Chic Shopper Chick » toddler gear

Gimme a Boost, Mom! (Giveaway CLOSED)

Erika — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:25:08 +0000

Little AG has officially been two years old for less than a week but I’ve been noticing her gradually develop a stronger sense of independence for about two months now. (Some call it stubborn, pig-headed, and relentless–but me? Nah, I’ll stick with independent.) One of her new favorite phrases is “Help please!” (which really sounds something more like “haaaeep peesz! haaaeep peeessz! haaep! haaaep!” so now I get why I could never understand other people’s children when they were this age!) when she is asking if she can help you do something like put on her shirt, take the dishes out of the dishwasher (yes, I cringe each time), or help mommy to cook.

Most of these things are ones that she can try to help with, but when it comes to things in the kitchen, obviously the height of the countertop is an issue and serves as a barrier for how much she can help with. A chair would be too dangerous to stand on, and she can’t sit on the countertop itself, so our options are limited. The creators of The Learning Tower had the same exact thought about toddlers who are Little AG’s age, and they developed a product that safely brings toddlers aged 18 months and up to countertop height. The tower is available in 9 non-toxic colors to match your home, is simple to clean, and has an adjustable height platform so that as your child grows, so can the tower. Plus, throw a blanket over it and Voila! — instant playhouse.

To celebrate Love of Learning Month, the folks at Little Partners Inc. have teamed up with 20 awesome bloggers who will be giving away one Learning Tower each! I’m proud to be kicking off the beginning of these giveaways here on Chic Shopper Chick by giving you a chance to win a Learning Tower of your very own. The rules are below, but remember, if you don’t win here you still have 19 other chances to win – so be sure to enter them all!

Win it! For your initial entry, leave a comment here telling me why you’d like to have a learning tower. After that, every other (pertinent) comment left on this site on other posts from now through February 17th will count as an extra entry each. You don’t need to come back to this post and tell me you commented on another post, I can stalk track you via your email/ip address. As usual, extra entries are also available for stumbling Chic Shopper Chick (leave your stumble name), subscribing to my site, following me on Twitter, and blogging about this giveaway with a link back here. That’s it, so good luck!

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on February 17th, 2009.

Read the original Gimme a Boost, Mom! (Giveaway CLOSED) on Chic Shopper Chick.

You Can Never Have Too Much Flair! (Giveaway CLOSED)

Erika — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:31:45 +0000

Take a look around here really quickly. Yup, that’s right — look around. Any guess as to my favorite color? Hmm, if you’re thinking it’s blue you get a big red x, my friend. So, let’s see, what could it be…do do do…um, oh yes! Pink! I love pink, and my tendency to purchase clothing in all shades of pink actually earned me the nickname “Pinky” in college. As Elle from Legally Blonde would say “It’s my signature color!”

In case you’re wondering why I’m suddenly talking about my favorite color, I’ll just go ahead and explain where this is going. Last week I got an email from one of my favorite companies, Boon Inc. detailing all of their newest products. (If you haven’t already noticed my love for Boon, you can read my reviews of the Frog Pod, Animal Bag, Snack Ball and Flo, and their new Bug Pod and Flo in Pink) So, I’m scanning this email and suddenly I notice that the super-modern, super-cool Flair High Chair is now being offered in Pink! I swooned, and immediately emailed the folks at Boon to tell them that I am “utterly in love” with the newly-tinted Flair. Little girls everywhere will be able to rock the Flair in Pink just in time for Valentine’s Day!

The Flair is truly the crème de la crème of highchairs and, as with all Boon products, proves that you don’t have to sacrifice style for functionality. A pedestal highchair, the Flair has a pneumatic lift that makes adjusting the height virtually effortless. The seat is seamless, which is fantastic for clean-up because I SO hate cleaning in all of those little crevices (well, I so hate cleaning in general, but that’s a whole ‘nother post…). The Flair has a chemical-resistant, waterproof pad that can be easily removed for cleaning, a five-point harness, and an adjustable tray. The pedestal base slides smoothly in any direction on six urethane casters that will not scratch your floors, and has a hands-free braking system that quickly and simply locks the chair in place. It’s also non-toxic…the Flair is BPA-free, PVC-free, and Phthalate-free.

