Wisk: Helping Moms Fight Stains For Decades
Darling readers — You are about to embark on a sponsored post. However, the opinions and thoughts expressed here are completely my own. The great writing writing and remarkable wit bad jokes are also mine. You can find more information by reading my disclosure policy.
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I spend a lot of time here on Chic Shopper Chick talking about fashion, clothing, shopping, and style. Fashion has been something that has held my interest for a long time, and this blog has naturally progressed in the direction of giving fashion tips, tricks, and suggestions. However, it recently occurred to me that for all of the time I spend talking about BUYING clothes, I don’t spend a lot of time, if any, talking about the challenges of caring for your clothing after the initial purchase.
Let’s face it, in an ideal world I would be able to just ditch my dirty clothes to buy brand new ones. Seeing as how I’ve chosen writing as a career path, I’m quite sure that won’t be happening any time soon. Clothing is an investment, and I count on being able to wear each piece at least ten times, possibly as many as thirty or forty if it’s a staple item. That means that after the first wear, I have to figure out a way to care for my clothes in such a way that keeps them looking new while lifting stains and odors from the fabric. A peek into my closet proves that I’ve somewhat mastered the process (though I still have the occasional casualty):
Of course, becoming a mom flipped my perception yet again because my daughter is hard on her clothing. She loves to play in the mud puddles that appear after a rainstorm, roll around in the grass, and finger paint. She steals pieces of chocolate from what I thought was my hidden stash, and wipes her chocolate-covered hands all over her dress. Sometimes we have upwards of three clothing changes a day, and my washing machine can be heard swishing away at all hours of the day and night.
This month, Wisk is rising to the challenge of parents everywhere when they release a new laundry detergent with their innovative Stain Spectrum™ Technology, which will combat a full range of stains from proteins to oils. Check out the teaser commercial below (and the sexy new red bottle!):
Of course, Wisk isn’t new to the stain-game – they’ve been helping moms tackle stains since the 1970′s. While a lot has changed since the 70′s, the day-to-day laundry challenges that we face remains eerily similar. I’m sure that, back then, there was more than one mom who had a daughter that splashed in every mud puddle she could find, slid into first base, and expressed her love for art by getting more paint on her clothing than on the paper. Of course, Wisk has come a long way as well – they started out tackling those stubborn collar rings, and are now ready to help parents tackle even bigger jobs. For a giggle, check out Wisk’s classic “Ring Around The Collar” commercial:
I haven’t gotten my hands on the new Wisk with Stain Spectrum™ Technology, but I’m hoping to test it out very soon. I’ll keep you updated on my continuing education, but in the meantime keep your eyes peeled for that bright red bottle – you can’t miss it!
There’s Something About Hanes
June 30, 2010 by Erika
Filed under Fashion & Style, Featured, Kids, Travel
“I meant to.”
My family says this is my lifelong motto. To be blunt (and slightly morbid), they say that on my tombstone, it will be written “I meant to.”
Because I did. Truly I did. I’m a good intentioned soul. I meant to.
Which brings me to this: Back in February I was given the most amazing opportunity I’ve yet to have as a blogger. I was extended the opportunity to join the Hanes Comfort Crew – which as you might be able to guess is a natural fit with my brand. Bonus? They offered us the chance to go to Walt Disney World on a VIP experience to discover Hanes’ role as the official apparel brand of the Walt Disney World Resort.
Take a gander at the looks of delight on Audrey Grace’s face as she experienced Walt Disney World, the Hanes way.
Today as Audrey and I prepared for our trip back to Walt Disney World in September (85 days, but who is counting?!), we looked back through pictures from our time in February and I was re-inspired by the memories and found myself nostalgic for our Hanes friends.
It was the experience of a lifetime, and I got the most incredible education on Hanes and their role in the apparel world. Plus, I made some of the closest, most amazing friends from the Comfort Crew and the brand team. More than that? Hanes unwittingly turned me into a brand ambassador and believer. (And for the record, they more than converted my mom too!)
So what is it about Hanes?
First of all, they’re a brand that cares. If you’ve ever visited the Hanes Green site, you know about their commitment to sustainability. It’s everything from their EcoSmart® polyester fiber (which is made from recycled plastic bottles), to cutting water use per product by 18% since 2007, to becoming a 2010 EPA Energy Star Partner Of The Year. They are also a major partner with Susan G. Komen – be on the lookout for a second post this week encouraging you to “Think Pink” this summer (as well as a $100 Hanes Gift Card Giveaway).
