Young At Heart Mommy

Managing Motherhood Through Love & Laughter

October IPSY Glam Bag: The Art Of Beauty

The October IPSY Glam Bag found it’s way to my mailbox yet again this month. When I first got accepted into IPSY I was over the moon excited. For $10 a month I was going to get to try new brands in addition to the ones I love. But after the last bag I was on the fence about the subscription because I wasn’t too sure if I was really going to “use” most of the items I received. I am happy I stuck it out because I loved every single thing in my bag this time around. While I was happy with all of the fun products I got to try in September, the October Glam Bag was definitely more “me” overall. Last month I was slightly dissapointed I didn’t get the Butter London nail polish like other subscribers, but these goodies are making up for it. This month’s theme was “The Art Of Beauty” and I was sent 5 deluxe items that coordinated with my style profile in addition to another cute makeup bag. Take a look! 
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Publix Running Out? Run IN Event + $25 GC GIVEAWAY! #MyBlogSpark

This year Publix supermarket has been keeping very busy with ongoing promotions, events, and deals for their shoppers. I like to consider myself a “Publix Girl” because this is the one grocery store I find myself saving the MOST money at. I get everything I need from baby wipes to fresh lunch meat for a fair price. I am also lucky enough to have two stores less than five mile from my home! Since I frequent both locations on a weekly basis I am always on the look out for current store events and sales. From October 9th through October 25th Publix is hosting the “Running Out? Run IN!” event. This is your chance to save BIG on popular brands such as General Mills, Yoplait, Charmin, Crest, Gain, and Procter & Gamble. 
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The Joy Of Home Repairs & 5 Easy DIY Improvements!

As a part of growing up there are many goals we strive to achieve and plenty of milestones along the way. One of these is being an adult, obtaining a successful career, and moving out of your parent’s home into a place of your own. In this economy it may be easier said than done. But let’s pretend it’s as simple as snapping your little fingers! When you go to rent or buy your first home, there is one thing that family and friends often fail to mention. No, it’s not that your neighbors are a bunch of weirdos. Although that is an important piece of information that you may have to find out on your own. Besides that, you may not be prepared for all the home repairs you are going to be faced with in the years to come. Actually, you will probably be clueless until the squeaks and cracks surface! 

Home repairs and fixer upper projects can be expensive and definitely put a dent in your pocket. Even if you are moving into a brand new home there is constantly something that needs attention. For me, this has always been our AC. The thing is always freezing and the repair man from Ed Helms is now a personal friend who visits a lot more often than I am sure he likes. I think were his favorite family. While the AC is one thing you need a professional to handle, there are a lot of other repairs I prefer to do on my own. Hence, the beauty of DIY projects. Work at your on pace and save money! This is unless you choose to pay yourself for the hard work you perform. I did see a new pair of shoes I wanted…

The proof is in the pudding. 1 in 5 Americans actually put off completing any repairs on their homes. My guess is that cost plays a huge part in this. We don’t all put a good chunk of change to the side for home expenses. I’m guilty of this myself. I would rather have the money to go on a nice vacation with my family which is why I have become more of a DIY gal. In addition to that, I don’t think I even know of a trusty handyman to fix the little things I need done. I would rather take care of things on my own anyways. I am woman, hear me ROAR!

There are many projects around the house that you can take care of yourself without hiring any help from an outside company or worker. I’ve added a list of simple tasks that will make you think twice before picking up the phone and taking out your wallet. These are all things you really should know how to do on your own.

  • Painting: My four year old can do this and so can you! Clean your walls, sand down those bumps, place your painter’s tape, apply a primer, and coat those walls with your favorite shade. 

  • Applying Caulk: This is the stuff that your find in between your tiles on your tub, sinks, and counters. Time can cause this rubbery filler to deteriorate and change color. All you need is a bottle or gun filled with goop. Fill away and wipe up any excess. I find this fun. Weird I know.

  •  Clogged Toilets: Every bathroom needs a plunger, it’s a house rule. If you have a kid then you better have a backup. I’ve become a master at this, removing a flushed cell phone was my greatest success! In addition to a plunger, buy a snaking tool or use a wire hanger to fish anything out.

