The deadline for busy bags is this week and while I had a lot of interest the swap initially it seems that many of you are having trouble finding ideas for your bags. Here is a list that I have found from various bloggers that I hope helps you to commit! I would really like to have 30 people participating in the swap, so spread the word to your friends and friends of friends.
Don't forget you need to sign up here Busy Bag Swap by leaving a comment at the bottom of the post with your activity and your email address!
1) Egg Carton and Plastic Eggs: found at http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/08/busy-bag-idea-egg-carton-colored-plastic-eggs.html (Money Saving Mom)
2) Clothes Line Activity: found at http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/05/free-cothesline-busy-bag-instructions-and-pattern-download.html (Money Saving Mom)
3) Number Wheel: found at http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/08/busy-bag-idea-number-wheel.html (Money Saving Mom)
4) Button Snake: found at http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/08/busy-bag-idea-button-snake.html (Money Saving Mom)
5) Mini Playmat: found at http://www.intrepidmurmurings.com/2010/03/toddler_activity_bags_playmat_fun/ (Intrepid Murmurmings)
6) Paint Chip Game: found at http://pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com/2010/07/paint-chip-game.html (Pink and Green Mama)
7) I-Spy Bottle: found at http://activitymom.blogspot.com/2009/09/i-spy-bottle.html (The Activity Mom)
8) Popsicle Stick Puzzles: found at http://www.amazingmess.com/2010/07/popsicle-stick-puzzles.html (The Amazing Mess)
9) Popsicle Matching: found at http://rootsandwingsco.blogspot.com/2010/06/summer-popsicle-activity.html (Roots and Wings)
10) Double Trouble Shapes: found at http://www.walkingbytheway.com/blog/?p=298 (Walking by the Way)
There is also an AMAZING link source on busy bag ideas found at My Delicious Ambiguity... http://www.mydeliciousambiguity.com/2010/06/toddler-busy-bag-resource.html
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Adventures in Operation Homefront
Almost nine years ago Mason left for his first war-time deployment to Iraq in January 2003. We were called back early from Christmas leave and told to be ready for him to leave in two weeks. There was a scramble to get gear together and all affairs in order (think power of attorney and a will). When they guys finally did leave we were told to prepare for a year long deployment. The deployment didn't last a year, thankfully. They came home in May, but the communication was nothing like it is today. I had one phone call the entire time he was gone and very few letters. There was no email. Many people in the community wanted to help families, but this kind of deployment was new and no one understood needs or even how to help. Many young wives were having babies without husbands home for the birth, hurricanes hit, cars broke down, and other home "disasters" still occurred. During deployments something always seems to go wrong, whether the dishwasher quits working or you have an infestation of mice (this is what I had fun dealing with!!), and as a military spouse you have to figure out how to make it all work.
One of the organizations that arose from the desire of others to help families and servicemen with ANY need is called Operation Homefront (http://www.operationhomefront.com/) . This organization is near and dear to my heart. I have worked with them on several occasions in dealing with getting military families the assistance they need. One thing that I love about Operation Homefront is that you can help on an extremely local level. On the website, you can find a family in your hometown that may need help or you can list a service you provide (lawn, lawyers, repair, etc.). The organization also has a place where you can donate monetarily to a cause that is listed. I love that they list very specific needs which can be met by 1 or 1000 people who are willing to help. If you know of a family who needs assistance please refer them to the site.
Right now Operation Homefront has a partnered with Huggies. Kimberly Clark will donate 1 box of diapers for each box of the new camo diapers, that are being released this month and sold exclusively at Wal-Mart. This is a great way for you to support an organization dedicated to helping military families.
I encourage you to browse through the site to see all that they offer and to see if you are available to volunteer for any of the current opportunities. Please keep this organization in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to help all of the military families, they truly are doing an amazing job.
One of the organizations that arose from the desire of others to help families and servicemen with ANY need is called Operation Homefront (http://www.operationhomefront.com/) . This organization is near and dear to my heart. I have worked with them on several occasions in dealing with getting military families the assistance they need. One thing that I love about Operation Homefront is that you can help on an extremely local level. On the website, you can find a family in your hometown that may need help or you can list a service you provide (lawn, lawyers, repair, etc.). The organization also has a place where you can donate monetarily to a cause that is listed. I love that they list very specific needs which can be met by 1 or 1000 people who are willing to help. If you know of a family who needs assistance please refer them to the site.
