Spring Fashionista Event: $125 Barefoot Tess Giveaway~ 3/18

 The Spring Fashionista Event is FINALLY HERE, and we've got 2 wonderful giveaways to share with you! If you've arrived here, for the web's only all fashion, and only fashion, blogger event, you're truly in for a treat with over $20k in prizes, across 115 blogs! Your hands will be aching for days to come, just trying to get all those entries in! This event would not be possible without our wonderful organizers; Still Blonde after all these YEARS and Modly Chic , with co-host Ksquared Glamour.

Momma Told Me: They don't make that style in your size.

'They' always say it takes a little pain to look 'that good'. There's one particular fashion curse I've spent my entire life battling, and I have to agree, it's been painful. I'm of course, referencing my 'clown feet'. Those who've spent their lives wearing flip flops to prom because there aren't any cute shoes in their size, who secretly pause by every high end boutique window and imagine if only they were 2 sizes smaller, know a fashion discrimination of a different kind. For me, it has been a bigger lifelong battle than my weight; my shoe size. And there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. Did you know Jenna Elfman, Angelina Jolie, and Kate Winslett all share the plague of non-standard shoe sizing. The only difference, for them, is that they can afford a closet full of personally tailored shoes; I'm not quite as lucky. And with the process of evolution continuing as it tends to, the increase in prenatal vitamins, or just plain 'something in the water' is turning out more and more women with 'plus size' feet. For those unfamiliar, a non-standard shoe size is typically anything above a 9. This gray zone is where the Payless aisle drops to 2-3 of last season's most hideous styles, and designer names are almost non-existent.

If you're an equally cursed shoe shopper you know the shame, embarrassment, and down right frustration of passing display after display of chic shoes- knowing none will ever fit. It's a sort of blatant discrimination to those who are foot challenged; instead of shoes that are out of budget, it's shoes that aren't even made in my size. I, at least, deserve the option to consider how to carefully balance my credit cards and pick up a third job to cover the cost of a Manolo Blahnik (don't I?) I first became aware if this trend entering high school, already 2-3 years younger than most of my peers, and unable to find fashionable footwear in my size. I was mortified while shopping 'back to school', when Momma drug me into our local Sketchers to purchase a pair of sneakers. The last thing I wanted was to wear 'PE' shoes every day. Then, my first HS dance found me in tears, ready to forgo the event all together after an entire afternoon and 2 shopping outlets turned up nothing but a hideous pair of metallic sandals my mother was determined to see me wear. I can still remember her holding up the tacky plastic pair of ill fitting bargain bin shoes and when my Momma Told Me "It's this, or you're going barefoot!"

Of course, looking back now, I can't hold a grudge against my mother- she truly did try. I went on, in adulthood, to grow tired of the endless searching myself, wearing heels 2 sizes too small to my own wedding (insane, right?) Surprisingly it's a compromise more and more women are forced to make in the name of fashionable feet. As if shoes can't be tormenting enough with their straps and micro heels, thousands of us are forced to wear sizes that don't properly fit! In the spirit of remedying this epidemic, Barefoot Tess was born; an online emporium of shoes sized 9+. Finally an exclusive shoe club made just for people like me. Let the reverse discrimination begin!

Not only can shoppers choose from an impressively comprehensive catalog of top designers such as Corso Como, Ed Hardy, and Blowfish- they can shop Barefoot Tess' exclusive line of ever-growing designs! The real life woman behind the brand, Tess, is a sort of All American every woman- struggling to balance her life and career between hunting for fitting footwear. She's fashion savvy, yet diverse in function, and loves shoes with the same passion as many other red blooded women. Tess wants the same envious shoe closet her size 6 and 7 counterparts enjoy; whether that means a collection of sandals and wedges or runway heels and boots. And she's too busy juggling her exciting life to scour websites, wait on inventory orders, and call stores! With the help of her mother, in 2005, Tess launched the one stop alternative sizing shoe-wear site, Barefoot Tess, and my feet rejoice!

