Confessions of a Twin Mom

Busy life being a Mom & Earning Money From Home

2015-05-26T11:22:00.001-04:00

I am not even sure how long it has been since my last post- but I am certain it's been too long. I am three weeks away from having my fourth child, and life has been crazy these past few years!!

I have spent the majority of my time online finding ways to earn money from home- because with this many children and being pregnant it's somewhat difficult to afford or find good childcare. I thought I would spend a few minutes sharing my resources for earning- bringing an extra couple hundred dollars a month to help my family. They aren't get rich quick- but can certainly help with little expenses like phone and utility bills.

I hope you find the sites as valuable as I do- please feel free to contact me with questions or if you are looking for advice.

The biggest site I have been using lately is InstaGC. It's been extremely useful- paying a few cents to watch videos, visit sites, etc. Very easy to make a couple of dollars a day with relatively little work. They offer the ability to instantly cash out your points for gift cards, or request a direct deposit to your bank account that takes no more than a few days. It's pretty amazing.

Another site I have been using for years- is Swagbucks. It has many of the same types of offers, watching videos, visiting websites, taking surveys. It is a good resource for some spending money- they offer pay outs in gift cards as well as PayPal.

If you have other sites you use, feel free to send me a message about them and I will check them out.

Breezer Cottage Playhouse Giveaway Open 7/24/12 - 7/31/12, US 18+

2012-07-24T12:56:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to share this giveaway with you! I don't know about you- but summertime is filled with great weather and lots of sunshine. What I struggle with is finding ways of keeping my very energetic three year old twins occupied! I'll surely be picking up one of these, decorating it and play time is sure to keep them busy for several hours. What I love about this playhouse the most- is that it allows your child(ren)'s personal touches and inspires their creativity. The fact that it's made from 100% recycled materials just makes me happy, I am all for "green" toys.

Kids love playhouses. Indoors, outdoors, for an afternoon, or as a permanent fixture in your playroom Beezer Playhouses are the perfect setting for hours of creative pretend play. Our Playhouses are constructed from durable, 100% recyclable plastic and cardboard and disassemble in just minutes so your playhouse can easily be stored away under a bed or in a closet. Beezer decals allow the playhouses to be decorated into a cool boys clubhouse or a cute girls cottage; and the all-white interior is a blank canvas to be customized. http://www.beezerplayhouses.com/;Beezer Playhouses are perfect for smaller spaces where there isn’t room for a permanent plastic playhouse and they are great for grandparents, home day cares, and birthday parties. Beezer Playhouses are definitely “Fun Right Out Of The Box!”

Boys and Girls http://www.beezerplayhouses.com/playhouses

A secret boys only hide out or a cute princess cottage - you get to decide with this awesome boys and girls cottage playhouse set. With almost 200 fun decals to decorate your playhouse any way you choose, this is the ultimate playhouse for creative children; and perfect for parents, grandparents, or home day cares where space is limited and play spaces are shared.

When it's time to clean up, Beezer Playhouses collapse and fold up to store in the convenient storage and carrying case which is designed to fit easily under a single bed. Beezer Playhouses are cute, durable, and interactive with plastic windows and a strong plastic doorframe. The double thickness cardboard door features a fun doorknob that is easy for kids to turn and plastic hinges which make the door far stronger and more durable than any other cardboard playhouse. Beezer Playhouses walls and roof are constructed from amazingly strong, full color cardboard with an all-white interior just waiting to be decorated. The playhouse is 100% recyclable, and just in case your kids are tough on toys, we offer a full set of replacement cardboard walls to allow you to re-use the durable plastic doors, windows, and fasteners.

One lucky winner will receive The Cottage from Breezer Playhouses.

Hosted by http://www.momtobedby8.comMom to Bed by 8 and http://donnahup.com/ Donna's Deals and More

Giveaway ends July 31th at 11:59pm, open to US residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Confessions of a Twin Mom is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

iCarly Season 4 giveaway link!

2012-07-20T21:49:00.001-04:00

Got a little tv lover(s) in the family? Here is a great giveaway to enter!

http://www.thereviewwire.com/2012/07/18/icarly-the-complete-4th-season-710/

Another Giveaway to Share, Schick & Spiderman 3! (Link in post)

2012-07-20T07:30:00.000-04:00

I love Schick razors. For myself, but especially for my husband. Other razors tend to tear his face up- but not the Schick Hydro 5's. They are pretty reasonably priced and they keep his face happy. This giveaway is for 2 packs of razors with 2 codes that can be used to go see Spiderman 3 for free. I'm all for it- date night with the hubby, with a clean shaven face maybe? ;)

http://www.thereviewwire.com/2012/07/06/free-spiderman-movie-ticket-with-schick-the-review-wire/

New Layout & Design!

