Joli Bebe Organic giveaway
Just in time for the holidays - a nice holiday gift, or keep it for yourself! One lucky winner from Mommies with Style will receive a gift set from Joli Bebe Organic. It's retail value is over $92.00 - items in the gift set include:
Organic Hooded Bath Towel in Green Grass
Organic Hooded baby blanket in Green Grass
Organic Cloth Diaper in Green Grass 0-12 mo
Organic bodysuit in Green Grass with Natural stitch 6-12 mo
Joli Bebe signature organic bear hat in natural
Joli Bebe Organic gift certificate good for 20% off any purchase of $50.00 or more.
Joli Bebe Organic has been outfitting hip tots in stylish organic apparel since 2005. Bringing comfort, style, and conservation to organic baby clothes, your baby will experience pure organic luxury wrapped in Joli Bebe Organic gear.
To enter, simply subscribe to the Mommies with Style weekly newsletter. If you're already a subscribed member, sit back and cross your fingers as you're already entered. This giveaway will run for a week and end at the end of the day, Monday, December 8th. One winner will be selected at random after that time.
Advertorial: The Fine Art of Family
The following is a paid Advertorial from the Fine Art of Family:
Think back to your favorite gift. It was likely not the most expensive or extravagant. Chances are it was personal and heartfelt like a photo of a loved one. Thatʼs the concept behind The Fine Art of Family, a collection of modern-day heirlooms created by professional photographer and designer Monica Rich Kosann.
The Fine Art of Familyʼs new Gifts section showcases distinctive Sterling Silver pieces that help us cherish the memories of our family and friends. Organized by gifts For Him, For Her and For Home, the site makes it easy to find a thoughtful gift for parents, husbands, and friends.
The site also features gorgeous vintage-inspired lockets and photo bracelets crafted in Sterling Silver and 18K Gold to keep those precious little faces close to your heart.
They are offering free ground shipping for the holidays. Enter MWS12 and you can receive free Express Shipping through Dec. 21.
Mommies with Style Top Holiday Picks for the season
You've probably been noticing this little button at the end of some of our posts recently. We've compiled a list of favorite products and gift ideas into a Mommies with Style Top Holiday Picks special. Stumped for a gift idea this year?
Check out our Top Picks, which we will continue to add to for the next few weeks. We have several ideas (with coupons) compiled for you here.
Continue reading "Mommies with Style Top Holiday Picks for the season" »
New From Mabel's Labels & Cyber Monday Deal!
Mabel's Labels , my favorite label making company, has done it again. Our favorite source of personalized labels is offerring two new products that are a must-have in this holiday season.
First up, their holiday gift tags. Personalized with your kids/family/etc names. Who does not need these? Think of the teacher gifts, the mailman, your hairdresser, and all the family and friends that you are wrapping up a little something for. Think how much better those gifts would look and how much faster you'd be done with them if you could slap on one of these attractive labels. They come in multi-design packs of x. Assign a different color to different family members and make it easy to keep track of who each present is intended for.
Also new to the Mabelhood are these awesome Mommy Cards. With all the class parties and concerts I have been (and will be) attending, these are a fabulous boon. I always feel a little odd about passing out my business cards at school events and if I did not have a business, I probably would be scribbling my phone number on the back of a Vons/Safeway receipt (in red crayon - style points). But thanks to Mabel's Labels, I now have some really cute mommy cards, ready to hand out at a moment's notice.
Mabel's labels is having a huge (their first ever) Cyber Monday Sale with up to 50% off on select products and Mabel Moolah - spend $60 before the holidays and get back $25 to use in the New Year. So click on over quick and put your name on it!
November 30, 2008
Silver and Sweet and everything neat, that's what little girls are in need of!
Yes, I changed the poem. Because little girls may be full of sugar and spice, but for a new-baby gift no one is asking for a box of cookies. Rather, send something silver and sweet like a baby bracelet from Emmie Kate. The beautiful gifts from Emmie Kate include this tiny little bracelet, sized perfectly for a baby's tiny wrist. Gifters will enjoy the variety of styles available, including many that are personalized.
November 29, 2008
Congrats to our PaperShouts winner
Congratulations to Elizabeth C. from NC for winning last month's PaperShouts giveaway!
Grammy's gift
Shhh. Don't tell her. (I really hope she's not reading.) I just have to share what the kids' grammy will be receiving this holiday. Its a woven blanket that is so soft to cuddle with, complete with one of my absolute favorite photo of the boys' from this year. I know she'll love it--what Grammy wouldn't love to drape a blanket of her beloved grandchildren over her while paging through her latest read or catching up on her shows this winter?
