About Kelty

Since 1952, Kelty has built affordable, reliable outdoor gear that enables everyone, from the first-time camper to the experienced mountaineer, to embrace any experience with confidence. Kelty: Go Anywhere.

In 1992, Kelty enters the kid carrying business with the “Kelty Child Carrier”.  This iconic pack was built around a tubular aluminum frame.  This kid carrier was based on the classic Kelty pack design proven in 40 years of wilderness use.  See the full line of Kelty KIDS carriers.

Kelty Transit Carrier 2.0

When given the opportunity to review a Kelty Child Carrier, I was realistic about it. While the FC 3.0 looks amazing, with its auto-deploy kickstand and Sun Hood, it’s far more carrier than I need. Don’t get me wrong, the TC (Transit Carrier) 2.0 has awesome features as well, but it’s less intimidating and I know we’ll get use out of it.

Here are some details on the TC 2.0:
Safety Features:

• Five-point, adjustable child’s harness

Carrier Features:

• Padded, adjustable-height child’s seat
• Toy loops
• Carry/lift handles
• 40-pound weight limit
• Foot stabilizer for safe loading
• Lightweight internal aluminum frame
• Mesh water-bottle pockets
• Organizer pocket

I’ve used a lot of different carriers in my day, and this is up there with the best of them as far as safety for the child. First, the entire “cockpit” area can be raised or lowered to fit your child so little ones are high enough to see and bigger kids are low enough to be safe. There are adjustable leg straps that are super easy to fit around your tot. And, there is also a harness that go over the child’s shoulders. To give you an example of the detail-oriented and well thought out design of the TC 2.0 – the shoulder strap buckles (similar to the chest strap in a car seat) are covered. It’s a small detail, but it means your child can’t get to it without major effort and it adds a very finished look.

Kelty thought about the parents’ comfort, too. The shoulder straps are VERY padded, and they are padded all the way down the front of your chest. There is also a padded hip belt that adds comfort and support. I carried both kids around on my back – my 32 pound 3 year old and my 20 pound 1 year old. And, don’t get me wrong, my 3 year old got heavy on my back but it was still comfortable. I think my little guy was comfy, too, because he keeps asking to go for a walk. (Note to self: In the picture it looks like I should adjust the straps better next time so the pack is higher on my back.)

And, of course, because the TC 2.0 is made by Kelty the backpack area allows for all the storage you could need for a day trip. There are two zippered areas with plenty of room for diapers, snacks and change of clothes and more. The pack also has designated spots for water bottles and an easily accessible closure for keys.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Kelty TC 2.0 is perfect for day trips, or trips around town. I think this is PERFECT for travel, too. I know we’re planning to use it at the Disney Social Media Moms Convention next week as one of us can wear it, wear a kid and it takes the place of a diaper bag. (If my husband ever flies alone with the kids, I think this would be a lifesaver.) There are too many features and details to mention in one post, but suffice it to say, I’m really impressed with the TC 2.0.

Or Not to Buy… The 2.0 is one of the most basic Kelty Child Carriers and it still might be more carrier than you need. It’s definitely designed for outdoor adventure use.

Connect! Find Kelty on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Shop! Kelty Kids has a whole collection of products to help get your kids involved in the outdoors, including Child Carriers, Diaper Bags and Strollers. The Child Carriers range from the TC 2.0 for $149.95 to the Frame Carrier 3.0 for $249.95.

Tell me… Do you own a Kelty Child Carrier? If not, which model do you think best fits your family?

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

Designed in classic black, white, and red the whole collection strikes a balance between playful and mature. You can make cards for your preschooler’s class and for your adults only cocktail party.  The beauty of the PDF printables format is that you can print as many or as little as you want. And, heck, use them again next year or for random love notes throughout the year.

