The Shopping Mama

Funky Monkey Threads Big Brother & Big Sister Shirts

by Kate on February 9th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Clothes, Getting Ready for Baby

In the process of preparing for and welcoming a new baby, a fun and important part of the getting ready involves older siblings. Not surprisingly, a lot of talk around our house lately has been focused on the upcoming arrival of a new little one. One thing I knew I wanted to get for my son and daughter was a set of “Big Brother” and “Big Sister” shirts. I found the perfect shirts at Funky Monkey Threads.

About Funky Monkey Threads

Funky Monkey Threads offers top quality baby onesies, toddler & kids tees with funny, clever designs, or can be personalized. These designs will get tons of attention and be the hit of any baby shower or birthday party!

Big Bro & Big Sis Shirts

I knew I wanted shirts for my son and daughter that coordinated, could be personalized with their names and their “titles” of Big Brother and Big Sister. I loved the simple and modern look of the retro mod circle design and knew they’d be the perfect shirts for my kids to wear when they meet their new sibling. The order and customization process was simple and the shirts arrived very quickly.

They turned out great, didn’t they?

The quality of the shirts are great and I can’t wait for my tots to wear them. At the moment, they’re packed in the kids’ mom-is-going-the-hospital-to-have-a-baby-bag just waiting for baby to arrive. I know my kids will be the hit of the Labor & Delivery ward when they show up to meet their little sibling. You know I’ll have lots of photos to share when the big day comes, so stay tuned to see Funky Monkey Threads tees in action.

Sibling Set Tees

Funky Monkey Threads has a great selection of Sibling Sets, including sets to include newborn little siblings. I love that the sets with infant onuses include a matching hat. I think a “Baby Sis” or “Baby Bro” shirt and hat may be in order after the little one arrives…

Shop! Funky Monkey Threads on Etsy has a huge selection of personalized tees, including the fabulous sibling sets. The retro mod circles design shirts we have are $15.99 each.

Thanks to Funky Monkey Threads for offering the shirts as review samples after I placed my order. : )

frazier & wing Mobile

by Kate on February 9th, 2012 | 5 Comments | 28 Days of Design, Children's Decor

Design: frazier & wing Mobile

Why We Like It: These handcrafted mobiles are stunningly beautiful. Made from combination of die cut paper and constructed with clear thread and thin wire, the frazier & wing mobiles are worthy of grownup space but playfully simple in a child’s nursery. Some mobiles feature tone on tone muted color combinations and others are bright and vibrant. They’re all such fun!

Shop! frazier & wing has a variety of colors available to match your child’s space. Prices range between $58 and $78.

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Check out all our Children’s Décor & Design picks in the 28+1 Days of Decor.

Simplisse Double Electric Breast Pump & Gia Nursing Pillow

by Kate on February 9th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Getting Ready for Baby

One of the brands I was most excited about after our visit to the ABC Kids Expo was Simplisse. (Indeed, we included the Double Electric Breast Pump in our round up of finds for new moms.) The Simplisse meeting stood out for many levels, but my takeaway was that the company’s breast pump is not the average breast pump. Created in consultation with lactation consultants and moms, the brand knew that they could make the pumping experience better for women.

Simplisse had two objectives when designing their breast pump:

Make expressing milk a more comfortable, natural experience for moms.
Collect breastmilk as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Double Electric Breast Pump

Anyone who’s ever spent any time with a pump attached to their boob can tell you those objectives are very important and essential. To meet these goals the Simplisse Double Electric Breast Pump uses Gentle Compression Technology to reduce tugging and pulling on the breast. When learning about the Simplisse brand we were able to touch and feel the machine and the most noticeable difference was the cups. Simplisse uses BabyFace Flexible Breastcups that conform to your breast and naturally move with mom while expressing. The cups aren’t the standard rigid plastic that dig into your breast.

I breastfed both my children and both times had grand ideas of pumping to create a little stockpile of milk for when breastfeeding wasn’t possible. I used no fewer than 3 different pumps and never had good luck. I just hated the experience and could never seem to pump successfully. With dedication I could collect enough milk for a night out but never enough for my husband to feed baby a bottle once a day, for example. While I’m fairly certain pumping breast milk will never be my favorite activity, I am hopeful that the Simplisse will make the process less painful and more efficient.

Gia Angled Nursing Pillow

Simplisse offers a complete line of breastfeeding products, including a unique angled nursing pillow. Like other nursing pillows, the Gia fits comfortably on mom’s lap. But, unlike other pillow, the Gia is created with an incline to provide a healthy angle for baby to feed. Th angle is intended to help digestion and reduce reflux. The pillow has a traditional C shape, but one end is much wider than the other to provide a larger surface to support baby and prevent rolling.

The Gia can be used with or without a cover thanks to a cotton shell that is anti-bacterial and stain-resistant. Stay tuned to our Gia review after baby arrives for your chance to WIN this Angled Nursing Pillow!

