Winner!

Our winner for the $50 Spa & Wellness Gift Card from Trop50 is Dena! (She mentioned she never pampers herself, so here you go and ENJOY!)

I Write For...

Me...and you (but honestly, mostly me)!

My baby entered this world two days after my full 8 year educational career, and that threw me for a loop. I found myself without the identity that I had worked 12 years to create and was a clueless stay-at-home-mom who was also dealing with postpartum depression! As I searched for ways to connect, I remembered a friend who suggested blogging -- I got to the point where I figured there was no harm in trying, and here we are today! You can read more about my personal blogging story here.


As I blogged, I've had opportunities to meet people and to work alongside several businesses. I've learned so much as I've read others' blog posts and prepared my own. I'm also excited to share about innovative business ventures I've gotten to promote.

So thank you for helping me find the new ME and sharing that joy with me!

Photo Credit: Image: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Handwriting Linked to Academic Success

While we are no where near perfecting or even conducting handwriting skills -- it's more like lines and circles around here -- I heard a rather interesting news story linking handwriting skills to academic success. A Floridian assistant professor tracked 1,000 second graders in their handwriting skills and success in the classroom and found the difference to be a letter grade, between "B" students and "C" students.

This does not make me want to start my toddler on letter worksheets now, but I believe the key is teaching children to be careful and precise. While not all are able to achieve at the same level, all are able to deliberately strive and persist in being as accurate as possible. I don't want my child to perceive that I'm a perfectionist, as that's far from the truth, but I want her to learn a life skill of aiming to do things correctly the first time.

What is your take on all this?!?

Photo Credit: Image: Chris Sharp / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Mr.Chewy.com - Delivering Pet Happiness - Review

One thing I've never bought online are pet supplies! In exchange for this review, I was sent a credit to shop at Mr.Chewy.com, and I was so surprised at the variety of brands. Mr. Chewy carries over 80 brands, like Blue Buffalo, Royal Canin and Frontline. They also offer subscription based ordering for hassle free delivery; if you choose this option, you'll also enjoy a 15% discount off your first order! There is free 1-2 day shipping for orders over $49. (I ordered last Saturday night, and the FedEx guy brought it to our doorstep today!)

Our cat is camera shy, but someone else isn't!

 

Normally we buy our pet food and supplies at our grocery store. Since we (nor our pets) are too particular with food, I try to combine sale prices and coupons. So I've never about a 16 pound bag of cat food before! But after checking other online establishments, Mr. Chewy's prices are comparable to other online stores and probably cheaper than pet supply stores. I can see Mr. Chewy as a huge asset to those who are unable or find it extremely difficult to carry a big bag of dog food or cat litter from the store home. Also Mr. Chewy could provide great savings if you live in an area with a high standard of living.

Check them out -- you won't be disappointed!


Follow Mr.Chewy’s escapades on Facebook or on Twitter!


****This is not a paid post. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others. Thank you to Mr. Chewy who supplied the products for the review!**** 

Sharing: A Problem Just for Toddlers?

Most youngsters don't have to be taught the concept of "mine!" Thankfully, we don't have a huge difficulty with our young one, but it shows up if we take a toy away as a form of a loss of privilege in discipline. Intrinsically, we have a strong concept of what's mine, and what's mine is not yours also!

Money Saving Mom is incredible with her love and service for others. With the proceeds of her book, she is donating it all to Compassion's Child Survival Program in the Dominican Republic! (If you aren't familiar with this, read about The Money Saving Mom's Budget  and the giveaway!) And already she'll be able to fund that for a year. I really admire her heart. Some times when I hear of stories like this, it becomes an if-I-had-money-to-donate daydream, but then reality hits, and I know I have to start today. Dreaming is always for another day, but there is something to be shared at the present. I'd miss out on life if I kept putting it off for when I'd have "more." But when would "more" ever be enough of a catalyst?

And while I may not have income from a book to donate, I do have other things I can share. I can obviously share time with other moms and children. I can share meals and hospitality by having people in my home, or I could take those meals to those who might need extra help. I can share encouragement and friendship with those who are lacking. I can share my possessions with people or organizations who need those items more than I do.


Photo Credit: Image: Teerapun / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Can I Make a Snow Angel with Less Than an Inch of Snow?

Definitely a great effort!

The Money Saving Mom's Budget Giveaway

MoneySavingMom.com  has recently released her book The Money Saving Mom's Budget and is giving away her book on wise goal-setting and achieving, streamlining priorities and a Time Budget, a budget, going cash-only, cutting your grocery bill and other saving tips, and having the right attitude!

You can read my short review of The Money Saving Mom's Budget and purchase it on Amazon for $8.40 or enter this giveaway here! You might have to click "read more" for the rafflecopter form to appear!  

I Can't Believe My Child Likes...

The Lawrence Welk Show!

Several months ago, we were channel surfing, and when we crossed the PBS station which was showing the Lawrence Walk Show, my daughter turned from the toys she was playing with to see what the singing and dancing was about! It turned out she enjoys the songs, more so than the dancing.

It's interesting to see what was popular in the late fifties, from hairstyles to entertainment styles. But it is refreshing to watch a program with my child which doesn't include some strange looking characters in bright primary colors!

The Money Saving Mom's Budget Review

I've been a faithful reader of MoneySavingMom.com for a few years, and I appreciate the thoughtful posts, as well as heads up on deals, that I've seen. Crystal Paine has recently released her book The Money Saving Mom's Budget! She sent me a pre-released copy for review, and if saving money is on your New Year's resolutions or goals, this is the book for you!

The Money Saving Mom's Budget is written in Crystal Paine's clear, informal style. In a condensed manner, the book provides much of what her website has brought in the past few years. She writes about wise goal-setting and achieving, streamlining priorities and a Time Budget, a budget, going cash-only, cutting your grocery bill and other saving tips, and having the right attitude.

Personally I love her ideas about the time budget and clutter. I know I tend to spin my wheels because I'm not tuned into a time budget, so this should save me time and frustration! As for the clutter, I can start working on it, but might need help from the other members in my family too!

Even with her online clout, Crystal Paine is a genuine and humble individual. When approached with this book deal, initially she was hesitant with accepting the first-time author advance, but then decided to write the book and give all proceeds to Compassion's Child Survival Program in the Dominican Republic, which you can read more about here. If you are serious about making more of your life with less, you need to read this book! I know I will be rereading it and also sharing it with others!

Take a look inside and check out the wealth of knowledge here! Currently it's on sale through Amazon for $8.40, a savings of 40%! So start saving on your budget this year!
Stay tuned for a giveaway of The Money Saving Mom's Budget here!