Deals of the Day

Well people, I've got some great deals today.  Here goes...

Small fry society is the place to be: First and foremost, it wouldn't be fair if I didn't offer a deal on "deal day Wednesday" on registration for small fry society's first term. Sooo how about this....if you sign up with a friend, you both get $20 off registration!  This deal is good through Friday, September 2, so talk it over ladies, but don't wait too long or the deal will be gone.  When you register mention the "blog bring a friend deal" and you and your friend will receive a $20 reimbursement (or email your registration and we can do a separate cc transaction for the discounted amount, check is fine too).  If you've already registered and you refer a friend, you'll get a $20 credit for a future event, so no one loses!

Museum, zoo and aquarium oh my: Museum, zoo and oh my: Membership pays is an understatement here!  Sept 6-30: MOSI, zoo and Florida Aquarium members can take advantage of "Swaptember."  Free admission to each of these three attractions if you're a member of any of them.  Don't forget your ID and membership card.  Or if you're not a member of the zoo, there is always $5 Day  on Saturday, September 10 from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (due to this special discount, Zoo rides are not included with admission on $5 Day).


Beautify and no need to justify: Mani, pedi, wax in order?  Early bird specials at Crave until 1pm.  Call/email for additional details.

Music is my boyfriend: FREE music event at Hyde Park Village tonight and Rock the park Tampa tomorrow night in Curtis Hixon Park. And especially for the kids, JustMeMusic: 3 personalized songs for FREE

Yummy yummy in my tummy: Sept 6-10 participating Chick-fil-A^® restaurants are giving away FREE breakfast entrees.  Make a reservation online here.

School is back in session: Amazon has over 100 supplies under $5

Babylegs: 50% off site with code HALFOFF, click here

Grandma knows best

Sometimes it's hard to admit, but grandma generally does know best.  We are independent women and we have the motherly instinct, but we hit hurdles along the way that require a little help to get past.  Grandma raised you (and your siblings) and you turned out pretty well if I do say so myself.  In moments of frustration, exhaustion, confusion, etc. we turn to the grandma as a source of wisdom and calm.  And rarely does she disappoint (only when the baby has a tantrum that only a mommy can shut down does grandma gladly return the grandchild to you).  And what does a grandma ask for in return after giving their time, sage advice, energy and love?  Snuggles and smiles from her grandchild.  Pretty sweet deal if you ask me!

When AML jr was born Grams basically lived with us for a month.  She shared night shifts with me, and AML jr is a night person (like me and Grams).  She showed me how to stay on top of the laundry, cleaning, errands and general mommy stuff without going insane or collapsing from exhaustion.  Papa Lusty's mother, Grandma Ca, encouraged me to sleep while she watched the baby when we moved to NY, made us food galore to store in our freezer and babysat for our first date night out since having AML jr.  They also taught me about not feeling guilty, something we all need to learn about in this high pressure mommyworld.  We put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect wives and mothers, and there is no such thing.

I've learned that if you're complaining that you're asking for it, and by it, I mean interference.  And oftentimes the answer isn't always what you want to hear, but it is what you need to hear.  She does need to sleep in her crib, she does need to eat more solids, she does need to cry a little in the crib sometimes, she is ready for the next size, you do need to get out with your husband and leave her with a sitter, etc etc etc.  I discuss this stuff all the time with friends--Grandmas have been there done and out.  And despite new technology, new toys and strollers, new swaddling essentials, new feeding techniques and supplies, books, and all the other new stuff we supposedly "need" even though our parents didn't, Grandmas often have the answers and they cost a lot less than all those material possessions.

Simply put, Grandma knows best.  I didn't say she knows everything, who does?  She does, however, know a lot from experience and what she doesn't know she'll admit to you (both of AML jr's Grandmas love the Bumbo seat).  So, be sure to thank her for everything, as often as possible.  NOTE: National Grandparents Day is September 11.

