Rave & Review

Rio Soul Shoes Can Handle Anything... Beautifully {Review & Coupon Code} #HolidayGuide

A few days ago I got a wonderful surprise when a Rio Soul box arrived just for me.  I opened the box up to find these beauties, an early holiday present from Leanne. 

She knows full well that I am constantly in search of the perfect shoes that fit my personality but are still practical, comfortable and versatile and will not get in the way of my busy lifestyle.  And, Rio Soul shoes definitely fit this bill.

Having heard about the Rio Soul shoes in the awesome Party Blu Prints Holiday 2012 Celebrations eGuide, I was anxious to see them in person so it was a fun surprise to get them to check out just in time for all the holiday craziness. 

I was immediately impressed by how trendy they are without being too flashy.  They give just enough flare to my fun, casual look, which I love.  You can dress them up or down depending on your mood, and they look adorable no matter what you're doing.

And, can you believe they are even cuter in person?  After slipping them on, I was surprised by how great they felt.  I found I actually forgot I was even wearing shoes after a while.  It was like being allowed to wear a cozy pair of slippers to work every day.

Not only are these shoes cute and comfortable; they are also durable, light and flexible.  This is extremely important for me since I am a drummer and need the extra mobility and traction for the foot pedals when I’m jamming with my band.  They are also great for when I hit the gym really hard during my CrossFit training.

The minimalist design allows my foot to feel the ground so I can be more aware of my form for safer, weight lifting and more efficient running.  The design leaves me in control of my ankle foot and toes to maximize every movement with the most minimal interference. 

I love that I can wear these to the gym, to the mall while finishing my Christmas shopping, and even gracefully match them with sweaters for holiday parties.  These shoes really can do it all.

From all of my many travels I’ve learned to keep things simple, which is why I appreciate these sneakers so much.  Wearing shoes that can go anywhere and do anything really does help me keep things simple every day and make it so I'm up for whatever might come up throughout the day.

Although I do still like to wear my not-so-practical pumps and flats every now and again, I love that I can now easily stash my light-weight Rio Souls in my purse or a backpack for whatever might roll my way.  With no more added weight or bulk than a pair of flip flops and the comfort of a sneaker, there's no excuse for not having practical shoes anymore. 

And, these are probably the most impressively practical shoes I could ever own.  Not every shoe can keep up with me, and even fewer look this good while doing it.  Thank goodness I have a 20% off with free shipping coupon at RioSoul.com that I can use to buy some more in every color of the rainbow – hey a girl needs to be prepared, right?

Want to use my 20% off + free shipping coupon for yourself?  Simply enter R888SOUL at checkout to score a truly great deal just in time for the holidays. 



I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and Rio Soul.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours.  #CBias #SocialFabric #HolidayGuide

CountryOutfitter Vintage Corral Boots in the City {Review & Giveaway}

When I first found CountryOutfitter through my friend Farrah over at The Three Under, the first thing I did was look for cowboy boots for the kiddos.  Even though they both already have cowboy boots, I was mostly looking for the next size up and loving all the various styles for kids that you just can’t find anywhere else. 

However, my husband caught me looking at the site and insisted I look at women’s boots instead of children’s.  Within minutes, he had a list of boots he loved – for me.  It took me a bit to come around to the idea but eventually I realized how right he was that my wardrobe was lacking some fun and funky vintage cowboy boots.

After a nearly an hour of shopping their site and dreaming of boots, we finally had it narrowed down.  I already knew I wanted square toe, so all that was left was choosing the boot height and the style, and we took that task very, very seriously.  With two vintage Corral boots topping the list, the debate of brown or black began and finally we made our choice, the Vintage Black Python Inlay boots by Corral Boots was it. 

And then as soon as I hit “send”, all I thought of was those beautiful boots.  But, as much as I was excited about them, I was a bit apprehensive as well and had a million questions that only seeing them in person would answer:  Would a city gal like me be able to pull them off?  Would I have anything to wear them with?  Would they be as comfortable as everyone says they are?

