Getting Comfy Out of My Comfort Zone {prAna review}

**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!**



prAna review banner

Disclosure: I received this product for free for a prAna review from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program , May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. However, my opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.   

As a mother of young kids, sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in a rut – whether it be at mealtime, household duties (ugh!), fitness, fashion, or all of the above and then some.  Sometimes we truly just trudge through in survival mode, doing the best we can with what we have, and feel accomplished in getting through the day in a somewhat sane fashion.

(Spit baths count as an actual bath for small children, right???) [Read more…]

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!**

Orkin’s Guide to Ousting Bed Bugs

**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!**



So if you’re at all like me, the title alone of this post just sent you spiraling in to an upheaval, complete with the childish on-the-chair “it’s a bug” dance.  What?  No one else does that?  Mmkay…

Ask the Orkin Man

Recently, Orkin  hosted a blogger event for Atlanta bloggers.  In exchange for sharing skin-crawling information during the event and in this post, I receive a form of compensation; however, all opinions and bad puns are completely my own.  I also wish to note, as I’m typing this, I’m listening to the clickety-clacky crunchy sound of stink bugs fluttering around my den.  Bonus points?? [Read more…]

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!**

Painting with a Twist

**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!**



Painting-with-a-Twist_Buckhead-bannerThis is a sponsored post written on behalf of Painting with a Twist in Buckhead.  I’ve received a form of compensation in exchange for promotion; however, all opinions and bad puns are completely my own.

As a mother, I think it’s important to find ways to do “grown-up” things with other grown-ups, without a hint of kids around.  Ok, fine, sometimes I consider a trip to the grocery store good escape…  But now Buckhead has another great place for you to escape: Painting with a Twist.  Here, you can paint on a canvas, enjoy good music, wine or beer, and create unique, personal masterpieces they can take to their homes or gift to others. The artwork ranges from landscapes, abstracts and cityscapes, to creative renderings of animals, iconic buildings and florals. [Read more…]

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!**

Better-for-You Baked Ranch Quesadillas

**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!**



Baked Ranch Quesadillas

Yep, I used the phrase “better-for-you” and “ranch” together.  And I mean it, y’all!  I recently had an opportunity to create a recipe as part of the blogger program by Naturally Fresh® and The Motherhood, who compensated me for my time and the development of this recipe.   However, all opinions, experiences, photos share here, and bad puns are all my own.

So how on earth can I make “better-for-you” baked RANCH quesadillas?  It’s simple: with Naturally Fresh® Lite Ranch, which is made with Naturally Fresh®’s own nonfat buttermilk cuts the calories in half, and it’s made with real, wholesome ingredients.  You’ve got to look in the refrigerated section at Publix or Kroger to find Naturally Fresh® products – and you can also utilize the Naturally Fresh® App to find products near you.

With a little thing called The Super Bowl coming up in a few days, I thought baked ranch quesadillas – with my own twist – would be a great snack for any party.  Wouldn’t these be the perfect appetizer to serve?  More importantly, with a few tweaks, I created a better-for-you appetizer (or meal!) and gave it some healthier updates.

Baked Ranch Quesadillas collage

Better-for-You Baked Ranch Quesadillas

You’ll need: [Read more…]

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!**

Cleaning Out My Pantry with Kroger’s Simple Truth

**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!**



The good people at Kroger recently hosted an event for local Atlanta bloggers, where we learned a heaping helping about their natural and organic products, including but not limited to, their Simple Truth line.  In exchange for attending and sharing this post, I was compensated with a SWEET goody bag, filled with ahh-mazing natural and organic goodies as well as a Kroger gift card.  All opinions, however, are mine.  Also, stay tuned for a chance to win $100 Kroger gift card!

As I’m writing this, I keep hearing Eminem singing “I”m sorry mama ….  but tonight, I’m cleaning out my closet.”  (Does that show my age????)  And although it’s done a little cheekily, there is more meaning behind that.  You see, I come from a LONG line of Southern women who love to eat and who love to feed their family.  In doing so, we don’t *always* prepare the healthiest meals.  However, as I keep peering in to my pantry, I keep getting both overwhelmed and sickened by the amount of junk I’ve allowed in to my home.

