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Save $$ on Jerseys for the Kids

Athletic jerseys can be very expensive; in fact, they easily may cost a couple hundred dollars for adult sizes and children sizes can go up to $100. These prices are difficult for many consumers to pay, especially in the current recession and moms that want to buy their child a team jersey and feed the kid may not want to pay such a high amount. Most moms are more concerned about spending money on diapers and food rather than football jerseys and sports memorabilia that costs as much as the car insurance of two vehicles; so when Mom wants to buy a player’s jersey for father and son to match, they should stay away from expensive retail. To save a lot of money on sports apparel, step out of the overpriced sport stores. Right now.

TJ Maxx and Marshall’s are excellent stores to shop first to find terrific deals on jerseys and team merchandise at far better prices than just about any other retail store. This Christmas, a Mom would have found an authentic Kobe Bryant 24 Lakers jersey for only $16.99.

Kobe Bryant jersey

That shirt would retail for at least $35.00 almost anywhere else and this wasn’t a lame copy that some stores sell in order to bank on the trends, it was an official replica. Cheap imitations are fine for some but their appearance will differ from the actual jerseys and logos the players wear in games.

Find NBA apparel like this at TJ Maxx and Marshall’s stores For more discounted stores, try Ross as well or Kohl’s stores before and during the sport’s season instead of high-priced athletic outlets.

The city shoppers live in will likely carry the nearest team’s merchandise such as the southern California area will carry jerseys for the L.A. Lakers, San Diego Chargers, and Oakland Raiders which are available throughout the state.

Today, Wal-Mart stores are close to almost every shopper in any state and if not, walmart.com is another excellent resource for team apparel. For example: My mom bought an adult satin Peyton Manning 18 Colts jersey for only $27 and 97 cent shipping last Christmas. Typically, those store fronts that sell jerseys, will sell the local teams and most popular players, so online shopping will erase that problem if you live a thousand miles from the team your family roots for.

Peyton Manning jersey

Indianapolis Colts' apparel

Even though some fans don’t live even close to Indianapolis, theyare able to find a nice jersey for adult and children sizes at very affordable prices. Walmart.com sells fan merchandise for almost any team in major sports no matter where you live at deep discounts over athletic store prices and even their sale prices. This jersey on the right can be found at http://www.walmart.com/ for $27.

If new, old, or gently used items are fine with you, then Ebay and Amazon will save moms a big bundle of cash. Moms can search dozens of places to find their daughter or son a real jersey for the NFL Indianapolis Colts, but smart shoppers learn to skip the mall and finally search online to find another mom selling her son’s old jersey he had grown out of.

Youth Peyton Manning jersey

The one to the left was purchased on Ebay last season and most couldn’t even tell it was ever worn and yet they would have paid hardly anything for it. Now her son’s jersey is an authentic identical replica that was purchased on Ebay for only $12 and that is including shipping!

Craigslist.org can be helpful once in a while but also may be a hit and miss. If you live in the area where the team merchandise is sold than finding a New York Giants jersey in New York and New Jersey may not be that hard but for residents in Chicago, you will likely find people selling Bears’ gear instead and now Giants’ wants to see that.

Posted in Baby clothes, discounts, Online shopping, ShopforBaby, Shopping deals, Uncategorized.

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Rock On

Kids love music as we all know but getting kids’ instruments for lessons or the school band can be very expensive but there’s always a deal from someone who gave up or hasn’t played in years and has stuff to get out of storage.
As musicians, experienced or brand new, upgrade their equipment they often have old instruments such as guitars lying around they no longer want. Brand new drum sets, guitars, pianos,

etc. are expensive but once the leave the retail store, their cost is far more reasonable, just as car prices go down after being bought off the lot as private owners sell the old models to get a newer version.
Local music stores sometimes take in used items that still work great and are in good condition from trades or buy them back to re-sell to customers not looking for brand new so long as the condition and sound are still fine so long as the price tag is much more affordable than purchasing a brand new instrument. Many people sell their old equipment that still looks like new and many new learners just need something that works fine to learn on and move up when they are ready for more advanced models.
In addition to music stores and pawn shops for gently used goods, the internet isalways one of the best resources to find exactly what you want at a price that is much better than most stores. Craigslist.org has someone near you looking to sell their old instrument that is no longer being used. Eventually that old flute isn’t wanted anymore as it sits in a closet but is still worth some money and can be sold to make some cash so you can get a great price for an item still in fine condition. This site helps moms find local sellers to try out the merchandise and see it in person before spending any money to make a smart investment in a child’s music career however far it grows.

Kids are notorious for becoming bored on something they were dreaming about just a couple months ago; which means somewhere a mom has cleaned out some clutter and put it online at a reasonable price to sell it so it will be out of the house quickly for more room in storage for the next thing their child will bore from.

