The cool thing about these sites is that you can place your order now to have your flowers/gifts delivered on any specific day you wish. Often times, it is good to get orders placed a few days in advance if you want your flowers to be received on time, especially on Valentine's Day.
1-800-Flowers
Save $10 on Valentine's Day items at 1-800-Flowers.com! Use coupon code BST2 at check out. Click here to save. Expires 2/4
10% off exclusive coupon coupon code: MOMSV expires 5/31/08
Flowers & Gifts Qualifying for Same Day Hand Delivery (Exp Soon)
15% off Storewide (using VISA) Coupon Code: 33VISA (Exp Soon)
15% off Storewide (using AMEX) Coupon Code: AE33 (Exp Soon)
15% off Storewide (using CHASE) Coupon Code: 66CHASE (Exp Soon)
FlowerDelivery.com
Use coupon code fd during checkout to save $10 off your order of $50 or more.
Expiration: 12/31/2008
Martha Stewart Flowers
Save 10% on any order. Coupon Code: Athanks10 Exp. 2/13/08
Flowers and Gifts 15% off coupon code VALENTINE expires 2/1/08
Teleflora
Save 10% on all products when using coupon code afpx10 during checkout at Teleflora. See site for details.
FlowerStore.com
10% off any order
Expires : February 14, 2008
Flowerstore.com Coupon Code : ZK-8978
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Flowers Deals Galore!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Uncle Sam Is My Friend
Just a week ago the stock market hit a slump, one that could have been a major hit to our economy. As a result of this stock market scare, the government will be issuing refund checks to we the people of the United States of America. What the financial experts are hoping is that we citizens spend the refund checks on goods and services, putting the money back into the economy. The end result? A healthier economy. Sounds like a good deal to me. An additional $1200 would definitely come in handy once Spring arrives. In my mind, I already have it spent.
But, until then, I need to figure out if Uncle Sam will be treating me right this year as far as taxes go. Since I started a home business this past year, our taxes will be performed a little bit differently than last year. My husband was able to input our information via TurboTax and call it a done deal. Let me tell you, it was WONDERFUL. We didn't need to shell out a couple hundred dollars to have a "professional" number cruncher complete our taxes for us.
TurboTax Is The Easy Way To Do Your Taxes. Do your taxes for free with TurboTax Online Free Edition - Start Now.
TurboTax is user-friendly and easy to understand. In other words, you don't have to be a math genius to work with TurboTax. (If I could do it, anyone can do it.)
I recommend it to anyone.
In the meantime I have been patiently waiting for my tax forms to get here. I am expecting them to have been sent out the end of January.
Tax Simple claims to be well...simple.
Tax Simple offers online individual tax preparation and e-filing to 135 million people in all 50 states. Tax Simple also offers online tax preparation to 18 million Corporate, S-Corporate, Partnership, Fiduciary, Exempt, and Estate business entities.
Most of the tax returns take less than 10 minutes to complete, which is always encouraging when completing a yearly task as taxes. I personally have not used Tax Simple but from looking at the product, it is a product I would be willing to try and is similar to TurboTax.
Do your taxes for FREE with TAX$IMPLE - the only Form based tax software. Start Now - It's Easy.
Every year I have come out on top with my taxes, receiving money in return. My fingers are crossed for this year's return with hopes that Uncle Sam will continue to be my friend.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Scissors and Glue, I Love You!
I've always been a fan of crafts. But really, who has time to break out the craft supplies anymore these days, besides the queen of all things home-making goddess Martha Stewart. When it comes to crafts, making time seems to be the biggest challenge.
Looking back at my elementary school days, I remember one of the most memorable arts and crafts activities was making our very own Valentine's Day box. Often times, there were contests on whose creation was the most creative, rewarding those parents, er, um kids who designed the best Valentine's Day box.
Since Valentine's Day is quickly approaching us, what better reason to get out the craft supplies than this holiday.
Here are some great books that I came across that have some great craft ideas and even fun Valentine's Day recipes for you to enjoy:
Valentine Treats: Recipes and Crafts for the Whole Family
Valentine's Day Crafts (Fun Holiday Crafts Kids Can Do)
Valentines: Cards And Crafts from the Heart (Snap)
Build A Bear Valentines Day Card Activity/Set of 20, Heart Shaped Lollipops Included!
When you decide to do crafts for Valentine's Day, it doesn't necessarily mean that you need to spend a lot on supplies to create unique decorations or that Valentine's Day box.
One of the great things I remember about making the Valentine's Day box is not needing a whole lot of supplies. In fact, you can make your box for less than $5.00 with construction paper, an old shoe box,aluminum foil, markers/crayons, scissors and glue.
Use your imagination to create a boombox, a mailbox, a boat, or whatever your heart desires. And enjoy the time with your kids and who knows maybe you could win that Valentine's Day contest for your kid, er help them win that contest.
Have fun making crafts on a budget!
*For the record, I do not encourage cheating to win any Valentine's Day box contest. I do support having fun with your child in creating a prize-winning Valentine's Day box. There IS a difference.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Another Reason to Party
I'm not a big football fan. However, I do know the basics and I do know that this time of year is THE time for playoffs. Excitement is building to see which two teams make it to the "big show". To me, it doesn't matter who the teams are in the championship game, but rather the party itself. Any excuse to get people together to socialize, eat, and be merry is my idea of a good time.
So here's what I know. I am aware that the NFL playoffs are taking place and from what I hear the Packers are performing extremely well. As far as any other team, I have no clue, nor care.
I'm thinking OUR house might be the location of the Superbowl events simply because I caved in and allowed a 52" beast of a television into our living room. However, I will not disapprove as I, the party planner that I am, am actually looking forward to this year's events.
So, how can you plan a Superbowl Party without having to burn a hole in your pocketbook?
