Totsy - Mom's (and kids) best friend for Top Brands

Totsy offers moms on-the-go and moms-to-be access to brand-specific sales, up to 90% off retail, just for them and the kids, ages 0-7.

Top brands for mom, baby, and child.  

Prenatal care products, baby gear, travel accessories, bedding and bath, children's clothing, toys, DVDs, and educational materials are just a sampling of a selection that promises only the best in quality and designer brands.

 




I know when my kids were little I felt like I was ALWAYS and ALWAYS replacing their wardrobe because they had "out-grown" their cute clothes. Rarely was it because they had "worn-out" those clothes (you know with holes/stains/etc) but what seemed to fit perfectly at the beginning of the month ..... was way too tight or small by month end.

If this is what you are finding ........ THIS is the place for you to be able to cut those clothing costs and still have some great looking clothes for YOUR little diva or handsome gent! I really wish they had these deals when my baby was a baby (or even a toddler).

Check it out and see if you don't agree.

And if you don't have any little kids ....... think about baby showers.  Think about all the wonderful stuff you could get for the newest arrival among your friends and family.  YOU could be a star in the gift giving arena without going into hock!  Oh YES this is the place to go shopping.

Walmart and Kraft Fight against Hunger

Walmart is inviting customers to join the fight against hunger.

You can help provide meals to families in need by purchasing select products in Walmart stores or by visiting Walmart's Facebook page to vote for one of 200 communities to receive $1 million to fight hunger.

Walmart will also give $50,000 to 20 communities with the next highest amount of support.

Currently videos for Planters, Mio, and Jello but you never know which video will show up next!

 It’s a Snap to Start   

Simply sign in with your existing Facebook account, 

then complete the 30 second registration process 

start earning. 

No social security numbers required, 

 Jingit will not sell or share your personal info. 

Earn Online by watching videos, 

give your feedback, earn instant cash. 

It really is that easy. 

I'm in, how about you?

Woman Freebies!

I am going to assume (and although I know what that does ..... I don't think it applies here) that you are like me and are always looking for some great deals or freebies.
 

I know I get really excited if I can find a great deal on something that I use all the time or something I wanted to try (freebies here are wonderful right?)




Well I found a great place to do that. You really need to check out (and join in) WomanFreebies.com where you will be AMAZED at all the great things you can find. I know I was.



  



 

For the hottest 

samples, deals, sweepstakes, coupons and discounts from 

America's biggest and BEST retailers!

 See you there!

Brownie eBook from AmericanFamily

Brownies? Brownies?

OMG did you say Brownies? AmericanFamily.com has a FREE Brownie Ebook,  that has Mouth Watering chocolate goodness within your reach!



I know I'm heading over to get my copy because lets face it ... Who doesn't like brownies??

Or am I in a brownie haze and there really are people out there that don't like brownies?

I just think they are great because you can have a little bite (or a bigger one) without having to have a plate, like you do with a piece of cake, and you can satisfy that sweet tooth without going overboard on calories.

Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it ............. and clicking on over to get my copy of the free Brownie Recipe eBook right now!

Daddy's Day Gifts

Are you looking for something for Father's Day? I know when my kids were little I was ALWAYS looking for something (other than ties) for the kids to give for "Daddy's Day".

  I found some really cute ideas here at Ink Garden that would be great for anyone's Dad.
Wouldn't it be great for the kids to have breakfast with Daddy while he drinks his coffee from the very same mug they helped "create"?

I know this would be perfect ........ think about how proud Daddy's little Buddy would be to give this to their dad on Daddy's Day.





I know my kids would have loved these (not the usual finds in the store) when they were little - it can be their "special" present that they can look back on years from now and remember that "special" breakfast bond they shared.

Now if you are a "new" customer use  the code FREEFORDAD on Ink Garden to receive a  Free Notebook, Mouse Pad, or Coffee Mug for Dad (Just Pay Shipping)

USE Code: FREEFORDAD Shipping Rates:$4.99 for the Notebook, $5.99 for the Mug, $4.99 for the MousePad.

Swag Bucks

Do you spend time surfing the net? 

 Shhhhh we will keep it very quiet if you are like me and spend more time "wandering" around than you want to admit.

I promise I won't tell a soul! But I have a great way to use that time to earn free points/gifts/awards so that no one will ever question what you are doing.

