The Shopping Mama

Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer Review

by Kate on June 18th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Baby, Reviews

As a part of the Infantino Test Drive Mom program one of the baby products I was able to review is the Fold & Go Bouncer. I was extremely excited to try this out, as it will be perfect to transport with us on vacation this summer. There are many features that make this bouncer ideal for smaller living spaces and for travel.

About the Fold & Go Bouncer

The Fold and Go Bouncer is very easy to literally fold and take it with you. It has a removable entertainment bar and two attachable toys. There is a nicely padded, adjustable headrest, and a safety waist harness to secure baby. The comforting bouncing motion is controlled by baby’s own movements. There are a variety of sound options, ranging from 3 nature sounds, to 3 different melodies, and soothing vibrations. The bouncer is very lightweight, and best of all, extremely portable.

Our Experience

I was really impressed with the features of this bouncer. Most importantly, it’s portability. I can’t tell you how many times I transported our old bouncer for my son back and forth to different places we visited. It was a very awkward size to pack up and tote around. Or, I would stay with him in one room of the house simply because the bouncer was there. With the Fold & Go bouncer, that isn’t a concern at all. It folds perfectly flat, literally with the touch of a button making it so easy to pick up and go.

Of course none of that matters if baby isn’t happy in it! My little girl enjoyed a long stretch of time in the bouncer the first morning she tried it. She really was interested in the little hanging toys, they are at a perfect height for her to play with. I was able to actually finish my entire cup of coffee – sold!

How to Fold and Sound Options

Folding the bouncer is super easy:

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… If you are limited on space, this is a perfect bouncer. It can easily slide under a piece of furniture for quick storage when not in use. The fact that it is so easy to fold up and go makes it such a great baby product to own.

Or Not to Buy… The bouncer does sit a bit more upright than other bouncers, so it may be a bit harder for your baby to fall asleep in. However, this can also be a plus for babies with reflux as upright is better for their little tummies.

Shop! The suggested retail price of the Fold & Go Bouncer is $49.99 and it is available for purchase on Amazon.

“I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation.”

Melvita Organic Beauty and Skin Care Giveaway

by Kate on June 18th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaways

I am excited to introduce you to a French organic beauty company called Melvita. With products ranging from anti-aging serums to hair care to the cutest little children’s soaps, Melvita has a huge selection of beauty and skin care finds. The focus is, above all else, natural and organic skin care products that are beneficial for the skin and made from natural ingredients.

Melvita Philosophy

Our products meet the strict natural and organic cosmetics criteria of ECOCERT, earning the ECOCERT certification and use of the Cosmébio label.
We favour the use of the finest ingredients from organically farmed and responsibly harvested sources, with respect of nature being our priority.
We protest against the pointlessness and cruelty of tests on animals.
We ensure that our packaging materials are completely recyclable.
We are involved in a pro-active approach to sustainable development, with preservation of environmental: beauty, biodiversity, and balance.
We make every effort to promote ethical, humane, and fair-trade partnerships.
Pleasure, effectiveness and attractiveness are central to our cosmetic requirements.

Organic Beauty Products

I have long heard the benefits of incorporating Floral Water into a skin care regimen as they can help calm, soothe and hydrate skin. I’ve been interested in particular in using Lavender or Rose Floral Water for my dry skin. Melvita floral waters are created by distilling fresh or dried flowers and are surprisingly affordable – $16 or $19 for a 6.76 ounce bottle.

Another best seller from Melvita that I wasn’t familiar with is called Argan Oil. Made from a tree kernel found in Morocco, argan oil is rich in Vitamin E and Omega 6s and is used to protect skin and hair from premature aging and environmental damage. A 1.7 ounce bottle is $24.

Here are some other products I think are worth checking out. The Organic certified chlidren’s foam bath, the young skin line designed specifically for teenage skin, and the best selling fondant thyme honey, stevia and cocoa body balm.

Shop! Melvita just opened its first store in the US in April! (Visit the stores in San Fransisco, Seattle and coming soon to Newport Beach.) Those of us not lucky enough to shop in person can browse and buy Melvita products online at http://usa.melvita.com.

Win! Your Choice of $50 Worth of Beauty Products from Melvita!

How to Enter: Visit Melvita and leave a comment with something you’d like if you win.

Bonus Entries - Valid only after completing first mandatory entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

Follow Melvita on Twitter
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Disclosure: Giveaway ends July 2. Open to continental US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Melvita for providing the giveaway prizes. Opinions here are my own. I was compensated to write, host and promote this giveaway.

I Did It!

by Kate on June 17th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Life

When I wrote a few weeks ago about my new running club and fitness team I had joined through , I was vaguely aware that the women may be training for a mini sprint triathlon on June 12 put on by Ultra Fit USA . I really was just looking forward to getting out of the house one night a week, exercising without my babies, and meeting some other great moms. Well, the day arrived! Here is a overview of my experience.

