Summer Trends with The Children's Place

SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE!!  (Did I sound too excited about that?)  I LOVE summer!  No set schedule, lazy days & nights, pools, beaches, ice pops, etc.  Everything about summer is just awesome!

All school year, my kids wear a uniform.  Summer fashion is a must in our house.  The kids can dress themselves and express their own fashion sense (or lack there of).  I like to keep mix and match pieces in their wardrobe so that it's a no brainer with items that go together.  This is especially essential with "Little Ricky" because he tends to put things together that just don't go!

That's why I love shopping at The Children's Place for their fashion needs.  All of the items are able to mix nicely so that I don't have to cringe at their outfit choices.  I would love for the boys to wear the layered look.  You know, a graphic t with a plaid button down and a jean jacket on top.  How cute would they be?  So trendy.  



In the world of boys, their biggest contribution to the fashion world is mesh shorts and a team t-shirt.  Fun. 

My favorite piece at The Children's Place is the elastic waist shorts.  They are so versatile and are really roomy for the boys.  The wide variety of graphic t's come in all the latest trends that the boys want. 

Did I mention the price?  That's another reason why I love The Children's Place.  I can get them great clothing for a great price.  Their sales are out of this world.  Jeans can be as cheap as $10 and sometimes you can get t-shirts for as low as $2.  






The Children's Place has the cutest accessories for boys too.  I mean, who doesn't love a mini fedora and some aviator glasses?  How do I get my kids to wear them?




What fashion trends are you most looking forward to for summer?  Will you shop at The Children's Place for all your summer kids' clothing needs? 



*Disclaimer:  Although I was provided compensation for this post, all opinions are, of course, my own.

 
Alexis

Great Clothing Sites That Fit Your Wallet

Now that the holidays are over and I'm sure everyone spent more than normal, it's time to do some "belt tightening."  No, not to try and squeeze the fat out of your belly, but to curve the spending...

I don't know about you, that's great on paper, but what will I do for my shopping fix?  I'm a shopping junkie.  I have a complete euphoric reaction when I buy something...anything.  I'm even excited to go shopping for my husband's and kids' upcoming camping trip (I'm SOOO not a camper).

I've stumbled across a few of websites that have inexpensive clothing so that I can stay trendy while staying on my budget!



2020AVE is a great site has everything from cute tops to awesome shoes.  And everything is reasonably priced!  I love the relaxed nature of the cropped collar slip blouse.  It would be great with jeans, shorts, dressy pants, pretty much anything!  And there are some great "going out" pieces as well.  My favorite:  the sequined hot shorts...now if I could only get back to my high school figure....

Scoop neck basic tunic $6.99

cropped collar slip blouse $16

sequined hot shorts $27

Vestique is a fun inspired clothing site that has great dresses and amazing jewelery.  Most of the clothes are so flowy...perfect for my South Florida life!  The neatest part is the "gameday" section where you can find fun clothing to support your favorite college teams instead of team jerseys. 

Bringing Buttons Back $14.50

Kick Off Cutie in burgundy $24.50

Ruche is a vintage inspired clothing and accessories site.  The clothing is so classic. Not to mention I love vintage style because it's meant for women, you know, with curves.  The First Glance Colorblock dress would be great for work or play.  And imagine the All That Glitters Pencil skirt with a t-shirt and sandals or heels and a white blouse...either way, beautiful!

All That Glitters Pencil Skirt $42.99

First Glance Colorblock Dress $34.99

Where do you like to shop for inexpensive clothes that are still stylish?  Please share...this "shopaholic" needs to save some cash!

 
Alexis

Fall Fashions From The Children's Place

My boys are getting older and they are voicing their own fashion sense (or lack thereof).  Now when I shop for the latest looks in children's wear, they are right there behind me making their own choices.

I like shopping at The Children's Place because I can be sure that the boys get what they need for the change of weather.  The prices are so great, that "Little Ricky" and "The Nag" can get some of the items that they want as well.

