The Shopping Mama

TGIF: Sales, Coupons, Discounts & News (4/30)

by Kate on April 30th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Deal & News Roundup, Weekly Features

Build-A-Bear Military Discount

Build-A-Bear: From May 3 to June 7 2010, members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps will receive a 20% discount on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores with the presentation of a government issued military identification card.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

* Petunia Pickle Bottom: Share the Love! Get a FREE Reusable Shopper Tote with purchase. Use code LOVE4MOM. Expires May 9.

* Bebe au Lait: Mother’s Day Sale – buy a Nursing Cover and get TWO Burp Cloths FREE. Visit Bebe au Lait for details.

* Kindle Wireless Reading Device: FREE Two-Day Select Shipping for Mother’s Day.

* Blurb Photo Book: Free Premium Paper upgrade with code FREEPAPER. Expires May 4.

* Custom Made for Kids: Enjoy FREE Shipping on personalized Mother’s Day gifts with code momfreeship through May 1.

* Personalization Mall: Order by midnight May 2 with guaranteed Mother’s day delivery and NO Rush Fees.

Click to see more Mother’s Day Sales and Coupon Codes.

Coupon Codes

* Clouds & Stars: Save 10% with code DDD1.

* Old Navy: Spring into Savings with 30% off select seasonal styles. Use the code ONBIG30. Expires May 2.

* ShooShoos: 20% off orders over $50 with code summersale.

* Diapers.com: $10 off Diapers plus FREE 1-2 day Shippping. Enter Code PARENTSAPR10. Promotion applies to new buyers only, with a minimum $49 purchase. Expires September 30.

Happy Shopping!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Shopping sponsors and affiliates is a great way to support your favorite blogger.

The Land of Nod In the Market Shopping Cart Review + Giveaway

by Kate on April 30th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Giveaways, Reviews, Reviews, Spring Into Spring

If you’ve been reading The Shopping Mama for any length of time you know I am a huge (HUGE!) fan of The Land of Nod – I’ve been shopping and admiring the store for years. The gift suggestions by age and price were a lifesaver when shopping for my nieces before I had kids of my own. Because I’m such a fan it’s a real honor to work with The Land of Nod to feature one of their many great toys for imaginary play.

In the Market Shopping Cart

This sturdy steel shopping cart is ideal for the little one with an extensive history of reaching across the aisle. Real, kid sized shopping cart features rubber breaking tips, pivoting front wheels, folding front seat and plastic wheels and handles.

Play Metal Shopping Cart

The In the Market Shopping Cart is a play metal shopping cart that was fairly simple to assemble. It did require a screw driver, but it didn’t take much time at all.

Once the Shopping Cart was all put together I had to giggle because it is literally a miniature version of the shopping carts adults push around every day. (Save for the fact that adult shopping carts don’t have three stabilizing tips between the wheels to prevent them from tipping like this mini cart does.)

While I think the Shopping Cart is best suited for indoor play (it is metal after all) we’ve been using it both outside and inside. We spend so much time playing outside and my son has several bikes to keep him busy, but my daughter needed something to keep her entertained. And oh my, the cart has kept her entertained! She walks back and forth in front of our house, pushing and pushing the cart. She loves to fill it up and empty it and fill it up again. The shopping cart is recommended for children 3 and older, so my daughter is definitely on the young side to play with this, but she’s really enjoyed it and we’ve made sure she has plenty of room to play safely.

I do have to say there is a downside to using the stroller inside, particularly in a small space. Because it’s made of metal, the shopping cart is heavy and you run the risk of some minor damage if your little one pushes it vigorously into a wall or furniture. For that reason, my husband actually prefers the kids use it outdoors or in our (newly arranged – yay!) playroom. On the other hand, it does work best on a flat surface. The cart has tipped over when my son is using it outside if the wheels go in divots or large cracks on the sidewalk.

The cart is kind of like having a play baby stroller because your little one can put a doll or stuffed animal in the front seat. In that regard, if you have to pick between a play stroller and a shopping cart, I think this is more versatile. You can push a baby AND fill the basket with toys like my kids do. (The picture to the left is how I found the stroller tonight.)

