Day 22 Of My Favorite Things: The Met Museum Of Art In New York

The Mint Chip Mama - The Met Museum Of Art 2014

Visiting The Met Museum of Art in New York is incredible. While living in Manhattan, one of my absolute favorite things to do was to take my daughter there – or to any of the city’s amazing museums. The Met, The Guggenheim, The Natural History Museum – these were all our “backyard”. You see – the wonderful trade off for living with no backyard – while living in Manhattan – is that there is so much to do.

The Met Is Special

The Met holds a very special place in my heart. When I lived only a few short blocks from this museum (for a decade) I visited regularly. I used to visit by myself, with my husband, with my daughter & eventually with both of my children.

The museum is a mammoth. Vying for the title with its sister museums in Paris (The Louvre) & Madrid (The Prado). It is completely overwhelming. But if you are strategic in your visit then it is doable. By this I mean go see one exhibit or one wing or for one hour.

Temple Of Dendur

One of my all time favorite exhibits is the Temple of Dendur which I visited many times. My love is so deep I even visited her sister exhibit in Madrid. I must have been Egyptian in a former life, I love it. I could just sit and stare for hours.

One of the coolest events I went to while living in Manhattan was the swearing in of Councilman Dan Garodnick – at the Temple of Dendur. I could not believe I was there after hours. I felt like Jennifer Lopez in Maid in Manhattan (incidentally a movie whose screening I went to & danced with JLo at the premiere – huzza!).

The Met Evolved Into A Stroller Friendly Activity

Much like the rest of Manhattan – when my child came along my beloved museum morphed into a space that was a place for me to take her and view through a different lens.

You say world famous museum. I say a HUGE air conditioned space with all kinds of things for her to see.

From her inaugural visit as an infant in a stroller to her last visit walking out waving goodbye to her favorite statue “baby” while I pushed her baby brother in her stroller. The Met has evolved with us as we have evolved with her.

So Much For Kids To See And Do

Besides all of the amazing things to see at The Met – the armor room (kids love this!), to the American Wing’s courtyard & cafe, to the Chinese Courtyard – they offer a class for kids included with admission called Start with Art.

Start With Art – Our Favorite Manhattan Program Of All Time

My daughter and I attended this fantastic program for close to three years. It’s a simple premise – a teacher leads the hour long “class”. A theme is picked, a painting or sculpture relating to the theme is visited. A short explanation or story is read, then the kids get to do an art project. Pretty much it is the best class there is based on the best art collection in the world.

Weekend upon weekend my daughter and I would walk over to The Met for our special morning. Followed by a little lunch in the cafe and a bus (“let’s take the Limited one Mama”) ride home in time for a nap. The most perfect day.

I don’t miss much about living in the city. However, I will openly and happily admit that I miss this one hour – once a week.

Thank you to The Metropolitan Museum of Art for introducing me to the best art in the world. You have always been and always will be one of my favorite things!

GIVEAWAY

Everyone wins today! The Met is pay as you wish – so go and enjoy!

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The Met Heritage:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s earliest roots date back to 1866 in Paris, France, when a group of Americans agreed to create a “national institution and gallery of art” to bring art and art education to the American people.

On April 13, 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art opened to the public in the Dodworth Building at 681 Fifth Avenue. On March 30, 1880, the Museum opened to the public at its current site on Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street. The building has since expanded greatly, and the various additions—built as early as 1888—now completely surround the original structure.

The Museum’s Beaux-Arts Fifth Avenue facade and Great Hall, designed by the architect and founding Museum Trustee Richard Morris Hunt, opened to the public in December 1902.

By the twentieth century, the Museum had become one of the world’s great art centers. Today, the Museum’s two-million-square-foot building houses over two million objects, tens of thousands of which are on view at any given time.

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I’m The Ice Cream Of The Crop. I Rise To The Top. Day 21 Of My Favorite Things: Baskin Robbins’ Mint Chip

Baskin Robbins

There are few things I take as seriously as my annual mint chip birthday cake. I say annual – not because of my obviously annual birthday, but for my annual birthday cake tradition.

Can you guess what it is?

You got it – a mint chip ice cream cake.

To be more specific – a mint chip ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins with chocolate cake on the bottom and crunchies in between the layers. I must have this cake every year. In fact I could care less about celebrating my birthday. In my opinion it really is just an excuse to buy an ice cream cake.

Celebrating my 23rd birthday at Jade Terrace in Manhattan – where I will meet the future Mint Chip Papa.

My Love Of Baskin Robbins Is Deep

You see, I come from a long line of Baskin Robbins mint chip ice cream lovers. We’ve had the gene marked on our matrilineal side. It’s gene 31 (clever, no?).

Maybe it’s how special I felt sharing a scoop with my grandma; or maybe it’s because this is the only “treat” my organic, health nut mom would let sneak through; or maybe it’s my connection to being a kid with no worries.

Don’t know, but if you know me, you know my birthday means business – in the cake department.

Celebrating my 30th birthday at Alta in Manhattan.

Mint Chip Ice Cream Cakes Are A Special Birthday Treat

What’s funny is I’m not such an ice cream person. My husband, on the other hand, has a bigger-than-he-should portion of ice cream EVERY night.

Sometimes I have a teaspoon – and that’s enough.

I’m more of a chocolate cake kind of girl.

But when May rolls in there’s only one thing to do. Go to Baskin Robbins. I’ve had the cake I described above for every birthday that I can remember. I’ve brought this cake into trendy bars and clubs and even into fancy restaurants. There is no discussion involved with the venue. You want my business you let in my cake.

Case closed.

I Welcome All Types Of Mint Chip Year Round

Granted whatever dessert I do have usually has some mint chip element. This could be Thin Mints or Mint Oreos. At least I’m consistent.

There’s Always a Baskin Robbins Nearby

The beauty of a large chain like Baskin Robbins is – no matter where you live, you can find one. That means on Long Island, in Manhattan, Ann Arbor, even Spain. Where ever I lived at the time of my birthday – a slice of Baskin Robbins mint chip cake was eaten by yours truly on May 3^rd.

Now you can even order a custom cake online!

Oh… and I will.

My Brand Loyalty Continues To The Next Generation

When I reached out to Baskin Robbins for a giveaway for The Mint Chip Mama I couldn’t help it and my absolute love for the brand poured out of me. I guess one doesn’t know how deep brand ties run until they let loose.

It makes me happy to think how much MY daughter loves mint chip ice cream too. Taking part in our family tradition. She knows it’s my favorite and the sneaky kid she is – she knows she will get it when she asks for it – so I can get some too.

Celebrating my daughter’s half birthday. Sneaky kid insisted on a mint chip cake!

Different things bring families together. For my family, especially the women of the house – there is nothing more special, delicious, or satisfying than mint chip ice cream from Baskin Robbins.

My Ice Cream Dream Come True

Last summer when I was pregnant and letting myself indulge more than usual – a Baskin Robbins opened up in my apartment building. It was like a sign from above.

