Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Shabby Apple

Thirty-four weeks! (breathes sigh of relief).  This is the point in my pregnancy that I look forward to, because I know our baby girl would be ok if she were born this week (but we’re praying that she stays cooking a few more weeks).  This is also the point in my pregnancy where I am a. uncomfortable most of the time and b. desperately searching for something…anything to wear.  Those maternity clothes that fit so perfectly around 5 or 6 months don’t fit me well anymore.  The only truly comfortable piece of clothing I find bearable is a dress.  Fortunately, I live in Southern California and it hasn’t been terribly cold.

If you read my blog, then you know how passionate I am about the companies you see here. Shabby Apple is no exception.  I will attempt to describe for you, the chic, fashion-forward dresses you’ll find on the site.  But you truly must go visit to see all they have to offer.  While I’m not a shop-a-holic, I definitely love to shop and do it well (just ask my husband!).  When I was single, my mom and I went out every month (and sometimes more than that) to buy a new outfit.  That was what she did when she was  a single, working woman and it was something we did together too.  Even today, I’d rather go shopping with her than anyone else.  I think it’s her NYC upbringing that makes her particularly savvy when it comes to finding trendy clothes that look good and fit appropriately.

I showed my mother Shabby Apple’s website, and she agreed…the company truly offers unique, trendy dresses for women of all shapes and sizes.  Originally, I was to review the dress 90 Words Per Minute.  However, I’m pregnant and although this dress is a. beautiful and b. perfectly suited for me it would not be a review unless I could try it on, see how it fits, and most importantly, show you how it fits.  Fortunately, the company also offers maternity dresses.

Some women look absolutely stunning their entire pregnancy.  You can see how their face just glows and their eyes shine.  For other women (like me), looking and feeling beautiful can be a struggle.  My body feels big and awkward (especially now).  I had an opportunity to review Green With Envy.  I only wish I had the boots shown in the picture on their site to truly complete the look.

The dress is made from a cotton/spandex blend and does give a bit.  It’s actually very flattering, in part due to the sash that ties right above my bump.  It’s a light, airy dress but the color is perfect for the holidays (and for Southern California weather).  The site states that it doesn’t have to be ironed, however, I wasn’t sure about that when I took the dress out of the package.  So I hung it up in our bathroom before wearing it for the first time and the steam helped iron out some of the wrinkles.  This is actually important to me because I don’t iron anything.  We have a brand new iron sitting in our closet, given to us on our wedding day, 4 1/2 years ago.

As far as sizing goes, I usually wear a medium (in both regular and maternity clothing).  I checked their sizing chart, determined I was a medium, and ordered the dress.  What do you think?

There are so. many. dresses. I want to purchase from the site…both for myself (after our baby girl is born) and for our baby girl. Here is what I’d choose for her:

And this is the dress I want after I lose the baby weight:

The site has an incredibly helpful tool to help you find a dress that fits your body shape.  Check out Fit to Flatter (you only have to answer 3 questions).

Right now Shabby Apple is offering you 15% off of everything with the code “holidaysale15off.”  (good through December 2, 2009).

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I did receive a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Back to Basics Toys

Have you ever heard someone say, “They don’t make them like they used to”?  That phrase always makes me giggle!  And I know one day I’ll probably be saying that too about something.  But there really are some things that either you can’t find anymore or just aren’t made the same (and of course my brain is struggling to come up with an example and it’s failed me!).

There is, however, a really neat toy company called Back to Basics Toys (which I reviewed last year).  The company was founded by parents who’s desire was for their children to enjoy quality play, just like they did when they were young.  My husband and I have seen toys on the site that we played with as children.  In fact, my husband really enjoying playing and building with the Lincoln Logs my son received.  It brought back fond memories of his childhood.

When we opened the tin can where the wood pieces are stored, we were met with a lovely wood smell.  More than that, the pieces (there are 100 of them) are durable and stained attractively for an authentic, old-time look.  The set offers much in the way of creative, imaginative play.  An instruction sheet with building ideas is included with the set to give younger children and parents a place to start.

