I am totally obsessed with GroupOn. My friend Ruthie emailed me a daily deal from GroupOn with the qualifier that she was sure I’d heard of it. Well, I had not and shame on me. This is DA BOMB! Every day, they have a new, ridiculous deal. The catch is enough people have to buy it to qualify for the deal. I saw a mani/pedi for $25 (instead of $75) and other crazy good bargains. They have about 20 cities on the list so check and see if yours is there and get to saving!
Speaking of daily deals. BTrendie features a deal-of-the-day, too, just for moms or pregnant women. I wish I’d discovered this ages ago. They had a Quinny stroller for 40% off the other day. Seriously? If you do sign up, use this link and I might get a discount or something.
Pronouncing Baby Brands. Cool Mom Picks has a very handy guide on how to pronounce some of the big baby brand names. Think you know how to pronounce Robeez shoes? Or Medela? (Hint: it rhymes with tequila.) Think again!
When Kristie emailed me as part of our new “Find it for Me ‘Rean” feature, I was excited, then scared. She is looking for stylish, affordable vegan shoes. The stylish part was relatively easy — I knew Natalie Portman had just launched a line of vegan shoes — but the affordable part was a nightmare. Natalie’s shoes are like, $180+ — and that’s on sale! But I’m a redhead and I don’t give up that easily.
Kristie specifically requested pumps for work, sandals for summer and shoes for her little boy. Zappos has a vegan category but I wasn’t seeing a lot of cute pumps. I also searched Amazon for vegan shoes and DSW Shoe Warehouse (where I get most of my shoes). In addition to searching “vegan,” I looked for “canvas” and other non-leather, non-suede materials. Of course, I searched Etsy, too! I was starting to panic a little because most of the vegan shoes were crunchy, granola, canvas sneakers or flats. Nothing wrong with that, but I wanted to find Kristie some CUTE shoes. The kind that you want to run out and get a pedicure for.
Last, but certainly not least, let’s find some cute shoes for your little boy!
There’s a brand called Acorn Kids I found on Zappos. These might be a bit pricey but honestly, I’m not sure because I’ve never bought children’s shoes before! (Just starting to figure out infant shoes.) These little monster shoes are $36 and sooooo cute:
Tom’s says they’re going to have youth sizes coming in October. The pics are cute but no idea what they will cost.
Simple Kids makes vegan shoes for kids. These are $44.95 a pair. Is it just me or are kids shoes expensive? I guess there are always Crocs.
All right, Kristie, so how’d I do? I hope you find some shoes you love that fit your feet and your wallet! And because we picked your question, we are going to send you a $25 Amazon gift card to get you started.
Are you looking for something? A hard-to-find gift idea? Something for a new mom? A baby? Your best friend? Stumped for decorating ideas? Hey, this is a random blog so the more random the better! Send me an email at sherean at gmail dot com and put “Find it for me ‘Rean” in the subject line. If I can find it and use your question, I’ll send you a $25 Amazon gift card, too!
Sure you can just use cloth diapers or any old towel to catch that spit-up, but I wanted cute burp cloths. I figured if they were going to be laying around all over the house, they ought to match the decor. I found TONS of cute burp cloths on Etsy – just like the designer ones at the baby boutiques, only less-expensive, plus you’re buying directly from the mom who made them. I dug that.
Here are a few of my favorites (the photos are linked to the seller’s shops):
But some of my all-time favorites are the Monster Burp Cloths from Etsy shop Frank and Me. I think this design is hilarious and the cloths are super-soft (made of fleece). I also bought some of her little “swipers” (think booger-wiper or wash cloth) and a funny monster tooth fairy pillow for my monster-obsessed 4 year old nephew. (Big hit!) How cute are these? These would be great to stuff in a shower basket for the next non-traditional momma you know.
Those burp cloths are fast-becoming my son’s “lovey.” Here he is cuddled up with them the other night. Isn’t this sweet?
Just a reminder: these are all items I actually own. Nobody sent me anything to review. Everything I blab about is something I own, know someone who owns, or want to buy.
Do you keep a wish list on Amazon? I do. It’s a great way for me to keep track of things I’m interested in but don’t want to buy now. And it provides a handy cheat sheet for my in-laws when my birthday rolls around. But as much as I love Amazon, they don’t sell everything I love. (I do buy just about everything from them, including diapers and umbrellas!) What if I really want a darling little necklace from an Etsy seller? Wouldn’t it be great if I could add that to my Amazon wish list? Well, you can! Just use their Universal Wish List button. Drag and drop it into your web browser tool bar and any time you see something you like, simply click on the button and add it to your Amazon wish list. When your friends or family go shopping for you, they’ll see all your favorite things, including the ones that can’t be bought on Amazon.
