Reminiscing: My Day With Dyson

Dyson Domestic Engineers

March 19th, 2010 was the day that I attended the Dyson Domestic Engineers event held at the Dyson headquarters in Chicago. This was no ordinary event. It was very casual, like hanging out with the girls. We took a tour of the headquarters, had lunch, and talked about our current vacuums and what we’d like to see in future vacuum models. She has a Kirby. I didn’t know those were still on the market. She names every single one of her appliances. Can you believe she has a fridge named Franny?

After lunch, we broke off in to groups where we pretended to be Dyson engineers. Much like Dyson engineers, we started with a problem and worked towards a solution. We had to build a prototype device using cardboard that would serve as a spider catching device. The goal was to catch the spider without harming it. It was so much fun sharing our ideas, crafting, and getting a good laugh at the outcome.

Dyson Domestic Engineers Spider catcher team 2
I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. – Thomas Edison

We also had a chance to test drive some vacuums; both Dyson and other brands. We even did an activity where we assembled both a Dyson and a Bissell. The goal was to see how easy it was to assemble a Dyson. Dyson won.

To conclude our day, we were told that we’d be sent some cool Dyson toys (like this) for both us and our kiddos. We then, hopped in cabs and headed over to The Drake where we were graced by a harpist, afternoon tea, and miniature sandwiches and sweet treats. She had a hilarious faux pas straining her tea. It was a pretty awesome day.

More photos on Flickr…

Marshalls Mania: Behind the Seams

Weeks ago, I mentioned that Greg and I took a trip to Marshalls to do some Mother’s Day shopping for myself. With $50 to spend (courtesy of Marshalls), I chose…

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a cutting board ($7.99), marble rolling pin ($9.99), salt and pepper shaker set ($5.99), and a fresh pod for onions ($2.99), all of which will come in handy in the new and improved kitchen I’m working on :) .

Oh and Greg chose a little something for me, buuut I’m not gonna air that here. It’s by Jessica Simpson, it’s purple, and ruffly. That’s all I’m sayin’ *looks down*.

Moving on…

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Two weeks ago, I attended the Behind the Seams Event for Marshalls and T.J.Maxx in Berwin, IL. We were given the skinny on Marshalls and T.J.Maxx by style expert and TV correspondent, Alison Deyette.

I learned that…

T.J.Maxx and Marshalls run the off price merchandising game. They have the highest buying power with over 1800 stores nationwide. Their buyers travel the world 40 weeks a year to meet with thousands of vendors and designers to buy inventory at 20-60% off retail.

Marshalls and T.J.Maxx do not buy factory second, although I would still shop there if they did. They do buy up what department stores don’t buy from the designers. They also buy what departments stores are unable to get sold. In some cases, a designer will design articles of clothing in a certain fabric and a department store will chose not to carry that specific fabric. This is where Marshalls and T.J.Maxx come in and purchase those unwanted fabrics. Since department stores have to sell unsold merchandise back to the designers, Marshalls and T.J.Maxx offer to intervene and purchase this merchandise as well. Marshalls and T.J.Maxx don’t sell their unsold merchandise back to designers. They continue carrying merchandise until they are completely cycled out of their stores.

By doing this, Marshalls and T.J.Maxx are able to supply 10,000 pieces of in season merchandise every week. So whenever you visit a Marshalls or T.J.Maxx, you are sure to find something probably completely random, yet fabulous, at a fraction of its retail price.

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After Alison’s lesson, she took us on a tour of the store. She then, gifted us with a gift bag with a super cute makeup bag set and lipstick. In the bottom of the bag was a $100 Marshalls/T.J. Maxx gift card! We were then set free to shop. We had the whole Marshalls store to ourselves!

I swore that I would only buy for myself, but the first thing I grabbed? A Rocawear polo onesie for Jayden. We are past onesies, but this one was too cute to keep on the rack.

Rocawear Polo Onesie: Retail $15 - Paid $3.99
Retail: $15 Paid: $3.99

I then hit the juniors section and found these three tops. I’m currently adding ruffles to my wardrobe because they are very feminine and compliment my slim figure. I’m also digging the layered look, so shrugs are making their way into my closet as well.

3/4 Sleeve Retro Top: Retail 12.00 - Paid $7.99
Retail: $12.00 Paid: $7.99

Ruffle Top: Retail $26 - Paid $12.99
Retail: $26.00 Paid: $12.99

Lightweight Long Shrug: Retail $24.00 - Paid $14.99
Retail: $24.00 Paid: $14.99

I also grabbed this very mature, but age appropriate Liz Clairborne Axcess handbag from a random display. I’m in limbo between grown and sexy and teen. I have alot of canvas and corduroy bags. It’s time I got a big girl bag.

