February 8, 2012

Gifts to Keep The Family Warm

The holidays are a perfect time to bundle up and get cozy. Here are some great gift picks to keep the whole family warm this winter.

Sunbeam LoftTec Heated Throw – A good throw is great to snuggle down with. Even better? A heated throw. Available in two neutral colors – a dark brown walnut and creamy seashell – the LoftTec Heated Throw offers Sunbeam’s highest level of softness and comfort with a thick, lofty, polyester material and Sunbeam’s ThermoFine technology that “senses and adjusts to deliver consistent warmth.” In other words, a blanket that knows what you need and delivers. I love that the 50 x 60″ throw is big enough to share (when I have to) and has 3 heat settings on a 6 foot cord to provide the perfect amount of warmth. Plus, the 3-hour automatic shut-off ensures I don’t broil all night if I fall asleep in front of It’s A Wonderful Life. $50

Khombu Bell Tower Boots – My husband lives in sandals which surprisingly are pretty ineffective at keeping your feet warm in the winter. That’s why I love these fur-lined Khombu Bell Tower boots. They are similar to another well-known boot brand, but at a fraction of the cost. Available in black or brown, the durable PU exterior is waterproof and rugged though it also looks nice enough to pass as a mid-range shoe. The interior is insulated with soft, plush fur that gives the boots a cold rating down to 20°F and Khombu’s Therolite insole that is breathable, moisture-wicking, shock-absoring and anti-fungal. The end result? Toasty toes in a boot that can go from shoveling the driveway to dinner at the in-laws. $50-$70

Petunia Stroll - Instead of piling blankets onto your babe for your winter walks, encase your little angel in Stroll by Petunia, a luxurious bunting bag. Available in seven gorgeous chenille and printed polyester designs, Stroll is lined with uber-soft velour that will make you wish they offered adult sizes. Place the bunting bag into your stroller and weave through your stroller’s safety harness. Conveniently placed zippers make it easy to get your little one in and out while keeping them snugly and warm while bundled up. Plus, you can match your Stroll to one of Petunia’s chic diaper bags or accessories like the Adorn iPhone 4 case for a complete look. $149

Fashion Friday: The Card Cubby ($20) – A Must Have Holiday Pick for Women

Last week, I was out shopping with my good friend Jen (and Mommies with Style writer!)  We were talking by one store when she remarked she had a $10 gift card from a few years ago that she wanted to go in and use.  I’m all, “I can’t believe you still have that gift card.  I always lose mine.”  She proceeded to show me her Card Cubby, a product that’s actually sold Debbie, by another Mommies with Style writer on her website, Shopaholics Shop.

Now I had seen the Card Cubby before online but never in person and you ladies have to believe me, you NEED this.  Because if you’re in any way like me, you may be carrying your coupons, gift cards and frequent buyer cards in something like this:

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Total disaster, right?  And that’s just the ones I was organized enough to put into two Ziplock bags.  I also have gift cards randomly floating around in my wallet in various hidden pockets (and they inevitably sit there and NEVER get used because I forget about them!)

Now, all of my frequent buyer cards, business cards, coupons and gift cards that were totally disorganized in my purse are sitting inside of this, the Card Cubby:

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I got it my Card Cubby in Lime Croc.  It’s alphabetized inside with tabs so you can easily find everything.

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Here I am pulling out a Children’s Place gift card from the C tab:

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This is truly a must-have.  It’s trendy looking, it keeps you organized and the price is right – $20.00.  Get the Card Cubby at Shopaholic’s Shop for $20.00 plus shipping (which is around $5).

Guys, this is an AWESOME and affordable gift to get her this holiday season!  Hurry and you can get it in time!




Love this Vera Bradley Sophie Bag – on Sale for $29!

How cute is this Vera Bradley Sophie bag in Plum Petals?

It’s normally $44 but on sale for $29 – a total steal and a great holiday gift, right?  Get it while supplies last (and while the sale lasts) at VeraBradley.com!

Ju Ju Be’s BFF Diaper Bag

I’m always looking for that perfect diaper bag and I FINALLY think I’ve found it (after 6 years of parenthood!). It’s Ju Ju Be’s BFF Diaper Bag ($165). Why do I love it? Sometimes I take a stroller around, sometimes I wear the baby, and sometimes I run into the New York City and need to be ultra portable. The BFF easily handles all my modes -plus it can be a worn on your shoulder, back, clipped onto a stroller, and it has a great grippy handle (like a carpetbag).  It’s got tons of pockets and holds MUCH more than it looks like it can. While the price is a little steep, think of it this way — it’s quality and durable, plus it can function 2 different ways (as backpack and a messenger bag). Dimensions are  6 1/2” x 14” x 12”. [Read more...]

