Get Rewarded!

Babies "R" Us and Toys "R" Us participate in the Rewards "R" Us program. Signing up is free and you may do so online at http://www.rewardsrus.toysrus.com/ You may also sign up at any Toys "R" Us or Babies "R" Us location. If you spend $150 in qualifying purchases, you will be mailed a $5 reward certificate to spend in either store. You can receive up to $20 "R"Us Dollars per month, $60 per earning period. By becoming a member of this club you can earn free diapers, infant formula and greeting cards. As a Rewards "R" Us member you are invited to member only shopping events and receive exclusive email discounts. Recall notifications are also sent to all rewards members. The most challenging part of being a member of this rewards club is remembering to bring your rewards card with you each time you shop at Babies "R" Us or Toys "R" Us!

Celebrity Quote

Will Smith and his family appeared on Oprah last week. Oprah reminded him of his hit song, "Parents Just Don't Understand" and asked him what he thought about it now that he was a parent of a teenager. Will said,

"Parents don't have to understand...because they in charge!"

First Birthday Parties

As you may already know birthday parties for one year olds are a huge event in our society right now. I love the idea of celebrating your child's first year with a party but easily get disgusted at how much money gets thrown away for such an event that the birthday child won't even remember. I'm torn because I want to throw my child a first birthday party but don't want to go broke while doing so. I thought about my favorite birthday parties as a child and McDonald's immediately came to mind. The McDonalds in Hicksville has an indoor playground and several private party rooms. Everything is extremely clean and the staff seemed very helpful. I'm planning on booking a party there over the summer and I'll keep you posted as to how it worked out. With packages that start at $129 I just can't say no!

Worth Every Penny

As a brand new mom I think I spent more time in the middle of night checking on my little angel than I did sleeping. I just wanted to make sure that he was still breathing and not sleeping on his stomach. Thankfully those days are over and I'm much more confident in my baby boy's sleeping and breathing patterns. It only took nine months! When I originally registered for the Fisher-Price Precious Planet Mobile, it was because I thought it was cute. Little did I know at six months pregnant what a great investment it would be! Below is a description:

This is a projection mobile with a canopy that brings the light show closer to baby. A delicate canopy hangs overhead of baby with four plush characters attached to it (teal whale, white polar bear, green alligator and yellow lion). Each character represents an environment from around the world. A soft light pattern is projected from the base of the mobile onto the inside of the canopy. When baby grows, the armature can be removed, and the light pattern can project onto the ceiling.

This mobile plays 20 minutes of music, which includes classical lullabies (Bach, Beethoven and Mozart), nature sounds (nature and ocean sounds), and heart beat/white noise womb sounds.
The mobile attaches to the crib with our new, improved mechanism and comes with a remote control.

The remote control feature was what made it worth every penny! In the middle of the night it was so easy for me to click the remote to turn the light show on, lift my head off the pillow, check on the baby, see that he was fine, click the remote again to turn the mobile off and go back to bed. The Fisher-Price Precious Planet Mobile was a product that I could not live without!

Entertain Me, Mommy!

Did you know that the Broadway Mall in Hicksville had an awesome Kid's Club? I didn't, until just recently. I've always noticed the special car style strollers that many moms push their kids around that mall in but I just never realized how kid friendly that mall really is.

Those strollers are free to use with a valid driver's licence. When you sign your child up for the Broadway Mall "Kid's Klub" you will receive mailings about free events going on each month and your child will be sent a $5 mall gift card every year on the month of his/her birthday. On the second floor there is a soft play area for kids to play and parents to relax. But most excitingly for me is that every other Tuesday the movie theater there offers, "Baby Pictures." Baby Pictures is a unique program offering new parents a chance to see the latest movies at the Broadway Multiplex in a baby-friendly setting. There are baby-changing stations and extra lighting in the auditorium during this special time. They also lower movie volume and have breakfast cart if you're hungry. Admission is $6.50 and babies 0 – 12 months are admitted for free. For more information visit nationalamusements.com.

Get Rewarded!

Lately it has been an absolute joy for me to bring the mail into the house. Please allow me to share these two little words with you as to why I get so happy when I see the mail carrier...FREE SAMPLES!

If you were to take a glance at my son's changing table you would see a nice supply of at least 20 diapers that I paid absolutely nothing for. A few months ago Pampers was giving away samples of their new diapers. I had a sample sent to my house, my mom's house and my in-law's house. My bathroom is nicely stocked with feminine products supplied to me by Kotex for free. All I had to do was give them my name and address for the products to be sent to me. I will continually post any free samples that I find on my blog but for now I'll share one of my free sample secrets...Walmart consistently updates their free samples page so check out: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-free-samples.aspx

Right now they are giving away free samples of Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons and Prilosec OTC Heartburn Protection.

