The Shopping Mama

TGIF: Sales, Coupons, Discounts & News (10/30)

by Kate on October 30th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Deal & News Roundup, Uncategorized

Totsy
Totsyis a new, flash sale invitation only site featuring flash sales of goods for moms and babies up to age 7. Each exclusive sale offers goods at up to 70% off retail price, but each only lasts for 48 to 72 hours. To give you an idea, right now there’s a sale for Liz Lange diaper bags that are gorgeous and 70% off and an Ed Hardy sale is coming up. I’m inviting you! Click this link to register – for free – and join Totsy!

ShopAtHome.com $1000 Facebook Giveaway
Hurry – it ends tomorrow! Learn how you can win $500 and $100 for 5 friends – just in time for holiday shopping. Read about the giveaway and enter to win – more info on this post on The Shopping Mama.

Sales
* momAgenda: 40% off 2009-2010 Mini-Dalies in six colors, the fun purse friendly size of a full momAgenda. PLUS, 25% off of all 2009-2010 Desktops, in six colors, plus two more colors in a faux crocodile finish!
* The Land of Nod: Purchase a Stokke crib by November 15 and get a FREE mattress and FREE SHOPPING on Holiday Decor.

Coupons
* The Simple Stencil: Celebrate the holidays with 25% off your order. Use the code SSMU25 at checkout.
* Happy Green Bee: 50% off online store with code BIGSALE through 11/5.

Exclusive Discounts
* Designs by Jessie: Get a generous 20% off your order with code SHOPPINGMAMA20OFF at www.designsbyjessie.com.
* SleepyWrap.com: Use the code shoppingmama for 10% off your order of Boba Carriers and SleepyWraps.
* Beba Bean: The Shopping Mama readers receive 20% off with code SM10/07/09.
* Onaroo: Get $10 off your purchase of any two Onaroo products at American Innovations. (Learn more about the products in this Teach Me Time review.) Use the code MAMA at checkout.
* The Studio: For $10 off your purchase use SHOPMAMA at check out.
* Belle’s Biscuits: Get 10% off your purchase with the code BELLES10.
* Macaroy Kangaroo: Save 15% with the code HAPPYFALL.

4moms Cleanwater Infant Tub: All About Baby Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on October 30th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that babies get very dirty every day. Between dirty diapers, messy eating and rolling or crawling about babies know how to make a mess. But, the typical baby tub involves a single area of water that collects all that dirt and grime for your baby to sit in. The folks at 4moms have a solution: the Cleanwater Infant Tub.

About the Cleanwater Infant Tub
Infant tubs hold a small amount of water that gets dirty and cold during bathing. After months of research and dozens of focus groups we came up with an extremely complex solution. Why not poke a hole in the side of the tub so dirty water can drain out while clean fresh water flows in?

4momscleanwaterinfanttub

Cleanwater Tub Unique Features
* Built in Thermometer! Finally. No more guessing about whether the water temperature is too hot, too cold or just right. The digital thermometer displays the temperature and changes color to indicate when it’s perfect for baby.
* Clean Water Reservoir. Water collects in an area separate from baby so you can use this clean water to rinse your baby. Thankfully this means you don’t “rinse” baby with the dirty, soapy water she’s been soaking in.
* Included Rinse Cup. The cup is the perfect size for dipping into the Clean Water Reservoir. Plus, the Tub contains a cup holder to keep this in place when not in use so you won’t lose it.

The Cleanwater Infant Tub is suitable for babies from birth until they begin to sit. There are two different drain heights that allow you to fill the tub deeper as your baby grows. The Tub should fit most single and double basin sinks.

Like all 4moms products, the Cleanwater Infant Tub has an element of “Why didn’t I think of that?” and “How did they do that?” It’s unlike any baby tub I’ve ever seen and I love that it’s a little spa for your baby.

Shop! The 4moms Cleanwater Infant Bath Tub with Digital Thermometeris $39.99 and can be purchased online (including Amazon) and in stores nationwide.

Win! A 4moms Cleanwater Infant Tub!

How to Enter: Visit 4moms online and tell me where to buy 4moms products near you (if there is one).

