Carnations Get a Bad Rap

Carnations have been tainted in my mind since the days of high school dances.  (Say in your best valley girl voice, "Carnation corsages and boutonnieres are so gross!")

But when used in bunches for arrangements, carnations can be beautiful and fluffy!  I personally love them arranged in a half sphere.  I used these carnation arrangements for a Sip and See baby shower earlier this month and was pretty pleased with how they turned out. 

Oh, and as you probably know, carnations are a great value!  Plus, my arrangement from 2 weeks ago is still alive, kicking and beautiful!  What a great way to add beauty and freshness to your home for a small price!

P.S. Details on the fun Sip and See baby shower are coming soon!

Marathon Club Finale at Legoland

This morning we woke up at 5:30 to drive to Legoland for our 6-year old to run the final mile of his marathon club at Legoland. (He had practices over the past few months in which he completed the first 25+ miles of the marathon.) I had the great pleasure of running with him for that mile - rain, puddles and all.

I am so proud of him! He ran the entire mile without stopping! And he was so excited to receive his medal after crossing the finish line.

I just wish the rain would have let up!

Our Daughter's 1st Love Letter

My daughter brought this piece of paper in the house after playing outside with the neighbors. 

I asked her who it belonged to.  She said our neighbor, a 6-year old boy down the street, made it for her.  "This means he loves me," she said, matter-of-factly. 

Oh, are we in for some trouble with this girl! 

French Toast Souffle - Yum Yum!

In case you are looking for a fabulous recipe for a shower, brunch or just an amazing breakfast, I have a recipe I tried this past weekend that you are going to love:

French Toast Souffle!!!

I was hosting a Sip and See baby shower and wanted to have something of a pancake/waffle/french toast likeness, but that didn't need a lot of attention.  A friend (thanks, Erin!) shared a recipe that her friend shared with her.  So I am not claiming any sort of creative rights on this one.  I just want to spread the joy and love of a great recipe!

Here it is:


French Toast Souffle

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup maple syrup
French Rolls - 1 package
11-12 eggs
3 cups half and half
1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Cinnamon

Directions:

• In a bowl, microwave butter, cream cheese and syrup until soft - good for it to be "chunky" (you can use more of this mixture to make it extra "gooey" - about 1-1/2 times the amount
• In a bowl, mix together by hand (whisk) eggs, half and half, and vanilla {I recommend whisking together the eggs then adding the half and half and vanilla}
• Tear bread and put into 9x13 baking dish - roughly 1' tears.  Should use 5 or 6 french rolls
• Pour butter mixture evenly over bread
• Pour egg mixture over bread
• Sprinkle with cinnamon
• REFRIGERATE OVERNIGHT covered with foil
• Bake for 1 hour @350 degrees or until center of souffle is raised and firm

Serves 10
Provide syrup for guests to drizzle on souffle and ENJOY!

Let Your Dishwasher Do the Work

For as long as I have been washing dishes, and that is too many years to count, I have always washed and rinsed my dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.  Basically, I washed my dishes by hand and then put them in the dishwasher to get really, really clean.  A little over a year ago after moving into our home, we had a dishwasher repair man come out because we were not happy with our diswasher's performance.  He recommended using the Finish Powerball tabs and putting dishes in the dishwasher dirty. (Click here to read more about My New Dishwashing Friend.) He claimed that dishwasher detergents do a better job with oils and foods on dishes because they activate the cleaning molecules in the detergents.

He also made sure to tell me that the bottom rack of a dishwasher is designed for items that are straight up and down (i.e. plates and silverware).  Placing a bowl face down is a no-no because it hinders the water distribution and thus the cleaning in the entire dishwasher.  Bowls are to be placed face down on the top rack for best results.

I immediately went out and bought the Finish Powerball tabs and noticed a difference right away.  But it wasn't until about a month ago, with all the dishes from the holidays (baking, family and friend dinners, etc.), that I decided to try putting dishes in the dishwasher without pre-rinsing them.  And what do you know?  He was right!

Here's my dishes before washing them in the dishwasher (no hand-washing):

And here's what the dishwasher and a Finish Powerball Tab did with our dirty dishes:

Impressive, right!?!

Not only does this help save time and water (which ultimately saves you money on your water bill), but it also saves your hands from getting too dry!  (Gloves help, but having to wash fewer dishes helps out even more!)

Happy not-dishwashing!

Wordless Wednesday: Rapunzel Wig

When 4-Year Olds Wish Upon a Star

Shopping for a New Car Step #3: How to Get the Best Price on a New Car

We gave ourselves a couple of weeks to process our research on all of the vehicles.  And with all these things considered, we purchased...the Honda Pilot!  I have been driving it for a week now and I don't regret my decision one bit.  In fact, I continue to appreciate the roominess of the Pilot and how easy it is to drive!  It's pretty fantastic having a "Mommy Car!"

