7 years ago, I married the man I've always longed for. A man who truly understands me and loves me & accepts me for who I am, a man willing to let me be an individual w/o compromising our partnership, a man who lets me be me but does not let me get away with sh!t. A man who makes me laugh every day and never fails to tell me he loves me on a daily basis. I love you Jeramy. Happy Anniversary!
Monday, February 07, 2011
Happy 7th Anniversary!
7 years ago, I married the man I've always longed for. A man who truly understands me and loves me & accepts me for who I am, a man willing to let me be an individual w/o compromising our partnership, a man who lets me be me but does not let me get away with sh!t. A man who makes me laugh every day and never fails to tell me he loves me on a daily basis. I love you Jeramy. Happy Anniversary!
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
"Resolutions"
Now that January is over (wow, time flies fast!), I have finally compiled my list of new year's "resolutions". I know some people think it's lame to even create a list of what seems to be impossible, but I have managed to keep them every year (well MOST of them). I like having goals to work towards, it helps me accomplish things even if it means I scramble at the end of the year to get them done. But hey, procrastination is what drives me. It keeps me on my toes.
So far, I've created a list long enough to keep me busy this year. I've got lots of ideas and as we move along each month, I might just add to this list. For now, here they are!
1) LEARN TO SAY NO - I'm not saying I'm the nicest person on earth or anything because those who know me well know that's not true. LOL. But I always feel compelled to sign up for everything, go to every single event I get invited to and volunteer anytime help is needed. I feel good being able to be of service and be of importance, but in the end I just feel overwhelmed and guilty when I can't keep my end of the bargain. So this year, I vow to be a bitch...only when necessary. Just kidding, well kind of. I can't be a Scout Mom, a Soccer Mom, a Room Mom, a Mom at home, a good friend and a wife all at the same time. I've proven to myself that time is valuable and I need to set aside time for myself. I need to learn to say no. Instead of running around like a chicken with its head cut off, I can relax on my couch and sip my coffee instead.
2) BACK ON THE WAGON (again) - Every year, I hibernate for about 4 months. Winter just makes me want to cuddle in my Snuggie and eat like a pig. Every year, I gain X amount of pounds which I cuss away come January when it's time to get off the couch. BUT as I'm getting older (especially this year), I have realized it's not going to be easy anymore. I used to be able to lose most of the weight I gain those 4 months in just one month. Don't get me wrong, I work my butt off to lose the weight. These past few weeks have been an eye opener for me. I have worked my butt off to lose the weight and that scale isn't budging DOWN, it's going UP. So imagine me shock when I actually have to try even harder. Grrr. It's taking all the energy I can muster to exercise and eat healthy-er. Yeah, ok, I'm still having a few cookies and some candy, but usually, I CAN. Not so much anymore. So boo. Back on the wagon I go! South Beach Diet begins March 1, 2011. Season premiere coming soon.
3) BE MORE CRAFTY - I always used to be a lot more creative in my younger years. I used to be able to draw, knit, paint, etc. But after having kids, those all go on the wayside and well, yeah, I'm kinda rusty in the artsy department. I have all these great ideas of what I want to do this year to be more creative and it's going to be great (at least that's what I tell myself). I have done quite a few arts & crafts projects with the kiddos. Just yesterday, Isabella and I made a princess castle out of construction paper. Connor made a "dream catcher" out of old Tinkertoys. Now it's time to work on the adult versions!
4) LIVE SIMPLY - I hate to admit it but I am a bit of a hoarder. I love stuff. I can't live without it. Every single thing has its purpose in my eyes. I can't seem to find a reason to let go of things. I mean, I have gotten way better at letting go now that we live in a small house and don't have room to store things. But I still need to work on it. I can find an excuse as to why I need those 30 extra photo frames sitting in the closet in the past year. They can be GIFTS! They can be that one special thing I can give to that one special person when they have that one special event in their life! Trust me, I can come up with something for any particular item. The worst (or best) part is that I like to find bargains so Craig(slist) is my best friend. Thrift stores, yard sales, Ebay...all good friends. So you can only imagine...as I find more bargains, more stuff has to be moved around in the house (or garage) to make room for it. But this is the year I will learn to LIVE SIMPLY. That means, I need to go into that garage, into those closets and rid myself of those special stuff. Stuff I love and will sorely miss. Stuff I'm sure my husband would like to put in the burn pile. I will organize this house. I started yesterday and it's oh so NOT fun. Blah.
5) FORGIVE & REMEMBER - 2010 was a rough year for us (particularly me). With Jeramy's bad back, my Mom's heart attack, stroke & cancer, my step sister and her husband's family drama, etc. I have eaten away the stress and shopped away my sorrows. My fat ass and hefty credit card debt are proof that that isn't the best methods of dealing with your problems. I probably would have been better off paying a therapist...at least I get drugs. I can't control some of the things that happen in my life, especially when they are outside sources that are affecting me. Aside from my husband's bad back, we have dealt with so many problems not even pertaining to US. We've dealt with so many negative forces this past year. Ugh. I need to learn to forgive myself for putting myself (and my family) first and not feel guilty for not succumbing to other people's crap. This is the year I am going to stop letting people walk all over me. I need to remember how important I am too and learn to realize it's OK to be selfish sometimes. I need to keep my sanity somehow, right?
