Hmmmm, life has been super busy. We have had quite the month. Actually, the anniversary date was the 16th so I am a little behind in my post, but I wanted to wait until I was done with the 25 Days of Super Savings deals that I have been doing this month.
I think between the three of us we have been sick 25 out of the 30 days......yuck, yuck, yuck! It's that time of year, everyone is sick and thus unless you live like a hermit you are going to get sick too. J turned 3 this month. It was very bitter-sweet planning a party and doing the actual birthday "day!" It was nice that his birthday fell on a school day and I had extra back up to make it a special day from his teacher whom I adore. J's birthday will always be a special day for my dear husband and I, not only as we celebrate our first born, but J's birth was 5 years in the making. A feat that is not easy when you do 4 deployments in 5 years.
The kids are adjusting amazingly well. Little ones are so much resilient than we are! J occasionally goes on trips to Afghanistan where he drives a garbage truck. We talk a lot about Marines and what their job is (I have never said a word about garbage trucks so I'm not sure where that is coming from) and why some Marines are here and some are gone. He understands a lot.......I'm learning that kids understand a lot more than we think they do.
CB is a little clueless, but she loves to see her Daddy on Skype and she always shouts "dada," loudly when she hears the Skype phone ringing.
We all can't wait for him to come home. The mail cut off date will be soon which means we should be getting a return date window in the next couple of months. That will be a good day!!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Adventures in Three Year Old Proofing
So yes, we are now 3 and with that comes a whole new slew of issues. J has now decided that he needs to ask 800 million questions about everything. He also is enthralled by medicine. We had an incident 2 weeks ago where he decided to paint his fingernails and toenails hot pink, while I was one the phone with tech support for my laptop. Honestly, he did a pretty good job...
He is also fascinated by medicine. He has had this fascination ever since his sister has needed meds for her reflux starting at 2 weeks old. I caught him in our "drug" stash numerous times in the last 3 days. I have also called poison control for drinking infant Tylenol and eye drops. Fun, Fun, Fun times. So I bought a locking tackle box to put the meds in and I still find him climbing on top of the counter to get the box, but he can't open it....yet...........
In response to this past few days, I am suggesting you go to Safe Beginnings for all your child proofing needs. You might not need to purchase from them (yes, you can find most of the products for cheaper at other site, but this site will point you in the right product direction), but they will have ideas and solutions for any "issue" you might be having.
You know if he turns into a pharmacist, or nurse, or doctor one day this will all be a funny episode in our lives. A pre-curser to what he eventually became...a time we can look back and say "see, even at 3 he was showing this aptitude." But if not, then this is just really super exhausting!!
In response to this past few days, I am suggesting you go to Safe Beginnings for all your child proofing needs. You might not need to purchase from them (yes, you can find most of the products for cheaper at other site, but this site will point you in the right product direction), but they will have ideas and solutions for any "issue" you might be having.
You know if he turns into a pharmacist, or nurse, or doctor one day this will all be a funny episode in our lives. A pre-curser to what he eventually became...a time we can look back and say "see, even at 3 he was showing this aptitude." But if not, then this is just really super exhausting!!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Super Savings Day 25
It's the last day of Super Savings!!
Cyber Monday 2011 is tomorrow and retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart are all ready to offer more ads and sales prices on items from electronics to apparel and more and you won't have to leave your house or office to shop. Do not forget to shop through Ebates so that you can earn cash back on all your purchases. They have just added Amazon as a retailer, although you can't earn cash from shopping with Amazon you can earn coupons for future purchases..
Some Amazon deals include: Xbox 360 bundle for $199, Sony Cybershot DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP Digital Camera: $199, Pentax K-5 Digital SLR (Body Only): $999 and Nokia N8 (Unlocked): $299.99 (save $249).
The Target is promoting several deals online throughout what they are calling "Cyber Week."
Cyber Monday 2011 is tomorrow and retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart are all ready to offer more ads and sales prices on items from electronics to apparel and more and you won't have to leave your house or office to shop. Do not forget to shop through Ebates so that you can earn cash back on all your purchases. They have just added Amazon as a retailer, although you can't earn cash from shopping with Amazon you can earn coupons for future purchases..
Some Amazon deals include: Xbox 360 bundle for $199, Sony Cybershot DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP Digital Camera: $199, Pentax K-5 Digital SLR (Body Only): $999 and Nokia N8 (Unlocked): $299.99 (save $249).
The Target is promoting several deals online throughout what they are calling "Cyber Week."
Kicking off the event on Target's Cyber Monday will be the following discounted items:
Movies starting at $3.99
$100 in free accessories -- cradle, LCD screen protector and AC Adapter -- when you buy a Sony Tablet S ($499.99)
Over 30% off some electronics
60 percent off a top selling scooter ($19.99)
30 to 50% off toys
Buy one, get one free pillow sets.
Here’s a list of the deals released by Walmart:
Toshiba 32” LCD HD TV – $249
Hot Wheels Mega Garage Playset – $25
Xbox 360 Holiday Gamer Bundle with choice of select game plus bonus Halo Reach, Fable 3 and 3-month Xbox Live card – $319
Disney Cars 2 Lightning McQueen Talking Feature Chair – $19
Tramontina Dutch Oven – $35
Danskin Now Women’s Velour Hoodie and Pant Set –$12
Fuji Finepix AX330 14MP Camera Bundle with bonus case and 4GB card – $59
Oral-B Professional Care Electric Toothbrush with Bonus Free Crest 3D White Strips – $36
Here’s a list of the deals released by Walmart:
Toshiba 32” LCD HD TV – $249
Hot Wheels Mega Garage Playset – $25
Xbox 360 Holiday Gamer Bundle with choice of select game plus bonus Halo Reach, Fable 3 and 3-month Xbox Live card – $319
Disney Cars 2 Lightning McQueen Talking Feature Chair – $19
Tramontina Dutch Oven – $35
Danskin Now Women’s Velour Hoodie and Pant Set –$12
Fuji Finepix AX330 14MP Camera Bundle with bonus case and 4GB card – $59
Oral-B Professional Care Electric Toothbrush with Bonus Free Crest 3D White Strips – $36
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Super Savings Day 24
Right now, Netflix is offering up a FREE 1-month trial membership to their streaming movie and TV show service. You can connect to Netflix and view any of their offerings through Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, phone or Apple TV. After your free month is up, you can cancel or pay $7.99 for the next month.
If you decide to pay for your second month of service for just $7.99, you’ll also get a FREE $10 Papa Johns gift card! If you treat the gift card like cash, you’re getting paid $2.01 to try Netflix for 2 months!
If you decide to pay for your second month of service for just $7.99, you’ll also get a FREE $10 Papa Johns gift card! If you treat the gift card like cash, you’re getting paid $2.01 to try Netflix for 2 months!
Super Savings Day 23
Thanks to MaryBeth over at Baby Good Buys for this amazing deal!!
If you’ve been waiting for an amazing deal on a KitchenAid mixer, Kohl’s has one all lined up for you! You will get 20% off with the updated promo code. You’ll pay a bit less out of pocket but you’ll get less Kohl’s Cash.
Feel free to add something for about $8 to your cart to get your total over $150 AFTER the promo code is applied. If you do that you’ll get another $15 in Kohl’s cash!
If you’ve been waiting for an amazing deal on a KitchenAid mixer, Kohl’s has one all lined up for you! You will get 20% off with the updated promo code. You’ll pay a bit less out of pocket but you’ll get less Kohl’s Cash.
Feel free to add something for about $8 to your cart to get your total over $150 AFTER the promo code is applied. If you do that you’ll get another $15 in Kohl’s cash!
- Visit the KitchenAid page at Kohls.com
- Look for the white KitchenAid Plus 4.5 qt Stand Mixer that’s on sale for $199.99. Plus, you’ll get an extra 10% off that price because the Thanksgiving sale is going on!
- Add the mixer to your cart
- If you’d like to get another $15 in Kohl’s Cash, add something for about $8 (before coupon code) to your cart
- and head to the checkout screen.
- Enter Kohls.com promo code CON20HH4 to get another 20% off.
- Your total cost today should be $143.99 plus a $3.25 shipping surcharge and your local sales tax.
- You will earn $15 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 you spent (a total of $30 to be used like cash at Kohl’s starting 11/28)
- Submit for this $20 KitchenAid Mail in rebate
- Your grand total after the rebate and Kohl’s Cash is right around $103 after taxes!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Super Savings Day 22
Toys R Us and Babies R Us are cleaning out to make way for black Friday sales in all the brick and mortar stores. All clearance clothing is $2.00. I picked up swim suits for both my kids (we need several down here in beach country) as well as several pairs of shorts and skirts. They also have summer shoes on clearance.
The R Us rewards program is pretty good, and they tend to send out coupons frequently. You can earn 10% Back on your holiday purchases at Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us, in-store or online, from October 30, 2011 — December 24, 2011. You can receive up to $50 "R"Us Dollars during this period. You may also earn Free Diapers, Infant Formula, Greeting Cards, and LeapFrog® items: LeapFrog program ends 12/24/11. You earn rewards when family & friends purchase from your baby registry. They are always having member-only Shopping Events and you will receive exclusive email discounts.
The R Us rewards program is pretty good, and they tend to send out coupons frequently. You can earn 10% Back on your holiday purchases at Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us, in-store or online, from October 30, 2011 — December 24, 2011. You can receive up to $50 "R"Us Dollars during this period. You may also earn Free Diapers, Infant Formula, Greeting Cards, and LeapFrog® items: LeapFrog program ends 12/24/11. You earn rewards when family & friends purchase from your baby registry. They are always having member-only Shopping Events and you will receive exclusive email discounts.
Super Savings Day 21
Dick"s Sporting Goods is having a one days sale right now with some great deals on hunting and fishing equipment. They also have some good deals on exercise equipment as well as work out clothes and running shoes.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Super Saving Day 20
Ann Taylor Loft is having a 40% off EVERYTHING until Monday with the code TAKE40 at checkout. This is an online only sale!!
Super Savings Day 19
Over at BabySteals and KidSteals they are having a shop the archive event. BabySteals and KidSteals are both a deal-of-the-day website. They sell two awesome products per day at up to 80% off until they sell out. Everyday at 9am MST and 9pm MST another amazing "steal" starts at a price so good that it's not just a deal, it's a steal! the archives are a list of all the previous steals that haven't sold out yet. There are tons of items including clothing, toys and even cloth diapers!!
Super Saving Day 18
Shutterfly has 40% off all photo books with the code BOOK40. You can also get free shipping on all orders over $30 with the code SHIP30. Right now is the best time to get moving on these for fantastic holiday gifts for grandparents!
Super Savings Day 17
Have you heard of Mamasource? Mamasource deals offers you incredible discounts on family-friendly products and services in your area. It is a site very similar to Groupon. I have used them several times for credits to various online stores. Right now they are running a deal for a 16x20 gallery wrapped canvas though Image canvas for 65% off making the deal $39. They also have deals for Little Heroes Personalized Children's books.
