HOLIDAY GIFTS & IDEAS WITH eBAY COLLECTIONS

This year, Thanksgiving and Chanukah are sharing the spotlight. For my family, this means that at 5 o'clock when the turkey coma usually sets in, we're going to have to rally for a little dreidel and gift exchanging action. This also means that as the Thanksgiving host, (I must be out of my mind to take this on this year), in addition to getting my menu prepped and table decor in line, I'm going to have to going to have to think about gifts about a month sooner than I normally would!

As a curator for eBay's new collections program, I've gotten a head start on all the things I want to get for family and friends... and of course, the things that if anyone happens to want to get me something, well, they'll know just where to find it.  Ahem, ahem.

No seriously, while a Chanel clutch might be a liiiittle out of the budget this Chanukah, I've found that putting these Collections together have been a great way for me to keep track of not only the things that I'm coveting, but ideas and inspirations for projects I want to tackle, like organizing my office and closets.

Here are some of my collections that I've created that are completely inspired by what's going on in my

life:

• Trying to eat Dairy and Gluten Free (See Wedding Prep) :-)

• Getting Fit (Also see Wedding Prep) :-)

• Collecting Vintage Postcards to use for guest book at.... Yep, you guessed it. 

• Finding antique windows and doors for.... Okay fine. I'm completely obsessed. 

The point is, eBay Collections is a great way to store ideas and inspirations, watch sellers and newly listed items, AND find items just in time for the holidays and of course, all year round. Speaking of which, with just over week until 8 nights of festive lights and a big turkey dinner, I need to get cracking!  First stop. Kid + Easy Gift = Legos! Done! 

Join me and be sure to use #eBayCollection & #FollowItFindIt

This is a sponsored post. #ad

CURATED COLLECTIONS WITH eBAY

Last week, eBay introduced a new feature which allows user to browse through handpicked products, grouped together in “Collections” curated experts, celebrities, bloggers, and… me! Similar to a Pinterest board, curators can aggregate whatever item(s) they’re digging within a certain genre, and users can follow us, and of course, purchase an item they might see on one of our collections.

As a user myself, I’m on eBay all the time these days, scouring for just about everything (wedding related). But there are actually items that have nothing to do with "the big day" and are just things that I think are awesome or need... BPA free Containers for my son’s lunches, Chanel Flats (a girl can dream), golf must haves for the dudes (showing love for my man here), and even Legos for Lego-maniacs... Essentially, my collections are one big wish list!

What’s great is that you can take a theme, like Thanksgiving, and pull all the different items you might need or want like the gravy boat, table décor, table linens, even place cards. I’ve even created a collection dedicated to honeymoon travel (don’t even get me started about my wardrobe fantasies for said trip), in which I’ve rounded up all the gear that will help me travel abroad (if I could have added lots of champagne and a base tan, I would have).

It’s so easy to follow curators and their collections and even easier for you to create your own boards full of items that you love and are inspired by. You're going to have so much fun.  Join me and be sure to use #eBayCollection & #FollowItFindIt

My eBay Collections were curated as part of my collaboration with eBay. #AD

eBAY: SPRING CLEANING!

Spring is here... So 'tis time to purge some of mama's wardrobe and make some extra cashola so I can pay for the cute striped maxi that I haaaaaaaad to have. (It's important to be current, isn't it?) So, as they say, "out with the old, in with the new." I considered having a garage sale but with eBay at my finger tips and a knack on selling, I figured it was worth a shot to list some things in my closet that I think are cute for Spring, (see below) and in perfect condition- some even NEW WITH TAGS, that just aren't fitting me right anymore. With visions of myself on a beach in an adorable new tunic and hat, I'm super motivated to sell now. Also, we're actually moving next month so I need all the extra $ I can get. Next month, I'm going to try my hand at listing furniture and major household items like... a TV. Gulp. Wish me luck!

Things I'm currently selling:

-JCrew Drawstring Dress

-French Connection Gray & White Striped Blazer

-Navy Green & Navy Striped Bikini

This is a sponsored/ paid post.

Sponsored Post: TOYDOZER!

If you follow my blog, you know that I don't do reviews often. But when I do, it's always fun because I'm able to talk about something I generally like or would use. Cue the TOYDOZER.

The ToyDozer is an "innovative new product that allows parents and kids to spend less time cleaning and more time playing." As every parent knows, getting your kid to clean up is nearly impossible and getting on your hands and knees to clean up said mess of legos, cars, blocks, etc, is a pain in the you know what. This system is modeled after a bulldozer scoop and you can use a "gatherer" to hold on to it while you scoop items together. Bottom line, if my 4 year old could use it, and LIKE it, then anyone can really.

The ToyDozer comes in three vibrant colors: blue, yellow, and purple. Each one features orange Velcro tabs that attach the gatherer to the scoop when not in use for easy storage.

Here's a little video I shot to demonstrate. Use BLOGGER20 for 20% off on Toydozer.com! Please excuse the post workout disaster that is my face and hair.

For more information , please visit www.toydozer.com or follow @toydozer on twitter.