Such a short list, right? Probably the most challenging list of "resolutions" ever. A lot of soul-searching to be done this year. But it can be done, I just know it!!! It all starts with the mind and my mind says "JUST DO IT".
So far, I've created a list long enough to keep me busy this year. I've got lots of ideas and as we move along each month, I might just add to this list. For now, here they are!
1) LEARN TO SAY NO - I'm not saying I'm the nicest person on earth or anything because those who know me well know that's not true. LOL. But I always feel compelled to sign up for everything, go to every single event I get invited to and volunteer anytime help is needed. I feel good being able to be of service and be of importance, but in the end I just feel overwhelmed and guilty when I can't keep my end of the bargain. So this year, I vow to be a bitch...only when necessary. Just kidding, well kind of. I can't be a Scout Mom, a Soccer Mom, a Room Mom, a Mom at home, a good friend and a wife all at the same time. I've proven to myself that time is valuable and I need to set aside time for myself. I need to learn to say no. Instead of running around like a chicken with its head cut off, I can relax on my couch and sip my coffee instead.
2) BACK ON THE WAGON (again) - Every year, I hibernate for about 4 months. Winter just makes me want to cuddle in my Snuggie and eat like a pig. Every year, I gain X amount of pounds which I cuss away come January when it's time to get off the couch. BUT as I'm getting older (especially this year), I have realized it's not going to be easy anymore. I used to be able to lose most of the weight I gain those 4 months in just one month. Don't get me wrong, I work my butt off to lose the weight. These past few weeks have been an eye opener for me. I have worked my butt off to lose the weight and that scale isn't budging DOWN, it's going UP. So imagine me shock when I actually have to try even harder. Grrr. It's taking all the energy I can muster to exercise and eat healthy-er. Yeah, ok, I'm still having a few cookies and some candy, but usually, I CAN. Not so much anymore. So boo. Back on the wagon I go! South Beach Diet begins March 1, 2011. Season premiere coming soon.
3) BE MORE CRAFTY - I always used to be a lot more creative in my younger years. I used to be able to draw, knit, paint, etc. But after having kids, those all go on the wayside and well, yeah, I'm kinda rusty in the artsy department. I have all these great ideas of what I want to do this year to be more creative and it's going to be great (at least that's what I tell myself). I have done quite a few arts & crafts projects with the kiddos. Just yesterday, Isabella and I made a princess castle out of construction paper. Connor made a "dream catcher" out of old Tinkertoys. Now it's time to work on the adult versions!
4) LIVE SIMPLY - I hate to admit it but I am a bit of a hoarder. I love stuff. I can't live without it. Every single thing has its purpose in my eyes. I can't seem to find a reason to let go of things. I mean, I have gotten way better at letting go now that we live in a small house and don't have room to store things. But I still need to work on it. I can find an excuse as to why I need those 30 extra photo frames sitting in the closet in the past year. They can be GIFTS! They can be that one special thing I can give to that one special person when they have that one special event in their life! Trust me, I can come up with something for any particular item. The worst (or best) part is that I like to find bargains so Craig(slist) is my best friend. Thrift stores, yard sales, Ebay...all good friends. So you can only imagine...as I find more bargains, more stuff has to be moved around in the house (or garage) to make room for it. But this is the year I will learn to LIVE SIMPLY. That means, I need to go into that garage, into those closets and rid myself of those special stuff. Stuff I love and will sorely miss. Stuff I'm sure my husband would like to put in the burn pile. I will organize this house. I started yesterday and it's oh so NOT fun. Blah.
5) FORGIVE & REMEMBER - 2010 was a rough year for us (particularly me). With Jeramy's bad back, my Mom's heart attack, stroke & cancer, my step sister and her husband's family drama, etc. I have eaten away the stress and shopped away my sorrows. My fat ass and hefty credit card debt are proof that that isn't the best methods of dealing with your problems. I probably would have been better off paying a therapist...at least I get drugs. I can't control some of the things that happen in my life, especially when they are outside sources that are affecting me. Aside from my husband's bad back, we have dealt with so many problems not even pertaining to US. We've dealt with so many negative forces this past year. Ugh. I need to learn to forgive myself for putting myself (and my family) first and not feel guilty for not succumbing to other people's crap. This is the year I am going to stop letting people walk all over me. I need to remember how important I am too and learn to realize it's OK to be selfish sometimes. I need to keep my sanity somehow, right?
Such a short list, right? Probably the most challenging list of "resolutions" ever. A lot of soul-searching to be done this year. But it can be done, I just know it!!! It all starts with the mind and my mind says "JUST DO IT".
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Cultural differences in parenting...
Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior by Amy Hua is causing quite a stir. I had heard about this article days ago but had no interest in really reading it. Until I kept seeing it being re-posted over and over on Facebook, so I finally had to take a look.
Such an eye-opener. I was raised this way (we're Filipino). But growing up in Western society with an Asian mother was like playing a tug-o-war game of life. Now that I'm raising my own kids, I feel like I need to find a good balance between both and that's challenging, knowing I'm being judged. But should I care???
