Savvy Mommy

New Balance Rainbow 890v3 Sneakers

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 10:57:00 -0500

Having a tween daughter is nothing less than awesome. Last month I picked out an outfit for her that reminded me of something I wore back in the 80s. Thankfully my soon to be ten year old is happy to let me add looks to her wardrobe.

Like these New Balance Rainbow 890v3 sneakers which she declared “awesome” before she asked me to snap a photo on the window sill for Instagram.

Each person in our family are proud owners of New Balance sneakers that fit our personality and these Diva Pink with Dazzling Blue and Purple sneakers which are reminiscent of the florescent airbrushed hooded sweatshirts you see at sleep away camp are a perfect fit for my tween.

Speaking of these sneakers being a perfect fit, New Balance has partnered with Chop Chop magazine to encourage families to “Run the Rainbow/Eat the Rainbow,” or educate readers on the benefits of exercise and healthy eating for the whole family. By entering their sweepstakes entrants will have a chance to receive a $400 gift card to their favorite local grocery store, as well as monthly prize packs including a 1-year subscription to Chop Chop magazine and a pair Rainbow 890v3s.

Giveaway — I also have a chance for your daughter to win a pair of Rainbow 890v3s! If you think your daughter would love a pair of these New Balance sneakers, leave a message below sharing your favorite trend from the ’80s! I’ll pick a US based winner Friday, March 15, 2013 at Noon EST!

This post is part of my #WhatKidsWear series where I share what kids wear to school and throughout the year. New posts will appear here every week and if you follow @SavvyMommy on Twitter you can check for new posts using the #WhatKidsWear hash tag.

babyGap Presents Peter Rabbit Event

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:48:10 -0500

I love partnering with brands on fun events — especially when it is related to something I enjoyed as a child.

Join me this Saturday, January 26th at 11AM at the GAP on 85th and Third Avenue for a special story time and shopping event!

To celebrate the limited edition collection for babyGap inspired by Beatrix Potter and her book The Tale of Peter Rabbit, I will be reading Emma Thompson’s book The Further Tales of Peter Rabbit - a sequel to Beatrix Potter’s 110 year old tale.

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Friday Freebies - January 4, 2013

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:16:34 -0500

Every Friday, I will list some of the free stuff you can get online for you and members of your family — including pets.

None of these free offers will require you to purchase something but some may require you to like a Facebook page or sign up for a loyalty program.

Some of these freebies expire today but if you act fast you may still be able to get them!

Here are the 11 Freebies I found this week -

Gallon of milk from Meijer claim this
$10 Gift Card from Tanger Outlets claim this
L’Oreal Paris shampoo claim this
Pedigree Dentastix for dogs claim this
Emergen-C claim this
Friskies cat food at Petco claim this
Nature Made VitaMelts claim this
Method laundry detergent claim this
Tickets for kids to Chicago White Sox games claim this
Eucerin skincare claim this
Corner Bakery Cafe sandwich claim this

Want to share this list of freebies with a friend? Click the social sharing buttons below. And follow me (@SavvyMommy) on Twitter to get freebies I exclusively share on my account.

13 Days in 2013 to Visit National Parks for Free

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:23:00 -0500

Did you know there are 84 million acres of iconic, treasured and sacred places protected in close to 400 national parks in America?

Several times a year, the National Park Service offers everyone free admittance to over 2,000 national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and other federal lands.

That’s free entrance into the park for your family and free admission for your car! Yep, no parking fees!

The 13 Fee Free Days in 2013 include:

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 21)
National Park Week (April 22 – 26)
Founders Day (August 25)
National Public Lands Day (September 28)
Veterans Day Weekend (Nov. 9-11)

Which National Park is your favorite? Will you be visiting a National Park on a fee free day in 2013?

Leave me a comment sharing your thoughts so I can learn about some parks my family should visit.

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8 Ways to Save Money at the Supermarket

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 09:59:00 -0500

I’ve done several television segments over the years sharing money saving tips for grocery shopping but since everyone can use a little extra money and its the beginning of a New Year, I thought it would be great to share easy ways to cut costs at the grocery store.

1. Bring a shopping list

When you write a shopping list (whether on their smart phone or on the back of an envelope) you spend less money at the grocery store. Sticking to a shopping list is rewarding.

2. Always look at circulars

Every supermarket offers circulars (also known as loss leaders) when shoppers enter the store. They also arrive at your front step and can be found online at the supermarket’s website. The front and back page of the loss leader shows the weekly deals that the supermarket want to draw you in with. Those items can easily create meals for a week.

3. Remember to eat before shopping

If you go to a supermarket when you haven’t eaten, everything you see will end up in your shopping cart — including overpriced items you wouldn’t ordinarily buy!

