More Than Bargains

Born in 2008-Free Baby Keepsake July 12, 2008

To celebrate Babies Online’s 11th wonderful year, they are giving away a free Welcome Baby Keepsake to all babies born in 2008!

This unique gift lists interesting facts about your child’s name, birthday, and events that took place on the day your baby was born.

A great idea for birth announcements, christenings, party invitations, birthday or thank you cards, scrapbooks, gifts, and more!

 Your 8½ x 11 Welcome Baby Keepsake will be emailed to you in PDF Format so that you can print as many as you like.

Free Welcome Baby Keepsake

Cheap Movies for the kids! July 8, 2008

One of the activities that we do during the summer is go to the $1 movies on Wednesday’s mornings.  Of course my kids have watched all the movies they show but it’s still fun to go. 

The AMC movie theater offers a $3.00 kid snack pack.  This week we are going to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks.  Plus in this unexpected heat that we are having right now, I’m happy to be somewhere nice and COOL for a couple hours. 

• Regal Cinemas Free Family Film Festival (which includes United Artists and Edwards) - offering free movies.
• AMC Theaters Summer Movie Camp 
• Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse

Hope this helps some parents with summer activities. 

Father’s Day Craft Ideas June 3, 2008

Woman’s Day Magazine gave me a lot of great ideas~

Who says you can’t judge a book by its cover? Whether you give Dad a notebook or a novel, this bright felt cover makes it a bestseller. First measure the exact height of the book. Measure the width (front and back covers and the spine), then add 4 to 6 inches so you can wrap the felt around inside the covers. Cut felt to the right dimensions and glue to book. (You may have to secure it with straight pins until glue dries.) Cut out felt features and glue to front cover. Use dimensional fabric paint to write words or messages. Glue a strip of ribbon inside the center top of the cover to be used as a bookmark.

Now isn’t that too cute! I would like to make a Daddy Book. He can write in it about whatever he wants…hopefully the kids!

Remind Dad who’s number one on Father’s Day with this festive flowerpot. Prime a 6″ standard pot with gesso or primer and paint yellow once it dries. Spell out “#1” with stickers or paint by hand. Cut letters from a green bandanna to spell “Dad” and use fabric glue to attach to the front.

I would do a couple different things to this one. I would paint it green or blue, have more decoration on it (that’s just me though), and I would put snacks/baked goods/fishing items in it because my hubby is not a golfer.

Thanks http://www.womansday.com

End of the Year Teacher Gifts May 22, 2008

I got the email yesterday from another parent asking all parents to contribute whatever they can to an end of the year gift for our wonderful Kindergarten teacher.  Of course!  Then the question is what to get her.  In my head the first thing that pops up is stuff for the classroom that she needs for next year.  I emailed back what I could contribute and my ideas.  Plus I sent this link http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/doca0503_teachergifts/ hoping to help with ideas.  I can’t believe it is the end of the year already.  I’m going to have a first grader on my hands soon, wow!  My kids are growing up so fast. 

The family fun article did help our class on picking a couple different ideas so if your stuck on what to get your teacher then click on link above.  I love this site by the way!  It has everything from crafts, recipes, and other ways to entertain my kids.

Pump It Up Birthday Party May 19, 2008

My son’s best friend had a birthday party yesterday at Pump It Up.  I was quite impressed.  We all gathered and watched a video about the rules then we all went in to this huge room with 3 gigantic inflatables.  Kids and parents went wild!  We played in one room for about 45 minutes and then ushered into another room with different inflatables.  Everyone was having fun.  I even took off my shoes and went down one slide.  The small kids were right there with the big kids having a blast.  After playing for another 45 minutes then we got to go into another room with pizza and ice cream cake.  The parents raved about how little they had to do because the Pump It Up staff took care of all the details, set-up, and the clean-up.  My son now wants to have his birthday party there.  I highly recommend it too every parent who just wants to have fun with the kids!

http://www.pumpitupparty.com/

Where is the Sibling Love? April 17, 2008

Lately, my house has been a war zone.  My two kids can not/will not get along and it’s driving me NUTS!  My youngest will be turning 4 next week and she has been reminding us EVERYDAY that it will be her birthday soon.  She tends to rub it in a lot and I think my 6 yr son is just tired of hearing her talk about her party.  I think he forgets he does the same exact thing in December when it is his birthday.