Here’s what you get in the printable PDF Collection:

1. Sweet Love Party Circles {SWEET {heart}, Happy Valentine’s Day, Heart, Be Mine} – Use these to make gift tags, cupcake toppers, placecards, napkin rings, favor tags, notecards & more!
2. Blank Fancy Labels/Tags with White Background {cut into rectangles or handcut around fancy edge}
3. Blank Fancy Labels/Tags with Black Background
4. Sweet Treats Fancy Labels/Tags
5. Treat Bag Foldover Labels for 6.5″ Baggies
6. 3″x3″ Square Mini Notecards in 3 designs {Be Mine, i love you, heart}

Shop! The Sweet Love Valentine’s Day Collection is $12. And, here’s an early Valentine’s gift from The TomKat Studio – on Monday only, the Sweet Love Valentine Collection will be on sale for half price – $6.

Win! Sweet Love Valentine’s Day Collection of printables in PDF Form – 5 Winners!

How to Enter: Visit The TomKat Studio on Etsy and leave a comment here with your very favorite listing OR leave the link of your favorite birthday party post on The TomKat Studio blog.

Bonus Entries - leave a separate comment for each you do:
* Fan The TomKat Studio on Facebook
* Follow The TomKat Studio on Twitter
* Follow The TomKat Studio blog on Google Friends Connect
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet – you may do this once a day. 5 win a Sweet Love Valentine’s Day printables collection from The TomKat Studio @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/berzn1
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Be a Shopping Buddy, aka, follow in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a RSS
* Leave a relevant comment on the Sunday Spotlight: The TomKat Studio post

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 5. PDF file will be emailed to winners – open worldwide. Thanks to The TomKat Studio for providing the giveaway prizes. Opinions expressed are my own and I was not compensated for this post.

The Shopping Mama: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Kim: Hello! My name is Kim and I am the owner/creator of The TomKat Studio. I live in Chandler, Arizona.

TSM: When did you start The TomKat Studio and why?
Kim: Up until about a year ago, my career was in residential real estate. With the downturn in the market, and realizing that my little ones were growing up so fast, I decided to stay home with them. At that time, I had discovered a few blogs and started reading others’ blogs regularly. I decided to start my own to share creative projects and random thoughts & ideas I was having. I called it “The TomKat Studio” after my children, Tommy & Kate. When I decided to stay home, we even designated a spare room in our home “The TomKat Studio” where I set up all my crafty supplies.
TSM: I can’t believe you’ve only been doing this a year! That’s amazing.

Kim: One of the first blogs that I followed was Project Nursery. I have a passion for all things pretty, including parties, paper & home decorating. After a couple of months of posting on my own blog, I was honored to become a contributor for Project Nursery. Being an entrepreneur, I thought with all of the extra exposure, maybe I should open a shop to sell some of my crafty wares. Why not try to make a little side money since I was spending more and more time blogging?
TSM: I think it’s really cool that you had a blog first and that your Etsy evolved out of that.

I started my Etsy shop with my signature frames, and quickly couldn’t keep up with the demand. After posting my daughter’s lollipop birthday party on The TomKat Studio, it was picked up on tons of fabulous blogs including Hostess with the Mostess (my fave!). The additional exposure created an overwhelming response for the paper items I created for her party (invitations, favor tags, cupcake toppers, etc). I decided to add party designs to my shop.

After several months of very, very long nights, I decided it was time to regroup. I was getting burnt out and overwhelmed. My family was getting neglected. It’s always hard to find a balance, but you have to keep coming up with new ideas to make it work, especially when you are doing what you love. I decided to go digital and offer my party designs as printables. The printables have been such a success! Much less work for me and more affordable for the customers. Not to mention, who doesn’t love saying “I made it!” I have such a passion for what I am doing now, it feels absolutely amazing.

TSM: What is your favorite item to make or sell?
Kim: I love designing new party collections. I love creating the designs, printing and assembling the sample items and then staging and photographing them. I could do this all day and all night long. It’s not work for me at all, it’s fun.

TSM: What is your inspiration?
Kim: This is such a cliche, but I find it everywhere. It’s actually annoying. I can’t look at a magazine without ripping out pages that inspire a new design. I watch cartoons with my kids and see a cute balloon or flower and want to create a party around it. I just wish I had more time to explore all of the ideas floating in my mind, as well all of the custom ideas my customers request.

