The Shopping Mama

The Thrifty Divas: Sunday Blogger Spotlight

by Kate on October 11th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Sunday Spotlight, Weekly Features

You can’t go wrong following The Thrifty Divas. The blog works to saves moms time and money by sharing great deals and coupons. Elizabeth took some time so we can get to know her and her blog.

The Shopping Mama:Tell us a little about yourself and your blog.

I recently decided to stay home with my 2 young boys (6 and 4) after a hectic career as a retail buyer. I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it but it’s been such a wonderful experience and the hardest job I’ve ever had! My husband has been completely supportive and our home life is wonderful!

I have always been thrifty with money but losing one salary in our household forced me to get really thrifty! I’ve always had a great eye for finding deals and enjoyed passing them along to my friends. My blog, The Thrifty Divas was born out of my enjoyment for sharing these deals!

The Thrifty Divas offers the hottest deals, coupons, and freebie offers plus a lot of useful money-saving advice that moms can use.

TSM: What’s the best part about writing a blog?

Writing and creating the blog has made me feel very accomplished. I love helping others save money and I love sharing my stories about saving money, finding great freebie offers and getting the hottest shopping deals around!

It has been so much fun to do! The blog is still fairly new and I’m learning the ropes, thanks to so many great mom bloggers out there!

I love meeting and connecting with other moms. I enjoy seeing how much entrepreneurial spirit we all (the moms) have! Moms are awesome, aren’t we?!

TSM: If money were no object, what’s one thing you’d buy right now?

I would take my family on vacation to Disney World for 2 weeks and then I would send the kids to their grandparents for 2 weeks while my hubby and I went on a relaxing vacation of our own! We would go on a trip to Europe! Can you tell that our family is in desperate need of a vacation?!

TSM: We just spent a week at Disney World and I definitely think you need a vacation from your “vacation” to Disney. It’s completely fun but totally exhausting.

TSM: What are some of your favorite places to shop online?

* Ebay – when I need great stuff for cheap prices! I buy kids clothing quite a bit. I also love selling on Ebay.
* Amazon.com – when I need the hottest or new items. I always take advantage of cheap shipping.
* The Children’s Place – when they have great sales and I am shopping ahead for next year.
* Ulta – when I need my beauty supplies and don’t have time to run to the store 25 miles away.
TSM: I love me some Ulta! I could spend all day and all kind of money in there.

TSM:List some links to your favorite posts or current giveaways.

I have been a product reviewer for almost 10 years and I love writing about it because so many people don’t know what it is. I am a contributing writer for Mom Giveaways (as an intern) and I wrote a 4 part series about “Becoming a Product Reviewer“. Here are the links:

Product Reviewing: What Is It and What To Expect?

Product Reviewing: The Big List of Places to Sign Up

Product Reviewing: How To Get Chosen and What Products Are Available To Review?

Product Reviewing: How To Conduct A Campaign

TSM: What a great resource! Thanks for sharing all that information.

If you write a blog and you’d like to be featured on the Sunday Blogger Spotlight, email me!

Dealmoon.com: Cool Site Alert

by Kate on October 10th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Uncategorized

Dealmoon is a unique shopping deal site made primarily for women with kids. The people of Dealmoon do the work for you and search the web for the best deals from big, trustworthy retailers every day. The site then offers a daily list of the best, freshest and most hard-t0-find deals and coupons for ladies on the internet.

For example, on Dealmoon I found tips about some gorgeous Cole Haan purses at Macy’s for 48% off the list price and a cute Land’s End poncho for only $14.99.

You can also search by category like, “for you,” “for kids” and “home/kitchen.”

Connect! Follow Dealmoon on Facebook and you’re entered into a monthly drawing. One lucky fan wins a $50 gift certificate and her referrer can get a $25 gift certificate. You can also find Dealmoon on Twitter.

Princess Bubble Book Review + Giveaway: A Princess Who Empowers Girls (Closed)

by Kate on October 10th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Uncategorized

Princess Bubble is a fairy tale for today’s modern girl. Written by friends Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, the women wanted to make that point that “although princes are fabulous, a princess must find her security in something much deeper. Johnston and Webb want women of all ages to embrace the truth that ‘happily ever after’ is attainable for everyone.” I think you can understand why I was immediately intrigued and interested in learning more about Princess Bubble!

