The Shopping Mama

National Geographic Kids Almanac Review + Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on January 18th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Reviews

The mission of National Geographic is “With Your Help, Inspiring People to Care About the Planet.” And, there’s no person better to inspire than you kids, as far as I’m concerned. National Geographic Kids products aim to make learning fun with toys, games and books – including the new NG Kids Almanac 2010.

About the Kids Almanac 2010

Dare to explore—from modern day adventures to close calls and narrow escapes. In this book, amazing animals take readers into the wild and into the water. Readers discover cultural connections from food, currency, literature and lots more from around the world. Filled with maps, facts and more this book helps readers learn to go green and help our threatened earth!

Not Your Grandpa’s Almanac

The Kids Almanac is packed, and I mean, PACKED with information. All 350 pages are full of fun facts, amazing photos and even games, puzzles and homework help. Preschool Boy is obviously a little young for the Almanac – it’s suggested for kids 6 to 8 years old – but we’ve enjoyed looking at the pictures and talking about all the animals, in particular. His favorite is the dinosaur section that includes “21 Dinos You Should Know” (but your mama doesn’t know how to pronounce).

The Almanac is extremely current; the first chapter is called “Your World:2010″ and it includes everything from Barack Obama’s presidency to how dolphins communicate to extreme sports. Other Chapters include Culture Connection, Going Green, History Happens and Super Science and more.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… I have found myself browsing the Almanac – it’s seriously chock full of stories, facts and valuable information for children to know and learn about. I think this is an amazing resource for older kids (6 and older) – they may initially turn their nose up at a book but once they dig in, it’s really entertaining and educational.

Or Not to Buy… Kids under the target age group won’t get into it. Like I said, Preschool Boy has enjoyed flipping the pages and looking at the pictures but he’s much too young to understand the point.

Shop! The National Geographic Kids Almanac 2010 is available at the National Geographic online store for $19.95.

Win! A National Geographic Kids Almanac 2010.

How to Enter: Visit the National Geographic Store Kids Section and leave a comment here with another product you think your child would enjoy.

Bonus Entries - just leave a separate comment for each you do:
* Follow National Geographic Kids on Twitter
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: Win a National Geographic Kids Almanac 2010 @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/6peWLX
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
* Post on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print & Disclosure: Giveaway ends January 29. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to National Geographic Kids for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review and the giveaway prize. The opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

OiOi Sophisticated Baby Bags Review

by Kate on January 17th, 2010 | 5 Comments | New Year New Mama, Reviews, Reviews

oioi_logo Nothing breathes life into your wardrobe like a new beautiful bag. And, practically speaking, for many moms that bag is a diaper bag. My lackluster wardrobe got a much needed pick me up with the practical yet uber stylish OiOi Giraffe Shopper Tote. Seriously, everything looks better when I’m carrying this bag.

About OiOi

OiOi bags have led the way for over a decade and are THE original and essential style accessory that mother’s throughout the world love almost as much as the little ones themselves! OiOi has continued to evolve, expanding from an Australian owned and designed brand to an internationally recognized label. …

OiOi Baby bags are stylish, innovative and practical bags known for their superb quality and reliability. The bags are loved for their spectacular designs, vibrant fabrics, and functional styles that have no comparison. Sprouting from a single bag in 1997, the collection now resembles a lively, bustling family with over 40 styles available.

Practical Baby Bag

OiOi Baby Bags are not just a pretty face, they are practical, too. Here are some of the many features of the Shopper Tote:

printed poly canvas
padded web top handles
detachable nylon web adjustable shoulder strap
fixed stroller straps
back pocket with magnetic snap closure
one main internal compartment with elasticized pockets
water resistant nylon lining and accessories
nickel adjustable hardware
large padded microfiber change mat
insulated bottle holder
protective metal feet on base

And, how does that translate to real life? I use the tote handles and carry the bag over my shoulder, but there is also a single shoulder strap if you prefer to carry it that way. I LOVE that the bag contains straps to loop around stroller handles. They are fixed in the bag so you don’t have to bring extra straps or losing extra pieces.

The large main compartment of the bag is, well, large. Deceptively so, in fact. But, like some other diaper bags, it’s easy to organize and access because the top of the bag opens so wide that you can easily see and get to everything you need. In addition there are three elasticized pockets on the inside and one zipper pocket. I use one inside pocket for my things like chap stick and lotion, another for my wallet and the largest compartment is perfect size for diapers and wipes. There is also an outside pocket with a magnetic closure. I love this pocket and keep my cell phone there for easy access. The inside also has a clip for your keys so they’re always easy to find.

