The Shopping Mama » 2009

Automoblox More Than the Average Toy Car: Review + Giveaway

by Kate on November 15th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways, Reviews, Toys

automoblox logoIf you’re in the midst of holiday shopping and growing tired of the same old humdrum options, I have a fabulous toy suggestion for you. (And, if you happen to be finished holiday shopping, I really don’t want to be your friend.) Automoblox are a great gift for boys and girls alike. They manage to achieve that unique balance of educational and entertaining. They’re seriously fun! I promise you’ll want to play with them, too!

mini automoblox

Automoblox Mission

Automoblox allows children to experience beneficial play with activities that provide limitless joy, imagination and creativity. We do this by offering a high-quality building system that will delight and inspire children while fostering the development of important skills and learning foundations.

Automoblox Features

  • Changeable Wheels & Tires – the realistically styled wheels and the unique tread tires from each car are interchangeable so you can mix and match to customize the look of your car.
  • Changeable Body Blocks – the body of the cars can be swapped and mixed with other cars using removeable connectors. (Our sedan car has four body blocks and the sports car has 3.) The body is made of solid wood with a lacquer finish.
  • Passengers – the bottom of each passenger is a basic geometric shape that fits into a corresponding shape in the car.
  • Interchangeable Roofs – the sleek aerodynamic roofs can be switched around to make a car all your own.

Our Experience

We received two cars from the Original collection: the S9 Sedan (blue) and the C9p Sports Car (pink). From the moment we opened the box, I was super impressed with the cars and Toddler Boy was excited to play with them. The attention to detail from start to finish cannot be ignored – from the unique VIN number on each car to the treads on the tires to the wood groove racing stripes.

If a fancy model car and a Lego had a baby it would be an Automoblox. The cars have the weight and quality you’d expect to find in an heirloom toy handed down for generations. But, I’m pretty sure you couldn’t take apart and rebuild your grandpa’s car with ease. The pieces that mix and match are very easy to use – my nearly 3 year old is able to build and put together the cars all by himself. The shapes are basic geometric shapes so there’s nothing too overwhelming about getting your car back to its original form if you take it apart or mix it with other cars.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… I’m very impressed by the quality of Automoblox. They are well-made and definitely built to last, and they’re really fun and can keep a kid’s attention for longer than your average toy. I consider it a very nice bonus that *I* have a great time playing with them – they’re seriously cool.

Or Not to Buy… The price tag might scare some buyers off initially. (Original full size cars like we received are $36.) But, the quality really can’t be beat and you’ll understand the price tag when you play with them.

Automoblox T900 new car

Shop! Check out the Automoblox website, which has a great selection of full size and mini-cars including exclusive designs – like the uber-tough looking brand new T900 pictured above. Use the code ship60 for free shipping on a purchase over $60.

Win! One Original Full Size Car (C9, S9 or T9) OR C9, S9 or T9 Mini Three Pack.

How to Enter: Visit Automoblox and leave a comment telling me what car you’d love to own.

Bonus Entries – you must complete the first required entry before bonus entries are valid:
* Fan Automoblox on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once  a day: Win an Automoblox Original Car or set of minis – great holiday gift! @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/47b1wj
* 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

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends November 30. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Automoblox for providing samples for the purpose of this review and a prize for the giveaway. Opinions in this review are mine and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

The Almost Birthday Girl

by Kate on November 15th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Life

I can’t believe it. My baby girl will be ONE tomorrow.

almost birthday girl

My lovely 364 day old daughter.

So, here’s the real question, what should her blog nickname be? I’ve always referred to her as Baby Girl, but I’m not sure a one year old is really a baby. What do you think?

Little Moonjumper: Personalized Baby Blankets Review

by Kate on November 14th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Baby, Reviews

LittleMoonjumperlogoLittle Moonjumper is an online boutique featuring top of the line personalized baby blankets. Created by a graphic artist and mom, Little Moonjumper blankets are the perfect combination of bold style and comfort. The blankets are made of vibrant colors of acrylic fleece. The designs are bold and very appealing to babies, toddlers and parents alike.

