Shopping The Children’s Place for Back-to-School

Last week, I attended the back-to-school event at The Children’s Place.  To help moms get ready for this exciting time of year, The Children’s Place is offering great discount incentives, like buy one get one half off on jeans.

A couple of things that impressed me about the clothes:

  • Value: Great prices.  And beyond the price tag, the collections are very versatile, meaning you can mix and match the pieces while always giving your little one something fresh and cute to wear.  So just like Mama, your kids can get maximum value for your money.
  • Style: The clothes mirror contemporary trends– notably rocker chic, 80s revival, and biker.  It’s all interpreted in fun, age-appropriate ways, though, without the pretentious note I see in some children’s clothing lines.

The Children’s Place was kind enough to let me pick out a few things for our nieces and nephew, which meant I got to shop like a mama!  Check out the cute, well-priced outfits I took home.  This one for our niece Ginny:

Ginny Set

Zipper Headband, Long-sleeved Animal Print Tee, and Knit Denim Leggings

And for our nephew Jake:

Jake Set

Plaid Woven Shirt, Helmet Graphic Tee, and Classic-Fit Jeans in Deep Sea Wash

For our newborn niece Audrey, I picked up some cute onesies (2 for $12).  And I didn’t even scratch the surface of the numerous sale items– starting at $2.99!!

Overall, I was totally impressed with the value and variety The Children’s Place offers.  If you’re shopping for back-to-school, I’d definitely recommend making a stop there to take advantage of the current discounts.  And be sure to check out the Facebook page- which offers numerous contests, incentives, and promotions to its over 600,000 fans.  Now you can even shop directly from Facebook, which makes this busy time of year just a little more convenient!

Fair Indigo “Joobles” Giveaway

We’re giving away an adorable, handmade Jooble from Fair Indigo!!

Retailing for just $29 each, Joobles can be found online at www.fairindigo.com or at specialty e-tailers like Oompa.com. Visit Fair Indigo’s website to see detailed images of each animal. The colorful characters range from turquoise to celery green.

Where do Joobles come from? Started by a Peruvian family — a mom, a dad, and their daughter — this company provides work and hope to hundreds of rural and urban Peruvians all over the country. Small groups of impoverished workers are trained to run their own small businesses making hand-knit clothing and accessories. In addition to providing much needed employment, they train workers throughout Peru in such valuable skills as quality control and production planning. Fair Indigo also works with this company’s charitable arm by donating free breakfasts and school supplies to children of the workers.

Parents who have shopped for organic toys will appreciate the value of Joobles. Other pricier knit toys not only cost more, but are often made of acrylic yarn and not made under fair trade conditions. Joobles are not only 100% adorable but will improve our planet for the next generation by supporting small sustainable farming and fair trade. Isn’t it amazing how the right toy can make a difference?

Want To Win One?

All you have to do it visit www.fairindigo.com and click on the About Fair Trade tab on the top right hand side. Then just enter in the Contest Box below and briefly describe the concept of fair trade and what you learned from reading the page.

Other Details:

The winner may choose 1 Joobles as their prize. (Icy the Penguin and Jiffy the Giraffe are already sold out!)

Contest is open from Dec 11-14th. Must enter before midnight on Dec 14th. Must be 18 or older to enter. Must be in USA or Canada to enter.

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Sale at OLD NAVY!


I live in Michigan where the weather on a July day can be the most delightful you can imagine. And then for pretty much every other day of the year we have a saying that goes like this “If you don’t like the current weather, wait 5 minutes and it will change.” Today for instance it started out at freezing rain, then went to more of a spring rain, followed by dense fog around noon and snow forcasted for tonight. Nice, huh?

Well, Old Navy sales are a bit like Michigan weather these days! Always changing! Which all things considered is a much better thing to have constantly changing than say, precipitation.

