Coupons Help Save Big for Holiday

I haven't tried any of these but if anyone does, let me know if its legitimate. Thanks to Tara for passing on these holiday hints.Online Discounts: Alloy Coupon Code: ALYGIFT (20% off entire order til Dec. 3, 2007)
American Eagle Outfitters Coupon Code: 64152219 (15% off from Nov. 27 - Dec. 11, 2007)
Armani Exchange Coupon Code: STYLE20 ($20 off $100 from ? - ? )
Banana Republic Coupon Code: BRHOLIDAY (20% off from Nov 27 – Dec 24, 2007)
Bare Escentuals Coupon Code: BEFAMILY (20% off from Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2007)
Barnes & Noble Coupon Code: T4N3B6W (25% off Single Item on Nov 27 – Dec 10, 2007)
Bath and Bodyworks Coupon Code: VELVET10 ($10 off $30 from Nov. 27 - Dec. 2, 2007)
Bed Bath Store Coupon Code: holiday07 ($15 off $75 from Nov. 28 - Dec. 10, 2007)
BeBe Sport Coupon Code: FAMILY25 (25% off from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
CCO - Closeout Catalog Outlet Coupon Code: CC10040 (extra 30% off your most expensive item - ends midnight Thursday, 11/29/07)
CCO - Closeout Catalog Outlet Coupon Code: CC10042 (extra 30% off your most expensive item - ends midnight Tuesday, 12/04/07)
Children's Place Coupon Code: FFTAHPVAC7 (30% off from Dec. 2 & Dec. 3, 2007)
Cloud Veil Coupon Code: 7LJ400 (45% off from ? - ? )
Crazy8 Coupon Code: C8ONLINE (20% off from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
Designer Linens Outlet Coupon Code: FRIENDS77 (50% off from Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2007)
Disney Store Coupon Code: HOLIDAY25 (25% off from Nov 27 – Dec 2, 2007)
***Eastbay Coupon Code: EMEB72GC (20% off Giftcards from Nov 17 – Dec 20, 2007)
GameStop Coupon Code: AFF25 (25% off Used Games from ? – ? )
Golf Smith Coupon Code: FFD07 (UP TO 30% off from Nov. 28 - Dec. 4, 2007)
Exclusions, here's the original postGuess Factory Stores Coupon Code: FNF30F (30% off from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
Hasbro Toy Shop Coupon Code: FRIENDS20 (20% off from Dec 2 - Dec. 9, 2007)
Illuminations Coupon Code: 999201329 (20% off from Nov. 27 - Nov. 30, 2007)
J. Jill Coupon Code: FFNV25 (25% off on Nov 27 – Dec 2, 2007)
JC Penny Coupon Code: CHAMPION (20% off from Dec. 9, 2007)
Joann.com Coupon Code: NOVA740 (40% off 1 Regularly-Priced Item from Nov. 28 - Nov. 30, 2007)
Levis Store Coupon Code: LOJVWYJ9 (20% off $75 from Nov 30 – Dec 2, 2007)
Limited Too Just click link for savings (25% off from Nov 27 – Dec 9, 2007)
Linen & Things Coupon Code: 223823997733 (20% off from Nov 30 – Dec 31, 2007)
Liz Claiborne Coupon Code: FRIEND40 (40% off from Nov. 30 - Dec. 3, 2007)
Macy's Coupon Code: MACYSFRIEND or MACYSFF or CFF117 (20% off from Nov 28 – Dec 03, 2007)
MetroStyle Coupon Code: MSTYLE50 (50% off Single Item from Nov. 28 - Dec. 31, 2007)
New York & Company Coupon Code: 9897 ($30 off $75 from Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2007)
Nike Coupon Code: 2PCTH7A (20% off $125 from Nov 27 – Dec 24, 2007)
***Overstock Coupon Code: 73989 (10% off $45 from ? - ? )
***Ralph Lauren Coupon Code: HOL2007 (30% off 11/10 - 12/10)
Red Envelope Coupon Code: AMX25WISH ($50 off $200 from ? – ? )restaurant.com Coupon Code: THANKS (60% off from Nov. 28 - Nov. 30, 2007)
