Thoughts Archives - Page 56 of 127

FREE Salad for a Year #HUGESALE with Acme & Albertson Markets

August 3, 2014 by Melissa

In celebration of their 123rd Anniversary Albertsons, Acme Markets, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Star Market and United Markets or showing off their #HUGESALE.

In addition to the great deals on Pepsi, Frito-Lay and Quaker products that we all love their also running an awesome sweepstakes:

Earthbound Farms Free Salad For a Year Giveaway to 75 lucky winners

That’s a value of approximately $342 of food. That’s an Earthbound salad a week. That’s keeping up on the healthful eating you’re supposed to be doing anyway. Sounds like a win/win/win to me.

Entering is easy. Read and agree to the terms and conditions(bottom of each entry form) and complete the simple form. Find your store below to enter.

Good luck to you! Hurry this sweepstakes end 8/15.

Anniversary Sale Acme Markets #HUGESALE

August 1, 2014 by Melissa

As the grocery shopper of the family I look for a store that has everything I need. I don’t like to drive to multiple places for a handful of things each. This isn’t an efficient way to spend my time. This week’s sale at Acme Markets proves why my neighborhood store is one of my faves.

As a family that tries to eat healthy most of the time I always head to the produce section of my sales circular first. This is where we spend the bulk of our money so I want to make sure we’re getting a good deal on the fruits and veggies we eat the most. I was excited to see the following prices:

Del Monte Pineapple $1.99 each
Cantaloupes Buy One Get One Free ($2.99 each)
Green and Yellow Squash $1.59/lb

Right at Albertsons, Acme Markets, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Star Market and United markets they are celebrating their Anniversary with a #HUGESALE. Find their infamous Mix and Match sale on snacks, drinks, cereal and quick fix meals.

SAVE $3* WHEN YOU BUY ANY 6 participating products in a single transaction. HUGE 123 Year Anniversary Sale! NO LIMIT! • BUY MORE, SAVE MORE

Don’t forget to clip their online coupons for even more savings. Check out your local ad for more details on the sales going on in your neighborhood. Stay tuned on special offers and unique giveaways on Facebook too.

Save Art in our Schools with Schoola

July 28, 2014 by Melissa

Every child deserves an active, happy and creative childhood, one that involves safe and secure environment to create with friends and classmates. Some schools are able to provide a wide array of activities, classes and courses for their students. But budget constraints prohibit some school districts from providing the additional funds needed for play equipment, materials for art programs and instruments for music classes. Schoola is stepping in to help with this very problem.

Schoola is an online shopping destination where a family can turn their children’s outgrown clothing into money for their school. Donated clothing is sold and a percentage of your sale is given directly to your school of choice. Families can clean our closets, shop for non-stop growing kids and benefit their community in just a few easy steps.

Yick Wo Elementary School in California has had to do without Art Class. Art is special for developing minds. It teaches children to follow what is in their heart, self-expression and independence. Art and creative classes aren’t a luxury, they are needed to help sculpt the strengths and skills in our children’s minds. Art has been proven to improve enhance test scores, social skills, critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving. Yick Wo Elementary students come from a multitude of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Providing a creative space where everyone can work and learn equally brings them together with no boundaries or expectations.

“School has a lot of rules to follow but in art you can be free. You can see what you have in front of you and then turn that into something different,” says fourth-grader Orly.

Shop on Schoola.com today a you’ll be giving back directly to Yick Wo Elementary. For every transaction made from this post $1 will sent to support those students art program.

Do you have a clothing donation to make? Request a Schoola donation bag(postage is covered) from here and Schoola will donate $1 to the Yick Wo fund. PLUS 40% made on the sale of your clothing donation will go back to the school of YOUR choice. That’s a Win/win in my book.

All children deserve the opportunities to reach high, create big and learn from each other. Help Yick Wo Elementary School or even your own school with some simple shopping this Back to School season.

Fun Facts about #CruisingCarnival

July 13, 2014 by Melissa

Carnival Cruise Lines have been in the business of FUN for over 40 years. Based in Miami it’s ships tour the globe with cruises to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the Caribbean and places in between.