4. Get a store rewards card

Signing up for the customer loyalty card at your store saves money. I once made a complete Thanksgiving dinner for a total of $13 because I was able to swipe my store rewards card at the register. It’s not a coupon (for those of you who don’t like coupons), it’s just a way to get the sale price the supermarket is offering on various items.

5. Always shop the perimeter of the store

Fresh produce, meats and dairy products are found in the perimeter of most grocery stores. The inner aisles of the store are full of less nutritious, boxed items. Stick to the perimeter of the store and your family will eat healthier.

6. Include generic and store brands on your shopping list

There are some brands we have to be loyal to because of taste and quality but some items we purchase every week at the supermarket can be purchased as generic or store brand versions. While I never stray from my trusted paper towel or ketchup brand, there are times when I save a few dollars each time I get a store brand product. And its fine.

7. Never grocery shop while upset

Retail therapy isn’t just for clothing. Shopping in the supermarket while upset clouds judgement and before you know it, your cart will be filled with all the comfort foods you enjoy that aren’t on sale, ruin your grocery budget and can’t even be used to make dinner for your family. And you tend to buy 4x more items than when you shop happy!

8. Stock up during sale times

Their are a few items we need in our house year round that go on sale at specific times and when they do I stock up. Now, I don’t mean I buy 10 of them, just 2 or 3 at that time. When the ketchup or flour we are brand loyal to goes on sale for 99 cents instead of $4.50, it’s smart to pick them up for the days we run out. It also makes sense to do the same for paper products!

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12 Days of Giveaways - Neutrogena Holiday Survival Kit

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:10:00 -0500

First up for my 12 Days of Giveaways is a Holiday Survival Kit from Neutrogena.

It’s valued at $100 and includes:

HEALTHY® Volume Mascara
Healthy Skin Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 15
On-the-Spot Acne Treatment
Shine Control Pressed Powder
Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes
Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 35
$25.00 American Express Gift Card

Remember how much I love Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes? I even got an exclusive tip from renown dermatologist and skin expert, Dr. Erin Gilbert for you!

Holiday stress always raises our cortisol (or “stress hormone”) levels. We often neglect our usual skincare routines during this busy time and indulge in high-glycemic index foods which can increase stress-related skin breakouts. Keeping your skin clean is key. If you are strapped for time and acne-prone try Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes. They remove make-up and daily build-up and won’t aggravate acne-prone skin.

Want to win this Neutrogena Holiday Survival Kit? Leave a comment sharing your favorite holiday survival tip for parents! One winner (U.S. resident) will be chosen December 15th at Noon EST via Random.org

Don’t forget to tell your friends about Day 1 of my 12 Days of Giveaways and make sure you follow me on Twitter @SavvyMommy to hear the prize winner announcements as soon as they are chosen!

12 Days of Giveaways presented by Neutrogena

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:59:00 -0500

Neutrogena and I go way back. And not just because I’m one of their proud brand ambassadors.

I take my makeup off using Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit oil free cleansing wipes. I wash my face with Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit oil-free acne wash. When it comes to my skin I am careful about what I use and Neutrogena and I are truly BFFs.

I am so excited to announce that over the next 12 days, I am giving away fun items you or someone in your family will love thanks to Neutrogena who will also be mailing the prizes to the winners. I pink puffy heart love them!

Check back on this post every day for the live link in order to enter that giveaway.

Neutrogena Holiday Survival gift basket (includes $25 AMEX gift card!)
Roku 2 XS
Monte’s Ham half ham gift basket
Canon PowerShot A4000 digital camera
Calphalon Unison Essentials 3 piece cookware set
LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer Tablet
Neutrogena Winter Skin Rx gift basket (includes $25 AMEX gift card!)
Tory Burch Labyrinth frame cuff
Marc Jacobs daisy 4.25oz Daisy eau so fresh parfum
Henri Bendel Sweet Treats Hatbox
Neutrogena Allure Best of Beauty gift basket (includes $25 AMEX gift card!)
COBY Kryos Tablet

Tell your friends about these 12 giveaways and make sure you follow me on Twitter @SavvyMommy to hear the prize winner announcements as soon as they are chosen!

Which giveaway are you looking forward to winning?! Let me know in the comments. I’d also love to hear your thoughts about the prizes I hand picked for you!

Justin Bieber Concert at Madison Square Garden in New York #BelieveTour #RowMLive

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 23:14:44 -0500

Nothing truly prepared me for the Justin Bieber Believe Tour concert last week — but I think it’s safe to say my daughter and I are forever changed thanks to Row M Live presented by Motorola.

Wondering what happened at the New York stop of the Believe Tour?

The concert emcees introduced Carly Rae Jepsen - one of two show openers. We both knew Call Me Maybe and A Good Time her song with Owl City. She put on a fun show for everyone - including bringing an audience member up to join her on stage.

