Smart Solutions for Busy Moms!
Have you ever shopped Minted.com before? They have some of the most unique, high quality, totally gorgeous modern designs in photo products. I got business cards here last year – and they were one of my all-time faves. {I’m a bit of a paper snob, and fell in love with the texture of them…} And right now, you can save big on your holiday shopping for personalized gifts at Minted for Cyber Monday!
It’s time to buy your holiday cards, invitations, and more – at crazy Cyber Monday discounts… Just in time for the season, Tiny Prints is offering 30% off everything on their site. Custom holiday cards, Christmas cards, Hanukkah cards, holiday party invitations, custom photo gifts…you name it, it’s on sale for two days, today, Monday November 26 and tomorrow, Tuesday November 27.
“Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.” – The Wonder Years… I’ve told you ladies before – I am such a big fan of photo products. Whether it’s photo wall art that I make myself, or pretty cards and personalized journals that I order from a few favorite sites – I just adore anything adorned with my most-loved pics of friends and family. And of course, becoming a new mom a couple years ago just doubled up my photo junkie tendencies. I really like a site with cool modern designs on their photo products, but so many have really crazy-high prices. But there is one site that does combine perfect design with prices to fit my real mom budget – Paper Coterie. Let me show you a little taste of what you’ll get there, since they also have an uh-MAY-zing promo right now – All new customers get $40 in free product. No strings – just free. Trust me – it’s real. This is how I first found them, was with one of these promos a year ago. So, since I read about that on one of my own favorite blogs, I’ll pay it forward now and share it with any of YOU lovely ladies who haven’t shopped her before….
This is a recent photo book that I made, with a few of my fave pics of Abby. The whole book is filled with delightful prints {yep, delightful is the only word to describe it…} like these little piece umbrellas, pennant banners, tiny flowers, and other prints to make you smile. The whole look is kind of eclectic, but works great together. It’s called Dream a Little Dream, and comes in a boy or girl color scheme.
This is on my list to buy soon… Their personalized photo journals. I have a couple from last year that I’ve totally used up. So I want a new one for me, and a few for holiday gifts too – everyone loves these. {Early Christmas shopping like I am? Here’s another super inexpensive, yet always loved, holiday gift idea.} Another great product to check out right now is the Baby Announcement cards – buy one set, and get a second set of cards completely free. This is good for EVERY set you buy – so buy two, get two free. And on and on. Use coupon code babygogo at check out until September 9th, 2012 to get this deal.
Another reason that I just adore Paper Coterie – {Well, I mean, besides the amazing product designs, the affordable prices and seriously amazing promotions…} – they really appreciate their customers. The service is excellent, and if you ever have a question or problem, they get back to you right away to help you out. What’s even better? They sometimes send out fun free gifts with your purchase – like this adorable necklace that I unexpectedly found in my package not long ago, as a thank you for ordering. Love that.
This is such a great way to check out some of the awesome products at Paper Coterie. Just fill your cart with $40 or more in products, and every single one of my readers who enter coupon code Welcome2012 at checkout will have $40 taken off of their total. You can pick out a bunch of fun goodies for yourself, or start stocking up for the holidays. When I try to explain the quality of these products versus other brands I’ve tried, I explain it this way – You know the difference between business cards from Moo.com, and Vistaprint? Well, these books, cards, journals – everything is made from that high quality, silky-smooth sturdy paper. You’ll love it, pinky promise.
Because friends don’t let friends pay full price :) Learn how to get $40 in #free photo products from @papercoterie –sunshineandsippycups.com/2012/09/new-cu…
— SunandSipCups (@SunandSipCups) September 4, 2012
If you’re not a new customer to Paper Coterie, you can still get some sweet savings. Just head over to their site, and on the main page click the “Shuffle” button on the photo display – it’ll bring up all of the latest specials you can get. You’ll also find a sweet new giveaway to win a $150 Visa Gift Card. Make sure to sign up for their email list too – so you get first notification when there are new freebies and promotions.
{Disclaimer: Photos and opinions are my own. I purchased these products myself, and have used this $40 free promotion towards past purchases of my own. I received no compensation for this post. Post includes some affiliate links. This is one of my fave brands, and I know you’ll fall in love with it too.}
“If You Don’t Like My Cooking, Lower Your Standards.” – Unknown… For most of my adult life, I lived alone. And preparing meals for one doesn’t exactly lead to gourmet cooking skills, know what I mean? Add in that I was a vegetarian for 5 years {so I didn’t learn to cook meat until a couple years ago, and am still learning} – and that I have pretty simple tastes, and you get a chick with solid basic cooking skills, but nothing especially impressive. Flash forward…. 3 years ago, within a 2 month time frame, I found out I was pregnant, extended family moved in with me, my boyfriend moved in, pets moved in – and I was suddenly managing an extremely full house! Since I was in charge of most of the cooking, I had to give myself a crash course in cooking for a crowd 101. Well, I’m proud to say that I’ve learned a LOT in the past couple of years. And can I tell you my best secret for success in the kitchen? It’s not cookbooks or classes, it’s not marinades or sauces…..
