Watch Them Grow In A Class Of 20__ Graduation Shirt

May 23, 2013 By 1 Comment

Today we celebrated K’s Pre-K graduation. In a few short months she will board the school bus on her way to Kindergarten. If I could keep her small forever, you better believe that I would. But she keeps getting bigger, and more amazing every day. The side-by-side comparison showing her on the first day of Pre-K and the last is remarkable.

For an even more striking comparison, I decided to have a Class of 2026 shirt made for her — in a woman’s size medium. My idea is to snap a photo on the last day school each year until 2026, when she will graduate from high school. (Cross your fingers that I can find it for the next 13 years.)

So here she is for the first time in her Class of 2026 shirt!

Graduation Shirt Class of 2026

Shirt = $6 from Old Navy
Embroidery = $10
Memories = Priceless

In case you want one of your own, the embroidery was done by my friends at Paisley Gator.

Graduation Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse are available here.

Princess Grad Tiara available here.

3 Steps To Help You Prepare For “What If?”

May 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Information for this post is sourced from Genworth Financial in partnership with the SheHeard Influencer Network. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Last year my husband and I faced a troubling burden — my husband was laid off. Sure, the signs were on the wall, but it still came as an unexpected blow one afternoon when my husband arrived home from work in the middle of the day.

Things already felt tight prior to financial pitfall, and we had a new baby. We were getting by, but without my husband’s paycheck… Uncertainty set in.

After a few days of moping about the whole thing, I went back to basics. I broke out my trusty spreadsheet that I keep with our regular household expenses. (Oh yes, I actually keep a spreadsheet.) Where could we cut? What could we live without, and what was the bottom-line number that we had to come up with each month to pay our bills?

I spent time doing some serious thought and number crunching, finally I created a multi-step plan. I made initial cuts, and then I had a second tier of cuts that could be made if a new job was not on the horizon within a month. Then a third and a fourth tier.

I double checked and triple checked our savings to see how far it would get us. Luckily, I am a squirrel and I have been squirreling away money into our savings since the day I graduated college. It wasn’t always a lot, but over time — I had an emergency reserve we could draw from.

And, of course, I ran the numbers on my own income. How could I make more? What if I looked for a part- or full-time job outside the home? How could I contribute?

It wasn’t a pretty picture, but there was hope. We had savings, we had my income and we had a plan.

Within three months, my husband found a job. A steady job that makes him happy, which makes us all happy. We were lucky.

One year later, we’ve added back most of the things we cut out (some we decided we no longer needed), we’ve started to rebuild our savings (at least a little bit) and I have returned to my squirreling ways. Things are sunny again.

The thing about a financial emergency is that it can happen at any time and come in any form – a lay off, an accident, an illness or a natural disaster. You can’t know what lies ahead, but there are steps you can take to be more financial secure in case “What if” comes to pass.

  1. Know what you need – While nothing about being laid off is easy (or fun), regularly keeping track of monthly household expenses put me in a better position to analyze what we needed to get by. Add up all of your regular monthly expenses (yes, on a spreadsheet) and calculate your monthly nugget – the amount you need each month to cover the basics. For a handy-dandy cheat sheet, check out this Emergency Savings Calculator to get you started. (Hint, my spreadsheet goes into much greater detail itemizing monthly/quarterly/annual bills.)
  2. Save what you can, when you can – Financial experts suggest that you should have an emergency fund to cover three months of your household expenses. But saving three months doesn’t happen overnight. Don’t let that number scare you. Start small, start with what you can save — even just $5 this week. By putting $5 this week into an emergency fund, you have taken the first step. Once that step becomes easy, increase your savings to $10 a week. Little by little, dollar by dollar.
  3. Make a plan and stick to it – While I had a budget and savings in place, when the news came I literally had no idea what that meant for us financially. That led to some internal panic. If I had created an outline of a contingency plan for “What if” in advance, I would have saved myself some restless nights. Going forward, I now have a bare-bones plan in place that can be implemented immediately. I feel better about the future knowing I am ready with a plan in case “What if” strikes again.

