When I was working full time outside the home and a busy mother of two young boys, I seriously considered hiring a maid to come into my home bi-weekly. Two of my co-workers were paying for the service from the same independent contractor and mentioned numerous times how much free time it gave them to have someone else do the majority of the housecleaning without all the typical distractions. That was, until both of them had issues with this particular person not showing up at all or calling with excuses. Once they could no longer rely on her they both canceled this convenience.
A professional cleaning company like Merry Maids is a great way to avoid common issues like tardiness or worries like something being stolen. Not only do most Merry Maids work in teams, they are also insured and bonded against theft so you can breathe easier knowing you are protected. You have complete control over how often your home is cleaned whether it be for a single occasion, weekly or monthly and you don’t have to bother with taxes.
And is it wrong that when I looked at the Merry Maids cleaning services from a typical visit I drooled just a little? Because I can only imagine how really clean my home would be if I wasn’t the one actually cleaning it. I’m embarrassed to admit I don’t wipe down all the tiles in my bathroom or clean my kitchen cabinets each week.
Merry Maids house cleaning services are a great way to free up your precious time for more important things such as spending time with your family or some much needed “me” time. To learn more about the service and your options, visit Merry Maids to request a quote or use the zip code search box on the homepage to find your local office.
Disclosure: I was compensated for my time to share my thoughts but my opinions remain my own.
Sick of the same old same old on television? Try adding a new show in your weekly lineup, RIZZOLI & ISLES starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, premiering TONIGHT at 10/9c on TNT. You may recognize these names from highly rated novels by Tess Gerritsen. This drama follows Boston detective Jane Rizzoli (Harmon) and medical examiner Maura Isles (Alexander), complete opposites and good friends who solve crimes and bust some of Boston’s most notorious criminals. Growing up at opposite ends of the economic spectrum, the two remain strikingly different from one another in many ways.
Jane, the only female detective in Boston’s homicide division, is a tough and gutsy cop who doesn’t let her guard down (except with Maura). Angie Harmon describes her a totally “bad ass”. Maura, meanwhile, is usually more comfortable among the dead than the living and is very scientific. She is always impeccably dressed in designer duds with a steady, sometimes icy temperament. Jane and Maura often find themselves working together as both use their brilliant minds and expertise to figure out Boston’s most complex cases.
Despite their many differences, Jane and Maura are best friends, with a quirky and supportive relationship. As Tamaro explains, “That Jane and Maura are so different and yet so effective as a team makes them unusual. There’s something rare about their relationship that I see in the world but not enough on television: two smart, strong, competent women who instinctively drop the protective shield when they’re with each other.”
RIZZOLI & ISLES also stars Lorraine Bracco (The Sopranos) as Angela, Jane’s demanding and intrusive mother; Lee Thompson Young (FlashForward) as Det. Barry Frost, Jane’s somewhat green partner; Bruce McGill (Law Abiding Citizen) as Det. Vince Korsak, Jane’s seasoned former partner; and Jordan Bridges (Dawson’s Creek) as Jane’s brother, Frankie, a patrol cop who hopes one day to become a detective.
I am thrilled to tell you that I have teamed up with Cat Davis from 3 Kids and Us to bring you the newest dessert and recipe blog online, Oh My! Sugar High! Whether you are a seasoned baker, a novice or just like dessert photos, there will be a little something for everyone. We are both so excited to be able to share our love affair with baking and hope you will stop by and subscribe to our updates. I promise we have many great recipes, tutorials, tips and more to share so you don’t want to miss any upcoming posts! (There may even be a giveaway sprinkled in here and there for good measure!) And if you have any feedback, don’t hesitate to tell us. We’d could use the comment love and can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Our home has certainly been our most important investment. With the ups and downs with both the housing market and job market, it is as important as ever for us to feel protected and safe within our homes. One way to do that is with a home warranty.
I hate to admit that I had never even heard of home warranties. After 7 years of owning our own home I had no idea that I could pay for a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of many of the most frequently occurring breakdowns of home system components and appliances. American Home Shield provides this service and eliminates the financial strain of an unexpected breakdown and added stress of finding an approved and insured contractor.
The age of my home system components and appliances does not matter and no inspection is required. So even though I’m late to the game so to speak I’m not out. The covered items simply have to be in good working condition and properly maintained at the time coverage is purchased.
Whether your are searching for an Arizona Home Warranty or across the country in Maine, you can work with American Home Shield to give you added piece of mind. For more information visit American Home Shield.
