The Shopping Mama

Bravado Bliss Nursing Bra Review + Prize Package Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on May 9th, 2010 | 5 Comments | For Mama, Giveaways, Giveaways, Reviews, Reviews, Spring Into Spring

Over the last few months since my first Bravado! Designs review, I’m a total convert. I can’t believe I survived literally years breastfeeding without the comfort and support offered by a Bravado bra. When I heard Bravado had a new product, the Bliss Nursing Bra, I was excited to give it a try and see how it compares to, and is different from, other nursing bras.

About the Bliss Nursing Bra

The Bliss Nursing Bra provides elegant shape and exceptional fit for everyday use with Bravado’s proprietary Flexi-Fit^TM support channel. Featuring smooth, seamless and molded foam cups for discretion and comfort, a low neckline, and a luxurious satiny finish, Bliss disappears under clothing so all they see is your beautiful silhouette, and all you feel is blissfully comfortable and totally fabulous!

My Experience

My nursing boobs have been feeding babies for 30 out of the last 40 months and need all the support they can get. Before Bravado bras I was totally an underwire kinda girl and didn’t think I could find adequate support from a bra without it. The Bliss doesn’t have underwire, but it does have the Flexi-Fit under breast support described as “An innovative firm, but flexible… support system that offers remarkable shape and lift, while maintaining comfort and good breast health.” As you can see from the photo to the right, both the support system and cups are molded and keep their shape even when not on the body.

The bra is extremely comfortable to wear. The sturdy foam and silky material are soft and seamless, which is great for wearing with a tee or thin shirt and for comfort against the skin. But, most importantly, the Bliss provides tremendous support. Don’t take my word for it. Check out my comparison of “before” with the nursing bra I was wearing before Bravado and “after” with the Bliss Nursing Bra.

In addition to offering great support, the Bliss Nursing Bra has fine details and touches that make it visually appealing. Just because it’s functional doesn’t mean it has to be ugly! The signature Bravado B-clip is easy to open with one hand and lies flat. And, just like all other Bravado bras, the Bliss opens incredibly wide to allow baby full access to breast.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Bliss Nursing Bra is a very supportive, very comfortable nursing bra. It doesn’t get much better than that! I love the Flexi-Fit support and was pleasantly surprised by how well the soft structure keeps everything in place.

Or Not to Buy… The Bliss is a tad pricey, but because the material has some give it will grow and contract as your breasts change throughout pregnancy and nursing.

Shop! The Bravado! Designs Bliss Nursing Bra is available in Black, Ivory and Chai from size 34 B/C to 38 H/I. The Bliss Nursing Bra is $54. Check out the Bravado nursing bra sizing help to find your perfect size. (I did – it was very helpful!)

Win! A Bravado Bliss Nursing Bra, Breastfeeding with Bravado DVD & Bravado Moisture-Wick Washable Breast Pads. $84 Total Value.

How to Enter: Visit Bravado! Designs and take a look around. Leave a comment here with another nursing bra or tank you’d like to try.

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

* Spring into Spring! Enter the Kokopax giveaway at Baby Loving Mama and let me know you did.
* Follow Bravado Designs on Twitter
* Subscribe to the Bravado Mama Club newsletter
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave the link when you do.
Win the new Bravado Bliss Nursing Bra prize package @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/aMRCCT
* 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
* Do you have the Spring into Spring button on your blog? Leave a comment.

Disclosure: Giveaway ends May 24. Open to US and Canadian residents. Thanks to Bravado for providing sample products for the purpose of this review and the giveaway prizes. Others may have a different experience. Opinions are 100% my own.

Happy Mother's Day

by Kate on May 9th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Life

And now, for your listening, um, pleasure… a song just for you from Preschool Boy!

Happy Mother’s Day!

XOXO,
Kate & Kids

The Fine Art of Family Jewelry by Monica Rich Kosann

by Kate on May 9th, 2010 | 5 Comments | For Mama, Reviews

My best Mother’s Day gift of the year arrived a few weeks ago. It wasn’t the nice card from my husband or the adorable crafts from my son. No, this year’s gift that I will treasure for years and years before passing it on to my daughter so she can treasure it for years and years is the absolutely stunning Signature Oval Locket from The Fine Art of Family by Monica Rich Kosann.

