My New Years Resolution

So I've been thinking hard about what to do for my New Years Resolution this year.  I thought about yelling less, trying to stay calm when the kids don't go to sleep until 10:30pm, and arguing less with my husband.  But then I realized I really want to find something that I can stick to!!  Just kidding!! (Kind of!)

But seriously, I have decided this year I am going to have a clean car!  My car is by far the most disgusting thing I have ever seen.  It looks like a dump!!  I was going to take pictures to show all of you, but it is far too embarrassing.  There is a lolly pop stuck to the seat - that will NOT come off!  There are clothes, toys, french fries, and who knows what else covering the back of the car, to the point where you can't see the floor!!  The worst thing is I don't even know how all of this crap got in there - I think my kids are little hoarders and sneak all of their stuff into my car!

My mother gave me a dustbuster for Christmas, to keep in my car.  I think this was a very unsubtle hint!  Even though what I really need is a shovel!

So I told my husband tomorrow, we are cleaning out the car and there are going to be new rules!!  These rules include:

1. NO eating in the car - EVER!
2. Whatever you bring in the car - comes out with you when we get home.
3.  If you must bring a toy in the car - you can have 1!
4. And finally - no kicking the backs of the seats with dirty, muddy shoes!

I feel like this is an obtainable goal that my family and I can master for the New Year!!  Wish me luck!!

Happy New Years!!

Fun Winter Craft

Looking for a way to recycle all of this broken Christmas gift bags?  Turn them into craft paper!!

My little guy and I had fun making snowmen today.  I had a bunch of Christmas gift bags that had torn, or lost their handles, so I cut them up and turned them into craft paper - making great backgrounds for snowmen!

I cut out 3 white circles, small, medium and large.  I also cut out a black top hat.  I had my little guy glue everything down, and he decorated the snowmen with leftover Christmas candy - marshmallows for the snow, and the m&ms were supposed to be for the buttons - but most of them got eaten!

I love fun, inexpensive art projects!!  These are things I will treasure forever! :)

Big Y

AWESOME run to Big Y tonight!!  Only $4.88!!  Woohoo!  Here's the breakdown:

(6) McCormick Vanilla Extract - on sale for $2.  Used (6) $0.50/1 McCormick spice, herb, extract or food color, from the12/7 RP.

(6) McCormick Taco Seasoning packets - on sale for $.69.  Used (6) $0.50/1 McCormick spice, herb, extract or food color, from the 12/7 RP. 

Big Y Bagels were discounted - $.74

CVS

CVS Christmas clearance items are still at 50% off.  But they have a ton of stuff left!  Including Frozen bouncy balls, other toys and lots of candy.

I also found a great clearance deal on CVS brand dandruff shampoo - 75% off! 

Santa

It's so true!!

Rite Aid Clearance Finds

Quick run to Rite Aid yesterday to check out their Christmas clearance.  Not too much left, and everything at 50% off, including perfume gift sets.

But my great finds were not Christmas decorations - but select Physicians Formula Makeup marked down to 75% off!!  Woohoo!

New Year - New Organization

Trying to organize all of your kids new holiday clothes and toys?  Check out my list of 10 items to help you get organized for the New Year - all under $30!!

 IKEA 6 Tier Hanging Mesh Storage Closet Organizer on Amazon for $6.70 + $2 Shipping. 

Hanging Mesh Organizer

 Over the Door Shoe Organizer on Amazon for $9.29 (originally $12.99).  Free shipping with Amazon Prime.

Over the Door Shoe Organizer

 Minnie Mouse Collapsible Storage Trunk on Amazon for $17.71 (originally $19.99).  Free shipping with Amazon Prime.

Minnie Mouse Collapsible Trunk

Sterilite 3 Drawer Wide Cart on Amazon for $19.97 (originally $37.99).  Free shipping with Amazon Prime.

Sterilite 3 Drawer Wide Cart

Mickey Mouse Foldable 3 Drawer Storage Organizer on Amazon for $24.99 (originally $29.99).  Free shipping with Amazon Prime.

Mickey Mouse Foldable 3 Drawer Organizer

 Tot Tutors Book Rack on Amazon for $25.99 (originally $79.99).  Free shipping with Amazon Prime.

Tot Tutors Book Rack

Munchkin Sarabear Toy Organizer (Small, Brown).  On Amazon for $26.44 (originally $34.99).  Free shipping with Amazon Prime.

