I have learned a lot about traveling with kids when TJ, my husband and I traveled to Idaho, Michigan and Northern Indiana this summer.  Here are a few tricks and tips that have helped make traveling a peaceful bearable experience:

Treats

Kinda silly coming from a parent with a kid who doesn’t like to eat, but he loves to snack.  Having snacks at the ready for TJ in the car and on the plane has been a lifesaver.  We try to diversify the snacks so that he isn’t eating just one thing.

Entertainment

On our trip to Michigan we loved having the DVD player in our Buick.  It was a lifesaver towards the end of the trip when TJ really wanted to be out of his car seat.  ELMO saved the day (and our ears).  We also had books at the ready.  TJ loves his board books and many, many times on the trip those books helped preoccupy TJ.

Travel Times

For parents who have very young children deciding when to travel is a very key component to a happy travel experience.  When we booked our flights to Idaho we left early in the morning during TJ’s normal nap time.  It worked out perfectly as he slept most of the trip.  When we drove to Michigan we left early in the morning and TJ slept for the first 3 hours making the trip seem a lot shorter than it actually was.

Pack Smart

Flying with children can be very expensive.  Nowadays the airlines charge you for every bag you check.  When traveling with small children this can be very tricky.  We try and cut corners as much as we can.  For instance, when traveling to Idaho we don’t take any personal hygenie items or diapers and purchase travel sizes when we get there.  This saves a lot of space.  We also have been using our Portable Powermat charging system which allows us to charge most of our electronic devices so that we don’t have to bring several chargers with us.  It also folds up into a small case making it extremely easy to transport.  Our Powermat charges our Ipods, cell phones, and will even charge my laptop, imagine all those chargers that are now sitting at home not taking up space in our suitcases.

Would you like a chance to win your own Portable Powermat?

Deal Alert

Powermat is offering A Mom’s Impression readers  a discount of 20% off a total purchase at their website. Enter coupon code BTS2010 at checkout. This code cannot be combined with other coupons and discounts and expires September 15, 2010.

Win It

1 (one) lucky reader will win a Portable Powermat System that includes: 1 portable mat, Universal, international power supply with built-in cord management, Travel case with magnetic closure and Powercube Universal Receiver with 8 tips (ARV $99.99).

How to Enter:

Tell me one of your travel tips for traveling with small children.

(You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win a Powermat Charging System (ARV $99.99) @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/9lvnl(You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Follow Powermat on Twitter
• Like A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Like Powermat on Facebook and write on their wall that A Mom’s Impression sent you.
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to US residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on September 5. Winners will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by Powermat. I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am so excited to tell you about one of our favorite products we have reviewed on A Mom’s Impression.  The Sport-Brella, by SKLZ, was a huge hit when we went on our vacation to Michigan.  The Sport-Brella is an umbrella that can be used as a sun tent or all-weather protection at the beach, park, sidelines or even as shelter on your  camping trip. The Sport-Brella is unique because unlike regular beach umbrellas it protects you from the sides as well as the sun above.

As a parent I loved using the Sport-Brella at the beach.  My family has very fair sensitive skin and we don’t last long out in the sun without some kind of protection.  The Sport-Brella protected us from all sides with SPF 50 protection.  TJ and I were able to stay under the umbrella but not feel like we were away from all the beach action.  There was plenty of room under the umbrella to play in the sand with all of TJ’s sand toys while mommy laid on a blanket and relaxed and daddy sat in a beach chair and read a book.  The Sport-Brella is extremely easy to pack which is very important when you have to walk down a dune with 2 beach chairs, lots of sand toys, beach bags and a 15 month old.

Michigan can get a little windy but the Sport-Brella comes with a telescoping pole that can go deep into the sand securing the umbrella against strong winds.  I also comes with several different stakes that help secure the umbrella and the side flaps to the ground.

