Cool Mommy Product Reviews

Much of the time here I come to you with deals, savings and answers.  Today, I’d like to pose a question or two. Maybe I’m just getting old.  But I am curious about this trendy topic. And this time I’m asking readers to post a comment or two…

I’ve got a personal Twitter account.  It’s likely in the next week you will see a little icon here on the side, launching My Cool Mommy’s Twitter account as well. My thought is: wouldn’ t it be great to hear about all those savings I find, “live” or deals? What if I hear Best Buy or Old Navy or Toys R Us are having a sudden sale? If you follow me on a Twitter account, you could see snippets of these items and click here for details later. It sounds great right? And it’s what we are contemplating doing with My Cool Mommy.  I am excited about this idea.

However, on a personal side- I’ve suddenly come to realization that those who follow a few thousand people might possibly be wasting their tweets…

Some questions I’d like to know:

1. In theory Twitter is a great idea. Follow your friends, the news, a celebrity around “live” and know in 160 characters what they are doing, right? But honestly, if you have a few thousand or a few hundred tweets (or messages) a day, who has time to check this??? If you are sitting there able to monitor the tweets of 16K people, please let me know… I’d be curious to know what you do for a living.. and apply for that job.

2. Also, upon checking, 80 percent of those I follow or who follow me, have their mobile device set to off. Come on Gerald Butler, I want you to get my Tweets at three in the morning… Is this common or should I get a complex??

3. I’m innundated with spam on another form of media now… is this possible? I thought I’d conquered spam in email, pop-ups on line and sneaky spy-ware? Do I need to f igure out another form of spam-ville and be watchful for it too, now??? Last night I got a new follower, being new to Twitter, I was excited till I realized it was a Russian mail order bride. I’m pretty sure I can’t post her on “My Cool Mommy” as a deal.

So, here are my thoughts, Twitter is a great idea. But is there value in having 1 million people as followers or am I just flawed?

Keep your Twitter account small, read the direct messages and updates from a chosen few. I am hoping you add My Cool Mommy as one of them.

Tell me your Twitter thoughts.

Introduction

I don’t have an iphone. I think I need one . And soon. Coming now,  “soon” is the new iphone application for PriceGrabber.

Touted as “Mobile Shopping Beyond Compare” it’s a mobile  application that allows you to comparision shop on the go.

What a thought!! I can price compare while I’m dropping kids off at school, in traffic and while trying to listen to the man in my life.

With a click of the button, the deal is mine. I don’t even have to leave the comfort of my car.  One of the things I’ve loved about PriceGrabber already

is the ability to compare prices, find the best deals and just “grab” it… I’ve had to discipline myself already. Now I am doomed.  The above Ugg boots on sale for $179.00… sigh.

Until I get an iphone our of those that love me, I think I’ll concentrate on less costly deals.

Today, there’s a few great picks for us Cool Mommies… some free, some coupons!

I am thrilled by the way with the Quaker offer, they also send you a coupon on your next purchase!

 

Mars Bar–Free Real Chocolate Mars Bar on Fridays ( Coupon )

Jack in the Box–Free Two Tacos onAugust 4, 2009 ( Coupon ) 

Jack in the Box–Free Dessert on Your Birthday ( Coupon )

Your Magic Spice–Free sample with Your Customized Label

Seafood Guides–Free Pocket Seafood Guides for Your Area

Quaker–Free sample of Quaker Chocolate True Delights

Fiber One–Free Fiber One samples ( 2 ) and $5 in Coupons

PureVia–Free sample of PureVia No Calorie Sweetener

Splenda–Free sample of Splenda No Calorie Sweetener

Ideal–Free Ideal No Calorie Sweetener sample and Coupons

Grilling Guide–Free Family Guide to Grilling from Lobel’s

Only a few weeks left till school begins. Enjoy those last of summer days with the kids today!

Introduction

I have a gripe, maybe it’s just me but really hate sneaky advertiser schemes. Being a lover of discounts and savings,  I do check them out. All those misleading sounding savings and programs out there, usually have a snag.

Here’s my gripe- I can’t find anything wrong with one of them… offers this good can’t be real, can they??? The program in question is the new Bing savings program. With cashback on a ton of items, retailers, entertainment, clothing, etc. Basically, just about anything under the sun! And if you couple it with a cashback or reward points credit card, like Discover More, you will earn extra savings for items you’re already buying! OMG! 

The points are good, the savings are great alone, but coupled with a cash back credit card- this is really an opportunity to take to the bank!

