More Birthday stuff…

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So I promise next week I will post more about Disney since I have had some requests (anyone have any specific questions I can maybe help with?), but it’s still my birthday month…so back to me!

“C”lue- I will be spending my birthday working at Kidapalooza on Saturday.  You know you are jealous.  But seriously, if you have kids it’s a great way to get them out of the house after this crazy stupid winter.  More info?  Click here:  http://starpittsburgh.cbslocal.com/kid-a-palooza/

“L”ink- I have been working with a new company at work and they sell party supplies.  Kids, adults, everything.  Plus they are local (right out in Clinton) and they have FREE Shipping on all US orders!  And if you are in Pittsburgh it’s fast shipping too.  Cool company, and you are helping out here locally.  I love to shop online especially when it’s local and free shipping.  http://www.zoomparty.com/

“T”hought-So my favorite birthday “freebie” (for more click here: https://thecltdiaries.wordpress.com/2014/03/22/birthday-freebies/ ) is the $30 from Benihana.  We went Tuesday night and I forgot how much I love it.  I even eat sushi there, well California Roll, but it’s sushi!  If you haven’t been in a while, go.  If you have never been seriously go.

Birthday Freebies!

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If you didn’t know, it’s my birthday month and I celebrate my birthday all of March (and sometimes into April!)

Because I’m going to have a lot of links in here, I’m combining my “C”lues, “L”inks, and “T”houghts this week because one of my goals is to always keep my posts pretty short and easy to read.  Here are some birthday freebies that you can sign up for.  These are my favorites.  There are more, but the rest are just desserts or something small.  If I missed a good one that you know about, please let me know so I can add!

“C”lues, “L”inks, and “T”houghts:

Benihana- $30 off for your birthday!  Sign up here for the Chef’s Table: http://profile.benihana.com/registration/

Bravo- Pick up a myBravo card in store and register it online.  Get a Free Entrée for your birthday!

IHOP- Free Entrée up to $7 for your birthday and Free Entrée upon registering! http://www.ihop.com/my-ihop/create-your-ihop#signupnow

Red Robin- Free Burger for your birthday.  YUMMMM!  Sign up here: https://redroyalty.redrobin.com/find_location

Noodles & Company- Free bowl on your birthday!  Sign up here:  http://www.noodles.com/noodlegram/

Max & Erma’s-6 free cookies on your birthday.  Sign up here: http://www.maxandermas.com/goodneighbors/

Steak & Shake-Free Double burger and fries.  Sign up here: http://www.steaknshake.com/eclub

Mall @ Robinson-Free $10 gift card.  Sign up here: http://www.shoprobinsonmall.com/user/new/?

Mad Mex-Free Burrito. Sign up here: https://secure.madmex.com/bbmadmex/register.aspx  However mine hasn’t showed up this year yet in the mail.  I’m sad!

DSW- $5 off of $5.  Even if you get free socks, it’s a good deal!: https://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/user/rewardsLanding.jsp?&REDIRECTED=true

First Watch- Free Entrée.  Sign up here: http://www.firstwatch.com/eclub/

Atria’s-Free Entrée.  Sign up here: http://atrias.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe

Houlihan’s-Free Entrée.  Sign up here: http://www.houlihans.com/email-club?sid=173

Walnut Grill-Free Entrée.  Sign up here: http://walnutgrill.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe

Moe’s Southwest Grill-Free Burrito.  Sign up here: http://moes.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe&InputSource=W&__utma=57442860.1483593898.1395511657.1395511657.1395511657.1&__utmb=57442860.1.10.1395511657&__utmc=57442860&__utmx=-&__utmz=57442860.1395511657.1.1.utmcsr=(direct)|utmccn=(direct)|utmcmd=(none)&__utmv=-&__utmk=6170103

Qdoba-Free Entrée.  Sign up here: https://www.qdoba.com/users/sign_up

Don Pablos-$10 for your Birthday.  Grab a card in store and sign up here:  http://donpablos.com/

Like I mentioned, there are other freebies from Eat & Park, Arby’s, Buca, even American Eagle if you sign up for their e-clubs, but  with all these Free Entrée who will have time for all the little ones?!?!  Most give you a time limit of the end of the month that your birthday is in or two weeks.  (one before and one after your birthday.

