Coquette Maman

Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration! Week 8 Giveaway

It's now week 8! We are so close to the end of the Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration! Next week is the launch of the new book, Ivy and Bean Make the Rules and the Grand Prize giveaway that could be yours! (See below for more info on the Grand Prize.)

Last Week's Winners

A big congratulations to Halle from from Fairbanks, AK for winning Ivy and Bean What's the Big Idea? (Book 7) and a set of mini notes. Also, congrats to Jasmine from Chula Vista and Vanessa from Ontario Canada for each winning a set of Ivy and Bean Mini Notes. Thanks to everyone who entered!

Let's get going with the Ivy and Bean Week 8 Giveaway on Coquette Maman!

Ivy and Bean Giveaway: Week 8
1 winner will receive Ivy and Bean No News Is Good News (Book 8) + Ivy and Bean Mini Notes
2 winners will each receive an Ivy and Bean Mini Notes

Ivy and Bean No News Is Good News (Book 8)
Ivy and Bean need some money. Ten dollars, to be exact. Never mind what for. Okay, it’s for low-fat Belldeloon cheese in a special just-for you serving size. Don’t ask why. How are Ivy and Bean going to make ten dollars? Hey, maybe they should write a newspaper about Pancake Court and sell it! Great idea! And easy, too. All they have to do is snoop around the neighborhood. Wow...It’s very interesting what they can find out. It’s even more interesting when the neighbors read about it in the newspaper.

To enter the Ivy and Bean Week 8 Giveaway, just leave a comment to this post below. All entries will close on Friday, October 5, 2012 at Noon PST.

About Ivy and Bean
The Ivy and Bean series of children's books by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Sophie Blackall (published by Chronicle Books) cover the enduring and hilarious friendship between two seemingily opposite personalities. Ivy and Bean are very different and it's because of their differences, they become best friends.

This October 13th, we will celebrate the 1st Annual Ivy and Bean Day along with the launch of the 9th Ivy and Bean book in this NY Times bestselling series: Ivy and Bean Make the Rules.

Grand Prize

For Week 9, a Grand Prize Winner will be chosen from all of the previous winners and will receive:

• A complete set of Ivy and Bean hardcover books signed by Annie Barrows
• 1 set of Ivy and Bean Paper Dolls
• 1 Ivy and Bean Button Factory
• 1 Ivy and Bean READ Poster signed by Annie Barrows
• Set of Ivy and Bean Silly Bandz
• Set of Ivy and Bean stickers

AND – the super-secret really cool prize are these Madame Alexander Ivy and Bean plush dolls!

Coquette Maman is so happy to be a part of the select group of bloggers here to help celebrate everything Ivy and Bean! Every week until October 13th, I'll be giving away 1 book in the series as well as 3 Ivy and Bean Mini Notes.

Here are the other participating blogs in the Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration:

Media Darlings
There's A Book
Kid Lit Frenzy
In the Pages
The O.W.L.
Ruth Ayres Writes
Watch. Connect. Read.
One Page to the Next
Van Meter Library Voice
The Family That Reads Together
Roundtable Reviews for Kids
Sharpread
The Children's Book Review

Paper Sack Halloween Costumes by Wee Society

Turn a paper grocery bag into a chic costume with Wee Society's Paper Sack Halloween Costumes, inspired by their Wee Alphas. Download the how-to PDFs for a fox, lion, owl, and gorilla. The PDFs also include templates for you to trace and cut out pieces for the costume.

Post up a picture of your little one in a Wee Alpha's costume to Facebook/weesociety by October 31st and you'll be automatically entered to win a Wee Alpha's art print.

Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration! Week 7 Giveaway

Wowza! We are now on week #7 of the Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration! We are so close to the launch of the new book, Ivy and Bean Make the Rules and the Grand Prize giveaway that could be yours! (See below for more info on the Grand Prize.)

