MelissaStuff

$5 for $40 in NFL, NHL, NBA or MLB Tickets

2012-02-29T10:37:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite deals EVER . . . snagged another one. My boys will be thrilled when we're hitting one baseball game after another this summer!

Last Day for 25% off at Plum District

2012-02-29T08:36:00.001-06:00

Don't forget you can use the code DALLAS25 to purchase any deal in Denton, Collin or Dallas County for 25% off the listed price . . . it expires today, so hop over and use it before it's gone.

If you aren't in the DFW area, there are codes in multiple places around the country. Check the Facebook page for your local Plum District or google to see if you can find one.

(The pictures above are just a sampling of what you can purchase.)

Returning Plum District customers can use this link.

A Little Secret

2012-02-28T15:25:00.004-06:00

I'm going to let you in on a little secret . . . when I'm frustrated, when I'm mad, when my insides are going all over the place and I can't seem to get them to stop . . . when I'm hurt, when I'm sad - I blog.

This has led to some misunderstandings, and it seems some people assume everything is about them. No, for real. But in general it's an outlet. I feel better. I process my feelings. I get great feedback from ya'll.

Umm, this will be one of those posts. (Feel free to bail right here if you're not up for that.)

Have you ever just had a point in life where you thought, "Am I crazy?" Like, seriously, not in touch with reality . . . . living in a dream world . . . not functioning the same way most people do, crazy?

Well, I have. I grew up with two grandmothers who were both diagnosed paranoid schizophrenics. In hindsight their diagnoses were made in the 40's and it is likely they might be treated for something completely different today. But in the end, the practical part of that was that my family dealt with two members of our family who did not handle life well. When pressures came or life was difficult, they just shut down.

When you have not one, but two of these people in your family, I think you'd have to be crazy to not wonder if you would be like them at some point in your life. In fact, my mom used to tell us when we were growing up and would ask if we were crazy, "If you're sane enough to ask if you're crazy then you're not crazy."

I'm at a phase in life where I feel crazy, nuts, insides unable to stay put, overflowing, trying to pretend but failing crazy. Just so you know life is actually fine in our house. No huge pressures. No difficult life circumstances.

But my insides apparently haven't gotten that message . . . they seem to be searching for a reason to be anxious. Constantly peeking over my shoulder waiting for something bad to creep up. Holding their breath that the bad news is going to be delivered at any minute.

Thank God for people who love me enough to listen, to be patient, to continue to tell me my emotions don't match the facts. Who nudge me and say, "Your logic should win over your heart here."

These are times that make me wonder if Satan doesn't do his best to screw us up by using our emotions. I have seen God move in incredible ways. Seriously, nothing short of miraculous. Prayers I prayed, desires of my heart that were barely whispered, not things I would have shared with others. Maybe one person knew this piece and another knew this piece, but no one person knew it all. (And I'm still not going to share, so you don't even have to ask.)

I didn't even have the faith to believe that God would actually answer these prayers, not really. And yet here I stand, and they have been answered - only time will tell all the specifics, but I have no reason to believe they weren't fully, completely, irrevocably answered.

And yet I fear. I fear that it's too good to be true. I fear that maybe it's all an illusion. I fear that something will happen to mess it up. And I can't turn the fear off. That fear that drives me crazy. The fear that drives me to avoid some situations and overdo others. The fear that most certainly is the opposite of faith. The saying, "You got to see it to believe it." apparently isn't true for me. I see it happening and I doubt it is real, I doubt it will last, I doubt, I doubt, I doubt.

And I fear that I'm crazy. And the fear drives me crazy. And the fear acts crazy and looks crazy.

But I'm working hard to remember some things:

Phillipians 4:7 And the peace that passes all human comprehension will guard your minds and hearts in Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 1:6 And I am confident of this, He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.

II Timothy 1:7 For God has not give you a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of self-control.

Isaiah 26:3 For you will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is focused on You, because he trusts in You.

There are other prayers - other struggles I hold close to my heart and I don't dwell on for fear I'll get bogged down and not be able to go on. Other requests that I hope for, but only with the smallest of glimmers on the brightest days of optimism. Burdens that bring tears all too often. If God has done the unfathomable (to me anyway) why would He not repeat that? And why can't I seem to believe that?

So pray with me for faith, for the ability to trust, for a heart that will love without fear of being hurt. And, if you know me in real life please hang in there with me. If you could find a little more patience for me, that would be great. Look past the craziness and find my heart. Whisper a prayer instead of rolling your eyes at me.

Because after all, aren't we all crazy some time? Aren't we all crazy about something? Haven't we all been driven crazy by that one specific thing that haunts us? Maybe it's time we all give each other an extra dose of grace.