Ebay and Amazon are always full of new and used items of all price ranges with all types of instruments for beginners or advanced learners and even childrens’ instruments with learning books to practice at home.
Ebay has a whole store section of instruments that are brand new then down to rare antiques. Search thousands of listings in minutes by narrowing down the search by price range and type. This acoustic guitar is listed for under $40, including shipping.

Moms are very busy and buying a musical instrument can take time, especially if they don’t know how to buy instruments so asking the instructor for information for the best types of models to buy will help parents use the information from someone who knows what the kids should be playing on to find the right item quicker and search for better deals faster than jumping from store to store never really knowing which guitar is best to buy for your son or daughter.

Musicalinstruments.com is a shopping emporium for all things for joining a school band or starting a band including instruments, learning books, accessories, and instrument cases. This website also accepts Paypal transactions so buyers can shop online with confidence in security of their payments and piece of mind that their purchase is guaranteed or can be refunded with excellent customer service and rapid claim help. Check out the incredible deal on this beginner’s guitar!

For another great place to shop online, visit overstock.com for clearance deals from excess inventory of other stores and low cost shipping as low as $2.95 on all types of instruments. A Complete 4/4 Violin Kit is on Overstock currently for only $64.99. Click the link or search item #11490651. Overstock allows shoppers to also buy with Paypal over their secure server to protect credit card identity from ID thieves.

Posted in discounts, Online shopping, ShopforMom, Shopping deals, Uncategorized.

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Wednesday Woot! Deals

We have a few fun deals on Whoot! today that you may just not know you needed. This first one is actually pretty cool, cause we just can’t have enough movies in our house. And if you got one of those amazing flat screen TV’s for Christmas, it is always really fun to see your favorite movies again.

GREAT MOVIES FOR UNDER $5

http://www.wbshop.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-WB-Site/default/Search-Show?cgid=DVD499&AID=10280984&PID=3668349&promo=fHE499DVDSmulti

A product thumbnail of Where the Wild Things Are

The Warner Brother’s store online has movies for $4.99 plus shipping. You also get 10% off any item sold online if you buy one of these movies under 5 bucks. I think this is an incredible deal and a fun way to give the kids a special treat or spend a snow day.

CABELA’S GLOVES FOR $2.99

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Becker-Insulated-Gloves/726956.uts?destination=/catalog/browse/home-mens-clothing-sale-outerwear-sale/_/N-1103825/Ne-313/No-96%3fWTz_st%3dGuidedNav&WTz_stype=GNP&rid=10&WT.tsrc=AFF&WT.mc_id=k207752

It is always nice to have a extra set of gloves around, especially in winter. This is a great deal, but does get pricier if you have to add shipping. The best way to get the most for your money is have your gloves shipped to their store and pick them up for free.

7″ PORTABLE FLAT SCREEN TV $29.99

http://bensoutlet.com/products/haier-hlt71#

Haier

What fun is this, a portable TV for $30. Apparently this is good if you are able to pick up a good signal in the area, otherwise you can connect it to a DVD player and it runs on batteries. Might be a fun thing for camping or traveling to places that don’t provide a TV.

IPOD CHARGER FOR THE CAR $0.99

http://bensoutlet.com/products/iphone-charger

Iphone-charger-kit

This is a fun little find, since a lot of people now own the iphone, ipod and other “i” items, this is a great way to listen to music and charge on the go. And really? who can beat paying a dollar for it?

RADIO FLYER OLD SCHOOL STYLE RIDE ON TOY $30.99

http://www.meijer.com/s/radio-flyer-retro-rocket-foot-to-floor-ride-on/_/R-155853&PID=3668349&CAWELAID=415254522&cmpid=commjunct

Radio Flyer Retro Rocket Foot-to-Floor Ride On

For anyone who priced these out during Christmas you will know that this is a great price for a quality product. You can find them for around $50 or more plus shipping at other stores and this deal INCLUDES free shipping. If we didn’t already have a hundred different kinds of riding toys already, I would surely snatch this deal up! Have fun, or at least the kids will.

NON STICK BELGIAN WAFFLE MAKER $14.99

http://deals.woot.com/deals/details/f73a1561-721f-4aaf-a6f0-ac86b414a461/toastmaster-4-section-non-stick-belgian-waffle-maker

Toastmaster 4-Section Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker

Sunday mornings will never be the same again. This is a great deal on a waffle maker that will not only make great waffles, but great memories too. What a fun way to throw a brunch party or a wonderful breakfast activity with the kids as you add different kinds of ingredients to your waffles, like strawberries, chocolate chips, cinnamon etc. I am heading over right now to pick up one, for $14.99 you really can’t beat the price.

TOSHIBA 32 C100 32″ 720p LCD HDTV $299.99

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038JED6M/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Toshiba 32C100U 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV (Black Gloss)

Okay, this is a steal 🙂 and probably one of the best prices you will find for 32″ LCD HDTV. I am really thinking about getting one of these to replace the old clunker I have in the bedroom, that isn’t really broken, but heck it isn’t a $299.99 flat panel either. Pardon me while I wipe the drool from my mouth. I am gonna have to figure out a way to justify this purchase and try to get one before the rest of the world finds out. So why am I posting this great deal on Shopformom.com, cause Mom’s love deals and I love sharing them. So bust open the piggy bank moms and get a new TV! I’m pretty sure I will 🙂

Posted in Family Fun, Last Minute Deals, Online shopping, ShopforBaby, ShopforMom, Shopping deals.

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Eating Healthy for Life

Okay so somehow the pounds have kinda sorta leaped on my body, I’m sure it wasn’t the Christmas candy or cakes or any other sugary fat laden delights I consumed during the holidays. I am just positive that I DIDN’T have anything to do with these extra few pounds. However the extra pounds got here, I want them to know that they are unwanted and need to go.

The biggest issue with starting a “diet” or shall call it a “new eating strategy” is that sometimes it is really complex and hard to keep up with when, you are trying to feed a whole family, some of whom only like pasta, others who won’t eat anything green, one who likes meat prepared to perfection; how on earth are you gonna get your quinoa and barley, whole grain casserole in the oven in time to feed yourself. So start small and try just following a few eating habit changes that the whole family will enjoy.

EAT WHOLE FOODS

Here is a list of the world’s healthiest foods, just by adding one or more of these foods to every meal helps you loose weight and feel better.

food of the week

http://www.whfoods.com/foodstoc.php

Things don’t have to be complicated either to be healthy, you can cook in olive or sesame oils and flavor with the listed herbs. Keeping meals fun, colorful and interesting will keep you and the kids wanting to try the new healthier foods.

GREEN GREEN GREENS

Adding a green food to every meal will help with the body’s own detoxification process and speed your metabolism, without doing anything at all, not even exercising. A lot of people can not stand green food, but there are ways to make it simply delicious. Try this crazy fun recipe for a great breakfast on the go.

GREEN SMOOTHIE

Mix bananas which are high in potassium, tryptophan (which is a mood stabilizer) and vitamins, romaine lettuce, a great antioxidant as it neutralizes Cholestoral levels and aids in digestion and yogurt, which also has cultures that help digestion, colon cleansing and is rich in calcium and vitamins. Drinking a smoothie every morning gets your metabolism going and helps aid digestion throughout the rest of the day which aids the absorption of good nutrients and the processing of waste.

Here is an interesting article about eating your greens everyday from Natural-heathy-girl.com

http://www.natural-health-girl.com/eating-greens.html

Benefits of Eating Greens

Perhaps, you know it is a good idea to eat more greens in your diet, but at this point, you’re not really motivated to make changes to your diet habits. Here are some good reasons to consider adding more green plant foods to your diet.

  • Green plant foods balance your pH. Many modern foods are acidic in nature and can lead to health issues, so balancing your body with neutralizing foods like greens keeps your body’s pH at a healthier level.
  • Chlorophyl in green plants acts as a blood detoxifier.
  • They are high in nutrients and enzymes necessary for your body to function, such as iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. (Dead foods like white bread, refined sugar, cookies and the like rob you of health and vitality.)
  • In greens, you’ll find a variety of phytonutrients including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which protect your cells from damage and your eyes from age-related problems.
  • Greens are powerful antioxidants, and they support the immune system.

“But whole foods taste awful, are not fun, I don’t like fruits, veggies, etc.” you or the kids may say. I agree that at times the idea of having a nice ripe tomato, really doesn’t compare to a cheese burger and the convenience of frozen, canned and packaged foods is hard to resist. So here are some really easy, delicious whole food recipes that may give you a new perspective on crunchy granola foods. Also think of cooking foods in advance and freezing them or cutting up all that you need and portioning them out in the fridge for quick and easy assembly later.

Here is a link to some really great whole food recipes:

WORLDS HEALTHIEST FOODS:

whfoods.org

http://whfoods.org/recipestoc.php#recipes

Healthy Breakfast  Frittata

HEALTHY FOOD FOR LESS

You can usually buy whole foods for a lot less money than, say, shopping at Whole Foods, by shopping at local Farmer’s Markets and Ranch style Market grocery stores. If you have a ranch or farmer’s market grocery store nearby, these places often carry lower priced produce and whole foods. They may not be better for savings on canned and processed foods, but guranteed they will have good deals on produce and farm fresh products. Other places to try for discounted produce are…

Food 4 Less logo

http://www.food4less.com/Pages/default.aspx

logo

http://www.superkrm.com/

http://www.99ranch.com/

Good luck, as soon as you have started your whole foods eating strategy, you and the whole family will not only be leaner, but happier and healthier too.

