5 Ways to Save Money on Your Teen’s Prom Night Expenses

December 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment

dressUnless your teen is the independent, responsible, and/or resourceful type, chances are good that you’re going to end up pitching in for prom night expenses, or even paying the tab in full. And this could end up costing you hundreds of dollars between tickets for the dance, a dress or tux, dinner out, a limo for the night, and perhaps a hotel room for the after party, if you happen to be an open-minded and lenient sort of parent. It’s almost as bad as those super sweet 16 parties you see on reality shows! Well, not quite that bad, but for the parent on a tight budget, paying for prom can be a stretch. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can save money and still deliver the once-in-a-lifetime experience your teen will remember for the rest of his or her life. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you trim expenses.

Split the limo for the night. It doesn’t make sense for your teen to pay for a stretch limo for just him or her and a date. Instead, recommend splitting a large car with several other couples or even a big group if your teen and friends have decided to go as a group anyway. This way all of the parents can pitch in for a portion of the cost, saving each family a ton of dough.

Host a pre-game party at the house. Instead of sending the kids out for a fancy dinner, have them pre-game at your house, along with all their friends, with snacks, finger food, or anything that’s not going to spill on their fancy outfits. If you want to make it even more affordable, make it a potluck and invite the other parents as well. You can all snap pics of the kids and continue your own party once the teens leave for the prom. As for the after party, consider a slumber party in the basement or living room following the prom so there is some parental supervision and you can skip the cost of a hotel room (which teens aren’t really allowed to be in without a parent anyway).
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Filed Under: clothes and shoes, fashion Tagged With: , , ,

Fun Ways for Moms to Fuel Their Creative Fire

December 16, 2013 by 1 Comment

Although there are certainly elements of creativity involved in the process of raising children (like trying to figure out how to get them to eat their veggies, brush their teeth, and get out of bed and into clothing in a timely manner each morning), the truth is that many women get so wrapped up in the demands of motherhood that they can lose the creative spark that makes them feel good. Hey, when you spend all day cooking, cleaning, working, and entertaining children, you’re lucky if you can squeeze in time for a shower and forty winks, much less creative fulfillment. But being a mom doesn’t mean you have to stop being yourself, and you should take time to pursue creative interests. As women who want to do it all, we often short-change ourselves. If you don’t see to your own needs, however, you’ll soon get burned out and you won’t be any good to anyone. So here are just a few fun ideas that can help you to get back in your groove as a person, not just a mother, and fuel your creative fire.

pic10Think up seasonal projects. You spend a lot of time with your kids, and if you’re an involved parent you probably come up with all kinds of projects to keep them entertained. This provides an excellent opportunity for you to put on your creative hat, as well. And seasonal projects are a great way to have some fun and get creative on your own level even as you instill in your children knowledge and skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Write stories. Nearly everyone can write, how well depends- but you can always write for yourself or journal. You might not be the next J.K. Rowling, Robert Frost, or Alan Ginsberg, but you could create simple stories and picture books for your kids, join a writing group to pen short stories, or even get started on the next great American novel. Or you could write in a journal each day to get started and get yourself in the habit. With writing prompts readily available online you should never be short of ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
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LeatherWraps Bangle Bracelet and Giveaway

September 23, 2013 by 18 Comments

Disclosure: The below mentioned Bangle Bracelets from LeatherBracelet Wraps were provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.
Leather Wraps

Who doesn’t love a good accessory? I know that I am a huge fan of accessories, especially ones that my children won’t mess with. I was a big fan of the Bangle Bracelets from Leather wraps Bracelets.

About Leather Wraps Bracelets:

Leather Wraps was created in 2011 by Stormy Baker. She creates handmade leather bracelets in the USA. Her inspirations come from fun Bohemian style with a classy timeless sophistication.

Each bracelet is made with the highest quality leathers and materials. Some of the stylish bracelets created by Leather Wraps are the original bangles, wrap bracelets and exotic leather cuffs.

My Thoughts:

I received the Black, Light Brown, and Turquoise Bangle Bracelets. I was excited to see these awesome bracelets. When you pick out a color, you get a set of six bracelets. The bracelets are then decorated with silver or gold plated tube accents.

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Real Kids Shades – Kids Sunglasses

July 28, 2013 by 5 Comments

Eye protection is just as important as skin protection.  Skin cells can regenerate after damage from  the sun, while cells in the lens of a human eye are permanently damaged.  And with this horrifying fact, we now look at the line or products by Real Kids Shades to keep your little ones safe.

pic 1

These sunglasses take eye protection to a serious level, while still being built tough and durable for kids.  Usually kids sunglasses take a lighthearted approach to eye protection.  Bright colored rims and dark lenses in cartoon character shapes, add in a big price tag, and call it a day.  RKS (Real Kids Shades) take a  different approach- not only are their glasses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection but they are also  durable, comfortable, and carry a warranty.  The lenses are made of a tough polycarbonate which are both shatterproof and impact resistant.
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MAM Training Cups- A wonderful product for your little ones- Giveaway

July 1, 2013 by 80 Comments

Disclosure: The MAM Training Cups were provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

Mamcups

A good training cup is extremely important when you have little ones. I must admit that I have been completely impressed with the MAM Training Cups.

