My school depends on donations and the help of our parents in order to provide quality experiences for our students.  One of the programs that we participate in are the Box Tops for Education.  I am sure you have seen these on boxes and containers on your shelves.  The students will clip them at home and then bring them into the school for collection.  While I have been participating in this program for years, I never knew that an online store was available for me to shop in that would also donate ebox tops to our school.  Here is a little more information:

General Mills’ Box Tops for Education Marketplace is an online shopping portal featuring more than 175 retailers, including retailers such as Target, Bloomingdale’s and Best Buy, Crate & Barrel, Gap, GapKids, GapMaternity. (Click Marketplace for a full list of merchants.) With categories ranging from apparel and accessories to electronics and toys to travel, home and books and magazines, there is truly something for everyone on holiday gift lists!

About Box Tops for Education

General Mills’ Box Tops for Education® program offers families easy, everyday ways to earn cash for their designated school. The program started in 1996 and over the past 15 years, more than 90,000 schools have earned over $400 million through Box Tops for Education, including more than $59 million last school year.  Schools in your community are funding field trips, playground equipment, art and science lab supplies and more.

 Collected Box Tops coupons are sent to General Mills, who sends the school a check, equivalent to 10 cents for each Box Top redeemed. Schools can earn up to $60,000 per year, up to $20,000 respectively from the Clip, Box Tops Marketplace®, and Reading Room program components, to spend on anything they choose. For additional information, check out btfe.com.

 

This holiday season I was invited to spend some money in the Marketplace to raise money for my school.  It was extremely easy to set up and to verify that my purchases would go towards my school.  I have a few family and friends that I still need to shop for, so spending the money and finding the perfect store was going to be easy.

I started my shopping at Chefs.com where I purchased a meat thermometer for my brother in law. (Don’t tell him, you will ruin the surprise).  The thermometer was $20 so I earned 9 ebox tops for my school.  Each ebox top is worth .10 so I earned my school almost a dollar just for purchasing something online that I would have purchased anyways.  As I do most of my holiday shopping online, there is the potential for earning a lot of money for my school.

There are so many stores available in the Marketplace.  All of my favorites are there including The Loft, Disneystore.com, Gap, DSW, Target, and UGG just to name a few.  I was able to get an ornament for my son from Disney for $15 and earned 4 ebox tops!

For myself, I went to Target.com and purchased some holiday decor for about $15 and earned another 2 ebox tops.  Altogether I spent about $50 and earned my school 15 ebox tops for a total of $1.50.  While that may not sound like a lot, think about if everyone in your school community shopped through the Box Top for Education Marketplace this holiday season?  A little bit can add up to a lot.

Win a $50 Visa Card from Box Top for Education to help fulfill your holiday shopping!

Want to win?

Leave a comment and tell me what store you would shop at from the Box Top Marketplace!

(You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win a $50 Visa Card from Box Tops for Education and A Mom’s Impression Enter here: http://wyn.cc/7comb
  (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Like A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)
• List this giveaway on any giveaway site, or share on Facebook.

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to continental US residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on December 28. Winners will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This giveaway was made possible by Box Tops for Education. I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample. All opinions are 100% mine.

Last year I introduced everyone to DownEast Basics, a clothing company that has some wonderful pieces for any women’s wardrobe.  They carry fantastic swimwear, fashion accessories and also girls clothing.  I am excited to tell you that DownEast basics have expanded their line to include home accessories!

I loved the items that I found on the website.  Like their clothing, the home accessory line features basic, contemporary pieces that would work fantastic in my home.

This silver tray and bowl are both functional and stylish.  I often have fruit on my counter tops and this bowl would look great in my contemporary styled kitchen.

I also love this option for my kitchen.  I would be able to have all of my fruit seperated and displayed stylishly.  I actually remember my mom had something similar to this growing up so it brings back great memories for me.

DownEast Basics didn’t forget the kiddos!  They have this adorable Hammy Pig stuffed animal available in three different colors, blue, orange and black.  He would make an adorable addition to any child’s playroom or a family friendly living room.

