GladRags is a phenomenal, woman-owned company in Portland, Oregon. GladRags was started by a mother who was inspired by earth-friendliness and comfort and who expanded her business into what it is today–an awesome and respected business dedicated to giving women an alternative to disposable menstrual products.
Because disposable menstrual products are the norm, most women do not know that they contain harsh chemicals that are bad for your skin and bad for your body. Most women who hear about reusables are very skeptical when it comes to giving them a try; change is not something that is always welcome and why disrupt the way you go about dealing with your period every month? To show you just how comfortable they are and how once you try them, you’ll surely not go back to your disposables, we are giving away a Color Pad Sampler from GladRags! (a $75.99 value!)
To win the GladRags Color Pad Sampler visit GladRags.com and leave a comment telling us what product you would be most interested in trying. [REQUIRED]
For additional entries:
Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.
Tweet about this giveaway (once daily)–Feel free to copy and paste the following tweet or make up your own:
Win a @GladRags reusable pad sampler from @WomanTribune http://tinyurl.com/yjg8t5s Ends 1/6 #giveaway
Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post as well as a link to GladRags.com and leave 5 comments for 5 entries with a link back to your post.
This contest ends Wednesday, January 6th at 11:59PM EST. This giveaway is open to all US residents over the age of 18. The winner will be contacted by email and has 48 hours to respond with their necessary information. If no action is taken, another winner will be picked.
Currently, 1 in 3 people who are homeless are also under the age of 18. That fact alone is so completely tragic, but there is something that we can all do to help. For the past three years, Aéropostale has held an annual Teens for Jeans drive. Last year, Aéropostale was able to collect over 200,000 pairs of jeans to help homeless teens and hopefully this year, you can help them collect a lot more!
If you have any pairs of gently worn jeans that you do not wear anymore or don’t fit, please drop them off at any Aéropostale store between January 19th and February 14th. Every pair of jeans donated will be sent to a local homeless shelter or charity so they are helping the homeless teens in and around your local area, which is a really awesome thing to do and now you have a way to get rid of all of those jeans taking up space in your closet that you don’t wear!
To thank you for helping homeless shelters and charities in and around your area, Aéropostale will also give you 25% off any new pairs of jeans you purchase the day you donate your old ones.
Tomorrow is already New Year’s Eve, can you believe that because I know I can’t! Weren’t we watching horror movies and handing out candy to trick-or-treaters last week? While a great deal of people are planning their annual New Year’s Eve bashes or making plans to celebrate with their friends and family, it is also the time when a great deal of people are making New Year’s Resolutions and frankly, most resolutions are not kept for very long despite the intentions behind them. I have never been one for resolutions but looking back on the past few years and particularly our finances, 2010 has to be a prosperous year and there needs to be a little more management there and so this year, I have made a resolution. 2010 is going to be a more frugal year for this family!
Saving money may seem like a very simple task to some. However, when you get in the midst of a busy week and you’re scrambling to get chores around the house done after working all day, the convenience of ordering out instead of bringing yourself to cook a meal really overcomes you. Saving money has become increasingly hard for many families out there because of the financial crisis and it’s subsequent job loss, when you have debt piling up on top of debt and you’re struggling to pay your rent or mortgage, monthly bills and car insurance, the act of trying to save money becomes extremely difficult.
Luckily, when it comes to the topic of trying to save money, there are a great deal of people out there who feel your pain and who are in the same boat and are sharing their experiences and pointers during the process. This article, 30 Ways to Save Money is one of the best list of pointers I have come across because it not only includes the average tips such as cooking more at home and avoiding impulse buying, although they do make the list, but also advising you to stay away from lavish friends who seem to have it all which will make you want it all by extension and also to go to the movie theaters before 6PM if you enjoy that sort of thing or want to have a date night with your partner because most theaters have early bird matinee showings for the first showing of the day. There are also a great deal of coupon codes you can find from several stores, companies and businesses so when you need to purchase something, a lot of the times you can find some promotional offers and when you do, you can then buy in bulk!
Living frugally can be a bit difficult to get used to, especially when you live in a country that celebrates rapid consumerism and when you are not used to having the mindset that you need to cut back on spending or telling yourself not to buy something if you do not really need it. I’m determined to eliminate the buy buy buy mindset for 2010!
Thank you to everyone who entered our Walmart gift card giveaway! It was actually our biggest giveaway ever so far on Woman Tribune, which is such a thrill and I know our winners will put these gift cards to great use and I hope it helps your budget as we wind down this holiday season!