Super Savings Day 16
I love Zulily! You never know exactly what you'll find because the brands they offer change every day. It's like finding a treasure chest full of cute stuff. Membership is free and once you sign up you are not obligated to purchase anything, it just gives you access to the site sales. Right now they have some super cute sales including Jelly the Pug clothing, Robeeze, and Hap clothing. Future sales include Stride Rite and Melissa and Doug.
Super Savings Day 15
Have you joined Totsy yet?? Totsy is a private shopping site where members can find up to 85% off on products and services for the family. Totsy holds exclusive sales events online everyday featuring the best brands for moms, moms-to-be and kids. Sales events last between 48 and 72 hours.
Find items for your family including kids apparel, shoes, toys, baby gear, travel accessories, education materials, maternity and so much more. This site is where I found Stride Rite shoes for CB for more than 1/2 off retail last month. Right now they have some great home decor items as well as some fantastic toy sales going on.
Find items for your family including kids apparel, shoes, toys, baby gear, travel accessories, education materials, maternity and so much more. This site is where I found Stride Rite shoes for CB for more than 1/2 off retail last month. Right now they have some great home decor items as well as some fantastic toy sales going on.
Super Savings Day 14
The Mini Social holiday shop it open!! If you haven't joined Mini Social use the link here. The Mini Social is an online sample sale website offering its members exclusive access to designer brands for mom, baby and child at up to 70% off. There are some super cute items in the holiday shop and shipping is free!! I just picked up a wheely lady bug for Thing 2 and a bag o'pirates for Thing 1!
Super Saving Day 12
You can start shopping Target's Black Friday 'like" deals right now. To view the deals go here! I am seeing some fantastic deals on electronics right now!!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Super Saving Day 13
Bath and Body Works has some really great deals online right now. You can get $1 shipping on a $25 purchase with the code SHIP25. The signature scent collection is buy 3 get 3 free, hand soap is 4 for $15 or 6 for $20, and wall flowers are 4 for $20 and 6 for $24. This is a great time to stock up on holiday gifts for teachers and party hostesses!!
Super Savings Day 11
So, Wal-Mart has just released their Back Friday ad. This is a good way to decide if going into the craziness will be worth it for you! I am also noticing that they will be open on Thursday night and offering a lot of deals on toys while supplies last. Remember that Wal-Mart is doing the holidays a little differently this holiday season. You can read more about that at my previous post.
Super Savings Day 10
Sorry, sickness, birthday and the weekend has invaded my blogging efforts so these next few Super Saving tips will be all from the same day so that I can catch up!!
During November, Ebates (you know I love them!!!) is having several store who are offering double cash back on purchases. Remember that Ebates lists all coupon codes available so you can be assured that by shoping with Ebates you do not have to go searching for coupon codes!!
Here is a sample list of store offering double cash back (know that there are many more!)
Bloomingdales 6%
Piperlime 10%
The Body Shop 10%
Barnes and Nobel 8%
Lancome 14%
Land's End 6%
During November, Ebates (you know I love them!!!) is having several store who are offering double cash back on purchases. Remember that Ebates lists all coupon codes available so you can be assured that by shoping with Ebates you do not have to go searching for coupon codes!!
Here is a sample list of store offering double cash back (know that there are many more!)
Bloomingdales 6%
Piperlime 10%
The Body Shop 10%
Barnes and Nobel 8%
Lancome 14%
Land's End 6%
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Super Savings Day 9
So, it's not even Thanksgiving yet and we are already hearing Christmas music in the stores. I am not going to lie though, I really kind of like it. Christmas is our go-to holiday. Mason and I both love it and all that it represents. For us and our faith it is especially meaningful as we celebrate the birth of our savior.
This Christmas will be our fifth deployment Christmas. This is the first deployment Christmas with children. Today's super saving deal is at Michael's. Right now they are having huge sales on all Christmas decorations, including ornaments. If you go to the website and join the email list you can also print out a coupon for 50% off one regular priced item. The kids and I went yesterday to pick out a small tree to send to Daddy. We picked a 1.5 ft tree and several small ornaments and a mini strand of battery powered lights. Oh, and a red star. J was insistent on a red star. He was also insistent on getting a tree for his room "Just like Daddy's tree." So yes, we came home with 2 trees and 2 sets of tiny (choking hazard) ornaments and 2 sets of lights...........I mean really, could you have said no?
This Christmas will be our fifth deployment Christmas. This is the first deployment Christmas with children. Today's super saving deal is at Michael's. Right now they are having huge sales on all Christmas decorations, including ornaments. If you go to the website and join the email list you can also print out a coupon for 50% off one regular priced item. The kids and I went yesterday to pick out a small tree to send to Daddy. We picked a 1.5 ft tree and several small ornaments and a mini strand of battery powered lights. Oh, and a red star. J was insistent on a red star. He was also insistent on getting a tree for his room "Just like Daddy's tree." So yes, we came home with 2 trees and 2 sets of tiny (choking hazard) ornaments and 2 sets of lights...........I mean really, could you have said no?
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Super Savings Day 8
Right now Diapers.com is having a sale on carseats. Use the code CARTRAVEL20 for 20% off all car seats. This includes those listed in the clearance section. Remember you get free shipping on orders of $50 or more.
Super Savings Day 7
Piperlime is a division of Gap.Inc. This year they are celebrating their 5th birthday by giving everyone 20% off everything today only! Just head to Piperlime’s birthday page and get your unique Piperlime promo code to use at checkout.
There’s a kid’s sneaker sale that already has most tennis shoes for little ones discounted by 20%. Add in your promo code free and you’ve got a deal!
Even better, Piperlime ships everything for free, and you can return any part of your order at their expense if the item doesn’t fit!
There’s a kid’s sneaker sale that already has most tennis shoes for little ones discounted by 20%. Add in your promo code free and you’ve got a deal!
Even better, Piperlime ships everything for free, and you can return any part of your order at their expense if the item doesn’t fit!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Super Savings Day 6
The Wounded Warrior Project has launched a new campaign called “Believe in Heroes.” This initiative “calls on Americans to recognize the enormous sacrifices made by our newest generation of veterans and to honor the service of these individual over a two-month campaign leading up to Veterans Day. The Believe in Heroes campaign will provide the American public with an opportunity to show their support and appreciation of our veterans in their communities, and across the nation.
Smart Source has paired with the Wounded Warrior Project to create coupons for use on regular items where a percentage will be donated to the project. Print these coupons here.
Smart Source has paired with the Wounded Warrior Project to create coupons for use on regular items where a percentage will be donated to the project. Print these coupons here.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Super Savings Day 5
Today's deal is over at Vera Bradley. Through Sunday (tomorrow) all sale items are another 20% off. This is a great opportunity to grab some wonderful Christmas/birthday/ or just because gift items! There are 23 pages of sale items with most of the patterns being plum petals, mocha rouge, or happy snails, BUT some items have 6 or 7 different patterns available!!
Some of my favorite deals are;
Hipster $44.99 PLUS an extra 20% off
Large Duffel $49.99 PLUS extra 20% off
Tote $36.99 PLUS extra 20% off
There is free shipping if you spend $100 or more.
Some of my favorite deals are;
Hipster $44.99 PLUS an extra 20% off
Large Duffel $49.99 PLUS extra 20% off
Tote $36.99 PLUS extra 20% off
There is free shipping if you spend $100 or more.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Super Savings Day 4
AC Moore has some amazing sales starting on Sunday 11/6 and running through Wednesday 11/9. You can view the store ad online for all of their great deals and a fantastic in store coupon.
60% off wood frames and home decor
50% off all Crayloa
$19.99 Cricut Cartridges
$3.99 Poinsetta Pots
$1.67 Candy Melts
4 for $10 large candles
$1.99 ready to decorate wreath or garland
With holiday decorating time right around the corner now is the time to stock up on basic supplies to get started!!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Super Savings Day 3
Old Navy friends and family event starts this weekend. Print this coupon or use the code ONFRIENDS for 30% off your total purchase. While you are printing your coupon go ahead and sign up for their emails to get more exclusive coupons and a special coupon on your birthday. Don't forget to use Ebates for an extra 2% cash back on all online purchases. You can get free shipping for orders over $50. This can be used on all sale items and if your store is like mine there are a lot of great clearance items out there. I scored a pair of jeans for $0.68!!!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Super Savings Day 2
Shutterfly has some amazing deals going on right now through tomorrow, November 3rd. First you can get free shipping on orders over $30 with the code SHIP30.
Save up to 30% on photo books
Save up to 25% on cards (this includes holiday cards)
Save up to 30% on calneders
Save up to50% on playing cards
Save up to 25% on prints
Save up to 25% on mugs
Save up to 25% on home decor
Saave up to 50% on magnets
Save up to 25% on notebooks
Save up to 20% on address lables
Save up to 25% on note pads
This is an excellant time to stock up for Christmas, get those holiday cards made, and make prints of your cute babies for grandparents! This is the Christmas card I made tonight!
Don't forget to shop through Ebates for 8% cash back on your order. Just think of the money and time you will save when it's all done wayyy before you need it. You will be able to rest, relax, and enjoy this holiday season just a little bit more!
Save up to 30% on photo books
Save up to 25% on cards (this includes holiday cards)
Save up to 30% on calneders
Save up to50% on playing cards
Save up to 25% on prints
Save up to 25% on mugs
Save up to 25% on home decor
Saave up to 50% on magnets
Save up to 25% on notebooks
Save up to 20% on address lables
Save up to 25% on note pads
This is an excellant time to stock up for Christmas, get those holiday cards made, and make prints of your cute babies for grandparents! This is the Christmas card I made tonight!
Don't forget to shop through Ebates for 8% cash back on your order. Just think of the money and time you will save when it's all done wayyy before you need it. You will be able to rest, relax, and enjoy this holiday season just a little bit more!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Adventures in 25 Days of Super Savings
So, my friend and fellow blogger over at Four Corners of My Heart, suggested we do 25 days of "something." More than happy to join her, I started racking my brain for what to do. I get soooooo many emails daily from different stores telling me what promotion they are currently running that I decided to pick a different one each day to highlight!
Today's Super Saving highlight is Gymboree. Gymboree clothes are super expensive, however you can always find good sales and if you are interested in re-selling I understand that you can almost always make your money back. Gymboree clothing quality is exceptional. Starting tomorrow you can get 30% off your entire purchase and earn $25 in gymbucks. Shipping is only $5 for those of you like me who live far, far away from an actual Gymboree store. All fleece outfits are buy one get one 50% off and they have a TON of items in the sale section online.
