Author: Melissa

December 13, 2010

kid’s prize package from backyard safari outfitters giveaway

**giveaway is now closed! congratulations to our winner, #51, Jennifer!!**

Our first giveaway this week is a really cool set of toys and outdoor gear for kids from Backyard Safari Outfitters. My kids love being backyard explorers – they trompse through the woods behind our house on "Explorations" and come back with all sorts of trash treasures that they have picked up discovered. They are going to go crazy with this kit – especially when we go camping this summer!!

In this giveaway, you will get:

a Backyard Safari Cargo Vest,

Backyard Safari Binocs,

Megaview Periscope,

Bug Vacuum,

and a Backyard Safari Adventurer Kit!

Yes, ALL of that! Approximate Retail Value is $91.95. Want to win?

Here's how to enter:

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment sharing what little one in your life would love to be a Backyard Safari Adventurer!
Extra Entry #1: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me you subscribed to Girlymama's feed by email or in a reader.
Extra Entry #2: Leave another comment telling me you became a Girlymama Facebook fan!
Extra Entry #3: Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, or Tweeting about it.

Contest ends Friday, December 17th at noon. Entries such as "Enter me" or "I want to win" will NOT be counted. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions. If I don't hear from the winner in 48 hours, I will be choosing a new winner.

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This giveaway is a part of the Holiday Extravaganza Digital Campaign. To learn about more opportunities to win these prizes with other participating bloggers, click here to head over to the Holiday Extravaganza Facebook page.

Disclosure: I received one of the product I am giving away to facilitate this post and was compensated for my time in running this giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own. Prizes will be sent directly from the company giving away the item. Christmas delivery is not guaranteed.

December 13, 2010

playmobil 1.2.3. farm giveaway

Melissa 157 Comments

**giveaway is now closed! congratulations to our winner, #50, Julie B!!**

Our first Holiday Extravaganza Digital giveaway is from our sponsor Playmobil. We are BIG Playmobil fans in the Girlymama household! As a mom and a former preschool teacher, I think their toys are amazing and Playmobil is one of my absolute favorite brands of toys. I love toys that encourage creative, imaginative play and do not require batteries. Such toys are so important to development!

This year, Colin will be finding the 1.2.3. Large Farm under the tree Christmas morning:

The Large Farm is perfect for ages 18 months and up! It features an adorable farmyard setting with separate living quarters and stables. My son will love offloading the bales of animal feed from the cart with the winch and placing them in the loft (his dad is an engineer, can you tell?). And one of the best parts of Playmobil? Packing up afterwards is super easy: fold up the sides of the building and everything is stowed away. Perfect!

Would you like to win the 1.2.3. Large Farm? Here's how to enter:

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment sharing what little one in your life would love this adorable 1.2.3. Large Farm!
Extra Entry #1: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me you subscribed to Girlymama's feed by email or in a reader.
Extra Entry #2: Leave another comment telling me you became a Girlymama Facebook fan!
Extra Entry #3: Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, or Tweeting about it.

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This giveaway is a part of the Holiday Extravaganza Digital Campaign, sponsored by Playmobil. To learn about more opportunities to win these prizes with other participating bloggers, click here to head over to the Holiday Extravaganza Facebook page.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Playmobil. I received one of the product I am giving away to facilitate this post and was compensated for my time in running this giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own. Prizes will be sent directly from the company giving away the item. Christmas delivery is not guaranteed.

December 13, 2010

load of giveaways. brace yourselves.

Melissa

This week, I'm saying Happy Christmas and a Merry Holiday to all of you with a whole week of amazing giveaways! Most of these giveaways are part of the Chester County Moms now famous Holiday Extravaganza which benefits Toys for Tots.

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. In Over the 62 years of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children. In 2008, Marines and volunteers distributed over 16.2 million toys to 7.6 million children
from their nationwide donations. Monetary donations are also accepted via paypal and credit cards. Additionally, interested donors can donate a vehicle, donate via ebay, or donate in someone’s honor or memory, through this webpage. It is an organization that you can be proud to support! My nextdoor neighbor is a retired Marine, so we're big supporters of Toys For Tots! Last week, I had the privilege in playing a small part of an event last week that gathered almost 1,400 toys… in one evening. It was estimated to be the biggest collection in Pennsylvania!

Those girls pulled off an amazing feat in my opinion! And as one of the (several) bloggers offering a digital version of the Holiday Extravaganza, I'm pleased to share with your some fun giveaways this week!

So sit back, grab some coffee, take a break and good luck!!

As a member of the Holiday Extravaganza Digital Campaign, this post ( and the giveaways part of the campaign) have been sponsored by Playmobil.

