The Shopping Mama

Edwards Desserts: Reward a Mom & Special 2 Day Giveaway

by Kate on April 16th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Blogging, Giveaways

Edwards Desserts is running the coolest promotion to spoil one lucky mom with a trip to Hollywood AND read on so I can tell you about some sweet treats that you can spoil yourself with at home (and WIN).

And the Edwards Goes To… One Mom’s Going to Hollywood

Until April 23, 2010, visitors to the Edwards Desserts Facebook Fan Page can nominate a mom (their mom, wife, friend, mother figure, etc.) who is deserving of the spotlight for a once-in-a-lifetime red-carpet experience.

To nominate a mom, visitors simply pick a mom from your Friends List and write a short essay (250-1,000 characters). To help your nominee stand out, you can upload a photo or video in support of your number one mom. All eligible entries will be judged by a panel based on the following criteria:

Creativity (20%)
Poignancy (potential for the story to move/inspire people) (20%)
Originality/authenticity of content (20%)
Persuasiveness as to why the nominee deserves thanks and recognition for her efforts and dedication to others (40%)

Up to 10 finalists will be announced just after Mother’s Day on May 10^th, 2010 and Edwards Desserts will open the voting to Facebook users. People can keep up with the contest when they become a fan of the Edwards Desserts Facebook page.

One lucky mom will win a first-class trip for two to Hollywood, including five-star hotel accommodations and tickets to an exclusive red-carpet event. Plus a supply of Edwards Singles desserts to enjoy all year long.

Edwards Singles Á La Mode!

Edwards® Singles Á La Modes combine cool, creamy ice cream and hot, fresh baked tastes for a complete à la mode experience. Each easy-to-prepare dessert bakes hot in the microwave in less than one minute and is topped with cool, creamy ice cream for a dessert you deserve.

I received some coupons to try the Edwards Singles Á La Mode and they are, I have to admit, better than I expected. One Á La Mode package contains two dessert bakes that need to cook in the microwave and two containers of ice cream and toppings. The brownie bake literally looks like a large spoonful of brownie dough, but after 40 seconds in the microwave it’s a little warm brownie. The ice cream topping is in a container that perfectly squeezes to get the ice cream on top of your warm bake.

I’m a big brownie fan – I love brownies in all form – so this is a great option for last minute, single serving dessert. It’s perfect for me to make nights when my husband’s out of town abut I need my dessert fix. Is it just like homemade? No. But, I have to say, it’s a pretty good simple, sweet and quick alternative.

Shop! Edwards Singles Á La Modes are in grocery stores nationwide. They are available in six varieties including Fudge Brownie, Apple Crisp, Molten Lava Cake, Apple Crumb Cake, Turtle Brownie and Chocolate Chip Cookie. At my local (slightly overpriced) grocery store, the Á La Modes are $3.25 for a package that includes two servings.

Win! Two people will receive a couple coupons for free Edwards Singles Á La Modes.

How to Enter: Leave a comment here telling me one flavor you’d like to try. (I mentioned them above in purple.)

This 48 hour giveaway ends April 18.

Disclosure: Thanks to Edwards for providing coupons to sample the product for the purpose of this post and to offer a giveaway. The opinions expressed here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product.

TGIF: Sales, Coupons, Discounts & News

by Kate on April 16th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Deal & News Roundup, Weekly Features

Amazon.com Baby Essentials & Earth Day Promotion

Amazon.com now offers a new way to keep stocked on all your baby essentials. They offer your favorite brands like Pampers, Seventh Generation, Huggies and you receive FREE 2-day shipping on all diapers, wipes and formula sold by Amazon. You can save an additional 15% (and make sure you never run out) but using the auto-delivery program, Subscribe & Save.

Through April 22, you can save 10% on eligible Seventh Generation diapers and wipes and 20% on eligible gDiapers and refills.

Vibrant Trains

Bummed you didn’t win the Vibrant Trains giveaway? Mention The Shopping Mama and receive 10% off your custom alphabet name train!

The Real Deal

giggle.com has launched the Real Deal – these special offers and fabulous finds are of limited quantity, but definitely worth it. These deals are first come, first served, so get yours while you can!

Coupons

* Gymboree: Redeem Gymbucks now through Sunday!

* Crazy 8: Use your Crazy Cash for $20 off a purchase of $40. Expires Sunday, April 18.

Coupon Codes

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

* 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.

* Hartstrings: Use the code APRILFS for Free Shipping with no minimum purchase this weekend.

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

Happy Shopping!

