Cupcake Tree Valentine Stamp Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on January 26th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways

cupcake tree logo

Cupcake Tree is a shop full, full of adorable hand carved rubber stamps. Olga, the super talented woman behind the stamps, designs and carves beautiful, intricate patterns into durable eraser-like material. She mounts the stamp onto a mount that is grooved to make stamping easy. With more than 2,400 sales on Etsy, it’s obvious Olga is very talented at what she does.

Valentine Stamps

cupcake tree valentines stamps

Cupcake Tree has an enormous collection of stamps, and it’s not surprising that there are some stamps that are specific to and perfect for Valentine’s Day. If you’re feeling crafty, a few of these stamps are all you need to make some homemade cards with your kids. And, if you buy Valentines from the store – a personalized stamp is a great way to add a little something special and make it your own.
cupcake tree conversation hearts stamps
My favorite is the set of 3 Make Your Own Conversation Heart Stamps, and not just because I love conversation hearts. I mean, seriously, how completely adorable and perfect are they? You could easily make a fab little valentine with these stamps.

Personalized Stamps

The more I look around Cupcake Tree, the more stamps I want to buy. Seriously! There’s a stamp for every occasion and my favorite feature is that many can be personalized with your name or initials.

cupcake tree personalized stamps

Shop! Cupcake Tree Stamps are super affordable – large stamps are $12 and the cute, cute mini stamps are $3 with prices everywhere in between. And, get this, personalization is included and not an extra charge.

Win! Liven up your Valentines cards with your choice of ANY one (1) 1.5 inch stamp OR four (4) mini stamps!

How to Enter: Visit Cupcake Tree on Etsy and take a look around. Leave a comment here with your favorite stamp not mentioned in this post.

Bonus Entries – leave a separate comment for each you do.
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: Win a Cupcake Tree stamp to personalize your Valentines @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/8hUd5c
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 5. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Cupcake Tree for providing the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own.

Get Organized! New Year, New Mama Guest Post

by Kate on January 25th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Guest Posts, Life, New Year New Mama

Organizing The New You….But How?

Is one of your goals /resolutions this year to be organized? Organize your home, organize your schedule, your kids, your life?
It can be done! But be careful not to bite off more than you can chew and end up in “it is too overwhelming and I don’t think I can do it” land.

Here is how to start.

get organizedPlanning

  1. Sit down with a pad of paper, pen, calendar and cup of coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.
  2. Make a list of all the things you would like to organize.
  3. Now number them in order of importance. (at least the top three areas that drive you the most CRAZY)
  4. Put a date beside those top 3 of when you would like to have them completed by.
  5. Block out at time on your calendar to start #1 on the list.

Supplies

Do not go out and buy a bunch of things to organize with. Until you know what you are going to end up with after your “sort” you don’t know what you will need. (unless you want to purchase some clear storage bins..but if you do be sure you have shelves to store them on and measure to be sure they will fit.

  1. Black trash bags – trash
  2. White trash bags – Donate (separate colors so you don’t throw out your donate items in the trash)
  3. Labels for boxes or bins (masking tape & sharpie marker will be fine)
  4. Boxes for storage (my favorite are clear bins)

Sort

Make 5 signs for each of the piles you are going to make while sorting. Then for each item only give yourself 5-10 seconds to make your decision (no time to wander down memory lane). Be tough if you want to reclaim your space.

  1. Keep – Love it, Use it, Can’t live without it.
  2. Donate – Others would put to better use, doesn’t fit, don’t like it, don’t use it (use the white trash bags)
  3. Storage – Holiday decorations, speciality items you use (camping, skiing)
  4. Move – Items that need to be kept but don’t belong in this space.
  5. Trash – Broken, un-donatable. Try to recycle if possible. Use the Black trash bag.

Tips

* It will seem messier before it gets better. Don’t get discouraged and keep going.
* This takes time, don’t think you will get an entire room done in 2 hours.. Start with a small area.
* Once you have sorted your items you are ready to reorganize them in an orderly way.

organize with sandyIn addition to sharing great organization tips and tricks on Organize with Sandy, Sandy can be found chatting away on her MomTV show Mondays at 1 PM Eastern and chat blog Chat with Sandy.

