Your Top 10 Creative and Affordable Vacation Ideas

Saving money, being frugal, smarter living ... get it?  It's became chic to be frugal and whether you have to or you want to, it's not a bad place to be as think of the things you can do with the money you save like take a vacation!  In spite of a need a need to cut on costs, there is no reason a family vacation cannot occur this summer.  TwitterMoms and Toyota is back asking for creative and affordable vacation ideas and you can participate in the fun by clicking here.


Here are my top ten ideas:

1. Camping - it may not be a real vacation but camping out can be cheaper on your wallet versus paying for expensive hotels.  
2. Skip out of town and spend a couple of days in the biggest city near you.  There are so many things to do and many hotel chains offer great packages that can be cheaper than buying tickets to an attraction solo.
3. Visit family members who live in super cool places and act like you really love them and maybe they will buy you tickets to the local attractions.  Okay, kidding about pretending but visiting family can offer perks that you don't normally get and just having a break from cooking is worth it!
4. Make your vacation last a few days by taking one tank gas trips. You would be surprised at the attractions that might be near you that are only one gas tank away.  Spreading out trips over the summer would also be something to look forward to.
5. Places like Orlando can be trip if you go during the off season and don't forget to use special reward offers.  If you are in the military, there are great deals for tickets that make it much more affordable.
6. Bring as much food as you can.  You can bring food with you without looking cheap or like someone from National Lampoon.
7. Research and research and research!  Look for online deals, specials and coupons.  Contact the hotel if it's a special occasion such as Aunt Mabel got a tattoo so you might get a discount.  I'm just really seeing if anyone is reading my post (smile).
8. Drive yourself as the price of flights isn't too bad it's the baggage that is killing people. The commercial showing the little kid in the doggy crate at the airline is funny but with all the baggage fees, I'm sure he costs a lot to ship.
9. Get your vehicle checked out to ensure it's safe.  The costs of an unexpected repair could be devasting to a vacation and properly inflated tires, helps to save money.
10. If your bank allows an allowance type credit card for your kids, allocate $10 or more a month to transfer automatically in exchange for chores.  When you are ready to go on vacation, give your kids the cards and now they have their own spending money to buy the little extras they want while saving your bank account with all the little magnets, silly hats and other nonsense they love to buy when on vacation.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the Toyota Sienna and TwitterMoms blogging program for a chance to get a $30 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here



Affordable Vacation IdeasToyota Sienna

Avon Glazewear Lip Gloss Review & Two Winner Giveaway of 5 Each 6/1

Finding the right color of lip gloss is so hard as it looks darker in the container than what it appears on your lips.  I've tried many different versions with no luck.  It provides the glossiness but never gives me the color I want until now.  I used to order Avon and in fact, I do every now and then and can't really decide why I don't on a routine basis at it's priced very competitively to other brands, is of high quality and the selection is great.  I'm one of those that just doesn't want to deal with having to take time out to see the Avon lady.  Lucky for me, I can order online which is so nice for those of us that are too busy to sit down and breath!

I received a complimentary container of Avon's Glazewear Lip Gloss and I was thinking "sure, let me have it and I'll be disappointed as I am with all the rest."  To my surprise, it has color!  The color is exactly what is shown on the bottle!   My daughter tells me frequently that I'm a geek and even though it's true, I enjoy a product that lives up to what I purchased.


With Avon's Glazewear Lip Gloss, you have three different finishes to choose from Shine, Sparkle or Intense.

There really is a fourth option and it's listed as plain for those that don't want any color or finish. Within each finish, is a host of color choices.  I like the fact that you can change up the finish based on your mood or event.  Each finish has five color choices that should suit anyone's needs.


I selected Mauve Movement and really like how the shade looks on my lips and complexion.  It went on smooth, not too heavy and just right.  You can even read the other product reviews here to see how much other women love their Glazewear Lip Gloss.

If you don't want to wait to win, right now, they are on sale at only $1.99 each normally priced at $6.00!  


Check out Avon if you haven't in awhile as you just might be surprised at all the products they offer online and via an Avon Representative.

The Giveaway:


Two winners will receive their choice of five Glazewear Lip Glosses (subject to availability)!


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me which shade of Avon's Glazewear Lip Gloss you would choose.


