Mommy FTW

I have a new found love for the library now that I have kids.  We go all the time to pick up books I’ve requested (see my post on putting books on hold) as well as to browse the shelves for something new and excited.  So I was happy to hear about the Check it In Fine Forgiveness Campaign that the DC Public Libraries have in effect.  Here are the details:

Don't worry, the library still loves you. Bring it back!

The “Check It In” campaign is an effort to encourage DC Public Library cardholders who haven’t used the library in a while because of overdue, lost or damaged books or other library materials to return to the library.  The DC Public Library will forgive all fines and fees on any overdue, lost and damaged item.

The DC Public Library wants to get back as many overdue books as possible to benefit more District residents. The Library wants to also ensure we have your most up-to-date information so this is an opportunity for you to update your customer record with your new email address, phone number or mailing address.

How long is the campaign?
The 60-day campaign will run from Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 – Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012.

How does it work?
No matter how long you’ve had the book. No matter the condition of the CD. You can return them to any DC Public Library. No questions asked. And best of all NO FINES OR FEES charged. You lost it? No problem. Stop by your local library and we’ll forgive that too.  When returning your book, you must see a library staff person in order to clear your record of fines and fees.

What are you waiting for? Check it in and discover the joy of using your library again.

I remember as a child I lost a book and was so scared of paying the fines (my allowance was non-existent) that I never went to the library again.  It wasn’t until I came back to DC as and adult (with a new last name from my marriage – ha!) that I started using the library again.  Don’t let this happen to you!  The DC Public Libraries want to give you a clean slate.  Start your love affair with the library again!

For more information on where to find your local DC Public Library branch, check out their website.  Also be sure to read my post on placing books on hold (my favorite way to get the most out of the library) and check out what Cameron is reading if you need some inspiration!

Holiday photo cards, parties, family dinners – there’s a lot of reasons to have your little ones at optimal cuteness this time of year (not to mention looking your best too). So, I was excited when Tea Collection approached me and asked me to do a little post about their Children’s Clothes collection.  (And by the way, keep reading there’s a coupon code for you at the end of the post!)

I’m no stranger to Tea Collection – Cameron has been wearing their super soft cotton pajamas for a few years now, and some of his favorite (and most complimented) outfits are Tea.  I love the quality of their clothes, and the vibrant colorful prints and designs.  And I have to say I can’t wait to dress Violet up – their girls styles are a-dorable.  And I learned something new – they have women’s clothes!  Tea Collection gave me a gift certificate as thanks for highlighting them in this post, and I snapped up a few items for Violet and myself. Here are my picks:

I asked Tea Collection for something to give to you guys too – and they were kind enough to issue a special coupon code – MOMFORWIN10.  This code can only be used on a purchase over $50 and it cannot be combined with other coupon codes.  It expires 12/31/2011.  So go check out the Tea Collection website and shop Boys Clothes, Girls Clothes, Baby Boy Clothes, Baby Girl Clothes, and most importantly, don’t forget about yourself and check out the Womens Collection!

Please share a picture of your little one or yourself rocking their Tea Collection on the Mommy FTW facebook fan page.  And while you are on facebook, check out the Tea Collection page as well.  Happy shopping!

The Holiday weekend is over, and weather you are working hard… or just working hard at shopping on line, I hope these coupons help you save some cash!

Boden coupon – 30% off + free shipping
Coupon Code: WCM1
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

OshKosh coupon – 25% off + free shipping on $50+
Coupon Code: CYBERSAVE
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Carter’s coupon – 25% off + free shipping on $50+
Coupon Code: CYBERSAVE
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Bebe coupon – Cyber Monday Event: 20% off entire regular priced purchase + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: REDHAUTE
Expiration Date: 11/28/11

LeapFrog coupon – Additional 15% off already marked down bundles + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: LFCYBERDEAL
Expiration Date: 11/28/11

Barnes & Noble coupon – 50% off one gift
Coupon Code: D7E4M3E
Expiration Date: 11/28/11

