Drop Stop® • Review • Giveaway

Summer is almost upon us and if you’re like me you are already planning your summer vacation. Are you a fan road trips? Where do you hope to go to next? What are your road trip necessities?

I am excited to introduce you to a new product that will help your road trips run a bit smoother. Drop Stop® is a cool new tool that prevents keys, phones, change, jewelry, makeup, bottle caps, pens, gum, food and more from falling down the car seat gap.

In less than 30 seconds I was able to install the Drop Stop® on my own. The soft, flexible Neoprene molded easily in the gap between my car seats & center console.

After a week of driving I usually find a myriad of junk piled in the gap mentioned previously. But not this time! Drop Stop® truly stopped EVERYTHING from falling to the floor and ultimately getting lost or forgotten. Wow! And, any crumbs that landed on it were easily vacuumed off. Excellent for parents on the go!

Stats:
* As Seen on Shark Tank
* Easily fits between your car seat and console.
* Moves with the seat and is attached via the seat belt catch.
* Prevents anything from falling between the seats and center console.
* ONE SIZE FITS ALL – Trucks & Cars!
* One Time Installation!
* Drop Stop® is made using HIGH GRADE NEOPRENE.
* Drop Stop® seat wedge is durable and easy to clean!

 

I am excited to announce that they are airing tonight (April 5th) on “Beyond The Tank” at 10pm/9pm cst on ABC.

They are also offering FREE SHIPPING on any Dancing in Carseats fan’s order! Just visit the www.BuyDropStop.com website & tell them I sent you – in the comments. This offer will be valid from now until midnight Sunday 4/10/2016. So, go grab a set!

Cheers!

❤️ Jen

I was not compensated for this post; however, I did receive a set of Drop Stop® products to try myself.

+

One lucky Dancing in Carseats follower will win their very own Drop Stop® over on @CarseatDancers on Instagram. Head on over there now for all of the details.

 

 

Tips & Tricks to Show Your DisneySide @ Home

Our family adores everything Disney and as a Disneyland Passport holder we are regularly displaying our Disney Side there. But why should you have to leave your Disney Side at the parks? Our celebration, as shown here, can easily be duplicated with just a few tips , tricks & Disney Magic.

When I heard that I could host a Disney Side @Home Celebration for family and friends my girls and I squealed with glee! Disney is more than just a place, it’s a magical feeling… one that you can share, at home.
I received an exclusive Disney Side Princess Party Kit filled with all of the necessary party planning tools needed to spread our Disney magic, at home. And with just a pinch of Pixie Dust and imagination our Valentine’s Day Disney Side Princess Party was a ROYAL success.

Photo Tip: Squat down at your child’s level for a better shot.

My girls were eager to open the box, get started with the guest list and create handmade invitations for their fellow princess friends.

Tip: Allow your kids to help decorate the invitation. I made a prototype that my five-year-old could easily copy.

Let’s Party!
Valentine’s Day 2015

10 little Princess were invited to join in the festivities. We had sweet plans for our Princess Brunch. Our dining table was covered with an array of princess decorations. We had Sophia the First snack bowls, napkins, placemats, cups and plates on the cutest Sophia the First tablecloth. The centerpieces were delightful… surrounding them, we placed our collection of princess toys.

Decorating Trick: It’s fun to incorporate the toys that you already have.

In the mix we displayed the prizes and party favors. Each girl went home with a little something special. Our Disney Side @Home Celebration Kit came chalk full of goods for the At-Home-Princess.

The Palace Pets were a huge hit!
& Lucky us, the owner of Pegatopia sent over some of her adorable, hand painted, peg Princess dolls as prizes too. Check out her adorable Etsy shop!
Our takeaway favors included a plastic princess cup (I bought the cups for $1 at Target.) overflowing with goodies! Complete with a lipgloss, nail polish & nail file, stickers, tiny Disney Princess themed heart-shaped-candy box, tiara, pencil and wand.

Party Favor Tip: Place take away items in something that guests can look at and remember over and over when used. i.e. Cup
We served breakfast treats for even the most picky of princesses.
On the Menu:
❤️ Pastries
❤️ Olaf Noses (Mini Carrots)
❤️ Fresh Fruit
❤️ Princess Punch

💛 Twinings Tea for the moms. My fave was “Nightly Clam.” Shhh… I had a second helping when the party was over. One lucky mom went home with a box of teas.

Guest Tip: Moms of partygoers love a little attention too!

