The Shopping Mama » 2011

JJ Cole Collections Urban BundleMe {Review & Giveaway}

by Kate on December 10th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Baby, Reviews, Toddler

We are so excited to be participating in the JJ Cole Collection 12 Day Holiday Giveaway. Every day JJ Cole is giving away a great prize on a different blog – everything ranging from the organizing gear to diaper bags to strollers and accessories. Lots of fun! Today? Just in time to battle cold weather, you have the chance to win the Urban BundleMe.

About the Urban BundleMe

The quilted outer nylon of the Urban Bundleme protects against wind and rain while the luxuriously soft inner thermaplush™ adds style and warmth.

  • use with car seats, strollers, and joggers
  • wind and water resistant
  • machine washable
  • removable top for easy temperature control
  • allows safety straps to rest directly on child
  • crash tested- FMVSS 213 (more info)

Strolling with the BundleMe

The Urban BundleMe could not have arrived at a better time; it has been unseasonably cold in Alabama. I know everyone in truly cold climates are laughing at me, but it’s amazing how quickly our bodies adjust to the temperature so our 40 degree days feel downright bone-chilling. Okay, now that my whining is out of the way, let’s get to the point. It’s cold and my daughter needs something to keep her warm when she goes on runs with my husband in the jogging stroller and the Urban BundleMe is just perfect.

I’ve been familiar with the JJ Cole BundleMe since my son was born when we lived in Germany (now that was a cold winter!). We didn’t get him a winter coat and instead relied on the BundleMe in a car seat to keep him cozy and warm. JJ Cole has expanded the collection to include a variety of fabrics and materials to meet the needs of different climates. The Urban BundleMe has a quilted nylon material on the outside and a super soft thermaplush on the inside. The result is an absolutely lush and fabulous sleeping bag sort of thing of which I am envious. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t get any better than rolling around in a stroller cuddled up inside the Urban BundleMe.

The Urban BundleMe comes in two sizes – my daughter uses the larger of the two (the Toddler size). It has openings on the backside that make using it with different strollers a breeze. There are multiple openings to make it easy to fit different brands and different five-point harness straps. (We have another stroller liner and it only had set places that don’t fit well with certain strollers. That’s certainly not the case with the BundleMe.)

Here’s a close up of my daughter cuddling so you can see the quilted fabric. Looks cozy, right?

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The BundleMe is a must have for our runs and walks in suburban Alabama. I can only imagine how much of a necessity it is for urban families who stroll everywhere, every day. The BundleMe is truly plush and comforting for babies and toddlers alike. It’s a great way to keep a child protected from the elements and cozy and warm.

Or Not to Buy… The only reason I can see not getting one is if the climate doesn’t require this. (In which case, consider the BundleMe Lite.)

New Goodies from JJ Cole Collections

At the ABC Kids Expo we had a chance to catch a sneak peek of the newest items from JJ Cole Collections. We were impressed! The new JJ Cole Boutique diaper bags are gorgeous and the online photos don’t do them justice.

Our biggest surprise was spotting the super stylish baby gear including two strollers and a car seat. My favorite is the super cool Broadway stroller that is packed with lots of great features for $450.

Shop! The JJ Cole Collections Urban BundleMe is available in six colors and two sizes. The Infant size is $49.95 and the Toddler size is $59.95. JJ Cole offers a variety of BundleMe styles for every season and climate. JJ Cole Collections new gear and other great products are available online at JJColeCollections.com.

Win! The Urban BundleMe in Choice of Color & Size!

How to Enter: Visit JJ Cole Collections leave a comment with your favorite Boutique bag style & print.

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 10. Open to US residents only.

 Thanks to JJ Cole Collections  for providing a sample and giveaway prizes. As always, opinions are my own.

Tiny Love Take Along Mobile {Review & Giveaway}

by Kate on December 9th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Baby, Giveaways, Reviews

We are excited to share another great product from Tiny Love. We’ve already given you the scoop on the Gymini Move & Play and now it’s time to talk about the Take Along Mobile. Tiny Love has a great select of Mobiles & Soothers, but we love the Take-Along version because, well, you can take it with you to soothe and entertain baby on the go.

About the Tiny Love Take Along Mobile

Wherever you go – all you need is Take Along Mobile™, which will keep providing your baby comfort and amusement  at home or on the go.

  • 5 different tunes and 30 minutes of pleasant music
  • 3-in-1 mobile: fits pack and plays or travel cots, car seats, strollers and bassinets
  • Designated connector for each mode of use

The Take-Along Mobile is available in two schemes – the traditional Take Along mobile (above left), which has been a best seller since its introduction about a year ago, and the new Tiny Princess version (above right).

