Mommin' It Up!

November 23, 2010

Small Business Love

Thanks to American Express for sponsoring my writing today about small businesses. American Express is presenting Small Business Saturday, a way to honor the local merchants who are the backbone of the economy, this Saturday, November 27. They’re offering statement credits to people who shop at small businesses, advertising for small-business owners, and donations to Girls Inc. for “Likes” of the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook. Join the celebration by clicking the “Like” button and then visiting the Facebook page to learn more about the program and read the terms and conditions that apply.

OBVIOUSLY, my dears, Christmas is coming. For us, it’s Christmas, for you, maybe it’s Hannukah or another seasonal or religious excuse to buy presents. Whatever your reason for the season, ’tis undeniably the season to GIVE.

This year when you are thinking about where to shop and what to shop for, American Express wants you to consider patronizing one of the thousands of small businesses that offer amazing goods and services all year round. To support this Saturday, November 27th as “Small Business Saturday”, American Express asked me to highlight some of my favorite small businesses. I thought it was a great idea! So here are three of my favorite small shops that do big things!

For yummy treats: Lulee’s Lollies! I posted just last week about how much I looooove these cake-on-a-stick treats! Seriously they are the tastiest thing EVAH. If you’ve got a local friend or relative to send goodies to, these are what you want to send! Whether you want an assorted bunch of pretty treats or you want your Lollies to look like Christmas Trees or stars, Lulee can do it. She could probably even make a Baby Jesus lolly, but I am hoping you do not have anyone on your gift list who wants to bite off the Christ child’s head. 🙂

Carabella’s – I have a thing for personalized gifts, and I can’t wait to order a couple of things with Jonah’s name on it for him! Of course he already has just about everything he needs, but with all the great gift selection on Carabella’s site, I am *sure* I can find *something* he MUST HAVE. Actually I am thinking my kids really need these sibling shirts. So THAT is what we might go with!!

From onesies, blankets, travel mugs, booties, boxers, diaper covers, dresses, diaper bags, totes, aprons…Carabella’s has EVERYTHING. Go check out their selection!

Finally, there’s Usborne Books. Now I know Usborne Books as a whole is not a small business, but Usborne consultants DO run their own small businesses. I just had an Usborne party a few weeks ago and friend and helped friend and reader Jen support her small business. I LOVE Usborne books and got a ton of books for the kids for Christmas. Books are some of the most VALUABLE gifts you can give a child, so support Jen or your favorite Usborne consultant in their small business and give a child a great gift. You can order online and have your books shipped to you or to the lucky recipient!

So do yourself and your local and online small businesses a favor this weekend! Click below & go “Like” Small Business Saturday on Facebook and get ready to make a difference with your dollars!

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I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

November 19, 2010November 24, 2010

Giveaway: Bob Evans Family Meal To Go!

I looooove Bob Evans. When Jenny and I were pregnant for the first time and we worked together (in the same office. By ourselves. Can you imagine?), we got carryout from Bob’s approximately three times a week. Not exaggerating! Andy and I used to go there with my grandparents all the time as well, but after the kids were born we stopped going so often because it’s kind of far away and took a lot of time.

But now we can have Bob Evans whenever and wherever we want!

Bob’s now has family sized meals to go. Check out the offerings:
Slow Roasted Turkey Breast & Dressing
Turkey Bacon Cheddar Pasta
Grilled or Fried Chicken
Pot Roast Stroganoff
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo
Roast Beef
Chicken Parmesan
Meat Loaf
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Then you pick your side item and choose garlic bread, biscuits or rolls (get the rolls, trust me)…. and voila. Dinner in an instant. All for under $20. Best of all, lots of Bob Evans locations have curbside pick up, which means they will bring your food to you, which means you don’t have to get your kids out of the car – which we all know is priceless.

Our family tried out the fried chicken, and it was delish… as all things from Bob Evans are.

Want to try one for yourself? We’re giving away one Family Meal to Go! Here’s how to enter:

Required entry: Leave a comment on this post and tell us which meal you’d pick for your family.

Extra entries:
— Tweet about this contest & leave a comment with a link to your tweet. Here’s an example: “Win a @scanpang skillet from @momminitup & @jennyitup!”
— “Like” us on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

This contest will end at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24. Good luck!

November 11, 2010

Emily’s Wearing the Pants – for now!

A couple of weeks ago I told you I am proud to be a Ralph Lauren Mom Ambassador – and I still am! And I’m happy to tell you about a beautiful pair of Adelle pants Ralph Lauren gave me to try. BUT since I am too ginormously pregnant to wear them right now, I let Emily test drive them for me. After all, they are perfect for a busy career woman like herself! But they are actually perfect no matter what you do every day – because everyone needs a beautiful pair of black pants in their wardrobe as a staple. Even me, I’m in jeans almost EVERY day – but I still need a pair of any-occasion black pants for parties, church, heck even a funeral. These Adelle pants go anywhere! Let me tell you a bit about them:

These pants are made for a woman’s body. As Emily says after wearing them a few times, “I love them because they are a modern fit without being like they came from Forever 21.” Modern! Yet mature! The perfect combo.
They are a flat-front, straight-leg style with a button closure. Emily says the button gives them a classy look! (And we all know Emily knows her some classy when she sees it!)
They’ve got pockets! Yay, for me, this is a must for a classic, versatile piece in my wardrobe.
They are machine washable! Woot!
They’re just plain pretty. Classic, elegant, you will have them FOREVER. The Lauren by Ralph Lauren quality will stand the test of time.
They retail for $99.50 regular price. Which means you can get them on sale and get a real bargain for a pair of pants that again, you will be able to wear countless times and will never go out of style.

So that’s the skinny on the Adelle pants! Stay tuned for more great items from Ralph Lauren – and here’s hoping I actually get to wear the next one!

I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Ralph Lauren and received a pair of Lauren by Ralph Lauren pants to help facilitate my review.”