We live near the Whole Foods Friendship Heights in Chevy Chase and shop there all the time, and often eat lunch as well (FYI, it’s a great place to eat with the whole family because everyone can pick something that they want). I just found out that this particular Whole Foods is about to roll out a delivery service, and for those who give it a try during the soft launch (5/29-6/12,) you can get a 10$ gift card, and a free delivery!
Free delivery and 10$ of free food? Yes please.
Here’s the details about the Friendship Heights delivery service: Customers will come to the store and shop as usual, at check out they can opt for delivery. Whole Foods will hold on to the groceries and deliver within a 4hour window from the point of purchase. The idea is that customers who take great pride in picking out their own groceries will still get that experience but won’t have to hustle home to drop off their items when they may have other plans. So now you can still get your shopping done and then run straight off to the kids soccer practice, karate, art class, or all of the above.
Violet at Whole Foods last Sunday getting some shopping done
Whole Foods is using a completely green electric truck, and they hope to extend the delivery area and that eventually the Tenley and Bethesda store will implement the service to serve their neighborhoods.
The delivery fee is a flat $5 and any deliveries of groceries totaling $200 or more will be free. Check out the map to see if you are in the delivery area, and stop in and talk to the friendly folks at Customer Service to learn more about getting your 10$ gift card.
FYI, you can ‘Like’ Whole Foods Market Friendship Heights on Facebook and find out more about weekly specials (Lobster tails are on sale this Friday!!) and classes.
Now that I have a daughter to cute-up I have discovered a new fun side of Etsy. Hopefully in the future I’ll get to a hair clip roundup post, but for now I wanted to share the ones I just got for little miss Violet because for this weekend only the seller is offering 30% off!
Cute clips to match any outfit! Even Violet's Cameron-hand-me-down jammies.
Violet’s hair clips came from Etsy seller Stellina B – I like her clips because they are pretty basic, but come in a varity of colors so you can match any outfit. Also, there is no exposed metal part on the back (and as a hair clip novice, I admit I have a fear of impaling Violet as I try to wrangle her hair). Check out her Etsy shop to see more of what she has to offer. And, I found out by being a fan of her facebook page that until Monday (2/13) you can get 30% off with the code 1000SALES !
I am a full time stay at home mom with a 9 month old girl, and a 3 year old boy. My son was always an epic napper. I was spoiled, and nap time was my favorite time of day – I could get things done around the house, and even have the chance to relax for a few minutes of my ‘work day.’ I was worried about juggling it all when my daughter was born, but I knew I would have my son’s nap time as the glue that would hold my day together.
When my son started to drop his nap time (first he would skip one day a week.. then it was three…) it really started to stress me out. We would have fights about it every day. I would give him toys I got at yard sales when he napped, and take toys or privileges away when he didn’t. We were all pretty miserable! I decided to bring up the topic at my son’s 3 year check up with his pediatrician.
During our discussion of Cameron’s sleep I mentioned that sometimes Cam wakes up with what I called ‘night terrors’ – he is sort of awake, but a bit delirious, and usually inconsolable and screaming. The pediatrician asked me when Cam went to bed, to which I answered, on days he naps around 10pm, and on days he doesn’t around 7:30. She noted that those 10 days must be “long days” – you got that right! And then she made what was to me, an earth shattering suggestion: drop nap time. She said that night terrors are often linked to over tired children, and with Cam going to bed so late, he wasn’t getting the solid chunk of night sleep he needed. She said, still give him “rest time” (quiet time in his room for an hour or so) – if he falls asleep, fine, but take the pressure off and don’t stress over it.
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Cam’s easy to read clock lets him know when rest time is over
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Spying on Cameron as he patiently endures his rest time
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I used these door knob covers to keep him contained
Here’s how I made it happen – For Cameron, rest time is from 2 – 3:15. 2 is also when his sister goes down for his nap – so for my sanity I like to have them be in their rooms at the same time. The reason I picked 3:15 as the end time is because it is very easy for Cameron to see on his clock – both hands point to the same spot. We have a great clock from IKEA that is perfect for this. Cameron’s door knob used to have a ’safety cover’ which we got from Amazon that keeps him from being able to let himself out – we don’t need this any more as he is with the program and knows that he has to stay in his room for the designated time period – but you might want to try something like that initially. Finally, we have a video monitor in Cam’s room (honestly we bought it for Violet but we get a lot more use out of it with Cameron!) I use it to make sure he isn’t getting into too much trouble up there. It has a PA system so I can talk to him if I need to.
