A Day of Seattle Friends Family and Even Better Santa Photos

You know I’ve been traveling a lot and while I was gone last weekend the kids went with daddy to get Santa photos. I was happy they were busy but sad that I missed their very first experience with Santa Claus at the mall. So when Jenny Ingram invited me out with a few other bloggers for a day out in Seattle with Macy’s I said yes, just so I could take the kids to visit Santa Claus too.

Miles handled Santa much better this time, they had quite a long conversation that I wish I could have heard. You see, Miles has been telling everyone that the only thing he wants for Christmas is candy, and I think Santa was telling him that he’s not going to give him just candy. But I couldn’t hear well enough to know for sure and I couldn’t get a straight answer out of Miles either. Sigh! Anyway, the photos turned out really well, even better than the ones we took the week before.

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After the kids’ photos with Santa the moms had to get one too. Lucky Santa right?

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Then we had coffee and a snack at Seattle’s Best and a ride on the carousel. (front from left) Alli from No Time for Flashcards, Marie from Make and Takes, me, Lyndsey from The Stationery Place, (back from left) Tammy from Tammy’s Two Cents, Jenny from Jenny On The Spot, Kat from Mama’s Losin It, and Mandy from The Haps.

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After the ride on the carousel we had a while to talk chat and just be moms with toddlers running amok in downtown Seattle.

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I’m kidding well partially kidding. We all have very well behaved children, but we couldn’t control the strange people in the streets of Seattle.

 

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Thanks to Jenny and Macy’s for covering our fun family and friend day in Seattle.

Seattle #Tweetdrive Door Prize Photo With Santa & Yes, Virginia from Macy’s

Another fantastic door prize at the Tweetdrive is a free photo with Santa Claus At Macy’s.

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PRESENTS

A VISIT TO SEE SANTA

AT THE DOWNTOWN SEATTLE MACY’S STORE

Prize includes Family Photos with Santa for up to three kids and a Classic Children’s Holiday Book, “Yes, Virginia” based on the New York Sun’s famous “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” editorial from 1897.

 

Sneak Peek At Macy’s Holiday Parade in Seattle

Yesterday our family had quite the treat. I was able to interview Denise Hinton, manager of event operations while my kids got to try on parade costumes. We had a fabulous time and the kids can’t stop talking about the parade. They really want to go watch it, rain or shine the parade will start at 9 AM.

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The Holiday Parade route will begin at 7th and Pine, then travel west down Pine St. to 5th Avenue, south on 5th Avenue to University Street, west on University to 4th, and then north on 4th to Macy’s doorstep. There are 57 colorful and sparkly entries in this year’s parade. Denise said she LOVES sparkles and puts sparkles on as many floats and people as she can. So expect lots of both.

Fun Props:

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I was surprised when Denise said that the parade is geared to ages 6 to 12 because little ones always love the parade. My kids are super excited and every kids under the age of six always seem to be excited about parades. But maybe that’s why they focus on age 6 to 12 because they’re harder to keep interested. Check out these kid costumes and the crayon amazed Miles.

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The Macy’s Stars!

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And of course my Christmas Presents:

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Also enticing to children will be the Dalmatian club. Children and adults will be dressed up as Dalmatians. Parents will be pulling the kids in radio flyer wagons.

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And the clowns will be handing out candy in addition to making as many people laugh as they can.

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The float I’m most excited to see is the Cinderella Float sponsored by Fifth Avenue Theater. It’s going to be a snowglobe with Cinderalla inside and then her ladies are going to be walking along with some princes. Then ushers are going to be walking before and after the float. Check out these fantastic costumes.

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The Parade this year has a few floats and lots of costumes from last year’s New York Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade and will include two new train cars for the candy cane express inflatable float and a new rocking horse inflatable float. The parade will feature 23 inflatable floats, four trailer floats, local high school marching bands, over 500 costumed characters, professional sports teams and community drill teams. I think it would be fun to have the whole family in the parade myself.

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I can tell that Denise loves her job and that’s what makes it such a spectacular event. Plus, she was SUPER professional, while I and another blogger was interviewing her, she was told that KOMO was going to be ready for her in 15 minutes. She said they can wait, I’m not done with these guys yet. WOW! She stayed with us until we were done and then went to them. She’s a rock star in my book. Denise also runs the Portland Holiday Parade running the same day as the Seattle Holiday Parade. Be sure to also check out the Holiday Star Lighting Ceremony in conjunction with the annual Seattle Westlake Center tree lighting. The famous 161-foot high, 3,600-bulb Holiday Star is a Seattle favorite. This event begins at 5 p.m. and will include an incredible fireworks display (weather permitting).

Heads Up Seattle: Macy’s Holiday Events Bring Santa, Fireworks and Charity All Together

We didn’t really do anything outside of the home and family for last year’s holiday season. This year though we have big plans and one of them is the Macy’s Holiday Parade.

