A Saige American Girl giveaway & art scavenger hunt

IMG 8779 225x300 A Saige American Girl giveaway & art scavenger hunt

After just getting introduced to American Girl dolls a few short months ago, I feel like we have gotten to intimately know so many of these lovely ladies: McKenna with her passion for gymnastics, Caroline, the newest historical doll and her pension for adventure, and now we have the chance to meet the 2013 Girl of the year, Saige with her passion for art.

When I first learned about Saige, the first thing that struck me was her unique beauty.

Have you ever met a young girl or a young man and thought, “Wow they are striking!”

That’s the immediate response you get when you see Saige. Her auburn hair has a tinge of deep red to it, and her blue eyes are only made more powerful by her unique dress with native American tones running through the waistline.

Of course the fact that she’s wearing boots that even I think are pretty cool doesn’t hurt either!

But to be honest, I wasn’t sure if my daughter would feel as much of an affinity for Saige as she did for McKenna.

After starting gymnastics last year and watching the US fierce five take Gold in the Olympics, McKenna was a natural choice to be my daughter’s first American Girl doll.

Saige on the other hand, comes from a world a little more unknown to her.

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She lives in New Mexico, rides horses, and loves the outdoors. But I should have realized not to judge a book by its cover. Literally.

As you know, all the American Girl dolls come with a book because they were created by educators and their primary hope was that young girls would get lost in the adventures of these girls’ stories. The dolls were simply created as an accompaniment so that girls could continue living out the story in their own lives after they finished the pages of the book.

Once I turned the book over and read the back cover, I realize just how wrong my initial judgments were about this newest doll, and how  alike my daughter and Saige were in so many ways.

The most striking similarity is their passion for art and their commitment to do whatever it takes to make it a part of not only their lives, but the lives of those around them.

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After I read that, I realized I had initially missed the point of what I love so much about the American girl dolls: whether or not they look like you, they embody a little piece of each of us.

That’s why I wanted to come up with a very special way to let Kariss know about Saige.

I planned a special mother-daughter night, a girls’ night out if you will, that involved both of their shared loves, Art.

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I’ll let you watch what happens next:

Needless to say, both the doll and the evening of painting pottery was a big hit, although I didn’t realize two people could spend so long painting a little jewelry box!

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If you would like to bring the spirit of Saige to a special little girl in your life,  you’re in luck. I have a Saige doll and book set to give away to one of you!

Just enter via raffle copter below: UPDATE: Congratulations to Carrie N. who won Saige! Thanks to all who entered. Check the button on the right sidebar for my current giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

These beautiful and timeless dolls have taught me an important lesson:
Don’t assume, don’t judge someone by external appearances only, and take the time to find the common thread that ties us all together.

Good luck!

My American Girl Doll Giveaway for Christmas 2012

062812 myag dolls 300x87 My American Girl Doll Giveaway for Christmas 2012

Those of you who have followed me for some time know that American Girl has found a new place in our family and I was privileged to offer an American Girl doll giveaway this fall for Caroline, the newest American Girl historical doll.

IMG 5369 300x225 My American Girl Doll Giveaway for Christmas 2012

Because Kariss just got her first American Girl doll (McKenna) this summer, I wanted the giveaway to be especially for those who did not have an American Girl doll yet. I received some amazing stories about why you wanted to win an American Girl doll for that special little girl in your life and SO appreciated those of you who already had American Girl dolls for your little girls that graciously bowed out of that giveaway.

But now I have exciting news!

ANYONE can enter to win a “My American Girl” doll right now in time for Christmas!

tab new half 300x111 My American Girl Doll Giveaway for Christmas 2012

That’s right – anyone and everyone now has a chance to make one little girl’s Christmas extra special.

If you haven’t heard of the “My American Girl” dolls, it’s a special doll you choose that most closely resembles the little girl she’ll belong to. You can match everything from hair & eye color down to freckles and glasses!

