Archives for July 2013

Easy Puzzle Storage Solution (and CHEAP!)

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Easy puzzle storage solution: YES!  It is possible to find a clutter-free way to store all those wooden puzzles your toddlers and preschoolers love.  A friend of mine came up with an ingenious way to store toddler/preschooler’s puzzles in an efficient manner: a file folder box!  She used hanging file folders to separate each puzzle, and the clear storage container allows you to easily see each puzzle, and contain them in a small space.  With a lid, you ensure pieces won’t spill, and it won’t take up too much space.  She was able to put this together for under $10.

In addition to hanging file folders, you could also use large plastic baggies.  Can you think of other creative solutions for storing your child’s bulky toys?

 

Easy Puzzle Storage Solution

Heaps of thanks to Dr. Cassie B. of Connected Family Chiropractic for sharing this wonderful idea!!

Also, check out this nifty storage solution for your kitchen:

DIY Rollout Pantry - 13sqft of space for $60!

DIY Pot Rack

Keep on saving!  :o)
--Barbara

**Remember, y'all, this post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Missing

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What SHOULD you do if your dog is missing?  We recently went through this terrible experience, and I don’t wish it on anyone.  While we were extremely lucky with our outcome, it could have easily not rather unfortunate.  SO, I’d like to share what I’ve learned from my experience, to perhaps save y’all the trouble and heartache, if you ever find yourself in my shoes.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Missing

Prevention – Things to Do Beforehand

  • Get the chip.  If it’s within your budget and your pet is young, get the chip implanted. It’s the easiest and fastest way to have your beloved pet return home to you.  Our dog is almost 15 years old, and the chip wasn’t available when my husband got him.  (Yes, he got the dog before he got me…)
  • Keep updated tags on him.  Our dog is prone to losing his tag, so it’s a good idea to keep an extra one handy, if yours is the same way.  Check frequently to ensure tags are still in place, and that the information hasn’t rubbed off.
  • Take pictures!  You’ve probably heard about taking pictures of your children before going to a big amusement park, so you’ve got an instant identification of her if you were to get separated.  The same principle applies to your pet.  Make sure you have updated pictures of you pooch, so people will know who to look for!

During the Search – the First Few Hours

  • Begin walking around your neighborhood, calling your dog’s name.  If you frequent a particular route when you walk, go that way.  
  • Perhaps bring a treat or favorite toy, especially if it makes noise.  
  • Also, bring a leash, so he’s easier to walk back home.
  • If a walk around the neighborhood doesn’t turn up results, hop in your car, and do the same thing, only cover a larger radius.  If there are enough adults to do so, have one person walking the route, while another drives around, to cover more ground and faster.
  • If your dog is at all like ours, once he’s spotted, don’t rush over to him — that may just make him run further, and if you’re in a high traffic area, that’s obviously a no-no.  Just continue to approach your dog at a normal pace, with an upbeat tone, perhaps offering that toy or treat.

During the Search – Getting the Word Out

  • Put up posters immediately.  Keep it simple.  Offer a brief description, and make a phone number easily visible.  I recommend running to the dollar store and grabbing some neon poster board. Use a BLACK sharpie to legibly write information, or just type the info (Arial font is best) and paste to poster board.  Posters should be visible all around the neighborhood, and in spots where folks are most likely to see them, like on busy streets.
  • Also, the posters our dog’s founder used were wrapped with plastic wrap, to prevent the rain from ruining them.  Or if you have easy access, laminate them.  (But bear in mind, this could get expensive if you go to an office supply store to do so.)  Clear contact paper may also work well, too; you can grab a roll at Big Lots for $2.
  • Remember the frequent pictures you’re supposed to be taking fo your pup?  Now’s the time to find the best ones to put on social media.  In this day and age, a dog could potentially be lost, found, and returned in an hour’s time, thanks to the overwhelming amount of technology on our hands.  Facebook has groups for neighborhoods, but you can also post on your feed, and ask locals to share. 

During the Search – Contact local establishments

  • Of course, contact your local animal shelters.  Since I live on the border of THREE counties, we contacted all three county’s animal shelters.  One had a way to upload his picture to their “missing” board online, but they all required you to come in person to ID and pick up your dog.  Each suggested we check their “up for adoption” list, which was updated at various intervals.
  • Contact local pet stores and veterinarian offices.  Lost pets can turn up there, and are frequently held there, at least temporarily.  One easy way to see how many pet stores are near you is to do a simple “Yelp” search by proximity and key word.