TSM: Do you have any plans for new, additional products or business expansion?
Kim: I do! Right now, I only have my Lollipop Collection in the shop, because it is all I can handle by myself. I recently made the decision to hire an assistant to help fulfill my orders! This way, I can focus on getting all my designs into the shop and work on new designs and products. I hope to start offering the fully printed/assembled items, as well again.
TSM: If you’re interested in working with Kim, check out this post on The TomKat blog about hiring a Virtual Assistant.

TSM: If money were no object what is one thing you would buy right now?
Kim: A warehouse, commercial printers & a team of fabulous people to help me bring all of my ideas to fruition!

TSM: What are some of your favorite online boutiques or Etsy shops?
Kim: Oh boy…there are many! Here are a few of my favorites. Not only great shops, but great girls: Pink Taffy Designs, True Love Found (Crowns), Friller Up Couture (Tutus), Le Papier Studio (Silhouettes) ~ here’s my kids silhouette, Dolce Vita Mia
(Headbands/Clips).
TSM: I die over those silhouettes! They are adorable and surprisingly affordable. Your kids’ silhouette is just darling.

Connect! Keep up with Kim on the awesome TomKat Studio blog. It’s absolute eye candy full of beautiful parties and DIY inspiration. Not to mention, every month she provides a super cute printable calendar. You can also follow The TomKat Studio on Twitter and Fan The TomKat Studio on Facebook.

Shop! Visit The TomKat Studio on Etsy – it’s the best place for printable party projects. Because you print and assemble on your own, everything is ridiculously affordable – but still custom made for you. Make sure you check out the Valentine printables collection!

Win! Check out The TomKat Studio giveaway on The Shopping Mama.

What is Cozi?

Cozi is a free online organizer that helps families manage schedules, track shopping and to do lists, share information, and stay connected all with one solution. Cozi helps families to be more coordinated and more productive so that they have time for the things they really want to do.

Family life. Simplified.

I’m still pretty new to Cozi, but I have to say I like what I’ve figured out so far. There are various tools to help keep your family organized, including a family calendar, shopping lists, to do lists and family journal. The family calendar is super easy to use and very user-friendly. If you have older kids running in a million directions with school and extra-curricular activities this would be an awesome way to keep organized. Every family member is color-coded and you can even send text message reminders about upcoming appointments and events.

The online family journal is a great alternative to a blog because it’s very quick and the format is done for you. It literally takes moments to upload a picture and type a quick story. You can share your journal with friends, send updates to your Facebook page and you can even have a monthly email with all your updates sent to family and friends. I’ve started our family journal if you want to check it out – give me a “smile” to let me know you like what you see. (I’ll post more about that soon!)

Win Groceries for a Year

Cozi is giving away Free Groceries! To celebrate Cozi’s 10,000,oooth shopping list item, they are giving away free groceries for a year. You can enter once a day, but you get an extra entry for every friend you invite. Bloggers, share the information with readers through a button or post – and get an extra entry for every reader who clicks on your link. If you don’t blog and want extra entries, share the contest on Facebook or through email. It’s super easy to spread the word once you enter, so head over and check it out. The free groceries sweepstakes ends March 11.

Disclosure: The opinions in this post are my own and not influenced by monetary compensation. Others may have a different opinion.

About Go Red for Women

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s solution to save women’s lives. With one out of three women still dying from heart disease, we are committed to fighting this No. 1 killer that is largely preventable. GoRedForWomen.org, a premiere source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into life-saving actions. We encourage women and the men who love them to embrace the cause.

Macy’s is a proud sponsor of the Go Red for Women campaign. Since 2004, Macy’s customers and employees have contributed more than $21 million to the Go Red For Women movement.

Get Involved

• Wear Red Friday, February 5!
• Shop the Wear Red Sale at Macy’s (From February 3 – February 7, save an extra 20% or 10% off your online purchase! Use promo code WEARRED)
• Buy the adorable Little Red Dress by INC for Macy’s. Only available until March 31, the dress retails for $69 and 10% is donated to the American Heart Association.
• Share your story at the Go Red Casting Calls
• Attend a Go Red Luncheon in Your Area
• Join Go Red for Women

Learn More! Visit GoRedForWomen.org for loads of information about preventing heart disease and how you can get involved in the movement to save lives.

Win! To help spread the word about Go Red for Women, Macy’s is offering a $25 gift certificate to one reader – it can be used in stores or online!