About Monica Rich Kosann Jewelry

Each of our jewelry pieces is inspired by a timeless, old world tradition when images of family and close friends were held closely and cherished. Those images were placed in objects crafted from the finest materials and passed on for generations as family heirlooms and history. These pieces are fine jewelry, presented in sterling silver and gold as keepsakes for new generations of family history. They preserve your own images as precious moments that can remain with you at all times.

Timeless Locket Necklace

There is just something about a locket. To me, it brings thoughts of a classic, romantic piece of jewelry that any woman can wear. With that in mind, I had high expectations for the Signature Oval Locket and was giddy when it arrived. The locket and decorative 18 inch necklace were wrapped carefully and inside a small brown jewelry bag. The first thing I noticed is the substance and weight of the locket. It’s very thick and while its appearance is very delicate it does not feel delicate. It definitely feels like heirloom quality jewelry that is as well made as it is beautiful. I was so enamored of the necklace that I started wearing it immediately even though it didn’t have my photos in it.

The locket is simple, but embellished with a beautiful floral design. When you run your finger over the locket, you can feel the texture of the pattern. It closes very securely so you don’t have to worry about it accidentally opening. When you do open the locket, it reveals two small photos inside. I love knowing no matter where I am I have my little ones close to my heart. And, of course, if I want to share their sweet faces I can open the locket and show them off.

I really can’t speak highly enough of the necklace. I truly think it’s stunning and any mom is lucky to wear it. I wear it most days and today (Mother’s Day) it has special meaning. Not only because it protects pictures of my children but because someday my daughter will wear this necklace (perhaps with pictures of her children inside).

More from Monica Rich Kosann

The jewelry collection is designed to feature and honor images of what’s most important – family, friends and other things we love. The Gate Collection is absolutely gorgeous with a photo case peeking through an intricate scroll gate.

Wedding season is nearly upon us and Monica Rich Kosann has a number of thoughtful and generous wedding gift suggestions that will be instant sentimental keepsakes. The sterling silver gifts range from engraveable frames to image cases to money clips for the groom.

Given that her jewelry is all about celebrating and capturing images of family, it’s no surprise that Monica’s home decor style focuses on incorporating sentimental photos and other family treasures into the home. In her book Living with What You Love: Decorating with Family Photos, Cherished Heirlooms, and Collectibles, Monica shares the secrets to adding warmth and love to rooms by celebrating what you cherish most. “Full of stunning photographs of the homes of real families, those of well-known interior designers, and Monica’s own, Living with What You Love is a gorgeous and helpful guide that will help you bring your most cherished possessions into your everyday life.”

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… I feel so absolutely lucky to be wearing this locket. I can honestly say it is a family treasure that I love and cherish.

Or Not to Buy… The only issue is the price tag. It’s expensive, but less so when you consider it an heirloom jewelry investment. My favorite affordable piece is the Image Case Charm on Silk Cord.

Shop! The Monica Rich Kosann Signature Oval Locket is available in Sterling Silver and 18K Yellow Gold. The locket and every other item featured here can be purchased at The Fine Art of Family.

Disclosure: Thank you to Monica Rich Kosann for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review. Opinions are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product.

Creativity for Kids Review + Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on May 8th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Giveaways, Reviews, Reviews, Spring Into Spring

I truly enjoy doing sitting down at the kitchen table to do crafts and little art projects with my son. The only problem? I really don’t have a big collection of supplies (or ability or creativity). So when it comes to tackling something beyond doodling with crayons on paper, I need some help and I need all the supplies. Enter Creativity for Kids and their full-service art projects – everything you need to inspire your little one and get the creative juices flowing.

Big Fun Stamp Art

Use these washable ink pads, stamps, markers and your imagination to create clever works of art. Set includes 12 chunky foam stamps perfect for little hands, 3 ink pads, 8 markers, 30 page sketch pad and 2 adhesive back cardboard frames with hanging tabs. There is a colorful stamp art guide included too!

