The Shopping Mama

New Year’s Eve Fashion on the Cheap and Chic

by Kate on December 28th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Shopping

Sadly, I’m pretty sure my New Year’s Eve will be spent on my couch with my laptop, watching Andy Cohen ring in 2011 on Bravo. Go me! So, I fully expect that those of you who are going to hit the town to live it up for me and do it in style. In that case, I consider it my duty to share with you some great fashion accessories that are sparkly and fun – and at under $10 you won’t feel guilty if you only wear it this one night out. Since NYE is just around the corner, all these finds are available at chain stores nationwide.

Old Navy Earrings ($9.50)

Left to Right: Disks, Pink Combo & Silver Ox

So what if the pink earrings look like a pink version of the ball they drop on midnight? They’re only $9.50, and add a fun dash of color.

Wristlets from Express ($9.99)

Large Bow Wristlet, Gunmetal Metallic Rouched Wristlet, Studded Satin Wristlet

Assets by Sara Blakely ($12 – 20)

You can’t hit the town in a LBD without Spanx! The Target version called Assets is a more affordable version that you can get at most neighborhood Target stores. While, the price tag is a bit more than our usual $10 Tuesday pick, these are on sale an in the Weekly Ad so now’s the time to stock up on shape wear. (I know my post holiday body thinks now’s the time!)

Happy New Year’s Eve Shopping!

Get Organized Now for the New Year

by Kate on December 28th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Life, Parenting

Is “getting organized” going to make an appearance on your New Year’s resolution list? Ya, mine, too. Turns out NOW is the best time to start the new year on the right foot by organizing and setting goals for 2011. Here are some tips to help you decrease clutter, manage your schedule and set goals for the new year.

Clean Out the Clutter

I don’t have a home office – on the one hand that’s nice because it’s one less room for me to make a mess, but on the other hand it means I don’t have a dedicated location to organize and keep track of blog and family files. Whether you have a dedicated office or not, these tips will help you tame the clutter!

Clean out your files (both paper and digital): Ask yourself whether or not those documents will be relevant to your work in the coming year
Supplies and equipment: Only keep what you use on a regular basis at your desk or work space – then store the “extras” in a cabinet or closet.
Multimedia: To save space, remove CDs and DVDs from their jewel cases and store them in file folders with self-adhesive CD/DVD pockets.
Blank stationery items: Neatly stored in either stacking trays or a document sorter.
To-do’s: Set up a desk file sorter or hanging files with categories for each type of action – “to call,” “to pay,” “to file,” “to read,” etc.

What’s your trick to tame the clutter?

Time Management

When you’re a mom, you’re not just in charge of your own schedule. (Wouldn’t that be nice?!) Rather, you need to make sure everyone in the family gets to where they need to be when they need to be there. School, lessons, games, clubs, playdates? That’s on you, mom. These tips will help you keep your schedule as manageable as possible.

Set up a family calendar: get into the habit of putting everyone’s engagements in ONE place
Get on the same page: make time to go over upcoming commitments with the whole family (or your spouse if the kids are little)
Get ready the night before: put everything in one place so you’re ready to get out the door

How do you manage your family’s schedule?

Grow Your Business or Blog in 2011

These easy steps could easily apply to personal or family goals, but I find that as this year ends I’m really thinking about The Shopping Mama and the direction it will take in the new year. I know the general direction and goals for the blog, but I think it’s important to write down my goals for 2011 so I can keep myself in check.

Re-evaluate 2010 and what could be improved upon
Write down your new goals for 2011
Plan and dedicate time in your calendar to work towards new goals
Check-in at scheduled intervals to track your progress

What are your personal or professional goals for 2011?

Organize! You can find more great tips and lots of organization resources at the SMEAD Organomics community as well as many products to help useful products by SMEAD. The Club Organomics Facebook page also has lots of great info to help you start 2011 well organized.

This is a compensated post. As always, opinions are my own.

After Christmas Deals on Holiday Necessities

by Kate on December 27th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Shopping

My husband is away. He’s very far away on a 365 military deployment.

Nonetheless, he knows exactly what I did yesterday. I went shopping.

I always get up at the crack of dawn and go shopping the day after Christmas. I just can’t resist getting my holiday necessities at 50% off, or better! In addition to going to Target and Williams-Sonoma for decorating and baking items, I go wherever my mood strikes. I’ve found amazing deals at the outlets, the mall and a wonderful local bookstore. One year I went with two friends and we shopped from 6am until after 9pm. I’m not sure if I’m more proud or embarrassed of that.

But because my husband is away this year, I was not able to get up at the crack of dawn and shop like mad. I got up, fed the kids and got bags packed to be away from the house. So, at 10:30 am we finally headed out the door and, you guessed it, after Target and Williams- Sonoma, the kids were done with shopping. What’s a girl to do? Go online where the deals are plentiful.

