Archive | December, 2013

WHAT MY BLOG HAS DONE FOR ME IN 2013 AND TO COME!!

30 Dec

Sure I can sit here and have my last blog of 2013 be about Miley Cyrus, Kanye and Kim, Beyoncé, or Bill De Blasio but you already know enough about them. I also can write about my New Years Resolutions but to be honest I’d rather focus on what I’ve accomplished and how to keep that positive energy around for the New Year and the future.

Since starting this blog I’ve met so many amazing people. I’ve made new friends and the brands that I’ve supported 100% for years have put their trust in me and have blessed me with so much.
I’m not like most bloggers who make income but I appreciate everything that I have received. I quit my job in 2012 and blogging was the first thing on my mind. I blogged years ago but had more kids and put it on hold.

There are so many bloggers out here now, but years ago having that title didn’t mean anything. Bloggers have taken over and I am proud to call myself one. However, I would love an income from blogging since it’s so hard to find work but I am not giving up. I was asked to do a few paid posts and I greatly accepted. 2013 was a great year and 2014 is just the beginning of what’s about to happen. Positive energy!!!

My focus is on SUCCESS and moving up in the world. I have the support of my hubby, my kids, family, and social media.

I love opening emails and being invited to events or asked to review a product, or host a Twitter party. I might not be a celebrity but I am known for what I love and that’s blogging. I also love cooking and if I happen to go into that field it’s because it’s what I was offered and cooking is another passion of mine.

Blogging has opened many doors for me and I don’t ever want the doors to shut. I want my kids to have everything I never had. I want the big house with an amazing kitchen (lol), a car or two, my kids to go to great colleges. These new doors that open will lead me there!!

I want to thank all my readers for hanging with me and not letting go, family, friends, social media, and the Universe for blessing me and my family and many more blessings ahead. It’s been a great ride!!!

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$200 VISA GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY

23 Dec
Hosted by:

Co-Hosted by:

One lucky winner will win

$200 Visa GC

Details:

Dates: Dec. 21 to Jan 4

US. Resident only

All entries are optional

We appreciate the support of our co-hosts and bloggers promoting, please show your support by following them on their social medias pages.


a Rafflecopter giveaway 




Disclaimer: FIVE LITTLE WORDS is not responsible for the awarding of the prize.  If you have any questions about this giveaway, please email the host at nysavingspecials@gmail.com

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FRUIT OF THE LOOM WILL BE KEEPING THE PEREZ FAMILY WARM FOR THE WINTER

21 Dec

Today is officially the first day of Winter. There are a few things that I must have to keep me warm during the winter months. Those things are heat, comfy warm comforters, thermals, hot beverages, hubby, my kids, and clothing. My favorite activewear that keeps my family and I snuggly are by Fruit of the Loom. With the variety of colors and sizes all of us can enjoy style and comfort in our home or outdoors. The fleece full zip hood, fleece crew, or fleece pullover hood sweatshirts are roomy enough to add layers underneath without being too hot. The elastic hem fleece pants are great to throw on and go shopping, workout, or just to take a stroll are very comfortable. I love wearing these as pajamas or just for lounging indoors as well.

Fruit of the Loom is not just known for their activewear. They also carry socks, underwear, tank tops, briefs, boxers, t-shirts for the whole family. I grew up on Fruit of the Loom and now my kids are also wearing the name. There is also a Big and Tall section for hubby which he is very happy. It’s hard to find his size in certain things so we appreciate Fruit of the Loom for having that. Comfort and quality that’s been around for years and will always continue to grow as a brand that will always remain in my family.

I love a good sale and I’m sure you do too especially when you have a big family like I do. If you need great stocking stuffers there is a holiday sale going on now everything is 20% off. Also the stocking stuffer items are under $10. It’s time for me to stock up!! Check it out at http://www.shop.fruit.com
Their twitter account is @FruitOfTheLoom

Disclosure: I was given a few items to review. The opinions I expressed are 100% my own.

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BEST BUY WANTS YOU TO CELEBRATE “LUNAR NEW YEAR” WITH THEIR E- GIFT CARDS @BestBuyWOLF #bbylunarnewyear

21 Dec

Best Buy supports events which they believe are of importance to employees, customers, and communities. The upcoming Lunar New Year is one of those important celebrations.

For Asians all around the world, including Asian-Americans, Lunar New Year not only celebrates the beginning of the year but also the ending of winter and the anticipated arrival of spring. It is one of the most important holidays celebrated in countries such as China, Tibet, Korea, and Vietnam.

