I'm sure many of you have seen this program at your local Publix supermarket. They do a great job promoting it. I grabbed a flyer one day months ago and put off joining until late in November. Man, am I glad I joined before the Christmas Shopping season!
If you are not familiar with the program, visit www.upromise.com as soon as you finish reading this post.
Upromise is a program developed to help you save for college through your normal everyday spending. You can register your Kroger Plus Card, Publix Card (they have one specifically for Upromise), your Harris Teeter card, etc, etc. Then you can register your Debit Card and any time you use that card to eat out at participating restaurants, a small % of what you spend will be deposited in your Upromise account as savings for college. BUT, the most productive way to save is by shopping online through the Upromise site. It links to Macys.com, Kohls.com, Shutterfly, SnapFish, Vista Print (just to name a few) and any time you shop on those sites, a % of what you spend is deposited into your Upromise account for college savings.
As of today, Dave and I have saved over $20 for Hope's college fund! We can link our account to her 529 Savings Plan so the money is invested as well. The most amazing thing about the program is you are saving without even thinking about it! You can ask your family to link to your account so every time grandma and grandpa spend money, they can save for college as well!
The program is free and although $20 in one month doesn't seem like much, over 18 years it will add up. The thought of paying for college in 18 years is so overwhelming. At least this little effort takes some of the pressure off.
I hope it works well for all you mommies out there! Now you have a very noble excuse to purchase things online!
Happy Shopping. . .I mean, College Saving!
Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts
Friday, January 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
New Etsy Store
I wanted to let you all know about a new Esty store launched by my very talented friend and coworker, Jenny Stika. You can find her creations at http://justadreamart.etsy.com. I myself have many of Jenny's pieces in my collection including a beautiful, cuddly scarf, an oil painting and a chalk drawing of Hope (below). She is incredibly talented and I hope you can find some great, unique gifts for everyone on your list this year! She'll be adding more items in the coming weeks so check back for photographs and paintings!!
Happy Shopping!
Happy Shopping!
Monday, June 16, 2008
These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things. . .
So I'm taking a break from lamenting about how hard it is to parent a newborn. Most of you that read this blog are mothers so I'm not telling you anything new! Blah, blah, blah. . .this is hard. . .she's getting more fussy. . .harder to predict, etc, etc. You know the drill. I'll just keep praying.
In the meantime, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite new baby items with you. I know I've only been at this about a month, but I already have a "must have" list.
Oxy Clean Spray - my friend Kristy got me this as a gift at my shower. She swore by it and I am echoing her endorsement. Friday morning Hope had the biggest blow out. We're talking green poop all over a brand new outfit my grandma bought her. A few squirts of Oxy Clean spray and a run through the wash and you would never know she pooped so hard it came out the front of the diaper all over her clothes.
Gerber Organic Onesies - I love them! They are true to size so the 0-3 month ones really did fit her at the beginning and they are sooooooo soft! Even after you wash them. A must have staple for every baby's wardrobe.
Bath Sponge - ok I'm not totally sure exactly what it's called. My friends Gwen and Sarah turned me on to this. They said they use this instead of a baby bathtub. But I use both. The bath sponge is yellow and acts like a little cradle the baby can lay in while bathing. I place it in the baby tub so she has something soft to lay on. I know some tubs (mine included) come with a sling, but this is so much better and it holds the water so she feels the warmth on her back. At only $5.99, it's totally worth it. For her first few weeks, I used it on the kitchen counter, on a towel to lay her in while I sponge-bathed her.
Old-fashioned, White, Gausey Burp Cloths - I only have one that I got at a boutique (embroidered). I cannot for the life of me find any cheap, plain ones. Anyone know where to get them? They are really the best type of burp cloth. They make so many kinds. . .flannel, more towel like. But to me, these work the best. I'm on the hunt for more (probably not boutique ones as they are pricey), so let me know if you have any leads. Would you believe with everything they sell at Babies r Us, they have one type of burp cloth there? A pack of pink (or blue) Gerber cotton ones (I bought them and they are fine but not my fave). I used to think the flannel ones from Target were my pick but the more I wash them, the harder they get.
