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Frugal Novice

Saving Money on Eyewear

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When you’ve got kids, it quickly becomes apparent how many things they need. Of course you’ve got things like clothes and shoes (which they outgrow SO quickly), and then as they get older more things come into play – backpacks, school supplies, and in many cases, eyeglasses.

Brian has pretty horrible vision and I have a lazy eye (20/20 in my left eye, but horrible vision in my right) so we feel like it’s pretty inevitable that at least one of our kids will need glasses in the future. Thankfully now they have a ton of really cute kids’ styles available that make wearing glasses not bad at all!

Of course, aside from the style aspect, the biggest drawback of glasses can often be the cost. I can remember the first pair of glasses I purchased on my own, and being shocked at the cost of $300+. That’s a lot with even just one child, but it can be completely unrealistic for families with multiple children.

My favorite tip for saving money on glasses is to shop online. When you go to a physical store, they’re often counting on the fact that you haven’t done your research and will go with their prices. Shopping online gives you an easy way to compare prices without having to do all the legwork of driving around town.  Sites like Glasses.com provide you value and style with the click of a mouse. For instance, on their site you’ll get free shipping on all orders (so not only are you not spending money on gas, you’re not having an extra expense of shipping either), a price match guarantee, and a new sales page that shows which frames are currently on sale.

I thought this was worth sharing because very often I’ll think to shop online for gifts, for books, for electronics and even for baby gear lately! But with necessities like glasses sometimes I think I’m inclined to think of shopping in a brick & mortar store. It’s definitely worthwhile to spend a little time online and find the deals for things you and your family need!

 

How Do You Prepare?

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Living in Texas, we definitely have our fair share of natural disasters – tornadoes tend to be what we deal with. Around the country different areas have different threats they deal with – earthquakes, hurricanes, etc. – and we’ve all seen the devastation these can bring.

It made me think – how do you prepare for something like that happening? We’re probably not as prepared as we should be. I know some people go all out and stock up on food from places like foodstoragedepot.com so that they’re all set for an extended period of time. Some people have emergency kits, and some people have backup generators. Do you do anything to prepare for a natural disaster?

Taking a Stress-Free Family Holiday

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Traveling with kids isn’t always the most enjoyable of experiences. It can be trying on the nerves of even the most patient of parents. When the children are whining, crying, tired, and hungry there is no chance that anyone is going to have a good time. The good news is though that it doesn’t have to be this way! With a little early planning and choosing your holiday carefully you can up your chances of having a family holiday filled with happy memories that last a lifetime.

What then are these magical travel tips? Well, the travel experts at Sykes Cottages have compiled five handy ideas that can help to alleviate the cost and stress of a family holiday.

  1. If you are going to need to travel any length by either car or airplane consider organizing the trip for overnight when the kids would normally be asleep. Have some dinner, get them in their pj’s and set them up in the back of the car or in an airplane seat for a nice long sleep.
  2. Always make sure to leave yourself more than enough time to get to your destination so that you aren’t feeling rushed. This is especially important if you are flying because there are few things worse than trying to run through an airport with a small child – this is not a good way to start your holiday!
  3. Consider staying in a holiday cottage rather than a hotel room. Not only is it generally cheaper, but you will also have more space and privacy and no worries that the noisy people in the hallway will wake the baby at 3am. You’ll also be able to cook your own meals in a fully-equipped kitchen, which can save you an unbelievable amount of money. To see the kind of self-catering holiday cottages that are available in the UK and Ireland visit http://www.sykescottages.co.uk.
  4. Everyone knows that kids don’t like to have their schedule changed and few things upset the routine worse than travel. While you can’t keep everything the same, trying to keep meal times and sleep schedules similar to at home is best for everyone.
  5. Make sure to have some activities organized in advanced so that you can get the best out of every day. If you end up with a rainy afternoon you want to make sure that you know what is around so you aren’t just stuck inside. Visiting attraction websites in advance can also save you some money by buying discounted advanced tickets, which often allow you to skip the line-up and head straight in. It’s a win win situation, really!

Photo from:  FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

Caboose Too Adds Even More Versatility to the Joovy Caboose Stroller

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Since we’re about to have three kids, the Joovy Caboose Ultralight stroller was extremely appealing to us. We love the bench seat in the back that’s perfect for older kids to sit on when they need a rest, and it also has a foot rest so kids can stand too if they prefer.  Here you can see the boys trying out the stroller – the canopy covers both kids well at once.

I know from experience that traditional double strollers are HEAVY – the one we had when C was a baby weighed in at 40 pounds. The Joovy Caboose Ultralight weighs just 21 pounds, which makes it so much easier for loading and unloading in the car, and for maneuvering around.  And can we talk about the awesome colors? We picked the “Greenie” pictured above, but they also have Blueberry, Orangie, Brownie and Black.

The Caboose comes with a car seat adapter, allowing you to use it with most infant car seats and still have the added bonus of the bench seat.

Did you notice something in the photo with the car seat above? That’s right…. there’s not just the bench seat in the photo – now there’s an option to purchase a full-sized second seat – the Caboose Too! And we got the chance to try it out. This accessory converts your tandem Caboose to a full double stroller really quickly (it seriously only took me 5 minutes maybe to add the seat). It installs easily onto the existing rear platform and stroller frame, and it reclines and includes a 5-point harness, just like the front seat.  The Caboose Too seat offers additional support and comfort for children still too young to use the bench seat and the standing platform of the Caboose. This configuration offers the flexibility to use the seat until the older child reaches the point where they want to sit or stand on the back of the Caboose.

Since our baby isn’t due until September, we tried out the seat with our boys – J is almost 40 pounds and C is 35 pounds, so they can still use the stroller together (instructions suggest a maximum of 90 pounds of weight combined). C loved sitting in the seat and said he had plenty of room!

I also liked that it’s easy to see through from front to back (and vice versa). It was easy for J to turn around and talk to C, and C was able to get a good view of what was in front of us even with being in the back seat.

We are thoroughly impressed with the Caboose Ultralight and love the added value of having a second full seat with the Caboose Too. It’s a compact, sleek-looking stroller that’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and versatile. Check out Joovy’s site to see all of the color options!

Note: We received a Joovy Caboose Ultralight and Caboose Too seat to facilitate this review. I was not compensated monetarily for this post. All opinions are honest and are my own.

Take a Sunny Stroll with Tiny Love {Giveaway}

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I think most parents can relate to a situation in which you’re driving in the car, or are out running errands, and your baby starts to get fussy. For us, having toys to entertain the boys was essential for helping us survive outings successfully. But it’s not always easy to remember to bring toys along – unless, like the Sunny Stroll from Tiny Love, it attaches right to your infant carrier!

The Sunny Stroll, a ?exible feature-?lled arch that attaches to a stroller, has been an especially big hit with moms, including actress Selma Blair, who was pictured in US Magazine pushing her son’s stroller with the Sunny Stroll attached. The Tiny Princess Butter?y Stroll is the follow-up version to this innovative product, so you can have it in pink too!

I love this product – first of all, the flexible joints give you all sorts of options as to how to configure the toy, AND they make it really easy to make it compact when you’re not using it. But the best part is the clamps. You can easily attach them to almost any stroller or car seat, giving you ultimate versatility.

Both versions of the Sunny Stroll retail for $19.99, making this an affordable item to get for your child or as a gift for someone else!

Of course… you could also win one here. :)

One winner will get their choice of the Sunny Stroll in either the version I have, or the Tiny Princess version! This contest is open to all U.S. residents aged 18+. Entries will be accepted until the end of the day (midnight Central) Tuesday, August 21. By entering this giveaway you agree to the Official Rules.

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners – Blooming Bath, Carter’s Watch the Wear, & Contours Stroller

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Here’s the latest batch of winners! Congrats, ladies!

Blooming Bath Winner:

Carter’s Watch the Wear Winners:

Contours Stroller Winner:

Wear Your Baby Easily Right from the Start with the ErgoBaby Bundle of Joy {Giveaway!}

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When babies are first born, they’re near you virtually all of the time. When my first son was born, it was really easy to hold him all the time because there were no distractions around! When our second son was born, we quickly realized it was a different ball game. I needed to be able to attend to our older son AND hold C, which was sometimes pretty impossible. And now that our daughter’s due date is right around the corner, the importance of having a great carrier is pretty pressing!

I asked around in all my mom circles for which carrier I should get, and the resounding answer was almost always the Ergobaby. The Ergobaby carrier is designed to be as comfortable for you as it is for your baby. It distributes your baby’s weight evenly across your hips and shoulders so you can enjoy being close to your baby while having your hands free. It can be worn in the front, back or hip position, and supports babies up to 45 lbs., and infants 7-12 lbs. with the use of the Infant Insert. In the past you would purchase the carrier and the insert separately, but now Ergobaby has packaged the two together in the appropriately-named Bundle of Joy, available in four colors:

We got to review the set and went with the Galaxy Grey, although I would’ve been happy with any of the four – I like that they’re all nice and neutral.We apparently picked the “right” color, though – the boys love the stars on it.

 

My friend Amanda tried it out and modeled for a picture with her sweet daughter Rea:

And of course I took photos of all the features for you to see for yourself. I can definitely see why this carrier is rated as one of the best among moms! Here are some of the aspects I love:

• Padded straps. These are incredibly comfortable to wear.

• Zippered pouch on the front – perfect for keys, cell phone, or a few other essentials while you’re out.

• The Infant Insert – of course, this is the key factor of the Bundle of Joy set. I love the coordinating fabric and the fact that it’ll allow us to wear the baby and keep her cozy right from the start (7 lbs. +).

• Back and waist clips – it’s great to have both of these both for easier wear and for security.

• Built-in hood. Whether you’re shading your baby from the sun or from the wind, this is a great feature to have (and it tucks neatly away in a provided pocket when you’re not using it).

• Quality of fabrics. This is sturdy, yet soft, material – and the embroidered stars are really well-done! I love that they offer organic fabrics as well.

I know we will use our Ergobaby a ton and am already looking forward to having it for the cooler months! Would you love to have an Ergobaby? Well you can purchase their Bundle of Joy (or any of their other great products) here and you can enter to win one here and now!

One winner will get to pick their choice of Bundle of Joy sets! This contest is open to all U.S. residents aged 18+. Entries will be accepted until the end of the day (midnight Central) Monday, August 27. By entering this giveaway you agree to the Official Rules.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: I received an Ergobaby Bundle of Joy to review and one is being provided for the giveaway. I was not compensated monetarily for this post. All opinions are honest and are my own.

Scott Shared Values Campaign – Great Way to Get Free Coupons & Rewards!

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I love coupons and bargains, as anyone who knows me can tell you. And I love reward programs because I’m already making purchases anyway, so earning rewards for those purchases is like icing on the cake for me!

Scott is a brand we’ve purchased for years, and I’m thrilled that they’re working to give back to consumers with this program. It’s simple to sign up, and you get a coupon right away (which you can increase the value of by sharing it with friends – great, right?).

You can also earn some great prizes such as free amusement park tickets, 3 free Blockbuster Total Access rentals, Hertz Rental Car discounts and more.

There will also be NEW coupons on the website each month so you can save on Scott products every month! For example, when you sign up you get a 75 cent coupon that you can easily change into a $1.25  coupon.

I hope you’ll sign up for this great program – start saving $ and earning rewards today! Signing up seriously takes maybe a minute and it’s SO easy to get started.To make it even easier here’s a widget to sign up right here and now:

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Scott. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating and am able to earn additional rewards throughout the campaign.

5 Fantastic Sleep Tips for Pregnant Women

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It’s a, well, uncomfortable fact that most women have trouble sleeping during their pregnancy. Studies show that nearly 78 percent of pregnant women suffer from insomnia. Frequent trips to the bathroom, leg cramps, baby kicks, discomfort and heartburn can all lead to restless nights and exhausted mornings.

