We all love saving money, but yet still want value for our dollar. Here are a few, okay 10 Tips to Saving Money during Back-to-School shopping!
1. Have your back to school supplies list handy, and with you at all times. Usually Sundays, and now Wednesday or Thursday's daily newspapers have lots of flyers and ads for stores offering everything from folders and backpacks to calculators and laptops. Go through all of the flyers and make notes as to who is offering the best deals. You don't want to be driving all over town either, this isn't going to save you gas or money.
2. Set a budget. You may not need to have everything for the first few days of school. If you can purchase the necessary items first, then purchase the rest as you are able to more comfortably. This often helps the family budget.
3. When driving around to pick up supplies, it's best if you can consolidate your trips. Don't just run out for a few items here and then run out again. Plan your driving around so you're not making extra trips.
4. Print coupons from online! There are numerous websites and blogs that offer specials and coupons and you can type in what you are looking for and usually find a coupon or special.
5. Don't forget the Dollar Stores and Dollar General, they often have good buys on paper and other elementary supplies. Probably not the expensive calculators older kids will need.
6. Buy in bulk. Shopping at Sam's Club and other membership stores offers some benefits if you have the money and space to purchase food and staples in bulk. You can also go in with a friend and buy your supplies together, that way two of you come out ahead.
7. Shop at stores where you get rewards and points. By doing this throughout the year you can receive store credit or Rewards bucks that come in handy for ink and other supplies.
8. Shop over the period of several weeks, different deals will come about over time.
9. Look for alternatives in supplies, maybe different brands or generics.
10. Anticipating needs in the future will help too. Go to parent/teacher night or open house and get a copy of the syllabus. This will give you a heads up for projects and events so plan ahead and break them down into doable projects without being overwhelming.
wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to: http://staples.twittermoms.com/about)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Better than Ever, from good to great
Life can throw many curve balls and fast balls at you. I've always believed that things happen for a reason and He doesn't give us more than we can handle. Our challenges in life make us better, or are supposed to and if we were to compare our challenges with someone else's we'd see that they aren't as bad as we originally thought.
My life went from good to great when I met my husband. He would remain calm in the storm, analyze the situation and we'd get through it. Both of us were married before and we have children from our previous life. This attributes to some unorganized chaos from time to time. As a family and individually, we get to travel a lot. My husband travels for work, as do I. I love what I do, as a writer, author, photographer and spa owner. My husband is very supportive of whatever endeavors I wish to take on. So naturally I love surprising him when I can. Whether its a weekend trip to the coast, or out to dinner or a sporting event. He's always telling me how much he loves me and how beautiful I am. Even if he is biased, we all need to feel special.
In addition to my husband, my work I believe has improved. I am able to focus on my writing and have published my first book, hopefully there will be many more and they will be successful. It's always a struggle and take discipline when you work from home too.
I have also been able to give more of my time to charity and non-profit causes. I'm thinking I may need to scale back though. I am using my time and talents to help others and our community. I've always loved the feeling of being able to help others and make a difference.
Life isn't without its speed bumps and hills, but I know that whatever is going on, will come out well and I have someone to share it with; the good, the great and bumps in between.
Dove® gofresh™ Facebook Contest Page (http://apps.facebook.com/dovebetterthanever/)
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Dove® gofresh™ blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card and some product. For more information on how you can participate, click here. http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/celebrate-the-things-in-your)
My life went from good to great when I met my husband. He would remain calm in the storm, analyze the situation and we'd get through it. Both of us were married before and we have children from our previous life. This attributes to some unorganized chaos from time to time. As a family and individually, we get to travel a lot. My husband travels for work, as do I. I love what I do, as a writer, author, photographer and spa owner. My husband is very supportive of whatever endeavors I wish to take on. So naturally I love surprising him when I can. Whether its a weekend trip to the coast, or out to dinner or a sporting event. He's always telling me how much he loves me and how beautiful I am. Even if he is biased, we all need to feel special.
In addition to my husband, my work I believe has improved. I am able to focus on my writing and have published my first book, hopefully there will be many more and they will be successful. It's always a struggle and take discipline when you work from home too.
I have also been able to give more of my time to charity and non-profit causes. I'm thinking I may need to scale back though. I am using my time and talents to help others and our community. I've always loved the feeling of being able to help others and make a difference.
Life isn't without its speed bumps and hills, but I know that whatever is going on, will come out well and I have someone to share it with; the good, the great and bumps in between.