 


 I mean seriously, you are going to be searching for things on the internet anyway ... if you are anything like the people in my office - if you ask a question the first thing out of people's mouth is "Google" it.

You may find the answer you want, but I don't seem to see you getting any "bonus" prizes or points when I do that. But here ........ well the possibilities are endless.

So now you can say ........... SWAG it!

Check it out and let me know how many points you won today.

UPS My Choice

 Become a Member - For FREE

Get the delivery that fits your life! 

Get alerts BEFORE packages arrive, 

Electronically authorize packages for drop-of, 

re-route to other locations 

and many other options.

I've had my account for a little while now and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

No more wondering what happened to my package, no more worries period.

But best of all - it is all at my fingertips.  

I just love UPS My Choice 

and you will too!

Check it out - you too will be joining for shipping piece of mind.

This is a sponsored content post - 

however my opinion was not colored by the sponsorship

Everything I've Learned about Life

No matter how bad things seem, 

No matter how good things seem,

no matter how you feel on any given day, 

I think that Mr Frost nailed this one.

Your job may not be what you want it to be, 

your boyfriend or girlfriend may have just dumped you or "changed" their mind about your relationship, it could feel like a huge black cloud has settled over you

but there is always tomorrow - you can always put one foot in front of the other and set to changing things in your life 

because ..................... it goes on!

Don't let anyone tell you otherwise

Don't let anyone make you feel like this is the best it can be

Because if you continue pushing forward, and I hope you do,

Change can be on its way because .......... 

Life:  it goes on.

Kitty Yoga

I almost wish I could do this ......... but somehow I think they would get a little "upset" if I did this in the middle of the office - and of course that is when I need it most.

What do you think? Yoga anyone?

Graduation Day for Jenn

Happy Graduation Jenn!

Sometimes I just want to go back to the middle school and find that counselor who told me that he didn't feel that we should "encourage" you to do what you wanted to do .... he didn't think you could do it.

Take that Dr - guess you blew that one, huh ......

Guess she had the attitude that Johnny Depp so eloquently put it.





 


Because we can all see that SHE BELIEVED in herself when YOU didn't! We KNEW she could do it - So THERE!  Guess you DON'T know it all!

Tequila!

Ahhh so as you can see it's not just for Cinco De Mayo

Yes I have a whole new appreciation for Tequila!

Free BBQ Cookbook for Diabetics

Are you a diabetic or know someone that is?

Do you (or they) feel left out or limited when it comes to Summer-time grilling?

Well NOT anymore!  I have found a great FREE BBQ Cookbook made especially for Diabetics.

Now I don't have, nor does anyone in my family have, diabetes but I have found that we can all benefit from these types of recipes.

They are really tasty and lower in fat and carbs (which we should all be doing) so you would never know they were "special" recipes. So now anyone with diabetes can join in on the BBQ entertainment without worry.

Check it out!

Mack's Earplugs

Do you sleep with a snorer?  OK perhaps I should put this another way - do you TRY to sleep with a snorer?  I do.  And until recently it was always "try".  I don't think I have slept through the night because of his snoring for YEARS.

My husband could wake the dead when he sleeps - that's how bad he snores.  I can't believe we have lasted over 30 years (yes this year we will be married 31 years)  with as much as he snores.  To be honest, it has gotten worse as he got older - but seriously wake the dead is a perfect description.  I've even told him that he really needs to find a doctor to do a "sleep study" so he can get one of those machines so that I can sleep.

If I fall asleep before him - I'm usually ok,  unless I wake up during the night and then I'm in some serious trouble trying to fall asleep again.  That is before I found these babies!

I found these in the drug store the other day - not sure why I picked them up - but I am SO glad I did.  They are super soft, super easy to use, and not really "visual" once they are inserted and super comfortable.

The first night I put them in I thought they wouldn't work since I could still hear once they were in - so its not like you are in a "cone of silence".  But I have to tell you - that night was the first time in a long LONG time that I slept through the night.   I actually asked Bill if he slept upstairs all night.  Yes I thought he had left the bedroom during the night.

When he said that he never left the bed, I thought ok it was a fluke - he didn't snore as much as usual (I know it happens, but not often) or I was just so over tired I didn't hear anything.  I put them in again the next night ........ same thing - slept through the night!  I think I should be buying stock in this company - they are THAT good!

