CityMama's™ Stuff People Send Me

Ultreo Toothbrush

The days of bad holiday sweaters and fruitcakes are long gone. This holiday season, what could be better than giving the gift of a bright, confident smile?

Meet Ultreo, the most innovative power toothbrush on the market and the first true advance in power toothbrush technology in 15 years. Ultreo is the first and only toothbrush to use patented ultrasound waveguide technology with sonic bristle motion.  It delivers a gentle brushing experience, provides a long-lasting feeling of clean, produces naturally whiter teeth, reduces gingivitis, removes hard-to-reach plaque and definitely inspires more smiles.

This toothbrush would be a great gift idea for:

• for the busy mom (or pop) who never does much for herself or her health care;
• for the tech savvy person who has an iPhone and Blu-ray player and should have this by his or her bathroom sink;
• for health conscious folks who appreciates the connection between oral and overall health; and
• for the everyday people like us who go out, work long hours and just want to feel better and smile more -- who wouldn’t want to get that gift this holiday season?

What I like about it: I like the color scheme which is a little more modern than the usual blue/green electric toothbrush color scheme. It looks neat on your bathroom counter. I like the timer with the 30 second intervals (which is what I also dig about the electric toothbrush I currently use.) I like that it fills my mouth with bubbles, something I don't like about my current electric toothbrush. My mouth feels fresher when it's really foamy. I'm a little obsessive about my oral health and it really did get my teeth clean.

What I don't: This now brings us to 3 electric toothbrushes.

Cost to you: about $150
Cost to me: Free

Epson Artisan 800 All-in-One Printer

Is it possible to fall in love with an electronic device? The answer is yes.  Living in the heart of Silicon Valley and being a nerdy techy couple, my husband and I have tons of electronics between us (it's kinda embarrassing), but I would trade them all--even my iPhone, especially my iPhone?--for the Epson Artisan 800 printer.

Just look at it.  Ain't it a beaut?

We've been limping along with what I thought was a "just fine" HP desktop printer. Documents look...fine.  Pictures look...fine.  I really had no idea what I was missing until I started playing around with the Epson Artisan 800.

It has a pretty touch panel, and a full-color, tiltable touch-panel LCD display.  It is goood-looking, too.  Not only can you print, copy, scan, and fax, but the printer is Wi-Fi-enabled so you can do it from anywhere! And, you don't need a computer to print photos: print from memory cards or from your Pict-Bridge compatible cameras or mobile phones.

What I like about it: It's like having my own personal Kinko's at my disposal. I can use it for work and I can use the included software to create cards, invitations, calendars, photobooks, collages--any crafty project I can think of. No more sending away for photo books (something I like to do after a fun family outing or adventure), I can make my own! Also you can adjust, crop, edit etc. photos right from the LCD display. How awesome is that? It prints photos quickly (in seconds) without loss of quality. I love the Wi-Fi compatibility. Now I can sit on the couch and  browse the internet for recipes and print them without having to get up and connect my laptop to the printer. Cuz let's face it, when you're on the couch, the last thing you want to do is get up.

What I don't like about it: Minor detail: It's bigger than our old printer so it takes up more space. When you have a small house and your office is also the guest and play room, things like the footprint of a printer matter.  But again, that's minor.

Cost to you: $299.99
Cost to me: Free

The Children's Place Holiday Collection (on sale!)

In one way or another, The Children's Place has been a part of my girl's lives (and wardrobe) since they were born. When they were littler and we lived in Portland, we stocked up on jackets, tights, scarves, hats and mittens. Their jeans fit my tall elder daughter the best, and their soft yoga pants, bought years ago, are now on their second go-round with my younger daughter. They've held up beautifully and best of all, the price is always right.

Every year the girls get new outfits for special holidays--Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. While they are still young enough to let me dress them festively, I am going to take advantage. This year their holiday outfits were generously provided by The Children's Place.  I love the perky, modern designs that say "winter holiday" in an understated way. They don't need to look like elves to be in the holiday spirit although, truth be told, I wouldn't be opposed to dressing them that way.

