Posted by cassie on Friday, 29 February, 2008 @ 9:52 pm
So as a SAHM I am dying to get out of the house some days and find things that are on the cheap (FREE is better) side of things. I know there are several publications and websites out there already putting together lists but I figured I’d help out and post what I could. I will try to make this a monthly posting and hopefully help some other mommies out 
- Dancing with the KIDS DanceParty Kickoff Event - March 2, 3-6p - $10 adv ticket/$12 at door
This is a truly unique dance experience for the WHOLE family featuring DJ, light show, super bubbler, face painting, complimentary healthy snacks and drinks. Dance contest prizes. Two separate dance floors- one for ages 0-6 the other for 7+. Dress up in your funkiest outfit….there will be photographers for local newspapers, magazines, maybe even TV for our kick off event! Baby and new mom friendly! This is an alcohol and smoke free event. To be held the first Saturday of every month. Part of the proceeds will go to benefit “Mothers helping Mothers of Sarasota” For more info and tickets 870-257
- Little Sprout’s Club @ Selby Gardens, Sarasota - March 4, 10:30 - 11:30a
Topic: Outrageous Orchids. Grow closer with your little sprout by joining Donna Krabill, Director of Environmental Education to have fun with plants through interactive activities. Each session includes a great story, art project, and garden exploration. Call Donna Krabill at 941 366-5731 ext. 237 to register for one or more sessions. Meet at Wild Things unless otherwise notified.
- Bunny Breakfast & Egg-normous Easter Egg Hunt - March 22, 8-10a, $2 pp Breakfast
Join us for breakfast and taking your picture with the Easter Bunny from 8-9a. The cost is $2 per person. Please register by March 17th - space is limited. Afterwards easter egg hunts for the various age groups will be held. The event will be held at the George Mullen Activity Center, North Port.
Posted by cassie on Friday, 29 February, 2008 @ 4:24 pm
In honor of leap year and me being bored, I’m trying to compile a list of coupon codes and deals that can be used online today.
This is what I have so far - feel free to add your own!
- Teri at Mamas and Munchkins (through her newsletter) is offering 25% off today only (with the usual OiOi, JJB and new LB exclusions). Use code “Leapyear.”
- Oompa Toys is offering $15 if you spend $100. Use code “Leapyear.”
- Babymarketplace.com has 25% off their entire site, use coupon code “Spring25″, including some Jack & Lily shoes and Timi & Leslie diaper bags that are on sale. If you order a $75 e-gift certificate for someone you’ll get a $20 g.c. free (nice incentive if need a baby shower gift - you can get something for yourself too).
Posted by cassie on Friday, 29 February, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
I’ve still got a long ways to go before I need to worry about this but a checklist arrived in the mail today from Similac and it reminded me that I packed WAY to much stuff when I went to the hospital with Anthony. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and frankly wished I would have brought a small tiny little bag. I had so much stuff by the time I left the hospital that I had to actually borrow a cart to bring everything down with me. How embarrassing! Don’t be in the same boat I was in and pack light people. Your family and friends can always bring you something if you forgot it.
Here’s my modified list of what to bring to the hospital, based on my experience and faulty memory and the list that Similac sent me.
Mommy Bag
- Robe or a couple of nightgowns with either buttons or nursing gowns (if you plan on nursing). I wore the hospital gowns and never bothered to change, but then mine were pretty comfortable. (optional)
- Several pairs of undies (although I just wore the disposable ones from the hospital - why ruin my own ya know) (optional)
- Warm socks or slippers in case your feet get chilly, especially during labor
- 1-2 Bras or nursing bras
- Nursing pads in case of leaking
- Toothbrush, shampoo, soap, deodorant, contact stuff or eyeglass case
- Hairbrush and hair ties
- Going home outfit w/ shoes
- Camera - don’t forget the batteries or charger
- Insurance card
- List of phone #s to call with announcement
- An emtpy bag to carry presents in (in case people drop some off at the hospital). This also works well if the hospital lets you bring everything home with you like mine did.
Baby Bag
- Diapers, if your hospital doesn’t provide them
- Receiving blanket
- Going home outfit
- Blankets/coat depending on weather
- Car seat
Posted by cassie on Thursday, 28 February, 2008 @ 8:32 pm
This post is from a super-swappin’ momma on one of the diaper bag boards I’m on. I haven’t been into TJ Maxx to verify they are in our area but it is worth a swing in if you like this type of bag. As a bonus these bags are made in the USA. See their website for more info.
I was just at our TJ Maxx at lunch and they’ve gotten in a bunch of new LeSportsac bags. I saw several small bags, the cargo camera bag and a Large Weekender (which I may go back and get…love my medium). In addition to their regular collection, I saw a bunch of the LeSportsac boutique bags from the Cityscape collection.
Just thought I’d give a heads up to anyone looking for a super-lightweight bag.
Posted by cassie on Wednesday, 27 February, 2008 @ 10:07 pm
I can’t believe I am even thinking this, let alone typing it but we are thinking of getting Anthony a bird. You see I HATE birds - they are messy, noisy creatures that you can’t even cuddle with. Plus they may poop on you. BUT Ant loves them - he thinks its great to feed them, see them and talk about them. Could it be a phase and I’m dooming myself or is it really love? Who knows with an 18-mo old. But if it makes him that happy - how can I deny that joy?!?!
