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Best Tips for Super Easy Holiday Prep + Saving Money

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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.

saving, coupons, deals

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: Family 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. 

cleaning, shopping, saving, coupons
Wash those windows!
cleaning, planning, parties
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!

easy holiday planning

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!)

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! 


holiday planning

holidays

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.


tips, Thanksgiving, holidays

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!

cleaning, shopping

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

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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!

 

Walmart
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.


great deals on cell phones
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

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

dog, puppies, labrador retrievers
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?

best cell phone plans
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!
           
 
 

Preparing for the Rest of the School Year

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Have you noticed that, as soon as children return to school following winter break, the speed of time increases exponentially? One blink and it’s summer vacation!

 

gift ideas, teacher gifts, Teacher Appreciation Day

This two-part post is created to help you get a handle on the remainder of the school year.  Grab your yearly calendar, a copy of your child’s school calendar and your personal planner.  Start marking down key dates that need to be remembered. Number one?  Teacher Appreciation Day.

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

teacher appreciation gifts

 

 

National Teacher Appreciation Day is Tuesday May 3rd.  This is one of those celebrations that can get lost in the mix.  Easter, Mother’s Day, weddings and graduations all take center stage in the spring.  Teacher Appreciation can get overlooked – or becomes a last minute “throw it together” thing – but we don’t mean for it to be an after thought. To avoid that, write it down on your to-do-list today.  



How to bless a teacher…

  • Send a thank you note
  • Give flowers
  • Buy them a gift card to
    • Dunkin’ Donuts / Starbucks
    • Amazon
    • the movies
    • restaurant
    • craft stores
    • department stores

Note: Teachers who have been teachers very long have lots of coffee mugs, which they love, but they do have a lot of them.  Try something different?

Twitter bird in black

Enjoy!

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Save Up To 90% on Fabulous Mommy & Baby Goodies from PatPat – Free Download

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PatPat – the “mommy of all shopping apps”  was just recognized as the Best New App in the Apple App Store. You’ve got to see it to believe it. Best deals ever!  Free download for iPhone or Android. Give it a try!

best deals, shopping, shopping tips, save money, thrifty, frugalk shopping apps
*This post was sponsored by Pat Pat but opinions are entirely my own.
Young moms and dads have their hands full. Juggling home, career, special events and other responsibilities leaves little time for real “shopping.” You need to get the best quality from your purchases but who’s got time to find the real deals?

When I heard that I could get up to 90% off the retail price on top quality goods at PatPat, I had to check it out. I downloaded the PatPat app for Iphone right away and started playing with it.

baby clothes, diapers, accessories, jewelry, tops, best prices, shopping app
Oh the adorable baby clothes! They are so much fun to look at. A cute dinosaur cap for $5.99. Really? And a cartoony stroller organizer for $7.99. What a neat idea! Little bow ties for boys and a sweet watermelon jumpsuit for little girls (it looks like a watermelon)  Now here’s a great invention: zoo animal faucet extenders to help little tykes reach the sink. We could use about 6 of them for our preschool.
Moms, you will find at-home shopping with PatPat is perfect for your daily needs but PatPat can also be a great source for gift shopping. You will find all sorts of unique baby gifts and kids toys there. Plus grandmas can shop PatPat, too. It’s a great way for us to stock up on baby essentials for when our grandkids visit.You really do have to see this for yourself. The free download for Apple or Android makes it so easy to get started. It took all of 15 seconds to it get up and running. So why not give it a try?

shopping apps, e-commerce sites, baby clothes, baby items, gifts

More about PatPat:  There are up to 20 new PatPat deals every day offering deep discounts on baby clothes and essentials, toys, maternity dresses and trendy accessories for moms and their babies. For each event, they let you know how long that special price will be offered. They even have an “upcoming” category for early birds who want to know what the events will be before they open.

Look for the occasional FREE offering on baby items. You’ll have to get there really early and, yes, you read that right – FREE! It’s like a treasure hunt. PatPat is full of surprises.

Download the app here (iPhone or Android) and SAVE 35% and get $5.00 toward that first order, too. Just use the promo code “DUCKS35“
shopping app, PatPat, best deals, shopping tips, frugal living, thrifty, save money
So go on over to Pat Pat right now, download the app and see. I just know that you’re going to love it.


Shopper's Fatigue? Help is on the way!

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By Sinea Pies
Tired of shopping? Or, just tired of THINKING about shopping? Whether your shopping is complete, almost so, or hasn’t even started,  mid-December can bring with it a little sigh and a “how will I ever make it through all this and still ENJOY it” weariness.

So much shopping yet to do!
photo credit: Michal Marcol Freedigitalphotos.net

Pace yourself. Perhaps what you think has to get done doesn’t really have to be done at all. Do you truly have to bake every kind of Christmas cookie that your family loves? 
If you’ll be visiting households who also bake for the holidays, bake a little less and enjoy theirs! Better yet, give them a call and ask if they’d like to do a cookie swap. (Or, even more daring…don’t bake at all! Buy ’em!)

My point is: prioritize and plan so that you really can enjoy the time with family and friends.
So, then, what about all that shopping?  How can you save energy and still have nice things for everyone on your list? 

If your very favorite part of the season is going out to the stores, then do it. Get out there and shop till you’re satisfied. 

Shop till you drop!
Photo by photostock freedigitalphotos.net

But, if you dread the thought of driving there, finding that elusive parking space, squeezing into over-occupied aisles, standing in line waiting patiently for your turn at the cashier and then reversing the process to get home again, then the obvious solution is don’t do it!  

You can DIY and make some lovely gifts at home or call for the gifts come to you. Shop online!

At Ducks ‘n a Row we have introduced a couple of possibilities of great baby and kid toys that can be ordered online. We also have created several avenues for you to access Amazon on our homepage for you to search for that perfect gift yourself, in the convenience of your own home or office.

Plus, anything that you by from Amazon using the Ducks ‘n a Row website blesses me, too. Yes, I earn a humble commission on Amazon purchases made through our site and little bits can add up! Note: they have speedy delivery, so it’s not too late! 

If you are a proficient Amazon shopper, you know that you can get access to just about anything from any store imaginable. Prices remain the same–sometimes less. Orders over $25 usually qualify for free shipping, too. My personal experience with Amazon has been that the products come swiftly, in perfect condition. 
So, what do you have left to do?  
Here are some clickable “departments” to help you get started. 

Shopping List To “Click” On 
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    Welcome to my Amazon.com store!

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    Black Friday shopping from home?  Every day you can you buy just about any book you could ever want online from Amazon and you can also get:  DVDs, CDs, Electronics, Batteries, Cameras, Cell Phones, Computers, Baby Products, Furniture, Organizers (my favorite), Office Supplies,  Automotive/Motorcycle supplies (including tires), Health & Beauty, Groceries, Toys, TV’s and on and on. 

    As convenient as they are, they are also smart to let us “little guys” with our various blogs and websites in on the action! We can reach more people for them! 

    When you see an Amazon search box on a website and use it to shop, the website owner earns a commission!  So, friends…please remember when you are going to shop for something on  Amazon, visit Ducks ‘n a Row first and shop at “my” Amazon store!

    You are a blessing!