FAVORITE WEBSITES AND/OR BLOGS

What are your favorite websites and/or blogs? I will give you a few of mine.

The first two you kind of have to search through them for hidden gems.

http://www.babycheapskate.blogspot.com/

http://www.freebies4mom.blogspot.com/

http://www.tutusandturtles.blogspot.com/

2 of my son's favorites

http://www.starfall.com/

http://www.kneebouncers.com/

YOUR TIPS!?

I am feeling a little worn out these days (and no I am not pregnant). I don't know if it is the heat or my inability to keep my home clean with a 2 year old or what, but I decided that this week that I would turn the tables and ask for your tips!

Each day I am going to post something that I would love to get your opinions and suggestions on. I hope you don't mind, but I would love to hear from all of you and I hope that you will participate. I also hope you benefit from others comments and suggestions.

BREAKING DAWN

I saw on Walmart.com that you can pre-order the 4th book in the Twilight Series for only $10.94. That is a savings of $12.05. You cannot have it shipped to the store, but shipping to your house is only $1.97. Order it now and you have a guaranteed copy when it comes in for a great price. It says you will get it around August 2nd or so.

MR. CLEAN MAGIC ERASER

I have loved the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for years, but I forgot just how wonderful it is until recently. My son wrote with a pen on the wood floor, I hit the corner of my garage (white trim) with my black car, and some other thing I can't remember. Mr. clean cleaned up every boo boo like a champ! Especially my car. I was shocked, but it got all of the white paint off my bumper before my husband got home. But who am I kidding...I am sure he will noticed the trim on the garage is a little out of sorts.

ON TRAY WINNER

And the winner is....Katie Olsen who said,
"This mom of newborn twins plus two older kids could definitely use any help I could get at the grocery store!! Thanks! Katie"

Congrats and email me so I can get your mailing address!

SOCKS

Jazzy Toes and Trumpette Socks are so darling. I love the Mary Jane tights above from Trumpette.

BRITAX SALE

This week you can find Britax car seats on sale all over the internet. One of the best deals I have found are at Traveling Tikes.com. They have a good selection (although you will want to call first and make sure the model you are purchasing is a 2008 model). I called and the tan swirl, crocodile, onyx, granite and mariposa are all 2008 Marathon models on their site, but there could be more. They are all $219.99 with free shipping.
The Britax Regent and Frontier are also great options if you want more of a booster seat. There is a lot of hype online lately about the risks of using a booster seat with a seat belt because seat belts can fail (and have lately), meaning they become unbuckled and the children are ejected from the car. A better option is to get a booster with a 5 point harness (shown above).

UTAH KID'S CLUB

This week the Utah Kids Club membership is a Utah Real Deal. You can get July's membership for half off (normally $13). Be sure to purchase the membership through the Real Deal link above to get the half off.

How the Kids Club works is that you get a membership card to use around town to get discounts for you and your family. Most discounts are $2 to $3 a person, so it is mostly helpful if you have a few children. My son is free at most places so it doesn't save if we have to pay $13 for the membership. You can get buy one person get one free at Boondocks, so we saved $7 there when we went miniature golfing. They also have a great calendar you can access that has awesome activities and things to do around town each day. It is similar to Go City Kids, but is more in depth.

You can pay for whatever months you think you will want it, so July would be a great time to try it out for half off so you will know what is available in the future.

CAR & STROLLER SNACK TRAY

This Car & Stroller Snack Tray from One Step Ahead is ingenious. None of my strollers have a parent tray and although I wish they had one I decided that the other features were more important. Now I can have the best of both worlds. Reviewers also love it for their children to use in the back seat of the car. It is exclusive to One Step Ahead and costs $19.99.

FREE THOMAS

UPDATE:
The coupon is no longer valid. Toys R' Us is just saying it is due to an "error." Yeah...an error that too many people took them up on a free Thomas and they lost too much money :)

I came across this coupon for a Free Thomas the Train at Toys R' Us through 7/5/08. It is an up to $12.99 value.

DISCOVERY TOYS SALE

Fun tunes tractor $7.99

Wheels the Bus $14.99 (regularly $34.99)
Drop n' pop shape sorter $4.99 Art Forms $12.99

Discovery Toys is having a SUPER SUN-SATIONS sale through July 28th (while supplies last). Here are a few of the good deals. As I have told you before, I am a consultant because I love their toys so much. Let me know if you want me to order you anything (scoffieldk{at}gmail{dot}com). I can even have it shipped to your house. I love Discovery Toys for their lifetime guarantee and educational value.

APPLE DIVIDER

I LOVE my Oxo Good Grips Apple Divider. I can't count how many times I have used it over the past 7 or so years that I have owned it. If you ever eat apples...this is a must!