Ordering was simple. After I selected which blanket I wanted, uploaded the image straight from my computer (it was faster than uploading to Photobucket or blogger) and was done. I included a note because my image was one I had doctored by running an autofix. My note mentioned to please contact me if it appeared blurry. Clearly, I didn't want a blurry image on Grammy's blanket! As it turned out, the image was too small. Not only did I receive an e-mail alerting me to this, but Jim called me to discuss. The customer service was fantastic. Once I obtained a better image, I sent it to him, then called to let him know. Within minutes he let me know that this image would work. LOVE great customer service, especially this time of year.
Grammy lives in central Pennsylvania, so it was very logical to order a heavier, woven blanket for her. There were two other blanket options: knitted or fleece. I haven't seen the knitted, but the sample I received of the fleece is a very soft, thin fleece, a lighter weight than the woven, and perfect for warmer climates. I can imagine using it as a picnic blanket, or keeping warm during a nighttime football game. The woven blanket is made from 100% cotton wool (over 4 miles of it!) and has fringe surrounding it. Its not silkscreened, its actually woven into the blanket. (That's one of those "I have no idea how they do that things.")
Order by December 7 for guaranteed holiday delivery. Use code shipping26 for free shipping.
November 28, 2008
There's a BETTER way to store your diapers, wipes, and more!
Since I have been toting around kids (circa 2004) I have been on the lookout for great products to keep me organized and looking good while outside the house. One of my latest finds and favorite new products is the buti-bag Bundle.
This cleverly organized, yet gorgeous-looking organizer bag is perfect for so many reasons. It rolls-up to keep your items neat and organized. With plenty of room to hold your diaper essentials, yet flexible enough to roll-up and fit in your bag, it's the perfect accessory. You can place it inside your bag, use the clip to attach it to your bag or stroller, attach the handle to your wrist, or you can hang it on a door knob while changing to keep it off gross changing stations. With multiple pockets, a soft and fuzzy water-repellent lining, and removable handle, you can take it anywhere.
Use it as a quick-trip bag, as a "mom-kit" to keep in your car for first-aid or other essentials, or use it as a travel toiletry kit or cosmetic organizer, so it makes a great gift your your babysitter, sister, girlfriend, etc. It comes in a number of beautiful designer patterns to fit anyone's style.
The buti-bag company makes a number of other innovative and stylish products, too. Check out the bi-o-pad, a very unique cart and changing station cover. The best part about this pad is that it rolls up snug to fit in your bag. This is one of the main reasons I stopped using my big, bulky cart/high-chair cover -- constantly opening up my trunk and untangling it was a pain. Using the bi-o-pad with my 17-month old is simple for me and comfortable for him. The bi-o-pad is incredibly soft, so he enjoys sitting longer, and it is also moisture-resistant. It comes in a number of chic patterns, too.
While you are browsing the buti-bag company's website, make sure you also check out the adorable "binkmeister" pacifier clips, stylish key wristlets, gorgeous bibs and burpies, and environmentally-friendly, Phthalate-free "pods" to hold and keep your baby wipes moist!
Enjoy these amazing products with a 20% discount this holiday season. Use code xmas20 to take advantage of this great code!
Swaddle me smart
I'm always in awe of those of you who can swaddle with just a plain ole receiving blanket. I have never mastered that talent. So I'm very excited to have the Merino Kids Coocoi Baby Swaddle to use for my third child.
The first thing that sets it apart from other swaddlers is the material. It's made of 100 percent uber-soft non-allergenic New Zealand merino wool. The natural fabric helps regulate body temperature and air flow, which is especially important if you live in warmer climates but still want your baby snuggly swaddled. It's also safe to use for those babies with sensitive skin and is machine washable.
What's also cool about the Coocoi Baby Swaddle is it's compatible with strollers and car seats. It has an opening in the back through which you can thread the center strap. Then you put in your baby, buckle him, and wrap the swaddle around.
The Merino Kids Coocoi Baby Swaddle fits most babies up to three months.
MWS readers can enter code 5KGHOYQD at checkout to get $10 off.
BookSwim: Netflix for readers, a top holiday gift pick
When I heard about BookSwim, my first thought was, "now why didn't I think of that?" I'm an avid reader, so of course I can appreciate the idea of a Netlix system for books, which is what BookSwim is.
Join their service and select one of their various plans - the Devout Reader allows you to have 11 books at a time for $39.94 a month, down to the Light Reader, allowing you 3 books at a time for $19.98 ($9.95 the first month). I signed up as a Light Reader - even though I think I read a lot for a Mom, there's no way I'd need more than 3 books at any given time (you can hold one as books ship back and forth).
