reviews

Book A Brighter Future with Macy's and Reading Is Fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and Macy's have teamed up to create Book A Brighter Future, a national partnership to raise awareness and support of children's literacy.

Now through August 1^st, Macy's customers can give $3 and receive a coupon for $10 off one purchase of $50 or more at any Macy's store nationwide. Macy's will give 100% of every $3 to RIF.

Its a great way to get a jump start on your Back to School shopping and support children's literacy at the same time!!

 

Save While Shopping for School and Office Supplies

Its that time of year! The stores are full of pencils, notebooks, lunch boxes and backpacks! Its a little overwhelming. And get get super expensive - especially if you're like me and have a weakness for office supplies! But Shop Smart magazine has some fabulous tips in the September issue on how to save money on School Supplies!

1.     Take inventory: Chances are, you already have some of the things you need in your home office.   

2.     Stick to your list: It makes sense to get a jump on the stuff you know you need (think filler paper and pencils), but wait for the school’s list to do the bulk of your shopping.  

3.     Consider swapping: If the search of your desk drawer turns up things you no longer have use for, swap them for things you do need. Call other moms, or go to Swapmamas.com. Click on School & Office to see listings from people who have stuff and people who need stuff.

4.     Skip taxes: Many states offer tax-free shopping days in August to encourage spending on clothes. You might find information about your state by searching the Internet with your state and “tax holiday 2010.” Some states extend the discount to supplies and computers.

5.     Buy in bulk: Warehouse clubs are great places to load up, but so are online stores like RaymondGeddes.com and DiscountSchoolSupply.com – just remember that shipping costs can add up if you don’t order in bulk.

6.       Consider refurbs: Whether you need a laptop or your kid needs a fancy graphing calculator, refurbished or opened but unused products can save you hundreds of dollars. Check Amazon.com, Crutchfield.com, Dell.com/outlet, and SonyStyle.com/outlet.

7.       Automate savings: Sign up at ShopItToMe.com to get an alert sent to you when there’s a sale on those expensive sneakers your son just has to have or those shoes you need for work.

8.       Be strategic: Shopping the sales at a lot of stores could save you big bucks, but it’s a huge waste of time. Instead, search circulars online at YahooCircularCentral.shoplocal.com and SundaySaver.com. Then shop at stores with price-matching policies, such as Staples, Target, and Walmart.

9.       Go to school: Ask whether your child’s school has a supply program where you buy one box with everything your kid needs for the year. Staples claims its SchoolKidz program offers savings of 20 to 50 percent.

Catch the full article here!

CSN stores makes shopping easier

Have I mentioned how much I love shopping online? I've had several very good and very bad experiences over the past couple years buying major purchases online. One of the best resources I've found is CSN stores. (And I have several friends who do as well and I'm amazed that I have never heard a bad thing about them.) Besides the low prices, I love the free shipping, easy returns  and great customer service!

Now you know I'm a huge fan of cookware.com and allchildrensfurniture.com because I've shared about them before, but did you know that there are actually over 200 CSN stores? All with the same great service, huge inventory and great prices.  You can find pretty much anything you need from bathroom sink to beds to bikesto playsets.

When I go to a home store looking for a bathroom vanity, they have maybe 30 options, most of which aren't what I'm looking for. But I love how with CSN I can search for the exact type, size, shape and price I want to find the perfect bathroom vanity for my kids bathroom, like this little number:

Hello, Gorgeous!! Don't you think that would look FABULOUS in my kid's bathroom? Me too. 

Last year we were looking for a breakfast nook for our new house and I was tearing my hair out because no one had them - or they were cheap and ugly. And look what I found on CSN:

Its only EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR! For only $400 with free shipping. Darn it!! I'm coming here first next time!

I encourage you to check out CSN stores for yourself - you'll be amazed!

disclosure: This is a sponsored post for csn stores. while these opinions are mine, i was compensated for this post.

Father's Day Deals at King of Prussia Mall

The King of Prussia Mall is your one‐stop destination for purchasing the perfect gifts for dear, old Dad this Father’s Day, June 20th. From the sporty dad to the suave dad, King of Prussia Mall has over 400 options, offering unique and custom gifts for each and every one. Check out all the available retail and restaurant options at KingofPrussiaMall.com.

The Playful Dad|

 Want to help your dad recapture his youth? Surprise him with a remote control mini helicopter from Brookstone. These mini RC helicopters feature the latest easy‐flight technology, making them
incredibly easy to fly—even in small spaces. In larger spaces, however, they can fly up to 100' away from the remote. $29.95
Brookstone Location: The Court

My husband's co-workers got one of these and everyone in the office LOVED it and was flying it everywhere. Very cool idea for helping dad recapture his inner child!

