Family Bonding!

Guest post written by Kim Lawry

For the past several years, my daughter has helped me go shopping on the weekends.  She's such a doll, she knows how much I hate the place, so she goes so we can spend time together and knock out that necessary evil every week at the grocery store.  Luckily, I have such a great daughter who is always willing to help her mother out.  She's such a fantastic girl!  I've honestly enjoyed the time with my daughter since she started coming over to help me, and I often look forward to the weekends to be able to spend some time with and catch up.  She recently became engaged to a wonderful man from North Carolina, and she's had so much to tell me.

Lately, I've had some difficulty hearing my daughter, and I've had a hard time hearing some of my friends at the grocery store, as well.  This weekend, before we go out shopping, I am going to ask my daughter if she wouldn't mind taking me to a place where I can find the best hearing aids around.  Social time is a little rarer these days, and it's very special.  I don't want anything coming in the way of it.

Shopping for Car Insurance

We all know we need it for those just-in-case moments, you definitely don’t want to be caught in a situation without car insurance or without the proper coverage, but are you sure you're not paying too much for it?

I hate overpaying for anything, so I always shop around for car insurance when my current policy is about to be up.  It can sometimes seem easier and less of a hassle just to continue to stay with the company you already have.  But in some cases that may not be the best bang for your buck.  Your car insurance company could literally be driving away with your money.  But who really has the time to call each individual car insurance company to a get a quote?  I know as a busy mom of 3 kids I don’t!

Well when you visit Auto Insurance Select you can get quotes from up to six top auto insurance companies including Allstate, Progressive, Nationwide, and MetLife.  It's all in one place online... and it's Free.  It's simple and easy, just enter the state where you live and get quotes quickly, all at your fingertips.  You can compare the rates and determine what’s best for you, saving you time and money and giving you peace of mind knowing you’re completely covered when you’re on the road.

They also have informative articles on how to compare auto insurance companies, tips on lowering your rate, factors that may be affecting your rate, and top frequently asked questions to help you get all the answers you need before selecting something as important as your car insurance.

Some of the ways to lower your rates from their website are:

1. Collect As Many Car Insurance Quotes As Possible

Like anything else, it pays to shop around a bit for car insurance. By collecting as many quotes as possible, you can make a more educated decision - and you can end up saving, big time. The Internet makes collecting a large number of quotes easy.

2. Ask For Higher Deductibles

The higher your deductible is for things like collision coverage, the less you will pay for your auto insurance premium. Raising your deductible from $200 to $500 - or even $1,000 - can save you 15% to more than 40%. Make sure you have the cash to pay that deductible if the need arises.

3. Research Insurance Rates Before You Buy A Car

Check how much that new car will cost you for auto insurance. Get car insurance quotes to find out if it will be affordable. Remember that a new car brings costs beyond its sticker price along with it; plan accordingly.

4. Bundle Up Your Plans

Find out if the insurance company who provides your homeowners or renters insurance also offers car insurance. Many times, bundling up on insurance policies can save you a lot of money. Ask your current insurer for car insurances quotes to see if any sort of discount applies.

5. Lower The Coverage On Older Cars

If your car is getting up there in years, it's not financially reasonable to keep paying for full coverage on it. Ask for car insurance quotes for a pared down policy that will still keep your car legal - but that won't cause you to pay for unreasonable levels of coverage.

6. Ask For A Low Mileage Discount

Are you one of those people who tends to stick close to home most of the time? Do you work close to home - or at home? Chances are, you'll qualify for a low mileage discount. Before requesting car insurance quotes, let the agencies know that you're a low mileage driver.

7. Your Credit Score May Affect Your Car Insurance Quotes

Many auto insurance providers take a driver's credit rating into consideration when coming up with car insurance premiums. If your credit is so-so - or poor - work on improving it. Once it's improved, ask for a new quote and see how much you can save.

8. Find Out About Group Discounts

Do you belong to any clubs, organizations or associations? If so, you might qualify for a group discount on your auto insurance. Be sure to run all of the clubs you belong to by your insurance agent before asking for car insurance quotes - it could save you money, big time.

9. Pay Your Premium In Full

Sometimes, car insurance companies charge additional fees for customers who pay their premiums on installment plans. If possible, try to pay your insurance premium in full to avoid those fees. Be sure to ask about the cost of those fees when getting car insurance quotes.

10. Keep A Clean Driving Record

It should go without saying, but try to avoid getting tickets whenever possible. A clean driving records goes a long way toward saving money on auto insurance. Be careful about who you lend your car too, also - if they have an accident in your vehicle, that claim can affect your car insurance rates in the future.

