ll miss him terribly and cry like a baby or, worse, that he’ll miss me terribly and hate it. No, my biggest fear is what to pack in Toddler Boy’s lunch.
Our preschool program is from 9 to 1 twice a week. I love that it’s a good chunk of time, but hate that he eats lunch there because it means I have to pack a lunch. And, apparently I suck at that. I have proof. The teachers tried to be subtle and drop hints (“He doesn’t eat much at lunch.” “He didn’t seem hungry today.”) but I ignored them chalking it up to the fact that he wasn’t and has never been a good eater.
Finally, eventually, they had to get brutally honest. Toddler Boy’s teachers said, “We think you should try to pack him something else next week. He barely eats his lunch and usually asks to eat the other children’s food.” Wha? Parenting FAIL! I was crushed, embarrassed and sad for my hungry child with the bad mama.
So, you can understand my hesitation and nervousness about having to pack creative, delicious, nutritious lunches twice a week for my little man that he will devour (and show those darn teachers that I am a competent mom).
Here’s your challenge should you chose to accept it: I need ideas for things to pack in his lunch that do not require a fridge and that a picky toddler will eat.
I need to admit something: I am a sucker for skin care and beauty products. I get sucked in, love the packaging and the promises of a “new you.” I purchase something, use it for a few days and then inevitably it falls out of my regimen and I forget about it. But, one thing I won’t skip out on or forget about is face lotion. And, because I know the harmful effects of the sun, I always use daily lotion that includes at least an SPF 15. Given my love of skin care products and my need for lotion, I was happy to try Skin MD Natural + SPF 15.
About Skin MD Natural + SPF 15
Skin MD Natural + SPF15 is a lotion that combines best features of shielding and sunscreen lotions. It provides complete protection to the skin from both environmental irritants and harmful UV radiation, keeping it hydrated and healthy.
Skin MD Natural products are not average moisturizing lotions, but rather they are shielding lotions designed to protect skin from the soap, everyday chemicals and irritants.
F
rom the Skin MD Website
Skin needs help to keep out these moisture-robbing irritants. A fundamental difference between Shielding Lotions and traditional lotions is that a Shielding Lotion enhances the skin’s own natural protective abilities by turning the outer layer of skin into what could be described as a hydrating invisible shield. This makes Shielding Lotions many times more effective than mere “protective lotions and moisturizing creams”.
If you haven’t already guessed, I’ve been around a block or two when it comes to face lotion. I’ve used expensive department store brands, cheapo generics and everything in between and I really like using Skin MD Natural + SPF 15. I like that it is safe for my face, but is appropriate for body and hands as well. (Why carry around multiple products when one can do the trick?)
Skin MD Natural is not super thick like many lotions (especially those with sun protection). Indeed, it goes on quickly smoothly and absorbs quickly into the skin. One big problem I’ve had in the past with lotion is that about 5 minutes after applying it my skin feels dry again. This was NOT the case with Skin MD Natural. My skin felt great all day long.
Skin MD Natural is thoroughly dermatology tested (there are loads of doctor reviews on the website), but not tested on animals. It’s also hypoallergenic and fragrant and colorant free, so I feel comfortable putting it on Toddler Boy.
To Buy… A big plus for me is the sun protection. My skin feels moisturized and I know its well protected and “shielded” when I’m wearing this lotion.
Or Not to Buy… The $25 price tag is a bit steep compared to some drug store brands, but is not an average moisturizing lotion. The smell reminded me a bit of sunscreen, but is in no way overwhelming.
Shop! Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 is $25 for a 4 ounce bottle. The Skin MD website has a store locator to find a retailer, or you can purchase online.
Win! TWO lucky readers of The Shopping Mama will receive a 4 ounce bottle of Skin MD Natural + SPF 15.
Bonus Entries:
* Check out the Skin MD Natural website and tell me something you learned.
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway: Just entered to win Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 Shielding Lotion @TheShoppingMamahttp://bit.ly/XEh1E
* 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. Thank you to Skin MD Natural 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.
(Did you notice he had so much fun he nearly lost his trunks?)
I’m pretty sure all your back to school needs are covered in the Get Cool for School giveaways, but I did come across some total cuteness to share. While some (my husband) might argue these bookplate stickers aren’t necessary, I beg to differ. They are just too affordable and fun not to grab a set or two.
How absolutely perfect are these Sticker Doodles Back to School Personalized Stickers? The chalkboard and apple design can be totally personalized, too. You can pick between a sheet of 20 2 inch round or 12 2.5 inch round stickers for $6.50. I like that they aren’t overly cutesy and are appropriate for older kids and even teachers.
Modern Classics: Kids has some seriously seriously beautiful book plates. The set of 12 is $6.00. My favorites are the Nursery Rhyme Bookplates (featuring 6 images from classic nursery rhymes) and Happy Little Bookplates (4 designs with whimsical animals).
And, of course, my beloved Stephen Joseph Gifts also has some fabulous book stickers that are only $1.99 for a set of 8. All the stickers feature bright graphic art and a clever saying to identify the book. We have the airplane stickers and they say, “If I take off without my book…” Love it!