Cameron is allowed to play with toys (nothing electronic) and read books. For now, the system is working great – Cam generally doesn’t give too much of a fight about staying up there the whole time. In the evening, my husband has an alarm on his iPhone that signals that it’s time to get in the bath and then go to bed. Cameron is usually quite happy to start his relaxing routine! I think if you are getting to the point of stressing over and fighting with your child about nap time, it might be time to try switching to a ‘rest time’ or quiet time in the room. It revolutionized the evening routine at my house and I couldn’t be happier!
Since Cameron started preschool he has been really into art. For his 3rd Birthday a few weeks ago he got a lot of gifts to encourage his new creative streak. Here are some of my favorites (and his too!)
Check out the MALA Easel from IKEA. It’s only $14.99 – a great bargain! On one side is a chalkboard, the other is a whiteboard. There is a tray for supplies, and a spot for a roll of paper which fits nicely over the blackboard side. Also check out the other MALA items (markers, chalk, rolls of paper) which are all VERY affordable.
Cameron has the Melissa and Doug spill proof paint cups. Yesterday all four of these actually fell on the ground completely upside down and not a drop of paint spilled out. I kid you not! It was amazing.
Cameron also has Crayola Washable Paints which are indeed, very washable, and things you can add to the paint (“Mixing Medium“) which make the paints glittery, pearly, or give them texture. I got that idea from his preschool and it makes the paint extra special. Be sure to get lots of paint brushes, and a mister clean magic eraser which is great at removing marker or crayon that might happen to get somewhere it’s not supposed to.
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:
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This one’s for me – a flattering, stylish, and comfy top
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I can’t resist a new pair of jeans….
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Violet is going to look adorable in this!
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Leggins for girls, so versatile (and cute)
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You know Violet is destined to wear purple.
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Festive without being cheezy. Christmas card, here we come.
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!
I love a good deal… especially when it comes to holiday shopping! The Friends and Family sales are already starting – here’s a few I’ve found. I’m sure there will be more to come so keep checking back!
EXPIRES TODAY! Banana Republic coupon – After 5 Event: $25 off $100 purchase
Coupon Code: BRAFTER5
Expiration Date: 11/10/11
Gap coupon – Friends & Family: 30% off entire purchase + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: GAPFRIENDS
Expiration Date: 11/13/11
Reebok coupon – Friends & Family: 30% off purchase + free shipping
Coupon Code: FRIEND
Expiration Date: 11/13/11
Clarins coupon – Friends & Family Sale: Save 20% off purchases + FS over $75 + 3 free samples
Coupon Code: CLARINSFF
Expiration Date: 11/15/2011
Ann Taylor coupon – Friends & Family Sale: Save 40% off an entire purchase
Coupon Code: FRIENDS
Expiration Date: 11/13/2011
Crocs coupon – $20 off orders of $100 or more
Coupon Code: FALL20
Expiration Date: 11/30/2011
Restoration Hardware Baby & Child coupon – Friends & Family: 20% off everything
Coupon Code: FFH2011
Expiration Date: 11/14/11
Carter’s coupons – 15% off $25+ or 25% off $50+
Coupon Code: GIFT15
Expiration Date: 11/14/2011
Land’s End Coupon – 25% off and free shipping (in store, or on line)
Follow this link
Expiration Date: 11/15/2011
Every year I get Cameron a new winter hat from Etsy, and during the search for the perfect hat I always come across so many super cute options that I like to share with my Mommy For the Win readers. This year is no exception! The weather has turned and it’s time to get my Etsy on again. Here are a few great options for boys and girls. FYI I’m partial to fleece hats because I think they are less itchy – but I did include some other ones because I couldn’t resist:
Etsy seller SunnyMomo makes all kinds of adorable zombie hats – this is just one of them! So be sure to check out the shop to see what else there is to offer. These are perfect for your little monster especially around Halloween!
Oink Oink! Etsy seller diddeedits makes lots of cute animal inspired hats – I love this little piggy. Check out the shop to see the other options for your little animal lover.
I love the beautiful teal buttons and the plum of this felted wool hat made by Etsy seller SugarBlums. Your little fashionista will look stunning in this cute hat!
This one might seem a little plain – but I think it’s totally classic and I’m pretty sure it will look down right adorable on your little one. Who can resist a pom pom hat?! This one is made by Etsy seller YouNeedMoreFiber.
