script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"> google.com, pub-0949974396517105, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

The Secret Trick to Using your Smartphone to Stop Junk Mail

stop junk mail

“Buy, buy, says the sign in the shop window; Why, why, says the junk in the yard.” – Paul McCartney

Catalogs, phone books, postcards, coupons… when fighting the war on junk mail, one can feel a little outnumbered. Before your mailman gets all bent out of shape, let me introduce you to a deceptively pacifist app that fights the war on junk mail with a powerful punch. Paperkarma puts the power to reduce your paper junk mail in your smartphone— just download the app and in a few steps, you’ll be getting rid of the unwanted paper that inundates your mailbox.

Snap, Send, and Simplify!

How stinkin’ cool is this, right? If you’re like me, and have a bit of freebie addiction, you probably end up with tons of extra junk that you just don’t want! I mean, I love getting one of those great beauty bags from Target, stuff with make-up samples. But I DON’T like getting a million ads for sales at stores I don’t even shop at. I have never seen an easier way to stop my junk mail than this sweet app!

Tell me – Are you excited to grab this app today too?

Find more Smart Solution tips for busy moms on my Pinterest page!

Digitwirl is the weekly web show that offers simple solutions to modern day problems. In 3 minutes, Digitwirl brings busy women the very best time, money, and sanity-saving technology, and then teaches them how to use it, step-by-step. Digitwirl was created by technology lifestyle expert Carley Knobloch, who uses lots of technology to manage her busy life as mom of two and entrepreneur. Become a subscriber to get weekly show alerts and exclusive deals at Digitwirl.com, or follow Digitwirl on Twitter at @digitwirl.

signature

My 5 Gym Bag Essentials – And I’m Giving Them Away!

I’m not a sporty type. In fact, I didn’t even own a pair of sneakers until I went to the {super, duper, totally amazing} Nike Kids event a few weeks ago and they gave me some sweet new kicks. But – I’ve been doing the Nutrisystem diet for about two months now, and have lost about 15 pounds already. That has TOTALLY motivated me, and I’ve added more exercise to my days now too. This week I started going for a daily walk with Abby – and lemme tell ya, I’ve learned how out of shape I really am! Those big hills make my legs ache when we get home! So – my old lady self needed a “Smart Solution” product to help, and I’ll share it here in case any of you ladies are in need of some help getting your booty in gear this spring too –

Zero Degrees by BENGAY

“Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness.” – Earl of Derby

BENGAY is one of those products that’s been around forever, and most of us have probably tried before. Well, now that brand that you totally trust has launched a new product with a cool idea {yep, pun intended. I love puns. They’re punny.} – Let me introduce you to BENGAY Zero Degrees, the first pain reliever that you can keep in your freezer, making it feel uh-MAY-zingly soothing on sore muscles. It’s a glide-on stick, so it’s super easy to apply, with no mess or sticky hands. And it works. It works gooooood.

gym bag essentials

“If I’d known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” – Eubie Blake

I’m super excited to give one of you lucky ladies this product to try out, totally free, as part of a sweet Gym Bag Essentials kit. This kit has everything that you need to be workout ready:

  1. An insulated over-the-shoulder gym bag in navy blue with black straps.
  2. A branded towel, since you’ll be sweatin’ it up while you’re dropping the pounds.
  3. A super fun workout DVD – Shape up with Karina Smirnoff. Includes a “Love-Handle Burn” – yep, needed that for sure!
  4. My fave hair bands from Scunci, and the super helpful volume boosting dry shampoo from John Frieda, to look good again after your workout.
  5. And of course – the brand new Bengay Zero Degrees, to sooth soreness after the gym.

Wanna win it? Then complete the entries in the easy peasy Rafflecopter entry form below – do as few, or as many, as you like. But remember, the more you complete, the more chances you have to win. Feelin’ lucky? Check out the HUGE list of other prizes that I’m giving away this month, listed together in my sidebar! {And check out my Weight Loss board on Pinterest for more inspiration, tips, and ideas – including some healthy alcoholic summer drinks. Yum!}

Have fun and good luck!

[Read more…]

signature

Ride the Tide Into Summer Giveaway!

Win a Year’s Supply of Tide!

