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KSW Style File – Fall Edition 2009

by Stacy on October 15, 2009

Last week, KSW unveiled a few new FREE services being offered to our readers. In case you weren’t quite sure what we were talking about … here’s a sneak peek at one type of the goodies that are in store for you.

We’ll be creating looks just like these customized just for YOU. Consider us your personal stylists, so sit back, enjoy some more free time with your family and let us do the shopping. To take advantage of this FREE service, read the full details or send us a quick email, tweet, or facebook page and we’ll get started on your new looks right away.

Steve Madden at ShopStyle

I’d consider myself more of a bookworm than a night owl these days… I find myself opting for trips to Barnes & Noble (with my kids) as opposed to glitzy nights on the town (without them). It works for me, and I love this life. I also love the comfy new wardrobe pieces I’m starting to acquire for this lifestyle. {I’ve never confessed how much of a cheapskate I am when it comes to spending money on myself. I’ll bet you’d be surprised at how affordable most of these looks will be. Wondering about the adorable owl coin purse?? I’d use him to keep some spending money just for me … Chai Latte anyone?}

Old Navy at ShopStyle

You and Your Family are bound to go on several outdoor outings {pumpkin patches, apple orchards, haunted houses, hayrides, football games, etc} this season, so why shouldn’t you have an outfit that’s perfect to wear for all of these trips? Timeless classics that still feel as comfortable as your typical weekend wear, you’ll be able to wear these pieces for years to come.

Arden B at ShopStyle

Here is a great look for Mom’s planning on trick-or-treating this year. The jeans and sweatshirt with the tank are comfy and carefree, yet still presentable enough to meet with your neighbors. The shoes make all the walking you’ll be doing seem easy … and BEST OF ALL they’re eco-friendly!
The necklace and earrings add a little bling to your look and the jacket is light weight and has good pockets with buttons closures to hold your keys, your phone, your ID, and whatever else you’ll undoubtedly end up needing.

KSW wishes you a great night out with your Kids!!!

 

~ These looks are all part of the KSW group on ShopStyle. You can find links to all of the items pictured above by clicking on the images or by checking out our group. We’d love for you to join our ShopStyle group and even add a few looks of your own. Who knows, maybe you’ll see one of your own creations featured in an upcoming KSW Style File

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Six Essentials for Every Mom’s Wardrobe

by Stacy on September 2, 2009

KSW Style September

 

6 Essential Pieces for Every Moms Wardrobe

1. The Cover-up: Moms need quick cover-ups. Something cute and comfortable to mask all of the spills, stains, and all around messes those sticky fingers have placed all over you today. Wear your tee around the house in peace, then slip a cover-up on when you leave so no one else has to know your kids had spaghetti-o’s for lunch and now you’re wearing most of it. A cover-up can be a simple hoodie, a luxurious cardigan, a modern trench or even a tried & true jean jacket depending on the outfit or season you’re dealing with.
Cover Up Featured Here:
Jean Jacket by Mango ~ 49.90

2. The Comfy Tee: The little black dress of a Mom’s wardrobe, find a comfy tee that you love and buy them in EVERY color. Target and Old Navy have great, affordable options and I’m loving all the redesigns I’ve seen popping up all over Blog Land recently. {I’ll be featuring my favorites in a separate post very soon}
Tee Featured Here:
Ashen Lilac Sheer Tee from Old Navy ~ $10.50

3. A Great Bag: Mary Poppins had the mother-of-all-great bags and if you’ve got kids I’ll bet you have a bag that holds everything too. Moms know they need to carry lots of stuff and you never know just what you’ll need while you’re out. You’ll need a bag that holds – snacks, sunscreen, distractions (toys or books), diapers, pull ups or a change of clothes depending on your child’s age, keys, wallet, cell phone, just to name a few. Let’s be honest, this list could go on FOREVER. Look for a bag that has small, easy-to-reach pockets to hold your keys and cell phone so they don’t get lost in the bottomless pit that will become your bag.
Bag Featured Here:
Poppy Print Tote from The Gap ~ $39.50

4. The Go-To Skirt: More flattering for Moms Like Us then shorts, capris or even jeans… a great skirt can be the workhorse of your wardrobe. It’s cute, its comfy, it hides most of your mommy flaws (thighs we’re not so proud of and of course the infamous pooch) PLUS, it instantly makes you look like you put some thought into your outfit. Shhh, I won’t tell anyone that all you really did was swap your PJ pants for your skirt on the way out the door. Nothing is quicker to slip on and if you find the right one, it will make you feel more feminine and beautiful to boot. {I puffy heart you oh so lovely skirt}
Skirt Featured Here:
Strawberry Pintucked Skirt from The Gap ~ $29.99

5. Slip-On Shoes: Let me repeat —> S-L-I-P O-N Shoes, Did you catch that? I said S-L-I-P O-N Shoes. No lacing, no buckling, no stepping on the back of your heel and wiggling as you fall around the room and trip over your kids. Just slide them on and you’re ready to go, Easy peasy.
Slip-Ons Featured Here:
Sanuk Macrame Thong from Endless ~ $25.50

