CSC Giveaway: Mickey Mouse Popscicle Maker

This contest is now CLOSED. Please see our Contests page for the latest giveaways on Chic Shopper Chick!

In case you didn't know -- hubby, Little AG, and I leave for Disney World tomorrow for a week! (Along with a Nana, Grandma, Mimi, Pops, and Aunt, of course!) We are Disney Vacation Club owners at Saratoga Springs across from Downtown Disney, and we are taking the first of many trips to Disney with our little one and our annual passes -- and we are SO excited!

Sooo, in honor of our trip to Disney this week, we are giving away a set of awesome Mickey Mouse Popscicle makers! Enjoy a Special Dessert Treat With Mickey! You can create tasty frozen treats for Mickey Mouse lovers with this easy-to-use set. Simply fill each of the six 2 oz. (60 mL) molds with your child's favorite fruit juice, insert the flexible Mickey sticks, place molds in the tray, and freeze to create your own juice pops - a "cool" treat your kids will love!

We had a set like this when I was a kid and I loved them! Your kids will love them too! Thanks so much to Claire who volunteered to do this giveaway in conjunction with my trip months ago! To win, follow the easy peasy rules below!

• Visit Claire's Tupperware site and come back here to let me know which item, besides this one, you would most love to have!
  
• Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
• Blog about this giveaway and send me the link in a separate post (a link to Claire's site and my site would be appreciated!)
• Subscribe to Claire's email list and come back here and let me know in a separate post.
  
• Subscribe to my feed and let me know about it in a separate post.
• Stumble my main webpage (not this post please, but 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.

US and 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 contests ends at 11:59 pm CST on October 4nd, 2008.

CSC Review and Giveaway: Ju Ju Be "BeLight"

This contest has now ended. Please check out our contest page for our current contests and giveaways.

The search has ended. I've found IT. The queen of all diaper bags. The Big Kahuna. The whole enchilada. The...well, the other clever stuff I can't think of. You get the point.

This is it.

It's called the WannaBe, and frankly it's because all other diaper bags WannaBe just like it.

This is a diaper bag that seems like it is especially geared towards being at the beach or the pool, because it is totally summer inspired. There is a soft-lined iPod pocked with a little place for your headphones to stick out of without having to unzip the picket. There is a mini-cooler pocket that is fully insulated and is bigger than some those portable ice chests. There are two transparent zippered "mess shuttle" accessory bags to keep wet bathing suits in, and a pocket on the outside that is just perfect to carry a couple of magazines and a book.

You know, even if I didn't have a kiddo I would still rock this bag at the beach. It even has plush padded backpack straps (completely removable), a towel strap on the OUTSIDE of the bag (that way it doesn't take up precious interior room), plus, it has this really awesome Sand Trap™ at the bottom -- you unzip the solid bottom of the bag to reveal a second, mesh layered bottom where all of the sand (or cracker crumbs in our case) can fall through and be shaken out of the bottom WITHOUT having to take everything out.

That's my favorite part, actually. The Sand Trap. Wouldn't it be nice if every bag had those?

Is the WannaBe looking cool to you but maybe a bit too roomy? Check out the BeLight, the lightest diaper bag on the market -- weighing in at a mere 6.4 ounces. This is nice for those quick trips to a friends house or to a playdate where you don't need to bring the kitchen sink with you but still need a few important essentials. I especially like that the strap can be tied in different ways to make the bag longer or shorter depending on your preference. Don't worry though, at 6.4 ounces, it's still has it's own changing pad, a zippered pocket, a divided pocket, and is completely reversible!

These bags are both made by one of the coolest companies on the market, Ju Ju Be. They really make quality products (remember these really awesome stroller clips that I talked about in April?) that still have nice little touches. I love the rhinestones on the zipper pulls and on the buckles of the bag. As the expression goes, it's all in the details!

The WannaBe retails for $165 and the BeLight retails for $35.

Win it! Win your very own BeLight! To enter, follow the rules below!

(If you don't win the BeLight here on CSC, Ju Ju Be gives one away EACH week in their Pink Room, so head on over and check it out!)

• Go look at the different color options of the BeLight and come back here and leave a comment on this post telling me what color you would choose (OFFICIAL COLOR NAMES ONLY PLEASE)!
  
• Please leave a valid email address if you would like to be contacted if you win. Otherwise, winners are posted here and on Prizey Fetch.
• If the winner does not respond within 72 hours I will choose a different winner.
• US entries only please!!!
• Earn extra credit! Choose one of the following for ONE extra credit entry. Any further attempts to woo me will be disqualified!
• Write about this giveaway and send me the link in a separate post.
• Subscribe to my feed and let me know about it in a separate post.

