Easter-One of my favorite holidays!

Easter is coming soon and I'm more than a little ready to rip into a big basket of sugary goodness.  Why, you ask?  I gave up sugar for Lent and it's getting a little bit harder every day.  But I suppose that's the point, right?
I will confess that Christmas is my favorite holiday, but Easter ranks right near the top, too.  Why?  Well, it's so much fun.  A rabbit sneaks into your house and leaves a basket of treats?  Of course I'm going to love that!
My best friend and I have a tradition of getting Easter Baskets for each other the day after Easter.  That way we get the best stuff at half price.  And since we're adults we can stand to wait the extra day.  We both know each other so well it's easy to get stuff we'll both love.  ♥
I also love making Easter plans with the family.  The last few years we've gone to my parents house some time around Easter and have had dinner and a little egg hunt.  My newest niece will be having her first Easter experience this year and I can't wait.  She's already such a happy little girl, and I'm sure she's old enough to think it's super fun to have her mom take her around the yard to pick up the little eggs and treats.

I have three giant boxes of Easter decorations in my attic...I have just remembered it's time to bring them out.  I try to decorate about a month before any holiday.  I'll only get about three weeks of Easter decor if I get them out tonight.  Yikes!
At least I'm already partially prepared for the holiday...I started shopping last year when things hit 75% off.  (Not candy, that would be gross...but little fun toys and baskets are ready for the big day!)
I've talked so much about the things I love about Easter.  What don't I like?  Well, for one, the fact that I gave up sugar.  (Three more weeks, three more weeks, three more weeks...)  Also, that Easter grass.  Am I the only one who can't stand the stuff?  It's such a mess and gets all over the house.  Yuck!
I am hoping my basket includes some fun toy-obviously I love bunnies, so a bunny would be fun.  Candy is always great.  I love GOOD jelly beans...not just any old kind.  Candy with caramel, no nuts, please.  Oh, and maybe a Whatchamacallit bar.  Those are my favorite.  I've been good this year.  Please???
What do you love about Easter?  I'd love to hear!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Hop blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Care to try Salonpas?

I first heard of Salonpas through another blog...a blog containing a link to a $3 off coupon!  I do love a deal so of course I had to try it.
I picked up some Salonpas at my local Walmart and waited for some pain.  (I knew that wouldn't take long!)
I've never used a patch before in any form, so this was all new to me.  I have horrible ankles and the next time I rolled mine I decided to give Salonpas a try.  What can I say-it worked!  Salonpas is a pain relief patch with menthol and methyl salicylate.  You apply the patch right to the spot where you  need pain relief.  You should never use more than one patch at a time and you should know that they are cleared for temporary pain relief from the FDA.
I'll definitely give these a try again.  I think these would be great for anyone who has trouble swallowing pills or who wants to try a potentially faster way to relieve pain.

Salonpas Twitter Party

Tomorrow night I'll be at a #Salonpas Twitter party...will you be there?  
The party will be hosted by  @theprplace, @StacieinAtlanta, @lisasamples & @crissy along with @mrsalonpas.
Go here for more info about the party. There will be lots of great prizes...I have my fingers crossed for one of the Flip Video cameras.  (And I suppose I'll take the AmEx that goes with it...)
Hope to see you there!
Monday, March 28 at 8pm.  #Salonpas 

National Nutrition Month With Yoplait Yogurt

Support National Nutrition Month and become a fan of Yoplait on Facebook today to explore delicious and easy ways to infuse more nutrition into your lifestyle.
I'm a huge fan of yogurt, but I don't eat it as often as I would like because so many are full of hidden sugar and calories.  I'm a label reader and I'm often surprised by the things you can find in supposedly "healthy" foods.  You can feel good about eating Yoplait-Yoplait Kids has 25% less sugar than the leading kids yogurt.  Yoplait Original has 50% of your daily calcium recommendation. 
By liking Yoplait on Facebook you can also request a free cup of Yoplait Original Yogurt.


*Leading yogurt has less than 25% Daily Value calcium per 6 oz.**Yoplait kids has 9 grams of sugar per 3oz. the leading kids' yogurt has 13 grams of sugar per 3oz. 
***Coupon offers for Yoplait yogurt are not valid in all states.



Disclosure: Information Provided by Yoplait.  Post written for a chance to win a prize pack from Yoplait and My Blog Spark.

