$100 Gift Certificate to Cookies Kids Giveaway

Welcome to Cookies Kids Giveaway

Sponsor: Uplifting Families

Cookies Kids carries quality children’s clothing for less. You can find brand such as Nautica, Carters, French Toast, Guess, NBA, US Polo and many other great brands. They have been in business since 1975 in New York and then expanded their market online. You can find everything from school uniforms, clothing, shoes, and toys all in one convenient location for less. They focus on providing quality children clothing and excellent service to its customers. If you place an order and if you have a problem, simply contact a customer service representative or log into their website to request a return authorization. They have a referral program and you can earn $10 for each friend that you refer to Cookie Kids.

Christy from Uplifting Families had the opportunity to review a boy's outfits from Coookies Kids. The clothing that we received was high quality and my boys loved their new outfits. You can read the full review here.

How would you like to win a $100 Gift Certificate to Cookies Kids? One lucky winner will receive a $100 gift card to Cookies Kids. This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years and older. This giveaway is open from August 11th through August 28 at 11:59pm. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond to the email.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Uplifting Families received samples or credit facilitate the review and giveaway. All opinions are 100% my own and may differ from your own. One entry per household. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase is necessary to participate in this giveaway. All participating bloggers aren’t responsible for prize fulfillment and weren’t compensated to participate. This giveaway isn’t affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, G+, or any other social media platform.

Lands' End Featherlight Backpack and Neoprene Tote, a Review

I'm working with Lands' End as a Brand Ambassador during the 2014 Back to School season. They gifted me school uniforms for me to evaluate so I could share my opinion of the items with you. All opinions are my own.

(c) Rene Shonerd. All Rights Reserved.

Affiliate Links in Use

Thanks for Supporting Uniform Mom

Chevron is so IN right now.   The colors in this bag are kid friendly, fun and feminine.  The 

Print FeatherLight™ Medium Backpack, in Fuchsia Plum Chevron, was an easy choice from the new colors and patterns of the Lands' End backpacks this fall.

I bought my daughter a backpack from Lands' End when she started Kindergarten.  I liked that they are one of the few brands that offered backpacks in various sizes.  We shopped in our local Sears store which had a more limited selection than Lands' End online.  While a small Classmate backpack bag might have fit her frame better, she picked out a medium sized Classmate backpack that was in stock in the store that day. The medium was big, but not overwhelming for her size.  The medium size is recommended for kids 4 feet tall to 5 foot, 6 inches tall.   You can read my original review of that bag which she is still using two years later.  It is light in color so it shows some dirt, but structurally, it is still in great condition.  All of the zippers still work, the seams are still sewn tight, and the mesh pouch on the side is still intact.  It has served her well for year round use at both school and summer camps.  She used it in kindergarten and first grade.  During those years, she was required to carry two folders back and forth to school each day.  The bag is big enough to tote a stack of text books, so it sometimes seemed bigger than she really needed at that age.  Now that she has a new bag to use this year, we'll hold on to her original bag to use as a backup.

This new Featherlight Backpack has a new, trendy pattern, but it also has different features.  This bag has a padded laptop slot inside that you could use to tote a traditional laptop, a tablet, or another electronic device.  But even if you don't have any electronics to tote around, you can place folders or notebooks in it keeping them separated from gym clothes and other items.  The other noticeable difference is that this Featherlight bag seems thinner and looks less bulky on her frame than her Classmate style bag.  From the videos, it looks like both styles of bag can hold a fair amount, so it might be the adjustable side compression straps that make it appear thinner.  Most days, she totes around a few folders and papers. Occasionally it carries home an oddly shaped art project or we tuck a small umbrella in the side mesh pocket.  We expect the amount of homework will increase this year, so she might begin to have a workbook or two to tote around.  This bag is perfect size to hold everything she needs and fits her school aged frame perfectly. Here's a video from Lands' End showing what this bag can fit:

I "borrowed" the bag to bring home my work laptop this week.  I commute by walking about a half mile to the Metro station, ride Metro into the city, and then walk a few more blocks to the office. When I use a standard tote bag to carry my laptop, I really notice the weight of it and the strap digs into my shoulder.  My full size work laptop fit perfectly in the laptop slot of this backpack. The padding on the straps is wonderful. Combined with the padded back panel with the mesh lining, it made lugging the laptop on my half mile walk home a breeze. Thumbs up from me!  My co-workers noticed the bag and commented on the hip pattern and trendy colors too.