I am thrilled – thrilled! – to have the opportunity to review the Bumbleride Indie Twin Stroller. When it comes to products for kids and babies, a stroller is right up there at the top of the list in terms of use and cost. Most mamas (and dadas, too) put a lot of time and research into picking the right stroller so my goal for the Indie Twin review is to provide as much information as possible about our experience with the stroller. As such, this post is the first in a series of four to help you get to know the Bumbleride Indie Twin stroller!
About Bumbleride – Inspiration
At Bumbleride, we understand the everyday challenges facing the modern family. From navigating tight urban spaces to conquering rugged beach terrain, all of our products are inspired by your active lifestyle. We strive to provide a safe and stylish for both you and your little one.
Here are some important specifications to help you get to know the Indie Twin:
* Standing Dimensions: 36 inches long, 29.5 inches wide and 34.5 inches tall
* Stroller weighs 34 pounds
* Weight capacity of 90 pounds
* Suitable for infancy and up
* Quick release five point safety harnesses
* Dual 360° swiveling front wheel with inline locking option
* Carrying handle for easy transport when folded
* 12″ air inflated tires
* Multi-adjustable backrest with flat position
* Adjustable handle height
Fast and Simple Assembly
I am happy to report I put the stroller together by myself in a relatively short amount of time. It comes with the chassis in one piece so you only have to attach the rear axle, the four wheels and the canopies. The instructions in the Owner’s Manual were a little hard to follow and could have been more detailed with better photos, but I did figure it out.
Side by Side
The Indie Twin is a side by side double stroller that truly mixes form with function. One of my concerns with a side by side stroller was the width and, specifically, whether I’d be able to get through doorways. The answer is yes, at 29 inches wide, the Indie Twin certainly fits through door frames. It’s still a bit of a struggle holding open the door and pushing the stroller through all by myself, but I have trouble even with my single stroller.
Folds and Unfolds Easily
The Indie Twin folds and unfolds easily once you get the hang of it. In the slideshow you’ll see a photo of the stroller in the back of my car so you can get an idea of its folded size. I think I’m still getting used to the fact that it’s a double stroller because it seems big. But, in reality, when compared to other doubles it is a really great size. Here’s a chart I made comparing the folded dimensions of the Indie Twin compared to other strollers.
Check out this short video slideshow to see photos of the stroller in action and learn more about the features of the Indie Twin.
To Buy… My favorite features of the Bumbleride Indie Twin (so far):
* Super stylish – I love how it looks and we get compliments all the time.
* Folds easily – Slight learning curve, but now that I’m used to it, it’s super quick and easy.
* Large storage basket – it’s easy to access and can hold quite a bit. I also like the small zip pockets on the back of the canopies.
Or Not to Buy… A couple areas of improvement. The pads between the legs on the harness are not attached to the stroller itself and fall off quite easily. The padding is one of those extra features that put the Bumbleride in the luxury stroller category, but I’m afraid I’m going to lose them because they fall off so frequently. And, like I mentioned, the Owner’s Manual assembly instructions could be more clear.
Connect! Become a fan of Bumbleride on Facebook,
Shop! Available in 5 bright colors, you can buy the Bumbleride Indie Twin for $660.
Next Time… Read next week to learn more about the accessories that come standard with the Indie Twin, including the infant car seat adapter, and for video of the stroller in action.
I’m so glad I’m writing four posts about this stroller! There is so much more to say, but I’d love to hear from you. What do YOU look for in a double stroller? Do you have any questions I can answer about or tests for the Indie Twin?
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.
I’m so excited to introduce you to Kara – the owner and designer behind The Thrifty Trendsetter. She is the mom to a 2.5 year old son who keeps her hands full. I can totally relate when she says that he is “testing his boundaries constantly.” Seriously, what 2.5 year old boy isn’t?
If that weren’t enough to keep her busy, Kara has a full time job outside the home and crafts and creates for The Thrifty Trendsetter. She’s recently relaunched her online shop and it is gorgeous. To celebrate the relaunch and spread the word about her shop, Kara is offering an awesome giveaway to one reader of The Shopping Mama! But, before we get to that, let’s learn more about Kara and The Thrifty Trendsetter.
TSM: What’s the focus of your store?
I love creating different items for the home, and love to make custom items for people. One thing that a lot of people don’t realize is that I would be happy to make a custom item in any color/size! They can just send me an email, and I would love to work with them. In fact, I am actually working on a custom order for a new shop in a college town here in Oklahoma! I am making customized MAG Boards, Board Bling, and Picture Frames for all eleven different sororities at the University!
That’s a fun project – what a great idea!
TSM: What is your favorite item to make or sell?
I LOVE to make the MAG Boards and Board Bling! I think it is so fun to turn a piece of metal into a beautiful and useful piece of art! The Board Bling is probably the most fun item to make, because I can get totally creative and turn all different items into really cute magnets!
TSM: What is your inspiration?
I would have to say that my inspiration would be everyday objects. I know this sounds strange, but I love to just look at regular, everyday items, and imagine what I could turn them into! When I’m in a thrift store, my mind is going wild with ideas of what amazing items I could create out of these everyday treasures!