Oh yeah! We did it again :) Acadiana’s Thrifty Mom has teamed up with FreebieShark and an awesome group of bloggers to bring you this AWESOME prize! One lucky fan will win a year’s supply (600+ loads) of Tide laundry detergent! WOW, can you imagine not buying laundry detergent for an entire year? Well, all you have to do is complete this super easy rafflecopter and you’re on your way to your chance of winning!

Feelin’ Lucky?

Then make sure to enter to win all of the other amazing prizes I’m giving away this month! After the huge hacker mess I went through last month, I’ve teamed up with some great groups, to offer a ton of awesome prizes – to make up for being down and unavailable for a week. So enter ’em all – the more you enter, the more chances to win!

Have fun & Good Luck!

*This giveaway is opened to U.S. residents only. You must be 18 years old to enter to win. This giveaway is in NO WAY affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Google.*

[Read more…]

signature

Plan a Perfect Party: Mother’s Day Free Printable Kit!

Ah, motherhood. There are so many crazy moments, sleepless nights, and never-ending messes. But, there is also immense joy, unconditional love – and great days to celebrate, like Mother’s Day! If you’re planning a party too, then you will just LOVE this great set of amazingly pretty printables that’ll make any party a little more cheery.

mothers day brunch

“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.” – Unknown

My “first” Mother’s Day was two years ago – I was 7 months pregnant, and the fact that I would soon be a momma was constantly on my mind. {How could it NOT be? I couldn’t see my own feet anymore, and she was kicking my ribs all day long…. } Last year, Abby was just a baby, and I was still in that daze of early motherhood – sleep deprivation and all. So this year, I feel excited to celebrate my new life role as a mother. I’ve got almost 2 years under my belt, and am feeling much more confident in my ability to raise her into a happy and healthy little lady. And she’s old enough now to run into a room, wrap her arms around my neck, and say, “Kisses Momma!!” Mwah. And THAT is what makes being a momma worth it….

Celebrating Mother’s Day

We’re planning a great big BBQ party to celebrate the day – and have invited just about everyone that we know. I’m really excited to see my favorite people and party it up! I went searching for some ideas and inspiration – {Check out my Mother’s Day board on Pinterest to see my finds} – and I just HAD to share this amazing set of free printables that I came across! Here’s how to get them:

  • Visit her spectacular Facebook page – Amanda’s Parties To Go. Like her page, then click on the little box that says “Mother’s Day Freebie.”
  • Now click to download, and get your goodies! That’s it, easy peasy!

Want some ideas on how to use them? Check out this amazing Mother’s Day Brunch post on her blog – so pretty!! Love these ideas, and will be using lots of them this weekend. And – if you have more summer party needs, check out her super cool Etsy shop too – I’m LOVIN’ her fun themed sets, like the Monster Truck Birthday Party, Pirates Printables, and the holiday goodies!

free printables for mother's day brunch

Free Mother’s Day Printable Package includes:

  1. “Happy Mother’s Day” banner
  2. Chevron pattern blank food tent cards or placecards
  3. 2″ logos for cupcake toppers
  4. 2.5″ background designs for cupcake toppers
  5. 1″ logos for toothpick embellishments
  6. Drink wraps
  7. Napkin wraps
  8. 3 different cupcake wraps
  9. Hershey Kiss circles (to use with a 3/4″ circle punch)
  10. Fill in Mother’s Day Brunch invitation
  11. Fill in Mother’s Day Lunch invitation
  12. Blank Mother’s Day Brunch invitation
  13. Blank Mother’s Day Lunch invitation
  14. Blank Menu card
  15. “Happy” “Mother’s” “Day” yard picks
  16. “Happy Mother’s Day” door sign
  17. Centerpiece picks
  18. “Happy Mother’s Day” tags
  19. 3 colored straw or toothpick flags
  20. 5 coordinating paper patterns

How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? Leave me some comments!

signature

Instagram May Photo Challenge

instagram photo challenge

Are you a Photo Junkie?

If so, then you’re probably a total lover of Instagram too! Which means you’ve gotta join me in doing this sweet photo challenge from Paper Coterie – They want to see all of the little ways that you celebrate your life, since they’re celebrating turning 1! Yep, one whole year running their beautiful business. Since I love any excuse to take more photos for Instagram, I love this little challenge.

