Squeaky Fun Shoes from Wee Squeak – And They’re Cute, Too! + Giveaway

by Kate on July 15th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  All Things Birthday, Birthday Gifts, Clothes, Giveaways, Reviews

My daughter loves shoes. Loves. Them. First thing most mornings, before she’s even dressed, she’ll toddle up to me with a shoe in her hand saying “Shoooo. Shooooo. Pease.” Even with all that love, I have never seen her face light up like it did the first time she walked in her adorable Wee Squeak squeaky shoes. I so wish I had a video or photo of her face when she realized her shoes made noise. The look on her face was priceless. And as much as she likes that she shoes make noise – I LOVE how the girls Gladiator Sandals look.

About Wee Squeak

As parents of infants and toddlers, our inspiration for WeeSqueak shoes was watching our children in these shoes. We discovered these little gems while in China adopting our oldest daughter, Chloe. However, during the adopting of our youngest daughter, Ellie, we had the idea to bring some shoes back for our friend’s children. Our company, WeeSqueak, was born! We are fun parents, with fun shoes for fun kids! Wee Squeak donates 5% of our profits (up to $1,000 contribution per charity per year) to Half the Sky.

Girls Gladiator Sandals

Have you EVER seen anything more freaking adorable than the gladiator-style sandals from Wee Squeak? Because, I really don’t think I have. The shoes are a mini-version of totally on trend sandals for moms and it is now official that my daughter is way more fashionable than I am. She can take fashion risks that I can’t – especially because her version of these stylish shoes costs $32 (and decent ones for mom are much more.)

The shoes make a squeak sound when your little one takes a step because a cushion in the heal squeezes air through a tiny nozzle. The novelty of the squeakiness is obviously appealing to little ones, but as a mom I’m more impressed with the quality of the shoe.  The sole is flexible and contoured. The shoe seems pretty well made, too, and has withstood lots of wear so far.


If you’re shopping for a unique birthday gift that’s fun and functional, definitely consider Wee Squeak shoes. Here are some top picks for summer sandals.

And, there is also a great selection of fall shoes to check out.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Wee Squeak shoes appeal to kids because they’re fun to wear and appeal to parents because they are available in a huge variety of fashionable styles and are well made.

Or Not to Buy… I admit it, the squeaks can get annoying. But luckily you can remove the squeaker so you little one can continue walking without the squeak.

Shop! The Wee Squeak Gladiator sandals are available in four colors for $31.95. Wee Squeak shoes comes in sizes 3 to 12. Make sure you check out the Sale section – there are some great summer and fall styles listed for $18.

Win! A Pair of Squeaky Shoes from Wee Squeak!

How to Enter: Visit Wee Squeak and take a look around. Leave a comment with your favorite pair of squeaky shoes.

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

Disclosure: Giveaway ends July 30. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Wee Squeak for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review and the giveaway prize. Opinions here are my own.

Thursday Giveaway Linky

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

Happy Thursday! Thanks for stopping by to link up and browse giveaways. While you’re here, make sure you check out these great giveaways ending soon:

The Little Seed for Target Collection * $50 to 1-800-Flowers.com * Mickey or Minnie Party by The Birthday House

Make sure you check out the Bumbleride Flite giveaway at 3 Kids and Us. (And if you don’t win… well, let’s just say, check back here next month.)

While you’re linking up at Baby Loving Mama check out her great giveaways, too, like the choice of $50 of beauty products from Melvita and Wilton cake decorating classes.

And, now for a moment of shameless self-promotion. If you have a moment, will you PLEASE tweet for me? I’m trying to win one of four sponsorships from Energizer to BlogHer and your support would really mean a lot. THANK YOU!

