It’s August! Rather than being dismayed at the end of summer fun, it’s time to take advantage of the hot deals available this month. As everyone prepares for the crisp fall season, retailers are anxious to unload outdoor gear and there are screaming good deals to be had. If you want to save some cash (and make sure you’re well-outfitted next spring), take advantage of deep discounts on the following:

Patio Furniture: The entire 7-Piece Country Living Seneca Patio Set (above) is available for $374.99 after discounts–more than 50% off the original price of $799.99. Shop for more deals on patio furniture.

Camping Equipment: Save 20% on the Wenzel 9×7 4-Person Tent (currently $39.97, was $49.99). Shop sale tents and camping gear.

Water Toys and Swimming Pools: For inflatable backyard fun, snag something like the Intex Rainbow Ring Playcenter at 30% off (currently $31.48 was $44.99–click the Target store to see the sale).

And finally… don’t forget to check out sales on swimsuits, shorts and tank tops for the whole family!

To see the great sale items every day, follow us on Twitter!

–Becky Ellis

Packing lunches is a great way to save cash and eat healthfully: No running out for a $9 fast food lunch or succumbing to the temptations of the office vending machine for you, and no mystery meat school lunches for your kids. But all those plastic sandwich bags (or Saran Wrap, for that matter) are tough to recycle, and end up clogging landfills. What’s more, some organizations, like the nonprofit Healthy Child, Healthy World, site concerns about the impact these plastics can have on kids. Rather than abandon the sack lunch, try packing sandwiches and snacks in reusable, non-toxic bags. The Snack Taxi Snack Sack (pictured above) comes in several sizes and a host of cool prints to make lunch time more fun. The Wrap-N-Mat (below) unfolds to a placemat, so it’s perfect for toting along on picnics or hikes where there may not be a clean place to put down food. The FreshSnackPack (bottom) can hold an entire lunch in its clear pouch.

–Becky Ellis

I’ve loved designer Cynthia Rowley since I spotted her in a park a few months after I moved to New York. She designs gorgeous, quirky-feminine clothes and accessories, and over the years has expanded her empire to include eyeglasses, kids’ clothing and now, the ultimate tiny-tot accessory: diapers! Target recently announced that Rowley and Pampers have collaborated on an exclusive collection that will be launch this month at Target stores. They’ll be available in 11 pastel prints, including madras plaid, strips and printed ruffles, and cost $15.99 for 24 toddler-sized diapers.

What do you think? Would you buy these?

–Becky Ellis

I’m a bit of a broken record when it comes to sunscreen. Skin damage is cumulative, and it starts from the time we’re kids. Problem is, it’s hard to get the wee ones to sit sit still for sunscreen application. Shady Day is a Mom-owned, Mom-focused company that came up with all sorts of creative ways to get kids slathered in SPF as quickly and painlessly as possible. First they created the Shady Day Sun Protecting Wipes SPF 30 (above). Individually packaged towelettes contain enough sunscreen to protect from head to toe, and they’re easy to apply (just wipe–no extensive rubbing necessary). For concentrated applications or touch-ups on easy-to-burn areas like the nose, they’ve got the Shady Day Stick SPF 30, and for more all-over protection, Shady Day Spray SPF 30, a low-oil formula that absorbs fast and dries quickly. In addition to winning awards from major parenting magazines, all products are dermatologist- and mom-tested… and kid approved. Plus, the wipes and stick are great non-liquid items to stash in your carry-on bag!

Remember how terrible it was to get blood drawn when you were a kid? The needle seemed so big and so scary (getting a blood drawn is no picnic now, either!). It’s no wonder, then, that kids with diabetes hate testing themselves over and over again throughout the day. If this is something that your child is struggling with, check out Bayer’s Didget meter, which is the only blood glucose monitor just for kids. It motivates kids to test by hooking up to a Nintendo DS system. When kids test regularly, it rewards them with points that can be used to unlock special levels and game features. Kids can even connect to a worldwide Didget community.

Obviously, managing diabetes is no fun–for kids or parents–but incorporating games and rewards can be the “spoon full of sugar” that makes testing go down a little easier.

The groove and crevice cleaner removes debris from all those outdoor spaces that are hard to reach: between deck planks, bricks, patio tiles and concrete slabs. The steel blade is weather- and rust-resistant, and the long 32-inch handle lets clean without bending or stooping. Just $19.95!

It’s the home version of the popular NBC TV game show! The rules of Deal or No Deal are simple, but this game of odds and chance is a challenge. First, select a briefcase. As each round progresses, you have to decide whether to keep your briefcase or make a deal with the bank for a different one. Will you hold back or take a huge risk? Each right choice will bring you closer to winning the game. Only $13.98!

The Golfer’s Doorstop is the perfect gift for the lunatic golfer. This device acts like a traditional door wedge and it’s also a putting aid. A thin ramp will help sharpen your dad’s aim, hone his speed control, and further feed their golfing addiction. Includes the golf ball, and it’s only $17.95.

The Mischief Maker’s Manual, an illustrated book, was written for kids but is great for anyone who still loves to pull pranks on people. Five specific sections, including “Do-It-Yourself” and “Recipes,” offer readers an amusing guide to pulling off perfect pranks, such as making crank calls and creating an eerie foaming toilet, complete with step-by-step instructions and “helpful” illustrations. Less than $15!

