When it comes to finding clothes for myself, I look for four things...comfort, quality, style and affordability. The same goes for my kids. When I'm shopping for clothes and accessories for them, I want to find them affordable items that are cute, comfortable and great quality. Thankfully, I have found that with My Baby Clothes Boutique.

MyBabyClothes.com is dedicated to bringing you the most fashion forward, unique baby clothes and accessories on the web. Their team searches to find the cutest, most comfortable, and highest quality clothes at a guaranteed lowest price.

As I browsed My Baby Clothes Boutique for the first time, I was impressed with their large selection of trendy boutique style children's clothes for both boys and girls. They even have cute accessories like baby headbands! Not only that, but their low prices caught my attention right away as well.

Just look at this adorable Good Lad Baby Sweater Vest/Long Sleeve Button Down/Navy Pants outfit for just $26.34...

...or this super sweet Mud Pie Blue Bunny Dress for just $15.99!

When I learned I was going to have the opportunity to review one of the adorable items from My Baby Clothes Boutique, I couldn't have been happier. The hard part, was choosing just one! After much consideration, I decided on the Nicole Miller Black Swiss Dot Jamie Tunic and Legging Set for Kaelyn and am so happy I did!


When the outfit arrived, Kaelyn and I were both excited to check it out. I was happy to see that it came so nicely packaged.

Even in the package I could already tell it was cute, but once I pulled it out...I was in awe. This tunic and legging set is absolutely adorable!!

I absolutely love the details. The white collar featuring dainty black bows and texture on the tunic really sets this top apart from others Kaelyn owns. It's adorable! The black and white leggings really finish off this outfit nicely.


The outfit was even cuter on! The pants and top fit Kaelyn perfectly! I got her a 4T so she'd be able to wear it in the Spring too. I really appreciate the quality as well. I know this is an outfit that will last a long time.
The black and white make it something that is dressy enough to wear to church, yet causal enough that she could wear it out and about. It's really perfect for summer, fall and spring weather. The top is lightweight, so it helps Kaelyn stay cool on these warm summer days. She's had the opportunity to wear it a couple of times already and always receives compliments on how cute it is. I love that it's comfortable enough for her to wear where ever we're going, yet trendy and stylish too! We love it!

As I mentioned, they also have adorable items for boys as well. I'd love to get this O'Neill Grey Collective Tee and Paramount Plaid Shorts set for Kaden at some point (it's just $18.99 too!). Sooo cute!

Overall we've been very impressed with the overall quality, style and comfort of the outfit we were sent from My Baby Clothes Boutique. For parents that are looking for trendy baby clothes and accessories at great prices...I would definitely recommend checking them out. Whether you're looking for clothes, tutus or baby hats, they have something for every taste and budget.

Buy It: The Nicole Miller Black Swiss Dot Jamie Tunic and Legging Set can be purchased for $16.99 at MyBabyClothes.com.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a My Baby Clothes Boutique $25 Gift Certificate!

Mandatory Entry - Visit My Baby Clothes and let me know something you might choose to use your $25 GC towards if you won.

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- Like My Baby Clothes Boutique on Facebook

2. 2 extra entries- Follow My Baby Clothes Boutique on Twitter

3. 1 extra entry - Sign up for the My Baby Clothes Boutique Newsletter (on homepage along sidebar)

4. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and My Baby Clothes Boutique) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

5. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

High quality, cute and affordable baby & children's clothing! #WIN a $25 GC to @MyBabyClothes! http://bit.ly/pOdavL Ends 8/17

6. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

7. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

8. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

9. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

10. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

11. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on your Facebook status by including a link back to this giveaway (you can do this once a day, for an extra entry every day).

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end August 17th and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by My Baby Clothes Boutique. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own**

There's something about electronics...the television, cell phone, remote control, etc...that always peaks Kaelyn and Kaden's curiosity. My laptop is probably the one thing that grabs their attention most...and although they'd love the opportunity to play with it, it's not a toy. That's why I'm happy Vtech has come out with the Baby's Learning Laptop...a toy perfect for both of them!


Features/Benefits:

• Three modes of play teach shapes, common objects, feelings and music
• Light-up screen interacts with colorful keyboard
• Learning toy laptop has movable mouse sized for little hands
• Volume control switch for quieter play
• Recommended for ages 6 months - 36 months
• On/Off switch
• Mode selector
• Colorful shape buttons

We have owned several VTech toys over the years, and have always been happy with their quality and educational value. That's why I couldn't have been happier to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review the VTech Baby's Learning Laptop.