 Last year Barefoot Tess introduced a collection of country/cowgirl inspired selection of waxed canvas, animal friendly boots. I was sent a stunning pair of Nashville Boots in tan, with a pull on style that is casual and fiercely flirty. This particular style runs a size smaller, for most, though the actual calf and leg area seems wider, order a half to a full size up to allot for the pull on wear. With a 1.5" heel and intricate scroll stitching these kicks are comfortable enough to wear casually with a pair of leggings and a breezy dress, a flowing skirt, or some skinny jeans. You don't have to be a cowgirl to rock this style this Fall! As a well endowed (in the feet) kind of gal, I often struggle to find affordable Western style footwear. Buying larger sizes in leather can run over $300 a pair, and these Nashville boots are not only leather free (easier to care for and break in), but half the cost.

Aside from the special sizing, there are a few very special things I particularly love about the Barefoot Tess concept and execution. First, if you fall madly in love with the selection or variety on Barefoot Tess, but happen to be one of those blessed with 'normal' feet, the company kindly forwards you to Lori's of Chicago. For the rest, finding that 'sole' shattering (no pun, okay, maybe some pun intended), life changing shoe couldn't be simpler. Shopping online through this website is a breeze! Simply choose to shop according to Size, Style, Price, or Designer, than get to browsing hundreds, if not thousands, of the world's hottest footwear trends. You'll never find a style that isn't made in, at least, a 10! Of course, alternative shoe sizes for women are a hot commodity, so inventory and availability may change- just keep on shopping!

Once you've found something that catches your eye, and it shouldn't take long, click on over the the style's product page. There, you'll find comprehensive international pricing, color choices, styles in stock, multiple product views and photos, and true sizing measurements. I especially enjoy the customer review section which ranks the styles' accuracy on aspects such as sizing, width, and comfort. To round off the review, you'll even find notes on the customer's service and delivery experience. Shopping for shoes online has never been this in depth, or this easy (and fun too!) Just in time for Spring 2013, the Barefoot Tess line has expanded with brand new, highly flattering, ankle booties. The cut on these shoes is extraordinary, and wide to accommodate those with width sizing needs. You'll also find the above Brooklyn Wedge Sneaker offers an eye catching and edgy style that translates well to a busy lifestyle. With the easy slip on Velcro straps these wedges ad a little lift in posture and extra comfort.

 I am entirely in love with Barefoot Tess from shopping experience to service, and I highly recommend it for anyone touched with larger feet, or loved ones who suffer with the same setbacks when shoe shopping!

What Daughter Says: Never compromise with style friendly footwear again. Ever. Just shop Barefoot Tess!

One lucky Momma Told Me follower will win a $125 Barefoot Tess Gift Certificate, good for shopping on BarefootTess.com! Please enter via the Rafflecopter Form below then visit our second event giveaway for Electric M|V|M|T.  Every entry in a Spring Fasionista giveaway enters you to win a $1200 Grand Prize Package including White Gold and Citrine Stone Necklace from Emma Parker Diamonds, $100 Amazon GC, $250 GC from Midnight Velvet, and $250 in Shoes from Bobbi-Toads. For every giveaway in the Spring Fashionista Event that an entrant enters, the gain one entry toward the Grand Prize Package. Claim your entries here: Spring Fashionista Grand Prize.

Fellowes Atom 150 Paper Trimmer Review + Giveaway ~ 3/18

Momma Told Me: Nothing in life is free.

On the subject of coupons you likely fall into 1 of 2 categories; the first being the Professional Couponer, one who knows their way around a circular and often makes lists to match coupons to sales. The second, the Casual Couponer, will use a discount if it is readily handy or available, but will not go out of their way to save. If you fall into the latter then you likely feel it is simply too much effort and organization to efficiently coupon, and if you're one of the first, like me, you know this to be true. To be classified as a Couponer you must exhibit an inane passion for organization and planning, and you must also have hands of steel. You see, cutting coupons is, perhaps, the part of the process I like least. Sure, discovering new savings and browsing the weekend circulars is exciting, but halfway through the first insert my hands are already aching. It's the one task in the process I'll happily pass off to another family member; as Momma once did with me; that was, until she convinced Pop to invest in a Rotary Trimmer.

