Petunia Pickle Bottom Cross Town Clutch Giveaway

by Kate on May 13th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways, Spring Into Spring

It’s no secret we all adore Petunia Pickle Bottom here at The Shopping Mama. We want to spread some Petunia LOVE and give one of you the simply perfect Petunia Pickle Bottom Cross Town Clutch in Springtime in Surrey.

About the Cross Town Clutch

An innovative twist on the classic clutch for modern motherhood. The Cross Town Clutch has the ease and convenience of a traditional diaper changer in a compact silhouette like no other. Perfect for trips across town and back.

This bag is seriously the best looking thing you’ve ever seen. The best part about all Petunia bags is that you don’t feel like you’re carrying a diaper bag. Every pattern is beautiful. Every style is sleek and functional. I can honestly say, if you’re considering buying a Petunia bag, do it. You won’t regret it! I can say that with confidence as I recently splurged on a PPB CAKE Hampton Holdall and haven’t given the purchase a second thought. The bag makes me happy, happy, happy. And, now one of you can be happy, happy, happy with your own Cross Town Clutch.

Shop! The Cross Town Clutch – Springtime in Surrey pattern is available on Amazon. Visit Petunia to see the entire current collection of Cross Town Clutch patterns.

Win! Petunia Pickle Bottom Cross Town Clutch in Springtime in Surrey!

How to Enter: Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or RSS. (If you subscribe via email, you must confirm your subscription.)

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

  • Spring into Spring! Enter the KitchenAid giveaway on Baby Loving Mama. Leave a comment to let us know you did.
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  • Follow TheShoppingMama on Twitter. You may tweet every day, just leave a link when you do.
    @TheShoppingMama is giving away a Petunia Pickle Bottom Cross Town Clutch. http://bit.ly/kzXyab
  • Sign up for the The Shopping Mama Newsletter.
  • Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post. You may do this once a day. Just leave a comment here to tell us the post.
  • Post the Spring into Spring button on your blog.

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Giveaway ends May 27. Open to US mailing addresses only.

This giveaway is sponsored by The Shopping Mama. We love Petunia and love you for subscribing.

{handmade} Memorial Day for the kiddos

by Kate on May 12th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

Memorial Day is fast-approaching and I’m bringing you my latest red, white & blue-inspired finds. Of course, anything you buy for the kiddos for Memorial Day, can also be used over the 4th of July — so get shoppin’!


Miss American Ruffle Diaper Cover by rae gun $13.50

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Patriotic Party Bunting by Daisys & Dots $30

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Tug Boat Tee by TOTEally Posh $22

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4th of July Kelsy Top by delany’s den $25

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Stars & Stripes Straws by Cupcake Social

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Pillowcase Dress Red, White & Blue by Evie n Lizzie $18.99

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Patriotic Printable Photo Booth Props by Paper & Cake $9.95

HAPPY RED, WHITE & BLUE SHOPPING!

Make Memories with GummyLump: Melissa & Doug Easel Review + Giveaway

by Kate on May 12th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways, Reviews, Spring Into Spring, Toys

GummyLump is an online toy store that features an awesome selection of Melissa and Doug products, special needs toys and high quality wooden toys that make sweet memories. One such product that is sure to delight kids (and please parents, too) is the awesome Melissa & Doug Easel. We received this wooden easel from GummyLump and one of you will WIN one, too.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Floor Easel

The Melissa & Doug Easel is the perfect way to inspire your artist! Generously sized chalk board and dry erase boards are perfect for projects large and small. Easel folds ups easily for convenient storage and features a colorful paint tray with cup holders. Has an easy loading paper roll holder and an extra large tray for holding erasers; chalk and clips. Paper cutting edge at top of easel means clean paper cuts for your artists work! 4 large clips included.