They’re not the sexiest items to shop for, but having a stocked emergency kit is a necessity. With hurricane season upon us, it’s especially essential for those in the south and other flood-prone areas to be prepared. You may already have many of the things on the government’s list of recommended items (below), but take a moment to review the contents of the basic emergency supply kit and stock up on what you need:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

Battery-powered or hand crank radio (I like the Stansport Compact Crank, Solar Power and Battery Powered Flashlight and AM/FM Radio, pictured above)

NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

Flashlight and extra batteries

First aid kit

Whistle to signal for help

Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air

Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

We’re just a few weeks away from the first official day of summer, and if you haven’t already been trolling the sunscreen aisles for sun protection, it’s time to get started! Here’s something that will make the selection easier: Consumer Reports tested 12 leading sunscreens and just released the findings. The magazine has never had ads–so you never have to worry about undue influence from companies spending money to get their products in the pages–and the products were tested by an outside lab to see how well they kept volunteers from burning.

Two of the best? Banana Boat UltraMist Continuous Spray SPF 30 (above) and Aveeno Continuous Protection spray SPF 50 (below), both of which are under $10. (One of the most expensive sunscreens–at $18.82 an ounce–ranked near the bottom!) Experts added that many of the sunscreens, including drugstore brands, performed very well, so consumers should factor in the smell and feel of the product to ensure they enjoy (and therfore, will wear) it.

Parents amass new works of art at an alarming rate. While you want to encourage your budding Picasso, you may be at a loss for what to do with the piles of paintings and drawings you’ve got covering your fridge. If you’re loathe to throw them out but don’t want a flurry of papers raining down every time you go for the crisper, pick up a couple of these Li’l DaVinci Store & Display Art Cabinets.

Each frame has a discrete hinge that allows you to insert and shuffle the display without removing it from the wall. The mat is mounted to the glass, and each frame holds up to 50 pages. Get several and turn a hallway or the wall of your child’s bedroom into a gallery (and storage facility!).

We all know that there’s no gift large enough or expensive enough to adequately express appreciation for everything our moms have done for us. Childbirth alone would warrant a car or a house or a trip to Paris, and just forget about the debt we owe her for our teen years.

Of course, moms often don’t care about the gift at all (think of those twig and popsicle stick houses we made a summer camp) but just love to be remembered. If you’re on a budget (or if your mom, like mine, wants you to save your money rather than buy her things), these three gifts are beautiful ways to show your mom you’re thinking about her, without draining your bank account.   

(Above: Print Condition Scarf, $16)

Voluspa Pedestal Candle/ Santiago Huckleberry, $16

Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Therapy Cream, $15

I’m not always up on the latest in children’s literature but, since it was released last week, I’ve been reading about Queen Raina of Jordan’s book, The Sandwich Swap, all over the web. In it, two best friends–Lily and Salma–disagree over whose sandwich tastes better; Lily prefers peanut butter, while Salma likes humus. Tensions escalate when each girl insists that her sandwich is tasty while the other’s is yucky, until together they find a way to make peace with each other (and the lunchroom).

Inspired by one of Queen Raina’s own memories, this beautifully illustrated book is a great way to introduce preschoolers and early grade schoolers to ideas of open-mindedness, communication and the value of peace and friendship.

I never know what to buy for baby showers. I always want to bring something truly original, but ultimately end up in a huge store staring at a wall of pink and blue merchandise. Adding to my confusion, it’s always surprising that the items for such tiny people can come with such huge price tags! But I just found miYim, an organic toy company that makes items that fit all my criteria (original, affordable, adorable), and, because it’s never too early to start teaching wee ones to care for the environment, it’s eco-friendly, too.

In addition to producing cute baby goods, miYim practices what they preach. Their plush toys are crafted from organic cotton (check out my post here for more info on why that’s so important) and colored with the PureWaterWash™ process, where untreated cotton thread is woven into fabric and brightened with nature’s own plants and minerals.  The fabric is then hand dyed repeatedly in soy-water to set the color. They’re also committed to fair labor practices and low-impact manufacturing, so you can be sure that each toy you buy will not only enrich the life of a child, but the lives of the people in the community where it’s made.

Check out a host of miYim toys here, or go directly to some of my favorites: miYim’s Organic Monkey Ring Stacker (above); the miYim Organic Monkey Lovie Blankee (below); and the miYim Organic Gift Set (bottom).

Infants and Toddlers: The Potty Caddy, by Rachel Gordon

Add a little fun to the most basic of human functions! According to NAPPA, this kit contains “a funny little book for kids teaches “The Potty Song” and answers questions like, “How do I know when I have to pee?” and “My poop looks like clay. Is it OK if I play with it?” The kit also includes an informative pamphlet, written by a professor of pediatricians, that offers practical tips for parents, such as throwing a “good-bye diapers!” party to help your child transition to the toilet. A helpful chart with stickers that cheer “hurray for poop” and “yippee for pee,” accompanied by a pack of 100 “toilet targets,” add motivation, positive reinforcement and fun to the process.”