Right now Operation Homefront has a partnered with Huggies. Kimberly Clark will donate 1 box of diapers for each box of the new camo diapers, that are being released this month and sold exclusively at Wal-Mart. This is a great way for you to support an organization dedicated to helping military families.
I encourage you to browse through the site to see all that they offer and to see if you are available to volunteer for any of the current opportunities. Please keep this organization in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to help all of the military families, they truly are doing an amazing job.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Adventures in the Drug Store Game: CVS
I have always loved drug stores. I think my fascination comes from all the beauty products in a small space set up so nicely without the pesky clerk looking over my shoulder asking if I need help. They also ALWAYS have a great selection of candy! Three years ago when I started couponing I was impressed with 2 programs at two different stores...CVS extra care bucks and Wal-Green's register rewards. I like that I can buy items I need, with coupons and then will recieve another coupon to use at the store. So for a small investment of $30 or $40 I can continue to roll over my store coupons and never have to spend any money for my items. WOW, sounds good right! As I began to do more research, I found that other coupon bloggers call this the Drug Store Game...and since they are so good at it and have spelled it out for you on their sites we are going to look to them for advice! I do want to note that by playing the drug store game you will find yourself with many items you may not need in order to get enough extra-Care Bucks to help you purchase the items you do need. This is where you can donate those items to homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, schools, churches, disaster relief, etc the list is endless. I think that couponers tend to get a bad rap for buying "unnecessary" items, yet most of the couponers I know ALWAYS donate part of their stash, it's just that the shows don't usually focus on the good part of couponing. If you don't feel comfortable buying these unnecessary items for your family, you will still save a lot of money using coupons and ExtraCare bucks for what you do use on a daily basis.
Thank you to http://www.dealseekingmom.com/ for her post on CVS 101 for Newbies (below). We will tackle Wal-Greens another day!
When you play the Drugstore Game, utilizing the program to its fullest, you can literally save hundreds of dollars for a very small investment of time to research the CVS deals each week.
Your ultimate goal is to attempt to create transaction scenarios that actually earn you a profit in ECBs. You can achieve this by reducing your total amount spent out of pocket (OOP) with CVS dollar off coupons (ex. $3 off a $15 purchase), CVS item coupons, and manufacturer coupons. You can actually "stack" one CVS store coupon and one manufacturer coupon per item, and use both in conjunction with a $/$$ coupon.
A great example of this is a recent Adidas Deodorant offer. The deodorant was free after ECBs for the month of May, and there was a coupon available to purchase the deodorant for free in All You Magazine. Even though you aren't paying OOP, you still earn the ECBs on the transaction. So you paid with the coupon, getting the item for free, and still earned $3.99 in ECBs to be used towards a future transaction.
Learn how to roll your ECBs. Once you've mastered the art of earning a profit on ECBs, you'll want to move on to learning how to "roll" them, which is just another way of saying that you're using them to pay for for items that earn more ECBs thus greatly reducing your OOP spending after your initial outlay. Learning how to effectively roll your ECBs will save you the most money in the long run.
Occasionally this may mean purchasing items that you don't really want or need, but think of the many things you could do with these items. Glucose monitors are always a welcome donation at nursing homes. Toiletries can be donated to shelters. Use items as stocking stuffers, create gift baskets, or even sell them in garage/yard sales. You can find a use for just about everything if you think creatively.
Now it's time to go shopping!!!
At the store, the first thing I do is grab all of the items I've incorporated into my scenarios. It's not at all unusual for some items to be out of stock, so it helps to have a few backup items in mind if possible. I always bring my calculator and coupon keeper in case I have to do some on-the-spot configuring.
You may want to group your purchase into multiple transactions. Often I'll do multiple transactions in one trip, so I group each transaction and organize my coupons before approaching the cashier so as to make checking out as efficient as possible. There are a couple of reasons for doing multiple transactions. One is to maximize your savings from $/$$ CVS coupons when they're available. For example, if you have a $2/$10 purchase coupon, it makes more sense to do multiple transactions as close to $10 so you can get $2 off each one. A second reason would be to roll your ECBs that print from one transaction and use them to pay for your next transaction to minimize your actual OOP expenses.
