May 21, 2012

Diapers.com: Beyond Baby Care & a #Giveaway for $200 Gift Certificate

My youngest child has been out of diapers for over a year now so buying diapers and shopping somewhere like Diapers.com has not been on my radar. Until recently, when I received a note about participating in a campaign for Diapers.com to purchase and use the site for more than diapers.

More than diapers at Diapers.com?  I was curious to see how the site had grown since my last child potty trained and was pleasantly surprised at how much their offering had expanded since the last time I ordered.

I placed a big order for several products, none of which was diapers!  I got toys for my kids for Christmas, clothes and skin care products for my kids.  In searching for various products, I was able to find everything I was looking for.  Check out the array of Legos they offer!  (My kids are so into Legos right now, I was impressed with their selection.)

I also ordered this adorable Tea Collection Lion Double Decker Tee.  Then I was out of hand soap so I hopped over to body care and ordered several bottles of Burts Beeds Hand Soap.  Bottom line being that their offering has moved beyond diapers and their prices are competitive.  (Free shipping over $49!)

Just to give you an example the vast assortment of products you can buy for your family’s needs, check out this random assortment of products you can buy on Diapers.com:

Bravado Designs Nursing Tank - $49

Fisher Price IxL Learning System - $89.99

Basq Cucumber Tea Eye Gel - $24

3-pack of EPT Pregnancy Stick Tests - $13.99

Lego City Seaplane - $9.49

Shipping is free when your order is over $49 and no joke, my order came in a day and a half. They promise 1-2 day shipping and I placed my order late one night. It came not the next day but early the following morning; roughly 36 hours.

Giveaway: One lucky reader from Mommies with Style will win a $200 gift certificate to Diapers.com!  Comment below to enter.

This giveaway ends after Sunday, December 12th – one winner will be selected at random after that time.

Disclosure:  I was given compensated and given a credit to spend at Diapers.com to facilitate this post.

A Very Disney Store Halloween; Coupon Code for Free Shipping

Image and video hosting by TinyPicAs Halloween’s almost here, we’ve almost got our costumes set. My 5 year old son is going to be Buzz Lightyear and my almost 3 year old daughter is most likely going to go as Jessie — since they are both big Toy Story Fans! The Disney Store graciously sent us a Jessie Costume($39) and she loves it. While it’s sold out on the Disney Store website, you may be able to find it in stores still (we found it online at a few places). We love the cute fringes on her shirt and Jessie’s famous red hat. It features a jeweled cameo, gold fringe and yellow sequined yoke and cuffs on a satin button-down shirt. We love the cute cowhide print chaps and gold fringe on sparkling denim pants.  She’ll pair the costume with cute brown cowboy boots we found at Target.
If you are still looking for a Disney costume for your children, there are still lots of great choices. We like their beautiful princess costumes like Rapunzel ($49.50), from the soon-to-be released Disney movie Tangled. While it’s a little pricey, your little girl can use this to play dress up in. The bodice features sparkling glitter and lace-up ribbon. Glittering images from the film trim the skirt and the dress coordinates with the Tangled Rapunzel Wand, Shoes and Hair Piece ( sold separately). For toddlers, I like the Nemo costume (on sale for $13.99).

Coupon Code: From now until October 26, you can get free shipping on any Disney Store Authentic Parks merchandise with code: CASTLE.

Thank you to the Disney Store for sending the Jessie Costume.

The cutest, girly hoodie.

I have found the cutest little girly hoodie for my daughter.  Now I could tell you that I love to put her in hoodies because they’re comfortable, or practical, or that they keep her warm.  The truth of the matter is that I love wearing them, and anything in miniature size is just adorable.  The ruffled zip up hoodie by b. children’s wear is, by far, the cutest hoodie that I have for my daughter, and if it came in adult sizes I would wear it!  On the practical side, it washes very well and has been great for layering on the few chilly days we’ve had so far this fall.

