The failure of the auto industry bailout, high end stores virtually liquidating their stock, and "Depressionista" replacing the term "Recessionista" as the new "ista" term, Wal-Mart and other discount mass market stores are in the prime position to be the "hot new thing". Why is Wal-Mart so hot? First, it's the economy stupid. Wal-Mart, through its mass bargaining power and its revolutionary distribution system, is able to sell items at a low price, at a time when our incomes are dropping at an alarming rate. In a challenging economy, brand loyalty tends to go out the window and cheaper prices equal more costumers. For example, a pair of black leggings, which retail for $19.99 at H&M and $9.99 at Target, can be found at Wal -Mart for $6. Don't even get me started on the Sam's Club brand of groceries-- the brand's powered lemonade mix is a full $3.00 cheaper than the Crystal Light version. As consumers struggle to meet their basic necessities, having the brand named version of items in which you can't really distinguish between the branded version and the "generic" version, like in the case of black leggings, will frankly not be a priority. Third, one stop shopping is back. Like a lot of men, my husband doesn't like to shop. In fact he breaks out into hives at the mere thought of having to spend time in a retail establishment.....except for one....Wal-Mart. Why does he, and apparently a large number of the male population, like to shop at Wal-Mart? In the words of my hubby: "I can get in and out of the store in less than 20 minutes and I don't need to comparison shop because I know it's the cheapest price". The Wal-Mart brand embodies traits that men (and women) admire - realism, practicality, efficiency. These are the very same traits we're seeing praised and encouraged in our society today. Case in point: the realistic appeal of Michelle Obama and the way she wears very practical outfits from mall-based stores like Gap, a store where she can efficiently purchase items for herself, the President-elect, and then walk next door and purchase items for her children. Fourth, Wal-Mart itself has become more fashionable. The store upped its style game, remodeling its women's apparel section, getting rid of product lines by corny c-list celebrities, launching organic lines while Target was still pushing Proenza Schouler to folks who frankly didn't care, and launching the brilliant Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart line. Wal -Mart, unlike it's competitor Target, also didn't forget their core consumer. While Target focused on expanding it's junior lines, totally ignoring the working moms who usually shop at the store,Wal-Mart developed a partnership with Kamali, to create stylish versions of the sweats Wal-Mart costumers love in, OMG, misses sizes. I predict that many top designers, (my dream is Marc Jacobs), will beg Wal-Mart to allow them to produce budget, mass market lines for the store. Fifth, the cool kids want to play. Apple iPhone and Nintendo Wiis, arguably the two hottest holiday gift items are now being sold at select Wal-Marts. As any former high school student can tell you, once the cool kids accept you, it's only a matter of time before you become a cool kid yourself.
www.thebudgetfashionista.com
Why Wal-Mart is the New "It" Store
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New Year's Eve Tips
A-list celebrity party planner Marcy Blum divulged to us her ideas of how to create a great New Years Eve party at home that will blow everyone away!!
Marcy’s suggestions include:
¨ Use candy or food as decorations: Put Hershey’s kisses in a clear bowl as decorations or M&Ms for a colorful treat
¨ Use traditional things in a non-traditional way: For place cards, buy plastic champagne glasses and write everyone’s name on them
¨ Things don't have to match, even if you think they do: Mix up plates or dining ware that you have in your house in a color theme
¨ Do a balloon drop at home: You can buy a pre-set balloon drop at party stores
¨ Use multiple table cloths draped on your table: Different fabrics like a velvet topper over a silk underlay let you use various sizes without it looking awry
¨ Use star shaped cookie cutters: Be festive everywhere they look.
¨ Make a little goody bag of candy for your guests: Filled with sour candy or chocolate; your guests will be happy to have something later on at night if they’re hungry.
Have a happy, healthy and safe New Year!
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Speakaboos
Speakaboos (www.Speakaboos.com), a publisher of exceptional digital content for children, today released its holiday classics library, featuring storybook videos of well-known holiday stories read by celebrities, as well as holiday songs and e-cards. All storybook titles are available for immediate viewing on Speakaboos.com for free, and may be downloaded for offline viewing. Additionally, the complete Speakaboos digital library is now available via iTunes.com and Rhapsody.com, making it easier than ever for parents to download educational and entertaining content for their children to their computer, mobile device or DVD.
Currently in beta, Speakaboos already offers over 35 titles such as Arthur, Goldilocks, The Ugly Duckling, Old McDonald and Aesop's Fables with audio provided by talented actors and musicians such as Kevin Bacon, Nick Cannon, Kelly Ripa, Marcia Gay Harden, Harry Shearer and Chazz Palminteri. At least fifteen percent of Speakaboos' revenue is contributed directly to the National Education Association (NEA) to support children's literacy and The Creative Coalition (TCC).
The titles released just in time for the holidays, include stories such as A Christmas Carol read by James Eckhouse, The Fir Tree read by Phil Brock; holiday songs such as "12 Days of Christmas," "Deck The Halls," "Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah," "In The Bleak Midwinter," "Jingle Bells," "Rock of Ages," "The Dreidel Song," "We Wish You A Merry Christmas;" and e-cards for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa.