Little Moonjumper blankets are available in over 20 patterns in three sizes:

  • Crib blanket – at 29 inches by 40 inches, this generously sized blanket is perfect for hanging on a wall or baby tummy time.
  • Stroller – 28 inches square, the stroller blanket featuring signature scalloped edging.
  • Twin – ideal for the transition to the big kid bed

Little Moonjumper Personalized Blankets

Our Experience

We received the All-Star crib blanket to check out. Toddler Boy warmed up to the sports shapes immediately and demanded it accompany him to bed. The material isn’t quite as soft as a chamois, but even after washing it doesn’t seem to pill like many fleece materials. Like all Little Moonjumper blankets, the shapes and letters on the All-Star design are large – almost exaggerated – so they’re fun and eye-catching. The finishing is perfection and it’s clear the blanket is sewn to last.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… I’m a sucker for all things personalized and these blankets are a great and generous way to mark your little one’s territory. The patterns are beautiful and bright and very original. I think they are great beyond babyhood – definitely made to last – and the letters are very large and great for helping a toddler learn to spell and recognize letters. Make sure you check out the adorable Animal Face blankets!

Or Not to Buy… Due to the custom nature of the blankets, they are a tad pricey. (The crib blanket is $110.) But, I’ve never seen other blankets quite like Little Moonjumper so one would make a very special gift for a grandchild or new baby.

Connect! Follow Little Moonjumper on Facebook. And, check out the adorable Peanut Gallery to see images of babies and kids with their blankets.

Shop! Visit LittleMoonjumper.com to browse the adorable selection of blankets. As a special holiday treat to The Shopping Mama readers, use the code “mama15″ for 15% off your purchase through December 31!

Thank you to Little Moonjumper 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.

Tonka Chuck My Talking Truck Review

by Kate on November 14th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Reviews

If you’re looking for a holiday gift for a toddler boy, look no further than Chuck My Talking Truck. He will be a hit with the preschool set, that’s for sure.  chuck the talking truck

About Chuck

Returning ten years after its introduction and celebrating a decade of adventurous fun, CHUCK MY TALKING TRUCK toy is a preschool boy’s best buddy who always has something to say!  This friendly truck featuring sound recognition technology is fully interactive and will roll forward when called!  CHUCK is revving to go with over 40 onboard phrases to encourage play such as “We’ve got work to do!”  Toddlers will enjoy rolling the brightly-colored dump truck across the floor, tilting back the dump bed to unload big hauls, and going on adventures with their fun loving pal CHUCK.

chuck the truck box

Video Review

Check out this video of Chuck in action to see how a toddler really plays with the talking truck. You can also get an idea for Chuck’s phrases, volume and rolling action, as well as an introduction to his features from Toddler Boy!

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Chuck is a lot of fun. I like that he comes with a story book that encourages imaginative play and has a good message about working together. Toddler Boy likes that Chuck talks and is a rough and tumble truck.

Or Not to Buy… I”m sure my son would disagree, but I wish Chuck had a lower volume setting.  It is possible to turn the talking off, but I’d like to have him talk a wee quieter. He’s very talkative so after a while it’s a bit much.

hasbro toy shop logo
Shop! Chuck the Talking Truck is $36.99 and available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com. Don’t forget the batteries! Chuck requires three “C” batteries, not included.

Thank you to Litzky PR and Hasbro 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.

TGIF: Coupons, Sales, Discounts & News (11/13)

by Kate on November 13th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Deal & News Roundup, Weekly Features

Kmart Bluelight Special Holiday Sweepstakes

KmartVertical1Kmart will offer over 40 great Bluelight Specials throughout the weekend in-store AND other great offers online at Kmart.com ONLY on Saturday and Sunday. To celebrate, KMart is giving away $1000 in gift certificates - the grand prize is $500 gift card and five will win $100 gift cards! If you want to get in on the fun, follow @KmartDealsnNews on Twitter. PLUS, you can enter a daily giveaway for $50 gift cards now through December 23 simply by tweeting using the hastag #KmartBLS.