When the Baby's Learning Laptop arrived, I was excited to check it out. The first thing that caught my attention were the bright colors. I knew this would be something that would capture the interest of both my kids, and I was right!


The moment Kaelyn and Kaden saw the laptop, they were asking to try it out. Of course I couldn't blame them. I was eager to see the different features it had to offer too! Upon pulling it out of the box, I was happy to see that there is an On/Off/Volume Control switch. This allows us to preserve the battery when not in use, and also control the volume and keep it under control. There's even automatic shut-off to help save on the battery life as well!

The moment I held the toy, I could tell it was made to last. Once again VTech did not disappoint! The durable design lets me know this is something that will last us a long time!

As the kids began using it, it was fun to see how much they both enjoyed it. At 20 months old...Kaden probably plays with it the most, but Kaelyn (at nearly 4 years old) also really enjoys the fun features. It's incredibly easy to use. The colorful keyboard interacts with the bright light-up screen to teach everything from shapes, common objects and music.

I think one of my kids' favorite parts are the fun sound effects and melodies. So much fun! There's even a cute little movable mouse perfectly sized for little hands. Speaking of perfect size...the keys are also great for little fingers. They're large enough that Kaden can easily press the one he wants to.
Overall we've been really impressed with the VTech Baby's Learning Laptop. The quality is great and I really appreciate the educational value as well. I've noticed that it has helped encourage Kaden to use more words. For instance, when he closes it...the laptop says "bye" and he always repeats it now. It's not only great for Language Development, but also sensory stimulation, discover/exploration and coordination. My kids absolutely love it, and the fact that they're learning at the same time is wonderful. With it's compact design, we're able to easily take it with us in the car when we're on the go too.

I would definitely recommend the VTech Baby's Learning Laptop to anyone with young children. It's a great baby/toddler toy.

Buy It: You can purchase the VTech Baby's Learning Laptop for $15.99 at VTechKids.com.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a VTech Baby's Learning Laptop of their own!

Mandatory Entry - Visit VTech and let me know another product you'd love to own.

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- Like VTech Toys on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry- Follow VTech Toys on Twitter

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and VTech Toys) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a Baby's Learning Laptop from @VTechToys!#momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/nllE1P Ends 8/17

5. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

6. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

7. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

10. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on your Facebook status by including a link back to this giveaway (you can do this once a day, for an extra entry every day).

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end August 17th and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by VTech. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own**

For those who read here often, you know that Summer is my favorite time of year! Once it's here, you're sure to find our family outside enjoying the nice weather as much as possible. We've been able to enjoy so many fun walks and trips to the park. And, although Kaden usually rides in the stroller for outings like this, Kaelyn enjoys walking or riding a bike. That's why I was excited to learn more about Prince Lionheart's Whirl balanceSCOOTER!
A family-owned and operated business since 1973, Prince Lionheart operates upon three core beliefs from which they were founded...quality, innovation and outstanding service. Although times have changed over the years...their commitment to these core beliefs remain the same. Offering everything from feeding and nursery items to safety, play and more...it's no wonder that they are a name parents have grown to know and trust.

Prince Lionheart is offers quality, innovative products and is committed to providing parents with great baby and children's gear. I have enjoyed learning more about who they are as a company, and couldn't have been more excited to learn I had been selected to be a part of their Elite Writers Group for 2011.

We were sent the Prince Lionheart Whirl balanceSCOOTER to review.

Features/Benefits:

• Teaches young children balance, coordination and steering
• Solid rubber handgrips
• 12 inch rubber tires
• Height adjustable, padded seat
  
• Eco-friendly, 100% birch frame from an FSC certified forest
• For ages 2-5 years
  

When the scooter arrived, Kaelyn was begging to check it out. I couldn't blame her...I was looking forward to seeing all it had to offer too.

Upon pulling it out, I found everything I needed to put it together. I was happy to see that there was very little assembly. In just a few short steps (and less than 10 minutes!), I had the Whirl balanceSCOOTER put together and ready to use.

Once I saw it assembled, I was really impressed with the quality. The 100% birch frame is extremely durable and something I don't have to worry about breaking. This bike seems very well made and I know it's something that will last a long time.