  • Scratches In Wood: Don’t panic! They make crayons for these types of things and they’re not Crayola. You can find scratch fillers at your local hardware store. There are different shades available to match virtually any color wood on the market.

  • Drippy Faucet: This has to be the most common annoyance in new and old homes. It’s a bit more complex than the others but you can easily find a step by step demonstration on sites like The Family Handyman.


For more information on DIY home projects & repairs you can take care of without paying with the big bucks, visit DIYNetwork. Here you will find a long list from the simple to the more complex improvements. Remember, before you get out your phone to call a handyman use GOOGLE. It’s your best friend and it may save you that extra $200 you had saved for vacation next year… Happy Fixin’!

Dogswell LIVEFREE: Halloween Munchies For Your Four Legged Friends!

Halloween is a short month away. I have a feeling the next four weeks are going to speed by too. Most of us are preparing our children’s costumes, making goodie bags for school, and creating fun festive recipes to start the holiday off right. While you may have all of those things in order, did you remember your furry friend? This year make a conscious effort to treat your pet with a spooky snack on the big night. After all, who doesn’t take their dog out this time of year? It’s the one day we have an excuse to dress them up in ridiculous costumes and show them off to neighbors. Well at least that’s what WE do! I can’t say Chloe & Sam are big fans of that whole process but they do enjoy the constant flow of company at the house. As long as they have something of their own to snack on, the barking is kept to a minimum and little tails are waggin’. 
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Taking The STRESS Out Of Your Big Move!

Moving. It can be one of the most exciting milestones in your life but also the most stressful. Teenagers long to move out of their parent’s homes, newlyweds aspire about their first, and some families just enjoy hopping around the U.S living the American dream. Regardless of your unique situation there is one thing every mover has in common, the hassle of getting all those boxes packed and unpacked. That’s on top of not forgetting anything, getting rid of all the junk you don’t want to drag around, and finding the time in your busy schedule to do all of this! How about a safe and secure way to get those portable valuables to your new home? There are so many things to think about and consider when a move is in play. Reputable companies including 1-800-Pack-Rat, U-HAUL, and PODS help assist you in making sure all of your important items arrive safely to their destination while taking the stress off of your shoulders. A move is a BIG deal and it sure does take a lot of work.

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Did you know that 15% of the United States population makes a big move every year? Back in 2010 this included 6.7 million households! Typically I am not one of those people who fall into a statistic but I think it’s pretty neat to say I was one of those “movers.” In March of 2010 I made the long journey back to sunny South Florida from the crisp cold mountains of Colorado. My move was accompanied by a huge truck, over 50 brown boxes, a ton of bubble wrap, and plenty of empty tape rolls. It also left me completely exhausted and longing for a nap, maybe a hibernation! After experiencing a solid three moves in my entire life, I have developed my own short list of tips that I feel help to ease the process.

  • Be Prepared: Buy all of your supplies ahead of time and make sure you have more than enough. There is nothing worse than having to run back to the store mid-pack to get extra tape or bubble wrap! Durable boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and a permanent marker are necessities.
  • Group Like Items Together: When packing your belongings be sure to sort like items together. This will make unpacking much easier and avoid any confusion of where something may go in your new space.
  • Pack Light But Efficiently: Don’t pack your boxes to the rim. It will make them too heavy and could cause the bottom to become fragile, leading to a rupture. This could actually damage your beloved belongings! 
  • Keep Parts Together: Whether it’s a piece of furniture or your TV mount, put all small pieces into individual labeled bags. There is nothing worse than going to put something together and you are missing one tiny screw or bolt.
  • Don’t Be A Pack Rat:  A move is the perfect time to get rid of all that junk you no longer use or need. Donate your unwanted items to charity or give them to a friend. It will lighten your load and give you an excuse to get a few new things too!
 
Keeping all of these things in mind I have had a smooth transition from each home throughout the years. It’s amazing what a little organization can do! Are you planning a big or small move with your family soon? If so, I would love to know what tips you have in addition to my own.
 

Make Every Night A Family Game Night!

