busymommylist

It's Time To Get Back To Hosting Parties

2021-10-07T20:57:00.003-07:00

There are so many things you could buy for a "man cave" (or if you search for a fancy nickname for your sacred space online, you might run into these peculiar but hilarious terms; manspace, manland, male retreat, and quite possibly the best one, mantuary. Or if you are looking for a space for your wife, yourself, your mom, you may want to call this secret spot your "she shed".

Whatever nickname you decide on should match your sparkling personality and sound like a place your family and friends would come to visit. That is if you choose to invite family and friends...

Maybe you're just content by yourself or with whoever it is you live with. or maybe you would prefer to invite the next-door neighbor or 30 of your closest friends.

One of the first items on your list should be a Rustic Pool Table. You may want to add a foosball table, maybe some air hockey, or a classic pinball machine. Any combination or even all of the above would be perfect for you and a handful of your most favorite people to have a blast! Personally, I would include a Pole Position game and a few more pinball games as well as a standup Galaga arcade game.

Next, you'll need a nice sound system with speakers and a TV or 2! Don't forget a couple of comfy recliners or even a few of those enormous bean bag chairs. (You can even buy bags of extra beans to fill up to your liking!) These are fairly reasonably priced and some even come well equipped with pockets and drink holders.

Speaking of drinks...

So, you have your Natural Wood Pool Table, your TV, speakers, stereo, a pinball game, you're going to need some tasty beverages and snacks for your guests. Something to serve drinks at would be great! Like a minibar or maybe you prefer to invest in the top shelf bottles, rocks glasses, ic cube trays in different shapes and sizes. Or maybe you just want a good coffee machine, ICEE machine, espresso machine, and a good fridge to keep your mixers, coffee creamers, sodas, bottled water, and juices cold.

If you and your friends are movie fans, you can even find those nifty popcorn makers and hot dog rollers. (We actually have a cotton candy maker too! They are a little messy but, oh, so worth it!)

The cool thing about creating your own space is being able to personalize it to your liking. You might want to hang up some movie posters or concert posters. Remember, it is your space and it can be free from all of the other parts of the house and the focus is you So, plan a bit. You can always add things later. Maybe start collecting some NHL cards or jerseys or some of those goofy Funko Pops in all of your most favorite characters or athletes.

If you're a crafty person or you know someone who is, a few cool frames and sine shelves would be the perfect addition to show off your stuff! We even have a small cabinet with a couple of drawers so we can put dice, decks of cards, and some board games.

Depending on the age groups you plan on entertaining, you may want to try to have a nice variety of games for all ages. (Snacks too!)

Unpopular Or Popular Opinion

2021-09-04T19:34:00.003-07:00

If anyone has learned anything over the past year and a half, I would like to think that the majority would say that they started to question the government, science, world leaders, and any other authority figures we have who are out there making decisions for us.

What do we believe anymore? Do you follow what the majority of society follows? What is the majority of society? There is more to life than social media and the Internet so, can you actually make decisions based upon the comments and "friends" and Tweets that you see on your Facebook or TikTok pages? Do you ever sit and wonder, who are these people making decisions for me and my family? Are they really "experts"? Who gave them that title? What about the other "experts" who have already come out in opposition to the "experts" we are told to follow?

Prior to the pandemic, I've always had a million questions each time anyone I have never met who has a whole lot more money than I do, who works for a group of people who are so out of touch with "regular" people, and sometimes, never even communicate or go anywhere near "regular" people, get to sit in big, fancy chairs, at big, fancy tables, eating and drinking fancy foods and determine what would benefit me and my children and my neighbors the most. Some of these so-called, "experts" have no experience whatsoever in the field they claim to be an expert in. (For example; the current Secretary Of Health in PA isn't even a medical doctor. She's an attorney with "experience in health care policy".

Sometimes, it's very easy to follow the money and find who benefits from what. Especially within the Federal Government. (and the state and local governments.) If you really have the time to check who donates to who and what each line in these bills really says, you'll see how mind-boggling it all really is. So, when I read a number of news reports each day regarding the FDA and vaping products, I have to ask myself the same questions as I would with anything else. Whether you vape or smoke or partake in something that others may not see as being healthy or appropriate or safe, it should concern you when so many people are jumping in to decide whether or not these companies should be allowed to manufacture and sell their products. Will they eventually rule and regulate every little thing? So much that I have to wonder what's next? What happens when they finally regulate everything? Will they dismantle or will they come after another industry next? What happens when they attempt to regulate your favorite foods? Vitamins? Coffee? Medication?

I completely understand the whole point behind the FDA and I understand that somebody must test and regulate a variety of products. Of course, it's necessary for someone to tell us why something is or isn't safe and whether or not these products should be marketed or sold to anyone or which age group, etc. That all makes perfect sense and in many cases, I feel that we should be grateful for this.

I also have to question what will happen in a few years? Will they change their stance? Will they claim something is or isn't good and cannot be approved? Only to come back out a year later to say they found that the opposite is true? If the FDA is based on science and science changes from time to time. why are they the be all, end all on everything?

When a responsible company is selling Smok Nord starter kits or Smok Nord Vape Kits and they are abiding by all of the laws and posting the warnings, not posting health claims, will they have the same opportunity as a much larger company?

Another question I have in every case that the FDA has is, will they only approve the bigger businesses and their products? Or will they authorize the smaller brands also? Will they authorize the marketing of brands such as; Smok Nord?

I think that the public's perception of these organizations such as; the FDA, has changed recently. Some have been questioning them for much longer than this.

Why You Need To Start Using Eley Water Hoses

2021-05-06T13:44:00.004-07:00

Do you even know what your garden water hoses are made from? Is your current water hose drinking water safe? If you have no idea what materials your garden hose is made of, or if it is drinking water safe and why it should matter- then it may be time for you to consider something better and healthier. Here are just a few facts about why you need to start using Eley water hoses.

Why Eley Water Hoses are Drinking-Water Safe and Why It Is Essential

Many hoses today are made out of polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC. PVC uses lead as a stabilizer. PVC hoses often carry a warning; for example, all PVC hoses are required to have a warning label in the State of California. Unfortunately, this warning is either printed in virtually unreadable, microscopic font or on the underside of a label, which is easy to miss until you bring the hose home. Or, worse, hoses that leach lead don't come with a warning at all.

It would help if you started using Eley water hoses because they are not made from PVC and are 100% drinking water safe. Additionally, Eley water hoses do not have other chemicals lurking in the hoses found in a home improvement warehouse isle. Eley water hoses are:

BPA free. Some garden hoses can contain BPA, which is typical for plastic goods. According to several studies, BPA can affect your health. For just one example, it has been linked to increased blood pressure. This is caused by plastic hoses that are left under the sun's heat, which then reacts to the plastic. There is a high chance that if you do not know what your garden hose is made from and leave it filled with water under the sun, it could become contaminated with BPA.

Lead-free. Eley hoses and even components are lead-free. Some hoses have been found to contain more than 100ppm of lead, which is unacceptable, as even the tiniest amounts of lead can lead to dangerous health conditions. There's no safe limit for lead.

Phthalates free. Did you know that it is estimated that roughly 75% of garden hoses on the market today still contain phthalates? Phthalate is a type of chemical that is still added to many cosmetics and plastics as it makes them flexible and soft. This chemical can cause damage to the endocrine system, lower intelligence and even cause behavioral changes, hormonal imbalance, and sterility in men.

Additionally, sometimes even the metal fixtures do not adhere to safety standards with other water hoses. In some cases, the hose may be completely safe but the connecters may contaminate water. This is why you need to start using Eley water hoses and reels today. They meticulously ensured every part of their hoses is BPA, Lead, and Phthalate free. They also provide any metal components that are free from these dangerous chemicals as well. Eley water hoses are 100% drinking safe for you, your pets, your family, and your garden. If you aren't already using an Eley water hose and reel, switch today!