The black hoodie (or “zippy” as my Irish friends would call it) is embellished with blue-green, jersey ruffles and is just darling.  It comes in sizes 3-6months to a Youth 12.  (I’m going to work on that adult size…)  They come pre-shrunk, so it’s best to order a size larger than normal.  The ruffled zip up hoodie retails for $34 and can be purchased on b. children’s wear’s etsy site along with some other adorablely, unique items like onesies and t-shirts.  Plus, if you place an order of more than $50 by the end of October with b. children’s wear you will receive free shipping!

A sample of this product was provided for review on Mommies with Style.

GAP casting Call and Giveaway

PhotobucketThe 2010 Gap Casting Call is now open — and in honor of that, Mommies With Style is giving away a pair of jeans (kids or adult – your choice) to one lucky reader! Eligible to enter the Gap Casting Call are baby girls and baby boys from 0-4 and girls and boys from ages 5-10. Enter from now until October 24, 2010. Click here to see all the contest details.  Contest Details

I spoke to photographer Jesse Anders of On Point Images who told me that to have fun while you take pictures of your kids! Anders said the great thing about kids is that they have a range of emotions that show up on camera and their personality can shine through.

Here’s me trying to get my daughter, Allegra to smile and pose for the camera. It wasn’t easy, but I got a few good shots!

I’m entering my child – are you ready to enter yours? Here’s the link to enter your child – http://www.gapcastingcall.com/GapCastingCall/Home.html?src=EntryGapCastingCall

To Enter to win the jeans (You must be a US Resident to win):

Add a comment on the end of this post on why you want to win the jeans (for you or for your child).
You may enter once a day on this page, for extra entries (one more per day) – follow @mommieswstyle on twitter and tweet: I’m trying to win a free pair of jeans from @mommieswstyle in honor of the @gapcastingcall!

The Giveaway will close on October 24, 2010.

Disclosure: As part of promotion through Gap and BabyCenter, I was compensated for writing this post. As always, all opinions are my own.


Hats Off to HeartSmiles

The cutest little girls deserve the cutest little girl accessories.  That’s why I am loving the handmade hats at HeartSmiles.  Whether for photo props or just to keep your little one’s head toasty, these hats are just adorable.  Each design has special little detailing like layered flowers, vintage lace, glass pearls, or ear flaps.  They’re designed to “give your heart smiles!”

Sizes start at newborn and go up to pre-teen, but you can also special order adult sizes (they’re so beautiful you just may want one for yourself!). I’m planning to order a few for birthday gifts, though they’d also make great Christmas presents.   They even offer some cute boy styles so that no one is left out.  The hats are very reasonabley priced, starting at $20.00.  Plus, mention Mommies with Style when you order to receive 20% off!

HeartSmiles is giving away a hat to one lucky Mommies with Style reader.  Simply leave a comment about what makes your heart smile.  A winner will be selected at random at the end of the month.

HeartSmiles provided a sample for review on Mommies with Style.

Too Too Cute Tutus are Just Too Too Cute

Whether she steps foot in a ballet class or not, every little girl deserves a frilly tutu!  Used for dress-up, a photo prop, or everyday wear, you can find the perfect tutu at Too Too Cute Tutus.  They offer handmade tutus in a rainbow of colors and even offer customized designs.  Offered in sizes Newborn – 7/8. 

The Zebra Tutu sample that I received is flashy and fun with hot pink, white and black tulle and adorned with ribbon and a flower clip (which can be used as an adorable hair clip).  It’s stretchy enough to fit through several different  sizes, so it should last us for quite awhile.  And you can get a matching headband to match! 

Another fun item that Too Too Cute offers is their pettiskirts.  Created with layers upon layers of frilly, silky fabric, these pettiskirts are so beautiful.  They’re so pretty and fun that I wish they offered one in my size!  Available in deep purple, bright fuchsia, princess pink, red, canary yellow, brown leopard and zebra pink, they are sure to look stunning in any photo of your little cutie.

