We are swooning over the fantastically stylish girls’ clothing company WUNWAY. The clothing line was created by three moms “desperately in love with their kids and fashion.” And it shows. The clothes are stunning, balancing high-end aesthetic, modern flair and youthful exuberance. We really appreciate that everything is age-appropriate for young girls but with enough edge to remain fun and interesting. Simply put, WUNWAY is mini-fashionista desired and mom approved.

We’ve been styling the teodora shirt, the izzabella skirt and the brandy bloomer shorts. My daughter has been wearing WUNWAY out and about, but she was more than delighted to do a fashion show with a friend to show off the beautiful clothes.

The teodora shirt is a great staple as it’s completely versatile. It looks great with very feminine skirts like the izzabella and the ruffle adds some girly flair to a basic denim outfit.

The izzabella skirt is every girl’s dream: tulle, ruffles, flower corsage accent. The embellished elastic waist guarantees she won’t have to sacrifice comfort for style.

The bandy bloomer shorts are a fantastically modern take on an older silhouette and the result is darling. They are a great alternative to boring shorts which lack the style factor that mini fashionistas demand.

We all know the outfit is only as good as the details and WUNWAY has you covered with a range of accessories as finely crafted as the clothes. We adore the patterned socks and tights, and girls will flip for the lovely necklaces and purses.

Shop! WUNWAY girls clothes are available in sizes 1 through 8. The prices reflect the quality and the Sale section is a great place to score a stylish deal.

Thanks to WUNWAY for providing samples. Photos by Catherine Murton for The Shopping Mama.

Sun Smarties Summer Gear Review

One Step Ahead sent us some pieces from the Sun Smarties collection so we are ready for summer fun. Now, we just need Mother Nature to cooperate. In the meantime, we’ve been testing the gear at the indoor pool.

Sun Smarties bathing suits have UPF 50+ sun protection and come in a variety of mix and match styles to best fit your child. From tankinis to swim diapers to rash guards, the colorful designs are perfect for summer fun. My daughter is rocking the Pink Ruffle Sun Smarties UV Rash Guard and Swim Diaper. We love the coverage of the Rash Guard for long days in the sun and the ruffle detail on the suit is darling. The side-ruching also helps to ensure a good fit. The Swim Diaper is a great bottom even if you don’t need a reusable diaper. It’s comfortable and a full coverage two-piece is super easy for wet bathing suit changes at the pool.

The Terry Cover-Up is amazing! It’s made of soft terrycloth with UV protection to keep kids warm and cozy after a swim. It’s a lighter weight than typical terrycloth, though, so it’s breathable to prevent overheating in warm weather. The fit is generous to allow plenty of room for cuddling. We love the option to personalize the Cover-Up.

When we lived in Florida we frequented a splash park that I loved, but the ground was always slippery. Every single day we were there at least one kid would fall and hit his head. Ever since, I’ve been obsessed with water shoes. They’re non-negotiable, especially with a wobbly toddler like Max. He’s unsteady on solid, dry ground let alone wet pool surfaces. The Sun Smarties Stay Put Water Shoes are an absolute must have whether you plan to cool off at a water park, pool or beach. The shoes are lightweight and actually stay on little, squirmy feet.

Max’s eyes will also be protected this summer with the Toddler Sunglasses with Strap. They fit perfectly, and the soft neoprene strap helps keep them in place. When Max manages to muscle them off his head, the durable glasses survive even crazy toddler throwing.

10 Sun Smarties Essentials from One Step Ahead

Check out ten Sun Smarties products that are ideal for a day of fun in the sun.

• 1. Terry Cover-Up ($24.95 + $6 for personalization)
• 2. Stay Put Water Shoes ($12.95)
• 3. Take-Along Wet Bags, set of 2 ($6.95)
• 4. Beach Towel in a Bag ($9.95 + $6 for personalization)
• 5. Sand-Away Beach Bag ($14.95 + $6 for personalization)
• 6. Reversible, Adjustable UV Sun Hat ($14.95)
• 7. Rubber Frame Sunglasses ($9.95)
• 8. UV Rash Guard Shirt ($24.95) & Swim Trunks ($19.95)
• 9. WonderShade  II Self-Standing Umbrella ($24.95)
• 10. UV Long Sleeve Rash Guard ($29.95) & Swim Diaper Skirt ($16.95)

Shop! Now is the perfect time to shop One Step Ahead, as many of the Sun Smarties summer essentials are on sale.

