Shopping with a Baby

I haven't shopped with a baby in years.  I forgot all the things you have to remember!

Beth got a new job and went back to work last week.  She's working for a new family and taking care of their three kids.  Once she gets to know the kids and they get to know her, she'll be able to take Jason - but for the first few times, she left him with me.  So I got to hang out with the little guy last Wednesday and again yesterday. (Beth will be working more than just one day a week, but it's probably good for me that it's only been one day a week while I'm babysitting.  I'm not used to having a little guy around, and I don't get anything done!)

Yesterday I decided to go to the store and pick up some groceries.  Jason's mommy said he loves to go shopping.  He's big enough to sit up in the cart now so he can look around and see everything that's going on.  So, I figured I'd at least get something done...

I just forgot how much more complicated it is with a little guy! 

• Not only do I have to carry in my purse, coupons, and reusable shopping bags, I also have to carry a baby, diaper and changing pad, some toys, and... well, I'm sure there was more.  It seemed like it anyway!
• He can't really wear his coat in the carseat because it's so bulky - so I had to unstrap him, try to get his coat on before pulling him out of the van - and then grab all the stuff.
• Then I grabbed a cart from the parking lot cart corral and put Jason and everything into it - only to discover there was only one side to the strap.  So we had to transfer to another cart when we got into the store.  But first we had to turn around and go back halfway to the van when I realized he no longer had his binky in his mouth.  No, he'd dropped it on the ground.
• With a little guy in the cart, there's nowhere to put my purse, coupons and shopping bags - unless I want to put them next to him and let him get into them.  Not a good idea.
• So I put everything I normally put in the baby seat into the main part of the cart - and that left very little room for the stuff I wanted to buy, so I had to get creative re-arranging.
• He did enjoy shopping and flirted with everybody he saw.  If they didn't pay him any attention, he just hollered to get their attention - and then gave them his big smile, which they of course couldn't help returning.  I guess he's used to being the center of attention!
• Toys, shopping list, coupon wallet - anything I gave him to hold would first go into his mouth and then onto the floor, if I didn't catch it first.  And, of course, he wanted to hold everything.
• It probably took twice as long as normal to get what I wanted to get - mostly because of the getting into the store and getting back out and loaded back up into the van.  And he did not want to get back into that car seat!  But did I stop at one store like a smart person?  No, I had to go and do it all over again at another store!  Except I forgot the reusable shopping bags...  Then again, I forget to take those in even when I don't have a little guy with me.

I'm not sure I want to make this a regular event. It was nice to have a little guy to talk to (and kiss on) while shopping - just a bit more complicated.  I can't believe I used to go shopping with three little people!  Granted two of them were 6 and 4, so they were big enough to walk - but that's a whole different challenge.

I do think I was a lot more popular while shopping with a baby than I am without him.  Then again, that was probably just Jason...  I just happened to be with him.

Act of Valor

I got free passes to a pre-screening of this movie tonight.  It was really good and really intense and definitely worth seeing.  These guys are my heroes!  I knew I'd cry.  And be on the edge of my seat throughout most of it.  Seriously - see this when it comes out.

Act of Valor - in theaters 2/24/12

Find the Best Deals

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of dealnews for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
 
You know I love a good deal, and there are lots of great deals to be found on the internet.  The problem is that sometimes those deals only last one day, and if you don't find out about them in time, you miss out.  Until now I've never found a good way to find all the good deals available - without visiting lots of deal sites and signing up for tons of different email lists, and...  Well, it can get a bit complicated.
 
I just found out about a site called dealnews that should make finding good deals a lot easier.  Basically, they scour the internet to find the best deals out there, bringing together thousands of deals from over 2000 online retailers and listing them all in one place.  There are deals in all categories - electronics, clothing, computers, local deals, travel deals and more.  They find the lowest prices available from reputable dealers, verify all of them, and post them on the site.  These are deals so good you usually only find them on Black Friday!  At least that's what they say - I've only just begun checking out the site.
 
Normally I'm most interested in electronics deals because I love the gadgets, but I do not like paying a lot for the latest things.  Today, though, I saw these cute little animal hats that would be absolutely adorable on a cute little guy I know - if only he'd leave a hat on!
 