Our dog was found because my husband happened to spot a poster on his way home from work for a “found dog” about 3 miles from our home.  It turns out, he showed up in the neighborhood of a sweet, older couple the next morning, and was enjoying their company that day.  They’d taken him to the local vet (our vet!) to check for a chip.  They’d gone out and gotten a small supply of dog food, and bought supplies to create about 8 posters.  We came prepared to pay them, but they absolutely refused payment.  However, we did go around the neighborhood, and removed all of their signs for them.  That was the very least we could do!

My hope, of course, is that you’ll never need to take this advice.  But chances are great, if you’re reading this, you’re already looking for a missing pooch.  I certainly hope this proves helpful, and that you and your fur baby are reunited quickly!

Keep on saving!  :o)
--Barbara

**Remember, y'all, this post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

My Journey with LASIK – Thomas Eye Group

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**



This is a sponsored post, based on my experience with Thomas Eye Group. In exchange for this post, I received a form of compensation; however, all opinions are mine.  Please note, this is MY personal experience with LASIK.  I am not a doctor, nor any sort of expert of LASIK procedures or anything concerning one’s eye health.  I am sharing my experience to help educate others about the options available to them.  Your experience(s) may vary from mine.

DitchingTheGlasses with Thomas Eye Group

About five years ago, I finally got around to making an appointment with a LASIK chain, to get a consultation and to find out more about having the procedure.  By the time the appointment came around, I was pretty certain I would have to put it off.  Later that evening, after my consultation, my suspicions were confirmed: I was pregnant.

PreggoStick

Fast forward five years, two kids, two (or three?) pairs of glasses, and dozens of pairs of contacts later: I was more than ready to ditch the glasses, and revisit LASIK surgery.

Shopping Around

As with anything major I set out to do, I wanted to shop around, not only for price, but for quality and peace of mind.  I ruled out the chains that *just* did LASIK.  For me, I decided I wanted an office that focused on the whole eye, to ensure nothing was overlooked, and to explore alternatives to LASIK, should the need arise.

So, I made two appointments back to back with two different eye centers.  Thomas Eye Group was first.  I was immediately pleased with my experience.  The staff was rather friendly and helpful, from greetings by the lovely ladies at the desk; to Jacqui – their LASIK coordinator – who provided me with all the information I needed regarding the procedure, answering many of my questions before I even had a chance to ask them, and providing me with pricing information; to Dr. Sari Gruber, who conducted my consultation examination and is also a LASIK success story herself.  During the course of my exam, it was noted that the cornea of my left eye was too steep.  (Oh, did I mention you’re supposed to go 3-5 days without your contacts before your appointment?  Did I also mention I had failed to do so?  Yeah, I should’ve listened better!)  So it was recommended that PKR surgery for my left eye may be an option, but we wouldn’t know until the day of the surgery.  LASIK would still be done on the right eye, regardless.  Price would not change, depending on what type of surgery — I liked the stability of that.

Thomas Eye Group general Collage

In terms of recovery, LASIK is the favorable option over PRK.  LASIK recovery time is a few days, where PRK may take a few weeks.  Each would require drops and other post-op care and follow-up; but “normal” vision occurs much more quickly with LASIK.  So, I certainly had my fingers crossed for LASIK, but would be happy with whatever would best suit my eye health.

Lo and behold, the next day, when I went to the other eye group for a consultation, I was again told I had steep corneas, and that PRK may be in the works for me.  Unlike at Thomas Eye Group, I was told they would do PRK on both eyes, if they did it on one.  I was baffled by their inability to offer a good explanation for this, even when I asked for clarification.  The cost for PRK was slightly less than the price I was quoted at Thomas Eye Group.  But I did not like not knowing which price I would be paying until the day of the surgery.  Thus, my decision was clenched: I was going to have Thomas Eye Group handle my LASIK experience.

Best. Decision. Ever.