$11.25 for $30 at Bonnie Ruth's Bistro

2012-02-28T07:26:00.001-06:00

$11.25 for $30 at Bonnie Ruth's Bistro

If you haven't used the discount code DALLAS25 - you can get this wonderful deal for just $11.25!

New customers should also get a $5 credit when they sign up through this link as well.

Returning Plum District customers can use this link to make a purchase and help support this blog.

Warning: Adult Content

2012-02-25T23:23:00.000-06:00

I was offered the opportunity to review a new book - Stop Calling Him Honey and Start Having Sex. Intriguing title and I'm married and have a license to do just that so I thought it would be an interesting read.

And so it was . . .

Now let me start by saying this is NOT a Christian book. It is NOT written from a Christian perspective. And if you are easily offended by crass language or specific sexual commentary then this is not a book for you to read.

But, my husband and I have really enjoyed it. It makes some great points, and has a refreshing view of long term relationships.

Basically, the two ladies that wrote this book are offering up the idea that by using the rationalization that we are "one" as a couple we have allowed mediocrity, over-familarity, rudeness and crassness to reduce the sexual attraction between men and women who have been together more than a couple of years.

I didn't ask my husband to read this book, but since it was laying around and he was clearly attracted to the big "Sex!" on the cover he picked it up and read several different parts. Then he came to me and started telling me how he thought they had a good point - about shutting the door when you go to the bathroom and being discreet about body functions and treating each other with respect. That's downright impressive right there . . . and then he started implementing these things without any real encouragement or even agreement from me.

This is a good read. There is some terminology that could be offensive and the book refers to relationships both married and simply longterm dating relationships - all from a sexual perspective. So with that forewarning, it might be worth picking up a copy to see if you think any of the ideas would help you make life a bit more, umm spicy there at home.

$15 Plum District Dollars When You Try Netflix

2012-02-24T22:56:00.000-06:00

We love Netflix at our house. We've had it since my baby was born two years ago and stream it through our Wii. We watch everything and it's one of the best $9 a month we spend.

Right now when you try it out for FREE, you'll also get $15 in Plum District dollars to spend on any deal you like. Seriously, you can make $15 which will bring you at least $30 in value when you use it to purchase a deal for FREE!

Fine Print:

With more than 23 million streaming members globally, Netflix, Inc. is the world's leading Internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows. For about $7.99 a month, Netflix members in the Americas, United Kingdom, and Ireland can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed over the Internet to PCs, Macs, and TVs. Among the large and expanding base of devices streaming from Netflix are: Microsoft's Xbox 360, Nintendo's Wii and Sony's PS3 consoles; an array of Blu-ray disc players, Internet-connected TVs, home theater systems, digital video recorders and Internet video players; Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod touch; Android and Windows tablets and phones; and Apple TV and Google TV. In all, more than 700 devices that stream from Netflix are available.

Extra 40% Off Dillards Clearance - Tonight only!

2012-02-23T17:48:00.001-06:00

Grabbing fun stuff...check it out!

25% Off Plum District Codes Around the Country

2012-02-23T13:42:00.003-06:00

There are Plum District codes for 25% off in the following locations that I know about - Connecticut, Raleigh, Chicago, Baltimore, Orlando, Minnesota, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Denver and Indianapolis. Check your email, their Facebook page and local deal blogs to find these promo codes.

In Dallas we still have the DALLAS25 code available - but you should hurry if you haven't used it yet, it is set to expire sometime this weekend!

Dallas - DALLAS25

Let me know what you find!

The Mail Came . . . UPDATED!

2012-02-22T20:42:00.000-06:00

And look at what it brought - my boys beautiful minky nap mats! They are going to LOVE them.

$27.75 for a Beautiful Minky Nap Mat (with Attached Bag)

I'm telling you. They're going to want to carry these everywhere until their feet hang out the bottom and even then they may use them as a throw to cover up on the couch or on their bed.

The only problem I had is that in my haste to get them ordered and delivered I accidentally bought the same one twice! Ugh, so I guess I need to get them embroidered so we can tell them apart. Bet it would have been cheaper to have them do it before they shipped them.

The best news is that they're still available around the country on various Plum District sites and some of them may even have 25% codes available. Right now, if you use this link you can enter the code CONN25 at checkout and get 25% off!

If you're a new Plum District customer and sign up with this link, you'll automatically get $5 FREE. You can also use the code VISA10 to get 10% off.

These mats aren't available in Dallas anymore, but you can use the code DALLAS25 on any local deal.

If you're a returning Plum District customer, you can use this link to make your purchase and support the MelissaStuff Blog.