UPDATE. Since I first posted this in June, some of you have told me about another great way to use Amazon’s wish lists: create wish lists for your children! That way, when birthday time or the holidays roll around, your friends and family will know what to buy. I know I’m always bugging my friends and relatives to give me a list of what their kids want. I love the moms who just send me a link, ya’ know? But a link to an entire wish list? Even better!
When my niece came for a visit last year, I bought her one of these Kid’s Busy Boxes. I love it! It’s an all-in-one craft kit, complete with different projects, and the materials to complete them! How awesome is this? It’s great for when you have the grandkids or nieces or nephews over, but it’s also great for your own kids. I mean, let’s face it, we’re not all Martha Stewart; some of us need a little help!
Kid’s Busy Boxes come out several times a year with different seasonal themes. They just released their Autumn Box. At a mere $21.99, this is a great gift idea! They also have other great theme boxes, like the Princess Fairy crafts, which I wish they’d had last year when my niece came for a visit. But no worries; she’ll be visiting again soon and I know what Aunt Sherean will have ready and waiting for her!
Just a reminder: nobody sent me this product to review. I bought it last year and am sharing my experiences with you. If anyone ever sends me anything to review, I’ll let you know.
Got a friend that’s particularly creative? You know the one that makes all her own holiday decorations and hand stamps her own fabric. (Can you even do that or did I just make that up?) I have several artsy girlfriends (Kemba, I’m talking to you!) and think a little Tools of the Trade gift basket is in order.
Let’s start with some cool Pantone mugs in the color of your choice ($14.99/ea). I love the clean lines and simplicity of these mugs.
Staying in the kitchen, you could add some salt and pepper mills ($25.13/ea from Amazon). Vesatee, these would look great in your new red/black kitchen:
And because most of my creative friends are really into typography, how about some typography soap ($20) from the fabulous online store Charles and Marie?
Scent of a Scandal has new fall scents out for their fabulous soy candles. Check out Suck It (blood orange) and Turning Tricks (candy corn), available through Halloween only.
I’m still trying to figure out what to do for my baby’s one year birthday celebration.He loves wheels and anything that spins. Maybe pinwheels? Do I have time to make these cute ones? Is that even considered a theme? Anybody have any ideas that don’t involve cars?
I need to exchange my Sigg water bottles.Have you heard the news? Turns out Sigg’s bottles had BPA in the liners (the newest bottles do not but older ones do). I was PISSED when I heard that. Not that I believe the amount was harmful (it wasn’t) but because the company lied about it. Dumb, dumb, dumb to break the public’s trust like that. I blogged about it over on my company blog if you want the background. In the meantime, check to see if you have one of the older Sigg bottles (the inside rim will be a gold color) and if you do, follow these instructions to exchange it. I am doubly bummed because I was a BIG fan (blogged about them as a great gift idea but won’t even link to the post for you cuz I take it all back!).
Have you entered our contest yet? You could win an outfit from either Candy Stick Lane or The JumpOff. I’m so excited about this contest because I bought this cute custom onesie from Renee months ago (and previously blogged about it here) and I think it’s the greatest thing ever. I was thrilled when she agreed to do a contest and I was dying to know more about her so I asked. She answered. Here’s what I learned:
How long have you been sewing?
~I started sewing clothes for Barbie in elementary school but I really took interest after my daughter was born- 16 years ago.
How’d you learn?
~I bought a pattern and cheap fabric, cheap machine (all from Wal-mart) and went to town. I made over 300 pieces of clothing my first year and kept a journal – making notes about what worked and what didn’t.
What inspired you to start?
~I was antique shopping in Greenville, SC and saw this adorable Christmas jumper made from gingerbread man fabric – I bought it for a dollar and decided I would make one for my daughter for every holiday and occasion – and I did – I even made matching ones for her teachers when she started school!
You have two Etsy shops? What’s the difference between the two? When did you open them? Candy Stick Lane (9/28/06) – is a clothing boutique mainly for little girls – its full of things that I would still be making for may daughter if she would wear them. I only make things that I would put on a child. I never make things just because they’re easy, quick or big sellers – no trendy-ness in CSL – all about classic style.
