Monday, February 28, 2011

Monday's Minutes for Moms

Hi Everyone, Here is a little bit of fun to start your week!

What is Your Mom Personality?  Take the quiz!


Hot! Most flattering non-mom jeans that are still mom-friendly!  Find your style!


Today's Inspirational Quote
Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be



Friday, February 25, 2011

Mom Power!

As I continue my journey of blogging, I would like to take a step back for a moment, as it is very easy to get swept up in the excitement of it all.  One of the major reasons for starting a blog was to help empower other women with tips, inspirations, and resources as I go through my life experiences as a mom, wife, housekeeper, chauffeur and entrepreneur (well hope to be!).  Like the blogging virgin I am, I quickly found out a lot of moms had the same idea and have come across some awesome sites!  I hope to bring you the quality of some I have seen with a twist of something different.  So as I continue to work on the twist, I figured I would go back to what brought me here.

So going back to the topic empowering women...the first thing I would like to share is my journey of blogging.    Share the things I have learned so far in this blogosphere. First thing, IT TAKES A LOT OF WORK, as most of you know! Although extremely difficult to juggle while wearing multiple hats it is a lot easier when you enjoy what you are doing, like anything, right?  So, the first thing that got me excited is this great book Starting Your Own Blogging Business.  It was very easy to understand and an excellent resource for getting started.  I still use it today as a reference guide. 

If you could share one tip with other bloggers what would it be?

Thanks for Reading!

Teaching Our Children How To Be Wowed!

I read this article and found it to be very interesting. That we need to teach our children to be wowed by the little things such as being in the park together or enjoying a simple ice cream cone (I think she has that one mastered! :0) That happiness does not come out of possessions. Continue Reading

Kid of the Year Photo Contest

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Mom Power ! - Blogging Tips

If you could share one blogging tip you have learned through your journey, what would it be???

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Tuesday's Coffee Talk

How to Argue Less About Money?

If you are like many couples out there, finances probably rates in the top 3 of topics to argue about.  Where to save or what to cut back on, even more so in this recent economy.  It wasn't until I had my twins that I started really looking at coupons and other best ways to save. Although, I probably should have been doing it sooner :0)  Even at the grocery story, it is sad but never paid much attention to the price of milk or eggs etc. and always bought name brand stuff.  Now I do my best to buy store brands, if it is comparable in quality.  As far as saving sites, I also discovered Amazon Moms - Subscribe and Save.  I save a ton of money on diapers and wipes, and item that I buy in bulk and it ships for FREE.  Check out Amazon Mom- Subscribe and Save and see for yourself!

I also found an interested article about financial balance you both can live with.  Continue Reading 

Monday, February 21, 2011

The Best Coupon Sites for Moms!!!

Mom's Fave Saves



Find the best coupon sites for you! Learn More!
Featured on Cheaptweet.com

Momsponge on CheapTweet

Monday's Minutes for Moms

How Do You Know When To Trust Your Gut???

You're faced with a difficult decision, and suddenly you feel the right answer in your gut. But while intuition may seem to arise from some mysterious inner source, it's actually a form of unconscious reasoning—one that's rooted in the way our brains collect and store information. Continue reading this interesting article!


Pick Your Perfect Getaway Sweepstakes!


Today's Inspirational Quote
Everyone's life is an object lesson to others.
       - Karl G. Maeser

Friday, February 18, 2011

Scrapbookers

Deal of The Day

Product Demo - Watch as Designer Niki Meiners Demonstrates how to use Smooch Ink and Crafters Workshop Templates to make a beautifull background

To Make the Bus or Not to Make the Bus...that is the Question?

Today We Made the Bus!

To go back in time when you are six years old, where your biggest worry is what to wear in the morning and how can I torture my parents.  And every decision is so extremely difficult.  I do remember trying to find that "perfect outfit", however, I do not remember worrying about it quite so young.  And also don't remember torturing my parents while doing it.  Some days progress so smoothly, while others not so much.  Although these days are fewer, when they do occur, I think OMG, I have two more girls to get through in this lovely process of finding the "perfect outfit" and getting out the door in the morning. We are in so much trouble....

TGIF!


Happy Friday!



Good thing she is so darn cute! My Sofia...

Thursday, February 17, 2011

My Top Tweet Picks!

Here are some of the most interesting tweets this week!


What are you doing on Family Day? Here are 40 super-fun ideas - Learn More  (Who knew there was an official family day!)

