Monday, November 29, 2010

An Adventure at Home Goods

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and HomeGoods.

Did you venture out shopping last weekend? Did you brave the Black Friday Sales??? We hit the stores Friday and found some great deals! I did not however wake up early to hit the 5 AM sales, a girl needs her sleep!!

One of my stops over the weekend was HomeGoods.  You see, HomeGoods sent me a gift card and charged me with the task of finding some great gifts for the people in my life.... Hello!! Dream come true!!  I love to shop and I was even more excited because I had not been to the Home Goods in our city yet.  I grabbed my girls and headed on over.

The question now became WHO to buy for?  You see many of my friends, my Mom and my Sister all read this blog... so shopping for any of them would not be a good idea, since they would surely see what I bought.

I decided to shop for my twins teachers. I have the hardest time every year coming up with ideas for the teachers and thought it would be great to have that gift "checked off" so early in the season.

When we got to Home Goods it was packed!! But the store was prepared, every check out line was open and I don't think I even waited 2 minutes to pay.  The lady who checked us out was very friendly and I had fun chatting with her a bit.  It was nice to see such nice employees on such a crazy shopping weekend!

Now I must insert a little "plea" in here to the people of Home Goods. Our store, the Louisville Kentucky store, is shared with TJMaxx and Home Goods is just in the back corner. Not nearly enough space for all of the awesome things...  The stuff they had is SOOOOO cool and at such awesome prices! A big store would do so well in my area, we don't have anything else like it- So can you please please build a dedicated Home Goods in my city??? Oh how I'd love you!  I even know the perfect spot!


We started browsing... one of my girls wanted this giant Christmas ornament... clever, but we decided on something else for the teachers...

My other daughter wanted a new lamp for her room...

such beautiful ones to pick from but we were determined to stay on task.

Here's what I came home with...



Le Creuset bread pans for the teachers... Hello Le Creuset for $14 score! I knew that all of my kids teachers were big bakers, so I thought Le Creuset would be perfect!  I grabbed them quickly since the lady next to me was "eyeing" them... I'm going to bake my mom's famous Lemon Bread (in a separate pan) then put it in the loaf pans and tie them up fancy for the teachers. (come back later and I'll have the recipe and photos of the gifts all "fanci-fied").


I love the Robert Best Barbie illustrations.  My oldest daughter has some large prints framed in her room.  I grabbed this set of note cards and this beautiful frame. I'm going to frame my favorite one and stick it in my daughters stocking this year. (I was sneaky and sent her to look at the shoes while I snuck this one in the cart).

These gorgeous vintage gift bags!! Some of the gifts I have planned for my friends will fit perfectly in these.

Are you stumped for holiday gift ideas? Check out the BlogHer HomeGoods roundup page. You can see what others are buying and get some great gift ideas!

Want to learn more about home goods or find one in your area? Click here to find out.

Okay.... Now there is some awesome news for YOU!!

HomeGoods is giving away a $50 gift card to a lucky reader!!


Just leave a comment on this post and let me know who you'd buy for if Home Goods sent you a gift card!
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.



 Sweepstakes ends at 5 PM PST on December 29, 2010

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.

Also- you MUST leave a way for me to contact you in your post! Otherwise how can I find you to tell you if you win?

GO ENTER!!

143 comments:

malleycc said...

I would buy for the kids teachers. I am looking for something homey and I am sure I would find it there.

Junk It Folk said...

Any day at Home Goods is a good day! I'm looking for some awesome wrapping paper! I could easily spend $50 in the stationery aisle! Thanks for the give-away!

Jen said...

I LOVE HOMEGOODS!!! I would buy for my kids & grandkids for Christmas! I love their kitchen department...and your loaf pans are too tempting...red is my favorite color.
thanks for the offer!

Opp Family said...

I would buy for my mom - she would love some new items for her kitchen!

Lori said...

I LOVE HomeGoods. We have one about 45 minutes away and my mom and I go about once a month. I would definitely get something for her.

Jess said...

Ooh, this would be merry christmas for me :-)

Ashley A said...

Ohhhh yeah!!!! Score for me, I am my chillin's teacher. I homeschool 4 out of our 6 kids and I think I could spoil myself quite nicely. And if the kids disagree I'll send them to the principal. (; haha BTW love your blog!

