Read. Write. Mom!

Pettin’ Kitties

Posted on March 11, 2013January 10, 2016 by Mandy

My parents have a whole family (plus more) of stray cats who suddenly started taking up residence in their neighborhood a couple of years ago. There are about five of them that show up at their house morning, noon, and night for a meal. I suppose it doesn’t help that we feed them. In any case, there is one particular female who has been around for over a year now. She is not the cutest kitty ever, but she just loves to be loved on and tries to sneak inside whenever the door opens. Today, I walked out back to find this precious moment:

And on a side note…his lashes make my heart melt.

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted…

Posted on March 9, 2013January 10, 2016 by Mandy

It’s finally here. Really and truly here. I have been dreaming of this day since we went back to work after Christmas break.

Spring Break is here.

I have never been so glad to see a Spring Break in all of my teaching years. I want to sleep past 4:30 AM. I want to go looking in the stores. I want to blog. I want to look at Ebay, Etsy, and Pinterest until my eyes cross. I want to crash on the couch and watch Real Housewives of Beverly Hills until my brain melts. Basically, everything I don’t have time to do during the school year. And normally, by day 4 or 5, I’m ready to go back to work because I’ve cleaned and organized everything in the house and boredom settles in.

But THIS Spring Break? I just don’t see that happening this time.

Choosing The Perfect Birth Announcement

Posted on March 7, 2013January 10, 2016 by Mandy

When my son was born, I couldn’t wait to send out birth announcements to announce his arrival to our friends and family. I can remember looking over many internet websites to find the best announcement that captured our sentiments just perfectly. Customized birth announcements were just coming into the market at that point in time, so there wasn’t a whole lot to choose from. Ideally, I would have loved to have his picture on the one I ended up selecting. We did include a picture with the announcement, but it would have been great to have the two combined.

If you will soon be announcing the arrival of your little bundle(s) of joy, you should definitely check out the Birth announcement cards from Little One Prints. The cards are so stylish and sure to appeal to any taste. Right away, just from checking out the home page I found the one that would have been absolutely perfect for my son. At the time of his birth, I was crazy about rubber ducks. While his announcement had a ducky on it, this one at Little One Prints is definitely cuter and also has a place to include pictures.

I’m more partial to bright colors, but I have to say that the beautiful pastel designs on some of these announcements have won me over. Little One Prints has such a great selection and they are definitely worth a look if you are searching for birth announcement cards.

This compensated post was brought to you by Little One Prints. All opinions are my own.

The Blogging Planner- Every Blogger’s Planner

Posted on March 4, 2013June 26, 2021 by Mandy

If I had to sum up in one word what I love about blogging, that word would be “everything”. I really do love the whole process of blogging. I love writing, connecting with others, reading other blogs, reviewing products, meeting deadlines, and yes, even the stress it sometimes brings. I’m in one of those stressful seasons of blogging at the moment, trying to balance my professional life with my family and blogging time. I’ve always prided myself on being able to stay on top of it all. However, I’ve needed a little extra help this year for some reason. That’s why I’m so glad I have The Blogging Planner. It really is a huge help in keeping all of my blogging business in one place.

I explained all of the reasons why I love this planner in my last post about it, but for this post, I wanted to give you a little look at how I’m using it on a daily basis. But most importantly, I want you to know that this is a blogging planner for ANY blogger. No matter what your niche is (mom, travel, review, food, business, etc.) or even if you don’t have a particular niche at all, this planner can keep anyone organized and it’s not overly girly or overly masculine to where you might be embarrassed to use it. It’s perfect.

I use the monthly at-a-glance page much more often than I do the weekly pages. I like to have everything on one page where I can see it. I really, really love the pages where I can list my blog income, giveaways, and expenses. That’s what I was having the most trouble with in terms of staying organized. I am also happy to know that next year I won’t be reading through tons of saved emails at tax time. I’m just going to pull this out and be way less stressed!

I love, love, love the blogging tips at the bottom of the monthly focus brainstorming pages. Great pointers for seasoned and beginner bloggers alike.