Speakaboos provides a safe, fun and educational online destination for children and parents alike. For children, each story is accompanied by educational activities, games and contests that they can play alongside their parents. Parents and teachers enjoy story guides, lesson plans based on national education standards, community content and resources that reinforce the educational lessons at home and in the classroom.
"The holiday season is the best time of the year and we are thrilled to be able to offer our first ever library of holiday classics for children," said Noelle Millholt, Associate Publisher of Speakaboos. "With these offerings, children and parents will be able to celebrate traditional holiday classics in a fun, unique and modern way."
The entire Speakaboos library is available for viewing online for free on Speakaboos.com and available for download on the website at $0.99. Select titles that are combined into albums are available for the price of $8.99 per album. All Speakaboos audio tracks are also now available on iTunes.com and Rhapsody.com.
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Not Your Normal e-card - For Christmas
Now you can be the star of your own online holiday greeting – launched today, Animoto Holiday Greetings (http://holidays.animoto.com/preview) are an easy, quick and inexpensive way to create and share unique holiday greetings with family and friends, using your own photos and music. Animoto videos are the perfect way to visually capture and show off your 2008 memories and express the sentiments of the holidays through personal photos, set to the beat of your favorite song.
Combining professional-quality effects, a whimsical snowscape background and a new text feature, Animoto Holiday Greetings stand out as the most personalized, vivid, and festive way to send online holiday sentiments to loved ones via email, blogs, personal websites, social networks, YouTube or mobile phones.
And, Animoto is on the nice list for your wallet - 30-second videos are FREE, full length videos are $3, and an annual subscription is $30 for unlimited full length videos. Animoto videos can be downloaded in DVD-quality too for just $5.
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Moms Go Green
Here are two fantastic products and websites that feature GREEN merchandise.
Organic Lounge Jumper thedapperbaby.com
UPPAbaby G Lite – Green newbornmom.com
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Johnson's Buddies - soap for kids
The Johnson's Buddies are an easy-grip sudzing bar of of soap. It is perfectly shaped for little fingers and the soap is actually contained within a with the super-soft pouch so it won't slip out of her hands. It is similar to a soap on a rope, minus the rope! My kids love these and since it's made by Johnson's baby-line it's mild on their eyes in case of accidents. These often are priced well with coupons at places like Walgreens or CVS. Clean someone you love, today!
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verymeri
I'm right smack in the middle of back to school shopping. In my case it's really starting school shopping, since my daughter Lauren will start preschool in September. I'm always on the lookout for anything that is cute and original for my little one to wear. I found the perfect mix of trendy, cute and original with kid-designed clothing label verymeri. It's a line of T-shirts designed by kids and for kids which feature positive messages to help your child start the school year off in style.
My daughter Lauren loves her Preschool Rocks shirt and so do I. I love that the verymeri shirts are designed by children and that they feature such positive messages. They definitely stand out amongst a sea of negative messages and expressions in children's clothing. The best part is that they are also super cute and stylish. The tees are designed by kids through t-shirt design contests in schools, camps and non profit organizations. The great thing about verymeri is that they donate a proceed of each and every sale to charity. Do yourself a favor and check out their website. You will have a hard time choosing just one shirt. I promise!!
For additional info click here or visit www.verymeri.com.
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Labels: Back to School, Clothing
LeapFrog Letter Factory
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Retro/Vintage Stuff
I came across a website warmbiscuit.com that features a large amount of vintage bedding, fabric, toys, furniture and gifts.
They actually sell new versions of this Fischer-Price musical TV for only $28. How many of you remember having on of these?
They also feature things like a traditional red wagon.
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Melissa and Doug Toys
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Pink Tea Set
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Mary's Softdough
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Nappy Sak
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Etsy
I love handmade stuff. Especially babystuff and kidstuff handmade things. I sometimes have wished over the years that I didn't have to wait until a local craft fair was in town to find handmade treasures. Well if you're like me, you don't need to look any further. Etsy is here to save the day- Etsy is an online marketplace for buying & selling all things handmade. Etsy's mission is to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect the makers with buyers. I love that you can find just about anything you would need for your kiddos in one great place. I've found everything from hair barrettes to great baby blankets. All in one place. If you're looking for that one of a kind item- then click here.
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Just Add Cake
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The Muppet Show Season 3
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Labels: DVD
Medibuddy First Aid Kit
I think this has to be a must in every mom's bag or glove compartment. The Medibuddy by me4kidz contains 40 quality kid friendly first aid items for kids. The Medibuddy is perfect for on the go and travel as it is small enough to throw in your purse yet has everything you need for minor scrapes and cuts. Includes:
(15) 3/4 “ X 3” Red, Blue & Yellow Crayon Bandages
(1) 3” Knee & Elbow Bandage
(1) Sting Relief Pad
(4) 2” X 2” Gauze Pads (2 Two Packs)
(3) 5” X 8” Antiseptic Wipes (sting free)
(1) Burn Relief Cream
(2) Antibiotic Ointments
(12) Kid Friendly Fun Stickers
(1) Carry Anywhere Case
Assorted Colors ALL PRODUCTS ARE LATEX FREE!!