Last Week's Winners:
Congratualtions to Beth from Alexandria, VA for winning Ivy and Bean Book #6 and a set of mini notes. Also congrats to Tania from Elkins Park, PA and Cheryl from Kaneohe, HI for each winning a set of Ivy and Bean mini notes. Thanks to everyone who entered!

Let's get going with the Ivy and Bean Week 7 Giveaway on Coquette Maman!

Ivy and Bean Giveaway: Week 7
1 winner will receive Ivy and Bean What's the Big Idea? (Book 7) + Ivy and Bean Mini Notes
2 winners will each receive an Ivy and Bean Mini Notes

Ivy and Bean What's the Big Idea? (Book 7)
It's the Science Fair, and the second grade is all over it! Some kids are making man-eating robots. Some kids are holding their breath for a very, very long time. Some kids are doing interesting things with vacuum cleaners. The theme, obviously, is global warming. But what should Ivy and Bean do? Something involving explosions? Or ropes? Somethingwith ice cubes? Or maybe . . . maybe something different.

To enter the Ivy and Bean Week 7 Giveaway, just leave a comment to this post below. All entries will close on Friday, September 28, 2012 at Noon PST.

About Ivy and Bean
The Ivy and Bean series of children's books by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Sophie Blackall (published by Chronicle Books) cover the enduring and hilarious friendship between two seemingily opposite personalities. Ivy and Bean are very different and it's because of their differences, they become best friends.

This October 13th, we will celebrate the 1st Annual Ivy and Bean Day along with the launch of the 9th Ivy and Bean book in this NY Times bestselling series: Ivy and Bean Make the Rules.

Grand Prize

For Week 9, a Grand Prize Winner will be chosen from all of the previous winners and will receive:

• A complete set of Ivy and Bean hardcover books signed by Annie Barrows
• 1 set of Ivy and Bean Paper Dolls
• 1 Ivy and Bean Button Factory
• 1 Ivy and Bean READ Poster signed by Annie Barrows
• Set of Ivy and Bean Silly Bandz
• Set of Ivy and Bean stickers
• AND – a super-secret really cool prize we’re working on (stay tuned!)

Coquette Maman is so happy to be a part of the select group of bloggers here to help celebrate everything Ivy and Bean! Every week until October 13th, I'll be giving away 1 book in the series as well as 3 Ivy and Bean Mini Notes.

Here are the other participating blogs in the Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration:

Media Darlings
There's A Book
Kid Lit Frenzy
In the Pages
The O.W.L.
Ruth Ayres Writes
Watch. Connect. Read.
One Page to the Next
Van Meter Library Voice
The Family That Reads Together
Roundtable Reviews for Kids
Sharpread
The Children's Book Review

Tsu.ya by Kristi Yamaguchi

I never knew why workout and active wear always made me look and feel like a big slob. That's why I love Kristi Yamaguchi's new activewear line called Tsu.ya. The Olympic gold medalist who's a mom of two girls created the line merging modern designs with comfortable fabrics. A portion of Tsu.ya sales supports children's education and inspiration through Kristi's Always Dream Foundation. Tsu.ya is also available at select Lord & Talor stores.

"My lifestyle is demanding. As a mother, as an author and as an athlete, the clothing that I wear needs to be functional as well as fashionable. Up until now there wasn’t an activewear line available to me that met those needs so I created Tsu.ya to fill the void. Moms like me know that our attire needs to live up to our standards and to our activities and Tsu.ya does just that - and with style," says Kristi.

My favorite piece from the collection is the SLIK Jacket ($149) that features satin details and cinched waistline that's flattering to a woman's silhouette. It's perfect at the gym, yoga class, or school drop off. It's definitely a way cuter version of a typical sporty jacket. Her collection not only features outerwear but also tops, bottoms, and dresses.

Here are more Tsu.ya looks from the Fall 2012 Collection Lookbook. Shop online at Tsuyabrand.com.

Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration! Week 6 Giveaway

This week is now week 6 of the Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration! Only three more weeks to the launch of the new book, Ivy and Bean Make the Rules and the Grand Prize!

Last Week's Winners:
Congratulations to last week's giveaway winners:
Mandy from Fort Wayne, IN has won Ivy and Bean book #5 and a set of Mini Notes.
Alicia Marie from Birmingham, AL and Erin from Weymouth, MA have each won a set of Ivy and Bean Mini Notes.

Let's get going with the Ivy and Bean Week 6 Giveaway on Coquette Maman!

Ivy and Bean Giveaway: Week 6
1 winner will receive Ivy and Bean Doomed to Dance (Book 6) + Ivy and Bean Mini Notes
2 winners will each receive an Ivy and Bean Mini Notes

Ivy and Bean Doomed to Dance (Book 6)
Finally! After months of begging their parents for ballet lessons, Ivy and Bean finally get what they want . . . well, not exactly. Much to their surprise, it turns out ballet lessons do not cover karate chops and roundhouse kicks. The girls have no interest in learning how to dance gracefully, but they promised their parents they would finish the entire balletcourse! When it comes time for Ivy and Bean to participate in the ocean-themed class recital, the girls must figure out a way to get out of it without breaking their promises.

To enter the Ivy and Bean Week 6 Giveaway, just leave a comment to this post below. All entries will close on Friday, September 21, 2012 at Noon PST.

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to everyone who entered!

About Ivy and Bean
The Ivy and Bean series of children's books by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Sophie Blackall (published by Chronicle Books) cover the enduring and hilarious friendship between two seemingily opposite personalities. Ivy and Bean are very different and it's because of their differences, they become best friends.

This October 13th, we will celebrate the 1st Annual Ivy and Bean Day along with the launch of the 9th Ivy and Bean book in this NY Times bestselling series: Ivy and Bean Make the Rules.

Grand Prize

For Week 9, a Grand Prize Winner will be chosen from all of the previous winners and will receive:

• A complete set of Ivy and Bean hardcover books signed by Annie Barrows
• 1 set of Ivy and Bean Paper Dolls
• 1 Ivy and Bean Button Factory
• 1 Ivy and Bean READ Poster signed by Annie Barrows
• Set of Ivy and Bean Silly Bandz
• Set of Ivy and Bean stickers
• AND – a super-secret really cool prize we’re working on (stay tuned!)

Coquette Maman is so happy to be a part of the select group of bloggers here to help celebrate everything Ivy and Bean! Every week until October 13th, I'll be giving away 1 book in the series as well as 3 Ivy and Bean Mini Notes.

Here are the other participating blogs in the Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration:

Media Darlings
There's A Book
Kid Lit Frenzy
In the Pages
The O.W.L.
Ruth Ayres Writes
Watch. Connect. Read.
One Page to the Next
Van Meter Library Voice
The Family That Reads Together
Roundtable Reviews for Kids
Sharpread
The Children's Book Review

Stylish Backpacks for Mom

I tried to resist it as much as I could but I realized the field trip backpack is a definitely essential for mom. It's the only way you can hold a few lunches, jackets, and water botttles. How can you still look chic without looking like you're ready to go camping? Enter the Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Backpack ($198 at Shopbop) in Black, Quartz Gray, and Dark Magenta. The front zip compartment can hold your keys and essentials while I also love the top tote handle options for times you just want to carry the bag on your arm.

Here are more cool backpacks for mom:

Juicy Couture Trinity Nylon Backpack ($228 at Shopbop)

LeSportsac Voyager Backpack, Heartbeat ($102.99 at Amazon)

LeSportsac Voyager Backpack, Bronze Lightning ($120 at Amazon)

Baggu Canvas Backpack ($34 at Nordstrom)
Also in black, cobalt, and stone

Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration! Week 5 Giveaway

Wow can you believe it? We are already on to week 5 of the Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration! Only four more weeks to the launch of the new book, Ivy and Bean Make the Rules and the Grand Prize!