Happy Freebies All!

Migraines…

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I have had migraines since I was at least 16. And Migraines with aura from around that time too, however at the time I didn’t know it wasn’t normal to sometimes see colored flashing lights when you had a headache. A few different people sent me the link this week about the new band that is out that you put on your head to help keep migraines at a minimum. My opinion is still out. It kind of freaks me out that you aren’t supposed to use it for more than 20 minutes but then doesn’t go on to explain why not to.

“C”lue-A migraine isn’t just the headache. It’s the nausea, light sensitivity, the sensitivity to smell, the aura….and other symptoms people get. When I’m getting a bad one I can’t talk or think and my brain kind of shuts down. I can’t remember names, or get full sentences out. The other night I was getting one and didn’t realize it until Dan and I were talking and I couldn’t get some/thing out. I still didn’t get it until he asked, “Are you having a migraine?” There are times I have become desensitized to them. My pain tolerance is pretty high and I sometimes will block them out until the pain is so bad and it’s too late to take my meds. Speaking of meds…I take Imitrex to handle all the symptoms and and anti-inflammatory called Etodolac at the same time to help with pain. I have tried daily meds to help keep them at bay and the only thing that has seemed to help is actually magnesium. And that really just helps keep things like the aura shorter & and my bounce back time shorter, nothing for the pain.

“L”ink- The best doctor I have found? Dr. Robert Kaniecki with the headache center in UPMC. His office is amazing and there is over a 6 month wait to get in. If you think you suffer with migraines, he will help. http://www.neurology.upmc.edu/faculty/kaniecki.html

“T”hought-I have found that going to bed and sleeping at night with ice on my head truly helps keep the migraines to a lesser quantity. If I go to bed with one, ice on my head will help lessen it and even sometimes make it go away by morning. There is an ice pack brand that is called Cryo-max. I give it a 10 out of 10. Best one I have found and lasts 8 hours. You can buy at some drug stores and on Amazon.

Sunshine and Butterflies…

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So, I’ve been trying to think happy thoughts this week and think sunshine and butterflies…It’s working some of the time.  Then I walk outside and it is still under 50 degrees.  I hear sunshine and 50 though on Friday.  We can hope!

 

With my focus on sunshine and spring, there comes the time of year that I have all my yearly or semi-annual doctor appointments scheduled.  The dentist…the neurologist for my migraines…a physical…and of course my dermatologist.  I have a history of basal cell cancer on my Dad’s side.  My grandmother, father, and aunt have all had spots removed and two years ago I had my first basal cell spot removed.  It’s not a fun time.  I have a fabulous dermatologist in the South Hills that I love and have recommended her to my family (mom, dad, grandfather, and Dan go there) and have recommended her to a bunch of my friends.  However, we lovingly call her the “cutter”.  Because that’s what she does.  She usually takes a few samples of spots that look suspicious and most times she can fix any bad spots in her office.  Thankfully she has caught my spots before they have gotten out of hand.  With that all said, I beg you to use sunscreen…and I wish when I was younger I didn’t believe the old wives tale that you need that “base tan” so you should use a tanning bed before the summer or vacations.  You don’t.  Maddy was dipped in sunscreen all last summer and I will continue to do it to her.

 

“C”lue-If you need more reasons to uses sunscreen here are 5.  I took them from this article:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/19/sunscreen-benefits_n_3464687.html

 

1. The ozone layer is depleting and your body needs shielding from harmful rays.

2. Skin cancer rates are on the rise and sunscreen has been proven to decrease the development of skin cancer.

3. It helps to prevent facial brown spots and skin discolorations.

4. It also helps to reduce the appearance of facial red veins and blotchiness.

And most importantly…5. It slows down the development of wrinkled, premature aging skin…Who wants to look older than they are??

