shopping

Quick Shopping At Amazon Using Search Filters

August 23, 2019 Leave a Comment

Did you know that it is possible to filter your searches when you shop on Amazon? Let’s face it, the huge assortment of products they sell is endless. Sure, it is lots of fun to browse Amazon but not everyone has the time. To streamline the process, Amazon has provided efficient ways to narrow your search so that you can quickly find just what you need.

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

I use this tip most often by searching 4 and 5-star review items. The reviews on Amazon,written by verified customers, are a great help. Why would I buy an item that is so-so when I can find one that is the best in its class. If 500+ verified customers loved it, I probably will, too.

How To Shop Amazon Using The 4 – 5 Star Reviews

First, I enter the search term in the window. Let’s say I am buying a toy to give as a birthday present. I type in the search window “toys for 1 year old boys.”
Next, because that brought up 9,000 selections, I clicked on the 4 stars and up filter on the left side of the page which reduced them to 4000.
I also clicked on “Birth to 24 months” and that narrowed it even more to the top choices of 2,000 possibilities. The first page or two always have great selections!
Before buying, I read some of the reviews to see what the customers did and did not like about the item. By the time I order and receive it, I have made a wise purchase. It’s great!

Try it for yourself. I just did a search for office products, in general. I had nothing specific in mind and I was curious about what would turn up if I searched Office Products 5 Star Reviews. It gave me a fun assortment of their very best office equipment, accessories, furniture and even some teacher and school supplies. Take a look!

Are you interested in anti-aging beauty? Check out Anti Aging Skincare 5 Star Reviews.

So go to Amazon here and play around with the searches for yourself. The more specific your search description the better but be sure to also click the top row of stars under “Average Customer Review” in the left sidebar. That will get you the best assortment.

What do you shop for most often online? I find that more and more I prefer the time-saving convenience of online shopping over going to stores. Do you?

Enjoy!

Do you love to shop online? Use the 5-star review search on Amazon to find the best choices FAST! #Amazon #tips #shopping Click To Tweet

How Smart Moms Can Save Money During The Holidays and After

December 28, 2018 1 Comment

The holidays are the time to have fun and enjoy being with our families. However, many moms fear this time of year as their monthly budget and economizing routines get put on hold for holiday cheer. Every homemaker has to deal with it, at some time or other. It is not easy. You don’t want to fall further behind but you also want your family to have happy memories. If this year has been a tough one, do not despair. With a little focus, you can actually shop for the holidays and still come out a winner!

Here are some of the best tips and tricks to save money during the holiday season and after.

Create a Budget And Be Loyal To It

Holiday budgets are a bit different than everyday budgets. This one needs more planning and management because you have so much to accomplish if you are on a restricted budget. The best way is to start a little early and assign a particular amount to each category like gifting, grocery, decorations, tree, and clothing.

Note: this is NOT a sponsored post however, this post does contain Amazon affiliate links. ♥

Spend Using Cash Rather Than Cards

Now, when you know your budget, it is better to use cash rather than cards. Having cash in hand will remind you of the budget and expenses. It is easy to get carried away buying those cute glittery items that grab your attention in store displays. Bring a limited amount of money with you and NO CASH or checks. That will force you to spend within your means.

Grab Coupons of All Kinds to Use When You Shop

Money is crucial, but family celebrations are important, too. There will be many expenses that you cannot avoid like some new clothes, gifts, food and decorations. So, one smart thing you can do is to take advantage of coupons and online deals as much as possible. You can shop online where you can get plenty of discounts and offers to save money. Websites like CouponoBox are an amazing source of discount codes so grab the most out of them and get the best while spending the least.

Encourage Your Kids To Do Some DIY

Gifts are one of the biggest expenses during the holidays. Buying expensive gifts isn’t always the most memorable. Spark some life the holiday spirit by teaching your kids to value their loved ones and make them feel special. Encourage them to make homemade gifts for family members. The recipients will truly treasure the uniqueness of what they have received.

Prefer Potlucks

A family gathering is during the holidays is fun. Instead of providing all the food yourself, host it as a potluck. Everyone brings a dish to pass. You will be amazed at the variety of great dishes that fill the dinner table as everyone brings something to share and you will save money, too.

