Category Archives: Travel

Tend-a-Tot, a true all-in-one’r’.. diaper bag, chair cover, cart cover.. and 3 more

Age 0-1 year, Diaper Bags, New posts, Travel, , ,

Tend-a-Tot

Contest ends July 6th

I’ve heard the phrase all-in-one a million times.  You have too right?  Well, the TEND-A-TOT™ is really really an all-in-one product for moms.  OK, so it doesn’t warm your baby’s food but it provides 6 essential functions that every moms uses (or wants to use!) every day.

TEND-A-TOT™, a product for infants through 3+ years old, has these 6 functions:

  • Diaper bag
  • Seat/chair cover
  • Child carrier
  • Shopping cart cover
  • Stroller cover – Converts an umbrella stroller into a comfortable stroller eliminating the need for an expensive, plush stroller.
  • Changing pad and coordinating bib
  • and a matching clutch purse!

You can watch a TEND-A-TOT™ demo video here.  If you’re not a visual learner like me and prefer paper instructions you will find them on the web site.  The instructions are 2 pages long but I see them as not ‘complicated’ but really good, detailed instructions.  For a product that has so many functions and is really great at each one, I expect detailed instructions!  After you transform the TEND-A-TOT™ a few times, you can toss the instructions in your recycling bin and be declared a Tend-a-Tot pro!

Tend a Tot 6-in-1

What about washing the TEND-A-TOT™ you ask?
 Products in the Premiere Line can be machine washed and can tumble-dry on low.  Urban and Elite Lines are dry clean only.

This is truly a one of a kind product that was created with busy moms in mind.  Moms can pick from lots of fabrics

TEND-A-TOT™ is available in many different colors/styles and ranges in price from $199 – $299.  The one you see here is the P1050 style and can be found on their catalog page here.  This style is sold out but there are 9 pages of styles/fabrics to browse on the Tend-a-Tot website.

GIVEAWAY!

We are giving away the very Tend-a-Tot you see me wearing in the top photograph!
To enter, leave a comment below telling me what the most useful function of the Tend-a-Tot would be to you and/or what you love about the Tend-a-Tot.
Entries accepted through July 6th, 2010.  One winner will be chosen at random.
OPTIONAL: [tippy title=”Earn extra entries!- hover here to learn how” reference=”#” header=”on”]
Leaving a comment is mandatory but here are 3 more ways to earn entries.

  • – 1 extra entry: Follow us on Twitter (@mommyinsider)
  • – 2 extra entries: Subscribe to our email newsletterand/or our RSS feed with the email address you comment with
  • – 4 extra entries: Put our button on your blog. The button is in the right column.. over there >>Let me know you put our button on your blog (give us the URL) in your entry comment.

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Jiffy Lube “Keeping My Ride Alive” and a $35 gift card giveaway

New posts, Past Contests, Travel,

Contest ends July 5th

You are a smart mom.. I just know it! Something that most smart moms do is save money and spend wisely.  One way to save money is to keep your ride alive for 150,000.. even 250,000 miles.  The best way to do that is to keep your car maintained.  Ok, so I haven’t kept a car older 60,000 miles in the 20 years I’ve been a car owner but believe you me.. I’ve learned my lesson and I’d love to try!

A 2010 Jiffy Lube International survey reveals drivers hope to keep vehicles longer and want help from maintenance providers to reach mileage goals.  My local Jiffy Lube guys (and gals!) know that I want them to check EVERYTHING when I come in.  No kidding.  I am a believer in maximizing my time and when I’m waiting in the car shop’s waiting room I want to know that everything possible is getting checked on my car to ensure that it is safe and running efficiently and smoothly.  I feel confident that when I leave Jiffy Lube, my car is in tip top condition and I appreciate the service managers communicate very well with me when/if there is an issue.

Did you know that the Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change, one that my Nissan Quest has gotten for its last 3 oil changes, is more than just an oil change?   It is a preventive maintenance program that includes changing, inspecting, checking/filling and cleaning key vehicle parts and fluids, offering drivers a quick and convenient way to maintain their vehicle’s value and longevity.  What is absolutely fabulous is that my car is in and out of Jiffy Lube in 30 minutes or less. Really.  I’m not just saying that. My husband took my car to Jiffy Lube just two weeks ago, before my trip to Florida, and I was surprised when he called me barely 1/2 hour after he left the house to tell me the car was done.  Way to go Jiffy Lube!

Here are some interesting facts:

  • While 99% of drivers agree getting their oil changed regularly will help prolong its life, most are looking for additional services during their oil change visits to help keep their ride alive
  • More than half of U.S. drivers hope to hit more than 150,000 miles on their vehicle before replacing it.
  • Nine in 10 people agree having other key vehicle parts and fluids checked during their regular oil change is the most convenient way for them to maintain their vehicle’s value and longevity
  • More than half of U.S. drivers (59%) agree it is important to have their oil change finished in 30 minutes or less

Here are a few things you can do to help keep your ride alive:

  • Join other drivers in celebrating high mileage accomplishments and share your story by uploading an image of yourself/your vehicle and information in the appropriate mileage category on the “Share Your Story” tab at www.Facebook.com/KeepingMyRideAlive.  My ‘big red car’ as Madelyn calls it is young at a mere 46,000 miles.  My story may be live on the Keeping My Ride Alive Facebook page now.. not sure how long it takes to go up after you submit.
  • Watch the video below profiling a driver who has been able to keep his vehicle for 17+ years and has clocked over 400,000 miles; includes vehicle maintenance statistics and tips.

GIVEAWAY!

Jiffy Lube is giving two lucky readers a $35 Jiffy Lube Gift Card! The gift card can be redeemed towards the popular Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change or other services offered at more than 2,000 Jiffy Lube service centers throughout the country.