Up to 40% off Select Styles at Vera Bradley Thru Tomorrow (9/21)

Vera Bradley’s having an end of season sale through end of day tomorrow (Wednesday, September 21st).

Check out some really cute prints that you can get a discount prices on the Vera Bradley Sale page.

I love this Laptop Sleeve - stylish looking and only $30 on sale!

The Most Beautiful Bag at #BlogHer11 – Knomo Laptop Bag

Surely I’m a tad biased in saying this was the most beautiful bag at BlogHer, seeing as this is my bag.  But I’m completely obsessed with this bag in ways I can’t even begin to explain unless you are also a woman and a bag coinessour.

This bag is the Knomo Rubi Laptop Briefcase ($325). I know it doesn’t come cheap but it’s oh-so-wonderful, delightfully durable and beautiful looking.  What my image doesn’t show you is the pretty pink quilted inside, which you can view on the Rubi product page at Knomo.com.

Strategically placed pockets leave room for a laptop of up to 15″.  I packed this bag for BlogHer and I used the “laptop sleeve” section to fit my Netbook, Motorola Xoom AND my Kindle all in the one section and the bag wasn’t tight at all.  (I also packed some magazines, a sweater for the plane, my big fat wallet and other accessories.  Still plenty of room.)

Several people stopped me to ask me where I got this bag while I was at the conference too.  So there you go.  Love it, right?

Disclaimer:  Knomo sent me a bag to facilitate this review.

Fashion Friday: The Beach Bag

It’s official – it’s summer!  I’m doing my little happy dance as we head down to the beach shortly fo the trip I look forward to every year.  And what does every girl need on the beach but a stylish beach tote of course? 

You can’t beat the price of this one:  $19.99 for this American Eagle Striped Beach Tote at AmericanEagle.com.:

And if you want to go a little dangerous, tempt yourself by searching for “beach bag” on Etsy. It’s seriously tempting. You know you’ll be getting something that’s one-of-a-kind with you on the beach. There are some great looking bags on Etsy like this Coral & Starfish Burlap Tote  for $58:

And of course when I think “Beach Bag,” I will always think of LandsEnd.com, which makes what I consider to be the original beach bag. You can’t go wrong with any of their canvas totes. I’ve always felt the prices are great and these are classic bags that are timeless in their fashion.  You can get them in different sizes – I like this Open Top Colored Canvas Tote Bag which is currently on sale for $21.99 (plus use the coupon code below for an additional discount!)

By the way, LandsEnd.com is currently offering 25% off everything with: Promotion Code: SAVE25 PIN: 9226

Check out these other posts from Around the Web today:

Baby, Work, Travel – Amy Michelle’s Cosmo Does It All

I’d like to say that I have the money/space/shopping time to have a different bag for every occasion, but the truth of the matter is that I’m a multitasker (doesn’t motherhood require it?) and I need a bag that can transition with me from a trip to the mall to a visit to the park with kids to an afternoon writing at the coffee shop.

Meet a serious contender in the running for my do-all bag – Amy Michelle’s Cosmo bag

This bag has just about everything I need to be a mom, errand-runner, playdate scheduler, writer and occasional night-on-the-towner. Here’s how I’ve been using the multifunctional features of the Cosmo bag.

Mom

- 5 internal compartments are holding diapers, wipes, snacks

- large zippered pocket holding removable changing pad

- pacifier and keys attached with clips

- external buckle pocket just for me (wallet, phone, lip gloss)

- Velcro stroller attachments hook easily onto any of my strollers

Work

- 5 internal pockets are holding cell phone, business cards, pens, computer cord

- large zippered pocket is holding files, manuscripts, contracts and notes

- large main compartment holds my laptop

- external buckle pocket filled with wallet or cosmetic case

Travel (I don’t travel much, but if I did, here’s how I’d pack it)

- 5 internal compartments filled with snacks, cosmetic case, cell phone, reusable water bottle

- large main compartment has magazines, novel, sweater

- external buckle pocket holds wallet, ticket and itinerary

- Velcro stroller attachments to hook the Cosmo onto my luggage with ease

I love that the Cosmo is big enough (16″L x 5″W x 12.5″H) but super lightweight (1 lbs 9oz). The color is listed as pearlized chocolate but depending on the lighting, the bag can take on a gorgeous eggplant hue too. The contrasting bright red, antimicrobial lining makes it easy to find what you’re looking for and helps keep things clean when grubby hands are reaching in to find sippy cups and snacks. I usually fall back on a small clutch when I get a night out with my husband, but if I needed more room to bring a sweater (or a bottle of wine), the bag is stylish enough to work for evening.

