New York Nanny Center » shopping

Macy’s Madness

Lindsay Bell — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 02:42:51 +0000

I love shopping for my granddaughters’ wardrobe. What makes it so much fun besides the cuteness factor is the fact that I can get great bargains on quality clothing if I shop smart! I wait until the end of the season (July for summer) and watch the sales for the additional percent off in addition to my newspaper and mail coupons.

If I hit the sales right, I can find a good majority of their clothing for the following year for next to nothing. Today my bargains included Carter’s pajamas for $2.99 and pant outfits at $6.00. Then you add the coupon savings and it’s amazing. I have not found any other store to have better sales than Macy’s. Online shopping is the best as long as you spend the free shipping amount you cannot lose.

Happy Shopping,
Mama Bell

Taking a Break from Wedding Planning

Lindsay Bell — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 13:16:38 +0000

My daughter’s wedding is a month away; most of the planning is complete and we are just waiting on the response cards that are past due. So I felt this was my last chance to escape for a few days before the hustle and bustle of the wedding to hang with friends. Finding a dress for the rehearsal dinner was an objective to complete on my trip, or in layman’s terms, I needed an excuse to go shopping with two shopaholics, also known as my bff and sister-in-law.

We are always trying to find bargains and all have a potpourri of coupons, so it’s always fun to count our savings. We all took dresses in to try on, as everyone had an occasion to buy a cocktail dress, only to decide on the same dress as our favorite. Like triplets, we marched up to the counter and purchased the same dress in three different sizes. Objective complete as long as the ordered dress is delivered and fits!

-Mama Bell

Shopaholics 101

Lindsay Bell — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 14:09:24 +0000

My husband dropped me off on Saturday at a friend’s house, just like my dad used to do in high school, before continuing on to a nearby bachelor party for our son-in-law. Meanwhile, we had hours of fun filled shopping planned for the day: places I wanted to go, places she wanted to go and places we both wanted to go. With a wedding approaching, I had a list of things I needed to shop for: frames for table numbers, candles, place card holders and gifts for the wedding guests staying at nearby hotels. After one episode of “where did we park our car?” it was clear that our minds were not working well; we needed to refuel after five hours of shopping. Down to the docks on the Maumee Rive we stopped for an early dinner and then it was back on the road again.

To be continued next week….

-Mama Bell

Wake up Sleepy Heads Get Out of Bed, it’s Black Friday!

Lindsay Bell — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:10:19 +0000

The alarm sounds at the Bell house at 4:30am the day after Thanksgiving, and six sleepy but determined heads roll off their pillows.

My troupe right before a past black Friday experience.

There may be a slight grumble from the shopping enthusiasts, but they know they have a big day ahead. So 30 minutes of getting ready chaos, including throwing on clothes for comfort and not style and making peanut-butter sandwiches for strength…we are off. Hopefully we won’t see any one we know.

The garage door opens to a black canvas, and off we go with Christmas music blaring. It’s 5:15am and we only have 45 minutes to make it to the mall in time for the coupons to be passed out. The kids all have their lists of what to buy and they need those coupons. We strategically position ourselves at each entrance and as the doors open hope that our hands will receive one money saving coupon. Bingo! We are in and ready to shop. There is so much energy and good cheer at the beginning, but after hours of waiting in line, being pushed and bumped around, and the disappointment of not finding the perfect gift we are ready to put up the white flag.

Coffee in hand and not looking our best at the crack of dawn.

It’s time for a break and to pull out the pb&j sandwiches as some of my shoppers are hungry and complaining. You might ask why do we do this to ourselves? Is it worth the dizziness, sleepiness and the shivering from waiting out in the freezing cold temperatures? The answer is we do it for the experience of the season and to keep the Bell family tradition alive.

My girls and I happily awoke super early this past Friday for just that reason. My girls will happily pass this tradition down to their daughters.

Mama Bell is our mother of 5 & weekly Monday columnist

Stumped on what to get for the perfect birthday present??

Lindsay Bell — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:32:00 +0000

Nowthat you have your shower gifting complete time to get that unique birthdaygift that everyone talks about!

Lets say you have a birthday party for 3 yr old boy, where should you start?

Start with a Splendid brand pull over hoodie striped in blue perfect for springbreak and the beach. This vacation must have is both soft and comfy, click here formore info.

Pair it with khaki shorts, jeans or my favorite navy cargo pants. Check out thecargo pants here,they go with almost anything and are comfy enough to play around in.

