Rave and Review

QuickSmart: Making Parenting Smarter… and smaller {Ride-On Toy Giveaway}

Get Out and PLAY Event – DAY 41

At the recent ABC Kids Expo in Kentucky there was one company that was generating a whole lot of buzz.  It seems everywhere I went I was asked “have you seen the stroller that fits inside the backpack?” or “did you see the highchair that folds completely flat even with the tray attached?” and I was happy to respond that yes, I was very, very familiar with QuickSmart, an Australian company that has recently made its way to the States. 

As a parent, there are few things I value more in children’s gear than clever design and ease of use, both of which are the very basis of the QuickSmart line.  Their innovative line of products is the stuff that I dream of, including that ingenious backpack stroller and flat-fold high chair everyone was raving about.  Not only do they make awesomely innovative products for both parent and child, their line is nothing short of amazing because of how compact and portable each piece is.  In fact, their stuff is so compact and portable that rumor has it that their entire line of gear can fit inside the trunk of a compact sedan… which includes 2 strollers, a portable 3-in-1 play yard, travel bed/bassinet/changing station, a highchair, and 2 ride on toys!  Awesome, right?

Speaking of their toys, how cute are their little ride on “bugs”?  They have two different types of ride-on toys for ages 1-3: The ScuttleBug with three wheels and a handle for steering and the ScrambleBug with four wheels that rotate for steering with your feet.  Not only are they completely adorable, they’re also perfect for the kid on the go.   Incredibly lightweight and portable so they can easily be tossed under a stroller, carried by a toddler, or even kept in the trunk… just in case.

All this compact portability is great because with how much the little ones love it, you will be glad that you can easily take it with you wherever you go.  Then, once you get where you are going, it is mere moments until your little one is cruising on their own with no assembly required.   You simply flip the legs into place and it’s ready to roll.  When you’re done, it’s just as easy to fold it up compactly with a great pinch-free design for little hands.

We got to try out the QuickSmart ScrambleBug ride-on toy this past month and love it so much we’ve taken it everywhere with us.  We chose the ScrambleBug that you can steer with your feet since we have both a 1 year old and a 3 year old and thought this way they could both use it easily. 

Once we saw the ScrambleBug in action we knew it was the right choice, especially for our youngest.  Because it has 4 castor wheels that each rotate 360 degrees, it has a freedom of movement that allows your little one to get around easily, even navigating out of corners, around obstacles, and from side to side, backwards, and more.  QuickSmart calls it “frustration free” and I couldn’t agree more.  Even my 12 month old is able to manage it by himself and scoot around the house without getting stuck around our kitchen island or sofas.

Because we have light wood floors that, as far as I can tell, are made of the softest wood ever, I really love that the ScrambleBug has non-marking and non-scratch wheels.  In addition to not marking up the floor as the little ones ride, the ScrambleBug wheels also make for a quieter ride, which makes it a great indoor toy.  Of course, it can also be used outdoors, so we were really happy we already had a helmet for our little guy so he could scoot off on his own happily.    

For products that are as clever as they are compact, you really can’t go wrong with the new line from QuickSmart.  From strolling, relaxing, eating or playing, there’s something in their line that will simply blow you away.  If you have a moment, you should head over to the QuickSmartGo site and check out all the amazing gear that everyone will soon be talking about.  Speaking of amazing gear, how would you like to win one of every single item in the QuickSmart line?  If so, you should head on over to the QuickSmart Facebook page and enter their HUGE giveaway today!  But, in the meantime…

Head on over to http://quicksmartgo.com/ for more information and to see some videos of their products in action.  You can also find the ride-on bugs for purchase on Amazon!

Want to win an awesome QuickSmart Ride-On "Bug" of your choice?

To enter, simply visit QuickSmartGo and tell me something you learned about one of their products and what ride-on bug you would like {including color preference - ScrambleBug comes in orange/charcoal or green/yellow and ScuttleBug is available in either red or yellow colors}

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar {2 extra entries, must be verified to count}

2) Tweet about this Giveaway after following us both {daily Tweet, just post link here}

Have you entered the awesome @QuickSmartGo ride-on toy #giveaway from @raveandreview? I really want to win! http://t.co/yoEOxScN

3) "Like" QuickSmartGo on Facebook BONUS - you can enter their HUGE contest while you are there and be entered to win their entire line! {2 extra entries, must be verified to count}

4) NEW!  "Like" Rave and Review on Facebook! {2 extra entries}

5) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage {2 extra entries, just post the URL where I can find your writeup}

6) Place my button in your sidebar on your blog or website  {1 extra entry, must have an active link to R&R}

7) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

On November 10th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who have entered and congrats to: 156

Jennifer T. said... I learned that the Scramblebug was a Dr. Toy 100 Best Products winner. I like the Scramblebug Yellow (and green) Grasshopper.

Thank you to QuickSmart for sending their awesome ride-on bug to be revewed.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

BikeGlow Safety Light {Review & Coupon Code}

Get Out and PLAY Event – Day 37

Riding bikes has long been one of our favorite outdoor activities, both before and after we had kids.  It really is one of the best ways to spend a day together and give you the best mix of conversation, exercise, and adventure.  But, one thing that has changed after having kids is how much more I think about bike safety than I did before. 

It may seem kind of ridiculous, but it actually took me having my kids along on the ride for me to think about all the dangers out there on the roads and trails.  As most bikers know, a large part of bike safety is making sure that you are as visible as possible, so I’m always struggling to keep us all well-lit for low-light or evening rides.  With only small reflectors on most bikes located on the front and the back {and possibly the pedals, if you’re lucky}, the typical bike is nearly invisible from the sides. 

One of the coolest products I have ever seen to add visibility and keep the whole family safe while riding is the BikeGlow safety light.  The BikeGlow safety light is one of those simple, yet super effective, products that make you wonder why you didn’t think of it first.  It merely consists of a battery pack with an on/off switch connected to a 10 foot long light tube.  And that’s it.  But those three simple elements combine to make one of the most unique lighting products we have ever seen and makes you visible from all sides, not just the front and the back.

To use, you simply attach the light tube to your frame with zip ties and then attach the battery pack by Velcro to an easy to reach location on your bike.  Then you simply wrap the light tube all over and around your bike in any pattern or style that you want, turning your bike into a glowing, shiny beacon of style and visibility. 

Once it’s attached, it’s incredibly unobtrusive and can be left on your bike even during daylight rides.  But then, whenever you think you need to increase your visibility, you can turn on the light to either steady on, slow, or fast blinking. 

Beyond blinking, BikeGlow has another high visibility trick up its sleeve and something the whole family will think is cool.  By offering a range of colors like blue, green, purple, pink and more, you can pick a color that will look good with your bike and stand out against the normal white and red of your head and tail lights {although you can get those colors too if you want!}

Though the BikeGlow is obviously marketed towards bikers, whether they are avid riders, new to the sport, or even young children, it should also be noted that the BikeGlow is not just for bikes.  You could cover your bike trailers, your wagons, or even your strollers with the BikeGlow to add visibility to just about anything you can imagine. 

Love the BikeGlow and want to get 25% off at www.bikeglow.com?  Use coupon code "raveandreview" at check out and help make the whole family visible and safe out on the roads!

A big thank you to BikeGlow for sending their safety light for review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Italtrike OKO Tricycle from Hayneedle.com

Get Out and PLAY Event - Day 34

If you didn’t already pick this up from our header, our family is huge into biking.  We spend our spring, summer and fall pedaling around our neighborhood and beyond, which means we’re always looking for ways to include our kids and get them excited about getting out with us.  But, excited doesn’t even begin to describe how my daughter reacted when she found the Italtrike OKO Tricycle from Hayneedle waiting for her on her 3rd birthday. 

And, who could blame her?  The Italtrike OKO is quite possibly the cutest trike ever.  But, besides being adorable, it also has all sorts of little details that make toddlers and parents happy. 

The first feature that we adore is the rear handle that allows us to push the tricycle as our daughter rides.  If you’ve ever walked beside while a three year old biked, you know how much time is spent waiting for them to watch a bug pass, pick a weed, or pet a neighbor’s pooch, and you probably also know how restless the rest of the family gets as they have to stop over and over to wait.  Not anymore they won’t,  because the rear handle of the OKO Tricycle allows you to push your child along at your pace similar to a stroller, except for the fact that they can pedal along with you as you push.   Since mastering pedals and steering is still a ways away, I love that the push bike is an easy way for my daughter to get the hang of pedals in a way that still keeps all of us moving and having a good time. 

The second thing we fell in love with is the circular shape of the trike that is not just for great looks {although it is awfully cool looking} but it makes it easy for children to mount because there’s no crossbar.  This placement also allows the pedals of the bike to be placed lower on the frame like a real bicycle instead of on the front wheel as most trikes are, which hopefully will lead to an easier transition to a full-sized bicycle when she’s ready.

We also love the various saddle and handlebar adjustments that allow you to get the perfect fit for your child aged 2-5 years.  This was really important to me as I know how having a good fitting bike can make the difference in whether you enjoy biking or not, and that starts at a really young age.  I also love that the adjustments are easy to make at a quick pit stop, because it always surprises me how kids literally grow overnight and it’s nice to quickly make necessary changes easily. 

Since safety is always a huge concern for us, we love that the Italtrike has a hand brake {not backwards pedal brakes as many children’s bikes do} which gets her ready for real riding.  Since she still is young, I also like that there is a three-point safety belt to buckle as well.  Speaking of safety, we’re always thinking sun safety around here so I love that the Italtrike has a small {removable} canopy that is attached to the frame.  While the canopy is rather small and not meant to replace sunscreen and proper sun precautions, it is nice for overhead rays – and even a light drizzle.

The final thing that sold us on the Italktrike OKO is that the push handle we all love is also removable.   This makes it easy to convert it to a regular bike when your child is ready by switching the steering back to full manual mode for your child to control on their own.  While my daughter still needs lots of help moving along and we keep the steering locked most of the time, I really like that I can also unlock the steering while we're using it as a push trike {note to the wise: this practice is a test of patience if you have a little one who thinks it’s funny to not steer.  If that is not the case, please tell me what your secret is}.

My husband and I just adore the Italtrike and would recommend it to any parents who want their kids to have a love of biking from an early age.  Judging from how much my daughter simply begs to ride the Italtrike, I would say our mission was a rousing success.  It has all the high quality features I would look for in a trike, but also has so many really cool touches that will grow with our family through all our kids.

Weight: 27 lbs.
Overall Dimensions: 33L x 21W x 25H inches

You can buy the Italktrike from Hayneedle.com, one of our favorite online stores for indoor, outdoor, and every adventure.

A big thank you to Hayneedle.com for sending the Italktrike push bike for review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review.

Road ID: Safety Bracelets with Style

Get Out and PLAY Event – Day 8

With warm weather and outdoor adventures on the horizon, we’ve been talking a lot about the best gear for parents and kids.  But, you can’t talk playing hard without talking about safety, so I am excited to introduce you to our newest rave-worthy product to keep you and your family safe: Road ID.

The Road ID slogan is “If you can’t speak for yourself, Road ID will speak for you” and that’s something that really hits home as the mother of two children who can’t always speak for themselves.  By taking the old ID tag and updating it to bring you a whole new dimension in safety and peace of mind, Road ID gives you numerous ways to keep your whole family safe.  With different style options for creating your own ID and various ways you can customize your own piece to suit your individuality, Road ID is anything but a boring old ID bracelet. 

Each Road ID allows for at least a few lines of customizable text with some offering as much as 7 lines.  And, recently the new Road ID Interactive gives you even more options and allows you to create your own life-saving profile that can include as little or as much information as you want.  No matter what design you go with there’s a lot of information you can pack on the individualized ID plate to help you or your little one communicate in an emergency. 

Road ID is a family run company that got its start making ID products for athletes training for marathons, and their products show the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that is necessary for sports and recreational use.  But, while Road ID was originally marketed towards serious athletes and sports-lovers, we adore it because it is perfect for toddlers all the way up to the elderly.  How many products can you say that about? 

With my oldest heading off to Preschool in the fall, my search for the perfect ID bracelet began.  I wanted something that was fun to wear, but at the same time functional enough to have plenty of room for important emergency contact and medical information.  I was bored by the usual silver ID bracelets that I wore as a child, and was quite delighted when I ran across the RoadID.com website and saw their unique and fun take on the classic, as well as all the new features they add to keep their wearers safe.

Shopping for the bracelets was quite fun and the process of selecting the features and personal touches was not only simple, it was also stress-free.  As I wasn’t entirely sure about what I wanted and how to best customize each piece, I loved that there were handy guides on the site to compare each option and numerous ways to get help if I should get stuck.  Because I was new at this and I trusted their expert opinion, I also opted to have them double check my order to maximize my specific IDs with information first responders would need in the event of an emergency.

After much debate, I decided on the Wrist ID Sport for my Preschooler-to-be and think it was the perfect choice for him - He loves his Road ID so much he doesn't want to take it off!  The Wrist ID Sport comes in Small, Medium/Large and Extra Large, and the small was the perfect size for my preschooler with plenty of room to grow, which will be great as he starts to venture out on his own with family and friends. 

The Wrist ID is made of heavy duty nylon with Velcro closure, making it perfect for an active kiddo.  It has two reflective stripes on the band to provide added visibility at night, which is great for evening walks.  There is a variety of color options available {Red, Blue, Black, Yellow, Pink and Purple} and the ID plate on the bracelet is a laser engraved surgical grade stainless steel that can be taken off and transferred to several of the other great RoadID products {the Ankle ID, the Shoe ID, and the Shoe Pouch ID}. 

For my daughter, I chose the Wrist ID Elite, the fancier Road ID model that has a very sleek and sophisticated design.  The Wrist ID Elite has a rubberized band and watch-style stainless steel buckle and is fashionable enough even for everyday office attire.  The band needs to be cut to be individually fitted, so this is ideal for grown kids or adults.  It is available in eight color options {Black, Blue, Red, Yellow, Pink, Purple, Orange, and Green} and the Elite ID plate easily moves from one color Wrist Band Elite to another {but doesn’t transfer to other RoadID products like the Wrist ID Sport does}. 

We also got to check out a Fixx ID which is a military-inspired dog tag but with a really fun twist.  While the back side of the ID necklace holds all the important contact information you want, you can also customize the front of your tags with logos and designs, choosing between a huge selection of sports themed and fun icons, as well as adding color around the edges to make the ID more like a necklace than an ID tag.

All Road ID products we got to check out were super lightweight, but because they are made for serious athletes, they are also strong enough to withstand the torture of my very active kids.  While they are perfect for any kid, they are absolutely essential if you have a kid with a serious allergy or medical condition as the RoadID Wrist ID bracelets would be a perfect daily accessory. 

Whether it’s contact information, allergies, life-saving medical information, and more, Road ID truly does speak for you if you are ever unable.  The versatility and peace of mind that Road ID offers makes it one of my new favorite products for athletes, children, and more.  I highly recommended looking into one: the added security it brings is priceless!

Prices: The Wrist ID Sport is truly a bargain at only $19.99, as is the Fixx ID for $24.99 and the Wrist ID Elite for only $29.99.  Even better is that all engraving is included in the price, no matter what model you go with!  With such a high quality life-saving product, I would have imagined they would be much more expensive, especially now that I know what great customer service they have as well as their genuine satisfaction guarantee.  Available in the Wrist ID Sport, the Wrist ID Elite, the Shoe ID, the FIXX ID, the Ankle ID & the Shoe Pouch ID as well as Road ID Interactive options!

Not sure which one you need?  Check out their handy comparison chart of original and interactive options!  Start shopping here: http://www.roadid.com/

A huge thank you to RoadID for sending the samples to be reviewed.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

PlasmaCar Ride-On {Review & Giveaway}

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 45

There are many things children outgrow very fast in the first few years of life, such as clothes, shoes, and baby toys, but I really believe that there are some things that should last for years.  For instance, ride on toys.

In just a short amount of time our family has gone through such a surprising number of ride on toys that it's hard to keep track.  Since most riding toys are designed for a very specific age group, you have to buy them carefully and plan just right to make sure your child will be able to use them during the right season.  If you guess wrong, or if you buy too late, you are often left with a very small window in which your child can make use of it.

This is why I love companies like PlaSmart that create toys that kids can use forever.  The PlasmaCar was my first introduction to this great company and immediately I was sold on the fact that toddlers and grownups alike could master this unique toy in no time flat.

Because it is constructed of a sturdy ABS plastic that can handle quite a bit of weight (220 lbs) and because operating it really couldn't be any easier, just about anyone can ride it.  In fact, the first time my newly two year old daughter hopped on one, she knew instinctively what to do to make it go. 

The movement of the PlasmaCar is unlike anything I have ever seen.  Instead of batteries, pedals, motors, or feet, the PlasmaCar works by wiggling the steering wheel from side to side which propels the car forward.  Using the principles of inertia and friction mixed with a little bit of magic, the PlasmaCar is 100% kid-powered goodness. 

  Once your child gets the hang of the Plasma Car, they will be cruising right away.  Because you only have to control the steering wheel, and don’t have to master pedals, brakes, and balance, it really is a great riding toy to start a kid off on.  And, since the movement of the PlasmaCar is so unique, it also makes it a great toy for older kids to ride on and master going forward as well as in reverse.

The PlasmaCar Ride-On Toy is 100% parent-approved: it requires no batteries, is nearly silent in operation, and it’s a great way to burn off energy.  It is rated for both indoors and out and can be ridden over just about any smooth or semi-smooth surface easily, and can last for decades, all of which makes it very rave-worthy! 

Find out more at: http://www.plasmacar.com/ and watch a PLASMA CAR Video {here}

Price: $69.95 and has an assembled size of 31" x 14" x 16".  It is recommended for ages 3 years and up

Worried you won't be able to order one in time?  Check out their store finder guide on their site to see where you can pick on up in-store near you!

 
One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a Plasma Car of their very own!

To Enter: Simply visit Plasma Car and comment below with something you learned about the company

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) "Like" PlaSmart on Facebook (just leave FB name in comment)

3) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview and @PlaSmart with the link to this post (url) after following us both (daily Tweet, just post link here)

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On January 24th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US and Canadian Addresses.

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to: #117  Steve S said... I voted, R&R was #6

A big thank you to PlaSmart for providing the sample for review as well as offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

KaZAM Balance Bike {Review & Giveaway}

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 30

Riding a two-wheeler is a huge milestone in a child’s life and one that puts fear into the hearts of most parents.  That’s why we do crazy things like keep them on tricycles for longer than we should and adding training wheels to their big bikes.  My husband even went so far as to suggest wrapping our children completely in bubble wrap when they first are learning to ride.  As much as this seems like a great way to recycle our packaging, it also makes for difficult playdates and days on the bike trails.

Since bicycling is a way of life here in the Northwest, we needed to come up with a solution for cycling as a family that didn’t include training wheels… or packing materials.  That solution is of course a balance bike, so now the trick was to find one that was practical for our riding conditions.  When we found KaZAM Balance Bikes, we knew we had finally found the perfect training bicycle. 

If you haven’t heard of a balance bike before, you’re not alone.  Literally every time we go out with the KaZAM, we get a crowd of parents wanting to know why on Earth our bike doesn’t have pedals.  Although it’s hard to explain the benefits of biking without pedals, it’s not hard to see them once you witness a KaZAM in action. 

Instead of having to learn to balance, work the pedals continuously while steering away from danger, and master the brakes all at once, the KaZAM bike lets your child begin with the fundamentals of balance.  Allowing your child to sit on a bicycle seat and keep their feet flat on the ground, it gets them used to the idea of being on two wheels safely. 

They start out “walking” the KaZAM around while seated and then as they get more comfortable they can begin striding on the bike, leaving more and more time when their feet are not on the ground.  Kids usually pick up the idea of the KaZAM pretty quickly and most are coasting fairly soon after hopping on, something you would never see on a first try on a pedaled bicycle. 

 Braking is also really intuitive, you simply place your feet on the ground to stop.  This makes it great for children who can’t manipulate hand brakes and is easy to explain to kids.  Since they feel so in control, it makes it easier for them to relax and get the balance part down as well as helping them figure out steering and the coordination required to ride a traditional bike. 

What’s great is that once your child gets really confident in their abilities, they can use the integrated foot rests on the KaZAM frame to rest their legs while cruising, a feature I have not found on other balance bikes.  This also goes a long way in preparing them for riding because they get used to the idea of their feet resting on something instead of keeping them down while they are riding. 

As well as integrated foot rests, the KaZAM stands out in other ways as well.  One thing we really love is that the KaZAM looks and rides like a real bike.  It has a nice lightweight metal frame, is available in multiple colors, has full steering, hand grips, and even has real bicycle wheels – shiny spokes and all.  This makes your kid feel more like they are really riding a bicycle and prepares them for what to expect with their big-kid two wheeler.

Having mastered balance on the KaZAM, the idea is that the transition to a two wheeled bike will be so much easier.  Better yet is that it’s also safer for your child, as well as being packing material-free.  My ultimate hope for the KaZAM is that it allows our children to keep up with us on the trails earlier than most kids are able.  Instead of putting training wheels on our children’s bicycles that teach them to rely on extra wheels which we will eventually remove, the KaZAM teaches them to rely on themselves.       

To read more about the KaZAM Balance Bike that has been collecting awards since it was released, head over to http://www.kazambikes.com/ and check out these awesome bikes and even watch some customer submitted videos to get a better idea of how it works. 

 
One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a KaZAM Balance Bike of their very own!

To Enter: Simply visit KaZAM and comment below with something you learned about the company or the balance bicycles and what color you would like

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) "Like" KaZAM on Facebook (2 extra entries, just leave FB name in comments)

3) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview and #giveaway with the link to this post (http://bit.ly/eKWjWb) after following (daily Tweet, just post link here)

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries  must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On January 20th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses.

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to: #318 brandy nelson said... I like KaZam on fb
brandy leigh nelson

A big thank you to KaZAM Bicycles for providing the sample for review as well as offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Whirl Balance Scooter from Prince Lionheart

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 11

When I was young, all the kids in my neighborhood got together and created an impressive inter-city transportation system that we spent all summer perfecting.  We had a series of two lane roads, one highway, and even a "country road" that led us around our made up city.  Included in our system were various modes of transportation to get us around our metropolis, including a wagon (bus), various bikes (motorcycles, scooters), and two powerwheels (a car and truck).

When I think back on that summer now and all the fun we had creating our own special city complete with gas station, drive thru, supermarket, and county building where the important decisions for our little town were made, I can't help but smile.  I love that every age of kid in the neighborhood was included and we all had at least a dozen roles we would play daily, from mayor to gas station attendant, and I also love that even though we were playing, we were also building some pretty cool skills that we all took with us when our town eventually shut down for the winter.

When I first saw the Whirl Balance Scooter from Prince Lionheart this past year, I immediately thought of our made-up town that has long since been erased from our old neighborhood.  Besides being adorable, the Whirl Balance Scooter is simply begging young kids to let their imaginations run wild.  The retro design is easily at home in a European countryside, a metropolitan city, or even zipping to your job as the town photographer, and that makes it adaptable to any game they can dream up.

And, with quality touches throughout, who wouldn’t want to ride one of these and play make believe all day long?  With its 100% birch frame from an FSC certified forest, nice and solid rubber handgrips, a slightly padded seat that can adjust over 3 ½ inches, and 12 inch rubber tires for a smooth ride, it looks just as comfortable as it does cute.  It also has numerous little design touches that really add to the charm of the Whirl Balance Scooter and make it every little girls’ dream… even us big girls. 

What's great is that because it's a balance scooter that doesn't have pedals or a noisy motor, it means that just about any age kid can ride it for hours of good, active fun.  Since they will be having so much fun imagining that they are exploring Montmarte and winding down the twisty back roads of Paris in view of the Eiffel Tower, it will be easy to forget that they are also developing their sense of balance, working off energy, and preparing themselves to ride a two wheeled bicycle without assistance.

By allowing your child to sit comfortably on the seat and still keep both feet on the ground, it lets them to get familiar with the feel of balancing in a natural and familiar way.  They may start out walking while sitting on the scooter, but soon they will be gliding and scooting all over the place with confidence.  And then before you know it, they will be ready for pedals, the next step in learning to ride!

If you're like me and you think a kid's job is to play and imagine, then you will appreciate how the Prince Lionheart Whirl Balance Scooter encourages kids to expand their play.  Even better is that as they play and create all these memories they are also developing crucial skills that will help them grow both mentally and physically and prepare them for the next big milestone. 

Judging from how much my daughter simply adores the retro scooter, I know this is not going to be a toy she easily abandons once she is able to ride a bicycle on her own.  I see many, many years of imaginative play ahead for the Whirl Balance Scooter and I can’t wait to see where it takes her!

Price: $110 and available from http://www.princelionheart.com/ 

A huge thank you to Prince Lionheart for sending their beloved Whirl Balance Scooter to be reviewed.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Yoplait Go-Gurt Keeping Cool for School Prize Pack {Review & Giveaway}

I had never tried Go-GURT Portable Lowfat Yogurt from Yoplait before this last week because I had always mistakenly thought that it was full of fillers and sugar.  When I found Simply…GoGurt and took a look at the package, I was really surprised to find a yogurt that was free of artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners and made with pure and simple ingredients just like the Yoplait that I love. 

The part that was no surprise to anyone is how much my daughter loved the GoGurt and enjoyed eating it from the tube all by herself – no utensils required.  She has loved yogurt since a very young age but has never been given yogurt geared towards children before.  That’s all about to change now that I have found a yogurt that we can both get behind.

Even though Go-Gurt has fun and fruity flavors that appeal to children, it certainly isn’t junk food.  The fact that there is a whole variety of kid-friendly flavors available will certainly help even non-yogurt fans reach for a tube, giving them a great source of calcium and vitamin D in a portable snack.  The kids don’t have to know that they are naturally flavored and full of wholesome-ness, but it certainly helps me buy them.  

One really cool thing that I also hadn’t realized about Go-Gurt and something that makes it absolutely perfect for back to school is the fact that GoGurt can be frozen.  Not only does it keep other foods cool in the lunchbox, it will thaw and be ready to eat by lunchtime!  While I don’t have a little one in school yet, I think this would be perfect for picnics and playdates away from home as well and am really excited to try Go-GURT frozen.  

You can also visit MyBlogSpark to download a printable coupon for $0.85 off one box of Yoplait Go-Gurt yogurt today*!

*This coupon offer for free Go-Gurt is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, North Dakota and Tennessee. However, you can still enter to win the Go-Gurt giveaway!

One Rave and Review reader will win a Yoplait Go-Gurt “Keeping Cool in School” Prize Pack!

The “Keeping Cool in School” Prize Pack includes an insulated lunch tote, mini water bottle, sandwich keeper, cool breeze pen fan, and some really fun school supplies for the new school year!  Also included is a coupon* for a FREE box of any variety of Yoplait Go-Gurt!

To Enter: Let me know your children's favorite flavor of GoGurt or a flavor you would love to try.

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Interact with Yoplait on Facebook by commenting on a post or writing a message on their wall about a product you love

3) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview and @YoplaitYogurt with the link to this post (http://bit.ly/bqpPPE) after following us both (daily Tweet, just post link here)

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website and/or the Cozy At Home Event Button (2 extra entries for each button, must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On October 22th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US addresses only.

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to:

#56  meme said...I voted for you and you are #9

A big thank you to MyBlogSpark and Yoplait introducing us to Go-Gurt for the first time and sending us the “Keeping Cool in School Prize Pack” as seen above at no charge to facilitate this review.  All information and prize/gift packs were provided from Yoplait through MyBlogSpark as well as the giveaway prize.  All opnions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Basil Memories Bicycle Front Carrier Giveaway

Some of you may remember my rave and giveaway for Basil's stylish bicycle pannier bags I did a few weeks back.  If not, you should definitely head back to my Basil review here and check out all their delicious bike bags.  After that review, I got a bunch of questions about recommendations on stylish bike racks to hold all of Basil's awesome bags, and I referred everyone who contacted me directly back to Basil.

Basil is a company based in the Netherlands that makes the coolest bike racks anywhere in addition to one of the widest selections of bike bags I have ever seen.  Whether you are looking for front or back bicycle racks, or even baskets for your ride, Basil is definitely the place to start your search.  They have racks and baskets to match any type of bike, from classic to trendy and all the way in between.   

Bicycle racks are more than just awesome little accessories for your ride, they are what makes outfitting your adventure as easy as possible no matter where you are headed.  Without having to wear bags on your shoulders, you are able to haul all sorts of gear and goodies without worrying about their weight or their shape and leaving you free to focus on the journey.  Since our regular bicycling oftentimes includes grocery shopping and farmers markets and always includes kiddos, having a good bike rack and bag combo is an absolute necessity. 