What are gymbucks you ask? You can earn Gymbucks: October 10, 2011 - January 15, 2012. at Gymboree retail stores, gymboree.com and Gymboree Outlet. For every $50 spent at Gymboree retail stores, www.gymboree.com or Gymboree Outlet during an earnings period, you will receive $25 worth of Gymbucks. Gymbucks earned in a store may only be redeemed at Gymboree clothing stores located in the country of issuance or at Gymboree.com if earned at a U.S. store. If you return or exchange an item and the qualifying purchase falls below the $50 threshold, Gymbucks will be subtracted in $25 increments. One may redeem Gymbucks January 19, 2012 - January 29, 2012. At Gymboree retail stores and gymboree.com: You can redeem $25 off a $50 merchandise purchase during the redemption period. Original receipt or web invoice from qualifying purchase must be attached to the Gymbucks in order to redeem in-store.
Today's Super Saving highlight is Gymboree. Gymboree clothes are super expensive, however you can always find good sales and if you are interested in re-selling I understand that you can almost always make your money back. Gymboree clothing quality is exceptional. Starting tomorrow you can get 30% off your entire purchase and earn $25 in gymbucks. Shipping is only $5 for those of you like me who live far, far away from an actual Gymboree store. All fleece outfits are buy one get one 50% off and they have a TON of items in the sale section online.
What are gymbucks you ask? You can earn Gymbucks: October 10, 2011 - January 15, 2012. at Gymboree retail stores, gymboree.com and Gymboree Outlet. For every $50 spent at Gymboree retail stores, www.gymboree.com or Gymboree Outlet during an earnings period, you will receive $25 worth of Gymbucks. Gymbucks earned in a store may only be redeemed at Gymboree clothing stores located in the country of issuance or at Gymboree.com if earned at a U.S. store. If you return or exchange an item and the qualifying purchase falls below the $50 threshold, Gymbucks will be subtracted in $25 increments. One may redeem Gymbucks January 19, 2012 - January 29, 2012. At Gymboree retail stores and gymboree.com: You can redeem $25 off a $50 merchandise purchase during the redemption period. Original receipt or web invoice from qualifying purchase must be attached to the Gymbucks in order to redeem in-store.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Adventures in the New Wal-Mart Price Policy
As gift giving season rapidly approaches I encourage all of you to get out early and buy your gifts. I usually use this pre-season (the period between Halloween and Thanksgiving) to pick up last minute things and also to gather items for children's birthday gifts. I never have to go out the day before or the say of to purchase a birthday gift, I just open my gift closet and pick something out. This saves COUNTLESS amounts of time and money!!
I have never been a big fan of the retailer Wal-Mart. The stores are just not very nice and while they do have everything and are open 24 hours, I don't always find the quality and the "experience" to be worth it. They also use some questionable work related practices in some areas of the country that I know have gotten them into trouble in the past. However, they have just unveiled a new price matching policy that may have some of us considering Wal-Mart for early shopping.
The company has said that if you find lower print-advertised prices at its rivals' stores in local markets on any identical items you purchase between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, Wal-Mart will give you a gift card for the difference through Dec. 25. Normally, the company matches prices only when the purchase is made at the same time a competitor's ad is running. What does this mean to you?? It means you can be confidant that you will have the lowest price on any items you purchase in the store. So far, from what I understand, this means just in store purchases and advertisements.
Now, here is where it gets even better for online shoppers. Many online companies will price match too, so if you see an item in a Wal-Mart ad that you would like to order online and have shipped to your recipient, check to see what the price matching policies are. This also means that Wal-Mart will be staying on top of prices to make sure that no retailer out does them, FROM THE BEGINNING of the holiday shopping season!! This is exciting to me, because you do not have to wait to purchase your gifts. you can do it now and know that if you find it cheaper later in the season you can take your receipt and the ad in for a gift card! Just make sure you are holding onto receipts, which you should do for gifts already. Now, go out there and price match!
I have never been a big fan of the retailer Wal-Mart. The stores are just not very nice and while they do have everything and are open 24 hours, I don't always find the quality and the "experience" to be worth it. They also use some questionable work related practices in some areas of the country that I know have gotten them into trouble in the past. However, they have just unveiled a new price matching policy that may have some of us considering Wal-Mart for early shopping.
The company has said that if you find lower print-advertised prices at its rivals' stores in local markets on any identical items you purchase between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, Wal-Mart will give you a gift card for the difference through Dec. 25. Normally, the company matches prices only when the purchase is made at the same time a competitor's ad is running. What does this mean to you?? It means you can be confidant that you will have the lowest price on any items you purchase in the store. So far, from what I understand, this means just in store purchases and advertisements.
Now, here is where it gets even better for online shoppers. Many online companies will price match too, so if you see an item in a Wal-Mart ad that you would like to order online and have shipped to your recipient, check to see what the price matching policies are. This also means that Wal-Mart will be staying on top of prices to make sure that no retailer out does them, FROM THE BEGINNING of the holiday shopping season!! This is exciting to me, because you do not have to wait to purchase your gifts. you can do it now and know that if you find it cheaper later in the season you can take your receipt and the ad in for a gift card! Just make sure you are holding onto receipts, which you should do for gifts already. Now, go out there and price match!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Adventures in Baby/Toddler Deals
There are a TON of Baby and Toddler deals going on this week. Don't forget Toys R Us online is having some fantastic deals with Cyber Week this week. A buy one get one free on Little Tykes toys (up to a 24.99 value). This is a great way to stock up for Christmas and birthday presents!
Diapers
- CVS – $2 ECB WYB CVS Supreme Diapers or Training Pants Jumbo Pk $6.99 Limit 1 -$3 off CVS brand diapers, printing at CVS coupon center
(makes it $1.99) - CVS – $1 ECB WYB Huggies Snug & Dry or Little Movers Big Pk $19.99 Limit 1 -$1.50 off Huggies diapers, SS 10/23
-$3 off Huggies Little Movers slip-on diapers, SS 10/23
-$3 off Huggies diapers, Fall CVS Reinventing Beauty magazine
-$2 off Huggies Little Movers diapers
(use $3 off, makes it $13.99 after College savings) - Walgreens – Huggies Jumbo Pack Diapers or Pull-Ups $8.99 -$2 off Huggies diapers or wipes Walgreens home mailer
-$1.50 off Huggies diapers, SS 10/23
-$3 off Huggies Little Movers slip-on diapers, SS 10/23
-$2 off Huggies diapers big pk., or wipes 184-216 ct., Infant Care booklet (if included)
(use store and $3 off, makes it $3.99) - Target – Huggies Pull Ups Big Packs $19.79 -$2 off Huggies Pull-Ups printable
(makes it $17.79) - Target – Pampers Economy Pack Diapers $38 -$1 off Pampers diapers or training pants (Target coupon), 13 ct +, Target Baby home mailer
-$2.50/2 Pampers diapers or pants 13 ct + AND wipes 180 ct + (Target coupon), Target Baby home mailer
-$1.50 off Pampers diapers or pants, jumbo pk +, on product
-$2 off Pampers diapers, Publix coupon sheet (EXP 10/29)
(use $2 off, makes it $36) - Target – Pampers Training Pants Big Packs $19.79 -$1 off Pampers diapers or training pants (Target coupon), 13 ct +, Target Baby home mailer
-$2.50/2 Pampers diapers or pants 13 ct + AND wipes 180 ct + (Target coupon), Target Baby home mailer
-$1.50 off Pampers diapers or pants, jumbo pk +, on product
-$1.50 off Pampers (2) bags or (1) box diapers or pants, PG 10/02
(makes it $18.29)
Wipes
- Walgreens – Huggies Wipes, 184-216 pk., $4.99 -$2 off Huggies diapers or wipes Walgreens home mailer
-.75/1 Huggies baby wipes, 64 ct. +, excl trial size, Porque Sabes Chorrar Compras booklet
-.50/1 Huggies baby wipes, 64 ct. +, SS 10/23
-$2 off Huggies diapers big pk., or wipes 184-216 ct, Infant Care booklet
(use store and .75/1, makes it $2.24)
Food and Formula
- Walgreens – $6 RR WYB (2) Enfamil Premium or Newborn Formula, 23.4 oz, or AR Powder or Gentlease, 22.2 oz, at $24 ea. -$5 off Enfamil Gentlease, AR or Prosobee powder, 22 oz
-$2 off Enfamil Infant formula powder 22.2 oz +, Infant Care booklet
-$2 off Enfamil Infant formula Walgreens home mailer
-$5/2 Enfamil reg or Enfagrow powder, 22.2 oz +, SS 10/23
(use (2) $5 off and (2) store coupons, makes it $14 ea.)
- Walgreens – Allegra Children’s Tablets, 12 ct., or Liquid, 4 oz, $9.99 -$2 off Allegra Childrens product, SS 9/11
-$2 off Allegra 5-15 ct, Children’s, -D 12 hr 10 ct., or 24 hr 5 ct printable
(makes it $7.99) - Rite-Aid – $2 +UP WYB Arm & Hammer Toothpaste, Orajel Toddler Toothpaste or Baby Gum and Tooth Cleanser at $3.99 Limit 2(makes it $1.99)
- Target – Desitin, 2 oz, $3 -.75/1 Johnson & Johnson baby or Desitin item (Target coupon), excl trial size and Buddies, Target Baby home mailer
(makes it $2.25) - Target – Enfamil Powder 23.4 oz Premium or 22.2 oz Gentlease $22.99 -$7/3 Enfamil formula tubs or refills (Target coupon), 22.2-35 oz, Target Baby home mailer
-$5/2 Enfamil reg or Enfagrow powder, 22.2 oz +, SS 10/23 - Target – Johnsons Baby Care Products 27 or 28 oz, $5 -$5/3 Halo SleepSack AND (2) Johnson’s baby care items, excl trial size, (Target coupon) printable
-.75/1 Johnson & Johnson baby or Desitin item (Target coupon), excl trial size and Buddies, Target Baby home mailer
-.50/1 Johnson’s baby product, SS 9/11
-$1 off Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder, 15 oz + printable
(makes it $4.50)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Adventures in Toys R Us Cyber Week
This week is Cyber Week (until October 29th) at Toys R Us!! There is free shipping on a purchase of $75 or more OR many items are available for in store pick up with no shipping charges!! Check out the website for some AMAZING deals. They are also having some great deals on in the clearance section so don't forget to check that out too. Don't forget to use Ebates, it's only 1% cash back, but it's still cash back!! Today I got my first Ebates check and was super excited!!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Adventures in Deployments 2...it's been a month!!!
Yipee!! We check off a month. People ask me all the time if it goes by fast.......hmmmmm, fast, that is interesting to me. Deployment life goes by at a crazy pace. Sometimes you look back and say "Wow! That is another week done," and other times you say "when is this day ever going to end." Either way, days seem like a never ending cycle of waiting and documenting and worrying and well just stuff. The constants of deployment life are taking care of the children, making yourself eat and trying to sleep. The later two are necessary to do the first !
Hitting the month mark is a great feet...I'm thankful that this deployment is only five months for us. I have friends who are doing seven and ten months and I have the utmost respect for them. I know it was a crazy 2 months when he was trying to catch up to the unit and there were many days that I felt like mentally he had already left us, but he was home and we did not worry.