Did I mention that it’s fantastic to look at? Seriously, where highchairs are concerned, this one rocks!

The new Pink Flair is being released soon and will start shipping from Boon’s website and Amazon starting in the middle of this month!

So, are you feelin’ the pink Flair? Boon has generously offered to giveaway one of their new Pink Flair Highchairs to a very lucky Chic Shopper Chick reader!

For your initial entry, visit the Boon website and tell me what other product, besides the Flair, do you like? After that, every other (pertinent) comment left on this site on other posts from now through February 15th will count as an extra entry each. In other words, if you really want the Flair you’ve got great odds! As usual, extra entries are also available for stumbling Chic Shopper Chick (leave your stumble name), subscribing to my site, following me on Twitter, and blogging about this giveaway with a link back here. Please put all extra entries in separate comments and leave those comments on this post. Good luck, and get commenting!

Read the original You Can Never Have Too Much Flair! (Giveaway CLOSED) on Chic Shopper Chick.

A Pink Boom…er, I mean Boon!

Erika — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:02:35 +0000

We LOVE our Boon Frog Pod (and it has been the subject of a previous bathtime post) – I received it at my baby shower and I can honestly say that it gets good use every night. Between that and our Flo Faucet Cover, Little AG’s bathtub is fun and functional thanks to these very modern and innovative products from Boon. However, though I love our little frog and our green and white flo, I’m a pink girl, all the way (let’s see, ummm, had you already guessed?) Naturally I got this announcement in my email, I was “pink” with excitement!

Woo hoo! They have a Pink Bug Pod and a Pink Flo now! Both are available exclusively at Babies R Us! Squeeee! Do you think hubby would complain if I replaced our perfectly functioning Boon Products with these? :)

Read the original A Pink Boom…er, I mean Boon! on Chic Shopper Chick.

My Little Pony RC Scootaloo (A Giveaway!)

Erika — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:40:29 +0000

I grew up with a father who loved cars — working on them, driving them, even watching them race around a track. I suppose it was inevitable that I would develop a love of things that “go”, but as a girl, it was oftentimes hard to find toys that would do so and ones that were simultaneously “girly” enough. When I saw the My Little Pony Scootaloo RC On The Go (included in my 2008 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids) I immediately started gushing about how I would have loved to have something like that when I was a little girl. Little AG will have her turn with the RC Scootaloo this Christmas, and thanks to Hasbro, your little girl will have her turn too!

Hasbro Toys has generously offered one lucky Chic Shopper Chick reader the chance to win a RC Scootaloo on the Go of their very own, or to give as a gift! To enter, follow the easy-peasy rules below!

Tell me what toy you always wanted as a child. Also, tell me who this would be for! (Must have both to qualify!)
Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
- Blog about this giveaway and link back here. Tell me about it in a separate comment.
- Follow me on Twitter. Tell me about it in a separate comment.
- Subscribe to my RSS feed via email or in a reader and tell me about it in a separate comment.
- Stumble my main webpage (www.chicshopperchick.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate comment.

That’s it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here and on Prizey Fetch, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on December 22nd, 2008.

Read the original My Little Pony RC Scootaloo (A Giveaway!) on Chic Shopper Chick.

Suri’s Little Ladybug Shoes on Oprah today!

Erika — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:42:57 +0000

If you get a chance, check out the episode of Oprah that is going to air today — it will be featuring a very special pair of ladybug shoes worn by Suri Cruise, and Tom mentions that she really “likes the Ladybugs”. I just happen to know the story behind those adorable ladybug shoes, and I’d like to share it with you here, as well as a chance to win a pair!

The famous Ladybug shoes are Monkey-Toes Little Ladies Mary Janes, created by Jenny Ford, the owner of Monkey Toes. She is a work at home mom who developed her “great idea” into a successful business. Her story should serve as an inspiring example that with hard work and believing in yourself incredible things are possible, especially for other mompreneurs out there! The other inspiring story from this moment on Oprah is the story of the person who gifted Suri Cruise with her Ladybug Shoes, Katja Presnal. Presnal is a PR consultant and also a mompreneur in her own right who, with her incredible marketing instincts, managed to land those Ladybug shoes on Oprah in the first place and have them endorsed by Tom Cruise.

Last time this Oprah segment aired Google was exausted with searches for Suri’s Ladybug Shoes. Presnal became an overnight marketing sensation, and people everywhere were reaching out to her, asking her how she got those adorable ladybug shoes on Oprah in the first place! She in turn has done her part to “pay it forward” – focusing on helping mommy bloggers and others with great ideas and great products to move their projects forward and fufilling their potential.

Check out Katja Presnal’s online store – Skimbaco – where you can get these adorable Ladybug shoes on sale for $29. You should also check out her sale section, where children’s designer clothes are on sale for as much as 75% off!

Win it! You can win a pair of these adorable Little Ladybug Shoes from Skimbaco and Monkey Toes! To enter, follow the easy-peasy rules below.

Check out the Ladybug Shoes and let me know what your other favorite item from her store is.
Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
- Blog about this giveaway and link back here and to Skimbaco Lifestyle (Katja’s blog). Tell me about it in a separate comment.
- Follow me on Twitter and Follow Katja on Twitter. Tell me about it in a separate comment.
- Subscribe to my RSS feed via email or in a reader and tell me about it in a separate comment.
- Stumble my main webpage (www.chicshopperchick.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate comment.

That’s it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.

Read the original Suri’s Little Ladybug Shoes on Oprah today! on Chic Shopper Chick.

Smart-e-Bear makes me Smil-e! (A giveaway!)

Erika — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:47:45 +0000

When Little AG was little we had one of those stuffed animals that responded when you pushed on its paws, etc. It was cool for our purposes at the time (to stop the screaming and crying) but as she got older she quickly lost interest because it was very limited in the activities it could do and songs it sang. We all got sick of the ABC’s. My other complaint was that it was very hard because of the battery pack and operating mechanisms, which isn’t the best for a toddler or baby. That toy got a new home a while back, but we recently had the opportunity to review the Smart-e-Bear (ok, we actually have the Smart-e-Dog) which is similar in style to the aforementioned toy, but way cooler for older kids.

First of all, when we took it out of the box I was all but doing a happy dance at how soft our Smart-e-Dog was! No hard battery packs, and I actually had to squeeze the thing a few times to really understand it. I couldn’t believe the level of interaction that our Smart-E-Dog was capable of all the while still being so very squishy. Little AG immediately took it in her arms and fell onto the ground to give it a big Bear (Dog?) hug and started barking at him (yes, we just make animal noises in our house). Then, she discovered he could actually “play” with her. We played a few rounds of Simon Says, right out of the box, before we were able to even attempt to personalize it any further. Yes, you read that right — you can personalize your Smart-e-Bear to fit your child. That means, if you are all IF I HEAR ONE MORE ROUND OF ABCs I MIGHT JUST JUMP OUT THE WINDOW like I was then you can simply CHANGE it and add something different! Do you hear angels singing? I know I did.