The Cosmo is available for $99.95 at www.amymichelle.com.

Check back tomorrow for a giveaway from Amy Michelle!

Vera Bradley Tote – On Sale Today Only, $29.99 (Normally $46)

There are tons of patterns on sale today only of the Vera Bradley Tote.

There are some great spring colors available to take advantage today!

Lowepro Fastpack: For Serious Travelers (Camera & Laptop Storage)

Going on a big trip and need something that will store your digital camera and laptop?  This Lowepro Fastpack means business.  It’s designed for the photographer and editor who needs to travel with their laptop and DSLR.

See that bottom pouch part?  It has a nifty little storage area for a big camera, plus compartments for lenses.

That back zipper is for the laptop and all of your other odds and ends. It’s deceivingly big – I was surprised once I unzipped how much more room there was for additional items beyond just a laptop.

Get it on Amazon for $68.88 with free shipping! (It’s normally $119.99 but Amazon has it on super sale right now.)

Adorable Camera Straps for the Mom Blogger & Photographer

Back before Christmas, I was at my friend Colleen’s house for her son’s birthday party.  I brought had just bought a new fancy Canon digital camera and was really excited about it.

Right away I noticed one of her friends with a nice camera – but what really caught my eye was the strap she was using. Instead of the standard Canon strap, she was using a cute girly looking strap with a reversable print.

I asked where she got it and she told me she got it from Cotton Candy – a seller on Etsy.  Of course I had to go home and promptly order one.

I get compliments on it all of the time.  If you use a DSLR and are looking for something stylish and fun for your camera, you have to check out Cotton Candy by Natalie on Etsy.  It’s $30 for one and there are plenty of fun prints to choose from to suit your style.

Go Nude for Fashion Friday

Did I shock you all with my headline for this week’s post?  So while no one’s going naked for this week’s Fashion Friday (you’re welcome), I do have some great nude-colored fashion items that I just had to feature!

I feel like nude is one of those under-represented colors in my wardrobe.  Every now and again I’ll buy something nude or natural colored and being the neutral-colored girl I am, I always love it.  I need to look for this color more as it really does go with everything.

If you try it, just be sure to mix it up with a splash of color as this time of year it’s going to really blend in with pale skin (and of course if you’ve just returned from a Caribbean vacation and you’re tanned then I hate you.)

Cole Haan Village Jade — Small Leather Satchel
Currently 33% off (normally $248), $164.90 at Nordstrom.com

Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slipper color
$4.74 on Amazon.com plus $1.84 shipping

The Whatever Skort in Khakina
Athleta, $49

Applique Lace T in Novelle Peach
Currently 20% off (normally $34.50) at the Gap

Kork-EASE Natural Women’s Laura Boot
$270 with free shipping at Shoes.com
(Use coupon code CUPID through February 28th to receive 10% off your entire order at Shoes.com)

Visit these other great Fashion Friday posts:

Fashion Friday: Cute Camera & Media Bags

Last week, Zareen focused on the Techie Fashionista for our weekly Fashion Friday post.  It was timely as I was in Nashville for a fashion event and it’s been especially fresh on my mind, the idea of traveling with all of my media gear.

My friend Jo-Lynne and I spent much of the weekend talking about camera bags and finding that ultimate bag that works for the blogger and working Mom.  On this particular trip, I used my Jill-e Leather Camera Bag.  I wanted to bring my new Canon with extra zoom lens and I knew this Jill-e bag would keep my camera accessories protected, not to mention that it’s a totally trendy and cute bag. 

 I received numerous compliments on the bag while I was on my trip and I do love it.  I find it’s great because I can use it as a bag/purse when I’m on the road – carrying both my DSLR camera, plus all of the extras I may need like phone, wallet, lipstick and other small items.

You can get a Jill-e Camera Bag on Amazon for $119.95 with free shipping.

LowePro is known for making camera bags and while the bags I’ve seen of theirs have seemed a bit plain for my taste, this LowePro Red Bowler SLR Bag is at great price and eye-catching. 

Fits the camera with a few accessories but you’re going to need another purse or bag for your wallet and extra non-camera related items.

Get the LowePro Red Bowler SLR Camera Bag at Walmart for $39.84

I love the look of these Kelly Moore Bags; they don’t actually look like a traditional camera bag but just a normal everyday bag.  The Classic Bag is $199.99 and it really means business – it can carry the DSLR, up to 4 lenses (!), a flash and still has room for other items like your wallet, phone and keys.

