The Daily Grind of a Work @ Home Mom...

Staples: A "Staple" for Your Business & Tech Needs.

I own a home business.  That said, I'm always needing something or other since there's no one to outfit the "supply closet" (ahem) other than me.  So it's no surprise that I have the nearest Staples address stored in my GPS.

I shop at Staples for the following reasons:

1. It has literally everything I need to run my business, from the little (hard-to-find) desk-calendar that I like, to the heavy stock printer paper I use, to the snacks I need to keep me fortified throughout the day. ;)
2. It's close to home.  And as the world's largest office supply retail store, it's likely that there's one close to your home too.
3. They offer UPS shipping services, which is my shipper of choice. 
4. It has reasonable prices and a selection that covers pretty much all kinds of quality, from inexpensive to awesomely fancy.

While Staples is known for its fabulous array of office supplies, many folks don't realize that the mega-retailer also specializes in electronics and technology.  My family purchased a digital camera at Staples a few years ago.  (And extra memory for it, of course.)  If you are a camcorder freak like I am, you'll love their offering of mini-recorders.  If you're not sure which one to choose, visit the Staples website and select the ones that interest you, and you will see a detailed side-by-side-comparison and your choices (COOL!).  Of course, visiting the store guarantees that one of their well-trained staff will help guide you as well.

Recently, I attended an event and walked away the proud winner of a Staples $100 gift card and an 
HP Photosmart Premium Printer.  (I know - cool, right???!!!)  While this is not a review for the printer, let me just say how much I absolutely LOVE my new HP.  I actually replaced an HP All-in-one Officejet (more expensive) but was woo'd by the fantastic photo printing feature which delivers photo-lab quality photos.  It doesn't have a fax, but my sacrifice was well worth it.  I've spent hours making photo calendars, cards, and printing pictures already.  Besides, I'm thinking the scan and email can replace the fax for the rare times I need it.

Sounds good, right?  Well, Staples is offering all you readers the chance to win a $100 gift card to their stores.  You can put it toward a new photo printer or digital camera!  A few steps to entering this one:

1. Simply comment below and let us know what you would buy.   
2. Follow @StaplesTweets.
3. Re-tweet (or cut & paste): Win a $100 Staples gift card from @alexcaseybaby! http://tinyurl.com/y9rcz5sThx @StaplesTweets! #staples100 

This contest will run until Friday, November 6th at midnight.  Only one entry per person please!

Cook Up Some Fun with Lollipop Rascals' Baking Sets!

 

We love to cook in our house.  Or I should say, I have passed down my love for cooking to my oldest daughter, who offers help to Mom for anything kitchen-related.  This includes stirring my morning coffee, shaking the salad dressing, and even pouring her own milk.  So the prospect of baking her very own cookies from start to finish excited her to no end, and well, even Mom took pride in her enthusiasm for anything culinary-related.

The baking kit came to us courtesy of Lollipop Rascals, a wonderful web-store which offers the highest quality in educational toys and gifts.  And by educational, I don't mean flash cards and numbers games.  I'm talking fabulous book sets (It's Me! is one of our favorite nighttime reads), award-winning puzzles, themed-based toys and accessories, and excellent costumes. 

But we really liked the baking set. 

In fact, we are in favor of all things cooking and baking-related so the fact that Lollipop Rascals features an entire Rascal Chefs section is more than just a little bit awesome.  Introduce your child to baking in a gentle, fun way, while still producing a delicious finished product with any one of these baking kits.  Have a budding paleontologist?  Check out the Green Dinosaur Cookie Kit.  Have a princess on your hands?  Then the Fairy Princess Cookie Kit is for her.  There's so many ways to incorporate cooking into your child's life, and Lollipop Rascals will give you many insightful ideas.  Also, many of the baking kits are now up to 45% off - so there's really no risk!

In honor of Halloween, we are happy to give away a set of Witch Pop Up Cinnamon Spice Pumpkin Cookies (beware - these are DELICIOUS!!), and Paint-Your-Own Ghost Cookies to one lucky reader.  Simply visit Lollipop Rascals, and tell us what you like best about their site.  Contest will run through Wednesday, October 28th at midnight.  Open to US residents only.

