The Shopping Mama

Radio Flyer Build-A-Trike: Amazing Custom Tricycle Designed by You! {Review}

by Kate on May 17th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Reviews, Toys

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.

4moms Breeze {Review & Giveaway}

by Kate on May 15th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Baby, Gear, Giveaways, Reviews

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.

Crawlings Baby & Toddler Knee Pads {Review}

by Kate on May 13th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Baby, Reviews, Toddler

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 and The Clean Air Revolution {Review}

by Amy on May 13th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Reviews

My two little girls (four and six years old) insist on sharing a room. While it’s very sweet of them to want to be together, there is one huge down-side to the set-up: When one gets sick, it’s almost certain that the other will be sick just days later. When we first received the Airocide for review, I decided to set it up in our bedroom because allergies hit me fairly hard this time of year. The day after I plugged in the Airocide unit, my six year old came down with the flu. Yes, the FLU.

product_airocide1 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.

Dogeared Jewels at Zappos.com {Review}

by Kate on May 9th, 2013 | 5 Comments | For Mama, Reviews, Style

Every mom will tell you it’s not the gift but the thought that counts. Instead of picking one or the other, you can get both with Dogeared Jewels. The simple necklaces are packaged with a sentimental note that expresses a sweet message for mama (or any recipient).

Mom Sparkle Heart Necklace

You are always in my heart. Wear your necklace as a reminder of how much I love you!

The Mom Sparkle Heart Necklace is a simple, classic heart shape charm on an 18 inch chain. There’s a 2 inch extended so you can adjust the length a bit. The heart charm is very small but full of detail and texture to provide interest.

It’s perfect for layering and I’ve paired it with another simple necklace. It goes with, literally, everything so I find myself wearing it day after day.

All of the Dogeared Jewels necklaces at Zappos are affordable and well worth the price. There’s a necklace for every occasion, but they are perfectly suited for Mother’s Day in particular.

Shop! Zappos.com has a great collection of Dogeared Jewels, including the Mom Sparkle Heart Necklace. Get Gold-Dipped Sterling Silver for $68 and Sterling Silver for $62.

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We are delighted to include Dogeared Jewels from Zappos in our Mother’s Day Gifts Galore Giveaways. Enter the New Mama Prize Package and the Every Day Extraordinary and for a chance to win a Mom Sparkle Heart Necklace.

Thanks to Zappos for providing a sample and the giveaway prize. Photos by Catherine Murton for The Shopping Mama.

Funktion Mommassentials: Baby Stuff, Your Style {Review}

by Kate on May 8th, 2013 | 5 Comments | For Mama, On the Go, Reviews

Without question our lives change after baby (understatement of the year), but our sense of – and commitment to – style doesn’t need to. Funktion Mommassentials is a line of accessories created to allow mom to carry a bag designed for her and not for baby. The collection provides all the function you expect from a diaper bag while still carrying your beloved handbag.

Mommassentials

The Mommssentials is available as a complete set ($149) and is also sold individually.

Bottle Holder: insulated to keep baby’s bottle at a safe temperature and protects your bag from spills
Changing Pad: generously sized with pocket to keep diapers
Wipes Case: stylish way to hold the ultimate diaper bag essential!
Grab Bag: drawstring bag to hold extra clothes, cloth diapers or anything else you need to grab on the go
Paci Purse: colorful little container protects baby’s must have pacifier
Clutch: grab and go with this classic clutch designed to replace your wallet
Cosmetic Case: a little something to keep your somethings organized

Funktion Changing Pad

We’ve been using the Changing Pad for on the go diaper changes and to wrangle diaper change necessities. The Changing Pad folds into a slightly-larger than diaper size package but unfolds into a deceptively large pad for baby. The changing pad is cushioned and provides a large area for squirmy babies to rest. The pocket on the front is large enough to hold a few diapers, small container of wipes and even diaper ointment.

While we think the Diaper Pad is modern and stylish for moms, it’s also perfect for dads. A few weekends ago while I was out of town and my husband was on solo-daddy-duty, the Changing Pad was his constant companion. He tossed it in the stroller or right into the minivan so he was always prepared.

The Changing Pad is perfect for the transition from the newborn stage when you have to tote everything and the kitchen sink and the toddler phase when you don’t need anything but diapers. Stock it, toss it in your favorite handbag and you’re ready to go.

Shop! The Changing Pad is $29 – a perfectly affordable gift for moms. Visit FunktionMoms.com to purchase and check out the complete line.

