moms Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips https://www.thriftymommastips.com/tag/moms-2/ Travel, Health & Family Tue, 28 Apr 2020 19:58:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/cropped-thrifty_logo_header-32x32.png moms Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips https://www.thriftymommastips.com/tag/moms-2/ 32 32 77340857 Cute Pink Mother’s Day Writing Worksheet https://www.thriftymommastips.com/cute-pink-mothers-day-writing-worksheet/ Tue, 28 Apr 2020 15:26:01 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=31437 It’s getting close to Mother’s Day and I know a few of your kids will be looking for amazing and sweet gifts for you. This Mother’s Day Writing Worksheet is a fun little way for them to pay tribute to you. Of course, this year what could be cute is if you send this to a child that you know. You could email it, print it out and mail it out to your niece or nephew. The beauty of this one is that kids can personalize it and also they can practice their writing or printing. If you are a Mom, an Aunt or a special caregiver, guardian, foster care provider, then you know how very precious this adorable handmade gifts can be. True story: I still have almost every single handcrafted gift that my girls have ever given me, even the sweet cards my husband bought on their behalf when they were tiny. Those things were tiny tangible reminders that I was a Mom, first of all and that I was blessed to be their Mom, even after all the health care struggles that brought me to them. Mother’s Day Writing Worksheet Don’t Miss the Mother’s Day Gift Guide as well. When it comes right down to it, despite the fact that I was supposed to be in Greece right now this year, exploring all the things in that gorgeous country, we are safe at home and we are also parents and that is an honour and a privilege that many do not have. To use this printable worksheet just check the safe link below. Happy Mother’s Day!

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]]> 31437 The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift for Entrepreneurs https://www.thriftymommastips.com/the-perfect-mothers-day-gift-for-entrepreneurs/ Wed, 08 May 2019 12:54:19 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=24821 I received the Epson 3 in 1 home office all-in-one printer for consideration here. Listen, when you spend as much time in your home office as I do the tools that you have MUST make life easier. I love my home office. It is one of the biggest reasons we bought this house. It was the feature that caught my eye first immediately on viewing our home. And yet…as much as I love my home office I’d rather not spend an extra second more than I have to in it. Because swimming, skiing and travel make me way happier than working inside an office and I’d rather be outdoors any time of year which is why I am loving my new Epson home office all-in-one printer. A Home Office all-in-one Printer That Works So, back to the tools. My computer, shine, camera, printer and scanner are all vital elements necessary for me running a business. The computer needs an upgrade soon. Because it’s old. I bought it in 2012 when I launched my writing, communications and social media consulting business. But it is now slowing me down and it’s time. And my printer, well I let that baby slide long enough. It was time to upgrade. So, thankfully now I have a new home office all-in-one printer saving me time and making me look good. Epson Premium XP-7100 is the perfect Mother’s Day gift for moms who are entrepreneurs. With the Epson Premium XP-7100 home office all-in-one printer (Small in one), I’m able to do everything I need to do for my business as well as my personal life. It was a welcome change for me because my old printer was a bit of a fail. It was small and wireless, however the wireless capability died long ago, and it was very unreliable in general. I was happy to be able to finally replace it with something that works well. Epson Premium XP-7100 Does It All Whatever I need to do for my business or home life, I can do it with this machine. It’s an all-in-one that works well, connects easily, and doesn’t take up a ton of space. In fact, Epson calls it a small-in-one, and it mostly is. This little powerhouse can print, copy, and scan without being big and bulky. It also boasts voice command capability which I am crazy stoked about trying. FUN!! Hey Google print my travel tickets. Thanks! Family Printing Emergency Test #1 Picture this: Literally this morning after a week of me being sick, my husband woke me up to say: Payton needs your help printing something. YAWNS. Unimpressed with either of these two family members at 6 a.m. Note – I only set up my printer/ scanner fully Sunday and Monday. It is Tuesday and I had not shown either of these two how to use the new Epson. Homework Drama Solved I have two high school students and everything they do is computer based obviously. They submit all assignments on line to teachers and they each have their own computers and smartphones. BUT still things have to be printed and submitted in person often too. So, when I woke up to a printing emergency this morning because daughter was up too late doing homework last