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

Shop for a Cause

In Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Alex Casey Baby Will Donate 10% of

 Every Order to the Young Survival Coalition* During the Month of October.

Shop Now and Make a Difference.

www.alexcaseybaby.com

 

* Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer. YSC works with survivors, caregivers and the medical, research, advocacy and legislative communities to increase the quality and quantity of life for women diagnosed with breast cancer ages 40 and under.  www.youngsurvival.org

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!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I wish I could say that my personal association with breast cancer was limited to just the facts and the promotion of October's National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I wish I could tell you that I don't have friends and family who have been touched by this deadly disease.  I wish I could tell you that I didn't sit by one of my closest lifelong friend's bedside after she underwent a double mastectomy as a result of having been diagnosed with the BRCA1 gene.  I want to tell you that I can't vividly remember the details of this same friend's mom's funeral, which I attended when we were young teenagers.

I wish I could say any of this, but I can't.

So today, this month, I contribute what I can to finding a cure for this awful disease.  Instead of sitting here, feeling helpless, I am spreading the world about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the hopes that you, or someone you love, might be inspired to check out their website, learn about breast cancer and do what you can to protect yourself.  I am also hoping you might contribute funds to help research breast cancer, so maybe in the future, there will be no more phone calls that begin with words, "I have breast cancer.  I wanted you to know."

There are also ways to contribute money that combine charity with shopping and as an enthusiastic proponent of shopping, I am sharing some fun charitable shopping items that might make the perfect gift for a friend (or for yourself!).  Here they are:

White + Warren 

Pink Ruffle Cashmere Scarf $150 & Pink Ruffle Cashmere Gloves $75     

  

 50% of all proceeds of the sales of these items to be donated to Women at Risk – the Breast Cancer Program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center – whose mission is 'to enhance the lives of women who are at high risk for the development of breast cancer and women with breast cancer through research, education and support.'
Available exclusively at www.whiteandwarren.com

 
 

Dabney Lee 
Pink Lucite 4x6 Frame $60 

 

25% of all proceeds from the sales of this frame will be donated to the AVON Foundation for Women – ‘The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade launched in 1992 in the UK and now includes breast cancer programs in more than 50 countries focused on advancing access to care and finding a cure. Numerous Avon Crusade programs raise funds and awareness for the cause, such as the US Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series, the global Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer and the sale of Crusade pink ribbon products worldwide’.
Available exclusively at www.dabneyleeathome.com

Beyond Yoga 
Pink ‘i am beyond…’ Water Bottle $36
Pink ‘i am beyond…’ Lift & Support Bra $64

30% of all proceeds of the sales of these items to be donated to the Women’s Cancer Research Fund – a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation which ‘supports innovative research, education, and outreach directed at the development of more effective approaches to the early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all women’s cancers.’
Available exclusively at www.iambeyond.com.

 

Halloween Starts with iParty

I LOVE Halloween.  I know - I'm a thirty-something year-old mom of 2 but I can't help it.  I've always been a sucker for a day that allows us to be whomever we want to be, without the fear of judgement.  While that might say more about my character than I'd like, the bottom line is, it's true.  And I'm passing down this love for ghosts, goblins and ghouls to my kids, like it or not.

So it's about this time each year when I start thinking about what to dress my little girls as for Halloween.  In the past it was easy since they were young.  It was Mommy's choice (think Minnie Mouse, Tinkerbell, and Piglet).  But now they are toddlers with their own opinions and choices so it'll be up to them what they choose.  But I know where I'll be taking them to pick their costume - iParty.

It's true that I was recently invited to an iParty blogger event intended to introduce myself and several other bloggers to the wonderful world of iParty, but let's face it, I was already a fan before I learned about the intricacies of Halloween costumes and the like.  I knew, for example, that I hadn't found a comparable selection of costumes anywhere else, and that I could spend hours perusing their adorable, hysterical, and sometimes scary stuff.  What I didn't know was that the good folks at iParty offered not just upscale Halloween wears, but that they are thinking about the average Joe with their value line ($9.99 for classic costumes like ghosts, witches, angels, skeletons, ninja which, coincidentally, are now on sale for $7.99 - WOW).  Additionally, they have costumes for kids and adults that come not just with the bare essentials, but also with accessories, because it's the accessories that make any outfit.  :)

iParty is serious about Halloween (I'm telling you, I couldn't have imagined there'd be so much to talk about).  They double-staff their stores and treat their employees to LOTS of Halloween product knowledge so you can be in and out with whatever you need.  Their mission --> to provide a broad assortment that is both utilitarian and fun.