But, let me back up a step.   It wasn't that easy.

After determining that the Pilot met our needs the best, we (mostly I) needed to figure out how to get the best deal.  As I mentioned in Step #1 of Shopping for a New Car, I found a great resource in TrueCar.com.  The only thing I didn't expect were the dealerships to still play tricks about the price and availability - including telling me they had 2 cars to my exact specifications and when I got down there an hour later they were magically gone (not sold, just gone). 

I also learned the valuable lesson that while websites like TrueCar.com give you the best prices on cars, you typically can't get great financing through the dealership.  Basically, you can have either great rebates (a.k.a. a lower price on the vehicle) or great financing (a.k.a. higher price on the vehicle) from the dealerships - at least that is what I was told by 4 or 5 dealerships.

Knowing that I couldn't have my cake and eat it, too, from the dealership, I decided to explore the option of getting the best possible price on a car and then finding my financing elsewhere.  I checked with a couple of banks/credit unions, including the one that holds our mortgage.  I thought we might get a good rate from them considering we already have a pretty good piece of business with them.  Yeah, I was wrong on that one.  They actually quoted us the worst rate!  Go figure. 

After some time on the internet and phone, I was able to secure the best interest rate from USAA.  While I was talking with a nice person from USAA, she suggested that I look into their auto-buying program.  Since I am an equal-opportunity savings seeker, I gave it a whirl.  And wouldn't you know it...their guaranteed price was more than $1000 lower!  Score, even a better deal!  I emailed the dealership's internet sales person and he confirmed they had the vehicle we were looking for in stock.  Yippee!

From there, I was ready.  We were approved for a loan and now all we had to do was get the out-the-door price so I could have the check printed and ready for when we went to the dealership.  That's when the internet sales person threw me for a loop. After telling him that I already secured a interest rate of 3.25%, he indicated that they were offering 1.9% financing.  Of course, I had been to that rodeo before and explained that I wanted the best deal on the price of the car and knew that I couldn't do that if I took their financing.  Then he said, "You can have the low price and the low interest rate." 

I made him repeat and explain himself a few times.  (Now I realize that their isn't that big of a difference between 1.9% and 3.25%. But to this Nickel and Dimer, that was "winning.")  When we went down to the dealership, sure enough, they had the lowest price on the car and the 1.9% financing.  We were finally ready to buy our new car. 

After about 4 hours at the dealership (waiting for them to detail and get the car pretty), I was able to drive the car off the lot.  (Yes, I did think about the several thousands of dollars that were leaving the car as I pulled out of the driveway, but I also reveled into looking at the odometer with just 7 miles on it!)

Now I am thrilled to have this purchase behind us.  Now bring on the carpools!

Shopping for a New Car Step #2: Test Driving Cars

First, I did extensive online research to decide what cars suited our needs most on paper.  After determining those car candidates, it was time to get behind the wheel of those cars.  I test drove 4 cars in the same small SUV/crossover category so that I could compare them apples to apples, as best as possible.

The one key take away I have learned can be related to our friendships in life:  What is on the inside matters much more than what's on the outside.

I will admit, I like cars.  I think some are pretty, and some are definitely not.  And I will also admit to my own superficiality that I would rather be seen in a pretty car than a not-so-pretty car.

But when it comes right down to it, my practical needs for a car far outweigh my superficial need "to look cool."  And lets face it, are any crossover cars really "cool?"  I finally realized, "Yeah, not as much as my pre-Mommyhood cars."

And as my sister-in-law reminded me, "You spend all of your time inside the car, not outside admiring it, so you better like what it has on the inside."

I had just a few requests on each car I test drove: rear entertainment system (DVD player), power lift gate, and reversing sensors and/or camera.

Here are the 4 cars I test-drove and my thoughts on each:

2012 Ford Explorer: it is redesigned and looks awesome on the road!  It now has a third row (unlike the 2010 and later models) and has great interior features like Sync radio and a DVD entertainment system in the back of the front seat headrests.  (I really liked that feature!)  Even though the Explorer doesn't look very big from the outside, it felt really long when driving it and it's rear and side visibility wasn't stellar.  (Pricing in comparison to other cars test driven with identical equipment: more expensive)

