Stop what you're doing! I need your full attention. I have the hook up for free stuff. Okay, now you're listening.
Below are 8 promo codes for free dvd rentals at any Blockbuster Express. No membership required. They're just like redbox, except they're at most Safeway stores. The beautiful part? If you and your spouse create seperate accounts with Blockbuster Express, you could get 16 free DVD rentals! The first four codes worked. I'll try the remaining ones tomorrow. Thank you to hotbuzz.com for the heads up.
35AEMR4
46MDEB9
56EHJR7
73MLBJ6
86ZGDB4
92CMEA2
93JBHS6
94RRAP7
These are great to use as rewards for your kids' good behavior. Hurry up and go! These codes expire on 7/1/2011. Yeah, you're welcome.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Being a SAHM During the Summer
What a busy summer! Between vacations and everything else, summer is fun for the kids and exhausting for me. Trying to find activities that both a 2 year old and a 9 year old enjoy is tough . Mix that with having a tight budget, and I have quite a challenge. Below is a list of things to do when the interests are varied and money does not grow on trees:
1. Funderland, Sacramento. Funderland has great rides for both the little and big kids. Both of the boys had a fantastic time with rides that were their own speeds. There is no admission fee and coupons are readily available. Just make sure it's not 100 degrees when you go.
![]()
2. The local library. Okay, so I have not been to a library since college. It was not a place to leisurely read; the library was a place to cram for finals. As a parent, they provide opportunities for your child to fall in love with reading. I'm a little late to the party on this, but you can reserve books online, receive emails about upcoming books that are due, etc. Oh, and here's the obvious draw...free books!
They also have great events for the kids such as summer reading programs and story times. Once, Gav and I went to a story time at the EDH library. It was phenomenal! We had song time, stories, and crafts! (once again, for FREE!) This summer in EDH, the library will throw a pirate themed event, in the park, with a boat! Forget Borders, it's all about the library.
![]()
3. Swimming at the local pool. With two boys at home, it is nice to find activities that entertain and tire out the kiddos. Last summer, we frequented the Folsom Aquatic Center. For $150, we had an unlimited family pass for the whole summer. Not to mention, there are a lot of fun characters at the pool (check out my old blog entry, "Hot Fun in the Summertime")
![]()
1. Funderland, Sacramento. Funderland has great rides for both the little and big kids. Both of the boys had a fantastic time with rides that were their own speeds. There is no admission fee and coupons are readily available. Just make sure it's not 100 degrees when you go.
2. The local library. Okay, so I have not been to a library since college. It was not a place to leisurely read; the library was a place to cram for finals. As a parent, they provide opportunities for your child to fall in love with reading. I'm a little late to the party on this, but you can reserve books online, receive emails about upcoming books that are due, etc. Oh, and here's the obvious draw...free books!
They also have great events for the kids such as summer reading programs and story times. Once, Gav and I went to a story time at the EDH library. It was phenomenal! We had song time, stories, and crafts! (once again, for FREE!) This summer in EDH, the library will throw a pirate themed event, in the park, with a boat! Forget Borders, it's all about the library.
Please post any summer fun ideas for the kiddies. I could use the help.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Warm and Strange, People, Warm and Strange...
I know I should have planned ahead for this better, but I am now potty training Gavin. His cousin, who is 2 months older, wears big boy undies and Gavin wants to join the club. Up until this point, he has been resistant to all things potty. Now that he is showing interest, I'm going to strike while the iron is hot. Here's a breakdown:
Day 1- With two accidents under his belt, Gavin was feeling really good about the big boy pants. He loved the adulation he received. When he would try to use the potty and nothing came out, he would say, "It's not working." (as if his private parts were a machine, I guess).
Day 2- No accidents yet, however, I am also making him go potty every hour. I was in a rush, this morning, to get out the door. After he did his business, I quickly grabbed his seat to clean it. When I grabbed it, the seat felt warm and strange. I look down and there's poop smeared across the seat. Guess where my hand was? Not a wonderful way to start the morning. Best part, it happened again.
I know it's best to potty train when you're at home, but I'm going out of town with the boys. I hope this change of setting doesn't mess up our little bit of progress. Wish me luck.