You can also bring the new “My American Girl” dolls to life at InnerStarU.com.

Because I want to get this to you as quickly as possible, this will be a short giveaway. Just visit the “My American Girl” page, check out which doll you think your little girl would love and enter via ALL the methods below (some methods you can even do once a day!).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter before midnight on Sunday, the winner will be chosen on Monday and then you will have 48 hours to respond with your doll choice so we can try to have your doll to you before Christmas.

Good luck! I hope you all are as excited about this giveaway as much as I am!

I want to thank American Girl for generously provided me with a “My American Girl” doll to both review and to giveaway. This post expresses all my own thoughts – I love being able to bring you giveaways like these!

American Girl Doll & Bed Flash Sale December 5, 2012

marie grace doll American Girl Doll & Bed Flash Sale December 5, 2012

Just found out about an American Girl doll Flash Sale today (December 5, 2012)!

cecile doll American Girl Doll & Bed Flash Sale December 5, 2012

You can get your choice of the Marie-Grace & Cecile American Girl dolls for $50 or get their canopy bed for $50.

bed product American Girl Doll & Bed Flash Sale December 5, 2012

Just enter code JILLOFFER. Offer good through 8:15 a.m. Central Time on 12/6/12 or while supplies last

Kariss’ School Fundraiser – captured Barbie Photo style!

 Kariss School Fundraiser   captured Barbie Photo style! Kariss School Fundraiser   captured Barbie Photo style!

Kariss has been having so much fun with her Barbie Photo Fashion Doll Kariss School Fundraiser   captured Barbie Photo style!these past few weeks that it was only natural that she would want to bring her Barbie along to document her school bike race/fundraiser, “Rollin’ Roar”, as she rode on her Barbie bike ANDBarbie scooter.

It turned out to be a FABULOUS day in Nashville! After several days in a row of nearly freezing temperatures, today turned into a crisp, blue-skied day in the 60′s…perfect for riding bikes and raising money for the kids’ school icon smile Kariss School Fundraiser   captured Barbie Photo style!

It also provided the perfect backdrop for Kariss’ photos with her Barbie Photo Fashion Doll Kariss School Fundraiser   captured Barbie Photo style!. Kariss took a few shots of her 3rd grade classmates at the starting line, and then I took a few of her and her friends so she’d have them for her scrapbook:

It’s fun for her to be able to edit the photos right from the Barbie doll, not to mention adding fun treatments to the photos.

While it might be normal for my 8 year old to walk around with a Barbie, obviously some of my fellow third grade moms thought it a little strange that I was walking around holding a Barbie so preciously and looking so attentively into it’s belly. Finally, one of them asked, “Is that a camera?!”

I smiled, said yes, then quickly attracted a crowd of interested moms around me icon smile Kariss School Fundraiser   captured Barbie Photo style!

IMG 2228 300x225 Kariss School Fundraiser   captured Barbie Photo style!

IMG 2229 300x225 Kariss School Fundraiser   captured Barbie Photo style!

I demonstrated what she could do, how she worked, and showed off her pictures. One of the moms, a professional photographer herself, asked about the quality of the pictures. While I told her I didn’t think they were frame worthy, it’s been great for Kariss to use recreationally for her own pictures and personal memory keeping.

Of course, it’s easier for me to carry around then my own camera and I’m not as worried about mis-placing it either:

IMG 7381 225x300 Kariss School Fundraiser   captured Barbie Photo style!

Above all, I love that Kariss has her own method to capture memories now. Not only is her Barbie Photo Fashion Doll a familiar friend that she can play with everyday, but now she represents a tool that’s allowing her to not only express her creativity, but also to develop a skill she really enjoys, photography, but in an extremely age-appropriate way.

This is a sponsored post from One2One Network. Mattel product and additional incentives were provided to me.  I only agreed to write the post because I thought the Barbie Photo Fashion Doll was something I would buy for my daughter anyway icon smile Kariss School Fundraiser   captured Barbie Photo style! All opinions stated are my own.