Celebrity Mom Quotes

"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

Coupon Preview for Sunday

I love the coupons in the Sunday Newsday but boy do I hate the price of the Sunday paper! If you're like me, hopefully you'll enjoy this Thursday feature of my blog. If there is a good amount of coupons that I will use, then I usually buy the paper. If there are not many, then I skip it. Here are some of my favorite coupons for this Sunday but FYI - there is not one baby food or diaper coupon in the paper on May 23rd.

Smartsource
$ .75/1 Butterball Deli Meat, 1 pound
$ .35/1 Colgate Max White or Max Fresh Toothpaste, 4oz+
$1.00/1 Food Should Taste Good Snacks, 5.5oz+
$1.50/2 Food Should Taste Good Snacks, 5.5oz+
$3.00/1 Glade Plugins Scented Oil Lasting Impressions Holder
$1.00/1 Lysol Disinfecting Spray, 12oz+
$1.00/2 New York Frozen Garlic Bread Product
$1.00/2 Sargento Natural Sliced Cheese Products
$ .50/1 V8 V-Fusion Juice, 46oz

Red Plum
$1.00/1 Advil, 20 ct+
$1.00/2 Angel Soft Bath Tissue, 6-Double Roll+
$ .75/1 Axe Shower Gel or Detailer Shower Tool
$ .50/1 Caress Tahiyian Renewal/Cashmere Luxury Body Wash, 12 oz.+
$1.50/3 Kelloggs Cereals, any 10 oz+
$1.00/2 Ragu, any
$ .50/1 Shedds Spread Country Crock Spread
$2.00/1 Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion, 6.8oz or 13.5oz
$1.00/1 Wisk Laundry Detergent, 32 oz+

Hope you can save a few bucks on your next food shopping bill!

Picture Worthy Events

I must admit that I've always looked forward to becoming a mommy. As a younger woman I remember it being holiday season and seeing all of the Santa Clauses in the mall. I couldn't wait for the day that I could dress up my baby in an adorable outfit and have his or her picture taken with that jolly old man, dressed in red. Little did I know that those measly pictures would cost me 30 bucks! Don't get me wrong, I will always treasure the pictures I have with my baby boy and Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny but it seems like so much pressure to get the perfect shot and when you have a long line of babies in waiting behind you, the pressure is on! This past spring, I found the solution for mommies on Long Island....Hicks Nurseries in Westbury. They have a Santa in December and the Easter Bunny in March. You can take your own pictures with your own camera, at no cost to you. Hicks Nurseries is also a great place to go if you're looking for something to do. They have a very large fish area and a small area for little animals in the back of their outdoor section. It's a great place to go when you have nothing planned for the day!

Worth Every Penny

Since yesterday's entry was about Gymboree, I figured that I would highlight one of my most favorite Gymboree products.....Bubble Ooodles! There is no substitution for these bubbles. They stay in bubble form for so long and they even seem to defy gravity! Below is the description:

Five bubble ports are the secret to making oodles of bubbles with one easy blow. Set includes one easy-grip wand, a non-spill tray and four ounces of Bubble Ooodles formula. Through play, children develop the self-esteem, coordination and social skills necessary to grow. Use Bubble Ooodles to develop your child's fine motor skills and cause and effect cognitive skills.
Ages 3 and up
Non-toxic, long-lasting solution
Packaging may vary
Made in China

Four ounces, the bubble wand and the non-spill tray cost $6 at Gymboree but believe me mommies, it's worth every penny!

Free Victoria's Secret Panty

Victoria's Secret is celebrating their 3 million fans on Facebook! Be sure to "like" the Victoria's Secret Facebook page and don't forget to print out your coupon for a free Limited Edition VS Panty, with store purchase.

Gymboree Free Trial Classes

Gymboree Play and Music boasts itself as the, "Global Leader in Classes for Kids" and I think that's wonderful! It was founded in 1976 when Joan Barnes, a mother, tried to find a safe, fun place featuring age-appropriate activities for parents and young children to play together. She found nothing of the sorts so she decided to begin her own program. To be completely honest, I wish my own mommy would have thought of it because Joan Barnes must be one wealthy woman! Gymboree has made a fabulous name for itself, the locations are clean and bright, their employees are cheery and enjoy entertaining children, the toys are brilliant and you can be sure that they will be featured in one of my "Worth Every Penny" entries (and I love their clothing) so I did what any new mom would do and I looked into classes there when my son was 5 months old. Once I found the location that was closest to my home, I gave them a call and was invited to attend a trial class that would be of no cost to me. The class was so much fun and I did not feel as though I had to sign up for a semester of classes. My son and I enjoyed the time together and I look forward to checking it out again when he gets a little older.