Whether you're a deal hunter, and coupon clipper, like myself, or simply a busy woman with a creative family, the right Rotary (Paper) Trimmer can be worth it's weight in gold. (And they can be quite heavy.) Recently I set out to shop for a mid-range trimmer that would offer convenience in home, when storing, and additional safety around Sabrina. I wanted something that could process up to 10 sheets at a time with precision, yet function simple enough that I could still be efficient in timing. The Fellowes name is no stranger to Momma Told Me, nor is the source, Penny Wise Office Products (why would I go anywhere else for my home office needs?) The Fellowes Atom 150 Rotary Trimmer will cut through upwards of 30 (20lb) sheets of paper at once, and can also handle tougher materials such as card stock, plastic film, and foam board. That's right, my new coupon aid will also help in school science projects and craft endeavors!

Made by the trusted Fellowes brand, a staple in office components, the Atom 150 weighs just under 13lbs, and includes a built in carrying handle for transport. While this model does not fold or break down for storage, it is durable enough to sit out in a craft room or home office. I like to leave and printed or ad coupon packets on top of ours so my secret helpers will see that there is work to be done! While the blade in this trimmer is not replaceable, the unit is covered under a 2 year machine and 10 year blade warranty that will enable the replacing of the entire unit, should in issue arise. The sides of the unit are made from metal, which give the trimmer the majority of it's weight, but also provide stability. On the bottom of the feet are round foam pads, to prevent scuffing of work-surfaces. As mentioned the blade does not lift up, or expose itself at any time during the process. The user simply slides the material beneath the plastic guide and moves the large yellow handle, trimmer blade, upwards. A second cut can be made on the down-stroke if desired.

The Fellowes Atom 150 from Penny Wise Office arrives nearly assembled. I state nearly because there is an optional, and highly recommended, Back Edge Guide that rests in a natural groove along the measuring wall and fixes via magnetic force. This guide is great for the processing of mass quantities where keeping a precise measurement is essential. This also works in conjunction with the auto-engaging paper guide, the clear plastic bar seen above, that helps to stabilize the material at the point of incision. Naturally Fellowes has included several basic forms of measurement, including some common radial increments to help with the measuring and trimming of photos and other creative materials.You'll find thousands of useful home office and creative aids at Penny Wise Office, the woman ran office products company that delivers to your door!

I'll admit, after my first swipe I was a bit concerned about the ease of movement for the Atom 150 blade. As it turned out the more layers/sheets I cut at a time the easier the blade seemed to move. I also had better success swiping when the blade edge was closest to my dominant hand (Right), which allowed me to provide a more precise pressure in swipe. Halfway through my first batch of coupons I could notice the machine easing up. The blade seemed to move swifter along the track, and I was getting used to feeding my sheets through the front guide. Before I knew it, I was done; it's a good thing the blade on the Atom 150 is encased, because I had really fallen into a groove! We use precision cutting often in our home for school and craft projects, and even home repairs; the Atom 150 has really enhanced precision, and eliminated frustration on so many tasks. I certainly think every household should have a Rotary Trimmer like this!

What Daughter Says: Cutting coupons takes time, but it doesn't have to be painful!

One Momma Told Me reader will win a Fellowes Atom 150 Rotary Trimmer thanks to Fellowes and Penny Wise Office!

Oh, The Places You'll Go!- A Flip Flop Tale

Momma Told Me: Shoes are the vehicle for memories yet to be made!

As a child I despised the task of shopping for footwear. My readers already know of my lifelong battle against my feet, and their early developing shoe size. Much like Sabrina (10), I was wearing adult sizes, and stealing Momma's shoes long before I'd left elementary. As a girl who developed into size 11.5 feet I quite literally dreaded the task of shopping for 'formal' shoes for high school dances, and opted to wear flip flops to my Senior prom. I can recall many occasions in my teenage years where I was found slumped, defeated, over a fitting island in a high end shoe store. Whatever the occasion, it would ultimately end the same; myself exclaiming in exasperation "Why can't I just go barefoot?!" Momma who, looking back, seemed to have the patience of a saint, would very calmly sit down beside me and remark that "Without shoes, there is nowhere to go!" Of course, in a literal sense, that was not entirely true, but figuratively, she was right. Dances had a mandate for footwear, I could hardly walk the Summer pavement more than 2 feet without a proper sole, and I couldn't even walk into a McDonald's and grab a bite without shoes!

