The Little Things That Make Life Easier

You know those articles. The ones that spotlight products that makes a mom’s life easier, like $800 diaper bags and $2,500 strollers.
 
Mommy don’t play that.
 
Mommy’s on a budget and knows that many of her mommy friends are as well.
 
So I decided to ask a few moms about relatively affordable items they just can’t live without, whether it’s something that makes juggling the schedules of three kids easier or something to take the edge off after a day of deadlines and Dora.
 
Here are just a few of the things I need to survive:
 
  • RetailMeNot.com – I’m a coupon clipper. Unfortunately, I’m not a coupon organizer. RetailMeNot makes it easy. Now, before I go shopping, whether online or off, I check out the site for immediate discounts on oil changes, baby supplies, anything! I even use it for work to save on supplies and printing. You’re welcome, work!
  • Pandora – Now I like St. Louis radio, especially talk radio on my long commute, but when I have a craving for a particular artist or genre, Pandora is my friend. I can pretend I’m still on top of the latest music while I’m changing diapers and cleaning up baby puke.
  • The Piggy Story’s ArtFolio – The best money I’ve spent on a “toy.” The ArtFolio features 12 crayons and a coloring pad in a stow-and-go Velcro and fabric pouch - ideal to calm a toddler on the brink from descending into temper tantrum madness. Best of all, the crayons stay perfectly organized, and I can throw the folio in my purse.
 
Some other moms had great ideas as well. For my tech-savvy friends, the right technology keeps them organized and able to multi-task. Leanne and Cassie, for instance, swear by the Google Calendar. Said Cassie, “I have about six Google Calendars synced to my iPhone that allow me to keep track of my work, the family schedule, my senior colleague’s appointments, our wedding schedule, and one other vendor who uses our office space for meetings.”
 
Natalie remarked, “Definitely TiVo (I concur – what evil person put Glee on at the same time as Modern Family?) and iPod Touch. I use my iPod touch to check emails and can use Skype on it while working out.”
 
Erica is a fan of the Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat. “This seat rocks! It has an adjustable height and a tray that cleans up super easy. My son loves sitting there too. And it doubles as a safe place to put him so I can take a shower. I just bring the kitchen chair into the bathroom and either give him some puffs or a few toys. Then we play peek-a-boo.”
 
So my question is to you – as a mom, what is something you can’t live without? A great pair of heels that are as comfortable as tennis shoes? An awesome foundation that masks a sleepless night due to Junior’s teething? Or even just a great bottle of wine that doesn’t break the bank? Let me know! I’m always looking for great ideas from other moms!

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Friday, May 24 - Monday, May 27
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Kids will have a blast and burn lots of energy at Open Bounce Night.

Today's Featured Camp

Fazio’s Rock Academy

Fazio’s Rock Academy is the summer destination for the aspiring rock star in your life! Campers attend one-week or two-week sessions (8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. daily) where they form a real band, choose a band name, write their own music, pose for a photo shoot and conclude with a live concert with special guest appearances by professional rock artists! Fazio's Rock Academy is for Guitarists, Vocalists, Bassists and Keyboardists between the ages of 9-17 years.

Two sessions are offered: July 15-19; and July 22-26. Each session is $399, which includes print music and a t-shirt. Ask about a discounted rate for two-week enrollment.

Go to the Summer Camp Guide

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