The Shopping Mama

Shop Online Safely With F-Secure + $150 Amazon.com Giveaway

by Kate on November 11th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways

I am an online shopaholic. It says so right here in my About Me page, so it must be true. And, let’s face it, with young kids it’s much easier to shop from my couch than drag the family through stores. However, one concern everyone must consider when spending money online is internet security. Even with anti-virus software and other precautions the risk of identity theft, credit card fraud and viruses are very real (and very scary). F-Secure Internet Security 2010 is a complete security system for your computer so you can shop online with confidence that your computer is safe. FSecure

About F-Secure

Protecting the irreplaceable. We have the awesome responsibility of protecting what you value and care about. We understand how meaningful a photo can be, how important your work is and how indispensable your online relationships really are. To us, nothing could be more important.

F-Secure is the global leader in providing security as a service through individual computer operators. The new and improved Internet Security 2010 offers solid online security that won’t slow down your computer. It protects against viruses, spam, other malware, and cyber criminals.

Internet Security 2010 Key Features

Browsing Protection feature checks if web links are safe. For example, when you conduct a Google search, it shows a green check mark next to safe links and a red ‘X’ next to harmful ones. It also automatically blocks websites that spread malware or try to steal your identity information, such as banking details.
Exploit Shield technology stops attacks that target security holes in the browser and in plug-ins. These holes typically exist if software hasn’t been updated with the latest patches or fixes from the software maker. The Exploit Shield also protects against exploits of security holes for which there is no patch yet.
Automatic updates and advanced DeepGuard™ cloud computing technology ensure the fastest real-time protection against new viruses, spyware, worms, trojans, rootkits and zero-day attacks.
Child Protection element to prevent them from seeing inappropriate material online.
Fast virus scans that uses minimal memory to not slow down your computer.
Easy to install and user-friendly.

10 More Ways to Protect Yourself Shopping Online

Holiday shopping season is in full swing and F-Secure wants to help you shop – safely! Check out F-Secure’s list of 10 Ways to Protect Yourself While Holiday Shopping Online. For example, use a virtual credit card (oops, didn’t know that existed) and look for some red flags in the web address. The list is really informative so check it out.

Shop! F-Secure Internet Security 2010 offers 12-months protection on up to 3 computers for $59.99 or 24-months on 3 computers for $99.99.

Try it FREE! Download a free 30-day trial offer of F-Secure Internet Security 2010. The timing is perfect to protect as you finish (or start) your holiday shopping.

Win! One (1) First Prize winner will receive F-Secure Internet Security 2010 AND $150 Amazon.com Gift Card.

PLUS, Two (2) Runner-Up winners will receive a $100 Amazon.com Gift Card.

How to Enter: Tell me your primary concern about internet security OR check out the 10 Ways to Protect Yourself post and tell me one precaution you’ll take this holiday season.

Bonus Entries – you must complete the first required entry before bonus entries are valid:
* Follow F-Secure on Twitter
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post and the Internet Security 2010 page for TEN bonus entries.
* If you have the F-Secure LIVE GIVEAWAY button posted on your blog, leave TWO bonus entries.
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: Win $150 Amazon gift card and F-Secure Internet Security program + 2 win $100 Amazon gift cards! @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/3Np1qQ
* Add The Shopping Mama to your blog roll (use http://theshoppingmama.com/feed/ for blog address)
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader

Save the Date

Don’t forget the F-Secure sponsored LIVE GIVEAWAY Thursday, November 12 at 9:30 PM EST. Chat about online shopping and internet security on The Shopping Mama for your chance to win $100 Target gift card and a $50 Toys ‘R Us gift card!

The Fine Print: Open to US AND CANADIAN residents. Giveaway ends November 30. Winners will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected. Thank you F-Secure for providing the giveaway prizes.

Wordless Wednesday: Pumpkin Patch

by Kate on November 10th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Weekly Features, Wordless Wednesday

So clearly I’m a few weeks behind in posting these photos, but I wanted to share nonetheless. My favorite pictures from the trip to the Pumpkin Patch are of the kids separately.

Because this is what happens when I try to take a photo of them together:

crazy kids at the pumpkin patch

I look forward to seeing your photos.

Trunki Suitcase from TrendyKid Review

by Kate on November 10th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Reviews

The Trunki from TrendyKid is a suitcase designed just for kids. In addition to the cute kid-friendly design, the Trunki is a ride-on toy to make traveling easier on little ones.