The JumpOff (11/16/07) – is a recycle shop I opened b/c I love tees! Good will has so many awesome ones – I just had to. I acquired a Luellas BBQ tee before I even opened TJO – cut it up and used the pieces for patches on a denim jumper – it sold as soon as I listed it- so then I did a Hard Rock tee into a onesie and it too sold as soon as I listed so – I knew there was a market.
What are some memorable custom designs you’ve done?
I think the most touching custom design was a woman whose brother died tragically and she had me make two of his favorite tees into onesies for her son.
I also transformed a grandfather’s work shirts into jumpers for the granddaughters to pass down.
How did you get the idea to recycle the t-shirts into onesies and baby dresses? What’s your creative process? Where do you get your ideas?
Well, I started making onesies forever ago for our local hospital – the issue with that is – there just aren’t cute knits out there – I mean there are ‘babyish’ ducks and sheep – but being an 80′s dweller – I needed some pop culture flair – and t-shirts were an obvious choice – they are knit – they have great graphics and b/c you’re making little clothes from them, you have plenty of fabric! My creative process is I find a tee a like and just start cutting! LOL!
Ready for an outfit for your little one? Win one! Click on yesterday’s post, follow the rules and enter to win by midnight on Wednesday, September 9, 2009. We’ll randomly select a winner using Random.org. Be sure and include an email address in your comment so we can notify you if you win. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for a whole other contest – a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!
I’m in a loving mood this morning. Here’s what caught my eye this week:
I love Tim Gunn. I wish he were a relative, that cool uncle who always brings something fabulous to Thanksgiving dinner and entertains all the kids with stories of his world travels. Thank goodness Project Runway is back! When you’re not watching the show, check out their site. You can send a personalized greeting from Tim to your friends’ cell phones. I sent several to friends yesterday. It’s a hoot. Try it yourself! (Oh and don’t tell me what happened; we recorded it to watch over the weekend.)
I love Becoming-Mom. Her blog is full of great resources and right now, she’s sharing everything she learned about making the perfect cake for her son’s 1st birthday. I just watched the video from the party and cried. I can’t believe my baby’s going to be one in a few months! I told my husband how amazing her party was and that ours would be nowhere near that good. I’m good, but not that good. Just sayin’. Creative, heartwarming, adorable; watch the video.
I heart Zutano. In case you haven’t heard. I’m still obsessing over the 50% off sale on Zutano clothes at BabySuperMall. I’m just so ticked off that they only carry up to 12 months. Cuz I would sooooo be loading up on new clothes for the munchkin! Because I featured so many of their boy designs, here’s my favorite new girl print for those of you with baby girls (or girls on the way – Kate!).
Things I’m NOT lovin’? Jon Gosselin. Or Kate, for that matter. I wish their 15 minutes were up.
I once got a Very Important Job with a Big Broadcast Company. They were moving me from little ‘ol Louisville, Kentucky, to a much bigger market. I was thrilled and thought I’d thank the boss with a cool gift. I got him a personalized Louisville Slugger baseball bat with a note that said “Now You’ve Got a Louisville Slugger on Your Team.â€
In retrospect, the note was obnoxious but the gift was cool. I’ve since bought the junior sized ones for baseball-loving nephews (with their names on the barrel). It’s a great gift for the sports guys in your life, and I like it as a corporate gift, too.
Zutano’s on sale, y’all! Go to BabySuperMall and get 50% off. Don’t know about Zutano? Here’s the back story on my love affair with this brand:
My husband and I hate baby blue. We are allergic to boys’ clothes with dogs, cars or trucks. I think we gave away at least six baby blue teddy bears that were given to us as gifts. So buying clothes for a baby boy has been a challenge. It’s also become something of an obsession for me. If you find yourself in the same situation, I have one word for you: Zutano. Check out their website or Facebook fan page.
Zutano is a line of children’s clothing created up in Vermont by a husband/wife team. The wife is a graphic designer and comes up with the most delightful prints. Big, bold, colorful and fun. Twice a year, they release a new set of prints that all coordinate with one another. It’s like Garanimals, only much, much cooler.
In his Celery Dot footies and bib (with matching food!)
