What I Stress About

So, I know the kids haven't been out of school for too long, but I am already stressing them going back.  I don't know yet what I am going to do with Brandi between her getting out of school and the older kids getting home.  She has made a few friends in the complex, so I might see if I can get one of the mom's to keep her for that hour.  They also have a few after school programs I am going to look into.  I just need to find one that isn't very expensive.  Free would be perfect, but we all know that these days, nothing is free.

I am also worried about getting all their school supplies.  I am doing good paying my bills every month, but all the extras have been cut out, and unfortunately, there is no extra money for anything.  I know I can find coupons online which can help with the cost of some things, and I love the Savings.com deals.  I asked the kids dad to buy their book bags, so that is one less thing I will have to worry about.  My mom also offered to help me a little bit.  I am so lucky to have such supportive family around me.

Is It Too Early To Stress About Christmas?

 Today was a busy day at work.  I was going from the time I left the house this morning until I finished my afternoon mail drop.  I like days like this, though, because the time goes by fast.  The days I come home for a few hours always seem to drag on.  I am glad I have a job, though, because there are so many people who don't.  And even though I know it is a little early to be thinking about this, I am stressing getting the kids Christmas gifts this year.

They are getting old enough that they want things that cost more money, like electronics and such.  I was checking out a Geeky Gadgets Site, and there are so many things to choose from.  I like that they offer Apple Store coupon and Vistaprint coupons, so if I decide to spend some serious money, I can also save some serious money.  My girls are asking for laptops, and I am pretty sure that no matter how much money I am able to save up, it won't be enough to get them each one.  I am trying to talk them into things that are a little less expensive. 

Like maybe a deck of cards or a hula hoop...

The World's BIggest Selena Gomez Fan

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

I know where I am going to be on July 1st.  I will be sitting in movie theater with my daughter, who is the (self proclaimed) world's biggest Selena Gomez Fan, watching the Disney Channel star's latest movie, Monte Carlo.  Check out the trailer:

It looks like a pretty cute movie.  I like Selena Gomez too, so I won't be tortured too much watching it.  Starting June 29th, ticket will be available on Fandango, so I may see about getting some for us.  The kids love going to the movies, and the last time we went, I had to leave Brandi behind, so I think this time it will just be the two of us.  We could use a little mother daughter bonding time.  Maybe we'll make a day of it, and do dinner and a movie.  I know my child well enough to know she will choose Chinese food for dinner, which is fine by me.  It's been a while since I've had chicken and broccoli and egg rolls.

Like everything else these days, this movie has a Facebook page.  Go like them, and you can find out more information about this cute little movie and it's cute little star.

Hanging Out

 Where you the kid who had the No Parking sign hanging on their bedroom wall?  I remember when I was a teenager, stealing road signs was a fun thing to do.  I never did it myself, because as you all know, I was (and still am) a good girl.  In fact, I had that exact conversation with one of the guys at one of the businesses I deliver to today. A couple of weeks ago, I showed up for work after a night out, and I wasn't exactly in the best mood.  This guy commented on it, and asked why I looked so bad.  Nice, right?  I told him I was out drinking the night before, so now he thinks that I am some kind of lush.  That couldn't be further from the truth.  But, he kind of likes me, and it's fun to flirt, so today I was explaining that I am basically a really good girl who occasionally lets her hair down.  There's nothing wrong with that, right?  We talked for a while today, since all the other guys were still at lunch.  I believe he is working up the nerve to ask me out, because he was asking all kinds of questions today, and even asked what my plans were for this weekend.  And next weekend.  We'll see what happens.  I'm not even sure what my boss's policy is about dating guys I meet on the job.  Not that I want a boyfriend or a relationship right now, but it would be fun to hang out sometimes.

Anyway, if we do decide to hang out together, I don't think we'll spend our time stealing parking signs.  We'll probably go somewhere to have a drink or two.  That will be fun too.