About TrendyKid

Started in 2003, TrendyKid imports, distributes and sells exciting and innovative products from the UK and Europe. We specialize in apparel, footwear, feeding, gifts and accessories for infants and toddlers. … TrendyKid strives to bring you the best of Europe at an affordable price. Our team is constantly searching new trends and innovations, from clothing to play or feeding to naptime, we are on a constant lookout for new items, so as you’re browsing, we’re searching. Our guarantee is that we only bring you the best quality products.

We received Tipu the Tiger Trunki and Toddler Boy has enjoyed having it around. We haven’t traveled since it arrived so I can’t speak to the function of using it in an airport, but I can tell you about its quality and my impressions of it. As you can see, the design is darling. The horns double as handles when your little one is riding on it – and Toddler Boy has enjoyed scooting around on the Trunki. Baby Girl has also pushed it like a walker toy. The wheel base is wider than the suitcase to keep it stable for play. trunki suitcase

Suitcase Features

Above all else, the Trunki is a suitcase for traveling and there are several features that are quite nice. First, there are two small carrying handles on top to carry it briefcase style. There’s also a long handle to pull the suitcase behind you and a longer strap to carry it over your shoulder. I like that the interior has an interior pouch for small things and a criss-cross to keep things in place on one side.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Trunki is fun, cute and my kids really like it. It’s a good size for a short trip and very manageable by a small child, giving a sense of independence when they take care of their own luggage.

Or Not to Buy… Although suggested for use in an airport, I’m not sure it is that practical. It is only useful if you use it as a piece of carry-on luggage so you have it to entertain the kids when you’re actually in the airport. I really do love the idea of being able to pull a kid around the airport, so I wish we’d had the opportunity to do that so I coudld let you know how it worked.

Shop! Trunki is available in three styles, including Tigu the Tiger, and is $49.99 and $59.99. You can purchase the Trunki at trendykid.com.

Thank you to TrendyKid for providing a sample product for review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Gerber Review & Baby Food Package Giveaway (2 Winners)

by Kate on November 10th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Reviews

As you know, we’re talking All About Baby on The Shopping Mama, and specifically products and things you need for baby’s first year. Obviously, food and nutrition is in that category. The Gerber brand is synonymous with baby food, and for good reason, they’ve been making baby food since 1927. And, in fact, the company started when a mother made homemade baby food for her daughter. The company has obviously grown a bit since then.

We had the opportunity to review two relatively new products intended for “Sitters”: Purees with DHA & Antioxidants and Gerber 8 Grains and Yogurt Cereal. (If you’re not sure what foods are most appropriate for your baby, check out the Gerber website. It has a lot of great information about nutrition from pregnancy through preschool age and even has information about childhood milestones and well-being.)

Purees with DHA & Antioxidants

Gerber 2nd Foods Purees with DHA & Antioxidants, have 18 mg DHA per serving to help support brain & eye development and are an excellent source of either vitamin A (from beta carotene) or vitamin C , powerful antioxidants that help support baby’s natural defense system.

I like to make baby food, but there are times when it’s just not realistic to serve or prepare homemade purees. That’s why I love having a good alternative like the Gerber Purees. Gerber was my go-to store-bought brand when Toddler Boy was a baby and again when Baby Girl was eating purees. I like the flavor options – and if you could have seen my daughter with them you’d know she agrees – because it goes beyond the traditional store-bought options to offer flavors similar to what I would make at home. (Butternut Squash & Harvest Apples and and Apples with Summer Peaches, for example.) And, of course, I love that these purees in particular include DHA and Antioxidants.

8 Grains & Yogurt Cereal

Gerber 8 Grains and Yogurt Cereal is made with 8 natural grains and real yogurt. The 8 grains are: wheat, barley, rye, corn, sorghum, rice, oat, millet.

I previously reviewed and blogged about our initial experience with Gerber 8 Grains and Yogurt in August. As I mentioned in the inital review, Baby Girl enjoyed the Grains and Yogurt mixed with fruit. To make it more age appropriate for her recently, I used larger chunks of fruit. I love that breakfast option because it’s quick and easy and I know she’s getting a well-balanced meal.

The 8 Grains and Yogurt Cereal is intended for baby’s who are already introduced to single grain cereals like rice cereal or oatmeal. We introduced this when Baby Girl was about 8 months old and had been eating solids for 2 months and that was a good time frame for her.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Baby Girl had a great experience with all the Gerber products she’s eaten. I like knowing that it’s more than your average store-bought and prepackaged baby puree and cereal.

Or Not to Buy… Both the Purees with DHA & Antioxidants and the 8 Grains and Yogurt Cereal are more expensive than the traditional purees and cereal.

Win! Two (2) people will receive a prize package including DHA Purees, 8 Grains & Yogurt, Gerber Recipe Tin and Gerber Teddy Bear.