So what is the sale these days? 20% OFF your whole order plus FREE SHIPPING! Awesome!
Use code 20FREESHIP and the links below to shop your little hearts out… here’s my picks for gifts FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY for under $20! (With 20% off that is gifts under $16!!)

I’m loving these adorable lounge pants… I can never have enough of these for the evenings or snow days! These are only $10!

Women: Women's Printed Lounge Pants – Yellow Floral



This men’s sweater is super-handsome… at $17.70 – what a steal!

Men: Men's Striped V-Neck Sweaters – Saucy Red



This corduroy jacket is almost half off at $19.75 and would be a great addition to any boys wardrobe!

Boys: Boys Sherpa-Lined Corduroy Jackets – American Twill



And lastly, these adorable Charley Harper Tee’s for girls are just as sweet as can be – so cute layered under a jean jacket or cardigan – only $10!

Baby Girls: Charley Harper Illustrated Tees for Baby – Frog



Holiday Gift Ideas For Moms

It’s time to get a jump on your holiday shopping and save on shipping! Here are a few gift ideas specifically for moms or moms-to-be.

What: Scootababy Baby Carriers

The Scootababy® is a hands-free carrier that allows you to comfortably carry your child as you would naturally. We worked long and hard to think through all the details, and built prototypes to test every option… in order to get it right. The Scootababy is designed to have a natural carrying position, comfort for adult and baby, ease of use, and it’s made from quality materials.

It’s super easy to use, very comfortable, easy to move around in, and keeps your baby happy. It’s good for babies and moms, so you can get the most out of your relationship with your little one. They’ll be happier being close to you and you’ll finally be able to do things with both hands! Yay!

Makes a great gift for moms with kids under 40 pounds.

Price: $119.00

Where: scootababy.com




What: Organic Crib Sheets

Not everyone can afford to splurge on crib sheets, so it makes a nice gift for a new mom. naturalmat has Organic Cotton Crib Sheet and Organic Flannelette Crib Sheet as well as Natural Baby Mattresses!

Their sheets are soft and sumptuous and a great little treat for any newborn or toddler. Seems like everyone wants Organic these days, so might as well treat your friend or relative to these natural crib sheets.

Where: You can get the mattresses at Modern Tots. Just use code thefashionablehousewife to receive a 10% discount on any Natural Mat order from www.moderntots.com.




What: PumpEase™ hands-free pumping support

A PumpEase™ hands-free pumping support is a textile product, with a unique fashion element, that enables nursing Moms to pump HANDS-FREE!

PumpEase™ hands-free pumping support holds breast pumps in place as securely and comfortably, making it easier for moms to pump. The patent pending, ‘no-stitch’ horn openings accommodate ALL makes and models of breast pumps on the market guaranteed so you can’t go wrong!

This makes a fabulous gift for a mom that works away from home and pumps while she’s at work. It’s also great for moms that pump at home. It just makes pumping easier and finally, more fashionable! And you know we’re all about fashionable. Plus, we love the cool, retro prints!

If you’re not sure which size to buy for your friend, don’t worry! They have Gift Certificates available!! They are the same price as the product, then the mom goes online, redeems them and they ship it.

Price: $29.00 – $34.00

Where: pumpease.com




What: Bootcamp for Butts and Bootcamp for Boobs.

Before you read another thing, go check out our personal success story of using these products. It’s amazing!!!!

This is the best present you can give a new mom. Pregnancy and childbirth is hard enough without being left with saggy boobs and a squishy bottom. Do your mom-friend’s a favor and get them one of these kits, whichever you think they need most! And no, your friend won’t be insulted. Especially once she gives them a try and sees the miracles that occur!

Price: $99 – $160

Where: mamamio.com




What: Pampers Swaddlers Diapers

I know… not a very glamorous gift, but new parents really appreciate diapers! I remember when my daughter was a newborn and going through like 10 diapers a day. It’s hard! So if you know some new parents, give them a break and buy them a great big box of diapers for Christmas! I can promise they will appreciate it!!

