Tag Archives: shopping

Celebrating Memories on Grandparents Day

Grandparents day

Grandparents Day is on September 7th:  When I was a little girl I remembering visiting my grandparents whom we call  Mama and Papa.   They are so near and dear to me.  We would travel 40 minutes to Maywood NJ to visit them in the house my mother grew up in.  The street that they lived on dead-ended at the high school basketball court,  I always though it was cool how we could play in the street.

I remember my grandparents home  to a T.  Large Rhododendrons bushes as you entered the slate porch, the white door that stuck in the heat, the living room with salmon colored upholstered couches,  and  lamps with the crystals that reflected the light from the windows like prisms.  I always thought they were diamonds.    The bird collection of ceramic bird in the kitchen bay window, that looked out on to my grandfather perfectly manicured backyard.

The birds- We would add to the bird collection every Christmas,  I think it is a grandparent rule decide on one thing so that your grand kids can give it to you for every holiday, and we did there was about 20 birds.  I still see the road runner bird, they one that started it all,  in my grandmothers assisted living apartment when we go to visit.

I would love visiting them, my Mama and Papa,  who are the same age as my parents now.  They would always make us feel welcome with a big hug.  My Mama always dressed to the nines in a lovely suit and her shoulder length white hair in place.  She was very sophisticated with her frequent trips to New York  to see Broadway play or and art exhibit.   She would often take us with her and expose us to the ballet or a museum. My Mama loves the arts she attended art appreciation classes at the local University up until she was 85,  which I always though was super cool.  My family has always told me, our love of the arts came from the exposure my Mama always gave all of us.   I now expose my children to the arts while thinking of my own upbringing.

One of my adult Mama memories, I was when  she visited me in Florida,

My Mama said “Sherry, If I every have my hair in that tight pin curls be sure to know I lost it.. I never want to be that old” She was talking as age is a state of mind. Even at 95 she is still a classy lady and well spoken.  A great lesson I learned,  that I will always cherish, her wise knowledge.

My grandfather Papa, He was a tall thin man, did not speak with a German accent .. but very German man.   He passed away in is 70’s but one of my fondest memories was when I was a senior in high school. I had a solo in our 250 person high school choir, it was in Hebrew,  we are not Jewish it was the song the director had chosen.   Apparently when I started singing my grandfather was like that is not English??? When I ended I all remember was looking out into the pack audience, see  my Papa standing and cheering for me.   To this day I can still hear his prideful sounds of glee for me.

How has your Grandparents affected your life?   How do your parents add to your kids lives?

Don’t forget to honor the Grandparents in your life!  Check out this Grandparents Day Gift IdeaEdible Arrangements

This year tell your parents how much they mean to your family by remembering Grandparents.   National Grandparents Day is coming up on September 7 and what better way to celebrate the holiday than with a healthy and delicious treat from Edible Arrangements.  Their arrangements satisfy those with a sweet tooth and are a healthy option, which gives grandparents reason to indulge…just a little!

I love the Grandparents Day gift Idea of sending healthy fruit to my parents they are a great choice with free delivery and prices for all budgets.  The Edible Arrangements make a great gift this Grandparents day!

Don’t they look Yummy !

  Disclosure:This is not a Sponsored or review post

Online Shopping Tips

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Online Shopping Tips : Every holiday season I watch and and plan looking for the best on line deals.  Then excitement sets in Black Friday Deals, Cyber Monday,  Latest and great lowest prices.  Just last night I got caught up in a purchase for 25% off and a free-ship.   Yea another site had the items at a lower price with free ship.  So off we are to cancel the order.  So I want to share and remind myself of my rules to online shopping.

Online Shopping tips :

