Break For Moms

Free Doughnut at Krispy Kreme®

2012-05-23T15:35:00.000-05:00

Oh I remember this day well...last year my daughters and I celebrated National Doughnut Day by getting our freebies at Krispy Kreme®, and we get to do it again June 1st!

"Celebrate one of the sweetest days of the year by commemorating National Doughnut Day with a one-of-a-kind complimentary treat from Krispy Kreme®. On Friday, June 1 stop in to any participating Krispy Kreme US shops for a FREE doughnut of any variety. No purchase necessary.

On Friday, June 1, Krispy Kreme is helping its fans across the country pay homage on this delectable holiday by offering every guest one FREE doughnut of any variety at participating Krispy Kreme US locations.

Fans can also share the National Doughnut Day fun with Krispy Kreme on Twitter @KrispyKreme #NationalDoughnutDay.

The offer is good for one free doughnut of any variety per customer on Friday, June 1 only. Visit http://KrispyKreme.com/ for store locations."

Vacation Mode

2012-05-18T13:20:00.000-05:00

Do you remember how excited you were on the last day of school before summer vacation? I do. And I miss that excitement. The closest I come to it now is on a Friday heading into a three day weekend.

But my anticipation is rising as (drumroll please)...it's almost VACATION TIME!! Ah yes, a whole week this summer road-tripping through the midwest. Is it Paris in the rain? No. The clear sand of Antigua? Eh-eh. But it IS time off work, and time bonding with my family as we swim our way through hotels and visit children's museums. With a 3 and 1-yr-old, those are the vacations we get right now, and that's just fine with me.

One stop that we're all really excited about is the Magic House in St. Louis. It's a children's museum that my husband says he went to a long time ago and loved, so we're taking the kids.

After the Magic House, it's off to "Grandma and Grandpa's house" for a little visit (which means mommy and daddy get to go out to eat while g-ma and g-pa babysit!!), and who knows what else. That's what I love most about our summer vacation...no deadlines. Well, that's not totally true. We only have eight days, but no pressure during those days to be anywhere specific. No alarm clock + coffee = happy me.

Annmarie Gianni Skin Care Review

2012-05-11T15:04:00.002-05:00

Ok, I'm 36. There I admitted it. I still get pimples and have oily skin like a teenager anxious for prom, but the fine lines of a mature woman are creeping in as well. Sooo, do I buy face wash for a kid...or grown-up products? Fortunately there may be something for me all wrapped up in an organic, natural skin care line from AnnMarie Gianni.

I've been sampling products from AnnMarie Gianni for the past week or so, and have truly seen and FELT a difference in my skin. During my nightly skin care routine with the products, I would start with the Aloe-Herb facial cleanser, which was nice and light. Then I would spritz a little Rosemary Toning Mist...I never thought a mist would have much effect, but now I believe it really is important to the whole routine. From there I added some Anti-Aging Serum to my face (so my 36 will look more like 30...), and some Herbal Facial Oil--for Oily and Acne Prone Skin. I love that the products address my oily "teenage" skin as well as my "mature" 36-yr-old here-we-come fine lines.

Everything I used felt VERY light. I never felt like I had a film on my face or like it was stripped from overcleansing. I truly feel like after just one week, my skin is clearer and fresher. And to top it all off, the products are made with such wonderful ingredients, you could even EAT some! The Coconut Honey Mask consists of "Love, raw mountain wildflower honey, organic extra virgin coconut oil, beeswax, organic vanilla powder". How great is that??

Check out Annmarie Gianni Skin Care at Annmariegianni.com.

Disclosure--I was given products to sample for review. I was not required to write a postive review, or compensated for the review.

SassySteals.com Giveaway

2012-05-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

I always love helping busy moms (then they'll help me back, right??), and recently learned about SassySteals.com, which is a daily deal website started by a mother of two. SassySteals.com features boutique and handmade items like Hand-Stamped Spoons...

And super cute Flower Wallets...

