Mommy Space

Organic Plant Food from Whitney Farms

2012-05-20T20:50:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Whitney Farms for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I'm no different than most mothers and pet owners when it comes to caring for my lawn and flower garden. I don't want to do anything that might harm my family, our sweet dog, or for that matter anything in the environment... well, anything but the weeds. lol

Whitney Farms® offers an organic plant food that promises to improve the look of your garden, even outperforming the traditional non-organic varieties on the market. So, if you're liking the idea of adding organic soil and organic plant food to your garden and/or lawn, look no further!

I've never tried Whitney Farms, but given I've been wanting to attempt growing my own herbs with the kids, I love knowing there is a safe product on the market, free of chemicals that could end up in our food. After all, that's one of the advantages to growing your own herbs... knowing you're not eating something that has been treated with or grown in a compromised envirionment.

I'd also like to replace the soil around my flowers and see if they respond to Whitney Farms the way this brand says they will! Their plant food is protien based, is low on dust, doesn't smell like maneur, and has added beneficial microbes to keep flowers growing happy and healthy!

These aren't my flowers by the way... but one day, I'd like to have such a garden as this one! I love yellow flowers!

If you're interested in trying Whitney Farms yourself, head on over to their website and find a $3 coupon! There's no better time than now to try organic plant food!

The Walmart Fight Spring Hunger Initiative

2012-04-09T00:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Walmart Foundation for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

For whatever reason, food banks generally see a decline in donations during the Spring. It's hard to believe, but nearly 50 million American's can't afford to eat tonight. Have you ever been unable to feed your children or wonder where your next meal would come from? I can't even imagine.

If you're fortunate enough to have never known what it feels like to go to bed hungry or worry about how to provide for your children, you are truly blessed. So much of the world would love to walk in your shoes... even in America, the land of plenty, we find millions of Americans struggling just to put dinner on the table.

Between April 9th and April 30th, the Fight Hunger Together Initiative, hosted by Walmart, ConAgra, General Mills, Kraft, and Kellogg's hopes to provide 43 million meals to American families in need.

How can you get involved? Vote to fight spring hunger with Walmart by visiting their Facebook Fan page between the 9th and 30th and casting your vote for the community you deem most in need of assistance. You'll be able to determine an area's need by viewing the Department of Labor's statistics for areas hardest hit by unemployment. The top 200 communities listed will be up for votes! Perhaps you live in one of those communities and have seen first hand the struggles of your neighbors. Be sure to vote for the community you would most like to see Walmart step in and provide aid too! The 21 communities receiving the most votes will be awarded a total of 2 million dollars from Walmart!

I was glad to see the large metro area I'm a part of was very low on the list of cities listed, however I did find it. I'll likely cast my vote for the Orlando area. I was recently moved by a television program about the high rates of unemployment in various parts of Florida... one area in particular has been good to us over the years. It broke my heart to learn of the struggles of so many families who could no longer make ends meet.

In addition to casting your vote, you can also help the cause by purchasing specially marked products from ConAgra, General Mills, Kraft and Kellog's. Be sure to read the signage, and packaging to learn how you can make a purchase to help others less fortunate than yourself.

Children's Easter Bunny Project with !Tulips!

2012-04-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of iBulb for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Does your child enjoy crafting? Do they love the Easter Bunny? Oh, and are you by chance gifting tulips to someone special this year? If you're looking for a simple project to share with your children this week to celebrate Easter Sunday... which is just days away, check out this adorable craft idea!

This Easter project is simple to create and absolutely adorable. What a great gift idea for an aunt, grandmother, teacher, or babysitter. Fill it with fresh cut tulips and you're good to go with a gift anyone will appreciate! Everyone loves homemade gifts! Your recipient will want to fill this bunny can with fresh flowers year after year.

With simple materials like pipe cleaners, pom poms, felt, and googly eyes you'll find this project relatively simple to complete. I'd say any child over the age of 5 could do this with an adult. If you have a child over the age of 8, they could probably do this project independently.

If you're teaching a Sunday School class, this would be a great craft idea for this weekend! You could fill the can with even a single tulip, maybe some jelly beans, or whatever your heart desires.

One safety tip: I recommend using one of those can openers that cuts the can with a dull edge so you don't end up any injuries!

Thanks for reading and have fun!