If you like it then you shoulda put a bun in it...

I went for it.  I turned the song Single Ladies into Pregnant Ladies.  It's amazing how much hoopla there is around Beyonce's pregnancy.  The rumors have been swirling for years and now it's finally true.  She showed the world, or at least the MTV VMA viewers and the press, her bump and now her pregnancy is public.  Now everyone is buzzing about the bun!

I couldn't be happier for her and Jay-Z, but what is concerning to me is how much pressure has been on her for years to be pregnant and share the news with the world.  I mean hello people, she's 29, not to mention insanely busy!  These days women are having babies well into their 40s, long after they have established their careers and finances.  Every time Beyonce had the slightest belly (bloating anyone?), the press reported she was most definitely pregnant.  The woman said on several occasions she wanted to give her career all she had before starting a family.  It's not easy to manage a career and children, am I right moms? 

I think people forget that pregnancy can be a sensitive subject.  Not everyone wants to announce when they're trying to start a family, and not everyone wants to let the world know they're pregnant until months into their pregnancy.  There are health-related and superstitious reasons for keeping things private, among other reasons.  And even when the pregnancy is announced to the world, or to your family, that doesn't mean you owe anyone any additional info--sex of the baby, name of baby, etc, even celebrities don't have to share.

I guess what I'm saying is this, Beyonce (because obviously she's reading my blog now that her pregnancy is official), you don't owe us anything.  You and Jay-Z keep a quiet, private personal life, which I admire.  Let your bun in the oven be your business.  And that goes for you moms-to-be out there too.  To happy and healthy pregnancies for all!

Nanny: $200K, quality time with mom and dad: Priceless

Maybe you saw the WSJ article about the $200K a year nanny?  Maybe not.  Oh, and no, I'm not joking.

Some British nannies are being paid up to $200K/year, plus room and board and even a car.  Teachers are in demand (as they should be).  According to the article, there is big demand for teachers turned nannies to help with increasingly demanding schoolwork.  I've heard complaints from friends paying upwards of $50K a year, but that sounds like a real bargain compared to the $200K a year some are willing to pay nannies to care for their children.  Does the value and skill level of the nannies go up along with the price?  I mean will a kid be walking and talking at six months (eesh), know three different languages by elementary school and be the most well-mannered kid on the planet if one can afford a higher priced nanny?  I hope so!  How do you track nanny ROI...parents have their ways (business idea?  hmmm).

One "manny" mentions that the wealthy parents give too little time and attention to their kids.  He said, “There is as much neglect at the top end of the market as there is at the bottom.  The children are materially well off but emotionally neglected. These mums and dads are never there and they assuage their guilt by paying other people to look after them as much as possible."  The hard-working friends I know who aren't stay-at-home moms/dads still give plenty of attention, time and love to their kids, in fact as much as they possibly can.  They sacrifice promotions at work, social lives with friends, quality time with their significant others, etc. so that they can be with their children and be the best parents possible while still maintaining their careers.

We all do what we have to do to be good parents and good employees/employers.  Finding the balance is the key in everything.  Nannies play a pivotal role in many parents' and children's' lives, but they are not a replacement for parents.

Toni Braxton once said, "I'd lose my mind if I heard my kid call the nanny Mommy."  You might be able to put a price on childcare, but you can't put a price on TLC and memories between a child and his/her parents.

Deals of the Day

Today's deals are fun for the whole family!

Food: Word on the street is that Outback is giving away free steak dinners at 9pm ET tonight.  Click here for more info.  You will only have four minutes to fill out the form, so get ready.  Some exclusions apply.  Deal ends August 26 or after 1,000,000 redemptions.

Culture: On Saturday, September 24, Smithsonian Magazine is offering free general admission for two people to select museums s part of Museum Day. Hundreds of museums across the U.S. are participating.  Click here to find a participating museum near you. Limit one museum per email address.
  