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

Outdoor Furniture Plus Giveaway

by Kate on April 16th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Blogging

Outdoor Furniture Plus is an online retailer that carries a huge assortment of (you guessed it) outdoor furniture, including picnic tables, teak furniture, adirondack chairs and even lawn and garden accessories. To get your summer started right, Outdoor Furniture Plus is sponsoring an “Out with the Old, In with the New” $1,000 shopping spree giveaway.

About Outdoor Furniture Plus

Outdoor Furniture Plus is an authorized factory direct dealer of new first quality outdoor furniture and outdoor accessories for all of your home, lawn, garden, and commercial needs!

We are family owned, and registered and doing business in the state of Ohio. We have been in business for over four years. We offer customers highly competitive prices, with attentive family owned service. Everyone here is charged with making EVERY customer experience the best it can be. From pre-sale to after-sale support you’ll have the full attention of dedicated furniture professionals.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Outdoor Furniture Plus has an AMAZING selection of every thing you can imagine to turn your outdoor space into a comfortable, fun and social place for your family and friends this spring and summer.

I am loving the colorful Adirondack Chairs.

This Resin Outdoor Bar is reason enough for me to throw a party!

And this Red Cedar Harvest Set with benches makes me want to picnic with the family right now.

Customer Service is #1

It’s sometimes nerve-wracking to place an order for big ticket items like outdoor furniture online, but the company places a big emphasis on customer service and making sure the shopping experience is pleasant. They even have their phone number on the Customer Service page, which is often hard to find (if at all) on other online stores.

Shop! Visit OutdoorFurniturePlus.com for everything you need to entertain and enjoy your yard this summer. Receive Free Shipping on orders over $100. If you enter the giveaway, you will receive a 5% coupon and if you become a Fan on Facebook you will receive a 10% coupon!

Out with the Old, In with the New Giveaway

Get your backyard in shape for summer fun with an amazing OutdoorFurniturePlus.com giveaway: a $1000 Shopping Spree!

Visit the Outdoor Furniture Plus Contest page to enter.

You can double your chances to win by becoming a Fan of Outdoor Furniture Plus on Facebook. The contest starts today and will end May 16.

Do not comment on this post to enter, although I would love to hear from you if you do!

Clouds & Stars – QuickZip Crib Sheet – Review + Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on April 16th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Baby, Giveaways, Reviews

The Clouds & Stars QuickZip crib sheet is pure genius. Designed out of the extreme frustration that comes with changing crib sheets, two moms knew there had to be a better way to change a crib sheet that was easier and faster than the pain in the rear that is untying bumper ribbons, rearranging the crib bumper and tugging at sheet corners. “Why can’t you just change the top?”, they wondered. And, so the Clouds & Stars QuickZip crib sheet was born.

About the QuickZip Sheet

The innovative two-piece QuickZip Crib Sheet Set is designed to be simple, safe and stylish. The zipper sheet (top) zips off the base for easy changing. No more mattress wrestling or constant tying and untying of bumper ribbons. Unlike loose-fitting sheets that can cause an entanglement danger to your baby, QuickZip fits snugly around your mattress. And since we preshrink all our fabrics, our sheets fit wash after wash.

Easy to Use Crib Sheet

The QuickZip sheet is made of two parts – a base with elastic at the corners and along the bottom to keep it snug on the mattress. It goes underneath the crib mattress and only covers a bit of the top of the crib mattress. The second piece is flat and the size of the top of the mattress and it zips to the base. So, yes, when you have to change the crib sheet, you simply unzip the top piece, wash, and zip it back on. Holy easiness.

The idea and design of Clouds & Stars QuickZip crib sheet is obviously genius. But does it work? And, the easy answer is yes! Making up the crib the first time is as time consuming as changing a traditional crib sheet because you have to get the base in place. But, it was simple and very straight forward. The real time saving and ease comes in when you have to change the crib sheet. It’s a piece of cake compared to changing a traditional sheet.

The zipper is fully covered by the top sheet so it’s comfortable and looks nice. The QuickZip is a bit big on our mattress so it looks a little bulky and loose from the side. The top is snug, though, and that’s where it’s most important.

Clouds & Stars Crib Mattress

In addition to receiving a Starter Kit for this review, I also received a Clouds & Stars Cotton Crib Pad. (You can see it in the close up photos above.) The crib pad is like a blanket that lays on top of the crib, unlike a traditional mattress pad that is like a fitted sheet. The mattress pad has a waterproof layer and if I need to wash it, it’s just as simple as the QuickZip crib sheet.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Why did I not know about this when my son was born? It’s such a great mom-invention. If you have a child in a crib, I highly recommend it, and if you don’t, I think this is a great baby shower gift.