And they're doing a great job.

For constant iParty coupons, join their Facebook group or visit their website.  Stay tuned for some great money-saving Halloween ideas!       

MiaCarina is Tops for Girly-Girls.

Do you have a girly-girl?  If so, then check out MiaCarina, an adorable website featuring chic designs for tots.  But these arenot just your run-of-the-mill clothes, these clothes are hand-sewn to perfection, and as cute as can be.

We tested out a sweet little flowery halter set, and I have to say, the craftsmanship was incredible.  In my next life, I hope I can sew like this.  The cute factor was just as great as the quality, and my toddler enjoyed showing off her new outfit - headband 'n all! - for her whole family.  Really, too cute.

What first caught my eye at this boutique, was Desiree's (the wonderful owner), choice of designs.  What little girl doesn't look adorable in cherries?  And then I saw the zebra design and was sold.  I mean, really - how delicious is this:

 

But if you're living somewhere where summer is winding down, good chance you're already migrating to the fall/winter section of most stores.  Desiree has designed some outfits for cold weather too, just visit her site and see for yourself. 

MiaCarina is not cheap, but her outfits are meant for a special little girl, or a special occasion.  And the quality makes it worth every penny.  Also, they offer FREE shipping on orders over $100 and charge just $4.80 on orders under $100.  Pretty reasonable, I'd say.  

Happy shopping! 

BlogHer Fashion. Selling Out.

I'm selling out.  I'm not only planning my BlogHer wardrobe TWO whole days before I need to pack it, I'm actually going to talk publicly about what the contents of my suitcase might hold.  Blame Audrey over at Mom Generations, whose incessant fashion posts have inspired some shopping and actual thought about what I might wear at what is turning into the fashion event of the year (however, I'll be the judge of that).

Ok.  So here's what I'm thinking. 

Jeans are going to be an integral part of my BlogHer wardrobe for this reason - I can wear them more than once and that would be socially acceptable.  I mean, pair a great pair of jeans with a few cute tops, and I'm good to go.  So my brand new Joe's Jeans will definitely be making the trip. 

• 
• • Dresses.  I'm deciding which dresses might be worthy of this 

event.  I'm thinking a simple black shift dress by Ella Moss paired with leggings and my new peep-toe heels might work.

Next, I'm thinking either my cute maxi-dress (which is actually not that maxi since I'm only 5'2 in heels) or this plain black sundress which can be paired with sandals for day.  Both are super easy to wear and comfortable. 

And that's about as far as I've gotten.  Now the real question is, what does one wear to bowl with Tim Gun?? 

I don't know what I'm wearing at BlogHer and that's ok.

There.  It has to be said.  Ladies, fellow BlogHer attendees, and family members (who read this blog): I do not know what I'll be wearing at BlogHer next week and I'm totally ok with it.  I mean, I have an idea, after all, I know what's hanging in my closet (those cute new jeans may make the cut) but I haven't been spending much time planning it.  Or talking about it.  Or thinking about it.  Because while I'm excited to go to the conference in Chicago with 1200+ of you, I am not sure why so many are treating it any differently than one would treat any trip/conference/weekend away.

Don't get me wrong, I don't begrudge any of you who are strutting your stuff in your brand-new (I'd venture to guess sponsored) cocktail dresses on your blog.  I don't.  It's just not me.  And the idea of having a store or designer sponsor my clothing (with a few exceptions - Marc Jacobs, I ACCEPT!) doesn't particularly do it for me.  But I respect your decision to do whatever it is you're doing.  And I also understand that it's somewhat of a treat for many of you to be treated to new clothes.  I get that.  Really, I do.

I'm just shocked by the sheer quantity of tweets/blogs/conversations about what to wear to the event.  I want to look good just as I want to look good every day, but does the fact that I don't feel the need to chat about it with my peers make me weird?

I hope not, but if it does, I'll take weird.

:)

I know it's weird but...

Have I mentioned that grocery shopping is one of my favorite things to do?  I think it has to do with the fact that it combines two of my most adored activities - shopping and food.  Makes sense, right?  And just as you won't catch me shopping for clothes in any old dinky little shop, neither will I hit a grocery store simply because it's local or convenient.  I'm all about quality, cleanliness, ease-of-use, and selection when it comes to shopping for food.

And lately - fun.

