5/26/11: Juice in the City in Boston - Save Locally

Do you love deals? Of course you do. Believe me I am the first one to brag if I spend a small amount on something, never if I spend a lot on something. Lately I have been watching the show Extreme Couponing and love it. I also love to share Local Deals and Discount Codes with friends and family.

Well I need to share a great company named Juice in the City with you.  I talked about them before in my Bloggy Boot Camp Post.

Juice in the City is looking for moms in Brookline/Newton/North End and Beacon Hill to become Local Business Consultants. A LBC knows the local community, the local hot spots, the places to go and has ties to local vendors. The whole point of Juice in the City is to attract moms within their area participate more with their surroundings, get them out of the house and go have fun! LOCAL businesses are preferred as opposed to chains, rarely do we ever source deals for companies like Starbucks or Target. We know spending money in the community means the money STAYS in the community.

Do you want to work at a home based career and spend more time with your family? Do you want to make your own hours? Do you want to support local businesses in your community? Interested in joining a community of smart, fun women?

Then go ahead and apply to be a Local Business Consultant here.

Here are some other things you can do....

Like them on Facebook

Follow @jitcboston on Twitter

Some information on Juice in the City:Check out this video on how Juice in the City first got started here.

For another article that does a good job of describing everything from beginning to end, check out the article done by the Patch

History on Juice in the City:

Juice in the City was founded by two moms on Mother's Day in 2010. It's a unique deals site that supports local businesses while providing benefits to local moms. Our team is made up of moms who source deals based on their personal experience versus companies who hire teams that have never set foot in the businesses they represent. We believe in supporting the local economy while at the same time, empowering moms!

As co-founder of the daily deal website JuiceInTheCity.com, Eisner is one of the most successful stay-at-home moms around. Now, with 11 markets up and running across the country, Eisner employs more than 150 people to source local deals for Juice in the City—and every single one of them is a stay-at-home mom, like her.  ”We are basically deals, done by and for moms,” Eisner explained. “We do not feature any businesses that local sales moms have not tried, personally. So, the moms source the deals themselves.”

In other words, Juice in the City features deals on the best local businesses in 11 markets across several states that are targeted toward moms. Think coffee shops, boutiques, summer camps, tickets to children’s shows, yarn stores, spas and more—all mom-tested and pre-approved, and all signed on by stay-at-home moms, whom Eisner calls her “local business consultants.” You know this is right up my alley as I love to share discount codes with you. They pay a generous guaranteed commission of $100 to $200 per each sourced deal with a chance to earn even more money.

  

So what do you have to lose?  Sign up to be a Local Business Consultant now.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I’ll receive compensation as a thank you for posting about the Juice in the City however all opinions are mine.

5/22/11: Evan's 6th Birthday at our Sports Arena

Evan decided this year he would like to have a Sports party.  What a great idea from Evan.  He loves playing sports so everyone could have a lot of fun playing whatever they wanted to.  We set up our yard with all the sports.  There was Basketball, Hockey and Baseball in the front yard.  A Soccer Field on the side yard.  Badminton and a Bounce House in the backyard.  The kids had so much fun!

We had fabulous parties the last two years at the Fire Station, but it was time for a change.  Here are the kids playing Basketball, Evan got it in.  You can see it coming out the bottom of the hoop.

Bounce house fun!

Baseball.

Soccer.

The cake set up inside.

Time for cake! It was very sad cutting up the poor Bear.

Here are all of Evan's 6th Birthday Formal Photos.  We take the kids every year on their Birthday to have their pictures taken.

Pictures from the party.

5/23/11: Summer Camp at GymStreet USA - Still time to save

You saw my earlier post about GymStreet USA and all the great activities they have in the upcoming session, and Spring camp, but I wanted to share information about Summer Camp too.  I have heard nothing but glowing reviews from friends that have had their children go to camp here.  In addition, Evan will be attending their Camps this summer and is eagerly awaiting the themed days.  He is especially looking forward to the day that Fire Trucks and other vehicles come in and to Martial Arts days.  Here is the calendar of camp theme days.  Also feel free to check out my other GymStreet USA posts.

June 23rd - September 2nd 7:30am – 5:30pm

GymStreet Members - Pay in Full by June 1st

and receive 10% off

CAMP IS ACTION PACKED

Parents check this out...

 They have the LOWEST CAMP RATES in the area - I know I compared

 You can create YOUR OWN schedule

 The security of knowing your children are not taken off site.

 Option to buy lunch your kids will love ($5.00)

Kid Friendly Lunch Menu including Chicken Nuggets, Grilled Cheese, Soup, Pizza, Hot Dog, or Mac and Cheese  Lunch includes:  Chips, fresh fruit and drink

Campers will have a blast doing

 Instructional Gymnastics

 Tumble Track and Trampoline Time

 Instructional Martial Arts

 Rope and Bar swinging

 Swimming in our foam block pool

 Free play in our huge Inflatable Room

 Movie every afternoon on our huge Movie Wall with surround sound!

 Parachute Games

 Relay Race Games

 Organized Sports:  (Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Volleyball, Scooter Hockey and Kickball)

 And so much more…….

Check out their Daily Itinerary

7:30 - 9:00 Supervised play in gym

9:00 – 12:00 Themed Event and Games

10:00-10:30 Snack Time (must bring your own)

12:00-12:30 Lunch Time (bring or buy)

12:30 - 1:00 Craft/Free time

1:00 - 2:00 Gymnastics rotations

2:00 - 2:30 Snack time (must bring your own)

2:30 -4:00 Various activities

4:00 - 5:30 Movie

Inflatable Time Varies

***Daily Schedule is subject to change***

Price Per Week:
Half Day - up to 4 hours
Full Day - up to 8 hours
Full Day Extended - 8 hours or more
1 Day  Half Day - $35.00, Full Day - $50.00, Full Day Extended - $60.00
2 Days Half Day - $60.00, Full Day - $90.00, Full Day Extended - $115.00
3 Days Half Day - $80.00, Full Day - $125.00, Full Day Extended - $160.00
4 Days Half Day - $95.00, Full Day - $150.00, Full Day Extended - $195.00
5 Days Half Day - $105.00, Full Day - $170.00, Full Day Extended - $220.00
Please Note: Full Payment is due at the time of registration. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Check or Cash. Day per Week Pricing is only eligible on Weekly prepaid registrations. On vacation weeks additional added days are subject to the one day rate. We welcome walk-ins the day of camp however, it is subject to an additional $10.00 fee.

Space is limited so call today to reserve your spot!

978-694-9678 

http://gymstreetusa.com/camps.htm

Disclosure: I receive a free month of my daughter's Gymnastics in exchange for posts for GymStreet USA.

5/20/11: Lauren's Field Trip to the Franklin Park Zoo

We had a wonderful Field Trip today to the Franlin Park Zoo.  We always have fun there, and today was no exception, and the rain held out which was great!  Lauren loves to ride on the bus like a big kid.  I think that was one of the highlights of the trip.  We thought the Gorilla was posing for us.

 

And of course you have to do the picture in the Sign.

Lauren with her teacher and her best buddy at school.  They were super cute and sat together on the bus and held hands during the day.

Lauren's favorite part was when the Lion roared.  It was cool seeing him awake, as he never usually is.

Sitting on some of the cool stuff.  Looking cute in this one.

 On the tractor.

 And with the model pose.

And of course the Zebras are always cool.

What a fun day!

5/19/2011: Invisalign, What a Wonderful Alternative to Metal Braces

Did you have braces as I kid?  I know I did, with head gear, and elastics.  The joys of having a "metal mouth".  When I got mine they had the clear braces, which is what I had, but I still had the metal wires.  Teens and Adults needing braces now are so lucky to have a new option like Invisalign (also known as "clear or invisible braces").

There are so many benefits to this clear alternative to metal braces.  For me eating certain foods was always a problem, and being worried that something was stuck in my braces.  The fact that you take Invisalign out while you eat and brush is fantastic.  I also remember breaking braces off when I would eat something and using a water pik after brushing. 

Some benefits...• Invisalign can effectively treat many of the same conditions that used to only require metal braces.

• Invisalign works the same way metal braces do which is moving teeth by applying pressure over time.

• Invisalign has been enhanced even further with the introduction of Invisalign® G3 earlier this year, the most significant collection of new features and technology innovations in the company’s history. This new generation of Invisalign clear braces for both adults and teens, takes treatment capabilities to the highest level yet, making it possible for orthodontists to treat some of the most complex cases - previously only achieved with metal braces.

