Great News for Military Families: Spouse Residency Relief Act

This may not be a big deal to some spouses but in our family it is!  The Military Spouse Residency Relief Act was passed by Congress last week and is awaiting the President's signature.  Every time we move, I have to claim residency wherever we live, pay taxes, vote, etc while my husband continues to claim Texas (which has no income tax).  This is a pain especially with taxes since I have to fill out a state form wherever we reside.  Here's the press release:

Washington, DC –Tuesday, November 3, 2009. A comprehensive military family legislation, the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (S 475 and HR 1182), which will legally recognize military spouses by providing them the option to claim the same state of domicile as their active duty spouse, passed through the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support, and is now being brought before the President to become a law.

The bill was introduced by Congressman John Carter (R-TX), who represents Fort Hood, the largest military installation in the country. “This is fantastic news for our service families worldwide,” says Carter, who has been pushing the legislation for the last three years.

Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced the companion bill into the Senate, which passed unanimously in August. The legislation will amend the Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act (SCRA) of 1940 allowing military spouses to share a home state with their spouse, the service member.

Way to go in supporting our military!!!

Free 6 Piece Edible Arrangements Coupon Up For Grabs: Gone to Shawn!

I have one coupon for a free six piece of chocolate dipped fruit from Edible Arrangements that I can e-mail if anyone is interested.

Has to be used by 11/21/09 for either in person pick up or delivery (with charge).

First person to respond, can have it.  Thanks Shawn for the quick response and I hope you enjoy them!

Attention Shoppers: Blue Light Special Holiday Sweepstakes

Did you know that Kmart is bringing back the blue light special?  For those of us "sophisticated" ladies, we remember those blue light specials quite well!  This is why you should be watching what is going on:

• Kmart will be running specials every weekend on everything from electronics to jewelry to home items to baby care.
• There will be over 40 blue light specials in-store with great online specials too.

If you want to add to the fun and possibly win your share of the KMART BLUELIGHT SPECIAL HOLIDAY SWEEPSTAKES, just Tweet #KmartBLS for a Chance to Win a $50 Kmart Gift Card Everyday from 11/12 – 12/23!11.10.2009

Attention Kmart Shoppers - we’re proud to announce the Kmart Bluelight Special Holiday Sweepstakes!  #KmartBLS

In addition to daily winners, everyone following @KmartDealsnNews on Twitter (as of 12/23/2009) will be entered for a chance to win a $500 Kmart Shopping spree!

HOW TO ENTER:

For a chance to win Daily, First, and Grand prizes, follow these easy steps:

1. Follow @KmartDealsnNews on Twitter from your personal Twitter account
2. Issue a Tweet everyday using our hashtag: #KmartBLS

A winner will be chosen every day from tweets within a 24 hour period.  The more often you tweet #KmartBLS, the better your chances are to win!

PRIZES:

Daily winners will be chosen by random drawing and awarded a $50 gift card, everyday from 11/12 – 12/23. Winners will be notified by direct message, and must be following @KmartDealsnNews.

Grand and First prize winners will be chosen at random from eligible followers of the @KmartDealsnNews Twitter account at the end of the sweepstakes. One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive a $500 Kmart gift card, and five (5) First Prize winners will receive a $100 Kmart gift card. Winners will be notified by direct message, and must be following @KmartDealsnNews.

RULES:

There is NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN, must be legal resident of the 50 U.S. and DC, 18 or older. Sweepstakes ends 12/23/2009. Visit http://tr.im/KmartBLSRules for official Rules.

Here are some example Tweets you can use:

Tweet #KmartBLS for a Chance to Win a $50 Kmart Gift Card Everyday from 11/12 - 12/23! For more info: http://tr.im/kmartbls @KmartDealsnNews

Follow @KmartDealsnNews for a chance to win a $500 Kmart Shopping Spree! #KmartBLS For more info: http://tr.im/kmartbls

Let's go ... you only have so much time until the blue light quits flashing!

