The Shopping Mama

Love a Local Business with Inuit {+ Enter to Win an iPad2}

by Kate on July 18th, 2011 | 5 Comments | Blogging, Life

When I started blogging on The Shopping Mama two and a half years ago, I had no idea where it would lead. Truth be told, I started it on a whim and I don’t think my wildest dreams involved the opportunities I’ve enjoyed in reality. While the blog is and always has been fun, it is also a business.

The transition from hobby to business was a slow one, but this year I’ve been particularly aware of making decisions with the business in mind. For example, I hired an attorney to create an LLC. Yes, The Shopping Mama is a registered Limited Liability Corporation. My corporation. I’ve also invested in that attorney’s help to defend my brand on more than one occasion. On a lighter note, I’ve really enjoyed bringing on – and paying (albeit not much) – friends who contribute their time and effort to making The Shopping Mama a better blog.

The best thing about owning a small business is the satisfaction of knowing that I’m doing something for myself. While The Shopping Mama is a business about creating content for you, the readers, it is one that makes me happy and brings me joy.

Intuit, a company known for its dedication to small businesses, is rewarding local businesses, like The Shopping Mama, with incredibly generous grants. The Love a Local Business promotion gives YOU the chance to recognize a small business by voting for your favorite. Each month Intuit will be giving away $25,000to a deserving local business. Plus, in July they are awarding $50,000 in grants to businesses in the two citiesyou love the most!Your nominations and votes will help secure a better future for local businesses in your communities.

It’s been very exciting starting my own business, so I’m curious to know: What dream business would you love to start? By replying you will be entered to win an iPad 2!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Intuit’s Love A Local Business competition. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest runs July 6 to August 9, 2011. A random winner will be announced by August 11, 2011. Official Contest Rules

Zoku Quick Pop Maker Review

by Kate on July 18th, 2011 | 5 Comments | For Mama, In the Kitchen, Reviews

Nothing says summer like cold, refreshing popsicles! And nothing says the very best homemade popsicles like the Zoku Quick Pops Maker. Using some fancy technology for a fast and even freeze, the Zoku Quick Pop Maker allows you to create your very own delicious pops at home in a matter of minutes.

About the Zoku Quick Pops Maker

The patented Zoku Quick Pop Maker freezes ice pops in as little as seven minutes right on your countertop without electricity. Quickly make striped pops, yogurt pops or (for the first time ever at home) flavored core pops. To enjoy Quick Pops at a moment’s notice, simply store the compact base in your freezer. The kit includes six durable, reusable plastic pop sticks that have unique ridged designs that allow pops to adhere securely, with special drip guards for tidy eating. A specially designed Super Tool helps to quickly release the frozen treats from their molds. The unit can make up to 9 pops before refreezing the unit again. Includes 1 Quick Pop Maker, 6 sticks, 6 drip guards, and 1 Super Tool.

Zoku Video Review

Pops!

The beauty of the Quick Pop Maker is that you create the pop from start to finish. Concern about allergies? Trying to restrict calories? Avoiding high fructose corn syrup? Eating organic? Make the recipe that best suits you and your family’s tastes and in less than ten minutes you have three pops to enjoy! To prepare to make Quick Pops, put the Zoku in the freezer for a day or two before you plan to make a batch. Before we made Pops for the first time we browsed the super tasty Zoku Quick Pops book that includes over 40 recipes designed specifically for the Zoku to find a couple we wanted to try. The recipes are easy to follow and quite tasty, so I definitely recommend the book. It also has some valuable tips and tricks on creating your Pops. So far we’ve made plain Vanilla, Lemonade with Strawberries and Cookies and Cream Pops – and they were all delicious. The Zoku Blog also has lots of yummy recipes to check out, too.

One of the best things about the Zoku is that your kids can easily participate in making the Pops. Both my son and daughter have helped to mix ingredients, pour and they love watching the Pops freeze. (A little like watching paint dry, I admit, but it doesn’t take nearly as long!) And, of course, they’ve really eating the Pops!

