Petunia Pickle Bottom Accessories: Travel Train Case Review & Giveaway

by Kate on March 21st, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  For Mama, Giveaways, On the Go, Reviews

Like most mamas we know, we are big fans of Petunia Pickle Bottom. From the gorgeous designer diaper bags to organic baby carriers (read The Shopping Mama Sightseer review) to the brand new stylish travel accessories every product is bold, beautiful and uniquely Petunia. This month when we’re focusing on the best gear for traveling, it’s the perfect time to share the new, expanded collection of Petunia Pickle Bottom Accessories.

Petunia Pickle Bottom Accessories

The PPB Original Collection includes several accessories, and our favorites for travel are the Travel Train Case, Wanderlust Wallet and the Powder Room Case. But, really, with as stylish and functional as these accessories are, we’re pretty sure “travel” to the local convenient store is reason enough to justify one of each.

Travel Train Case Review

Practical. The Travel Train Case from Petunia is a soft-sided loaded with pockets, making it ideal for a traveling mama. The Case measures 6/25 inches by 9 inches wide and 6 inches tall. It has a wraparound zipper so the top opens wide and you can easily see and access all your goodies. My favorite part, though, is the 6 interior pockets and large zippered area. There are four flatter pockets and two larger elastic storage on the short ends of the Case. (see above right) There’s also a large zippered pocket on the inside of the top. (see below) I have a similarly shaped makeup case from a high end leather goods store that doesn’t have any pockets and organization. I never realized how helpful they are until I started using the Petunia Train Case.

Travel Train Case Details

  • Easy grab top handle
  • Zip-around opening for easy access
  • 6 interior pockets for organization
  • Large zippered pocket
  • Water-resistant lining
  • PVC-Free Glazed “wipe-able” exterior
  • Dimensions: 6.25 X 9.5 X 6 in.
  • Wipe clean with damp cloth. Spot clean liner with damp cloth.

Pretty. I own a Petunia Diaper Bag, but this is my first experience with the Glazed material. I do love that it can be wiped clean, and the material really suits accessories like the Train Case well. It’s sturdy but is flexible. (Convenient when you need to shove it into your suitcase to make everything fit!) Not surprisingly, the Tea on the Thames pattern is gorgeous. The exterior is a flowerly subdued mix of white and gray and the interior is a bright yellow. But if it’s not your favorite, the Travel Train Case is available in 11 original Petunia fabrics.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Not surprisingly, I just adore the Petunia Pickle Bottom Travel Train Case. It’s practical and pretty – a combination that is surprisingly hard to find for a reasonable price. And, I do think the price is great for the quality and Petunia reputation. I enjoy this so much I already have the Wanderlust Wallet on my must have list.

Or Not to Buy… Even if you’re not heading out of town, the Travel Train Case is a great option for keeping your makeup or daily pretty-fication goodies in order.

Shop! Petunia Pickle Bottom is our go-to source for the best, most stylish diaper bag, and accessories are a natural extension to the beautiful line of products. The Travel Train Case is $42, the Powder Room Case is $28 and add the Wanderlust Wallet to your Wish List as it will be available soon for $62.

Win! A Travel Train Case!

How to Enter: Visit Petunia Pickle Bottom and leave a comment with the name of your very favorite Petunia fabric.

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

Giveaway ends April 1. Open to US mailing addresses only.

Disclosure: Sample product and giveaway prize provided by Petunia Pickle Bottom.

National Poison Prevention Week

by Kate on March 20th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Life

March 20-26 is National Poison Prevention Week. This week, the Poison Prevention Week Council, a coalition of national organizations, is working to stop unintentional poisonings by educating families about medication and household product safety. As a pharmacist and mom to a little one who is getting into everything, poison prevention is near and dear to my heart. I’ve programmed the number for poison control into my phone (and hijacked my husband’s to do the same) because they are the number one experts on poisoning. We even call them from the hospital for advice. If you haven’t already,  I highly suggest you add this number to your phone and other emergency call lists: 800-222-1222.

Keeping Children Safe

The American Academy of Pediatrics has great advice on how to help prevent accidental poisonings. Some key points are:

  • Keep medications and household cleaners out of children’s sight and reach
  • Don’t call medication or vitamins ”candy.” Instead offer a treat as a reward for taking the yucky medicine.
  • Don’t keep anything but food in food containers, children may eat/drink it by accident.