Preschoolers & Up: Make Your Own Animal Puppets

Some toys are classics for a reason! In this sock-puppet kit, three soft socks get reincarnated as cows, elephants, pigs or your own wacky creation with felt shapes, googly eyes and fun fur, just peel and stick (careful! They can’t be repositioned once adhered). From NAPPA: “Parents will appreciate that his art kit leaves little mess to clean up and sparks imaginative play even after the activity of creating is done.”

Ages 6 & Up: Crayola Art Studio

Leave it to Crayola to create a PC program to nurture creativity and tech savvy all at once. NAPPA says: “This powerful creativity application for the PC invites kids to learn to create, edit and transform digital images with fun-to-use digital tools, such as Crayola Pencils, Paints, Markers and Crayons. The easy-to-learn interface provides a perfect introduction to the standard layout of tools, features and functions found across computer applications that kids will encounter as they grow older.”

Ages 9 & Up: Quelf

Kids (and parents) get goofy in this hilarious board game combining stunts, quiz questions, wacky rules and kooky topics. From NAPPA: “In this game, the word “random” takes on new meaning… Hundreds of hilarious game cards cover everything from barnyard sing-alongs to dancing prison guards; origami dinosaurs to spooky ghost stories; presidents to chickens; bellydancing to thumb wrestling … and more. Whether you win or lose, the non-stop laughter is what keeps everybody playing. Quelf is simultaneously bizarre, perplexing, occasionally embarrassing, generally silly, and never the same game twice.”

Ages 12 & Up: It’s All Too Much, So Get It Together: Less Junk, Cleaner Mind, Better Life, by Peter Walsh

Best known for his role on TLC’S Clean Sweep, Peter Walsh helps teens clear the mental and physical clutter they accumulate from their moving-at-the-speed-of-Twitter lives. NAPPA says that “this book has so many great suggestions that parents may want to sneak it out of their teen’s room for their own reading. The good news is that the entire family will quickly start applying Walsh’s organizational secrets to create calmer surroundings and increase peace of mind.”

For more great products, check out all of the NAPPA winners.

It sure doesn’t look sexy, but this Powermat charger might be a busy family’s dream.

Whether you’re sick of the tangle of cords from a dozen different devices, forgetting to charge your phone or, worse, grabbing it from the charger only to discover that you’d kicked the plug out of the wall, the Powermat may be the answer to your prayers.

First, it’s easy. Just plop your device on the Powermat, listen for the tone that indicates the charging has started, and go. Your wireless device will charge as quickly as it would if plugged into the wall. But the best part is that it charges up to three devices at once, including Blackberrys, iPhones, iPods, Nintendo DSi or DS Lite, Sony Playstation Portables, some Kodak cameras and more. So you can keep the whole family’s tech gear charged-up and corralled in one location.

The words “toilet cover” usually conjure up cringe-worthy images of your grandma’s toilet draped in orange and green shag carpet remnants. Most people are happy to live with a clean white toilet lid. But what if you live in an apartment with a less-than-perfect commode, or you’re just tired of plain white? Enter Toilet Tattoos, a fun way to dress up your toilet cover.

These removable, reusable clings are easy to use and clean. Just peel the decal from the backer card packaging, place it on the toilet lid, and smooth it out. Because Toilet Tattoos are made from electrostatic vinyl film, they are reusable and will not harm the toilet lid when removed.  They come in an array of designs including ranging from classic patters and floral scenes to kids themes and holiday motifs. They are a fun addition to a kid’s bathroom where you might want a bold splash of color. The company also has three styles designed to inspire little kids to graduate from diapers to the commode.

The idea for Toilet Tattoos came about when fashion design entrepreneur Celeste Massullo couldn’t find what she wanted on the market. “I wanted to decorate my toilet in a creative, modern and clean way, but soon realized that toilet decor products had not changed for decades,” says Massullo.

At just $9.95, you can get a few and add a new look each season!

One of the best ways to get your kids interested in food—and to try new things—is to encourage them to cook with you in the kitchen. The Handstand Kids Cookbooks make the task fun and easy!

The cookbooks help kids explore different cultures, recipes and languages from the safety of your kitchen. The books are based around five characters, the Handstand Kids, who have diverse interests and backgrounds that help kids relate to them: Felix is a vegetarian, Izzy loves to cook for his diabetic sister, Ari uses her cooking skills to volunteer at kid’s charities, Gabby speaks Spanish and English, and Marvin is an aspiring executive chef. So far, there are three books in the series based on Chinese, Mexican and Italian cuisines, and each cookbook comes with a utensil relevant to the culture. The Chinese book has a takeout box and and chopsticks, the Italian book has a chef’s hat, and the Mexican cookbook has an oven mitt.

The newest, the Chinese Cookbook, ties recipes to cultural lessons. For example, the The Great Wall of Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe ties together with a lesson on the Great Wall of China and Kung Pow! (Kung Pao Tofu), showing the characters doing karate.

“The goal of the Handstand Kids Cookbook series is to create a global community of children,” said Yvette Garfield, author and founder of the Handstand Kids Cookbook Company. “The series not only introduces kids to recipes from around the word, but encourages them to use their new skills to get involved in their community.”

Hidden Message Collar Stays

In middle school, it was all about the dance. I’d shop at 5-7-9 for some satin or lace dress in red or pink. Gussied up in Bonnie Bell chapstick, my friends and I would wait near the bleachers until some “cool” boys would ask us to dance. We were waiting a long time.

