Fuller House, Season 1: Check!

Fuller House, Season 1: Check!

by Engineered Mama ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Fuller HouseWell, that went quickly!  After all of the anticipation surrounding Fuller House, it seemed to go by much too quickly.  As a child who grew up watching Full House every Friday night on TGIF (I was exactly the same age as Michelle), the only thing I’ve been looking forward to as much as the premier of Fuller House on Netflix is the premier of the four part Gilmore Girls comeback.

The show brought back all of the quirkiness of Kimmy Gibbler, the wild child, Stephanie Tanner (now “DJ” Tanner… yeah, that was weird), uncle Jesse and his awesome hair, and even the innocence of the ever hungry past boyfriend of DJ, Steve.  Although the show had the same feeling of Full House with its corny jokes and family centered plot lines, something has changed.  The girls have grown up-and I’m not sure in a good way.

The original show was squeaky clean and except for a few occasional expletives from the “have mercy” daredevil days of uncle Jesse, plot lines centered around family, always doing what’s right, and squeaky clean family fun.  While Fuller House is definitely mild compared to today’s sitcoms, it’s by no means squeaky clean.  I’ve searched the web looking for responses from fellow bloggers, friends on Facebook, and I hold back my thoughts on the series until I hear what friends have to say first to see if I’m the only one who sees the show this way.

I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy the first season-I definitely did.  It was a walk down memory lane, but the drinking, clubbing, and “I can’t decide between the guy I dated for years in high school and the new guy I just met even though my husband just passed away” was a little much.  I know, I know, everyone is saying “the girls are grown now”, which is true.  But are they really true to character?  I would say yes… for the most part.  Everyone except for DJ.  Wait… that’s definitely not right.  The show is all about her… I mean, come on… It’s called “Fuller” House for a reason.  Not because it’s now “fuller” (come on, people, “fuller” isn’t a word), but because it’s DJ’s married name.  It’s now her house, her family, and her life the show is centered around.

Tell me something, Full House fans-would DJ Tanner go to a club, get drunk on tequila while her three children (including a very young infant) are at home, and have a dance-off with Maks and Val from Dancing with the Stars?  I highly doubt it.  Even though she is all grown up, has three kids of her own, and is starting to find her place as a single mom, DJ is the one that would be telling Kimmy and Stephanie to be responsible for their actions, not following them like a lost puppy.

I do enjoy seeing the girls put their talents to work on the show-dancing, singing, and just generally being their quirky selves.  I enjoyed the light-hearted comedy of the first season and am looking forward to the second!

Make Money Spending Money

Make Money Spending Money

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Think rebate apps are too good to be true?  I did, too… until I found these apps!

Ibotta

Ibotta
https://ibotta.com/
This app is fairly simple to use.  First, a category is chosen such as Grocery, Apparel, or seasonal.  Next, a store is chosen.  Most stores are available on this app and there are even online deals available quite frequently.

Once a category and store is chosen, available rebates are listed.  When a rebate is selected it must be unlocked by viewing a video (most are around 30 seconds in length), taking a poll, viewing a recipe, or reading a fact about the product.  Once rebates are unlocked and items have been purchased, each item is scanned that contains a rebate.  Once all items are scanned, submit a photo of the receipt.  When the rebates have been approved you will receive a notification.

Most products eligible for rebates in this app are brand specific, but there are some that are redeemable for any brand.  In the past, there are have been many “any brand” rebates at a time, but more recently “any brand” rebates have been fairly limited.

Once $25 in rebates have been accrued a refund may be requested by selecting a gift card to be redeemed (yes… Starbucks is an option!) or it may be deposited into a PayPal account.

Find&Save

http://www.findnsave.com/
http://www.findnsave.com/
This is probably my favorite rebate app to date.  This app has “Cash Dash” rewards.  Upon opening the app there is a list of retailers or general rewards.  When a Cash Dash is selected, an image of a receipt may be uploaded for rewards such as a percentage or dollar amount rebate for what was spent.

Once $25 in rebates has been reached a deposit will be made to a registered PayPal account.  I have already made $75 in the past few months from this app.