2012 Honda Pilot: this car felt the roomiest of all the cars I test drove and had the greatest visibility.  It also is the only one that seats up to 8 passengers.  I was especially impressed with the visibility out the back window when the DVD player was open from the ceiling of the car.  Unlike another car I will get to in a minute, the DVD player did not impact my rear view mirror vision whatsoever.  When all three rows are being used, the Pilot had the most cargo room as well.  Oh, and they have these great little hooks on the back row that you can hang grocery bags and coats from.  Silly and little, I know.  But sometimes the little things really do add up.  The only downfall of this car for me: its aesthetics.  (Pricing in comparison to other cars test driven with identical equipment: moderate)

2012 Toyota Highlander:  Prettiest car I test drove.  They have really mastered the look of the Highlander, in my opinion, and it looks fantastic on the road.  But for me, looks and Toyota reliability is all the Highlander has going for it, in comparison to other cars in the class.  When driving the Highlander while the kids were watching the DVD player, I could barely see the car driving behind me.  Talk about poor visibility!  I was shocked and a little frightened while driving the car.  The third row of the Highlander only seats 2 and the cargo space when the third row is being used is non-existent.  To me, this vehicle also felt pretty long to drive. (Pricing in comparison to other cars test driven with identical equipment: more expensive)

Mazda CX-9:  This car surprised me the most.  First of all, I didn't even realize it had a third row, it looks so compact on the road.  The visibility out the back window of the CX-9 was very good while the DVD player was in use.  This car did not feel very long or difficult to drive like some of the other vehicles and had a very smooth and comfortable ride.  (Pricing in comparison to other cars test driven with identical equipment: moderate)

STAY TUNED: Important tips regarding getting the best price on your next auto purchase and the car we chose are next! 

Wordless Wednesday: Why It is Great to Live in Southern California in December

Peanut Butter Can Be Converted into Diamonds

Yes, you read correctly.  According to one of my son's Christmas presents this year, National Geographic Kids' Weird But True book, peanut butter can be converted into a diamond.

Just when I thought I couldn't love peanut butter anymore...

Elf on the Shelf Shopping Trick

As it seems like most kids are this year, my 4-and 6-year-olds are in love with Ralphie, their Elf on the Shelf.

They love coming down every morning to see where he has moved to.  My son even decided that he would prefer to give Ralphie his letter to Santa since he knew Ralphie had a straight shot to Mr. Claus.

And while I have gotten creative with ideas as to why Ralphie didn't move on a couple of nights, I am most proud of how Ralphie has become my shopping buddy...well, sort of.

My 4-year old daughter hasn't really given us a ton of ideas for what she wants for Christmas (perhaps that is because she got everything she wanted for her birthday in the beginning of November), but needless to say, we have had a tough time figuring out what to get her.  And since she has preschool just 3 days a week for 3 hours at a time, she is with me most of the time.  And that time includes shopping time.

Here's my little shopping trick: While shopping with my daughter, she found something she liked. I asked if she wanted to take it home to show it to our elf, Ralphie, so that he knew exactly what to tell Santa.  Of course, she said yes.  I explained to her that I would have to return the item (in this case, a Pillow Pet) to the store the next day because Santa would be making one especially for her.  When we got home, she talked to Ralphie and showed him the Pillow Pet.  Then, while she was sleeping, Ralphie took the Pillow Pet to the North Pole for Santa to check out (a.k.a. the Pillow Pet was put in the Christmas present hiding spot in our garage.)  She woke up the next morning to find Ralphie sitting in a new spot and the Pillow Pet was gone.  She was thrilled when I told her Ralphie must have taken it to Santa.

I have since used the same tactic with a few other presents.

It is hard enough to go shopping with your kids and remember what they want, let alone go back at another time and pray that the item is still there. 

I am proud to say our Elf on the Shelf has brought efficiency to our holiday shopping.

Thank you, brilliant Elf on the Shelf creator! You have added a fun element to preparing for the holidays and helped parents across the globe

Preschool Christmas Program

Isn't this the cutest picture!?!

Hooray It's the Holidays Giveaway: $250 Gift Certificate for Jewelry from Gemvara.com

 Oh, how I love jewelry!

And this holiday season, I want you to treat yourself (or someone you love) to jewelry!

Gemvara.com has a huge selection of jewelry at all different price ranges.  With free shipping, free re-sizing and a 30-day return policy, Gemvara makes it easy to find exactly what you want and love it!

I am loving their new Naked Gem collection.  The stones are so beautiful.  Which is another great thing about Gemvara.  You will notice that for nearly all of their designs, you can customize the metal (sterling silver, white gold, yellow gold, etc.) as well as the stone (sapphire, emerald, diamond, etc).  So you can make the piece you have always wanted!

Hooray!  It's a Holiday Giveaway!

