The Shopping Mama

Stain Repellent Clothes for Kids: Bersica Review + Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on February 6th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Clothes, Giveaways, Reviews

I do not have to tell you that kids make a mess. If you have any or have spent 5 minutes around one, you know they are tops at getting dirty. My children are no exception. So I was intrigued to learn about a brand of children’s clothing designed with crazy technology to be mess-resistant. In other words, Bersica FutureWear is childproof clothing.

About Bersica FutureWear

Bersica Futurewear is a high performance clothing line that combines comfort, fun, and technology. Bersica Futurewear is revolutionizing children’s clothing as the first brand of its kind to use textile nanotechnology, creating an entire line of virtually stain-proof, water-proof and eco-friendly activewear – now your kids can be kids and have fun while staying clean and dry, spill after spill!

But, Does it Really Work?

Take a look at the video and find out how Bersica fared against water, ketchup and chocolate syrup.

Active Wear for Active Kids

Bersica is definitely styled with active kids in mind. The polo types are basic and the pants and shorts are elastic waistband. Probably not by accident, the style is in line with a lot of school uniform guidelines and the colors are easy to match with clothes you already have in your closet. The clothing is a Nylon, Polyester and Spandex blend and feels kind of like, well, polyester. I think it’s fair to say that the look is function over form. However, it serves its function quite well! (You saw the video, right?)

Toddler Girl received the Girls Polo and Preschool Boy has a pair of Pants. The timing is great because Preschool Boy is learning to use a real cup these days and he hasn’t mastered his technique. If he wears these pants at dinner, the milk will slide right off his pants making a drama free clean up. (Unlike normal clothes that when wet throw him into a bit of a tizzy.) And, I need to put this shirt of my daughter every time she, well, all the time because if she’s not McGuyver’ing tops off sippy cups, she’s pouring my soda on herself.

bersica futurewear stain repellent pants

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… If your kid is prone to spilling, Bersica might be just what the stylist ordered. I was skeptical of the clothes but was totally impressed with the response to water, ketchup and chocolate syrup. I don’t understand the NanoSphere textile technology but I understand a completely clean shirt. I also appreciate Bersica’s commitment to protecting the environment.

Or Not to Buy… The selection is currently pretty slim and the styles leave a little style to be desired.

Shop! Bersica FutureWear wraps all that technology into an affordable price tag. Baby Pants and Polos are $23.99 each. Visit www.bersica.com to shop.

Win! One reader will receive the shirt or pant of your choice.

How to Enter: Visit Bersica and leave a comment here telling me what piece of clothing you’d like if you win.

Bonus Entries – please leave a separate comment for each you do:
* Join the Bersica Mailing List – left side of the Bersica webpage
* Follow Bersica on Twitter
* Fan Bersica on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet – you may do this every day. Just leave a comment with your link. Win Bersica Futurewear kid’s stain repellent clothing @TheShopping Mama
* 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
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 19. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Bersica FutureWear for providing a sample product for review and the giveaway prize. The opinions are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

New Study on Safe Sleep and aden + anais Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on February 6th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaways

On February 3rd, a new study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association finds the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is linked to low serotonin production in the brainstem. In addition to setting the foundation for potentially finding the ability to identify babies at risk for SIDS, the study found that at least one SIDS risk factor in a staggering 95% of all cases in the study.

The CJ Foundation for SIDS funded the study in part, and is a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting the SIDS community through research, services and public awareness. aden + anais is working with the CJ Foundation for SIDS on the Sleep in Safety Grow in Style campaign to raise awareness of SIDS risk factors. As the recent study suggests, education about risk factors is important. (For more information on the new study, see the video Low Serotonin Levels linked to SIDS from the Today Show.)

Safer Sleep for Babies

While the cause of SIDS remains unclear, there are known risk factors. Here are some steps parents can take to provide a safer sleep environment for babies and minimize risk:

Consider the use of fans to increases ventilation
Room temperature should be comfortable for a lightly-clothed adult, approximately 61-67 degree Fahrenheit
Cribs should be totally free of all loose blankets, stuffed animals and crib bumpers
Lay baby to sleep in an improved crib, on a firm mattress; do not let the baby sleep on soft things, like a couch, pillow, sheepskin, foam pad or waterbed
No smoking when pregnant or near baby
If possible, breastfeed baby
Offer a pacifier at bedtime
Co-sleeping should be in the same room but not the same bed or other sleep surface as parents