What I Got: Dozen Haute Mama Cupcakes for $15

2012-02-22T10:46:00.002-06:00

Groupon: $15 for a Dozen Gourmet Cupcakes from Haute Mama

If you are going to need cupcakes any time before next August, this is a deal you should grab. Haute Mama Bakery is conveniently located on McDermott in Allen. You will likely pay more for a dozen birthday cupcakes at the grocery store than this, so you can't beat it.

We have two birthdays this weekend so I grabbed one for us. Too bad I couldn't have purchased more because I would have.

Booked!

2012-02-19T22:27:00.002-06:00

I seem to be a big fan of exclamation points lately - some aren't so much a fan of it, but I think it is simply a display of how excited I am about a variety of different blessings in my life right now.

And one of the most monumental of those during this past week was purchasing the tickets for our family mission trip to Zambia . . . here's a video of some of the kids where we are going. Warning: You may fall in love with these kids and this place.

If you want to know more about this location and these children, you can read all about them at the blog Beautiful Things.

I Did It!

2012-02-18T20:45:00.000-06:00

(If you're a guy and you don't want to hear anything personal about me . . . or if you're a girl who still doesn't want to hear personal information then you might want to skip this post.)

I was a bit nervous. Didn't know what to expect.

But I walked in to European Wax Center of Plano (the one at Park and Preston) on Thursday at 10 a.m. determined to do something new.

I hope some of you were also able to take advantage of their premiere week of FREE services. It was unlimited, but they had to reschedule my appointment and as a result weren't able to do my legs - but they did do chin, underarms and Brazilian.

They start at the top and work down. The chin was was easy - and I actually have done that once before in a salon. I think part of the reason it's a breeze is because there isn't a whole lot to be done there so it goes quickly and smoothly.

Then my underarms were a bit of a challenge. I was eager to try this because shaving seems to be only marginally effective for me. The hair grows back super fast and even when freshly shaven, there is a dark shadow that never goes away. I couldn't leave the hair long enough for it the wax to get a good hold, but it still removed some of the hair leaving only the finer layer behind. I'm excited because they say after 2 or 3 sessions the overall appearance will be much better even in between waxes.

Now, the Brazilian. I think this kind of wax strikes a bit of fear into many women. But it was and wasn't what I expected. It was significantly uncomfortable. Having never had anything similar done to me, I don't really have anything to compare it to. Maybe the best way to describe it is to tell you that it was like having a large bandaid ripped off repeatedly. I was red and sore afterwards. However, the "Brazilian" part is the easiest part . . . the main waxing is the more painful part. Again I was assured that it should get easier and not be near as painful by the third repeated visit, so I will definitely let you know if that holds true.

Have you ever been waxed? Do you like it? Is there a trick to making it hurt less?

I'll keep you updated on the progress over the next couple of months . . .

HURRY: 25% Off Plum District Deals

2012-02-18T15:51:00.000-06:00

Hurry! Right now Plum District is offering 25% off discount codes in many of its cities.

Here are some of the deals you can get with them:

$9 for $25 in Boy's Boutique Clothing from The Boy's Store - with code DALLAS25

Voucher good on any items except those 75% off or more.

$11.25 for the BEST Nursing/Layering Tank from Undercover Mama - with code INDYLOVE

Dallas: $11.25 for 30 lbs. of clothes washed, dried and folded - with code DALLAS25

If you're a new customer and you sign up for a Plum District account through this post, I will send you a $5 promo code to use on your next purchase.

If you forward me your purchase confirmation from any purchase (Email to MelissaStuffBlog@gmail.com) - I'll send you two additional $5 off codes.

If you're a returning Plum District customer, please use this link to make your purchase and support the MelissaStuff blog in the process.

I Like . . .

2012-02-15T21:38:00.000-06:00

For Valentine's Day at our house, life is pretty low key. We say Happy Valentine's. We have parties at school. And if Momma remembers to grab something small for everyone then they might get a "Valentine" from me.

But this year, I actually had planned ahead a bit and purchased two things for each boy.

The first was not the success I had hoped. Each boy got a Wii game specifically purchased to give them alternatives to the shoot 'em up (LEGO style) games they prefer.

Riley got a circus theme - out of everything on it, they found the cannon and shot it over and over.

Colt got a Broadway dance game (I thought Broadway would be safe not masculine maybe, but safe!) - and the first song they chose said:

Look at my a$$, Look at my thighs
I'm catnip to the guys
They chase my tail
They drool and pant
They wanna touch this but they can't.

Seriously??? Broadway Wii game, people. What happened to Lion King, Mary Poppins, Wicked?

