Petunia Pickle Bottom Sashay Satchel

Fantastic. The design is perfect for this mommy of two, with one in diapers and the other needing a spare pair of pants for those occasional accidents that happen with all three year olds.

Although it's the same size as a PPB Boxy backpack, it's streamlined shape looks and feels much less bulky. The shoulder straps are the perfect length for tucking this Satchel under your arm and swinging it slightly behind you. The backpack straps are much more comfortable than the Boxy straps, and since they are a heavier organic cotton material (opposed to the Boxy's satin-y material), the adjustments do not slide down if you have a heavier bag. The backpack straps hide nicely in two hidden pockets on the back. The only downside of using the backpack feature? Trying to find a place for the shoulder straps, as they are not detachable. Either you mash them into the front pocket and hope they stay in, or constantly swat at the back of your head when they bump against you. The shoulder straps also look much more worn than the rest of the bag - not sure if the handles may need an alternative material in the future.

I've had two of the Sashay Satchels, and while I like the Rambling Rose pattern, I've fallen in love with the Scottish Highlands. Like many PPB prints, the online photos do no justice to the adorable pattern. Online, it looks very cartoonish, but in person, it is the perfect color combination of black, gray and white with pops of sunny yellow and avocado green. With the Rambling Rose, I noticed the edges began to look faded or dirty quickly, but this Scottish Highlands pattern hides it perfectly. The best part? My three year can be easily entertained when I ask her to count the flowers on the bag.... this has saved me many times in long lines. I'm sure the PPB designers had that in mind.

The side storage pockets are perfect for Mommy's cell phone and keys. Technically they are bottle pockets, but I won't tell if you don't. This bag comes with an extremely generous changing pad, great for those of us with monster babies who roll all over during diaper changes.

Keep your eye out at major retailers who carry Sashay Satchels - for some reason they're not as in demand as other PPB bags (Boxys, Touring Totes, Clutches), so they tend to have aggressive sales. Both of mind have been scored for 50% off of MSRP.

Quinny Buzz - Limited Edition

If you haven't seen the new Quinny Buzz Curious Colors (Limited Edition!!!), it is fabulous. The frame is solid black and the seat is as well. The only colors are on the inside of the hood and the harness straps - and they are gorgeous. It's a beautiful, rainbow hued geometric pattern that works for boys or girls, and lightens up the all black stroller perfectly. The buckle is a little tricky to use - the pieces that attach to the stroller straps must be aligned before inserting into the crotch strap buckle. I have been using this stroller for over a month, and still have to fidget with the alignment.



I like the Buzz a lot - it's easy to push and easy to unfold. The seat is squishy and comfortable - very cozy for your little nugget to sleep in. The adjustable handlebar is great for tall parents, and combining that with the hydraulic unfolding mechanism was what won my husband over. Plus it's black - How manly is THAT?!

The underseat basket is small and difficult to access, and the hood isn't the best at sun coverage. This problem can be solved by switching the seat to face you or away, depending on where the sun is. The cupholder works great for beverages with lids, but sticks out about 4" so is a little awkward and will catch on doorways if you aren't careful.

I love the air tires and the ability to lock the front wheel. Like I mentioned before, the Buzz is easy to push. Although it isn't an all terrain stroller, once the front wheel is locked, the Buzz can handle gravel roads fairly well. Other wheel options are available from Quinny, but I haven't explored those yet.

Awesome Giveaway from Little Dudes and Divas

A great giveaway just in time for the holidays - from littledudesanddivas (one of my favorite JJB sellers!) http://littledudesanddivas.blogspot.com/2011/12/share-promos-share-savings-enter-to-win.html