Chomp and Clack Alligator: Review + Giveaway from The GummyLump.com

by Kate on December 15th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways, Toddler, Toys

Are you still looking for the perfect gift for your (almost) toddler for Christmas? May I recommend Melissa and Doug’s Chomp and Clack Alligator Wooden Push Toy? The last few weeks Jack and I have been lucky enough to test out this great toy, thanks to The GummyLump.com. And we love it!

The Gummy Lump

The Gummy Lump is home to high quality wooden toys and toys that encourage your child to learn and explore through play. They offer an outstanding collection of Melissa and Doug products (psst, these are currently on sale) and introduced us to all kinds of age appropriate toddler wooden toys (click the link to see some of the other products that will be finding their way under our tree this year). At the Gummy Lump you’ll find:

Toys that make sweet memories…We are dedicated to retailing only the highest quality and most unique toys, building blocks, and puzzles available. Our goal is to bring you the best selection of creative & educational toys for children Ages 0-6.

Wondering about the name Gummy Lump? Follow this link to learn the story behind the name.

Chomp and Clack Alligator

I have so many good things to say about this toy it’s hard not to get carried away. From the get go it is incredibly easy to assemble. Put the upright bar in the slots, tighten screws and you are ready for play, or to sit back and admire how beautiful this toy is. Unlike the plastic things I try to hide in the nursery closet, the Chomp and Clack Alligators is something I want to show off. More importantly (mostly) the alligators are really easy for Jack to use. He hasn’t been able to walk with any of his other walking toys because they move too quickly and he ends up doing the splits or face-planting. Not the Chomp and Clack Alligators, they move just fast enough to get him going, but he’s still able to keep up even while mugging it for the camera or Grandpa on Skype. When he needs a rest, he can play with the spinning butterflies on the handle or check the alligator’s molars by yanking on their heads (the toy handles this fine and appears to be designed for this type of abuse).

Jack has a blast every time we play with this toy. He will literally walk around the house laughing at the whole experience… at least until he meets a wall or a piece of furniture. Next milestone, learning to turn the alligators! (I have no idea what is up with the tongue thing. I guess he’s just that excited. And yes, it’s was laundry day and we were out of pants.)

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy…I don’t think there is any way Jack could like a toy more than he likes the Chomp and Clack Alligator. He makes his way over to it first thing in the morning and will walk back and forth through the living room until he literally sits down crying because he’s so tired and ready for nap (if mom doesn’t get sick of turning him around first). This beautiful toy is well made and solid and I expect it to easily last through Jack and Jack’s children and maybe even their children.

Not to Buy…I’m trying really hard to think of a reason not to buy this. The only good reason I can think of is that you like one of the other high quality wooden push or pull toys from Gummy Lump better. (The Haba Car is pretty cute.)

Shop! The Melissa and Doug Chomp and Clack Alligator Wooden Toddler Push Toy is $39.99 at the Gummy Lump (on sale from $49.99!) plus free UPS shipping on all orders over $50.

Win! A Chomp and Clack Alligator Wooden Toddler Push Toy!

How to Enter: Visit GummyLump.com and check out their toy selection including age appropriate recommendations. Come back here and let us know what toy you like the best.

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

Giveaway ends December 29. Open to US mailing addresses only.

Disclosure: Thanks to The Gummy Lump for providing a product for the purpose of this review and the giveaway prize. Opinions are my own/Jack’s.

Kids With Santa

by Kate on December 14th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Weekly Features, Wordless Wednesday

Successful Santa photos! No tears – it’s an early Christmas miracle.

To see not so successful – but terribly funny – Santa photos, check out last year’s crying baby with Santa photos.

I look forward to seeing your photos.

Snowball Express

by Kate on December 14th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Ten Dollar Tuesday, Weekly Features

Through the holidays, Ten Dollar Tuesday is devoted to spotlighting a worthy charity. What does this have to do with shopping for things bargains that cost less than $10, you ask? Everything – the idea is making the most of our money.

