I Was Stodgy Before Stody Was Sexy

Oh yeah, baby! This country is finally coming around to my way of thinking?

That's right, being stodgy is sexy!

Okay, okay, I know you're asking what is Stodgy. Well, it's an adjective meaning heavy, dull, uninteresting; tediously commonplace; boring.

But in these conservative times where those itty bitty Smart cars are taking the place of the giant SUVs, it could mean, simply, cool.

As America struggles to uphold the last few hands in our house of cards, people are finally starting to realize that less is more, boring is better, and being Conservative is cool.

As a matter of fact, the new Stodgy fad is so hip, it's getting it's own documentary web series!

Stodgy Is Sexy is a series of short documentary portraits, profiling a group of individuals who embody the Stodgy/Sexy movement; people from across a range of fields and disciplines who have achieved success, sometimes spectacularly, through adherence to traditional ideals of simplicity, diligence, conservatism, and basic common sense.

I've been stodgy long before being stodgy was cool.  For years, I've been extreme couponing (even before there was an official term for it), opting to be a Do-It-Yourselfer over contractors, and using a system of bartering.  Essentially, our code focuses on living on less than we make - and not doing without in the process.

My great-grandfather used to say, "Take care of your pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves."  We live by that literally and figuratively as one of our favorite savings methods is to use nothing but paper money and dump our metal change into a jar each night.  In a year's time, it's amazing how much that change adds up - those pennies magically turn into dollars!

I'm thrilled to see that American is getting on board and learning that being a Stodge is the only way to live.  And now that we've been declared sexy, I'm wondering when we'll get t-shirts that say, "I ♥ Stodges."  You know, like they have for the nerds.

Visit the Stodgy is Sexy website and check out the 3-5 minute videos about successful sexy stodges and learn how you can become a Sexy Stodge starting....NOW!

Read more...

Pictures

Read more...

$6.95 Prescription Eyeglasses - No Way?! Yes Way!

When I was a kid, I remember hearing the children who wore glasses being called "four eyes."

My how things have changed! (Thank goodness for that, right?)

Today glasses are considered a very chic accessory. Available in a multitude of colors, designs, and frame shapes, eyeglasses can add the perfect touch to an outfit to give you a very contemporary look.

And Zenni Optical is one of the best places to shop for your prescription eyeglasses. With prices beginning at only $6.95, there's no reason not to shop with them. Plus there shipping is only $4!

That's right, only $4!

You're probably wondering what the catch is, right? There's not one! By eliminating the expenses of a walk-in brick and mortar store, cutting out the middleman by selling direct from the factory, and low advertising costs thanks to their many customer recommendations, Zenni Optical can pass the savings on direct to their customers while still selling a high quality line of stylish glasses.

The next time you're shopping for eyewear, check out Zenni Optical before you drop hundreds with the "convenient" counter out front.  A little extra time could mean a lot of extra cash in your pocket.

Zenni:  super savings, style, friendly customer service, easy ordering, affordable shipping - what more could you ask for?

Read more...

Get The Collection Appazine and Enter to Win a iPad!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of ogilvy for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Minute to minute.  Hour to hour.  Life happens around the world and it's important to stay updated.  And with the advent of the truly mobile computers like the iPad, keeping current has become easier than ever.

Whether it's for business or just life in general,  knowing what's going on around us is important - especially in these chaotic and ever changing times.  I know I sure don't want to be the last to know.  Do you?

On April 12th, a revolutionary new iPad app named the collection released.   This "appazine" (called such for its monthly publication, much like many magazines ) is the first to be published simultaneously in English, German and Chinese and will cover the world's top and and most exciting stories.

The Collection will use all of the cool features - 3D digital animation, creative morphing, X-Ray lens, panoramic photography - to create an engaging, interactive experience for subscribers.



Describing it here however can in no way match the actual experience.  Visit the App Store today and download The Collection app to see for yourself.

Or even better, you can enter for your chance to win an iPad!  All you have to do is tweet the following phrase and you're entered:

Stay up-to-date with current events by using #thecollection iPad App

Just tweet to enter! That's it!  Really! The winner of the iPad App will find it comes complete with a free year subscription to The Collection!