Anger Management for a Two Year Old?

Do they have anger management classes for two year old's?  I'm on my third and my husband has two from another marriage and neither one of us remember such head strong, angry behavior from a tot before.  She gets mad so easily and when she's not growling, screaming or crying for her way or when things don't go her way, she's stomping up and down or running off to pout.

CellCeuticals, Lancome & Pond's Beauty Gift Pack Giveaway 12/15: WINNER ANNOUNCED

CONGRATULATIONS TO....

zachsgran1 at yahoo dot com

An e-mail has just been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen by random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered!

I'm spreading the Christmas cheer by giving these away to one of my readers.

The giveaway consists of:

1. Pond's Wet Cleansing Original Clean 15 Towelettes
2. Full size CellCeuticals Extremely Gentle Skin Cleanser
3. 2, 1.7 ounce Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Make Up Remover
4. Lancome turquoise and white cosmetic bag.

More items may be added.

To Enter:

Leave a comment and follow my blog.

Extra Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter for 2 comments.
• Subscribe to my blog for 2 comments.
• Leave a comment on any of my other posts and return her for 2 comments.
• Tweet about the giveaway for 2 comments (can be done daily).
• Blog about the giveaway for 2 comments.
• Enter one of my other giveaways and leave 5 comments.
• Vote for me at DivineCaroline (see widget on left side of blog) for 5 comments.

Giveaway ends 12/15/09 at midnight & I will ship out ASAP for a hopeful arrival by Christmas.

Winner will be chosen by random.org.

Good luck!

Grab Ralph Lauren Fragrances Quickly 29-40% Off Ends 11/18

HauteLook has seven types of Ralph Lauren Fragrances at great prices if you are looking to save money.

My Beloved Colts & Peyton Manning WON!

The best QB EVER!  Maybe Tom Brady is but my loyalty has to be with Indiana since I'm a Hoosier.  Last night's game was amazing and a nail biter.  Just as you thought the Colts would lose to the Pats, as they usually do, the Pats did two incredibly stupid moves that cost them the game but I'm not complaining!

My oldest is a Pat's fan (i.e. Tom Brady) so she even came home to watch the game given the magnitude of this game.  They usually play only once during regular season and the Colts usually lose but not all the time. Peyton had his game!

If the Super Bowl is just, it will be The Colts V. The Pats!

My husband is a Cowboys fan ..... BIG mistake!

New Wii Super Mario Brothers With $10 Video Games Credit & New Releases

Order New Super Mario Bros. Wii and get $10 off a future video game purchase. The promotion code will be applied directly to your Amazon.com account up to two (2) business days after your product ships. To redeem your reward, add a Video Games item sold and shipped by Amazon.com to your shopping cart and proceed to checkout. The discount will be visible after you have begun the checkout process. Offer valid when shipped and sold by Amazon.com. This offer will be extended to all existing pre-orders. Amazon reserves the right to change or terminate this promotion at any time. Offer valid for one purchase per customer.

Some of the other new games just released or soon to be released include:

Tony Hawk: Ride Skateboard Bundle and for the avid skateboarders, this looks cool.  I can't imagin a skateboarder would not love this gave.  It's a little hefty but the skateboard itself raised the price I would think.

EA Sports Active:  More Worksouts - I have yet to try this game out but would love to.  I heard it's great.

This is the other one that I've been interested in hearing the reviews as it's different and has that funny, crazy Jenny McCarthy as the teacher and a camera to ensure you are exercising correctly.  This won't be released until November 24.

Product Features:

• Personalized to You - Your unique plan is based on the results of your fitness test, combined with your personal fitness goals. This plan will mix the right level of intensity with exercises focused on achieving your goal.
• You’ll Always Do the Exercises Correctly - The camera projects your image onto the TV screen so you can see yourself exercising next to Jenny.
• Exercise Controller-Free - The camera sees you, so it works without requiring any additional hardware (such as Wiimotes, nunchucks, and balance boards), leaving your hands free to focus on the exercises.
• Exercise That’s Fun and Motivational - not only is Jenny your in-game workout buddy, but you can choose from 6 background colors, 100 motivating animations, and more than 75 music tracks.
• More Exercises Than Any Other Game - Your Shape includes close to 500 exercises – which means that your routine is always focused on meeting your goals.