Time-out doesn’t work with this dilemma (in my eyes) so I thought HUGGING IT OUT would work.  I was wrong!  When they started fighting I separated them and explained this is not the way to treat family.  I wanted the kids to hug until they could calm down and say sorry to each other.  Well the 4yr old decides to chomp down on the 6yr old shoulder because he pinched her arm.  That was fun.  Back to the drawing board!

I took out a couple parenting books (yes I do read these) and came up with a new plan.  My kids love to earn prizes, treats, or little outings so I found the perfect solution to our sibling rivalry.  Bean Counters!  Every time we see them treating each other nice, with respect, or even doing something for the other one we will put a bean in their jar.  Now if we see them fighting, teasing, or anything that we feel is inappropriate behavior towards the other one then they get a bean taken away.  The jars I found are a little bigger than a baby food jar so I think it might take them a couple weeks to fill up.  It’s worth a shot.  Because I just want to pull my hair out!

Does anyone else have something that works in their house? 

Cordless Power Scissors $10-Today Only! April 9, 2008

List Price: $35.79
Price: $10.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
You Save: $25.79 (72%)

Click here to buy from Amazon.com

These scissors not only make life much easier but they can help people who suffer from arthritis cut just about anything.
I know I always have a hard time with that hard plastic packaging and these scissors will cut right thru it!

They are even ergonomical! Black & Decker’s made this power tool with a cushy grip, super light weight and no force needed.

One charge will keep you cutting for 70 minutes. There’s no end to what you can use these power scissors for – gift wrapping, sewing, scrapbooking, decorating, jobs around the house, crafts, clipping coupons.

I’ve never used Power Scissors before but for $10.00 I’m willing to try them out.  Hot Deal! TODAY ONLY!

Fisher-Price Sounds ‘n Lights Monitor with Dual Receiver-$24.99 TODAY ONLY April 7, 2008

List Price: $44.99
Price: $24.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
You Save: $20.00 (44%)

The new Sounds ‘N Lights Monitor includes a sleek contemporary look that is in line with other personal electronics Moms are accustomed to. The lights are now on both sides, allowing greater visibility around the house. This monitor also includes a night-light feature on the transmitter to allow the parent to meander through the nursery. It also features a low battery indicator on the receiver. The monitor will have five traditional LED sounds lights to see baby’s call, volume control, AC/DC power featuring an energy saving power cord, plus a power light. This version also includes a dual receiver for added convenience.

Every new mom would love this. So if you have a baby shower to go to or know a mom who needs one this is a great deal! Price will go back up tomorrow!

Click here to buy from Amazon.com for $24.99 TODAY ONLY!

Kids and Chores April 3, 2008

For the past year I feel like all I’ve been doing is cleaning up after 3 people (kids and hubby).  I just don’t have time to do it anymore so last month I put together a chore chart for each child.  I tried a chore chart with hubby but he looked at me like I was crazy so I don’t think he is on board.  Can I change my husband, probably not since he keeps telling me that I knew how he was before I married him (okay whatever dude, lol).  But I can guide my kids in the right direction though! 

My kids love to do chores with mom.  I reward them with stickers and they jump up and down when I put a new sticker on their board so I think this works for us!  If they keep up on their chores and help me out then every Wednesday we go to the public library after school.  They get to pick out 2 books and if they did all the chores then they also get a movie.  It’s a fun and FREE reward system.

I found a great article that helped me figure out what each child could do on their own.  I have a 4 yr old that thinks she can do everything big brother can do so I had keep that in mind too. :):

http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=546 

Woman’s Day Magazine~Vegas Trip Contest April 2, 2008

A five-day, four-night stay at the Rio Suites Hotel & Casino, including roundtrip airfare for two. Besides checking out the casinos, indulge in food from around the world at a free dinner from one of the resort’s many restaurants.

Contest ends April 4, 2008 so enter everyday.  The Rio is where I want to stay when I go to Vegas in December. 

http://www.womansday.com/home/12898/ante-up.html

Amazon.com Grocery Deals March 29, 2008

* Kraft Promo:
Save $25 when you spend $59 or more on any combination of eligible items from Kraft, Crystal Light, Planters, and many more popular brands

Use the following code when you check out: BIGBRAND. 

Offer valid through April 6, 2008.