Don't Forget Your Makeup When You're Spring Cleaning

2021-03-27T07:05:00.145-07:00

Spring is in the air! (Or maybe not, depending on where you are.) But, even if it's raining or chilly or if you're in PA and they're calling for snow, it is time to start organizing and clearing out the old and bringing in the new.

I spend a few months each year just stocking our freezers, making jams, freezing farm-fresh vegetables and fruit. Almost like I'm preparing for some massive blizzard that will keep us inside for a month or so. This is just something I'm used to since I was little and I'm sure there are plenty of others out there who have their own traditions. Some things are just easy to overlook and makeup is typically forgotten when it's time to refresh and renew.

How To Spring Clean Your Makeup Bag

If you have a large makeup bag (or even a makeup drawer) this could take a little bit of time. I promise that the most fun will be replenishing your colors and any face makeup that you need for spring!

Obviously, if there are colors that you typically use for the winter that you wouldn't wear for springtime, you'll want to make that transfer. Maybe even change the bag itself depending on your style. Definitely throw your bag away if it isn't going to be easy to clean. Fortunately, these don't have to be so expensive to replace!

Foundation should be one of the first to go! You may use a different formula for winter than you would for the warmer and sunnier months. Even if you don't, it's a good idea to remember that makeup does indeed expire. I usually keep foundation for a year. Some might say 18 months and some may say even less than a year. If you aren't expecting to go back to it for the upcoming fall or winter seasons, just throw it away and splurge on something new!

Mascara and eye makeup also don't last so long. Even though I'm guilty of keeping eyeshadow and even mascara well beyond the date I should, you may as well just toss it and add that to your list of things you must buy ASAP!

We don't have any rules or regulations for expiration dates to be stamped onto our face makeup here in the US. You will find some brands will stamp that onto the container or package anyway. But, if you don't have a date, just keep in mind that mascaras and liquid eyeliners are only going to be safe and effective for about 3 months. Pencil eyeliners are different and can last for a year. The same rule applies to cream shadows, cream blushes, and any other cream or liquid-based makeup products. If you are constantly touching your blush, whether cream or powder, you should probably just throw it away and count on replacing it. The liquid and cream versions tend to harbor bacteria the most. The powder can too, if you're constantly using your fingers or if you don't often clean your makeup brushes.

Lipstick and other lip products are typically good for a year after you've opened them. So you should be safe if you recently purchased a dozen lip color or gloss shades from your favorite brand because they're not coming back! As long as they aren't opened and used, you should be good to keep those in your backup drawer!

Don't Forget To Clean Your Brushes!

This is an easy thing to forget. But it should be a habit by now and if it isn't, try your best to get yourself into the habit of cleaning and sanitizing your brushes on a regular basis. Just be sure to definitely clean them when you're spring cleaning!

If you aren't already separating your brush collection from the rest of your makeup, do it now! Grab yourself another bag to store your brushes in so they aren't getting contaminated with anything from your makeup! I'm certainly not a germaphobe however, makeup and all of your tools and brushes should be cleaned and sanitized almost like medical equipment. These things touch your face and if you're not keeping after it well, you could cause some potentially very harmful bacteria on places you may have never thought of.

It's easy to forget things such as, not storing your makeup brushes in the bathroom. Bathrooms tend to get very humid and hot and icky and this could be damaging to your brushes and essentially, your skin. Brushes should be kept in cool, dry areas.

Shampoo works very well for brush cleaning. Especially baby shampoo! This should be done at least once a week. Besides keeping bacteria and germs away from your brushes and your skin as much as possible, this will also help to clean any leftover makeup so you can always be assured to have the cleanest and the most absolutely flawless makeup application!

Now For The Fun Part! Replacing Everything!

This should usually be the best part of your spring cleaning anything! Of course, you'll want to check for sales and deals and always sign up for email newsletters for your favorite brands. If you're a new customer, you are usually rewarded with a discount of some kind. Not to mention, they will email you about any special promos, and a lot of the time, these can include free gifts with purchase!

If your favorite brands or favorite online shops offer any rewards programs, make sure to sign up! Rewards points are earned for purchases, sharing a special link with friends, and even birthdays. Just make sure to read the fine print. These points do tend to expire but you may be able to score an additional 20% sale or a $20 gift certificate depending on how much you're spending.

Don't forget to use any cash-back rewards programs you might belong to so you can get as many deals as possible! I usually shop for clothing, makeup, sneakers, etc every 6 months. So, it definitely helps when I can count on a sale, rewards program, and a cash back reward! (This will just make it all that much easier to shop some more in the very near future!)

Under The Barnyard Light Review And Giveaway

2021-02-05T08:49:00.015-08:00

** I received a copy of this book for free in return for my honest review. **

We are very grateful for being given the opportunity to read, Under The Barnyard Light! This is so beautifully written and with such magical illustrations, you will surely be reminded of some of your favorite stories when you yourself were little. Of course, there are a number of children's books that are worthy of mentioning when it comes to recommending to family and friends. But, there is something about this book that makes it oh so special!

Under The Barnyard Light was written by Carla Crane Osborne and illustrated by Brandon Dorman.

Carla grew up on her family farm and also tended to the animals. (Yes, she also has red hair. Much like the little red-haired girl in the story!)

Children will enjoy following this little girl while she's taking care of her chores which involves preparing her farm animals for bed. This includes feeding the calves and taking care of her horse, Dandy. It is written in verse which fits so well with the enchanting illustrations.

We especially enjoyed this book because it includes 2 of our most favorite things! Little cows and snow! Well, I usually love snow quite a bit however, we've been getting hit with snow almost every day for a couple of weeks, I'm starting to get a bit anxious for spring! It's actually snowing right now as I type this...

While we don't live on a farm, we visit local farms quite frequently and purchase a majority of our groceries from local farms, farm stands, and farmer's markets. I am very thankful that we are so blessed to be surrounded by so many farms! We see the hard work and dedication involved with running a farm and appreciate every one of them. (We also get to see lots and lots of cows along the way!)

You can enter below to win 1 of 2 copies of Under The Barnyard Light, for your own bookshelf!

Good luck!

Entry -Form

Creating The Perfect Backyard Paradise

2021-02-05T08:49:00.001-08:00

There’s something about the appeal of a beautiful backyard. It’s relaxing, it’s beautiful to look at, and more importantly, it’s much easier to get a backyard oasis than most people think. In fact, with a few simple tips and tricks, creating a backyard paradise can be done in one weekend or even less.

If you have a pool in your backyard, you’re already one step closer to your perfect backyard paradise and with a few tweaks, you can make it just right.

Install a screen. Pools are fantastic, but one thing that they all need is a screen surrounding them. This is for a couple of reasons. First, you don’t want random things like leaves and twigs getting into your pool, it’ll make it more difficult to clean, and you’ll have to clean it more often. Second, a screen will help to keep your pool cooler during the warm summer months. A good pool screen will help block some of the UV rays and ultimately keep the pool temperature lower during those warmer summer months when you’ll really want to use your pool. Third, it’s a good safety measure. In many states, you’re required to have a fence or screen around a pool to ensure that no one will accidentally drown, and having a screen means that no one outside of your household is using your pool unless you let them. This cuts down on liability for you. Finally, it keeps bugs out! Sadly, as much as we love summertime, it’s also when all the bugs come out in full force and mosquitos can definitely interrupt a fun summer night in the water. This patio screen from Quality Window Screen is a great option to use for a quick DIY screening. It’s a fiberglass screen, making it good for a high-frequency area, which we know your pool can and backyard can be, especially during summer. It also is heavy-duty, so you can rest assured it will hold up during bad weather.