Posted in discounts, Easy Meal Planning, Family Fun, health and nutrition.

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Workout at Home For Less

Now that you have got that great new look, you may want to shed the few pounds you have put on over the holidays or over a lifetime 🙂 Hey, parenting can be really hard and being busy all the time means that moms often don’t have the time or don’t take the time to take care of themselves. Trust me, with three, I am always busy and seriously, I don’t know how I find the time to exercise. Going to the gym can not only be expensive, but if you don’t have gym childcare and have small ones at home, there is always the issue of what to do with the kids while you are at the gym.  So here are some really fun and easy ways to exercise at home.

WALKING

This kind of a no brainer, but walking is the very best exercise for a busy mom, you can put your kiddo in the stroller and take a walk to the park or the local store to pick up essentials. However, this isn’t always easy to do with nap time schedules, drop offs and pick ups to daycare or since it is winter, COLD temperatures making you less likely to jump out the front door with toddler in tow. So here are some ways to get your walk on!

Okay, before you get started remember that you can start small, shoot for twenty to thirty minutes of exercise each day, taking off weekends to avoid burn out.

TAKE THE STAIRS

If you have stairs in your house, trying taking a couple of brisk runs or fast walks up and down the stairs, then do it with laundry or a basket of toys that need to be put away, heck grab the toddler and do at least ten rounds of ten, you will feel refreshed and invigorated. And the pounds will melt off…

SPEED WALK THE HOUSE

Alert the kids that you are doing a speed walk of the house and walk the entire perimeter of the house again, do ten rounds of ten, for the speed walk and the stairs, you may want to wear a pair of headphones as the constant repetition may get a bit monotonous.

GET OUT IN THE COLD

Maybe switch up your routine by getting out during the sunniest part of the day and do a little walking in the cold. While it will take some gearing up for your walk and you may have to bundle a toddler to join you, it is really nice to get out in the cold and do a brisk walk. Remember to pace yourself and cover everyone up in layers, make sure that you wear a hat and gloves. But walking in the cold actually burns more calories and helps elevate your heart rate, so if you can brave the weather, you can do a shorter work out and get better results. Plan on a brisk twenty minute walk.

POWER CLEAN

Ready, set, GO!!!! Clean the house as fast as you can. Again alert the kids, because they will definitely think that you are a freak. But try to move as fast as possible and pick up toys, scrub floors, wash counters, do laundry all at the speed of light. This will not only accomplish these tasks faster, but gets your heart rate going and burns more calories.

AT HOME DANCE PARTY

Nothing is more fun that throwing on some great dance tunes, grabbing the kids and dancing till you drop. This is a GREAT family activity and it burns a lot of calories. Plan a fun night when after dinner you clear a space in the living room and make a dance floor then either get dressed up or bring out props and just dance, dance, dance. It is a great family activity and raises your mom coolness points to astronomical heights.

If you have a Wii or other online games, it is also another way to engage the family in a fun activity that hopefully gets you all off your feet and moving, try the fitness games and get the family involved.

DO LAPS OF THE MALL

Get your window shopping fix in and do a brisk walk, with kiddo in a stroller and traverse the entire mall all floors at least twice, this will give you a great workout and an amazingly good survey of shopping deals. One rule: Don’t shop until you are done with your work out, you don’t want to break your stride, but when you are finished, yes you do deserve that sweater, hello? you just did a great workout.

Another fun idea is using a FREE website called FREETRAINERS.COM

http://freetrainers.com/

Free Exercise Routines - Workout Programs & Online Weight Loss Diet Plan

This site is COMPLETELY FREE and gives you a nutrition plan, exercise plan and a community of support to help you meat your fitness goals. This is so amazing because it is a free service. Join up and become a part of the community by posting on the forums which will help keep you accountable to your goals and enthused by other’s support.

You can do it with only a tiny bit of extra effort you can make an ordinary day into a great workout.

Tomorrow we will discuss easy healthy meals the whole family will enjoy.

Posted in health and nutrition, Online Freebies.

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New Year, New You, New Living room, New Kitchen

Now that New Year is fully underway, its time to revamp the old and tired versions of things. Even you may be needing a little reworking and since we often don’t take the time to take stock of our lives, New Year’s is always a good time to throw on a new coat of paint.

Here are some redecorating ideas that will give old things a new glow.

GIVE YOURSELF A VIRTUAL MAKE OVER FOR AN AMAZING NEW LOOK

First you may want to get a hair cut or a new look to celebrate your new year. You may not be able to afford the most expensive salon at the moment, but consider using this great make over tool to get the right look and bring it into your favorite lower priced hair salon for better results.

