American Widow Project

by Kate on December 13th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping, Ten Dollar Tuesday

For the second year in a row we are dedicating every week between Thanksgiving and Christmas we are spotlighting a worthy charity through a Ten Dollar Tuesday post. What does this have to do with $10, you ask? Everything. If 10 readers of The Shopping Mama give $10, that’s a $100 donation. That more of us that give, the more impact we can have. $10 can add up quickly and be incredibly meaningful to a charity and the families they benefit.

***

american widows project

The American Widow Project was founded by Taryn Davis in 2007 after her husband was killed by a roadside bomb while serving in Iraq. She sought out support from widows and found few resources or support groups for women her own age, war widows of our generation. She created the American Widow Project “a non-profit organization dedicated to the new generation of those who have lost the heroes of yesterday, today and tomorrow, with an emphasis on healing through sharing stories, tears and laughter.”

Since 2001, over 6,200 U.S. service members have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Around half of these service members were married, leaving an estimated 3,000 military widows across our country. While the service member’s sacrifice is acknowledged, many simply forget or fail to recognize the sacrifice of the spouse who is now left a widow of war. Oftentimes the invisible wounds of military widows are disregarded due to age or a simple lack of knowledge and understanding.

The American Widow Project provides online resources and support as well as AWP Get-Aways where women bond with others in a similar situation. Learn more from Taryn in the L’Oreal Women of Worth video below.

Obviously this is an organization that hits close to home. Three of us who write on this blog are military spouses. Two of our spouses returned from extended deployments this summer and Malia’s husband is currently deployed. (Yes, he deployed shortly after baby Kate was born.) We are thankful for the safety of our spouses, but not everyone is so lucky. I made my donation in memory of an F-16 pilot who died over the summer and left behind a wife and infant daughter.

Donate! Give today to the American Widows Project.

Shopping (& Cooking) BabySize: 27 Weeks

by Kate on December 13th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Life, Shopping BabySize

Shopping BabySize: my favorite finds for babies, kids and moms based on the approximate size of the wee babe in my belly.

I am 27 weeks along (how did that happen?!) and the baby weighs approximately 14 and a half inches long and weighs almost 2 pounds – about the same as a head of cauliflower. This seems startling to me because over the weekend I held a friend’s preemie twin baby boy who weighs a mere 3 and a half pounds. He was tiny, but at the same time it’s impossible to imagine a baby of that size in my stomach.

So, perhaps this week “Cooking BabySize” is a better title for this post. There is not much out there celebrating or made with cauliflowers for babies and kids. I guess they’re just not a cute vegetable. Other than the obligatory knit vegetable hat:

Cauliflower Knit Hat.

Source: etsy.com via Kate – The Shopping Mama on Pinterest

 

Cauliflower Recipes

I happen to love cauliflower so all of these recipes look amazeballs to me and my pregnant belly.

Deep Fried Cauliflower. MUST EAT NOW. I don’t have a deep fryer, but my hometown where we will be over Christmas has a hole in the wall restaurant that has the best fried cauliflower. I want to go to there.

Source: food.com via Kate – The Shopping Mama on Pinterest

 

Four-Cheese Pasta with Cauliflower.

Source: epicurious.com via Kate – The Shopping Mama on Pinterest

 

And another version. Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese from Rachael Ray.

Source: foodnetwork.com via Kate – The Shopping Mama on Pinterest

 

Oven-Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic, Olive Oil and Lemon Juice

Source: foodnetwork.com via Kate – The Shopping Mama on Pinterest

 

Cauliflower Gratin.

Source: thecooksatelier.com via Kate – The Shopping Mama on Pinterest

 

The Pioneer Woman’s Cauliflower Soup

Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Kate – The Shopping Mama on Pinterest

 

For more Cauliflower Recipes, check out my Cauliflower Pinterest Board.

