This link on the right offers a free trial of Amazon Prime for one month. If you don't want to have to deal with remembering to stop the subscription, you can change that preference immediately after you sign up (their customer service is pretty decent as well, in case you forget and end up being charged for a full subscription after the month is over). However, if you shop at Amazon at all, you'll become so spoiled with their free two-day shipping (with no minimum purchase) that you won't want to cancel it (that's the catch, I guess).

When I first signed up almost two years ago, there was a three-month trial available. We loved the convenience of being able to order whatever we needed without worrying about shipping minimums. Everything arrived in two days, and many items even arrived in one day. We lucked out and were able to sign for another year at a very low price (some kind of Christmas special if I remember correctly). This year is the first year we are paying the full $79 annual fee, and we still feel that it is worth the convenience. Not only do we order stuff for home, but we often order gifts for others as well, since it's so easy to do (they also have a tremendous selection of products for gift-giving). If you do a reasonable amount of shopping online, it's not hard to see how you can spend $79 in shipping costs rather quickly. It comes out to under $7 per month, which is certainly worth it for us, especially considering gas prices these days. Considering how bulky diapers are and how heavy Aquaphor can be, we figure we're saving money on shipping. And their prices are among the best around (especially if you participate in the Subscribe & Save option). And of course, think of all the time saved. I can place an order in just a few minutes if I needed to, and it'll show up at our door in two days or less. You can opt to pay $3.99 if you need next-day shipping, which is pretty inexpensive considering how much it'd cost to send anything overnight. Would you pay someone $4 to shop for you and deliver it to your door the next day? We probably would. We hardly ever use the express option though, and just order the standard two-day shipping and have been very happy with it.

Free trials were kind of hard to come by if I remember correctly, so give it a try if you think you're at all interested. You can always cancel if you decide it's not worth it, and it won't cost you anything if you do it within the month.

Tags: Amazon

FREE DIAPERS For a limited time, if you, your friends or your family complete $750 of purchases in your baby registry (new or existing), you'll get six months of Seventh Generation diapers for free (Expires September 30, 2008).

PHILIPS-AVENT PROMOTION Purchase $139 or more of select Philips-Avent products sold by Amazon and you'll receive a promotional certificate good for $40 off a future purchase. Restrictions apply. Expires July 31, 2008.

I've added several more sales and promotions to the Shopping Resource page. All referral profits go to charity (currently Unicef). Check it out when you have a moment.

Tags: Amazon, diapers

$5 flat rate standard shipping on all orders and 15% off all purchases over $75 with code MSAT78.

Sleepytimestore Take 15% off everything in the store through Monday. Just use coupon code 4th15 during checkout.


Free shipping on orders over $100 with code SHIP4FREE, through July 7.
Also, take an additional 20% off already reduced prices with code EXTRA20.

Tags: clothing, shoes, toys

Apple has started one of their most popular promotions for students and educators. Buy a Mac for college and get a free iPod touch. Order online and get free shipping. Expires September 19, 2008.

Tags: school, gear

Now, through June 18th, save 25-50% on select Transformers, Spider-man and summer outdoor toys, and more at Amazon.com.

Tags: toys, Amazon

Sleepytimestore is my source for Barefoot Dreams and Little Giraffe blankets, which make great baby gifts. Take 20% off everything at through Sunday, using code Summer20. Free shipping for orders over $50.

Free ground shipping on orders of $50 or more at Kidsurplus.com, using code AFF50 at checkout. This offer ends on June 16, 2008. Regular shipping is a flat rate of $7.95.

Tags: gear, clothing, shoes, toys

What is there to say about this set, except get it (especially if you have a picky toddler). Read more

Tags: toys, food

If you wanted to take advantage of the Amazon promotions for May, you've got until tomorrow to order.
See my posts about: Aveeno and Lubriderm products and Horizon milk and Pampers.

