Shop RUUM American Kids Wear's Stylish Looks for the Playground! #MakeRUUM4Summer

Thank you to RUUM American Kids Wear for providing a gift card to facilitate this children's fashion Shop 'n' Share feature.  All opinions expressed are my own.

I know a lot of you are already thinking about summertime, but spring just really got started for us here.  These photos were taken less than 3 weeks ago on the first real no-jacket-required afternoon.  The truth is that we never know how long the spring weather will last around here.  Some years, it only last for two weeks and we suddenly find ourselves in shorts weather.  Also, our children still have a month and a half of school left.  I need to keep all these factors in mind when shopping for their warm-weather clothes.

One of the staples in my children's wardrobes are RUUM graphic tees.  The designs are extremely appealing to my 7, 7, and 10 year old, not to mention that they are soft, durable, and affordable.  These short sleeved graphic t-shirts follow our school's no-tank-tops dress code and will carry our children from the spring, through summertime, and into early fall.  They always each own several in their current size year-round.

Our children created their own outfits from RUUM American Kids Wear.  Take a look at what they each chose for themselves . . .

Luke is wearing the Big City Tee layered over the Short Sleeve Heather Crew in Washed Orange.  He paired those with the Washed Olive Cargo Pant and the CBlock Baseball Hat in Tin.

Makenzie fell in love with the Unicorn Graphic Tee.  To match this whimsical top, she chose the Super Soft Skinny rolled-cuff colored denim in Deep Mauve, the Purple Sequin Sneaker, and the Printed Metal Sunglasses in Island Pink.

Jake chose the "Unstoppable" Tie Dye Tee in Canteen layered over the Short Sleeve Heather Crew in Stone and paired with the Rugged Wash Skinny Straight Slim Rugged denim.  Our fedora-addict completed the outfit with the Washed Jeans Solid Fedora.

Although we are lucky enough to have a RUUM American Kids Wear store nearby, I shop on their website quite often.  They always have awesome sales and reduced or free shipping offers, plus I can browse the selection with one child at a time without having to keep track of what the other two are up to.  I love that all the clothes at RUUM are both kid-approved and parent-approved.  It makes shopping for clothes so much easier, especially as our children get older.

RUUM American Kids Wear offers clothing sized for children as young as newborns all the way up to early teens.  Be sure to sign up for their special offer emails at www.RUUM.com.

Silly Monkey Stories: Post-Photo Shoot Sillies (4th Installment)

Right before the weather turned frigid, I was able to sneak in one more outdoor fall photo shoot with the children.  Although it wasn't warm out, they were not too cold to stay outside a few minutes longer to take part in our traditional post-photo shoot sillies photos.  In case you've missed them, feel free to take a look at the first, second, and third groups of Post-Photo Shoot Sillies photos.  When I look at them, it seems like each installment is sillier than the last.

The photos below are pretty darn silly.  I'm extremely curious to see what our next group of photos will be like . . .

Click here to read all our Silly Monkey Stories!

The RUUM American Kid's Wear New Holiday Newsletter (Plus a 40% off Cyber Weekend Promo Code!)

I received a promotional item as a thank you for sharing about the new RUUM American Kid's Wear Holiday Newsletter.  All opinions expressed are my own.

If you are a fan of the children's fashions at RUUM American Kid's Wear, then there are 3 things you should know this weekend!  First, you must checkout RUUM's Holiday Newsletter.  Not only does it include RUUM's Holiday Gift Guide, it also includes an interview with Brianne Manz of Stroller in the City and a tutorial for a DIY Winter Bird Feeders craft.

Second, if you plan to be shopping online this weekend at RUUM.com, then here is a coupon code for you.  Checkout using promo code 162 by Monday, December 2nd to receive 40% off your entire order.  Also, standard shipping is free for orders over $60!

The third thing you should know is that we are giving away a $25 RUUM gift card.  If you haven't entered our RUUM gift card giveaway, then take a few minutes to do so now.  This giveaway ends on December 9th, 2013.

Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway: Get Fresh Holiday Looks for Girls and Boys at RUUM American Kid's Wear ($25 GC)

Thank you to RUUM American Kid's Wear for inviting me to visit my local store and for providing a gift card for me and one reader to shop for Holiday kids fashions.  All opinions expressed are my own.

One of my favorite places to shop for my children is RUUM American Kid's Wear.  The clothes are always on-trend, cute but not cutesie, well-made, and reasonably priced.  With sizes spanning from newborn all the way up to a boys and girls 14, RUUM will have all your children looking stylish for the Holidays in no time!

Whether you are looking for something preppy or skater style for your boys, RUUM has you covered.  For girls, you will find everything from preppy to girly to edgy styles and everything in between.

Although RUUM had a few cute accessories for boys, like fedoras and sunglasses, the girls' accessories stole the show.  Our daughter was in love with the girl's infinity scarf I found for her.