What do you think? Are we nuts to even consider this? Nick assures me that Papa would love to have another bird if this doesn’t work out but I’m not too sure on that. We tried to give him a cat (which he desperately wanted) several years ago for Father’s Day and well….that is where Pancake came from and he is still part of our household. He lasted at my in-laws for 2, maybe 3 days before he was given back because he kept dirtying on the rug in the bathroom and MIL put her foot down.
A little background - we have 4 cats that are declawed and semi-inside cats. They live mostly on the back porch in a glorified world complete with pool but do come in the house for visiting and on cold nights. We also have a beta fish named Fred, thanks to Anthony’s Uncle Richie. So these pets would be a consideration if we were to get a bird.
Help me folks! Should we do it? And if we do break down, what type of bird is the best?
Posted by cassie on Wednesday, 27 February, 2008 @ 9:43 pm
The Big Cat Sanctuary in Sarasota is doing their 3rd annual fundraiser event this weekend. Highlights include a petting zoo, pony rides and a “big top” show. We are going to try to take Ant so I thought I’d pass it on to anyone else looking for something fun to do. They are doing 2 shows on Saturday - one in the afternoon and the other in the evening, and 1 show on Sunday in the afternoon.
I’ve never been there before so have no opinions on the place, other than I have been DYING to take Ant there and this is the perfect reason. Cats galore putting on a show plus a petting zoo. What more could a kid want!
Our third annual Animal Extravaganza fundraiser to benefit the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary will be held on February 23 - 24, and March 1 - 2, 2008.
Show times are: 1:30 PM on all days plus 7 PM on Saturdays, February 23 and March 1. Gates open one hour before the shows.
Be prepared to be thrilled by 90 minutes of spectacular educational animal demonstrations featuring many different exotic animal superstars.
Donation: $12.00 for adults; $10.00 for seniors over 65; $6.00 for children 12 and under. Parking is free. Tickets available at the gate.
Proceeds benefit all the wonderful rescued animals at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary.
http://bigcathabitat.org/
Posted by cassie on Tuesday, 26 February, 2008 @ 9:50 pm
Albeebaby.com has the Bugaboo Gecko Stroller in Green on closeout for $499.99 (regular price is $679). No parent or child trays are included with this stroller but it does offer plenty of other neat features - like the carriage for infants - to make it worthwhile.
Other great deals include: Mountain Buggy Urban Double Stroller 2006 Navy/Navy Dot (closeout price $499.99), Peg Perego Aria Twin Stroller 2007 Toffee Fabric (closeout price $169.99), and Peg Perego Pliko Lite Classico 2006 Mint (closeout price $109.99).
The ultimate steal of the day from them is the Fisher Price Safe Voyage Stroller in Circus Plaid Red, Circus Dots, and Tan/Black for $39.99 each (regular price is $139.99). The stroller has parent and child trays, and accommodates children up to 40 lbs.
I did a quick search online and wasn’t able to find any coupon code for y’all but they do offer free ground shipping on orders over $100.
Shnoop.com’s Deal of the Day is a NEW Silver Cross Linear Freeway or S4 JetSport Stroller in several colors for $179.99 (MSRP price $699.99). Descriptions of the strollers are featured on the site. To sweeten the pot even further they are offering free shipping to the continental US.
And just when you thought I was done I have one more deal to add from Rightstart.com in case you haven’t worn out your keyboard typing in your CC # just yet. They have the Mutsy Single Spoke 4 Rider Stroller in Lime for an unbelievable price of $299.99 (regular $699.99). It is similar to the Bugaboo Gecko pictured at top and also offers the baby bassinet feature. Free shipping on orders over $100.
Happy shopping guys and gals!
Posted by cassie on Tuesday, 26 February, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
Rightstart is offering this deal up for grabs as well. The e3 only comes in Red but is a great price at $199.99. There is also an additional over-size charge of $10 but since the order is over $100 you get free shipping so it all balances out in the end. You can always make it a double by getting the additional kit.
You’ll want to explore all the features that make this stroller a one-of-a-kind innovation. It’s a four-in-one that offers a newborn, toddler, baby & toddler, and two toddler option. The E3 also boasts a 2-postions ergonomic handle, inflatable tires, single action dual rear brake, large storage basket, and a zip lay back seat with full recline. Lightweight alloy and steel frame. Weighs 26 lbs. Open: 36″H x 23″W x 11″D. Ages birth and up to 55 lbs.
The e3 Buggy by Phil & Ted is the precursor to the Sport and does not have finger guards over the wheels (needed only if there is a 2nd rider). I believe there was a recall due to this and you can order ones for free from the manufacturer.
Posted by cassie on Tuesday, 26 February, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
If you think your little one is cute as a button, then head on over to the casting call page and enter your information.
If you are a parent interested in having you and/or your child be part of our next volunteer photo shoot, we welcome your submission. Please CLICK HERE to review our requirements and submit the form below. Sign up for our mailing list to be notified of PPB news, including future casting calls.
Posted by cassie on Tuesday, 26 February, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
Right Start has the pink & grey Inglesina Swift on sale for $19.99. You have to pay for shipping though unless someone has a free shipping code they can share.