Proverbial Mom: My Life as a Wife and Mother

Stationery card

2011-11-30T08:17:00.001-08:00

Miracles And Memories Christmas Card

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Photo Book

2011-09-21T18:58:00.001-07:00

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Kids Eat Free Days

2011-09-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

My cousin Jocelyn sent me this awesome list today of a bunch of restaurants where kids can eat free and on which days they can eat free! Some restrictions are noted and always check with the restaurant to make sure the offer still applies and for any other restrictions. If you have more kids than adults or are a single parent with multiple children, sometimes you can talk to the restaurant ahead of time and they can work a deal out with you.

Do you regularly take advantage of any of these?

Monday
Applebees – At Applebees kids eat for free on Mondays. There is 1 free kids’ meal for each adult entree purchase. Additional kids are $1.00.
Brewzzi – Kids eat 12 and under free at Brewzzi (FL) on Mondays (and Tuesdays). There is a limit of 2 kids’ meals when an adult spends at least $12.
Buffalo Wild Wings – On Mondays, from 5pm to 8pm kids 12 and under eat for .99 from the kids’ menu at Buffalo Wild Wings.
Cici’s Pizza – Kids 3 and under eat free from the Cici’s Pizza buffet everyday!
Cody’s Original Roadhouse – Kids 10 and under can eat for free at Cody’s Original Roadhouse (FL, ME, NC) on Mondays (and Tuesdays!) from the Kid’s Stuff Menu. There is a limit of 2 free kids’ meals for each adult entree purchase.
Denny’s – Kids can eat free at Denny’s on select nights from 4pm to 10pm at participating Denny’s. Apparently, each location offers the kids eat free promotion on different nights. This deal is limited to kids 10 and under and is limited to 2 free entrees per one regularly purchased adult entree.
Fuddruckers – Kids 12 and under can eat for .99 from the kids’ menu from 4pm to 9pm on Mondays (and Tuesdays) at Fuddruckers. A drink is included!
Golden Corral – Children 10 and under eat free from 5pm to 9pm on Monday’s at Golden Corral. This is limited to 2 kids per 1 adult. Not all locations offer this deal so be sure to call ahead to see if your location does! Kids 3 and under eat free every day!
IHOP – Everyday kids eat free at IHOP if they are 12 and under. Kids can get 1 free kids’ menu item per adult entree purchased from 4pm to 8pm. The drink is not included.
Jason’s Deli – Kids eat free at Jason’s Deli all day on Sundays at some locations and on Mondays at others. Call your local Jason’s Deli before you go!
Moe’s Southwest Grill – On Mondays, kids eat for free at Moe’s with the purchase of an adult entree.
O’Charley’s – Kids eat free Monday – Friday at select O’Charley’s locations.
Pizza Hut – Kids eat free (3 and under) at Pizza Hut every day on the lunch buffet. Some locations kids younger than three can eat free at Pizza Hut’s dinner buffet as well.
Quaker Steak and Lube – From 5pm to 10pm on Mondays, kids eat for free at Quaker Steak and Lube. This is limited to one free kids’ meal per each paying adult. There is also free video games during this time!
Rock Bottom Cafe – On Mondays and Tuesdays, kids that are 12 and under can eat free from the kids’ menu at Rock Bottom Cafe. One adult entree must be purchased from the lunch or dinner menu.
S&S Cafeterias – Kids who join the S&S Cafeterias Kid’s Club can enjoy a kid’s meal for .99 every day of the week. This meal includes an entree, 2 vegetables, a roll, jell-o and a beverage. This is limited to kids 10 and under and an adult meal purchase of $6.75 or more is required.
Shoney’s – Kids eat free at Shoney’s every day if they are 4 or younger. An adult entree purchase is required.
Texas Roadhouse – On Tuesdays (may be Mondays at some locations), kids 12 and under eat free at Texas Roadhouse.
TGI Friday’s – On Mondays and Tuesdays kids 3 and under eat for free at TGI Friday’s.

