My day didn’t go as planned at all. I could call this post “The Second Time in His Life My Oldest Child has Puked” but in that case I might as well call it “Don’t Read This Post” (It’s really not so bad, and ends well)
My 5 year old ,Nicholas, had his annual year pediatric checkup scheduled so after dropping 3 year old Jhenya off at preschool, Nicholas started acting like he was about to fall asleep walking in the parking lot, and speaking in a barely audible voice.
He had slept close to 12 hours, got up early to play with Star Wars Legos, and was hitting the wall at 9:30 am. I was exasperated. (Also concerned about making a good impression on the Pediatrician, to be honest. Isn’t that often the case?)
During the drive to the Doctor, I cajoled, badgered and threatened to confiscate all 15,000 teeny tiny pieces of the Lego kits he owns if he didn’t perk up. He didn’t. Okay, I get it. You’re tired. Really tired.
Bless his heart, in the waiting room he wrote out his little words for his PreK spelling test that he was missing at school: six, seven, eight, nine, ten, then put his head down. They called us in and a very nice nurse asked Nicholas to step on the scale.
He looked up at her and out of nowhere lost his breakfast EVERYWHERE! His shirt, pants, arm, floor, wow! I got him reasonably cleaned up and after taking his temperature, the experts determined they could do his 5 year exam, do a quickie strep test but we would skip vision/hearing tests and vaccinations.
I got him home and into bed, started working on my computer and later on it actually became a day I had wanted for a long time.
I couldn’t go to work (pukers are REALLY frowned on at Preschool) and Nicholas and I got to spend a quiet afternoon together with ginger ale, crackers, grilled cheese, the Incredibles, Star Wars Legos, Model Cars, Conversation and Computers. I got some work done and also got lots of alone time with my 5 year old, which has become such a luxury since having two small children and a full time outside the home job. My 3 year old is home much more and needs me more. Nicholas is becoming a tall, handsome rowdy (ok he’s always been rowdy) sports and Wii loving kind of boy .
By late afternoon Nicholas was proclaiming himself to be “full of energy” and asking for pizza for dinner. Whatever bug that was, it doesn’t seem to be lasting the 5 days the Dr. predicted but it was a little respite from real-life schedules and a cuddly day with my baby, even if he is almost 4 feet tall.
Now I will go finish the pukey laundry.
(Wrote this a week ago and forgot about it. Today we had to return to the Doc for the vaccinations we opted not to get while he was sick. Me in the car: “Nicholas, No Throwing Up Today, Do you Understand Me? (giggles all around)
He got four shots, didn’t even flinch. My Superhero!
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We are counting down the days to our annual trip to Augusta for Masters Week. In years past this always meant driving to Augusta on the Tuesday of Masters Week for the pre-tournament press conferences with some of the favorites to win, and the defending champion.. It was also the day we got to hear from Tiger Woods. This year, the owner of 4 Green Jackets, will be meeting the press on the Monday of Masters Week, as it will mark his return to professional golf after spending the past 3 months dealing with revelations of infidelity in his marriage. This will be Tiger’s first time in a press conference setting when the media will get to ask questions. Only sports media that normally covers golf and the Masters will be allowed inside. TMZ, Access Hollywood, and Extra will all be on the outside looking in, and that is one of the reasons why Augusta is seen as the perfect place for Tiger’s return. It promises to be an interesting week and 11Alive News will be there reporting live everyday. I will also be writing blogs about what I manage to see in and around an event that will truly be “Like No Other”.
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A popular metro Atlanta thrift store is marking all merchandise down 75 percent this week.
Attic Treasures in Chamblee is clearing out all its winter merchandise to make way for spring. Starting Tuesday everything is 75 percent off and prices will continue to drop until the 9th, when you can fill a bag for $3.00 in the morning and $1.00 in the afternoon. All proceeds from sales at Attic Treasures benefit the Assistance League of Atlanta.
Attic Treasures is located at 3534 Broad Street in Chamblee. It is closed on Mondays.