Thank goodness they arrived just days later, as I was going a bit crazy in anticipation.  They actually arrived as we were packing up for BlogHer in NYC and even though I had an amazingly long to-do list that comes from taking a family of 4 from one coast to the other for over a week, I just had to open them up and peek.

And then even though I was still in my pajamas, I had to try them on.  Immediately, my concerns about them being uncomfortable were completely forgotten and I marveled at how worn-in they felt straight out of the box.  We’re talking no rubbing, no chaffing, nothing - just pure comfort. 

Seriously.  Up until this point I didn’t believe boots could ever be comfortable, even those designed for comfort, and here I was in square-toed, heeled cowboy boots and ready for anything, including packing and last-minute errands with the kiddos. 

Taking them off only to shower, I slipped them on afterwards over a favorite pair of jeans and turned to the only second opinion I had, my two young kiddos.  Thankfully, they both confirmed that mama was rockin’ those boots because at that point I was in love. 

I wore my Corral boots around the house a bit before I ventured out to get the mail, then to the beach, then to the grocery store, and by the time I got home, I seriously wanted to repack my bag for NYC to include these big ol’ boots.  Because not only are they totally fun, they are a conversation starter and everyone wants to talk about how awesome they are, try them on, and generally try and talk me out of them so they can steal them.

Knowing how fast I fell for them, you probably won’t be surprised to know that I couldn’t bear to leave them at home so soon after meeting.  That night while my family slept, I repacked my bag with a space for my Corral boots so I could bring them to the Big Apple, and then I repacked all my outfits so I would have something to wear them with.  Not crazy at all, right?

Okay, maybe a bit, but look how cute they are!

If you think this is where the story gets bad and I talk of all the walking I did in NYC, the heat wave they were experiencing, and how I couldn’t stand to see the black Corral boots once we returned, you are wrong.  Yes, we did a ton of walking.  Yes, I wore the heck out of my boots.  But, even with all the walking and the heat, I have no regrets whatsoever for bringing my boots.  And, I’d do it again in a second.

For one, the boots remained insanely comfortable even after days of walking, which is more than I can say for any other pair of shoes I have ever brought to NYC.  Secondly, they were just so much fun to wear around NYC and I loved how many people would stop and ask about them.  It turns out boots aren’t just for going West, they actually did quite nicely on the East Coast, too - even if the only thing I was wrangling was toddlers.       

I would have never guessed it just a few short weeks ago, but it turns out I'm a cowgirl boots kind of gal.  I've worn my Corral boots numerous times now, including for a family photo shoot, a family vacation, and for long walks with the kids, and each time I manage to love them a little bit more than the last time. 

In fact, I love them so much that I went out and got straight leg jeans that are perfect for boots because I can tuck them in nicely to really showcase the boot design. Because, really, you can't cover up boots this cool.    

As well as making a believer out of me, I've brought about a resurgence of the cowgirl boot amongst friends and family.  And, thanks to CountryOutfitter, I can now direct them all to shop directly on their site where they can filter by boot height, toe shape, and style so they can easily find their perfect boot match, too.  I know their low prices and their amazing selection will have me returning over and over again and I'm happy to share the love!     

One lucky Rave & Review reader will win their favorite boots at CountryOutfitter {up to $150 value}!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A big thank to CountryOutfitter, a retailer of Corral boots, that sent me these Vintage Black Python Inlay boots to review and a gift code to giveaway.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours. 

Lazoo Children's Line Introduces New App {Rain Boot Review & Giveaway}

I’ve always had a thing for rubber rain boots.  Not only are they totally practical for our rainy spring and fall here in the Northwest, they are also adorable on little kiddos and, even better, they love wearing them. 

Because we love them so much, we have a tradition every year that we go out and buy the kids new rain boots at the beginning of spring.  They usually wear them the first time at the Skagit Valley tulip festival, but then they get to enjoy them during our spring showers and then again when they are helping me in the garden all summer.  Come fall, they wear them at the harvest festivals and pumpkin patches and then they are retired and handed down to the next littlest cousin or friend.

