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Closer to Nature Double Electric Breast Pump by Tommee Tippee {Giveaway}

Disclosure: I received a Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Double Electric Breast Pump to take part in this review. All opinions are my own.

I really needed a new breast pump after that old (now dead) cat of ours peed on my old Medela Pump In Style. So when Tommee Tippee offered me their new pump to try out, I was all for it! Take that, Gorby!

First off, this pump comes in a great tote bag, but the pump is a small, stand alone pump that actually comes out of the bag! This is a totally awesome new feature for me and it makes pumping so much easier. The pump has an adapter and is battery powered, so as long as the pump is charged up, you can basically pump ANYWHERE! – in front of the TV, in the car, at work, in the bedroom, anywhere – without having to rely on an adapter that is plugged into the wall, like my old pump. I’m also super impressed with the compact size of the pump – it’s TINY for something so powerful!

Yes, it’s powerful. It gets the job done. I love the display on the pump that shows you how long you’ve been pumping for and all the various speeds – light, low, medium and high. I usually pump on light for the first minute, then turn it to low, and then finally high – pumping enough milk for Andrew’s next feeding! The pump is so easy to clean because all the parts come apart so easily. That’s one of my favorite features. My old pump used to collect condensation and grime that you couldn’t get at because the bits were all permanently stuck together. The Tommee valves and tubes are all easy to use, take apart and wash. The Closer to Nature Pump is awesome in that regard. Yes, there are lots of bits, but all the bits are always sterile and clean.

The bottles are great too. The nipples don’t EVER leak, which is super awesome. We all know there’s nothing worse than leaky nipples. Baaahahahaaaaha!

Here’s what’s included in the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Double Electric Breast Pump:

Photo Credit Amazon

Craaaaaazy, right? I was happy to see milk storage containers (that you can directly pump into) and nursing pads! They’ve really thought of everything! This pump is available at Babies R Us or Amazon and retails for $199.99. But I’m giving one away! Enter to win using the Rafflecopter below! So tell all the expectant moms you know to head on over and enter to win! It’d make a great baby shower gift! We all need an upgrade every once in a while, whether your cat peed on your pump or not! It’s awesome to have a pump for home and/or work! #MamaLoves this pump and be sure to check out my other awesome #MamaLoves giveaway from Tomee Tippee going on right now! That bottle warmer is AAAAAmazing!

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Filed Under: #MamaLoves, Baby Gear and Products, Giveaways, Motherhood, Reviews Tagged With: #MamaLoves Baby Gear 14 Comments

Wooden Watch by Jord {Giveaway}

11 Dec 35 Comments

Disclosure: I received a Jord watch to take part in this campaign. All opinions are my own.

I’ve been eyeing chunky watches for some time now, so when Jord sent me their Ely Watch in Cherry, I was excited. But a watch made out of wood? What?

The box came in the mail yesterday and it was packaged beautifully. The face – just the right size for my small wrist. The color – perfection. Lightweight, classy, chunky, stylish. Chris was here when I ripped it open. Upon lifting the cover off, we both let out simultaneous WOWS! In fact, Chris liked the watch so much, he thought it was for him! I told him we could share. So they’re suitable for both MEN and WOMEN!

Jord Watch Ely in Cherry

Chris easily removed two of the links straight away for me so that it fits me perfectly. I love it so much. Can’t wait to hear what people think about my new watch – I think I’ll get a lot of compliments on it! Besides, wood seems to be taking off in the fashion industry, so you’ll be so trendy and hip when you win your own #JordWatch made from 100% natural wood. Yup, I’m giving one away! The Jord watch would also make a great gift for the holidays, so be sure to check out all the various styles on their website! The winner will be able to pick an ELY watch (valued at $129) in either Cherry or Maple! Both are so pretty that I had a hard time deciding!!

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Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Giveaways, Holiday Shopping, Lifestyle, Reviews 35 Comments

Tommee Tippee Winter Essentials Pack {GIVEAWAY}

6 Dec 22 Comments

I love Tommee Tippee and my mom does too!