This post is part of a Toydozer blogger outreach campaign. Participating bloggers have been provided with a complimentary Toydozer to review and have been compensated for their time.

eBAY: OH, I'M SOLD!

Two weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of joining about 20 or so other bloggers that make up the eBay Parent Panel at the eBay headquarters in San Jose. In addition to fun dinners and outings, our two days were filled with sessions about selling on eBay. To say that I learned a thing or two about all things "how to" eBay and that I wanted to come home and start selling immediately, would be an understatement. Sitting through these sessions, I was so deeply inspired and excited: There is NOTHING that can't be sold. From coupons to handbags to old appliances or cords, I realized I was sitting on a treasure trough of trash that could turn into CASH.

Here are a couple highlights and top tips:

What to List:

For ideas on what to list, check out their Selling Inspiration House. This page is AWESOME. The Inspiration House can help you figure out if things that you have around the house are worth selling by browsing through virtual rooms. http://pages.ebay.com/sellerinformation/what-to-sell.html

-Costumes are top sellers on @eBay. People flock to site in Sept & Oct for children's costumes.

-Selling by season @eBay: Biggest trends in selling are during winter holidays and back to school

-Brand names and small items are the easiest things to sell for first time @eBay sellers. iPhones, iPads, iPods = SOLD.

Shipping:

-I learned that if your item weighs 13 oz or less, you can ship USPS First Class Mail... BUT shipping is still making me a little woozy. I won't lie. This is something I'm going to have to figure out. I loved fellow parent panel Caroline Murphy's, of Smarty Pants Mama, post about how to make this process easier.

And if you're really scared, (and I'm of no help), check out 5 Getting Started Tips for Selling on eBay from Sommer of the Green and CleanMom.

Proudly, I had a pretty great week last week and sold 5 of the 6 items I listed. The Target Coupon book didn't sell but I listed that as more of an experiment anyway, so I'm okay with that. Right now, I have a FAB makeup/eyeshadow kit (Brand new) from Urban Decay. Hoping it will sell.... Next week I plan on listing some electronic stuff, and an old maternity gown (and by gown, I mean a FORMAL Liz Lange satin gown I wore as a bridesmaid at 36 weeks preg. Hot).

Wish me luck on my selling endeavors AND if you have an questions, please leave a comment and I'll take it to the eBay Brainiacs that have been guiding me through this all!

eBAY: FAB, FUN, and FOREVER 21!

After making my first sell on eBay, I decided I was going to try out selling something I consider as important as air: Accessories! I recently bought a ton of jewelry from Forever 21 for an event that I never used or wore (and you can't return it)... So why not turn my "trash," so to speak, into another woman's treasure... And make a little extra cash. As an eBay Parent Panel ambassador, I'm excited to continue experimenting with buying and selling. Here's a little video I shot about my process including an extra vid so you can see the product up close. Oh, and in case you want to buy my fun finds (and by the way, they are REALLY cute... just couldn't use them), here's the link on eBay! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120866226634#ht_500wt_1119

and also... a close up look at the jewelry on youtube!

xo

JB

CITRUS LANE: FRESH START BOX

As I've mentioned before, I just started working with a great site called Citrus Lane. Every month new or expecting parents can receive care packages based on their child's age (newborn to 3 years). These boxes have curated, top of the line products that have been hand picked by moms themselves. This month, I'm excited to tell you about their new Fresh Start Box. Produced in partnership with Healthy Child, Healthy World, the Fresh Start Box ($30) is packed with eco-friendly products to get your New Year off to a healthy start!

eBAY: SHOW ME THE MONEY!

Who cares about New Year's Resolutions or getting caught Facebook Stalking when you can finally book a vacation to Turks & Caicos? Well, okay, I may be getting ahead of myself here... But based on what I'm about to tell you, I'm feeling pretty confident that some sort of luxurious escape, replete with cabana boys and cocktails is in my near future....

Why? Because I'm working with eBay! I'm very excited to announce that I have been asked to serve as an ambassador on the eBay Parent Panel!

Now, here's the deal. I'm not a master eBay seller at all. In fact, I have to be honest, I've never even sold anything on eBay before. I've bought a couple things here and there, but sell? No. Here's why I'm thrilled about this new relationship and program:

Everyone could use a little extra income right now, especially me. Selling on eBay could not only put a little extra cash in my pocket, but it can help me get organized and part ways with dozens of things that are in perfectly fine condition, but will never be used again... My son's scooter, he used once, a blender that's never been open, etc... eBay is making their entire program relatable and easy for parents. Selling may seem like such a hassle, but truly, they've streamlined their entire selling process making it a no-brainer for even the most disheveled mommies like me. From their fashion selling guide (PDF), to seller information guide, to a simple 3 step selling process, I/you/ WE have no excuse for why the garage is cluttered with what could transform itself into a pair of Louboutins. (Hey, when I dream, I dream big.)

Anyway, next month, I'll embark on my first selling endeavor and will report back to you. (Since these days, I seem to be sharing just about everything!)

You know how to find eBay (eBay.com, hello), but also check out their blog, which I'll be contributing to, as well as their twitter and facebook pages...

Let's get rich, people. Or at least tan on a beach with fabulous shoes....