Mom and baby product reviews on The Mommy Insider

Watch my 'Picking out the right stroller' segment on Fox 5!

Thanks to Jeff Hill and Jennifer and the Fox 5 Good Day Atlanta team, I had a great time in the Fox 5 Atlanta studio today. I featured 6 strollers in the segment, one for just about any budget and lifestyle. Watch the segment video below. Then take a look at my complete five part "Stroller Buying Guide" series below.

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Articles in our Stroller Buying Guide series

• Part 1: Stroller Buying Guide: What to look for when shopping for a stroller
• Part 2: Stroller Buying Guide: Stroller Brands
• Part 3: Stroller Buying Guide: A few of my favorite strollers
• Part 4: Stroller Buying Guide: Stroller Accessories
• Part 5: Stroller Buying Guide: Comparison chart of different types of strollers

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TOMS Shoes - Giving Back One Pair of Shoes at a Time

How can a single pair of TOM's shoes change the world? Well, according to TOMS shoes founder Blake Mycoskie, it can save lives - one shoe at a time. While traveling in Argentina in 2006 Blake found that many children had no shoes to protect their feet. In response Blake founded TOMS and returned later that year to give 10,000 pairs of shoes to deserving children all thanks to the purchases made by TOMS customers. So a single pair of shoes can change a life and perhaps the world.

 We took the time to chat with a member of the TOMS team to learn more about this innovative and socially conscious company.

1. What is the inspiration behind the new Wrap Boot?
The TOMS Wrap Boot is inspired by the colorful leg wraps worn by Argentine Polo horses. Blake authored a short story that tells the tale of a newly-wed young woman who, to win back the attention of her Polo champion husband, wrapped her legs with the brilliant elastic creating a sassy, flirtatious look. Read the full story and see the looks here!

2. Tell us what happens on a typical "Shoe Drop Tour".
An Argentina Shoe Drop Tour is a group experience where volunteers hand-place matched pairs of TOMS Shoes on children's feet and explore some of the country's most intriguing neighborhoods and activities.

3. How can our readers get involved in the TOMS movement?
- Buy TOMS and wear them daily - share the One for One movement with everyone you meet!
- Stay connected through our emails, Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter
- Share the documentary: YouTube.com/TOMSshoes
- Be part of the TOMS family by applying for an internship on your campus, at TOMS HQ, or on the road as a TOMS Vagabond
- Apply to go on a TOMS Shoe Drop Tour

4. What are the various ways an individual can make a difference?
Know that as a consumer you can choose products that offer sustainability, giving, and positivity at their core. TOMS guarantees that for every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. In the end, "the more you give, the more you live!"

5. What can our readers look forward to in the upcoming collections for TOMS shoes?
TOMS remains true to the classic lines of the Argentine alpargata shoe, but you can look forward to fresh new variations this summer and laces this fall!

Coupon Code: TOMSbday valid for 5% off at www.TOMSshoes.com and expires 5/15/09.

Shop & Product Review: Screen Printed Wallet from Greenheart

My husband was very proud of himself when he came home with a 100% recycled product from Home Depot today.  He's on the 'Green' bandwagon and now I have something else to tell him about.  Fair Trade.  Fair Trade supports sustainable community development by ensuring that the artisans making the products are paid fair living wages.
Greenheart is an eco-fair trade non-profit shop, carrying both fair trade and eco friendly products including handbags, wallets, lotion, and cookbooks.  Greenheart believes consumers have the power to affect positive World change by supporting sustainable and fair business practices in their purchasing choices.

What is Eco-Fair Trade? Greenheart follows the guiding principles of "Fair Trade".  "Eco" signifies that our products are made using the most sustainable materials and methods whenever possible. At Greenheart, we are both "Fair to producers, and good to the Earth".

The product and giveaway featured here is Greenheart's fair trade wallet measuring a practical 8.5" x 5" x 1".  The wallet has a three-side zip closure, four section accordion dividers, a zip coin pocket, and credit card slips and I found that there is plenty of left over room for my phone.

Want to know more about socially and environmentally friendly shopping?  Check out this handy guide available at Greenheart.

GIVEAWAY!
We are giving a red screen printed fair trade wallet away to one lucky subscriber!  Simply subscribe to our newsletter and then tell us what your favorite item at Greenheart is (besides the wallet) in the comments below.  Use the email address you used when subscribing, when leaving your comment.

