The Shopping Mama

Live Giveaway on Thursday – Save the Date

by Kate on November 8th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways

Mark you calendars for an amazing LIVE GIVEAWAY this Thursday night at The Shopping Mama. Starting at 9:30 EST (8:30 CST) we’ll be chatting in the comments about internet security and holiday shopping online. There will be two awesome prizes courtesy of F-Secure and the new F-Secure Internet Security Suite 2010.

$100 Target Gift Card
to the commenter who leave a predetermined number. (500, maybe?)

$50 Toys R Us Gift Gard
to a random commenter to be selected by random.org at the conclusion of the Live Giveaway.

Don’t miss this fun opportunity to win a great prizes to help with your holiday shopping. Hope to see you Thursday night!

That’s not all. On Wednesday, I will launch a giveaway for $350 worth of gift cards - thanks again to F-Secure – to help with your holiday shopping. If you want an extra entry in that giveaway, put the Live Giveaway button on your blog now and leave a comment here letting me know you did. Here’s the code:

See you Wednesday for the traditional giveaway and Thursday for the LIVE!

To Enter the LIVE, Go HERE.

Elfing Around – A Family Christmas Tradition Review + Giveaway

by Kate on November 8th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Reviews

Elfing Around is “the hippest, coolest, most fun new interactive 12 day Christmas craze for children.” Elfing Around is far more than just an elf doll – it’s a complete package of family activities to get excited about Christmas. But, more important than the holidays the daily fun and family interaction that comes with completing the Adventure Guide. elfing around boy elf

About Elfing Around

Elfing Around is not just a Christmas toy, but an amazingly heartfelt Christmas experience. Our 12-inch plush elves “visit” all the children on Santa’s Nice List for the 12 days before Christmas. The elves have to be still during the day, but are very adventuresome at night. Each morning your child will awake with the wonder and excitement of trying to find out exactly what their silly elf was up to the night before.

Glitter the Elf

In addition to a boy or girl elf doll, every Elfing Around package includes a Parent Adventure Guide, 2 elf temporary tattoos, letter from “Herbie Elf, Jr.” with envelope (the boss elf), Official Wish List and envelope to Santa, and “I”m Here” and “See You Next Year” letters from your elf.

Our Elfing Around fun will start with the letter from Herbie Elf, Jr., that is personalized with our kids names, telling them that Glitter (or elf) is on her way. Once our elf makes her debut, Toddler Boy will leave her in the same spot every night (our fireplace) and wake to find her in the midst of something – often some harmless trouble.

Family Activities

The Parent Adventure Guide is great – it comes with 12 suggested nightly adventures for your Elf. The suggested activities are set up to be quick and easy for parents to prepare and fun for kids and include everything from a scavenger hunt (with pre-printed clues) to making reindeer food. Here’s an example:

Elves Love Snowflakes
Parents Guide: Have your elves make a mess creating homemade snowflakes by folding paper, and cutting them randomly. Decorate your snowflake with whatever you have around the house – extra stickers, markers, gel pens, glitter, etc. Tape a few on the windows for extra excitement.
Note to Kids from Elf: It’s snowing! I made it snow in the house! I had so much fun making snowflakes for you. Each one is different. Each one is super special-just like you! XOXO

Like many of the suggested activities, this leaves open an opportunity for a fun project. I think Toddler Boy and I will definitely take over where the elf leaves off and make more snowflakes together.

To Buy or Not to Buy…

To Buy… For those non-creative types like me, the Elfing Around set is complete with everything you need to engage the whole family in a fun Holiday tradition. It really couldn’t be more simple – and I can’t wait to play with my family. I think my husband and I will have a blast setting up the activities, and Toddler Boy will no doubt love the daily surprises.

Or Not to Buy… Toddler Boy is probably on the young end of the suggested age spectrum. Any younger and he wouldn’t get it.

Shop! The entire Elfing Around set is available for $29.99 at ElfingAround.com. After the first year, you can purchase an Adventure Guide Book and accessories for $15.

Win! An Elfing Around Interactive Holiday Set for your family to enjoy.

How to Enter: Visit Elfing Around and then leave a comment here whether you’d like a Boy or Girl elf if you win and who will enjoy the Elfing Around adventure.

Bonus Entries - valid after you complete the first required entry:
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet – you may do this every day: Elfing Around Giveaway – the hippest, coolest, interactive Holiday Craze for kids @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/4ppwC0
* 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 Elfing Around for providing a sample for the purposes of this review and a product for the giveaway prize.

Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover: All About Baby Giveaway

by Kate on November 7th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways

For a breastfeeding mama, a nursing cover is a MUST HAVE for the first year. Whether nursing in public or simply looking for a little privacy at home, a nursing cover will become your best friend. I can safely say my nursing cover was well worth the cost as I used it nearly every day for months with each baby. I bought my Hooter Hider from Bebe Au Lait before my son was born – so exactly three years ago – and have used it with two children (and, am still using it actually). I fully admit that part of the reason I bought it was the name “Hooter Hiders”. But, if you’re not a fan of that name, you can stick with the Bebe au Lait Nursing Covers collection.

Hooter Hiders vs. Bebe au Lait Nursing Covers

Claire [Ekelund] decided to create her own nursing cover, the Hooter Hider (dubbed so by an outspoken male friend): an easy-to-use, machine washable, multi-purpose stylish cover designed with Baby and Mom in mind. … For almost 2 years the company was called Hooter Hiders. However, as the business grew, [the owners] felt the company needed a more refined name to reflect the sophisticated elegance and good taste the company strives to embody: Bebe au Lait. The already loyal following of Hooter Hider fans, however, called and emailed, “It will always be the Hooter Hider to us!” … For that reason, the beloved name was kept and now the same fashion-forward nursing covers sell under two brand names: Hooter Hiders for the tongue-in-cheek and Bebe au Lait for mommy chic.

Hooter Hiders New Designs

Hooter Hiders recently re-launched with all new fabrics and new designs. The Ruffle Design is simply adorable. Available in four patterns, the Ruffle Hooter Hider has a ruffle of the same fabric along the top and bottom of the nursing cover. It adds a little whimsy and girlieness to the standard style. The Pocket Hooter Hiders have a small triangular pocket on the outside of the nursing cover to keep something convenient at arm’s reach. I just love both these new designs and think they are a great way to set Hooter Hiders apart from other nursing covers. hooter hider new styles

Bebe au Lait Nursing Covers also added a couple new patterns that are, in typical Bebe au Lait fashion, bright, bold and very easy on the eyes. Capri is turquoise with brown and cream flowers and details, and Marmont is various shades of blue.

Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover Features

Rigid neckline that provides shape to the top, allowing you to see baby
Machine washable
Small terry cloth triangle pocket on the inside – its storage when necessary and the terry cloth is great as a burp cloth stand-in

Shop! Bebe au Lait Nursing Covers and Hooter Hiders are $35 or $38. For a limited time, get FREE SHIPPING on your order at BebeauLait.com.

Win! A Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover or Hooter Hider of your choice!

How to Enter: Visit Bebe au Lait, take a look at the beautiful Nursing Cover styles and other baby items. Come back here and leave comment here with your favorite.

Bonus Entries – valid only after you complete the first required entry:
* Fan Bebe au Lait on Facebook
* Follow Bebe au Lait on Twitter
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post and to Bebe au Lait
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet – you may do this every day: Win a Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/1VpnlW
* 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 20. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Thank you Bebe au Lait for providing a product for the giveaway prize.

http://bit.ly/1VpnlW

TGIF: Sales, Coupons, Discounts & News (11/6)

by Kate on November 6th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Deal & News Roundup, Weekly Features

Gift Certificate Giveaways for Holiday Shopping
Next week, The Shopping Mama will kick off giveaways of $600 worth of gift certificates! I’m thrilled with the amazing opportunities to make holiday shopping a little easier. On Monday, I’ll kick off a giveaway for $100 Target gift card courtesy of ShopAtHome.com. Wednesday I’ll open a giveaway for $350 worth of gift cards to holiday shopping hot shops courtesy of F-Secure Internet Security 2010. SAVE THE DATE for the evening of Thursday, November 12. There will be a LIVE GIVEAWAY on The Shopping Mama for a $100 Target Gift Card and a $50 Toys R Us Gift Card thanks to F-Secure.

See Kai Run: Share a Pair
For the month of November, for every pair of shoes purchased at See Kai Run.com this month, the company will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need. Check out See Kai Run for more information about the Share a Pair program.

Sales

Gymboree: Friends and Family coupon time! Save 30% with code CFFRIEND through Sunday November 8 at midnight EST. Jingle Deals - sleepwear for $15 (only $10 with Friends and Family discount). Earn Gymbucks – Earn $25 for every $50 you spend now through January 10 to be redeemed January 14 – 24.

The Land of Nod: Purchase a Stokke crib by November 15 and get a FREE mattress and FREE SHOPPING on Holiday Decor.

