OK, so I am super pumped about the Slide Tote from Go GaGa. The strap is awesome and unlike anything I have seen on any other bag. The strap (reminds me of a ring sling baby carrier) helps to distribute the weight along your back and helps alleviate the pressure from your neck. The bag looks cool, stylish, is a high quality product, and can be used beyond those diaper toting years (yay! for a product with longevity!). I really could go on and on.
The Slide Tote has all kinds of little surprises including:
Angled bottle pockets
A “tuck away” divider inside
An easy-open one-handed zipper
Well thought out pockets
Will accommodate a laptop too
Adjustable stroller straps that will fit a double stroller
And of course…the strap
Oh, and my husband thinks it is cool too. He even said he would carry it. Talk about a HUGE selling point.
You know you want to know more. So check out the video review and be sure to check out the Slide Tote at: www.gogagalife.com
Over the weekend, Spring had actually sprung in the Boston area. Thank goodness! Now that we are finally getting a good stretch of decent weather, our family is taking out the summer toys for the season. That’s right, we are going to play outside!
While pulling out the bikes, the basketball hoop, the baseball set, and the soccer balls, my son found his all-time favorite summer toy…the wagon. Now this isn’t just any wagon, it’s a Choo Choo wagon.
The Step2 Choo Choo wagon really is the most awesome wagon ever. I have no idea why, but they take it off the market a lot, but have no fear…it is back! Here are some of the reasons why I love this wagon.
The kids are in separate “cars” so they don’t fight with one another.
Each “car” has its own cup holder for your child’s drink.
Security belts in every “car.”
The front “car” has a storage area under the seat for take along items (this is where I keep my stash of distraction items).
The pull handle is long so even my taller husband is comfortable pulling it.
It maneuvers well and takes corners well (we have yet to have a tip-over even at the high speeds my son likes to pull).
While it comes fitted for two, you can actually add up to 3 (per the Step 2 website) Choo Choo trailers for extra capacity (got multiples?)
The Choo Choo trailers are great for lugging extra items like a cooler or diaper bag when not carrying a child (and they hold up to 50 pounds each).
We get a TON of compliments about it while out.
As cool as it is, you don’t need to shell out the big bucks for it (currently sells for $100 for the base two-seater).
Very durable. My 5 year old has tested this one over the last two years.
Did I mention how much my kids love it?
If you are in the market for a wagon for your children, I highly suggest this one. Especially since it has such great features and you can easily accommodate more than two children with the trailer attachment. The only downside to this wagon is that they seem to take it off the market. So get it now while it is available and any trailers you think you may need now or in the future.
Learn more about the Choo Choo Wagon at: www.step2.com
We are fortunate and honored to have Liz Lange as our special guest today at Petite Consumer.
A little bit about Liz Lange I am a fashion designer: I founded Liz Lange Maternity in 1998 and started my diffusion Maternity clothing line in partnership with Target in 2002: Liz Lange for Target. In 2010 I launched my first ever NON-maternity line, Completely Me by Liz Lange which is exclusively sold at HSN.com (and by me on air at HSN). Recently I started a women’s shopping and style website/enewsletter called Shopafrolic.com
Pregnancy Must Haves
Every woman’s needs and lifestyle are different but I guess some universal must-haves when pregnant are: great fitting stretchy pair of jeans, a simple dress up – dress down dress, white classic button front shirt, a great tunic, a stretch slim skirt, a cute Tee (or two)…
Splurge on…
A great splurge maternity item if you are not pregnant during the heat of the summer would be a cashmere twinset. You can wear both pieces (the underpinning + the cardi together) and/or you can break it up and wear mixed with other items. A classic and one of my go-to items pregnant or not.
How Should Maternity Clothes Fit?
Make sure the clothing you buy is stretchy enough to fit you well when you purchase it (it shouldn’t be oversized – as that’s sloppy and unflattering) but to also take you through as you grow.
What About Pants?