SassySteals.com has offered to GIVE AWAY the following three items to one lucky Break For Moms reader!!

To win those three great "steals", enter the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You Tweet?

2012-05-03T14:44:00.000-05:00

Great giveaways (jewelry and coffee giveaways ending soon...check them out HERE), celebrity mom interviews (you can click on a few of them on the left side of the page), funny stories, product reviews...this blog has all sorts of stuff! You should probably go ahead and follow Break For Moms on Twitter so you can find out exactly when new giveaways are going up and when fun stuff gets posted. Please??

ANOTHER title?

2012-05-01T15:36:00.000-05:00

So I'm a mom, wife, blogger, sister, daughter, radio news person, cook (only for family!), baker (again for family), the list of titles goes on and on. So why add another? Eh, why not. I have always been interested in real estate, and often talked about getting my real estate license "someday"...and my sister finally convinced me that "someday" was NOW.

So in January I embarked on the journey...started with online classes, which at times involved taking tests with two little kids climbing on my lap, then I progressed to the REAL tests (which cost money, so you don't want to go in willy nilly), then paperwork, another class, more paperwork...and here I am, officially licensed.

Ahhh, it feels good.

So if you need a Referral Agent (I can help you no matter WHERE you live...Kansas City, Chicago, Alaska) to help you get started, let me know!

Rachel Rode Jewelry Giveaway

2012-04-24T16:32:00.000-05:00

Rachel Rode is a mom, which is exhausting in and of itself, but she's also an amazing jewelry maker. I've had her create custom pieces for my mom (a really cool family tree) and nieces (swimmer and gymnast necklaces), and they're AWESOME. Check out her etsy store or Facebook page.

In honor of her own birthday (29 right??), Rachel is having a big sale on her jewelry May 1st through May 6th (midnight). According to Rachel, "Everything will be on sale except custom and made-to-order items. I'll use my facebook page to show examples of what will be on sale and for how much starting tomorrow...i.e. This Pendant was $20 and will be on sale for $15 from May 1st to May 6th...that sort of thing. So facebook fans can get an idea of what to expect as the sale draws closer. I'll have some items on clearance with deep discounts as well. This is my only big sale for the year, so this is the time to buy. :)"

And even better, she's offered to GIVE AWAY one of her pieces to a Break For Moms reader! You can choose between her birdnest necklace or a tree of life pendant (pictured below).

Enter the rafflecopter to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure--I was provided with the item for this giveaway. I was not required to write a positive review.

Momma's Day Gift?

2012-04-24T12:02:00.000-05:00

If you're not Croatian, you probably don't know about the deliciousness of povitica. It's kinda like yummy bread pudding in slice bread form. It's no easy task to make it, but my mom does it once or twice a year, and she just emailed me this coupon from Strawberry Hill Povitica Co...maybe she's hinting for a Mother's Day Gift?

Mother's Day Sogno Coffee Giveaway

2012-04-17T17:53:00.000-05:00

There's nothing moms need more than coffee (well maybe a housekeeper...or nanny). I never understand the women that tell me they don't like it. I could drink it ALL DAY LONG...and sometimes do! So what better Mother's Day gift than coffee? Sogno Coffee was gracious enough to offer a 4oz bag of EACH of their blends to one lucky BreakForMoms.com winner. They have Sole (bold), Vento (expresso), Cielo (medium roast), and Nuvola (decaf).

You don't HAVE to be a mom to win, just enter the Rafflecopter below! One lucky winner will get a 4oz bag of each of Sogno Coffee's blends, and the winner will be chosen right before Mother's Day!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Send a Flying Card

2012-04-16T17:30:00.000-05:00

I'm always trying to find cute ways to say "Happy Birthday" without spending a ton of money, but while still being unique. The other day I stumbled across SendAFlyingCard.com, which has a really cool way to send someone a birthday greeting or even just a "hi"!