How to enter:

MANDATORY: ‘Like’ the “Keeping My Ride Alive” Facebook page then come back here and tell us in the comments below us what milage category you fit into so we can see your story.  Don’t be shy!
Entries accepted through July 5th, 2010.  Two winners will be chosen at random.
OPTIONAL: [tippy title=”Earn extra entries!- hover here to learn how” reference=”#” header=”on”]
Joining the Facebook page and leaving a comment is mandatory but here are 3 more ways to earn entries.

  • – Follow us on Twitter (@mommyinsider)
  • – Subscribe to our email newsletterand/or our RSS feed with the email address you comment with
  • – Put our button on your blog. The button is in the right column.. over there >>Let me know you put our button on your blog (give us the URL) in your entry comment.

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Disclosure:  I did not receive financial compensation for this feature.  The Jiffy Lube gift cards, as well as some of the information provided in this post (stats) was provided to The Mommy Insider by Jiffy Lube.

Are you headed to Paris, France soon?

Travel

My Dad stayed in this apartment/bed and breakfast in Paris, France recently and was so thrilled with it that he wants to share it with the world.  I looked through the photographs of the apartment on the website and it is an extraordinary apartment that I would absolutely love stay in when/if I visit Paris, France.

Bon jour!

Are you headed to Paris, France soon? If you are here is a great bed and breakfast that offers a home like atmosphere and a location that will make your trip extraordinary.  The apartments are located in a residential area with a small park across the street and within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower.

Have a great start to the day with coffee, croissants, juice and other goodies then make your way to the very close Metro stop for your travels to one of the many incredible sights to see in Paris!

Visit their website here

Parenting tip: Travel Tips for Kids Flying Solo

Travel, , , , ,

I can’t imagine sending one or both of my kids off on a flight alone but some parents such as single parents and those with kids who want to spend a couple of weeks at Grandma and Grandpa’s during summer vacation, have to put their children on an airplane to fly solo.  Jennifer Michaels from CheapOAir.com provides parents with a few great tips to help prepare their kids (and themselves) for solo summer travel.

by Jennifer Michaels

Summer vacation is a great time to send your little ones on a flight to visit grandparents or other relatives this summer.  But, there are so many questions parents have when it comes to sending their kids solo on a flight.

Interestingly, there are no set Department of Transportation regulations concerning travel by these “unaccompanied minors,” but the airlines have specific procedures to protect the well-being of youngsters flying by themselves.

These policies may differ, however, so you should check with the carrier that you plan to use for a description of its rules and services and any additional charges that may apply.

Before you go, check out some FAQs and answers from the U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division pamphlet titled “When Kids Fly Alone”.  This tip-guide is the most comprehensive I have found and answers the following questions:

  • Who can fly alone?
  • What are the fees?
  • What kind of flight do I need to book for my child?
  • How do I prepare my child for the flight?
  • What do I do at the airport?
  • What should I send with my child (i.e. proof of age, etc.)
  • What should my child know to expect?

All of these questions are important to ask.  Being informed – and making sure that your children are at ease and know the guidelines – will help with your peace of mind and help your child on the flight.  Independence is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.

Going away to summer camp or to visit loved ones can be a stressful time for families.  Teaching your children to expect the unexpected is a great life lesson.  Being prepared and organized with toys, books and games to keep them busy is a good start.

The pamphlet not only tips for what to pack, but outlines detailed safety procedures as well.  For example, always point out places for your child to go for assistance.  Teaching your kids not to be afraid to ask for help is a valuable lesson for traveling alone.

There is also a checklist for the person picking up your child at the destination – another very important guide. With the right research and information, your child’s solo flight can go off without a hitch.  And, then, mom and dad can have a little summer vacation of their own!

If you do plan to go on vacation with the little ones this summer, then be sure to check out the family travel deals available right now on CheapOair!

Incredible Getaways + Mother’s Day Markdowns on Rue La La

Holiday, Mother's Day, Sample Sales, Travel, ,

Rue La La’s exclusive Mother’s Day Boutique will be available to Rue La La members starting at 11 AM on May 5th.  The range of experiences moms can be treated to is incredible- from weekends away in Napa to Maine, or even French Wine Country. If you have a little extra money in the bank and are trying to get a special gift for your mother you’ve got to check out Rue La La’s Mother’s Day Boutique.


 I want to go on the Tanzania Safari Adventure for 2 adults, 2 children.  How fun would that be?

Here are a few of the incredible experiences being offered to Rue La La members at 11am May 5th.

French Wine Explorers

A Taste of Bordeaux: A Wine and Culinary Sojourn, French Wine Explorers

  • 4-nights hotel for 2, wine expert guide, transportation, private cooking class and lunch, 2 lunches, VIP tours and tastings

3-Day Private Flavors of Provence, French Wine Explorers

  • 2-nights hotel for 2, guided tour of outdoor market, transportation, 2 buffet breakfasts, private cooking class and lunch, full day gourmet tour

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Fairmont Room and 3-Course Tasting Menu in Sante Package

  • 2 weekend nights hotel, Tasting menu dinner for 2

Natural Habitat

Tanzania Safari Adventure for 2

  • 8 nights lodging permanent tented camps and lodge, meals, camp guides, game drivers, transportation for 2 adults

Tanzania Safari Adventure for 2 adults, 2 children

  • 8 nights lodging permanent tented camps and lodge, meals, camp guides, game drivers, transportation — 2 adults, 2 children (age 6-12)

Use this special invite link to join Rue La La , free and start your members only shopping experience today.   Besides these amazing vacation offers you will find lots of great deals on designer clothing, wine, bedding, and more.