I’m all grown up now, and I realize that Valentine’s Day isn’t about waiting around for your date to make the first move. It’s nice to find a silly, romantic gift to share with your loved one. For my husband, I’m thinking about these secret message collar stays. This set of 12 stays come with six each of two sizes, 2-1/2″ and 2-3/4″. They say cute things like “You’re so handsome,” “You make me laugh,” and “You keep me warm.” Bonus: they come all wrapped up in a black leather carrying case lined with red faux suede. Oo la la!

While serveware was a big part of the presentation for the holiday season, now that the holidays are over, you can still serve your favorite dishes and treats in style all year long. Villeroy & Boch’s new Ethno Serveware offers an ultra modern way of serving up your culinary creations. This line is made of aluminum alloy material and is uniquely designed with a beautiful, artistic vibe.

Each of the pieces from this collection is made with a slanted, squared look which is fluid in appearance. The pieces are sleek in shape and modern in design and are a perfect presentation with any color or design of tableware.  An added feature of the Ethno Serveware is that it’s oven safe, up to 200 degrees  and is designed to retain heat with hot foods and keep cool foods chilled.  Now you can serve all your favorite dishes perfectly every time.

Shop all Ethno Serveware Now

Twilight Turtle Constellation Night Light on Sale $29.95

Twilight Turtle Constellation Nightlight transforms any room into a starry night sky to help your little one fall asleep sooner, sounder and easier than ever. From within his plastic shell, Twilight Turtle projects a magical constellation of stars onto the bedroom ceiling and walls in three soothing color options. Twilight Turtle’s shell illuminates like a nightlight to help ease children’s fear of the dark. This interactive and educational toy includes eight actual constellations (such as The Big Dipper) embedded in the star pattern. Parents can sit with their tots and identify these major constellations using the beautifully illustrated Twilight Turtle Star Guide. Twilight Turtle helps make bedtime fun for children ages two and above. It received the National Parenting Seal of Approval. It was the 2006 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice, Baby Talk Editor’s Choice and iParenting Award Winner.

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Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs Video Game

I think it’s practically impossible to beat a children’s book about a town where it rains everything from hamburgers to pizza to ice cream. Then I actually saw a movie about it and realized that I was, indeed, wrong. And that is why I am highly recommending that everyone go see the new Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs movie that comes out today.

Before I continue raving about how wonderful this movie is, full disclosure: my significant other worked on the animation for it. But really, aside from that, I have to say it’s one of the best movies I’ve seen this year, if not THE best. Based on the well-loved children’s book by Judi Barrett, the movie’s characters include the voices of Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan, Andy Samberg, and even Mr. T!!

I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s a great movie for kids and adults alike — the humor is somewhat edgy and sophisticated, the artwork and graphics are amazing — even the closing credits are unique!

Check it out today — and definitely add the children’s book to your collection! There’s even a video game too!

JanSport Superbreak Backpack -Sale $24.99

There’s one item that should be on every back-to-school shopping list – The JanSport Superbreak Backpack. It has been the  #1 selling backpack for students around the world for more than 30 years and has been reinvented almost as many times as it is years old. And this year is no different. With the introduction of the most sought-after pattern of the year (white and black flowers), the Superbreak is hotter than ever with its fashion forward designs & colors. The Superbreak backpack features padded shoulder straps, a large main compartment, front utility pocket with organizer, 2/3 padded back panel for cushioning comfort & a web haul loop. Its dimensions are 16.75x13x8.5 if you’re counting. And you can count on this stylish backpack to be your lifesaver – from hauling books and papers around school to being the perfect overnight bag. And it’s on sale for $24.99. What more can you ask for?

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Shop the Back-to-School Shop

In anticipation of Back-to-School, retailers everywhere are starting to slash prices on everything from school supplies to school uniforms. And not only are they having great blowout Back-to-School sales and offers, but they’re really hyping it up with contests and giveaways too, like Bing’s Back-to-School Backpack Contest, where you can win a $500 Visa cash card and a new backpack simply by following their Twitter account.

And some sites are even going bigger than a contest — they’re creating a dedicated microsite, like CookieMag’s School Year’s Eve promotion. The promo starts August 15th and encourages parents to throw their own School Year’s Eve party — which apparently is August 30th. Then they have to take photos of the party and upload them to the School Year’s Eve site. If their party is chosen (the criteria is vague on the site), then they’ll win $1,500 for their school or PTA unit. Neat, right? The site also features some handy resources and party planning tips to get you started.

In addition to the fun Back-to-School promotion, CookiesKids is also slashing prices on many of their school uniforms and kids’ clothing items. Here are some hot deals from Cookie’s Kids:

Akademiks Baroque Hoodie on sale for $14.99

Hannah Montana Lunchbag only $5.99!

Rocawear Boys Jacket on sale for $14.99

Want to see more back-to-school sale items?