  1. Shopping Plan: Have a plan, if it is a paper list, Pintrest Board, or Amazon wishlist : Know what you are looking for.  If you use an Amazon wish list .. it tells you the price you added the item to your wish list, then  what is the current price and if it changes the saving difference.. I was surprised how many of my items went down.
  2. Compare: Spend the time price shopping and comparing prices.. I know it seems like time consuming but think you are not driving to the store.
  3. Order Early: Order Custom items 1st ! Like Frames,Blankets, Shirts, Frame,  If you think you want something customized order early ,  because gives the seller time plus if a mistake is made gives the seller time to correct.
  4. Shopping Email Account: Do create a separate shopping email- so you can sign up for those newsletters and sale emails.  So they dont clog up your inbox but you still can get the deals.
  5. Watch shipping deadlines.  Many sellers will have normal holiday cut off,  then after a certain day rush processing and shipping fees come into place.
  6. Avoid the hype:  My husband wanted a video game,  A  big box retailer offered it in store at $20 off but another on line retailer offer it for the same price. The prices on many items will reduce as the holiday get closer.
  7. Coupons Codes: Stop check for coupons a simple search in your Google search bar for “thestore.com coupons 2013” can save you 10-40% and free ship so worth
  8. No Hassle Rebates: Do sign up for rebate sites like Ebates these sites allow you to earn more back when you are already shopping at these stores.  You sign up for the account, then look up the site and shop.   Also if you are already on the site you can look up the store on ebates click through ebates and your cart will still be loaded.   Ebates and site like Ebates are shopping portholes,  How it works is the Online retailer pays Ebates a percentage,  they take a cut and then also give money back to you in the form of a rebate.   This is on top of any coupon codes you are already using.  It is a win win.   Ebates gives you rebate on most retailers like Amazon, Target, QVC, Macys and more.   Also when you share ebates you can earn more. So I will share my ebates with you, go sign up so worth it,  I earned $20 last night.Ebates Coupons and Cash Back
  9. Security: Avoid sites where they say a Security is not current.  A retailer should always have there security rank current.  If a pop up window comes up and say the site is not secure .. leave.
  10. Avoid: A retailer should never ask you to give them your credit card in an email.  Also if you purchased with a retailer and making a return,  they should never ask for your card for the return.  They can return it through the original transaction. NEVER email your credit card numbers.  Also do trust paypal.  As a retailer for years on my superhero kids cape store,  I can tell you pay pal is secure and will assist you if you have a problem.
  11. Safe Packages: When shipping to your home and you are not home you might want to have a secure place to have the packages be left (behind a stack of wood, or a bench) or have the items shipped to a more secure place neighbor, work, or grandmas.

I love online shopping because it make life easy and my family happy.  Because they are not stuck in lines at a store.  Try some of these tips and your holidays will be much more enjoyable.. because you can shop anytime.    I am off to find that great item for my kids..

Disclosure this post contains affiliate links.. which I earn a small amount that is basically enough to buy coffee at a fast food chain.

Where to Shop and eat in LBI

LBI in the sandWhere to go and Where to Eat in Long Beach Island Nj  LBI .  LBI NJ is my New Jersey shore.  I started going when I was a kid and always looked forward to going every year.   When Hurricane Sandy hit LBI with vengeance  many business were hit very hard and my beloved LBI was hurt.  I spend the morning speaking with some of my favorite shops on the island.  I want to share there story’s and let you know some great story’s to visit when you return to the jersey shore this year! Shop

Artifacts Consignment Boutique

414 n. Bay Ave, Beach Haven Nj

and   11117 Long Beach Blvd

Facebook page Artifacts Consignment Boutique

I love this store it is wonderful home design and great items shop. Browsing you will find peices you cant live without.  The 1st time I entered we stayed for an hour browsing and shopping the staff is so welcoming and friendly.  The owner Amy put a little bit of herself in every peice she refurbishes and give that shabby chic and classic design look too.  You will not want to leave.

I spoke with Amy and she let me know Sandy was hard.  She lost the entire store to the 4 feet of surge waters. As an artist my self I can only imagine the sadness of seeing your work destroyed.  Amy was very up beat she said it is things and it is people that matter.  Which I think is a testament to the business owners of LBI.  Amy said about 80% of the business are back and more are reopening every day.

Artifacts has returned and in a big way.  Amy opened a 2nd store.   She hopes that you will Visit and come back to LBI .

Picture taken by  of Artifacts

The Sea Moon

1503 Long Beach Blvd Surf City Nj

I love this shop last year we spend a good amount of time visiting with the owners.  My mother law, Sister in Law and I found great items to bring home.  Which were unique and special.  The Owners Mary Ann and Larry have a wonderful selections and I cant recommend enough to make this store a  must see for gifts.

When I spoke with Mary Ann  she remembered me from a year ago.  That is personalized customer service you get from the small shops. Mary Ann said they had some roof damage there store was safe and she was thankful.  She said we have returned and are open for all to come by and visit.

She- Her heart was breaking for those in Oklahoma who lost love ones  I thought how lovely she was concerned with others.