Add greenery. If you find that your backyard is a bit…boring, then add some plants and flowers to really bring it to life. A pool is nice, but it can look even better if you add some plants around it and have some plants on the patio area as well. A few trees in large pots can look wonderful near the back edge of the pool, and some flowers can be just the right pops of color necessary to bring your patio to life.

Choose comfortable furniture. The furniture needs to be comfortable, while also looking great at the same time. Depending on the available space, a small patio set for two may be enough whereas if the space is larger, that and lounge chairs or small poufs can be added for a lovely touch. The poufs can be moved all around the patio, making it easy to chat with friends and family. A fire table is a great addition as well, making the patio area work for all seasons, rather than just catering to the warmer weather that summer brings.

Add lighting. Adding some simple string lights can take a patio and backyard from basic to amazing with very little effort and money. Edison bulbs are very popular right now and look fantastic strung up around a screen porch area. By adding these, the variability of the backyard can be expanded, as it now can be the perfect setting for a romantic date night, as well as work for a poolside movie night for the kids.

Create an outdoor cooking area. Whether you build out a firepit outside of the screened patio area or you have the ability to add a kitchen area complete with a built-in grill and mini fridge, you’ll want a small area for outdoor cooking. With a firepit, hot dogs can be roasted along with s’mores for a fun family night in the great outdoors, while still staying in. With an outdoor grill, whether built-in or not, burgers, brats, and hotdogs can be grilled up quickly and easily, allowing the family to get the most out of the great outdoors. With a mini fridge tucked away, drinks can easily be grabbed without having to worry about wet feet from the pool going in the house.

Working with a large or small budget, all of these can be completed, it’s just a matter of the budget and space. Each one of these tips is designed to update a backyard space into a true paradise.

Jordan's Skinny Mixes Margarita Collection Giveaway

2021-02-04T09:33:00.027-08:00

Welcome to the Jordan's Skinny Mixes Margarita Collection Giveaway

3 Winners will Jordan's Skinny Mixes Margarita Collection

Sponsor: Skinny Mixes

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Host: Michigan Saving and More

A big THANKS to all the promoting Bloggers!

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Now is a great time to start planning for any picnics and backyard parties! (I know, some of us are still buried under quite a bit of snow and some of us have some dismal spring outlooks!) But, nonetheless, sometimes planning can help lift your spirits!

February 22nd is National Margarita Day, and we feel like celebrating! Three lucky winners will each win Jordan's Skinny Mixes Margarita Collection, a delicious assortment of their best-selling non-alcoholic Skinny Mixes in a delightful gift box containing (3) 12.7 fl. oz bottles of each flavor- Classic Margarita, Strawberry Key Lime & Blood Orange. Plus, a 32 fl. oz. bottle of Jordan's Skinny Margarita Mix! Just add your favorite tequila or drink it as is!

Jordan's Skinny Mixes Margarita Collection

$12.99

32 fl. oz. bottle of Jordan's Skinny Margarita Mix

$6.99

With only 5 calories per serving and zero sugar, Skinny Mixes are the perfect way to enjoy Margaritas-On the Rocks, Frozen, Virgin & more! Each flavor has been lightly and naturally sweetened with no artificial sweeteners and no artificial flavors. Gluten-free and Kosher. Made in the USA.

To discover all of Jordan’s Skinny Mixes and Syrups, please visit www.SkinnyMixes.com.

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THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 2/26/21. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to las93063 at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Laura Smith at las930 (at)gmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Entry -Form

Get A Head Start On Next Summer's Vacation Plans

2020-12-10T20:53:00.094-08:00

Depending on where you are in the country (I'm in PA.) or in the world, you might be getting ready for some bitter, cold weather or you already had a snowstorm or two. Or maybe you're one of the lucky ones who live somewhere where you don't see snow and ice and temps below freezing! Wherever you call home, you might be looking to get away for a few days or a few weeks. If you are planning to take a vacation, now is the best time to start planning! (and saving!)

Pick A Destination

This might be the hardest part of the whole adventure. Of course, this will depend on your budget and the time of year you're planning to visit but this could end up being a tough decision! Especially if you have a kid or 3 and you have a few other people who might have different ideas than you.

You'll want to definitely do your research! Check out rates, availability of rooms or space, and definitely find out when their off-season is. If you can pay half the price to make reservations a week after Labor Day, that might be the deal-breaker right there. We often go to different campgrounds after Labor Day so we can get the less expensive cabin. Oftentimes this was a great opportunity to add a few nights onto our original plan or we would just have extra spending money to take along. (Well, in one case, it ended up being transmission money for my Saab and tow from Connecticut back to PA.) Either way, there is always a reason to save money where you can. I'm sure you can think of something to do with it!

Start Planning

So, you have your destination and you checked out reviews on every hotel, vacation rental, bed and breakfast, cabin, and RV park so what's next? Check out the best vacation spots, museums, find your restaurants, shopping malls, maybe you planned and chose your destination around an event. It is never too early to plan an itinerary. (Unfortunately, due to the current situation, you may not be able to set anything in stone so you may want to check out cancelation policies and plan what you can. You can always go back to this once you know what the current situation is wherever you may be going.) I'm not digging any part of this shutdown so I am going to pretend that by next spring, all will be well and we are planning anyway with the expectation that we will be allowed to visit anywhere!

I've always found that the best way to find the best spots in town is to start searching for local groups on Facebook and start searching Google for local, small-town dining, shops, even right outside of the town if need be. I tend to always favor small businesses and prefer to give them as much business as possible. Even at home. But, they also don't charge outlandish prices. They're not tourist traps. Usually. So, you can save a fortune maybe driving just a little bit outside of your vacation spot but you could potentially save $5 for that Alabama Slammer (OK, maybe $20 on 4 of those...) and you could get a much better quality meal that will only cost you half the price!

Be sure to check reviews, check for coupons, discounts, and collect addresses, phone numbers, map everything out so you know where you're going when you get there. You probably won't have a printer with you but if you print those half-price coupons off before you leave, you could save a whole dinner's worth of money before you head back home.

Take Care Of Everything At Home

Even if you're 9 months out, you may want to consider setting up any arrangements necessary for pets or even if you need someone to check in on your house or check your mail. It probably wouldn't hurt to have backup plans too. (Trust me, this happened to us a few times when a friend ended up backing out last minute.)

You'll probably need a new pair of sneakers or some swim suits for the kids, maybe a few new tankinis for yourself, or a new bag to stuff everything into. So, start checking for sales during the holiday season! I often find the best deals from Cyber Monday the whole way through the New Year. I even stock up on shower gels, snacks, fancy candy, things I wouldn't otherwise buy any other time during the year. But, when they sell for half price or offer free gifts and free shipping I will buy up to last as long as possible! Actually, this would be a great time not just for swimwear but for toiletries and games and puzzles for the kids. All of these things are useful when traveling.

Years ago when I first started actually using a computer and a printer., (Just 15 years ago! I was way behind on all of this Internet stuff!) I quickly realized how important it was to have a bank bag or an envelope stuffed with any pamphlets or maps from any of the places we were planning to visit. As well as coupons, any gift cards, frequent dining or gas station perks cards, a few blank checks, just in case, an emergency credit card or 2, medical insurance cards, anything I knew or thought we might need going into this bag. It was so helpful to have this so handy (in the glove box). That way, if we were going by a gas station or a chain restaurant, I could quickly find everything and save money too! If you are using a bank bag or a small bag of some kind and you have vitamins or prescription medication, this is the perfect place for those bottles too! Everything is just right within reach and depending on the size, you could easily fit this into your own bag when you stop on the way or are going into a restaurant. I also always throw a few oddball things in there like an extra lip gloss or 2 and a chapstick as well as some bandages, allergy meds, basic first aid kind of stuff.

