The Shopping Mama

All Things Birthday Starts Tomorrow!

by Kate on July 4th, 2010 | 5 Comments | All Things Birthday

For the next couple weeks, we’ll be talking All Things Birthday on The Shopping Mama! We’ll be sharing the best of the best from planning to presents.

Great Giveaways

Here’s a little sneak peek at some of the cool things we’ll be featuring and giving away:

Awesome, right? Well, don’t forget you have the option to get FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES in every single giveaway just by sharing your favorite kids birthday party.

We Want YOUR Parties!

Here’s how you can get in on the fun:

Collect several pictures from the children’s birthday party you want to feature
Make a list of websites and resources you used to plan the party (inspiration, things you purchased, crafty projects, etc)
Email your photos and websites to theshoppingmama@gmail.com

Seriously, it will only take you a couple minutes to gather the info and it will be fun to share your creativity and awesome parties. We can’t wait to see and show them off! So, send me your party pictures and info and you get FIVE extra chances to win in every giveaway. Fun-fun.

We’re so excited for this event and can’t wait for the fun to start tomorrow. We hope you enjoy it, too! Happy {All Things} Birthday!

All party posts submitted will be shared and published on The Shopping Mama unless deemed inappropriate or offensive. You must own rights to the photograph and be willing to share them. Feel free to watermark your photos. If there is a favorite party contest, detailed rules will follow in a separate post.

Happy 4th of July!

by Kate on July 4th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Life

I had grand plans for a fabulous red, white and blue photo shoot of the kids. All the ingredients were there – adorable patriotic outfits, great lighting and perfect weather. Sadly, the kids were feeling terribly cooperative. Even with my husband and I jumping around and acting like fools trying to get them to sit still and smile we got were these duds.

First pose involved sitting side by side. Or, more accurately, Boy sitting and getting distracted by dirt and Girl running away.

Then we switched it up and thought big brother could “hug” his little sister. All this new set up achieved was a series of terribly un-lady like diaper shots.

Oh well. We’ll try again tomorrow.

Happy 4th of July!

Little Girls Look Lovely in Pipsqueak Couture (with Giveaway)

by Kate on July 3rd, 2010 | 5 Comments | Clothes, Giveaways, Reviews

As much as I look at clothes, I love when I find something truly unique. More specifically, I get all kinds of excited about kids clothes that walk the fine line of being different yet still are completely wearable and cute. Pipsqueak Couture is just that kind of clothing. The collection

About Pipsqueak Couture, from Shannon the Designer

I have had a local boutique in Colorado Springs for 11 years where I sell a lot of my designs as well as children’s and women’s clothing. I have this beautiful crest on my door my brother designed for me, that I wanted to make as a logo signature onesie for my shop…so I designed my Couture Angel Pipsies, a ruffle bottom onesie with my Couture Angel crest on it…they sold so quickly my designs soon blossomed into much more, little dresses, garden party ruffle pants and various cotton screenprinted dress all hand dyed in a rainbow of colors and patterns. I like to design comfortable, modern, girlie clothing that still has a vintage feel to it. Most of my screenprints have images of crowns, birds, chandeliers and the like that are all reminiscent of the past, but then they are printed onto these modern little dresses.

A Lovely Dress

The Lovely Twirl Dress features the lovely crest – a distinct symbol of Pipsqueak Couture creations – and is embellished with crystals. There are tiny pink ballerinas screen printed along the bottom ruffle. The dress is totally comfortable and easy to wear so your little girl will have no idea how adorable she really looks. The dress doesn’t have fussy or uncomfortable seams or pleats – rather, it’s a simple sheath dress made of soft cotton. The poof sleeves and frilly twirl around the bottom add girlie touches with out compromising comfort.

I am so impressed with the detail and creativity in the dress (and the entire collection, for that matter). My daughter really has nothing in her closet anything like this. I love the gold screen printed crown and the pink ballerinas around the bottom are so sweet. There are even crystals throughout the crest and bodice for a little extra bling.

My daughter is wearing a size 2 and it’s big on her. I think the dress will look more dressy when it fits her a bit better. She’ll definitely wear it through the fall and it will look super cute with pink tights or leggings underneath.