I had the opportunity to review this adorable Come Together Top:

The top is light and flowing which is exactly how I pictured it.  The fabric feels fantastic on the skin.  My mistake, I ordered a size too small and I have to exchange it for a larger size.  I suggest that you order a size larger than what you actually would wear.  I am very excited to wear this out to a summer cookout.  It is the perfect style for summer as it can go with jeans or a nice pair of slacks!

Win It:

One (1) lucky winner will receive a $25 credit to  DownEast Basics!

How to Enter:

Visit DownEast Basics and tell me your favorite item from any of their collections.

(You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win $25 GC to  DownEast Basics @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/jrgww (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Follow DownEast Basics on Twitter
• Like A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Like Down East Basics on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to US and Canada residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on June 30. Winners will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by DownEast basics. I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample. All opinions are 100% mine.

*** This giveaway has closed.

I will admit it – I am a huge fan of the trendy oversized purses.  Even though my husband would like to refer to them as “mini suitcases,” I kindly remind him that this is the style and he should be proud of his trendy wife.  However, a big downside to these large bags is the ability to stay organized and be able to find things quickly (if ever) when it is needed.  Luckily I came across an amazing product that was specifically made to keep you and your purses organized.

The Pouchee Purse Organizer is more convenient than a wallet – it contains several pockets and compartments for almost anything.  The compartments are perfect for your credit cards, lipstick, cell phone and even your sunglasses.  The inside zipper pocket is perfect to keep cash or other credit cards safe.  I like to use the bigger compartment for my keys so I can always find them when I’m on the go.   The great thing about the Pouchee is how easily you can just pick it up and switch between purses and bags.  I use my Pouchee in my purse at night but when I need to run to the store with Coco, I can easily throw it right into the diaper bag without the mess of switching everything out into a different wallet.

The Pouchee Purse Organizer is available in a variety of colors and styles.  From cotton to leatherette, or stripes to polka dots, there is a Pouchee for anyone!  I really like the Outback collection.  The faux leatherette option is ideal for any purse and comes in several colors.  They are super durable and ready to weather any situation.

Because of the Pouchee, there are no more arguments with my husband as to where my keys or credit cards are at in my purse.  Get your purse organized and purchase yourself a Pouchee today!

Buy It:

Find more information and where to get your  Pouchee by checking out the Pouchee Purse Organizer at their website.  You can also find them on Facebook – Pouchee Fan Page or follow them on Twitter – http://twitter.com/#!/pouchee.

Win It:

One (1) lucky winner will receive a Pouchee Purse Organizer of their choice of design from  Pouchee Purse Organizer.

How to Enter:

Visit Pouchee Purse Organizer and tell me what design you will pick if you are the lucky winner.  (You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win a Pouchee Purse Organizer @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/fdy2u (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Follow Pouchee on Twitter
• Follow A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Become a Fan of Pouchee on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)
• List this giveaway on any giveaway site, or share on Facebook.

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information. This giveaway will end at midnight on June 17. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Open to US and Canada residents only.  Good Luck!

This product review and giveaway was made possible by Pouchee.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample and prize package shown. All opinions are 100% mine.

As a CSN preferred blogger, I have had the good fortune to do several reviews and giveaways with CSN. CSN has over 200 online sites such as Luggage.com, AllModern.com and Cookware.com. You can purchase anything from toys to modern decor from Herman Miller.  There is endless amount of possibilities.

This February, I will be reviewing and showcasing lots of products for food lovers.  CSN has offered me a gift card to purchase something from any of their sites.  Of course the first place I went was to cookware.com.

I really need a griddle so that I can finally learn how to make a decent pancake.  These are by Emeril and retail for $49.95.

I am also in need of a blender.  You can’t go wrong with a KitchenAid.  This blender is $99.95 and has free shipping.