The bonus upside to saving for all of the “What ifs” in life is that each year they do not come to pass, the money you set aside instead becomes money put aside for your future. It’s like a savings security blanket for retirement. Genworth has some great resources available to help you get to retirement.

If you don’t have a plan in place, today is a great day to start one. It’s overwhelming to think of the big picture, so start small. Start by knowing what you need. Once you know where you need to be, it will make getting there a whole lot easier.

Information for this post is sourced from Genworth Financial in partnership with the SheHeard Influencer Network. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Get A Prepaid Visa For Up To $80 When You By Select Cooper Tires #SpringSavingsEvent

May 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment

This post brought to you by Cooper Tires. All opinions are 100% mine.

If your tires are looking a little worn, now is a great time to look into replacing them before you hit the road for summer vacation. During Cooper Tire Spring Savings Event you can get a prepaid Visa gift card for up to $80 when you buy select Cooper Tires. (Then use that gift card to do something fun on your vaccay!)

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From now through June 30, 2013 residents of the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and DC can get a Visa gift card when you buy a set of four of the following tires:

An $80 gift card with the purchase of

  • Cooper Zeon RS3-S
  • Discover CTS

A $70 gift card with the purchase of

  • Cooper Zeon RS3-A

A $60 gift card with the purchase of

  • Cooper CS4 Touring
  • Discover H/T
  • Discover HTP
  • Discover LSX
  • Discover LSX Plus

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How do you know if you need new tires?

To determine if you need a new set of tires, use the penny test. Take a penny and place it in the tire tread of the tire with Lincoln upside down. If Lincoln’s head is completely hidden below the level of the tread, your tires are good. If Lincoln’s head is visible when looking level at the tread, then your tires need replacing.

Tip: Be sure to test your tire tread in several places as tires do not wear evenly.

Make sure your tires are ready for the hot summer months and fun road trips with this great special from Cooper Tires.

Visit Sponsor's Site

The TODAY Show Jill’s Steals and Deals for May 23, 2013

May 23, 2013 By 1 Comment

The TODAY SHOW and Jill Martin are back another installment of Jill’s Steals and Deals for Thursday, May 23, 2013. These deals tend to sell out quickly, so you’ll want to act fast. Be sure to take note of all of the details of each deal, as some products may take up to 4 weeks to arrive.

*TheSuburbanMom is not affiliated with The TODAY Show or Jill’s Steals and Deals. I am only reposting the information to help spread the word to my readers.

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JetStream Bladeless Fan

Retail price: $299
Discount price: $65
Percent discount: 78 percent off!
Discount code: TODAYFAN
(To purchase the fan, click on one of the two links above. Enter the discount code on the landing page and click enter. From there, you’ll be able to order your items at the discounted price.)

JetStream’s bladeless fan is quiet, safe around children and minimalizes airborne germs. It features a 90 degree swivel base and 180 degrees oscillation. The fan is energy efficient and can either be free standing or mounted on a wall. JetStream says the fan ships fully assembled, and collapses for easy storage.

JetStream says the product will arrive in 2-3 weeks at an estimated shipping cost of $11.95. All sales are final. For more information and to buy the $299 product for $65, click here.

Have a question about the product? Contact customerservice@jetstreamfan.com.

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Baby Genius Summer Fun Road Trip Package

Retail price: $115
Discount price: $29.99
Percent discount: 74 percent off!
Discount code: TODAYMUSIC
(To purchase the Baby Genius package, click on one of the two links above. Enter the discount code on the landing page and click enter. From there, you’ll be able to order your items at the discounted price.)

Baby Genius music provides fun, family entertainment and emphasizes the joy of learning.

