Fitness Magazine - Just $2.99!

Looking for a great deal on Fitness magazine? Tanga is offering a 1-Year subscription to Fitness magazine for just $2.99 when you use coupon code FITNESS at checkout!

Home Depot Kids Workshop - Saturday, August 7th, 2010

The Home Depot Kids Workshop for July will take place this weekend. Get the details here.
August 7th @ Home Depot – 9am-noon: School bus pencil organizer

September's project will be a Football Display scheduled for September 4th.

Nabisco Free Cookie Coupon - Today Only

TODAY ONLY (while supplies last), you can print a coupon for a free package of Nabisco cookies when you purchase a second package and gallon of milk. Coupon expires on August 20th.

Children's Place Coupons

The Children's Place has released some new coupons valid on in-store purchases through tomorrow (Saturday, July 31, 2010).

* Save 30% when you spend $60

* Save 25% when you spend $50

* Save 20% when you spend $40

They have jeans on sale for as low as $10 (bigger sizes are $12). It's a great price to stock for back to shool!

Free Box of Better Oats Oatmeal

Get a coupon for a free box of Better Oats Oatmeal, by signing up here. The coupon will be sent via regular mail.

Events: Cincinnati Museum Center FREE Fridays TODAY!

The Cincinnati Museum Center will host a FREE Friday today! You can experience three major attractions – the Duke Energy Children's Museum, the Cincinnati History Museum and the Museum of Natural History & Science – free of charge from 4 to 8 p.m.

This year the events includes access to Cincinnati Museum Center's upcoming blockbuster exhibition America I AM: The African American Imprint! Each Free Friday will also feature live jazz music as part of Cincinnati Museum Center's Summer Performance Series.

Mark your calendars now for the August and September Free Friday...

August 27
September 17

Home Made Simple Coupon Booklet

I love this booklet, it has great coupons. All you need to do is register HERE and wait for it to arrive!

The Knack @ Michaels: Free Family Fun Event - Saturday, July 31, 2010

The Knack @ Michaels will be hosting a Crayola Summer Fun event on Saturday, July 31, 2010 from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Don’t miss this Free Family Event. Children will get to try out Crayola's new eco-friendly markers.

Upcoming Free Family Events:
August 28, 2010 from 10:00am - 2:00pm = Grandparents Day
Capture you baby's handprints in Crayola Model Magic. Ages 3 and up welcome. While supplies last.

August 29 - September 4 is Baby Week. You can check out the daily events here.

The Cheesecake Factory: Half Price Cheesecake Slice - July 30th

It's National Cheesecake Day tomorrow! In honor of this special occasion, The Cheesecake Factory is offering their cheesecake slices at half price (any flavor) when you dine-in. Yum-ilicous! If they have the pumpkin still, I recommend get that one. Go here to find a location near you.

In A Slump...

If you haven’t noticed, over the past couple months I have been in this unmotivational slump. I haven’t exercised, keep track of my points, or even try to lose weight. I haven’t posted anything regarding my weigh in since November ’09. I am in desperate need of some motivation. I would really like to get the rest of the weight off.

The 1st half of this year has been very stressful to say the least. Some things are getting better while others remain unchanged. I anxiously await the day my co-worker turns in her resignation! She’s been saying for 7 months (at least) that she was moving. That day can’t get here quick enough! I am attempting to find another job since it seems like she’ll be sticking around a while. I think that’s the biggest stressor in my life right now. I’ve gotten myself in a better financial position (even though I didn’t get any of the promotions I was promised – due to management changing 4 times in 4 months).

Nothing seems to be getting me out of this slump. I need help! What motivates you?

Here’s where I stand… I had lost nearly 35 pounds last year (prior to being hit with a LOT of stress). I have since gained that weight back. Last week, I was watching what I ate…not really tracking it and made sure I ate breakfast everyday. I lost 2.0 pounds. There are many more that need to come off but I guess that’s a start. I need to get the motivation to stick with it and to get to exercising again. I have a 5K that I will be running in September and another in November. I really need to get back to running so I can work towards beating the time of my first 5K (November’s race is the same course).

I will be back to report my progress - hopefully weekly.

Kids Eat Free @ IKEA - July 23-25, 2010

Kids Eat Free at IKEA on July 23-25, 2009. Children 12 years and younger can eat free, choosing from any three kid-sized items to create a meal valued at $2.49. Choices include five meatballs, mac 'n cheese, PBJ sandwich, kids yogurt, two cookies, chocolate milk, and more. No adult purchase necessary!

