Couponing Made Easy

This post is a spaid ponsored post through MomAffiliate however all thoughts and opionions are valid and 100% mine.

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I was always one of those people that thought i didn't have enough time to coupon and then we moved into a house and everything changed.

When we were purchasing our very big and expensive couch (that we instantly fell in love with because it was so big and comfortable and could fit a whole basketball team on there), i was GLAD to come across a 15% coupon that made the whole purchase so much more affordable.  And now when i sit on my couch (which is everyday), i am so very thankful i came across that coupon.

Therefore, i was more than happy to share about this new coupon website i came across called Anna Coupons.   Their website makes it easy to look and find coupons in all different categories.  And when i say categories, they have all sorts including: airlines, accessories, department stores, daily deals, home and garden, music, personal care, restaurants, travel...literally they have everything from A-Z. 

The coupons are easy to access and print.  And they are current which is helpful because there is nothing more annoying than finding a coupon and realizing it is expired.

I know there are many other coupon websites out there but i would give Anna Coupons a try next time you are looking to find some easy coupons to use to make your next shopping trip easier and fun. 

We all LOVE to shop but shopping is so much better with a coupon don't you think?

Driving Quirks

Hope you all enjoyed your Memorial Day Weekend...mine could have been better because i spent too much time working but that's life sometimes.  We managed to enjoy some of Monday as a family.

The other day I was thinking of my future internet property (aka: domain name) and I am still trying to figure it all out...including name, purpose of the blog, design and layout and so on and so forth....and one of the things i thought about was "how random I can be" and that will most likely be part of my blog hence this post.

I was thinking about my driving habits and quirks (the last couple of days I have driven many miles) and thought it would be fun to share them.

1.  I CANNOT drive without shoes.  I tried and driving is just impossible to me.  I don't know why it is but it just feels like you should wear shoes while driving.  Maybe if i had to do it....i could but it would take some getting used to.

2.  I can listen to talk radio over and over again.  I don't even think i listen to mainstream radio and i couldn't name a current song...sad but true.  But i could probably repeat the local news/traffic and sports back to you all day long.

3.  I do not drive behind any trucks with things attached to it and that includes trucks with cars, steel metal, with animals...anything that has the potential of falling out of the truck scares the heebeegeebees out of me.

4. I usually drive with my left hand on the wheel and right hand on my lap....for some reason i don't like driving with both hands unless i am trying to pass a truck (see above).

These are probably NOT that bad of driving quirks but i thought they were interesting and had to share them on my blog plus there is this series that i want to participate in about sharing things on this blog that will allow my child to get to know me more.

Now it's your turn....

Question of the Day:

What are some of your driving quirks?

Source: Uploaded by user via Carol on Pinterest

Random (Praise) Monday

Source: coffeeandcarrotjuice.wordpress.com via cindy/greenlitwins on Pinterest

The radio station i listen to in the mornings was doing a Praise Monday

 and thought it would be fun to extend it on my blog.  Some Mondays 

are rougher than others so it might

 be nice to start of this Monday on a high note!!!

So here goes, I am praising and thankful for:

1. My family of three and extended family.  I am truly blessed to have a family 

that is happy and thoughtful of each other.  

And my Baby Pancakes who is becoming a little boy right before my eyes. 

 No one could have prepared me for how quickly he is growing up.

2. My husband who is just fantastic....'nuff said!

3. Disney has come to it's senses and will be leaving Merida alone.  

She will be a Princess in her own right...frizzy hair and all!!

4. Blogger Friends--old and new.  I miss reading your blogs on a regular basis 

but I am catching up when i can.

5. I have two weeks left until I am off for three weeks until Summer School begins...

my life is soooooooo good!!!

6. God who is so faithful even when I am not.

7.  The Voice begins again tonight and with it comes Josiah Hawley...

he is married...i am married...so we can only look!!

Question of the Day:

What are you thankful for this Monday?

Source: tv.yahoo.com via Grace on Pinterest

Buying a Domain Name...

Source: nuavasolutions.com via Nuava Solutions on Pinterest

I am ready to own a bigger piece of real estate online. 

 I want to purchase my own domain name.  

This decision i take very seriously because I feel like unlike blogspot...

having a domain name is going that extra step in establishing myself online.

  At least that's what i think anyway. 