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We are delighted to include Funktion Mommassentials in our Mother’s Day Gifts Galore Giveaways. Enter the New Mama Giveaway for a chance to win a the Complete Mommassentials Set.

Thanks to Funktion Moms for providing the sample and giveaway prize. Photos by Catherine Murton for The Shopping Mama.

SwimZip Bathing Suit: Easiest Girl’s Suit to Put On. Ever. {Review}

by Kate on May 7th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Clothes, Reviews

Last summer, after a particularly frustrating day of wrestling my daughter in and out of her wet bathing suit, we blogged about the best bathroom break-friendly bathing suits for girls. At the time, the main factor was a two-piece bathing suit because of the obvious benefit over a one-piece when dealing with an active little girl. But now we realize there’s another characteristic to make it even easier: the zipper. SwimZip makes it ridiculously easy to dress and undress your tot – girl or boy! – with a zip.

SwimZip was created by a mom who survived skin cancer to provide important UV protection in a stylish easy-on easy-off bathing suit for kids. The bathing suits feature zippered rash guards with SPF 50+ protection. In addition to the safety features that keep mom happy, there are comfort solutions to keep your little one satisfied like the no-pinch zipper flap, tagless neck, and zipper garage around the neck.

My little swimmer is wearing the Sassy Surfer. And sassy she is.

As you would expect, putting on the suit is a breeze. Just put arms in, zip up and then step into the bottoms.

She is wearing a 4T to 5T in regular clothes and she’s wearing the size 4T bathing suit. The top fits generously but the bottom fits very true to size.

Celebrity Fans!

While it’s obvious my daughter has star potential – I mean, have you seen her pose? – she already has celeb taste. That’s right, my 4 year old picked the same bathing suit as cute little Seraphina Affleck. I hope it’s not awkward when they show up at an A-list kids play date wearing the same suit. Because obviously that’s bound to happen this summer.

Stylish Suits for Babies, Toddlers and Kids

SwimZip swimwear is available in sizes 0-3 months through size 9 in great styles for boys and girls.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… SwimZip swimwear achieve the trifecta: UV protection, easy to get on and off and stylish. The design includes thoughtful details, fun youthful flair and quality materials. We definitely recommend hitting the water in SwimZip this summer!

Or Not to Buy… Styles are selling out so shop quickly to find your favorite style in the correct size.

Shop! SwimZip swimwear two-piece suits are $29.99. Visit SwimZip.com to shop.

Thanks to SwimZip for providing a sample.

Uncommon iPhone Case {Review}

by Kate on May 5th, 2013 | 5 Comments | For Mama, Reviews

I never leave the house without my iPhone. I admit that I am totally addicted. Between the Instagram, Facebook and access to news and sports websites… I just can’t live without it. The apps and the way I use my phone make it mine, and I think it should look like it’s mine. There is no shortage of iPhone cases on the market, but nothing beats the originality and personality of the Uncommon Customizable iPhone Case because you can upload your own photo.

Your Child’s Art = Personalized iPhone Case

Creating an iPhone case is simple and fun. You simply take a photo or scan the artwork that you’d like to use and upload it to GetUncommon.com. You can select the type of device and case you want to make and then alter the design to be perfect. You can even rotate the image and add text.

I uploaded a (very) abstract finger paint masterpiece that both my 4 and 6 year old worked on. It may not find its way to a museum wall, but obviously I love it because they made it. It’s colorful, fun and definitely reflects my day-to-day life as a mom.

The case itself is a two-piece Capsule case with a slim fit, a raised case to protect the screen side, access to all the buttons and switches. I’ll admit that I get a bit nervous without a mega heavy duty case on my iPhone with kids around, but the Capsule provides enough protection to give me peace of mind that it won’t shatter at any moment.

Shop NOW for Mother’s Day

While you’re adding an iPhone case personalized with your child’s art to your Mother’s Day list, go ahead and get one for the other mamas on your shopping list. We think it’s the perfect gift for connected grandmothers – they adore our children’s masterpieces as much as we do. Order by May 6 and choose UPS Next Day Air to receive cases for Mother’s Day! Check out the details at GetUncommon.

Shop! Uncommon iPhone cases are $35 to $40, iPod Touch cases are $30 to $35 and iPad cases are $60.

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We are delighted to include Uncommon in our Mother’s Day Gifts Galore Giveaways. Enter the Mamarazzi Giveaway for a chance to win a $50 Gift Credit.

Thanks to GetUncommon for providing a sample and the giveaway prize. Photos by Catherine Murton for The Shopping Mama. Art by my kiddos.