Tags: Amazon, diapers, food

Garnet Hill is having a big kids' sale and clearance event. I actually just placed an order from them (had a gift certificate to use) for these Ecco Alligator sandals (just in time for summer). The day they arrived, I received an email about this sale. I checked the site and noticed that the sandals were now on sale and discounted heavily (more than 50% off the regular price). A quick call resulted in a price adjustment (they have a 30-day policy) which is great news. In any case, they are well-made and have a nice, flexible sole (can't go wrong with Ecco).

As sandals go, I think they are fairly pricey even after the discount, but those of you who are familiar with the brand will recognize that this is a great price. My husband's shoe collection is slowly being replaced by only Ecco shoes - they are extremely comfortable shoes. I think they are pretty cute and am pretty sure the boys will like them as well.


Don't forget to check out their sale of the day, which tends to sell out pretty quickly.

Tags: shoes

The other day, I posted about Gap Inc. and their newly revamped shopping site, where you have one shopping bag and a flat $7 shipping fee.

Through May 31, use code 1CHECKOUT for free shipping on your order.

Tags: clothing, shoes

These are good deals on summer clothing, if you need to stock up. The Children's Place has good cotton play wear, perfect for daycare or preschool (things get lost, and these won't break the bank). We've stocked up on tank tops for the kids. Good prices on water shoes too.

Current offers:
$5 flat rate standard shipping on all orders
Spring sale - take an additional 50% off select items
15% off all orders with code S2A58 through 6/1/08
Mix and match tees, tanks and shorts (3 for $15)
Shorts starting at 2 for $15

Tags: clothing, shoes, toys

Memorial Day special at Babies R Us. It's a printable coupon, but will have a code to be used online as well. Expires May 26, 2008.

Tags: toys, diapers, clothing, shoes, gear

Gap Inc. just launched their newly revamped shopping site. You can now shop at Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Piperlime at the same place by using tabs. The best part is that you only need one shopping bag and one flat shipping price of $7 (if you only buy Piperlime products, shipping is free).

Pretty cool - saves time and shipping fees. I like it.

Tags: shoes, clothing

Amazon.com has Pixar Collector's and Special Edition 2-disk DVD sets on sale for under $13 each. This is a great deal. I am completing our collection right now (my husband and I have seen them all, but the kids haven't). They also make great gifts. The boys really love "Cars" and "Finding Nemo," so I am sure they'll love the rest of them. We'll have plenty of options on those rainy days.

Click on the images below to be linked to the Amazon product pages.

Tags: video, Amazon, toys

There are a bunch of products that we have gotten that I think are fantastic, fun, totally useful or all of the above. Of course, I haven't yet finished the reviews but am working on them (I'm slow, I know). I've decided to post the product photos and links for anyone who is interested, and I will be sure to get those reviews up as soon as I can. In the meantime, feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions about any of the products I linked to.

You can see all the products at the bottom of the Product Reviews page.

Tags: website

This is a Sesame Street pop-up book by Che Rudko and Tom Brannon which we just bought one weekend on a trip to the campus bookstore. My younger son has been resisting having his teeth brushed recently (he loved it when we first started doing it), and I thought he might enjoy seeing Elmo do it, seeing as how he has an Elmo toothbrush and all, and calls it Ah-mo. He also says buh shhh (with a 1-2 second delay between the sounds), which I think means brush. In any case, it was worth trying. Read more

Tags: books, Amazon

Free shipping, no minimum purchase, with code FREESHIP, through May 12, 2008.



For today only, save 20% and get free shipping for Mother's Day with code MOM2008. See site for restrictions.

Tags: clothing, toys, gear, shoes

Save 20% when you buy any two Aveeno or Lubriderm products offered by Amazon.com, using the code May8Avee. Expires May 31, 2008. Although this offer can't be combined with their Subscribe & Save program, it's actually a better deal, especially if them item you want isn't part of the program. I'm restocking on bath supplies, so this is a perfect sale for me.