Bonus Entries – only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:
* Register to be a 4moms Insider: test products, get deals, be heard, win stuff.
* Follow 4moms on Twitter
* Fan 4moms on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this (you may do this every day): Bathe your baby in the best – WIN a 4moms Clearwater Infant Tub @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/2Bl7N4
* Blog about giveaway including a link to this post and 4moms for TEN entries
* Post the Holiday Gift Guide button on your blog
* Add The Shopping Mama to your blog roll
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader

The Fine Print: Please leave a valid email in the comments or your Blogger profile so that I can contact you if you win. If you prefer, you may email me directly with your contact information after leaving valid comments. Open to US mailing addresses. Giveaway ends November 13. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Thank you to 4moms for providing a product for the giveaway prize.

** Note: First 67 comments on blogspot address. **

Sesame Street Activity Center Review + Giveaway

by Kate on October 29th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Reviews

ToyQuest.com is home of the “the world’s best toys”! In addition to a huge assortment of super fun outdoor toys and games, ToyQuest.com has a number of toys and activity centers that are perfect for indoor play – just in time for holiday shopping!

About ToyQuest
Our mission is to provide children of all ages with safe, innovative, quality toys that encourage creativity and imagination. … We strive to stimulate, fascinate and enlighten.

ToyQuest.com offers its own brand of toys, including Banzai, Minimoto and Cliq, and also a number of licensed brand toys featuring Sesame Street, NFL and Monsters vs. Aliens (to name just a few). We received the Sesame Street Activity Center – a blow up ball pit featuring Big Bird, Elmo, Bert and Ernie. When I opened the Activity Center to put it together I was initially surprised to find no pump or anything included to help blow it up. It was actually much easier to blow up than I expected, though, so it wasn’t a problem.

SS ball pit activity center sesame street activity center

The Sesame Street Activity Center comes with 25 soft touch plastic balls to fill the center area with balls. There is a tall blow up backdrop with a “hoop” of sorts and a hole for dunking and throwing the balls. Big Bird flanks peek a boo curtain doors that my kids have loved.

Intended for children over the age of 2, both of my little ones have really enjoyed the Activity Center – Baby Girl perhaps more than Toddler Boy, actually. They can both fit in the pit area easily, and have played in it with 2 friends, but it is a tight squeeze. It’s really the ideal size for my two kids because it can fit inside the house without taking over and is easy to move around. The Activity Center is also suitable for outdoor play and it’s withstood our tough half-dead Florida grass quite well.

I think this is a great and affordable wow-factor gift. Imagine the joy a little one’s face to find it blown up sitting near the tree on Christmas morning. But, if you want to make it a true “ball pit” you’ll need more than 25 balls. The 25 included don’t cover the bottom of the Activity Center but my kids don’t really seem to notice that. (You can purchase a coordinating bag of 100 balls at Wal-Mart for only $9.99.)

To Buy… With literally hundreds of toys to pick from, Toyquest.com definitely has something for everyone. The Sesame Street Activity Center is a great alternative to an oversized ball pit or toy house. It’s perfect for a play room and is a great price for the fun.

Or Not to Buy… The Activity Center could use more than 25 balls to really achieve ball pit status.

Shop! Check out ToyQuest.com for great toys for the holidays, including Sesame Street toys, Cliq toys and Banzai! The Sesame Street Activity Center is $39.99 and can be purchased at numerous retailers nationwide and online, including Amazon.com.

Win! A Sesame Street Activity Center!

How to Enter: Visit ToyQuest.com and take a look around the hundreds of toys. Leave a comment here telling me another toy you’d love to give a little one this holiday season.

Bonus Entries:
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet: Win a Sesame Street Ball Pit Activity Center from Toyquest.com @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/2CGHGY
* Visit HolidayGiftGuide2009.com and leave a comment here with another gift you’d like to get or give this holiday season
* Post the Holiday Gift Guide button on your blog
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader

The Fine Print: Please leave a valid email in the comments or your Blogger profile so that I can contact you if you win. If you prefer, you may email me directly with your contact information after leaving valid comments. Open to US mailing addresses. Giveaway ends November 18. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Thank you ToyQuest for providing a sanple product for the purposes of this review and a product for the giveaway prize. The opinions contained in this review are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

**Note: First 201 comments on blogspot address.**

Thursday Giveaway Linky

by Kate on October 29th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaway Linky, Weekly Features

giveaway linky

Thanks for stopping by to link up and browse great giveaways. While you’re here I hope you’ll check out some of the amazing All About Baby Giveaways here at The Shopping Mama! Ending soon:

* Merino Kids Cocooi Babywrap Swaddle * Baby Elephant Ears Gift Set * Pedoodles Shoes * Walking Wings * HALO Sleepsack * 4moms Goodnight Sleep Trainer * Crane Humidifier

Get your link on!