@TheShoppingMama should win the #Energizer #BlogHer sponsorship @BarefootMomma http://bit.ly/9b01we & @kailani http://bit.ly/997lLl

Cupcake Confessional: The Perfect Cupcake + Giveaway

by Kate on July 14th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  All Things Birthday, Giveaways, Party Planning

Cupcake Confessional provides one-stop shopping for everything you need to decorate a special cake or cupcakes for your little one’s birthday. I first came across this adorable shop while looking for the perfect sprinkles for my daughter’s 1st birthday cupcakes (because every first birthday has to have perfect sprinkles, right?) Whether you’re looking for the perfect cupcake liners, sprinkles, or toppers…you can find it here!

One of my favorite products at Cupcake Confessional are the Cupcake Kits. Last Christmas I was wanted to find a unique gift for my daughter’s 3 year old friends, and I wanted it to be an activity-based gift. I decided to buy each of them a cupcake kit, and they were a huge hit with the girls…not to mention the parents! With themes like Carnival, Backyard BBQ, and Vintage Ballerina, there’s definitely something for everyone everybaker. Kits range from $12-$15.

Inside scoop! Susannah, owner of Cupcake Confessional, has extended an exclusive discount to TSM readers. Enjoy 10% off merchandise (excludes shipping) with the code PINKSPRINKLES. Just enter the code at checkout and your discount will be refunded via Paypal. Also, FREE SHIPPING on any order over $20!

Check out the  new Cupcake Confessional blog featuring recipes, giveaways, ideas, and discount codes!

Shop! Find all of the cupcake kits, liners, sprinkles, and toppers in Susannah’s shop here!

Win! The Happy Birthday Kit from Cupcake Confessional!

Happy Birthday Kit includes everything you need to make the perfect birthday cupcakes, from candles, to sprinkles, to cupcake liners!

How to enter: Visit Cupcake Confessional and tell us your favorite item in the shop.

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

  • Follow Cupcake Confessional’s Blog
  • 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 The Happy Birthday Kit – everything you need to decorate the perfect cupcakes @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/cQ1R6s
  • 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
  • Leave a *new* comment on any non-giveaway post and let me know you did.
Disclosure: Giveaway ends July 25. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Cupcake Confessional for providing the giveaway prize. Opinions here are my own.

Hotels.com I Need a Vacation Sweepstakes + Giveaway + Exclusive Discount

by Kate on July 13th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways

Recognizing the value of relaxing on vacation, Hotels.com is giving away A Vacation for Life to one very stressed out lucky person in the I Need A Vacation Sweepstakes. Entering is simple – just show your best stressed out, creative, funny, vacation-worthy photo and you’re in the running for a vacation for life.

“I Need a Vacation is our way of giving a huge thank you to our loyal customers,” said Taylor L. Cole, APR, director of public relations for Hotels.com. “It’s the biggest promotion we’ve done to date and we are excited to be able to offer someone a chance to have 50 years of spectacular vacations courtesy of Hotels.com. We’re proving that we’re not only the smartest way to book travel, but also the most rewarding.”

I Need A Vacation Sweepstakes Prizes

  • Grand Prize: A Vacation for Life – to be awarded as a check in the amount of $102,250. That’s enough money to take 50 vacations worth approximately $2,045 each!
  • Daily Prizes: One hundred three Daily Winners will each receive one Flip Ultra™ camcorder.

And you can WIN just for voting! Vote for your favorite “I Need A Vacation” look and you are entered to win one of the Flip Ultra™ Camcorders given away daily.

Enter the I Need A Vacation Sweepstakes

Find or take a creative picture that shows your best “I Need A Vacation!” face and upload it the official Hotels.com I Need A Vacation Sweepstakes page. The process is short and sweet. Once you’ve submitted your photo, share it with friends and family and encourage them to vote.

Hotels.com Discount: Use the code SHOPPINGMAMA for a 10% discount for bookings on Hotels.com now through July 20 for travel by August 13.

Win! One Night in Your Choice Hotel from Hotels.com (up to $350 in value)!

Think of the possibilities… a mini-vacation to beat the heat at a local hotel with a pool, a night staycation without the kids at a fancy resort in town, a night to break up the drive to grandma’s house, an extra night in NYC for BlogHer.