All products reviewed were provide to me at no cost by Lollipop Rascals.  All views and opinions reflected on this blog are my own and were in no way influenced by any outside party.

Flatter Yourself with "The Girls" Yoga Wear.

I have a uniform.  It's the "work-at-home-mom" uniform and I don't often stray from it.  It consists of yoga pants, a tank top, and typically a cute sweatshirt of some kind.  It doesn't look messy, and it doesn't scream "I've Given Up" in the way sweatpants do.  But it's comfortable, reasonably fashionable, and I can count on it each and every day.

I sometimes even wear a body shaper under my "outfit", if my top is fitted.  After all, gotta prove to those preschool moms that I'm actually exercising during those three hours between drop-off and pick-up.  ;)  But if I miss a day, there's now an alternative.  And it's called The Girls.  Cute name, right?  After all, isn't it typically your girls who've got your back no matter what?  And they do in this case too.

The Girls is a yoga-wear line, not unlike the stuff I wear, but it actually has tummy control.  YES!  Tummy control!!  For those of us with leftover baby pooches (and maybe some stuff from before baby - ssshhh!) who wouldn't mind a touch of help with our - ahem - problem area.  And unlike your grandmother's girdle, this stuff is built right in so other than a mild shimmy to get them on, you'll never even know it's there other than the potential for a little extra confidence.

There are a bunch of styles which include pants, shorts, and tops.  I tried the boot cut pant and the short-sleeve top.  I thought the concept was great.  Really, fabulous.  The clothes are comfortable, and definitely do what they say they do.  My only complaints are that the black didn't stay black enough for me post-wash (I'm a total stickler for this), but the affordable price point ($34.99 for the boot cut) make this item totally worth it.  My other piece of advice would to be order up a size on the tops.  I'm pretty much religiously a medium, but I found the top really stuck to my body in a way that didn't appeal to me, so I gave it to my slightly smaller friend who is enjoying it profusely.  Again - price point on this line - absolutely in line. 

Want to win your own pair of The Girls boot cut pant?  Simply visit their website and tell us which style appeals to you most.  One winner will be chosen on Monday, October 19th.  Only one entry per person please!  Only open to US residents.  

All products reviewed were provide to me at no cost by The Girls.  All views and opinions reflected on this blog are my own and were in no way influenced by any outside party.

TJ Maxx & Marshalls - Even for Shopaholics!

I'm a shopping addict.  I totally, 100% freely admit this.  I mean, I don't spend every day in stores but I love that immediate gratification that comes with finding the  perfect item and bringing it to its new home.  And the only thing sweeter than this is finding that perfect item and knowing that I acquired it by spending as little as possible.  Then it's like a gift.  A gift from the shopping Gods.

So imagine my thrill when I was treated to a mini shopping spree at TJ Maxxand Marshall's.  A few years ago, this prospect might not have resonated.  Gift cards to shop at discount stores?  What would I find there - seconds?  Cast-offs?  Stuff no one wanted?

But in recent years I've learned how entirely untrue this perception is.  TJ Maxx and Marshall's are shopping mecca's - and I mean for good, fashionable, even - dare I say it - designer stuff.   That's right - you can outfit not only yourself (and nicely, might I add) from head to toe at either of these 2 stores, but you can outfit your home with everything from linens to serving pieces to books and toys.

Did I mention the baby gear, gourmet treats, and gifts you can pick up at these stores?

And all at prices that are well below department store price tags.  I'm talking serious discounts like, 50%+ off all kinds of awesome stuff.  The Marshalls closest to where I live has this insane shoe department that could take any shoe department at any major store.  And I mean LABELS, not a collection of pleather and flastic - real shoes with real names on 'em.  Speaking of designer brands, 48 TJ Maxx stores feature The Runway, stores packed with couture items which are labeled for easy access (look for purple tags). And even you could afford them!  ;)

I saw halloween costumes at TJ Maxx that could rival those of any party store for just a few dollars.  Bedding with thread counts higher than those that reside in my own closet.  Purses with names of designers that I wouldn't otherwise go near, for fear of breaking down and breaking the bank.