night I showed her what to do with the Epson Premium XP-7100. For about ten minutes late last night she struggled trying to connect with my old outdated printer and then I demonstrated how simple her computer connects wirelessly with the new Epson home office all-in-one printer. Her computer located the printer quickly and printed wirelessly and efficiently. Homework printed and ready to submit in person. Happy Dances All Around It’s funny how happy that made her, because she worries over late assignments and things like that. And everyone knows that when kids are happy Mom is happy and vice versa. Frankly we had been so used to our old printer, which never really performed well, that this was a breath of fresh air. SO Happy Days ahead with this Epson XP-7100 simplifying the homework situation for the teens in my home and therefore taking a bit of work away from me. Epson Premium XP-7100 Specs I’ve told you why I was excited to get this home office all-in-one printer and a bit about why it’s a worthy new addition to my office. Here are a few of the specs. 5-color ink for superior photo quality 30-page ADF and auto 2-sided print/copy/scan Supports specialty paper, DVDs; borderless up to 8″x10″ 4.3″ touchscreen (you will love this. I do) Built-in USB/card slots Easy mobile printing using app Wireless with Wi-Fi Direct or Ethernet A Great Mother’s Day Gift If someone wanted to give me tech as a birthday present or a Mother’s Day gift I’d be ecstatic actually. Tech gifts are some of my favourites. Tech gifts like this Epson Premium XP-7100 series home office all-in-one printer make the perfect Mother’s Day gift for any entrepreneur. Technology Makes a Great Gift A printer/ scanner for Mother’s Day? Come on, Paula… I know you are still thinking who would give their Mom a printer or scanner/ copier all in one for Mother’s Day? Well, this gal would. Here’s why….. Family Printing/ Scanning Test #2 May is a month of chaos at high school because everything is adding up and assignments and exams and prom and a school year are all winding down. Plus we have graduation and prom and a martial arts grading coming up!! I can barely keep up. On Sunday morning, while out of the house at a martial arts tournament, we checked one daughter’s email. In fact an email had come in Friday night late that said she was hired for a summer camp job. HURRAY. But we read it Sunday and were away from home. Papers due back Monday morning. There were tax papers and more to fill out fast, then scan into my computer before sending. Problem, What Problem? SO, without a second to lose we printed the attachments, filled them out together (listen most kids still need help with tax forms), accepted the job offer and scanned filled out forms into my computer, before emailing them back. WHEW!! Saving Time and Gas Money As with any new technology, making this home office all-in-one printer work with existing computers meant that we needed to download new drivers and also add an app on my phone for remote printing and scanning. I have not mastered the remote scanning perfectly yet, but I will have it figured out by Mother’s Day. AND having a copier of my own is GOLD. GOLD. I am copying contracts right now as I write this post. Multi-tasking for the win! Just a week or two ago if I needed something copied I had to drive to Staples and pay 10 cents a sheet. Mother’s Day Gifts Should be Awesome Mother’s Day gifts should be awesome and thoughtful. I feel like that’s a given, right? This Epson Premium XP-7100 ticks both of those boxes for me. Perfect for the business mom. In fact, it’s perfect for any mom. We are OFTEN the ones who are responsible for printing calendars, homework, and business documents. Having a durable, easy to use home office all-in-one printer makes our job easier. If you’re looking for a great Mother’s Day gift this year, I highly recommend this Epson Premium XP-7100 home office all-in-one printer. It’s a time saver and a great printer, scanner and copier in one.

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]]> 24821 How to Travel for Self-Care When Parenting a Child With Special Needs https://www.thriftymommastips.com/how-to-travel-for-self-care-when-parenting-a-child-with-special-needs/ Tue, 10 Jul 2018 12:00:05 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=21629 I am more than thrilled to bring readers another instalment of Special Challenges With a Special Child. My series started just last month with a post on Angelman Syndrome. Today we are joined by Tawanna Browne Smith discussing travel for self-care. My daughter, Payton, and I met Tawanna in Puerto Vallarta on a travel media fam trip in 2014.   This travel influencer, entrepreneur and MOM, is a powerhouse. What you should know. Her Instagram lives rock and she’s working hard at mastering IGTV. She is the go to person for Moms who want to travel for self-care and need to build travel into their lives, but don’t know how to make that happen.   She once zip lined through the rainforest in Puerto Vallarta with my daughter Payton, and both were wearing flip flops at the time. DETERMINATION is zip lining in flip flops. Payton forever remembers that trip and won’t ever forget T because she also was sweet and funny and managed to keep flip flops on while flying through the jungle. Boss lady right there.   