 Thanks to One Step Ahead for providing details.

Trench – Apt.9 ($66 on sale) ; Skirt – Narcisso Rodriguez for DesigNation ($9.60 on sale); Shoes – SO Ballet Flats ($19.99 on sale)

The trench coat is both flattering and functional.  A detachable hood can be removed on nice days when I just want a light coat but don’t need to shield myself from the rain.  I love that it cinches at the waist, but the pleating makes it flair a bit so it doesn’t feel too form-fitting.  It looks great with anything from jeans and flats to a dressy ensemble.  And as a mom, I value to the two deep pockets that manage to hold cell phones, keys, snacks, and matchbox cars.  Not only are the shoes my favorite color, but they mix classy tweed and corduroy without feeling like they are relegated to cold-weather wear.  I love the little details of the modern pattern inside the shoe and the brown leather strip up the back.  Oh, and they’re comfortable too!  As a big fan of color blocking, this skirt was a must-by from the second I saw it.  It adds a nice touch of variety to my collection of spring professional wear, and I’ve been in desperate need of new work skirts since my old pencil skirts are so big on me that they’re more like sacks than curve-hugging pieces.  I was very happy to find these items to spice up my wardrobe as I work to build a collection that fits my changing shape without breaking the bank.

I would also like to note that Kohl’s website made the entire process incredibly easy, with quick shopping and check-out options.  The site is well-organized and easily searchable for exactly the items I want, and they tend to have many sale items in stock for far longer than they last on the racks in the stores.

Spring Fashion Looks from Kohl’s

Shop! I’ve found the in-store shopping experience to be top notch every time I visit a Kohl’s, but if you’re time is limited or you can’t find what you’re looking for at the store, Kohls.com is a great option.

We’ve got a fun giveaway to help you stock up for spring!  One winner will get a $100 gift card for Kohl’s to shop online or in the store for whatever you need as the weather warms up.

Win! $100 Kohl’s Gift Card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to Kohl’s for providing gift cards for a shopping experience and giveaway.

We woke this morning to a gray day. I knew from the moment I opened my eyes that several members of our family would not make it out of pajamas the entire day. Unless, of course, it is to don princess attire. We love gray, rainy days. We snuggle, read, watch TV and make comfort food. The usual.

Thanks to Wummelbox, we had an adventure on this gray, rainy day.

Today, toddler boy, Kindergarten girl and I traveled through time. Our destination? The Stone Age. Complete with a time machine, cave paintings, a mammoth hunt and stories to inform and delight, this adventure filled our entire morning. I cannot begin to tell you how much fun we had with the Time Travel Wummelbox. Delivered right to our door, this box of arts and crafts is unlike others we’ve tried. Each of the activities included added to a complete experience that took us on a morning-long adventure through our own house.

The first step in time travel is, obviously, to build a time machine. Our Wummelbox came complete with all the quality materials necessary to complete this “machine” that toddler boy carried around the house the remainder of the day. While I helped the kids assemble the time machine, I read “A Stone Age Story: Wummel Embarks on a Journey to Discover the Stone Age.” This story of mascots Wummel and Hedgy traveling through time introduces children to primary Stone Age images such as animal skin clothing, cave paintings, and mammoths.

After building our time machine, we set the dial to Stone Age and got underway. Wummelbox included water colors, paint brush and canvas for the kids to create their own cave painting, but I love that they suggested we build our own cave in which to paint. Honestly, it would not have occurred to me to build a cave in the living room to add to the authenticity of the experience. My word, did the kids love it!

