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

Cute and Tasty Treats from Donsuemor: Giveaway

Snacking is a big deal in our house.  In fact, my youngest daughter looks for her morning snack not five minutes after breakfast is over (not that she gets one).  While I try to keep it as healthy as possible, I also enjoy seeing their little faces light up at something more treat-like every so often.  So I can feel good about those types of snacks, I try to find things that are small so as to keep it fun, but not overly calorie-dense.

When I agreed to review Donsuemor cookies, I knew what I was getting into since we'd already sampled and reviewed them at Mom Central.  What I didn't know was that Donsuemor also made these little cupcake shaped "Cute Cakes" that my kids would fight over. 

Adorable, right?  And yummy too - yes, mom fought her way toward the front of the line for a taste.  Each cute cake has 120 calories (so save the other for later!). 

If you haven't heard of Donsuemor, the company has been making sophisticated madeleine cookies for 35 years.  The madeleines are beautiful - perfect to put out or serve with coffee.  They're small and lovely to look at as well.

You can buy Donsuemor treats here (they're actually super well-priced) and check here for fun things you can do with them.

Win it!  One lucky reader will win a gift box from Donsuemor.  To enter, just visit their website and let me know which treat is your favorite.  One winner will be selected on Wednesday, April 27th.  Sorry, US only!

"I received a gift box of Donsuemor treats to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own."

A Classic Look by Ralph Lauren and a Giveaway

Dressing kids is simple - soft material, cute styles, and durable construction are what I look for when I buy clothes for my girls.  Obviously, they are such adorable models that they can make anything look great ;), but the pieces I we choose definitely have to have most, if not all these qualities.  Especially if we're spending real money on them.

Ralph Lauren has been a brand my family has trusted forever.  They made one of my oldest daughter's very first dresses (white cotton with cherries embroidered - so cute), we've been dressing in RL Polo dresses every summer since they're born, and generally deferring to the classic look Ralph Lauren offers again and again.

As a Ralph Lauren Ambassador, I was invited to design a Create Your Own Short-Sleeved Polo.  First, I had to decide whether we wanted a monogrammed shirt or the classic Pony style - I chose the Pony so it could be passed down to my younger daughter, but had I been looking for a special gift, the monogram would have been perfect.  I then selected size (tee's run true-to-size), t-shirt color (Maui Pink - obv), and Pony color (green). 

The simple ordering process behind me, I anxiously awaited my creation.  I didn't have to wait long, my package showed up just a few days later.  And true to its reputation, the Polo shirt I received was really perfect.  Don't you just love classic, grown-up clothing on kids?  And the color combination was awesome.

Win it!  Thanks to the Ralph Lauren folks, I am giving away one Create-Your-Own shirt to a reader.  Just visit the website and tell me what your design would look like.  For an extra entry, tweet "I entered to win a Ralph Lauren Create-Your-Own Polo from @alexcaseybaby and you can too! http://tinyurl.com/6xwuarr".  A winner will be randomly selected on Thursday, March 3rd.  Open to US residents only.

"I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Ralph Lauren and received a Ralph Lauren CYO shirt to facilitate my review.”

Giveaway: $100 at Gaggle of Chicks - A FAB daily deals destination for Moms

If you know me at all, then you know that I love me some daily deals.  My inbox welcomes an influx of emails each day, each bestowing that day's "deal" on me, in hopes that I will buy it. 

Truth is, while many may attempt to grab my interest, few do.  And that's mainly a result of demographics.  I'm just not interested in a 3-hour joy ride in a Porsche for $200 nor do I want a photography session for my pet (I am SO not a pet person).  However, I am always in search of family-oriented deals.  And this is why Gaggle of Chicks is the first daily deals site I visit each day.