Learn the proper order to present your coupons. When you're ready to check out, first make sure the cashier scans your ExtraCare Card. Then it's important that you present your coupons in exactly this order to maximize your savings – CVS dollar off transaction coupons, CVS store coupons/manufacturer coupons, and finally your ECBs. If you present your dollar off coupons after your manufacturer and store coupons, your total transaction amount may not be high enough to allow the system to accept the coupon.
One very important thing to mention about ECBs is that you will not get change for them, so make sure you use them to their fullest. If I have a dollar off transaction coupon, I generally try to stay as close as possible to the minimum transaction amount to maximize my savings, but if my total after coupons is less than the ECBs I have to pay with, I'll pad my transaction with a few filler items so I'm not wasting the difference between the transaction amount and the ECBs. Filler items are just inexpensive items that you add to a transaction to get it above a certain subtotal. Trial size items are great, or in a pinch at the register you could grab a pack of gum.
Thank you to http://www.dealseekingmom.com/ for her post on CVS 101 for Newbies (below). We will tackle Wal-Greens another day!
When you play the Drugstore Game, utilizing the program to its fullest, you can literally save hundreds of dollars for a very small investment of time to research the CVS deals each week.
Learning the ins and outs of the CVS ExtraCare Program may seem a little daunting at first, but it's really quite simple when you break it down into the following steps.
Sign up for your very own ExtraCare Card. This can be done on CVS.com, or you may sign up in a store. Your best bet is to do it in a store so you can begin using your card immediately. If you choose to sign up online, it will take approximately two weeks to receive your card.
Configure your scenarios. You'll need to pick up a weekly store ad, as well as a monthly store ad. You can find the highlights of the weekly and monthly store ads, along with detailed weekly scenarios, posted right here on Deal Seeking Mom, or you can find the full lists on SlickDeals.net. You do need to be careful with the weekly ads, as they can vary between locations. Scan both ads to find the ExtraCare Bucks offers that most appeal to you. The most lucrative offers are usually the ones that are already free after ExtraCare Bucks (ECBs).
A great example of this is a recent Adidas Deodorant offer. The deodorant was free after ECBs for the month of May, and there was a coupon available to purchase the deodorant for free in All You Magazine. Even though you aren't paying OOP, you still earn the ECBs on the transaction. So you paid with the coupon, getting the item for free, and still earned $3.99 in ECBs to be used towards a future transaction.
Learn how to roll your ECBs. Once you've mastered the art of earning a profit on ECBs, you'll want to move on to learning how to "roll" them, which is just another way of saying that you're using them to pay for for items that earn more ECBs thus greatly reducing your OOP spending after your initial outlay. Learning how to effectively roll your ECBs will save you the most money in the long run.
Occasionally this may mean purchasing items that you don't really want or need, but think of the many things you could do with these items. Glucose monitors are always a welcome donation at nursing homes. Toiletries can be donated to shelters. Use items as stocking stuffers, create gift baskets, or even sell them in garage/yard sales. You can find a use for just about everything if you think creatively.
Now it's time to go shopping!!!
At the store, the first thing I do is grab all of the items I've incorporated into my scenarios. It's not at all unusual for some items to be out of stock, so it helps to have a few backup items in mind if possible. I always bring my calculator and coupon keeper in case I have to do some on-the-spot configuring.
You may want to group your purchase into multiple transactions. Often I'll do multiple transactions in one trip, so I group each transaction and organize my coupons before approaching the cashier so as to make checking out as efficient as possible. There are a couple of reasons for doing multiple transactions. One is to maximize your savings from $/$$ CVS coupons when they're available. For example, if you have a $2/$10 purchase coupon, it makes more sense to do multiple transactions as close to $10 so you can get $2 off each one. A second reason would be to roll your ECBs that print from one transaction and use them to pay for your next transaction to minimize your actual OOP expenses.
Learn the proper order to present your coupons. When you're ready to check out, first make sure the cashier scans your ExtraCare Card. Then it's important that you present your coupons in exactly this order to maximize your savings – CVS dollar off transaction coupons, CVS store coupons/manufacturer coupons, and finally your ECBs. If you present your dollar off coupons after your manufacturer and store coupons, your total transaction amount may not be high enough to allow the system to accept the coupon.