Facebook Giveaway!

Head over to the Simplisse Facebook page and enter to win both the Simplisse Double Electric Breast Pump and a Gia Angled Breastfeeding Pillow. A combined value of $285! Hurry – the giveaway ends Friday.

Shop! The Simplisse Double Electric Breastfeeding Companion is currently available from our affiliate Amazon for $200. The Simplisse Gia Nursing Pillow is also on Amazon for $40. Between now and March 15, you can get a Gia Nursing Pillow FREE when you purchase a Double Electric Breast Pump! See Simplisse for details on this great mail-in rebate offer.

Thanks to Simplisse for providing samples.

Thursday Giveaway Linky

by Kate on February 9th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Giveaway Linky

Thanks for stopping by to link up and browse great blog giveaways. Before you leave, check out our current giveaways:

Set of Aura Weavers Swaddling Blankets

Tiny Love Soothe n Groove Mobile

Bover Bag Pack N Play Travel Cover

pediped New & Improved Soft Sole Shoes

Head over to Baby Loving Mama to link up your giveaways there, too! And while you’re there make sure you enter the 2 Chix Maternity Tee giveaway.

Joovy Room Playard {Review}

by Kate on February 8th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Baby, On the Go, Reviews

A few weeks ago I shared a photo of the Joovy Room Playard with the following caption: Here’s baby’s nursery!

The baby will be sharing our room for several months until we move so for all intents and purposes, the Joovy Room was the extent baby’s nursery. We’ve since acquired an actual wooden crib, but I have to tell you the Joovy Room has everything we need to serve as a small, organized space for a baby. The Joovy Room Playard sets the bar very high for playard travel cribs.

Meet the Joovy Room

The Joovy Room has elevated the playard to a new level. This premier, full-feature nursery center is a bassinet, changing station and playard, all in one. The Joovy Room has exceptional good looks while offering supreme functionality. Parents love its convenience and multi-purpose usability.

Room Playard Details

Playard Weight: 34 lbs.
Playard Dimension Folded: 10.5″ x 15″ x 31″
Playard Dimensions Unfolded: 34″H x 35.5″ W x 49″L
Playard Minimum Age: Birth
Playard Maximum Height: 35″
Bassinett Maximum Weight: 15 lbs.
Parent Organizer Maximum Weight: 9 lbs.

Joovy Room Review

The Joovy Room Playard is a full-feature travel crib that has everything you need to create a mobile baby nursery. The Room is a good size without being overbearing or dominating the space its in. It unfolds and folds easily and you can arrange for the Room to be used as a bassinet. Unlike other playard bassinets I’ve used, the Room has a very sturdy support system when in bassinet mode, including metal braces that supper the length of the mattress. The official bassinet maximum weight is 15 pounds, but I have to admit that my kids have tested this by climbing in the thing by themselves. I’m happy to report my 42 pound 5 year old didn’t break the thing when he climbed in to “play baby.” But, seriously, that is NOT recommended.

One of the best features of the Room is the attached parent organizer with 9 compartments for storing baby essentials. There are six large pockets on the end and three smaller containers on the top of the organizer for smaller must haves. In addition, there’s are storage pockets on the end of the Room near the changing table. Honestly, when we got a wooden crib to use in our room I was disappointed to lose all the storage and organization the Room offers.

The changing table is VERY sturdy. Far more stable and secure than other playard changing tables I’ve used. It holds up to 25 pounds and includes a belt to secure your child. The changing table secures on three sides of the playard, which creates a very stable surface, but it means that you can’t remove it casually when you’re not changing a diaper. The Room is large enough that you still have plenty of access to baby sleeping in the bassinet but it would be nice to be able to fold the changing table out of the way when not in use.

The Room has a built-in nightlight and music system which plays sweet nursery tunes. Or, you can plug in your MP3 player and soothe baby with your favorite tunes. The playard moves easily on two wheels and comes with a very nice travel case.

We’ve moved the Room to a common family area where it will serve as a bassinet for day time naps, a place to set baby out of the reach of curious siblings and a convenient place to change baby. I know we’ll get a lot of use out of it when baby arrives and look forward to having a safe place for baby to rest.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Room is a great Playard and Mobile Crib. I absolutely love the clean, modern look of the Room and the parent-friendly features like tons of storage and a safe and secure place to change baby. The Room has impressive safety features and feels far more sturdy – from the bassinet to the changing table – than comparable products. We give the Joovy Room an enthusiastic two thumbs up.

Or Not to Buy… The only inconvenient feature of the Room is that the changing table doesn’t easily move when not in use, blocking access to the bassinet. (Of course, this fact is also part of what makes the changing table so sturdy.)