The tutus and pettiskirts are available on Too Too Cute’s website along with bloomers, hats, bows and many other adorable items.  These make great gifts for any little girl in your life!  The best part is that prices for tutus start at just $17.00.  Plus, if you order by 8/31/10 you can use the coupon code Mommies15 and receive 15% off!

all Free Clear Detergent Partners Up with Mom and Author Kerry Colburn

My 2 1/2 year old daughter still has very sensitive skin and needs to have her clothes washed with an allergen-free detergent.  Last Thanksgiving, I was visiting my in-laws and I was afraid to use the regular detergents they had, so instead of buying the typical baby detergent,  I bought all Free Clear to test with her. My daughter, who was a month away from turning 2, was able to tolerate it well and we’ve been using it for her ever since. It’s extra-mild and I love that it’s tough on stains, hypoallergenic, perfume and dye-free. Recently, I was asked to formally review the detergent, which wasn’t difficult because we use it all the time.  I’ve also started washing stuff for our new baby (due in August) with this detergent.

all Free Clear has partnered with mother and author Kerry Colburn, who just released a new book How to Have Your Second Child First, which helps guide and spare new first-time parents some of the unnecessary time-sucks and expenses that seasoned parents already know to avoid. She tells parents not buying a diaper pail for each room of the house and not to do double the laundry to keep baby clothes separate (spending a boatload on baby-approved detergents in the process. all has worked with Kerry to create an online forum for first-time moms to share tips and seek out advice from other moms.

The Forum in hosted under “Ask a Mom” and “New Moms” on all’s Facebook Page – http://www.facebook.com/allLaundry (they’re also offering a $1 off coupon for all Free Clear).

Thank you to Sun Products for providing samples of all Free Clear.

Ibex’s New Kids Outdoor Clothing Line: Ideal for chilly days

I know, I know. You’ve been hearing nothing but complaints about the cold. ‘Cause its been cold around here. Really, really cold.

And now that we’re moving into spring (finally!) I’m preparing for the kids to want to go out and run and play. But while the sun is shining, it still isn’t exactly warm around here.

Ibex sent me a sample of their Unisex Kids Shak Jersey. Its a pull-over, half-zip sweater of merino wool. Generously sized, it has a limited time availability. And its on sale! I have to say, I thought the regular price of $95 was a bit high. It concerns me to spend that much money on a sweater that the kids will roll in the mud in. Of course, its merino wool and really well made. This sweater isn’t going to snag and it won’t pull. Its top quality. Something the huz would wear, if size 7 would only fit him. But the merino raises the price and makes it a dry clean only sweater. So, now that its on sale  for $70 I feel a better about sharing it with you. Because, afterall, it is a well-made merino wool sweater.

Now, I also have to warn that you should totally and completely follow the washing instructions. I didn’t. Big wore it one time, looked adorable (just like Daddy in his nice pullover sweaters) and then I washed it. Let me tell you all, this is a dry clean only sweater. Do not, please, please, please, do not dump it into the machine and wash. It kept its size and shape, and its actually holding up really well–all that stitching is still in place and super strong. But the fabric’s color isn’t as brilliant and the sweater, I’m now told, is too itchy. So, listen up, people. Don’t wash it in the machine. Sweaters say Dry Clean Only for a reason.

So, snatch up this fantasticly made, super warm, beautiful merino wool sweater. Save it for special cold weather wears. Its gorgeous–a great outdoor/indoor sweater.

Thanks to Ibex for providing the sample for this review.

Kidorable Gets Your Child Ready for Any Kind Of Weather!

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Who needs a boring yellow rain slicker? Kidorable makes awesome rainwear for children — as well as many other children’s accessories like knitwear (inc. winter hats, gloves and scarves), backpacks, and towels. Their products are grouped by use as well as fun themes — choose from such fun styles as Bee, Butterfly, Dinosaur, Fairy, Fireman, Frog, Madonna’s The English Roses, Ladybug, Lotus, Mermaid, Pirate, plus the newest styles: Lucky Cat, and Space Hero.