We received three different paint colors with our Wummelbox, but I must admit we augmented with our own set of colors. This led to a great discussion about natural and synthetic dyes and why the color purple is associated with royalty. Before beginning their painting, the kids viewed pictures of cave paintings from various cultures. We talked about how they often told a story. We looked at how simple most of the line drawings were constructed. I told them these should be their inspiration for their own cave painting. You can see the results in the picture above.

Finally, Wummelbox included a mammoth hunt game that the kids had to create before playing. Kindergarten girl prepared the mammoth, while toddler boy painted the die. From there, we cut out various animal tracks and used the supplies to track a mammoth through our own house.

Thanks to Wummelbox, we filled an entire morning with learning, crafts, adventure and time together. And with our time machine complete, we simply need to set the dial for another time period for additional travels on future rainy days.

About Wummelbox

Wummelbox is an arts and crafts subscription service for children designed to inspire learning, creativity and exploration. Delivered right to your door, each Wummelbox focuses on a theme (i.e. nutrition, music, color & light) and provides families with all the materials needed for hours of fun all in one box. No matter the theme, all projects promote developmental language, sensory and motor skills.

I was very impressed with the quality of materials provided for our time travel and all Wummelbox materials meet the highest European and U.S. standards for toys. In addition, materials are eco-friendly where possible.

As a subscription service, Wummelbox offers three packages:

• Try a Wummel, a 1-month subscription priced at $34.95
• Little Wummel, a 3-month subscription priced at $24.95 per month
• Big Wummel, a 12-month subscription priced at $19.95 per month

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Wummelbox provides all the materials necessary to make arts, crafts, adventure and memories with your child right to your door each month. Because all high quality materials are used, there is no waste or storing of leftover supplies. With several subscription packages available, there is one to fit most budgets. Wummelbox provided eco-friendly materials.

Or Not to Buy… While exploring their site, I was unable to find an option for additional supplies for extra children. I should note that my children had such a great time this morning they didn’t even notice they were sharing. However, if you have four children, the supplies of a single box might not stretch that far.

Shop! Wummelbox subscriptions are available in three different packages at wummelbox.com and more information can be obtained at the Wummelbox Facebook page.

Thanks to Wummelbox for providing a sample.

Falling Dots Woven Skirt (reg. $29, now $20) is perfect for transitioning from spring into summer. The colorful dots make matching and coordinating it a breeze. We often pair it with the Slub V-Neck Cardigan (reg. $24, now $20 – 25). The Cardigan is lightweight, making it perfect for layering as the temperature fluctuates. As much as I love how the skirt and cardigan look, I think I actually like how easily they wash and wear even better. The cotton poplin woven skirt goes straight from the washing machine to dryer to my daughter – no need for ironing or special attention.

She may be a girly girl, but my daughter is always moving and her clothes need to keep up. The Lands’ End skirt is the epitome of versatile. Paired with a cardigan and leggings, it’s great for a cooler day at school. With a cardigan coat and sneakers it’s perfect for scooting around and playing in the neighborhood.

Top 10 Dresses & Skirts for Spring & Summer

It was difficult, but with some input from my 4 year old Model and Stylist Assistant, we’ve rounded up our top 10 favorite dresses and skirt/cardigan combinations from Lands’ End.

Click through to see our picks!

Patterned Sweater & Falling Dots Skirt

Cardigan & Print Woven Dress

Smocked Maxi Dress

Woven Twirl Dress

Caridgan & Tiered Skirt

Crossover Braided Bodice Dress

Drop Waist Dress

Pattern Sweater & Twill Skort

Madras Duet Dress

Cardigan & Knit Applique Skort

• Pattern V Neck Sweater Cardigan ($12.99) & Falling Dot Woven Skirt ($20)
• Long Sleeve Solid Sophie Cardigan ($29 & add a monogram!) &  Print Woven Dress ($49)
  
• Knit Smocked Maxi Dress ($34)
• Short Sleeve Woven Twirl Dress ($34)
• Long Sleeve Solid Sophie Cardigan ($29 & add a monogram!) & Full Ruffle Pattern Tiered Skort ($13 – $20)
• Knit Crossover Braided Bodice Dress ($29)
• Drop Waist Dress ($29)
• Long Sleeve Pieced Pattern Cardigan ($15) & Twill Snap-pocket Skort ($13 – $17)
• Madras Duet Dress ($20)
• Long Sleeve Solid Sophie Cardigan ($29 & add a monogram!) & Knit Applique Skort ($29)

Shop! Now is a great time to stock up on skirts and dresses at Lands’ End. Save 30% off everything with code SPARK30 and pin 2850. Buy 2 or more, and save $3 each on select regularly priced Girls’ Apparel.