Art.com coupon – 30% off your order
Coupon Code: FALLX2
Expiration Date: 11/29/2011

ESPRIT coupon – 40% off purchases
Coupon Code: CYBERMON11
Expiration Date: 11/29/2011

Crate & Barrel coupon – 15% off + free shipping
Coupon Code: SAVE15
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Mattel Shop coupon – 20% off, plus free shipping, for Cyber Monday
Coupon Code: CYBER20
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Reebok coupon – 40% off an entire purchase + free shipping
Coupon Code: CM40
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Some of these codes expire today (Sunday) and some are good for tomorrow which seems to now be “Cyber Monday” (the day you go back to work but instead of working you surf the net and shop online.

7 for All Mankind coupon – 30% off regular priced items
Coupon Code: BLKFRIDAY3011
Expiration Date: 11/27/2011

Solutions coupon – 21% off
Coupon Code: CYBER21
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Piperlime coupon – 20% off purchase + free shipping
Coupon Code: HUGECYBER
Expiration Date: 11/28/11

Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta coupon – 30% off entire purchase + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: HUGECYBER
Expiration Date: 11/28/11

Snapfish coupon – 50% off your order
Coupon Code: CYBER50
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Express coupon – $15 off $30 or $30 off $75
Coupon Code: 1999
Expiration Date: 11/27/2011

The Limited coupon – 40% off total purchases
Coupon Code: WISHMORE
Expiration Date: 11/27/2011

Hollister coupon – Black Friday Sale: 40% off storewide + free shipping
Coupon Code: 35440
Expiration Date: 11/27/2011

Steve Madden coupon – 30% off + free shipping on all orders
Coupon Code: STUFFING
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Max Studio coupon – 25% off every purchase
Coupon Code: MAXGIFT11
Expiration Date: 11/27/11

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving! Today is Black Friday, and you could go out shopping and wait in some long crazy line, or you could shop online with these great coupon codes!

Levi’s coupon – 30% off + free shipping on orders over $50
Coupon Code: BLACKFRI
Expiration Date: 11/25/2011

Timberland coupon – 30% off any order + free shipping on $100+
Coupon Code: TBLGIFT
Expiration Date: 11/27/2011

Art.com coupon – 20% off your order
Coupon Code: NICEDEAL
Expiration Date: 11/27/2011

Ann Taylor coupon – 40% off sitewide
Coupon Code: THANKS
Expiration Date: 11/27/2011

Splendid coupon – 30% off sitewide
Coupon Code: BESTGIFT
Expiration Date: 11/28/11

Gap coupon – Additional 20% off purchase + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: GAPSHOP
Expiration Date: 11/25/11

Piperlime coupon – 20% off purchases
Coupon Code: TWENTY
Expiration Date: 11/28/2011

Banana Republic coupon – 35% off purchases
Coupon Code: BRFRIDAY
Expiration Date: 11/25/2011

Lane Bryant coupon – Black Friday Sale: Save 50% off storewide
Coupon Code: BESTDEALLB
Expiration Date: 11/25/2011

The Children’s Place coupon – 30% off everything
Coupon Code: TURKEY
Expiration Date: 11/25/11

The Home Depot coupon – $5 off your $50 or more purchase
Coupon Code: HDTHANKS
Expiration Date: 11/25/2011

Disney Store coupon – 20% off purchase + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: THANKS
Expiration Date: 11/25/11

Elizabeth Arden coupon – 25% off and free shipping on any order for Black Friday
Coupon Code: BF2
Expiration Date: 11/30/2011

LeapFrog coupon – 20% off games and books + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: HOLIDAY20
Expiration Date: 11/27/11

American Eagle coupon – 40% off purchases + free shipping
Coupon Code: 72429831
Expiration Date: 11/26/2011

It’s almost Thanksgiving and the sales keep coming! I hope you guys find these codes useful!