So with that, our winners are…
Congratulations Ashley S and Trisha who left comments 101 and 53!
Brittany Murphy who starred in films such as Clueless, 8 Mile and Don’t Say a Word was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center early yesterday morning. Her cause of death is on record as full cardiac arrest. According to TMZ a 911 call was made at 8:00AM from a Los Angeles home that is as listed as belonging to Simon Monjack, Murphy’s husband. Paramedics administered CPR in route to the hospital which was several miles away and she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Through Brittany’s rep, her family released the following statement:
“The sudden loss of our beloved Brittany is a terrible tragedy. She was our daughter, our wife, our love and a shining star. We ask you to respect our privacy at this time.”
The LA County Coroner is currently conducting an autopsy on Brittany Murphy, it is also said that she had taken prescription drugs before she died and authorities discovered a large amount of prescription drugs at her house after her death. This definitely raises the question of whether or not she had overdosed on this medication, much like the cardiac arrest death of Michael Jackson. However, it has been said that Murphy had been taking medication for flu-like symptoms that she had been experiencing for several days. Several sources have also reported that she was sick and vomiting just before she died.
My first guess as to the reason behind her death is not an overdose, contrary to the beliefs of some bloggers reporting her death. If she was sick and vomiting and taken prescription medication for flu-like symptoms and then suddenly died, I actually thought H1N1. However, we will know for sure when her autopsy is revealed.
This is a horrible tragedy whatever the case and she will surely be missed by her family, friends, co-workers and fans. RIP.
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Quiltcreator. All opinions are 100% mine.
Quiltcreator.com is a really awesome website that lets you design your very own, unique quilt, bedspread or infant quilt for pretty much the same price or cheaper than most quilts you would buy at a mall or specialty shop while also giving you the deep down feeling of pure delight in knowing that the quilt you just bought is your one-of-a-kind creation. We have pretty harsh winters here in Pennsylvania, so I have been on the lookout for quilts and decorative bedspreads for my bed that truly reflected my own personal tastes, and as someone who has thoroughly looked for these types of products, I can tell you in completely certainty that most of the designs and colors that I have come across, are pretty downright ugly or do not flatter my personal tastes in the least. That is precisely why I was so interested in this company. Just by visiting www.quiltcreator.com, you will go through five very simple steps to create your own cozy quilt, bedspread or infant quilt masterpiece–You will pick a swatch, embroidery, the reverse side of your quilt or bedspread and even get to create accompanying pillow shams that match your creation perfectly and will look stunning in your bedroom, and finally, you can review your work before adding it to your cart.
Now sure, with Quiltcreator.com, you won’t be actually quilting by yourself, but in all honesty, very few people know what they’re doing when it comes to actually creating an entire quilt and not just designing one. My great-grandmother had begun to teach me how to quilt many years ago, but she died quit a few years ago and no one else in my family knows how to do it. With this website, you have complete control over a huge variety of colors, patterns and color choices, I was really surprised with the vast amount of choices as well as the amount of color-use in the creating process. When you pick a fabric, you get to then specify specific colors for all of the intricate parts of that pattern, which I thought was really unique and it truly gives you the power to mix and match in ways that I never before saw on any kind of customization or personalization of a product before. The end product of your quilt, bedspread or infant quilt is a gorgeous handcrafted, 100% cotton overfilled with 250g of cotton (the standard is usually only 170g of cotton) and the cotton used is All Natural cotton and one of very, very few companies that are allowed to carry the All Natural Cotton Inc. logo, so you know that they are a quality company with an absolutely high-end, quality product. They are also a company doing their part for the environment by giving 1% of their proceeds to 1% for the Planet, so they’re definitely a company you can feel good about buying from.
This is one of those perfect and timeless gifts for the holidays or especially if you know anything expecting a baby soon–a one-of-kind infant quilt for you or your friend’s new baby is one of those gifts that will be cherished for many, many years.
I had a ton of fun creating my own queen size bedspread, you can see my creation below:
So let your creativity run wild and have fun creating your very own quilt, bedspread and infant quilts with Quiltcreator.com! As a special holiday season bonus, Quiltcreator is also giving a 10% discount on all orders just by using promo code 104You.
Who doesn’t love Kraft mac and cheese? I grew up on it, entered my young adult years making it in the middle of the night while pulling all-nighters either with schoolwork or with coding websites and blogging, which I started doing when I was 13 years old. And now even as an adult, it’s the only mac and cheese I’ll make. Not only does Kraft make some awesome mac and cheese that has become staples in children as well as adult’s lives, but they are also doing a ton of good by donating 1,000,000 boxes of Kraft mac and cheese to Feeding America.