On Bunny is a black velvet swing coat ($13.99) and red velvet skirt with black polka dots ($10.49). Wallie is wearing the matching velvet jumper ($13.99) which features a jeweled neckline that you can't quite see. She has the shine henley ($7.00) underneath it. All the velvet items are fully lined.

What I like about the clothes: The items are cute and the modern designs looks great.  They aren't too embellished and the lining speaks to the quality of the items. All of the items are on sale, but even at their full prices, they are affordable options for the holidays. My girls wore their dresses on Thanksgiving and will wear these outfits to see Santa, to the Nutcracker (twice), to Christmas Eve caroling at our church and on Christmas Day. Possibly even on New Year's, too. Bunny's swing coat can also be worn with other skirts and over other dresses. All the items washed well and looked great after being hung dry.

What I don't like about the clothes: That there aren't more options in their sizes. I want to stock up for next year. If you like these outfits order now! Inventory is low.

Cost to you: Varies, from $7.00 to $13.99
Cost to me: Free

Lands' End Winter Goodies [+ Giveaway!]

I'm delighted to be hosting yet another Lands' End Giveaway featuring your choice of three items to make your winter warmer and cozier.  Any of these items would make great holiday gifts, don't you think? And best of all, you never have to set foot in the mall when you order from Lands' End.  (We've ordered all our gifts on line for the past 10ish years. Malls at Christmastime = hell on earth.)

For Her: The first item is a pair of terry travel slippers with matching bag.  If you are like me and your bare feet never touch hotel carpet or bathroom tile (Athlete's Foot? No, thank you!), then you will love these slippers. They'd be a great choice for any traveller on your holiday list or just for padding around the house.  Lands' End sent me a pair and I can vouch for the coziness! And the bag is cute, too. $25 value.

Includes monogrammable travel bag!

• Soft terry cloth upper
• Extra-flexible for easy packing
• Comfortable padded footbed
• Slip-resistant rubber outsole

For him: Lands' End also sent me a pair of these which I ordered up in Sasquatch size 13 for my husband.  They arrived, he slipped them on, lay down on the couch, crossed his legs and then asked, "How do they look?"  They looked great and I have a feeling they will be getting a lot of use around our very chilly house this winter.  The sole is sturdy enough so they can be worn outside for quick jaunts to get the paper or check for reindeer tracks on the lawn. $45 value.

Possibly the coziest lounger you'll ever wear.

• Warm, luxurious 100% shearling lining
• Soft sheepskin suede upper/leather trim
• Padded footbed for walking comfort
• Flexible, durable sole works indoors/outdoors

For the kids: Have I mentioned that our house is freezing in the wintertime? Such is life in a 1940's rancher with no insulation and drafty, single-paned windows. We do have forced-air heat which is a godsend, but in the winter time we need to fortify against the cold with electric radiators in the bedroom. That's why I jumped at the chance to try out these cozy fleece jammies for my girls (boys, too).  They are soft as can be and Bunny said she slept in them without a blanket they were so warm.  (They were too hot for Wallie, who is like me and can sleep in a t-shirt even if it's snowing outside.) $29.50 value (for me x 2)

For a softer slumber.

• Angel Fleece® is warm, yet lightweight
• Top has a 2-button front for easy overhead dressing
• Ruffles add a touch of sweet
• Elastic-waist pants won't pinch or twist
• Flame-resistant 100% polyester

So there you have it.  All you have to do to enter the contest is leave a comment (with working email) below with your choice of item. Sorry, you can only pick one! (Awww, I know!) And if you want the jim-jams, specify boy or girl.  Contest ends on Tuesday, Nov. 18!  One entry only, please.

Update:  We have a winner!!!

Congrats to winner Karen!  (Em was actually #55 but didn't leave a working email. DOH!)

Wallaroo "Bella" Hat

I love accessories, always have, always will, and one of the accessories I love most is hats. I own too many in too many styles to count and they are a staple of my fall and winter wardrobe. When I'm at the beach or pool, I am never without some kind of protection for my face. 

