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...for now anyways.
All good things must come to an end? Right? One of those phrases we hear but we don't often believe.
I have given this a lot of time and thought. It's not a decision I took lightly. I have really struggled with this decision. Something happened recently in my life that requires my full-time attention. Unfortunately, this blog has thus been put on the chopping block.
I am sad to let it go. At least all of the way. You may see posts pop up now and then, but it is something that has to go on the back-burner until at least after our new baby comes.
You have been such a fun group of women and I have grown to admire and love all of my regular commenters.
See you no later than October!!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Freebee Friday: Baby Blvd. "Bowdacious" Giveaway
Enter to win this whole lot of adorable bows! Who can enter? Anyone! Family, friends, strangers, all are eligible for this fantastic give-a-way!
It comes with :
-one apple green waffle headband
-one pair of pink and white polka dot bows
-one pair of yellow bows
-one purple Chunky bow
-one blue flower bow-one orange flower clip
-one white flower clip
That equals one "BOW"-dacious giveaway! A value of almost $30.00!
TO ENTER:
1. Leave a comment at Baby Blvd. HERE and make a quick and easy new post on your blog referring your friends to visit our site.
**you may also send out an email to all your friends and cc babyblvd@live.com to enter.
DONE!
You are entered after that. Check back on July 16th to see the Winner!
I will ship the winner the prize for FREE!
THANKS and GOOD LUCK!
TO EARN MORE ENTRIES, please do any of the following for an extra vote:
1. Become a follower of Baby Blvd. Then you will know about all our give-a-ways and promotions.
2. Add our link to your blog roll or list of favorites.
3. Facebook your friends about our website.
Leave one comment for every extra entry. If you are already a follower, you are one step ahead.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thrifty Thursday: 15 Money Saving Tips for Families
Author: Dee Adams
Found HERE
There are many big and small ways to save money. Here are some money saving tips for families for these tough economic times and beyond:
1. If you use credit cards, switch to cards that pay you back - either cash dividends, miles, gas, or goods that you can actually use.
2. Cut your kid's hair yourself - you can pick up an easy "how to" book at your local library. This money saving tip has the added bonus of flexibility and convenience - you can do it whenever you feel like it.
3. And speaking of the library - you can spend a lot of money on kids books without even realizing it. You see a book your kid really likes and it's only $5.99 and before you know it you're out $50. Most likely your kid will read it once or twice and get bored with it. Solution: get a library card and visit your local library on a regular basis. Many libraries also have Story Time and other fun activities for kids of all ages that will have your kids looking forward to the weekly visit.
4. You can save huge money by coloring your own hair or doing your own highlights. You can save about $50 for each color ( x 6 times a year = $300) and about $100 for highlights ( x 4 times a year = $400). It's really easy to do once you get the hang of it. You can find kits with instructions at your local beauty supply store.
5. Take with you snacks and drinks for the kids on family outings (unless you go to a place that specifically prohibits outside food and beverages). Bring a bottle of water with you and fill it at the water fountain. Not only will you be saving money, but also time standing in long lines and ending up buying junk food and caffeinated sugary drinks you had no intention of buying in the first place.
6. Bake your own muffins, brownies and cakes (from a ready mix) - as a single mom with a full time job I always have to weigh cost savings vs. time savings. To me, If I have to slave over an elaborate cake for a few hours in the kitchen it's not worth the money savings. But if I buy a ready mix and have a dozen cup cakes ready in minuets and save some money in the process, I'd give it a thumbs up. Better yet - let the kids do the mixing, and you've got another fun activity to add to your list.
7. Buy generic: prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, cleaning supplies, groceries, ink cartridges, and anything else you can find.
8. Let your kids wash your car - what kid would say 'no' to such a fun activity?
9. Instead of buying 3 extra large Pepperoni Pizzas for $60 for your kid's birthday party, make little cute sandwiches with Turkey & Cheese and PB & J. Everybody will love them.
10. Cancel your gym membership and ride your bike with your kids.
11. Some people swear by the savings they get by switching from paper napkins to clothe napkins, but I'm not a big fan. You'd still have to spend money, energy and effort on washing, drying, folding and putting them away. Paper towels are just so easy that it's hard for me to make a case for cloth napkins, but if you like the idea - go for it!
12. Same goes for making your own play doh - some mothers just love making it themselves and love the money savings, but for me it's just too much work and not enough savings. But again, if you like the idea - go for it!
13. Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full. Another oldie but goodie.
14. Switch your Premium Cable package to Basic package and get Netflix instead.
15. You can find and print free eCards on the Internet for all holidays and any kind of occasion. You can also have your kids make their own cards for Valentine's Day, their buddies birthday parties, and holidays. Those Hallmark cards are SO expensive!
Found HERE
There are many big and small ways to save money. Here are some money saving tips for families for these tough economic times and beyond:
1. If you use credit cards, switch to cards that pay you back - either cash dividends, miles, gas, or goods that you can actually use.
2. Cut your kid's hair yourself - you can pick up an easy "how to" book at your local library. This money saving tip has the added bonus of flexibility and convenience - you can do it whenever you feel like it.
3. And speaking of the library - you can spend a lot of money on kids books without even realizing it. You see a book your kid really likes and it's only $5.99 and before you know it you're out $50. Most likely your kid will read it once or twice and get bored with it. Solution: get a library card and visit your local library on a regular basis. Many libraries also have Story Time and other fun activities for kids of all ages that will have your kids looking forward to the weekly visit.
4. You can save huge money by coloring your own hair or doing your own highlights. You can save about $50 for each color ( x 6 times a year = $300) and about $100 for highlights ( x 4 times a year = $400). It's really easy to do once you get the hang of it. You can find kits with instructions at your local beauty supply store.
5. Take with you snacks and drinks for the kids on family outings (unless you go to a place that specifically prohibits outside food and beverages). Bring a bottle of water with you and fill it at the water fountain. Not only will you be saving money, but also time standing in long lines and ending up buying junk food and caffeinated sugary drinks you had no intention of buying in the first place.
6. Bake your own muffins, brownies and cakes (from a ready mix) - as a single mom with a full time job I always have to weigh cost savings vs. time savings. To me, If I have to slave over an elaborate cake for a few hours in the kitchen it's not worth the money savings. But if I buy a ready mix and have a dozen cup cakes ready in minuets and save some money in the process, I'd give it a thumbs up. Better yet - let the kids do the mixing, and you've got another fun activity to add to your list.
7. Buy generic: prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, cleaning supplies, groceries, ink cartridges, and anything else you can find.
8. Let your kids wash your car - what kid would say 'no' to such a fun activity?
9. Instead of buying 3 extra large Pepperoni Pizzas for $60 for your kid's birthday party, make little cute sandwiches with Turkey & Cheese and PB & J. Everybody will love them.
10. Cancel your gym membership and ride your bike with your kids.
11. Some people swear by the savings they get by switching from paper napkins to clothe napkins, but I'm not a big fan. You'd still have to spend money, energy and effort on washing, drying, folding and putting them away. Paper towels are just so easy that it's hard for me to make a case for cloth napkins, but if you like the idea - go for it!
12. Same goes for making your own play doh - some mothers just love making it themselves and love the money savings, but for me it's just too much work and not enough savings. But again, if you like the idea - go for it!
13. Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full. Another oldie but goodie.
14. Switch your Premium Cable package to Basic package and get Netflix instead.
15. You can find and print free eCards on the Internet for all holidays and any kind of occasion. You can also have your kids make their own cards for Valentine's Day, their buddies birthday parties, and holidays. Those Hallmark cards are SO expensive!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Workin' Wednesday: Kenzie Poo
This is such a cute blog for any and all things baby. I am looking for some inspirational baby rooms and LOVE what I found here. Kenzie Poo has darling ideas, fantastic photos and some really interesting thoughts. Check them out for sure!
I am madly in love with these Twitter Birds (I thought of birds on a wire) that Rachelle came across. Don't they just make you want to redecorate?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tutorial Tuesday: Cookie Costume
I am already planning out our Halloween costumes. I know, it's the mad over-achiever in me, but I figure in 8 weeks time I will have NO TIME whatsoever to plan and create something fabulous. This is one of the fun tutorials I came across. Simple, clever and cute! Enjoy it HERE.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday Moments: the Clingers
I always prided myself on how well adjusted Bryson was. He didn't mind going to the babysitter, always reached his arms out to anyone who would take him. He just figured everyone loved him as much as I did.
Now I am having to take back every thought I have ever had concerning parenting -- my child has become "the clinger".
I don't know exactly how it happened. One day he was fine, the next day he was a scaredy cat. He won't go to people, he hates being left (though he still will settle down within 10 minutes), and seems to be terrified that I won't come back.