Let the games begin!
With a slight amount of preparation, all of our guest princesses had a ball playing these games:
💛 PinThe Smile on Mickey
💛 Disney Parks BINGO
💛 Fortune Tellers
💛 FROZEN Bowling

Our day came to a close after a stroll through the wildflowers.

Trick: Add an element of the outdoors to your party and create a carefree full-circle ending to their magical day. Lastly, an Ode to the fabulous Sleeping Beauty. Clearly, my preschooler had a dreamy day.
Cheers to celebrating your Disney Side @Home!
❤️ Jen

Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate a Disney Side @Home Celebration, with the expectation that I would share this experience with my readers. All expressed opinions are strictly mine.

Children’s Fashion: The Dragon and the Rabbit // Giveaway

As a mother of two young girls, I appreciate fashion forward clothing that is visually pleasing, made well and feels comfortable. The icing on the cake is when my preschool age daughter’s fashion options mimic the style of fashion icons. Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ classic A-line silhouettes, Twiggy’s Peter~Pan Collar and Audrey Hepburn’s tailored breakfast at Tiffany’s style. All of these timeless attributes are featured in adorable pieces made by The Dragon and the Rabbit.

I was first introduced to The Dragon and the Rabbit via a contest that I won on Facebook, I chose the whimsical Tulip Dress for my four-year-old daughter and I became immediately fixated on the feel of the natural cotton fabric and the quality of the design. Swoon.

Their color pallet represents all seasons and has a array of on trend patterns. Stripes, plaids, florals and polkadots make for the most adorable outfits. This line has items for both boys and girls that coordinate beautifully. My sister, My Strange Family, and my handsome nephew are The Dragon and the Rabbit fans too! I just adore his Long Sleeve Skyline Polo Shirt seen below.

For the holidays, I decided to dress my family in red and navy blue. During our earliest years I had them in matching outfits… yes, I’m THAT mom. This year, I allowed them to choose their own dresses. (Unbeknownst to them, they will coordinate fabulously in their The Dragon and the Rabbit dresses.) I’m thrilled to pieces.

Thanks to The Dragon and the Rabbit, getting into the holiday spirit is going to be even more pleasurable. One lucky Dancing in Carseats reader will be able to choose one of the following pieces from their sweet collection: PETER PAN DRESS or BURNT ORANGE PLAID SHIRT

Cheers to Dancing In Carseats & Happy Holidays!
❤ Jen

Pssst… I was not compensated for this post, just provided with an item to giveaway to one of you. The Dragon and the Rabbit will be responsible for prize fulfillment.

All opinions expressed here are my own.

To enter this quick giveaway, all you need to do is click on… a Rafflecopter giveaway 👈 HERE.

Good luck! 🍀

Stroller Review // Joovy TooFold Double Stroller // Link to Giveaway

 

Having more than one little darling requires a stroller that can accommodate more than one kid. A double stroller is essential for a growing family. Often double strollers are heavy and cumbersome, taking up a ton of space. I was thrilled when I was “introduced” to the lightweight, all-in-one, all-terrain, Joovy TooFold that can easily be converted into a double stroller. Even though the TooFold is lightweight it is still very functional and fashionable. {Both important factors in my Mommy Manual.❤️} Be sure to read all the way to the bottom for a link to a giveaway that Joovy is doing on their blog.

Stroller Checklist:

Is the price point under $500?
Not this one folks, the $799.99 price tag on the Joovy TooFold is comparable, but on the lower end of that spectrum, to all of the other high end strollers on the market. The unique, all-in-one, all-terrain abilities of this particular ride is well worth the price. And it’s lightweight frame is perfect for traveling families and those, like mine, always on the go.

Can it be folded with the seat attached?
This stroller can be folded with the main seat attached. However, the seat for the second child must be removed prior to folding.

Does it have a cup holder?
There is 1 cup holder conveniently located on the side of the canopy {My average sized water bottle fit well.} I like that the cupholder is made of material and not hard plastic like on some strollers. I just wish it had one more. The zippered storage pocket perfect for my mommy essentials is a nice bonus.

Are the tires foam or need air?
Joovy thought of everything this time! The TooFold comes equipped with a tiny stroller pump for the back tires since they may require air. Brilliant! The front tires are foam.

Is the seat forward and rear facing?
Both seats are forward facing.

Is the storage space large enough to hold a bag of groceries?
The under storage has an extended wheel base that is large enough for one bag of groceries. One super cool, extra feature, that the TooFold has is a unique cross-body, XL, zippered backpack that can be carried or attached to the stroller. {On our trip to Disneyland we were able to store all of our snacks, jackets and my purse in this bag.}

Can I fold it with one hand?
The TooFold has a unique, patented, one-hand quick folding frame that even STANDS alone when folded. Impressive!

