A few years ago, while on a Google+ hangout chat with Nicole Feliciano of MomTrends, I learned some valuable advice on how to survive seasonal shopping with kids. At the time, I was still able to buy clothes for my girls without a fight, let alone opinions. Fast forward a few years, and I was embarking on a back-to-school shopping excursion that was not so easy anymore. Thankfully, at around the same time, I was invited up for a blogger shopping day at The Mills of Jersey Gardens to not only stock up on essentials for my kids, but learn money-saving from savings expert Andrea Woroch and trendy tips from Corine Ingrassia, aka Complicated Mama. It was my first time up at the mall, though not the first attempt to make it up there. I love outlet shopping, and usually do for back-to-school, but what I didn’t know is that The Mills is the largest outlet shopping mall in New Jersey and is a tax-free destination for retailers & brands like Saks Off 5th, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Vince Camuto and Michael Kors. Additionally, with it’s location across the way from Newark Airport and 30 minutes from NYC, The Mills is one of the largest tourist destinations in the state (they offer group tours with special discounts for parties of 15 or more). It’s easily accessible by car or New Jersey Transit Bus services, and is only about a 45 minute ride up from the Princeton area. On my ride home that day, I was making a mental note of the stores I had to go back to at my next trip to the mall.

That was back in the fall and I was beyond thrilled to be invited back up to do some more shopping! When planning a trip to a destination this big, it’s wise and recommended to browse the directory of stores ahead of time, make a list of what you need, and then once you arrive, buy the Savings Passport that has even more discounts on top of the already discounted deals at the stores.

A few days before my trip, I made my list and got the girls excited about a day of shopping with mom! Head over to The Mills on Instagram TODAY to see some of my favorite picks and trends for spring. Be sure to follow #TakeoverTuesday and let me know some of your favorite trends and tips!