I know most of us are shopped out, but don’t forget to visit our Holiday Shopping Guide before it comes down in just a few more days. Get up to 20% off at tons of great storefronts. And many of these shops are having great post-holiday sales too!
Smarter Snacks Roundup – Snacktrition, Kashi Bars and Cookies & Bear Naked Granolas
December 28, 2008 By 1 Comment
I love to snack, and since I’ve been following Weight Watchers for the past several months, my choices have been smarter and usually packed with protein to fill me up. I’ve been choosing to snack on crunchy nuts from Snacktrition, healthy whole grain cookies and bars from Kashi, and yummy low fat granolas from Bear Naked. I also love that I can share these snacks with my husband and my preschooler. While some of the snacks may be higher in fat, when you factor in nutritional info, serving sizes, fiber and sugar content, and calories; they are smarter and more filling choices.
Snacktrition offers nuts with calcium and fiber added. How awesome is that? My favorite is their Calcium Sea Salt Almonds - bascially, they sprinkle the almonds with calcium, oven roast it and season with sea salt. While they weren’t very low in fat, I used them a protein source and enjoyed a decent serving size of a 1/4 cup. I also enjoyed their Calicum Smoked Almonds. You can also get their cashews with added fiber – choose from Fiber Sea Salt Cashews or Fiber Salt and Pepper Cashews. We also loved their Fruit and Nut Mix with baked with added calcium and fiber. My husband bascially ran off with this mix and wouldn’t share! The snacks come in either 3oz bags for $2.99 each or 9oz reusable tubs for $6.99 each.
Kashi make terrific whole grain cookies and bars. I’m crazy about their GOLEAN Crunchy Bars. Packed with 6 grams of fiber, I’ll grab this when I know that I’m not going to get a chance to eat breakfast. Their Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Cookie is delish too – they’re baked with Kashi’s Seven Whole Grain blend and peanuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, cranberries, walnuts, shredded coconut, flax seeds, and dark chocolate. I like giving my preschooler their Oatmeal Raisin Flax Cookies as a healthy snack. It contains 600 mg of Omega – 3′s. Since it is a big cookie, he always feels special when I give him one.
Bear Naked has a new Fit Granola - made with whole grains, freeze dried blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and nuts. It’s low sugar and high in fiber. Choose from Vanilla Almond Crunch or Triple Berry Crunch. They contain 1.5 grams of fat per delicious serving. I’ve always been a fan or granola, so I was excited to find a yummy lowfat choice. My preschooler loved the regular granola in the Apple Cinnamon flavor.
Snacktrition, Kashi and Bear Naked are widely available across the country.
Road trip entertainment
December 28, 2008 By 1 Comment
We spent six hours in the car yesterday. I was dreading the drive – for weeks, the trip’s been looming over my head with dreaded anticipation, especially since my two year old has an aversion to sitting in the car seat for more than five minutes.
So I got prepared. I stocked the car with a number of new toys from Santa to entertain from the road, and the trip couldn’t have gone smoother.
Some of the toys that the kids really loved include:
Sticker sets from My Little Ducks. Such a small, silly thing and they must have each spent at least an hour arranging and rearranging the vinyl stickers on these playsets. (Use coupon code MWS15 for 15% off your order)
My 5-year-old LOVED the Tag Reading System from LeapFrog. He went through several stories and we’re loving this toy, which reads stories outloud. (By the way, I also got the Storage Case, which stores the reader and all the books neatly in a case that’s easy for little hands to carry around. And of course after the slew of toys we received at Christmas, I’m a big fan of anything that contains the toys.)
Kids Activity Packs by Four Peas from Mom4Life. I got each of the boys one of the Mini Sports Fan Activity Pack – a small plastic case that’s full of all sorts of goodies that include: Colored tablet, activity pad, silly putty, crayons, make-a-race car sticker sheet, assorted stickers, iridescent sticker sheet, mini porcupine ball, pull back neon race car, sports ball (or race car) notepad, squishy frog, and magic springs. (Go through the link to get 8% off the purchase on the Mom4Life website – search on “activity pack”).
I put as much as I could in a portable Kargaroo Portable Pouch from Mom4Life. I got one for each kid, they attached to the car seat. They were great to have – having certain toys within their reach cut down on the amount of times I had to turn around. (Go through the link to get 8% off the purchase on the Mom4Life website – search on “portable pouch”).
