Bay Area Birth Information (BABI) Ask The Experts Event Tonight, April 12th

Planing on becoming pregnant? In search of some local resources or needing some information? Join Katy Barry L.AC of Lokahi Acupuncture and other panelists of Midwives, OBs, Lactation Specialists, Doulas and Other birth professionals in the 'Ask the Experts' event tonight, April 12th at 6pm at Blossom Birth in Palo Alto.

Blossom Birth 
299 South California Ave #120
Palo Alto | CA

Ask the Experts is a panel discussion for expectant parents, those planning to be parents and those interested in the current birth climate in the Bay Area. Ask the Experts is a free community event sponsored by Bay Area Birth Information (BABI). Each panel will feature a wide range of professionals who work with expectant and new families.

For additional information on BABI and upcoming/future events be sure to check out the Ask the Expert page. 

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Bay Area Birth Information (BABI) Ask The Experts Event Tonight, March 8th

Pregnant or planing on becoming pregnant? In search of some local resources or needing some information? Join Katy Barry L.AC of Lokahi Acupuncture and other panelists of Midwives, OBs, Lactation Specialists, Doulas and Other birth professionals in the 'Ask the Experts' event tonight, March 8th at 6pm at Tiny Tots in Campbell.

Tiny Tots Baby Boutique
138 Railway Ave
Campbell, 95008
408-866-2925

Ask the Experts is a panel discussion for expectant parents, those planning to be parents and those interested in the current birth climate in the Bay Area. Ask the Experts is a free community event sponsored by Bay Area Birth Information (BABI). Each panel will feature a wide range of professionals who work with expectant and new families.

For additional information on BABI and upcoming/future events be sure to check out the Ask the Expert page.

Keep up with all the postings by following us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter. Subscribe Here for our daily eNewsletter!

25 Common Words in Toddler's Vocabulary

Even though my little one isn't a toddler and of speaking age yet, he is currently babbling and cooing lots which made me think of this article. What do you think of this toddler vocabulary list? Would you add or omit any words from the list? Would love to hear your thoughts.

The 25 common words that should form the building blocks of a toddler's vocabulary:

1.) all gone
2.) baby
3.) ball
4.) banana
5.) bath
6.) bye bye
7.) book
8.) car
9.) cat
10.) cookie
11.) daddy
12.) dog
13.) eye
14.) hat
15.) hello/hi
16.) hot
17.) juice
18.) milk
19.) mommy
20.) more
21.) no
22.) nose
23.) shoe
24.) thank you
25.) yes

Toddler vocabulary list featured in this article. 

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Extreme Couponing 101: Part 1- Etiquette & Techniques

Many believe clipping coupons takes too much time or somehow looks cheap. The truth is, spending 20 minutes clipping coupons before you shop can save you up to 30% at the grocery store. What's not cool about that? Do you get paid that amount in 20 minutes working every day? There are so many online resources and deals found for you that saving money at the store doesn't take a lot of time. It just takes a person willing to follow directions on how to make it happen. If you buy only generics, that is a good savings tactic. But I know many who prefer national brands on certain items... if that is the case, using a coupon or two can save you even more than generics and give you the ability to stock up and save when those brands go on sale.

Coupons are everywhere and more than likely available on ALMOST ANYTHING you use, and yes, you can even save going organic. The key is not buying things you won't use just because it's on sale and you have a coupon (or consider donating those items to the needy). I consider coupon money and treat it as such. Also, take heart in knowing that retailers don't lose money when you use a coupon. Retailers receive back the face value of a coupon in addition to a handling fee of 8 cents.

A Valpak national study says close to half of us… 40% now search for deals or coupons before making a purchase. And 41% of coupon users come from households earning greater than $70,000! (Nielsen Online Research) That means we are all becoming savvy shoppers, wanting to hang on to our money rather than spending aimlessly on daily needs.

We will be sharing very valuable tips on how to coupon with you. First things first… let’s learn how to become a savvy couponer.

Coupon Etiquette
*Don't photocopy coupons- it's illegal and hurts the retailers and all using coupons
*Use only one manufacturer coupon and store coupon per item
*Don't try to use a coupon for which it is not intended for- it's unethical
*All coupons must have expiration dates or stores will not accept them
*Don't clean the shelf off on a good deal- share the wealth

Coupon Techniques
*Stack store coupons with manufacturer’s coupons
*Price Match at Walmart and Target
*Take advantage of stores that double and triple coupons
*Take advantage of rain check offers
*Buy only when an item is on sale
*Use a Coupon Database so you aren't always clipping coupons- find your coupons when you’re ready to shop and then clip
*Stack Coupons- i.e. manufacturers coupon, store coupon and $X off $XX
*Take advantage of store loyalty programs, register promotions, gas rewards

Coupons to the Extreme- Now that have a general knowledge of coupon techniques, here are some additional techniques to save you even more money when you buy.