Another element I have to point out is their customer service.  I purchased a pair of shoes at Marshalls for my daughter which didn't fit (so cute though!) and when I brought them back, there were no questions asked, my money returned in the way that I paid, and all in under 3 minutes.

Want a mini shopping spree of your own?  The Daily Grind is pleased to be giving away a $25 gift card to Marshall's.  See how far you can stretch a dollar and enter below!  Simply comment with the item you might shop for at Marshall's should you win.  A winner will be chosen on Monday, October 12th at midnight.  Only 1 entry per person please!

The Circus Wants YOU!

Or, your family that is.  Because fall wouldn't be fall without a trip to the circus, right?  And the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey circus is doing just that - bringing their "Over the Top" show to 6 states including 3 venues local to Boston!  Catch an action-packed performance:

• DCU Center, Worcester - Thursday, October 8th though Monday, October 12^th.  Click here for tickets.
• Verizon Wireless Arena Manchester, NH - Thursday, October 1^st though Monday, October 4^th.  Click here for tickets.
• TD Banknorth Garden, Boston - Wednesday, October 14^th through Sunday, October 18^th.  Click here for tickets. 

The good people of the circus are giving New England families a special opportunity to visit the circus by offering a special deal on tickets -

Purchase a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 for weekday shows, or receive $4 off weekend tickets by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com and entering the coupon code: MOM.*

But wait!!  In conjunction with Mom Central and the circus, The Daily Grind is offering readers the chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets to the Boston opening night performance on October 14^th at 7pm.  Simply comment below with your favorite circus act and be entered to win.** 

*Get 4 tickets for $44 Monday - Friday matinee or $4 off weekend tickets by entering the code “MOM” in the MC promotion code box on Ticketmaster.  Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each.  Not valid on VIP Gold, VIP, and Circus Celebrity seats or combinable with other offers. Service charges and handling fees will apply.

**The contest is open to all but tickets are valid ONLY for the show on October 14t^h at TD Banknorth Garden at 7pm.  Contest will run through Saturday, October 3r^d at midnight.

Your Baby Can Read!

It's back-to-school time.  Time to buy pencils, books, deal with teachers' dirty looks (or loving words about your kids... we hope!).  But what I quickly learned from being a mom to 2 toddlers - not all learning happens at school.

Our children depend on us to teach them.  In fact, it's our job to teach them, our responsibility.  And tools can help.  Our family recently received the Your Baby Can Read system, and we are having a great time with it and learning new words, sounds, letters, and more.

My 3-year-old is really into learning.  She is constantly asking me to teach her to cook (we're starting cooking classes next week!), teach her to ride a bike, teach her to read.  While the other things are within my scope, I couldn't imagine how to teach such a young child to read.

The tools provided in the Your Baby Can Read set are a huge help.  Ok.  If you check out their website, you'll see video of a 9-month-old who can recognize the words on the flash cards his mom is showing him.  My kid can't do that (and I'm not sure I'd want her to).  But she loves the interactive sliding word cards which match together words with pictures.  Some go to the next level to include actions (Arms Up!) and more advanced ideas (Pet). 

Also included in the system are 5 DVD's meant to go with the word cards.  Truth is, my toddlers didn't love them so we used the cards on their own.  Additionally it came with:

• 50 Word Game Cards
• 82 Double Sided Word Cards
• 5 Lift-A-Flap Books (which we also LOVED!!!!)
• A "My First Words" Slide and Learn book (another fave)
• A "How To" Parent’s Guide

It's interesting to see which letters my 3-year-old retains.  Also, I'm interested in the difference in upper case vs. lower case retention.  But I do know that her word to picture recognition is wonderful and expanding with more variations on words and pics she already knows.

Created by recognized expert and infant researcher, Dr. Robert C. Titzer, Ph.D, the website claims that "studies prove that the earlier a child learns to read, the better they perform in school and later in life. Early readers have more self-esteem and are more likely to stay in school."  While I'm not 100% sure that I agree completely with this general statement, I do think any early exposure to letters, reading and books can only have a positive influence on children.  So I embrace any tool that helps do this. 