Princess Bubble is a 35-page, modern-day fairy tale starring a well-employed, globe-trotting, good-friend, good-date, helpful-neighbor princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale message that implies she must find her “prince” before she can live “happily ever after.”

The story of Princess Bubble begins when she graduates from Royal University and heads into the world as a working woman. She lives in a castle all her own and socializes with other Princesses. I laughed out loud at when Princess Bubble and her friends were bridesmaid in royal weddings and wearing “Long, colorful bridesmaids’ dresses and dyed satin shoes that they were told they would wear again.” As her friends are marrying off, the Queen advises Princess Bubble to find a Prince. The Princess makes an effort to meet her husband, but upon reflection and a visit from her Fairy Godmother Princess Bubble realizes she’s perfectly content. She has friends, family and a fulfilling life without a Prince.

The message isn’t that she is anti-Prince or that she will forever live the single life. Rather, the idea is that Princess Bubble is already living her happily ever after. “We are definitely not anti-Prince,” author Kimberly Webb explained. “We just believe that young girls today are bombarded with so much inaccurate advice on how to build their self-esteem—messages that focus on the outside rather than what’s within. We want to change that message.”

To Buy… Yes! At less than $10, this modern day fairy tale has a fun story, a great message and is the perfect gift for any girl in your life. Even an adult girlfriend will get a kick out of Princess Bubble’s story and the modern life parallels to traditional fairy tale themes.

Or Not to Buy… Princess Bubble is targeted for girls aged 6 and older and younger girls might be a little bored by the storyline and many references will likely go right over a young girl’s head.

Shop! Princess Bubble is available for purchase on Amazon for only $9.60.

Win! One Princess Bubble book personalized and signed by the authors.

How to Enter: Tell me who you’ll receive the book if you win.

Bonus Entries:
* Follow Princess Bubble on Twitter
* Join the Princess Bubble Fan Page on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet: Win an autographed Princess Bubble book @ The Shopping Mama http://bit.ly/E4d6l
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
* Be a Shopping Buddy aka Follow in Google Friends Connect

The Fine Print: Giveaway open to US residents only and ends October 23 at 11:59 PM. Please leave a contact email in your profile or comment so that I can contact you if you win. If you prefer, you may email me with your contact information.

Thank you to the authors for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review. The opinions are mine and uninfluenced, and others may have different experience.

TGIF: Sales, Coupons, Discounts & News (10/9)

by Kate on October 9th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Uncategorized

pediped is hosting an online auction from October 25 to November 1 to raise funds for the Make a Wish Foundation. You can bid on pediped shoes signed by celebrities like Halle Berry, Heidi Klum and Shaquille O’Neal (to name just a few). For more information and to see the list of celebrities involved, check out Stars for a Wish.

Discount Codes

* Goldberger Toys: Use code GL25OFF for 25% off your purchase.

* The Studio: For $10 off your purchase use SHOPMAMA at check out.

* Belle’s Biscuits: Get 10% off your purchase with the code BELLES10.

* Macaroy Kangaroo: Save 15% with the code HAPPYFALL.

Sales

* The Land of Nod: Free shipping on cribs ends October 20. Save $50 and get free shipping on Britax car seats.

* AllAmericanDirect.com: $10 off a purchase of $50 or more with the code savebig.

Zooni Review: Mop Top Hat and ConFEETi Socks

by Kate on October 9th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Baby, Clothes, Reviews

If you live in a part of the country with normal weather (unlike here where it’s hideously hot), it’s time to think about winter gear likes hats and mittens. Your first stop should be Zooniwear.com. Zooni is a whimsical collection of hand-knit hats, mittens and socks for kids that are sure to keep your little one warm AND fashion-forward.

About Zooni

Zooni was inspired by the arrival of our own children. As moms, we are passionate about protecting our little ones, while simultaneously demanding quality, comfort, and style. We work tirelessly to guarantee that our accessories are functional yet stylishly different.

I had the pleasure of checking out a wide assortment of Zooni products at the ABC Kids Expo. My favorite part of the collection is the adorable Mop Top Hat. We received the delightful Panda Monium hat made of fluffy white yarn with a black panda face and ears. The hat is really thick and feels solid and well-made. The inside is lined with fleece for comfort and warmth. The shaggy yarn on the top is solid and doesn’t shed even when you tug on it.