So what have we been filling our days with the last month you ask? J loves school...well, kind of. He only recently stopped crying when I dropped him off. He had stopped for a while and then my car broke down and someone he didn't know had to pick him up and well, the crying cycle started up again. We have been able to Skype the last 2 days, which has been a tremendous help to J. He doesn't like to talk on the phone and actually getting to see Daddy has really made a huge difference in his days. CB is clueless about what is going on. I am glad she is able to Skype too, so that she doesnt' forget him. She is very verbal, much more so than J was at 15 months. This is nice because she is actually able to talk to Daddy a little bit. It's super cute!!
What have I been up to personally? Well, I've been running....a lot. I ran in my first 10k a couple of weeks ago and am looking forward to another one in the near future. I've also done a few 5k races and have several more on my calender in the next 2 months. I love the ladies that I run with, they help to keep me sane. We have also had some wonderful visitors in the house which always makes the time go by a little faster. I've been going to a community Bible Study group with a nursery for CB to enjoy, that I absolutely love. God has really been working on my heart these last few weeks about being open to help and having an attitude of service to others. While I can honestly say in the last week we have had more bad days than good days, we are working to make those few and far between.
Thank goodness for Facebook. While you may have differing opinions on the subject of social media, I can say that this deployment's nights are not nearly as lonely as those from our deployments 3,4,5,6 years ago (this is our 5th deployment). Being able to chat and connect with other deployed wives at night has been a lifesaver and a huge blessing. I have much more respect for those wives of WW I and II who not only didn't hear from their husbands, but who also were disconnected from family and friends. The relationships that military wives have is a very special one. Today as I am reflecting on the fact that we moved to Jacksonville just three months ago, I am amazed at the fact that I know so many other people so well already. A deployment will do that to you I guess :)
Hitting the month mark is a great feet...I'm thankful that this deployment is only five months for us. I have friends who are doing seven and ten months and I have the utmost respect for them. I know it was a crazy 2 months when he was trying to catch up to the unit and there were many days that I felt like mentally he had already left us, but he was home and we did not worry.
So what have we been filling our days with the last month you ask? J loves school...well, kind of. He only recently stopped crying when I dropped him off. He had stopped for a while and then my car broke down and someone he didn't know had to pick him up and well, the crying cycle started up again. We have been able to Skype the last 2 days, which has been a tremendous help to J. He doesn't like to talk on the phone and actually getting to see Daddy has really made a huge difference in his days. CB is clueless about what is going on. I am glad she is able to Skype too, so that she doesnt' forget him. She is very verbal, much more so than J was at 15 months. This is nice because she is actually able to talk to Daddy a little bit. It's super cute!!
Thank goodness for Facebook. While you may have differing opinions on the subject of social media, I can say that this deployment's nights are not nearly as lonely as those from our deployments 3,4,5,6 years ago (this is our 5th deployment). Being able to chat and connect with other deployed wives at night has been a lifesaver and a huge blessing. I have much more respect for those wives of WW I and II who not only didn't hear from their husbands, but who also were disconnected from family and friends. The relationships that military wives have is a very special one. Today as I am reflecting on the fact that we moved to Jacksonville just three months ago, I am amazed at the fact that I know so many other people so well already. A deployment will do that to you I guess :)
Monday, October 17, 2011
Adventures in Halloween Costumes
I am really not into Halloween for many reasons, but I do LOVE to dress up. I always have enjoyed dressing up. I love to participate in the dressing up for causes or parties (recently did an 80's party). I was the kid that loved spirit week, this included my short stint as a teacher in which I regularly participated in dressing up. In fact I enjoy giving a good dress up laugh for those who need it. Sooooo, if you have not gotten your kids costumes yet, or you are looking to fill your kids dress up closet I have a few ideas and deals on places where you can get good costumes pretty cheap. I also love to dress up my children.
First, stalk Etsy for some good ideas. You can also look on Pintrest for ideas that you can make on your own pretty easily. As always, I suggest you google image search the name of the costume you are looking for too. You never know what some cleaver person has come up with. There is no need to reinvent the wheel here, take several ideas and create your own unique look. Here is where I insert the By CeeCee store! There you will find many tutus and other fantastic accessories for your little one's costume.
Second, there are some really good last minute costume deals out there right now and face it sometimes it is cheaper to buy a ready made costume rather than buy all the supplies you may need to create one. Right now Buy Costumes.Com is offering 15% off plus free shipping and some of their costumes are marked even cheaper with additional savings. Today only Party City online is having an extra 20% off plus free ground shipping. Costume Discounters is offering 15% off a $30 purchase. They also do price matching and will give an extra 20% off the lowest price you find AND they do free exchanges! There are so many online stores that are offering great deals right now.
I also suggest looking at consignment stores and thrift stores, they seem to have a large selection of costumes at this time of year. My youngest is going to be a very cute ladybug in a costume I found at a sale in August for $5. I also recommend asking the other parents in your child's playgroup. I'm sure everyone has an several costumes they may be willing to trade, borrow or sell. When looking for costumes I always try to see what I have that I can make work.......although with a child who seems to have strong opinions I don't always have a workable fireman outfit on hand.......although I am thinking I have things I can use to make it work (a roll of reflective yellow tape is in my future!!). The challenge I have now is convincing him not to change his mind :)
First, stalk Etsy for some good ideas. You can also look on Pintrest for ideas that you can make on your own pretty easily. As always, I suggest you google image search the name of the costume you are looking for too. You never know what some cleaver person has come up with. There is no need to reinvent the wheel here, take several ideas and create your own unique look. Here is where I insert the By CeeCee store! There you will find many tutus and other fantastic accessories for your little one's costume.
Second, there are some really good last minute costume deals out there right now and face it sometimes it is cheaper to buy a ready made costume rather than buy all the supplies you may need to create one. Right now Buy Costumes.Com is offering 15% off plus free shipping and some of their costumes are marked even cheaper with additional savings. Today only Party City online is having an extra 20% off plus free ground shipping. Costume Discounters is offering 15% off a $30 purchase. They also do price matching and will give an extra 20% off the lowest price you find AND they do free exchanges! There are so many online stores that are offering great deals right now.
I also suggest looking at consignment stores and thrift stores, they seem to have a large selection of costumes at this time of year. My youngest is going to be a very cute ladybug in a costume I found at a sale in August for $5. I also recommend asking the other parents in your child's playgroup. I'm sure everyone has an several costumes they may be willing to trade, borrow or sell. When looking for costumes I always try to see what I have that I can make work.......although with a child who seems to have strong opinions I don't always have a workable fireman outfit on hand.......although I am thinking I have things I can use to make it work (a roll of reflective yellow tape is in my future!!). The challenge I have now is convincing him not to change his mind :)
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Adventures on a rest weekend!
It's funny to me how my days truly blend together. I really have absolutely no idea most days what day it actually is and forget knowing the actual date!! With the husband deployed everyday really just becomes one BIG LONG DAY! I have filled our weeks and days with so much to do, so that the time flies by. And apparently it is working, since I normally look at the calender and say, "oh no, that's today. I totally forgot," in reference to school picture day, school field trip, friends coming to visit, races, you name it! I love it though, and my kids need to go somewhere every day or they too go a little stir crazy. However, I can say on a morning like this one when all we had to do was go for a run. I really enjoy the break! I enjoy sitting on the front porch while the kids continue napping in the stroller as I peruse the "sale" emails and have a cup of coffee!
It's important to have these days both for rest and for sanity. As much as I need to keep going and keep going fast, one can only go on fumes for so long before they break. This afternoon we are having pictures taken. How can you save money on family pictures you may ask??? First, if you are into "studio" type pictures you will find all kinds of coupons for JC Penny's, Sears and Target. I highly recommend searching for these coupons before setting up a sitting, otherwise you will pay A LOT for pictures. Another route to go is to look on Craigslist or a similar site for those who are advertising photography. Often times you will find someone just starting out who needs clients to create a portfolio of work and you may be able to get some great pictures for great prices. Before you spend any money I do recommend asking to see the photographer's previous work and maybe even references. The last thing you want is to spend money on someone who "claims" to be a photographer only to find out they are horrible and you have wasted money. The last route and the one I take most often is to make friends with fantastic photographers both professional and non-professional who love to take pictures of your children!!
The most important thing about pictures is to not put off getting them developed and this is what I am guilty of a lot!! I still haven't gotten the pictures from J's second birthday and he will be 3 next month. There are deals all over the place, all the time from canvas photos to photo books to large prints. Companies like Snapfish and Shutterfly are always offering some sort of photo deal. The key is whether or not you have pictures done professionally, you need to keep up with getting the prints off your camera. The easiest and most fun way to decorate your house is with family pictures.
It's important to have these days both for rest and for sanity. As much as I need to keep going and keep going fast, one can only go on fumes for so long before they break. This afternoon we are having pictures taken. How can you save money on family pictures you may ask??? First, if you are into "studio" type pictures you will find all kinds of coupons for JC Penny's, Sears and Target. I highly recommend searching for these coupons before setting up a sitting, otherwise you will pay A LOT for pictures. Another route to go is to look on Craigslist or a similar site for those who are advertising photography. Often times you will find someone just starting out who needs clients to create a portfolio of work and you may be able to get some great pictures for great prices. Before you spend any money I do recommend asking to see the photographer's previous work and maybe even references. The last thing you want is to spend money on someone who "claims" to be a photographer only to find out they are horrible and you have wasted money. The last route and the one I take most often is to make friends with fantastic photographers both professional and non-professional who love to take pictures of your children!!
The most important thing about pictures is to not put off getting them developed and this is what I am guilty of a lot!! I still haven't gotten the pictures from J's second birthday and he will be 3 next month. There are deals all over the place, all the time from canvas photos to photo books to large prints. Companies like Snapfish and Shutterfly are always offering some sort of photo deal. The key is whether or not you have pictures done professionally, you need to keep up with getting the prints off your camera. The easiest and most fun way to decorate your house is with family pictures.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Adventures in the Sunday Paper Coupons
Have you ever wondered how everyone seems to know what coupons are going to be in the paper each week? The Sunday paper is how many coupons are able to save the most money possible. I have been known to purchase five papers at once if I know the inserts are really good. This week is one of those weeks. There are going to be quite a few coupons in this Sunday’s newspaper, including a dedicated insert just for Target coupons! It doesn’t look like there will be any amazing baby coupons, but there are coupons for candy, Skippy, Play-Doh and other family-friendly brands. If you have family or friends who you can hit up this week for their coupon inserts it may be well worth it, especially with candy season right around the corner.
The key to knowing what the Sunday paper will bring is to the site, The Sunday Paper Preview. The Sunday Coupon Preview helps you to save more on your weekly grocery trips by giving you a preview of coupons coming out in the next Sunday's paper. You can sign up to receive an email alert as to when they update with the latest Sunday coupon preview. They also have a printable coupon database, so you can find exactly what you need each week in addition to what may be in the newspaper for the week.