How smart moms save money during the holidays and after! #shopping #tips Click To Tweet

Shop the After-Christmas Sales

Households with older children can pull this off brilliantly. Select a small-ticket item for each person to open on Christmas Day. And, give each person cash to spend when the after holiday sales begin.

Make it a big deal! Go out together and “shop till you drop!” You will get so much more for your money and can save. Design it as a very special day. Go out for a bite to eat as a family, maybe even a movie, and enjoy.

If going out on the town to shop does not appeal to you, Amazon’s after holiday sales are amazing! Sit down together by the computer and browse. Save the items you like best in the shopping cart. When you are done picking things out, you can sort through the cart and remove items you aren’t going to get. Finish checking out when everything that remains is what you want to buy!

To sum it up …

Moms have an amazing way of managing things. You may even find yourself looking back and saying “how ever did I do it?” But, fact is, you did do it!

Enjoy!

Pink Fuzzy Coat For Baby Girls – Best Gift Ever!

October 17, 2018 Leave a Comment

When you are looking for the cutest gift ever for a baby girl, what do you call it? A fuzzy coat? Faux fur jacket? Fuzzy, cuddly furry outerwear for little girls? Well, when I did my search, I called it a “pink fuzzy coat” and this is what I found – and it now has little MIss E in it!

Isn’t she just adorable? I could hardly wait to give this cuddly coat to little Miss E for her first birthday and I was right – it was perfect! That sweet smiling face says it all!

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I found her this jacket on Amazon and picked this one because I thought it looked so absolutely precious. Over 85 real customers loved it, too. A few customers commented that the sleeves were a bit long but who cares? She is 12 months old and her hands will stay nice and toasty warm in it. Plus, I really liked the crocheted sleeves. And how about the pearl button on the zipper? It doesn’t get any better than that! I just had to get it for her and I sure am glad I did.

There are so many styles and colors of fur coats for babies and the nice thing about it is that infant and toddler clothing is so affordable! Who can have a different “fur” coat for every occasion? Babies! LOL!

Infant / Toddler Faux Fur Jackets & Coats [girls]

Infant / Toddler Faux Fur Jackets & Coats [boys]

Isn't it nice to buy someone you love a fur coat? You can afford it - if is for a baby! Adorable furry coats for #babies and #toddlers. #giftideas Click To Tweet

Enjoy!

Amazon Quick Links Index For The Best Shopping Experience

July 16, 2018 2 Comments

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

Do you love shopping Amazon? I do! I can browse for hours looking at all the great stuff I’d like to get. When I am doing more than window-shopping, I always look for products with 4 or 5 stars and lots of reviews. Reading first-hand accounts by real customers gives me confidence as I make decisions on what to buy. So far, that method has worked out very well for me. I haven’t had to return anything!

Amazon Prime Day is a day (and a half) of conquests. Every July, we have 36 hours to shop strategically. There are deals, deals and MORE deals to be had!

Today is Prime Day so get started! If you have your free printable shopping list (10 pages of many things you may want or NEED to buy) then get it out now. If not, just jot down the items you are looking for.

STRATEGY=> Add anything you want to your cart. LOAD IT UP! BEFORE Prime Day ends Tuesday night July 17th, go to your cart and eliminate what you have decided not to get and pay for the items you do want.

Quick Links Index For Amazon Shoppers

Here is a long list of Amazon categories to make your shopping easier (even if you have a little buddy on your lap!) Just click away!

NOTE: Amazon has been hit with so much traffic that some of the pages may have an error on them. Do not give up! Go to the main page and shop from there. I have been in touch with Amazon and have been assured that they are working hard to correct it.

Quick links and #tips for getting the most out of #AmazonPrimeDay! #shopping Click To Tweet

Enjoy your shopping!

The Fabulous Amazon Summer Toy List Is Here!

June 29, 2018 1 Comment

The new Amazon Summer Toy List is a toy shopper’s dream. This huge collection of playthings is so well organized, grouped by age and interest. It makes family shopping just plain fun and easy.