Disclosure: This post was brought to you by American Home Shield and I was compensated for my time to share it with my readers.
Check out this cool new Rayovac promotion. Simply tell them how you’ll power your fun this summer each day for a chance to win prizes ranging from Cameras and Bikes to Camping Supplies and a Summer Supply of Rayovac Batteries! And no worries about having the correct answer. There is no right or wrong to how you and your family add the Power of Fun to your summer!
With daily summertime tips and awesome prizes to be given out, I can only ask what are you waiting for? Head on over to the Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion!
Join Rayovac and 5MinutesForMom for a Twitter Event to support the exciting Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion. The Twitter Event will feature more than 20 fun giveaways from Rayovac ranging from a summer supply of Rayovac Batteries to $50 Target Gift Cards.
Rayovac Powers Your Vacation Summer Promotion Twitter Event Date: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 Time: 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. CST Location: #rayovac Follow:@Rayovac_Battery, @5minutesformom, @CirclePRMary
I’ll be there, will you?
Disclosure: The first 99 bloggers to promote the Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion won a prize package from Rayovac!
I’ll never forget the disappointment I felt a few years ago when I found out our local Toys “R” Us was closing. While there were still plenty of big box retailers in which to buy toys from locally, it didn’t compare to some of the amazing finds from Toys “R” Us. I was always especially found of the Animal Plant section which gained me the favorite aunt award many times over with my nephew who was obsessed with animals. Now I have to get my Toys “R” Us fix online.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of a store available locally to you as well, you just might be in luck. With over 50 new stores opening June through October 2010 nationwide, everyone from New York to California and Texas to Washington is invited to join the party!
Toys “R” Us is inviting Moms (and Dads, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Friends) to join the I want to be a Toys R Us Mom Promotion!
Locate a Grand Opening or Re-Opening near you by visiting I Want to Be a Toys R Us Mom. Find the state you live in, download your ‘secret coupon’ and redeem it on Grand Opening/Re-Opening Weekend to reveal your shopping discount.
If that is not enough, be one of the first 100 people though the door Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. of opening weekend to receive your free gift bag valued at over $100!
I’ve been a big fan of Bebe au Lait for a while and have had the chance to share multiple reviews and giveaways along with special promotions with my readers. I’ve got another fabulous sale to share with you!
Bebe au Lait has created an amazing opportunity for anyone in the market for a nursing cover. Right now if you purchase any Hooter Hiders or Bebe au Lait nursing cover you can get a FREE mystery nursing cover from either the Hooter Hiders or Bebe au Lait collections (your choice of collection). Awesome, right?
Select any Hooter Hiders or Bebe au Lait nursing cover in our store, and add it to your shopping cart.
At this point, your shopping cart will total $70. You will be prompted for a coupon code after inputting your billing information in the checkout process. Use coupon code MYSTERY10 to get $35 off, making the second nursing cover free.
One of the extra cool perks for the timing for the Wilton Mom ReTreat included the opportunity to shop early at the Wilton Tent Sale. If you live at all near Illinois you simply must check it out. It truly is every baker’s dream with products up to 75% off and live demonstrations! Even if you don’t bake there are plenty of scrapbooking goodies and housewares that anyone would love to own.
The Wilton Tent Sale, which is held in Woodridge, Illinois, is a popular event for cake decorators and crafters. This year’s Wilton Tent Sale will offer amazing deals on a wide selection of Wilton cake decorating and baking supplies as well as kitchen and paper craft products from Copco, EK Success Brands and K & Company. In addition, demonstrations of Wilton products and crafting techniques will be offered throughout the sale.
Here is my amazing haul from the tent sale!
We’ve already used the Copco mugs and love them!
I couldn’t even fit everything in one picture. (Umm, yeah. I MAY have had most of this put away by the time my husband came home. You know, so the three huge and very heavy boxes didn’t scare the crap out him wondering where we would put it all. ssshhh….)
Not pictured items include the Ultimate Caddy (for transporting cakes and cupcakes) and four of the Copco coffee mugs shown in the tent sale picture. I’ve already been putting some items to good use like the mixing bowls and measuring cups and spoons. They are awesome and are such a huge improvement to the ones I was using. My mom is also going to be receiving some fabulous gifts.
2240 W. 75th Street
Woodridge, IL 60517
Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Weekends: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Demonstrations from 11 am – 2 pm
Monday, June 14 Buttercream
Tuesday, June 15 Chocolate
Wednesday, June 16 Fondant Modeling
Thursday, June 17 Rolled Fondant
Friday, June 18 Chocolate
Saturday, June 19 Fondant Modeling
Overall I found this event to be fun and the perfect excuse for a roadtrip or outing with some girlfriends! If you had the chance to attend, please let me know how you made out. I’d love to hear more about your haul!