Shopping BabySize

Week 13: Shrimp
Week 14: Lemon
Week 15: Apple
Week 16: Avocado
Week 17: Turnip
Week 18: Bell Pepper
Week 19: Heirloom Tomato
Week 20: Banana
Week 21: Carrot
Week 22: Spaghetti Squash
Week 23: Mango
Week 24: Corn
Week 25: Rutabaga
Week 26: Cucumber

The Preppy Poppy: Personalized Products for Particular People {Christmas Giveaway}

by Kate on December 13th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways

If you’ve been a longtime reader, you may recognize The Preppy Poppy. We featured the personalized boutique in an interview and shop feature all the way back in January of 2010 (doesn’t that seem like a long time ago?) and my daughter has sported a festive shirt, too. We’re excited that Angela continues to create fabulous creations worthy of the cutest kids  - yours, of course! The Preppy Poppy has a few noteworthy personalized Christmas presents that you can still order in time for arrival by the big day, and read on for the opportunity to win one!

This darling outfit is a collaboration between The Preppy Poppy and Razzleberry Tutus. The set includes a personalized initial top, tutu and matching hair bow. We just love the detail and frilliness (sure, that’s a word) of the design on the shirt. The entire set is $59.99 – or contact Angela directly to order just the shirt.

The personalized children’s pillow is 12 inch square and can be customized for a girl, boy or baby’s first Christmas. The pillow is $28.99.

Shop! Preppy Poppy products can be purchased via Etsy or the online boutique. The deadline to receive your order by Christmas is December 19 – so don’t wait! Order today. 

Win! A Personalized Christmas Pillow or Christmas Shirt!

How to Enter: Visit The Preppy Poppy on Etsy and leave a comment with something that catches your eye.

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

Giveaway ends December 16. Open to US residents only.

Thanks to The Preppy Poppy for providing the giveaway prize.

Holiday Gifts for the Stylish Mom

by Kate on December 13th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Blog, Fashion & Beauty, Shopping

I’ve done some serious research (i.e. consulted my holiday wish list) to compile a great assortment of gifts for the wanna-be stylish mom like me. Actually, you don’t have to be a mom to appreciate any of these finds, and they are all guaranteed to make the recipient smile. You may notice these are all accessories that even a giant pregnant woman can enjoy which means you don’t need to know any particular size for ordering.

***

Fresh Sugar Duo ($22.50): I’ve been obsessed with my Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Plum and need a restock. This duo package is a great deal for fancy chap sticks. The Lip Treatment feels great and the color is subtle so it compliments every skin tone.

Fabric Rosette Necklace ($18): Take a tee and jeans from drab to fab with the simple addition of a fabric rosette necklace. We love this look because it’s handmade but preppy and a simple way to add color to an outfit. We like the necklaces from Jillian Audrey Designs.

Cha Cha Cha Bracelet from lia sophia ($130): I may or may not be sharing this because I’m obsessed with it and I’m hoping my husband is taking note. (Did you get that, dear?) It’s bold, makes a statement and goes with anything. Wear it to dress up denim or with a dress for an evening on the town.

Infinity Scarf ($58): Day to day life of a mom requires simple style and a scarf can add a lot to an outfit with very little effort, especially an infinity scarf that you don’t have to tie. We love this Stripe Knit Scarf from Splendid.

Bowtied Leather Gloves ($98): Love these practical and girly leather gloves from Anthropologie. The little bow tie adds just the right amount of unique flair to make the gloves something special. The gloves are lined with wool so they’ll keep your hands warm and cozy.

timi & leslie Charlie Diaper Bag ($160): It’s just so… pretty. No one will know you’re carrying everything but the kitchen sink when you’re out and about with the kids. The convertible collection from timi & leslie features faux leather, lots of pockets for organizing and the stylish look that defies diaper bag-dom.

Kate Spade Thermos ($35): A morning fix of java may not be the most inherently stylish thing thing you do all day, so dress it up with some Kate Spade. We love this Thermos brand travel mug. And, hey, it’s an affordable way to give a very chic designer.

kate spade thermos

Happy Shopping!