I also liked the little details that make this scooter unique. The pink is definitely one of favorite parts, and I like the design and the overall appearance of the bike. It's fun and definitely appealing to both of my kids.

Of course, once Kaelyn saw it all put together, she couldn't wait to test it out. We took it outside and she hopped on. It is the perfect size for her.

Best of all, the seat is height adjustable so it will grow with her as well. The seat is also padded and seems more cushy than I expected it to be. Kaelyn has commented on how comfortable it is!

Kaelyn has been enjoying her new Whirl balanceSCOOTER. I like that she's loving it and that it's also teaching her how to balance and steer at the same time. These skills will be crucial when it comes time to transition to a two-wheeled pedal bike. It's fun to watch her sense of independence and self-confidence grow each time she gets on the scooter. She is currently at the "walking" stage when she's on the bike...getting used to it and learning to balance better. But, with time...she'll be gliding. I can't wait to watch as her confidence grows even more.

Overall we've been very happy with Prince Lionheart's Whirl balanceSCOOTER! The quality is fantastic, the skills it teaches are great, and best of all...Kaelyn absolutely loves it!

Buy It: You can purchase the Whirl balanceSCOOTER at Toys R' Us for $99.99.

Win It: One very lucky reader will win a Whirl balanceSCOOTER of their own!

Mandatory Entry - Sign up to receive the Prince Lionheart Newsletter (Please be sure to leave the email address you signed up with in your comment so I can verify)

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- Like Prince Lionheart on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry- Follow Prince Lionheart on Twitter

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Prince Lionheart) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a Whirl balanceSCOOTER from @PrinceLionheart (ARV $99.99)! #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/plTG9O Ends 8/17

5. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

6. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

7. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

10. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on your Facebook status by including a link back to this giveaway (you can do this once a day, for an extra entry every day).

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end August 17th and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Prince Lionheart. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own**

I don't know if it's my two kids keeping me busier than ever lately, or the fact it seems we have something going on every weekend...but this summer is just flying by! It's hard to believe that it's the end of July already, and that back to school season is just around the corner. I've even seen school supplies in the stores already! Wow!

With a new school year nearing, Energizer is partnering with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation to help restore instrumental music education in America's public schools. Helping to kick off the campaign is Grammy-nominated platinum-recording artist and VH1 Save The Music Foundation Ambassador...Jordin Sparks.

So how can you get involved?! There are several ways, including the following:

Live Performance in NYC with Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks will perform at a secret location in New York City on July 28. If you live in the NYC-area or will be in the area, join in the fun. The location of Sparks’ performance is a mystery, so keep your eyes on the VH1 Save The Music Foundation tab on the Energizer Bunny® Facebook page, check out the Energizer Bunny® Twitter handle, @EnergizerBunny or follow #EnergizerSTM on Twitter for the latest news and hints. The location will be revealed the morning of the event and the performance is free and open to the public!

Like the Energizer Bunny on Facebook and Help Increase Energizer’s Support to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation
Now through August 12, people can help support the VH1 Save The Music Foundation simply by clicking LIKE on the Energizer Bunny® Facebook page and becoming a fan of the unstoppable icon. For each new “LIKE” through August 12, Energizer will donate $1 to help restore instrumental music education through the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

Help Energizer Pick a Grant Recipient
Energizer is making eight grants to public schools around the country, and fans of the Energizer Bunny® Facebook page will help direct one of these grants by voting for a city where an instrumental grant will be made. Cities vying for the Now That’s Positivenergy™ grant from Energizer and the VH1 Save The Music Foundation include Philadelphia, Birmingham, Minneapolis, New Haven and Weirton, W.V. Energizer is supporting these grants with a $250,000 overall donation to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

Power Your Playlist
In addition to powering music education in America’s public schools, Energizer is also powering Americans’ playlists. Right now in stores, specially-marked Energizer products contain a special code so when someone buys three participating products, he or she can go online to www.nowthatspositivenergy.com/music and redeem the codes for a $10 iTunes Gift Card.

If you'd like to learn more about how you can get involved in helping restore instrumental music education in America's public schools, visit www.nowthatspositivenergy.com/blogs or facebook.com/energizerbunny today.

Win It: In celebration of Energizer's partnership with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, Energizer is offering a $10 iTunes Gift Card for one lucky reader!

Mandatory Entry - Tell me who this Gift Card would be for if you won.

