Some of my favorite things....

So if you are like me, and hate to buy anything without a recommendation from someone who's really used it, I'm putting my stamp of approval on these products (for those people that are STILL on your list that you just can't think of what to buy for them).

Quesadilla Maker

We use this at least everyother day. Yes, I know you can just make a quesadilla in the microwave. But this makes SUCH yummy quesadilla's--I swear, if we aren't whipping it out for
lunch, it's being used for the afterschool snack--sometimes with cinnamon & sugar. And if you do get this, then fresh tortilla's are a MUST! Mmmmm. Easily found at Costco and Smith's (by the cheese). Which leads me to...

Smith's MarketplaceOh Smith's Marketplace--your logo should be bigger on my blog, because of the relationship we have. I know, I know, it's not a product, but this place has my number. It's 3 blocks from my house, I grab my groceries (yes, I realize it's a rip off sometimes, but convenience has to count for something at this season of my life!), digital photo printing, random household needs, clothes, toys, "Earn and Learn" program for the kids elementary school, discounted gas, and the best thing of all?!? A kids playland so I can shop without the tantrums in the middle of the aisle!

When I read that our school was the #11 top earner in the nation, I embarassingly felt a solemn sense of pride that I had indeed contributed significantly to that $7,000 + amount earned for our school. Yes, I am a nerd. But come on folks--it was for a good cause!

OxiClean

My friend recently also endorsed this one, and boy is it worth endorsing! Totally has gotten the formula out of Bree's clothes, along with just boosting the look of our laundry. But can I tell you the biggest miracle of all? Permanent marker off of my desk. Where was the mother when the Sharpie was being used as the tool of choice for Tink's artwork, you may be asking yourself? That is beside the point. Just use it. You won't be sorry.

Babysteal's

Every day, a new deal with great prices for boutique-y baby stuff. And a bonus, if you live near it, you can forgo the shipping and pick it up when you're out and about running errands.

Crazy 8

What Old Navy is to Gap, Crazy 8 is to Gymboree. Nice to have an alternative and they are having great deals right now (and even $5 Express shipping for the next 2 days). Cute, affordable kids clothes. You can even throw in 3 free gift boxes, and who can't use those right now?

Software Time

This program has won lots of parenting awards. It limits the amount of time each person in the family can be on the computer. Each person has their own login and password and then the preset time constraints (even hours that it can be used can be set up) start ticking. There's also options for "tokens", which can be used as a reward system if you want to give your kids 15 minutes more of time for good deeds, etc. What a great idea! If you're interested, there's even a 14 day trial to test it out.

I'd like to say that this is only for the kids, but I've discovered that I sometimes use the computer as a quick "escape" more often than I should, so this may be just as much for me as it is my kids. (See...look at that...only 24 minutes left of computer time today! I'd better wrap this post up...)

And finally... This has changed my life

Have you seen my driveway? I have to add it into my mileage when I go running, it's so stinking long! It used to take me 45 minutes to shovel snow. But since this was so generously given to Casey for his birthday, the job is done in 10 minutes flat. But I do wonder...is this the equivalent of Casey giving me a blender for my birthday?