December 10, 2010

fashion friday: crazy holiday edition

Melissa 3 Comments

Last night, I had a fantastic time at the Chester County Moms famous Holiday Extravaganza! So I was crazy busy all week and have a crazy busy weekend ahead, so lets keep it simple.

My perennial favorite, LOFT, is having a HUGE sale! 40% off your purchase and free shipping with the code HOLIDAY. (And if you buy through ShopatHome, you’ll get 6% back on your purchase as well… ca-CHING!)
Oh, you can buy some loveliness, girls!

I seriously am in love with this look! Oh, the belt, the tights, those boots!! Not only is the dress now just $53, but those boots are 40% off too!

I just love this ruffle neck sweater dress as well:

And there are about three zillion sweaters that are absolutely adorable (and 40% off). Personally, I think this Long and Lean Cardigan would not only be a great gift, but is a classic that will be in your wardrobe for years:

This top would be perfect for a holiday party, wouldn’t it?

And you can make a killing with 40% off accessories like scarves and belts… not to mention all of LOFT’s gorgeous jewelry! Like this piece of loveliness:

What are your favorites at LOFT right now?

Did you do a fashion post this week? Link on up!

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Speaking of fashionable gifts, be sure to check out bStylish’s Fabulously Fashionable Gift Guide! We have tons of ideas for you, including 50 pieces of jewelry for under $50, some amazing pieces to get your guy looking more fashionable, beauty and fashion stocking stuffers.

And we’re giving away a giving away a 3 strand 4 mm purple black peacock twisted elegance necklace AND a One of a Kind – 3 strand golden bronze freshwater rice pearl and teal blue green potato freshwater pearl bracelet – hurry, it ends today!

December 9, 2010

peace among the craziness

Melissa 1 Comment

Its completely crazy here.

It probably is at your place too. Its the time of year, I know. It just happens.

On Sunday, we made a fire in the fireplace, made popcorn and hung out in the living room all evening, reading, playing card games and just having quiet time together as a family.

Yesterday, I made a cup of tea, curled up in the chair right next to the Christmas tree and read a chapter book with Gracie.

These little moments of peace are rare these days, but so important!

December 8, 2010

wordless wednesday: christmas in philly

Melissa 1 Comment

(and what do my kids get excited about seeing? a starbucks!)

December 7, 2010

gift idea: high plains bison

Melissa 2 Comments

Every year I go through the same dilemma. What on EARTH do I buy for my father and step-mom for Christmas? They are nearly impossible to buy for. I nearly always strike out. (The proof? My husband recently saw a pile in their basement of gifts we have given him. UNOPENED. See what I mean by impossible?)

This year I had a brainstorm. I'm going to send him bison. Over the summer, I got to try High Plains Bison and it was amazing. My husband still talks about it and I can honestly say it was one of the best steaks I've ever had. (Better even than the one I had recently at a *very* expensive, well known steakhouse.)

My father was recently diagnosed with diabeties, so he has to really monitor his diet. (Not to mention his high cholosterol.) The last time I was at his house, he was lamenting how he missed certain foods. So wouldn't it be a treat for him to have a real steak without feeling guilty?

When I learned about how nutrcious High Plains Bison is, I was blown away. Bison is naturally lean and lower in saturated fat than beef, chicken, pork, or even salmon, is low in cholesterol, low in sodium, and a great source of iron and contains a healthy dose of Omega 3 fatty acids. I had heard that bison was healthy, but I had no idea how favorably it compared to other meats!

So what a treat for him to have steak – a food he really has had to cut back on in his diet – for Christmas! High Plains Bison has some amazing deals on holiday packages right now too. I'm thinking of getting him the sirloin steaks. That is what we had and they were amazing. But maybe the tri tip roast would be more wintery. I can't decide. I bet the burgers are amazing too…

If you have hard-to-buy-for people on your list, check out High Plains Bison. They have gifts starting at $19.99 AND have free shipping. For less than the cost of a tin of stale popcorn or mixed nuts, you can send meat. (I know what I'd rather have 😉

disclosure: this is a sponsored post. as always, all opinions are my own.

December 6, 2010

christmas in the city

Melissa 2 Comments

Saturday, we took the girls into Philadelphia for the evening.

We started out at one of my favorite places, Reading Terminal Market, and we could not resist stopping for cookies warm from the oven.