If 10 readers of The Shopping Mama give $10, that’s a $100 donation. That more of you that give, the more impact we can have. $10 can add up quickly and be incredibly meaningful to charities and the families they benefit.

Snowball Express

Snowball Express is the charity for the children of our fallen military heroes. We started in 2006 with a simple idea: Provide hope and new memories to the children of our fallen military heroes who died while on active duty since September 11, 2001.

Memorials at a cemetery or listening to a long speech are not the kind of memories a child wishes to endure again . Yet that is how we honor our heroes…it is what adults do.

By attending Snowball Express a child can see that “service above self” is honored by others and is a value they should subscribe to as they continue to mature as adults. They also realize they can honor their fallen hero in ways other than by being sad or at a somber place.

Snowball Express gives them a piece of their childhood back, allowing them to have fun and that it’s OK to laugh.

Just this past weekend, children between the age of 5 and 18 gathered for a Snowball Express in Dallas to make new memories. They were treated to a performance of Nutcracker, the rodeo (Texas, after all!), and a day at Six Flags. There was even a parade in their honor. Most importantly, the kids have a weekend where they are celebrated and have the chance to bond with others in a similar situation.

Donate! I can’t think of a better way to spend $10 than to make a donation to this amazing organization. You can make a secure donation online to Snowball Express. I did!

Secret Santa – T.J. Maxx Style

by Kate on December 14th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Blogging, Shopping

Recently I had the chance to participate in a fun T.J. Maxx sponsored blogger Secret Santa. T.J. Maxx sent me a $50 gift card and challenged me to find a great gift for a fellow blogger, Jill from Good Life for Less, for under $50. I was a little intimidated shopping for someone with fashion sense, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. I found a ton of gifts for the people on my Christmas list and hopefully did okay for Jill.

My Shopping Finds

I was constantly overflowing my shopping cart. Here’s what I brought home the first time I hit up Marshalls.

In there you’ll find a My Little Pony play house for my niece (3 years), a shape sorter for the little guy (10 months), a car vacuum ($10) for my sister-in-law who just broke down and bought the dreaded mini-van, candy for the mailman and UPS guy, nice soaps for my grandma, wrapping paper (of course), yummies, and cleaning washcloths for my early new year’s resolution to keep the house cleaner. All for under $100.

There were so many options for everyone on my list. I loved how they had displays set up to help you find the perfect gift quickly. I probably would have been better at taking pictures if I hadn’t been so busy balancing my cart full of all the Melissa and Doug toys and cute winter clothes I picked up for Jack and his cousins.

Cute Gift Ideas

For the foodie: dutch oven and accessories (this is mine, but I saw one just like it):

For the zen mom: Yoga kits and super comfy tops (my sister in law is getting this top if I don’t decide to keep it first. It’s soo soft.)

For the tired mom: all kinds of robes, comfy slippers and pedicure sets. I got this set from my secret Santa, Shannon at The Mommy Files.

I love all the gift options at TJ Maxx and Marshalls, not to mention the ease of a gift card! Have you entered to win a T.J. Maxx/Marshalls gift card yet? If not, hurry on over to Kate’s post to see more shopping ideas and enter to win!

Secret Santa Purchase

For Jill I ended up getting a necklace like I’ve seen in InStyle Magazine, a cute hat, something that is apparently called a snood (it’s a scarf that goes in a circle… have I mentioned I’m not a fashionista?) and a yummy jasmine candle. (I”m stealing Jill’s photo because mine didn’t turn out. Check out her blog to see how she wears it all.)

Secret Santa Gift

From my secret Santa I got a great combination of chocolates (yum says Jack), pedicure sets, nut cracker (He’s the one in yellow sequins. He’s hanging with the nutcracker I already owned.), Christmas knives, and a Christmas sign decoration.

I think I got a little wordy about all the great things I found at TJ’s and Marshalls, but it’s pretty fun to get so much for Christmas without spending too much. Thanks to T.J. Maxx and Marshalls for the gift card and this fun challenge and Shannon for the great gifts.

What great finds have you found at your local store?