Disclosure: I received products from Tommee Tippee to take part in this review. All opinions are my own.

Little Andrew will be 8 weeks old tomorrow! 8 weeks, people! How is that possible? Almost 2 months old! Time goes by so much faster when they’re on the outside because 8 weeks of pregnancy seems like an eternity!

We’re still totally impressed with our new diaper pail from Tommee Tippee. What’s crazy is that we STILL haven’t had to change the sealer!!! It seems to be never ending! A major score!

Andrew and I LOVE testing out all the amazing new baby gear and products and Tommee Tippee has been SO good to us. That’s why we chose to feature them as our first brand that #MamaLoves. From bottles to binkies to pumps (more on that later), Tommee Tippee has all of your baby needs covered.

I’m so excited to offer a Tommee Tippee Winter Essentials Pack to one lucky winner here at Stowed Stuff. As a nursing mom, it’s important to find a bottle that closely mimics mommy’s breast and I have found that the Closer to Nature bottles do just that. Little Andrew took to them right away and sucked his first bottle down with Daddy, no problem. He can switch back and forth from bottle to breast like a pro without any confusion. And now, they have come out with bottles in pretty blues and pinks and festive winter scenes to make feeding your baby that much more fun! I LOVE IT!

Here’s what you can win:

Limited Edition Snowflake Bottle and Pacifier Set (available exclusively at Target) This winter-themed snowflake gift set includes 3 nine oz. bottles and 2 pacifiers (Retails for $19.99)
Closer to Nature Electric Bottle and Food Warmer, which heats bottles and baby food quickly and safely (DADDY LOVES THIS THING!) We can’t say enough good things about this thing. So convenient and FAST! Once Andrew starts fussing, Daddy or Nana or sitter can have a bottle of breast milk ready in minutes! It’s a must have baby item for new moms!
Hat and Mittens for baby’s first snow (winner can pick a gender appropriate set.)
Hand Warmers for mom and dad to stay toasty.
Hot Chocolate for mom and dad to enjoy while baby’s drinking from his/her pretty snowflake bottles.

Seriously? How awesome is this giveaway? I’m so glad you stopped by!

Enter to win using the Rafflecopter below. Good luck! Be sure to come back soon to see what else #MamaLoves!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: #MamaLoves, Baby Gear and Products, Giveaways, Lifestyle, Motherhood, Reviews Tagged With: #MamaLoves Baby Gear 22 Comments

Family Fun with #JustDanceKids2014

25 Nov Leave a Comment

Disclosure: I participated in this post on behalf of Burst Media. I was compensated for my time and commitment, but all opinions are my own. This post is sponsored by Just Dance Kids®

Does your family like to bust a move? Cut the rug? Laugh? Act silly? Your family can have tons of fun together this holiday season with Just Dance Kids 2014. The coolest dance experience is back and available on Wii™, Wii U™, and Kinect for Xbox360! It makes the perfect holiday gift for kids of all ages!

We’ve been having loads of fun dancing together. The graphics are totally awesome and the game features over 30 fun and crazy dance routines to kids favorite songs, including hits from today’s most popular artists, TV shows and movies. I’m talking favorite nursery rhymes, Yo Gabba Gabba, The Wiggles, Demi Lovato, One Direction, and more! Personally, I love the parent playlist – especially Day – O, The Hustle and I Like to Move It! I even managed to get FOUR STARS dancing my butt off to Footloose!

Check out some of Just Dance Kids® 2014 features:

Classic 4-player cooperative on Wii
Up to 5 players on Wii U – use the gamepad to make your entire family dance to silly dance moves during any song for bonus points!
Cooperative 2-player on Kinect – make your own music video

Playlists allow Mom to select all her kids’ favorite songs for nonstop dancing (electronic babysitter)
Onscreen lyrics lets kids learn the words and sing along as they dance
Simple menu icons allow kids to navigate on their own

Just Dance Kids® 2014 provides hours of fun for the entire family. I love that my three year old, my five year old, my eight year old and my thirty-five year old husband can all get in on the fun by dancing together! It’s seriously a game for all ages! Even Grandma and Grandad can get in on the fun! Watching my boys hold on to their Wii Remotes while they dance their hearts out is just priceless. Check out our mad moves:

It really is the best way to get your kids up and moving, burning up that pent up energy! With the winter months coming, Just Dance Kids® 2014 is the best way to offer your kid exercise in disguise! It’s also a great way for me to burn some extra postpartum calories and get that girlish figure back!