That's it! This contest will end at 11:59 pm on August 12th. Good luck!

CSC Sponsor: Pure and Honest Kids

Chic Shopper Chick is fortunate enough to have a great sponsor in Pure and Honest Kids a site that carries some truly unique and beautiful gifts. I really like this Brag Book as a gift for anyone -- a mom, dad, or grandparent -- to carry around photos of the new little arrival in. It retails for $14.99 and also comes in the Baby Boy version!

I also love these pint-sized rocking chairs for the little ones in your life. I had a little red rocking chair when I was little and I loved it -- it was always a place of my own. These great chairs retail for $56 and come in green, blue, pink , or orange. How adorable is this assortment of play donuts? They can be served along with "tea" for an afternoon of great fun! They even come in their own little hand-loomed box complete with ribbons. My personal favorite is the one with sprinkles -- it almost looks good enough to eat! You can purchase the set of 5 with the box for $35.
How sweet is this "Blast Off" swimsuit and t-shirt set for little boys? It is festooned with rocket ships, planes, and planets -- perfect for any little guy. It retails for $41.Don't forget to click around Pure and Honest Kids and see what else you may like. Remember, your support helps to keep CSC going, and we really like being here with you, so go ahead and click around a bit!

Guest Post: Kristin from An Ordinary Life

Kristin and I became fast friends after I won one of her contests and a simple email of an address turned into back and forth emailing. We have so much in common and I love her site "An Ordinary Life" -- it's a daily read for me. Oh, and congrats are in order for Kristin -- she just recently got engaged! Read on to find out some great tips and products for traveling with kids, and be sure to visit her site "An Ordinary Life" when you're through.

With all the talk about summer travel my own family is in the midst of leaving for travel. We actually take off on Kai’s very first plane ride. I have compiled some items we think are essential for our summer travel.

Since we are also currently potty training (the training is done now it’s all about getting to the restroom on time) I highly recommend Potette on The Go Potty it can either be used as an actual potty with disposable bags. Or you can take it along like we are, with tiny baby butts one might fall through a toilet. So use it as an extra seat to keep them comfortable. Hey it sure beats holding them over the toilet and at an easy $10.00 it’s a great companion to keep in your car. We are easily taking it with us and folds up nice and small it fit nicely in our suitcase.

And every child needs their very own luggage. We love the Trunki Towgo from Tots on The Go. This luggage is perfect for the airport since your little one can jump on for a ride. It is lockable and comes in cute colors, plus it even has a teddy bear strap to keep your child’s favorite friend safe and sound. We wouldn’t be caught in the airport without our Trunki Towgo from Tots on The Go.

I have one of the best family friendly pieces of technology, you will find yourself playing in the doctors office, or while waiting in those long lines at the DMV. The Nintendo DS is one gadget you will fight with your children about. It’s portable entertainment for your children, or even yourself. Check out this article for more information.
Don’t forget about Chic Shopper Chicks own article all about the CARES Harness. We will bringing this item on the plane with us and we have heard nothing but great reviews about it.
Last but not least every trip needs heathly snacks, and carry them along with you to keep those kiddos full. Junk food only makes them more cranky, so remember drink lots of water and have fun healthy snacks along the way.

Do you have any tips or items you think are essential for travel? Tell me all about it!

Dress pretty

I'm in the process of preparing for our trip to Europe, where the three cities we will be in (London, Paris, Nice) range in temperatures from 65 degrees to 95 degrees. I decided the best way to go as far as packing would be to purchase a bunch of summer dresses, so I've been gathering them up for a while as I found ones that I like. Today I found two new ones that I really like at Target! I'm a firm believer that being Chic doesn't have to cost a fortune.

I got this dress, in Sea Green, about which hubby said "That's a pretty color" (I almost fell over that he noticed)! I really like it, it is so feminine and TALK ABOUT COMFORTABLE! Being chic and comfy at the same time makes me a happy gal!


And I also got this Cap-Sleeve Print Dress in a Dot Print. Hubby made up for his thoughtful "pretty color" comment by saying that I looked like I had a bunch of "amoebas" all over me. Whatever, I really like it and it's cute on, plus it is also really comfy -- which is important when I'm walking a million miles per day like I know I will be.


The Sea Green Dress retails for $22.99, while the Dot-Print Dress retails for $24.99. I found them both in the store, but you can also find them on www.target.com.

Chic Shopper Chick Giveaway -- Warm Biscuit Bedding Company Giftcard

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

I have been LOVING the weather here in DC. Back home in Louisiana, we have had the air conditioner running and the baby pool out and filled since late March (when it hit 85), and we haven't looked back yet. However, I realize for those of you who live in parts of the country or world where summer doesn't exist year round, summer is officially upon you too.

