Bookworm.com: new site and 30% off.

I found a new website yesterday: Bookworm.com.  It's part of the Diapers.com family, which is now owned by Amazon.com.  Diapers.com has been introducing new sites over the past year, including soap.com (household), yoyo.com (toys) and wag.com (pets).  They now have three new sites; bookworm.com (books), vine.com (wine) and afterschool.com (sports).

Okay, enough background, back to bookworm.com.  First of all, it's adorable. Very eye catching, appealing, yet clean. I found it to be very inviting.  Take a look at the home page:

Second of all, they have a great introductory offer: 30% off on up to three books. Use code: BOOKWORM30.  First order only.

Third of all, while I LOVE Amazon dearly (and buy from there WAY too much), it's nice to have a focused site to search for books. Almost like going to a little book store.  Since it's new, they don't yet have the extent of customer reviews like Amazon, and not as many "If you like this, you may like...." options, but that will come with time.

However, they do not offer free shipping like Amazon does.  Well, they do if the order is $49 or more. But how often do you spend $50 at one time on books? But it's a flat $4.99, so not TOO bad.  Plus, the 30% should definitely offset the price of shipping ... so it's worth a try.  I'll let you know how things go once I place my order.

Gotta go and pick some books for the little guy now!

ps - please share your favorite books for your kids, we're looking to stock up on some new stories.

Toddler shoe shopping: five great fall options.

Let's face it. All shoes are cute when they are tiny. And tiny feet grow very quickly.

Which means two things:

1. You'll need to buy shoes pretty frequently since you'll have to keep buying new sizes.
   
   MEANING: Yea! Get to buy lots of shoes!


2. You'll need to buy new shoes pretty frequently since you'll have to keep buying new sizes.
   
   MEANING: Ya probably shouldn't buy too many of any size since they'll grow out of them really fast.

I like to have an assortment, which usually has one or two pairs of good, quality sneakers and then a couple of fun (read: no arch support and not "recommended" by the shoe saleperson at Nordstrom) shoes.

Here are my recommendations for a good fall shoe collection.  All of the shoes are under $40 (except the Stride Rites which are $42).  The first three are already in Justin's collection:

1. Tiny Tom Navy Cord Classics

Tiny Tom Cord Classics

Though Toms don't really have arch support, they are so darn cute, I cannot resist.  You may recall my story about last year's Toms, and this year I'm hoping for some more usage.  The problem on this pair, they don't seem to be in stock anywhere anymore.  However, they also have a pair of the red cords at the Toms website.

2. Stride Rite Shane

Stride Rite Shane

We know Stride Rite makes great shoes for kids. Good quality, has an arch (very important!) and seemingly very comfortable. They are not as "hip" as toms, Adidas, Converse, etc., but you can definitely find some cute Stride Rites.  I like this pair a lot. Fun colors and a really good shoe.

3. Adidas Samba

Adidas Samba

These are the "cool kicks". And aren't soccer shoes so cute?  These are adorable, but I will say that they are a bit tough to put on - they don't have laces or velcro.  Over the summer we had a pair of Gazelles, which were much easier to put on, since they had velcro. Available all over online.

4. Converse Kids Chuck Taylor All Stars

Converse Kids Chuck Taylor All Stars

Love mini Converses. They are maybe the cutest of all little kid's shoes.  And they come in a zillion colors and styles. Not in the "good shoes for your feet" category, but a good "every once in a while" shoe to wear. I've done blue and white in the past and get tons of compliments.

5. Saucony Baby Jazz H&L

Saucony Baby Jazz H&L

Saucony gyms are great shoes. They are cute, easy to put on and high quality.  A bit "hipper" looking than Stride Rites and still good for you. Very light shoes also.  I've bought them with every size Justin has been in and plan to buy another pair soon. I happen to like this blue - goes with a lot.

Am I missing any great shoes? Let me know your recommendations!

ps - Also need to get some winter boots. I've never bought boots for Justin. Any suggestions?

Sale: cute boy's clothing at myhabit.com.

I just came across two new adorable clothing brands for kids: Upper School and Colorfast.  Both are currently on sale at myhabit.com and can be found here, in the Back to School: Late Summer Styles for Boys section.

