February 7, 2012

Bubblebum: a portable, foldable booster seat for on the go!

We are a big family on the go. With three kids we have countless activities, playdates, carpooling, and all of that involves driving around in the car. Add to that trips to the shore during the summer and vacations during the year, and we are pretty much non-stop. I am lucky enough to drive a mini-van (yes, I am serious!) and typically have an open car seat for someone who needs it, but there are occasions here and there when I find myself lacking in a seat for someone.

Enter The Bubblebum booster seat!

This neat, colorful, and fun booster seat is totally portable and perfect for those times when a bigger traditional booster isn’t available or an option. These times may include going on vacation, riding in a taxi, rental car, or bus, or just keeping one in your back seat or trunk for emergencies or for a spare. We love keeping ours in my husband’s car, which has a much smaller backseat. He keeps one traditional car seat installed at all times, and then can bring out the Bubble Bum when he needs it if two of my children ride in his car. Some people use three Bubblebum’s in a row in a very small backseat because of its narrow profile.

The Bubblebum is small and light, so you can easily pack it on an airplane or in a school bag. It is easily inflated and is held securely in place with the car seat belt restraints. My kids enjoy sitting on it as it is cushioned and soft. And the best part is that The Bubblebum meets ALL US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and also has been tested and approved to European Standards as well! Please note The Bubblebum is suitable for children ages 4-11 years who weigh 40-80lbs and should be used only with a 3 point car seat belt. Learn more here about safety and see The Bubblebum in action! (This is a great video that has some helpful info about why using a booster is important.)

At an affordable $39.99, it’s so worthwhile to keep one (or two!) in your car for emergencies, vacations, and more.

Big Miracle: Surprisingly Awesome

Normally I wouldn’t do a movie theater review, but my family and I went to see an early screening of Big Miracle over the weekend and I just had to throw a post up here on how amazing it was.  Nate (8) is now calling it one of his favorite movies of all time and my husband and I were both riveted during the film.

The movie is based on a true story from the late 80s – a family of three whales trapped by ice in Alaska and the media blitz and huge rescue that ensues to save the family from death.  Sounds interesting but not like it would be floor-stopping, right?  It was incredible.  Drew Barrymore and Jon Krasinski star.

You can check out more about Big Miracle on the official website but seriously, if you have kids of an appropriate age, it’s a must see.  It comes out February 3rd.

(Regarding age – personally I’d say at least 5+ should be the age for this movie and that’s even if you have a 5 year old who finds nature interesting. It’s rated PG and there is some mild swearing.)

Fabulous Educational iPad & iPhone App: Stack the States

Okay guys, this app is AWESOME.  I saw Lindsay posting about this on Facebook and knew I had to download it.  Called Stack the States, you have to answer various trivia questions with a multiple choice answer of 4 possibilities.

Kids learn about state capitols, state geography and so much more.  (Which state houses which National Park and so forth.)

Nate (8) played this pretty much all day yesterday as he was in bed with a bad cold.  You play to “earn” states and he’s earned 45 of his 50 states and I can’t tell you guys how much he’s learned in just one day.  He can identify almost all of the states by shape alone, knows many of the capitals now and knows which states border one another.

Oh and you have to “stack” your states which can get pretty precarious!  If your stack topples over you are starting over, so it’s not only educational but fun. (Because that’s the best type, right?  The ones where my kids learn and they don’t even realize they are doing it…)

You can get a Lite (Free) version too but we only tried the paid version – get Stack the States for $.99 for the iPhone and $1.99 for the iPad on the iTunes store.

Aerobed for Kids: A Must-Have Travel Item with Young Children

This Aerobed for Kids (Amazon, $79.99) product has won my loyalty for life.  We’ve been using this product since Nate (8) was two years old and continue to recommend it and purchase it when need be.  (One recently popped so we’ve ordered a new one.  Plus the grandparents have this as well thanks to our recommendation)

What can I say?  This Aerobed makes sleepovers and travel very easy and very comfortable.  And I’ll just note – in total times of desperation, if you aren’t that tall, adults can sleep on this bed too. (I slept on it once!  I’m 5’6″ and my feet came to the very edge but it worked!)

A nice feature on this aerobed that you don’t get on others are the slightly raised sides that you can see in the photo – they help to encourage kids to stay sleeping on the bed and not to roll off.  Score!

It inflates with an electronic air pump in under a minute.  I just love it and always feel the need to review it every few years because we think it’s such a fabulous product and it gets such use in our house!

Get the Aerobed for Kids on Amazon for $79.99 with free shipping.

My Entire Family is Obsessed with the Ezy Roller {Video}

As you can see from the video, Cole (5) completely loves his Ezy Roller Riding Machine that Santa brought over Christmas. Beyond Cole though, I have to tell you guys, not only does Nate (8) love it, but I love it!  There are extension pieces to make it fit up to 5’5″ and it’s for ages 4+.

