Cocopani Beach Umbrella Review & Giveaway

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.**