Click here to order the coolest dance game for kids, Just Dance Kids® 2014! Your entire family will thank you!

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Motherhood, Reviews, Toys, Uncategorized, Videos Leave a Comment

Don’t Forget Your Rainbow Loom!

17 Nov 1 Comment

This morning, as I nursed little Andrew at an early hour, I heard the big kids talking and giggling, all snug up in Emily’s bed together. Cute little chatter ensued. Ahhhh, they’re being good. Then I learned that there was obvious looming business going on.

BANG.

Three year old shrieks. Comes running into our bedroom.

“Emily hit me with her crazy loom!”

No, she didn’t. She doesn’t even have the crazy loom. She has the Rainbow Loom. But he thinks it’s all a bit crazy. As he should, if she’s hitting him with it? Ouch. She claims he was coughing on her. The other one had bad breath. Brothers.

She’s been looming for the past six weeks. It was a gift from Nana the week before Andrew arrived when she first got hit with puke bug #1 of the season. BEST. GIFT. EVER!

Holy cow. After a few days playing around with it she said, “This really keeps me busy.” That’s an understatement.

She looms first thing in the morning, when she gets off the bus and before dinner. She looms on the weekends and before she goes to bed. She has found some amazing YouTube tutorials to learn new designs. After one quick tutorial, she’s a pro and up and running with new varieties. At seven years old, she quickly picked it up and is now even able to create her own designs. She’s damn good.

So, boy or girl, young or old, your kids need to get their hands on a loom. It’s a whacked out craze right now, I know, but it really DOES keep her busy. We only have one. I hear you can do amazing things when you have TWO!!!!! The bands come in all sorts of colors and styles. She was super stoked last night when she started opening her birthday presents from her friends. They’re on to her! Charms, Christmas colors, C clips, S clips galore!!! It’s great to be (almost) eight. You can purchase some super fun holiday bands and charms here.

You need a place to keep your loom bands. We started out by using Ziploc bags for storage, but it wasn’t easy. Today, we went to Bass Pro Shops and got a tackle box with adjustable compartments for sorting colors. Or you could go crazy and buy your kid the actual Rainbow Loom Box. No matter how you slice it though, you’ll find those rubber bands all over your house.

Pick up a tackle box with adjustable compartments

If I ever forget which baby is which in photos, I’ll be able to differentiate little Drew by my wrist. Yes, I gave birth wearing a Rainbow Loom bracelet or two.

Don’t forget, you can get super loom fancy. She got these for her birthday and says they are her favorite:

Winter Charms.

Tie Dye Glitter Bands.

Glow in the Dark Bands.

It’s a fun, creative obsession in our house. Highly recommended. Get your kid the Rainbow Loom. Like Yesterday.

Oh, and if you get clocked in the head with it, it’s not my fault.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Motherhood, Reviews, Toys 1 Comment

A BRAND NEW Diaper Pail from Tommee Tippee {Giveaway}

7 Nov 36 Comments

While dining with friends at the Ritz Carlton of all places, the topic of diaper pails came up. I shared one of my “Frugal Annie” stories about how I got my current diaper pail at a…

wait for it, wait for it —-

YARD SALE!

Yes, folks, a yard sale. I didn’t even think it was that crazy, but my friends were just about losing it as I told the story. It’s not that bad people, it’s for poop! Ya, but someone else’s poop??? I swear, it was brand spanking new – in the box – poop free! And it even came with a refill!!! I think I paid about $2 or $3. They continued to laugh until their bellies hurt. There may have even been snorting.