OiOi New Collection

OiOi is launching new collection of bags, and they are all to die for. I particularly love love the new Studded Totes, like the Red Studded Tote, is made of man made leather and features fashion forward stud detailing. You certainly won’t feel like a fuddy duddy mom carrying that bag!

To Buy Or Not to Buy

To Buy… I really, really love my new OiOi Baby Bag. If you’re looking for a way to spark new life in your wardrobe this year, I definitely recommend checking out OiOi Baby Bags. I think the biggest compliment I can give this bag is that I carry it even when I’m going out without my kids. Yes, I carry a diaper bag even when I don’t carry diapers!

Or Not to Buy… The only prohibitive factor to buying an OiOi is the price tag. But, justify it this way – it’s a stylish accessory you will carry every day for several years. Unlike that pair of jeans which you (hopefully) won’t wear every day.

Shop! Check out the complete collection of sophisticated baby bags at OiOiBabyBags.com. The Black Giraffe Shopper Tote is $1 60 and the Red Studded Tote will be available on January 22 for $160.

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

dadoo kids Review, Discount + Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on January 16th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Clothes, Giveaways, Reviews

As you know, I’m a sucker for great kids clothes. So it’s no surprise I was eager to get my hands on dadoo kids after checking out the website and learning the key words to describe dadoo are “playful, modern, organic, easy, bamboo blends.” Can’t go wrong, right? Right. We received the dadoo kids MOTO tee and I was not disappointed.

About dadoo kids

With two young ones of her own, designer Christine Miller Kelly was inspired to develop a line of playful, modern, and super comfortable children’s clothing that simultaneously celebrates the joy of being a kid (no rush to look like an adult!) and the realities of day-to-day play.

Materials. Made of organic cotton and bamboo blends, our dadoo kids tee is softer than the average tee.
Design. Each pattern is custom made – both the designs on the clothes and the size is cut to fit real kids.
Construction & Functionality. I love that all the clothes are made with elastic waistbands and knit so there are no closures – no snaps, buttons, zippers, etc. Perfect for toddlers learning to dress themselves and comfortable for lots of rugged play.

In addition to graphic cotton tees, the dadoo kids line of clothes includes comfy dresses, pants and shorts designed for play, bamboo and cotton blend raglan tees, and leggings. Many of the clothes feature sealife graphics and are more colorful than many bamboo and organic clothes.

dadoo kids clothes

Our Experience

The MOTO tee is a cool gray color with a motorcycle graphic that is a blend of vintage and modern all at the same time. I love the way it looks, and of course Preschool Boy loves that it has a motorcycle. Made of organic cotton, the shirt is extremely soft and it hold up well to wash and wear. We have a 3T, which (like most 3Ts) is still a bit large on Preschool Boy, but it’s not swimming on him (like some 3Ts). Frankly, I”m happy it’s a bit big because I know he’ll be able to wear it through the summer. This tee is a winner all the way around.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The dadoo kids tee is a unique, the design is modern and still playful for kids. It’s extremely soft and washes well. I seriously wish I could get this in my size.

Or Not to Buy… Due to the bamboo blend and organic materials used, the price tag is the only negative.

Shop + Discount! Find the complete spring line on sale at dadoo kids online. The MOTO tee is $38. Use the code SHOPPINGMAMA20 for an awesome 20% off your purchase.

Win! A dadoo kids organic cotton graphic t-shirt!

How to Enter: Visit dadoo kids and leave a comment here with something that catches your eye.

Bonus Entries - please leave a comment for each you do:

* Fan dadoo kids on Facebook
* Follow dadoo kids on Twitter
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: I just entered to win an organic dadoo kids tee @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/6XAqVo
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post and dadookids.com (leave five comments including your link)
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader

The Fine Print & Disclosure: Giveaway ends January 29. Open to US mailing addresses only. Winner will select size and gender, but specific prize selection subject to availability. Thanks to dadoo kids for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review and the giveaway prize. The opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

TGIF: Coupons, Sales, Discounts & News (1/15)

by Kate on January 15th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Deal & News Roundup, Weekly Features

Donate $5 to Help Haiti

If you’re like me you probably feel helpless seeing the news coverage of the terrible earthquake in Haiti. I feel helpless and wish I was able to do more to help. But, every little bit helps so I’m donating money to Yele, an organization to build global awareness for Haiti and the force behind the Haiti Earthquake Alliance.