How to Enter: Check out the entries in the I Need a Vacation Photo Gallery and VOTE for the person you think deserves a vacation for life. Leave a comment with the name of the person you voted for.

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

  • Enter the I Need A Vacation Sweepstakes and leave 5 bonus comments
  • Follow Hotels.com on Twitter
  • 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 every day, just leave the link when you do.
    Win a FREE night in a hotel from Hotels.com (up to $350 value!) @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/cZgRqM
  • 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
  • Leave a *new* comment on a non-giveaway post
Disclosure: Giveaway ends July 28. Thanks to Hotels.com for providing the giveaway prize. Opinions are my own.

Wordless Wednesday: Watermelon!

by Kate on July 13th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Weekly Features, Wordless Wednesday

Her new favorite food? Watermelon. She would eat it for every meal of the day if she could.


Thanks to Cat for my new fancy watermark!

And, now for a moment of shameless self-promotion. If you have a moment, will you PLEASE tweet for me? I’m trying to win one of four sponsorships from Energizer to BlogHer and your spare minute will truly help. THANK YOU!

@TheShoppingMama should win the #Energizer #BlogHer sponsorship @BarefootMomma http://bit.ly/9b01we & @kailani http://bit.ly/997lLl

Link up! I look forward to seeing your photos!

How To: Root Beer Float Cupcakes by Cupcake Confessional

by Amy on July 13th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  All Things Birthday, Party Planning

We would like to thank Susannah, owner of Cupcake Confessional, for writing this delicious tutorial. Cupcake Confessional provides a one-stop-shopping experience for all things to make your cupcakes extraordinary!

We love rootbeer floats in our family and they were the inspiration for these yummy tasting (and looking) cupcakes. My new line of Lorann Flavor Oils inspired me to try some new flavors that I do not usually get to try.  I want to add this to everything I bake now!! They smell and taste wonderful.  I used the shiny Brown Foil Liners, and the retro inspired Striped Paper Straws, to give them the old fashioned “soda shoppe” feel. My seven year old actually tested whether or not the frosting could be sucked through the straw, yea…didn’t work so well! Although I love home made cake, for this recipe I used doctored up cake mix, frankly I am more about the frosting and I do not always have time to make everything from scratch.

Some notes: I rotate the cupcakes in the oven twice during cooking to ensure even cooking. I also use a standard sized ice cream scoop to get even sized cupcakes. So here’s the recipe…

Rootbeer Cupcakes

  • 1 (18 ounce) package yellow cake mix
  • 1/3 cup Rootbeer Soda Pop
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large egg whites
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 Tsp Rootbeer Flavor Oil (or you can use one teaspoon rootbeer extract)
  1. Set oven to 325 degrees F (set oven rack to middle position).
  2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl on low speed until blended (about 30 seconds).
  3. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes more.
  4. Pour the batter into a lined muffin pan.
  5. Bake for about 17 minutes or until cupcakes test done.

I made a syrup for the cupcake to add more rootbeer flavor, I did this by reducing 1 cup of rootbeer to a little less than a 1/4 cup. I used a skewer to poke some holes in the cooled cupcakes, then I spooned it onto the cupcake, letting it soak in.

Vanilla Buttercream

  1. In a bowl combine butter, sugar and salt. Beat till blended.
  2. Add the milk, vanilla and marshmallow flavoring and beat for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until smooth and creamy.

Inside scoop! Cupcake Confessional has extended an exclusive discount to TSM readers. Enjoy 10% off merchandise (excludes shipping) with the code PINKSPRINKLES. Just enter the code at checkout and your discount will be refunded via Paypal. In addition, enjoy FREE SHIPPING on any order over $20.

Giveaway! TSM will be hosting a Cupcake Confessional giveaway tomorrow. Stop by to enter!