One very important thing to mention about ECBs is that you will not get change for them, so make sure you use them to their fullest. If I have a dollar off transaction coupon, I generally try to stay as close as possible to the minimum transaction amount to maximize my savings, but if my total after coupons is less than the ECBs I have to pay with, I'll pad my transaction with a few filler items so I'm not wasting the difference between the transaction amount and the ECBs. Filler items are just inexpensive items that you add to a transaction to get it above a certain subtotal. Trial size items are great, or in a pinch at the register you could grab a pack of gum.
Check your receipts and verify that all ECBs you earned printed correctly. It's much easier to have issues resolved before you leave the store, but CVS Customer Care is generally very helpful as well. And make sure to put your ECBs in a safe place. Treat them like cash because trying to get them replaced is near impossible if you lose them.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Adventures in Out-Running Irene
It's almost over...well, I say that but Mason says it is really just now starting. I think he is meaning the clean up part. Welcome back to NC!! As a present here is a hurricane...yep, gotta love the coast. Mason always says one of the best things about the Marine Corps is that usually you will live near the beach (well, he says always, but we know that is not really true there are assignments like recruiting and I&I duty where you might not live on the coast as we have recently learned, hello Rochester). This placement is FANTASTIC unless there is a hurricane. We love the beach, in fact we usually go every or at the least every other weekend.
With Irene looking menacing off the Bahamas this past week, there was a lot of discussion as to whether or not the hurricane was even going to affect us. On Monday, I decided since that is my usual Sam's day I would buy the case of water that they had sitting in the front of the store along with the 3 pack of flashlights and the huge case of D batteries, just in case. I also decided to forgo the usual "freezer" section purchases for the month and instead stocked up on non-perishable snacks. I wanted to be ready "in case," but I was more thinking that it would be a good idea to have this stuff on hand for the future. Mason calls this "denial."
On Tuesday, I watched the weather and when Mason started talking about having a plan, I thought he was joking. Why should we think about leaving, it wasn't looking that bad. In fact on Tuesday, they were talking about it moving to the East meaning it would not even be that bad. On Wednesday, he was talking more seriously about us leaving (the kids and I, because he wanted to protect the house from "looters"...and make sure our house and the neighbor's house didn't have any flood damage,), I seriously didn't want to go. We had been gone the last 3 weekends and I wanted to stay home. On Thursday he called while I was out running and said we really should go and by then I agreed (after a lot of praying and watching of the news). The original plan was to head to visit friends in VA, but my Mom and Grandparents were going to be in Greensboro, NC for a funeral about 3.5 hours away so we changed plans and met them there. This morning we woke up and headed to Raleigh, NC for tonight. Tomorrow we are going back home. It's been an adventure. I keep seeing Facebook posts from friends about the damage and I am interested in seeing it all for myself. Mason says we lost siding and shingles, but amazingly the playhouse which is not anchored down did not move. He says the yard is a mess, but thankfully we live in a semi-new neighborhood, so there really are not a lot of trees and the trees that we do have are not big.
Most importantly, we are all safe and sound! It's been an adventure checking into a hotel and figuring out how to get kids and luggage into the room by myself. Good practice for later right...it can only get easier as Clara Beth starts walking more confidently, although a friend reminded me tonight that then they will both go in different directions...so maybe it won't get easier :)
With Irene looking menacing off the Bahamas this past week, there was a lot of discussion as to whether or not the hurricane was even going to affect us. On Monday, I decided since that is my usual Sam's day I would buy the case of water that they had sitting in the front of the store along with the 3 pack of flashlights and the huge case of D batteries, just in case. I also decided to forgo the usual "freezer" section purchases for the month and instead stocked up on non-perishable snacks. I wanted to be ready "in case," but I was more thinking that it would be a good idea to have this stuff on hand for the future. Mason calls this "denial."