Tuesday
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – From 4pm to 8pm every Tuesday, kids 10 and under eat free at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Family Sports Bub. An adult entree purchase is required.
Bennigan’s – At Bennigan’s kids eat free on Tuesdays. One adult entree is required.
Captain D’s – Kids eat for free at Captain D’s on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is a limit of 2 free kid’s meals for each adult dinner purchased.
Chick-fil-A – At participating locations, kids can eat a free kids’ meal at Chil-fil-A on Tuesdays for Family Fun Night from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. There is a limit of 1 free kid’s meal per adult combo meal purchased.
Cici’s Pizza – Kids 3 and under eat free from the Cici’s Pizza buffet everyday! Specific Cici’s Pizza locations frequently have where older kids can eat for free on certain nights – check with your nearest location!
Denny’s – Kids can eat free at Denny’s on select nights from 4pm to 10pm at participating Denny’s. Apparently, each location offers the kids eat free promotion on different nights. This deal is limited to kids 10 and under and is limited to 2 free entrees per one regularly purchased adult entree.
Fazoli’s – From 5pm to 8pm on Tuesdays kids eat for .99 (12 and under) from the kids’ menu.
Friendly’s – Kids eat free on Tuesdays at Friendly’s. Big kid meals are discounted on Tuesday’s as well. *This is not available at all locations, please call your local location before taking advantage of this deal.*
Fuddruckers – Kids 12 and under can eat for .99 from the kids’ menu from 4pm to 9pm on Tuesdays (and Mondays) at Fuddruckers. A drink is included!
Gator’s Dockside – At Gator’s Dockside (FL) kids eat for free from 6pm to 8:30pm. This is for kids under 12 and is limited to 1 child per each adult.
Godfather’s Pizza – From 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm on Tuesday, kids 10 and under at for free from the Godfather’s Pizza buffet.
IHOP – Everyday kids eat free at IHOP if they are 12 and under. Kids can get 1 free kids’ menu item per adult entree purchased from 4pm to 8pm. The drink is not included.
Lonestar Steakhouse – On Tuesdays (all day) at Lonestar Steakhouse, kids can eat free (12 and under). This is limited to 2 children per each adult entree purchased and is dine-in only. .
O’Charley’s – Kids eat free Monday – Friday at select O’Charley’s locations.
Perkins Restaurant and Bakery – Kids eat free at Perkins all day on Tuesdays.
Pizza Hut – Kids eat free (3 and under) at Pizza Hut every day on the lunch buffet. Some locations kids younger than three can eat free at Pizza Hut’s dinner buffet as well.
Pizza Street – Kids (4-9) eat free from the Pizza Street buffet every Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm.
Planet Sub – For each adult meal purchased at Planet Sub (MO, KS, IA, OK, NE) you can get on free kids’ meal on Tuesdays (and Sundays).
Ponderosa Steakhouse – From 4pm to close on Tuesdays, kids eat free at Ponderosa Steakhouse.
Rock Bottom Cafe – On Mondays and Tuesdays, kids that are 12 and under can eat free from the kids’ menu at Rock Bottom Cafe. One adult entree must be purchased from the lunch or dinner menu.
S&S Cafeterias – Kids who join the S&S Cafeterias Kid’s Club can enjoy a kid’s meal for .99 every day of the week.
Shoney’s – Kids eat free at Shoney’s every day if they are 4 or younger. An adult entree purchase is required. The
Texas Roadhouse – On Tuesdays (may be Mondays at some locations), kids 12 and under eat free at Texas Roadhouse.
TGI Friday’s – On Mondays and Tuesdays kids 3 and under eat for free at TGI Friday’s.
Tony Roma’s – Kids 12 and under eat free at Tony Roma’s on Tuesdays.