Take Along Mobile

One of the things that I know will be different about this baby when it arrives in March is that it will have to live on the go. There’s just no way to put the lives of my other two kids on hold so I can stay home with a newborn. Instead, this baby will go along on trips to and from school every day, dance lessons, sports classes and on and on. I know that I need gear and toys that can go with us. The Take-Along Mobile is just that type of gear.

The Mobile is built for life on the go with the ability to fit and attach to everything you need: a car seat, stroller, bassinet and pack and play. There are different connectors at the top so it can attach to whatever you need. Below you can see the arm to attach to a pack and play or bassinet. The arm expands and screws on tightly to fit to a number of different things.

The velcro around the arm for the bassinet also attaches to a car seat handle and there’s another clamp that will grip the top of a stroller hood or the like. It’s pretty amazing how easily it switches from one mode to the next and how utterly flexible the Mobile is for day-to-day life.

The colors and hanging friends on the traditional Take Along Mobile are gender-neutral and perfectly suited for a boy or a girl. The Princess, of course, has lots of pink and prettiness. The Mobile has 5 different tunes to soothe baby as the little creatures spin around above. It does require 3 AA batteries that are not included.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Take Along Mobile is priced at a very affordable $25 price point, which is great considering all the ways you can use the Mobile. The music is baby-friendly and won’t make an adult want to headphones.

Or Not to Buy… Car safety seat technicians warn against attaching anything hard to a car seat for use while in the car. To be on the safe side, don’t use the Mobile while driving, but on the infant car seat when out and about.

Shop! The Tiny Love Take Along Mobile in Animal Friends or Tiny Princess has a suggested retail of $24.99. Both are available on Amazon for about $20.

One for You, One for a Friend Giveaway

Win! Both the Animal Friends and Tiny Princess Take Along Mobile!

How to Enter: Visit Tiny Love and check out the developmental toys and leave a comment with another toy you think baby would enjoy.

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

  • Sign up for the Tiny Love Newsletter (purple button on the Tiny Love homepage.
  • Share or Like this post on your Facebook wall.
  • Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave a link when you do.
    Tiny Love Take Along Mobile – one for you, one for a friend giveaway @TheShoppingMama http://t.co/8S8kledU
  • Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or RSS.
  • Sign up for the The Shopping Mama Newsletter.

Giveaway ends December 30. Open to US residents only.

 Thanks to our sponsor Tiny Love for providing a sample and giveaway prizes. As always, opinions are my own.

Shopping BabySize: Week 26

by Kate on December 8th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping, Shopping BabySize

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

According to BabyCenter, the baby now weighs approximately one and two thirds pounds and is about 14 inches in length from head to heel. Apparently that makes it nearly the length of an English Hothead Cucumber. Speaking of BabyCenter, make sure you check out my recent posts on the Momformation Blog. I ask, “Did my husband really just say that?” and look for advice on preparing siblings for a new baby.

There are plenty of baby and children’s products involving cucumber – but the vast majority of them are skincare of some sort. So, here’s a fun mixture of cucumber finds for families.

Cucumber Finds

Cucumber Fabric Pinafore.

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

 

Mei Tai Baby Carrier in Cucumber Flower Print

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

 

Wooden Garden Vegetables

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

 

basq Cucumber Tea Eye Gel

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

 

CJ’s All Natural Cucumber Melon BUTTer Stick

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

 

Baby Food Recipes Using Cucumber

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

 

For more cucumber finds, check out my Cucumber 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

Carousel Designs Custom Crib Bedding {Review & Giveaway}

by Malia on December 8th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Baby, Giveaways, Reviews

For me, part of the magic of expecting is planning the perfect nursery for my new little person. Earlier I shared some of my ideas for baby girl’s nursery in my Design Board post. We rent, so yellow was a given in the nursery design, and I love the combination of yellow and grey with a few touches of blue. However, finding the right crib bedding was really difficult. I could not find anything at the big box stores in the colors I wanted and even the popular higher-end children’s chains didn’t have anything that was quite right. Then I stumbled across Carousel Designs. When I heard they would be at the ABC Kids Expo, I started dreaming that maybe I could convince them to let me do a giveaway and review of one of their beautiful creations. I was so excited when they said yes and I still get all fluttery when I go in the nursery and see my beautiful crib set.

Carousel Designs

Carousel Designs was founded 23 years ago with a focus on high quality, boutique baby bedding made right here in the United States. By keeping that focus, Carousel Designs continues to provide something no one else does: beautiful, custom crib bedding made the from highest quality fabrics. When the company passed to the next generation, West Point grads Jonathan Hartley and Allan Sicat brought the company into the future with the Nursery Designer tool. (Okay, I know I’m military man biased, but they’re kind of cute, aren’t they?)