And straight from the ladies at Whoa, Momma! Clean out your closets, get Aquarium tickets
Well, here's a reason to do some closet cleaning: Goodwill donors get free admission to The Florida Aquarium.  During September, each person who drops off clothing or household items at any Goodwill-Suncoast donation site will receive a coupon good for one free admission to The Florida Aquarium with each paid adult admission (up to three free tickets). The coupons are redeemable until Oct. 31.That’s a savings of up to $65.85, just for getting rid of unwanted clutter. Why now? Donations to Goodwill are especially needed in September, they say, because donations typically drop off after school starts.--Sharon Kennedy Wynne
Follow Whoa, Momma! on Twitter @WhoaMomma

Travel: Okay, so it's an unusual way to travel, but still! $125 (30% off) for a hot air balloon ride.  Click here to learn more.

Back to School: In preparation for the usual line children use in their persuasive efforts to get that new toy "But everyone else at school has one, no fair!" Mattel is offering 15% off sitewide.

I never wanted to be LIKED so much

When I was a toddler I was very shy, or so my mom tells me.  Hard to believe?  Yes, I think so.  By elementary school I was outgoing and ready to bring the fun (as a member of the safety patrol...mmm hmm I brought the safe fun).  Ever since then I've wanted to be involved, meet new people, plan events and generally be a connector for friends and businesses.  Just when I thought I had it all figured out in the corporate world and in my personal life...

Fast forward and now I'm a mom.  I'm not exactly shy once again, but this whole mommyhood thing is new and at times intimidating.  I'm wanting to meet moms and meet future bffs for AML jr, but who, what, when, where, why?  So many questions, so little time, so much anxiety.  We just want to go to places to meet moms and have lunch, do a different weekly activity that both me and the kid will enjoy, nothing too formal, nothing too expensive, once a week so it's not overly time-consuming, find moms with similar interests (grab some wine one night with just the moms sans kids)...we just want to be LIKED and LIKE others in return! 

MY EPIPHANY!  I've been planning events for seemingly my whole life, I can create this for other moms and their babies, and me and AML jr.  This is why I developed small fry society, since so many moms were wanting the same things as me and AML jr.  I found a variety of amazing businesses wanting to attract the family demographic, and now it comes full circle as I'm trying to attract the moms and babies and get them signed up for small fry society.

So, please do me a huge favor and share the small fry society website with your mom and mom-to-be network, or spread the word on Facebook or Twitter (or all of the above).  Even if they don't live in Tampa, they may know others who do.  And make sure you let the moms know that they don't need to bring a friend with them, I can be the friend!  No one will sit alone at lunch, no one will be seated at the kid's table, no one will leave without making friends for them and their children.  I'm ready to bring the fun!

I'm launching a new business...small fry society is here for you and your baby!

 

I know I had been hinting about a new business in the works, but I wasn't ready to share all the details just yet.  Well, today I am!  I am excited to announce that I am launching a business called small fry society, a six week activity program for Tampa Bay area mothers and babies under three years old.  Over a six week “term” mothers and babies will come together at various locations for weekly one and a half hour distinctively themed “socials” to include breakfast/lunch.  The term also includes one Girls Night Out, a moms-only event featuring entertainment, light bites, cocktails and giveaways.   

In creating small fry society, I developed socials that would include something for every mom and baby, from food to fitness to fashion to freebies and more.  I designed a program with moms in mind who look to enjoy different family-friendly activities from week to week with their young children.  The socials will provide a venue for moms to meet new people, receive advice from experts in the community, and experience businesses’ products and services in a unique way—hands-on, interactive, in an intimate setting, amongst old and new friends.

An equally important aspect to small fry society is that it provides promotional opportunities to support local businesses’ marketing efforts to the growing family demographic.  Some of the businesses I've partnered with in the first term include Neiman Marcus, Yogurtology, Lucky Cat Yoga, Amore, Nicole Geller Photography, Shari Mezrah “The Sleep Mom”, Color Me Mine, Jacqueline Spitaleri-Nutrition, Fitness and Lifestyle Expert, Lindsay Does Makeup and Baby Boundaries.