This year, I was surprised to find a new brand on my rain boot radar and thrilled to see that they carried the perfect boot for my daughter this year, the Lazoo Strawberry Rain Boots.  My daughter has had a theme of strawberries for accessories since she was newborn and I was so excited to add to her strawberry flair in such a fun way this year.  For anyone who knows my family personally, they know that the strawberry thing has a deeper meaning than just the love of the fruit, but you really don’t have to know all that to appreciate this:

She seriously loves these boots and every time I turn around she’s got them on and is begging to go puddle jumping, garden harvesting, or just to show off her strawberry boots as an added point of flair.  She will tell everyone she meets that she’s wearing her special strawberry rain boots that her mama got her, wiggling them proudly for them.  Never mind the fact that my daughter still says “scrawberry”, the message that these boots are the coolest ever is not lost, and everyone asks to know where we got them so they can pick up a pair.    

While I love all of their rain boots and am looking forward to getting my son a pair next year {the Takumi Rain Boot, perhaps?}, I also love all of their adorable clothes and accessories with the Lazoo characters.  I would be hard for me to pick a favorite item, but I sure do love this robot short from their Vintage line that my little guy could rock like no one’s business.  In fact, I think I might add that to my list for next year, too.

While my favorite line of theirs is the Vintage collection, they have just about anything your little princess or prince could want.  But, even if you’re not in the market for children’s footwear or clothing, you should definitely check out their brand new apps in the iTunes store.

Squiggles! and Let’s Color are two awesome coloring apps for kids.  Squiggles! lets children doodle to their heart’s content and then press GO to watch those squiggles move, twirl, and multiply on the screen.  It has been given 4 out of 4 stars and it’s one of the few apps I’m actually considering an iPad for.  Let’s Color is their newest release in the past few days and is a living, breathing coloring book.  Simply color a page, press the GO button, and watch your drawings come to life.  A few dots become falling snow, scribbles turn to smoke plumes, and dragons can actually breathe fire! You know you want it for your iPad as bad as I do.

Lazoo rain boots are $23.99, but the apps are FREE at the iTunes store!

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win their choice of rainboots from the Lazoo line!

To Enter: Either like Lazoo4U on Facebook or follow @Lazoo4U on Twitter

And, as always, there are extra entries available! {Please leave a separate comment for each completed}

2 Extra Entries - Post on your Facebook wall about this amazing giveaway {Lazoo Kid's Rain Boot Giveaway  http://t.co/xyvQPT5F} and tag Lazoo4U and Rave & Review

2 Extra Entries {per method} - Follow Rave & Review! Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.

2 Extra Entries - download either Lazoo app from the iTunes store and share your favorite page in the app

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter.  Retweet this tweet after following @Lazoo4U and @RaveAndReview

3 Extra Entries - Blogger Bonus. Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post and leave an address where I can find your writeup

1 Extra Entry - Comment love. Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

1 Extra Entry - Pin or Like this post {use the buttons at the bottom of post to make it super easy! Can be done once per article}

On August 3rd at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn by Random.org, announced here and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. 

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and a big congrats to: #179 Jessica Beard said...

https://twitter.com/JBeard25/status/231570060441972736

A big thank you to Lazoo for sending a set of boots and for offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers. All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

SALE! Shooshoos Footwear from $9.95!

Anyone who knows me knows that I can't resist a good sale.  When that sale is for baby and toddler cuteness, I don't even try to control myself - I mean, they are only young once, you know? 

So, when I heard that Shooshoos was having an awesome footwear sale, I just had to share.  If your little one needs shoes, this is definitely the time to shop because for 5 Days only they will be clearancing out shoes as low as $9.95! It works like this: when you buy any regular priced pair of Shooshoos you can get up to 3 discounted pairs from the clearance section for up to 50% off, which makes some of them as low as $9.95!