Don't forget to keep up with your coupon binder. Many coupons expired on October 4th. If you need help setting up a coupon binder see my previous post on the subject for complete instructions. As you clean out your binder or whatever other organization system you use keep in mind the program Troopons. The Troopons program is a coupon program where you can send your expired coupons and families stationed overseas can use them. This program asks that you send them no more that 2 months expired. The commissary and the exchange accepts coupons that are up to 6 months expired, but it does take time for Troopons to process them and for the families to be able to fit them into their budget. It is easy to do this once a month as you are cleaning out your binder. Just sort the coupons and place them in an envelope and mail them to
Support Our Troops®
P. O. Box 10
Weir, TX 78674-0010
The key to knowing what the Sunday paper will bring is to the site, The Sunday Paper Preview. The Sunday Coupon Preview helps you to save more on your weekly grocery trips by giving you a preview of coupons coming out in the next Sunday's paper. You can sign up to receive an email alert as to when they update with the latest Sunday coupon preview. They also have a printable coupon database, so you can find exactly what you need each week in addition to what may be in the newspaper for the week.
Don't forget to keep up with your coupon binder. Many coupons expired on October 4th. If you need help setting up a coupon binder see my previous post on the subject for complete instructions. As you clean out your binder or whatever other organization system you use keep in mind the program Troopons. The Troopons program is a coupon program where you can send your expired coupons and families stationed overseas can use them. This program asks that you send them no more that 2 months expired. The commissary and the exchange accepts coupons that are up to 6 months expired, but it does take time for Troopons to process them and for the families to be able to fit them into their budget. It is easy to do this once a month as you are cleaning out your binder. Just sort the coupons and place them in an envelope and mail them to
Support Our Troops®
P. O. Box 10
Weir, TX 78674-0010
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Adventures in Supporting Each Other!!
Being a Mother is the best job in the world! The issue there in lies the fact that by definition mothers are women. Women have so many wonderful attributes that help them to become wonderful mothers however, they also have a tendency to be catty, spiteful, and passive aggressive. I know that there are bad mothers out there, although I doubt there are bad mothers who join Mother's groups, do extensive research online about products for their children, take their children to art, music, insert any other activity before the child is 3, join Facebook groups for Mothers, or participate in studies on mothering. Why is it though that it is Mothers in these various places that insist on one upping each other or exclaiming that they are "making the ultimate sacrifice!" It drives me crazy when I hear a mother speak in absolutes. Personally, I don't think there is a place for absolutes except in Math. Two plus two will always equal four, yet in the world of organic vs non-organic there are too many variables in which one can not really tell which is better. In fact there are a number of studies that show some foods are no different in this realm. The choice then is yours and what is best for your family. Can we not skip judgement for a moment when we see a fellow mother in the store picking up a non organic ear of corn?
I get a little crazy when I hear the Breast is Best argument from other mothers too. I am extremely pro-breastfeeding. I would really enjoy doing breastfeeding education and I have looked into lactation consultant training. I believe that education is the key to giving many women the opportunity to experience breastfeeding. For my family, I was fortunate to be able to nurse both my children for just over a year. I am not ashamed to say (although I did get some "shame on you looks" from other breastfeeding mothers, especially those is "ahem" certain leagues) that I cut my son off cold turkey when he was 13.5 months and I found out I was pregnant with my second child. Breastfeeding became excruciatingly painful and the BEST thing for our family at that time was to stop and switch to whole milk exclusively. My daughter weaned herself at 14 months. I know many Moms who have not been able to nurse, or who made a decision to not nurse because that was the best decision for their family. Again before you judge the mother of a 6 month old for pulling out a bottle at your next playgroup, stop and think...maybe that mother needs to be on a long term medication that will pass into breast milk. Maybe the baby is allergic to the mother's milk and no matter how hard the mother tries to cut everything under the sun out of her diet the baby is still not thriving. Maybe the baby has a physical ailment that will not allow he/she to latch on or suck properly. You see in some cases breast is not best....best is what is going to keep the Mama and baby healthy and thriving.
There are all kinds of arguments like these all over the place in the world of Motherhood. You hear cloth diapers vs disposables, organic bedding and clothes vs "regular," co-sleeping vs crib sleeping, public school vs home school. These are just a few, there are many, many more. I, in fact, believe that most of the "arguments" and certainly most of the "facts, " come from the companies themselves who are selling products to said mothers. In many cases the more expensive products equal "better" in the minds of parents. Does a little one REALLY need an organic crib mattress? No probably not. Babies have been sleeping without them for years and many of us are still alive today without any problems that can be directly traced back to these "non-organic" mattresses. However, many stores sell them for a hefty price and new parents think that the price tag means "better," thus their little one has the "best."
I am in no way saying that I am exempt from doing any of this. I still compare my children to others and I find myself thinking judgemental thoughts at gymnastics/playgroup/insert activity here, sometimes. I can say when I hear someone say something out loud to another mother I do jump in to the mother's defense even if I don't agree. I definitely don't think we should put down another just because we feel uncomfortable in our own role as trying to be a "super mom." Ultimately, that is what it boils down to.......our inability to feel confidant in our own skins. Hey, right now I am failing my oldest child miserably by exposing him to harmful chemicals in disposable diapers that may cause him to not have children of his own one day, while my youngest wears the heavenly cloth diapers every day. This must mean that I love her more than I do him right? Of course not, that is ridiculous. We are doing what is best for our family at this time, and what matters is that I am happy with my decision, whether you agree with it or not. My point is that when we see the decisions that others are making for thier families we are not priviy to all the facts. We don't live in that mother's shoes every day. We do not understand all the reasons her son may wear pink socks everyday or they have decided to homeschool. As mothers we need to support each others goals to provide for and help guide healthy, happy children......not judge and nitpick each other's decisions! We are all in this together and it's a really hard job. I know I for one need all the support I can get!
I get a little crazy when I hear the Breast is Best argument from other mothers too. I am extremely pro-breastfeeding. I would really enjoy doing breastfeeding education and I have looked into lactation consultant training. I believe that education is the key to giving many women the opportunity to experience breastfeeding. For my family, I was fortunate to be able to nurse both my children for just over a year. I am not ashamed to say (although I did get some "shame on you looks" from other breastfeeding mothers, especially those is "ahem" certain leagues) that I cut my son off cold turkey when he was 13.5 months and I found out I was pregnant with my second child. Breastfeeding became excruciatingly painful and the BEST thing for our family at that time was to stop and switch to whole milk exclusively. My daughter weaned herself at 14 months. I know many Moms who have not been able to nurse, or who made a decision to not nurse because that was the best decision for their family. Again before you judge the mother of a 6 month old for pulling out a bottle at your next playgroup, stop and think...maybe that mother needs to be on a long term medication that will pass into breast milk. Maybe the baby is allergic to the mother's milk and no matter how hard the mother tries to cut everything under the sun out of her diet the baby is still not thriving. Maybe the baby has a physical ailment that will not allow he/she to latch on or suck properly. You see in some cases breast is not best....best is what is going to keep the Mama and baby healthy and thriving.
There are all kinds of arguments like these all over the place in the world of Motherhood. You hear cloth diapers vs disposables, organic bedding and clothes vs "regular," co-sleeping vs crib sleeping, public school vs home school. These are just a few, there are many, many more. I, in fact, believe that most of the "arguments" and certainly most of the "facts, " come from the companies themselves who are selling products to said mothers. In many cases the more expensive products equal "better" in the minds of parents. Does a little one REALLY need an organic crib mattress? No probably not. Babies have been sleeping without them for years and many of us are still alive today without any problems that can be directly traced back to these "non-organic" mattresses. However, many stores sell them for a hefty price and new parents think that the price tag means "better," thus their little one has the "best."
I am in no way saying that I am exempt from doing any of this. I still compare my children to others and I find myself thinking judgemental thoughts at gymnastics/playgroup/insert activity here, sometimes. I can say when I hear someone say something out loud to another mother I do jump in to the mother's defense even if I don't agree. I definitely don't think we should put down another just because we feel uncomfortable in our own role as trying to be a "super mom." Ultimately, that is what it boils down to.......our inability to feel confidant in our own skins. Hey, right now I am failing my oldest child miserably by exposing him to harmful chemicals in disposable diapers that may cause him to not have children of his own one day, while my youngest wears the heavenly cloth diapers every day. This must mean that I love her more than I do him right? Of course not, that is ridiculous. We are doing what is best for our family at this time, and what matters is that I am happy with my decision, whether you agree with it or not. My point is that when we see the decisions that others are making for thier families we are not priviy to all the facts. We don't live in that mother's shoes every day. We do not understand all the reasons her son may wear pink socks everyday or they have decided to homeschool. As mothers we need to support each others goals to provide for and help guide healthy, happy children......not judge and nitpick each other's decisions! We are all in this together and it's a really hard job. I know I for one need all the support I can get!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Adventures in Columbus Day Deals!
Today is Columbus Day!! Just in case you didn't know, it is a celebration of the day this big guy made it to the Americas. Think of how different life would be if he stayed at home, didn't listen to his calling and search to seek out adventure in the midst of disbelievers. I'm sure someone else would have come along so it wouldn't necessarily be a whole lot different by the year 2011, but we will never know! In my mind Columbus is a good example of going against the flow.
For retailers, any holiday is a chance to offer sales. You should definitely take advantage of those that are out there today online and in store. It's a great time to stock up on Christmas and birthday gifts for little ones. I encourage you to check out this The Best Time to Buy Guide for 101 Products and Services. Did you know you should buy butter in July? How about gift cards in January? Or my favorite today blue jeans in October? Is is a fantastic resource for when things are most likely to go on sale or when the new version of products will be hitting the shelves thus causing last years model to be deeply discounted. I think you already know that I am a big fan of buying "last year's model."
As always, don't forget to shop Ebates for extra cash back! When you pair Ebates with other online coupons and store discounts today you will save a bundle. Right now Ebates is offering 10% cash back at Old Navy, 6% at Anne Taylor Loft, and 6% at Lands End. JCrew online is offering 30% off all clearance plus the 4% cash back with Ebates. Below is a list of my favorite deals that end today! I did not include links to the store in order to encourage you to use Ebates. Remember you must first go to the Ebates site and search for the store you want to shop (there will be a toolbar on the upper right hand side of the homepage). You just click on the store and it will take you directly there. Happy Shopping and feel free to share the deals you got today!!
Bath and Body Works--Buy 3 Get 3 Free, some items 50% off and $1 shipping
Stride Rite--25% off all boots
Children's Place--Up to 75% off and free shipping
Gap--up to 50% off select items
Dicks Sporting Goods--Take 14.92% off online order
For retailers, any holiday is a chance to offer sales. You should definitely take advantage of those that are out there today online and in store. It's a great time to stock up on Christmas and birthday gifts for little ones. I encourage you to check out this The Best Time to Buy Guide for 101 Products and Services. Did you know you should buy butter in July? How about gift cards in January? Or my favorite today blue jeans in October? Is is a fantastic resource for when things are most likely to go on sale or when the new version of products will be hitting the shelves thus causing last years model to be deeply discounted. I think you already know that I am a big fan of buying "last year's model."