Checkout 51

https://www.checkout51.com/
https://www.checkout51.com/
This app is very similar to Ibotta.  There is usually a weekly “Pick an offer” rebate that contains commonly purchased fruits and vegetables.  Rebates normally include branded products such as Kraft String Cheese, Minute Ricce, and Venus Razors and refills.  This app also requires a photo submission of receipts for rebates

Once $20 in rebates has been reached a depposit will be made to a registered PayPal account.

MobiSave

https://www.mobisave.com/
https://www.mobisave.com/
This app is a little more generic than the previously mentioned apps.  All rebates must be selected prior to any shopping trips submitted.  Normally there are rebates such as bacon, orange juice, and onion.  A photo or a receipt is submitted for approval of rebates.

Rebates are deposited into a registered PayPal account and there is no minimum for deposits being made.

SavingStar

https://savingstar.com/
https://savingstar.com/
This app has many rebates that can be achieved over time.  For example, purchase $12 in Dole frozen fruit before the offer expires and receive $4 in rebates.  A photo submission of a receipt is also required for this app.

Rebates may be redeemed after accruing $5 in rebates.

Shrink

http://www.shrinktheapp.com/
http://www.shrinktheapp.com/
I have yet to actually find a rebate I can use in this app.  Many of the options are “health food” options, which is great, but none of the offers seem to be any products I purchase.

Snap

https://snap.groupon.com/
https://snap.groupon.com/
This app started off strong, but slowly declined.  There originally were rebates such as Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice and “any beverage” rebates.  However, now the products listed never seem to be anything I purchase.

Shopkick

https://www.shopkick.com/
https://www.shopkick.com/
I wanted to like this app, but there were too many things that had to be done to earn “points”.  To earn points I had to scan an item in a store, take a picture of an item in a store, or purchase an item.  It was too much hassle for too little reward.

App Summaries

All in all, my favorite is Find&Save.  It’s quick, easy, and has the most reward for very, very little effort.  Ibotta was initially my favorite, but the rebate options is slowly dwindling and the redeem amount has now increased from $20 to $25, so it takes longer to earn rewards.  MobiSave is a fairly new app for me, but I like it so far.  The only downside to this app is that all rewards must be selected prior to every shopping trip.  There you have it-go forth and shop!

Free Books!

Free Books!

by Engineered Mama ♥ 3 Comments

Did you know that your child can receive free books in the mail every monthimage? By registering your child with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, your child may receive a free book every month until their fifth birthday.  If your city doesn’t have an ambassador, you can become one so all children in your area may receive books.

My son loves seeing his books come in the mail addressed to him every month and we enjoy reading each one together even more.  The books are very high quality hardback books.  We’ve even received a few of my favorites as a child-The Little Engine That Could and Corduroy.

Happy reading!

A Makeup Routine Even the Busiest Moms Have Time For

A Makeup Routine Even the Busiest Moms Have Time For

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 Makeup-we have a love/hate relationship.  I love makeup and I hate that I have hardly any time for it in the morning.  With a few amazing products, I have refined a routine in the morning that even the busiest moms will have time for and still look put-together.

First, the basics.  If you’re a new mom (you know who you are… yes, you… the one with spit-up in your hair who hasn’t showered in a week-I’ve been there), you may only have time to hit the basics.  If this is the case, here are a few awesome products for you:

The Beauty Balm is a great foundation that blends well and doubles as a moisturizer.  Moms get the shaft when it comes to catching Z’s-fortunately bareMinerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener helps keep the dark under eye circles down to a minimum. Follow up with shadow insurance that is used as an eyeshadow.  It’s easy to apply, very forgiving with no blending needed, and lasts all day.  The Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara and Benefit Roller Lash Mascara both curl lashes-forget those eyelash curlers… these products have you covered!  The Lash Injection mascara acts as a tubing mascara and extends lashes.  The Roller Lash mascara has a similar concept, but doesn’t have quite the tubing effect the Too Faced mascara has.  I’ll also note that sometimes the Benefit mascara leaves a black shadow below my lower lashes, where the Too Faced mascara does not.  Burt’s Bees Lip Crayons add subtle color to lips to finish off the look.