While the pieces do interlock, it’s easy to put them together and take them apart (they really just set on top of each other).  The Lincoln Logs are suitable for children over the age of 3 and on sale right now for $37.99.

For inspirational, quality toys (like you remember playing with as a child), visit Back to Basics Toys.  Perusing the site definitely brings back memories of toys I used to play with.  Like Raggedy Ann & Andy (I had Ann), the Jumbo TinkerToy Building Set, and the Fisher Price Teaching Clock.  I bought my son the Stanley Snail Rocker when he was a baby and he still likes to ride on it!  We also have the Pull-Along Alphabet Blocks Set which we reviewed (and love) last year.

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I did receive a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Mabel’s Labels *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by! Congrats to Amber V!

Yesterday we spent the day at the park with another couple and their kids, playing, catching up, and taking pictures of each other.  Some years we have professional pictures taken (and we may still do that this year) but because it’s almost December, we figured that time is definitely getting short.  We NEED to get our Christmas cards ordered and sent out (which is what we did today).  And tomorrow is Cyber Monday and since I did not brave Black Friday, I need to do some major Christmas shopping (and by the way, if you have some great deals or tips, please feel free to leave me a comment!).  At least I have one thing covered…Holiday Gift Tags.

There are some companies you will probably see repeatedly on my blog.  Mabel’s Labels is one of them.  My son’s shoes, clothes, and sippy cups are all labeled with labels from the company.  You’ll also find Mabel’s Labels on our spice racks, canisters, and storage bins.  And this year, we’re labeling our gifts with the company’s new Holiday Gift Tags (which are super cute!).

If you want to order a set of their Holiday Gift Tags (which can be personalized), you’ll have to do it soon.  After December 31st you won’t find them anymore.  You can choose from four designs (Winter Wonderland is my favorite) and a set of 24 retails for $18.50.  The only thing I’d love to see the company offer is the opportunity to choose more than one design in a set.  What I do like is the opportunity to have several different messages printed in one set.  The Holiday Gift Tags are sized generously and printed on quality paper.

For every order of holiday products, the company will make a donation to a local family in need of support this holiday season.  And…since tomorrow is Cyber Monday I thought I’d share with you an incredible deal you don’t want to miss out on.  By the way, you’re getting this information before it even hits the company newsletter (do I hear oo’s and aah’s?).

Tomorrow look for these outstanding Cyber Monday deals:

30% off Holiday Gift Tags and Return Address Labels

Regular Price: $18.50, sale price $12.95

40% off Selected Write-On! Stationery, in choice of Bzzz or Cowpoke designs

Regular Price $34, sale price $20.40

Win It! One of you will win a set of Holiday Gift Tags!  You’ll love them!  Simply leave me a comment with another product you like from the site!  Comments will close on December 15, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Add the “Holiday Gift Guide” button to your sidebar and leave me a comment (be sure it’s up for the duration of the gift guide!)

Check out my Holiday Gift Guide and leave a comment on that site about a product you like! (Maximum of 1 Comment for this).

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest. Be sure to use the hashtag #holidaysurvivalguide

Enter Shannon’s giveaways (Maximum of 1 Comment for this).

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I did receive a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

It’s Cyber Monday…Are you Shopping?

I’m sitting here, in my pajamas, searching for the best deals online.  I didn’t brave the Black Friday crowds for the first time in many years so I’m hoping to find some great sales!  Here are some links to some sites I found particularly helpful for finding awesome Cyber Monday Deals:

DealTaker

CyberMonday.com

Squidoo

DealWorker

FlamingoWorld.com

Here are a few more tips on how we save time and money during the holiday season.

1.  Research!  Sometimes a sale price isn’t necessarily the lowest price.  I always try to write down prices from a few different places to make sure a deal is really a deal.  It takes a lot of time to go from store to store looking for discounts.  If you do your research first, you’ll save much in the way of time.  

2.  Use coupons!  There are tons and tons of sites that will tell you about online shopping discount codes.  This one is my favorite.  