Maryann also told me personally her home was damaged.  She said it was not bad.. then proceed to tell me we still don’t have a kitchen,  because of subfloor issues.  But she still thinks she she had it good.  I think not having a kitchen 9 month later is a hard ship.. but very was truly grateful people were returning.

I can only think support her small shop will help all they way around so shop on over  and Tell her hi..

The Little Outfit : children’s boutique

1900 Long BeachBlvd Surf City NJ

Website: The Little Outfit

I Love this specialty children’s boutique I found some lovely gifts for a friend who just had a baby while I was there.  The carry many the higher end children’s brand. Like Zutano  and Art Walk.

I spoke with the owner Donna and She said they had no damage.  She was very thankful that many of the business in Surf City were spared Sandy’s rage.

Donna expressed ..These small business owners are back they need our support. For many the challenge to return is a struggle many lost entire inventory.  She said many shop owners said many business did not have insurance that contents of there stores covered for this type of damage. Fire yes, Flood yes but natural damage no because it so expensive. So many businesses are back by the skin of there teeth.

She also let me know that some of the business are planning on returning but might have not opened yet,  they are taking the much needed extra time Since the busy season really kick off once school is out. They need people to return and shop, eat stay.. This is a Make it or Break it summer for most.

 

Some of my Favorite Places to Eat in LBI:

Beach Haven Fisheries

Between 21st and 22nd Streets Spray Beach Long Beach Township, NJ 08008

 Beach Haven Fishery website

I love the fishery the food is exceptional.  The lobster bisque is Ah-amazing! I have stopped for the bisque when I drive by just to get a quart.  The fried scallops are a gift from god hand breaded every day,  a large tender scallop that will make you beg for more.  The Owner John said the scallops was one of the main reasons he started the Family run business back in 1989.

When I spoke with John, he said the Beach Haven Fisheries was hit hard bu the storm 5 1/2 feet of water.  The gutted everything and rebuilt everything.   He said there was many obstacles but they are back and opened on time for Memorial day.

John said he really was amazed by the humanity of people that came and helped everyone on the island.  He said there were volunteers who would come down on the weekend to help,  some sleep in there car to help a stranger affected by the storm.

The Big Dipper Ice Cream

1501 Long beach Blvd Surf City  (same plaza as Sea Moon)

Ice Cream cones that are so big one scoop is enormous and great ice cream.

ice cream sundayThe Show Place

Centre Street and Beach Avenue • Beach Haven, NJ Beach Haven NJ

Website The Show Place

Is a singing Ice Cream Parlor fun for everyone!  They sign and preform while you eat your ice cream some times you have to sing for your sweat treat.  Supper fun!!   I always wanted to grow up and work there as a kid.  They are opening June 17th.  This is one of my favorite places to go as a kids I loved sharing it with my kids this past years and they Survied the Storm!!!  It is a Must visit when on LBI .  Next store to the Surflight theater, so see a play.

JERSEY LOVE a Blogging Trip for Social Good.

I heard some amazing stories of resilience and and humanity this morning.  I really urge you to return and visit the Jersey coastline.  This weekend 40 Bloggers from all over the country are visiting NJ to help raise awareness and support the Jersey Shore.  Please follow along with us  on twitter #JerseyLove .  Come back to NJ shore and support the business that help to shape the Nj coastline.  women of Jerseylove trip

Thank you to Caesars Entertainment , Caesars Hotel and Casino , D6 Skimmers for support our efforts to show #JerseyLove

Disclosure: I am Attending the JerseyLove SMM trip Caesars is paying for my hotel and food, so we promote tourism back to the NJ shore. #SocialGood The Business listed above have NOT compensated me at all I love them because they are are great owners and run fantastic small Business

What are your favorite Place at the Shore Please share them!!

 

7 Girls Stocking Stuffer Ideas Under $9

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Great Ideas for Stocking stuffers for Girls preteen tweens school ages 6-9. after reviewing product all year. Here are the top picks Girl Stocking Stuffer Ideas my daughter loved and has played with. These make my daughter feel like a big girl but keeping her little.
My favorite girl ages 6-9 stocking stuffers is:

  • Hair Chox by Fashion Angels On Amazon, Also at Ulta , Walmart  average price $3-4 each they are great because you can use them in your daughters hair them they wash out so color with out the commitment.

  • Here are photos of us using them at an event you have to pull the hair through the choxs,  but the color is vibrant .  We also use on my niece’s (High school girl)  she said she would like some for Christmas.