Tags: health, Amazon

They hold this sale once a month, and carry brands that my other online shoe source does not. It runs from 5am to midnight PST. I'm planning on picking up some sneakers for my active preschooler (nowadays, he doesn't outgrow them before they get worn out).

They also have another promotion going on right now (I'm pretty sure they can be used with the Saturday sale):
Use coupon code MAY50 to get $5 off any order of $50 or more while MAY100 will save $20 off any order of $100 or more (expires May 15, 2008).



You can always find more sales and coupons on my Shopping Resources page. Thanks for supporting my site!

Tags: shoes

In preparation for or trip to Hawaii, I knew that as a last resort for keeping the kids busy on the plane, we'd have to pull out the "big guns," otherwise known as movies. In order to do so, we'd have to use headphones or earbuds so as not to disturb the other passengers (I've been on flights where people watch movies or play video games without headphones, and it can be pretty annoying). I didn't think the boys would like using earbuds (which is all we had at home) so I went on the hunt for some kid-appropriate headphones. Read more (photos too)

Tags: travel

I just went online to place an order for a Peanut Shell sling (see my review here) for one of my good friends who is due any day with baby girl #2. While I was there, I noticed they were having a big Mother's Day sale, with a discount of 40% through May 13, using code MOTHERSDAY (case sensitive) at checkout. Such a deal, since I was going to buy it anyway (I love it when that happens!).

This is pretty huge, since the slings are kind of pricey, so it knocks off a nice chunk of change (and offsets the flat $8.50 shipping charge). The only catch is that the sales using the code are final (I hope it fits and that you like the pattern, Sofi - if it doesn't, I'l take care of it!). I actually ended up selling mine on craigslist for half my purchase price when I was done with it, so I imagine that if it doesn't work out for some reason (sizing or whatnot), it will be easy to find someone who can use it.

Tags: gear, clothing

Until April 30, 2008, get 25% off instantly when you purchase two or more select Dove products at Amazon.com by using the code Apr8Dove at checkout. This offer applies to products offered directly from Amazon.com Free shipping for orders over $25.

I like Dove's body wash and bar soap, since it doesn't seem to dry out my skin as much as regular soap. Plus, Dove has a lot of options for sensitive skin (which are not always easy to find in-store), which I like since they are very mildly scented or not at all.

Check out some of Amazon's other promotions on my Shopping Resource page.

Tags: health, Amazon

Sleepytimestore has been having several coupons ove the last few weeks, and their current one is for Barefoot Dreams products (a Mother's Day promotion). My girlfriends and I got this robe for our good friend LG (for her baby shower), and it really looked comfortable and luxurious. I know I wasn't the only one who was thinking I'd eventually have to get one for myself one day.

Through May 4, 2008, use the coupon code mom for 15% off any Barefoot Dreams purchase. They offer free shipping for orders over $50.

Tags: clothing, gear, toys

Sleepytimestore is my main source for Barefoot Dreams (just got a new hoodie zip-up) and Little Giraffe blankets, which make great baby gifts. For one day only, save 15% on your purchase with code earth15 (ends Wednesday, April 23th, at midnight EST).

Tags: clothing, gear, toys

Over the weekend, we celebrated Earth Day by learning about marine life and preservation. It was chilly around here and even chillier near the water. I think the boys had a good time (they got to touch some fish), and so did we. There's nothing like having children to further remind us of the growing urgency to care for our environment. I know that we could certainly do a better job for our kids, so there is always room for improvement, however small the steps are. We're in a constant state of working-in-progress when it comes to being green. Overflowing landfills and toxic smog levels are obviously not things I want my kids to have to address, especially if we can do things right now to improve them.





On a related note, keep your eyes open for big sales on eco-friendly products. For example, save $20 instantly when you spend $99 or more on select planet-friendly products using code EARTH4O8 at checkout, through April 30, 2008. See site for additional restrictions. Click here for my other shopping deals.