Go with Melissa & Doug’s Band in a Box. It comes fully equipped with 5different instruments where your child can pretend to host a concert, throw aperformance for the family, have a playdate or start a band. Perfect for kids3+ yrs.

Budget total $140

Bundle NYC down in Soho is both fresh and welcoming!

All items can be purchased at Bundle NYC,the quaint boutique downtown. Need more convincing? Ask Nicole Kidman, JuliaRoberts, Jessica Alba, Alicia keys or Pink who are all recent shoppers.

Get Your Must Have Baby Shower Gift!

Lindsay Bell — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:43:00 +0000

Behind on your shopping for your line-up of baby showers this spring?

Here is our LLD Approved top pick for your next ” its a girl” baby shower!

Angel Dear gowns are quick and easy for a diaper change, good for girls and boys and best yet it covers the entire leg so your lil’ one doesn’t get cold. The ensemble comes with lil’ cap too. Pick between the adorable birdie print in pink, owls in white & grey or elephants in blue.

Since spring break is around the corner don’t forget to include a Jack Webster Passport Holder for those kiddies that already love to travel.

And to complete the gift go with the Little Giraffe muslin swaddling blanket set, a Rachel Zoe favorite. This breathable blanket offers sun protection and shade while you swaddle your baby to help them sleep, like they are back in the whom.

Budget total: Only $103!

LLD Founder Lindsay Bell & Bundle Owner Allison O’Neill

All items can be purchased at Bundle NYC, the quaint boutique downtown. Need more convincing? Ask Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Jessica Alba, Alicia keys or Pink who are all recent shoppers.

Happy gifting!

Downtown Parents: Your Winter Woes have been Solved!

Lindsay Bell — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:32:00 +0000

Prior to the Super bowl this Sunday, I enjoyed the launch of40-year old family run business J&R’s new baby…you guessed itJ&R Jr.

Kid zone at J & R

Thank goodness, a solution for downtown parents on where totake their tikes during those long winter weekends in NYC!

Father of two Jason Friedman, and son of J&R founderJoe wanted to develop a family hot spot that offers parents and particular newand expectant moms and dads a mix of excellent products and expertservice. Major brands that you can findin the store include: Quinny,Melissa& Doug, my personal new favorite LAZOO,Leapfrog & more!

A few of our LLD kiddies about to watch the Princess show!

Thanks to Dada Rocks forinviting LLD to be a part of the event!

Check out New York Family’s interview with Jason here.

For more information on J&R Jr. click here

-LB

Interview with LauraNLove’s Laura Neill

Lindsay Bell — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:31:00 +0000

1. What made you start LauraNLove? It’s my true passion. I often catch myself on the subway looking at everyone and thinking….”that looks great, but I would have put a belt with it.” or, “i love her red lips but she needs to do a natural eye so she doesn’t overwhelm.”

This parlayed into friends and co-workers asking me my advice on outfits for specials occasions, dates, and of course makeup. I was know to do makeup sessions for all the gals at the office during lunch for their big night out.

2. How did you get into loving products as much as you do? I’ve loved all things girly since I can remember. My mom used to catch me in my room changing outfits over and over again. I love to experiment with new, fun looks. Fashion, makeup, etc. I begged my mom for a “makeover” when I turned 13. That is what ALL the girls in my hometown did for their “teen” birthday”

3. What is your daily make-up/skin-care routine? Cleanse, tone, moisturize! Wash my face in the shower (and exfoliate 1x per week), apply a toner on a cotton ball (very crucial in new york with that dirt flying around the streets) and most importantly moisturize!! Always make sure your moisturizer has SPF in it and if it doesn’t I like to add Neutrogena Dry Touch sunblock under my makeup.

4. What is your advice to moms on the go who don’t have a lot of time to shop, but want to find the best make-up/skin-care products? There are many makeup lines out there that package their “best of” for women on the go….I like Scott Barnes Golden Goddess and Smoky Nights. It gives you colors that are universally flattering on everyone and it can be thrown in a gym bag!

5. I love your post on falling down. Why do you love falling? Because each time I fall, I am that much closer to success

6. What is the one product you can’t live without and recommend to moms? 10 Years Younger Spray!!! It is a makeup setting spray that keeps your makeup on but ALSO prevents lines and creases on your face….making you look youthful

Visit www.lauranlove.com to check out what Laura LOVES today!