How to Enter: Tell me one thing you’d like to buy from Macy’s if you win.

Bonus Entries – leave a separate comment for each you do:
* Fan Macy’s on Facebook
* Follow Macy’s on Twitter
* Wear Red on February 5, Join Go Red for Women, Share a story at the Go Red Casting Calls
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet – you may do this once a day. Go Red for Women – Macy’s $25 Gift Card Giveaway @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/brwS89
* Blog about this giveaway and include a link to this post – leave five comments with the link to your post
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Be a Shopping Buddy, aka, follow in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a RSS
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 14. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Macy’s for providing the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own and I was not compensated for this post.

The background story: Preschool Boy, Toddler Girl and I went for a walk on some trails near our house. Preschool Boy was very concerned with what his “dada” would say when he returned home to find us missing on our “abenture”. I tried to explain that his dad is out of town and wouldn’t be home for a week or two so we’d be home safe and sound long before he returned home. For some reason, this was unacceptable and Preschool Boy wanted to role play what his dad would say. And it’s just so darn cute. I mean, imagining his dad would say, “Hey! Where’d my boy go?” Oh. So. Sweet.

Babies R Us Trade-In Event

From now until February 20, trade in any used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, playards, toddler beds, or high chairs in exchange for 25% off the purchase of new baby items from participating manufacturers. There’s no limit to how much you can trade-in. The new item you purchase doesn’t need to be from the same category as the new item you purchase to get the discount. In other words, you can trade in an old car seat and buy a new high chair and get 25% off. Check out the Babies R Us site and FAQs for more information about the Great Trade-In Event.

The event is specifically for those old, outdated baby items you can’t use any more and you don’t need a receipt or anything. So clean out your garage to make room for some new baby gear.

Baby Dipper is now BPA-Free

One of my favorite bowls for feeding baby is now available BPA-Free Baby Dipper Feeding Set BPA-FREE includes a bowl, spoon and fork and is available on Amazon for $12.95.

Great Giveaways

Visit WinFreeKCups.com and enter to win Free K-Cups for Life (= a Keurig B70 Gourmet Single-Cup Home Brewing System, a a twelve (12) month Signature Green Mountain Coffee K-Cup® Tour, and a $4,000 check in the name of the winner.) You can also play an instant win game for the chance to win a Keurig B70 Platinum Breweror a box of K-Cups. (Thanks to Karen of Frugal RI Mama for this tip.)

Cozi.com is sponsoring an awesome Groceries for a Year Giveaway. And when you enter you get to play this fun virtual slot machine game for a chance to win daily prizes from OXO. You can enter every day until March.

Sales

Shoo Shoos is having a Clearance Sale. Soft Soled baby shoes are only $7.95, including the Pink Leather Winterboot and the Black Bow Mary Janes we have (and love). I’m stocking up for baby gifts!

Kushies clothes – the Paisley and Construction line – are 40% off for 4 days only. Shop at kushiesonline.com.

Discount Codes

• BusyBodyBook: Use code BBBVDAY for 25% off all BusyBodyBook Organizers. Expires 2/15/10.
• The Simple Stencil: SS2 will get you 10% off your order plus you receive a free “I <3 U” stencil with your order between now and February 6.

Exclusive Discounts

• Saige Nicole’s: Use the code SHOPPINGMAMA for 15% off your purchase. Expires 2/14/10.
• Little Lamb Design: Save 20% with TheShoppingMama20. Expires 2/28/10.
• dadoo kids: 20% off with code SHOPPINGMAMA20.
• FlyeBaby: $10 off and FREE SHIPPING with code FB10. Expires 1/31/10.
• The Crazy Dazy: 10% discount off your purchase with code SHOPPINGMAMA.
• 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.
• The Studio: For $10 off your purchase use SHOPMAMA at check out.
• Belle’s Biscuits: Get 10% off your purchase with the code BELLES10.

About thinkbaby

With a team of physicians and scientists focused on the latest chemical and biological science, thinkbaby continues to lead in the usage of safer materials for baby products. Our efforts are further energized by working with both our leading child advocacy partners and parents who seek alternative products.