 

LASIK Preparation
So for the next week or so, I stuck with my clunky ol’ glasses, and contacts were a thing of the past.  I confirmed my appointment about a week beforehand, and provided my pharmacy information so my prescriptions would be called in and ready to go after surgery.  I’m not a makeup person, so this wasn’t an issue for me; however, you should avoid eye make-up for at least two days before your procedure.  

On the day of the surgery, I came in bright and early in the morning, and was warmly greeted by the staff.  Within minutes, I was whisked away for a pre-op exam.  I honestly don’t remember all the technicalities here, except that 1) they needed to measure the steepness of my corneas, and 2) in order to perform LASIK, you have to have a “map” of the eye for the lasers to do what they do.  Dr. Jeffrey Carlisle introduced himself to me, and confirmed I would -indeed- be able to do LASIK in both eyes.

Thomas Eye Group Surgery Day

I will say, although the wait time felt super-long, it wasn’t — 20 minutes tops.  I was also given a dose of valium to relax.  (And when you’re about to have lasers come at your eyes, things to help you relax are a definite plus!)  Again, the entire staff was super-supportive, and kept my sprits up during the wait time.

Bring On the Lasers!

I was ushered in to the room for my procedure, and all aspects were carefully explained.  I was laying on the super-comfy fully reclined chair, and given a stuffed bear to hold.  And, yes, I gripped that poor bear a few times, just out of sheer nerves.  Dr. Carlisle -who was seated behind me during the procedure- began on my right eye, and honestly, it was but a few minutes before he declared it done.  Same with the left eye.  All was explained as it was happening, which proved reassuring.

Bam!  It was done.  I was helped up from the table, and asked to look at the clock across the room.  Imagine my excitement when I could read it with NO assistance!

Thomas Eye Group PostOpDrCarlisle

Post-Op Recovery

Soon thereafter, the water works started.  My eyes simply couldn’t handle the light nor the dryness.  So tissues galore were in order.  This is all to be expected.  I came home, took my allotted drops (4 different kinds) and just slept.  It actually took me a while to comfortably fall asleep because it felt a bit like there was a grain of sand on my eyes – neither blinking nor keeping them open nor keeping them shut seemed to help.  But then, ……I slept.  I’d only intended to sleep for a few hours, since my parents were watching my kids that morning.  But the next thing I knew, it was 4 in the afternoon!

My mantra for that entire day was simple: this is temporary.  The grainy feeling was temporary.  The endless pool of uncontrollable tears was temporary.  The blurry vision was temporary.  The sensitivity to light was temporary.  The inability to open my eyes for an extended time was temporary.

The following day, my husband helped load the kids in to the van, and drove me to my follow-up appointment.  Dr. Gruber looked me over, and gave me the green light to drive, and resume most of my normal activities.  However, I was not to swim for about two more weeks; I had to take care not to rub my eyes for another week, nor wear eye makeup during that time, and I was to continue wearing my eye shields at night, to help protect my eyes while I sleep.

Getting Better All the Time

Over the course of the next few weeks, I kept up my routine with my eye drops, as outlined in my post-LASIK packet.  I continue to use drops as needed when they feel dry, and keep them in the refrigerator for added comfort.  I came back a week later for my one-week post-op check, again hearing from Dr. Gruber that all looked well.  I continue to use sunglasses, as I still find light proves too much at times, especially being out and about with my kids during the day.

My eyes would become tired by the end of the day.  Dr. Gruber and Dr. Carlisle both assured me this is common, and goes away over time.  I’ve gotten in the habit of laying down and closing my eyes with my daughter when she naps.  But at age four, naps are rather hit or miss.  So when she doesn’t nap, those are the days when my eyes would just tire out around dinner time.  Thankfully, that fatigue has also dissipated greatly as well.

Old habits are rather hard to break, I find, as I continued to want to reach for my glasses when I had to get out of bed.  Slowly, that urge is going away.  My bathroom counter is less cluttered, with the absence of my glasses case, contacts case, saline solution, and weekly cleaning solution.

And the FREEDOM that has come with ditching the glasses is amazing!  I no longer need to plan ahead if I wish to swim laps when I take my kids to the pool, nor worry about getting splashed and having my contacts fall out.  And with two young kids, how I’d POSSIBLY drive home sans contacts!