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  • The Monster High Tapeffiti about $6 My daughter loves these little tapes she decorates everything.

  • CHARM IT!   Amazon or the shopcharm-it.com site  I love CHARM IT!  jewelry because you can add on.  The charms run about $6-7 and they have every type of charm you can imagine.  So you buy the bracelet as a gift them load the stocking up with charms.    Like a cell Phone , soccer ball  or Initial. I love the idea of getting sister charms.

The pig ones we have and they have little rubber boots.

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  • Stickers and sticker books are back $1-5. Yes the ones we had as a kid.  but now they make books that you can remove the sticker and trade.

  • Lip Balm Girls love lip balm .. any scent or flavor is always a win Pick up at walgreeen, cvs, anywhere.
  • Ear Muffs and animal hats roll them up and have Santa fit in stocking s this year. Animal hat are the new hot trend sweeping the playground this one is only $9- $40- I found these on amazon you can click on the picture to learn more.

  • One of my favorite stores to shop for the holiday “little stuff” is 5 below the have so much super fun great to.

Santa loves  filling the stockings and finding little gift that will make the morning something special.  PreTeen girls will love being  a big girl while still being young.

Disclosure: this post does contain Affiliate Links to help support the cost of running this blog.. yea basically I will earn enough to buy me a cup of coffee.

Ebay gift giving made simple

Girl on a computerSo this holiday season,  I learned about the Ebay shopping gift list app. It is really cool.  My child with the supervision of an adult can choose all the items she wants on her gift list this year.  Then we can send it to Santa up north.

We simply just click on the link and with Facebook Ebay Holiday App logged into the ebay app mobile or on your desk top.   You can create a list  Super Simple, entered the kids name and then picked away adding the gifts we hope to get this holiday season.  I loved how easy it was.   Than I shared the list to friends and Family  for my kids to my extended family. So simple.

I love the interface it allows to have the children doing shopping list but also choose for your spouse.  Also I created a list for my husband which he can’t view.

eBay Gifting App Screenshot

Ebay makes it so simple you can do  ebay gift list creation any time anywhere.  Including swim team practice like we are.

Also just by me creating a list I can win from ebay  something off my list or a gift card.  So head on over and check it out makes ebay shopping easy.

I  was  hired by Splash Creative Media to write this post on behalf of eBay.

 

10 Top Tips Consignment Sale Shopping Success

consigment sales

 

Consignment sales they are a great way to find wonderful gently used and new items for your family. Consignment sale are bargain shopping on a grand scale.   Here are my top 10 tips for making your shopping more sucessful.

  1. Go with a plan look to see what you  need for the kids.. take an inventory
  2. Shop with knowing your kids sizes,  take measurements before you go, or take kids with you if allowed (but beware you will buy more toys if you take the kids)
  3. Know your brands,  I shop high end when ever I buy 2nd hand the reason Quality. My favorite brands: Gap, Gymboree, Hanna Anderson, Landsend, Columbia, American Girl  Boutique Brands: Hannah Banana, Deux par Deux, Lemon loves Lime, Queen Circus, Tea, Catimini, 3Pommes, Biscotti,  Jean Bourget
  4. Great Place to buy the dresses and clothes that don’t get alot of use- like holidays, church clothes and special occasion so look at your calendar and see what is on the schedule.  Tip buy Jackets for dress up clothes like brand: Rothschild one of the best wool children’s coats out there.
  5. To get some of the best picks of the sale volunteer your time at the sale-  sale organized gives volunteers 1st pick.
  6. Go the last day of the sale many items are discounted significantly some are 50% off
  7. Consignments sales have a large amount of unopened toys.. so they can help you save on Santa gifts.
  8. Think about bring something to carry your purchases while shopping-  some people bring in kids wagons, beach wheeled carts. Check with your consignments sale organizers to see what they will accept as a carry item.
  9. Review the website of the sale to make sure understand restrictions- such as you are not allow to shop with strollers. Also discounts might be given on website.
  10. If you see something Do not put it down!  Unless you are sure you don’t want it because someone might pick it up,  there is only one of that item.

consigment sales

This weekend is the JustBetweenFriends Consignments sale in Oaks Pa.

This weekend Sales Event: September 13th – 15th

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center – HALL C – 100 Station Ave., Oaks

Thursday, September 13th ~ OPENING DAY!

9am-7pm: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – $3 Admission Fee Charged Today Only; Children and Strollers Welcomed.