Here’s how it works:

 

Introduction

Buying in bulk or in a co-op isn’t a new idea. I’ve been part of a health food co-operative for years. Twenty or more of us join together to buy organic veggies, bulk rice or coffee and snacks a plenty. My cost conscious soul rejoices to be able to buy organic food (carrots, potatoes) at  prices equal to regular produce. Jasmine rice in bulk is less than its cheaper (and less tasty) tradtional long grain version in grocery stores. But a new trend, born of some evil genuis in marketing, has taken buying in bulk to a new level. 

Now you can buy in bulk, via internet sign-up,  entertainment, foods, jeans, golf, discount seats to sporting events,  and yes, even candy.  What makes this idea trendy? A deal is posted, with a given number of people needed to secure the price. If enough folks sign up, the deal is secured. Not enough to meet the requirements, the deal vanishes.  A caveot-  less packaging of hard items, thus saving on the environment.

And with the delightful entertainment offerings via “bulk or group buying”,  your family saves a bundle and gets to experience some great food, music or events at a greatly reduced price.

Take this one,  a “Golden Passport to New Englands Most Prestigious Golf Courses”. 

Here’s the deal, taken from one of the more popular Boston Bulk Buying Sites, “Buy With Me”:

Seriously, golf all summer and fall for just $150.

How often do you play golf? Whether it’s twice a year, or every other day, this is the greatest golf offer you’ll find anywhere.

For just $150, you’ll have exclusive access to some of New England’s most prestigious courses. That’s right, after the $150, this Golden Passport to New England Golf includes 25 free rounds of 18-holes at 25 different courses; with the packages designed to save you thousands.

But no one wants to play golf alone, right? Round up some of your best friends, because each course you play includes packages for between 2-4 people; and most include carts too. It’s the perfect chance to go out with some buddies, hit the links, and check out some courses you’ve never played before.

But act fast, because there are only a limited number of passports available. Click here for the complete list of courses and restrictions.

Twenty people are needed for this opportunity. 

One of those nasty issues with loving great clothing is the up-keep cost of dry cleaning. By virtue of a deal on Buy With Me, (Boston) you can save up to 88% of the cost on dry cleaning, with enough fellow souls enmasse that is. 

This trend is taking off in major cities, such as Chicago, Boston, Philedelphia, LA, etc.  It’s projected that smaller cities will soon  follow. Due to the economy,  dining is down, entertainment is suffering and deals such as these are flourishing.  It’s a great way to add value to your budget, take advantage of these group rates and network with others.

Here are some of the recent online bulk deals, offered from various cities:

Coupons, Finance, Health, Introduction, Travel boston, bulk buying, buy with me, candy, chicago, deals, dining, family, food, golf, grocery, group on, Travel

 

 

    

Zucchini Apple Pie

In my quest to feed the family, I am eternally looking for ways to hide something nutritious and in this case, plentiful. Zucchini, abundant in my garden, is popping up everywhere. Full of nutrition, delicious and if you don’t tell the family it’s a veggie, no one will know. I swear.  It’s super important to peel the zucchini the way the recipie instructs. Also make sure you do not over cook when it’s in the frying pan. If you have apple pie spice you can substitute for the spices. (Use about 2 teaspons of Apple Pie Spice). This recipie was given to me by a wise, older Amish woman and I stand by it as delicious.

Ingredients

1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

2 large zucchini

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 pinch salt

1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 pinch ground nutmeg

dash of ground cloves

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS

1. Peel the zucchini. Cut into quarters lengthwise, then remove seeds and cut crosswise (as you would cut apples for apple pie). Toss together 4 cups chopped zucchini, lemon juice and salt. Place mixture into frying pan and cook until tender-crisp.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, cream of tartar, nutmeg and flour. Add the cooked zucchini to sugar mixture and mix well. It will be a little runny, but that’s OK.
3. Place filling into a 9 inch pie crust, dot with butter, and place top crust on. Bake in oven at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Deal of the day, for baking your way into budget happiness:

 

Online Baking Coupons from Pillsbury.com (over $16 bucks in July)!!! click on “coupons” at the top and savor the recipies while there!
http://www.pillsbury.com

 Online Baking Coupons from Nestle (Chocolate? Need I say more?) For coupons, go to “promotions”. And try the “Lemon Cheesecake” Recipie too! Yummy!
http://www.verybestbaking.com

Introduction

It’s pouring here and the natives were rather restless.

 I’ve been scouring the internet for some savings, while keeping the kids from killing each other.  We’ve just played outdoors and it’s taken the edge off the boredom.