Check out my latest pics for the challenge on Web.stagram – or follow me on Instagram, @sunandsipcups.

About the Challenge:

Birthdays, holidays, and special occasions are amazing ways to recognize milestones.  Don’t get us wrong.  We LOVE a good reason to celebrate.  But finding value in and documenting the beauty of the everyday is our special mission.  This month, we’d love for you to join us in purposely seeking out and capturing the details of the everyday. To Join – Each day, follow the photo prompt.  Share your photo via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.  Tag your photos with the hashtag #connectwithpc and the name of the prompt.  We can’t wait to see how you document the beauty of life well lived.

Love Paper Coterie as much as I do?

They have some amazing specials right now you can check out, including a code for a free gift, and some Mother’s Day deals at 60% off! Love that.

Let me know if you’re joining this challenge too by leaving me a comment with your Instagram name, so I can follow you. I missed a couple days – but I’ll be posting a pic {or two, or three….} for each days challenge from now on!

signature

Photo Gifts that Combine Retro & Modern Design – at HUGE Discounts for Mother’s Day!

I Heart Paper Coterie!

I am so incredibly in love with the photo products at Paper Coterie – seriously. I ordered a few months ago when they had the free $40 in credit for new customers, and was BLOWN AWAY by the totally gorgeous selection. Everything is so pretty – like a really cool combination of retro/vintage style, but still totally modern and fresh. How can that be? Well, you’ll have to check them out and see it yourself –

Shop Paper Coterie Today – Mother’s Day Sales and Birthday Bash!

I love the products, and the quality is as good as it gets. Like, perfection. But – the other thing I totally love about them is that they LOVE you back! My order came with a pendant necklace, as a thank you for my first order. They are always running really amazing specials where you get free gifts, totally free credits, or super sweet discounts. Right now you can get –

  • Free Mother’s Day printables, that are totally pretty.
  • $20 Memory Keepers {this is a beautiful box that you personalize with photos, and fill with great memories.} – plus a free gift.
  • Mother’s Day specials – express shipping, and gifts at 60% off!

Check them out, and stock up on gifts for the special women in your life – and for yourself. This is now my #1 go-to shop for any type of photo or paper products. If you want to stay updated on their promotions and unique new photo products, check them out on Facebook!

What are YOU getting your Momma this year?

Do you ever purchase photo gifts? {If so – seriously, you MUST check these out. You’ll probably never shop anywhere else again!} Do you do the traditional flowers and a card? Jewelry? Or are you a DIY type?

You’ll find more Mother’s Day Celebration and Gift Ideas on my Pinterest board – and I”d love to hear your creative tips too!

signature

Marvel’s #TheAvengers Sets New Records – Learn Why!

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS DOMESTIC DEBUT SETS ALL-TIME INDUSTRY RECORD AT $200.3 MILLION

Honestly, I hadn’t paid a whole lot of attention to this movie until I started hearing all the buzz in the blogosphere about it. My friend Darcy at Tales from the Nursery, got to attend the red carpet event in NYC for The Avengers Premier, which sounds like such an amazingly cool event! Then I read my girl Sadie’s review of The Avengers too – and realized that this sounds seriously good. So when I heard the news that this movie has totally blown away the competition, and set new records in ticket sales, that sealed the deal. I see a date night in the near future!

Check out their news…

“In just three days, Marvel’s the Avengers is the fastest movie to reach $200 million domestically. The domestic debut kicked off Friday, May 4 and marks the second highest single day take of all time at $80.5 million. Saturday’s box office gross of $69.7 million is the highest Saturday take of all time. Moviegoers gave Marvel’s The Avengers a rare and perfect A+ CinemaScore.” Sounds like pure awesomeness to me.

Marvel’s The Avengers began opening internationally April 25 and crossed the $600 million mark globally May 6 after just 12 days in release.

The film’s success comes a month after Marvel and Disney announced that a sequel to 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger will be released April 4, 2014. A sequel to last summer’s Thor is scheduled for release November 15, 2013, and the third installment of the hit Iron Man series, which has earned over $1.2 billion worldwide, will arrive in theaters May 3, 2013. Marvel’s The Avengers is the first Marvel Studios film to be marketed and distributed by The Walt Disney Studios.

Have you seen it yet? Share a link to your review, or tell me what you thought of it!

signature