Eat, drink & save MONEY!

So, I know there is a lot of talk lately with TLC's Extreme Couponing (TLC's Extreme Couponing).  I think this is a GREAT idea... BUT (isn't there always a but?)... how many mothers out there have time to save up, cut, organize, plan & excacute a mega shopping trip.  And even if you do, where can you store 30 gallons of laundry detergent, 48 bottles of palmolive and, oh, let's say 88 bottles of mustard??  Can you even imagine storing thousands of rolls of toilet paper in your home?  I would think that would be a fire hazzard... just sayin'...
Now, to be fair, I'd like to add that I'm ALL about saving money... I just like to do it as easily and thought-free as possible.
For example... like eating out?  Try restaurant.com for restaurants you probable didn't even know EXIST in your home town.  Its a great way to save & you find great little places to eat! I call that a win/win scenario!  To make it EVEN BETTER, restaurant.com is ALWAYS having some kind of sale.  Best way to keep up with their sales is to like them on Facebook and also join their mailing list... Like right now... use promo code FRIENDS right now and save 70% off your order... to put that into perspective for you, for a $25 gift certificate to the restaurant of your choice, you'd normally pay $10.  Right now, using said promo code.. you'll be paying $3 for $25 worth of food... I don't think you can beat that anywhere... not even McDonalds $1 menu offers that kind of deal... I'm telling ya, my momma taught me well... check it out!

Halloween Treats for your little (or not so little) ones...

Crescent Mummy Dogs

Fun little treats for kids of all ages!  I love halloween.  I love the changing of the leaves, the scary activities, the pumpkin patches, the pumpkin spice lattes... I love it all.  I especially love trying out new recipies.  I'm very blessed to say I don't have a picky eater on my hands, but I think even the pickiest of eaters will appreciate the mummy-rific-ness of these hot dogs.  I mean really, who doesn't love their mummy (pun totally intended!).

For those with a sweeter tooth, I'm definitely looking forward to trying this recipe out... take a peek yourself, and if you beat me to it, let me know how it is!
Pumpkin Roll Cake

I'll just leave it at yummm....

Cuteness Alert!

If we can just touch on cute real quick... Check this little feline out.  I just want to take him home and snuggle!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83183560/lion-halloween-costume-for-boys-or-girls?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=halloween+costume&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

I'm going to pass on a few more Halloween costume ideas just because I can.  I definitely don't get into the "popular" costumes (i.e. Spiderman, Tinkerbell).  I like things that are unique/handmade etc.  I think those are the memorable costumes.  Now, granted, I can bet my lucky starts that if Brandon ever wanted to be Spiderman for Halloween, I'd make it happen, I'd just complain about it.  :)

Here's a few more that I think are great...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83470960/15-off-sale-clown-hat-newborn-sizes-to?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=Halloween+costumes&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

I apologize... for some reason I cannot upload any photos, but trust me, clicking on the link is totally worth it.  This is by far one of the cutest clown hats I've ever seen and I'm sure it would look absolutely adorable on your little funny one!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80365310/tutu-dress-snow-white-princess-childrens?ref=pr_shop

What little girl doesn't want to be a princess for Halloween (or permanently for that matter)? I love the tutu twist on this Disney classic.  I'm not a huge Snow White fan, but the airiness of this means it will double as the perfect carry along dress up dress (you know, when she absolutely MUST dress up while you're out to dinner)!

Over the course of the next few days I'll be keeping my eyes open for great adult costumes.. you know, ones that cover more than just your ta-ta's and hoo-ha.  Seems those are pretty tough to come by.  Don't get me wrong, I think looking sexy & feeling sexy are great things, especially once you've had a baby (I'll also look for some great maternity costumes for you prego's out there!), I'm just not so sure baring all is actually sexy... I'll even go so far as to say some costumes look like they came straight out of a porno... Maybe thats the look some are going for... not me!

Happy Haunting!
xoxo

Just thought these were great!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78151214/baby-boy-chenille-burp-cloths-frogs?ref=cat1_gallery_26

I can guarantee that if I were to have another boy, these would definitely be on my wishlist!

Welcome Aboard

So, considering this is my first post, I'm not going to worry too much about getting creative...
Anyhoo... Welcome aboard!
I'd like to start off by introducing myself.  My name is Tracey & I'm a stay-at-home Mom to my wonderful 17 month old son, Brandon.  No, no.  Don't worry.  I will not get all mushy.  He gets all my mush, so I don't have enough to go around. 

So, let's get aquainted.  I'll tell you about things concerning motherhood that bug me (this list could go on and on, so I'll play nice to start!).  How about your child putting EVERYTHING in his mouth??  It drives me nuts... If I have to tell Brandon ONE MORE TIME to drop the GRAVEL (yeah, I don't get it either), I think I'm going to pull my hair out! 
Okay, and what about the whole no sleeping thing?  I mean, I love my cuddles, but really, at 4am, I really would rather spend time with my pillow and blanket then check out the latest episode of Sesame Street.  Perhaps Elmo is God and he's calling to my son.. I don't know...
I'll touch on potty training just a tad... We've gotten as far as removing the diaper, then all hell breaks loose! Apparently peeing on the carpet is hysterical.  I wouldn't know.  Luckily we haven't worked on the number 2's yet...
Tell me... how does a child automatically know the word "mine?"  I have made extraordinary efforts to NOT use that word in my son's presence and BOOM! Just like that, its his favorite word.  I just don't get it. 

For what its worth, for all you new mom's out there... stick with thrift shops & hand-me-downs.  Babies don't know the difference, and you'll save yourself moo-la that you should be spending to pamper yourself (you know, that spa treatment you'll NEED after you're little one uses your face as his personal urinal...).  And, being realistic, I should also point out that the "spa treatment" I'm referring to is a few Biore strips and some hot water, because that's all you're going to have time for.  And you know what?  If you're anything like me, you wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. 

x0x0