Transform Your Skin with Meaningful Beauty {Review & Giveaway}

by Kate on December 13th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  For Mama, Giveaways, New Year New Mama, Reviews

As much as I don’t want to admit it I’m definitely at an age where I need to be thinking about anti-aging skin care. And I don’t think I can any longer claim an interest in anti-aging “just for prevention”. And no matter how much I tell my daughter that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, I, like many women, am totally influenced by how I look on the outside. Days when I look good, I feel good. And, I want to feel good more often than not. A big part of that is having confidence in my skin. I don’t want premature wrinkles, I don’t want blemishes, I want my skin to glow. (And, by the way, how unfair is it that at 34 I have to worry about wrinkles AND zits?! That’s just not right.) Needless to say, when I had the opportunity to work with Meaningful Beauty to try the products – and share them with you – I was delighted. After all, this is a system that claims is can “help transform your skin, and diminish the visible signs of aging.” Yes, please!

What Is Meaningful Beauty?

meaningful beauty cindy crawford skin care

We all know Cindy Crawford as the beautiful supermodel, but these days she’s the force behind a comprehensive skin care line called Meaningful Beauty. She says, “Meaningful Beauty was the result of my search for the perfect skin care system.” Here’s more of the story:

Being one of the most famous faces in the world, and the frequent travel, long hours and heavy makeup that go along with it, can really take a toll on your skin. Yet, Cindy Crawford has seemed to defy the aging process—her skin is remarkably youthful and virtually free of lines and wrinkles.

Her secret is French anti-aging specialist Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh and his revolutionary “Age Maintenance” approach to skin care. Since first experiencing the dramatic results of his youth-enhancing treatments over 15 years ago, she’s been a fan, friend and client of this world famous skin specialist.

Cindy believes so strongly in Dr. Sebagh’s anti-aging formulas that she’s collaborated with him to bring the amazing benefits to women everywhere in the form of Meaningful Beauty.

My Meaningful Beauty Skin Care System

The System is based on the idea that there are 5 Steps to More Beautiful Skin – and, of course, Meaningful Beauty has products that achieve each step.

1. Cleanse
2. Protect
3. Repair
4. Revitalize
5. Purify

I’ve been using Meaningful Beauty for a few weeks and for the first time in as long as I can remember have a definite “skin care routine”. The 5 piece Introductory Kit I received included a “Cindy’s Daily Routine” card with a recommended routine and I’ve pretty much followed that every day. Here’s what I use:

Morning

  • Skin Softening Cleanser
  • Glowing Serum
  • Antioxidant Day Crème SPF 20 UVA/UVB
  • Firming Chest and Neck Crème
  • Lifting Eye Crème

Evening

  • Skin Softening Cleanser
  • Crème de Serum
  • Lifting Eye Crème

It’s hard to pick a favorite product of the bunch, so I’ll tell you a little bit about each. First, this is going to sound silly but I love that you can massage the Skin Softening Cleanser into dry skin and then wipe off with a washcloth. Why? Because it’s getting cold and I swear my bathroom is 20 degrees colder than any other room in the house and I don’t want to splash my face with water to start or end the day. It seems much more comfortable to me to apply the cleanser dry and wipe it off  with a warm wet wash cloth. meaningful beauty creme de serumThe Glowing Serum and Crème de Serum (pictured left) are both great because a little bit goes a long way. I only apply a small squirt of each on my entire face but can feel the difference after application. They are like a concentrated lotion, of sorts. (And, if I have to pick a favorite product I’m totally going with the Creme de Serum. And not just because it looks cool, but because it feels pretty, too.)