Happily she’s here to share her amazing tips on how to survive and thrive with a child who has special needs. Join me in welcoming Tawanna Browne Smith. 1. Tell me a bit about yourself. Please include name, city you live in and your website, business and/ or socials.   My name is Tawanna Browne Smith. I’m originally from Brooklyn, NY. I’ve traveled all over the U.S. and around the world. I currently live in Pasadena, MD which is about 10 minutes from Annapolis, MD and 15 minutes from Baltimore, MD. I create transformational retreats, group trips and personalized itineraries for female clients. Initially I started off with this business as a travel writer/blogger and have evolved over the years. I also do digital marketing projects with businesses and individuals.   You can find me at Momsguidetotravel.com and TawannaBSmith.com as well as @TawannaBSmith across social media. 2. How old are your children?   Two boys, ages 10 and 14. 3. Can you tell me a few things about your family and your child with special needs?   My family loves to travel. My husband works for the military so travel is common for him. I’ve been traveling since I was a teenager. I started my kids traveling when they were young. My 14-year-old is typically developing and off to high school next year. My youngest is going to 5th grade. My youngest son has autism. He is full of life, strong-willed and loves being around other people as well as being in the car or outside. 4. With respect to your child who has special needs, what is their diagnosis?   My youngest is limited verbally but can still make his needs known. Until age 4 they classified his autism as PDD (Pervasive Developmental Delay) and now that he’s 10, classify it as an Intellectual Disability. But I reject the term. I admit he has an intellectual delay but I don’t like the term Intellectual Disability.  5. What special challenges result due to their diagnosis?   Day to day challenges surrounding independence (tying shoes, toileting, personal care, communication, self-regulation).   6. How do you deal with those challenges on a daily basis?   I take long breaths! LOL. I start my day off praying actually. Then I think about the things I am grateful for. And I always remind myself that things could be worse. We’ve battled leukaemia with my youngest and survived.   Although autism is challenging it’s not life-threatening. So I just try to keep perspective. I use different systems to help me manage the day-to-day challenges. If my son is being particularly challenging, I stop trying to “get things done” until he is happy again. A lot of my frustration comes into play when I want to get what I want to get done but I have to attend to my child’s needs. It’s a tug of war that I’ll ultimately lose so I say to myself, why even go through the battle? I focus on accomplishing one thing for the day if the challenges are particularly great in that 24 hour period. And I tag team with my husband! 7. What advice do you have for other parents of special needs children?   See above. LOL. Ultimately, you have to not only be patient with your child but you have to be patient with yourself. Figure out what the problem is and the best solution to solve it. 8. Do you travel together as a family? Do you travel on your own? How does this work? We do a combination of traveling. We travel as a family. Every few years my husband and I will go on couples only trip. And throughout the year, he and I go on solo trips or trips with friends. Since much of my business revolves around travel, it makes sense that I would travel more often. However, I think I’d travel often anyway even if I wasn’t doing work within the niche. I honestly tell my husband what I need – that I need time to myself periodically. It’s just the way I’m wired.   To keep things balanced we talk about the places we plan to travel during the year with friends, etc. When I travel, he adjusts his work schedule and accommodates me. Because I work from home, nothing really changes when he travels. I have to do a lot more coordinating but that’s nothing new for moms. As long as it gets me to my ultimate goal, it is worth it. 9. Is there anything else you want to add or share that might help other families who are struggling? I think it’s important to be honest with yourself. Reflect and write down what you need, what’s making you unhappy, what you’d like to work on, and who you need around you to help you out. If your marital situation isn’t ideal, then you may have to look to extended family or friends to lend a hand.   Final Thoughts on Travel for Self-Care: Make sure the time-out is a give and take with you and your spouse. You each need and deserve a break. Be sure to communicate and negotiate it. I wrote this article about traveling for self-care which goes deeper into the how and why of traveling for a self-care break: http://momsguidetotravel.com/moms-use-solo-travel-for-self-care/   Remember to love and to breathe!   Have  Your Own Story to Share? If you have a story to tell about parenting a special needs child please email me: at inkscrblr@rogers.com. Make sure your Subject line is – Special Challenges.  