TEXT YELE to 501501 and you will be charged $5 on your cell phone bill. Easy. But every little bit helps.

Companies Helping Haiti

Happy Heinys is collecting new and good condition reusable diapers to send to orphanages in Haiti. In addition, they are accepting donatiosn of new or good condition clothing and small items that will fit in suitcases. Please send donations as soon as possible (mark box “donations”) to:

Happy Heinys
1529 N Cuyamaca St
El Cajon, CA 92020

baby star will donate 10% of its January Sales to Mercy Corps.

Sugar Dipes – one stop shop for cloth diapering needs – is donating a portion of all sales on Sunday, January 17 to the Red Cross Haiti Relief fund.

pediped Introduces Socks & Tights + Purchase with a Purpose

One of our favorite shoe brands, pediped, is now making coordinating tights and socks. The collection features comfy and stylish designs to compliment your little one’s shoes.

While you’re at pediped, don’t forget to check out the purchase with a purpose sale. Shoes are up to 40% off and proceeds benefit the Make A Wish Foundation.

Sales

Gymboree: It’s Gymbucks redemption time! Woot! And, I have TWO $25 Gymbucks that are burning a hole in my pocket but I totally don’t need. If you want one or both, please email me and they’re yours.
Pottery Barn Kids: Weekend Sale Event this weekend online and in stores. Up to 75% off certain items.
Land of Nod Winter Wonder Sale ends January 19.
Babies R Us 3 Day Super Sale: Receive a $15 Babies R Us gift card with the purchase of 2 boxes of Pampers (92 ct or higher)

Discount Codes

Gap / Old Navy / Banana Republic: Get More, Save More Sale. 15% off $75, 20% off $100 and 25% off $150 with code SALE123 at checkout. Ends January 18.

Exclusive Discounts

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.
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.

So Easy Toddler Food: Book Review

by Kate on January 15th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Reviews

The goal of Fresh Baby is straightforward: encourage family-friendly healthy eating. To that end, Fresh Baby offers an array of products to help parents prepare and provide healthy food for every child from newborn stage to school age kids. The cornerstone of the Fresh Baby line is the So Easy Baby Food Kit with everything you need to make your own baby food. But the newest Fresh Baby product is geared toward toddlers. You know, those pesky, picky, and often difficult eaters. Recognizing the challenges of toddler eating, So Easy Toddler Cookbook is much more than a cookbook, offering facts, tips and advice about healthy eating.

So Easy Toddler Cookbook

48 page Toddler cookbook
Family-friendly, simple recipes making it convenient to make healthy meals
35 recipes with photos and USDA nutrition facts information
Practical advice and tips for toddler eating behaviors and healthy eating
Available in English or Spanish (en español)

Tips and Advice

Anyone who’s enjoyed a meal with my family in the last year knows that my son is a bit of a challenge at the (breakfast, lunch and) dinner table. So, naturally, I devoured the first seven pages of the book that are devoted to straightforward tips and advice about encouraging healthy eating. One area that I will undoubtedly go back to over and over again is the “Dos and Don’ts to Avoid Food Battles”. And, oh, was I doing a lot of the “don’ts”. The advice is not judgy, and I’ve already found myself repeating it to myself during meals.

Recipes

The thirty-five recipes in the book are pretty general but very nutritious and kid-friendly (think granola, macaroni with ham and peas, and maple carrots). Each recipe includes a picture, which I like. The best part is that many of the recipes include menu ideas and recipe variations. The recipes are very easy to follow and each includes nutritional information.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… With a picky toddler, I find the advice and tips at the beginning very valuable – almost more than the actual recipes. But, of course I love a new cookbook and one a focus on toddler nutrition is a great addition to my kitchen.

Or Not to Buy… If you’re looking for a jam packed overflowing recipe book, this isn’t it. Rather, the book is a balance of tips and recipes.

Shop! The So Easy Toddler Food is available for purchase from Fresh Baby for only $8.95. On the site, you’ll also find a detailed outline of what’s in the book as well as other valuable information about kid’s nutrition and healthy eating.

Disclosure: Thank you to Fresh Baby for providing a sample product for the purposes 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 January 14th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaway Linky, Weekly Features

Happy Thursday. Thanks for stopping by to list your giveaways and check out some other great ones. Here are a couple of giveaways to make sure you check out:

FlyeBaby and CARES end tomorrow night here at The Shopping Mama
Eleven shoes at Potamus Prefers
Hopscotch Kids tee at The Mom Jen
Nelle Lizzy ring from The Mom Buzz

Happy linking.