The Day Crème is great because it’s a lotion that isn’t oily or greasy but definitely comforts the skin. It’s been cold, which makes my already dry skin drink up moisturizer, and I find that the Day Creme soothes my skin and it doesn’t feel dry and itchy and desperate for more after application. I will readily admit that I do not pay any attention to the skin on my chest and neck so having a dedicated lotion to address this area is great. And, finally, the Lifting Eye Crème is another product where a little bit goes a long way. I wear contacts and squint a lot so I fear I have lots of wrinkles in this area in my future. I like using this twice a day and it adds a brightness around my eyes that I haven’t noticed with other creams.

Meaningful Results?

So now you know what I’ve been using, but I’m sure you’re wondering if it works. I find myself trying not to sound too enthusiastic because I don’t want to sound cheesy or like I’m exaggerating. But honestly? I felt like my skin looked and felt different within days of starting the Meaningful Beauty routine. My skin has felt softer and smoother, looks more bright and I’ve only had one blemish in the 3 weeks I’ve been using the product. I’ve been pregnant for, oh, about 7 and a half months and it’s only been since I started using this system that I’ve heard comments about the “pregnancy glow” from friends and acquaintances.

(Pregnancy disclaimer: I made a quick call to my OB doctor to get a list of products and ingredients to avoid while pregnant and none of those are in the products I’m using (though some are in other products from the line). Obviously, speak to your own doctor before starting any new routine or regime while pregnant.)

I’ll be writing a follow up in a few weeks so stay tuned to see if my positive experience continues.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Obviously I can’t make any guarantees about how this product will work for you (though Meaningful Beauty does – they offer a 60-day money back guarantee), but I can tell you that its’ made a positive change in my skin. And, I’m ordering a three-months supply of the 5-Piece System when my current supply runs out. I honestly don’t want to give up the routine, that’s how pleased I am with the results.

Or Not to Buy… Meaningful Beauty costs more than some products at the corner drug store, and requires a commitment to do the complete system for ultimate results.

Shop! The most economical way to start using Meaningful Beauty is to use a multi-piece system which has everything you need for a complete skin care routine. The 5 Piece System is $39.95 and the Deluxe 7 Piece System is $46.65 (for an estimated 30-day supply). The entire Meaningful Beauty skin care line is very extensive with many additional products – see them all online here.

Win! A Meaningful Beauty Starter Kit!

How to Enter: Leave a comment with your biggest skin care challenge. Wrinkles? Spots? Oily skin? Lack of time for a routine?

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

Giveaway ends 11:59 PST December 30. Open to US residents only.

I am a compensated Meaningful Beauty Blogger Ambassador. As always, opinions are my own.

Personalized Christmas Gifts: It’s Not Too Late!

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

Personalized gifts for the holidays are amazing and we love to give them as much as we love to receive them. The only problem can be that customization and personalization often takes more time – and we’re running against the clock when it comes to holiday shopping. Never fear, personalizers! We have a quick rundown of some gifts that can still be ordered and received in time for Christmas.

Personalized Gift for Babies & Kids

One of our favorite shops, Sarah + Abraham, has a variety of gifts that can be personalized in time for Christmas. We love the Magnets and Mirrors for stocking stuffers and the placemats make mealtime fun. The deadline to order for guaranteed Christmas delivery is December 16.

Frecklebox has literally hundreds of great personalized gifts for kids that are very affordable. The ordering deadline for ground shipping is December 12 and order by December 16 to ship 2-day in time for Christmas. We love the Lunch Boxes, Coin Banks, and Coloring Books.

Little Alouette specializes in organic wooden teethers and toys and has recently added a personalization option to many of their teethers ($19). Another great option is the ABC Typography teethers ($20)- perfect for baby or for nursery decor. Personalized gifts must be ordered by December 16.

For Her

We love jewelry and you can’t go wrong with the simple pieces from Untie. Prices are very affordable for personalized jewelry and there are many pretty things to pick from and personalized. There are a few options that make for a sweet mother’s necklace, too, when you customize the birthstone or include multiple initial discs.Order by December 15 and pay just $2.50 shipping and order by December 18 and pay an extra $3 for priority mail to receive in time for Christmas giving.