The other show opener was The Wanted - the British boy band heard on the radio all the time. I knew their songs I Found You and Glad You Came but my daughter knew several others. It was fun to see her sing along to their songs and fun to see them live.

When it was time for Justin Bieber to come on stage, he entered wearing an incredible pair of wings. He immediately went into his set list. No one sat down while he was on stage.

My daughter loved the concert and even thought the encore performances were great. During the show, she asked if she could go back to another concert soon.

This was her first teen idol concert. She’s outgrown the kiddie concerts I took her to before so I was happy to see she enjoyed this show.

Want to win tickets to an upcoming Justin Bieber Believe Tour show?

Spread Bieber Fever by sending a tweet using the hashtag #RowMLive and the closest city to you on his tour or fill out the entry form on the #RowMLive website.

You’ll also be entered to win an all-expense paid trip to see Bieber in Miami, along with a new smartphone from Motorola’s RAZR family of devices.

Thank you, Row M Live presented by Motorola, for giving me the opportunity to have this experience with my daughter!

Butterfly Kiss Wine - New York Launch Party

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Last Thursday night, I partnered with Diageo to launch their new line of wines — Butterfly Kiss.

The three hour launch party was the country’s largest Coast to Coast Ladies’ Night Out, as launch parties happened simultaneously in New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles.

I hosted the New York event at Lali Lali Salon in SoHo and it was a great chance for women to relax with their friends over manicures and makeovers as they tried one of three Butterfly Kiss varieties — pinot grigio, chardonnay and pink pinot grigio.

Attendees were pampered but were also there to have fun. Throughout the night, SocialPix offered photo booth services that could be uploaded to Facebook or emailed.

The Butterfly Kiss launch party was the perfect escape for every woman with a hectic schedule. As I looked around the salon, friends were chatting and new friendships were starting as everyone was having a great time mingling.

Since Butterfly Kiss wine is available across the country and you can ask for it where you buy your wine, here is what you should know about the Butterfly Kiss varieties -

Pinot Grigio - delicate, light, showing kisses of citrus and ripe pear

Pink Pinot Grigio - rosé-styled with flavors of strawberry shortcake and bright citrus

Chardonnay - lush, tropical fruit flavors, kissed by a touch of vanilla

Moscato - lovely, well-balanced sweet white wine loaded with stone fruit and citrus

Lali Lali Salon’s signature stylist Litsie Pasmino also showed a ombre nail art demo during the event. I’m a simple one color manicure kind of gal but to watch her do the design was pretty fun.

The event beneficiary was Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to children suffering from long- term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. I even witnessed one woman cut her hair before heading out to a birthday party and it was awe inspiring.

And since it was an event for friends to relax together, my close friends Jessica and Tabitha added my event to their busy evening schedule in order to support me. They also took part in the salon services. Such good friends, right?! :)

Well, now you know what I did last week, go try Butterfly Kiss and let me know what you think!

Disclosure: I am a compensated partner of Diageo and was thrilled to host the #ButterflyKissWine launch party.

What Kids Wear to Meet the Teacher

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:39:00 -0400

My three school aged children went to school today to meet their teachers for the new school year.

It was only a quick stop in to deliver school supplies and say a hello to their new teacher.

This year marks the first time I have three kids in the same school!

Tomorrow is their first day of school. The big day! So we’re off to get my sons haircuts!

This is What Kids Wear to Meet the Teacher -

On Natalie -

Headband: Scunci Shirt: Children’s Place Shorts: brand from Bolivia. not sold in US. Sneakers: New Balance

On Luke -

Shirt: Children’s Place Shorts: Wrangler Sneakers: Asics

On Harrison -

Shirt: Children’s Place, Arizona Jeans Shorts: Children’s Place Sneakers: New Balance

Want to see what kids wear to school and throughout the year? New posts will appear here every week and if you follow @SavvyMommy on Twitter you can check for new posts using the #WhatKidsWear hash tag.

Kinderville Little Bites Ice Pop Molds

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:39:27 -0400

Let your little ones cool off on a hot summer day or night with an ice pop made using the ingredients you choose!

Kinderville Little Bites Ice Pop Molds are made of BPA-free silicone and come as a set of four 3.5fl oz dishwasher safe ice pop molds.

Just push the pop to the top to enjoy! They’re perfect for small children who want an icy treat but not sticky hands from melted pops.

Buy via Amazon.com: Kinderville Ice Pop Molds

Lands' End - Girls Swimwear Sale

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 08:33:00 -0400

We stock up on Lands’ End swimwear in our house every year not only because they are well-made but because of their age appropriate designs.