Thanks to Lands’ End for providing samples.

Radio Flyer has been creating toys for outdoor play for nearly 100 years and we are all familiar with its iconic red wagon. Despite its long history, the company offers a decidedly modern and innovative program to build a completely custom wagon or tricycle. We are delighted Radio Flyer provided us the opportunity to build a tricyle for Max.

Build a Smile, Build an Adventure, Build a Trike!

The Build-A-Trike program on RadioFlyer.com is a blast! It’s easy to use, with a preview that updates as you add and change features so you always know what you’re going to get. There are a surprising amount of options – everything from the style of tricycle to the fabric color to adding speakers.

The base tricycle includes the removable steering handle that allows parent to aid (or have control) over where your little one goes. The telescoping handle moves up and down and is angled for parent comfort. It can truly substitute for a stroller, and is perfect as toddlers grow and want independence but aren’t ready to walk on their own. Your child can peddle as you guide or rest his feet on the foot rests and just enjoy the ride.

The first choice in customizing your trike? Pink or classic red tricycle. Next you can chose to add upgraded tires. If, like us, you’re going to use the tricycle as a stroller of sorts, we definitely recommend the upgrade. The all-terrain air-filled rubber tires are impressive, measuring 10 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches wide. They are perfect for rolling on the sidewalk and over rougher terrain like mulch and rocks.

There are two storage options: the included bucket or basket upgrade. The basket provides more storage space and is really helpful on our walk to the bus stop commute as it frequently holds a backpack or drink or snacks.

The next set of upgrades transform the tricycle from a classic trike to a stroller trike or somewhere in between. We added the headrest and seatbelt with seatpad and the wrap around tray to keep Max steady and secure. The UV blocking canopy is a great option for those of you in sunny locales.

The wrap-around tray provides 360 degree support for younger toddlers and includes a drink holder. The headrest and seatbelt include a three-point harness for safety. Both the tray and the headrest piece are removable so the tricycle grows as your child develops. There are three fabric choices for the seatpad and canopy.

The classic bell is a must-have (and very affordable $5) upgrade. I honestly think this is my favorite part of the tricycle – and maybe it’s just because Max can actually do it himself. He looks so proud when he rings the bell!

The parent pouch snaps on the handle has a large pocket on one side and a smaller pouch on the other, which is perfect for a cell phone.

Personalize your creation with a name plate of up to 2 lines and 20 characters. For true luxury, add the Safeguard speaker system with waterproof case so you can play music from your iPad or MP3 player while on the go.

Max’s Custom Trike

We absolutely adore Max’s Custom Tricyle. It is obviously really cool to have a custom tricycle we designed, but the best part about it is the Radio Flyer quality. We knew as we were assembling the tricycle that it was different from others we’ve had. Each part and piece has a weight and heftiness that signifies the quality of the materials. From the rubber on the tires to the padded handlebar, every detail of the trike is amazing.

But, of course, as a mom the thing I like the best about the Radio Flyer Trike is how much Max enjoys it. It’s an easy way to please him if he’s fussy, and, yes, I have resorted to putting him in his tricycle in the kitchen while I’m cooking dinner.

Shop! Whether you add one single option or all the accessories, the Radio Flyer Build-A-Trike program allows you to get the perfect tricycle for you. The base tricycle starts at $75 and goes up to $205 if you opt for all the bells (literally) and whistles. Start your summer on the right foot wheel and preorder now for June 1 shipment.

Thanks to Radio Flyer for providing a sample. Photos by Catherine Murton for The Shopping Mama.