1. My first suggestion would be to make a list of everyone that you plan to invite to the party. Since you are hosting the event at your place, it wouldn't hurt to ask your guests if they would be willing to bring a specialty of theirs. For example, have John Doe bring some queso dip. Ask Susie Q to bring a couple bags of chips. Ask Mork and Mindy to bring the buffalo wings.
Depending on how many guests you have, there won't be a lot you will have to provide for them. If you are a guest invited to a SuperBowl party, be generous and ask the host what you can bring to the party to share with everyone. This is common courtesy and will make it a lot easier on your host.
2. Have a room dedicated just to the football watchers, simply because they aren't going to want random conversations as background noise to interrupt their game-watching. Perhaps, have a comfy room just for those who want to visit and munch on snacks.
3. Depending on how hardcore of a party planner you are, opt for decorations featuring colors of the two teams vying for the SuperBowl championship title. This is bound to create a very festive ambiance for your guests. Think color-coordinating napkins, streamers, plates, etc. You can find all of these items at a dollar store or at a party store.
4. Don't stress! This is supposed to be fun! Sometimes people get carried away with their parties making sure everyone is enjoying themselves. Don't get me wrong, it is important to make sure your guests are having fun, but you are supposed to have fun too! Stressing yourself out only leads to an unhappy host.
In close, when it comes time to host your SuperBowl party or attend one for that matter, remember your p's and q's. It isn't required that you be a football fan to enjoy the SuperBowl. It's just another reason to party and enjoy the company of others, both those screaming at the big screen television and those who would rather be dipping chips in queso.
Friday, January 11, 2008
V-Day: The Love-Hate Relationship
It is a day some people dread with a passion. Lacy frills, pink and red hearts are displayed in stores, boxes of milk chocolate galore fill the shelves, and the over-sized teddy bears seem to get larger every year.
It is a day some people love or look forward to each and every year. Finally having someone to share this day with is inspiring in itself. Married couples know it is one of those days their spouse should never forget and expect flowers, jewelry, chocolates, a dinner at a restaurant or at the very least a Hallmark card.
Whether you love or hate Valentine's Day, it does come every year. There is always a constant--the merchants specializing in flowers, lingerie, balloons, chocolates, and stuffed animals do and will always adore this holiday claimed by St. Valentine.
Who loves Valentine's Day?
Well, Hallmark does of course, along with the other vendors who supply us with the gifts that make a woman smile. It is also safe to say that most women do benefit from Valentine's Day as well if they have a mate to shower them with gifts and love. Ultimately, men may beg to differ if all ends well and we aren't in bed sleeping before Jay Leno comes on television.
Want to get something unique for your Valentine this year instead of the good ole' standby roses or chocolates?
Here are my top picks:
1. Spa Gift Certificates: What woman or man for that matter wouldn't enjoy a day at the spa? This life that many of us seem to live is hectic and full of stress. The perfect gift is a service at the spa. Check out SpaFinder.com
Save $10 at SpaFinder.com in January!
2. Romantic Gifts.com: Unique gifts to make your significant other say "wow"!
Choose from bath gifts, games, gift assortments, and more! This is one of those sites you must check out for yourself!
3. Femail Creations:One of my favorite sites for gifts for women. This site is great even if you want to purchase a gift for a female's birthday or any other special day.
The most ideal gift for Valentine's Day would be anything from their spa collection like the Personalized Spa Slippers and robe. 
4. Max and Chloe:
Designer fashion jewelry and gift certificates!
20% OFF at Max & Chloe. Use code AFF20. Valid through 2/28/08
5. Mrs. Beasley's: Those with a sweet tooth will no doubt LOVE this store.
Mrs. Beasley's offers one of a kind gifts for your sweetheart. Here a couple of Beasley's favorites.
And, if you don't have someone to share V-Day with, your day will come! There is always the option for girls-night in. Stop by the video store, rent some chick flicks, pick up some Haagen-Daas and call it a night! There are many more V-Days to come.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Deal or No Deal?
If you saw me walking down the street with my laptop, you would think I was auditioning to be a model on Deal-Or-No-Deal. I may not have the legs or the "Hi Howeeeee" voice, but I sure do have the silver case!
After carrying around this hideous silver laptop case around, I have decided it is time for an upgrade. So, I've done a little bit of research to find the best laptop case for me. My dream laptop case would be hip, fun, light, durable, and affordable.
Here is what I have found so far:
1. eBags.com: The Messenger Bag
Get the latest eBags on site offers
*Click on Business/Laptops at the top of the screen in the categories section.*
It just so happens that eBags is having their big Winter Sale and most bags are anywhere from 50-70% off regular price. Depending on what you are willing to spend, you can really find the perfect bag with a decent price tag on it. What I particularly like about eBags is you can perform a search based on your brand and type of laptop and a list of bags will come up for you!
2. CareerBags.com: The Ultimate Career Bag
Looking for something a little more multi-purpose, yet fashionable? Readers, I give you the Diane von Furstenburg Color-On-The-Go bag. 
It is incredibly lightweight, durable, stain and water resistant AND there is a pocket for your cellphone and/or blackberry. There are a lot of very unique laptop cases on this site and you are sure to find one that is unique and fashionable.
3. Rainbrooke: Colorful Style, Yet Functional
Tuscany Leather Laptop Bag. This bag is often referred to as part bag-part purse. Considering you would be able to pack your laptop, your files, your pens, your phone, AND your makeup is pretty impressive. Not only that you look good doing it. It cannot get any better than that! Rainbrooke offers free shipping on many items and guarantees their product. 
Laptop cases do not have to cost you an arm and a leg either. All the sites I have found have reasonable prices on their products and have been proven reliable. The only problem I have now, is deciding which one I want to purchase.
