tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54465468342570200322024-03-12T19:05:59.162-07:00I Don't Cook Or Clean...Okay, so I do. But I prefer to spend much more of my time parenting, crafting, bargain-hunting, blogging, traveling and party planning. I love things that are vintage, feminine... and on sale!
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Please follow and bookmark my blog. You can also view and purchase my handmade vintage-inspired craft items at facebook.com/idontcookorclean - xoxo!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-3392807292590976862012-10-15T10:14:00.000-07:002012-10-15T10:14:12.207-07:00Angry Birds Birthday PartyToday I am featuring a party I hosted for my son's 9th birthday. Although that was 8-1/2 months ago, I figure it's better late than never! There are a lot of great Angry Bird party resources out there, and I certainly was inspired by lots of the great ideas I found.
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My best find was probably these <a href="http://www.thepartyanimal-blog.org/Downloads/Angry_Birds_Balloon_Templates.pdf">free printable Angry Birds characters</a> from <a href="http://www.thepartyanimal-blog.org/angry-birds-balloons-free-templates/">The Party Animal</a>-- I used them to create Angry Bird balloon characters which I hung from my curtain rod, as well as for the colored paper gift bags. Such an awesome find, and these really helped bring the theme to life.
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The cake was another awesome addition to the party. I definitely do NOT claim to be a baker or cake decoration <em>by any means</em>, but I was pretty impressed with my creation. I stacked round cakes, frosted them, and used peanut butter wafer bars, Swiss Cake rolls and Ding Dongs along with Angry Birds stickers taped to toothpicks to decorate my structure. I found the Angry Birds pig erasers at Toys R Us. Check it out!<br />
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It wouldn't be an Angry Birds party without an Angry Bird game, so of course my son received the Angry Birds board game and card game as gifts. Great idea, little sis! ;)</div>
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Last, but not least, my son took a photo with his stuffed bird buddies to create the Thank You cards. </div>
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Here are the other things we did (though, no photo evidence):</div>
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--I created my own printable party invitations using Angry Bird images and Publisher.</div>
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--I found Angry Bird sticker packs at Walmart which were used for decorations and activities. I also bought mini spiral notepads which went into the party favor bags along with Angry Bird fruit snacks and candies.</div>
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--I purchased the plates, cups and napkins are Party City.</div>
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Since throwing this party, I have seen LOTS of cool party ideas online. Search around and see what you can come up with. I liked the idea of building Angry Bird structures with cardboard boxes and other household items. Unfortunately our party was on a cold, January evening and my living room didn't really have the space for that. But our new home would work well if we decide to recycle this party theme for our younger son! </div>
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Hopefully these ideas inspire you. Let me know what you use, and how it goes! Good luck!</div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-43535134203895953182012-08-31T09:15:00.000-07:002012-08-31T11:59:14.667-07:00Cupcake Wars Birthday PartyI wish I was writing with a tutorial for this amazing party theme, but this is just an idea post. My sweet friend Chael works for an cupcake shop called Trophy Cupcakes, and she told me about a recent customer who bought undecorated cupcakes and cakes, and lots of topping and decorations to use at her daughter's 'Cupcake Wars' birthday party. What an amazing party theme! My husband and I watch Cupcake Wars religiously, and that theme is so adorable and interactive!
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I don't know what that particular mom is planning, but I envision this theme to be perfect for a tween girl's birthday or slumber party. You could easily make a general topic ('Birthday' is an obvious idea, or you could get creative and pick something the birthday girl loves such as Twilight, soccer or pop music) for the challenges to be based off of. If you're comfortable with a mess, and have a large enough kitchen, you could allow your guests to bake the cake, but I think it would be just as fun to decorate only. Give them three rounds (or as many as you wish) and challenge them to use specific flavors and/or decorations to craft their treats. If you want, you can also provide shoeboxes or some kind of small display (simple cupcake stands, maybe?) for the guests to decorate as their "1,000 Cupcake Display" to match the theme.
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I really want to give this theme a try, but seeing as how my only daughter <i>just </i>had a birthday, I probably won't have the opportunity for a little while. Have any of you tried a Cupcake Wars party?Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-18682656696790062442012-08-26T16:53:00.000-07:002012-08-26T16:53:44.901-07:007th Birthday Rainbow Party<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last month was my daughter's 7th birthday. We have a lot going on this summer, but I knew I wanted to throw an extra special party for her, because I had my MY all-time favorite birthday party when I turned seven. She had been asking to host a sleepover for quite some time, and I figured this was as good a time as any (and it didn't hurt her case that I hosted MY first slumber party during my seventh party. You sense the pattern, I'm sure).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We were originally considering a Tea Party theme, but after a few posts caught my eye on Pinterest, I suggested the Rainbow theme and she was thrilled. Here is a summary of the decor, food, favors and activities I came up with. Please know that I found many of these ideas online, or were inspired by ideas I saw. I hope this post will inspire you to do something just as fun if you've been thinking of trying this theme!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Probably my favorite feature was the Rainbow Pinwheel on the ceiling. I used colored plastic tablecovers (I was able to find most at the Dollar Tree, and grabbed the remaining colors at Party City) tacked to the ceiling, and added streamers and hanging decorations (found at Walmart and Party City).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In addition to BBQing, I served up a rainbow menu, of course! A bowl of Rainbow Goldfish crackers, pretzels dipped in white chocolate with rainbow sprinkles, rainbow marshmallows, and rainbow kabobs: wooden kabob sticks with strawberries, cantelope, pineapple, kiwi, blueberries and a purple grape.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I also created an assortment of rainbow candies that Willy Wonka himself would be proud of: Pixie Stix, Button candy, M&Ms, rainbox sucks (Amazon.com), and many more. I bagged up some of the candies in pretzel bags (in the Wilton area of Walmart or Joanns) in rainbow order.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Additionally, I crafted bagged rainbows by placing white mini marshmallows in the bottom of a clear treat bag, then adding colored Twizzlers in an arch. These, along with the bagged candies above, were great favors to send home with our guests (the adults in particular).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lastly, the birthday cake! Or, in this case, birthday CUPcakes. I used white cake mix, divided it into small bowls and dyed with food coloring, and layered small spoonfuls in rainbow order. After baking and cooling, I covered with light blue frosting (sky) and piped white frosting into cloud shapes which held the piece of rainbow belt candy (cut in half) to create a 3-D rainbow. These were a huge hit! For extra fancy serving, plase colored candies in the bottom of a disposable whine flute and top with the cupcake!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was able to use a similiar process to make rainbow swirl sugar cookies, too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Acitivities</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The girls enjoyed making bracelets with colored beads and string. Before bed, they stranded Fruit Loops onto plastic laces and enjoyed a healthier version of "candy necklaces" as they watched a movie. </span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Favors</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We filled our goodie bags with a variety of colored candies, toys and trinkets. One special item we added were our homemade crayons-- melted colored crayons bits in a baking tray that cooled to form one adorable rainbow crayon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last but not least, I gave my daughter a rainbow nail paint job, and of course bought a rainbow colored tank top for her to wear to the party! Another party favorite, although not rainbow, were the <a href="http://quick-dish.tablespoon.com/2011/11/25/cake-batter-pancakes/">birthday cake pancakes</a> I made the next morning. These were so delicious!</span></div>