We saw samples of Kidorable’s Fireman Rain Coat, Fireman umbrella and Ladybug Rain Coat. My four year old son adores anything fireman-related, you can imagine the look of awe on his face when he saw the Fireman Rain Coat and Umbrella. The details on the raincoat were terrific – the hood looks like a fireman’s helmet and close the rain coat by snapping it from the inside and then connecting the black plastic buckles (like a real fireman’s coat). The rain coat has bright yellow reflective detailing on the arms and around the mid-section area. On the back of the rain coat it says “fire rescue”.  Sizes range from 1T to 6x.  Every rain coat comes with a free matching hanger. The umbrella was sturdy, well made and perfect for little hands to maneuver! To check out the rest of the Fireman Collection, click here.

My two year old daughter loved the bright and shiny red Ladybug Rain Coat ($36). Red with black polka dots on the hood and cuffs, the rain coat snaps closed easily. We liked the ladybug applique on the right pocket and the zippers that closed both pockets.

The company sent review samples of their Fireman Rain Coat, Fireman umbrella and Ladybug Rain Coat.

Green Sproutlets: Organic Brights–Love it!

greensproutlets

Little’s been wearing this adorable design lately. Upon seeing it, her aunt commented “she should wear it around old ladies who want to touch her face.” Of course, once I reminded her that the purpose of “respect” was to be respectful of the earth, she commented, “wait, aren’t all natural things supposed to be green?” Well, not anymore!

Green Sproutlets’ line is bright, colorful and cheerful. Most of their girls clothing includes the bright pink shown here and the circles pattern. And the boy’s clothing substitutes the pink with blue. I just love the look because its so different from the natural and greens that you see on most organic clothing.

I love organic and bamboo clothing. They’re so soft, thicker and hold up so well, there’s definitely a difference between “natural” clothing and “regular”.

Between now and February 28, 2010, receive a free 3-pack Bamboo terry washcloth in natural color with a minimum purchase of $50 or more. No code required.

Thanks to Green Sproutlets for the sample for this review.

The Children’s Place Animal Hats: Adorable and Affordable

Image and video hosting by TinyPicMy 4 year old son suddenly got very fashion conscious this year — about his winter hat! I had picked up a cute hot pink Kitty Cat Hat from Target for my daughter and my son wanted it for himself. We were lucky enough to test out the funky tide blue fish hat ($7.50) and mittens ($7.50) from The Children’s Place. The quality was good and the whimsical hat made us both laugh!Features include polyester fleece, appliques and embroidery, long side flaps which totally cover little ears.
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The Children’s Place offers a bunch of other animal hats and mittens, for sizes 6 months up to 4T: a lion hat and mittens, a pink kitten hat (out of stock), and a Monkey hat (out of stock) and mittens. We also liked the monkey hat and mittens so much that we braved the mall, after Thanksgiving, to buy the monkey hat and mittens (which are now sold out online – call your local store to see if it’s in stock).

For the babies, choose the Furry Friends Hat line ($7.50) for ages newborn to- 12 months.

The Children’s Place provided a sample blue fish hat and mittens for review purposes.

Last Minute Stocking Stuffers for Mommies

Looking for a few little gifts to fill her stocking?  Need something small for a friend?  Here are a few last minute ideas:

grippiesKeep mom on her feet with GRiPPiES products.  These adhesive grips are perfect for pregnant moms to prevent slipping.  I’m not always wearing shoes or slippers when I’m home.  With a house full of hardwood floors and the instability of a 7-month pregnant belly, adding GRiPPiES to a few pairs of my socks has really helped to keep me upright!  They offer two lines of products: iron on adhesives and peel + stick adhesives.  GRiPPiES can also be used for kids’ socks and tights.  Once applied, they are machine washable and dryer safe.  GRiPPiES retail for $5.99 and can be found at Target stores, Buy Buy Baby, or grippiesonline.com.