More Than Cream and Sugar

2012-03-28T17:54:00.000-05:00

Written by Fermin Washington

When I had the dream in my mind of owning a local coffee shop, my dream was just that simple. I wanted a small spot, centrally located, with my daughters helping operate the shop. It was only when I actually had the ribbon cutting ceremony on a larger location that my eyes were opened to many more ideas. My little hot spot allowed me to meet local artists musicians and bakers who approached me with their ideas of using my space and offer up more than just cream and sugar with a cup of joe. I simply loved the idea of supporting local community and folks just like myself looking for ways to become involved in their town. Allowing my business to grow in such a way, led to me spending more time on the business end and not on the creative end which is where my passion lies. I needed to find a company like more here to help me simplify my accounts and save me some money to boot. I made a promise to myself that I would not lose sight of why I started this endeavor to begin with & I’ll always ensure I am working smarter so that I can meet the smiling faces who make it all possible.

Why Men Die First

2012-03-28T16:59:00.000-05:00

I don't know where this originated, but it's circulating via email. It's too good not to share!

Bills on Time

2012-02-26T20:31:00.005-06:00

Guest post from: Mohamed Simon

I love paying all of my bills on time. It gives me such a good feeling. This morning, I paid my last bill of the month—on time! I logged onto http://www.expertsatellite.com/ and paid it and it gave me the warmest feeling inside. Paying my bills on time and being responsible is something that I have really had to work on. When I was in college, I lived in the dorms and really didn’t have any bills. When I got out in the real world and got a real job with real rent and utilities, I was in for a rude awakening. It has really taken me about a year to get good a managing my money and paying everything that needs to be on time. I have learned to not use my credit card unless it is an absolute emergency because it was really getting me into trouble. They should make college kids take classes on life in general. I didn’t even know how to balance my checkbook until a couple of months ago, I had just relied on on-line banking. How bad is that!?

Comfortable and Bold Wall Hugger Recliners at GoWFB.com

2012-02-04T16:50:00.003-06:00

I'm dreaming of new furniture, specifically speaking of a new recliner that speaks of boldness... something handsome, well-constructed, covered in leather and built to last.

That search led me to the Madison Leather Pushback Reclining Armchair by Abbyson Living. I love the design of this chair, even though it's not the style I typically go for. It just looks so solid and rich... I'm still living with living room furniture from my husband's college apartment, which he bought some 17 years ago. It's mauve fabric and the stuffing is falling out. Nice huh? We're hoping to replace our furniture piece by piece with quality constructed items, covered in leather! It's going to take some time... but I have faith it will happen... in time.

What do you think of this Madison Leather Pushback? I found this impressive specimen at Wholesale Furniture Broker's on sale for under $1000 with free shipping. Doesn't it just scream sophistication with a side of comfort? Who knew such a combination could co-exist? lol

I already have a recliner from Wholesale Furniture Brokers (GoWFB.com) and love it! It's a completely different style... but just as awesome as the one pictured above.

I obtained this lovely piece last Summer and was impressed by the excellent customer service I received from Wholesale Furniture Broker's. This is the Nexus Brown R-634 Series Duraleather Recliner and Ottoman by Stanley. Nice, huh? You should see it in my living room! Best of all, this recliner and ottoman combo sells for under $450 and is currently shipping free!

Running My Own Business

2012-01-25T10:31:00.004-06:00

Guest post by Gerard Mcdaniel

I never knew much about running my own business until, well, I started running my own business. My dad had been a vet my whole life and he had his own practice so it only made sense that I’d follow in his footsteps and really make something of myself. Now that he’s retired I’ve taken over his old practice and you know, it’s been a lot of work learning how to be the boss. Between managing my staff and my patients and dealing with logistical stuff like bank card processing I’ve got my hands full. I know dad’s really proud of me for helping his practice thrive and I’ve got big plans for this place…I can’t wait to take this business to the next level and really become ingrained in the community. I had to go away after school and I didn’t move back until dad decided to retire but you know, I’m really glad I did. This was a great place to live and it’s going to be a great place to grow old.

Win a Kindle!

2012-01-25T10:29:00.003-06:00

Have you been dreaming of a Kindle, but lack the resources to purchase one? Perhaps you asked Santa for a Kindle but instead he brought you socks and a new skillet. I know the pain!

