The Shopping Mama

I. Am. Sorry.

by Kate on March 25th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Life

I am so sorry for all of the issues on the blog this week. First, the host shut it down on Monday morning because it couldn’t handle the traffic and some combination of my pretty theme and my comment function was causing a problem on the server. (It also shut it down last Monday morning for the same issue.)

And now the comments are completely broken. I am working on a fix in every way I know how. Which is basically to ask people since I have no idea how this stuff works.

Once this issues is resolved I start the process to switch hosting company. This kind of issue on the blog once is forgivable. But, at this point I’m the jerk because it’s taken me this long to take a stand that something needs to change. I’ll do my best to get everything sorted out ASAP.

Again, I’m sorry! Trust me, I know it’s annoying for you, but you have no idea how embarrassing and stressful the repeated issues are for me.

PlanToys Twist Shape Sorter Review

by Kate on March 25th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Reviews, Toddler, Toys

I’ve been a long time admirer of PlanToys. We have a few toys the kids have received as gifts over the years, but mostly I have eyed them online and in our local toy store. Even without knowing much about the company, when you see the toys, it’s obvious there’s an emphasis on creating fun and interesting educational toys.

About PlanToys

We create innovative educational toys for every developmental stage of childhood. PlanToys® incorporates thoughtful design and age-appropriate challenges to stimulate children’s creativity. Our toys encourage healthy social interaction, promote natural learning and instill a sense of wonder.

Twist Shape Sorter

We received one of the new developmental toys for 2010 – the Twist Shape Sorter. The Twist Shape Sorter consists of 6 pieces – a base, a frame and 4 shapes. The base is split in fourths with red and yellow and the shapes are red on one side and yellow on the other. But, wait, it’s not that simple. The frame can go on the base in various positions to create a different puzzle – each shape can be a solid color or split between the two. The shapes are actually two pieces and twist so that each side can be a solid color or half red and half yellow. (It’s hard to explain so I took a lot of photos!)

As a mom, my very favorite thing about this is that it can be developmentally appropriate for both of my kids. My 16 month old daughter can use it with the solid colors to try to match shapes. And when my son is going to play with it, we can kick it up a notch, turn the top frame piece and make it a more complicated puzzle. My son really enjoys playing with it. I don’t have to set up a challenge for him – he does it himself by twisting and turning and moving things around.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… PlanToys wooden toys are really high quality and I love that the company has a green philosophy in both the materials used in the toys and their business practices. The Twist Shape Sorter, in particular, is a unique mix of a puzzle and shape sorter that entertains my preschooler without making noise or requiring batteries.

Or Not to Buy… I do wish the Twist Shape Sorter came in a bag or container of some sort to keep all the pieces together. Our toys get lots of use and I live in constant fear of losing pieces!

Shop! Plan Toys has a huge selection of toys for every age group – from baby toys to preschool appropriate activities. Prices range depending on the size of the toy, from $6 for a Baby Rattle Teething Ring to $250 for a Victorian Dollhouse.

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

Thursday Giveaway Linky

by Kate on March 24th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaway Linky, Weekly Features

Thanks for stopping by to link up and browse great giveaways. Don’t forget to check out the great giveaways here on The Shopping Mama, including the awesome Kia Makeover for $200 worth of Sephora makeup, the DreamInk Boutique Art Tee and the limited edition Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag.

Head over and link up at Baby Loving Mama, too. She has some awesome giveaways, too, like the Modern Bird Studios Modern Art I’d love to win.

How I “Train” My Kid With Schleich Review + Dragon Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on March 24th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Reviews, Toys

Every time we go to Target my son tries to act his way (though good behavior) into a little toy. Luckily, one of his favorite aisles at the store is the one that contains the shelves full of Schleich animal toys and action figures. I can feel good about essentially bribing my son when the reward is a quality toy that encourages imaginative play. While this might not be the best way to “train” your child, there is a giveaway if you’re excited about the movie How to Train Your Dragon.

About Schleich

Schleich manufactures action figures and animal toys that inspire imagination with boys and girls around the world.

Schleich is the home of action figures and animal figurines. Our product range spans the World of Nature with beautiful animal toys to the World of History with realistic educational toys. Our popular category of the World of Fantasy includes the well-known Smurfs as well as the quickly growing World of Elves. From over twenty breeds of horses to a dozen species of dinosaurs, Schleich understands the beauty and range in the animal kingdom.