Another maybe strange habit I've always had or maybe it's not so strange but, I always think about how exhausted we are when we do finally arrive back home from vacation. The absolute last thing I want to do is have an overflowing hamper and a sink full of dishes! I am usually the last one to sleep on vacation eve because I am busy writing checklists to make sure we packed everything and then I catch up on laundry, clearing out the fridge, making sure drinks are stocked up so we don't have to run anywhere after we are home, and making sure the sinks are cleared out and everything is tidy. I feel a lot better coming home to a neat and tidy house. Where I don't have to do anything. But unpack and make a pot of coffee and fall asleep on my laptop. Of course, these are things you would do right before you leave rather than 7 or 8 months ahead of time! But, I figured I would add them. Just in case.

Save Your Money

This is sometimes the most annoying part of vacation planning but if you throw a few dollars in a jar each week or you automatically deposit a few bucks into a savings account online or you just save all of your change, this will add up fast and could end up being all of your spending and shopping money while you're gone! (I'm assuming you've already paid for your stay when you reserved.) The next step isn't so bad. You just have to create a plan and a budget and stick to it!

Years ago when my husband and I first started out and we had just 1 child, I was very cautious about our spending money on vacation and I would write up a piece of paper with exact amounts of money we had to use for each day. For instance; We're going to be out for 3 nights and 4 days so we need 4 days worth of food money and 2 days worth of spending money and the gas money for days 1 and 4. I would gather all of the coupons and discount cards I could find and then simply divide the money up into categories. I love to "overestimate" everything. Even if it's just a $5 overage. This way there is always extra. (I do this with my bills too!) Say my truck payment is $533 a month. It's actually $550 so that's how much I make sure is in the bank to cover that bill. I do this with each bill so this way I am always just a little bit ahead. (Same deal for vacation money just on a smaller scale.)

One last thing! If you're saving coins, be sure to check with your bank first before paying an outrageous price like 8% at the grocery store. We have a very small bank but they do allow for us to drop off loose or rolled up coins and then pick up later in the day or the next day and they don't charge us anything! 8% may not seem like a lot but it could end up being 2 large pizzas worth when you're counting out a few hundred.

Liderstar Glow In The Dark Moon And Stars Sticker Set Giveaway

2020-11-16T10:25:00.004-08:00

Welcome to the Liderstar Glow In The Dark Moon and Stars Sticker Set Giveaway! 2 Winners

This giveaway is part of our Holiday Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

Host is Deliciously Savvy

Michigan Saving and More

Comeback Momma, Here We Go Again Ready, , Seeking Serenity and Harmony, The Mommies Reviews,

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This giveaway's Sponsor is:

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ PINTEREST ~ INSTAGRAM ~ YOU TUBE

Available on Amazon

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2 Lucky Winner Will Win A Liderstar Glow In The Dark Moon & Stars Sticker Set (TRV $50)! 220 stars and a moon included in each set!

See review HERE.

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Entry -Form

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 12/19/20. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to mcushing7 at hotmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Melissa Cushing at mcushing7 (at)hotmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Sponsors interested in joining our gift guides can see the information HERE.

$25 Credit Special Dreamsby Ron Etsy Shop Giveaway

2020-11-16T09:56:00.005-08:00

Welcome to the $25 Credit SpecialDreamsbyRon Etsy Shop Giveaway!

1 Winner $25 Credit SpecialDreamsbyRon Etsy Shop

This giveaway is part of our Holiday Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

HOST IS MICHIGAN SAVING AND MORE and SWEET SOUTHERN SAVINGS

Here We Go Again Ready, Seeking Serenity and Harmony, The Mommies Reviews,

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This giveaway's Sponsor is:

SpecialDreamsbyRon Etsy Shop

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1 Winner receives the $25 credit SpecialDreamsbyRon Etsy Shop

$25 credit SpecialDreamsbyRon Etsy Shop

$25 Credit

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THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 12/25/20. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to las93063 at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Laura Smith at las930 (at)gmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Sponsors interested in joining our gift guides can see the information HERE.

Entry -Form

Long Distance Gift Ideas

2020-08-20T10:18:00.002-07:00

If you're in a state or a country that has been locked down due to COVID 19 you have probably been shut down since March of this year. (It's soon September, just in case you're anything like me and forget what day of the week it is anymore!) So, chances are, you probably had a birthday or 2 or maybe an anniversary or maybe you just wanted to brighten a loved one's day but you've been limited in options.

Fortunately, we still have some options for gifts or just a simple, "Thinking of you" gift basket or some goodies for a college student! Back to school shopping hasn't been the same, summer hasn't been the same, 2020 hasn't been the same but one thing that hasn't changed is the fact that you can still find ways to brighten someone's day! So many different small businesses have stepped up and some who didn't offer delivery or even websites have now started these things. It's even easier to support small businesses now!

Of course, we have the infamous chocolate covered strawberries! Those always seem to be a hit at our house! My oldest son especially loves the white chocolate strawberries which is great for me since I don't eat the white chocolate and he leaves all of the dark chocolate for me.

You can also find pre-made gift baskets and care packages for any age, any profession, you can even find some wonderful ideas for sports fans, (even by their favorite team.) Personally, I always prefer to make my own care packages by buying specific snacks and extras such as journals, pens, books, cards, board games, and music that I know the recipient would love. I also think this adds a nice, personal touch. But if you're in a rush, there are a lot of good options and deals online.

Homemade gifts are always cherished by the recipient. This is the perfect time for making jams or bread or even cookies! Depending on where you live and the shipping rates, this may be something limited to more local friends and family members. Here in PA, the end of August is an excellent time for produce! The only fruits I cannot buy locally are strawberries and blueberries but everything else is available or will be any day now make for some tasty jams and dips. Grab a case or 2 of Mason jars, some pretty labels, twine, and pectin and you are well on your way to creating mouth-watering, summery good jams that can be enjoyed even with 5 feet of snow on the ground.

Flowers are a fun way to add a little bit of sunshine! Not only do they smell beautiful but when arranged beautifully, they turn into artistic masterpieces that are sure to delight everyone. New Jersey flower delivery from Plant Shed has such a stunning variety of options that are very aesthetically pleasing you'll end up finding an arrangement you'd like for yourself as well!

I know many of you are thinking I am forgetting wine or gift cards so I figured I would add these to the end since. Oh, and who can forget pumpkin spice is it? I like pumpkin pie and pumpkin roll when made properly but I've never been a pumpkin fan. More of a chocolate fan! I'm also not a wine person but I do understand there seems to be some wine fad that has been going on. Much like the whole pumpkin, latte, Starbucks, mermaid smoothie, something or other! Gift cards are cool and while I don't typically jump for them right away only because they are too quick and not very personalized, I will use those for kid's and teenager's birthdays. Especially when my kids are invited to a few parties in a month, I figure the gift cards are much appreciated by their friends.

Whether you want to go all out and buy lots of Lego sets or a cute urban cheesemaking kit or order a NJ flower delivery, your loved ones will be grateful and sure to smile! That's the most important part after all!

Craving Coffee Giveaway

2020-05-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Craving Coffee Giveaway!

1 Winner Crave French Vanilla Flavored Coffee.

This giveaway is part of our Dads and Grads Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products. Satisfy your craving coffee with Crave coffee!

Host is Michigan Saving and More

Eclectic Evelyn, Here We Go Again Ready,

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This giveaway's Sponsor is:

If you are craving coffee then Two Rivers Coffee will help satisfy that craving with all their great varieties of coffee.

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1 Winner receives the below. Crave French Vanilla Flavored Coffee

Craving coffee with Crave French Vanilla Flavored Coffee

$17.99 ARV plus shipping

See review HERE.