As they anticipated fatherhood, Jonathan and Al were inspired by how their wives (both expecting their first babies) enjoyed spending time in the design studio, playing with fabrics and creating custom crib bedding for their nurseries. They knew that if they could provide the same experience online, not only giving expectant parents the ability to design the perfect bedding but also to visualize a nursery before making purchases, we could offer real value to our customers and make sure that every mom gets exactly what she wants.

I think these men had THE.BEST.IDEA.EVER. I have spent hours and hours browsing their designs and playing with the Nursery Designer and I love that every mama can create a design all her own, or pick one from the gorgeous collections. Below are some of my favorites from Carousel’s baby bedding, girl crib bedding and boy crib bedding collections. Aren’t they beautiful?

The Nursery Designer

Carousel Designs has a huge collection beautiful bedding sets that you can choose from or you can design your own custom bedding from their collection of fabrics using the Nursery Designer. The Nursery Designer allows you to design your crib bedding and customize your nursery with a few simple clicks. It’s hours of fun for expecting mamas. (Seriously, I have spent hours and hours playing with this program.)

Baby Girl’s Bedding

Baby Girl’s bedding set is beautiful. The Spa Pom Pom Play fabric perfectly combines the yellow and gray nursery colors I was looking for, without being too edgy or modern for my taste. The touch of robin’s egg blue on the crib sheet and in the fabric works perfectly with what I imagined. The bedding is sewn well and the quality of the fabric is evident. I’m not sure who is sewing the bedding sets, but I’d be willing to believe magic elves because the entire collection was at my door within days of my order. I am very happy and am already considering adding a matching window treatment to my room. Check out the video above for more shots of the bedding and room.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… If you are looking for  high quality baby bedding that is customized exactly to your taste, look no further than Carousel Designs.

Or Not to Buy… Carousel Designs bedding is more expensive than some bargain brands, but the quality and beauty is well worth the extra cost.

Shop! Prices of bedding sets range based on fabric selections. Baby Girl’s bedding runs from $22 for the crib sheet to $154 for the bumper on line at Carousel Designs.

Win! A Carousel Designs Custom Baby Bedding Set Just Like Baby Girl’s Worth Over $450!

How to Enter:  Go to Carousel Designs and tell us your favorite fabric or bedding design.

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

Giveaway ends December 31. Open to US residents only.

Huge thanks to Carousel Designs for providing a sample and the giveaway prize.

Thursday Giveaway Linky

by Kate on December 8th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaway Linky

Happy Thursday! Thanks for stopping by to link up and browse great giveaways. We are in full holiday swing here and have a few giveaways to help you shop for everyone on your list.

Enter to win $250 from LG

AND

$250 from American Express!

See our complete list of giveaways here.

While you’re linking up, head over to Baby Loving Mama. And, to help with holiday shopping you must enter to win $150 from Ragu.

Partum Me?! Should Charlie be a country mouse or a city slicker?

by Laura on December 7th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Life, Partum Me

Can someone tell me how it’s already December?? And how I suddenly got an 8-month old child who squeals, belly laughs, sits up, and is on the verge of crawling? Charlie is quickly going from baby to little boy.  I love his determination to do things on his own, but I still live for the moments when he catches sight of me and smiles that grin that he saves just for his mommy.

As I mentioned a few months back, my husband and I have had ongoing discussions about relocating out of Philadelphia.  I think it’s more that we are looking to take a break from city life.  The theme of many of my posts here has been about simplifying life and I think our thoughts about checking out of the urban jungle definitely relate to that.

The suburbs could be a happy medium between the extremes of city and rural life, but we both grew up in suburban enclaves where we felt trapped, uncultured, and judged.  Plus, there is one giant reason why we are thinking that we’d rather go all the way to the other side of the spectrum and live in a country town: space.  Wide open space.  Big back yards, old farm houses with long front porches, public parks that are miles wide.  We don’t have very much to hide, but the idea of being out from under the constant gaze of neighbors is appealing.  Philly is not like New York.  Our neighbors are caring, wonderful, friendly people…but they also know every. single. thing. we do.  Some peace and quiet and privacy would be a dream come true.

BUT.