Farm Life

Just in time for spring, Schleich introduced new baby animals and we had the opportunity to play with a few. With the help of Preschool Boy, we picked out four animals to live on our imaginary “farm”: ducklings, clydesdale stallion and foal and a very cute calf.
The first thing I noticed when we browsed the website checking out the animals is that Schleich does not “dumb down” its toys for kids. For example, the calf is actually called the “Scottish Highland Calf.” You probably aren’t surprised to learn that I really don’t know a Scottish Highland Calf from an Ohio Cow, but I do know a surprisingly beautiful little calf when I see it. All of the animals are hand-painted and very realistic. (Just look under the stallion’s legs.)

One thing I’ve really grown to detest is when my son says, “What does it do?” when he gets a new toy. And, it was such a breath of fresh air that when he got the animals he just starting playing with them. No batteries, no instructions, no electronics. Just his imagination and his little farm family. And, I’ve been surprised to see how much Toddler Girl has also enjoyed playing with the little animals. I actually think our little calf has helped her learn to say “Moo!”

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Schleich animal toys and figurines are high quality, safety-compliant materials and are truly little works of art. I love that they are straightforward animals that leave the details of how to play up to your child. If my son is on his best behavior we’ll definitely be adding to our Schleich collection when we visit Target.

Or Not to Buy… Schleich figurines are a little more expensive than other animal figurines you may find, but I do think the quality is top notch. Some of the animals are also on the small side. I can’t let my daughter near the Ducklings because they’re too small. (The recommended age is 3+.)

Shop! Schleich action figures, animal toys and figurines range in price depending on the size of the animal. The set of Ducklings is $2.99, Clydesdale stallion is $6.99, Clydesdale foal is $4.49, and the Scottish Highland calf is $4.49. The larger animals, such as the dragon in the giveaway are priced as high as $49.99. Schleich toys are sold in Target, Toys R Us and independent stores nationwide. Check the store locator to find a store new you.

Win! Celebrate the movie How to Train Your Dragon with a Schleich Faraun the Dragon Action Toy.

Prize details: “Faraun is everything that an elegant dragon should be. Her creamy golden scale-studded skin is just as radiantly majestic as her powerful claws and the horns on her lizard head. She takes care of and protects her freshly hatched dragon baby Nugur. Together with Antylar, the most powerful dragon of all, she lives in a rock cave high up in the mountains.” Suggested retail price is $49.99.

How to Enter: Visit Schleich and tell me another animals or figurine your little one would love.

Bonus Entries - valid only after the required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave a link every time you do:
Excited about the How to Train Your Dragon movie? Win a Schleich Dragon Toy worth $50 @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/dBprku
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
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* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post – leave 5 comments with your link
* Post the Spring into Spring button on your blog

Disclosure: This giveaway ends April 5 and is open to US residents only. Thanks to Schleich for providing samples for the purpose of the review and the giveaway prize. Opinions are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Wordless Wednesday: Construction Junction

by Kate on March 23rd, 2010 | 5 Comments | Weekly Features, Wordless Wednesday

Last weekend, we hit the local fairgrounds for Construction Junction – a chance for Preschool Boy to touch and sit in trucks and other cool stuff. He had a blast!

He met (a rather old) clown.

Who made him a balloon sword.

He sat in a helicopter.

He got arrested.

He played on a giant hill of sand.

And he built a rain catcher with dad.

I look forward to seeing your pictures!

Petunia Spring Outlet Sale

by Kate on March 23rd, 2010 | 5 Comments | Shopping

Get your computers ready and your credit cards handy. It’s time for the semi-annual Petunia Pickle Bottom Outlet Sale. The Outlet prices are 30 and 60% off retail, and sales benefit the March of Dimes. Win-win.

Petunia fans don’t mess around, so this is serious business. Here are a couple tips:

Pre-register today to make check out faster when the sale starts tomorrow.
Know what you’re looking for so you don’t waste time browsing randoms. Check out the bag styles so you can try to limit your focus to Boxy Backpacks or Touring Totes or Cosmopolitan Carry Alls, or whatever it is you fancy. Me? I fancy ‘em all, so it’s hard to narrow down the list.
If you’re shopping for a sling, check out the Sling by PPB size chart now so you know exactly what you need.
Plan ahead. If you’re sister recently announced she’s knocked up, buy her a bag NOW and give it to her months from now. She doesn’t have to know you scored it at the Outlet Sale.
The sale includes “Certified Seconds” – “a product that has one or more issues that restrict [PPB] from selling them as new or perfect.”
Visit the Petunia Outlet FAQ for more info.

Shop! The Petunia Outlet sale starts March 24 at 11AM EST / 8AM PST and ends March 29.

