You've Got Mail Mondays!

It's time for another You've Got Mail Monday. The postman delivered some interesting stuff this week.

Casey and Kyle: I'm Saving Up for a Big Brother by Will Robertson arrived mid-week. This is a comic strip collection that I'll be reviewing in February at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. Just skimming through it, the book seems to have a Calvin & Hobbes feel to it. I can't tell you how much I miss that strip.

Two sample packets of Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Baby Wipes (I think the actual brand name for them based upon the company's website is Free & Clear Baby Wipes. Though my daughters are well past the diaper stage, we still use wipes every day to clean hands and faces. I'll be reviewing this product here. The envelope also included a coupon for $1.50 off Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diapers and a coupon for $1.00 off a Seventh Generation laundry product.

A new Land's End catalog came in at the beginning of the week. I love their clothes, but I usually wait until sales to purchase them. Since I've ordered in the past I receive regular emails with discounts or free shipping offers. One of the most important reasons I buy from Land's End is because their clothes for children are age appropriate. My 8- and 10-year-old girls don't need pants with writing across the behind or short skirts.

A new catalog arrived this week for a company I had never heard of before--Athleta. They are part of the GAP, Banana Republic, Old Navy stores. I buy from Old Navy a lot for the girls because they grow out of their clothes so quickly that it doesn't make sense to spend too much money on their clothing--especially the Lil Diva (10). She grew so much this past summer that only about 5 items remained in her closet for back-to-school.

Athleta sells sportswear, casual clothes and outerwear. They are a bit pricey for me, but I really liked their Shock Cord Anorak. I desperately need a new lightweight, water resistant jacket, so I might try that one.

The girls were thrilled to see the new American Girl catalog arrive this week. The new doll of the year is McKenna. Santa brought last year's doll of the year, Kanani for Christmas. McKenna is into gymnastics. What I love about these dolls is that I can order them with a book, so I can encourage reading at the same time. We visited the American Girl Place in New York City when we were there last month. Truly an amazing place to visit with little girls.

And finally, the postman delivered my Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Bulletin for Jan/Feb 2012. I became a member of SCBWI last year. The bulletins are filled with writing craft articles, book events, and regional events. The New England SCBWI Conference will be held in Springfield, MA this year, so I'm excited about possibly attending. We'll see what the budget says.

So, what was your mail week like. Did you receive anything exciting?



You've Got Mail Mondays are unsponsored posts. I received no monetary compensation to mention any company names or products.