POTTY TRAINING DVD

Click here to get a free Potty Training DVD from Huggies in the mail. There are no strings attached. I got mine in the mail already. *While supplies last.

ON TRAY GIVEAWAY!

On Tray 2 Go is kind enough to offer a free On Tray to a Karen's Tips reader. Leave a comment on this post with your name in it by midnight (est) on June 25th and I will announce the winner on the blog on the 26th, so be sure to check back! (one entry per person)

Some more neat facts about the On Tray are:
It is made in the USA, BPA free, MOM Invented and was included in the 2008 Oscar Nominee gift bags!

ON TRAY 2 GO

The On Tray 2 Go is such a great idea. It snaps right onto shopping carts so you can keep your little ones happy with snacks or small toys. It would also be great to hold a shopping list, calculator, keys, etc. Click here to find a retailer.

MUNCHKIN

Munchkin makes some pretty cool baby items. I like the Super Scooper turtle for one. You can scoop up your kid's bath toys and then hang it up to dry. I think a plastic bath storage is better than mesh and others because you could clean it more easily (even put it in the dishwasher). It is similar to the Boon Frog Pod, but it is half the price. I also think their Disco Tub lights are pretty cool. They light up and flash and are made for the water. I think they would even be fun to take to the pool.

REUSABLE BAGS

I have been reading a lot lately about how bad plastic grocery bags are for the environment and I have decided to take the plunge into using reusable bags. I have never considered myself as much of a "green" person (I do recycle as much as possible but that is about all I do), but with gas prices so high and the world becoming more and more polluted, I feel like it is time for me to do my part.

I have decided I need to purchase some reusable bags. The grocery stores are now selling them and they are quite cheap. I have seen them from $2-$5. My problem with the grocery store bags is that they are big and bulky and don't seem very easy to clean. I figure what is the point in buying reusable bags if I never remember to take them to the store.

From all of the bags I have seen, I love the Envirosax the most. I love that they are waterproof, washable, lightweight and fold up so small. I plan to keep one bag in my diaper bag to use at the mall and other stores and keep the rest in their pouch in my car to use at the grocery store. They are $37.95 for a pouch of 5.

Here are a few reasons why plastic bags are so bad:

• Each year billions of bags end up as ugly litter.
  
• Eventually they break down into tiny toxic bits polluting our soil, river, lakes and oceans


• Production requires vast amounts of oil.


• Countless animals needlessly die each year.

Click here to read more about plastic bags and how bad they are for the environment and animal life. It is actually quite interesting.

*Thanks Brit and Jacy for inspiring me.

PACKIN' SMART

I am intrigued by these packin' smart stackable containers. They can serve many purposes, but you can also use them for snacks, formula, etc.

SWIM DIAPER CORRECTION!

After speaking to 2 different people at the Salt Lake Valley Dept. of Health, I thought I understood exactly what is now being required regarding diapers at public pools in Utah. Well..I was wrong. Although the pants above look similar to the pants I told you about previously, they are different. The main importance is that the pants have to be WATERPROOF. Both of these pants are waterproof above, because I believe they are made specifically to be worn over cloth diapers. The main requirements by the state are that it has elastic around the waist, legs and is waterproof. Even though the pair I purchased for my son is made for swimming (actually called a Swim Diaper) and is polyester, it is not waterproof. Sorry for any confusion I have caused!

**The top pair are "Gerber Vinyl Training Pants" and are $6 for 2 pairs at Target.

The 2nd pair are "I Play Pull Up Pants" and come in a 3 pack for $12.99 at Babies R' Us.

RED BALLOON TOY STORE ANNIVERSARY SALE

The Red Balloon Toy Stores in Utah are having an Anniversary Sale now through June 21st. Everything in the store (besides already marked down items and Jurassic Sand) is 22% off.

EATING OUT BIB OPTIONS

I love these Kipiis bib clips for eating out. When my son was younger we could use the Pampers bibsters (below), which are great because they are disposable, but after awhile he started tearing them off. He has done better with the bib clips because he thinks they are pretty cool and they are easier for me to tote around. You can get them on a lot of websites and various stores. I actually bought mine at a kid's store at SLC airport.

CHURCH CALLING

As you know, I am LDS and I know some of you are too so I need your help.

I was just called as 2nd Counselor in my ward Relief Society. I have been in Primary and YW for the past 8 years and need any advice or ideas I can get. I am over Enrichment, so any ideas for that would be great too.

What are some things your ward does to reach out to other women? Fun activities or ideas? Favorite websites for helps, etc.

I would appreciate any tips or suggestions anyone has!