Don't give up on your dreams of owning a Kindle and soon! You could actually win one! Here are a couple blogging giveaways offering Kindles... one a Kindle Fire and the other a Kindle Keyboard (yes, a Kindle with a keyboard!) 3G with special offers. Pretty sweet!

Kindle Fire

Playing with Fire Event

Kindle Keyboard 3G with Special Offers

Love of Reading Giveaway

Good luck and happy reading!

Staying on Top of Your Credit Score

2012-01-21T22:04:00.001-06:00

When was the last time you checked your credit rating? Some people (I'm not one of them) are ever-so-disciplined about checking their credit report every year... checking for inaccuracy, suspect activity, and inactive accounts that could be closed.

Given you can get a free credit score report online, there's really no excuse not to take a peak from time to time. I don't know if I'm lazy, or if I'm scared. lol In theory my credit rating should be pristine, but I know just enough about the real world we live in to know that it might be anything but.

Thanks to the Internet, checking my credit report can be done with a few clicks of a mouse, and yet... I've waited. I've known too many people who've found ugliness in their own reports. Those "issues" can take a lot of precious time to sort out... not my idea of fun. At the same time I'd be a fool to know check my credit report. I suppose it's sort of like going to the dentist. It's a maintenance thing... neglect never results in positive results.

We're hoping to buy a new home in the next couple years. Something with a little more room, a walk out basement, and more than one bathtub! lol I'd also like to think that if and when we need to replace our aging van, we'll be able to do so without a hitch. It's paid for and knows it. We put $2000 into it last Spring to keep it running, but at some point the upkeep won't justify the vehicle's worth, which last time I checked was around $3k!

When's the last time you checked your credit report?

LOVE animals

2011-12-22T23:07:00.003-06:00

Guest post from: Jerald Hammond

Man, I know some people like animals but I LOVE animals. I can’t get enough of them! I got direct tv for the house not too long ago and I think it’s pretty much just permanently stuck on animal planet – I love that channel more than anything else. I can’t wait to finish school and finally be a vet like I’ve always wanted but you know, at the end of the day there’s something to be said for not having to wonder what you’re going to do with the rest of your life. If I wasn’t going to be a vet I’d work for the ASPCA or something like that – I always knew growing up it would be something with animals. Some people like to read and some like to cook and I just like to be in nature with some of my favorite furry friends. I better find a new hobby that doesn’t involve adopting strays, though, because I’ve already got far too many for one single person!

How I Saved $20 on My Last Amazon.com Order

2011-12-21T10:15:00.001-06:00

I'm a coupon code junky who does a whole lotta shopping on Amazon.com, but wouldn't you know you don't really find coupon codes for Amazon.com. Why? I imagine it's because they're already giving you a better price than you'll find at your local retailer. I save A LOT shopping through Amazon.com and it's not just the retail price that saves money. It's also their free super-saver shipping that wins me over every time.

But wait! There is a way to save extra moolah on Amazon.com! lol I actually saved $20 on my last order and have saved $90 since February accumulating Amazon.com gift cards through Swagbucks. Ok... what's that? lol

It's basically a search engine (like Google, Bing, Yahoo), but unlike the others, Swagbucks rewards it's users. You earn points by performing your Internet searches through their search engine. Pretty cool right? It's free too. No strings, no fees, no hassles or ugly surprises.

I've been swagging away since February and haven't had any complaints at all. I'm earning points doing what I do everyday. If I wasn't so into Amazon.com I could cash my points in for other cool prizes. There are hundreds of options... so if you're not hip on Amazon (although I can't imagine that!), you'll no doubt find a retailer or prize that perfectly suits you.

I recently wrote about how Swagbucks benefits me on another blog. If you'd like to check that out, just click here: Swagbucks is legitimate!

Happy Holidays and if you're not a Swagbucks user yet, do yourself a favor and check it out! Perhaps next year you'll have stashed away some cool gift cards or prizes to take some of the sting out of your holiday shopping. :)

Fine Employment or Side Income in an Online Market Place

2011-12-09T14:16:00.001-06:00

Maybe you're looking for a career change or simply need a part-time job? Perhaps you're a freelance writer and just need some new leads or a side income? Whatever your story may be, there's a new online service marketplace offering you a platform to sell your skills and abilities. Post your resume and get connected with prospective employers, in an online community... perhaps making a few friends along the way.