Second of all, their products are amazing. I personally am a lingerie fanatic, and I now live in my Hanes bras and panties. Also, the word on the street is that the men’s boxer briefs with the ComfortSoft® Waistband are pretty much the most comfortable thing on the planet – but being as I’m not a guy, I can’t personally back that one up. Let’s just say I have it on good authority.
Lastly, and it has to be said, Hanes products are just great basics for any wardrobe. One of my favorite products are the long sleeve t-shirts that are sold in little rolled up packages. Tell me that you can’t make a t-shirt fashionable, and I’ll tell you you’re crazy. A pair of jeans, a long sleeved tee, a long necklace or a scarf around your neck and you’ll look like a million bucks. Fashion doesn’t have to be complicated, and it most certainly doesn’t have to be painful!
It’s all about being comfortable. Hence my role in the Comfort Crew and self-declared ambassador role for such an awesome brand. You can buy a lot of things, but most of them aren’t all that comfortable. Not so with Hanes – comfort is their number one priority!
Stay tuned this week for an awesome giveaway thanks to Hanes!
Quick Memory Book Maker at Walmart.com
I’m a scrapbooker and photography nut from way back, so when Walmart offered me the chance to check out their Quick Memory Book Maker to make a memory book of my own, I was ecstatic. I was so impressed with the low price – $15 bucks gets you the cut out front cover and 20 pages of photos that you can arrange any way that you want. Not to mention, 97 cent shipping to your home!
Ok, I may have gone over my 20 pages. I ended up at 36. Thankfully, they let me pay to add some on. 
I did a video review of my experience below – but basically it was smooth sailing and so easy to use – and the finished product is simply stunning! Don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself!
Disclosure: I did receive the memory book for free in order to help Walmart work the bugs out of the new quick memory book maker system (and true to form, I managed to break something – go me!) BUT the opinions expressed here are mine and are in no way, shape, or form influenced by this free product. If I don’t like it, I don’t talk about it and I certainly won’t recommend it – that’s my promise to you. For more info, check out my Disclosure Policy.
VTech’s MobiGo: Almost As Cool As Mommy’s iPhone {A Giveaway!}
Thanks for reading Chic Shopper Chick! Sadly, this giveaway has now closed, and a winner has been chosen via Random.org. Thanks for reading, and check back often for more great giveaways!
My daughter is an iPhone master. As a matter of fact, when I get my new iPhone 4 I think I’ll just give her my 3G. She knows more about how to work it than I do, anyway.
Recently VTech contacted me and offered us the chance to review the new MobiGo – a handheld gaming system for ages 3-8. With a touch screen interface and a full QWERTY keyboard, I knew that Audrey would go crazy for it. I was right.
The MobiGo comes with a Touch and Learn game cartridge (thank you for not making us buy the game in addition to the unit!), which has 6 different games that allow Audrey to play musical instruments, continue to identify numbers and letters (and find them on a traditional keyboard!), use simple math, and just generally slide, flick, and poke her way to learning something new. I was really impressed with how much thought had gone into the games, and how much she learned in such a short time span!
Did I mention that the way the screen flips up to reveal the keyboard reminds me of my old TMobile Sidekick? I feel very retro.
There are also other game cartridges available, including Disney/Pixar’s Cars, Disney Fairies, Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and others. Personally, I know that we will have to go buy the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Fairies game sets ASAP, and now that I’ve seen how much the system has to offer, I am eager to try some different games for it – I think it is a worthwhile investment.
Audrey loves it so much that she actually won’t put it down, so I’ve had to force her to take breaks from it. This is the child who’s attention is held by virtually nothing for longer than 5 minutes, so the amount of engagement that she gets from this is really awesome. Plus, she sits in my lap and we work through some of the tougher games and levels together, which is nice bonding time for the two of us, and presents me with an opportunity to teach her things that I may not have previously thought of.
The MobiGo retails exclusively online and at Toys R Us for $59.99. Frankly, I’m surprised that the price is as low as it is, I would have probably paid close to $100 for it, especially now that I’ve had the chance to demo it. However, when you factor in the cost of other games ($19.99 each) and a carrying case ($14.99) I guess we’ll call it a draw. Oh, and it comes in pink and purple too, for the girly set!
Win It! Though I’ve stopped doing as much kid stuff here on CSC, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to give away one of the MobiGo units!
To enter to win, check out the MobiGo and then leave a comment telling me what your favorite feature is, or what you like the most about it! After your initial comment, every other (pertinent) comment left on this site on other new posts from now through June 21st will count as an extra entry each. You don’t need to come back to this post and tell me you commented on another post, I can stalk track you via your email/IP address. As usual, the following extra entries are also available: blogging about this giveaway with a link back to this post, subscribing to my YouTube Channel, subscribing to my site, and tweeting about this contest (click the link above). That’s a ton of ways to win, so good luck!