Lisa Macomber said...

well...since our finances do not allow to buy for anyone but the kids this year it would be a gift for me since I will be getting nothing, material that is. I will be with family and love to watch my kids faces as they open gifts but sadly there will be no gifts under the tree for hubby or I.

RBadger said...

I would buy for my mom - definitely!
rjbadger1@comcast.net

Unknown said...

I have the hardest time buying for my mother-in-law. I think HomeGoods would inspire me to pick out something perfect for her!

Pedey @ Do You Smell That!!? said...

Am I allowed to say I'd buy something for myself? I'm impossible to shop for & any time I get spare money (even gift cards for my birthday!) I end up spending it on the kids. But this would force me to spend on ME for a change. So I would try hard to do that!

PedersenFood.blogspot.com
Pedey@sbcglobal.net

Sharon @ Crooked Creek Studio said...

What a great giveaway! I would buy a nice brightly colored set of cookware for the holiday cooking.

ivy1956@gmail.com

Michele said...

I would probably walk around the store and wish I was purchasing for me, but would buy a gift for one of my daughters. I love Home Goods.

EricaThomas said...

I would buy something for my brother-in-law's girlfriend! She loves baking!

Country Mouse said...

Oh Wow, what an awesome giveaway! I would buy a gift for my sister for Christmas, she loves this store as much as I do!!! :)

Suburban Stitcher said...

I'd get something for my kiddos... Never can have enough money for them this time of year ;)

Sarah said...

I would try to find some Le Crueset for myself!

Thanks for the great giveaway!

KristyLou said...

I would shop for my mom, my sisters, my two best friends... I love that store! Maybe even a little for me.

Jen said...

I'm sure I could find something for EVERYONE on my list at Home Goods!

Sandy said...

Oh how I love Home Goods... such a great store! I would definitely buy something for my Mom. She bakes all the time and I know I would find some neat baking stuff for her there.
azbelle3@yahoo.com

Eleanor said...

I would buy for my something for our home. With 4 kids there never seems to be enough throw blankets.

Meghan said...

The inlaws are coming for Christmas and I am desperately trying to sruce up my home. Top on my list is a new floor lamp!!

lime said...

My husband is impossible to shop for--but HomeGoods always has cool office nic-nacs, so I would look for something for him--like maybe an hourglass or desktop game.
rachelbleavitt@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I just love HomeGoods! I'd purchase my husband's gift there, as he is the chef in the family and the ALWAYS have the next thing he's interested in. Sounds like your trip there was mighty successful!

Callie said...

We have a homegoods only 2 miles away from me!
I would buy christmas gifts just like you did!

catherine(dot)alley(At)gmail(dot)com

seven thirty three said...

Is it selfish to say I would buy for myself? HA! Home Goods just relocated to a brand new store just down the road from where I work and I have yet to be in. I KNOW they will have some amazing things... I've been looking for one of those cute little metal bikes to put on my shelf and I'm hoping I can find one there.

I buy much of my home decor from Home Goods - love this store!

Rebekah said...

I'd buy Christmas gifts for my husband and the kids' teachers.

rebekahricker at yahoo dot com

Sims Family said...

Oooh. I would so love to win this.

sims.whitney at gmail.com

Crazy Mom! said...

I'd get some bakeware for my siblings - and picture frames too!

Great giveaway!

gma said...

I would buy something for my mother’s room. (she resides in a memory care facility)

Unknown said...

I love Homegoods, we just got one a little closer to us, but it's always worth the drive!!

Kristan Anne said...

Can I buy for myself? We've lived in our house for over 4 years now and my bedroom still looks like an empty box. I'd love to pretty it up.

We just got a dedicated Home Goods in our neighborhood! I can't wait to go check it out.

kristananne19 at aol dot com

www.thestepfordwife.blogspot.com

Danae said...

I LOVE HomeGoods! I would most likely shop for my mom and sister, but then again I might get weak and buy something for myself!

dphillipsmba at aol dot com

naechic.blogspot.com

Leah said...

I would buy something fir my husband. He does so much fir our family. Zuzoopttl(at)gmail(dot)com

Ginger said...

Something for my home! :-)

anetemso {at} gmail {dot} com

Danielle said...

I would be buying items for my Sisters-in-Laws for Christmas! One has a new home, one is re-decorating hers, and the other likes items from Home Goods.

CurlysCreations at gmail dot com

GloJoeSews said...

I'd buy something for myself!!! The love of my life is moving in with me and we're planning on getting married and starting a fabulously happy life together! Something great from Home Goods would be a wonderful way to start our lives together!