We are unabashed fans of 4moms – both the brand and the people behind it. We’ve covered the Origami power-folding stroller and Max made the most of his time in the innovative mamaRoo. We’re excited to now share a firsthand look at the 4moms travel crib, the Breeze.

At first glance, the Breeze looks similar to many other travel cribs on the market. But, try to assemble it and you’ll see where the similarities end. The Breeze is, in fact, a total breeze to open and assemble. In about 5 seconds flat, with no huffing, puffing, shoving, swearing or sweating, the Breeze transforms from folded to travel crib.

True to the 4moms modern aesthetic, the Breeze is sleek and simple, happily lacking busy patterns or plastic doodads.

Breeze Bassinet

We love using a travel crib as an adjunct nursery when caring for a newborn. Whether you set it up in the living room or your bedroom, it’s incredibly convenient to have a place nearby where baby can sleep safely. The bassinet attachment fits snugly onto the Breeze frame and creates a smaller area to comfort baby that is up higher so it’s easier for mama to reach.

The bassinet base is lightly padded and folds in half to put aside when not in use. We really like and appreciate that the insert is vented to allow air to flow to baby.

In addition to the bassinet insert, the Breeze comes with a changing pad and a very useful travel bag. The travel bag has a pocket where you can keep on the go essentials like a spare sheet, the changing pad or other things you may need for a night away from home.

Breeze as a Play Space

The Breeze was at home in our kitchen for awhile and it provided ample space for Max to play safely while I cooked. Or, at least it was intended for Max, but my 4 year old had other ideas.  She thought it was the perfect location for a school session with her dolls.

As you can see, the Breeze is really roomy. It measures 45.5 inches long by 32 inches wide and 29 inches tall. For safety’s sake, there’s a height limit of 35 inches.

It’s a Breeze {Video}

Watch our quick video to see how 4moms makes naptime or bedtime a breeze.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Breeze is ridiculously simple to assemble and that’s just the beginning of the features of this travel crib. We love the easy to use bassinet, the large size of the Breeze and its sleek and modern appearance.

Or Not to Buy… It’s a bit on the heavy side, but it isn’t any bigger than most traditional travel cribs when folded.

Shop! The 4moms Breeze Travel Crib is available at our affiliate Magic Beans (with a low price guarantee) for $299. We also recommend the Waterproof Sheet to keep your Breeze comfortable and clean for baby.

Win! A 4moms Breeze Travel Crib!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to 4moms for providing a sample and the giveaway prize. Giveaway ends May 31 and is open to US mailing addresses only.

Or, ditty bop (noun): game that requires you to let yourself go, be silly and perhaps make a fool of yourself;  vocal charades; may or may not resemble actual music.

No matter how you define it, Ditty Bop the app is FUN.

No Words Allowed!

Ditty Bop is a free social app that requires knowledge of popular music and, ideally, a decent humming voice.

The rules are simple – just choose a song and hum, whistle, beat box or sound it without using words. Then send to a friend to see if they can guess your Ditty Bop!

Playing is simple. Create an account on Ditty Bop, including a user name and, of course a rockin’ Ditty Bopper to represent you. Connect with other users – you can search by user name, request Facebook friends join the fun or play with a random Bopper. Once you have an “opponent” (because you’re in it to WIN), pick your song.

The song library is extensive with everything from popular pop (think Pink, Justin Bieber, Vampire Weekend) to country to R&B to children’s music. I stumped my first random opponent with Laurie Berkner’s “We Are the Dinosaurs”. I’ll give us both  the benefit of the doubt and assume a) she doesn’t have children or else she would have recognized it because b) I hummed the tune perfectly.

Now you’re on! Perfect your selected song and then send it to your opponent to guess.

We think this has the potential to be very welcome time suck. It’s fun, mindless and anyone can do it. If you want to join me (and promise not to laugh at my terribly humming), join me! Leave a comment and I’ll share my user name.

Shop! Ditty Bop is currently available for FREE in the Apple Store.

Thanks to Ditty Bop for sponsoring this post. As always, opinions are my own.