My daughter has been wearing her Lands’ End swimsuits since early May. And every time she puts one on, I have no worries about how she will look in it at the pool. My favorite is the Girls’ Button Placket Tankini Top which you can get here on sale.

Actually, most of the Girls Swimwear section of the Lands’ End website is now on sale. And there is currently a free shipping promotion. Go. Shop. Now.

Juicy Juice - Fruit For All Project

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 07:35:00 -0400

Did you know that last year 21 million children received free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program?

Unfortunately, just 2.3 million of these same children participated in the Summer Food Service Program that year, leaving 18.7 million without assistance.

After hearing those statistics, I’m happy to share the news about Fruit for All, a summer long program run by Juicy Juice.

Nestle Juicy Juice has teamed up with Feeding America so every time you buy a Juicy Juice product, from now through August 31st — a piece of fruit, up 35 million pieces of fruit — will be donated to Feeding America.

As if that’s not awesome enough, Nestle Juicy Juice has offered to provide a donation of 400 meals to my local food bank for sharing information about Fruit for All.

And they’ve given me the opportunity to offer a donation of 400 meals to the local food bank of one of my readers!

For a chance to win, leave a comment on this post before July 9th at 9AM EST telling me your favorite fruit to eat in the summer! This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. One entry per household.

Essie - Smooth Sailing

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:49:00 -0400

A couple of years ago, I started adding various red colors from the Essie nail polish collection to my usual pink color choices.

Last Friday, I added a blue to the mix. For the first time. I’ve worn Essie Smooth Sailing all week and have gotten compliments. I feel like a different person wearing it. Funny how a small change to your style can make you feel.

What color nail polish do you usually wear?

Weight Loss Challenge

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:44:00 -0400

I don’t fit most of the clothes in my closet. And if I want to fit them again, I’ll have to lose 22lbs.

That’s how much more I have to lose in order to be the weight I was when I got pregnant.

The only problem is I’m not a gym person. And I have no plans to run anywhere.

I need to get back into the clothes I once wore so I don’t have to replace all my clothes. I cringe at that thought because of how much buy clothing in my current size would cost.

I’d love to be 22lbs lighter by my birthday in June. Although if I was 15lbs lighter I would be happy also.

Have any ideas for me?

Fashion Friday - Short Skirts

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:48:00 -0400

I watched Fashion Star earlier this week and the first thing I thought when I saw the zip skirt being bid on by Saks is that my days wearing skirts that short were over.

My reasoning is simple. I’m a mom of four. I know I’m not dead but I feel like my clothing has gone more to the stage of life appropriate section of stores than the youthful section my age would still allow.

I did find the Merrick skirt in Worth Blue May Flowers by Lilly Pulitzer and since its almost spring, I am going to add it to my wardrobe. My legs will be happy even if I’m a little shy walking down Park Avenue to pick up the kids from school.

Win a Food Network Magazine Cookbook

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:32:00 -0400

The Food Network Magazine 1,000 Easy Recipes - Super Fun Food for Every Day cookbook is a great resource for busy chefs who want to spend less time cooking every day meals.

Whether you’re interested in chorizo shrimp or berry chocolate fools, there are over 1,000 one paragraph recipes for appetizers, main dishes, sides, drinks and desserts.

Win 1 of 2 copies of Food Network Magazine 1,000 Easy Recipes - Super Fun Food for Every Day by answering the question below in the comments.

Who is your favorite Food Network chef — past or present?

Two winners in the U.S. will be chosen at random on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 9AM EST.

Geronimo Stilton

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:52:33 -0400

Geronimo Stilton is a highly educated mouse who runs a newspaper and goes on fast paced, humorous adventures starting with Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye.

He has written a series of 49 books - The Way of the Samurai - being the latest adventure. If you have a tween, they’d enjoy any of the Geronimo Stilton volumes.

Buy via Amazon.com: Geronimo Stilton

Green Sprouts Waterproof Bibs

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 12:13:34 -0400

Since my youngest is in that lovely stage of eating where things get all over himself, the standard size terry cloth bibs aren’t doing the trick.

We picked up two Green Sprouts Slicker waterproof bibs in the blue whales and green frogs print from our local baby store and now clean up is less messy. The nylon material is lightweight and easy to clean and there’s a flip up pocket to catch food. The bibs are sized 12-24 months so when we see more designs, we will definitely pick them up.

Buy via Amazon.com: Green Sprouts

Win an iPod Shuffle

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:04:00 -0500

The iPod Shuffle is a great clip and go option to carry up to 15 hours of music. I’ve had a silver one for a few years.

You can win a pink iPod Shuffle by leaving a comment answering this question:

What song do you always sing along with when you hear it?

One winner in the U.S. will be chosen at random on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 9AM EST.

In case you are wondering, my answer is Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler.