Memorial Day 2010

Thank you to all the families and soldiers that have given so much so that we may have freedom.

Five Fun Family Vacation Activities Your Kids Will Love

Williamsburg Tourism and TwitterMoms asked bloggers to post "Five Fun Family Vacation Activities Your Kid's Will Love".

1. Staycations are so popular due to the economy.  If you can't afford to travel consider purchasing a yearly zoo membership.  We have done this in the past and it has been a wonderful investment.  Keep in mind that your zoo usually brings in seasonal exhibits so make sure to hit them all!
2. Disney~ Ok not the most economical choice but the smile on your child's face will be worth it.  You can do a lot of research online ahead of time to find tips to cut your costs. 
3. Utilize State and Local Parks.  We are fortunate enough to live close to The Great Smoke Mountains.  Kids love being outdoors.  Make it an extra fun adventure by hiking and taking along things like magnifying glasses and bug catchers.
4. The Beach.  The beach can be a great place to vacation for children.  Give them sand toys and they  can play all day.  Remember the simplest activities can spark imagination and fun.
5. Historical Sites~ For older children you may want to visit historical locations like Williamsburg, Washington, D.C., Montecello.  Check with your child's teacher and see what they will be studying next yr and visit a related vacation and your child will be ahead!  Even if you can't afford to make it to one of these locations, check out their websites and you can find all kinds of fun information to create your own virtual vacation at home.  Be Creative and Have Fun!

Per TwitterMoms:

About Williamsburg Tourism

The Williamsburg area – Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, VA – is one of America’s favorite family destinations, with adventure around every corner. Experience more than 400 years of American history and culture brought vividly to life at hands-on historical sites and world-class museums; share thrills and entertainment at exhilarating theme parks; discover unique finds and bargains, and enjoy outdoor activities in scenic parks, byways, nature trails and waterways. Whether it’s traveling backing to the 17th and 18th centuries, or forward into the 21st, the Williamsburg area offers vacation fun for all ages. http://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/


Disclaimer: “I wrote this blog post while participating in the Williamsburg Tourism and TwitterMoms blogging program for a chance to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Ten Tips for Being Fashionable on a Budget

I was challenged by Twittermoms and GAP to share ten tips for being fashionable on a budget.  You can read more about the challenge here:  Twittermoms.com

I have always been a frugal shopper so I was interested in participating to share my tips as well as see what other Twittermoms had to say as well.

Tips:

1. Purchase classic pieces.  Stay away from the super trendy one season only styles.
2. Collect you wardrobe and consider pieces that you have at home when purchases new items:  for example did you find a nice colorful blouse to dressup your classic black suit, skirt or pants.
3. Add accessories.  As a busy mom it isn't always easy but grabbing a colorful necklace. bracelet or set of earrings can change up and outfit without spending money.
4. Do you have a scarf that you can add to your outfit?  I always received scarves as gifts but didn't wear them.  Now that I have learned some tricks to using scarves I've found they can change the look of an outfit.
5. Shoes.  Changing up you shoes can make a huge difference in the luck of some dresses and pants.  Especially in the summer.  Cute dressy flip flops can really make that Sunday dress ok for everday wear.
6. A trend that I've been hearing about but haven't been able to participate in yet is fashion parties where you get together and take items from your wardrobe that you are tired of.  Each participant can try on and mix and match outfits to come home with a new to them outfit for free!
7. Don't be afraid to register clothing before your birthday or holidays.  Many stores now allow gift registries for Christmas, Birthdays and other special events.  This is a great way to make sure that you get a gift that you want and to save your budget.
8. Layering-  Layering existing pieces can also change up your wardrobe for no $ at all.
9. Handbag- Yes,a change in your handbag can help change  up the look of an outfit as well.  To help your budget stick again with classic styles and colors.  Purses are another item you might want to consider swapping with friends .
10. Last but not least- Shop sales!  Try to put away a clothing budget and save for seasonal sales.  A lot of States offer Tax Free wkends around the time school starts and the stores will also run sales to draw you in.  Combining both can make for significant savings.  Holiday shopping can be helpful too.  Don't be afraid to shop the clearance racks or buy at the end of a season for next yr.  If you are buying classic pieces you will look fashionable and put together.

I hope some of these tips get you to thinking about being fashionable on a budget.  I would love to hear some of your ideas as well.

Disclaimer: "I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Gap Outlet blogging program to be eligible to win a $20 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/share-10-tips-for-being

Attn: Sinus/Allergy sufferers-> NeilMed Offering Free Neti Pot for New Facebook Fans While Supplies Last~Expired

If you are a member of Facebook and an allergy sufferer you may want to hurry to NeilMed on Facebook (click highlighted link) ,  While they last they are offering a free Neti Pot with 2 saline packs.  Limit 1 per address while they last.
 What is a Neti Pot?  It looks like a tea pot but it is a natural way to rinse your sinuses.  Check out the how to videos on their site.  If you suffer from allergies like I do you are probably like me and would try anything for relief.  I have use the NeilMed Nasal Saline rinse bottle and felt it offered some relief so look forward to trying this product.
Search Amazon.com for NeilMed Neti pot

UPDATE 5/20:  It looks like this offer has come to an end but NeilMed is offering a $3 off coupon on their FB page.  I would encourage you to check their site regularly as they often post internet printable coupons.

