Sep 272010
 

Remember when I asked where all the fire truck shirts have gone? Not only did I get some answers and in-store spottings from my readers, but apparently someone was listening.

1. Gymboree Fire HatGymboree just released a new line called Fire Truck Chief in both baby boys (3M-5T) and big boys (3-12 years). My good friend Ceece sent me a preview link and word that the line would go live today. I checked it out and, oh dear, I’m in ten different kinds of love. The little boys have some way cute “must haves,” like this suspender shirt and this adorable hat. The big boys’ stuff isn’t as “cutesy,” but it’s way fun as well. I think BigBrother might need this fire helmet fleece hoodie and a hat of his own. In case you were wondering, they already own some fire truck underoos from Gymboree, but not this print. I’ll wait for a week or two to see if prices drop, but not too long. I’m not missing these! (As a hint, I’ll also be watching Crazy 8, owned by Gymboree, to see if they release a similar line soon. And watching RetailMeNot for coupon codes. Of course!)

2. Kohl’s does have a fire truck striped long-sleeved t-shirt. It’s actually rather decent looking, and I’ll be purchasing it in-store if it’s there when we stop tomorrow. I like that it’s black (despite that black fades just as horribly as navy blue) mainly because so many of our firefighter shirts are navy blue.

3. Not quite a shirt, but Zulily has a firefighter uniform costume today. They had fire boots the other day, too. In addition to that fire truck bedding, I really can’t say anything bad about them. They even contacted me to let me know about the fire costume today. Customer service makes me happy. And a repeat customer.

I’m hopeful that some other brands will see that Gymboree jumped aboard the fire truck theme and release their own (uh, better priced?) options sometime in the winter clothing months.

And, no, I would venture to guess that this isn’t the post you expected from me today. I’m too exhausted to address the events of last night and this morning. The good news is that FireDad is currently home, safe and sound, sleeping it off in our bed. The boys are under orders to “keep it down” so “daddy can rest.” They’re actually listening for once.

Sep 202010
 

Shh, don’t tell LittleBrother, but he’s getting the same thing his older brother got for the Christmas he was three years old. We’ve got the bed frame and headboard already in house, have been pricing mattresses and, just a few minutes ago, I bought him some freaking adorable bedding.

Thankfully, he can’t read yet, and I am free to tell you about it way before he wakes up on Christmas morning surrounded by magic.

If you’re not familiar with Zulily, you need to be. In short, you get an email every day (just one) with a listing of their newest deals on baby, toddler and kid clothing, clothes for moms, expectant moms and nursing moms, accessories for baby (think bouncers, crib bedding), toddlers (backpacks), kids (read the title of this post) and mom (purses, etc) and the occasional awesome toy. These aren’t your average store brands either. They’re all kind of awesome. I have been stalking their boy clothing for awhile now as most of it is cuter than what I can find in the store for my boy and, quite often, at a comparable or better price. But enough gushing about the process.

TODAY THEY HAVE FIRE TRUCK BEDDING FOR TWIN BEDS. AND IT HAS A GREEN BACKGROUND. OH-EM-GEE!

BeddingI about fell off the couch. LittleBrother’s room is green. I have been struggling to find something he likes that fits with his wall color. We could repaint, but not in the middle of winter. I was starting to get desperate. Then I logged onto Zulily after the email this morning. I almost didn’t click on the California Kids category thinking that it was just crib bedding (and that it would still be out of my price range). I am so glad I did.

The twin “Wheelin’” bedset is priced at $59.99 on Zulily and, wouldn’t you know, RetailMeNot had a coupon code. That’s less than I paid for BigBrother’s Very Hungry Caterpillar set two years ago from Overstock.com. (Though just barely as I got a fab deal on that one as well.)

Now? I don’t need to replace his fire truck wall art or picture frames or any of that jazz. I was just lamenting yesterday as I got him ready for bed that I would soon have to put away some of those things. Now? No need! LittleBrother gets his fire trucks and I get a great deal. (For those who are wondering, yes, the child loves fire trucks. See also: Where Have All The Fire Trucks Gone?)

I am just so stinking pleased with myself. Pardon me while I pat myself on the back and email a friend to try and work out some new fire truck wall art. (And, yes, for those wondering, I’m normally almost done with Christmas shopping by this point. I’m very behind and starting to feel the panic.)

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[Disclaimer: Zulily links are referral codes.]