 

“L”ink- I posted this website before, but here is a link directly to sunscreens:  http://www.ewg.org/2013sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/?tag=2012SunscreenAd&gclid=CNOgjJee_rwCFYuXOgodJHsAIw Lots of good sunscreens. 

 

“T”hought- We used Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Kids Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30 on Maddy last year.  I give it a 9 out of 10 for the little ones.  Only because it’s thicker, so a little hard to apply sometimes.  This year as she is more active, I will probably pick a spray sunscreen for most of her body and pick a lotion or stick for her face.

Thank You…

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So as I sat in traffic Tuesday on the way downtown to the Man in a Box event, I had a lot of time to think and most importantly, to listen. And what I was hearing on 100.7 Star was wonderful, amazing, and made me so very proud to be a part of.

For those of you that haven’t been hearing me talk about this for the past 4 months or so, let me give you a little background. Spring 2013, the Salvation Army came to me and asked if any of our jocks would be interested in participating in their Most Amazing Race event. So after talking to some of our jocks, Monty and Flick were both willing to participate and also help me by finding partners to run with. I love them both for this and to be honest, I considered trying to talk Dan into participating as well. However, having a six month old at the time who was not always the happiest of campers, I was having a hard time leaving during the week, let alone for an entire day on the weekend. So I decided maybe we should wait until another year.

Monty and Flick both did great and seemed to enjoy the race except for getting soaking wet. Sometime between that event and when Flick came to me a few weeks later, the start of something big had begun with Flick and Donna from the Salvation Army. We went back and forth and back and forth for months trying to pick dates, locations, names and how even the structure would look and be built. And I mean back and forth. Many meetings, emails, and phone calls. And in that time, Donna, myself and our sales staff tried to find corporate underwriters as well. It was a process, and Tuesday morning bright and early, that “process” and all of our hard work came to fruition. I was like a little kid Monday night. I hadn’t slept well in a few nights because Maddy is teething, but still I couldn’t fall asleep. And I got up early on Tuesday…and I’m not a morning person. AT ALL. I wanted to be down there Tuesday and had only planned on staying for a bit, but instead found myself not wanting to leave. It was cold. I was dressed to go into the office, not to be in the cold, but I couldn’t get myself to leave. Thankfully I was able to keep up with work via my phone, and was able to stay down there a good part of the day. As I sit in my warm house on my couch in my pjs, I still can’t seem to get warm, but I have a house…and a couch…and a furnace to keep me warm. The people that the Salvation Army help don’t, and that is why we all pulled together for this event.

The work that the Salvation Army does is amazing and I am so appreciative to Flick for helping bring awareness to this organization and the good it does in our community.

This blog post isn’t another one of my pleas for donations, however donations are greatly appreciated (and you can donate here… https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/westernpennsylvania/man-in-a-box )! This is just a post to say thank you. Thank you to my family for their support both emotionally when I was stressed, and for their help in other ways (I talked my dad into ringing the bell for 3 hours in this weather, and my husband into the use of his photography for not just the sales proposal, but the website and to take a few pics for Whirl Magazine as well), my friends at work for listening as we jumped over the hurdles and obstacles along the way, for my clients (and by clients I mean the clients that I work with, who have also become my friends over the years or who were my friends before they were my clients as well) who supported this promotion, my friends at the Salvation Army, and to Flick because without him, there would be no Man in a Box. Literally.

Trying to be healthier…

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So in 2014 one of my goals for my family is to eat a little better and be more conscious of what is going into and on our bodies.  We are trying.  As we finish products we buy the healthier version.  I’m not giving up syrup on my pancakes, but we did buy an organic one when Log Cabin ran out.   Not everything is organic, but most have less artificial crap in them.  Don’t worry though, I’m not giving up Oreos or M&M’s yet.  This goes for some of our bath and cosmetic products as well.   I have switched M’s bubble bath when the other one ran out.  Hopefully this year is better than last year and that 2015 is better than 2014.  Baby steps…

 

“C”lue- Speaking of steps, about every 30 Steps there is a garbage can in Disney.  Sorry, had to tie my love of Disney into being more “healthy” and environmentally friendly.