Ok, keep laughing. Or feel badly for me, whichever you prefer. My new found friends I dined with at the Ritz felt so sorry for me, so they sent me a brand new diaper pail from Tommee Tippee when little Andrew arrived! God love them. I must admit, Andrew’s poops have smelled like roses ever since.

I am now the proud new owner of the 360 sealer Diaper Disposal System by Tommee Tippee.

You don’t want to have to scour local yard sales to find the perfect diaper pail, do you? That’s why I am giving one of these puppies away to one lucky reader here at Stowed Stuff. Out with the old and in with the new!

I must admit, this thing is pretty nifty. Check out its features:

Seals each dirty diaper in an antimicrobial film, locking in odor.
Holds up to 30 newborn diapers.
Each refill film will seal 100 diapers before it runs out.
Easy to use – just drop the diaper in the top and turn the knob! No need to stick your hand inside – more hygienic!
EasiSlide drawer is easy to empty!
Available online and at Babies R Us.
Retails for $54.99 at Babies R Us. You can also purchase refills here.

I know you want one! Just use the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win your very own!

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Filed Under: Baby Gear and Products, Giveaways, Lifestyle, Motherhood, Reviews 36 Comments

#TruffleTakeoff by GODIVA {Giveaway}

22 Oct 37 Comments

Disclosure: I participated in this post on behalf of Burst Media. I was compensated for my time and commitment, but all opinions are my own. This post is sponsored by GODIVA.

You don’t have to be a nursing mom to have a craving for GODIVA, but it sure doesn’t hurt either. It’s a great excuse for me to indulge in their new Truffle Flight^TM without feeling any guilt. Well, maybe a little.

The Truffle Flight^TM is new to GODIVA this fall and is available in six decadent varieties:

Nut Lovers Truffle Flight: Salted Almond, Hazelnut Crunch, Pecan Caramel, Butterscotch Walnut, Maple Walnut, Pistachio.
Dark Decadence Truffle Flight: Dark Vanilla Mousse, Chocolate Soufflé, 50% Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Lava Cake, 72% Extra Dark Chocolate, Aztec Spice
Heavenly Mousse Truffle Flight: Dark Vanilla Mousse, Milk Chocolate Mousse, Strawberry Mousse, Lemon Mousse, Peach Mousse and Café Au Lait Mousse
Cake Truffle Flight: Birthday Cake, Pineapple Hummingbird Cake, Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cake, Chocolate Lava Cake, Lemon Chiffon Cake.
Ultimate Dessert Truffle Flight: Chocolate Éclair, Crème Brulee, Red Velvet Cake, Chocolate Lava Cake, Tiramisu, Strawberry Crème Tarte
Milk Chocolate Lovers Truffle Flight: Chocolate Éclair, Milk Chocolate Mousse, Milk Chocolate, Butterscotch Walnut, Salted Almond, Hazelnut Crunch

I was lucky enough to try the Milk Chocolate Lovers Truffle Flight^TM and the Dark Decadence Truffle Flight^TM. Oh MY word. My ultimate favorite truffle is the new salted almond. The nutty crunch of the almonds mixed with a smooth milk chocolate and almond praline center is TO DIE FOR. Delicious.

I’m lucky because we have a Godiva Chocalatier located right up the road in this very town. I can pop in anytime and satisfy my sweet tooth. But what about you? That’s why I’m offering a giveaway to one lucky reader here at Stowed Stuff who is going to get to experience their very own Truffle Flight^TM Tasting to thrill the senses! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win.

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Filed Under: Food and Drink, Giveaways, Lifestyle, Reviews 37 Comments

2014 Toyota Corolla Preview

16 Oct 2 Comments

The all new 2014 Toyota Corolla replaces an outgoing model that everyone knew as a reliable and economical car. It just wasn’t the most exciting thing on the road.

Toyota invited Annie to experience the new Corolla in Miami a few weeks ago. UnFortunately, she was 9 months pregnant and couldn’t go, so I went in her place. Being a blogger’s husband is a tough gig, but someone’s gotta do it.