This upcoming year, Lunar New Year, which is based on the phases of the moon, falls on January 31st 2014 of our Gregorian calendar. Best Buy is helping celebrate the event with an Asian-inspired eGiftcard, available for purchase or gifting from BestBuy.com. Scroll to the right of the following link until you see the red giftcard with the two Koi fish: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Electronics/Gift-Cards/cat09000.c?id=cat09000&ref=184&loc=01.

E-Gift Cards

FIREWORKS AND FAMILY FEASTS:
At Chinese New Year celebrations people wear red clothes, decorate with poems on red paper, and give children “lucky money” in red envelopes. Red symbolizes fire, which according to legend can drive away bad luck. The fireworks that shower the festivities are rooted in a similar ancient custom.

HOW TO SAY HAPPY NEW YEAR IN CHINESE AND CANTONESE:

Gong Xi Fa Cai:
Pronounced “gong zee fah cai,” gong xi means “congratulations” and is also a way to wish one joy. Fa cai is to become rich or make money. In essence, you are wishing one joy and prosperity in the new year. Business owners and workmates use gong xi fa cai as the usual way to say “happy new year” in Chinese.

Xin Nian Kuai Le:
Pronounced “zeen neean kwai luh,” kuai le means “happy” or “joyous” and xin nian means “new year.” Xin nian kuai le is a great way to say happy new year in Chinese to friends without using a reference to money.

Gong Hey Fat Choy in Cantonese is the equivalent of gong xi fa cai in Mandarin, or simply “congratulations and prosperity.”

Try replying with “Hong Bao Na Lai”. It means “red envelope please”.

ASIAN-INSPIRED BEST BUY E-GIFT CARDS:
Now, Best Buy is helping celebrate the event with an Asian-inspired eGiftcard available for purchase or gifting from BestBuy.com. It’s a red gift card that has that two Koi fish designed in gold. It may not be an actual envelope, but it is pretty similar since they both contain “lucky money”. So instead of giving out a red envelope this year, why not gift them with this red gift card from Best Buy instead? You can purchase these red GC’s over here: E-Gift Cards. You’ll see a link that says “Shop for e-gift cards”. Just click that and when you see the e-gift card designs, just scroll to the right until you see those two koi fish! These Best Buy E-Gift Cards will make your recipients very happy this coming New Year!

GIVE IT TO WIN IT:
There is also a promotion going on during this time. “Don’t miss your chance. Give it to win it. Daily gift card prizes up to $10,000. Buy any Best Buy gift card, $25 & up, then enter for your chance to win.”Ends 12/24/2013: https://bbygiveittowinit.com/Registration/FAQ?ref=67&loc=283&CampaignID=502119&SubscriberID=194816811

Disclaimer: I have been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

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The @AmericanExpress Holiday Truck hitting the streets of NYC this weekend!! #AmexMakeMyDay

18 Dec

Raise your hand if you’re still running around doing last minute shopping? Are your family members in town visiting and you’ need something to do this weekend? The kids are about to go on a holiday vacation from school till January so what are your plans for them this weekend? I think everyone could use a couple of freebies. Yes, I said FREEBIES!! How would you like to enjoy a few days without spending any money? Well, this weekend Saturday, December 21, through Monday, December 23rd The American Express holiday truck will be hitting the streets of NYC and want you to enjoy free cupcakes and hot cocoa.

American Express is treating thousands to yummy Candy Cane Crunch cupcakes from (Baked by Melissa), and creamy hot cocoa at multiple locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Who doesn’t love freebies? Let me know if you were able to make it to a few of the stops and tweet about it on Twitter, or shout it out on a Facebook with hashtag #AmexMakeMyDay
Enjoy!!!

Cupcakes and Cocoa Truck Schedule:

Day 1: Saturday, Dec 21
– Meatpacking (Vehicle 1, stop 1) – noon
– Chelsea/Highline (Vehicle 1, stop 2) – 3 p.m.
– Midtown/5th Ave (Vehicle 2, stop 1) – noon
– Central Park South/Columbus Circle (Vehicle 2, stop 2) 3 p.m.

Day 2: Sunday, Dec 22
– Washington Square Park/Greenwich (Vehicle 1, stop 1) noon
– West Village (Vehicle 1, stop 2) 3p.m.
– Cobble Hill (Vehicle 2, stop 1) noon
– Park Slope (Vehicle 2, stop 2) 3 p.m.