Overnight Travel Made Easy
December 25, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Did you wake up in your own bed this morning? If not, you’re like many of us who end up traveling for the holidays and spending the night on spare beds, couches or floors. Doing this with kids in tow can be even more challenging. Though my youngest is still in a crib and can overnight easily in a pack-n-play, my 2.5 yr old is in a twin bed at home and our travels don’t always take us to somewhere with an extra bed. So I was thrilled to come across the Aerobed for Kids. Aerobed makes a number of great blow-up mattresses and accessories, but their kid mattress is the perfect addition for any family that travels often.
The Aerobed for Kids includes a 50″ x 25″ mattress, electric pump, plush fleece mattress cover, patch kit and storage/travel bag. The pump was small and relatively quiet, pumping up the mattress in about a minute. (If you’re looking to use the mattress for camping or other outlet-less places, you might want to consider the rechargeable battery-powered pump). The fleece mattress cover was super soft and came in handy when we forgot to pack my son’s sleeping bag and had to use it as a bottom sheet. Though perfect for toddlers with the 4″ bumper that surrounds the mattress, with its ability to hold up to 150 lbs, I know the mattress will last us for many years to come. Pack-up was just as easy with a quick deflate and an easy fit into the storage bag. And with the entire product weighing in at less than 6 lbs, the Aerobed is easy enough to take anywhere.
For the holidays or travels year-round, the Aerobed is a perfect post-pack-n-play sleep solution for your little – and not so little – ones. Though your packages may already be open, enjoy another holiday treat from Aerobed and get free shipping until January 19th, 2009 when you use the code “MWSFREESHIP” at checkout. Happy holidays!
Where’s Santa?
December 24, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Santa’s already hard at work delivering presents in other parts of the world — track his progress with your kids today on Norad Tracks Santa in 2008. Check out the fun Christmas games too!
New Years Resolution Revolution – The Bob “Stroller Strides” Edition
December 23, 2008 By 5 Comments
I’m a slacker when it comes to group fitness. For years I have been watching the Stroller Strides group working out on my corner. I’ve watched it mushroom (as I drove by en route to my morning Starbucks coffee fix) from a small handful of moms to a veritable posse of close to fifty women, almost all of them pushing identical red Stroller Strides Special Edition Strollers from Bob.
Leave it to me to notice the strollers above all else. Because if anything is going to motivate me to work out, it’s a stroller. Jogging Strollers are to me, what a shiny new notebook is to a student starting the semester. All promise. All fresh start. And all good intentions. So while September/Back-to-School is my office organization time, January/New Year’s is the time to get my butt in gear!
I’ve tried dozens of jogging/all terrian/fitness oriented strollers in the past. Only to find that few of them have truly delivered. I was starting to think that they were all the same – fine to push with a little baby in them, but get a kid over 30lbs in them and you will fast learn the true meaning of the word “schlep”. It’s enough to make a mom stay home! However, the sheer number of happy, smiling, buff women in my hood pushing bigger kids in a Bob (or a Bob Duallie) made me want to give it a try.
I’m so glad we got to see what all the fuss is about. The Bob Stroller Strides Stroller is a joy to push and a total keeper. This spring you may even see me walking to get my coffee. Imagine!
Continue reading for slideshow, video and the specifics about why I love the Bob Stroller Strides Edition Stroller:
Two-day shipping, still available until 3 pm PST today on Amazon
December 22, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Who wants to deal with the crowds at this point? I’m so over the lack of parking at the mall, the traffic outside of my house and the general hubbub out and about in the real world. So when I needed one more thing this morning, I was happy to see that I could still get two-day shipping on Amazon if I ordered by 3 pm PST today to guarantee arrival by Christmas.
Some last minute toys to consider include:
For toddlers, this 57-piece Parents Bristle Blocks Spinners Set. It’s available for $36.99. (And I’m a big fan this year of toys that come in buckets – which means they have a nice little spot to clean them up and put them away into after my kids are done playing with them!)
The T-Rex Rampage Set from Hot Wheels, for ages 4+. This playset includes a “chomping dinosaur with ferocious sounds and collapsible buildings, like an “exploding” gas station and a dilapidated bridge that can be erected and destroyed, again and again,” sure to be a hit with boys of all ages.
Barbie’s Candy Glam Style Station – style Barbie’s hair, give her make-up and add glitter with the glitter wand (ooh, aaaaah). Girls will love. The toy even smells like candy. It’s $40 on Amazon.
the Playskool Clipo Bucket, great for travel and for kids ages 18 months +, the building possibilities are endless with these types of sets. It sells for $23.21 on Amazon.
Last Minute, No Fail Gift – The Leapster 2 from Leapfrog
December 22, 2008 By 1 Comment
Looking for a last minute gift that is sure to be a hit? You can’t miss with a Leapster2 Learning system from Leapfrog. There’s still time to get it there by Christmas if you order from Amazon, in the next 48 hrs.