2012-07-18T21:39:00.001-04:00

Took a couple of hours playing around with my page, and making a photo collage of my little cherubs. What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts :)

Have a good night!

Nice, a "local" giveaway! (Link)

2012-07-18T12:02:00.001-04:00

I always love finding local businesses through giveaways. This one is Peterboro Basket Company- really close to my neck of the woods :) They make beautiful baskets! Enter here to win: http://www.thereviewwire.com/2012/07/04/peterboro-basket-company-reviewmagazine-basket-review-the-review-wire/

Ice Age 4 Prize Pack Giveaway (Link!)

2012-07-17T22:12:00.001-04:00

I just entered to win this for my boys... I'm sure they'd love it :)

Enter here: http://www.thereviewwire.com/2012/07/05/ice-age-4-prize-pack-giveaway-ends-723/

Hurry! Ends tonight! Godiva Giveaway! (Link!)

2012-07-17T21:53:00.000-04:00

Just entered to win- I love coffee & chocolate, where could you go wrong?

Enter here: http://chicnsavvyreviews.net/enter-to-win-a-godiva-coffee-prize-pack-review/

Baby ComfyNose Nasal Aspirator Giveaway (Link!)

2012-07-17T21:29:00.000-04:00

I just entered to win this. My daughter fights me like crazy with the aspirators, I am hoping to be able to try this one out. You can find the review & giveaway here: http://chicnsavvyreviews.net/2-readers-will-win-baby-comfy-nose-nasal-aspirator-review/

BathBlocks Giveaway! (Link!)

2012-07-17T21:20:00.000-04:00

Entering to win these for my little builders (the boys love bath time play!) you can find the review and giveaway here: http://chicnsavvyreviews.net/enter-to-win-a-set-of-bathblocks-review/

Cisco Linksys Giveaway (Link!)

2012-07-17T20:59:00.001-04:00

Just entered to win a new wireless router. Ours is about 5 years old and isn't doing too well with all the newer technology running on it ( especially my friend, the Roku). Here's the link to enter: http://chicnsavvyreviews.net/win-a-linksys-maximum-performance-dual-band-n600-router-109-value-review/

Spiderman 3 and Twizzlers Giveaway! (Link)

2012-07-17T20:46:00.001-04:00

Just entered over here, awesome little prize pack :)

http://www.thereviewwire.com/2012/07/06/spider-man-3-giveaway-the-review-wire/

Shoes, shoes, shoes... I need some! (Giveaway link!)

2012-07-17T16:49:00.004-04:00

I just entered to win a pair of Ugglebo clogs over at The Review Wire. Fairly low entry, hoping to win! Here's the link! http://www.thereviewwire.com/2012/07/16/ugglebo-clogs-review-the-review-wire/

Low Entry Giveaway! Brave Doll

2012-07-17T16:43:00.001-04:00

Go check it out! :) http://accidentalmommies.com/brave/

Hello out there!

2012-07-03T19:39:00.000-04:00

I have been away for so long- I'm not sure I have any followers yet. It's been a crazy year. My daughter is nearly 1, and my twin boys are three!!! Three!!! I can't believe we have made it. These kids are the light of my life and keep me VERY busy. I have been sewing a lot, working part time at a cloth diapering store, and trying to get the most out of life.

It's completely crazy having 3 children. I don't have much time for blogging or other things I enjoy doing- but I seem to be getting a little more free time as the boys become more and more self-sufficient.

Hopefully I can post pictures of some of my finished projects- that seems to help me relieve a lot of stress. The better I get at sewing, the more I love it! I made a dress for my daughter to wear to my grandfather's wake (rest in peace, Poppy- I love you). I made myself a coordinating piece to add to my bought dress- and so many were amazed at how well we "matched". I had to say, "Well I made her dress so it would match mine" with a big smile on my face. It's a great compliment when people say how fantastic it looks and they "wish they were that talented". Honestly it's not the talent- it's finding fantastic YouTube videos and free blog tutorials. I can't imagine how I would have learned this stuff had it been 20-30 years ago- but technology is such a valuable part of the equation.

I just learned how to use bias tape- and found a great tutorial on how to make my own. I love finding free, fantastic resources through the web! If anyone is interested, here is the link!

http://mylittlegirlscloset.blogspot.com/2010/03/tutorial-making-and-using-bias-tape.html?showComment=1341358196752#c3284023695847867225

Caillou Treehouse Giveaway!

2011-12-21T11:12:00.000-05:00

There's a Caillou Treehouse Giveaway over at The Mommy Files.... my twins are OBSESSED with Caillou, so this is a great opportunity!

Long time away but.... our baby girl is here!

2011-08-16T11:41:00.001-04:00

Our baby girl came via c section almost 2 weeks ago- at about 38 weeks gestation! A FULL term baby- so different for us. Not to mention- it's weird having another girl in the house. She's waking up now- but I wanted to update on here to let you all know she is here!

