Carseat Safety Awareness

You are likely thinking that this post is a bit off topic considering my usual theme of crafting and such. Just as much as I am passionate about creating I am also passionate about child safety. This is a "sponsored post" but close to my heart none the less.

We are just coming to the end of Car Seat Safety Awareness Week and I wanted to join in by helping to spread the message.

You may be in a season of your life where car seats are not much of a concern to you. You may not need a car seat in your vehicle, but I bet you have friends and family that do. Many of these people have not had their seat checked to ensure it is correctly installed using the car's latch system. There are clinics held by police departments and private organizations that will show you exactly how to use the safety restraint system in your car. Every car model is a bit different and it is sometimes difficult to get the seat properly installed. I remember as a foster parent we were required to attend a day long training which included a hands on lesson installing various car seats in our vehicles. They actually had us put our full weight on the seat while our partners fastened the restraint. Most people don't realize how tight those restraints need to be.

When looking for a new vehicle encourage new parents to do as much research as possible about different models of cars as well as car seats. A great resource to start with is Cars.com You will find a plethora of reviews and articles to help you make an informed choice. After they have made their purchase it is important for them to attend one of the free car seat clinics. It will offer them some peace of mind knowing their precious cargo is securely restrained.

If you are occasionally transporting wee ones in your vehicle be sure to aquaint yourself with the latching mechanism in your vehicle. It is not a fun experience trying to scramble to find the latch while dashing off to take baby somewhere. Be prepared that some latches are extremely hard to find and even harder to access. My fingers were mangled for the full 10 years I fostered from having to squeeze my fingers between the vehicle cushion to install whatever seat the child was using.

Attending a car seat clinic would be a great family activity for parents-to-be and grandparents to learn about car seat installation so they are all ready to go when the little bundle is ready to come home from the hospital.

If you are interested in attending a car seat clinic check with your local police services as they usually have a listing of local clinics.

The Right Tool for the job.. The top 5 benefits of Cricut Products.

This post was sort of a rabbit hole as I was planning a tutorial for next week on how to use your Cricut Explore to make planner stickers. I was looking on YouTube to make sure the topic had not been covered 100 times already. I was surprised to see that most of the tutorials were for the cameo.

I have been a long term Cricut fan from the original right on through the Explore Air. Cricut had a few bumps along the way that upset fans of the product. Despite  that it is still one of the most user friendly digital cutter around.

Top 5 Benefits of Staying with Cricut.

#1 Backwards Compatability
They never abandoned the cartridges from previous machines.
#2Constant new innovative products being release
Cricut Vinyl, magnetic sheets,  markers, tools.
#3 Once master a Cricut the learning curve for the next machine is not bad.
#4 Print then Cut
So many new projects can be made with this feature alone
#5 Ability to load any svg to Design Space.
For people that are still bitter about losing SCAL this gives you back the ability to cut anything.

I know everyone has their own opinion but for me, I am firmly planted on team Cricut.

https://youtu.be/dbNdLBqvMTQ

• Black Cricut Cuttlebug™
• 
• Price: $69.99

• Cricut Explore One™ Pink Poppy Machine
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• Price: $199.99

• Cricut® Cardstock, White
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• Price: $9.99

• Cricut Explore® Machine
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• Price: $299.99

• Cricut® Tools Organizer
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• Price: $12.99

• Cricut® German Carbide Premium Blade
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• Price: $12.99

• Cricut® Deep Cut Blade & Housing
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• Price: $29.99

• Cricut® Tools Scraper and Blue End Caps
• 
• Price: $6.99

• Cricut® Tools Scraper and Spatula
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• Price: $9.99

• Cricut® Tools Basic Set
• 
• Price: $24.99

Why you may be spending too much on everything

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

As you may have noticed I am a bit obsessed with papercrafting supplies. Beautiful designed paper and frilly die cuts make my heart all a flutter. Unfortunately all these pretty toys come with a hefty price tag. This leaves me with only three options:

1. Stop buying supplies. (PARDON ME WHILE I TRY TO STOP LAUGHING)

2. Stop taking my family out for supper. (ALSO HIGHLY UNLIKELY)

3. Price match, coupon clipping and points ninja.


Yes, you guessed it I am that lady ahead of you in line explaining why I should be getting $0.50 off that box of cereal.

You would be surprised how much you can save by using reward programs and coupons to your benefit. No time to search out discount codes or Coupons?  Well you are in luck. With the use of Groupon Coupon you can find deals on things you buy everyday! From shoes to coffee and even electronics, you are only a few clicks away from saving big. All those savings add up and you will be adding to your scrap stash in no time at all.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Family needs new shoes?
Payless Shoes Save up to 60% on clearance items

Coffee time? 
Starbucks buy one get one free

New Electronics?

Best Buy Up to 50% on select tablets