Such an eye-opener. I was raised this way (we're Filipino). But growing up in Western society with an Asian mother was like playing a tug-o-war game of life. Now that I'm raising my own kids, I feel like I need to find a good balance between both and that's challenging, knowing I'm being judged. But should I care???
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Money-Saving Resolutions for a Healthy Happy New Year
According to a recent survey by TD Ameritrade, the top New Year’s resolutions for 2011 reflect a new focus on quality of life. Saving money is still one of the top three resolutions though, and there are many ways to do that with just a little effort. Here are our suggestions to combine money-saving ideas with your plans to improve health, reduce stress, and have fun this year.
1. Avoid impulse shopping. Shop end of season sales. Always check for coupons for your planned purchases. That should be easy for Buxr enthusiasts, who already love coupons! Never leave the house until you’ve made a shopping list and had a chance to check out the available coupons. There will be even more savings options in 2011, as merchants offer more mobile coupons, as well as coupons loaded onto grocery store loyalty cards.
2. Lose weight and save money, too. With this plan, you can reduce your waist line and your bottom line at the same time! If you resolve to eat more healthy foods, consider eating at home more, and pay cash when shopping at the grocery store. A recent Dunn & Bradstreet study found that people who pay with credit cards spend more, and those who pay cash at the grocery store buy less junk food. Augment regular shopping with the many online offers for free samples. Frequently you’ll get full size samples, and there are plenty of opportunities to request deodorant, coffee, dog food, lotions, or detergent samples. Brown bag your lunch or take a hot meal in a thermos; brew your own coffee instead of buying expensive lattes. And when you want to eat out, you can cut dining costs with group buying deals or discounted restaurant certificates.
3. Save gasoline or find cheap fuel. The best way to save gasoline is to use public transportation. If possible, take the bus or the train to work and leave your gas guzzler in the garage. If you live too far away to take advantage of city bus services, try park-and-ride services or a carpool. If you do have to drive, find the best fuel prices in your area with Gas Buddy, Fuel Me Up, Automotive, Gas Price Watch, Mapquest Gas Prices, or the MSN Gas Station Finder.
4. Conserve energy. Turn off or unplug unused lights, appliances, computers, and other gadgets when you’re not using them and encourage your family to do the same. If you want to cut costs even more, switch your incandescent bulbs for some long-lasting, high-efficiency compact fluorescent bulbs. While you conserve energy, you’ll save on your utility bills.
5. Bank online to save time, paper, and postage.
6. Cut down on disposables, and replace them with reusable items. Repurpose old clothing and recycle jars or containers for storage. Clean out your closets to donate, swap, or sell your old clothing.
7. Quit smoking to improve your health and save on your insurance premiums, too. Insurance companies offer lower rates to nonsmokers, and you’ll save the cost of buying tobacco products.
8. Trim your expenses by canceling unused memberships and magazine subscriptions. Get your exercise by riding a bicycle or walking instead of working out at the gym. Read the news online and take advantage of free or discounted magazine subscription offers.
9. Pay down any credit card balances to save on costly interest charges. Transfer your credit card balances to a card with a lower interest rate.
10. Set a budget. If you choose a moderate plan, it will be easier to stick to it. Try a 50/30/20 budget – use 50% of your income for necessities, spend 30% for extras, and set aside 20% for savings. Some mortgage lenders allow “recasting” so you can cut your mortgage payments. If you pay a lump sum toward the principle and keep the interest rate and loan term the same, the reduction in principle can result in lower monthly payments and savings on interest. Then, with these savings you’ll be able to start an emergency fund to cover a few months’ worth of living expenses, like re! nt or mortgage payments, car payments, utilities, and food. You can compare your expenses and possible investments with Bankrate’s finance calculators.
Choose the plans that you can easily implement. By making a few small changes you can happily reach your long term goals for physical and financial health.
This blog post was kindly borrowed from Buxr.
1. Avoid impulse shopping. Shop end of season sales. Always check for coupons for your planned purchases. That should be easy for Buxr enthusiasts, who already love coupons! Never leave the house until you’ve made a shopping list and had a chance to check out the available coupons. There will be even more savings options in 2011, as merchants offer more mobile coupons, as well as coupons loaded onto grocery store loyalty cards.
2. Lose weight and save money, too. With this plan, you can reduce your waist line and your bottom line at the same time! If you resolve to eat more healthy foods, consider eating at home more, and pay cash when shopping at the grocery store. A recent Dunn & Bradstreet study found that people who pay with credit cards spend more, and those who pay cash at the grocery store buy less junk food. Augment regular shopping with the many online offers for free samples. Frequently you’ll get full size samples, and there are plenty of opportunities to request deodorant, coffee, dog food, lotions, or detergent samples. Brown bag your lunch or take a hot meal in a thermos; brew your own coffee instead of buying expensive lattes. And when you want to eat out, you can cut dining costs with group buying deals or discounted restaurant certificates.