Can I push it with one hand?
Pushing with one hand is no problem when only one child is riding. With two kids on board, it takes a little bit more effort & really requires two hands for the long-haul.

Can it be used from birth?
This stroller can accommodate a baby as small as 3 months old and holds a combined seat weight of 90 lbs. Perfect for a growing family.

Will it fit in the trunk of my car?
With folded dimensions of: 17.5″L x 19″W x 41.25″H it fits nicely into the trunk of an average car.

Bonus Question:
Is it easy enough for my tall husband to push?
The rotating handlebars with quick release handle adjustment & multi-position handles make pushing comfortable for all parents. No hunching over for those over 6 ft. tall. No back pain. It’s perfect for travel and leisure and everyday use as it is incredibly light. FYI: Just last week I had to carry it up four flights of escalator stairs, at Disneyland, while my husband carried our sleeping preschooler. {Everything at the resort was nonoperational after an earthquake.} Let me just say, I felt like Supermom! It didn’t even phase me. 😉

Room for improvement?
I love that the TooFold has a built-in stand-on board for older children, but if a kid is standing on the board and there’s nobody in the front seat the stroller tips backwards. This is just something you need to acclimate yourself to and is not a huge issue.

Interested in joining the Joovy Family too? Visit the Joovy website. Plus check out my “Mommy on the Go” post where I style the Joovy TooFold with on trend fashions and accessories.

I was provided with a stroller but, did not receive compensation for this post.

Happy Strolling! ❤️Jen

Excellent news! Do you want to try to win this GREAT stroller? Joovy is sponsoring a #giveaway over on their BLOG! Hurry! Good luck! 😊 {Say Jen @CarseatDancers sent you.}

http://blog.joovy.com/2014/04/time-for-a-serious-all-terrain-stroller-joovy-toofold-joovyrush/
—> You have until Easter Sunday, 11:59 PM CST.

Go! What are you waiting for? – Jen

Fashionable Girls // Matilda Jane Clothing // Gift Card Giveaway

It seems that every time we leave the house I receive compliments on my daughters’ sense of fashion. Hearing, “Your girls are the most stylish kids I know.” makes this Mommy smile.

One brand that has me and EVERYBODY swooning is Matilda Jane. Their versatile patterns are made to mix-n-match with other Matilda Jane Clothing & items already in your closet, allowing even the youngest in my brood to style herself so sweetly. Their *Paint by Numbers* line is filled with bold colors that are just perfect to coordinate with myself and the whole family for that matter.

{Styling Tip: When leaving your home, plan ahead for family photo opportunities by coordinating colors with each family member. I even have my wonderful husband “trained” to consult with me prior to dressing.}
Addison’s selection features: Turtledove Knot Top {her absolute fave}, Gallery Leggings & oh so soft Stippling Tee. {The moccasins are my own, from Freshly Picked.} Matilda Jane’s fabrics allow my girls to look amazing while whirling, jumping and playing make believe. Their looks are über fashionable… from everyday play to the perfect birthday party look. My sweeties wear Matilda Jane here, there & everywhere.
“It’s all about keeping a little girl…a little girl. Keeping her youthful. Keeping her spinning and twirling and carefree. And most importantly, bringing her happiness.”
– Denise DeMarchis, designer and founder.
Thanks to the generous folks at Matilda Jane, my Carseat Dancers & I have a $50 Matilda Jane Clothing gift card to give away to one lucky Dancing in Carseats reader!

Cheers to Style!
❤️Jen

Please enter via this –> Rafflecopter link. <– Good luck!

Mommy on the Go… | vol. 24 | @So_SoHappy t-shirt {Giveaway}

Last weekend I was given the opportunity to work in the Backstage Creations Celebrity Gift Suite at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards. What fun! Three of the items in this collection, plus loads more, were gifted to each performer and presenter on the show as a thank you for participating. Ooohh… and one of you, my valued readers, will have the opportunity to win this So So Happy t-shirt! (Size M) Please locate the “How to Enter” section at the bottom of this post for details.

