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Etsy Gift Cards are Here!

by Amy on October 26th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

I am beyond pleased that Etsy has launched their gift card capability! While I do love spending hours finding the perfect handmade gift for everyone one my list, I absolutely adore the idea of letting friends and family choose their own handmade gift. (Not to mention the time saved!)

Etsy has made purchasing a gift card very simple. There’s a short form to fill out where you can customize the look of your card, designate a printable gift card or email delivery, and choose your amount. You can find the form on Etsy here.

An Etsy gift card is a unique (and super easy) gift for the hard-to-buy-for person on your list. As a bonus, purchase an Etsy gift card before November 14 and you’ll be entered to win a $250 gift card.

Happy {handmade} shopping!

 

 

Ding, Dong DIAPER Ditch! #PAMPERed

by Kate on October 24th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Life

As a member of the Pampers Baby Board I get to participate in some pretty amazing opportunities. Hello, meeting Eli Manning in New York City! But it’s the smaller things that really speak to what Pampers is all about, and the Ding, Dong, Diaper Ditch mission is a perfect example of that. Inspired by this post on Happy Home Fairy, Pampers invited us to surprise a friend with diapers.

We put together a cute stack of diapers with a little toy on top to surprise a neighbor who is expecting a baby boy in December. We also included a little card explainingg the “Ding Dong Diaper Ditch” and some Pampers coupons so the family can re-stock on diapers and wipes when baby arrives.

Mission: Ring and Run!

The big kids were begging to be a part of the Ding, Dong, Diaper Ditch mission. They were so excited!

Place the pretty diapers… Ring the Doorbell…
… And RUN!

We made it one house down the street before our friend opened the door, looked down the street… and totally saw us. Turns out my kids are not good at ringing and running. Which is probably a good thing.

So we didn’t make a clean escape, who cares? We had so much fun surprising our neighbors and they were very appreciative. As the expecting mama said, “You can never have too many diapers when a baby’s in the house!”

Thanks to Pampers for providing us coupons to share the love.

Review: Guy & Eva Summer Solstice Collection

by Laura on July 5th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  For Mama, Reviews

I’m a lady who is a sucker for a good statement necklace.  Now that I’m a mom, I usually have to sneak that necklace into my purse, put it on after my son gets dropped off at daycare, and then remember to take it off before I pick him up, but I still love a nice bold piece of jewelry that really makes an outfit pop.  Whether it’s color, or size, or a unique embellishment, I just can’t get enough of them.  Guy & Eva’s new Summer Solstice Collection offers some great statement pieces as well as some perfectly coordinated bracelets and earrings that will complete your summer vacation wardrobe.

About Guy & Eva

Guy & Eva was founded to serve its consultants and help them find success. As a former sales consultant himself, CEO Daniel Choi was inspired to start an organization based on honesty, transparency, and good-old fashioned work. We believe our Style Advisors are the very best thing about Guy & Eva, and as we grow, they continue to shape and define our company.

How did a former high school football player get into jewelry? In a word, his wife, Gina – who showed Daniel that jewelry wasn’t just an afterthought – it could make the entire outfit! Fueled by Gina’s passion for accessorizing, Daniel was inspired to create a fresh, dynamic and accessible collection of jewelry that would become the exclamation point on a modern woman’s outfit.

Versatile, colorful, and…sparkly!

I was very happy to open an envelope from Guy & Eva to find the Carrie necklace.  The color orange is a bit of a reach for me, but the subtle gold and rhinestone accents do a surprisingly good job of toning it down and adding a bit of panache to the piece.  I’ve worn it with a maxi dress for a night out with the husband and also with an unadorned work dress to add a detail to my look.  From beach to boardroom, this necklace can do it all.

The collection seems to be divided into three “sets” of jewelry that coordinate with each other.  The brights includes the Carrie, as well as other items in bright pink and orange hues that really pop.  The second set includes a pair of earings and a pendant necklace that both have oceanic-colored jewel elements.  And the third takes a more elegant approach with tones of white, gold, and very light pink.  Each set makes use of unique, statement-making materials.  They look easy but eye-catching.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… If you are looking for something fun for summer that won’t go out of style even after Labor Day, this is the collection for you!  It’s only available for a little while longer, so snatch up your favorite pieces ASAP.

Or Not to Buy… The prices are not H&M jewelry prices, but then again, they probably won’t fall apart after two or three uses like your favorite H&M necklace did.  They look well put together and worth the extra dough.