Here are some of my favorite things to include in next year’s holiday celebrations at nowhere near full price:

Kate Spade Jingle Bell Ring ($45, reg. $65)

Crate & Barrel Fiona Red Multi Stocking ($10, reg. $25)

Pottery Barn Kids Hanukkah Tabletop Gift Set ($10, reg. $19)

Garnet Hill Holiday Rollneck Sweater ($24, reg. $48)

Happy Shopping!

Baby & Kid Products to Watch in 2011

by Kate on December 27th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Gear, Shopping

Every year brings new products and innovations for baby and children’s products. We are giving you the scoop on some of 2010′s best new baby products you may not have heard of yet as well as some products that aren’t even for sale yet. Now’s your chance to be the first in your playgroup to have the latest and greatest.

Boppy Flying Circus Play Gym

I had the pleasure of seeing the new Boppy SlideLine collection at the ABC Kids Expo in October. The collection currently features two floor play gyms for infants but will expand to include shopping cart liners and other functional gear for babies.

The Boppy Play Gym Flying Circus ($75) three-arch design allows easy access to baby, and the SlideLine feature means you can easily customize and move toys along the arches to customize play. The gym includes TEN circus-themed toys – quite a lot for a play gym of this size and price point. And, trust me when I tell you that in person this is as cute as you can possibly imagine.

Beaba Pixie Night Light

Oh, how I love the Pixie! Scandinavian Child continues to offer innovative French brand Beaba products that are functional, useful and completely modern. One of the newest products to join the Beaba family is the too cute Pixie Night Light. This rechargeable light is BPA-free and safety tested for use with young babies. In other words, your infant can cuddle the little pixie in her crib without worry. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to carry, it offers two brightness settings and has the cutest little pixie face.

My daughter has taken this to her crib, my 4 year old likes to leave it lit on his bedside table when he’s feeling afraid of the dark, and even my grandmother carried it like a lantern when she spent the night in our house for the first time the other night.

The Beaba Rechargeable Pixie Night Light and Lantern is $58.

KidCo Go-Pod

The makers of the Kidco PeaPod recently introduced the Go-Pod Portable Activity Seat ($50). Using some of the same technology as the PeaPod, the Go-Pod folds up into a compact and lightweight package perfect for travel. The Go-Pod is awesome for a modern on-the-go lifestyle and great way to keep baby contained and entertained when you’re out and about. There are even velcro loops to hold toys and drink and snack holders.

It’s a great alternative to bulkier activity seats for grandparent’s house. And how perfect would this be to keep baby happy at her big brother’s soccer game or on the family trip to the beach?

Bumbleride

At the 2010 ABC Kids Expo, Bumbleride didn’t unveil any new stroller models, but they did introduce new versions of the current luxury stroller line. The Movement Edition features a modern, sporty, clean lines that pay homage to the company’s southern California roots. Unlike the traditional two-tone Bumbleride, the Movement strollers are solid colors with contrasting piping and the result is an awesome look parents will love. In addition to a different look, they also have a different feel. The fabric is smoother and more water resistant than traditional Bumbleride fabric. The colors are Black (Flite pictured right) and Fog (grey with orange piping).

The Natural Edition includes a bamboo layer to improve breathability in the collection. The strollers will be available in Walnut and Navy. (The Indie, Bassinet and Queen B in Walnut pictured below.)

Bumbleride’s new stroller collections and colors should be available in the spring at slightly higher price points than the tradition model stroller.

Post-Christmas Sales on Kids Clothes

by Kate on December 26th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Shopping

It’s rather hard to think about spending money after the economic stimulus that was Christmas in my house, but it is a great time to take advantage of after Christmas sales to save big on kid’s clothes.

Hanna Andersson

The Hanna Andersson big big twice a year sale offers big savings on traditional winter clothes for kids. You can buy now with plenty of time to wear this season or order up for next year.

Love to Twirl Dress ($20)

Marshmallow Half Zip ($20), Opposite Stripe Loose Leggings ($12)

Big Stripe Beefy Tee ($15), Cruiser Pant with Double Knee ($25)

Click to shop the Hanna big big sale.

Tea Collection

The Super Semi-Annual Sale offers up to 50% off Tea Collection favorites, including in season clothes.

Secession Floral Dress ($29.50, reg. $45)

Aurelia 6-piece set ($104.50, reg. $129)

Zizi Yoke Dress ($16.50, reg. $29)

Old Land Button Up Shirt ($24.50, reg. $49)

Hickory Stripe Cargo Pant ($19.50, reg. $49)

Click to shop the Tea Collection semi-annual sale.

The Gymboree Stores

Crazy 8 Semi-Annual Sale. Save up to 60% off original prices, including accessories $1.99 and up, Tees and Polos $2.99 and up and Pajamas from $6.99. Plus, earn $20 Crazy Cash on purchase for every $40 you spend.

Gymboree’s Big Red Balloon Semi-Annual Sale. Save up to 70% off original prices, including Sweaters for $15 and Fleeces for $12. Plus earn $25 in Gymbucks for every $50 you spend.

