Eric Carle @ Gymboree

We are big fans of Eric Carle in this house.

The Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear are probably the two most popular books since Evan was a baby and now Emily's most recognizable read.

I was so excited to pick up some up Gymboree's Eric Carle PJs line.  So cute!!!

They were also doing a special story time and craft at the store last week.  Evan made the most adorable caterpillar while the awesome salesgirl read a few books.

Helped me to just shop more, helped them sell more.

20% coupon online (sent to me in an email) and sale is an additional 30% off.  GREAT DEALS!

Picked this up for Emily (not Eric Carle) for all the pumpkin picking and Fall festivities.  I think her name will go perfectly right under the frilly pumpkin.

{Spring Picks} Toddler Boy Edition

Old Navy Slub Knit Polos For Baby - Goodnight nora / Gap Colored Khakis - navy / Baby Boys Clothing | Baby Boys Tops and Baby Boys Shirts | Long Sleeve... / Boys¿ Clothing - Shop Everyday Deals on Top Styles - J.Crew Factory -... / cherokee toddler pants at Target / cherokee toddler shirt at Target

It really felt like Spring was around the corner when in Texas. Now that we are back in NY and it's a high of 20 degrees, not so much.

Regardless, I have found a few cute items to get ready for warm weather.

Pants are always hard to find for my son.  Either they are too baggy, too tight or can't make it more than two park trips.  I really like the pants/shorts above that I found for nicer occasions as well as casual days.  The ones above are great for the upcoming holidays.

Crewcuts has my favorite chino shorts for boys.  They are more shorts, less manpris.  If you have a baby/toddler boy, you know what I mean.  I will not spend $40+ at the store so I just have to be patient and try to find them on sale or at the factory store for $12.

Even when playing or going to school, I like my son to wear something other than just t-shirts all the time.  Old Navy has these great polo shirts in a variety of colors.  It was hard to choose.  (I went with navy and green, obviously)  I like Target's striped t's, part of their mix and match sale.

For $9 I couldn't pass up the teal checkered shirt from The Children's Place.  With J.Crew factory sales, their shirts are as cheap as a good Gap sale.  $10 for a nice button down?  $6 for a good quality t-shirt?  Yes, please.

Ok, March.  In like a lion out like a lamb.  

Target PJs & Sprinkles

Target has their pajamas on sale this week.

The airplane ones (same as the plaid above) we bought for his birthday look adorable! (And of course I monogrammed his name on the front)

They also finally have their ONE SPOT sprinkles in stock. $1 for a tub of a variety of sprinkles.  Deal.

Cartwheel By Target

Have you checked out Cartwheel yet?

I have mixed feelings.  

They do have a ton of items participating in their cartwheel program.  You scroll through and "add" items to your cartwheel to get a % off at check out.  You have them scan your cartwheel bar code from your smartphone at checkout.

What I like:

Coupons on a variety of items, many that I was already going in to buy.

Access from your smart phone so you don't have to print out anything and have it with you.

Can be combined with store sales, Target printable coupons AND other manufacturer's coupons.
(Cartwheel is different than their printable coupons page)

My issues:

You have to sign up and attach it to your facebook.  Even if you change your settings to not share on FB, it's still annoying to be connected.  I just like to keep things separate.
*today it let me log in with my Target account.  Much better.

It's a little overwhelming.  I'm glad there are so many coupons but I get tired scrolling through so many and then my "cart" gets full and I have to delete some of the coupons since they only allow so many.
The fact that you can only put a certain amount of items in your cartwheel is very annoying.

I guess I would prefer them do it like they previously did their mobile coupons where just have the cashier scan the barcode and anything under the coupon page comes off your purchase.  But then I guess you don't end up buying more than you need because you think you are getting a good deal.  Which is probably their goal.

And don't we all sometimes spend more because we have a coupon or it is on sale than if you just went in for what you only needed?

There is a search function, so the best money saving tip is to just search for what is on your actual shopping list to avoid things you don't really need.

Remember to always check out ALL THINGS TARGET blog.  It's so great with special deals and clearance items.

Midweek Favorites

Why not talk about a few favorite things on a very cold Wednesday.

Bahama Mama

A little more of a grape color (which I like about it) than Berry Hard or a maroon.  In the light you can really see the purple.