By using this planner, I’ve already reached one goal in blogging this year, and that was to get organized. I’m working on setting more attainable goals for my blog, like bringing back a more personal aspect and prioritizing better and also some more lofty goals, like someday making a full-time career of this.

It’s not too late to get yourself on track to blog organization this year. If this is an area you struggle with, I highly recommend The Blogging Planner.

I was provided with the planner pictured above to facilitate this review. Links to the planner are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Giveaway- CVS/Procter & Gamble Savings Event

Posted on March 3, 2013January 20, 2024 by Mandy

I have a little confession to make.

One of my favorite forms of retail therapy is shopping for beauty products. I love trying out new makeup, hair care, and skincare products. From the time I was a child and only allowed to buy lip gloss until now, it’s one of those perks of being a girl I’ve never outgrown.

This month, CVS and Procter & Gamble are teaming up to bring you some special offers on your favorite P&G beauty products. Be sure to check this Sunday’s paper (3/3/13) for the P&G brandSAVER insert for more savings on the P&G products you love and don’t forget to begin each trip inside your local CVS with a stop at the ExtraCare In-Store Coupon Center.

CVS/pharmacy ExtraCare Offers

During the week of March 3, 2013, CVS/pharmacy shoppers can use their CVS/pharmacy ExtraCare Card at ExtraCare Coupon Centers to get great deals on Herbal Essences® and Aussie® products:

· Get 2 Herbal Essences® Hello Hydration Shampoo or Conditioner (10.1oz) for $6

· Get 2 Aussie® Moist Shampoo or Conditioner (13.1oz) for $6

· Plus, get an additional $1 off when you scan your ExtraCare Card!

· That’s almost $3.60 in savings on 2!

Spend $50, Get $15

From now to 4/30/13, CVS shoppers who spend $50 on P&G Beauty products will receive a $15 VISA gift card via mail-in rebate. To receive your $15 gift card, go to www.BestOfBeautyRebate2013.com and download the rebate form, fill it out, and mail it in with your original dated sales receipt(s). Be sure to circle the P&G beauty items and purchase price(s). P&G will mail you your $15 VISA gift card in 6-8 weeks. It’s that easy!

Giveaway

In honor of this limited time offer, I have been generously provided with a prize pack for one lucky reader. What’s inside?

Aussie® Moist Shampoo

Aussie® Moist Conditioner

Herbal Essences® Hello Hydration Shampoo

Herbal Essences® Hello Hydration Conditioner

$50 CVS Gift Card (so you can take advantage of the spend $50, get $15 offer)

To Enter:

Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to U.S. residents 18+. Void where prohibited. Giveaway ends March 25, 2013 at 12 AM EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was provided with the gift pack pictured above as a thank you for facilitating this post and one to give away. All opinions are my own.

Treating Winter Sickness With Little Remedies

Posted on March 3, 2013January 10, 2016 by Mandy

Our house has struggled with colds and bronchitis this winter. My son came down with a cold right around the holidays and I have had bouts with sinus infections and bronchitis since the first of the year. Since I work in a school, I’m a diligent hand washer and user of hand sanitizer. The last thing I want to do is have to pack us up on a cold day and sit for hours in a doctor’s office.

TREATING SYMPTOMS

At the first sign of sickness, I always try to treat our symptoms at home. I rely on over-the-counter medication most of the time, but I also believe in using a few home remedies also, like warm tea for a sore throat. I’m very particular about what over-the-counter medications I purchase, especially for my son. He is sensitive to textures and tastes, so I have to keep that in mind.

Little Symptoms Need Little Remedies

One product I fully trust to treat cold symptoms in my son is Little Remedies. What I love about Little Remedies is that there is nothing extra added into the medicine, only what’s needed to get my son back on track to feeling better. Some over the counter medications contain things like alcohol, saccharine, artificial coloring and flavoring, dyes, and harmful preservatives. I feel better knowing those things aren’t in my son’s medications.

One Little Remedies product I am especially excited about is Little Remedies For Colds Honey Elixir, a natural alternative to traditional cough syrup. Along with being free from dye and gluten, it’s made with great tasting honey to soothe coughs and sore throats due to the common cold and flu naturally.