I am quite grateful for the care I received at Thomas Eye Group, and would highly recommend them to anyone wishing to learn more about LASIK, and if it’s the right option for them.  The only regret I have is not doing this sooner.

About Thomas Eye Group

Founded in 1974, Thomas Eye Group has served the greater Atlanta community by providing eye care services to patients ranging in age from infants to seniors. Thomas Eye Group is a full service eye care provider with offices in nine locations in and around the greater Atlanta area providing routine eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, LASIK, as well as medical, surgical and cosmetic services —  AND, they are in the process of opening a new Sandy Springs location soon!  Additionally, Thomas Eye Group is active in social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

 

LASIK at Thomas Eye Group:

Thomas Eye Group is one of the pioneers of refractive surgery in Atlanta, and has performed laser vision correction procedures since 1990. Dr. Carlisle uses the most precise, advanced LASIK technology in Atlanta to perform the 100% Blade-Free LASIK procedure.

How to schedule a LASIK consultation:

Call 855-ATL-LASIK or click: here

You can also check out my cheesy testimonial (and hear my son’s excitement) here, and then go look at all the other awesome testimonials about Thomas Eye Group:

This is a sponsored post, based on my experience with Thomas Eye Group. In exchange for this post, I received a form of compensation; however, all opinions are mine.

Keep on saving!  :o)
--Barbara

**Remember, y'all, this post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Beach, Car Repairs, & a LASIK Giveaway ($4990 value!!!)

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**



LASIK giveaway, beach, and lemons posing as vans.  Yep, this is what I’ve been up to the last few weeks! We spent the last week at the beach – on vacation.  It was a much-needed getaway for all of us.  First, we visited hubs’ parents for a few days.  It was golf carts and dips in the pool galore!  Luckily, Florida’s weather faired better -um- dryer than Georgia’s did!

 Golf Carts RULE

 

Then, we all hopped in the car, and headed to the beach for a few days. This was each of my children’s second time at the beach.  But really first time for my son, who just slept in the tent on the beach last year.  (Oh, the life of an infant.)  They each had an absolute BLAST!  From my son toddling after seagulls (“birdie WAIT!”), to my daughter’s ever-growing seashell collection, to just digging my toes in the sand (even for just a fleeting moment, before bouncing off to chase an active and curious toddler), to just -getting away.  We were LONG overdue, and made the most of absolutely every moment!  (Did I mention how free I felt, sans glasses and contacts??)

 

Unfortuantely, we have also been experiencing some less-than-pleasant issues with our lemon of a van.  Boo.  Let’s just say, I’ve spent more time and money with Honda than I ever care to do again!

I digress.  Now for the REAL news: a LASIK giveaway!

Y’all may know by now Thomas Eye Group recently helped me ditch my glasses when I had LASIK.  Now you can have a chance to experience the freedom I’ve felt these last few weeks.  They’ve launched a “Summer LASIK Giveaway” contest. Facebook users desiring a LASIK procedure are asked to submit an essay explaining why you or a loved one deserves LASIK. The essay with the most votes as of 12:00 p.m. on August 1 wins a free LASIK procedure valued at $4,990.

 LASIK giveaway

To be eligible to win, participants are asked to “like” the Thomas Eye Group Facebook page, fill out the entry form, and draft an essay of up to 500 words. The Grand Prize Winner, based on Facebook votes, will be announced on August 2. All entrants in the contest will receive a gift certificate good for $600 off LASIK – so it’s truly a win-win for everyone!

Keep on saving!  :o)
--Barbara

**Remember, y'all, this post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Christmas in July – 10 ways to start planning now and avoid holiday debt

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**



Being extremely active on social media, I’ve seen tons of updates about how Christmas is just around the corner.  As much as I don’t want to start planning right now (procastinator!) it’s important so that I’m not breaking the bank in December.  So many families don’t plan for the holidays early enough, and end up putting a lot of their holiday gifts on credit cards.  Proper planning and smart shopping starting now can help you save in the long run, and avoid massive credit card bills when the new year rolls around.  Check out these 10 tips for making your Christmas as financially un-stressful as possible!

Start Christmas planning now avoid holiday debt

10 tips for planning Christmas on a budget

10.  Start making a list of what your kids want – As you hear them ask for specific things, or notice something that they could use, add it to a list.  You can easily make a list on your smartphone with an app like Evernote, and access it from anywhere.  This will really come in handy once you start actually purchasing gifts.