Pampers are great because they cost less than Huggies, are less bulky and more comfortable for your newborn, AND they are really soft too! Great deal to buy them online too because they ship for FREE from Amazon! That’s cheaper than gasoline…

Price: Only $41.99 for 234 diapers.

Where: Amazon.com




For All Of You Ladies That Actually Exercise

I know, I know… It’s sometimes hard to find time to go for a walk or hit the gym after a long day of work, errands, picking the kids up from school, making dinner, cleaning the house, etc etc

But for those of you that do make a point to take out that hour to pay attention to your health, here’s a few things to help you make the most of your jog.


MBT Boost Sneakers in Rose

$169.95
Available at: Zappos

1. First off, really consider investing in a pair of MBT sneakers. It’s the biggest favor you can do for yourself, especially if you don’t have a lot of time to exercise. These unique sneakers make sure you are getting the absolute most out of every step you take, because it strengthens core muscles that walking, otherwise wouldn’t target. Expect to fork out between $169 and $300 for a pair, but you need to think of it as an investment in your health. You’ll find they are absolutely worth it.

For those of you in warmer climates and tighter budgets, go pick up a pair of $50 FitFlops.

2. When you get back from your jog (or your walk) you can feel exhausted and tired. If walking and jogging isn’t a part of your daily schedule it can be easy to get out of shape. I know if I go a couple days without walking, when I finally do go out, ly legs get all tingly and heavy feeling. When I get back, I slather them with [comfort zone] Vital Leg Cream-Gel or Leg Spray. Th cream-gel provides in intense cooling sensation that immediately relives the tingly, itchy feeling in my legs. The spray isn’t as intense, but is quick and easy to apply and feels heavenly on tired legs. I also like putting it on my lower back for temporary relief of sore muscles.

3. If exercise isn’t enough and your cellulite is still hanging around like your 35 year old son that just won’t move out, then try these great products from Bliss.


Bliss – Slim City Set

$75.00
Available at: Bliss.com

You need fatgirlslim, a super potent cream that visibly diminishes those dastardly dimples. Turns out that some creams, really do work! This one features QuSome-encapsulated caffeine molecules for quick and targeted delivery of the skin-slimming stuff.

The second product you want is the the love handler to target your wiggly waist, tummy pudge and back fat? You can wage war on those not-so-hard ‘core’ areas with this genius gel, formulated for extended 8-hour caffeine release. With cooling mint oil and naturally-derived amino acid ingredients. I love the feeling of it after you put it on! It really feels like it’s working.

4. If you have small children, getting out for a walk can be even harder. And when you think about toting them in that stupid umbrella stroller, you probably feel like just staying home. I don’t blame you! But I have news for you sister… you ain’t getting out of it that easy!


Mutsy 4 Rider

$575
Available at: mystrollers.com

Introducing Mutsy!

I don’t leave home without my Mutsy 4Rider Light Stroller. You wouldn’t think that there would be a huge difference between a cheap Graco stroller from Wal Mart and a nice high-end stroller, but WOWEEE! HUGE difference. Bumps that once shook your poor infant into a coma seem like fluffy clouds passing by. It pushes sooooo easily and effortlessly, plus the handles are adjustable and putting it together is totally intuitive.

Plus it’s really easy to fold up and take with you in the trunk of your car (we have a mini-van). I really love mine and now that I’ve had and used such a fantastic stroller, I have no idea how I lived without it. It really is indispensable. The only bad thing I could even think to say about this stroller is the lack of a cup holder. lol

If you have to take your stroller any sizable distance and you can’t convince your poor husband push it, seriously consider getting a Mutsy stroller. You’ll thank me later…

Lolababiez Outfit Giveaway on The Fashionable Bambino

Contest began Monday Oct 6th and ends Monday October 13th at midnight, so hurry up and enter! You can pick either the pink or black outfit in either size 3-6 mos or 6-12 mos. Would make a great Christmas present!

Enter now >>