Have You Met Ellie?

Ellie had another name...it was PV Body, but she changed it.  "She" is still amazeballs and I think all of my friends need to know her.

I will confess I have a slight addiction to Lululemon and have been known to wear it even if I am not going/coming from Crossfit or a run, but there are only so many pairs of $100 yoga pants I can "need" before I cut myself off.  That is when I met Ellie.  Remember I said she had another name?  Well we go way back.  Think of her as a cousin to Julep Maven or Citrus Lane, but she is the cooler cousin because:

1.  You get to choose your box EVERY SINGLE MONTH

2.  If you spend too much quality time with her and need to take a break, there are no hard feeling and you can visit a month or two later

Ellie is $49.95 a month and you can pick ANY 2 pieces in the collections to arrive at your doorstep!  From tops to pants to capris to jackets and they are all AMAZING.  The quality is great and so are the prices.  You can join HERE.

My current favorites are the Copacabana Tank.  It is cut slightly longer so I don't worry about it riding up during pull-ups.

My other go-to have been the Queen of Everything legging.  I swear I think these magically "hide" 10lbs.  The do NOT stretch out and the detail at the ankles is just plain fun.

So I wanted everyone to meet Ellie, I won't be mad if you become friends.

Late Night Surfing

Obviously I haven't taken a trip to the ocean or been on an actual surfboard in the past 3 days, but my pain medicine has turned me into someone who can't sit still (all right I was basically like this before surgery, but this is WAY worse) and I cannot sleep. Thankfully, I have kept my ipad fully charged and have spent my nights surfing the internet looking at all of the shoes I won't be wearing for the next now almost 5 weeks!

My sleep deprived nights have left me unwilling to fight the new blogger so this post won't have photos, but it does have a lot of good deals!

I cant tell you there are some great deals out there and they are even better if you shop through EBATES. I get so many emails from friends and family saying I keep forgetting to click through EBATES. I actually keep a post it on my computer reminding me to to go EBATES first. Last year I ended up with almost $600 cash back. All of those little purchases ADD up and $600 goes a long way..that is more than we spend on our home phone and internet for an entire year.

If you haven't joined EBATES, just click HERE.

This weekend a lot of stores are offering big discounts in addition to your cash back from EBATES. So here is my Friday run down on sales for this weekend.

1. Saks is running their Friends and Family sale through April 29th. You can take 20% off your order with code: FRIENDS. When you shop through EBATES you get 6% cash back.

2. Tory Burch is also having their Friends and Fans sale this weekend. While the Revas aren't discounted, you can still get cash back on your purchase! Take 25% off your purchase with code: FRIENDS12 and get an additional 3.5% cash back on your purchase via EBATES.

3. Toms. In case Mini K isn't the only child that has had a growth spurt, or you are coveting a pair of flats, take $5 off your purchase with code: EBATESNTOMS5 and get 5% cash back on your purchase. Mini K wants a pair of red Toms.

4. Nordstroms has some really cute knit dresses that I can wear with this lovely walking cast and I can also get 6.0% cash back on my purchase when I shop through EBATES.

5. Kate Spade. I of course am in love with a pair of wedge sandals that I most certainly cannot wear for the time being, but you can take 20% off the item of your choice with code: DIVEIN20 and get 3.5% cash back on your purchase via EBATES.

6. Boden is offering 11% off their new summer items plus free shipping and returns in their latest catalog, but I found a code for 15%! Just enter: EG03. Add in the 2.5% cash back from EBATES and you have saved almost 20%, no sales tax AND free shipping.

I have said it before, I am not a big coupon shopper at the grocery store, but when I can avoid the mall, J.Crew, Old Navy, the Gap or Target, save some money and still get what the I need or the kids want, I am one happy working mother! Ebates is like my own personal reward each quarter for my job as mom to 3 (yes I am counting my husband and most of you secretly do too!)

We are evicting Baby C from his crib tonight. Something tells me he won't appreciate his new monogrammed toddler bed or bedding, but will love the freedom to make Elmo dance all night long!

Tuesday Deals

I am sneaking in a quick post as we do the evening double task. Mini K is doing her homework and I have somehow managed to get Baby C to watch Elmo Gives Up the Pacifier in hopes it has subliminal messages that make him want to do the same thing!

As soon as I saw this deal in my inbox I had to share it with you. For those of you that read my blog, follow me on twitter or know me in real life you know that I have EXTREMELY thick and curly hair and I spend way too much time and money drying and processing it straight. I also have a huge problem finding cute pony holders that actually keep my ponytail in place!

Emi Jays are my favorite and today you can find them on super discount right HERE. Mini K is also an Emi Jay fan and they work just as well in her hair. I took advantage of the sale to pick up a multi-pack of pony ties and headbands for her Easter basket!

