Alex Casey Baby is offering 15% off your whole order today through Cyber Monday. Just enter promo code Fifteen1 for savings!
Best sellers include:
Our line of exclusive full-sized Personalized Towels
Cool Trucker Caps
And our brand-new Little Man Tie Shirts
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!
Pajamas now up to 24 months!! Only $25!
New ORGANIC Rainbow Socks – just $20! Check out our tutus in NEW colors, including Ice Cream Sundae – they’re delicious! Save 15% off all orders now through July 8th – just enter promo code Summer09! www.alexcaseybaby.com – We ship WORLDWIDE! Email us for deets.
Grab some GREAT DEALS in our new SALE section!
Click here to check it out.
And while you’re here, check out our NEW Ruffled Leggings!
All Sale Items are FINAL SALE and subject to availability.
Anyone who knows me IRL ("in real life") knows that if you ask me for my one best piece of parenting advice after having a baby, it's swaddle early and swaddle often.
"But my baby hates it!" is a common complaint.
Your baby does not hate being swaddled, your baby hates being maneuvered into a straight-jacket-like position by you. But once he's in it, he'll love it, and he'll sleep more soundly. Promise.
"But my baby breaks free from it!" is another.
If your baby breaks out of your swaddle, you're simply not swaddling tight enough. Suffice to say that my own mother used to worry that I was torturing my babies when I swaddled them, it was that tight. Studies actually prove that swaddled babies sleep longer and are less likely to wake up spontaneously. Additionally, swaddling may reduce the risk of SIDS. What more does a new parent need to be convinced that swaddling is best?
Nothing. All that's left is getting the proper swaddle blanket and this, my friends, is no easy task for a rookie swaddler. But be assured, a proper swaddle blanket is not that tiny flannel blanket you got at the hospital. Well, maybe it is for the first week of baby's life until baby starts growing fast and furiously. A real swaddle blanket is a large piece of material that has a little bit of stretch to it, is durable and will not over-heat your baby.
Look no further - the perfect swaddle blanket is like the muslin wraps fabricated by Australian moms, Eden & Anais.
Made from soft, breathable cotton muslin, Eden & Anais wraps are the just the right size, just the right texture, and just the right cuteness to be considered the "perfect" swaddle. They have single-layer styles, perfect for the warm nights of summer, as well as double-layer wraps for colder days. And with more than 20 adorable designs to choose from, there's bound to be one to suit your baby's little personality.
SALE! Eden & Anais is offering customers a chance to stock up on their delicious Winter Warmth Swaddles, normally $49.95, for just $29.95. And their Dream Blankets are on sale for $39.95, down from $59.95. To take advantage of this discount, simply visit www.edenandanais.com and enter promo code “wintersale” at checkout.
Win it! A lucky reader will win one Winter Warmth wrap from Eden & Anais. Just visit their site and let us know which is your favorite iem and design. A winner will be chosen on Friday, April 24th. Only one entry per person, open to US residents only.
There's a lot of really bad stuff going on in the world right now. It seems everyone is affected by the economic crisis on some level. Either you yourself have felt the impact or else someone you know is experiencing the aftershocks of the Bush disaster era. No matter how you see it, it's here, it's real, and it's not going away any time soon.
So what better time to find new ways to save - both money and time. Chances are if you're a mom (and most of you are if you're reading), you need more of both. So here are a few of my favorite ways to save:
Coffee - I LOVE my coffee in the morning. I actually could drink it morning, noon, and night if the thought of trembling through my day wasn't an issue. I am a Starbucks fan but have found that those little $3.19 drinks really do add up throughout the week. So I've found a way to make my drink at home. Start with a cup of freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee). The secret to my favorite is in a tablespoon of powdered Nesquik and a cap full of Starbucks Sugar-Free Vanilla flavoring. Waaaaay cheaper and just as delish.