Coupons

Magic Beans: This amazing toy store out of Boston has an exclusive online only sale this weekend! Use the code G24UPR at checkout for 10% your purchase. Plus, earn Free Shipping and Free Gift Wrap with a purchase over $100.

Exclusive Discounts

* Lillybit: Use the code SHO-452A9-82074 for 15% off your purchase of adorable baby gear, like the Uptown Diaper Clutch. Expires November 30.
* 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.

ShopAtHome.com Blog Post: Holiday Shopping For Kids

by Kate on November 6th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Blogging

As part of my position on the ShopAtHome.com Blogger Advisory Board, I get to write posts for the ShopAtHome blog. If you have a minute, hop over there to check out my first post: Top Five Things to Consider When Holiday Shopping for Kids. It’s got some ideas and suggestions as well as tips to avoid a gift flop. I’d love to know what you think so take a look and leave a comment there (or here).

And, a little good news to start your weekend: on Monday The Shopping Mama will launch a $100 Target gift card giveaway from ShopAtHome.com! To enter that giveaway, you must register with ShopAtHome. So if you have not yet registered to earn cash back while you shop, register!

Boon Flair Highchair: All About Baby Giveaway

by Kate on November 6th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways

I don’t think I can possibly overstate how much I adore Boon products. From Squirt to the original Bug Pod to the Flair Highchair, every product is innovative, bold and parent-friendly. And, after visiting the Boon booth at the ABC Kids Expo in September, I can tell you they have even more amazing products on the way.

About Boon

We’re committed to creating nothing but the most innovative gear—and keeping it affordable. Our design studio is always in motion, tackling one parenting challenge after another. And don’t forget our commitment to quality and safety.

Eat in Style

The Boon Flair Highchair is not your mother’s highchair! It’s sleek, modern and above all else, functional. The seat base is seamless making clean up a breeze with no nooks and crannies for food to hide. The seat pad is soft on baby’s tush, is waterproof and removes easily. And, get this, the Flair has a pneumatic lift seat height adjustment so you can position it perfectly for your little one.

There are a couple other features that make boon a great fit for joining the family dining table. The shape of the base pedestal keeps the chair sturdy, but the narrow stand means it can fit up close to a table. Flair glides easily on six rolling casters and locks in place.

The Boon Flair highchair is available in 3 bright color combinations: white and orange, pink and white or blue and white. It is recommended for use with children up to 4 years of age or 50 pounds. Because safety is important to boon, the Flair has five point harness and is PVC, BPA and Phthalate-free.

Shop! Boon Flair Highchair is $239.99 and available at booninc.com.

Win! boon Flair Highchair in your color choice!

How to Enter: Visit boon and leave a comment here with another product that catches your eye.

Bonus Entries - leave a separate comment for each you do:
* Follow Boon on Twitter
* Fan Boon on Facebook
* Blog about this giveaway, including a link to this post and boon for TEN entries
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet – you may do this every day: Boon Flair Highchair Giveaway! Practical, modern, stylish – $230 value @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/CW942
* 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 boon for providing a a product for the giveaway prize.

Bloggers & Tiaras – I want a crown!

by Kate on November 5th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Blogging, Life

bloggers and tiaras

This is my official entry form to participate in the MomDot Bloggers & Tiaras Pageant. Who wants to be my Stage Mother a la Toddlers & Tiaras? I’m taking applications – only apply if you are pushy, dramatic and will get my butt in gear for the swimsuit competition! Even if you’re not up to Stage Mother duties, you can still help throughout the competition – I’ll let you know when I need your comment love or votes, so you can join the fun.

Now onto the initial interview:

1) Name, BlogName, Twitter: Kate, The Shopping Mama, @TheShoppingMama

2) Have you ever entered a pageant before? Um, negative.

3) Do you have any special talents we can look forward too? See question 2.

4) Name your top 5 favorite sites to visit on the net..no, you do not get brownie points for putting momdot. Perez Hilton, Facebook, MomDot Forums, MomTrend and Weather.com!

5) What is your favorite thing to do when you are not blogging? Play with my kids and watch football with my husband.

6) Whats your dream vacation? All-inclusive resort in the Caribbean with my husband. Ahhhh… I relax just thinking about it.

7) What blogger do you look up to the most? Trisha from MomDot (brownie points?), and anyone who can balance blogging and family.

8 ) If you could be on the cover of any magazine, which would you chose and why? I’d love to be on the cover of US Magazine with Jennifer Garner – you know, caught at a glamorous lunch my imaginary bestie.

9) Tell the truth…you want a tiara, don’t you? Oh, hell ya.

10) What is your definition of blogger success? A tiara. And the ability to fix a broke ass template like mine.