I know I am not alone in my love of Slatkin candles so I was super excited when I logged into my ebates account today to see that they are having a special...actually a steal. When you click through ebates and enter in code: EBATESFRESH you get 30% off your ENTIRE purchase. For those of you not familiar with ebates, I confess I am a BIG BELIEVER. You only need to provide them with your name, email address and mailing address, go to ebates.com before yous start shopping and then click through to your favorite stores (Tory Burch, Nordstroms, Kate Spade, Boden, Piperlime to name a few) and cash back is deposited into your ebates account. Every quarter ebates will mail you a check..FOR REAL. It's like getting money back for things that rarely go on sale that your would buy anyway. For the last two years our biggest source of cash back has been from diapers.com, thank you Baby C! If you haven't joined yet you can join HERE.

And finally, all baby, boys and girls Mini Boden is on sale for 25% off. Just enter in code: W3DE

Happy Shopping!

Put A Stamp On It

We had so many of you email us to see if we could extend our DOUBLE your quantity for FREE on notecards and New Year's Cards that we could only say YES! You can see all of our note card options HERE and our foldover options HERE.

So the special will continue through the end of January. We hope this helps you get your thank you notes in the mail in a personalized fashion!

A lot of you have emailed asking us about notecards for the men in your life so I thought I would share two of our best sellers.

Mr. G has THESE for his personal notes.

These are our second best seller.

I am a big believer in each member of the family having their own stationery as well as family notecards and I have some formal Mr. and Mrs. notecards. Growing up, we could not use apresent until the thank you note was written and while I got some eyes from Mini K this year, the rule is one I passing down to the next generation. She asked if she said no gifts for her next birthday party would she get out of writing thank you notes...I tried this same logic as a child and the answer is NO, you would still need to write each person a note thanking them for coming! I should have realized when I was a kid that someday I would get to pass on those same rules.

Saturday Steals

My mom arrived last night. We weren't able to see her over Christmas due to her radiation schedule and Baby C being under 2, so last night was like Christmas part deaux.

This morning I rushed out the door to get a quick run in followed by a very drama filled little boy haircut for Baby C and came home to find an email from Zulily and what a deal.

I have said this many times that when I see a good deal I stock up because you never know when you will need a gift, or a pick me up! Well, they didn't disappoint today and I had to get online and share them with you, because there are a lot to sort through!

Gifts

Pink glitter shoes for your little princess for $10 HERE!

How cute would this tank be for a little girl in her easter basket or for a birthday gift paired with a pair of sunglasses? You can get it for less than $10 HERE.

Little girls pj's for less than $9 HERE!

When do you see Little Giraffe blankets for half price? You could do this with a script monogram for a girl or a name for boys. You can get it HERE.

A baby boy light blue quilted coat with mittens that sells for $60 for only $16 HERE.

Boys smocked outfits for $16.99 HERE.

And girls smocking HERE.

For Dads

Mr. G LOVED his Diaper Dude vest when Mini K was a baby. It stored diapers, wipes and was NOT a diaper bag! I would have loved to have only paid $35 for it! You can get it HERE.

For Shoe Lovers

I am not a clog wearer, but so many of my friends say Sanita clogs are great. I would say Sanita clogs for less than $30 when they retail for $70 is even better.

You can find the basic black HERE.

Or take a walk on the wild side with these pink ones for Valentine's Day HERE.

Chooka moc croc rainboots in chocolate brown and black for less than $30 HERE!

For My Pregnant Friends

Isabella Oliver maternity clothes are amazing, and zulily has them at over 60% off!

For those of you not due until late spring, buy your white jeans now HERE.

I LOVED these wrap shirts during both of my pregnancies and they look great with black pants, a skirt or jeans. You can find it HERE, but make sure to check out the Isabella Oliver pants too!

They also have some adorable nursing dresses for less than $30! You can find them HERE.

You can save an additional 10% off of your purchase with code: COUPGURU925

Labor Day Sale

Happy Labor Day! We are spending the morning packin gup our seersucker, linen and white jeans and then heading to the pool. Mini K and I had our first candy corn sighting at Target yesterday! Fall is just around the corner!

We wanted to let you know that all of our new products in our ETSY store are 15% off until 11pm EST tonight with code: LABOR15

If you were waiting to monogram your smartphone or iPad, today is the day!

We had a client order this black case for her son at college and she is including a note with it that says "Remember to phone home!"

Here are some of our favorites!

Moms and Moms To-Be...Fab Find Alert

This week I was introduced to a store that I know will be in my rolodex (yes I still have a paper one!) for years to come. Baby C is not a jeans guy, khakis are a stretch...right now he is a bubble guy, soon to be a shortall guy and then more than likely a Ralph Lauren, Castaway, Vineyard Vines and Lacoste guy. Classic preppy, monogrammed and I will confess I am not a huge fan of appliques.

The store is The Ginger House. I am in love with the custom section and Ginger, the owner is one talented and oh so nice lady. Email her, I did, and she replies ready to help you create the outfits you want for your little ones!

Baby C will soon be sporting some new swim trunks, bubbles a plenty and I have finally found a source for my favorite knit shirts with color trim for Mini K.

The best part....the prices! Seriously, for the same amount you would spend at the Gap you can buy your little ones an outfit custom made for them!

Please tell Ginger that Grove Gal K sent you! I am a big believer in supporting businesses that have great quality and service and the Ginger House is my favorite new find!