Banana Republic coupon – Save 30% off men’s suits & 40% off women’s dresses today (This one is great if you’ve got a holiday party coming up!)
Coupon Code: BRFESTIVE
Expiration Date: 11/22/2011

Chico’s coupon – Pre-Thanksgiving Sale: 20% off purchase
Coupon Code: 19306
Expiration Date: 11/22/11

The Children’s Place coupon – Pre-Thanksgiving Sale: 20% off everything
Coupon Code: THANKS
Expiration Date: 11/23/11

ESPRIT coupon – Black Friday Event: Save 40% off purchases
Coupon Code: BLKFRIDAY11
Expiration Date: 11/23/2011

Lands’ End coupon – 30% off your order
Coupon Code: DRUMSTICK Pin: 1121
Expiration Date: 11/28/11

Just a couple new ones I spotted today……

Gap coupon – 35% off regular priced styles + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: GAPWANT
Expiration Date: 11/19/11

Boden coupon – Free shipping and returns + 25% off (Not sure if this works at Mini Boden too, but it’s worth a check!)
Coupon Code: WWA1
Expiration Date: 11/30/2011

Urban Outfitters coupon – 10% off your order
Coupon Code: PARTY
Expiration Date: 12/23/2011

Kohl’s coupon – 20% off your order
Coupon Code: FRIENDS20
Expiration Date: 11/20/2011

Cameron and I have been pretty sick so I missed a few good codes over the last couple days – sorry! But here’s a bunch more from maternity, to chocolate, to appliances and everything in between! Enjoy and happy shopping.

EXPIRES TODAY: Lands’ End coupon – 40% off any one item + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: FROST Pin: 9471
Expiration Date: 11/17/11

Motherhood Maternity coupon – $15 off $75 purchase
Coupon Code: 15MH
Expiration Date: 11/18/11

A Pea In The Pod coupon – $20 off $100 purchase
Coupon Code: 20PEA
Expiration Date: 11/18/11

Banana Republic coupon – 30% off full priced styles + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: BRPARTY
Expiration Date: 11/20/11

P.S. from Aeropostale coupon – Friends & Family Sale: Save 40% off purchases
Coupon Code: PSFRIENDS
Expiration Date: 11/20/2011

Aeropostale coupon – Friends & Family Sale: Save 40% off purchases
Coupon Code: AEROFRIENDS
Expiration Date: 11/20/2011

Express coupon – $25 off $75, $50 off $150 or $75 off $225
Coupon Code: 1949
Expiration Date: 11/20/2011

Sears coupon – 10% off appliances
Coupon Code: TURKEY
Expiration Date: 11/19/2011

Philosophy coupon – 10% off all orders + FS on orders of $50 or more
Coupon Code: HOLIDAYCHEER
Expiration Date: 11/18/2011

Godiva coupon – $15 off orders of $75 or more
Coupon Code: HOLIDAY
Expiration Date: 12/25/2011

LeapFrog coupon – Friends & Family: 15% off purchase + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: 15OFFLF
Expiration Date: 11/19/11

The Hurricane is coming!  It’s time to batten down the hatches, and figure out what the heck to do with your kids!  Here’s a round up of my favorite rainy day activities in Washington DC if you need to get the little ones out of the house, most of them FREE!

Some ideas to beat the rainy day blues. Of course, there's always puddle stompin'!

Wilson Aquatic Center – The Aquatic Center is currently closed for it’s yearly “deep clean” but will re open Sunday, August 28th all refreshed.  Given that Sunday is supposed to be one of the more rainy days, this seems like great timing to me!  Check out my earlier post on the Wilson Aquatic Center to learn more about this fabulous, free spot.  It’s the perfect place to take your kiddos and really tire them out!

Rock Creek Park Nature Center – While not the most glamorous spot, it’s a great little gem for a rainy day.  There’s lots of things for your little explorer to look at and touch, and plenty of free parking.  Check out my earlier post on the Rock Creek Park Nature Center for more information.

The National Museum of Natural History – This museum has Dinosaurs, bugs, a huge Elephant, gems, and so much more.  Both my son and daughter loved being able to hold the bugs, and were amazed by the butterfly exhibit.  Check out the National Museum of Natural History website for more information on the current exhibits and hours.