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The In the Market Shopping Cart is a great addition to any toy collection. It’s incredibly solid and well-made and is literally a mini version of the shopping carts we use every day. Both my kids really love it and I think it’s freaking adorable. If you have a play store or kitchen this is a must.

Or Not to Buy… I think it’s best suited for a flat surface with lots of room until your child has enough control and the ability to avoid crashing into walls or furniture.

The Land of Nod Wish List Contest

Create a “Wish List” of your favorite goodies at The Land of Nod before May 11 and you are entered to win $1000 towards the products on your list. If your little one has a birthday or special event coming up or if you have grandparents who love to spoil, this is a great way to share the toys you actually want and need.

Shop! The In the Market Shopping Cart is $49.00. The Land of Nod has everything – everything! – for babies and kids from crib bedding and strollers to furniture and green toys.

Win! In the Market Shopping Cart from The Land of Nod!

How to Enter: Visit The Land of Nod and take a look at all the awesome toys, decor, furniture and gift suggestions and leave a comment here with something that catches your eye.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

* Spring into Spring! Enter KidsCraft Imagination Playhouse giveaway at Baby Loving Mama and let me know you did.
* Follow The Land of Nod on Twitter
* Fan The Land of Nod on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave the link when you do.
Win an awesomely realistic miniature shopping cart so your little one can shop ’til they drop @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/bQCev6
* Fan / Like The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Be a Shopping Buddy, aka, follow in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or RSS
* 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: Giveaway ends May 14. Open to US residents only. Thanks to The Land of Nod for providing a sample for review and the giveaway prize. Others may have a different experience. Opinions are 100% my own.

Thank You, Skype

by Kate on April 29th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Life

For providing me with the best moment of my day: watching my daughter squeal, kiss and caress my laptop screen while she chatted with her “dada”.

He left yesterday for a month away from home, but we’ll be able to Skype and chat on the phone often. At 17 months old, it seems like my daughter does something new every day. I love that my husband won’t miss out on the sweet moments, new words and “toddler tricks”.

And there is nothing sweeter than hearing my baby giggle and say, “Hiiiiii dada. Dada! Dada!” over and over again when she sees his face. I can only imagine how happy it makes him.

Guidecraft Center Stage Puppet Theater Review + Giveaway

by Kate on April 29th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Giveaways, Reviews, Reviews, Spring Into Spring

Guidecraft started as a small woodshop in 1964 and has grown to include more than 580 educational educational toys and furnishings. Despite the growth and expansion, Guidecraft is owned by the same family and maintains the same mission: stay true to the tradition of smart, beautifully crafted wood products, which allow children’s minds and imaginations room to truly wonder and grow.

Center Stage Puppet Theater

Interchangeable marquee signs can turn this floor puppet theater into a store, a post office, or using the blank chalkboard sign, anything a child can dream of! Sturdy, non-tip construction from environment-friendly wood. Front curtain slides open and closed for performances or can be tied with Velcro loops for an open counter appearance. Dark rear curtain hides puppeteers or encloses. Material: Hardwood, cloth. 35.5 x 14 x 52.5 – 26 lbs

Quick Assembly

The Puppet Theater arrived in a tall and thin box and I imagined I’d have lots of pieces to put together. But, I was pleasantly surprised. The Puppet Theater was nearly completely put together. I really only had to assemble the finishing touches – the red finials on the top, the playing ledge on the bottom level, the theater and red background curtain and the bottom feet for stabilization. I had it assembled and ready for play in literally 15 minutes. The most difficult part was keeping my kids away long enough to get it all put together.

Solid Construction

Made of environmentally-friendly wood, the Puppet Theater is pretty solid but light enough to move around. Actually, given that the Theater can fold for storage and is easy to move around, it’s surprisingly sturdy. The two sides of the Theater fold behind the front making it very thin and easy to put in a closet or under a bed when not in use. The wood used isn’t particularly thick, but it does seem very well constructed and definitely seems to exceed the price tag.