Join the Club!

Until August 1st, you will receive a FREE $20 Sam’s Club gift card (check out Sam’s Club Facebook page) with a new membership. The Advantage Membership starts at $40.

Event: Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic - Saturday, July 24, 2010

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics will be a UFO on Saturday, July 24, 2010 from 10:00am-11:00pm. Be sure to register for the event. The event is open to the first 50 registered participants. If you haven't registered lately, they have updated their website and will only show you the locations that still have openings available.

Attend a Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic this summer and receive a coupon for a FREE Jr. Frosty from Wendy's.

Old Navy - $1 Flip Flop Frenzy - Saturday, July 3rd

Tomorrow, July 3rd, Old Navy will be having another $1 Flip Flop sale! This time you must print the coupon on their Facebook page to get the deal. The limit is 5 per customer so take the whole family and get there early!

Home Depot Kids Workshop - Saturday, July 3, 2010

The Home Depot Kids Workshop for July will take place this weekend. Get the details here.

July 3rd @ Home Depot – 9am-noon: Periscope

August's project will be a School bus pencil organizer It's scheduled for August 7th.

TD Bank Summer 2010 Reading Program

TD Bank is offering a $10 banking bonus for kids who participate in the TD Bank Summer Reading Program through September 30, 2010. Kids just need to read 10 books this summer to get a $10 bonus from TD Bank deposited into a new or existing Young Savers Account. Click here for more information and to download your Summer Reading Book Log.

Half Price Books - Feed Your Brain 2010 Summer Reading Program

Half Price Books is hosting the Feed Your Brain summer reading program again this year. This program runs June 1st – July 31st, 2010 for ages 14 and under.

1. Print your Feed your Brain Log.

2. Your child checks off each day for 5 days that they read more than 15 minutes.

3. Fill out the log and have a Parent/Guardian sign off that they read.

4. Bring your signed log into Half Price Book.

5. Reward: a $3 Half Price Books shopping card.

6. Repeat above steps for each week until July 31st.

Note: Limit one per week, per child

Barnes & Noble's Summer 2010 Reading Program

Barnes & Noble's Summer Reading Program

Here's How It Works:

1. Kids (grades 1-6) read any 8 books.

2. Kids use the Summer Reading Journal to describe their favorite part of each book. A parent/guardian signs it when it's complete.

3. Children bring their completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between May 25th & September 7th, 2010.

4. We'll give them a coupon for a FREE book! They choose from a list of exceptional paperback titles.

* * Eligible books will be listed on the coupon. Choices must be made from eligible stock. No special orders. Limit of 1 form per school-age child (grades 1-6), please. Incomplete forms will be ineligible for free books.

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic - Saturday, May 29, 2010

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics will be having a #48 Race Car workshop on Saturday, May 29, 2010 from 10:00am-11:00am. Be sure to register for the event. The event is open to the first 50 registered participants. If you haven't registered lately, they have updated their website and will only show you the locations that still have openings available.

The Knack @ Michaels - Free Family Event on Saturday, May 29, 2010

The Knack @ Michaels will be hosting a American Girl Craft Flower Card event on Saturday, May 29, 2010 from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Don’t miss this Free Family Event. Children get to make a beautiful vase card for someone special. While supplies last.

Upcoming Free Family Events:

June 5, 2010 from 10:00am - 2:00pm = Build-a-Book Kit

Capture lasting memories this Father's Day. Create an Ode to Dad with your own Build-a-Book provided by Klutz. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up welcome.

June 19, 2010 from 10:00am - 2:00pm = Father's Day Card

Give Dad an "out of this world" gift this Father's Day. Show him how much you really care with a handcrafted, heartfelt Father's Day card. Ages 3 and up welcome. Powered by Sulyn, Bazzill and Glue Dots. While supplies last.

June 26, 2010 from 10:00am - 2:00pm = 4th of July

Share your star-spangled style. Come celebrate the 4th of July with your family and make a fun, patriotic project FREE. Ages 3 and up welcome. While supplies last.

Event: Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic - Saturday, May 22, 2010

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics will be a Catapult on Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 10:00am-11:00pm. Be sure to register for the event. The event is open to the first 50 registered participants. If you haven't registered lately, they have updated their website and will only show you the locations that still have openings available.

You may want to register for the #48 Race Car workshop scheduled for Saturday, May 29, 2010.

5K Recap: I did it!