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Amazon’s Summer Toy List

You are going to love this! Enjoy browsing through the amazing assortment of quality outdoor toys, indoor toys, summer ride-ons, water toys, STEM toys, games, miniatures, characters & collectibles, arts & crafts, pre-k & pretend play and more.

And here is the feature that I find so helpful=> each page can be sorted according to popularity, with reviews by verified customers. Read what real people think of it before you buy!

So, go on over and see for yourself! => Summer Toy List on Amazon

It is here!=>> Amazon's Summer Toy List! #affiliate #kids Click To Tweet

Enjoy!

Enter To Win – 2017 $300 Cash For Christmas Giveaway!

November 9, 2017 8 Comments

Are you getting geared up for the shopping season? Do you need extra cash for Christmas?? Then you are going to LOVE this! Enter for a chance to win a great giftcard to help with your shopping.

We are so excited to be giving away $300 in cash prizes for you to use starting this Thanksgiving weekend.

Here are the prizes:

1 – $100 Amazon Gift Card
1 – $75 Target Gift Card
2 – $50 Walmart Gift Card
1 – $25 Kohls Gift Card
And a $20 Starbucks gift card as an extra bonus winner!!

There will be 6 winners in this giveaway. Each winner will receive a gift card code to use on the online store or in the actual store.

Now its time to meet our wonderful co-hosts who have made this giveaway possible.

Starting at the top row we have:

Sinea Pies – Ducks ‘n a Row, Susan Renker – Culinary Envy, Linda Cassidy – A Labour of Life, Sarah Louderback – Devastate Boredom, Melissa Russo – The Farm Girl Gabs, Monica Geglio – Mommy & Love, Tammy Doiel – Creative K Kids, Kim Purvis – Made in a Day, Meredith Spidel – The Mom of the Year, Audrey Humaciu – That Recipe, Michelle James – Our Crafty Mom, Christine Luken – Your Strong Tower, Kari Carter (Jonard) – Keep it Simple, DIY, Trish Sutton – By Trish Sutton, Marie Dabbs – The Inspiration Vault, Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh – Backyard Patch Herbal Blog, Carrie Albrecht – Curly Crafty Mom, Whitney Johnson – Beauty, Baby, and a Budget, Lauren Becker – Shooting Stars Mag, Lauren Kim – Mom Home Guide, Leslie Clingan – Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After, Carol Bray – The Red Painted Cottage, Emily Fish – Domestic Deadline, Kenyatta Harris – My Design Rules, Dana Lardner – Goods Giving Back & How In The World, Habiba Elkaihel – Craftify My Love, Tammy Adams – My Life Abundant, Pam Lamore – P.S. I Love You Crafts , Erlene Amat – My Pinterventures

Please stop by and say hi to these wonderful ladies and their blogs.

The giveaway will end midnight on Wednesday, November 22nd, the night before Thanksgiving. You will have 48 hours to respond to the email claiming the prize. If you respond right away, we will get you the gift card code promptly so that you can shop with it on Black Friday! If we don’t hear in 48 hours, we will choose another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enjoy!

…

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

Took Me A While But Why I Finally Got Amazon Prime

July 10, 2017 Leave a Comment

Why I Love Amazon Prime

Though I have been an Amazon affiliate and have purchased products from them for years, I never signed up for Prime. I never even considered it. I didn’t comprehend the value, that is for sure. And no way did I ever think that I could actually SAVE money by getting Amazon Prime. Oh boy, was I wrong!

What changed?

We went through a period of time when the budget was tight and I literally had to figure out how to get food. I had been given a $100 Amazon gift-card for my birthday. There was my answer! I bought food from Amazon with it! I got big bags of dog food for our dogs, cleaning supplies and cooking essentials. It was so convenient, prices were good and my orders came to me – quickly! No driving. It was like having a helper working for me. That experience helped me to look at Amazon in a new way.
Then my husband became very sick. We used to share household responsibilities but suddenly that was not possible. I was doing everything myself. It was imperative that I maximize my time. No more browsing the stores in-person. No time for that. That is when I decided to do a free 30 day trial of Amazon Prime. My new plan was to be buying as often as possible through Amazon so that I didn’t have to go anywhere. The free shipping is what really got me – and the speed in which they delivered. 2 days is amazing! That was the deal maker. Amazon Prime is wonderful. I purchased a full year’s membership.