Designer Clothes - Ok. This might be a touchy one based on the current state of the economy. But we do have a birthday party coming up so we needed some little clothes that would do justice for this special occasion. Yup, I'm talking kids clothes! My best secret? Bloomingdale's (nope, you read right!) ALWAYS has crazy sales in their children's department, particularly on just out-of-season clothes. We recently scored a little dress by the famously fabulous (and EXPENSIVE) Flowers by Zoe for $25. Originally $72. I've been known to get mini Diesel jeans for less than the cost of Gap jeans. Stop laughing and just look. I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Restaurant Deals - While on the treadmill last week I opened up a local mag and found that about five of Boston's finest restaurants are offering meals for a fraction of what they typically cost. Fine eateries like Ruth's Chris (deal: $39.95 pp), Morton's(deal: dinner for 2 for $99, a $50 savings!), even my favorite - The Palmhas a filet mignon dinner for just $39 pp with this printable coupon. And these deals are going on in every city! Who says you can't enjoy good food even during a recession?
Books - Obviously the library is the best way to get books on the cheap. But another way to get your hands on brand-new bestsellers for less? Join Borders Rewards and you'll receive coupons each week in your email that will entitle you to a certain % off a book. It's often up to 40% and typically you can use it on any book in the store.
And my best time-saving tip?
Cleaning - I HATE housework. Specifically, I abhor bathroom cleaning but hey, someone's gotta do it. Recently I discovered Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber. Essentially it's a disposable scrubbing pad with soap in it that attaches to a grip you can easily hold. You then scrub the tub with it. It typically has enough suds to touch up your sink and toilet too. It's quick, smells pretty good, and makes the task a little less daunting.
I just finished a customized photo album order for a repeat customer and these designs, which she requested, are just too cute to keep to myself. Here are two reasons why customizing is worthwhile:
Get $5 off yours for a limited time (automatically) - be sure to email me if you have a special design in mind!
I am a shopaholic. I can freely admit this. So when I learn of a new online store, I not only get terribly excited, I get my credit card out in anticipation of finding the "perfect thing" to buy right then and there.
I wasn't disappointed when I visited new e-boutique, Flying Colors Baby. Ok, so as a baby e-store owner myself, it's not often that I get excited about a competitor peer - but I was really impressed with Flying Colors Baby! Offering only fine and upscale clothing and accessories in sizes 0 - 4T, the site is divided up by gender and age, so it's easy to maneuver. If you have a girly-girl or a trendy-boy on your hands, look no further than this little shop. The baby girl stuff features a lot of pink, while baby boys keeps the traditional theme with blues, browns and even baby argyle - how cute!
We received a bamboo coverall by Kicky Pants and to say this piece is soft is an understatement! Not only is it functional with snaps in the diaper area for quick changes, but it's made from eco-friendly bamboo. And at $25, totally affordable.
Flying Colors Baby is offering some opening specials, including 10% off ALL orders with promo code "fcb10". They are also giving away free shipping for a limited time. If you are looking for some hot baby duds, head to Flying Colors Baby and shop till you drop!
The Prima Ballerina: No ballerina-in-training should be without her tutu! Featuring 4-layers of gauze tulle, adorned with rose petals, complete with organza ribbon and a decorative flower, these tutus are specially made for that special little one. $40
Got cold feet before that big performance? Warm them with organic Ballerina socks by Baberoo and steal the show! $20
The Rock Star
Pick up a copy of That Baby CD and DVD and introduce kids to an amazing collection of acoustic cover versions of songs by favorite artists like Joni Mitchell, Bob Marley, and The Pretenders. Combined with the stimulating visuals of the DVD, both kids and their folks will be rocking out to the classics, re-arranged for a new listening experience. $35.95
The Jet-Setter: The hottest product on the market for those jet-setting kids, award-winning Zoobies® are a gift-giver’s answer to what to get world-traveler. A 3-in-1 friend that transforms from a stuffed animal to a pillow to a snuggly blanket, a Zoobie is the perfect companion for any child. $30
Celebrity Sightings: Meredith Viera, Trista Sutter, Denise Richards, Leah Remini, Carnie Wilson.
