Gear Up With Sears for Back2School!

I don't know about you, but no matter how much I know that school is coming, Back2School shopping always seems to sneak up on me! Anyone else?? With 4 kids in school now, we have to be very strategic about where and how we shop. So when Sears invited us to shop their Back2School sales, we were excited for the opportunity! I confess, I've never done our school shopping at Sears, but we certainly found that it has everything kids need + more! From active wear to denim to footwear, backpacks and more, Sears has everything you need to make sure your family kicks the school year off in style. If your kids wear uniforms for school, they have a great selection of high quality Lands' End uniforms on sale. 

The first thing that I will always look for is the SALES. And we found some great ones at Sears! Lands' End and many other kids items were all 30%, 40% or 50% off. Score!! We also found some awesome deals on backpacks & lunch boxes. 

Sears is also running some extra great savings this month:

• Week 3 of August:  Make back to school shopping more rewarding - get an extra 20% off when you use your Sears card or 15% off with any other payment.
• Week 4 of August: Bring the cool to school…time to get an extra 25% off a purchase of $40 or more.

Sears provides shopping convenience – letting members shop wherever, whenever and however they choose.  They also offer a seamless connection between the in-store, mobile and online shopping experience.

My kids all have very different personalities and styles which is clearly reflected in their outfits of choice for the first day of school. 😍

SWEETNESS........

FUNNY GUY......

SUGAR & SPICE........

SPORTS GUY.........

I was very pleasantly surprised at the great deals on shoes. We even found tennis shoes for $10!! Whether you’re looking for flashy hightops or comfortable sneakers, new shoes can help your kids put their best foot forward. Sears is here to help you gear up with all kids’ shoes on sale starting at $9.99.

Shopping online has become a mom's saving grace, right? So be sure to check out the Sears shoppable back to school digital catalog for fun looks and outfit inspiration!

Check out our video of Back2School shopping fun at Sears! 

I spy that twinkle in your eye...... 😉

I think we moms are always a little extra nostalgic as our first borns hit those milestones first. While there is a special sweetness to the baby days, I wouldn't trade them for the great conversations I get to have as this guy grows and matures each year. He's even hit the age where he doesn't wear out the knees of ALL his pants. 😊 So when we found jeans for under $13, I knew it was a deal that we could stretch! 

There's still time to hit some great sales and get your kids ready for those exciting first days of school! (Always a little more fun with new outfits to rock!) 

Sears is having a Summer Blow Out Sale that runs from 8/20 through 9/2! Make sure to shop at Sears in-store or online for additional 10-70% off on apparel and footwear!

#GearUpWithSears, #Sears

This post sponsored in collaboration with Sears. I received compensation, but I never promote anything my family doesn't thoroughly love! 

$250 Sears Gift Card Giveaway

Shopping has changed pretty drastically for me since my pre-children days. I'm guessing it has for you as well! No more lingering and casually browsing while sipping an iced coffee. Now it boils down to a good bit of shushing and chasing with the occasional bribe thrown in when necessity drags me to the store with kids in tow!  😂 It's all good, we adapt. But that's not to say my kids haven't been known to sport some highwater pants a time or two. 😉

As a busy mom with 4 kids, there are a few ways my shopping habits have changed.

 #1 - it has to be on sale
 #2 - the store has to have quality brands that I trust
 #3 - a one-stop shop is the best

This week I had the chance to tour the Sears store at Ross Park Mall. The first thing I noticed was the SALE signs. It was a good start! In celebration of July 4^th, Sears is making the holiday last even longer by extending its July 4^th event for the next four days (7/5-7/8). Sears has store-wide savings in every department going on right now – in-store, online, mobile, via the Sears app, no matter how you want to shop. Plus, every day Sears is featuring one perfect summer item with an amazing deal from 7/5-7/8.

Sears is a premier shopping location since it includes - one of my top 3 musts - a one-stop shop! It carries a huge variety of items including clothing, baby gear, appliances, home goods, tools, electronics + much more. You can even get your car serviced while you're shopping! 

Sears is among the leading appliance retailers and America’s #1 fitness equipment retailer. Sears is America’s #1 provider of appliance and product repair services, with nearly seven million service calls made annually.

The Shop Your Way rewards program is definitely worth the free sign up! You earn points for every dollar you spend which means more free stuff. 👍 Download the Shop Your Way app for the best deals!

Swim wear can be one of those things that we moms do not love to shop for, right? Sears has a great swim wear section with a variety of styles for every body type. Shop here where you can get a lot of these pieces for under $16! When you're in the store, keep in mind that there are two separate swim sections. One section is the Lands End brand and one section is the other brands they carry. 