My daughter loves everything about it.  She can't stop playing with the bungee cord on the front of the bag. She tested it out this week packing it full of stuff needed for summer camp. It easily fit a large fluffy beach towel, her swim suit, goggles, sunscreen, bug spray and a poly folder for her arts and crafts projects. She loves the feel of the padded back and the mesh lining on her back.  That bungee is perfect for keeping a sweater or light jacket handy yet securely tied on.

Of course, she loves the cute pattern and colors. For the past two years, there is one other girl at her school that had the same pattern backpack as her.  Knowing this one will also be a popular style, we got it personalized with a monogram of her initials.  She loves that she'll always be able to find "her" bag from among the pile of bags at after school care even without all the decorative trinkets she hangs on the loop at the top of the bag. She is so excited to have a new backpack this year!

Based on a great experience with the quality of her first Lands' End backpack, I am confident this one will hold up well too.  I expect it will last her several years. We'll get another when she's grows taller and is ready for a large, or full size bag.  The Featherlight style backpack is available in medium and large sizes and various colors and patterns.  There is also a wheeled version and a messenger style. The regular retail price of the medium size bag is $44 and in my opinion, worth every penny.  It's even more worth it, if you can grab one when they are on sale.

Solid FeatherLight™
Medium Backpack

FEATHERLIGHT BACKPACK FEATURES

• no-tip design; water-repellent finish; plus an ergonomic design for comfort.
• Die-cut EVA foam padding in the shoulder straps for superior comfort; padded back panels with air mesh lining for breathability
• Tech savvy! Two internal chambers, one is padded for a laptop
• Light but tough! Solids are 210 ripstop and 420D nylon body
• Adjustable sternum strap keeps shoulder straps in the perfect position for comfort
• Extra! extra! Bungee strap gives them external carrying capacity — great for quick access to a jacket
• Side compression straps stabilize their load
• Reflective trim also helps keep kids visible
• Handy loop for clipping on a lunch box saves room inside the pack

Girls' Neoprene Lunch Tote -
Fuchsia Plum Chevron

Lands' End also offers coordinating lunch boxes in the EZ wipe style, the soft side style and the neoprene tote.  We have a soft side one that she's been using for 2 years already.  So, we opted to try the neoprene totes.  I wish I could say that I am one of those Moms that pack a creative and healthy lunch, but I'm not.  Like many other kids her age, she is a picky eater and sticks to known favorites.  But she has commented on some kids that bring a hot thermos of soup, stew, or mac and cheese.  This neoprene bag would easily carry her typical lunch fare, but it could also easily hold a small thermos of hot food, a juice box and a snack.  I intend to pick up a new hot food container to try this year, and I hope to find a new lunch options to change things up and add variety to her packed lunches.  

So, about the NEOPRENE LUNCH TOTE-

• It is completely collapsible, easily fitting in a kitchen cabinet when not in use.  
• It is very lightweight.  
• It is also comfortable to carry.    
• It zips closed across the top.
• It is made from 100 polyester with rubber backing.  
• It is tested to ensure safety from lead & phthalates.

Related Posts:

• Lands' End Backpacks for School
• Our Kindergarten Wardrobe
• Lands' End School Uniforms in the Retail Round Up Series

Lands' End Girls School Uniform Shorts, a Review

I'm working with Lands' End as a Brand Ambassador during the 2014 Back to School season. They gifted me school uniforms for me to evaluate so I could share my opinion of the items with you. All opinions are my own.

Affiliate Links in Use

Thanks for Supporting Uniform Mom

With all the short shorts so popular right now, it is hard to find a pair for school that will meet dress code requirements. These School Uniform Girls' Plain Front Stain Resistant Chino Shorts from Lands' End are an easy choice for warm weather days heading back to school this fall. The above the knee length is long enough to avoid any issues with dress code violations yet the plain front style and fit make them fashionable. Paired with a basic polo, the kids will be dressed for the bus and out the door with no morning hassles.