Shop! The Solstice Collection is available at the Guy & Eva website or through your local Guy & Eva Style Advisor.

Thanks to Guy & Eva for providing a sample.

Mother’s Day Shopping Guide 2012 {$100 Giveaway}

by Kate on April 29th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways, Shopping

We’re excited to unveil our 2012 Mother’s Day Shopping Guide. We have curated an awesome collection of great gifts for moms that we would be proud to give and delighted to receive.

From jewelry to books to candy to trees, we have something for everyone. And with prices ranging from free to more than $250, we’ve got ideas in your budget.

We know the realities of Mother’s Day so we want to guarantee that one of our favorite people (that’s you: our readers) gets something on her Mother’s Day wish list. To make that happen, we’re giving away some cash!

Win! $100 to Shop for Yourself for Mother’s Day!

How to Enter: Visit the Mother’s Day Shopping Guide and tell us your favorite find.

Earn Extra Entries - Valid only after checking out the Shopping Guide. Leave a comment for each you do.

  • Share the Mother’s Day Shopping Guide on Facebook or Twitter. You may do this every day. Tag us and a link to let us know you did.
    Looking for Mother’s Day gift ideas? Check out The Shopping Mama’s Mother’s Day Shopping Guide: http://bit.ly/MamasShoppingGuide
  • Pin your favorite gift idea from the Shopping Guide on Pinterest. You may share as many gifts from the 2012 Guide as you like (linking to the Guide, not the product site). Leave your Pin link to let us know what you think is Pin-worthy.

Giveaway ends May 13. Open worldwide.

{handmade} Valentine’s Day

by Amy on January 18th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

Love is in the air! Here are some of my favorite picks for Valentine’s Day 2012…

Printable Valentines by Jackpot Designs

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LOVE shirt by KIDDY UP

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Mini Candy Bar Wrapper Printables by Love the Day 

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Personalized Hoop Art by Anna Hailey

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Valentine’s Day Onesies by Antsy Pants

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Edible Cupcake Minis by Sweet Lavender Bake Shoppe

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Spread the love.
Happy {handmade} Valentine’s Day!!

Lille Hooded Towel and Everyday Luxury Blanket {Review}

by Malia on January 12th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Baby, Reviews

A few months ago Kate shared how much we love the new Lille line from the awesome Bebe au Lait (known for their gorgeous breastfeeding covers) and the Quib with our ABC Kids Expo Kitchen Finds post. With the birth of Baby Kate, I’ve had the opportunity to check out the the Lille Hooded Towel and Everyday Luxury Blanket and they are great! The Lille prints are so cute but not cutesy. I love that. I now have two more go to baby shower gifts.

Lille Hooded Towel

The Lille Hooded Towel is the perfect size to snuggle up little girl after her bath and she loves the soft 100% cotton terry (I know this because she screams when I unwrap her). I love that the towel is large enough to really wrap her up and will still be big enough when she’s a toddler, but it’s not as big and bulky as an adult sized towel. The Fishies Girl print adds a girly touch to the trim and hood and I have to say baby Kate looks pretty darn adorable.

Lille Everyday Luxury Blanket

 

 The Lille Everyday Luxury Blanket is a super soft velour with 100% cotton trim (here in Cityscape Girl). We really do use it everyday, or every day we leave the house anyway. We never head out the door without this soft blanket tucked around baby Kate and it makes a great spot to practice tummy time or snuggle with big brother (above). The blanket is 28″ by 36″ so it’s big enough to snuggle up with, but doesn’t take up too much space. I imagine it will be the perfect size to drag around the house as her favorite lovey in a year or two.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… All the Lille products are beautiful and of high quality. They make great gifts or beautiful purchases for your child. I could see decorating a child’s bathroom to coordinate with a set of hooded towels.

Or Not to Buy… The Lille line is not bargain bin priced, but you get what you pay for and the quality is outstanding.

Shop! The Lille Hooded Towel is available for $40 and the Lille Everyday Luxury Blanket is $45. Both are available in one of six vivid prints.

Thanks to Bebe au Lait for the sample products. Opinions are my own.

Holiday Gifts for the Stylish Mom

by Kate on December 13th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Blog, Fashion & Beauty, Shopping

I’ve done some serious research (i.e. consulted my holiday wish list) to compile a great assortment of gifts for the wanna-be stylish mom like me. Actually, you don’t have to be a mom to appreciate any of these finds, and they are all guaranteed to make the recipient smile. You may notice these are all accessories that even a giant pregnant woman can enjoy which means you don’t need to know any particular size for ordering.

