Reviews | The Stroller Ballet

Britax Baby Carrier Review and Giveaway (Closed)

June 9, 2011 By thestrollerballet 122 Comments

Recently Peanut’s been going through a phase (actually, isn’t everything a phase?) in which she wants to be held all the time. When she gets tired, instead of attempting to get into the stroller (as she used to), she requests to be picked “up”. It’s never easy carrying a 25 pound 2 year old. Sometimes I can reason with her. Not always. So, needless to say, I was looking for a solution.

Several weeks ago I was invited by Melissa and Karen of Buzzing Bloggers to preview the new Britax Baby Carrier. I’ve always had great experiences with Britax products, and was excited to see what they had to offer in terms of baby wearing. The Britax Baby Carrier did not disappoint, with several features that I loved:

It accommodates the baby facing inwards or out. You’ll appreciate this, in particular, if your infant prefers one orientation over the other.
It accommodates infants and toddlers from 8 pounds up through 32 pounds.
The adjustable head support stabilizes the head and neck of younger infants.
A removable Infant Insert ensures a comfortable, natural sitting position for smaller babies.
The Carrylong™ System with padded waist belt and shoulder straps distributes weight across shoulders, back and hips, so that it’s actually comfortable.

I didn’t attend this event really expecting to have any use for a baby carrier – in my mind, the days of wearing Peanut were behind us. So I was thrilled to see that Peanut fit in the carrier comfortably (using a seat extender insert). I actually wore her home that afternoon (on the subway). I didn’t feel any discomfort or pain in my back (despite her weight and size), and she ended up falling asleep (bonus – and an endorsement in the best sense of the word!).

And now, a moment of silliness...

The Britax Baby Carrier will be available in early Summer, 2011. It exceeds all American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM F2236-09a) and Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) requirements and is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). It will retail for approximately $129.99. Find out more at Britax online.

Win it: Here’s your chance to win your very own Britax Baby Carrier!

To Enter: Follow The Stroller Ballet on Google Reader and leave a comment telling me why you would like the Britax Baby Carrier. If you are already following The Stroller Ballet, simply leave a comment and let me know!

Additional Entries:

“Like” The Stroller Ballet on Facebook and leave a comment here on the blog that you did (if you already follow, leave a comment and let me know). (1 entry)
“Like” Britax on Facebook and leave a comment here on the blog that you did. (1 entry)
Follow Britax on Twitter and leave a comment here on the blog that you did. (1 entry)
Follow The Stroller Ballet on Twitter and leave a comment here on the blog that you did (if you already follow, leave a comment and let me know). (1 entry)
Subscribe to my RSS Feed and leave a comment here on the blog that you did (if you already subscribe, leave a comment and let me know). (1 entry)

You can tweet about the contest using the following phrase and leave a comment that you did. You can tweet the phrase once per day. Enter to win a @Britax Baby Carrier from @thestrollerballet. http://bit.ly/lkZZX5 #Giveaway

Giveaway ends on Monday, June 20th. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Please note: because the Britax Baby Carrier is not available in stores until July, this giveaway will ship sometime during that month. Full details will be given to the winner.

{Disclaimer: The Stroller Ballet was not compensated for this post. I did receive a Baby Carrier for the purposes of review. All opinions expressed are my own.}

Filed Under: Events, Giveaways, Reviews

Disney Baby and the Cuddly Bodysuit

June 3, 2011 By thestrollerballet 9 Comments

Confession: up until about a month ago (or when it started to get warmer) I still put Peanut in onesies. I loved the way a onesie kept her warm, and made her outfit look put together (is it something about a tucked in shirt?) Onesies are an absolute wardrobe staple, and something most new moms end up investing a significant amount of money in.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to preview Disney Baby’s Cuddly Bodysuit collection. These onesies are soft and tagless (so they won’t scratch baby’s delicate skin). And they’re adaptable – with two rows of snaps that allow an inch of extra wear. I think you’d agree, it’s nice to think of purchasing infant clothing that will last for more than a month or two.

The designs are also absolutely adorable. Disney offers over 85 magical styles from which to choose; including solid colors and stylish patterns that incorporate well known characters.

Could this be any more adorable?

The Disney Cuddly Bodysuit is now available on Amazon, and is available in 0-3, 3-6, and 6-9 month sizes. Prices range from $7.99 to $12.00, $19.50 for a 3 pack, $27.00 for a fashion color four pack to $24.99 for a five pack in white.