Target JOY toddler sleep set

Someone is getting these for their birthday next week.  (Not Steven)

The Children's Place Blanket Sleeper Snowman

They have matching blanket sleep sets for bigger sizes.  My son has the two piece set in blue to match.

Bright Starts™ 5- in -1 Garden Fun Play Place™

 I went ahead and bought a new one for her because I was bored of the jungle theme.  This one has sides so she doesn't twist her way out.  She loves it.  Loves it!  Practices her tummy time, back time, grabbing, focusing and just being cute.

Lurex Jacquard Long Sleeve Sweater 

Loft has 40% off Friends & Family.  Everything, even additional on sale.  This was on sale in the store. Comfortable and casual but also a little glittery/fancy for holiday events.

Sherpa Collar Open Jacket

Run to get this.  It's actually in their lounge department.  It is so ridiculously soft and cozy.  Lightweight but still warm.

They seem to have better sale prices in store but the F&F discount is online as well.

Sur La Table Apple Peeler

Can someone tell me how I never knew this existed until they used it in my son's classroom when making applesauce?  I've hinted to my husband about 25 times that I would like one.  I think I need to hint about 25 more if he wants an apple pie for his birthday next week.

Anthropologie Starlit Stripes Dress

I have zero reasons for this dress, I just think it is so pretty and fun.

Deal on Toms

$10 off TOMS.  Use promo code THANKYOU13 at checkout.  Free shipping through September 30, 2013.

found on Allthingstarget

Ebates

Sorry it's been awhile.  I just can't get the energy to put pictures together and words when I'm on vacation.

I'm going on a vacation from my vacation this week so posting will be even more unlikely.  But I have a lot to catch up on.

So for now, here's a site I can not believe I did not know about before.

Ebates.com 

Thank goodness I read Tinsely's post a few months ago about it.  She said it's basically free money.

She was right.  Plus a free gift card of your choice just for signing up.  If you are an online shopper, it's just silly not to go through ebates.  I saw that Horchow.com is part of it.  The place where we ordered a bunch of furniture from when we moved last year.  That just hurts.  I could have gotten so much back.

You live and learn.  You blog and read blogs and learn more.

Flip Flop Time

I love these flip flops my sis introduced (gave) to me last year.

I loved that Gap had a slightly less expensive version of them but not in store when I went to look.

Lauren Conrad has a very inexpensive version available at Kohls and on sale.

A variety of colors to choose from here.

Month of Cards

I'm a big "card" person and May is my busiest month.

Mother's Day aside, we have a few birthdays, a graduation, new babies and there's always time to send a "thinking about you' card to someone special.

I'm not cheap on cards, but man can they get expensive.  And Hallmark doesn't give any kind of breaks on Mom's Day cards.

So hopefully you have already purchased your Mom's day sweet notes but in case you haven't, there are a few deals out there.

Target printable coupons has a $1 off purchase of 3 cards.  (Use to be $2 off 2 cards)
CVS has $5 CVS cash back with a purchase of $15 in cards. (Easy to do)
Hallmark has a printable coupon for $5 off any purchase of $10 or more in any Hallmark store.  That's probably the best one.

This doesn't have much to do about Mother's Day but just in case you are at Target, these really cute watches are on sale this week.

There is another printable coupon for $5 off your purchase of Merona wedges or sandals.  Many which are already on sale or clearance.  I think there is also a separate coupon for something off flip flops too.

101 Free 4X6 Photos @ Shutterfly

Thanks printable coupons.com

I did it, only paid $8 for shipping and tax.  Easy and basically free!

Right now (through tomorrow, 4/2) you can get 101 FREE Photo Prints from Shutterfly! Just use promo code 101PRINTS during checkout to get your prints for FREE. Shipping and tax will be added to your order (about $8). Here's how to get your FREE photo prints:

• Visit Shutterfly.
• Click on “Prints” along the top of the page and "Go" under 'Prints' heading.
• Click "Get Started" to sign in to your account or create a new one.
• Upload your prints.
• Go to checkout and pay only shipping when you use promo code 101PRINTS.
• Enjoy your 101 FREE prints!

I hate shutterfly but this makes them a little more ok.  Now they just need to fix their settings, viewing options and finding old albums.

Free Year Subscription to Parents Magazine

Yep, free.

 I think that is how I have my current subscription.  If anything it is great for the coupon inserts for Janie & Jack, Gymboree and other stores.

This month's actually had some great articles about tantrums and discipline.