Amazon Prime FREE 30 Day Trial Membership

I haven’t even scratched the surface of the benefits of Amazon Prime. If you love music, movies, technology, great gift giving options, etc. then you are going to love PRIME.

Getting Amazon Prime was like hiring an assistant to bring stuff to me for FREE!

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Enjoy!

Note: this author is an Amazon Affiliate! What that means: if you go to Amazon by first clicking on an ad, a link or using the Amazon search window on this blog, at NO extra expense to you, I will make a small commission. In advance, “thank you” for shopping Amazon through me! … Sinea

Prime Music, Amazon Prime, Baby Registry, Wedding Registry, shopping

Best Tips for Super Easy Holiday Prep + Saving Money

November 1, 2016 Leave a Comment

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CelebrateClean #CollectiveBias

holidays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hannukah, birthday parties, family fun

How well do you do when holiday prep time rolls around? Have you paced yourself so that when the big day arrives you have everything ready with plenty of energy left over for you? Have you ever experienced the exhaustion of trying to have at all “just-so” in a last-minute kind of way? Take it from me, the holidays will be a zillion times more enjoyable if you are well-planned, rested and ready!

Another stress maker can be money-based. If you are unsure of just how much you can afford to spend while still making a great party, do what I did: go to Family Dollar and buy your supplies there. This week I purchased a 12 pack of Angel Soft® bath tissue and a 6 pack of Sparkle® paper towels at such a great price that I am well on the way! Saved money and got the best paper towels and bath tissues, too. What a perfect plan.

In addition to the already great price, when you buy Angel Soft® bath tissue and/or Sparkle® paper towels you can get an additional 50 cents off per package ($1 total if you buy both) with smart coupons: Famil y Dollar Smart Coupons

Here is a 1 minute video showing you how simple it is to use Family Dollar’s smart coupons:

Now, let me share with you some tips that I have learned on family party planning. It took me a while but, when I finally got it, I have found that every big occasion is so much fun because I am ready ahead of time. Hassle-free!

First, plan ahead. These events should not surprise anybody. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve/Day, birthdays … they all come at the same time every year. How perfect is that! So, today get out your calendar. Locate the holiday or celebration that is next to come around.

Assuming you will be celebrating at home, it is time to plan. Identify the week that is 4 weeks prior to your party. That week (we will call it week #1) has some tasks that you should try to accomplish. I am going to give you suggestions based on what my tasks will be. You can tailor it to what you know should be done for your family. Note that I have created 3 FREE printables that will help you along the way (links at the end of this post.)

Before anything, be aware of your “surroundings”

i.e. check your calendar for other appts and obligations. All of this planning will have to work in with the other things your family has to do. The first week of this process starts about a month prior to your event. If, for instance, the event is Thanksgiving, the first week’s tasks take place four weeks prior to Thanksgiving Day.

Here is my prep list in a nutshell – color coded for each week! The details are also color coded on FREE printable #1. The other two printables, also free, are a chore success chart with stickers… a fun way for you to track your progress!

KEY:

1st week – deep cleaning, inviting guests, menu plan, setting up the chore chart – printable #2
2nd week – grocery list – grocery shop – decorations
3rd week – find and clean “special things” for the party
4th week “Holiday Week”- final cleaning – set up – bake – cook – place the last sticker on Printable # 2 (yes, there are stickers!)

Week 1 That first week includes a lot of cleaning. You may be a mom that keeps up with this – so it will be no sweat for you.

Then there are the “overscheduled moms” who use crisis as a catalyst. The “crisis” being that we haven’t done that deep cleaning routinely and (here is the crisis) a holiday is coming! Now we have to do it! Having a deadline energizes us.

Wash those windows!

Cobweb too!

