Saturday, May 7, 2011

Here's a Great Way to Shop...

In the endless search for deals, coupons, discounts, etc. for just about everything I buy, I find that sometimes I have to settle on style and choices.  My husband thinks that I comparison shop too much.  I guess he is right in the fact that when you drive to 6 different stores looking for an item, you aren't really saving money when you are using a tank of gas to drive around town.

Recently, I have become a smarter shopper and have learned to use the Internet much more to my advantage.  A great site that I started using is Become.comBecome.com makes it easy for the consumer because this site is shopping AND research all in one!

I was recently searching  for a sofa.  I went to several stores before I came across Become.com.  I gave it a try and to my surprise, I found exactly what I wanted.  Best of all, I was able to comparison shop and view a large selection of sofas without spending all the gas in my car.

Become.com also has a product research guide to help you with product reviews and buying guides for just about anything you can think of.  Whether you are looking for a sleeper chair, chenille bedspreads, or zebra print wallpaper, Become.com has it and much, much more!

Friday, May 6, 2011

FREE Mother's Day Projects

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's, Grandmom's, Aunt's, Sister's and to anyone else who is like a Mom to someone special!

If you are looking for a special and quick last minute gift for Mom, check out HP's Creative Studio for Home.  There you will find free cards, photo frames, a coupon for Mom, and more!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Are You Ready For Spring?

I am so ready for the Spring weather to arrive and stay for good.  I love the warm days and cool nights.  Best of all, I love to get outside and play with Mason.  He is just as much an outdoor lover as I am, so we count the days down until the Winter is over.

Last week I had the opportunity to head on up to New York for Time To Play's Spring Toy Showcase.  I was able to preview the hottest toys that are hitting the shelves in a few weeks!  I even got to take some home to try out.


What does this mean for you?  Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about hot toys for the Spring and Summer.  And did I mention Giveaways?  I am in the midst of lining some things up, so be on the lookout for some Giveaways to be put up soon!

VA Home Loans

When I lived in the Washington, D.C. area, I met so many people who recently served in our military.  My husband and I actually sold out house in Maryland to a military couple.  I have the utmost respect for people who unselfishly serve our country to protect our freedoms!  That being said, I support any causes and programs that support our military men and women. 

VA Home Loans is a program that does just that.  Because VA Home loans specializes in only working with veterans obtain home loans, the process is quick and easy.  VA Home Loans can help your family with a  VA Streamline Refinance, a new home loan, or a home equity loan.  They will help your family use your VA home loans benefits to which you are entitled.

Here is some helpful information to help you decide if  VA Home Loans is right for you.  If you are eligible for a VA, your mortgage will be through a private lender, such as mortgage companies or bank.  The loan is guaranteed by the federal government, meaning that the lender is shielded against loss if you default on the loan.  Especially in these tough economic times, it is nice to know there are home loan programs that will work with you.  Military families are further protected through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which supports private home sale losses by military and civilian Defense Department workers who are forced to sell their homes because of service-related obligations.

Through VA Home Loan, you can get a loan for a new home, VA refinance loans, and VA cash out loans. If you are looking at foreclosure or need a loan modification, you may also be eligible.  The federal rates are still low so check out the VA Refinance Rates so you can take advantage of these low rates before it is too late!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Surprising Mom!

Thanks for the post from Sylvester Campbell.

I decided that this would be a good year to surprise my mom down in Florida and visit her for Mother’s Day – what a great idea, huh? I had done some research on Staten Island internet providers near my house and found some good wireless deals so the last couple weeks I’ve spent searching online for good deals on flights. I booked one just last night that should get me into Boca by Saturday afternoon…mom’s going to be so surprised when she sees me walking up the driveway! I’ve been emailing with a friend of mine in the area who’s going to pick me up from the airport and since her gift is just a giftcard it shouldn’t be too hard to fit it in my carry on. She’ll be so happy when we get to go to church together on Sunday and I’ve made brunch reservations at her favorite restaurant afterwards…it should be a really good weekend! If she’s extra nice, I may even take her shopping or to the movies; two of her favorites!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Celebrate National Train Day with Dinosaur Train!

Once again, I am calling all Dinosaur Train fans!  This time, Dinosaur Train is helping to celebrate National Train Day, which is on May 7th, by airing an all new episode on May 6th on PBS KIDS.  The new episode will include two 11 minute animate segments with a live-action sequence featuring Dr. Scott, the paleontologist, who helps to bring to life the shows natural science and natural history curriculum for preschoolers.

In the first episode, “Junior Conductor Jamboree,” Buddy and his family ride the Dinosaur Train through the Mesozoic Era from one end of the line to the other and visit all three time periods--from the Cretaceous, through the Jurassic, to the Triassic.

In “Troodon Train Day,” the Pteranodon family rides to Troodon Town to celebrate Troodon Train Day, where the main event is a concert by King Cryolophosaurus, giving his first performance in years!  This was a super cute episode that not only provided scientific history, but included detailed information on how a steam engine works.  And, I love that King Cryolophosaurus was reminiscent of Elvis!

Additionally, special train-themed activities and events will be featured in partnership with local PBS stations and on the series’ website.  Activities may include Dinosaur Train screenings, Buddy costume character appearances, Buddy standees for photo opportunities, and hands-on educational activities. Remember to check local listings for times to view this all new Dinosaur Train episode.

In addition to the television series, there is also a “Dinosaur Train” interactive website at  PBSKIDS.org/dinosaurtrain. Children can join Buddy, Tiny and all their friends as they discover natural history and the science of paleontology through fun games and activities. 

During the month of May, the website will celebrate trains with a special themed homepage and new fun printable activities. Kids can also play the online game “All Aboard!” to become a Jr. Conductor on the Dinosaur Train! (http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/games/allaboard.html