Or Not to Buy… The base sheet is a bit big on our mattress and isn’t snug around the sides. (Although, admittedly, I’m not really bothered by it and didn’t put much effort into adjusting it.)

Shop! The Clouds & Stars QuickZip Starter Set includes a zipper base and a zipper sheet and is $34.99 to $38.99. Top zipper sheets are also sold separately. The Natural Cotton Crib Pad is $32.99. Exclusive discount! Save 10% off your purchase with the code DDD1.

Win! A Clouds & Stars Starter Set!

How to Enter: Visit Clouds & Stars and leave a comment telling me what color Starter Set you’d like if you win.

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

* Spring into Spring! Enter the Swaddle Designs giveaway at Baby Loving Mama and leave a comment letting me know you did.
* Fan Clouds & Stars 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 a genius Clouds & Stars QuickZip Crib Sheet Starter Set @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/c9TvFU
* Fan 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 April 30 and is open to US residents only. This product review was made possible by the Double Duty Divas. I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample provided by Clouds & Stars. All opinions are 100% mine.

I Need a Food Revolution

by Kate on April 15th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Life, Parenting

Major mama confessions… The following is a conversation with my son this afternoon:

Preschool Boy: My favorite restaurant is McDonald’s.

Me, my hanging head in shame: Why?

Preschool Boy: Because you can get dragons.

Me: Oh.

Preschool Boy: And I get chicken nuggets… and fries… and dragon toys.

So, clearly I have failed my child. While I’m not a bona fide foodie I do like good eats, and to refer to McDonald’s as his favorite restaurant is a little troubling. On many levels.

While I’m annoyed that a fast food restaurant has so clearly targeted and reached my 3 year old, by including toys with the meals like the dragon toys from How to Train Your Dragon that my son begs to own, I have no one to blame but myself. (And, if I’m being honest, I like eating at McDonald’s. I’m sorry, but nothing beats a cold fountain Coke with McDonald’s fries so I totally give in when he asks to go.)

But, I hate that I turn to McDonald’s for a quick meal as we’re rushing home from gymnastics class for nap time. I mean, as a friend of mine said to me recently, “YOU go to McDonald’s? Miss, I-make-all-my-kid’s-organic-baby-food-Kate is giving her kids McDonald’s?” Ugh. Yes, yes, I am.

I think just about any food is okay in moderation, but clearly we’ve passed moderation when my son claims its his favorite restaurant and begs to go eat there for toys.

I need a food revolution. What about you?

Sandra Magsamen Wishes & Kisses Baby Bedding Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on April 15th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Baby, Giveaways, Giveaways, Spring Into Spring

Trying to find just the right baby bedding can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. It seems like such an important decision – and it is a major part of nesting and preparing for baby’s arrival. But, even with grand plans for a fabulous nursery, money is a major factor. Sandra Magsamen’s Wishes & Kisses collection is a money-savvy mom’s dream: it’s a very affordable AND sticky sweet line of baby products, including 4-piece baby bedding sets.

About Sandra Magsamen

Sandra Magsamen is a modern day Renaissance woman who has touched millions of people, one heart at a time. Her products have been warmly embraced for 20 years worldwide. As an artist, art therapist, mom, award-winning author of Living Artfully and the creator of the lifestyle brands, Messages from the Heart, Wishes & Kisses, and From the Studio of Sandra Magsamen, Sandra uses her own creativity and spirit to fashion gifts and collections that help people express themselves and connect with others. Sandra reminds and teaches us to explore and experience each day with more heart, meaning, purpose and joy.

Wishes & Kisses Little Angel 4-Piece Crib Bedding Set

The Wishes & Kisses Little Angel bedding set is a sweet design for any baby girl’s room. In shades of pink, green, brown and cream, the pieces are comfortably modern and whimsical with flowers, ladybugs and dragonflies mixed with stripes and polka dots.

Priced at only $60, the Little Angel 4-Piece crib bedding set is a definite bargain find.

Includes comforter with detailed applique treatment, 4-sided Secure-Me modular bumper, crib sheet and dust ruffle
Bumper features ties that allow the bumper to fit securely to most cribs
55% cotton 45% poly fabrics, exclusive of decoration
Bumper and Comforter have 100% polyester fiber fill

The Little Angel collection includes nursery accessories, too, including a Diaper Stacker ($15) and Valance ($13).

Wishes & Kisses Collection

In addition to bedding, Wishes & Kisses includes clothing and baby gifts. They’re cute – and no one will no how little you spent! (Unless, of course, they also read The Shopping Mama.)

Shop! Sandra Magsamen’s Wishes & Kisses collection is available exclusively at Wal-Mart. The 4-piece bedding set is $60.