New American Girl Caroline Giveaway (Historical Doll)

Meet Caroline Lo Res 250x300 New American Girl Caroline Giveaway (Historical Doll)

UPDATE: This American Girl doll giveaway has ended, but you can enter my new My American Girl doll giveaway now! 

At long last, the new American Girl doll is here and she is the newest in their historical doll collection! Her name is Caroline and you can win her in this American Girl giveaway!

If you’ve read my other posts on American Girl this summer, you’ll remember that I’m a new convert to the American Girl brand…in large part thanks to understanding that American Girl was created by educators for the purpose of teaching young girls history through the stories of girls like them through the ages.

I fell in love with the girls’ stories when we visited the American Girl Place Chicago and even got teary-eyed as their stories came to life and I imagined what it must have been like to be a little girl living through WWII (a war my own father fought in!) or to be a young black girl in the South during the time of the Underground Railroad. They paint a picture of history that our daughters will never get in their textbooks alone!

While my heart leaned toward a historical American Girl doll, I completely understood my daughter’s choice when she decided on McKenna (the 2012 Doll of the Year) as her very first American Girl doll for one simple reason, “Her story is my story mom!”.

But when I learned that American Girl was adding their newest historical doll this September, I had to have a sneak peak! In fact, I shared Caroline on TV during my  Talk of the Town “Save vs. Splurge” segment as the perfect gift for a family to join together to buy their little girl for a special occasion.

Caroline immediately won the hearts of the viewers and the crew and I heard mention of words like “Exquisite”, “Quality”, “Beautiful” and even “I’m Shocked!” over how well made and stunning the dolls actually are. (I guess I’m not the only cynic in this world!).

Carolines Skiff LR 300x292 New American Girl Caroline Giveaway (Historical Doll)

So now, 200 years after America secured its standing as a truly independent nation, I’m happy that I can introduce you to American Girl’s newest historical character, Caroline Abbott!

Caroline, an independent and adventurous nine-year-old girl whose story is set near Lake Ontario during the War of 1812, learns to face her most challenging moments using her heart as her compass. Going above and beyond to help those around her, I love that Caroline gives of herself without expecting anything in return—becoming the kind of real everyday hero that any girl can be. More importantly, Caroline shows girls today how to stay steady and believe in themselves during difficult times.

American Girl’s vice president, Jean McKenzie gives further insight into why Caroline was created:
“Our newest historical character, Caroline, is a brave, independent girl who teaches girls today that they can navigate life’s challenges by staying strong, making good decisions, and taking action. We know our fans will be inspired by the stories of Caroline, who shows girls that they can set their own course to help make changes for the greater good.”

I was so inspired that I couldn’t wait to give Caroline to my daughter!!!

But then I paused.

Hadn’t we just said that an American Girl doll is special and that we didn’t want her collecting EVERY single doll, but rather getting to know the doll through her stories and finding that special doll she identified with (like we did with McKenna)?

Yes, we did.

So we came up with what I think is the perfect solution (and to be honest, what I believe to be the original intent of the creators of American Girl): we’re going to introduce Caroline to Kariss through her stories first.

Caroline launches with six historical books written by author and social historian Kathleen Ernst…that should give Kariss plenty of time to get to know not only who Caroline is, but the period in which she grew up. Once she reads more about Caroline, then we’ll determine if and when she’s ready to meet her face to face icon smile New American Girl Caroline Giveaway (Historical Doll)

But I also realize that many of you are like me and either couldn’t afford an American Girl doll for your daughter or didn’t understand the heart behind the company until now and thus have not bought an American Girl doll. So I want to change that for one lucky reader…

The American Girl Doll company has been gracious enough to give me one American Girl Doll set to give away which includes both the Caroline doll and her first book, “Meet Caroline”. My only request is that this go to a girl who does not yet have an American Girl doll.