Extra Entries:

• Sign up for Avon's e-mail newsletter (two entries)
• Follow me on Twitter (two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Subscribe to my blog (two entries)
• Like my new Facebook Fan page (two entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway (two entries - can be done daily)
• Enter any of my ongoing giveaways (five entries)
• Get five bonus entries to any and all on-going giveaways if you go to this post and then to the sponsor site and like their Facebook page, return and leave a comment that you became Facebook fans on the post.

Giveaway ends 6/1 at midnight.  Winners will be chosen by random.org based on eligible entries.  Refer to main post on giveaways for other ways to get bonus entries.


Open to US only please.

Chocolate, Mint & Peanut Butter Graduation Cap Recipe

   

What a cute recipe from Taste of Home:

• 24 Servings
• Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Ingredients

• 24 miniature peanut butter cups
• 1 tube (6 ounces) decorating frosting in color of your choice
• 24 After Eight thin mints
• 24 milk chocolate M&M's in color of your choice or 24 semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

• Remove paper liners from peanut butter cups; place upside down on waxed paper. Place a small amount of frosting on each peanut butter cup; center a mint on each. Using frosting, make a loop for each cap's tassel. Place an M&M on top of each loop. Yield: 2 dozen.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 92 calories, 3 g fat (1 g saturated fat), trace cholesterol, 136 mg sodium, 15 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein.

Zulily Special Discount Extended & Great Sales Right Now!

Excellent news!  The special Zulily discount for my readers has been extended to May 18th!  Click here to find the code and enter the great giveaway!

Look at some of the great sales going on right now:

Thank You Mom Reunion Contest

How wonderful it would be to win a chance to visit with your mother if you life far away.  I love the idea of promoting this great way to show mom how much you care and even though I was late in posting since it's past Mother's Day, it's never too late to show your mom you care.  P&G is hosting a Thank You Mom Reunion contest where you can win $1000 and a video camera. Sounds interesting doesn't it?

It's very easy to enter, all you have to do is go here and in a maximum 600 word essay, tell them your story on how your mom goes that extra mile even if she lives far away.  This is a chance to say "thank you, mom!"


When writing your essay, here is the criteria the judges will focus on:

• Originality & Creativity of Essay — 40%
• Overall Inspiration of Quality of Essay — 25%
• Appropriateness of Essay to Contest Theme — 25%
• Appropriateness of Title to Essay — 10%

105 moms with children will be reunited in all with 15 per month while the 10 month campaign runs.

Once you submit your at least 100 word essay, consumers will vote on their favorite and the winners will not only receive the $1000 to help pay for travel but they will get a video camera to record that special reunion.


Entry periods are broken down by dates with the first one beginning May 6th and final one ending November 1, 2010.  Check out http://bit.ly/PGtymO2O for more details.

Eden Home: Where Organic Style Comes Naturally Review

I have written before about the reasons why I choose to switch to organic products and why I have made that decision.  I have to admit, I have not made the complete jump over and am still a work in progress but the more I read, the more logical it sounds to do so.  When I hear about businesses offering more products that are produced from organic or natural products, I'm definitely interested.  If you think about every day products, they are applied on our skin, are next to our skin or ingested.  In a scientific world as ours, we truly do not know the long term implications of this and maybe never will.  In the mean time, to me, it makes sense to take the steps now to protect myself and my family and maybe impact their decisions as they grow to live the healthiest lives possible.


Eden Homes is a company that exemplifies the importance of safe, organic products in the products they sale.  They have a range of products from Bedding, Bath, Home, Baby, Kids and Clothing.  Having children, it's important that the choices include safe products that will not harm their health and promote well being.  Eden Homes lists four main reasons to switch to an organic life:

1. Toxin-free farming & processing - by reducing the number of toxins we put in the earth, we reduce the number going into our bodies.  It's also good for the environment and helps to promote healthy, sustainable soil and water.
2. Good for the earth - as noted above, it's just good common sense that we protect the soil, water and air around us.  We have to be aware of our surroundings and ensure a healthy future for more generations to come.
3. Feel better - some of us are extra sensitive like my youngest who has allergies to certain products that come in contact with her skin.  By using natural organic products, the chances of irritations are lessened since the use of chemicals and other products are not present.
4. Healthy beginnings - we've all seen the horror stories of products that contain toxic chemicals, lead, BPA and more in the products we use and give to our babies.  This cannot be healthy and why take the chance when the safe alternative is natural, organic products.