Dove® gofresh™ Facebook Contest Page (http://apps.facebook.com/dovebetterthanever/)
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Dove® gofresh™ blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card and some product. For more information on how you can participate, click here. http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/celebrate-the-things-in-your)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Rev Up Your Metabolism
1. In your workout. Walk for the same amount of time at the same intensity every day and your body will get bored. Add a little variety with interval training, this involves changing the intensity during your exercise program. Every 5 minutes of your walk, jog for one minute. If you bike ride, shift to a higher gear and pedal harder for a minute, if you swim, speed up every other length. You'll burn more calories in the same amount of time.
2. Fidgeting. People who drum their fingers or bounce their knees burn at least 500 calories a day. this adds up to one pound per week!
3. Stress balls. By squeezing one of those squeegy balls, during the day, its a great exercise for the muscles in your hands and arms, and it burns a lot of calories.
4. Don't cut back too much. Cutting too many calories can be more harmful than you think. Substitute other healthy food; carrots, celery with peanut butter, apple slices, etc.
5. Drink water! Drinking at least 5 glasses, 16 ounces each, is good for your skin and your organs, detoxing the body. Researchers have also found that by drinking water, yo will burn more calories, and increase your metabolic rate. Your metabolic rate can jump a third within 10 minutes of drinking cold water.
Read more here: www.fit-4-sports.net
Ten Tips for Ensuring a Healthy, Safe & Successful School Year
Kids will hopefully be excited about returning to school, to see their friends and look forward to new classes they may have been thinking about during the summer. Now is the time for parents to do their homework, research to ensure parents and kids have a successful school year, from elementary to high school.
1. There are hundreds of websites that offer ideas and recipes for healthy lunches and snacks, you can even find some here: www.FloridaSpaGirls.net on the Food, Glorious Food page. Its always worth the time and energy to explore healthy snacks and lunches, even dinners, grocery lists can be downloaded. Having healthy meals gives kids and adults, a better chance in studying and work.
2. The new school year is just around the corner, so now would be a good time to get a physical for your child(ren). This is great opportunity to get your child's eye's checked as well. Whether or not your kids are going to be in sports, you will feel better knowing they have a clean bill of health. Many chiropractors offer sports physicals as well.
3. Get a new calendar for at home, one for you (and significant other) and your child should get an agenda at the beginning of the school year. It will save everyone time and headaches later by comparing schedules several times per week to keep track of projects, sports, hobbies, extra-curricular activities, etc. Sometimes you might even want to color code (different highlighters) your schedule either by child or by activity.
4. I find its also helpful to plan the night before your outfit, even for adults, saves time in the closet from deciding what to wear at the last minute. For kids, when they are younger, give them an option and have it ready, same goes for lunches. Prepare the night before.
5. Going along with scheduling; it helps to go through your child's backpack and papers to see what's going on, because we know how they "forget". When we plan in advance we can be more successful. More and more teachers are giving parents a heads-up about projects. This gives them time to purchase or find the supplies they need and help their child for the overall project. Break the project down into steps with your child so they can see how to plan and work won't pile up and become stressful. Also gives you time for a backup plan.
6. It's also worth going to the Parents Open House to meet the teachers. Knowing your child's teacher will help you during the school year. Keep their name and contact information in a safe, easy to access place in case you need to get in touch with them.
7. Talk with your child about how they will be getting to and from school and what to do in an emergency. If they are walking, riding their bike, taking the bus or a carpool. Be sure to communicate with the school too, in case you are running late. Keep school's phone number in your cell phone or in your purse/wallet, etc.
8. Enroll your child in an after school activity. Keeps them involved, stimulated and gives them a break from study. They may make new friends.
9. Get to know your child's friends and meet their parents.
10. Spend time with your child everyday, even if its just to go over homework, or ask how a test went. More involvement with kids ensures they feel loved, safe and accepted.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Airwear blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, visit http://airwear.twittermoms.com/about.
1. There are hundreds of websites that offer ideas and recipes for healthy lunches and snacks, you can even find some here: www.FloridaSpaGirls.net on the Food, Glorious Food page. Its always worth the time and energy to explore healthy snacks and lunches, even dinners, grocery lists can be downloaded. Having healthy meals gives kids and adults, a better chance in studying and work.
2. The new school year is just around the corner, so now would be a good time to get a physical for your child(ren). This is great opportunity to get your child's eye's checked as well. Whether or not your kids are going to be in sports, you will feel better knowing they have a clean bill of health. Many chiropractors offer sports physicals as well.
3. Get a new calendar for at home, one for you (and significant other) and your child should get an agenda at the beginning of the school year. It will save everyone time and headaches later by comparing schedules several times per week to keep track of projects, sports, hobbies, extra-curricular activities, etc. Sometimes you might even want to color code (different highlighters) your schedule either by child or by activity.