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry - Like Energizer on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry - Follow Energizer on Twitter

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Energizer) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#Win a $10 iTunes Gift Card from Energizer! http://bit.ly/qTWtrf Ends 8/12 #giveaway

5. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

6. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

7. 2 extra entries- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end August 12th and is open to US Only.

**Myself and one lucky reader received a $10 iTunes GC from Energizer. All opinions are my own.**

I apologize things have been a bit quiet around here. We are in the middle of finalizing a sale on our home as well as looking for a home to buy too. The process is more time consuming (and stressful) than I had ever imagined, but we are also very excited! That's what is currently taking up much of my time, but I will still be posting great giveaways for you throughout the week. Stay tuned! :)

I have a few winners to announce from the giveaways that ended on Friday as well. All winners have been contacted.

Wee Can Too Edible Fingerpaints ~ Commenter 92, Mrs.Smitty

Anytime Costumes Costume of Choice (up to $50 value) ~ Commenter 393, jakiesmom

Summer Grilling Prize Pack ~ Commenter 65, NW Homesteader

Be sure to check out the sidebar for all current giveaways...and stay tuned for many more!! Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!!

When I think about seasons, I often associate my favorite foods with them. During the winter months it's hot chocolate and warm baked goods and in the summer it's frozen treats and ice cream. When it comes to my kids' favorites...summer and ice cream win hands down! There's just something about getting an ice cream cone after a long day at the pool or the park. Yum! I'm hungry just thinking about it!! It's a special treat for us all when we go out for ice cream as a family. And, when it comes to great ice cream, we know we can always count on Cold Stone Creamery for the best!
For those who aren't familiar with Cold Stone Creamery, they offer unique ice cream creations. With everything from smoothies, cakes and shakes...you're sure to find something everyone loves. Using only the highest quality ingredients and a signature process for preparing custom creations...it's no wonder people turn to Cold Stone time and time again.

As I said, our whole family loves ice cream of all flavors. That's why we couldn't have been more excited to learn Cold Stone was going to send us a GC to test out some of the yummy flavors they offer!

After the 4th of July parade, we were all hot and hungry. What better time to eat ice cream, right?! We hopped in the car and headed to our local Cold Stone Creamery. I love many of the ice cream flavors and learned the July the flavor of the month is Strawberry Basil Ice Cream.

When I first heard the name, I didn't know what I would think of the flavor. Basil?!? Well, after ordering an ice cream cone, I can tell you...it's really not too bad. In fact, my husband and daughter (the picky eaters in our family) really loved it! This unique summer flavor is really a pairing of sweet and savory flavors. Even better than just ice cream on a cone or a dish, is when this flavor is mixed with strawberries, whipped topping and yellow cake!! YUM!!

I can't wait to head back to Cold Stone again and try out some of their other great tasting ice cream flavors. How about you?! Do you and your family love Cold Stone's ice cream as much as we do? If so, you're going to love this giveaway!

Win It: Cold Stone has offered one reader a $10 Cold Stone Creamery GC!

Mandatory Entry: Visit the Cold Stone Creamery website and let me know something you learned, or an ice cream creation you'd love to try!

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry - Like Cold Stone Creamery on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry - Follow Cold Stone Creamery on Twitter

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Cold Stone Creamery) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a $10 GC to Cold Stone Creamery! http://bit.ly/nWbub9 #giveaway Ends 8/10

5. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

6. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

7. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. 1 extra entry - Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end August 10th and is open to US Only!

**The GC for this review & giveaway were provided for free by Cold Stone Creamery. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.**

By now most of you probably know that I love summer! I enjoy the warmth, the freedom to venture outdoors with the kids without having to worry about snow storms, and just being able to spend quality time as a family on trips and outings. After being cooped up in the house for 6 months over winter time, our family is always more than ready to get outdoors and enjoy everything from the pool to the zoo and park! No matter what we're up to, I find easy snacks and meals are the best for these busy summer months. That's why I was excited to learn more about Bagel Bites!

Bagel Bites has a new pledge I was also very intrigued by. Their Snack Simply Pledge asks parents to "keep it simple", "keep it tasty", and "keep it fun". For every pledge taken at SnackSimplyPledge.com, Bagel bites will donate $1 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America and send you a $1 off coupon towards a Bagel Bites Snack. The goal is to reach 50,000 pledges, which means they could donate up to $50,000!! How great is that?! What a wonderful way to help kids in need!