I Want To Do A Home Exchange

Have you ever seen the movie with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, where they switch houses as a form of vacation?  One of them comes to America, and the other goes overseas?  I can not for the life of me remember the name of this stupid movie.  Anyone?

I have been thinking a lot lately about not being able to take a vacation with the kids this summer.  It's making me sad.  Even my ex has planned a weekend camping trip with them, and I got nothing.  It is taking every cent I make just to pay the bills here at the apartment.  The important thing, and the thing I am most proud of, is that I am doing it, and it feels good.  I have never lived on my own before, and I am loving it.  I just wish I had enough money to go on a semi-vacation with the kids.

Did you know that you can actually do a home exchange as a real vacation?  I thought it was just something they made up for that movie.I think it would be cool to be able to live in someone's home for a week or so, and not have to shell out any money.  Of course, that would also mean I would have to be okay with having someone live in my house for that time.  I would probably pack up all of my elephants so none got broken, because sadly, that is what is important to me in my home.  My elephants.

I wonder how far I would be able to travel?   I would love to find somewhere within driving distance, though with the price of gas these days, who knows if that would be any cheaper than flying somewhere.  That said, I would have to want to fly, which I don't.  I guess the kids and I will just stay home and enjoy my mom's pool.

Thinking Ahead

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

One of the first things parents do when their children are born is count toes and fingers, and make sure their kids are healthy.  I can remember clearly the first time I held Ryan, and how I fell completely in love with him.  That was almost sixteen years ago.  I think I am more in love with him now, as I am with my girls.  It amazes me how much love a mother has for her kids. 

I wish I had started college funds for my kids when they were infants.  Even if I had saved just a few dollars every month, they would have something to help with college tuition and things.  I could have saved the money I saved by buying generic brand infant formula.  I always bought Walmart's Parent's Choice brand.  Right now, you can enter to win a $10,000 college scholarship for your child.  You can learn about Parent’s Choice Infant Formula Savings Sweepstakes by entering the sweepstakes.  The sweepstakes, created in partnership with PBM Products, LLC, a Perrigo Company, will provide one lucky winner with a $10,000 college scholarship in the form of a College Savings 529 Plan, and will run through 11:59 pm on August 1, 2011. 

Good luck!

Hiring A Florida Personal Injury Attorney

Last Monday, I was riding in the car with a couple of friends of mine when we ended up stuck in traffic.  As we inched along the highway we realized that there was an accident in front of us.  When we finally got close enough to see what was going on, my friend pointed out two.  One was laying in the road, and the other was in the grass beside the road.  That was the first time I had ever seen a dead body, and I have to say, I was pretty shaken up.  I am so thankful that by the time we saw them, they were covered up.  I don't know if I could have handled seeing them uncovered.

I think the thing that bothered me most was that they were just laying there, and all the medical people and police were just walking around.  If that was a member of my family, I would want someone to sit with them.  I couldn't handle thinking about them laying there alone, even though they were dead.  Does that make sense?

I thank God every night that my kids and I make it safely through every day.  I know accidents happen,and I worry that if something happened to me or one of the kids that I wouldn't be able to pay the medical bills.  The kids do have medicaid, but I have no health insurance at all.  I would probably end up having to find a Florida personal injury attorney or someone local to help me get some kind of compensation, especially if the accident wasn't my fault.   If it was my fault, well, I would be in big trouble.  I guess it's a good thing that I am a very careful driver.  I just wish that all drivers were as careful as I am.

Are You A Geek? I'm Not

 We don't have cable right now.  Since the move, I haven't had the funds to have it installed, and I am pretty sure I wouldn't be able to swing the monthly bill anyway.  The kids seem to be going through withdrawls, too.  I am thinking about setting up Netflix through the wii, but I am not technically savvy, so no matter how many times I try, I can not figure it out.  I have even had Ryan give it a go, and he can't do it either. 

