What it the hardest part of managing the household? Is it driving the kids all over to take them to sporting events, activities and school? Or is it cleaning up after everyone and trying to make sure the house is in order? Why am I the only one who knows where everything is? I guess to answer that one; it is because I have to put everything away.

Well, one thing that is easy for me is doing our shopping. Now, I am not talking about the grocery shopping since I still find it difficult with clipping coupons, using my grocery reward card and trying to make sure to maximize their weekly savings. Online shopping is the key. No kids, no lines, no sales people, only me and the computer. I can search for what I am looking for and come up with several options.

The other great part is that so many sites offer daily deals, clearance section and online only specials. I can grab my laptop and search online when everyone goes to sleep. I frequently check out Kmart to see what item they have for my household. Typically I can find $5 off or 15% off Kmart Coupons to save on my purchase.

Also, their parent company Sears has a great website and they offer the deal of the day. It really makes you check back everyday because the offers are so great. Plus, you can use Sears Coupons to increase your savings.

As a mom, I have limited time and I just want to find the easiest way to do my shopping and get the best price. Try to find the best price on a toaster oven by going from department store to department store with 3 kids. You probably spend more money on gas and snacks than the appliance is worth. Good luck and let me know what you find.

Happy Savings!

Shared By: The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure – I was compensated for this post.

Some of us were not able to get to Blogher11 this year, and we are at home, watching as all of the Tweets go by with all of the news and how fun the parties are. It breaks my heart not to be there, with all of my friends, and networking with companies/brands. And of course missing all of the fun.

Well, be sad no more, there is one party that you can join me at VIRTUALLY, from no matter where  you are.

Collective Bias along with their sponsors :

• Sears  Style - http://searsstyle.com/
• ViX Swimwear - http://www.vixswimwear.com/
• Smarties - http://www.smarties.com/
• Big Fuel - http://bigfuel.com/
• Lifetime Moms - http://www.lifetimemoms.com/
• udis gluten free - http://www.udisglutenfree.com/
• Peet’s Coffee - http://www.peets.com/
• Kmart Gordon Ramsay - http://www.kmart.com

WHAT: Share outdoor living ideas and get backyard entertaining tips from lifestyle and party-planning experts.
Use Hashtag: #KmartOutdoor
Date: Thursday, May 12th 9-10 EST
Prizes Include : 3- $50 and 1- $100 Kmart gift cards

If You would like to Join us, please visit these sites for more information and to RSVP via the Linky:

1. http://www.skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/05/kmart-outdoor-living-twitter-party.html

and

2. http://www.partybluprintsblog.com/party-themes/the-partybluprints-skimbaco-lifestyle-and-kmart-outdoor-living-twitter-party

On these sites, you can also see the fantastic makeover’s and get pumped up for partying with us! Plus get some great idea’s on making over your own outdoor spaces.

1. Sheena http://sophistishe.com/2011/05/part-3-how-our-kmart-outdoor-living-space-makeover-came-together/
2. Katja http://www.skimbacohome.com/2011/05/kmart-backyard-makeover-diy/
3. Crissy http://dearcrissy.com/kmart-outdoor-living-makeover-wrap-up/
4. Courtney http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2011/05/this-is-kmart-with-french-cottage-twist.html
5. Allison http://petitelefant.com/back-yard-renovations-part-three/

Hope to see you joining in with us!!!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure: This post is part of a compensated campaign for Kmart and Collective Bias. All Opinions are 100% my own.

I recently was given a task to preform, to try two of the QR/UPC code app’s on my iPhone and compare them. Here is my synopsis of both, what I liked, disliked, thought could be better, etc. comparing these 2 app’s.

VS.

StickyBits

This is a very enjoyable app. It is FREE which is wonderful. It is fun to scan with, however it can be “picky” at times and you have to have whatever your scanning with the code upright to be able to scan it.
There are prizes you can win by scanning certain items. Each time you scan something you get points and you also get points for “liking” or Being “liked” with your scans. When you first goto the app on your phone, there is a Promo and Rewards bar that you can click on to see what prizes you can win and by scanning what item(s).

(Me scanning an item at Kmart)

(and what did I scan? Duracell Batteries)

You can write a mini review of the product you scan. Also, you can be followed or follow others on this app so you can see what everyone else is up to and vice versa.
Another thing I really like is that you can create your own code with StickyBits. So, say your at a craft fair and you have crafts for sale, you can place a StickyBits code tag on your craft items, so when people would scan it they can see what your charging, or what materials it is made out of, or you can even put your info. on it, so if the person would like to get back in touch with you to buy more crafts from you, your info. can be attached to the code and all they have to do is scan it.

(me scanning Barbie Fashionista’s from Mattell)

(me with the Barbie I scanned)

This is also great to use on business cards, or name tags.
I was thinking it would be really fun at like a school reunion to have everyone’s name tag with their info. on it, then if you get stumped on who someone is, all you would have to do is scan their code to refresh your memory

There is also a Leaderboard so you can see where you “place” within your group of StickyBit friends and compete with them, or take a look at their scans, etc.
Currently I am #1 within my group of pals and I have 5171 points and 66 scans. (how exciting)
You can also post reviews, things you “heart” , idea’s, and other things to your friends wall as well.
I like this also to share deals while I am in the store. So, one of my recent scans was of Barbie and they were on sale for $6.99 at Kmart. Which I consider a great deal. So I scanned it, and let other’s know about this great deal.