Win! The Wishes & Kisses Little Angel 4-Piece Bedding Set, 3 Flannel Sheets & a Musical Pillow! ($75 Value)

Prize Details: The Little Angel set is pretty girly. If you need a boy’s bedding set, enter to win the Beary Cute bedding set giveaway at Baby Loving Mama.

How to Enter: Tell me who you’d like to win this bedding set for.

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

* Spring into Spring! Enter the Everything Spring book giveaway at Baby Loving Mama and let me know you did.
* Follow Sandra Magsamen on Twitter
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave the link when you do. Sandra Magsamen Wishes & Kisses baby girl complete bedding set giveaway @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/9RfGN1
* Fan 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 April 29. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Sandra Magsamen for providing the giveaway prize. Opinions here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product.

Thursday Giveaway Linky

by Kate on April 14th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaway Linky, Weekly Features

Thanks for stopping by to link up and browse some great giveaways. Make sure you check out all the great Spring into Spring giveaways, including a KidKraft Playhouse from Hayneedle, a See, Store and Take-a-Long from Guidecraft and two Little Tikes toys here and on Baby Loving Mama!

(P.S. Don’t forget to link up at Baby Loving Mama, too.)

PeaPod Plus – Children’s Travel Bed – Review + Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on April 13th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Giveaways, Reviews, Reviews, Spring Into Spring

KidCo, Inc.’s PeaPod is “the travel bed that does it all for parents on the go.” (KidCo is also the company behind the awesome Baby Steps products for making baby food.) Whether you’re looking to help your little one nap on the beach or sleep in a hotel room, the PeaPod is definitely worth a look.

About the PeaPod Plus

Whether you have an infant or ‘big kid’ the PeaPod Plus is the perfect travel bed. For short trips across town when naptime nears, or long cross country vacations, the PeaPod Plus becomes your child’s own portable bedroom. And it’s so lightweight even your child can carry it.

PeaPod P203 Features

Open dimensions: 52.5″L x 34″W x 25″H
Folded dimensions: 19″L x 19″H x 6.5″W
Weight: 6.75 pounds
UV protection and wind screens
Inflatable air mattress

Travel Bed for Infants and Kids

The PeaPod Plus is ideal for travel – both across the country and across town. When not in use, the PeaPod is small and compact in an included storage bag. It unfolds quickly and with little to no effort you have a tent like bed that is roomy enough for kids to stretch out and get some rest. The most set up time comes from blowing up the cushy air mattress, but that is only a few minutes.

When the PeaPod first arrived we set it up right away and my kids were in heaven with their very own “fort.” They loved playing in it and I let them with the hope that they would get comfortable with it, making it easier to sleep in it when they need to. At some point it moved into my son’s room and this is how I found him one afternoon during nap time:

The PeaPod is similar to a tent in both material and construction and it is suitable for outdoor use. It provides UV protection and each opening has a “screen” that opens and closes by zipper and a sun and wind shade that can roll up and open or zip closed. The air mattress is actually pretty comfortable and will make almost any surface a nice one for sleeping (as you can see).

While it is ideal for travel, I love the idea of using a PeaPod for more day to day activities. The PeaPod would be perfect for a day at the beach! It provides SPF protection, and will make a great little nap nook for wee ones. Other times I look forward to using it? A kid-friendly dinner party at a friend’s house that will go past my daughter’s bed time, or a play date for my son when my daughter needs to nap. The PeaPod is so compact and light that it’s completely hassle-free to take along.

PeaPod Video Demonstration

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The PeaPod is a great alternative to a traditional crib and is great for life on the go. If you’re like me and dread where your little one will sleep while traveling, consider getting them used to the PeaPod at home during naps or floor “camp outs” and use the PeaPod when on the go. It’s really added some flexibility to our schedule and I will definitely take it on our next trip.

Or Not to Buy… If your little one needs the confines of a crib, this might not work. And as much as I want to use it at the beach this summer, I’m not sure I will. I don’t want to get sand on it!

Shop! The PeaPod Plus is available at loads of online retailers including Amazon. The suggested retail price is $99.99. There are several different versions of the PeaPod. Some have a self-inflating mattress, some are smaller and there are lots of color options.

Win! A PeaPod Plus Travel Bed!

How to Enter: Visit KidCo and tell me another product you’d like to try or your favorite PeaPod model.

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

* Spring into Spring! Enter the My Pillow Pets giveaway at Baby Loving Mama and let me know you did.
* Follow KidCo on Twitter
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave the link when you do. Win a PeaPod Plus – lightweight baby and kid travel bed @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/bdbxKy
* Fan 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