Lessons for Friday

Well, I've noticed something today.  I tend to go for speed over accuracy.  I could not tell you how many times I've finished a job really, really quickly, only to go back and find out I goofed up.
My goof ups are usually minor and easily fixed, but that's not the point.
So my goal for today and forward is to slow down, take a breath and to try to get things done right the first time.
Here's hoping I can be successful at that...I'm off to edit a bunch of activity sheets for work!  ☺

Free Redbox Movies!

Who doesn't love a great movie? I know I do!

You can watch as many movies as you would like, for free, thanks to the Redbox Lucky To Have Friends Like You program, going on now through March 17th!

What do you need to do? Sign up for an account here: www.redbox.com/luckymoms

When you sign up you'll be able to reserve movies at your favorite Redbox kiosk until up to 9pm the next day!

When you sign up you'll get your own link to share with friends and family.  They can get a free rental, too, if they're new to Redbox!

For every person who uses your link you'll get a free first night rental from Redbox.  How easy is that?

So what are you waiting for? Sign up and email, tweet and post on Facebook! How lucky are you-free movies!

HAVE FUN AND MAKE IT A MOVIE NIGHT WITH REDBOX TONIGHT!

Disclosure: I have written this post to enter a giveaway for free Redbox movies and snacks as a member of Mom Bloggers Club.  

Top 10 Travel Savings Tips

It's no secret that I love to travel.  I live to travel.  My bucket list is full of travel destinations.  But even more than I love to travel I love to find a great deal when I'm traveling.  Here are my top 10 tips for finding a great travel deal:

1. Timing is everything.
You’ll save money if you travel to places outside of their peak travel season. Hotels, planes and rental car companies want to book as many people as they can. At the height of the area’s travel season the deals aren’t going to be available because they will be full or close to it. Travel during the slower seasons and you can find great deals. You can search online to help you find the off-peak season in the area you want to visit.

2. Use the internet for hotels and rental cars.
I can't recall a vacation where I didn’t use an online service for booking my trip. I actually go to multiple travel website every time I travel and find the best deal from each.  Some offer a price match guarantee so you can even get those great deals working against each other!

3. Stalk your plane tickets.

I always take my time looking for airline tickets.  I shop from multiple websites and promise myself that I won't jump on the first deal.  Planning early helps.  If you start shopping early you'll notice trends in the prices on the tickets and you'll know when it's time to buy.  I've heard it helps to delete your cookies when shopping for airline tickets but I'm not sure if this is true.

4. Find deals at your destination.
Once you find a great deal you'll still want to save money when you get there.  Look for online deal sites that locals in the area use before you visit.  You might score some great deals for places you wouldn't even know of without the site.  


5. Pack and prepare
It's almost always more expensive to buy snacks, sunscreens and other necessities when you get to your destination.  Find the best deals and stock up before you leave.  Just be aware of any travel restrictions when flying.  It won't save a bit of money if your sunscreen in your carry on luggage has to be thrown away because it doesn't meet FTA requirements.


6. Explore lots of ways to get around.
Once you get to your destination you'll need a way to get around.  Are you driving there and planning to use your own car the whole time?  Flying and you'll need ground transportation?  Look into all of the options available.  I'm a huge fan of public transportation and always find a way to use it when it's possible.  


7. Purchase passes for longer stays.
Once you figure out what you want to do while on vacation and how many days you plan to do it, look into multi day passes.  most attractions give better deals for multiple day passes.  Just don't buy one if you wont use all of the days allowed, unless there's savings.  Buying a three day pass if you'll only go twice might not be cheaper.  But it could be! 


8. Ask your friends. 
Have your friends been before and this is your first time?  Ask them for their advice!  Who doesn't love travel.  They can help you find the best places to go, what to avoid, and where you can save money.


9. Find a deal for meals.
Look for hotels that offer free breakfast.  Find restaurants where children can eat free.  Even look for hotels that have kitchenettes and cook some of your own meals.  All ways to save money while eating on vacation.


10. Go off the beaten path.
Whether it's places to eat, places to shop of places to visit, leaving the tourist areas will give you a wonderful experience while you travel.  You'll also save money eating and shopping with the locals.

What are your tips on getting a great vacation deal?

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Lucky You!