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]]> 21629 The Happiest Mother’s Day Gift Guide Yet https://www.thriftymommastips.com/hallmark-mothers-day-gift-guide/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/hallmark-mothers-day-gift-guide/#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2018 12:00:56 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=20680 Mother’s Day is almost here which means it’s time for my Mother’s Day Gift Guide. This day can be a wonderful time to celebrate. But a lot of people have a terrible time trying to figure out what to gift their mom. You may know your mom very well, but the problem is she probably has a lot of things, so what’s a daughter (or son, as the case may be) to do? Don’t panic, I’ve got you covered with my Hallmark Mother’s Day Gift Guide this year. There’s a little something here for every kind of Mom and every taste. I am confident you will find the perfect Mother’s Day present in this guide. I mean you can always buy her a cruise with you, or a mother daughter trip. But if that’s not in the cards this year there are dozens of adorable suggestions she will love here. How about something adorable and heartfelt from Hallmark? This year I am really loving the spa flavour in the Mother’s Day Gift selections from Hallmark. You will too! And if Mom isn’t into spas or relaxing at home, well then I have some super gift ideas too in my Hallmark Mother’s Day Gift Guide. This Mother’s Day gift guide features some super cute picks from Hallmark that will make any mom happy. The 2018 Mother’s Day Gift Guide This guide has something in it for every mom, from newbie to veteran. Whether the mom in your life loves cute books, plushies, or a snazzy bag with just the right amount of whimsy, you’ll find something at Hallmark. As an ambassador for Hallmark Canada and a Mom, this is one of my favourite shipments yet. Everything in it made me happy. It’s a little gift of cheer. Marjolein Bastien has some of the prettiest designs. Most of the Moms I know will adore these pretty gifts. They are so sweet and unique too. The Snoopy plush makes a great little gift for anyone. You could gift to a girlfriend, or give to your wife from the kids. If it’s your daughter’s first Mother’s Day, then it works for that occasion too. This 2018 Mother’s Day Gift Guide is my favourite for so many reasons. When I opened this box of goodies to see what Hallmark had in store for the season every last item put a smile on my face. I don’t know about you but motherhood is stressful, so spa goodies like the JUST CHILL slippers for (MSRP $29.95) and and the Crafters & Co Comfort Wrap in Gift Box are just perfect. The lavender filled comfort wrap is soft and smells heavenly. (MSRP $34.95.) Hallmark is the place to find gifts and cards for any occasion. No surprise there. You really should just go look there first. I figure since I found some great picks I might as well share them with all of you!    Marjolein Bastin Napkin Rings The perfect combination of style and whimsy, these napkin rings feature little birds on top. They have an antique brass kind of finish and are gorgeous. Worth it at $24.95. LOVE these so much. Marjolein Bastin Bird Tea Towel Any mom will love this tea towel featuring vibrant yellow florals and a little butterfly flitting from flower to flower. ($9.95 MSRP) Marjolein Bastin Bird, Butterfly, and Floral Accessory Bag If the mom in your life loves color and nature, get her this bag. It features colourful creatures on a crisp, white background. Marjolein Bastin Garden Bag This stylish bag has a touch of springtime whimsy. The bag has a large center bag with two side bags for lots of storage, and the main body features a beautiful print of colorful flowers on a white background. Floral Grey Scarf This scarf is full of springtime goodness with tons of colorful florals and fun blue tassels on each end. The scarf is a steal at $9.95!! Lots of Moms love a pretty scarf. Can’t go wrong with that in my opinion. Mom Love is Strong Love Gold Frame Print This sweet framed print just has all the feels. No more words are needed than the ones that are on this print. I love this at $19.95 and it is a treasure. Looking for a spot to put it right now. Floral Print Floppy Snoopy Stuffed Animal Snoopy gets a makeover with this stuffed cutie. His body is covered in a colorful springtime floral print that screams springtime. Stay tuned because I am giving one of these away this month too. Enter to win at end of this post. Or you can buy one for $12.95 in stores. Happy Go Luckys – Springtime These super cute toys are totally adorable and perfectly capture the joy of spring. they come in a three pack featuring a bunny, chick, and a flower with a little smiley face in the centre. They are cheery and at $12.95 a happy little present for someone. Crafters & CO. Comfort Wrap in Gift Box Give mom the gift of comfort with this cozy wrap that comes in a snazzy box! $34.95 and it smells like heaven. You can heat it up in the microwave when you have aches or pains, or for a cold winter night. If you pop it into a sealed Freezer bag you can freeze it too. Fierce Love: It’s a Mama Bear Thing One of my favorites. This book captures the ferocity of a mother for her kids with a super adorable cover. It’s the perfect gift for that mom who will go toe to toe with anyone when it comes to her kids. ($15.95 MSRP) Glamour Has No Age Limit Waterbottle This waterbottle is the perfect gift for the sassy mom in your life. Featuring gold lettering and black high heel icon, it’s sassy and fantastic. Just for me. ($24.95 MSRP) Slippers What Mother’s Day gift guide would be complete without slippers? These cozy slippers are luxuriously fluffy for cute and cozy comfort. See what I said above about those. Tote Colorblock Camel This bag is the perfect example of elegant simplicity, featuring a four-color block including whtie, a pale pink, navy, and camel. Also a steal at only $14.95 and it’s quite lovely. Classic Cards Whether your mom loves whimsy or