In the following picture you can see some of my favorite details about the Puppet Theater. The ledge is perfect for setting up shop, and I love the large chalkboard. You can see the two “feet” that slide onto the bottom of the unit to keep it from tipping over. While they certainly do work – we haven’t had the theater fall over – I do wish they were thicker. The theater does still tip a bit forward when my kids lean on it.

Imaginative & Dramatic Play

Ideal for imaginative play, the Puppet Theater is more than just a theater. It comes with different signs so you can easily switch from a theater to the Post Office, General Store or something else (there’s a blank sign you can customize to your kid’s imagination). The large blue front area of the Theater is actually a chalkboard so you can create a message or announce the latest production or store opening.

I’ve been treated to a puppet show featuring fish.

I’ve mailed packages with the bored post office worker. And I’ve visited the General Store to buy planes.

It’s safe to say my three year old has really enjoyed the Puppet Theater. At his age, the play has been primarily as a shop. He’s not quite ready to put on a puppet show, but has has watched me try. Obviously the ability to “transform” the theater into other sets for dramatic play is a big plus and I really like that we’ll use it differently as the kids get older. I think they’ll grow into the puppet aspect and that will be lots of fun. It is recommended for children 3 and older, but my son did recruit a shop assistant.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Puppet Theater has been a real treat and has already provided hours and hours of fun. I really look forward to continuing to enjoy it as my kids grow and their ability to role play develops. The construction is very good, especially considering the price tag, and the finishing touches like the chalkboard, signs and finials really add to the nice, quality feel.

Or Not to Buy… My prime area for improvement is the stabilizing feet that slide on to the bottom. I think they should be a bit wider to steady the theater a bit more.

Shop! The Guidecraft Center Stage Puppet Theater is $120. In addition to tools for dramatic play, Guidecraft has a huge (huge!) selection of educational toys and manipulatives, colorful furniture, classroom furniture and doll house furniture. Here are some of my favorite things that are new for spring 2010.

Win! A Guidecraft Center Stage Puppet Theater!

How to Enter: Visit Guidecraft, take a look around and leave a comment with something else that catches your eye.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

* Spring into Spring! Enter The Land of Nod giveaway at Baby Loving Mama and let me know you did.
* Follow Guidecraft on Twitter
* Join Guidecraft on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave the link when you do.
It’s show time! Win a Center Stage Puppet Theater (that is also a store, post office and more!) from Guidecraft @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/aLGj7f
* Fan / Like The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Be a Shopping Buddy, aka, follow in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or RSS
* 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: Giveaway ends May 13. Open to US residents only. Thanks to Guidecraft for providing a sample for review and the giveaway prize. Others may have a different experience. Opinions are 100% my own.

Thursday Giveaway Linky

by Kate on April 28th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaway Linky, Weekly Features

Happy Thursday! Thanks for stopping by to link up your giveaways. I hope you’ll take a minute to check out a few of the great giveaways here ending soon.

The Body Shop Spa Wisdom Collection worth $106

See Kai Run or Smaller Shoes

Marshalls $25 Gift Certificate

And, when you head over to Baby Loving Mama to link up today you have to check out the Petunia Pickle Bottom Heirloom Diaper Bag giveaway.

jill-e designs Camera Bag Review + Giveaway

by Kate on April 28th, 2010 | 5 Comments | For Mama, Giveaways, Giveaways, Reviews, Reviews, Spring Into Spring

When I read about how jill-e came to be – as an alternative to basic, black, boring camera bags – I had an “a ha” moment. It’s true! Most camera bags and camera accessories are, well, boring! Think about it, we buy camera strap covers to make our cameras look nice and like an extension of us and our style. And then we stick them in ugly boxy plain black camera bags. Have no fear, jill-e designs has camera bags that mix style and function for everyone from the camera-toting mama to the professional camera.

About jill-e

We started out as an advocate for every female photography lover who’s ever had to put up with the male-oriented look and feel of high-quality camera bags and accessories. We’ve met thousands of women who’ve longed for a healthy dash of fashion and flair to go along with the functionality their craft requires. They’d ask us: “Why can’t we have both?”