I have small counter space so a large cutting board that can fit over a sink is a necessity.  This one is J.K. Adams Counter Top Reversible Maple Cutting Board and start out at $84.00.

So what did I choose?  Stay tuned next month to find out!

A review has been made possible by CSN Stores.com. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you a shopoholic like me?  I love to shop, but I also love to get a good deal.  I will often search the Internet for hours just to be sure that I am getting the best price for something that I am purchasing.  Now with the help of JoeShopping, I know that I have found the best deal out there, and I get to interact with other shopoholics while saving money!

JoeShopping is a social shopping site where users can comparison shop,discuss and review products, upload photos and more, all while earning points and winning prizes!

JoeShopping.com doesn’t actually sell anything on their site. Instead, they show you the best/cheapest places on the Web to find them and send you to those places.  It’s basically a combination of comparison shopping (like amazon.com or shopping.com), crossed with the best parts of various social networks (Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare, etc.). Users can post photos of themselves with their newest outfits, add videos of them trying to take an action figure out of its packaging despite all those twisty ties, write a product review of the millions of products in our database, write a blog post about their fondest birthday presents, share their latest shopping adventure, etc. In short, it’s a hefty social network themed around shopping.

Do you like to win prizes?  Who doesn’t?  JoeShopping hosts monthly sweepstakes for its members. The $1,000 Monthly JoeShopping Sweepstakes is a random drawing. You earn JoePoints just by using the social network side of our side. (Upload a photo, write a blog post, write a shopping status, etc.) You can earn points throughout the entire month. At the end of the month, your total points are converted to entries in the sweeps. So the more active on the site you are, the more points you earn.

Setting up your account is fast, easy, and most importantly free!  In minutes I was on the forum talking with other people who love to shop.  JoeShopping also has areas that you can comparison shop (I know that I will use this a lot), and an area were you can read product reviews for those purchases you are about to make.  I love it.  This site is a shoppers dream!

Win It

One (1) lucky reader will win a $50 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of JoeShopping.com.

How to Enter:

Visit JoeShopping and tell me one of the features of the site that you like the most!

Bonus Entries:

• Follow JoeShopping on Twitter
• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/wmpio (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Like A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Like JoeShopping on Facebook
• Sign up at JoeShopping (registration is 100% free) and tell me your username
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Vote for me on Picket Fence (Can vote daily, just leave a comment)
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to US  and Canada residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on January 23. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

I did not receive any form of compensation for this giveaway.  I am hosting the giveaway for the benefit of my readers.

Christmas is just around the corner and with the final days until the big Santa day comes the last minute shopping.  Do you have all the toys and games you need this year for your little ones?  Here are a few last minute ideas for the kids on your holiday shopping list.

For the boys, Transformer Toys are going to be a huge hit this year.

The Cyber Ops Bumblebee is an exciting electronic robot figure that converts to concept car vehicle mode.  Batteries included.  Age range 5 years+. There is a very large selection of Transformer Toys available so I am sure that you can find the perfect gift for any one on your list.  My niece actually asked for a transformer this year for her birthday so Transformers are popular with both boys and girls.

For the girls, check out Sylvanian Families Regency Hotel.  The Regency Hotel has 3 storeys and opens to reveal 9 rooms. There’s also a roof terrace and a balcony over the porch. It comes with 25 accessories and chef and waitress figure included.   Age range 4 yrs+. Check out what it looks like when you open the Regency Hotel:

I am a notorious last minute shopper so I completely understand those of us who wait until the last minute.  Have fun shopping this year!

This is a sponsored post.

What do you think of when you think of jute? Twine perhaps? Lines on the schooners of days gone by? Jute has an interesting international history and jute rugs may just be the latest and dare we say greatest in the ongoing story of one of the oldest and most versatile materials. A rain-fed crop, jute has little or no need for pesticides or fertilizers and so none are used, making it an eco-friendly crop and material. The jute rug is soft underfoot and completely natural. Jute is actually a vegetable fiber that can be spun into strong threads. It’s one of the most affordable natural fibers and believe it or not, only second to cotton in not only the variety of uses, but in the amount produced around the world.