I've already entered.  Will you?

Read more...

Come On, Get Smell Happy

I'm one of those people who is very sensitive to smells, and just a slight whiff can send me reeling back in time - whether happy or sad.

But I much prefer the happy, so when I find a new scent that tickles my fancy I love to fill my home with it. From candles to scent sticks to padded hangers, I'm surrounded with fragrances that really uplift my mood.

So when you're feeling down in the dumps, think back to a happy time and the scents you associate with it. Then grab a few products with that scent and watch your blues magically disappear!

Read more...

Why Mix and Match Childrens Clothing Is Your Best Bargain

According to The Rupp Report, cotton prices have increased by more than 150% since July 2010. And they say these prices are going nowhere but up, up, and up.

*Sigh*

Clothing our children is only going to get more expensive. Those little tikes outgrow their clothes faster than you can snap your fingers, so it's more important than ever to make the most of shopping for children's clothing.

My first rule is to always shop children's consignment sales, and I firmly stand by that belief.

But every now and then I also enjoy treating my children to new clothing, such as when shopping for back to school clothes.

When it come to boys clothing, everything is mix 'n match so it seems.

But girls clothing are a whole different ballgame. That's specifically where I go looking for brands that allow for mixing and matching easily. And with adorable, cutesy names for each matching line, it makes it super-duper easy.

You can even turn it into a game of collecting all the pieces - right down to the purses, shoes, and hair accessories!

Also, if you look closely enough, you'll find that many of the pieces can match a second line of your choice to expand the wardrobe even more!

Once my daughter came along, it didn't take me long to learn that mix and match was the ONLY way to shop. No more wasted money on shirts or shorts with tags from not ever having something to match. Ugh, I shudder at the memories.

And did I mention the space saving of mix 'n match? Yeah, well, another post for another day, right?

Read more...

It's Time To Think About Later NOW

The recent recession (almost depression) America experienced really got people's attention about their finances.

While I felt heartbreak for those suffering job losses and foreclosures, I choose to see the good among the bad; the wonderful life lessons it taught us. One big lesson being that Americans needed to think more about the long term and a little less on the here and now.

Yet one area where so many should be thinking about the here and now is the area of life insurance.

It's not something anyone wants to think about, but death is going to happen. Hopefully, you will live a long life but there's no guarantees. So why gamble with your final expenses?

By taking just a few minutes to get an insurance quote from a company such as Aptus Insurance, you can at least ensure your final expenses are not a burden to your family. And, at such affordable rates, you can also be sure that you're spouse and children are well provided for after you're gone.

You can't sit around thinking you'll do it later. Later could be too late. Take this opportunity to think about the long term, right here right now.

And while you're at it, take a few more minutes to visit A.M. Best to learn the latest in insurane news, company ratings, and more.

Peace of mind...get it!

Read more...

FRESCHETTA Pizza By the Slice: Review and Giveaway!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of FRESCHETTA® for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

My family loves frozen pizza as snacks or quick meals when we're on the go.  But sometimes those little frozen pies can be a bit on the bland side.

I admit that I had never tried FRESCHETTA By the Slice because they just didn't grab my attention.  And besides, I wanted the WHOLE pizza not by the slice because those single servings are usually never fulfilling.

But I was recently offered the opportunity to give it a try for free, so what did I have to lose - right?

Shopping the frozen pizza aisle at my local store, I was actually surprised at the uniqueness of Freschetta's flavors.  While I expecting your usuals such as Pepperoni, Sausage, or Cheese, what I actually discovered was mouth-watering flavors such as BBQ Recipe Chicken, Vegetable Medley, Chicken Spinach and Mushroom, and Six Cheese Medley.

I opted for the BBQ Recipe Chicken.  And O.M.G. it was soooo good!   With a perfectly seasoned crust that didn't taste like cardboard and fresh, deep flavored toppings, it's safe to say that Freshchetta will be my pizza snack of choice for a long time!

Now you know I liked it, so maybe you're wondering what my family's reactions were?  Honestly, don't know.  It was too good to share.   I know, it's so selfish.  But hey, maybe next time.