We love how versatile the Sport-Brella is.  You can use it just like a normal beach umbrella, or you can secure it with the side flaps to make a very large shelter.  As you can see from the picture above, there is room for a chair, blanket, and three people to enjoy the outdoors.  We absolutely loved this product and will insist that you take a look at it if you are planing a beach vacation with little ones any time soon.  Here is a little video highlighting the features of the Sport-Brella:

Buy It:

You can purchse the Sport-Brella on their website for $59.99 in a varriety of color options.

Win It:

One (1) lucky winner will receive a Sport-Brella in their choice of color.

How to Enter:

Visit Sport-Brella tell me your favorite feature of the Sport-Brella and what color you will pick if you are the lucky winner.

(You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win a Sport-Brella @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/hiuoq (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Like A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Like Sport-Brella on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to US residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on August 20. Winners will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by Sport-Brella. I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample. All opinions are 100% mine.

It’s here.  The Buick Enclave arrived yesterday and we just finished packing it up for our trip to Michigan tomorrow.  We will be leaving very early in the morning and hopefully arriving in Onekama, Michigan around 3 in the afternoon.  I drove the Enclave around town today when I was running last minute errands.  I have to say that so far, I am in love with this vehicle.  Here is a little introduction to the Buick Enclave before we packed it all up!

Stay tuned next week for several more videos about our experiences driving the Buick Enclave.  Thanks for coming along on the road with us!

This vehicle review was made possible by GM Motors. I was not compensated for this review other than use of the vehicle for 11 days. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am so excited to be writing this while staying with family for a wedding.  My husband, TJ and I are in northern Indiana to attend the wedding of my husband’s cousin.  After weeks of searching I finally found TJ a suit in a 12 month size and I wanted to share a picture with you.

Isn’t he the most handsome little guy?  I was a little frustrated trying to find dress clothes for infant/toddler boys.  Everywhere you turn are adorable little girl outfits, but the only store I could find a suit for TJ in was Macy’s.  I even checked infant/toddler speciality stores.  I hope someone out there reads this and realizes that boys need to look special on special occasions too!

Driving up here made me realize that we are leaving on our family vacation in just one week!  We are headed to North West Michigan with my husbands family.  It is a tradition that steams back several decades in his family.  We make the trip every other summer.  This will be TJ’s first time.  I have had many opportunities to review some items that will be brought with us up to Lake Michigan and I can’t wait to share them all with you.  In fact, GM is sending us a 2010 Buick Enclave to use for the trip!  I can’t wait to share the experience with all of you!

I am a little nervous about driving over 8 hours with a 15 month old.  If anyone out there has some advice for a first time mom and her first time long road trip I would really love to hear it!

When my little man was a tiny infant, I couldn’t live without our swing or bouncer.  They were lifesavers!  The only way I could feel comfortable taking a shower and knowing he was okay was if he was strapped into his bouncer or swing.  The soothing vibrations helped lull him into sleep.  They were my two best friends.  The only problem with my two friends were that they were not very travel friendly.  The swing was gigantic and the bouncer very awkward, they both took up too much space.

Infantino recently sent me the Fold & Go Bouncer to try out. Immediately I thought about how much easier this bouncer is to transport than our other one.  It folds up and stores in small places which is perfect for my little house.  TJ is almost too big for this bouncer (the weight limit is 25 pounds). But, I am really excited to own this bouncer for my next child.  The folding feature makes it so convenient for cramped spaces and car transportation, it is wonderful for traveling.

Here are some more features of the Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer:

• Includes plush seat, padded head support and waist harness.
• Removable entertainment bar adjusts and includes two detachable toys!
• Comforting bouncing action occurs with baby’s natural movement.
• Machine washable seat cover.
• Simple, no-hassle assembly!
• Requires 3 “AA” batteries
• For babies up to 25lbs (11.3kgs)

One of my favorite features is volume control and the heartbeat sound.  I hate loud sounds when baby is trying to fall asleep, but put on the heartbeat sound softly, and you are guaranteed a sleeping baby in no time.

