Save on Clothing Basics

Smart strategies for finding deals on everything from tights to tees.

Search clearance sections. Type “clearance” into the search field of a retailer’s website. Hanes.com and Jockey.com, for instance, regularly offer discounts of 50 percent on bras, panties, and tights. Hue.com, known for its legwear and lingerie, has a clearance section that offers many items for nearly half price.

Register with www.shopittome.com. Check off your size, favorite brands (choose from 537 labels, such as Ann Taylor and Levi’s), and clothing preferences (dresses, denim) and you’ll receive a weekly or daily e-mail alerting you to online sales.

Get a store credit card. Certain big retailers give special discounts to cardholders. Kohl’s sends out 30 percent off coupons four times a year, Gap cardholders get 10 percent off the first Tuesday of the month, and American Eagle gives 20 percent off on your birthday.

Log on before you hit the stores. About to head out to NordStrom (or Bloomingdale’s or Lord & Taylor)? Go to the store’s site first to look for specials, like unadvertised in-store sales and buy-one-get-one-free offers. You may also find printable coupons you can take with you.

Time shopping to coincide with sales. Gap and Banana Republic, for instance, both mark down midweek. Shop on Wednesday and you’ll find a large selection of sale items. Ask favorite stores about their policies.

What Do I love About My Husband

I got this wonderful tag from Maria & Bonz. Thank you guys for this beautiful Tag.

Okay, Let's face it, Valentine is coming and all couple are getting ready for that special day.

Sometime marriage isn't easy, there are times a couple argue and doesn't agree with something.But there are times that everything is smooth .In short Husband & Wife has Up & Down.

Anyway 'What Do I love About My Husband"


Words cannot express what I feel about my husband.

Conversation - I love the fact that I have someone to talk to. Even when we disagree or we don't have a lot of time, we can talk about a lot of different things and he'll listen to my diatribes about things he has no interest in just because he wants to hear what I have to say.

Someone to Say No - Yep, you heard that right. I love that he can tell me no whether it's to a question about whether he wants to do something or to a wild idea that I have about an investment. He keeps me grounded despite how practical most people think I am. His ability to say no helps us define our boundaries.

Compromise - I love that marriage is all about compromise. I love that it means sometimes when you feel passionate about something, that it's important enough to the other person to allow that to sway them.

Companionship - I love having someone to go and do things with, even if it's something mundane like the grocery store to buy me some feminine things. It's nice to have someone there when you go to the movies and do the fun stuff, but it's even better when he's there in the lonelier times when your fighting with something.

Laughter - I love the ability to laugh or make a joke. Sometimes it's not always appropriate, but husband helps you find the funny bits , even the unintentional ones. Like the night a person called trying to sell something on the phone. He really, really wanted me to buy it, but I was trying to be polite. After five minutes my husband said, "She said no Butt-Head get off the phone." It was embarrassing and it was hilarious all at the same time.

Understanding - I love my husband that he gets it. I love that even when he doesn't get it, he wants to get it and when he doesn't get it and he doesn't want to - he tries anyway.

Trust - It doesn't matter if we agree; it doesn't matter if we're on the same page - as long as we share trust - I know he will be there for me.

Friendship - I suppose this should be number 1, but what I love most about marriage is the deep and abiding friendship that exists.

Shared Responsibilities - No matter how tough it is, we're both there to deal with it. This is about more than just the friendship; this is really about sharing the burden of the children, the work, the financial support and the emotional support.

The best thing about being married to my husband? That's the fun whether we're reminiscing about our wedding day, the first day we met or the first time we went on a long drive. The fun we have when we try to surprise each other with new gifts. The fun we have learning new things and growing together. The fun we have when we make up. The fun we have when we get a chance to just hang out and be a couple over making breakfast, picking out a movie or strolling around the puget sound.

I would like for all of you who usually come and visit my blog to grab this Tag to celebrate the Special day for couple, which is VALENTINE'S DAY.

Make Valentine's Day Special on a Budget

Sometimes, even diamonds don't say what we really want them to. Most of the time, no one has the money to say what they want. Here's some ideas to make your special someone very happy, and maybe get a few bonus points, while spending little or no money.

Pay attention to all the hints you've been given about what that special person wants.
Think of something you can do for your love. Does she hate doing dishes? Make a big heart out of construction paper and attach as many homemade coupons as you want that say * DISHES TO BE DONE BY ME NO QUESTIONS ASKED* or some other chore. Put a little more into it. While you do dishes, she gets to have the remote or you'll run her bubble bath.
Buy something cheesy that reminds you of her, for whatever reason. Make a nice card explaining the gift, but be careful of being overly sweet. For example, you buy a cheap plastic snow globe with two hearts in it. Say it reminded you of the night when she fell in the snow, and when you came to pick her up, you couldn't help noticing how cute she looked with all the snow all over her...
Surprise her with time alone if it's hard to come by. Take the kids and go...anywhere.
Tell her how you really feel. She will appreciate your honesty and it will mean more than any gift could.
Take her somewhere she told you about as a child. Explain to her that it might not be the same as when she was young, but now she has two memories -- one without you and one with you.
Go star gazing; bundle up and head out.
Spell I love you with one of her favorite foods, which you prepared.
Do something she would never expect..learn to dance and then take her out that night and surprise her; memorize a poem to recite.

Whatever you do, put all of you into it. It always shows.
If you're not positive it's going to be a hit, scrap the idea. Nothing worse than a guess on the day of love.
Ask someone to help you make your idea better, by going over it with you or helping out in making it come true.
Has your girl mentioned she'd really like to try a pedicure? Either get a book and learn up how to give one or at least give her your version. Leave out the nail polish if you are not sure about your skill level there.

There's a difference between cute cheesy, and way too cheesy. It's a fine line. Don't cross it.

Soothe a Baby Who Has Colic

Crying is a natural occurrence with a newborn, but what do you do when you have a baby that cries nonstop? Chances are you may have a baby with colic. A mystery to the medical community, colic strikes newborns and causes them to cry almost 24 hours a day for up to three months, then just stops without rhyme or reason. What do you do for those three months to keep your sanity? Read on...

Swaddle your baby. She won't like the process, but the result is amazing. All of the following steps work better on a swaddled baby!
Try a baby swing. Often, the motion will soothe your shrieking baby and get them to fall asleep.
Take them for a car ride. Bundle them up and often within 10 minutes in the car, cries are quieted.
Put baby on top of the washing machine on spin cycle or on top of the dryer. Have the baby in the car seat or a baby bouncer. The vibrations are calming to a baby.
Turn on the vacuum cleaner! It sounds odd, but boy, does it work. Just set the baby in the bassinet or car seat and let him become fascinated at a sound louder than him.
Lay the baby on his stomach across your knees (remember to support the head). Jiggle your feet up and down and pat softly. This vibration can be very soothing.
Lie on your back in a quiet, dark place. Hold the baby firmly on your chest with his head over your heart. Raising your knees with your feet flat on a solid surface, rock yourself, calming the infant.
Once swaddled, turn baby on her side and jiggle her. Shush her loudly - make sure she can hear you over her own screaming. Think about how loud the vacuum cleaner is...that's the kind of volume it might take to first get her attention.
Provide something soothing to suck. When baby begins to calm down, give her something to suck on (pacifier or your finger). Gradually reduce the jiggling and shushing as she calms.

Invest in a sound machine that mimics a mother's heart beat inside the womb. This can be a lifesaver for both parent and child.
A comfortable rocking chair is indispensable for a parent with a fussy baby.
If you have work to do, yet your baby is screaming, try using a baby sling or carrier that holds the baby close to your body, yet leaves both hands free.
Rent/Buy the video or book "The Happiest Baby On the Block." It's a miracle.
Try bringing your baby over near a running faucet - the sound is very soothing.
Experts think that colic may be caused by reflux - ask your doctor about medicine to help.
Adverse reactions to milk or soy can mimic colic, so if you are giving your baby formula that is milk-based, you may want to try soy-based for a week to see if that helps (or vice-versa.)


Constant cries can be a sign of something more severe. If the baby screams in a extremely high pitch, and is inconsolable, call your doctor's office. Always check with your pediatrician for the best in health care of your little one.
Don't leave your baby on a washing machine unattended.