To celebrate Kraft reaching their 1,000,000 box goal, there will be an awesome Twitter party tonight, Monday, December 21st at 9PM EST. The Twitter party will last one hour where participants will share how they are sharing a little comfort this holiday season. Of course, Kraft is also celebrating this feat by giving away some great swag!
Five people who take part in the Kraft Share a Little Comfort Twitter party will win a Barefoot Dreams blanket as well as a years supply of Kraft mac and cheese (50 boxes). To win, all you have to do is RSVP here and be sure to Tweet with hashtag #bluebox and I’ll see you there!
Moving away from home can be both scary and exciting. Most of us have been there and remember how it feels to walk into the new space with not much more than a suitcase of clothes and a dream. You may have a child, or someone close toy ou that may recently be experiencing this same thing. This can offer a challenge this holiday season for gift ideas, especially when they might need so much, but you are on a limited budget. Don’t worry! We’re here to help ease those worries and help you with a few last minute ideas just in time for Christmas.
Getting in the Christmas spirit:
If your child has recently moved into a dorm or new home, their space may be lacking in festiveness. Filling it is last on their minds when they have other living costs to manage. While most kids aren’t worried about putting up a Christmas tree or stringing lights; these simple things will provide a feeling of home and comfort. So, let’s start with the tree. If they do not have one, that’s a good first choice. You can find trees at most retailers such as Walmart and Lowes. They supply the choice of both pre-lit and non, assorted colors and sizes ranging from 32″ to 6.5′ for $40 and under. Keep in mind that if the tree is not pre-lit, it would be polite to provide lights as well.
Now once the tree is taken care of, either by you or if they have one, they may need ornaments. These can be purchased and/or handed down. If you have some extra ornaments you don’t mind letting go of, perhaps a childhood favorite, considering giving those first. This will provide a nice personal touch. If you would prefer to purchase ornaments you can find them in all ranges of shops from second-hand stores, mall shops and retail stores. Most single ornaments can range from $1-$10 depending on location and style. You can also find sets of balls or other assortments for under $20 at most stores. If you are crafty, another option is handmade ornaments. However, if you are not crafty, but still wish to provide something a little more “put together,” a wonderful option is a cookie cutter. Just simple take a holiday shaped cutter, tie a piece of ribbon to the top and it becomes an instant ornament!
Aside from the tree and lights, most all other decorations range under $20 as well. These can range from wall hangings, window clings and table decorations. The options are many and easy to find at most stores and shops. In all cases, whether with ornaments, table top or other decorations, try to keep things mid-size and non-breakable. Since you don’t know where they may be placed or the kind of condition they may be kept in, delicate things may not be practical.
Gadgets and Gizmos
Most college kids want that new iPod or game system this year, and can leave a nasty mark in the budget. Fortunately, there are second-hand electronics stores like GameStop. These places can become your best friend this holiday season. These locations offer gently-used games, game systems and accessories for less than what you might find at other retailers. The amount differs depending on how new the product is from release, but you have the comfort of knowing that they will not sell anything that isn’t playable or usable, and you can always ask to look at it before purchasing. They also offer trade in discounts as well as new products if you prefer. While GameStop and places like it do not offer some items, like iPods, you can find MP3 players for the fraction of the cost that are very similar in function, such as the Samsung S3 4GB MP3 and Video Player ($69.99) as well as the SanDisk Sansa Fuze 4GB MP3 Player ($59.99).
If they are asking for a digital camera, electronic stores offer a wide range of styles and prices ranging from 3.1 megapixel camera for $42.99 to 9.0 megapixel camera for $69.99. Most websites are offering special holiday pricing, including shipping deals to make it to you in time for Christmas. Stores will usually offer insurance on the product for a small additional fee. Ask if they offer it on the particular product if they do not suggest it at the time of purchase. This is always a good idea for higher-end items in case of it breaking or malfunctioning.
Household Items
There are a lot of items that a college kid may need for their new space as far as appliances and household accessories go, but it’s important to remember what they will get use out of and the size of the space it is fitting in. Keeping in mind small and practical, some good choices here can include bedding sets, small appliances and other kitchen or bathroom items. If you do not know specifics about room size, stick with items that are universal and will go with something they might already have, such as Mainstays 200-thread count sheet sets, 3-piece towel sets or Simply Basic 12-piece Sampler Bath and Body Care Set. These products can be found in an assortment of colors, scents and size choices.