One of a Kind Dresses

Here are some more dresses from the Pipsqueak Couture collection. In addition to screen printing designs, Shannon also dyes cotton fabrics to truly create special dresses. I really love the diversity in the collection – from the screen printed designs like the Framed Bird Damask dress to the beautiful combination of fabrics of the Farmhouse Aspen in Wonderland dress.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… If you like your little one to stand out from a crowd in a special one of a kind dress, Pipsqueak Couture offers a beautiful collection of show-stopping dresses. The Lovely Damask Twirl Dress is, well, lovely – with details and frill to spare.

Or Not to Buy… Because of the hand-created nature of the dress and the crystals, washing by hand is recommended. I admit to machine washing the dress before I read the label carefully (and it did fine), but I pretty much hate hand washing clothes.

Shop! The Lovely Damask Twirl Dress can be created in Orchid and Deep Plum or the Cotton Candy Pink and Gold featured here for $50. Make sure you check out the adorable and perfect for summer Pipsies and other One of a Kind designs. The summer and back to school collection are available in sizes 3 months to 8. Get the inside scoop on Pipsqueak Couture at the Pipsqueak Couture blog.

Win! A $50 Gift Certificate to Pipsqueak Couture!

How to Enter: Visit Pipsqueak Couture and leave a comment here with your favorite thing in the shop.

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

“Like” Pipsqueak Couture on Facebook
Share this post on your Facebook. Just click the blue Share button below.
Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave the link when you do.
Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Pipsqueak Couture – comfortable, modern and girlie clothing @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/b77EEv
Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
Be a Shopping Buddy, aka, follow in Google Friends Connect
Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or RSS

Disclosure: Giveaway ends July 16. Open to US mailing addresses. Thanks to Pipsqueak Couture for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review and the giveaway prize. Opinions here are my own.

TGIF: Sales, Coupons, Discounts & News

by Kate on July 2nd, 2010 | 5 Comments | Deal & News Roundup, Weekly Features

CurlyQ Cuties’ Deluxe Custom Monsters won a Parents’ Choice Recommended Toy award last month. To celebrate, they’re offering 15% off our Deluxe Monsters through July 5th. That’s a $4.50 savings. You can also enter the Design a New Monster Body – fun and winner gets $50!

Bugaloo soft soled leather baby shoes – only $12.99 a pair. They are cute, cute, cute! I love Emma for girls and Zach for boys. Check them out.

The Land of Nod: Shop the summer sale where prices have been marked down even further! And don’t forget about the mattress, pillow and comforter sale that’s going on as well.

Celebrate the 4th with Old Navy and Support the Troops

Buy any Old Navy 4th of July tee (many are on sale!) between July 1 and July 5 and Old Navy will send a shirt to the troops through Operation: Care and Comfort. In addition, Old Navy will be collecting comfort items for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan – my husband suggests chap stick, sunscreen, flip flops, athletic gear and other every day items. If the feel good factor isn’t reward enough, you also get 10% off your purchase with a donation. For more information, check out the details at Operation: Care and Comfort.

Discounts

Joovy: Use code nookintrospecial for 30% off and Free Shipping off everything! Expires July 15.

Exclusive Discounts

Duck Duck Goose Toys:15% off all boats when the code “shopping mama” is entered in the notes to seller section at checkout. Expires July 4.
The Birthday House: Enter the code MM10 in the notes to seller section for 10% refund after purchase. Expires July 15, 2010.
IncrediBundles: 15% off with code SHOPPING15. Expires July 15.
The Crazy Dazy: 10% discount off your purchase with code SHOPPINGMAMA.

Private Sale Sites

* Totsy: Totsy Blowout Sale! 80% off select brands and products – check out the Timi & Leslie diaper bags marked down to $52. ImagiPLAY, 1800Baskets and 1800Flowers.com.

* Zulily: Haba, Pink Axle, Papabear Loungeabouts pjs, Bumkins. Cash Back Tip – click through ShopAtHome.com for 6% rebate on your purchase.

* The Mini Social: Oopsy Daisy clothes, Olli & Lime decor and minui HandySitt high chair!

Tots Travel Too Travel Tips & Winner

by Kate on July 2nd, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaway Winners, Parenting

A big thanks to everyone who submitted awesome tips for traveling with kids on the original Tots Travel Too post here on The Shopping Mama. Here’s the winning tip from Anara of Able 2 Able:

If you’re traveling by car use plastic tote boxes with lids – I had one for feeding, one for clothes, one for diapering. They stack easily, are easy to carry, and can nest as they are emptied. And bring plenty of plastic grocery bags for garbage, stinky diapers, dirty clothes, and wet clothes.