Kroger's Simple Truth Foods

Overwhelmed by “healthy buzz words”:

Overwhelming with all the talk of GMOs, organic, natural, whole grain, — and a never-ending list of words.  Some buzz words, while some having meaning behind them.  All seemingly overwhelming when you’re trudging through a pantry full of ooey-gooey goodness.  Also, overwhelming in formulating proper responses to nay-sayers who argue “well we were raised on this stuff, and we turned out just fine.”  Ok.  Maybe that’s easy: “would you let your kids eat paint chips, just because someone else did it before you??!”  We know better now, therefore we DO better now.  Right??

Ch-cha-cha-changes

So, I vow to break the bad habits lead out before me, and clean out my pantry.  I’ve been taking baby steps over the last few years, but now it’s time to kick it in to overdrive.  So Kroger’s timing was absolutely perfect!

One thing I’m working on doing for myself and my family is weeding out processed foods, or simply foods that have no sustenance whatsoever, and focusing on buying more organic options (both fresh and frozen).  Aaand it’s difficult to part with treasured childhood favorites!  (Remember: long line of Southern women!)  Additionally, bulking up classics with fruits and veggies wherever I can.

Back to Kroger.  They make this super-simple with their newly-extended line of natural and organic products.  Throughout the store you will find natural and organic items, not just in the “natural foods department.”  Kroger is utilizing their exclusive brands, Simple Truth and Simple Truth Organic to help bring natural and organic foods to consumers of all walks of life.

Kroger's Simple Truth - in store products

Frugally Fresh and Fit:

And I wouldn’t be me (frugal) if I didn’t share how this will NOT break the bank.  First, I have done the comparisons.  A canister of Simple Truth organic raisins is within 10-20¢ of the same (non-organic) canister of raisins.  I’ll spend the extra 20¢ for something my son happily eats in bulk!  My point is this, prices on these items are already set at a competitive rate.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t deepen your savings:  make sure you have signed up and have current information (mailing address and email address, mainly) to your Kroger card.  It’s your main vehicle to savings.  In addition to instant savings simply by using your Kroger card when you shop, you also help to customize the coupons that are sent to you home and inbox.  And the Kroger Fuel Program?  Yeah, it rocks my socks, too!

GIVEAWAY TIME!
Want to give it a whirl at Kroger?  I’ve teamed up with three other lovely ladies to offer one lucky winner a chance to win a $100 Kroger gift card.  It’s simple.  First, comment below with what natural or organic products you enjoy OR would like to try.  Then fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

Good luck, y’all!  🙂
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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!**

Go Experience Global Winter Wonderland + Discounted Tickets

**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!**



I am so excited about the latest thing to hit Turner Field, and it has nothing to do with baseball!  Global Winter Wonderland is coming to Atlanta, and you have a chance to win tickets for your family!  Growing up in Atlanta, a “winter wonderland” was but an alliterative term, not a concept I actually understood.  Snow?!  But with the Global Winter Wonderland, the abstract can become more concrete for y’all.  Seriously, this is one event you don’t want to miss!

Global Winter Wonderland Atlanta 2013

What IS the Global Winter Wonderland coming to Atlanta?

Global Winter Wonderland, a spectacular lantern festival and multicultural theme park, will allow guests to travel the world in one visit while viewing the larger-than-life lantern designs of landmarks from countries all over the globe.

 

Global Winter Wonderland features giant illuminated lanterns depicting creatures and scenes that include a Christmas holiday village, animals real and imagined, and people and scenes from around the world. Highlights include recreations of some of the world’s greatest architectural achievements, including the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, Chichen Itza, and the Golden Gate Bridge. The eco-friendly lanterns, some of which tower more than 50 feet high and span nearly 100 feet wide, are illuminated with low voltage LEDs and fluorescent lights, and several structures are powered by solar panels. The family event of the holiday season also features numerous carnival rides and games, international cuisine, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and celebrations of holiday traditions and various cultures from around the world.

Global Winter Wonderland - Atlanta 2013

When?
November 21, 2013 – January 5, 2014
5 – 11 PM daily

Where?
Turner Field
755 Hank Aaron Dr SW
Atlanta, GA 30315
404-314-1994

Tickets:
http://www.globalwonderland.com/
General Admission Adult $24.99
General Admission Senior (65+) $18.99
General Admission 5-12 $16.99
Children 4 and under are FREE
Season Passes are available

Grab discounted tickets here at Goldstar for Atlanta’s Global Winter Wonderland.  