With all the stuff that travels with mom and baby, it’s difficult to stay organized and quickly find what you need.  The binkerlast thing you want to do is crawl around the backseat looking for a missing binky.  Bella Tunno’s best-selling Bella Binker keeps binkies close and clean and is simply designed to take up minimal space – no more life-size giraffe and teddy bear clips!  Bella Binkers are made from grosgrain ribbon with a simple silver clasp and velcro loop.  There are almost 100 stylish designs to choose from to make a child’s outfit funkier and a mom’s life easier.  They retail for $8 and can be found in more than 4,000 boutiques nationwide as well as online at bellatunno.com.

balmHelp mom pamper herself for a good cause with Perfect As Is Lip Balm.  This ultra-moisturizing tinted lip balm is 75% organic, and all profits, after taxes, go to support women’s health advocacy and human rights issues.  The .25 oz tube has a fatter than normal packaging making it easy to find in a messy purse/diaper bag and simple to apply.  It smells and tastes delicious thanks to the rosebud oil and stevia it’s infused with.  It feels smooth and silky for hours after application and has a sheer pink tint to add a bit of color.  Perfect As Is Lip Balm retails for $7 and can be purchased at iamapeacekeeper.com or at select Parfumerie Douglas.

Give a naturally sweet mom some naturally sweet snacks.  Peeled Snacks are individually wrapped servings of driedpeeled-snacks fruit.  The snacks have no added sugar, oils, preservatives or other fillers and provide a full serving of fruit.  These organic snacks are a natural source of vitamins, minerals and fiber.  The small packages are quick and easy to throw into a diaper bag for a quick, healthy snack.  They’re not too sweet like many of the other dried fruits available today. You can buy them individually or in gift packs with cute gift boxes or, my favorite, the Cute-2-the-Core Gift Box which includes one of each flavor as well as an adorable onesie. Available flavors include apple, pineapple, apriocot, mango, banana, and cherry. Peeled Snacks can be purchased at Whole Foods, Amazon.com, Nordstrom, or at peeledsnacks.com.

skidMom doesn’t have to change her shirt after a deodorant mishap. With just one wipe of a Skid Out sponge, deodorant, drips and drool simply disappear. This specially-textured sponge has no need for moisture and is not treated with any chemicals. It’s safe to use on almost all fabrics. Use it to remove toothpaste stains, baby drool, pet hair, deodorant skids, and makeup smudges. Best of all – it really works! This small round sponge is perfect to throw in your purse and keep in the bathroom where most of these mistakes happen. The sponges come in packages of two and retail for $4.95. They can be bought at Nordstrom stores or online at drugstore.com and garmentguard.com.

Samples of these products were provided for review on Mommies with Style.

Avon 2009 Fairytales Collection, plus Giveaway

avon-madame-alexander-150x1501There are items appearing under the tree this year for my 3 year old daughter from a company I didn’t expect. Avon. When I hear Avon, I usually think make-up. But they offer so much more. One item that I know will be a huge hit is Natalie, a Madame Alexander doll. Made by the world-famous doll maker, the three dolls offered are Avon exclusives. Each doll is 18″ tall and is poseable. For the collector, the dolls come with certificates of authenticity. Madame Alexander dolls are known for their quality and these dolls are no exception. Avon is offering them for $49 each, which is less than other dolls in this category. You can even purchase an outfit for your daughter to match your doll’s. So cute and so much fun.

Avonalso recently introduced their first-ever kid’s collection, featuring both cozy knits andavon-hoodie-150x1501 dressy ensembles. Avon’s 2009 Fairytales Collection has items for both boys and girls and best of all nothing is over $49. Avon is giving away one clothing item or set from this collection to one lucky Mommies With Style reader. Enter to win by subscribing to our newsletter. If you are already subscribed, you are already entered! This giveaway runs through December 28nd. One winner will be announced on or after December 29rd.