I love the idea of easily accessible clear boxes so you can easily locate travel necessities quickly! So smart.

Every single travel tip from The Shopping Mama and other blogs who spread the word about the Tots Travel Too program at Marriott hotels can be found at TheMotherhood. The Tots Travel Too Circle has literally hundreds and hundreds of awesome road-tested tips from moms like you, so check it out!

Disclosure: I am working in partnership with Marriott and Global Influence – a Resourceful Mommy Media network – to cover the Marriott Tots Travel Too program and have received a stipend.

The Shopping Mama Winners (July – September)

by Kate on July 2nd, 2010 | 5 Comments | Giveaway Winners, Giveaways

A running list of The Shopping Mama giveaway winners from July through September. As always, all winners are notified via email.

Liz Hutnick Jewelry: Traci S

Melvita: Lynn M

Petunia Pickle Bottom TourGuide: Jill W

little twig: Dana M

Smitten NYC: Viva

Little Fish Big Pond: Amy P

Urban Tots: Tabathia B

VTech V.Reader: Lynn M

Simple Wishes: Chrissy B

Charming Necessities: Annemarie W

The Little Seed: Nicole B

Pipsqueak Couture: Cindy

The Birthday House: Lina K

1-800-Flowers.com: Libby L

Growing Tree Toys: Susan

Cotton Candy Maker: Amy P

The Vintage Pearl: Heather S

BalloonTime: Peggy G

Meri Meri: Jennifer T

Hotels.com: Dana

Cupcake Confessional ana I

Eggo: Jennifer T, Kim W, Lynn M, Francis M, Darcie K

WeeSqueak: Anita T

Makaboo: Mary M

Duck Duck Goose: Jessica

Mead Writing Fundamentals: Mary W

Gazillion Bubbles: NJJ

Merry Crown Society: Cat D

Blue Apple Books: Melanie S

Eucerin (July): Lynn M

Paper Nook: Mary M

Green Party Goods: Sarah

Blast Zone Bounce House: Lori A

PaperGlitter: Sarah, Win, Angie

Vibrant Trains: Tiffany D

Superfly Kidz: Chrissy B

ShooShoos: Heather S

LIKEaBIKE: Doodlebug’s Mommy

Snuggle Bug Kidz: Lisa K

Marshalls / TJ Maxx: Jessie C

Bumbo Seat & Play Tray: Jennifer H

pediped: Debbie S

Baby Bunch: Melodic Mom

Emmys Red Carpet Gift Cards: Mona P

Eucerin (August): Vicky B

Bebeloosh Mini: Gretchen K

Bumbleride Flite & Carrycot: Lilac

Dinosaur Train Under the Sea DVD: Lois

Skuut Balance Bike: Stephanie T

Dinosaur Train Backpack: Lessa

Smitten Fall Clothing: Telitha H

Citizenpip: Monique B

Blue Day Designs: Ashley H

SanLori: Angela S

Vera Bradley: Kristi C

Eleven: Tara T

Baby Eggi: Tabathia & Addison KAT

Hobby-Bike: Joanna P

Kodak Digital Frame: Amanda S

tiny giraffe: Michele E

basq: Kristi C

Bebe au Lait: Rebecca S

Thirsties: Tara T

Silhouette: Molly

The Little Seed for Target: Interview & Giveaway

by Kate on July 2nd, 2010 | 5 Comments | Baby, Reviews, Shopping

The Little Seed opened its doors as a children’s specialty boutique carrying eco-friendly and organic products in California and The Little Seed products are now available in a special layette collection at Target. “Co-founded by new mothers Soleil Moon Frye and Paige Goldberg Tolmach, the goal was to create a one-stop shop for parents seeking products from skincare to bedding to toys that are made with organic or eco-friendly materials – healthy for babies and healthy for the planet… because it’s never too early to sow the seeds of care and responsibility.”

The Little Seed for Target!

Eager to share their love of stylish and colorful organic products, Soleil and Paige designed an organic layette collection specially for Target. The Little Seed for Target is a limited-time-only line of extremely affordable layette pieces meant to mix and match. The prices range from $7.99 for a bodysuit to $12.99 for a hooded towel. (See, I told you it was affordable!) Every piece in the collection is made from 100 percent organic cotton.