Are you a lucky person?  I know I am.   I know a lot of people who hear the words lucky and think of lottery winners and Las Vegas jackpots.  Now I'm not saying people who win those aren't lucky.  Obviously they are.  But that's not what I consider truly lucky.  I mean, how many times have we heard those stories of lottery winners facing tragedy after tragedy?  (That said, I'm not going to turn down and lottery winnings that might come my way.)  ☺

So what makes me lucky?  That's easy!  My family and my friends.  I was lucky and blessed enough to have some amazing parents.  A lot of people might hear that my parents are divorced and feel bad.  But truthfully it happened so long ago I don't even think about it.  My parents are both married to wonderful people and my family was expanded because of that.  I consider that lucky.  I'm blessed to have  my wonderful grandmother in  my life.  As a matter of fact we just celebrated her 87th birthday last weekend.  How wonderful was it to have the whole family together for that?

I'm also very lucky to have some great friends.  My best friend has been in my life for over 18 years.  I sometimes think we share a brain.  I know I have someone that will always be there no matter what.  How lucky is that?  Not to mention the many other friends in my life.  I love having them all there to watch games with, go to the movies with and talk about anything.  You get your family but you choose your friends.  And I've chosen mine quite well.  And I'm so very lucky that they've chosen me back!

Thanks to Redbox along with my family and friends I can be even luckier!  They are offering a new program from now until March 17, 2011 that will let me even free movie rentals from Redbox!  With the Redbox Lucky To Have Friends Like You program every time they click my special link I'll earn a credit for my first night's rental at Redbox.  That means I can rent an unlimited number of games, movies and Blu-rays!  Like I said, I'm really lucky to have my family and friends.  So sign  up already and start sharing your special link!

So what's the first movie on your must watch list?  Why not make a long list...the first night is free thanks to your friends and family.  Lucky you!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and redbox blogging program, for a $25 Walmart gift card from redbox. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Getting The Most Bang For Your Buck While Grocery Shopping

I'm a shopper.  I love to shop.  More than I love to shop I love to get a good deal.  Although I'm far from an extreme couponer, I do love my deals, my freebies and my special offers.  I have tons of tips for helping you save at the grocery store on the items you love.

Social Media Is Your Friend
Use Twitter and Facebook to your advantage.  Follow your favorite stores.  Follow your favorite products.  You'll find special offers deals and giveaways available only to their followers.  Many of these offers will be at random times of the day, so you'll need to be ready to hop on them when they come.

Get All The Store Cards You Can
Every store seems to have a loyalty card now.  I get one whenever it's offered.  Worried about a wallet full of cards?  If you have a smartphone there's an app for that!  There are multiple apps that are made just for storing your loyalty card details.

Don't Be Afraid of Name Brands 
People often think generic means savings.  While on the surface generic products are cheaper, you can often save more using coupons.  This is especially true if your store doubles.  If a name brand product is $.75 more and you have a $.50 coupon that is doubled by your store you'll actually save $.25 by using the coupon and buying the name brand.

Get The Paper
I get a Sunday only subscription to my newspaper.  It has paid for itself many times over in savings from all of the coupon inserts.  You can buy extra papers, get them from your neighbors and even use clipping services online, but I find that the one paper I get every Sunday is more than enough to help me save.

Is Your Store Tech Savvy?
More and more stores are offering an electronic coupon option.  These coupons are loaded onto your store loyalty card and saved for you.  When your card is scanned they are deducted automatically.  Depending on the store and the offer you might even be able to stack these offers with paper coupons you have printed or clipped.  Stores like Kroger even over special Cart Buster offers with digital offers for free products!

Find Your Blogging Savemates
No one person can find all the deals there are, but there are tons of smart mamas out there who can help.  A quick search using the keywords of your favorite stores and products can you help you find the best deals.  It can also help you find new blogs to follow, which is always a nice bonus!

I hope this has inspired you to think of new ways you can save at your favorite stores.  Happy Savings!


I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms Kroger CartBuster blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Queen of Excuses

I admit it.  I'm the queen of excuses.  Give me a reason, any reason to eat something I shouldn't or to not work out and I'll happily jump on board.
I know that white foods are my enemy.  Carbs are not kind to my body because of a medical condition.  But hey, if that friend who I haven't seen calls and wants to go out for pizza, well, then, I can't hurt her feelings, right?  (Never mind the fact that I could ask her to go to that great salad place and she'd be just as happy...she asked to get pizza and I want to be a good friend.)  ☺

I'm the same way about working out.  Give me a reason to avoid it and I will.  It looks like it might rain?  Better not take that walk.  It's too hot, it's too cold...never mind the fact that I could dress accordingly.  Nope...I'm staying in.  (They don't call me the Brunette Goldilocks for nothing!  OK...no one calls me that.  But if they did I really couldn't argue...)