That's right!  (1) lucky Houses, Couches and Babies' reader is going to win a $250 gift certificate to Gemvara.com.  Just follow the easy steps below to enter...Good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hooray for the Holidays Giveaway: Story Tee from OffOurChests.com

I love great products.  But what I love even more are great products with a great story.


OffOurChests.com is an amazing website that sells "StoryTees" for kids (6 months - 6 years) and has a great mission behind it.  Here's their mission:

"We want to make the world a happier place.  To us, that means making the people in it happier  - and we’re starting with women (and girls). That’s it in a nutshell.

We're starting here because we think it’s hard growing up a girl, and hard becoming a truly, madly, deeply happy woman in today’s world.  We think being happier means figuring out what’s getting in the way of being happier now – and a lot can.  Expectations, social messages, norms, standards, ideals, inhibitions, sacrifices, insecurities, stress, magazine covers, mean people, traffic…there are a lot of buzzkills out there that wind up hating on happy. 

And we hope to be a part of changing that and making the world, or at least our little corner of it, safer for women of all stripes to speak their truth and find their bliss, regardless of its shade or pattern.  We want to add new faces and new voices to a woman’s fight for the right to esteem herself.  Just stop thinking, worrying, looking over your shoulder, wondering, doubting, fearing, hurting, hoping for some easy way out…grinding away at yourself.  Stop it and just DO.

Easy right?  Ok, not so much, but it's a hell of a place to begin and to which to aspire.  So if you want to help make women (and girls) happier and the world a better place, join us, please. After all, we're all in this together. "

And with every StoryTee that is purchased, offourchests.com gives a story book to an underprivileged girl.  Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!

But lets keep the giving going...with a giveaway!  

Hooray for the Holidays!  It's a Giveaway!

(1) lucky Houses, Couches and Babies reader is going to win a StoryTee of his/her choice (retail value $25). 

Please see how to enter below through Rafflecopter - it's super easy and you can receive up to 10 entries!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Puj Unos Booties Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone that entered the Puj Unos Booties Giveaway.  They are seriously so cute, and such a help to new parents...I wish these had existed when my kiddos were little!

Now on to the winner.  Congratulations, lucky comment #67, Kellie C.  You are the winner!  Kellie C., please contact us at info@housescouchesandbabies.com to claim your prize.

Thanks again to everyone that entered the giveaways.  Stay tuned for more fun giveaways!

Gingerbread House Fun

My kids love decorating their gingerbread house each year for Christmas.  This year, Wilton has made it even easier on Mommy...the Gingerbread house kit at Costco is already assembled.  All you have to do is ice it and decorate it.

Grandma and Grandpa were lucky enough to be here to help with the decorating, too. 

And yes, my daughter figured out very quickly how tasty the icing is!

Oh yeah, I caught her red handed trying to squeeze the icing in her mouth!

 Gingerbread boys and girls were fun to make, too!

Still sampling the icing!

One last taste...

Ta-da!  The finished product! 

Shopping for a New Car - Let the Fun Begin!

The lease is up on my car in March.  That means I need to figure out what car works best for our family now.  And because we are nearing the year-end (when deals/incentives and prices at dealerships are often at their best), we have decided to step up our research efforts and see if we can figure out what car we want to buy in the next couple of weeks.

I don't know if you have seen a lot of them as well, but the TrueCar.com ads on TV lately really worked on me.  I logged on to TrueCar.com and started configuring the cars I am interested immediately.  Once I figured out the features I wanted, TrueCar.com then provided me with a price that I should pay for the car.  A price, I might add, that is well under the MSRP.  Me likey! 

Then, I clicked on a button to get price guarantees from 3 (relatively) local dealerships.  Basically, when I am ready to buy the car, I will walk into a dealership with the price guarantee their internet sales department quoted me.  Ideally, and hopefully, it will be that simple. 

Which begs the question, why doesn't everyone get the same great/lower price from the internet/fleet department?  Does the extra research really save you thousands of dollars?  Only time will tell.

I have now spoken to several of the dealerships from which I received price guarantees and have set up test drives.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed all goes well!

If you have any tricks or tips to getting a great deal on a car, please feel free to share!

UP NEXT:  The test drives!

Images from ford.com and truecar.com

Fijit Friend Winner: Hooray for the Holidays Giveaway

Thank you to everyone who entered the Fijit Friend giveaway.

Congratulations go out to entry #86...One Fabulous Mom!  You won the Fijit Friend by Mattel giveaway!  One Fabulous Mom {wish I would have thought of that online name ;)}, you will be receiving an email shortly from us about claiming your prize!

And please don't forget to enter the Puj Unos Booties giveaway going on now...They are such cute booties and so parent-friendly!

Please stay tuned for more fun "Hooray for the Holidays" giveaways!