VIRTUAL MAKE OVER

http://makeover.dailymakeover.com/virtual-makeover/#/home

This site is great because you can upload a picture of yourself and test different hairstyle and make up. You can get a new look for almost nothing. And if you print up a picture of the “new you” you can take it to:

Supercuts

http://www.supercuts.com/default.asp

or

Fantastic Sam's Logo - Back to Homepage

http://www.fantasticsams.com/fantasticsams/consumer/index.aspx

With a copy of the picture for a great new look for less. What fun!!!

REVAMP YOUR KITCHEN

After: Kitchen remodel.  (© Jamie Hadley/Sunset )

Your best friend on an inexpensive kitchen remodel is a CAN OF PAINT. Nothing like a fresh can of paint can bring new life to an old kitchen. Couple your new color with new cabinet knobs and accessories and you have a brand new kitchen for less than one hundred dollars. Here is a sample of someone who made over their kitchen for $30.

http://realestate.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=13108137#1

Try homedepot.com home page

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HomePageView?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Hit the home depot for a new can of paint and fixtures like cabinet knobs, light fixtures and the little extras that will make your kitchen special. Try looking at your space and creating new and exciting uses for counter tops, like creating a writing area or breakfast bar with the space that might currently be collecting clutter.

REDO YOUR LIVING SPACES

One of the best ways to make a dramatic change in a room is to first paint it and give it a fresh new look. As with the kitchen a can of paint and a few new pillows, throws and wall decorations can totally transform a living space. Here are some fun ways to do that.

Here is a helpful article about how paint can change your space. Consider using exciting and new colors, nothing gives you a fresh start better than a vibrant new color scheme.

http://slavkin.net/in-design/how-paint-can-change-your-space/

Add new pillows, throws and rugs to tie in your new color pallet.

Try Overstock.com OVER STOCK.COM

http://www.overstock.com/

For great deals on bedding, rugs, wall decor and other sundries that will revamp your home.

Another amazingly inexpensive thing that can change a space without painting if you don’t have the time or don’t want to paint is removable wall decals.

These decals can greatly change a space and most large sized wall decals are less that $200 and are more in the $100 price range for a HUGE wall decoration. Here are a few online stores that have great selections and great prices.

Dali Wall Decals

http://dalidecals.com/

DezignWithaZ

http://www.dezignwithaz.com/

Both of these online companies have great wall art for not much money. I can’t wait to get a few for the living room.

For a few hundred dollars you can not only get a great new look, but a great new kitchen, living room, bedroom and more…you just have to be a little thrifty and a lot creative.

Have fun!

Posted in discounts, Family Fun, Online shopping, ShopforBaby, ShopforMom, Shopping deals.

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Wednesday Woot! and Other Wonderful Stuff

On Wednesdays, I will be featuring great deals on a website called Woot! that has some really cool stuff for really cheap. I will also be highlighting some things that will be hard to pass up.

Now that our New Year is underway we are inching into our regular routine, some may have hit their resolutions with a bang, others (like myself) are still sorta figuring them out (reluctant to do them). So as a fun diversion from headier ambitions, here are some great deals on things you didn’t know you NEEDED!

A COOL BRIGHT COLORED HEADLAMP/FLASHLIGHT or

HEADLAMP/LANTERN $9.99

Coleman LED Axis Headlamp Bundle

http://sellout.woot.com/?ts=1294267361&sig=e794c897208ea14b

If you like the outdoors and camping, these little gems are a MUST, and will be all you need for a fun trip. Keep a headlamp in your pocket, for when it gets dark and wear it at night for a portable light source that is hands free and safe. And being a parent with kids, inevitably you will be sharing yours with the little ones, who will probably spend more time searching out stuff with their headlamps than forging their way to the bathroom. So, at this terrific price, you can get one bundle for each person in the family AND they can pick their own colors. Very cool.  These items are also great to have on hand during the winter when lights may be out because of power outages or damaged power lines. Being able to have each member wear and headlamp and have a small flashlight to maneuver around the house promotes safety and makes everyone feel more secure. I just ordered three.

EYECLOPS PROJECTOR FOR $29.99

http://deals.woot.com/deals/go/d06649cd-3f5b-40a1-936e-9b5fa12214e9

A projector that you can attach a DVD player and Video Game player to for the kids to project stuff on the wall. While this is a toy and the image is not as clear as a television, this is a fun little thing to have around. Especially for kids slumber parties and bringing a DVD to places where there isn’t a television. Great for BBQ’s and projecting images outside in a dark area. For $30 dollars, its a fun little deal. I remember when this technology was thousands of dollars, not $30.