sappy, Hallmark has an absolute truckload of wonderful Mother’s Day cards. I mean, come on… these are timeless and beautiful. Don’t scrimp on the card. MOM loves them. Wonderfolds Cards These are something I haven’t ever seen before but love – Wonderfolds Cards are the ultimate card. They pop up into beautiful three-dimensional shapes for those of us who want to be super extra for our moms. If you Can’t Find a Gift in This Mother’s Day Gift Guide, There is no Gift to Find This Mother’s Day gift guide has something for every mom. From adorable plushies to totes to cards, and more, if you can’t find a gift here, you won’t find one anywhere. =) I love all the Mother’s Day offerings this year from Hallmark, and since I’m a mom, I guess you could say they get the Mom Stamp of Approval. Head to Hallmark and find your mom the perfect Mother’s Day gift today. Don’t Miss this Hallmark Mother’s Day Giveaway! Follow the instructions below for a chance to win. Open to Canada only. I am a Hallmark Canada ambassador and as such I receive products for consideration here. My opinion is all my own.  Entry-Form

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/hallmark-mothers-day-gift-guide/feed/ 24 20680 The History of Mother’s Day https://www.thriftymommastips.com/the-history-of-mothers-day/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/the-history-of-mothers-day/#comments Wed, 04 May 2016 01:51:25 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=7204 The History of Mother’s Day The history of Mother’s Day is quite long. Most people think it began in the early 1900’s, and while the move towards an official holiday began around the time, the actual history of Mother’s Day dates back much, much further. It’s roots can be traced all the way back to ancient Greek and Roman culture. Ancient History of Mother’s Day The history of Mother’s Day has its beginnings in an ancient annual spring festival of the Greeks which was dedicated to their maternal goddesses. At that time, the day was used to honor Rhea, the wife of Cronus and the mother of many of the dieties of Greek mythology. Much like the Greeks, ancient Romans had a similar festival to honor Cybele, essentially their version of Rhea. This celebration, which lasted for three days, consisted of parades, games, and masquerades. The celebrations were so gregarious that followers of Cybele were actually banned from Rome. Even early Christians had a sort of a Mother’s Day. On the fourth Sunday of Lent, early Christians honored the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. That celebration was expanded in England to include all mothers and became known as Mothering Sunday. Medieval History of Mother’s Day Mothering Sunday can be traced back to England around the 1600s. Celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent to honor the Virgin Mary as well as all mothers, Mothering Day was a day of gifts to all mothers. After a prayer service honoring the Virgin Mary, children brought gifts and flowers to honor their own mothers. During this time in the history of Mother’s Day, servants, apprentices, and other employees where encouraged by their employers to visit their mothers while they were off for the day. Traditional Mothering Day gifts included special fruit cakes or fruit-filled pastries. Modern History of Mother’s Day Julia Ward Howe The modern history of Mother’s Day can be traced to Julia Ward Howe. While she did not have a role in founding the Mother’s Day we know now, she was the first person in modern times to suggest a day honoring mothers. She first suggested the idea in 1872. This activist, writer, and poet, known for her Civil War song, “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, suggested June 2nd as a day celebrating mothers and dedicated to peace. This earliest incarnation of Mother’s Day, known as Mother’s Peace Day was meant to be a simultaneous stand against war and an honoring of mothers. The idea spread, but it was later replaced by the modern Mother’s Day we now celebrate. Anna Jarvis In the history of Mother’s Day, Anna Jarvis can rightfully be called the mother of modern Mother’s Day. Although she was never married nor a mother, she worked tirelessly for a day to honor all mothers. Anna Jarvis’ inspiration for Mother’s Day came from her own mother, Anna Marie Reeves. Reeves was an activist and social worker who always said that all mothers, both living and dead, should be honored for their work raising upstanding children. After her mother’s death in 1905, Anna Jarvis began pushing the idea of Mother’s Day. She and her supporters wrote letters to people in positions of power and influence and lobbied for an official Mother’s Day holiday. By 1911, Mother’s Day was celebrated in almost every state in the nation. On May 8th, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a declaration making Mother’s Day the second Sunday in May. Present Day Mother’s Day Mother’s Day is now celebrated internationally. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Turkey, Italy, Australia, Mexico, China, Japan, Belgium, and more all have a national holiday honoring mothers. While I’m sure Anna Jarvis would have loved to know that her idea to honor mothers had gained international popularity, it’s important to note that she would have been greatly saddened at the extreme commercialism of the current holiday. She devoted her life to Mother’s Day, but even back in the 1900s, she was known to be deeply saddened by the commercialism that was put upon the holiday almost immediately. The History of Mother’s Day – A Long Time Coming The history of Mother’s Day is a long one, with many twists and turns along the way. From its beginnings in ancient Greece and Rome to the holiday we know today, the history of Mother’s Day has seen its share of incarnations. And while Anna Jarvis may not have agreed with the commercialism that now surrounds the holiday, I think she would have enjoyed knowing that mothers world-wide are honored for their part in a strong family unit.