The bouncer is lightweight and easy to assemble (much to my husbands delight).  The colors are nuteral and will go with most any decor.

If you are in the market for a bouncer, you must check out the Fold & Go by Infantio.  It retails for $49.99 and you can purchase it from Step2 here.

“I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation.”

Are you the type of person who likes to mix business and pleasure?  MLM Zenith Training is offering an amazing experience right now for you to go on a cruise to the Caribbean and learn about business at the same time. MLM Zenith Training invites you to join them at their ‘Dare To Dream – Dare To Be Great’Conference and Trade Expo, November 7-14, 2010.

While attending this event, you will:

• Learn from life mastery specialists
• Work with business development trainers
• Attend personal development sessions
• Network with other business owners

… all while building relationships and life-long friendships with 150 other like-minded, positive people among beautiful surroundings. ALL for only $127 per day*.

This includes your accommodations, plus tons of fun (while you are not networking and learning) including great pools, on-board ‘surfing,’ ice-skating rink, fitness center, miniature golf course, rock climbing, and fabulous food.  Also included is all of your entertainment, the “Dare to Dream… Dare To Be Great” Seminars and Business Tradeshow, your Welcome Party, AND exciting ports of call on sunny, exotic Caribbean Islands!  Can you imagine all of this and the added benefit of being in a beautiful environment?

From snorkelling and swimming to shopping and golf, the Caribbean is the ultimate outdoor playground. What better way to be in a learning environment and vacation than to be surrounded by white sand beaches, turquoise waters in the most beautiful islands on earth?

Please check out http://www.mlmzenithtraining.com/seminarsatsea/ for more information (and follow @MLM_Zenith on Twitter), avoid disappointment and reserve today!

This is a sponsored post brought to you by MLM Zenith Training

Keeping my son safe is the most important thing in my life.  Thinking about all the accidents that can happen have kept me up at night.  While I can protect him while he is at home, I don’t have total control over what will happen to him in the world.  That is why I want the safest car seat on the market for TJ to ride in.  I have been doing a lot of research over the past few months about the safest car seat for toddlers.  I am excited to introduce to you the recently awarded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 5-Star Ease of Use rating; The First Years True Fit Rebound Convertible Car Seat.

The First Years’ True Fit Premier Convertible Car Seat (C670) allows a parent to invest in only one seat; it grows with the child, and is the only convertible car seat in the U.S. to have a Rebound Energy Management™ Bar which provides additional protection in the unlikely event of a crash. This seat is used for infants up to 35 pounds in the rear-facing position and used in the forward-facing position for children over 22 pounds up to 65 pounds.  It features multi-position recline in both the forward and rear-facing positions; in fact, it’s the only convertible car seat that offers multiple recline positions in a rear facing installation. The True Fit Premier is also side-impact tested to international standards and has energy absorbing EPS Foam; extra padding and deep side wings for added protection.  Other features include easy rear facing installation with the removable headrest; an easy-off seat pad for quick and easy cleaning; and a an easy to adjust no-rethread 5-point harness  for use up to 65 lbs.

My husband had the privilege to install the car seat, seeing as how I wouldn’t have any idea what I was doing.  He struggled a bit with installing our last car seat rear facing so he was not really looking forward to the activity.  In spite of the lack of installation videos, he was able to successfully install the car seat with relative ease. He said that it was a lot easier than the other seat that we own.  I was impressed at how secure the car seat felt in the rear facing position, we didn’t even have to sacrifice a couple of towels this time!

One of the features that sets this car seat apart from the rest is the Rebound Energy Management system–a flip-up rebound bar that actually helps manage the rebound in the unlikely event of a crash. It is visible when the car seat is in the rear-facing position and it flips backs in the forward- facing position.