Our Experience

I admit, with my goal of finding safe and eco-friendly products, I was a a fan of thinkbaby before I even received the 9 ounce bottles and sippy cup conversion kit. It’s hard to find fault with a company that is based in the science of keeping my kids safe.
The thinkbaby bottle 2-pack includes two slow-flow anti-colic nipples and travel cap. The conversion kit includes two sippy cup spouts and one trainer cup handle. The transition from bottle to sippy cup is super easy: The trainer cup handle fits snugly over the mouth of the bottle top, the spout replaces the nipple in the top and screws on to secure the handle in place. Toddler Girl has used the cup quite a bit from the time we received it. The handle is easy for her to hold, but we’ve also used the cup spout without the handle. The bottle is contoured so it is very easy for little hands to hold even without the handle.

The most important question for sippy cups, is, of course, the leak factor. I’m happy to report we’ve had very little leakiness! I used the bottle travel cap with the cup spout to throw the cup my diaper bag and while the inside of the cap was a bit wet my diaper bag was totally dry.

Toddler Girl has never really used bottles so I can’t speak to them our how well they work. But I do love the idea of using the same bottles for, literally, years with the ability to easily transition from bottle to sippy cup.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… thinkbaby products are free of BPA, Phthalates, PVC, Nitrosamines and lead, and that is a good thing. I love the bottle and sippy cup conversion kit and the ability to use the same bottle for years. My diaper bag appreciates the travel cap that prevents leaks and spills.

Or Not to Buy… The only thing that’s a different about the cup is it has a yellow-y tint to it. It takes a little getting used to and I kept thinking my daughter had gotten something in her water or really dirtied her cup.

Shop! thinkbaby products are available for purchase online. The two-pack of 9 ounce bottles is $16.99 and the Conversion Kit is $6.99.

Win! A thinkbaby 2-pack of 9 ounce Bottles and a Conversion Kit to turn bottles into sippy cups.

How to Enter: Visit thinkbaby and leave a comment telling me the product you’d like to try. (There’s stuff for moms, too.)

Bonus Entries – leave a separate comment for each you do:

* Follow thinkbaby on Twitter
* Fan thinkbaby on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this every day, just leave your tweet link every time you tweet. Win a thinkbaby bottle set and sippy cup conversion kit @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/dziiav
* Blog about this giveaway and include a link to this post and www.thinkbabybottles.com – leave five comments with the link to your post
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Be a Shopping Buddy, aka, follow in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a RSS
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 12. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Real Nappies for providing a product for the purposes of this review adn the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

About Pampers with Dry Max

Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers with Dry Max are the brand’s new high performance diapers and the biggest innovation for the Pampers brand in the last 25 years. Pampers Diapers invented the Dry Max technology and applied it to the current Swaddlers and Cruisers core, which allows the diaper to be thinner than before. This game-changing diaper – Pampers’ driest ever – helps lock wetness in for up to 12 hours and its less bulky design helps give flexibility and comfort – perfect for all of babies’ play. The new diaper design also helps families reduce their impact on the environment by containing 10 percent less material weight.

Olympic Partnership

To celebrate the launch of their gold medal diapers, Pampers is outfitting the babies of Team USA Olympians as they head to Vancouver for the 2010 games.

As any mama knows, babies move and crawl. A lot. So diapers have to be up to the task and Pampers thinks Cruisers with Dry Max will meet the challenge. If you have a great video of your little one crawling, starting February 12, you can upload it at Pampers.com and it may be included in a Dry Max “Baby Relay” video to air during the Olympic Closing Ceremonies.

Shop! Pampers with Dry Max are not yet available in stores. They should hit shelves nationwide in March.

Free Samples! Head over to Pampers.com and request a 3-pack Pampers Cruiser with Dry Max. Pay attention to your sample pack because if your sample includes a Team USA diaper you win a year’s supply of diapers!

**Here’s the direct link to request free Pampers samples.**

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post, but will receive a sample pack of diapers for review.

Anyway, the back of the head dreadlock is back. And it’s worse than ever. See:

I’ve tried everything that I can think of. But I’m at a loss. As you can see, nothing works. So all of you with girls out there, any suggestions?