That is why I bought Sparkle® paper towels in the 6 pack. I was energized! Not only is Sparkle® at Family Dollar a great buy but I have a ton of cleaning to do. Sparkle® is just the right paper towel to getth e job done. It really lives up to its name. My windows, mirrors, appliances, counter tops – everything – will be beautifully clean! When this week is done you will have 2 stickers to use. Hmm, wonder what they might be? (Hint: “Planned” and “Cleaned”)

Week 2 is an important week. That is the week that you take your menu plan and turn it into a grocery shopping list. It must include everything that can be purchased for your party that is not going to go bad before the big day. Things that will have to wait a bit longer are fresh produce or bread items. But you can buy everything else now – including all the paper goods.

Family Dollar is a great place to get many of your supplies. While I was getting my Sparkle® paper towels I also bought a big pack of Angel Soft® bath tissue. I wanted to provide quality products for my family and our guests and at those prices it was a no-brainer! Check out the video in this post that shows you how you can save even more using their EASY smart coupon app! After you complete the week #2 tasks, don’t forget to add stickers to your printable; you are just itching to see it, aren’t you!

Week 3- Now we are getting down to the wire. Get out all the special things that you will use. Some items will need to be washed or laundered. They may include: cream pitcher, sugar bowl, special serving utensils, trays, serving bowls, candles and candle holders, decorations, table cloth, napkins, carving knife, big coffee maker, carafes, ice bucket, games for the kids. Decide what you and your family will need in the way of clothes to wear, as well. Find them – fix them -clean them. Sticker!

HOLIDAY WEEK – WEEK 4! Put on some music and enjoy your final prep week. Get the kids into the fun. Bake. Cook. Do final touch up cleaning. Use your paper towels – Sparkle® paper towels – to spruce up the bathrooms and don’t forget to put out the Angel Soft® bath tissue, too. (Isn’t it nice that you can put tissue with perfect softness and lasting strength out for your guests without breaking the bank to get it!)

Easy tips with FREE printables to make hosting holiday parties super easy!

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Almost there! Set up your serving area and tables. Now you can shower, get dressed and wait for your guests to arrive. Your final stickers can now be applied to your “I Did It” chart. ENJOY!

Tip – dishes that can be prepped a day or two in advance should be. That includes baking, stuffing for turkey meals, yams. Keep that kitchen free for everything that MUST be done on the day of your party.

OK … so what are these printables I am talking about? Well, printable #1 is a color coded list of each week of tasks that you will want to get done. Printable # 2 is what I call the “I Did It” chore chart. It is an autumn leaf printable with circles. Each time you have accomplished a task in this preparation process, you can put that sticker on a circle.

I have my I Did It chart on the refrigerator door. For the stickers, you can either buy some from your local office supply store (I used a popular brand #22807 2″ circles) to print them or your can print them on paper and cut them out. Glue stick works well! The whole point is to enjoy your success and, when the last sticker goes on, celebrate that YOU did it!

Printable #1 – Family Holiday Preparation List

Printable #2 – I Did It! Chore Success Chart

Printable #3 – I Did It! 12 2″ Round Customized Stickers

When you are making out your shopping list, put Family Dollar on it as a destination and be sure to take advantage of the great smart coupons savings (this offer 10/27 to 12/27/2016)–

Offer:Save 50¢ off ONE (1) Angel Soft® Bath Tissue, 12 Family Roll or 12 Big Lavender Roll
Offer: Save 50¢ off ONE (1) Sparkle® Paper Towel, 6 Roll

Have a great time at your holiday party!

Enjoy!

writer, lifestyle blogger, preschool teacher

Get The Best Family Data Plan Plus One Free Movie Every Month

June 6, 2016 Leave a Comment

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #DataAndAMovie #CollectiveBias

Walmart Family Mobile PLUS plan with free movie from VuDu!

This summer just got a whole lot happier for me. You see, I finally have a REAL cell phone of my very own PLUS I get a free movie to watch with my family from VUDU every month. “You mean you have NEVER had a cell phone?” Yes, that is exactly what I mean.