3. Save gasoline or find cheap fuel. The best way to save gasoline is to use public transportation. If possible, take the bus or the train to work and leave your gas guzzler in the garage. If you live too far away to take advantage of city bus services, try park-and-ride services or a carpool. If you do have to drive, find the best fuel prices in your area with Gas Buddy, Fuel Me Up, Automotive, Gas Price Watch, Mapquest Gas Prices, or the MSN Gas Station Finder.
4. Conserve energy. Turn off or unplug unused lights, appliances, computers, and other gadgets when you’re not using them and encourage your family to do the same. If you want to cut costs even more, switch your incandescent bulbs for some long-lasting, high-efficiency compact fluorescent bulbs. While you conserve energy, you’ll save on your utility bills.
5. Bank online to save time, paper, and postage.
6. Cut down on disposables, and replace them with reusable items. Repurpose old clothing and recycle jars or containers for storage. Clean out your closets to donate, swap, or sell your old clothing.
7. Quit smoking to improve your health and save on your insurance premiums, too. Insurance companies offer lower rates to nonsmokers, and you’ll save the cost of buying tobacco products.
8. Trim your expenses by canceling unused memberships and magazine subscriptions. Get your exercise by riding a bicycle or walking instead of working out at the gym. Read the news online and take advantage of free or discounted magazine subscription offers.
9. Pay down any credit card balances to save on costly interest charges. Transfer your credit card balances to a card with a lower interest rate.
10. Set a budget. If you choose a moderate plan, it will be easier to stick to it. Try a 50/30/20 budget – use 50% of your income for necessities, spend 30% for extras, and set aside 20% for savings. Some mortgage lenders allow “recasting” so you can cut your mortgage payments. If you pay a lump sum toward the principle and keep the interest rate and loan term the same, the reduction in principle can result in lower monthly payments and savings on interest. Then, with these savings you’ll be able to start an emergency fund to cover a few months’ worth of living expenses, like re! nt or mortgage payments, car payments, utilities, and food. You can compare your expenses and possible investments with Bankrate’s finance calculators.
Choose the plans that you can easily implement. By making a few small changes you can happily reach your long term goals for physical and financial health.
This blog post was kindly borrowed from Buxr.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Happy New Year!!!
After this most long drawn out year, I am sooooooooooo happy that 2011 is finally here. I didn't make any resolutions this year, atleast not yet. I created some goals and hopefully I will be able to list them all in this handy dandy blog sometime soon. But in the meantime, I thought I'd share some awesome photos of our New Year's eve celebration. :)
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Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
My Deal of the Day: Walgreens
$1.00 Money-Maker on Hallmark Cards at Walgreens!
There is a great deal at Walgreens this week when you combine an in-ad coupon, with a Register Reward promo:
Hallmark Register Reward Deal
Buy 2, Receive a $2.00 Register Reward
Buy 6, Receive a $5.00 Register Reward
Here is a scenario you can follow to maximize your savings:
Buy 6 Hallmark Money Holders (reg $0.99)
Use 3/$2.00 in-ad coupon (pictured above), limit 6
Pay $4.00, Receive $5 Register Reward
Final Price: $1.00 Money-Maker!
Thanks Wild for Wags!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
My Deals of the Day: Target
I have been contemplating whether or not I should open a Target credit card. Now with 5% back every single time you shop, it's very tempting. In the past month, I have spent well over $400 and that would have been $20 back already. But is it worth it??! With a high interest rate of 21%, I would have to say a big fat no. I'm not one of those responsible ones that pay off my credit card debt at the end of each month. I wish I was though!
Anyway, I went to Target today and found some great deals that I'd like to share!
(3) Starbucks fusion 11.oz ground coffee - $6.89 each
Buy 3, get a $5 Target gift card
Used (3) $1.50 off manufacturer coupons and $1.00 off Target coupon for buying 3
$15.17 OOP (out of pocket) minus $5 Target gift card
TOTAL $10.17 for three (which makes it $3.39 each!)
Stouffer's chicken stuffing - 79 cents each
Used (1) 50 cents Target coupon
TOTAL $0.29
(2) Quaker oats instant oatmeal boxes - $2.66 each
Used (2) $2.00 off manufacturer coupons
Total $1.32 for two @ 66 cents each
(3) Quaker
Anyway, I went to Target today and found some great deals that I'd like to share!
(3) Starbucks fusion 11.oz ground coffee - $6.89 each
Buy 3, get a $5 Target gift card
Used (3) $1.50 off manufacturer coupons and $1.00 off Target coupon for buying 3
$15.17 OOP (out of pocket) minus $5 Target gift card
TOTAL $10.17 for three (which makes it $3.39 each!)
Stouffer's chicken stuffing - 79 cents each
Used (1) 50 cents Target coupon
TOTAL $0.29
(2) Quaker oats instant oatmeal boxes - $2.66 each
Used (2) $2.00 off manufacturer coupons
Total $1.32 for two @ 66 cents each
(3) Quaker
Friday, December 03, 2010
Norah Jones - "...Featuring" - Available Now
Norah Jones - "...Featuring" - Available Now
I really liked the new Norah Jones compilation CD, some very interesting duets (especially the one with her and Willie Nelson). I have always loved that "Baby, it's cold outside" song, perfect for Christmas! I do love that she mixed it up with some of the coolest hip hop artists out there. Though I don't think that it's Norah Jones' best, I liked the idea of her singing with some of the greatest artists. My favorite songs are #2 "Turn Them", #11 "Little Lou, Prophet Jack, and Ugly John, and #17 "More than This".