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THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 6/10/20. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to las93063 at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Laura Smith at las930 (at)gmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Sponsors interested in joining our gift guides can see the information HERE.

Entry -Form

Takobia Earrings Giveaway

2020-05-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Takobia Earrings Giveaway!

1 Winner will receive 2 pair of Takobia earrings from their most recent collectiton.

This giveaway is part of our Dads and Grads Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

Host is Michigan Saving and More

Eclectic Evelyn, Here We Go Again Ready,

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This giveaway's Sponsor is:

Takobia Earrings

AMAZON

Since its inception in 2007, Takobia has been featuring the latest in fine fashion jewelry made to the highest quality standards. Each piece of jewelry is treated with care and inspected for quality numerous times before it makes it into the hands of customers. By keeping practices modern and fresh without sacrificing that personal connection with valued customers, Takobia provides a quality experience to shoppers that complements the quality found in their jewelry.

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1 Winner receives the below.

2 random pair of earrings from their most recent collectiton.

up to $72.00 ARV

See review HERE.

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THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 6/12/20. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to las93063 at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Laura Smith at las930 (at)gmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Sponsors interested in joining our gift guides can see the information HERE.

Entry -Form

John Boos & Co. Walnut Rustic-Edge Cutting Board Giveaway

2020-05-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the John Boos & Co. Walnut Rustic-Edge Cutting Board Giveaway!

1 Winner

This giveaway is part of our Dads and Grads Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

Host is Deliciously Savvy

Michigan Saving and More

Eclectic Evelyn , Here We Go Again Ready ,

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This giveaway's Sponsor is:

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ INSTAGRAM ~ YOU TUBE

Find a Authorized Retailer Near You

1 Lucky Winner Will Win A John Boos & Co. Walnut Rustic-Edge Cutting Board Valued At $139!

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See review HERE.

A Little History On John Boos Boards:

John Boos & Co., based in Effingham, IL is one of the oldest manufacturers of premium quality foodservice equipment and butcher blocks in the U.S.A. Boos has been in business continuously since 1887. It was in his Effingham, IL blacksmith shop that founder, Conrad Boos first invented what would become the original Boos Block®. Having harvested sycamore from local wooded areas, and processed it in his sawmill, Conrad brought it to his blacksmith shop for finishing. That first block of sycamore slab placed on three legs evolved with sheer purpose of a block to absorb the shock of this smith’s hammer against the anvil. It was the local butcher, who having seen and admired Conrad’s block, became impassioned about owning a block for his meat market. Unknowingly, Conrad’s son, John, who having made and sold that first block to the local butcher, took John Boos & Co. into the infancy of the 125 year reign of serving customers in the commercial market sector.

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Entry -Form

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 6/28/20. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to mcushing7 at hotmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Melissa Cushing at mcushing7 (at)hotmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Sponsors interested in joining our gift guides can see the information HERE.

ProjeX Giveaway and Review

2020-04-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fun Facts About The US Flag

2020-03-31T20:58:00.001-07:00

I would have written a completely different post about the US Flag and US Flag history if we weren't in the middle of such uncertain times. So, given our circumstances at the moment, I figured I could discuss different activities about the US Flag for kids to work on when they're home from school.

Besides various worksheets, videos, coloring pages that are easily available for download, there are a number of online resources for homeschool curriculums that are free or discounted heavily for parents and teachers. (Due to the current situation, many businesses have stepped up to help to make sure parents can continue their child's education at home.)

You can also create your own worksheets and puzzles with some facts about the flag.

Fun Facts About The US Flag

Did you know that the flag actually has to be in bed at sunset each night? Not only that but the flag also needs to be awake at sunrise each and every morning!

The designer of our current flag was a high school student who received a B- from his teacher for his project.

Robert G. Heft of Lancaster, Ohio, created the current design in 1958. President Dwight D. Eisenhower picked Robert's flag out of 1500 entries!

6 American Flags have been planted on the moon. Neil Armstrong planted the first one on the moon in July of 1969 as part of the Apollo 11 mission. Of the 6, only 1 has been removed. So there are 5 left standing. (The first one is no longer on the moon!)

There have been 27 versions of the American Flag. There was a mistake made when North and South Dakota became states because some flag manufacturer's thought they would be combined into just 1 state. So, there was a version with 39 stars.

Vermont and Kentucky were states 14 and 15 and the flag changed from 13 stripes to 15 stripes. However, when there were more states added, there were discussions as to whether or not they would constantly add more stripes to each state. So, they decided to go back to just 13 stripes to represent the 13 colonies.

The US Flag that we have today is the very first flag to have lasted for 50 years. At one point, we had 17 different versions of the flag over a 50-year span!

There is just a time when burning the flag is acceptable. If the flag is damaged beyond repair, the US Flag Code does state that you can, in fact, burn it in order to dispose of it with dignity.

Just like a lot of us, the US Flag has a few nicknames! You have probably heard someone use one of those nicknames. One of the first nicknames was, "Old Glory". Another popular nickname a lot of people still use is, "Stars and Stripes".

The American Flag has been on quite a few trips! Not only has it been taken to the moon but, in 1909, Robert Peary traveled to the North Pole and took a flag that his wife had sewn and put it in the ice.
In 1963, Barry Bishop took a flag with him on his trip to the top of Mount Everest!

According to the US Flag Code, the flag should never be flown in bad weather. If it must be flown at nighttime, it must be illuminated.

History suggests that the colors of the flag were chosen because red represents valor, white represents liberty and purity and the color blue represents justice and loyalty.

The proper way to view the flag when it's on display is by facing the flag with your right hand over your heart. You've probably done this at school or right before a baseball game or a hockey game!
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On August 3, 1949, President Truman signed an Act of Congress that would designate every June 14th as National Flag Day. Our current president, Donald J. Trump celebrates his birthday on June 14th too!

There are so many fun facts about the flag! This is just a short list but if you want to impress your friends (or your teaches!) check for more at your local library or online. If you're bored and looking for things to read about or learn about, you could also start memorizing the states and even include the order in which they became stars on the flag!

You could also check out Flags Unlimited for more fun facts and to purchase one of your very own!

Gift Ideas For The Man In Your LIfe

2020-03-28T00:46:00.000-07:00

It’s the thought that counts. That’s what many people say about being presented with gifts that are unwanted, unnecessary or downright confusing. It’s a noble opinion, but it doesn’t help those individuals who struggle with finding the perfect present. Gift-giving anxiety plagues many shoppers, and it’s especially troublesome when one is charged with purchasing a gift for the proverbial man-who-has-everything. Father’s Day spending reached a record $16 billion last year, much of that adding to America’s fathers’ ever-growing collections of socks, ties and coffee mugs. With dad’s day on the horizon, get your father something he truly wants this year. Here are two gift ideas that will make him happy.

Science and History

Remember all those times your dad bugged you about your school studies? It just might not be because he recognized the importance of a good education. Many fathers continue to enjoy academic interests throughout their lives. If he’s a science and nature lover, take an active role in building a mineral collection or purchase a telescope and spend some quality time under the stars. To treat a history buff, take him on a day trip or mini-vacation to a Colonial community, Civil War battleground or Old West landmark. Even gifts like films and books about history will be appreciated.

Sports and Recreation

When dad’s a sports enthusiast, you’ll surely score when giving him game tickets to watch his favorite team play. If his fandom flirts with fanaticism, consider gifting him a jersey or other sports memorabilia autographed by his childhood idol or current favorite. If he’s a hands-on sporting type, treat him to a fishing or hunting adventure, or even spend an afternoon together in your favorite wild spaces hiking, trail biking or whitewater rafting.