RADIO FLYER SPORT COUPE

I just discovered the Radio Flyer Sport Coupe and I think it will be perfect for my 2 year old. It has an electronic lights and sound dashboard, a honking horn, clicking key and clicking gearshift. Door opens and closes for tons of fun and there is kid storage behind seat. It has a telescoping push handle: "Up" position for parent, "Down" position for child. It also has a stowaway footrest for before they can walk and push it on their own. And it is just so cute!

*Walmart has the best price on it. I saw it in the store for around $80, but it is around $100 on their website. Other sites have it for up to $120.

THANK YOU!

I just want to thank everyone that has spread the word about my blog. It really means a lot to me. This blog has been a fun outlet for me to put all of the things and information that I want to share with others.

It is so much fun for me to see "Karen's tips" linked on the side of many of your blogs!

I would like to continue to spread the word and hope that you will tell your friends and others that you think might appreciate it.

THANKS AGAIN!

CINEMARK SUMMER MOVIE CLUBHOUSE

Cinemark is doing a Summer Movie Clubhouse for kids. It runs for 10 weeks (starting this week). They do a different movie each week and they are only $1. You can also prepay and buy your 10 movies for $5 ($.50 a movie). The movies are G or PG. Check their site for the details, but it is nationwide and varies by location. For instance, a theater by me is doing it on 2 different days each week at 10 am. Some states only do 1 day a week.

TARGET & KMART TOY COUPONS

Click here for a $5 off $20 or more in store toy purchase at Kmart. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. It expires 7/31/08.

Click here for a $5 off $25 or more in store toy purchase at Target. Scroll down a little and you will see it. It expires 10/1/08.

NEW POOL REGULATIONS IN UTAH

Due to the extensive outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis (Crypto) last year, the Salt Lake Valley Health Department has some new rules/laws in effect. You must take a shower before swimming, diapers are not allowed to be changed by a pool at all (must be in the bathroom), and all children under 3 or not potty trained have to wear a swim diaper as well as a water proof swim pant over the diaper.

UPDATE! See my new post dated June 17th regarding the exact waterproof pant required over diapers. Here is part of it:

After speaking to 2 different people at the Salt Lake Valley Dept. of Health, I thought I understood exactly what is now being required regarding diapers at public pools in Utah. Well..I was wrong. Although the pants above look similar to the pants I told you about previously, they are different. The main importance is that the pants have to be WATERPROOF. Both of these pants are waterproof above (see pictures in new post), because I believe they are made specifically to be worn over cloth diapers. The main requirements by the state are that it has elastic around the waist, legs and is waterproof. Even though the pair I purchased for my son is made for swimming and is polyester, it is not waterproof. Sorry for any confusion I have caused!

**These laws went into effect on May 22nd. It is up to the individual pools to enforce and monitor them. I think it is best to own the required diapers and pants so that when the pools decide to enforce the rules that you will not be sent home.

The rules apply to all pools in the state of Utah that are used by more than 3 residences.

LOREAL

This week at Smith's Grocery Stores (and maybe other Kroger stores..check yours locally) all Loreal Cosmetics are buy 1 get 1 free! Try out the Loreal Lash Out Mascara (I prefer the straight wand). I love it! It lengthens and seperates very well. I have tried so many mascaras and this one is my favorite for now.

UTAH KID'S CLUB SUMMER STAMPEDE

The Utah Kid's Club is having a really cool event this Friday at Wheeler Farm that is completely free and sounds like a blast. Here are the details below: (you do not have to be a member to attend, but you may want to consider becoming one). You can get some great deals to a lot of Utah attractions.

June 13, 2008

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Come to Wheeler Farm (6351 South 900 East) for an all out fun FREE Day... Rollerskate with Hollywood connection and the Grizzbee Grizzlies hockey mascots (10-11, bring your own skates/scooters/bike) Mini golf with Liberty Land, Fat Cats Sidewalk contest, LaserQuest's laser tag, Young Chef's cooking Class, My Gym Tumbling, Crafts, Snow cones, Bounce House/Inflatables....

Email Info{at}utahkidsclub.com and request a program of shows too. (Magic show, Scales and Tails show, kindermusik classes, Sunshine Generation program, Children's theatre production, Zanny The Clown show, Cinderella pictures and More).

**Bring a lunch or snacks for the kids--there's not a lot of food vendors--The Sweet Tooth Fairy will be there with cupcakes, cookies.....Tropical Sno's Snow Cones
Please come directly to the Welcome Booth in front of the lawn to check in and sign a waiver for the day.