* Stacking Coupons-Did you know you can stack a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon? That’s two coupons per one item. You use this technique when items are on sale and are maximizing your savings efforts.

*Double Coupons- Many stores still double and triple coupons. This is a store sponsored event and a great way to maximize the savings of a coupon. Become familiar with your store coupon policies and what they will double and triple. When a coupon is doubled, the store pays for half of the value of a discount.

*Overage- Overage happens when the value of a coupon exceeds the price of the item. Many stores will allow you to apply the exceeding value to the rest of your shopping order.

*Price Match- Walmart and Target will offer a price match guarantee. The items will have to be identical and you will have to bring the print ad to show to the cashier.

*BOGO Coupons- Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupons (also known as BOGO coupons or B1G1 coupons) allow you to purchase one item and get a second item of equal or lesser value for free! You’ll want to pay special attention to the fine print on the coupon as there is usually a maximum value stated on the coupon (this maximum value is the most that the manufacturer is willing to reimburse the store for the “free” item). With a B1G1 store sale, you are purchasing 2 like items and then automatically getting one item for free when you checkout. Since you are still essentially purchasing 2 items, you can use a B1G1 coupon in conjunction with the B1G1 store sale to get the both items for free (one is free after the store sale and one is free after the coupon). *Important Note: Read your store’s coupon policy very carefully as some stores may prohibit the use of a B1G1 coupon in conjunction with a B1G1 store sale. You will also note that many are considering this usage of B1G1 unethical. You have to use your own judgement on this one.

*Rebates- Mail-in-rebates are an added way to save and often honored based on the price of an item or an amount you will spend

*Rain Checks- When there are good sales, often stores will run out of items. Don’t forget the power of a rain check where a store will honor the sale price of an item at a future time.

I believe the most important thing when looking for coupons is to find coupons on products you will use…  Stay tuned in because tomorrow we will contine our Extreme Couponing 101!
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Moving - Tips on How to Make it Easier on Your Kids

With summer right around the corner and moving season in full swing, many families are preparing for life in a new home. However, whether it's moving to a different home around the block or relocating to a new city, families face additional challenges when moving with children.

A recent Rent.com survey found that 69% of families have moved to a new home at least once during their children's lifetime and 18% of families have moved three or more times!

Here are a few tips from Rent.com to make the move easier on your kids and have some fun in the process:

• Be Up Front: Communicate with your kids about the move as soon as possible so they have time to adjust to the idea of change. While 10% of our respondents said that they have or would tell their kids about the move over email or text message, we recommend a more personal approach such as over a meal or during a family meeting. Give your kids as much information as you can about the upcoming move and answer their questions truthfully. Involve them in the moving preparations by talking to them about the places you’re seeing and share photos or videos of potential new homes. This will help them feel valued in the process and will help you uncover what’s most important to them in a new home.

• Take Care of Mr. Bear: Whether it’s their favorite stuffed animal, doll, toy or blanket, if you have small children, set aside special time to sit with them and make a small box of their favorite things. Make sure you keep these in a special place during the move so they don’t get lost or end up on a moving truck that might result in a long separation from your child. These little creature comforts can go a long way towards making kids feel safe and secure among new surroundings.

• Making Space Personal: To help your kids feel truly at home in their new place, give them the freedom to decorate their own rooms and make a space where they feel really comfortable. Allowing them to choose their paint color, curtains, bedding and décor will get them more excited about the move, help them feel more in control and ultimately give them a safe haven from the stress of a new city. Before you move, visit the new home with your kids and show them where their new rooms will be. If visiting is not an option, share pictures or floor plans of the room so they can get excited about the possibilities for their new room and home.

• New Best Friends: If your kids are nervous about making new friends, make it a point to research activities of interest to them in your new community. It’s easy to get information online about sports leagues, art classes, book clubs, parks, public pools, etc. Getting them involved with the things they already love to do will put them at ease and help them make friends that much quicker. If you live in a building or on a street with other kids their age, make an effort to introduce yourselves to those families and arrange a get together so your kids can meet.

• Around Town: To combat the anxiety your kids might have about getting acclimated to their new neighborhood, make a point to take your time showing them around town. Whether you’re walking around the block, biking around your neighborhood or in the car about town, make it more fun with a scavenger hunt approach. Give your kids “clues” each step of the way and see if they can figure out what the next destination is. Even running errands can be fun if your kids are trying to guess what store you’re headed to next!

• New School: If your move involves your children changing schools, see if you can find a time for them to visit their new school prior to their first day to walk the grounds. Getting around school will be one less thing they have to worry about when the halls are crowded with strangers and they are trying to fit in and make friends.
  
  Thanks, My Memphis Mommy!
  
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