::Items in this Set::

• 

  ** $26 – happysix.com     So So Happy Womens Tshirt: Ozzie Burn Out, Blue

• 

  $35 – victoriassecret.com     Victoria’s Secret Yoga Crop

  

  ** ryka.com     Women’s “Desire” Shoes
• 
  $9 – keds.com     Keds 3 Pack Skimmer White Socks
• 
  $110 – ladyfootlocker.com     Oakley Sweetspot Sunglass Women’s

   
• 

  $25 – nelly.com     Opi Happy Anniversery

  

  • $9.99 – americanapparel.net     Water Bobble (18.5oz)

  • 
    realsimple.com     Chapstick

     
  • 

    alibaba.com     Exercise Ball

  • 
    tonispilsbury.com     Cookbook

     
  • 

    frugalcouponliving.com     *HOT* Trident Gum

  • 

    Barbells

  • 

    kiddicare.com     Chicco Echo Stroller Jade

  • 

    trendhunter.com     ‘BodyMedia FIT CORE Armband’

  • 
    fitsugar.com     Healthy Eating Tips

::How to Enter::

GIVEAWAY: One lucky reader will receive the above pictured So So Happy t-shirt (in size Medium) to add to their wardrobe.

Mandatory Entry: Leave a Comment along with an email to contact you —
What is your favorite recipe for healthy eating?

1. Additional Entry: Share this post on Facebook. (Comment back here that you did this.)

2. Additional Entry: Tweet about the Giveaway. (Comment back here that you did this.) Example Tweet: “I entered the @so_sohappy t-shirt #Giveaway from @CarseatDancers & @BackstageEvents! Check it out: http://wp.me/p29KZ7-9p”

3. Additional Entry: Follow my blog.

4. Additional Entry: Follow me on Twitter. Follow @carseatdancers

5. Additional Entry: Follow my Pinterest boards. http://pinterest.com/carseatdancers/

The Giveaway will run from today until Wednesday Aug. 1st at Midnight PST. It is only open to US Residence. As always I use random.org to select the winner. Good Luck!

*I was not compensated for this post I just received the So So Happy t-shirt as a thank you and chose to use it in a giveaway*

Review: Pinypon USA

See end of post for Pinypon Coupons!

My preschool-age-girls (Carseat Dancers) were mesmerized with bright-eyed eager enjoyment mere seconds after ripping the wrapping off of their new Pinypon Caravan. My youngest began adding playful commentary prior to completely removing it and ALL of the accessories from the box. “Come on guys… we’re goin’ on a trip!”

They immediately noticed the surfboards and the “indoor” shower complete with an actual mirror… super cool addition! The bright colors gleefully added to the afternoon of my imaginative little girls. My eldest daughter’s favorite color is purple so the purple-haired mini doll was definitely a FAVE. They spent over an hour (a precious amount of time for Mommy) mixing & matching their new Pinypon friends.

This fully loaded house on wheels rolled from “school” down our entry hall and straight to the “beach”; proving to not only be great for play but also would be the perfect way to prepare kids for a road trip as it solicited countless inquiries regarding camping.  “Where are we going camping next?”

The price-point is extremely reasonable (the caravan is priced at $19.99), especially considering all that you are getting with Pinypon. Changing hairstyles, facial expressions and outfits… including accessories was a snap (too easy at times) for my little fashionistas. Approximately the size of a shoebox, the Pinypon Caravan is the perfect size for storage purposes as they are a smidgen larger than Polly Pocket, yet substantially smaller than Barbie and her massive ride.

There are super small parts (perfect for choking) so I would only recommend it to mature 3-year-olds+. Speaking of the small parts (and boy do I mean tiny) I would suggest that the extra pieces be stored in a small container as they are a sharp surprise when accidentally stepped on. Oops! One addition that I would suggest making to the caravan would be including a way to keep the roof securely fastened, particularly because I love the idea of keeping all of the Pinypon mini dolls and their friends safely inside of the caravan while being stored. (A few of my thoughts regarding closures were: a slim belt, a large rubber band or a pair of easy to open latches.)

Photo provided from Famosa

Overall, the Pinypon Caravan and mini dolls are a fun, colorful, imaginative way to play.

To collect & create a Pinypon World for your little one visit:
The Pinypon Website, “Like” Pinypon on Facebook, enter their Pinypon Apartment Giveaway and Follow them on Twitter @PinyponUSA!

Click link for coupons! $2.00 off the Pinypon Caravan and Buy 2 Figures get 1 FREE!

GIVEAWAY is now CLOSED: My sister, over at My Strange Family, is currently conducting a GIVEAWAY for a Pinypon Caravan and two figurines! Check out her post Pinypon USA: Guest Post, Review and Giveaway! for entry instructions. Hint *If you leave a comment here you will get an additional entry*.

I was not compensated for this post I did received the Pinypon Caravan and Figures for review purpose.