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/the-history-of-mothers-day/feed/ 11 7204 A Special Flash Spring Giveaway – Embroidered Love Sentiment #Giveaways https://www.thriftymommastips.com/a-special-flash-spring-giveaway-embroidered-love-sentiment-giveaways/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/a-special-flash-spring-giveaway-embroidered-love-sentiment-giveaways/#comments Fri, 15 May 2015 15:24:52 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=6921 This is a spontaneous Spring giveaway. I recently attended a conference and came back overflowing with knowledge, connections and also gifts from brand sponsors. I have numerous new shipments of items to feature here on the blog. My office is once again overflowing and I need to generate a bit more space in my cabinets and cupboards and on my bench too. This lovely embroidered sentiment from Hallmark Canada makes me happy. Isn’t it sweet? It’s just a lovely, light, little decorative thing that would be brilliant for a Mom, or a Grandma. Since I don’t have either of those anymore I want to gift this to someone who can use it or give it to someone they love. Embroidered sentiment by Hallmark retails for $12.95 and was a special feature for the spring gifts in Hallmark stores. If you know someone who needs or deserves this special decoration enter the giveaway now. Please follow the instructions and stay tuned for more great giveaways this week. Good Luck! Entry-Form  

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/a-special-flash-spring-giveaway-embroidered-love-sentiment-giveaways/feed/ 12 6921 The Most Meaningful Mothers Day Gifts #WorldVisionGifts https://www.thriftymommastips.com/the-most-meaningful-mothers-day-gifts-worldvisiongifts/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/the-most-meaningful-mothers-day-gifts-worldvisiongifts/#comments Mon, 27 Apr 2015 13:05:20 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=6636 Mother’s Day is not a day I take lightly. I am a Mom because of a gift from someone brave and caring. Two different birth Moms gave us the gift of both of our girls. We are adoptive parents and might never have been parents without someone else’s sacrifice and brilliant gift. I am always mindful of that. My parenting experience started with a gift. The most precious gift of all. My own journey to parenthood very much reminds me of the power of the local and the global community. Each one of us depend ends on others for so many things. This year I am also very mindful of someone I am missing. My Mom passed away two years ago on Mother’s Day. I can choose to be sad and heartbroken that day or I can choose to remember her while celebrating all the gifts she gave me too. World Vision Canada makes that choice simple for me. The World Vision Canada gift catalogue has five gifts that honour mothers in developing countries. That’s something I know my own mother would support and she would love to know that I was thinking about her while using my voice and choosing the most meaningful Mothers Day Gifts. This year I am opting to give a gift that matters on behalf of my Mom and on behalf of both of my daughter’s birth mothers. I have already chosen the Healthy Mom and Baby package from the World Vision gift catalogue.  The Healthy Mom and Baby package is great value – it doubles in value – because the Canadian government also donates when you give Healthy Mom and Baby package. Protect a Pregnant Mom and Ensure safety of her baby $100 https://catalogue.worldvision.ca/Gifts/Forms/Gift.aspx?giftId=3368 There are also four other items you can choose for meaningful Mother’s Day gifts this year. I would be thrilled to receive any of these. I know that helping a Mom in a developing area of the world makes a stunning impact on the entire community. When I travelled with World Vision Canada to Colombia last year I witnessed how a meaningful gift can change lives. The ripple effect is incredible. When one child is sponsored or helped with a gift from a Canadian they have a chance to grow up healthy and many go on to become people who give back to their city and country, like Johan. When one Mom is helped with a World Vision gift she has the ability to raise her child up out of poverty. She is able to give her own baby a better start and she can empower others as well. For instance, this group of women in Morales Duque are an amazing example of a community changed by gifts from others. They impact the present, by helping other families generate an income, they help children to have a safe space free from violence and drugs and in doing that they alter the course of the future for children, families and entire communities. This really can’t be overstated. A $100 gift has a stunning impact and is a very small amount for many of us in Canada. Educate a Girl – this Mother’s Day help a girl rise above poverty with this gift. Help a young woman go to school and achieve her dreams. $60 https://catalogue.worldvision.ca/Gifts/Forms/Gift.aspx?giftId=2469 Stylish cuff bracelet. Handmade by artisans in India. This has