The Shopping Mama

Stylish Travel Accessories from Vera Bradley

by Kate on May 17th, 2011 | 5 Comments | For Mama, Reviews, Spring Into Spring

If only airline companies put as much thought and consideration into travelers as Vera Bradley does… Well, a girl can dream. If airlines did, the result would be a lovely and practical experience like that envisioned by Vera Bradley. The company known for its beautiful fabric handbags has expanded its accessories collection to include a number of products that are perfect for traveling mamas – whether you’re going solo or with the family in tow.

Travel Wallet

Travelers, meet your match! This long wallet style was designed to hold your passport, boarding passes, receipts and ID. A magnetic closure secures your valuables and you’re all set for the next terminal.

I used the Travel Wallet on a recent plane trip, and while that was an unpleasant experience, I am pleased that at least *I* had my stuff together! But, seriously, the Travel Wallet ($42) is a plane traveler’s dream. With easy access pockets specifically for traveling documents like boarding passes and passport, the Travel Wallet ensures everything you need is at your finger tips. In addition to those compartments, the front flap also has a see-through ID holder, which is obviously helpful when flying – and in every day life. The wallet is useful for more than airline travel, as it has two areas for money, eight credit card spots and a zippered area for change. The back also has a pocket the length of the wallet for coupons and such.

Stylish Travel Accessories

Now that you have the wallet covered, check out some of the other pretty and practical travel accessories from Vera Bradley.

Hanging Organizer ($48) – Organize all your beauty and toiletry items in one pretty place. Not only does this make packing more simple, but you can unfold it and hang it at your destination for easy access to everything you need. For shorter trips, try the Mini Hanging Organizer ($35) that will fit nicely in your carry-on bag.

Weekender Bag ($92) – Ideal for short trips, this bag has pockets galore – four interior, two outside and a zippered pocket. The long shoulder strap is removable and the packed bag is standard carry on size. It just happens to look much prettier than the basic black roller.

Translucent Travel Pouch ($18) – Sure, you could store your carry-on liquids in a plain plastic baggie, but what fun is that when the Translucent Travel Pouch exists? Besides, you can use this checkpoint-friendly cosmetic pouch over and over again and even when you’re not traveling.

Shop! Vera Bradley Travel Accessories like the Travel Wallet are available in a wide variety of distinctive Vera Bradley prints. Check the great Travel Products section for everything from Duffel Bags to Curling Iron Covers to Laptop Sleeves.

Vera Bradley provided a sample product.

Diaper Bag Must Haves

by Kate on March 31st, 2011 | 5 Comments | On the Go

We’ve asked around (thanks, Facebook friends!) and gathered some on the go necessities for families. What are YOUR diaper bag must have items? Check out our list and add yours in the comments.

Felicia of Go Graham Go! always carries disposable bibs. Check out Nature babycare ECO Disposable Bibs (80 for $23). They’re chlorine-free, biodegradable and compostable.

Speaking of eating, Gena (Fairytales and Puppy Dog Tails) and Emilie (Baby Loving Mama) recommend carrying nutritious snacks. Even my picky son enjoys Clif Kid Twisted Fruit Ropes (24 for $15.50)- the variety pack includes three different flavors and should hold hungry kids off until dinner. If you want to bring along small snacks from home, try the Gyro Bowl Spill Resistant Kids Bowl with Lid and Felicia swears by the Munchie Mug .

With summer approaching, think skin care and pack some sunscreen. We like MD MOMS Baby Silk Sunscreen Towelettes and Little Twig Non Chemical Sunscreen.

When you need a distraction, throw a crinkle book in your bag for the babies or hand over your iPhone with kid-friendly apps (we love Juno Baby).

And, of course moms can never have too many WIPES! As Matt, the father of five year old twin boys said, “Wipes are our definite must. Not necessarily for antibacterial, but for general grubby cleanup.” Been there, done that!

***

We’re On the Go in March. Check out all of our travel picks and
shop for many of them in The Shopping Mama’s Amazon store.

Travel Tot Travel Childproofing Kit

by Kate on March 30th, 2011 | 5 Comments | On the Go

Go With:Travel Tot Travel Childproofing Kit

Why We Like It: While I’m not the most enthusiastic house proofer (I’ve bought the cabinet thingies, I just haven’t installed them), I like the idea of a handy little childproofing kit that I can take with us when we travel. Let’s face it, Grandma doesn’t have little kids living in her home anymore and her house is less than childproof. Everything in the kit is (reportedly) easy to install and fastened with non-damaging adhesive so, if it weren’t for the giant jam stain in the middle of her couch and sticky fingerprints on all her windows, Grandma would hardly know you’d been there.