ROCK BAND GUITAR AND THREE GAME BUNDLE $29.99

large image

This looks like fun, if you have a PS3 or an Xbox 360 this is a great deal on three games and a guitar. So if the kids just (or who are we kidding, you!) just got a new game player, this just may be a must have.

http://deals.woot.com/deals/details/8d728f27-3260-431c-a9a2-286a97b96039/rock-band-wireless-guitar-3-game-bundle-for-ps3#12

CUTE CROCS FOR GIRLS $7.99

http://www.crocs.com/crocs-girls-mary-jane/10034,default,pd.html?cid=001&cgid=outlet&srule=price-sort-1-9&siteID=PvTvb1zzm2o-q_YeFaMaS8ytqgS4S2Pupw

When I first saw Croc’s shoes, I have to admit I thought they were pretty darn ugly and frankly when they are on my feet, the original design looks a bit freakish, but I have found some really cute comfortable Crocs and I have to admit, I am a fan. And for the kids, nothing beats them, especially in summer when we are in and out of pools, on and off grass, in and out of the house. So this deal is seriously unbelievable. Wow…heading over right now to buy a few pairs.

WD My Passport 320GB External USB Portable Hard Drive $34.99


WD My Passport 320GB External USB Portable Hard Drive

http://deals.woot.com/deals/details/fae65483-7f8d-40a5-a84c-a3b40e734e0c/wd-my-passport-320gb-external-usb-portable-hard-drive#5

Okay this is an awesome deal especially if you clearing out clutter and cleaning up your computer. I put everything on external hard drives, for two reasons, I have a back up for my computer, but I also have something that is easy to grab in the case (God forbid) of a catastrophe or fire. I feel amazing knowing the the kids pictures, our important documents and other files will not be lost cause it is portable and trust me 320 gigs holds a lot. This is a wonderful deal for something truly useful.

I hope you have enjoyed our sojourn into Woot! and the wonderful world of online savings. More next week.

Posted in coupon codes, discounts, Family Fun, Last Minute Deals, Online shopping, ShopforBaby, ShopforMom, Shopping deals.

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Thrift Store Thriftiness

Okay, the kids may be going back to school, this week or next and you are starting to wind down after the whirlwind of the holiday season. Its hard to believe that its all over, but as you put away your decorations and prepare for, Valentines day and some time away from the kitchen and entertaining, you may want to finish your reorganization project.

Its time to take your bags and boxes of donations to your favorite local thrift store. Usually I just smile, drop our items, get a receipt and go. But how many of us have ever think to venture INSIDE the store…well let me tell you it is a treasure trove of fun and savings.

GET RID OF THE BIG NASTY OLD STUFF AND BUY FUN NEWER STUFF, THAT IS LESS NASTY

So if you are like me and you have little kids and at a pet or two, it is safe to assume that your furniture will get nasty, unless you don’t let kids, dogs, food, or husbands on it. I know a lot of families that have “the room” that never gets touched and that is a great place for guests, but as your usable furniture takes a beating, you may think about getting something new that isn’t covered in peanut butter, pen markings and pet hair. So you look and you look and you finally decided that spending $500 to $5,000 for something that will inevitably be covered in gunk again until your children are…ten (no not ten), 15 (definitely not 15) 22?? (no…) and then you say never mind, I’ll just clean the couch again. And this is a wise decision to continually clean your furniture, but there will come a day when it simply isn’t cleanable anymore or you just plain hate it. 🙂

Here is where thrift stores come in handy, for a couple hundred dollars or less you can get a new less nasty piece of furniture, that you won’t mind as much if it gets crumbs in the cracks. You will still want to make an attempt to uphold the sanctity of a clean couch, but you are realistic, you do have kids, pets, reptiles etc. And you won’t go nuts if you only spent $125 dollars on your “new couch” vs. $1,200.

Here are some great places to save money on used furniture:

FURNITURE

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES

Goodwill Industries International logo

Goodwill is going to be hit or miss on their goods, like most thrift stores, but if you check in often, you can spot some amazing finds. Also ask the sales representative at your local store about in store specials and deals, especially on furniture. Goodwill also has an online shop.

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/

shopgoodwill.com Celebrates it's 10th Anniversary

SALVATION ARMY

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf

The Salvation Army - Doing the Most Good

The Salvation Army will usually have sales on Fridays and Saturdays, check with the store to see what specials they are running on those days.

I got a beautiful micro suede couch for half off, so what was originally $160 ended up being $80 bucks, not too bad for a beautiful new four person couch.

CRAIGSLIST

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/

Craigslist is a great online community that lists people who are selling items, you can get some great deals, but do watch out for scams, make sure you familiarize yourself with their policy on scams.

BUY USED CLOTHES

Thrift stores can also be a great place to get clothes, especially gently used kids clothes. Again, kids are gonna mess up their clothes, I feel much better as a mom paying $3 dollars for a piece of clothing that eventually ends in the trash than $30. You have to hunt, but you can also find amazing deals on designer clothes for the whole family. You just never know what someone has chosen to clear out.