To make it easy for you, here are two sample tweets to enter:

– Tweet #KmartBLS for a Chance to Win a $50 Kmart Gift Card Everyday from 11/12 – 12/23! For more info: http://tr.im/kmartbls @KmartDealsnNews
– Follow @KmartDealsnNews for a chance to win a $500 Kmart Shopping Spree! #KmartBLS For more info: http://tr.im/kmartbls

Coupon Codes & Sales

For Everyone

  • Gap, Old Navy & Banana Republic Give and Get Sale. Save 30% in stores only, includes Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory stores. PLUS, 5% of purchase amount goes to charity. Ends November 15. Email me for a coupon!
  • Snapfish Coupon Code: Save 20% off all gifts with code HOLIDAY09. Expires December 31.
  • SnapTotes Sale: 25% off Gigi Bag and 20% off pillows. Order by December 9 for Christmas delivery.
  • SkinCareRX Gift Certificate: Visit SkinCareRX to receive a $40 gift certificate to use on your purchase of $100 or more.

Just for Kids

  • Janie & Jack Friends and Family Coupon Code: Use JJENJOY for 25% off your purchase this weekend. Also receive free shipping on purchase of $75 or more.
  • Crazy 8 Friends & Family Sale: Save 25% off everything with code C8EMAIL, plus FREE SHIPPING. Ends November 15.
  • Robeez: 30% off select styles. Ends November 17.
  • Stride Rite Coupon Code: Save 20% with code FALL20. Expires November 15.
  • The Children’s Place: Take an extra 30% off Fall & Holiday styles.
  • RH Baby & Child Friends and Family Sale: 20% off everything. Enter code FFE0902 at online checkout. In store purchases require voucher – email me if you’d like one. Ends November 16.
  • Finny’s Greens: Thermals on sale for $21 while supplies last.
  • Piggy Paint: Great stocking stuffers! Save 15% off entire site with code THANKYOU15L through February 14, 2010.

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.

F-Secure LIVE GIVEAWAY (Closed)

by Kate on November 12th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways

FSecureF-Secure wants to help with your online holiday shopping this year with a computer safe from online hacking and generous gift certificate giveaways!

F-Secure Internet Security 2010 is a complete computer security system that protects your computer and your data. The 2010 version is redesigned to scan for viruses faster while using less computer memory while protecting again malware, spam e-mail and cyber criminals.

Automatic updates and advanced cloud computing technology ensure the fastest protection against new threats. The new Browsing Protection feature tells you which websites are safe to enter and which you should avoid. Harmful sites are blocked automatically to ensure safe surfing while renewed Parental Control keeps children safe from inappropriate web content. Extensive usability studies have helped us create a user experience that sets a new standard for safe PC use. Any problems are handled automatically, without disturbing the user. You are safe, whatever you do online.

To learn more, including how to download a free trial of Internet Security 2010 and tips for safe online shopping this holiday season, check out the F-Secure + Amazon.com Giveaway at The Shopping Mama.

LIVE GIVEAWAY PRIZES, courtesy of F-Secure:

First Prize – Comment #500 – Congratulations KATE!

$100 Target Gift Card
+ F-Secure Internet Security 2010

Second Prize – Selected by Random.org at the conclusion of the Live – #206 -
Congratulations shelly aka allysmama!toys r us winner

$50 Toys R Us Gift Card
+ F-Secure Internet Security 2010

How to Enter: Check out F-Secure Internet Security 2010 and leave a comment here with one thing you learned about it OR your favorite feature.


After your first entry, you may comment as much as you like, but please keep it relevant to holiday shopping online and internet security.

At a loss for words? Here are some ideas to help you out:

The Fine Print: Open to US AND CANADIAN residents. Winners will be announced on this post and 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.