*General Mills:

Get $49 worth of groceries for $29.  That’s a HOT DEAL!  Save $25 when you spend $49 or more on any combination of General Mills products, including Betty Crocker, Hamburger Helper, Fiber One, Gardetto’s, Muir Glen, and more.

Use the following promotional code when you check out: GENMILLS.

This offer expires March 31, 2008.

*$10 Instant Savings on Annie’s Homegrown~

when you spend $39 or more on any combination of eligible Annie’s Homegrown products, including Annie’s popular Shells & White Cheddar.

Use the following promotional code when you check out: ANNIEHM3.

This offer expires March 31, 2008

*$15 Instant Savings on Kellogg’s Healthy Beginnings Products~

when you spend $39 or more on any combination of eligible Kellogg’s Healthy Beginnings products, including Special K, Smart Start, All-Bran, and Mini-Wheats.
Use the following promotional code when you check out: KELLOGG9.

This offer expires on April 30, 2008.

Check out all the Grocery Deals

Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who March 27, 2008

It’s spring break here so a movie was on our long list of things to do this week.  I took my son and daughter yesterday to see Horton Hears a Who and we all loved it!  It was a cute movie that kept all of our attention.  My 3 yr old seems to be able to sit for about an hour and then wants to go but she did GREAT.  She only had to go to the bathroom 1 time compared to the 4-5 times we usually have to do.   They talked about the movie on the way home and told dad all about it when we got home.  My son, 6 yrs old, actually learned something from the movie because he told his dad “No matter how small you are you are still a person”.  Awww that was so cute he said that and I hope he remembers that throughout his life. 

This family give Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who:

$3.00 off Baskin Robbins Cake Coupon March 14, 2008

Enjoy a special treat with the family and save money! My family loves ice cream cakes so we will be using the coupon too! The coupon expires 3/31/08.

While looking at the site I found out you can order and customize your perfect cake online.  I love that feature because at my local grocery store it takes a good 15 minutes to get someone to help you in the bakery.

~Click here to go to Cake Creator

~Click here to print out the $3.00 off Coupon

Top 20-American Idol 7 February 28, 2008

I watched both shows last night (thanks DVR). I really enjoy to see what everyone was going to do for the 70’s! I was very impressed with a couple of the contestants. 70’s music is FUN and some of the songs that were chosen I was very confused. Some big voices picked some horrible songs!
 My Favorites:

I love Brooke’s voice. She played her guitar to “You’re So Vain.”. Randy Jackson said, “It was a great song choice for you.” Paula Abdul said, “I feel like this was the perfect song choice for you.” Simon Cowell said, “Brooke, I absolutely loved it.”

This week Chikezie sang ‘I Believe’ by Donny Hathaway. No orange suit this week but he still got a little ping at Simon on what he wears.  Randy said “Chikezie is back! That was blazing.” Paula said, “It was brilliant. It was fun.” Simon said , “You looked better. You sounded better. It was a million times better than last week.” I really enjoyed the song!

David Cook sang ‘All Right Now’ by Bad Company. He performed this song by playing the electric guitar. He is definitely a rocker. Loved what he did this week. Randy said, ” You are a real rocker. I really kinda believed you.” Paula said, “You got it. It was very smart, very fun and very relevant to who you are.” Simon said, “It was solid and sorta believable.”

David Archuleta is a sweet young kid that sang ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon. WOW! This was a great performance. Paula even cried! Randy said, “Dog, that was one of the best vocals I’ve ever heard on this show.That was brilliant.” Paula said ” I want to squish you, squeeze your head off and dangle you from my rear view mirror.” Simon said, “You’re the one to beat. There are 19 very miserable contestants.” He is going to be hard to beat!
Now for my FAVORITE OF THE WEEK:

I enjoyed David Hernandez version of ‘Papa Was A Rolling Stone’ by The Temptations. Actually I should say I LOVED IT!
Randy said, “This is the David Hernandez we fell in love with. That was hot right there!” Paula said, “Your voice is so pure. Your personality came out this week. ” Simon said, “The best vocal of the night so far.”
Tonight we find out who get kicked off!

American Idol-Season 7 Girls February 21, 2008

I was getting a bit scared for the girls last night because the first 8 were only okay. I thought the energy level was very low and the song choices sucked! Then the last 4 did their THING!

My favorite two:

Syesha Mercado
Ramiele Malubay

 Good luck everyone!