Have you entered to win the Heirloom by Petunia limited edition diaper bag worth $210?

Magic Madness Tournament – If Basketball’s Not Your Thing

by Kate on March 23rd, 2010 | 5 Comments | Blogging

Ladies, prepare your brackets! And, no I’m not talking basketball. It’s time for the second annual Magic Beans Magic Madness – a voting tournament to determine the best of the best in baby gear and toys.

How It Works

With the help of many customer nominations, we’ve chosen 64 stellar baby gear and toy products to fill the brackets. Your job? Help us crown the #1 best product for kids by voting for your favorites. It’s simple to join in and a lot of fun — and there are some amazing promotions and deals that will come your way.

There are three voting stages of the Magic Madness tournament. The first round (which ends March 25th) is to pick your favorite product from brackets of 4 to help narrow down the field from 64 to 16. Voting on the top 16 products is from March 26th through April 1st, and picking a favorite from the Final 4 is from April 2nd to April 8th. The customers’ choice best product will be announced April 9.

What’s In It For You?

So, honestly, I think voting is fun enough and it’s really cool way to find some of the latest and greatest. But, if you’re not a baby gear head and toy junkie like me, you may be wondering, “What’s in it for me?”

Deals and prizes, that’s what! Each round Magic Beans will award 10 (ten) $25 gift cards and during the final week one grand prize $250 gift card. All you have to do to be eligible is vote! Vote every week to increase your odds of winning! And, if you find the product of your dreams, voters will receive emails with exclusive shopping deals and discounts.

Happy voting!

What’s your product pick to win it all?

Disclosure: For all you cynics out there, I was not paid to write this post. I just think it’s cool. But, if you do fill out a bracket, be a doll and tell them The Shopping Mama sent you.

Cheap Date with Blockbuster Express + BOGO Code

by Kate on March 22nd, 2010 | 5 Comments | Shopping

Have you heard of Blockbuster Express? It’s a kiosk movie rental system where you can rent new releases and more for only $1! When you have to get a babysitter the term “cheap date” is clearly and oxy moron. We can’t even get out of the house for less than $30. Try to see a movie in the theater and go out to dinner and we easily spend $80. But, over the weekend, we had a movie night using Blockbuster Express and successfully had a cheap date.

What is Blockbuster Express?

BLOCKBUSTER Express™ is a new self-service movie rental service, offering consumers a wide selection of new release and catalog DVDs through conveniently located kiosks.

Blockbuster Express started in 2008, but I honestly hadn’t heard of it until I received the “cheap date challenge.” I incorrectly assumed there wouldn’t be a kiosk in my area, but checked the Blockbuster Express kiosk finder on the website and discovered one across the bridge in the tourist town on the beach. (Makes total sense, right? Perfect for vacation because no membership is required.)

If you should run into trouble, there is a Customer Service sticker with phone number on every kiosk in case you have trouble with renting, returning, or using a special code like the awesome buy one, get one free code I have for you.

Cheap Date Challenge

The challenge was to enjoy a date night for only $25, so we enjoyed a night in with our flick. What movie, you ask? Perhaps you forgot that New Moon came out last week. Obviously that’s what I wanted to rent, but I was nice and got a movie we agreed on – Couples Retreat. (We should have rented New Moon!) If you have a movie in mind, you can reserve it online and pick it up at a specific kiosk or search all local kiosks to find one with the movie you want to see.

With movie in hand, I made the executive decision we’d feed the wee ones a kid-friendly dinner, put them to bed and pick up some take out from the local Italian restaurant for a grown up dinner. Because, I’m sorry, but it’s not a date if I’m cooking. (If you’re ever in the Panhandle of Florida, I recommend Ciao Bella Pizza!) With the kids tucked in bed by 7:30, my husband picked up our dinner, we parked our booties on the couch and enjoyed a delish dinner and a movie. And, all for less than $25!

Our Cheap Date Tally:

$1 – movie
$23.15 – dinner (Caprese, Greek Salad, Pizzetta)
We drank the cook and beer from our fridge
Total: $24.15

Shop! Visit Blockbuster Express to find a kiosk near you, browse available titles and reserve a movie. Use the code 5G13B25 to Rent 1 movie and Get 1 movie FREE.

Code details: Code is valid thru 3/31/2010. When you rent a movie at the regular price, you’ll receive the first night’s rental on a second movie FREE. Extra night charges and taxes apply. May not be combined with any other offer. Rental terms and conditions apply. Not valid at Blockbuster store locations.