Yes, I realize I can’t legitimately track or prove that you don’t have an American Girl doll if you enter, but I’m going to trust that you, my faithful readers, will be honest in letting this doll be someone’s very FIRST American Girl doll!

So if you have a daughter, grand-daughter, niece, neighbor, or little friend that you know would LOVE this doll, I hope that you will enter the contest below and get the chance to meet Caroline for yourself!

UPDATE: Giveaway has ended – Congratulations to Sara R!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

American Girl generously provided me with Caroline to both review and to giveaway. This post expresses all my own thoughts and I can’t wait to hear what you think about her too!

American Girl Place Package at Omni Hotel Chicago

IMG 5431 300x300 American Girl Place Package at Omni Hotel Chicago

If you’re looking for a Chicago hotel experience that takes your daughter and her doll into the utmost consideration, consider checking out the American Girl® Place Package at Omni Hotel Chicago.

On our recent “Luxury for Less” Chicago Road Trip, I wanted to introduce my children to some of the most special areas of my hometown, but I didn’t want to walk all over the city to do so.

Knowing that we were going to be spending time at the American Girl Place at Chicago’s famous Water Tower Place and that I would be alone with the kids, I wanted to ensure we stayed somewhere close by that would also extend their experiences beyond the store.

So I was thrilled to discover that American Girl already thought of this for me and partnered with some of Chicago’s fines hotels, like the Omni Hotel Chicago, to deliver their American Girl Place package.

IMG 5358 300x225 American Girl Place Package at Omni Hotel Chicago

From the minute we pulled up just off of Michigan Avenue (and just a few short blocks from the American Girl Place), me AND my kids were treated like royalty, being greeted with kids’ activity backpacks and a selection of fresh, cold beverages…the perfect antidote to the Chicago summer sun!

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We didn’t have long to spend in our room before heading off to our American Girl adventure, but we were there long enough to discover for ourselves that the Omni Hotel Chicago is the Magnificent Mile’s only all-suite, all-plasma screen tv hotel that has also been named to Travel + Leisure’s list of top family hotels.

And it’s not hard to see why. Just take a look at these elegant yet classic rooms:

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IMG 5356 300x225 American Girl Place Package at Omni Hotel Chicago

I love that Kariss could be playing with her dolls in the sitting room while her brother could enjoy the flat-screen in the bedroom…and not bother each other!

And speaking of playing with her dolls, look at what greeted her as soon as we walked in!

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Every girl receives their very own American Girl bed, outfit & book…to keep! For my daughter who didn’t even yet have an American Girl of her own, this was such a special introduction!

And of course, we all LOVED the view!

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I also loved that even though we got back from our American Girl Chicago River cruise past bedtime, we didn’t have far to walk back to the Omni Hotel…and you won’t believe what awaited us when we got there:
IMG 5429 300x225 American Girl Place Package at Omni Hotel Chicago

I had mentioned to the concierge before leaving for the day that we were at their hotel celebrating my daughter’s & my birthday…and would it be possible to have a card or a cookie for her once we got home. I couldn’t believe all the trouble they went through to make our double birthday celebration extra special!!!

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But what was even more special was the personalized note & turn down service that Kariss received:
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Of course, what I didn’t realize was that everyone who partakes in the Omni Hotel Chicago American Girl Package receives the special candy display icon wink American Girl Place Package at Omni Hotel Chicago In fact, take a look at all the Omni Hotel Chicago AMerican Girl package includes:

Welcome card at check-in for the girl
American Girl® Doll-Size Travel Bed(s) to take home
American Girl® Pajama set for dolls including slippers for the girl to keep
American Girl® book to read at bedtime
Sugar and Sweet All-American Candy Display on night of arrival
$50 USD food and beverage voucher for the Omni Chicago Hotel per day
Voucher valid through room service or in 676 Restaurant
Cookies and milk with turndown service on night of arrival
Valet parking for one car per night
Entry into the quarterly drawing to win an American Girl® Doll (choice of doll not available)

Did you see the part about the food & beverage voucher? We chose to use ours for their fabulous (& that’s an understatement) breakfast buffet. With their combination of homemade jellies, locally grown produce, organic options and even a table just for kids, I would return to the city just to eat here!

