The Land of Nod Store is Now Open and it's Awesome!

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA   http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

The Land of Nod celebrated their Grand Opening on May 31^st at South Coast Plaza here in Orange County. I know, I know.  You saw me Instagram, Facebook and blog about it, so you get the picture.  However, I can’t stress enough how freakin’ awesome this store truly is.  (And yes, I just used “freakin’” in a sentence.)   I was lucky enough to be invited to a pre-opening party the night before their big day.  It was nice to see all the merchandise they offered, as I had previously only seen them via catalogs or online.  Being there in person sealed the deal for me.  There was no way I was walking out of there without a few things.    

The Land of Nod is multi-purpose!  What do I mean by that?  Well, if you're looking to buy party props for example, The Land of Nod has the cutest set of suitcases to decorate any dessert table or candy buffet.  If you’re not planning a party and just want something cute for your home office or the kids’ bedroom these are perfect, too.  Look how stylish they are, and they’re only $19.95 for a set of three!  I mean!!!!!

Do you need storage solutions?!  They’ve got those too!!!  Yup!  Check out this colorful variety of storage baskets for any room in your home!  The prices are incredibly reasonable.

Want to redecorate your child’s room?  They have the most stylish bedding I’ve ever seen!  Seriously, people!  It’s cute!

Need help displaying your children’s art work?  How about these?!  They are so perfect!  And they are bigger than they look, so it won’t appear as if you just slapped some binder clips on your wall.  These bad boys actually screw in to your wall and help you neatly display art work that the littles bring home.  I flipped out over these.  I have a pile of art work in my kitchen that I feel terrible not displaying, but with these clips, I can rotate the art work and still make it look neat.

The Land of Nod store also has some really great books, puzzles and toys.  I bought this Spanish Bingo game to help my kids learn the language.  My mom is horrified that my kids hardly speak Spanish (I’m Mexican and speak Spanish fluently) so I’m hoping this game will help me teach my boys some basic Spanish words (or at least get my mom off my back for a little while).

Another favorite item I got was this Baseball podium.  I thought it was perfect for any boy or girl who gets the game ball in little league.  Awesome, right?!  Ours is already being put to use in my boys’ room, however, we’ve got a whiffle ball on it.

 

The furniture available at The Land of Nod is pretty fantastic, too.  If you’re looking for new cribs or beds for your littles, you should consider checking out the ones at the new South Coast Plaza store.  And can we please talk about all the art work available to decorate their rooms?  So cute!  And just look at this “W” I got for our living room.  I’m planning to work on a gallery wall in our living room this summer, so the “W” (which cost just $3.95) will be a perfect addition to that wall.

Living so close to this store might be dangerous to my bank account.  My husband already asked me not to go without him.  And although he, too, was impressed by my purchases, he’d mainly like to tag along next time to avoid me overspending.  Oh, he’s no fun!  That’s OK, my girlfriends get me.  A few of them were so enticed by my Instagram pictures from the preview event, that they went the very next day to buy some of their favorite things!

If you don’t live close to The Land of Nod, don’t fret!  You can find everything on their website!  And if you have any doubts about just how cool this store is, check out the #NODinCA hashtag.  You can see a ton of other items that bloggers and shoppers have fallen in love with.  If you'd like to ask me any questions regarding any of the items I mentioned or may have seen, please feel free to ask me!  I stand by what I said:  This store is freakin’ awesome!

The Land of Nod has found a new home...Orange County!!!

I've recently been trying to spruce up the decor in my house.  You know when you just get tired of the way your home is decorated so you decide to start making some changes?  Well, I've been making some changes lately!  And next on my list is changing my kids' room.

My boys share a room, so space is limited. My goal for their room has been to save space without compromising the look of the room. You can imagine my excitement when I found out that Orange County will be getting a Land of Nod store very soon.  In fact, the Grand Opening of The Land of Nod store at South Coast Plaza is on May 31st {that's so soon!}.  And the best part is that on that day they will be holding a few giveaways in store and they will have some awesome swag for the early birds!  {Go ahead and stop reading now if you need to run off to go set up your tent!}

Anyhow, in my attempt to make changes to my kids' bedroom, I discovered that The Land of Nod has a ton of storage items for the home that still manage to be functional and cute.  And, they also have other pretty awesome things that would be perfect for their room!  Here are some of my favorites:

1.  Clothes Make the Kid Duvet Cover: This duvet cover and sheet set is PERFECT for my boys' beds!  We are working on getting my youngest his very own big boy bed, so naturally we would need them both to match!

2.  Bon Voyage Suitcase Set:  This might be my favorite thing!  The suitcase set can serve as storage in the boys' room, as well as props for my parties, candy buffets or dessert tables!  BRILLIANT!

3.  Lucky Baseball Holders:  We are a baseball family, so these baseball holders are perfect for my boys to display their future game balls.  Or just to place their favorite baseball on.  I might even use this as part of my husband's Father's Day gift!