iDontCookOrClean - Jessica Mattsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748210327075670116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-34908444711380795972012-07-14T11:25:00.001-07:002012-07-16T06:51:13.316-07:00Pinterest TrialsAlthough I haven't been blogging recently, I have had a creative outlet the last few months as I've joined the Pinterest craze. At first I found the site difficult to use, and was bored by the minimal posts coming across my "Following" section. But, as the people I followed became more involved, I too became a regular "pinner", and I've gathered a good collection of recipes, craft tutorials and helpful hints. <br />
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Since school ended, I have had time to put many of my Pinterests pins to the test. I have decided to review some of my trials in this, and future, posts. Feel free to let me know if you agree or disagree, or have similiar results. <br />
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These are pins I have <strong>actually</strong> tried:<br />
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<strong><u>Bird Seed Feeders</u></strong><br />
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I am going to start with a project I absolutely ADORED! My older kids and I whipped up this little project in about a half hour, and it was super easy and produced great results! And the supplies were inexpensive and there was plenty for tons of bird feeders.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Af-yRzEUVvs/UAGnD0d6DZI/AAAAAAAAAC0/0YLO5Hd1ma4/s1600/bird+feeders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Af-yRzEUVvs/UAGnD0d6DZI/AAAAAAAAAC0/0YLO5Hd1ma4/s320/bird+feeders.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.eighteen25.blogspot.com/2011/08/bird-feeders.html"><em><strong>Eighteen 25</strong></em></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.eighteen25.blogspot.com/2011/08/bird-feeders.html"><strong><em>Eighteen 25</em></strong></a> gets all the credit for <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/251216485434702138/"><em><strong>this</strong></em></a> fun project. Check out the blog post for the full instructions. I made double batches (which created about 10-ish feeders per batch), and a small bag of birdseed was enough to do two double batches and still have lots left over. I did add extra birdseed to the gelatin mix since it seemed a bit wet to me with the measurements on the original post.<br />
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Another tip- cut your string longer than you think you need to. Once you make the loop, and press the end into your mixture, you will have a smaller loop than you expected (at least I did!). <br />
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Also, when I tried using two cookie cutters (hearts), I had a hard time getting the feeder out without breaking. I'd like to experiment with more or less gelatin, or maybe even using some kind of cooking spray to help it glide out easier. <br />
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However, these feeders make great gifts and look great in your own yard, too!<br />
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<strong><u>Miracle Cleaner for Pans</u></strong><br />
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I came across <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/251216485434567123/"><strong><em>this pin</em></strong></a> for removing those tough, greasy stains from your baking pans. I have a cabinet full of once-shiny cookie sheets and muffins tins that could use a good de-greasing, so I put this tip to the test. The original post comes from <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2011/11/new-life-for-old-cookie-sheets.html"><strong><em>One Good Thing By Jillee</em></strong></a>, and I followed her instructions and used my very best scrubbing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2011/11/new-life-for-old-cookie-sheets.html"><strong><em>One Good Thing By Jillee</em></strong></a></td></tr>
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I'm sorry to report my pans didn't transform like the pans in her photo. I read through the comments on her blog, and it seems people got mixed results. You should still give this tip a try; you may have better luck than I did.<br />
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<strong><u>Creating a Workout Tank Top from an Old T-shirt</u></strong><br />
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After looking at a few tutorials, I settled on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/217158013252530313/"><strong><em>this one</em></strong></a> from <a href="http://dollarssenseandmore.wordpress.com/2012/03/16/diy-tank-top-fashion-on-a-budget/"><strong><em>Dollars Sense and More</em></strong></a> because it didn't require any sewing. The original blogger was RIGHT ON about her instructions-- everything was clear and easy to follow, and all of the tips and tricks helped me get just the right style and fit with my workout shirt.<br />
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Like the blog suggests, I recommend using a shirt you don't really like the first time around to experiment with the project. I ended up cutting down the back-side neck area of the shirt, which I didn't end up really liking. When I tried a second time, I just cut the collar off and let it be. <br />
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The second t-shirt I used was a little big on me, so to give it some extra flair and a better fit, I cut strips across the side seams and tied the strips into knots. I was able to customized how deep I cut and how tightly I tied the strips, which helped me control the fit I wanted. <br />
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Take the advice of the tutorial's author, and cut more off the back of the sleeve than the front. I didn't really take any off of the front side at all. As a general rule, cut a little at a time-- you can always cut more. And, like the tutorial says, use very sharp scissors! I used facric scissors for all of my cuts and didn't have any problems! <br />
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The best tip for this t-shirt project is just to put the finished product on, then tug and pull at it until it lays the way you want it to. (I had my husband help me so I could make sure the knot stayed even). Sometimes the top area "bunches up" in a funny way, but if you pull on the fabric underneath the knot, you can fix it easily. And, have fun repurposing a t-shirt into something different and new!<br />
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I hope you enjoyed my first Pinterest Trials post. I have many, MANY more Pinterest projects and recipes I have already tried that I plan to review very soon!iDontCookOrClean - Jessica Mattsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748210327075670116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-46330714249404850302012-03-01T10:07:00.004-08:002012-03-01T10:22:55.420-08:00SIGNing in the StreetBlog friends! I've missed you. <br /><div><br /><br /><div>Somewhere along the way, blogging has taken a back seat to work-ing, mommy-ing and live-ing. I've often thought about this page and the ideas I wanted to share, but haven't been able to find any extra time. I jumped into couponing head first around the holidays, and we've recently decided to buy another home this summer so we've been consumed with decisions about remodeling and budgeting.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Speaking about the new house, I recently joined Pinterest (still totally lost) and have been focusing on the kitchen we will be transforming into a 1950's-diner style. We will also be giving the family room a Game Room/Movie theatre theme. I am loving the online shopping and crafting that has come from this project! Check out this new table set and vintage (working!) fridge I scored on Craigslist-</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714994063263682850" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ77saOPAaA/T0-80jpMUSI/AAAAAAAAACc/7rzUtpjwF4Y/s400/dinnette%2Bset.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714994059084252130" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3bF61C4s3E/T0-80UEvQ-I/AAAAAAAAACU/grzEZIv423g/s400/fridge-bothel1.