I have to admit that I wasn’t sure how much use this would actually get in our home. I knew it would be great quality, as I’ve come to expect from Melissa & Doug, but I just didn’t know how my kids would use it. My son even has a Tabletop Easel but has never used it all that much and it’s currently in our basement. Well, I don’t see the Floor Easel leaving it’s place of importance in the play room any time soon. My kids love this easel and stop by to scribble on it at least once a day.

If you haven’t gathered by now, I’m not the most creative or artistic mama out there. (Thank goodness for Shannon!) Honestly, until this easel I had to get the crayons and coloring books out of a cupboard for the kids. Seems silly, doesn’t it? Now, the Easel is stocked with a roll of paper on one side, large coloring pages are clipped to the other and the trays are filled with crayons and colored pencils. The kids can literally walk up, draw for a bit and then continue on their business. And, when I get brave I can get out the smocks and fill the trays with paint for some serious arts and crafts.

The Floor Easel was easy to put together and consists primarily of tightening screws with large plastic nut. One of the great features is that the Easel grows with your child and has three height options. Our Easel is set on the lowest of three heights and is easily accessible by my 2 and 4 year old. If you have kids of varying ages and size, you can have one side of the Easel up higher than the other to accommodate both.

My littlest artist at work.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Easel is a great addition to our play room – it grants my kids the opportunity to be creative and express themselves whenever they want. If you don’t want to use it all the time, it does fold up for smaller storage. Another great feature is that the Easel height adjusts to grow with your children.

Or Not to Buy… In the several weeks we’ve been using this, I have yet to find a complaint or improvement. If anything, I do wish it came with a roll of paper.

Shop! The Melissa & Doug Wooden Floor Easel has a suggested retail price of $79.99, but is available for only $63.99 at GummyLump.

Win! Melissa & Doug Wooden Floor Easel from GummyLump!

How to Enter: Visit GummyLump.com and check out the amazing selection of toys. Leave a comment with something else your tots would enjoy.

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

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Giveaway ends May 26. Open to US mailing addresses. Any household that has won a giveaway from GummyLump.com in the past 90 days is not eligible for this giveaway. Should an ineligible entrant be chosen as the winner, all rights to the prize will be considered forfeited and a new winner will be chosen

Thanks to GummyLump for providing a sample and the giveaway prize.

Thursday Giveaway Linky

by Kate on May 12th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaway Linky, Weekly Features

Anyone headed to Pennsylvania this weekend to attend Reviewer’s Retreat? If so, make sure you say “Hi.” (My picture is at the bottom so hopefully you can recognize me.)

Now, onto the giveaways… We have some really fun contests ending soon so make sure you enter the giveaways here at The Shopping Mama.

Simply You Monroe Necklace * SwaddleDesigns Swaddle Duo Set * Meray Arnett Reversible Tote

Make sure you head over to Baby Loving Mama to link up there, too. And you simply must enter to win your choice of bathing suit in the Longitude Swimwear giveaway.


Happy Thursday!

Partum Me?! Observations on Breastfeeding

by Laura on May 11th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Partum Me

In case I scared you with last week’s post, Charlie’s stitches are already out and the boo-boo is completely healed.  He does still have a mark but it fades every day, so we’re hopeful that it will be nonexistent within a few weeks.  His umbilical stump has fallen off and his circumcision is fully healed, so we’re grateful to be wound-less for at least a little while.

One of my parenting goals for Charlie was always to breastfeed him, at least for the first few months.  I knew it might be  a challenge for me because a) I travel for work, so pumping could be less than convenient while running around between appointments and b) I have polycystic ovarian syndrome, which often causes supply issues for women who live with it.  Sure enough, Charlie lost a little more weight in the first few days after birth than what is normal so we were put on a strict feeding schedule, that also involved some supplementing with formula.  I wasn’t happy about feeding formula, since I know that every ounce of formula that’s fed could mean an ounce of breastmilk that’s not produced.  But the kid’s gotta eat.

