SURPRISE GIVEAWAY: Pockets of Dreams Clothing Gift Certificate

Earlier this spring, my mom bought my daughter the most darling dress(as pictured above with her beautiful aunt!) , that she continually gets compliments on. Along with the dress came an adorable tag and information piece that only took me a few months to actually examine and realize that my mom had purchased much more than a dress. The tag was something very similar to what you see below:

Talk about stopping me in my tracks!

This led me to do more research about Pockets of Dreams, the company that my mom bought this dress from, but more importantly, the company that is helping women around the world that they don't even know.

Here are some interesting things that I found out about Pockets of Dreams:

• Profits go to help women and children in struggling economies, including the Philippines and Tanzania.
• For many of their seamstresses, sewing is the sole source of income for their families.
• Pockets of Dreams is owned and operated by four women with families and jobs and a heart for the poor. (see http://susansagun.blogspot.com/2010/06/give-it-up-you-cant-make.html)
• Clothing is of high quality with adjustable straps, serged edges and completely machine washable
• Purses and totes are of high quality, durable materials that will stand up to daily use.
• Matching purses are available for all little girl outfits.
• Mother/daughter aprons are available as a set or sold individually, while supplies last.

Having said all that, the wonderful founders of Pockets of Dreams are generously offering (1) lucky HC&B reader a $50 gift certificate! (That certainly will come in handy for back to school shopping or a birthday gift!)

Here's how to enter:

• Check out the Pockets of Dreams website and post a comment right here letting us know what item you like best
• Be sure to include your name and location (city/state)
• Please post your comment by Friday, September 3rd at 11:59 PST
• Become a Follower of Houses, Couches and Babies to receive an additional entry (those that are already followers automatically receive an additional entry)
• For a third entry, "like" Houses, Couches and Babies on Facebook (again, if you already like HC&B on Facebook, you will automatically receive the third entry)

The winner will be randomly selected shortly after September 3. Please check back to see if you have won, as winners will not be contacted.

If you want to buy something from Pockets of Dreams now, please be sure to use the promo code HCB10 to receive 10% off your purchase between August 27 and September 10.

Good luck!

Discounted Designer Bags - Too Good to Be True?

These days, handbags are just about as exciting as jewelry. But with so many internet sites claiming to have discounted, authentic handbags, it is easy to be persuaded to save some money and get the handbag of your dreams. Many of the bags are advertised for half the price, but still cost hundreds of dollars. Unfortunately, this win/win may be a lose/lose. Many of the bags are the same knock-offs being sold on New York City's infamously counterfeit Canal Street. (And on Canal Street, the bags average about $35.)

Moral of this short story, you get what you pay for. There is a reason that Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Prada bags never go on sale at Nordstorm or their own stores...because the designers don't discount their bags. To get the real thing, go to a reputable source like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, or the designer's store. And if you are okay with a fake bag, make sure you are not paying excessive amounts.

Of course, there is always the fun option of Bag Borrow or Steal. This website allows you to borrow a bag and swap it for another when you grow tired of it.

For more information, check out Hunting for Handbags, Finding the Fakes at abcnews.com.

Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Prada handbag photos courtesy of Bag Borrow or Steal