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>And, the most exciting news recently, is not <em>exactly</em> news, but... I am thinking about heading back to Disneyland! In THREE weeks! Disney is putting on an AMAZING event for the Deaf community, and I couldn't be more excited. Check it out what I found <a href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/events/signin-in-the-street/">online</a>:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><h2 class="secondaryHeader">SIGNin' in the Street at Downtown Disney District</h2><br /><div class="secondaryMainCopy"><br /><p><strong>A celebration of creativity in the Deaf community</strong></p><strong><br /><p>During this special 2-day-weekend event, embrace the social, technological and artistic accomplishments of world-renowned Deaf talent and local community organizations. This fun-filled, educational and exciting event is open to all — Deaf and hearing Guests. </p><br /><p><strong>Location:</strong> Downtown Disney District</p><br /><p><strong>Dates:</strong> March 17 and 18, 2012</p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#cc33cc;"><em>Can't wait!</em></span></strong></p></div></div></div>iDontCookOrClean - Jessica Mattsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748210327075670116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-22149450887699583842011-11-18T12:27:00.000-08:002011-11-18T12:54:23.898-08:00Mike the Chicken<div>I apologize to those who are easily queasy, but this story is too weird not to share. My oldest son is a self-proclaimed nerd who loves reading about useless facts. While checking out his new Guiness World Record book yesterday, he shared with me about Mike the Headless Chicken. Yeah, you heard that right.<br /></div><br /><div>We've all heard that a chicken can run around a bit even after it has been decapitated. Strange. Well, back in September 1945, the Olsen's of Fruita, Colorado decided to make a rather plump, 5 month old chicken their evening dinner. Lloyd Olsen was intentional to leave a long neck bone when he made his chop, but what happened next was totally unexpected. The chicken carried on being a chicken, running around and attempting to peck the ground for food. Lloyd found the chicken the next morning, still alive, sleeping with his head under his wing. </div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676441945367607426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 346px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COkA3vc8acs/TsbF383DeII/AAAAAAAAABI/DWUUUs_6cNs/s400/mike_1.bmp" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>That wonderous chicken, later named Mike, went on to live for 18 more months, and grew from 2.5 pounds to 8 pounds. He was able to eat and live a happy chicken life. Don't believe me? I found a website dedicated to this wonderous pet. Get the details of Mike's story <a href="http://www.miketheheadlesschicken.org/story.php">HERE</a>.</div>iDontCookOrClean - Jessica Mattsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748210327075670116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-2197328063512029942011-11-05T09:24:00.001-07:002011-11-05T09:38:18.791-07:00A Review: KohlsI'd like to take a moment to share with you my thoughts on the popular department store Kohls. I first encountered Kohls several years ago, and recently a Kohls store popped up in our home town. I have shopped our local Kohls three times, and all three of those times had a customer service experience that was above and beyond. Here is a summary of my three scenarios:<br /><br />1) In August/September, I was desperately searching for a tuxedo or suit for my son to wear in a wedding. We found the last item we needed, black dress shoes, at Kohls on clearance for $9 (as well an another item). When I got to the register to pay, I realized I forgot my $10 Kohls voucher that I received in the mail. When I mentioned this to my husband, the cashier told me no problem, she would give me the discount anyway!<br /><br />2) A few weeks ago I walked into Kohls to browse and found a few shirts I liked on a rack that was marked 60% off. However, the electronic sign on the rack only reflected a 25% discount. When I asked a sales associate, they confirmed the 60% sign was a mistake, but they honored the price for my purchase!<br /><br />3) Unfortunately one of the above mentioned tops shrunk in the dryer, so last week I went back to Kohls to repurchase the top. They had it, so I went to buy it along with other clothing items as well. The cashier told me they have a hassle-free return policy and not to re-buy the shirt, but to go get my other one and do an exchange, even without a receipt or tags! She put it on hold for me and I did the swap the next day.<br /><br />My local Kohls is three for three on satisfying this customer. I will absolutely be giving Kohls more of my business! And, in honor of this review, here is a <a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/45320/14d/ig.rsys2.net/responsysimages/content/kohls/110311printpass_cont2.htm">15% Off Printable Shopping Pass for Kohls</a> (sale, regular and even clearance!) for you!iDontCookOrClean - Jessica Mattsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01748210327075670116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-52525218549060877582011-10-01T13:55:00.001-07:002011-10-01T13:57:02.938-07:00I would DEFINITELY cook more if I had this!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvq5mluwNFo/Tod-hceJNkI/AAAAAAAAAdY/wfPVdVrE_Xg/s1600/stove.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvq5mluwNFo/Tod-hceJNkI/AAAAAAAAAdY/wfPVdVrE_Xg/s400/stove.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658630569857726018" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-69436871844215073762011-09-27T20:46:00.000-07:002011-09-27T20:46:00.537-07:00Awesome site for free vintage digital images!If you like this<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vlR0idyiazg/Tn9NfTtZ_ZI/AAAAAAAAAcY/4XFkAfZAW6c/s1600/cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vlR0idyiazg/Tn9NfTtZ_ZI/AAAAAAAAAcY/4XFkAfZAW6c/s320/cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656324857262636434" /></a><br /><br />Or this<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvTn7RC2emE/Tn9NzCDY6DI/AAAAAAAAAcg/m3O8GBUCjaI/s1600/cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvTn7RC2emE/Tn9NzCDY6DI/AAAAAAAAAcg/m3O8GBUCjaI/s320/cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656325196120385586" /></a><br /><br />Check out this blog!: http://farfarhill.blogspot.com/Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-86967506001916514002011-09-26T09:24:00.000-07:002011-10-01T12:50:47.216-07:00Oreo Ice Cream Torte recipeAlthough this is not an original recipe, it's a true favorite in our household. There are many similar recipes online, some using pudding or cream cheese. The recipe I use is very simple, and <em><strong>sooo </strong></em>delicious-- it's a family favorite, for sure! Enjoy!<br /><br /><strong>Oreo Ice Cream Torte</strong><br /><br /><em>Ingredients:<br />-1 package of Oreo cookies<br />-2-3 tsp. of butter, melted<br />-1 container of vanilla ice cream (in a rectangular carton)<br />-1 tub of cool whip<br />-1 jar of fudge</em><br /><br />Crush Oreos in a ziploc bag. Hold aside a 1/2 cup. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BE13WfC8MVk/ToCrwP7zP8I/AAAAAAAAAco/_Gc9L2mcGN0/s1600/2011-09-25_18-24-14_265.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BE13WfC8MVk/ToCrwP7zP8I/AAAAAAAAAco/_Gc9L2mcGN0/s320/2011-09-25_18-24-14_265.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656709977376767938" /></a><br /><br />Mix remaining crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of a 10x13 pan to form a crust. Slice ice cream and lay slices evenly over the crust (I usually use a butter knife to smooth over the seams). Freeze for a few hours.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AOj1qXAN694/ToCsWeosmhI/AAAAAAAAAcw/whasOZ_98Jk/s1600/2011-09-25_18-29-10_928.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 205px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AOj1qXAN694/ToCsWeosmhI/AAAAAAAAAcw/whasOZ_98Jk/s320/2011-09-25_18-29-10_928.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656710634158201362" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l-wmlf_0nro/ToCsg5fiCRI/AAAAAAAAAc4/2cCgEAXzRmU/s1600/2011-09-25_18-31-03_612.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l-wmlf_0nro/ToCsg5fiCRI/AAAAAAAAAc4/2cCgEAXzRmU/s320/2011-09-25_18-31-03_612.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656710813166209298" /></a><br /><br />Microwave fudge and pour evenly over ice cream. Sometimes I include marshmallow topping as well. Freeze immediately.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8tf6aC5-HM/ToCtCTYZVrI/AAAAAAAAAdI/GQ_W9_EdWfQ/s1600/2011-09-25_20-16-41_155.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8tf6aC5-HM/ToCtCTYZVrI/AAAAAAAAAdI/GQ_W9_EdWfQ/s320/2011-09-25_20-16-41_155.