How to Travel by Plane with an Infant or Toddler

The following suggestions will hopefully make traveling with an infant or toddler under the age of 2 a bit easier. Traveling by plane with your little one can be especially stressful if you are not comfortable with flying yourself. Getting away should be a stress reliever and the grandparents may really want to see their precious grand-baby before he grows up/ Go ahead and take that flight. People do it everyday.
Do not feel obligated to purchase a seat for your child. Children under two fly free or for a nominal fee when you hold them on your lap. Unlike a car, your lap is safe & comforting to your child.
Purchase a giant diaper bag, lap children are not entitled to a piece of luggage, only a diaper bag.
Plan to breastfeed if you can. Attendants do not warm bottles or formula.
Consider dressing your child in a once piece footed pajama. It's comfortable, less items to loose, and if a child decides to kick the seat in front he can't kick as hard as with shoes.
Pack your diaper bag with a change of clothes or two, diapers, toys (stickers, crayons & paper for toddlers), baby wipes, changing pad, snacks, juice, and spoons & baby food if necessary.
Considering buying some new toys to surprise your child, they will keep his or her attention longer. You may choose to hold onto these toys until well into the flight, when your child gets antsy or to distract from a temper tantrum. If the flight goes well, save the toys for the flight home.
Surprise your child with a piece of candy or treat you have refused in the past. Tiny lollipops are a good choice as the sucking can help with ear pressure.
Bring earplugs. Not for you or your baby, for the people around you. If your child cries uncontrollably, you can show your concern by handing your neighbors an inexpensive pair of foam earplugs with a kind smile.
Remember you cannot bring liquids, even water, through security on US flights. You must declare baby food, formula & medicines. You may purchase items like bottles of water, after clearing security.
Arrive early at your gate. Ask the attendant for a "Gate Check Tag" for your stroller. They will stow your stroller with the luggage in the belly of the plane, but bring it to you when you exit it the plane, so you don't have to carry your child to baggage claim.
While you are at the gate, ask the attendant if they will board families with small children first. This is usually a common practice, but not always. You can relax a bit if the answer is yes.
Serve your toddler juice or water by bringing a "reuse or toss" cup with lid & straw. Attendants will provide drinks on most flights, but they do not provide straws or lids. You could have a spill that wets you, him or the stranger next to him when he accidently bumps his tray-table. Consider picking up a cup, straw & lid from a concession stand before boarding your flight in a pinch.
Bring a blanket to cover your baby, but as soon as you sit down in your seat, request extra pillows & blankets. Pillows are not items you will want to pack, as they are bulky. If you don't like the idea of your child's face on the airline pillow, cover it with your blanket from home. Your arms will need extra cushioning, if your child takes a long nap and you can't move.
Do not try to carry everything on board you will possibly need. You cannot quickly or easily get to things under your seat or in the over-head. They will go unused and be a useless burden to carry. Think minimalist.
Travel during nap time. Some children fall asleep in a plane, no different than while riding in a car.

Be prepared to remove a sleeping baby from the stroller to pass through security. Strollers must be x-rayed without babies.
Use a baby carrier like a Baby Bjorn or Snuggly, so you have your hands free to carry your luggage.
Nurse or bottle feed the baby during take-off and landing. This helps prevent ear pain.
Don't forget to take a car seat unless you have arranged to have one at your destination.
Flight magazines and catalogs are free. No one should complain if you use them for origami, I-Spy, or scribble scrabbling.
Visit www.tsa.gov and your airline's website for more travel advice. Some oversea flights provide bassinets for infants.

Stroller
Stroller
Stroller collapses to car seat.
Stroller collapses to car seat.
If you plan to travel more than 3 or 4 times a year by airplane, you may want to invest in a stroller that converts to a car seat, like this product called "Sit-n-stroll". The stroller wheels pull up into the bottom of the seat and the handles collapse. It is FAA approved to use in flight, but remember you must pay for a seat then, and surprisingly, FAA approval does not guarantee the chair will fit into the seat you purchase!
Ask about using an antihistamine. Using an antihistamine may help prevent the ears from popping and aching. Follow your medical provider's recommendations.