The Baby Genius® Summer Fun Roadtrip Package includes 5 Baby Genius® DVDs and 10 Baby Genius® CDs:

•Underwater Adventures DVD

•Baby Animals: Favorite Sing-A-Longs DVD

•Favorite Children’s Songs DVD

•Favorite Sing-A-Longs DVD

A Trip to the San Diego Zoo DVD

•Favorite Toddler Tunes 2 CDs

•Favorite Sing-A-Longs Songs 2 CDs

•Favorite Children’s Songs 2 CDs

•Favorite ABC & Counting Songs 2 CDs

•Favorite Silly Songs 2 CDs

Baby Genius says the product will arrive in two weeks at an estimated shipping cost of $5.99. All sales are final. For more information and to buy the $115 product for $29.99, click here.

Have a question about the product? Contact todayshow@babygenius.com.

NOMA-Scarf-Sarong

NOMA Tie Dye Convertible Sarong/Wrap/Scarf

Retail price: $150
Discount price: $29
Percent discount: 81 percent off!
Discount code: TODAYNOMA
(To purchase the convertible scarf, click on one of the two links above. Enter the discount code on the landing page and click enter. From there, you’ll be able to order your items at the discounted price.)

NOMA’s convertible tie-dye scarf/sarongs are hand dyed and easily convert into a shawl or wrap.

NOMA says the product will arrive by June 6 at an estimated shipping cost of $4.99 each (+$2 for each additional scarf). All sales are final. For more information and to buy the $150 product for $29, click here.

Have a question about the product? Contact info@nomalosangeles.com.

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iHome Portable Rechargeable Stereo/Speaker Systems for iPad/iPhone/iPod®

Retail price: $139.99
Discount price: $49
Percent discount: 65 percent off!
Discount code: TODAY9
(To purchase the stereo/speaker system, click on one of the two links above. Enter the discount code on the landing page and click enter. From there, you’ll be able to order your items at the discounted price.)

  • iHome iD48 Portable Rechargeable Stereo System for iPad/iPhone/iPod® - This portable, rechargeable stereo system lets you charge and play your iPad, Phone or iPod. The unit features a long-lasting built-in rechargeable battery and allows you to rest your iPad to enjoy movies using the system’s sound, including SRS TruBass circuitry and Reson8® sound technology.
  • iHome iD9 Portable App-friendly Rechargeable Speaker System for iPad/iPhone/iPod – This rechargeable speaker system was designed with the iPad in mind. Once charged, enjoy 8 hours of audio anywhere thanks to the built-in rechargeable battery. The system features SRS TruBass and Reson8® sound technology and allows you to dock and charge legacy iPad, iPhone and iPod models when plugged in.

Both units are only compatible with the iPhone 4/4S.

iHome says the product will arrive in 7-10 days at an estimated shipping cost of $11.95 per unit (shipping price decreases for each additional unit). All sales are final. For more information and to buy the $139.99 product for $49, click here.

Have a question about the product? Contact ihacustomerservice@ihomeaudio.com.

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Marc New York by Andrew Marc Sunglasses

Retail price: $60
Discount price: $18
Percent discount: 70 percent off!
Discount code: TODAYSUNGLASSES
(To purchase the sunglasses, click on one of the two links above. Enter the discount code on the landing page and click enter. From there, you’ll be able to order your items at the discounted price.)

Marc New York by Andrew Marc combines the function of polarized lenses with high style. Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare from surfaces such as water, glass and other reflective surfaces.

The glasses are being offered in twelve styles, including aviators, cat-eyes, over-sized glams, shields, classics, square and rounded frames.

Marc New York says the product will arrive within 2-3 weeks at an estimated shipping cost of $5.95 (shipping cost decreases additional with each additional unit). All sales are final. For more information and to buy the $60 product for $18, click here.

Have a question about the product? Contact info@todayshow-marcnewyork.com.

 

rs.

 

*TheSuburbanMom is not affiliated with The TODAY Show or Jill’s Steals and Deals. I am only reposting the information to help spread the word to my readers.