Really terrible with updates lately, so here goes.

2011-06-17T11:15:00.000-04:00

I have been ~~very~~ extremely tired in this pregnancy. After a slew of tests on my blood, hormone levels, etc- everything came back normal. That is until my 28 week glucose screen. I failed my 1 hour, and then proceeded to fail my 3 hour GTT 3 days later. So this pregnancy- I am now dealing with gestational diabetes. It's not fun, and it's a bit challenging.

I'm getting used to testing my blood sugar, and now I have medications to add to the mix, and 3 doctors appts a week until I deliver! That seems crazy to me. I'm busier than ever trying to get my kids to their appts, and me to mine- with one vehicle in the household and my husband working full time.

Needless to say, I haven't been on the computer as much and I am trying to figure out ways to deal with this mess of appointments and the financial ramifications of being seen 3x a week.

On a happier note, I am now 31 weeks, and will be having the baby around 38 weeks. So not too much further to go! It's a little strange being pregnant this long- I didn't make it this far with my twins. Hoping to be updating soon, but you may not see my posts for a while again. Until next time- take care of yourself and your families!

Very, very tired.

2011-04-07T15:23:00.000-04:00

I'm taking a little time to post today because I feel that I need to update more often. I am extremely exhausted lately- 21 weeks pregnant now and chasing after 21 month old twins. It's a little bit of craziness around here!

We are currently house hunting and hoping to close on a house in July- just mere weeks before my due date. We're looking at back up rentals in the area in case that doesn't happen, as our current place is not nearly big enough.

I've been stocking up on "fluff" (cloth diapers) for our daughter. It's so crazy- much more fun to buy cute girly diapers. She now has a stash that should last us for at least the first 8-9 months size wise. It's strange to me as we started cloth diapering when the boys were about that age, not from the beginning.

We are currently in the process of starting potty training with them, I feel like they are getting more and more ready to use the potty. They're learning how to dress themselves, and know very well how to undress themselves. They are growing so big and so fast- I can't believe they're not actual babies anymore. They'll always be my "babies" though!

Anyways thanks for following, and I will hopefully post another update soon.

We're having a little GIRL!

2011-03-28T13:25:00.000-04:00

I had my ultrasound about a week ago- and there she was! A perfect, singleton, little GIRL! With two boys it's nice to have the change up. First thing we did was go shopping after we found out, it's going to be so strange to have a baby girl. We are very happy, and over the moon. I'm a little terrified of taking care of a newborn and toddler twins, but I think we will find a way.

Sorry for such a short post, but I'm really busy these days :)

Big ultrasound next week!

2011-03-14T20:04:00.000-04:00

I'm a little over 17 weeks with my 3rd baby. We're finding out the gender in a little over a week! It's exciting, scary, and filled with hope. I've been crafting (sewing and crocheting) and cleaning like a mad woman. Nesting is kicking in full force! I'm washing dishes, scrubbing counters, cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming- just cleaning everything I see. The boys are now 20 months- time is flying by so fast! They'll be 25 months when this new little bub arrives, I'm wondering what it will be like caring for 3. I'm sure it's going to be an intense new challenge!

We just got a new car last week- - I had posted a while back about needing a new car, and not being able to get financing- well a few months of working on our credit we got financing!! I'm very happy, we now have a reliable safe vehicle to drive our children around in. Next step- working on getting a house. I'd love to stop saying "bye bye" to our rent money every month and seeing nothing from it (no homeownership, just money leaking out like a faucet). This is an exciting step in our lives, and I am loving it!

Well, it's time to get the little monkeys to bed, so I'm off. Hopefully will post an update soon.

Getting up, dusting myself off

2011-03-01T14:07:00.000-05:00

I'm finally to the point in my pregnancy (just over 15 weeks) where I am beginning to regain my energy. I am able to do a little more in terms of housework, and don't feel the need to lay down or sit all day long. I had been getting a near-constant ticking in my left eye that had been bothering me, and I'm pretty sure it was due to me being absolutely exhausted.

At the stage we are in our life with our family growing, my husband and I decided it was time to start thinking about and looking at houses. We need to move when our lease is up (1 week +/- before my scheduled c-section!) because we need more room with the baby coming. I don't want to be stuck in this tiny house for one more year! We're living in less than 1,000 sf as it is- I don't think I can do it much longer, let alone with 3 kids. Hoping that we'll be able to get the financing we need to get a home that fits our need that we can afford.

I have also been looking for work at home opportunities, trying to supplement our income. Mostly until now it has been Swagbucks and paid surveys which pay very little. I applied for a freelance writing position, but didn't get it. Applied for a few other legitimate ones, but at this point I don't have that much hope. Hopefully things will pick up again soon!