Lori said...

Oh, Melissa! I love each of the things you chose! What a great teacher's gift! I have so many people to buy for that I could choose from! I would probably shop for my sister! I love HomeGoods! Thanks for the giveaway!

Betty Crocker wannabe said...

I would buy something for my sister and sister-inlaws!

Angela said...

I would shop for me but probably buy for my mom. I still need to check her off the list. Thanks for the chance.

angelahgold@hotmail.com

Kristen said...

I would shop for my cousin!

Allison said...

I would get something for my sister who just moved into her first home!
Anherrington@aol.com

Staci J said...

This has my MIL written all over it! LOVE the mirrors...
I also tweeted!!
http://twitter.com/acers14/status/9659573082267648

Nielson Family said...

Perfect way to finish up my christmas shopping!

Kelly L. said...

I looooove Home Goods as well! I wish they had one in my hometown!

Greg and Caroline said...

I love Home Goods too! I would buy something for myself. My house needs an update on home decor!

carolinejaco@gmail.com

Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri said...

I'm pretty sure I'd snag some of those La Cruiset pans, too. Swoon.

james and bess said...

great giveaway!!! i'd probably look for my sil and kids' teachers!

bess :)

chris said...

I would be picking something for my parents. Health problems have been piling up on them...and it's about time they have something fun.

Krista said...

i would LOVE a gift card to one of my favorite stores- HOME GOODS!!!

Scott and Em Hoffman said...

I still need a gift for my Granny and some stocking stuffers for the family! I love this store!

Veronica said...

I would shop for my mom, or (let's get real), me. I can't leave that store without buying something.

Rebecca Kettner said...

I have to be selfish and say that I would use the card for myself! :)

deserae said...

I would buy some new towels!!!
deserae (at) gmail (dot) com

burlap+blue said...

I adore Homegoods for their accent plates (think plate walls!) and candles...would buy plenty of each if I won!!

Danielle Strong said...

oh who doesn't love homegoods? i love anything on sale!

Rachel said...

I love the cake stands at my Homegoods!

Terri. said...

What a super giveaway! I would buy some serving dishes for the holidays.
tshaw6580@yahoo.com

Terri. said...

I tweeted about giveaway.
http://twitter.com/#!/Terri6580/status/9765113955352576
tshaw6580@yahoo.com

aly said...

I would get matching utensils...i've been around a long time and so have my knives, forks and spoons! HomeGoods always has something!

Rebecca said...

I would shop for my friend who just moved to Alaska and has nowhere but WalMart and Fred Meyer to find home decor!

Unknown said...

I would buy for my two cousins who are in college and just bought a townhouse together. I'd get them some awesome decor!

Kara said...

I would get something for my daughter- we are converting her nursery into a "big girl" room and it needs some decor!

Stacey B said...

I would probably buy some picture frames. I am working on a collage wall in our basement and need some more black frames. So I guess I'd buy for myself! LOL!
artsyknox@gmail.com

Anjanette said...

I would buy for my daughter, Kaitlyn.

Chelsea Van Tol said...

things for my sons room

IHeartQuilting said...

Oh, sadly, I would have to buy something for myself, LOL. We just got a brand new Home Goods here, in time for the holidays. Long list of Christmasy things I spotted that I want.

khaney2847@comcast.net

Linda said...

I would buy something for my bffs. HG is our favorite store!

linda.sargeo@yahoo.com

DeeDee Price said...

I would love to shop there for my friends! $50 would go a long way!

Heather A said...

My kids have recently moved away from home and could use a host of household items. It would be hard to choose!

Bombtastic Belle said...

I'd use it to find something for my Mom
eod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com

JC said...

I’d like to get some tea cup sets and serving dishes .
tcarolinep at gmail dot com

JC said...

http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/10135436282298368

Pam G said...

Probably something for my sister ... or maybe my sister-in-law .... or maybe my new craft room - looking for some lighting.....

LAJ said...

I'd buy stuff for my house. My mom is coming here this year & I've got to get it ready!!!

The Clines said...

I'd buy gifts for the teachers too. The bread pans are a great idea!
teresacline2001(at)yahoo(dot)com

LeAnne Ballard said...

I love HomeGoods. I would get some things for my new house!! Thanks for a great giveaway. :0)

Jodie said...

