Destin's Crystal Beach – No Oil Yet

by Kate on June 12th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Life

My husband is not much of a beach guy. He doesn’t like the sand. Given a choice between the pool and the beach, he’ll pick the pool any day of the week. And, the pool is easier with kids than the beach. But, given the very real possibility that at any day oil could destroy our beautiful beaches, we’ve been spending more time in the sand lately. We hit the beach this morning – and no oil!

The only thing washing up on this beach today was lots of green algae. I hesitate to call it gross because I know it could be worse. Much worse. (But, it was kind of gross.)

Algae or no, the kids had a great time. She walked up and down the water line, carrying and emptying buckets. He filled said buckets. Fill, carry, dump. Repeat. They could do it all day.

Beach Gear for Babies & Toddlers

by Kate on June 12th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

Remember the good ol’ days when a day at the beach meant, well a day at the beach? And all you needed to bring was a towel, some good reading material and a cold beverage. Well, times have changed. Now going to the beach means schlepping bags full of gear, toys galore, a cooler and what seems like everything but the kitchen sink. (Although, that would be nice for washing sand.) But, a day of fun in the sun, sand and water as a family can be extremely fun and worth all the hassle. It helps to have the right beach gear. Here are some great finds for the beach (and beyond) from One Step Ahead.

Baby Beach Cabana

The Sun Smarties Baby Beach Cabana offers SPF 50 protection from the sun. The Cabana pops up quickly and easily to provide some much-needed shade for little ones. The sides roll up to ventilate the cabana and help to keep it cool. It folds down compactly and fits into a small pouch you can carry on your back. (You know, so you have an extra hand free for that kitchen sink.) The Sun Smarties Beach Cabana is exclusive to One Step Ahead for $49.99.

Float Activity Center

Little ones like the water, too! Keep babies entertained and floating nearby (as in, floating while you hold onto them without actually carrying them) in a Float Activity Center. The design is great for keeping baby’s afloat with two inflatable rings. There are several small tethered toys for fun. My daughter enjoyed this last year at both the beach and the swimming pool. I love that it has an adjustable SPF shade to keep away the sun. The Baby Spring Activity Center is on sale for $28.

Swim Shoes

Protect little feet from the elements in the Stay Put Adjustable Swim Shoes with adjustable strap and high-traction sole. I love that they shield feet from hot sand, rocks and also prevent slipping at the pool or splash park. These Swim Shoes are a steal at the normal price of $13, and they’re currently on sale for only $10. They’re available in multiple colors from size 5 Toddler to 13 Little Kid.

Shop! Visit One Step Ahead for lots of great summer gear, including all the products mentioned here. Cash back tip – click through ShopAtHome.com or download the toolbar and get 5% cash back from One Step Ahead.

What is in your beach bag? What’s your favorite beach gear for babies and toddlers?

I was not paid for this post.

TGIF: Coupon, Sales, Discounts & News

by Kate on June 11th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Deal & News Roundup, Weekly Features

Baby Shower Giveaway

Happy Mama Gifts is hosting a giveaway to honor the Best Baby Shower Ideas. The prizes are valued at over $625! Head over to The Happy Mama Blog to check it out and submit your best baby shower idea for a chance to win.

Weekend Sales

Hartstrings Semi-Annual Clearance Sale. Save extra 10% off styles already marked down up to 70% from original prices. Ends June 14.

Livie & Luca: Select shoes will be 25% off every week. This week? Save on Emilios (in Red and Lime) and Petals (in Red and Magenta). Use code summer2. Expires June 16.

Father’s Day Discounts

Slix: Get your Slix on with underwear and undershirts. Exclusive discount! Save 10% with TSM10.

Scout by Petunia Pickle Bottom: Baby Carriers and Diaper Bags designed just for Dads. Save 15% with code 15FORDAD.

Exclusive Discounts

Private Sale Sites

* Zulily: One Ruby Lane (darling girls shoes only $14.99), Two Tinas initial blankets and more. Cash Back Tip – click through ShopAtHome.com for 6% rebate on your purchase.

* The Mini Social: Next week is Boy’s Week – save on all things boys. Today you can save big on the adorable Right Bank Babies (reversible dresses and skirts for only $19), Lucky Jade and Under the Nile.

* Totsy: Melissa & Doug, SIGG, Caden Lane (blankets only $22) and more.

Amazon Baby Deals

ShooShoos Smiley Rubber Sole Shoes Review

by Kate on June 11th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Reviews

As much as I hate to admit it, y daughter is growing. And, sadly, she’s outgrowing her baby shoes and needs some more rugged and outdoor-ready shoes that are appropriate for a rugged yet girly 18 month old. She has the most adorable pair of ShooShoos leather bottom shoes so I was very excited to try the toddler version of ShooShoos with a rubber sole.