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They even had special booster seats for the American Girl dolls!
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And to think that these packages start at just $279 a night, even this frugal girl can’t find fault with the experience you receive for the value!

My only critique would be that the first impression when you walk in to your suite is a bit bland. When you consider the detail that has gone in to the rest of the room, not to mention the entire hotel, I wish there was a bit more pizazz in the parlor, but I suppose they didn’t want to take away from the amazing Chicago skyline icon wink American Girl Place Package at Omni Hotel Chicago

But don’t let that tiny insight dissuade you. My family didn’t want to leave our little piece of heaven just off of Michigan Avenue. We’re already plotting a trip back before Christmas when I believe the hotel and surrounding area would be even more magical!

Check out this link if you want more information on planning an American Girl getaway of your own at the Omni Chicago!

Disclosure: Our family received this package as a guest of the Omni Hotel Chicago in exchange for our honest review of the experience…and we would gladly do it again!

Our Hyundai Road Trip: Luxury for Less

20120713 074438 Our Hyundai Road Trip: Luxury for LessIf there has been a common theme to this summer, it’s been that we haven’t stayed in one place for too long, and this weekend will be no different! We’re taking a road trip to Chicago in the Hyundai Genesis and are going to show you what it’s like to experience a bit of luxury for less than you might think!

When I had the opportunity to return to Chicago this weekend for what turned out to be a somewhat impromptu Strauss family reunion, I realized I hadn’t been back to my hometown in about 5 years. So much has changed, not to mention the fact that I have two school aged children now! So the things that I experienced when I left for college at the age of 16 probably would not be the same things I’d go back and experience today…

So not only did I want to give you a fun Chicago “Staycation” story, but I wanted to share some experiences that neither you or I might think possible or affordable on a budget, but just might surprise you icon wink Our Hyundai Road Trip: Luxury for Less

The first of which is the Hyundai Genesis.

Now if you live here in Nashville, then you may very well have come out to visit me during the summer at one of my personal appearances at Hyundai of Cool Springs with 94FM with Fish. To be completely honest, I had never driven a Hyundai before meeting Frank, Sam and the rest of the Hyundai of Cool Springs family. But once I took a test drive, I became intrigued…

I knew they had the best warranty in the industry (5 year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty & 10 year/100,000 mile Power-train warranty), but until I took a spin in their new Veloster, I never realized just how thoughtfully designed their vehicles are.

I became even further intrigued when I got to sit in their Hyundai Equus, to which my only response was, “This is a car you should be driven in, not drive yourself!” I was even more surprised that this luxury vehicle (known in fact for transporting many dignitaries in Asia) carried a price tag cheaper than most Lexus’ I’ve seen.
20120713 074456 Our Hyundai Road Trip: Luxury for Less

But what’s impressed me most about Hyundai of Cool Springs is the experience – they truly treat you like family. I’ve always said that I don’t mind paying more to shop somewhere if I know my dollar and my time are being appreciated. But rarely do you find that level of service somewhere that you can also find incredible value!

So when I realized I’d be going to Chicago this weekend, I asked my new friends at Hyundai of Cool Springs if I could truly test and see if the Hyundai was right for my family. Not only did they think it was a great idea, just look at what they put me in:
5510665413x150 Our Hyundai Road Trip: Luxury for Less

The Hyundai Genesis is in a class with the Lexus E class, the Mercedes, and the 5 Series BMW…but with a price tag of up to $20,000 less! (The MSRP starts at $34,900).

After driving a mini-van for so many years, I honestly didn’t think I could go on a road trip without one, but as soon as the kids saw it, their responses ranged from, “That’s the coolest car I’ve ever seen!” to “I’ve always wanted a black car like this!”
20120713 074446 Our Hyundai Road Trip: Luxury for Less

Who knew?