Can't wait to watch Baby C hit the pool this summer in these!

Mini K won't wear these dresses anymore, but she wore them almost daily from when she was 2-4!

For those of you that love to dress babies in baptiste outfits, you know that $68 is beyond a steal! I have paid over $250 for them at other stores.

The Superbowl of Bargains!

A dear friend of ours is the founder of the Old Town Boutique District and the uber chic owner of The Shoe Hive, wife, mother and her list goes on and on.

Elizabeth is also the founder of the Old Town Boutique District Warehouse Sale. Sale is an understatement...think Tory Burch at 80% off, society women standing OUTSIDE in the cold with their Starbucks in hand for an hour waiting for the doors to open sale.

Well, it will soon be here. So mark your calendars for Saturday, February 5th from 9am-4pm at the George Washington Masonic Temple in Alexandria, Virginia. The best ladies, Elizabeth gave you a built in excuse to shop: Super Bowl Sunday is that same weekend so we shall just call this the Superbowl of of Bargains, because we can all be football fans for a good deal, or two, right?

Lilly Deal Alert

A deal is a deal and I couldn't resist sharing it with all of you! Today flew by and when I finally got to my email I ws so happy to find a message from In The Pink.

Guess what? The ENTIRE fall line is 30% off...including activewear. I couldn't resist picking up the Babs wrap in Green. I already have it in black and I adore it!

I also picked up the Half Moon cropped pants...I chose the navy as I am not brave enough for the pink.

But the item I think EVERYONE needs is the Norma fleece wrap. I have the pink and navy striped version and adore it. I wear it with everything from my workout clothes to jeans. How cute is the pink and pink version?

So if you have a Lilly item on your list to purchase, I would head on over before everyone else beats you to it!

I almost forgot...the 30% off discount code is: 1028

The Buzz About The Snow

The shelves are empty...or at least that is what I am guessing after watching people walk out of the grocery store tonight. I was in the car waiting on Mr. Grove to pick up the impending snow storm survival supplies: Baileys, bourbon and Sweet Tea Vodka. I joke that in the South, the house you want to be stuck in in times of bad weather is the one with a fully stocked bar and a wine cellar...who needs milk?They are predicting 14-20+" of snow in D.C. If that doesn't stop the Senate I am not sure anything will. It also makes me think of all of the fabulous Old Town Boutiques that were counting on this weekend to boost their holiday sales. I will confess i gave them a little boost last night...or at least my two favorite stores: The Shoe Hive and Stanton Gallery. For those of you that follow me on twitter, you saw me post a few of my favorites from the store. I picked up some Aquatelia boots last night...the warmth of Uggs with the fur, but they have a stylish wedge heel which I think means I can wear them more places, a couple pairs of heavy leggings, and some Hunter wellie socks for Mini K. I then popped over to Stanton Gallery, and it didn't take me long to select a stunning pair of black pearl earrings for my mom and a gold and gemstone necklace for, well, um, me.

I am a big believer in supporting businesses that give back and are owned by women and these 2 boutiques are no different. The fabulous Elizabeth owns The Shoe Hive and her manager, the uber chic Abigail, can ALWAYS help you find the perfect pair of shoes, a handbag or diaper bag, or a gift for most everyone on your list. Christine owns Stanton Gallery and is the most amazingly talented jewelry designer in addition to a great selection of unique designer pieces.

Both of these boutiques will be open tomorrow, in this crazy snowstorm, trying to boost their sales in this rough economic year. So if you are in the D.C. area, or just want to shop by phone, please support them! I even hear that the Hive might be offering specials on twitter so follow them. Their twitter id is theshoehive! You have to justify getting 4 wheel drive somehow and what better way than a new pair of boots or a bauble, or two?

Here are some of my favorites from the Hive...

How cute are these Kate Spade slippers? And at $60 such a great price for that friend, sister-in-law or assistant on your list.

The Hive also has a great selection of jewelry. Elizabeth has some great pieces that looks like they should cost much more than they do...the pearl drop bracelet is only $55 and the gold leaf triple strand bracelet is only $60.

One of my favorite gifts to give the mom-to-be is a chic diaper bag. I love this one. The perfect black, brown and cream combo. The best part, the lining comes out so you can wash it.

So stay warm and shop from home or bundle up and use that 4 wheel drive!!

Sidetracked....

I have to confess, after a wonderful Thanksgiving I have been buried in PGG orders. Don't get me wrong, we are so thankful to have the problem of being busy this holiday season when so many retailers are hurting.

I am hoping I can help one of you out with your Christmas or holiday shopping. We have 2 acrylic trays that our supplier engraved incorrectly...I would rather pay it forward in blogworld. So if you have a special someone on your list (it can be you!) with the following initials, please leave a comment with who you would give the tray to and what you think they would use it for. I will then email you to get your address and ship it off to you to make your shopping list a little lighter.

The monograms are:

cBk

First: C

Last: B

Middle: K

nRk

First: N

Last: R

Middle: K

And now I must get back to the Texas game. Here's hoping the Horns get their act together!!!!!!

And yes, I promise to be back to posting tomorrow.