Please pass this email along to any mothers, expectant mothers, friends, family and anyone else in the Tampa Bay area whom you believe might be interested in learning more about small fry society.  I plan to extend the program to small fry society for working moms and bun in the oven bunch for expectant moms in the near future.

Registration for the first term of small fry society is now open. For more information about small fry society and registration, please visit www.smallfrysociety.com, call me or email me anytime.  Also, I have Facebook and Twitter pages, so please LIKE US and FOLLOW US (even if you don't live in Tampa Bay because some giveaways are good for anyone, anywhere)!

Thank you in advance for your time, support and willingness to spread the word.  It means so much to me!

Deals of the Day

Today's deal are all about celebrations.  Why?  Because the business I am about to launch is about moms and babies, and expectant moms, having a great time together.  Also, I have birthday parties on my mind....AML jr turns one in October--WOW!  Papa Lusty turns the big 30 in September.  I love birthdays, not my own, but celebrating others birthdays. 

Get your food and drink on without paying the hefty usual prices: Dine Tampa Bay begins this Friday and goes through September 2. The event offers diners $25, $35 or $45 three course dinners at some very popular and delicious restaurants.  My fave is The Palm--a classic and never disappoints.

For the bride, bridesmaid, traveler or for those who like sample size make-ups to try out: Urban Decay's Urban Bride is a decadent gift-ready box of travel-sized products designed to keep youlooking your best all day (and night, wink wink). The $24 box (normally $42) contains finishing powder, Urban Decay’s best-selling original formula Eyeshadow Primer Potion (full-sized) and Supercurl Curling Mascara, Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Midnight Cowboy, all Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray and Marshmallow Sparkling Lickable Body Powder.

Capture memories in a Photo Booth Rental: I need to find a use for this!  This LivingSocial deal is for a 4 hour photo booth rental in Tampa with unlimited 4x6 photos and free delivery and pick-up.  The deal expires this weekend. 

Allergies or cold/cough keeping you from the party?  Or a hangover making you regret bringing the fun to the party?  Walgreens takes 30% off branded items via coupon code "WAG30".  Shipping starts at 99 cents.  Deal ends August 20.  And when you buy, you're giving back...beginning February 1, 2011 through January 31, 2012, 1¢ from the purchase of every Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Product, up to $3 million annually, will support bringing preventive wellness services to local communities through the Walgreens Way to Well Fund^TM.  The Walgreens Way to Well Fund^TM will provide free preventive health tests as well as other health and wellness services and education to local communities.

Pizza and movie party?  Um, that's pretty much every Saturday night for us.  Netflix is offering new members a free 1-month trial of its streaming service.  But don't forget to cancel the subscription before the trial is over or you will be billed for one month of service, currently $7.99 for streaming or $15.98 if you choose to add the one DVD out at one time to the streaming plan. 

It's all fun and games.  Head and neck massager, hammock, soaker slider, basketball return net or Halloween decor anyone?  Check out Hammacher Schlemmer's 65% off sale.

This one is random and off topic, but I like it.  Plant a tree, and help America's forests.  I planted tree number 52,294.  Ongoing at McDonald's Happy Meal, enter coupon code "M4JE-3YKW-7L7J" into the box at the top, and McDonald's will plant a tree for free.  They will plant up to 100,000 trees in partnership with Keep America Beautiful.

Networking in the social media-centered world

I always find it funny when I add friends on Facebook or accept a friend request and then I can see the person's friends, compare mutual friends and even add some of their friends.  It really puts the seven degrees of separation into perspective--forget seven, in many cases you can find people through one degree of separation through social media.


Recently, I've started using social media, namely Facebook, for business purposes (I've been using Linkedin and Twitter too).  I've connected with new contacts whom I've actually met in person and I've started listing my blog entries as my status.  I was surprised to see comments and likes from people I hadn't spoken to in years.  It's awesome really.