Then I wonder…what will happen when I have the sudden urge to go on an accessories buying spree at H&M?  What about the fact that we are currently 10 minutes away from museums, music venues, fine restaurants, cool coffee shops, and IKEA?  And where, OH WHERE, does a girl get a hot stone massage pedicure on Main Street, USA?  More importantly, of course, I wonder about what sort of impact this will have on Charlie.  If he lives in farm country, will he still be the street-smart, outgoing, forward-thinking, cultured, and open-minded young man that I’m hoping he’ll become?  Will he forever resent us after the day he realizes that we voluntarily moved him from the up-and-coming artsy neighborhood in Philly to the idyllic countryside?  Will we replace the problems of urban schools with the problems of rural ones?  Will my dream of having a little shaggy haired, converse-wearing, garage rocker kid be shattered when he comes home wearing cowboy boots and asking if we’ll buy him a tractor?

My husband tells me that where you live is what you make of it.  He’s right.  And every time the worries (both silly and serious) start to creep into my head, I conjure up the fantasy image of Charlie, running hog wild in a gigantic backyard with our dog, and maybe some chickens.  (Hey, a girl can like pedicures and fresh eggs.  Leave me alone.)  I think of all of the fun (going to the country fair in the summer) and educational (visiting farms to learn about how vegetables and animals grow) opportunities that exist in the country.

We’re still at least a little ways away from having to make a final decision about this, but it’s an internal debate that I have on an almost daily basis.  No matter where we live, we will do our darndest to expose Charlie to all of the greatest aspects of where we live, and we will always make sure that he knows there is a whole world of experiences out in the rest of the world that are just waiting for him.

Have you made the move from city to country or vice versa?  What were the biggest adjustments you had to make to acclimate to your new surroundings?  How did it affect your children, if at all?

The Great bebePOD Exchange from Prince Lionheart

by Kate on December 7th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

Following recent CPSC warnings on the safety and proper use of infant positioning seats, Prince Lionheart is taking big steps to put their infant seat – the bebePOD – under the bottom of as many babies as possible. Yesterday they announced The Great bebePOD Exchange – send in your Bumbo and they’ll send you a bebePOD!

Prince Lionheart says:

Parents aren’t superheroes and unfortunately we don’t have superhero powers. But what we DO have are CHOICES. If given a choice between a foam seat with a safety strap and a foam seat without a safety strap for our baby, we would choose the SAFE alternative, right??!! Here is a chance to make a choice as a parent – This is BIG- simply send us your strapless Bumbo® Baby Seat and we will exchange it, FREE of charge, for the bébéPOD® flex featuring the dual strap system. NO JOKE!!! (You can find all details at the left of our screen where it says “The Great bebePOD Exchange”.

prince lion heart great bebepod exchange

 

Great bebePOD Exchange Details

  • Send your strapless Bumbo Baby Seat to Prince Lionheart – you pay shipping costs
  • Indicate whether you’d like a bebePOD for a boy or girl
  • Wait for your new bebePOD to arrive – Prince Lionheart will cover shipping costs

Does Your Seat Qualify?

To qualify for the exchange, please check the following criteria:

1) The seat must be an ALL FOAM infant seat
2) The seat must not be torn, chewed or visually distressed

Non – Qualifying Seats (these products will not be exchanged)

1) Foam Booster Seats
2) Hard Plastic Seats
3) High-chairs of any kind
4) Any other infant seat that is NOT all foam

bebePOD Giveaways

Prince Lionheart feels so strongly that the bebePOD is the safest infant seat on the market that they are giving 50 seats away on their Facebook page. To enter, comment on the Great bebePOD photo announcement on Facebook.

prince lionheart bebepod flex infant seat

To learn more about The Great bebePOD Exchange and to read helpful FAQs, check out Prince Lionheart’s Facebook page. The Great bebePod Exchange ends January 31.

What I Wore Wednesday {26 Weeks}

by Kate on December 7th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Fashion & Beauty, Life, What I Wore

Welcome to What I Wore Wednesday. The idea of the post is to share an outfit or two with the whole internets will make us busy moms a little more accountable. The goal is to ditch the yoga pants and embrace a little fashion. I knew starting this meme while pregnant would be a challenge, but holy moly. I’m having such a hard time coming up with new outfits to wear every day. I did make a few purchases last week on Cyber Monday and can’t wait for some new duds to arrive so I can switch it up a bit.

***

Shirt: Banana Republic
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity Maternity
Scarf: Missoni for Target

***

Sweater: Old Navy
Shirt: Vera Wang for Kohl’s
Jeans: Lilac Clothing
Flats: Tahari

To join in the fun, head over to The Pleated Poppy blog. If you post about What You Wore, leave a comment with link so I can check it out. And, speaking of checking out… what is *with* my pose? I’ll work on that for next week.

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