{Disclaimer: The Stroller Ballet was not compensated for this post. I did receive a gift bag and bodysuit for the purposes of review. All opinions expressed are my own. All photos courtesy Disney Baby}

Filed Under: Events, Reviews

Shutterfly Custom Path Photo Book Review and Giveaway (Closed)

May 26, 2011 By thestrollerballet 48 Comments

I’m terribly disorganized when it comes to photos. I have yet to even create a wedding album (we were married in 2007). The digital age has meant that I basically download and store thousands of photos on my computer. Anyways, this Christmas I took the plunge and created some albums for family members through Shutterfly. They looked great, but weren’t completely customizable.

Shutterfly’s new Custom Path Photo Books are changing all that, though. Now a variety of creative features are offered; giving users the option of making each book as individual as possible. A few weeks I was able to catch a sneak peek of Shutterfly’s Custom Path Photo books – intensely exciting for an album novice such as myself.

Here are some of the things you can do with Shutterfly’s Custom Path Photo Books:

Move text and pictures absolutely anywhere on the page.
Choose from a collection of new backgrounds, layouts, and embellishments (including stickers – how cool!)
Pick from a variety of templates for inspiration.
Use a photo as page background (something I LOVE).

It’s clever, fun, and personal.

Win it!: One lucky Stroller Ballet reader will win a promo code to create a 20 page 8×8 Shutterfly Custom Path Photo Book with free shipping!

To Enter: Follow The Stroller Ballet on Google Reader and leave a comment telling me why you want to make a Shutterfly Custom Path Photo book. If you are already following The Stroller Ballet, simply leave a comment and let me know!

Additional Entries:

“Like” The Stroller Ballet on Facebook and leave a comment here on the blog that you did (if you already follow, leave a comment and let me know). (1 entry)
“Like” Shutterfly on Facebook and leave a comment here on the blog that you did. (1 entry)
Follow Shutterfly on Twitter and leave a comment here on the blog that you did. (1 entry)
Follow The Stroller Ballet on Twitter and leave a comment here on the blog that you did (if you already follow, leave a comment and let me know). (1 entry)
Subscribe to my RSS Feed and leave a comment here on the blog that you did (1 entry)

You can tweet about the contest using the following phrase and leave a comment that you did. You can tweet the phrase once per day. Enter to win a @shutterfly Custom Path Photo Book from @thestrollerballet. http://bit.ly/k7MxD2 #Giveaway

Giveaway ends on Friday, June 10. Winner will be chosen via Random.org.

{Disclaimer: The Stroller Ballet was not compensated for this post. I did receive a photo book for the purposes of review. All opinions expressed are my own.}

Filed Under: Giveaways, Reviews

MacLaren Beginning: A review

April 22, 2011 By thestrollerballet 4 Comments

I’m a bit of a product addict. Sephora has a figurative intravenous tube attached to my bank account. It’s even more dangerous now that I’m within walking distance from one. Hair, makeup, skin; I try it all. And when I find my favorites, I’m fiercely loyal. That’s why I was thrilled when MacLaren asked me to review some products from their new skin care line; Beginning. Beginning products are organic, all natural, and perfect for sensitive skin. Created in collaboration with an aromatherapy expert, these products offer something a little different. The line offers a variety of items, including the Protecting Nappy Change Balm, the Absorbing Dusting Powder, the Comforting Room Mist, and the Soothing Delicate Soap (amongst others).

I tried several Beginning products; including the travel kit for baby, the travel kit for mommy, and the celebration wax candle. I particularly loved the purifying bath and shower elixir, with its fresh scent of mandarin and orange. Although intended for expectant mothers, I’m enjoying the definite lift it gives me in the shower each morning. The cocooning massage oil is perfect for Peanut’s dry skin, with its subtle scent and light texture. And the calming bath milk provides some much needed pre-bedtime relaxation, with hints of lavender and mandarin.

I absolutely loved these products. I’m the type of girl who likes a moderate amount of scent in her lotion and bath gel. There is such a thing as too much, of course. But I’ve found that the right amount (and type) of fragrance can absolutely improve my mood (as well as Peanut’s). The Beginning products provide just enough scent. Plus, they feel downright luxurious.