MACY’S HOLIDAY PARADE AND STAR LIGHTING TO KICK OFF HOLIDAY SEASON

In celebration of the 2011 holiday season, Macy’s is proud to announce that its annual My Macy’s Holiday Parade will take place on Friday, November 25, 2011 in downtown Seattle. My only concern is that this is going to be insane because it’s also Black Friday. Oh well, it’s good to do fun Holiday stuff as a family. The parade steps off promptly at 9 a.m. and lasts approximately one hour. The Holiday Parade route will begin at 7th and Pine, then travel west down Pine St. to 5th Avenue, south on 5th Avenue to University Street, west on University to 4th, and then north on 4th to Macy’s doorstep.

The Seattle Times and Warm 106.9 FM radio are the media partners for the Parade this year. Macy’s signature inflatable floats will make their annual appearance in this Seattle tradition. This year’s Parade will include two new train cars for the candy cane express inflatable float and a new rocking horse inflatable float and costumes from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. The parade will feature more than 20 inflatable floats, local high school marching bands, over 500 costumed characters, professional sports teams and community drill teams.

The parade will conclude shortly after Santa dashes in his sleigh past Macy’s, heading directly from the North Pole to his Seattle holiday post in Macy’s Santaland, which opens at 11:00 AM.

MACY’S STAR LIGHTING & FIREWORKS SHOW

What excites me even more than the parade is the three lighting. That same evening, Macy’s will continue the tradition of the Holiday Star Lighting Ceremony in conjunction with the annual Seattle Westlake Center tree lighting. The famous 161-foot high, 3,600-bulb Holiday Star is a Seattle favorite. This event begins at 5 p.m. and will include an incredible fireworks display (weather permitting). My husband and I attended this event in the beginning of our marriage. I think it would be so fun to do it again with the kids this year.

SANTALAND AND SANTA DIGITAL PHOTOS

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The tradition of visiting Santaland and having family portraits taken with the Old St. Nick continues at the downtown Macy’s store on the 6th floor. Macy’s will once again offer a wide assortment of digital photography packages. Santa photos will be available every day from Friday, November 25 through Friday, December 24. For more information visit www.macys.com/believe and www.macy.com/events for Santaland daily hours

HOLIDAY “BELIEVE” CAMPAIGN TO BENEFIT MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION

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We mentioned this campaign in Beginning November 6, believers of all ages are invited to drop off letters – stamped and addresses to Santa at the North Pole – at any Santa Mail letterbox at your local Macy’s store. For each letter received, Macy’s will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, up to $1 million, to grant wishes to local children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Another Red Carpet Event Means a New Dress

I’ve been invited back to LA to preview Cars 2 with Disney, and The Help with Dreamworks. Of course I’m going to recycle some dresses and use them again, but I thought one new dress would be ok. What do you think, red carpet after party worthy?

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Of course she wants to go with me, but she’ll have to stay home. This dress is by Byer California. Byer California is an adorable clothing line bringing all the latest trends to women of every age.  I love their Spring/Summer line. Byer is affordable and trend savvy. From a night on the town, to a job interview, to a red carpet event, Byer California is perfect for every occasion.

Byer California can be found at Macy’s, Kohl’s, and JCPenney’s across the country with prices ranging from $5 to $50. Byer stays current with fashion trends creating modern trend looks for young women.  For the young trendsetter, styles include colorful animal prints to princess perfect party dresses, while styles for older chic shoppers range from fitted blazers and to casual floral tops. The clothing runs in junior sizes and washes well. This particular dress doesn’t show wrinkles which is a huge plus in my book.

 

Now, I know what all of you think of my boots but they just can’t be separated from my feet. I do have another new dress I’m going to take with me too, that I can ONLY wear heels with. It’s a lot nicer, but I’m sure this is supposed to be another not too dressed up event. And whose really going to care what the mommy blogger with the HUGE honkin camera is wearing anyways?

 

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation

Macy’s First Impressions Fall Collection #Giveaway

imageFirst Impressions sent me a gift set for a boy that I am going to donate to one of the local charities around here. They sent me a First Impressions Gift Set and it turns out it is quite a generous donation. The boys clothing is quite a handsome collection and everything is easy to mix and match making quite a sizable wardrobe. The clothing is exclusive to Macy’s and in my opinion has that “Macy’s” quality you would expect. At least when I think of Macy’s I think of great brands that hold up over time. I would have loved to receive something like this as a gift for my babies when they were that small and one thing I love about Macy’s is that they have great sales.

First Impressions is a collection of classic clothing for newborns and infants featuring sweet, traditional designs, fine fabrics and time-honored details, with an emphasis on special occasion dressing. The charm and refinement of First Impressions clothing and matching accessories make it a favorite gift choice.

imageEach First Impressions gift set includes a fall Look Book featuring the collection, an outfit from the Satin Hanger Collection, a three or four piece layette set from the Everyday Value Collection and an adorable plush animal. 