No pedals, no extra parts and you propel the roller around using your legs.

Order the Ezy Roller for $129.98 from Amazon with free shipping.

12 Days of iPad Apps: Day Three: Qwiki

I continue to use Qwiki, which I reviewed within the first few days of getting an iPad earlier in the year.  This app and website is like a Wikipedia for your iPad.  You can query just about anything and it’ll bring back beautiful pictures and an audio tour of whatever you are looking for information about.

Use it online if you don’t have an iPad or download the Qwiki app from the iTunes store for free.

12 Days of iPad Apps: Day Two, Temple Run

My nephew told us about this one.  There’s not much to it but it’s addicting, quick fun and free!  You’re a treasure hunter being chased by crazy monkeys and you have to jump, slide and turn.

And the best part, it’s free!  Get Temple Run on the iTunes.com store.

Gifts to Keep The Family Warm

The holidays are a perfect time to bundle up and get cozy. Here are some great gift picks to keep the whole family warm this winter.

Sunbeam LoftTec Heated Throw – A good throw is great to snuggle down with. Even better? A heated throw. Available in two neutral colors – a dark brown walnut and creamy seashell – the LoftTec Heated Throw offers Sunbeam’s highest level of softness and comfort with a thick, lofty, polyester material and Sunbeam’s ThermoFine technology that “senses and adjusts to deliver consistent warmth.” In other words, a blanket that knows what you need and delivers. I love that the 50 x 60″ throw is big enough to share (when I have to) and has 3 heat settings on a 6 foot cord to provide the perfect amount of warmth. Plus, the 3-hour automatic shut-off ensures I don’t broil all night if I fall asleep in front of It’s A Wonderful Life. $50

Khombu Bell Tower Boots – My husband lives in sandals which surprisingly are pretty ineffective at keeping your feet warm in the winter. That’s why I love these fur-lined Khombu Bell Tower boots. They are similar to another well-known boot brand, but at a fraction of the cost. Available in black or brown, the durable PU exterior is waterproof and rugged though it also looks nice enough to pass as a mid-range shoe. The interior is insulated with soft, plush fur that gives the boots a cold rating down to 20°F and Khombu’s Therolite insole that is breathable, moisture-wicking, shock-absoring and anti-fungal. The end result? Toasty toes in a boot that can go from shoveling the driveway to dinner at the in-laws. $50-$70

Petunia Stroll - Instead of piling blankets onto your babe for your winter walks, encase your little angel in Stroll by Petunia, a luxurious bunting bag. Available in seven gorgeous chenille and printed polyester designs, Stroll is lined with uber-soft velour that will make you wish they offered adult sizes. Place the bunting bag into your stroller and weave through your stroller’s safety harness. Conveniently placed zippers make it easy to get your little one in and out while keeping them snugly and warm while bundled up. Plus, you can match your Stroll to one of Petunia’s chic diaper bags or accessories like the Adorn iPhone 4 case for a complete look. $149

Fashion Friday: The Card Cubby ($20) – A Must Have Holiday Pick for Women

Last week, I was out shopping with my good friend Jen (and Mommies with Style writer!)  We were talking by one store when she remarked she had a $10 gift card from a few years ago that she wanted to go in and use.  I’m all, “I can’t believe you still have that gift card.  I always lose mine.”  She proceeded to show me her Card Cubby, a product that’s actually sold Debbie, by another Mommies with Style writer on her website, Shopaholics Shop.

Now I had seen the Card Cubby before online but never in person and you ladies have to believe me, you NEED this.  Because if you’re in any way like me, you may be carrying your coupons, gift cards and frequent buyer cards in something like this:

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Total disaster, right?  And that’s just the ones I was organized enough to put into two Ziplock bags.  I also have gift cards randomly floating around in my wallet in various hidden pockets (and they inevitably sit there and NEVER get used because I forget about them!)

Now, all of my frequent buyer cards, business cards, coupons and gift cards that were totally disorganized in my purse are sitting inside of this, the Card Cubby:

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I got it my Card Cubby in Lime Croc.  It’s alphabetized inside with tabs so you can easily find everything.

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Here I am pulling out a Children’s Place gift card from the C tab:

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This is truly a must-have.  It’s trendy looking, it keeps you organized and the price is right – $20.00.  Get the Card Cubby at Shopaholic’s Shop for $20.00 plus shipping (which is around $5).

Guys, this is an AWESOME and affordable gift to get her this holiday season!  Hurry and you can get it in time!




Razor Spark Scooter – Hot Holiday Pick for Boys {with Video}

Nate’s been asking for just a regular Razor Scooter for ages.  For whatever reason, we haven’t had a regular scooter in the house and he loves going over to his friend’s house where he gets to ride on his Razor Scooter.