Gaggle of Chicks (how cute is that name!) is geared toward Moms and offers top-notch products and services that appeal to this demographic.  What started as a NYC-based company has now evolved into a Nationwide site with deep discounts on items that truly do appeal to Moms and their families.  For example, a recent NYC-based deal was 52% off tickets to the New York City Ballet - an awesome Mom's night out in my world!  On the National side, a recent deal was 50% off adorable wall decals for kids rooms.  In other words, the deals featured on Gaggle of Chicks are not just any old deal - they are vetted for real Mom-appeal.

What sets this site apart from the others isn't just its cute graphics or its variety of offers, what's different is that once you sign-up, you receive a $5 credit and a unique code.  Once others sign-up using your unique code, you BOTH receive a $10 credit!  And you can earn and earn and earn!  I love this about Gaggle of Chicks and I expect others do too.

Win it!  The folks at Gaggle are offering a $100 credit to one lucky reader.  To enter to win, simply sign-up for the site using my link and let me know once you do.  You must use THIS LINK to be entered.  That's it!  Easy, right? The giveaway will close on Wednesday, February 16th at midnight.  One entry per person and open only to US residents.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Gaggle of Chicks and received a $100 Gaggle of Chicks credit for myself to facilitate this review, and a $100 Gaggle of Chicks gift certificate to giveaway.”

 

Ralph Lauren Layette

My kids wore Ralph Lauren clothes as babies.  Who could resist the little pony on the corner of those adorable tennis-style dresses?  They were easy pieces, not fussy, and just adorable.  So when Ralph Lauren sent me some pieces from their layette line, I was inspired to have another baby - ALMOST.  (Not really.)  But luckily, I have a 6-month-old niece who will benefit from this wonderful gift.

The piece, a Snap-Front Footed Coverall, is made from delightfully soft cotton jersey with snaps from the top all the way down to the tiny toes for easy on and off.  It's white, so proceed gently (read: bring a bib and change diapers frequently).  But generally, this is definitely an outfit my kids would have worn over and over again - it's so cute and the quality... well, it is Ralph-made.

I also received a Cotton Cable Hat & Bootie Set - really, the ultimate in sophistication.  The set, also 100% cotton, is the perfect finish to any holiday outfit.  And it will undoubtedly keep Baby's head and feet warm.  And stylish.

Lucky for you, my readers, I am hosting a giveaway of this newborn hat and bootie set worth $65.  Consider it a New Year's or better-late-than-never gift for someone who doesn't know what time of year it is anyway.  To enter, simply leave a comment letting me know who you will gift this to.  For a second entry, tweet "I entered to win a Ralph Lauren Cotton Cable Hat & Bootie Set from @alexcaseybaby and you can too! http://tinyurl.com/2aspcpy".  A winner will be chosen December 28th at midnight.  Open only to US residents.  

"I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Ralph Lauren and received a Ralph Lauren Baby Layette set to help facilitate my review."

Save Time at Bank of America & a $50 Gift Card Giveaway

When I moved to Boston 10 years ago, it was as if I fell into the United States from Outer Space.  The fact that I had a perfect credit score in Quebec was completely irrelevant to most financial institutions and I anticipated having a really tough time getting myself set-up with credit here in the US.  Luckily, I visited Bank of America and they went to the trouble of checking my Canadian info in order to hook me up with what I needed.  Other banks wouldn't bother.  Also, it was painless.

That was a decade ago and I'm still a loyal Bank of America customer.  Over the years, banking has changed and Bank of America has pioneered so many of the advancements we have seen in the industry.  In more casual terms, BofA helps busy people save time and as everyone knows, time is money.

First of all, BofA has fantastic online banking.  I pay my bills online each month, can transfer money quickly, and check my balance easily.  I probably login to my BofA account three or four times a month to check on things. 

But for me, the clincher is that BofA has drive-through banking!!  When I became a mom, my new barometer on customer service began and ended with whether or not the business I was using had a drive-through, be it coffee, my pharmacy, or my bank.  I use the drive-through near my home at least several times per month.  Also, I LOVE the new deposit process!  Have a check or cash to deposit?  Simply feed it to the machine and it reads your bills or check.  So awesome.  No adding, no envelopes, no time wasting.  Love.  For other cool features BOA offers, check out www.bankofamerica.com/solutions. 