In addition to my beloved ice cream I became addicted to the mint chip flavored iced coffee (decaf, don’t worry) from their partner in crime – Dunkin Donuts. H-e-a-v-e-n.

Feet up on a bench, sitting outside, my daughter was in camp, my baby was happily kicking in my tummy and in my hand – ice cold heaven.

Summer Flavor Fun

Every summer Baskin Robbins offers a limited time flavor in August and September. It is usually some creative flavor concoction that makes me say “seriously? I need to try that NOW”. This year’s flavor is peanut butter and jelly – peanut butter flavored ice cream with grape jelly and peanut butter ribbons.

I can only imagine how amazing it is. I should mention my second favorite flavor (behind mint chip) is chocolate peanut butter (this is my husband’s favorite flavor). So I’m very excited to try it.

Peanut butter and jelly ice cream

GIVEAWAY

Baskin Robbins has offered to give away a $10 gift card to one lucky reader! To win – please post in the comment section below:

What is your favorite memory having to do with ice cream?

Winner will be chosen Friday, August 29^th,2014.

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Baskin Robbins Brand Heritage:

Two brothers-in-law shared a dream to create an innovative ice cream store that would be a neighborhood gathering place for families. Burton “Burt” Baskin and Irvine “Irv” Robbins had a mutual love of old-fashioned ice cream and the desire to provide customers a variety of flavors made with ingredients of the highest quality in a fun, inviting atmosphere.

They started out in separate ventures at the advice of Irv’s father. In the 1940’s Irv opened Snowbird Ice Cream in Glendale, California and Burt opened Burton’s Ice Cream Shop in Pasadena, CA. By 1948, they had six stores between them. This concept eventually grew into Baskin-Robbins in 1953.

As the number of stores grew, Burt and Irv recognized that to maintain the high standards each store would require a manager who had an ownership interest in its overall operation. Even though they didn’t realize it at the time, the two founders had pioneered the concept of franchising in the ice cream industry.

The “31®” logo represents a flavor for every day of the month, Cherry (pink) and Chocolate (brown) polka dots to be reminiscent of clowns, carnivals and fun and lastly, the use of cartoons to bring their flavors alive with personality to graphically highlight the name and delicious ingredients. With this over-arching branding, Baskin-Robbins’ iconic pink spoons were created with the belief that people should be able to try any of their many flavors without cost.

Baskin-Robbins has grown to become the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty stores, with more than 2,800 locations throughout the United States and 5,800 around the globe.

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Shoe’re The One That I Want Oh Oh Oh. Day 20 Of My Favorite Things: New Shoes From Stride Rite

The Mint Chip Mama - Stride Rite New School Shoes

New Shoes!

New shoes and back to school go hand in hand for me. My childhood is flooded with happy memories of going to Stride Rite with my mom at the end of every summer to pick out new shoes.

Wonderful Childhood Memories Getting New Shoes at Stride Rite

I can vividly see the store if I close my eyes. Mr. Seymour would be our guy – we’d wait for him if he was busy (in fact – I think he took care of my mom’s feet when she was little too). There was a little play area to keep me occupied, a mural on the wall, shelves upon shelves of shoes and that little inclined bench that he would sit on to measure my foot, put on the new shoe, and tie it up.

I cannot remember what I ate for breakfast today but I remember every aspect of this as clear as day of getting my new shoes for school.

The Mint Chip Mama in her BELOVED “Left and Right” Stride Rite shoes in 1981

Next Generation Getting New Shoes at Stride Rite

When my daughter started walking I wanted to continue the Stride Rite wearing family tradition. Poor Mr. Seymour would have been about 150 by this time, and the original location we patronized was closed, but luckily there was another location not too far away to get new shoes, first shoes!

I was so excited to walk my little baby in holding her hand for a proper fitting. A proper fitting is their crown jewel – the sales people are all trained to fit your child. Plus, their knowledge on the product always impresses me. You feel like you are buying a shoe from someone selling you the correct new shoe – not just any shoe.

With pride my mom bought my twelve month old daughter her first pair of Stride Rite shoes – the Stride Rite SRT Emilia (oh shoot – I’m crying).

My daughter outside of Stride Rite wearing her first pair of shoes – February 19, 2011

First Shoes For Land And Also For Sea

It was so much fun seeing my baby toddle around in these little white new shoes. As her foot grew we tried all of Stride Rite’s different styles of sneakers. Then, as each summer rolled around we bought her the new version of the amphibious Liddie and the dressier Hazel sandals. Both closed toed, both adorable, and both shoes she could eventually put on herself.

Brand Loyalty For Good Cause

I will only buy shoes for her at Stride Rite. It is so important to have a good supportive shoe for my incredibly active kid to wear. My strategy each season is to stock up when they have a good sale – which luckily coincides with when she needs new shoes! For example – from now until September 2^nd Stride Rite’s Back to School Buy One Get One 40% off sale is running (with lots of support, no less – ha ha).

My Stride Rite Love Evolves For Content Creation!

You can imagine how excited I was when I got a sneak peek of the Stride Rite fall collection at the Momtrends Back to School Event.

I (uh – I mean my daughter) HAD to have the Stride Rite SRT Preschool Lydia. This specific style of shoe has been a favorite of ours. When I saw the updated version with the super jazzy purple and pink sequins – OMG. It was like the shoe design fairy made these with my daughter in mind.

I love that this shoe is super girly and glitzy on top of an amazingly supportive sneaker. Very often you get the glitz or the support. In this shoe there was – say it with me – synergy. Or would it be Shoenrgy? (sorry). Her mouth dropped open when she opened the box. Immediately followed by “I love these shoes. They are amazing! I love them so much. Thank you Mama”.

Happy mama, happy kid.

What more do you need?

Back To School Shopping Good Feelings, Good Deals

Back to School shopping is so much fun. When you couple it with a product that means something to you and also provides your child with a great foundation – or should I say footdation (again, sorry) you’ve got yourself an ace in the hole.

As an added bonus if you have small feet like me, the “and Get One 40% off” can be for you…

Oh you have cute shoes that are super supportive, fit perfectly, are cheaper in children’s sizes and I can buy them right here, right now?

Sold.

We call that “efficient shopping” in my house. Plus, it doesn’t count if you buy shoes for yourself in a children’s store, right? You can also use the $5 coupon on the receipt and their Rewards program too! It’s really like you are saving money by buying yourself shoes.

That’s like losing weight by eating ice cream.

I want to live in that world.

Thank You Stride Rite

Thank you Stride Rite for not only introducing me to great shoes in 1979 but for staying true to your roots. I’m glad you’re here 30+ years later so I can buy your shoes for my children. You have become one of my favorite things (and my mother’s and my daughter’s)!