Tags: health, Amazon, holiday

Ben and Jerry's is having their annual "free cone day" at participating stores, to celebrate their 30th birthday. They aren't any stores near us (at least not an easy trip), but hopefully some of you guys can enjoy some yummy ice cream on April 29 from noon to 8pm.

Tags: food

Old Navy is offering a rare free shipping deal (usually only for those who are Old Navy credit card holders). Spend $50, and get free shipping using the code SHIP4FREE, through April 24, 2008. I just ordered 16 pairs of toddler socks (where do they all go?), a pair of pajamas for the fall, two toddler tank tops, a pair of toddler swim shoes, as well as a summer beachy shirt for my husband. I barely broke $50, and saved $5.95 on shipping and don't have to fight the crowds. You can check out other specials on my shopping resource page.

Tags: clothing, shoes

I'm not a regular coffee drinker (I might have one or two cups each week) but my husband has coffee daily. We haven't really been able to find the perfect coffee system, but I thought I'd give this a try, especially since it was available at Costco (if we hated it, we could easily return it).

The major impetus for choosing this machine was the ease of use (practically no cleanup, at least on a per-use basis), and the ability to make smaller servings. We've tried a variety of different methods, and had settled on the french press. But as fast as it was to boil water and press coffee, I wanted to look for something faster (I can't stand to waste any more precious minutes than we have to). Read more

Tags: Costco, food

I won't go into too many details (you can go to my Shopping Resource page for more information), but here are some online sales that might be worth considering (I'm going to check them out):

Barnes and Noble Buy 2 clearance books, get a third for free (through April 18, 2008).
Sleepytimestore (my source for Barefoot Dreams and Little Giraffe products): Take 20% off everything storewide using coupon code Green20 (through midnight EST on April 11th, 2008).

Tags: books, clothing

A while ago, I reviewed the Peanut Shell sling. I just got emailed a coupon code for it (rare) and thought someone out there might find it useful. Use code Spring2008 to save 15% off your order. The code is case-sensitive and can be used once, through April 15, 2008.

Tags: gear

I don't have time to write a review on this right now, but I wanted to post it in case anyone was interested (their sale prices can fluctuate quickly, so don't be surprised if it is back up to $70 tomorrow). We bought a second-hand one for $25 from another family a while ago, and it's a great little walker wagon. Briefly, it has a solid wood body with removable wooden sides, as well as molded tires with grip tread and front bumper. It also has a "resist push" feature, which helps to prevent falls.

And right now, Amazon is selling it (shipped) for $50, which is a pretty good price. It's pretty much about $75 everywhere else. Once I am done with my exam, I'll be posting some more reviews as well as more information about medical school (rotation experiences, choosing my career path, etc.).

Tags: Amazon, toys

If anyone is interested, USMLE Consult is offering $30 off 3-month subscriptions to Step 1 and Step 2 CK Question Bank and Scorrelators from now until April 30. Enter and activate promo code FCBK$30 at purchase to redeem.


Tags: school

I recently posted about a sale at Shoebuy, where I bought a pair of next-size toddler shoes for about $22. They have a new promo now, where you save $10 off $30 with the code SPRINGFLING08, which is a terrific deal, especially if what you are buying is close to $30 (the shoes I bought were $31). I'm buying another pair (two sizes up) so I don't have to worry about not having appropriately-sized shoes this fall when I'll be a busy intern. Plus, we really like the Stride Rite Bailey shoes. With my recent-buyer discount and this coupon, the total price came to under $20, shipped to the door. Not bad, and we can skip the lines at the store.

Tags: shoes

Amazon is currently having a big DVD sale, with prices as low as $6.49. I just ordered some Leap Frog titles, including "Talking Words Factory," the sequel to "The Letter Factory," which is a really fun DVD. It was only $7.49. I'll try to review it once we've watched it a few times. I know I've been slow to review stuff, but I've got a running list of things to write about, which I'll be able to do fairly soon. Only one more week of critical care (until residency).