I am curious about social media networking etiquette.  Does it exist?  For example, I think if you're going to connect with friends of friends whom you have never met before, should you ask the mutual friend to make the introduction, or at least give him/her a heads up?  I think maybe yes.  I also believe you should limit messages to new contacts to just a few lines and save the witty banter/pitch for a personal email once you have the new friend's email--think of it as an elevator pitch.  Thoughts?  Finally, I think if you don't hear back from someone after you've added them three months ago, expect that they don't want to be bothered--this goes for friend requests you've sent and messages sent too (3 months, 3 tries, I like things in 3s).  Agreed?  I'm definitely a "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again" kind of person, but you also sometimes have to get the hint.  I'm interested to hear what others think.

It's a tricky virtual world we're living in, but some of the same rules seem to apply when it comes to networking.  Knocking on doors is like sending friend requests, sometimes we get ignored for one reason or another.  On the other hand, you never know who you might connect with and the possible partnerships that lay ahead, so it's worth a click to see what opportunities may lay ahead.  So, I'm going to keep typing away as I launch my new business...watch your inboxes and walls.

Movers and Shakers

I remember thinking when AML jr was just a few months old how fun it would be once she was moving.  I hadn't thought about that with moving comes falls, and that is quite the opposite of fun for us both.  I also didn't think about how once she started moving it would be a lot harder to get her to sit still.  Well, the day has come.  She started crawling a few months ago, and at first she liked crawling under couches and beds. EESH  Now the risky business really starts--she's pulling herself up anywhere and in any way she can, and likes to show she can stand up with only one hand on the furniture.  She is also slowly shuffling her hands and feet and is so proud of her moves.  I must admit, I am too.  I hate, however, the occasional falls, disappointment and frustration I can tell she feels when she falls or can't crawl around in a public place, and of course the tears.

The last week has been tough, as AML jr has a cold/cough and I've had so many meetings for my new business I plan to launch within the next week and she's had to come along to them with me.  I promise to share the details about the business just as soon as the site is up, I'm soooo excited to spread the word!  Anyway, while I've been chatting away with businesses, AML jr has been smiling away, despite the cough, but also trying with some success to get out of her stroller/off my lap and onto the floor to continue her standing/walking pursuits.

While I'm meeting with movers and shakers in Tampa and hoping to create business partnerships to benefit us all, AML jr is becoming quite the mover and shaker herself--literally and figuratively.  I call her my Partner in Partnerships, and Papa Lusty said she's my closer (he's right!).

Any advice for keeping my little love safe and unbruised and content at home and at meetings?  Feel free to chime in here.  So far all I've got is to keep the pads, pillows and playmats covering the wood floors in my home, and when we're out to bring plenty of snacks and toys to keep her busy, and of course socks so she can stand up whenever, wherever possible.  It also doesn't hurt that most of my meetings are with moms/moms-to-be/kid-friendly people--G-d bless those people and their patience and understanding!

Love thyself...continued...

I'm not suggesting we neglect our relationships with our significant others and our children, but take time for yourself and show yourself some lovin'.  And if you're a single lady, remember Samantha's famous line in a Sex in the City episode as she leaves Richard in a hotel room in AC, "I love you too Richard, but I love me more."  If you aren't being appreciated, take matters into your own hands.  If you don't get a pat on the back for your hard work at home and/or in the workplace, go get your own, in whatever form works for you.

I got to thinking today about what I do for myself as I sat with a new friend discussing her yoga business.  After working all day taking care of the baby, while also developing a business, keeping the house straightened up, cooking (sometimes), running errands and all the other to dos, what have I done for me personally lately (oooooooh ooooh ooooh yeah, as the song goes)?

