Mega Giveaway: Celebrating Moms in May

It's May and I think it's ok to celebrate mamas all month long! Being a mom is one of the sweetest gifts to be given. But we also know there are weary days, sleepless nights and many constant demands of us. This month is a chance for us to celebrate motherhood in many special ways!

For our annual Mother's Day giveaway, we have some amazing prizes up for grabs as well as sharing some great Pittsburgh mom-owned businesses. Here's what we're giving away:

• $25 to MKN Apparel
• $50 to Levana Bratique
• $100 to Ikea
• $100 to Ross Park Mall

MKN Apparel knows that sometimes you need just the right shirt to make you smile and keep you motivated! MKN Apparel has a line of fun shirts for moms, dads & kids. MKN Apparel is owned by a Pittsburgh mama who loves to see other moms enjoying the fun shirts she designs. Check out their website for their full inventory of shirts with the perfect slogan just for you! ❤

MKN Apparel is giving a $25 gift card to their online store!

We love that MKN Apparel is our shop of choice to print our Pgh Momtourage t-shirts! This fun design was created by one of our very own Momtourage mamas. If you join us at our Momtourage playdates, look for our group in the teal shirts! You can also order your own Momtourage tshirt here.

Levana Bratique is a woman owned and operated business. They are the only independently owned store of it's kind in the greater Pittsburgh area! Owner Judy Masucci says, Great bras are my passion!  After spending 9+ years helping nursing moms to find great bras, I decided to close my maternity business and open a business where I can help all women to find great bras! 

I have been an entrepreneur since 2007 when I opened my first business, A Mother's Boutique®.  This business started out as a nursingwear shop and gradually morphed into the largest selection of nursing bras in the greater Pittsburgh area.  As time went on, I decided I wanted to help all women, not just new moms, to find great bras. From this desire, Levana Bratique was born.  

Levana Bratique carries bras for every woman and specializes in hard to find sizes. Underwire bras, soft cup bras, sports bras, sexy bras, nursing bras - you name it - if you are looking for it, chances are they have it. They carry bras in sizes ranging from 28-60 bands and A to W cups - something for everyone!  Levana Bratique includes the selling floor, 3 fitting rooms, a refreshment area and a small room where classes are regularly held. So many women are not wearing the correct size of bra and having the right fit is essential for comfort & confidence! Judy and her team know exactly how to find you the perfect fit. You will definitely get a personalized and focused experience at Levana! Judy Masucci has a passion for her business. She says, “I love helping women to feel better in their own bodies. I have met so many women who have never worn the right bra size, and when they finally have a bra that fits them correctly; it is literally a life-changing event. You wear your bra all day, every day, and wearing one that doesn’t fit or isn’t comfortable can really have an impact on your overall well-being. I love being able to make a difference for women.” 

Levana Bratique will be giving a $50 gift card to their store to one lucky mama!

Who doesn't love a trip making wish lists and wandering the winding aisles of Ikea? ☺ (I know this mama does!)  Amazing eye-catching products at great prices, a kid's drop off play area, kids eat free Tuesdays  + more! My hubby and I have definitely taken advantage of dropping our kids at their fun Smaland and having some uninterrupted shopping time together.
Are you looking for a part-time job? Did you know IKEA is a great option for moms? If you work at least 20 hours you get paid vacation and sick days. There are also benefits to work nights and weekends and after 3 years, maternity leave is covered 100%. 

IKEA is generously giving you the chance for a $100 shopping spree....I'm sure you'll have a hard time choosing what to buy! 

Another favorite stopping point for many is the Ross Park Mall. They are anchored by 4 major department stores, but have 170 specialty shops as well. Some of my favorites there include JCrew, H&M, Crate & Barrel, Francesca's, GAP, Apple, Sephora + many more! They also have a great kid's play area for those days you can't get outside. There are multiple options in the food court, including the newly added Panera. The Cheesecake Factory is an added bonus for a sweet treat! 

One mama is going to have a great time spending $100 on herself with a fun shopping spree! 

Project OM. Join the Movement.

Ross Park Mall is proud to support Manduka and Susan G. Komen on project: OM, a yoga class of one million to battle breast cancer. Donate $10 to Susan G. Komen and receive a FREE yoga class plus a discount card offering 25% off participating retailers. Make your donation and sign up for a class by visiting https://bddy.me/xxxxxx. 

You can also sign up for a free class at South Hills Village here. 

GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win one of these 4 great prizes at link below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If your kids are little, there isn't always a lot of thank you's to go around. I hope those around you, whether it's your husband, your own mom, your sister or your friends will encourage you in your journey of raising little people this month! 💗

Thank you to MKN Apparel, Levana Bratique, Ikea and Ross Park Mall for showing their appreciation for moms in this special giveaway! 

Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh’s Hero Night

Mother's Day is right around the corner and we are celebrating MOMS, our every day heroes. I was asked to share about a special mom who is an every day hero to me. But when I think of the many amazing moms I know, it's hard to narrow down to just one. If you're a mom, I know you give of yourself sacrificially every day and that's why we love to celebrate Mother's Day! Here are a few special friends that came to my mind who continually amaze me in their strength and resilience.

❤ My own mom. She battles chronic pain daily and lives far away from us, but pushes through the pain to enjoy whatever activities she can when she's with us. She shares her love for her family in many ways including regular visits and special sewing projects.

❤ The mom with grown children who offers to watch my kids when I have appointments to alleviate the stress of bringing all my children.

❤ Two moms who have both adopted more than 15 children, many with special needs.

❤ The mom with grown children who pours herself into giving encouragement (and help when she can) to moms with young children.

❤ The adoptive moms who are continually learning how to help their children triumph through trauma and loss.

❤ The mom whose disabled 8yo is currently 100% dependent on her for care. She forgoes date nights, vacations, and time for herself. She also advocates tirelessly for better programs and help for not only her son, but other families in the same situation.

❤ The mom whose nonverbal, autistic son is graduating and she is actively fighting for what happens to adults who cannot care for themselves.

❤ The mamas who are raising kids from foster care and constantly advocating that they don't get lost in the system.

❤ The single moms who juggle all the duties of parenting without a partner to step in and help carry the load.

❤ The mom who left her grown children and grandchildren to serve the people of Africa. Then had to make the difficult choice to come back and care for her grandson facing a life-threatening illness.

❤ The mom who took in 3 children when their mom went to rehab in order to keep the kids out of foster care and pays all their expenses out of their own finances.

❤ YOU. Every mom gives of herself tirelessly every day. She gets less sleep than she needs, lets her kids eat her food, deals with a lot of poop 😉, cleans the same space a million times a day, plans activities, comforts boo-boos, rocks away tears, gives lots of hugs, receives sticky kisses and listens to stories that can go on.....and on.....and on.....😃

Chick-fil-A recognizes the challenges of motherhood and is throwing an incredible party for MOMS. ROCKSTAR MOMS, come out and join this awesome event!

Hero Night, Celebrating Moms

The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

Saturday, May 13, 2017

6:30 - 9:30pm

Tickets are just $10 a person and includes museum admission, food and additional family fun activities. You can walk the red carpet fit for every hero as well as have fun & dance with your family on the dance floor! Get your tickets here before they sell out!

All ticket proceeds benefit A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based breast cancer foundation that was started by Diana Napper in 1994 to honor the wishes of her best friend, Carol Jo Weiss Friedman, who lost her battle with the disease in 1990. There will be additional opportunities to give back to A Glimmer of Hope Foundation at the event as well. Visit the art studio, where you can design action her kid capes, decorate your action hero mask or purchase a customized mini-plush Chick-fil-A cow. Follow A Glimmer of Hope on facebook for more updates. 

You'll have the opportunity to leave your mark on the "Thank you Mom Tree" as well as participate in commemorative photos, balloon art designs, face painting, and hair braiding/chalk design. You can also enjoy Chick-fil-A food and snacks from The Children’s Museum’s Red Room Catering.

Thank you, Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh for this special event to celebrate MOMS! We know it's going to be a fantastic evening! 

This post sponsored by Chick-fil-A and The Motherhood. 

412 Food Rescue

40% of food goes to waste. 

1 in 7 people go hungry. 

I'm so thankful that people have taken the initiative to change these statistics here in Pittsburgh. I'm thankful that grocery stores, markets and restaurants have a desire to see their surplus food passed on to people who can use it and that thousands of volunteers have come together to make this happen. 

The mission of 412 Food Rescue is to prevent perfectly good food from entering the waste stream.

412 Food Rescue is the only Pittsburgh organization that directly addresses the fact that we waste 40% of our food while 1 in 7 go hungry. Founded in 2015, 412 Food Rescue and its growing corps of over 2,000 volunteers in the Pittsburgh region have recovered over 1 million pounds of food from over 200 retailers and donated to over 250 nonprofits! 