From swim wear to tools & tractors - that's definitely a first in my posts, haha! Because another aspect our family loves about Sears is that my husband and I BOTH love to shop there! Can we say Craftsman tool section? My hubby could spend hours there. 😊 

Today, Sears’s perfect summer item is the Craftsman 4-piece Lithium Combo Kit – it comes with a 1/2" drill, a reciprocating saw, a circular saw and a handy work light and two lithium batteries, a charger and a heavy-duty bag to store it all in. And it’s 20% off!

Yesterday's big sale was the Poulan Pro Riding Tractor. Over $500 off! Since my hubby currently does our lawn mowing, these specs don't mean much to me, but he was impressed! 

• 15.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine that helps get the job done in less time. 

• 42-inch mowing deck that allows you cut wide sections of grass at a time. 

• 6 cutting heights let you customize your mow to the condition of your lawn.

• 16" turning radius makes handling tight corners and hilly terrains no problem. 

• The seat is nicely padded and includes a cup holder to keep your drink close while you're out in the yard. 

• It mows in reverse mode, so you never lose any cutting time.

So whether you're looking for some deals on clothing, baby gear, outdoor furniture (currently 50% off!), lawn mowers, appliances or anything else, Sears has got you covered! 

Now that you've seen lots of fun summer stuff your family could definitely use to chill, eat and DIY everything. Want to try and win it? Head to Sears’ Facebook page where you’ll find links to the daily Sears Great Giveaway sweepstakes they’re running. Many bonus chances to win.

GIVEAWAY

And what's better? We have a $250 gift card to giveaway, thanks to the generosity of Sears! I'm sure that could go a long way in helping with upcoming school shopping, finishing a house project or splurging on something extra fun. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Sears #WithAmerica #Ad

This post is sponsored by Sears and I have received compensation for my services. All opinions remain my own. 

New Free Store in Penn Hills

I love this movement in our city of sharing free resources. So many of us have things in our homes that maybe our children have outgrown or we simply don’t need anymore. But it might be in great shape and be useful to another family. These pre-loved items are finding new homes at Free Stores cropping up across Allegheny County. People are providing mutual aid instead of wasting resources. Free Store Penn Hills is the newest family member in this beautiful chain. Past and present Penn Hills residents are working to eradicate suburban poverty by opening this consignment store without price tags for neighbors in need in the Lincoln Park Community Center.

Starting November 19, 2016, Free Store Penn Hills will be open to shoppers and donors Mondays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These hours are aligned with the center’s food pantry schedule, which operates twice per month. Shoppers from across Allegheny County and elsewhere are welcome. The store will distribute everything from clothing and books to toys and toiletries. Donations accepted include, books, book bags, clothing, diapers, home décor, luggage/purses, school supplies, school uniforms, toiletries, toys and games. Due to safety concerns, Free Store Penn Hills is unable to accept cribs, car seats, furniture or other items subject to a recall. Personal items, including bedding, pajamas, toiletries and undergarments, must be in new packaging.

The theme of Free Store Penn Hills is to Love Your Neighbor. This quote is even painted on the store’s back wall! In our family, we try to teach our children to love their neighbors by performing random acts of kindness. For the past 3 years, we’ve participated in the Foster Love Project’s placement bag drive. [Full disclosure: I am also the founder.]  Each year, we love and support children who face difficult challenges in their family life with our volunteer work with Foster Love Project.

Kids that need to be removed suddenly from their homes for safety concerns, often aren’t able to take their belongings with them. And if they do take some belongings, they are often placed in a trash bag. We believe this sends the message of being disposable. And that is why these placement bags are so valuable. Yes, they take time, effort, and money, but the need to show them their dignity and worth is worth it all! They need to know that they are not just a number in the system. My kids have a had a big role in this endeavor whether it's packing bags, hauling bags or delivering packages to foster families.

Free Store Penn Hills also sought to create a space that gave shoppers a sense of dignity and respect. To do so, they teamed up with At Home’s newest store in Pittsburgh located at 3000 McIntyre Square Drive. The 91,000 square-foot retail destination allows customers to affordably turn their house into a home, and the major donation allowed Free Store Penn Hills to create a warm, welcoming space. Fellow Penn Hills alum and HGTV Design Star Finalist Luca Paganico offered his styling expertise.  

Highlights of the store include a children’s corner, where kids can attend story time and participate in arts and crafts classes. They can also interact and add their art to the murals  painted by local artists JaQuay Walker Taylor and Deborah McKenzie. A resource table will be a fixture in Free Store Penn Hills, providing valuable and timely information to the public.