JuteRugShop.com was founded with a simple goal – to provide our customers the largest selection of Jute Rugs at the best possible prices. We have owned a couple of Jute rugs and the durability of them are amazing.  It was about the only type of rug that we could keep in the house because Eli didn’t scratch or eat it.  The are neutral so they will go with most any decor from southwestern to modern contemporary.  The selection at JuteRugShop.com is amazing.  Here are a couple of my favorites:

I love the border around the edge of this rug.

This rug would fit in perfectly in my living room.  It brings in some of the browns that I love.

I love this soft grey.  This would be perfect to soften up a nursery or family room.

Be sure to check out JuteRugShop.com if you are looking for the perfect/durable rug for your home.

This is a sponsored post.  I was compensated for writing this.

Walmart Stores will be having an all night “Open House” the Friday-After-Thanksgiving beginning at midnight* with deals on toys, apparel and home followed by a Must-Have Electronics Event beginning at 5:00 a.m. You can find the most up to date Friday-After-Thanksgiving pricing for both stores and online now by becoming a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/Walmart or visiting Walmart.com starting November 15.

In-Store Electronics Savings Starting at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 26 while supplies last (Online times may vary):

• 15.6″ HP Laptop – $298
• Emerson 32″ LCD HDTV – $198
• Sansui 19″ LCD HDTV – $98
• Nintendo DS Lite (in multiple colors) – $89
• 15.6” eMachines Laptop – $198
• Kodak C183 Digital Camera (14 megapixels) – $59
• Tom Tom GPS XL 335 SE 4.3″ GPS – $79
• Magnavox Wi-Fi Blu-Ray Player with $10 free VUDU movie credits – $69

In-Store Savings on Toys, Home and Apparel Starting at Midnight* on Friday, Nov 26 while supplies last (Online times may vary):

• Nintendo Wii  $199 with $50 Walmart Gift Card **
• Toy Story 3 DVD  $10 **
• Zhu Zhu Pets – $4
• Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, 5-qt Oval – $9.97
• 500 Thread Count Sheets from Beautyrest – Full, Queen, King – $19.88
• Shark Steam Mop – $36
• Wrangler Jeans – $9
• Infant and Toddler 2-piece Character Sleepwear Sets – $4
• Lego Tubs – $15
• Power Wheels – $88
• Bikes – starting at $29

* Except as prohibited by local law. Please check your local store for confirmation of store hours.
** The Nintendo Wii offer and Toy Story 3 DVD will be available in stores starting at midnight on Nov. 26, while supplies last. The additional Electronics Savings will be available in stores at 5am while supplies last.

A huge Thank You to Kas at Southern Bella’s Ways To Save for this Black Friday post!

Welcome to the 2010 Holiday Guide Kickoff here on A Mom’s Impression.  For the next two months I will feature products perfect for giving and receiving this holiday season. Be sure to visit often and enter the many giveaways that will be featured.  Happy Holidays!

My son has loved to rock since he was an infant.  As soon as he could sit up by himself he was rocking away to his favorite music.  His daddy and I have loved watching him enjoy dancing and swaying and just loving music and movement.  His favorite toy at his first daycare was this rocking horse on springs that he could ride all day long and be happy.  We quickly picked up on this and purchased a race car that rocked, but as soon as he starting walking we converted it into a walker for him to practice.  I have been longing to buy him a real rocking horse that he could play with.  Well, my dreams have been answered by Hayneedle.

Hayneedle.com includes 220 stores and counting, each devoted to a single product category. Best of all, you can shop all of them with one global shopping cart. From hammocks at hammocks.com to dart boards at – you guessed it -dartboards.com, Hayneedle dives deeply into selection; each store showcases true variety.

Unlike brick and mortar retail stores that are limited by shelf space, Hayneedle has virtually endless space. This allows our buyers to search the globe for the finest selection, best value, and unparalleled choices in products for your home, work, and play.