Axcess Purse: Retail $48.00 - Paid $16.99
Retail: $48.00 Paid: $16.99

I really enjoyed myself at the event, although I was still in a sleepy fog. In order to arrive on time, I had to wake up at 4 a.m. I think I should get brand loyalty points ;) . Thank you Marshalls and T.J.Maxx for a wonderful learning and shopping experience.

Don’t judge me for this tardy post. Things around here are getting rough. We need a vacay!

Attendee list.

Ultimate Blog Party Twenty Ten

Ultimate Blog Party 2010

family mosaic

Hello Ultimate Blog Party attendees! Welcome to Sophistishe! If you’ve been here before, hello again! Before I start rambling about myself,

first let me say…

Susan and Janice, you rock. I remember wandering on to your blog 4 years ago. I wasn’t even a mom, but I kept coming back. It has since flourished into a huge venture and growing community. I never would have imagined that I’d be meeting you two 3 years after making my first blog visit! Job well done ladies and thanks for continuing to inspire and encourage bloggers and non bloggers in this community!

Now…

I’m Sheena, you may know me from Mommy Daddy Blog.

I went through a whole episode of blogger burnout and an identity crisis. See here and here.

I am now feeling free. I’m so happy that I can just scream. I would, but I don’t want to scare the neighbors.

Sophistishe isn’t new, I just abandoned it to explore parent blogging when I found out I was pregnant.

It is my personal space. I talk a lot about parenting, but I no longer feel restricted to the topic. If I wanna talk about gardening, home decor, natural hair, or my love for nail polish and Reese’s peanut butter cups, I can do just that.

I am the mother of a charismatic, sometimes drama king of a toddler, Jayden. He’ll be 2 on April 26th!

I am the fiancée to my Junior High sweetheart, Greg. He gives me lots of smooches and back rubs.

I have a passion for photography.

I’m on this better living kick. Anything that makes life more fulfilling is worth a try.

I’m in love with all things tropical.

I feel a little weird talking about myself, so to avoid sounding like the overachiever in High School (which I certainly am not) I will now direct you to my About page. I do a little something in this space.

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook if you want to keep up with my random rambles.

There are loads of prizes to be won during UBP. I’d love to win a $50.00 gift certificate to Amazon, Target, or Priddy Creations. In the event that my top choices are taken, I’d like to add prizes 83, 66, and 1.

I know you all are itching to hop to the next party, so thanks for stopping by! Link up your party posts below and party on!

Pssst…enter my giveaways here.

Hey Sweetbird, I’m behind you.

sweetbird usa

I love smoothies.

I love discovering yummy products that are beneficial to my family’s health.

I love getting behind a company that seamlessly fits into our lifestyle.

Let me introduce you to Sweetbird.

Hey Sweetbird, Im behind you. Sophistishe Digital Mom

Why Sweetbird Rocks

Sweetbird offers a range of 100% fruit smoothies made using freshly crushed fruit puree and a splash of green tea to boost the antioxidant levels. All of the Sweetbird Smoothies and products are free from high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives and genetically modified ingredients. Their fruit is ethically sourced and the smoothies are all vegetarian and vegan certified. Who can ask for anything more?

We were hooked up with a generous supply of Sweetbird’s 100% Fruit Smoothies. Let.me.tell.you. Greg, Jayden, and I are borderline addicted. There’s nothing else to be said except YOU HAVE TO TRY THEM!

Hey Sweetbird, Im behind you. Sophistishe Digital Mom

The Sweetbird is surfin’ all the way from the United Kingdom to make his debut in the United States. This weekend, the ‘lil guy will be show stoppin’ in Nashville, TN on February 4th during Blissdom and in Valparaiso, Indiana February 6th.

You’re Invited

Where?
Uptown Cafe
1400 E Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN 46383

and

Twitter via the #SweetbirdUSA hashtag.

When?
Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 6pm CST

Join us in Valpo for an exclusive tasting of Sweetbird products along with fabulous giveaways! If you are not in the area, no worries! Simply join us on Twitter!

Whether you’ll be joining us at the Uptown Cafe in Valparaiso, IN or via Twitter, RSVP here! We’d love to party with you!

Everyone who joins us at the Uptown Cafe will receive a FREE 6 pack of ready-to-drink Sweetbird Smoothies!

Party Prep

Follow @sheenatatum (me) on Twitter.
Follow @SweetbirdUSA on Twitter.
Follow @UptownCafe on Twitter.
Follow hashtag #SweetbirdUSA on Twitter.
RSVP via Cal Tweet.

2/365

Mmm.

FYI: I was asked by friends to help with promoting the Sweetbird brand. One of the friends distributes the product. Since I absolutely love my friends and what Sweetbird is doing, I agreed. It evolved into a Twitter party and an event held at the Uptown Cafe in Valpo. This is the start of an ongoing relationship. I wasn’t approached by the brand or compensated in any way. I did receive free smoothies from the event and I do not consider that compensation.

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