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656711387051284146" /></a><br /><br />After the fudge has hardened, add the Cool Whip in an even layer, and sprinkle with the remaing cookie crumbs. You could also add sprinkles or any decoration you wish (but be aware that the sprinkles will harden)! Serve frozen.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FmnDyEo8eF0/Todu9IKNnaI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/d25ue-7TLM4/s1600/2011-09-27_19-11-26_826.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FmnDyEo8eF0/Todu9IKNnaI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/d25ue-7TLM4/s320/2011-09-27_19-11-26_826.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658613453255712162" /></a><br /><br />I have seen spin-offs of this recipe, such as strawberry ice cream and vanilla wafers in place of vanilla and oreos. Have fun playing with the recipe, and expect to have a hard time staying out of the freezer!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-73077856522938839982011-09-25T08:28:00.000-07:002011-09-25T08:41:00.532-07:00A Make-Up TrickMy mom turned me on to a neat trick the other day. Hold your hair dyer (on low heat) over your eyelash curler for 3-5 seconds before using. It's like a curling iron for your eyelashes! Be careful not to heat any longer, though, or it will be too hot for that thin, eyelid sensitive skin. It's best to touch it with your fingers first to test the tempature.<br /><br />This is also a good trick for eyeliner pencils!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-17006208951750494292011-09-18T08:42:00.000-07:002011-09-18T08:48:17.879-07:00Great article & video about teachers.<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/01/opinion/01eggers.html?src=tp&smid=fb-share">The High Cost of Low Teacher Salaries</a> (click the title to read the article)<br /><em>To revamp our education system, blame teachers less and pay them more.</em><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RxsOVK4syxU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-49044746898393457772011-08-20T10:00:00.000-07:002011-08-20T10:01:43.765-07:00<blockquote>"Whenever I'm about to do something, I think, "Would an idiot do that?" And if they would, I do not do that thing."
<br />-Dwight, <em>The Office</em>
<br /></blockquote>
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-31540975899561710252011-08-01T19:51:00.000-07:002011-08-03T10:26:48.235-07:00Revamped Jewelery Box<div align="left">As you may know, I recently began making jewelery and other metal crafts. Since I just signed up to have a vendor booth at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=154483734629126">Summer Craft and Yard Sale</a>, I needed a way to showcase my jewelery pieces. I was inspired by an idea I saw at the Scrapbooking Expo last month, and decided to revamp an old jewelery box. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I ended up finding a simple jewelery box, as well as a wooden box that once held soap, at a local garage sale where I paid 25-cents for both pieces. I used some open-stock scrapbook paper, a glue stick, and Modge Podge to cover them. There are probably other (and better) ways of doing this, but this is what I came up with:</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636087191235157410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bdzYZBqzY6k/TjdncGyzXaI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/7in2fpne_vc/s320/DSC02679.JPG" border="0" /> <br /><p align="center">The Jewelery Box</p><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636087194176825762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbBO8n8j63c/TjdncRwJqaI/AAAAAAAAAbY/jTQsMy2qn4U/s320/DSC02680.JPG" border="0" /> Beginning to cover the Jewelery Box<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636091914187165890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKZbwOqQcQ8/TjdrvBKT0MI/AAAAAAAAAbw/7cvP3NGy1_Y/s320/DSC02688.JPG" border="0" /> The inside</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636091918778489714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFE88Yeb_N0/TjdrvSQ923I/AAAAAAAAAcA/4S2iP1qOCYg/s320/DSC02683.JPG" border="0" />Completely covered</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636681653105456642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V_7KaIcIm74/TjmEGV1P9gI/AAAAAAAAAcI/XhVSogubD7Q/s320/Jewelery%2BBox1.JPG" border="0" />The inside of the Jewelery Box</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636091917897832370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uByI5ffGClE/TjdrvO_AF7I/AAAAAAAAAb4/dvW5rFh1ncc/s320/DSC02686.JPG" border="0" />The wooden box</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636681656312096418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GuY_rWkuK-0/TjmEGhxxZqI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/XZiQetxIQho/s320/Box%2B-%2B%2Bfinished.JPG" border="0" />The completed wooden box</p></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-53572246833472576132011-07-26T09:41:00.000-07:002011-07-28T10:04:58.723-07:00A long hiatus, New Papercraft items... and a new line of Jewelery & Metal Crafts!<div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>Good morning!</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><p>It's been [yet again] TOO long since I've sat down and updated my blog. In fact, it looks like it was early May the last time I shared. Let me explain: those last few pregnancy weeks were <em>miserable</em>! Partner that with wrapping up my final work weeks, and our precious new little guy joining us in early June, and-- <strong>wah-lah!</strong> --blog writing hiatus. I know you're on the edge of your seat, so here is a photo of our sweet little man:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634446106536464194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2U1y-x3FpX4/TjGS4Z4wT0I/AAAAAAAAAZw/LKjPkchRAfI/s320/24%2Bhrs%2Bold.jpg" border="0" /> It took a little while, but I finally made it back to my crafting desk. Here are a few new items I whipped up:</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634446519277406498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRvwXiwXc3k/TjGTQbd3SSI/AAAAAAAAAaA/Kown1Q90e0k/s320/Thinking%2Bof%2BYou.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634446522958633554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQ5q52XjUL8/TjGTQpLiWlI/AAAAAAAAAaI/CkAGHObJ4c0/s320/Vintage%2BFemale.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634446514941747874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AteF3NGgDU/TjGTQLUKYqI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/by1oRzWxYpU/s320/070111082558.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634446526229855890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_lvkByfK0Vw/TjGTQ1XdPpI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/M_KRKwzIf5E/s320/Wizard3.JPG" border="0" /> <br /><div></div><br /><div>Don't forget to check out all of my items on my Facebook Page <a href="http://facebook.com/idontcookorclean">http://facebook.com/idontcookorclean</a>! I will be doing a FREE GIVEAWAY on that page when we reach 200 "Likers"!<br /></div><br /><div>You'll also find my brand new line of handmade items on that page. I recently branched out to some different items including Jewelery, Magnets, Keychains & Metal Crafts. These items will be vintage-inspired, and I am even including some Wizard of Oz-themed items... my very favorite childhood movie! </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634447511013035362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZuDJtTaxuY/TjGUKJ-EDWI/AAAAAAAAAao/P4EeU0L5FSc/s320/Necklace%2B-%2BAshley2.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634447504148085378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Usj6Pmlaf2A/TjGUJwZVOoI/AAAAAAAAAaY/JJUeQBTHay4/s320/CB%2B-%2BWizard1.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634447511883375634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 295px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhdA6BqiAfI/TjGUKNNkZBI/AAAAAAAAAag/X9wKL29sl7E/s320/Earrings%2B-%2BRose%2BDangle1.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634447517949132450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FlTm8Ys3xkg/TjGUKjzwfqI/AAAAAAAAAa4/8Bgo3xqC6Z0/s320/Wizard1.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><p>Thanks for checking in!</p>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-89197812561669718362011-05-03T10:11:00.000-07:002011-08-20T10:22:04.280-07:00Disneyland Tricks & TipsWith a new baby on the way, I wanted to something really special with my big kids this past Spring Break. So I made the decision to take them on their first trip to Disneyland. Now, I grew up in southern California, so Disneyland, while fun, was more of a regular occurance than a special occasion. I've never stayed in a Disneyland resort or purchased a multi-day pass, so this was a bit new to me. I was able to go, have a phenominal time, and spend much less money than I would have expected. Here's my top Tricks & Tips; hopefully you can use some of these for your next Disney vacation!