The Ugly Truth with Gerard Butler

I think utilizing "ugly" with Gerard Butler should be a sin but I suppose based on how his personality is in the movie sums it up along with the ever confusing history of men and women.  I watched this movie last night with my oldest who is 21 so perfectly of age to watch a movie of this level.  There was no nudity other than a brief shot of the backside of a man so it almost proves that a movie can be good without nudity or moment by moment sex scene.  They could have even done without the backside shot as you got the gist of that scene. 

It's a great girl's night movie but forewarning they touch on some edges of raunchiness pending on what your view points are.  I think some scenes were funny possibly due to being embarrassed of the subject matter in front of my daughter and the sheer unexpectedness of what was said.  It's predictable but funny and Katherine Heigl did a great job as well.

All in all, it has Gerard Butler so I enjoyed it.  I loved him in P.S. I Love You and 300.  If you need one of those funny movies to lighten your mood or someone to dream about, catch this one.

Teaching to Give Back

I talked with my six year old about the importance of giving back and told her a couple of examples at how she could participate this year for the holiday season.  After I told her she could pick out some toys she no longer wants, she immediately went up to her room and picked out some toys.  Granted a couple were McDonald's Happy Meal toys, she did include a keyboard, a Barbie car, Hokey Pokey Elmo and a Polly Pocket playhouse.

The second lesson included picking out a child out of the JcPenney's Angel Tree that is now available online.  She picked a little girl the same age as our youngest and we picked out the wish list items.  It was fun for her to do this and I hope it continues to instil a feeling of giving back.

My oldest still talks about how one year we picked a girl's name that was the same name as hers and how much that meant to her.

Free Photo Ornament & Cards SeeHere.com

"DEAL"IGHTFULLY FRUGAL listed a great special:

A few days ago, I posted about how to get 50 free photo cards from SeeHere.com. Now I have two more great freebies for you. You can order another free set of 50 photo cards by using the code newbaby at checkout. You can also order a free photo ornament (valued at $12.99) by using the code mallornament. I am so excited about these deals! It will really help my budget at Christmas time! Thanks, My Frugal Adventures!

Thanks to "DEAL"IGHTFULLY FRUGAL AND MY FRUGAL ADVENTURES!

THERAFIRM Therapeutic Gradient Compression Hosiery Review & 2 Pair Giveaway 12/01 WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....

BELINDA M

I wished I was able to give these away to all those that needed them!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

My oldest works as a cashier and usually complains of foot and leg pain.  She has the support cushions in her shoes and even purchased a higher grade pair of shoes to see if that would help.  When THERAFIRM offered her a chance to try out these graduated compression hosiery, we jumped at a chance.  She received the mild support trouser socks and wore them for a week.

She noted her feet didn't get as hot and sweaty as they did with her other socks which is one of the benefits noted with THERAFIRM Therapeutic Gradient Compression Hosiery.  She also commented that her feet didn't hurt.  She also had no leg pain and perhaps that was due to the hosiery. 

They come in many sizes and colors as well as trouser, knee highs, thigh highs, lace top thigh highs, pantyhose, maternity pantyhose and men's trouser socks.

Another unique feature of THERAFIRM is you pick the level of compression you need or click HERE to read more about it.

THERAFIRMlight

Light Support 10-15 mmHg

THERAFIRM

Mild Support 15-20 mmHg

Moderate Support 20-30 mmHg

Firm Support 30-40 mmHg

Anti-Embolism

Core-Spun by THERAFIRM

Light Support 10-15 mmHg

Mild Support 15-20 mmHg

Moderate Support 20-30 mmHg

Firm Support 30-40 mmHg

The Giveaway:

2 Pairs THERAFIRM Therapeutic Gradient Compression Hosiery

To Enter:

Leave a comment and follow my blog.