Darn, this whole claiming his independence thing is hard.
Does anyone know how long this phase lasts? How did you deal with it? Any advice?
Now I am having to take back every thought I have ever had concerning parenting -- my child has become "the clinger".
I don't know exactly how it happened. One day he was fine, the next day he was a scaredy cat. He won't go to people, he hates being left (though he still will settle down within 10 minutes), and seems to be terrified that I won't come back.
Darn, this whole claiming his independence thing is hard.
Does anyone know how long this phase lasts? How did you deal with it? Any advice?
Friday, July 3, 2009
Contact Me
I'm working on getting my contact me button fixed, but my designer is out of town until the 5th and my internet keeps going out. If you need me, please email bobbi@mytinysweetcheeks.com
Thanks and Happy 4th!
Thanks and Happy 4th!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thrifty Thursday: Kool-Aid
That favorite, cheap past-time of a drink can actually come in handy in some areas around the home...
Color wall paints
Mix any flavor of unsweetened Kool-Aid into water-based latex paint to alter its color. Or mix unsweetened Kool-Aid with water to create your own water colors, but just remember, Kool-Aid stains can be tough to remove.
Make play makeup lip gloss
Make some tasty lip gloss for little girls playing dress-up. Let the girls pick their favorite pre-sweetened Kool-Aid flavor. Blend a package of the drink with 3 tablespoons of vegetable shortening, then microwave for one minute. Transfer to a 35 mm film canister and refrigerate overnight.
Clean your dishwasher
Is the inside of your dishwasher rusty brown? The cause is a high iron content in your water. Dump a packet of unsweetened lemonade Kool-Aid into the soap drawer and run the washer through a hot-water cycle. When you open the door, the inside will be as white as the day you bought the machine.
Clean rust from concrete
Nasty rust stains on your concrete? Mix unsweetened lemonade Kool-Aid with hot water. Scrub and the rust stain should come right out.
Color wall paints
Mix any flavor of unsweetened Kool-Aid into water-based latex paint to alter its color. Or mix unsweetened Kool-Aid with water to create your own water colors, but just remember, Kool-Aid stains can be tough to remove.
Make play makeup lip gloss
Make some tasty lip gloss for little girls playing dress-up. Let the girls pick their favorite pre-sweetened Kool-Aid flavor. Blend a package of the drink with 3 tablespoons of vegetable shortening, then microwave for one minute. Transfer to a 35 mm film canister and refrigerate overnight.
Clean your dishwasher
Is the inside of your dishwasher rusty brown? The cause is a high iron content in your water. Dump a packet of unsweetened lemonade Kool-Aid into the soap drawer and run the washer through a hot-water cycle. When you open the door, the inside will be as white as the day you bought the machine.
Clean rust from concrete
Nasty rust stains on your concrete? Mix unsweetened lemonade Kool-Aid with hot water. Scrub and the rust stain should come right out.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Freebee Friday Fourth of July Winner
...is our only entry
Elliott Mom said...
We're going to some city-sponsored 4th events - a parade and, of course, the fireworks!
Please email me with your address to claim your prize!
Elliott Mom said...
We're going to some city-sponsored 4th events - a parade and, of course, the fireworks!
Please email me with your address to claim your prize!
Workin' Wednesday: Baby Hideaway
I am very pro-nursing. I am not anti-bottle or anti-formula lest you get me wrong. Obviously I think every woman should do what is right for her and her baby. I, however, love being able to nurse. I feel a greater connection to my child and just overall really enjoyed the experience.
There are a lot of nursing covers out there, but the covers from Baby Hideaway are great! They are affordable, stylish, and I love that they come in a carrying case. They are also bigger than the name brand Hooter Hiders - and we all know that bigger, in some cases, is better.
There are tons of fabric options available - I am just partial to brown and pink. Check them out if you're in the market for a nursing cover. These also make excellent baby shower gifts - and for under $20.00!
There are a lot of nursing covers out there, but the covers from Baby Hideaway are great! They are affordable, stylish, and I love that they come in a carrying case. They are also bigger than the name brand Hooter Hiders - and we all know that bigger, in some cases, is better.
There are tons of fabric options available - I am just partial to brown and pink. Check them out if you're in the market for a nursing cover. These also make excellent baby shower gifts - and for under $20.00!
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