Satin Hanger Collection
  Sweet, traditional outfits with their own signature satin hanger
  Range of colors with ruffles, trims and added accessories
  Available in sizes 0-24 months
  Giftable items that are perfect for showers, holiday presents and special occasions
  Sold in stores and online, prices vary from $26 and up

Everyday Value Collection
  Essentials for every baby
  Layette sets include coverall, bodysuits, pant and bib
  Available in sizes for preemies, 0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-9 months
  Variety of colors and patterns for girls, boys and gender neutral
  Outfits are machine washable and 100 percent cotton
  Sold in stores and online as an everyday value, prices vary from $8.98 and up

 

I received a sample from First Impressions and Macy’s they are also providing the giveaway set. All opinions are my own.

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Enter to Win:

First Impressions gift set for boy or girl (fall Look Book featuring the collection, an outfit from the Satin Hanger Collection, a three or four piece layette set from the Everyday Value Collection and an adorable plush animal)

To Enter:

Visit the First Impressions collection and let me know what you like other than what is featured here.

Extra Entries:

RT this post and include the link to the post (make sure that the link shows up or it won’t count)

Follow/Like Mom Start on Facebook
Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow me on Google Friend Connect
Comment on any other non-giveaway post 
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig or stumble
Blog About this Giveaway (linking to the giveaway)
Add my blog button to your sidebar.

This giveaway ends November 22nd, I received a product as compensation! All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Shimmery Dresses and Embellished Tees Macy’s Impulse #Giveaway

Checking the Macy’s ad is a great way to stay on top of current fashion trends for all ages. We shop the sales for our kids and find the cutest fashionable little clothing for both Miles and Zoe to wear. But when I’m looking for me, I love to find youthful clothing that is fashionable. For this Fall, the hottest women’s clothing and apparel can be found in the Macy’s Impulse department. Each season, Impulse finds the current trends and publishes that list as a Hot List. It is essentially a cheat sheet of what your closet should not be without. It features many of today’s top labels, including 7 For All Mankind, Miss Me, Sugar Lips and more.

The focus this season focuses on eye-catching details.

Think Shimmery Dresses

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and Embellished Tees.

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and Draped Camis that add a hint of attitude to your everyday outfit.

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To nail both trends, try wearing a lace-trimmed cardigan over a flowy, floral camisole. And I have always had a thing for fun socks. These knee-high socks are right up my alley.

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Enter to Win:

50.00 Gift Card to Macy’s

To Enter:

Leave a comment telling me what you like to purchase from Macy’s!

Extra Entries:

RT this post and include the link to the post

Follow/Like Mom Start on Facebook
Subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other non-giveaway post 
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig or stumble
Blog About this Giveaway (linking to the giveaway)
Add my blog button to your sidebar.

This giveaway ends November 1st, m80 contacted me on behalf of Macy’s and they are supplying the prize! All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Baby Clothing: First Impressions Review

First Impressions sent me a gift set that I am going to donate to one of the local charities around here. They sent me a First Impressions Gift Set and it turns out it is quite a generous donation.

First Impressions is a collection of classic clothing for newborns and infants featuring sweet, traditional designs, fine fabrics and time-honored details, with an emphasis on special occasion dressing. The charm and refinement of First Impressions clothing and matching accessories make it a favorite gift choice.

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First Impressions gift set includes a spring Look Book featuring the collection, an outfit from the Satin Hanger Collection,

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Satin Hanger Collection
  Sweet, traditional outfits with their own signature satin hanger
  Range of colors with ruffles, trims and added accessories
  Available in sizes 0-24 months
  Giftable items that are perfect for showers, holiday presents and special occasions
  Sold in stores and online, prices vary from $26 and up

 

a five-piece layette setimage

from the Everyday Value Collection

image Everyday Value Collection
  Essentials for every baby
  Layette sets include coverall, bodysuits, pant and bib
  Available in sizes for preemies, 0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-9 months
  Variety of colors and patterns for girls, boys and gender neutral
  Outfits are machine washable and 100 percent cotton
  Sold in stores and online as an everyday value, prices vary from $8.98 and up

 

and an adorable plush animal

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The plush animal was loved on immediately, but she understands that some things that come for my blog are for donation only. She just wanted her photo taken with it and it does illustrate just how soft the plush is.

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The clothing is exclusive to Macy’s and in my opinion has that “Macy’s” quality you would expect. At least when I think of Macy’s I think of great brands that hold up over time. I would have loved to receive something like this as a gift for my babies when they were that small and one thing I love about Macy’s is that they have great sales. In fact, the clothing that is pictured above is on sale now at Macy’s. You can get some First Impressions clothing for a really great price.

Black Friday for The Sak at Macy’s

 

iris_crossbody The sak has a great Black Friday deal at Macy’s that is not to be missed!  From store opening until 2pm, Macy’s nationwide will be selling the sak Iris Xbody for $39.99; it’s originally priced at $79!  Check your local Macy’s for store-opening hours.

Also, check out Costco, they have a small selection of bags from The Sak.