Cookies and Cream

Lemonade with Strawberries

If you plan to invest in a Zoku, which I recommend, the set of Zoku Quick Pop Tools is a useful addition. The Tools are useful for making more fancy and complex Pops, but don’t be intimidated. We’ve used the fruit Stencils to make stars and hearts from strawberries, and the Fruit Want to place the fruit and Oreos (yum!) in the Pop Maker. The tools are very easy to use and, like the Maker, the instructions are very easy to follow.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… We LOVE the Quick Pop Maker. It is easy to use, makes delicious pops from the ingredients YOU want in less than ten minutes. It’s a great addition to a family kitchen and makes a fun activity for a dinner get together or play date.

Or Not to Buy… The only issue we’ve run into is that it makes 3 pops at a time so someone in our family of four always has to wait for the second batch.

Shop! The Zoku Quick Pop Maker is available for $49.99 and includes everything you need to make Pops, including the base, remover tool, six reusable pop sticks and six reusable drip guards. The Zoku Quick Pop Tools are $20 and the Zoku cookbook is $16.

DwellStudio for Target Table Linens

by Kate on July 17th, 2011 | 5 Comments | In the Kitchen

In the Kitchen With: DwellStudio for Target Table Linens

Why We Like It: DwellStudio is synonymous with style and we are totally smitten with the affordable linens designed specifically for Target. The table linens – napkins, table clothes and placemats – feature bold patterns that will bring fun to your table. We are particularly impressed with the set of four cloth napkins for only $10! It’s easy being green with a price tag so small for so much coolness. And the large Suzani Tablecloth is stunning for only $22.

Shop! DwellStudio for Target Table Linens are available online but there is a greater selection in stores. Find it and other favorites for In the Kitchen with Kids in The Shopping Mama’s Amazon store.

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We’re cooking up some fun in July. Check out all of our must haves products to enjoy life In the Kitchen with Kids.

Refresh with Sunkist Valencia Oranges

by Kate on July 16th, 2011 | 5 Comments | In the Kitchen

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sunkist Growers for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Summer is in full effect across the country. And I’m right in the middle of it. I knew Alabama was hot, but holy heck, this place is HOT. Even with the heat, the kids are still active and we need cool, refreshing drinks and treats to help beat the heat. Fresh fruits are a great option year round, but particularly in the summer.

The heat effects us and, not surprisingly, it also impacts many fruits and vegetables including Sunkist Valencia oranges. Yep, if you see shades of green on your typically orange Valencias, turns out all is still good. Valencia oranges can occasionally “re-green” in warm weather. When they ripen on the tree, Valencias turn a bright orange color but warm temperatures may make their skin reabsorb chlorophyll as they hang on the tree causing the orange color to look partly green—although the outside is green, the inside remains ripe and delicious! Chef Robert Danhi explains more in this Sunkist Valencia Oranges Re-greening Video

Now that you’re in the mood for oranges, here’s a delicious and refreshing recipe to try this summer using Valencias.

Ingredients:
• 3 Sunkist® Valencia oranges, segmented and zested
• 20 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 lb. tub Bocconcini mozarella
• ¼ cup Opal (purple) basil, shredded into small pieces
• 20 whole wheat crackers
• Salt to taste
• ¼ cup fresh rosemary
• ¼ cup fresh thyme
• 1/8 cup fresh oregano
• 1 ½ cups extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. black pepper

Instructions: (Makes 10 servings)
• Cut the Bocconcini into halves.

• Zest the Valencia oranges using a micro plane or fine grater and set aside. To segment the oranges, cut off the top and bottom.

• Lay the orange on a flat surface, using a pairing knife remove the skin and white pith. Carefully cut and release each segment from between the membranes and set aside.

• In a blender, add the olive oil, orange zest and fresh herbs. Pulse until blended, continue to blend on medium speed until the herbs and zest are finely chopped, add the pepper and pulse quickly. Pour into a jar or plastic container. Leftover oil can be kept refrigerated for up to one month and used as a marinade for fish, poultry or vegetables.

• Toss the orange segments, cherry tomatoes, Bocconcini and basil lightly with ¾ cup of orange scented herb oil and season with salt.

• To Serve: Top each cracker with the mixture and serve.