So that one is a no-go. Then Weston got a game with all kinds of games involving balls, which are some of his favorite items in the world. But proceeded to be more interested in the Maisy Mouse book that I threw in at the last minute since he can't technically play a Wii game.

Good thing there was a second part to their gifts . . .

Each of them got one of the I Like . . . books.

The concept behind the I Like books is simple, but important. How often do you stop to tell the people you love exactly what you like about them? We gripe. We pick. We give general compliments - I love you. I'm proud of you. You did a good job. But what about I like the way your eyes light up when we watch sports together. Or I like the way you ask really good questions about whatever we're discussing. Or I like the way you make everyone in the family laugh until they're crying.

How important is it for our kids to hear that kind of thing? How important is it for our spouses?

It's so simplistic though, I wondered at first if my kids would think it was stupid or not get why it was important. But we started last night by asking each of them to tell us something about the other one that we could write in their book. They gave great, well thought out answers and we wrote them in.

Today, my oldest son has asked me on two separate occasions if he can get his I Like book and read it - umm, it only has two lines filled out and I can tell him what they say, but obviously it's already feeding his little heart with encouragement and that I LOVE.

The I Like Books sell for $19.95 and have been featured on multiple deal sites. Keep an eye out or grab one on the I Like site today. I have a feeling this is one gift that will be cherished for a long time to come.

(Now to get rid of that ridiculous dance game . . .)

Look What's Back!!

2012-02-14T09:44:00.000-06:00

**Warning: This is a video of how to wear this shirt, so the model is not full clothed throughout.**

Yeah!! This Undercover Mama deal ran for just a couple days last week and everyone loved it. I'm so glad that Plum District brought it back so more people could take advantage.

I can't say enough good things about these tank tops. They're extra long, super soft, make great layering tanks even if you're not nursing and with this deal SUPER affordable.

For $15 you get one tank top and have $5 left over towards a second . . . and if you sign up for a new account through Plum District right now, I'll send you a $5 off code to use on that purchase. And if you send me your purchase confirmation email, I'll send you $10 more!

Purple Cow Kids Karaoke (Fairview Location)

2012-02-13T13:00:00.000-06:00

HOT: $7 for $25 at The Kitchen at Preston Trail

2012-02-13T12:16:00.002-06:00

Today Plum District is offering $25 at The Kitchen at Preston Trail for just $12 . . . with the $5 FREE credit I am offering for anyone who follows this link and signs up for an account, that's just $7 for $25 worth of food!

And once you make that purchase and forward me a copy of the confirmation, I'll send you another $10 in credit (2 - $5 vouchers) to use on future Plum District purchases.

Time for Mom's Lunch!

2012-02-13T07:51:00.002-06:00

$12 for $25 at The Kitchen at Preston Trail

I've been waiting for some food deals in the area - here's a new place to try.

Get incredible food and a wonderfully intimate atmosphere at The Kitchen at Preston Trail. Open for lunch and carry out, it would be a great place to go with your mom friends while the kids are in school!

Up to $15 FREE from Plum District - Hurry!

2012-02-12T17:39:00.001-06:00

Fun stuff . . .

Right now, if you follow this link and open a NEW Plum District account - I will send you a $5 code to spend on ANY order! (You don't need to tell me that you did this. It will automatically let me know.)

Plum District does reject multiple accounts by the same household at times, so be forewarned.

If you make a purchase, forward the purchase confirmation email to me and I'll send you another $10 to use toward your next purchase. You will have to use the $5 vouchers on two separate transactions.

So by signing up for an account and making your first purchase - you will be able to earn $15 to spend at Plum District.

Here are some of the great deals you can purchase with those dollars:

One Year of Natural Laundry Detergent - $20

$37 for a Minky Nap Mat - Add Customization for $8-10

$150 for Kid's Acting Classes and a Role in a Public Performance

God is Good All the Time

2012-02-12T17:27:00.001-06:00

So many of you have responded to my {Sigh} post from last week. I know my blog is a bit unique in that I post deals, reviews, worthy causes and personal stuff all in the same space - hence, the MelissaStuff title.

However, since I dragged you all into my emotional firestorm last week, I wanted to make sure I followed that up with the rest of the story.

Without taking three years to explain the entire back story, the bottom line is that the person I was referring, whom I love dearly, passed away on Thursday morning. How grateful I was that God provided me with the opportunity to spend those last minutes with him.

The funeral was Saturday morning, and I was pretty petrified. All of the stuff I listed that makes me angry was a part of the dynamics going into that - I hadn't been in that building in a very long time. I hadn't seen many of those people for years. And I didn't know what to expect.