We were given the opportunity to try Bagel Bites and boy, are they good! In fact, the first time I made them for the kids...I couldn't get them to their plates fast enough. They're not only super yummy, but I love the easy to eat size as well. Both kids ate them very quickly, and were immediately asking for more. They're fast to make and really make the perfect simple snack for summer...or even a light lunch. We've taken them on picnics (which is something fun we do throughout the summer months) and found they are much more fun than regular pizza slices.

Win It: TWO lucky readers will each win FREE Bagel Bites to try out for themselves!!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Bagel Bites and take the Snack Simply Pledge. (After you do, you'll even be able to print a $1 off coupon).

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

2. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

Looking for a simple snack this summer?! #WIN FREE Bagel Bites! TWO Winners! http://bit.ly/osFX69 #giveaway Ends 8/10

3. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

4. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

5. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

6. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

7. 1 extra entry - Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end August 10th and is open to US Only!

**I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Bagel Bites and received coupons and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.**

Here in the Midwest we have very few months of beautiful, warm weather. That's why this time of year you'll find us outdoors enjoying the sunshine and time spent together as a family as much as possible. As much as we love going to the beach, pool, etc...I am also very cautious and want to make sure we are staying sun-safe...drinking plenty of water, using sunscreen, finding shade, etc. That's why I was excited when introduced to Cocopani and their beautiful line of designer beach umbrellas!

With Down Under having one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world, Australian interior designer, Bianca Cheah realized the need for sun-safe products that people would want to use. It was at that time Cocopani was born, pioneering fashion-meets-function beach accessories perfect for lounging in style. Not only do they offer a line of fully adjustable, lightweight cotton canvas umbrellas in six chic prints, but also super cute matching totes for beach goers.

As someone who enjoys the shade on these hot summer days, I was happy to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review one of Cocopani's fashionable umbrellas. Although not an easy decision (all six prints are great!)...

I decided to go with the Aqua Fish Scales umbrella and am so happy I did.

When the umbrella arrived, I was very pleased to see that it was in a carrying bag. I love that the carrying bag matches the umbrella, but best of all...it holds the umbrella beautifully when we're not using it. It keeps it together and in a safe place. There is also a shoulder strap on it which has come in very handy when we're carrying it from the car to the beach.

As I pulled the umbrella out of the bag, I was impressed with the quality. The umbrella is 100% cotton canvas which is durable and something I see lasting us a long time.


I also appreciated the fact that it requires very little assembly. It couldn't be easier to use! Once we got it to the beach. We began by sticking the extension pole into the ground (which has a pointed end to make it easier). I was wondering how stable it would be, but to my surprise after wiggling it down a little ways in the sand...it was in place and didn't seem wobbly at all!

We then opened up the umbrella and I was thrilled with the size. At 181 cm when open, it's the perfect size for us to sit under and enjoy the shade. I love it! We slid the umbrella into the extension pole, got it to our desired height and tightened the handy knob. I really like that it's height adjustable. No matter if you're reading a book in your beach chair or laying on a towel, you are sure to find a height that works great in every situation!

To my surprise, I found that the umbrella actually tilts. I love that we are able to get it to pretty much any angle we need to keep us shaded from the sun. What a great feature to add to an already amazingly useful product!

We've used the Cocopani Umbrella and have been thrilled with the quality and convenience it offers when we're visiting the beach. It's super easy to use, and best of all... provides full UV protection. It's been great for the kids when they need a break from the sun. I love being able to relax under it, and even grab a drink and bite to eat. I can't believe we have gone so long without something like this.

As I mentioned, Cocopani also offers super cute matching tote bags that I have my eye on as well. How cute are these?!

If you love the beach as much as we do, you may want to check out Cocopani and their great line of beach accessories. In my opinion, they are a must-have for beach-goers.

Buy It: You can purchase Cocopani Umbrellas for $110 each at Cocopani's website.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Cocopani Umbrella in their choice of either the Spearmint Streak OR Watermelon Streak design (ARV $110).

Mandatory Entry - Visit Cocopani and let me know which of their umbrellas is your favorite.

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 2 extra entries - Like Cocopani on Facebook

2. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Cocopani) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a high quality, fashionable Cocopani Beach Umbrella ($110 ARV)! http://bit.ly/r0DU4q #giveaway Ends 8/3

4. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

5. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

6. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

7. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end August 3rd and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review/giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.**