Over the last few months Leapster has become a part of our lives. My four year old son, an emerging reader, got a Leapster 2 unit and a bunch of games prior to a long family road trip. It was his first plunge into the world of handheld educational electronics. He dove right in, and has been swimming happily since.
I have to admit that I was skeptical about giving him a Leapster. My daughters had the very first Leapster unit several years ago, and never played with it much. It went through batteries too fast, was heavy, and prone to malfunction. Because of this, I’m sorry to say, I’ve mostly stayed away from Leapfrog products until recently.
But this time around it’s a whole other story. They have won me back. The unit is smaller and lighter with a big bright screen, and is immediately kid-user friendly. I have to ration out Leapster time to my son. Often he continues to “play” the games even after the session is over. In the supermarket the other day he was identifying veggies and what we could make with them, acting out scenes and recipes from the Leapster game “Ratatouille”. He’s learned so much spelling, math, reading, and language arts skills from his Leapster Games that I’m concerned that he’s not going to have much left to learn in Kindergarten next fall! It is amazing how easily these things “stick” when they are learned as part of a fun game with recognizable characters. His favorites include Diego, Spiderman and above all… Wall E!
One thing that is really unique about the Leapster2 is that it is the only handheld preschool gaming system that connects to the LeapFrog Learning Path—an online, interactive tool that allows parents to see what their child is learning. As kids play games on the go, they “unlock” rewards online on the LeapFrog Learning Path site. They can connect online to see their rewards as well as play additional fun games and learning activities. Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog Learning Path to get detailed updates on the skills their kids are mastering, games they are playing and questions they are still working on.
More reasons to love Leapster 2:
* The vast library of games – there is something for everyone
* The broad age/ability range – this is a gaming system that will work from about age 3-8
* The durability & size of the games themselves (Lets just say that someone’s big sisters have Nintendo DS’s. And have lost every single teeny tiny little ds game that I have shelled out the $ for!)
Leapster sells storage cases and accessories for the Leapster 2. Leapster 2 is also compatible with all previous model games so you won’t have to give them up if you already own them.
If you are in a bind, looking for a last minute gift that will not disappoint, I cannot think of a better recommendation than the Leapster 2. Get it at Amazon quick! It’s on sale as of publication – marked down $10 off MSRP.
Mia Moda Cielo Evolution: Taking the Travel Stroller several steps further
December 21, 2008 By 5 Comments
About a year and a half ago, I reviewed the Mia Moda Cielo, an award winning, space saving stroller. I described it as “a traveler’s dream.” And it still is.
But in 2008, Mia Moda took the unique Cielo and evolved it into the Cielo Evolution. The Evolution, at its bare-bones, is still the Cielo. It still has the fabulous 3 step fold that becomes no bigger, and no heavier, than a piece of luggage. It will still fit comfortably into a small car trunk. And it comes in a carry bag that, folded, the stroller will zip back into and sling over your shoulder. As before, the perfect travel stroller.
But they added more to the Evolution. First, it weighs about 4 pounds more (Totaling just over 18 pounds, to the Cielo’s 14). The fold size is also a little bit more, but the open size, nearly the same. But here’s what I love so much more about the Cielo Evolution and makes it so much more worth it to me: The seat, which seems more cushioned, has stronger side cushions. (I’m not really sure what to call these, but they frame the side of the seat, kind of like a pillow for the baby.) A combination of the stronger cushion and the new adjustable armrests made me feel much more secure with a 6-month-old in the seat: a lot less wiggle room makes for a much more comfortable strolling mama.
Both the Evolution and the original have amazing turn radius’s and super smooth pushes. The breaks are easy to control with just one foot. Set-up and fold are simple, but take a bit of practice in the beginning, namely because they’re so different than the typical stroller.
Available at Strollers.com, the Cielo Evolution ships for free, no code needed. Recommended for children ages 6 months – 40 pounds.
Did you enter to win a Sony digital camera from Staples yet?
December 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Well, why haven’t you?
Hurry up – two days left!
Beech-Nut Baby Food: A Natural Choice! & Giveaway
December 20, 2008 By 16 Comments
While I’m happy that my 11 month old is more interested in food these days — I worry about her getting enough nutrition, since she won’t nurse anymore and drinks a lot less formula. I want to make sure she gets enough DHA– a nutrient naturally found in breast milk, which supports an infant’s visual and mental development. It’s also added to the formula I’ve been using. Beech-Nut was the first company to add DHA to their food, with their DHA plus+ line. It also includes an all-natural prebiotic, which supports babies’ digestive health by stimulating the growth of “good” bacteria. It contains no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, added sugar or salt.