The Corner Stork Baby Gifts Review

by Kate on January 13th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Baby, Reviews

cornerstork baby gifts The purpose of The Corner Stork is simple: provide the warmth and handpicked selection of a corner store, plus the convenience of an online store. Whether you’re looking shopping for a baby shower, new mama gift or a birthday present The Corner Stork has a great selection of unique and affordable gifts.

About Corner Stork

We carefully handpicked the best of bath toys to room decor, personalized gifts to clothing, searching out the best vendors all around the world. Then we road-tested these products on our own babies. We also made sure that the price you pay here is the absolutely the most competitive.

Magoo the Monkey

To get an idea of the quality of gifts at The Corner Stork, we received one of the best sellers – the “Monkey Magoo and Blankie Too!” gift set. Monkey Magoo is a sweet plush monkey cuddling a banana containing an embroidered blanket. After receiving the set and checking it out, I have to say the biggest surprise is the price tag – it’s only $28. Magoo the plush monkey is soft and has velcro on his hands and feet so he can cuddle a bedpost or your little one. The blanket is a good size, very soft and features an embroidered monkey. And, I love that you can get the blanket personalized (for an additional fee).

Unique Baby Gifts

The selection of gifts at The Corner Stork is really incredible. There’s literally something for every baby shower theme, to match every nursery decor and for boys, girls and even twins. You can find gift suggestions by price, recipient and occasion. There’s even a cool gift finder program on the home page. Many of the gifts are gift sets (like Magoo) so you can feel like you’re giving a really generous gift because there are multiple useful things without spending a fortune.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Corner Stork has a great selection of gifts I’ve not seen anywhere else. And they are genuinely affordable! I love the gifts sets – buy one thing and you’re set.

Or Not to Buy… Because in a gift set like Magoo the Monkey you are paying for multiple things that you may not need. If you’re looking to focus on just one gift, like a luxurious blanket, check those out rather than one of the gift sets.

Shop! If you’re looking for unique baby gifts, check out The Corner Stork Baby Gifts for lots of unique and adorable ideas at affordable prices.

Disclosure: Thank you to Corner Stork 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.

Sephora Giveaway from ShopAtHome.com (Closed)

by Kate on January 13th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Giveaways, New Year New Mama

Every year for the past couple years I’ve made the same new year’s resolution: to be a little more “put together” and wear make up like a grown up. I totally admire those women who always look beautiful – hair brushed, makeup applied, tailored outfit. Me? I’m lucky to put on chap stick and brush my hair. It’s not for lack of loving beauty products! I just love, love Sephora. So, no matter what kind of mama you are, ShopAtHome.com has a great giveaway to pamper you and get you beautified!

What is ShopAtHome.com?

ShopAtHome.com is a free shopping portal that:

Gives you access to the best deals from your favorite stores

Sends you a rebate check 12 times a year just for shopping at your favorite online stores

Gives you a great selection of free catalogs, discount magazines, and free e-newsletters

Coupons & Cash Back

As you know, I love to shop online. With two young kids, it’s simply more practical. So it’s not surprising that I did the majority of my holiday shopping online. Using the ShopAtHome toolbar I earned cash back without even trying – and it really adds up. For example, I bought a lot of toys for the kids at Target.com and earned 5% cash back, I got my husband some mouse thing at Apple and got cash back, and we even got cash back when we booked our rental car through Hotwire.

If you don’t have the toolbar, you can visit ShopAtHome to find coupons and then click through to shop at your favorite store. If you’re looking for makeup deals, the Sephora store page has Sephora coupons, deals and free samples and you earn 4% cash back from ShopAtHome!

Win! Two (2) readers will win a $100 Gift Card to Sephora!

How to Enter: Register with ShopAtHome.com! It’s that easy. AND, the first time you register you get $5 added to your account. Just leave a comment letting me know you’re a ShopAtHome member.

Bonus Entries - leave a separate comment for each you do:
* Fan ShopAtHome on Facebook
* Follow ShopAtHome on Twitter
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet. You may do this every day, just leave your link: Sephora Giveaway! 2 $100 gift cards from @ShopAtHomeWild & @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/8IZbEZ
* Blog about this giveaway and include a link to this post and ShopAtHome.com
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Be a Shopping Buddy: follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect