Summer Travels are a Breeze with the Quick Smart Go Backpack Stroller (Review & Giveaway)

Part of Our Summer Splash

When we went on a family cruise for seven days back in January of this year, we tried to pack as lightly as possible. This was our first major trip with our two-year-old son that not only required two days of driving from NC to FL, but seven days at sea and abroad. Balian outgrew his umbrella stroller a long time ago, and we were not about to drag our monster stroller on a trip of this magnitude. So, we ditched the stroller all together, and went on the trip sans stroller- and boy, were we sorry!

If only I had known about Quick Smart Go before our trip. We travel a lot, and love to be on the go as a family. Toting our son around on his shoulders through Honduras, and other foreign vacation spots was un-fun for my poor husband, but we didn't want to spend a boatload of buckaroos on stroller rentals. When we arrived home from our trip, I started researching travel strollers, and came across Quick Smart Go, a company that aims to give busy moms and dads awesome products that are safe and convenient, and fit in perfectly with their on the go lifestyles.

We were given the opportunity to review one of Quick Smart Go's top products- the Backpack Stroller. If you're thinking that this sounds like a stroller that fits inside a backpack, you're right on! Check this out...

Our Backpack Stroller shipped in its own box, with photos and instructions right on the box.

When I told my husband that we were going to get to try out a new travel stroller that fit inside of a backpack, he was skeptical. After what we experienced on our cruise, though, we knew that we had to find a smart solution to traveling with a stroller for our son. So, when the Quick Smart Go Backpack Stroller arrived, dear hubby of mine was itching to test it out... immediately!

Contents of our package... a sturdy travel backpack, with the stroller inside!

I think I've mentioned that my husband loves products that are useful, practical and cool. When he lifted the large, but lightweight backpack out of the box, he was already sold on how awesome this travel stroller is. I reminded him that we sort of needed to test out the actual stroller before we came to any conclusions. He excitedly unzipped the backpack (with a little help from our all too willing toddler), and lifted the stroller out by the attached handle.

All folded up, this is what the Quick Smart Go Backpack Stroller looks like when packed up for travel.

We couldn't get over how little room the stroller took up! I absolutely hate having to move our big monster stroller... it's heavy, bulky and awkward. Ladies, I can pick the Quick Smart Go Backpack Stroller up by the handle with one hand, with ease! I love that this is a stroller that I can manage by myself, and don't have to worry about dropping or tripping over when trying to move it, or get it set up for use.

Instructions for folding/unfolding the stroller, right on the back...

Securing the seat for use...

I knew that the trickiest part of using this super cool stroller, would be figuring out the folding and unfolding. My husband merely glanced at the directions, and had it set up in about ten seconds. I'm a hands on learner, so I actually had to try out the instructions (without help) a couple of times before I got the hang of it. The directions are clear, and the steps are simple, though. With just a few lifts, clicks and locking into place, the stroller was ready to go, and our little test pilot couldn't wait to take this baby for a spin.

We took a quick stroll around the block with this stroller, and were impressed right away, by how well Balian fit into it, and how easy it was to maneuver with our sturdy little boy in it. Balian is broad, and this stroller gives him plenty of room! He is also tall, and we had to remind him not to let his feet drag on the ground, but once he picked them up and rested them on the stroller, it was smooth sailing.

Home again, and ready to fold the stroller back up...

Ready to watch the magic happen? 
Check out this step by step tutorial!

We haven't been on a super major trip since we went on the cruise in January, but we are already realizing how handy the Backpack Stroller would have been for us on that trip. My husband could have carried the 10 lb backpack on his back as a carry-on, or we could have tagged it and left it for the stewards to deliver to our cabin. It would have been so convenient to use this as we explored the islands we visited, rather than carrying our son in the blistering heat! We have, however, taken a few day trips, and we've got some summer vacations planned, and you'd better believe that the Quick Smart Backpack Stroller is coming with us!

We took a little family day trip to the zoo, and brought this stroller along, instead of our big travel system stroller. We rode with my husband's grandparents, who had cleared out the back of their SUV, thinking we'd need the room for the stroller. When we showed up with the Backpack Stroller, all folded up, my grandfather-in-law was floored by how little room it took up.

Stroller in action at the NC Zoo...

Easy to push, steer, and comfy for Balian to ride in.


This completely genius stroller has everything you need- a comfy handle bar, adjustable canopy or shade, adjustable straps, small foot rest, back pocket for holding small goodies, etc. We had lots of folks looking our way that day, wondering about this nifty stroller. The only other stroller that I saw that looked like it was as cool as this one, had a skateboard attached to the side for an older child.



The Quick Smart Go Backpack Stroller is at the top of my Mommy Must-Haves list, especially if you travel with little ones. Weighing in at just 11 lbs, and with just four easy steps to set it up, or put it away, this stroller is a winner! This savvy design is available in three colors, and comes fully assembled and ready to roll! Never worry about dealing with bulky strollers, arguing with agents at the airports, or shoving monster gear into the trunk of your car again! We won't take another trip without this sanity-saver!

Quick Smart Go didn't just make this one wonderful product and stop there. Check out some of their other award-winning products for babies and toddlers...


3-in-1 Play Yard



Highchair




Scuttlebug


With so many award winning products to choose from, I can imagine that you'll be checking out Quick Smart Go again and again, for all of your baby gear and travel needs for the kiddos! If you're looking for a great baby shower gift, or something practical and totally cool to gift to parents, blow them away with a Quick Smart Go product! Needing a cool gift for a special tot? You did see the Scuttlebug, right? Adorable!

Want It? Buy It!

You can learn more about Quick Smart Go, as well as find all of these wonderful products and more, on their website. Check out their trophy case... it's pretty impressive! There are a lot of videos, photos and additional product information that you won't want to miss! Quick Smart Go is socially active on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and they have a really cool blog that they'd love for you to visit, as well!

Want It? Win It!

Hey- that could be you in that photo! That's right- one lucky MBP reader will win their very own Quick Smart Go Backpack Stroller! Woot, woot! Who's going to be a fearless, traveling parent this summer? This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and older, and is valued at $189.00. Just use the Rafflecopter entry form below to enter for your chance to win!

Special thanks to Quick Smart Go for allowing us to try out this completely awesome travel stroller, and for offering this equally awesome giveaway for our faithful readers!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Due Maternity-Mama Soak Sitz Bath Review

Disclosure: Other than the mentioned products, which I received directly from this sponsor for review purposes, I was not compensated for facilitating this review. All opinions expressed are my own. Your experience may differ. Mommy's Block Party and its team members are not responsible for prize fulfillment or shipment- this is the understood responsibility of the giveaway sponsor.

 

Part of the MBP Pregnancy & Newborn Reviews
**Since we at MBP like to bring an assortment of things to our readers, it makes sense that we offer a range of pregnancy items right now. We searched around for some of the best maternity companies we could find and we have been blessed with some amazing products.**

I am a total bath addict. I love to end a busy day, or any day, with a nice hot soak in our tub. This is my time to relax or read a book and is my "me" time. We have jets, which I normally don't use, because I like to add a little calming bubbles or bath powder in for some extra relaxation. I know with baby #3, my bath time will revert back to quick showers until he/she is a bit older, but if I do have time to take a bath, I will for sure be using my newest Due Maternity/Bella B product.

I have been working with Due Maternity and their Bella B Skin Care Line for awhile and have reviewed two of their great products already. To read my review of the Bella B Tummy Honey Butter, click here. To read my review of the Bella B Glowing Skin Lightener, click here.

Due Maternity

Founded in 2003 and located in California, Due Maternity is all about fashion, comfort, and being proud of the growing and changing your body is going through. I worked with Kate, who offered me a selection of the Bella B Skin Care products offered by Due Maternity, which I will be reviewing over the next few weeks.

 

Bella B is a body care company founded in 1999. They specialize in mom and baby body care products that are natural and made with organic ingredients. All of their products are free of parabens, petrolatum, lanolin, harsh chemicals, and animal by products.

"The Bella B skin care line is designed to provide luxurious moisture for skin all over the body. The Bella B natural bodycare line includes a full range of stretch mark prevention and fading products, breastfeeding skin care and hair and face products for pregnant and nursing moms. Made with safe, natural and hypoallergenic ingredients to create products that are effective and pleasant to use. Bella B skin care products have no petroleum-based ingredients, mineral oil, lanolin or artificial preservatives."

Our package full of Bella B Skin Care products to review and share.


Our third Bella B Skin Care product

Bella B Mama Soak Refreshing Sitz Bath Powder
This 16 ounce jar is filled to the brim with a fresh, boutique style bath soak powder. It is made with organic ingredients to heal, reduce swelling and discomfort after childbirth, and refresh. It contains antioxidants for a foaming spa treatment and as always is hypoallergenic and paraben free. It retails for $16.

The container is packaged in Bella B's usual style, yellow and black with a pregnant Queen bee and some babies. Each side of the container has information about the product in great detail and ingredient lists.

The lid of the Bath Powder is a very simple screw top and be ready to smell an invigorating scent when you open it up. It has a small black scoop to use with the tiny yellow flakes for easy addition to the bath. It did take a few minutes to dissolve completely but warmer water seemed to do the trick. I have only used this a few times, because I am saving it for after baby comes, you can use this product immediately after giving birth (and we all know how painful that recovery can be, so why not make it a little more enjoyable) for comforting and soothing sore areas. In the few times I have used it, I have been very impressed with how refreshing and calming it is. I look forward to having something a little extra to welcome me home and help me heal a little faster while relaxing just a bit too.

Stay tuned for our last review of Due Maternity Skin Care products!

Be on the lookout for the Bella B Bumble Bath!

Want It? Buy It!

Looking for some Mama Soak to soothe and rejuvenate your body? Check out all of Due Maternity's Skin Care products. Due Maternity offers a huge assortment of things for expectant moms, go check them out. You can also LIKE Due Maternity on Facebook or Follow Due Maternity on Twitter for cute updates, photos, and more. Visit the Due Maternity Blog for even more articles on trends, ideas, and photos or find Due Maternity on Pinterest for more!
 

Thank you to Kate from Due Maternity for sharing the Mama Soak with me, I love it!

   

Decked Out Dad's Day Giveaway Event

Hosted by

A Lucky Ladybug

and 

Java John Z's

Co-Hosted by Tyrneathem and Funny Postpartum Lady  

Celebrate Father's of all kinds this Father's Day!  Decked Out Dad's Day is all about Dad whether he's a traveler, a techie, the chef, or even the stay at home man!!  Make Our Own Network is thrilled to bring you over $1000 in gifts for Dad.  There are 6 packages worth over $145 each!

Stitch This, Bling That! (Toddler Tee Review & Giveaway)

Part of MBP's Summer Splash

I may have mentioned earlier that Disney CARS has sort of taken over at our house. It all started when we discovered the 'Mater's Tall Tales' on Netflix. Our two and a half-year-old fell in love with that adorable, rusty tow truck, and the rest is history. We now own the Cars movies, a variety of Cars toys, we're in the process of doing a Cars bedroom makeover for B, and we have a couple of licensed Disney Cars t-shirts (and socks and undies), too. Yeah... told ya!



Even though those licensed tees are pretty cute, nothing is as adorable (to me), as seeing your little one in a personalized t-shirt, bearing their favorite characters. If you've been sticking with us, and checking out our posts for a while, you may remember that I worked with Amy Mauldin, of Stitch This Custom back in January of 2012. Amy creates completely cute, cute, cute custom embroidered and appliqued tees, dresses, accessories and more. Amy has really branched out with her business in the past year and a half, offering so many personalization choices, and more options for cuteness than ever before, and is stepping out with a revised business name, Stitch This, Bling That.

I was flattered when I heard from Amy a few weeks ago. Amy offered me another opportunity to work with her, reviewing a personalized toddler tee for Balian. I was so excited when Amy told me about all of the fun Disney character designs she had that I could choose from. She instructed me to head to her Stitch This Bling That Facebook page and glance through the photo albums to find a design that Balian would enjoy. That was definitely easier said than done, because there were over one hundred designs to look through, and I sort of got distracted by the cute totes, crock pot carriers, and stuff for um, ME! As I scrolled through the Disney designs, though, I knew that Balian would love a Cars themed shirt with his name on it, so I sent my preferences to Amy, and she wasted no time getting to work on a custom shirt for us.


Balian's Cars T-shirt from Stitch This Bling That, all wrapped up...



...and out of the bag! Is this adorable or what?


I really wasn't sure what the shirt was going to like like, so when I took it out of the bag it was sent in and unfolded it, and laid it out on the table, I was pleasantly surprised. Amy used some Cars fabric for the appliqued letter 'B' for Balian. The fabric features one of B's favorite Cars characters, Lightning McQueen. The 'B' is outlined in a corresponding yellow embroidery thread. In the bottom corner of the appliqued letter 'B,' is an add-on on Balian's absolute favorite Cars character, Mater.



Here's a closer look at the design on our shirt from Stich This Bling That...

To top off the overall design of this cute shirt, Amy personalized it one step further by adding Balian's name underneath the appliqued letter. Amy used a super cute Disney type font for the embroidery, and bold red thread. I can't get over the font! It screams Disney, and it's so different from any of the other fonts we've seen on personalized, embroidered t-shirts for Balian. The embroidered outline, and the embroidered name look wonderful, and they wash and wear very well. Balian has already worn this shirt twice, and I've washed it twice, with no problem, and zero worries about the threads unraveling.



Balian at play in his newly made-over Cars bedroom, with his Stitch This Bling That shirt on!



Watching Mickey Mouse Club House and doing the 'Hot Dog Dance.'