US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are emailed directly please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on June 21st, 2010.
Wardrobe Staple: Reva Flats
November 14, 2009 by Erika
Filed under Fashion & Style, Featured, Kids, Shoes
Thankfully we live in a time where it’s ok to be practical when it comes to fashion. While I’m a huge fan of stilettos, I do believe in comfort when you need it. However, I do NOT believe in sacrificing style for comfort. Thankfully, Tory Burch combines both style and comfort into one neat little package with the Reva.
Every modern, stylish woman should own a pair of Revas. It’s not up for negotiation. It is an investment piece, yes, but one you will practically wear the soles off of. Go as spunky (pink jellies) or as traditional (black suede) as you’d like, but definitely add them to your collection. My personal favorite? The silver snake print Reva ballerina flat.
Oh, and she makes a version of the Reva for little girls, too. Be still my heart.
Toys, Toys, Toys!
I know you don’t want to hear this, but the Holidays are right around the corner. I’ve already started making my list for Little AG – or my wishlist, at least. If, like me, you would like to get a head start on shopping – check out some of these awesome toys and gifts that I caught on sale!
Little AG loves to be a “big girl” – so having a place of her own to sit would be the ultimate gift for her. I love this table and chairs set from on sale at Back to Basics Toys for $129.99 – down from $159.99. This would be the perfect addition to our breakfast room, actually, where she could have a place of her own!
For the little Hannah Montana fan (fans?) in your life, I love this Hannah Montana Cut ‘N Create set from on sale at the Crayola Store for $18.49, down from $24.99. The cutting wand looks like a pen, but cuts in any shape you can imagine. Pretty cool, I think I might play with it too!
Little AG loves her Super Sleuth Changing Tree — the Sleuther siren even makes the noise that it does on the show! A toy we play with daily and love, comes highly recommended by us! On *major* sale at Ty’s Toy Box for $39.99, down from $69.99.
Disclosure: this is a sponsored post as a part of an on-going relationship that I have with DealTaker.com. However, it is my promise to you that I will never write about things that I don’t like or wouldn’t actually use or buy. To find out more, you can read my disclosure policy.
Bouncin’ Baby Bargains
Since I did a post all about some sweet summer sales I found for the women and fashionistas in our lives, I thought it might be cool if I also did one on Baby Bargains that are out there, and perhaps one for men/technology stuffs! However, like I said, this post is all about the baby! Check out this Fisher-Price Miracles & Milestones Musical Activity Dashboard that is on sale (with free shipping no less!) for $9.98. Little AG has ALWAYS been difficult to occupy in the car, but she loves to “pretend” to drive, so this would have been (and I’m wondering if it still could be) perfect for her. Activities on this cool toy include; a mirror for baby to gaze into, a tethered phone with crinkle, a beeping horn, and a car key allows mom to attach other toys to change up the play. In Baby Mode, baby is encouraged to interact with the Dashboard by setting off sound effects, melodies and lights by beeping the horn. In Mommy Mode, mom can use the included remote to activate 30-40 seconds of music and lights or a shorter 8-10 second sequence of music and lights. So cute — and if you don’t have a baby this age this would be a great shower gift!
If you are a even slightly paranoid parent like I am, (ok, ok, so I’m a bit over the top at times — so sue me!) you hate putting your child to bed with fever. I do especially because I hate not knowing if her temperature is going up, staying even, if her fever is broken, etc. So, while I’ve never personally tried it, I think that the BebeSounds Fever Monitor sounds like an awesome invention – and at $4.99 I’m hard-pressed to find a reason NOT to try it. This small, non-invasive reader clips right on to a diaper or pajama bottom. Once it detects a 1 degree rise in temperature (or loses contact with skin), a beep will let you know. How cool is that? Even if you’re in another room, a baby monitor will pick up on the alarm.
Lastly, I noticed that the Disney Store is having a huge sale right now, and I fell in love with these personalized Pima cotton polo shirts for babies — you may remember that Little AG has an affinity for all things Tigger, so the ability to put a Tigger on a PINK shirt (why is Tigger ALWAYS marketed to boys?!) with her name makes me a very, very happy mommy. They are on sale for only $10 – which also makes me a happy mommy! They have lots of other great deals of course, including Halloween products, etc. so now would be a good time to stock up!
Disclosure: this is a sponsored post as a part of an on-going relationship that I have with DealTaker.com. However, it is my promise to you that I will never write about things that I don’t like or wouldn’t actually use or buy. To find out more, you can read my disclosure policy.