Want more than 3 pairs of shoes for this steal of a price?  You're in luck because each regularly priced pair of Shooshoos qualifies you to buy another 3 pairs of clearance items at these extremely low prices!  Awesome, right?  Now all that's left is to decide what adorable design I want!

Go to http://shooshoosusa.com to order and score some sweet kicks for this amazingly low price!

Happy Shopping!

Naturalizer Footwear {Review & Giveaway}

Holiday Gift Guide - Day 2

In my busy days taking care of kids there’s really no excuse to not wear comfortable shoes.  I already know I’m going to be chasing toddlers, carting bags and strollers, and walking a good deal, so there’s really not much room in the schedule for uncomfortable footwear.  This is why my shoe collection looks like a teenager’s – tennis shoes, sneakers, flip flops, etc.

Or, rather, it used to.

My shoe collection just got a big makeover with the addition of the Naturalizer Arness boots that arrived earlier this month.  Perfect for fall with some tights and a skirt or with jeans for the perfect fall look, the Arness boots are not only cute, they are also incredibly comfortable.  So comfortable, in fact, that it prompted a trip to our local Naturalizer Store where I loaded up on some of the sale shoes, bags, and sandals this past weekend. 

I was incredibly excited about the range of styles available at the store as well as the colors and sizes they had in stock.  And, we’re not talking “grandma shoes” with tons of support and little style, Naturalizer really has a great range of footwear for women.  From heels and peep-toes to Dr. Scholls and sneakers, Naturalizer has it all.

At the Naturalizer sale, I scored two pairs of sandals, an adorable pair of flats, and some dressier heels for going out.  And although I really needed new shoes, I couldn’t pass up their amazing handbag sale that gave me a percentage off their already reduced prices, making their purses less that $15!  I left the store looking like a sponsored ad for the company and have ever since as I’ve been sporting my shoes and bags.
 
So now instead of a teenager’s shoe collection, I have an age-appropriate shoe wardrobe that can go from any of my daily activities, no matter what the weather.  You wouldn’t believe the compliments I get from the other moms in our play group as they admire my new footwear.  I love that the first question is always “are they really uncomfortable?” as if shoes have to pinch, rub, and chafe, and I love that I can tell other moms how unlike other shoes the Naturalizer collection is. 

If you’re looking for style and comfort, you should definitely check out Naturalizer to find the shoes, boots, sandals and bags that are hot this season.  Bonus – If you’re shopping for boots, you will be happy to note that there is an awesome boot sale going on right now so it’s a great time to get your fall and winter boots at a great price!

Want to try this comfort on your own? You're in luck because one lucky person will win their choice of shoes from Naturalizer!

To enter, simply visit Naturalizer and comment below with what shoes you would pick if you win

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!  Please leave a separate comment for each completed.

1 Extra Entry {per method} if you follow Naturalizer on Twitter and/or like them on Facebook.

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter.  Simply tweet the following after following us both:

Awesome Naturalizer #giveaway from @RaveAndReview and @NaturalizerShoe! http://t.co/2i47TJSM #win with #MyBlogSpark

2 Extra Entries {per follow method} - Follow Rave & Review!  Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll.

3 Extra Entries - Button Love. Place my button in your sidebar on your blog or website with an active link to R&R

3 Extra Entries - Blogger Bonus.  Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post and leave an address where I can find your writeup

1 Extra Entry - Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

On November 16th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses.

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all who entered and congrats to:

18 Beth Hill said... like naturalizer on facebook

A big thank you to Naturalizer and Brown Shoe Company (through MyBlogSpark) for providing shoes and information for me as well as a Naturalizer gift card for one lucky giveaway winner.  All opinions are 100% ours and no monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Naturalizer Rescues BlogHer '11 - will you be there?

Are you getting ready for BlogHer in August?  Want a tip that I wish someone had told me before my first blogging event?  Wear comfortable shoes!  You will be on your feet all day long, walking, standing, and yes, running, and you will be very appreciative if you have comfortable shoes.