About MAM:

Parents are demanding. We at MAM are too. That’s why, for over 35 years, we’ve been developing products along with experts from medicine & research that are unique in function and design, support the individual development of every child and make everyday baby life easier.

MAM is the leading designer brand for baby accessories. They combine style, technological innovation and medical know-how to produce the unique premium products.

About Training Cups:

MAM Training cups combine form and function to successfully help babies learn to drink from a standard glass. Each cup is designed to fit baby-sized hands, making them easy to grip and hold. They have patented spill-proof spouts that are ideal for [Read more…]

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What to expect on an all inclusive holiday to Crete

June 1, 2013 by 1 Comment

What does that term mean? Nothing to pay when you get there? That’s mainly the case, but you do need to check what it includes before you go.

No-brainers

Let’s start with the weather which is always an important consideration for a holiday. The sunshine and warm temperatures are free! Expect temperatures in the late 20s and 30s during the summer period in Crete. You’ll need your sunscreen to protect and your shades to look cool.

Food and drink

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are usually served in the hotel’s main restaurant. Mostly these are buffet style often with elements cooked to order. During the day snacks are often served at poolside bars and range from pizza to sandwiches. These are ‘all on the house’ – though you’ve already paid for them in your package price! You’ll probably also be treated to a Greek Night, a Cretan BBQ or other gastronomic feasts.

Your free meals will be served in the main restaurant. If your [Read more…]

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PMD-Personal Microderm Device and Skin Care Line Review & Giveaway

May 21, 2013 by 44 Comments

 

Pmd PackageI have such sensitive skin, and it is hard for me to find products that I can use on my face that doesn’t cause one problem or another. Honestly, I can say that since I have found the specific products that work out for my face I am usually a little bit skeptical to try new things. However, I was very excited to be able to give the PMD device as well as the PMD Skin Care Line a try.

About PMD (Personal Microderm):

“Achieving amazing anti-aging resultes at home with PMD Personal Microderm. It works just like a professional microdermabrasion treatment without the hassle or cost. The hand-held device uses the same aluminum oxide crystals as the ten thousand dollar machines found at your doctor’s office. It smooths away dead skin cells, diminishing age spots and other signs of aging.

PMD Includes:

  • 1 Personal Microderm
  • 7 exfoliating discs (1 white training, 2 green, and 4 blue)
  • 1 electric cord
  • 1 facial cap
  • 1 body cap
  • 1 reusable filter
  • Instructional CD and Pamphlet

When you are regularly using the Personal Microderm, you should use a cell renewal or gentle skin resurfacing cream, and I was happy to be able to try out the PMD Daily Regeneration System – Starter Kit with my microdermabrasion tool.

How To Use:

**On the first treatment, you should use the training disc on the neck to test how the skin will react to treatments from the PMD.

  1. First you need to choose a disc. (Small Disc is used for face and delicate areas & Large Disc is used on your body specifically) (White-Training Disc, Blue-Sensitive Skin, Green-Medium strength, Red-Maximum Strength)
  2. Insert the disc by pushing down carefully.
  3. Use a free hand to pull the skin tight in the treatment area.
  4. Move the PMD Personal Microderm in an upward motion across the skin. (Do not make more than two passes over one area during the treatment.
  5. After the treatment use a toner to neutralize the pH balance in the skin and a recovery moisturizer.
  6. Let your skin recover. Wait 6-7 days between treatments.

If you would like to see a demonstration [Read more…]

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Top 5 Treatment Tips for Sun-Damaged Skin

May 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Most people know how to treat a sunburn. You can soothe the affected area with cool compresses and slather on aloe vera to hydrate, alleviate pain, and help the healing process. Some ibuprofen couldn’t hurt, either, if you have a particularly painful sunburn. However, the effects of this UV damage aren’t over when your sunburn goes away. Severe sunburns and even frequent tanning can lead to sun damage that causes your skin to wrinkle and sag prematurely. This process is called photoaging and it can make you look a lot older than you actually are (just look at “Tanning Mom” Patricia Krentcil, who at 45 looks closer to 65 thanks to years of treatments at tanning salons). Luckily, there are a slew of products on the market aimed at reversing the signs of aging, and sun damage in particular. Here are just a few treatment tips that should help you get your skin looking young and fresh in short order, even if you’ve flirted with the sun for years.

sun damage skin

  1. Wear sunblock. The best defense is a good offense, and further sun damage will only exacerbate your problem. So it’s important to start wearing a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunblock with a high SPF now to ensure that no further harm is done to your skin. Wear a broad-spectrum sunblock that is also environmentally friendly. There are sunscreens that contain reef-safe zinc oxide ingredients that protect you from getting sunburned. Since it’s practically impossible to stay covered all the time (and who would want to?) this is a good way to keep the sun’s harmful rays from further aging your skin. You put it on your kids, so why wouldn’t you use it yourself? These days it’s not hard to find multi-use products that offer an [Read more…]
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