3.  Black Friday isn’t necessarily the best day to shop (shocking?).  Most years I’ve found the best sales to come right BEFORE Black Friday or in the weeks preceding Christmas.  So if you stayed in on Friday (like I did), keep an eye on the ads (both in print and online).  

So what do I want for Christmas this year?  It’s definitely a far reach, and doubtful that I’ll get it but…I want a DSLR camera (and hubby knows it!).  Other items certain to be popular this year include mini-laptops (love those ones that way nothing!), video consoles and games, and other techy, gadgety, electronic items.  

If you’re looking for more ideas on saving time and money this holiday season, check out Staples!  TwitterMoms and Staples are offering a fantastic holiday blogging contest with tons of prizes.  Check it out here.  

Deals for Busy Moms This Holiday SeasonCheck out This Week’s Deals!

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Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Growing Tree Toys

Tomorrow is Cyber Monday…are you ready?  Did you brave the Black Friday crowds and score some great deals?  I still have much in the way of shopping to do. I find that children are actually incredibly difficult to shop for.  Surprising right?  Considering the sheer number of toys, games, books, clothes, and electronics on the market today.  As a parent, I prefer to invest in quality, educational toys with lasting value.  Like this Dress Up Pirate from Growing Tree Toys.

I find the fact that this “toy” can teach my son how to button, snap, tie, and zip pretty innovative.  My son is just starting to get good at undressing himself (we’re still working on getting dressed). He can snap and zip/unzip well but isn’t able to button/unbutton or tie at this point.  And while it sort of resembles a doll, it’s more like a stuffed toy.  My son enjoys trying to figure out the buttons and the ties.

Along with the buttons, snaps, ties, and zippers, the Dress Up Pirate is made with different colored and textured fabrics (felt, suede) to stimulate a child’s senses.  Oh, and he rattles (too cute!). I think the only two senses we’re missing on taste and smell.

Over the summer, we visited my in-laws and traveled to the south.  My son had his first “real” experience with pirates, one that left him fearful of the one-eyed men that say “argh!”  This pirate is anything but scary.  Consequently, my son likes his pirate and carries him around the house with him.

Growing Tree Toys offers wide variety of educational toys from well-respected manufacturers such as Plan Toys and Creativity for Kids.  Apart from the fact that shopping on the site is very easy, given the fact that you can shop by age, manufacturer, or type of toy, you’ll enjoy a few other features that set the company apart from others.  Each toy includes information about Developmental Benefits and Types of Play involved.  For example, the Dress Up Pirate offers physical, logical, spatial, and intrapersonal developmental benefits and children who play with this toy will utilize dramatic and manipulative  play.  Now you know exactly how your child will benefit from each toy you purchase.

Every day Growing Tree Toys offers an incredible deal of the day with savings of 40-60% off.  Be sure to check it out!

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I did receive a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

What to Do With Holiday Leftovers

I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is over!  It seems like just the other day my husband was busily brining a 12 pound turkey, me happily making a homemade pumpkin pie.  The fabulous thing about having a big meal (and a small family) is that we haven’t had to cook much lately.  We had a ton of food leftover and have been making turkey sandwiches for lunch.  I’m not the most innovative at using leftovers, but I did find a site that has inspirational meal ideas for your all the turkey you still have left!

Vons’ Leftover Lounge includes creative ideas to ensure that turkey you worked so hard to prepare doesn’t go to waste. Soups, salads, and sandwiches are tasty (and healthy) meal ideas that don’t require a lot of time or effort.  Here is one of my favorites:

Turkey, Brie and Cranberry Baguettes

Ingredients:  

2 tbsp Safeway Select Dijon Mustard

1 tbsp Safeway Clover Honey (or why not try Agave nectar)

1 Safeway Select Artisan French Baguette

1/2 cup cranberry sauce (my husband made one that was incredible)

8 oz sliced cooked turkey

4 oz sliced Safeway Select Primo Taglio Brie (I actually have to use mozzarella because of the pregnancy but I LOVE brie)

1 1/2 oz arugula

If you take a look at the list of ingredients, you’ll find that you probably have many of the items left over from your Thanksgiving meal.  For more fabulous ideas on what to do with those leftovers, check out the Leftover Lounge!