On Tuesday, I watched the weather and when Mason started talking about having a plan, I thought he was joking. Why should we think about leaving, it wasn't looking that bad. In fact on Tuesday, they were talking about it moving to the East meaning it would not even be that bad. On Wednesday, he was talking more seriously about us leaving (the kids and I, because he wanted to protect the house from "looters"...and make sure our house and the neighbor's house didn't have any flood damage,), I seriously didn't want to go. We had been gone the last 3 weekends and I wanted to stay home. On Thursday he called while I was out running and said we really should go and by then I agreed (after a lot of praying and watching of the news). The original plan was to head to visit friends in VA, but my Mom and Grandparents were going to be in Greensboro, NC for a funeral about 3.5 hours away so we changed plans and met them there. This morning we woke up and headed to Raleigh, NC for tonight. Tomorrow we are going back home. It's been an adventure. I keep seeing Facebook posts from friends about the damage and I am interested in seeing it all for myself. Mason says we lost siding and shingles, but amazingly the playhouse which is not anchored down did not move. He says the yard is a mess, but thankfully we live in a semi-new neighborhood, so there really are not a lot of trees and the trees that we do have are not big.
Most importantly, we are all safe and sound! It's been an adventure checking into a hotel and figuring out how to get kids and luggage into the room by myself. Good practice for later right...it can only get easier as Clara Beth starts walking more confidently, although a friend reminded me tonight that then they will both go in different directions...so maybe it won't get easier :)
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Busy Bag Swap!!
I have had a pretty good response so far to doing a Busy Bag swap so here is exactly how it will work...
Thanks to all who are participating in the busy bag swap! You need to complete 20 bags!! If you have not left me your email address please do so that I can send my my address for the end of the month. I am super excited about all the new ideas and activities :) Here is a list for the bags so far...if you change you mind about what you are doing please let me know so I can change and modify the list as needed! Thanks again so much....Foam color sorting blocks, Pompom push, Egg carton matching, Stringing beads, Lacing cards, Animal matching, Fishing game, Chalk activity, Felt Board, Collage/ Alphabet game, Color Matching, Number matching, Noodle necklace color sorting, Clothes pin activity, Water fishing game, Number tiles.
1) You leave a comment on the bottom of this post saying you are in, with your email address and what activity you plan to do OR if you want me to assign one to you. Once an activity is taken, please do not post the same activity. Look around online for ideas if you need them. Once 30 women have signed up or Tuesday, September 5th hits (which ever comes first), the swap list is closed. I know several of you have 2 or more children, if you want to do one for each child that is fine just please make sure you put that in your post and we will count you 2 times!
2) Each of us would assemble 30 bags with one identical activity (for ages approximately 18 months-4 yrs) in each bag. (Ex. I would make 30 bags with lacing supplies. You would assemble 30 bags with pom pom sorting supplies.) You may find Oriental Trading to be a good resource for bulk supplies.
6) You should invest no more than about $1-2 per bag. We're not wanting to spend a fortune here.
7) Mail your bags to me by Friday, September 30th, using any shipping method you prefer. Please include $14.95 to cover the return shipping (the cost to ship one large flat rate box), AND a label for your box with your return address. If you live in Jacksonville, you do not have to include the shipping, just make sure you get me your bags by Friday, September 30th.
8) I will sort through all the bags, divvy them up so everyone gets one of each, and mail the collection to you by Thursday, October 13th.
9) We then each have a collection of 30 activity bags to pull out when needed!
Please feel free to share this with your friends. The more people who join the swap from all over the country the more fun it will be!
Thanks to all who are participating in the busy bag swap! You need to complete 20 bags!! If you have not left me your email address please do so that I can send my my address for the end of the month. I am super excited about all the new ideas and activities :) Here is a list for the bags so far...if you change you mind about what you are doing please let me know so I can change and modify the list as needed! Thanks again so much....Foam color sorting blocks, Pompom push, Egg carton matching, Stringing beads, Lacing cards, Animal matching, Fishing game, Chalk activity, Felt Board, Collage/ Alphabet game, Color Matching, Number matching, Noodle necklace color sorting, Clothes pin activity, Water fishing game, Number tiles.
1) You leave a comment on the bottom of this post saying you are in, with your email address and what activity you plan to do OR if you want me to assign one to you. Once an activity is taken, please do not post the same activity. Look around online for ideas if you need them. Once 30 women have signed up or Tuesday, September 5th hits (which ever comes first), the swap list is closed. I know several of you have 2 or more children, if you want to do one for each child that is fine just please make sure you put that in your post and we will count you 2 times!
2) Each of us would assemble 30 bags with one identical activity (for ages approximately 18 months-4 yrs) in each bag. (Ex. I would make 30 bags with lacing supplies. You would assemble 30 bags with pom pom sorting supplies.) You may find Oriental Trading to be a good resource for bulk supplies.