I am very frugal, you see, and paying astronomical phone bills was not on the radar. I had a prepaid phone that was super-expensive to use per minute so I kept it loaded with just enough money to use in case of emergency. No texting. No leisurely phone conversations. No surfing the net. Nothing. I seldom gave my cell number to anyone lest I use up those valuable minutes. That is why the phone was switched to “off” most of the time.

But now, thanks to Walmart’s Family Mobile PLUS plan, I have a REAL cell phone and I love it! The price was a dream come true and I even get a FREE movie every month with VUDU that we can watch on our TV as a family — and do I have some family movie nights planned!

Walmart Family Mobile PLUS Plan including a free movie per month from VuDu

We are going to watch my 5 all time favorite family movies – one a month, all for free. I picked the ones we enjoyed years ago which will be new to the younger members of the family and every one of them is available on VUDU, which we can access using our BluRay player.

Here’s my Family Movie Favorites List:

Second Hand Lions – such a sweet movie filled with nostalgia, adventure and, of course, a lion! If you haven’t seen this gem, put it on your “to-do” list 🙂
George of the Jungle – I enjoyed this as a cartoon when I was a kid. When they made it into a movie, I couldn’t imagine how that would work but it sure did. The kids are going to love this.
Night At the Museum – we all have seen this movie a zillion times but it never grows old. Wouldn’t you like to work in a museum that comes to life at night? I would!
Enchanted – all the little princesses in our family love this movie. The little princes do, too. Some light hearted humor, a pinch of romance and a dash of scariness ala “wicked queen turns to fire breathing dragon.” It remains one of my alltime faves.
Flight of the Navigator – this is an “oldie but a goodie!” The setting takes place around the 4th of July so we will make it our July free pick but you can watch this one any time of year and be delighted. I took our son to see it when he was 6 years old and we actually went back to see it again the same week, that is how good it is. Perfect for audiences of all ages!

Where to find it: this display is in the Electronics / Entertainment department at Walmart. In my store, it was directly in the back as you first walk into the store.

Now then, let me tell you about the Walmart Family Mobile PLUS plan! I got to choose from several kinds of phones. I picked the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime. It is normally $149.99 but because it was on rollback, it knocked it down to $129.99. I picked this particular phone for the larger screen. Hey, another “finally” – I will FINALLY be able to use Instagram. You need a smart phone to set up an Instagram account and THIS is a very smart phone! I splurged a little bit and bought myself a purple case too…pretty! (The case doesn’t come with it but I just really wanted one!)

More about what you get with this plan: it provides you with UNLIMITED talk, text, data 10GB 4G LTE plus a FREE movie every month (rental, new release=value $7) per line for $49.88. Now, here is another deal to make you happy. You must purchase a starter kit. It usually costs $25 but it is also on sale for $19.88 for this offer. And, guess what? Since Family Mobile bills you later, you ONLY have to pay $19.88 when you go to Walmart to sign up.

Disclaimer: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to http://cbi.as/3edbv or your local Walmart for current pricing.

My husband is laughing at me as he shows me how to use it. Oh, it is simple to use but remember that this is my very FIRST real cell phone.

In fact, Olga the lady who set it up for me in Walmart’s Electronics / Entertainment Dept. was so tickled that this was my first phone that she told all her co-workers “Hey everybody, this is her very FIRST cellphone!” They all answered with a sweet little “Aww!”

But I am learning fast. Soon I will be able to call, text and surf like a champ, right along with the best of you! LOL

Check out this GREAT Family Mobile Deal @Walmart!

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Can you tell that I am just a little bit excited?

As a pro blogger, I love moving my home “office” around. I work in every room of the house and outdoors, too. See my yellow lab, Sadie? She got to have her breakfast on the deck this morning while I set up shop at the table – me and my new cell phone!

WAHM, blogging, blogger, Walmart Family Mobile Plus plan, ad

We “worked” together outside for hours – I sipped my coffee, she got some dog biscuits, and I had my NEW cell phone and laptop with me. Sunny and 75°. Does it get any better than that?

So, whether you have had a lot of cell phones in your time or are getting someone their very first, go over to Walmart and check out the Family Mobile PLUS plan with extra data and free VUDU movies deal for yourself. I think you will really happy, like me!

Enjoy!