 If you have children ages 4-10, here’s an idea or two to quell the masses on those rainy summer days. Rather than keep them indoors, (provided it’s not lightning) – gear them up with some raincoats and let them run around outside.

 Things all kids should do; puddle jumping, mud pie making, and tag in the rain.  A time of clowning around in the rain does wonders for the family and you; it’s therapeutic for the soul. Join them amidst the mud and puddles. When was the last time you made a mud pie?

 If you’re in a part of the country that has scorching heat, try a water gun fight with the kiddos or a sprinkler fest. I think the good ol’ pastimes are the best.

 And when you come back in from your foray, hit the deals online to round out the day. Today’s picks, a few rainy day family items.

 Chucke Cheese- Log in, create a membership and grab up to $30 bucks in coupons.

http://www.chuckecheese.com/coupons/get-coupon.php

 Netflix- Try a two week free trial. Have a family movie night with no late fees!

 Stuff Kids Like- While you’re in the nostalgic mode, go to Stuff Kids Like and do some early Christmas shopping. Add to your shopping cart a game an activity or two you can pull out on the next rainy day. Try jigsaw puzzles, or learning games the site is known for. On orders of a hundred bucks, get free shipping!

 Legos- Who doesn’t love these plastic bits of creativity? Browse the site for deals and special offers.

 Barnes and Noble- Curling up with a good book, what makes better memories than this? Up to 40% off on kids book sets!

 Kids Astronomy- My ultimate pick to be a cool mommy of the day (make that the first starry night)… go to this site and pour over it with the kiddos. Lots of fun activities & learning to slide in disguised as “fun”!

Don’t miss the kids’ academy, it’s FREE! Kids get a certificate and sky map!  (There’s also a totally free learning department on other topics available. (Dino’s, biology, human body, etc). You and the offspring can lose yourselves in this site happily for hours to come.

Introduction

Who doesn’t like to save a little cash? How about saving alot of cash? Not only is it trendy to be cost conscious, it’s smart too. We “Cool Moms”  work hard for our money- making it stretch and looking fabulous is our collective goal, isn’t it? 

Universally, almost every woman’s eyes light up when she thinks of adding a few wardrobe treasures.

When you can get those items on the “steal” it seems a shame to let those bargains slip by.

Here are a few delicious “red hot” weekend steals to gobble up:

We’ll start with the one that makes my eyes glaze over, (and likely your man’s too)- Victoria’s Secret.

A few times a year, Victoria’s Secret offers some fabulous sales. You should really mark your calendar for these sales events. This particular one, hosts a special savings of an additional 25% off already massively reduced clearance goodies.  (Use offer code: “25Clear” to get up to 80 Percent off a single clearance item)

A quick scan of the items, shows more than usual quantity of clearance. Something like 15 pages of reduced treasures. (Is it the recession that amounts to such a vast amount of clothing, lingerie, and lounge wear?) Whatever it is, take advantage of the savings, as clearance items do have limited colors and sizes.

One of those areas on Victoria’s Secret site you don’t wanna miss? The casual clothing clearance! Comfy and classly Marisa Pants (below) in four colors, are an out of this world sale price of $24.99. (Use your offer code, 25Clear, and get them for under $20.00!) My idea is, when you can have Vicoria’s Secret for less than the price of a family pizza night, you are in budget heaven! 

 

Or try the career clothing- Autumn’s  just around the corner, and the deals on VS’s site will make you fall in love with the savings available.

My personal pick? This classy, forties vamp Starbust Jacket.

 

I had my eye on this item long ago, when it was featured on the cover of one of the catalogs. Regularily priced at, $128.00, now a luscious $39.99. Use the 25 percent offer code on that one to buy it for a sublime price.

 

Hurry, ’cause the special offer code ends Sunday at midnight! (Though the ample clearance continues on).

And for those men in your life, who need a wardrobe revamp…(or a total wardrobe overhaul)…

JoS. A. Banks is having a “buy one get TWO free” on select suits, jackets and pants, along with a parallel “buy one, get one free” on separates, ties and shirts. Spring for a few major purchases (with major savings) or pick up a few items to make your man look and feel his best.

Like VS’s sale, this one ends Sunday at midnight. Take advantage of these weekend bargains while they last.

Other weekend deals worth noting Coldwater Creek, (20% off dresses), Land’s End (15 buck polo’s) and Avenue (Final clearance savings and other sweet savings).

Happy Savings Weekend!

Introduction