"The Nag" loves his superheroes!

"Little Ricky" thinks he's a gamer!

$10 on sale, how can you go wrong?

The jeans at The Children's Place are a must buy as well.  They always fit perfectly and they are well priced.  Not to mention that when they are on sale, they are so CHEAP!  

It all matches...LOVE IT!

Did you know you can get your kids their backpacks and lunchboxes too?  They are so roomy and durable...just what every mom wants.  They also come in cool patterns...just what every kid wants.  

I love the layered looks that are all the rage for the fall fashion season!  Preppy is what I like...kind of a sloppy tailored look.  SO CUTE!

 

And if you are already looking for your child's Halloween costume, check out the selection at The Children's Place.  Yes, they have those too!!

Aaarrr you ready for Halloween yet?

What outfits would you put together for your little ones at The Children's Place?




***Disclaimer:  Although I was compensated, all opinions belong to my boys and myself. ***


Alexis

Look Mom, We're On TV!!

There's no denying, my kids love watching TV.  They are constantly reciting lines from their shows and from movies.  That's why when we were asked to film a Back to School segment for our local Fox news channel, I said yes.

The boys were beyond excited (and I'll admit so was I).  

We arrived at the downtown Miami Staples store where we would be filming and got a chance to look for some of the new back to school items that were on sale.  Of course the boys were enticed by the personal tablets and gladly demonstrated how to play games on them.  

 
















Then it was show time.

"The Nag" got shy and said he didn't want to talk.  "Little Ricky" was eager to prove that he was big.   

After the speaking part, we had to walk around the store and "shop."  The boys were such naturals and loved doing multiple takes with some actions.  When they were done, they would yell "and scene...." or "CUT!"  They keep me on my toes! 

Check out our finished product:



WSVN-TV -




Next stop, our own reality show....Keeping Up With The Prietos!
 

Alexis

BJs Wholesale Club ~ The Go-To Place For Back to School

Where did the summer go?  I'm not ready to leave "Summer Stay at Home Mom" routine to get back to the grind!!

With summer almost over, the back to school shopping season is upon us.   It's the time that the sales for pencils, crayons, and backpacks start showing up in the stores.  Did you know that I LOVE new school supplies?  A fresh notebook and cool pens are so fun!  I know I'm weird.


Having two school-aged boys in the house really takes a toll on my wallet at this time of the year.  They both need everything to get ready for school, so I try to save money and stay sane at every turn.  Not to mention being a teacher also hurts the wallet a bit because there are certain supplies that I need and want for the classroom. 

Crayons & pencils & pens, OH MY!

What better place to stock up on the supplies that we all need for school than BJs Wholesale Club?  BJs is a one-stop shopping destination for name brand, high-quality food and merchandise.  BJs has everything you need to cross off the items on your back to school list.  



Both boys need multiple pencils, folders and glue sticks.  Why not get it in bulk?  They also need tissue boxes, wipes and Ziplocs.  It's a no-brainer!

Everything we need to get ready for school lunches!

A pack of 3 bins?  Perfect for organizing my classroom!

You can't forget about school lunches.  BJs offers many of the lunch items that my kids love.  From sandwich items to snacks, I can get it all!  Check out this BJs Backstage Sandwich Palooza video on how to make-over your lunch using all items from BJs.  

Why didn't they have these when I went to college...so retro!

And don't even get me started on all the items for the college aged kids.  Wow!  They didn't have this cool stuff when I was leaving for college.  Maybe I should go back....

Don't forget to use the BJs coupons for extra savings!

Did you know that BJs is the only wholesale club to accept manufacturer's coupons?  That's one of the mains reason I joined.  Who doesn't love to save money?  You can also partner your manufacturer's coupons with BJs in house coupons as well.  OH YEAH!  Check out their coupon policy here.