Day 3: Monday, Dec 23
– Herald Square (Vehicle 1, stop 1) noon
– Midtown/5th Ave/Rock Center (Vehicle 1, stop 2) 3 p.m.m
– Bryant Park Area (Vehicle 2, stop 1) noon
– Soho (Vehicle 2, stop 2) 3 p.m.

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EXTRA, EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT CORD BLOOD BANKING! #CordBlood411 #MC

18 Dec

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for the Cord Blood Registry. I received promotional item to thank me for my participation. http://www.momcentralconsulting.com

I was very excited when I was invited to breakfast at the Russian Tea Room with Mom Central to learn more about Cord Blood Banking.

As a mom of 4 I was not aware of Cord Blood till I probably was on my last baby. I might have seen a commercial or read a pamphlet but I didn’t understand nor did my doctor ever discuss this with me. You’d be surprise how many parents know little or nothing about this and doctors. My third son had jaundice, and his bilirubin was high and needed a transfusion. He was born three weeks early and had to stay in ICU until he was better. I refused someone else’s blood and we went with a bloodless transfusion and everything turned out fine. If I had this option of banking his cord blood I would have used it. My daughter the last of my children born also came into the world three weeks early and had a heart murmur and had to stay in ICU until she was better. However, she did not need surgery but lots of blood work, EKG’s, and doctor visits. Her heart murmur disappeared and she was all better. Some parents and kids aren’t lucky and trust me I stayed in the hospital everyday with them till I made sure everything was better. I wanted my kids to know I was there for them.

You never know when something major is going to come into play and you might not have time to get what you need. There are people in hospitals on waiting lists for a match from donors for all types of organs.

http://www.cordblood.com/benefits-cord-blood/our-clients-their-stories/cord-blood-banking-reviews/stroke-treatment-options

*5 Facts Every Expectant Parent Should Know About Cord Blood Banking:

Cord blood stem cells have been used in the treatment of more than 80 conditions.

Public donation lets parents donate stem cells at no cost to possibly help someone in need.

The clinical use of stem cells has grown each year, increasing the likelihood that you or a member of your family could benefit from the newborn stem cells you bank.

Free family banking is available through Cord Blood Registry for families with a medical need.

Discuss Blood Cord Banking with your doctor. They can help you sort through your options and will also work with you to ensure you have what is needed at the time of delivery for a smooth collection.

CBR has also helped more clients use their cord blood stem cells in treatments than any other family bank. Our research and development efforts are focused on helping leading clinical researchers advance regenerative medicine that may help families in the future. – http://www.cordbood.com

Cord blood stem cells have been used for years to treat a range of life-threatening diseases and disorders.

I learned a lot about Cord Blood Banking and what parent Shelly Connelly went through with her daughter after she recovered from a stroke after surgery to remove a brain tumor .
Every parent should do their research and don’t wait until it’s too late. Ask your OB/GYN about it and if he/she doesn’t know make it their business to learn.

Check out the facts on cordblood.com and on Twitter @Cordbloodrgstry for more info.
What are your thoughts on Cord Blood Banking? Would you consider banking your baby’s cord blood? Is your doctor aware of this?

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ACHIEVE A GLAMOROUS LOOK WITH TARGET’S HOTTEST TRENDS! #AsiFestejoYo

16 Dec

Ya viene un Año Nuevo and whether you’re attending a party with your friends or an intimate dinner with your familia, Target wants you to look your absolute best!

Latinas go all out when dressing up for holiday events, especially New Year’s Eve – we want a look that is elegant, whimsical, and with a lot of sparkle. To help my readers and I achieve a glamorous look this Año Nuevo, Target identified the season’s hottest trends, including:

· A chic coat/sweater

· Injecting color into your look

· Adding sparkle

Target’s Holiday Style Trends –

· Apparel Must-Haves

o A must-have is a chic coat and sweater! Different knits and styles, metallic detailing, and the mixing of textures like faux leather and tweed are a la moda.

o Black and white colors are very popular this season. But don’t stop there. Inject some color into your look by incorporating popular jewel tones – emerald, sapphire and ruby.

o There isn’t a time of year when sparkle is more appropriate than during the holidays! Incorporate cool silvers and rich golds, whether it is a metallic dress, cute blazer or metallic scarf with sequin embellishments.

o Incorporate key trends such as mixing textures, jewel-tone colors, chic outerwear and metallic embellishments into their apparel and accessories.

· Shinny Accessories

o Add metallic heels and handbags, as well as other eye-catching accessories to your shopping list.

o Bejeweled collars, studded shoes, crystal embellished heels or chandelier earrings and an armful of bangles keep your look simple and have fun piling on the bling.

