Hero Hugs

by Kate on November 23rd, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Ten Dollar Tuesday, Weekly Features

Through the holidays, Ten Dollar Tuesday is devoted to spotlighting a worthy charity. What does this have to do with shopping for things bargains that cost less than $10, you ask? Everything – the idea is making the most of our money.

If 10 readers of The Shopping Mama give $10, that’s a $100 donation. That more of you that give, the more impact we can have. $10 can add up quickly and be incredibly meaningful to charities and the families they benefit.

Hero Hugs

Not surprisingly, charities that support deployed troops and/or their families are at the forefront of my mind this holiday season. But, Hero Hugs is one of the coolest charities you will ever hear about – military or no. Why? Because Hero Hugs, an organization that sends care packages to deployed troops, was started by Bailey Reese when she was just seven-years-old!

I first learned of Bailey and her charity a couple weeks before my husband deployed when she was selling car magnets outside the BX on our base in Florida to raise money for Hero Hugs. Fighting back tears, I bought a few magnets and proudly handed over my money knowing I was supporting a worthwhile cause and a motivated and selfless girl.

To date, Bailey and her team of other kids – literally! – has mailed more than 51,000 care packages!

Donate! You can help send care packages to deployed troops by making a $10 (or more) donation to Hero Hugs. You can also keep up to date on the latest projects by liking Hero Hugs on Facebook.

I was not paid for this post, but I did donate to Hero Hugs. And you should, too.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Sanderson Pants – A Classic Must-Have for Moms

by Kate on November 23rd, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  For Mama, Reviews

Back in the day when I worked in an office and had to look presentable every day, black pants were a staple piece in my wardrobe. I rotated different fits and styles and wore them constantly. Two kids and many years later, much has changed; but, a pair of nice black dress pants is still a must have for my wardrobe and it should be in yours, too. When you are buying a classic piece like black pants, you can afford to spend a little more on a quality timeless style from an iconic brand: Ralph Lauren.

My go-to black pants for the holiday season (and well beyond, I’m sure!) are the Sanderson Dress Pants from Lauren by Ralph Lauren. The pants are a classic-fitting dress pant that sits straight on the hips, below the natural waist with a fuller leg shape.

About Lauren by Ralph Lauren Sanderson Pants

  • Standard-rise waist with belt loops. Zip fly with faux-horn button closure.
  • Sleek hip, straight leg.
  • Angled hand pockets at the hips. No back pockets for a sleek look.
  • 32″ inseam.
  • 63% polyester, 32% viscose, 5% elastane. Machine washable. Imported.

The pants feel great on, and I can tell I’m wearing beautifully constructed clothes. I wasn’t sure what size to order, and based on my measurements, I was debating two sizes. I think I was feeling fat that day and opted to size up.  I shouldn’t have. The pants are definitely too big, and would be much more flattering if they were more fitted through the waist and hips. So, my advice is to order smaller – even if you’re having a fat day. I should also mention that I love the length – long enough for me (and I’m 5’9″ – so your shorter ladies will need a tailor) to wear heels comfortably.

One of the best things about black pants is the versatility – a feature moms need in clothes! Here are some of my favorite LAUREN looks with black pants.

Aaron Wrinkle Free Shirt in Soft Pink – (yes, wrinkle free!). Throw on a strand of pearls and you will rock the meeting – in the board room or PTA room.

Klaudia Velvet Plaid Blouse. Date night! Look great and feel sexy in pants.

Buchanan Cotton Cabled Sweater. Classic and comfortable outfit to make you feel your best on any occasion.

Shop! LAUREN by Ralph Lauren Sanderson Dress Pants are $109, and available online at RalphLauren.com. Take the plunge and splurge on something for YOU. You won’t regret it.

I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Ralph Lauren and received a pair of Lauren by Ralph Lauren pants to help facilitate my review

30 Days of Toys: P’kolino Book Buggee

by Kate on November 23rd, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  30 Days of Toys

Toy: P’Kolino Book Buggee

Get It For: Your active little bibliophile.

Why We Like It: This genius little bookmobile combines two of our kids’ favorite things: books and pull toys. The Book Buggee is designed so it’s easy for little hands to get books in and out, and is a great way to encourage your child to check out and discover all the books in your at home library. Fill it with a couple new books and it will be a winning holiday gift!

Shop! The P’Kolino Book Buggee is available in orange and natural for $38.50 from P’Kolino and Amazon.com.

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You can see all the best toys for the holidays by clicking here.