11. Invest In Anti-Theft Devices

Whether you live in a high crime area or not, it never hurts to have anti-theft devices installed on your vehicle. By telling your agent about those devices, you can enjoy a significant savings on your car insurance quotes. The amount you'll save will more than pay for that initial investment.

12. Take A Driver's Education Course

Driver's education courses aren't just for sixteen year olds. In fact, taking a refresher course every now and then - and providing your insurance company with documented proof that you took it - can save you a bundle on car insurance. Driver's safety courses are also excellent options. This training saves you money and helps you be a safer driver, too.

Disclosure:  This was a sponsored post brought to you by Auto Insurance Select.  All opinions are 100% my own.

NMEDA- Helping the Elderly and Disabled get Back on the Road of Independence

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

You may or may not have ever heard of NMEDA.  NMEDA is a non-profit trade association of mobility equipment dealers, driver rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals dedicated to broadening the opportunities for people with disabilities to drive or be transported in vehicles modified with mobility equipment.  And after learning about NMEDA, you may or may not have any need for them.  But imagine if you did sometime in the future.  Or maybe you do have a family member who could benefit from their services now.

If you're a caregiver for someone with a disability it can be a tough job, and no two people with a disability are exactly the same.  After a personalized “in-person” evaluation (beware of adapted wheelchair vehicles sold over the Internet or through catalogs), you can be sure you are getting the right driving solution customized to your specific lifestyle and needs.  And if you need additional training or product refinements, your NMEDA dealer is there to help you.

NMEDA does not sell anything.  NMEDA is the only association that promotes safe driving and equipment for disabled people.  They are non-profit and their members are required to adhere to the safety standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  NMEDA dealers, the members, are the ones who sell handicap vans and vehicle modifications for disabled people.  You can read more about the entire purchase process on their site.

NMEDA has Dealers AND Quality Assurance Program (QAP) dealers.  The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry.  It is based on the principle that in order to satisfy customers consistently, companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality.

You can locate a qualified NMEDA dealer right from their website, either by State or Zip Code, and you'll be able to see whether they're also a QAP dealer.  I was unaware that there are actually several around the area here in Michigan.  You can also stay connected with NMEDA on  Twitter and Facebook.

Family Fun with the PlayStation Move

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PlayStation MOVE. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you looking for something new and fun to do with your family instead of the standard family board games night?  Then check out the PlayStation Move-it has something for everyone. Whether you’re experienced, casual, or somewhere in between, PlayStation Move has a wide variety of games including sports, action, party, family, and shooters.

Here's the product information from the PlayStation Move website:
The PlayStation Move is a combination of the PlayStation3 system, the PlayStation Eye camera and the PlayStation Move motion controller.  The motion gaming technology is housed in the pairing of the motion controller and the eye camera.  The sphere at the end of the motion controller allows the eye camera to pinpoint your every movement and position within the room.  This tracking is translated, with absolute precision, into gameplay.  So when you hit that bullseye, it won’t be a fluke.

If a little genie were to appear and give my family the PlayStation Move, I think it would be awesome.  I've been seeing the commercials and it looks like a blast.  Our girls are young, 5 and under, but this would be great for my hubby and I and our 5 year old, and for when we have relatives over for family get-togethers.  My brothers and sisters love playing games- we've done other gaming systems, but this looks like a whole new level of gaming fun!

I think for our family, with our girls being so young, the games we would be most excited to play on the PlayStation Move would be Start the Party! and  EyePet.  I think my 5 year old would really love both of those, and I'm sure the younger girls (1 & 2 1/2 year old) would love to watch.  For myself, and for sibling get togethers, I'd probably go with the Sports Champions.  I'm a very competitive person and love sports and staying in shape, so I think this would be right up my alley.

Find out if the Move is right for your family, and if you already have a PlayStation3 you can bring motion gaming exclusively to your existing system for only $99 with the MOVE bundle package!  To learn more, check out the FAQ's on the PlayStation Move Blog.

Need a new cell phone... and better cell phone company

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boost Mobile. All opinions are 100% mine.

So, I'm in the market for a new cell phone and checking out all my options.  My contract is up with my current company next month and I planned on switching to someone else, just not sure who.  And the fact that my phone also fell in the toilet last week is making finding another phone that much more imperative.  It still works... just not quite the same.