It is a Godsend - so if you are like me, and live with a snorer ......... check out Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs - you won't regret it.  It's the #1 Doctor Recommended earplugs for high performance hearing protection! 

If I were you (and I'm going to stock up) I would get a big box since its great for Loud concerts, motor sports, shooting sports, power tools ...... as well as sleep.

Skinny Water - Review and Giveaway.

I have teamed up with Be Rich Be Frugal to present to you this wonderful review and giveaway of Skinny Water.

If you're looking for the perfect sports drink that will thoroughly quench your thirst, this is the drink for you. Read on for the full review, as expressed and prepared by my friend Nancy.....

Here's the skinny:

I have never been keen on drinking energy drinks, diet drinks, or anything along those lines. It's not that I am protesting against them, it's just that every time I decide to give it a try, it is always a disappointment in the flavor department. Honestly, they all taste like watered down juice to me. Nice try.

As many times as I have been disappointed, I have still kept on with my search for the right sports drink that I can truly enjoy. I don't drink soda so my sweet go-to thirst quencher is juice. Although it is a better alternative, the amount of sugar that juice contains is still rather high. If there is a diet/sports drink that can offer me some flavors I can enjoy minus the sugars and calories, I would stock up on it as if there's going to be an apocalypse. No lie.

Just as I have exhausted myself in the search to find the right drink, a great acquaintance of whom I have been so blessed to meet, directed me to another lady who was looking for people to try out their new line of sport water. Excited yet skeptical, I shot out an email with the request to try it. Immediately, I got an answer back with an enthusiastic communications director who didn't hesitate to allow me to give it a try. A week later, a big box of sports drinks landed on my door step and the 5 year old in me jumped on it like it was a gift on Christmas day.

Honestly, I don't really know what happened next. I believe it went like this:

My husband helped me open the box and upon making it's presence known to me, these sport waters seemed to have sung a melody as I nudged away the lid of the box so I can get a better look at it. I delved in and the first bottle I picked up, with all its slenderness and lure of a luxurious treat, said on its label,

Skinny Sport Water

0 Calories

0 Sugar

0 Sodium

0 Guilt

WHAT?! I couldn't believe it. With all its benefits and the 0 calories, sugar, etc., how could it pack in any flavor? All I can say is, boy was I wrong. The first flavor I tried was Goji Black Cherry. As the first drop of this amazing sport drink touched my taste buds, my eyes immediately shot open wide and I found myself gulping down nearly a third of the bottle. It was delicious. I really couldn't believe that this was in any way a sport drink. My husband glanced as me as I looked at my bottle of Goji Black Cherry Skinny Water in amazement. He's long known about my quest for a good sports drink and how many times I have been disappointed. Without a word, he held out his hand for me to hand my bottle over to him. I watch him take his first gulp and with a knowing smile, I nod at him as he nearly finishes the bottle. This is really happening....

I have found THE sport drink that I have longed for for so long. I am not one to rave about a product unless I truly believe that it is well worth it. And this? This is worth raving about. It has the perfect sweetness minus the weird thickness in the back of your throat you get from drinking sugar substitutes. It is also so refreshing. I've taken a bottle with me on my morning run and it really keeps me hydrated. 

I can't wait to have everyone try it, including you! Because the people of Skinny Water are absolutely amazing and beyond generous, they are providing me with a set of Skinny Waters to give to my readers! One lucky winner will win a set of 12 Skinny Waters sent straight to their home. 

To enter, simply do the tasks on the Rafflecopter widget below and you're set to have a chance to win! 

Good luck, everyone! Thanks for entering!

*I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stonewall Kitchen Sweepstakes

I am quite sure you all like to enter giveaways for "special" and "exciting" things - I admit I do too.  That is part of the reason I am always (and I do mean always) looking for new giveaways and sweepstakes to try my luck at.

Here is the PERFECT summer giveaway for you to enter ......... from our friends at Stonewall Kitchen, Niman Ranch and Viking!  This Giveaway runs through June 29th - so you will still have LOTS of time for Summer Fun when you win this GREAT package.

Summer Grill Giveaway

I LOVE Stonewall Kitchen products and my kitchen stove is a Viking  so I already know 2 of the 3 products included in this package - and both are top notch so I am sure that NIman Ranch Meats are pretty awesome too (and the selected meats included look so perfect for summer grilling!)