*I am a member of One2OneNetwork and I received this CD free as part of the Norah Jones review project.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
2010 Christmas Card
Anyway, this is what the Christmas card looked like after I was finished being "creative":
Luckily, Vistaprint.com had a lot of awesome selections to choose from. For $12.99, I ordered 50 photo cards + envelopes with free shipping. Can't beat that! EDIT: Should have waited, I found a better deal a week later at SeeHere.com. 50 cards for $4.99 w/ free shipping. Should have just gone ahead and ordered some anyway.
EDIT #2: I went ahead and ordered them! I'm a sucker for deals. Lol.
This is what that one looks like:
Humble Beginnings of SLOCM
I posted this on SLOCM's blog when I had access to it. Strangely enough, my access was removed right after I posted it. Hmmmm...
On November 9th will be officially 6 years since this moms' group has been together. When we first started on Meetup.com, it was so much easier to get to know everyone. It was so nice to be able to make friends from all over the county and hold each other accountable by calling one another to attend events and join activities. Now with over 600 members (there were over 1,000 members at one point!), it's so hard to try to get to know everyone. It makes me miss the smaller tight-knit family that was once called the Momma Bears.
After switching from Meetup.com to Yahoo Groups, the group started becoming more known so the group was growing bigger and bigger each week but it was still manageable. People from all over would still meet up and gather amongst friends. There wasn't a separation between areas or a battle among boundaries, it was just one cohesive unit of friends that seemed to genuinely like each other.
But as SLOCountyMommies became more of an online entity rather than a face-to-face encounter, a lot of that closeness dwindled and the anonymity behind the screen became prevalent as hateful posts and disrespect became a norm. It is a sad thing really, knowing so many original members have left and gone on with their lives, some filled with hatred for the group because of a minority.
I look back at the past 6 years and think how grateful I am for having met soooooo many wonderful women and families through this group. As I sit here reminiscing over some old photos, I can't help but wonder if things would have gone differently if I never joined the Mommies Network and just kept things the way they were? Would that have made a difference?
Regardless of some of the negative things I've heard about SLOCM in the past and present, I think there has been definitely been more good that has come out of it than bad. Now that the group is essentially separated by areas, it has made it easier and more convenient for all to make friends with those who live closer to them. I mean, we still have friendships in other areas, but it has definitely made it much easier to develop a friendship with those who are nearby. It's so nice to see how many friendships have formed from SLOCountyMommies and how many women's lives have changed because of it. Still to this day, people will come up to me and thank me for what I've done and it means sooooooo much to me to know that all those days filled with sweat and tears were all worth it.
As I sit here and ponder over these photos, it makes me realize how much I miss feeling like a part of something larger. My kids are too big now to attend playgroups and other events. We now have school activities, gymnastics, soccer, t-ball, cub scouts, and so many other things to keep us busy. I realize that life goes on but I sure do miss the days when Momma Bears was once a family. It wasn't just a support group, it truly was a group of wonderful women from all walks of life that came together that just truly enjoyed each other's company. Gas mileage wasn't an issue back then, it didn't matter where we had to drive, we just drove to be with our friends.
I'm no longer an active member of SLOCountyMommies but it will always have a special place in my heart. I have met some lifelong friends and have the best group of girlfriends because of it. I don't regret any thing other than the fact that I wish I had more time and energy to develop/continue some of the friendships I have made through the group. I see so many of you out there and I just kick myself for not doing MORE. I just hope to meet new friends and rekindle some old friendships along the way. I'm just glad to see that so many are happy with their families and friends. Because in the end, that's all that really matters!
On November 9th will be officially 6 years since this moms' group has been together. When we first started on Meetup.com, it was so much easier to get to know everyone. It was so nice to be able to make friends from all over the county and hold each other accountable by calling one another to attend events and join activities. Now with over 600 members (there were over 1,000 members at one point!), it's so hard to try to get to know everyone. It makes me miss the smaller tight-knit family that was once called the Momma Bears.
After switching from Meetup.com to Yahoo Groups, the group started becoming more known so the group was growing bigger and bigger each week but it was still manageable. People from all over would still meet up and gather amongst friends. There wasn't a separation between areas or a battle among boundaries, it was just one cohesive unit of friends that seemed to genuinely like each other.
But as SLOCountyMommies became more of an online entity rather than a face-to-face encounter, a lot of that closeness dwindled and the anonymity behind the screen became prevalent as hateful posts and disrespect became a norm. It is a sad thing really, knowing so many original members have left and gone on with their lives, some filled with hatred for the group because of a minority.
I look back at the past 6 years and think how grateful I am for having met soooooo many wonderful women and families through this group. As I sit here reminiscing over some old photos, I can't help but wonder if things would have gone differently if I never joined the Mommies Network and just kept things the way they were? Would that have made a difference?