Miami was a great place to showcase the redesigned Corolla. We started out with a quick look at the car before heading off across Biscayne Bay to Corolla Key (a completely made-over Boater’s Grille at No Name Harbor).

Corolla Cove

Yummy rustic dinner

We were able to get the inside scoop on the new Corolla straight from Toyota’s marketing team over a delicious dinner of roast pig, paella, and whole fried fish.

The next morning, we met for breakfast on the beautiful pool deck of the Viceroy Miami before heading out to test drive the stylish new Corolla. On first impression, the car looks much edgier and more upscale. The front end is more aggressive, with standard LED headlamps and a large lower grille. The rear end has been also upgraded, with sculpted wrap-around taillights.

But it’s the interior that really makes this an attractive vehicle. The old Corolla had a basic interior with the usual hard plastics and basic center stack design common in economy cars. The new interior has been completely updated to an elegant horizontally flowing design with soft touch materials, stitching details, and piano black accents.

Slick looking new interior

I adjusted the seat to a comfortable position…all the way back and down for my big frame. Then I went and sat in the back seat to test out the extra 5 inches of legroom back there. I was pleasantly surprised to fit with room to spare!

Roomy back seat

Back in the driver’s seat, I set the navigation for the Cape Florida Light and headed south to the beach. Along the way, I came across a previous generation Corolla and just had to park next to it for comparison (not staged, I swear).

2014 Corolla next to previous generation Corolla

Looking at the two cars side-by-side really made the sharper lines of the 2014 model stand out. The standard wheels on the 2014 Corolla S were even better looking than the aftermarket wheels on the older Corolla.

After dipping my toes in the Atlantic at the historic lighthouse (and getting some sand in the new car..shhhh), I headed back to the hotel. At slow speeds in the state park, the Corolla felt nimble. Visibility to the rear was good and was helped greatly when parking by the standard backup camera. The suspension in the S-model felt nicely taut; I could feel the road but bumps weren’t jarring. The GPS took me back into downtown Miami on 95 and I was pleasantly surprised to find the Corolla drove like a bigger car and was very stable at highway speeds. With the comfortable driving position and improved steering wheel (which reminded my of the 2013 Toyota Rav4 we looked at earlier this year), I felt like I was driving a much more expensive car.

To round out the trip, Toyota took us to the amazing Wynwood Arts District to experience a neighborhood that has become the epicenter of the arts and creative businesses in Miami. The centerpiece of the neighborhood is The Wynwood Walls, a showcase of street art and graffiti from top artists, which was a great location to end an amazing weekend with the 2014 Toyota Corolla.

2014 Corolla at The Wynwood Walls

So what do you think? Do you like the Corolla’s new look?

Filed Under: According to Chris, Cars, Events, Florida, Hubby Says, Lifestyle, Reviews, Travel 2 Comments

Peapod Pick-Up Service at Stop & Shop {Giveaway}

28 Sep 30 Comments

What’s more fun than dragging three (or even 4) kids to the grocery store? Getting a root canal maybe?

We’ve been longtime fans of Peapod at our local Stop & Shop and have been using their delivery service for groceries here and there for the past four years. When I recently found out about their new pick-up grocery service and was asked if I’d give it a try, I was SO excited! Yes! Sign me up!

So here’s what happens. You log in to your Peapod account just like you normally do when using Peapod. By the way, did you know that they save your previous orders so you can repeat them? LOVE THIS! You can also shop by categories like what’s on SALE, certain departments, aisles, saved lists or favorite brands! And don’t forget to enter your Rewards Card number to be sure to rack up those gas points and save even more on all your groceries! Instead of delivery, select pick-up and enter your zip code to find your nearest pick-up location!

This pick-up service is brand new at Super Stop & Shop in Walpole, MA, where I chose to pick-up my groceries without having to even get out of the car!!! Other nearby locations with pick-up service include Norwood, Franklin, North Attleboro and Bellingham! Click here to find your nearest location providing the new pick-up service.