So I think this system is just beautiful. Sure, in an ideal world I'd be off at the library renting my books for free, but the bottom line is that I just don't get there with so many other things on my plate. Having my books arrive at my doorstop is half the reason I spend so much money on Amazon so regularly. And it's nice to have something to do with the books when I'm done - to send them back and know someone else will be reading them!
When you're done with your book or books, you ship them back with free return postage. No late fees, no due dates and unlimited reads - just get reading and shipping.
This is one of my top picks for the holidays. Use coupon code 41X2AB5 to receive $5 off any gift card purchase of $25 or more on BookSwim.
And, join yourself first and here's a nice little Black Friday Deal bonus - follow this link, gift someone with that gift card and you'll receive a $20 credit towards your own account.
November 27, 2008
Heard at the grocery store: "Check out your bag!"
I'm so the faux! Went to the grocery store today and ran into several friends. And everyone exclaimed "wow! Look at your bags!" and "aren't you you the chic green shopper?" (seriously, one said that!) Of course, I laughed. Sure, I looked chic. Only because my outside reusable grocery bag, a bag from Chic Green Bags, was holding all my regular grocery bags... the ones with the store logos all over them.
Chic Green Bags, besides being chic (check out their over 20 fabric choices) are lined in a water resistant, wipable fabric and are fully machine washable. They're also durable with heavy duty straps, large enough for slinging over your shoulder. And while they're large enough for groceries, they also work well, and look chic enough, to bring to the mall so that you aren't using a plastic or paper bag there either.
Yes, of course I planned it. I mean, would you really hide a beautiful bag inside a $.99 one?
November 26, 2008
Congrats to our KooKeys & Tracksters winners
Congratulations to Laura S. from IN, Jessica from British Columbia and and Noreen from WA for each winning a KooKey and Trackster die-cast car!
Halo Early Walker and Big Kid SleepSacks: Safe Snuggling
Halo SleepSacks™ are ideal for babies to sleep with safely. We used them when both my children were babies and put them to sleep on their backs. But what do you do when your child is an early walker or a older child, but still isn't ready for traditional blankets? You move up to Halo's Early Walker SleepSacks for babies and the Big Kid Sleep Sacks for children ages 2-5! All Halo SleepSacks are sleeveless, machine washable and flame retardant.
My daughter is almost 11 months old and very active. I was so happy that Halo now offers the Early Walker SleepSacks™ ($26.95) because my little girl stands in her crib. The days of placing her on her back and having her stay there are long over. Her room gets cold and I wasn't comfortable with giving her a blanket yet. The Early Walker SleepSacks has foot openings, which let her have the freedom to move around and easily fits over her fleece footie pajamas. It comes in large (12 -18 months) and extra large (18-24 months). She's 11 months now, and wearing the large size SleepSack. I'm thrilled that she's warmer at night. The Early Walker SleepSacks are available in micro fleece.
My 3 year old son loves sleeping with a couple of small blankets on his toddler bed. But every night, his
blankets end up on the floor and he gets cold. I also still don't feel comfortable putting a comforter on his bed. With the Micro-Fleece Big Kid's SleepSack™ Wearable Blanket ($29.95), he's warm. He loves wearing it because it is so soft and cuddly. The zipper is inverted on top and zips from top to bottom, so my mischievous child can't unzip it. When he gets a little bigger and is fully potty trained, he'll be able to easily take it off himself. My son is in the 2T to 3T size, which is for kids 34" to 40" inches tall and 25-40 pounds. He's on the tall and skinny side and the 2T-3T size was perfectly sized for him. The 4T-5T size is for children 40" to 46" inches tall and 30 to 50 pounds. The Big Kid SleepSack is only available in micro fleece right now, but a lighter weight fabric will be on sale soon.
Halo SleepSacks are widely available.
November 25, 2008
Rock Me Baby Records Christmas CD for kids
Rock Me Baby Records "A Child’s Christmas - Holiday Songs & Carols" is a great CD of music for the holiday season. These songs are arranged and produced with the whole family in mind (i.e. the songs are fun for the kids!)
Listen to audio clips of Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Merry Christmas Greeting and the Little Drummer Boy. It's $13.99 with free shipping on their website.
And good news - we have 5 copies to giveaway! If you'd like to win one of these CDs for the holidays, just enter by leaving a comment in this post. What's your favorite Christmas song? (If you had to pick just one!) Be sure to include your email address. This contest will end Tuesday, December 2nd and the winners will be contacted after the fact.
To Grandmas House We Go... With Pop a Tot!
I have an extremely active 8 month old in the house. He's a doll baby but he's into EVERYTHING at the moment and thus the thought of walking out the door with him causes us to pause. Because whether it's Grandma's house, a soccer game, or his sister's ballet classes & holiday concerts, we're often at a loss as to where we can put him down. He's not so happy to just sit in a stroller and he can't be contained on a blanket. It's a serious issue!