Stop overpaying for skincare! Learn More

How to beat the homework hassles with your children. Learn More

A life-changing garage makeover by Peter Walsh? Yes, please! Learn More (Not sure about life changing, but great!  Life changing would be if someone did it for me, haha :0)

Jean Chatzky tell us how to evaluate a credit card offer. Learn More


Understanding your baby's cries: check out these weird & wonderful facts about crying. Learn More

Now offering $20 Amazon credit with pre-order of Xbox 360, PS3 #Bulletstorm Epic/Limited Editions. Spread the word. Learn More

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

In It To Win It Wednesday!

What are you into, what is your thang?

I have been trying to get healthier and find my "thang".  By my "thang", I mean something fun that involves breaking a sweat.  Which for me the two do not really go together.  I have been doing a meditation class but need to find something a little more rigorous. While in my search maybe I will try this workout.  It only involves 3 days a week and works the abs. Read More


To help you get started or mix it up here is a sample music play list. Work Out Play List

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Tuesday's Coffee Talk

"Mommy Moments"


It is the little "mommy moments" that keep you going every day.  Yes staying at home with your children, even though fortunate to be able to, can get redundant day after day.  It is the little moments, like when Bella puts her head on the pillow in the living room and looks so adorable and makes me want to eat her up.  Those are the moments that keep me going and make me feel blessed.  Here is one of my little girls, my little Bella :0)  Thought I would share a picture of Mommy and Bella!


Mama and Bella

Enjoy your "mommy moment" :0)!


Free coupons from your favorite brands. Click Here

Monday, February 14, 2011

Monday's Minutes for Moms

Top Ten Ways to Be a Queen in Your Own Life!

The ultimate gift to yourself would be to believe that no matter what your age, weight, or circumstance, that you are beautiful inside and out.  To truly believe it and be your own biggest advocate.  Remember, the words we choose to speak to ourselves and about ourselves are important. Here are some ways to get you started if you need a jump start on being kinder to one self.  Once you have found your power, try to help other women find theirs.  Read more!

Today's Inspirational Quote:
The most important of life's battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul.
       - David O. McKay


3 Big Sweepstakes - Enter Now!

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Friday Wrap Up

IN THE NEWS: Egypt

18-Day Revolt Ends Three-Decade Rule

Mubarak steps down and gives Egypt's military the power to run the affairs of the country. A protester in Tahrir just credited Facebook, social media adding, "Egypt will be rebuilt with democracy and liberty."  It is crazy to think just how much impact social medias such as Facebook and Twitter have world-wide!
Read more about the revolution.

FAMILY: Get Ready for Valentines Day, Ideas for Him!

The All-Romance Gift Guide for Your Man

Romantic Dinner for Two!

Send a Card!


Find the Perfect Gift!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Top Tweet Picks Thursday!

1) How can you tell if your child is over-scheduled?-  http://bit.ly/cVghJ5 #parenting

2) From our editors' blog: An excellent way to get the anti-bullying message out! - http://cot.ag/eWaDpx

3) This is deeply upsetting -  http://usat.ly/dRY40W @andybaldwin

4) OMGFacts  - A snake with a FOOT was found in China! Pic --> http://bit.ly/ejVSc1

5) O_Magazine  - Get everything you need to know about refinancing from @suzeormanshow http://ow.ly/3Uikr

6) scrapbook_diva - Scrapbooking ideas Related Articles - InfoBarrel http://bit.ly/gkRAsq

Get the scoop on Mathew Perry's new show "Sunny"!

Not sure yet if it is "Sunny" for me.  I am on the fence about his new show  Did anyone get a chance to watch it last night?  What are your thoughts...
http://www.people.com/people/videos/0,,20464628,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+people%2Fheadlines+%28PEOPLE.com%3A+Top+Headlines%29&utm_content=Twitter

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Thinking Charity????

I have been recently thinking, what kind of charity could I do?  I want to do something that promotes change..not sure what yet...but thinking of naming it "Dance for Change". What better way to raise money than to have a charity event that includes music, dancing, and friends. Woowoo!!!! We will see :0)

http://education.change.org/

The Constant Struggle For Balance

Dear Friends,

I am sure I am not alone in the constant struggle for balance of work, family,and me time.  When all the things you do are as equal importance for health and sanity for you and your family, how do you make time for it all?  As you may know, I have recently discovered the importance of down time, but have a hard time making it happen.  Any suggestions or tips are always welcome!