Baby Einstein "Mirror Me" Book - my friend Stephanie got this for me. I use it every day for Hope's floor and tummy time. She really seems to look at the pictures. I'm not sure she gets the mirror yet, but she will. It's a great play-time book for newborns.
Medela Micro Steam Bags - if you are breastfeeding and you don't know about these, you are missing out. I'm not even breastfeeding anymore and I still use them! My friend Amber turned me on to them. Well, not intentionally, I just watched her use them and I decided for myself that I must have them. They come in a box of 5 steam bags. You can use each bag 20 times. So for about $9.99 you get to steam your pump accessories or your bottle nipples or pacifiers 100 times. You just throw everything into the bag, add a little water, pop it in the microwave for 90 seconds and there you go. Everything is steamed! They are so easy to use and it makes me feel great to steam my items once or twice a week. When I was pumping, I steamed the pump parts after every use.
Well, I think that's enough information for one day. I'm sure my list will grow. Feel free to comment back with some of your favorite items. I'm always looking for new tricks! Yesterday at church, I totally felt like the new kid in school while in the "mother's room". I need all the training I can get from those of you that have gone before me. As you can see from my list above, most of my favorites have been recommendations of my friends. Thank you all for that.
P.S. My goal for today is to catch up on my friend's blogs. I feel so out of the loop on their lives, being so consumed with mine and Hope's. So here's to trying to get out there in cyberworld a bit today. Wish me luck!
In the meantime, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite new baby items with you. I know I've only been at this about a month, but I already have a "must have" list.
Oxy Clean Spray - my friend Kristy got me this as a gift at my shower. She swore by it and I am echoing her endorsement. Friday morning Hope had the biggest blow out. We're talking green poop all over a brand new outfit my grandma bought her. A few squirts of Oxy Clean spray and a run through the wash and you would never know she pooped so hard it came out the front of the diaper all over her clothes.
Gerber Organic Onesies - I love them! They are true to size so the 0-3 month ones really did fit her at the beginning and they are sooooooo soft! Even after you wash them. A must have staple for every baby's wardrobe.
Bath Sponge - ok I'm not totally sure exactly what it's called. My friends Gwen and Sarah turned me on to this. They said they use this instead of a baby bathtub. But I use both. The bath sponge is yellow and acts like a little cradle the baby can lay in while bathing. I place it in the baby tub so she has something soft to lay on. I know some tubs (mine included) come with a sling, but this is so much better and it holds the water so she feels the warmth on her back. At only $5.99, it's totally worth it. For her first few weeks, I used it on the kitchen counter, on a towel to lay her in while I sponge-bathed her.
Old-fashioned, White, Gausey Burp Cloths - I only have one that I got at a boutique (embroidered). I cannot for the life of me find any cheap, plain ones. Anyone know where to get them? They are really the best type of burp cloth. They make so many kinds. . .flannel, more towel like. But to me, these work the best. I'm on the hunt for more (probably not boutique ones as they are pricey), so let me know if you have any leads. Would you believe with everything they sell at Babies r Us, they have one type of burp cloth there? A pack of pink (or blue) Gerber cotton ones (I bought them and they are fine but not my fave). I used to think the flannel ones from Target were my pick but the more I wash them, the harder they get.
Baby Einstein "Mirror Me" Book - my friend Stephanie got this for me. I use it every day for Hope's floor and tummy time. She really seems to look at the pictures. I'm not sure she gets the mirror yet, but she will. It's a great play-time book for newborns.
Medela Micro Steam Bags - if you are breastfeeding and you don't know about these, you are missing out. I'm not even breastfeeding anymore and I still use them! My friend Amber turned me on to them. Well, not intentionally, I just watched her use them and I decided for myself that I must have them. They come in a box of 5 steam bags. You can use each bag 20 times. So for about $9.99 you get to steam your pump accessories or your bottle nipples or pacifiers 100 times. You just throw everything into the bag, add a little water, pop it in the microwave for 90 seconds and there you go. Everything is steamed! They are so easy to use and it makes me feel great to steam my items once or twice a week. When I was pumping, I steamed the pump parts after every use.