Whatever you decide to do for your dad, do it together. The thing that matters most is spending quality time with the ones you love.

Painting For Adult Beginners

2020-03-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to learn how to paint? This hobby is an excellent way to improve focus, relieve stress and provide a creative outlet for many people. However, many adults don't know how or where to begin when it comes to painting. If you're ready to give this form of artful expression a try, follow these three tips to set yourself up for success.

Start With the Right Supplies

When it comes to buying paint supplies, there are numerous materials to choose from. Visit an art supply store long beach ca and talk to an employee with experience in your area of interest. They can help you choose which products are worth the investment for beginners, and which should be reserved for more serious artists. You may be surprised that your initial purchases should be relatively inexpensive.

Consider a Class to Learn Basic Techniques

It's difficult to sit down and paint with no previous experience or instruction. Search for classes online or at a local studio to help you understand the basics of painting, including value, tones and perspective. Even just a few sessions with a pro can give you the information you need to paint successfully on your own.

Find Inspiration from the Artwork of Others

One of the most difficult processes in painting is working from real life. Instead, start by emulating the works of other artists to help you get a firm grasp on your basic skill set. Over time, you may find that it's easier to come up with your own original ideas and subjects.

Keep it Stress-Free

Learning to paint takes practice. Make the learning experience enjoyable by creating a relaxing environment in your home. Pick a time that's quiet and eliminate distractions. Choose a location in your home that helps you feel at ease and play your favorite music to promote leisure and focus.

If you're ready to give painting a try, follow these steps for a great start. With the right approach, you can enjoy a new hobby and stick with it for years to come.

Finding The Perfect Gift For Any Occasion

2020-03-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been invited to a party and you had no idea what type of present to bring? Perhaps it was a birthday party for your grandfather, a baby shower for your best friend’s newborn, or a retirement celebration for a co-worker. No matter what the occasion, when you don’t have the right gift idea, you can become frustrated. Here are some gift-giving ideas to help you conquer the conundrums associated with gifts.

For Children

If you want to find a present that will delight, educate, and not replicate something someone else is bringing to the children’s part, look for one of the themed gifts Richmond VA at an online kid’s boutique. You can find puzzles, science equipment, and even dress-up costumes.

For Newborns

The quintessential gifts for newborns are plushies, diapers, or wipes. Why not give something that will last for years, such as money in a savings account? You could also look into clothing, bedding, or get together with other gift-givers and purchase a significantly large gift such as a bedroom set.

For Acquaintances

For those co-workers or retirement parties, look for cookie bouquets, fruit baskets, or quirky gifts. You may not know the person well, but you can always please someone with a tub of popcorn, a gift card, or a gardening basket.

For Grandparents

Let’s face it; if your grandparents want something, they probably have it. So, what do you get for someone that has everything? If they have a pet, opt for a framed picture. If they love chocolate, try a candy bouquet. If your grandparents complain about cold feet, get them some colorful socks that make a bold statement.

Finding the perfect gift can be a breeze if you look at the tips given above. Think outside the limits of ordinary gifts, and you will find just what you need to delight the recipient at any party.

Are Credit Cards The Best Finance Solutions?

2020-01-24T10:17:00.000-08:00

Whether you're just starting out or you've been here for a while, you've probably received a "Pre-Approved Credit Card" envelope in your mailbox or you were at your favorite store when the cashier says, 'Oh, you could save 25% off of your total today if you apply and get approved for our store card!" I've been there. A million times it seems and yes, it is so very hard to not give in and take the usually very hefty discount and start collecting 10,000 points to receive a rewards gift card to use on my next purchase! I have turned many down but when it comes to a shop I actually buy from, even if just for a big purchase once a year, I will take it! But, is this a smart move? That all depends on you and how much you can handle. It can turn into an extremely dangerous game if you fall into the traps.

Are Rewards Cards Worth It?

They sure are! OK. Well, they sure are IF you will actually use the rewards and the rewards don't require you to spend a fortune just to collect a measly $10 gift card. They also aren't too worth it if you have to pay an annual fee . Especially when the annual fee ends up costing more than what your reward redemptions are.

If you have the time to spend on your credit cards each month or even each week and you aren't going to go crazy shopping until you've used up your credit limits, you could be taking advantage of some very serious rewards and getting the most bang for your buck! This will require checking in with your accounts and reading the fine print. Lots of fine print. It's probably a wise idea to be able to understand the fine print too.

Card A is offering no interest for the first 12 months AND they are offering double rewards points for your purchases. Besides that, you just saved $150 on your very first purchase because you opened this account. But, your interest rate will be 24% after your introductory period. If you don't use it again until today's shopping trip is paid in full and you pay the balance off before your 12 months expires, you could earn an additional $100 in gift cards for this retailer. Not to mention, having the extra available credit sure would bump your credit score up a few points! So far, everything sounds great! You just need to have self-discipline and be sure to stick with your original plan. It's OK to maybe use it a few more times just to gather another $50 rewards card just as long as you can still cover that balance before the 12 months period is up. (If you can't afford to cover the full balance, your card will charge you interest on the original balance and all at once. This could lead to even bigger problems. It could end up putting you over your credit limit.

Card B features the same, no interest for 12 months (again if you do not pay your balance off in full by the due date, they will pile all of the interest from the entire 12 months for the entire balance onto your bill.) There is also an annual fee of $39 unless you spend $1000 a year and reach their "Platinum" rewards level. You just have to be cautious when reading the fine print that comes along with your card. They will tell you about the highlights of their program but it is up to you to find out that you have to spend a certain amount each year before you get the ultimate rewards points and the extra free gift on your birthday and anything else they throw in there to make it sound good. Depending on how often you will use the card and how often you already shop there, you might want to skip this card or you might want to go ahead and accept it so you can take advantage of the initial savings but pay it off and send it back afterward.

How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?

This is entirely up to you. It all depends on how much you can handle and how much time you have to be sure your bills are paid on time each month and you are reading everything that is on your contract. If you're well versed on credit cards and are quite savvy (and responsible!) when it comes to getting cash back from your online shopping, earning rewards, not paying interest or paying minimal interest, and you aren't going to go nuts and spend to your limits and only pay the minimum, go for it! You still need to be careful because applying for too many credit cards or having too high of a balance could end up damaging your credit score.

Everyone's situation is different but one thing is for sure, applying for too much credit at once could make you appear to be a "risky" borrower. Along with having too many "hard inquiries" on your credit, banks may turn you away because you seem too desperate since you just applied for 8 lines of credit. One credit card application usually results in about 5 points being removed from your score. Typically, you'll have those few points back in about 6 months as long as everything else goes well. If you're planning on house shopping or even car shopping, those few points could affect you so you may want to plan and schedule applications responsibly.

Credit card debt affects 30% of your FICO score so you will want to keep those balances down. Most experts recommend using only 10% (max) of your available credit. Having credit available to you helps your credit score and will show lenders that you are a responsible borrower.

If you're not a fan of credit cards but would like to build your credit up so you have more options in the future when buying a home or another big purchase, you should at least apply for 2 credit cards. Ideally from 2 different networks. Make the most of it by researching the best rewards plans that best suit your lifestyle! I don't personally fly so I never bother with any sort of card that offers airline miles. There are so many perks and bonuses tacked onto credit cards it can seem overwhelming when looking for the best option but, it's well worth it to find rewards you would actually use.

Life happens and sometimes no matter how responsible we are and how excellent our credit is, things can happen that are completely out of your control. It happens to almost everyone at least once (some of us more than once!) Of course it's always best to make sure you can pay for what you're spending and always make your payments on time and even try to pay more than the minimum each month. (There do seem to be disagreements as to whether it's best to keep paying your balance in full each month or paying just more than the minimum. I believe this is also a personal preference. I usually opt to pay double the minimum for most of my cards.) But don't be so hard on yourself if you hit a rough spot. There are options and finance solutions. Just keep your head up and plan on bouncing back as soon as you can!