And BJ’s offers discounts on gift cards.  Many of the major retailer $25 gift cards that they sell go for $23.99.  That’s right, you’re payling less than the value of the card.  Perfect gifts for your child's teachers....hint, hint!




If you like to save money & you’re not a BJ’s Wholesale Club member, you can get a free one day pass here and start shopping.




Disclaimer:  I was a guest blogger at a local BJs Wholesale Club for their Back to School promotion.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 Alexis

YP = Yellow Pages

The Yellow Pages has been known as a place to find local businesses and deals for...well, forever.  You remember their old slogan, "Let your fingers do the walking."  Well, in more recent years, we no longer see that big yellow book arriving on our door step.  But the Yellow Pages haven't gone anywhere, they just aren't really "pages" anymore. 

The YP App home screen.

On YP.com, the Yellow Pages is still the ideal place to discover places locally.  Whether you want to find a local merchant, lawyer, or make restaurant reservations, YP helps you experience and stay locally connected. 

Since the media landscape is ever changing, YP understands that consumers need (and want) to find information while on-the-go.  The convenience of searching local from a mobile device is fast and easy with YPmobile products.  Oh yeah, there's an app for that!

YPmobile products turn your mobile device into a powerful local guide that brings you everyday saving.  Search businesses quickly by typing or browsing popular categories including gas prices, restaurants, bars, hotels, mechanics, dentists, and even AT&T Wi-Fi Hotspots.

Check out all of the things you can search for on the app!

Save money on-the-go.  Search, share, and redeem thousands of local deals directly from your phone.   Deal alerts notify you of saved coupons expiring within the week.  Plus now you can find the "best" gas prices near you!  (So cool!!)




Store your favorite businesses, deals and event to "My Stuff" for easy access.  Share business details and deals with friends via text, email, Facebook or Twitter.

I am having such a great time with this app!  My favorite part is researching restaurants according to the type of food that I want to eat.  I recently did a search looking for a restaurant in Miami that serves Foie Gras.  (Yeah, sometimes I'm fancy)  There were 52 results for my search, mostly on South Beach, but hey, at least I can pick the restaurant I want to visit.  I can choose wisely by reading reviews and looking at pictures that other users have posted.  I've shared in the experience by making reviews of my own.

And this was just MY meal...

One review I posted recently was for The Fish House in Key Largo, Florida.  OH MY GOODNESS that place is wonderful!  The fish is so fresh and the portions are huge!  We ate so much that night.  I even added a picture of the dinner that I had.  If you are ever in the area, The Fish House is a must!!  You can check out my review here:  http://www.yellowpages.com/key-largo-fl/mip/fish-house-469325375?lid=469325375

The YP App even locates the cheapest gas prices!

Have I mentioned that you can even find the cheapest places in your area to find gas?  WOW!  I'm not saying drive to the furthest place to save some dough, but the app will tell you where the cheapest stations are from right where you're standing.  It even color codes the "good" prices and the "great" prices.  Very handy!!



So, whether you want to research local businesses on your computer at YP.com, or on-the-go with YPmobile app, know that Yellow Pages is still the place for your researching needs!  Get the app, it's well worth it.


How do you think you would use the YPmobile app?  What are you most looking forward to searching for on YP?




Thank you to YP for being a sponsor. Check out the latest YP app or YP.com to find food nearby fast! YP is your local companion for making decisions on everything from where to eat to where to find cheap gas. This post is in conjunction with my relationship with the Clever Girls Collective, and all opinions expressed here are my own. #YPcrave




Alexis

Pay it Forward Friday ~ Fabulous Summer Bottoms: Dorothy Perkins Edition

Amanda is a South Florida based stay at home mom to a beautiful 15 month old girl.  Being an "AntiMom" is not a baby or mom hater, or all things “mom”.  But since finding out she was pregnant, she vowed to never become the type of mom that loses her identity just because she now has a child.  "I didn’t do things the conventional way my entire life, why would having a baby change that?"  You can check out her website The Anti Mom Blog or find her on Twitter @AntiMomBlog or Facebook The Anti Mom Blog. 