For Anyone On Your List

Want to give a personalized gift AND make a difference? Consider making a donation to a charity in your gift recipient’s name. Think of a charity that may have special meaning, make a donation and most charities will send a gift notification letting your friend know they’ve been honored with a donation. Stumped for a worthy cause? Check out some of our favorite charities.

Gifts from the Family – or the North Pole

The English Pea has fabulously festive gift bags perfect for delivering small treats to friends and neighbors. We love the on trend Chevron bag (8 for $24). The turnaround time is 2 to 4 days after payment and Christmas order deadline is December 18.

New this year, Frecklebox introduced Custom Wrapping Paper. Your paper can say “Merry Christmas from the Williams Family” or “To Sarah Love Santa” or, well, anything you like. Go crazy.

Happy shopping!

Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Trike {Holiday Toy Review}

by Monica on December 12th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Reviews, Toddler, Toys

Radio Flyer is a trusted name in children’s wagons, push toys, and bikes.  Our little princess was feeling a little left out on walks just sitting in the stroller as her big brother pedaled around the neigborhood on his Radio Flyer big flyer he got last spring.  So she was super excited to see this box delivered!

About Radio Flyer

When our grandfather Antonio Pasin started Radio Flyer in 1917, his dream was to “bring joy to every boy and every girl”. Today, the Radio Flyer family continues that tradition by building safe, quality toys that spark imagination and inspire active play. From the original little red wagon to our current wagons, tricycles, scooters, and other ride-ons, our toys bring smiles to children and families around the world and create warm memories that last a lifetime.

Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Overview and Highlights

  • Removable wrap around tray with cup holder to protect your child
  • Secure 3-point harness (removable)
  • Adult steer & stroll height adjustable push handle (removable)
  • Switches from pedals to foot rests
  • Comfortable headrest provides neck support (removable)
  • Adjustable grow-with-me seat
  • Unique stroller-style canopy with UV protection (removable)
  • Covered bin for parent or child storage
  • Quiet ride tires
  • Sturdy steel frame
  • Functional fro 9 months to 5 years old!

To see a great video of this products versatility, click here.

Our Experience

I was super excited to have to opportunity to review this product. I have purchased many Radio Flyer products for my kids over the past few years and they have never disappointed. The Radio Flyer 4-1n-1 Trike was no different! I have a almost 4 year old boy and an almost 2 year old girl, and I liked that they both fell into the target age range of 9 months (yes, 9 months! ) to 5 years.  The bike has a few safetly features that allow you to use it almost as a stroller with a removable all emcompassing tray, a 3 point harness, and a sun shade.  Also, the pedals have a little knob you turn  in order to lock them into place for when your little one isn’t able to reach the pedals, or not able to really pedal well. There is also a removeable and adjustable parent handle that turns the wheels and steers.  There is also a removeable back rest that the harness attaches to that keeps baby sitting up nice and straight.  I decided to test it fo rmy almost two year old, as as soon as she say the box she said , “My bike Mommy “.  And proceeded to every day that she saw the box until we put it together.  Speaking of assembly…

I will preface this section by a full disclaimer, I absolutely despise putting things like this together, and am completely useless at it! So much so, that it gives me a little bit of anxiety to even think about it.  I really, really don’t like it! So, as soon as I opened the box and saw all the pieces, I called reinforcements, my dad, the ultimate direction follower and assembler extraordinaire. I did supervise, and with the help of my 3 year old and his own set of tools, and they had it assembled in about 20 minutes. Watching him, I did see him get stuck on a few steps, but he quickly figured it out. I then looked at the instructions and realized it probably would have taken me about an hour with my horrible skills!

I decided to have him leave the harness on for little miss, as she isn’t really coordinated enough to  pedal well, and I wanted her to sit in the bike when we go on bike rides around the neighborhood, with me holding the handle and steering for her. We have a 4 year old brother to keep up with on the bike with training wheels Santa may or may not be bringing him.