Holiday Baking…The Quick and Easy Version

There are days when I feel like the hours and minutes are flying by.  How did it become December already?  And yet, just a few months ago I was so sick I thought it would never end.  We had a very small Thanksgiving dinner this year.  My amazing husband cooked most of the meal.  I mustered up the courage to make the pumpkin pie (which might I add seemed to have turned out really well since it was GONE and my dad didn’t have an opportunity to taste it).  I used this amazing recipe from Williams-Sonoma which took little in the way of effort or time.  I adapted it just a bit.  In other words, I used canned pumpkin (as opposed to cooking a fresh one) and a store-bought pie shell instead of one from scratch.  It still turned out fabulous (if I may do so myself).

The other day I used a Deep Dish Pie Shell from Marie Callender’s for our Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie.  I can count on my hands the number of times I’ve attempted to make a pie crust. It’s difficult.  Really difficult.  Most of the time I just use a pre-baked pie shell.  I recently had an opportunity to try out Marie Callender’s Pie Shells.  You can find them in the freezer section at your grocery store (although I had to go to a few different markets because they were sold out for Thanksgiving).  You get two deep dish pie crusts for approximately $3.00 and they taste really good.  I like that they don’t fall apart (like mine do) and they’re just super easy to use (thaw for 10 minutes and bake).  The crust comes out crisp and flaky and made for a nice contrast with my spiced pumpkin pie.  The pie crusts are made from Marie Callender’s legendary pastry pie dough made with pure vegetable shortening and quality pastry flour.  If you like home-baked pies without the hassle of making a pie crust, I highly recommend checking them out.

Marie Callender’s also offers Fruit Pies, Thaw and Serve Pies, 2 lb. Cobblers for those of you who don’t want to bake.  They’re available in the freezer section at your local grocery store.  I would check the site to find out if they’re available (they’re not available in Southern California).

Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Scholastic Books

I’ve always maintained that reading is one of the best things you can do with and for your child.  I started when my son was an infant but I could have (and should have) started when I was pregnant with him.  That is how strongly I feel about it’s importance and effect on children.  You’ve heard people say that the goal is 20 minutes and I believe that is entirely feasible.  But we don’t look at the clock at home.  We read throughout the day.  A few books here, a few books there…and we always end the night with a book.  My son knows to expect reading time before nap and at bedtime.  It’s come to be part of his routine and he looks forward to it.  He’s even been known to push his bedtime by asking for more books (and how can you refuse a toddler who is asking for more books?).

One of my favorite purveyors of children’s books is Scholastic.  The company offers more than just a “children’s bookshop.”  The company is an invaluable resource for parents, educators, librarians, and children.  And they just so happen to publish one of the only magazines I make time to read (Parent and Child Magazine). Do you want to know which books are best for your child at his or her particular age?  What about how to help your child with his/her homework?  Those are just a sampling of topics you’ll find on Scholastic’s website.

We recently had the opportunity to preview a few holiday books, courtesy of the company.  Just in time for the holidays is a “magical” book entitled The Christmas Magic.  My son already knows most of the book (he likes the part when Santa says “Hie…Let’s be off!”).  The story follows Santa as he prepares to bring gifts to all the children.  We see reindeer and read about things my son has never been exposed to (like parsnips and sleighs).  The book is illustrated beautifully, and while I think that it’s probably designed for the preschool-type, my son really enjoys it (so much that we have to read it at least once a day).  The book has a very different feel from most children’s books and I like the vocabulary used.

We also previewed Toys, an adorable board book that actually be used as a puzzle and flash cards.  The book was written for children ages 1-3, but my son is probably a bit too old for the actual “book” part.  He enjoys when I read it to him but he much prefers taking out the flash cards and creating the puzzle (which I still help him with).  Overall, I think it is a book that can be started at a younger age and will grow with the child.  Children will love the vibrant colors and removable cards.