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Fabulous Summer Bottoms: Dorothy Perkins Edition

I know as a mom, we put everyone and everything before ourselves.  Along with this neglect, our fantastic children slowly suck the life out of us during the day, leaving us tired and covered in something sticky.  My mission in life, well since having my daughter, has been trying to find the balance between being a great mom and still being able to stay true to my pre-mom self.  One of those things for me is shopping. 

I have a slight problem/obsession, but I love fashion and the way a great outfit makes me feel.  Some might think of that as vain, but when you look good, you feel good...a trendy domino effect, if you will.

Now that summer is here and slowly melting us away here in South Florida, I like to keep up on deals and great finds for all the latest summer trends.  I came across this great website called Dorothy Perkins and am in love!  Fashion-forward trends for great prices can’t get any better than that!  

Since summer is in full swing, you have to have a few staples beyond a bathing suit.  A good pair of shorts or cropped jeans are a must.  Here are a few pairs of bottoms that everyone should add to their summer wardrobe and they are all under $50!

Jean Bermuda Shorts $39

Jean Bermuda Shorts
These are my absolute favorite this summer!  I wear mine practically every other day.  If you are chasing after kids or meeting a friend for lunch, these are perfect for any day of the week.  And if you want to go on a casual date night with your significant other, throw on a pair or cute wedges for that extra "oomph."

Colored Jean Shorts $27

Colored Jean Shorts
Along with the bolds, sweet pastels are making their way into the limelight.  Try a cool mint color or even a light peach.








 
Colored Jeans

Colored Jeans $39

Color is in and is everywhere you look.  They are showing fantastic bold and bright fabrics that can give an outfit that extra pop.  A great pair of colored denim jeans, like these blue ones, paired with a simple white tee will make a great summer outfit.  The white – well they are classic summer all the way!


 

Maxi Skirt – Striped $35

Maxi Skirts
I love love LOOOOVE these skirts!  You can dress them up or down with either a pair of wedges or cute sandals.  So breezy and cute…and beyond comfortable!


 

Rompers starting at $21

Rompers
It’s not summer without a cute romper!  I love these things and they are everywhere.  Great for cover ups or just a quick outfit when you are in a rush.  These 3 are great options.  Whether you like shorts or capri length, rompers are perfect for a relaxing BBQ or a fun summer party!

 



These great finds will help spice up your summer wardrobe without breaking the bank.  Double bonus!

I want to thank Alexis & all her fab Exhausted Mom readers for having me!  Be sure to come check me out over at The Anti Mom for more weekly fashion postings on the latest trends (next week will be the top 5 summery tops under $20!) and of course some other random shenanigans!




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As a way to share the blogging love and meet new bloggers, I have "Pay it Forward Friday."  This is where I periodically feature fellow bloggers with different interests and from new areas.  If you are interested in writing a guest post for "Pay it Forward Friday," feel free to send me a message!  I would love to feature you!!

Alexis

Father Friendly Gift Ideas

I don't know about you, but shopping for my husband and father are rather annoying tasks.  Maybe it's because they are not women or maybe it's because they always say "don't buy me anything."  Which in women's terms, means "you better buy me something or you're in trouble," so of course, I always try to come up with something.  

Here are some ideas that can help with the shopping for the men in your life this Father's Day (other than a tie):



Watch

We got my husband a watch this Father's Day (don't worry, he doesn't read my blog...meanie).  He recently cracked his at work.  Check out this Michael Kors watch....I LOVE his watches!!


Sports Gear


"Meanie" needs a new golf bag.  So I told him that's what the kids could get him for Father's Day.  He said no, that he could buy it himself.  I am aware that he can buy anything he wants for himself, but it's nice to get a "gift."  Again, meanie.