TSM: Do you have any plans for new, additional products or business expansion?
Of course! 
I am always designing new products! You never know what you are going to find when you look on my website! Some new products that I plan on adding soon are boxed sets of notecards, wall plaques, children’s décor, and anything else I come up with! I am so excited about an item that I actually created last night! I made the cutest recipe box that looks like a little house! It would be so cute on the kitchen counter! I will also be adding these soon! You’re going to love them!
Yay! I look forward to seeing them.
When it comes to expanding my business, I am hoping to turn The Thrifty Trendsetter into a full time job over the next couple of years! I would love to be able to quit my day job and do this full time! Crafting is my love, along with my family, and it would be a dream come true to get to spend more time with my family and create items every day!
Good luck – here’s hoping you can go full time with The Thrifty Trendsetter. I can only imagine how nice it would be to earn a living doing what you LOVE.
TSM: If money were no object what is one thing you would buy right now?
If money were not an object, I would have to say that the one thing I would buy right now would be a new work station. I have a room that I do all of my crafting in, along with a large desk, and some bookcases, but I would love a new work station geared specifically towards crafting. I have to say, I get so jealous when I see some of the craft studios that other people have, and I would love an updated area that I could sit at and create items!
Sounds awesome!
TSM: What are some of your favorite online stores or Etsy shops?
Wow! I don’t even know where to begin! I have so many favorite Etsy shops, it’s hard to mention just a few, but I will try!
* Right now, I am totally obsessed with the Etsy shop Fabric Shoppe-they have a weekly special where you can buy a fat quarter for $1.00! (I’m such a sucker for beautiful fabric!)
* I also love the Etsy shop momomadeit- they sell amazing aprons, and I LOVE aprons!
* AScrappyDesign is another great Etsy shop, and she just created her very own line of scrapbooking embellishments that are great. She is so talented! (Ca-ute!)
* Jenna Designs is also a fav of mine! She sews really great items, and takes beautiful fine art photography.
* I love Paper Cakes! She is such an inspiration to me! She makes the cutest items, and has just recently started up her business.
I know…there are a lot, but I could go on and on! Etsy is a great way to find such unique handmade items. For those of you who have never shopped on Etsy, I would highly recommend it!
I couldn’t agree more!
Shop! You can purchase Kara’s beautiful creations at www.thriftytrendsetter.com. The MAG Board is $24 and the adorable Board Bling is $10.
Win! A Flights of Fancy set of MAG Board and Board Bling.
How to Enter
: Take a look around The Thrifty Trendsetter and tell me your favorite item.Bonus Entries:
* Help me celebrate the new “vanity address” The Shopping Mama’s Facebook Fan Page by becoming a Fan at www.facebook.com/TheShoppingMama
* Be a Shopping Buddy: a.k.a. Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Add The Shopping Mama to your blog roll
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in Email
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in a Reader
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet: Organize with style: Win a gorgeous handmade magnetic board with board bling by The Thrifty Trendsetter http://bit.ly/1QYYri
The fine print: Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends August 31 11:59 PM. Please leave an email address so that I can contact you if you win. If you prefer, you may email me your contact information.
I’ve been on the hunt for some new baby hair care products for Baby Girl. You may remember we have a slight, um, dreadlock hair issue going on her sweet little head. Lately we’ve been using Nature’s Baby Organics – an awesome line of products that is now available at Target stores! (LOVE Target!)
We have the Sample Pack in the Lavender-Chamomile Scent. (It’s also available in Vanilla-Tangerine) The Sample Pack contains Shampoo & Body Wash, Conditioner & Detangler, Aromatherapy Calming Spray in Lavender and Face & Body Lotion. Here’s a quick rundown of each product.
To Buy… Luckily neither of my children has demonstrated an allergy to or reaction to skin products, but I love being on the safe side and using products I know are gentle and without harsh chemicals. And, you can’t beat the smell of the Lavendar-Chamomile.
Or Not to Buy… Even using the leave in conditioner, the back of Baby Girl’s head is still a weird frizzy mess of hair. It is softer and less brittle than before using these products but the funky dreadlockish hair still an issue.
Shop! Nature’s Baby Organics is now in Target stores nationwide! Check out the Target Store List to find a local store offering Nature’s Baby Organic. The Lavender-Chamomile Travel Set we tried is $15.95. An 8 ounce bottle of Shampoo & Body Wash is $9.95 and the Conditioner & Detangler is $10.95
Look for these products at Target!
Moms: find a pre-screened day care center near you.
Want to find creative Halloween costumes? Visit our friends at FancyDressBall.
If you are looking for information about partnering with The Shopping Mama™ blog, please email for a current Media Kit. The Shopping Mama™ was founded by Kate Marsh Lord in January of 2009 to share the latest and greatest in gear, clothes and toys for kids. After graduating law school and moving around the world with her Air Force husband, Kate settled down and had two beautiful little ones. The children changed her online motivation from researching legal issues to tracking down the
Join 21,459 fellow moms
1,891 readers
13,760 followers
5,808 fans