Stride Rite’s New Shoe Tips For Back To School Shopping:

Shoe shopping should be done later in the afternoon or evening, since feet swell over the course of the day.
With the rate children outgrow shoes, it’s probably tempting to buy shoes that are too big, but they can cause a child to trip and develop foot problems.
It’s recommended to switch between at least two pairs of shoes to avoid wear and tear and maintain support – they will last longer.
As adults, we often say we’re “breaking in” a pair of shoes – this is not smart for anyone, especially for kids. But shoes need to be immediately comfortable. Don’t allow for a breaking in period or expect shoes to get more comfortable over time – they need to fit and feel good now.
Hand me downs might save money but they are not good for your kids feet. Old shoes lose support from wear and tear and sharing shoes can spread foot and nail fungus. It’s best to start off each season with a comfortable pair of new shoes in your child’s right size.

GIVEAWAY

Stride Rite has offered to give away a pair of shoes to one lucky reader!

To win – please post in the comment section below:

What is your favorite shoe buying experience? Did you save up for a pair of red bottomed fancy heels, or do you remember your back to school shoe ritual like me?

Winner will be chosen Thursday, August 28^th.

For additional 80s nostalgia, check out these great 80s movies to watch with your family.

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Stride Rite Brand Heritage:

In 1919 Jacob Slosberg and partner Philip Green started the Green Shoe Manufacturing Co. The quality children’s shoe manufacturer operated out of a converted stable in Boston, MA. In 1937 the name Stride Rite shoes is applied to every pair.

Stride Rite currently offers 400 different styles. They also pride themselves in their sales associates – all trained to get you to find your right fit.

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We… Are A Part… Of A Recycled Nation. Day 19 Of My Favorite Things: Preserve Reusable Dishes

Preserve Reusable Dishes

Reusable dishes for the win! As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’m all about saving the Earth. I believe in recycling and conserving, buying organic and supporting small companies that are trying to make a difference. Today I want to talk about a company that I did not realize I had been a fan of until I started looking for new outside reusable plates, bowls and cups – Preserve.

What Are The Best Reusable Dishes?

Now that we are homeowners and the nice weather lures us outside multiple times a week to dine al fresco, I couldn’t – in good conscience – use paper plates. But I couldn’t bring myself to buy melamine either because of the studies I found on their chemicals. My research led me to Preserve Everyday Tableware reusable dishes.

Preserve is not only a certified B Corporation but they make everything from 100% recycled household products. They collect #5 plastic—such as yogurt cups and other common household containers—via their Gimme 5 program and then transform the #5 plastics into new Preserve products.

Pretty cool, right?

On top of that – all recycling and manufacturing is done in the USA – in Waltham, Massachusetts to be exact (go Judges!). Their mission is to help reduce the harm caused by the industrial age by demonstrating that consumer products can be both fabulous and lighter on the earth.

I mean… I was sold, and I also needed to know more ASAP. My eyebrow was raised and my interest was piqued.

Do I Know This Brand Of Reusable Dishes Already?

I started poking around their website and saw looking back at me one of my favorite storage containers. Instantly I ran to the kitchen – and sure enough, as exciting as it was to see the Dharma initiative logo – right there on the bottom of my apple green container, it said “Preserve“. You can’t make something like that up! I couldn’t order the full set of these reusable dishes fast enough. Plus, they were so inexpensive – coming out to less than $2 per plate/bowl/cup. Done and done.

Full Company Transparency

If I could be any more excited – they had a video interviewing the company’s founder – Eric Hudson – and filmed in front of their manufacturing equipment – on their website. I was in HEAVEN! You could see the products being made in the background! Like their very own episode of How It’s Made.

The company says it uses 46 percent less energy, 48 percent less coal, 54 percent less water and at least 75 percent less oil because of its practices. They have recycling partnerships with Stonyfield, Brita, Burts Bees & Whole Foods to name a few you may have heard of (and use).

So in theory if you buy a big tub of Stonyfield yogurt from Whole Foods and then store it in individual serving cups from Preserve and then bring back the empty tub to Whole Foods to recycle – you are the greatest person on the Earth.

But no pressure.

I Love Supporting A Good Company Like This

I feel really good supporting this brand and I want you to support them too. You can also check out their lunch box friendly food storage containers for back to school. Hey – you go nuts about buying healthy food, but isn’t that all for naught if you put it in a storage container or plastic bag made from the stuff you go out of your way to avoid?

Thank you Preserve for introducing me to a great product that has secretly been a loved family member for years and now helps me enjoy family dinners while feeling good about what I am using. You have become one of my favorite things!

GIVEAWAY

Everyone wins today! Preserve is offering all readers of The Mint Chip Mama 15% off their Everyday Tableware purchase by using code: “TheMintChipMama”.

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Preserve brand heritage:

Preserve was founded in 1996 by Eric Hudson – a former “finance guy”. With Preserve, he promised to make smart, everyday products that are good for people and the planet. The products empower people to make a difference.

Since Preserve’s launch, all recycling and manufacturing has been done in the U.S.A. They use life cycle thinking and a systemic approach to make beautifully designed high-functional products. All products are #5 polypropylene BPA-Free 100% recycled plastic (the most benign plastic).

Eric dedicated his new venture to using Earth’s resources more efficiently and responsibly, and to transforming recycled materials into products that were functional, well-designed and fun to use.

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Might As Well Face It, You’re Addicted To Joe’s. Day 18 Of My Favorite Things: Trader Joe’s

I Love Trader Joe’s! You know the saying “the first step is admitting it”. Well in taking pictures for today’s “favorite” post I’ve come to the realization that – yes loyal readers of The Mint Chip Mama – I am hereby admitting to my addiction.

I am addicted to Trader Joe’s.

I know I shop there a lot. By a lot I mean exclusively.

I’ve come to say to my friends “if it is not sold at Trader Joe’s I no longer buy it.”

It is part – I like to buy my groceries at a reasonably priced health conscious store where “organic” is everywhere and only a few cents more. But also part – I am lazy and don’t want to go to another store. The last part – comfort level.

Adjusting My Shopping Once In The Suburbs

After living in Manhattan and using Fresh Direct (a grocery delivery service where you shop online and a delivery fairy brings your groceries to your door) for over a decade I have lost the ability to go to a mega supermarket and shop.

It freaks me out.

I’ve tried tirelessly to find a “the supermarket is too big and it gives me the shakes” support group on Long Island but to no avail.

Size Matters

Something I’ve learned is I like going to a store where it is a manageable size and you don’t need a Segway to grab something you forgot while on line. Plus all the staff is so nice, friendly and helpful (they always carry my groceries to my car when I have my son with me). Everyone working there seems happy to be there. So in exchange the customers want to be there too! Why reinvent the wheel and go somewhere else? Ever? Plus they have a funny newsletter that makes me happy.

I Admit It, One Of My Favorite Things: Trader Joe’s

So in light of my other posts where I wrote about a favorite thing in my hilarious, witty, erudite way, today’s post will let the pictures speak for themselves. My addiction came to light because for every photo I snapped I went “oh this too, and this too”. I did my best to get the breadth (speaking of I tried Quinoa bread this week) of my favorites below. It is safe to say any category item you don’t see is only because I didn’t want to go too too overboard (I like it when she says ba-ba ba ba ba). These items are all on my shopping list and have been bought over and over again. They are not only MY favorites but my family’s favorites too. Stock up for back to school!

