New Year, New You! February 7, 2010

So my New Year’s Resolution was to stop eating junk and practice saving money. I know, two very un-fun priorities. However, I’ve managed to drop 15 pounds and put away quite a stash for a rainy day. Or should I say snowy day? The point is, it feels terrific! Plus my husband is pretty pleased, about the money part anyway. He’s a bit tight when it comes to my spending habits…

One helpful tool to save away is a website I often find myself logging on to. It’s called mommysavesbig.com. Full of coupons for just about anything. If you’re not a coupon kind of gal (or guy) you should really give it a try, it’s always fun to see your total decrease just before you slide that debit card through the machine. I always think of it as money I’m saving to buy something I really want, like new shoes or a purse. Easy savings that will make your husband happy.

Confession 101 January 30, 2010

You know you’ve fallen into the over-protective mother stage when a hot college boy knocks on your door asking to shovel your drive and all you can think about it how he needs to button up his jacket and by the way, where are his gloves and hat? What happened to the careless, anything goes attitude before kids? The answer… Kids.

Now, eating veggies and nap schedules seem to take priority over weekend plans. One of my most outgoing girlfriends had to cancel lunch this past week because her one year old naps from 10-1. She can never have another lunch date again, as breaking the schedule so diligently set would be sinful. As we all know, never wake a sleeping baby, right?!

Our lives as mothers will never be the same. My mother tried warning me of this, but no one can prepare you of such a thing. Rewarding, yes. Exhausting, absolutely!

I guess our jobs as mothers are never complete. Even as they grow up and shovel the drive, will they remember to button their coat?

Just Between Friends, Spring Sale Event January 29, 2010

Grab your best girlfriends, hop in the car and drive to Tulsa for the largest consignment convention in the area! Imagine thousands of square feet full of everything from gently worn children’s clothing, bibs, bottles, toys and more. The shopping experience is hosted by “Just Between Friends” a franchise created by two friends tired of paying reail, ready for a shopping extravaganza.

The now 5 million dollar business stretches throughout 17 states with 65 franchises. Shoppers aren’t the only ones getting a terriffic deal. Consignors may receive up to 70% profit from their items.

Tulsa’s Spring 2010 Event set for
February 28-March 6, 2010
Exchange Center at Expo Square

Sunday, 1:00-7:00pm
Monday-Sat., 9:00am-7:00pm
MON (new merchandise) Thur-Fri. (25% off)
Saturday, 9:00-7:00pm (50% off)

For more dates and locations visit their website http://jbfsale.com.

Story time with a kick! January 29, 2010

My kiddos have just discovered books with tape. They can recite The Three Little Pigs by heart, one of my personal favorites. Something even more entertaining is a website we recently ran across, www.kclibrary.org.

The site is super easy to navigate. Click on kids, then scroll to the bottom left and click on “Tumble Book” where you’ll find hundreds of books to choose from. The books are narrated and show pictures like a movie. So fun for kids!

An apple a day January 25, 2010

They take longer to eat, are crunchy and after all are quite tasty! An apple a day has now been proven to keep the cardiologist away. Studies found women who eat apples have a 13-22 percent lower chance of cardio disease.

Now go, pack an apple and keep yourself healthy for you and your family.

Thank you Better Homes and Gardens magazine for this tasty tip.

There is a list for everything January 20, 2010

Does anyone else out there wonder how the waitress who doesn’t write anything down remember exactly what you ordered? Yes, it’s impressive, but makes me a little nervous. Writing something important down is always a good idea in our household. Imagine shopping for a week’s worth of groceries and not having your trusty list. We make a list for everything. When we are getting ready to go out to eat we write down several restaurants, then rate them from 1-5 (5 being the best) then what ever restaurant has the highest amount of points, wins. I make a weekly dinner list, prayer list, constant wal-mart list, husband “to do” list.

Yes, the husband “to do” list. This one I find most important. This past weekend was a long one (happy Martin L King day to me!) so we decided to make a list and accomplish it. It consisted of everything from taking down the Christmas lights to bathing the dog (which by the way we neglected to do). Although he doesn’t always show it, I think my husband feels a sense of accomplishment when he completes one of my lists. Kinda like it’s a free ticket to lay on the couch and ignore the kids, me and any other distractions that might come between him, the couch and the TV.

Next time you’re at a restaurant (decided by a rated list or not) pay attention to the person taking your order. I know it looks kinda cool save some ink and memorize what everyone wants for dinner. But did you really get what you ordered?

One of a kind Silhouette Pendants January 16, 2010

When I was 10 years old my parents took us to Disney World for Christmas. One of my favorite treasures from the trip is a silhouette picture we had done while we were there. It’s still hanging in my parent’s house. Pictures like that are timeless. So when I ran across this vintage charm in Better Homes and Gardens last year I couldn’t help but fall in love with the pendant. It’s a bit on the expensive side, but as I said before… something you’ll have forever. All you have to do is send in a profile picture of your kiddos, favorite person, animal… whatever you want. Then within 2-3 weeks it’s sent back to you as a gorgeous pendant.

Visit craftsburykids.com to create your custom necklace – and if your husband asks how much, tell him it’s a “forever piece!” That line has been working for me lately…

Snow, not figure flattering… January 10, 2010

We’re now in day 3 of single digit temperatures. The snow looks fun, but who would know as it’s way too cold to test it out. (Picture on the left was taken before the freeze hit!) We’ve had the same icicles hanging from our porch since Christmas Eve. I do like being all nice and cozy inside. However, my husband and I have a fitness bet and being cooped up in the house isn’t good for my figure. Our bet includes not eating junk, taking smaller portions and not eating ANYTHING after dinner. All of this is extremely hard since chocolate is my best friend.

We recently bought a treadmill to partner with our fight against food. So not only are we eating less, we’re doomed to the treadmill at least 30 minutes a day. No chocolate + exercise equals a nice vacation body. Right?

That’s the bet. If we stick to our goals we are taking a vacation that requires bathing suits. Too bad I’ve eaten so many apples and salads I can’t even pass them in the produce aisle without gagging. That’s why a very smart woman, somewhere on a beach, invented the swimsuit cover up…

Coupon Stacking January 7, 2010

A friend of mine is a new stay-at-home mom and is really getting the hang of clipping coupons. She just passed along this terrific piece of money saving advice I thought I’d share…

At Target they “stack” coupons which means you can use a manufacturer coupon and Target coupon (which you can find tons on on Target’s website) at the same time and even on clearance items. Check out this website for more details: krazycouponlady.com, where they completely map it out for you.

Who knew? A coupon clippers dream!

Johnson’s First Aid Kit (just .99 cents!) January 6, 2010

Not sure about your kids, but mine are always in need of a band-aid (bleeding or not!). Target is currently offering the Johnson & Johnson First Aid To Go kits for just $.99. Hurry, before they’re gone!