Wednesday
Cici’s Pizza – Kids 3 and under eat free from the Cici’s Pizza buffet everyday! Specific Cici’s Pizza locations frequently have where older kids can eat for free on certain nights – check with your nearest location!
Damon’s Grill – At Damon’s Grill on Thursdays kids (12 and under) can get a free kids’ meal. 1 free kids’ meal per adult entree purchased.
Denny’s – Kids can eat free at Denny’s on select nights from 4pm to 10pm at participating Denny’s. Apparently, each location offers the kids eat free promotion on different nights. This deal is limited to kids 10 and under and is limited to 2 free entrees per one regularly purchased adult entree.
Firehouse Subs – On Wednesdays (and Sundays) kids 12 and under get to eat free from 4pm to 9pm. One free kids’ meal comes with each adult purchase. .
IHOP – Everyday kids eat free at IHOP if they are 12 and under. Kids can get 1 free kids’ menu item per adult entree purchased from 4pm to 8pm. The drink is not included.
O’Charley’s – Kids eat free Monday – Friday at select O’Charley’s locations.
Pizza Hut – Kids eat free (3 and under) at Pizza Hut every day on the lunch buffet. Some locations kids younger than three can eat free at Pizza Hut’s dinner buffet as well.
Qdoba Mexican Grill – Kids eat free at Qdoba Mexican Grills only on Wednesdays at some locations and only on Sundays at some locations. Check with your local location to see which day of the week kids eat free at yoru Qdoba’s.
Rainforest Cafe – Kids can eat for $1.99 on Wednesday evenings at Rainforest Cafe.
S&S Cafeterias – Kids who join the S&S Cafeterias Kid’s Club can enjoy a kid’s meal for .99 every day of the week.
Shoney’s – Kids eat free at Shoney’s every day if they are 4 or younger. An adult entree purchase is required.

Thursday
Backyard Burger – Kids eat free at Backyard Burger on Thursday (and Tuesday!). For each adult combo purchased, you get a free kids’ meal from 4pm until close.
Captain D’s – Kids eat for free at Captain D’s on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is a limit of 2 free kid’s meals for each adult dinner purchased.
Cici’s Pizza – Kids 3 and under eat free from the Cici’s Pizza buffet everyday! Specific Cici’s Pizza locations frequently have where older kids can eat for free on certain nights – check with your nearest location!
Denny’s – Kids can eat free at Denny’s on select nights from 4pm to 10pm at participating Denny’s. Apparently, each location offers the kids eat free promotion on different nights. This deal is limited to kids 10 and under and is limited to 2 free entrees per one regularly purchased adult entree.
IHOP – Everyday kids eat free at IHOP if they are 12 and under. Kids can get 1 free kids’ menu item per adult entree purchased from 4pm to 8pm. The drink is not included.
O’Charley’s – Kids eat free Monday – Friday at select O’Charley’s locations.
Pizza Hut – Kids eat free (3 and under) at Pizza Hut every day on the lunch buffet. Some locations kids younger than three can eat free at Pizza Hut’s dinner buffet as well.
S&S Cafeterias – Kids who join the S&S Cafeterias Kid’s Club can enjoy a kid’s meal for .99 every day of the week. This meal includes an entree, 2 vegetables, a roll, jell-o and a beverage. This is limited to kids 10 and under and an adult meal purchase of $6.75 or more is required.
Shoney’s – Kids eat free at Shoney’s every day if they are 4 or younger. An adult entree purchase is required.

Friday
Cici’s Pizza – Kids 3 and under eat free from the Cici’s Pizza buffet everyday! Specific Cici’s Pizza locations frequently have where older kids can eat for free on certain nights – check with your nearest location!
Denny’s – Kids can eat free at Denny’s on select nights from 4pm to 10pm at participating Denny’s. Apparently, each location offers the kids eat free promotion on different nights. This deal is limited to kids 10 and under and is limited to 2 free entrees per one regularly purchased adult entree.
IHOP – Everyday kids eat free at IHOP if they are 12 and under. Kids can get 1 free kids’ menu item per adult entree purchased from 4pm to 8pm. The drink is not included.
O’Charley’s – Kids eat free Monday – Friday at select O’Charley’s locations.
S&S Cafeterias – Kids who join the S&S Cafeterias Kid’s Club can enjoy a kid’s meal for .99 every day of the week. This meal includes an entree, 2 vegetables, a roll, jell-o and a beverage. This is limited to kids 10 and under and an adult meal purchase of $6.75 or more is required.
Shoney’s – Kids eat free at Shoney’s every day if they are 4 or younger. An adult entree purchase is required.

Saturday
Cici’s Pizza – Kids 3 and under eat free from the Cici’s Pizza buffet everyday! Specific Cici’s Pizza locations frequently have where older kids can eat for free on certain nights – check with your nearest location!
Denny’s – Kids can eat free at Denny’s on select nights from 4pm to 10pm at participating Denny’s. Apparently, each location offers the kids eat free promotion on different nights. This deal is limited to kids 10 and under and is limited to 2 free entrees per one regularly purchased adult entree.
IHOP – Everyday kids eat free at IHOP if they are 12 and under. Kids can get 1 free kids’ menu item per adult entree purchased from 4pm to 8pm. The drink is not included.
Pizza Hut – Kids eat free (3 and under) at Pizza Hut every day on the lunch buffet. Some locations kids younger than three can eat free at Pizza Hut’s dinner buffet as well.
S&S Cafeterias – Kids who join the S&S Cafeterias Kid’s Club can enjoy a kid’s meal for .99 every day of the week. This meal includes an entree, 2 vegetables, a roll, jell-o and a beverage. This is limited to kids 10 and under and an adult meal purchase of $6.75 or more is required.
Salsaritas – Get a free kids’ meal with purchase of an adult entree at Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina.
Shoney’s – Kids eat free at Shoney’s every day if they are 4 or younger. An adult entree purchase is required. The kids menu at Shoney’s includes chicken nuggets, spaghetti, cheese burgers, grilled cheese and shrimp.
Steak n’ Shake – On Saturdays (and Sundays) kids can eat free at Steak n’ Shake. You get one kids’ combo for free with a purchase of an adult entree of $9 (excluding drink or shake) or more. This is valid for dine in only.

Sunday
Denny’s – Kids can eat free at Denny’s on select nights from 4pm to 10pm at participating Denny’s. Apparently, each location offers the kids eat free promotion on different nights. This deal is limited to kids 10 and under and is limited to 2 free entrees per one regularly purchased adult entree.
Firehouse Subs – On Sundays (and Wednesdays) kids 12 and under get to eat free from 4pm to 9pm. One free kids’ meal comes with each adult purchase.
Hooters – Kids eat free at Hooters all day long on Sundays.
Jason’s Deli – Kids eat free at Jason’s Deli all day on Sundays at some locations and on Mondays at others. Call your local Jason’s Deli before you go!
Pizza Hut – Kids eat free (3 and under) at Pizza Hut every day on the lunch buffet. Some locations kids younger than three can eat free at Pizza Hut’s dinner buffet as well.
IHOP – Everyday kids eat free at IHOP if they are 12 and under. Kids can get 1 free kids’ menu item per adult entree purchased from 4pm to 8pm. The drink is not included.
Qdoba Mexican Grill – Kids eat free at Qdoba Mexican Grills only on Sundays at some locations and only on Wednesdays at some locations. Check with your local location to see which day of the week kids eat free at your Qdoba’s.
S&S Cafeterias – Kids who join the S&S Cafeterias Kid’s Club can enjoy a kid’s meal for .99 every day of the week. This meal includes an entree, 2 vegetables, a roll, jell-o and a beverage. This is limited to kids 10 and under and an adult meal purchase of $6.75 or more is required.
Shoney’s – Kids eat free at Shoney’s every day if they are 4 or younger. An adult entree purchase is required. The kids menu at Shoney’s includes chicken nuggets, spaghetti, cheese burgers, grilled cheese and shrimp.
Souper! Salad! – On Sundays kids 4 and under at free (and kids 5-12 for $2.49) at Souper Salad. For each adult purchase you can get 2 free kids meals.
Steak n’ Shake – On Sundays (and Saturdays) kids can eat free at Steak n’ Shake. You get one kids’ combo for free with a purchase of an adult entree of $9 (excluding drink or shake) or more. This is valid for dine in only.
Zapata’s Restaurant – On Sundays kids eat free all day at Zapata’s (NC).