Luckily, our pediatric practice has a lactation consultant on staff.  We met with her during Charlie’s first week at home and it was probably the best hour we’ve spent with any sort of practitioner throughout this entire process.  We left her office with a plan to boost my supply in the hopes that I could taper off the supplements.  Last week, I attended her weekly lactation support group, where we weighed Charlie as he fed to see how much milk he was actually getting.  He was getting TWICE as much as he had at our first appointment just a few days earlier.  I’m hoping that when I attend tomorrow’s group, we’ll get the good news that he’s getting all 3 oz per feeding from the breast so that our days of supplementation can be over.  I’ll still be happy even if he’s just getting more than what he was getting last week.  Plus, I’m looking forward to seeing some of the other mothers from last week to see how their situations have improved over the last few days, too.

In the meantime, here are the top few things I’ve learned about breastfeeding that you never really learn until you’re trying to do it:

  • There are non-pharmaceutical ways to boost your supply. I’m not a holistic medicine kinda girl, but the lactation consultant suggested that we use an herbal tincture that contains fenugreek and some other herbs that are meant to boost supply.  It worked like a charm!  I also read online that eating oatmeal every day can boost production, and as crazy as it sounds, it was a valid tip.  I noticed a marked increase when I started taking the herbs, and then again when I started eating oatmeal every morning.
  • Feeding on demand is tedious but it’s the best way to make more “juice.” Charlie is going through his three-week growth spurt and has been extremely fussy between feedings.  While it’s not fun after I’ve gone without sleep for a good day or so, I’ve still taken the opportunity to put him on the breast as much as possible, in the hopes that it will stimulate an increase in supply.  He, of course, has been happy to oblige.
  • Pumping after feedings helps with supply, but it’s normal if you don’t get much milk. I was convinced that pumping after feedings would mean that I could fill an extra bottle to freeze for when I’m back at work, and I worried myself to death that a 10 ml pump yield meant that I wasn’t giving him enough during feedings.  The lactation consultant assured me that a baby is the best “pump” there is and that he drains much more from the breast than a machine pump does.  In fact, she told me, a small yield during pumping actually implies that he got a good amount from me, beforehand.
  • Before you use a fancy breastfeeding pillow, get your hold and latch right without using one. Don’t get me wrong.  I love my Brest Friend pillow and I know other mothers who swear by their Boppy’s.  But as the lactation consultant explained to me, there will be plenty of times that we will find ourselves somewhere, needing to feed our babies, without one of those pillows to lean on.  Making sure that you can position your little one and get him on the boob properly is a necessary skill set to have before unwrapping a cushy assistant.
  • Other breastfeeding moms are your  best resource for info and support. Both in person and online, I’ve found that other mothers whose circumstances are similar to mine are great at giving advice and encouragement.  Just the other day, I decided to google strategies for pumping while on the road for work and I found a whole load of information supplied by mothers who had done it, including tips on specific places that were pump-friendly in major cities where I travel for work!

This last one is the most important…

  • NO GUILT.  EVER. First off, stress is the biggest supply destroyer for breastfeeders.  So constantly worrying about whether you are giving your baby enough food does nothing but ensure that you aren’t giving him enough food.  But more importantly, remember that just having the desire to breastfeed is proof positive that you want to do a great thing for your baby.  Even just one day of breastfeeding is better than none, so if you end up trying it and then going to formula, you’ve done a good thing for your little one.  My original goal of breastfeeding for the first year might end up getting changed to something like the first few months, but I do my best to remain confident in the good start that I’ve given him by working hard to make sure that he gets breastmilk, but still gets whatever he needs to grow and develop normally.

Interested in learning more about breastfeeding and milk supply?  Check out Kellymom and LowMilkSupply for info on how to increase your milk.  Also, my friend Amber writes regularly about breastfeeding for Examiner and has some great tips.  Check out her stuff, here.  I am definitely going to make myself some of her lactation cookies ASAP!