Boost Mobile offers some pretty convenient features:

• Re-Boost method to quickly & easily add funds to your account
• flexible payment options- on-line, in-person, or pay by phone
• You can use your debit/credit card to make a payment or sign-up for worry-free automatic payments
• activation takes just a couple of minutes
• you can sign up for xtras that let you hear about special events, promotions, and more

Boost Mobile phones keep you in the social network too; updating Facebook and Twitter are simple. As a blogger, and I know for others too, that's definitely important to be able to connect to social media from your phone.  It's good to keep up-to-date on what's happening on the web and let others know what you're up to.

Boost Mobile devices offer unlimited connectivity to Facebook for one price per month.  I love to be able to check my Facebook to keep in touch with family and friends, but I'm not always at a computer, so having the option to do it from my phone would be great.

Two of the most popular phones and their plans that Boost Mobile offers are:
• Blackberry- you can check out the plan details here
• Motorola i1- you can check ou the plan details here

So it's good to explore all my options when considering a new cell phone and carrier.  I have another month to do my homework and compare the companies and features to find the one that's best for me.  What about you- which carrier do you use, are you happy with the phone and service?

Win a FREE Weekend Stay at any Hampton Hotel

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

This is the last week to enter for a chance to win a free weekend stay with Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes.  Until September 4, 2010, they're giving away a weekend stay daily to the winner and three of their friends.  And if you're the Grand Prize winner you could win an entire hotel for a weekend!

How cool would that be?  With summer ending and the kids going back to school, this could either be a fun weekend trip with the kids or a mini-getaway for you and some friends.  If I won a weekend stay away from home, it'd be a tough decision between those two.  My kids may win out, but since I never get a mommy weekend I may just call up some girlfriends and hit the road.

I wouldn't go too far... but just far enough so that my hubby can't bring the kids and come find me.  There's actually a Hampton Inn right in the city where I live but I might just opt to go to the one in the next city over.  Short enough that it's a fun little road trip but lets us feel like we're getting away from all the stress for awhile.

I think having a weekend away from it all every once in awhile is a necessary thing for your sanity and for some rest and relaxation- a nice break from the humdrum of work and home life.  And having some good friends to share that with would be awesome!  Can you tell I already have this planned out in my head... I'd so love to win!

It's a Book by Lane Smith

I love the title and cover of this new book by Lane Smith from Macmillan kids.  It looks simple and classic and yet the characters seem engaging for kids.  It's for ages 6 and up and is like a tribute of sorts to the world of print in an oh-so-prominent digital age.  Check out the cute trailer for it below featuring a techie donkey and a book-loving ape:

 I think it's awesome and super creative to make a trailer for a book, like mixing old-school and new-school.  I think it's important with all the new technology that we continue to expose our children to books and "It's a Book" is making a point of just that.  It doesn't make noise or tweet or instant message... it's just a book (as it should be)!

Compare, Shop, Save... Right at your Fingertips!

Just recently I discovered that my camera isn't taking pictures like it used to.  I'm not sure what happened to it, but it appears we may need to start shopping around for a new one.  I'm not necessarily looking for a particular brand but do like these Nikon cameras.  And I've started thinking ahead to other items I need to go shopping for soon too.

My daughter still needs a new pair of kid's shoes for when she goes back to school in the Fall.  Toddlers and pre-schoolers are rough on just about everything, and shoes are no exception.  Not only is my daughter growing out of her shoes, but they are also trashed from playing outside.  And I would actually like a new Fossil watch, that's the brand I had before I lost mine.  Or maybe it stopped working, I can't remember anymore- it's been so long since I've had a watch.  But trying to comparison shop for these items in the store can be daunting.

I'm a true bargain hunter and love finding the best deal.  But I hate having to go from store to store to find the lowest price- it's not only a waste of time and money, but can also really try your patience.  With the age of the Internet though, all you need to do is hop online.  Except then, you may find yourself going from website to website just trying to find the actual best price.  That's what I love about sites like Become- you can comparison shop right from the comfort of your living room!


Disclosure:  This was a sponsored post written by me for www.become.com.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Online Classes for Middle & High School Students (KCDL)

   Today's generation is all about technology- cell phones, ipods, gaming, computers, etc.- it's called the internet generation, or "iGeneration".  The iGeneration has never known life without the Internet, being mobile, using avatars, IMing or choosing and watching content almost whenever & wherever they want.

   To reach them in their high-tech, high-touch world, many parents and educators are looking at how to rewire schools to match how the iGeneration learns- that's where KC Distance Learning (KCDL) comes in.  They offer online classes for middle & high school students... from the home-schooled family, the student brushing up on skills to compete at the next level, or the child facing challenges in traditional schools such as bullying... KCDL provides academic solutions to fit your child's needs.