Here’s how your family can commit a random act of kindness.

Attend the Grand Opening

Come out to meet your neighbors on Saturday, November 19th at 10 a.m. at the Lincoln Park Community Center. Following the dedication ceremony, drop off donations, shop the store or enjoy refreshments provided by The Cupcake Crew and Frankstown Road Giant Eagle. The Consumer Health Coalition and Healthy Together Mascot Enroll-o-bot will be on site to help families enroll in quality, affordable health insurance. Children’s activities include arts & crafts, a face painter and stories--books provided by Reading is Fundamental (RIF).

Donate to the Free Store

Free Store Penn Hills distributes everything from clothing and books to toys and toiletries. Solicited donations include books, book bags, clothing, diapers, home décor, luggage/purses, school supplies, school uniforms, toiletries, toys and games. Due to safety concerns, we’re unable to accept cribs, car seats, furniture or other items subject to a recall. Personal items, including bedding, pajamas, toiletries and undergarments, must be in new packaging.

Grant a Wish

On Saturdays, the store will host the Confident Kids Craft Club. They need the community’s support to purchase art supplies. Click here to buy something from their Amazon Wish List.  Free Store Penn Hills will also offer interactive and educational workshops for families, such as financial literacy programs and breastfeeding information sessions. Interested facilitators can contact Heather at dearmomdiary@gmail.com.

Buy a Gift Card

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for At Home’s Pittsburgh store will take place Friday, November 18 at 9 a.m. You can add a gift card to your holiday shopping list to donate to Free Store Penn Hills, or pick up one of the 50,000 unique items to make the holidays a bit brighter for a neighbor in need.

Momtourage friends - How are you committing acts of kindness with your family?

Be sure to follow the Free Store Penn Hills and At Home on social media! Tag your photos using #LoveYourNeighbor

Twitter: @FreeStorePH @AtHomeStores

This post is sponsored by At Home so I received compensation or products in exchange for my promotion. All opinions remain my own as I don't endorse companies that I don't value.

Foster Love Project: Holiday Placement Bag Drive

 

The call came from the social worker....could you take in a 2yo and 4 day old? A 10 minute chat with my husband determined that we would say yes. 45 minutes later they were dropped off on our doorstep with literally no belongings. That's a big change of life in a short amount of time!
In 2015, over 20,000 kids were served through the foster care system in Pennsylvania along. Many of these kids are taken to a foster home with no belongings or a few items thrown into a trash bag. After receiving 7 foster children into our home with similar scenarios, I desired to do something to help aid with the transition of kids that come into care as well as give some practical help to foster families. So in 2014, I launched the Foster Love Project with our first Placement Bag Drive. 

A FLP placement bag contains:

• Duffle bag or large backpack (or zippered diaper bag for infants)
• 2 pairs of pajamas (one summer, one winter)
• Socks
• A small blanket
• Stuffed animal (or small pillow for teen bags)
• Book
• Toothbrush & toothpaste (flouride free for under 5)
• Puff & body wash 

Our placement bag drive will run November 15 - December 15, 2016. This is a wonderful project to take on as a family during the holidays. Share with your kids about foster care and how they could reach out to kids in their school that might be in this challenging transition. Kids love to shop to fill these bags as well!

We are so thankful for the amazing response we've received around our region. We've been able to distribute over 3,000 filled bags to over 20 foster agencies in 10 counties in Western PA. 

Want to know the easiest way you could participate? Shop our online wishlist and the complete bag will be shipped directly to us. You won't even have to leave your house!  Shop our online list here. 

We are also collecting as many gift cards as possible! We share these with foster agencies and foster families when they receive a new placement to help with their practical needs. Restaurant gift cards help relieve the burden of cooking dinner for a few nights and Target/Walmart/Visa cards help with clothing, diapers, wipes, formula, school supplies, ect.... Gift cards can be sent to us via our online wish list here  or they can be mailed to:

Foster Love Project

c/o The Bair Foundation
3755 Library Rd # 3, Pittsburgh, PA 15234

So how can you be involved? Our bag drive will be open November 15 - December 15, 2016. We'll have 25 drop off locations including in Shadyside, Lawrenceville, Robinson, North Hills, South Hills, Monroeville, Washington, Cranberry, Grove City + more! Come over to our event page where you can RSVP that you're participating, post questions and see when we share the best deals around town.

Know anyone who lives in Minnesota? We're doing a drive there as well! See the MN info here.