Overall, Stickybits is really fun to use, I love the beep noise it makes when it scans. I don’t like how “picky” it can be or the slowness of it. I also realized that a lot of items I scanned were never scanned before or weren’t in the system because many things I scanned would not come up. I also had a few things I scanned that ended up with not so nice info. attached. This was a turn down to me using this. It is wonderful when it works good, but not when you get a dirty message come up on a scan you do. I think they should have a way to better monitor these things from happening and delete them.

(Me scanning plastic bins)

Now time to switch apps and try out the AT & T code scanner.

AT & T Scanner App

The AT&T Code Scanner reads UPC, QR and Data Matrix barcodes that you find on products, in ads or on-line, allowing you to compare product prices, read product reviews, view mobile web sites and video clips, get coupons and discounts or learn more about your favorite products.

I really like this app because it can scan more than just barcodes. It also gives you more pertinent info. that the StickyBits does. For instance it can tell you where the best deal is for the product you scan, so you will know if something at Lowe’s is a better deal than say at Home Depot. Also, it will compare prices on the web, like from Amazon, to let you know where you can find the best deal.
Also, they often give you coupons for items. There are also some games that you can scan a code and try and win items. I had used this app at Subway to scan my fountain drink cup to play a game to try and win free subways for a year. I didn’t win, but it was fun trying.
You can also create a code on this app as well.

(Me scanning an infant play gym using the AT & T Scanner)

(Me holding the Play Gym)

I didn’t find this app as “picky” as the StickyBits one. And the scanning was much quicker.
Many hotels, newspapers, and storefronts have the QR and Data Matrix code you can scan. There are even QR codes on the lottery tickets in my state (PA) where I can scan a scratch off ticket to see if I won or not.

My overall thought is that I like both scanners. The StickyBits seems more fun and the AT & T scanner seems more likely to be used when you really need to find deals and/or info. on things. There are review capabilities on both App’s and you can follow others and give suggestions.

(Me scanning a children’s book)

I think more and more places and companies/brands are going to be putting these type of codes on their products so you can for instance, find ingredients, or get recipes you can make with a certain product. Hotels will use it so that before you walk in the door, you will know what the rates are or room availability. Places like Subway will use it for contests. Magazines will be using them to give the reader more options for finding more info. on certain topics.

(Me scanning a big box of Huggies diapers)

These seem to be the new craze and they are fun and can provide a great wealth of information. I think they are here to stay, and since they are so easy to use/and create they will be popping up on more and more things and you will start seeing a lot more of these codes.

(Oh the possibilities of all the items you can scan!)

How do you feel about them? Do you use a scanner app ? If so, which one? What do you like about the app you use?
I would love to hear your feedback on these for my own personal knowledge and also to educate other’s on what the best one’s are out there.

Happy Scanning!
The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure – I am being compensated for this post from Collective Bias. The reviews of both scanner app’s are strictly my own honest opinions.

Last minute Holiday shopping?  No worries, Kmart has extended their shopping hours to 6am-12am through December 23^rd and 6am-10pm December 24^th.  Use the following link to tweet about the new shopping hours and enter yourself for the daily drawing! Shop @KmartDealsnNews extended Holiday hours: 6am-12am until 12/23 and 6am-10pm on 12/24! #KmartBLS.

Here are the Bluelight Special’s for this weekend 12/26 – 12/27:

• Gen gemstone earrings (reg.$ 39.99) sale $9.99
• Mushabellies (reg.  $24.99) sale $7.99
• Digital Photo Keychain (reg. $19.99) sale $8.99 ( 65% off )

Don’t forget!: The last day to enter the #KmartBLS sweepstakes is December 23^rd – So keep the tweets coming and use the #KmartBLS hashtag before the contest is over!  All those following @KmartDealsnNews on December 23^rd will be entered to win the Grand Prize of a $500 Kmart shopping spree!  The winner will be drawn on the 30^th. For full details, make sure to check out http://tr.im/kmartbls Good luck!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !

The Plus Size Mommy

Related articles by Zemanta

• Blue Light Specials are BACK at Kmart! (theplussizemommy.com)
• 11/21-11/22 Bluelight Specials at Kmart & Win on Twitter! (theplussizemommy.com)

December 19^th and 20th:

• Boys/Girls Licensed Hoodies $8 (reg. $18.99)
• Essential Home 10 pc Sets $29.99 (reg. $49.99)
• Rollercade $49.99 (reg. $79.99)

Don’t forget to follow @KmartDealsnNews and use the #KmartBLS hashtag for a chance to win every day!  For more info & rules: http://tr.im/KmartBLS.  Good luck!

ALSO !!! Kmart has extended their shopping hours from 6am-12am through December 23^rd and 6am-10pm December 24^th.

Happy Shopping !!!