30% off at Shop Rapunzels

Get 30% off all full-priced merchandise expiring 5.12.09 at midnight.  Use coupon code BUY30.

Shop Rapunzels

My Name Is Chicken Joe (Book/CD Set)

Madelyn turned 3 this weekend and her favorite gifts were books.  She loves books.  One of her favorite books right now is My Name is Chicken Joe.   We read it every night.  The story is about a cat named Chicken Joe and other animals whose names don't quite fit.  Featuring whimsical illustrations and an easy to remember 'chorus', it's nearly impossible for me to not to start singing the story.

My Name is Chicken Joe is a book/cd set and is a fun book for beginning readers and equally as fun for toddlers being read to.  Both of my kids love the 11-song CD which I consider to be a mashup of folk, rock, and country style music. This CD will be one that we listen to on our road trips this summer.  Trout Fishing in America has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, Parents Choice Gold, American Library Awards, and others.  Trout Fishing in America have earned widespread critical praise from USA Today, Billboard and The Los Angeles Times.

You can buy the My Name is Chicken Joe book/cd set on the Trout Fishing in America website here.

Enjoy!

I'm breaking up with my old appliances

The breakup is scheduled for the end of the month.  I told them it's not them.. it's me.  I don't want to hurt their feelings as  we've had some good times.

Here's the story.. Mom Central recently offered an unknown number (to me) of  mommy bloggers the opportunity to be a Test Drive Mom for a new line of appliances.   The application stated that 40 applicants would receive one appliance and 8 additional applicants would be chosen to receive all 5 appliances.

I am thrilled to announce that I am a Test Drive Mom and was chosen to receive all 5  appliances!  Now you see why I'm breaking up with my old appliances.

Over the next couple of months I will post personal reviews, photographs, and videos of my experiences with my new appliances.

About Frigidaire's new collection and how you can participate:

This month rolls out a brilliant new collection with more than 250 kitchen and laundry appliances, just in time for Mother’s Day! They designed these high-performance products with easy-to-use, time-saving features to give Moms more free time away from the kitchen and laundry room. A dream come true!

I am so excited about the time I will save just by using these new appliances.  No more wondering if my 30+ year old washing machine is going to go ka-put mid-wash or running the dryer for 2 cycles just to get the clothes dry.  My washing machine was purchased by my parents when I was about 2 years old!  It's been running for over 30 years and for that I am grateful.

recently conducted a survey to get a window into moms’ lives.
The Motherload Index revealed that Moms log more overtime than most Americans. Imagine that!  The index found that moms spend most of their waking lives – 200 hours each month, in fact – doing the activities we least enjoy rather than the things we love. And yet the majority of us say we “rarely” or “never” feel caught up on our household tasks.  kept all of this in mind when designing their new appliances.  With new features such as a six-minute PowerPlus™ preheat time on their ovens, a Quick Clean dish washing cycle that cuts the time it takes in half to clean our dishes, the Fits-More™ Dryer that allows us to dry the whole family’s clothes at once, and TimeWise™ technology to make the dryer and washing cycle equal, we can have enough time to read a few extra bedtime stories, or bake some cookies!

 has so much confidence in the efficiency of these products that they are offering a “More Me-Time” Guarantee: Moms will reduce the amount of time they typically spend on housework by at least 8 hours a month using a combination of three or more select appliances or they can return the appliances to their place of purchase within 30 days and get their money back! 

Get in on the fun!
wants to know what you would do if you had an extra hour of blissful “me-time”.  Starting May 8th, moms can go to Frigdaire.com to report the five things they would do with an extra hour each day. All participants will be entered for a chance to win an entire suite of NEW Frigidaire appliances.  Plus, check out other prizes you can win – like a gorgeous new Affinity washer/dryer. 

Become a Facebook Fan!  Say that ten times in a row.

Many thanks to MomCentral.com and Frigidaire for giving me this wonderful opportunity to be a Test Drive Mom!

Current giveaways!

• Mother's Day Giveaway! - Boost Mobile i776w and a $50 re-Boost card! - Enter to win
• Mother's Day Giveaway! - Audiovox Homebase - Enter to win
• May monthly contest - First Years Kickin' Coaster  - Enter to win
• Thomas Talking Railway Engine and a Cranky the Crane destination Giveaway - Enter to win

Save on Stylish Mother's Day Gifts from TheFind

TheFind’s Top 10 Deals for Your Favorite Mom

No need to wait for that perfect gift, the Modern Mom knows what she wants and knows how to get it—and at the best price.  These gifts will bring a smile to your Mom's face and are gentle on your wallet.  Enjoy these money saving coupons for TheFind Users!

