Published on Sunday, November 27, 2011 by caryn
After surviving Black Friday and scoring some great deals, Cyber Monday is just around the corner for those who prefer to avoid the crowds and shop from the comfort of their own home. Â I still have some shopping to do, so I'll likely spend some time exploring some of my favorite sites, particularly for the kids since most of my shopping is geared towards them.
Ele... Read More »
Published on Sunday, November 27, 2011 by caryn
I am the girl that has never paid interests fee for purchases I've made on our credit card. Ever. While I use my credit card for everything from a latte to a laptop, I never make a purchase unless I know that I can pay it off when the bill comes.
While I prefer to shop year-round for the holidays, snagging deals on gift ideas as I find them, I still manage to spend... Read More »
Published on Sunday, November 27, 2011 by caryn
If you missed Black Friday (intentionally or unintentionally), Cyber Monday will prove to have competitive sales. Â The best thing about Cyber Monday is shopping from my PJs while avoiding the crowds and lines.
At Totsy, you'll already save up to 90% off the retail prices of boutique and specialty brands for moms and tots. And through Tuesday, November 29th at 9 am... Read More »
Published on Saturday, November 26, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is alycep. Congrats!
One of the things I enjoy about the holiday season is the opportunity to bake. Â My favorite recipes include anything with pumpkin, gingerbread, eggnog, and apple spice! Â But we all know that there is a tendency to put on some weight around the holidays. Â Even those with ultimate ... Read More »
Published on Saturday, November 26, 2011 by caryn
'Tis the season for family-friendly films! Â Another one of my favorite things about the holidays are all the films that come out around this time.
Last week, Warner Brothers released  Happy Feet Two in 3D, the adorable sequel to the original.  Set in Antarctica, the film chronicles the story of Mumble the Penguin and his son Erik, who is afraid to dance.  When ... Read More »
Published on Friday, November 25, 2011 by caryn
Whew! I made it through Black Friday! Did you shop yesterday?
'Tis the season to be shopping, where sales, discounts, coupons, and promotions abound. It's also the season of giving. If you're already shopping this season, why not make those purchases count towards a great cause?
For those who have school-aged children, you're likely familiar with Box Tops for Educ... Read More »
Published on Thursday, November 24, 2011 by caryn
Of all the theatrical film releases I've anticipated this year, The Muppets tops the list. Unlike most films, there is a bit of history with The Muppets. I remember enjoying the show and films as a young girl with my father, who had a sincere appreciation for the comical and lighthearted aspects of life, and knew that watching The Muppets for the first time without... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 by caryn
There are so many things about this time of year that I look forward to...like holiday coffee drinks, the smell of spices, pumpkin everything, eggnog, hot apple cider, Disneyland's magical holiday transformation, gingerbread, boots (especially my UGG boots), baking on a cold, rainy day, and snuggling up with my family for movie nights.
ABC Family is once again coun... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 by caryn
For the first time in many years, my husband and I will venture to prepare most of our family's Thanksgiving meal. Â Our family doesn't follow tradition, so this year, we've incorporated some deliciously gourmet flavors like pomegranate and fennel into our menu. Â Endeavoring to make the turkey has me a bit nervous, but with the help of my husband and some guidance fr... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 by caryn
Did you know that people have been camped out at stores across the country in anticipation of scoring some amazing deals this Black Friday? Having not shopped the Black Friday sales in years, I'm getting more and more excited about getting my holiday shopping started early and hopefully scoring some amazing deals.
One of the very first places I'll head to is The S... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 by caryn
Will you be braving the stores this Black Friday or avoiding the crowds and rush by shopping online? I'll likely venture to do both, saving most of my online shopping for Cyber Monday. However, there are a TON of Totsy sales scheduled to open up in the next few days that I'll definitely be shopping.
Here is a brief recap of what you can expect this Black Friday on ... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 by caryn
It's the busiest in-store shopping day of the year, and tomorrow, I'll shop on Black Friday for the first time in years. Â With friends and family members to shop for, I've made a plan in hopes of navigating the crowds, snagging the best deals, all while maintaining my sanity. Â Here are my tips for shopping on Black Friday!
1. Do your homework. I've been subscribe... Read More »
Published on Monday, November 21, 2011 by caryn
Thanksgiving with my husband's family is a tradition, but with everything that has happened within my own family, we felt it would be best to stick close to home. Before my husband and I knew each other, Black Friday shopping with my mom was a tradition...a staple...a must! Once we started spending Thanksgiving in the Southeast, shopping lost some of it's appeal.Â... Read More »
Published on Monday, November 21, 2011 by caryn
In the past, my appliance research and shopping efforts were focused on efficiency, functionality and cost. After 2 months with Whirlpool's Laundry Duet Pair, I've come to appreciate the importance and usefulness of investing in appliances that incorporate innovation and technology.
I'll be completely honest...I don't know that I would have sought out machines wi... Read More »
Published on Monday, November 21, 2011 by caryn
In our highly technical world of email exchanges, text messages, Skype, and various social media channels, I still prefer the traditional phone conversation in most instances. I could spend hours talking to friends and family members and find it to be the most personable way to interact. At this stage of my life, I don't have endless hours to talk to friends and fam... Read More »
Published on Sunday, November 20, 2011 by caryn
[caption id="attachment_28305" align="aligncenter" width="329" caption="Photo Credit: Epicurious"][/caption]
With Thanksgiving less than one week away, it's time to plan the menu and start shopping. Since we won't be traveling this holiday season, my husband and I brainstormed to come up with a gourmet menu that still retains some of the traditional f... Read More »
Published on Sunday, November 20, 2011 by caryn
Instead of jet-setting and relaxing with my husband's family, this year we'll be busy prepping and cooking a majority of my own family's Thanksgiving meal. I've been browsing the internet for recipes, tips, how-to guides, and more so that we're prepared for the endeavor.
Have you checked out the recipes, and decorating/entertaining tips on Vons' Holiday Inspirations... Read More »
Published on Saturday, November 19, 2011 by caryn
[caption id="attachment_28302" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="Photo Credit: Bring It On: The Musical"][/caption]
Drawing inspiration from the film by the same title, Bring It On: The Musical combines comedy, gravity-defying choreography, and a compelling story about the thrilling world of competitive cheerleading.
After premiering in Atlant... Read More »
Published on Friday, November 18, 2011 by caryn
It's not uncommon to put off going to the dentist for cleanings and preventive care when there doesn't seem to be an urgent concern. However, inattention to oral care, over time, can lead to subsequent health problems. And since a person's teeth and smile are integral to their appearance and self-esteem, it's vital that those preventive dental screenings not be negl... Read More »
Published on Thursday, November 17, 2011 by caryn
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="216" caption="Photo Credit: Ashley Tisdale"][/caption]
Do you text? Do you text more than you talk? Sometimes, it's so much more convenient to send a quick text to my husband asking him to pick up a few things from the grocery store or to let him know I'm out late with the kids. Last month, I had an opportunity to talk... Read More »