Setting up a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a great way to save money on your doctor’s co-pays, health-care deductibles, prescription drugs, and more. But if you have any money left in your account at the end of the year, you’ll lose it. You might not know that you can use your FSA funds on […]
Archives for December 2008
Mamanista Book Roundup: New Children’s Science Books
Science books don’t have to be boring or bland. These great new children’s books make our universe exciting and get kids excited about science. Here are some of my favorite new science books for children: Cosmic! Starting with its glowing meteor shower cover, this is one of the most spectacular pop-up books I’ve ever seen. It grabbed […]
The Art of Choosing Joy
I rarely have time for it, but I really enjoy scrapbooking. A few years ago at a party, I met Kolette Hall. Kolette’s a designer, teacher, self-made businesswoman, and professional scrapbooker…so, of course, I thought she was cool. But what impressed me most was her amazing spirit. Kolette’s husband, Jason, is a quadriplegic. He broke his […]
Get Organized in 2009!
Now that all your presents are unwrapped, give yourself a big present: get organized in 2009! Keep Track of Your To-Do List:I’m a busy mama, and I keep track of all my appointments, playdates, volunteer commitments and work projects using the 2009 BusyBodyBook Personal & Family Organizer. As a type-A person who actually enjoys organizing things, I’ve tried […]
Gifts for Extreme Procrastinators
It’s Christmas. If you STILL haven’t finished your shopping, here are some extremely last-minute gifts that can be delivered instantly by email. Amazon is the ultimate online mall. Amazon.com Gift Cards are sent instantly by email and are perfect for kids and grown-ups. Gifts.com Gift Cards can be redeemed for 100’s of stores, restaurants & more. […]
Last Minute Gifts with Free Shipping!
Here are some great last-minute gift ideas with free-shipping. In fact, most of these gifts can be delivered via email– making them the perfect solution for Christmas procrastinators. For Tweens, Teens, and College Students: Give the gift of music with iTunes gift certificates. Everyone loves music, and they’ll appreciate this gift so much more than […]
You’ve Babyproofed…But Have You Fireproofed?
You’ve probably baby-proofed your home, but have you fire-proofed your home? According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 47,000 household fires occur during the holidays each year. You can download a free fire safety resource guide at www.BeFireSmart.com, which is sponsored by Liberty Mutual. Since I’ve been so careful about baby-proofing, I assumed my home was fire […]
Contraband Sock Monkeys
I just love this sweest, handmade sock monkey from Craftsbury Kids. He’s super cuddly and squishy, and he was handmade in the USA from fabric socks that were made in the USA. Yet…in less than two months, it would be illegal for Craftsbury Kids to sell Calypso the Sock Monkey. Congress had the best of intentions (making […]
Last-Minute Gift Ideas: Yummy Cookies
Still looking for Christmas gifts? It’s not too late to send delicious homemade cookies to out-of-town friends and family from David’s Cookies. (Read full review here.) Get 5% off + FREE SHIPPING at David’s Cookies on all holiday orders over $79 with coupon code XMS579A – valid until January 1, 2009. Love to cook? Make your own […]
It’s a Wii-underful World: Mom-Approved Wii Games.
Video Games aren’t for everyone. Candace makes a big effort to engage in only “unplugged” play. Her little girl watches almost no tv, and I highly doubt she’ll be playing video games anytime soon. While I embrace the unplugged play philosophy in theory, I see a lot of value in video games as well. I have many happy […]