Take Them A Meal

2011-08-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

Whenever a friend of mine has a baby I always like to bring them a meal when they are home and accepting visitors. It's just one less thing to worry about as you acclimate to your new life and schedule. It's hard enough trying to find time to even shower with a brand new baby in the house, especially if you have other children, let alone trying to find the block of time and energy needed to cook a homemade meal. The meal is not only helpful to the mom, I do it for the dad as well. If the new mommy is lucky enough to have a husband like mine who would take over/do the cooking while the family adjusts, it's nice for the dad to not have to worry about meals either and just focus on his expanded family.

I belong to an amazing church and over the past couple years have come into a circle of amazing friends who are also amazing mothers. When I had Aiden, these fantastic ladies arranged for meals to be brought to me when we got home. People volunteered and one lady coordinated everything and we had meals brought to us every night for over a week. And these meals were sooo yummy! (isn't food you don't have to cook always just a little more yummy anyway? I think so!). These women truly loved on us and their kindness was such a blessing!

Recently, maybe even when I was on Facebook, I came across a website called TakeThemAMeal that is a free site that does all the arranging and coordinating for you!! The site allows you to enter in the new mommy's name and info as well as a place to give meal delivery instructions including what foods they like or dislike. Then you pick a start and end date for the deliveries. Next, the person who created the page for the new mommy simply email invites anyone interested in delivering a meal to view the page. When you are invited to view the page/sign up for a delivery date, you do not have to sign up for anything, you don't get anything sent to you, all the invite is is a link to the page along with the password needed to view the page (it's kept private to protect the family's info). Then, if that invited person so chooses, they pick which date they would like to bring a meal on and there's even space to list what you might be bringing- which is great when trying to decide which meal to make. That way you don't end up with 8 spaghetti dishes. Before this site, it was up to the person coordinating deliveries to assign people dates and help clarify who was bringing what. But with TakeThemAMeal.com, the coordinator spends literally 20 minutes filling in info on a page and sends out an email and the coordinator is done. People sign up on their own and contact the recipient family directly to confirm delivery times.

I am currently doing this for two mommies (sisters actually, due with baby #3 and #1 respectively!). I am in love with this website!!

So please, if you know any expecting mommies, BRING THEM A MEAL!! Even if you don't have time to cook, or don't enjoy it, bring them a pizza from their favorite place, or pick up a lasagna from your grocery store that they can heat up. If you're a parent, you know how amazing the gift of a meal is.

THIS SITE IS NOT SOLELY FOR NEW PARENTS!! This site is simply a meal delivery coordinating site. If you know of anyone who is ill, bedridden, elderly, or simply going through a time when having meals brought to them would be beneficial, this site is what you need. You can even set it up so meals can be brought multiple times a day!

What kind of meal would you bring to a new mommy/daddy?

Baby Greeting from the President

2011-08-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

For all you new parents out there, would you like the President to send you/your baby a personal congratulations? All you have to do is send a birth announcement (either one you sent when your child was born, or a simple letter) with your child's name, address and birthday to:

White House Greetings Office Room 39
Washington, DC 20500
Or FAX to: 202-395-1232

I first heard about this from this web site and I did this for both of my children. You get a nice card from the White House! It's a very cool keepsake for the baby book. Now I know not everyone may be politically aligned with the current president, but you can't change which President is in office (once they're in office) when your child is born, so why not at least get something cool and free LOL!!