We've even been so desperate as to cram an exer-saucer in the car before attempting dinner at my mom's house.
And then we found Pop a Tot! I can't wait to take it with me to my older son's preschool thanksgiving party! I might even be able to take pictures this time.
This device is just brilliant. Folded up and in its own carrying case it looks like a regular lightweight, portable beach chair. But open her up and you've got a perfect spot...to pop your tot! There are toy attachment and snack cups so baby will be happy to sit/stand and play for a while.
Having the Pop a Tot on hand seriously expands our horizons. I'm thinking beach, park, and more.
Mommies With Style, before you head off to Grandma's for the holidays, get yourself a Pop a Tot! They are on sale for $10 off with free shipping through the holidays.
Julie's November Movie & CD round-up
A few highlights for the season and beyond:
Professor Pocket: Like Signing Time did with ASL, Professor Pocket is introducing my children to the Spanish language. Geared for kids age 2 and up, their CD collection playfully teaches children Spanish through song and conversation. Led by adults, children join in singing songs in Spanish. There's a bilingual mix of Spanish and English that helps with meanings. And the toe-tapping catchy songs are soon sung out loud by listeners--in carseats and in passenger seats. Pick up Our Silly Farm Adventures which includes songs like "La La La La Leche" (Milk) and "I Am Hungry! I Am Thirsty! Tengo Hambre! Tengo Sed! or the newly released 2nd CD, Our Hawaiian Hula Adventure." Use code MWS2008 for free shipping.
Lights: Celebrate Hanukkah Live in Concert: I'm listening to this one right now. Its a great collaboration of Hanukkah stories and songs. Some rock, some jazz, some traditional. Love Mare Winninghams's Convert Song and Holy Ground by Craig Taubman and BodyTraffic. But the whole CD is wonderful, and its so nice to have a beautiful CD with Hanukkah music to mix in with the Chrismas music that floods the airwaves. Found it on sale at Barnes and Noble.
Liberty Kids: The Complete Series. I've always been fascinated by the stories of the Independence of our nation. And now I can share them with my children in this kid-friendly series of 40 episodes featuring the revolution through the eyes of kids working in Benjamin Franklin's workshop. In addition to the stories of the amazing time for our country, its so fun to listen to the voices that comprise the cast. Just a few of this star-studded cast include Arnold Schwarzeneger as Baron von Steuben, Sylvester Stallone as Paul Revere and Billy Crystal as John Adams. I found aYou Tube preview here. Originally broadcast in 2002, this series is enjoyed by school aged kids (and a few parents and teachers!)
Loquat Rooftop: Randy Kaplan brings a twangy, southern feel to several classic songs (including Tomorrow, which I played again and again, reliving Annie dreams, and Charlie Brown) and lots of originals (No Nothing was a huge favorite in our car and has been referred to and resung often.) With a mix of folk and alternative, and a little bit of pop ("Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow...") this is a CD I'm certain will be played for quite some time. Buy it or download the album.
Re-released today from its 1961 debut, Misty is the story based on the Newbery Honor Award-winning novel, "Misty of Chincoteague" by Marguerite Henry. A story of adventure and horses(!), this movie celebrates freedom, nature, family and friendship. Should be on every horse-lover's list this winter.
Also re-released today, Sounder tells the story of an African-American share cropping family. When Nathan Lee Morgan is found stealing food to support his family, he is arrested and his wife and children are left to suffer through poverty and prejudice in the deep south. An excellent historical fiction story, the focus revolves around the young son, his dog, and the family's strength through misfortune.
Four toys in one: Dark Knight Battle Stations Playset
Santa may be bringing my oldest the Dark Knight Battle Stations Playset this Christmas.
I liked this toy because its four toys in one depending on how they transform it. It comes with a Batman and Joker and looks like the Batmobile. It can transform into four different places: a skyscraper, Joker's Hideout, a bank and a Gotham City rooftop.
It retails for $44.99, you can buy it on Amazon for $42.76 (5% off)
November 24, 2008
It’s holiday card time again...
I think I just finished addressing last year’s holiday cards. This year I am using Brella Baby for my cards. They offer the whole stationery package and I really am liking their clean modern designs. I ordered holiday cards and nice pre-printed gift tags. Yes, I am too lazy to write my own name. Believe me, it does save time when ensconced in wrapping madness. As a bonus it looks so nice and neat on my packages. And since 'tis the season of giving, for myself, I ordered some nice personalized note cards.
It’s a great time to stock up on all your stationery needs. Currently, Brella Baby is offering 50% off all matte stationery designs. As for your holiday cards, use code “mommieswithstyle” to receive 15% off your order.