Well, people, I'm no expert but I'm working on it.  Like my mother, I give myself downtime every night, after the baby goes to sleep, sometimes it's an hour at midnight or sometimes it's three hours when I'm really lucky, at 9pm.  I take what I can get, and I appreciate watching my mindless tv (you know you love Real Housewives too), sitting quietly and writing my blog, holding hands with my husband while catching up on "our shows," or starting a book (which I never seem to finish).  I have on my wishlist doing yoga, with the baby actually so we can both chill out.  Working out always gives me more energy and clears my mind--it's like pressing reset.

I'm a simple girl.  Put the kid down to bed, give me a big screen tv, a smore, a comfy couch and a snuggly husband and let's call it a night (a Saturday night, admittedly).

Daily Deals--back-to-school is cool

Wednesday is deal day, so here goes...

Lowry Park Zoo--did you know you get free admission on your birthday with an ID showing your birth date?  This offer will expire Dec. 31 of this year.  Zoos are awesome, at any age, and offer something fun to do this summer before school starts.  And if you visit Lowry Park Zoo, you just might meet its newest addition, the baby rhino that was born July 13.

Suave freebies--get a free box of suave products and coupons by signing up here.  I personally want to try out the dry shampoo.

Free kids meal at Crispers--kids under 12 eat free on Saturday with the purchase of an adult entree (kids eat free every other day for only 99 cents). 

Back-to-school sales tax holiday in Florida : Aug 12-14, with modified rules.  I hope this temporary tax break gets people shopping up a storm because it helps the economy.

Pens, Pencils, Post-its, Oh my: 100 school supplies under $5 from Amazon

$35 Tour of Tampa by segway via Groupon:  Whether you're coming here on vacation or you're a local, this sounds pretty fun, even if it looks a tad ridiculous.

$25 for 2 hour trapeze class in Clearwater via Groupon: Sign me, or you, up.  Doesn't this make you think of the Sex and the City episode?

Dedicated to the ladies...take care!

Each day begins with a smile (and a diaper change and feeding) and off we go from thing to thing.  No more are the days when AML jr would sleep for 3-4 hours at a time and I would manage to pack an eight hour day into half the time.  I'm up, she's up, and we go from activity to activity and then all of a sudden it's 6:30pm, dinnertime, spa time (AML jr appreciates her bath time titled spa time, and she likes foot rubs, so it does seem appropriate to call it as such) and she's hopefully in bed by 9:30pm.  Then my day continues...until, well, now...or until my brain shut offs for the evening, which is no easy feat.  I'm not complaining, we all do what we have to do and I am incredibly blessed in so many ways.  I think parent or not, we can often be amazed at how much we can get done successfully on a daily basis.  However, rarely do we take the time to think about such accomplishments because, well, who has the time?!

This one goes out to you ladies, and you know who you are.  You work your tushes off by day, and by night take care of your man, your home, your pet, etc.  Oh, and of course, there are the nights you bring your work home just to keep up since they laid off your co-worker due to budget cuts and you're essentially working two jobs for the salary of one (but you're not complaining as thankfully that job pays the bills).  And don't forget making tomorrow's work and personal to do lists.  If you add a child or children to that mix, that makes three jobs (and an even longer to do list).  You're an exhausted lady.  But, as a recent single mother of three who has to travel some for work told me tonight, we all just learn to live on little to no sleep.  Does any of this sound familiar?  Since a show of hands isn't possible here, I'll assume it does for many of you.

This entry isn't about venting.  It's not about your jerk of a boss who never says thank you for your unpaid overtime work, it's not about the employee who leaves early and doesn't appreciate you picking up the slack and it's not about the husband who "forgets" to wash the dishes on a regular basis.  This entry is about doing something about it.  And by IT, I mean you!  Take care of yourself, lady.  We can't just sit around whining, we have to take care of ourselves.  You can't always fix such problems, even though I know you'll try, but you can find momentary relief/escape.  Go buy yourself something nice, get a sitter and go out with your man or girlfriends, hire a housekeeper every few weeks, go on more walks or take a Pilates class over lunch, take a real vacation (shut off the Blackberry, for real), do the unthinkable and spend the time and money on a spa day (I bet you can even find a deal if you look/ask for one).  Or did I mention taking a nap?  I'm not suggesting you take your kid's savings or your house savings and buy a Porsche, I'm suggesting you take care of yourself every once in a while, as a gift for taking care of everyone else.  I'm certain that if we neglect ourselves for too long, it will catch up with us.  An unhappy lady makes for an unhappy worker, wife, mother, human being.