In general, the system is great.  But I'm not using it to teach my toddler to read because it is my opinion that she is, in fact, too young to read.  We could easily work hard together to get her to memorize each card and use this to impress her friends and family, but instead, we are learning letters, new words, and ways to string words together.  In this capacity, Your Baby Can Read is awesome.

The system costs $199.95.  While this sounds expensive, when you break it down by piece, you're actually only spending a little more than $11 per book/DVD/card game, which is reasonable.  The company also offers a 30-day trial for $14.95 which allows you to test it out, and then they offer an installment plan should you choose to keep it.  There is also a 30-day money back guarantee.  All this to say, Dr. Titzer really believes in his product and thinks you will too. 

Win it!  The Daily Grind is happy to be giving away one Your Baby Can Read system to a lucky reader!  To enter, simply visit the website and give us your opinion of the system, and why you should win it.  The winner will be drawn at random on Saturday, September 12th at midnight.  Contest open to US residents only.  A $199.95 value!! 

GoPicnic - Don't Leave Home Without It.

You know those days when you're running around like a chicken with your head cut-off, trying to get the kids out the door, trying to get yourself out the door, everyone with the proper backpacks, lunches and homework?  I do (minus the homework part, cuz preschoolers are pretty free and clear of after-school work so far, but the way things are going, stay tuned...).  On those mornings, it helps to have a little help.  So any healthy short-cut I can take is welcome.

My family and I recently tried GoPicnic, ready-to-eat meals that are pre-packaged so you can take them with you without much thought.  Ok, I know what you're thinking - pre-packaged foods?  Must be processed, greasy junk, right?  Wrong.  The thing we actually liked about the GoPicnic meals, already boxed and ready to grab, is that many of the foods within the box are things we normally buy at the grocery store.  GoPicnic has simply individually wrapped and assembled some of our favorite foods and snacks so we could grab them and go.  And this helps.

GoPicnic offers 20+ meals, none requiring refrigeration and the cool thing is they have incorporated more then your basic food needs into their meals.  Kosher, gluten-free, halal, vegetarian, or vegan - there are choices for everyone.  And the foods themselves contain no trans-fats, high fructose corn syrup or added MSG, and are free of artificial colors or flavors.  While there are (almost too) many choices in each box, each meal is designed to be balanced, though I defy anyone to eat it all at one sitting - there's just so much packed into those small boxes, and for no more than $6.99 per meal! 

While there are 6 meals designed with kids in mind, adults are equally as important to the folks at GoPicnic (kinda nice for a change, right?).  We tried a bunch of the meals, including ExploreMunch, and Aquamunch, and we loved most of the choices.  I incorporated some of the packaged foods into my daughter's camp lunch (which had to be kosher dairy) and it definitely took some of the thought out of this daily task.  We even enjoyed some new foods, like Sunbutter™ Sunflower Seed Spread (we LOVED this) spread on the included crackers, and dried apricots (which I dunked in the yummy Nutella), and were pleased to find some old favorites in there, like Calbee Baked Snapea Crisps, natural applesauce, and other solid choices.  

Win it!  THREE lucky readers will win SIX GoPicnic meals EACH (awesome, right?)!!  to enter, simply visit www.gopicnic.com and come back here to let us know which three meals appeal most to you.  A winner will be chose on Friday, August 14th at midnight.  Contest open to US residents only.

Buy it!  Get your GoPicnic meals NOW and save 20% on your order, Just enter promo code GPMOMS at checkout and go crazy!

b.b. bliss brings bliss to babies ;)

Say that 10 times fast.

So you know how sometimes when you're very busy, rushing here and there, in and out of the car, just getting stuff done, and you find yourself in a bit of a cold sweat?  And it stays with you the whole day?  How about if you were wearing a t-shirt that fought off that annoying clammy feeling so you would be comfortable while getting through your day?

Well, it's not your lucky day, but it's pay-dirt for your kids!! 

