Sweet Reward

“I love you, Mommy!” Those four little words–comfort food for the ears. Now that school’s back in session, I don’t hear them nearly as much any more. In fact, for more than seven hours a day I don’t hear a single syllable from my second grader. I’m at work, she’s at school, and the house is eerily quiet compared to the height of the summer when my daughter’s voice filled the rooms and often spilled out onto the sidewalk. Less than two weeks into September and we’re back to the academic year routine: Prep uniform, pack lunch, make breakfast, drag … Continue reading

Sweet After School Snacks

Most health experts recommend that you greet your children with an apple and a glass of milk when they return home from a long day at school. It’s a great suggestion, and frankly, my daughter would eat the nutritious snack without complaint. However, there is something to be said about indulging in a sweet treat after a long week at school. If you are looking for yummy ways to reward your son or daughter’s efforts in class this week, then consider making the following decadent desserts: OREO MUD PIE Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups Oreo cookies (about 15) 1/4 cup butter, … Continue reading

CVS ExtraCare Rewards for the Week of 7/27

CVS is at it again. There are lots of weekly deals to help you save money. Don’t forget that the monthly deals end on Thursday. So get in there and finish up your monthly ECB shopping. How much can you take home while paying as little cash as possible? Here are the weekly ECB deals: Extra sweet rewards are back for the week. Buy $10 in candy and receive $5 in ECB’s. There are two pages of candy that qualify for this deal. There’s a good chance your favorites are on special. Don’t forget to use the BOGO coupons for … Continue reading

Free Breakfast on the Road

Free? Is there such a thing these days? If you are a Marriott Rewards Gold or Platinum Elite member, the answer is a hearty “yes.” Hearty as in the breakfast you will get for F-R-E-E beginning June 22nd. Marriott International is treating its loyal customers to a free continental breakfast seven days a week at participating hotels in the U.S. and Canada.  To sweeten the deal even more, Gold and Platinum Elite members will also be able to share the free meal pass with a guest of their choice.  For elite guests who prefer not to claim a muffin, bagel … Continue reading

The Sugar Rush Cometh

It’s Halloween in spring; otherwise known as Easter. Only, instead of going door-to-door to collect sweet treats, kids run around like decapitated chickens hunting for plastic eggs filled with chocolate goodness under bushes, in trees and behind rocks. If parents are lucky, their children will actually make it back to the hunt’s home base with at least a few pieces of uneaten candy to show for their efforts.  The unlucky moms and dads are left to pluck their kids from wherever it is they decide to plant their tiny tushes mid-hunt and picnic from a basket bulging with marshmallow chicks, … Continue reading

Underappreciated Disney Films: The Rescuers Down Under

“The Rescuers Down Under” doesn’t stand out as much as other films in my underappreciated series.  When looking at the full catalog of Disney feature-length animated films, I can understand why RDU and its predecessor don’t get as much attention.  I could have chosen either of them for this column, but given that “The Rescuers” was popular enough when it came out to warrant one of Disney’s only three theater-released sequels, I picked the latter film.  RDU is also hurt by the fact that its release came between that of Disney powerhouses “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast.” … Continue reading

Deals at Ben & Jerry’s, Little Caesars, Lone Star and More!

When money is tight, and days are hectic, it can be nice to get the family together for a quick meal at a restaurant, fast food place, or cafe. Where will your family be dining out? Before you head out the door, read this blog. It has information about deals and coupons at restaurants, cafes, and fast food places. Marie Callender’s has a coupon for $10.00 off any Holiday Feast. This coupon is valid through December 30, 2012. Ben & Jerry’s has a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream when you spend $10.00 or more on gift cards. … Continue reading

Favorite Family Restaurant Deals

Family-friendly and affordable should go hand in hand when it comes to restaurants, but that is not always the case. Anyone who has ever blinked twice at the cost of a plate of chicken nuggets would agree. Before you spend your family budget on eating out with the kids, check out the following favorite family restaurant deals. 1. Ruby’s Diner Ruby’s Diner offers several menu choices for kids for a reasonable price, and each kids’ meal includes a small ice cream cone for desert. Steer clean of the macaroni and cheese, which comes out of a box, and instead choose … Continue reading

Things They Never Told You About Being a Mom

Before having children all anyone ever tells you is how wonderful being a mother is. Babies are cute and cuddly and sweet and did I mention cute! However, what they failed to mention was that you were about to embark on the most difficult adventure you would ever face in your life. Don’t believe me? Try parenting a three year old for a day or two! They always say it’s the terrible two’s, they were wrong. Three was much harder than two, and I’m afraid four isn’t turning out much better. While I love my son dearly, there are some … Continue reading

Grateful for Baby

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I decided to think about all the things that I am grateful for about my job as a Mother to my sweet little baby. Yesterday, one of my older children was sick. I had very little sleep, and had been up since about 2 am. Needless to say, I was pretty grouchy when the sun started to rise and I had to continue on with my daily duties as a Mom. But, then my baby woke up. I walked into his room, and he smiled at me (like he always does). I thought to myself, … Continue reading