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Secret to Saving on Baby Basics: Learn to Maximize Amazon Savings

Baby Bargain Mondays with Amazon Mom

If you have to buy diapers, wipes, or formula in your local store, I definitely recommend using a site like Planning Family to stock up printable baby coupons, or subscribe to one of the free baby magazines like American Baby, to get more clipped coupons. But – the BEST way to save money on baby basics is by signing up for an Amazon Mom account, and taking advantage of the Subscribe and Save options.

What is Amazon Mom?

Amazon Mom is a FREE account on Amazon.com – And it gets you FREE 2-Day Amazon Prime Shipping on your purchases! How cool is that, right? Here’s how to sign up for an account:

  • Go to Amazon.com, and click on “Your Account” on the top right side.
  • Scroll down to the section called “Settings” – Then look for the option to enroll in Amazon Mom Membership.
  • When you click that, you go to a screen with a few basic questions – then bam! You are set up with a new Amazon Mom account – Easy peasy.
{Ok – UPDATE ALERT!!! – I’m being told that there is currently a wait list to get into the Amazon Mom program. This is SUPER weird, since it’s a membership – not something that can “run out”, you know? But – It’s definitely worth signing up for, and I hope none of you have to wait very long – it’s SUCH an awesome way to save. If you are able to sign up without a wait list, let me know when it changes! Thank you to the awesome ladies who informed me of this new change!!}

Subscribe and Save

On many items like Diapers, wipes, and formula – You’ll see the regular option to purchase, then an option to “subscribe and save” right underneath of that. When you subscribe, you set up an automated shipment of that product – but you get it at a big discount! So, if you know that you go through 3 packages of baby wipes a month, you set up a new 12 pack shipment to arrive every 4 months. AND – you can cancel that shipment anytime, with no penalties – it’s super simple.

Here’s an example of the savings:

You need diapers, and maybe you’re using the Gifts to Grow rewards program, so you buy the Pampers Baby Dry Diapers Economy Pack. It’s always cheaper to buy diapers in bulk – This package of 192 is only $47 dollars, which is .25 per diaper. Not bad, but we can do better!

  • First, switch from One-Time Delivery to Subscribe and Save – It brings the cost of the diapers down to $37.75 – a savings of 20%, bringing the diapers down to only .20 cents per diaper.
  • Next – you’ll often find coupons after you sign up for Amazon Mom – Like this one on the Pampers: “Save $1.00 with this Coupon – Clip this coupon to save $1.00 on this product when you buy from Amazon.com.”
  • Click the button to “Clip” that coupon – You just saved another dollar!

Using this great Amazon feature saves you time, since you don’t have to keep running out to the store to buy more diapers, saves you a ton of money, and if you buy Pampers – the points from these big boxes of diapers earn you FREE Shutterfly Photo Packages with Pampers Gifts to Grow. You can’t get much better than that, right?

Baby Bargain Mondays

Every Monday is Baby Bargain Monday on Amazon – with loads of great deals on baby stuff like cribs, car seats, and toys – so it’s a great time to shop. Make sure to look for the “Lightning Deals” on baby goods every Monday too – You’ll find some amazing prices.

Free Amazon Credits

When you use sites like Swagbucks, MySurvey, or MyView, you can cash in and build up a ton of free Amazon Gift Card credits too – which can make some of these awesome deals totally free! I have bought almost all of Abby’s diapers and wipes on Amazon, and most of her toys too – and I’ve paid cash for less than half of that. Learning how to maximize your Amazon savings is the BEST way I have found to save money on baby basics.

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A Bundle of Joy in Every Box

Bluum Gift Box

“A new baby is like the beginning of all things – wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.” – Eda J. Le Shan

Do you love trying out all of the newest baby products – but hate wasting your baby budget on items you end up not liking or using? Then you will LOVE this super fun new site – Bluum.com! Bluum carefully chooses 4-5 Deluxe product samples right that are perfect for new moms and their precious babies – giving you the opportunity to try before you buy!  By having the ability to test out their carefully-selected products, you can choose what you love before committing to a closet full of items that don’t work for you and your little one.

