You would recall a while back I mentioned the online store Zulily (this is a link with my invitation code), the members only shopping site. You invite a friend and you can get $10. Yes, the same one that offers designer clothing at bargain prices. Since they don’t need to store large supplies, it also means they pass that savings onto you. I guess that also means if you like something, grab it early as they may not have much stock of it.

Back To School shopping need not have to be from those giant department stores. You can get stylish outfits that not every kid will be sporting. Now I know many of my readers, and I, love Zulily so I manged to get an awesome deal for the readers of Mommy Niri. So go on, start shopping.

Coupon details:

Enter NIRIBTS

$10 off purchase of $50 or more

Coupon code expires  8/26/10

One use per customer

The kids did play with them for a while but I admit it held the attention better for my 3 year old than 5 year old, but then again maybe that was what it was geared for. Basically this all in one amusement park comes with a rollercoaster, fair games to hit the pins, swing and big wheel.

What I loved:

• The shape is just right for toddler hands.
• That most of it was non electronic
• Little kids could really play by themselves
• The vibrant colors
• That it was compact enough to carry around to play elsewhere.
• The changeable hands for the figurine.
• The ability to “hit” the pins” for the game without much effort and no pieces falling off.

What I did not:

• The electronic sounds – seriously don’t think they were necessary
• This is a pet peeve for most sets – I wish they came with just more than one figurine. Just no fun having one character at the fair.
• While the interchangeable hands are fun it makes for small parts getting lost easily
• The roller coaster is too fast – yeah I know that is what they normally are but for the effort it takes to place the character the fun is over soon after it began.

Disclosure: I received the product for review!

Sure there will be many influential bloggers and brands in NYC (I pity the poor soul who is in the Hilton NYC to vacation) but take a deep breath people. This is not a do or die place. If you don’t take it easy you will miss the best part of the conference.

Try to share…

• rooms. Not only is it cheaper it is a lot of fun.
• energy - volunteer if you can to get cheaper/free tickets. I also love volunteering so I can get to know people better as we work.
• your warmth – if you are giggling girlishly with your peeps and notice a blogger sitting alone – strike a conversation. Also be mindful if she wants to be alone.
• cabs. New York is many things but it ain’t cheap so buddy up to events.
• phone #’s. Trust me, there will be a swarm of people and you want to make sure you get to meet some of your buddies IRL (in real life). Quickie coffee catch-up is the best thing about any bloggy meetup.

Don’t care about…

• What you wear. Wear what you normally do – everyone else will get over the shock. The only one advice I would offer is wear comfortable shoes. Dress up if you want and dress down if you want, but the best dress you can have is confidence!
• Attending every session. In fact I would suggest choosing a few that you really care about and attend just those.
• Snotty attitudes (read my post of why big bloggers need to be nice to small bloggers). You paid your dues so you deserve to be there just like everyone else. Remember to be nice.
• Missing private parties. Will they be fun and have awesome swag? You betcha but you can have fun anywhere (if you let yourself) and most of that swag will be collecting dust somewhere shortly anyway. There are more than enough public parties and the best party is the one you have with your friends.
• Packing too much – leave space for stuff (and yes there will be stuff).
• Spending all your time listening to a company pitch. This is your time and you need to invest it as you see fit.

Dare…

• To be you. The benefit of being part of the blogger group is that, contrary to popular claims, there is no president of the group. Your blog, your way!
• To promote yourself. When you get sponsored you would talk up and push that brand, right? So to remember you are your brand. It cost you money to get to this conference, so in the the words of sweet Tim Gunn “Make it work“

I am sure I missed something and would love my girlfriends to pitch in.

PS: I will be volunteering at the registration desk so be sure say hi, you get a free hug if you bring chai/tea/coffee!