Have you ever been to Macy's on 34th NY?
DateFriday, December 19, 2008
We just got back from NY and let me tell ya... you can keep Macy's in December to yourself. Yes, it is huge and beautiful, but the amount of people inside that massive retail store was obnoxious. I was looking for some boots and after the 15 minute trip up to the 5th floor I was overwhelmed by the number of shoes and boots. It took me another 20 minutes to browse through and find the perfect pair, waiting another 5 minutes to find a clerk. Little did I know the journey had just begun. I had to wait 25 minutes for the boots to be brought up to the front. They were a little small, so I flagged down the clerk again and asked how long it would take for a 1/2 size bigger. She says, you should have asked for both the first time. HA - if I would have know the process, I wouldn't even have begun the hunt. But I thought, be patient, be kind and understanding... I sat for another 20 minutes. Ughh! By this time, I didn't have much spunk left in me and the boots just didn't feel very good. I left with the shoes I came in with.
Moral of the story - stay away from those big stores during the holidays!!
Corporate Downsizing...Are you feeling it?
DateThursday, December 11, 2008
After being downsized back in October, I have had a lot of time to evaluate my life and how I am living it. I really didn't like what I saw. Yes, I was that successful corporate exec that had the nice suits and a wad of money in my purse, and yes, we could have anything we wanted... entertainment, gourmet meals, weekends at the spa/resorts, hops to CA for a little sun and sand. But was I happy?? Yes and No - I was happy to have such a great family, two healthy girls and an extremely loving, sweet husband. But I didn't have ME! My stress level was off the charts. I can't even begin to explain how different and GREAT I feel today. It's like the real me has come out to play and she ain't leaving.
How did I get to this place? First thing we did was understand - where are we financially.
How do you understand where you are financially? It really isn't too difficult. A good way to get started is to analyze your last year's income and expenses and create a budget. I was shocked to see that with a few tweaks here and there, things look pretty good. I admit we won't be taking as many spur of the moment trips to the coast or eating out 15 times a month, but that's okay by us. We will also have to be more conscious of getting the best deal/price instead of just pulling out the wallet on impulse. The deals are there if you look.
So as I continue to move through this new way of life I will keep you posted... share anything that may be helpful. It's my responsibility to give back as much as, if not more than I receive.
Have a great day and SMILE!
Here is a sample of what we used...

If you don't like this one, Click here to go directly to Microsoft Budget Templates
Contests for moms
http://www.contestformoms.com/
Cheers, Beth
Parenting and Family Health Books Summarized for the Busy Parent
DateTuesday, December 9, 2008
ParentDigest.com is a GREAT resource. What I like about this site is that I can browse a ton of books on raising children and then either buy the book from Amazon or get the SUMMARY from them. They do all the leg work -They read the best and most popular books about parenting and family health, summarize them and deliver them over the Internet to their subscribers. You can sign up for monthly summarizes (2 per month) or buy the summaries ala carte. The best deal is the annual subscription. They have a 60 day money back guarantee, which I think is better than most guarantees.
Happy Parenting!!
ON SALE & FREE SHIPPING - Kid's Gifts
DateMonday, December 8, 2008
For the Teens in your Life
Tilly's Clothing.... PAUL FRANK Ts for $11.97 and ROXY Jackets for $27.97 are very popular.
FREE SHIPPING Click Here:
Hot Topic Clothing... Huge Clearance Selection plus Free Shipping! Click Here! HotTopic.com
Here are some deals... Age 2-8
Order Dora Saves The Snow Princess on DVD and get 15% off your order at the Nick Shop! Use Promo Code QDSDVD at Checkout. Expires 12.22.08
eToys.com: Free Standard Shipping on 100's of Items, Shop Now!
Unattended Children in Shopping Carts
DateThursday, December 4, 2008
Wow, that felt good to say!
CashUnclaimed.com - Has anybody ever used this service...
DateWednesday, December 3, 2008
Spice up Your Gift Cards for the Holidays
DateTuesday, December 2, 2008
What happened to the old fashion way...searching and searching for just the "perfect" gift, buying the wrapping paper, the bow, the whole works. Only to find out that "that's not really what they wanted". Then you spend more time taking the "perfect' gift back. God forbid you can't find the receipt, that's always the biggest bummer. It becomes even more complicated when you are sending gifts out of state.
So instead of just buying a visa or MC gift card, I buy Gift.com Gift cards. I can personalize the note with a message and a picture- makes it a bit more fun.
Here is how it works for them:
Step 2
Your recipient browses through hundreds of top merchants and picks a merchant to redeem their gift card. Because we're all about freedom of choice, they can redeem your entire gift amount at one store or split it across multiple merchants.
Step 3
Your recipient clicks on the link and enters their claim code. They can redeem some now and more later if they want, or spend it all in one shot. That's the beauty of the Gifts.Com Gift Card—the choice is all theirs.
Step 4
Hot Toys for the Holidays...Save Time and Money