Disney Family.com Travel Kit {Giveaway CLOSED!}
It’s summer time, and that means one of my favorite things — TRAVEL! We travel so often with Little AG that she has gotten used to our travel routine – and she loves it almost as much as we do. However, most of us know that traveling with a child is nothing if not challenging, so I’m really excited to be giving away a Travel Kit to make your summer travels even easier.
Disney Family.com is offering an “On the Road With Family.com” kit to one lucky CSC reader! The kit promises to keep children well entertained during car or plane trips this summer and will put an end to the dreaded “Are we there yet?” questions while allowing families to share their favorite family vacation destinations.
Also, make sure to visit Disney Family.com Travel to help with all your vacation planning needs as the site provides a unique resource for parents providing a combination of expert reviews, parent recommendations, and age-appropriate points of interest for family-friendly destinations on any budget.
One of the many great features on the site is a list of “Cities on a Shoestring” where parents can find inexpensive or free activities to do in cities around the country. The site also includes tips for hassle free air travel, videos of popular family destinations, and safety travel tips.
The travel kit includes a plush kid size travel pillow, a copy of Dr. Seuss’s There’s a Map in My Lap, a travel game kit, notepad and pen and adorable tote bag (a $30 value). To enter, please leave a comment below sharing your favorite family vacation destination spot; a winner will be chosen at random. This contest will run through July 2nd, 2009 at 5 pm CST.
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A big thank you to the wonderful women over at Mom Generations for offering Chic Shopper Chick readers this awesome giveaway!
Mutsy Grow-Up!
I remember when we first bought Little AG a high-chair. It was one of the items I didn’t receive at my baby shower, and it didn’t feel like it was that pressing of a purchase to make since I much preferred to feed her while she was sitting in my lap. We did eventually take the plunge and purchase one, and I’ll never forget how excited she was just to have the independence to sit on her own and watch us. I took a coupla stabs at cooking while Little AG sat in her high chair and munched on a teething biscuit, watching me with unmasked curiosity (wondering why she’d never seen me cook before, I’m guessing…). Sadly, those days are long gone, and by that I mean my attempts at cooking.
Oh, ok. The days of me trying to coax her to sit in a high chair are long gone as well.
Every time I try to sit her in the highchair, I hear loud protests of “Mommy, ouff! Ouff!” (Translation: Out…or off. I’m not sure, but I know it means she’s not happy in there!) I figured out pretty quickly that our highchair days were over – it was time for a big girl seat. When I began my quest for a booster seat, I discovered that not all boosters are created equal. I mean, they all have the same basic functions, but you know — some of them are just not that cute. Apart from safety and functionality, I’ll just be honest in saying that the aesthetics of things are important to me. If it’s not cute, I’m probably not buying it. Just sayin’.
Mutsy was kind enough to send Little AG a Mutsy Grow-Up Booster – and I couldn’t get it out of the box fast enough. It straps down safely to any “grownup” chair, and has a really cool harness that goes over the shoulders as well as around the waist to keep my squirmy worm of a daughter securely in place. You can use the Grow-Up as soon as your child can sit unaided – which means you can skip the highchair altogether and just buy a booster. I wish I had realized that before I purchased our highchair, since our love affair with it is clearly over! Plus um, did I mention how COOL it looks? My favorite part, apart from the fact that it looks like a booster seat you would have found the Jetson’s using, is that the molded seat is soft and squishy, and very comfortable. And yes, I do know this firsthand. Curiousity killed the cat, and almost broke the booster, because I sat in it myself! Ok, it didn’t seem like it was breaking, but considering that it’s for use only for kids up to 4 years of age…well…I’m sure it wasn’t meant for my adult frame. But, like I said…very comfy!
Mutsy makes some really cool products, all of which I find asthetically pleasing. The Mutsy Grow-Up retails for $60, and you can get 10% off any Mutsy order if you use the code “cscmu”.
Baby Needs Kidneybeenz! {Giveaway CLOSED}
Well hello once again Chic Shopper Chick Readers! It’s Sarah from over at Bio Girl back with a review for a great new baby item. I had our sweet Henry four weeks ago and I am finally getting my feet under me enough to have time to do important things like going shopping and writing product reviews for CSC! So, I am here today to tell you about my new love; the Kidneybeenz burp cloths. They have quickly become one of my very favorite and most used baby items!