How to Enter: Take a look around the Gerber website and leave a comment with a food you’d like to feed your little one.

Bonus Entries – valid only after the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: Gerber Purees and Cereal Prize Package giveaway – 2 winners @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/49t9gK
* Add The Shopping Mama to your blog roll (use http://theshoppingmama.com/feed/ for Blogger 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: Open to US mailing addresses. Giveaway ends November 25. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Thank you Gerber for providing a sample product for review and the giveaway prizes. The opinions expressed here are my own and are uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

$100 Target Gift Card Giveaway from ShopAtHome.com

by Kate on November 9th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways

Target is without a doubt one of my favorite stores and I’m sure I don’t have to tell you it’s a GREAT place to do some holiday shopping. Thanks to ShopAtHome.com, one lucky reader of The Shopping Mama is going to get a $100 gift card to Target!

Extra Cash Back Event

To help you get started with your holiday shopping (and saving), ShopAtHome.com is hosting a major extra cash back event that starts today (November 9) and runs through Monday, November 16, 2009. Cash back rewards have been increased for more than 50 popular retailers. Some of my favorite deals include:

Target.com – 6% cash back
Kohls.com – 4% cash back
Snapfish.com – 20% cash back
Gap.com – 12% cash back
OldNavy.com – 10% cash back
Macys.com – 8% cash back
Barnes & Noble – 14% cash back
Best Buy – 4% cash back

How Does ShopAtHome Work?

ShopAtHome.com is quite simple to use and very worth the minimum effort to get cash back for shopping online. First, you create an account and register with ShopAtHome.com – and you get $5 in your account just for registering! Next, you click through ShopAtHome to your favorite online retailers. You can find your participating favorites using the Search Box. Most store pages on ShopAtHome.com include coupons and ongoing sales so you can save in addition to earning cash back. You click through to an online store and shop just like normal. Finally, you earn cash back – between 1 and 30% – that goes into your ShopAtHome.com account. You’ll receive a check when you earn $20 in cash!

I have to say, the easiest way to earn cash back is with the ShopAtHome.com toolbar. It is awesome. The toolbar is just plain smart and knows when you buy from ShopAtHome participating retailers so you earn even if you don’t click through ShopAtHome.com. Basically, you don’t have to do anything but shop like normal and it keeps track of earning your rewards!

Connect! ShopAtHome.com recently relaunched its blog and, as a member of the Blogger Advisory Board, I’m blogging there once a month. If you haven’t yet, check out my first post. You can also find ShopAtHome.com sharing exclusive deals on Facebook and Twitter.

Shop! You can check out the the complete list of bonus deals during the Extra Cash Back Event at ShopAtHome.com. There is also a free, comprehensive Free Shipping Guide to find free shipping codes and sales.

Win! A $100 Target Gift Card!

How to Enter: Register to start saving and earning cash back with ShopAtHome.com! Leave a comment letting me know you’ve registered!

Bonus Entries – only valid after you complete the first required entry:
* Fan ShopAtHome.com on Facebook
* Follow ShopAtHome.com on Twitter
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day, just leave a link every time you do: $100 Target Gift Card Giveaway from ShopAtHome! Enter @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/4bGyG9
* Blog about this giveaway and include links to this post and ShopAtHome.com
* Add The Shopping Mama to your blog roll (use http://theshoppingmama.com/feed/ for Blogger 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: Open to US mailing addresses. Giveaway ends November 25. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Thank you ShopAtHome.com for providing the giveaway prize. Disclosure: I am compensated as a member of the Blogger Advisory Board, but was not compensated nor required to participate in this giveaway.

Maclaren Stroller Recall

by Kate on November 9th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Shopping

maclaren_logo

May 2011 Update: The CPSC re-announced this Maclaren stroller recall because of “additional fingertip amputations and lacerations.” If you have a stroller manufactured prior to 2009, please see the hinge-cover fix below!

***

UK-based stroller manufacturer Maclaren is recalling one million strollers sold in the United States between 1999 and 2009. The recall affects ALL Maclaren single and double strollers – all models, all years!

A hinge on the “elbow joint” has severely cut (and even amputated) children’s fingers when opening or closing the stroller.

If you have a Maclaren stroller that is part of the recall, you are advised to stop using it immediately until you get a kit to cover the hinge. Use this form to contact Maclaren and place an order for your FREE Maclaren stroller repair kit. You will need the VIN number from the bottom of your stroller (if 2007 model year or later), but the form is really simple and short. If you prefer, you can call 1-877-688-2326 to process the hinge cover order. You do NOT need proof of purchase.