Sparkle is the dominant trend for the girls this Holiday.  You'll see it in nearly everything, including dresses, skirts, scarves, handbags, headbands, footwear, and more.

Bracelets, hair accessories, and belts from RUUM make fun, but practical stocking stuffers

My favorite Holiday look for girls is pairing a sparkling tulle skirt with a denim shirt or moto jacket.  Then finish the look with sparkling flats or combat boots, depending on your little girl's personal style.

Layering is the theme for the Holidays when it comes to boys' fashion.  A crew neck tee under a button down woven topped with a sweater, corduroy, or dressy vest creates a finished look paired with jeans or khakis.

For a casual look, layer a vest with a long-sleeved knit or top it with a plaid woven instead.

Even though my children love the clothes at RUUM, they only agree to stick around while I browse because of the unique shopping experience RUUM offers.  There is actually a bar full of candy by the registers, but my children did not even notice it because they were too mesmerized by the interactive touchscreen displays in the middle of the store.

One of the displays takes your photograph and puts it on the screen.  Then your child can decorate it and have a copy printed out.  Just pick up the photo at the register when you checkout.

The other display allows you to scan any RUUM merchandise price tag to show the item styled into an outfit up on the screen.  Then, using the built-in camera, you can add your face to the outfit to see what the outfit would look like on you.

Both these displays are extremely entertaining and make a wonderful diversion for children (um . . . and spouses) while you shop.

Checkout my favorite RUUM items on our 2013 Holiday Fashion Gift Guide!  To shop online or to find a RUUM American Kid's Wear store near you, visit www.RUUM.com.  You can also find RUUM on Facebook, Twiter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck in the drawing!

***Please Note: We cannot guarantee that the prize will be delivered by 12/24/13.*** This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

2013 Holiday Fashion Gift Guide on 3G2S

Product samples of some of the items featured below were provided to facilitate this gift guide.  All opinions expressed are our own.

1.  Dollie & me Matching Outfits  ($25.00 - $50.00) - Designed for girls who wear sizes 2T thru size 12 and their 18" doll, Dollie & Me is a favorite brand to many young girls.  The matching outfits, usually sold in sets, are a unique way to increase the fun and to enhance the bond between a girl and her 18" doll.  This matching "My Three Roses" Baby Doll Dress with Leggings Set is just one example of the 120+ matching outfit sets currently being offered by Dollie & Me.  The outfit designs are fun-loving, stylish, and bold, but also built for comfort.  A Dollie & Me matching outfit set would be the perfect gift for a girl who is receiving a new or even her very first 18" doll this Holiday.  In addition to casual dresses and legging sets, Dollie & Me also offers matching special occasion and Holiday dresses, as well as matching pajamas.  All doll outfits fit most 18" dolls, including American Girl dolls.

You can learn more about Dollie & Me fashions by visiting www.dollieme.com.  This brand is also sold by select retailers, such as Zulily, Sears, and Kohl's.

2.  RUUM Moto Jackets for Boys and Girls  ($59.50 - $69.50) - Moto jackets and boots are one of the most prominent trends this fall for men, women, boys, and girls.  RUUM American Kid's Wear is on-trend as usual and is currently offering the Boy's Motorcycle Jacket for both toddlers and grade school age boys, the Toddler Girls LG Moto Jacket, and the Girl's Hooded Moto Jacket (not shown).  One of these faux leather jackets would make the perfect gift for a child who enjoys looking stylish just as much as he or she loves playing their favorite video game.

To learn more about these kids moto jackets, visit www.ruum.com.  Be sure to also read all about our RUUM store visit.

3. Mialisia Jewelry  ($12.00 - $78.00) - Mialisia is a new jewelry brand that launched in 2013.  What makes this patent-pending jewelry unique is that its entire line of necklaces is interchangeable.  You can take any one necklace and turn it into a completely different style necklace, a bracelet, a belt, or combine it with other necklaces to create a brand new statement.  The number of possibilities only end where the stylist within wants it to end.  To complete every look, Mialisia also offers coordinating earrings and rings.  This jewelry would be the perfect gift for the woman who loves to change her look often.  Since this will be the first Holiday season Mialisia Jewelry has been available, she will likely to be the first among her friends to wear it, thus reinforcing her trendsetter status.

You can learn more about Mialisia interchangeable jewelry by reading our review and by visiting ohmy.mialisia.com and www.ohmymia.com.

4.  Cole Haan City Chukka Boot for Girls  ($67.95) - Also available for walkers and toddlers, this City Chukka Boot for little girls by Cole Haan is available in size 12 to 24 months up to a girls size 2.  What little girl could resist a shoe with pink laces that glitters all over?  The style of the City Chukka Boot is sure to delight any young lady.  The non-slip soles and the quality of Cole Haan will please her parents as well.  These boots would be the perfect gift for a little fashionista who needs something special to wear during the Holidays and would also be just the thing to bring new life to any fall or winter outfits that have begun to get dull.