This is another simple hat which I totally love. It’s made by Etsy seller Ikuka – be sure to check out the shop for lots of super cute fleece hat options. I had trouble choosing which one I wanted to post!
What a sophisticated hat your your little darling. The subtle color really highlight the amazing textures in this hand knit beauty. It’s made by Etsy seller effybags.
Finally, 3 hats from my favorite winter hat seller, katiesegel. I’ve gotten Cameron a hat from her for the past two years, and I’m pretty sure she will get my business again! Her hats are so adorable and comfy. Cameron loves to wear them, and I can’t tell you how many compliments I get.
Meow! Cat Hat by KatieSegel
Roar! The dinosaur hat is prefect for your little natural historian
The Truck Hat is made for your transportation lover!
When I was growing up my mom always made my Halloween costume. And as I got older, I really got into making my own. I have to admit at this point in my life with an almost 3 year old and a 6 month old, I don’t have the time to make a crafty costume – thankfully there is Etsy! With a little looking, you can find some incredibly adorable costumes at a wide range of prices. Place your orders now to be sure you’re ready for Halloween!! Here’s a rundown of my favorites:
I stumbled upon the shop of Etsy seller NotTheKitchenSink and I was totally blown away by the incredible costumes they had. They are a little on the expensive side ($35 and up – more for twins costumes) but they are some of the cutest and most creative costumes I found. Here’s a few:
Sushi and Soy Sauce. This almost made me wish I had twins.
Peas and Carrots - I'm sure you can get them seperate, or for twins
So sweet! What a tasty little cookie!
Do you have a little monkey on your hands? Well Etsy seller MegSewCool has the costume for you priced at $55:
Chunky Monkey!
How about a cute little bumble bee costume, complete with cute flower headband? Check out this one from Etsy seller PeaPodRay – $52 with headband, $36 without:
Buzzzz.... Love this cute and comfortable look!
I love the DinoCapes made by Etsy seller MaukyJo – I think they would be great for creative dress up play throughout the year, not just for Halloween – and only $28!
I have a feeling this cute DinoCape could get a lot of year-round use!
And another great dress up / costume option that is really affordable (only $14!) is this cute Robot costume from Kidatheart01 – don’t forget to check the store because there are lots of other affordable costumes too!
I'm pretty sure you can't beat the price on this Robot Costume - 14$!
Want some more choices? There’s endless tutus, balarina costumes, cowboys, and princess dresses on Etsy too. Just search and see what you can find!
I am excited to say that my almost 3 year old Cameron is doing great at his potty training (pee that is…. don’t get me started on poo) and he has begun leaving the house without a diaper on. This made me really nervous because he isn’t comfortable peeing on a big potty yet, so I decided to look for a portable potty for him that I could fit in my diaper bag, or throw in the bottom of the stroller. I found the Potette Plus on Amazon – it had great reviews, and sounded like a great solution.
I don't think Cameron would appreciate me posting pictures of him using his Potette, so here's a cute little girl I found via google.
The Potette Plus can be used as pictured above (set on the ground with an insert in, if you like – I just put mine on the grass) or you can fold the supports outward, and it fits on top of a big potty (pictured below).
Potette on the big potty
Cameron has used his both ways, much to my delight. He is extremely proud of himself when he is done – and so am I! By the way, the reviewers on Amazon also said that instead of the inserts that they sell you can just put a diaper in the Potette to catch whatever falls if you are using it in the sitting position not on a regular potty. This seems like a good idea so you don’t have to buy something specialized and extra. The Potette does indeed fit easily in my bag. Overall, I can’t be happier. It gives both Cameron and I the confidence to leave the house without him wearing a diaper – and it’s so great to see him succeed and feel good about himself.
My husband and I are big fans of Chipotle, so I was super excited when I learned they had a kid’s menu…. and that Cameron loved eating their food!
Cameron is ready to dig in!
The kids meal comes on a super cute tray – you can get tacos or a quesadilla, it comes with beans, rice, a little bag of chips, and a drink (apple juice or milk). Cameron likes the quesadilla – I get it with Carnitas (the shredded pork) because the chicken is a bit spicy for his taste. It is extremely affordable (around 3$) and a heck of a lot more healthy than most fast food kid’s options. So next time you go to Chipotle give the kid’s meal a try for the little one…. It’s a great option!