412 Food Rescue is providing huge resources of ending food waste in our community. They are facilitating thousands of pounds of food from stores and restaurants that would typically be thrown away and engaging a volunteer army to move it to organizations that will put it to use.  It's important to note that this is not "food waste". They do not rescue spoiled food, wilted vegetables, expired food or consumer waste. They recover perfectly good, healthy food –mostly fruits and vegetables. Food is donated for many reasons:

• They are approaching their sell-by dates and need to be used within the day or a few days.
• They are not up to consumers’ “cosmetic standards” for food – consumers want the perfect apple, tomato etc.
• They need to be cooked or eaten today or in a few days – e.g. yellow bananas and other ripe fruit, day old bread that are still good, vegetables that are ready to be cooked today or in a few days. All perfectly good but will need to be consumed soon. 

"412 Food Rescue has helped to ensure that no HACP resident will be denied access to fresh, healthy food. Despite major cuts to the federal SNAP program....412 Food Rescue has managed to effectively end hunger in our public housing communities."

Michelle SandidgeHousing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

My daughter and I recently had the opportunity to do a Food Rescue. It was shockingly easy, close to our home and took less than an hour of time out of our day! We were able to sign up for a pick at a local Giant Eagle and drop off at a family center that were both within 10 minutes of our house. With hundreds of food donors in our region, you can most likely find a location near you as well!

As more food donors come together to eradicate food waste in our city, more and more volunteers are needed! It's a simple task that many of us could add into our weekly schedule. The first step is to download the 412FR app. Go here for  iTunes/iPhone and here for GooglePlay/Android. 

The app allows you to login, see if there are any food rescues needed in your area and allows you to accept the rescue. It's so easy to use! This tutorial explains exactly how to use the app for your rescue. 

 In 2017, 412 Food Rescue is set to hit two million pounds of food rescued and is gearing up to launch its technology in other cities. In less than two years, 412 Food Rescue has been recognized nationally as a leader in food recovery. It is so exciting to see the way food surplus can be distributed in a city and to see other cities getting ready to follow the model that has been initiated in Pittsburgh!

GIVEAWAY:

Want to help spread the word about 412 Food Rescue? Enter our giveaway to win special 412FR swag! Includes a t-shirt, an apron, a bag and stickers (valued at $50).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want to learn more about 412 Food Rescue in person? One of the 412FR co-founders,  Leah Lizarando, will be speaking at NextFest Pittsburgh on Friday, April 7. Go here for more information. 

·    See more on the 412 Food Rescue social media channels:

o    Facebook: http://bit.ly/2nTiW6L

o    Twitter: http://bit.ly/2oRkEmY

o    Instagram:  http://bit.ly/2oR0rxF

o    YouTube: http://bit.ly/2nPjU2m

#412FoodRescue 

#FoodRescueHeroes

#EndFoodWaste

Sponsored post in partnership with The Motherhood on behalf of 412 Food Rescue. 

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.

Giveaway: Pre-Sale Passes to JBF Consignment Sale

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.

SPRING SALE: APRIL 29 - MAY 1

RMU Island Sports Center, Neville Island

7600 Grand Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA  15225

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!

The shopping hours & restrictions vary, so read the following info carefully! 

Thursday, April 28th

9am-9pm- Pre-Sale Shopping!
9 am: Consignor + Guest Pre-Sale (No children or strollers permitted)
10am:  Prime Time Public Shopping ($10 per person.  Purchase tickets here. (No children or strollers permitted)
1pm:  First Time Parents/Grandparents/Foster & Adoptive Parents Pre-Sale (No children or strollers permitted) Reserve your presale pass here.
3pm:  Military Family & Teacher Pre-Sale (No children or strollers permitted) Reserve your Teacher presale pass here.  Reserve your Military Family presale pass here.
6pm: *Children & Strollers ARE Permitted beginning at 6pm
9 pm:  Sale Closes

Friday, April 29th
9am-8pm: Sale Opens to the Public! 
$3 admission fee all day
Get your FREE ADMISSION pass here!

Saturday, April 30th
9am-5pm: Public Sale & NEW Merchandise!  
Admission is FREE!

Sunday, May 1st
9am-5pm: 50% OFF Public Sale! 
MANY items 50% and admission is FREE!  