There’s a lot going on during the week and even more on the weekends. I always feel like there is something to do, big or small. Whether it’s running errands or doing 3 loads of laundry, my hands are always full. To avoid pulling my hair our completely, I have found a relaxing way to wind down and enjoy time with my family. Game night! Everyone in my family enjoys exercising their minds and intellectual skills with a good board game. We play new games, old games, strange games, and games that just don’t make much sense at all! Games like Monopoly have developed into different versions and styles several times over the years. There is even an electronic banking edition. If that’s not evolution of a board game then I am not sure what it is. I’m curious to see what they come up with next…

Can you believe that over the past 9 years board game sales have more than doubled? I can’t say I am too surprised. When I walk into any toy section I notice that what once was a small wall of 20-30 games has now expanded to what seems an endless selection for all ages and interests. These games include those that are educational, strategic, competitive, complicated, trivia oriented, and my favorite- multiplayer! What fun is a game if you can’t play with more than one person? I love gathering around the table with friends or family to enjoy hours of game play, popcorn included of course. Take a look at the long and very interesting history of “board games” and where they originated. You may be surprised! Check the info-graphic below for additional information.

There are many games from my childhood that bring back the fond memories of friendly competition and endless laughs. Almost all of them come from my favorite brand, Hasbro. Hasbro has been making board games for years now. A few of their most popular games are Twister, Sorry, Operation, Monopoly, & Trouble. These are all classics that I grew up with and still own to this day. I think every family game night should include at least one of these. Incorporating board games into your traditions is a great way to get the family together and unwind from a busy week. The whole purpose of game night is to have fun so make sure to choose a game that everyone can enjoy together. Once you develop your own collection of board games, you will have an active arsenal for rainy day blues and boredom!

What board games, new or old, do you enjoy playing with your family?

#ThrowBackToodie Thursday: Halloween Through The Years!

I know it’s only mid-September and Fall has just begun but I can’t help but be excited for Halloween next month. It’s one of my favorite holidays and since having Toodie I have enjoyed it even more than before. The creative costumes, festive candy, pumpkin carving, spooky decorations, and trick or treating make this ghoulish day fun for all ages. Even as an adult I love all of the excitement. After all, I don’t think I stopped trick or treating until I was about 15 years old! I always loved dressing up and going door to door with friends. I even did my fair share of  “knock and runs” in addition to stealthy snatching of filled candy bowls left behind by those who weren’t home. I think we all did that at least once time as a kid.  After a long night the best part was coming home, dumping our bags out, and trading our pieces of candy with one another!
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Publix Flavor Excursion + $25 GC GIVEAWAY! #MyBlogSpark

Beginning last week, Publix started their most recent promotion called the Flavor Excursion. Through September 17, 2013 customers can explore the “tastes of the world” by shopping for select items on sale. By purchasing these advertised ingredients you can save money and also create one of the many delicious recipes included within the sales flyer.
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Bath & Body Works County Fair Event In Stores + FREE Candle!

Get excited for the arrival of fall with the Bath & Body Works County Fair—a fun, playful take on a favorite local pastime.

 

On September 21, select Bath & Body Works stores will be transformed into festive county fairs, complete with Blue Ribbon interactive experiences.

 

Join Bath & Body Works for the Blue Ribbon Pumpkin Review—an activity where you’re the judge. Simply smell the range of NEW BBW Pumpkin candles and select your favorite. You can even take your top picks home! Next, visit the White Barn Home Fragrance area for the World’s Best Candle Challenge—take a trivia quiz to learn about all the ways Bath & Body Works’ superior candles enhance the home.

 

Those who make a home fragrance purchase will receive a FREE exclusive four-ounce preview edition of the Harvest Gathering Candle, complete with cello wrapping and tied with baker’s twine – the perfect housewarming gift for anyone this fall.

Discover what’s in store for fall at your local Bath & Body Works store this September.

On September 21, 2013 visit select Bath & Body Works stores that are hosting the event from 12 pm to 4 pm. This is your chance to sample the 7 NEW delicious pumpkin fragrances that are being featured within the store. Fall is my FAVORITE time of the year and I cannot wait to stock up new candles to get the house smelling festive. Which one are you most excited to try? Pumpkin Cupcake is looking good enough to eat right about now!

Disclosure: This information was provided to me courtesy of Tractenberg & Co.

 

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