Due to what I read about Eden Home, I wanted to participate in this opportunity from FuelMyBlog to review Eden Home in exchange for a written review.  


Two of the products I chose were from the recycled toy category by Sprig Toys and are BPA free plastic eco truck and loader.  My girls have a sandbox and love to play with boy toys. 

 

These two toys are durable and are really inexpensive at $15 each.  The scooping action and rotating chassis allowed them to have some serious fun scooping and loading into the dump truck.  The dump truck has a tilting cab, locking bed and a swing out tailgate.  Both toys are ideal for kids as they are bulky and battery free making it a hit with parents.  Being eco-friendly is wonderful too!

The other item I reviewed was the Picnic Pal Organic Baby Blanket.  It was a little smaller than I had expected but that was my fault for not reading the description better but it is adorable and hypoallergenic  with soft organic cotton.  A sure hit for anyone!  It arrived in this great reusable organic tote that I love!

What I liked the most about Eden Home is the choice of organic baby products they have.  I was surprised to see the number of organic baby clothes, organic baby blankets and organic baby gifts.  Since I'm going to be a grandma in October, I am encouraging my daughter to enter the big baby gift registry contest as well.


They carry the top line of organic products and ordering was extremely easy.  I received my products fast and they were of high quality.   I liked the extra care Eden Home provides with helping the customer understand what constitutes organic products and tidbits of information along the way.  The site is chalked full of useful information and is a one stop shop for numerous products.  The selection of products is exceptional.


I would recommend Eden Home to anyone who is looking to make that move over to organic products or who have already done it. If you haven't, check them out, you will love them for the selection, customer service, quality, price and for what you can learn about organic products.  Eden Home also has their seal of assurance so you can be sure you are receiving the very best organic products.  To read about it and understand their product line, click here. 


Don't forget the great gift suggestions too!

  

Right now, save 15% or get free gift wrapping when you sign up for Eden Home e-mail!


Follow them on Twitter or fan them on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest and greatest.


Information on the Baby Gift Registry can be found here as well as to create your registry:

CONTEST DETAILS:

Win an Organic Baby Shower with over $2,000* in prizes to be won!


HOW TO ENTER:


No Purchase Necessary. For a chance to win one (1) Grand Prize of "An Organic Baby Shower" worth $1,000* in Eden Home product from EdenHome.com, you must submit your entry (create an EdenHome.com account, create your gift registry & sign up for Email, add products that you would like for your organic baby shower and email your gift registry link to at least 10 friends), by 11:59 p.m. PST on Wednesday, June 30, 2010. EdenHome.com will randomly select the name of the grand prize winner by the end of the day on Friday, July 2, 2010. The winner will be notified via e-mail. If you are selected and meet the eligibility requirements set forth herein, the Prize will be delivered to the name and address (& email) that you provide with your entry.

Kids Are Heroes Day at Boyd's Bear Country 6/26/10

Ever hear of those groups and organizations that promote children who do good deeds?  You have to love the fact that they provide an outlet for encouragement for these wonderful children.  I loved the idea so much that after I nominated my daughter to be a Kids Are Hero, I signed up to be an Ambassador to spread the word.

Kids Are Heroes is a non-profit organization truly committed to adding another avenue of passion into our little one's by showcasing them and showing true appreciation for their efforts.  If you know of a child that is doing good deeds for others, nominate them!  If you have a love to help, apply to be an ambassador and help spread the word.

Former Arizona Cardinal, Levar Fisher, will be present at this event on June 26th at Boyd's Bear Country and other little Heroes will be stationed in the store talking about their project.

To read more about all the events, please go here.

RSVP to Chat Parenting With Huggies® at Tuesday #gno Twitter Party

Join in tomorrow where I get to be a panelist on the Girls Night Out Huggies Twitter party!  I'm so excited to participate and hope you attend!

What things help to make your life as a Mom easier? Whether it’s a play date, the perfect fitting diaper or a toy that keeps the little ones busy for hours, we want to hear from you!

This Tuesday, May 11 from 9-11 ET (8CT, 7MT, 6PT), we’ll have fun and honest conversation about the ins and outs of parenting. Come and share with #gno gals and the Huggies® team as we learn together at Tuesday’s #gno Twitter party. Details, including how to enter aHuggies® giveaway, are included below.