I recently received this lovely angora Bella hat in gray from the folks at Wallaroo. You may know their hats already--they are known for their UPF 50+ hats which provide great sun protection.

What I like about it: It has an elastic band inside the brim so that it stretches to accommodate women with big ole heads like me. I love that it's made of soft, warm angora, but it's also breathable so even after a day of wearing, my head isn't hot. I love that they've updated the classic brimmed hat with the gathered material in front and a less-structured look. It feels modern, not frumpy.

What I don't like about it: The fact that they didn't send one in all the colors.

This would make an excellent holiday gift.

 

Cost to you: $40 +shipping
Cost to me: Free

Motorola MOTOZINE ZN5 Cell Phone [Giveaway!]

The fine folks at T-Mobile have given me a just-released Motorola MOTOZINE ZN5cell phone (exclusively availble at T-Mobile) to give away to one lucky CityMama reader. All you have to do to win is leave a comment below (with a working email) and I will use the random number generator to pick a winner on Friday, November 14. (One comment only, duplicates will be deleted.)

More information about this bad boy is below or on the T-Mobile site, but all you need to know is: this phone is a camera. No longer do you need to carry a phone AND a camera or rely on a phone with a crappy camera. This phone with it's 5-megapixel-auto-focus camera is it, people.  It's a $99 value and it's can be all yours just for leaving me a comment. (Holiday gift idea anyone?)

More info:

Lighten the load in your handbag or pockets and leave your camera at home. The MOTOZINE ZN5 is truly a camera replacement cell phone. With a 5-megapixel auto-focus camera and Kodak Imaging Technology, you will never miss capturing a candid moment with friends, a luminescent city skyline or a “you had to be there” moment.

With the MOTOZINE, favorite photos can be easily shared with friends and family. After taking a picture instantly upload it via Gallery Link with one simple click to the online Kodak Gallery. The MOTOZNE also comes with KODAK EASYSHARE Software making it easy to organize, edit, share, store and find photos.

Pictures taken on the MOTOZINE can also be shared by sending via MMS, email or transferring to a computer via USB, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology. Or you can show them off as a slideshow on your TV by connecting the phone to an included TV output/AV cable. Over 700 pictures can be stored on the phone with an included 1 GB memory card.

Not only will you take sharp pictures with the MOTOZINE, you’ll also look sharp using it. The phone features a stealth design with an LED morphing keypad for one-touch access to the camera controls.

MOTOZINE ZN5 features include:

• Sleek bar phone with morphing keypad
• 5-megapixel camera with 8x digital zoom, xenon flash, auto focus and easy photo-sharing capabilities
• KODAK Imaging Technology and KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology
• Various photo capture and edit modes including panorama, grayscale, sepia, negative, reddish, greenish, blueish
• Wi-Fi-enabled
• Music player supports MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR NB, AMR WB, WAV, WMA v10, WMA v9, XFM
• Full HTML Web browser
• FM radio
• Instant messaging; supports AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, Windows Live and Yahoo! Messenger
• Stereo Bluetooth®
• Speaker-independent voice recognition and speakerphone
• Included 1 GB microSD (support for up to 4 GB)
• T-Mobile® myFaves-enabled
• 2.0 x 4.6 x .46 inches; 3.9 ounces
• Display: 2.4 inches diagonal, 240 x 320, 262k TFT
• Quad-band world phone (850/900/1800/1900 MHz

There you have it!  Now get to commenting so I can put this in your hands!

WE HAVE A WINNER! Congrats to Jill who barring removal of a duplicate entry was the winner!!!  Hooray for #44!  Which, I have to say, in light of the recent election, is quite an auspicious number!

Step2 Creative Projects Table

Does your house need anymore plastic in it? Allow me to answer a resounding, "Yes!" but only if it's the Step2 Creative Projects Table. We already had a table and chairs (from IKEA), but found that the only times my kids ever sat at it was when we had parties and needed a kiddy table. Even though it was in their playroom, they never used it for art projects (preferring the kitchen table) or puzzles (preferring the dining room table) or for playing with their toys (preferring the floor). The Step2 Creative Projects Table changed all that.