I included this funny video of a parody from Jimmy Kimmel of the R Kelly Video "In the Closet".  Hope you enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExFIL_H3QQ8

Sincerely,

Mom Sponge

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Nothing like seeing a bunch of women dancing...

Nothing like seeing a bunch of women dancing that makes you want to go out with the girls and start dancing.  You don't even need drinks but that is good too! : 0)  Here is a video of a vlogger at a conference!
http://www.youtube.com/user/jennyonthespot

Encouraging Leadership In Our Children

Dear Friends,

A young mind quickly absorbs the fact that a leader is a person who makes things better in the world. An adult has to drop that seed of wisdom in young minds and keep reminding them of it. The concept may very well be enough to keep a child strong in the face of peer pressure and bullying. The idea of being of genuine use to his world can seize a child's imagination and help him cling tenaciously to moral values when the resolve and values of those around him are less motivated are fraying. To read more go to http://www.parent.net/article/archive/leadership.shtml.

Sincerely,

Patty (Mom Sponge)

Monday, February 7, 2011

Empower Yourself - The Most Useful Communication Technique of All Time

Dear Friends,

Did you ever notice some people could command attention while reciting a list of fertilizer chemicals while others are ignored no matter what the topic is. Read more to learn 4 ways to make yourself be heard. Read more: www.oprah.com/money/Communication-Skills-How-to-Make-Yourself-Heard


Sincerely,

Patty (Mom Sponge)


Deals of the Week in Electronics

Friday, February 4, 2011

Are You Happy With The Way You Are Living Right Now???

Learn to Live with Less - What is the Vision of Your Financial Future?

Peter Walsh, an organizer guru, was on the Nate Show stated some very interesting facts.  One fact, people who tend to live in clutter typically spend 15-20 % of their income on things that they don't need, misplace, or lose.  Watch this short clip, he has a pretty interesting perspective. http://www.thenateshow.com/videos/detail/1391/learn-to-live-with-less/

Have a good weekend and enjoy the Superbowl!

Sincerely,
Patty (Mom Sponge)

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Today Only - $20 Voucher to Barnes and Noble for only $10

Barnes and Noble Offering

Groupon is offering a $20 voucher to Barnes and Noble for only $10 today.
Just head directly to this link to purchase your $20 Barnes and Noble Voucher for only $10. After purchasing, your voucher will show up under the “My Groupons” section of your account.
This voucher can be used both in-store and online.

Everybody Loves Raymond Clip

Dear Friends,

For some reason the show Everybody Loves Raymond popped into my head and thought I would post an old episode. Debra is in a bad mood and Raymond is trying to help.  I forgot how funny this show was!

Debra Bad Mood Rising - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPmZ5TFKlwU

I hope you enjoy!

Sincerely,

Patty (Mom Sponge)


Wednesday, February 2, 2011

If You Could Change One Thing, What Would It Be???

Dear Friends,

As we know there are lots of great charities out there.  So it got me thinking, "if I could change one thing in my town for the better, what would it be?".  What change or improvement would you make in your town???  Read about this 8 year-old-old founder of Operation Warm Winter.  She is quite an inspiring little girl! :0) http://www.operationwarmwinter.org/

Share your ideas with me!

Sincerely,
Patty (Mom Sponge)


Tuesday, February 1, 2011

My Journey - How To Become the Person You Were Meant to Be

Dear Friends,

It took me a long time to find it, but I think I am one step closer in my journey of becoming who I am meant to be.  As Oprah would say an "Aha!" moment.  I often would say, when will that happen to me, finding that "thing" that will be fulfilling and rewarding. 

I always knew I wanted to help people, but doing what?  When I graduated from college, I first applied for a position at a home for troubled teens and then the big blow came. They told me what my salary would be.  Lets just say it was a lot less than what teachers make and I don't even get the summers off.  I wanted to help people but I also needed to pay for my rent.  Much like teachers, it was an under appreciated and under paying profession.

So, as I went through jobs that were not a fit,  as well as many life experiences, my journey has started to become clearer.  After having my twins, going through a very difficult year health wise, and the added expenses, it has taught me to be more frugal and resourceful in many different aspects of my life.  And as I discover and learn I would like to share them all with you.  I hope you will find some benefit through my past and future experiences ahead as I am only at the beginning. 

Here is a link that I hope you find helpful! as well!

Sincerely,
Patty (Mom Sponge)