PictureItPostage Contest – Your Chance to Win $500

by Kate on November 22nd, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Blogging

Last week I introduced PictureItPostage, showed off my awesome The Shopping Mama stamps and shared a discount code. And now I have even more fun news from the custom personalized stamp company. If you purchase stamps and use the discount code MOTHERHOOD between now and December 15, you are automatically entered to win $500 from PictureItPostage.

So, head over to PictureItPostage.com now, make some stamps to reflect your family or small business, save some moola with the code and maybe you’ll win!

Happy stamping!

Win! PictureItPostage Giveaway with TheMotherhood.com – Your Chance to win $500!

OFFICIAL RULES

  1. PictureItPostage by DYMO Endicia™ is conducting a $500 prize giveaway. All PictureItPostage customers who enter code “MOTHERHOOD” upon checkout for purchases made on PictureItPostage.com from November 17, 2010 through December 15, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time will be entered to win one (1) $500 cash prize giveaway.
  2. One (1) winner will be selected at random on December 20, 2010 by PictureItPostage by DYMO Endicia, or DYMO Endicia’s designee. Odds of winning will be determined by the total number of eligible entries received. Winner need not be present at drawing to win. Winner will be notified by phone or mail no later than December 31, 2010. Entry into contest constitutes entrant’s permission for Endicia to contact entrant for sales and marketing purposes.
  3. The prize package consists of one (1) $500 cash prize.
  4. Contest is open only to PictureItPostage by DYMO Endicia customers who are legal U.S. residents 21 years of age or older except employees of DYMO Endicia, its affiliates, subsidiaries, sales representatives, distributors, or advertising and promotion agencies and the immediate families and household members of each of the above. Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited by law.
  5. No prize substitutions allowed except that DYMO Endicia reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if an advertised prize becomes unavailable. All taxes on prizes are winner’s responsibility.
Sponsor: PictureItPostage by DYMO Endicia, a Newell Rubbermaid company, Palo Alto, CA

Get (Play) Cooking! Play Kitchens from Hayneedle Review + Giveaway

by Kate on November 22nd, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways, Reviews, Toys

Are you still shopping for the “big present” for your tots? You know, the one “Wow!” present to knock your kid’s little socks or footy jammies off? Well, look no further than a Play Kitchen from Hayneedle. Between great prices, an awesome selection and awesome customer service, you really can’t go wrong with buying your Kids Kitchen from Hayneedle.

Play Kitchens

True to its emphasis on providing variety, Hayneedle offers many styles of play kitchens. Everything from wood to plastic to small single units for $40 to the equivalent of The Pioneer Woman’s kitchen for kids at $800. The best part is that it is supremely easy to find what you’re looking for. Along the left side of the Play Kitchens website, you can sort by material, brand, price, and customer rating. Some of the brands include Little Tikes, Educo, Teamson Design and KidKraft Kitchens.

KidKraft Kitchen

We received the KidKraft Vintage Play Kitchen, and I could not be happier with it. I have pretty much been obsessed with this adorable kitchen since I laid eyes on it and it does not disappoint. The details and design create the perfect setting for hours of fun.

About the Vintage Play Kitchen

Let your kids experience the “good ol’ days” for the first time with the KidKraft Vintage Play Kitchen. All pieces are crafted from durable, high-quality MDF wood with a bright red coat of paint. The kitchen includes several pieces for hours of imaginative fun. The essentials are all there – an oven with functional turning knobs, a sink, even a cordless phone. The doors open and close, and the sink is removable for easy cleanup. Convenient storage rests under the sink and next to the microwave.

The Kitchen is about three feet tall, 12 inches deep and 33 inches across. It’s definitely not the biggest kitchen, but both my kids are able to play at it at the same time. All the kitchen essentials are packed into this compact toy – an oven, stove, refrigerator, sink, phone and cupboard storage.

What truly impresses me the most, though, is the quality. We’ve reviewed and purchased plastic and wood toys for, well, years, and this is by far one of the most well-built and thoughtfully designed products my kids have ever played with. (And I’m not just saying that because I put it together all by myself. Speaking of, thankfully the instructions were simple – even if they were 13 pages long!) The wood is solid and feels more substantial than typical toy MDF. I really appreciate the details, too: the wood is red on all sides so it looks great from all angles, there are latches on the doors so when they are shut, they stay shut, and the knobs on the oven click and make noise. And, of course, I love how it looks. The red wood and silver accents are so sharp.