We couldn’t come up with an answer, so we came up with jill-e designs. Then we realized style transcends gender – that the poor male photography lover was unwittingly trapped (Oh my!) in a stale canvas and nylon world of black and shades of black. So we came up with even more.

Small & Stylish Camera Bag

My first impression of the jill-e Small Wristlet was that it was petite and perfect for a point and shoot camera. And then I opened it and got ready to use it and realized there are a lot of great features in the small package. The first thing I noticed was a small velcro piece inside the wristlet that adjusts to fit around your camera and keep it in place. Once my camera was secure and in place the velcro serves as the perfect divider leaving plenty of room for chap stick or other small necessities.

There are two small pockets on the inside for extra memory cards, too. I’d love to see an interior zippered pocket for ID and credit cards because I think this would be the perfect bag to take for a night on the town with friends.

The sides and bottom of the Wristlet are padded and thick and make the camera seem quite protected. The bag comes with a removable small strap to carry it like a wristlet as well as a long strap to wear it over your shoulder. The outside of the bag is made of nylon that is weather-resistant.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… This is perfect for a night on the town with the girls. And, I think the price is great for the quality (even if you only use it every once in a while).

Or Not to Buy… I’d love more color choices and even more materials in the small camera bag. I also think a small zippered pocket would make it more versatile.

Shop! The jill-e Small Wristlet is available in four colors for only $24.99. These stylish camera bags range from pouches for point and shoot cameras to large bags for professional photographers.

Win! A jill-e designs Small Yellow Nylon Wristlet!

How to Enter: Visit jill-e designs and tell me another camera bag that catches your eye.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

* Spring into Spring! Enter the Casio camera giveaway at Baby Loving Mama and let me know you did.
* Follow jill-e on Twitter
* Join jill-e designs on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave the link when you do.
Carry your Point & Shoot in style! Win a jill-e designs Wristlet Camera Bag @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/a60Idk
* Fan / Like The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Be a Shopping Buddy, aka, follow in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or RSS
* 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: Giveaway ends May 19. Open to US residents only. Thanks to jill-e designs for providing a sample for review and the giveaway prize. Others may have a different experience. Opinions are 100% my own.

Wordless Wednesday: Morning at the Zoo

by Kate on April 27th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Weekly Features, Wordless Wednesday

We spent Sunday morning at the zoo. And I use the term “zoo” loosely because it’s about the size of a grocery store. But, it’s actually the perfect size for out kids since we can see everything, have lunch and be home in time for nap.

We fed some animals in the petting zoo. Actually, my son wanted nothing to do with it, but Toddler Girl was all into it!

I don’t know exactly what was so exciting about the kangaroos.

My little raccoon. Or skunk. Or whatever it is.

The peacock spread its feathers. It was so cool!

Sales, Coupons & Deals (Mother’s Day Edition)

by Kate on April 27th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Deal & News Roundup, Weekly Features

Shopping for Mother’s Day? Here are some sales and discount codes to help you save a little money while you spoil mom.

Bugaboo Diaper Bags on Totsy: Can’t afford a Bugaboo Stroller? (Me neither!) Well, you can own a little piece of Bugaboo with a modern, functional diaper bag. Prices are 40% off retail and range from $99 to $179. You must register to join Totsy, so click here to join!

SnapTotes: picture perfect purses - Free Ground Shippping with code DEARMOM10. Order by April 29 for Mother’s Day delivery.

Sakura Bloom: Check out the limited edition Pixie Linen Baby Sling.

Bebe au Lait: Mother’s Day Sale – buy a Nursing Cover and get TWO Burp Cloths FREE. Visit Bebe au Lait for details.

The Land of Nod: Free Shippping on Pregnancy Organizer, Baby Organizer and Family Tree Journal.

PhotoWorks: Use code MOM2010 for 25% off your order.

momAgenda: School Years organizers are 25% off. Free Shipping on orders over $75.

And, when you’re shopping online, don’t forget to use ShopAtHome.com to save money. The Mother’s Day Extra Cash back event includes some great stores like Sephora, Avon, and ice.com.