Favorite Things: Trader Joe’s Pasta

This pasta is one of my absolute favorite products. It is a fun shape, organic, and made with vegetables. My children inhale it. I love it. It is a great base for anything – beans, tofu, feta cheese. I serve it hot or cold for lunch or dinner.

Joe O’s and single serve macaroni and cheese. Both life savers and immediate kid pleasers.

Favorite Things: Trader Joe’s Dairy

Everyone in my family likes a different kind of yogurt. My daughter likes these little individual strawberry ones and can take it out of the fridge, open it, and eat it all by herself. I will take a swig of the Kefir if I find myself hungry and don’t know what to eat. It is like a shot of protein.

Favorite Things: Trader Joe’s Canned Fish

I am a HUGE fan of this yellowfin tuna in olive oil. I eat it out of the can or open it and dump it in pasta without draining. The sardines and trout are quick lunches for me when I don’t have second to think about what I want to eat. The salmon is great over pasta too for a quick kid’s dinner.

Favorite Things: Trader Joe’s Produce

We are big veggie eaters in my house. We have recently been all about celery – just wash, slice and bam! The cauliflower, carrots and brussel sprouts I roast in the over and they are fantastic. Kid tested, kid approved!

Favorite Things: Trader Joe’s Drinks

Drinks galore! My husband was loyal to Tropicana until I introduced him to Trader Joe’s orange juice and he loves it. We give my daughter this decaf green tea when she doesn’t feel well. She calls it “Mama Magic”.

Favorite Things: Trader Joe’s Snacks

I dare anyone to control themselves if these apple sticks or Inner Peas are open. Great snacks that aren’t terrible for you. Which is important when you can’t help but eat the whole bag…

Favorite Things: Trader Joe’s Ice Cream

These “mini” desserts are perfect for kids. They get a whole item but it is small so you win – ha ha! Picking it out of the box themselves is a thrill – except for the mint ice cream sandwiches which I won’t share with anyone. Just kidding (no I’m not). The “Hold the Cone!” mini ice cream cones are just about the best dessert out there for a kid – it is a cone with a little chocolate covered ice cream scoop (chocolate or vanilla) the size of your palm.

Favorite Things: Trader Joe’s Spreads

I studied abroad my junior year of college in Seville, Spain. This marmalade is not only delicious but takes me back and makes me happy. Pretty much any combination of the above makes a good sandwich. The sunflower seed butter is a great alternative for those who can’t eat peanuts. My daughter loves it too so if she wants to take a PB & J sandwich with her somewhere I use this instead if another child has an allergy or in a “peanut-free” zone.

Favorite Things: Trader Joe’s Beans

We are huge bean eaters in my house. There would be a can of kidney and black beans up here too if we didn’t just finish them. I love putting beans in pasta for protein. Both of my kids will just eat a bowl of beans and be happy (sorry JHK).

Favorite Things: Trader Joe’s Chocolate Perfection

OMG: salt + dark chocolate + crunchy = perfection.

These non-pareils are often sold out so we stock up. My husband loves them.

GIVEAWAY

In honor of back to school Trader Joe’s has offered to give away four (one of each flavor) vegan, gluten free Fruit Bars to one lucky reader! Made with only the two fruit items listed (no added anything – literally) they are perfect for your kid’s lunchbox!

To win – please post in the comment section below:

Talk to me about your Trader Joe’s addiction. Extra points if you start it “My name is X and I’m a Trader Joe’s addict”

Winner will be chosen Tuesday, August 26^th.

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Trader Joe’s Heritage

It all started in the 50s… Would you believe we started out as a small chain of convenience stores? It’s true. Way back in 1958. We were called Pronto Markets. In ’67, our founder, the original Trader Joe, changed our name (yes, to Trader Joe’s) and the way we do business.

We made the stores bigger (if you can imagine), decked the walls with cedar planks and donned our crew in cool Hawaiian shirts. Most importantly, we started packaging innovative, hard-to-find, great-tasting foods under the “Trader Joe’s” name. That cut our costs and saved you money. Still does.

And that’s important, because “Value” is a concept we take very seriously. And by ‘Value,’ we mean great everyday prices on all of our great products — no sales, no gimmicks, no clubs to join, no special cards to swipe… How do we do it?

We buy direct from suppliers whenever possible, we bargain hard to get the best price, and then pass the savings on to you.
If an item doesn’t pull its weight in our stores, it goes away to gangway for something else.
We buy in volume and contract early to get the best prices.
Most grocers charge their suppliers fees for putting an item on the shelf. This results in higher prices… so we don’t do it.
We keep our costs low — because every pennywe save is a penny you

It’s not complicated. We just focus on what matters — great food + great prices = Value.

Love me forever. #MintChipMama31DaystilBTS

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Pump Up The Volume, Pump Up The Volume, Pump Up The Volume. Milk! Milk! Day 17 Of My Favorite Things: PumpEase Hands-Free Pumping Bra

The Mint Chip Mama PumpEase Hands Free Pumping Bra

Batman and Robin, Lois and Clark, Bonnie and Clyde. All of these are partners. For me right now the biggest partnership (besides you know – the obvious human ones) is between my breast pump and my PumpEase hands-free pumping bra.

As I mentioned yesterday – nursing is something about which I am passionate. Since August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month I want to share my love for another vital breastfeeding item – my PumpEase hands-free pumping bra.

Breastfeeding & Pumping BFF 4Eva

For me, Breastfeeding and pumping go hand in hand. I really credit my pumping success with not only my amazing breast pump but my PumpEase hands-free pumping bra to hold it in place. I was lucky enough to have gotten my PumpEase hands-free pumping bra as a gift when I was pregnant with my daughter – five years ago (thanks JSM!). Using it every day while I pumped was a necessity. Without sounding to hyperbolic, anyone who pumps NEEDS this hands-free bra. To my own point – I once sat nursing my daughter on a couch at Yummy Mummy and told everyone who passed me they needed to get it. They walked up to the register one by one.

Sit Down And Pump

When I came home from the hospital as a cross-eyed new mama, our baby nurse told me to sit down and pump. This was surprisong as I heard of waiting to get my supply, nipple confusion, blah blah blah. As a new mom, I wasn’t expecting to pump on my third day. But I listened. I got out my pump and pulled out my red and white polka dot PumpEase bra. My nurse was amazed. She said that after working as a baby nurse for many years she had never seen anything like it. Then magic happened as I proceeded to put on the front closing bandeau, popped in the flanges (isn’t that a great word) and pumped.

Hands Free Pumping Changes Your Life – PumpEase I Love You

Of course having never milked myself before I thought it was cool but I didn’t get the full appreciation until one weekend when I was at my parents’ house – pump in hand – but I had forgotten my PumpEase bra. Holding the flanges in place was hard, I kept moving. I spilled milk, I had to constantly watch what I was doing, and it was simply terrible. I would say it was similar to a cirque du soleil performance. If – you know – the acrobats had to get milk out of their boobies.

