My kids love toys that allow them to be imaginative and to pretend.   Polly Pockets has been a favorite for a long time.  We’ve had the tiny clothes, the shoes, and the accessories sprinkled around our house more times than I can count!   Recently we had the opportunity to try the new Stick N Play toys from Polly Pockets.  Fun times!!!  The set was pretty easy to open so playtime could start right away.  Always a plus! One of the most important features of this line is that the accessories “stick” to the playset with tiny suction cups.   I can’t believe what a difference it makes.  Playing with the smallest pieces like pretend cakes and cups was so easy because they actually stayed on the table.   Clean up was even better since the pieces stayed on the structure—-we just picked up the whole thing and put it in the toy box.   Wow!  The suctions weren’t as effective with the larger pieces.  The dolls and the refrigerator tended to be more top-heavy and leaned a bit.  Still, having the pieces stay in place was really helpful for the little hands in our family.   These Polly Pockets dolls stayed on the playset so much better because their shoes were stuck to the surface.  It was much less frustrating for my kids and for me.

The kitchen add-on was great because it had so many fun accessories.  The fridge really opens, the oven door opens, and there is even a three layer cake that can be mix-and-matched.  This set is really geared for hours of play.  When a toy has add-on pieces available, it’s always a hit with us because those are easy gifts to pick up for Christmas, birthdays, and the like.  It makes an old toy fun again without investing a ton of money.  The kitchen add-on just snapped on the left of the playset.  It took all of two seconds to get it set up.

Another feature I liked about this playset is the interchangeable backgrounds and props.  For instance, the “pool” can flip over to be a bed.  The walls even change by just being turned over.   Every playdate can start with a new background and story.   My daughter and even my son had a great time playing with this set and they invited me to play with them, too.   Hearing them giggle and seeing them have so much fun playing together was a blessing to me.   I can tell that we’ll be investing in more Stick N Play Polly Pockets!

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Mattel Polly Pocket. I received a product samples and a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.”

Every mommy needs a break every now and then.  I’m unapologetically overprotective of my kids and really don’t trust a babysitter to keep them unless I know the sitter very, very well.   So what’s a mom to do?  Parent’s Night Out is a good solution whether your sitter issue is financial or emotional.

Have you tried checking into the Parents’ Night Out in your area?  Several places around the Tricities have this program available once a month or more.  Typically you pay a flat fee (around $10-$12 per child) for the evening, and the hours are usually from 6-10 PM.  Most parents drop off their child and enjoy a night out.  There are usually several adults there for supervision so Parents’ Night Out programs are great for several reasons.  First of all, they usually offer a fun activity for kids.  For example, at Meadowview Gymnastics kids enjoy having an open gym during this time.   Secondly, there are lots of kids at these programs so your little one is bound to make a new friend.  Third, the time is flexible so you can stay out the whole time or just for an hour, depending on your need.

Most parents drop off their kids and leave.  I don’t….I grab a yummy hot chocolate or something special, take a good book, and once my kids get settled I go over to the waiting room and enjoy a quiet evening.  I’m right there if my kids need me or when they’re ready to go home, and I still get some time to myself.  They have a great time and so do I!   For less than the cost of a typical babysitter, you can have a few hours of mommy time.

Every time we go to the pediatrician’s office, I covet the no-touch thermometer.  The nurse simply aims it in the direction of my wriggling kids and voila! Their temperature magically appears on the screen!  No poking around in the ears, trying to hold an arm down, or even swiping over a forehead.  We won’t even mention the other places a thermometer can go. This is modern medicine, baby!!

Remember when you snuck into your child’s room at night and juggled the flashlight in your mouth while you swiped the thermometer ten times against your child’s feverish forehead, all the while trying not to wake the sleeping prince?  You can skip all that with the RediScan No Touch Thermometer.    When we received our review thermometer, I was prancing all around taking everyone’s temp.  It measured my son’s temperature in just a few seconds.  He didn’t even notice I was taking it, that’s how quick and discreet it was.  I even checked the sausage that was cooking on the stove (which had a fever, by the way).  The thermometer comes in its own little bag which is great for keeping it clean and ready to use.  The batteries were in the package too (hello! Did a mom pack this box?!)  And yes, it even has a little light to help you out in the dark room as mentioned in the scenario above.  I can tell that this little guy is going to be in my medicine cabinet for a long while!

If you are going to a baby shower, forget the cutesy diaper cake.  Forego the pink frou-frou outfit. Give the mom-to-be one of these thermometers and a couple of containers of infant fever reducer.  She won’t know it now, but you are about to make her a very happy woman when that baby’s first fever hits!   Look for the packaging above to make sure that you’re getting the RediScan.

Get 5% off your order at www.mspinc.com when you use coupon code 5PERCENT307

Also—check back on September 1 for your chance to win a RediScan No Touch Thermometer in the Better Late Than Never giveaway event!