6. Cheap Jewelry: Moms need cheap jewelry. Kids have a hard time differentiating between cheap jewelry and precious jewelry. For that reason alone, I live by a strong rule. Only wear jewelry you’re OK with losing, breaking, or having ripped off. {I’m talking earrings, necklaces, and bracelets – I still wear my wedding/engagement rings} I speak from experience, I’ve lost six necklaces to my darling daughter and now only wear Silver Chain Necklaces I get on Amazon for less than $10.
Jewelry Featured Here:
Beaded Necklace from Kohls ~ $11.20 and Bracelets from Forever 21 ~ 5.50

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POP QUIZ & A Giveaway

by Stacy on August 17, 2009

1. Which animal holds the record for being the Worlds Fastest?
2. Do you know which insect has ears on its knees?
3. Can you name the longest living animal?

The answers to these questions and many more can be found within the pages of “Actual Size,” “Biggest, Strongest, Fastest” and “What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?”, the most recent additions to the Kohls Care for Kids program.

Everyone knows books are good for children, but Kohl’s brings new meaning to the idea of books benefiting America’s youth. Since the inception of Kohl’s Cares for Kids® in 2000, they have turned $5 books and toys into more than $126 million for children nationwide. Kohl’s Cares for Kids is proof that a little love goes a long way and a good book can positively impact children far beyond story time.

Why We love Them: They’re Affordable Gifts that Give Back! – At just $5 each, the Kohl Cares for Kids books and plush toys are an incredible value to families looking to stretch their budgets {aren’t we all?}. Not only affordable, these award winning books and plush toys pack an educational punch too. As a final bonus, you can feel good about your purchase knowing that 100 percent {yes, that’s right 100%} of the profits will go towards initiatives such as injury prevention, immunizations and educational programs for diabetes, asthma and childhood obesity.

Kohls Cares for Kids

The books and coordinating plush toys are available now through September 26 in Kohl’s stores or at Kohls.com for only $5 each, but you can win your very own set right here from Kids Stuff World.

Contest Entry Rules

To enter to win your very own prize pack of two books and a coordinating stuffed animal (a $15 value) just leave a comment answering one of our Pop Quiz questions:

1. Which animal holds the record for being the Worlds Fastest?
2. Do you know which insect has ears on its knees?
3. Can you name the longest living animal?

Extra Entries:

You can earn an extra entry for each one of the following, leave a comment to let me know you completed each one:

1. Telling your friends about this giveaway, if they mention you by name – I’ll give you an extra entry for each one
2. Tweet this giveaway: Kohls Cares for Kids & KSW are giving a way a zoo of a prize pack http://tinyurl.com/kqf7vx – Ends 8/26 @ 9pm CST #KSW
3. Join KSW’s Brand New Facebook page
4. Take a look at our discussion boards, leave a comment (here on the site or in the Tell Us discussion board) for any additional topics you’d like to see us cover
5. Become a KSW subscriber (already a subscriber? Just say so in a comment)

Contest Ends Wednesday, August 26th @ 9PM CST

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10 Simple Ways You Can Change Your World

by Stacy on August 11, 2009

We Are What We Do

Today I wanted to do something a little different. I’d like for everyone reading this post to try a little experiment – Pick one item from the list below, and give it a try. I guarantee your world & those around you will change for the better (even if it’s just the slightest little bit, it will have been worth it).

1. Take the time to listen – Let me begin by telling you a little secret, consider it a gift from me to you: Listening (Not hearing, but truly listening) is the key to intimacy in any relationship.
Tune in to the things that really matter and tune out from all of the distractions in your life. Put down your laptop, turn off the television, put aside all your grievances with your spouse, forget about the mess in the kitchen and just take a moment to really listen to what they’re saying. Focusing completely on an individual and truly being part of a conversation allows for real connections to be made and strong bonds to form. You’ll find that you answer thoughtfully rather than automatically and everyone involved will have a more pleasant experience.

Find yourself with another issue: No one talking in the house. Well, that can speak volumes all in itself. Seek out your children or your spouse and spend a little quality time reconnecting and doing something you both enjoy. Before you know it, you’ll all be having a good time and with great memories comes great conversation. (A second gift from me to you).

2. Donate to those in need – This one is simple, you have too much stuff! There are others out there who don’t. Give a little and you’ll get a whole lot more {a good feeling, more space in your home, perhaps even room for something new}

3. Smile and Smile Back – Attitudes are contagious, whether good or bad. Make the decision when you leave your house today that you will spread your good attitude as far as it will go. What could be easier than making someone’s day with nothing more than a quick smile! Don’t feel like smiling? Do it anyway, chances are the smiles you get in return will help you feel better too.