   When you visit KCDL, you simply click on your state to get started.  The majority of states only offer privately licensed online schooling, but there were 7 states that also offered online public school.  Once you click on the school for your state, it will provide you with all the school information including curriculum and tuition rates (if applicable).

   The private school that's offered in every state is The Keystone School.  They offer the option of enrolling in a full-time curriculum package or in individual courses to supplement a traditional school or homeschool curriculum.  To make online schooling more accessible, they offer payment plans, a discount program for enrolling more than 1 child and for active-duty military members, and even have a 30 day money-back guarantee for all new students, to ensure that Keystone is exactly the academic experience you were looking for.

   Keystone students learn at a distance, but the support and school experience are hands-on.  From the minute your child enrolls in the Keystone program, you and your child can access teachers, learning coaches, counselors, administrative staff, and other students.  We're always just an email or phone call away.  Your child can connect with other students through message boards, extracurricular activities, and even a staff-moderated Keystone Facebook page.

   Check out this survey conducted by KCDL & Aventa Learning- it says that 88% of teens want more electives, online classes, and flexible schedules, and 55% of kids say that bullying is a problem and a daily concern.  You can also click on the following link to experience how students engage with their teachers and classmates online, in a recorded session where students from around the country come together outside of class to discuss the results of the "iGeneration" survey with their teacher and hear their insights.

What do you think- do you already, or would you ever, let your middle or high schooler take classes online?

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post from MomSelect written by me for KC Distance Learning.  All opinions are 100% mine, yours may differ.

Planning 1st Birthday Party... already!!

Aaahhh, where does the time go?  My 3rd beautiful baby girl is 10 mos. old already, and I am now starting to think ahead to the all-important 1st birthday party.  Planning a birthday party is no easy task and each one is special, but for those milestone ages especially, we want to make sure everything is just perfect.  As perfect as an event for a bunch of kids can be that is.  There's the decorations/theme to pick out, invitations, birthday outfit, the cake, and of course the gifts!

I think I actually have some party supplies left over from previous birthdays, pink & white, that I can build off of for the decor.  Invitations- I usually print them myself but may decide to use a company online.  And I do already have a couple party dresses for her- just have to narrow it down to THE one.  The cake, I will probably make myself like I have for the other 2 girls.  And the gifts.... this is a tough one!

Having two older sisters, our youngest has pretty much everything she needs in just about every department- clothes, shoes, toys, etc.  But still, you don't want every item to be a hand-me-down... some things should be unique for each girl.  So I'm looking at more clothes (a girl can never have too many), some cups & bowls, & some of these cool wooden toys.  I especially love these four:

Melissa & Doug

Busy Bee High Chair Toy           &        Peek-a-Boo Barn

    
   

      Melissa & Doug

Happy Hippo Pull Toy 

 Imagiplay Veggie

    Cutting Set

There's something so classic about wooden toys.  They remind me of back in the day (no I'm not that old, but old enough) and how things, and toys, were much simpler.  I think these would be perfect for her 1st birthday, and I know all of our girls would enjoy at least one of the above toys so that's a bonus.

Any 1st birthday gift ideas?  What did you get, or plan on getting, your little one on their big day?

Disclosure:  This was a sponsored post written by me- all words & opinions are 100% mine.

Send Gift Cards Online!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of FriendGiftr. All opinions are 100% mine.

Wow, I wish I would’ve heard about FriendGiftr a month ago!  June is one of the busiest months in my family- 5 birthdays, Father’s Day, & there is almost always a graduation party or two.  One of my brother’s lives down south in Georgia and I totally forgot to get his birthday card in the mail on time.  This would have saved me the stress of buying a card, buying stamps, and then sending it by snail mail.  I could have just sent an instant gift card online to somewhere he eats, like Red Robin or Applebee’s.

When you use Friendgiftr, you can choose from over 120 of your favorite retail and restaurant gift cards.  Choose amounts from as little as $10, all the way up to $100! And you’re able to buy and send real digital and/or physical gift cards to your family, friends, co-workers… for any special occasion.  But what I thought was really cool about Friendgiftr is that the receiver has the option to exchange the gift card for any of the other merchants if they want, at no additional cost and without the buyer knowing.  So now they can get what they really want.  They can also split the gift card across multiple merchants- enabling the ulitmate user choice and control!

Using Friendgiftr is totally convenient too- you can buy your gift cards from their website, Facebook, iPhone, Blackberry, Android, and more.  I myself would love one from Kohl's or Texas Roadhouse (*hint, hint- my birthday is in September*).   ;)

We're headed to the Y-M-C-A!