Allergic In A World Full Of Dogs

2020-01-17T14:57:00.002-08:00

Dogs seem to be everywhere people are nowadays and while dog lovers are thrilled to have their best friends along with them everywhere they go, allergy sufferers tend to have a hard time finding any actual “dog free” zones. There are restaurants, campgrounds, even hotels who will accommodate dogs but, where do people go if they can’t bear to be near them? Of course, service dogs are extremely important and it’s great they are accepted in so many places. People who rely on them deserve to go about their day to day lives and they should be able to come and go freely. But what do people do who can’t breathe around them? Worse yet, what would someone do who would require a service dog and is allergic to their own service dog at the same time? I imagine allergy medicine or a series of shots would have to suffice. But, do we just take allergy medicine every day before we head out just in case we run into a dog?

It’s almost a taboo subject considering you can’t find too much online about this topic. When I search for dog allergies and phrases such as “Can dogs and dog allergies make me sick?” the majority of the search results are about dogs who have allergies and dogs that are sick. It seems you have to dig and dig to even find any kind of help or possible tips on relief! Premier Allery & Asthma has a great blog with lots of advice for people with peanut allergies, cat allergies, even sesame allergies.

You may have heard the phrase, “But, people can’t be allergic to dog hair!” or they may have tried to explain that there are breeds of dogs that nobody is allergic to. (Hypoallergenic dogs!) But that’s not entirely true. Besides the fact that the majority of allergy sufferers actually have a problem with dander than they do dog hair, the real source of allergies is often a protein that is in the saliva or urine of cats and dogs. This protein sticks to the dead, dried flakes, which is dander. So, while you may be able to find a hotel advertised as having “allergy-free rooms” not only will you most likely pay a lot more money for your room, if it’s a hotel that regularly accepts dogs in other sections of the hotel, there could still be dander floating around.

Oh yes, and as for these magical hypoallergenic dogs, they simply do not exist. Your friends might tell you absolutely cannot be allergic to their dog or you could have a dog of your own if you spend the money on one of these mythical creatures. It’s just not how it works. Sure, there are some dogs that are often advertised as being “hypoallergenic” but this is typically only because they don’t shed as often as other dogs. Could someone who is allergic to dogs still have a dog for a pet? Sure thing! This will require some potential changes in your home but people do successfully keep a pet or bring a new pet into their home even when they’re sneezing and rubbing their eyes. (Allergies can also cause dry, itchy skin and quite a few other concerns. People with allergies have oversensitive immune systems so there are several ways our bodies can react to what it thinks is a virus or bacteria.)

First, if you haven’t already had an allergy test to determine the actual underlying issue, you could contact Premier Allergy & Asthma and schedule a consultation. (If there isn’t a location close to you, you can find a local allergy specialist or clinic in your area.) If you find that you are indeed allergic to your furry friend, there are a few ways to help manage the dander in your home. Your doctor will be able to help with any suggestions and you can also start here:

I'm allergic but I refuse to give up my pet!

1) Keep your pet out of your bedroom and other rooms you spend a lot of time in.

2) Keep your pet outside a little extra but only when weather permits!

3) Remove your carpet and choose some nice hardwood flooring. If you must keep your carpet, start stocking up on carpet cleaner because you should do this frequently.

4) Bathe your pet weekly.

5) Room air cleaners with HEPA filters can help remove dander from the air.

6) Plastic mattress covers could help at least keep dander out of beds.

7) Frequent vacuuming may actually be worse than you think. Your vacuum may cause the dander to fly around the air for quite a while longer which could cause allergy symptoms to be worse. You could go the extra mile and grab a newer vacuum with a HEPA filter but, this could still cause a cloud of dander to float around the air.

Don't Stress Over Customer Success Over The Busy Holiday Season

2019-12-20T14:21:00.000-08:00

Customer success is hugely important at any time of the year but it is vital to succeeding during the holiday season. I feel like an expert after the issues and problems I’ve had over the past couple of months, especially during the big sale days such as Cyber Monday and Black Friday. I frequent most of the same shops online and offline and I am always in the market for new businesses. If something new catches my eye (or my kid’s eyes) or I see a brand who brings something new to the table. (Typically on social media.) I love to seek out new, unique brands and products and depending on their “attitude”. I may or may not make a purchase and I may or may not come back year after year, month after month. If I fall completely in love with the brand or whatever it is they’re selling, I’m probably going to tell everyone I know about them whether online or offline. Being a business owner myself, I try to reverse the roles and fix what I need on the business end.

Attracting customers is essential if you want to stay in business! This is where your marketing comes into play. A social media presence is a must these days and if you throw in a customer service team or a customer service representative to operate online, you’re golden!

There are so many companies out there with active social media accounts and then there are some who are nowhere to be found. Personally, I prefer a company that is active online, available to help with questions and maybe even troubleshoot any technical issues. A little sense of humor or your brand’s own personality also wouldn’t hurt! I’m sure you’ve seen Tweets from some of the extra hilarious brands. (Mainly Wendys) While there are a few others out there who emulate the Wendys Twitter account, some failing, some holding their own, there are others who are doing their own thing and doing quite well. Of course, this isn’t necessary to survive but, it does get people talking and sharing online…

Wendy’s isn’t just a funny account. They are there every single day, replying, advertising, tackling customer complaints, and fixing any problems that may pop up. If you ever read their Tweets and replies, including those to customer complaints, you’ll find that they take a very friendly approach and this satisfies the customer, more often than not. It seems they’re sometimes, “too cool” for many to really want to flip out or argue. The customer just wants the situation resolved so they can get back to eating their fries and reading and Retweeting their Tweets. There are a lot of brands out there to take lessons from and they all share the same thing in common. They are often there, never too busy to respond to a customer and they resolve the problem swiftly and with grace. Thes interactions aren’t just being noticed by that one customer but by many others who are aware of the type of personality your brand has. New customers are interested in knowing how hard it will be to get in contact with you and how simple resolutions will be.

Of course, not everyone is on Twitter or Facebook. You’ll still need a team to respond to emails, calls, even letters. The most important thing is to stay on top of your customers and make yourself as available as possible so that they and others can see how much you actually care. Make your customer service availability public information. One of the most annoying tasks for a busy customer, especially during the holiday season, is having to chase after a brand just to ask a question. If you don’t already have an email newsletter or a blog, now is a great time to start one! You can make these things easy to find directly on your website and at the bottom of every email.

Unless you are a brand who makes the only one of it’s kind with absolutely nothing to compare it to and positively nothing at all in this galaxy comes anywhere close to whatever that thing is, you’re going to need to retain your customers. In other words, keep them. Win them over and make sure they won’t ever be tempted to leave. No, there is no need to hand out millions of dollars in free products to keep them. This is also where special sales or discounts come in but, for the most part, selling a quality product, standing out from the rest, listening to concerns, complaints, resolving issues, letting your customer know you’re grateful. Customer success plays a vital role in any business. No matter how big or small.

5 Tips For Younger-Looking Skin

2019-12-17T19:30:00.000-08:00

Over time, your skin can go through changes. For example, it may lose its elasticity and no longer hold moisture as well as it used to. When this happens, it is easier for wrinkles and other age-related skin issues to occur.

Wrinkles, age spots, crepe-y skin, and so on not only change the way you look. They can also change the way you feel about yourself. However, there are ways that you can keep your skin looking younger, longer.

1. Aesthetic Treatments

Facial rejuvenation services and other aesthetic treatments can help to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming and even to minimize the appearance of those that are already there. With a wide variety of such treatments available from a dermatologist, you are likely to find one that works for you.