From the Step2 site:

Storage space galore! This sturdy desk can transform from a personal desk to a table accommodating up to two children comfortably.

• Features a large table surface with molded-in storage tray
• Sturdy colorful wooden shelf provides additional convenient storage - can be repositioned to accommodate up to two children
• Includes two 11 inch stools
• Lower side supports offer storage compartments for drawing pads, tablets, books, supplies and more (not included)
• Features heavy-duty support rod for stability
• Made in USA (wood panels made in China)
• Minimal adult assembly required

Awards:

• Seal of Approval, The National Parenting Center, 2008
• Three-Star Rating (highest award), Canadian Toy Testing Council, 2008

What I like about it: It really does encourage art projects because all the art supplies are readily at hand. My kids love sitting at and have used it daily since we've received it sitting for long stretches of time creating art together. I like that it comes with two stools and that the center storage piece can be moved to the ends of the desk if you are storing it against a wall and/or only one child will be using it. I also love that there are two storage pockets on either side of the desk to hold coloring books and pads of paper. The red wooden accents are a nice touch. We've been able to clear the clutter of colored pencils, crayons, glue and markers out of the kitchen (hooray!). In short, I have reclaimed my kitchen and it really does keep things neat. See? (click to embiggen):

Definitely add this to your holiday gift list.

What I don't like about it: The red-white-blue color scheme was off-putting at first (it seems a little 80's/uber-patriotic), but once the supplies were on it, the colors fade to the background. The stools are a little small for my tall 6-year-old, but we found a way around it by just scooting a regular kid chair up to the table.

Cost to you: $129.99

Cost to me: Free

Mrs. Goodbee Talking Dollhouse [+give away!]

The fine folks at Mrs. Goodbee sent me this cute talking dollhouse a couple of weeks ago and my kids have played with it every day since. Now, we have a perfectly good doll house. It's wood and comes with sturdy wooden furniture. It also hasn't been played with in over a year. Mrs. Goodbee, though plastic and coated with sticker decorations, gets at least an hour's worth of lovin' every day thus proving my husband's point that wooden toys are for show-offy parents and kids love playing with anything, especially if it's made of plastic. Especially if it talks to them.  Here are the details:

Welcome to Caring Corners, where caring kids live and grow! Using helpful hints, playful prompts, silly songs, and sound, Mrs. Goodbee Talking Dollhouse nurtures and inspires positive behavior every day. With twelve adorable rooms to explore and plenty of interactive surprises, there are endless opportunities to practice caring, sharing, and preparing for important, age-appropriate responsibilities.

Two children can play together, as the house unfolds to six rooms on each side--and then folds back for easy storage! Over 400 activities, songs, words, and sounds! Includes girl, baby and doggy. Requires 3 AA batteries, included.

What I like about it: I love that the dollhouse encourages simple social responsibilities of caring (rocking the baby), sharing (taking turns), and preparing (brushing teeth, setting the table etc.). The Good Deeds Garden on the back of the dollhouse is a place where those values can be reinforced. Flower stickers are placed in the garden every time a good deed is done. My girls (ages 6 and 4) absolutely LOVE the dollhouse. It's the first thing they run to play with when we arrive home afterschool. Also, Mrs. Goodbee has partnered with Goodwill to encourage the joy of giving. Kids are encouraged to fill the large carton that the dollhouse came in with gently used toys and laundered clothes to donate. Which is exactly what we did. Highly recommended.

What I don't like about it: Like all toys nowadays, there is an online component. We carefully control our girls' computer time (it's very limited) and are not fans of addictive social networking sites for kids.

Cost to you: around $85

Cost to me: FREE, but wait! There's more!

The Mrs. Goodbee people gave me two dollhouses, one to keep and one to give away. If you know of a worthy children's program please let me know in the comments below and we will get them their own Mrs. Goodbee dollhouse right away. I'd love for it to be in the San Francisco Bay Area so my girls can come with me when we donate it. After we donate it, I'll write up our experience.

UPDATED TO ADD: We donated the dollhouse to Toys for Tots. Hope it makes a family happy this holiday season!