Maybe. :)

Just don't take my word for it, try it yourself!  And Freschetta is offering one lucky reader of The Mom Trap the opportunity to try it for FREE (and they'll toss in a spacesaver, snap close six piece Freschetta storage set too!)

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:  Mandatory entry:  FRESCHETTA® By the Slice then return here to leave a comment telling me which flavor of Freschetta pizza you'd like to try. (Be sure to include an email address or have one available on your profile in case you win!)

Want to increase your chances of winning with extra entries? (Leave a comment for each additional entry; i.e. 2 extra entries = 2 comments)

• "Like" Freschetta on Facebook . (1 extra entry)
   
• Follow FRESCHETTA on Twitter. (1 extra entry)
   
• Become a Facebook Fan of The Mom Trap at www.facebook.com/themomtrap (1 extra entry. Current followers also receive extra entry.)
   
• Follow The Mom Trap with Google Friend Connect. (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
   
• Follow The Mom Trap on Twitter (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
   
• Tweet this giveaway for 2 extra entries, including @kdcantrell and @FreschettaPizza in your tweet. (Include the Tweet status URL in your comment.)
   
• Share this giveaway with your friends on Facebook for 2 extra entries.  (Include the status URL in your comment)
   
• Blog about this giveaway for 5 extra entries. (Be sure to include the URL of your post in your comment)

Read more...

Watches Don't Just Tell Time, They Look Good Too!

Have you noticed with the advent of cell phones and laptop computers, you don't see as many people wearing watches?

I have, and it really kind of saddens me. After all, cell phones die and laptops crash, but the wrist watch is always dependable.

And let's not forget how the right watch can be a very trendy accessory.

Especially on men. You may be laughing right now, but have you ever noticed how attractive and professional a man wearing a watch can be?

I know, they won't be to every woman but to many of us they are. It makes a statement that he is a time-conscience, attentive man. If I were Paris Hilton, I'd say, "That's so hot!" :)

Seriously though, whether they are jogging, hanging with friends, or working at the office, something as simple as Atomic Watches can change their whole appearance.

While I may not be noticing it as much, I do know the same thing is true for the ladies too.  And girls, we have so many options: colors, designs, gold, silver, big face, small face - the list can go on and on.  You won't find that in a cell phone or laptop, eh?

So let's bring back the watches. Not only are they reliable tellers of time, but they make us look good too. :)

Read more...

Save Money and Give Money with Walgreens Brand Health and Wellness Products

This is a compensated post written by me on behalf of Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

The teenage years are in full swing here with my second son.  The cracking voice, the overnight growing of a couple of inches, and the dreaded acne.

Ugh!

So it was time to break out the acne washes.  But the major brands are quite expensive.  So I took a little time to read the ingredients only to l earn that Walgreens Brand Oil-Free Acne Wash is identical to the orangish colored name brand but was almost half the price.

Being that I've had great results with Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products in the past, I knew it was a brand I could trust.



I wasn't wrong.  My 15-year-old is experiencing much clear skin thanks to the Walgreens Brand Oil-Free Acne Wash.  And my wallet is thankful too!

But getting a quality product at such a great price isn't the only reason I like purchasing Walgreen's brand.  Each time you purchase a Walgreen's brand health and wellness product, Walgreens, you're helping bring preventive wellness services to local communities through the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™.

When you combine lower priced quality products, great weekly specials (prices that rock with those of us doing extreme couponing), and purchases that contribute to worthwhile causes, how can anyone not want to shop with Walgreens?

Visit your local Walgreens today.  And shop with a company that cares about it customers.

Read more...

Hand Blown Glass Adds Class To Your Decor

As a young girl, one of my most favorite things to do as we strolled the streets of Gatlinburg or visited pioneer villages was to watch the glass makers.  I would stand and watch, wide-eyed and amazed, as they blew into the long pipe with the hot glass at the end; as they molded as shaped, twisted and turned until it became an actual, defined object.

Just thinking about it really makes me long to return and watch the glass makers again.

Not only do they create handy objects that we use every day - such as drinking glasses, candle holders, and vases to name just a few - but they also create beautiful Glass Art that can add a touch of style and class to your home.