You can find Meddibuddy at Target or Babies-R-Us.. For additional info click here
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Trumpette Socks
I am totally madly in love with Trumpette's socks.. They really are the cutest socks around. They're perfect for babies and I'm so sad that I didn't learn about this fantastic brand until a couple of months ago. Since then it's become my favorite baby shower gift. It's perfect for the teeny tiny babies. A sock that doubles as a shoe!! Gotta love it.
For additional styles and info click here.
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Labels: Socks
Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper
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Four Peas- Cool Stuff for Cool Kids
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Labels: Backpacks, Lunch Bags, Toddlers
Kaiya Eve Pettiskirts
My daughter's 3rd birthday is coming up in about a month and she wants to have a tea party/dress up themed birthday. I've been wanting one of these beautiful Pettiskirts for a couple of months and I think a Pettiskirt would be perfect for her birthday outfit. I discovered Kaiya Eve's Pettiskirts on Martha Stewart' show. The founder of Kaiya Eve, Kandi Lightner was featured on Martha's show and a couple of cuties modeled her beautiful designs. Her designs are almost fairy like and very feminine. She carries her Pettiskirts in a variety of colors and also carries matching tops/skirt sets. I love that you can dress them up with a beautiful top or wear them as everyday wear with a cute tank and a pair of converse. I love the black one and my daughter loves the pink one. I'm thinking I might help restart the economy by purchasing both of them with that long awaited rebate check.
For additional info and to find out where you can get your hands on one of these beauties click here
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Labels: Clothing
Crayola Travel Turtle
Our family is planning a road trip this summer and I've been looking for things to entertain the kids on our trip. I came upon Crayola's Travel Turtle and ordered one immediately. The Travel Turtle is a laptop art desk that converts into a pillow. The kit is perfect for the upcoming summer vacation season. It comes with built in drawing surface, crayons and coloring book. It also has plenty of storage space for other supplies and the best part is that once your child has finished their current masterpiece, the desk converts into a comfy pillow. You can purchase one online or at your neighborhood Target.
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Free Cone Day @ Ben and Jerry's- Today April 29th
Ben and Jerry is celebrating it's 30th birthday today with Free Cone Day. It's not too late to scoop one today!!
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Seventh Generation Chlorine- Free Diapers
I've been thinking about the environment recently and the little things we can do in our daily lives to make a difference.I've already changed most of my cleaning supplies and am looking into other things that I can do ( I sometimes feel like a big hypocrite because I drive one of the biggest gas guzzlers known to man) . I'm in the transition of changing from traditional disposable diapers to more eco-friendly diapers. I would ideally like to use a diaper service but it's not the most practical thing for our household. I've done some research and from the different reviews that I've poured over, Seventh Generation Chlorine-Free Diapers take the cake. Not only are they better for the environment than traditional diapers, they are also better overall for your baby.
In addition to keeping babies dry, the absorbent polymer is non-toxic and non-irritating to baby’s skin. They tend to be a little more expensive than traditional disposable diapers but knowing that I'm doing something better for the environment and my child might be worth the extra pennies. You can usually find these at your local health food store like Mothers or Whole Foods. You can also find them available online. I hope that they soon catch on and we will soon be able to buy them in bulk at costco!! If you would like to read more about Seventh Generation Diapers click here.
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Labels: Baby, Diapers, Eco-Friendly
Diapees & Wipees
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Labels: Baby, baby gear, Diaper Bags
Baby's Bliss and Mommy's Bliss
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Rose Petal Cottage
My daughter Lauren will be turning 3 in about a month or so. I've been looking for the perfect birthday gift and I think I've found it. Being a typical 3 year old- she can't read so I can post all about it and she won't know what she will be getting..
I love Playskool's Rose Petal Cottage. It's a fabric colored playhouse that stands at a little over four feet tall. This cottage has double-sided fabric walls to help little homemakers feel right at home, complete with windows, a Dutch door and chimney. It's adorable and it would be the perfect addition to a little girls room or playroom.
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Labels: Toys
Read All About It
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Labels: Books
What to Expect When You're Expecting- NEW 4th Edition
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Labels: Pregnancy
Silver Cross Dazzle
What does it do? It takes a fresh, modern look at bringing up a child. Researched on the streets of the world’s style capitals: London, Paris, Tokyo and New York, we created a unique stroller that answers all the problems faced by modern, urban parents. Clean lines and minimalist design give it a distinctive, modern look, but without compromising on comfort, safety or ease of use. It’s stylish, fashionable and beautiful. It’s practical, functional and intelligent. It’s Dazzle. What colours does it come in? Available in Cosmic Black, Pumpkin, Blueberry and Grape.
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New on DVD- Saludos Amigos-Three Caballeros 2
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Labels: DVD
Cross Town Clutch
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Labels: Diaper Bags
Pediped
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Labels: Shoes
Gymboree Swimsuits
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Labels: Clothing