2. Sunscreen

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can have adverse effects on your skin, such as wrinkles or hyperpigmentation. You should get into the habit of using sunscreen on a daily basis whatever the weather. Choose one with an SPF of at least 30.

3. Hydration

All the cells in your body need water to function properly. Dehydrated skin cells are more susceptible to wrinkling. However, your body rations water, sending it to the vital organs first. Your skin is not a high priority, so you need to drink a lot of water to keep your skin hydrated. Additionally, you should also use a moisturizer after bathing to keep moisture on your skin where it will do it some good.

4. Gentleness

Avoid the use of harsh chemical products and hard scrubbing to remove makeup. Instead, use water-based soap and oil-based cleansers. This will help prevent wrinkles by preserving the collagen in your skin, which can break down with harsh treatment.

5. Vitamins

Vitamin C and antioxidants derive from vitamin A help to prevent wrinkles by either fortifying skin to prevent damage or reversing certain types of damage when it does occur. You can include these vitamins in your diet by eating certain food or using supplements. You can also use skin serums that include them.

Family Traditions For The Holidays

2019-12-12T15:55:00.001-08:00

One of my very favorite things to look forward to during the holidays as a kid was a brand new, cozy, warm pair of Christmas pajamas. Every Christmas Eve we would visit relatives and eat and open gifts at my grandparent's house. We were always excited to get back home because we would have pajamas waiting for us and sometimes even a new pair of slippers! This was always one of my most favorite family traditions so of course, I kept this one for my own kids. We are also fortunate enough to have the Official Santa Norad Tracker so we always have this on one of the laptops in the kitchen. (If you haven't already included this into your family's traditions, your little ones would be thrilled to track where Santa is and play some games and learn about other parts of the world!

When my daughters were a bit younger, we used to find matching Christmas PJs for them and their dolls. Unfortunately, I was only able to find the cute sets for girls and their favorite dolls in toddler sizes and sometimes up to a size 6. (Why don't these pajama companies think of bigger sizes and our favorite teddy bears or Snoopy stuffed toys?!) Really though, there were a few times I found some adorable matching sets for mom and daughter. I even found matching pajamas for dad and son! I did order those a few years back but they only ever wore them at the same time on Christmas Eve!

Along with matching PJs from Lazy One, cookies are a must! I must admit, baking cookies on Christmas Eve goes much more smoothly if you make some of the dough ahead of time. I usually make the sugar cookie dough ahead of time because those are always the cookies that need the most time for the little artists to decorate. If I didn't cheat a little bit, we'd be up all night. Or at least I would be!

We live in a rural area so this may be odd to some people but we have Santa parades through town thanks to our local Lions Club and fire departments. Each fire department brings Santa through on a Saturday night during December and then the biggest and final parade is on Christmas Eve! It's the most fun tradition of all! The fire trucks are decorated with lights and at the end of the parade, you'll see Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Their elves run around to each of the houses dropping off popcorn balls and Hershey's Kisses for all of the kids and then it's time to get letters to Santa written and finally, off to bed.

This is when I can make a fresh pot of coffee and start preparing the gifts and stockings for Santa to fill.

I'd love to read about your family traditions for the holidays! Please leave a comment and let us know what your family will be doing in just a couple of weeks while they wait for Santa!

Stella & Dot Gift Guide

2019-11-22T20:55:00.000-08:00

** This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. **

Shop the Ultimate Edit Collection on Stella & Dot Today!

I found a few of my most favorite things on the Stella & Dot website for the holidays! (This is way too hard considering I kind of made a list for myself and for family and friends. My list is a little longer. OK. A LOT longer!)

I love all pinks, fuschias, glitters, and shimmers when it comes to lip products. Especially lip glosses and lip stains. I started scrolling down the Stella & Dot Ultimate Holiday Edit and the very first thing that popped out at me was this stunning shade of fuschia! It is a limited edition shade so it's kind of a big deal and crucial that you snag it ASAP! Fuschia is a gorgeous color for anyone no matter who you are!

This is Ever Forever Longwear Liquid Lip Color so yes, yes, indeed there are more shades! You can find them all when you shop the Ultimate Edit Collection! These lip colors glide on like a gloss but dry down to a matte color that lasts all day and all night long. In this day and age with a gazillion liquid lip colors and formulas, it seems not many stand out in the crowd but, Stella & Dot have managed to do exactly that by adding their signature antioxidant Magnolia Oil to this lip formula to help condition and protect your lips! I've tried at least 2 dozen different types of liquid lip colors and have yet to find the one brand that fits me 100% so, I'm thinking this one is it.

One thing I learned (and this probably isn't new to everyone. Just me.) But, I have a tendency, no, an addiction, to lip glosses and so I am constantly reapplying throughout the day and night. I only use very light touchups when wearing liquid lip colors but I either dab white eyeshadow and in the center of my lips and then shine it up with gloss or add glitter or mix colors up. However, Stella & Dot recommends wearing their lip colors alone since adding anything over the could make your long-wearing lip color into short wearing lip color! It made sense after I thought about it and it answered some questions I've had about some of the so-called all day all night long-wear colors. This will be a hard habit to break but if it means keeping lusciously, smooth, bright, fuschia lips, I'm so doing it!

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Ok, I can't get over how adorably sweet this Santa Sack is! What a perfectly cute way to transport gifts this season! You can also add a pink rectangle engravable hanging tag. I just might buy a few of these so I can keep one for stashing and transporting gifts and maybe personalize a couple and fill with gifts so the recipients can reuse them for the same thing!

I would also use this super cute bag for storing toiletries and other important and essential things when going on overnight trips!

What do I spend more on than makeup products? Skincare! Especially since I've been in my 40's! I'm a total sucker for face masks, facial oils, creams, cleansers, eye creams, all of it! I also have 2 daughters so I feel like I'm constantly buying beauty products.

I try my best to stay up to date on everything and anything skincare and I'm always anxious to try products that will help me with glowing skin. That's just what this Ever Glowify Skin Softening Metallic Mask will help you achieve. This will help immensely with late nights, little sleep, hectic schedules, late-night or all-night celebrations and of course, New Years'.

Stella & Dot's Ever Glowify Mask can help to brighten and hydrate your skin, smooth fine lines, and wrinkles, and restores radiance. Some of the ingredients include wintergreen leaf extract, mineral-enriched water, kaolin clay, and lactic acid.

You can purchase this mask by itself or together with a brush to help with applying. Of course, this would make an excellent gift for someone on your list but go ahead and grab one for yourself. With all of the busy days and nights coming up, you'll need some time to relax at home. Schedule an all-girl spa sleepover or spa day and bake some cookies, grab some slippers, a good movie, and get your skin all glowy and beautiful! (You may be able to add a bonus for yourself by either finding a consultant or signing up with Stella & Dot yourself and host a party while you're at it! This could be a great opportunity to earn some extra cash or products and help your friends "de-stress" during the holiday season and knock some gifts off of their own lists!)

I love rings and pearl bracelets and silver! I've always wanted a charm bracelet but never seem to find one that screams, "That's totally me!" But, I fell in love with this charm the second I saw it while scrolling down the Ultimate Edit Collection.

This is another one of those, buy a few, make sure you keep one for yourself, type of gifts. These custom cut, glass jewels will surely catch everyone's attention. I can't stop admiring it and I'm just looking at the photos! I can't imagine how pretty this will be in real life! I also love the name of this charm. I think it fits perfectly!

This charm fits on all mesh and leather bracelets, all multi-chain necklaces, and all pendants.

What did you find on the Ultimate Edit Collection for yourself or your gift list? I would love to see what caught your eye! Please leave a comment and let me know if you found the perfect gift at Stella & Dot!

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