Sleep in Style

aden + anais cozy slumber blue package Parents are urged to remove loose blankets from the crib while keeping a cool environment because overheating is a major risk factor for SIDS. But how do you keep baby warm? One safe alternative is a wearable blanket or Sleepsack. aden + anais, known for their cotton muslin swaddling blankets, has a variety of cute Sleeping Bags. The Cozy Sleeping Bag boasts 4 layers of muslin to keep baby warm during the cold nights. Like all aden + anais products, the Cozy Sleeping Bag designs are clean and modern with a touch of whimsy.I love that the Sleeping Bags are available in four sizes to accommodates babies from birth to age 2.

aden + anais cozy sleepsacks

Shop! Keep baby safe and comfortable in aden + anais Cozy Sleeping Bags – available at 8 patterns for $39.95.

Win! An aden + anais Cozy Sleeping Bag!

How to Enter: Visit aden + anais and tell me your favorite Sleeping Bag pattern.

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

* Fan aden + anais on Facebook
* Fan The CJ Foundation for SIDS on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet – you may do this every day. Just leave a comment with your link. Win an aden + anais Cozy Sleeping Sack and keep baby safe and warm @TheShopping Mama http://bit.ly/dhye1w
* 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
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 19. Open to US and Canadian mailing addresses. Thanks to aden + anais for providing the giveaway prize.

Frecklebox Personalized Gifts Review + Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on February 5th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Reviews

When my daughter was born a friend sent us two adorable personalized books from Frecklebox. I just love the Nature Name book with have for my daughter and my son long ago colored all the pages of his personalized coloring book. So, when I had the chance to review some different Frecklebox items (and offer a giveaway for you all to enjoy), I jumped at the chance. And, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Frecklebox personalized gifts are a great way to sweeten up your day without sugar.

About Frecklebox

Frecklebox is on a mission to educate and entertain. So we conceived this here web-based business to offer truly unique, personalized gifts for children at affordable prices. The site makes it quick and easy to customize each item so it prominently features the name of the child who will receive the gift. Our entertaining selection of personalized books, posters, growth charts, journal books, coloring books, stickers, placemats, puzzles, and other personalized items, are designed to delight your children and friends.

Personalized Storybooks

frecklebox personalized book Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Preschool Boy received the Big Heart personalized book. After receiving a love note that makes him happy, your child wants to spread the love with friends and family. The story continues as your little one learns ways to show affection and appreciation of loved ones.

Your child’s name is incorporated throughout the story and into the bright and vibrant graphics. It’s fun for Preschool Boy to see his name on every page and is slowly learning the sweet lesson.

Playful Placemats

frecklebox placemat Frecklebox has a huge variety of personalized and oversized placemats for kids (and beyond, really -some of the designs are great for older kids). They are awesome! At 11 by 17 inches, the placemats are big enough to protect your table and catch runaway food. The designs are bright, bold and graphic. We received the Alphabet Soup placemat which is perfect for Preschool Boy as we’re working really hard on letter recognition. I also love the Airplanes and Picking Flowers designs. And, how cool are the Looks Like Me designs?

frecklebox brown-hair-personalized-glam-princess-placemat

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Frecklebox is a great option for affordable, personalized gifts. In a pickle for a unique birthday gift? Check out the Coloring Books, Placemats and Puzzles. The website is awesome, easy to navigate and you can see customized previews before your order to make sure it looks perfect.

Or Not to Buy…I really can’t think of an improvement or reason not to buy. I’ve been really pleased with everything we’ve received from Frecklebox.

Shop! Order by Monday (with overnight shipping) to receive your Frecklebox order in time for Valentine’s Day. Hardbound books are $34.95 and softbound books are $19.95. Placemats are only $9.95.

Win! A hardbound book of your choice and a set of coordinating stickers.

How to Enter: Visit Frecklebox, take a look around all the cool gift ideas and leave a comment with something you’d like to personalize.

Bonus Entries - leave a comment for each you do:

* Follow Frecklebox on Twitter
* Fan Frecklebox 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 personalized hardbound book and stickers from Frecklebox @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/cPLadD
* 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
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 19. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Frecklebox for providing a product for the purposes of this review and the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

ecostore USA Review + Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on February 5th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Baby, Giveaways, Giveaways, New Year New Mama, Reviews, Reviews

As you know one of my resolutions for the year is to pay better attention to the products I’m using with my kids. I think to some extent, going green goes hand in hand with that goal. I want to avoid nasty and unnecessary chemicals and toxins when possible. But, I’m a realist and frankly don’t have time to research every single thing we bring in the home. So, for me, it makes sense to find brands that I can trust and use throughout our house. I think ecostore USA might be a go-to resource and safe, eco-friendly store.