 
The Suave Dad|
Everything your dad needs for a smooth and close shave is now in one kit. The leader in high‐end shaving products, Art of Shaving, has put together all their adored products in the ProGlide Shave Set. There are starter sizes of the Pre‐Shave Oil, Shaving Cream, Badger Shaving Brush, and After‐
Shave Balm. Additionally, it comes with the Fusion® Chrome Collection ProGlide™ razor that has been featured on Oprah.com. For an affordable price, Dad can look suave while also trying all the best shaving products on the market!
Art of Shaving Location: The Plaza

The Sport Fanatic |
Does your Dad fanatically cheer on the Eagles every Sunday? Is he still a die hard fan of his college basketball team? LIDS offers the biggest selection of sport, fashion and collegiate hats in the latest designs and trends. You can even personalize your dad’s hat with pictures or text. Maybe his old college nick name would be a great fit. Create something that is unique, fun, and lets your dad always rep his favorite team.
LIDS Location: Lower Level Plaza
LIDS Philadelphia Eagles Hat: $25.99 Embroidery $7

The Movie Buff |
Do you find your Dad cracking up at The Office or extremely enthralled in The History Channel
documentaries? Buy him his favorite seasons at Borders, which is now offering up to 46% off certain
items for Dad! Suggestion: pick him up an assortment of his favorite sweets at the Sweet Factory for some extra TV viewing enjoyment.
Borders Location: The Pavilion Borders DVD Sets: $32.99 ‐ $77.39
Sweet Factory Location: The Court Sweet Factory Pick and Mix: $2‐10

The Golf Pro |
Give dad the perfect swing this season with a session in Golf By Design's Callaway Performance Center. With high speed optics and precision software developed by Callaway's R&D department, Dad will find the perfect club to guarantee him a hole‐in‐one the next time he
hits the links.
Sessions start at $30.
Golf By Design Location: The Pavilion

The Master Brewer |
Don’t just give your brew‐loving dad beer for Father’s Day, give him a beer experience. With a gift certificate to Rock Bottom Brewery and Restaurant, he can taste the five different beers that are brewed right on the premises. Entrees range from steaks, to packed salads, to shrimp, to enormous burgers. Treat your dad something you know he will enjoy. If he’s a true lover, sign him up for the Rock Bottom Mug Club in which he will receive Mug Club prizes for his visits
to the Brewery.
Rock Bottom Average Dinner and Drinks for Two: $50
Rock Bottom Location: Lower Level, Plaza

My husband LOVES this restaurant! He and his friends love to go here after movie night.  This would be a great gift idea for him!

baby cribs plus - brace yourself for cuteness

I recently discovered the little gem that is Baby Cribs Plus. They carry all the hottest brands of baby cribs, bedding and accessories - even diaper bags - at terrific prices.  They carry tons of the same brands that my local uber-pricey baby boutique has for a lot less. Plus, there's no sales tax and free shipping on all orders over $69.

I love that they have all the classic brands you find everywhere - like Britax and Graco - and also those swanky, unique brands you usually only find in boutiques. Its a great place to get baby gifts for friends or to decorate your nursery in a truly unique way! The artwork by CiCi Art Factory is just darling and I'm in love with the modern and fun crib bedding by Gus & Max. And what new mom (and dad) wouldn't love a hip diaper bag?

Go check them out!

cheap le creuset? you can find it at cookware.com

You know how I'm absolutely in love with my new Le Creuset French Oven. I debated and debated over which one to get and you all passionately debated as well. ;-) Well, after I bought my new Le Creuset, I discovered the AMAZING prices at Cookware.com on Le Creuset! You can get a complete Le Creuset gift set for only $199. That's $200 off, people!! The 7-piece set is over $300 off.

And they don't just have Le Creuset. Cookware.com has everything from Calphalon is up to 70% off and Henckels knives for 60% off! This Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffeemaker is a personal favorite of mine and this is a great price! Kitchen Aid Stand Mixers are another classic that every cook would swoon for! You can even get Electrolux washers and dryers for 20% off! 

With graduations, Mothers Day, Fathers Day and wedding season coming up, you can get some fabulous gifts shipped for free right to your front door!

I will definitely be buying my next Le Creuset piece from Cookware.com. Unbeatable prices + free shipping = Happy Mama!

because i love you all. and i love purses.