According to their website:
What is a Flying Card?
It's a replacement for a greeting or birthday card, but so much better!!! An original Flying Card from SendaFlyingCard.com is a completely customized high quality full-sized plastic disc (approx. 9 1/4 inches round weighing 100 grams) that will be delivered for you in place of a greeting card or invitation, no envelope and no packaging, just the Flying Card. It is a card and a gift, all in one!!!

Right now they're on sale for $9.99 with free shipping...could make a cute Mother's Day gift!

Disclosure--I was sent a free flying card to review, but not compensated in any way for this post. I was not required to write a positive review.

Win free glasses!

2012-04-12T14:48:00.000-05:00

In honor of their 39,000th Facebook fan, 39DollarGlasses.com is giving away 39 FREE pairs of glasses!

Check out the contest on Facebook HERE!!

Journal 10

2012-04-09T13:43:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid, I always kept a diary. And when I read those 25 year old entries, memories come FLOODING back (oh Nick C, what a cute little 6th grade boyfriend you were...). Now that I'm working, trying to raise a 3 and 1-yr-old, be a good wife, keep the house clean, get to church on time, etc., the idea of adding one more task to my day-like writing in a journal-just seems like too much.

And along comes Journal 10. The great thing about this journal is that it doesn't take much to keep up with it...in fact, it only "asks" you for a few lines a day. You can just jot down something simple like "rained all day, so we were stuck inside, but the girls and I did a baking lesson and turned out some ugly cupcakes!" Just some quick lines so when you look back on the days, months, years, you can remember how some of your time was spent.

It's perfect for me since I can't seem to keep up with baby books. At least now I can jot down "G said 'I love you' for the first time" (which, by the way, my 23-month-old is saying non-stop now and I LOVE that).

The Journal 10 is available online at http://www.journal10.com/ or Amazon.com for $39.95.

Disclosure--I was provided a free journal for review. I was not compensated in any way for this post.

Sea Life Aquarium

2012-04-05T14:40:00.000-05:00

Big excitement in KC as the new Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium opens!

According to their website...

NEW! SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium Opening April 6

SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium will transport you into the amazing underwater world. Come nose to nose with sharks and prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from humble starfish and seahorses to graceful rays. To get any closer you’d have to get wet!

Amazing Underwater Ocean Tunnel
More than 5,000 Sea Creatures
Hold a crab or touch a starfish in our Touchpool Experience
Watch our fun talks and feed shows throughout the day

Easter Treats

2012-04-02T14:02:00.000-05:00

I love super cute crafty holiday treats, but I'm not a great baker and not so good at the creative part. That's why I love EASY recipes for cute treats...I came across this one on the Better Homes And Gardens website.

Easter Egg Cupcakes

cupcakes

coconut

pastel

Rhea Lana's

2012-03-27T12:33:00.000-05:00

Don't forget that Rhea Lana's Spring Event is coming VERY soon! It's April 3rd-7th at 127th and Mur-Len in Olathe. Get all the details on Rhea Lana's website and check out their Facebook page!

Pregnant and I Know It

2012-03-26T12:49:00.000-05:00

Painfully true and SO funny...

Blood Drive for FREE Play!

2012-03-19T12:06:00.000-05:00

Little Monkey Bizness in Shawnee is hosting a blood drive on Friday, March 23rd from 1:30-4:30PM. Donate your blood at the event, and your kids play FREE (max of 2 kids per donor). For details, call Little Monkey Bizness at (913) 631-7000.

$50 Xperience Days gift certificate giveaway

2012-03-12T14:11:00.002-05:00

My family is celebrating several "milestone" birthdays...my sister turned the big 4-0 (long before me--HA!!), my mom and dad are turning 60, and my little bro is now officially 30. You always want to give cool gifts for important birthdays, but sometimes it's hard to come up with ideas.

I stumbled across Xperience Days online a few weeks ago...they have unique gifts, and when I say unique, I'm talkin' flying lessons, stockcar rides, and skydiving. Gifts that will definitely make an impression!