So when my mother in law asked what Nate wanted, I mentioned this as a great birthday or Christmas present for him.  She gave it to him fir his birthday this past weekend and boy does he love it!  But what she actually gave him was the Razor Spark Scooter and it has the neatest add on to it – it creates sparks as they scoot!  The kids can depress a pedal in the back while scooting around and it’ll literally make huge sparks on the road/driveway as they scoot by.  My boys just LOVE this.  What boy wouldn’t?

The best deal I found online was at Walmart – Razor Spark Scooter – $49.94.  Get it in-store or order online and ship to store for free.  A fabulous gift for kids 5+!

Here’s Nate showing off how to use it:

Ride Your Way Into the Holidays (Winners Annouced)

Congratulations to our giveaway winners – Cari, Sonya and Tabitha!

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I love the look on my kids’ faces when they see something with wheels under the tree. Here are my picks for some great ride-on toys for every age – and 3 great giveaways in a super short contest below!

Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug – Perfect for tiny riders over the age of 1, the Prince Lionheart Wheely Bugs are just as fun to ride as they are adorable to look at. Available in 6 unisex designs, choose from a ladybug, bee, cow, mouse, tiger or pig to take for a whirl. The seat is padded, easy to clean and resistant to potential “accidents” from over-excitement. The multi-directional coaster wheels and handy handle will keep your tiny rider amused ride after ride. Safe for indoor or outdoor use. (Also available with a large seat for kids 3+.) $50 at Amazon.com

Kickboard USA Mini and Maxi scooter – These 3-wheeled scooters definitely make it on my top 10 list of must-haves. My kids were riding the Mini version before they were two years old and now at 5.5 and 4, they can zoom around corners, jump off of curbs and do a handful of other head-turning tricks. And we’ve had no major wipeouts or ER visits! The scooters are durable, stable, easy to ride, come in a ton of fun colors and are fairly compact. The Mini Kick is geared for kids 2-5 years old while the Maxi Kick is best for kids 6-11 (or up to 120 lbs.) The Mini comes with a T-bar handle while the Maxi also has the option of the pilot stick which allows for the best performance and handling.  

Kickboard has also been adding to their collection of accessories for the scooters including bags, bells, lights and plush buddies. But don’t let the kids have all the fun! Kickboard USA also makes 2-wheel and 3-wheel scooters for the 11-111 crowd. I recently tried out this 2-wheeled number and had a blast zipping around the block with my kids. Now if only it had a cup holder to make my walk to Starbucks faster…. Starting at $85 at Kickboard USA and totally worth it. (Scroll down for a giveaway!)

KaZAM Balance Bike – When your tot is ready to trade up, consider skipping the training wheels and going to a balance bike first. With my first, we did training wheels and it took some time to ween him off them. With my second, I’m hoping to bypass the transition by using the KaZAM Balance bike. What sets KaZAM apart?

It took a few minutes for my son to get a hang of it, but I’m hoping this will help us bypass training wheels in a few months and go straight to a regular bike. The KaZAM seems durable and is easy to steer. I only wish the seat was a little wider. KaZAM comes in red, blue, orange, green and pink and also comes bundled with a helmet for a complete ready-to-ride package. $100 at KaZAM (Scroll down for a giveaway!)

Trek Jet 20 – When your rider is ready for a real bike, Trek makes superb, sturdy bikes that will easily last through multiple children. I’m not a particular fan of cartoon characters plastered over bikes, and I love that Trek bikes look and are made like grown-up bikes. The Jet 20 is geared for kids 6 and older depending on height and ability. It features 20″ wheels, the option of either coaster or hand breaks (one of my fav features) and cool extras like a kickstand, fenders, plates, pads. The bike has a lightweight aluminum frame that means I can hoist it up on our bike rack, and a construction that will last through everything from neighborhood rides to off-road adventures AND still be passed down to younger brothers. The Jet 20 comes in blue or green though girls may prefer the color selection of the similarly designed Mystic 20. Like all Trek bikes, the Jet 20 has a lifetime warranty. Available for $220 at Trek Bikes.

** GIVEAWAYS ** Three awesome giveaways in this short contest! Enter once for all three items (if you’re only interested in one of them – mention that in the comments so I don’t send you something you don’t want!) Enter by leaving a comment below. Here’s what’s up for grabs:

1) a Kickboard USA Mini or Maxi scooter(color options may depend on available stock)

2) a Kickboard USA white 2-wheeled Kick Scooter for teens or adults (up to 220 lbs)

3) a KaZAM Balance Bike in any color (except pink)

Earn additional entries by tweeting about the contest with the hashtag #MWSridegiveaway or posting about the contest on Facebook. Be sure to leave us an additional comment for each extra entry you do.