If you know they have a larger space to accommodate some smaller appliances or furniture, choice items would be items like coffee pots, blenders and small tables or chairs. The smaller items will tend to cost less and also take up less space. Depending on the individual, these gift ideas can include GE 5-cup digital coffee maker, Parsons end table or student desk, chair and lamp value bundle. Again, these and similar products come in a wide choice of colors and sizes.
Hopefully we’ve helped you add a few things to your shopping list and kept a few less worry lines off your brow. No matter what the budget or who the individual, try to keep in mind that it’s not totally impossible! Remember these simple pointers before making any purchase, practical, long term and fun, and when all else fails, gift cards! They may seem impersonal, but it’s a great way to show them you were thinking of them and also give them the freedom to get exactly what they want.
And remember, Have a safe and happy holiday season!
Walmart has put together an awesome site to help you through getting through the holidays in one piece without breaking your budget. The cost of food has continued to rise throughout the past few months and with the holidays right around the corner, you can be sure that people are spending more than they can really afford to put together their holiday feasts. Luckily, Walmart has put together a shopping list that will let you get everything you need for your Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners for a jaw-dropping price.
Co-star of the Food Network’s new series, Chefs vs. City, Chef Aarón Sánchez has created a spin on traditional holiday meals for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, including Ham with Mango Jalapeno Glaze, Chipotle Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean & Mushroom Picadillo, Coquito Egg Nog, Blue Cheese Stuffed Rolls and Dulce de Leche Sauce for Pumpkin Pie; these recipes are sure to create memorable holiday memories for you and your family. Be sure to check out Walmart’s Holiday Meals website for recipes from Chef Aarón Sánchez and more ideas for holiday entertaining.
Walmart’s Christmas Dinner for 8 for as Low as $30
Your Christmas feast for 8 for as low as $30 at Walmart starts with key, family-favorite ingredients, including:
One 10-pound spiral cut half-ham
Three 8-ounce cans Del Monte Green Beans
One 10-pound bag of Russet potatoes
One 12-count package of Sara Lee dinner rolls
One 10 inch Pumpkin Pie
This is an incredible amount of food to buy for as low as just $30, especially since that is less than $4 per person; less than you’ll pay for most fast food!
Walmart’s New Year’s Eve Dinner for 10 for as Low as $40
Your New Year’s Ever feast for 10 for as low at $40 at Walmart starts with these festive and delicious ingredients, including:
Shrimp Tray (5 servings)
Vegetable Tray (10 servings)
Hillshire Farms Little Smokies (8 servings)
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (6 servings)
Land O’ Lakes Egg Nog (8 servings)
Red Velvet Cake
The holidays are such a great time for spending time and making new memories with your family; it is also a great time to reflect on memories you hold dear from past years or even when you were a child and that in itself costs nothing! But because the holidays have warped into such a consumer-ridden holiday, this year more and more families are looking for ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of the meals they are feeding their families.
My biggest money-saving tip for this holiday season would definitely be to shop with coupons, the holidays are a great time to spot some really awesome deals in your newspaper or weekly coupon magazines because a lot of companies are hoping you’re shopping closer to the holidays to get what you need for the big day. So look for coupons and shop on sale! Also, be sure to find out if your local grocery store has a store card because I’ve found that if you consistently use your grocery store card, you will accumulate so many points, but there are also a lot of deals going on company-to-company that you don’t know about. Every time I go shopping and use my grocery card, I find out I save between $15 and $20 a trip and every little bit you save helps a ton!
Giveaway
Thanks to Mom Central, we have the opportunity to pass on the Walmart holiday meals love to two lucky people who will win a $30 Walmart gift card.
To win a $30 Walmart gift card, share one of your favorite holiday money-saving tips! [REQUIRED]
For extra entries:
Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.
Share your favorite holiday memory, doesn’t matter if it’s a memory from the last holiday season or when you were 5. Whatever memory you still look back on and smile, share it with us!
Tweet about this giveaway (once daily)–Feel free to copy and paste the following tweet or make up your own:
Share your favorite holiday money-saving tip & win a $30 Walmart gift card from @WomanTribune! http://tinyurl.com/ykc4ml2 Ends 12/22
Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post as well as a link to Walmart’s Holiday Meals website and leave 2 comments for 2 entries with a link back to your post.
This contest ends Tuesday, December 22nd at 11:59PM EST. This giveaway is open to all US residents over the age of 18. The winner will be contacted by email and has 48 hours to respond with their necessary information. If no action is taken, another winner will be picked.
Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Walmart. In addition, I received a Walmart gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate and two to offer as a giveaway.