Best Wooden Teething Toys: Great Stocking Stuffers for Baby

by Kate on December 14th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

Moms know that no matter what toy you give your teething child, it will end up in her mouth. You want to make sure it’s safe, and while you’re at it let’s make sure it’s cute, too. Enjoy this collection of some of the best – and best looking – wooden teething toys.

Peace, Love, Drool, The Land of Nod (set of 3 $38)

Little ASL I Love You Teether, Little Sapling Toys ($12)

Skwish Natural, Magic Beans ($15)

T Rex Teether, Little Alouette ($15)

Maple Teething Rings, Down to Earth Toys (2 for $14.50)

Kringelring, HABA ($12)

Happy Shopping!

Christmas Card Craft: Make Your Own Photo Cards

by Shannon on December 14th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Crafts with Kids

The circle cutter is back!  For regular readers of The Shopping Mama, you know that I have challenged myself to a year’s worth of crafts using much of the same materials.  Not only do I want to be “green” and use up materials, I want to decrease my spending and the clutter around my house.  For December, I went with the obvious – Christmas cards.

Due to a stomach bug, my Christmas card crafting project ended up covering more than a week.  As time went on, I ended up with three different ideas; all use the circle cutter and include similar steps.  The first two cards are made with an 8.5X11″ sheet of card stock folded in half and the third is on small cards (4X5.5″) with matching envelopes.

“Ho Ho Ho!” Card

To begin the “Ho Ho Ho!” card, print three “H”s and an exclamation point either horizontally or vertically on half of the 8.5X11″ paper. Then cut circles in a corresponding size to be the “O”.

Ornament Card

For the 8.5X11″ ornament card, a little math is required to determine the size of each ornament.  As an English teacher, I must admit I was daunted by this, but you simply divide the width of the paper minus the margin and space in between ornaments (8.5″ – 1″ – 2″= 6.5″) by the number of ornaments you wish to feature.  Then I added the ink embellishments.

Small Ornament Card

To be honest, the small card with matching envelope is the easiest.  Simply cut one hole in the center of the card.  The size of the hole is determined by the photo you choose to insert.

After cutting the holes, the cards can be decorated and assembled.  After cutting holes, I added ink embellishments and glitter.  It is important to do this before attaching any photos because the glitter and glue can ruin photos (yes, I learned this the hard way!).  I attached my photos (some printed from my computer, some from the portraits I had made for the season) with single-sided tape.

Attach your photo and make sure it is centered as you like it before taping it down. Because the tape and photo leave a messy-looking back, I chose to cover the back with another piece of card stock.  Not only does it cover the mess, but it provides a clean writing space for your holiday letter or handwritten message.

Yes, there’s even a pink one for my daughter.


Finally, add your personal greetings.  I must admit, my personal pet peeve is cards that are not dated.  So, for me, please make sure to include the date!

I owe a huge shout out to my mom for helping me through the stomach bug and crank out enough of the single ornament cards for our family!  Thanks, mom, you’re the best!

The Coolest Tricycle: Smart Trike 3-in-1 Zoo Review

by Kate on December 13th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Reviews, Toddler, Toys

My family is lucky and we get to try lots of the latest toys and gear for kids. It’s fun for the kids but it’s work for me, but there are products that make all the time and effort worth it. The Smart Trike Zoo 3 in 1 Tricycle is one of those products. The Smart Trike is truly an awesome, innovative and cost effective product designed to grow with your child.

Meet Smart Trike Zoo

The unique 3 in 1 multi feature tricycle from 10 months provides a safe way of traveling from the early baby age; it grows with the child to the age of 3 years plus. Parents steer the product with the unique, telescopic, adjustable handle. The built-in clutch gives the option of ride control to either the parent or the child. Fitted with a safety harness, and for 15 months onwards with a seat belt, the product provides a safe and comfortable way for getting your child around. The functional, washable seat cover coordinated with a fashionable printed material canopy gives a fun, trendy look to the product!

Stroller to Parent-Controlled Tricycle to Tricycle

The Smart Trike Zoo is convertible to grow with your child from about 10 months to 3 years of age.