Lucky for me, with the exception of rare formal occasions, Momma was generous in her definition of 'everyday footwear' and encouraged a blossoming appreciation for sandals (more affectionately called flip flops). I quickly learned that this marvelous genre of shoes allowed much more freedom in fit than close toed counterparts, and were often affordable enough for me to collect multiple pairs for styling and expression. Of course I realize that not all of my readers can be as lucky as I am to live in a climate that permits such footwear year-round, but I am so very grateful that I am. Raised and rooted in sunny Southern California, our home just minutes from the shore, I could (and admittedly do) live in my sandals. No matter where you live, any woman can acknowledge the invaluable worth of a beloved pair of flip flops. Whether you're waiting for a pedi to dry, or looking for something to slip on after a day in heels, the right pair of sandals can ease our souls and inspire adventure.

Just like Momma Told Me, my footwear is the vehicle I use to get to, and through, many of my life's biggest adventures. If my shoes could tell a story, they'd have thousands; one for every day I've walked in them. In the 4th Grade, Sabrina has very a very strict footwear policy at school and often comes home complaining of how stiff or sore her feet are. She's a wild child at heart, and hates to be tied down to the monotonous task of socks and lace tying. If I had a dollar for every almost heart attack I've had watching that child walk with intentionally untied laces, I'd be living in a bigger house! During the weekends we all pull out our flip flops and try to hit the local sights for some exploration and appreciation of the beautiful palm tree lined harbors.

There are a lot of independent surf shops and boutiques down by the harbor, so you can imagine my surprise to discover my new favorite footwear vendor was a Sport Chalet in town. It should come as no surprise that their footwear selection contained a vast array of active-wear shoes, including hundreds of styles of.....drum roll please.....flip flops! Even sporty in nature, a great pair of designer sandals is worth it's weight in gold. I'd decided instantly that we were all due for a new pair of shoes, and let Jeremy and Sabrina enjoy their hunt. We looked at a lot of familiar brands, but were most intrigued by a name that was new to us. Reef specializes in lifestyle apparel geared towards individuals who love to get outdoors and enjoy casual activities like surfing and sandcastle making. Their collection of apparel and accessories covers casual close-toed footwear, flip flops, wetsuits, beanies and more. Considered more of a culture than clothing line, the brand is at once trendy and casual, with designs to suit the entire family.

We consider ourselves casual consumers, and were immediately drawn to the range of printed straps, and lush textured foot beds. Jeremy was at once in awe of the craftsmanship found in their J-Bay Collection with it's beautiful leather footbed and pigskin lining. Even I was swooning at these masculine shoes, and had to promise their appearance as a birthday gift later this year, to force them out of his hands. Sabrina and I were equally torn between the beautiful Bohemian inspired woven rainbow Gautamalan Love Style, or the more mainstream Stargazer prints. In the end, we favored the plush footbed and arch support of the fashions with animal print, and both opted for Zebra strapped flip flops. No sooner had we left the store then I was asked if I had scissors (to cut the tags so Sabrina could don her new shoes). And the three of us had hardly settled in the car when a suggestion was thrown out to make a day of the excursion and hit the marina.

With Reef afoot, we journeyed to the local harbor, where we enjoyed the sights of local mosaic murals, inbound fisherman's vessels, and tourists on paddle boats. Playing photographer I chronicled the day which included exploration with over-sized binoculars, snapshots of human heads on cartoon bodies, and a hand scooped cone on the Boardwalk. Somehow I managed to avert hours spend on the DDR game in the arcade, though I didn't quite make it out of the boutiques with my wallet in tact. Shortly after lunch we wandered down the the local park, which also happens to be right on the beach, and lounged around in the grass. I was about to remark how impressed I was with the comfort of my feet after all the walking we had done that day when a hyper 10 year-old drug us off towards the sandy dunes. Jeremy had requested a gratuitous Facebook photo of him sitting on a dune staring out into the ocean, so I picked up my camera once more. No sooner had I snapped my first shot then I looked to my Left to discover the above; Sabrina buried waist down in sand!