Awesome giveaway! I love Home Goods! I'd shop for my husband - he loves to cook and loves kitchen gadgets. I'm sure I could find something delightful for him @ Home Goods.(jodie [at] bissigphotography [dot] com)

Elz said...

I think those bread pans (if my store has them) are an awesome idea for the kids' teachers. I have a punpkin bread recipe that would be a hit!

Nicole said...

My sister - we have her family for Christmas this year and things are really tight for them, so it would be fun to find something great for her!

Lee said...

I would buy for my oldest son who has his first apartment and is attending grad school! Some extras for a hard working guy!

Berry Family said...

Home Goods is one of my favorite stores, I can always find something there. This time of year I would shop for my husband. His birthday is the week before Christmas so I have a lot of shopping to do!

Cecilia said...

Home Goods is the best store! My mom, sister and I love to shop there! Thanks for the giveaway!

Stacey B said...

I would love to buy cute toys for my son to play with, they have a great selection of wooden toys!

Warne Family said...

I need some dishes!!!

Ashley said...

I would buy for my family room...it's in need of an accessory makeover! LOVE Home Goods!!

ashbaker1 at gmail (.) com

Tami said...

I would buy something for my house. I love that place and we need some decor badly! grizzlywulff@hotmail.com

susan1215 said...

I'd get some picute frames for my Mom for Christmas

s2s2 at comcast dot net

susan1215 said...

http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/11094387568152576

Robert and Courtney said...

I would get something for my mom.

robertncourtney@gmail.com

Ellie Roberts said...

Awesome giveaway, I love HomeGoods! I would probably pick out something fun for my mother-in-law. She loves it as much as I do!

Laura said...

I love, love, love Homegoods and wish there was one in Iowa!

I would buy gifts for my best friends. I know I could find something perfect for each of them!

Unknown said...

I'd buy some cute kitchen towels and utensils for my mom; she's become quite the baker lately.

shel704 at aol dot com

Unknown said...

Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/11549649491992576

shel704 at aol dot com

Subscription Box Girl said...

i would get gifts for my friends who recently bought a house.

flyergal82 at (yahoo) dot com

ModernDayMama said...

I'd buy for my sister. She moved to a different state last year and I miss her!!! And she has such a beautiful house and makes every gift you give her look awesome. So I'd definitely buy a cool gift for her.

Brett and Kimberly said...

I would buy something for my sister with the moolah. We love Home Goods.

kimberlylerch(at)hotmail(dot)com

Tulle and Torts said...

I would buy for my Uncle and my mom - he could use some good office decor and she loves kitchen ware!

Anonymous said...

I'm not going to lie, I would probably buy something for myself/the house :-) I have everyone else's presents so now it's time to treat myself!! I LOVE HOMEGOODS!!! One of my favorite stores ever!

Aissa's said...

I was thinking of baking banana bread for coworker. Now wondering if i should make in diferent dish first. Got really cute pans. Thanks for the chance
Aissa19@aol.com

MamawDebbie said...

My husband makes the best fudge ever and I would get the great pans to give for Christmas gifts.

jakiesmom said...

well i had been thinking of myself because i love the store, but that is a great teacher gift idea..so i may copy you
nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net

LAMusing said...

I'd buy my mom some sheets or maybe a new bedspread
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

Norma said...

I'd get something for my daughter. She'd love any kind of kitchenware :)
bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com

Debb said...

I would buy my 3 children baking/cooking items since they all love to do that and those bread pans are to die for... 15.00 wow

debbebennett at yahoo dot com

Kristin said...

Oh my goodness...I could find something for everyone on my list! Homegoods is a shopping girls paradise! As a stay at home mom, my favorite "me time" is browsing the aisles looking for finds. Love it!

kvillanueva03(at)hotmail(dot)com

Marie said...

I guess I'm selfish! I would totally use it to accessorize my home...it needs some serious decorating help!

Carly and Tyler said...

I LOVE Home Goods! And I have been eyeing an awesome 36 cupcake carrier there and they have such cute aprons too.

Unknown said...

Hello! I would love to buy for the school secretary, and receptionist! They really do take care of the kids and are rarely appreciated.

Darcy said...

I would buy something for my daughters teacher, or my daughters they love the kids section at Home Goods.

darcyrios@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I would buy for something to decorate the nursery for the new baby expected in our family!

Rebecca said...

I'm really behind this year in my holiday shopping/preparing/crafting/etc. I'd probably pick something for the kids teachers or my awesome in-laws!