an intricate vine pattern on it. $100 https://catalogue.worldvision.ca/Gifts/Forms/Gift.aspx?giftId=407 Start a Business – help a mom start a business and she can change the lives of many. $100 https://catalogue.worldvision.ca/Gifts/Forms/Gift.aspx?giftId=1669 Where else on earth could $100 have such an impact? Where else is $100 enough to help a startup business take hold? This is incredibly impactful. I will look hard at doing this in 2015 as well. This gift builds success. Two hens and a rooster – the most popular catalogue gift. This offers families a source of food and income. Two hens can produce up to 150 eggs a year. $50 https://catalogue.worldvision.ca/Gifts/Forms/Gift.aspx?giftId=1552 World Vision Canada is in over 90 countries worldwide, which also means that when disaster strikes they are often some of the first workers at the scene of earthquakes, tsunamis, wars, famines, droughts etcetera. Right now, I am following their good work doing disaster relief in Nepal. For more information and to see what they continue to do globally to help others remember to follow World Vision Canada on Facebook and on Twitter. Please consider meaningful Mothers Day gifts this year, both for giving and receiving. Disclosure: I am a World Vision Canada Mom. I also coordinate World Vision Canada’s blogger outreach program through Thrifty Mom Media and as such I am compensated. My opinion is all my own.

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/the-most-meaningful-mothers-day-gifts-worldvisiongifts/feed/ 31 6636 My #LGG3Moms LG G3 Smartphone Review and Giveaway https://www.thriftymommastips.com/lgg3moms-lg-g3-smartphone-review-giveaway/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/lgg3moms-lg-g3-smartphone-review-giveaway/#comments Fri, 14 Nov 2014 21:37:32 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=4290 Meet my new crush. This is my favourite gadget of the year – the LG G3 Smartphone has changed the way I work. I have been an iPhone user for as long as I have been a blogger. But then I got the chance to test-drive the LG G3 Smartphone. I never thought I would love an LG G3 Android so much. The thing about my iPhone that I loved the most was its reliability. It never dropped calls and it connected seamlessly wherever I travelled. Colombia with World Vision Canada, no problem! Mexico? No problem. So then the LG G3 smartphone arrived and I have to tell you that my first impression was completely cosmetic. It looks good. The LG G3 smartphone is a sexy phone. But if that isn’t enough there’s the fact that it has a much bigger screen than my iPhone 5 does. I also never thought I would be worried about a bigger screen BUT here’s the thing – everything is bigger on a bigger screen. The camera takes incredible pictures. I have been sharing many of those over on my Instagram account. The camera is 13 MP which is one of the best in a smartphone right now. The picture quality as you are working, or tweeting, or posting to Facebook is amazing. See if you can tell the difference here between old and new phone camera. It’s LG quality. When we bought our house we got an LG smart TV. The quality of my TV experience has improved exponentially. I still don’t have time to watch, but when I do it’s surreal. It feels like I am there with the characters inside the plot. It’s funny, but that’s almost exactly how the LG G3 smartphone feels when I am using it. Like I am in the phone. It has improved my experience as a consumer using the product daily. Is it as reliable as my old phone? So far it is. Also I am advised that this phone, the LG G3 smartphone, has one of the best batteries in a smartphone. It lasts a long time. So far so good also. It lasts much longer than the smartphone brand I have been using for years. For a few weeks, after I got this phone it was a running joke here and my husband asked constantly: Oh no, what are you going to do now? I was in a quandary. How do I break up with my other phone that has been such a stunning third hand? How? Well the phones are moving around in my house now. Someone will be upgrading to my oldie soon. This LG G3 smartphone is almost too good at what it does. Here are some more features: o The LG G3’s 5.5 inch quad HD screen illuminates so you can take perfect selfies even in complete darkness—with a lighting effect similar to ones that professional photographers use for beauty and portrait shots. o The LG G3  SmartKeyboard adjusts its size based on your preferences, while Smart Cleaning prompts you to delete unused apps to optimize battery life and keep your phone running quickly. (I LOVE THIS!!) Rear Key Design o The LG G3’s Rear Key provides a comfortable grip and natural navigation. The larger redesigned buttons lay flat and have a textured design for improved touch response. Guest Mode – o Guest Mode gives other users a completely different home screen, restricting access to certain apps. Create two separate unlock patterns—one for you and one for your guests—with preset restrictions to certain apps. (Cool for when your child grabs your phone to play their favourite games. This is a fun phone for gaming because of the battery life and the larger screen. But it also seems to be a great work phone too.) KNOCK Code rocks also – it gets me into the phone without typing my password. See more in the video above. I love this phone. It has everything I need. Plus this phone has me convinced LG makes quality technology so I am hunting down more LG products. I honestly didn’t know they were this good and innovative technology. Entry-Form