• The arrival of Invisalign G3 makes it easier for orthodontists/dentists to treat people with complex cases so they can enjoy the benefits of straightening their teeth without the discomfort and embarrassment often associated with metal (or fixed) braces. Such complex cases include: severe misalignment, overbite, underbite, and crossbites.

• In addition to the aesthetic, emotional and convenience benefits of Invisalign, the functional benefits are hard to argue: easy to maintain good oral hygiene, they are comfortable, affordable and safe for active lifestyles.

• Invisalign is not only great for adults with whom metal is not an option, but Invisalign now has a product specifically developed for teen patients.

Invisalign is great for Adults or Teens.  When it comes to a decision as important as straightening your child’s teeth, it’s good to know you now have options. Teens now have a modern choice for straightening their teeth. No more wires and brackets required – Invisalign Teen, a series of removable and virtually invisible aligners that gradually move teeth over time to help your teen achieve a great smile and proper bite, is the clear alternative to metal braces.

It was developed with leading orthodontists who understand the unique treatment and compliance needs of teens as well as their active lifestyles.  One question I had when I met an Invisalign Rep at Bloggy Boot Camp was "how will I know if my child is wearing them when away from me?".  What I learned is that there are compliance indicators located on the upper aligner can estimate the approximate amount of time your teen spends wearing the product. The indicators are designed to fade from blue to clear as a gauge of approximate wear time, so you can ensure your child’s compliance easily 

 Invisalign Teen treatment is ideal for busy parents because there are never any emergency appointments caused by broken wires or brackets. And you spend less time at the orthodontist’s office, with fewer appointments and less chair time for uncomfortable tightenings.

There are many benefits to Invisalign Teen treatment for teens as well:
• It gives teens a great smile—Invisalign Teen helps your teen feel confident in their smile and themselves.
• It fits teens’ busy lives—the aligners are comfortable and durable, so it’s easy for teens to continue their favorite activities such as playing sports and musical instruments that can be challenging or uncomfortable with traditional metal braces.
• It’s clear—no metal braces so treatment is inconspicuous, making it easier for teens to “fit in” rather than call attention to their treatment.
• It’s removable—teens take the aligners out to brush and floss so they can maintain normal, healthy hygiene during treatment and they can eat what they want.
• It’s more comfortable than traditional braces—Invisalign Teen aligners are made of lightweight plastic that is custom

Did you know... There are more than 1.5 million Invisalign cases in treatment or completed and the company enjoys a 96% customer satisfaction rate.

If you have kids that are in need of braces, this is the way to go.  I know I have already found out that my 5 year old will need them at some point due to crowding in his bottom teeth.  I will be looking in to Invisalign for him when needed. 

Are you an adult in need of braces?  Go here and take the Self Assessment if Invisalign is right for you.

Disclosure:  I was given an Amazon Gift card in exchange for this review, the opinions are my own. 

5/17/11: Rewards r Us or False Promises r Us?

As a blogger generally I am sharing wonderful products, services or places to take your family.  Today I would like to tell you where not to go.  I have had my Toys r Us Rewards card since 2008, and I have yet to receive any "Rewards" I can use.  The worst was what happened this past Christmas.  There was a special "biggest rewards ever" where they gave you 10% back.  Of course I bought many toys there with a 3 and 5 year old, so my rewards were stacking up. 

 I waited after Christmas and never received anything in the mail or email about my Rewards.  Finally I logged in to my account (which I don't generally do).  I saw that I had $40 in Rewards that were expired!  How could this be?  I was never notified. 

 I called right away and they explained they sent me an email.  I checked all my emails and never received anything.  I also checked the account listed online and it was my email.  What I found out today is that a lot of these emails got routed to Junk by many people's email servers.  Even a Manager at a Toys R Us just told me his was routed to Junk, but he knew to look for it.  Long story short after a discussion with their 1-800 number and going in and talking to a manager, nothing changed.  I then searched online and found a Facebook Page dedicated to this scam, and several posts online about my same complaint.

My husband also was given a "gift card" around Christmas for buying Wii games.  It was $40.  We went to use it yesterday and realized it had expired one month after it was given to him.  Because it was a gift card, he never thought it would expire that quickly.  All the associate said to him is that it wouldn't activate for 6 hours, nothing about the expiration.  Another thing TRU says they can do nothing about.