Networking is what it's all about these days. You may already belong to other social networking sites with the hopes of gaining new exposure in a competitive market where desirable jobs are increasingly scarce. SideSkills offers a networking opportunity along with the social community aspect, giving you more room to get to know one another, perhaps finding that new job you're dreaming of, or a contract for another writing or photography assignment.

If you're an employer looking for prospects, you'll be able to scour the SideSkills marketplace without cost or obligation. Get to know the faces behind the resumes from the comfort of your computer. Reach out to those individuals who seem to fit the bill, without cost or obligation. If you're looking to fill a post job vacancy or simply fill a short-term assignment, SideSkills may be a good place to start looking.

Christmas Cash Contest... What's Your Guess?

2011-12-04T17:20:00.001-06:00

Not to increase the competition or anything... after all I'd sure like to win this giveaway myself, but I wanted to give big Kudos to "In Good Measure" for offering a Christmas cash giveaway that actually makes you work a little!

The Cash Sweepstakes for $250 in cash ends soon and the winner will be partially based on who provides the best guess to how many candy canes are on a tree. They provide the picture, even a video, you provide your best answer. Love it!

So, I guessed 583, but just for the record I'm not all that great at this sort of thing. I realized after I submitted my answer that I didn't do a great job at considering the sides of said tree... just considered the front and back. Given it's a 3-dimensional object, I think I goofed! Guess we'll find out!

I could use this cash... who couldn't right? I've been trying to spend less as of late in order to have a little extra cash this Christmas. Failed. I'm sort of a sucker when it comes to the little wants and needs of my kids. So, what's a mom to do, but enter a cool Christmas cash giveaway like this one?

Need Prescription Eyeglasses? Zenni Optical Affordable and Stylish

2011-11-22T17:01:00.001-06:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Zenni Optical for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

When it comes to Zenni, the word affordable is an understatement. Yesterday I ran into a friend at church whom I'd recommended Zenni too after hearing of her laundry list of upcoming expenses. On that list was the need for a new pair of prescription eyeglasses. The ones she was wearing had set her back a couple hundred and had a lens defect that the retailer would not cover. Nice huh? She spent all that money and still couldn't see. Are you kidding me?

As she explained her situation to me I had to stop her short and tell her about the cheap eyeglasses at Zenni. Cheap yet fashionable and guess what? They work! Imagine that! lol For only $40 she found a great pair of eyeglasses that she absolutely loves. I got the treat of seeing her in them yesterday and loved the look! Her husband had been more than a bit skeptical of Zenni, but now he's telling her to get a second pair! lol

We've been using Zenni for a couple years now. With a 10 year old son who goes through the eyeglasses like ours does, Zenni is a lifesaver! The first year he was in glasses we went the brand name route and purchased from our eyecare provider. My husband spent well over $200 for our son's glasses, which broke three times inside of 12 months. Not only was that an expensive purchase and chain of repairs, but his eyes are changing every year anyway. It really didn't make sense to spend so much on a child's eyewear.

So, we thought we'd take the cheap route and try Zenni, not really expecting attractive eyewear. When they arrived in the mail I was floored. They looked amazing! For only $40, we had a pair of great looking prescription eyeglasses, with polycarbonate lenses, anti-glare, and a pop on lens shield for sunny days. You'd never know his glasses were purchased at such a bargain! Not only that, but his Zenni frames have never broke! Might be luck, not sure, but even if they were to break we could afford a brand new pair for just $5 less than a repair to those brand name glasses. Zenni is just a no brainer!

With the extra money we save on our son's eyeglasses we have more flexibility with things like Christmas! We're talking over $150 more than what we'd have had to play with if we'd bought his last pair of glasses at our local eyecare provider.

I LOVE this pair of eyeglasses I found on Zenni Optical's website! They're my color and so cute! Who would know this pair of glasses starts at less than $24? In today's economy this type of find is simply unheard of. Thanks Zenni!

What's Cuter... Beautiful Baby or a Puppy? Vote Now!

2011-11-17T19:00:00.001-06:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Puppies vs. Babies for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I've never heard of such an humorous contest theme as the Puppies vs. Babies online contest. So much fun, yet odd... lol, I have to say I never would have considered comparing the cuteness of human babies to canine puppies.