6) You should invest no more than about $1-2 per bag. We're not wanting to spend a fortune here.
7) Mail your bags to me by Friday, September 30th, using any shipping method you prefer. Please include $14.95 to cover the return shipping (the cost to ship one large flat rate box), AND a label for your box with your return address. If you live in Jacksonville, you do not have to include the shipping, just make sure you get me your bags by Friday, September 30th.
8) I will sort through all the bags, divvy them up so everyone gets one of each, and mail the collection to you by Thursday, October 13th.
9) We then each have a collection of 30 activity bags to pull out when needed!
Please feel free to share this with your friends. The more people who join the swap from all over the country the more fun it will be!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Adventures in Coupon Codes
As many of you know, shopping with 2 little ones is not always easy, especially if you have one who insists on walking and when you get to the check out line you find "extra" items in the cart. Today as I was in Target; I think I completely destroyed both children's teeth as I fed them lollipop after lollipop in order to stay sane and get what I needed (please reserve judgement for giving the 1 year old a lollipop I got enough stares from other people who were whispering..."did you see that baby with a lollipop").
I usually do most of my shopping online (although the Target clearance draws me about every 3 or 4 weeks and I just can't resist!!). I do not buy anything online however, without a coupon code. Where do I get these little gems you might ask. I have several favorite sites although you can "Google" the store and put the words coupon code after it to find your specific coupon code too (i.e. gap coupon code). The sites I use most frequently are;
http://www.retailmenot.com/
http://www.couponcode.com/
http://www.promotionslcodes.com/
http://www.keycode.com/
I also usually shop through Ebates.com. Ebates is a cash back site that is free to join and free to use. Once you sign up you will be able to begin earning immediately. When you are ready to shop, you just type in the store you will be shopping at. It will bring up the store and tell you what % you will get back. The site will also let you know about any coupon codes available. Then, just click through to the store from the Ebates site and shop like your normally do – and when you buy something you earn cash back in your account. I love Ebates and they often run different cash back deals on different stores weekly. It is definitely something you want to check out and right now you can get a $10 gift card just for joining. This is my referral website (http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=WzjfX%2F%2BHRVJBvkaA65wCKA%3D%3D) , and I would love it if you used this to sign up for your account, but don't feel obligated to do so...Happy Shopping!!
I usually do most of my shopping online (although the Target clearance draws me about every 3 or 4 weeks and I just can't resist!!). I do not buy anything online however, without a coupon code. Where do I get these little gems you might ask. I have several favorite sites although you can "Google" the store and put the words coupon code after it to find your specific coupon code too (i.e. gap coupon code). The sites I use most frequently are;
http://www.retailmenot.com/
http://www.couponcode.com/
http://www.promotionslcodes.com/
http://www.keycode.com/
I also usually shop through Ebates.com. Ebates is a cash back site that is free to join and free to use. Once you sign up you will be able to begin earning immediately. When you are ready to shop, you just type in the store you will be shopping at. It will bring up the store and tell you what % you will get back. The site will also let you know about any coupon codes available. Then, just click through to the store from the Ebates site and shop like your normally do – and when you buy something you earn cash back in your account. I love Ebates and they often run different cash back deals on different stores weekly. It is definitely something you want to check out and right now you can get a $10 gift card just for joining. This is my referral website (http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=WzjfX%2F%2BHRVJBvkaA65wCKA%3D%3D) , and I would love it if you used this to sign up for your account, but don't feel obligated to do so...Happy Shopping!!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Adventures in Keeping Quite
Let me set the scene for you...CHURCH. I set J up with a shark book and a baggie of crackers and put his sippy cup of water next to him. Within 5 minutes he is on the floor. I pick him up and put him back in the chair. 5 minutes later, back on the floor. I think "ok he is quite, I'll leave him." Five minutes later he is loudly telling me that a shark goes ROAR, and bites people making a mess(thank you Daddy and Shark Week). I set him up with crayons and stickers. Somehow my 2.5 year old colors loudly, think you can hear every stroke, and it's distracting me so I am sure those around me are distracted. I then put him in my lap and try to interest him in a different book to which he then starts telling me the story. At this point we are about 15 minutes into the service and I am thinking, it's going to be a long hour and an even longer 6 months.