National Museum of American History – If your little one loves trains, trucks, machines, and hands on activities don’t miss the Spark Lab!), then you definitely want to check out this Museum.  Check out the website for more information on exhibits and hours of operation.

National Air and Space Museum – There is something amazing about giant planes hanging indoors just a few feet away from you – even to an adult!  Air and Space is a guaranteed winner for kids.  Be sure to check out the How Flight Works exhibit which has lots of fun hands on activities.  Check the Air and Space website for more info.

Wisconsin Place Rec Center – This isn’t the most exciting outing, but if you are desperate to get your little on out of the house, this is a decent option.  Check out my previous post on the Rec Center to learn more.

Metro Train Ride – If your toddler loves trains as much as mine does, they might enjoy just a train ride on the Metro.  I know I’ve done this before!  Cameron really loves the “underground train.”  Seems silly…. but you never know what is exciting to a little one.  Kids under 4 ride free.

National Zoo – Yes, much of the Zoo is outside, but there are lots of indoor exhibits too.  Cameron’s favorites are the Bird House and Amazonia.  Check the Zoo website for more info on exhibits and hours.

Palisades Library – Did you know the Palisades library has a train table, and a whole floor devoted to the kids section?  It’s the best kids library I’ve ever encountered.  The library isn’t open Sunday, but it’s a good option for this Saturday (or any other rainy day!)  Check out the Palisades Library page on the DC Public Library website for more info.

Those of you who read Mommy For The Win regularly know that Cameron loves to read, and I try to encourage this by always getting him new books.  I’ve become a huge fan of the D.C. Public Library because really, who has the money to buy all these books!

When I first started going to the Library I would aimlessly search the shelves and pull out what seemed like it would interest Cameron.  Occasionally I would find something good, but it was hard to really get in there to look for specific things while wrangling a toddler and a newborn.  So, with the encouragement of the DCPL on twitter (@dcpl) I checked out the D.C. Public Library website, and learned how to place books on hold for pick up at whatever library I wanted.  It’s really easy – Here’s a step by step guide:

1)Figure out what book you want to check out – this can be the hardest part.  If you are short on inspiration, use Amazon.com to help you.  Today I started by typing in “Truck Book” to the search box.  One of the suggestions that came up was “Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle.  The reviews seemed good, so I thought I’d see if the Library had it.  (Honestly, I would say 8 out of 10 times they do have the book I am looking for!)  FYI, another great resource is the “Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought” suggestions box.  It’s full of other great ideas for similar books.  If your toddler has a favorite book, search for it and see what Amazon suggests in this area.  It’s really helpful!

Use this suggestions box to come up with ideas

2)Go to the D.C. Public Library website and search their online catalog.  The website is catalog.dclibrary.org – just type the title of the book (or if you have an author you like, you can try that as well) to find your book.

Search the online catalog

3)Place the book on hold.  Click on the book – when looking at the book information page you will see there is an option to “Place Hold” – this means that they will fetch the book for you (from any DC Library branch) and bring it to whichever Library branch you ask.  Yes.  THEY DELIVER IT!! If the book is checked out, they will get it for you once it is returned.  Usually it takes a few days if the book is not checked out.  They will email you when the book has arrived at your requested library.

Place your book on Hold - you can choose your pick up branch

4)Pick up your book.  Once you get your email, go and pick up your book – it will be there waiting for you under your name.  It’s so easy.  You will never aimlessly browse the Library again!

You can manage your holds and see what the status is as well.  If you decide you don’t want a book after all, you can cancel the hold.

Manage your Holds using the "My Requested Holds" button

Of course to do all this you need a library account.  If you don’t have one of those, sign up.  It’s quick, easy, and FREE!

Not in D.C.?  Don’t worry – I know other Libraries have a similar system.  Stop in to your local branch and ask them how to place a hold for a book and if they have an online catalog.  You will be so happy you did!