Good fitting pants are the backbone of most women’s every day wardrobe. I sound like a broken record but if you look for pants in a nice stretchy fabric they will fit you better.
Color Rules
When it comes to pregnancy style there are no color rules though there are some tricks:
dipping yourself in one color will create an unbroken line and make you look slimmer
Dark colors are slimming
You will live in your maternity clothing/wear it death so neutrals may be a good way to go.
How about Accessories?
I love chunky statement costume (or of course real) jewelry. A cuff, a cocktail ring, a fun necklace and/or a great pair of earings can change your whole look. And the best part: jewelry has no size!
Shoes…..
I love high heels but NOT on pregnant women. Stick to ballet flats, flip flops for summer and if you want some height, a low wedge, low stacked heel or kitten heel. Nothing sexy about teetering around when pregnant!
What should never be worn?
Pregnant women should NEVER wear clothing that is so oversized and tent like that it looks as if you are trying to hide your pregnancy and your body. Trust me, fitted clothing is much more flattering and will show the world your exciting news: you’re pregnant!
Words of Wisdom?
Definitely embrace your new pregnancy size. I like to play with proportion: the tighter the bottom, the looser the top and vice versa. Love a skinny bottom with a loose tunic/flowy top.
Remember pregnancy is a to celebratory, powerful, exciting time and your wardrobe should reflect that!
Enter to win this SnoozShade! The SnoozeShade is a fitted blind for single hooded strollers. If you are planning to be out stroller during baby’s naptime, the SnoozeShade may be the answer to keeping your sanity.
Three ways to enter (one entry for each thing you do):
Comment on this post with the phrase “Snoozy Woozy.”
“Like” us on Facebook and post a comment on our wall with the phrase “Snoozy Woozy.”
Tag/link Petite Consumer in your status on Facebook (not sure how to tag our page…CHECK OUT HOW HERE) telling your friends that “Petite Consumer is no Snooze when it comes to reviews.” Make sure that it appears on our Facebook page wall. We will only count the entry if it shows on our wall. Check out what to do if it isn’t HERE.
Posts/entires must be submitted by Wednesday, April 20th, 11:59pm EST. We will randomly select a winner and post their name on our Facebookwall.
Lisa Leonard Designs are meaningful, unique and handmade pieces for the family and home. She specializes in hand stamped jewelry and accessories…like many other companies out there. However, hers are so whimsical, beautiful, and overall aesthetically pleasing, that they can’t help but stand out among the rest.
Since all of Lisa Leonard pieces are handmade, they are all somewhat unique and very much special. Lisa Leonard thinks outside the box when it comes to hand stamped jewelry. She has a variety of shapes to choose from (not just your standard circle), and offers many whimsical and meaning designs. Our favorites include the family tree and adoption necklaces. Oh, and let us not overlook a personalized first spoon for baby and annual ornaments for Christmas. And we know any little princess would adore receiving a personalized pewter wand to bring a bit of magic to life. If you are in the market for a gift for a man there are some really nice options including cuff bracelets and key chains. If you are looking for a present to decorate a home you can choose ornaments, magnets, kitchen ware or a pennant banner for a child’s room. If you have something else in mind, take a look. It might just be there.
The Petite Consumer Says: If you are planning to be out strolling during baby’s naptime, the SnoozeShade may be the answer to keeping your sanity.
What is it? A fitted blackout blind for single hooded strollers and prams.
Coos
Really does block out most light (made Amber sleepy while testing).
Easy to attach.
Compact and easy to store (even comes with a cute carry bag).
Can be used from birth until your child is about a toddler (depends on the stroller really).
Laboratory proven to keep the interior cooler.
While not promoted for sun protection, it is UPF50+ (they recommend not relying on the SnoozeShade for sun protection).
Keeps the interior dark to help promote sleep and to help calm an overstimulated child.
Has a 7 inch long zippered opening to quietly check on sleep child without disturbing them or letting in too much light.
Can be used to keep out insects.
Universal fit. Easily fits many single strollers, fronts of tandem strollers, pram bassinets, and some side-by-side doubles (they have mentioned new version that can be used on double width is in development).
Fabric is breathable (we had no issues with air flow while testing).
While not advertised as so, it can fit on some infant car seats (we love our car seats in America).
Due to the dark area the shade provides, babies will likely sleep longer than usual while strolling.
Securely fits and stays on thanks to Velcro attachments.
Washable.
Boos
While it accommodates some side-by-side double strollers with an independent shades, it does not work well with jogging strollers (Insert sad face because it did not accommodate Amber’s BOB Duallie).
Needs to be removed from most strollers before folding.
Most Americans use an infant car seat while strolling and the SnoozeShade is not tailored for a great fit. However, they do have an infant car seat option that will hopefully be available soon in the US.
The $30 price tag may be a little high for some (but it really does shade your baby, and if your baby sleeps longer, it might be worth it).
Only available on Amazon in US and there are no stockists in Canada.
Adjustable tray (two positions) will help keep “lap food collection” to a minimum.
One-handed tray removal and installation (it truly is).
Comes with two dishwasher safe tray inserts that easily fit in the dishwasher (Amber LOVES this because it means there is a guaranteed clean eating surface throughout the course of a day).
Adjustable height with pneumatic lift (so simple, cool, and easy to use).
Easy to use and assemble.
Moves easily in any direction.
Wheels don’t scratch wood floors (this has been tested A LOT).
Holds up to a 50 pound child (not recommended for a child older than 4).
Well priced for amount of use (in number of years), styling, and quality.
Looks great – even in a traditional home.
Light color plastic does not retain tomato stains (no, we are not kidding)!
BPA, Phthalate, and PVC free.
Footprint is about the same as most dining room chairs.
Boos
No fold option (but many households don’t store away a highchair when not it use).
Heavy and awkward to lift (but there is rarely a reason to lift it and it rolls so easily).
No recline, but that is OK, because it encourages a proper feeding position (we don’t really consider this a “boo,” understand the desire for a recline by some).
Foot rest is not adjustable.
May still move when lock is on (requires some effort to move).
Having another baby can bring lots of joy, fear, happiness, and confusion. While we can’t take away your fears, we can share in your joy and help remove some of the confusion. Well confusion about how to tackle the baby store…again!
One of the first things to do when preparing for your new arrival, besides taking those prenatals, is to assess the baby items you already have. Many products, safety regulations and recalls may have happened since having your last baby. Also, you may need some new items as you adapt to having more children in your family, and well, maybe some things need to be thrown out. Here are some steps we suggest as you prepare for another family member.
Check with CPSC to see if any of your baby/toddler items have been recalled. Of note, most drop side cribs have been recalled, some strollers have been recalled for risk of finger amputation, and there have been numerous recalls due to high levels of lead in some products.
Check that you car seat has not expired. All car seats have an expiration date listed on them.
Consider buying a baby carrier, sling, or wrap. Many allow you to be hands free while carrying baby. This is very useful when managing multiple children.
Check saved clothes for “mystery” stains.
Allow your friends to throw you a baby sprinkle (light shower). You will need new burp cloths, diapers, clothes, blankets, and maybe a bigger “cooler” diaper bag. Plus, girls love a party.
Check out some sibling specific items like the BuggyBoard and the tag*a*long. They are great for when on-the-go.
Enjoy your growing family and have fun. Siblings are a wonderful gift.
The baby world is all a buzz about the Donkey. No, not that quirky and annoyingly cute character from Shrek, but the elusive and coveted double stroller from Bugaboo. The fans have been waiting and it has finally arrived.