This past spring we were sent the Basil Memories Front Carrier (L) to give it a whirl and check out the freedom of a front bicycle carrier.  But, since I'm rolling around on 700c tires, I unfortunately was not able to use the Basil Memories Front Carrier on my bike.  I did, however, get to see the quality in construction first hand, as well as the bright vibrant color of the rack that was truly beautiful.  After seeing a Memories Front Carrier in person, I am really sad that there wasn't a good way to attach it to my bicycle easily. 

Yes, I could rig something, but then it would be hard to review its functionality without worrying that I had altered the rack fundamentally.  So, instead of doing my normal in-depth review, I am passing the bicycle rack on to one loyal Rave and Review reader, instead.  Whether you bike for recreation or for daily shopping trips like we do, you are sure to appreciate having a front bicycle rack in addition to, or instead of, a rear bicycle rack.  I have a wonderful Basil bike basket that I carry a good number of groceries in, and really like being able to balance the weight between the rear of the bike and the front and love that it keeps things easy to grab even in the middle of a ride.    

A note to keep in mind – like the Basil Bike Bags, the Basil Bicycle Racks don’t come with much in the way of instructions and trial-and-error may be required in order to fit the racks correctly to your bike.  Their products all come with really nice security features to help you get the best fit for your bicycle, which is great because each bike and rack is different and it's great to be able to get a custom fit.  This custom fit does come with a little tinkering time required, but trust me, it's worth it.  

Basil Memories Bicycle Front Carrier features:

* max. weight 15 kilo 

* fastening eye for headlamp

* includes two handlebar hooks (for 21-31,8 mm Ø)

* stays for mounting on front axle (not in combination with spring fork)

* lemon yellow colour, with dimensions as follows 31*28*27

To see more Basil products, visit their website at http://www.basil.nl/.  Prepare to spend some time there, they've got one of the largest supplies of bike gear anywhere, all of which I would love to own. 

Where to buy: In the States, you should check Seattle Bike Supply and Bike Threads, or use the Basil retailer locator on their website.

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a yellow Basil Memories Front Carrier (L) (50094) to get them biking in style this Summer!

To Enter: You must visit Basil and comment below with another one of their products you would love to try!

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview after following (daily Tweet, just post link here)

3) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage and http://www.basil.nl/

4) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (must have an active link)

5) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways or comment on any non-giveaway post!

6) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

7) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On August 13th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US and Canadian addresses.

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to Annabelle!

Annabelle said:

I love the Jada Panier Bags!

A huge thank you to Basil for sending their awesome bicycle rack for review, which we are offering as a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no type of monetary compensation was received for this Rave Review.

Basil Stylish Bicycle Bags Review and Giveaway

If you’ve ever done a search for bicycle pannier bags you know how limited the selection is.  If you’ve got a cruiser bicycle or a bike that requires a bit more style and sophistication than the sporty selections available at most bike shops, I am going to save you a few hours of research and send you directly to Basil, a company based in the Netherlands that makes the coolest bike bags anywhere.

Pannier bags are more than luggage for your ride, they are what makes hauling the gear you need for your journey, work stuff, picnic paraphernalia, and more possible without having to wear all that weight on your shoulders.  Since our regular bicycling oftentimes includes grocery shopping and farmers markets and always includes kiddos, having a good bike bag is an absolute necessity. 

For years now I have been lamenting the fact that pannier style bicycle bags for my beautiful ride were impossible to find.  A quick look into bicycle chat rooms will tell you that there are many, many bicycle owners who agree that bike pannier bags are rarely described as stylish.  I had almost given up the hope of a bag as beautiful as my bike until I found Basil and promptly fell in love with numerous pannier bags in their collection. 
Here’s a look at some of our favorite Basil Pannier bags:

The Basil Jada Double Bag - What originally sold me on the Basil Jada was the adorable design.  Yes, I know I require a lot of hauling and handling from my bike bag and shopping for biking accessories based on looks alone is not the best plan, but since cute was an ultimate requirement of mine if it was going to permanently ride with me, I thought I might as well choose my favorite design and give it a whirl.  It just so happens that the grey/white floral print Jada Panniers couldn’t possibly be a better fit for my little beach cruiser bicycle, both in looks and in functionality. 

The Basil Jada is made from water repellent polyester and each bag measures 14.5”*6”*12”.  While they are lightweight when not loaded, the Basil Jada Panniers come packed with features of a serious pannier bag, from reflective strips to pockets galore to store all that little stuff that would easily get misplaced on a bumpy ride in a big bag.  While it does have numerous pockets (5 on each bag, 10 in total) and various storage capabilities including elastic holders to keep items upright and organized, the two main compartments can only be described as cavernous  with 35L capacity combined.  The bottoms of each bag can be rigid with the included bottom insert, or you can fold the rigid bottom up or take it out completely if you’re hauling soft items. 