4.  Feeding Time Lunch Bag:  I just think this lunch bag is adorable, so one of my two boys must have it!

5.  Been There Done That Wall Book Bin (Midnight Blue):  I'd like to place a couple of these on the wall in the boys' room to alleviate the book mess currently scattered on their floor on a daily basis.

6.  Can't Miss Wall Knobs:  I'm hoping these wall knobs will help us avoid having jackets and backpacks from piling up in the corners of their room.  I can't wait for these!

I cannot wait until this store opens!  I'll definitely be there to buy some of my favorite things, particularly the suitcase set!  Hopefully, I'll be seeing you there.  If I accidentally elbow you as I make my way to the Storage Department, I apologize NOW.  I'm just REALLY excited about these suitcases....like, REALLY excited!


This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA   http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

A Fun Family Activity in Southern California: Knott's Soak City {and a giveaway, too!}

If you've been in Southern California this week {or ever}, you've probably wondered what fun things you could do to beat the heat.  It's been so hot, and even a little humid, that my family has been wishing we had a pool.  And while we haven't yet busted out the the good ole' traditional, plastic blow-up pool, my boys have been looking forward to one thing: going to Knott's Soak City!

I am excited to go to this water park with my littles because 1) they've never been to a water park before and 2) there are numerous areas in the park that are actually kid-friendly!  Many theme parks have the average 42 inch requirement, and sadly, my 4 year-old isn't quite there yet.  It's not his fault....he inherited my short genes.  When my husband and I go to theme parks with him, we get a little sad for him because he can't quite enjoy the rides he'd like to.  Luckily, at Knott's Soak City, there are a few areas that are perfect for little people and are still fun.  It's way better than just riding on the carousel all day!  They've got the Gremmie Lagoon, which requires swimmers to be UNDER 54 inches barefoot. Check!!  We've got that covered! We will also be enjoying the Sunset River as a family, the Tidal Wave Bay and the Toyota Beach House; all kid and family-friendly!  I better remember to pack the sunscreen!  There's no way I'll get my boys out of Soak City that day!  They might have to kick us out!

To celebrate the kickoff of Knott's Soak City's thrill seeking, season of fun {which begins on May 18th}, I've got TWO tickets for one reader to enjoy! And if you want, you can even enjoy a season pass for as low as just $59.99 {but hurry, prices go up May 27th}!

If you live in So Cal, you know how great water park season is and if you plan on visiting and are looking for things to do in Southern California with kids, well, this is it!!!!  Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below.  Winner will be chosen on Monday, May 20, 2013 at 12:00am PST.  Stay cool this Summer!


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No purchase necessary. One winner per household. All opinions expressed are my own.  Tickets are courtesy of GigaSavvy.

The Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy the NEW GRACO FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller

A few weeks ago, Graco sent me their newly debuted, FastAction Fold Jogger Click Connect Stroller.  {That being said, please know that all thoughts and opinions from this point forward are absolutely my own.}  They also asked me to host a small party with other bloggers to demonstrate why Graco's first jogging stroller is ideal for the active mom.  Uhhhh....did somebody say, PARTY?!  Obviously, this was right up my alley!  I love parties!  And I was able to meet some awesome new bloggers.

The ladies enjoyed the demonstration and were able to ask a lot of questions on the details of the stroller's functions and specifications.

I realize that, often, stroller shopping can be such a nightmare.  The task of researching strollers, alone, can be daunting.  You try your hardest to do your research, then, just when you are confident you've chosen the right one, you take it home, use it for a few outings and realize.....you hate it!  More difficult still, is when you try to purchase a jogging stroller so you can train for your impending 5K or half marathon, or simply to help you get back into pre-baby shape.  Those jogging strollers all look great and easy to use, but pushing them during a jog or brisk walk can be more than you bargained for.  Well, don't worry!  If you are in the market for a new jogging stroller {or just the everyday use stroller} I TRULY recommend you get this stroller.  I don't say that just because Graco gave me the stroller.  I honestly LOVE this stroller!  I've owned a couple jogging strollers and each one always seemed like they were too heavy, too cramped, too rigid.  I always found something wrong with them.  There was always something that gave me the perfect excuse to not run with it.  With this stroller, all of those excuses have gone out the window {Damn!}  Let me tell you why:

Top 5 Reasons I Think You Should Get the New GRACO FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller

{#GracoJogger #ad}

1.  It's easy to fold and open: The FastAction Fold feature is easy to use with a quick, single step fold that automatically locks and even self-stands when folded, by use of it's uber-fancy kickstand.  You can hold your baby in one hand and fold the stroller up in the other hand.

2.  It has a Smartphone/ iPod cradle just for you:  My phone can be locked in securely to the parent tray while I run.  And if I forget to take my phone out when I fold up the stroller, it stays locked in any way!  No more crash landings from the stroller, for my phone! {I'm notorious for this!}

3.  It has large, air-filled rubber tires:  These bike-like tires make for a smooth ride for both mom and baby.  No struggling to push the stroller on rough terrain for you and the baby doesn't have to endure a bumpy ride.