I’m about a week late posting the results of my first 5K. The best part was my kids got to run prior to me heading to the starting line. It wasn’t a long run but both of them participated. It was great to see that they wanted to be like mom! My older son finished his race and told me that he wants to practice running so he can run a 5K with me.

It wasn’t the best of weather. There was a steady rain for most of the morning. Actually, up until the start of 5K the rain stuck around. I was nervous to say the least. I had two friends running with me. We were all going to start together but take off at our own pace once the crowd spread out.

The race started… Within the ½ mile, I had gotten a cramp in my calf and had to walk. It wasn’t a good start but that wasn’t the end of the bad. The 5K flyer had mentioned a flat course but when we turned the corner there was a hill. It was course that you ran out turned around and came back the same route. I knew if I ran down it – I was eventually going to have to run up it but not before having to run up a steeper hill. What happened to the flat course?!?! Flat because it was pavement versus a trail? I walked more than I had planned. My plan, since I hadn’t run since Thanksgiving Day, was to run a couple minutes, walk 1 minute. At times my walks were much longer.

I finished in 39:07 minutes. Not great but I finished which was my goal. My goal is to keep getting quicker and better because my ultimate goal is to run it without walking.

Since the day of the race, I have not run any! It’s sad but right now there are things going on in my life that are way more important. Hopefully within the next couple weeks (or maybe even today), I can take a half an hour and put it towards running so I can get on with my next 5K!

Giving It Another Try

My first 5K was a bummer. I did not get to run. I had to take my youngest son with me that morning so we cheered on a few runners that I knew. The best part though my money went to support a great organization.

I have signed up for the next 5K in the area – the Panerathon 5K. All proceeds benefit the Children's Hunger Alliance.

I’m not really out to “win” the race but to finish it. Since this is my first 5K, I don’t want to set a time to beat that’s not realistic for me. I know my time when I run the same distance on my treadmill in the privacy of our garage while watching a good show on television. I don’t see that being the same when I’m nervous, anxious and surrounded by a crowd of people. Plus I haven’t ran since Thanksgiving Day when I was wrapped up the Macy’s Day parade and ran a 5K plus! I plan to get at least 2 runs in prior to Saturday morning *fingers crossed*. I’ll be back to let you know how it goes.

I almost forgot to add that the special bonus of the Panerathon is that my kids will be running as well. They have a special kid’s ¼ mile run prior to the start of the 5K. My kids asked to run which I think is great. I wouldn’t force my kids to run since I’ve always hated running. It’s great that they see the benefits of running and doing it for a great cause.

While I’m on the subject of running, I was asked the other day - why a 5K? For me, it’s quick (and hopefully painless). I think this will be the motivation that I need to get back into my fitness routine. Once I have a race time, I will set out to beat it (yes, I have a competitive drive). I found this article that I thought was interesting too.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive - Saturday, May 8, 2010

The annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is set for Saturday, May 8th, 2010.

To help Stamp Out Hunger this year, simply leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods, like canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta, rice or cereal, next to your mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery. Food items should be in non-breakable containers, such as boxes and cans. Your letter carrier will pick up the bags and deliver them to your local food bank.

To learn more, visit: HelpStampOutHunger.com. Become a fan on Facebook and Campbell’s Soup Company will make a 1 can donation to Feeding America *up to 1 million cans* in support of the USPS collection efforts.

The more people that help this cause, the more successful we’ll be at Stamping Out Hunger!

Checking In

While I had a free minute, I thought I would post a quick update. I have signed up for my first 5K! It sounds exciting, huh? I’m excited, anxious and rather nervous. We’ll see how well I do being that I haven’t ran since Thanksgiving Day. My hope is that this race will bring back the motivation that I need.

Along with that, I’ve rejoined Weight Watchers. I think that will help in getting back in shape and taking the weight off. Notice that I did not say “lose weight”… I don’t want to “lose weight” anymore. It’s just like everything else – if you lose it, you usually end up finding it again. I don’t want to find my weight again so I’m going to take it off this time.

Last, I’ve finally got my schedule changed. I will have more free time in the afternoon rather than just go from work to baseball/football practice, home to cook dinner, do laundry and get the kids ready for bed. I’ll have some “extra” time as I see it right now. Sooner or later, it won’t be “extra” time and I’ll be asking for more!

Giveaway: Ringling Brothers Zing Zang Zoom Tickets - Dayton, OH show

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Zing Zang Zoom will be at the Ervin J. Nutter Center in Dayton, OH April 29-May 2.