I really hope I win this ...... I know that's kind of selfish - but if I don't win I hope it is one of you .  If you do .... come on back and gloat share your good fortune.

While you are at it check out the Stonewall Kitchen blog ... I've already been scoping them out.

Amazing Patterns at Craftsy

Yesterday I posted about what looks like a great free online class on Sewing Machine 911.

If you are already well versed in your sewing machine and looking for some patterns to use to give your wardrobe a "shot in the arm" or to take you in a different direction - this could be the place for you.

Check it out - who knows you could be reviving those creative juices you have let get stagnant. You just never know - YOU could be the next fashion ...... oh wait that's a different show.

But seriously - this does look like an interesting (and yes independent) site for all kinds of patterns.  You don't just need those "name brand" patterns to create your own style!  Super low priced patterns - some are even free (can't beat that) - so you really should be checking this site out.

Who knows, you could become the next designer to submit YOUR patterns to Craftsy.
I would LOVE to see that happen - then I could say I had a hand in it.

Sewing Machine 911

Do you like to sew?

Or do you feel that you NEED to sew but don't know where to start with all those fancy sewing machines out there?

 

 I know I have a sewing machine (yes I USE to make my own clothes) that I still use for "repairs" on purchases, but I really should get back into it.  I always did think I had a "talent" when I was younger.

But I am sure I have forgotten many things about that machine, sitting in the corner just waiting for me to bring it back to life, that I use to know like I know my name!

I'm going to be checking this out.  Claudia Miller, who teaches this free class, is a sewing machine doctor!  She will teach us how to easily fix some of the common issues that plague us novices or even those much more experienced in the art of using a sewing machine.

Cancelled TV shows in 2012

I just saw this list of shows that have been cancelled, or ending, at the end of this TV season.
Some of them I already knew were not returning - not sure if it was the writers decision or the network since they had been around for a while, but there are some I haven't even heard, of let alone seen.  How about you? 

Cancelled Television Programs 2012
Alcatraz (Fox)
Allen Gregory (Fox)
Are You There, Chelsea? (NBC)
Awake (NBC)
Best Friends Forever (NBC)
Bent (NBC)
Breaking In (Fox)
Charlie’s Angels (ABC)
Chuck (NBC)
CSI: Miami (CBS)
Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC)
The Finder (Fox)
The Firm (NBC)
Free Agents (NBC)
GCB (ABC)
A Gifted Man (CBS)
H8R (CW)
Harry’s Law (NBC)
House (Fox)
I Hate My Teenage Daughter (Fox)
Man Up! (ABC)
Missing (ABC)
Napoleon Dynamite (Fox)
NYC 22 (CBS)
One Tree Hill (CW)
Pan Am (ABC)
The Playboy Club (NBC)
Prime Suspect (NBC)
Remodeled (CW)
Ringer (CW)
The River (ABC)
Rob (CBS)
The Secret Circle (CW)
Terra Nova (Fox)
Unforgettable (CBS)
Work It (ABC)

Any of these on your list of "favorites" that you can't believe were cancelled?
Any of these you hadn't heard of before they made this list?
I hope that those that have been around for a while, will actually bring some "closure" to the story line/lines and not just leave us hanging (but of course I'm not holding my breath)

A better sense ........

See yet another reason to smile and laugh the day away ............ 

I am going to try and put this "lesson" into my daily life.  Sometimes I know I get too "serious" (I like to call it passionate) and forget to find the humor in things. 

And you know sometimes you just have to laugh ....... or you will cry.

So are you with me on this??

How do YOU carry your Baby?

I really wish that they had baby slings when my kids were little.  I really think it would have made things so much easier for me and may have made them feel even more secure when we were out and about.

One of the slings available is the back pack, which looks pretty "comfortable" for both the baby and the carrier.  When my son was less than a year old, we had a back pack carrier that we got when we went on a New England Vacation.  Trust me when I tell you, THIS looks so much better.  Our carrier had a metal frame - and too heavy with baby inside, for me to use.  This carrier looks like I could have use this every day if needed.