Our Smart-E-Dog came with his very own USB cable so that we could plug him into our computer to personalize him. I kinda felt like I was setting up a really, really puffy iPod. We did have to register and download the software, but it was free, and very very simple (read: easy to do at 2 am Christmas morning!). Now our Smart-E-Dog actually says Little AG’s name, which she basically thinks is hilarious. Every time he says it, she looks at us like “Did you hear this guy? He totally just said my name!” We like that. The Smart-E-Bear software works kinda like iTunes — there are lots of great options. However, some options come with the bear, others you can purchase for 99 cents – which really is a steal in my opinion — because it means that it will be quite a while before Little AG outgrows this guy. In some ways, the toy can always be new!

Oh, and did I mention that the Smart-E-Dog will work with headphones? Yes, so even if you are sick of playing Simon Says, you won’t be tempted to hide him under a bed somewhere. I’m also thinking that this little guy will be great for longer car rides and flights. You can try out the Smart-e-Bear, Smart-e-Dog, or Smart-e-Cat online before you buy to see what you think, and I have to tell you that it’s identical to what our dog does, so it will really give you a good feel for what you’re getting yourself into. The perfect Christmas Gift for anyone ages 2-6 on your list! Oh, and I forgot the BIG plus for us — he will be able to speak French very soon — great for Little AG who is learning both English and French.

You can buy these awesome little guys on Amazon — the Smart-e-Dog is currently $81.43, the Smart-e-Cat is currently $73.81, but best of all, the original Smart-e-Bear is majorly on sale for $43.99! I know it can seem pricey, but I really think that the longevity of this toy will impress you, and you will definitely get your money’s worth. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

Would you like to win a Smart-e-Bear, Smart-e-Dog, or Smart-e-Cat for a kiddo in your life? Follow the easy-peasy instructions below and they just might find one under the tree!

Visit the Smart E Bear website and then come back here tell me your favorite feature of these little guys!
Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
- Blog about this giveaway and link back here. Tell me about it in a separate comment.
- Follow me on Twitter. Tell me about it in a separate comment.
- Subscribe to my RSS feed via email or in a reader and tell me about it in a separate comment.
- Stumble my main webpage (www.chicshopperchick.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate comment.

That’s it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.

Read the original Smart-e-Bear makes me Smil-e! (A giveaway!) on Chic Shopper Chick.

Christmas Gift Guide 2008: For Kids & Baby

Erika — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:16:58 +0000

Welcome to Day 4 of the Chic Shopper Chick Gift Guide! Today we are going to focus on Kids and Baby stuff — but don’t forget to check out the other great items we’ve discussed so far! Day One was all about Holiday Traditions, Day Two was about Entertaining and Hostess Gifts, and Day Three was all about finding the perfect Stocking Stuffers! Today is about one of my favorites — things for kids! Let’s jump in to some of my new faves for this Holiday, in no particular order!

Green Toys Tea Set – I am so so so so (did I mention so?) in love with this Tea Set from Green Toys! Made entirely of recycled milk jugs, it makes me feel good to give Little AG something fun to play with that also supports the earth. Check out my full review on the Green Toys Tea Set – I know you will love it too! You can buy the Green Toys Tea Set from Amazon for just under 25 bucks, or if tea isn’t your thing, check out the Green Toys Cookware and Dining Set which might be a little more gender-neutral. Stay tuned for a giveaway of the Green Toys Tea Set coming up really soon!

2008 Holiday Barbie – I couldn’t resist adding in this timeless classic to my guide this year. A collectors item in her own right, the 2008 Holiday™ Barbie

Read the original Christmas Gift Guide 2008: For Kids & Baby on Chic Shopper Chick.

Something to Whistle About

Erika — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:49:14 +0000

We are quickly approaching something that I know that I can’t put off. Moving to a big girl bed has my stomach in knots, mainly because I know that Little AG will be up and running around our house in the middle of the night, and I have the feeling I will be hearing shrieks of “Mooommmeeee, Dadddddeeeee” from a little person who is actually standing next to my bed. Either that or she’ll be sipping some milk on the couch watching the Imagination Movers.