I find good craft ideas and even recipes most months.

Go here.

There's also an option for Baby Talk and a few other subscription deals.

The 15th. (and some weekend sales)

I'm sorry, say what?

That means we have 1 month, four weeks, three more doctor appointments until the baby is coming.

Final things are being done, ordered, organized and of course returned.

Yes, I am excited but I am also very happy to just be pregnant right now and just deal with a 2 year old and his sweetness and craziness.

(Last night he REFUSED to go to bed in his bed.  After 45 minutes and his father coming home and helping the one thing that finally worked, letting him sleep with his Dad's baseball hat.  Whatever works.)

It is very hard to even think that we will have another human in this household....that I am responsible for.  I think it is even more surreal than when expecting my son.

I still need to get that 8 1/2 month picture but I'm just lazy and I'm waiting for Spring weather.  Here was two weeks ago.

Big, ready, shirts don't fit, yoga pants 24/7, you get the idea.

In other news....lots of sales going on this weekend.

Gap has their friends and family through Sunday.  30% off everything, 40% if you are a Gap Silver cardmember.

Janie & Jack has their friends and family today through Sunday.  25% off all items.  That makes their items almost reasonably priced.

Children's Place 25% off if you spend $50 plus most already reduced items are an additional 30% off in store.

Gymboree 30% additional off already reduced prices plus everything else 30% off.  (I think there is an additional 20% off coupon online and free bodysuit with $10 purchase).

HAPPY WEEKEND!!!

Starbucks Free Drink(s)

Free tall caramel or hazelnut macchiato print here.

Prefer tea?  Print for a free tea here.

Fun Things On A Cold, Snowy Day

A few really fun things. (to me)

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS IS THIS WEEKEND!!!  One of my favorite days of the year!!!!  Spring ahead!  (snowstorm today but they say it may be the last)

Out of my former NYC playgroup, five of the eight of us are expecting babies.  Two of them, who happen to be the closest BFFs out of the group, both had their babies this week.  One due on Monday and the other went three weeks early on Sunday.  But the kicker?  They are in the same hospital and floor.  (and there are a lot of hospitals in NYC) I want a friend next door to me when I'm in the hospital.  So crazy, right?

All Things Target blog

I found this blog about Target and their sales.  It is ridiculous the steals she finds with in store coupons, in store promotions and newspaper coupons.

I bought a two pack of pack n play sheets for $2.99.  They were on sale for $7.99 (from $9.99) and then I used my mobile $5 off any Circo bedding coupon.  That's a deal.  Crib sheets are the same deal.

This week alone she shows you how to get Bounce dryer sheets for FREE, cheap cosmetics and a ton of other deals that you may not see just by browsing the weekly ad.

L.L. Bean Dock Shoes

My leather boat shoes are on their way out.  I love these L.L. Bean shoes I found last week at the store. I know, we randomly have two L.L. Bean stores near my house so you don't just have to guess from their catalogue.

They are light and easy to slip on but the best part, extremely cushy!  I can't wait for warm weather.
Meg, you've got to SWF these.


Motorized Airplane Candy

This airplane thingy majigy is actually a holder with candy at the bottom.  But he doesn't know that.  He loves pushing the button, the cool colors in the middle and the air that the fan creates.  Or just flying it around like an airplane.  The propeller is made of foam so it doesn't hurt your furniture, walls, floors, or face when pushed against it.  Because he's two and that's what he does.  Found at any Target or BBB check out line.  Believe me, there were many tantrums because he couldn't take it home before he received it as a Valentine's Day gift.  Perfect Easter basket present or shopping trip distractor.

Laptop Cover

After replacing my computer ( I still don't want to talk about it ) I knew I needed a full time cover and maybe even keyboard cover.  I was about to buy this a few weeks ago for my old computer but figured it wasn't a "need" item when I have so many other things to get right now.  But considering it might have saved my computer from the hot chocolate bath, it would have been worth it.  Oh well, can't cry over spilled hot chocolate milk.  Anymore.

Now you can tell the difference between my husband laptop and mine, it isn't as cold, I am a little less worried about sticky fingers (not mine) and ruining it so quickly.  The keyboard cover is a little weird.  Pushes other keys sometimes but I'll get used to it.  It's also a little 'sweet sixteen' but I love anything the color of Robin's Egg blue/green.  Sold at the Apple store but I bought mine for much cheaper off Amazon.