Not signed up with Goldstar App yet on your phone?  Go here to sign up, then download the app.

Global Winter Wonderland

Enter to win a family four prize pack to Global Winter Wonderland in Atlanta.

First, comment below with your favorite winter memory from your childhood, or with your own kids. Then, fill out the form below. Good luck, y’all! 🙂

 

 

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!**

Dirty Secrets: My Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine Review + giveaway

**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!**



I was recently given a complimentary use of the Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine, in exchange for this review.  All opinions, and nasty carpet pictures, are completely mine.

I have a terrible confession to make: in over six years living in our home, we’ve never cleaned our carpets.  For over four years, they’ve been riddled with little kid grime; yet, we somehow just never got around to getting the carpets cleaned, even though it was always on our long list of things to do.  *sigh*

I digress.

When I was approached with an opportunity to try out the Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine in my home for a trial period, my husband and I both eagerly jumped at the chance!  Tanya from Fizz Word of Mouth Marketing dropped it off, and that very weekend, we got to cleaning!

Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine princess husband collage

Well, actually, I was putting the kids down for their naps, and my husband took over the carpet cleaning duties.  To be honest, I never got to even TOUCH the Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine during the entire trial period — my husband was in.  the.  zone.  So, to be perfectly clear, this review is really a second-hand account of HIS use of the machine.  But I assure you, it was an incredible experience.  😉

The Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine proved to be light weight, even when full of the sloshy water and cleaning fluid.  I’m not sure if you were supposed to vacuum the carpets before hand -remember, my husband took control and you know men and directions….  In any case, we didn’t, but the dirt was just effortlessly pulled away from our carpets, rugs, stairs (all three flights!), and couches.

Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine in action

The day we did this, it was overcast outside (imagine that, during this summer in Atlanta!), so it was difficult to get great pictures contrasting the clean and dirty carpets.  But I managed to capture a few, mainly the rugs in our den.  First, my husband did the big one, so I put the runner OVER it afterwards, for comparison purposes.  You can clearly see the difference!  This is in a super-high traffic area, but those filthy rugs didn’t stand a chance against the Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine!

Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine - before after

With enthusiasm -and the “help” of our daughter, dressed as Princess Merida- we tackled the whole house: all the carpet upstairs (including four bedrooms and a super long hallway), all the downstairs rugs, our carpeted dining room and formal living room, the finished basement (half carpeted), as well as front stair case, back stair case, and the basement stairs.

Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine - water pouring collage

All in all, each time we poured that nasty water tank in to the laundry room sink, we were assured that we were successfully lifting the grime out of our house.  Okay, and we were equally disgusted with the level of filth we’ve been walking upon, and our KIDS had been playing in!  With each dumping of the water tank, we felt a little -um- relief knowing that the grimy layer of disgust was literally going down the drain and OUT OF OUR HOUSE!

Enter for a chance to win a rental of the
Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine!

Would you like a chance to try out this bad boy?  I’m offering five vouchers each good for a 24-hour rental period (a $24.99 value) of the Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine.  It’s super simple, just comment below on which room(s) you’d most love to tackle with the Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine, then fill out the entry form here.

Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine vouchers

And even if you’d don’t win, grab this coupon, good for $5 off your rental.  Your local Lowes Home Improvement store offers rental of this machine, as well as the Bissell Pawsitivity Clean Machine, which is designed for pet owners.  …..now, go enter to win a free rental trial!

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!**

Catch Air – Birthday Party Review

**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!**



Catch Air Review

When the time came to plan for my daughter’s third birthday party, I knew one thing was certain: I didn’t want it at MY house!  With a newborn son and a highly energetic three year old, the last thing I wanted was to set up and then clean up for a party.  However, I wanted something special for my daughter, as we’d never really had a party for her yet, and since she’d had a big year, complete with becoming a big sister and all.

Catch Air Review

Within the span of a month, we took her to a -um- certain dark play place with a big mouse, and later to bouncy-type place featuring a particular primate.  Then we were invited to birthday party at Catch Air in John’s Creek location, and suddenly the choice was clear: my little girl was going to have her birthday party at Catch Air John’s Creek.