Shop! The Joovy Room is available in Black, Blueberry and Orangie for $270. Its on sale directly from Joovy and also our affiliate Amazon. Make sure you follow Joovy on Twitter and like them on Facebook to keep up with the latest product information.

Thanks to Joovy for providing a sample.

Chevron Storage Baskets

by Kate on February 8th, 2012 | 5 Comments | 28 Days of Design, Children's Decor

Design: Chevron Storage Baskets – Set of 3

Why We Like It: There’s no denying that chevron patterns are HOT. And, there’s certainly no question that storage is a must-have in children’s space. So the fabulous combination of chevron and storage in a variety of colors and an affordable set is a winner. The baskets are made of handwoven polypropylene and nest to save space when you’re not using them. If you, for some reason, can’t find a use for them in your nursery or play room, we love the decorative factor of seeing them stacked.

Shop! The set of 3 Chevron Baskets is available for $49 from our affiliate The Land of Nod. The baskets are available in a number of colors: black, aqua, blue, green, pink and yellow.

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Check out all our Children’s Décor & Design picks in the 28+1 Days of Decor.

How Do You Like Your Tea? Plus Fruity Baked Brie {Recipe} #LiptonGreenTea

by Kate on February 7th, 2012 | 5 Comments | In the Kitchen, Life

I have to admit this pregnancy my main go-to warm drink has been decaf coffee of the sweet and creamy variety. So it’s not surprising that when I was sampling the new Lipton Green Tea Superfruit tea varieties I like to add lots of honey and milk. The teas have a great flavor – classic green tea with unique with a little sweet fruity twist.

Lipton Green Tea Superfruit is available in three varieties:

Purple Acai and Blueberry
White Mangosteen and Peach
Red Goji and Raspberry

I’m not sure what a Mangosteen is, but it’s tasty in a tea. My favorite, though, is the Purple Acai and Blueberry. Of course, with a nice healthy spoonful of honey and a pour of milk.

When imagining my ideal way to enjoy the Green Tea Superfruit tea, I picture sitting around the kitchen table with girlfriends enjoying great conversation, warm tea and a tasty little snack. The ideal playmate, if I can say so myself – kids playing together and entertaining themselves, moms engaging in uninterrupted conversation. I immediately imagined pairing the tea with baked brie. Can you imagine the fabulousness that is that play date. Yes, please!

Fruity Baked Brie Recipe

Ingredients

1 large sheet of puff pastry dough or 1 tube of refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 round or wedge of Brie cheese (do not remove rind)
Raspberry Jam (or Apricot Jam or some other yummy berry jam)
A few spoonfuls of brown sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. On a non-stick cookie sheet or oven-friendly serving dish, lay out the puff pastry or the crescent rolls flat and put brie round or wedge on top.

3. Spread a generous layer of jam on brie. And I mean generous. Fold dough over top. Some recipes recommend cutting the extra dough, but I happen to love it so I leave it on. Spoon brown sugar on top – you can also put brown sugar directly no top of the jam inside the dough, if you prefer.

4. Bake at 350º for 25-30 minutes, pastry should be golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve with good crackers (i.e. not the ones you give your kids) and apple slices.

Now that I have shared what I would pair with these refreshing Lipton Green Tea Superfruits, I want to know, how do you enjoy your tea?

Share your tea time must haves for a chance to win a year’s supply of Lipton Tea, a tea kettle, a tea box, a mug/saucer set, a travel tumbler and a $50 gift card to Amazon.com!

Plus, the first three of you to leave a comment in the conversation below will receive a box of Lipton Green Tea Superfruit.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Lipton Green Tea Superfruit. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.

Baby’s Coming Home Hat(s)

by Kate on February 7th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Getting Ready for Baby, Shopping

For the last month or so I’ve been debating what to do about getting a coming home outfit for baby. Actually, a coming home accessory is a more appropriate description. As I mentioned in this Momformation post, the baby will wear a two piece white kimono outfit that both my son and daughter wore home from the hospital. My son wore it with an Ohio State hat and my daughter wore it with a girly pinky and white hat.

After debating whether to buy one gender neutral hat OR a girl and a boy hat, I decided to get one of each. No surprise, really. I mean, I’ll use any excuse I can find to order some sweetness from Etsy.

I discovered Prairie Blossom Boutique and ordred a Crochet Baby Boy Hat with Button and a Baby Girl Hat with Flower. The boy hat is light blue, white and jute with a tan button. I had a little more trouble with the girl hat. I didn’t want it to look exactly like the one my daughter came home in – all pink and white – so I opted for soft violet, white and pink. It is definitely girly – almost too much for my taste, but I’m sure it will look perfect on a newborn baby girl. And, if I have a boy, it will make a darling new baby gift for a friend!

The hats are now safely packed away with the kimono outfit in the hospital bag, just waiting to see which hat will be the lucky winner to grace the head of my sweet baby.