  • Stage 1 – 10 Months+: Use as a stroller with adjustable parent steering handle for full parent control, a clutch for free-wheeling, a seat with a long back support, safety straps, bottle holder and play phone, and removable canopy to protect baby.
  • Stage 2 – 15 Months+: Remove high back support and canopy to create parent-controlled tricycle, with waist strap to keep toddler in place.
  • Stage 3 – 24 Months+: Child powered and controlled tricycle.

Rolling & Triking with the Smart Trike

I was a bit intimidated to assemble the Smart Trike, but the instruction photos were clear and the process was actually quite quick and easy. I assembled the stroller to Stage 2 for my daughter who just turned two but isn’t ready for a tricycle yet. While we haven’t used the accessories necessary for use with a younger baby, I am very impressed with the quality. The high back seat is cushioned and comfortable and I love the canopy to protect baby from the sun. The taller seat has a three point harness and  a ring that goes around a younger toddler to keep them from falling off the seat. (Image of Stage 1 on the right.)

Once the Smart Trike was assembled my daughter was so eager to hop on that she rode around inside for a day or two before we ventured outside with it. She loves the large basket on the back to hold important things like her dolls, and seems comfortable sitting in the seat. There is a single waist strap to keep her situated on the seat.

There are lots of thoughtful features on the Smart Trike and the photo below shows some of my favorites. There’s a seat belt even in the older toddler set up for the tricycle, and the basket on the back is roomy and fun. I just love that the handle is telescopic (a feature usually reserved for high-end strollers), making it easy and comfortable for parents to push. The storage bag makes it practical to use as a stroller. And I like that there are foot rests to support the feet of smaller tots, but they can be folded up out of the way when your child outgrows them.

My only regret about the Smart Trike is that the weather’s not warmer for us to use it more often at the moment. But, we have enjoyed several walks around the neighborhood and it is such a joy. The tires are relatively wide and it handles well smooth floors as well as unsturdy pavement. The steering is very responsive to the parent push bar so it’s easy to push it where I want it to go. Even my son has gotten in on the action, pushing his sister up and down the street.

My daughter is fiercely independent, but doesn’t seem to notice that I am actually in control of the tricycle. She pedals sometimes and rests her feet on the foot rests other times – or pedals with one foot while the other rests, which is akin to patting your head and rubbing your belly as far as I’m concerned – but, most importantly, she happily pedals along feeling like a big girl on a big kid bike.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Smart Trike Zoo is a great outdoor toy to grow with your child. You can realistically use it from ten months of age until your child reaches the 33 pound weight limit. And, you will use it. It’s so fun to push as an adult and if your child is anything like mine, they’ll love riding on it. If you’re still on the hunt for a great Christmas present to thrill your little one, this is worth your consideration.

Or Not to Buy… My only concern with the product itself is that the seat moves a bit more than I’d like. It only attaches with one screw and I’d love to see another to add more stability. In use, this hasn’t been a problem at all.

Shop! Smart Trike offers a range of products, including a 4-in-1 product with a reclining seat that can be used with babies as early as 6 months. The Smart Trike Zoo is offered in a number of colorful patterns evoking animals and insects like the Bee we reviewed and the adorable Cow pictured above. The Smart Trike retails for $139.99 and is available at Toys R Us, Babies R Us and Amazon.

Thanks to Smart Trike for providing a sample product to facilitate this review. As always, opinions are my own.

Serena & Lily Prague Gypsy Tote Review

by Kate on December 13th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Baby, Baby Shopping Guide, For Mama, Reviews

There are a few things that I really look forward to getting in the mail. An actual letter  (remember those?) written by a dear friend, holiday cards, and a new Serena & Lily Catalog. I love getting a cup of coffee, sitting down and just dreaming about all the redecorating I could do if I won the lottery tomorrow! I had my daughter’s big girl bedding picked out before she was even born! (Though of course it isn’t available now. sigh…) So when I found out I would be reviewing the Gypsy Tote, after oogling it for months, I was beyond excited.