I am not one of those people who read all the gadget news I can find online.  In fact, I don't think I'd understand much of it anyway.  I am lucky I can figure out how to turn on my laptop. It's funny, but when I first got this laptop, Ryan had to show me how it works.  I wish I had looked online for Apple Store coupons before I bought it.  I probably could have gotten a better deal.  I think I ended up paying close to six hundred dollars for this one.  It was worth every penny, but I wish I had found something cheaper.  I probably could have saved money using Newegg promo codes, too.  

It doesn't really matter now, though.  But for future purchases, I will remember to look for coupon codes online.

Giving Back

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

I love companies that do their part to give back to the communities they are a part of. 

One of my favorite places to shop is Walgreens. We haven't had these stores in my area long, but I am glad they are here now.  Not only do I love their pharmacy, I also love their Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products.  Buying these products helps Walgreens donate up to $3 million annually to the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™.  This fund will provide free preventive health tests as well as other health and wellness services and education to local communities. Some of those services will include preventive health tests through the National Urban League Health & Wellness Tour and vouchers redeemable in select stores.  I tried out their triple antibiotic ointment, and it worked great.  I like to keep this stuff in the house because of Brandi's pierced ears.  Sometimes they get a little irritated, and a little bit of ointment clears her holes right up.

Right now, there are several bloggers hosting giveaways of Walgreens gift cards.  Just follow the link and you'll find a list of participating blogs and what you will need to do to enter for your chance to win.  Good luck!

Yogurt

For the past week or so, I have been trying to eat better.  I am so close to being able to say that I have lost 100 pounds, but I have been stuck at my current weight for a while now.  It's very frustrating.  Then I realized that I have been eating a lot of fast food breakfasts, and that that could be my problem.  So instead of going to McDonald's in the morning for a bagel, I go to the supermarket and get a yogurt.

I was discussing this with my mother the other day, and she asked if I had ever tried Greek yogurt.  I had to ask her, What is Greek yogurt?  I have seen it in the grocery store, but never thought about trying it.  She said it is a lot creamier than regular yogurt, and that it's really good.  I told her I would try one if I could find some Greek yogurt coupons, and she said she had one in her fridge if I wanted to try that one.  The only problem was that it was blueberry, and I am not a big blueberry fan.

If I remember tomorrow morning, I am going to pick up a Greek yogurt, and a regular one.  That way, if I don't like the Greek one, I will still have something to eat for breakfast.

Free Is Good

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

I love getting Free Stuff in the mail.  I miss getting free stuff in the mail. The past three months have been crazy for me, as you all know, and I haven't had much time to be online.  I love sites where they find the Freebies for you, and then send you an email letting you know their list is up for the day.  I used to get a ton of free stuff that way.  I was, and still am, perfectly happy letting others do the hard work, like finding the deals. 

I have tried several times in the past to use Coupons when I grocery shop, but for some reason, I always end up spending more when I do.  I am not one of those people who can go in with a binder of perfectly organized coupons, and leave the store having spent hardly any money.  Don't get me wrong, I wish I was.  I have seen that couponing show, where some people have MADE money shopping.  That, is awesome.

Being on a tight budget right now, I am going to once again find the time to have all the freebies I can find sent to me. 

Considering California Solar Installers

I am not looking forward to seeing what my power bill will be for this month.  It has been so hot!  I know this because I spend every day in a van with no A/C.  When I get home from work, I want it to be to a cool house, so I keep the air set where it feels good in here.  Thankfully, setting the thermostat on almost 80 still keeps it pretty cool in here.  I may have to consider hiring California Solar Installers to put some solar panels in if my power bill is too high.

Today was miserable.  It was almost 100 degrees, and I have a head/chest cold, complete with coughing, sneezing, and chest pain.  Being in the heat did not help me feel better at all.  The highlight of my day was being able to come home for lunch and eat a yummy salad.  After work we had therapy, so I didn't really get to relax at all.  Thankfully, tomorrow I have no plans after work, so I am coming home and chilling out.  I refuse to go anywhere.

But, every time I say that, I end up doing a million other things.  And that is probably what will happen tomorrow.