Obviously I’m not a car aficionado, but this is a NICE automobile. I was sold just driving home with the way it handled, accelerated and literally made me feel like I had the world at my fingertips (did I mention it’s comes equipped with Bluetooth and XM radio?). But as a frugal mom, what really sets it apart from it’s competitors is that it only requires regular fuel! This can save you hundreds of dollars a year over a comparable car that requires premium!

All that being said, I’m excited to see what this baby can do on the highway as we work our way up to Chicago. It’s just me and the kids this trip, so we’ll be visiting some other places I previously thought might have been out of our price range, but I’ve discovered some valuable tips that I’ll be sharing with you along the way so that you can plan your own luxury getaway for less!

So if you’re going to be in Chicago this weekend, keep your eye out for me at the Legoland Discovery center in Schaumburg, IL for their Star Wars Weekend (July 13-15), American Girl Place located in downtown Chicago’s historic Water Tower Place for their American Girl Dinner and Chicago’s First Lady® River Cruise on July 15, and more! (And you can bet I’ll be getting my fill of some Italian Beef, Deep Dish Pizza and French Silk Pie while I’m there too!).

I’d love for you to come along the adventure with me this weekend by following the hashtag #HyundaiMom on Twitter.

See you on the road!

Disney Store Twice Upon a Year Sale: Dolls only $4.99


 Disney Store Twice Upon a Year Sale: Dolls only $4.99
The Disney Store Twice Upon a Year sale continues with another great “Donald’s Daily Deal” : classic Disney Dolls for only $4.99 today only!

These dolls are regularly $12.50 (and sometimes go on sale for 2 for $20), but this is the cheapest I’ve ever seen them! What you may not know is that they also offer many of the princes now, so if you have little boys that like to be included in big sister’s play time (trust me, I speak from experience), this is a great way to start including them.

But you have to shop today, June 18, 2012.

Disney fashions are also 40% off, so if you’re looking to take advantage of the free shipping offer below, you may  just find a few more deals to bump that total up icon wink Disney Store Twice Upon a Year Sale: Dolls only $4.99

You can also get free shipping on your orders of $75 or more with code SHIPTODAY

American Girl McKenna celebrates Best Friends Day with new DVD

AMERICAN GIRL MCKENNA SHOOTS FOR THE STARS Blu ray Box Art 1 276x300 American Girl McKenna celebrates Best Friends Day with new DVD

In celebration of Best Friends Day (June 8, 2012), here is a brand new clip from AN AMERICAN GIRL: MCKENNA SHOOTS FOR THE STARS that arrives on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD, and Digital Download on July 3, 2012, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.:

Until recently, I had never been a fan of American Girl dolls. To be honest, I typically steer clear of things that everyone else loves icon wink American Girl McKenna celebrates Best Friends Day with new DVD But it wasn’t until we paid a visit to the American Girl store in NYC this Spring that I learned what was at the heart of the American Girl story: education & friendship (or at least that’s what I took away from it!).
20120611 222708 American Girl McKenna celebrates Best Friends Day with new DVD

Now granted, we went in with an Our Generation doll Kariss had purchased with her own money from Target, but they still let us experience everything as if she had an American Girl doll (including getting her hair styled). Kariss was especially excited to get a (then) sneak peak at this year’s 2012 American Girl doll of the year, McKenna, who is now the star of AN AMERICAN GIRL: MCKENNA SHOOTS FOR THE STARS.
20120611 222727 American Girl McKenna celebrates Best Friends Day with new DVD

We can’t wait to watch the movie (also scheduled to air on Saturday July 14, 2012 at 8/7c on NBC) for a few reasons: Kariss has found a new love for gymnastics, Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) stars in the film and finally, now that we’ve been introduced to American Girl in real life, it will be fun to watch our first American Girl film together as a family.

What’s your take on the American Girl craze?