I went so far as to join the gym a mile from my house.  I figured if I was paying for it I'd go, right?  Well, I did go, I was doing so well!  I was so proud of myself.  Then the gym closed down.  (Don't even get me started on the fact that they held me to my contract because another gym was within 15 miles.)  That does it...no gym, no working out.

So what does a queen of excuses do when she knows it's time to stop making excuses? Easy! Stop giving herself excuses to make.  If I'm going to find reasons to eat things I shouldn't, I should find reasons to eat things I should.  I try to keep plenty of healthy options available so I'm not tempted to get take out.  (And I keep telling myself my friends will still love me if I recommend a healthy object for dinner.) If the gym is closed for business and the weather is too crazy that means I need to make a gym in my home.  So far, so good...I have hand weights and yoga balls and a Wii.  Those all help.  Now I'm hoping to add a treadmill to my mini-gym at home.  I do love to walk, and weather and distance can no longer be an excuse if I have a treadmill in the house, right?

Disclaimer: Not my dog.  But how darn cute is he?

Now if I can just figure out a way to get the dog to walk on a treadmill, too...boy that would save me a ton of time in excuse making of a different sort...  ☺

I wrote this blog post while participating in the Bookieboo and Hayneedle Treadmill blogging program, making me eligible to win a treadmill. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Do You Feel Lucky? I Do!

Luck is a funny thing.  In my experience it comes and goes in amazing blazes.  When you're lucky, you're lucky.  You can't be stopped.  Then just as quickly your luck dries up like the Sahara and you start to wonder if you'll ever be lucky again.  I have two firm rules.  Never say things couldn't be better because things could always be better.  And never say things couldn't be worse because they always could get worse!  (I'd definitely pick the former over the latter, though, if I had to choose.)  ☺

I've had my moments of great luck.  My favorite story of luck happened when I was in Hawaii.  I mean, can you not feel lucky if you're in Hawaii?  My best friend and I had just traveled from North Carolina to Waikiki and were trying to get some sleep after a really, really long flight and a crazy adventure on the way to the hotel involving a broken water pipe and the worst traffic in Oahu's history.  I'm in Hawaii, I'm too excited to sleep...so I start playing with my Blackberry.  As I'm going through my emails I find one from a PR company.  I just won $1,500 from a Snapple Sweepstakes.  I'm in the most beautiful place on earth and I just won $1,500?  Someone pinch me!  (For the record, that's the first, last and only time I've won anything even close to that large.  I'm wondering if another trip to Hawaii is needed to change this.)

(This is my favorite picture from that trip-the sunsets were amazing!) 

I've also had my moments of thinking I was cursed.  My 21st birthday comes to mind.  I'm on my way home from my parent's house.  Things are great-I'm about to party with my friends. The lamp my parents bought  me as a gift is in the front seat and my birthday cake is on the floorboard.  So as I'm driving back to my apartment there is a car far ahead turning left.  She's partially in the turn lane and no cars are coming from the other direction.  I'm sure she has more than enough time to turn before I'm close so I don't slow down.  Well, she doesn't turn and I realize too late.  I'm on the brakes but I slam into the back corner of her car that was sticking out into my lane.  Everyone is ok, but...my bumper is crushed and my cake was smashed by the lamp flying into it.  Thankfully I found a way to have fun that night-it was my 21st birthday.  I then woke up the next morning having a mini panic attack when I realized I needed to call my parents! (By the way, the lamp has long since been gone, but I'm pretty sure the smooshed cake took up permanent residence on my left hip.)

I don't believe in lucky charms.  (Well, maybe if we're talking about that magically delicious cereal which has probably taken up residence on my right hip and is best friends with the birthday cake on the left.)  But I do believe in luck.  The luck you're blessed to be born with, the luck you make for yourself and the luck that you don't always know is there.  I was blessed and lucky enough to be born into am amazing family.  I worked hard and was lucky enough to get a job that I love.  (Well, most of the time...)  I have great friends.  This is what I remind myself when I'm feeling down, or feeling unlucky.  I just can't be unlucky with all of that in my life!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the Bookieboo and "Earthies Wants You to Feel Lucky" blogging program, making me eligible to win a pair of Earthies shoes and American Express Gift Cards. For more information on how you can participate, click here.