Last Saturday evening, I was fortunate enough to attend a launch party for the Bugaboo Donkey hosted by a local Boston juvenile retailer, Magic Beans. Magic Beans is one of those retail stores that every parent needs to know about. They are independently owned by parents, have an amazing, trained, and knowledgeable staff, offer a place for kids to sample (aka: play with) the merchandise while you shop, and they stock pretty much all of my favorite brands. I often go there just to window shop and “play” myself. If you don’t live in the Boston area, have no fear. They have an online shop with the same customer service and spectacular pricing. (You can also find them on Facebook for some great giveaways and local events.) I don’t usually plug retailers, but since moving to the Boston area, they have quickly become my juvenile retailer of choice and I just had to share why I love them so! Oh, and they know how to throw a great party (who doesn’t love cupcakes and massages?).
Now onto the guest of honor. Drumroll…the Bugaboo Donkey!! The Donkey is the first convertible double stroller from Bugaboo “for kid(s) and goods that grows and flows with your family.” Let me tell you more. This stroller can be a single, or a side-by-side double, and can accommodate two children comfortably that are of two different ages or of the same age. At first the system may seem a little complex, but it has a way to grow with your family like no other stroller currently on the market. Like its name, Donkey, it is a hard worker and will adapt to just about any situation and family.
Donkey Details
Transforms from a single to a double (mono to duo as they say) with three simple clicks…and then back to a single, if you like.
In single mode the stroller is 23.6 inches wide and 29 inches wide in double mode (yes, it will fit through standard 32 inch doorways).
Weighs 28 pounds in single mode and 33 pounds in double mode with seats attached.
Can easily be pushed with one hand in any configuration.
Seats are independent of one another (which makes it so customizable).
The expandable luggage basket used in mono mode can hold up to 11 pounds (and is easy to remove for shopping), and the expandable lower basket can hold up to 22 pounds (say it ain’t so!).
Can be folded with the seats attached and is self-standing (what?!).
Inflatable tires for a smooth ride, rotating front wheels, and a two-wheel position option for use on sand and snow (you pull, rather than push the stroller in the two-wheel position).
Car seat compatible and can accommodate two car seats at the same time, side-by-side (however, it can no longer fit through standard doorways with two car seats attached due to the fact that most infant car seats are 17-18 inches wide).
Available in six different colors.
Has many of the features Bugaboo is known for including a height adjustable handlebar, five point harness with adjustable shoulder straps, tailored fabric options, reversible and reclinable seats, easy and smooth ride, and a quality product.
She is a bit of an investment, but really will grow with your family (priced from ~$1,200 to $1,650, depending on the configuration).
While I didn’t get to fully test the Bugaboo Donkey at this event, I pushed it, bounced it, moved all its parts, and used my measuring tape to ensure our readers got the facts. It really is a beauty and well-crafted…not that I would expect anything less from Bugaboo.
The Bugaboo Donkey is currently available at a few retailers nationwide, including Magic Beans. So if you are interested in ordering this stroller for your growing family, be sure to contact them.
To purchase the Bugaboo Donkey, head on over to Magic Beans at: www.mbeans.com
To learn more about the Bugaboo Donkey, visit Bugaboo at: www.bugaboo.com
Enter to win this Joovy Zoom 360! The Joovy Zoom 360 is an all terrain single jogger stroller. We think this is a great jogger with higher end features and a lower end price tag. With all inclusive features such as the rain cover, tire pump and parent organizer this stroller is a great value.
Three ways to enter (one entry for each thing you do):
Comment on this post telling us where you like to “zoom.”
“Like” us on Facebook and post a comment on our wall telling us where you like to “zoom.”
Tag/link Petite Consumer in your status on Facebook (not sure how to tag our page…CHECK OUT HOW HERE) telling your friends to “Zoom on over to Petite Consumer.” Make sure that it appears on our Facebook page wall. We will only count the entry if it shows on our wall. Check out what to do if it isn’t HERE.
Posts/entires must be submitted by Friday, April 8th, 10:59am EST. We will randomly select a winner and post their name on our Facebookwall.
Why Amber LOVES to Go GaGa!
