It’s Official–Summer is here!

I love summer! It feels like the time of year that is open to so many possibilities.

It’s vacation time. Time to be outdoors–whether at the beach, water parks, biking, hiking or just sitting in your own back yard.

Being pregnant this summer isn’t going to be a picnic, but I’m looking forward to it anyway. I’ll just have to remember the basics:

1. Drink lots of water

2. Apply lots of sunscreen–especially to my other little guy

3. Seek the shade

4. Wear loose clothing

For all of you new moms out there, keeping your little one protected is a priority. My guy came just before summer, so he was too little for sunscreen, and I had to be careful to keep him in the shade. There are a lot of options these days–loose long sleeved shirts and pants, sun hats, baby sun glasses, and of course the Sprout Shell. If you’re using your carrier, our infant carrier cover is a good bet. It won’t blow away like a blanket, and you can see in to check on baby, and can act as a larger canopy.

Whatever you use, have fun, stay safe and enjoy your time outside!

Tell us what you think…please

Hello friends. We’re excited to add a new testimonial/review feature on our website, but we need your help!

We would really appreciate it if you would take 1-2 minutes and write  us a note telling us how you feel about your Sprout Shell Infant Carrier Cover and or how it has helped you…or not.

You can post a comment if you want, or here’s a link to our contact form…this goes directly to us and won’t be visible.

Thank you so much for your help and support! We’re looking forward to hearing what you think!

Infant Carrier Cover wins PTPA Media Award!

We’re very excited to announce that the Sprout Shell, Chic infant carrier cover has won this prestigious award from Parent Tested, Parent Approved!

This means that actual parents tested our product and found it to be of good quality, functional and have great appeal. Well…I’m sure that those of you who already have a Sprout Shell know what they’re talking about!

Check out our product here: PTPA Media

And, here’s the press release that went out today:

Press Release

Sprout Shell has won the PTPA Media Inc. Seal of Approval

May 11th, 2010: Sprout Shell is excited to announce that its Chic Infant Carrier Cover has been awarded the influential PTPA Media Inc’s Seal of Approval for excellence in family products.

Consumers looking for practical, high-quality products and services can rest easy knowing that products bearing the PTPA Media “Winner” Seal are all “Parent Tested, Parent Approved™.”

Sprout Shell was among many entries from across North America competing to win the Parent Tested Parent Approved™ Seal for the Summer 2010 campaign. Because independent parent volunteers evaluate these products in their own homes, PTPA winners are chosen based on merit and consumer experience – not on commercial considerations. As a result, the Parent Tested Parent Approved™ Seal has quickly gained recognition as an international leader in certifying consumer products for quality, effectiveness and value.

Being honored with the influential Seal of Approval from PTPA Media Inc. is a huge achievement for a product geared to families, children or parents. “We are so happy to have received this distinction. Having the approval from actual parents who used our carrier cover and found it valuable is very exciting,” said owner, Sheri Whittaker. “We think the multi-functionality as infant carrier cover, nursing cover and shopping cart cover in one is very valuable to parents today. It’s great that through PTPA  it will be able to reach the attention of more parents to help them with their children.”

“At PTPA Media, we are proud to play a role in certifying innovative new products that families can trust,” says Sharon Vinderine, president and founder of PTPA Media Inc. “It’s win-win. By improving communication between manufacturers and consumers, we are helping companies serve their market better, and helping families identify products that have been tested and recommended by their peers.”

Sprout Shell

Sprout Shell is owned and operated by moms who are committed to bringing parents practical, multifunctional solutions to everyday problems. Their products are made with care using high-quality materials. Sprout Shell is committed to providing peace of mind to parents everywhere through good design and high functionality.

Bubble Burst it is!

It was close….well, sort of. But Bubble Burst is our definite winner. Retro Dots came in as the 2nd favorite.

Thank you to everyone who voted and participated. We should have the new style up on our shop for purchase by Tuesday May 2nd.

Our winning comment from Random.org was:

21–Comment from Jenna V. Congratulations!

New Style=New Contest. Vote Now!!

Hey all our fabulous readers…we’re getting our new style in 5 days. (FINALLY!!!!) That means we need a name for it; and it’s so much more fun when you are involved.

So, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite 5 names suggested by our fans on Facebook, (with maybe a little tweaking). Leave us a comment with your favorite and an email address, and you’re automatically entered to win a Sprout Shell in the new style.

We’d have a poll, but then we couldn’t pick a winner, could we? Not as fun.

Contest ends at 6 pm  PST Friday April 30th, 2010. Whichever name has the most votes/comments by then is the winner. We will then randomly choose a comment as our winner. Don’t forget to put your email address in the comment so we can contact you if you win.