Nope – my secret weapon to kitchen success is a super cute apron and accessories. Sound silly? Hear me out… Think of how clothes or uniforms totally change your mindset. A pretty cocktail dress can totally boost your confidence. Putting on your business suit puts you in a take charge mood. Heck, just getting up and fully dressed – and out of the “Frump Mom” look of pony tail and sweats can help you get more motivated to tackle your day, am I right? Well for me, throwing on a super pretty, retro styled apron makes me feel more at home in the kitchen. A bit of a domestic goddess even. I’m a big fan of making everyday challenges a little more fun by using cool products and gear – so things like zebra print cleaning gloves, polka dot pot holders, and aprons with ruffles and bows make me enjoy chores around the house a lot more. Try it – you’ll see what I mean.
I have several styles and accessories from Flirty Apron… I’ve bought gear from other sites too, but these are always my favorite. I buy TONS of gifts here too – my girlfriends love ’em. This one above is my all-time fave – it’s called the Marilyn Sugar n’ Spice, and there’s a matching little girls size too. Love it, right? It’s pretty enough that when we’re throwing parties {which is like, all the time…} I can wear this even after guests arrive. It looks trendy over a cute black party dress – and ensures that when I take it off and scoot on out of the kitchen, my dress isn’t a mess. {Do I sound sooooo 1950’s? Maybe a little. But I do kind of enjoy the whole homemaking thing…} If you want to check these out too, there is an uh-MAY-zing deal right now I wanted to share… One of the best buys I’ve seen on Flirty Apron in a long time:
$30 of Aprons, Kitchen Gloves and More at FlirtyAprons.com for Only $15!
All you have to do to snag these sweet savings is to head to Spotted Fox, a new favorite site of mine. Take 1 minute to log in, click “Today’s Deal” – then scroll down the side a bit to find the Flirty Aprons deal. Once you purchase it {and hurry – it ends in 4 days!} – you’ll get a coupon code to use on their site. And – if you’re joining as a new member from this special Sunshine and Sippy Cups referral link, you’ll get a bonus $5 in credit too! Easy peasy – and you’re getting half off. You can even use this on any sale items on their site too. Awesomesauce.
First off, let me tell you this from my own experience – these aprons rock. I’ve had one of mine for over a year, and wear it a TON. It’s been through so much wash and wear, but honestly you can’t tell at all. These have great details, are well made, and are sturdy enough that you don’t have to worry about spilling on them. Because that would kind of defeat the point, right? Lol.
There is no limit to how many vouchers you can purchase – but you can only use ONE voucher per purchase at Flirty Aprons. That means that this could be an uh-MAY-zing way to start stocking up on super affordable holiday gifts. Buy an apron to go with a plate of homemade cookies, and you’ve got a super sweet gift for your favorite neighbors. Add an apron to a gift basket with a fun cookbook like Hostess with the Mostess: A Galaxy of Retro Recipes
Learn a Suprising Secret Weapon for Kitchen Success…. {Hint: It’s pretty….}sunshineandsippycups.com/2012/09/my-sup…
#Homemaking#Cooking— SunandSipCups (@SunandSipCups) September 3, 2012
Did you know that Grandparents Day is Sunday September 9th? That’s right – every year in September, we stop to take a moment to honor the amazing grandparents that make our families lives so amazing. My little girl gets to see grandma often – she lives with us part of the year, when her boyfriend travels. And in between, she stops in several nights a week after work. Her grandpa lives over near Seattle, but comes to visit at least a few times a year… And she loves to “talka gampa” on the phone as much as possible. Since they are such an important part of me and my little girls life, I definitely make sure to celebrate this holiday each year…
That’s right – since grandparents are so great ta sending love our way, this is a great way to send a little something special back. Starting today, use coupon code CCK2248 – {it’s good from 8/23 through Sunday, 8/26} – and get a totally free Grandparents Day card. Cardstore will print the card, seal the envelope, stamp it, and send it for you for FREE! So whether you choose a card for the kids to send to your parents, or are lucky enough to still have grandparents of your own – make sure to pick up a couple of extra cards too while you’re grabbing this freebie, so you can send one to all of the Grandmas, Grandpas, Poppas, Nannas, Grammys, and whoever else you grew up with. {Get the one that I chose above here. Then personalize with your own family photos.}
Father’s Day Gift Guide – Need I even say it? Ties are so passé, it’s not even funny. Unless your dad is rooted firmly in the dark ages, chances are he’ll want a little less “tie” and a little more “high tech” this father’s day. A little clueless about what the man wants? No worries— here’s a parade of the latest and greatest dad-friendly gadgets and apps.