Whether you are traveling by plane or by car this holiday season, the Marimekko Bo Boo Backpack is just the right size for the little jet-setter to carry along. Traveling is so much more fun when your child can bring his/her own bag! (Makes it easier for parents too!) 69$
The Bath-Lover: What better way to relax at the end of a long day at the park than in a hot bath! Give the gift of soft, clean, sweet smelling skin with organic skin-care products from Little Twig. Beware – parents have been known to lather up in this stuff too, it’s just that good! $9.50 - $41
Celebrity Sightings: Brooke Burke, Kevin James, Debra Messing, Courteney Cox, and Gwenyth Paltrow.
After the bath, wrap them in a plush personalized bath towel, an Alex Casey Baby exclusive!. These full-sized hooded bath towels will be useful for years to come and feature exciting personalized patterns. Designed to keep your bundle snug, cozy, and warm. $50
The Sophisticate:
No city slicker should be caught without a cashmere sweater for the holidays! Knit in luxurious 2 ply premium cashmere with yummy velvety soft chenille designs, these sweaters by Amber Hagen are sure to stop stroller traffic en route to those extra special sandbox socials. $155
Celebrity Sightings: Violet Affleck, Marcia Cross’s twins, Patrick Dempsey’s twins, Milla Jovovich’s daughter.
The modern rugs and wall print designs of Avalisa give any room an instant contemporary sophistication. $59 - $1,400. For sleek on a smaller scale, provide endless hours of family fun and learning with the Avalisa Memory Game.
Celebrity Sightings : Liv Tyler has the Avalisa deer patterned wall art.
The New Baby:
Keep baby warm and safe in a superb sleep sack by Sozo. Not only are they functional, but the bright colors and characters are sure to delight the little one! Parents will sleep easy knowing their baby is safe and snug as a bug. $35
Give the gift of the luscious fabric that makes the Poodle Blanket special. They will coo and giggle with delight while snuggling with this blanket by Baby Star. It is so soft and inviting, making it an essential. Cuddly and warm for naptime and beyond. $70
Celebrity Sightings: Kevin James.
The New Parents: You don’t want to forget the all-important parents! Give them a Slide Diaper Bag and they’ll thank you again and again. Truly revolutionary, the Slide eases neck and shoulder pain with the patented ergonomic strap which distributes the weight of the bag across your back, like a sling. Use it long after the baby hits school and fill it with your laptop, textbooks, workout gear, or yoga mat and clothes. $95
Celebrity Sightings: Tori Spelling, Survivor Joel Anderson
New Moms will also love the Baby Star Quick Change Pouch for carrying the diapers in style and within easy reach in the diaper bag. The modern prints match with other Baby Star baby products and makes matching gift giving easy for every family member. $16
The Sports Fan: Give something special for the sporty little guy or gal - the Blume Personalized Baseball Caps can be customized with any text to suit their personality. You'll score a home run with these thoughtful and sporty caps. $22
Celebrity Sightings: Angelina & Brad’s Twins, Tom Cruise.
Coordinate his room with a sports-themed peg board and bookends from Tatutina. Fun, colorful and sturdy, these wooden pieces are not only attractive, but they will be useful for years to come. Pegboard $25, Bookends $35
Holiday Spirit: This adorable Gingerbread felt house by Twinkle Kids will provide hours of (mess-free) baking fun for a future Ace of Cakes. The gingerbread house is made of 100% wool felt, and comes with over 100 decorations offering endless decorating possibilities. $59
Get them in the spirit with this Personalized Peppermint Stripe Tee from indie designer, Tote and Tee. Perfect for those annual holiday pictures, order early! $32
Looking to save a little? Check out our Holiday Shopping Guide and find discounts on some great stores!