Baby Girl doesn’t sit still so it was rather difficult to get a good photo of her with the hat on. That, and she would often pull it off, so I do wish the hat had an under the neck fastener option to keep it on little heads.

I’m so ready for winter so she can sport this adorable hat all over town. It’s so stinking cute!

Zooni also sent us a pair of the new hand-finished ConFEETi 3D animal socks. Like the hats, Zooni socks are fun animals with pop out features like feet and tails. I especially like that they have non-slip rubber stamped soles because Baby Girl is cruising and learning to walk. The socks are very thick and cozy and even stay on her feet pretty well. They’re a great alternative to shoes for a baby because they add some personality and character without the fuss of shoes.

To Buy… Zooni products are unique, uber cute AND functional. They are well-made and nice and thick for warmth. I particularly like the Mop Top Hats – the animals are to die for – and think one would be a a great gift for the holidays or a child’s birthday.

Or Not to Buy… For younger kiddos, I wish the Hats had an under the chin strap to keep the hat on the head.

Connect! Keep up with Zooni on Twitter and Facebook.

Shop! Check out ZooniWear.com for the complete line of Mop Top Hats for $36.50 and M’Uppet Mittens for $19.50.

Thank you to Zooni for providing sample products for the purposes of this review. The opinions stated here are my own and others may have a different experience.

Macaroy Kangaroo: Personalized Goodies Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on October 8th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Uncategorized

Macaroy Kangaroo is a fabulous webstore featuring all sorts of personalized goodies for baby, kids and mamas, too. You know I’m a sucker for personalized things and Kristen, the owner of Macaroy Kangaroo, is too! She says, “I’ve searched high and low for cute, unique, and useful products for the whole family. Monogrammed and personalized products are our specialty. I put a lot of thought into my children’s names, so I figure it makes sense to put them on as many products as I can!”

Agreed! Now on with the cuteness.

The Personalized Monogrammed Ruffle Shirt is a serious winner. It’s girly (ruffles on the sleeves and waist), practical (cotton) and features an embroidered name or monogram on the front. And it’s only $15! What a steal.

I also love the Pink Flowered Embroidered Monogram Shirt – same ruffle tee, but with a colorful fabric flower and a girl’s initial.

I am absolutely swooning over the Custom Personalized Nursery Artwork. These little gems are printed on 5.5 inch square card stock and are the perfect accessory for a book shelf or dresser in a nursery. There are sixteen funky graphic animal prints to pick from they are just the cutest things ever.

Do you think it’s necessary to get the pig so I can display it at my daughter’s pig themed first birthday party? I do. It’s only $16!

The baby section of Macaroy Kangaroo has some great diaper covers and bibs, too. All personalized, of course. And, there’s plenty to love for mamas. There’s a big selection of Melamine Plates and Platters from My Plate Club that are great for holiday gifts. Seriously, how great would it be to receive a plate of cookies on this Green and Red Dot Plate for Christmas?
Shop! Macaroy Kangaroo has a great selection of one of a kind gifts that are really affordable. As if that weren’t enough reason to check it out, use the code HAPPYFALL for 15% off your purchase!

Win! A $25 Gift Certificate to Macaroy Kangaroo.

How to Enter: Visit Macaroy Kangaroo and then come back and comment with something you love.

Bonus Entries:
* Submit your email address to receive Macaroy Kangaroo email updates. (Left sidebar of the Macaroy Kangaroo website.)
* Become a fan of Macaroy Kangaroo on Facebook.
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet: Win a gift certificate to Macaroy Kangaroo @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/vivtH
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
* Place The Shopping Mama button on your blog
* Post the Holiday Gift Guide button on your blog
* Be a Shopping Buddy (aka follow on Google Friends Connect)
* Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

Thursday Giveaway Linky

by Kate on October 8th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Uncategorized

Have you visited the Holiday Gift Guide yet? If not, what are you waiting for? We’re busy collecting and listing the best toys for babies, kids and beyond. Go check it out and visit often – we’re always updating.

Thanks for stopping by to see and be seen on Mr. Linky. Have a great Thursday!

You Call This Fall?

by Kate on October 8th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Uncategorized

Who do I need to call to complain about the weather? Because, seriously? It’s freaking hot here. I mean hideously hot. And, I’m over it. But apparently the weather is all about being over the 80 degree mark. Ugh.

It’s supposed to be 88 tomorrow!