On March 5th and 6th, Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur is having a Children’s Consignment Sale. The sale will feature high quality, low priced children’s clothing from infant to size 14 as well as toys, books, bikes, play sets and furniture. Hours are Friday March 5th 9:15 am to 1:30 pm and 6-8 pm, and Saturday March 6th from 9am to 12:30pm. Saturday is Half Price Day. The church is located at 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur, GA 30033.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History is having a Buy One, Get One Free Sale. Guests who buy a Value Pass Ticket get one free through April 4th. Adult Value Pass tickets are $19.00, which includes admission to the museum and the IMAX Movie Theatre.
Halfoffgreen.com, the organic bargains website, has giftcertificates for $17.50 that are good for $35.00 worth of food at The Iberian Pig Restaurant. The organic food eatery features Spanish and American cuisine and was voted one of Atlanta’s Top Ten New Restaurants of 2009 by City Search Magazine.
Restaurant.com has $25.00 certificates on sale for $2.00. Shoppers can order them at restaurant.com using the code “SAVOR. Most gift certificates require a purchase of at least $35.00.
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One of the viewers who entered our Ways to Save Gold Medalist contest was Nancy Wiley. She not only sews clothing for her grandchildren and other kids, she does it using her castaway clothing that is still in good condition. Most people don’t know how to sew these days but Nancy inspired me to search for other repurposing ideas that not only save money, they save space in Landfills too!
Other Ways to Repurpose Household Items:
Crumble eggshells and coffee grounds and spread around garden plants to fertilize soil and ward off pests.
Cut up infant receiving blankets and old diapers and use in place of paper towels. Old towels also work for this , or you can donate them to your local animal shelter or Veterinary office.
Child’s artwork makes great wrapping paper.
Unwanted costume jewelry can be used for Holiday ornaments or kids’ crafts. (Anything can be used for kids’ crafts!)
Repurpose Kids’ clothing into Doll Clothes
Repurpose Barbie Doll Clothes into scraps on home made greeting cards
Use an empty tissue box to stuff old grocery bags. (Better yet, stop bringing bags home from the store, use recyclable ones!)
Store sneakers in empty laundry detergent boxes to keep them fresh smelling.
Don’t throw away hair conditione you don’t like, instead use it as shaving lotion.
Save chicken carcasses, onions, celery and vegetable scraps in the freezer and make Stock in the Slow Cooker once a month. Just cover with water and simmer 8 hours.
For more repurposing tips go to recycylethis.com.uk
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Clayton State University accounting students will offer free tax preparation on a first come first served basis Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Those who need help with their taxes should report to the School of Business. The tax preparation assistance will be offered throughout the month of February. For more information call (678) 466-4527. Clayton State University is located at 2000 Clayton State Boulevard, Morrow, GA 30260.
The Dr. Perricone skin care line is offering free samples when you sign up to receive email news about Perricone anti aging products. Go to blog.erriconemd.com to sign up.
Six month subscriptions to Thriving Family magazine are available at Focus on the Family’s website, focusonthefamily.com. There is a banner at the bottom of the home page where you can click to get a subscription.
Lowe’s is holding a Build and Grow Workshop for kids on Saturday, February 13th. This week’s project is a wooden jewelry organizer. The class is recommended for first graders and up.
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Clayton State University is offering free tax preparation assistance every Saturday in February and on March 20th and 27th from 9am to 1pm.
Accounting students who have studied all the tax changes in the past year are volunteering their time on a first come, first served basis in the School of Business building.
Shoppers have several President’s Day sales to choose from. Filene’s Basement has a winter clearance sale with prices of up to 90 percent off the original prices. Filene’s Basement is located at 3535 Peachtree Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30326. (404) 869-4466. It is across the street from Phipp’s Plaza.
The North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville are also having a Presidents Day sale. Shoppers who join the outlets’ V.I.P Club get additional coupons and discounts. Go to
www. Premiumoutlets.com.
TJ Maxx is having a sale on baby items.