Here's a coupon for an additional 20% off your purchase at Coach outlet through 2/28.

Go buy yourself a treat.

 

super deals this weekend!

If you aren't stuck inside due to crazy snow, there are some killer deals out in stores this weekend!

I picked up this cute cap-sleeve cardigan and this adorable shirt for me. And these shirts for the  girls and this bathing suit for the boy. Gracie somehow talked me into buying her this headband as well. ("But, Mom, its on SALE!")

and LOFT, click here to download a 20% off regular price coupon or use code SPRING20 at checkout. Everything that's on sale is an ADDITIONAL 50% off in stores. I picked up tshirts for under $10 yesterday, as well as a pair of amazing jeans for only $14. Yes, you read that right: $14!!

GO!! SHOP!!!

cyber monday!

Go forth and shop!!

Take 20% off and get free shipping at Old Navy and the entire brand family (Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, and Piperlime) all day today with coupon code MONDAY. The GapKids line is too cute this year!!

6pm.com has digital cameras for 75% off. If you can drag yourself away from the shoe deals.

Ann Taylor Loft is offering 30% off the store today and free shipping on orders over $100. I wear a small - feel free to add a little something for me.

Vera Bradley has The Vera and Large Duffel for $40!

Amazon has some amazing Cyber Monday Deals - check out the latest Bond on Blu-Ray for only $9.99! Don't forget free shipping on orders over $25! AND Apple iPod touch 8 GB for only $158 today only with free shipping!! That's 21% off on an apple product, people!! GO!! 

At DisneyStore.com use the code CYBERMONDAY to get 10% off $59+, 15% off $79+, 20% off $99+, or 25% off $149+. Get free shipping on orders $89+ with code SHIP89.

e.l.f  is offering 70% off all mineral make-up -- use coupon code EHCMM. I LOVE elf mineral makeup - the eyeshadow is amazing!!! Use it all the time! And their make up bags are 75% off - coupon code EH75CE

The Children’s Place is offering free shipping on all orders today with coupon code FSCM9, and has tons of $5, $6, $7, $8 deals.

Restoration Hardware has the coupon code RTGH119  to save $100 off every $500 spent. If you're planning on buying me a new dining room table, you might want to use that.

Ann Clark Ltd: The Cookie Cutter People from Vermont is offering Girlymama readers 10% off your purchases from now until the end of the year! Use coupon code BLGA4 at checkout. (If you buy four or more items, you get free shipping, so go crazy!)

Felix Doolittle stationary is offering Girlymama readers 15% off anything in the Doolittle Junior (check out the Play Date Cards!) line or the Seasonal collection, which features the brand new Correspondence Seals (LOVE these!)!! Use coupon code DoolittleJr when checking out.

Amenity Home  is offering Girlymama readers a generous 20% off site-wide (Muir Collection excluded).  Just use the discount code fall20.

Buy.com has some great deals too. Check out this Tissot watch for only $117 plus free shipping!

genuardi's new lower prices **giveaway**

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to #83 Sarah and #63 Lisa!!

I discovered Genuardi's when I moved to Philly almost ten years ago. They are known all around the Delaware Valley for their gorgeous stores, superior produce and wonderful customer service - none of which changed when they were bought out by Safeway. (Whew!)

Now Genuardi’s is expanding its long-term commitment to great quality and value by offering its customers lower prices on thousands of new everyday items across the store.

To help get the word out, they offered several local bloggers a gift card to use to shop at our local Genuardi’s to experience their new low prices and to blog about our shopping experiences. So this week I made my list and headed to Genuardi’s to do some shopping.  There were lots of “new lower prices” signs on items throughout the store. And, of course, the whole Genuardi's experience was just as it always is: high quality, friendly people and terrific prices.

The sales this week were super - I stocked up for Thanksgiving, refilled my pantry and snagged some killer deals. Like free breakfast! This weekend, customers could get a dozen eggs, orange juice, a pound of bacon and a loaf of bread for FREE with the coupons in the ad and a $50 purchase. And I stocked up on brand-name cereal for only $1.50 a box. And the store-brand organic milk is a great price! And the produce was gorgeous as always.

In addition to my own gift card, Genuardi's generiously  offered me 2 $50 gift cards to Girlymama readers. Here's how to enter:

1. Contest ends Friday, November 13.
2. Entry #1: Leave a comment just saying you want to win.
3. Entry #2: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me your trick to keeping your grocery bill down.
4. Entry #3:  Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, Tweeting about it, emailing  friends, and/or subscribe to my feed by email or in a reader).
5. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions.

Good luck!!!