Shop Cookie’s Kids clothing now
Shop Cookie’s Baby Items now
Shop Cookie’s Shoes now

Go back in time when you go back-to-school with this Orange Crush Lunch Box. This flirty lunchbox has a funky retro style that will make you the envy of the cafeteria. Metal lunch box and closure. $9.99

Hurley Houndstooth lunch box has Hurley embroidery on the front and Houndstooth screen prints. It sports a convenient carry handle at the top and the main compartment has a wide mouth opening on front to fit all those great lunches.  Plus, it’s got the Hurley logo so you are sure to be stylin’ wherever you go. $13.50

The Gap Fall Butterfly lunchbox has a gorgeous feminine pattern that matches the Gap Fall Butterfly Backpack.  This lunchbox is insulated so your hot or cold lunches are protected. It has a shoulder strap or a backpack attachment that clips it on securely plus a name and address label inside. $14.50

ECOlunchbox Stainless Steel is perfect for eco-minded lunchtimers that are tired of toting their lunch around in a plastic container. The oval-shaped ECOlunchbox is a simple way to pack your meal without worrying about plastic, lead or BPA. Made of high-quality, food-grade stainless steel, the ECOlunchbox is sized to stack 2 halves of a sandwich and still have room for chips, fruit or vegetables on the side. Included stainless-steel cup has a no-leak, BPA-free plastic lid to hold sauces, dressings, yogurt and applesauce. Containers fit easily into a backpack or briefcase. $22.00

Now school lunches can be made more fun with Crocodile Creek’s very special line of beautifully-designed, high quality lunch boxes. For the boy that loves fire trucks, this colorful edition is made of quality materials with extra insulated lining and padding to keep food fresh and protected. Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth after use. It has extra padding to prevent crushing and is PVC and phthalate free. $15.99

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Land's End Featherlite Backpack

Have you shopped at Lands’ End lately? I remember them fondly from my high school days, but it’s a been awhile since I’ve thumbed through their catalogue lately. (I know, no one uses catalogues anymore.) I went on their site today and was amazed by the entire section they’ve dedicated to their Back-to-School offerings. They’ve got a great backpack guide which highlights their four major brands/offerings: their Outdoor/Recycled backpacks, their ClassMate backpacks, their multipurpose backpacks, and their lunch bags and boxes. I think my favorite is definitely the Lands’ End MultiTask backpack — it’s got “overachiever” written all over it and looks like one of those power packs that superheroes use to fly. Plus I’m all about multitasking. But seriously, it can hold a bike helmet, cleats, has reflective trim to keep kids safe, an MP3 player pouch and more. It comes in powerful colors like Aztec Gold, Cobalt Blue, Olive, and more.

My second favorite would have to be the Lands’ End Eco-friendly backpack. I love the criss-cross design on the back flap and the fact that it’s made from 100% recycled fabric.

If you want something a bit more affordable, check out the Classic ClassMate backpack.  These are great, sturdy backpacks that come in great back-to-school colors at great back-t0-school prices. They fit kids ages 7 and up and most are on sale for about $24 and up. I especially love their new StudyHaul line of lunchboxes that feature an ice pack that keeps food cold for up to 5 hours! Get it,  StudyHaul? I love it.

Don’t miss the sales going on at Lands’ End!

Shop backpacks at Lands’ End now

Didj Customer Learning Gaming System from Leapfrog

With back-to-school season in full swing, it’s no wonder at SHOP.COM we’re seeing more people interested in educational books and toys lately. Not to mention the long car trips and poolside leisure time during the summer that are best enjoyed when the children have something to do (and I’m talking about for the parents’ sake).

I discovered Leapfrog toys a few years ago when I needed to buy some reading tools for a weekend class I was teaching, and I was floored at how great they are! I’m such a fan that I bought my cousin’s child an alphabet toy from Leapfrog a several months ago that sings in both English and Spanish and it was a hit! (Because parents love toys that sing and make tons of noise!)

So that’s why I’m letting you know that right now, Leapfrog’s having an amazing Back-to-School sale, with most of their educational books, toys, and software 20% off right now.

The Didj line from Leapfrog is always a bestseller — the Didj gamer above helps kids 6-10 play fun and educational games that help them with math, spelling, and reading skills.

For younger kids that are elementary-school age, check out Leapfrog’s “Tag” line of books — they bring your fave classics like The Cat in the Hat and SpongeBob SquarePants to life by using a special Tag reader to help build vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. The reader below comes with Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat.

Leapfrog Tag Reading System

These make great gifts and are so much fun to share with your kids — and are on sale just in time for back-to-school!

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Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Kate Spade “aimme” bag was: $195 now:$129.90	Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Calvin Klein Jeans Flare Stretch Jeans was: $49.50 now: $29.90
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Frenchi Sweater Dress was: $48 now: $31.90	Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Marc by Marc Jacobs Watch was: $125 now: $82.90
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Teardrop Hoop Earrings was: $42 now: $27.90	Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Betsey Johnson Thongs was: $12 now: $7.90

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So many products are inspired by and named after lollipops. Their bright colors bring out the kid in everyone. Check out these lollipop-themed items on SHOP.com!