 

“L”ink- The Environmental Working Groups Website: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/  You can check out your favorite products and find new ones that might be better for you.  My biggest tip on this?  Read, read, read.  Just because something has a bad rating, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use it.  Some of the things that they say are “bad” are just because of a fragrance that you might have an allergy to or something like that.  It still might be better than what you are currently using.  They have an app too that you can use while you are out shopping.

 

“T”hought-Trader Joe’s Coconut Oil-At first glance at the label, Coconut oil doesn’t look much better for you than other oils, but check out this website:  http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/surprising-health-benefits-coconut-oil  Everything in moderation.  If you can’t stand the taste of coconut, don’t worry.  It doesn’t have a strong coconut taste.  Dan and I don’t like coconut, but this doesn’t bother us.  Plus you can use on your skin and has a ton of other uses as well.  10 out of 10.  They also have it in a spray…will try that too soon.

The Happiest Place on Earth!

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So after a truly awful week, I decided to post on one of my favorite things in the world. Disney. It’s the happiest place on earth and if I could move my whole extended family down there (thanks to Dave and Darlene for at least moving close for half the year!) I would move myself in a heartbeat. Oh, they would need to do something about the heat in the summer though. Maybe turn it down a few notches?

So here is a start to some “CLT” things…don’t worry, this will be the first post of many for those who love Disney or want to find out tips for when you travel there!

“C”lue-Did you know you can have a personal shopper buy things at the grocery store (groceries, baby supplies, and even alcohol!) and have them delivered to your Disney hotel and they will be waiting for you when you get there? There are lots of services out there, but we used “Kelly’s Personal Delivery Service”. She charges a small delivery fee and a small percentage on your total order, but hers was less than others and we were pretty happy with her service. Dan was happy he had Blue Moon to help him get through the trip.  http://kellyspds.com/

“L”ink-In honor of Valentine’s day…who is your favorite Disney couple? http://www.buzzfeed.com/kristinchirico/which-disney-couple-is-your-ideal-relationship Mine was Anna and Kristoff from “Frozen”. Guess I need to see that movie!

“T”hought- Disney Dole Whips. 9 out of 10. The authentic Dole Whip‘s core ingredient is Soft-Serve Pineapple Sorbet, and it can be served float-style, with pineapple juice; or all alone. They now have a self-serve machine at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and I found a link to buy soap that smells like these yummy things. If you haven’t tried one do it next time you are down there. Over in Adventureland.

The Winter Olympics

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So I hate this cold that we have been having but I’m super excited that the Winter Olympics are almost here! See there is one positive of Winter!! One of my favorite things to do is have the Olympics on all day while it is snowing outside and there is a nice cozy fire on inside and I’m sitting on my couch with my snacks. I don’t know why I love it so much (we all know I’m not very athletic…no comments from the Peanut Gallery, Dan!). There is just something better about it than the Summer Olympics. More exciting, more a feeling of the “USA team”. I don’t know. Just fun! So here are a few fun “CLT” things tied into the Olympics.

“C”lue-Not sure what day your favorite event is on? How about you want to know what channels the Opening Ceremonies are? Check out this link to make your life easier! http://www.nbcolympics.com/tv-listings Also 5 Must Watch Events? Here is a list from Sports Illustrated. I agree.

-Sunday, Feb. 9: Men’s Downhill (The competition will air tape-delayed between 7-11 p.m. EST on NBC, but you can watch live online at 2 a.m. EST).
-Saturday, Feb. 15: Men’s Hockey: (U.S. vs. Russia, 7:30 a.m. EST, NBCSN).
-Tuesday, Feb 17: Ice dancing free skate, 10 a.m. EST, NBCSN. (U.S. skaters and world champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White battle Vancouver gold medalists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada.)
-Thursday. Feb. 20: Women’s Hockey Gold Medal Game (noon-3 PM ET, NBC). This game will air live in all US Time Zones.
-Sunday, Feb. 23: Men’s Hockey Gold Medal Game (6:30-10 am ET, NBC). This game will air live across all US Time Zones.