 
But about those electronics - dealnews says they have over 200 tech deals every day.  If there's a specific item you want, or even a general category of items you're interested in, you can even sign up for email alerts so they'll let you know when a good deal comes up.  How handy is that?  If you're just interested in the best of the best deals, you can sign up for their Select Newsletter to get a daily email of the best deals they find every day.
 
If you're like me and love a good deal, be sure to check out dealnews to see what kind of good deals you can get - and be sure to come back and let me know because the next best thing to getting a good deal myself is hearing about the great deals my friends get!
 

Limited Time Phone Sale from Sprint

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sprint for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
 
If you're thinking about changing your cell phone plan and getting a new phone, now is a great time.  Sprint is offering some free phones when you open a new line of service or add to your account.
 

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They are offering the Nexus S™ 4G which features Android 2.3 , comes with built-in Google apps, integrated Google Voice™ service, 4G speed and a super fast processor.  You'll get full web browsing, internet calling and true multi-tasking with the mobile hotspot capability.  This phone is specifically designed to fit perfectly and comfortably in the palm of your hand.  Regular price is $549.99 - but with a 2-year agreement and new line savings (or eligible upgrade), it's free.
 

If you're an entertainment junkie, you'll want the HTC EVO™ 3D - only $49.99 if you order it online - with a 2-year agreement and new line savings (or eligible upgrade).  It's regularly $549.99.  It also runs on Android 2.3, features an oversized screen and lets users take, share and view 3D pics and flicks all at lightning-fast 4G speeds - no 3D glasses required.
 
These deals are only available online, you'll get free shipping, and they're even waiving the normally $36 activation fee on new lines.  So be sure to check out sprint.com to pick out your new phone, and remember - these deals are only available for a limited time.
 

Shortcuts for People Who Hate Housework

I was cleaning out some magazines today and found this article full of cleaning tips.  I thought I'd share some of them, just in case you can use one or two to make your life easier.

• After using your blender, partly fill it with warm water, give it a squirt of dishwashing liquid and run it for a few seconds.  Rinse it out, then turn it over and allow it to dry on a towel.
• Clean the top of the refrigerator, then cover with plastic wrap you can pull off and throw away when dirty. (Moisten the surface slightly so the plastic wrap will stay put.)
• Line crisper drawers with paper towels so you don't have to clean the drawer - just toss the dirty paper towels and replace with clean ones every two weeks or so.
• Garbage night?  Clean out last week's leftover from the fridge before putting out the trash.
• Wipe your TV screen with a fabric softener sheet.  This will help cut down on static electricity, which attracts dust.  Swipe other vertical surfaces - computer screens, mirrors and hanging photo frames - while you're at it.
• Stop dirt in its tracks.  Put two shoe racks near the door - one for street shoes, the other for clean-soled tootsies to slip on indoors.  (Or just plain take off your shoes!)
• Spray nonstick spray on plastic storage container before filling with tomato-based sauces to avoid stains.
• Before working with messy foods, like dipping fish or chicken in bread crumbs or peeling potatoes, cover the countertop or sink with waxed paper or a ripped-open brown grocery bag to catch the mess.  When finished, wad up the paper and throw it away.
• Soak grimy pans in warm, soapy water while you eat.  After the meal, messy pots and pans will be much easier to clean.
• Clean the bathroom right after taking a shower, when the steam has loosened the dirt.  (Or if you don't have time to actually clean, at least wipe things down with a towel while everything is all steamy.)
• Fill your teakettle with equal parts vinegar and water.  Bring to a boil, turn off the heat and let it stand overnight.  This will remove the lime deposits left behind by hard water.
• Clean stubborn residue from flower vases.  Mix 2 tablespoons of oxygen bleach with 1 gallon of warm water.  let the bubbles work while you sleep.  Rinse clean the next morning.
• To unclog drains, pour 1/2 cup each baking soda and salt down the drain.  follow with a cup of boiling water and let sit.  Flush with hot tap water the next day.

There were quite a few other tips, but I just shared a few.  Some of these I already do and others I am definitely going to try.  There were a couple tips for cleaning microwaves, which again had me wondering what people are doing with their microwaves.  How in the world do they supposedly get so dirty?  If yours gets dirty please share - and

• spray the inside with a plant mister, then turn on high for a few seconds.  Allow it to sit for a minute or two, then wipe with a clean cloth.  You can also nuke a few tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of water and then wipe up the mist with a paper towel.  For stubborn stains, scrub with a toothbrush.  

and there was at least one that seemed so obvious I couldn't imagine anyone really needed to be told, like:

• Before putting muffins or a cake into the oven, wipe off drips from the rim of the pan so they won't get baked on and require extra elbow grease to remove.  (really, people don't know this?)

