Ludi Gift Box: Fun Surprises are Always Wrapped in Pretty Bows

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A few days ago I received this pretty package on my doorstep from Ludi Gift Boxes.  It was wrapped so beautifully.  What is Ludi you ask?

LUDI GiftBox was founded to make the gifting experience simple and meaningful without sacrificing the delight factor. Everyone loves getting a gift but giving a gift isn’t always the easiest. LUDI, which stands for “Let Us Do It”, is redefining the gifting process with our unique gift boxes that are filled with special, gift-worthy items.

Or, for a truly personalized gift our Custom LUDI Gift Boxes are specially tailored for each person, budget and celebration. From hunting for the ideal gift to tying the bow, LUDI does all the work. Send your LUDI GiftBox now or learn more at How it Works.

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Everything was presented beautifully and my items were sent based on what I like and enjoy.  You could tell there was a lot of thought put into my Ludi Box.  BBP_0581

I received the cutest coffee lovers package including a black & white mug & spoon set, cocoa, and “The Java Mama” chalkboard tray was soooooo adorable!
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I could tell that even though I didn’t personally purchase these items, they identified with me in every way.  If I have a gift to give someone (which I constantly struggle with what to give) I’m headed to Ludi!

Here’s how it works:

Go to Custom LUDI Gift Boxes and choose the occasion.
Pick your budget. Gift Boxes start at $50 with a flat rate of $10 for shipping.
Tell us a little (or a lot) about the occasion and the recipient. The more you describe, the more tailored the GiftBox will be.

You’re done, now it’s our turn. 
We hunt for unique gift items that fit the occasion and the recipient to create a one-of-a-kind Gift Box.  We put together everything in our beautiful Signature white Gift Box, wrap it with a bow and ship it directly to the recipient or to you for handing it over.

We send you an e-mail with details on the gift items we selected and what we loved about them.

Thank you LUDI for my lovely package it made my day and I can’t wait to make someone elses 🙂

5 Online Hobbies for Moms

5 fun online hobbies for moms
At the end of a long day looking after the kids, all a mom is likely to want to do is flop down on the sofa and relax in the peace and quiet. However, for many moms, this part of the day is the only time they have for their own interests ? so thankfully there are plenty of ways you can get the most out of this time while still relaxing.
Shopping online
Easy to access? Virtually every shop you can think of has an online presence these days, so as long as you have a bank account you can buy anything online.
Time consuming? This depends on whether you know what you want or not ? but then browsing what?s available can be the most enjoyable part.
Fun rating: 5/5
Online education
Easy to access? Yes ? again the number of places with online courses of study is increasing all the time (see here for more details: http://www.thebestschools.org/rankings/30-best-online-colleges-2014/).
Fun rating: 5/5
Writing a blog
Easy to access? If you use Blogger or WordPress this will provide you with the template, so all you have to do is choose a subject and start writing.
Time consuming? It depends how easy you find the writing process, tips on getting started are available here, but you?ll find it easier if you love your subject.
Fun rating: 4/5
Online casino
Easy to access? Definitely, as there are plenty of sites available such as www.MobileCasino.co.nz and registration is simple.
Time consuming? It can be, because the games are a lot of fun, so it is best to set yourself time limits.
Fun rating: 5/5
Reading
Easy to access? Nowadays you can download as many books as you want onto devices like the Kindle.
Time consuming? Depends on the quality of the book, as a good one can be very hard to put down.
Fun rating: 4/5
The internet offers so many different options now for amusing yourself once the kids are in bed, that there is no need for any mom to feel bored in the evenings.

Valentines 2015

We had a great Valentine’s day.  Terence took off work on Friday and we spent the day together just the two of us.  He took me shopping at Anthropologie, one of my favorite stores & we had lunch together.  He and Connor got me sweet cards 🙂

Earlier that morning I went to Connor’s school and took pictures of all the kids.  It was SO much fun!  Their teachers made this adorable “kissing booth”.

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Later I came back for the Valentine’s day party and all the kids had fun and ate LOTS of sugar!

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I also went out with some friends for dinner and a movie.  Overall it was a great weekend!  I can’t believe it was like 80 degrees yesterday and now it’s in the 30’s.  It’s just craziness.

Hope everyone had a happy heart day. xo Becky

It’s TAX Time: Do you know what to do? #TurboTaxACA #PMedia

 

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and TurboTax, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #TurboTaxACA disclosure HERE”

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It’s TAX TIME people!  I for one and excited about this time of year because we usually get some extra cash in our wallets.  I’m also glad I’m not an accountant.  TurboTax makes filing your taxes so easy you don’t have to BE an accountant!  We are all in the same boat and as we prepare to get back some of what’s owed I would like to help educate you during the process.