Sephora Coupon Code: FF2007 (20% off from Nov. 28 - Dec 31, 2007)
***Sharper Image Just cick link for savings ($10 off $100 from Nov 27 – Jan 31, 2008)
Snap Fish Coupon Code: FRIENDS07 (25% off on Nov 27 – Dec 25, 2007)
Speedo Coupon Code: FRIENDS4 (25% off on Nov 27 – Nov 30, 2007)
Sports Authority Coupon Code: TSASAVE25 (25% off on 11/29-12/2)
Timberland Coupon Code: 3421273 (40% off from Nov 30 – Dec 2, 2007)
Toys 'r' us Coupon Code: TRUFRIENDFAMILY (15% off $150 from Nov 27 – Dec 1, 2007)
Ulta Coupon Code: 84447 (20% off Single Item from Nov 27 – Dec 1, 2007)
Victoria's Secret Coupon Code: FA78113 or FA78449 ($15 off $100, $30 off $150, $75 off $250, & $150 off $500 from Nov. 28 - Dec. 20, 2007)
Victoria's Secret Coupon Code: WARM25 (25% off Single Sweater from Nov. 28 - Dec. 1, 2007)
Warner Bros Coupon Code: HGFFWB (20% off from Nov 27 – Nov 30, 2007 )
WinkFlash Coupon Code: G3F8E7W4 (40% off from Nov 28 – Dec 15, 2007 )
Yankee Candle Just cick link for savings ($10 off $25 from Nov 27 - Dec. 22, 2007)
Zales Coupon Code: SAVE50FRIEND ($50 off $200 [works on 199.99] from Nov 28 & Nov 29, 2007 ) PRINTABLE INSTORE COUPON
Barnes & Noble (10% off on Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2007)
Bath and Bodyworks ($10 off $30 from Nov. 27 - Dec. 1, 2007)
BeBe Sport (25% off from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
BestBuy ($20 off $175 from Nov. 27 - Dec. 1, 2007)
Borders or Waldenbooks (20% off from Nov 27 – Dec 6, 2007)
Crazy8/Gymboree (20% off from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
Foot Locker (30% up to $100 or 30% + 10% over $100 from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
Champs (30% up to $100 or 30% + 10% over $100 from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
FootAction (30% up to $100 or 30% + 10% over $100 from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
Gordmans (20% off Single Item from Nov 27 – Dec 9, 2007)
Guess Factory Stores (30% off from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
H&M (25% off from Dec. 7 - Dec. 9, 2007)
J. Jill (25% off from Nov 27 – Dec 2, 2007)
JC Penny (20% off on Dec. 9, 2007)
Kirklands (25% off Single Item from Nov 27 – Dec 31, 2007)
The Limited ($30 off $100 from Nov 26 – Dec 2, 2007)
Limited Too (25% off from Nov 27 – Dec 9, 2007)
Linen & Things (20% off from Nov. 27 - Dec. 31, 2007)
Loehmanns (15% off Reduced Item & 20% off Clearance Item from Nov 27 – Dec 31, 2007)
Lord & Taylor (15% off from Nov. 9 - Dec. 24, 2007)Macy's (pdf)(20% off from Nov 28 – Dec 03, 2007)
New York & Company ($30 off $75 from Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2007)
Niketown, Nike Women, Nike Outlet - Front / Back 30% off 11/29 - 12/2 YMMV
oshKosh ($10 off $50 from Nov 26 – Dec 11, 2007)
Radio Shack (Various Deals Dec 1, 2007 from 7am - 9am)
Sharper Image ($10 off $100 from Nov 27 – Jan 31, 2008)
Staples (12% off from Dec. 2 - Dec. 8, 2007)
Ulta (20% off Single Item from Nov 27 – Dec 1, 2007)
Yankee Candle ($10 off $25 from Nov 27 - Dec. 22, 2007)

Until the next nap time...