I can’t buy enough of them. And since my not-so-little munchkin keeps doubling his weight on me, I have to keep buying the next size up (sometimes before he even gets a chance to wear the current size). Alas, Zutano does not sell their baby line on their website (they do sell their ItzyBitzy line on their site). Here’s my two cents on where to buy them:
Nicest customer service, good selection, but doesn’t have the most recent prints: Bambino Mountain. (Navigation is also a bit clunky but prices are good.)
You can also find them at local children’s boutiques. Search Zutano’s site for a store near you.
Some of my favorite prints: Elephant Parade (mixes great with chocolate stripes and chocolate dot, orange, brown or pool solids); Bugs (out of print but I still find it occasionally); Cabana Stripe; and Celery Dot.
OK, how sick is this? I actually have all the prints memorized. They make cute stuff for girls, too. LOVE their new owls print for girls. The cotton is soft and washes well. If you have a friend who delivers early, they have a great line for preemies called Itzy Bitzy. Their cotton booties stay on way better than any socks I’ve found.
If you decide to buy some and want help with sizes, shoot me an email and I’ll be happy to tell you what I’ve learned about how the sizes run.
These custom books from I See Me are the best gift for a young kid ever. The book spells out your child’s name, one page at a time. And each letter corresponds to a fantastic animal or fairy (you pick the theme) that teaches your child and inspires their little imaginations.
I’ve bought these for a niece and nephew and they were big hits with both. They also sell personalized plates, artwork, puzzles and more with the same animals or fairies. I bought the fairy plate for my niece and she loved it. (Of course, it went great with the personalized fairy book I’d bought her the year before.)
Just saw this at TheJumpOff and CRACKED up. Renee continues to crank out awesome “upcycled” clothes made from used t-shirts. How funny is this onesie?
Saw this GORGEOUS aqua and orange Moroccan-inspired party idea at Hostess with the Mostest (love her site y’all!). This makes me want to have a grown-up party that involves cake even though I don’t like cake. I’ve also been thinking of doing my son’s room in orange and aqua if we move (trying to sell our house now) but my husband can’t get past thinking “Miami Dolphin colors” and I guess he thinks that’s a bad thing. I dunno. I love it and all things orange lately.
And check out the Back-to-School Guide over at Cool Mom Picks. So many great ideas and they’ve secured LOTS of discounts for you. Discount codes galore. Oh happy day! Or Oh Happy Weekendcuz I will totally be clicking up a storm. I have a nephew and niece who both have big “firsts” (first day of kindergarten; first day of first grade) and those backpacks are tempting. . .
I love these people! The MacBeth Collection carries a variety of bins, boxes and trays — storage thingamabobs — and a wide selection of ADORABLE prints. You pick the container and the print and voila! You have your own custom storage unit. Add your name, initials, or a funny saying and personalize it further.
Here’s a tub I bought, covered in a dot pattern that matched the client’s logo, with the company name added. Then I filled the tub with office goodies and mugs (with their logo printed on it) as a client appreciation gift. It’s a great way to finish off a gift by presenting it in a stylish, reusable container like this.
The creative possibilities are endless. And I see they’ve now added FLIP FLOPS! How fun! They also have wall letters, paper weights, clipboards, tissue boxes and lots, lots more. All customizable and beyond cute.
Best part? Use the code SUMMER for 25% off or sign up to be a VIP member (free) and get 25% off your first order.
It’s a no-tax weekend around these parts so I imagine most of my friends will be hitting the stores for some back-to-school items. I received a promotional card in the mail advertising an additional 15% off anything in the store at Kohl’s (Friday and Saturday only), so I might take my sister there for some wardrobe essentials.
But only because my sister is visiting from very far away and only because she said she liked the cargo pants I was wearing (that I bought at Kohl’s) am I even considering going to a bricks-and-mortar store. I do most of my shopping online, as you’ve probably guessed.
And let me tell you, there are some serious sales going on right now.
Williams-Sonoma Home. They are having their semi-annual sale, now through August 4th. Some of the stuff I have my eye on:
I think this Fake Pandas Have More Fun shirt is beyond clever. Not on sale ($18) but I’m buying it anyway for my son.
Best Dressed Kids Sale. I’ve never purchased from them before but found them online last night and dug some of the brands they carry and noticed some pretty good sale items. This is high-end, generally expensive stuff but I splurge on the baby now and then cuz he’s my first and I’m stupid that way. But it’s much easier to justify when it’s on sale!. Here’s what I’m thinking of getting:
–Sherean