9.  Put aside money each pay period – Set aside a little bit each time you get paid.  Cut out stopping for coffee in the morning a few days a week, or maybe pack your lunch for work instead of going out.  Use that money for your Christmas fund instead.  There are about 25 weeks from the beginning of July until Christmas, so just saving $20 a week means you’ll have $500 to spend on gifts!  Be sure that money goes into a separate account so you don’t accidentally spend it!

8.  Subscribe to Amazon deals – Did you know that Amazon has Gold Box lightening deals available for a short period each day?  Subscribe to get those deals in your inbox and never miss out again!  Many of the deals are well over 50% off!

Start Christmas planning now avoid holiday debt

7.  Start cleaning out toys – Go ahead and start going through your kids’ toys now, and get rid of items that are broken, missing pieces, or that they have outgrown.  Once you pare them down and see what they have left, you’ll have a better idea of what they need.  You may realize they already have tons of stuff they still play with, or that they could use more Barbie clothes or Legos for their collection.  It’s easier to figure out what to buy when you have an accurate list of what they already own.

6.  Talk to your family about what to buy – If you have family members that always give your children gifts, talk to them about what they plan to purchase.  If there are specific items that you know your child wants, let everyone know.  If you plan to buy something that has accessories or add-on kits, that’s a great thing to clue family in on.  Another great way to share your child’s holiday wish list is through a site like GiftBirdy, which lets the kids make their own list online and then share it with others.

5.  Shop Craigslist, Ebay, and consignment sales – You can find great deals on gently used (and often new) items by searching Craigslist and Ebay.   I’ve also found great gifts by shopping yard sales and consignment sales in during the fall.  Your kids are going to open the boxes and use their gifts anyway, so why not buy something that’s out of the box but still in excellent condition?  This is a great way to pick up things like toddler toys, video games, outdoor toys and more, for often less than 50% of the regular retail price.  (Just be sure to exercise caution when purchasing items from Craigslist.  Meet sellers in a very public place, and if a deal sounds way too good to be true, it probably is.)

4.  Utilize layaway plans – If you have your eye on a big ticket item that you don’t currently have the money for, see if one of your local stores offers layaway.  You can pay a portion of the money up front, and then make payments over several weeks.  If the item goes on sale while it’s on layaway, most stores will honor that price and adjust it if you just bring it to their attention. Toys R Us, KMart, and Sears are just a few of the stores that currently offer layaway programs for their customers.

3.  Shop daily deal sites – Sites like Zulily and One Kings Lane offer short term deals on popular items.  Sign up to get their updates via email, and you’ll know about the big deals as soon as they are available.  Last year I got the super popular Pillow Pets for my kids for $1o from 1SaleADay.com for just $10, when they were retailing for at least $25 at other stores!  Be sure to share deals your friends would like as well, because most of those sites reward you with credit when your friends place an order.

Start Christmas planning now avoid holiday debt

2.  Check out the clearance section – Big name stores like Walmart and Target always have items on clearance, so when you are doing your regular shopping each week, take a second to check out the clearance aisle.  I have picked up several gifts at a huge discount that way.  I also like to look for clearance deals at local drug stores, and even grocery stores have good deals sometimes!

1.  Saving pocket change – Instead of using that change in the bottom of your purse, set it aside for your holiday fund.  Just a few coins here and there can really add up!  Do the same thing with found money, and you’ll have a nice little stash of cash to add to your holiday budget by the end of the year.  Every penny really does count, trust me!

Start Christmas planning now avoid holiday debt

Using these tips and a few others, I managed to spend just $250 on holiday gifts for my six children last year.  Christmas on a budget is totally possible, as long as you plan ahead!  Need some ideas for budget friendly gifts?  Check out the post I wrote with over 100 gifts you can get on Amazon for $2.00 or less, including shipping!

http://thebizymommy.com/100-gifts-can-buy-2-00-less/

Keep on saving!  :o)
--Barbara

**Remember, y'all, this post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Atlanta's Frugal Mom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. In other words, if you click through to Amazon from some of the books or products I recommend and make a purchase, I get a small percentage in exchange for your purchase. It's a small way you can support AFM.