I'm not one of those people who dishes out advice, but never takes it.  I am you, believe me.  I'm developing a business as I type, raising a child, taking care of a home and a pet, constantly thinking about our finances and what the future holds, and I never sleep.  I am the consummate planner in what seems like a very unpredictable world and my to do list is ever-growing from day to day. However, I will reward myself with a massage on Saturday, it's under $50 and for an hour I will zone out completely.  If it makes you/me feel any better, I will start the day like any other day with a diaper change, feeding, and I'm volunteering at a museum, all before noon, so the day isn't a complete indulgence day (G-d forbid) people.  :-)

Deals of the Day

Meal deal: At participating IHOP Restaurants, receive one kids' meal for free with the purchase of each adult meal from 4 pm to 10 pm local time. (Kids must be 12 years old or younger.)  Click here to find an IHOP location near you. Deal ends August 31.

Back to school backpacks: Piperlime offers a selection of Skip Hop Kids' Backpacks in 10 styles from $14. Coupon code "KIDSROCK" cuts them to as low as $11.20 plus free shipping, Many of the bags are BPA-free, Phthalate-free, PVC-free, and feature insulation, interior mesh pocket, and more.

Work out mom, Stylish kid: Kohl's offers the Converse Girls' Chuck Taylor All Star Double-Tongue Shoes in White/Pink for $14. Coupon code "POLYKIDS" cuts them to $11.90 plus 99 cents for shipping.  They come in toddler sizes from 11 to 13 and youth sizes from 1 to 6.  Kohl's also cuts up to 60% a selection of women's workout apparel AND coupon code "POLYKIDS" cuts an extra 15% off. Shipping adds 99 cents per item, or orders over $75 receive free shipping. Gymboree also cuts up to 60% off as part of its Back to School Sale. Shipping is $5.

Social media and sales: Check out American Express' Facebook page to register your card and get customized deals.  Also, like likeacoupon.com on Facebook for more deals.  And if you're in Tampa, check out Here's the Deal Tampa Bay. 

Happy saving equals happy spending!

Momtrepeneurs

Maybe you've heard the term momtrepeneur?  Maybe not.  A momtrepeneur is a woman who created a business, and also has a family.  Like so many moms out there, she's balancing work, raising her children, being an attentive wife and mother, and getting very little sleep.  She gives Superwoman a run for her money, or is she Superwoman?  Hmmm.

I am in the midst of starting my own business (details to follow), and I'm also a mother and wife.  I have energy, a true work ethic, passion and a hunger to create something valuable for myself and my community.  I have support from family and friends, fortunately.  I am not unique in that there are likely millions of mothers before me who have tried to manage a family and a business successfully, and there are many mothers currently doing so, and hopefully tons more to come.  If I have a free second or a free hand, I'm on my laptop, Blackberry, in meetings, etc.  Multi-tasking is just a part of life, and I'm taking it to the extreme, but I'm hoping it's all worth it.

Here is an  interesting list called 11 Signs you Might Be Ready to Become a Momtrepreneur.  I felt like it was written for me, I bet many of you amazing moms out there will feel the same.

1. You have a child, children or are currently pregnant.

2. You had a career before you had kids.

3. You are happy living with less income so you can spend time with your kids, but you fondly remember liking that extra money to spend on manicures, nice wine, and trendy shoes. Or forget the shoes – you have a mortgage, bills and groceries to buy.