It seemed like we'd never make it to those rolling waves, sliding our shoes off to make the remainder of the trek in sinking sand. Just another benefit of wearing flip flops, complete versatility- they're even light to carry, and slim to stash in my beach tote! Everyone seemed quite excited to see the tide rolling in; after all, it was a very warm, even hot, day. Poor Sabrina was in for a surprise though, no sooner had she slipped her shoes back on to walk on the 'hard sand,' than a wave came rumbling in and soaked her feet. Apparently it was cold, because she promptly jumped backward and let out a shriek. Thankfully, her footwear was water resistant. Once feet got wet, it was all over; a second tide came rolling in and soaked us 2 feet up. Moments later a sand crab was discovered and the 10 year-old ran along the shore with her shoes making odd clapping noises along the soles of her wet feet.

It's days like these that I suppose I'll remember for a lifetime. Days without a plan, faced with the sincerest enthusiasm for ordinary adventure and unexpected memories. And not one of those memories could have been collected without my faithful flip flops. At the end of the day, caked in dried sand and mud, they met a quick rinse down with the hose, and were lovingly sat back by the front door, awaiting tomorrow's unexpected journeys. As a wise man once exclaimed "Oh, the places you'll go!" Do you have a favorite memory tied to a pair of shoes? Are you as passionate about freedom in flip flops as I? Get a behind the scenes sneak peek at this season's footwear trends in our Flip Flops Google+ shopping album.


What Daughter Says: I'm a Southern California girl who loves to 'drive' to her memories in a favorite pair of flip flops!

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® #CBias #SocialFabric

How Everyday #BreakfastSavings Create Big Memories

Momma Told Me: Shop smart, eat well.

Growing up my favorite time of the year was Summer. However, it is not for the reasons you might think; I had ample time to play with friends as neighbors just units away in the condominium complex, no, Summertime was all about spending time with my mom. Cheesy, I know, but she was one cool mother. Her continuous craft projects and adventures kept us busy from sundown to sun up; and my childhood marks the only period in my life where I'd actually spring out of bed, anxious to greet the day. One of our traditions I was especially found of were our Wednesday morning grocery shopping marathons. We'd spend the entire day before combing the mailer ads and matching coupons to sales. We were partners in crime against MSRP and the big wigs of grocery conglomerates! While dad worked long hours as a service technician, we'd often find ourselves out the door before even him, or the sun rose.

While Momma was the very definition of an Extreme Couponer (and taught me everything she knows), her favorite grocery house was always Vons and it's Safeway affiliates. My local Vons location is a store I have visited since I was old enough to sit in the cart seat, and still bring my family to today. Grocery shopping is still very much a family activity for us, and once a week we sit down to organize our coupons and browse the week's Safeway ad for it's specials. Another tradition I've tried to make a part of my own family life is to celebrate the week's work with a fresh and healthy breakfast. These are especially important in fueling us for those early morning grocery runs! As it turns out, this week's Vons circular has a main banner promoting one of their more popular promotions, the Buy 4 Save $4 event, which features some wonderful name brands to create an everyday breakfast on a budget. Does it get any better than pairing a great deal with a great meal? So this week we packed up our coupons, and reusable canvas bags, and head out to take advantage of great #BreakfastSavings.

Of course both the other half and I have Vons Club Membership cards, I've had mine since I turned 18; but we're also members of the new Just For U digital discount program. Every week we can log into our accounts online and add digital coupons directly to our store membership cards. This means we can stack coupons on top of already great weekly deals, like Buy 4 Save $4, and really cut our bill in half (or better)! Nowadays it seems so many mass merchandiser chains are trying to turn themselves into grocery stores, adding a fresh produce and bakery department. However, I still prefer the personal shopping experience of buying my groceries at a local that specializes in fresh and packaged foods. I can still take advantage of the convenient in house pharmacy to fill my prescriptions while I shop, but also enjoy benefits of a full bakery, catering department, service deli, and even Starbucks. Everyone in our family has a favorite department they must check out, and the other half always makes a point to stop by the Market Select section of our service deli for the day's fresh cooked ribs, wings, and even whole chickens!