A few years ago I started using vegan beauty products and everyone thought I was crazy for trying something new.  I started selling that make-up through a direct sales program because I really believe in that face-to-face contact.   Although my schedule didn’t allow me to continue selling the products, I still think it’s important to buy quality skincare products (and I still buy products from that company!)   I just love the way that natural ingredients and classic looks have become the standard for cosmetics.  It’s easy to find high-quality natural makeup that is affordable, too.

Recently I had the opportunity to try Mia Mariu cosmetics.  This is a direct-sales company that features natural products through a consultant.  The difference in Mia Mariu, though, is their shade selection.  I absolutely LOVE the color variety that they offer.  Since I’m Asian, my skin has that olive-tone that is sometimes hard to match with regular makeup.  The eyeshadow and lipsticks I tried from Mia Mariu were just perfect for me.  The lipstick has a wonderful glossiness to it without being really slick and overdone.  I received two lipsticks and gave one to a friend, who has very fair skin and blonde hair.  She wears the lipstick on top of a brown tone and it looks amazing on her.  Isn’t that great that the tones can work with anyone’s skin?   If you are African American, Hispanic, or Asian and have a hard time finding makeup in the shades you like best, definitely check out their color combinations.  The only thing I didn’t like about the shadow eye liner was the fact that it’s loose. I’ve never used a product like that before and I didn’t get the hang of it.   I would love to try some of the other products from their line and see how they work.  Although some may feel that the price for Mia Mariu is too high, I find that I get what I pay for.  The brands at drugstores and department stores sometimes cause me to have an allergic reaction, so I am willing to spend more on the brands that work for me.  You can connect with Mia Mariu on their Facebook page!

Overall, I liked these products and would definitely order them if I had a consultant to work with.  I prefer to see the colors in person.  What about you?  Tell me what you look for in your favorite makeup.

I love perfume and fragrance but rarely wear any.  My skin is super sensitive and gets little red bumps when I’m allergic to certain fragrances, even high-end brands.   I’m also a teacher and sometimes students have sensitivity to scents.  Still, I enjoy having the tiniest bit of fragrance to linger with me during the day.  I recently found Auric Blends and tried a couple of their scents.  One thing I liked about them is that the roll-on applicator allows you to apply exactly the amount that you want.  I used the tiniest dab on my wrists and it was just enough without being overpowering.  The scent lasted all day long—-literally staying true to scent until I went swimming after work!  I was amazed.  This bottle of perfume oil will last me a very long time.  The two scents I tried were Rose and Plumeria.  They are very, very floral.  The rose is exactly like a rose scent, not a nose-wrinkling chemical copy.  I love it and am thinking about putting it on my wool dryer balls to see if it gives my clothes a nice scent, too.

Another great thing about Auric Blends is the price.  At only $7.50 a pop, you can afford to splurge a little bit!   I found some sample options on their website for those who might just like to try it before committing to one scent.  And if you use a small amount like I did, the sample set might even be enough of a supply for you.

You can follow Auric Blends on Facebook and on Twitter.
I received the above products through Sublime Media Connection in exchange for an honest review.  In no way was I asked to give a positive review.

Welcome to the School is here! Let’s Cheer! Back to school Giveaway Event!

Brought to you by Super Events Media & Social Marketing Mom! This event runs from 12:01am August 15th till 11:59pm on August 29th. At the bottom of this post you will find links to all of the participating blogs where you can enter to win a fun school related prize with a value over $25!

This super cool giveaway is hosted by Full Price? Never! & MyCraftyLife and sponsored by Big Fundraising Ideas,the easy and successful way for your non profit to earn money!

“Big Fundraising Ideas is a company that works with various groups such as schools, sports teams, churches, and other non-profit organizations. We provide a turnkey fundraising program that is able to generate substantially more income for these groups than the typical fundraisers that are being used today. These events involve no selling and no buying. Do you know of a group that is looking for a new fundraiser? We’d love to help? We are also hiring sales reps! This is the ultimate work at home opportunity and perfect for today’s Moms. Visit our Fundraiser Sales Rep page for more info.”

Learn more about Big Fundraising Ideas: Website, Facebook and Twitter

Big Fundraising Ideas is sponsoring the Grand Prize and it is a 5 candle sample pack of Diamond Candles {over $125 value}!
You can enter to win the grand prize by clicking here or here.

Rendi is the sponsor for this Savings in Seconds giveaway!   Now that the kids are out of the house, why not reclaim your space?  Rendi can help you do just that.

When Rendi contacted me about a review and giveaway, I was really curious because I am not a great decorator.  I love to shop at Hobby Lobby and similar stores but never seem to be able to pull it all together to get a cohesive look.  Rendi provides fully-customizable photo frames, wall signs, and other decor.  On their website I was able to take my time to design the look I wanted and personalize it.  Rendi has high-quality, stylish designs that are truly wall-ready.   Their website walks you through the customization process and allows you to choose everything from font color, background, and more.  It’s very user-friendly.  Also, Rendi products are planet friendly and made in the USA.  The materials are 100% post-consumer recycled wood and decorated with water-based finishes. 