Items included in the kit are: finger pinch guard, electrical outlet plug covers, foam corner guards, door knob cover, cord wind-up, sliding door lock, cabinet lock, multi-purpose straps, water thermometer, bandages, forehead thermometer, and “shhh, Travel-Tot sleeping” door hanger.

I need a few of those things for home, now that I think about it. Think how much fun a really serious child-proofer would have with this kit.

Go! The Travel Tot Childproofing Kit is available at the Travel Tot on-line store for $24.95.

***

We’re On the Go in March. Check out all of our travel picks.

Dreambaby Adjustable Car Wide Roller Shade

by Kate on March 29th, 2011 | 5 Comments | On the Go

Go With: Dreambaby Adjustable Car Wide Roller Shade

Why We Like It: With all of the hour we moms spend in the car, it is essential that everyone is happy. Nothing spoils a car ride worse than a screaming little one because of the sun streaming into her eyes. What’s worse is, they expect you to be able to fix it immediately! Well, at least this can help. The extra wide design ensures that the entire window is covered on those extra sunny days.

Go! Check out the Dreambaby Adjustable Car Wide Roller Shade available at Diapers.com for $13.89.

***

We’re On the Go in March. Check out all of our travel picks.

JJ Cole Blanket

by Kate on March 28th, 2011 | 5 Comments | On the Go

Go With: JJ Cole Blanket

Why We Like It: Sized at a generous 5 feet by 5 feet square, the JJ Cole Blanket is perfect for outdoor family time. The Blanket is made from durable material, wipes clean and is, of course, water resistant so you can use it every where from damp grass at the park to sandy beaches. It’s easy to take on the go because the Blanket folds up to a compact size that you throw over your shoulder with the attached (but removable) strap.

Go! The JJ Cole Blanket is available in three colorful styles at our affiliate Zoolu! for $29.95.

***

We’re On the Go in March. Check out all of our travel picks.

Travel in Style with GUESS Kids & Condé Nast Traveler

by Kate on March 27th, 2011 | 5 Comments | Shopping

GUESS Kids has partnered with Condé Nast Traveler to celebrate new spring fashion for kids on the go. The Editors from Condé Nast Traveler hand selected ten items that are ideal for any family getaway. The best part? Those ten styles are available from GUESS for 30% off until April 18.

There are five boys styles and five girl styles included in the sale. Here’s my favorite from each category:

Cargo Shorts with Belt ($44.50 $33.15 with discount).

Flounce Dress with Lace ($46.50 $32.55 with discount)

Twitter Giveaway

For a chance to win a $50 Guess Kids gift card, reply to our to the Cond é Nast Traveler official Twitter account stating your family travel summer vacation plans. Just tweet @cntraveler where you’re headed and you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win the prize. Just be sure to send us your answer before 6 p.m. EDT on Friday, March 18.

Shop! Visit www.GUESSKids.com and shop expert travelers’ top fashions for family travel. Use code GUESSKIDSTRAVEL for 30% off selected clothing.

ERGObaby Carrier

by Kate on March 27th, 2011 | 5 Comments | On the Go

Go With: ERGObaby Carrier

Why We Like It: Getting out of the house with an infant can be extraordinarily overwhelming, but having the right gear can make it a little easier. The ERGObaby Carrier is the ultimate in comfort for infant and toddler carriers. The fact that it’s incredibly easy to use, has a gender-neutral design and is available in Organic and Performance styles. The ERGO can be used from infancy with the Heart2Heart Insert and up to 40 pounds. And, honestly, the well-padded straps make the prospect of carrying such a large tot doable.

Want to know more? Read our ERGObaby Performance and comparison between the ERGObaby Original and Performance.

Go! The ERGObaby Carrier is available for $105, the Performance Carrier is $120 and the Heart2Heart Insert is $25.

***

We’re On the Go in March. Check out all of our travel picks.

phil&teds Lobster High Chair

by Kate on March 26th, 2011 | 5 Comments | On the Go

Go With! phil&teds Lobster High Chair

Why We Like It: Perfectly compact for travel (it collapses to 2 inches thick and weighs only 4 pound) yet robust enough for daily in home use, the phil&teds Lobster High Chair is perfect for eating on the go. The strong “claws” of the chair can attach to tables from 0.8 – 3.75 ” thick with rubber pads to protect the surface. The chair has a 5-point safety harness and can hold kids up to 37 pounds. It comes with a removable tray so when you’re dining at a restaurant your tot can avoid the grime of the table as well as the shared high chair. The tray is dishwasher safe and the cover of the Lobster can be removed to go in the washing machine.

Go! The phil&teds Lobster High Chair is $79.99 at Magic Beans. The Lobster’s little sister, the metoo is also worth a look.

***

We’re On the Go in March. Check out all of our travel picks.