I was recently introduced to this great site where you can wrap your baby so that you aren't lugging around a huge carrier, which is great in a vehicle but not so great when going from store to store or just "out in the world"






Have you seen the chatter about breastfeeding in public?  Of course you have.  Here is another great reason to wrap your baby - it makes discrete, hands-free nursing easy. 

 But there are lots of reasons you should wrap your baby, that I can't even begin to express here.  If you are interested in all the whys and not just take my word for it ...... you should check out Why you Should Wrap your baby.



I think this would make a great baby shower gift for any mother to be, whether she is thinking of breast feeding or not. It will make her life so much easier as she bonds with her child, runs her errands or visits with friends. And lets not forget the Dads. Even Dad's can get involved with these great products and help secure his bond with his new baby.


Although this is a paid post, all the opinions are my own.  I would have posted these opinions whether this was a paid post or not.  I do not allow remuneration to color my opinions.

"Glass Half ......." Quote

You know that age old question about the Glass ...........

Pessimist:  "glass half empty"

Optimist:  "glass half full"






Mom:  "all right, WHO didn't put their glass in the dishwasher?!"

This was on one of the cards that my daughter picked out for me from her and her brother (isn't she such a great sister?).  When I saw it I just knew it would fit perfectly with the other post I had for Mother's Day.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day - it was a beautiful day here in NJ.
Ok well the grill is calling ....... steaks are ready - see y'all later .

Don't forget my giveaways - the more entries I get, the more giveaways I can have!  And of course that means more you can win :)

Happy Mother's Day

How do you know if you are a good mother .............. 

Happy Mother's Day 

to all the great mothers out there.

CraveBox

I am so very excited!  If you were checking out my facebook page you know that CraveBox had 500 subscription spaces available and were giving out those spaces via a random drawing.

I sooooo wanted to be one of those 500 so that every month I would get my "sample" box of new things to try (and of course blog about).  But to be honest, I've been trying to join their little group for months, so I didn't really think I had a chance.

Well guess what?  I am IN!  I have to finish up my invitation next week, but I am part of the lucky 500 and will be getting my first box with the next delivery.

I can't wait to see what is in the box.  I can't wait to show you what I got and how I feel about each one.

Don't forget to check out my giveaways.  

Links in the top right corner of this blog

Gustafer Yellowgold is such a cute CD/DVD that would be perfect for kids (of all ages).
DaVinci Beads is a wonderful "possibilities" gift.  I hope Jenn decided this would be good for Mother's Day (I'm thinking she did but just not sure)  Fingers crossed.

Ink Garden Invitations and Announcements

It is that time again ..........                                                                         

                                   

GRADUATION 

Season!

I know we are in that mode (the count down mode) because Jenn graduates from Raritan Vally Community College  in a little more than a week!  

I do have to admit I'm not sure how that happened already I feel like we were just down there scheduling placement tests/class selections/etc.  We are all pretty excited about this - ok who wouldn't be?

I just wish I had known about this BEFORE I invited people to the house - sure would have made things so much easier! At least in the "invite" area of planning.

But if you are having a graduation or just need an easy way to do invitations - you really need to check out Ink Garden.   They have some awesome looking options and some great promos like the 10 free offered above.  

I think you will be very happy with the quality of their work - so many wonderful reviews .  

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Famous Footwear

I don't know about you but I really LOVE this place.

And NO your eyes are NOT deceiving you.

 I love that I always seem to find at least 1 pair of shoes here. 

Ok so my hubby doesn't seem to think that's such a great thing but hey he's a man - 

WHAT do men know about shoes????

Check it out - here is a coupon for 20% off your next purchase! 
But don't be dilly dallying cause its only good till May 13th.

I'm call it my Mother's Day Special because Famous Footwear KNOWS how to treat mother's right!

Food on the Table

Are you looking for something that will just "knock your socks off" when it comes to meal prep? I know that I get in a rut and end up cooking the same thing every month - BORING


Here is a way to come up with some new ideas, some new experiences that will make it so much easier for you to expand your food repertoire and get your family "open" to new foods.

 
I think you should be checking out Food on the Table to see what all the buzz is all about - but most importantly to add a little "zing" to your daily meals.  And to get you started on your new adventure I'm sharing a great deal, but you need to hurry .......... If you use promo code SPRINGFREE throughout the month of May you will get to use the premium service free for life. 

This is a crazy good deal - so what are you waiting for?  HURRY May doesn't last forever!