BUY Just Cavali lollipop skirt pencil skirt, Saks Fifth Avenue

BUY Juicy Couture lollipop boyshorts

BUY Alivar lollipop chairs 

BUY lollipop lamp

BUY rawhide lollipops for your dog

BUY lollipop print baby blanket

Crocodile Creek Stainless Steel Drinking Bottle – Jungle Jive – $10.00

It’s been hot. Really hot. And my three year old has been asking for: “cold water, mama… real cold, please!” The thing is, no matter how cold the water is when I give it to him in the car – it gets scorching hot in 15 minutes or less. Not only is sipping hot water unpleasant for him,  I don’t really like the idea of phthalates leeching into his water from plastic bottles. Recently, I discovered the absolute coolest invention for kids from Crocodile Creek. It’s their Eco Kids Stainless Steel water bottle. It comes in tons of fun colors and themes. My son loves this Jungle Jive version complete with colorful animals like lions, zebras and monkeys.  These water bottles  are so cool because they can be used for water, juice or milk and kids can drink either directly from the bottle or through the HDPE #2 sipper spout. The best part is that stainless steel is an earth-friendly, reusable alternative to plastic and other epoxy-lined metal containers. It does not leach chemicals, stain, corrode or rust and it’s 100% recyclable.  How’s that for eco-friendly and kid friendly?

Chic Papoose Baby Sling $68

The Chic Papoose sling, featured in the “Celeste” pattern, makes a brief appearance in a scene where Heather Graham’s character, Jade, is reunited with her baby.

Created by a work-at-home-mom, Chic Papoose was designed in response to the decidedly un-chic baby slings that women would buy to carry their baby. Instead of gender-neutral colors and cutesy baby prints, Chic Papoose features reversible slings made of coordinated, of-the-moment designer fabrics. The stylish sashes let you keep your hands free while keeping your baby up close and comfortable near you. They are easy to care for, too; just machine wash and dry. The fabrics are prewashed to help avoid shrinkage. What’s not to like?

It probably boils down to thoughtfulness. I’m love to cook and don’t mind providing an endless supply of clean towels. If you’re staying longer than 3 days, however, it’s nice when guests chip in and help with the dishes.

Luckily, most of my guests are great to have around. We laugh, cook together and feel sad when it’s time to say goodbye. They’re not pilfering stuff from my medicine cabinet or hogging the television remote!

Then there’s the guest horror stories. Recently a certain guest left a pile of sopping wet towels on my guest room bed. Yes, I have to wash the sheets anyway, but now I have to let the mattress air dry, too. And then there was the married couple who can’t sleep in the same bed because the husband snores. So he sleeps on the sofa and keeps the rest of us up all night. Joy!

One of the most thoughtful gestures any guest can do is to bring a little token of appreciation. If you’re one of those people who love to bring people little gifts, SHOP.COM has lots of adorable options that will make you and your host happy!

Maybe it’s my Midwest roots, but decorating for special events makes me feel like life is one big party, punctuated by fun times with family and friends. Kind of like diving into a Norman Rockwell painting.

This year, we have family coming in town for the July 4th weekend. Unfortunately, I don’t have boxes of Americana waiting patiently in storage for the upcoming holiday. My style is decidedly “less is more,” and I like to keep clutter at bay. I usually opt to swap out accessories seasonally instead of adding extra kitsch. I poked around on SHOP.COM and found some pretty decorations that will look great next weekend and the rest of the summer. Check them out!

Set of three handcrafted metal stars

Polka dot pillow

Recycled lantern

Outdoor rugs from Ballard Designs

Renata Wooden Bench from Grandin Road

With the increased activity of my porch, I feel the need to make it more comfortable, and of course, stylish! The weathered adirondack chairs have seen better days, so I’m shopping for new outdoor seating. A wooden bench will fit the space perfectly, spruced up with a few colorful pillows and a little side table.

Contemporary House Numbers from Signature Hardware

Hubbarton Sconce from Carolina Rustica

A stylish new front porch light–preferably placed on a dimmer switch–will also make the space more hangout-worthy.

Quadra Planter from Alfresco Home

SLIMMING SWIMSUIT

What’s better than a swimsuit that fits? A swimsuit that make you look 10 lbs. lighter! Miraclesuit® shapes and flatters your figure without uncomfortable bulky linings. This chocolate brown one-piece swimsuit features a flattering faux-wrap design with shirred sides to help contour the waist, adjustable straps and discreet underwire bra to lend subtle support, a low-scoop back and high-cut legs. Be svelte and sexy poolside or beachfront – no dieting required.

Miraclesuit "Captiva" Swimsuit $134

GREAT GRILL

You can’t have a Memorial Day weekend without a good ole’ fashioned outdoor BARBEQUE! So make sure you have a great grill  to cook your favorite meats and veggies on. The new Weber Q 300 gas grill pairs a high-performance cooking system and easy-grip handles to form a powerful yet portable gas grill.

Weber Q 300 Gas Grill - $336.46

BEACH BAG

Memorial Day is a patriotic holiday, right? Well, sort of. But in any case you can still rock this cool American flag beach bag at the beach, by the pool or to the park. It’s roomy for all your summertime necessities and it has denim lining for durability and an extra zip pocket for extra space. Plus its fab patriotic theme will be relevant through Labor Day.

Straw American Flag Straw Bag $27.27

Flip! for Decorating

Are you dreaming of a home makeover but don’t think you have the expertise or wherewithall to make it a reality?

Well,  design consultant and Today show lifestyle expert Elizabeth Mayhew recently published a book chock full of tips and tricks to make your abode stylish in a snap–and on a budget, too! Flip! for Decorating is a must-read for anyone who has flipped through the pages of a decorating magazine, lusted over the pretty pictures and said, “How do I DO that?”