By far the most impressive feature of the car seat is the no-rethread, easy-to-adjust harness system.  If you have ever had to adjust the shoulder height in a car seat it normally consists of you having to take off the car seat cover, taking the straps out of the back of the car seat, adjusting the straps to a new height and then reinstall them.  Most of the time you have to take out the seat and then reinstall it to accomplish this.  With the no-rethread harness system you simply adjust the settings on either side of the car seat.  It is goof-proof even for me because it is clearly labeled with 4 different settings (rear-facing is labeled in blue and forward-facing positions are labeled in red).  This is a feature I hope all of the car seat manufacturers take notice of.

TJ loves his car seat.  He is able to get in and out of the seat with relative ease for a rear-facing car seat.  The seat is well padded and it looks like TJ is very comfortable.  He is in the rear-facing position (the safest position for children of his weight and height) and he is able to stay in that position until he is 35 pounds.  We can turn the seat around and use it until he is 65 pounds! The True Fit could potentially be the only car seat you will need for your child.

Highlights of the True Fit Premier Rebound C670:

I can be assured that my little man is safe and secure in his new True Fit Rebound Car Seat.  And now so can you….

Buy It:

You can purchase The First Years True Fit Rebound Convertible Car Seat for SRP: $269.99 from major retailers nationwide.  You can find the nearest store or an online retailer here.

Win It:

One (1) lucky winner will receive The First Years True Fit Rebound Convertible Car Seat of their very own!

How to Enter:

Visit The First Years and tell me another product you would like to try from their website.

(You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win The First Years True Fit Rebound Convertible Car Seat (ARV $269.99) @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/6mdaz (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Follow The First Years on Twitter and Tweet: I entered to win The First Years True Fit Rebound Convertible Car Seat @amomsimpression http://wyn.cc/6mdaz (You may enter once, just leave one comment with the Tweet’s link)
• Follow A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Follow The First Years on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to US or Canadian residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on June 20. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by The First Years.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample provided by the company or PR firm. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have spent the last few months looking at convertible car seats for BJ.  He is rapidly outgrowing his infant seat and we are going to have to move him into a “big boy” car seat.  The most important factor for us when selecting a car seat is safety.  I want the safest car seat on the market for my little man.  I am already paranoid being a first time mom, so I want to know that if anything happens my little guy is as safe as he possibly can be sitting in his seat.

In my research I learned a lot about car seat safety and a lot of alarming car crash statistics. In the past 20 years side impact  crash fatalities have increased by 20%.

(Taken from Safety 1st website)

So, how can parents protect their child from side impact collisions? Safety 1st has designed a unique car seat that provides better side impact protection than the average car seat.  The Complete Air Convertible Car Seat is a unique car seat that protects your child’s head.  Here is a short description from their website:

Air Protect™ Technology has been designed to defend against the biggest threat to children on the road today; side impact collisions.  Side impact are by far the deadliest type of collision for children, accounting for one in three child fatalities; nearly all of which are caused by head trauma.  The placement of Air Protect™ Technology on the car seat diverts crash forces away from a child’s head, the most vulnerable place in a side impact crash.

We recently received a Complete Air Convertible Car Seat from Safety 1st for our review.  I was so excited to see the box arrive from the FedEx man.  The box became a big hit with BJ.  He has been playing with it ever since it came.

We read through the instruction manual and began the installation process.  We appreciate that the seat is a convertible because we still need it to be rear-facing for a few more months until BJ is older (it fits rear facing from 5-40 lbs and forward facing 22-50 lbs).  Installing the car seat in the rear facing position was difficult at first.  We actually had to go to the installation videos on Safety 1st’s website in order to install it correctly.  The video was wonderful and I highly recommend viewing the videos before attempting to install the car seat. A word to the wise on installing rear facing, you might need a rolled up towel to stick under the front of the seat in order to get it to level out correctly.

BJ loves his new seat.  He looks very comfortable riding rear facing and he has plenty of leg room.  I was a little worried about the head flaps (that cushion his head with air) restricting his view, but he doesn’t seem to mind.  We can easily strap him into the seat and adjusting the harness is extremely easy thanks to the QuickFit Harness System  that adjusts the harness height from the front in one easy step without uninstalling from the car. The seat also comes with a detachable cup holder for BJ when he is a little older.