As always, don't forget to shop Ebates for extra cash back! When you pair Ebates with other online coupons and store discounts today you will save a bundle. Right now Ebates is offering 10% cash back at Old Navy, 6% at Anne Taylor Loft, and 6% at Lands End. JCrew online is offering 30% off all clearance plus the 4% cash back with Ebates. Below is a list of my favorite deals that end today! I did not include links to the store in order to encourage you to use Ebates. Remember you must first go to the Ebates site and search for the store you want to shop (there will be a toolbar on the upper right hand side of the homepage). You just click on the store and it will take you directly there. Happy Shopping and feel free to share the deals you got today!!
Bath and Body Works--Buy 3 Get 3 Free, some items 50% off and $1 shipping
Stride Rite--25% off all boots
Children's Place--Up to 75% off and free shipping
Gap--up to 50% off select items
Dicks Sporting Goods--Take 14.92% off online order
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Adventures in Providing Meals
It is no secret that I grew up in the deep South. A place where ladies throw parties and are always cooking up something good. When someone has a baby/ death in the family/ illness/ etc, the sign up lists come out at church, and school, soccer practice and any other activity that the family is involved in so that her friends can help. Providing meals is a not only a way to help the family, but let's face it...it's also a time when you can show off your culinary or lack of culinary skills. For me I like to create new "experiments," so just be warned if you receive a meal from you I probably have never made it before and am using your family as my guinea pig!!
One thing I have noticed is that down in the South they have the diving up of providing meals down to a science. In Rochester where the culture is a little different, everyone still wants to provide a meal, however the organizing of the meals to the family is not really done. This makes me a little crazy mainly because I am such a planner. I totally get why, I think. Planning means intruding on the family and not allowing them the freedom to pick and choose the days they eat said meals. Plus having a sign up sheet shows which friends did and did not provide a meal thus putting pressure on those who may not feel comfortable with providing a meal. I think this is the reasoning behind it, well, that is how it was explained to this clueless Southern girl.
Upon moving back to North Carolina, I was introduced to the most awesome site ever. It is called Meal Train. On this site you can set it up with all the information and it is pretty much like a virtual calender. I myself like having a calender as they receiver. That was I know who is coming when and if I need to change the date or need them to come earlier or later in the day I know who to contact, thus not having surprises. On the other hand, I really like it as the donater too. I like being able to see what everyone else is taking so that I don't repeat meals. I also like knowing who is taking meals so that is there is an emergency and I am unable to fulfil my day, I can try to switch thus ensuring that a meal is still provided.
I encourage you to jump on the "meal train," the next time someone you know needs a helping hand. The site is super user friendly and I promise you the family you assist will be most appreciative!
One thing I have noticed is that down in the South they have the diving up of providing meals down to a science. In Rochester where the culture is a little different, everyone still wants to provide a meal, however the organizing of the meals to the family is not really done. This makes me a little crazy mainly because I am such a planner. I totally get why, I think. Planning means intruding on the family and not allowing them the freedom to pick and choose the days they eat said meals. Plus having a sign up sheet shows which friends did and did not provide a meal thus putting pressure on those who may not feel comfortable with providing a meal. I think this is the reasoning behind it, well, that is how it was explained to this clueless Southern girl.
Upon moving back to North Carolina, I was introduced to the most awesome site ever. It is called Meal Train. On this site you can set it up with all the information and it is pretty much like a virtual calender. I myself like having a calender as they receiver. That was I know who is coming when and if I need to change the date or need them to come earlier or later in the day I know who to contact, thus not having surprises. On the other hand, I really like it as the donater too. I like being able to see what everyone else is taking so that I don't repeat meals. I also like knowing who is taking meals so that is there is an emergency and I am unable to fulfil my day, I can try to switch thus ensuring that a meal is still provided.
I encourage you to jump on the "meal train," the next time someone you know needs a helping hand. The site is super user friendly and I promise you the family you assist will be most appreciative!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Adventures in the Coupon Binder
One of my fantastic friends spent last week with her family amidst our chaos. We had a blast and also found time to organize and set up our coupon binders. There are so many ways to do this, but I am going to share with you how I do it. I have tried several ways and for me this is how I am most successful!
Other tips:
-Don’t slip coupons behind other coupons, unless they are EXACTLY the same.
-Put your name and phone number in your binder in an easy-to-find place. You may even want to include the information that you will offer a reward for your coupon binder’s safe return. Your coupons are like cash! Keep track of it, and make it easy for a good Samaritan to return it to you if you should misplace it.
-When I go into a store I have my list and the coupons for that visit in an envelope. I also always take my binder in with me in case I come across clearance items and I know I have a coupon for it. This is especially helpful at Target and Babies R Us!!
Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect coupon binder:
- A large three-ring binder. When I just re-did my binder I used a Trapper Keeper (yes, a throw back to my middle school years) that I got on clearance from Target when school supplies went on super sale!!
- 100 baseball card sleeves or photo sleeves. (I prefer baseball card sleeves because you can fit more coupons in a baseball card sleeve, as it has 9 slots instead of 4.) (100 may seem like a lot, but you want to have plenty on-hand and not run out and sit there with a pile of coupons around your knees, unable to move forward because you have used all your sleeves). I ordered mine from Amazon.
- I like to use write on tabs for my categories, but I know many who use these and LOVE it so I included her site. Go to the Krazy Coupon Lady and download and print the coupon categories. Slide each category title page into its own page protector and add them to your binder in order (even though you may think you won’t use all these categories, go ahead and print them out now. You can always remove coupon categories later.) .
- Add about three photo or baseball card sleeves to each section in your book.
- Sort your coupons into the coupon categories as listed and slip them into the sections of your binder.
Other tips:
-Don’t slip coupons behind other coupons, unless they are EXACTLY the same.
-Put your name and phone number in your binder in an easy-to-find place. You may even want to include the information that you will offer a reward for your coupon binder’s safe return. Your coupons are like cash! Keep track of it, and make it easy for a good Samaritan to return it to you if you should misplace it.
-When I go into a store I have my list and the coupons for that visit in an envelope. I also always take my binder in with me in case I come across clearance items and I know I have a coupon for it. This is especially helpful at Target and Babies R Us!!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Adventures in "Early" Christmas Shopping...Zulily
I LOVE buying gifts for kids. I like to research (you know I love Google) and figure out what other kids think is fun. I like watching the kids open gifts, and I am going to fess up...I have a present closet. This is absolutely the best way to save money for birthdays and Christmas. It also saves time to not have to go out and buy a full priced gift the morning of or the night before a party. It is also helpful to have a special "treat," when a certain almost 3 year old is sick or has just had unexpected blood work. The present closet helped with "Mommy guilt," when J had to have a finger lanced every day for a week!!
Right now Zulily has some AMAZING deals for gifts. Today is the last day for the Melissa and Doug sale (fantastic wooden toys and play food), the Anatex (wire bead mazes) sale, and the family DVD sale. New today is the Analoren (matching girl and doll clothes) sale, Smartlab (think science experiements), and Jet Creations (child size blow up dinosaurs...yeah, I have 2 of these in my cart right now). Ongoing sales include JC Toys (realistic dolls) and Posh Playroom (pint size seating). There are also several clothing designers (my favorite being MudPie!!!) with sales including several with hat and glove sets and other warm weather clothing items. If you are looking for some great deals on great items before the holidays I highly encourage you to give Zulily a try. I will say that processing and shipping can take a while so in order to ensure you recieve you items for the holidays order soon!!
If you have never ordered from Zulily before I encourage you to sign up through my link here. In order to view the Zulily sales for today you have to create an account, but you do not have to order. Be aware that this also may sign you up for thier sale emails. I like that I get an email from them every few days letting me know what is new! When you sign up for Zulily you will also recieve a code uniqe to you that you can send to friends and family members. You will get store credit only when they place an oder not for signing up under you. The sales typically last 3-4 days and when an item is gone it is listed as "sold out" at the bottom of the list.
Right now Zulily has some AMAZING deals for gifts. Today is the last day for the Melissa and Doug sale (fantastic wooden toys and play food), the Anatex (wire bead mazes) sale, and the family DVD sale. New today is the Analoren (matching girl and doll clothes) sale, Smartlab (think science experiements), and Jet Creations (child size blow up dinosaurs...yeah, I have 2 of these in my cart right now). Ongoing sales include JC Toys (realistic dolls) and Posh Playroom (pint size seating). There are also several clothing designers (my favorite being MudPie!!!) with sales including several with hat and glove sets and other warm weather clothing items. If you are looking for some great deals on great items before the holidays I highly encourage you to give Zulily a try. I will say that processing and shipping can take a while so in order to ensure you recieve you items for the holidays order soon!!
If you have never ordered from Zulily before I encourage you to sign up through my link here. In order to view the Zulily sales for today you have to create an account, but you do not have to order. Be aware that this also may sign you up for thier sale emails. I like that I get an email from them every few days letting me know what is new! When you sign up for Zulily you will also recieve a code uniqe to you that you can send to friends and family members. You will get store credit only when they place an oder not for signing up under you. The sales typically last 3-4 days and when an item is gone it is listed as "sold out" at the bottom of the list.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Adventures in Deployments 1
Thank you so much for the well wishes and the prayers last week. I have had so many of you who sent me emails and messages in the last week that I have decided to devote one day a week to deployment updates. That way I don't have to send 80 million texts or emails basically saying the same thing. I do apologize for those whom may have gotten copy and pasted impersonal messages last week, but that is just where we were at that time in life! At least you got a reply......consider yourself lucky and privileged.
You also have to bear with me as I try to figure out when to blog with our new temporary lifestyle. We also have visitors in the next few weeks so time will be limited. Make sure you pay attention to my Facebook page. As I find deals I will post them and I am also going to start a blog page that I will update as I find good deals (for example there are Stride Rite shoes on Totsy for about 60% off regular retail prices....use you may use my referral code to join if you have never joined before).
Here is how the send off went down. Mason had to be at the office at 3:00am, so at 2:30 we all loaded up and took the "ride of doom." J's most favorite breakfast in the while wide world is Dunkin Donuts munchkins, so Mason made a pit stop at DD on the way into work. Nothing like sugaring up a 2 year old at 3:00 in the morning :). When we got there he had to get some more gear and we waited in the car. At 4:00am when he had all he needed we headed to a different parking lot where we said goodbye and he walked onto a bus. Not too eventful and very low key which I liked.
We came home and CB stayed asleep in her car seat which I just brought inside. J on the other hand wanted to PARTY!! Thankfully, Disney had a Jake and the Neverland Pirates marathon on that day (it was 4:30 when we got home), so I put J in bed with me and he watched T.V. while I dozed off and on. I think he fell back asleep at around 7:00am.