My Survey Rewards

My Survey is one of highest rated paying survey sites on the web. You earn points by completing online surveys. Each survey is given a value. I've taken surveys that range from 5 to 200 points. Once you have reached 1,150 points you can redeem that for $10 cash in the form of a check sent to you. Needless to say, the more points you earn the more cash you receive. Some surveys take longer than others and it has taken me a little less than two months to earn $10 but $10 in my pocket is better than $10 in their pocket. Another great thing about My Survey is that each time you log into your account, you're entered in their $10,000 sweepstakes giveaway. If you are interested in joining My Survey please email me at thinkinglikemommy@gmail.com and I will send you an invitation.

Facebook and LI Families Mammas

Become a follower on my blog and support my facebook page (Thinking Like Mommy) by "liking" it and you will automatically be entered into our end of the month raffle to win one of the "Worth Every Penny" products. Good luck and thanks for your support!

Saturday Bonus!

For 10 more points enter WELOVECHEERIOS2 in your Gifts to Grow account!

Friday's Celebrity Quote

"I have a deep respect and love for these tiny humans, and I hope to convey in my images a measure of the beauty that exists in all children." - Anne Geddes

Pampers Gifts to Grow Points

Here are 90 points for your Pampers Gifts to Grow account.

GETSTARTEDNOW10 (10 points)
GTGSPRINGFREE10 (10 points)
GTGLEARNMORE089 (10 points)
GTGPLAY3USA2010 (30 points)

You're already on your way to a fabulous reward!

Picture Worthy Events

Even though I was extremely happy with my son's newborn pictures from Sears portrait studio, I decided to try another place for his 1st Christmas pictures. I found a coupon in my local paper for a great portrait package at JC Penny's portrait studio. For $7.99, I purchased 1-8x10, 2-5x7s, 4-3.5x5s, and 16-wallets of my favorite pose. I was extremely happy with the holiday props they had. I was even encouraged to change him into a second outfit just in case I wasn't happy with the way his first outfit looked in the photos. The photographer was wonderful and she took her time to get the perfect pictures. I'm looking forward to many more successful professional photo shoots for less than the cost of a dinner for two!

Worth Every Penny

For the first six months of my new life as a mom, the UPPAbaby 3-in-1 Infant Car Seat Shade, was a product that I could not live without. It wraps easily around an infant car seat and protects your little angel from the brutal summer sun, rain, wind and pesky bugs. It is easy to store away in its travel bag and its gray color didn't look mismatched when on my infant car seat. I used this not only when out for a walk but on all of the little road trips we would take as a new family. Below is a description of this item that is worth every penny!

Fold out sun protection layer- SPF 50+
Fold out wind/rain protection layer
Zip open insect protection layer
Universal fit compatible with most infant car seats
Pop-open action, no assembly required
Lightweight and easy to fit, folds into handy travel bag
No Assembly Required: Pop-open and close action make it quick and easy to put on or take off, especially handy in a sudden rain shower.
Convenient storage: Folds into handy, compact travel bag for lightweight portability.

I bought my UPPAbaby 3-in-1 Infant Car Seat Shade at Buy Buy Baby. It was $19.99 and I used a 20% off coupon. What a bargain!

Entertain Me, Mommy!

Safe-T-Swim is a year round swimming school with ten locations on Long Island, NY. They offer swim lessons for infants, children, adults and seniors. There are many different programs including individual lessons, small group lessons, mommy and me classes, hydro-aerobics for adults and you can even have your child's birthday party at Safe-T-Swim. Call 1.866.SAFE.SWIM to speak with one of their knowledgeable employees. I was able to enroll my son in individual swim lessons at 2 months of age and up until he was 6 months old, the weekly lessons were free!

Get Rewarded!

Huggies has recently implemented a reward program for all of their products that we so frequently buy. Sign up at http://www.enjoytheriderewards.com/ Find the codes inside participating Huggies brand products and enter them into your account for points. Unlike any other reward program of its type, the Enjoy the Ride Rewards Program allows you to watch videos, answer poll questions, and browse select websites to earn points. They are constantly updating their polls, videos and websites so if you stay on top of it and check in often, you can earn many points without ever buying a single diaper or wipe! Not only can you spend your points in their rewards catalog, but you can also enter sweepstakes with them, donate your points to worthy causes, play games with them. I've bought a few packages of diapers and between those points and the points that I've earned through taking polls and watching videos, I've already earned enough points for a large package of Huggies diapers at no cost to me! Can't beat that! To get you started enter these two codes worth 5 points each.