Protect-A-Bed Winner!

Congratulations to Beeb~ Winner of the Queen Sized Premium Protect-A-Bed Premium Mattress Cover (Retail Value $79.99).
Congrats
A big thanks to Global Influence  for coordinating the giveaway campaign!

10 Little Things that Lead to a Happier, Healthier You

I am a member of Twitter Moms and enjoy participating in their blog challenges to write posts such as these.  This one is sponsored by Tropicana Juicy Rewards program. You can learn more about this opportunity at Twittermoms.com.


1. The first and most important for me is to walk with God daily either through prayer, reading or discussing his word with others.
2. Plan ahead.  You'll be much happier b/c things will go much smoother.
3. Take "Me Time"  whether it's a bubble bath, reading a book etc.
4. Take time to play.  PLAY?  Yes.  If you have children take time to play.  You'll be surprised how much happier you will be and you will be making important memories with your children.
5. Plan and eat healthy.  This is my biggest challenge but it helps to share your journey with friends and you can be accountability partners to try to stay on track.
6. Be active.  Ok those who know me are probably laughing at this one.  This is another one an accountability partner does wonders to keep me motivated.
7. Don't sweat the small stuff.  Take a moment to ask yourself will this really matter a yr. from now.  If not it's not worth the sweat.
8. Surround yourself with family and friend.
9. Find a hobby that you can take pride in and share interest with others through classes etc.
10.  Make sure to keep up with physicals and checkups with you physician.  Prevention is Key to being healthy.

Tropicana recently kicked off a rewards program.  You may sign up here: Tropicana Juicy Rewards.   Special Code: TWMOM-READR (worth up to 1 reward point or up to $5 in savings). Per Twittermoms and Tropicana: "This one-time use code is valid for new accounts ONLY. Must be entered within 6 hours of creating your account. Limit one new account bonus code per new account. All accounts must be created and all codes entered by May 7, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST.” 



Trop50 Little Things for Happy, Healthy Living 1000 Little Things for Moms from Trop50


Taken from the Twittermom.com Tropicana post:     
More About Trop50 and Juicy Rewards



Tropicana Trop50 provides the goodness of juice with 50 percent less calories and sugars, and no artificial sweeteners. Trop50 is a part of Tropicana’s Juicy Rewards program, which gives consumers more from their juice by offering 20,000 ways to save on fun, healthy pursuits. With Juicy Rewards, the savings come easily – up to $15 for one carton of Tropicana Pure Premium and up to $30 in savings for one carton of Trop50!

It takes just three simple steps to participate and save with Juicy Rewards:

1. Buy Tropicana, find the unique code on the package – either under the cap or on the back of specially marked Tropicana Pure Premium and Trop50 products.

2. Register at Tropicana.com, enter the codes to get points.

3. Redeem points for incredible savings on healthy fun.
Trop50 Offerings

Tropicana Trop50® introduces two new flavors – Pomegranate Blueberry and Pineapple Mango – expanding its innovative line of juice beverages. At 50 calories, each eight-ounce glass squeezes in a full day’s supply of vitamin C and 10 percent of the daily recommended value of antioxidant vitamin E. Pineapple Mango also is a good source of potassium! TheTrop50 line also includes orange juice beverage varieties: Pulp Free, Some Pulp and Pulp Free Calcium & Vitamin D, which provides 35 percent daily value of calcium & 25 percent daily value of Vitamin D – an excellent source of both nutrients.
 
 I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Tropicana Trop50 blogging program to be eligible to win 6 free Juicy Rewards points and a $30 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here

Digital Book Survey

Digital Book Survey



If you are interested in supplying input for a Digital World for children that is Biblically Based Thomas Nelson would like your ideas. Their survey is fairly brief and allows you to be specific about features you would like/dislike about a digital world for kids.  Click the link above to provide your input.

Happy Earth Day!

I hope that my readers stopped and looked at their carbon footprint today.  Earth Day is a good reminder that there are so many things that we can do to take care of our environment.  I hope that we are all trained to think: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  Please make Earth Day Every Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Don't forget to try your luck by entering the Protect-A-Bed mattress pad Giveaway posted earlier this week.

Another Great Movie at a Great Price

We saw the Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008) Movie in the theaters and could not wait to purchase it on DVD when it was releases.  Really.  My daughter is 10 and I think that is the perfect age for this movie.  This particular movie takes place during the great depression which I thought was perfect timing considering the current economic situation of our country.  It was great to see my daughter's reaction to how much things have changed since then.  The Movie is rated G and a great family movie.  Amazon.com currently has this movie on DVD at an excellent price!  The DVD is currently $6.49 and Blu-Ray $9.99.  This would make a great gift for a tween in your life.  To make it easy I have included the link to Amazon.  Just click and buy and I hope you enjoy this movie as much as we did.  If you have seen the movie feel free to share your comments.