Amazingly, these beautiful objects of art are also an affordable way to dress up your home or office decor.  I personally love hand blown glass flower vases.  And whether it's because I'm a child of the 70s or that my grandmother had two sets in her home, I love the hand blown fruits - especially glass grapes.

Ahh, the memories....

While remodeling our home, I've been on the lookout for some unique home decor.  Stumbling across Hand Blown Glass.net website, I found a hand blown glass flower that I am absolutely in love with!  Being over 2 feet tall and six inches in diameter, I have the perfect vase in the most perfect place for it. 

Now all I need to do is somehow convince Brian that this would make a beautiful anniversary and birthday gift combination then that wonderfully unique glass flower will be mine! (can you imagine my evil laugh here?)

Can you do me favor?  If you see Brian out and about, will you tell him he really, really should order the glass flower for me?  If you do, I'll owe ya one! :)

Read more...

The When and Why of Checking Your Credit Score

There's a lot of unease right now in many American households, and we've been doing all we can do to secure our financial future.

One of those things is staying up to date on our credit and keeping track of our credit score.

By checking these things, we are insuring that (1) our efforts are producing results and (2) we are not victims of identity theft - a major concern of anyone living and breathing today, right?

One of the best ways to do this is through a free credit score offer.

Don't have to check often? Then I recommend you set yourself on a twice yearly schedule: Spring (when you do your spring cleaning) and December (to coincide with Christmas and year end).

And since it's spring, no reason not to get started now? Right? :)

Read more...

Are You Prepared? Really Prepared?

I know that we don't like to think about. It's not a pleasant subject.

But it's a fact of life that at some point we will die.

In following a plan to get out of debt, we've taken all the steps: emergency fund, investments, and life insurance. But we've also taken it one step further: bural insurance plans or, at it's frequently referred to, pre-arranged funerals.

The last thing we want our children to contend with is those final arrangements. So we've got it all laid out and prepaid. Leaving absolutely nothing for them to have to do in their time of grief.

I strongly believe that everyone should have these types of plans of place. And there are even very affordable burial insurance for senior citizens and military veterans.

Please don't leave your loved ones trying to figure out your last wishes. With funeral insurance, you leave them with no stress and only pleasant memories.

Do it today!

Read more...

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

The fastest growing crime in America today is identity theft.

Having had some issues with credit in the past, I used to laugh and say, "Let someone steal my identity, they'll be sorry."

But as identity theft continues to wreck havoc on many, I realized it isn't always credit thieves are looking for.

Imagine going to a hospital and finding your medical records skewed because someone used your identity? Or how about the police showing up at your door to arrest you because soemone, using your identity, committed a crime?

I shudder at the thought.

And that's why I use services such as IdentityHawk that helps consumers safeguard their assets, their properties, and their good names by assessing the current level of risk to their identities, identify those areas where they're most vulnerable, and take proactive steps to reduce those threats.

For just a few dollars per month, you can sleep easy at night knowing that thieves aren't going to make a score on your identity. And peace of mind is priceless!

From birth to grave, everyone must be proactive in ensuring they have the best identity theft protection against high tech criminals.

I refuse to be a victim. What about you?

Read more...

Pier 1 Is the Place to Be March 18-20, 2011

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

With all of the remodeling we've got going on (I promise to update someday soon - I've got to much to share), I've visited more than my fair share of home decor stores.

One of my favorite, however, has to be Pier 1.  They have some of the coolest, most contemporary items available at truly affordable prices.

I'm absolutely in love with so many pieces of their Wall Art decor.  I think I've narrowed it down to either the Sunflower and Red Flower - but which one to pick? 

Maybe both!  After all, they'd both look smoking hot in this new living room! :)

Did I mention flowers are my theme? Guess you've figured that out by now!

Well, enough about the indoors.

Spring is most definitely in the air.  The buttercups have bloomed and the temps have (mostly) hovered in the high 40s.  So I'm ready for some outdoor living.

For example - the Papasan chair.  These 1970s icons (although they were first introduced in the U.S. in the 1960s) have changed so much.  Whether you're using them in your family living room, a dorm room, or your patio doesn't matter, because a Papasan chair compliments any room; not to mention the comfortableness of these chairs now available as a single or double.