If you know me, you know how much comfort decides my wardrobe.  And, if you looked into my closet right now, you would find only shoes designed for comfort.  With a baby, a toddler and a very active lifestyle, I just don’t have time for shoes that pinch, bind, or strain.  That being said, you also won’t find “grandma shoes” in my wardrobe, either. 

I have always been very choosy about my footwear and what makes the cut for casual events, work meetings, and for conferences and parties, which is why I love Naturalizer, a company that understands how important stylish comfort is.  If you remember, last spring I found Naturalizer N5 Comfort Elements shoes and was singing their praises in terms of comfort and style, and I can honestly say the honeymoon still isn’t over.  I wear my Naturalizer shoes at least a few times a week, and they have held up nicely as well as becoming even more comfortable.  Yes, it’s true, even MORE comfortable with wear – how is that possible?   

As if I needed yet another reason to love Naturalizer, I just heard about their brilliant plan that will endear themselves to every BlogHer attendee who doesn’t heed my advice and bring comfortable shoes to the conference.  By handing out an adorable pair of free Naturalizer shoes to those in need of a “shoe rescue” and those tweeting with the #Naturalizer hashtag on Twitter, they are sure to be the hit of the conference and make some life-long blogger fans.

As the badge above very loudly proclaims, I will be heading to BlogHer this August and of course will be sporting my Aurora Dress Sandals from Naturalizer {or maybe even these little beauties to the left} whether I’m wearing denim, dress plants, a cute summer dress, or a skirt, because, frankly, they both just go with everything!  So, when I heard they were looking for a blogger to help out at the event and help spread the Naturalizer love, I knew I was the perfect fit for representing the company. 

Who wouldn’t want to make dozens of attendee’s days and develop friendships with fellow bloggers by bonding over adorable footwear?  In addition to FREE SHOES, I would also be handing out some great coupons so you can load up on summer and fall styles even after the conference ends.  Yes, that’s the Leanne Trifecta for you – cute shoes, coupons, and meeting new people.  Can you say “perfect fit”?  

Want to meet up with me at BlogHer {even if I can’t get you a brand new pair of Naturalizer Shoes}?  I would love to meet you in the conference halls or at one of the many parties we'll be attending and chat about the future of blogging, mom style, and comfortable shoes, or anything, really, and meet some of you awesome bloggers in person!  In the meantime, be sure to “Like” Naturalizer on Facebook … a little birdie told me you can get a $10 off in-store or online coupon certificate to get your BlogHer shoes now!

This opportunity was presented to me by Naturalizer and the Brown Shoe Company, through MyBlogSpark, and this post serves as my entry to win a sponsorship for my attendance at the 2011 BlogHer Conference.

Cute and Comfortable OKA b. Sandals {Review & Giveaway}

Get Out and PLAY Event - Day 10

Now that the nice weather is {finally} here, I am ready to unwrap my toes from their layers of wool socks and wiggle them into a comfy pair of sandals.  But, with the sun usually comes cheap flip flops, little support, and even less style.  That I was not ready for.  Lucky for me, I was able to find OKA b. shoes just in time.

These shoes are more than I could have hoped for in so many ways.  The first thing I noticed was that they were actually cute!  The sandals were a flattering bronze color that made my blindingly white winter feet actually look pretty decent.  The slight heel was also an improvement on my previously owned flip flops.  I am slightly challenged in the height department and the little boost was much appreciated, while also making the sandal look dressy enough to wear in more places than just the beach.  The flower attached to the top at first tickled my toes and seemed a little distracting, but I quickly got used to it and I love the pop of color.

So looks-wise I was really happy with the sandals, but the real test came a couple days later when I decided to wear them to a barbeque.  I knew that I was going to be walking around and standing for hours, and normally after standing in floppy flip flops, my feet and my back are killing me.   OKA b. sandals have a reflexology-inspired design that is supposed to be good for your feet, but I was a little skeptical about how comfortable they would actually be. 