Five Blessed Bows Valentine’s Bow Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on January 25th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways

As you know I’m kind of into dressing up my daughter. I am not ashamed to admit that I love putting her in adorable outfits from top to bottom. For little girls, nothing finishes off an outfit like a coordinating bow. And, if you’re looking to buy hair bows, there’s no better place than Five Blessed Bows.

About Five Blessed Bows

Five Blessed Bows is the dream of two Stay-at-Home-Moms. We turned our ribbon obsession into a luxury for everyone to enjoy. We work at home in New England, and have found a way to turn our hobby into a career. It all started when people noticed our daughters wearing bows to match every outfit, and they wanted bows for their little angels…here we are!

five blessed bows baby bowI have been buying bows from Five Blessed Bows for my daughter since before she was born. Literally. From my first order I was hooked! So my daughter has been wearing the bows for over a year and I keep going back for more. (To see Toddler Girl rocking some bows, check out the 365 Days of Children’s Clothing.)

Made to Match Bows

Five Blessed Bows has a bow for everything you could possibly want. Between the basic single color bows and the extensive color combinations, you can easily find a bow to match any outfit. five blessed bowsBut knowing my love of Gymboree, you probably won’t be suprised to learn my first stop every time I visit the site is to the Made to Match section. Five Blessed Bows designs custom bows to match Gymboree, Gymboree Layette and Janie & Jack. For a baby, these bows are a must because they actually stay in baby’s fine hair, and for bigger girls the variety and quality of the bows is simply better than watch the store offers.

New Bow Design

The newest style bow is the simple and sweet Tux Bow. Available in four sizes – clippies for baby, 2.5 inch small, 3.5 inch medium, and 4.5 in large. Like all other Five Blessed Bows, Tux Bows come in a huge assortment of colors so you can find just the perfect accessory for your little girl’s outfit.

five blessed bows giveaway

Shop! In addition to the usual extensive catalog, Five Blessed Bows has a great assortment of Valentine’s Bows. Prices range from $2.99 for baby grippie Tux Bows to $5.97 for elaborate Korks and Loops bows.

Win! A collection of Valentines bows!

3.5" Tux Bow (White with Pink Dots), 4" Valentines Korks n' Loops, 4" Butterfly Bow (White with Brown and Pink Dots)

3.5" Tux Bow (White with Pink Dots), 4" Valentines Korks n' Loops, 4" Butterfly Bow (White with Brown and Pink Dots)

How to Enter: Visit Five Blessed Bows, take a look around (Gymbo and Catalog are good places to start) and leave a comment here with one style bow you’d love to get a lucky girl.

Bonus Entries - please leave a separate comment for each you do:
* Fan Five Blessed Bows on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: Win an adorable collection of Valentine hair bows from Five Blessed Bows @TheShopping Mama http://bit.ly/7K2wAx
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 5. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Five Blessed Bows for providing the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own.

Little Lamb Design Personalized Valentines Giveaway + Discount (Closed)

by Kate on January 24th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways

little lamb valentines cards

Valentine’s Day is only a matter of weeks away, and can I tell you the only thing on my mind is what I’m going to do for my son’s preschool class. Seriously. It’s kind of stressful. I want to do something personalized and over the top adorable, but realistically I don’t have the time or craftiness to do something by myself. So can I tell you how excited I am that Little Lamb Designs has an answer. The personalized Valentine’s cards are *just* what I need – very cute and age appropriate, easy to order and personalized with my son’s name. Score! Now, the only stress is picking just one card because they are all winners.

About Little Lamb Designs Valentines

personalized valentines

  • Front and back design with coordinating envelope
  • 19 adorable designs to pick from
  • Measure 2.5 x 3.5 inches
  • You pick the font and personalize with name
  • Order by February 5th for timely delivery
  • Set of 12 is $18, set of 24 is $30 and set of 36 is $36

The designs are really varied and offer something for every kid – from a preschooler to a teenager. I really like that they’re sweet without being mega-sappy. They are also more creative and age appropriate. I much prefer these to the small Valentine’s you find at the grocery store that only seem to come with TV and movie characters. Ugh.

More from Little Lamb

Little Lamb Designs is more than just great Valentine’s.

little lamb design invitations

Little Lamb offers a complete line of paper goods including birthday party invitations, baby shower invitations, birth announcements and more. I love the the Pickles & Ice Cream Invitation and the Movie Theme Birthday Invitation. They’re both so fun that I want to plan parties around them.