The Big Fun Stamp Art set literally contains every single thing you need – from a pad of paper to frames – to create art with your child. Now, as much as I absolutely adore my son and think he’s perfect, I completely recognize that he lacks a little bit of skill in the art department. His talent is pretty much limited to scribbling. But, he does have all the skills necessary to use the Big Fun Stamp Art set. The stamps are in three different sizes and the largest is definitely the easiest for him to use and maneuver, but he can manage all of them.

The set comes with an art guide with great ideas for pictures you can create with the shaped stamps, such as a rocket and flower. While the set is recommended for kids 3 and older, Preschool Boy wasn’t interested in making any of the suggested pictures (and they did seem a bit over his head). He just wanted to get ink on the stamp and stamp and stamp and stamp. He really enjoys it even if he’s not creating anything recognizable. We’ve made several thank you notes (including for his teachers last week during Teacher Appreciation Week) and we have a stamp art masterpiece on the fridge.

Spring Craft Kits & Projects

Creativity for Kids has lots of kits and projects that are perfect for spring and a great way to help your wee one get inspired by nature. I love the Flower Press & Nature Cards. This is a perfect set to use to make end of the year teacher cards or notes for classmates.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… We’ve had a blast with the Big Fun Stamp Art set, and it isn’t our first positive experience with Creativity for Kids. The products are top notch craft kids with everything you need to create masterpieces of your own. For the amount of supplies that come in each kit, the prices are a real bargain.

Or Not to Buy… I’ve honestly had great experiences with Creativity for Kids and can’t think of much to improve.

Shop! The Big Fun Stamp Art set is $19.99. Check out the Creativity for Kids Top Sellers for inspiration, the Sale section for great values and browse for lots of spring projects.

Win! A Spring Theme Art Prize Package from Creativity for Kids!

Prize package includes: Flower Press & Nature Cards ($14.99), Button Blossoms ($14.99), Mini Window Sill Garden ($17.99), Paint and Craft Plaster Butterfly ($9.99), Wee Enchanted Fairy Garden ($25.99) and Beach Buddies Shell Crafts ($16.99) for a total value of $100.

How to Enter: Visit Creativity for Kids, get inspired and leave a comment here with an craft kit or art supplies that catch 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 Tea Collection giveaway Baby Loving Mama and let me know you did.
* Like Creativity for Kids 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 Creativity for Kids spring art prize package worth $100 @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/dv0e3V
* 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
* Do you have the Spring into Spring button on your blog? Leave a comment.

Disclosure: Giveaway ends May 23. Open to US and Canadian residents. Thanks to Creativity for Kids for providing sample products for the purpose of this review and the giveaway prizes. Others may have a different experience. Opinions are 100% my own.

The Ellen Mother's Day Show

by Kate on May 8th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Shopping

To see the products featured on Ellen’s Mother’s Day Show 2011, click here.

***

Do you see Ellen on Friday? She celebrated Mother’s Day with an audience full of expectant mothers. It was very fun and throughout the show Ellen featured awesome baby products that are worth sharing. The lucky mamas to be went home with each of the 15 products on the show – read on to see how you can enter to win them, too.

So, without further ado, here are the awesome products from Ellen’s Amazing Mother’s Day Giveaway Show, 2010:

Hi-Lo High Chair: New to me, this is my favorite find from the show. Holy cow, is it cool?! It’s a high chair for use from about six months to six years. The chair flips to transform from high chair to big kid chair. The surface is easy to clean and the whole look is very modern.

Timi & Leslie Diaper Bags: These stylish bags are made of faux leather for an easy to clean surface. The colors are bold and the bags are chock full of pockets and storage – making this a practical and pretty diaper bag solution.

Puj Tub – I saw this at the ABC Kids Expo and it is not your mama’s baby tub – I love it. It’s perfect for city dwellers or parents with limited space because it hangs and stores flat. The tub folds to fit into any sink and cradles your wee babe for ultimate comfort and ease of use.