There are many upcoming consignment sales: Kidsignments, which is one of the biggest, starts Tuesday, February 16th and runs through Saturday the 20th. More than 1000 consignors will be selling toys, clothing, books, dvd’s, maternity clothing, baby equipment and furniture. Make sure to bring a container to carry your items in. Many shoppers use a large trash can on wheels. No children, infants or strollers are permitted until after 2pm on Tuesday the 16th due to crowded conditions.
The All4 Kids Sale in Acworth will be held on February 25th-27th at 5500 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth.
To find out about other upcoming consignment sales and yard sales, check out thebargainwatcher.com
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I remember this feeling. It’s like the first day at a new school. I got into a fist fight my first day at Elementary school in Canada but I also made friends and learned the system…how to get A’s.
This was my first day at TV school even though I’ve been in the biz for 26 years now.
New, still unfamiliar equipment, new work place, new demands but still making friends and learning the system. Who knows…I might even make a few A’s before I leave beautiful Vancouver. (I’d give myself an A for effort for the day)
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I’m here in Vancouver now, it feels like Matt Pearl and I stepped into a blender going full speed.
I’m working with a bare bones crew from 4 Gannett stations. Gannett owns us at 11 Alive along with USA Today and a bunch of other tv stations. This crews main job is to find interesting stories for The Olympic Zone show, it will run at 7:30 week nights during the Olympics on Gannett NBC stations like us.
For the first time in years I’m shooting my own video, for the first time ever, I’m editing that video on my computer and feeding it back to Atlanta and whether I have the time or not i get to do live shots during our 6, 7 and 11 pm shows.
Wish me luck and watch a few times to see if I manage to accomplish the job.
Off to hit the rainy streets of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
This is going to be very cool.
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Hearts and flowers can be pricy but they don’t have to be!
Lissa Miller, who writes a blog called Saving Your Cents buys Valentines the week after the holiday and saves them for a year. She also recommends saving saving red sprinkles, baking supplies, candy and decorations from Christmas and repurposing them into Valentine treats. To read Miller’s blog go to savingyourcents.net
Instead of spending money on flower delivery, consider an elegant potted orchid that will last for months or even years if you take good care of it.
The dollar section of Target is a great place to find inexpensive Valentine treats, especially if you go early while there’s a good selection.
Instead of an expensive spa day, try a place like the International School of Skin and Nail care, where students under close supervision from instructors pamper you from head to toe. It’s located at 5600 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342
(404) 843-1005
Or, for a romantic date that won’t break the bank do some gallery hopping. For example the Decatur Market and Gallery is having a reception Saturday night, February 13th. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. The gallery is located at 153 Ponce De Leon Place, Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 377-0755.
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Thinkmarriage.org is a website devoted to helping couples stay married. They are sending out 400 FREE love letter kits per day until Valentine’s Day that contain materials and tips for writing a love letter. Go here to order a love letter kit. Once the offer is gone the ordering instructions disappear from the website.
Participating Pottery Barn Kids stores will be holding Valentine’s Day card making classes for kids on February 6th and 7th 10am to 2pm while supplies last.
The Mercantile food and wine store at 1660 Dekalb Avenue is having a free wine tasting on Saturday, January 30th from Noon to 2pm. That tip comes from Atlanta On The Cheap.
CED Solutions in Marietta is a computer training company that is offering FREE classes for the first 1000 people who sign up. They one and two day classes include Intro to Personal Computer, Excel and Power Point. To sign up call 1-800-611-1840.
Callaway Gardens has free admission through the end of February, no coupons needed.
And this weekend the first 50 guests through the doors at the Andretti Indoor Karting and Games on Saturday and Sunday will get $10.00 worth of game tokens. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is located at 11000 Alpharetta Highway in Roswell.
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Livingston Restaurant and Bar in Midtown Atlanta has a special called Millionaire Mondays: a whole lobster or filet mignon, soup or salad and one side for 16 dollars.
Livingston is the new eatery across the street from the Fox theatre in the Georgian Terrace Hotel.
Off 5th, which is the Saks 5th Avenue outlet store at Discover Mills and North Georgia Premium Outlets, has cashmere sweaters for 70 percent off their original price. The sale runs through Tuesday.