Birthday and Ailing Christmas Tree

Happy Birthday to me! Little K may be more excited about it than me. Trust me, that's hard to believe. I love birthdays. I made it another year -- Yeah! And there's so much more to accomplish. For me, it's like a more positive, slightly more sober New Year's Day. Cheers!

Since I decided several years ago NOT to work on my birthday, I'll be running errands. Ugh! This morning, I went to a ribbon cutting for the local Chamber of Commerce and lined up an initial meeting with a prospective client. (Yes, that does actually count as work.) Just had lunch with a girlfriend, now I'm heading to a local boutique shop to drop off 12 copies of my book 100+ Activities for Houston Kids. Yeah! I have a few more errands to run for Christmas gifts, then I'll pick up Little K for some Mommy & Kylie time.

Tonight, we're staying home for fajitas. After the holiday weekend, I'd just rather stay home. We're also planning to go buy another artificial Christmas tree since my husband Trent plugged in our old tree that is pre-strung with lights, only to discover that half the lights don't even work. He was so frustrated that he immediately picked up the tree, took it outside and landed it in the trash can. My sister Colyn & I roared! We'll set up the NEW tree tonight and BOY, am I ready for the holidays. I love Christmas! Yes, we certainly have plenty to be thankful for! If only we could all capture the excitement seen through my daughter. I'll try.

Until the next nap time...

Gear Up for Thanksgiving

It's that time again. It may be hot & humid in Houston but everyone seems to be preparing for the Thankgiving feast. I just read this article "Hints From Heloise: How to handle everything at the holidays", published in the Dallas Morning News and thought I'd share it. Heloise does it again with tips on taking good holiday photos, preparing a turkey and enjoying it all.

Happy Turkey Holiday to you all!

Until the next nap time...

Ordinary Moments Are Special

I take a lot of photos of our family. I love my digital camera & I love my collection of sunshine & smiles, petting zoos & adventures, new ideas & learned facial expressions. The challenge when I look through hundreds of photos is that I’m rarely pictured there with Little K and often her Daddy. I’m the one behind the scenes or in this case behind the camera. It’s important for someone to play that role but every once in a while you want to see yourself front & center. Notice that I say “you want to see yourself front & center.” I don’t think it really matters what others see.

I did share these thoughts with my husband on a recent trip to Galveston & he understood. Every now & then my hubby would grab the camera & take a few shots. There were some cute ones, no doubt, & I appreciated his effort.

Then, there was the snapshot. My favorite snapshot. Little K & I cuddled on the sofa, pretended that we were sleeping until we both giggled like the silly girls we are. No make up, just PJs. Our hair dos are a mess. And we’re wrapped up in the moment of holding each other & laughing together. The rest of the world could go on by itself. We were only focused on that moment.

Isn’t that how life with your children should be? So even when you’re usually the person behind the scenes, take in that moment & know that you are so important to your child. You make them feel whole & they do the same for you. Every moment counts – whether you’re experiencing an over-orchestrated play date or snuggle time on the sofa. That ordinary moment may actually be the exact moment you need to see. For me, just cuddling with my daughter feels like one of the greatest reasons I became a parent, no, a mommy.

Until the next nap time…

Turning A Tough Day Around

This morning, I got dressed quickly before Little K awoke, hoping I'd have "it all pulled together" before she awoke. Hmmm, I'm missing a rather important button on that blouse and don't think my client would appreciate the "Gweneth Paltrow" look as my husband called it. I tried removing a button from the very bottom of the shirt since that part would be tucked in. No luck finding the seam ripper. I resorted to scissors, a shisk-ka-bab skewer and finally a knife which sawed the threads of. I almost cut off my pinkie.

I quickly put some Egg Beaters on the stove and then sewed my button. What's that smell? Oh, my eggs burning. Then, my eggs burning on the stove top and running down the oven door.

So it's going to be one of those days, is it? I asked aloud.