The Plus Size Mommy

Related articles by Zemanta

• 11/21-11/22 Bluelight Specials at Kmart & Win on Twitter! (theplussizemommy.com)
• Blue Light Specials are BACK at Kmart! (theplussizemommy.com)
• Kmart Bluelight Specials – running from Thursday to Sunday (theplussizemommy.com)

Bluelight Specials for 12/5 to 12/6:

• All 14k gold Birthstone Baby Charms $29.99 (reg $69.99)
• Mushabellies $14.99 (reg. $24.99)
• 4 piece table tennis table $99.99 (reg. 149.99)

All day offers:

• Saturday:  Small Wonder Blankets & Wonderkids Thermals – BOGO Free
• Sunday:  Men’s 3pk Fashion Brief or 2pk Micro Knit Boxers or Musical Card Boxer $5 (reg. 9.99-12.99)

Don’t forget to follow @KmartDealsnNews and use the #KmartBLS hashtag for a chance to win every day!  For more info & rules: http://tr.im/KmartBLS.  Good luck!

Happy Shopping !

The Plus Size Mommy

Related articles by Zemanta

• Sears and Kmart Launch Christmas Club Card (shoppingblog.com)
• Black Friday deals for Kmart and Sears revealed (joystiq.com)
• This Weekend’s Bluelight Specials at Kmart (susanheim.blogspot.com)
• Kmart Blue Light Specials Are Back (momblognetwork.com)
• Thanksgiving Bluelight Specials at Kmart (susanheim.blogspot.com)

Bluelight Specials for 11/26-11/29 THURSDAY to SUNDAY from 1PM-6PM!

• Kids Route 66 Graphic Tees $3.99 (Reg. $7.99)
• Essential Home 7.5′ x 9.5′ Rug in a Bag $34.99 (Reg. $69.99)
• All Multi-Roll Wrap 50% Off (Reg. $7.99)

Don’t forget to follow @KmartDealsnNews and use the #KmartBLS hashtag for a chance to win every day!  For more info & rules: http://tr.im/KmartBLS.  Good luck!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping!

The Plus Size Mommy

Related articles by Zemanta

• Black Friday deals for Kmart and Sears revealed (joystiq.com)
• Sears and Kmart Launch Christmas Club Card (shoppingblog.com)
• This Weekend’s Bluelight Specials at Kmart (susanheim.blogspot.com)
• KMart Bluelight Special Holiday Sweeps (momblognetwork.com)
• Blue Light Specials are BACK at Kmart! (theplussizemommy.com)

• Home/All Frames 50% off (reg range $1-$29.99)

• Boys and Girls Basic Edition turtlenecks $2.99 (reg.$7.99)

• Home/All Cookware 40% off (reg. $6.99-169.99)

Don’t forget to follow @KmartDealsnNews and use the #KmartBLS hashtag for a chance to win every day!  For more info & rules: http://tr.im/KmartBLS.  Good luck!

The Plus Size Mommy

Related articles by Zemanta

• Kmart to offer $119.00 “Netbook” on Black Friday (geardiary.com)
• Black Friday: Here’s what Kmart’s selling (destructoid.com)
• This Weekend’s Bluelight Specials at Kmart (susanheim.blogspot.com)
• Celebrate the Return of Bluelight Specials at Kmart with a Chance to Win a $500 Shopping Spree! (susanheim.blogspot.com)
• KMart Bluelight Special Holiday Sweeps (momblognetwork.com)
• Blue Light Specials are BACK at Kmart! (theplussizemommy.com)
• How to Make Money on Twitter: Sponsored Tweets (time.com)

Blue Light Specials are back, and to celebrate in style Kmart will be giving shoppers on Twitter a chance to win a $50 gift card everyday! In addition to the chance to win daily, everyone following @KmartDealsnNews on Twitter will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 Kmart shopping spree – how cool is that?!

This sweepstakes runs from November 12^th until December 23^{rd !!!}

Winning couldn’t get easier – all you have to do is follow @KmartDealsnNews on Twitter from your personal Twitter account and issue a Tweet everyday using our hashtag:#KmartBLS.  Each day is a new opportunity to win, so the more often you tweet – the better your chances are to win a Daily prize!

For more info on sweepstakes details, check out: http://tr.im/kmartBLS, and for Official Rules: http://tr.im/kmartBLSrules.

Of course, this is all in celebration of the return of Bluelight Specials at Kmart!  There are over 40 great Bluelight Specials throughout the weekend in-store, and other great offers online at Kmart.com, too, only on Saturdays and Sundays.  A little preview for this weekend’s (11/15 – 11/16) Specials:

• Essential Home Complete Bed set $29.99 (reg. $49.99)
• All Trim-A-Home lights 50% off (reg $8.99-$29.99)
• 9 Piece Luggage Set $49.99 (reg $99.99)
• Juniors Leggings 50% off

Good Luck to all the Plus Size Mommy readers !!!

The Plus Size Mommy

Related articles by Zemanta

• KMart Bluelight Special Holiday Sweeps (momblognetwork.com)
• Attention: Kmart Bluelight Special is Back on 25th July (espreson.com)