Regardless of some of the negative things I've heard about SLOCM in the past and present, I think there has been definitely been more good that has come out of it than bad. Now that the group is essentially separated by areas, it has made it easier and more convenient for all to make friends with those who live closer to them. I mean, we still have friendships in other areas, but it has definitely made it much easier to develop a friendship with those who are nearby. It's so nice to see how many friendships have formed from SLOCountyMommies and how many women's lives have changed because of it. Still to this day, people will come up to me and thank me for what I've done and it means sooooooo much to me to know that all those days filled with sweat and tears were all worth it.
As I sit here and ponder over these photos, it makes me realize how much I miss feeling like a part of something larger. My kids are too big now to attend playgroups and other events. We now have school activities, gymnastics, soccer, t-ball, cub scouts, and so many other things to keep us busy. I realize that life goes on but I sure do miss the days when Momma Bears was once a family. It wasn't just a support group, it truly was a group of wonderful women from all walks of life that came together that just truly enjoyed each other's company. Gas mileage wasn't an issue back then, it didn't matter where we had to drive, we just drove to be with our friends.
I'm no longer an active member of SLOCountyMommies but it will always have a special place in my heart. I have met some lifelong friends and have the best group of girlfriends because of it. I don't regret any thing other than the fact that I wish I had more time and energy to develop/continue some of the friendships I have made through the group. I see so many of you out there and I just kick myself for not doing MORE. I just hope to meet new friends and rekindle some old friendships along the way. I'm just glad to see that so many are happy with their families and friends. Because in the end, that's all that really matters!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Black Friday Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips on how to make Black Friday a sucess!
- Research the weekly ads on GottaDeal.com or BFads.net and start looking for the things you want to buy and make a list of brand names, model names, prices and stores they are being offered at (including opening times and when doorbusters end).
- When the ads come out in the paper (usually the day before Thanksgiving), go through each ad and circle the items you would like to buy with a bold marker. Make your shopping list!
- If the store has a price adjustment policy, it would be smart to buy the items on the day before Thanksgiving and just get the price adjustments done on Black Friday or just make sure to get the price adjustments on the days the prices are good for. I shopped at Target from 8 pm until 11 pm on Wednesday and purchased all the items that were listed in the Black Friday ad. As long as the items are not doorbusters, you can get the prices adjusted. I went up to the Customer Service desk on Black Friday morning and received $60 back just in price adjustments!!!
- If the store has a price match policy, then you can do one-stop shopping at that particular store. All you need is to have the original ad from the competitive stores with you and point out each item to the cashier as you check out. They will match the price right then and there! Some stores require you to go to the Customer Service desk, Target does not. I also shop from other stores' ads while shopping at Target and hope that they have the same exact item! As long as it's not a limited time sale (ex: early bird specials, doorbusters, available between 4 am and noon, etc) then you can price-match other stores! It's an awesome way to get the deals other stores are offering without having to drive all over the place.
- Don't forget to use coupons if you have any!!! I go into each store (that takes coupons) armed with my coupon binder, tote bags and all the weekly ads from all the stores. Search for coupons online prior to shopping and print them all out then take that along with your shopping list!
- Make sure you go shopping with people that have the same agenda as you. There's nothing worse than shopping with someone on Black Friday that is ready to move on to the next store when you're not. Make sure to work out a map of all the stores you would like to go to days before just to make sure you're on the same page.
- Use a credit card that is a rewards card. Christmas shopping is a great way to accumulate points to exchange for rewards! It's even better if it has a great interest rate. I use my Citi Mastercard that has a 0% interest rate until April 2011 and I also rack up points each time I use it.
- Make sure to browse for sales online as soon as Black Friday ads get leaked. If you find a better price than what's available on the ads, buy them right away! It's a lot better to shop from home than having to stand in line at the store. Always look for free shipping, promotional offers, coupon codes, etc. There are plenty of sites you can use to find these. I just google what I want (actually I use swagbucks.com) and I usually find what I'm looking for.
- If you are going to purchase items online, make sure to use cash back sites like Ebates.com, Fatwallet.com or Shopathome.com! Cash back sites usually offer double cash back or better on Black Friday!
- Be sure to get plenty of sleep, bring snacks and water for your shopping trip and get everything packed in the car the night before so you can make sure not to forget something in the wee hours of the morning. Drink coffee!
- HAVE FUN!!!
Black Friday 2010
Has it really been exactly a year since I last wrote in here? What a coincidence that I would post about Black Friday again. Actually, I have been thinking of posting in here for quite some time now. Originally, I started my blog to be able to just keep in touch with friends and family. Then I realized what a great concept it really is, a diary online, to keep track of all the wonderful (and not so wonderful) memories. It has been too long since I've updated this thing. So much for keeping friends/family up to date huh? Thank goodness for Facebook! Lol.
So here we are again, exactly one year later, talking about Black Friday. You know, when I started shopping on Black Friday a few years ago, I considered it a "special" shopping event. Now with stores opening on Thanksgiving Day, most having opening times of 3 or 4 or 5 am, and with deals being offered online basically all week long leading up to Black Friday...what's the point of going out on Black Friday anymore? I found that some of the best deals were offered days prior to Black Friday and I was sure glad that I took advantage of those deals while they were available. I just couldn't imagine camping on Thanksgiving night to fall in line for something that the store only has a limited quantity of (like 6 total!).