Every time the kids want to go to the YMCA, it’s a big ordeal.  Before we head out the door there’s just so many things that need to be done first.  Get the youngest 2 in lil swimmers, and then put all of them in bathing suits… but wait, did the oldest use the potty one last time?  Then there’s packing the extra garments in the backpack, remembering the lock for the locker, oh and don’t forget the membership ID cards.

Then we get there, and there’s unloading them, getting checked in, grabbing towels for everyone and heading to the locker room.  But in order to get in, you need your ID card, which was thrown in the bottom of the backpack.  If only I had one of those fancy, shmancy things that go around your neck and hold your ID card. Hmmm, what are those things called anyway… a lanyard.  Genius- you can have it around your neck and then just stretch it out to the ID card swipe pad.

I actually used to have one of these before, I just didn’t know what it was called.  And you generally only see hospital workers wearing them… or according to the movies anyway.  But really, having one of those for when we go to the Y would really make my life easier.  They actually make some pretty cool ones now, they even have beaded lanyards!  So you can look like you’re wearing a necklace- stylish yet functional.  Or you can get a ribbon lanyard to show off your personality.

In any case, when juggling kids & gear and trying to get us all into the locker room quickly, having one would definitely come in handy.  *sigh*  The kids are still saying ‘can we go swim now?’.  I’m thinking, maybe tomorrow… mommy’s tired just thinking about it!  But, I'll get off my behind and get everything and everyone loaded into the van... now where is my ID card??

This was a sponsored post written by me in my own words.  All opinions are 100% mine, yours may differ.

Family Vacation Plans

You may have read my post before where I talked about us not really going anywhere this summer, other than probably camping in our own backyard (well really out at Grandpa's in the country).  But recently my husband and I got talking about Disney World.  Well actually our 5 year old brought it up and said she wished she could go visit the Princesses at their castle (aww, melted my heart).  So that got my husband and I talking about it and looking at Disney World Packages online.

Prices aren't that outrageous and I think we'd go with a Disney World and Sea World combo package, and to make it worthwhile at least a 5 day stay.  But even though you can find some really great packages for pretty cheap nowadays, I just don't think it's a possibility for us right now.  Of course we would love to be able to take them all but really with the littlest one being 8 months old, we wouldn't be able to enjoy all the stuff that the older girls wanted to do.  I can remember going when I was younger but don't quite really remember it, ya know?  I'd like all the girls to be a little older to really get the entire experience (and of course, if they can all walk and are potty trained that would be a plus).

So we told our oldest that once her little sister turns 3 we'll start looking into going to Disney World again.  The question is will she still be into Princesses like she is now?  I'm not sure, but I think either way we'll all have a blast if we can actually make it happen!  Have you and your family done the Disney World vacation yet?  If so how many days did you stay and did you get to do everything you wanted in that amount of time?  If you haven't gone do you plan on going once your kids are older?

5th Birthday Gifts

   My oldest daughter's 5th birthday is only days away…. aahhh!!  Where did the time go, when did my little girl grow up?!  Thankfully she still is a little girl and wants an Ariel themed cake and party, instead of something like Hannah Montana!  And for gifts, now that she’s in school she wants books, stuff to practice her writing, and coloring stuff.  I’m always on the search for fun educational kids toys for my girls so this tickled me pink to hear her say that.

   She of course will still play with almost any toy, and I know she'll love anything we get for her, but she really is into her notebooks, pencils, markers, etc. and things that challenge her.  One of her Christmas gifts was a dry erase board with letter, number, and writing template sheets to practice on and she really enjoys it.  She also received a Melissa & Doug Magnetic Dress-Up Doll and loves playing with it.  And I just seen they have a line of Decorate Your Own kits for kids (jewelry box, mirror, bookmarks, etc.), which I know she would have a fun time doing.

So in addition to her books and writing stuff, some of the other gifts she’ll be getting is a hula hoop, jump rope, play doh set, clothes, shoes, & a sleeping bag (for trips to the Grandparent’s).  And this year she'll be getting her very first piece of jewelry (none of our girls have their ears pierced)... a 'Big Sister' necklace.  I think she's going to really love it and feel so grown up wearing it.  Now that she's getting older, her birthday and Christmas gifts are reflecting that.  I'm so proud and so sad to see her growing up... it's such a bittersweet milestone to have her turning 5 and starting Kindergarten in the fall! 

This was a sponsored post written by me on behalf of TheKidsToyStore.com, from Start Ranking Now.  All opinions are 100% mine... yours may differ.