My daughter loves sweet potatoes and carrots, so giving her Beech-Nut’s DHA plus+ Sweet Potatoes and Carrots was a no brainer. The DHA plus+ Whole Grain Cereal with Raspberries and Whole Wheat Pasta Parmesan were also gobbled down heartily.
We also like Beech-Nut’s Good Morning & Good Evening line. Both contain whole grains and are designed to give baby a good start and good finish for their day. The Good Morning Creamy Wheat with Peaches and the Good Morning Mixed Fruit Yogurt were my daughter’s favorites. A Good Evening dinner fave was the Creamy Chicken Noodle Dinner.
When it comes to baby cereal, Beech-Nut does one of the smartest things I’ve seen — they package their cereal in an “Easy Pour Package”, which mimics a 1/2 gallon of milk and really pours easily. I appreciate that the cereal doesn’t get all over my counter when I try to pour a little — like the standard box of baby cereal.
We are giving away three (3) Beech-Nut baby gift bags. Each bag contains a variety of Stage 2 jarred purees and cereals, including options from their Good Morning & Good Evening and DHA plus lines. The estimated value of each gift bag is $15.
To enter, post a comment and let us know which variety of baby food you’d like to see on the shelves next.
Help save handmade products in the USA
December 19, 2008 By 1 Comment
The following is a guest post from MWS member Angie, also the owner of Made by Angie. A big thank you to Angie for writing this up to make our readers more aware of the situation:
Let me guess. You have heard about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) recently and are really confused. You’re not alone! Here is what it’s all about, in a nutshell.
In 2007, large toy manufacturers outsourcing to China and other developing countries sold numerous children’s products tainted with lead and phthalates within the US. Simply put, they made kids sick. Rightfully reacting, the US Congress cracked down passing the aforementioned law in August 2008 requiring mandatory safety testing for all toys and products geared towards children ages 12 and under.
In theory, we as parents and consumers should be thrilled with this action. However, the reality is that thousands of small businesses will be forced to close because the testing procedures are prohibitively expensive and in many cases, redundant. Seems a bit silly to test cloth diapers made from 100% organic cotton materials or the hand chiseled wooden train bought from a local craft fair.
On February 10, 2009 this law will go into effect and without modification, will threaten a majority of the small businesses (many mom-run) who we’ve turned to for unique, innovative and SAFE children’s products (not just toys…think clothing, shoes, bedding, jewelry, sports equipment and so on).
If you buy handmade, this law will effect you. Prices will likely rise to absorb testing costs and your choices in the marketplace will be limited.
Here’s what you can do to help.
1. Start by telling everyone you know…discuss on the boards, at school and playgroup.
2. Vote for amending the law on Change.org. With enough votes it will be presented to President Obama in January!
3. Find your congress person and senators and write a letter like the sample here.
4. Sign this petition, to be submitted to the CPSC.
5. Check out these additional resources:
Facebook -Help Save Handmade Toys from the CPSIA and Handmade Toy Alliance
Last minute gift ideas: WordWorld products at Target
December 19, 2008 By Leave a Comment
All the little WordWorld (PBS Kids) fans out there have the potential to be thrilled this holiday season with a new line of products being sold exclusively at Target.
They have them in-store so get yourself over there if your kids like Word World — or order online, you can still get it by Christmas if you order it today with 2-day shipping.
I Can Has TastyBaby? Pleeze?
December 18, 2008 By 2 Comments
Recently we tested a line of fresh frozen organic baby food that had us cracking up. Strange thing to say, I know but if you’ve ever read the website I Can Has Cheezeburger and seen the ironically captioned images of fat “lolcats” pining over tempting treats, then you can appreciate the look of sheer drooling drama on my very own LOLbaby when presented with Tastybaby baby food. Poor thing was beside himself with the yumminess.
My son already had discriminating taste. I’ve been preparing his food fresh at home but apparently I have not been doing it quite right. I’ve not mastered the combinations, spices or freshest organic ingredients, perhaps. Hard to say. All I know is that while my homemade food may be palatable, Tastybaby food is Gourmet. It’s the STUFF. Note: Maybe this is why a fight broke out amongst the older children over who got to eat the leftover Bangos. Except there were no leftovers. The container was licked clean. My husband, meanwhile, ended up eating the Mama Mia entrees. And he only got to do this because the baby is not eating wheat products yet. The baby looked pretty peeved that Daddy was scarfing his food!
One thing I really love about the Tastybaby line of food is that Amazon.com ships it for free. Another great thing is that they have incredible recipes on their site, incorporating their foods into family friendly recipes. If you have older picky eaters you might want to look into ordering some of these delicious pureed food in order to sneak a little healthy nutrition into everyday fare.