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/lgg3moms-lg-g3-smartphone-review-giveaway/feed/ 178 4290 Tommee Tippee Gingerbread Collection https://www.thriftymommastips.com/tommee-tippee-gingerbread-collection/ Mon, 27 Oct 2014 02:50:40 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=4010   Baby’s first Christmas is a time of special magic. Babies bring hope and wonder to the world just by their presence, and depending on their age, they help us see this season with new and excited eyes. My oldest daughter Sunshine was ten months old at her first Christmas—old enough to taste the mashed potatoes and peas, play strange at all the new relatives, need help opening her presents, and have fun with the wrapping paper. The following year, she made us all laugh by ripping a piece of wrapping paper from a present, running across the room to throw it in the garbage bag my uncle held for her, returning to the present to rip another piece off, running to throw it out… unwrapping each present took about ten minutes, until some helpful, eager adults stepped in! This year, Tommee Tippee and Babies R Us have introduced a wonderfully festive, limited-edition collection that would be perfect for baby’s first Christmas—or their second Christmas too. The designs feature whimsical scenes of Christmas celebrations including gingerbread houses, snowflakes, stockings and presents. The series is called the Tommee Tippee Gingerbread Collection. If this is baby’s first Christmas, the nature easi-vent feeding bottles in red and green will be perfect, along with the adorable festive soother to calm baby in the midst of all the holiday busyness. Tommee Tippee’s pacifiers feature a symmetrical orthodontic nipple (the only type Sunshine would accept) and come in soft red or green. If baby has moved beyond bottles, get him or a first sips drinking cup, available in either red or green. These Tommee Tippee Gingerbread Collection cups come with interchangeable handles so baby can drink on his own and are guaranteed to be non-spill and easy drinking. Nobody wants a spill on Grandma’s fancy couch! These products are available exclusively at Babies R Us  either separately or as a gift set that includes two bottles and a matching bib embroidered with snowflakes. Find out more about these special products in The Tale of the Gingerbread Man. Or drop by Babies R Us to admire the collection in person and decide whether it’ll be red or green for your baby this year. (I’m partial the green, myself—it would match the green-and-gold Christmas dress I made for Sunshine’s first Christmas and which her sisters have worn for subsequent holidays). Bonnie Way looks forward to Christmas from her home on Vancouver Island, where her daughters (now 6, 4 and 1) are eagerly anticipating snow and a visit to Grandma and Grandpa. She blogs about motherhood, Christmas and more at www.thekoalabearwriter.com.

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]]> 4010 My Library of Top Five Posts About Tween Girls https://www.thriftymommastips.com/my-library-of-top-five-posts-about-tween-girls/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/my-library-of-top-five-posts-about-tween-girls/#comments Tue, 09 Sep 2014 15:45:00 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=82 Raising Tween girls is a special kind of madness. Er.. I mean, fun. Just kidding, every stage of my children’s growth and development has been enjoyable and memorable. But tweenhood is slightly different than anything else you will encounter. Let’s just start with the hormones for instance. As soon as they kick into gear and puberty is on board then you better buckle up and get ready. It’s my personal observation that personality plays into puberty a lot but girls generally seem to hit the landmark changes a bit earlier and that means more explosive potential for conflict and moodiness in your home. So what’a a parent to do. No worries. I have compiled a few of my best read posts about Raising Tween girls. I thought they might help some readers. My Top Five Posts About Raising Tween Girls   1. On Starting the Conversation About Periods: 2. On Questions About Drugs: 3. Mother Daughter Travel: 4. The Importance of Play for Girls: 5. On Facebook and Rules for Social Media: Raising Tween Girls is a New Adventure. Embrace it. Eventually you will emerge on the other side parent of a teenager and that’s when life gets even more interesting. Thanks for reading and sharing and leaving your thoughts. Do you have any experience raising tween girls?

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