Sometimes getting little sleep creates dark under eye circles and , let’s face it, sometimes you have to choose between actually washing your face or getting a little more sleep.  I’m always in favor of sleep!  These products have helped me save time, but still look a little more well rested by eliminating puffy eyes, dry or oily skin, and remove makeup, dirt, and oil quickly:

If you’re the mom with a little more time, there are a few other products that save time, but provide a little more coverage:

All of these products provide great coverage and enhance features.  The greatest part of most of these products?  Ultra frequently has free gifts with Benefit and Too Faced cosmetics.  They also have gift bags frequently-the best time to purchase these items is when there is a free gift bag and free gift with Benefit or Too Faced cosmetics.

 

Pixi Dust & Bees

Pixi Dust & Bees

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  I’ve tried so many skincare routines I should probably become a professional test subject.  After trying everything from ingredients I can’t even pronounce in Proactiv to trying to keep things natural with a Burt’s Bees regimen (don’t get me wrong, I still love all of my Burt’s products), I have finally found a simple routine that actually works.  The best part?  You can find them ALL at Target!  Here are all of the products I use in my skincare routine:

My morning routing consists of the Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm, Mud Cleanser, then Glow Tonic.  If my skin is fairly dry (which is usually the case in the winter months) I apply Burt’s Bees Day Lotion.  In the evening, I use the Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm, Mud Cleanser, Glow Peel Pads, Glow Tonic, and the Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream. If I’m in a pinch or want more sleep (who doesn’t???) I use Burt’s Bees Cucumber and Sage Facial Cleansing Towelettes to remove makeup, dirt, and oil before bed.  This is one of the only products I’ve found that works well without actually washing your face, applying a toner, and moisturizing afterward.  It also doesn’t cause breakouts, which is always a win in my book.

Most of the Pixi products contain Glycolic Acid, which acts as an exfoliant and helps aid the creation of new skin cells.  This has left my skin smooth and appears to have a much more even tone.  I have acne prone skin and some acne scarring and these products are slowly eliminating both of these issues.

White Sinks are [Im]possible to Keep Clean

White Sinks are [Im]possible to Keep Clean

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  We have a white kitchen sink.  I’m really not sure who in their right mind would think that would be a good idea.  Although, the area we live in is notorious for extremely hard water, so stainless steel may be just as painful to keep looking squeaky clean.

There are a few products I have found to remove stains from our white sink that always seems to mock me.

  • Mrs. Myer’s Clean Day Kitchen Scrub or Comet scrub
  • Soft Scrub
  • Fixodet denture cleaning tabs

Below is the process I use to clean and remove stains from our sink.

  1. Give the sink a good scrub using any scrubbing cleaner of choice.  I like Mrs. Myer’s Clean Day products, but I sometimes use Comet if I want the power of bleach.
  2. After using a scrub and a sponge and rinsing the sink thoroughly, I pour Soft Scrub over stained areas and let it sit for several hours.  Once the Soft Scrub has dried, I scrub the area and rinse thoroughly.
  3. Before heading to bed, add one to two Fixodent denture cleaning tabs to the sink, plug the drain, and run hot water.  Let the sink soak overnight.  Drain the water and rinse thoroughly in the morning.
  4. Voila!  Clean sink.
Diaper Deals

Diaper Deals

by Engineered Mama ♥ 1 Comment

  Best diaper deals?  Target.  Have I mentioned I love Target?  Oh… I have?

Target frequently has great deals on everything baby.  Here are some helpful hints on diaper buying at Target.

  • $25 off or $25 gift cards on $100 or more purchase of baby products.  They have this deal every month or so and it’s a great time to stock up on diapers and wipes.
  • Free gift card with diaper purchase.  Target usually has a deal for a gift card with the purchase of 2 or 3 jumbo boxes of diapers.  I normally wait until the gift card is $10 or $20 to get the most bang for my buck.
  • Cartwheel.  Pampers tend to be on Cartwheel more frequently than Huggies, but it’s great when there is a Cartwheel deal, a gift card offer, AND a coupon.
  • Mobile coupons.  If you have the Target app on your phone, there are often coupons right on your mobile app.
  • Printable coupons.  Google “Target coupons” and use the first link that appears.  There are usually Pampers and Huggies coupons you can print and use with all of the other offers Target has.
Diapers-the Bottom Line