What’s great about Peapod Pick-up:

No need to get out of the car.
No fee.
No minimum order size.
Groceries will be ready the very next day during the one hour window of your choice.
No need to drag the kids into the grocery store.
Less extra spending while pushing your cart up and down aisles being tempted by various foods and products.

I was so impressed with this service and think it’s one heck of a clever way to do your grocery shopping! I loathe dragging the kids with me! Thank you Stop & Shop! You’ve brought grocery shopping to a whole new level!

Here’s your chance to try Peapod’s Pick-Up Service for yourself! Enter to win your gift card to try out this brand new service using the Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a gift card from Stop and Shop for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Giveaways, Lifestyle, Motherhood, Reviews 30 Comments

Blowouts, Leaks and Fusspots {Giveaway}

11 Sep 19 Comments

I’m waddling. Time is a tickin’. We are SO NOT prepared, but baby number 4 is well on its way and we’re scrambling for names. We need a whole bunch of things for this kid – a monitor, a breast pump, a swing, a stroller, a diaper pail – just to name a few!

But with all the preparations and anxiety, comes a whole lot of love and I am getting sooo excited to meet this kid. I can’t wait to rub my fingers on his/her sweet little hand while we nurse, smell that sweet baby smell, and have him/her pecking away at my face when he/she is hungry.

Oh and the sleep deprivation. And the blowouts. Poop up to his/her neck. Poop up to my eyeballs.

I’ll never forget Emily’s first blowout. She was on her changing pad, legs high in the air curled back against her tummy and Daddy was changing her. I was there too – just taking it all in. In a matter of seconds, she exploded. Poop came shooting out of her like she blew a gasket and it was dripping all over her new Pottery Barn Quilt, the radio, the freshly painted walls, and the arm of her brand new glider. Seriously? I had no idea poop could travel so far so fast and splatter like that. From that day forward, I knew she had talents. And we’d never hold her legs up like that again without a diaper underneath her bum. The things you learn the first time around…

Oh, it’s all part of the fun.

I didn’t even realize until just recently that Walmart celebrates moms and babies two times per year (September and February) with super duper savings on essentials for baby. One of those events is going on right now IN STORES through September 13th and online through September 20th at Walmart.com. The Every Little Step Event features awesome new products from great brands like Pampers and Fisher Price that you won’t want to miss. And let’s not forget the crazy everyday low prices at Walmart.com.

Pampers has some exciting news:

They’ve recently updated their absorbency in their Swaddlers, Cruisers and Baby Dry lines (3x drier than a basic diaper!) This is super great for preventing leaks, which, as you know, happen ALL the time! Pampers is doing everything they can to lock away wetness!
Starting September 16th, Pampers Swaddlers will be available in size 5!

And let’s not forget all the great things coming from Fisher Price:

They have a brand new nursery line available at Walmart!
Their new crib feature, “Just the Right Height,” makes getting baby in and out of the crib super easy with 3 adjustable height settings on select cribs.
All cribs convert to full-sized beds with headboard and guardrail.
All cribs are JPMA certified.
Fisher Price is offering a FREE BONUS MATTRESS with the purchase of one of their cribs during the Every Little Step event.

Tomorrow afternoon (9/12) at 1pm Eastern, we’ll be taking part in a Twitter Party with The Motherhood, Walmart, Pampers and Fisher Price and we want YOU to join us. You’ll learn about the Every Little Step event at Walmart and be able to win some awesome prizes. We hope you can join in on the conversation at #EveryLittleStep. RSVP here. Prizes include:

Tide Pods
Downy Beads
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
Cover Girl nail polish, lip gloss and mascara
Herbal Essences Body Wash and shower pouf
Olay Fresh Effects Products
Reusable Shopping Bags

So how would you like to win a box of Pampers Swaddlers for your little one? Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win! Must be 18+ and a U.S. resident to win.

Disclaimer: I was compensated for this campaign with The Motherhood, Walmart, Pampers and Fisher Price. I am also receiving some free diapers

All opinions are my own.