Friday, September 14th ~ OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

10am-7pm:  No admission; children and strollers welcomed!

Saturday, September 15th – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

8am -6pm: HALF PRICE SALE ALL DAY!! Many items will be an additional 50% off all day; children and strollers welcomed!

Disclosure:  I did receive gift from JBF in exchange for this post. These tips are my tips I use when shopping.

 

 

Zylie the Bear Review

girls teddy bear Recently I was sent to review a Girl Teddy Bear from Zylie the Bear.  Zylie the bear is a styles 18″ bear which is a great gift for all those Teddy Girls (teddy bear Boys) in your life that are not into doll but love stuffed animals.  Zylie the Bear is a high quality dress up bear reviling  that of a top stuff animals made in Europe.  Zylie the bear is a amazing.  She comes full dressed in high quality clothes.  She is complete with her own story book and accessories.

Once my daughter opened the box I knew we found a jem in Zylie the bear.  My daughter is not a doll girl she always wants stuffed animals so the Zylie the Bear is ultimate stuffed Teddy Bear Doll companion for her.

Zylie the Bear’s story is about her adventures all over the world.  She is a metropolitan bear,  living in New York City with her aunt.  The creators of Zylie were sure to make a real story behind the bear.  So your child can relate and base there play with a starting story then your child can add to the adventure with Zylie.  Zyile also had a friend Shen a Panda bear she meets on her travels to china.  Both bears come with there own chapter book.a book being read

The books are great they help to open your child’s mind to enjoy the hours of fun imaginative play that Zylie and Shen with explore with your child.  There are many tea parties occurring in our house since Zylie adventure has led her to our home.   The Zylie bear web site offers color pages and many other activities, be sure to check it out.

My daughter Video review of Zylie and Shen:

The bears features are lovely,  the quality is that of a Steif  mixed American girl. Here are some of the features:

Both bears:

  • Legs jointed parts as high quality tufted  fur
  • Their own Story Book (2 different book one for each teddy)
  • Pas port
  • Packaged in there own keepsake box so the bear can be store properly- overtime these teddys are a heirloom teddy

Zylies the Girls Bear girl bear

  • Zylie’s jacket is lined with a lovely satin
  • Jacket us a love wool fabric,  that the collar has an underlining of a cotton for a truly finished quality
  • The printed  pattern of Zylie’s shirt was great modern feel.
  • Zylie’s skinny jeans are made beautifully with button details  at the bottom
  • Her purse was made of 2 different fabrics
  • Her notebook/diary was actually stitch together
  • She also has a passport and map-  which my daughter loved she kept open and closing it use them as props in her play.

Shen’s the Boy Bear stuffed panda bear in a leather jacket

  • Leather like jacket so well made with  the closure details
  • Shen’s shirt is modern touching on the current color-blocked trend complete with buttons
  • His khaki were right off the runway
  • I was most impressed with the detail on Shen’s backpack – complete with zipper, 2 different fabric and bungee cord.
  • Shen Drum sticks were perfectly to scale and feel of real drum sticksteddy bears with a girl playing

Details, Details,  Details  of the Zylie and Shen are amazing.  I spent 20 years in high quality apparel design and manufacturing in my former life, so I understand making garments.   I was very excited to see the quality of these Teddy Bears.  No detail was left off by designer Katie Fong in either Shens or Zylies outfit.   You can also add to these your Girl Bears (or boy) for both Zylie and Shen additional other outfits to have a more complete wardrobe. Like Zylie has a My Fair Linen  outfit that I can’t wait to get my daughter.   It will be fun  to build her collection for birthdays and holidays.

Tip: Also because Zylie and Shen are 18″ teddy dolls they fit in to all your American Girl and other 18″ doll clothes so they are interchangeable  if you already have a collection of of American Girl, the clothes will get additional use.

Age:  The company recommends 3+   I think that 6 and up  is appropriate because of the changing of the clothes, to help promote independent play.

Price:

Zylie is $50 for the start kit it also is  currently on sale on Amazon for under $35.69  Zylie the bear.

Zylie’s  clothes run about $20 outfit.

Shen the bear is $50 currently on amazon.

I would high recommend Zylie the Bear and Shen as the a great holiday birthday gift,  I would buy early to make sure you dont miss out on this amazing friend for your child.

Search amazon now for the Adventures of Zylie the bear

 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that help to support the cost associated with the publishing of this blog. I was given these bears,  the opinion in this post are all my own.