 I thought about sticking with blogspot and sprucing it up but the design and layout I want, 

you have to have a domain name. 
And of course since I don't know ANYTHING about web design and codes and all that jazz....
I am going to need someone to help me with this process. 

 I am going to take the summer and be thoughtful about this next step

 in my blog experience and do it right.  

The worst thing about having a domain name is changing it soon as you get it.  

Real estate online isn't that easy to come by at least with the right address...

it can be taken up before you know it. 

Which brings me to this post...I am asking for help.

1. Can you think of any awesome blog names I can use?
2. And can you suggest a blog designer I can use (i am on a budget too)?
3. Or can you offer your services (for a small but awesome fee)?
4. Do you have a domain name and was it a great decision?

Shame on Disney or Shame on Us???

I saw this last week and thought i would share it and get a little discussion going.

Merida, the character from the movie "Brave" will be the new Disney Princess.  And the character in the movie was average size however Disney has decided in order to make her more marketable (i am assuming) has decided to make her thinner with eyes more wider and less frizzy hair.  

Really....even Cartoon Characters get makeovers?

I think this is definitely a sad commentary on our Society and what we value...not the strong female character but the skinny pretty one.  To say I am surprised with Disney would be lying because I am not...this is done everyday around us.  Celebrities are scrutinized for being too chubby while pregnant (Kim Kardashian) when they are a regular size.  Female Athletes are poked fun at for being too muscular (Serena Williams). Models are too fat when they are a normal size (Kate Upton).  

We admire our first lady not just because she is a smart lady but because she has "guns".  

The list goes on and on.  

It's almost expected for people on TV, in magazines and in our Society to be perfect and thin and flawless.  Therefore it doesn't surprise me that Disney would take it upon themselves to makeover their new inducted Princess.  It's all about the benjamins for these companies.  It's not about educating our children about true and real beauty.  That fall into our hands as parents.  The real sad truth is that most parents will go and buy the new Merida without raising an eyebrow.  And the idea that thin and flawless is what's acceptable.  After all, all the other Disney Princess are thin and flawless.

Although I say, Shame on Disney...it's more shame on us as a Society for accepting 

by buying what is marketed to us as real and true beauty.

Question of the Day:

 Has Disney gone too far? 

Or is this what we expect from such a mainstream company?

 Oh by the way, there is a petition by launched a petition on Change.org  

to convince Disney to leave Merida alone.  The letter on Change.org reads, in part:

The redesign of Merida in advance of her official induction to the Disney Princess collection does a tremendous disservice to the millions of children for whom Merida is an empowering role model who speaks to girls' capacity to be change agents in the world rather than just trophies to be admired. Moreover, by making her skinnier, sexier and more mature in appearance, you are sending a message to girls that the original, realistic, teenage-appearing version of Merida is inferior; that for girls and women to have value -- to be recognized as true princesses -- they must conform to a narrow definition of beauty.

Extra Ways to Make Money

Team Pancakes is determined to completely be debt free within the year.  

I have been debt free for over a year now however since we are married...my husband's debt is also my debt.  Therefore, we have decided to tackle the beast that is his student loans together and get raid of it!! The couple that fights debt together wins together!! 

We can't wait to have no debt payments and we can actually focus on building up our 8-months Emergency Fund and saving toward the house of our dreams!

So in an effort to make some extra to support this venture I thought i would compile this little list, 

which I hope helps you too.  

Source: housewife2hostess.blogspot.com via Mallory on Pinterest

1.  Blogging....it all demands on what types of affiliate programs you are using.  Some websites also allow you to do reviews if  you are interested in doing this (blogvertise and linkvehicle)

2.   Poshmark (like ebay and amazon) it's an awesome way to sell clothes, shoes and accessories you do not need or use.  Even Baby Pancakes has gotten into the action--he sold his first Baby Jordans which he never wore because his mama forgot to put it on him.

3. Glyde--sell your old iphones and other electronics including games.  I wish I had games to sell.  I am finding out that people will buy anything and everything you may NOT have a use for.

4. Get a Part-time job...which is how i paid off all my debts.  It can be something you do on the weekends or during the week.  Sometimes it's bothersome because you don't get to spend the extra time with your family but the pay off is so worth it in the long run. 

5. Save extra money for your monthly income....it's amazing how much extra money we spend during the month on nothing really important.  Having a budget for the month helps with finding extra money.

These are some ideas I have...can you think of any others

 that would be helpful for me and my fellow readers?