In addition to physical discomfort, many women are anxious or excited about becoming a mother, which can also make it difficult to relax and fall asleep.

The good news is that there are five easy changes that any woman can make to improve their sleep quantity and quality during pregnancy.

Go to bed around the same time every night

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is one of the most important things that women can do to sleep well during pregnancy. Women should try to go to bed and get up around the same time every day. This allows the body to become accustomed to a regular bedtime.

Exercise

Regular exercise can make it easier for a pregnant woman to fall asleep. Exercise helps improve circulation and prevent nighttime leg cramps. However, women should avoid exercising late in the day. Late evening exercise can make it more difficult for a woman to fall asleep. Of course, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor to see what level of activity is healthy for you and your baby.

Be cautious about your diet

Foods that are very high in sugar and caffeine have a tendency to induce insomnia. The consumption of these types of foods should be limited. Women should make sure that they are eating a nutritious diet because that not only helps promote restful sleep, but it also provides nourishment for the growing baby. Oats, bananas, yogurt and fortified cereals are examples of foods that can help a woman sleep better.

Reduce stress

Stress can make it difficult for anyone to fall asleep; however, stress can have more serious effects on a pregnancy. Studies show that very high levels of stress may contribute to an increased risk of premature delivery or low birth weight in babies. More studies suggest that overly high stress levels can increase your heart rate, blood pressure and produce chronic anxiety. None of these side effects are good for your baby. That’s why pregnant women need to make sure that they keep their stress level in check. Physical activity, meditation, yoga or simply talking to a friend family member or counselor are all great ways to reduce stress.

Create a Relaxing Sleep Environment

Anyone who has been pregnant can tell you how uncomfortable it can be. If the environment you are trying to sleep in is also uncomfortable, this can lead to serious problems falling asleep. Make sure your bedroom feels like a place of sanctuary where you can focus on getting rest for you and your baby. Be sure that your bedding and mattress is comfortable and conducive to a restful night’s sleep. Try online shopping networks like ShopNBC to find a huge selection of quality bedding and mattresses, such as the world renowned Serta mattress.

Getting a full night’s sleep is important for anyone, especially for those about to bring new life into the world. Rest is essential for a healthy and happy pregnancy. If you follow these simple suggestions, you will be on your way to a great night’s sleep.

This is a guest post contributed by Leslie Silver, a frequent women’s health writer and proponent of a great night’s sleep!

SwimWays Spring Float {Giveaway!}

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Is it as hot where you live as it is here? With temperatures hitting triple digits on a regular basis, everyone I know is looking for ways to cool off – and of course, hitting the pool is one of the best options!

SwimWays has all sorts of fun accessories that make swimming & relaxing in the pool an even better experience – and their popular Spring Float is one that is versatile and easy to use.

  • With it’s patented spring technology, the Spring Float opens and closes instantly, allowing for quick set-up and easy folding for storage and transport in the included mesh carry bag.

 

  • A Jet Valve allows for easy inflation/deflation.
  • Soothing mesh cradles body contours in total comfort.
  • 66″ x 40″ lounge is the perfect size for everyone.
  • Available in a variety of styles and colors.

The Spring Float is available in a variety of styles and colors, including blue/aqua, white/aqua, pink/blue and aqua/blue so that you can choose which combination fits you best! The float retails for $29.95.

To see more about the Spring Float, check out this video:

One lucky winner will get their own SwimWays Spring Float!  This contest is open to all U.S. residents aged 18+. Entries will be accepted until the end of the day (midnight Central) Monday, August 13. By entering this giveaway you agree to the Official Rules.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Who, Why, What, Where, When to Learning English

Most of you that read my blog probably speak English as your first language. There are quite a few readers that come from different parts of the world and might not be native English speakers. I know I went to graduate school with several people from other countries, including a good friend from China and one from India. I hope information in this guest post will be helpful for those who do need to learn English!