Catch Air Review

Catch Air, a combination bouncy house and indoor playground, had something to peek the interest of any child.  Plenty of inflatables throughout the facility for jumping,  along with simulated “fitness equipment”, ball pits, slides, token games, humongous train set, “balloon house”, a hamster roller, an interactive dance floor (think: the piano scene from Big)  and much all keep kids ages 12 and under occupied for hours and hours of entertainment!  And there’s four locations in the north metro area, including John’s Creek, Cumming, Suwanee, and Marietta.

Catch Air Review

Overall, I was exceptionally pleased with my experience at Catch Air in John’s Creek.  With a personal party coordinator leading the way, they took care of the set up and clean up (every mother’s dream!), as well as supplied the “party accessories”: table cloths, plates, forks, drinks for the party kids, and even invitations.  …and if you’re an absent-minded mother, like yours truly, and forget the all-important birthday cake candle, they’ve got you covered!  After 80 minutes of play in perhaps the coolest indoor playground I’ve seen, Carol got to have a “dance party” with Buzz Lightyear (her movie character du joir).  Buzz then led the kids over to the double sinks, where we all washed our hands before going in to the party room.  We were allotted 40 minutes in the “party room”, set up for the obligatory singing of “happy birthday” as she blew out the candles.  The party coordinator assisted in bringing the cake over, then cutting it up and helping to serve.  She then stepped back and let the kids have their fun.

Catch Air Review

Afterwards, I was also pleased to see the party room get thoroughly wiped down — a level of conscientiousness that I cannot say for other similar places.  The bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well-lit; although the floor seemed slightly slippery with socks on.  As a mother and uber-germophobe, I could really appreciate the level of attention the staff paid to cleanliness.

Catch Air Review

We were allowed to bring outside dry snacks, drinks for the adults, and the cake.  You have the option of ordering Papa Johns pizza or Chick-fil-a (and those of you who know me will be shocked to hear I opted out of CFA — I still don’t know how I passed *that* up!!), for an additional fee.  (Please note: the food options differ at the other locations.)  Our party coordinator assisted in setting up all the snacks and beverages, which allowed my husband and I the opportunity to just sit back and watch our daughter play.

Catch Air Review

Again, my experience with Catch Air was fantastic.  For $5-8 a visit for walk-ins (depending on your child’s age), and discount codes available frequently on their Facebook pages, you can’t go wrong taking the kids here.  There’s even free wifi for parents, as well as coffee and a snack bar available.  There’s four locations (Johns Creek, Cumming, Marietta, and Suwanee) in the north metro area.

Care to try out Catch Air? I highly recommend “liking” Catch Air on FB, since they frequently post “passwords” to get you discounts for walk-in visits!  Also, here’s a few more suggestions for snagging discount tickets to Catch Air: Groupon has tickets from time to time, but you can also buy a 10-visit pass and save directly at your location.  You’ll want to ask if your location’s pass is good at other locations; some allow it, others don’t.  🙂

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!**

Coupon Organization Strategies

**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!**



I wanted to remind y’all of two awesome companies that can help you keep your coupons organized, as well as remind you of a fantastic giveaway, too!



CMO Button

  • Double-sided coupon binder insert pages – The Coupon Magic Organizer exclusively carries 3-slotted, and 9-slotted DOUBLED-SIDED inserts!  Both pages are $9.99 for eight. These are highly durable sheets, that will last for many, many shopping trips!  Click here to order yours now.  

  • The Coupon Clutch – Simply put, it’s the most fashionable option available for organizing, storing, and toting around your coupons!  There are dozens of patterns to choose from, OR you can simply purchase the plans (if you’re the sewing type), and can personalize your Coupon Clutch even more.  Go here to get your Coupon Clutch today!
  • Win your very own Coupon Clutch!  My friend Heather, over at Family Friendly Frugality, is hosting a giveaway for a Coupon Clutch.  Head over to her Facebook page here, and enter for your chance to win!  (Seriously, if you don’t want one, enter anyways, and give it to me!!  Hee hee!)



Keep on saving!  :o)

–Barbara
**This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click/purchase/sign up for this offer, I may receive a small amount of compensation for it.**
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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.