When my order arrived, I just loved the way it was packaged.  It looked like a gift!  

So cute!  And yes, I saved this cute packaging.  I’m a dork like that.

But then when I opened this…….oh my!!  The sign I received was even better than I expected.  The colors were just right.  It is really sturdy and classic….will be perfect in my home for years to come.  I hung it above the doorframe with two pieces of velcro wall tape.
Here’s how it looks hanging above my doorframe.

I just adore it.
It makes me smile every time I walk under this door.

Another thing about Rendi that impressed me was the speed of shipping.  I received my sign in the same week that I placed the order.   WOW!   I have never received a personalized item that quickly. Rendi will be my go-to site for personalized gifts, especially for bridal showers and housewarming gifts.

Rendi has offered one lucky Savings in Seconds reader a $50 gift certificate.  The sign I ordered was a medium sign priced at $43.95 and it’s perfect above the doorway.  The $50 gift certificate I received was enough to pay for the sign plus most of the shipping….I paid about $1.50 overage.  If you win and don’t want to pay extra, you might need to go for a smaller item.
Enter using the Rafflecopter form below.  Open to US readers ages 18+.  Good luck!

Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

Reading with my children is one of my favorite things to do.  Spending time reading about God with them is even better.  God Gave Us Love is a board book that’s just perfect for a toddler or even a baby. I hope you’ll take the opportunity to read this sweet book and share God’s love with your little one.   [Read more…]

Daily Deal Tricities has a good offer that you can use to get a great new tee for your sports fan!  Front Row Sports is located in the shopping center behind Starbucks in Kingsport….you know, where Panera and Sweet CeCe’s is?  I’ve heard that they have great sports apparel.   For $10 you can get a $20 voucher.   This would be a good time to pick up a new hat or other sports item to tuck in a Christmas stocking. Only you and I will know that you got it for 50% off!  Note that the voucher must be used by 9/15/12 so don’t waste any time getting it redeemed.

Grab your deal by clicking here! 

Yes, this is my referral link.  I’d love it if you’d share your referral link in the comments!

Many local people that I’ve talked to haven’t even heard of Daily Deal Tricities.  What a shame, they have great opportunities for local savings!! Please support local businesses by sharing these offers with your friends.   Use the Facebook share button, Twitter button, or Pin this to share it with your Tricities friends.  The buttons are located at the bottom of this post.

If there’s a business that you’d like to see in Tricities Tuesday, please let me know.

Soda is my mojo.  I’ve tried to kick the habit but my brain gets seriously foggy without drinking at least a cup a day.  A large cup, that is.   Several days a week I go through the drive-thru to pick up a soda but that adds up after just a few days!   Let’s do the math….

$1.92 for a large Coke at Chick Fil A

X5 days per week

X4 weeks per month

$38.40 per month

EEK!!  That’s a lot of money to spend on a drink a day, wouldn’t you say?  And that’s just if I only buy a drink. If my kids are with me, they want something too.   That’s the way it adds up.   And let’s not even talk about the amount of waste generated by buying a disposable cup every day.  This carbon footprint is getting bigger and bigger.

Yes, I could save money by keeping some soda at home, but I never buy any because I tell myself that I’m trying not to drink it.  Then I end up getting some while I’m out.  And the whole cycle continues.  You might think this is ridiculous coming from a girl who tries to save money everywhere else, but that’s how low my willpower is.

Soda Stream provides the best of both worlds for me.  I don’t have to keep a lot of soda on hand to tempt me, but when I get the craving I can make my own.  Yes, you read that right—-I can make my own soda!  It’s so easy and the kit comes with everything that you need to get started.  You just chill your own water, fill it with the air, and flavor it.  The bottle is easy to wash and the Soda Stream doesn’t take up too much counter space.  The soda keeps in the fridge for a couple of days without losing its fizz.   It’s really tasty, too, with lots of flavors available.   Now I won’t lie…..I don’t think the soda tastes like the “regular” soda.  It does have sucralose in it so to me it tastes more like a diet drink.  I’m not usually a fan of diet drinks but I can handle these because they’re not as overly sweet.  I’ve actually branched out and haven’t been drinking as much cola.  Instead, I’m trying new flavors like the fruit flavored choices.  I really want to try the new kids flavors.   The Soda Stream getting them to drink more water.  In fact, my daughter likes the water straight from the Soda Stream container.  I don’t think she’s realized yet that it’s just regular water.  Shhhh, don’t give me away!

You can follow Soda Stream on Facebook and Twitter.  I also see it at local department stores, so I bet you could find it at yours too!