About shooshoos

Started in 1996 in Cape Town to uplift disadvantaged communities, shooshoos has grown into a worldwide brand with sales in over 20 countries. We are committed to providing our customers with the best baby shoes for your children, and all our products are 100% guaranteed. We use the highest quality materials available and have a wide range of beautiful designs for boys and girls up to the age of 2 1/2 years. All our leathers are 100% safe and non toxic.

Leather Toddler Shoes

We received the Brown Girls Velcro Smiley so let’s start with the obvious: these shoes are very cute. I love the classic Mary Jane style and the adorable little pink flower adds a sweet touch to the versatile shoe. The on the shoe is very soft and I like that there’s an elastic back to keep the shoes comfortable for little walkers. I do think the shoes are a good combination of baby shoe – with the soft leather and elastic back – and big kid shoe – with a very sturdy but flexible leather sole. We play outside all the time and my daughter isn’t exactly light on her feet so she definitely needs something that has a touch of support and these shoes do that.

My daughter has been wearing the size 5 (12 – 16 months) Smiley shoe and they’re still a tad too long for her and she’ll definitely be able to wear them in the fall. (Yes, she’s 18 months. I said she was growing. I didn’t say she was big!) While the shoe is too long, it’s a definitely short. I know some moms have had issues with a kid’s foot being too tall or chubby in some shoes and I think that  might be a problem with these. They have plenty of width and length, but they could be taller.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… We’re definitely shooshoos fans here and these Smiley’s didn’t let us down. The shoe is the perfect blend of baby shoe and big kid shoe for the in between active young toddler. They’re very cute and well made with a nice flesible rubber sole.

Or Not to Buy… If your child has tall feet I think you might have fit issues.

Shop! ShooShoos Smileys are available in size 5 to 8 and are $29.99. There are a couple of very cute sandal style shoes perfect for summer.

Disclosure: Thank you to ShooShoos for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review. Opinions are my own.

Something Old, Something New, Something HANDMADE!

by Kate on June 11th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

This summer I will be attending the wedding of my very dear friend from college. The outdoor wedding is to be midsummer in Vermont with the ceremony taking place under a large weeping willow tree, and the reception on a sprawling lawn overlooking the mountains and water. Throughout her planning process, I have suggested lots of handmade items from decor to jewelry, and many of which will be featured on her big day.

Below is a sampling of some of my favorite items for outdoor weddings. It seems so fitting to have natural, handmade everything, from the dress to the place card holders, at an outdoor wedding! Enjoy browsing this collection of handmade beauty…

Row 1, left to right: Vanilla Rose and Turquoise Necklace by luxedeluxe, Woodland Tree Log Place Card Holders by MonkeysOnTheRoof, Tea Length A Line Retro Inspired Wedding Gown with Flower Detail by bridalblissdesigns (Photo courtesy of Made U Look Photography www.madeulookphotography.com).
Row 2, left to right: Custom Pinwheel Boutonniere or Corsage by rule42, Gold Satin Rose Hair Clip or Brooch by viemoderne, Custom Ring Bearer Bowl
by palomasnest.
Row 3, left to right: Signature Keepsake Paper Flower Bouquet Kit by paperplatypus, Yay Modern Wedding Ringbearer Flag by joyfuljoyful, Handpainted Just Married Sign by funkifolkart.

Petunia Pickle Bottom Reusable Shopper Tote

by Kate on June 10th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

Have you been drooling over Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags? I know I have. For years. In addition to being completely functional, the bags are absolutely beautiful. The colorful and bold yet tastefully subdued fabrics are simply stunning. If I could have one of each of them I would. Luckily, Petunia Pickle Bottom now offers a budget- (and eco) friendly bag – The Shopper Tote.

Made of printed non-woven fabric, the Reusable Shopper Tote measures 16 by 15.5 by 3.5 inches. But, the best part is that it folds up compactly so you can toss it in your diaper bag or leave it in your car so you always have it when you need it. The Tote also has a small pocket on the outside for keys or your phone.

I picked up a Shopper Tote at the ABC Kids Expo last fall and have been admiring and using it ever since. It is a big more narrow than other reusable totes but it was perfect at the Expo when I was carrying lots of folders and paperwork.

Shop! The Petunia Pickle Bottom Shopper Tote is $12 and is available in five gorgeous prints. Purchase the Shopper Tote online.

Disclosure: I’m sharing the Shopper Tote because I think it’s cool.

Infantino Jumbo Wheel Play Space Review

by Kate on June 10th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Baby, Reviews

I’m thrilled to be an Infantino Test Drive Mom – I’ll get the chance to see some of their newest products for baby. My son enjoyed many Infantino toys as a baby, and we still had many of them to pass on to his baby sister.  So we were so excited to see what new things they have come up with!