This year, I went out with Corinne again and her sister Tiff. We didn't even head out until 8 am and luckily, the stores weren't jam-packed crazy like we were expecting. The employees said that most of the craziness happened right when the stores opened so I guess that's one good thing about them opening so damn early. We ended up going to Target first and I was really surprised to see so many of the doorbusters still available. I don't know if it's due to economic hardships or what, but there simply weren't as many shoppers as prior years. Let's put it this way, we were able to park right in front of the store! We usually have to park way back in BFE at Target. Thank the Lord for 4 am opening time, I guess.
We only went to a few stores and I would have loved to keep shopping but there was just no way I could keep going. I was just too tired...and well I didn't really want to spend any more money. The best part about Black Friday honestly is just Corinne and I continuing our tradition. :)
Thankfully, my shopping list is always cut short due to Black Friday. I am able to find some awesome deals and leave the rest to shopping online. I only have 2 more people to shop for and I am done! Woo hoo! I even wrapped 90% of the gifts already. Yeah I know, I rock. Hopefully Cyber Monday will offer some great deals and the websites all don't crash like they usually do. As much as I love to shop, I just hate it when you fill your shopping cart online with all of what I think are super steals, only to have the website crash at the end and lose some of the items in the cart! Crossing my fingers!!
So here we are again, exactly one year later, talking about Black Friday. You know, when I started shopping on Black Friday a few years ago, I considered it a "special" shopping event. Now with stores opening on Thanksgiving Day, most having opening times of 3 or 4 or 5 am, and with deals being offered online basically all week long leading up to Black Friday...what's the point of going out on Black Friday anymore? I found that some of the best deals were offered days prior to Black Friday and I was sure glad that I took advantage of those deals while they were available. I just couldn't imagine camping on Thanksgiving night to fall in line for something that the store only has a limited quantity of (like 6 total!).
This year, I went out with Corinne again and her sister Tiff. We didn't even head out until 8 am and luckily, the stores weren't jam-packed crazy like we were expecting. The employees said that most of the craziness happened right when the stores opened so I guess that's one good thing about them opening so damn early. We ended up going to Target first and I was really surprised to see so many of the doorbusters still available. I don't know if it's due to economic hardships or what, but there simply weren't as many shoppers as prior years. Let's put it this way, we were able to park right in front of the store! We usually have to park way back in BFE at Target. Thank the Lord for 4 am opening time, I guess.
We only went to a few stores and I would have loved to keep shopping but there was just no way I could keep going. I was just too tired...and well I didn't really want to spend any more money. The best part about Black Friday honestly is just Corinne and I continuing our tradition. :)
Thankfully, my shopping list is always cut short due to Black Friday. I am able to find some awesome deals and leave the rest to shopping online. I only have 2 more people to shop for and I am done! Woo hoo! I even wrapped 90% of the gifts already. Yeah I know, I rock. Hopefully Cyber Monday will offer some great deals and the websites all don't crash like they usually do. As much as I love to shop, I just hate it when you fill your shopping cart online with all of what I think are super steals, only to have the website crash at the end and lose some of the items in the cart! Crossing my fingers!!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Black Friday is so fun! (NOT)
Every year, thousands upon thousands line up outside the retail big box giants like Best Buy, Costco, Old Navy, etc hours before the store even opens. But with more & more deals being offered online a few days or hours before "doorbusters" are even offered at the store, then what's the big hype about lining up before the 5 am opening time??? Is it the adrenaline rush you get from getting one of the best "limited quantity" deals or do you just like getting trampled by masses of strangers?
I admit, I am one of the Black Friday crazies that gets up super early to try to snag one of those deals. For the past two years, my best friend and I would leave our house before the crack of dawn and attempt to find everything on our list before the dreaded end of the doorbuster specials. This is one of the many traditions we have created for ourselves but unfortunately this year, she had to go to a wedding so I was left to confront the masses on my own.
However, I purchased many of the doorbuster specials online early on and didn't have to show up with the other crazies bright and early at those big box stores. I was really tempted to go to the 3 am opening at Old Navy, considering I'm still up most nights (or mornings) at that time. But I decided to sleep in (YAY!) and head out instead at a decent hour (9:30 am). To my dismay, ofcourse, a lot of the best deals were already out of stock and after standing in line at the 2nd store I went to (Kohl's) for almost an hour...I was DONE.
The best part was that I made it home just in time to purchase some of the specials online! With Bing cashback or Ebates, coupon codes, free shipping and the convenience of not having to deal with the crowds...I think overall that my experience shopping online was far better than having to go to the stores. But even with all my frustrations waiting in line (I just don't have the patience for it), my best friend and I will continue our tradition next year. :)
Any other Black Friday crazies out there?
I admit, I am one of the Black Friday crazies that gets up super early to try to snag one of those deals. For the past two years, my best friend and I would leave our house before the crack of dawn and attempt to find everything on our list before the dreaded end of the doorbuster specials. This is one of the many traditions we have created for ourselves but unfortunately this year, she had to go to a wedding so I was left to confront the masses on my own.