It's time to vote for your favorite! Visit the Puppies vs. Babies contest and choose your favorite photo, then come back and tell me who you voted for. I just gotta know! Can't wait to see how this pan's out. I sincerely believe a puppy will when, but can't say why that is. Perhaps I know too many people who find beautiful baby contests uncomfortable. I personally find all babies beautiful, so these types of contests don't exactly bother me... even though I'm not sure what to make of having babies compete with dogs!

Puppies vs. Babies what a funny concept. Check out the photos and tell me who you are more inclined to vote for. If you're a dog owner, I have to wonder if that will persuade your vote. If you're a mom, again, I'd thing this would persuade your vote. Am I right?

So, who would I vote for? I'd have to go for a baby. I just can't bring myself to vote for a dog over a child!

Now it's your turn. Please share! Visit the link and tell me your thoughts, your vote, your happy hello! I can't wait to hear from you. Oh, and be sure and tell me if you're a mom, and if you're a dog owner while you're at it!

As if Breast Cancer isn't Bad Enough... Chemo Leaving Women with Slower Brain Function?

2011-11-15T16:30:00.001-06:00

Breast cancer is a hot topic these days... even outside the month of October, which we recognize as Breast Cancer awareness month. I can't go a day without thinking about breast cancer. I have a friend who just found a lump in her breast, two friends recovering from breast cancer and another who is a breast cancer survivor of many years. I always thought the battle was confined to THE CANCER... and that once THE CANCER was removed with 5 or more years elapsing without recurrence, life would go on and your body would recover to life as you knew it. Maybe not so much.

I just heard a blurb on the news about a possible connection between women who've fought the battle and survived breast cancer, particularly those who were treated with chemotherapy, and the development of diminished mental capacity. Seriously? I haven't seen the data and I do wonder how it was collected and compared to women who've not undergone chemo, or had breast cancer.

In any case, I'd think it particularly horrible to share this information with anyone fighting that battle. As if it's not bad enough to hear you have the dreaded "C" and face that terrifying uphill battle, possibly losing a breast (or two) along the way? Imagine winning that fight only to be left with an impaired mental capacity?

As if women don't already struggle with mental fog anyway... we really didn't need this kind of help. Or this kind of news. : (

Dollar General to Honor Veterans and Active Military with Discount

2011-11-13T02:15:00.001-06:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of DollarGeneral for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

On Saturday November 11th all service men and women, active duty and those retired will receive a 10% off discount at Dollar General stores. Be sure to spread the word about the Dollar General's Veteran's Day discount!

Military families may also take advantage of a 10% discount online by entering "VETERANSDAY" at checkout from November 11th through the 13th. What a great time to stock up on all household essentials. Additionally... if you have a spouse or parent serving overseas, what a great time to send a care package. If you don't have time to shop, be sure to check out the care packages from Dollar General that are available to ship without charge!

This Veteran's Day, be sure to thank an active duty service man or woman, or a veteran... as well as their families for the sacrifice and commitment they've shown. If you'd like to see a few video's from Dollar General sharing a few words of gratitude, be sure to check them out by visiting Dollar General Messages of Thanks.

Be sure to visit Dollar General on Facebook too! Give them a "like" and be in on all the latest news from Dollar General. Facebook

is not only a great social networking site, but a great way to find out about upcoming deals and promotions.

Benefits of Prepaid Debit Cards

2011-10-27T23:51:00.002-05:00

A couple years ago some friends of mine gifted me a prepaid debit card to use while on vacation to Walt Disney World. What a great gift that was! It saved me a lot of time, and meant I didn't have to carry as much cash, or make as many charges against my credit card. The $100 gift lasted us nearly a week in the parks, for thinks like soft drinks and snacks. It definitely took some of the sticker shock out of vacationing at a theme park. Additionally, I had warm fuzzy feelings towards my friends every time I pulled out the prepaid card!

I've since become a real fan of Prepaid Debit Cards. For any occasion, they make a great gift. Better than a gift card because a prepaid Visa or Mastercard will be accepted everywhere that accepts credit cards. So, unlike a gift card to a local department store or gas station, your recipient can shop wherever they like... or wherever their needs take them. Perhaps it's not a new pair of shoes they need, but instead a tank of gasoline, a trip to the grocery store, or even a donation to their favorite charity.