Good luck in saving some extra money this month...

it's amazing how much extra can be saved by following some or all of these steps.

Source: daveramsey.com via Dave Ramsey on Pinterest

Monday Randoms

1.  The weather is dreary and cold and just plain old nasty. 

 All i wanted to do today was crawl in bed and cuddle some more with Baby Pancakes. 

I want sun and sunshine, flowers and rainbows, warmth and comfort and everything cozy that summer brings.  But i don't have that so i dream and hope for this weather to pass and for summer to come.

Source: wisuella.tumblr.com via Marloes on Pinterest

2.  I am currently addicted to Candy Crush...it's such an awesome and fun game.

  BUT the fact that i suck at it and keep failing the levels is not fun at all. 

Plus when my lives run out i have to wait for it to replenish since i refuse to purchase lives.

 Who came up with that idea....paying to become more addicted games online. 

Crazy i tell you.

Source: Uploaded by user via Ash on Pinterest

3.  My Baby Pancakes has been taking steps. 

 One and two steps at a time and then he falls.  But little man is getting strength in his legs. 

 It's such an awesome thing to watch.  God is amazing in the way he does things. 

4. We had one of our friends come and visit this weekend from TN. 

And i always used to both Mr. Pancakes about finding other couples to be friends with. 

And i believe this couple is going to be that couple. 

You know the ones, both Mr. Pancakes and i get along with.  

The couple/family that we will take vacations with and plan fun activities with. 

 I am so glad they are who they are because it's so wonderful. 

 We are already planning our next family trip.

5. Mother's Day is coming up and I can't believe I will be part of that celebration this year.

  I can't wait until Baby Pancakes can make me fun and awesome drawings and colorings.

Those are the best kind of Mother's Day Gifts!!

6. And last but not least...Today is Monday and the Voice live shows begin. 

 So excited for the artists and that man below. 

Source: nbc.com via The Voice on Pinterest

Fashion & Food??

Good Tuesday Friends...whenever i find something funny or just plain weird...I usually leave it for Friday Funnies but I couldn't help myself today....i had to share it with you guys this rainy Tuesday.  Maybe i am also wishing it was Friday...

Anyway here goes....

Polish design company Mr.GUGU & Miss Go have added a tasty selection of food-inspired clothing to their funky line.  The brand, which says it creates clothes that encourage people to look "fresh, brave, original and self confident," is out with bold pieces printed with realistic pictures of mouth-watering food.

So here goes...feast your eyes:

I don't know about wearing my food...i prefer to eat it.

Question of the Day:

What about you....does food and fashion go from mouth to on your body?

Reason #1037 Why POTUS is Cool...

I am not sure what the White House Correspondents' Dinner is all about but they seem to have it every year it seems.  I don't usually pay attention but this weekend's dinner reminded me of why President Barack Obama is too cool....

He is a man, regardless of how powerful or well known he is in the world, knows how to make fun of himself.  And there is nothing more attractive and cool than a man who knows how to make fun of himself.
Through his words:

 "These days, I look in the mirror and I have to admit," Obama said. "I'm not the strapping young Muslim socialist I used to be."

 And then pictures...

Have an awesome Monday!!!1

This is the reason you could be stressed....

...At least according to the new Gallup-Healthway report.  

They interviewed 350,000 people throughout 2012 and they found that

if you are stressed out, it could be because of the state in which you live in.

Researchers also analyzed the link between feelings of stress and feelings of enjoyment, 

and found strong correlations.

Here are five most stressed out states:

1. West Virginia

2. Rhode Island

3. Kentucky

4. Utah

5. Massachusetts

The most-stressed states reported the lowest levels of enjoyment "yesterday."

Here are the five least stressed out states from 5-1:

5. Wyoming

4. Iowa

3. Mississippi

2. Louisinia

1. Hawaii

The least-stressed states also were the states reporting highest levels of enjoyment "yesterday,"

Which leaves me to think we need to make our 

"today's" more enjoyable so our "yesterdays" can be awesome!!

 

This was the picture attached to Hawaii...the least stressed out state.

Looking at this gorgeous view every day...i would be less stressed too!

Be kind to someone today so that tomorrow will be great for them!

If you can't move to Hawaii, at least enjoy the view!!!!

Prayers for Boston

If you have ever participated in a race, you know the atmosphere is 

filled with smiles and laughter throughout the crowd.  