A Carnival Cruise Ship is like a city at sea. There are enough amenities to keep even the busiest person occupied and entertained for days. You all know about the endless eating options, live shows, casinos and excursions but there’s more the the Fun Ships that you may not have known about.

Fun Facts about #CruisingCarnival

Carnival Cruise Lines is the most popular cruise line with more than 24 ships operating 3 to 18 day voyages
A Carnival Cruise is truly a family friendly vacation with activities for kids age 2 to teen
Some of the most loved staff are the Stewards. They are the ones that create those cute towel animals (Towel Animal classes are available, check with Guest Relations)
Schedule a “Behind the Fun” tour where you can see the bridge, engine control room and backstage area to get an up close and personal look at the operations
During Signature Dining, if you can’t decide between 2 entrees or appetizers just order both
In one week Carnival Fantasy guests will consume 36,000 slices of bacon, mmmmmm bacon
The staff to guest ratio is sometimes as low at 1:3 making for a truly personable, attentive sailing
The on-board pools are filled daily with filtered salt water from the sea
The Serenity Adult Retreat is the perfect kid-free zone for ultimate relaxation and peace
The on-board fitness centers are included voyage with the exception of instructor led classes and spa treatments
Leave the ball gowns, tuxedos and fancy shoes at home. It’s called a FUN SHIP for a reason

We’re out into the Atlantic Ocean right on our way to days filled with smiles, sun, memories and FUN. Wish you were here.

Shop Swap.com for Kids and Baby Consignment

July 5, 2014 by Melissa

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Swap.com – Kids’ Consignment for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

My kids are grown, for the most part. No more worrying about diaper bags, teething toys or finding that perfect stroller. As they get bigger the needs just change. I'm searching for more durable shoes, educational games and clothing that lasts more than just a season. Since I'm already a huge fan of shopping thrift and consignment Swap.com – Kids' Consignment is a great way to either get rid of the things I don't need any more or find "new to me" things for my family.

Swap.com is the largest online consignment store for babies, kids and parents. The listed items range from Toys & Games to Movies & Music to Clothing & Accessories and everything in between.

Whenever I hear of a friend or family member having a baby I instantly start scanning bookshelves in my own home and at discount stores for inexpensive but classic titles. Reading to children is so important but purchasing them can get pricey.

I found a few great titles on Swap.com for kids of all ages. One of our favorites if Ted Arnold's Fly Guy. This 2-pack is JUST $6.

Swap.com differs from other online used shopping sites like Craigslist or Ebay. They have more than 50,000 pre-owned items in its inventory from multiple sellers. Products that you want to sell are inspected, graded for quality and are offered a 100% hassle-free refund policy. If you feel those books you received are NOT in the like new quality that you read you simply return them for a full refund.

Also no more emailing the seller to be sure the item is still available. If you see it online then it IS available. AND if you're a 1st time customer you'll receive free shipping.

When it's time to unload that garage full of strollers, activity playmats, LEGO sets or even that tub of maternity clothes send them to Swap.com to take care of the work for you. You set the price and wait for the things you no longer want or need to sell. You can either make money from these sales or swap for NEW things instead.

Swap.com is where you shop and save on the things you and your family need and want.

Breakfast in the Classroom Pilot Program #Fail

June 10, 2014 by Melissa

Each day I prepare or prep breakfast for my kids. Sometimes it’s a smoothie of yogurt, bananas and blueberries other days it’s a frozen waffle with peanut butter and sliced apples. Eating breakfast is important, it’s something I always enforce no matter what day of the week it is. Last week our children’s school came home with the following Breakfast in the Classroom pilot program.
Monday

Poptart & Cheesestick
100% fruit juice
Milk

Tuesday

Breakfast Muffin
100% Fruit Juice
Milk

Wednesday

Mini Waffles
100% Fruit Juice
Milk

Thursday

Bagelful
100% Fruit juice
Milk

Friday

Mini Cinnis
100% Fruit Juice
Milk

*Milk Options

Non Fat White
Low Fat White
Non Fat Chocolate
Non Fat Strawberry
Non Fat Lactaid

Who: All Students attending ****Elementary School

What: **** Elementary School is participating in a “breakfast in the classroom” pilot. All students will be able to receive a FREE breakfast meal during the time period listed above.