GET FUN TABLEWARE

You can find, fun dishes, plates and serving ware, some are real antiques and others are just quirky, functional or fun. Again the thrift store is a great place to find dishes that you don’t care if the kids, oops drop them, or heaven forbid, you do :-).

BIKES and OUTDOOR PLAY TOYS

Thrift stores are great places to find bikes and out door toys and because they will eventually be left in the rain, crashed or otherwise terrorized, especially if you have sons, you might want to skip the assembly and buy used. I found a great trike for my youngest who is just learning to ride for $4 dollars, which was almost like stealing it.

Just about anything can be bought at a thrift store, but here is some advice you may want to follow. First be prepared, there is a lot of junk at thrift stores and it can be depressing and overwhelming, so go in with a good attitude. Remember you will be jumping for joy when you discover the savings. Scope out your local thrift store scene and see what stores are nearby, then call them and see if they carry what you are looking for.

If you want to shop online try…

EBAY

http://www.ebay.com/

From collectibles to cars, buy and sell all kinds of items on eBay

If you know how to work an auction, you can get some great deals. The best thing to do is watch the item and bid in the last few minutes to get the best deal on a popular auction.

Lastly, remember that shopping at thrift and second hand stores helps the planet as it creates less waste and promotes re-use. Be creative and turn that tacky green table that is just the perfect size for the playroom into a work of art, better yet, let the kids help.

Posted in Baby clothes, discounts, Family Fun, ShopforBaby, ShopforMom, Shopping deals, Uncategorized.

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Things to Eat For Luck, Wealth, Longevity and Prosperity on New Year’s Day

New Year’s Eve is here as we head into 2011. For some 2010 was a year of monumental moments and exciting opportunities, for others 2010 was a challenge or a mixed bag of blessings and challenges. Many like to view the New Year’s holiday as a time of new beginnings. The best way to celebrate a new beginning is with some sort of ceremony, no matter how large or small, New Year’s is a good time to take stock of our lives and re-organize our priorities, hopes and dreams.

Here are a few fun food suggestions to make the day enjoyable for the whole family.

SPECIAL FOOD

In many cultures around the world, New Year’s food is symbolic and is eaten to bring prosperity, health, well being and happiness for the following year. Here are some traditional New Year’s Foods that can be served to add fun to the celebration.

LUCKY FOODS

While cultures do differ, here are some foods that are considered to increase good fortune in most cultures. Consider eating some lucky foods on New Years Eve and New Year’s Day.

GRAPES

In many Latin and Spanish speaking countries people eat one grape for every hour at midnight (12 grapes) are eaten and represent the 12 months of the year. If a grape is sweet and it is the fifth grape, it means your May will be will be filled with sweetness, yet  if a grape is sour, prepare yourself for some challenges that month.

EAT TWELVE GRAPES IN TWELVE SECONDS 🙂

The goal is to eat the 12th grape by the stroke of 12. 🙂

LEGUMES

Black-eyed peas

Eat beans for prosperity in Italy, Japan and America beans equal wealth, so the eating of beans insures financial security for the upcoming year. They can either be eaten on New Year’s Day or Eve. Some actually eat a combination of beans and pork (also a lucky food) just after midnight.

In America, black eyed peas and hamhock bring prosperity.

In Asia, its sweet black beans

In Italy its beans and sausage

Here are some great bean recipe’s for the New Year’s feast.

http://newsfeed.time.com/2010/12/31/a-new-years-tradition-11-ways-to-make-black-eyed-peas/

GREENS

In America, its collard greens, in Germany its sauerkraut (cabbage) in Danish tradition its Kale with cinnamon and sugar. Whatever green leafy vegetable you want to  cook, the more you eat the richer you will be. (come on, you buy this line of thinking)

Simply, greens represent folded money 🙂 And if they are eaten in any form they are supposed to bring the abundance of wealth. Or rather, cold hard cash, I just can’t think of any family that couldn’t use that!

http://www.recipe.com/black-eyed-peas-with-pork-greens/

PORK

Lucky New Year Foods - Pork

Pigs push forward and root for their food, symbolizing progress and prosperity as their meat is full of fat. The idea is, consume pork and you will be a great entrepreneur. So moms, fix a nice ham and you may be seeing your dreams of a business opportunity materialize. Hey you never know.

Here is a recipe for Lucky Pig

http://www.starchefs.com/features/farm_fresh/spring/2009/html/lucky_pig_brandon_sharp.shtml

FISH

Traditionally fish has been served as a first meal of the year in many countries all over the globe, because fish like cod, herring and sardines were very easily preserved and prepared for holiday feasts.