Disclosure: I was given $150 certificate to use at the Wilton tent sale. However since my bill was well over $400, all this loot was so not free.
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Some days I really wish I owned an iphone. I mean, I REALLY wish I did. Today was one of those days. With all the amazing applications available it is no wonder I am insanely jealous of those who own one. Perhaps I need to find a way to budget it in because the new mobile application, WeReward.com from Izea is the newest thing that has me drooling over my keyboard.
The video below breaks down the cool features of WeReward in an easy to understand format. To put it simply, it rewards you for everyday tasks and check ins and integrates that with your Facebook, Twitter or Foursquare account. Going out to dinner? Search the app quickly and be rewarded by taking a quick shot of you eating your meal, also known as a check in. Tasks can be completed anywhere and reward you in the same way without requiring a specific location. Also get points for referring friends. One point is equivalent to 1 cent. You can cash out as soon as you reach 1,000 points, or $10.
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Pretty cool right? While there are many rewards systems out there, this one seems simple. It allows you earn points quickly and easily and makes it fun to share with your friends! So what are you waiting for? Go Download the App today!
Learning while being entertained is what the Dare to Dream Dare to be Great Conference and Trade Expo cruise is all about! Zenith Training has an amazing 7 day cruise to the Carribean where you can learn about business in the some of the most gorgeous locations. Join them on the Royal Carribean’s Freedom of the Seas November 7the through 14th.
Enjoy a first class cruising experience while you hone your business skills and improve your life! This is the event where you will:
* Learn from life mastery specialists
* Work with business development trainers
* Attend personal development sessions
* Network with other business owners
… all while building relationships and life-long friendships with 150 other like-minded, positive people among beautiful surroundings.
Included are accommodations, plus tons of fun with pools, on-board ‘surfing,’ ice-skating rink, fitness center, miniature golf course, rock climbing, and fabulous food (you will never go hungry) all of your entertainment, the “Dare to Dream… Dare To Be Great” Seminars and Business Tradeshow, your Welcome Party, and exciting ports of call on sunny, exotic Caribbean Islands!
From snorkeling and swimming to shopping and golf, the Caribbean is the ultimate outdoor playground. What better way to be in a learning environment and vacation than to be surrounded by white sand beaches, turquoise waters in the most beautiful islands on earth?
For more information check out MLM Zenith Training for more information. You can even follow @MLM_Zenith on Twitter. Spots are limited so reserve today!
Disclosure: This paid post was brought to you by MLM Zenith Training.
Shortly before we had kids my husband decided that we should use his medical payment plan at work for eye surgery. Not for him but for me. The idea of not having to wear eyeglasses anymore was like a dream but my practical self wasn’t sure I wanted to spend so much on myself when our older home still needed a lot of updates. In addition, my husband wears glasses (still does) and I felt a little guilty being the only one to get eye surgery, although his eyes weren’t as bad as my own.
At the time I was considered legally blind without my prescription glasses. I really couldn’t see much of anything that wasn’t right up to my face. I couldn’t even read the “E” on the eye chart, except that I knew it was a big “E”. Sad, right? So with the push of my husband I decided to take the plunge.
When I had my initial consultation I discovered that I didn’t quality for LASIK because of the thickness (or lackthereof) of my cornea so I’d have to go with a different process known as PRK. PRK is eye surgery like LASIK but instead of creating a flap that allows for quicker healing, they literally remove the first layer. Ouch, right? Not only would I need to have PRK, it would also have to be custom (which cost an additional $500 PER EYE) because of the severity of my nearsightedness. I wanted to ditch my glasses but I did hesitate because of the additional expensive and longer healing time than I originally anticipated.
I’m not sorry I had PRK. While the pain I experienced while healing was excruciating (I was rarer part of the population that has longer and more painful healing process), the results have been fabulous. I’m so happy to not to deal with glasses and contacts. While it has become less expensive to purchase now that you can buy contacts and glasses online, the convenience benefits outweigh anything else. The surgery was very expensive so I’m glad I did it before kids or I know I never would have.
Have you gotten eye surgery or are you contemplating it? What finally made you do it or what is holding you back?
This post was brought to you by glassesusa.com. The opinions and experiences shared are 100% my own and not influenced in any way.