· Bold Make-up

o Sport a bold red lip-gloss, shimmery shadow, and lots of mascara for a sophisticated look that’s quick and simple to put-on.

o Bring out your eyes by adding shimmery metallic shadow on the inner corners of your eyes.

o Your nails complete the look! This New Year’s add glitz to your nails with metallic and/or glitter infused nail polish.

Tendencias de moda para las fiestas de fin de año de Target-

· Ropa indispensable

o Un abrigo chic y un suéter son indispensables esta temporada! De diferentes tejidos o con detalles metálicos, así como combinando distintas texturas a la moda, tales como cuero o tweed está muy de moda.

o Los colores blanco y negro son muy populares esta temporada, Pero no te detengas ahí, agrega color a tu look incorporando tonos intensos como el Esmeralda, safiro y ruby.

o No hay una mejor época del año para lucir brillo que durante las fiestas de fin de año! Incorpora tonos plateados y dorados, ya sea en un vestido metálico, una chaqueta cute o una bufanda con lentejuelas.

o Tambien puedes combinar tanto en tu ropa como accesorios, las tendencias más hot para las fiestas, tales como diferentes texturas, colores intensos, chaquetas y abrigos chic y adornos metálicos.

· Accessorios Brillantes

o Usa tacones metálicos, carteras, así como también otros accesorios que llamen la atención a tu lista de compras.

o Collares con piedras preciosas, zapatos con toques metálicos, tacones con adornos de cristal o pendientes llamativos y brasaletes, serán perfectos para mantener tu look simple pero divertido.

· Maquillaje Atrevido

o Usa un atrevido lapis de labios rojo, sombras de ojos brillantes y mucha mascara para tener un look sofisticado que es sencillo de conseguir.

o Resalta tus ojos agregando sombras de ojos metálicas en la parte interna del lagrimal.

o Tus uñas completan el look! Este Año Nuevo agrega brillo a tus uñas con esmalte metálico o con glitter.

Accesories_-_ColorBlackBlack_&_White_1Black_&_White_2Black_&_White_3CoatsEsmeraldGold_Accesories_1Gold_Accesories_2Metallic_Nail_PolishMoto_JacketNecklacesRubySilver_Shoes

Join @BellaFind & @BlitsyCrafts for a #BlitsyCrafts Twitter Party on 12/18

14 Dec

Join us for a Blitsy Twitter Party!

I have a very exciting announcement to make! Bellafind will be hosting a Twitter party for Blitsy, the hottest new site for saving money on DIY crafts. During the event they will be giving away $500 worth of crafting supplies so this is one party you don’t want to miss! Here are a few additional details:

What is Blitsy? Blitsy is a members-only site that offers private, limited-time sale events with the best brands in the crafting industry. Members gain instant access to today’s top crafting brands at up to 70% off retail.

When is the Twitter Party? Wednesday, December 18th at 12:00pm CT. Mark your calendars!

Where? #BlitsyCrafts

Love what you’ve read & want to sign up? Click on this link to RSVP http://ow.ly/rLHmP Please follow on Twitter at @Bellafind and @BlitsyCrafts. In order to win one of the fabulous prizes they will be giving away, you must be a Bellafind member!

Can’t wait to get crafty on the 18th!

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CUTE BELTZ HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY #CuteBeltzGiveaway (KIDS)

11 Dec

Make a splash this holiday season with a Cute Beltz!  An adorable accessory to spruce up a holiday outfit, give as a gift or stocking stuffer. With either our fashionable D-ring kid’s belts or our easy to use Velcro toddler belts your little boy or girl is sure to be accessorized for the season. Visit www.CuteBeltz.com to view our current selection of belts for boys and girls and let us know which one is your favorite!

I encourage my readers sign up for this great giveaway for kids and spread the word. Sign up on the rafflecopter below. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!

My daughter is excited to receive her belts. It’s been hard finding belts that fit her and look cool. I love the option of Velcro or D-ring with Cute Beltz and the designs are cute I want them all for her. 

 Pink Glitter Shines Girls D-ring Belt

Cute Beltz Social Media Links  #CuteBeltzGiveaway (Please use hashtag when posting on social media)

Website – http://www.CuteBeltz.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/CuteBeltz

Twitter – https://twitter.com/CuteBeltz

Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/cutebeltz/

Instagram – http://instagram.com/cutebeltz

Google + – https://plus.google.com/u/0/106202707625049352637/posts

 

Prize – One Belt per winner per blog.  Winners’ choice.