Munchkin Sarabear Toy Organizer

American Plastic Toy Organizer on Amazon for only $26.99 (originally $34.99).  Free shipping with Amazon Prime.

American Plastic Toy Organizer

ClosetMaid Stackable 3 Shelf Organizer on Amazon for $27.99.  Free shipping with Amazon Prime.

ClosetMaid Stackable 3 Shelf Organizer

Paylak Kids Storage Organizer Bins Fabric set of 3 on Amazon for $29.99.  Free shipping with Amazon Prime.

Set of 3 Paylak Kids Storage Organizer Bins

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas!!  God Bless!!

Real Meaning of Christmas

Having little kids now, I want to make sure that they understand the real meaning of Christmas.  I want to make sure that they understand that Christmas isn't all about presents and Santa.  However, since my little ones are 1 and 2 years-old, this was a challenge.

So this is what I came up with.

My 2 year-old and I made this yesterday.  He helped me make the cake and decorate it.  While we made it, we talked about Jesus, and that we celebrate Christmas because it's his birthday.  I kept everything simple, and I think he really understood; ever since we made the cake he has been singing "Happy Birthday to Jesus".  I think this helped him to understand that Christmas is more then just Santa and presents, but also the birthday of Jesus Christ. 

Keurig Recall

***Important Recall!! Keurig is recalling 7 million of their Mini Plus Brewing Systems (model K10). Apparently they can over heat and spray hot water - if you own this model please stop using and be careful!

For more information please read below:

http://patch.com/connecticut/cheshire/attention-cheshire-keurig-owners-company-recalls-coffee-machines-system-can-overheat?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_term=around+town&utm_campaign=alert

Christmas Cookies

My two little ones and I had fun baking peanut blossom cookies today.  Baking is awesome with toddlers - they learn about counting, cause and effect and patience!  I really do love baking with my kids - but wow, what a MESS!!  Totally worth it though!! 

If you want to feel better about your kitchen - take a look at what mine looked like this afternoon!  Merry Christmas!

Christmas Wreath Craft

The kids and I had fun making Christmas wreaths this afternoon.  I had bought Fruit Loops at Stop and Shop last week (just because they were only $.50 a box!),  and we decided to do an art project with them!!

I took 2 white paper plates and cut the center out.  I then cut a slit at the top of the plate, and pulled a piece of ribbon through for the bow.

Then I had the kids pain the plates green.













We then spread some glitter on the plates and glued the Fruit Loops on.  (I think this was my toddlers favorite part!).  His little eyes got so big when he saw this colorful, sugary cereal!!  It's crazy how they know things at such a young age!!

This was a fun, simple project!  I wrote their names and the date on the back and hope to save it for years to come!!

Chobani Coupons = Free yogurt!! :)

One of the best ways to get high value coupons is to write directly to companies!  Just last week I wrote to Chobani, asking for coupons, and yesterday I recieved 2 coupons for a free 5.3oz container of yogurt!  Woohoo!!

I encourage everyone to write to Chobani as well!  Here is the link to contact: http://care.chobani.com/ics/support/ticketnewwizard.asp?style=classic

Here is the e-mail that I sent: 

Hello - My family just loves your yogurt! I feel so good knowing that my family is eating healthy food when I feed them any of your yogurt products. Thank you! I am writing to you today asking if you can please send me coupons. I am a stay-at-home mom, on a very tight budget, and every little bit really helps. Thank you so much for your time, and Happy Holidays!!

*Remember, that just because one person receives coupons, doesn't mean that everyone will have the same experience.

Moms Rock!

Just in case anyone needed a reminder today!!

10 Christmas DVDs under $4

Looking for some last minute Christmas DVDs.  They make great stocking stuffers and Christmas Presents!!  Check out the list below of 10 DVDs under $4:

Frosty DVD $3.23
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A345CG?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000A345CG&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20

 Miracle at Christmas: Ebbie's Story DVD $3.48!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0091D48QO?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0091D48QO&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20

Holidaze: The Christmas That Almost Didn't Happen DVD $3.51
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ULPFJ0?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000ULPFJ0&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20

Christmas Classics DVD $3.58
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IAJK84?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001IAJK84&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure DVD $3.75http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DZ3IE?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0000DZ3IE&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20

Snow Day DVD $3.75
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVU3S7M?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00EVU3S7M&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20