About ecostore USA

ecostore USA loves making a difference in people’s lives. We are passionate about improving the planet and bringing you everyday household products that are safer and healthier for you and your family. Originating in 1993 as a New Zealand-based manufacturer, wholesale distributor and retailer of sustainable household and personal care products, ecostore USA offers plant-based cleaning products as well as body and baby care products. The guiding principle of our formulations is that the end product must not only be good for the planet, but must also be good for the user.

ecostore USA Baby Care

Formulated from all natural ingredients, including plants and essential oils, ecostore USA baby care products are perfectly suited for baby’s soft, sensitive skin. We’ve been using the Baby Body Wash and Baby Nappy Balm for a couple weeks, and ecostore also offers Baby Shampoo, Soap and Massage Oil. And, you know I love to include photos in my reviews, but I will not be including pictures of my wee ones in the tub or getting a diaper change.

ecostore usa babynappybalm I love, love, love the Baby Nappy Balm. Made of a blend of olive, coconut and sesame oils, the Nappy Balm is a great consistency. It is not thick or goopy, and goes on clear. The first time I put some Nappy Balm on Toddler Girl’s bottom she had some irritation and a little diaper rash. And, I’m not exaggerating when I tell you her bottom cleared up the very first time I used it. I was impressed from that moment. My only concern is that the Balm is in a round glass container, and I’m not looking forward to digging it out when we get down to the bottom of the container. In that respect, squeezable dispensers are easier, but so far the Nappy Balm is worth a little inconvenience.

ecostore usa babybodywash The Baby Body Wash does include some ingredients I can’t pronounce, but it contains no toxic chemicals, no dyes, no artificial perfumes and no parabens. (And that’s a good thing.) The smell is refreshing, not babyish at all, maybe eucalyptus? It creates a nice lather and is not too watery. I do wish ecostore USA offered a combo body wash and shampoo because, well, I like my products to multi-task like me.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Like I mentioned in the post, the Nappy Balm rid my daughter of a diaper rash the first time she used it. I really love the lightweight, but effective formula. And, most importantly, I like knowing the products contain No Nasty Chemicals.

Or Not to Buy… I’d love to see a combination Body Wash and Shampoo.

Shop! In addition to Baby Products, ecostore USA has products for your home, pets and bath and body. The Nappy Balm and Body Wash are $10 each. And, ecostore USA products are now sold in Meijer stores in the midwest!

Win! A $25 Gift Certificate to ecostore USA.

How to Enter: Visit ecostore USA and tell me one thing you’d like to own.

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

* Follow ecostore USA on Twitter
* Fan ecostore USA 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 $25 Gift Card to ecostore USA and avoid nasty chemicals @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/9f1wcM
* 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
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 19. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to ecostore USA for providing a product for the purposes of this review and the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Spoiled Royal Girls Necklaces – Perfect for Valentine’s Day!

by Kate on February 4th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Reviews, Shopping

If you’re looking for affordable, fun and funky jewelry, look no further than Spoiled Royal Girls. Jessica, the owner and designer, creates top notch jewelry and accessories for mamas and girls. The Etsy shop is filled to the brim with pendants. Seriously, there is something for every taste and every age.

Made using real Scrabble tiles and poker chips, the pendants are covered with a graphic photo or image, sealed with a glossy finish and topped with a silver plated bail. Jessica sent me several pendants and they are great quality. I’m not sure how the sealing process works but it looks perfectly crafted.

Custom Photo Pendants

I was excited to send Jessica a couple photos of my kids so she could create custom photo pendants for me. I sent a photo of each child and left the editing and cropping all that up to her. After cropping and perfecting the photo, Jessica sent me an email with an image of what the pendant would look like. The emails were like a tease because they looked so cute! The pendants arrived mounted on a card. The presentation is really cute!

Both photo pendants are very sweet. It would be a great Valentine gift for any mama or grandmama. And, I think I know a friend or two who would love a photo pendant of a beloved pet.

Poker Chip & Scrabble Tile Pendants

I also received a graphic Poker Chip pendant and Scrabble Tile pendant. Just like the custom photo pendants, the quality is top notch. What amazes me the most about Spoiled Royal Girls pendants is the amazing selection. Seriously, there are hundreds in the Etsy shop. The Scrabble tile is the perfect size for a girl’s first necklace – and at a price that you can feel good about spending and handing off to a child.