I don't have a picture of either of mine off hand but here is what one looks like. This pic I found online and is actually a marriage congratulatory message, but the birth ones look almost the same. Your greeting will of course have the current President and First Lady on it:

[source]

HOMEMADE (YES REALLY!!) MICROWAVE POPCORN

2011-08-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

Our family LOVES popcorn. "REAL" popcorn is made on the stove, in a pan, with lots of butter and salt :) But when you don't have the time (or if you're like me and don't have a good popcorn pan) it's always nice to have microwave popcorn on hand. The problem for me is 1) it's costs a lot when you look at the ingredients and 2) I HATE that oily coating in your mouth from all that artificial stuff. Plus all the butter on "real" popcorn, and all the artificial and unhealthy ingredients in most microwave popcorn just leaves me feeling guilty and sometimes with an upset stomach afterwards.

Then, one day I saw on Food Network's show "Good Eats" that you could very easily make your own microwave popcorn at home. Alton Brown, the host, discusses it here [I left out the jalapeno seasoning, but add your own- experiment!] It's quick and easy and cheap!

Ingredients:
1 lunch size brown paper bag
1 paper plate (or other microwavable plate, but I find paper works best)
1/4 c yellow popcorn kernels (white work ok, but aren't as big and fluffy as yellow)
2 Tbs olive/canola oil
salt (or seasoning of your choice, I love Lawry's seasoning salt)
stapler [yes, trust me, it will be fine!!]

Recipe:
1. Place popcorn into the bag, add oil, shake slightly to coat.
2. Add in your seasoning- more than you would expect as a lot will stick to the bag- and shake again slightly to distribute salt/seasoning. [Adding your seasoning now will make it stick to the popcorn during cooking as afterwards your popcorn will be too dry for seasoning to stick. Yes, you could add butter if you want, but I like that this is healthier!!]
3. Fold over the top of the bag 1" and staple twice.
4. Place bag on the paper plate (I lay the bag on it's side) and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Mine is done in 2, but just like all microwaves will vary, just listen for the popping to slow down but not to stop completely.
5. Open CAREFULLY!! It will be very hot and steamy!
6. Pour into a bowl and enjoy!

Once you try this recipe, I don't see how you can go back to store-bought microwave popcorn again!! And this recipe leaves lots of room for experimenting with flavors. You could even use all organic ingredients. If you are like our family, movie night will take multiple bags ♥

I dare you to try it!! Tell me what you think!

Target REDCard

2011-08-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

Here is my shameless plug for the Target REDcard. If you are like me and shop often at Target, you may want to look into their REDcard if you have not already! It is available in a debit card (it links directly to your bank account just like a normal debit card, for use ONLY at Target, no fees attached) or a credit card. I chose the debit card as I did not want a credit card- but that is my personal choice.

When you use your REDcard you automatically get 5% off your purchase= FREE money (as long as it's the debit card or you are paying your credit card balance off and not incurring interest). PLUS, you can designate a local school (or I guess any school on the list) to receive 1% donation from your purchases. My daughter's school was on the list so now for everything I buy using my REDcard debit card, I get 5% off and her school gets 1%. [This donation is NOT tax deductible btw]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read ANY and ALL information before you sign up for this or any debit or credit card. Read the fine print! See what they say about overdrafts, fees, interest rates etc. Make sure you really want this and it's right for your family. I did my research and found this would be beneficial for us, and that is why I am sharing because maybe it can help save you some money too.

Here is the link to info on the REDcard debit/credit card:
https://redcard.target.com/redcard/content/rcw_benefits_tgt_rewards

Here is the link to info on the Take Charge of Education rewards program:
http://sites.target.com/site/en/corporate/page.jsp?contentId=PRD03-005157

Birthday Freebies

2011-08-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to another TheFrugalGirls.com post [really, you might as well just follow their web site or "like" them on facebook now!] I found this awesome list of places who will give you free things/food or discounts on or around your birthday. I'm sure you'll have to join their club which I am sure will mean getting emails from them or occasional mail, but if you really like the company it might be worth it. I also have a designated email account specifically for things like this, so I don't get updates to my personal email account. Then I don't have to sort through all my emails.