Dayton Show dates and times:
*Thursday, April 29th 7:00 pm
*Friday, April 30th 7:00 pm
*Saturday, May 1st 11:00 am, 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm
*Sunday, May 2nd 11:00 am

Through the mystery of magic and the mastery of skill, audiences will be spellboundas Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM, a thrill-filled,mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion.

Magical Zingmaster Alex and his assistant, the alluring Levitytia, lead audiencesthrough a kaleidoscope of color and imagery revealing extraordinary worlds offantasy, flight and phenomena that celebrates the uplifting spirit of the circus andwards off a cynical Mr. Gravity and his team of “heavies” who try to bring everyonedown.

Fun-filled magic merges with traditional circus arts to create a world of infinitepossibilities where apprentice illusionists levitate their parents with a wave of awand, and audience spirits keep rising as the high-flying circus is (literally)turned upside down.

BONUS: All Access Pre-Show is free for all ticketholders andbegins an hour before showtime.

Thanks to Mom Central, I will be taking my family on April 29th. We are looking forward to it. My youngest is super excited since he’s never been and has wanted to go for years.

To enter to win a family 4-pack of tickets to the April 29th opening night: show:

1) Leave a comment on this post telling me what you think your kids (or you) would enjoy most about the show. Check out

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey website.

2) Tweet about the contest on Twitter (include @mom_of2boys) and leave a comment here telling me you did so.

The contest will run until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, 2010. The winner will be chosen using random.org. The winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to reply; otherwise, a new winner will be chosen.

**The winner does not need to be a Dayton resident (you can enter for a friend or family member), but the person on the ticket MUST be present at the show. Tickets will need to be picked up at the Will-Call window with a valid photo ID before the start of the show.

Can’t wait to find out if you’ve won? Mom Central is offering a great deal on tickets – just use coupon code MOM on

Ticketmaster.com and you can get four tickets for $44 for a weekday show or $4 off any weekend ticket.

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic: Kaleidoscope - Saturday, March 27, 2010

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics will be a Kaleidoscope on Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 10:00am-11:00pm. Be sure to register for the event. The event is open to the first 50 registered participants. If you haven't registered lately, they have updated their website and will only show you the locations that still have openings available.



You may want to register for the Mini Baseball Game workshop scheduled for Saturday, April 10, 2010.

Club Fondue - Free Chocolate Fondue

Join The Melting Pot's Club Fondue and receive a coupon for a free chocolate fondue!

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day - Today!

Ben & Jerry's is celebrating 31 years of of scooping the chunkiest, funkiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet! Get a FREE Ice Cream Cone today from 12-8pm. Click here to find a location near you.

Event: Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic - Saturday, February 27, 2010

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics will be a LoweBot on Saturday, February 27, 2010 from 10:00am-11:00pm. Be sure to register for the event. The event is open to the first 50 registered participants. If you haven't registered lately, they have updated their website and will only show you the locations that still have openings available.

You may want to register for the Tabletop Basketball workshop scheduled for Saturday, March 13, 2010.

Free 8x10 from Walgreens - February 25, 2010

Walgreens Photo is offering a free 8x10 print for free TODAY ONLY (February 25, 2010) with a coupon code.

You'll need it, so get it here: FREEPHOTO. Pick it up at your local Walgreens and avoid having to pay shipping. The coupon code is valid for one use per account.

Go here to get started.

Mark Your Calendars - Rita's Free Regular Size Italian Ice on March 20, 2010

On Saturday, March 20th, 2010, ALL Rita's locations will be giving away a FREE regular Italian Ice or Cream Ice to welcome in the first day of spring. What a great way to start off the new season with a FREE cup of your favorite flavor ice. Click here to find a location near you.

Giveaway: Ringling Bros. Zing Zang Zoom Tickets

Update: We have a winner - Brian S! Please send me your contact information in order to claim these tickets. Contact must be made by noon on Saturday, February 27, 2010 to be eligible for these tickets. Thanks!

Yes, it’s true! THE circus is coming. Not just any circus but the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey “ZING ZANG ZOOM”. It’s an awesome experience for you and your family.