Elizabeth, who also writes a regular column for House Beautiful, offers readers step-by-step instructions on how to decorate the four most-used rooms in your home: bedroom, family room, dining room and living room.

She describes how to use what you already own and freshen it up with new fabrics and paint.  You’ll also read about how to put together a professional looking color palette, how to dress a window and choose the right furnishings and accessories for your spaces.

Overwhelmed with the design options?  Elizabeth also has a section on how to prioritize your decorating decisions and make the right choices so you won’t waste a dime. Valuable advice this year, don’t you think?

I’m usually the go-to person for gifts and gift ideas in our family, so I’m always on the hunt for fresh finds. If your mom is one of those people who has everything, the stakes are even higher. How do you find a gift that will wow the stilettos off of a gal who has it all? Go for the unexpected. Buy them something she would never buy for herself. In this case, I’m thinking a gift that could be relaxing, “aww”-inducing  or fun. Something that might inspire laughter, a walk down memory lane, or a spontaneous gathering. Here are some ideas:

In the Garden Children's Book

Hopefully you’ve done something fun today to celebrate Earth Day, whether it’s making your own Treetini (yes, a Treetini — it’s made with Veev Acai spirit and for every Treetini sold, they’ll plant a tree) or participating in Earth Day activities like beach cleanups, going to Home Depot (they’re giving away CFL bulbs and seeds) or just sitting still at home, with all the lights off, saving energy.

One of the really fun things about Earth Day is the amount of new green products that are designed — from gadgets to food to home decor, it’s really amazing how creative green products can get. That’s why I’m really excited about this new line of children’s books from iKids publishers called Green Start. These books are really simple, illustrated with lively images, and are made from tough, recycled materials (perfect for toddler to chew on).  They’re not preachy or overtly environmental, but they give your child knowledge of how nature works — whether it’s about the life cycle of a tree, the five senses, or how a garden grows.  I think it’s a great idea to start children off with an understanding of how complex and wonderful our planet is — rather than just learning about it only on one day of the year — Earth Day.

And for the adults — you’ve got to check out this Rickshaw Bagworks messenger bag that I read about on Treehugger — it’s made with only FOUR PIECES OF FABRIC!!

Shop the Green Start Books

Shop the Rickshaw Bagworks Messenger Bag

This season, color experts it’s trendy to get inspired by your locality. Ideas can come from a variety of sources – everything from seashells and driftwood on a nearby beach to colorful produce at a farmer’s market to a snow-swept ski slope. “The colors of our neighborhood landscape and architecture help to build our unique definitions of local,” says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. It’s about celebrating where you are and becoming one with your surroundings.

Shades of grassy and yellow greens, water and sky blues and natural materials like sand and wood are beautiful building blocks for a spring color palette. If you’re like me, painting swaths of color on your walls can work in measured doses. Then add colorful decorative accents that let you to change the look of a room by season, or by mood.

14 Karat Yellow Gold Chinese OX Zodiac Pendant

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2009 is the Year of the Ox.  “The Ox symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work. Those born under the influence of the Ox or Buffalo are fortunate to be stable and persevering.  The typical Ox is a tolerant person with strong character.”  Ring in the Chinese New Yearwith some great party “Ox-essories” – guaranteed to lighten your load and ease your mind during these trying times.

Give every table “Dragon Power” with some great Dragon Centerpieces. And don’t forget to pick up a Chinese New Year Basic Party Pack for all the party essentials like cups, plates and decorations – only $19.99. You’ll want to keep these adorable Chinese New Year Bears but they’re better to give away to kids or as party favors. They even have a little pocket for candy or jewelry. Chinese Lanterns really create the mood for a fantastic New Year celebration. Keep them up all year long for good luck. Speaking of good luck, this Lucky Money Envelope and Coins Set is only $4.99 and is a great way to spread the wealth and the luck all year round.

Party People in the House!! Chinese New Year Party Pack $19.99

Shop for everything you need for a fab Chinese New Year celebration right here.

Nostalgic for 1996? Relive it through Celebrate, by Cody

Over the weekend, Good Morning America did a really interesting segment about people who love purchasing discontinued & hard-to-find products. Other than the interest factor, we’re happy to say SHOP.COM, the shopping website that sponsors The Shopping Vine, was mentioned briefly in this piece.

While the segment focuses less on the discontinued products themselves and more on the quirky personalities that love to collect them (ex., guy who loves collecting Pepsi Blue, a woman who wants a Mrs. Beasley doll, etc.), as well as a cute country store in Vermont called Vermont Country Store, it was a nice little plug for SHOP and made me wonder…why the heck do businesses discontinue perfectly good and popular items?

Especially beauty companies. It seems they discontinue lipstick shades and perfumes all the time. I’m guessing it’s to keep you on your toes — and coming back. But no worries…here is a website that will help recreate that shade you wore at the high school prom.