CCheck out Check out additional Sunkist citrus recipes

Top 100 Finger Foods

by Kate on July 15th, 2011 | 5 Comments | In the Kitchen

In the Kitchen With: Top 100 Finger Foods: 100 Recipes for a Healthy, Happy Child

Why We Like It: We are proud Annabel Karmel devotees in my house. My affection for this Brit’s brilliant baby and toddler cookbooks was only enhanced during our interview two years ago. This mom is dedicated to providing practical nutrition advice through yummy, easy to prepare meals that babies and tots will gobble up. In Top 100 Finger Foods, Annabel focuses on that ages when babies want to feed themselves but with scrumptious bites like Carrot Cupcakes, Parmesan Chicken Fingers and Super Strawberry Yogurt Ripple Cones we think the snacks have a shelf life well beyond the first couple years.

Shop! Top 100 Finger Foods: 100 Recipes for a Healthy, Happy Child is currently available for only $7.20 (suggested price of $18). Find it and other favorites for In the Kitchen with Kids in The Shopping Mama’s Amazon store.

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We’re cooking up some fun in July. Check out all of our must haves products to enjoy life In the Kitchen with Kids.

Kangacoo Designs: Runway + Playground Clothes for Kids {Giveaway + Discount Code}

by Kate on July 15th, 2011 | 5 Comments | Clothes, Giveaways

I am raising a little fashionista – no doubt about it. I love dressing my daughter in boutique clothes, but I hate the boutique price tag. And, even more, I hate the idea of cleaning precious little boutique clothing. That is the beauty (well, aside from the obvious aesthetic beauty) of Kangacoo Designs. The clothes truly live up to the tagline, “Where the runway meets the playground.” For moms that means the clothes look unique and adorable but are also easy to care for.

About Kangacoo Designs

kangacoo designs is where the runway meets the playground. Founded in 2008 by Katie Nguyen who had a desire to create fashionable clothes for the everyday kid. She believes that clothes should be fun and unique but also wearable and washable because at the end of the day our children are normal children that get dirty on the playground.

Kangacoo Cutie

My daughter has been wearing the MOST ADORABLE set from Kangacoo – a Ruffle Tank and Short Set. I’ve never seen anything quite like the Kangacoo signature ruffle pants. They are fabulous – stretchy, girly and ruffle-y. The material is a unique polynylon blend that can be a little see through when stretched, so it’s not out of the question to sneak a little peek of my daughter’s diaper. If it is a concern, I recommend wearing a coordinated boy short underneath the leggings.

The set is $42 and I honestly think it’s a great price for such a unique and high quality outfit. My daughter gets TONS of compliments every time she wears the outfit and I totally understand why.

More Kanga-cuteness

There are so many adorable pieces in the Kangacoo Designs Etsy shop that it’s hard to pick a couple to highlight. But here are some I’ve “heart” on Etsy.

Signature Ruffled Leggings ($34) – a must have for any girl’s fall wardrobe. Wear with a coordinating shirt or under a dress. Instant cuteness.

Ruffled Diaper Cover ($20) – Love these as a new baby gift! Imagine a first time mom of a girl opening these sweet things. ::cue the squeals::

Velvet Mod Tunic ($37.90) – a great look for fall.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… I don’t think I can overstate what a great outfit we received from Kangacoo Designs. My daughter loves it and is extraordinarily comfortable. I love it because she looks as cute as can be and the clothes clean easily with our others in the hamper. I think the price is great for the unique boutique look you get.

Or Not to Buy… The bottoms are a bit see-through because of the material so if your tot is past the diaper phase, you might consider plain boy shorts for underneath the leggings.

Shop! Kangacoo Designs Fall Collection can be seen at KangacooDesigns.com and you can purchase pieces from Kangacoo Designs on Etsy. Plus, use code RUNWAY for 20% off your purchase from the Etsy shop!

Win! A Pair of Ruffle Leggings – Your choice size in color Zebra or Candy love Pink!

How to Enter: Visit Kangacoo Designs and leave a comment with your favorite design.

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

Like Kangacoo Designs on Facebook.
Subscribe to the The Shopping Mama Newsletter.