After our adventure in church by myself yesterday, I decided that I needed some help. I have been hearing about Busy Bags for quite some time now, in fact when I was pregnant with my second and had a 1 year old I made several small busy bags without knowing I was making them. I also was reminded of them when I saw a friend post about needing activities to keep her toddler entertained on an airplane. What is a Busy Bag you might ask? A Busy Bag is a wonderful bag full of age appropriate activities designed to keep toddlers busy and quite and still for 15-20min at a time. The Busy Bag is usually a gallon baggie with 1 activity per bag. Perfect for church, doctor appointments, rest time, mommy needs a break time, and any thing else you can think of. However, I caution you that the beauty of these bags is that they are not used every day...the Busy Bag is so successful because the toddler only sees it every once in a while! You can google Busy Bags and see so many activities that you can put in your Busy Bag for very little cost. These are some of my favorites;
1) Mini felt board---Cover a small piece of cardboard with felt and then include more felt shapes to create different scenes (house, people, animals, or my little one really likes just making his own picture with my scraps)
2) Noodle necklace---1 long piece of yarn with a small pipe cleaner attached to one end and a large washer attached to the other end. Include some long pasta (ziti works really well) that is hollow. The child then strings the pasta onto the string.
3) Lacing cards --- You can purchase these from craft stores, but they are super easy to make with a piece of card stock, a hole punch and a shoe lace.
4) Pom pom push---I have seen many versions of these, but my favorite is to take a small container with a lid (small ziploc bowl with a top is perfect) and put a hole in it. The child then takes pom poms and pushes them through the hole.
5) Foam curlers---This is the easiest one yet! Take a handful of foam curlers and take the foam part off the stick. The child then puts the foam back on. You can have them sort by color if you have different color curlers and you can cut the foam into different lengths.
There are sooooo many activities and ideas that I am sure you all have come up with just by reading my list. One of the most fun things about Busy Bags (for the Moms of course) is doing a Busy Bag swap. This is when you provide a certain number of bags all the same activity and swap them with other Mom's so that in the end you have the same number of bags but all new activities!!
If you are interested in participating in a Busy Bag swap leave a comment below. I'll organize it and let you know more details as we figure out how many people are interested. I think it would be perfect to do and have ready for the holidays, helping us all with the stress of traveling (and in our case, extra church services)!!
After our adventure in church by myself yesterday, I decided that I needed some help. I have been hearing about Busy Bags for quite some time now, in fact when I was pregnant with my second and had a 1 year old I made several small busy bags without knowing I was making them. I also was reminded of them when I saw a friend post about needing activities to keep her toddler entertained on an airplane. What is a Busy Bag you might ask? A Busy Bag is a wonderful bag full of age appropriate activities designed to keep toddlers busy and quite and still for 15-20min at a time. The Busy Bag is usually a gallon baggie with 1 activity per bag. Perfect for church, doctor appointments, rest time, mommy needs a break time, and any thing else you can think of. However, I caution you that the beauty of these bags is that they are not used every day...the Busy Bag is so successful because the toddler only sees it every once in a while! You can google Busy Bags and see so many activities that you can put in your Busy Bag for very little cost. These are some of my favorites;
1) Mini felt board---Cover a small piece of cardboard with felt and then include more felt shapes to create different scenes (house, people, animals, or my little one really likes just making his own picture with my scraps)
2) Noodle necklace---1 long piece of yarn with a small pipe cleaner attached to one end and a large washer attached to the other end. Include some long pasta (ziti works really well) that is hollow. The child then strings the pasta onto the string.
3) Lacing cards --- You can purchase these from craft stores, but they are super easy to make with a piece of card stock, a hole punch and a shoe lace.
4) Pom pom push---I have seen many versions of these, but my favorite is to take a small container with a lid (small ziploc bowl with a top is perfect) and put a hole in it. The child then takes pom poms and pushes them through the hole.
5) Foam curlers---This is the easiest one yet! Take a handful of foam curlers and take the foam part off the stick. The child then puts the foam back on. You can have them sort by color if you have different color curlers and you can cut the foam into different lengths.
There are sooooo many activities and ideas that I am sure you all have come up with just by reading my list. One of the most fun things about Busy Bags (for the Moms of course) is doing a Busy Bag swap. This is when you provide a certain number of bags all the same activity and swap them with other Mom's so that in the end you have the same number of bags but all new activities!!