Fun grocery shopping?  How is that possible, you might be asking?  Well a) I bring my 3-year-old (I know, but she's fun to be with!) and b) I've started shopping mostly at Stop & Shop because they have these cool new handheld scanners that I like using.

HUH?

Ok, so if you want to join the fun, look for the Scan It! area when you enter the store - it looks like this:

Scan your Stop & Shop card and a scanner will light up.  Remove it from the base and start shopping.  Scan your items as you place them in your basket (who doesn't love to scan stuff??).  There are scales with easy-to-locate codes which allow shoppers to weigh and scan their produce.  Another fun feature is that every few minutes you'll hear a cha-ching! noise which is an alert to a sale price on an item you might want.  I have definitely been taking advantage of these mini-sales.  Users can see how much they've spent and how much they've saved.  You can bag as you go, so you save even more time.

So to recap - you scan and bag your own stuff.  Then you go to one of the self-checkout lanes, scan the barcode that awaits there, scan any coupons you might have (if you're not on the S&S mailing list, I suggest you get on it since they send coupons all the time and really, 10% off my weekly $150 grocery bill does make a difference), pay and you're outta there.

You could actually accomplish your grocery shopping without ever talking to a soul.  This might make you weird and anti-social, but it's totally do-able.  And according to my research, it saves shoppers an average of about 10 minutes in the store.  On the other hand, it is said that shoppers using the Scan It! system tend to spend a few dollars more on their order.  But here's what I think - while that small device is constantly nudging me to buy this or that on sale, I'm not surrendering to its charm unless it's an item already on my list or something I buy anyhow.  So if I'm spending a few dollars more it's to save in the long run.

At least that's what I tell myself. 

And like I said, it's fun, right?

To see if your local store has rolled out the Scan It! program, click here.

Be Unique - Customize your own Ju-Ju-Be Bag!

Speaking of diaper bags, I just got word that the revolutionary Ju-Ju-Be has a new program which allows customers to actually design and customize their own bag!  You already know how awesome Ju-Ju-Be bags are.  I mean, they're the absolute only bag good enough to sell at Alex Casey Baby and of course, to be used by diaper bag maven, yours truly.  But now it's even better.  Now you can get the exact bag you want, exactly how you want it.

Here's how it works:

Go to the Be Unique design center. 

• Once there, you can choose your bag style from the most popular Packabe, Be All or Be Small. 
• You then choose your base color - black/silver or brown/champagne. 
• Now the fun part - choose from 12 different appliques like a peace sign, a skull & cross-bone, a star, a tiara plus many more cool signature designs.
• Finally, choose a print for your applique, like the popular Perky Perrenials, Tiki Toffee, or even a gorgeous solid like pink, silver or blue.  Whatever you choose, the bags are stunning!

 

This is my favorite: 

  

Of course, all custom bags come with the same great features as regular Ju-Ju-Be bags - a changing pad with memory foam, a million different pockets (even ones you didn't even know you needed!), waterproof satin linings that are treated with anti-microbial coating, insulated bottle pockets...  I could go on and on and or you could just check it out here.

So, as a proud Ju-Ju-Be vendor, I'm happy to provide you with your new custom diaper bag!  Packabe and Be All are $148 and the more compact Be Small is $108.  Bags take about 2 weeks plus shipping time. 

To order yours or for more info, contact me!

A bit about Alex Casey Baby - launched in March 2007, Alex Casey Baby provides unique and upscale baby and toddler gifts and products to mommies and kids that know the difference.  :)  We ship worldwide!

Who's Your Yummy Mummy?

I know.  I go on and on about Yummy Mummy Brownies.  But I just can't help myself, they're that good.  I mean, take a look at these babies, don't they just look good enough to eat?

Not convinced?  Take a good, close look at the Mint Patty:

  Seriously - if that doesn't make your taste buds quiver, I don't know what would.

Yummy Mummy Brownies come in a bunch of mouth-watering flavors including fudge, nut toffee, caramel nougat, and peanuty peanut butter.  But if you're like me and you can't decide, go for the custom box and mix 'n match to your hearts delight! At $17.50, these beautifully presented boxes of brownies won't break the bank and will make Mom smile.  Throw in a SWEET pair of Yummy Mummy Boy Shorts or a Yummy Mummy Long-Sleeve Tee and call it a gift set for $32.  Since all orders are shipped within 48 hours, you can still get your Mother's day order on time!

Every Mummy wants to be a Yummy Mummy - even if just for one day.  Go ahead and make it happen! 

www.yummymummybrownies.com