In Japan fish eggs are served for fertility, in Poland its pickled herring at midnight, Italy enjoys dried salt cod and in Germany you chow on carp. Fish is meant to represent a healthy robust life. Here is a great New Year’s fish recipe.

http://www.globalgourmet.com/food/special/1999/asia/fish.html

DUMPLINGS

Lucky New Year Foods - Dumplings

In China, dumplings represent an old form of currency and thus represent financial wealth. They are also a plain pocket filled with taste and nutrition; also representing a simple life of abundance. Superstition advises that one purchase dumplings vs. buying them because making your own abundance (ie, measuring ingredients and making enough for guests) is not as prosperous as receiving them and giving them.

Here is a link to healthy frozen dumplings:

http://www.anniechuns.com/our-food/frozen

NOODLES

Noodles represent a long life. Most countries believe that pasta, noodles and long stringy things you eat, represent a long life. So… op-ah to living, pass the capellini!

Here is a fun noodle recipe.

http://www.suite101.com/content/chinese-new-year-long-life-noodles-a43814

And finally to make life sweet and joyous…

CAKES

Lucky New Year Foods - Ring-shaped Cakes

Traditionally, ring shaped cakes are eaten to represent the wholeness of a year and the fullness of one’s life cycle.  I also believe that eating something sweet means that life is gonna be sweet. While, I am a mom who tries to avoid sugar for my kids, having something nice and sweet to look forward to, helps emphasize that even through the tough times (homework, time out, consequences) life can still be sweet. In Latin America sweetness is served in rings of bread with the baby Jesus hidden inside. In Greece licorice flavored cakes are eaten. I love to serve Japanese mochi, which is a sweet gummy rice ball filled with sugared bean paste or ice cream. Yuck you may think…but oooh you haven’t tried it, cause if you had, you may love it. So I will close this post with a homage to my favorite New Year’s food.

Mochi

http://mochiicecream.com/

Posted in Easy Meal Planning, Family Fun, Holiday Meals, Online shopping, Uncategorized.

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Christmas is Over and it is Time To Clear The Clutter

With Christmas a whole four days behind us, we are ready to move on to the next thing. Which often means a lot more work to get your beautiful home back to its former beauty. Do you have boxes full of the kids gifts that still have not been assimilated into the playroom or toy box? If you are like me those places are already over filling with stuff. The sock drawer already doesn’t close, I have to heave my body weight into the closet to move clothes over to hang up new items, yep stuff is getting a little tight around here and that is not just the pocket book after massive holiday spending. Chances are if you are anything like me, you may just have too much stuff. And if you have been an excellent, purger, re-oraginizer throughout the year and everything has a purpose and a place AND you have children, I want to give you an award, cause that is a near impossibility in this busy house.

So where do you start as you stand staring at the amassed clutter and chaos that once was a near spotless floor. Well, here are a few tips and items you can buy ON SALE that will help with your re-organization project.

STEP ONE: BOX TO BOX/ROOM TO ROOM

So as not to get overwhelmed, start your organization efforts slowly and methodically. Start with the busiest, most used room first, usually this is the kitchen or living area. Before you tackle the gift boxes and extra stuff coming in, go to your storage areas and be ruthless about what you have used or needed in the last year. If you haven’t used it or needed it and it doesn’t have MASSIVE sentimental value,  then it needs to go.

Grab a garbage bag, a donation bag and a re-gift/return bag and start to it. Don’t feel bad about throwing out broken, over used or stained items. If they can be put into the recycle bin, then recycle them, otherwise toss them out, they have served their purpose and over extended their usefulness.

If you have items that you don’t use anymore that are in good condition, put them in the bag for a donation to a thrift store so that others may benefit from their use.

And if you got an item you know the kids won’t play with or you can’t use, which is new and unopened, consider re-gifting it to a friend, church or planned parenting/mother’s support center who may really need it.

Now that you have separated what stays and what goes, it is time to better organize the remaining items in the space. Here are some stores that are offering great deals on containers and space savers.

THE CONTAINER STORE: 30% Off Elfa Organization Products

http://www.containerstore.com/welcome.htm

ORGANIZE.COM:  20% OFF SELECTED ITEMS

http://www.organize.com/

Maybe you are in the mood for a whole customized closet and make your organizational dreams come true, with having a place for everything.

STORABLES.COM: 20% OFF CUSTOM CLOSETS

http://www.storables.com/

STEP TWO: ROOM BY ROOM/BOX BY BOX: PUT BACK ONLY WHAT IS NECESSARY

Now you have found the perfect items to put all of the things that you want to save. Make sure to go through room by room and address clutter and issues in each one. And remember the more you are able to get rid of and comfortably store, the more time you will be eeking out for yourself that you otherwise be bending over, picking up or shoving into a space that doesn’t have enough room.

As we head into 2011, we want to make sure that Mom’s sanity is in check and that we pave the way for a more stress free, happier and more organized life, cause at the end of the day, we adore our families, but we don’t love their clutter. So it’s time to get rid of the old to make way for the new.

Posted in discounts, Online shopping, ShopforMom, Shopping deals.

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