Shop! Little Lamb Designs has provided a generous 20% discount code for readers of The Shopping Mama! Use the code TheShoppingMama20 while checking out and get 20% off your entire order – not just Valentines!

Win! One set of 12 personalized Valentines!

How to Enter: Visit Little Lamb Design and let me know which Valentine card you’d personalize if you win.

Bonus Entries - please leave a separate comment for each you do:
* Follow Little Lamb Design on Twitter
* Fan Little Lamb Design on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: Win a set of personalized Valentines from Little Lamb Design @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/51yBQd
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print & Disclosure: Giveaway ends February 3. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Little Lamb Design for providing the giveaway prize and for advertising on The Shopping Mama. Opinions expressed are my own.

The Shopping Mama Winners

by Kate on January 23rd, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaway Winners, Giveaways

giveaway winners

New year, so I’m starting a new list of giveaway winners. As usual, all winners will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond.

Robeez: Juliea

FlyeBaby: betty rood

CARES: Sarah G

Zoobies Pet: ReggieMann

Coleman Gift Card: Karen M

Sephora: Amy L and Clarissa

dadoo kids: Annmarie W

National Geographic: nan lara

Melissa & Doug cookies: Cindy B

Little Lamb Designs: Cindi

Saige Nicole’s: nan lara

Five Blessed Bows: Andrea K

Cupcake Tree: Jana (dropcqueen)

Bel Amour Couture: Peggy G

The TomKat Studio: Maryanne, Trina, Elaine, Kristy and Peggy

Real Nappies: Neatha

thinkbaby: Susaan

Travel Buddies: jenn

Macy’s: Soha Molina

ecostore USA: jenny

Frecklebox: Susan W

aden + anais: Alanna

Bersica: susan

Kemby: Anna G

ERGObaby: Shawna

Goblin Kids: Sheryl

Missie Moosie: Xenia

HopScotch Tees: Stephanie

Tiny Wiggles: Jessica (jjack2003)

Baby Bunch: Tricia S

Zoolu!: Sarah G

Animal Planet: Jennifer H

Punkaboo Labels: Laine

Pampers & Liz Lange: Lori S

Tutu Pour Mon Deux: Heather M

Dick’s Sporting Goods: Susan (fobchap)

PhotoWorks: Thao

mirra: Jana (janap)

Boppy Accessories: Erica G

Baby Bunch Egg Nests: Kelly & Andrea P

Kia Makeover: Abie

DreamInk Apparel: Erica

Petunia Pickle Bottom: Jeanine

Chico’s Necklace: Jennifer H

Tea Collection: Erica Z

Macy’s Fashion Director: Jessie C

Schleich Dragon: Stacy

Vibrant Trains: Tabathia B

The Body Shop: Eve

Stride Rite: Shawna O

Baby Bunch Organic Cupcakes: Cari K

LeapFrog Discover: Jennifer

Avalanche Fruit Stand Game: Jill

kate quinn organics: Rajee

NUK Orthodontic Starter Set: Kay

O’Brien & Schridde: Cynthia

Havaianas: Mindy T

Easy Lunch Boxes: Linda K

The Cold Seat: Amy

Sunglass Warehouse: Jennifer B

Laken & Lila: Debra

VTech MobiGo: Krista

SnuggRugg: Rachel C

L’Occitane: Toni C

Sky High Scoops Game: Debbie S

Fantasy Jewelry Box: Sarah

Whale Bite MonsterHoodies: TheAngelForever

Dreft Gift Basket: Michelle C

Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck: McKim

ANTM the Game & Wii Console: Nan L

Cool Store Alert: Alexander’s Playroom

by Kate on January 23rd, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

alexanders playroom logoI’m always looking for new sites and online boutiques where you can find affordable gifts for babies and moms. Alexander’s Playroom has that covered – and more. From adorable baby shower supplies to unique gifts for baby to skin care and nursery decor, Alexander’s Playroom has it all.

About Alexander’s Playroom

Alexander’s Playroom Baby Boutique was created to provide consumers with a unique, quality selection of baby shower supplies and baby gifts, as well as provide parents with high quality baby products at an affordable price.