I went to both brands' individual websites, Colorfast  and Upper School and the deals on My Habit are quite good.  We're talking $39 shirts on sale for $16.

Plus, on the individual sites, most of these items are not available, they are sold out!  I'm looking for boy's clothes, but they have lots of cute girl's clothing too!

Here's a little sampling of some of the cute boy's items:

So, take a look on My Habit, and then bookmark these two sites because these are really cute brands!

Marc Jacobs bag splurge.

I've been wanting a new bag for a long time (browsing pinterest will do that to you).  A nice bag. A fancy bag. And when I say fancy, I think I do mean designer.

But not an expensive designer bag; a more "reasonable" designer bag (If that isn't an oxymoron).

Point is - I'd like a new bag. A splurge bag. A treat.

I get most of my bags from Banana Republic and they have great bags -- stylish, high quality, long lifespan AND -- when Banana has a 30% or 40% off sale -- a great bargain.

On to my splurge bag. Maybe it will be a Mother's Day present for myself.  And I've identified Marc by Marc Jacobs as the maker of my bag.  There are three I love.  I've cut it to two, and now I need help deciding which one.

Here they are:

Little Tate Tote

Take Me Tote

Love the color. Love them both --- totally different, but not different enough to warrant both.

Normally I'd say Little Tate is more my style - I love the faux quilted look and it'd be a cute, fun, light everyday purse or diaper bag. But....Take Me Tote is just so shiny and pretty and sleek! and can oomph up any outfit....

Which do you like?

Online sale at myhabit.com. Colette Kids!

I love Colette Kids.  I did a whole post about their adorable shirts a few weeks ago.  Well, today on My Habit, there is a sale on Colette Kids.

(For those unfamiliar with My Habit, it's the exclusive sale site for Amazon).  So - it makes your buying easy as can be if you've ever bought on Amazon (who hasn't!).  Just enter your Amazon log-in and shop away. Plus, you get free Amazon shipping!

So go. Now. Hurry. The t-shirts are $9 and $14 (comes with a bandana)* and they are going fast.

*Some shirts are sold only with bandana

I personally have no interest in the bandana - but it would help keep Buddy's shirts drool free. And he does love wearing his cowboy hat and riding on his rocking horse.  So, on second thought - perhaps a wonderful accessory for in the house.

Anyways, purchased three shirts for Buddy:

Panda

Frog 

Seal

Super cute tees. Love them! Enjoy.

Pinterest: ever revisit your pins and boards?

It's like going shopping in your closet. Well, your virtual closet.  And more like browsing your virtual closet to see what you might want to actually turn into items in your real closet.

I've pinned so many things, I've forgotten what I've pinned.  I've even pinned the same item twice accidentally.

This morning I went back and looked through some of my boards.  Pinterest has made some changes that make visiting the site even more visually appealing.  Here's a glimpse at what awaited me when I went to my boards.

A beautiful array of colors and products!

Items that made me smile.

Items I wondered why I had pinned.
(turns out they were from my very early pinterest days, and I didnt' know about changing the descriptions then either)

Stuff I forgot I pinned.

And tons of great stuff I still coveted. Some of my favorites that I rediscovered:

   

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Julie on Pinterest

Amazing Marc by Marc Jacobs bag. I love it. This is the item I pinned twice I loved it so much. Maybe something for my birthday wish list?

Source: fab.com via Julie on Pinterest

"Carry On" carry-on bag. Cute. Like the play on words.

Source: fab.com via Julie on Pinterest

Source: shopthetrendboutique.com via Julie on Pinterest

Very cute t-shirt. More than I'd spend on a t, but I do like this. Totally forgot I pinned it.

Source: etsy.com via Julie on Pinterest

LOVE this bracelet. Capital letters.  Found it at an Etsy shop, The Lucky Elephant.  It is so pretty, vibrant, fun and ... expensive.  Another item I'd love, but more than I'd spend. Another item to add to the birthday wish list?

Source: bellabyte.com via Julie on Pinterest

Cute and sweet print for the house.  Would be a nice addition to our walls.  Quite reasonable.

If you like any of these items and want to see  more, I welcome you to visit my boards. And remember to take a walk down your pinterest memory lane too. You never know what you'll rediscover.

ps - Another interesting exploration - seeing what has been pinned. I think that will be part 2 of my pinterest posting. Stay tuned for more.