I have been able to cary obscene amounts of gear with me in the Jada Panniers, adding some serious style without horribly effecting the quality of my ride.  The bag has a cinch-able top that is covered by a double lined flap top with a stiff edge to keep the flap from flying up as you ride.  You can still access all four side pockets of the Jada Double Bag as well as still unzip the very front pockets on both bags when the top is closed, making grabbing little items even easier on the trail.  I love that when the water repellent double lined flap is down it completely covers the top of the bag and the main storage compartments.  So, when the Pacific Northwest weather doesn’t cooperate and I get caught biking through a downpour, the contents of the Jada Panniers stay surprisingly dry.

Price: $93.99 for the double pannier bags, with other adorable Basil Jada accessories available to completely outfit your bike, the purple version is available at Bike Threads.

Basil D’Azur Double Bag - A classic look with a slightly military-esque feel, the Basil D’Azur is anything but your typical bicycle pannier bag.  Made of a thick and robust water repellent canvas with a blue striped inner lining, the Basil D’Azur styling can work on both classic bicycles, city cruisers and European inspired rides, and every thing in between.  The double D’Azur can hold an amazing 40L of gear with a boxy and utilitarian classic styling, which makes it perfect for day trips as well as hauling groceries and more home from the market.  The bottoms of both double bags can be reinforced with the included rigid inserts, or you can keep the bag folded flat against your bike by folding up or removing that insert.  The bottoms of both bags have an even higher level of waterproofness, which is great if you remove your bags at your destination and need to stand them up.

Each Basil D’Azur bag measures 15”*7”*13” and comes with straps to attach additional gear to as well as a huge main storage compartment.  Both sides of the bag has reflective strips for safety, all without compromising it’s great looks for function.  The Basil D’Azur line of Basil bags is absolutely one to check out on the Basil site - there are messenger bags, an amazing D'Azur Weekender bag measuring 17”*7 3/4”*12” with more pockets than you could use in a lifetime, and even more D'Azur products available that can give your bike it’s very own luggage set.  For those of you who bike for weekend trips or even load up for camping, the D’Azur series is absolutely for you.   

Price: $123.99 for the D'Azur Double Bag set, $135 for the D'Azur Weekender Bag at Bike Threads

Basil Tour XL Double Bag  - For those of you who have a sportier ride to outfit, Basil also makes a line of practical and functional pannier bags that can go from mountain bike to city streets with ease and makes hauling all your gear easy and efficient.  Each Basil Tour XL bag measures 13”*7”*13” and is extra large for transporting everything from work bags to sports equipment and makes these the ultimate city necessity.  They are made from a water repellent 600D polyester and have sporty features like a rounded front for those who tend to kick their bags with their heels when riding vigorously. 

The bag is reinforced and sturdy, which makes it great for hauling just about anything and everything, and it comes with pockets to help organize all that gear while you ride.  The sides and bottom of the Tour XL can even be double reinforced when you use their included side and bottom rigid inserts.  These inserts can all be removed if you find them unnecessary, which allows the bag to fold flat against the sides of your rear rack and keeps them out of the way when you’re not using them. 

When full, the bags can unfold to hold all of your gear and they have a slightly padded top that covers both the top of the Tour XL as well as rounding over the sides to keep the insides of the bag from filling up with water in a downpour and keeps the contents of the bag safe and secure no matter where you ride.  The inside of the Basil Tour XL is covered with a wipe-able material that is easy to clean out and adds to the bag’s water proofness.  Reflective strips on all sides are great to help make the dark bag visible at night, which is great because you just may forget what time it is when you’ve got a whole days worth of gear and toys with you on your journey. 

Price: $75.99, available at Bike Threads

A note to keep in mind – the Basil Pannier Bags don’t come with much in the way of instructions and trail-and-error may be required in order to fit the bags to your bike or rack.  Since the Basil Pannier bags are secured with adjustable straps and bands, you can get a really nice custom fit to your bike by making minor adjustments here and there as necessary.  Most pannier bags require a rear rack for your bicycle, and Basil bags are no different.  Basil does make their own rear bike racks you can purchase, or you can simply use any old bike rack in your local bike shop.  

To see more Basil products, visit their website at http://www.basil.nl/.  Prepare to spend some time there, they've got one of the largest supplies of bike gear anywhere, all of which I would love to own. 

Where to buy: In the States, you should check Seattle Bike Supply and Bike Threads, or use the Basil retailer locator on their website.

And now for the Giveaway...

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a set of black and grey Basil Tour XL Double Panniers to get them biking in style this Summer ($75.99 ARV)!

To Enter: You must visit Basil and comment below with another one of their products you would love to try!

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview after following (daily Tweet, just post link here)

3) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage and http://www.basil.nl/

4) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (must have an active link)

5) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways or comment on any non-giveaway post!

6) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

7) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On May 31st at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US and Canadian addresses.

Winner, Winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to Ella who won the bike bag!

A huge thank you to Basil for sending a sampling of their awesome bicycle bags for review and for offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  No type of monetary compensation was received for this Rave Review.