Why: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! It helps improve student achievements, diets and behavior. Children who have school breakfast eat more fruit, drink more milk and consume a wider variety of foods. Child Nutrition services is testing this new alternative breakfast model to determine its effectiveness in our schools.

I’m all for getting food in the bellies of our kids. I realize that there are many children in our nation that are hungry each day and I have NO problem with all the free meal initiatives that are presented but I do have a problem with presenting a pop tart and cheesestick to a child and calling that a healthy breakfast. Where is the fruit, where is the fiber and protein. Cheese isn’t bad but it’s hardly enough protein to sustain a child for the next few hours.

My kids don’t eat pop tarts, I don’t know what a cinni is and I’m guessing Crunchmania (breakfast for the 2nd week) is a type of cereal. My kids eat at home so I don’t have to worry about this too much but I worry about those children that are being offered substandard “food” everyday because it’s what the school district claims it to be balanced and healthy.

I’m curious as to how this pilot program went. Good thing it’s the last day of school.

poptart image provided by wikimedia commons by evan-amos

Swimsuits for Girls

June 2, 2014 by Melissa

With Summer officially kicking off in just a couple short weeks I’ve been on the hunt for cute swimwear for Shae. I’m not big on the bikini for kids but I do love a fun tankini and super colorful one-pieces. Bathing suits as well as all clothing should be reflective of the child’s personality. This swimsuit and accessory round up are a collection of a few pieces that would fit Shae to a T.

Snapper Rocks Rash Guard and One-Piece Set-Garden Flowers
A UV50+ one piece swimsuits with a matching UV50+ short sleeve swim shirt.

Grape and Tangerine I Am Loved Kaftan
Keep it bright and fun with this lightweight coverup

Garnet Hill Teal Tile Dot Ruffle Trimmed Halter
Ruffles for the girly girl

Terry Rich Terry Sundown Coverup
Cozy after swim cover-up in soft terry with pockets and a hood for full coverage

Roxy Dreamer Criss Cross Tankini
Highly colorful full coverage tankini for watersports and swimming and without the oops.

UVSkins Aloha SunDress
Certified UPF 50+ sundress in an easy carefree fabric for when a swimsuit isn’t required.

Vinyard Vines Polka Dot Whale Tankini
Never go wrong in polka dots and bright scattered whales

JCrew Ruffle Tankini
Keeping it classic in Navy

Disney on Ice presents Frozen

May 21, 2014 by Melissa

Disney on Ice is a huge family favorite for us. We’ve been taking the kids for as long as I can remember. The newest addition to the Disney on Ice is the #1 Animated Movie of All Time, Frozen.

For 30 years Feld Entrtainment has been putting together family friendly performances of all kinds with Disney on Ice, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam® and NuclearCowboyz® just to name a few. Their goal is to create experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

The Academy Award® winning tale will be told live for the first time in this production, capturing the dynamic between two royal sisters, Anna and Elsa. Anna, a girl with an extraordinary heart, embarks on an epic journey to find her sister, the magical Elsa, who is determined to remain secluded as she finally feels free to test the limits of her powers. Rugged mountain man Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, the lovable and hilarious snowman Olaf and the mystical trolls help Anna along the way in this story about love conquering fear. Audiences will get to sing along with such musical masterpieces as “Let it Go,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Fixer Upper.”

Coming this October 29th-November 2 the Baltimore Arena will be showcasing 9 performances of Anna and Elsa.

If you aren’t in the Baltimore area check the complete list of tour dates that have been added. More dates and cities will be coming up. Visit the Disney On Ice website or stay current on the latest developments through the Disney on Ice Facebook Page where you can find information on how to access presale codes for tickets and other great news.

#AintMomGrand Twitter Party w/ @Proflowers and @SharisBerries

May 7, 2014 by Melissa

#AintMomGrand ? That’s what Mother’s Day is all about isn’t it. It’s our time to celebrate all the moms in our lives that make us smile, laugh, cry and love.

ProFlowers and Shari’s Berries are hustling this Mother’s Day to fill the many orders of flowers and chocolate dipped strawberries in time for delivery.