However, I purchased many of the doorbuster specials online early on and didn't have to show up with the other crazies bright and early at those big box stores. I was really tempted to go to the 3 am opening at Old Navy, considering I'm still up most nights (or mornings) at that time. But I decided to sleep in (YAY!) and head out instead at a decent hour (9:30 am). To my dismay, ofcourse, a lot of the best deals were already out of stock and after standing in line at the 2nd store I went to (Kohl's) for almost an hour...I was DONE.
The best part was that I made it home just in time to purchase some of the specials online! With Bing cashback or Ebates, coupon codes, free shipping and the convenience of not having to deal with the crowds...I think overall that my experience shopping online was far better than having to go to the stores. But even with all my frustrations waiting in line (I just don't have the patience for it), my best friend and I will continue our tradition next year. :)
Any other Black Friday crazies out there?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Back to my "roots"...
Maybe I'm crazy for signing up to do the blog for SLOCountyMommies (SLOCM) but I am actually pretty excited about it. I know I have a hard enough time to keep up with this one, but I just needed something else to keep my mind stimulated. I love to write but just never have a chance to do so. I am hoping that the SLOCM blog will keep me motivated. :)
Check out my debut:
http://slocountymommies.blogspot.com/
Check out my debut:
http://slocountymommies.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Seriously???
Read this 1st:
http://www.mybottlesup.com/tsa-agents-took-my-son/
Then this:
http://www.tsa.gov/blog/2009/10/response-to-tsa-agents-took-my-son.html
My good friend's Jenn's blog post in response to this:
http://jennnster.blogspot.com/
It's insane that this woman would make such a story up. I mean, it's quite clear that her baby was NOT taken away. Was this woman hoping she could lie about it, get people to validate her emotions, rally up support...in hopes to sue TSA and get $$$? I mean, obviously, she did not realize that TSA was going to respond with real-time videos. I can understand being frustrated from having to wait, being humiliated while being searched, worrying about missing your flight, etc. But why lie about having your baby taken away from you?! It's obvious her baby was there the whole time. Mental issues maybe? I don't know...
My friend is right. It makes you think twice about reading blogs & such. I mean, I have a blog and I couldn't even fathom writing false stories about my life on my blog. Really, how could that even cross anyone's mind? It's like saying "Dear Diary, be prepared to 'hear' my story, real or not, it's not like you know the difference". Maybe when this Nic woman reads her blog today, it just makes it even more real now because she's read it somewhere. LOL. Ok, sorry, that was being insensitive. But seriously??
Then again, I know people personally who make stuff up in their head and think that it's all real. Yes, it's real in THEIR minds, but everyone else knows the truth (hello, it's called REALITY). Who knows, maybe I'm the one leading a fictitious life?
Anyway, I am curious though to see this woman's response. It'll sure be interesting!
On a side note...such horrible "customer service" TSA!!!
http://www.mybottlesup.com/tsa-agents-took-my-son/
Then this:
http://www.tsa.gov/blog/2009/10/response-to-tsa-agents-took-my-son.html
My good friend's Jenn's blog post in response to this:
http://jennnster.blogspot.com/
It's insane that this woman would make such a story up. I mean, it's quite clear that her baby was NOT taken away. Was this woman hoping she could lie about it, get people to validate her emotions, rally up support...in hopes to sue TSA and get $$$? I mean, obviously, she did not realize that TSA was going to respond with real-time videos. I can understand being frustrated from having to wait, being humiliated while being searched, worrying about missing your flight, etc. But why lie about having your baby taken away from you?! It's obvious her baby was there the whole time. Mental issues maybe? I don't know...
My friend is right. It makes you think twice about reading blogs & such. I mean, I have a blog and I couldn't even fathom writing false stories about my life on my blog. Really, how could that even cross anyone's mind? It's like saying "Dear Diary, be prepared to 'hear' my story, real or not, it's not like you know the difference". Maybe when this Nic woman reads her blog today, it just makes it even more real now because she's read it somewhere. LOL. Ok, sorry, that was being insensitive. But seriously??
Then again, I know people personally who make stuff up in their head and think that it's all real. Yes, it's real in THEIR minds, but everyone else knows the truth (hello, it's called REALITY). Who knows, maybe I'm the one leading a fictitious life?
Anyway, I am curious though to see this woman's response. It'll sure be interesting!
On a side note...such horrible "customer service" TSA!!!
Joshua Bell At Home With Friends
This would have been a great CD to listen to during my college days. I used to listen to Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Strauss, etc while I studied and just to relax after a full day. Joshua Bell's "At Home With Friends" is a great compilation of music with some great artists. "Come Again" with Sting is such a beautiful song. I can already imagine it in a soundtrack of a movie. Joshua Bell is such an amazing violinist. He incorporates such emotion into his music and it just moves you. #8 is such a beautiful song, it touches your soul. This would make a great CD to play while drinking wine and relaxing with friends. Overall, it's all beautiful music!
(Review posted on Amazon.com, Borders.com and BN.com as Megaland)
*Thank you so much again One2OneNetwork for giving me the opportunity to listen to this CD for FREE!!!
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