As mamas we’ve all learned the hard way that baby’s are pretty resilient. Nonetheless, we do every little thing we can to keep our babies comfortable and that’s what Crawlings are all about. The baby and toddler knee pads are a cute and effective way to protect a crawling or tumble-prone little one.

The knee pads are made of a soft and stretchy cotton/rayon/spandex blend fabric. There’s an elasticized band at the top and the bottom to help keep the knee pads in place. The pad is made of EVA cushion that’s pliable and won’t dig or scratch baby’s leg.

The back of the knee pads are vented for comfort.

Max is walking like a pro these days, so at this stage Crawlings are a colorful accessory. I would have loved to have the kneepads when Max was crawling! We have hard tile floor and, despite his perfectly designed baby knees, that just can’t feel good. The kneepads don’t hinder Max’s movement or activity at all, anything but some extra comfort. As summer approaches, the knee pads are perfect for little ones exploring the outdoors for the first time.

We think a pair of Crawlings is a super fun and original baby shower or new baby gift. Right now we’re loving the limited edition (and gender neutral) Left & Right Knee Pads, the Pink Striped Bandage Knee Pads and Baseball Knee Pads.

Shop! Crawlings are available in a variety of sweet, fun and colorful designs. Every pair is $22.

Thanks to Crawlings for providing a sample. Photos by Catherine Murton for The Shopping Mama.

Airocide is an FDA approved air purifier that completely eliminates all mold, fungi, viruses and bacteria (all major causes of allergy symptoms) that enter its chamber. What’s left is clear, crisp air. You better bet that the minute my daughter got the flu, I moved the Airocide into the girls’ room so it could work its magic. You know what? My little one didn’t get the flu. While we can’t be certain that she stayed healthy because of the Airocide, I can say that the Airocide won’t be leaving the girls’ room anytime soon.

About Airocide and The Clean Air Revolution

“This technology, developed by NASA, clears the air of virtually 100% of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) – the harmful gasses emitted by products you have around your home, like aerosol sprays, cleaning supplies, disinfectants, hobby supplies, dry-cleaned clothing, building materials, paints and paint thinners, strippers, pesticides and even air fresheners.”

Airocide has been tested over the last 12 years — check out the reduction in bacteria and mold in the following testing areas:

• Surgery – average results 73% reduction in bacteria and mold
• Office – average results 72% reduction in bacteria and mold
• Households – average results 75% reduction in bacteria and mold
• Childcare Center – average results 60% reduction in bacteria and mold
• Dental Private Practices – average results 81% reduction in bacteria and mold

How Airocide Works

“Airocide draws in harmful airborne pathogens and forces them into a densely packed matrix of highly reactive catalysts that are activated by a high intensity 254-nanometer light. The reaction destroys these harmful pathogens on contact. Nothing is captured so there is nothing to clean. All that exits is crisp, clear air, with zero ozone emissions.”

Our Experience with Airocide

In addition to making our home cleaner and healthier, the Airocide is a no-maintenance machine and has a nice sleek design that blends into the room. There is no assembly required and no filter to maintain or replace. I just pulled the Airocide out of the box and plugged it in! There is also a low hum while the Airocide is running, but it’s actually a plus in my girls’ room because it creates white noise while they are sleeping.

This quick video gives you an idea of how Airocide works and blends into your room seamlessly.There’s also a slew of raving testimonials on Airocide’s YouTube channel.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… After having the flu virus in our house and isolating it to only one person in the family, I am sold on the Airocide technology. With all of the toxins we bring into our homes, it’s more important than ever to purify the air. Airocide is maintenance-free, cutting edge technology that made our flu and allergy season noticeably easier once the machine arrived.

Or Not to Buy… The hefty price tag of $799 makes this amazing technology a major splurge.  While the Airocide technology is not inexpensive, the actual cost of ownership is only $.65 a day including maintenance costs.

Shop! You can purchase the Airocide, risk-free, here: https://www.airocide.com/order. You can find Airocide on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Disclosure: Opinions here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product.