Good Morning America Deals and Steals May 23, 2013

May 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Good Morning America is back with another installment of their ‘GMA’ Deals and Steals for Thursday, May 23, 2013. Today’s deals feature ‘GMA’ Deals and Steals: Spring Fling Edition

 

Lipstick Shades: Monogrammed Beach Towels
Original: $58
GMA Exclusive Deal: $29
50% savings
Valid: 5/23/13
gma.lipstickshades.com
(Promo code: GMA)

Make a statement at the beach or pool this summer with luxurious, personalized towels. Made of soft microfiber velour, these 30” x 60” towels are absorbent, lightweight and quick to dry. The custom design is printed directly on the beach towel so it won’t fade, peel or wash out. Personalize anything from the background design, frame and if you want your name, monogram or initials to be featured; there are over 50 possible combinations. Perfect for summer camp and vacations. Shipping is $10.95 or free for orders over $150. Todaywhen you purchase the deal, you’ll receive an email voucher within 24 hourswith instructions on how to design your towel and place your specific order,which must be complete by May 31.

Aquaswiss: Sunglasses
Original: $150
GMA Exclusive Deal: $45 + FREE SHIPPING
70% savings
Valid: 5/23/13
gma.aquaswisswatch.com
(Promo code: GMA)

Just in time for spring and summer, protect your eyes with on-trend sunglasses. Aquaswiss products are often seen in gift lounges for the major award shows and the brand is a celebrity favorite. Inspired by top trends, there are many options to choose from in a wide variety of styles, colors and shapes for men and women. Free shipping!

CanvasPop: Photo Canvas Print
Original: $49 to $99
GMA Exclusive Deal: $17 to $36
64%- 65% savings
Valid: 5/23/13
http://gma.canvaspop.com
(Promo code: GMA)

Turn your favorite photos, especially those from graduation, into art on canvas. Handcrafted in the USA, CanvasPop will print images from just about any source, whether it’s uploaded from your computer, phone or Facebook. These canvases come ready to hang and they’re a great way to display your loved ones. Three sizes are available; 8” x 10”, 16” x 20” or 18” x 24”. Limit 2 per person. Shipping is $14.

Crocs: Assorted Shoes
Original: $30 to $60
GMA Exclusive Deal: $15 to $30
50% savings
Valid: 5/23/13
http://www.crocs.com/GMA
(Promo code: GMA)

Keep your feet cool in trendy, colorful footwear styles this summer. Crocs keeps comfort and style in mind with these fun designs that are available for the whole family. Options include the CrosMesh Slip-On Shoe for men, Emelina Sandal for girls, Chameleon Clog for boys and the Springi Flat, a women’s slip-on with footbed nubs for a massage-like feel. Shipping is $4.99 or free for orders over $60.

NYNE: Bluetooth Speakers
Original: $120
GMA Exclusive Deal: $52
57% savings
Valid: 5/23/13
gma.nyne.com
(Promo code: GMA)

Take your music with you — whether you’re going for a bike ride, having a gathering in the backyard or at the beach. NYNE puts a current twist on the traditional boombox with the use of Bluetooth. You now can wirelessly stream music from your smartphone or tablet just about anywhere. Perfect for both outdoors and indoors, each speaker produces superior sound while remaining portable with up to five hours of battery operation and also features a built-in microphone for hands-free phone calls. Two options are available, including the smaller version that comes complete with custom clips, which allow you to attach it to pieces like strollers or exercise equipment. Limit 1 per order. Shipping is $7.

Exclusive ‘GMA LIVE!’ Deal

eBags: Assorted Luggage
Original: $55 to $200
GMA Exclusive Deal: $20 to $80 + FREE SHIPPING
60%-64% savings
Valid: 5/23/13
www.eBags.com/GMA
(Promo code: GMA)

Prepare for your summer vacations with durable, high-quality luggage pieces. eBags, one of the largest online retailer of bags and accessories is featuring travel items from well-known brands including Nautica and Samsonite. Pack all of your essentials in these essentials that include a 21” carry-on, 25” upright roller bag and 17” tote bag. With all of the pockets and storage space, you’ll be sure to have as much room as possible. Free shipping!