 Willams-Sonoma Working Glasses With Lids

I'm really into smoothies right now and Steven loves his new fancy juicer he got from work.  These are perfect for any drink, especially those you may want to refrigerate with a lid.  They come in small and large and you can buy separately in store or case of four online.

Why Your Kid Freaks Out and It's Not Their (Or Your) Fault

Article here.

Thanks Dad, it did make me feel a little better and was very interesting to read.

Why We "Hate-Watch" Glee
Article here.

So true.  Exactly how I feel.  Used to be a fun, silly show and now it is too serious, confusing and I am so over Lea Michele.

Looks like another lay around day.  Maybe some organizing, maybe some crafts.  Definitely some snuggling.

...and being a human jungle gym.

President's Day Sales

Since spring is almost here, the stores are trying to get rid of their after winter, before full spring lines.

Lots of sales going on this weekend, mostly ending today.

J.Crew - Additional 40% off final sale items plus FREE SHIPPING

J.Crew Factory - Additional 30% final sale plus FREE SHIPPING

Patagonia - Annual Sale

TONS of merchandise 40%+ off.  Steve really made out for Valentine's Day with a new rain coat (only $54 from $119), really soft t's ($15 from $30), warm beanie ($9 from $30) and maybe we bought a baby reversible coat for 40% off.  Online and in stores.
It's the best time to buy anything from there since they have a great selection and almost everything but their brand new spring items (who needs Patagonia in the spring?) 40% off.

Gap - Red, Bright & Blue sale 

30% off online and up to 40% select items in the store.  I was there on Friday and all men, women, body, maternity and fit were additional 50% off sale and a TON of merchandise.  Kids and baby was 25%.   

I got some great deals and price adjustments from their Gap card 30% everything from the week before.

Old Navy - Additional 15% off in stores and online (20% if Gap card member) and their big baby sale (up to 40%) is still going on.

Children's Place - Tons of sale items and then an additional 20% off in store and online using LINCOLN.  Free shipping online which is great because usually you have to spend $75 which can be hard since their prices are usually pretty good.

Target - 70% Valentine's everything.  Plus a ton of clearance items up to 70% off all over the store.

I did some crazy price adjustments from decor and future party favors that I bought the the day before V-day.  For some reason I have been there the last three days and the pickings get slimmer and slimmer but there are some great deals to stock up for next year or even just for some kid activities.  (crayon boxes, playdough, ribbon, bubbles)

I happen to be using cherry pink, purple, red and teal for the nursery so I scored some great deals on frames and other decor.

Gymboree - Up to 70% select merchandise and an additional 25% previously reduced merchandise.  They are still having their baby sale which is up to 40% many items.

American Eagle - Print coupon for 25% off entire purchase

JoAnn Fabrics - 15% entire purchase (including sale items)

Victoria's Secret - Print coupon for additional 20% entire purchase

Kohl's - Print coupon for additional 15% entire purchase

As always, you can go to printable coupons to print out a variety of coupons or online promotions.

Serena & Lily Baby Sale

*I'm really sorry if you are over reading about baby stuff.  I get it, believe me.  It's just that it's really cold here.  Really cold and I'm really in a winter rut so I have to keep myself busy and out of the stores so I turn to crafts and little girl things.  Also, it keeps me positive until she is out, healthy and here.

I know this won't matter to many people but I felt like I needed to share.

I never really looked at the Serena & Lily website because it is usually out of my price range.  Correction, it is out of my price range.  But then of course one day I strolled on over and they had the perfect bumper and set for my picky, simple taste.  I moved my budget around and made it work.  (Hello, sad hand made, but it works, crib skirt)

When my pretty package arrived it came with an awesome Serena & Lilly book about nursery decor.  I love a bonus.

Then two weeks later I log on to their site and everything baby is 25% off or site wide 20% off with free shipping!  I was not happy even though I had the 15% off with signing up on their email list.  It killed me to pay shipping to begin with.

So I emailed customer service.  After a few days I didn't get a reply so I called.  With out any questions they price adjusted me the 20% and free shipping.  Or the 25%, I'm not sure, but I know I saved about $50 just by a quick phone call.

Now that is customer service!!!

Today is the last day for their baby sale if you are looking for nursery or kid stuff.

They have beautiful home decor too.

Starbuck $1 off Espresso Drink

With coupon.  Print here.