We went for a quick walk, as it is so cold, and she really seemed to like it! I will say that I wish there was a ledge or something in addition to the pedals for her feet instead of just hanging them down, or trying to get her to keep them positioned on the foot pedals, which seemed to be hard for her. I think that she will get it eventually, however. What I like about this trike at the stage I will be using it is my son can easily hop on it right now as well, he just wouldn’t need the harness buckle. The buckle is removable if an older child is going to be riding it all the time, but since I want it set up for her, it’s just as easy to leave the buckle on but not use it if he wants to take a quick ride.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… If you are looking to try to buy only one riding vehicle with pedals for your little one, this may be your best bet! It has a lot of great features making it easy for you to use as soon as baby can sit up well!

Or Not to Buy… Assembly is a bit time consuming, but most toys are.  Also, I do wish there was something else for short little legs to do when they aren’t pedaling, but this could just be annoying to me, and not the kids.

Shop! The Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Trike is available for purchase at various retailers, including Radio Flyer and Amazon.  It retails for $99.00.

Thanks to Radio Flyer for providing sample for review.

Holiday Gift Ideas for “That” Mom

by Shannon on December 12th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Holiday, Shopping

I know that it is hard for others to buy for me, because I’m “that” mom. I’m the mom that will shop four different grocery stores to gather enough organic produce, meat without antibiotics and tomatoes in Tetra-paks to make a week’s worth of meals. I’m the mom that dresses her children in regular knits for bed because most children’s sleepwear is treated with flame-retardant chemicals. I’m the mom who avoids plastic.

Are you shopping for “that” mom? Stumped? Don’t be. The following are some awesome gifts for “that” mom.

To help avoid chemicals leaching into food at high temperatures, many are making the switch to Glass Food Storage Containers. These are available in your local retailers or online and come in a variety of styles and price ranges. Be careful to read the label when making a purchase – not all glass is created the same. Some glass is fine for the freezer, some is not. Make sure the glass you purchase suits how the recipient will use it.

Because glass, stainless steel and ceramic coated materials are the most chemically stable for cooking, cookware from these materials is a great gift. Again, lots of options in lots of stores, but how about this oh-so-adorable Ceramic Muffin Tin from Anthropologie?

As mentioned above, most children’s sleepwear is chemically treated with flame-retardants to meet government standards for flammability. As such, moms across the nation are seeking organic sleepwear or using daytime wear for pajamas. That’s all well and good until your preschool girl REALLY wants a beautiful night gown. So, I was thrilled almost to tears when I found Garnet Hill’s new Children’s Flannel Sleepwear. A Garnet Hill exclusive, this sleepwear is inherently flame-resistant and meets government requirements for sleepwear without chemical treatments.

All moms struggle to keep their floors clean. Moms of crawling babies worry about germs. “That” mom worries about yucky pesticides tracking into the home. So, how about a Shoes Off Sign & Bench for your entryway? The sign reminds family and lets visitors know to please remove their shoes. The bench provides a convenient place for doing so. Want extra brownie points? Get a bucket of “flip-flops” to place nearby for visitors who don’t want to go barefoot. Signs can be found on various internet sources, including Etsy.

Like many people, “that” mom is thinking of starting her own garden so that she has more control over her family’s food supply. Gardening Supplies are a great gift and will make her wish for spring. Consider garden hoses and reels, tools, and organic and heirloom seeds. We like the finds from Alice Supply Co and the Boston Warehouse watering can.

 

Did your her garden thrive? No. Well then, how about some supplies to aid shopping the local Farmer’s Market? Reusable Bags like this awesome Reisenthel Mother Child Tote will help her shop with the little one(s) in tow.

Reusable Produce Bags and Containers are also a great option. We like this set of five bags from flip + tumble.

See? Shopping for “that” mom is not hard.