4. I find its also helpful to plan the night before your outfit, even for adults, saves time in the closet from deciding what to wear at the last minute. For kids, when they are younger, give them an option and have it ready, same goes for lunches. Prepare the night before.
5. Going along with scheduling; it helps to go through your child's backpack and papers to see what's going on, because we know how they "forget". When we plan in advance we can be more successful. More and more teachers are giving parents a heads-up about projects. This gives them time to purchase or find the supplies they need and help their child for the overall project. Break the project down into steps with your child so they can see how to plan and work won't pile up and become stressful. Also gives you time for a backup plan.
6. It's also worth going to the Parents Open House to meet the teachers. Knowing your child's teacher will help you during the school year. Keep their name and contact information in a safe, easy to access place in case you need to get in touch with them.
7. Talk with your child about how they will be getting to and from school and what to do in an emergency. If they are walking, riding their bike, taking the bus or a carpool. Be sure to communicate with the school too, in case you are running late. Keep school's phone number in your cell phone or in your purse/wallet, etc.
8. Enroll your child in an after school activity. Keeps them involved, stimulated and gives them a break from study. They may make new friends.
9. Get to know your child's friends and meet their parents.
10. Spend time with your child everyday, even if its just to go over homework, or ask how a test went. More involvement with kids ensures they feel loved, safe and accepted.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Airwear blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, visit http://airwear.twittermoms.com/about.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Big Adventures in Big Bear
Weber accidentally discovered the jet propulsion boats while visiting his daughter last year in Queenstown , New Zealand Lake Wakitipu twisting, turning and nose dipping without capsizing he knew right away it was a perfect fit for Big Bear Lake
Enjoy breathtaking sunrises over the pines, inviting canyons and lush meadows. Find adventure in mountain bike riding, hiking, horseback riding, water sports, off-road adventures and then relax with a much deserved massage or spa treatment. Big Bear is offering great lodging and vacation discounts and deals! Read more here: www.fit-4-sports.net or www.NewTravelOutdoors.com
Friday, July 9, 2010
Ghosts? Paranormal? at Fantasy of Flight?
Fantasy of Flight's nightFlight Paranormal Investigation
Back by popular demand, Fantasy of Flight invites guests to embark on this active, professional paranormal investigation led by Apollo Paranormal Investigations. (One of my Favorite attractions! I love Aviation and Kermit has an awesome attraction with history and fun for whole family!)
Visitors will learn of the world's largest private aircraft collection’s haunted history, explore the unexplained occurrences throughout the halls and hangars of Fantasy of Flight, visit locations where encounters have been recorded and engage in the hands-on use of the tools of the ghost hunting trade. The event is Oct. 16th and 30th from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m..
Tickets are $75.00 (plus tax) per person. Guests must be 16 years of age or older and minors must be accompanied by an adult (parent or guardian). Reservations required. For more information please visit www.fantasyofflight.com/nightFlight or call 863-984-3500.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Adventures of Ziplining
Since that first time with Francois-Guy, I have been back to Quebec again and ziplined across the St. Lawrence (seven times!) and recently, have gone on a wonderful excursion right here in the United States.
Just outside Atlanta is a family fun adventure park called Banning Mills. (www.HistoricBanningMills.com).
There I tackled their challenging course with many suspension bridges and ziplines that lead up to the Screaming Eagle, a half-mile zipline where you can go up to 70 miles per hour! Climb to the top of the tower and you feel like you're stepping outside of a 30-story building. (I usually tell people that are squeemish, don't look down). You just have trust and faith in your guide and your equipment, take a little step off and soar over the trees like the birds. It's amazingly beautiful and you'll want to do it again and again!
Walk across the longest bridge I think there is; Sky Trek, 600 feet long and 170 feet above rolling rapids, then zipline back across, the river too, on the Predator! You can almost hear your heart pounding now as you steadily walk across boards, that are about 12-18" apart, 3' across, but don't worry, you're clipped to the steel rope just over your head.
Our guides were awesome, Tim and Morgan ( I hope I recalled them right). These guides are very safe, knowledgeable and experienced. The owner of Banning Mills, Mike and Donna, are both trained professionally in medical care, not that you would need any there. Mike is a former Special Ops and Medic and his beautiful wife Donna is also a Registered Nurse, just in case you get a splinter. So safety is always a priority with them. What started as a 10 room Bed and Breakfast has morphed into a beautiful resort offering weddings, corporate retreats, family reunions and adventure! (just to name a few).
Banning Mills offers several courses on their canopied zipline tours and you could spend all day swinging through the trees (literally).
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