Staycation


We are going on a mini staycation this weekend to just be together for Father's Day.  Check into a hotel in your area and just hang by the pool this weekend...or if you're lucky like we are, go to the beach.  


Kids' Art


And of course, have your kids make something for the fathers in your life.  As you know, I'm addicted to Pinterest.  I have found the CUTEST ideas for photos to take and crafts for kids to make for dads and grandpas.  Check out this idea from Crafty, Yummy Home.




What are your kids doing for the men in their life this  Father's Day?  How do you celebrate these special men?




Alexis

Staying Sane While Holiday Shopping

OH MY GOODNESS!!  It's 48 days until Christmas!  I haven't started shopping and I haven't even begun to make my list.  What's a girl to do?  

I absolutely LOVE to shop!!!  This time of year is my favorite time because it's an excuse to shop and my husband can't say no!!

I follow a few simple steps in order to move sanely through the holiday shopping time:


1)  Make a list.  Oh yeah, the lover of lists has a HUGE list for my holiday shopping!  I start with my easiest recipients:  the kids.  They are easy because they will explicitly tell me what they want.


2)  Set a spending limit.  I try ("try" being the operative word) not to go over a certain price limit per person. 


3)  Online shopping.  For some of my shopping, I go online.  Especially for those people who are hard to buy for.  
See Tech Savvy Mama's 7 Tips for Safe Online Shopping


4)  Slowly but surely.  Oh yeah, it helps win the race.  I try to do a little bit each week.  This way I'm not stuck shopping at the last minute.  (Can't stand the crowds...)


5)  Buy myself a little something.  YES I DO!  Just a little something.  How can you be surrounded by so many new things and not?  


How do you stay sane while holiday shopping?


Alexis

Easier to NOT Coupon....

I'm so frustrated.  

I was in my favorite store, purchasing necessities and not so necessary items.  I made it to the check out counter with a cart full and two overly energetic boys running around.  As the cashier is scanning the items, I am searching through my coupon holder for ways to save a couple of bucks.  I am in no way an extreme couponer...but I like to save some cash as much as the next girl.


After all of the items were scanned, I handed the cashier about 6 coupons that probably was the equivalent to $5 in savings.  He got flustered and literally went through each coupon and the computer searching for the exact match.  This was done all the while a line was forming behind me.  


I'm not one who is mellow.  I'm always in a hurry, especially when my boys are running around a store and fighting with each other; I just want to get them in the car where they can be locked in.  Needless to say, I was growing impatient.  


The lady behind me was making comments loudly like, "My goodness," and "I thought I was choosing a quick line!"  And my favorite, "Geez, you would think the money is coming out of his own pocket."  I mouthed a very apologetic "I'm sorry."  


I was sorry.  I was sorry that I chose this cashier's line.  I was sorry that I even decided to use the coupons to begin with.  

And what the lady said was true.  You WOULD think the money was coming out of his pocket.  And it wasn't.  And it wasn't even coming out of the store's pocket.  Coupons are designed so that the store is reimbursed for the discount that the consumer gets.  So they are essentially getting the money back for the already marked up item.  

Just take the damn coupons! 


And THAT is why I am so frustrated!!   Sometimes it's just easier to NOT use the coupon!


Alexis

Some Things to Keep Me Sane....

If you can believe it, I am exhausted pretty much all of the time....
Just when I'm feeling overwhelmed and insane with all that is going on in my life, I look to some things to keep me sane....


1)  My computer.  I can lose myself on this thing....


2)  Guilty Pleasures.  I am obsessed with teenage drama TV.  I'm particularly fond of "Gossip Girl," "Vampire Diaries," and "Pretty Little Liars."  Yes, I'm aware that I am 30+ years old.....


3)  Real Housewives.  I know what you're thinking..."real?!"  But come on, it's awesome! New Jersey is my favorite! The craziness is the best part!  (I apologize to any fans, but the Miami cast is anything buy Miami....not to mention most of them don't even live here!)