• What: Girls’ Night Out (#gno) Twitter party (Click here to learn about #gno!)
• When: Tuesday, May 11, 9-11 p.m. EST (8CT, 7 MT, & 6 PT)
• Where: Party with us on our very own Custom Tweetgrid! Check back Tuesday for the link. (Use hashtags #gno and #huggies.)
• Topic: The Ins and Outs of Parenting
• Who: Brand Panelists: @huggies Community Panelists: @jonniker @stayingyoung2 Moderators: @jylmomIF@Dadventurous@troypattee and @momitforward
• Party Favors: Click here to check out this week’s giveaway here. Deadline: 5/12 (midnight PT).

Click here to RSVP and see you there!

5 Things on Your 'Honey-do' List That Never Get Done

I figured it out!  I've been asking my husband to get his list of "to do's" done to no avail.  Now he's in Kuwait so he lucked out unfortunately for me.  The list wasn't really complicated and wouldn't have taken too much time to complete other than maybe a few hundred hours or so (smile).  We have to put our house on the market as it's time to PCS or in non-military terms, move again as we do every three years.  I have a HUGE list now thanks to him escaping to his island retreat to his beautiful tropical paradise (well, not really a retreat nor a vacation).


My list includes:

1. Replace the kitchen sink because the washer or something inside the hot water faucet is leaking all over my counter top.  Having towels to absorb it isn't very pretty.
2. Regrout those same tiles in the kitchen.  They are due for a refresher and I'm starting to think it might be best to just blow out the kitchen and restart.
3. The upstairs shower has a slow leak and with wanting to conserve water and money, this is a must!
4. Nothing worse than trying to mow the yard with a crooked handle.  Everytime I change positions, the mower clunks and it's a little embarrassing.
5. The big one includes a fear of a garage door crashing down on me!  The bolts have been slowly falling out and although putting them to the side might be out of sight, out of mind, I don't think it works that way!  

What's on your list?  Join the TwitterMoms and Service Live fun program here.


Did you wonder what I figured out?  Perhaps I just needed to find a cute little bee costume to ask him nicely!

Photo courtesy of HalloweenCostumes4U

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I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and ServiceLive blogging program to be eligible to receive $100 in ServiceLive Bucks. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
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Daughter "Needsss You" to Her Deployed Dad & Huggies Pull Ups

On Mother's Day, my husband was able to call and wish me a Happy Mother's Day which is nice since I'm not his mother.  He has never been good with buying gifts from the girls for me and about five day's ago, he asked what I wanted.  Luckily, my oldest took care of it and I was quite content with my anniversary edition of Out of Africa, The Biggest Loser book, a huge "You are My Sunshine" balloon that sings and home made Hawaiian chicken kabobs.

Hubby has been in Kuwait for over a week now.  In case you are reading this and wondered, he has a decent place to live for the year which he describes a cross between a Marriott and prison.  He says the Marriott because he has a TV (no remote and some cable, restricted channels) and highly restrictive internet access.  The walls are concrete blocks and he has aluminum foil on the windows as he works 12 hour night shifts.    


Our two year old, soon to be three at the end of June, got on the phone and said, "hi dada. I needssss you." It's so heart breaking to me and I'm sure to him to hear this as he embarks on losing four months of her life last year this time and this time for a whole year.  He does get to come home early November for two weeks but that is not the same.  


Both our seven year old and two year old have been drawing him pictures and periodically crying at night missing him.  I'm sure it saddens him yet makes him feel loved.


He is fortunate to be able to send e-mails so unless there is a sand storm or some other reason, I hear from him daily.  He told me has to go to another country in the Middle East sometime this month.  Ordinarily, I'm not too worried about his safety but when they start sending him out on helicopters to other countries and regions as they did the last time, it really worries me.


The good news we were able to tell him is thanks to Huggies, she is nearly all potty trained!  Yeah!  It took her just a few days to want to do it and she's been using it ever since with the exception of the other deed and overnight but we're getting there!  Thanks! Huggies Pull Ups!

Parenting Looking for Mom Testers and Reviewers

Straight from Parenting:

Parenting needs your opinion! Sign up for a chance to be a Mom Tester and review toys, beauty products, baby gear and more.

We review items every month, so we need real-mom opinions on lots of products. As items come up for review that are appropriate for you and your family, we may contact you with an option to receive stuff to test (and keep, whether we print your review or not). All we ask is that you give us your honest opinion, good or bad. You may also be contacted for mom-related stories to be used in the magazine and online.

Just click here.