Get the Kelly Moore Classic Camera Bag for $199.99

Last year, I reviewed Crumpler Bags.  Along with having some pretty awesome laptop bags, I remembered that they also manufactured camera bags and took a gander over at their website. 

Sure enough, just like their laptop bags, these bags are functional, efficient and sleek in design.  They clearly take camera bags seriously as they have designed everything with perfection down to the “most comfortable camera strap on the planet.”

On our last day in Nashville, I was remarking to Jo-Lynne that what I really wanted too was a bag that held both my laptop and my camera — for those big days out or those days when I’m traveling and want both within easy access.  So I was pleased to see that Crumpler offers combination bags with organized spots for your laptop and SLR.

Get a Crumbler Camera bag for $45 plus on Crumpler.com.

Check out these other fun Fashion Friday posts:

Shop with Zulily

Image and video hosting by TinyPicAs a busy mom of 3 (including an infant), I do most of my shopping online. I’m always looking for a bargain and LOVE those members only daily deal sites — and one of my favorite ones is zulily.

If you don’t know what zulily is, it gives parents daily deals on unique and hot brands at up to 70% off retail prices.  I’ve already bought a lot of things for my kids, myself and as gifts on the site.

So when I was invited to meet the staff at an event in NYC last month, I had to go! I spoke to President and CEO Darrell Cavens, who used to be an executive for Blue Nile.  I was very impressed when he told me he wouldn’t put anything on zulily that he wouldn’t buy for his own family. He co-founded zulily to introduce parents to high quality boutique brands at significant discounts.
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Chic Mama Diaper Cakes: A Great Gift For Any Mom

When it comes to preparing to have a baby, what item comes to mind that you will most definitely use the most? Well diapers of course!! Being  a new mom, I have come learn first hand how many diapers one ACTUALLY uses in one day…and boy is it alot!!! That’s why I was so excited to receive my Chic Mama Diaper cake! Not only is it super cute, but it also is extremely functional. And that is why this diaper cake makes the perfect gift to any expecting mama to be!

Chic Mama was founded by a wife and mother, who took her great diaper cakes that she gave to friends, into a successful business! What started as a business of diaper cakes has now expanded to include many other great gifts such as handbags, totes, diaper bags, baby gear and clothing. If you want to go a little fancier you can even get a towel cake made! A perfect place to shop for any expecting mama.

I received the Anthony Diaper Cake ($65) just days before giving birth to my son. And it was great because when I got home, I had everything I needed to get started in terms of diapers and baby soaps and lotions once I got home. That’s why something like this makes a great shower gift! Each cake is a little different. So what comes with the Anthony cake?

60 – 65 Pampers Swaddlers diapers size 1 (8-14 lbs)

Johnson’s Baby Shampoo (1.5 oz)

Johnson’s Baby Lotion (1 oz)

Johnson’s Baby Baby Wash (1 oz)

Johnson’s Baby Powder (1 oz)

Johnson’s Desitin Sample (1 oz)

Cream Silk Gerbera Daisy

Crinkle paper

Premium decorative ribbon and bows

Ingredient card

All ingredients make mommy’s first days home a little easier. But don’t think you HAVE to use the cake…it can certainly remain in tact and be kept as a decoration. I know it was hard for me to take it apart to use the diapers, but when you run out, you gotta use what you have!

I also tried another item from the Chic Mama site. The Demi bella Black Long Sleeved T shirt. As a matter of fact you can see how much I loved this item in my review on After The Alter. There is even a giveaway going on so you can try it yourself!

Bottom line…Chic Mama is a site that has great gifts for any expectant mother in your life. And with the holidays approaching what a great time to give these items as gifts!

I was provided with a Chic Mama diaper cake for the purposes of this review. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own.

35% off Holiday Sale at TechTotes: Stylish Media Bag & More

It’s that time of the week again – Friday!  This month the weeks are flying by faster than ever for me and I know it’s going to seem like a nanosecond before Christmas is upon us. 

One idea for a gift for pretty much anyone on your list over the age of 18 is a media or laptop bag.  I have a sale to share with you all just in time too.  TechTotes.Net make Stylish Media Bags for your laptop, Kindle, iPad, cell phone and more. 

TechTotes.Net is offering several of their products at 15-35% off this weekend, until Sunday December 12th.  My favorite sale item is this Netbook/Kindle case for $74.80 (normally $88)  And I absolutely adore this Embossed Crocodile Portfolio in Red – for $78 this is an affordable stylish laptop bag.

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