While the move to a “big girl bed” might not be fun logistically, choosing bedding for her new bed certainly is! I have recently discovered the awesome and chic bedding sets for kids over at Whistle and Wink. The company was born from the passion of veteran designer Bridget Kelly hand in hand with Vitamins Playwear the well-established fine infant and children’s apparel manufacturer. With over 25 years of experience in Textiles and Fashion, including her most recent position as Creative Director for Pottery Barn Kids, Bridget Kelly, Co-creator and Vice President of Design and Merchandising understands the meaning of good design and functionality. The patterns are fun and whimisical, but not overpowering, perfect for an understated kid’s room that will allow the personality of your child to shine through!

I had the opportunity to check out the amazing quality of the Whistle and Wink Line (We love the Butterfly Party pattern) and I can say, without hesitation, that the workmanship and quality will not dissapoint. The pieces are well-made and look like they will hold up to years of wear and tear. Check out Whistle and Wink to see all of the patterns and looks that you can choose from — they even have nursery bedding!

Read the original Something to Whistle About on Chic Shopper Chick.

Review and Giveaway: Pony Sisters Ponchos

Erika — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 03:51:00 +0000

Last week we got something in the mail that I was so so excited about. Pony Sisters Ponchos turned my sweet Little AG into the most adorable version of little red riding hood EVER! We got this awesome red fleece poncho for Little AG to try out and we just love it (and she loves how it flies behind her when she runs!). Even though the product was developed in Seattle (brrrrr) the fleece is actually the perfect material for our relatively warm weather year-round here in Louisiana. Rare is the day when we need something other than a light jacket (it’s SO depressing, really) so this is the perfect way to keep her warm. She can’t take it off, but it also doesn’t bother her like a jacket would because it’s not bulky and doesn’t get in the way. Oh, and have I mentioned how irresistibly cute it is? I’m just sayin’.

Some cool things about Pony Sisters Ponchos that you should know: It is a mom-owned, mom-developed, and mom-run company (I love Mompreneurs!). The idea for their ponchos came about because the owner’s daughter hated to wear jackets. Her mom sewed her a fleece poncho to wear to keep her warm, and they started getting stopped everywhere they went to ask where they got it. (Because, as I have already mentioned, it is so stinkin’ cute!) It was one of those “ah ha!” moments, and the idea for Pony Sisters Ponchos was born.

Oh yeah, it even has pockets on the inside of the poncho to keep little hands warm. Even cooler, the pockets aren’t visible from the outside of the poncho, so it makes you feel all secret-agent-like. Little AG has just recently discovered the joy of pockets, so this has provided lots of entertainment for us.

The ponchos are extremely well made and look very professional. I can say with 100% certainty that I know you will love these ponchos as much as we do. When Little AG grows out of her small, we are promptly buying a Medium, and then the rest of the sizes. I can already tell that this will be one of our wardrobe staples!

Ok, gush gush gush. Gushing is complete. How about winning one? Would you like that? I thought you might. Just follow these easy-peasy rules below to enter:

Head over to Pony Sisters Ponchos and pick out your favorite poncho. Then come back here and leave a comment on this post telling me which one you would love to have for the little poncho-wearer in your life!
Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
- Blog about this giveaway and link back here. Tell me about it in a separate post.
- Subscribe to my RSS feed via email or in a reader and tell me about it in a separate post.
- Stumble my main webpage (www.chicshopperchick.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate post.
- Favorite Chic Shopper Chick on Technorati (there is a “Fave this Blog” button in my right sidebar) and let me know about it in a in a separate post.
- Add me to your blog roll. Not just my button in your sidebar, I’d love to be on your blog roll! Let me know about it in a separate post!

That’s it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.

Oh, and psssst — have you heard about our Pink Dyson Giveaway? There is still time to enter! You can also win a copy of the Naked Brothers Band Season 2, or a complete Holiday Card Package from Tiny Prints.

Read the original Review and Giveaway: Pony Sisters Ponchos on Chic Shopper Chick.