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<br />1.) Plane Tickets.
<br />I don't have any great advice on purchasing plane tickets, but I can share how it worked for me. I did the typical web search of the biggest travel sites, and monitored prices over a few weeks. I ultimately found plane tickets from Seattle to Long Beach for only $160 a piece through Jet Blue, whom I strongly recommend for this type of flight. We each could bring 1 checked bag FREE, and Jet Blue shows TV (and streams new movies for a small fee) in the headrest of every seat. This was excellent and kept my children, and myself, entertained during our flight!
<br />*Tip: bring your own headphones to avoid paying like $6 per pair.
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<br />2.) Disneyland Tickets.
<br />Again, I don't have any magic answer, but we lucked out when it came to our admission tickets. Because my husband is military, I was able to go on base prior to our trip and purchase 3-Day Park Passes for less than a standard two-day gate admission. We ended up spending one day in Downtown Disney (no admission needed), one full day in Disneyland, and a third day split between Disneyland and California Adventure.
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<br />3.) The Announcement.
<br />My kids didn't know we were going to Disneyland. I had this fantasy that when I revealed it, they would shriek with delight just like in the commercials. I prepacked their bags and loaded them in to our car, then had Grandpa & Grandma drive us to the airport, convincing them they THEY were the ones going out of town. It wasn't until we got into the airport that I whipped out the videocamera and told my kids the news. Outcome? It went something like this: "Really? Oh cool. I've heard of that. When? Now? Oh, nice." Not quite the fairytale I had envisioned.
<br />*Tip: Make sure your kids know what Disneyland is before you break the news. My kids LOVED EVERY MINUTE of the trip, but failed to be excited beforehand because I assumed that they grasped what the park was all about. Now I know!
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<br />4.) Backpack.
<br />I carried a backpack into the parks in lieu of a purse. I kept my money (tucked inside), camera, sweatshirts for the evenings, sunscreen, water and snacks (hidden, but it didn't seem anyone really cared), and my kid's autograph books (see below) in this pack.
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<br />5.) Souveniers.
<br />I made the decision about how we would handle souveniers prior to our trip. I found Disney photo albums with a notepad & pen inside (Mickey, Minnie and Disney Princess) at Walgreens on clearance for $2.50 each. I had to drive to 3 different Walgreens to find them, but it sure beat $10 for an autograph book in the park. Plus it kept us out of the gift shops early on. My kids were able to collect autographs from many of the characters that we ran into in the parks. Most of them were near the entrance on Main Street.
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<br />Also prior to our trip, I grabbed 2 rolls each of quarters and pennies from the bank. We asked an employee in the large Disney gift shop in downtown Disney for a print out of all of the Pressed Penny machines in the parks. There are TONS of machines, all with different characters, located in Downtown Disney (the gift shop and the resorts), Disneyland and California Adventure. Finding these machines and selecting ONE coin image (there is generally 3 options per machine) from each became my children's mission. No one asked me to buy souveniers, and these limited pressed coins cost only $.51 cents each! (Some of the machines take 5 quarters, totally $1.25. The map will tell you so you can bypass these if you like). I did give in and buy each of my kids a coin album to display/save their coins, which were $6 each.
<br />*Tip: Keep a small coin purse in your backpack for each kid to hold their pennies in.
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<br />You can get free buttons in the City Hall building on Main Street. They have buttons for First Time Visitors, people celebrating their birthday, and many more. Just stop in and ask!
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<br />Finally, I traded in $40 cash for Disney Dollars ($20 per kid) that I told the kids they could spend on our LAST DAY at Disneyland, just before we left. Since that was all of the Disney money they had, they knew their price limit when they selected a souvenier, and it helped them learn about the value of money.
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<br />6.) Prioritizing.
<br />During our first day in Disneyland, I made sure we did all of my favorite rides first. We didn't repeat any rides until the last day. We were able to do every attraction we wanted to do, and on our second day we repeated my kid's favorite ride.
<br />*Note: Classic rides like Peter Pan, Snow White and Alice in Wonderland had enormous lines each day. Go there first if you want to ride.
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<br />7.) Download an App.
<br />I found a free Disneyland Application in the Android Market on my smartphone that listed all of the attractions & shows in both parks, a map of the park and where the rides, restraunts and restrooms are located, and gives a real-time update on wait times for rides. This came in really handy when my son hurt himself and we needed to locate a restroom and the First Aid building.
<br />*Tip: The wait times listed on the app are dependent on people in the park updating them. The times listed <em>at</em> the attraction may be more accurate.
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<br />8.) Pregnant in the Park.
<br />It was, surprisingly, not that bad! Dress comfortably and cool, and bring some spare shoes in your backpack. I wore flip flops all 3 days and was just fine. I avoided Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, and Splash Mountain (it was actually closed) for safety. In retrospect, I should have probably also skipped Autotopia, or at least not allowed my 8-year-old to drive me! A great break is the Captain EO Michael Jackson 3-D show-- it's in an air conditioned theatre!Another tip-- bring help. My mom came on the trip with us, and my Godmother also joined us at the park.
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<br />9.) Documenting your experience.
<br />Also prior to the trip, I got each of my kids a mini digital camera. I found them at Walgreens, also. My daughter's was actually Disney-themed, and cost $6.99, and my son's was $4.99, both on sale. I clipped the cameras to lanyards, where they also attached their buttons from City Hall. In addition to collecting autographs and pressed coins, my kids were plenty entertained taking their own photos throughout the parks. The little cameras only held about 50-100 photos each, so we had to dump them onto my laptop each morning before heading out again. My kids really enjoyed seeing the pictures they had taken (since there wasn't a screen to see the photos instantly).
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<br />10.) Safety.
<br />Prior to the trip, I purchased white t-shirts with Disney characters printed on them at Joann Fabrics. They were on sale and cost about $5 each. I tye-died them in bright colors (two per kid), and they wore them in the parks. I always knew that I was looking for a purple shirt and an orange shirt, and never had a panic "where is my kid?" moment. The shirts also served a dual-purpose of being our "Disneyland shirts" so I avoided another gift shop purchase!
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<br />I hope these tips prove helpful to someone else.
<br />We had a fantastic time, and I am sure you will too!