I received several samples of the products from The Little Seed for Target collection and was immediately struck by the bold and bright colors. Even a seasoned organic clothing shopper like myself was pleasantly surprised by the vibrant and colorful samples. The orange and yellow hooded towel is as soft as it is bright. And the set of solid color bibs are perfect for coordinating and matching with other pieces.

Interview with Soleil & Paige

I had the distinct pleasure of Skyping with Soleil and Paige to discuss the The Little Seed for Target collection. Their passion and love of the brand was infectious, and chatting with them was a total blast. I seriously had a smile on my face all afternoon and it wasn’t just because I got to talk to Punky Brewster. (And I can’t tell you how much restraint it took not to gush about worshipping Punky and wearing high tops to be just like her!) I was honestly touched by how enthusiastic they were. It’s also pretty incredible to learn firsthand about this mom-owned successful business and how exciting it is for them to share their brand with moms across the country.

Check out the interview, and I dare you to watch it and NOT be excited about The Little Seed for Target.

The Little Seed for Target Talks with The Shopping Mama from Target Baby Channel on Vimeo.

Thank you so much to both Paige and Soleil for taking time to speak with me. It was such a thrill! I’ve been a longtime admirer of The Little Seed and obviously I’m obsessed with Target – so this is a match made in organic heaven for me and, I think, lots of other mamas, too.

Shop! The Little Seed for Target is available at select Target stores and Target.com nationwide starting July 4. Prices range from $7.99 to $12.99 and the collection includes blankets, hooded towels, bibs and layette clothing (including bodysuits, pants, hats and footies).

Win! A Bundle of Products from The Little Seed for Target Collection!

How to Enter: Just leave a comment telling me one piece from the collection pictured or mentioned in this post that catches your eye.

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

Watch the video and tell me something you learned about The Little Seed for Target.
Follow The Little Seed on Twitter
“Like” The Little Seed on Facebook
Share this post on your Facebook. Just click the blue Share button below.
Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave the link when you do.
The Little Seed for @Target has arrived! Interview w/ founders Soleil Moon Frye & Paige Goldberg + Giveaway @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/dfbVVx
Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
Be a Shopping Buddy, aka, follow in Google Friends Connect
Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or RSS

Disclosure: Giveaway ends July 16. Open to US mailing addresses. Thanks to The Little Seed for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review and the giveaway prize. Opinions here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product.

All Things Birthday: Mickey & Minnie Party

by Amy on July 1st, 2010 | 5 Comments | All Things Birthday, Birthday Parties, Shopping

Next week we are launching our big Birthday Party Event and we’d like to get you involved! We want to feature YOUR birthday party. We love to see other people’s parties and know you all have some great ones to share.

Here’s how you can get in on the fun:

Collect several pictures from the children’s birthday party you want to feature
Make a list of websites and resources you used to plan the party (inspiration, things you purchased, crafty projects, etc)
Email your photos and websites to theshoppingmama@gmail.com

To give you an idea of what we’re looking for check out Kate’s pig-themed first birthday party, and check out the Mickey & Minnie-themed party I planned…

Mickey & Minnie 3rd Birthday Party!

For her 3rd birthday party, my daughter chose a Mickey/Minnie Mouse theme. I had so much fun picking out and planning all of the details, and I hope you enjoy taking a look at how things turned out!

Kim, owner of The Birthday House, made invitations and decorations a cinch. I knew that I wanted to use a Minnie Mouse with the red & white polka dots, and Kim created all of my items including both Mickey & Minnie Mouse. The Birthday House made all of our invitations, a gorgeous “Happy Birthday” banner, thank you cards, and cupcake toppers. Everything was beautifully coordinated, made of high quality paper, and done in plenty of time for the party.

The shopping details…
Banner, invitations, thank yous, cupcake toppers: The Birthday House
Birthday girl Minnie dress: Uniquely Monogrammed
Baby girl Minnie dress: Kim’s boutique
Cupcake liners/Mickey & Minnie sprinkles: Layer Cake Shop
Cake: Made it myself!

Inside Scoop: The Birthday House is offering TSM readers an exclusive discount of 10% off all orders. Just enter the code MM10 in the notes to seller section at checkout and your refund will be made via Paypal after purchase. Offer ends July 15, 2010.

GIVEAWAY!!! We will be hosting an awesome giveaway from The Birthday House this Tuesday, July 6. Be sure to check back!

We’re looking forward to checking out your parties!