Since he left a week ago we have had 3 or 4 emails and I missed a phone call. I have to get used to taking my phone EVERYWHERE with me. No more leaving it behind when showering or running out to the car for just a second; it is attached to me all the time!! We are all adjusting fairly well. J says Dada is "far, far away," and he can say Afghanistan. CB has no clue she is really too little. If you are interested in sending a care package or a letter, leave me a message with your email address and I will send it to you. He is in a very remote location, and really busy so he might not write back, but he will appreciate anything you may send.
As of now I have plenty of projects to keep me busy and getting the entire house the way we want it is step one. I plan to be a painting, picture hanging, landscaping fool these next 5 months. So much so he won't even recognize the place when he comes home...well, maybe not that much, but it will be great!
You also have to bear with me as I try to figure out when to blog with our new temporary lifestyle. We also have visitors in the next few weeks so time will be limited. Make sure you pay attention to my Facebook page. As I find deals I will post them and I am also going to start a blog page that I will update as I find good deals (for example there are Stride Rite shoes on Totsy for about 60% off regular retail prices....use you may use my referral code to join if you have never joined before).
Here is how the send off went down. Mason had to be at the office at 3:00am, so at 2:30 we all loaded up and took the "ride of doom." J's most favorite breakfast in the while wide world is Dunkin Donuts munchkins, so Mason made a pit stop at DD on the way into work. Nothing like sugaring up a 2 year old at 3:00 in the morning :). When we got there he had to get some more gear and we waited in the car. At 4:00am when he had all he needed we headed to a different parking lot where we said goodbye and he walked onto a bus. Not too eventful and very low key which I liked.
We came home and CB stayed asleep in her car seat which I just brought inside. J on the other hand wanted to PARTY!! Thankfully, Disney had a Jake and the Neverland Pirates marathon on that day (it was 4:30 when we got home), so I put J in bed with me and he watched T.V. while I dozed off and on. I think he fell back asleep at around 7:00am.
Since he left a week ago we have had 3 or 4 emails and I missed a phone call. I have to get used to taking my phone EVERYWHERE with me. No more leaving it behind when showering or running out to the car for just a second; it is attached to me all the time!! We are all adjusting fairly well. J says Dada is "far, far away," and he can say Afghanistan. CB has no clue she is really too little. If you are interested in sending a care package or a letter, leave me a message with your email address and I will send it to you. He is in a very remote location, and really busy so he might not write back, but he will appreciate anything you may send.
As of now I have plenty of projects to keep me busy and getting the entire house the way we want it is step one. I plan to be a painting, picture hanging, landscaping fool these next 5 months. So much so he won't even recognize the place when he comes home...well, maybe not that much, but it will be great!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Adventures in Home Decorating
When we bought our house in 2003 we went with just the basics. Whatever came with the house is what we got. We didn't do any upgrades other that what was offered as an incentive, for example the ceramic tile and the crown molding. We knew we were going to have enough "extras" with the new refrigerator and washer/dryer that we were going to need. Somehow I did end up upgrading our roof to a 40 year roof rather than the 30 year roof...not really sure how I did that, but the insurance adjuster was very impressed with our roof so I am certainly taking credit for that!!
When we found out that we were moving back into our house this summer we decided to rip out the carpet and the pergo floors in the living room and dining room and put down hardwoods. Wow, that was a process. There are sooooo many colors of floors it made me dizzy looking at them all and yes, you guessed it I went with the color shade I liked that was the cheapest. We love our floors and do have plans to redo the floors in the kitchen in the next year or so.
This left me with the delima of looking for an area rug to the living room. As I started searching, I started cringing at the prices...$500 and up for a 8x10 rug, even on discount sites the are over $200. I have been pretty content to just do without, but I don't want the floors to get super scratched and I do want a softer place for the kids to sit and do puzzles and play games. Today I found my rug for less than $100! It's a carpet remnant and not only does the weird size fit perfectly, but it is also a high quality rug.
This purchase has prompted me to rearrange all the furniture and the room will get painted before the month is over, I promise. Speaking of paint, my favorite place to purchase paint is Wal-Mart. I love Glidden paint. It is a one coat wonder and according to online reviews and a friend who works in construction it is the same chemical make up as those paints sold in the bigger box home improvement stores and the speciality paint stores.
I am now on the search for slip covers for the sofa...oh how I am missing Ollies and the Christmas Tree Store. I have found a site that doesn't have prices as good as Ollies, but they are the best I've found so far over at SmartBargins.com. This site also has other housewares and is having a pretty good sale going on right now. JC Penny has some really good online sales and are also featured on Ebates this month so your savings will increase even more.
Home decorating is one of my favorite things to do. The joke in our house is that every time Mason leaves the walls change colors and the furniture is in new spots. That is why I love furniture sliders......this time I had the movers put ALL the furniture on sliders! There is no stopping the madness now!!
When we found out that we were moving back into our house this summer we decided to rip out the carpet and the pergo floors in the living room and dining room and put down hardwoods. Wow, that was a process. There are sooooo many colors of floors it made me dizzy looking at them all and yes, you guessed it I went with the color shade I liked that was the cheapest. We love our floors and do have plans to redo the floors in the kitchen in the next year or so.
This left me with the delima of looking for an area rug to the living room. As I started searching, I started cringing at the prices...$500 and up for a 8x10 rug, even on discount sites the are over $200. I have been pretty content to just do without, but I don't want the floors to get super scratched and I do want a softer place for the kids to sit and do puzzles and play games. Today I found my rug for less than $100! It's a carpet remnant and not only does the weird size fit perfectly, but it is also a high quality rug.
This purchase has prompted me to rearrange all the furniture and the room will get painted before the month is over, I promise. Speaking of paint, my favorite place to purchase paint is Wal-Mart. I love Glidden paint. It is a one coat wonder and according to online reviews and a friend who works in construction it is the same chemical make up as those paints sold in the bigger box home improvement stores and the speciality paint stores.
I am now on the search for slip covers for the sofa...oh how I am missing Ollies and the Christmas Tree Store. I have found a site that doesn't have prices as good as Ollies, but they are the best I've found so far over at SmartBargins.com. This site also has other housewares and is having a pretty good sale going on right now. JC Penny has some really good online sales and are also featured on Ebates this month so your savings will increase even more.
Home decorating is one of my favorite things to do. The joke in our house is that every time Mason leaves the walls change colors and the furniture is in new spots. That is why I love furniture sliders......this time I had the movers put ALL the furniture on sliders! There is no stopping the madness now!!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Adventures in Potty Training
Oh potty training.....I have read so many books on the subject, and each one I read reinforces the fact that I am still going to "do my own thing." Maybe it is laziness on my part, paired with the fact that I really don't mind changing diapers/pull-ups. I also really do not want to make this a big deal or something stressful to either of us. With that being said, I do suffer from "Mommy Envy." What is this exactly do you ask? You know that little voice inside you that says "...*gasp* he is not potty trained yet,"...or..."*gasp* why don't you force him to use the potty."
Here is our strategy for potty training. First, I waited until we moved. The last thing I wanted to do was stop on a long drive to take him to a potty, or better yet have him decide he wanted to see each public restroom and therefore tell me he needed to go potty when he didn't really NEED to. J is in a pre-school class for "actively potty training kids." This means that they are all working on potty training. They have scheduled class wide potty breaks and they all talk about the potty a lot. Their goal is to have each kid "school" potty trained by Christmas. When he got into this class I decided that the month before he started school was the time to start.
Many of the books suggest using naked time to start so that is what we did. Low and behold he got it!! He only has had 3-5 accident since starting and within probably 36 hours I could say he was completely potty trained when he was sans clothes. That was about 6 weeks ago. Now the problem exists when he has clothes on.......when he has underwear or even no underwear but pants on, he has all kinds of accidents. It's like he feels like he has a diaper or pull-up on. When he has no clothes on, I don't even have to ask him to go to the potty he just goes on his own. When he has clothes on he refuses to go to the potty and it becomes a huge production. Remember I said I don't want to make it a big deal......so if he doesn't want to go we don't go.
I am thinking while he is physically ready to potty train, mentally he is not quite there. I'm hoping the influences of older kids will help, you know a little peer pressure!! He won't go at school either and they don't press it. His teacher assures me that one day he will decide he wants to try it, so we will see and we just wait. I mean really, it's much easier when we are out in public to only worry about taking myself to the bathroom so it doesn't bother me at all. Now, if I could just get passed that little nagging voice....
In honor of potty training, and the fact that I just ordered more pull-ups. Here are all the deals related to the subject!!!
Huggies Pull-ups has all kinds of coupons on their website along with a free potty DVD.
Amazon has some great deals with extra coupons!!
Pampers Easy-Ups for Girls :: From $12.79 {look for Pampers coupon}
Pampers Easy-Ups for Boys :: From $8.32 {look for Pampers coupon}
Huggies Pull-Ups, From $11.98 {look for Huggies coupon}
Diapers.com has potties on super sale along with more pull up diapers on sale. They also have potty rewards, books and big kid underwear on sale too.
This is a website that I have been using for reference Potty Training Concepts. And while I haven't used everything on the site I have found it helpful for ideas. Pretty much every kid is different and you can't force your child to use the potty, you just have to wait until they are ready! Although there are some brave women out there who use the Elimintaion Communication Method for infants to which I tip my hat too.
I can share that while my almost 3 year old seems to be content with where he is at in his potty training progress, my 14 month old daughter is really into this potty training process too. If you ask her if she needs to go potty she will walk to the bathroom, go to the little potty, take off her diaper (or rather get really frustrated trying to take off her diaper, until I help her......remember she is in cloth diapers with snaps on the sides) and sit on the potty. So far she has been successful 3 times on the potty. So, I'm just going with where we are at for both of them! I figure by next summer we won't have anymore little ones in diapers or at least that is the potty goal today, tomorrow it will probably change!!
Feel free to share your potty tips and stories, I'm sure there are many out there! The other day while we were in a public restroom J said very loudly' "Mom do you think that lady went poo poo on the potty? She smelled really bad!"
Here is our strategy for potty training. First, I waited until we moved. The last thing I wanted to do was stop on a long drive to take him to a potty, or better yet have him decide he wanted to see each public restroom and therefore tell me he needed to go potty when he didn't really NEED to. J is in a pre-school class for "actively potty training kids." This means that they are all working on potty training. They have scheduled class wide potty breaks and they all talk about the potty a lot. Their goal is to have each kid "school" potty trained by Christmas. When he got into this class I decided that the month before he started school was the time to start.
Many of the books suggest using naked time to start so that is what we did. Low and behold he got it!! He only has had 3-5 accident since starting and within probably 36 hours I could say he was completely potty trained when he was sans clothes. That was about 6 weeks ago. Now the problem exists when he has clothes on.......when he has underwear or even no underwear but pants on, he has all kinds of accidents. It's like he feels like he has a diaper or pull-up on. When he has no clothes on, I don't even have to ask him to go to the potty he just goes on his own. When he has clothes on he refuses to go to the potty and it becomes a huge production. Remember I said I don't want to make it a big deal......so if he doesn't want to go we don't go.