FREE SHIPPING at eToys.com
Offer end 12/14/08
eToys: Free Standard Shipping On 500+ Items! (limited time offer)
This site is easy to find what you want- you can search by price, age, brands, characters and category. Very helpful!
My Pet: Vet Center... I bought this for my daughter, she loved it, our cats...not so much!!
Originally 29.99 on SALE for 19.99
Give your pooch the best possible treatment with the Pet-Vet Center. It comes with everything you need to care for your canine friend. Includes: carry case, puppy, stethoscope, feeding bowl, kidney-shaped dish, patient's record board with pencil, pet I.D. card, pet name card, brush, comb, scissors, syringe forceps, forceps, ophthalmoscope, reflex hammer, mouth mirror, thermometer, syringe, bone, two empty tablet bottles, paper package and can. Requires one "AA" battery, not included.
Spiderman TV Jet Ski with 7 Games...
Originally 59.99 on SALE for 39.99
Rev up the fun with Spiderman! This game console plugs directly into your TV's AV socket and is sure to take your little superhero on a ride he'll not soon forget. Using the jet ski as a controller, kids control the action on-screen and whiz their way through seven different games. Jet ski includes an accelerator, brake handles and a cool gravity detector. Requires 8 "AA" batteries, not included. Measures 55" x 20" x 31.5". Holds up to 90 pounds.
HERE IS THE BEST DEAL YET... V Flash Learning System
Originally 99.99 on SALE for 34.99 you SAVE $65.00
V.Flash offers your child mind-racing video games loaded with a mega voltage of learning! Just like the big kids' systems, V.Flash packs a powerful punch with MP3-quality sound, streaming video, 3-D graphics and real-life images. But unlike other systems of its caliber, V.Flash builds in a high dosage of learning with its exclusive collection of SmartDisc software. It's the perfect balance between learning and entertainment.
With each SmartDisc, players can navigate through the Smart Play Game Zone, Creative Workshop and Knowledge World, all featuring a library of real customized videos. Each SmartDisc is encased in a protective shield that ensures safe, scratchproof play. System comes with joystick, AC power adapter and cables for connecting to your TV, plus your child's first SmartDisc (Jumpin' Bean Island) to start her off on her collection. Additional SmartDiscs sold separately. Measures 7.7"L x 11.8"W x 3"H.
Happy Thanksgiving
DateThursday, November 27, 2008
God Bless!
Pretty Good Deal on an Electric Razor for Him...
DateWednesday, November 26, 2008
Women's Clothing - Who has the time to Shop for the Good Deals
Lane Bryant- Save on Shipping or 20% off your order of $100 or more
Get $5.99 flat rate shipping with no minimum order value at Lane Bryant Catalog! Offer expires 12-31-08; use source code 941109 at checkout.
Take 20% off your order of $100 or more at Lane Bryant Catalog! Offer expires 12-31-08; use source code 941110 at checkout.
JustMySize.com - Save Shipping or 15% off
Enjoy 15% off your order at JustMySize.com! Use promo code 609410 at checkout. Offer Valid 12.05.08 – 12.08.08. Shop Today!
Enjoy 15% off your order at JustMySize.com! Use promo code 609410 at checkout. Offer Valid 12.05.08 – 12.08.08. Shop Today!
Heels.com - Black Friday Sale - don't miss it!
Heels.com Black Fri/ Cyber Mon Sale!
Poshbagz.com - Maybe a purse is what you need, if not, what a great gift for family or friends.
25% off Designer Handbags Sale at Poshbagz.com! Shop Now!
Discounts - 50% off iPod and Ring Tone Software
Do they already have an iPod:
PodMaxx Software will allow you "unlock" iTune music. What does that mean? With iTunes you are only allowed to transfer music onto ONE iPod, with PodMaxx you can transfer music onto multiple iPods. Saves you money and takes care of the whole family.
www.mypodmax08.com
Do they already have a Cell Phone:
Ring Factory Software will allow them to download music as a ringtone for NO CHARGE. They can create any ringtone they desire and you will save some dough. I found this out the hard way - big charges for downloading ringtones.
www.myringtonefun.com
To receive 50% off on PodMaxx and Ring Factory - just enter this priority code: Black50 at the online check out...
Wii - Not Just for your Kids - Drop a few pounds before the Holidays
DateFriday, November 14, 2008
Wii - Well what can I say about the Wii... As the typical American family ( 2 kids, 2 cats and a few fish), we purchased a Wii earlier this year. As an adult the excitement and fun lasted about a month. As for my kids - they are still going strong. So about a month ago, I asked my husband about Wii FIT, I had heard a bunch of hype and wondered what he thought. As the great guy that he is, he ran right out and bought it for me.
So let me tell you about my experience... THIS IS THE BEST. I have lost inches off my waist, hips and thighs!! It's pretty cool, you create a character of yourself and it tracks your daily activities, focusing on your core strength, balance and endurance. 4-5 times a week I get up before the family, stomp into the family room (still in my pjs) and start my workout. No need to gear up, brush your hair or go out into the cold morning. So perfect for me. The part that keeping me coming back for more is the way it interacts with me - I set my goals and it measures and advises me on my progress. Strength and Yoga are my favorite sections. Oh and the whole family loves the Hula Hoop. We have all become very competitive and my husband holds the high record - It's to funny to watch him do it, but it is a great workout for his waist.
Not bad for a video game. I highly encourage you to take advantage of this toy !!

Finding Holiday $$$
DateWednesday, November 12, 2008
When it comes to online shopping - What's important to you???
The Price, The Quality, The Ease of Doing Business - they are all important to me. All us Moms work way to hard to waste ANY time or money. So I will continue to search the net for great deals on quality clothes and such.
As a first blog, I thought this was an appropriate site for everybody to visit. It's pretty cool and legit. You may have money out there - GO GET IT - cause Christmas is right around the corner.