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Fresh Sugar Duo ($22.50): I’ve been obsessed with my Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Plum and need a restock. This duo package is a great deal for fancy chap sticks. The Lip Treatment feels great and the color is subtle so it compliments every skin tone.

Fabric Rosette Necklace ($18): Take a tee and jeans from drab to fab with the simple addition of a fabric rosette necklace. We love this look because it’s handmade but preppy and a simple way to add color to an outfit. We like the necklaces from Jillian Audrey Designs.

Cha Cha Cha Bracelet from lia sophia ($130): I may or may not be sharing this because I’m obsessed with it and I’m hoping my husband is taking note. (Did you get that, dear?) It’s bold, makes a statement and goes with anything. Wear it to dress up denim or with a dress for an evening on the town.

Infinity Scarf ($58): Day to day life of a mom requires simple style and a scarf can add a lot to an outfit with very little effort, especially an infinity scarf that you don’t have to tie. We love this Stripe Knit Scarf from Splendid.

Bowtied Leather Gloves ($98): Love these practical and girly leather gloves from Anthropologie. The little bow tie adds just the right amount of unique flair to make the gloves something special. The gloves are lined with wool so they’ll keep your hands warm and cozy.

timi & leslie Charlie Diaper Bag ($160): It’s just so… pretty. No one will know you’re carrying everything but the kitchen sink when you’re out and about with the kids. The convertible collection from timi & leslie features faux leather, lots of pockets for organizing and the stylish look that defies diaper bag-dom.

Kate Spade Thermos ($35): A morning fix of java may not be the most inherently stylish thing thing you do all day, so dress it up with some Kate Spade. We love this Thermos brand travel mug. And, hey, it’s an affordable way to give a very chic designer.

kate spade thermos

Happy Shopping!

Holiday Gift Ideas for “That” Mom

by Shannon on December 12th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Holiday, Shopping

I know that it is hard for others to buy for me, because I’m “that” mom. I’m the mom that will shop four different grocery stores to gather enough organic produce, meat without antibiotics and tomatoes in Tetra-paks to make a week’s worth of meals. I’m the mom that dresses her children in regular knits for bed because most children’s sleepwear is treated with flame-retardant chemicals. I’m the mom who avoids plastic.

Are you shopping for “that” mom? Stumped? Don’t be. The following are some awesome gifts for “that” mom.

To help avoid chemicals leaching into food at high temperatures, many are making the switch to Glass Food Storage Containers. These are available in your local retailers or online and come in a variety of styles and price ranges. Be careful to read the label when making a purchase – not all glass is created the same. Some glass is fine for the freezer, some is not. Make sure the glass you purchase suits how the recipient will use it.

Because glass, stainless steel and ceramic coated materials are the most chemically stable for cooking, cookware from these materials is a great gift. Again, lots of options in lots of stores, but how about this oh-so-adorable Ceramic Muffin Tin from Anthropologie?

As mentioned above, most children’s sleepwear is chemically treated with flame-retardants to meet government standards for flammability. As such, moms across the nation are seeking organic sleepwear or using daytime wear for pajamas. That’s all well and good until your preschool girl REALLY wants a beautiful night gown. So, I was thrilled almost to tears when I found Garnet Hill’s new Children’s Flannel Sleepwear. A Garnet Hill exclusive, this sleepwear is inherently flame-resistant and meets government requirements for sleepwear without chemical treatments.

All moms struggle to keep their floors clean. Moms of crawling babies worry about germs. “That” mom worries about yucky pesticides tracking into the home. So, how about a Shoes Off Sign & Bench for your entryway? The sign reminds family and lets visitors know to please remove their shoes. The bench provides a convenient place for doing so. Want extra brownie points? Get a bucket of “flip-flops” to place nearby for visitors who don’t want to go barefoot. Signs can be found on various internet sources, including Etsy.

Like many people, “that” mom is thinking of starting her own garden so that she has more control over her family’s food supply. Gardening Supplies are a great gift and will make her wish for spring. Consider garden hoses and reels, tools, and organic and heirloom seeds. We like the finds from Alice Supply Co and the Boston Warehouse watering can.

 

Did your her garden thrive? No. Well then, how about some supplies to aid shopping the local Farmer’s Market? Reusable Bags like this awesome Reisenthel Mother Child Tote will help her shop with the little one(s) in tow.

Reusable Produce Bags and Containers are also a great option. We like this set of five bags from flip + tumble.

See? Shopping for “that” mom is not hard.