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of KAO Brands. All opinions are 100% mine.
I’ve never been to Las Vegas before but I can certainly imagine how much fun I would have if I did. One things that would make a Las Vegas trip even more exciting would be to win one for me and three of my friends. Nothing beats a free trip, right? Kao Brands® products is giving you many chances to win your own Las Vegas vacation in their Temptation is Beautiful sweepstakes.
You could win:
* The Grand Prize of a 3 day/2 night trip to Las Vegas for 4, including round trip coach class air transportation, ground transportation, hotel accommodations and $1,500 spending cash (awarded in the form of a check). ARV $6,000; AND
*A beauty basket filled with Kao Brands® products, awarded daily! ARV $75.
Talk about tempting, right?
Interactive Quiz:
The Temptation is Beautiful website also includes a fun interactive quiz. Are you hot, hot, hot or cool as a cucumber? Find out with this Temptress Temperature quiz made up of 8 questions. I took it and discovered the quiz agreed with me that I’m just right! The right mix of smoldering temptress and girl next door. Ah, you know me well sexy girl graphic.
Take the quiz for yourself and share with me what you got! Are you just right like me?
Take the quiz and share your score with your friends via Facebook and Twitter or email for extra entries into the sweepstakes. You can enter daily so be sure to take advantage .
So what are you waiting for? Go enter this contest for yourself and if you win, consider taking me with you! (I did tell you about it after all, right?)
US residents 21 years of age or older only. Sweepstakes ends 5/8/10.
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Lunchables. All opinions are 100% mine.
I remember so many fun field trips as a kid. From the local zoo to the skiing, those memories from my school days have really stood out. That is why it makes me rather sad to hear about many schools being forced to cancel field trips due to lack of funding. The American Association of School Administrators issued a 2009 report, that over the course of the current school year an estimated more than 30,000 schools will eliminate field trips. That is an increase of 56 percent!
Check out this video of a very interesting field trip to say the least.
Field trips give children hands-on learning and opens their world beyond the confines of a classroom. That is why Lunchables Lunch Combinations has created “Field Trips For ALL”, the first effort of Project Potential. The purpose of this new initiative is to help children rise to their full potential, especially for those who otherwise might not have.
Field Trips For All will be giving away 50 field trips for classes in the 1st through 8th Grade! How cool is that?
HOW TO ENTER: As long as you are at least 6 years you can nominate a deserving classroom by going to www.lunchables.com and submit a nomination. 50 classrooms will be chosen from all submissions.
I know you must know have someone you feel that is deserving of an extremely special field trip. If you agree that field trips are an important part of the school curriculum as well, spread the word about this contest!
I know my niece and nephew would be thrilled to receive this opportunity! Both of them personally have not had a chance to experience much outside of their local venues so the chance to see these one of a kind places would be a dream come true!
Who do you think is deserving? Why? Feel free to share them with me below and be sure to visit Lunchables to submit your nomination!
Finding high quality outdoor furniture can be quite the challenge in my neck of the woods. I am limited to big box retailers which certainly reduces the selection. And if I am searching for higher quality teak patio sets, I can pretty much guarantee I will have to special order it. But now that I’ve been introduced to Outdoor Furniture Plus, I can do all my shopping online to create the perfect outdoor living space. With free shipping on orders of $100 or more, I’m not even concerned about additional shipping costs.
Outdoor Furniture Plus is an authorized factory direct dealer of new first quality outdoor furniture and outdoor accessories for all of your home, lawn, garden, and commercial needs!
We are family owned, and registered and doing business in the state of Ohio. We offer customers highly competitive prices, with attentive family owned service. Everyone here is charged with making EVERY customer experience the best it can be. From pre-sale to after-sale support you’ll have the full attention of dedicated furniture professionals. We truly care about our customers here at OutdoorFurniturePlus.com!
Imagine you had an extra $1,000 lying around that you could spend on outdoor furniture. Can you imagine all that you could do with $1,000? You could buy such things as an outdoor fire pit to add to your patio for additional warmth, ambiance or even roast some marshmallows.
If you are an gardener or love landscaping, perhaps a potting bench would be right up your alley. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have a place to work and store all your tools and supplies?
Are you looking for a great way to have additional seating for your backyard cookouts? Do you love to eat outside with your family? Then maybe a picnic table such as this would be just right.
Whatever your outdoor furniture needs, chances are Outdoor Furniture Plus has just what you are looking for. And if all of these items have you drooling (like me) then I’m going to make you one happy camper when I tell you there is a contest to win a $1,000 shopping spree on their site.