I hear it's cold everywhere.  Who couldn't use a nice latte?  I think a carmel macchiato was my very first Starbucks/espresso experience back in college.

Fun coffee fact that I learned at my time as a local coffee barista in Austin (which I loved).

A macchiato drink is actually just a shot of espresso with foam on top.  No, sweet stuff, no milk, definitely no carmel.  You don't know how many times I had to explain that one at our shop that actually used sizes, small, large and extra large.  Also, semi confusing.  Although I always made sure to correct a customer that ordered a grande or venti.  I was twenty-one and about to graduate, that was my power in the world.

Support local businesses.

JoAnn's Coupon

I already posted something below, but this had to be addressed.

JoAnn's put out at 25% coupon off entire purchase (sale and regular priced items).  This is not that common.  Sometimes 20%, sometimes 10% but usually just the usual 40% ONE regular price item.

So, get over there and stock up on some of their sale fabrics and accessories.  I know I have a long list.  If they have their usual 30% and 40% off fabrics in store then the additional 25% is a great deal.  If not, and you only need one thing, wait for the usual 40% regular price coupon.

Get the printable coupon here or just pull it up on your smartphone.

Also, Kohl's has a 20% coupon all baby and kids thru the week.  Print or upload to phone here.

New Year's Sales

I have to say, I wasn't too impressed this year.

Here's my short but actually kind of long run down of what I've seen so far.  I haven't really been looking in the normal ladies' departments but definitely doing my research in the baby and kids.

The sales before Christmas were just as good if not better.  Lots of "additional" off which is what I have found to be key.  And there really is no reason to rush out on Black Friday because the sales really do just get better or the same, especially on the weekends before Christmas.

And can someone tell me why Old Navy opened at 5AM the day after Christmas??

Right now the "best" deal I found was at Kohl's.  If you have time to go through the racks you can find some keepers.

Kohl's Clearance racks and then with their 15%/20% off coupon (expired on Jan. 2nd but I am sure they will have another one soon)
I found some great deals on baby clothes; $2 fleece pants and hoodies, $4 Carter's sleepers.  I read on Budget Babe that she found a few great pieces for 1/3 of the original price in the Ladies' department.

Gap has been having 40% off sale which is nothing different than before Christmas and with even lower sale inventory.  I assume it will go to 50% off shortly and I think online has 25% off everything but that will usually go to 40% for a daily special at some point.

Old Navy keeps sending out emails of new clearance items, but the prices and inventory are the same.
I did the best two weekends before Christmas.  With the ongoing sales and an additional 30% because I am a Gap card holder I bought a ton of ruffle back baby pants (in all sizes) for like $2.50.

Nordstroms definitely added a large amount to their sale racks (and online) after the holiday but it is slim pickings.  I did find a few good sale items while in Texas that were definitely not on sale before the holiday.

Target has brought out a few racks of clearance but again, it's slim pickings.  I believe their Neiman Marcus Collection is up to 70% off and looked like it is still pretty well stocked.

Children's Place has their ongoing 20% off entire purchase.

Carter's has 15% entire purchase (with out having to spend the usual $40 for a coupon) with their usual discounts in store.

Janie & Jack added many cute items to their sale racks.  If you get Parent's magazine, there is usually a 15% entire purchase coupon.  I found some great items at the Houston Galleria.  I restrained myself and only purchased an adorable swim suit for $11 (down from $40) but there were a few to choose from and some great holiday outfits and accessories.

J.Crew has been having additional 30% sale items (final sale) in store and online but that is the same as before the holiday. If you have a toddler don't forget about their CrewCuts store (online if you live in Texas).  They have some great deals if you catch them at the right time for good quality basics.
Did you get their new spring catalogue?   I was about to book a trip straight to Scottsdale or the Bahamas after flipping through it.  Brights, stripes, sunglasses and sun.  The opposite of what's outside my window.

Spring items should be rolling out in the next couple weeks so expect for sales to just keep on going.  In my unprofessional, way too much time researching and shopping in the past, opinion.

Printable Coupons is still my go-to site each morning or when at select stores or the mall.

J.Crew Factory ONLINE STORE

I didn't even know they had an online store.

Currently offering an additional 40% off orders!  I believe that includes regular price and sale.

J.Crew can be quite pricey but their factory store always has great deals, especially if they offer an additional amount off.  We don't have a store near by but now that won't be a problem anymore.