About Serena & Lily

It all began one serendipitous day in October 2003. Serena Dugan, a textile designer and artist, meets Lily Kanter, a corporate refugee turned baby boutique owner. Perhaps it was our differences that brought us together… or maybe it was our striking similarities despite these differences. Our skills are opposite in that advantageous, yin-yang kind of way, yet we’re both Type-A people who love to get things done.
But what really made sparks fly that day was our shared aesthetic and vision of the baby’s room reinvented. We both dreamed of children’s spaces that are fresh and style-driven, with dynamic color and pattern and a unique blend of simplicity and sophistication. And so we set out to create just that.

The Gypsy Tote Unveiled

The one-bag-holds-all solution for the one-mom-does-all lifestyle, our gorgeous Gypsy Tote was created by (and for) Serena when she couldn’t find the perfect “un”diaper bag. It’s got a pocket for everything. It hangs perfectly over a stroller handle. It scrunches up to fit inside another bag. It’s machine washable and wipeable. But best of all, it’s modular design means it’s only a diaper bag when you want it to be, so it looks amazing through the bottle-and-binky years and beyond.

Our original Prague style is made from beautiful flax linen with hand embroidery and rich leather detailing. Wear it alone or add the coordinating accessories––a chic diaper clutch and changing pad––to transform your tote into the perfect diaper bag.

My Experience

I really have always loved this bag.  So much so that you may remember, we featured it in the Baby Shopping Guide a few months ago.  When it arrived I was even more impressed with it in person. Let’s face it, I was a bit giddy with excitement.  The outside of the bag is a beautiful linen, with hand embroidery.  I received the Flax color that has subtle white embroidery, but other colors are more vibrant. The inside is a wipe able, durable nylon.  Melding together the perfect balance of style and functionality.

It was a bit larger than I had anticipated, but in a compact way, if that makes sense. It has space to use if you need it, but doesn’t appear bulky or cumbersome.  It is a perfect bag to transition depending on what you need it to do. Need it to be a true diaper bag? Add the changing pad and you are set to go. If you are in that stage of mommyhood like me where a diaper change out and about is pretty rare, then you probably don’t need to add the changing pad to your purchase.

Another aspect of this bag that is sure to win your heart are the many different pockets and compartments to keep bottles, sippys, pacifiers, cells phones, etc. all organized and in their place. I worried that this bag might be a little too big and become a bottomless pit of “stuff” I really don’t need to lug around. I actually got a fairly small diaper bag when my daughter was born just to ensure I couldn’t lug around everything but the kitchen sink.  However because the pockets are all very well designed, I don’t see over-packing becoming an issue.

The other unique feature of this bag is the adjustable shoulder strap.  It remains long enough to be thrown over your shoulder or across your chest messenger-style without having to really change a thing.  This comes in handy when you never know how many kids you may be holding, or hands you are holding across a parking lot. I am sure a lot of you  know that super annoying feeling of holding your toddlers hand, baby in arms, and your bag slips of your shoulder and is dangling awkwardly at your elbow and you can’t do a thing about it. Well, I have yet to have this happen with the Gypsy tote! Reason enough to purchase it!

I found this guide to be very helpful with information about this fabulous bag.  And look who has been spotted out and about with the Gypsy? Miss Jessica Alba and baby Honor.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… I love that this bag is so adaptable and changes with you as your baby grows. Like the description says, it is the “un” diaper, diaper bag!  There are so many different patterns to choose from, you are sure to find one that fits your style.

Or Not to Buy… The price might be a little out of your price range, but for the amount of use you will get out of it, it is certainly worth the holiday splurge!  I do wish that it did have an internal zipper to zip the top fully closed.  I like having that option on a bag. Though, let’s be honest, I rarely actually use it. :)

Shop! Visit Serena & Lily and take a look at the different Gypsy Tote styles.  Right now they are offering free shipping for orders over $75 dollars! The Prague Gypsy Tote retails for $175.00 and is available on Amazon.  The Deluxe Gypsy Tote is available for $250.00, and includes the changing pad and matching clutch (also available on Amazon).

Disclosure: Thanks to Serena & Lily for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review.  Opinions here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product.
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