Overall we thought that the car seat was a little difficult to install rear facing but easier after watching the installation videos.  In spite of the one negative, we love this car seat. It looks great, BJ looks comfortable, and best of all I feel like I have my son in the safest car seat on the market.  A Mom’s peace of mind is priceless.

Buy It:

You can purchase your own Safety 1st Complete Air Convertible Car Seat from Babies”R”Us, Target, Walmart, Sears, and other retailers for MSRP $219.99.

Win It:

One (1) lucky AMI reader will win a Safety 1st Convertible Air Car Seat of their own!

How to Enter:

Visit Safety 1st and tell me another product you would like to try from their website.

(You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win a Safety 1st Convertible Car Seat @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/v2gr9 (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Follow A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Grab my Car Seat Giveaway Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to US residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on May 15. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by Safety 1st  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample provided by Safety 1st. All opinions are 100% mine.

]]> http://amomsimpression.com/2010/04/12/safety-1st-complete-air%e2%84%a2-convertible-car-seat-review-and-giveaway/feed/ 650 http://amomsimpression.com/2010/02/13/the-brag-company-giveaway/ http://amomsimpression.com/2010/02/13/the-brag-company-giveaway/#comments Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:00:16 +0000 Mom http://amomsimpression.com/?p=702

You might not know it by looking at me, but I love fun, flirty, girlie things.  I am a tomboy at heart, but you can’t entirely take the girly side out of a tomboy (at least this one).

I heard about The Brag Company on one of the many blogs that I stalk.  I was genuinely interested and contacted the company to see if they would like to be featured on A Mom’s Impression.  To my delight they agreed and now I am very excited to introduce The Brag Company to all of my female visitors (A note out there to my male readers…this is a great gift idea for the women in your life. I know that I would love this as a Valentine’s Gift).  

The Brag Company began out of a stay at home mom’s frustration with her nice, expensive bras being ruined in her suitcase when she would travel.  When she arrived to her destination her bras would be dented and creased.  I don’t travel as much as I would like to, but when I do I can totally relate to this.  Ladies, we all know that well made bras are not cheap! (I have spent over $100.00 on one before, don’t tell my husband). This mom decided to create a product that would protect her bras, The Brag Company was formed.  The Brag Company offers a Bra Bag, Panty Paks, Mini Clutch, and Bag Tags that help protect your undergarments as well as being very chic and stylish.

The Brag Company sent me the Bra Bag in the Tiffany style for me to review.  I was very impressed when I took it out of the box.  It was a little bigger than what I was expecting, but it was very durable and well made. The Bra Bag can hold up to 6 bras (up to a ’36C’, they also offer The Bra Bag Buxom for larger sizes up to a ’38F’) I adored the Tiffany style.  I have to admit that the bra-shaped bag is a lot fancier than any of my bras, but I felt so wonderful and sophisticated just looking at it!  My Bra Bag arrived just in time for my trip back home to Idaho. The bag is very durable (it has a hard shell) and stood up nicely in a tightly packed suitcase.  My bras were not harmed in any way.  I didn’t have to take them out of the bag and hang them up to make sure they kept their form.  I was very impressed with the bag.  If you are struggling to find the perfect gift for the lady in your life who has it all, consider The Brag Company.

Buy It: You can buy your own Bra Bags  from The Brag Company on their website here.

Win It:

The Brag Company is offering one lucky reader The Bra Bag of their choice (ARV $49.95).

How to Enter:

To enter visit The Brag Company and tell me what style you would choose if you are the lucky winner. (You must complete this entry before any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• What are your favorite girlie products?
• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win The Bra Bag from The Brag Company @AMomsImpression http://wp.me/pFQZQ-bk (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
This giveaway will end at midnight on February 28.
Good Luck!

For purposes of this review, I was sent a Bra Bag from The Brag Company free of charge.  This review is my honest opinion and is not influenced by any other source.