Blissdom 2010

posted by Kandi


I know, I know. There is a LOT of buzz around the blogging community about Blissdom and one more blog might just make you hurl! Here's hoping that's not the case! I mean, from my understanding Blissdom is a conference filled with fun, excitement, and opportunities for learning and networking that is second to none!

So, why am I writing this then? Shouldn't I already HAVE my ticket? Well, the simple answer is no. No, I don't.

I really wish I did though. That's why I'm taking writing about the "Escape to Blissdom" Conference pass that is being given away at Blissfully Domestic! One of the ways to enter is to explain why I would like to attend. So here goes.

I would like to attend the Blissdom conference to learn! I have been blogging for about a year and still feel like a new fish in the sea. While our blog is growing, we are struggling. Struggling to move it from Blogger to Wordpress. Struggling to gain readership. Struggling to find our little niche in the great big 'ole blogesphere. I am hoping that attending something like Blissdom would help us conquer those struggles.

You see, there is a chance to network there. There are also workshops and speakers to help out people like me. Those who have a blog but are looking for ways to enhance it. I have also read about and been told that the networking at Blissdom is like no other. That some of the best learning is done outside of the workshops when people are just in small groups chatting and helping each other out. Both ways of learning are great for me!

So, I would LOVE to attend Blissdom to learn and see things in a way that just can't translate on a screen. Here's hoping this little post may help me get there, but if not there is always next year! I hope everyone attending this year has a total blast and one way or another I'll see you there next year!!

Mommy Confessions..

It is Friday and Mommy Confessions is back in the running after the crazy Holiday season.

I confess that.

You must read this blog. Kandi and I met this young lady a couple months ago. Since then we have become friends. She wrote a blog yesterday that was so heart felt and touching about abuse, depression and strength. Please take the time to visit Katie’s blog. It took a lot of courage for her to write this I am so glad that she was able to share and maybe it will get in the right hands and help another child or maybe even an abusive parent and make them STOP. Keep in mind it only takes 1 person to change the world.

I have no other confessions this week. I want Katie’s blog post to be the focus of this week. I am truly so proud to know such a strong woman.

Have a great week.

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Kandi here. I completely agree with Andrea this week. Go and check out Katie's post. I'm so thankful every day for all the blogging Mommies we've met and are able to call our "real life" friends as well as online/blogging friends.

Have a great weekend everyone as we around the Mommy Confessions area are digging out of some serious snow and cold!

My Savings of the week.

posted by Kandi

This post is a little different than most of our other ones. I just had to share though. I went to the grocery store for the first time in a while to "stock up". I haven't had to go to the store in quite a while for more than the milk, bread, diaper stuff.

One of my goals for this year is to get back into couponing and stocking up. Honestly, I had so much shampoo, deodorant, soap and laundry stuff I haven't had to purchase anything for at least 6 months. Longer on some items. Sadly though, as the latter part of the year unfolded I started just buying whatever sounded good and was easy. Neither of those things are good shopping/saving habits to have.

Today was my first foray back into couponing. Here are the results of my first trip out. Here is a breakdown of what I got (with pictures because I'm a cool dork and all..haha).
Kroger


I purchased everything in these two pictures plus a 12 pack of Ivory soap, 4 bottles of Dawn, a pork loin, salad mix and 3 lunchables (that were being consumed at the time...haha). Grand total = $85.02. I saved $69.72 by using my Kroger Plus Card and coupons. That's a 45% savings!!

Target


I picked up these two pairs of shoes for the kids for a total of $12! The tennis shoes were $8 and the cute little brown shoes were a whopping $3 on clearance!!

Now, I still need to hit Aldi for some odds and ends but otherwise I'm done for a while. I just wanted to share my savings. If you are ever interested in learning about saving or couponing there are several sites out there. The one I use the most though is Mommysnacks. She is my go to site for savings!

Family Friendly Cincinnati

posted by Kandi



I want to introduce you to a new blog site. It's called Family Friendly Cincinnati. Why am I excited about this new blog? Well, it's because I will be a contributor!

Family Friendly Cincinnati was started by 3 wonderful bloggers, Shannan from MommyBits, Amy from Amy in Ohio and Susan from Working Moms Against Guilt. There are several Moms from different parts of the Tri-State area all with one goal in mind. To keep the readers informed of what to do in the greater Cincinnati area. Not just activities, but family friendly restaurants and fun ways to make memories. Kind of like being a tourist in our own areas!

So, if you're looking for something to do, head over to the site and check out what we have to offer.

Oh, and don't worry. I'll still be here as often as ever!! Not that you would doubt that would ya??

More Disney on Ice...

Just in case you didn't win our tickets and still would like to try to win. Jenny and Emily over at Mommin' It Up! are holding their own contest. You have until Friday for a chance to win. They will be selecting their winner on Saturday. Click here to go directly to their post and sign up.

Also just found out that Tara at Deal Seeking Mom is hosting a giveaway also. Click here to go directly to her site and sign up!

Site Promotion....

I love to read blogs. Let me rephrase that...I love to read blogs when I have time. I used to read more than I have time for now. See, I've developed this little addiction to Facebook. I'll save that post for another day though...

Now, there is something wonderful that has come from being on Facebook. I have reconnected with loads of friends!! People I loved dearly at certain points in my life and lost touch with for various reasons.

One of those people is still as sweet as I remember her! She is the little sister of one of my high school BFF's named Nikki. Well, now Nikki is all grown up and a Mom herself. She made mention of making and freezing some dinners for her family and I ask if she ever posted her recipes. She said yes! and referred me to a blog she, along with some Mom friends of hers, write.

I visited her site this evening and came away with loads of recipes I am going to try. They seem so easy to prepare and good for you too. I made sure to ask if I could post about their blog and got a Yes!!! So, let me introduce you all to Nikki and her Mom friends. Nikki also said that the Mom's group she is in meets a couple times a month and they make meals together. Then they post the recipes they made for the rest of us to enjoy as well.

If you get a moment, go and check out their site. I'm sure you will find several recipes that will tempt your taste buds as well!!!