Baby Silk Products by MD Moms – This is another company I first learned about at the ABC Kids Expo. We left with samples of the Diaper Rash Cream and the Cleansing Towlettes and I really like both. They were much softer and silkier than your average wipe or diaper cream. Use promo code ELLEN for 15% off!

Dr. Andrew Weil Baby Bottles – Eco-friendly, BPA free baby bottles. Enough said.

aden + anais Muslin Blankets – Yay! We love aden + anais products and are excited others had the chance to learn about them on the Ellen show. The show featured the muslin blankets perfect for swaddling baby.

BabyBjörn Comfort Carrier – The newest carrier in the BabyBjorn arsenal, the Comfort Carrier is organic and suitable for kids up to 2 years or 31 pounds.

Yo My Booties – Made of 100% angora, these booties are 100% cute. Use code EllenTV for 10% off until June 30th.

“I Heart Ellen” Onesie – Your little one can spread the love for their favorite talk show host.

Six-Month Supply of Huggies – Okay, so at first I thought this was a joke, but it turns out the Huggies jean diaper is a real thing. It’s only available for a limited time and I am determined to get my hands on them to see what the heck they are all about.

Safety 1st Video Monitor – The new Safety 1st Prism Color Monitor is a mega high-tech way to stalk your baby. With clear digital picture, the ability to zoom in and out and see the temperature in your child’s nursery this monitor does everything but read your baby’s mind.

Posh Mommy Necklace – Pretty personalized necklaces with your baby’s name and birthstone.

Teutonia Stroller – Love, love, love these strollers. Available in three different styles and eleven different colors you can push your baby in a beautiful German-engineered stroller from birth through toddlerhood. And, you can design your own to get the configuration that best suits your needs.

Shrinkx Hips – This helps you get back into pre-baby shape by hugging your hips into place.

Win! The Ellen Show is giving away this huge baby prize package containing all the of the awesome items featured on the Mother’s Day show – worth nearly $3000.

Baby Shopping Guide! We’re working on putting together a list of the truly MUST HAVE products for baby. What is the best baby shower or new baby gift you received? What is your favorite baby shower or new baby gift to give?

Sweet Mother's Day Gifts from My Son

by Kate on May 8th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Life

I was brought to tears when I picked up my son at school on Thursday. And this time it wasn’t because his teacher had to tell me about his bad behavior. On this day, it was happy tears. I was the lucky recipient of the cutest Mother’s Day crafts and card.

And on the back was this sweet poem (that I’ve seen before, but it still gets me every time).

Sometimes I might upset you
Just because I’m small
By leaving fingerprints of mine
On a table, chair or wall.

But every day I grow a bit
And I’ll be big one day
When all my tiny fingerprints
Have long been cleaned away.

So keep these prints of my two hands
To help you to recall
Just how big my fingers were
That time when I was small.

In addition, because of the thoughtfulness of one mama, I have a sweet photo of my little guy making his handprint craft. Yes, one awesome mom spent her morning in the classroom taking pictures of all the kids making their cards so she could print them and making little cards for the other moms. I aspire to be that thoughtful.

And then just when I was feeling sentimental I got a few laughs from the “interview” with my son about me. It was put together in a little book that included his interpretation of “Mommy & Me” (which I’m pretty sure his teacher actually did because it was stick people and he only scribbles) and another special telltale scribble drawing just for me.

Here’s the interview {with my reaction}:

How old is your Mommy? “22 – I really don’t know.”
{Why thank you, darling!}

What color is her hair? “Silver.”
{What! I thought I was doing a good job of plucking those random grays.}

What color are her eyes? “Blue.”
{Have you ever looked at me, son?}

What is her favorite thing to eat and drink? “Pizza; water and coke, too.”
{Got me there.}

What is your favorite thing your mom cooks for you? “For lunch she cooks me grilled cheese – I like that!”
{I totally owe you not saying Pop-Tarts or Tinkerbell Fruit Snacks.}

What is your favorite thing to do with your mom? “Sometimes I help her cook.”
{That answer makes all your “help” totally worth it.}

How do you know your mom loves you? “She gives me hugs and kisses.”
{And then the happy tears returned.}

Happy early Mother’s Day! I hope you receive something that makes your day.