But the Papasan isn't the only thing that can add some WOW to your patio or indoor rooms.  Pier 1 has an AWESOME selection of furniture that adds to a home's beauty whether indoors or out.   Furniture and decor that looks great anywhere, now that's some bang for your buck!

Which is exactly why I'll be heading to a Pier 1 store during the weekend of March 18-20, 2011, when they'll be hosting a special in-store offer for members of the Pier 1 Outdoor newsletter.  

So come on over next weekend and join me at Pier 1.  Check out the Pier 1 Tweetups to see who else will be there too!

 

Read more...

What Exactly Is a Tibetan Singing Bowl?

In the course of searching for home decor, I keep running across tibetan singing bowls. And for a while now I wonder what purpose they serve, other than being a unique piece of decoration.

So in doing a search, I found that these often decorative (some are simply plain) bowls are common among Buddhist in meditation, trance induction, and prayer.

I thought that was very interesting. And since I didn't know exactly what they were, I figured I wasn't alone and would share the info.

Do you have a Tibetan singing bowl? Do you use it or just use it as a decorative piece?

Read more...

Share Your Breakfast and Kelloggs Will Share A Breakfast With a Child In Need

How many times have you heard that Breakfast is the most important meal of the day?

Now imagine that Breakfast wasn't available to you. Did you know this is the reality for 1 out of 4 children each day in America?

I don't know about you, but I need that breakfast for the "get up and go" that it offers me each day. I know I'm not the only one because the Kellogg Company believes in the power of breakfast and how breakfast can help families make the most of each day’s possibilities

So I'm happy to support Kellogg’s recent partnership with Action For Healthy Kids to help fight childhood hunger as many children go to school on an empty stomach each day. Kellogg’s is asking people to take pictures and “share their breakfast” at www.shareyourbreakfast.com.

Now through July, one photo upload to site or the word SHARE texted with a photo or a description of your breakfast to 21534 equals one shared breakfast.

Wow! That's a lot of breakfasts!

I'm happy to share over 21k breakfasts. How about you? Kellogg's, Action for Healthy Kids, I, and hungry children across America thank you for taking a few seconds out of your day to share your breakfast!

Read more...

How to Get Started on Refinancing Your Current VA Home Loan

Although this recession has been difficult on everyone, the plus side is that reduced interest rates have allowed many to refinance higher end interest or adjustable rate mortgages.

Mortgage rates are at an all time low; as low as 2.99%! Chances are those rates are going nowhere but up.

For active duty and prior service veterans, there is currently a program that provides a fast easy way to modify your existing VA loan at the record-setting lower VA refinance rates.

If you current VA mortgage is current, has been current for the last 12 months, and you can supply your DD-214, then you've qualified in the first steps to refinancing your current VA loan!

Sounds great, doesn't it? So head on over to VAHomeLoans.net to request your free quote and take the first step to financial freedom!

Read more...

Let's Go Krogering at the Cart Buster Savings NOW!

Since I haven't been able to leave the house in two days (Princess A seems to be going through a second cycle of these bugs going around), I was starting to worry I would miss the Kroger Cart Buster Savings going on this week at Kroger.

As someone who was an extreme couponer before that was even a term, I do NOT like missing these sales where I can walk away paying next to nothing!

This morning I got 14 Banquet single serve frozen meals at 58 cents each, less 7/50 cents off/2 coupons that were doubled to $1.  Total paid:  $1.12.
. 
Pillsbury Grands Biscuits 8 count are on sale for 99 cents.  I had a 50 cent coupon off 3, doubled to $1.  Total paid:  $1.97.

Chef Boyardee on sale for 70 cents.  I had 3 coupons for 50 cents off 3 cans, doubled to a $1.  Total paid for 9 cans:  $3.30.

I absolutely love Kroger's weekly specials.  With double coupons and money off next purchase printed with receipts, their prices more than beat the big Superstore prices.

Not only do I stretch our grocery budget, but I can stock up on items - saving an untold number of trips to the store!