Day 1- With two accidents under his belt, Gavin was feeling really good about the big boy pants. He loved the adulation he received. When he would try to use the potty and nothing came out, he would say, "It's not working." (as if his private parts were a machine, I guess).
Day 2- No accidents yet, however, I am also making him go potty every hour. I was in a rush, this morning, to get out the door. After he did his business, I quickly grabbed his seat to clean it. When I grabbed it, the seat felt warm and strange. I look down and there's poop smeared across the seat. Guess where my hand was? Not a wonderful way to start the morning. Best part, it happened again.
I know it's best to potty train when you're at home, but I'm going out of town with the boys. I hope this change of setting doesn't mess up our little bit of progress. Wish me luck.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Lessons Learned in Europe
I just came back from a glorious 2 weeks in Europe. Ryan and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary while cruising the Medeterranean. The food, the people, and setting blended together creating an unforgettable experience.
This trip has inspired me to constantly try new things. It is far too easy to get stuck in a rut. For me, it's clip coupons, go to the grocery store, make dinner, clean up, and repeat. Now, I realize that it is important to experience new things in order to keep it fresh.
I know everyday cannot be a vacation. However, what if I created opportunities for new experiences in my everyday life? For example, try a new running trail, order something different off the menu, or gasp, make conversation with someone new. While on vacation, I morphed into a broken record. I kept telling Ryan, "It's amazing how there's an entire world that exists outside my little bubble. I need to experience more of it." By doing so, life continues to progress as an adventure, not a mindless cycle.
Now that I'm back home, I've gained a renewed perspective on what is around me. I appreciate my kids more. I am even more thankful for my home and family. Why did I have to go to Europe to realize this?
Below are a couple highlights from my trip that brought me to this wonderful epiphany. I have a lot more pics on my FB profile. Check it out.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
This trip has inspired me to constantly try new things. It is far too easy to get stuck in a rut. For me, it's clip coupons, go to the grocery store, make dinner, clean up, and repeat. Now, I realize that it is important to experience new things in order to keep it fresh.
I know everyday cannot be a vacation. However, what if I created opportunities for new experiences in my everyday life? For example, try a new running trail, order something different off the menu, or gasp, make conversation with someone new. While on vacation, I morphed into a broken record. I kept telling Ryan, "It's amazing how there's an entire world that exists outside my little bubble. I need to experience more of it." By doing so, life continues to progress as an adventure, not a mindless cycle.
Now that I'm back home, I've gained a renewed perspective on what is around me. I appreciate my kids more. I am even more thankful for my home and family. Why did I have to go to Europe to realize this?
Below are a couple highlights from my trip that brought me to this wonderful epiphany. I have a lot more pics on my FB profile. Check it out.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Free Smiles Month- Results
I hope you had a successful month of acquiring free or close to free oral hygiene products. I received a couple donations for the cause and got a bunch of great stuff with coupons. In one month, this is what I have:
Two bottles of mouthwash
Four travel toothbrushes
Seven tubes of toothpaste
Nine toothbrushes
Nine bags of floss picks
Seventeen boxes of floss
I got all this great stuff for a grand total of $3. I apologize for not posting a picture. I took it and can't upload. My pile of goodies looked quite impressive. It will come later.
Now it's your turn. This is one of few times when bragging is encouraged. Post a list of your haul for the month. Thanks to all who participated!
On another note, I'm off to celebrate 10 years of wedded bliss with my best friend. I can't wait to eat real Italian gelato, throw coins in the Fountain of Trevi, and drive the famous Almalfi Coast. See you soon!
Two bottles of mouthwash
Four travel toothbrushes
Seven tubes of toothpaste
Nine toothbrushes
Nine bags of floss picks
Seventeen boxes of floss
I got all this great stuff for a grand total of $3. I apologize for not posting a picture. I took it and can't upload. My pile of goodies looked quite impressive. It will come later.
Now it's your turn. This is one of few times when bragging is encouraged. Post a list of your haul for the month. Thanks to all who participated!
On another note, I'm off to celebrate 10 years of wedded bliss with my best friend. I can't wait to eat real Italian gelato, throw coins in the Fountain of Trevi, and drive the famous Almalfi Coast. See you soon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)