I'm already a fan.  That's clear.  And I want to make you a fan too -one lucky reader will win a $50 pre-loaded Bank of America gift card.  Simply leave a comment below telling me how you save time during the busy holiday season.  For an extra entry, tweet your time-saving tip using hashtag #getbackmtm and include my handle in your tweet.  The giveaway will run until Monday, December 20th at midnight and is open to US residents only.

How's that for a little holiday gift?

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Bank of America and received a Bank of America gift card to thank me for taking time to participate.  This giveaway is hosted and fulfilled solely by The Daily Grind.

Follow Bank of America on Twitter at @BofA_Tips.   

Win $100 at eBay & give someone you love an Unwrap Attack

Have you ever had an unwrap attack?  In my mind, an unwrap attack is the kind of thing that happens when you give your daughters an Ariel's Magical Talking Salon on the first night of Chanukah.  There was a lot of "OOOH! A SALON!!" "IT'S SO COOL!" and "THANK YOU, MOMMY! I YUB YOU!" going on in those unwrapping moments.  Hence, the term "unwrap attack". 

eBay is inviting my readers to join in an official Unwrap Attack with their Love to Give campaign, which features The Daily Show's Samantha Bee in a series of eBay webisodes and a gallery of consumer-created "unwrap attack" videos that showcase some of the most hilarious and heartwarming gift giving and receiving moments captured on video – moments of pure emotion when people receive the “just-right” gift.  Enthusiasts can even upload their own "Unwrap Attack" videos to the microsite.   

Watch Samantha Bee's hysterical Unwrap Attack video:

Best part - Ebay is giving one reader a $100 eBay gift certificate so you can host your own Unwrap Attack.  To enter, simply leave a comment below with telling me your best unwrap attack story, or what gift would give you an unwrap attack this holiday season?  The contest will run through Friday, December 10th.  For official sweepstakes rules, please click here.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that the gift cards from this giveaway have been provided by eBay. Although I have a material connection to eBay, any publicly stated opinions of eBay remain my own.

Wacoal Review & Giveaway

  I don't often publicly talk about my undergarments.  After all, a girl's gotta have a few secrets.  But when I was approached to check out Wacoal's products, I got over my shyness real quick.  Not only because I've been lusting after Wacoal bras forever, but because I've recently decided to up the ante on my unders.  I'm tired of my regular old stuff, and Wacoal has fabulous looking products.

The nice thing about buying Wacoal is that if you're shopping online without the benefit of a salesperson, Wacoal has "fit consultants" who are available by phone from Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm EST to help you select the perfect fit.  I called to put it to the test and was impressed.  My consultant, Kim, began the quick 5 minute call by asking what I was looking for in terms of coverage, straps (thick? thin?), etc, and gave me some suggestions based on my answers.

I typically like seamless support, and Kim talked me through Wacoal's different fabrics and options for the smooth look I sought.  When all was said and done, I selected the Awareness Underwire in Deep Jungle (risqué, right?) along with some underwear, the style of which I will keep private.  ;)

The folks at Wacoal have invited me to give away FIVE sets of intimate apparel!  To enter, go to the Wacoal website, and coment on why you'd like to wear Wacoal.  For a second entry, tweet about this giveaway - "I entered to win a Wacoal Intimates Set from @alexcaseybaby and you can too! http://bit.ly/hw3Xza."
Once winners are selected, you can call a fit consultant and add something new to your under-wardrobe. 

The contest will run through Friday, December 3rd, and is open to US residents.

I received a Wacoal intimate apparel set to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own.

Need to make a big impression? Check out Bigfoot by Fisher Price

As a mom to two little girls, it's not often that I'm put in front of a toy that lists Pounds his fists! or Hear him roar! among the product features.  Typically, our toys guzzle fake milk from weird bottles or glitter, sparkle, or dazzle.