Getting Ready

As I said before, this was sort of a goal that just erupted in the past few weeks. But, this past weekend the ladies and I from our Moms In Motion group completed our first triathlon. It was such a great experience. I was so incredibly nervous the night before, but somehow managed to get a few hours sleep and wake up bright eyed and ready to go at 5 am. The race started at 8, but we had to be there by 7. So I had to get up, pump for the baby, eat something, pack my final gear, and head out the door. I can say that half of the challenge of this whole event were all of the logistical planning aspects that went into it. For example, we decided that since it may rain, we had my mother come and stay with the baby, and my husband brought my son to the race to watch. So not only did I have to get myself ready, I also packed Daddy’s car with anything and everything they could possibly need, though I am sure none of it got used!

My First Triathlon is Complete!

The race consisted of a 400 meter open water swim, a 13 mile “scenic” bike ride, and a 2 mile run. Of all of the events I was least concerned with the run, as that is really the thing I do the most. I have been doing all three events for the past few weeks, and we even did a trial run of all three back to back a few weekends ago, which went well.

Swim

Ah, the Swim. I can tell you that I wasn’t too nervous for the actual swimming part. What concerned me was being in open water as opposed to a pool. The water was like lake water, not my favorite. Not to mention hopping right in there at 8 am, it was a little chilly! I found that my heart was pounding and the adrenaline totally kicked in. I really had a hard time slowing down my breathing to match my swim strokes/breath. This caused me to flounder a bit in the beginning, and it really took me a good 2oo meters to get my swimming rhythm down. I chalk this up to inexperience, and if I do this again, I think I will do much better.

Bike

So for the bike, I knew I could complete it, but I really had no clue as to how to pace myself. Apparently I didn’t go very fast! Oh well. I can tell you many Mamas and Grandmamas whizzed by me on their speedy road bikes. I rode a good hybrid bike, which was good for trying this out, but if I ever decided to do a lot of triathlons, I would really want a rode bike to train properly, and really maximize my speed. The other part that I found challenging was I forgot to put my watch on, and had no clue as to how long I had been riding, about how far I was, etc. Note to self, get a waterproof sports watch!

Run

Once I got off the bike and was ready to run I was prepared for the jelly legs that set in after riding. We had practiced this transition a few times, and I was glad I knew my legs would feel like mush for the first few minutes. The run went well, I was just really excited to get to the finish, so I think that propelled me forward! The only part of my triathlon that I was impressed with was my pace for the run. I ran about an 8:30 pace, which, is pretty good for me!

Gear and Overall

The other update I have is on my choice of gear. I really just needed to get what I was wearing down, and as you can see I decided on a tri tank ,and tri shorts. I wore the same thing through all three stages and I am really happy about what I chose. It was easy to wear, comfortable, and quick drying. Maybe not the most flattering, as my post baby belly was rolling all around, and my nursing “girls” were front and center, not much I could do about that! Oh well!

I am so happy that I did the Women’s Only triathlon. It was a great introductory event, and all the women were just so supportive of each other. It really didn’t feel like a competition, more like a great active morning! I think I may do some future races, though I will be searching out ones that have the swim in a nice chlorinated pool.

Up next: Training for the half marathon in October… stay tuned!

May Rose Ring by Liz Hutnick Jewelry Giveaway

by Kate on June 17th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaways

Liz Hutnick Jewelry offers all sorts of fabulous and fun floral jewelry and accessories. With an affordable price tag, you’re sure to find something to spruce up your everyday look, or add a little something special to your favorite sundress. If you’re looking for something in particular, Liz takes custom orders and is able to create matching sets.

About Liz

In addition to jewelry crafting, I’m a graphic designer and illustrator. I’ve illustrated in several children’s arts and craft books books and recently Peaceable Kingdom Press released a series of valentines developed and illustrated by myself and my sister.

About the May Rose Ring

The ring features a pretty white and red swirled bloom sits atop a vintage style antiqued brass setting. This flower is made of resin and adhered onto an adjustable brass filigreed band and fits most sizes. Nickel free. Beautifully detailed rose is about 3/4″ wide.

Top Picks for Summer

SF Ocean Beach Bobby Pins Set – $14 + FREE SHIPPING

Twilight Rose Earrings – $9 + FREE SHIPPING

Summer Love Necklace – $24 + FREE SHIPPING

Shop! Liz offers FREE worldwide shipping on everything in her shop. Be sure to stop by often because she is offering discounted prices on lots of items all month long!

Win! May Rose Ring from Liz Hutnick Jewelry!

How to enter: Visit Liz Hutnick Jewelry and tell us your favorite item in the shop.

Share this post on your Facebook. Just click the blue Share button below.
Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this everyday, just leave the link when you do.
Win a gorgeous May Rose Ring by Liz Hutnick Jewelry @The Shopping Mama http://bit.ly/csYUHS
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Disclosure: Giveaway ends July 1. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Liz Hutnick Jewelry for providing the giveaway prize. Opinions here are my own.