The Kidneybeenz are the genius creation of Jillian over at Kustom Baby Stuff. They are 100% cotton burp cloths which are perfectly shaped to sit right up against your neck and still cover the most area under the baby as possible. They are covered on one side with a fabric of your choice, and her selection is 
HUGE! The other side is a plush white chenille, which makes the clothes both soft on your baby’s skin and super absorbent. They are the only burp clothes I use. Seriously. I actually started out with three, and then got three more so I have plenty for the rotation of feedings. I have washed mine a ton (man babies go through a lot of laundry!) and they are holding up great.
They are really reasonably priced and always adorable. Jillian will do gift sets and wrap them up as a set of three, which make them perfect for shower gifts or a gift set for a new mom. If you have a theme in mind and she doesn’t have a fabric to match, she will find something to work for you! She put together two kidneybeenz for me that have owls on them. SUPER CUTE! She made us a UK wildcat one because they are our home team. She can do anything! I am telling you, they are great.
While you are at her site, check out some of the other great items Jillian has made. If you have a personalized item in mind, she is the girl to talk to. She is amazingly easy to work with and always comes out with great products! We have a pillow she made Henry which is incredible (you can see it on her site!). Just let her know what you are looking for and I am sure she can make it happen!
Jillian is offering a 10% to all Chic Shopper Chick Readers. Just let her know you heard about her over here at CSC and you will be set to go!
Win It! Jillian has generously offered to give away a set of three Kidneybeenz to one lucky CSC reader! To enter, visit Kidneybeenz and then come back here and let me know which pattern you like the most. Blog about this with a link back here and to Kidneybeenz for an extra entry, or tweet about this contest, subscribe to CSC, or stumble CSC – all for extra entries. Be sure to come back and leave an extra comment for each one! That’s it, good luck! This contest ends June 25th, 2009 at 11:59pm CST.
Sur La Table
Looking for some fun ways to beat the heat indoors this summer? Try some of these fun kitchen projects and tools from Sur La Table (french translation: On The Table) that I stumbled across today. I’m thinking this will make for great summer fun, and Little AG is so excited about helping mommy to “cook” that I’m pretty sure any of these things would cause that adorable little grin that I love to spread across her sweet face.
I love these fun cookie making kits – the wizard version and the princess version. Both sell for $16.99.
How adorable are these fun kitchen utensils? They’re sure to make any kiddo giggle uncontrollably! Called “Head Chef” – they retail for $10 each.
And how perfect is this Sous Chef Baking Kit – perfect for any of the budding culinary professionals in your life! This 25 piece set retails for $30.
Pretty Pretty Princess
I was in Target yesterday and I wandered past this adorable princess bedding set in the kids section. Little AG has recently made the transition to a toddler bed, so it’s got me thinking about her next round of bedding. Though I swore I’d never make my little girl into a princess, I couldn’t resist this adorable set. My favorite was the tuffed pink quilt with strategically-placed rhinestones. I also love the pillow with the crown on it in rhinestones. I can’t help it, if I was a little girl, I’d covet this set for myself. Too bad I have to act like a grown up. *pout*
All of these pieces are actually reasonable priced, and some of them are actually on sale this weekend. Isn’t that chandelier nightlight adorable? Oh, and that bedskirt is tulle — how sweet is that? I’m so tempted to go back and buy the set for when Little AG finally transitions to a real big girl bed, but by then — who knows. She may be vocal enough to tell me just how much she doesn’t like it – and I’d be fine with that. But until she can say such things? I really like it.
Little Sprout Bouncer Video Review {Win a Bounce House!}
The folks over at Playhouse Bouncers and Playhouse Shops sent over a Little Sprout 3-in-1 Bouncer for us to review and giveaway, so last weekend we set it up and had a ball. Check out my video review below!
We’re giving away the Little Sprout 3-in-1 bouncer here on Chic Shopper Chick! Read the rules carefully below to be entered to win, and to get some bonus entries!
For your initial entry, visit Playhouse Bouncers then come back here and tell me what other bouncer or item from their site you like. After your initial comment, every other (pertinent) comment left on this site on other posts from now through June 25thd will count as an extra entry each. You don’t need to come back to this post and tell me you commented on another post, I can stalk track you via your email/IP address. As usual, the following extra entries are also available – please leave a separate comment for each that you do:
- Blog this with a link back to this contest
- Stumbling Chic Shopper Chick (leave your stumble name)
- Subscribe to my site (you must stay subscribed for the duration of the contest)
- Tweet about this – just copy and paste!! Enter to win a Little Sprout Bouncer! http://bit.ly/1IIed (@ErikaLehmann)
- Follow me on Twitter.
- Post the badge below in your sidebar.
US and Canadian entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winner will be emailed directly and posted here, so please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on June 25th, 2009.