I recently contacted Hayneedle to see if they would be interested in being featured in my Holiday Gift Guide and I was very excited when they accepted.  I looked at their over 220 stores to find the perfect kids gift for the holidays when I came across erockinghorses.com.  I immediately knew that I wanted to finally get TJ his rocking horse.  What I didn’t realize was going to be a problem was the vast product selection that they offer.  It made for a very tough decision.  Here are some of the cute rocking horses (and animals) that I almost chose:

You can’t go wrong with the classic!

I thought this rocking bug was completely adorable!

What little boy wouldn’t love this airplane rocker?

This little guy was the runner-up.  I debated between this dinosaur and the one I ultimately chose.  So, What did I choose?

I chose the Plush Colt Rocking Horse with Sound from Rockabye!

About Rockabye
The goals of Rockabye are simple. They use the highest quality woods and most luxurious fabrics from around the world to create heirloom-quality rockers. Creativity is the guiding principle of their company. Their team of designers and quality managers work side by side until they are satisfied that they’ve not only created the most unique rockers, but rockers that exude a whimsical charm that sets them apart in an industry full of the ordinary.

This little colt has to be one of the cutest things I have seen in a long while (besides my little TJ of course).  He looks so happy and friendly and one can’t help but to fall in love with the little horse.  I love that it is a classic horse but with an updated plush look to him.  My little TJ is quite taken with stuffed animals and I know that this is the perfect fit for him.  He is surrounded by plush so I can be confident that he can’t hurt himself (unless of course he falls off).

The colt came already assembled (much to daddy’s delight) and was ready to rock as soon as the box was opened.  He features a red saddle and bright yellow bridle along with a red scarf.  I love how colorful he is.  He just makes you happy looking at him!

What is even more amazing is that this rocking horse does more than just rock. He plays four educational songs to help your little one learn his alphabet, numbers and colors.  There is even a fourth song that is just for fun to help your little guy get a groove on while he is rocking away.  Parents have the option of turning the sounds off by a control located in a Velcro pouch near the colt’s chest.  What a wonderful way for TJ to get an extra dose of education while have fun!

As you can tell we are very happy with TJ’s new rocking horse.  Delivery of the toy was fantastic, assembly was non-existent and the joy that it will bring to our house is immeasurable.  Be sure to visit Hayneedle for all of your shopping needs. With over 220 stores you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for.

Buy It:

You can purchase the Plush Colt Rocking Horse with Sound from Rockabye at Hayneedle for $109.99.

Win It:

One (1) lucky reader will win a $50.00 Gift Card to any of the 220+ Hayneedle stores!

How to Enter:

Visit  and tell me what you will choose with your $50 from Hayneedle.com!

(You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win a $50 Gift Card to Hayneedle @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/wng48(You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Follow Hayneedle on Twitter
• Like A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Like Hayneedle on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to US  and Canada residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on November 10. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by Hayneedle. I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample. All opinions are 100% mine.

We have been focusing so much of our time and energy into designing and updating the kitchen and bath that we have neglected our dining room.  My wonderful doggie, Eli, chewed off the corner of my dining room table in his “teething” period. My chairs are also not very comfortable and I would love to have upholstered dining chairs . CSN Stores have made my job easier with their massive amount of products they have available on thier many sites.  CSN has over 200 online sites such as Luggage.com, AllModern.com, WritingDesksAndMore.com, Cookware.com, and BedroomFurniture.com. Diningroomsdirect.com has a very large assortment of products perfect for my dining room that will help us decorate and update our dining room.  With the wide range of products, I am confident that we will find the exact look that we want for our dining room.

You can find almost anything you want at a CSN store.  They have a very large assortment of kids toys, and the lovely people at CSN Stores are sponsoring an upcoming review here on A Mom’s Impression.  I want to say a big “Thank you” to CSN Stores for allowing me to be one of their preferred bloggers.