Get 4-5 Deluxe product samples, hand-picked by moms, packaged beautifully and shipped right to your door every month!

Baby samples box“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” – Elizabeth Stone

  • Perfect baby shower gift! It can be overwhelming trying to figure out which products to stock up on… A subscription to Bluum before the baby is born lets a new momma build up a little stockpile of great goodies, to learn what works best for her new little one.
  • So helpful for new moms! What fun to get a pretty package each month, filled with the best products to pamper mom and her new bundle of joy!
  • Subscriptions start at just $9 bucks a month! Totally affordable way to try out bunches of adorable new products each and every month!

At Bluum, there is a passion for babies and moms!

“They are there for you every step of the way and look forward to guiding you in the right direction in this new and exciting journey through motherhood!”

Limited Time – Save 50% off!

For a very limited time, you can visit Plum District and get a 3 full month subscription for only $18 bucks – a $36 value! I’m always searching for the best “Busy Mom Solutions” to share with you guys – and I know that they’re always even sweeter when they come with a deal :) This is just such a perfect way to learn which products work best for your baby, without spending a bundle – Plus, each months box will have a little something special for you too!

“A new baby is like the beginning of all things, hope, a dream of possibilities.” – Author Unknown

I’m super excited to hear that they may be coming out with toddler boxes soon too – Follow them on Facebook and Twitter to watch for updates!

More Sweet Savings for Baby!

Then check out these great ideas too – They’re all great ways to save money on the stuff moms need most, get great tips and helpful information, and stock up on fun freebies too!

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My Sunshine, and my Diamond in the Rain…

Diamonds in the Rain Quote

My Sunshine, and my Diamond in the Rain

A year ago, when I was planning this blog I wanted to create, I totally struggled with finding the right name. I went through sooo many, but nothing seemed seemed “right”. So I made a list of things that filled my days – which at the time were pretty crazy. I was a brand new, first time, totally unprepared mom. As I looked through that list, the words Sunshine and Sippy Cups popped out at me – This little girl had instantly become the total sunshine of my life.

Sparkles Make Me Smile

So – She is my sunshine. She is my motivation. She makes me smile when no one else can. This picture makes me think of her, and will hang in on her wall when she moves to her “Big Girl” room later this year. I have always said that Sparkle is my favorite color – and she is a little treasure that definitely sparkles!

Better than a diamond

It’s fitting that this site is named after her – She is the reason I started it. I was laid off while I was on maternity leave, and I had no idea what I’d do. I was a full time college student, with an infant, looking for a job in a terrible economy. So, I figured I’d jump into this new adventure on the web – I love sharing the “Busy Mom Solutions” that I’ve learned along the way, the things that have helped make my life easier. I hope that some of my posts have helped you too. And I love that doing this new job that I absolutely love allows me to stay home with her, and be here every day to watch her grow and change. I treasure those moments more than any diamond I could ever own.

Who takes away your rainy days and fills them with diamonds?

Linking up on Pretty on Pinterest on Sassy Mama in L.A. – Join us!

{This image can be found on my “Quotes I Love” board on Pinterest. Are you a Pinterest addict too? Leave me your link so I can follow you!}

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5 Reasons You Do NOT Want to Miss this Year End Sale Blowout!

Totsy Toy Blowout Sales!

Ginormously Humongous Sale Event!!

Yes – I’m serious enough to use pretend words about this sale event…. It’s so big that real words can’t even cover it, lol. I had been hearing about this quite a bit, and maybe you have too – so this morning I decided to finally go and check out the big Blowout Sales at Totsy, and myohmy! I’d say about half of each sale section is already sold out – Wow!

5 Reasons You Do NOT Want to Miss this Event:

  1. Great stuff for kids – Up to 71% off on Kids Plush and Toys!
  2. Stock up for Summer – Savings of up to 80% on swimwear for babies to big kids!
  3. Shoes on ClearanceEd Hardy shoes 58% off, babies shoes up to 68% off – plus designer shoes for mom too!
  4. Speaking of Mom – You’ll find designer handbags as low as $19 bucks, plus a whole fashion event at sales of up to 86%!!
  5. Share with Friends – When you share these amazing sales with your friends using the easy share buttons on their site, you earn FREE credit to spend on the site – see details on Totsy.com. Love this!