PQKXBRXMDTBWPGB
BFCWDQLZKNPMPGB

Happy collecting!

Celebrity Mom Quotes

Faith Hill -
"There's no secret when it comes to juggling this career and motherhood. At the end of the day, I just throw my feet up on the couch and say, 'God, that was a long day! But somehow it all worked.' There are days when everyone is fussy, fighting and late. Gracie has long hair, and sometimes it's such a fight to brush it in the morning and get her ready for school. But I think about the days when she'll be too big and tall. She won't ever let me brush her hair then, so I enjoy the little moments now even though they're not perfect." (What They Know About Parenting, Jill Kramer)

Picture Worthy Events

While many mother's of newborns were going to ridiculously expensive private photography studios for their precious little one's newborn photo shoot, I was flipping through magazines to find coupons for reasonably priced photography chain stores. What I found would amaze you! Would you believe that I found packages for $7.99? Well believe it! I went to Sears when my son was a little over 8 weeks old and was able to capture my beautiful newborns sleeping face. The pictures came out great and with packages that start at $7.99, I can go back as often as I'd like!

Worth Every Penny!

As a new mom, you may be overwhelmed with all of the new baby items on the market right now. I'm amazed each time I walk down a baby aisle in a store. It seems that there is so much out there to make our lives easier. Every Wednesday I will be sharing my opinion on some of my favorite baby products that are worth every penny!

One of the first items I purchased as a new mom was the Fisher-Price My Little Lamb Infant Seat. Below is a description of the item.

So plush and comfy for your little lamb! Deluxe fabrics contour to baby for cuddly support of the head, neck and sides. Eight songs and calming vibrations make it even more soothing. But it engages baby, too, with the cute little jingle-bell lamb and mirror dome overhead. Requires three C batteries. Approx. 29" L x 23" W x 25" H. Maximum weight: 25 lbs. (11,3 kg) Developmental Guidelines: Use from birth until baby is able to sit upright unassisted. Better for Baby... Soothes: Soothing music helps calm baby and promotes a sense of security. Plush fabrics enhance baby’s sense of security by providing comfort. Engages: Seeing baby’s own reflection and other objects in mirror stimulates baby’s visual sense. Rich fabrics and textures stimulate baby’s tactile sense. Better for Mom... Toy arm easily pops out for access to baby. Folds completely flat for portability. Machine-washable pad.

Not only is it adorable to look at but it has been my saving grace on many otherwise sleepless nights. My son sleeps so well in it and he loves to rub his face on the extra soft material. It's easy to bring with me anywhere and if it gets a little dirty, I just throw it in the washer and it comes out looking brand new. I would highly recommend this to anyone that has a newborn or will be bringing one home soon.

Entertain Me, Mommy!

After three months of staying in the house with a newborn, I was ready to get out and start enjoying motherhood with other moms! Due to the fact that my son was still so young, I didn't feel comfortable paying money for a "Mommy and Me" class that he may not enjoy, so I did the next best thing...I started researching free "Mommy and Me" classes. Every Tuesday I plan on highlighting something to do with your new child that will not cost much money.

The first class I found was at my local library. I enrolled in a "Baby and Me" class and it was fabulous! We sang songs to our babies, read stories to our babies and played with toys to make music with our babies. It was thirty-minutes of pure bonding with my baby boy with absolutely no distractions. I signed up immediately for the next class. What I've found since then is that many neighboring libraries allow out-of-district residents to be put on a wait list for baby classes. Between my library and neighboring libraries, we've been busy once a week for the past six months with free classes at local libraries!

Get Rewarded!

Why not get rewarded for the endless amount of diapers that you buy? Pampers has a well established rewards program called the Gifts to Grow Program. All you have to do is find the code inside each package of Pampers. Once you have the code, create an account at Pampers.com and enter in the code. Collect and save your points or use them as soon as you have enough for the reward that you would enjoy. When my son was six months old, I had established enough points to subscribe to one year of Parents magazine which was wonderful! When you create your Pampers Gifts to Grow account, enter FacebookMay2010 to add 10 points to your account.

Time to Think Like a Mommy

As a new mom, it's so easy for me to say that I'd like to give my child the same exact upbringing that I was given but unfortunately, times have changed. Stay at home moms aren't as common today as they were thirty years ago. We love our children just as much as moms did back then but we want to give them so much more than we had. I would do anything for my son regardless of the cost but am I willing to get into debt over a designer baby bag or a stroller that costs more than my honeymoon did? NO WAY! I'm here to share with you the way a new mommy thinks so that we can have it all! My thinking is, if I can save some money on the cost of raising a child, I can still get a pedicure once in a while and not feel guilty about it!