1. Gorgeous and Gleaming.  Treat mom to something pretty for her wrist that she'll cherish for years to come. See more bracelets from Ice.com on TheFind
Ice.com  Coupon Code – SFIND  20% off Good through 12/31/09.
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2. Task Master. Put your laundry tasks in order. These clever laundry accessories will keep mom's most delicate clothing looking fresh as new.
BareNecessities.com  Coupon Code - THEFIND09  Get 10% off.  Good through 5/30/09
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3. Sweet Scents.  Every time I wear Prada perfume, MEN stop me asking what I am wearing. I love the sweet spicy smell, it makes me feel as if I'm on a Roman holiday.

Fragrance.net Coupon Code – THEFIND  Receive 10% off all orders; Ongoing coupon, no end date
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4. Cool and Casual. I love the relaxed So Cal casual style of these comfy C&C California tees. I own at least ten of these lovelies. Great for layering and pairing with your favorite pair of jeans.

Barenecessities Coupon Code - THEFIND09 Get 10% off at barenecessities.com Good through 5/30/09
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5. Keeping Time.  If that old SWATCH watch just won’t cut the muster anymore get yourself a new one. The bigger and bolder, the watch, the better.
KenmarWatches.com Coupon Code – THEFIND5 Save 5% site wide Good through 1/1/10  _________________________________________________________________________

 
6.  In the Bag.  Mom A hobo style handbag is an instant updater to any wardrobe. Not only do they look great with tailored classics or jeans but they fit comfortably on your shoulder and will fit all of your essentials.

Bluefly.com Coupon Code - THEFIND30 $30 off your first order at Bluefly.com Good through 6/30/09
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7. Get Cozy.  You'll sleep more soundly in these fair trade and 100% organic cozy PJs.
Gaiam Coupon Code -  TheFind4 for free shipping on purchases over $25 through June 1, 2009.
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8. Make a Statement. All of Luxury Loves Company's products are produced in ethical and Fair Wear Foundation signatory factories, the luxurious eco-friendly fabrics include soft organic cotton and bamboo. The collection is currently sold in Kitson, Fred Segal Fun, and LuxuryLovesCompany.com.
Now thru June 1, 2009 save 25% at  with Coupon Code: FINDVIP
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9.  Wabi-Sabi  Rae Dunn’s  delicate handmade ceramics (plates, cups, vases, etc) , based upon the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi- the beauty of things imperfect- are the perfect hostess, birthday or mother’s day gift for Yourself.  See some of Rae Dunn's sale items here for Mother's Day Deals.
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10. Feel Good. Share the love with a single pair of TOMS shoes. For every pair of shoes you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what TOMS is all about.
Coupon Code: TOMSbday valid for 5% off at www.TOMSshoes.com and expires 5/15.

A Mother's Day Giveaway! Win an i776w phone from Boost Mobile + $50 re-Boost Mobile card!

Want to give mom a new cell-phone but afraid of locking her into a two year contract with expensive monthly payments?  Boost Mobile has the answer!  This Mother's Day, give mom a stylish, affordable prepaid mobile phone from Boost Mobile to help her stay connected for less or how about FREE?

Thanks to Boost Mobile we are giving away an i776w and a $50 re-Boost card to a lucky reader.

Stylish moms will love Boost Mobile's i776w handset.  The purple i776w is a sleek/lightweight flip phone that is the perfect accessory for mom's busy schedule. 

Features mom will love:

• GPS
• Wireless Web
• Text and picture (multi-media) messaging
• Digital camera
• Hands-free speakerphone.  -- My iPhone doesn't even have multi-media messaging!
• $50 UNLIMITED monthly plan includes taxes
• No credit checks and no contracts
  

Frugal moms will love Boost Mobile's Monthly Unlimited plan which provides UNLIMITED talk, text messaging and Walkie-Talkie, all for one flat rate of $50 per month, taxes included!  Check out how Boost Mobile's plan compares to others here.
 
The i776w is available online at www.BoostMobile.com for $99.99 and at select retail stores, including RadioShack, Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Sprint stores.

GIVEAWAY!
To enter to win the i776w and $50 re-Boost Mobile card, leave a comment below telling me why your mom rocks and why you want this phone.  That's it!