Play Kitchen Accessories

While my kids got right to playing from the moment they saw the play kitchen with the food toys we already have, I decided to get them some toys and toy kitchen accessories. Naturally, my first stop was Hayneedle where I found a great selection of everything to add to your play kitchen from Melissa & Doug food to KidKraft Kitchen Playset. I ordered the KidKraft Playset of bowls, spoons and play tablewwear and the KidKraft Tasty Treat Play Food Set – both with Free Shipping! Woo hoo!

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… I highly recommend the KidKraft Vintage Play Kitchen. It is a real treat for your kids and will give them hours of entertainment. You’ll like the solid construction and thoughtful details. If this isn’t your dream toy kitchen, definitely check out all that Hayneedle has to offer.

Or Not to Buy… I have no reason not to get this kitchen – it rocks!

Shop! The Vintage KidKraft Kitchen is currently on sale for $149 with free shipping at Hayneedle! Make sure you visit the Hayneedle blog for the latest information on their awesome deals. And, speaking of, make sure you visit Hayneedle today (November 22) for a Black Friday preview sale from 11AM to 11PM- and then again on Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

Win! A $100 Gift Certificate to Hayneedle to Get Your Play Kitchen, Kitchen Accessories or Put Towards the KidKraft Play Kitchen! {Or Anything Else From Hayneedle You’d Like}

How to Enter: Visit Play Kitchens by Hayneedle and lave a comment with your favorite Kitchen or Kitchen Accessory.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

Giveaway ends December 10. Open to US mailing addresses only.

Disclosure: Thanks to Hayneedle for providing a gift card for the purpose of this review and the giveaway prize. Opinions are my own.

30 Days of Toys: My Little Sandbox Big Builder

by Kate on November 22nd, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  30 Days of Toys

Toy: My Little Sandbox Big Builder

Get It For: The inquisitive preschooler – age appropriate and helps with those important fine motor skills.

Why We Like It: This mini sandbox is 10 inches square and comes with – drumroll – a play mat to help reduce the sand mess. Like other My Little Sandbox sets, the Big Builder is all inclusive and contains everything your tot needs to get playing including die-cast vehicles, mini boulders, gravel, cones, working crew and more. Your tot can literally create a whole little construction world at the comfort of your kitchen table.

Shop! The My Little Sandbox Big Builder set is $22. We also love the My Little Sandbox Dino Land, Funny Farm, and Princess Dreams.

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You can see all the best toys for the holidays by clicking here.

Another Reason to Shop Zoolu! + Discount

by Kate on November 21st, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

Zoolu! We Support Military Families!  Name-brand and Personalized Baby and Mommy Items.  Free Shipping Stateside and APO

From its inception, Zoolu! has made serving military families a priority. And, now, Zoolu! is stepping up to the plate again to support the family of an Airman who died last week.

Captain Jeffrey Haney died when the F-22 he was flying crashed during a routine training mission. He leaves behind a wife and two young daughters. As you can imagine, this loss hits close to home for me. I simply cannot fathom what that family is going through.

Zoolu! will donate 15% of sales for the next two weeks to a college fund established for the young girls who lost their father. Mention the HANEY FAMILY in the notes at check out and know that you are helping a worthy military family. You can also donate to the family directly through the Air Warrior Courage Foundation – just specify “For the Jeffrey Haney children.”

Shop! Visit Zoolu! and shop for a good cause! As if that isn’t reason enough, use the code GOZ42010 for 10% off your purchase. Enter the discount code in the Coupon Code Box at Check out and then comment in the Gift Notes Section at “I support the Haney family” or HANEY to make sure 15% of your purchase is donated. There is a great selection of Melissa & Doug products – perfect for kids, and you’ll love the personalized stamps so you don’t have to write your address over and over again on your holiday cards.

Best Children’s Books of 2010

by Kate on November 21st, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

Amazon.com just released editors’ picks for the Top 10 Children’s Picture Books. There is also a list of the Customer Favorites – the most popular children’s book of 2010 based on sales. (And, check out that list – it’s full of Fancy Nancy!)

#1: Art & Max

#2: Olivia Goes to Venice

#3: The Quiet Book

#4: City Dog, Country Frog

#5: A Bedtime for Bear (Bear & Mouse)

#6: Brontorina

#7: Ladybug Girl at the Beach

#8: Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters

#9: Three Little Kittens

#10: Dog Loves Books

I feel a bit behind on the curve on recent children’s books and tend to get books from the library and buy “classics” or board books that will stand up to my kid’s wear and tear. But, a lot of the books on this list look like ones my children would enjoy. If nothing else, it’s a great list of holiday gift and birthday present ideas!

What do you think of the list? What are your favorite children’s books?