Contest is open to U.S. residents only. Sorry no PO boxes. Contest open until 11:59pm on Wednesday, December 14th!

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Note: MWS was not paid for this post. Some of the companies provided samples for review.

Staples As Your One Stop Tech Shop for Holiday Gifts

Earlier this month, I blogged about going holiday shopping at Staples.  I talked about how traditionally, I had only really thought of Staples as an office supply store.  It’s really evolved into so much more.

One of the product categories that they’ve become a superstore for is anything tech-related.  I was in my local store today and truly the entire first half of the store is dedicated to products like laptops, e-readers, cameras, printers and more.  It’s pretty impressive and the prices are competitive to any other store you’ll find out there.

As I don’t want to ruin the surprise because the giftee(s) may be reading this post, I’ll list a bunch of products here that you can get at Staples right now, awesome, right?

Vivitar ViviCam 7.1 MP Digital Camera – $39.99

Sony 4GB MP3 Walkman – $69.99

Kindle Fire – $199.99

Logitech Speaker Stand for iPad – $69.99

Nook Tablet – $249.99

Tony Hawk USB Drive – 10.99 (Great stocking stuffer!)

Lastly, can I tell you guys how helpful the staff was at Staples?  I went in and was chatting with one customer rep who worked there and mentioning everyone I had yet to buy for.  She was asking me insightful questions and really helped me find the perfect gift.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a gift card to check out Staples holiday technology product options.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hot Holiday Pick: V-Tech InnoTab ($79)

While the iPad’s great, it’s expensive and can be a lot to handle for little hands.  There’s where something like the V-Tech InnoTab comes in.  This touchscreen handheld system is both educational and entertaining for preschoolers.

This multimedia tablet includes age-appropriate e-books that kids are sure to love.  You can update and customize through your USB cable and the computer and you can buy cartridges for different games.

Age recommendation is 4-9 years old; the screen is 5-inches.

The V-Tech InnoTab is $79 with free shipping on Amazon.

On Sale Now: Lands End Women’s Hat & Gloves Set

It’s official:  after last weekend’s “Snowtober,” the winter coats and accessories are now out and in our closet.  One of my new winter hat and glove sets are these Fair Isle Button Gloves and Hat.  Cute, right?  They’re warm too!  Get the gloves on sale right now for $27.65 (normally $39.50)

Also, you can almost always find a great sale going at LandsEnd.com.  Here’s a current coupon code for 10% off and free shipping: 

Coupon code: PARENTSA11 PIN:8445
 
Lastly, don’t forget to join me for the Lands End Winter Warm Up Twitter Event this Wednesday!  Here are the details.  I’ll be on and chatting from 5-6 pm CDST.  (I’m @WhitneyMWS and the hashtag is #landsend)

Date:               Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Time:              4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CDST
Location:        #landsend

BuggyLove: Organic Stroller Cleaning Kit

While neither of my boys are in strollers anymore, it feels like just yesterday that I pushed them along in one.  And it’s not hard to remember how disgusting their strollers would get from a variety of baby-related things – spit up on the straps, crushed food on the seat.

Enter BuggyLove.  This Organic Stroller Cleaning Kit is ingenious.  I would totally invest in one of these if I still had a child in a stroller because I think it’s just such an easy convenient way to keep your stroller clean.  The Kit comes with FreshLOVE, PolishLOVE, FabricLOVE, WheelLOVE, Re-usable To-Go Bag, Wheel Scrub Bruch, and Re-claimed Microfiber Cloth.

You can basically use these products for air freshening in your car, to wipe down your stroller (and it’s organic, hence safe!) or even on the car seat for a quick wipe down.

I’ve already tucked away the spray bottle of FreshLOVE in my minivan.  Because even though this product’s intended for baby smells, I’m finding it works nicely on stinky soccer boy smell too.

Get the Kit for $49.99 on BuggyLove.com.

Photo Fun with Smilebox, Plus A Giveaway

How much fun is this slideshow that I made up from my cousin Emily’s wedding in Vermont last weekend?   I used Smilebox, a photo sharing service that makes sharing photos and making cool slideshows like the one below incredibly easy.  It probably took me no more than 15 minutes to put this slideshow together.

(Hit the arrow on the bottom right to play it once you are in there!)

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow
Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox
Free slideshow design created with Smilebox

Neat, right? You can make scrapbook pages, holiday cards, invites and more. Print them, post them to Facebook, email them to a friend. As you can see, there are lots of options!

Smilebox also has an iPhone app – snap photos on your phone and edit them from there!

Giveaway:  One lucky Mommies with Style reader can win a year subscription to the desktop service!  To enter to win, simply comment below.  One winner will be selected at random after Sunday, October 23rd.

Disclaimer:  I was compensated for testing out Smilebox but all opinions and thoughts in this post are my own.

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