Last week's winners:
Janelle from North Manchester, IN has won book #4 in the Ivy and Bean Series, Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter as well as a set of mini notes.

Jasmine from Chula Vista, CA and Nancy from Berkeley, CA have also each won a set of the Ivy and Bean Mini Notes.

Let's get going with the Ivy and Bean Week 5 Giveaway on Coquette Maman!

Ivy and Bean Giveaway: Week 5
1 winner will receive Ivy and Bean Bound to Be Bad (Book 5) + Ivy and Bean Mini Notes
2 winners will each receive an Ivy and Bean Mini Notes

Bound to Be Bad (Ivy and Bean, Book 5)
The two girls decide to be so good and kind and pure of thought that wild animals will befriend them. When this doesn't work, they decide that perhaps a little badness can be good.

To enter the Ivy and Bean Week 5 Giveaway, just leave a comment to this post below. All entries will close on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at Noon PST.

9/15: This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to everyone who entered!

About Ivy and Bean
The Ivy and Bean series of children's books by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Sophie Blackall (published by Chronicle Books) cover the enduring and hilarious friendship between two seemingily opposite personalities. Ivy and Bean are very different and it's because of their differences, they become best friends.

This October 13th, we will celebrate the 1st Annual Ivy and Bean Day along with the launch of the 9th Ivy and Bean book in this NY Times bestselling series: Ivy and Bean Make the Rules.

Grand Prize

For Week 9, a Grand Prize Winner will be chosen from all of the previous winners and will receive:

• A complete set of Ivy and Bean hardcover books signed by Annie Barrows
• 1 set of Ivy and Bean Paper Dolls
• 1 Ivy and Bean Button Factory
• 1 Ivy and Bean READ Poster signed by Annie Barrows
• Set of Ivy and Bean Silly Bandz
• Set of Ivy and Bean stickers
• AND – a super-secret really cool prize we’re working on (stay tuned!)

Coquette Maman is so happy to be a part of the select group of bloggers here to help celebrate everything Ivy and Bean! Every week until October 13th, I'll be giving away 1 book in the series as well as 3 Ivy and Bean Mini Notes.

Here are the other participating blogs in the Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration:

Media Darlings
There's A Book
Kid Lit Frenzy
In the Pages
The O.W.L.
Ruth Ayres Writes
Watch. Connect. Read.
One Page to the Next
Van Meter Library Voice
The Family That Reads Together
Roundtable Reviews for Kids
Sharpread
The Children's Book Review

Disney On Ice in the Bay Area - $1 Tickets On Sale Friday, September 7th

(Photos courtesy of Feld Entertainment)

If you're a mom like me, you probably have a little one who is either obsessed with the Disney Princesses or Toy Story. I'm excited to take Chloe to see Disney On Ice which comes to the Bay Area this October. Shows will take place at the Oracle Arena in Oakland from October 17-21 and HP Pavilion in San Jose from October 24-28.
The Disney on Ice production features a cast we all know and love: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear & Woody, Pinocchio & Jiminy Cricket, Nemo & Dory, Belle & The Beast, The Incredibles and features exciting moments from Aladdin, Mulan and The Lion King.

In honor of 100 Years of Magic coming to the Bay Area, for one day only - 100 tickets per show will be available at the special $1.00 offer for all 19 performances at both Bay Area venues (while supplies last per show). These Zip-A-Dee-Deal tickets will be available starting at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 7th. There is a limit of 4 tickets per person for your chosen show; offer is only valid on select $20 seats in the upper level and is not valid for multiple shows.

Note: Customers may begin forming a line at the box office no earlier than 8 a.m. on Friday, September 7. The box offices for both the Oracle Arena and HP Pavilion will open to the public at 10 am and the special Disney On Ice discount ticket offer begins at 11 am.