Medela Freestyle Breastpump: All About Baby Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on October 28th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways

I can’t believe how much breastpump technology changes in a few short years. When Toddler Boy was born I bought a Medela Single Deluxe Pump thinking that would suit my stay at home mom pumping needs. When Baby Girl arrived, I upgraded to a Medela Pump In Style Advanced. But, oh my word… The Medela Freestyle is in a whole different ball park. The Freestyle has so many benefits and bells and whistles that it might actually make pumping enjoyable!

About the Medela Freestyle
Freestyle is our first hands-free, double-electric pump. It’s the performance you expect from Medela in an innovative pump that fits in the palm of your hand and includes thoughtful features that provide true mobility, freedom and flexibility. Inspired by pumping moms… freedom is born.

Key Features of the Freestyle
* Hands-free accessories. If you’ve ever pumped and held those cones to your chest, you know how valuable this is! Imagine the, well, freedom of being able to surf the internet or read a book while pumping.
* Rechargeable battery. The powerful battery in the Freestyle is good for up to 3 hours of pumping per full charge.
* Small and super lightweight. The Freestyle pump itself (without accessories) can fit in the palm of your hand and weighs less than a pound. Of course, the Freestyle still comes outfitted in a tote that holds everything you need to pump.
* 2-Phase Pumping Technology. This pumping system mimics a baby’s nursing pattern so you can pump more milk in less time.

medela freestyle breastpump Freestyle Included Accessories
Every Medela Freestyle includes the following:

Pump, pumping kit with SoftFit™ breastshields, 4 collection containers with lids, rechargeable battery, carry bag with removable cooler, cooling element, power cord, hands-free kit with two size straps and bra adapters, waist belt with extension piece, instructions and the Breastfeeding Information Guide.

Now, I know good breastpumps are expensive. But having used a single not so powerful pump geared for occasional use and an efficient double pump intended for daily use – there is a big difference. The pumps intended for daily use, such as the Freestyle, are more efficient and worth the investment. Face it, if your pumping experience is faster, more efficient and effective you’re likely to do it more often.

Connect! If you’re already a fan of Medela visit www.mommavens.com/join to see if you qualify to be a Medela Mom Maven. Mom Mavens are breastfeeding ambassadors who share their experiences with other nursing or expectant moms, have a chance to get a first look at Medela’s new products, receive breastfeeding tips from experts and can share their feedback directly with Medela.

Shop! To learn more, including an interactive demonstration, visit www.MedelaFreestyle.com. The Medela Freestyle Breastpump is available on Amazon for $369.99.You can also search for a local retailer on the Medela website .

Win! A Medela Freestyle Breastpump – a $370 value!

How to Enter: Visit the Medela Freestyle page and learn more about this amazing breastpump. Come back and leave a comment telling me your favorite feature or something that most interests you about the Freestyle.

Bonus Entries:
* Fan Medela on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet: Win a Medela Freestyle Breastpump valued at $370 @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/4l2kHZ
* Blog about giveaway including a link to this post and Medela Freestyle for TEN entries
* Post the Holiday Gift Guide button on your blog
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader

Thank you to Medela for providing a product for this giveaway.

**Note: First 311 comments on blogspot address.**

Boba Carrier Review + Discount

by Kate on October 28th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Carriers, Gear, Reviews

Many of the benefits of babywearing extend well beyond babyhood. The parents behind the Sleepy Wrap know that and were at a loss when their son outgrew his wrap but still wanted to be carried. (Read The Shopping Mama Sleepy Wrap review.) They tried several carriers but were used to the comfort of a wrap and wanted to find the same thing in a toddler appropriate carrier. After an initial sketch and lots of brainstorming the Boba Carrier was born.

Boba Basics
The Boba Organic Carrier is appropriate for use with children from 1 to 4 years or 15 to 45 pounds. It’s a soft-structured carrier made entirely of organic materials and produced in Boulder, Colorado. Adjustable waist, shoulder and chest straps make it comfortable for most people between 5 and 6 feet tall. My husband is 6 feet and can easily use the Boba.