Giveaway ends July 29. Open to US residents only.

Thanks to Kangacoo Designs for providing a sample and the giveaway prize.

Sophie the Giraffe is 50!

by Kate on July 14th, 2011 | 5 Comments | Baby

Happy Birthday, Sophie! The iconic teething toy beloved by babies around the world is celebrating 50 years of cuteness. Sophie the Giraffe is one of my favorite new baby gifts to give. I know how much my daughter enjoyed her Sophie and love knowing other babies will enjoy her, too.

Sophie delights all your child’s senses.

Sight: The dark and contrasting spots all over Sophie the Giraffe’s body provide visual stimulation and make her easily recognizable to baby. She soon becomes a familiar and reassuring object.
Hearing: Her squeaker keeps baby amused and stimulates his hearings.
Taste: Sophie the Giraffe is very flexible and has lots of parts for baby to chew like ears, horns, legs. She is perfect for soothing baby’s sore gum when teething and is completely safe. Made of 100% natural rubber and food paint.
Touch: Sophie the Giraffe is perfect for baby’s small hands. She is very light and her long legs and neck are easy for baby to grip. She is very soft to touch, stimulating soothing physiological and emotional responses.
Smell: The singular scent of natural rubber makes Sophie the Giraffe very special and easy for your child to identify.

Turns out Sophie is also quite generous, her handles managed to round up 25 Sophie teethers to be included in our Pampers Miracle Mission care packages. We are so grateful!

Connect with Sophie! Sophie the Giraffe herself loves to chat with her friends and followers. Make sure you Like Sophie the Giraffe USA on Facebook and follow Sophie on Twitter.

Shop! Sophie the Giraffe is available from our affiliate Amazon for about $17.50.

Soft Gear: American Made Baby & Kid Gear

by Kate on July 14th, 2011 | 5 Comments | In the Kitchen, Toddler

Soft Gear is a new American-made company offering baby and kid gear. But, the company isn’t your average start-up. Soft Gear comes from a company with over 50 years experience creating foam products. They’ve leveraged that knowledge to create a line of anti-microbial foam based baby and kid products. The unique material means Soft Gear is germ and mold-resistant, provides a non-slip surface, is non-absorbent, non-allergenic, chip and fade-resistant, as well as easy to clean and dishwasher-safe. Phew. It’s exhausting rattling off all those benefits.

About Soft Gear

Soft Gear is line of foam-based, anti-microbial, dishwasher-safe baby products. This 100% American-made line is introduced by Spongex, a leading household and pool product manufacturer for more than 50 years.

In the Kitchen with Soft Gear

The Soft Gear My Booster is a well-designed seat that is perfect for giving your tot a little extra height to get up to the table. The My Booster is made from the super cool Soft Gear foam material which means its very lightweight. The material is very easy to clean and with no nooks or crannies or hard to reach areas. It has some unique features like suction cups on the bottom to keep it in place, and hand holds on the sides. The seat is very cushy and comfortable and suitable for both of my kids. It’s ideal for my 4.5 year old who doesn’t sit still and isn’t quite tall enough to make it to the table without a little boost.

Another great Soft Gear product for the kitchen is the My Place Mat. This clever little place mat actually stays pretty still on a table – a near miracle when dining with toddlers. The mat is raised a bit so it’s different from your typical flat place mat. The place mat has spots on each mat to help your tot keep their meal time essentials in place – a round spot for a cup, spot for plate, fork and spoon, etc. I love that the edges have the numbers 1 through 20 and the alphabet from A to Z. My daughter has fun counting and trying to identify the letters.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The My Booster is definitely a winner for kids at that in between high chair and only chair stage. It’s easy to clean, anti-microbial and soft to the bum. It’s light enough to take it with you on the go, too.

Or Not to Buy… The raised profile of the Plate Mat makes it a little more difficult to use than standard place mats – and by that I mean my daughter’s cup fell off the mat.

Shop! Soft Gear is available at Target online and in select stores. The My Booster is $40. Make sure you keep up with Soft Gear on Facebook for the latest product information from this new brand.