Although you are about to embark on one of the most excruciating moments in your life....

you are also about to do something that is beyond this world.  

You can only know that feeling of sheer exhaustion and happiness that occurs during and after a race.  

So to have what happened at the Boston Marathon happen is just so tragic and despicable.  

That someone would think of taking away a moment in someone's life 

that they have worked so hard for is just unheard of.  

One of my friends put it perfectly that some human beings are "savages"! 

There is no other word to describe this nonsensical behavior in such a public way.

My heart and prayers go out to the three individuals that died, 

all those that were injured, the thousands that are emotionally 

scarred and the rest of America that has to be privy to the images and sights and sounds.  

One radio announcer asked an individual in the area 

during an interview to describe what they heard during the incident? 

And another incident on twitter indicated that a child running on

 behalf of Sandy Hook Elementary was one of the people presumed dead...

i hope that was not some cruel joke.

I would be peeved if people were sensationalizing the incident....

sometimes the Media and people do that with such tragic events.  

And that bothers me.  

But we do live in a sensationalized world unfortunately.

I don't even know how i would explain such 

senseless tragedy to my son when he is old enough to ask questions.

  And unfortunately there are too many of these events happening in our corner of the world.  

The only thing i could say to him is: 

"Let us pray son for the victims and those impacted by the tragedy. 

 Let us pray for a world where peace can exist.  

Where people do not have to harm others with guns, bombs, 

words and or any kind of weapon. 

 Let us pray for God's protection over this nation.

  Let us pray for kindness and happiness in everyone's hearts. 

Let us pray because sometimes that's all we can do."

 

 

Question of the Day:

What are you telling yourself this morning to find some comfort?

Embarrassing Pictures of Your Baby Should Not be online!!!!!

Good Morning Friends...

I am all for people posting pictures of their babies online....

Especially cute cuddly pictures of their babies...

because these babies will grow up someday and want to see the adorable pictures....

And online has become a way to document family pictures...

Kudos to those who share these precious moments 

but i don't think embarrassing pictures of your baby should be online?

I worry about others that put embarrassing 

pictures and videos of their children online.

Youtube has become the dumping ground for such videos

 and personally I am alarmed at parents that do this...

One video of your kid crying or having a temper tantrum may possibly be acceptable

 but to post continuous pictures/videos of 

your child crying with snot on their faces is just plain disgusting.

And this father should be ashamed of herself. 

Embarrassing his baby in this manner.

And in my opinion his inability to have some boundaries for his child...

children cry but they don't have to cry over every little thing.

And the fact that the media including Huffington Post 

thinks this father has turned his child's crying moments/tantrums into comedic gold

 should be ashamed of themselves.

I debated whether to put the pictures on my blog but i had to prove my point...

Sorry little unsuspecting cute baby that your dad is doing this to you....

 

Now of course this father has the right to do what he wants with his baby...

but i have a right to my opinions too especially since

 anything online is up for public consumption and debate.

If i could ask this father one question, it would be this:   

Would you post embarrassing pictures of yourself online?

Question of the Day:

Am i being totally unfair to this dad?

Or is he just having some fun? 

When Is It Too Late?

 

I was reading an article and this was the first few sentences: 
Having diabetes and being an older mother pose 
multiple health risks for both Halle Berry and her unborn child,
 but the latest advances in testing and medical care will 
go a long way to guard against problems, experts say.

Which got me thinking: When it is too late to carry a baby?

For some background...Halle is 46 and probably in awesome physical shape. 
She had her first child when she was 41.

Clearly our bodies can do anything but is there ever a time when it should be too late? 
Especially when there are potential risks to the mother and baby?

Should age even be considered when you are trying to get pregnant?
And is she giving false hope to many older women who want to become mothers?
And what about when the babies grow up and mom is much older?
Or should any of this even matter when we are considering motherhood?

I am the product of a much older parent and i think there
are a few things i might have missed out because of this.

Many questions I know but I have been thinking about all these questions
and thought it would make for a fun discussion....so please join in....

Monday Spring Fashion Show

Good Monday Morning Friends. I am pretty excited about some of my new spring fashion pieces. I love all the coral and bright colors that Spring allows us to wear. Additionally, I have come to conclusion with my new body and understand I need to dress it appropriately. Plus it's okay to admit that my body has changed! And I got my feet some new shoes. My feet has not returned to its adorable size and now I am a size 8...I still have hope so I am not getting raid of all my cute shoes...just yet!!! Anyway what pieces have you purchased recently that you are in love with?