What better gift than a Green Dot card for your sister's birthday, your cousin's wedding, or your best friend's baby shower? You just can't go wrong! I can't think of a better gift, and it's something you can hand deliver or easily and affordably send via snail mail.

What's more, you can find prepaid debit cards for sale at many retail, grocery, and drug stores. Walgreen's is one of many retailers offering Green Dot Cards, which can be purchased in amounts as small as $10, and for as much as $500... plus they're reloadable. These cards not only work for shopping and paying bills online, but they can also be used at ATM's to withdrawal cash. I bet you didn't know that!

A prepaid debit card won't improve your credit score, but if you've had credit problems in the past, there are no worries with Green Dot Cards. They don't require a credit check, and there's no possibility of an overdraft fee... since you're only going to be permitted to spend the value of the card at the time you're using it. There will be no fears of overdraft fees and because this isn't a credit card you'll never have to worry about interest fees, or late fees. There will be no bill later!

Have you ever received or gifted a prepaid debit card? What have your experiences been and would you recommend this as a gift idea? I can't personally think of a better gift, especially to someone struggling to make ends meet. These cards are so flexible and simple to use, I can't imagine a better way to treat a friend, assist a family member, or send a thank you!

LOVE Bachelor

2011-10-18T18:47:00.003-05:00

Content by Mac Kline

I know I’m like the only person left alive still watching this show but the Bachelor (and Bachelorette) has got to be my all time favorite reality program. I went to www.cannonSatellite.com a few months back to get all the extra channels and while they’re good, I still find myself going back to the old standard when times get tough on other channels. I think there’s just something fascinating about the way 20 women will vie for the attention of one man they don’t even know and it just astounds me that they all think they’re perfect for him. I just can’t imagine going on one of those shows and making a complete and total you know what out of myself but I guess that’s what you sign up for when you agree to be on reality TV! Now one is surprised when things hit the fan on those shows and especially once they’ve all been outside by the pool drinking all day, you know? Ah, there’s no substitute for good reality TV.

Helping Improve Joint Health in Your Favorite Canine

2011-10-08T03:01:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hills Pet Nutrition for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

So many of us watch what we eat... paying careful attention towards eating a well-rounded, high-protein, disease-fighting diet, but what about those furry friends we share our lives with? It's easy to forget their health, like our own... is directly related to their diet.

Although dogs don't live as long as we do, perhaps that's all the more reason to give them the opportunity to live the best lives possible while they're with us. Hill's Pet Nutrition is a great way to insure your pet has a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, to keep them active and happy.

Do you ever think about your pet's joint health? Did you know 1 in 5 dogs will experience mobility problems sometime in their lifetime? Whether big or small, all dogs are candidates for joint pain and a loss of range in motion.

Visit Hill's website today and learn more about detecting mobility problems in your best friend. You'll also find a Hill's Healthy Mobility Coupon on site. Learn how you can improve your pet's mobility in just 30 days!

After you've learned about the Hill's Healthy Mobility Challenge, be sure to register and receive up to $30 in coupons. Upon registering you'll also be entered into a sweepstakes for the chance at winning free dog food for an entire year! A total of 30 winners will receive the honor a free year's supply of dog food! How awesome is that?

Be sure too to visit Hill's Pet Nutrition on Facebook. Becoming a fan on Facebook is a great way to stay in the know on all the latest news from Hill's Pet Nutrition.

Stretch Your Money with Contract Free Cell Phone Plans

2011-10-03T09:01:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Where do you find such a plan? You can go the prepaid route and save a lot of money on a cell phone. Perhaps you've tried prepaid phones in the past and don't like keeping track of your minutes? Read on... you might be surprised to learn of a prepaid, contract free, phone plan with unlimited talk time, text time, web usage, and picture messaging. I'm totally serious.

Walmart's Straight Talk plan is a contract free plan, free of background checks, activation or reactivation fees, and termination fees. That's only the beginning of the excitement surrounding their affordable solution for cell phone plans.

Did you know that for only $45 per month (pay as you go) you'll enjoy the limitless phone usage I mentioned above? What a great plan for parents of teenagers. There will be no more surprises in your mail box. You know those $300 phone bills they didn't know were coming? You may also like the year long plan which averages right around $42 a month... you pay just under $500 for a full year of unlimited talk, text, messaging, and web usage. How cool is that?