If you have an infant, Little Remedies For Fevers Infant Fever/Pain Reliever will reduce fevers and relieve minor aches and pains all with no artificial flavors or colors; no alcohol, saccharin or gluten. Little Remedies For Fevers Infant Fever/Pain Reliever temporarily reduces fever and minor aches and pains due to common cold, flu, headache, sore throat and toothache.

STAY WELL

Along with hand washing, we also try to avoid crowded places when flu season is at it’s peak. We take our vitamins to try to boost immunity and we do our best to stay warm. I also keep my son at home when he is running fever or not feeling well. I firmly believe that keeping sick people at home is one of the most effective ways to halt the spread of germs.

The Little Remedies line includes products to combat cold and flu, allergies, and stomach ailments. The next time your child is feeling under the weather, turn to Little Remedies for relief that you can trust.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Little Remedies. I received product samples as well as a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.

Gallon Smashing

Posted on March 2, 2013January 10, 2016 by Mandy

Yes, I could sit here all day long and debate whether or not this is criminal, and for the record, I do not condone or support this in any way, but all I can do is laugh until I cry. The expressions of the bystanders are priceless! The “squeaky shoes” part is where I absolutely lose it.

Apparently, this is called “gallon smashing”. Where do kids these days come up with this stuff?

Box Tops For Education Pantry Stock Up Giveaway

Posted on February 25, 2013January 10, 2016 by Mandy

If you have a child in school, chances are you are probably familiar with Box Tops for Education, the nation’s largest school fundraising program. To date, this program helps over 90,000 enrolled K-8 schools earn money for the things they need like computers, library books, playground equipment, and more. Thanks to Box Tops for Education, $525 million has been raised for our nation’s schools. That’s quite an impressive number!

EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS

My sons school collects Box Tops for Education and it has afforded them several extras that aren’t normally provided for in the school budget. Most recently, the school used their collected Box Tops to purchase some much needed P.E. equipment. The kids love the new equipment and I love the fact that my son is being exposed to sports we don’t normally play where we live, like field hockey.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Collecting Box Tops is very easy. Simply look for them on the back of over 240 participating brands, like Cheerios, Pillsbury, and Kleenex. Just clip them and turn them into your school’s coordinator. This short video explains how it works.

You can also earn Box Tops for Education by shopping online at more than 250 retailers. Just sign up under your participating school at the Box Tops for Education website and help your school earn even more.

BUT WAIT!

Don’t have a school-aged child who participates in Box Tops for Education? You can still support your local schools that do. Just enter your zip code at the Box Tops for Education website to see what schools around you participate. I know for a fact that they would be grateful for any that you clip and donate or if you sign up to support them by shopping online. It’s so simple and really supports some great things going on in our schools.

You can learn more about Box Tops for Education by visiting the website and connecting with them on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

GIVEAWAY:

Now that the holidays are behind us and life has gotten back to the usual hustle and bustle, it’s time to restock the pantry with some of your favorite household brands that participate in Box Tops for Education. One lucky reader will win everything pictured below. What’s inside this great prize pack?

 New Peanut Butter Toast Crunch® cereal

 Nature Valley® Chewy Trail Mix Dark Chocolate Cherry and Protein Salted Caramel

 Fiber One® Protein Bars

 Progresso® Recipe Starters

 Food Should Taste Good® Chips

 Green Giant Fresh® Box Tops for Education pencil pouch

 Hamburger Helper® Sweet & Sour Chicken and Parmesan Crusted Chicken

 Betty Crocker® Mac & Cheese and Au Gratin potatoes

 Kleenex® wallet pack and 184 count box

 Scott® toilet paper (4 roll) and paper towel roll

 Avery® dry erase weekly calendar

 Ziploc® bowls and bags

 Yoplait® Frozen Yogurt free product coupon

TO ENTER:

Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends March 11, 2013 at 12:00 AM EST. US Only. Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was provided with a prize pack pictured above as a thank you for facilitating this post and one to give away to a reader. All opinions are my own.
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