Girls' Plain Front Blend Chino Shorts

We've tried shorts from several of the major retailers; the wrinkle resistant and stain resistant treatment on these shorts makes all the difference to your weekend laundry routine.  These shorts are look great straight from the dryer.  No ironing needed.  That's a huge win in my book.   The seams have reinforced stitching at all the stress points for longer lasting wear. Depending on your climate, you might put them away for the winter months, but when you pull them out of the drawer in the spring, you'll appreciate the adjustable waistband which allows them to grow with her over the course of the school year. A quick fix of the buttons and just like magic, they fit again!

FEATURES

• Long-lasting, super soft blend of 98% cotton/2% spandex
• Fights wrinkles and stops stains
• Side & rear pockets
• Inner adjustable waistband to fine-tune her fit
• Above-knee length
• Little Girl sizes: Easy-on elastic back & snap-front close
• Girl sizes: No-gap contoured waistband & button-front close

These shorts retail for $27.  They are available in classic navy and khaki in little girl's sizes (4-7) and big girl sizes (7-16).  They also have them in adults sizes (6-16) for $32.

Related Posts:

• Lands' End School Uniform Perfect Fit Pants and Interlock Polo, a Review
• Lands End Iron Knee Pants
• Lands' End School Uniforms in the Retail Round Up Series

Girls Zip-up School Uniform Sweater from Lands' End

I'm working with Lands' End as a Brand Ambassador during the 2014 Back to School season. They gifted me school uniforms for me to evaluate so I could share my opinion of the items with you. All opinions are my own.

Affiliate Links in Use
Thanks for Supporting Uniform Mom

(c) Rene Shonerd. All Rights Reserved.

We've tried a bunch of cardigan sweaters from various brands over the past two years.  While I was reviewing school uniform sweaters from all the major brands last summer, I noticed that a zip-up style sweater was totally absent from the girls uniform selection. Many brands offered a zip-up style for boys. Yet all of the girls' sweaters had buttons. My daughter is a rising second grader now, but when she was younger, buttons were tricky for her to do herself. Buttoning anything, especially an item with small buttons, took patience and some amount of time. So, I was excited to see that Lands' End is now offering a Girls' Zip-front Drifter Cardigan.

When I showed my daughter the list of choices for her to try a Lands End sweater, I wasn't surprised when she right away pointed to this zip up style. When it arrived, I immediately noticed that it is heavier and thicker than our Lands End School Uniform Girls' Fine Gauge Cotton Cardigan Sweaters. And while we love the basic cardigan for year round wear, I would definitely recommend this sweater for those living in a climate where the winters are colder. I think it would also double as a jacket for those in areas that don't get as much snow in the winter.

And besides the warmth, you notice the quality feel of the cotton. The product description calls it "upgraded cotton" and says that it "each sweater is knit to fit, instead of cut and sewn like lesser-made versions. So it fits right from the get-go, with no bunching or stretching."  I love the cute fabric zipper pull because it is easy for little fingers.

Girls' Zip-front 

Drifter Cardigan

FEATURES

• Soft-as-can-be 100% cotton for all-day comfort
• Knit to eliminate excess bulk under the arms
• Full-zip front with easy grosgrain zipper pull
• This product is eligible to receive a school logo or a personalized monogram.

This sweater is machine washable, however, the tag contains some special laundry instructions to keep it looking its best.  

1. Turn it inside out when washing.
2. Avoid tumble drying or drying on a hanger.  Instead, lay flat to dry and block into shape.
3. Use a sweater comb to remove any pills that may appear.

Lands' End offers this sweater in classic navy, black, red, burgundy and maize.  It sizing includes little girls (4-7) big girls (7-16) and adults (S-XL).  It retails for $50.  When you get one, don't forget to to write your child's name on the label.  You don't want this sweater to get lost and end up in the lost and found.

Join me at the Lands' End Back to School Twitter Party

You're Invited!

What: Land's End Back to School Twitter Party

When: August 5, 2014 12-1 EDT

Hashtag: #FirstDayFaves 

Moderator: @NavyPlaid

Sponsor: @LandsEnd

About the party:
Lands' End has the same classic, high quality items that you know and love as well as many new items offered as the kids get ready to head back to school this year. Come chat about what's new in School Uniforms and learn what features to look for as you shop this season. Bring your questions:  I'll be online live along with several experts from Lands' End to answer your questions about Back to School shopping.