I have found that it is definitely an advantage to be one of the first shoppers and that 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 Thursday pre-sale opening from 9am-9pm. (Please keep in mind that children and strollers are not permitted until 6pm that day.) Don't forget that a blog comment is required as an entry. Enter at link below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post sponsored by JBF Pittsburgh. All opinions remain my own as I don't endorse venues that I don't love!  

Giveaway: We're swimming in Hanna Andersson

A few weeks ago, we headed to the East Coast during our kid's spring break. Although it certainly wasn't warm enough to swim, my kids were just as happy to play and run in the sand. We were generously given new swim wear by Hanna Andersson and it was the perfect opportunity to test them out!

We swim a lot in the summer and so I always look for swim gear that will hold up to a lot of wear. All of our Hanna Andersson products have held up well through many washings.  I'm also a big fan of rash guards for sun protection. We go through a lot of sunscreen with 4 kiddos, so rash guards help save in the sunscreen budget! 

As soon as I saw this suit, I knew it would be perfect for my Mya girl. She looks so radiant in yellow!

My girls do not like how one pieces pull and tug (I don't blame 'em!) and so they prefer something in two pieces. (Also makes for easier bathroom runs!)  But I also want my girls to have good coverage. Hanna Andersson has so many adorable options for two pieces, there is a ton of variety!

The second day they braved touching the chilly water!

We were staying with some friends who live on a fairly private beach. My kids had the best time running and playing in the sand with no hindrances! 

We didn't bring beach toys with us since we'd only be there a few days, but sticks, solo cups and plastic bowls are all kids need for their imaginations to be in full force!

For anyone looking for a protective swim cap, check out this cute option (there's a matching suit as well!)

For those of you in Pittsburgh, we are lucky enough to have our own newly opened Hanna Andersson store at the Ross Park Mall! Have you checked it out? We have loved the quality of our Hanna Andersson wear. Each piece is super soft and has comfy seams so that kids love to wear it!

We love the new suits and I am thrilled to pass on the special gift of a new Hanna Andersson swim suit to a lucky winner! Enter below for your chance to win.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#ilovemyhannas

#happyhannas

I was given products in exchange for my review. All opinions remain my own as I don't endorse products that I don't love!

Snuggle Bugs + Rock It: PreSale Pass Giveaway

I am a huge fan of the huge consignment sales that come around every spring and fall. It is awesome to be able to head into a big venue and know that you have all the kids items you could need at your fingertips and.......at some fantastic prices! I've purchased everything from a double stroller, clothing, Christmas gifts, bikes, bike seat, helmets, shoes, boots, outside play equipment + more over the past few years.

Snuggle Bugs Consignment is one of the best and they have some unique sales coming up! Read the following images carefully to see which sale (or which ones!) would be best for you.

April 9th - 11th: clothing begins at size 12 months, up to size 10 for girls and up to size 20 for boys.

April 15th - 16th: clothing for older girls, ladies, maternity + household items.

April 29th - 30th: clothing and all baby gear (strollers, highchairs, ect...) for 0 - 12 months. Toys, books, bikes, electronics for all kid's ages. 

If you have clothing, baby gear or toys that you are ready to pass on, you can also consider signing up as a consignor for one of these sales! The cut off date to consign will be happening soon and spots are filling quickly, so sign up at their website as soon as possible.

Consignor Benefits

1. It's easy -- Their website makes entering your items quick and easy!
2. You're in control -- Track your daily sales online! (Detailed sales reports show your sales and inventory).
3. The payout is great -- Earn AT LEAST 60% for your items. Maximize your profit by participating in our incentive programs. (Referral programs, volunteer opportunities and more are available)! Click here to learn how you can make up to 80%.

GIVEAWAY:

My favorite time to shop these sales is at the Pre-Sale for the first shopping pick! We have 8 Pre-
Sale passes to giveaway (4 will be for the Snuggle Bugs sale and 4 will be for Rock It). Pre-sale 
shopping night happens the night before their opening day. 

Before you enter, please like their facebook pages for your first entry. 

https://www.facebook.com/SnuggleBuggin

https://www.facebook.com/ShopRockIt

Click link below to finish your entry. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All three sales will be held at the Iceoplex at Southpoint.

114 Southpointe Boulevard, Canonsburg, PA 15317

This post sponsored by Snuggle Bugs + Rock It Consignment. All opinions remain my own as I don't endorse venues I don't value!