1. Bubble Burst

2. Retro Dots

3. Cappuccino Swirl

4. Circling Around

5. Bubble Dots

Dandy Giveaway: Enter to Win!

Hey all you Sprout Shell fans! We love it when people love the Sprout Shell, and it looks like we have a convert over at Dandy Giveaway. You can also enter to win a Sprout Shell of your choice this week by leaving a comment and telling us what style of infant carrier cover you like best.

Though, most of you probably already have a Sprout Shell, they also make great gifts and it is baby season! Seriously, I know about 7 people having babies in April-June. And, if your baby is growing up (don’t they all) you can still use it as a nursing cover and shopping cart cover.

So, enter today! What do you have to lose?

Baby Shower Twitter Party

We’re really excited to be a part of this event! It’s hosted by GalTime.com, TheOprahStore.com, BottlestoBritches.com and so many more.
It’s going to be the world’s largest baby shower, all on line via Twitter.
There are so many prizes, and even $1,000 Grand Prize!
When: Wednesday March 31, 2010
Time: 9-11 pm EST (that means 6-8 pm Pacific)
Where: Twitter! #babyparty
EVERYONE who RSVPs to the event will be entered to win a prize automatically.
Click here: http://www.galtime.com/index.php/web/743-twitterbabyshower

You’ll have the chance to win your choice of Sprout Shell, Infant Carrier Covers, as well as soooooo many other prizes and gifts that you can use for yourself if you are pregnant, and give to someone else if you’re not. It’s fun for everyone.
We’ll be there @SproutShell. Hope to see you too!

Sprout Shell on Better.tv

We’re really excited that our infant carrier cover was chosen by the well-known baby planner Desiree Miller (bottlestobritches.com) as one of the top 5 products for moms on the go.

The segment aired on “Better” a show designed to help you make your life “better” with tips and tricks along the way. There is also a video of our segment on their website, Better.tv. It’s on the right side of the page under “Five Products for Mom.”

She also mentions its use as a nursing cover, which definitely comes in handy when a mom is on the go.

Watch the video and come back with a comment telling us what you think, and why you think Sprout Shell is essential for on the go moms. You’ll be entered in our drawing for a Minky Blanky (coordinating with the Sprout Shell coming soon!)

Sprout Shell Featured Retailer: Modern Mommies Toolbox

Started one year ago, Modern Mommies Toolbox is an online resource for parents. Founded by Anna Bignon, a modern mommy herself, the site is a combination store and resource center with “parenting products and tools to make the hardest job on earth a little easier.”

Anna said that as she tried finding products to help her solve the daily challenges parenting brings, it was hard work. Most of the time they were located all over the internet. But, she was happy with her search because she realized there are many great products that “help parents raise well mannered, smart, healthy children.” She was so excited about her finds that she wanted to share them with parents everywhere.

Now, with Modern Mommies Toolbox she is trying to reach more stressed out parents so she can offer solutions to make there lives less stressful and more rewarding. “After all, parenting is the hardest job you’ll ever love,” she said.

But, great products are not the only thing Modern Mommies has to offer. It is also a site where parents can come to network and connect with each other. They can chat, ask questions and offer advice to other parents.

There are also several parenting articles to help caregivers with problems or questions they have.

Anna says her favorite part of running her business is helping other people. “When I can help a parent find a solution to a problem that has been causing turmoil within the family, I can’t tell you the joy that brings to me.”

She is offering Sprout Shell readers a 20% discount on their order from Modern Mommies Toolbox. Just call to place your order and mention the Sprout Shell blog.

(A few lucky people could snag the beloved Pink Lotus infant carrier cover while it’s in stock!)

Sprout Shell Featured Retailer: Scott’s House of Flowers

Nestled in South-Western Oklahoma, Scott’s  House of Flowers has been serving the community of Lawton since 1970! Mike Scott’s parents were the original owners, but they’ve since retired, so Mike and his wife Melody run the business with their “talented staff.”

Over the years, the House of Flowers has received a few upgrades. In addition to being a full-service flower and gift shop, they have about 500 square feet devoted to baby items.

Melody says her favorite part of the business started about 5 years ago when they added the baby department and started doing baby gift registries.

“I have really enjoyed buying the baby products and watching them sell. It makes me feel good that I have purchased something the young mothers want,” Melody said.

They sell most of the things that parents need to prepare for baby, including layette items, blankets, toys, Moses baskets, shoes, socks, nursing covers and diaper bags.

To see all that they offer, store hours and and pics of their newly-refurbished store, check out www.scottsflowers.com