Mini versions of big people items.

Little boy clothes and shoes are so cute. Especially when they are miniature versions of big people items. You know - like these:

Chuck Taylors

Adidas Gazelles

Little Converse gyms and baby Adidas Gazelles. Are they not the cutest?

I just bought both pairs for buddy. 20% off at Piperlime. Love me a discount. I can't seem to buy clothes or shoes full price for buddy. But throw me a coupon, 20% off or more (preferably more of course), and I'm on it.

TOMS are the next item on my purchase list.  They are adorable (and never go on sale). However, One for One. Buy a pair and a child in need will get a pair. That is sure a good cause to me.  I think it's fantastic that TOMS does this.

We'll probably will get the black canvas Tiny TOMS classics:

Tiny TOMS

Buddy had a pair of navy blue corduroy TOMS, but unfortunately we didn't get much wear out of those.  Between leaving them at my brother in law's for a month and the sitter shrinking them in the dryer, he only wore them three times.  We'll be more careful this time.

Thanks for shopping with me!

Kids clothing: another great brand.

Super cute brand that I can't believe I haven't talked about yet.

Colette Kids. It's perfect - you'll love it and your little one will too.

Why will you love it?

• Simple
• Colorful
• Cute designs
• Adorable, but not babyish
• Fairly reasonable prices

Why will they love it?

• Cute designs

So - what are these cute designs that appeal to both you and your child?

Animals.

Most of the time clothes with animals are not my style at all. I either find them too babyish or too tacky. But these - these are neither. They are absolutely charming. Take a look at some of the designs:

We have two of the shirts, and I'm eyeing more.  I am in no way involved with this product, but would LOVE to be sent samples (hint hint to Colette Kids) to promote!!!

As always, our model showing the shirts "in action".

You can buy the shirts at the Colette Kids website, and a couple of retailers and online shops carry the brand.

Cute Sesame Street t shirts for toddlers & where to buy them.

The name of the blog IS Searching for Sesame Street. There had to be some reason, right?

My son is absolutely in love with Sesame Street.

pardon the wet - he's a drooler!

So naturally, we have some Sesame tee shirts. I'll call our Sesame Street tee shirt style "simple whimsy".

Pretty much ever time buddy wears one of his shirts, at least a few moms stop to ask me where I bought it. So, I thought I'd show and share some of buddy's tees (all buddy approved) and throw in some others on our "consideration" list.

So, if you too have an Elmo-loving little one and want some cute & fun tees, this list's for you.


Buddy-Owned Favorites

1.  Cookie International Shirt - Sesame Street Store Online

2. Sesame Character List Shirt - The Names Brand

3. Sesame Street Gang Shirt - Nordstrom

Consideration List Favorites

4. Monsters of Rock Shirt - Stylin Online

5. Word to Big Bird Shirt - Kitsel Online

6. Me Want Cookie - Sesame Street Store Online

Hope you enjoy these shirts.  If you have seen any cute Sesame shirts, do share -- buddy would LOVE some more! :)

Open Sky: social shopping network (with discounts).

These days, it seems everything is about social media and social networks. Open Sky is a new site being billed as a "social network for shopping".

What does that mean?

Well, you build your own team of "experts" in different categories (food, style, kids, home, healthy living) and follow them for recommendations on their favorite items.  Then you visit their virtual shop and get discounts on the products.

Examples of experts vary -  it's a pretty wide wide range. Some really are experts; Bobby Flay(food), Project Nursery and Dwell (kids).

Others -- not so much. Unless you count Ali Fedotowsky from the Bachelor as a style expert.

I have assembled an interesting team; a few people I follow - Alicia Silverstone (healthy living), Joy Behar (kids), Gabrielle Bernstein (no idea, but she has really cute stuff in her shop) and Julie Morgenstern (home).

It's a fun way to feel like you are getting personal recommendations from celebs and a great way to find out about tons of very cool, cute and useful products!

And, I was just grabbing open sky's link to include and saw that they have a refer a friend program.  If you click on my "personal invitation" and buy something, you'll get a $10 credit and I'll get a credit too!  So if you are going to check it out, do it by clicking here please.

Thank you!