Pumping is not a fun activity. But finding supplies to make this act more tolerable can completely change one’s outlook. In the beginning, I had no time to eat. My bra allowed me to be hands free! There were many meals with the hum on a pump heard in the background and my elbows up shoving some much needed food in my face. It was also a way for me to catch up on my emails or read a trash magazine for a few minutes a day and let my brain which was mush anyway – take a little vacation. I am not overstating the fact that this bra was an absolute godsend.

Nice To See You Again

When I had my son in October of 2013, I was excited to bring out my PumpEase bra again. I was so happy that after all these years and so much use it was still in great condition and ready to once again be my partner in crime.

If you know someone who is pregnant or pumping then I recommend getting them the PumpEase bra as a gift. It would make a great shower present – one which people might wonder what it is at first, but then you can say how a crazy girl said it is the #1 must-have best accessory for breastfeeding that there is. So you bought it because you like her and she seems to know about cool stuff (I’m talking about me here). Too bad Snugabell doesn’t pay me a commission! Seriously, go make friends with someone who is pregnant just so you can buy them this bra.

Snugabell thought it would be fun to launch “Pump Across America” so happy customers like myself can share in the hands free revolution. The goal is to collect pictures of pumping moms from coast-to-coast, showing real PumpEase customers pumping in style from every state, showing their pumping pride and sending a message to moms everywhere that shows how empowering, practical, and even fun pumping can be. So if you are a PumpEase fanatic like me – take your pumping selfie with pride and send it on down to Snugabell’s Facebook page.

Thank you Pump Ease for introducing me to an amazing product that has changed my life. You have become one of my favorite things!

GIVEAWAY

Snugabell has offered to give away a PumpEase hands-free pumping bra and matching Wet Bag to one lucky reader. But wait! There’s more. Since I am so obsessed with this bra Snugabell has offered to give ALL readers a prize – 15% off until the end of August! Just use the coupon code MINTCHIP15 at snugabell.com.

To win – please post in the comment section below:

Tell us your funniest pumping story – whether it be while on a conference call or in your car. How creative have you been? Holding up your fingers like horns and mooing counts.

Winner will be chosen Monday, August 25^th.

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PumpEase Heritage

Here is a little more on Snugabell because as you know – I LOVE learning about the heritage of brands:

Wendy Armbruster Bell, Snugabell’s founder is a mom with two young girls. She graduated with distinction from the Fashion Design & Technology program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) in 1995 and is currently working towards her Bachelor of Applied Design (KPU). She has received numerous awards related to her education and work in the apparel industry. Wendy worked as a CAD Pattern Maker in the apparel and sewn products industries for over 19 years.

Wendy is passionate about raising awareness to help work towards the normalization, mainstreaming and acceptance of breastfeeding (including breastfeeding in public) in our culture. She is also passionate about her choice to be an entrepreneur and is an avid supporter of others who have chosen to combine motherhood with owning a small business as a means to achieve stability between work and life.

Wendy founded Snugabell Mom and Baby Gear to help support the beauty of breastfeeding and give moms stylish, functional products to help them meet their breastfeeding goals. She’s happy to share her story or to talk breastfeeding and parenting in general.

How cool is this –

Snugabell’s Milk Money grant program aims to put real dollars in the hands of breastfeeding support organizations where it matters most. That means reaching out to local leadership to help them expand and improve their community outreach.

Leaders who apply can let Snugabell know specifically what they are trying to accomplish and how much money (up to $200) they would like to receive. We evaluate applications monthly and distribute funds based on the amount requested and the details of the project or initiative proposed. To learn more (or to apply for a grant) visit http://www.snugabell.com/grant

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Pump Up The Cans, Pump It Up While Your Feet Are Stompin’. Day 16 Of My Favorite Things: Breastfeeding Pump With Evelflo

You Need A Good Breastfeeding Pump!

The Mint Chip Mama - Evenflo Breastfeeding Pump

Breastfeeding is something about which I am passionate. When I was pregnant with my daughter I wanted to learn everything there was to know about it. However, it is a very odd concept when you are speaking about it abstractly. So—these “milk jugs” I’ve been carrying around the last two decades will now produce actual milk – and with that milk I am to feed my young?

Ok… Ok… It is such a crazy concept. Once you get over the absurdity of it, and accept the idea that even though you carry a fancy handbag, wear heels, and drive a car, you are – in fact – just a mammal, you kind of just have to go with it.

Breastfeeding Is Supposed To Be Easy and Natural

I thought nursing would be easy and immediately wonderful. What could be more natural then bringing my newly born mammal to my mammal breast to feed it? But it hurts, it’s hard, it’s confusing, it’s painful, you don’t know what to do, the baby doesn’t know what to do, one of you (or probably both of you) are crying.

It is NOT easy. Nor is it automatic. It is NOT something one can master without a lot of practice. In the beginning it takes a long time and it is around the clock.

As soon as you finish, you start over.

It is physically draining in every possible way and sucks the life out of you. Plus, no one mentions that either your lady parts or your stomach will hurt from the insane trauma that is child birth and movement of any kind will be a challenge.

It Is Ok If You Need Help To Start Breastfeeding

Luckily, I was able to push past all of this with the help of an amazing lactation consultant (I learned the correct position to sit and hold my baby – neither of which I was doing on my own) it started to work for me and I started to love it.

I think it is so important to mention that breastfeeding is HARD to first time pregnant women.

This message was not communicated to me before I had my daughter making me feel like a complete failure. It seems most people can’t master breastfeeding immediately. I didn’t understand why – that with all of my preparation, with everything I read and all the classes I took – that this “natural act” wasn’t something I could do with ease. But like with the baby, as you gain experience, it gets easier. My daughter and I learned together how to do it and we started to succeed.

Be Careful About The Pill

I should mention at this point my doctor put me on the pill even though he knew I was exclusively nursing. Big mistake. My milk production went down (a very well known side effect, but since I had faith in him, I figured he knew what he was doing) and I stopped producing enough milk to sufficiently feed my daughter. Thank goodness I went off the pill and it came back. Here is my PSA: if you are nursing – DO NOT go on the pill. You live. You learn.

Different Babies, Different Experiences

When my son came along, I had a completely different experience. I had an emergency c-section and despite my fear that my milk would not come in as quickly as with my daughter, he latched on immediately and nursed for an hour! The nurse was amazed. Even though the act of nursing was a million times easier the second time around, all the ancillary difficulties were still there and I had to push past them.

The Mint Chip Mama - Nursing At The Beach

I think one of the most important items to get pre-baby is a good breast pump. With my daughter I got one through my insurance company and dreaded using it. It took forever to empty “the girls” but I did it so my husband could give her a bottle in the middle of the night and I could get some much needed sleep.