Then we headed over to check out Philadelphia's Christmas Village

And caught the famous light show in the Wanamaker Building

Then came the highlight of the night: we headed over to the Arden Theatre Co for the opening night of The Borrowers. It was absolutely adorable. The Borrowers is the story of a little family who lived under the floorboards of a house. Our kids LOVED it. They were roaring with laughter, gasping with excitement and thought the whole thing was just wonderful. My favorite part? When at the end, Ellie whispering "Kiss, kiss, kiss!" to the characters during a romantic moment. Then when they kissed, she said "GROSS!" Hilarious. She can't fool me – she was so drawn into the story and rooting for the little love story to come true!
It is a fabulous, fabulous show. I've never been to the Arden Theatre before and we were so impressed. It is a gorgeous space and perfect for children just starting to experience theater! I highly recommend this show!!

And a special bonus? One of our friends was in the show! And he was terrific- our kids were so excited to see Mr. Boulware on stage!

As we were driving out of the city, our girls said, "Can we do this every Christmas?"

I think we just might. What a great tradition this would be!!

disclosure: we received tickets to this show from the arden theatre. i was not compensated for this post. as always, all opinions are my own.

December 3, 2010

fashion friday: festive attire

Melissa 1 Comment

Well, its holiday party time! And the big question… What to wear? If your husband is anything like mine, he gives you helpful hints for his holiday party at work like “I think I’m supposed to wear a suit.” Which is completely unhelpful to me. So lets help each other out:

For the Casual Holiday Party: Go with dark jeans or dress pants and heels. And as for the top – this is where we can have some fun! Be as conservative or as festive as you wish! Some ideas…
1. Pima Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Sweater by LOFT (was $39.99 now $19.99) love the little flower!! 2. Cable Sweater Dress by LOFT ($89.50) HOW cute are those boots?? LOVE the brown boots/grey sweater combo! 3. Ruched Short Sleeve Top by Ann Taylor ($38) Pretty silver color!! 4. Night sparkle tee by Madewell ($198) Pricey, but cute. 5. Flower Vendor Top by Anthropologie ($78) I love this color! The coral is such an unexpected holiday color! 6. Halter Top with Rosette Trim by Ann Taylor ($78) I love fushia at Christmas. 7. Allover Sparkle Tee by White House Black Market ($68) Wouldn’t this look great under a cardigan with jeans for everyday? 8. Hints Of Mesh Tee by Anthropologie ($68) I may have to buy this one. Love, love, LOVE!!!

For the Not So Casual Holiday Party: You could still wear dress pants, but a pencil skirt would be even more fabulous! And its a terrific excuse to wear a dress 🙂

1. Petal Sleeve Cowl Neck Top ($68) and Metallic Lace Skirt ($108) by Ann Taylor How gorgeous is that??? 2. Tweed Sheath Dress by Ann Taylor ($148) This is almost exactly the dress I’m wearing to my husband’s work party this year, right down to the boots. Isn’t it cute? 3. Sleeveless Silk Wrap Top by Ann Taylor ($88) This is so elegant! 4. Ruffle Neckline Sweater Dress by LOFT ($79.50) Again, loving the gray and brown combo. 5. Tuck Shift Dress by Topshop ($80) Love that detailing. 6. Short Sleeve Wrap Top by Ann Taylor ($78) Oh, that necklace!!

For the Far-From-Casual Holiday Party: Or New Years Eve. GO for it!!
1. Ruby Ponte Sheath Dress by White House Black Market (was $148 now $69.99) Gorgeous! 2. Strapless Grosgrain Satin Dress by Ann Taylor (was $228 now $99.99) I LOVE THIS! Look at that fabulous necklace! 3. New Years Tweed Dress by Anthopologie ($268) OOO – fancy! 4. Bow Mini Tube Dress by Arden B ($89 now $71.20) So fabulous. Would be great for New Years Eve as well! 5. Ruffle bib dress by Gap ($59.50) Super cute – and a terrific price! 6. Draped Sheath Dress by The Limited ($89.90 now $62.93) Cute neckline – and love the little belt! 7. Scoopneck Ribbed Sweater Dress by Ann Taylor ($128) I am seriously in love with the ankle boots and tights look.

What’s you go-to holiday look?

Did you do a fashion post today? Link on up!

December 1, 2010

want shoes? (when do we ever NOT want shoes???)

Melissa

You guys, there are some SERIOUSLY amazing deals on 6pm.com today.

Feel free to buy me these boots. I wear 8.5 😉

Seriously – these are $160 boots in sale for $44. Thats 72% off, folks.

And Keens are on sale. Stock up for the summer at 60% off sandals for the kiddos.

Not to mention, Crocs are 60% off, Joe's Jeans are 60% off and Uggs are 50% off.

Check for coupons at ShopatHome.com first – plus, if you go to shopathome.com first, you'll get 5% cash back on your purchase. I earned $25 cash back on the purchases I made on Cyber Monday alone and they're sending me a check in January. How easy is that? Its like free money 🙂

Happy shopping!!