Christmas Bunny/Littlest Angel/The Nativity/A Child is Born - 4 Pack DVD $3.91
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008XJ0IWK?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B008XJ0IWK&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20

 Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas Special DVD $3.99
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QODEEE?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B005QODEEE&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20

Might Machines: Winter Blast DVD $3.99
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003AWEZ3S?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B003AWEZ3S&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20

Mike The Knight: Mike's Christmas Surprise DVD $3.99
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DOZRR2W?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00DOZRR2W&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20

Noise Canceling Headphone Comparison

Noise Canceling Headphones seem to be a VERY popular Holiday gift this year!  So I did a little bit of research to find out what's best rated, and what the best prices are.

According to consumerreports.org, the top 6 Noise Canceling Headphones are listed below:  (I did the research for the prices and websites - based on my own findings - not consumerreports.org).

1.  Bose QuietComfort 15 -

•  B&H Photo-Video-Audio - $269
• http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=995167&gclid=Cj0KEQiAzb-kBRDe49qh9s75m-wBEiQATOxgwXeuKLV3ADg2Q5XuA8KyZ-qByFS2tTcv_kqu5-nnx0AaAoRt8P8HAQ&Q=&is=REG&A=details 

2.  dre Beats Executive -    

• Amazon - $198.48
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008EQ1ZAG?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B008EQ1ZAG&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20

3.  SMS Audio's Street by 50 ANC - 

• Amazon - $183.69
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E58RSRQ?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00E58RSRQ&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20 

 4.  Sony MDR-NC500D - 

• Amazon - $169.95
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001786D5A?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001786D5A&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20

 5.  PSB Speakers' M4U 2 - 

• Amazon - $299
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007TTD7VO?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B007TTD7VO&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20 

6.  Monster beats by dr. dre studio - 

• HP - $224.99
• http://store.hp.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/us/en/beats-by-dr-dre-studio-high-definition-controltalk-black-headphones-p-h4r92aa-aba--1?jumpid=ba_r329_hhocse&aoid=44661&003=6663635&010=H4R92AA#!&ABA=&ci_sku=H4R92AA

Cosumerreports.org went on to suggest the Monoprice Noise-Canceling Headphone as an inexpensive alternative to the suggestions above.  However, they seem to be out of stock everywhere I can look.  Here is the link to Amazon, where they are listed at, $138.79, and temporarily out of stock.  It states that they will contact you when they are back in stock.

•  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D8HPYXA?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00D8HPYXA&linkCode=xm2&tag=staathommom06-20

For the whole article visit, http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/10/does-bose-make-the-best-noise-canceling-headphones/index.htm

Rite Aid Toys and Christmas Decorations 50% off!

So in my quick run to Rite Aid I also noticed that all of the Christmas items are 50% off, including toys!!

Monster trucks for only $4.99, Space Robot for $4.99 and felt coloring activities only $3.50!  Plus lots of other toys and Christmas Decorations.
                                                

Quick Run to Rite Aid

Quick run to Rite Aid:

* Excedrin Mild Headache, 30 count - $3.99 - Used $1.50/1 coupon from coupons.com and $2/1 Rite Aid coupon from http://live.adperk.com/riteaid/frame/ravv (Final Price $.50!)

But you also get a $1 UP Reward you can use the next day!

Stop and Shop Today

Quick run to Stop and Shop today. Total was only $8.34!!  Here is the breakdown:

*Froot Loops - $1.99 - used $.75/1 coupon from https://www.kelloggsfamilyrewards.com/en_US/coupons.html (Final Price $.50 each!)
*Apple Jacks - $1.99 - used $.75/1 coupon from https://www.kelloggsfamilyrewards.com/en_US/coupons.html (Final Price $.50 each!)
*Rice Krispies - $1.99 - used $2/1 Stop and Shop e-coupon from http://stopandshop.com/ (Final Price FREE!)
*Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Pasta - $.88 - used $1/2 coupon from http://ronzoni.newworldpasta.com/pasta_coupon.cfm (Final Price $.38 each)
*Hershey's Baking Chips - $2.50 - used $.50/1 coupon from coupons.com and $1/1 Stop and Shop e-coupon from http://stopandshop.com (Final Price $.50)
*Stop an Shop Baking Soda (32oz.) - $1
*Temptations Cat Treats - $1.33 - used $.75/2 coupon from 11/9 RP. (Final Price $.58)