Janie & Jack Season Finale Sale.

Livie + Luca

Now is a great time to stock up on leather shoes from Livie + Luca – the year end sale offers shoes for 50% off! Use code 50off2010 at checkout.

Ruche Navy & Boone Navy ($22.75, reg. $45.50)

Cadet Boot Caramel & Holland Boot Brown ($23.75, reg. $47.5)

Click to shop the Livie + Luca sale.

Happy Shopping!

Merry Christmas!

by Kate on December 25th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Life

Thank you for an amazing year! We are so grateful and honored that you take time to read The Shopping Mama. It’s been an awesome year because of all of you. Best wishes for a bright and beautiful new year.

Love,

Kate, Amy, Monica, Malia & Shannon

Have you Elf’ed Yourself?

by Kate on December 24th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Life

I’m sure the answer is a resounding “YES” since I’m pretty sure I’m the last person on earth to try it. But, better late than never. In case you’re not familiar, you go to http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/ and upload photos of people you wan to turn into an “elf”. Then you pick a dance style and watch the magic unfold. It’s seriously adorable and hysterical. My kids and I spent an hour watching our little elf selves dance and sing Christmas songs. There are several different versions and we made every single one.

And this one’s for you… Enjoy!

If you haven’t yet, go Elf Yourself!

The SWAGG App: Organize and Gift Gift Cards with your Smart Phone

by Kate on December 24th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Shopping

Is your wallet overloaded with half-spent gift cards and loyalty cards? I know mine is! SWAGG maintains all the info for those plastic cards in one place: my iPhone (or DROID phone). And best of all? It’s FREE. Oh, and given that Christmas is tomorrow. It’s also worth mentioning that you can purchase and send gift cards via the SWAGG app. So if you just realized you forgot to pick up something for your brother-in-law, SWAGG has you covered.

What is SWAGG?

Swagg is a free mobile app (download here: http://bit.ly/theSWAGGapp) for iPhones and DROIDS that lets you shop smarter using your mobile phone. Buy, send or swap SWAGG GIFTS and organize your old school plastic gift cards. Get offers for the things you want. When you’re in a store and ready to pay, just show SWAGG on your phone at checkout.

Why You Should Download SWAGG Now

1. SWAGG is pretty cool. Listen, I have enough cards and plastic cards taking up space in my wallet. And, frankly, I have a tendency to lose gift cards or leave them at home. With SWAGG, all my card information in stored on my phone and in the app. You don’t need to remember your card and dig through your wallet to track it down. Instead, you just show your phone at checkout and it works just like a gift card would. I’m planning hoping to get a gift card or two for Christmas that I can store on my SWAGG to make post-Christmas sale shopping easy peasy.

2. You’ll be giving to a good cause: Stand Up To Cancer. SWAGG will donate $1 to SU2C, up to a total of $125,000, for every download through December 31, 2011. If you’re not familiar with it, SU2C is a pretty amazing non-profit that launched in 2008 and funds cancer research. The entertainment industry has become very involved, and you may have seen the star-studded telethon back in September — it raised $80 million, which went to accelerate ground-breaking research. So, yes, you donate a FREE app and they donate to a great cause. Win-win.

3. You can win a $4,000 trip for two to the Sundance Film Festival — The Ultimate SWAGG Getaway Sweepstakes. This is an ah-mazing prize.and if you win this awesome trip for you, you simply must take me. Okay? Okay.

Clever Girls Collective and SWAGG are sending a lucky pair of movie fans to the Sundance Film Festival! The prize includes:

2 night/3 day stay at Yarrow Hotel in Park City Utah (Jan 21 – Jan 23, 2011)
Ground transportation to and from hotel to airport in Park City, Utah
Dinner for two at Tao Lounge, including 2 nightclub passes
All access to The House of SWAGG Gifting Suite
2 tickets to a movie premiere on Saturday, January 22nd — movie tbd
$4,000 value

See? I told you it’s an amazing prize! So go enter.

Download Drive

SWAGG has a goal of getting 125,000 people to download the SWAGG App (and thereby donating $125,000 to SU2C!) by December 31. Now, if there wasn’t already enough reason to download SWAGG, here’s one more. The blog that gets the most comments indicating people have downloading SWAGG will get a $100 SWAGG credit giveaway. So, here’s how it works. You download, you comment “I downloaded SWAGG”, we get the most comments and The Shopping Mama hosts a $100 giveaway for you. Yay!

Plus, if you download the app and leave a comment here saying “I downloaded SWAGG”, you can leave that same comment as a bonus entry on every single giveaway on The Shopping Mama between now and December 31. This free app is already paying for itself.

Download! Head to the SWAGG App and download now for FREE. And, of course, leave a comment so we know you did. Happy way-more-organized shopping!

I was selected to be a SWAGG Brand Ambassador by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. This is a compensated program, but all of the opinions I share are my own.