Did you know there’s a new requirement on your taxes this year? The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires all Americans have health insurance coverage in 2014 or pay a penalty in their taxes, which means this year you have to report your insurance stats on your tax return.

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Luckily, it’s really easy with TurboTax. If you get insurance from work, all you have to do is check a box! Plus, through February 16th you can file for free – Federal AND State – if you have a simple return (1040A/EZ). That is what I call a bonus.

Not only does TurboTax have a great tax filing system but they have a tool to educate everyone as to how the Affordable Care Act plays into their life. Head over to TurboTax Health to get familiar with the website and the with the ACA requirements coming up this tax season.   Also, the videos (linked below) explain the step by step process of how ACA reporting works for all three audiences.

Insured Filers

Marketplace Insured Filers

Uninsured Filers

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With TurboTax filing my taxes is super easy and I’m in the comfort of my own home.  No standing in lines or waiting on someone else to give me peace of mind.  TurboTax is super easy to navigate & don’t fear the health insurance portion of your taxes, everything is pretty much spelled out for you.  All you have to do is go through each step….it’s quick and easy!

File your taxes through TurboTax and take advantage of filing for free before February 16 through the Absolute Zero promotion available for simple returns (1040A/EZ).

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This coming weekend is important – health insurance open enrollment ends on Sunday, February 15. This is the last chance you’ll have to purchase insurance to avoid a penalty on your taxes next year. You can check out TurboTaxHealth.com to learn more about your health insurance and taxes, including finding out if you’re exempt from the tax penalty.  While you’re at it, don’t forget to go to TurboTax.com to file today for absolutely free before February 16 if you have a simple return (1040A/EZ).

Follow TurboTax on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, Tumbler, & Pinterest for helpful hints and resources.

 

Mid-Week Update

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Connor and I have been home all day.  His school called yesterday concerned he may have a slight case of the chicken pox.  I thought they were just bug bites.  He’s been complaining of itching.  We took him to the Doctor and they could neither confirm or really deny that’s what it was.  So who knows???  He’s been vaccinated, but apparently you can still get it.  Most of the bumps are gone now, so I’m hoping to take this kiddo back to school tomorrow 🙂

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Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies are going to be the end of whatever waistline I have remaining. They are soooo good. My Mom made an ice cream cake with these cookies growing up. To this day it’s still one of my favorite desserts. It’s just chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, and crumbled thin mints on top. You freeze it in a casserole dish and it’s SO delish!

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Connor’s Valentine’s turned out so cute for his Pre-K class. They are from Cardstore and cost me less than $8 bucks. His party is on Friday and I’m excited to share it with him and his friends.

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I know I’ve talked about Evy’s Tree hoodies before. Y’all they are seriously the softest, most comfortable hoodies. I have washed this green one a ton and it still looks great! I’m loving the blush hoodie.

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This stuff is legit.  You can get it at Whole Foods and its raw sugar and cinnamon.  I add some to my coffee in the mornings and it adds great sweetness and flavor.

What are you loving right now???  Anyone discovered anything new and fabulous?

Meal Planning: What Do You Do?

Well HELLO there!

I’ve been M.I.A for a little bit.  I started my new job and things have been going great!  I’ve had more time to do the things I never get a chance to and it’s so nice.  I went to Target last Monday to get groceries and I was just beside myself because I didn’t have to pick through the produce or fight for the last bunch of ripe bananas.  Everything was in stock.  I never normally shop on a weekday and it’s so peaceful and quiet.

It’s the little things.

I also am determined to get better at meal planning.  I have always struggled with this and the question that makes me shudder every day “What’s for dinner???”  If anyone has pointers please feel free to help a sista out.

What are some of your favorite recipe or food blogs?

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I’ll be back….

The FedEx Man

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Saturday Morning…..Ding Dong.

It’s the FedEx man delivering some packages to our house.  I just woke up so I’m not fully dressed.  I hover behind the corner while Terence goes to answer the door.

When Terence answers the door to accept the package Connor runs up and goes “Yay!!!  There’s our mail!” 

The FedEx man said “Wow…look at that.  A family; man you are living the dream.  You are blessed.”

Connor chuckled a little and the FedEx man laughed and said thank you.  Terence said thank you back.

I overheard everything while I was behind the corner and I just thought “WOW…that was so nice!”  I wonder what made him say those things that day.  Why he thought WE were as special as we apparently looked in his eyes.  His personality just beamed.  I know you don’t have to say nice things to people.  But what a difference it makes.  Whether you are delivering packages or working in an office….it doesn’t matter.  People notice.  People notice when your light shines a little brighter.  I noticed that light in the FedEx man that day and it made my heart happy.

You never know someone’s circumstances.  It never hurts to say something kind.

No matter where you are and what you do.  Remember that.

THANK YOU FedEx man for the kind reminder of how blessed I am, because sometimes we just unintentionally forget.