The Eveflo Breastfeeding Pump Totally Changed My Game

When my son came along I was introduced to the new Evenflo Advanced Double Electric Pump. I had no idea how a good breastfeeding pump could make me so happy. Besides looking like something cool from the Captain-EO video it worked like a maniac. In only five minutes both of my breasts were emptied. The instructions were easy to follow and the console easy to operate. I would say for the first month every day when I used it I was amazed that pumping could be so easy. I was in awe of this product.

When I initially learned about the pump – as a pregnant woman the second time around, this time with my nursing PhD in my pocket – I was impressed to hear what Evenflo did with this product. Not only did they create a pump that included multiple Perfect Position Advanced Fit flanges for slouch-free pumping comfort (this means different size suction inserts are included and you don’t have to lean forward for your liquid gold to collect in to the bottles – two features my first pump did not have) but it also has a Perfectly Pure™ closed-system design that prevents milk backup and keeps milk as pure as nature intended.

Evenflo Also Provided Human Help

Plus, Evenflo partnered with International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Shari Criso to create an online educational Breastfeeding program called “Simply Breastfeeding”. This ten-chapter breastfeeding workshop is available to anyone who purchases the pump with the hopes of helping new moms get past the initial hurdles of nursing. They also created the “Breastpumps & Briefcases” program for working and pumping moms.

Evenflo Is More Than A Great Breastfeeding Pump, They Have A Great Message

I really respect Evenflo’s mission – to give all moms the best pumping experience at an affordable price. The company believes nursing moms should have all the necessary tools to succeed regardless of one’s economic situation. Along these lines they also offer helpful nursing items like Disposable Nursing Pads and Milk Storage Bottles. I love these bottles because they hold a lot of milk, they are slim, and the markings are in a dark, thick font which I find so much easier to read than other brands’ bottles.

The Mint Chip Mama - Evenflo Breastfeeding Pads

Thank you Evenflo Feeding for introducing me to an amazing product. You have become one of my favorite things!

In honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, here are Shari Criso’s Top 3 Breastfeeding Tips:

Breastfeeding Tip #1:

Become as knowledgeable and educated as possible about breastfeeding BEFORE you have your baby. Trying to wing it after the baby comes or rely on the staff at the hospital to teach you could be a disaster and the reason why breastfeeding was not successful.

Breastfeeding Tip #2:

Purchase what you will need to make breastfeeding more comfortable and easier especially in the first few weeks when you are first adjusting and it is usually the most difficult time. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to accomplish this, but assume that you WILL be successful and get what you need. You may be able to get help with breastfeeding at no cost, since your health insurance plan must cover the cost of a breast pump – and may offer to cover either a rental or a new one for you to keep.

Breastfeeding Tip #3:

Make sure you are surrounded with support. One of the biggest challenges and reasons for moms not having the success that they want with breastfeeding is not getting the support from the people around them. Get your partner on board with education and information. A supportive partner is one of the biggest reasons for breastfeeding success. Find friends and other breastfeeding moms who were successful to speak to and line up a lactation consultant before you deliver so you can reach out for help as soon as you need it.

GIVEAWAY

Evenflo Feeding has offered to give away not only a Evenflo Advanced Double Electric Breastfeeding Pump and a box of Evenflo Advanced Disposable Nursing Pads to one lucky reader!

To win – please post in the comment section below:

What is your main reason for wanting to breastfeed?

Winner will be chosen Sunday, August 24^th.

The Mint Chip Mama - Evenflo Feeding Breastfeeding Pump 2014

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Evenflo Feeding Brand Heritage

Evenflo Feeding, Inc. is an organization made up of experienced nurturers – mothers & fathers, sisters & brothers, aunts & uncles, and grandparents. They are dedicated to understanding the real challenges parents and children face and work to solve them in everything they do. Their mission and belief is that ALL moms and babies deserve innovative feeding solutions that are safe, practical, effective and affordable!

Love me forever. #MintChipMama31DaystilBTS

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Life Is But A Beach, Sweetheart. Day 15 Of My Favorite Things: Downtown Bookworks

Day 15 of My Favorite Things: Downtown Bookworks

@DowntownBkwrks #downtownbookworks Facebook

I think I was a fish in a previous life. Perhaps a Gish Fish. I have always been the type of person who needs to be near water. I was not really a beach person growing up – per se – but I love the ocean. Some of my favorite things are walking on the boardwalk, eating waterside, and sitting and watching the waves. I like any type of water and when we pass one in the car I yell “water!” without fail. It’s kind of a family joke. One of my favorite vacations was a cruise where every night my husband and I would walk laps around the boat listening to the sea. Ocean sounds calm me. The water is my peace. I’m like Daddy Warbucks‘ character in Big Fish.

January 11, 2004

Tobay Beach

Now that we live on Long Island one of my favorite places to go is Tobay Beach. Tobay is a private beach for my town’s residents. It is the most spectacular place. There is a large water park for the kids and it has two seaside restaurants. It offers both the South Oyster Bay side, where – 100 feet out – the water is still only a few inches deep, and the Atlantic Ocean side.

For me – a non-athletic kid who continuously got pulled into the undertow, and is now – as a result – an adult scared of swimming in the ocean – having the Bay has reformed me into a beach person. I could spend the entire day there. It is absolute heaven. Add in the tiny schools of fish and the little crabs walking about in the shallow water and it is like a fairy tale. I love playing with my daughter there and walking all the way out. I look forward to it every weekend. It is so special.

Downtown Bookworks Makes the Beach Fun!

After moving to the suburbs I wanted to find the most fun beach stuff for kids. With tha I got the requisite bucket shaped like a castle, the different types of shovels, and the sifters. I was so excited that after four years in the city my daughter would finally have a beach to play at regularly. I wanted to make my kids beach people. Having a very curious little girl who loves to learn, I was so excited when I found the “A Walk on the Beach: Into the Field Guide (Treasure Box)” from one of my favorite companies, Downtown Bookworks.

This “treasure box” has a small yellow mesh bag for collecting beach specimens, a magnifying glass to inspect them – which also doubles as the cover to a little beach specimen cup – and the field guide “A Walk on the Beach”. It is an illustrated guide with tons of photos, clear labels and clear factoids about the birds, shells, and other sights one wants to know about at the seashore. My daughter was SO into it. She sat before we went to the water and planned what to “investigate”. The field guide was very easy for her to navigate because there are so many pictures. She quickly identified our “find” as crabs by pointing to the pictures.

Bringing Home Fun Creatures!

With a little help from me, we caught a few tiny crabs and held them up to eye level to investigate. I gotta say – this little clear plastic cup was so cool! In fact, a few of the kids collecting crabs in their sand buckets came over to us like we were crab pied pipers. We were mesmerized! I’ve never watched crabs up close like this before. Then the coolest thing I’ve ever seen happened. I saw one crab pull himself out of his shell, pull a carcass out of the another shell and then took up residency there. Amazing! Then I learned from our field guide this is “molting”. Seriously, the coolest thing – five inches in front of my eyes.