Avon provided samples for review.

Mitetees: The most adorable baby gifts

productionteeI love giving original, thoughtful gifts to a friend when they have a new baby and I have a few mainstays on my list.

However, my latest find will be added to the top of my list from now on! Mitetees carries a line of awesome tees that will have your friends oohing and ahhing over them! Mitetees sent me their Production tee that I thought was so adorable and unique that it went straight to the top of my list for new baby gifts to give!

 The tee I love has my husband’s last name and my maiden name on it with a 2nd edition phrase, for our 2nd child. For example if my maiden name was Smith and my husband’s last name was Jones, the tee would read “a Smith & Jones production”, 2nd edition. I have several girlfriends that are always calling me to see what unique baby gifts I can recommend. I sent a bunch of them to the Mitetees site and they couldn’t wait to start ordering gifts! The tees come in 4 different colors and sizes 3-6 months-6T. They are available in a onesie and short or long sleeve tees. Use code MWS09 to save $4 off your order through December 31, 2009.

25% off at Lands End; a review of the Sports Squall

Considering that I spend much of my youth either in New England (cold) or the greater Chicago area (colder), you’d think I wouldn’t be such a wimp when it comes to the cold and the winter.  Alas, I’m a total wuss and can’t stand the cold.  As hubby says, I’m destined for early retirement and 5 pm dinners in Florida. 

I’ve been living in Philadelphia for 10 years now – which is considerably warmer than anywhere I lived growing up, yet I still groan and moan when the frost comes out.

I’m sure it’s no surprise that I bundle myself and my kids up more than the normal Mom.  I am telling you guys this  because I really want to communicate how much it takes to impress me with a jacket or any kind of outerwear during the winter months. 

This year, Lands’ End provided my oldest son with a sample jacket of the Boys’ Sport Squall Parka.  It is by far one of the most warm kids’ jackets we’ve ever owned.  In fact, I’ve used it as a blanket for my legs in the car on long road trips (when I’m usually freezing while the rest of the fam is comfy as clams) – and let me tell you guys, this thing keeps the wearer toasty warm.

And it’s vital that my son be in decent outerwear this year – he’s now in Kindergarten and when he gets off the bus at school each morning, they line up outside for up to 15 minutes at a time.  He’s complained many times of cold ears or cold hands but when I’ve pressed him he’s told me, “the only thing that isn’t cold is where my jacket covers me, Mom.”  Seriously. 

Other items of interest about the Boys’ Sports Squall:
- it’s thin – no puffy Pillsbury dough kids here, it’s made of PolarThin, a material that insulates up to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
-it has a reflective trim for outside, evening wear

It’s currently on sale – in fact the entire website of Lands End is 25% off until end of day, Monday December 14th.  Use coupon code FREEDEC14 with pin 3521 to receive your 25% off if it doesn’t come off automatically.

Flutter by Leggings: Lace Icing with Sprinkles

flutterbyleggingsMy daughter lives in leggings! I guess it’s something about how comfortable they are and how easy they can be to get on and off! She has lots of plain leggings in many solid colors. So when my daughter was sent a sample of the Butter Cream Lace Icing with Sprinkles by designer Angela Frost, I literally couldn’t get them off of her. They are the most gorgeous leggings this mom has ever seen! They are super sweet and adorable and have a beautiful whimsical print with sparkly rhinestones adorned on the leggings. My daughter loves how comfortable they are thanks to the sag, snag performance Lycra they are made from. They are made in the US from the same nylon used in swimwear which gives high wear, brilliant color and comfort. Lace Icing with Sprinkles come in 8 different colors and in sizes 2-6x. They come in a Capri length which is great to wear with ballet flats in warmer weather or with boots for cooler days! They are fabulous for gift giving as well, since they come perfectly packaged in their beautiful gift box with silver grey ribbon and a pretty pink and silver foil butterfly gift card. Flutter by Leggings confections can be purchased in many boutiques nationwide.