I will be shopping at Amazon, Target and other Toy retailers going forward.  The Manager I spoke to today said there was nothing that could be done about the gift card as it was a pomotion, and my Rewards points were expired too long.  He offered me 10% off my last purchase of $40 which is laughable.  $4 does not compare to $80 I lost.  Some people mentioned calling the Better Business Bureau.  That will be my next step.

5/12/11: Happy Mother's Day to Me!

We had a wonderful Mother's Day.  Here I am with all my babies (ok, they are not babies any more but always will be to me).  Fred the dog was adorable.  He was standing to the side and I said come on Fred, do you want to be in the picture and he walked right over.  Considering he was my first baby he should be in the picture.

 All the lovely homemade gifts the kids made me.  They were all so beautiful.  Evan wrote a little book in which he said "My Mother is nice", "My Mother gives good hugs", "My Mother is good at games", and a few more.  Super cute!

 The balloon the kids got me.

 And the flowers they picked out for me.  John also got me flowers.  They are all so beautiful!  And my parents got me a gift card for a massage which is much needed.

What a great Mother's Day! 

5/16/11: A Fun Griswold Family Road Trip

We love to take roadtrips.  One we have taken twice is to Sunset Beach in North Carolina.  Here are some blog posts about it.  And yes that is a real Tiger.

We have a great time at the beach there.

And we have a ton of kids there.

Of course on a family road trip you need snacks.  My kids know that I love Twizzlers.  At Halloween they will make sure to pick Twizzlers at some of the houses to give them to me.

 In fact when I started at my current company my husband and I went to BJs and he bought me a big tub of Twizzlers thinking it would help me make friends at work as co-workers would stop by to grab one.  It worked.

 By going to the Twizzlers web page you can win instantly every day!  ENTER DAILY for a chance to win a GPS Unit, a digital camera, National Parks Guidebooks

- OR -

Win the GRAND PRIZE - a vacation to your favorite American Landmark!

Daily entry runs from 5/15/11 - 9/4/11! 

There are also Traveling Families a.k.a. Ten families, a.k.a. the TWIZZLERS Traveling Families, will embark on the ultimate family road trip this summer to celebrate the TWIZZLERS LANDMARK SUMMER promotion. From Rhode Island to Seattle, the families will pass along a TWIZZLERS -inspired vehicle as they visit U.S. landmarks along the way. Follow their travels here!
Where are you heading this summer and what snacks will you be bringing with you?  Comment and let me know.

Disclosure: I am entering a contest for a Twizzlers Landmark Summer promotion prize pack as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club with this post.

5/11/11: Wordless Wednesday - Waiting for Spring To Go Do This!

Why is is still so flippin cold here in Boston, we need time at the park!!!!!

UGGHHHH!!!!

5/10/11: FREE CD for my Blog Readers to Start a Preschool

Everyone knows how important Preschool is to children and how it helps with the adjustment to Kindergarten.  I know my kids went for two years and it really benefited them. 

Have you ever wanted to start your own Preschool in your home?   Well there is a great program for preschoolers, and thought you'd love to hear about it because it can also help you earn some extra money and there is nothing to lose as this is a FREE CD!

I just finished listening to this FREE CD from Joy Anderson where she tells you all her secrets about how to START A PRESCHOOL (not a daycare) in your home!

http://www.startapreschool.com/blog/evanandlauren

Here's the best part!

She wants everyone to know about this great option, so she's giving all our blog readers a copy of her FREE CD too! Go grab yours now! Click the link below to go get it:

So why is she giving out all these FREE CDs?

Well, 3 years ago she was a single mom and had to find a way to create a full-time income at home or be forced to go to work and put her kids in daycare! Everyone told her to start a daycare, but she knew she'd be exhausted after the long 12 hour days!

Then she stumbled upon the idea of starting a preschool (teaching preschool classes for just a few hours each day to children ages 3-5) and within 30 days, she made enough to keep her kids out of daycare... and keep her at home with them!

Over the past 3 years, she's taught over a thousand men and women how to start their own preschools. "But that's not enough," Joy told me, "because I know there are still thousands more women in the world feeling hopeless about their financial situation. NO woman should feel that their only options are to get a job and put their kids in daycare, or to start a daycare themselves. There IS another option--perhaps a better option for some women--and I'm here to share it with the world!"

So grab your FREE CD right now to find out how starting a preschool can bless your family's life! (And feel free to forward this link to anyone you think might benefit from it!)

http://www.startapreschool.com/blog/evanandlauren