According to the National Retail Federation Mother’s Day survey, two-thirds of those celebrating Mother’s Day this year will buy mom flowers. Shari’s Berries will dip more than 6 million strawberries for Mother’s Day alone. Both Shari’s Berries and ProFlowers are making it easy to celebrate mom’s this weekend by offering Sunday delivery!

We’re going to celebrate with a virtual party too, with an #AintMomGrand Twitter Party courtesy of ProFlowers and Shari’s Berries.

What: #AintMomGrand Mother’s Day Twitter Party

When: Thursday, May 8th from 1-2 p.m. EST (12 CT & 10 a.m. PT)

Where: Twitter

Who To Follow:

Brand: @ProFlowers @SharisBerries
Co-Hosts: @JollyMom @StacieInAtlanta
Blogger Panelists: @therebelchick @crissy @LkWhtMomFound @simplystacienet @brettbmartin

Rules: For the Official Rules for ProFlowers and Shari’s Berries.

We hope to see you all there!

Just in case you still need to order for Mother’s Day use this 20% off coupon code. GRAND20 at checkout.

20% coupon code Proflowers SharisBerries

If you’re still thinking of ways to celebrate a special mom in your life come over and find inspiration from the Celebrating Our Love For Moms Pinterest Board below
Follow ProFlowers’s board Celebrating our Love for Moms on Pinterest.

Shopping for the #GreatestMom at Best Buy

May 2, 2014 by Melissa

I’m what some would call a Jane Of All Trades. I cook for the masses, dabble in DIY, craft with the kids, upcycle old into new, chauffer the kidlets to and fro, pack for a 3 day getaway in 15 minutes flat and can put a party together on a budget. To say I’m always on the go is an understatement. I do all of this because I’m a mother, the #GreatestMom.

If you’ve recently checked your calendar you might have noticed it’s coming to that time of year to celebrate mom on her special day, Mother’s Day. Families all over the country rally in support of all the tear stained tissues, lost sippy cups, late hours and blank stares that mom’s have had to deal with. Flowers, cards and mani/pedi offers are sweet but let’s look at what moms REALLY want.

For the Foodie mom who thinks she has the finest cookware and the spiciest chili oil already. But what about a new KitchenAid Ultra Power Tilt-Head Stand Mixer or a new Keurig special edition Coffee Brewer?

Maybe you aren’t so handy in the kitchen but can beat your kids to the top of the hill on a footrace. Have you gotten your hands on a new FitBit Flex or Speck CandyShell iPhone Case to keep your tunes safe with running the next 5K.

Me, being on the go go go I want gifts that make my life simpler, easier, more fun. A Plantronics Bluetooth Headset lets me chat handsfree so I can whip up lunch, pack the minivan for lacrosse and carpool 5 smelly boys without missing one update on my growing nieces. An HP 14″ Chromebook is the mother of all gifts. Editing photos, finalizing graduation card lists and adding to the birthday calendar can all be done while in the carpool line.

Whatever personality you take on as a mom Best Buy has you covered with a selection of gifts that to make you smile. Visit BestBuy.com for more ideas to share with those that love you most to open their wallets and throw down some dollars to show how much they really care. Don’t worry, there are plenty of gifts under $100 for the more budget conscious.And shop with confidence at Best Buy knowing you’re gonna get the best price because of their Low Price Guarantee. Find a better price anywhere else and Best Buy will match it on qualifying products.

Find something for every Mom on your list this Mother’s Day.

SAVE $3* WHEN YOU BUY ANY 6 participating products in a single transaction. HUGE 123 Year Anniversary Sale! NO LIMIT! • BUY MORE, SAVE MORE

“School has a lot of rules to follow but in art you can be free. You can see what you have in front of you and then turn that into something different,” says fourth-grader Orly.

Just in case you still need to order for Mother’s Day use this 20% off coupon code. GRAND20 at checkout.

Read Something

Kids in the Kitchen Linky Party

Find it Here

How To Cancel?

What’s Mom Found Now?

**SAVE $3* WHEN YOU BUY ANY 6 participating products in a single transaction. HUGE 123 Year Anniversary Sale! NO LIMIT! • BUY MORE, SAVE MORE**