What discontinued item are you still mourning? Share it here…

Shop discontinued items

KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Mixer sale: $299

by: ss_shopgirl

Today marks the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in commemoration, I’ll be sure to post at least one “pink” item every day that helps to support the search for a cure for breast cancer. Breast Cancer awareness is definitely a hot topic in the news, especially with celebrities like Christina Applegate recently announcing they have breast cancer, and Delta Airlines making news by flying its brand new pink plane in support of the search for a breast cancer cure and to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

My favorite find for today is this pretty in pink KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Artisan stand mixer. Not only is it absolutely adorable, not only will $50 of the proceeds of each purchase be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, but this KitchenAid Cook for the Cure mixer is also on sale for $299.99 at Macy’s– that’s a savings of $100!

Shop all breast cancer pink products
Shop all Cook for the Cure products

by: ss_shopgirl

The weather’s getting a bit frisky (even here in old Southern California) and if you have a new baby or infant, you’ll have to keep their little toes warm. Luckily, I’ve found just the shoe you’re looking for — they’re stylish, well-made, and oh-so-comfortable!

They’re called Robeez shoes, and they come in sandals, boots, and trainers. What’s great about them (besides the adorable sunflower, guitar, baseball, and other designs), is that they’re made with a skid-resistant, flexible sole. And elasticized ankles too — great for when they’re running, jumping, and causing general havoc at the playground.

Check out their new Tredz line and their Mini Shoez ankle boots — your kids will be the most stylish rascals around!

Anyhow, I just found out that he’s teamed up with Petco (where the pets go) to create a new Dog Whisperer brand of pet food and supplies. Many of his products are organic and totally affordable. Check ‘em out!

Cesar Millan Dog Whisperer Dog Food	Cesar Millan Dog Whisperer Conditioning Shampoo
Cesar Millan Dog Whisperer Fortified Water for Dogs	Cesar Millan Dog Whisperer Organic Beef Jerky Dog Treats
Cesar Millan Dog Whisperer Orthopedic Corner Napper	Cesar Millan Pop-Open Football Dog Toy

Do you get nauseous easily? I just heard about this fantastic product called Psi Bands (pronounced “sigh” bands). They relieve nausea without any drugs by putting pressure on the acupressure point of your wrist — great for long flights, morning sickness, or for when you have to watch one of those really shaky movies like Cloverfield.

Psi Bands

Anyway, I got a chance to ask one of the creators of the bands, Romy Taormina, a few questions about her innovative product. Here’s what she had to say:

What makes PSI Bands so revolutionary? Who would benefit most from your product?
Psi Bands are stylish, acupressure wrist bands for the relief of nausea due to morning sickness, motion sickness/travel, anesthesia, or chemotherapy. They are drug-free, waterproof, adjustable around the wrist and at the acupressure point for personalized comfort, reusable, and come in four fun designs. Scientific studies support the use of wrist acupressure for the relief of nausea. Wrist acupressure has grown in popularity because it is noninvasive, easy to self-administer, and affordable.

What was your inspiration for making PSI Bands?
Carla, my business partner, and I suffered from terrible morning sickness during our pregnancies and discovered the benefits of wrist acupressure to relieve our nausea. We were unsatisfied with existing products on the market and wanted to create something “more” for others who suffer from nausea as a result of morning sickness, motion sickness, anesthesia, or chemotherapy.

What are your customers saying about PSI Bands?
They love their style, comfort, and effectiveness.

What kind of feedback have you already received about your product?
Please feel free to check out our testimonials at:

http://www.psibands.com/testimonials

Do you have any other upcoming products that you’re planning on? What’s next for PSI Bands?
We are launching a fifth design later this summer. Stay tuned!

Psi Bands are available at drugstore.com.
You can also watch an informative video about them at QVC.com. Just do a search at QVC.com for “Psi Bands.”

Both Romy and her business partner Carla were also both honored by the Ladies Who Launch foundation.
Congratulations ladies! This is a fantastic product!

Don’t panic! You don’t have to resort to making your own “coupon book” for Mom just yet — there are still some great last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas around…

I’ve included my favorite ones below:

Red Envelope – Choose Next Business Day	Ross-Simons – Order by May 8th
Organic Bouquet – These were voted #1 by Smart Money!	Brookstone – Order by May 8th
Harry & David – Order by May 8th	Amazing Clubs – Order anytime – most shipments are actually sent at end of month but they’ll notify Mom of her gift on Mother’s Day via email!

Check out the latest round of Webkinz:

Tiger Snake Webkinz	Black Cat Webkinz
Reindeer Webkinz	Charcoal Cat Webkinz
Love Frog Webkinz	Yellow Lab Webkinz

By: ss_shopgirl
Todd Oldham Rainbow Rose bouquet.

I don’t know about you, but there’s something to be said for a guy wearing a purse. Especially if the purse is really a messenger bag. And the messenger bag is carrying everything you need for your baby, so you don’t have to.

That’s what a Diaper Dude is! They are stylish, hip diaper bags targeted towards men – Brad Pitt even has one! Diaper Dude diaper bags come in several different styles too – there’s the Diaper Dude Diva, Diaper Dude Dad Survival Kit, Mini Dudes, Diaper Dude Bottle Holders, and more.

Diaper Dude Gold (I know, it’s a stretch)	Diaper Dude Camouflage
Khaki and Orange Mini Dude	Diaper Dude Dad Survival Package
Diaper Dude Peace Bag	Diaper Dude Faux Suede Bag
Diaper Dude Guitar Bag Plus Free Gift!	Diaper Dude Black Dragon (As Seen on Brad Pitt!)