Balian absolutely loves this t-shirt and has asked to wear it countless times since we received it, just a little over a week and a half ago. We went with a 4T for this shirt, per Amy's suggestion, and it fits wonderfully. It's a little roomy, but right now, that's what we want, because B grows faster than the weeds in my garden. B got a few food stains on the shirt, but they weren't anything that I couldn't get out with some good stain remover. Orange juice, you're no match for this mom! I have a feeling that Balian will be wearing this shirt well into the fall season, and if it still fits by the time winter rolls around, this will look great with a red long sleeved shirt underneath.


This is one happy boy, thanks to Amy's generosity and creativity!


We're talking about putting a family trip to Disney together for our next big trip. I am beyond excited, and cannot wait to see Balian encounter all of his favorite characters in such a magical place. I have already been hinting to my husband that I totally want Disney themed shirts for the whole family when we do make our trip. Not only that, I'd love for Balian to have a whole week's worth of different personalized Disney shirts for the duration of our trip. Lucky for me, Stitch This Bling That has a huge variety of Disney themed options, and lots of other adorable products, too!

Take a look at a few other designs I am over the moon about..


Family shirts for a Disney Cruise...



Little Monster



One of Amy's newest additions- DRESSES!




Hair Ties



Totes

What do you think? Cute or what? You'll have to flip through the photo albums on the Stitch This Bling That Facebook page to really get a sense of how many designs Amy has created, and get a sense for how many truly satisfied customers she has served. I am so impressed with Amy's craftsmanship, and how she truly captures the spirit around the product she is creating. It's not hard to see that Amy pours her heart into these designs, and loves to see happy children and families!

Want It? Buy It!

You can find these designs and many more over at Stitch This Bling That. Be sure to check out all of the adorable designs, all the bling and more! Stitch This Bling That is on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, and we'd love for you to pop by Amy's page and connect with her! Can't find what you're looking for? Just let Amy know your ideas, and she'll do her very best to accommodate your needs!

Want It? Win It!

One lucky MBP reader will win their very own T-shirt from Stitch This Bling That! We know it won't be easy for the winner to pick a favorite design! Just use the Rafflecopter entry form below to enter to win! Giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and older.

Special thanks to Amy of Stitch This Bling That for creating such a special shirt for Balian, and for offering this wonderful giveaway for our readers!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Casual Comfort for the Whole Family: Jaxx Bean Bags

Kids can be notoriously hard to shop for. Well, not shop for, but definitely to please.

When looking for a comfortable chair for your kids to enjoy reading, playing video games or watching TV in - if you can get them to sit still long enough - consider looking outside the box.

Most people probably had a bean bag growing up. Those things were so cool but always seemed to be losing their little bead fillings and eventually just becoming unusable. Well, it’s 2013 and they’ve finally perfected the beanbag.

Jaxx Bean Bags has a full line of kids bean bags to go along with full-size adult chairs, sofas, loungers and a new outdoor line. The best part of the children’s bean bags from Jaxx is that there is no drop-off between the big versions and the small ones. They come in just as many options and colors and are made just as well right in the USA.

Basic beanbags like the Saxx Jr. or Club Jr. are the perfect size for single kid occupancy. There’s even a handle on the Club Jr. so your little one can drag it from room to room wherever a comfy seat is needed.

When you have more than one running around, Jaxx also has kids bean bags that seat two or three. The Sofa Saxx Jr. is a scaled down version of the six and seven foot versions and can easily fit up to three 10-year-olds. The Cocoon Jr. and Pillowsaxx Jr. are slightly different in design as they’re more crash pad then chair, but you can do a lot more with the extra area.

Like the home collection, Jaxx has some kids futons. The Hippo Jr. is super cool. It goes from low-slung chair to mattress in seconds. Great for nap time or sleepovers.

And we didn’t even mention why these are so much better than regular bean bags! Instead of those little beads most of Jaxx bean bags are filled with shredded foam, making for a more supportive and less messy construction.

You definitely need to check out Jaxx!

Hot Summer Savings & Lots of Style

We're gearing up for our family vacation- a week at Topsail Island on the NC coast, and as per usual, we're scrambling to pick up last minute items. Balian outgrew the swimsuit he wore just a five months ago when we cruised to Mexico and beyond. So, we needed to get him a rash guard or two.

My first thought was to go to one of my favorite stores, H & M, because we usually score some pretty great deals there for the whole family. Kids t's, shorts and swim essentials were on sale, and I scored a new dress for $12.95, and a cute cover-up for $4.95!

Here's my dress... cute and breezy for hot summer days.

I know that H & M stores aren't everywhere, but it you have one near you, it's worth checking out. I always find great deals there, and they even cater to those who may need plus sizes.

PS- I'm not affiliated with H & M in any way, nor is this a sponsored post. Just thought I'd share my cute weekend find!