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<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634472706669263698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGxvTiGU8Os/TjGrEvGnu1I/AAAAAAAAAbI/fd_B44LOgbU/s400/DSC01850.JPG" border="0" /> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-70807647864635688122011-05-01T09:52:00.000-07:002011-05-01T17:20:11.042-07:00Happy May Day! Time for some good-deed doing!I have recently found some really great money saving/Mom blogs that are specific to the Pacific NW area. Many of them are featured some neat ways to give back, so I have compiled a few of my favorites for you!<br /><br /><strong>Send Your Expired Coupons to Military Overseas!</strong><br />From <em>Happy Money Saver</em> (<a href="http://happymoneysaver.com/send-your-expired-coupons-to-military-overseas">http://happymoneysaver.com/send-your-expired-coupons-to-military-overseas</a>)<br /><br />Did you know military families stationed overseas can use your expired coupons in their commissary’s (military grocery stores) for up to 6 months after their expiration date? YES they do! You see, unfortunately they don’t have access to a Sunday newspaper all nicely filled with coupons like we do.<br /><br />So this is where you come in. Happymoneysaver readers can all come together and help help out the military while at the same time making use of our expired coupons. You can adopt a military base yourself or drop off your coupons at one of the locations of our specialists in the Pacific Northwest.<br /><br />Acceptable Coupons: You can only send MANUFACTURER’S COUPONS, no store couponsDo not send coupons that are over 30 days expired<br /><br />Sorting the Coupons: The coupons that you are sending need to be separated into FOOD and NON-FOOD in plastic zipcloc style bags. Label them with a pen or marker as well.<br /><br />If you or your family want to adopt a military base you can do so directly. Package up your coupons into Food and Non-Food and mail them to the military base of your choice. My favorite website with bases you can adopt is <a href="http://www.grocerysavingtips.com/expiredgrocerycoupons.htm">Grocery Saving Tips</a>. They seem to keep updated lists going of military bases accepting coupons. Please try not to send coupons expired past 30 days because of shipping time, sorting time and other time factors.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Purchase Coffee For a Cause</strong><br />From <em>Money Saving Mom</em> (<a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/03/five-ways-to-give-on-a-budget.html">http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/03/five-ways-to-give-on-a-budget.html</a>)<br />If you’re a coffee lover, be sure to check out <a href="http://www.onecup.org/" target="_blank">OneCup.org</a>. For every $11 in coffee you purchase, $11 will be donated to help humanitarian aid work in Africa.<br /><br />In addition, <a href="http://doughnutgirl.net/" target="_blank">Doughnut Girl Coffee</a><a href="http://doughnutgirl.net/" target="_blank"> </a>provides an opportunity to get coffee and help another. Pay $9 for coffee and 100% of profits go to Salvation Army.<br /><br /><strong>Read a Book. Give a Book.<br /></strong>From <em>Money Saving Mom</em> (<a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/03/five-ways-to-give-on-a-budget.html">http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/03/five-ways-to-give-on-a-budget.html</a>)<br /><a href="http://www.wegivebooks.org/" target="_blank">At WeGiveBooks.org</a>, you choose a book to read online. You then select a charity to donate a free book to a child in need.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-74122353306132096322011-04-23T19:39:00.000-07:002011-05-01T17:26:17.122-07:00Frog themed Baby Shower partyMy best friend is due to have a baby boy early this summer (the same day as me, in fact!). I hosted her Baby Shower today, and the theme matches her nursery-- frogs.<br /><br />Check out the shower invites I whipped up for her guests (and I say "whipped up" very sarcastically-- these took forever!):<br /><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598975012441489650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPNei5BGrew/TbOOG_LdAPI/AAAAAAAAAYk/R0o5VYqP4ys/s400/Copy%2Bof%2Bfrogs.jpg" border="0" />As usual, I took my responsibilities as party planner very seriously. I got carried away with the frog theme, and spent countless hours handmaking and shopping for all the right things. Here are some photos that might inspire you. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Food<br /></strong>Most baby showers for boys are blue, but since the theme was frogs, I stuck with a green color scheme. I used frog-print fleece fabric (I used a decorative rotary cutter blade to trim the sides) as a tablecloth that the parents-to-be can reuse as a baby blanket later. The menu included green veggies & dip (snap peas, broccoli, celery, cucumber and pickles), green fruit (honeydew melon, pears, green grapes and kiwi), green Guacamole chips with green verde salsa and guacamole, and salad. I also created a green punch; here is the recipe--</div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>1 - 2L bottle of Ginger Ale<br />1 - 2L bottle of Grapefruit soda (like Squirt)<br />1 - large can of Pineapple Juice<br />1/4 container of frozen Limeaid, dethawed<br />1/4 container of frozen Lemonade, dethawed<br />3/4 cups sugar (you may prefer a little more)<br />Lime sherbert</em></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598976727363692146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yoBeC-tfzaw/TbOPqzwxJnI/AAAAAAAAAYs/azAfTWt0Owk/s320/DSC02020.JPG" border="0" /> <strong>Decorations<br /></strong>For weeks I collected various stuffed frogs and frog toys that could be used as decorations in the nursery after the party. I also created a few things on the computer and my Cricut. </div><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598981758615756450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWL-m31wGK4/TbOUPqovHqI/AAAAAAAAAZU/AdAXYyCUouM/s320/DSC02015.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598977601841026722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TxODSm37yj4/TbOQdtcaVqI/AAAAAAAAAY0/eG7gWdsAUxk/s320/DSC02022.JPG" border="0" />I saved the cut-out letters from the invitations (<em>It's A Boy</em>) and used them as confetti. I found cute green favor boxes at the Dollar Tree and stuffed them with green tissue paper and green bulk candy.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598978035549425426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3MZdQf8MOhI/TbOQ29IjTxI/AAAAAAAAAY8/58QtiyBK2LA/s320/DSC02013.JPG" border="0" /> <strong>Games<br /></strong>I bought some premade games to start the shower, and then did two others. One was the Dirty Diaper game, in which various chocolate candies are melted into individual baby diapers. The guests pass the "soiled" diapers around and guess which candy made the mess. Some were easy like Hershey's Chocolate Bar, and other were trickier like Peppermint Bark and chocolate coins.<br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598979020880233186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-48E__9LAkOk/TbORwTxuQuI/AAAAAAAAAZE/93zRiMrO9_U/s320/DSC02016.JPG" border="0" /> </div><br /><br /><div>The most time consuming - but fun! - involved paper sacks with one letter on each bag. You can spell out BABY SHOWER, the baby's name, or whatever you choose-- I went with "Baby Cove's Shower". In advance, the host purchases one baby item that begins with each letter and stuffs it into the bags. Guests cannot touch the bags, and have to guess what items are in each sack. My items were all baby products, some used by the baby and others used by the parents. General or specific, and in some cases brand names, and of course the mom-to-be gets to keep all of the items after the party.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598979931893135698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utABae2gUOI/TbOSlVkH-VI/AAAAAAAAAZM/I5rM8NZcEpM/s320/DSC02018.