Just Call My Son Ross Gellar (Backyard Safari Outfitters Review + Giveaway)

by Kate on May 11th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways, Reviews, Spring Into Spring, Toys

Backyard Safari Outfiittters gear + my curious, dinosaur-enthusiast four year old = Dr. Ross Gellar, Jr. (You know, Ross Gellar? The Paleontologist from Friends.) Backyard Safari Outfitters “equips young explorers with all the essential field gear they could possibly need for exploring nature all year long.” As the school year comes to an end and the weather improves, now is the perfect time to provide your little explorer with some fun toys to get outside. And earn the Dr. Ross Gellar, Jr. nickname.

My son earned his Ross Gellar degree when, after days of playing with them at home, he insisted on bringing the 6-in-1 Field Tools and the Adventurer Kit to the zoo.

Adventure, Explore & Fun

6-in-1 Field Tools: The must-have tool set for any adventurer! Shovel, brush, grab or probe. Whether gathering samples or excavating that dig site, up close or in hard to reach spaces, these sturdy tools will handle hundreds of field tasks. And, when you discover that interesting find, signal the rest of your field crew with the high audible field safety whistle.

Gear up for adventure with the Adventurer Kit filled with field essentials. This kit features the Water Tight Case, Retractable Carabiner Clip, Mini Lantern and the Pop-Up Essential Field Guide.

There isn’t an inch of grass, a speck of dirt or part of our drive that hasn’t been inspected using the Field Tools and Adventurer Kit. The Field Tools is a collection of what I imagine to be kid-friendly versions of real paleontologist tools. The small brush, pick, tweezers and mirror, for example, totally work and certainly make my little explorer look like a pro adventurer.

The Adventurer Kit is also a great set with fun, interactive toys. The Essential Field Guide is really cool – it unfolds to reveal fun tips and information to use while on the trail. And, we’ve never hit a “trail” but my son loves looking at it. But, my son couldn’t leave home without the Carabiner, Water Tight Case and Lantern – so he attached the Carabiner and Lantern to the Field Tools and wears the Case around his neck.

Do You See What I See?

Are you ready for a view to a thrill? This full-view periscope allows stealth viewing over boulders, high bushes, backyard fences, and around corners. Three sturdy, light-weight sections telescope for a reach of over four feet high to let you see all those out-of-reach views.

The Mega View Periscope is a real working periscope. But, it’s a bit above my son’s head. Literally. His little arms aren’t quite long enough for him to master this all alone, so he can only use it with some help, which I think has prohibited him from playing with it as much as the other Backyard Safari toys. It is recommended for five years and older so maybe we’ll have better luck in a few months.

When we get the chance, I am excited to try the Periscope in water because you can submerge one end of it in water to look around without getting wet! It’ll likely work best in a pool or other equally light water source since seeing through it can be a tad difficult without the extra challenge of water.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… You may have a Ross Gellar, Jr. on your hands and not even know it! Backyard Safari Outfitters toys are an affordable way to get your child exploring and playing outside. The Field Tools and Adventurer Kit, in particular, are a hit in our home and entertain and engage my son.

Or Not to Buy… The Periscope is better suited for older kids. It’s just too much to handle for my little dude.

Shop! Purchase Backyard Safari Outfitters toys from Summit online, in stores nationwide like Target and Toys R Us and from Amazon. Mega View Periscope is $24.99, 6-in-1 Field Tools is $14.99 and Adventurer Kit is $14.99.

Win! Backyard Safari Outfitters Summit Prize Package!


Prize package includes the Adventurer Kit, 6-in-1 Field Tools, Essential Cargo Vest and Mega Magnifier.

How to Enter: Visit Backyard Safari Outfitters and leave a comment with another toy perfect for an adventure 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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Giveaway ends May 25. Open to US mailing addresses.

Thanks to Backyard Safari Outfitters for providing a sample and the giveaway prize.

Fabulous Skin for Spring: basq Skincare Review & Giveaway

by Kate on May 10th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  For Mama, Giveaways, Reviews, Spring Into Spring

One of my favorite things to shop for pre-babies was makeup and skincare products. I am not sure why, maybe it was the hope that with each purchase I would discover the perfect product for my high maintenance skin I have struggled with for as long as I can remember. Or maybe it is because it is just fun. Regardless, since having children my  frivolous shopping at the make up counter days are pretty much limited. So when I was asked to review basq, a company devoted to skincare for moms, I was more than willing and excited!