Spoiled Royal Girls pendants are a great affordable option for Valentine’s Day and beyond! For a young girl, check out the animal designs (there’s also Hello Kitty and Disney) . Tweens might like the graphic floral designs, and for mamas go with the custom photo, initial or words and symbols.

Shop! Spoiled Royal Girls Scrabble Tile custom photo pendants are $11.95 and Poker Chip custom photo pendants are $14.95. Scrabble tile graphic pendants are $5.95 and $7.95 with personalization.

SALES! Shop through the end of February and get these awesome deals. Buy 3 Standard Pendants, Get 1 FREE Standard Pendant + 1 FREE Chain Necklace (does not apply to custom photo necklaces). Buy 3 rings, get 1 FREE. AND, receive a FREE Chain with every Custom Photo piece of jewelry.

Thank you to Spoiled Royal Girls for providing sample products for the purpose of this post. Opinions are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Conversation with my Daughter

by Kate on February 4th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Life, Parenting

Maybe conversation is a bit of an exaggeration. I mean, she is only 14 months old. And, well, it went a little something like this:

Me: Say “mama”.
Her: Baba.
Me: Say “mmmmmaaaaaaammmmmmaaaaaaa.”
Her: Bbbbbbbbbaaaaaaaabbbbbbbbbbaaaaaa.
Me: Say “mmmooooommmmmeeeee.”
Her: Bbbaaaaaaabbbbbbbbeeeee.

Seeing as things were not going as planned, I switched it up.

Me: Say “dada”.
Her: Baba.
Me: Say “daaaaaaaadaaaaaaa.”
Her: Baaaaaabaaaaaa.

Okay. Again, not quite what I was hoping for.

Me: Say “Jack.” (Her 3 year old older brother’s name.)
Her: Baby!!

DSC_1155_1 Obviously, she’s not much of a talker. At 14 months, she can say “mama” (despite being completely uncooperative tonight), baby, a weird version of yes, occasionally dada and “BEaaak” (for Jack).

I’m not really worried, but I am starting to get a little concerned. I mean, I know she’s bright and understands everything I say. But, shouldn’t she be saying a bit more at this point?

Should I worry? When did your child start to say more than a couple words?

Find & Shop Mom Owned Businesses at MarketMommies.com

by Kate on February 4th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Shopping

As you know, I like to shop. (Duh!) Well, imagine my excitement when introduced to MarketMommies.com – a website with an extensive directory of mom owned businesses and adorable shops.

Mommy Biz Listings

Welcome to MarketMommies.com! We link moms in business with moms who need their products or services. The idea is that if you need a product or service, why not support a mom owned business with your dollars? Over 10 million women in the United States own a business. Whether its out of your house, on the web or at a store, moms are making a difference in the products we use and in the bottom line for their families. So support them by buying from a Mom!

At MarketMommies.com, mom owned businesses are broken down by category: Home & Garden, For Kids, For Mamas, Services and more. You know the first place I browsed was the list of businesses with products for kids. Each shop is cuter than the next and there are A LOT listed!

Shop Mom Owned!

One of my favorite listings is an online boutique called Cutie and Patootie. Stocked with hip (and unique) baby clothes, great baby gifts and luxury toys, Cutie and Patootie is just too much fun. And, of course, I love knowing it’s owned and operated by a fellow hard-working mama.

Another adorable mom-owned business listed at MarketMommies is My Baby Pajamas. Who knew there were so many freaking cute pajamas for kids out there? And with such a great selection all in one place? Shopping for pjs have never been so easy. My Baby Pajamas even has Valentine’s and matching family pajamas. (And if you’re wondering what dorky family wears matching pajamas… that would be my family! I made all four of us wear matching pjs at Christmas last year.)

Connect! Keep up with MarketMommies on Facebook and Twitter.

Get Listed! Mompreneurs, visit MarketMommies, register as a business owner and get listed for FREE. MarketMommies.com also has free mom blog listings and a giveaway linky on Mondays.

Disclosure: MarketMommies.com is a paid advertiser on The Shopping Mama. However, the opinions in this post are my own and I was not compensated for this post.

Thursday Giveaway Linky

by Kate on February 4th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaway Linky, Weekly Features

Thanks for stopping by to link up and browse giveaways. I seriously cannot believe it’s Thursday again. The last couple weeks have been flying! While you’re here, enter the great Valentine giveaways that end tomorrow:

Five Blessed Bows Valentine Bows * Choice of Cupcake Tree Stamps * Bel Amour Couture Valentine Tutu * The TomKat Studio Valentine Printables

Happy Thursday and happy linking.