Coffeecake

SALE: Pottery Barn Kids--Halloween on sale--20% off!

Pottery Barn Kids now has Halloween on sale! 20% OFF all Halloween items.  Free shipping on costumes and treat bags. 

Time to order your kids' Halloween costumes!

Lots of websites have some really cute Halloween costumes for kids.

For kids costumes, some great sources are:  PotteryBarn Kids, One Step Ahead (currently has a discount on costumes), Target and Gymboree. 

Good sites for party favors, craft items, and accessories include Lillian Vernon, for personalized items, The Container Store for great wrapping ideas, Oriental Trading Company, and Target.

Halo Sleepsack on sale at Babies "R" Us

UPDATE SEPT 22:  UNFORTUNATELY, THIS SALE IS NO LONGER GOING ON, BUT ONE STEP AHEAD HAS 15% HALO SLEEPSACKS WHEN YOU BUY 2 OR MORE.

The Halo Sleepsack, which I have previously blogged about, is now on sale in store and online at Babies "R" Us.  For a limited time, if you buy one Halo Sleepsack, you can buy a second one at 1/2 off.  The Halo Sleepsack is a "wearable blanket" that comes in a range of sizes, from newborn on up, colors and fabrics, including cotton and fleece. Read more about the product at Halo.

Also on sale at Babies "R" Us for buy-one-get-one 50% off are all Carter's and Gerber bedding basics.

Get started on your Halloween crafts!

 

Fall is here and if Halloween is at the top of your list of autumn favorites, it's time to get started on your Halloween craft projects.

I recently popped into Michaels, the arts and crafts store and found a great selection of Halloween craft supplies and decorations from Martha Stewart.  Since I am planning to have a little party, I stocked up on favors, including paper bats that sit on top of a goodie bag, and stickers.  There was also a great selection of decorations including banners and retro accordian-style table decorations.  For papercrafters, there are Halloween-inspired paper punches (see my black cat and jack-o-lantern), glitter and decorative paper.  Check out the selection of items at your local Michaels store (they do not sell these items online) and at Martha Stewart Crafts

Great ribbon and labels on sale at Namemaker.com

The website www.namemaker.com now has 20% off on its entire site for a limited time only. Namemaker has a great selection of personalized ribbon and clothing labels. The website has been featured both in Oprah's magazine and on the Martha Stewart show--so you know is has to be good!  Get beautiful ribbon for holiday or school crafts or personalized labels to sew into kids' clothing or add a personalized touch to craft projects.  I personally have ordered labels to put into knitting and sewing projects.  (Note-- the ribbon featured in the picture above is from my own collection and is not available on the website). 

Great Fall Colors at Ann Taylor Loft--including Maternity items

I recently stopped into Ann Taylor Loft to check out their fall maternity items (yes, select AT Loft stores carry maternity!)  They had some very cute items, and in great colors--rich reds, turquoise, gray and black and white prints.  I got a long gray sweater jacket and a top with a black and red floral print.  The regular line also had great colors--including a rich mustard yellow that I loved.  I also loved the crinkle patent tote for only $49(!), which came in a variety of fall colors.  There seems to be a better selection in the stores, so check it out at your local Loft. 

Debbie Phelps--Fashion Icon

The WSJ is reporting that Debbie Phelps, mom to Olympic phenom Michael Phelps has signed a deal in the low six-figures to promote Chico's clothing, which she wore while cheering for her son at the Games.  Apparently she loves Chico's, and stocked up on a bunch of outfits to take to the games.  You may have noticed her brightly colored print ensembles-my DH kept joking that it looked like she was wearing the same outfit every day--but hey, he noticed her clothes, which is something that he never does. I thought she looked great, and loved that she looked so put together and coordinated.  My mom is ike that, too--she has never not been totally coordinated, even if she is just hanging around at home.  Chicos has now introduced a Debbie Phelps' Summer Games Look.  The idea is part of a trend towards using "real women" to promote fashion and beauty products. As much as I love my thick fall issue of Vogue, I love this trend too because it reflects how moms live in the real world.

I personally have found J.Jill's Wherever Collection to be great for travel. When we spent a month traveling to adopt our son, I stocked up on some of these pieces.  They don't wrinkle and were perfect for sitting around a hotel or hospital room--comfortable, but put together, too. 

Koala Baby Storage Tote-- Great Organizing Find

 

In my efforts to control the clutter of toys and books, I recently purchased a couple of storage totes by Koala Baby from Babies 'R Us--1 each in Sage and Blue.  They are currently 2 for the price of one (along with other Koala Baby bedding basics and storage items) at www.babiesrus.com. 

I am really happy with this purchase.  The totes are in nice bright colors, made of a textured plastic with a laminated finish and handles for carrying.  The dimensions are generous--15" high by 16# wide.  I have already filled one, and they hold a lot of toys, while not being so deep that things get lost in the bottom. 

I have previously been a fan of Pottery Barn Kids canvas organizing buckets and floor totes, but I am liking the change of pace of the Koala totes so much so that I am thinking of getting some in a neutral color for other rooms in my house.

Back to School Sales

(Stock Photo)

Lots of websites and stores have big sales going on now, just in time for the new school year. 

Gymboree currently has a Labor Day sale for an additional 20% off all sale items and Gymbucks are currently on (earning Gymbucks), too.  They have some really cute fall items including Halloween costumes. I have been wanting to find a vampire costume for my son, and they have a really cool one I am going to order.

Talbot's Kids is closing, and the stores are giving 50% off on all children's clothing. They have some beautiful items for newborns...knits with coordinating hats and blanks...great for gift giving.  Also, really nice cordoroy overalls for boys.  Sale items cannnot be returned or exchanged.  The website does not feature as big of a discount on children's clothes.

Pottery Barn Kids has up to 65% on tons of items including many accessories from diaper bags to picture frames.  Also lots of party decorations are on sale.

20% off at Seejanework.com

In case you haven't yet checked out this site, the current sale is a great reason.  See Jane Work is offering 20% off the entire site by entering code "domino" (for domino magazine) at checkout. You don't have to be a domino subscriber to get the 20%.  The site has beautiful things for home, office, or the home office, including many great mommy products, such as packing and shopping checklists. 

I just placed an order for some great Mother's Day gifts for my sister and I few items for myself too.  Check back for a review of the products I purchased.

Subversive Jewelry--Now at Target!!!

I am really excited about checking out the new Subversive for Target jewelry line. I haven't seen it in person yet, just online.  Subversive is designed by Justin Giunta and the original line consists of unique pieces that are quite pricey, from the hundreds of dollars to thousands.  The pieces are very vintage-y and funky.

While true fashionistas may prefer the original line, I think Target's version may prove more mommy-friendly.  I have purchased other items from Target's designer lines and been very happy with them.  While the materials are may not be up to the standards of the luxury versions, the prices can't be beat.  I recently purchased a cute pair of shoes and a purse in metallic pink from the Loeffler Randall for Target line

Prices for the Subversive jewelry line will range from $14.99 to $59.99.

Sale at Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn Kids is offering 30% off on over 400 new items added!  There is a lot of great stuff on sale including accessories (I love their frames), bedding, clothing, and more.