New Freschetta FlatBread Pizza + Coupon

by Kate on May 7th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Reviews

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Freschetta. All opinions are 100% mine.

I like my pizza. Just ask my son, who recently reported to his teachers that it’s my favorite food. That may be because we’ve had Freschetta FlatBread pizza twice in the last week. What can I say? It’s good!

FlatBread Pizza Varieties

Freschetta FlatBread is available in four yummy varieties.

Zesty Italian: Zesty and delicious come together on one thin crispy crust. Topped with pepperoni, sausage, Genoa salami, mozzarella and asiago cheeses, with a zesty red sauce just right for a great Italian taste.

Roasted Garlic & Spinach: Break away from the ordinary with this delicious fusion of roasted garlic, spinach, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses with a delightfully creamy garlic sauce on a thin and crispy crust.

Pepperoni: Generous pieces of pepperoni over mozzarella and fontina cheese is sure to please. The classic pizza and the taste everyone craves.

5-Cheese: The perfect blend of mozzarella, asiago, romano, parmesan and provolone compliment each other culminating in a 5-cheese masterpiece.

Family Pizza Night

Freschetta coupons in hand, we hit the local grocery store to pick out a sample of Freschetta’s new FlatBread pizza. The store didn’t have all of the four varieties in stock, which was a bummer, because I really wanted to try the Roasted Garlic & Spinach. Anyway, we picked the Zesty Italian pizza. When we opened the box at home, my first impression was that the name FlatBread is no exaggeration – the pizza is very, very thin. One bonus of the thin crust is that it cooks very quickly. After seven to nine minutes you have dinner.

The Zesty Italian pizza was so good. Honestly, much better than I expected from a frozen pizza. And, usually I really like a thicker crust pizza, but the FlatBread is delicious. When cooked on a pizza stone the crust gets crispy – almost like a cracker – and is just so, so good. More importantly, the kids liked it, too. I was nervous the Zesty Italian might be too much for their little taste buds, but both my of my kids really enjoyed it. My son did pick off some of the meat, but my daughter ate his scraps.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… If you’re a pizza fan (and who isn’t?), I definitely recommend trying Freschetta FlatBread pizza. I can guarantee we will continue to buy it and I look forward to trying different varieties.

Or Not to Buy… It is slightly more expensive than some other frozen pizzas, but I think it is worth it.

Shop! Check the freezer section of your grocery store for Freschetta FlatBread pizza. Visit Freschetta to print a coupon for $1 off FlatBread pizza!

Sandra Bullock's Baby Louis Sleeps in a Nap Nanny!

by Kate on May 7th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Blogging, Life, Shopping

When I first discovered the Nap Nanny at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas last fall, I knew it would be a hit! I was totally impressed with the design and quality and it was obviously invented and designed by a mom. And, I’m not the only one who thinks it’s a great product. Sandra Bullock’s son, Louis, sleeps in a Nap Nanny.

What is Nap Nanny?

The Nap Nanny is a portable recliner designed by a mother to increase comfort and improve infant sleep for babies with colic, reflux, gas, colds, earaches, flu & special needs.The Nap Nanny is also great for feeding twins, reading books or for babies who do not like to sleep on their back. With no top end weight limit, the Nap Nanny transitions into the perfect toddler chair.

Louis Bardo Bullock Sleeps in a Nap Nanny

Sandra Bullock’s three and a half month old son Louis, who made his debut in People Magazine, seriously could not possibly be any cuter. And, I was thrilled to see him sleeping like a baby in a Nap Nanny in People.

It’s hard to write about Sandra Bullock and her precious son without talking about what a freaking jerk Jesse James is. But, I’m going to ignore the obvious to focus on the cute baby, the proud mama and the awesome product they use.

Shop! Purchase the Nap Nanny online for $129.99 in blue, sage, camel or pink minky fabric. Nap Nanny covers in additional, patterned fabrics can be purchased separately for $60 and $65.