We let our new friends go and picked up some seaweed and shells to examine next. My daughter loved the magnifying glass top of her little cup so she could see her “treasures” in greater detail. Picking up new specimens, examining them held her interest for a good two hours. My daughter ran over to show her friends. They were all so excited that a spontaneous game of “the crab goes round & round” even broke out. Please don’t tell PETA. I promise none of the crabs were hurt and I returned them back to their homes unfazed. On the way home, after a wonderful, sun soaked day, I asked my daughter what she thought of her new “treasure box”. She said simply, it was “so cool”.

Get The Last Little Fun Out Of Summer

There are a few good days of summer left. I highly recommend picking the A Walk on the Beach: Into the Field Guide (Treasure Box) up. It is both a great “toy” as in the kids will love playing with it, but it is also educational and the kids will love to learn all about what’s at the beach. I hope you get to see some crabs molt too. SO COOL!

GIVEAWAY

Downtown Bookworks has offered to give away Into the Field Guide: A Walk on the Beach (Treasure Box) to one lucky reader!

To win – please post in the comment section below:

What is your favorite thing to collect at the beach?

Winner will be chosen Saturday, August 23^rd.

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Downtown Bookworks Heritage

Downtown Bookworks President, Julie Merberg’s experience as a mother of 4 boys compelled her to start a children’s publishing company with the mission of raising a new generation of book lovers. The list reflects her passions—science and nature, crafts, the arts (and her husband’s passion—super heroes). Her in-house focus group helps to insure that every book has major kid appeal and does double-duty—educating while entertaining. Julie lives in Tribeca with her husband and their boys, and spends her weekdays running around downtown between home, work, and the kids’ schools.

Love me forever. #MintChipMama31DaystilBTS

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Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Hangin’ Stuff. Day 14 Of My Favorite Things: WallPops Peel And Stick Wall Art

Day 14 of My Favorite Things: WallPops Peel And Stick Wall Art

@WallPopswallart #WallPops #WallPopsWallArt Facebook

I lived amongst white walls during my thirteen year tenure as a Manhattan resident. It was one part I thought I would only stay in each apartment for a year, one part I was afraid to lose my security deposit, and one part I never had the balls to pick a color “scheme”.

Some Simple Color Changes Everything

I had cool friends that painted their rentals in all shades and even a friend who painted the wall behind her bed in beautiful wide stripes. It was so impressive. I wanted to be them. Each time I went in to a painted apartment I would get inspired, decide to paint mine and go look at paint. Naturally, after five minutes of looking at all the swatches I would get spooked and go home. I dreamt of one day owning a home and committing to bold and beautiful colors.

My white-walled Upper East Side apartment in 2005.

New House. I’m Ready To Invest In Some Color

Well – we finally bought a house! As the ink was drying on the contract, I ran to the paint store. Bold colors! Bold colors! I freaked out. I left. Guess what – I’m still afraid to commit. Now I can’t blame anyone but myself and my insecurity of design. Luckily our new house was recently painted and happened to be beautiful and – as luck would have it – in colors we liked! It didn’t even need a coat of paint it was in such good condition. Funny enough – the main floor was painted mint green! I kid you not, could you pick a better color for me? (Get it – MINT Chip Mama, MINT green walls. Fate – right there people, fate). I was happy I didn’t have to make any decisions and I could move on to the next exciting step – decorating.

Peel And Stick Wall Art Is Perfect For A Kid’s Room

The truth is I didn’t really care about decorating any of the rooms except my daughter’s and son’s. Especially my four year old’s room since her nursery was also our bedroom for the duration of her stay with us. BUT, I was scared to put holes in my new walls. I was too scared once again. So my poor children’s rooms stayed plain – beautifully painted in colors other than white – but with no pizzazz… until one day a friend recommended wall decals. Whaaaat? YES! Minimal commitment, maximum cuteness. Bazinga! I found all these cute peel and stick wall art patterns and decorated the heck out of their rooms. I settled on a floral motif for my daughter’s room and an animal motif for my son’s nursery.

Peel And Atick Wall Art Even On The Ceiling!

However, if you will allow me to brag for a moment – the Pièce de résistance – is my daughter’s ceiling. Yep, RoomMates RMK1250SCS Clouds Peel & Stick Wall Decals, 19 Count clouds and a solar system. What’s that? You see the glow in the dark stars you had when you were a kid? Yep! Allow me… Ahem, “and the best mom award goes to…”

But Beware, It Gets Addicting

I became a wall decal peel and stick wall art addict. I wasn’t quite at the hiding in the closet secretly hanging up decals level YET but I was getting close. Then I saw something that stopped me in my tracks. It is what every mom wants for back to school – a HUGE, large boxed calendar. I had to have it. It was a – wait for it – wall decal, dry-erase calendar. Naturally, I was excited. I thought of the myriad of things I could put on this calendar and where I could put this calendar. I settled on the side wall of my kitchen – out of sight when you walk in (my husband’s request) and filled it with what I want to cook for dinner every night.

You see, in addition to being afraid of decorating, I’m afraid of cooking. I know, I’m a bad “girl”. Talk to me about yard work if you want to see my eyes sparkle…

My Brewster TWPE0980 Kraft 17.5″ x 24″ Calendars, N/A WallPops Kraft Dry Erase Monthy Calendar

You Can Even Put A Peel And Stick Wall Art Calendar In The Kitchen!

I think with my meal-planning calendar I can prep in advance so I won’t freak out when dinner time rolls around. My daughter and I sat and made a list of all the entrees and side dishes she likes. In true SLAM book format, we then picked combinations for each night. I wrote each on my calendar. My stress was going down as each box was filled. Oh look, chicken on Wednesday, allow me to put it in the fridge before going to sleep on Tuesday. Eggs for dinner (my daughter’s suggestion which she thought was hilarious!) no problem – that will only take five minutes! I can also make larger portions of things like vegetables and use them throughout the week. Any “hack” I can do to make my life easier – sign me up.

I love that with one simple glance I can see the whole month. What a simple idea – something hanging up in front of me with ALL the days of the month right there, and not on your phone… if only this idea had been around before now.

Wall Pops WPE0765 WPE0765 St. Tropez Month Calendar Dry Erase Wall DecalsSt. Tropez Monthy Calendar inspired by the warm sea-side colors of the region with a fashionable chevron print.

Peel And Stick Wall Art Is The Perfect Way To Update Your Home’s Decor

If you are like me and scared to commit to decorating or want to put some jazz on your walls literally or figuratively, you should check out WallPops. They have borders, tiles, DC Comics, even Disney. I’m dying to try the window decals and the Wall Pops WPCH1264 Large Chalk Message Board DecalLarge Chalk Message Board.

They have countless ideas & options and they are made in the USA which makes me happy. If you are a fan of Jonathan Adler but can’t quite reach the inner circle of his collectors, you can infuse some of his happy chic designs with one of his WallPops pieces. You can even create your own custom wall art if you want something specific. Perhaps you need a chandelier? I love that you can search by room or theme. Remember how cool you felt buying accessories for your locker? But in the 90’s there was only a mirror – well now you can completely customize that too (mine would be purple, duh). Why was decorating your locker the biggest thing ever? OMG, picking that mirror out was the best.thing.ever.