And… With every purchase you make through Totsy, we will plant one tree in the name of your child to help reduce the effects of deforestation. Who says shopping can’t save the world?

Let me know what YOUR favorite find is today!!

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Pretty Toddler Party Dresses – Massive Clearance Event!!

Totsy Toddler Dress Sale

Pretty Party Dresses and Discount Deals!

Totsy has a massive clearance on all infant and toddler party dresses – The dress above, the “Floral Print Cap Sleeve Dress”, is normally $120, and today is only $20 bucks!! Wow, right? This would be a great spring party dress for any little princess – I love it!

Totsy Toddler Dress Clearance

This pretty little “Toddler Embroidered Organza Dress” is regularly priced at $49.99, but you can get it for only $13 bucks until it sells out!! This would be so pretty in the spring, or even next fall – I love the pale yellow print.

One baby, one tree

With every purchase you make through Totsy, we will plant one tree in the name of your child to help reduce the effects of deforestation. Who says shopping can’t save the world?

Check out the amazing sales on party dresses – Plus the other great events going on too: Kids footwear and toys, plus shoes, lingerie, and apparel for you!

Shop Totsy Today!!

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Busy Mom Solution: The Boba Pack! {Giveaway}

Boba Pack

“A suburban mother’s role is to deliver children obstetrically once, and by car for ever after.” – Peter De Vries

The Busy Mom Challenge: You’ve been through a ton of different bags – from diaper bags, to sports bags, to tote bags. Maybe you even try to carry a purse with you too. You need just one bag that can handle it all – diapers and wipes, bottle or sippy cup, snacks, toys, and the other 100 “must-have” items that you need just to take a run to the store with a baby. You need that bag to “play well with others” too, meaning the stroller or baby carrier. And – it wouldn’t hurt if this do-it-all bag could look good too. Well, you’re in luck! I’ve found the MOST helpful diaper bag around, and it’s super stylish. Check out the Boba Pack!

Boba Pack

“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” – Cardinal Mermillod

The Busy Mom Solution: The Boba Pack is a total problem solver! It was designed with busy babywearing families in mind, and has a ton of great features. Here are some of the reasons why I call this pack a Busy Mom Solution:

  • You can wear it so many ways – it’s super versatile! Use the strap to wear it over the shoulder, or as a messenger bag. It also attaches easily to any stroller. Or – this is so cool! – it can also easily attach to almost any baby carrier using the adjustable straps on the sides of the Boba Pack. That way, you can travel totally hands-free!
  • It’s 100% cotton, easy to clean, and totally gorgeous. It is available in 5 different color combo’s that coordinate with the Boba Carrier 3G!
  • It has a lifetime guarantee – amazing, right?!
  • It has a ton of perfect pockets – but it isn’t bulky at all. That’s great for anyone – and especially if you plan to attach it to the baby carrier. Check out the pocket features…

Inside pockets of the Boba Pack

“There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one” – Jill Churchill

A photo can’t even do this justice – you’ve got to see one of these amazing packs yourself – but let me try to describe how super helpful it is. The Boba Pack has 10 separate pockets, including an insulated bottle holder, that’s also big enough for a sippy cup. I absolutely love this! They also included a matching wet bag, for messy clothes and accessories, which is so great. All diaper bags have a lot of pockets, but not all of them are really what you need. On the Boba Pack, every pocket is perfectly placed – they definitely had a moms input when they designed this bag! {Another great solution product? The Bella Tunno Solution Sack that you see inside my Boba Pack – these are only a few bucks, and total life savers!}

Boba designs thoughtfully crafted products for active parents who want the time and freedom to create a real and caring bond with their child, while living life to the fullest.

Your Chance to WIN!

Enter for your chance to win a Boba Baby Carrier, a Boba Baby Wrap or a Boba Travel Pack! All products can be seen at www.bobafamily.com. With Boba products it is easier than ever to enjoy Freedom Together as a family and Boba wants YOU to get a chance to use their products. To enter to win, “Like” them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boba) and for an additional two entries, follow them on Twitter (www.twitter.com/boba). Good Luck!