For local friends, Uno Pizzeria & Grill is graciously hosting a Kick-Off party on our opening drive day of Tuesday, November, 15, 2016. If you bring a filled Foster Love bag, you'll get a $10 Uno gift card (per bag!!). Kids also eat FREE (one kids meal per adult entree). Kids can participate in make-your-own-pizza, a free craft from 5-7pm and each child will go home with a treat bag. AND.......20% of each check who mentions Foster Love Project will be donated to our nonprofit. It doesn't get much better than that, does it? Go here to see our Uno event page and RSVP.

  Thank you to Chick Fil A Pittsburgh who has been a very generous supporter of  the Foster Love Project and are covering the sponsorship of this post. I am taking no profit personally, all monies go directly to help spread the word of help needed for foster youth and foster families.  

Want to learn more about our foster care journey? Read some of my other posts here and here.

JBF Consignment Sale + Pre-Sale Pass Giveaway

It's one of my favorite times of year......consignment sale season! If you haven't been to the Just Between Friends Consignment sale, it's time to check it out. I have found amazing deals on a wide variety of items that have benefited our family. Some of my favorite purchases include kids bikes, Hunter rain boots, outdoor play equipment, toys for Christmas gifts, books, and of course, clothing! I love how I've been able to find items in great condition for my kids, but at less than half price for what you would pay brand new.

The Just Between Friends Sale Pittsburgh North is Pittsburgh's leading children's and maternity consignment sale event and we want you to join us! Come be a part of the sale voted BEST Consignment Sale in Pittsburgh for 2013!   JBF is your one-stop-shop to buy and sell new & gently-used clothing, toys, baby gear & equipment, furniture, and so much more!  It just keeps getting bigger and better! 

There is BIG news for JBF this year! Their sale has moved from the RMU Dome to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh.

FALL/WINTER SALE

SEPTEMBER 30 - October 2

David L. Lawrence Convention Center

1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd

Pittsburgh, PA  15222

There is parking available on the surrounding streets and in the attached parking garage.

Opening Day Presale: Sept. 29th

11:00am-9:00pm Prime Time Shopping - $10 Entry Fee/Person - Pass MUST be purchased online via Eventbrite

1:00-9:00pm First Time Parents & Grandparents
3:00-9:00pm Teachers & Military Families

Friday, Sept. 30th: Opening Day!
Open 9am-7pm

Saturday, Oct 1:
NEW Items have arrived
Open 9am-4pm; FREE Admission

Sunday, Oct 2: Half Price Day!
50% off items WITHOUT a star for ALL Shoppers!
Open 9am-1pm; FREE Admission

It's a great place to stock up on Halloween costumes! 

GIVEAWAY:

I am a huge fan of the pre-sale day where you have the opportunity to have some of the first picks of items as well as way less crowds to maneuver around! I have found that it is definitely an advantage to be one of the first shoppers which is why I am thrilled to be working directly with JBF event organizer, Kelly Robie, and able to offer 2 lucky winners a pre-sale shopping pass...and you'll get one for a friend as well! This shopping pass will give you free admission to the pre-sale opening on Thursday, September 29th, 11am - 9pm. (Please keep in mind that children and strollers are not permitted until 6pm that day.)

Enter below to win one of two sets of pre-sale passes, one that you'll be able to share with a friend!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is sponsored so I received compensation or products in exchange for my promotion. All opinions remain my own as I don't endorse companies that I don't value. 

French Toast spring line + 15% off

Springtime is just the best! The tease of warmer temps encourage us to soak up every minute of sunshine. We breathe it in and stay outside as long as possible before the hot summer hits us. 

After school days now look something like this.....head to the backyard, play ball, trampoline, tire swing...all the energy burners!

FrenchToast.com recently sent us some springtime outfits for my kiddos to try. My kids are hard customers because they have a hard rule about their clothing: it must be COMFY. Gone are the days when mom gets to pick all their adorable outfits! Now, if clothes don't pass the comfy test.....forget about it!

Luckily, the French Toast outfits passed the test! You may have heard of French Toast because of the popularity of their school uniforms. If you need uniforms, they are a great resource! 

"You can buy cheaper clothes that don't last. You can pay twice the price and get half the product. Or...you can buy French Toast." - Tina (Mom from NJ)

They have also added a great line of play clothing for kids. It is cute, durable and comfy!

FrenchToast.com is having blow out clearance right now! Save 15% off their already deep discounts with code PGHMOMS. Get adorable leggings for a low as $2.55, dresses for under $5, graphic tees for less than $3 and much more! Go grab these steals while you still can! Don't forgot to use the coupon code PGHMOMS. 

Thank you, French Toast, for sponsoring this post! All opinions remain my own. 

#SpringIntoSchool