Once the Zip-A-Dee-Deal tickets are sold out, you can still purchase tickets at a special one-day-only $5.00 off discount rate (excluding VIP and front row seats). The box offices close at 5 p.m. Tickets for all Disney On Ice shows to the public will go on sale on Saturday, September 8th.

Oakland Oracle Arena
Wednesday, October 17 – 7:30 PM
Thursday, October 18 – 7:30 PM
Friday, October 19 – 10:30 AM & 7:30 PM
Saturday October 20 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM
Sunday, October 21 – 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM

HP Pavilion at San Jose
Wednesday, October 24 – 7:30 PM
Thursday, October 25 – 7:30 PM
Friday, October 26 – 10:30 AM & 7:30 PM
Saturday October 27 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM
Sunday, October 28 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 6:30 PM

Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration! Week 4 Giveaway

It's week 4 of the Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration! Here are the winners from last week's week 3 giveaway. Congratulations to Kimberly from Miami, Flordia for winning Ivy and Bean: Break the Fossil Record (Book 3) as well as a set of mini notes. Holly from Lebanon, OH and Carol from West Orange, NJ have also each won a set of the Ivy and Bean Mini Notes.

The Ivy and Bean series of children's books by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Sophie Blackall (published by Chronicle Books) cover the enduring and hilarious friendship between two seemingily opposite personalities. Ivy and Bean are very different and it's because of their differences, they become best friends.

This October 13th, we will celebrate the 1st Annual Ivy and Bean Day along with the launch of the 9th Ivy and Bean book in this NY Times bestselling series: Ivy and Bean Make the Rules.

Coquette Maman is so happy to be a part of the select group of bloggers here to help celebrate everything Ivy and Bean! Every week until October 13th, I'll be giving away 1 book in the series as well as 3 Ivy and Bean Mini Notes.

Grand Prize

For Week 9, a Grand Prize Winner will be chosen from all of the previous winners and will receive:

• A complete set of Ivy and Bean hardcover books signed by Annie Barrows
• 1 set of Ivy and Bean Paper Dolls
• 1 Ivy and Bean Button Factory
• 1 Ivy and Bean READ Poster signed by Annie Barrows
• Set of Ivy and Bean Silly Bandz
• Set of Ivy and Bean stickers
• AND – a super-secret really cool prize we’re working on (stay tuned!)

Let's get going with the Ivy and Bean Week 4 Giveaway on Coquette Maman!

Ivy and Bean Giveaway: Week 4
1 winner will receive Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter (Book 4) + Ivy and Bean Mini Notes
2 winners will each recieve an Ivy and Bean Mini Notes

Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter (Book 4)
The two girls hatch a plan to prove that Bean's big sister is the world's worst babysitter. Of course plans go awry, but fun ensues!

To enter the Ivy and Bean Week 4 Giveaway, just leave a comment to this post below. All entries will close on Friday, September 7, 2012 at Noon PST Saturday, September 8, at 11:50pm PST. (Deadline extended!)

Here are the other participating blogs in the Ivy and Bean Blog-A-Bration:

Media Darlings
There's A Book
Kid Lit Frenzy
In the Pages
The O.W.L.
Ruth Ayres Writes
Watch. Connect. Read.
One Page to the Next
Van Meter Library Voice
The Family That Reads Together
Roundtable Reviews for Kids
Sharpread
The Children's Book Review

New Splendid Store Opening in Corte Madera, CA + Crafty Grand Opening September 8th

I can't wait to visit the new Splendid store in Corte Madera, CA and stock up on some cozy tees and clothes for myself and Chloe.

Don't miss their grand opening event on Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 12-2:30pm where crafty fun will be provided by Crafting Community. Projects include: Fun with Fabrics, Succulent Gardens, and Button Making. There will be blocks for the little ones and a lounge area where you can relax and enjoy sips + snacks. Bring the whole family!

Splendid
The Village at Corte Madera
1618 Redwood Hwy
Corte Madera, CA 94925