It’s easy to forget that just a small amount of grown up medication can be deadly for a child. Just 1 or 2 Tessalon pearles (used for cough and look like candy) can cause seizures, heart attack and coma in children younger than 2 years. “Safe” drugs like Benadryl or Extra Strength Tylenol can be toxic with just 3 or 4 tablets (respectively) in a 22 pound child. Just 2 teaspoonfuls of Campho-Phenique or 4 teaspoonfuls of Vicks VapoRub is enough camphor to be lethal to a small child. Don’t forget about your iron tablets or prenatals, as few as 10-12 tablets can be lethal to a toddler. Many other medications can be toxic for children with just a few adult doses.Some examples include: Lomotil, clonidine, tricyclics, calcium channel blockers, quinidine, quinine, hydroxychloroquine, sulfonylureas, opiods, and medication in patches, but you should be cautious with all medications.

And don’t count on safety caps… they are there to give you a few more seconds to go racing toward your child like a crazy banshee, not to keep them out of the bottle for any extended period of time. (That’s the technical FDA verson of safety caps by the way. Okay, with a few tweaks.)

How do you keep your kids safe at home?

My little guy is into everything and loves to climb into the kitchen cabinets, so I have all my cleaning solutions up on a shelf in the laundry room. I’m not sure what I’ll do when he learns to climb.

Maclaren Volo

by Kate on March 20th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  On the Go

Go With: Maclaren Volo Lightweight Stroller

Why We Like It: Whether you’re traveling across the country by airplane or through the local zoo, a lightweight stroller is a Family On the Go must have. We love Maclaren Volo for its ultra lightweight (8.8 pounds), large seat, and huge basket. The basket is important because we’re never out and about without a lot of stuff. It folds quickly into a relatively compact size that won’t take a lot of room in your trunk. There’s even a strap so you can throw the stroller over your shoulder when you’re schlepping from gate to gate or just loading the car.

Go! The Maclaren Volo has a suggested retail price of $130. Several colors are available from The Land of Nod with Free Shipping. Some colors are as low as $110 – including the awesome green and black stripe – on Amazon, though not all have Free Shipping.

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We’re On the Go in March. Check out all of our travel picks.

Child Hunger Ends Here Special Report on TV & Twitter Chat Tonight

by Kate on March 19th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Blogging

Tonight, select NBC channels nationwide will air a special report called “Child Hunger Ends Here” hosted by Al Roker and Natalie Morales. It it is expected to air in Chicago, Dallas, Hartford, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Omaha, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. so check your local listings.

Preview of NBC’s “Child Hunger Ends Here”

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Twitter Chat

Whether or not you can view the show tonight, you can join in a chat to learn more about the issue of child hunger and what we can do in our own communities to make sure no children go to bed hungry.

Moderated by NBC with special guests from ConAgra Foods (@ConAgraFoods), Feeding America (@FeedingAmerica) and “Child Hunger Ends Here” blogger correspondents, the Twitter chat will be an informative discussion about child hunger, its lasting effect on children and ways you and others can help ensure Child Hunger Ends Here! Join us tonight from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Central) using the hashtag #childhungerendshere.

And, yes, there will be prizes awarded during the chat for participation. But, really, it’s about much more than that so I hope you’ll consider joining the conversation.

I am a compensated blogger correspondent for the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign.

Urban Sherpa Strap

by Kate on March 19th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  On the Go

Go With: Go GaGa Urban Sherpa Strap

Why We Like It: If you love the look of your diaper bag, but hate the way it digs into your shoulder? The Urban Sherpa Strap might just save your day (and back). The Urban Sherpa Strap spreads the weight of your bag across your back and shoulders, making an easier and more fashionable to carry. The Strap is sold in several colors and uses the same ergonomic strap design as the super cool diaper bags (love the Go GaGa Slide Tote ), but isn’t limited to baby needs. Like the photo suggests, you can attach the Strap to any bag with a removable strap – I would have loved this on my laptop bag in law school!

Go! Available in gray and black, the Go GaGa Urban Sherpa Strap is $28 and available for purchase directly from Go GaGa.

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We’re On the Go in March. Check out all of our travel picks.