Contest Dates – 12/11 – 12/16 a Rafflecopter giveaway
>Also visit these amazing blogs below for more chances to win!!!

Blog – Alexandra Elizabeth

Blog – Couponin’ On Coffee 

Blog – Inspired by Savannah

Blog – Barefoot Mommies

Blog – Jasey’s Crazy Daisy

Blog – MELISASource

Blog – A Mom’s Take

Blog – Mom in Training

Blog- Raising Three Savvy Ladies, http://raisingthreesavvyladies.com/

 

Disclosure: I was given belts for my daughter and was provided with the opportunity to be a part of this great giveaway. These opinions are 100% my own.

 

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HEALTHY CHOICES MY FAMILY AND I MAKE WITH WELCH’S @Welchs @TheLicensingCo #Welchs

9 Dec

As a mom of 4 I’m sure there are plenty parents out there who wish they didn’t have picky eaters. I try to cook healthy for my kids and make sure they get their daily dosage of vegetables, & fruit, and leave out the junk food. Sometimes I have to sneak vegetables in their food either by pureeing or just put it on their plate and say eat those veggies first. I DO NOT allow anything with HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP in my house and that’s the main reason we gave up sodas and a lot of junk food. It can also be hidden in foods you would never even think. I read all labels and if it takes me an extra 20 minutes in the supermarket then it’s worth it for my family. Fruits aren’t that big of a problem in my house. My kids choices range from grapes, tangerines, apples, bananas so I’m glad they all can agree on that. I think my kids drink more than they eat. I go through so many drinks sometimes I have to stock up in the food warehouse stores so I have plenty. We love juices that are 100% like Welch’s Grape Juice, 100% White Grape Juice, and 100% White Grape Peach Juice just to name a few.

Welch’s Jams, Jellies, and Spreads have been a regular in our home for years. What kid doesn’t love a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Fast to make and a great snack. What parent doesn’t appreciate that?

Now Welch’s has another great snack which are their 100% Juice Ice Bars. What is a plus for me is No High Fructose Corn syrup and No Artificial Flavors. Three flavors- Grape, White Grape with Cherry Flavor, and White Grape with Tropical Flavor. I tasted these great juice ice bars at an event I attended and I was very happy and my kids were as well when I let them try. I will keep my freezer stocked with these handy bars for the kids to grab whenever they like.

Another Welch’s product I tried were the frozen fruits. These frozen fruits were made into a smoothie in no time. I was very impressed how it tasted so fresh as if I went to the farmer’s market that day and hand picked the fruit. You can’t tell they are frozen at all once you make your smoothie. There are different varieties to choose from like, Wild Blueberry, Mangoes, Mango Medley, Four Berry Mix, Antioxidant Fruit Blend, Strawberries Banana Mix, Raspberries, and Strawberries. I have no problem using these in my pancakes, in a glass of Welch’s Sparkling Cocktails, or right out of the bag. They are sold in re-sealable bags that lock in the fresh taste. Prices range from $3.49-$4.79 depending upon retailer margin and variety. Only 50-70 calories/serving. Naturally sweet- no added sugar.

Facts about Welch’s 100% Grape Juice:

Welch’s 100% a Grape Juice helps support a healthy heart , thanks to the dark purple Concord grape.
Is made with Concord grapes picked at their peak and grown in North America by Welch’s family farmers.
Is a convenient way to incorporate more purple fruit into a healthy diet. As a complement to whole fruit, each 4-oz. glass counts as one serving (1/2 cup) of fruit.
Uses the entire Concord grape- skin, seeds and all – to release natural plant nutrients (polyphenols)
straight from the grape. More than 20 Concord grapes are squeezed into each 4-oz glass.
Delivers an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C in each 4 -oz glass.
Is made with no added sugar, color, or flavor. It’s 100% juice!

Natures Touch Frozen Foods is the manufacturer of Welch’s Frozen Fruit. For more info check out their website http://www.naturestouch.ca/
An independent licensing agency formed in 1996 by Melvin Thomas and Angela Farrugia, The Licensing Company represents some of the best brands in the world like Welch’s, Bud Light, and Jeep, etc, etc.
For more info on Welch’s Licensing Agency visit http://www.thelicensingcompany.com
Don’t forget to visit Welch’s website welchs.com and grapescience.com

My family and I will always support Welch’s because Welch’s make sure they support healthy hearts and do not contain any high fructose corn syrup in their products.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions and stories are 100% my own. I was paid for this post which had no affect on my opinions.

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