And here's a bonus tip from me (actually I got this one from my mom):

• Line the tops of your kitchen cabinets with waxed paper.  It's just about exactly the right width and will protect the cabinet tops from accumulating all that greasy dust.  When it's time to clean, just remove the waxed paper and replace it with new - so much easier than trying to get that dust off!  You'll still have to clean all the stuff you put up there to look pretty, but at least that can be pulled down and cleaned off in a sink of hot soapy water, unlike those cabinet tops.

If you've got any tips to share, leave them in the comments.

Related articles

• Cleaning Tips from the Pros (alwaysbcmom.com)
• 50 kitchen cleaning tips that will change your life (kleenexmums.com.au)

Special Discount on Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
 
If you've ever had to fill a prescription, you know that prescription drugs are not cheap.  If your medical insurance includes prescription drug coverage, great.  If not, you can still save money on your prescriptions by joining the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club.
 
The plan not only offers savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications, it also includes discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies, and gives you bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services.  Right now you can get a family membership for $35 a year.  It covers everyone in your immediate family, including spouse, dependents 22 and younger, and pets. No family?  An individual membership is only $20/year.
 

 
Walgreens is so sure you'll save money through their Prescription Savings Club that they promise if you don't save more than the cost of your membership during the course of the year, they'll refund the difference.  Considering the cost of most prescription drugs, it probably won't take more than a couple prescriptions or refills (if that many) to cover the cost of your membership - not to mention the other savings.  But it's good to know you'll get that money back if you don't.  Joining is really risk free.
 
Be sure to Like Walgreens on Facebook and follow Walgreens on Twitter to stay updated and learn about even more special discounts and savings opportunities.
 

Aging Parents - Recognize the Signs

I saw this on facebook this morning and had to share: 

Housework makes you Ugly

From an article in Woman's Day: "Adult children often don't realize aging parents need care until a family get-together which I call the 'holiday eye-opener'.... The trouble signs are: food spoiling in the fridge, always finding parents dressed in the same clothes, stacks of paper...and a messy home or yard."

So, now I'm worried. How will MY kids know?

Who is This?

I was going through some pictures in Windows Live Photo Gallery.  I haven't taken full advantage of it, but there's a feature where you can tag the people in your photos.  I was trying to at least get Jason tagged - because, of course, he's the most important one in all the pics.  No, actually because I think it will make it easier to find all of them and share them with his mommy.

Anyway, the program asks 'who is this?' whenever people appear in the pictures.  It learns to recognize people once they've been tagged a few times, makes suggestions, and asks for confirmation so it can learn more.  I hadn't really paid much attention to it before tonight, but somehow I ended up on a screen asking me to confirm that several pictures were Jason, and most of them were.  There was also a picture of Jason's mommy on there (and his uncle, too).  So, I couldn't help myself - I put a couple pictures together:
 

What do you think?  Is there a resemblance?

Oh wow -  I can't believe my baby girl used to be so little!

Simone France - Review

I was contacted by the people from Simone France skincare and asked if I'd like to try their products.  They had me fill out a skin care analysis form to determine the right products.  They sent me what they call 'The Sandwich' - their signature skin care treatment that includes moisturizer, scrub, and soap in combination.

There are several steps involved, but they sent very clear instructions along with the products, and after about 4 days I didn't even have to refer to them anymore!  Once I got used to it, it really didn't take much time at all.  The evening process was even simpler, using their Rich Milk and Toner.

They said that I would see and feel a difference from the first time I used it, but I have to say I really didn't.  If anything, I thought I saw more fine lines around my eyes - but that's probably because I was looking harder!  I continued using it - except for the week we were gone at the end of December because there were just too many products for traveling light - and then went right back to using the products when I got back home.  I really didn't see a huge difference over what I was already using.