Foogo Phases by Thermos Review: Awesome Cups Grow With Your Child

by Kate on November 12th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Reviews

FoogoPhasesThermosYou are probably familiar Thermos – the company has been making insulated products to keep food fresher, longer for over 100 years. Lucky for mamas and kiddos, Thermos recently launched a new line of cups geared towards meeting the changing needs of your little ones. The Foogo Phases interchangeable sippy cups are innovative and bring the best of Thermos to babies and toddlers.

About Foogo Phases

Each child develops their own unique feeding habits, whether she begins to teethe early or demands a larger capacity drink cup to tame her growing appetite. Foogo Phases drinkware features interchangeable parts that fit all other Phases cups including insulated stainless steel and plastic models. With interchangeable parts, Phases drinkware easily adapts to your child’s changing needs.

Interchangeable Foogo Products

The Foogo line features six cups and 3 tops that all work and fit together to make 24 possible cup combinations.

  • Phase 1 – 7 ounce plastic and stainless steel cups come with a soft spout sippy top and handles for babies 6 months and older.
  • Phase 2 – 11 ounce plastic and 10 ounce stainless steel cups topped with chew resistant sippy tops.
  • Phase 3 – 11 ounce plastic and 10 ounce stainless steel cups with pop up straw top.

We have the 7 ounce plastic sippy cup and the 10 ounce stainless steel sippy cup and I am really impressed. The cups are very solid and easy for both my kids to use. The plastic of the sippy cup doesn’t feel or look like a typical baby cup. It has the look of glass but the durability of plastic – trust me it can survive many a drop on the floor. The material is actually called “Eastman Tritan copolyester”, which sounds kind of intimidating but is quite safe for little ones – it’s BPA free. The stainless steel cups use Thermos’ double wall vacuum insulation, and are also BPA free and contain only FDA materials.Foogo Phases Thermos Cups

Drinks Stay Safer, Longer

The stainless steel cups use Thermos insulation technology to keep your kids’ drinks safer, longer. That is a huge plus in our house. The Department of Food & Science at Cornell University did a study to compare Foogo products to other sippy cups. You can see the summary here, but this is one snippet that caught my eye:

After spending 20 hours at room temperature, the milk sample in Foogo by Thermos had only 1,000 bacteria per teaspoon, while samples in competitor brands had as much as 2.5 to 5 million bacteria per teaspoon. In other words, the milk samples in the competitor brands contained up to 5,000 times more bacteria than the milk in the Foogo by Thermos.

foogo phases sippy cup

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Our Foogo Phases cups are my favorite cups for the kiddos. I love that all the pieces are interchangeable so you can literally build a cup to suit your child’s needs. They are dishwasher safe and the leak-valve is easy to clean. And, of course, you can’t beat the Thermos reputation and insulation technology.

Or Not to Buy… My only complaint is that the tops of the cups leak a bit. It doesn’t leak out of the neck of the cup and the cup spouts don’t leak, but if any liquid makes it through the valve it drips quite easily because the top is wide.

Shop! Check the Thermos website for a list of retailers and purchase online at Amazon.com.

Thank you to Thermos for providing sample products for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Thursday Giveaway Linky

by Kate on November 11th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaway Linky, Weekly Features

giveaway linkyThanks so much for stopping by to link up and check out some great giveaways. Check the sidebar for the current giveaways at The Shopping Mama – there are some amazing prizes up for grabs right now, including a Complete Air Convertible Car Seat, Medela Freestyle Breastpump, and Playskool Walk ‘Ride Toy.

Come back tonight for a LIVE GIVEAWAY. The prizes are perfect for holiday shopping: a $100 Target Gift Card and a $50 Toys R Us Gift Card. Plus, each winner will also receive F-Secure Internet Security 2010 to protect your computer when you shop online this holiday season. Hope to see you tonight!

Live Giveaweay button

Now, get your link on!

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