4)  Starbucks Chai Lattes.  MMMMMMMM!


5)  Ice cream.  Yeah, I said it.


6)  SHOPPING!  They don't call it "retail therapy" for nothing!  I've asked my accountant if I can place this therapy under medical bills.  He wasn't amused.


What keeps you sane in this insane life?


For more ways to stay sane, check out Staying Sane With Housework.




Alexis

Sanity in the Checkout Aisle

Today, I have a guest post from a wonderfully talented and insightful mom and friend.  Smarty Pants Mama (aka Caroline) helps her readers become smarter moms by sharing her expertise in education, technology, and just being a mom through Smarty Pants Mama.  

Caroline, recently nominated as Most Valuable Blogger by CBS Miami, is considered an “old soul” among friends. She thrives on “been there, done that” experiences from fellow moms.   She shares the knowledge and experiences she has gained to her social network through SmartyPantsMama.com, twitter.com/SmartyPantsMama, YouTube.com/SmartyPantsMama and Facebook.com/SmartyPantsMama. Be sure to follow her at these locations for her latest rants and raves of parenting!

Sanity in the Checkout Aisle

 

It’s Sunday. Laundry needs to get done, playroom picked up and menu planned.  The weekly menu that I create helps me, a Smart Mama, keep me sane and on a budget.   Why?  When I sit down and preplan what will be filling our tummies each night, I have the time to sift through our current inventory of food, preventing me from buying things at full price; instead I use things I had previously bought on sale.  Secondly, I’m not stressing out at 5 PM on a weekday when I realize that I haven’t thought about dinner.

Here’s how I do it:

My 1^st step is the calendar.  I need to know if my kids have any activities at night that might include dinner, or require a lighter or heavier meal.  I also need to check with Tom (SmartyPantsDada.com) to see his anticipated work schedule.  With enough business trips and late work nights, I keep from making some of his favorite dishes on nights he’s out.  My next stop is the fridge.  I look to see what proteins are in the meat drawer.  I note their “use by” dates.  Depending on how many proteins are, I’ll hit the freezer next. 

At this point I’ll ask the family for their recommendations.  Sometimes I’m nice enough to let each of them choose a meal of their choice.  I typically get the same response of Isabella, and my husband sometimes will suggest something I’m really not in the mood to make – hence why it’s just a “sometimes.”

Now knowing the proteins and recommendations, I hit the grocery store circular to see the good deals on proteins.  Winn-Dixie, a local grocery store, tends to do a lot of “buy 1 get 1 free” promotions with their meats, so I usually look there 1^st.

It’s now time to think of myself!  I can start thinking about what I actually want to cook and recipes I may have recently come across.  I scan through some of my favorite food blogs, such as SkinnyTaste.com, in search of yummy and easy ways of using my proteins.  With the school calendar in effect, I’ll also try to get at least one slow cooker recipe in there, great for that crazy soccer mom schedule.  At the end, I’ve noted what ingredients aren’t in the pantry and make my list.

My last online stop is a coupon deals site.  From there I can learn what products are at a great price this week.  The product might not be part of the coming week’s menu, but they may be the following week.  I stock up on pantry items and proteins – all items I’ll look when I plan future menus.  I’ll cut out the coupons that correspond with the deals and then I’m done!

When I hit the grocery store later that afternoon I have:

·     my list in hand,

·      a copy of my menu,

·     a printout of the best deals at the stores,

·     lots of coupons

My shopping experience is much more effective than when I go without a list and without coupons.  Don’t get me wrong, I can be a sucker for new products, unexpected deals, and can become a bit of an impulse buyer.  But all in all, I try to stick to my list, which means I stick to my menu. 

What Smart Mama strategies do you use to make weekly dinner less stressful and on a budget?  Looking forward to adding your “been there, done that” experiences to my Smart Mama Toolbox!

- Caroline -