4.  It has a lockable front swivel tire:  Most jogging strollers have a front tire that does not move freely.  It stays locked, allowing you to run....perfectly straight.  That would be cool if you never had to turn the stroller, especially when using the stroller in a non-exercise related outing.  But, reality is that turning the stroller is necessary.  And with the front tire unlocked, you won't be that mom that looks like she can't maneuver her own stroller.  The FastAction Fold Jogger allows you to unlock the front tire for easy maneuvering during an average day out.  I LOVE this! 

5.  It has an extra-large storage basket:  The size of the storage basket is awesome for someone like me, who notoriously brings everything in the house. Blankets, jackets, toys, the giant diaper bag, my purse....and the list could go on and on.

If you are an active mom and are looking for a new jogging stroller, the FastAction Fold is what you are looking for. I promise.  I'll be more than happy to answer questions if you have any.  Don't like, the green and gray color combo?  Check out Target, Walmart, Babies R' Us, Buy Buy Baby or Amazon to get the color combo you want.  It comes in red, purple, orange, black and teal.  And if you need this as a travel system, it's also available!  As a travel system you'll find the FastAction Fold for $299.99.  Without the infant carrier, it's just $179.99.  You'll also be happy to know that this stroller is compatible with any of the Graco car seats with the Click Connect technology.  If you already have one, you'll be all set to use this new jogger with it.

Huge thanks to all the ladies that came out last week!  We had a great time and I was so glad to meet all of you and your littles.

Graco’s NEW jogger is the ultimate crossover stroller, combining all the comfort and convenience features of a traditional stroller (FastAction Fold and Click Connect Technology) with performance and maneuverability of an all-terrain jogger.

As an added bonus, Graco’s innovative one-second, one-hand FastAction™ fold automatically locks & is self-standing.

This post is sponsored by Graco.

Spring has Sprung...and it brings a GIVEAWAY!

Our Spring Break was last week.  My husband and I both work in education, so we are fortunate enough to actually have a real Spring Break and we were glad it happened to land on the same week as our son's Spring Break.  Naturally, we planned a few family outings to keep us busy and to keep us from noticing that we weren't really on vacation, but rather on a "Stay-cation".   We had a great time and the boys were excited to spend so much quality time with us.  But, I must say that the most awesome {and shocking} thing we did during our Spring Break was GARDEN!!!  Yes friends, I gardened!!!!

I grew up in an apartment most of my childhood.  My parents bought their first home when I went off to college.  {I guess they were finally able to afford it once their oldest child left the nest.}  As a result, I never did any gardening or yard work.  I didn't have to.  I spent my summers at the swimming pool in our complex and I loved it.  Meanwhile, my husband grew up with a backyard that served as a partial zoo, complete with chickens, tortoises, cats and dogs.  To this day his family still jokes that the kids spent all day outside "digging to China".

Anyhow, I just recently confessed that I'd never gardened before...in my LIFE!  When we bought our house, I told him I wanted an array of colorful flowers in our front flower beds.  Well, that was five years ago.  I finally mentioned it again last week, so this time he was determined to get me to "dig in the dirt".  First, he gave me a Pulling Weeds 101 course (man, does pulling weeds SUCK!)  Then, we drove right over to Home Depot and picked out the flowers we thought might look best.  It took a full 3 hours to get the flower beds looking better than they did.  Below are the results.  Not bad for a first timer!

In honor of this momentous occasion (trust me...it's HUGE in this house!) and just because it's Spring,  I would like to share a little giveaway with all of you! Together, with some pretty awesome blogger pals of mine we are giving away two prizes; A $500 gift card to B&H Photo, Video & Pro Audio and a $250 gift card to Kelly Moore bags.

We are calling it The Click & Carry Giveaway!  Like it?  I think it's cute and catchy.

The Click & Carry Giveaway begins Tuesday, April 16th and ends at 12:00am on April 23, 2013.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.  Void where prohibited.

All entries are optional with the exception of providing an email address so that we may contact you if you were to win.  We will never sell, distribute, or spam your email.  

Two winners will be chosen by Rafflecopter (powered by Random.org). The first winner chosen will have the option of choosing between a $500 gift card to B&H Photo, Video & Pro Audio or a $250 gift card to Kelly Moore Bags. The second prize winner will be awarded the item that was not chosen by the first prize winner. Gift cards are not transferable and cannot be exchanged for a cash prize.

This is a non-sponsored post.  Prizes were purchased by a group of participating bloggers.  B&H Photo, Video & Pro Audio and Kelly Moore Bags are not affiliated with this giveaway.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to the owner of this Facebook page and not to Facebook.

This promotion is powered by Rafflecopter. Metric Feat LLC (“Rafflecopter”) does not sponsor, administer, or endorse this promotion. Participants must read and agree to Rafflecopter’s Privacy Policy before entering and participating in this promotion.

Awesome graphic by the talented Lindsay Goldner at LLYDesigns.