“L“ink-So I’m a big Buzzfeed fan. Not sure why these Olympians posed with this super cute puppy, but love the pictures. It is just an added bonus that I got to know the USA team a little better. Between this and the Budweiser commercial, I really want another puppy! http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjkiebus/us-olympians-pose-with-the-cutest-puppy-youll-see-all-day

“T“hought-Trader Joe’s Ridge Cut Potato Chips-What is watching TV without snacking? I really liked them, but not what either Dan and I expected. They are ridged and Kettle cooked. I was thinking they would be more like Ruffles. It’s interesting, I said to my mom that they were Trader Joe’s brand so nothing artificial in them and then said “If it can be done to make a good chip without artificial crap in it, why do the big companies insist on putting that stuff in?”. Isn’t that true with so many products? All that said I give them an 8 out of 10.

Super Bowl 2014

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So the “Big Game” is this weekend and no the Steelers aren’t in it, but you know there will be talk about the commercials and halftime shows at the water cooler on Monday so why not watch it.  Plus it gives you an excuse to eat appetizers (which I could just eat a meal of just appetizers!) and veg out in front of the TV on a Sunday night.

 

Here are a few things to help you enjoy the game a little more: 

“C”lue-Funny Buzzfeed. “Worst Types of People at Every Super Bowl Party” I qualify for at least two.  Maybe 3.  http://www.buzzfeed.com/justinabarca/worst-types-of-people-at-every-super-bowl-party

“L”ink- Crack dip, might be my newest favorite Pinterest tired and “family approved” dip.  I suggest it on those round buttery crackers, but a spoon would work too!  Plus it’s easy, and who doesn’t love easy?  http://www.plainchicken.com/2008/07/chili-cheese-dip_22.html

 “T”hought- Trader Joe’s Golden Rounds Crackers are just as good as Ritz if not better and no artificial crap. The work great with the crack dip.  10 out of 10.

I didn’t mean to leave you hanging

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So, I didn’t mean to not complete my last post about couponing but I didn’t want to overwhelm anyone. Couponing can be a pain in the butt but I think it is worth it. I mentioned writing the date on the front of the coupon flyers. That’s a must for most couponing sites (of which there are thousands of). Also, take a look at the name on the outside of the flyer. It will either say Red Pack (RP) or Smart Source (SS) on the front. Occasionally you will see Procter and Gamble (PG). You will see the abbreviation for these on the different coupon sites with the date after that. It tells you where you can find a coupon for that item. For example: You want to find a coupon for Tide. Go to the coupon database I told you about in my first blog http://www.southernsavers.com/coupon-database . Type in Tide. You may see ones you can print. You may also see one that says RP 1/19 or SS 1/17 after it. That means if you look in the Red Pack from 1/19 or the Smart Source. There should be a Tide coupon in there. Remember every paper is slightly different. Even the Trib and Post Gazette so I would say it works about 85% of the time. I save the sale flyers for about three months then toss them. That way you don’t have to cut coupons every week.

“C”lue – In some cities half of the coupon flyers come in that pack of flyers in your mailbox each week. So before tossing these in the recycle bin check to see if there are any packs of coupons in there!

“L”ink – I love the show Parenthood and we watch it every week. Usually on DVR because I can’t stay awake beyond 10pm…sometimes 9:30. With that said I’m a crier and this show makes me cry a lot. Happy tears though too! Check out this Buzzfeed for examples why: http://www.buzzfeed.com/juliapugachevsky/23-times-parenthood-made-you-cry-happy-tears

“Thought – Little Duck Organics Tiny Fruits – So M started eating solids by eating anything she could get her hands on. Then she decided she didn’t want any meat in her diet. Now there are days all she wants is carbs, carrots, and bananas. These are great little dried fruits that she eats like candy and they are good for her. I’ve tried them too. A 9 out of 10. Only reason I didn’t give them a 10 out of 10 is they are a bit expensive for the small bag.