About Basq

basq, the leading luxury skincare brand brings women a variety of products for all skin types and beauty needs alike.

basq – skin care that delivers on the promise of Real Results with Real Beauty. When we created this brand we started with literally a Labor of love, skincare for Expecting and New Moms. Two of us began this – colleagues, friends for years, business women and moms at heart. We found the need for basq when we couldn’t find anything safe that was worth using during our own pregnancies. We worked with the best minds in beauty, skin science and aromatherapy to create products women could literally fall in love. The part of the story that has been exciting and surprising is how much we’ve grown since our start.

The idea of basq – gentle, effective products that splurge on beauty and deliver on results – is one that appeals to women and men (yes we said men) in all life stages. From pregnancy to weight loss, sensitive skin to mature skin and all the combinations in between, basq offers beautiful solutions that work. For every product, we start with the premise that change begins deep within. Feed the skin with nutrient rich Essential Oils and Plant Extracts and you kick start all the building blocks that strengthen, rebuild and replenish. The results are clear, No Matter what skin type you have and No Matter skin stage you are in.

My Experience with basq

I had heard of basq products, but had not had the opportunity to try them before this review. I received two different products for review. The Advanced Stretch Mark Butter Intensive Treatment and Sweet Dreams Aromatherapy Mom and Baby Calming Oil.

Advanced Stretch Mark Butter

basq Advanced Stretch Mark Butter uses a three prong strategy to fight marks: Clinically Proven Ingredients, Essential Oils known for scar prevention, and rich Butters.

Before I begin my thoughts on this product, I must be honest and confess: I do not have any stretch marks from my pregnancies. Please don’t hate as I have plenty of other marks, issues, body hang ups from my little bundles of joy. Anyway, this does affect my review a little, as I can’t honestly say it “helped repair collagen and elastin fiber damage that appear as stretch marks” as the package claims. However, I can tell you that it has a delightfully pleasant aroma, and is so thick and rich without seeming too greasy or heavy.

I decided to instead use it in that horrible spot on my decolletage area that when you wake up in the mornings is a wrinkly mess from sleeping and squishing the girls together- you know what I am talking about! I have noticed this wrinkling is taking longer and longer throughout the day to go away.  So for the last few weeks I have been slathering this cream on that area, and have been pleasantly surprised by what I find the morning: definitely less lines in between the girls. So that said, I would have to imagine it is worth a shot for stretch marks as well, so give it a try.

Sweet Dreams Aromatherapy Mom & Baby Calming Oil

Just a few drops of basq’s aromatic Lavender oil will soothe your sense instantly.  Whether you need a little help getting a better night’s rest or just want to relax, this aroma blend is your instant fix. For centuries Lavender has been used for it sleep properties. The mind has a natural chemical reaction to aroma and Lavender has been proven in clinical studies to promotes sleep, rest and relaxation.

Ever since getting pregnant with my first child over 4 years ago, smells have been one of my worst enemies. I have never gotten over it, and not sure if I ever will. I really have a hard time with many different scents, both good and bad, they all just really get to me and overwhelm my senses. I haven’t worn perfume since my first was born.  So, when I saw that I was going to have to review an aromatherapy product, I was a little apprehensive.  Well, I was really surprised by my nose, because this scent was entirely accepted by my senses. I put a drop on my pulse points as the box suggests, as well as on my pillow for a good night’s sleep.