As I slipped my feet into the OKA b. sandals, the first thing I noticed was how the small beads in the soles cushioned my feet and massaged them into a state of tootsie bliss.  The shape of the sole also gave me a ton of support and I had high hopes for a comfortable barbeque experience.  Walking around in the grass, the shoes didn’t slip around like most sandals tend to do and my feet stayed so comfortable for the whole day that I didn’t want to take them off by the time I got home!

I was also really impressed with how the shoe is constructed.  It is made from one continuous piece of antimicrobial material, so the sandal will last forever.  This also means it won’t start to smell after a couple of days of wear, but if you should need to wash them, you will be happy to note that they are machine washable.

I can’t tell you how excited I am to have a cute pair of sandals that I can wear to the beach and bring home still looking and smelling great!  These shoes are also made in the USA with environmentally conscious material, are recyclable, and even with all of the benefits, they are relatively affordable, ranging between $20 - $40.  Shoes that love you, indeed!

After wearing OKA b. sandals for a couple of days, I am smitten with both their cute style and their comfort.  Since they come in many different styles for both men and women, I will be sure to stock up on a bunch of different pairs, just so my feet will be prepared for an amazingly cute and comfortable summer.

Visit http://www.shoesthatloveyou.com

 One very lucky Rave and Review reader will win a pair of Oka b. Sandals of their choice!

To Enter: Simply visit OKA b. and tell me what sandals you would choose if you win

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) "Like" Shoes That Love You on Facebook

3) Tweet about this Giveaway after following us both (daily Tweet, just post link here)

Kick off summer with a pair of adorable and comfy sandals from @OKAb and @raveandreview! Enter here http://bit.ly/kPjXHK

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) NEW!  "Like" Rave and Review on Facebook! (3 entries!)

On June 24th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn via Random.org, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US and Canadian Addresses.

Thank you to Oka b. for sending sandals for review as well as offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Adorable Kids Shoes from See Kai Run {Review & Giveaway}

As many of you already know, one thing that can really pull an outfit together is your shoes.  This is just as true with children’s shoes, and sometimes even more so.  At our house, we take great pride in dressing our children up in fun outfits that really highlight their personality and style, and their shoes are a key component in this.

From the very moment we found out we were expecting our first child, we began to dream of all those adorable shoes we had been eyeing in boutiques for years and planning which ones we wanted and in what sizes.  At the time, I didn’t realize that nearly all the shoes we had fallen in love with were made by a local Seattle-area shoe company, See Kai Run. 

While the first thing that drew us to See Kai Run was the adorable styles and the fact that they look like shrunken down versions of grown-up shoes, what really impressed us was all the technology and thought that goes into each one.  Not content with just making cute shoes, See Kai Run really goes the extra mile and make shoes that are designed to work properly for your child as they learn to walk and run. 

Splitting their shoe line into three categories {Smaller, original See Kai Run, and Eleven}, it makes it easy for you to find shoes that are right for your child’s needs and ability.  From the Smaller line of soft soled shoes that offer the utmost flexibility for your child as they learn to crawl up to the original See Kai Run line that has more traditional soled shoes for your steady walking eight year old, you can be sure that your See Kai Run shoes are perfectly matched to your child’s feet every step of the way.

One thing that is consistent through all their shoes is that they just feel right.  From the moment my daughter held the shoes, but before she even got them on her feet, she had already declared them "comfortable" and asked to wear them right away.  Once she got them on her feet and velcroed them all up, she was so incredibly excited that she was dancing around confirming that they were, in fact, incredibly comfortable.   

The first thing you’ll notice about their shoes is that they are really light, which seems like a pretty basic idea for kid’s shoes but is often not the case with other manufacturers.  Second, they are ridiculously soft.  The leather used is clearly high quality which makes it soft and easy on your child’s feet, and also very flexible.  The third thing is that this flexibility continues into the soles of all the shoes, even for the older kids.  While still offering protection from the hard ground, the soles flex enough to allow their feet to develop properly and offer the utmost in comfort.