On a happier note- the twins are getting so big- I am constantly amazed at the things they learn from us, how much their language and dexterity has grown. Yesterday, I asked one of my sons, "Do you want some water?" and usually, he'll shake his head "no" or reach out to me. Instead, he said loud and clearly, "Juice!". I stood there in shock. He doesn't know that many words, and he isn't the more verbal twin. I am so proud of him- but he is growing up way too fast

Bright Starts Giveaway over at Mom to bed by 8!

2011-02-18T15:15:00.000-05:00

Mom to bed by 8 is hosting a fantastic giveaway on her blog! It's a Bright Starts Ingenuity Sleep Easy play yard. They are great to have when you have a small baby or very young toddler- for sleep and play! Ends 3/18, enter here.

Yay! Having a good day :)

2011-02-17T15:50:00.000-05:00

Today I am assembling a new floor steamer I purchased from Amazon. With two little boys, I worry about using harsh chemicals, let alone the time consuming nature of a bucket and mop and allowing the floor to dry.

A little over a year ago, we purchased our first steam mom, the Shark mop. It worked fairly well, but I really dislike dealing with velcro on the pads, and the staining not coming out of the microfiber in the wash. It was working fine until recently, when I slightly overfilled it, figured it was ok, because I've done it a time or two. This time, not so much. I plugged it in for the preheat, and I heard a big crack and boom noise, and steam started escaping around the water chamber. Ooops. The Shark is now dead.

I didn't do any research before buying the Shark, I just happened to be looking for a new vacuum cleaner at Wal-Mart and saw the shark for around $60, so I decided to give it a go. This time around, I did a little more research and checked reviews and ratings. I decided to go with the Eureka EnviroSteamer this time around, because it had great reviews and features (high steam temp, non microfiber cleaning pads) that I loved. I'm hoping this holds up longer and works well for us. I really don't enjoy mopping the floor, but filling a steam mop with water and plugging it in is so much easier for us.

Along with the new steam mop, I ordered Toy Story 3 on DVD for my boys (paid only $8.99!!) to complete our collection with all 3 of the series. Several months back, we cut back from our "economy" cable package that was around $30 a month to a very basic package with local channels only. So with tv, we have very limited options when it comes to tv programming. We've been using Netflix for over a year with our Xbox360, and it's the only reason we were able to comfortable cut down our cable bill. Lately though, I've been really tired from staying up late (10:30 pm and later) just to catch our "shows" on tv as they air opposed to trying to watch it on a small laptop screen at a later date.

With all of that in mind, today we decided to take the plunge and order a Roku XD. It's the midline model, but it's capable of streaming Hulu Plus to your tv (yipee!!) so we can now catch up on our shows without having to stay up late just to catch them. We had it sent overnight through Amazon, so it will be here tomorrow. I was thinking we'd go out to buy it opposed to wait for shipping, but I actually SAVED $16 dollars by ordering it online. What a crock! lol.

Either way, I am excited to wash the floors today, watch Toy Story 3 with my children this weekend, and catch up on some tv with the Roku with my husband this weekend. It feels like a great day- did I mention it was 48 degrees out??? It's February! I am just in a great mood today.

***This is an opinion post, a regular posting as any of my others. This was not a review post, I was not compensated or hired in any way by any company. The opinions expressed are 100% my own, and not prompted or compensated.***

Happy Valentine's Day & Update

2011-02-14T18:39:00.000-05:00

It's been a little over a month since I last posted. I've been a little scattered lately, and not feeling too well, so my posts have been declining. Hopefully that will start to get better soon! I now have 10 followers, and that is exciting! I remember having just my husband and 1 other follower. 10 is a good start!

Saturday was a crazy day for us. While we were getting the tires on our car replaced, we decided to take the boys for their very first haircut (19 months old!) They did amazing! No crying, not even a whole lot of wiggling. I was so proud of them yet very sad to see their beautiful soft hair get cut off. I did save a lock of each of their hair so that I could put it into their baby books. I'm so proud of my big boys!

Today I am 13 weeks pregnant with our third child! We're really excited about this baby. I heard the heartbeat a week ago and it was AMAZING. I can't wait to meet the little guy or gal growing in there! As excited as I am though, I feel really sluggish and not so good. Tired, but happy.

With Valentine's Day being today, I decided to make a special treat for the kids and my hubby. Red velvet cake from scratch (icing too!), along with cooking a nice dinner and cleaning the house up nicely. Also working on a Valentine for Daddy from his boys.

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Funny thing is I started this post at probably about 10 am. It's now 6:40 pm, and I'm really not surprised that it's taken this long, lol. Between household chores, child care, and trying to bake a cake, I'm amazed I've gotten this much of the post written. Have a great Valentine's Day night all!