Feeding On The Go

by Kate on March 18th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  On the Go

Go With: Boon Squirt & Beaba Babypote

Why We Like Them: The Boon Squirt is made for moms and babies on the go. Fill the spoon with baby food at home and take it with you for fully prepped mealtime when you’re out and about. When your child is bit older and can eat more independently move up to the Babypote from Beaba, the company behind the Babycook. This smart squeezable container is perfect for homemade purees or yogurt on the go. Both products are made from BPA-free and dishwasher safe.

Go! The Boon Squirt is available in Orange, Blue or Pink for $7.99 and the Beaba Babypote is $24.99.

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We’re On the Go in March. Check out all of our travel picks and
shop for many of them in The Shopping Mama’s Amazon store.

aMamante! Nursingwear Review and Giveaway

by Kate on March 18th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Clothes, For Mama, Giveaways, Reviews

I have now been nursing or pregnant for all of the last 4 years, minus 4 short months somewhere in the middle! Needless to say, comfort, functionality and easy access are a few of the top qualities I look for when searching for clothes these days. If I get so lucky to get those things plus a little bit of style, I am extremely happy! When asked to try out a pair of nursing pj’s from Amamante, I was excited to see if they fit my little checklist.

About Amamante

Designed with the mother in mind and baby at heart.  Amamante Nursingwear is dedicated to creating nursingwear to prolong the breastfeeding experience.  Our signature series nursing gowns and serenity pajamas have a built in sleep bra for leakage control and support.Nursing pads stay in place and built in sleep bra just pulls down to nurse without removing strap.

Our Experience

I received a pair of capri nursing pajamas in black to review.  The are a very soft cotton blend material, and I can already tell they are the type that will get softer each time you wash them.  Great since if you are a new nursing Mama you will get spit up on. A lot.  I liked that the top had enough support for nighttime without feeling as though I really had a bra on. At this stage in my nursing career I don’t really get that crazy huge full feeling (or look, sigh…), but I can imagine that these jammies provide ample support at the beginning of nursing, or at the end of a pregnancy.  I truly feel comfortable in the pj’s, and find it very easy to nurse baby girl in them first thing in the morning by simply pushing the fabric down and out of the way. The fabric stays put where I want/need it to during our nursing session, and that is that! I really like these pajamas and would like a few more pairs in different colors. I would like to see a long sleeve version of the same thing, as I am constantly freezing, especially in the winter months.After speaking with Amamante, I learned their signature gown and PJ does not have sleeves because you would lose the support the bra straps provide.  They are working on other styles with a built in bra, but until perfected, aren’t willing to compromise the support.  So maybe we will see one soon!

The pajamas are also very simply stylish and don’t look to “frumpy”.  I would have liked to have had these during my first few days home from the hospital or even in the hospital for when visitors are popping in and out what seems like all the time!

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… If you are nursing a new baby, these pajamas are so needed! You want to be comfortable at all times when on a every few hour feeding schedule, and these will help you feel comfortable.

Or Not to Buy… You may end up liking these so much, you never get dressed in real clothes!

Shop! Visit Amamante and take a look at all of the styles of nursing wear available at a retailer near you. Or to purchase online, click here.

Win! The style and size of your choice from Amamante! Choose from a bra or one of the styles of pajamas!

How to Enter: Visit Amamante and check out all the great nursing styles. Leave a comment telling us what you’d like if you win.

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

Giveaway ends April 1. Open to US mailing addresses only.

Disclosure: Sample products and giveaway prize provided by Amamante.

CARES Child Aviation Restraint

by Kate on March 17th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  On the Go

Go With: CARES Child Aviation Restraint System

Why We Like It: The CARES Restraint keeps children between 22 and 44 pounds secure and snug while sitting in their own airplane seat. In fact, it is the ONLY harness type child aviation safety restraint  ever certified for airplane travel by the Federal Aviation Administration. In addition to the obvious safety factor (the FAA, NTSB & AAP recommend some type of restraint for airplane travel for little kids), it is MUCH easier to travel with than the alternative car seat. You can check your car seat with the airline and carry this one pound harness in its pouch through the airport instead.

Go! The CARES Child Aviation Restraint System is $74.99 – which may sound steep. But, think of it this way, if you use it 3 times it’s like adding $25 to your child’s plane ticket. Or checking an extra bag. Or buying a snack on the airplane.

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We’re On the Go in March. Check out all of our travel picks.

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