4. Spend time with someone from another generation – The greatest part about this challenge is you can either be the teacher or the student. Don’t be surprised if you learn something from a younger generation as well. The most important part of this challenge is to keep an open mind, remember to show respect, and just enjoy yourself. Something wonderful is bound to happen.

5. Read a Story to a child – What better gift can you pass along to a child than the gift of literacy. Take 5, 10, even 20 minutes (depending on the age of the child) to open a child’s mind and let their imaginations run wild. The time you invest in reading will truly last a lifetime (more posts about reading with children and even a great GIVEAWAY~ coming soon!)

6. Give Blood – Just 20 minutes out of your day and you can give someone the Gift of Life. Even better, you get to take some time out of your day to sit down, relax, and you even get a cookie!

7. Seize the moment – The only time you really have is now – this moment. So don’t just seize it, EMBRACE it and ENJOY it! Let your senses guide you and help you to maximize your experience. Make every memory, a vivid memory. The more you begin to focus on your senses {the beauty in the sunset, the smell of your clothes straight form the dryer, the actual taste of what you’re eating}, the more you will begin to enjoy the experience and remember the details.

8. Plant something – Nothing is more life altering than parenthood, apply this philosophy on a smaller level and grow something of your very own. Take pride in your accomplishments and enjoy the fruit of your labor – whether its a gorgeous flower or a tasty vegetable. Think of the money you’ll save and the joy you’ll feel from helping yourself become a little more self-sustainable.

9. Join something – In other words, be a part of something greater than yourself. You’ll gain confidence, maybe even make some new friends, and do something positive for yourself and others.

10. Register as an organ donor – Did you know a healthy organ donor can save or improve the lives of 50 PEOPLE! Do your part and get the process started today, at OrganDonor.gov

If you were moved by this list or want to find a few more simple ways to change your world, check out the online movement We Are What We Do. We Are What We Do, they thing along the same lines as me. We both believe simple actions can make a big difference.

If you’re a List kind of gal, you’ll love the Actions Tracker they’ve set up. You can check off 50 simple ways to change the world. Sign up for the Actions Tracker on the web or even monitor your progress on the super handy Change the World Facebook application, while you’re on Facebook take a moment to befriend the new KSW FB page.

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Gimme My Jimmies Giveaway

by Stacy on March 7, 2009

If you’ve got young kids in the house, then most days you probably feel as if you’d do just about anything to listen to some real music for a while. You know the kind that you actually don’t mind being stuck in your head all day long. While KSW may not be able to solve this dilemma completely, but we do feel there should be some sort of middle ground. You know, a place where music is entertaining for children and well, not so grating to us … enter the new KSW Presents Parent-Friendly Music series. We’ll try out many of the new tunes so you don’t have to and then let you know all about them right here. To get this series started, we’ve chosen an up and coming, hip NYC-based rock band for kids known as: The Jimmies you certainly won’t want to miss.

GimmeJimmies
The Jimmies
http://GimmeJimmies.com
-An Oppenheim “Best Toy of 2009″ & Parents Choice Award Winner
-#1 on Sirius/XM Radio’s KidsPlace
See The Jimmies live at: Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, The Target Book Fair, World Cafe Live & The Bushnell

This five-man group (um,I mean four guys and one amazing girl) has managed to find a way to tap into their inner child and produce some of the most creative kiddie music I’ve heard in a long, long time. Since the moment I downloaded the CD, it’s playful lyrics and up tempo beats have had my toes tapping and my head bobbing (just as promised). It’s as if suddenly, someone made children’s music fun again and I get that “I’m a big kid again” feeling. Love that feeling, don’t you?

Why We Love It: Something about the Jimmie’s enthusiasm to entertain children speaks to us. We love the way they have taken ordinary topics and turned them into something truly extraordinary and educational at the same time.

KSW’s Recommended Tracks:

Hupsha – silly children’s reggae – perfect for getting the kiddies awake in the AM without going crazy in the process

PB & J- a zany take at a boring staple (not to mention some great new lunch ideas for parents)

Birthday Song – finally a great alternative to a tired old classic – you’ll want everyone singing this at your next birthday party

Toddler Recommended Tracks:

What’s on Your Shirt – my three year old REALLY enjoyed this song and was singing along mid-way through the first time I played it

And now for the really fun part … The Jimmies are graciously GIVING AWAY a CD to one lucky KSW reader!

Three Ways to Enter:

1. Leave a comment here to be automatically entered to win

2. Visit The Jimmies website, watch the videos and leave a new comment here saying which one was your favorite and why

3. Twitter a link to this giveaway - come back and leave another new comment with your Twitter name (I’m @steet if you want to follow me.)

Feel free to do all three to gain several entries to win! You have until 10pm EST on Sunday, March 15, 2009, to enter.

This Giveaway has officially ended. A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Comment #11 - Wendy G {aka @MyGreenSide on twitter} for winning this fabulous giveaway. We’ll contact you soon to make arrangements for you to receive your CD.

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