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>The items I used were:<br /></div><br /><br /><div>B- burp cloth (handmade)</div><br /><div>A- album (for photos)</div><br /><div>B- bib (handmade)</div><br /><div>Y- yellow duck<br /></div><br /><div>C- carrots (baby food)</div><br /><div>O- onesie (handmade)</div><br /><div>V- Vaseline</div><br /><div>E- Enfamil</div><br /><div>S- shampoo</div><br /><div></div></div><br /><div><br /><div>S- socks</div><br /><div>H- hats</div><br /><div>O- Orajel</div><br /><div>W- washcloths</div><br /><div>E- Evenflo bottle</div><br /><div>R- rattle<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601907832273737074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hv3AVy2X9p8/Tb35fkcnlXI/AAAAAAAAAZc/DpA4q4Bf6ao/s400/2011-04-26_09-11-24_646.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><div></div>And what's a shower without a diaper cake! I used newborn diapers, and small gifts to create this one.<br /><br /><div><br />Of course we ended the shower with cake and presents. My husband even got the family a small aquarium with live pet frogs! I think the party was a huge success, and hopefully this gives you some ideas for a party of your own.</div></div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-10389188158799724622011-03-17T09:13:00.000-07:002011-03-17T09:15:21.365-07:00FREE subscription to Parents MagazineFREE subscription to Parents Magazine! Get your Amazon coupons :)<br /><a href="https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/MR/PMM/PMM_Huggies.jsp?cds_page_id=84323&cds_mag_code=PMM&id=1300378322960&lsid=10761108552034991&vid=2">https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/MR/PMM/PMM_Huggies.jsp?cds_page_id=84323&cds_mag_code=PMM&id=1300378322960&lsid=10761108552034991&vid=2</a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-7991432912455835082011-03-08T18:23:00.000-08:002011-06-29T10:05:58.279-07:00Baby Models and new Etsy listings<div align="left">As I mentioned before, I have also been making bibs and burp cloths. I made several for us, as well as for friends. Here are two Sugar Skull print bibs I made for my friend's daughters:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581908629307938658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0-8NgFEEWM/TXbsUvqWV2I/AAAAAAAAAXs/wcoSRnVp1-8/s400/Kite.jpg" border="0" /> </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Baby Model Kite </span></em><br /></div><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582669108458484482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63hMpiKtsbE/TXmf-dQ28wI/AAAAAAAAAX8/sweItVPo8rY/s400/Brenna.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Baby Model Brenna </span></em></div><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span></em><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="color:#000000;">And here is my sweet boy with a tattoo-print bib (which can be found new on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/etsy.com/shop/mrsjmattson">Etsy</a>):</span></span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623688361038331490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J4R60BbfFKw/TgtaxM8wPmI/AAAAAAAAAZo/bPEDyG7z3fk/s320/2011-06-29_09-44-07_949.jpg" border="0" /> <br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Baby Model Fisher<br /></span><br /></p><br /><div align="left">Also, here are two sports-themed sets I made for my friend's sons:</div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598844269797055698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vd0o7eOyqvo/TbMXMw38HNI/AAAAAAAAAYE/x7y7Bv8SEos/s400/Bib-%2BKaleb.bmp" border="0" /> <br /><p align="center"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Baby Model Kaleb</span></em><br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598844804615973522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KpIv-xazzfs/TbMXr5OtKpI/AAAAAAAAAYU/T0iopZFT2vw/s400/Bib-%2BAshley%2BGraden.jpg" border="0" /> <br /><p align="left"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Bib & Burp Cloths for Ashley's baby-to-be</span></em><br /><br />I decided to throw some of my new items up on Etsy. Check out <em>etsy.com/shop/mrsjmattson</em> for this Sugar Skull burp cloth and tattoo-print Bib! Remember, I can do custom orders :)<br /><br /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581907956028119170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XI9_Ig9ZO3M/TXbrtjf7mII/AAAAAAAAAXc/N8Km5q5s88Y/s400/burp%2B%2526%2Bbib.JPG" border="0" /></p>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-69759936696578459952011-03-06T10:18:00.000-08:002011-10-29T08:54:53.820-07:00Save Money NOW with these referrals:<strong>VistaPrint.com</strong><br />I use Vista Print for business cards, labels, and even my stamp! If you need any personalized business items, check them out. Use the link below and get a special friends-only deal of up to 80% OFF!<br /><a href="http://vistaprint.tellapal.com/a/clk/jHqmf" target="_blank">Save up to 80% on custom printed products at Vistaprint. Order today!</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>SwagBucks.com<br /></strong>Join SwagBucks and earn rewards just for searching the web! Use SwagBucks instead of Google and you'll earn Amazon gift cards and more in no time!<br /><a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/mrsjmattson">http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/mrsjmattson</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Diapers.com and Soap.com</strong><br />As previously mentioned, first-time customers on <em>Diapers.com</em> can get additional savings by using this referral code: <strong>MRSJ5621</strong><br />You'll receive 30% cash back on diapers + 15% off everything else, and I will get a credit on my account, too! This code works on <em>Soap.com</em>, too!<br /><br /><strong><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Daily Deal Sites:</span></strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /></span><br /><strong>Groupon<br /></strong>Join Groupon today, and start saving! Use the link below to show that I referred you:) So far I was able to buy my daughter a one-month membership to The Little Gym for her ballet/tap/gymnastics class for only $35 (the sign-up fee alone is usually $120) and I just purchased a $50 certificate to Mixbook.com for only $15 to use for future announcements or photo books. Groupon is personalized for every area of the US so you will find lots of coupons tailored to you!<br /><a href="http://www.groupon.com/r/uu20422416">http://www.groupon.com/r/uu20422416</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Totsy.com</strong><br />With the referral link below, you can begin shopping daily deals and scoring big time! My favorite find so far was an adorable pair of soft cowboy boots for the baby. And for each friend you refer, you will get a $15 credit to your account.<br /><a href="http://www.totsy.com/join/mrsjmattson">http://www.totsy.com/join/mrsjmattson</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>SaveMore.com</strong><br />Similar to Groupon and Totsy, Save More is a daily deal site where you can save 50-90% off local and online businesses. Sign up for a new account and use the referral link <a href="http://svmr.com/txmn">http://svmr.com/txmn</a> to receive a free $10 credit (for both you and me) which can be applied to your first purchase!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Zulily</strong><br />You'll earn a $15 credit on your account for every new member you invite as soon as their first order ships! <a href="http://www.zulily.com/invite/jmattson7063">http://www.zulily.com/invite/jmattson7063</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Juice In The City</strong><br />If one of your friends buys their first Juice in the City deal through your link, you earn $10 credit toward Juice in the City deals!