April Fools Day

Happy April!!! Hope you do a lot of laughing today! What was your best April's Fool prank? Mine happened a few years ago when a whole bunch of my co-workers and I told our boss we were quitting...the look in her eyes was priceless.

Easter Fancies...

I am not sure where the time went but Easter Weekend
is this Friday and I am excited about getting dressed for Resurrection Sunday!
Who wouldn't want to get dressed up for that day!
So i thought i would scour Pinterest and come up
 with some awesome fashions I would love to wear!

Source: jazzy-wazzy.polyvore.com via Anne on Pinterest

Source: flattery-guide.polyvore.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Source: tufootballmom.polyvore.com via Carl on Pinterest

For my Main Man

Source: monde-des-hommes.tumblr.com via Wade on Pinterest

For My Little Man

Source: Uploaded by user via Rakisha on Pinterest

Dear Anonymous...

Dear Anonymous,

Please STOP commenting on my posts.
I do not need to know that you really like the content on my blog.
I do not need you to leave an obscure comment about fake Gucci, Versace bags and clothes.
I do not want to buy anything you are selling.
I do not need you to leave some bizarre string of letters that do not make any sense.
If I didn't find word verification codes annoying...I would have shut you out a long time ago.
I enjoy getting comments BUT NOT FROM YOU!
You've left like a million comments on one of my posts and I've gone in and deleted every single one of your comments and turned off the comment button...that gets annoying!!
PLEASE. JUST. STOP. COMMENTING!!!!!

The crazy thing is I don't even know if you are an actual person or a computer generated thing
but whatever you are....you are JUST. PLAIN. ANNOYING!!!!

You will probably comment on this post too...
but at least leave a comment that you will never ever comment on any of my posts again.
Thank you! And do not come back!

Ever so annoyed,
Mrs. Pancakes

Currently Obsessing Over...

Good Monday morning Friends! It started snowing in my neck of the woods this morning...whatever happened to Spring coming in like a lamb?? Anyway I wanted to share some of the things I'm currently obsessing over and they include: ALL THE GAMES ON MY IPHONE-words with friends, hanging with friends, gems with friends--I love them all. I'm obsessed with Dance Moms. Following the Bachelor couple Sean and Catherine on twitter. Trying to solve Rubix cube on my iPhone. Number munchers-sharpening my math skills for fun because someday Baby Pancakes is going to need help on his math homework!! And of course Baby Pancakes who is doing so much...I will have to brag on him in a separate post!!! What are you currently obsessed with??

Monday High...

Source: lovelyladies.org via Beth on Pinterest

Mondays have never been my favorite day 

but this Monday I am feeling great...I am on a Monday High...

My recovery day yesterday was awesome

 and today I can actually move around a little more...

which is great because last year my recovery time took really really long.

There are many things I am feeling grateful today for...

You know some days life just feels a lot sweeter than others....

When nothing can ruin your day...not even an early morning...

When everything feels awesome and great...

During my half marathon...I realized after 12miles that

 "there is nothing that is impossible." 

Crossing the finishing line to my baby and hubby reminded me

 "life is beautiful because of who i get to share it with."

Seeing my baby boy smile melts my heart every single time.

Watching him stand tall against the couch and

figuring out if his legs are sturdy enough for him to take a step...is a magical time.  

These moments remind me just how special these moments truly are....

and how fleeting time is...

And how I am enjoying and savoring every single second.

My husband giving me a high five after the race reminded me what a team we are.

Him reminding me to drink more water and move 

around to get the blood in my legs circulating....tells me how much he loves me.

Seeing him smile at me through the corner of my eyes makes me know how proud he is.

And it's even better when he says:

 "you are my super woman and I am so proud."

Life is definitely sweet today....

and I can definitely get used to this Monday High all week!

Question of the Day:

What makes your Monday High?

Source: sunbasilgarden.blogspot.com via Soo on Pinterest

Sean + Catherine

I watched the Bachelor from the beginning and I haven't done that since Trista and Ryan. And just like I was invested in the success of those two, I am equally invested in Sean and Catherine. Here's to hoping they were really looking for love and not just fame and fortune! Who doesn't love a good love story. They had me crying yesterday during the proposal...so sweet. Love is truly grand when you find the one!!