Not that I don't like the products.  I do.  They don't have any kind of obnoxious scent, and they don't have any adverse effects.  I like the soap - I haven't used soap to wash my face in forever, and following the Simone France instructions lets me use it without drying out my face.  I like the scrub, and I'm sure it's better for my skin than what I was using.  The moisturizer (Lovely Glow) is thicker and richer than what I was using before and sometimes can seem a bit greasy, but I haven't noticed any dry skin since I started using it, at least not after the first few days.  They sent me a small sample of their French Formula moisturizer, which is for really dry skin, but that was definitely too heavy.  I tried it after the first couple days with the other one, when I was still feeling a bit dry, but I didn't like it at all.  They say that if you are concerned about preventing lines and wrinkles, the richest moisturizer your skin can take is best.  My skin is usually quite dry in the winter, but I guess not that dry.

I will continue to use these products until they are gone.  I would buy them - if they were sold in my local store for about the same price as the products I am currently using.  But they're not, and even though there are plenty of glowing reviews on the site so I know these products work really well for a lot of people, I just can't bring myself to spend the money.  I would have to see really a dramatic difference to justify the difference in cost.  As an on-line company,  they work closely with all their customers to make sure they have the right regimen for their individual needs.  Everyone can get an in-depth analysis to help find the right products, and they freely exchange products when necessary if an adjustment is needed.  I did not work with anyone beyond my original analysis, just used the products they sent me based on the information I gave them in the first place, so maybe there was some little change that would have given me that dramatic result, and I just didn't take advantage of it.

If you're looking for some better skincare products, do check them out.  Like I said, there are many glowing reviews of the products and the company on the website, so they may be just what you're looking for.  If you're used to spending more than $10 on your skincare and not getting the results you want, then I'd say definitely check them out.  New customers can get 10% off by entering code FT108 at checkout, and signing up for their newsletter gives access to special sales and free gifts with purchase.

Dig, Drop, Done - Can It Be That Simple?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done. for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I would really like to have some pretty flower beds out in front of my house, but I have absolutely no idea where to start.  I planted some perennials several years ago and then pretty much left them to their own devices.  That was not a good idea. Some of the plants took over and choked out the others, and everything was just wild and didn't look good at all.  I just pulled everything I could out this fall and piled it up.  I'd really like to dig everything up and start from scratch - and maybe make better decisions this time.
 
I was just checking out digdropdone.com and reading some of the information there.  I've never planted bulbs of any kind, but they make it sound really easy.  I think I'm pretty much like Marcy on that site.  She's super busy and needs something really, really easy to bring a little beauty and color to her life.  Bulbs are pretty much complete flowers in a little package, and all you have to do is dig a hole, drop them in, and you're done!  Just sit back and wait for the plants and the flowers and the colors.  I'm thinking they may be exactly what I need.  There is certainly enough information on the site to help me figure it out!  When to plant, how to plant, etc.  I especially like the tip that says, "For a natural look throw out handfuls of bulbs and plant them where they fall."  I definitely think I can handle that!  They say that bulbs can be used in anything from interior and exterior design, to creative gift giving and decoration, to entertaining activities for children and families.  I think I'll start with the flower beds, see how that goes, and then go from there.
 
What would be incredibly helpful would be if I could win the $5,000 yard makeover.  “Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done" is an educational effort designed to excite women about the surprisingly simple beauty of flower bulbs, but it's also a contest that will give one lucky winner a yard makeover and a visit from Taniya Nayak. (@TaniyaNayak on Twitter) She'll go through and give you tips on the best way to update your yard along with creative ideas for incorporating flower bulbs into your landscape..  To enter, all you need to do is submit a photo of your yard at Curbside Chaos.  Also, be sure to share on twitter, because for every share, "Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done" will donate $1.00 to Rebuilding Together - the nation’s leading nonprofit, working to preserve affordable home ownership and revitalize communities.
 
While you're there on the Curbside Chaos site, be sure to check out the garden guru tool to help you figure out which bulb is perfect for your home depending upon where you live!  (You know, just in case you don't win) All you have to do is:

• Step 1 – Pick your Country
• Step 2 – Pick your location within that Country
• Step 3 – Choose the type of bulb you want to grow
• Step 4 – Check out the Planting Guide that shows you how to plant your bulbs.

I printed one out - but it looks like it's too late to think about planting to have pretty flowers this spring.  Maybe next year...

  

If you'd like to find out more about bulbs and how simple they can be to add to your life, be sure to visit www.digdropdone.com to learn more.