MAMA BARGAINS

I am so excited about a new site called MamaBargains.com. It is a deal a day site like Woot and Baby Steals (that I already blogged about) and others that are so popular. The thing I love about Mama Bargains is that they have an awesome selection and killer prices. I have been looking at the Timi & Leslie Tag a Long Diaper Bag for over a year now, but didn't want to pay $110 for it. I just picked one up for $33 (including shipping). They had a bunch of Dogwood Clothing for boys the other day too. I am so excited to see what they get next. You have to keep checking the site because they don't post at the same time each day and depending on how quickly they sell out they add new things all the time. You can watch the little stick figure mama to see how close it gets to the words sold out to see how much time you have to purchase the item and to tell all your friends about that specific deal.

I spoke with the owner, Jessica and she was so kind. They pride themselves on their customer service and I was quite impressed by her prompt response to my phone call.

MARIE CALLENDERS PIES

Now through the end of June Marie Callender's has their pies on sale. I think they are $5.99 each. This excludes cheesecakes and whole fruit pies.

SWIMWEAR

**I posted this back in February, but now everyone has all their lines out for this summer finally, so I wanted to do it again.

I have always hated swim suits, but ever since I bought my tankini from Lands End I do not completely despise them. There are a lot of new companies that make swimwear/tankinis that are fun and cute, but I love Lands End because none of the other companies compare to them in quality and fit (in my opinion). And selection...WOW! Lands End really has tons and tons of swimwear options. They have suits for all shapes and sizes. I would recommend requesting a swimwear catalog as it is a little easier to see all the options rather than on a web page. They have a lot of different tops and bottoms and even some flattering one piece suits. I love the swim mini for the bottom (skirt with bottoms attached), but they are all fun.

Here are some other good companies to find a fun and stylish suit. I recently bought a Modbe suit as well because they are really cute. I don't feel like the quality is as high as Lands End, but it is close.

**The skirt shown above is from Down East Basics and comes in white or black. I think it is so cute and would be a great staple to own.

-Diviine Modestee

-The Mod Bod

-Layers Clothing

-Shade Clothing

-Hapari

-Lime Ricki

-Down East Basics

SNAPFISH.COM

Today only you can get a free 8x10 on snapfish.com if you enter code GREATDAY at check out.
*Thanks Dara for the tip.

BRAINCANDY

Has anyone tried the Braincandy DVDs? I am intrigued by them, but wonder if they are any good. **Please share.

BAGS THAT FIT

I am excited about a new handbag store that just opened in Lehi, Utah called Bags that Fit. They have stylish handbags (most designer) and they try to keep all bags under $100.

Store Hours: Tues-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-3pm

127 E Main St.

Lehi, UT 84043

801-341-6288

They are having a Grand Opening on JUNE 7th where they will have a fashion show and a drawing for some jewelry and handbags!

FREE DOUGHNUT DAY

Krispy Kreme gives away free doughnuts each year on Doughnut Day. This year it is June 6th. I know cupcakes are all the rage now, but after all...they are FREE.

CHEAP LAMINATION

Lakeshore Learning is a great educational store with a ton of fun products for parents and teachers (and 45 stores nationwide), but one tid bit I would like about Lakeshore is that they have great prices on lamination. It is self service and is only $.29 a foot. Just for comparison purposes, Office Max and others charge $1.50 a foot! Sometimes local libraries have lamination, but all the libraries in SL County, Utah stopped offering it.

POLL

I added a poll to the side of my blog for the next week. Please respond so I can get some feedback. Thanks!

BABIES R' US COUPON

Click here to get this coupon for Babies R' Us. $5 of $25 or more through June 8th.

I am not sure if they would do it for this coupon, but whenever I checkout at Babies R' Us I ask if there is a coupon they can give me off my purchase. They usually always give me one. It is usually only $5, but it is still something. Occasionally it will be 15% depending on what coupons are going on at the time, but $5 is their most common one.

GALLOP

Have you seen Gallop yet? It is such a fun book. It is a "Scanimation" picture book where the pictures come alive before your eyes. As you turn the pages the animals move. It is hard to describe, so just check it out next time you are at the bookstore!

PARENTING WITH LOVE & LOGIC

I just finished reading this book: Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood and I love it! Isn't it interesting that we all read a bunch of books when we are pregnant (at least I did) and then we don't really read much more after we actually have our children? I thought this was a great book to help know how to handle situations with our toddlers and be a better parent. This exact book is geared toward children from birth to six years, but they also have another expanded version for all ages and another for teenagers (and another for teachers to use in the classroom). The other neat thing about this book is that they have people who teach classes on the Love and Logic principles throughout the country. Go to their website and check it out. I found that it is best to call their 800 number and ask someone what classes are in your area and they will let you know. I plan to take them this fall with my husband. (800) 338-4065.

**Do you have a parenting book you love or would recommend? Leave a comment and let us know!