Xperience Days was cool enough to offer a $50 gift certificate to a BreakForMoms.com reader! Just enter the Rafflecopter below...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure--I was provided with the giveaway, but not compensated in any way for this post.

Win $120!!

2012-03-07T13:41:00.001-06:00

Could YOU use $120? Enter to win from contestchest.com!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What mom doesn't want free diapers?

2012-03-05T12:44:00.000-06:00

I love MY giveaways (sign up to win $20 to StitchesBySarah.com!), but I just came across a suh-weet giveaway on another blog, I'd Rather Be Changing Diapers. There's a giveaway of ...

One package of new Seventh Generation Free & Clear diaper product
A copy of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax storybook

What mom doesn't want free diapers? Check out the giveaway at the link below.
http://www.ratherbechangingdiapers.com/2012/02/seventh-generation-and-lorax.html

Stitches By Sarah Giveaway

2012-02-28T13:09:00.000-06:00

One thing I've learned in the past five years is that stay-at-home moms are the hardest working people in the world. I've never met one that doesn't have five hundred different projects going at all times. That's definitely true with my friend Sarah, a mom to two sweet little toddlers. One of her MANY creative outlets is knitting. According to her, "I knit everything from hats to hammocks! My business centers on creating fun and unique items for newborns, toddlers, and adults. I knit a wide array of hats, photo props, and apparel. I love to work with bright, colorful yarns, furry and soft textures, and anything sparkly!"

She has parlayed her love of knitting into a great business, "StitchesBySarah". She has SO much cute stuff!

You can check out her Etsy shop or her Facebook page. And if you're a bargain hunter, she does auctions on her Facebook page every Tuesday afternoon at 2...she offers all of her latest hats at discounted prices with reduced shipping!

If you'd like to WIN $20 toward anything in her Etsy shop with FREE domestic shipping, enter the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure--I was provided with the giveaway. I was not compensated in any way for this post.

Giveaway Coming Soon!

2012-02-23T11:27:00.001-06:00

Keep checking BreakForMoms.com for a great giveaway from StitchesBySarah.com very soon! You might wanna check out the site now to see what you'd buy...

Blog Hop

2012-02-21T11:41:00.002-06:00

Sogno Coffee Giveaway

2012-02-18T08:50:00.000-06:00

There are some mornings when the only reason I'm able to drag myself out of bed at 4am is because I know I can make coffee. Seriously. There are some afternoons around 3 when I'm ready to fall over, and then I have some coffee and BAM, I'm able to finish the laundry and do another round of Candyland with my girls.

I recently got some coffee from Sogno Coffee, which I found online. I got the Cielo, which is a medium roast, and the vento, which is expresso. (Check out their taste profiles below) They also have Nuvola, for the decaf lovers, and Sole, for those of you who need a bold coffee.

Vento Taste Profile

Cielo Taste Profile

You can order Sogno Coffees in a 16oz or 10oz bag (prices range from $6.50-12.99), in whole bean or ground.

You can check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

If you'd like to WIN a 10oz bag of Sogno Coffee (you choose which variety), enter the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure--I was provided free samples of the product for review and giveaway.

Where would YOU go?

2012-02-18T08:09:00.002-06:00

Over our Valentine's Day dinner (at a fancy little French bistro...way to go hubby!), my husband and I talked about where we would like to travel. Do we have the time and money to go to Germany and Sweden? Nope, but it sure is fun to daydream! And SOMEDAY we WILL make those special trips happen.

I recently learned about LoveToTravel.com. They are a great home based travel agency that was started by a mom who wanted to be able to stay home with her kids AND work...and 17 years later, it's still going strong. They specialize in the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Disney, and Vegas--uh, YES PLEASE!!

Whether you want a "girls weekend away" with friends or a special family trip, they can help set something up for you.

You can check them out on Facebook or Twitter!

Disclosure--I was compensated for this blog post.