Yes, you read that correct. Someone is going to walk away $1,000 to spend at Outdoor Furniture Plus and it could be you! Are you feeling lucky?
To enter, simply visit the Outdoor Furniture Giveaway and enter your name and email address (that’s it!) to be entered. Get a 5% off coupon for entering the giveaway and get a DOUBLE ENTRY for becoming their fan on Facebook along with a 10% off coupon.
The contest starts today and endsSunday, May 16th, 2010. So what are you waiting for? Go enter! I’d love to know if you did so leave me a comment below if you like!
Land’s End is growing education through “Way to Grow: Plant a Seed, Make a Difference.” The initiative connects kids, parents and schools through gardening and teaches that even the smallest steps can make a difference to help the environment. I know that I personally have been trying to go that extra step to be more environmentally friendly, even if it seems insignificant.
Way to Grow: Plant a Seed, Make a Difference
Visit www.landsend.com/thehub to enter your school to win funds to support a school gardening project or science initiative.
Submissions will be accepted from April 5, 2010, through May 14, 2010.
During this time, Lands’ End will include a packet of 100-percent organic Russian Mammoth Sunflower seeds from Seeds of Change™ with online orders of Lands’ End Kids merchandise.
LANDS’ END “Way To Grow” TWITTER EVENT
Wednesday, April 14th
7:00 to 9:00 pm CST
Location: #landsend
Join the fun and follow:
@LEprMichele, @LEprMolly, @LEprLibby, @LandsEndChat, @Seeds of Change1
As part of the campaign Lands’ End is hosting this Twitter party with Seeds of Change, a purveyor of organic seeds and a leader in the organic food movement. The party will feature gardening tips and 20 fun giveaways including organic seed collections, gardening totes, gardening books and Lands’ End gift cards. Doesn’t it sound like fun??!!
For more information on “Way to Grow: Plant a Seed, Make a Difference” visit: www.landsend.com/thehub
Amazonhas a great deal currently on Apples to Apples Party Box – The Game of Hilarious Comparisons. Get this award winning, popular game with fabulous reviews for only $6.99 (74% off!) with free super saver shipping! Great time to stock up for birthday or even Christmas gifts. Hurry, these deals never last long!
Kiddicare is now the leading privately owned baby shop in the UK. Established in 1974 in Peterborough Kiddicare have been able to uphold a high level of customer service and deliver discounted nursery supplies with confidence.
Prams
Kiddicare have over 100 different prams to choose from, which are
suitable for newborn through to toddlers. For more information read our
pram reviews.
Highchairs
Kiddicare stock a range of highchairs which are suitable to use at
home or when travelling. For more information read our highchair
reviews.
Child Car Seats
Child car seats is a very important purchase for any parent.
Kiddicare stocks a vast range of car seats for all age groups to ensure
your child is secure in your vehicle. For more information read our
child car seat reviews.
Pushchairs
Kiddicare have over 250 different pushchairs to choose from, which
are comfortable and easy to set up. For more information read our
pushchair reviews.
Maclaren
Kiddicare has an extensive product range of Maclaren pushchairs, car
seats and accessories which are suitable for all age ranges. For more
information read our Maclaren reviews.
Maxi-Cosi
Kiddicare has an extensive product range of Maxi Cosi car seats,
pushchairs and accessories which are suitable for all age ranges. For
more information read our Maxi Cosi reviews.
When I was working full time outside the home and a busy mother of two young boys, I seriously considered hiring a maid to come into my home bi-weekly. Two of my co-workers were paying for the service from the same independent contractor and mentioned numerous times how much free time it gave them to have someone else do the majority of the housecleaning without all the typical distractions. That was, until both of them had issues with this particular person not showing up at all or calling with excuses. Once they could no longer rely on her they both canceled this convenience.
A professional cleaning company like Merry Maids is a great way to avoid common issues like tardiness or worries like something being stolen. Not only do most Merry Maids work in teams, they are also insured and bonded against theft so you can breathe easier knowing you are protected. You have complete control over how often your home is cleaned whether it be for a single occasion, weekly or monthly and you don’t have to bother with taxes.
And is it wrong that when I looked at the Merry Maids cleaning services from a typical visit I drooled just a little? Because I can only imagine how really clean my home would be if I wasn’t the one actually cleaning it. I’m embarrassed to admit I don’t wipe down all the tiles in my bathroom or clean my kitchen cabinets each week.
has a great deal currently on 