What Sets Boba Apart
The Boba Carrier is the only first soft structured carrier with full leg support for your child. The footstraps provide are adjustable to support your child’s leg, which does more than provide a comfortable ride. Supporting the leg at approximately 90 degree angle allows your child to settle into the flexed abducted position which takes pressure off and aligns the spine. Because the Carrier is so wide it provides good leg support for most children to age 18 months, and they don’t need to use the footstraps.

Other Great Boba Features
* Comfortable! The shoulder straps are generously padded and the waist belt is very wide and doesn’t dig into my hips.
* Machine washable. There are no snaps, buttons or to rust or make trouble in the washing machine, although frequent washing is not recommended.
* Wide and tall body. Even a large toddler will be adequately covered and supported by the generous size of the Boba. I love that the height prevents a child from leaning back and feeling unsecure.
* 100% organic fabric, including organic Texas cotton lining.

Video Review

Although recommended for toddlers starting at one year, I have worn my daughter (who will be one next month) quite successfully. Obviously, she’s not as tall as her brother so she doesn’t enjoy a particularly nice view but she has been quite content. Like I mention in the Boba video review, I wear Baby Girl during Toddler Boy’s soccer practices (it’s a team of 2.5 year olds so you can imagine the parental involvement is high) and it’s been comfortable and kept us both quite happy. Baby Girl likes that she’s part of the action rather than in a stroller and I like having her close.

To Buy… I LOVE the Boba. We’ve really enjoyed using it and have found it to be extremely comfortable. The waist support is wide and the shoulder straps are well padded, making even extended wearing doable. The kids have been happy and content in it, too! I definitely give the Boba a thumb’s up and highly recommend it.

Or Not to Buy… Because the footstraps are not necessary until your child is about 18 months and the Carrier can be used before then, it’d be cool if you could remove the straps until you need to use them. They don’t really get in the way and frankly I barely noticed them, but they do just hang there unused.

Shop! The Boba Carrier is offered in six neutral colors and costs $99. It is available for purchase at www.bobacarrier.com. Good news! Use the code shoppingmama for 10% off your order, including SleepyWrap purchases.

Thank you to NAP, Inc. for providing a sample for the purposes of this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Wordless Wednesday: Family of Four

by Kate on October 28th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Life, Uncategorized, Wordless Wednesday

We went to the beach on Sunday to take some family pictures for holiday cards. My friend Andrea did a great job and this is one of my favorites.

I look forward to seeing your photos!

Trendex Home Holiday Table Decor + Discount

by Kate on October 27th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Reviews

The holidays are approaching and if you’re lucky, you’ll have the opportunity to gather with family and friends to enjoy a festive holiday meal. My in laws are visiting for Thanksgiving and I’m excited they’ll be with us, but intimidated by the prospect of preparing a meal worthy of the occasion. I actually prefer decorating and making the house festive over actually cooking. This year my dining room table will be very pretty, thanks to Trendex Home.

About Trendex Home
Trendex Home is a manufacturer and distributor of premium home furnishings. From table linens to napkin rings, Trendex Home has developed high quality, fashion-forward products for Canadian, US and European consumers since 1984. … What makes us unique? The answer is simple. We focus on Fashion and Quality.

Great Fashion & Selection
The selection at Trendex Home is amazing! There are literally hundreds of styles to pick from. They even offer great suggestions for setting a Thanksgiving table. Trendex Home makes dressing your table easy with coordinating items such as place mats, chair pads, napkins, napkin rings and table runners. You can even purchase a Table Set that includes table cloth, napkins and napkin rings – the number of napkins in the Set depends on the size of the table cloth.
High Quality
We received the Oxford Stripe tablecloth in the Spice color. It’s stripes of red, maroon, gold and sage. The colors are vibrant and it brightens up the dining room and brings some much needed color to our table. It is machine washable and I tossed it in the dryer when it arrived to get it wrinkle-free.

To Buy… The quality is excellent and there a huge variety of styles and sizes. I love the option of the table set which takes all the fuss out of dressing your table.

Or Not to Buy… I noticed a limited selection of tablecloths for smaller tables.

Shop! Browse the over 250 styles of tablecloths and table setting at Trendex Home. Use the code HOLIDAY for 25% off your purchase!

Thank you to Trendex Home for providing a sample for the purposes of this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.