Ah to be young again. *Note – there are NO Dylan McKay wall decals….yet.

Join The Revolution!

Join me in the planning ahead revolution. Be completely spontaneous by spending half an hour once a month planning everything you need to do for the next month. And then hanging it on your wall. So you can see it. It’s like “Girls Gone Organized”.

GIVEAWAY

WallPops has offered to give away a dry erase 17″ x 13.75″ St. Tropez Monthy Calendar to one lucky reader! To win – please post in the comment section below:

What back to school event causes you the most anxiety but if you plan ahead you can feel better?

Winner will be chosen Friday, August 22^nd.

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Brand Heritage

Here is a little more on WallPops because as you know – I LOVE learning about the heritage of brands:

WallPops is fun & fabulous art for your walls. With beautifully diverse collections of peel & stick designs, WallPops has brought a whole new world of exciting options to decorating! We are proudly made in the USA by Brewster Home Fashions, a 5th generation family owned business since 1954. WallPops are completely removable and repositionable which makes stylish décor simple. You can embellish a space without the time and commitment of paint or wallpaper, and without any holes from nails or screws. Also, WallPops are reusable, so if you decorate in a dorm or apartment you can take them with you and never leave behind a sticky residue.

So Much Color!

Our colorful and remarkable collections have sweet ideas perfect for the nursery, enticing options for teens & tweens in trendy colors, and beautiful designs for your home and office. WallPops even has functional dry-erase wall art! Get organized with the attractive dry-erase maps, calendars, and message boards. The dots, blox & stripes line lets you mix and match, taking walls from ordinary to exquisite with coordinating shapes and hues. Indulge your wild side with animal prints, or choose from chic solids and stunning motifs. WallPops Kits bring creative scenes and designs to life and let you arrange them to best suit your space. Have fun dreaming up new ways to make a statement on your walls. And remember! Change your mind? Change your design!

Love me forever. #MintChipMama31DaystilBTS

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Gonna Make You Sweat-Shirt, Baby. Day 13 Of My Favorite Things: Fruit Of The Loom Zip Hoodie

The Mint Chip Mama Fruit of the Loom Zip Hoodie

A new zip hoodie for the new year! As I’ve mentioned before – Back to School shopping was something I really looked forward to for months. Even the little stuff – like new underwear, undershirts, even socks were exciting to me. There’s something about buying new socks that I think is romantic. Maybe it’s the hope that they will stay with their sole mates forever… reinforcing the idea of love (Oh, just go with it).

A New Zip Hoodie Brings Happiness

One of my favorite things to buy was always a new sweatshirt. I remember vividly getting Champion sweatshirts (heavy weight AND light weight), bedazzled 90210 sweatshirts, zipper sweatshirt, whatever the styles were at the time.

A new sweatshirt always felt like a big deal to me. Maybe because it was a tangible item one thought of on those nights when the summer was winding down and there was a chill in the air.

Or maybe because it went over stuff so it could be used all the time instead of just in a shirt rotation.

Who knows, but I always loved me some good sweatshirts, especially a zip hoodie.

A Broken Heart Entwined With A Zip Hoodie

Sadly this love affair was abandoned after a very messy breakup between me and a zip hoodie Michigan sweatshirt I splurged on my senior year. Years later I found out I left it at my cousin’s house and he refused to return it because they had started their own love affair.

Fourteen years later – my wounds finally healed as I was given a chance for renewal. She doesn’t have a name but she is black, soft, hooded, tailored, and has a media pocket! Yep – an extra pocket within the pocket just for one’s phone. Pretty 22nd century Fruit of the Loom!

The Mint Chip Mama in one of her favorite sweatshirts. What did she just “do”? Skydiving.

But There Was Hope With A New Addition

Last November, a few weeks after having my son I snuck away for a Momtrends event to celebrate the holidays.

One of the giveaways was this new zip hoodie sweatshirt. I was skeptical how exciting a sweatshirt could be. A woman scorned.

The wounds were still fresh – all these years later.

I played along halfheartedly.

They let me choose from tons of colors and sizes until I settled on “boring” black. I filled out my form and forgot about it. It was too painful. Too painful. It was too soon.

Happiness Arrived On My Doorstep

A few weeks later, my new Fruit Of The Loom Sweatshirt Jacket arrived. It sat on a chair for a few weeks. It wasn’t so jazzy – so I thought.

Then one day I was a bit cold.

I needed a – guess what!?

Nope, I needed a blanket.

So I put a blanket over me and looked at the chair. I waved. She waved. It was brief. I was still cold. I wished there was something to make myself warmer – hmmmm… (Cut me some slack. My brain was mush. I had a baby five minutes ago).

Eyes And Zipper Met Across The Room

My eyes searched the room. They stopped. They met. Eye to eyelet. We smiled for a few minutes. I didn’t want to get up.

I looked away.

We were slow to warm up to each other.

Finally I got up. I walked past, said hello. Nothing big. A simple flirtation. I got a chill. We started talking. We decided to try each other out. I put her on.

DONE.

She was soft, cozy, fitted. We became inseparable.

The rest as they say – is history.

The happy couple.

I’ll Never Let Go Jack

As you start (or continue) your back to school shopping – pick up this sweatshirt for yourself. Treat yourself. It’s not a new handbag or fancy shoes. Your friends won’t be dying for details. You don’t really have to justify it because it’s – a sweatshirt.

But it will make you happy.

You will not regret it! I mean it has a pocket for your phone IN another pocket.

Fruit of the Loom. You Healed An Old Would

While you are in the store trying YOUR new sweatshirt on, check out Fruit of the Loom‘s other great items for those little people that follow you around. For back to school, they have some great new combo packs with bonus items. The perfect way to get your little ones ready – but also for men and women. I love that each pack has at least seven of the item so you are set for the week!

Thank you Fruit of the Loom for re-introducing me to a beloved piece of clothing. You have become one of my favorite things!

GIVEAWAY

Fruit of the Loom has offered to give away 2 underwear combo packs – winner’s choice – Men’s, Women’s, Children’s – to one lucky reader!

To win – please post in the comment section below:

What was your favorite clothing item to buy for back to school as a kid?

Winner will be chosen Thursday, August 21^st.

****************************************************************************

Fruit of the Loom Brand Heritage:

Fruit of the Loom was born in 1851 when brothers Benjamin and Robert Knight bought their first mill and started producing cotton cloth and textiles in Warwick, Rhode Island.

In 1871, Fruit of the Loom® was registered as an official trademark, making it one of the world’s oldest brands — predating the invention of light bulbs, cars and telephones!

Today, more than 160 years later, Fruit of the Loom is now a global underwear and casualwear business, employing more than 32,000 people worldwide.

Love me forever. #MintChipMama31DaystilBTS

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