I eat my burned eggs as my husband wipes up the stove... well, he sort of did. As I'm pouring Little K's milk, I hear her calling for me. I head upstairs to get her dressed for nursery school even though her nose is running and her voice is hoarse. Allergies?

As we're getting dressed, I realize my new button is actually much smaller than the ones above and below it. I really don't even care today. It's Monday.

As I rush through my day of client appointments and ignorant recent college grads that are sure they know more than Einstein (don't even ask them about me!), I remember one verse I recently saw:

"Every day offers a chance to choose either anger or understanding, bitterness or acceptance, darkness or light. And the choices we make reveal the stuff we're made of."

I like that. I'm heading to pick up Little K & then we'll go "eat some shrimpers" at my parents' house while my grandparents are still in town. After all, I don't think I need to attempt cooking again today.

Until the next nap time...

Veterans Day Parade in Houston

I really think Veterans Day is an important holiday. My (maternal side) Grammy and PaPa Don both served as Marines in World War II. The stories they tell and the photos they share are moving. Whether or not one of your relatives is a veteran, there is a lot to learn and respect from these individuals. I hope you will show your children how to respect those currently serving in the military and those with previous service. How? Head to the Veterans Day Parade this weekend.

Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony Info: Sunday, November 11, 2007
11 am Ceremony, 500 Smith, Hermann Square at City Hall, Downtown Houston
Moment of Silence, In Memory of the Eleventh Hour, Eleventh Day, Eleventh Month Signing of the WWI Armistice

1:00 pm Flyover and Parade, Smith at Texas
Special Guests of Honor include: Vietnam Veterans of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, Gold Star Mothers, Col. William Duncan

2:00 pm Houston Freedom Fest
Veterans Concert with Mass Choir and Orchestra, Military Equipment Displays, Wellness Booths - PTSD Emphasis, Grammy Award Winner Lee Greenwood, Texas A & M Singing Cadets, gospel artist Barbara Tucker, Words from Generals and Veterans

Until the next nap time...

Lap Sit Story Time in November

Babies – ages 3 months to 24 months – and their caregivers will enjoy the November Lap Sit Story Time session at the West University Library. Each Wednesday – starting November 7 through November 28 – at 10:30 AM, we will sing songs, chant nursery rhymes, bounce and clap for about 20 minutes. Afterward, there will be playtime with the soft toys. That’s a good time to meet new people, visit and possibly set up play dates.

Call the West University Branch Library at 713 668-8273 for more information. The Library is located at 6108 Auden.

Until the next nap time...

Fun Fine Arts for Kids

Looking for a fun activity to do with your youngster in November and/or December? Check out the Creative Connections classes -- Creative classes that provide developmentally appropriate educational and Fun Fine Arts curriculum! Active, Artistic, Enriching and Educational! The finest in fine arts education!

Turkey Time Workshops by Creative Connections

Friday, November 16th.
10-11-St. John the Divine-Ages 1-3 with a parent

Saturday,November 17th.
3:30-4:30-Fundamentally music- PreK-Elementary

Rockin' Reindeer Workshops
Friday,December 14th.
10-11am-St.John the Divine-Ages 1-3 with a parent*
*An additional workshop can be added on Saturday.
Contact Casey if you are interested in a Saturday option!

Saturday, December 15th.
3:30-4:30-Fundamentally music-PreK-Elementary

Dance,Act,Play,Paint and more!
$20 per child. Sign up for both for workshops for $35
Advanced Registration and payment required 24 hours before event.

Mail payment to:
Casey Casteel
P.O. Box 37401Houston, Texas 77237-0401
Or pay onlline at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wr8ETkpccpHbeiex2Nj8-diQPhFYdrLonln3SeswFYKZp8BMDWANj0jofrbLZs9ITN2B1E9sloK1algWHyOY2Cs09xwCuaDG7llJjaxnO93xBwq0Nr1v5LDTxWVamASsBKARS_0P69pGcktGGhwqBQ==