Elephants, tigers, acrobats, clowns and more wonder than you can imagine! It’s been a good number of years since I’ve seen the circus. I think the last time we went was when my older son, which is going on 10 years old, was 2 or 3 years old. He almost choked on his hot dog when the cannon went off. It was all good after that though. My youngest son is excited for the circus to come our way. He’s never been but has seen promotions and heard about it. He'll be excited - Mom Central will be sending my family to see the Dayton show in April

I have teamed up with Mom Central to giveaway to 1 lucky winner a family 4-pack of tickets to the Cincinnati, OH show on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 @ 7:00pm.To enter, leave a comment telling me your favorite thing about the circus.

Earn a bonus entry by posting this giveaway on your blog, Twitter, Facebook, or other social site. Just remember to come back here and leave the link.

The giveaway will end Friday, February 26 @ 6am. I will pick the winner through random generator. Make sure you leave a way for me to contact you.

You can also purchase tickets at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ and enter the code MOM to get a family 4-pack for only $44, or you can get $4 off any ticket for a Monday - Friday matinee show.

Please note: The winner does have to be able to pick up their tickets at the will call window the night of the show with a valid picture ID.

Event: Elmo's Birthday @ Borders - Saturday, February 20, 2010

Celebrate Elmo's birthday with your friends at Borders on Saturday, February 20, 2010 @ 11:00 am. There will be stories, games, fun art projects and more for kids ages 2-7. Click here to find out if a location near you will be participating.

Littlest Pet Shop "Pets on Parade" @ Walmart - Saturday, February 13, 2010

Littlest Pet Shop "Pets on Parade" is coming to Walmart. The event takes place on Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 11:00am - 2:00pm with a parade starting every 10-20 minutes.

This is a great opportunity for Littlest Pet Shop fans to get freebies, posters, stickers, parade flags and a tote. Don't forget the photo opportunities!

Not all Walmart locations will be hosting this event. Go here to see if your Walmart is hosting a Littlest Pet Shop Parade.

NOTE: This is not for real pets!

Home Depot Kids Workshop - Saturday, February 6, 2010

The Home Depot Kids Workshop for February will take place this weekend. Get the details here.

February 6th @ Home Depot – 9am-noon: #20 car display

March's project will be a rain gauge. It's scheduled for March 6th.

Menu Plan - Week of 2/1/2010

I can't believe it. I've actually had time to post my menu. I've decided to print it out each week for my family. My fiance' and kids get home from work/school before me and they start questioning me before I get in the house some days. It will also help with dinner being what it's supposed to be (not that I mind someone else cooking dinner).

I'm not posting it this week but I've also planned my breakfast and lunches for the week. This kids will be eating at school/daycare.

Dinner
1. BBQ Shredded Pork, Mashed Potatoes, Baked Beans
2. French Onion Burger, homemade potato chips
3. Hearty Chicken and Noodle Casserole
4. Beef tips, rice, broccoli
5. Easy Chicken Enchiladas
6. Mexican Style Rice & Bean Burritos (kids - chicken nuggets, fries and corn)

Super Bowl Sunday will be a finger foods since we will either hosting a party or going to one.

To see other menu plans, visit I'm an Organized Junkie.

Reflection on 2009 Goals

I’ve finally had a few minutes to sit down and reflect on the 2009 goals that I had created this time last year. I was doing well on both sets of goals until I returned to work. I hadn’t been out of the workforce that long but it was a difficult return. It could have been that I returned to the employer that laid me off or was it that I was getting comfortable in my new job – stay at home mom?

In the first half of the year, I had started working on many of my goals. Eating healthier and exercising were my top focus on the personal side. As far as financial, I was working hard at paying down balances on credit cards while growing my emergency fund. It was pretty balanced. By mid-year, I had fallen off the weight loss bandwagon and my emergency fund was disappearing. I stopped paying “extra” to the credit card companies too. My money was (and still is) being quickly sucked up in daycare coverage as well as gas to get back and forth to work. I went from filling my gas take up 2 a month to filling it up 5-6 times a month. We pretty much stopped dining out unless we have coupons or gift cards, and I’ve continued to use coupons (not as faithfully as I used to but I’m getting back to it) but seem to keep falling behind. I pay out so much in child care and gas each month that it makes me wonder “Is it really worth me working full time?” This is one question I plan to analyze this year. If it is worth it, then it will be back to the drawing board to make more cuts…not sure how that will happen since I’ve pretty much cut back everywhere possible. Stay tuned for the final decision…

As a result of all that, I’ve become very stressed and somewhat of a miserable person. Let me tell you, I am normally not this way. It’s one of many things I plan to change in 2010 even if it means making major changes in my life. Over the past month, I have realized that life is too short to sit around and be miserable. It's time for me to live life to its fullest!