You can find the Cole Haan City Chukka Boot in Black Glitter or Navy Glitter at Nordstrom.com.

5.  Limited Edition Justice YOYO Retractable Bling Initial Lip Gloss  ($8.00 - $10.00) - YOYO Lip Gloss is offering a limited edition line of lip glosses at Justice that makes beauty crossover to fashion for tween girls.  In addition to the fun sparkling initials and designs, what makes these lip glosses unique is their retractable design.  Simply fasten the crystal adorned clip onto a belt, pocket, backpack, or handbag.  This allows the lip gloss to stay handy, but never be lost due to the retractable line that attaches the lip gloss to the yo yo clip.  This scented lip gloss is colorless, so it is perfect for a tween who is still too young for makeup.  In addition to initials, the YOYO lip gloss is also available in other fun designs, such as a peace symbol.  Scents include Bubble Gum, Cotton Candy, Grape, and more.  These limited edition lip glosses can be purchased at www.shopjustice.com and at your local Justice store.

To learn more about YOYO Lip Gloss, visit www.yoyolipgloss.com.

6.  Hand-woven Guatemalan Headband  ($25.00) - If you love to give gifts that give or know someone who loves to receive them, then this vibrantly colored hand-woven headband from the World Vision Catalog might be perfect for someone on your list.  Although sized for an adult, this soft cotton headband also works for a child.  The pleated style allows it to be worn as a narrow or a wide headband.  The proceeds from this tax deductible gift will be combined with others to fund programs around the world, such as child protection, clean water, and disaster response, just to name a few.

To learn more about this hand-woven headband and the causes behind the World Vision Gift Catalog, visit www.worldvision.org.

7.  Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit  ($15.00) - This 3.5" x 2" x 2" zippered pouch hold 17 essentials to make you prepared for a wide array of emergencies.  Shown in Cherry Red with a Chinese Symbol zipper pull, this kit is one of 10 styles available in the Good Luck Minimergency Kit collection (because who couldn't use a little extra good luck?), just one of many collections of emergency kits available for women, men, girls, moms, teachers, and more.  This particular kit contains lip balm, hair spray, a wrapped tampon, clear nail polish, breath freshener, nail polish remover, pain reliever, an emery board, an adhesive bandage, earring backs, clear elastics, a safety pin, a sewing/mending kit, Shemergency® tape, stain remover, a deodorant towelette, and dental floss.  These kits would make unique and thoughtful gifts for a teacher, a co-worker, or stocking stuffers for family members.  Refills for the various kits are also available for purchase.

To learn more about this and the many other Minimergency Kits available, visit www.pinchprovisions.com.


More unique fashion gift ideas will be added to this Holiday Gift Guide through December.  Remember to check back often and to follow @_Karen on Twitter to keep up with what's new!

Graphic Tees from RUUM American Kid's Wear for an Easy Transition from Summer to Fall

Thank you to RUUM American Kid's Wear for providing a complimentary sample RUUM graphic tee for us to base this review upon and for providing a second product for our contest prize.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Every year that our now 9-1/2 year old son gets older, it has become clear that he is growing quite fashion conscious.  He likes certain brands for clothing and footwear, and a specific fit for his jeans, but he also values comfort.  One of his favorite things to wear is a graphic tee and skinny jeans.  In fact, I would say he has quite an impressive graphic t-shirt collection.  As his parent, I really do not mind purchasing a variety of graphic tees for him because he wears them year round.  Short-sleeved t-shirts are so versatile because they can be layered.

Normally, one of the ways I would recommend wearing a short-sleeved graphic tee during the cooler months is to add a long-sleeved layering tee underneath it.  I wouldn't recommend this for RUUM graphic tees.  Why?. . . Because they are the softest t-shirts I have ever felt.  The "Best T Ever" Sunset Tee my son received is soft as a cloud.  It would be a crime to put anything underneath it.  Instead, I would recommend layering a RUUM hoodie or plaid flannel shirt over it for fall and winter.

What does my son think of his graphic tee from RUUM?  It is super-soft, brightly colored (he's a huge fan of neon), and has a sporty graphic on it from a brand he loves.

Right now, you can find graphic tees for both boys and girls on RUUM.com for as low as $3.99!  How can you resist such great prices for shirts that can be worn all year round?  Here are some more reasons you should shop RUUM for back-to-school . . .

• Extra 50% off summer items (online prices already reflect discount)
• Save 25% off the new Fall Collection (online prices already reflect discount)
• Free Standard Shipping on orders over $50
• RUUM offers sizes for newborns all the way to 14 year olds

To stay up to date on current RUUM promotions, be sure to follow RUUM American Kid's Wear on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Our giveaway prize today is the winner's choice of one of the five graphic tees shown below in boys or girls size S, M, L, or XL (Subject to availability).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck in the drawing!

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random number drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.