So you ready to go Krogering?  Before you go, be sure to check out Kroger's Daily Deal for even MORE savings!

GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  Save even more with a generous offering from Kroger through My Blog Spark!  One lucky reader of The Mom Trap will win a $25 Kroger Gift Card!

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER: Mandatory entry: What's the best deal using coupons you've ever gotten? (Be sure to include an email address or have one available on your profile in case you win!)

Want to increase your chances of winning with extra entries? (Leave a comment for each additional entry; i.e. 2 extra entries = 2 comments)

• Like Kroger on Facebook (1 extra entry.  Current Fans also receive extra entry)
• Become a Facebook Fan of The Mom Trap at www.facebook.com/themomtrap  (1 extra entry. Current followers also receive extra entry.)
• Follow The Mom Trap with Google Friend Connect. (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Follow The Mom Trap on Twitter (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Tweet this giveaway for 2 extra entries, including @kdcantrell in your tweet. (Include the Tweet status URL in your comment.)
• Blog about this giveaway for 5 extra entries. (Be sure to include the URL of your post in your comment)
• Add The Mom Trap button (lower right column) to your blog for 5 extra entries.

The Fine Print: Contest ends at 11:59:59 PM Central Time on Thursday,March 10, 2011. Winner will be chosen by random number generator. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Open to U.S. and territories residents only; void where prohibited. Winner will be notified via email no later than Friday, March 11, 2011, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or an alternate winner will be chosen.

Thank you to My Blog Spark and Kroger for providing me with a $25 Gift Card. 
However, receipt of same did not in any way influence my opinion for the purposes of this review.

Read more...

Dreft Isn't Just For Babies (Enter to win a New Mom Gift Basket!)

It's been a few days since I've posted. For some reason, my family just can't seem to beat all these nasty little viruses going around. (Could it have something to do with having one in kindergarten? Ohh I shudder, little kids are the biggest germ carriers!)
Moving on to a much more pleasant topic -

What product comes to mind when you think of a baby's smell?

The pink lotion, I know. Okay, let me try again - name the laundry detergent that smells like a new baby?

Dreft Laundry Detergent? Bingo!

When it came to my babies, I was loyal to the pediatrician-recommended Dreft. For 75 years, Dreft has been trusted to be gentle as water on baby’s skin and specially formulated for the unique needs of baby items; leaving each article of a baby's wardrobe soft, comfortable, and smelling fresh (which isn't always an easy task with babies, right?).

I love Dreft! It's not just for babies clothes, but toddlers to teens (and us older kids too!) love the smell and softness of Dreft in our own clothes!

If you're a Mom-to-be, a new Mom, or just a Mom looking for some great laundry tips, visit http://www.dreft.com/. And don't forget the $2.00 off coupon while you're there!

One more thing - GIVEAWAY!
Dreft is offering one lucky reader of The Mom Trap a beautiful New Mom Baby gift basket which includes Dreft detergent, a cozy soft baby blanket, and a cuddly teddy bear!

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER: Mandatory entry: Visit the Dreft Laundry Detergent website then return here to leave a comment telling me one of the great laundry tips you learned. (Be sure to include an email address or have one available on your profile in case you win!)
Want to increase your chances of winning with extra entries? (Leave a comment for each additional entry; i.e. 2 extra entries = 2 comments)

• Become a Facebook Fan of The Mom Trap at www.facebook.com/themomtrap (1 extra entry. Current followers also receive extra entry.)
• Follow The Mom Trap with Google Friend Connect. (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Follow The Mom Trap on Twitter (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Tweet this giveaway for 2 extra entries, including @kdcantrell in your tweet. (Include the Tweet status URL in your comment.)
• Blog about this giveaway for 5 extra entries. (Be sure to include the URL of your post in your comment)
• Add The Mom Trap button (lower right column) to your blog for 5 extra entries.

The Fine Print: Contest ends at 11:59:59 PM Central Time on Thursday,March 3, 2011. Winner will be chosen by random number generator. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Open to U.S. and territories residents only; void where prohibited. Winner will be notified via email no later than Friday, March 4, 2011, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or an alternate winner will be chosen.

Read more...