4. The thought of returning to your former day-job to earn you the income you need makes you well up with tears.

5. You have “I can do [it [better] than] that” ideas about many of the businesses you encountered during your days in Corporate America.

6. You have “I can do it [better] than that” ideas about many of the products you never knew existed before you had children – breast pumps, baby blankets, maternity wear or a way to make that spit up on your shoulder look like a new fashion trend.

7. You can out multitask Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

8. You love your family and want to be a role model for happy balanced living for your children.

9. You see other mommies sending their kids to school, running a business, making money, picking up the kids from school, making dinner, networking, having fun and decide you want to do that, too.

10. You tackled colic, chicken pox, lice, and you deserve to do something for yourself that does not require antibiotics.

11. You have always wondered what if I went for it . . .

I'd love to hear about other momtrepeneurs' experiences.  Even if you didn't start your own company, but you're a working woman, I'd love to hear your stories--the good, the bad, and the ugly.  

Failing to prepare is like preparing to fail (adventures in traveling part 2)

Sleeping beauty on the plane

This is part two of the traveling topic.  Why the need to elaborate?  Because I learned a lesson that I'd like to share with you.  Remember how I said to bring plenty of bottles and a change of clothing/extra shirt and underwear?  Um, yeah, I meant it.  And here's why...

It's 6:45pm and we've just arrived to Denver.  AML jr was awesome on our first flight from Tampa to Denver.  She watched the movie on our laptop, napped, played with her toys quietly, smiled a lot, drank a bottle (3 bottles out of 5 remaining), and generally chillaxed for the almost four hour flight.  All of our clothing was still in tact, no spit-ups or otherwise messy situations.  We get off the plane, we're headed to find our gate and we're feeling confident about our final one hour flight from Denver to Jackson...our seemingly biggest problem was deciding what to eat for dinner in the airport.  And then...gasp...we see the screen...FLIGHT CANCELED.  AHHH!

To our great dismay, we learned that the fight cancellation was due to mechanical issues and there were no remaining flights going to Jackson that night.  We re-booked on a 6:45am flight the next morning.  We then waited 30 minutes for a shuttle to a hotel 30 minutes away in Denver--we received a hotel voucher and kudos to the Renaissance Hotel in Denver--it was clean, spacious and had a nice staff.   Our meal voucher went to good use at the hotel restaurant, and we also got a crib in our hotel room.  As we headed to sleep, we had 2 bottles left (on ice, ice packs too), enough to get through the night, the morning and into the early afternoon the next day, and clean pajamas for AML jr. 

3am rolls around, 5am ET, and AML jr is over sleeping.  She usually sleeps until 8am-9am, but like us, she was out of sorts.  So now we're all up.  No tooth brush, no hair brush (big mistakes), time to hit the airport around 4:30am.  But oh wait, the shuttle to the airport is full (the shuttle we were first on the list for, yep that shuttle).  I've doing everything I can to be patient and understanding (who has patience at 4:30am?  If you do, you are officially a saint.  Fortunately, we gave ourselves plenty of time to get to the airport).  Before I reached a level 10 freak-out, I let the New Yorker who also could not fit on the shuttle with her family, do the voice raising and hand waiving.  And it worked, we got in a cab, paid for by the hotel (thanks again for handling the situation quickly and responsibly Renaissance Hotel Denver), and we got through security before the shuttle passengers, an added perk.

Things were looking up...the flight was on time, we still had 2 bottles to spare, AML jr was napping on the flight with her clean blanket in her clean outfit and we had three seats on the plane for just us.  We arrived early, Jackson looked as beautiful as I remember and my dad was waiting for us at baggage claim.  Our bags arrived right away and we were on our way to our final destination.  Home sweet home (okay, my parents home, but close enough)

I could say, alls well that ends well because it's true, but I will end by using the famous basketball coach John Wooden's words.  "Failing to prepare is like preparing to fail.”  Enough said.