Extra Entries:

Follow me on Twitter for 2 comments.
Subscribe to my blog for 2 comments.
Enter one of my other giveaways and leave 2 comments.
Tweet about the giveaway for 2 comments (can be done daily).
Blog about the giveaway for 2 comments.
Vote for me at DivineCaroline (see widget on left side of blog) for 5 comments.


Giveaway ends 12/01/09 at midnight.
Winner will be chosen by random.org.

Good luck!

Are you Preggers? Free Trial Product for Completing Survey

Therafirm™ Hosiery is looking for pregnant women to be a part of their "Preggers" Test Group to help provide insightful feedback and opinions for the development of new products.  Just click here to join.  As part of the test group, you will receive free products to evaluate. The products will be yours to keep. They will also keep you informed of special promotions and new product introductions.

Complete this survey for a free trial product.

More information on Preggers by Therafirm™:

Preggers by Therafirm™ is a unique line of maternity compression products developed by future moms for future moms. We are inviting moms-to-be to try our products and provide opinions on styles, colors, and fit. Our “Preggers Mommas” team will be an integral part of our product and brand development to ensure a full line of healthy products that will benefit you during and post-preggers. Would you like to be part of our test group and receive a free sample product? Simply fill out our brief survey.

What does gradient compression hosiery do?

Compression has often been recommended for use during pregnancy to help energize tired, achy legs and to help reduce and prevent swelling. True gradient compression hosiery delivers a controlled amount of pressure greatest at the ankle and gradually decreases towards the top of the stocking promoting better blood flow to help energize tired legs and feet, improve circulation, and assist in the prevention of swelling. They are also ideal for individuals required to sit or stand for long periods of time.

What is unique about Preggers by Therafirm™ compression products?

Finally, maternity compression products where you, expecting moms, are being heard. No more stigma of the old, “yucky” compression that is available in only a few styles, off-trend colors, is uncomfortable, hard to get on, and expensive. We believe you can wear compression and get the benefits it provides and still be fashionable. We want to you to feel AND look great!

Some lucky mommas out there never experience any of the discomforts of swelling or fatigue during pregnancy. (Lucky you!) But because Preggers is light compression it is ideal for everyday wear. Moms simply appreciate wearing light compression products because they energize tired, achy legs. And what busy mom couldn’t use a little extra energy, improved circulation, and shaping support?

The THERAFIRM® Brand

Want or need a more support? THERAFIRM offers a full line of true gradient compression hosiery in mild, moderate and firm support. With experience of making compression hosiery for more than 50 years, we continue to innovate compression garments. While compression stockings have been around for decades, THERAFIRM compression hosiery products are not "your grandma’s compression stockings". They are made with the most beautiful and comfortable fibers out in the fashion industry today. We use advanced technologies for developing products that are fashionable and comfortable while delivering the health benefits you need. We offer a wide range of advantages including updated shades, sheer yarns and knit pattern texture options, so you can feel good about wearing compression hosiery. Therafirm products are 100% made in the USA in our own manufacturing facilities.

This promotion is intended for participation in the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia ("D.C.") only.

SmartKnit Kids Seamless Socks Review and 3 Pair Giveaway 12/1: WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....

CAROL!

An e-mail was just sent to Carol.

Thanks to everyone who entered and stay tuned for more great giveaways!

Is your little one sensitive to the seams of socks that tend to bunch up or not feel good when they don't put their socks on right?  Mine is and I don't know if it's because of her medical condition or not but she's hypersensitive (diagnosed).  Socks have to feel just right but then come to think of it, I'm the same way.  There is nothing worse than a bunched up sock or a seam that doesn't fit right on the foot.  I was delighted to have an opportunity to review two pairs of SmartKnits Kids Seamless Sensivity Socks. 

