Share a Johnson’s Baby Cares Message With a Mom, Friend, or Loved One #spon

May 11, 2013 By 14 Comments

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for JOHNSON’s Baby. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

My very first best friend and I lost touch after I moved from South Florida when I was six years old. We only moved a few hours away and I did return “home” often to visit family, however we were really too young to schedule plans or anything of the sort. And since my Mom was great at capturing memories of our childhood I would sometimes flip through a photo album and spot a few pictures of the two of us. I always wondered how she was, and even attempted to find a number for her a few times.

Best Friends

Many years later, the Facebook obsession hit and I was finally able to connect with her. It had been 20+ years!! But she still remembered me, just as I did her. She still lives in Florida, and just a few hours away. After catching up online and over the phone, we met for dinner with our families. Years later, we still stay in touch. On our most recent chat she shared her exciting news: she was a few months pregnant! I couldn’t be more thrilled for her! I know she will be a wonderful mother and I can’t wait to meet her bundle of joy. I also look forward to our little ones bonding and creating their own friendship.

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Why I Started Blogging

March 9, 2013 By 9 Comments

Recently a reader asked, “Why did you start blogging?” I thought it was a good question and worth sharing the answer with everyone. So here goes!

My lil’st guy was born in 08 and after my maternity leave I naturally returned to work. My internal fight began. I felt really guilty. The transition was hard not only on myself, but baby boy too. I had him in a “top-notch” daycare with fancy camera perks and everything, but it wasn’t good enough. The pull to have more than an hour of one on one time with him was strong. On top of that my child hated daycare. Yes, hated it. He cried every day, several times a day from age 3 months to 1-year-old. Yes, that’s how long I held out!! It was killing me.

Eventually, hubby & I agreed it was best for me to turn in my notice at my corporate office banking job and make a career change. More power to all the working Momma’s out there! I had never intended on being a stay at home Mom, but I’m SO glad I did! We began making playdates with other Moms in the area, visiting the library for story time, etc. I spent free time aka nap time chatting with friends, checking everyone’s latest Facebook status’, etc.

The financial changes to our family were big. We were down to one income, a Teacher’s salary at that. I started researching how to save money/make money at home. Introduction to the world of blogging (2009): I came across a few coupon bloggers and knew this was something I could do! I made it my goal to save 50% or more on our grocery bill. Yes, I’m a couponer! Not an extreme one though.

It was pretty easy to get started, and it was a BIG help that the coupon bloggers created grocery store match-ups every week. That saved me tons of time! Plus HELLO coupons are free money delivered to your doorstep every Sunday and accessible online anytime. It was a no-brainer for me. If you’re interested in learning how to coupon, check out the articles I posted on Examiner.com. (Scroll to the bottom and work your way up).

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2012 in Review

January 11, 2013 By 11 Comments

I wanted to say a BIG Thank You to all of my fans, friends, and family for following the blog and helping us grow in 2012!

Here are some really cool facts about the blog in 2012:

First, you guys have made it loud and clear what you’re favorite blog posts were: Giveaways!! And here are the top 5 giveaways you all loved.

Basically you guys like Coach bags, gift cards, money, Coach bags, and a little bit for the kids (#4 was Stompeez), and did I mention Coach bags? :)
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New Year’s Resolutions

December 31, 2012 By 22 Comments

It’s that time again…..New Year’s Eve is upon us, and like most people I’m sitting here thinking of what goals to set for the New Year. If I share the goals with my readers, maybe you guys will hold me to them and share some of your own! :)

Goal #1 – work out at least twice a week. I’m a junk food lover and enjoy my sweets, but I know I can’t do this forever without consequences. I’d like to stay ahead of the game and make a goal to do yoga, running, or cardio twice a week to keep myself healthy. I have never set a work out goal in the past because frankly I don’t like to do it. Here’s to trying new things!

Goal #2 – continue to reduce our footprint. I’m big on being green and teaching my kids how to be as well. We already do several things routinely that help the environment by recycling, being energy conscious, donating items, etc.

Goal #3 – save more money. Things always come up in the year where extra expenses are needed and I’d rather be able to afford it without stressing. We currently put back a little every chance we get and are quite frugal to begin with, however being a one income household it’s a bit hard to save anything substantial. I want to change that by setting up a “financial plan” and sticking with it.
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Time is Precious

December 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I’ve been so busy with these wonderful opportunities through the blog that I realized I hadn’t sat down to write a personal post in a while. This time of year is filled with the busyness of shopping, cooking, parties, and gatherings that sometimes we forget to stop and enjoy it all.

The recent tragedy in Newtown, CT brought things back into perspective for me, especially since my husband works at an Elementary School. Take in those precious moments, enjoy them because you never know what tomorrow may bring.

While every family has drama, mine is NO exception. I do not believe there’s a rule set in place that because you are family, everyone must be friends. Sometimes relationships within a family are impossible, however you never stop caring for them. In my family there are a few family members that are unable to bring anything positive to the table. Therefore I feel for me to be the best “me” life needs to continue without them, and their never-ending drama. It’s unfortunate, however I’m sure I’m not alone.

Connecticut reminded me that life is short and to use my time wisely. I choose to surround myself with positive people who appreciate the time we spend together. Being a stay at home Mom has been the best thing for my family. I truly enjoy being with my children every day and watching them grow. I found my passion for writing through the blog and plan to continue that in 2013.

I am most grateful for my family; my husband and the boys. My husband is a strong, loving, intelligent, dependable man who has strong faith in God and Jesus. He’s a wonderful husband and father. And let’s not forget, handsome. :)

The boys are my life. They are precious, loving, kind boys who want nothing more than the adoration of their parents. They make life worth living. They are my light, my sunshine.

I am grateful for other family members (you know who you are) that no matter what stand by me, love me, and our children. I’m grateful for lasting friendships, some as far back as elementary. I’m also grateful for newer ones.

I’m not sure what 2013 will bring, but I’m determined to make it a great year! Filled with lots of love, and joy.

So remember your time is valuable and precious. Make those moments count. Spend it wisely.

Wishing everyone a Happy Holidays and New Year!

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