While all this adorable-ness and engineering does cost more than a shoe at a discount store, I would argue that $30 - $40 for your kid’s feet is worth it.  I grew up with a grandmother who wore ill-fitting shoes growing up and then suffered with foot problems her whole life, which made me adamant that I would protect our kiddos’ feet by buying good quality shoes.  Besides, shoes are actually one of the few clothing items you really get your money out of.  Unlike that shirt you just love or the sweater they look so cute in, you never have to wait for their shoes to come out of the wash, and you won’t be embarrassed to put them in the same shoes all week (or even all month) long. 

As if adorable shoes wasn't enough, See Kai Run has now added certified organic cotton socks to their line!  They are super soft, come in various patterns and colors to coordinate with their shoes, and have great non-binding cuffs to hold them up, even when the kiddos are playing hard.  From simple and stripey to adorable patterns and argyle, See Kai Run socks are sure to be as beloved as their shoes.

Whether you are shopping for boys shoes or girls shoes, See Kai Run has styles for every personality as well as adorable socks to mix and match.  Seriously, I love See Kai Run so much that I really wish they made shoes in my size and my husband’s size so we could all wear our See Kai Run shoes as a family.

http://www.seekairun.com/

 
One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a pair of See Kai Run or Smaller Shoes {the Eleven line is excluded} of your choice!

To Enter: Tell me what size and style your little cutie would rock this spring and summer.

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Like See Kai Run on Facebook {no need to comment on their wall!}

3) Tweet about this Giveaway after following us both (daily Tweet, just post link here)

I'm hoping to start off spring with a new pair of kicks from @SeeKaiRun and @raveandreview... enter to win at http://bit.ly/elFfbo!

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On April 7th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US and Canadian Addresses.

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank  you to all who entered and congratulations to: #11 Susan said... Leanne! See Kai Run is adorable! I seriously have a problem looking for shoes for Manney.  He would definitely wear the 'Satchel' style in size 5!

A big thank you to the PTPA seal of approval winning See Kai Run for providing us with a sample to facilitate this review as well as a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review.

Giving back with the Pediped Foundation, one adorable shoe at a time

I resolve to... give back 

I love it when I find a company that makes good, quality products and then learn that they are as committed as I am to giving back and supporting charities that are making a real difference.  Pediped is one of those brands and they have quickly made it onto the list of one of new favorite brands.  Besides having adorable shoes (and they do!)  they also have created the Pediped Foundation that gives back to children in need.

But, before I get to all the great things about the Pediped Foundation and how to give back, I want to talk about all the adorable shoes they carry that are truly awesome.  Designed to give parents a footwear option for little ones that are “the next best thing to bare feet”, Pediped knows that kid’s shoes shouldn’t just be miniature versions of adult shoes.  Rather, they should give your child good support and the most flexibility possible so they can be active and move naturally.

To help you find the best fit for your child, Pediped categorizes their shoes into three main lines: Originals for pre-walkers that mimics barefoot walking, the Grip n Go line that helps toddlers transition from early walking, and the Flex line that combines soft and flexible rubber soles with older styles for your active kids.  I love that this makes it easy for new parents to navigate the site, and was thrilled that the site gives you a great sizing tool to help find the best fit for baby, toddler, or kidlet. 

We got to try out a shoe, or rather a boot, in the Flex line for my toddler and instantly became big fans.  The Elizabeth Shearling Lined Boots by Pediped Flex are stylish, easy to put on thanks to the side zipper (yes!), and reportedly are very, very comfortable.  They have this amazingly squishy and soft sole that Pediped calls a “gum sole” and I really wish they came in my size.  Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development and with cool features like a 2mm insole to customize the fit for your child and extend the length of time your child can wear them (included with all Flex styles), you will love these shoes as much as your little one will.    

But something I love even more than adorable shoes is giving back, so I love that Pediped is dedicated to donating to children’s charities.  Since the company’s inception 5 years ago, Pediped has donated nearly $700,000 in monetary and product donations to children's charities.  And now with the newly established Pediped Foundation, they are poised to raise even more. 