SmartKnits Kids Seamless Sensitivity Socks are available in three types of socks:

1. Crew
2. Ankle
3. Knee High

They are also available in white, purple, pink, navy and black.

For this review, I chose the crew length and received both pink and white.  The pink was a nice soft pink and not overbearing.  I had her wear both of them and asked her what she thought:

"I like them. There were no bumps."  I realize the testimony from a six year old may not be overly filled with elation but if I can provide an ounce of comfort in her day, I'm happy to do so even if it's as minor as sock uncomfortable feelings.  If you have a kid that is plagued with this issue, you will definitely appreciate and love these socks!

They are priced at $6.95 of less so they are affordable and they are thicker than normal socks.  They will come in handy during the winter as well.

A little extra, there is a Bugsley's Holiday Contest where you could win a Bugsley's bag of holiday goodies including a wii fit, DVDs and other great products by clicking HERE.

The Giveaway:

3 Pairs SmartKnit Kids Seamless Sensivity Socks!

To Enter:

Leave a comment that you want them and follow my blog.

Extra Entries:

• Sign up for their newsletter.
• Follow SmartKnit Kids on Twitter HERE.
• Become a fan of SmartKnit Kids on Facebook HERE.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Subscribe to my blog.
• Enter one of my other giveaways and leave 2 comments.
• Tweet about the giveaway for 2 comments (can be done daily).
• Blog about the giveaway for 2 comments.
• Vote for me at DivineCaroline (see widget on left side of blog) for 5 comments.

Giveaway ends December 1, 2009 at midnight.

Winner will be chosen by random.org.

Good luck and thanks for entering!

* I was provided two SmartKnit Kids Seamless Sensitivity Socks for review and received no financial compensation. 

My Frugal Christmas Success "Purchases" To Date: $668.53 Total/$16.99 Out of Pocket

This is my follow up to "my frugal Christmas" to keep track for myself what I bought for Christmas this year either free or next to nothing.  Granted I'm using some ways that not everyone has access to such as bank reward card points and employee reward points but it all adds up as you look to whatever you can do to make Christmas cheaper. 

• I cannot remember who posted it, but another blogger posted an Amazon special where you buy two games, you get a $40 voucher for another.  With my $40 voucher, I bought my six year old MySims Agents for $6.99!  I used my $40 voucher and had free shipping! 

• My employer offers appreciation tokes in the value of exchange bucks.  With my work bonus of appreciation points, I ordered this which at Amazon (it's not where I ordered it from), it was $249.97:

• I participated in a TwitterMom campaign with VTech and by submitting my contest entry, received a discount on the VTech Bugsby Reading System.  If my memory is correct, I was able to purchase it for $10.

• This is my latest purchase but using my bank's reward points.  I was able to buy two for $0!  I have to buy two of almost everything to keep the peace!  As two budding artists, this will be loved!

• 
  
  Thanks to Freebies4Mom, I was able to get 50 personally designed beautiful Christmas cards from Fuji for FREE to include shipping!  That's a great deal so thanks to Freebies4Mom for the code and alert (freebies4mom-1109) at SeeHerebyFuji.  That was a $39.50 savings before shipping!  This expires November 30!
  
  
  

• Free photo book from Kodak priced at $9.99.

• I used MyPoints to trade in points for a $50 Game Stop Gift Card.

• I used the rest of MyPoints to trade in points for a $50 Macy's Gift Card.

• Today, I used my bank reward points to purchase this frame that was valued at $80.00.

I just bought a Tommy Bahama shirt from Rue La La's Thanksgiving sale for a total of $39~ including shipping and taxes.  The shirt is normally priced at $120.

Total Purchases: $788.53 (without tax/shipping factored)

Total Out of Pocket: $55.99 (without tax/shipping factored)

I'll have to inventory my Kohl's purchases of the gifts and non-gifts to "weed" out my Kohl's dollars I earned to make those fair.

Stay tuned for more of my purchases. Always remember to look for the deals and specials that are available to you.