For more information, read the Maclaren Recall Notice, FAQs about the recall and the Consumer Product Safety Commission press release.

If you have a Maclaren, please take a few minutes to order and install the hinge cover. I’m off to order my repair kit!

Name Your Tune CD Review

by Kate on November 9th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Reviews

name your tune header

Name Your Tune personalized CD is a great addition to any child’s music library. Featuring 14 songs and including your child’s name over 80 times(!), this CD is loads of fun and perfect for holiday gift giving.

Personalized Gift

The Name Your Tune name library includes over 4200 names to pick from, and if you don’t see your child’s name you can request a new name be recorded in the studio. And, I love that you can have multiple names on each CD – it just alternates use of the name in each song. On our CD, for example, the first song uses Toddler Boy’s name, the next uses Baby Girl’s, and so on.

The personalization doesn’t stop with the name.When you order a CD, you create the dedication on the CD itself with a special message to go above and below the name. For example, “Merry Christmas Austin Love, Aunt Kate.”

nameyourtune cd art

Familiar Songs

Most of the songs on the Name Your Tune CD are familiar classics. The songs are pretty upbeat and fun, but towards the end of the CD the songs calm and the tempo slows and leads into an instrumental lullaby. The last couple songs are perfect for winding down for nap or bedtime. The name of your child is pretty seamlessly integrated into most tunes. There are only a couple instances on our CD where I can tell the name is a separate recording. You can see the entire play list and hear samples at the Name Your Tune webpage.

To Buy… Toddler Boy has really, really enjoyed this CD. He goes through phases where he asks for his music every time we get in the car. And the songs are catchy and pleasant for adults, too. I’m embarrassed to admit how many times I found myself singing along with the CD only to realize I was alone in the car without the kids.

Or Not to Buy… If you are a stickler for the classic rendition of “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” you may not dig the funky version on this CD.

Shop! A Name Your Tune CD is a really fun and unique personalized gift. At $20 (or $18 when you buy more than one), a CD is a a great and affordable holiday gift for young relatives or friends.

Thank you Name Your Tune for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review and for the giveaway prize. The opinions expressed in here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Newborn Napper Review + All About Baby Giveaway

by Kate on November 9th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Reviews

The Graco brand is familiar to all new moms, and for good reason. From the award-winning infant car seat to swings and playards, Graco offers a variety of necessary products for babies and beyond. I’m really excited to share the Pack ‘n Play Playard with Newborn Napper as part of the All About Baby series. It’s the most complete Pack ‘n Play I’ve ever seen and adjusts to suit your needs from newborns through young toddlers.

About the Pack ‘n Play with Newborn Napper

Observing a mother’s instinct to cuddle and protect her newborn baby inspired us to create the Pack ‘n Play Playard with Newborn Napper station. This is the only playard designed to meet your child’s needs as he grows from a newborn to an infant to a toddler. The Newborn Napper’s soft, cushy fabrics make it the perfect nap spot for your new arrival. For parents, the changing table means no additional trips to the nursery.

Video Review

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… As I mentioned in the video, we had an older model Pack ‘n Play (about three years old) that is still in great shape. However, this model is far superior in a couple respects: the mattress has noticeably more cushion, there are more ways to secure the mattress in place and the addition of the completely cozy Newborn Napper. The Pack ‘n Play is ready to go for holiday travel with an included travel bag. The size is the ideal compromise – big enough for young toddlers to sleep but small enough to travel and be unobtrusive in any room in the house.

Or Not to Buy… I appreciate the travel bag, but it is a little lackluster. It just seems a bit flimsy compared to the other materials on the Pack ‘n Play and the weight of the Playard. The instructions were a bit confusing at points and the illustrations didn’t clarify much, particularly when installing the changing table and Newborn Napper.

Shop! The Graco Pack ‘n Play with Newborn Napper’s suggested retail price is $149.99 and is available for purchase at Graco’s website and in Babies R Us stores nationwide. (It’s currently on sale for $138 at Amazon.com.

Win! Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Newborn Napper!

How to Enter: Visit Graco and leave a comment here with another must have baby (or toddler) item you’d love to own.

Bonus Entries - valid after you complete the first required entry:
* Fan Graco Children’s Products on Facebook
* Follow Graco on Twitter
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet – you may do this every day, just leave a link every time you do: Win a Graco Pack n Play with Newborn Napper – $150 value @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/2rkGjL
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post and www.gracobaby.com
* Add The Shopping Mama to your blog roll (use http://theshoppingmama.com/feed/ for Blogger 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: Open to US mailing addresses. Giveaway ends November 27. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Thank you Graco for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review and for the giveaway prize. The opinions expressed in here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.