About the Jumbo Wheel Play Space

The Jumbo Wheel Play Space is packed with fun and space for crawling and tummy time activity. Strategic activities such as a detachable mirror, teethers and an easy-to-press flower which plays a 15-second musical tune are placed throughout the mat to encourage reaching, grasping and tummy play time. Play space measures 47” in diameter.

Our Experience

The first product we received was the Jumbo Wheel Play Space. At first glance, I really didn’t think it would be to entertaining for a little one. My daughter is really into play gyms with hanging toys, and this is a different concept.  The mat is completely flat, and encourages rolling, and scooting.  Plus, my little one HATES tummy time, and refuses to play on her tummy for more than about 30 seconds.  Needless to say I thought this one might not be a hit with her. Well, I was completely wrong! Seems as though girlfriend just needed something worth rolling onto her tummy for- as in the giant elephant ear in the center of the mat. Since playing on this mat for the first time, she has almost completely rolled onto her belly, and is CONSTANTLY trying to do so.

We have been thrilled with this mat.  It has a lot to do: many places to attach additional toys, teethers, many different textures, and bright vivid colors.  There is a neat musical flower that my 2 year old is constantly pressing “for the baby”.  I must confess, that my baby girl spit up on the mat within the first 2 hours of use. I wasn’t sure about its wash-ability, but threw it in the wash on gentle, and it came out fine. I even forgot to take off the musical flower, and it survived and works perfectly. Though of course I don’t recommend that because the flower easily pops off for washing (or to put away so the resident two year old will leave it alone!).  Another great feature of this mat is it easily folds up like a blanket and can be put away, which makes it ideal to take along for visits to grandma’s house.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… I really think this is a great play space for babies. I love that it is so easy to put away, and am thrilled that it has encouraged my little one to begin rolling and enjoying her tummy time, which she so desperately needs!

Or Not to Buy… The only reason I can think of to not buy this play mat is that if you already have an activity gym, it is a similar toy. However, this really does encourage the baby to be on her tummy to play, opposed to an activity gym which lets baby be happy on her back.

Shop! The suggested price of the Infantino Jumbo Wheel Play Space is $29.99.

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

L'Occitane Natural Beauty Products Giveaway

by Kate on June 10th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways

Two of my absolute must have beauty items are L’Occitane Shea Butter products. My addiction started with the Shea Butter Hand Lotion – it’s divine. After using that for literally years I started buying the Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Creme and I am totally hooked. It’s perfect for winter because it’s so thick, but I can’t give it up even in the heat and humidity of Florida summer. All of that is my way of telling you how excited I to offer this amazing L’Occitane giveaway. Who knows, maybe you will find your new must have beauty product?

About L’Occitane

L’Occitane beauty products are a true art de vivre devoted to your well-being. We bring together nature and research, following the principles of phytotherapy.

Derived from the Greek words “phyton”, for plant, and “therapeuein”, to cure, phytotherapy is the art of healing through plants. For over 30 years, our active ingredients are extracted from plants and are based on time-tested knowledge: essential oils (aromatherapy), floral waters, plant butters and oils, extracts, powders, kernels, barks… altogether, we use over 200 ingredients of plant origin. We create patented natural complexes and test the effectiveness and tolerance of our formulas under medical supervision.

Natural Beauty Products

So you already know L’Occitane has fantastic Shea Butter skin goodies, but the collection has a huge assortment of natural beauty products. With everything from hair care to candles for the home to anti-aging skin care, there are tons of things I’d love to add to my beauty routine, but here are a couple that caught my eye.

Based on my experience I can bet the Cherry Blossom collection smells fresh and feminine and perfectly light for summer. I’d love to try the Body Wash or the Solid Perfume.

The Summer Protection Hair Gel Mask and Condition looks so perfect to keep hair hydrated and protected during the summer. It’s made with 5 essential oils that protect hair from UV rays and enhance shine and and color.

As moms, we have to wash our hands a million times a day, so we might as well do it with a luxurious and traditional french soap like the Lavender Gentle Soap.

Seriously, if you haven’t tried L’Occitane products, I highly recommend them. Everything I’ve tried has been wonderful and you deserve to pamper yourself (and your skin or hair) with some high quality products made from the best natural ingredients.

Shop! L’Occitane has boutiques nationwide – and if you get the chance you should definitely visit one so you can sample and smell all the products for yourself. Check out the L’Occitane Boutique Locator to find one near you. Of course, all the products are also sold online at L’Occitane.


Win! Your Choice of $50 Worth of Products from L’Occitane!

How to Enter: Visit L’Occitane and leave a comment here with what you’d like if you win.

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

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Disclosure: Giveaway ends June 24. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to L’Occitane for providing the giveaway prizes. Opinions here are my own. I was compensated to write, host and promote this giveaway.