So I'm intrigued by Fisher Price's new toy, Bigfoot the Monster, much in the same way that I'm curious about cute little boy tuxedos or blue clothes - in that they're so cute, but it's likely I'll never have much opportunity to own any of it. 

Also, Bigfoot is often "moody".  And I can relate.

Geared toward kids 3-8 years old, Bigfoot is controlled by remote and does everything from walking and talking, to throwing a ball and (ahem) burping.  This short video paints a better picture of Bigfoot than I could put in words:

The unusual toy is available at all the big retailers and costs about $90.00.  Fisher Price is inviting folks to win their own Bigfoot simply by visiting their Facebook page, choosing your mood and installing the cute Bigfoot app to your profile.  Doing this will prompt the contest entry, which you can re-visit daily until the contest closes, on December 15th.  Ten Bigfoots will be given away at the end of the giveaway! 

If I win, I'll let you know.  And I'll be keeping Bigfoot stashed away in my room, while the girls continue to play with princesses and fairies...

This post is sponsored by Fisher Price.  All opinions are my own.

Mini Mioche Organic Baby Clothes Review & Giveaway

I'm obsessed with shopping for my kids.  While I don't typically spend big bucks on their clothes (Target! Old Navy! Gap!), I can't resist a cute outfit and as my little girls get bigger, they wear their clothes a little bit longer and a little bit better.  I don't know why.  It's probably that upright position that makes their clothes hang better.  So as much as I loved their little mini dresses as babies, as preschoolers (yup - both of them!) they are still treated to great style.

In fact, they have better clothes than Mom.  Shocker.

But we don't do ducks.  Or puppies or turtles or bears.  Never did.  I'm cutesy animal-averse when it comes to dressing my kids.  I think ALL kids look best in stylish outfits that aren't adorned with wildlife.

So when we received an adorable organic outfit from Canadian retailer Mini Mioche for review, we (I) were super stoked.  Actually, I'm usually reluctant to opt-in for reviews that involve clothing since I am forced to relinquish control of the pieces that my daughter will undoubtedly have to sport (no ducks! no puppies!), after visiting the Mini Mioche site I was sold.  Look at what we got!

I totally would have chosen this outfit myself.  It's super soft and features NO animals.  It's simply a matching tunic and leggings that is made from organic cotton fleece.  I don't have to beg my daughter to wear it - and if you have a preschooler you know what I mean.  She actually loves it.

WIN IT! Check it out for yourself.  Check out the fall collection at Mini Mioche and win an item from the Toronto-based retailer!  Simply leave a comment below telling us which item you love and why it strikes you.  One lucky winner will be randomly selected on Friday, November 12th 30th!! 

BUY IT!  Can't wait?  Until November 30th, readers are invited to save 20% on purchases made at Mini Mioche. 

I am participating in a mini mioche ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf mini mioche. I received an outfit as a thank you for my participation.  The opinions on this blog are my own.

Win tix to Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! in Boston

I know I invited you to enter this AWESOME contest on my Savvy Source page but I'm moving the party over here.  On September 25th & 26th, the Yo Gabba gang will invade Boston's Wang Theatre for four shows - and I have a family 4-pack of tickets to give away to the show of your choice.

SHOW TIMES:
09/25/10 at 2:00pm & 5:00pm
09/26/10 at 11:00am & 2:00pm 

Wanna go?  Simply comment below, letting me know your favorite character from the show and something your child loves from the series.  One winner will be chosen on Monday, August 30th, 2010.  For an extra entry, tweet "I entered to win a family 4-pack of tix to see Yo Gabba Gabba in Boston from @alexcaseybaby and you can too! http://tinyurl.com/39ex76v." This contest is open to everyone so tell your friends!

I will receive complementary tickets for the performance as a thanks for posting about this event.  All views and opinions reflected on this blog are my own and were in no way influenced by any outside party.