If you are interested in participating in a Busy Bag swap leave a comment below. I'll organize it and let you know more details as we figure out how many people are interested. I think it would be perfect to do and have ready for the holidays, helping us all with the stress of traveling (and in our case, extra church services)!!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Adventures in Daily Deals
Many of you have asked where I find deals. One of the best places to find AMAZING deals are to sign up on daily deals pages. Places like LivingSocial.com and Groupon.com ask you to enter your zip code or city to give you deals specific to your location. While living in Rochester we got deals for several kid orientated places and spas. Places we would never have frequented before we got to try out for a fraction of the cost. Now that we are living in an area that is never listed we end up getting more national online deals. So far I have scored photo books, photo to canvas prints, clothing for the kids, and deeply discounted vouchers to websites. Most of the time on these sites you can purchase more than one voucher for yourself (sometimes up to 5), and vouchers for friends and family as gifts. Amazon.com also has a daily deal on their site and on Mondays you may find some featured baby and kid deals. Here is a starter list of some of these daily deals. I encourage you to check them out and sign up for their email alerts, it is often really worth it!! Feel free to add your Daily Deal site to our list, I'm sure there are more out there!!
http://www.livingsocial.com/
http://www.groupon.com/
http://www.mamapedia.com/
http://www.savemore.com/
http://www.greendeals.org/
http://www.babysteals.com/
http://www.kidsteals.com/
http://www.ecomom.com/
http://www.livingsocial.com/
http://www.groupon.com/
http://www.mamapedia.com/
http://www.savemore.com/
http://www.greendeals.org/
http://www.babysteals.com/
http://www.kidsteals.com/
http://www.ecomom.com/
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Adventures in Shopping
Yesterday we went to Wally World. That being said is enough to make me cringe, especially to those who understand the Wal-Mart we went to. I hate grocery shopping, but I only needed a few items and I also needed bungee cords, wrapping paper and paint, so in order to go to one place this was where we ended up. When I shop at this establishment, I like to get in and get out. I like to think that my children appreciate this too, even when it means using the shopping cart as a race car and draft bumping to get ahead, or going up on 2 wheels when we round corners. Yesterday was even more race like since we saw the movie cars 2 the day before and Jack was really into zooming and I just went with it!! It is shopping experiences like this that led me to turn to alternatives like Amazon and Soap.com. I'll save Amazon for another day.
This week Soap.com has 10% off your entire purchase for all customers who use the code SUMMER10. I LOVE Soap.com. They are the sister site of Diapers.com and offer toiletries and other household goods. I used the site to order toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, and other big bulky items. This way not only do I get great deals, but it also speeds up my grocery run and I don't have to lug these items out to the car along with the two children (especially important down here where one can get sunburned in the 5 minutes it takes to load the car!!). They have free 1-2 day shipping when your purchase totals $39 or more. The web site is really easy to use and they always have great weekly deals. New customers can get free shipping on their first order of $25 or more. The site will also let you use manufacturers coupons. You just need to mail them in and they will credit them to your account. I usually mail in coupons every 2 or three months. They will appear under "manufacturers coupons" in "my account," in an easy to read list with expiration dates listed too. You also receive emails when your coupons are about to expire. What could be easier than that. Soap.com is also linked to Diapers.com and Wag.com (the pet store) to make ordering and shipping easy! If you have never used Soap.com, I urge you to give it a try. My referral code is LADY6289. I will get a $5 referral credit to use on the site. After you sign up, you will be given the chance to create your own code to share with friends and earn credits.
I have not been paid or received endorsements from Soap.com to advertise the website or services.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Adventures in Blogging
So, after several months of thinking about starting a blog and then several more months of other people saying I should start a blog followed by several more months of thinking I decided to go for it. A big thanks to Kim F. for devising the name. It's perfect...especially when I think about the ride we are embarking on in the next several days (more about that craziness later)!! My major goal is to keep you updated on our life ride, but that will include many bargains, deals and money saving tips, because well, that is just who I am. Feel free to share me with your friends and your friends of friends, because if our crazy journey can give even a tiny bit of encouragement to one person than that is fantastic. I am going to warn you I am learning this technical stuff as I go so expect the colors to change, the layout to be different and things to get moved around as I change my mind often until I get something I can live with.
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