You find the list here. If you don't see a company you really like, check their site or inquire at their location for any deals they might offer. Sometimes all you have to do is ask!

Homemade Febreeze

2011-08-13T12:12:00.000-07:00

[Disclaimer: I have not made this myself, but the reviews say it works good. I am not necessarily endorsing, just sharing]

I can take ZERO credit for this money-saving, homemade product but wanted to share it with you (see, I love sharing what I find elsewhere!)

I believe found this recipe first from www.TheFrugalGirls.com (discussed in an earlier blog here) where they have a whole section on homemade products, but I couldn't find it when I went back to give them credit, but either way, I read the recipe from Fake-It Frugal who gave credit to Homemade Mamas. Here is the recipe:

"What You Need:

2 cups warm water
1/4 cup liquid fabric softener
1 tsp. baking soda

Simply mix these three ingredients together in a spray bottle, shake well, and get spraying! The great part about this recipe (aside from how well it works and how much money you can save) is that the scent isn't terribly strong or overpowering. Our home smells like clean laundry for a short time, then the scent quickly dissipates taking any bad smells with it!"

Kindle

2011-08-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

For the longest time I fought the idea of an ebook or ereader. I thought nothing could replace having a real book in your hands and turning the pages. I was also hesitant because I didn't want to spend tons of money on books. Most of the time I just borrow books from friends or family or the library. Why would I BUY a product where I constantly have to pay to use it?? For that reason alone I do not own an MP3 player- I also have no use for one.

I really like to read in bed, or at least reclined, so large books make it a bit tiresome on my hands to hold, so over time I thought I'd at least look into a Kindle or a Nook. Yes, all those TV commercials go to me *sigh*. So now, I decided I wanted one. I began to think of all these occasions where an ereader would be great. Then I did my research- Kindle or Nook? I even ventured into the land of techy-blogs and review sites. Both have their advantages depending on what you want. But for me, I wanted an easy-to-use reader that had the best screen and e-ink. Even with the Nook's latest ink upgrade, Kindle's newer upgrade won out. I wanted a Kindle!

So now I was stuck wanting one with no funds for it. I figured with a birthday coming up I would save any money I received and continue saving until I had one. Not only did I want the book, I wanted the cover with the light. I wanted to be able to read outside at night, in the car, or in bed where I wouldn't have to use the lamp that lights up the whole room and I'm sure bothers my husband who is trying to sleep. So I decided to just wait.

Well, my amazing husband used some of the money he had been saving to buy me a KINDLE!! WITH the cover!!! I was sooo surprised!! And man, do I love my Kindle!! My sister owns a Nook and it definitely has some great attributes, but one thing I never took into account was the amount of quality FREE books each ereader offered. I have over 60+ books on my Kindle and have only paid for 3! The Nook does not have the same amount the Kindle has- and for the ~~cheapskate~~ frugal person I am, this was sooooo wonderful!! Having the cover makes it feel like holding a real book. Plus, how fun is it that you can put a "bookmark" on a page you want to stop on and go back to and it digitally folds down the "corner" of your book page!

[I'm not sure why in this pic, the person has folded back the other side of the lighted cover, I keep mine open so it feels like a real book]

One feature of the Kindle I have really grown to enjoy is the built-in dictionary. While reading, you can scroll down to any word and the definition pops up. Usually I can get the gist of a word by using the context and keep reading, but sometimes I'd just really like to know what a word is. Quick and easy, I have the definition without ever getting up or leaving my page. I am currently reading a hardcover book and find I miss the dictionary of the Kindle.

I will still read "real" books. I like the feeling of turning the pages and holding the books. I think what's most important though, is that we read...and read and read and read!

I Love Frugal Girls!

2011-08-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

Quick post today, I have lots to do, but wanted to pass along this awesome website I am following. My cousin actually told me about it, but it was a while before I actually went to it. Wish I would have gone sooner!