[Read more…]

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Celebrating Motherhood – MommyParties Sponsored by Pregnancy 2.0

“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” – Sophia Loren

As moms, we always want the very best for our kids. Most of us are on tighter budgets than we were a few years ago, so finding the highest quality baby products, that can grow with our kids, and provide the best benefits – is so important. That’s why I was incredibly excited to be a part of the latest event from MommyParties – a party to celebrate Motherhood, sponsored by Pregnancy 2.0! I set a date, and invited a big group of my best mom – and momma-to-be! – friends, and eagerly awaited the products to arrive. Well, I was blown away by how amazing everything was! Check out the products that we tested at the party…

Britax Stroller

“Making the decision to have a child – It’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”– Elizabeth Stone

A stroller and car seat are two of the most important purchases you make for a new baby. Safety is top priority, obviously. You also need products that are durable, since they get used daily. You need something that is easy to use – when you’ve got a fussy baby, you do NOT need any extra hassle. And something that looks good is of course a bonus, right? Well – the Britax B-Safe Infant Car Seat partnered with the Britax B-Ready Stroller are one of the best investments that you can make. I cannot say enough good things about these – this stroller is the best that I have ever tried. Like, way better.

Britax B-Ready Stroller

“It’s not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it.” – The Golden Girls

This stroller is a total Busy Mom Solution products, and I’ll do a full review on it soon. But here are the basics of what I love: It’s made of amazing material – looks great, and is really stain-resistant. It snaps together quickly – about 5 minutes from box to baby. It handles well – super smooth to keep baby comfortable and safe. And as you can see above – it’s totally innovative, and folds up quickly with one hand. It’s so small and easy to carry around when it’s folded up – surprisingly light for such a durable stroller! And the Britax B-Ready Car Seat snaps right onto it, easy peasy.

Britax Baby Carrier

“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” – Cardinal Mermillod

Another awesome product that we were able to try on and test out, was the Britax Baby Carrier. I have used 4 different carriers with Abby – but this is by far the best. What I really like about is how easy it is to put on by myself – with other carriers I needed help getting them on and secure, or to get Abby into it. But this is very simple – you slip it over your head, put your arms through the openings, then latch it in the back. To put the baby in, there are two super easy clasps – to crazy buckles to fuss with when you’re trying to maneuver a baby. And, it comes with a little zip-in pouch inside, to hold an infant securely, and can zip out when baby gets bigger. There is also an extender you can purchase to help it be more comfortable for toddlers like Abby. I love products that can grow with baby like this.

“To a child’s ear, “mother” is magic in any language.” – Arlene Benedict

We tried out some other amazing products too – you can check out the rest of my party pics on Google+ –

Google+ MommyParties sponsored by Pregnancy 2.0 Party Album!

After having some time to try everything out, the guests all had a chance to fill out a Britax survey, to share their helpful feedback on the products. All of the surveys went into a bag, and one lucky winner got to take home a big prize from Xlear and Spry – {You may remember that I did a review of their products a few months ago. Love them!!} and a couple of other momma’s won super adorable Snuggle Buddies too – which Abby loved so much, I had to go and buy her one after the party.

“Only mothers can think of the future – because they give birth to it in their children.” – Maxim Gorky

I am so glad that I was able to check out all of these great products and great brands. It was awesome to get to share them with other moms who are in search of the best new items for their own babies – and I hope that some of this info helps you too. If you have used any of these products, I’d love for you to leave a comment with additional feedback, to help other moms who might be considering them. Or if you have a question – feel free to post it, and I’ll answer the best that I can. Investing in baby gear can be intimidating, and I totally understand how much work goes into finding the best fit for your family!

Thank you MommyParties and Pregnancy 2.0 for sponsoring this event!

Check out the full album of party pictures on Google+!

Follow MommyParties on Facebook to see more parties!

{Disclaimer: I was provided with complimentary products to evaluate, review, and share with friends. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.}

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