Well, I think that's enough information for one day. I'm sure my list will grow. Feel free to comment back with some of your favorite items. I'm always looking for new tricks! Yesterday at church, I totally felt like the new kid in school while in the "mother's room". I need all the training I can get from those of you that have gone before me. As you can see from my list above, most of my favorites have been recommendations of my friends. Thank you all for that.
P.S. My goal for today is to catch up on my friend's blogs. I feel so out of the loop on their lives, being so consumed with mine and Hope's. So here's to trying to get out there in cyberworld a bit today. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Bottles of Fun!
As if it weren't hard enough standing in front of the walls of options at Babies R Us, I have recently determined that I should make my decisions even more complicated by researching the effects of chemicals and plastics on our chromosomal and hormonal systems. I know it sounds crazy, but having been on the receiving end of a chromosomal abnormality with my second miscarriage, I thought I should at least look into it.
Now, I will admit - I'm not 100% sure I believe that this is such a huge issue that it warrants every mother on earth opting for the expensive, chemical free bottles. Plenty of babies drink out of regular plastics and live wonderful, healthy lives. But I'm sure you can understand my tendency to look into it since I have experienced some form of effect in my body and in that of one of my babies.
For those of you that are not familiar with this research, it basically states that many plastics we encounter every day (baby bottles, water bottles, etc) have a chemical in them called BPA (I'll spare you the full spelling and stick with the abbreviated version). When heated or left in the heat (for instance, water bottles left in a hot car), this chemical seeps into the liquid in those bottles and when we drink that liquid, seeps into our bodies causing all kinds of hormonal and chromosomal havoc. Again, I'm not sure how much I really think this is the direct cause of what I experienced or really will make a huge difference, but if I can take precautions to help my baby live a healthier life, then why shouldn't I?
Here's a link to a helpful site that lists BPA free baby bottles. They just introduced this handy wallet reference card with the names of the companies they recommend. Now don't think I'm that over the top. I'm not carrying it around with me or anything. Although I did take it with me to Babies R Us when I registered!
http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2008/02/z-report-on-bpa-in-infant-care-products.html
I know I will not be able to shelter Hope from every harmful chemical in her food or her environment. But I might as well take the measures I can when I am aware of them. This is probably a much bigger deal if you are planning to bottle feed. Obviously the more the baby gets a bottle, the better it is for it to be chemical free. After meeting with my first pediatrician on Friday and hearing her say, "Oh, I'm sorry to say this but you're not going to be able to breast feed after your surgery," I suppose I'm gearing myself up for that and thus am thankful that I've been made aware of this information.
Knowledge is power, right? So enjoy!!
Now, I will admit - I'm not 100% sure I believe that this is such a huge issue that it warrants every mother on earth opting for the expensive, chemical free bottles. Plenty of babies drink out of regular plastics and live wonderful, healthy lives. But I'm sure you can understand my tendency to look into it since I have experienced some form of effect in my body and in that of one of my babies.
For those of you that are not familiar with this research, it basically states that many plastics we encounter every day (baby bottles, water bottles, etc) have a chemical in them called BPA (I'll spare you the full spelling and stick with the abbreviated version). When heated or left in the heat (for instance, water bottles left in a hot car), this chemical seeps into the liquid in those bottles and when we drink that liquid, seeps into our bodies causing all kinds of hormonal and chromosomal havoc. Again, I'm not sure how much I really think this is the direct cause of what I experienced or really will make a huge difference, but if I can take precautions to help my baby live a healthier life, then why shouldn't I?
Here's a link to a helpful site that lists BPA free baby bottles. They just introduced this handy wallet reference card with the names of the companies they recommend. Now don't think I'm that over the top. I'm not carrying it around with me or anything. Although I did take it with me to Babies R Us when I registered!
http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2008/02/z-report-on-bpa-in-infant-care-products.html
I know I will not be able to shelter Hope from every harmful chemical in her food or her environment. But I might as well take the measures I can when I am aware of them. This is probably a much bigger deal if you are planning to bottle feed. Obviously the more the baby gets a bottle, the better it is for it to be chemical free. After meeting with my first pediatrician on Friday and hearing her say, "Oh, I'm sorry to say this but you're not going to be able to breast feed after your surgery," I suppose I'm gearing myself up for that and thus am thankful that I've been made aware of this information.