The web site is called The Frugal Girls.com and they are GREAT!! They are constantly posting money-saving coupons, freebies, special deals, free ebooks (which I LOVE for my Kindle- that will be another post though). Of course not every post will be applicable to you, but I have found lots of good coupons, tips and tons of free ebooks. You can also follow them on facebook here. They may post a few things a day, but they are always short and have never seemed to muddle up my news feed aka, it's never annoyed me- esp since I've found a lot of great deals there!

Enjoy!

Juicebox "Handles"

2011-08-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

I cannot claim credit for this cool trick. I believe I read it in Parents magazine- twice actually. (They actually have a regular article called "It Worked For Me" where parents submit their cool tricks/tips!). Anyone with a small child knows how it is to hand them a full juice box. Even if you've taken a sip so it's not as full, they still squeeze it in an attempt to hold it and end up with juice all over them or wherever they are. A long time ago I came across one of those hard plastic juice box holders and purchased it. It was GREAT, but I read this tip in Parents which is both free and does not require lugging around an extra gadget.

When you look at a juice box, on the sides you will notice the little flaps ("flappies" as they are now called in our house) that are glued down. All you do is pull them up and they are instant handles for kids to hold onto. No matter how hard they pinch those flappies/handles, it won't squirt juice! This is great in the car too as my daughter's car seat has cup holders. It is super easy to get her juice box when she has flaps to hold onto instead of trying to reach down into the cup holder to grab her juice. Just remember to lift the flaps before you insert the straw. Enjoy!

Here is a juice box with the "flappies" up:

Parent Shortcut

2011-08-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

This will be a "combo" blog of sorts. I had a few types of posts I wanted to do on this blog, so this will fall into the "time savers", "feeding", and "products I love" categories.

A little background info: With my son I was only able to breastfeed until he was 6 months old. We still don't know why he didn't gain weight. Spent plenty of time with his pediatrician and a lactation consultant, did all we could. Long story short we had to use formula and bottles. When we registered we wanted to switch to a new brand of bottle. We used the Avent bottles with my daughter and didn't like how they leaked and were a bit finicky. So instead we chose the Tommee Tippee brand. Here were my personal requirements for bottles: No special parts- only the bottle, nipple, ring, and lid- but still had to vent air in to prevent that collapsing nipple issue. We are so happy with our choice! Here is my bottle/sippy cup shelf:

Our TT bottles have been GREAT!! We did find that you have to handwash them because of the lip at the neck of the bottle. And before you put the bottle back together, check to see if the vent part is stuck together, sometimes that happens. If so, just pinch it and it will open. That way you don't get the collapsing nipple issue. I also LOVE the formula container/inserts (seen at right in the pic). These drop into the bottle then you put on the nipple/ring/lid. Soo easy to carry around everything all ready to go!

My time saving trick came when I was trying to deal with night feedings and adjusting to 2 kids at once is that I started filling the bottles with the nursery water ahead of time. Then all I had to do was grab a bottle, heat it, add formula and go! Sooo much easier than filling each bottle every time! And don't worry, the bottles don't sit in the cupboard long. I would say 2 days at MOST before it's used. I also rotate forward the bottles so none are left sitting in the back.

I really recommend these bottles!

Here We Go Again...

2011-08-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

Well, this is a new blog for me. I've been thinking about doing it for a long time. I LOVE sharing great ideas, tips, tricks, and money-saving ideas with friends, and I especially love when they share them with me (which is where I get most of mine). I can't begin to guess how much money I've saved or what tricks/ideas have saved me time or frustration over the years. I hope you can find a few of the ideas here useful to you.

Being a mother of two young children, 5 and almost 1, with a working husband and a silly cocker spaniel, my life is wonderful but hectic at times. I'm always trying to stay one step ahead of the game, but that's usually not the case, lol. I try my best to be a Godly wife and mother- but man, I'm really learning what that's supposed to look like but again, doing my best! Trust, I do not even think I am anywhere near the "perfect" anything. I have so much to learn in life. I am blessed to be surrounded by some amazing people who inspire me and support me through that journey :)

I hope you enjoy the blog, and please feel free to share your ideas too!