Even though I make my baby’s food myself 80% of the time, I am so glad to be able to have Tasty Baby entrees on hand in the freezer/fridge. It makes life so much easier when we are headed to Grandma’s or have run out of fresh ingredients to make our own. It’s a much healthier and tastier option than the overcooked, nearly tasteless “shelf stable” standard baby fare.
More Under $50 Gifting Highlights
December 17, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Try as I may, I’m still not finished shopping for the hoildays. Who’s left? Swim Coach, Football Coach, one sitter and two sisters. Here’s my plan, and a few other highlights:
So, for my sister, I am gathering a bunch of low priced gifts. I mentioned before that she’s getting the Tassi for her hair. I’ll be putting it inside a personalized tennis bag, which is so cute and can be used for anything… work, errands, etc. I found the bag and a cosmetic at American Bridal, which sells gifts that can be used for bridal parties, but really should be gifted for so much more. Robes, bags, flasks… that’s just the beginning. Right now they’re offering an additional 30% off anything on overstock. And you’ll find codes here to use for fantastic savings on many of their items… like 60% off many personalized bags.
Also inside the bag will be a Lula Lu Bralette. Lula Lu specializes in petite lingerie, which, anyone who is petite in this area knows its hard to find. I’ve even heard of some teenie tinies who have resorted to having their lingerie tailored at Nordstrom. Finally, with a shop like Lula Lu, tiny girls can shop for their actual size. Free shipping when you spend over $100, no code necessary.
The other sister is getting another grabbag of gifts. Having just moved to NYC, she’s needing hip style and lots of comfort. So I know she’ll love my gifts for her. Under our tree she’ll find:
She’ll be walking blocks to and from work each day (she loves to tell me who she sees filming TODAY each morning.) YogaToes are BPA-free rubbery toe inserts that are placed between your toes to exercise, separate and stretch your toes back to natural alignment. Wearing them for just a little while each day, after a lot of walking, standing or heel-wearing makes an enormous difference on not only your feet but on your entire posture. Available in many giftsets, this sister is getting her YogaToes with mini-massagers.
Sorry, but you’re going to have to head to the mall for this part. And do it tonight. Ending today (maybe tomorrow, but I don’t want to promise anything) GAP has all scarves, hats and gloves on sale for just $10 each. And seeing as how she’s moved from warmish Charlotte to NYC, this sister needs all the heating accessories she can get. So get a set for your giftee today. And if you do want to order from GAP right now, pick up something from Piperlime and you’ll get free shipping.
The sitter, swim and football coaches, who all practically live at the gym, will be gifted items from the LIVESTRONG collection from Nike. The quality is completely Nike, which means totally what an athlete needs. I have a hat, shirt and hoodie, all in stretchy-lycra material that doesn’t sweat. Key for a quality gym workout. The coaches are getting LIVESTRONG hats, which have to be the lightest weight hats I’ve ever held. The sitter is getting a dri-ft rib tank. LOVE giving these gifts, since the profits benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation. You can purchase the collection at nikestore.com, as well as many department stores and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Beech-Nut Let’s Grow! Toddler Meals and Snacks Giveaway Winners
December 17, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Thank you to everyone who entered our Beech-Nut Let’s Grow! Toddler Meals and Snacks Giveaway.. These foods come with Beech-Nut’s No Junk Promise – which promises no artificial flavors, colors, MSG or preservatives, and has all-natural ingredients without any trans fats or added refined sugar, and are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Each package will tell you exactly how the item follows Beech-Nut’s strict guidelines for the No Junk Promise.
We chose three random winners: Amanda, Amy and Sarah. Amanda said, "My 18 month old daughter LOVES the banana cookies!! I am so excited, my local Supermarket just got the entire product line."
Amy said, "I am ALWAYS on the lookout for great tasting no junk food for my two year old. He loves to snack in between lunch and dinner, but I want to give him something I feel good about in case he chooses not to eat dinner for one two year old reason or other! Thanks Beechnut for the great choices."
Sarah said "I love the No Junk promise. Very few foods marketed to our children offer that or seem to care enough to not put junk into their bodies."
They each won a Beech-Nut Let’s Grow! toddler gift bags. Each bag contains a variety of the new Let’s Grow! meals and snacks, including Tummy Trays, Mini Meals, Yogurt Nibbles, 7 Grain Nibbles and Wakey Flakes Cereal with an estimated value of $15 each. This Friday, we will be posting a Beech-Nut Baby Food Giveaway.