There are a myriad of books available on the site for gift giving.  Here are a few recommendations (all descriptions below from the site):

My Little Polar Bear:  A winter wonderland awaits a young polar bear cub that emerges from its den for the first time. As the cub sets out on a dramatic arctic journey, it worries whether it has the skills to survive. But a parent’s abiding presence and simple, reassuring words instill confidence and love. In the tradition of such classics as THE RUNAWAY BUNNY and MAMA DO YOU LOVE ME?, this graceful, soothing tale speaks to the powerful bond between parent and child, and to the many stages of a child’s growing independence, from first steps to first school experience and even to leaving home.

The Snow Day:  A young rabbit wakes up to wonderful news: A snow day! School is canceled, and the day that follows is rich with the magic and delight of the falling snow. And yet there is longing too, as the young rabbit and his mother wait for news of his father, grounded on a plane in a faraway city…. The news that his father will be home tomorrow gives the book a peaceful, comforting, and perfect ending.

My First Taggies Book:  Jingle Bells:  Jingle bells, Jingle bells Jingle all the way! Read this popular Christmas song with your little one while they tug at the ever-popular Taggies tags, rattle a jingle bell sewn into the front cover of the book, and gaze at the sweet, soft illustrations.

Give a gift that will last a lifetime…give a child the gift of reading this season

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I did receive a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

My Favorite Tuna Recipe

When I delivered my son two years ago, my husband asked me what I wanted once I was able to eat after the c section.  Without question I wanted a tuna sandwich from Islands.  For some reason, I just seem to crave tuna when I’m pregnant.  But because I have to limit the amount of seafood I consume, I only get to eat it several times a month (when I’m not pregnant I eat it at least 2 times a week).

There are numerous ways to prepare tuna salad.  But my favorite is one that I tried at a gourmet sandwich shop years ago.  I don’t have the same exact recipe that they used, but this one comes pretty close.  What makes it taste so good is the replacement of sour cream for mayonnaise.

- 2 small cans of White Albacore Tuna in Water
- 1/3 cup Dried Sweetened Cranberries
- 2/3 cup chopped Fuji Apples
- 1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh Dill
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream

There are a ton of different options to choose from when you’re shopping for tuna.  For many, many years (as in, since I was a child), we’ve been eating Bumble Bee Tuna (I like the White Albacore in Water).  I was recently asked to be part of a brand advocate team for Bumble Bee Foods called The Bee Squad. I don’t take the fact that I’m representing their brand lightly.  Each and every product and company you see on my blog has been carefully considered.  I turn down many “pitches” every week (I should screenshot my inbox one day!).  Over the next few months I’ll be telling you more about this company that I am proud to say is consumed regularly in our home.

Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Country Bob’s *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Wendy M and Amanda!

For about a year, we’ve been using Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce, primarily on chicken.  It’s a quick, easy way to prepare all kinds of foods.  I am not fond of sauces with a lot of calories, sodium, fat, or cholesterol.  Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce is low in all of the above.  And it tastes really good.  We have yet to explore the different ways to use the sauce beyond meats and seafood.

As you think about holiday cooking, you may want to consider using one of the company’s sauces to give your seafood, poultry, or red meat a little spice and flare.  The site also includes various recipes which utilize their sauces in appetizers, side dishes, and entrees.

I wrote a complete review last year and a recap over the summer, highlighting my favorite aspects of the company.  Apart from their sauces and seasoning salts, they offer a variety of Christmas specials including gift packs and grill sets.  If you’re looking for a yummy, affordable gift, check out Country Bob’s.  At approximately $3.00 a bottle, you can even stuff them in stockings!

The company truly stands behind their product and right now you can try a bottle for free.  And…

Win It! Two of you will each win two bottles, courtesy of the company.  Simply leave me a comment with a recipe you found on the site you’d like to try.  Comments will close on December 13, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Add the “Holiday Gift Guide” button to your sidebar and leave me a comment (be sure it’s up for the duration of the gift guide!)

Check out my Holiday Gift Guide and leave a comment on that site about a product you like! (Maximum of 1 Comment for this).

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest. Be sure to use the hashtag #holidaysurvivalguide

Enter Shannon’s giveaways (Maximum of 1 Comment for this).

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I did receive a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

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