Thursday Giveaway Linky

by Kate on June 16th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaway Linky, Weekly Features

Happy Thursday! Thanks for coming by to link up and browse some giveaways. While you’re here make sure you check out some of the great giveaways ending soon:

The Cold Seat * Laken & Lila Girls Skirt * VTech MobiGo

Make sure you head over to Baby Loving Mama to link up there, too! Check out her $400 VW Routan giveaway.

Go Ahead, Treat Yourself!

by Amy on June 16th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Shopping

As moms we love to buy things for our little ones, but it’s fun to buy a little something for ourselves every now and then. Below are my top picks to treat yourself to something new. WARNING: these buys are irresistable. Once you click to find out more, you may not be able to resist the unbelievable price!

Row 1, left to right: Honey Sugar Scrub by Valley Green Naturals LLC, May Rose Ring by Liz Hutnick Jewelry, Sailor Tote Bag by bayan hippo.
Row 2, left to right: Smoothie Lip Gloss Pot by orangethyme, Kalamata Cowl by Thimble and Acorn, Hard Candy Tarts 4 Petite Ponytail Holders by Gazzu.

Tomorrow we’re giving away Liz Hutnick Jewelry’s May Rose Ring, pictured above. Stop by for your chance to win!

Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck Review + Giveaway

by Kate on June 16th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Reviews, Toddler, Toys

Nearly every day after nap we head outside to play and we usually hit the front yard to play with ride on toys or walk around in our little cul-de-sac. The Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck has been an awesome addition to our afternoon play time for a number of reasons. The top two? It includes water(!) – such a relief in the heat – and both kids can play with it.

About the Spray & Rescue Fire Truck

Little Firefighters will ride to the rescue in this adorable fire truck! Pressurized water tank and hose really squirts water!

Foot-to-floor ride on has a friendly smiling face that children adore.

Pressurized water tank and hose really squirts water.

Water tank is easily removed for easy filling and holds up to 2 gallons of water.

Cool retro styling.

Easy assembly.

Ages 1 1/2 to 5 years.

Spray & Rescue Fire Truck

Not So Easy Assembly

My husband was out of town when the Spray & Rescue Fire Truck arrived and I was too anxious to put it together to wait for him to get home so I had to tackle it myself. I’m going to have to disagree a bit with the “easy assembly” characterization. It was not easy – at least not for me. Putting the Fire Truck together required a power drill and after some frustration and multiple attempts to get the darn thing together I had to take a break and try again the next day. And I don’t want to be critical of my assembly skills, but I’m pretty sure I put the front wheels on wrong. Seriously, I don’t know how I did it because I studied the photos and the instructions very carefully. If you look at the picture below you can see the outside of the wheel is facing inward. They will face outward, but when one of the kids rides on the toy they quickly turn inward.

Once assembled the Truck is very cute and solid. It’s definitely bigger than some of our other ride on toys, but it does have to move around a child and a tank of water. Part of the assembly is a bunch of stickers to give the Fire Truck some personality. The big eyes and smiley face definitely set the tone for fun.

A Working Fire Truck

The play Fire Truck is fun and entertaining as a ride on toy, but add in the fact that it acts like a real fire truck and actually sprays water – well, that is just cool. A removable water tank (the green thing in the photos) fits snugly on the back of the Fire Truck. You fill the tank with water, pump the handle to create pressure and then your child pushes a little button and the hose SPRAYS WATER! It’s really so cool. The only problem is that neither of my kids are strong enough to pump the handle and create enough pressure by themselves. I am always close by when the kids are playing, but I have to hop up and recharge every so often to keep the fun going.

Great for Both Kids

It’s hard to find a good outdoor move around ride on toy that both my kids can use. My son has mastered peddles, but my daughter? Not so much. My daughter has a ride on that my son is way too big to use. The Little Tikes Fire Truck is advertised for kids from 18 months to 5 and both my 19 month old and my 3.5 year old are able to use it. Sometimes they even use it together – teamwork style.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… I love any toy that will get my kids moving outside. The Spray & Rescue Fire Truck is a fun little walkabout ride on toy that just so happens to also spray water. Seriously? It’s a pretty neat toy that any kid would be lucky to enjoy.

Or Not to Buy… As you can see from the photos, either I put the front wheels on incorrectly or they constantly turn inward and look funny. (I’m voting the former.) The only downside to playing with the toy is that it requires an adult to pump the water to get enough pressure for it to spray.

Shop! The Little Tikes Spray and Rescue Fire Truck is $69.99 and available on LittleTikes.com, Amazon and stores nationwide. Little Tikes is celebrating its 40th anniversary and you can get in on the fun with a great giveaway!

Win! A Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck for your little firefighter.

How to Enter: Visit Little Tikes and leave a comment with another toy you’d love to have this summer.

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

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