You can view the slideshow over on the Digitwirl site to see ALL of the awesome picks – Father’s Day Gift Guide. But here are a few of my total favorites from their list of super cool gadgets and gear that will be perfectly suited for any dad in your life this Father’s Day. I found great gifts for my brother, my dad, Abby’s daddy, and even grandpa! I call that smart shopping – thanks Digitwirl!
. It’s easy to program, but it’s so much more— it actually learns your habits, and creates your home’s unique thermal profile that helps you save energy. Plus, it’s beautifully designed so that while dad will love it for it’s utter geekiness, full of knobs and buttons that make it intimidating. Is it cold in here? Not anymore, thanks to this sweet gadget.
will be the way to his heart. This digital probe thermometer tracks the internal temperature of whatever you’ve got cooking and let’s your iPad or iPhone know when it’s cooked to perfection. Now you can mingle with your guests and never worry that you’re dinner’s too raw or charred beyond recognition.
to his helmet, handlebars or ski tips and then, with the push of a button, capture beautiful HD video from a unique first-person perspective. When he’s done being a daredevil, he can strap it to the stroller and capture your toddler eating ice cream on the way home from the parlor. Priceless.Check out all ten great gift ideas in the slideshow on the site. And for more of the coolest Father’s Day ideas, check out my Pinterest board. You’ll find loads of “Manly” recipes featuring bacon, cheese, and beer. Super sweet crafts and gifts that kids can create for dad. And cool gift ideas that you can order online to surprise your special mister.
Digitwirl is the weekly web show that offers simple solutions to modern day problems. In 3 minutes, Digitwirl brings busy women the very best time, money, and sanity-saving technology, and then teaches them how to use it, step-by-step. Digitwirl was created by technology lifestyle expert Carley Knobloch, who uses lots of technology to manage her busy life as mom of two and entrepreneur. Become a subscriber to get weekly show alerts and exclusive deals at Digitwirl.com, or follow Digitwirl on Twitter at @digitwirl.
Becoming a mom is the most amazing, beautiful, life-changing experience. It brings you new levels of love that you’ve never felt before, and fills you up with an amazing joy that you’ve never even imagined. It also brings you new levels of sleep deprivation, and more diaper changes and bottles then you ever imagined, lol. This whole motherhood lifestyle has some amazing benefits – but it’s definitely filled with some crazy daily challenges too!
One way to make those daily challenges a little easier is to find some fun products to add to your routines – pretty things always make days brighter, right? And you will not find anything prettier than the seriously glam designs from Lilicouture!! I am so head over heels in love with her work, I had to share it with you guys – Lilicouture – Where an Everyday Essential Meets Hip, Stylish, Flirty, and Fun! – Their signature item there is their totally chic diaper wipes holders, but they also have super luxe changing pads, and incredibly cute hair clip holders. Everything is done in the most amazing prints and patterns, with so much attention to detail. Using their trendy wipes holders and changing pads will make your daily diaper changes fun! {Ok, not fun, lol. But much better. Promise.}
This is my new travel wipes case, from the Girls Collection, called the Mini Mouse Wipes Container. All of Abby’s decor and gear is black & pink, with polka dot and damask prints. So this was an absolutely perfect addition – and is just the cutest thing ever. Each wipes case is handmade – and the quality is unbelievable. So good. I’ve had this one for awhile now, and throw it in the diaper bag all the time, and it’s still holding up perfectly. You can also purchase full-size Nursery Wipes Containers too, which would look SO much better in baby’s room than a plain old plastic box. And with so many colors and prints to choose from, you can find great options to fit the decor of other rooms in your house too – because you know it’s much more convenient to have wipes available in the living room, kitchen, and playroom too!
These darling wipes cases are perfect for new moms, and would seriously be the best baby shower gift. But – they have tons of other uses too!
There are so many uses for these glam little cases – they’d make great gifts for teachers too, since they’re always in need of something to clean sticky hands. And, this would also be cute as a fun clutch purse for a little lady to carry her goodies to play dates. What will you use your Lilicouture Wipes Case for?
Follow Lilicouture on Facebook, and connect with them on Twitter – to stay updated on fun new products and promotions!
{Big thanks to Rachel Florio PR – The Celebrity Baby Trend Expert – for introducing me to this amazing company, and sending me a complimentary product to review and share with you ladies!}
"The phrase "working mother" is redundant." I'm Meagan - a Momma, a Blogger, a Freelance Writer, and a total Social Media Junkie. I love sparkles and … [Read More...]