I really do think the calming scents of lavender, pear, and sweet almond in the Sweet Dreams Aromatherapyhelp to calm and relax both me and baby before “night night” time, as my daughter says. I have started to put  a drop on me and her clothes before I nurse her for bedtime, and I notice she tends to settle in for cuddle time a lot faster. I really love this calming oil, and am very happy that it has come into my little routine.  I ran a half marathon this past weekend, and added a few drops to my post race bath, and was instantly ready for bed. Too bad it was three in the afternoon!  If there is a baby #3 in my future, I need to keep this in mind for those long nights of feeding a newborn and trying to shush her back to sleep, this may just be that extra little nudge a little one would need to nod off into la la land.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Both of these products are great additions to any bedtime pampering for any mama, and especially new mamas trying to get back into feeling like your old self again.

Or Not to Buy… Of course in order for them to work, you need to use them! I find that the more tired I am, the less I do at night time to my skincare routine. Sometimes it’s all I can do to get my teeth brushed and contacts out of my eyes, let alone remember my aromatherapy oils. But I know I won’t regret it the mornings after I take the extra few minutes to use them!

Shop! Visit basq nyc and take a look at all of the other skin care products available for moms.  There are so many wonderful things to choose from.  One I would love to try that I think would be a great fit with my hormonal up and down skin is the Rebalancing Facial Cleanser. Sweet Dreams Aromatherapy is $20 and Advanced Stretch Mark Butter is $34.

Win! BOTH the Advanced Stretch Mark Butter Intensive Treatment and Sweet Dreams Aromatherapy! $54 ARV.

How to Enter: Visit basq and check out all the great products. Leave a comment telling us what you would like to try.

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

Giveaway ends May 24. Open to US mailing addresses only.

Sample products and giveaway prize provided by basq.

American Apparel Kids: Small in Size, Big on Style

by Kate on May 9th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Clothes, Reviews

We’ve got good news for you: American Apparel produces more than racy advertising. And more good news: American Apparel produces way more than basic, solid-color clothes for kids. American Apparel Kids clothes are big on style and guarantee your kid won’t look like everyone else.

My kids have been wearing an awesome assortment of American Apparel clothes this spring – everything from basic white tee to skinny pants to jumpers to sweatshirts. And, while the looks vary, the one constant is each piece of clothing is stylishly perfect for my active kids.


Wearing all American Apparel. On him: Kids Rally Cord Cap, Short Sleeve Tee, California Fleece Pant. On her: Organic Short Sleeve Tee, Reversible Pettiskirt.

Stylish Kids Clothes for Spring & Summer

Chambray Jumper Pant ($30) – Adorable on so many levels. The pockets, the elastic on the bottom of the pant legs, the color. Truly perfect for summer.

Multi-Layered Reversible Petticoat ($48). My daughter would live in this if I let her. It is girly fun at its finest.

Kids Tri-Blend Romper (coming soon). What I love best about this (and many other AA styles) is that I’m pretty sure I wore a romper like this when I was a kid. And now my daughter is rocking one. (I make sure her hair is in full Farrah Fawcett mode the days she wears it.)

Kids Slim Slack ($38). When my son wears these pants he looks too cool to be my kid. I can’t help but giggle at how James Dean he looks. I’m sure all the 4 year olds swoon.

Pinpoint Oxford Long Sleeve Button-Up ($30). Nothing will make a little dude look grown up faster than a nice button up shirt. This one is perfectly classic and simple.

Organic Fine Jersey Short Sleeve ($11). You can’t shop American Apparel without stocking up on quality basics like short sleeve tees. And, organic for $11? Score.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… When the package arrived from American Apparel I was very pleasantly surprised by the extreme variety in styles, patterns and price point the brand offers. The clothes are great quality, particularly worth the price knowing they’re made in the US. If you stop by American Apparel looking for plain tees, you’ll likely be drawn in by the uber-cool looks for kids.

Or Not to Buy… Some styles may be too mod or funky or unisex for your taste.

Shop! American Apparel Kids Styles are available online with free shipping on orders over $75. (Sign up for the newsletter and you’ll get offers with up to 15% off.) There are literally stores around the world, so search for one near you.

American Apparel provided sample products and is a sponsor of The Shopping Mama. As always, opinions are my own.
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