I'm not easily intimidated or overwhelmed, but this situation definitely had the best of me.

I went early praying and hoping that I would possibly have some quiet time alone at the viewing without having to navigate around other people. Amazingly, I was able to walk in and have those precious few moments without anyone else there. Of course, the person I loved wasn't there. And I found I felt as if I had said goodbye on Wednesday. The shell that lay there was just a discarded garment.

There was a seat that was the place I always found this special man . . . the awkwardness of the situation made me wish for him to be there, and that was the saddest part of the day for me. Instead, I sat in his seat and thought of the many times he had lit up with a smile, opened his arms and made me feel at home from that exact spot.

In addition to the small blessings I mentioned, I was able to see and experience what I would consider one of the most amazing answers to prayer I've seen in my lifetime. It's not that I thought God couldn't do it . . . I just wasn't sure He would or that the person involved would let Him.

But I'm still floored every time I think about the changes, the difference, the beauty of that situation. Anything can happen at this point, but I know I will always remember and be grateful for His grace at such a difficult time - even in the face of my lack of faith, my anger, hurt and disappointment.

My Facebook status yesterday was, "God is good all the time."

And all the time, God is good!

One Year of Laundry Detergent - $20

2012-02-09T07:56:00.000-06:00

One Year of Natural Laundry Detergent - $20

If you haven't been introduced to The Peaceful Housewife . . . please let me do that now. She creates a host of eco-friendly, natural products and you can choose the scent you want!

At Plum District today you can get a $40 voucher for $20. You can buy anything in the store with it, including an entire year's worth of laundry detergent.

The Custom Minky Nap Mats for $37 are still available as well.
If you are a returning Plum District customer please use this link which helps support the MelissaStuff blog.

{Sigh}

2012-02-08T22:15:00.001-06:00

Today was a crappy day. In fact I would love to use other words to describe it . . . I can't tell you the last time I had a day this bad.

I sat next to someone I love in the hospital for two hours, knowing that every breath they took could be their last.

In the next few days, one of those breaths will be the last.

Maybe I should have known it was coming, but I didn't.

Crazy the emotions it brought up - hurt, sadness but LOTS of anger. Anger at injustice and pain. Anger that people hurt other people and that bitterness tears apart families. Anger that there's nothing I can do to change it or make it better for the people I love. No matter how much I love them.

I hate feeling helpless and yet that is all I have felt today. Death sucks!

I know that we know in the end the victory over death has been won . . . but in the meantime, the process of death is crappy.

Not speaking to people you love for long periods of time is crappy.

Leaving things unsaid is crappy.

Being unable to be the bigger person is crappy.

Having a hole in your heart with no way to fill it is crappy.

Sorry for such an uplifting post. I'm going to bed and leaning on the fact that God's mercies are new every morning, because I sure do need a whole new dose . . .

A FREE Pizza and 2 Liter for You?

2012-02-07T17:31:00.000-06:00

If you are a Papa Johns Rewards member you should have received an email today telling you how to redeem your FREE pizza and 2 Liter. Mine went to my spam folder, but thank goodness I found it and rescued it.

It's likely some of you didn't catch it, but you can still get your code by going to http://www.freepapajohns.com/.

What I Got: Customized Minky Nap Mat for 50% Off

2012-02-07T08:08:00.002-06:00

$37 for a Minky Nap Mat - Add Customization for $8-10

So, I'm a cheapo, right? I normally use hand me downs or shop clearance. We still have nice things, I just don't tend to pay much for them.

Well, every once in a while I make an exception and today is one of those days. My two youngest boys are IN LOVE with their minky blankets. (Think Linus kind of love.) So when I saw these nap mats I knew I had to have one. The problem was that they were $75 and I knew I couldn't spend that. So I worked a deal and now we can get these for $37 and you can have your child's name - or the family last name if you want to pass it down - added for just $8-$10.

If you're ever tempted to splurge this is a great one to do it on!

The nursing shirts/layering tanks are available for $15 just until midnight tonight, too.

If you are wanting to make a Plum District purchase, please consider using this link for returning plum district customers which helps support the MelissaStuff blog.

$15 for the Best Shirt Ever!!

2012-02-06T08:20:00.002-06:00

$15 for an Undercover Mama tank top

In August of 2010 when I was still in the throws of nursing, I reviewed these tank tops . . . and can I tell you I still wear it?! I'm NOT nursing anymore, but it's the perfect tank top to wear underneath that shirt that's just a little lower than you want or the wrap around dress that won't stay closed.

The unique way the shirt is made means there are no extra straps to contend with. And the shirt has withstood over a year of repeatedly being worn and washed.