Warm Biscuit Bedding Company has lots of fun things to keep kids busy over the summer. One of my favorites is this ladybug tree swing that sells for $29. Matter of fact, I love it so much I sort of wish they made a big-girl version of it too! What can I say, I'm a kid at heart!


I also love this complete kit of Camp Gear -- it comes with a polyurethane rain cape in a neoprene bag, a synthetic alarm whistle in case of trouble, and a screw-top box for items found on the way. How much fun would this be for overnight camping trips in the backyard? It retails for $35.
It rains here at 2 pm almost every day during the summer -- sometimes it is a brief shower and sometimes it lasts into the night, but during a Louisiana summer you can bet on rain almost every day. So what to do with the kids once the rain comes? You can try out this "Look and Cook Cookbook", with 50 simple kid-tested recipes to occupy the youngest chefs in the making. It retails for $20.

Want it? Warm Biscuit Bedding Company is graciously offering one Chic Shopper Chick reader a $50 gift card to be used towards the item or items of their choice. To enter, follow the rules below.

• Go to www.warmbiscuit.com and look around. Then come back here and leave a comment on this post telling me what you would use the $50 gift card to purchase.
  
• Please leave a valid email address if you would like to be contacted if you win. Otherwise, winners are posted here and on Prizey Fetch.
  
• If the winner does not respond within 72 hours I will choose a different winner.
  
• US and Canadian entries!!!
  
• Earn extra credit! Choose one of the following for ONE extra credit entry. Any further attempts to woo me will be disqualified!
  
• Write about this giveaway and send me the link in a separate post.
• Subscribe to my feed and let me know about it in a separate post.

This contest will end on Thursday, June 26th at 11:59 pm CST. The winner will be chosen via www.random.org and announced on here and on PRIZEY Fetch.

Good luck!

Baby in a Bag

We stopped swaddling Little AG when she was 6 weeks old, and moved to sleep sacks for night time instead. They are great because I know that she stays warm but I don't have to put a blanket in her crib that a) increases the risk of SIDS and b) she will kick off in 2 seconds flat. Babies in Europe have been sleeping in sleep sacks for years now, and the trend is finally catching on here -- for the two reasons I have already mentioned. We initially used a sleep sack that we found at Babies R Us that was made of fleece, but after some internet searching, I came across these European "Pamper Sacks" that I truly feel are superior to the other ones. You can buy different types of Pamper Sacks in different materials, but we stick to the lightweight summer models, even in the winter, because it stays at 69 degrees in our house all year long, no matter if we achieve that temperature via air conditioner or heater. I did initially purchase a winter sleep sack and a summer model, but we've never used the winter model due to the reasons above.

Anyway, check out their site, www.babyinabag.com for the different options. The summer model that we use retails for $24.95 and Little AG has been wearing a size medium since she was 7 months old (now she's 16 months). The way that they are made allows them to be adjustable to fit kids as they grow, so when you consider that we use it every night it ends up being one of the best investments that we've made.

Radio Flyer goes Green

I recycle here at home. Hubby does too. We do it faithfully throughout the week, placing our bin out for pickup on Friday mornings and then starting over again. But, do you ever really think about where all of that recycling goes? What is made of it? Well think no more, I've found at least one answer for you.

Ta-da! The wagon has gone green! CSC readers, meet the "Earth Wagon", an environmentally friendly way to give your kids those same wagon-time memories as the ones you cherish (remember the red Radio Flyers?). Each wagon is made of 230 recycled milk jugs. So by purchasing this you not only get a really cool wagon, you divert 230 milk jugs away from land-fills.

Oh, and did I mention it IS a Radio Flyer? That's right! The red has changed to green, but it's still the same durable, built-to-last wagon!

You can find one of these awesome "Green" Radio Flyer wagons at The Green Home for $150.

Super Suit!

I am, quite simply, smitten with this amazing bathing suit.

Of course, you already know that I'm heading to Europe in roughly a month, and that includes 3 days on the French Riviera. Yes, I realize that some people sunbathe topless there, but since I'll be holding on to my top, I need an appropriate swim suit.

I don't know why, I can't explain it, but I am just swooning over this suit. It's swoon-worthy.

I hope that if I buy it, it looks ok on me. You know how that works, you get sooooo excited about something and then it's all WHO PUT THE FUNHOUSE MIRROR IN THIS DRESSING ROOM?

Anyway, if you like this, or you want to see some other cute bathing suits that have a little more, erm, coverage -- then check out the Modbe catalog onlne.

Hmm, I think I need that hat, too.