Mothers have one flaw--The HipMAMA can help! Review and Giveaway

Mothers come with one big design flaw.  I'm sure you've noticed it.  If you're a mother, or have a mother, or have ever met - or even seen - a mother, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

We only have two hands!

This flaw is especially obvious in mothers of very small children.  Once they become a little - okay, a lot more -  self-sufficient, the flaw lingers but becomes less obvious.

The Scoop

I was trolling the internet recently, searching for ways to make my day more hands-free.  Let's face it...since I did only come with two hands, I have to find ways to make it feel like I have an extra every now and then!  I happened across HippMAMA, The Tool Belt for Moms!

Now, I want to be totally upfront and honest here.  In my mind, I had two totally conflicting opinions of the HippMAMA.  My first thought was, "Wow!  That would be a really convenient belt for when I'm walking, grocery shopping, at the park..."  and my second thought was, "Hmmm, it looks like a glorified fanny pack."  Since I wasn't exactly sure what to make of the tool belt, I HAD to try it out!

The Good

I don't even know where to start here!  I definitely can't give you my "bulleted list" like I normally do.  When I first received the HippMAMA we were preparing for a long weekend camping and hiking.  I threw the HippMAMA in and am so glad I did!  I was able to stick a diaper and a travel pack of wipes in the big compartment, my keys on the clip, and my license and cash in one of the small compartments.  I had everything I needed!  Since the pouches are all removable, I didn't have to carry any extras, either.  The sizes of the pouches are just perfect!

When I go to the grocery with all three kids, I hate carrying a purse...especially if I have a full week's worth of shopping to do!  I now take the HippMAMA tool belt with me, with just one small pouch attached.  When I get to the store, I stick my license and debit card in the pouch and clip on my keys.  I'm hands (and purse!) free and purse free!

We had a garage sale last weekend.  It was 2 days of 90+ degree weather, sitting out in the super hot sun, baking.  I needed a place to put change for my shoppers and also to put the money we received.  I was trying to figure out whether we had a box or something to use, and suddenly I got the brilliant idea to use the HippMAMA tool belt!  I used the big pouch (the same one I typically use for diapers) for the bills and one of the small ones for quarters.  It was PERFECT!  The money stayed strapped to me the entire time, so I knew exactly where it was and was able to keep track of it.  The velcro held securely even though I was in and out of the pouches about a million times those two days.  I think that garage sale day was a perfect time to test the HippMAMA tool belt...and it proved itself!

The Bad

I wish the velcro on the backs of the pouches were just a tad closer to the edges.  I feel like, especially on the largest pouch, the corners stick out from my body when I'm wearing the HippMAMA because they aren't secured near the edges.

After I used the HippMAMA for a couple weeks, one of my buckles came off!  I wouldn't mention this at all, because when I contacted HippMAMA a replacement was sent the SAME DAY, and because I was assured there had NEVER been a complaint before, but I feel like I have to be honest about this.  It looked like somehow the stitching on that particular tool belt had been placed just a little too close to the edge.  As I said, it was immediately replaced with a brand new belt!

The Outcome

I LOVE the HippMAMA tool belt!  As I said, I wasn't sure at first.  I didn't know if I'd love it.  I was actually a little concerned that I'd look silly wearing it.  (I might...but I don't care!)  But I love love love the versatility that comes with having 5 velcro-on pockets!  I can use one or more pouches and put them exactly where I need them.  It's great for when I am wearing Stinky on my back or for when I'm not.  The HippMAMA tool belt is a great belt and you will be glad you have it!

I was given this product at no cost in order to facilitate a review.  I was not compensated in any other way.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

 The Giveaway