Mystica said...

Thanks for a very christmassy post!

I am having my first giveaway on my blog - a gift card sponsored by CSN Stores. please do come over and enter

1075 Ellis said...

I'm a new grad student and living on my own for the first time which means I need big kids things. This gift card would be a gift for myself and my own needs around the house...possibly some new cookware, utensils, or baking pans...or maybe some cute wall decor for my bare walls! Great giveaway!
ana.sontag@gmail.com

Liz said...

Let's see...I'd buy for my grandparents. They are so hard to shop for, but I bet Home Goods has something!

Holly said...

I *heart* HomeGoods! They have such awesome prices and selection.

Muffy said...

Oh my gosh! I looooooooove HomeGoods. If I had a gift card, I would pick up some home decor for our new house! (Frames, paintings, mirrors, etc!)

JoyfulGrowing said...

I would get something for our house, it is bare and longing for some decorations.

Renée said...

This is easy, Melissa! Home Goods carries the genuine Steinbach Nut Crackers at half the price of any place else. We have been giving them to our children every Christmas for the last 20 years and they look forward to it. Now that they are all married, we add their favorite restaurant gift card and it's easy and fun!!!! Thanks for the chance to win.

Kathryn-nannygoat said...

I LOVE Home Goods. It has such great prices and cute stuff.

Holly said...

I LOVE homegoods! Looks like you got some great stuff. I hope my students' parents do even half as well as you did. ;)

Crystal said...

love home goods, they have such great stuff!

Malena said...

I would buy a couple of shirts or sweaters for my husband.

malena@hansentriplets.com

JeanGoosman said...

I would buy for my daughter as HomeGood has just the ecletic selection of items that she would love. jean.goosman@gmail.com

Kristin said...

To be honest.. I would shop for myself.. I LOVE shopping at HomeGoods. My favorite store EVER!

Deb said...

We don't have a Home Goods in our area, but my sister does in SC...so I'd give it to her as an extra Christmas gift. I think she'd love it! debgiro at wildblue dot net

Burgh Baby said...

I would try to find something for my mother-in-law. She is crazy hard to buy for, but HomeGoods usually does the trick!

Bibberche said...

I adore Home Goods stores! I'd gladly move in there if they let me:)
I would buy stuff for my 19 year old daughter who loves to cook, and is setting up her first apartment in Berkeley.
Lana, at jakoumna@aol.com

Kim M. said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place. I find so many good deals here. I would buy for my daughter. I'm redoing her bedroom and we need EVERYTHING.

Carrie said...

Love homegoods! I'd buy for my coworkers!

slehan said...

I'll get something for my sister's birthday in Feb. Thanks for the contest.

slehan said...

blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2010/12/blogher-and-homegoods-gift-cards.html

Natalie said...

Sweet giveaway! I am feeling the homegoods love this year - I was able to find a great gift for my MIL who was the hardest on my list this year! I would KILL for a great price on some Le Creuset!! I'd have to get a couple of those for me, and a gift for my SIL's birthday in January. Thanks for the opportunity!

Jac said...

I have been slowly buying my "China" from Home Goods for years. I was almost done, then I sadly broke eight of my plates bringing them home from a holiday party. I am now trying to buy them back! I would defintely use the gift card for that!

DBuckelew said...

If Home Goods sent me a gift card I would buy for my mother - who FINALLY got a well-deserved new kitchen and needs some nice shiny new accessories to go with it!

Kelly Tillotson said...

I love love LOVE Home Goods!!! If I was lucky enough to win, I'd have to pick up a few decorative pieces for our master bedroom. Its one of the last rooms in the house to get decorated, and Im slowly trying to get it together by the end of the year. Maybe some lamps for the night stands and a decorative frame? sigh. so many options at Home Goods!!
*kelly
kelly-tillotson@hotmail.com

GVWYS said...

for me and my hubby. . . gotta decorate our home :)

GVWYS said...

tweet: https://twitter.com/gvwys/status/19890414643318784

hendy said...

I would buy for me (and my boyfriend) as we just recently bought a new house and could use a lot of "home goods"
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/HendyMartin/status/20014621167456256
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

Sheila Hickmon said...

I would shop for my mom!

fineinsanity {at} live {dot} com

Shelly said...

It would be so much fun trying to decide who to buy for and finding that perfect gift!!

marilyn said...

I need some home decor

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