<br /><a href="http://www.juiceinthecity.com/?referrer=gtplt19b4r">http://www.juiceinthecity.com?referrer=gtplt19b4r</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>EverSave</strong><br />Eversave is a great deal site with one local deal a day up to 90% off. You get $10 worth of Save Rewards for every new friend you refer to Eversave once they buy their first Save. <a href="http://eversave.com/share/KOgI">http://eversave.com/share/KOgI</a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-12452945308280447732011-02-27T16:45:00.000-08:002011-03-06T10:38:17.849-08:00Save money on Amazon, Diapers.com and Soap.com!As previously mentioned, we are expecting a new baby this summer. Now that my kids are older, diapers and formula are a distant memory, but as I browse the baby aisles, the expense of caring for a baby seems to be coming back to me.<br /><br />However, there are so many new options for saving money on baby (and home) products that I never had access to before! I recently signed up for Amazon Mom which saves you an additional 30% on items you Subscribe and Save to, as well as <strong>free</strong> two day shipping. I never would have considered ordering diapers online, but after combining some coupon codes I found in my <em>Parents</em> magazine, and my <strong>free</strong> <em>American Baby</em> magazine (you can get a <strong>free</strong> subscription by signing up for just about any baby deals online-- google it), I was able to discount my price so much that I got four cases of diapers for less than the cost of two, shipped straight to my door! Check it out (I got two each of the following orders):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012M8XPE/ref=ox_ya_os_product">Luvs Premium Stretch Diapers with Ultra Leakguards, Size 1 (8-14 Lbs), 264 Diapers</a><br /><em>Item(s) Subtotal: $35.54<br />Shipping & Handling: $0.00<br />Promotion Applied: -$3.55<br />Promotion Applied: -$7.11<br />Promotion Applied: -$10.66<br />-----<br />Total Before Tax: $14.22<br />Sales Tax: $1.32<br />-----<br />Total for This Shipment: $15.54</em><br /><br /><br /><a name="shipped-items-0"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040RPXJM/ref=ox_ya_os_product">Munchkin Super Premium Diapers, Size Newborn Ultra (0-10 Pounds), 144-Count Box</a><br /><em>Item(s) Subtotal: $29.11<br />Shipping & Handling: $0.00<br />Promotion Applied: -$2.90<br />Promotion Applied: -$5.81<br />Promotion Applied: -$8.73<br />-----<br />Total Before Tax: $11.67<br />Sales Tax: $1.09<br />-----<br />Total for This Shipment: $12.76</em><br /><br /><br />That's an average of 6 cents per diaper. In order to get more coupons, I went ahead and subscribed to <em>Parenting: Early Years</em> on Amazon as well. A one-year subscription was $9.97, but right now they are offering 2 magazine subscriptions (select titles) for $15, so I went ahead and got <em>Parenting: School Years</em>, too! You won't find baby coupons in the second one, but I love magazines and will gladly read it for tips with my older children. Plus, I will get the cost of the magazines back in my coupon savings after one diaper or formula order, easily!<br /><br />Another site for diaper discounts is Diapers.com. Along with the Amazon Mom coupons, I got a Diapers.com coupon code in my <em>Parents</em> magazine. The website was offering a deal for first-time customers which I used along with my code. I ordered two Giant Cases of Huggies diapers for $47 (reg. price for 1 box: $38). <strong>If you're planning to make an order on Diapers.com, please use the following promo code at checkout to get 30% cash back on diapers + 15% off everything else, and I will get a credit on my account! MRSJ5621</strong><br /><br />ALSO, after placing your first order on Diapers.com, you can use the promo code 10BUCKSFREE right now at Soap.com (their sister site) to get an instant $10 credit toward your first purchase of $10 or more. I used this promotion to try out <em>Rockin' Green</em> detergent for only $3.85. <em>(The code <strong>MRSJ5621</strong> works on this site, too!)</em><br /><br />There are many other sites and deals out there. Take some time to search the web for freebies, samples, coupons and promo codes, then mix and match them with your local/web store promotions and ad prices.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-59803880627502789722011-02-27T16:28:00.001-08:002011-02-27T16:35:28.461-08:00I also sew.With a baby boy on the way, I constantly find myself disliking the clothes, layette and decor available for boys. Granted, things have come a long way since even 8 years ago when my first son was born (when the girl sections were entire departments, and the boy area was an aisle or two of sports and primary colors-- ugh). <div><div> </div><div>I found a crib bedding set that I adore, however, I am still dissatisfied with the options overall. For that reason, as well as my love of crafting, I decided to make my own bibs and burp clothes. I am really happy with how they turned out, and I know there has to be more moms out there looking for "rock star" styles, so I might pop some up on Etsy later if I get a chance.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578532297242395026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PInZKvvchmU/TWrtkWktQZI/AAAAAAAAAXE/z6cNzrOynfQ/s400/183794_1848426340120_1524562486_31963969_1970187_n.jpg" border="0" /></div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-11128036947419201302011-02-26T09:32:00.000-08:002011-02-26T09:36:52.668-08:00Love Angry Birds?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuwCf1_aE9s/TWk6FeuA_wI/AAAAAAAAAW0/hBUG3pm9LSU/s1600/Angry-Birds-Cake-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578053479294893826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuwCf1_aE9s/TWk6FeuA_wI/AAAAAAAAAW0/hBUG3pm9LSU/s400/Angry-Birds-Cake-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Check out this AMAZING Angry Birds cake! There's a step-by-step How To guide complete with pictures, and a video of the <em>playable</em> dessert based off of the popular iOS video game!</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.electricpig.co.uk/2011/02/21/bake-your-own-playable-angry-birds-cake/">http://www.electricpig.co.uk/2011/02/21/bake-your-own-playable-angry-birds-cake/</a></div><div></div><br /><div>video: <a href="http://www.electricpig.co.uk/2011/02/21/playable-angry-birds-birthday-cake-video/">http://www.electricpig.co.uk/2011/02/21/playable-angry-birds-birthday-cake-video/</a>#</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446546834257020032.post-32271531193750571642011-02-05T15:28:00.000-08:002011-02-05T15:30:13.226-08:00Changing Diapers, Changing LivesPlease join us in our goal to raise 10 million diapers with one simple $5 text- text BABY to 5200.<br /><br />You can help change a baby’s life. Join our effort to donate 10 million diapers to low-income families and babies in need. Go to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/giftsinkind" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.facebook.com/giftsinkind</a> to learn more or simply text BABY to 52000 to make a $5 donation.<br /><br />Recent studies show it can cost, on average, more than $11,000 a year to raise one child, yet one out of four children live in a home that makes less than $11,000 total in a year. This can be a huge struggle for the many families across the country who can’t afford the expense of diapers, forcing them to resort to extreme measures such as stuffing panties with newspapers to serve as a diaper.<br /><br />Gifts In Kind International’s goal is to distribute 10 million Seventh Generation diapers for families in need through text donations from individuals. Help us by texting BABY to 52000 and give a one-time donation of $5.<br /><br />Seventh Generation (<a onclick="(new Image()).src = '/ajax/ct.php?app_id=4949752878&action_type=3&post_form_id=d3b4dc89aee0c968a016a2419a5680ee&position=16&' + Math.random();return true;" href="http://www.facebook.com/seventhgeneration" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/seventhgeneration</a>) is the official diaper partner for our campaign and will provide their chlorine-free, environmentally friendly diapers. Seventh Generation's mission is to inspire a more conscious and sustainable world by being an authentic force for positive change.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904692186593180770noreply@blogger.com0