I am thinking while he is physically ready to potty train, mentally he is not quite there. I'm hoping the influences of older kids will help, you know a little peer pressure!! He won't go at school either and they don't press it. His teacher assures me that one day he will decide he wants to try it, so we will see and we just wait. I mean really, it's much easier when we are out in public to only worry about taking myself to the bathroom so it doesn't bother me at all. Now, if I could just get passed that little nagging voice....
In honor of potty training, and the fact that I just ordered more pull-ups. Here are all the deals related to the subject!!!
Huggies Pull-ups has all kinds of coupons on their website along with a free potty DVD.
Amazon has some great deals with extra coupons!!
Pampers Easy-Ups for Girls :: From $12.79 {look for Pampers coupon}
Pampers Easy-Ups for Boys :: From $8.32 {look for Pampers coupon}
Huggies Pull-Ups, From $11.98 {look for Huggies coupon}
Diapers.com has potties on super sale along with more pull up diapers on sale. They also have potty rewards, books and big kid underwear on sale too.
This is a website that I have been using for reference Potty Training Concepts. And while I haven't used everything on the site I have found it helpful for ideas. Pretty much every kid is different and you can't force your child to use the potty, you just have to wait until they are ready! Although there are some brave women out there who use the Elimintaion Communication Method for infants to which I tip my hat too.
I can share that while my almost 3 year old seems to be content with where he is at in his potty training progress, my 14 month old daughter is really into this potty training process too. If you ask her if she needs to go potty she will walk to the bathroom, go to the little potty, take off her diaper (or rather get really frustrated trying to take off her diaper, until I help her......remember she is in cloth diapers with snaps on the sides) and sit on the potty. So far she has been successful 3 times on the potty. So, I'm just going with where we are at for both of them! I figure by next summer we won't have anymore little ones in diapers or at least that is the potty goal today, tomorrow it will probably change!!
Feel free to share your potty tips and stories, I'm sure there are many out there! The other day while we were in a public restroom J said very loudly' "Mom do you think that lady went poo poo on the potty? She smelled really bad!"
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Adventures in Pre-Deployment
Ahhh, finally the cat is out of the bag and we can start talking about it!! You know the elephant that is in the room. That nasty word "deployment." That's right I said it and I'm not afraid. It has been a month full of craziness as dear husband has tried to catch up with his unit overseas. We have had departure date after date after date and finally when all seems like a go we are delayed another 12 hours...sigh. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE having him home, but this back and forth and other craziness has mentally worn us both down, not to mention that we are both emotionally exhausted. He just wants to get there and get started, and I just want to get this show on the road so that he can come home.
When I started this blog I promised my Rochester family that I would give them an insight into how different our life was going to be once we moved back into the "fleet," as they like to say around here. Exactly what does pre-deployment entail you ask. It is full of answering the "what if questions." The ones no one wants to answer, but you know you have too. It's full of planning for "What could happen," along with tons of paperwork (Power of Attorney, wills, money issues, insurance). It also seems to be the "What needs to get done before I go" time. The house repairs, the car issues and any other "manly" tasks. Not that I can't do all these things, or at least hire someone to do them, but it just seems to be the pattern that life takes us each weekend. Usually, a family has seven months to get this all done, we have had six weeks. Needless to say it's been rushed and there is a lot of stuff that will wait until next time or I will hire someone to do, but I like that it's been fast. It gives you less time to think!
Since he is meeting a unit that is in country already, he should also be coming home with them in February/March making this a five month deployment instead of the usual 7 months. That is nice, and we are very thankful. He is going to a very remote area overseas so communication will be very spotty, however we will look forward to emails, snail mail and Skype calls all the more.
So what are the kids and I going to be doing while he is gone you ask?? Well, J is in preschool two days a week and takes gymnastics one morning a week. I am involved in a Bible study every other week (with childcare) and running with a group 2 days a week. I am currently training for a half marathon in the Spring and running as many 5k and 10k races as possible to fill the weekends. I also do a little shopping spree a couple of days before he leaves. That way I am guaranteed "gifts" during that first week. Hey, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!!
I have some great friends to keep me busy and I know several whose husbands are also on the same deployment schedule as mine. I also plan to take a long road trip so look for me to show up on your doorstep needing a place to stay!! We love visitors, so feel free to book a stay at the Harlow Hotel in the near future. The weather is nice, and while it might be too cold for ocean swimming we do boast some of the best shark teeth beaches in the region!
I have been asked so many times "how do you do it?" To which I answer, "You just do." It is lonely. I do cry. I get frustrated and some days are harder than others. These emotions are all okay. This is our first deployment with kids and I think it's harder for him than it is for me. When I have bad days at least I have someone in my face who loves me with all they have and gives hugs and kisses freely.
We'll be okay, we are strong and the months will fly by......or, at least that is what I am telling myself!
When I started this blog I promised my Rochester family that I would give them an insight into how different our life was going to be once we moved back into the "fleet," as they like to say around here. Exactly what does pre-deployment entail you ask. It is full of answering the "what if questions." The ones no one wants to answer, but you know you have too. It's full of planning for "What could happen," along with tons of paperwork (Power of Attorney, wills, money issues, insurance). It also seems to be the "What needs to get done before I go" time. The house repairs, the car issues and any other "manly" tasks. Not that I can't do all these things, or at least hire someone to do them, but it just seems to be the pattern that life takes us each weekend. Usually, a family has seven months to get this all done, we have had six weeks. Needless to say it's been rushed and there is a lot of stuff that will wait until next time or I will hire someone to do, but I like that it's been fast. It gives you less time to think!
Since he is meeting a unit that is in country already, he should also be coming home with them in February/March making this a five month deployment instead of the usual 7 months. That is nice, and we are very thankful. He is going to a very remote area overseas so communication will be very spotty, however we will look forward to emails, snail mail and Skype calls all the more.
So what are the kids and I going to be doing while he is gone you ask?? Well, J is in preschool two days a week and takes gymnastics one morning a week. I am involved in a Bible study every other week (with childcare) and running with a group 2 days a week. I am currently training for a half marathon in the Spring and running as many 5k and 10k races as possible to fill the weekends. I also do a little shopping spree a couple of days before he leaves. That way I am guaranteed "gifts" during that first week. Hey, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!!
I have some great friends to keep me busy and I know several whose husbands are also on the same deployment schedule as mine. I also plan to take a long road trip so look for me to show up on your doorstep needing a place to stay!! We love visitors, so feel free to book a stay at the Harlow Hotel in the near future. The weather is nice, and while it might be too cold for ocean swimming we do boast some of the best shark teeth beaches in the region!
I have been asked so many times "how do you do it?" To which I answer, "You just do." It is lonely. I do cry. I get frustrated and some days are harder than others. These emotions are all okay. This is our first deployment with kids and I think it's harder for him than it is for me. When I have bad days at least I have someone in my face who loves me with all they have and gives hugs and kisses freely.
We'll be okay, we are strong and the months will fly by......or, at least that is what I am telling myself!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Adventures in Amazon Diaper Deals
Ahhh, Diapers......the vein of my existence. CB is in cloth diapers except for at night so we usually can get by with 1 or 2 diapers a day for her. J is in pull-ups for school which are the most expensive "bottom coverer," out on the market! Thankfully we should be out of those soon (pre-school will make that decision) and for a while at least we will be only buying a case of diapers every 3 or 4 months!
This week Amazon has some AMAZING diaper deals. Don't forget to sign up for Amazon Mom (it's a free program) for free shipping and and extra 15% off along with the Subscribe and Save option for another 15% off. Thank you to Baby Good Buys for the source of most of these deals I found!!
This week Amazon has some AMAZING diaper deals. Don't forget to sign up for Amazon Mom (it's a free program) for free shipping and and extra 15% off along with the Subscribe and Save option for another 15% off. Thank you to Baby Good Buys for the source of most of these deals I found!!
- Luvs Ultra Leakguard Stretch Diapers :: $26.59 :: $0.09 per diaper
- Luvs Ultra Leakguard Stretch Diapers (smaller pack) :: $11.96 :: $0.12 per diaper
- Luvs Ultra Leakguard Stretch Diapers, newborn :: $21.71 :: $0.14 per diaper
- Munchkin Super Premium Diapers :: From $20.38 :: $0.10 per diaper
- Pampers Baby Dry Diapers :: From $30.73 :: $0.11 per diaper {look for Pampers coupon}
- Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers :: From $21.45 :: $0.11 per diaper
- Fisher-Price Happy Days diapers :: From $36.39 :: $0.12 per diaper
- Pure ‘N Gentle Ultra Diapers :: From $20.12 :: $0.12 per diaper
- Fisher-Price Happy Days and Happy Nights diapers :: From $13.01 :: $0.14 per diaper
- Fitti Mega Baby Diapers, size 4 :: $31.70 :: $0.15 per diaper
- Fitti Mega Baby Diapers, size 5 :: $31.70 :: $0.17 per diaper
- Pampers Swaddlers Dry Max Diapers :: From $32.30 :: $0.14 per diaper
- Pampers Swaddlers Diapers :: From $30.73 :: $0.13 per diaper {look for Pampers coupon}
- Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers :: From $23.45 :: $0.14 per diaper
- Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers :: From $32.19 :: $0.17 per diaper {look for Pampers coupon}
- Pampers Cruisers Diapers :: From $35 :: $0.16 per diaper {look for Pampers coupon}
- Huggies Little Movers Diapers :: From $14.02 :: $0.18 per diaper
- Huggies Little Movers Jeans Diapers :: From $13.29 :: $0.18 per diaper
Eco-Friendly or Green Disposable Diapers
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diapers :: From $25.09 :: $0.14 per diaper
- Nature BabyCare Eco-Friendly Diapers :: From $25.12 :: $0.16 per diaper
- Earth’s Best Tendercare Chlorine-Free Diapers :: From $29.54 :: $0.17 per diaper
- Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers :: From $27.15 :: $0.17 per diaper
- gDiapers Flushable Refills :: From $36.40 :: $0.23 per refill
- gDiapers Snap-In Washable Liners :: $19.99 for 6 :: $3.33 per liner
- gDiapers gCloth Washable Inserts :: From $21.59 for 6 :: $3.60 per insert
- gDiapers Everyday Gs gPants :: from $79 for 6 :: $13.17 per cloth diaper
Training Pants & Extra-Absorbency Diapers
- Fisher-Price Happy Nights diapers :: From $45.49 :: $0.19 per diaper
- Huggies Overnites :: From $14.65 :: $0.19 per diaper
- Pampers Extra Protection :: From $17.41 :: $0.19 per diaper {look for $1.50 Pampers coupon}
- Pampers Easy-Ups for Girls :: From $12.79 :: $0.19 per pant {look for Pampers coupon}
- Pampers Easy-Ups for Boys :: From $8.32 :: $0.19 per pant {look for Pampers coupon}
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