Follow along and join in the conversation by:

• Creating your own custom view with TweetDeck or Hootsuite 
• Following #FirstDayFaves on your Twitter search feed 

RSVP:

While its certainly not required, please RSVP below to let us know you're planning to attend and find others to follow. Click Add Your Link button.  Enter the information as shown below:

1. Title: Enter your Twitter username
   such as @NavyPlaid
2. URL: Enter the URL (including the http://) to your twitter profile
   such as http://www.twitter.com/navyplaid
3. Name: Enter your name here such as Uniform Mom.
   Note - this information will not display on the form.

(Image Source)

School Spirit #BloggerOp

Prizes to Include:

School Lockers Kids Locker

Kidecals Mega Set

Planet Box Rover Complete Set

Surprise Ride Monthly Box

Teach My Kit

Dormco Gift Certificate

ThinkFun Robot Turtles

Rock n' Learn

More TBA

Prize Value: $350 and Growing...

Hosted by:

and

A Lucky Ladybug, Mama C's Secrets to Savings,

Tyrneathem, Monica's Rants, Raves, and Reviews

Sign-ups close 8/10

Click HERE to sign up and for more html info.

M.O.O.N. has now added several perks/discounts for frequent participation in our events but you must be a member of our Facebook group to be eligible. Please visit the M.O.O.N. group if you are a blogger and would like more information regarding these perks and other group events.

**If you are a company and would like to see your brand advertised in a M.O.O.N. event similar to this or a Blogger interested in working with M.O.O.N. please contact MakeOurOwnNetwork@gmail.com

Girls School Uniform Double Knit Blazer from Lands End, a Review

I'm working with Lands' End as a Brand Ambassador during the 2014 Back to School season. They gifted me school uniforms for me to evaluate so I could share my opinion of the items with you. All opinions are my own.

(c) Rene Shonerd. All Rights Reserved.

Affiliate Links in Use

Thanks for Supporting Uniform Mom

The new School Uniform Girls' Double Knit Button-front Blazer from Lands' End is a super cute layering alternative to a sweater.  This blazer makes any outfit look adorable.



For some reason, school picture day  for my daughter's class was held on PE day for the past two years.  So she is wearing her basic white t-shirt, which is required with the Phys Ed uniform, in her annual school photos. This year, I will plan send this blazer with her on school picture day no matter if it falls on a PE day or not.  This blazer works just as well over a shirt with a collar as it does over a basic t-shirt.   I will also reach for this blazer to her to wear on a school assembly day when her class will be on stage in front of the rest of the school and all the parents.

Girls' Double Knit
Button-front Blazer

The side panels give the jacket structure and shape, yet the double knit fabric is soft and comfortable.  It is offered in navy in Big Girl sizes 7 -16 and Women's sizes 2-16.  As a school uniform item, you can personalize it with your school logo.  It retails for $70. It is machine washable.

The highlighted features include the following:

• 100% cotton double knit is soft yet substantial
• Resilient construction
• Princes side panels lend a hint of shape
• Easy care: machine wash
• Single back vent
• Patch pockets
• Imported

A structure blazer is such a classic look on both girls and guys. Guys that are always complaining that blazers are too uncomfortable would love to have the comfort of a knit alternative.  But they guys will have to wait their turn until they develop a comfortable blazer for them because this one is reserved for the ladies. And because it is so comfortable to wear, it will get used more often than a traditional blazer.  It can also serve as a light jacket in the fall or spring months. These options make it worth the price difference from the basic cardigan sweater.

Related Posts:

• Lands' End Uniform Girls Solid A-line Skirt, a review
• Lands' End new Ponte School Uniform items- knit skort and blouse, a Review
• Lands' End School Uniform Perfect Fit Pants and Interlock Polo, a Review
• Lands’ End Phys Ed Performance T-shirt and Yoga Pants, Reviews
• Review of the Lands End Knit Ruffle Front Dress
• Lands' End Backpacks for School