To kick things off, during the Purchases with Purpose fundraiser (thru February 4th, 2011), select styles available on pediped.com will be marked down as much as 50 percent and half of the sales from the promotion will be donated to the pediped foundation™.   The funds will be used to provide monetary support to organizations including Make-A-Wish foundation and other worthy children’s charities.  Yes, that’s right, just by buying a pair of Pedipeds, you’re helping children in need and teaching your children the importance of charity. 

Pediped offers a full footwear collection that can take you from first shoes up to sizes for your 6 year old.  Visit the Pediped site for more details on their different shoe lines as well as where to purchase.  You can also connect with Pediped via Twitter & Facebook to stay up to date on what’s happening. 

For more information on the pediped foundation™ visit www.pedipedfoundation.org or http://www.pediped.com/

A big thank you to Pediped for sending their Flex shoes to be reviewed as well as providing us with information on the awesome pediped foundation!  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Holiday Shopping at TJ Maxx and Marshalls {Giveaway}

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 36

This past year has been all about saving money, which means that we really only go shopping when we have a huge coupon or when we’re headed to a discount store.  Because of this, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls have been my main source of new clothing purchases and gifts throughout 2010.  Naturally, they are also the first place I turn when my holiday list starts growing and I need to get good, quality gifts for everyone on it without spending a huge amount of money.

We recently visited our nearby TJ Maxx with our list in hand and got so many great deals (that unfortunately I can’t tell you about… don’t want to spoil anyone’s holidays).  However, I can tell you that we ended up with a cart full of bargains that were too good to pass up and had a great time shopping together. 

But, the best part is the fact that no digging was required.  I’ve said it before and I will say it again, I really hate discount stores that are 90% junk and so overstuffed that you cannot move down the aisles without dragging half of the store behind your cart.  In all of my many {many, many} trips to TJ Maxx and Marshalls, I have always found a very organized store and well displayed merchandise, something that I cannot appreciate enough.

Besides all the great deals on clothing and gifts, we always find great household items at both T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.  From lamps to pictures, and pans to kitchen gadgets, we always have a blast seeing what treasures we can find.  Since 10,000 new items arrive in store each week, it’s really like visiting a new store each time you go, and with prices up to 60% lower than what you will find at the mall, it’s really no wonder I’m raving about them.  

This year we found some seriously awesome treasures in the kitchen aisle for numerous people on our lists – including roasting pans for under $20, copper sauté pans for under $30, and a whole bunch of gadgets, sauces and more that would be perfect for filling a gift basket.  They also have a ton of Christmas decorations, great electronic gadgets, stocking stuffers, kids' toys and more that are at huge discounts and perfect for gifting {and receiving…} this year.   

If you’re like me and still have people on your list you’re shopping for, you should definitely check out your local TJ Maxx or Marshalls – or both – this holiday season and see what deals you will find.  With quality gifts for everyone on your list and name brands at discount prices, you are sure to leave happy. 

Visit http://www.marshallsonline.com/ and http://www.tjmaxx.com/ online today to see what new arrivals are coming to a store near you.  You can even purchase gift cards online for your recipients to spend on whatever they would like after the holidays!

 

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a $25 gift card to use at TJ Maxx or Marshalls for some after-holiday shopping!

To Enter: Simply visit Marshalls and TJ Maxx online and tell me what you are excited to search for this holiday season.

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) "Like" TJ Maxx and Marshalls on Facebook (1 extra entry each, just leave FB name in comment)

3) Tweet about this giveaway using @raveandreview, @Marshalls, and @TJMaxx with the link to this post (http://bit.ly/fy12HX) after following us all (daily Tweet, just post link here)

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (2 extra entries, just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button in your sidebar on your blog or website  (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On January 4th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses only.

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congrats to:

#755 JASMINE said...  I love their housewares section, too! So many great deals!

A big thank you to TJ Maxx and Marshalls who provided a gift card for review as well as a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.