Who takes the PTE Academic test?
The Pearson Test of English Academic (also known as the PTE Academic exam) is a computer-based, advanced English language proficiency exam. Administered by Pearson Language Tests, it is most widely used as an admissions test for English-language higher education programs. The exam is, at its core, designed to evaluate and certify the ability of non-native English speakers to participate in an English language courses at the university level. As a result, the exam is primarily taken by non-native English language students who are about to enter an English-speaking academic program.

Why should you take the PTE Academic exam?
The PTE Academic test was created with higher education institutions and their non-native students in mind. As the exam is calibrated to such a high standard, it is also aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference (or CEFR) and can certify candidates with English speaking abilities ranging from B1 to C2. As a result, in addition to being widely accepted as an approved certification of English proficiency by colleges and universities around the world, it is used by the UK Border Agency for Tier 4 (student visa) applications and considered the preferred test of the Graduate Management Admissions Council.

Importantly, as a computer based-exam, candidates can take the test with as little as 24-48 hours of advance notice. Also, because it is a computer-based exam, applicants can take the exam at one of the many Pearson Language Test certified testing centers around the world.

What exactly is the PTE Academic test like and what can I expect to see on it?
The PTE Academic is a computer-based test comprised of 20 different question types over four sections. Which four distinct sections are listed below, tasks often measure two skills at the same time. For example, a question may involve both listening and reading or reading and speaking rather than each part individually. Moreover, although the length of each section can vary, the PTE Academic exam is always 3 hours long. Because the timing for each section can vary, when the time is up on one section, the test automatically proceed to the next section. One preliminary section, provided as a warm-up exercise, is always included. This untimed personal introduction section is recorded but not graded.

The remainder of the tasks are divided into 3 general sections:

  • Speaking and writing, which can last from 77 to 93 minutes;
  • Reading comprehension, which can last from 32 to 41 minutes; and
  • Listening, which can last 45 – 57 minutes.

Throughout the exam, the PTE Academic uses real-life, academic-oriented situations. For example, Reading passages may include excerpts from textbooks or other aspects of student life. Likewise, listening passages may be reproductions of lectures or even recordings of actual speech samples collected from working university classrooms.

As a computer-based exam, results are available by e-mail in as little as five days. Scores are provided on a scale from 10-90, with scores below 43 considered insufficient to certify English proficiency for an academic setting and score above 84 considered exceptional. Scores between 43 and 84 are recognized the UK Border Agency and also correspond to the following CEFR scores:

PTE Academic Score         CEFR Score
43-58                                           B1
59-75                                           B2
76-84                                           C1

Where and When can you take the PTE Academic exam?
The PTE Academic test is available at many of the Pearson test centers operated around the world. Registration for the test is available online up to 48 hours in advance but up to 24 hours in advance by phone (and all phone inquiries should be made to the Pearson directly). Times and dates vary by location.

Fruit-Tea Smoothies Recipe

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We’re big tea drinkers in our house. Pure Leaf Tea is a bottled tea with a fresh brewed taste – it’s great on its own but also provides a base for adding to it and making your own fun summer drinks to have for guests.

We decided to try out the tea on its own first to see what we thought – it really does taste fresh and is delicious over ice. Brian liked the unsweetened kind best, and my favorite (of course) was the sweet tea.

If you’re looking for a great summer drink to have when guests come over, be sure and check out the Pure Leaf Facebook page for tons of great recipe ideas! We decided to try mixing juice with unsweet tea, which added some fruitiness and sweetness to it and was very fresh and light – perfect for summer!

Here’s a recipe I think sounds SOOOO good, created by Gail Simmons (judge on one of our favorite shows, Top Chef):

FRUIT-TEA SMOOTHIES

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • 16 ounces Pure Leaf Iced Tea with Lemon or Pure Leaf Unsweetened Iced Tea, chilled
  • 2 cups frozen strawberries
  • 1 cup fat free vanilla ice cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

In blender, process all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately in tall glasses and garnish, if desired, with fresh strawberries.

What kind of drink would you like to make with Pure Leaf Tea? I’d love to hear your favorite recipe – it’s HOT here in Texas and we can always use another way to stay cool & refreshed!

Note: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Lipton Pure Leaf. I received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for participating.