For Baby

Trend Lab Watch Me Grow BlanketAs I mentioned, Alexander’s Playroom has a huge selection of unique baby gifts. My favorite find is the Watch Me Grow Blanket by Trend Lab. The center of the blanket is a 100% cotton twill with a growth chart to record baby’s length. In my day we marked the wall, but this is much easier to take if you move and is just plain sweet. The Blanket is trimmed and backed with velour for comfort, measures 36 inches square and is $24.95. I think this is a great alternative to the run of the mill baby shower gift.

personalized-boys-sweaterIf you’ve got a little more money to spend, the personalized sweaters are too cute. Available in navy, neutral and pink, this 100% cotton sweater can be monogrammed with one or three letters or personalized with up to six letters. It comes in three sizes up to 3T so it’s for more than just babies. I know I’d love it for my both my one and three year old.

For Mama

jp-lizzy-scarlet-poppies-chamelia-clutchNew to me, the JP Lizzy Diaper Bags – Alexander’s Playroom has a great selection of these affordable bags. My favorite is the Chamelia Clutch – and at $38, this is a great birthday gift for a busy mama. I know I’d love to have one. The Clutch has built-in spots for credit cards, cell phone and lipstick, as well as a matching changing pad. The floral pattern is my favorite, but it’s available in six stylish prints.

Connect! Keep up with Alexander’s Playroom on Twitter and Facebook.

Shop! Next time you’re planning or attending a baby shower, looking for a fun baby gift or special something for mama, take a look at all the great finds at AlexandersPlayroom.com.

Disclosure: Alexander’s Playroom is a paid advertiser on The Shopping Mama. However, the opinions in this post are my own and I was not compensated for this post.

Graco Recall Information

by Kate on January 22nd, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Life, Parenting

As you may have heard by now, Graco announced a recall of certain strollers due to injuries caused by certain hinge designs. The recall affects some Passage, Alano, and Spree strollers manufactured before March 2008.

Is Your Stroller Affected by the Recall?

Not all Passage, Alano and Spree strollers are part of the recall. To determine if your stroller is part of the recall, check out the photos below. The only strollers that are part of this recall have hinges that look like the top left photo.

graco recall hinge photos

If your stroller is affected by the recall, there is no need to return your stroller. But you should order a canopy hinge cover immediately online or by phone at 1-800-345-4109. To order the hinge cover, you’ll need the model number and manufacturing date which can be found on the lower inside portion of the stroller frame.

More Information

Graco has loads of resources online about the recall, here are a few:

You can also find Graco on Twitter. Their response on Twitter has caught the eye of the Christian Science Monitor online which wrote an article, “Moms a-Twitter over Graco’s stroller recall response” and I was interviewed and quoted! A recall is never good news but if you read you’ll see I am pretty impressed by Graco’s interaction on Twitter, answering questions and sharing links repeatedly throughout the past couple days. So, if you have questions, definitely check out the resources and order your hinge if necessary.

TGIF: Coupons, Sales, Discounts & News (1/22)

by Kate on January 22nd, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Deal & News Roundup, Weekly Features

tote_homeFree Tote from Bebe au Lait

Purchase any Bebe au Lait Capri or Marmont Nursing Cover, Hooded Towel or Gift Set from BebeauLait.com and receive a FREE Matching Tote and FREE ground shipping. Place the Tote in your shopping basket, and use the code BEBETOTE to get $15 (the price of the tote) off your order. Find the free tote details here. Shop now through January 31.

Sales

  • Gymboree: It’s Gymbucks redemption time! Redeem $25 worth of Gymbucks for every $50 you spend. Ends January 24.
  • Crazy 8: Use Crazy Cash to save $20 on every $40 you spend. Ends January 24.
  • Pottery Barn Kids: Weekend Sale Event this weekend online and in stores. Up to 75% off certain items.
  • Robeez: New 3D styles and save up to 50% on select styles.
  • Land of Nod: Get organized with shelving and organization items on sale.

Discount Codes

  • Gap: Enter code SPRING20 at checkout to save 20% off regular priced items. Valid through January 24.
  • RH Baby & Child: Big sale with items up to 65% off. Use code RSAV101 for additional 10% off.

Exclusive Discounts