Knowledge is power, right? So enjoy!!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Consignment Mania!
Goodness. I had no idea I hadn't written in almost 2 weeks! Life has gotten a little crazy this month. And there's still so much to do before the baby comes. Yikes! I'm sure all of us moms-to-be feel the pressure hang over us as we approach our due dates. I'm just trying to take it one thing at a time. And did my mention that my mom lives across the street now? She is a total blessing to me. I don't know how I would make it through this transition without her.
So I went to my first Kids Consignment Sale on Saturday. It was a HUGE one. My sister-in-law took me. It was actually, really fun. A little overwhelming with all of that stuff to pick through. But I ended up finding a few great items. A couple of things from my registry that were in great condition and 1/2 the price! I gotta tell you though. . . there were some serious, "consignment moms" there! These women are second-hand pros! They had their systems down pat, complete with shopping buddies, shopping carts and blankets to spread out on the floor right in the middle of the sale and go over their finds before making their final purchases. It was intense! I could see how someone could get sucked in. Although I don't really like the idea of getting there early and beating the other women to the best deals. I can't take the pressure! I'm sure I'll go again sometime. The most fun part is that you never know what you are going to find. If you keep your expectations low, you'll be so excited to find whatever you do!
Oh, I almost forgot. . . I didn't really share much after our last doctor appointment. One issue that came up was an umbilical hernia that I have. Just a silly, little hernia that is behind my belly button. But now that my belly is getting big, it's also growing. This morning I went in to see a surgeon. He was to tell me if I would need surgery before I had the baby. I wasn't very worried (thus my failure to even post about it) but I was so glad to hear the surgeon tell me he wasn't concerned and I could take care of it after she is born. Praise the Lord! It's one more hurdle we've had to jump over. . . but it means we're one hurdle closer to the finish line. Woo hoo!
I'm winding down my second trimester and I can't believe it's going by so fast. I can't even explain (although I'm sure all of you that are moms understand) just how much I cannot wait to finally see what she looks like and hold her. I'm savoring the quiet and the freedom we have right now. I know it will never be the same!
So I went to my first Kids Consignment Sale on Saturday. It was a HUGE one. My sister-in-law took me. It was actually, really fun. A little overwhelming with all of that stuff to pick through. But I ended up finding a few great items. A couple of things from my registry that were in great condition and 1/2 the price! I gotta tell you though. . . there were some serious, "consignment moms" there! These women are second-hand pros! They had their systems down pat, complete with shopping buddies, shopping carts and blankets to spread out on the floor right in the middle of the sale and go over their finds before making their final purchases. It was intense! I could see how someone could get sucked in. Although I don't really like the idea of getting there early and beating the other women to the best deals. I can't take the pressure! I'm sure I'll go again sometime. The most fun part is that you never know what you are going to find. If you keep your expectations low, you'll be so excited to find whatever you do!
Oh, I almost forgot. . . I didn't really share much after our last doctor appointment. One issue that came up was an umbilical hernia that I have. Just a silly, little hernia that is behind my belly button. But now that my belly is getting big, it's also growing. This morning I went in to see a surgeon. He was to tell me if I would need surgery before I had the baby. I wasn't very worried (thus my failure to even post about it) but I was so glad to hear the surgeon tell me he wasn't concerned and I could take care of it after she is born. Praise the Lord! It's one more hurdle we've had to jump over. . . but it means we're one hurdle closer to the finish line. Woo hoo!
I'm winding down my second trimester and I can't believe it's going by so fast. I can't even explain (although I'm sure all of you that are moms understand) just how much I cannot wait to finally see what she looks like and hold her. I'm savoring the quiet and the freedom we have right now. I know it will never be the same!
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