Tags: video

Shoebuy.com is having a promotion where you can save 20% off your order (there are some brand restrictions) when you use the code MADNESS08. I just purchased a third pair of these Stride Rite Bailey sneakers (toddler feet grow fast). For some reason, they are labeled as infant girl shoes, even though I think they are very cute for boys. They are regularly about $31, but with the coupon (and my additional 10% off for a recent purchase in the last 60 days), the total came to about $22 shipped.

Tags: shoes

Amazon.com just started a sale on Britax products, which, as many of you know, almost never go on sale. This sale applies particularly to items sold by Amazon and not a third-party seller. Amazon has very competitive prices and free shipping, so check it out if you are in the market for a new car seat (they also have strollers too, but I don't have any experience with them).

We have Britax Decathlons for both boys (fortunately we scored excellent deals on these), and really like them. If you have older models, don't forget to check out their recall (which is hardly a recall, since they just send you these tiny plastic rivets to stick in the bottom of the seat). They are very well-made car seats, and I always feel safe buckling them in. The boys also find them to be very comfortable. The only potential downside is that they are rather large and heavy if you need to move them around a lot. Fortunately, we hardly have to. And since they can be used for kids up to 65 pounds, we'll be able to use them for quite some time.

The sale lasts through March 2, 2008.

Tags: safety, gear, Amazon

A while ago, I posted about how Diapers.com was our new source for diapers. It turns out that effective today, they are discontinuing their rewards program (I was about to reorder today). Bummer. Without that discount, their prices are slightly higher than Amazon and they don't ship as quickly. Not to mention, you need to spend more for free shipping, so I'd order two boxes at a time. Oh well, it was good while it lasted.

Tags: diapers

Save $15 instantly when you spend $49 or more on select Nivea, Aquaphor, and more products. Enter code Feb8Nive at checkout. Expires February 29, 2008.

I usually have these on a subscription from Amazon to save 15% off their regular low prices. However, this is a better deal, since on a $50 order, it's like saving 30%. And Aquaphor (click for a review) is a staple in our house, so I'm definitely taking advantage of this promotion. I'll just skip this month's shipment, which is easy to do.

I know some people think it's horrendously overpriced (it is) and is the same as Vaseline (it's not, but they are similar). We have tried both and find that Aquaphor is better. Both boys have fairly sensitive skin and eczema (M is growing out of his but A has a fair number of itchy days). When we recently had to go to the allergist to see if it was food-related, the doctor told us that Aquaphor provides additional hydration as well as a barrier to moisture loss, while Vaseline just provides the barrier. I don't know if this is actually scientifically proven, but in our own trials of usage, it works better.

Whether or not it's worth the price difference, we'll that's probably up to each person to decide. It's not a small difference either. But we think it is worth it, and budget for it accordingly (who really needs a flat panel television anyhow? My ten-year-old 25-inch model is still chugging along). When we need to use a lot or expect to have to reapply often, we use Vaseline on top of a lighter layer of Aquaphor. But for the most part, we prefer to use Aquaphor.

Tags: Amazon

I just placed an order for this Aveeno oatmeal bath product that we soak the kids in when they are particularly itchy from dry skin, eczema, bug bites and whatnot, and noticed that Amazon.com is currently running a promotion. That's always a nice surprise.

Save an additional 20% when you purchase two or more select Aveeno products offered by Amazon.com. Enter code Feb8Aven at checkout. Valid through February 29, 2008.

Tags: health, Amazon

I just placed an order for a few custom calendars from Shutterfly.com (that were free with certain purchases from Amazon.com in December - they are expiring at the end of January). I noticed that they currently have a tiered sale going on until February 5, giving you an instant discount up to 25% off your order, depending on your order total:

$15-$19.99: 15% off
$20-$24.99: 20% off
>$25: 25% off