This week there were some excellent #BreakfastSavings on our family's everyday favorites like International Delight coffee creamer and Silk Soymilk (an everyday low price at $2.79). There were many wonderful cereal brands in the Buy 4 Save $4 promotion (which covers 35 products in total), including 8 flavors of Frosted Mini-Wheats. We picked up a box of Sabrina's favorite flavor, the Touch of Fruit Raspberry, which have real raspberry fruit filling wrapped inside while grain wheat, with a hint of sugar frosting. She's never had Original Silk with her cereal before but was quick to let us know that "this milk is really good!" I was pleased to know, even though she'd opted to eat cereal for breakfast, she was getting a balanced meal with nutrient enriched soy milk. Catch some more behind the scene shots of our shopping trip and meal in our Google+ album.

The adults, Jeremy and I, each got to pick out our favorite at home coffee beverages, Seattle's Best Ground Coffee and NESCAFE Memento Mocha, as both were part of the Rise and Shine Buy 4 Save $4 Savings Event! I was surprised to find so many major brand coffee varieties, including instant sticks, ground packages, and even K-Cups included in the savings promotion. No matter how you prepare your morning brew, there's a great deal to be found, and these deals can be expanded even further when you use some savvy shopping and add coupons! Using my Silk Soymilk as creamer, I paired my fresh brewed cup of coffee with a Marie Calender's Breakfast Bake of Sausage, Potatoes and Cheese. All that was needed for this simple, and affordable meal was a freshly toasted slice of bread and half an orange. PS. There are some great savings to be had in the Frozen Foods Stock Up sale going on this week as well. I received $5 off my next order when I purchased $20 in participating items. Not only do we have fresh breakfast essentials, but I stocked up on school morning favorites like Pillsbury Toaster Strudel too!

I'm thankful my family loves to share in treasured traditions of grocery shopping together, and that we can all gather round the table for an affordable everyday breakfast, thanks to smart savings like the Vons Buy 4 Save $4 promotion. Clipping coupons can be overwhelming and time consuming for many parents and business professionals, easy and quick savings promotions like this can truly pass on the savings without the time. And for those of us who can tackle couponing, it just enhances the value and extends our family's budget, so we can indulge again elsewhere. Be sure to keep an eye out at your local Safeway affiliate for the Buy 4 Save $4 event tags on participating items throughout the store. There are many great Kellog's brands participating in the event, and I'd love it if you could support the brand's Share Breakfast initiative here. Just one social media action will feed a kid in need! Don't waste time though, these promotions will only be valid for a limited time!

Does your family have any treasured breakfast traditions? Do you shop together or solo?

What Daughter Says: Sometimes a simple and nutritious breakfast is all it takes to bring the family together.

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 Safeway #cbias #SocialFabric.

The 2013 Spring Fashionista Event Lookbook and Giveaway!

I simply can't believe the first major blogging event of the year is almost upon us, already! Hopefully you have your calendars marked for next week's kick off of the 2013 Spring Fashionista Event, the internet's biggest and exclusive fashion and only fashion giveaway event. This year Momma Told Me will have a returning sponsor, Barefoot Tess- designer shoes for women shoe sizes 9+, and a special first time appearance for Electric M|V|M|T, an illuminated clothing brand. But the prizes wont's stop there. Each of the 120+ participating blogs will have a minimum of one $125+ valued prize pack to give away, and the Fashionista Events Group will be offering special bonus entries when you enter each of them. That's right, there will be a super special giveaway prize drawn from entries collected by those who enter the other giveaways, so stay tuned to the event to hear all about that.

For now, I have some exciting news; the Lookbook for the Spring Fashionista event has been released, and we've got a wonderful giveaway to help promote it. Check out the Spring 2013 Lookbook for all of the wonderful prizes you'll find next week, then enter the Rafflecopter below and share what you are most excited about to have a chance to win. In turn you'll be entered in this exclusive giveaway for a stunning Rose Quartz and Pink Sapphire necklace from Fine Jewelry by Carol Brodie! This little piece of bling happens to retail for $299, so don't delay!

a Rafflecopter giveaway