Brand-new Boston-based company, b.b. bliss, recently introduced onesies that are made of ultra  soft, breathable, and environmentally safe moisture-wicking fabrics that are far superior to ordinary cotton.  Available up to size 18months, the adorable onesies also offer UV protection, are quick-drying, and will even walk the dog.  No, just kidding about the dog, but you will like this product so much you'll be begging for one for your dog as well! 

All this - and they're super-cute also!

So, we're giving away one of these beautiful bodysuits to two lucky readers - to enter, simply visit b.b. bliss and let us know which style and color is your fave.  For an extra entry, follow @bbbliss on Twitter.  Contest runs through Friday, August 7th and is open to US residents only. 

aden & anais - Not Just Another Pretty Blanket

So, we've talked about how aden & anais makes the perfect swaddler.  And we talked about how aden & anais makes the perfect sleep sack.  But guess what?  There's more to this adorable line than what meets the eye.

Consider this: you've just had a baby and you've received dozens of blankets, each more special than the last.  But what in the world will you do with them all?

The smart folks over at my favorite blanket making company have come up with half-a-dozen new ways you can use your aden & anais swaddling blanket, so you can use your tired brain for more important tasks, like how to get as much milk out of your right boob as your left, and how to pack 6 hours of sleep into 2.  

1. As a portable crib sheet.  I mean, these blankets, made from 100% cotton muslin, are soooo soft, your babe would be lucky to lay around on this all day long.  I mean, do they come bigger?  I'd like to line MY bed with one! 
2. On the floor for tummy time.  Obv...
3. As a boobie shield.  Hide those tatas from the rest of the world when nursing your baby, in style!
4. As a burp cloth.  Because there's no such thing as a burp cloth that is too big.  That stuff can travel!
5. As a sun-shade on your stroller.  Protect Jack or Jill from nosey neighbors while he/she sleeps by draping the blanket over the stroller.
6. As a picnic blanket.  Baby's first picnic!!  Awwwww....

So you see, it doesn't have to be all swaddling all the time, especially since aden & anais blankets are so stylish.  Don't be afraid to show 'em off!! 

And what's more is that the award-winning company has just launched a new line of certified organic muslin swaddles so now baby's blanket is not just cozy, but also good for Mother Earth.  So really there's no excuse, since aden & anais now really offers something for every family. 

WIN IT!  One lucky reader will win one of these new organic blankets from aden & anais.  Simply visit their website and come back here to let us know which is your fave.  A winner will be chosen on Thursday, July 23rd at midnight.  Please, only one entry per person!  Open to US residents only. 

Nomie Baby Keeps Car Seats Clean

Dear Readers,

I start out this week with a dare for you.  It's a simple one.  Go outside, and check out your child's car seat.  You heard me, go outside and take a look at the car seat.  Is it clean? Dirty?  Covered in bits of last week's crackers, maybe sticky from the juice box that overflowed the minute your little cutie got her hands on it?  If your kids are anything like mine, they loooove to snack in the car.  And those car seats pay the price. 

So how's this for an idea - shield your kid's car seat with a cover which is not just cute, but a lifesaver as well (for you, that is...)!  This is almost one of those "why didn't I think of that first?" ideas, but alas you did not so chances are you need one of these things. 

Invented by mom of three, Katie Danziger, nomie baby car seat covers are made with waterproof material and fit most standard infant seats and most convertible/toddler car seats such as Graco and Britax.  They are edged with elastic for easy on/off so you don't have any extra aggravation when those spills occur.  This would've come in handy for us the first weekend we had my daughter's toddler car seat.  No sooner did we have it installed and get her installed in it did she vominate (her word) all over it.  Yes, this is true.  Day 1, brand new car seat.  nomie baby, I would've bowed to you that day.  Imagine the enery I'd have saved for just $34.

So now we don't take chances.  When there's dirt, we simply remove the cover and wash it.  And you can too.  Win IT! One lucky reader will receive a nomie baby car seat cover of their choice.  Simply visit the nomie baby website and let us know which style and color appeals to you.  For a second entry, subscribe to this blog's feed or let us know that you already do.  For a third chance, tweet or blog this contest - leave a link!  Contest ends Wednesday, July 15th at midnight.  Only open to US residents.