The Thrifty Living Store in Sandy Springs has marked down all of its gently used clothing by 50 percent. They also have books on sale starting for under a dollar. Money spent at Thrifty Living benefits local women’s and children’s charities. The store is located at 6650 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30328-3167(404) 303-8053.
Bargainata, the sale that is held yearly by the National Council of Jewish women is holding a one day, one dollar sale to get rid of unsold merchandise. The sale will be Thursday, January 21st from 11am to 2pm at 6297 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs.
The Yellow River Game Ranch in Lilburn is lowering admission to $1.00 on Martin Luther King Day. Admission is normally $8.00.
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Taco Bell is offering a free taco to the first one milllion people who print a coupon from drivethrudiet.com Make sure to redeem it fast; they expire within 7 days of printing them.
If you bring an old cell phone to Fernbank Museum between January 15th and 24th you can get a free ticket to the Wild Ocean movie and a free shopping bag. Movie tickets are normally $13.00.
Leapfrog has a free hardback book for your little one. Go here to register and receive the board book, ABC Animal Orchestra.
Yoplait is giving away Free Yoplus Yogurt. Click here to sign up for a free yogurt sample.
And from the skin care company Become Beauty, free weekend travel beauty kits are available. Go here to get yours.
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You can load up on holiday music for free this holiday season. Amazon has 50 songs available for free download to MP3 players, and iTunes is following suit with a free holiday sampler as well.
Field Trips with Sue’s blog reports from now till December 18th you can tour the Governor’s Mansion for free. The mansion is decorated for Christmas and the tours run seven days a week. For more family friendly events go to fieldtripswithsue.com
Borders Bookstore has a free kid’s event on Saturday called A Beary Good Time. There will be stories and a raffle to celebrate Bekett the Panda. The event is at 11A.M. at participating Borders.
There are free snacks available from Stacy’s Pita Chips. All you have to do is become a fan on Facebook. The first 65 thousand fansget a free bag of chips.
You can also get a free Italian food calendar for 2010 that features recipes and coupons from Delallo Italian Foods… just register on the Delallo website.
And mark your calendar for December 17th, which has been declared Free Shipping Day by more than 500 online retailers. They promise free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve.
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Here are some of the top deals of the week in stores and online:
What’s on sale at Kroger:
Flat iron steak $3.99 lb
Spiral sliced ham $1.69 lb
Revlon: buy one, get one free
Huggies Diapers and Pullups: $8.99
What’s on Sale at Publix:
Juicy Juice 2 for $2.65 using the printable coupon from Atlanta.momslikeme.com
New England Coffee $1.89 using printable coupon from Red Plum
Restaurant.com : $25.00 certificates for $2.00
(use coupon code “share”)
Most restaurants require you spend at least $35.00 and the certificates cannot be used for adult beverages. See individual restaurants on restaurant.com for their policies.
Free Shipping Day: December 17th hundreds of online retailers will offer free shipping. For more information go to freeshippingday.com
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Spending Monday shopping online? Here are some ways to maximize your savings.
If you launch your shopping trip from a site like ebates.com or mypoints.com you can get rebates on top of what you already save. Some rebates are as high as 15%.
Use retailmenot.com to find coupon codes and free shipping. However, retail expert Fatima Mehdikarimi suggests online shoppers google the company at which they plan to shop along with the phrase “promo code.” (For example: Home Depot promo code) Mehdikarimi said she often finds deeper discounts than the code compilation sites offer.
Before you make a purchase compare prices using tools like pricegrabber.com.
Since quantities are often limited on deeply discounted items, register in advance at the online stores where you plan to shop. That way, you won’t have to start an account before you check out.
With some sales, even if you have an item in your cyber shopping cart, it can disappear into someone else’s if you don’t check out quickly.
To avoid a lot of cumbersome typing use sites like roboform.com. You only have to fill out your name, address and other information once. After that, roboform.com will fill out forms with just one click. The service offers a free version as well as Roboform pro, which you have to pay for.
And remember prices can change by the hour. Sign up for email alerts on cybermonday.com
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