You can even use Android on Straight Talk, so if you're a bit of a phone snob (ok... only saying that out of jealously), you too can take advantage of Walmart's contract free phone plan.

Don't fall Hook, line and sinker for that fancy sales pitch at one of those high-priced kiosk in your local mall. Be sure to ask yourself how dear that money you work so hard for is... and how it could better be spent.

Next time you Call a friend do so from your favorite phone (so many to choose from) from a cell service provider that won't bite you later. Do some research and choose the best plan for you and your family before signing any contracts.

Saving Moms Money with Coupon Codes

2011-10-01T17:11:00.002-05:00

There are a number of great online directories offering coupon codes, but how many of those sites also provide you with a bit of entertainment and awesome gift-giving ideas like Geek Alerts does?

Geekalerts.com is my favorite site for finding unique gadgets and gifts for my favorite people. The fact that they also offer coupon and discount codes only makes their site sweeter!

If you have a favorite geek... you'll love the Geek Products and Discount Coupons. Even those of us who don't know a geek (which I find a hard to imagine scenario), I am willing to bet you'll find a lot of great gift giving ideas on this site. For me personally, it's not just a site for geeks... but more a site for people looking for something different. You know... unique? Something we won't find at most department stores. Something that's not likely to be duplicated, or even thought of? That's the kind of gift I enjoy giving.

The coupon and discount codes found on Geek Alerts make this site all the better. You'll find Carbonite offer codes, for example, as well as Amazon.com coupons. I am a frequent shopper on Amazon.com. In fact, I do about 75% of my online shopping through Amazon.

Here are a few of the quirky and cool gift giving ideas I found on Geek Alerts:

This just cracks me up. I think this would be a great gift for women who have traveling husbands. I've heard it's hard when they're not there beside you! Mine rarely travels, so I won't be needing this! lol

I'm not a huge fan of the "Twilight" series, but imagine this will be a hot-ticket item!

If you're a fan of "The Office" like I am, you'll appreciate this mug!

Geek Alerts offers the ability to search their site by theme too... I was just there and found several fun gifts for cake decorators. Things I'd never seen before and wouldn't mind acquiring for myself. What a great site to bookmark!

Professional Plaques and Signs

2011-09-30T23:19:00.001-05:00

Ever wonder where to look for a sharp looking plaque or sign for your business, a military memorial, or commemorative monument? Where would you go if your boss asked you to order a plaque for a business store-front or a commemorative event?

If you're looking for business signs you might like those offered by Impact Signs. I was especially impressed by the military plaques featured on their website. They're sharp, professional, and impressive... just as any plaque honoring our military should be. They offer etched or cast options and can even incorporate an image or graphic into the plaque or seal.

You'll also find metal plaques... even brass plaques from ImpactSigns.com. Whether you need a brass wall or door plaque to make your name pop for all to see... I think you'll agree that the signs and plaques featured on the Impact Signs site are impressive.

You'll find the tools on site for requesting a free quote too! Gotta love the Internet!

Comparative Shopping for Laptop Computers

2011-09-29T18:50:00.001-05:00

Remember me whining earlier about my husband stealing my laptop to do his job searching? He finally found a short-term contract job today... however, he still doesn't have a computer to replace the one he lost with his previous employer. Well... he does and he doesn't... more on that in a minute.

We're sorta in the market for a new laptop and looking for ways to save money. Just to be honest, we're frugal even when we both have jobs and have savings in the bank. We're careful with every penny we make and every penny we spend, so comparison sites are a welcome find.

I like Dell, Toshiba, and Hewlett Packard... and my husband has been a long time fan of Dell. I don't even care what he buys, just so long as he does it soon and does it smart! lol Once he starts his new contracted position he'll need a computer to use from home and I'd really rather not give him mine!

Honey, if you're reading this blog post, please do your comparative laptop computer shopping tonight! Please remember that I purchased my laptop for my own income ventures and need it back! lol

You think this little plea will work? Ok... here's the worst part of it. We have a new desktop computer, sitting in a box (like it does any good there) that he purchased 2 weeks ago. He said he didn't think he should have purchased it and was thinking of taking it back. A new laptop would have made more sense, but if I could just convince him to keep the awesome deal he already snagged, we wouldn't even need to have this discussion.

Why are men so difficult?