Marshalls Shoe Mega Shop: enter to win $250!

I may love shoes but I rarely pay full price for them. If I'm not reviewing a fabulous pair of Penny Loves Kenny or Söfft shoes for Boutique Cafe then I'm shopping Nordstrom Rack or Famous Footwear's BOGO sale. But now I may have a new must-visit store for shoes; Marshalls is opening a new Mega Shop and it sounds perfect for bargain-loving shoe-lovers like me.

Marshalls' new concept is "5,000 square feet of shoe-lovers heaven, featuring top brands and the latest styles found in department and specialty stores, but for up to 60 percent less." With an easy-to-shop layout and a plethora of styles and sizes it's sure to be a mega hit!

To kick off their new Shoe Mega Shop, Marshalls is offering you a chance to win $250 in gift cards! Check out the widget below for your chance to win:



I've actually played the game a few times and it's quite fun, although I have yet to be successful at matching the shoes in all three rounds. But $250 is a tempting prize so I may have to play until I finally get it right! Good luck, and may the best shoe-lover win! --Emily

discover your child's language acquisition skills with a simple "quiz"

The Savvy Source, one of the most informative websites about preschools in the country, recently partnered with a gold standard non-profit with rock solid expertise in early childhood education to create a diagnostic tool for parents to discover where their children (between the ages of 2 and 6) are developmentally.

Based on results of this quiz, parents receive a customized list of recommend books, toys and free activities developmentally appropriate for their child. LeapFrog, one of my favorite educational toy companies, is sponsoring the widget that starts you on your way to learning your child's language acquisition skills. You can find the widget by scrolling down and checking out the right-hand side of our blog.

Savvy "loves the tool (as a company full of moms of young kids) because in the process of taking the quiz, parents become better parents and begin to understand what the different stages of growth are for their toddlers and preschoolers." I always enjoy learning a little more about where my children are when it comes to language skills. Just because I understand what my 2-year-old is saying doesn't mean everyone else does! --Emily

easy fashion trends

What is your fashion style? Not really sure? Try taking this fun fashion quiz at lifescript.com. Once you know what your style is--whether it's all about comfort and function, or if your the neat and chic type--you can make being fashionable as easy as raiding your own closet. fashion trend tuesday is focusing on the hot new trends that anyone can take advantage of.

1. Red Lips. Very sexy, very fresh.

2. Black tights. So slimming, who wouldn't love this trend?

3. Colorful shoes. Help make an outfit go from flat to fun, by adding a colorful kick! (sorry for the pun)

4. Classic slacks. Jeans will never be out, but slacks are so hip. (again, sorry for the pun)

5. Chunky knits. Everyone has their favorite comfy sweater, now it's fashionable!

Even if you're not one to hound all the latest fashion trends, it doesn't hurt to "sneak a peek" at what's hip, every once in a while. There's always something fun you can adapt to your own, unique style. --LeShan