Diapers-the Bottom Line

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  Ahhhh, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash creams.  There are so many brands, so many fits, so many absorbancies, and sooooo much money.  If you’re looking for great diaper deals, check out my Target deals in my Diaper Deal post.  Here’s a little breakdown of what we’ve tried, what worked, what didn’t, and what was most cost effective:

Huggies

Huggies have by far been the best we’ve tried. We used Little Snugglers and Snug and Dry when our son was a newborn and Little Movers as he began to crawl and walk.  We original had a lot of leaks from any diaper we tried. Unbeknown to me, his diapers were a little too small.  They gapped in the top when he would sleep causing them to leak.  No diaper stopped this from happening, but the least leaks occurred with Huggies.

Warning on the wipes: DO NOT use Huggies Natural Care wipes.  They gave our son the most horrible diaper rash I have ever seen.  I thought maybe we were alone on this one and it was a fluke, but our nephew had the same problem-horrible, open rash as a newborn after using only a few of the Huggies Natural Care wipes.  We normally use Huggies Simply Clean and they have been our favorite so far-no rashes from these wipes and they seem to take the least amount of wipes to really get him clean.

As for cost, there are usually a lot of promotions for Huggies, so the cost can be comparable to cheaper brands.

Pampers

We have tried Swaddlers, Baby Dry, and Cruisers and all have been pretty good overall.  The fit of all Pampers seem to be a little larger than Huggies, so if our son seemed to be a little too big for his Huggies sizes, we used the same size in Pampers and this seemed to solve the problem.

We’re really only used Pampers Sensitive wipes and they’ve been pretty good-I prefer Huggies Simply Clean over Huggies because they’re thicker and seem to stay moist longer, but overall Pampers passes the test.

Pampers also usually have promotions and coupons, so the price of Huggies and Pampers are usually fairly comparable.

Luvs

I DO NOT love Luvs.  At all.  They gave our son a horrible, horrible rash and we had to give away the rest to someone we knew who already used them.

Babies R’ Us

Same as Luvs-horrible, horrible rash and had to give them away.  I wanted to like them-we received a free pack as a promotion and their prints are adorable, but no luck.

Boudreaux’s Butt Paste

Winner, winner chicken dinner-FINALLY a diaper rash cream that works.  This one has it all… it prevents, it protects, and it heals diaper rash that is already under way.  It healed the worst rash my son ever had-I mean broken open, painful, reoccurring rash.  It healed the rash and kept it from coming back.  We used the maximum strength for the horrible rash, but we’ve had great luck with the original as well.  It’s well worth the price!

A+D Ointment

This ointment is also great-it also helped heal a pretty bad rash our son had.  Although it didn’t heal the rash as quickly as Butt Paste, it did the job when others failed.  We like the original ointment in the brown and yellow packaging.  As it says, it’s an ointment rather than a cream and does a great job at healing.

Desitin

Desitin is a great everyday, affordable diaper cream option.  We use it every day to prevent any rashes from creeping up on us.  It doesn’t really heal the horrible rashes, but it helps ward off any future rashes.

 

Gotta Start Somewhere…

Gotta Start Somewhere…

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I think. I think a lot. I think too much… or is that possible? I figure those thoughts have to go somewhere and if they can help someone else in the process, why not post them? I find myself discussing parenting, work, food, and life in general with friends and coworkers. Things get crazy, things get hectic, so this is a space for all of those thoughts.

I’ll begin with the title of this blog… Engineered Mama. I am a Biomedical Engineer. I’m a mom. The two are VASTLY different, but they’re both me. I like to think I’m fairly eclectic. No, not my fashion sense or choice of music, although I’m sure you could consider those eclectic as well. My life is eclectic. I love art, music, clothes (man, do I love clothes…), but I also have an analytical, logical, and serious side. At times I feel engineered. Hence, the title. I love great deals, I love finding products and methods that making cleaning a little easier, and I love discussing parenting. Hope you enjoy!