It’s a Party with Meri Meri + Giveaway

by Kate on July 13th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  All Things Birthday, Giveaways, Party Planning, Reviews

No matter how much fun, throwing a party can be a hassle. Meri Meri takes some of the drama and difficulty out of party planning and organizing with the It’s a Party line of perfect party products.

It’s a Party

If you have a big celebration planned, you’ve come to the right place. Our growing range of partyware brings you everything you need, from paper plates and napkins to table centerpieces and bunting. You can decorate the hall, send fabulous and fun invitations and prepare some fabulous cupcakes, it’s all here. Just choose your theme and get ready to party!

Dinosaur Party!

We received products from the Dinosaur It’s a Party line and they were a hit at our “Dinosaur Tea Party” last week. (You can see lots of photos of our fun on the Dinosaur Party post.) The hit was definitely the Roarrr! Dinosaur Centerpiece. It is a large colorful cardboard dinosaur that really roars. The kids loved it and it’s now living in the play room. The Invitations, Thank You Notes and Favor Bags all have googly eyes and are made of high quality, thick paper. The Cupcake Kit was also a very easy way to make the cupcakes festive and fun.

I really like that the products are perfect for children, but also modern and colorful and not juvenile. You won’t be overwhelmed with characters or cutesy figures, so both kids and parents will be happy.

Popular Party Themes

Contrary to what my son believes, not every kid is a dino-fanatic and Meri Meri has a variety of party collections sure to please.

Twinkle Toes

Robot

Princess

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Every item we received was great quality, fun and colorful enough to please the kids and pleasant on adults’ eyes.

Or Not to Buy… I’d love larger dinner size plates and cups to round out the party ware collections.

Shop! Meri Meri It’s a Party products are sold in Party Packs or a la carte and range in price from $4.50 for Napkins and Plates to $22.95 for the roar’ing Dinosaur Centerpiece. Meri Meri offers handmade, original paper goods including party invitations, stationary sets and greeting cards.

Win! A Party Pack from the Party Theme of Your Choice!

Prize details: Winner will receive one item of every in stock item from the line of choice. Approximate value $76.

How to Enter: Visit Meri Meri and take a look around. Leave a comment with your favorite It’s a Party collection.

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

Disclosure: Giveaway ends July 28. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Meri Meri for providing sample products and the giveaway prize. Opinions are my own.

Dinosaur Party!

by Kate on July 12th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  All Things Birthday, Birthday Parties

Even without a birthday on the horizon in our house, with all the kid’s party talk I couldn’t resist hosting a little get together. Last week we had a few friends over for what we dubbed “A Dinosaur Tea Party.” I have no idea why we called it that since tea was nowhere on the menu, but my son loved the name so it stuck.

The party was planned around the It’s a Party dinosaur collection from Meri Meri. We delivered Dinosaur Party Invitations to a couple of my son’s best little friends.

I prepared grilled cheese, peas and watermelon, but we dino’ed it up with the Dino Sandwich Cutter from Williams-Sonoma. (You can also check out this affordable alternative from DynoBytes.) The kids got to eat at the fancy table and I served the food on our regular dinnerware. (I know – risky! – but there were no casualties.) The cupcakes were on the cute Roaaaarrrr! dinosaur plates from Meri Meri.

A dinosaur centerpiece joined them at the table – he really roars!

No party is complete without some form of cake. I am really not that crafty but our cupcakes looked dino-riffic (oh, yes, I did just write that) with the Meri Meri cupcake kit of cupcake liners and cupcake toppers. The cupcakes were displayed on a cupcake stand from Green Party Goods.

The kids took home a little party favor bag with Dinosaur Silly Bandz and Dinosaur Flash Cards I picked up at Barnes & Noble. Everyone also got a dinosaur temporary tattoo!

We had a great time and it was fun to make a lunch play date something special with a theme, invitations, and decor.

Disclosure: I was provided Meri Meri products and a Green Party Goods cupcake stand. This post contains ana affiliate link.
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