Author Archives: Mary Ann Romans

About Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, online content manager, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania in the middle of the woods but close enough to Target and Home Depot. The author of many magazine, newspaper and online articles, Mary Ann enjoys writing about almost any subject. "Writing gives me the opportunity to both learn interesting information, and to interact with wonderful people." Mary Ann has written more than 5,000 blogs for Families.com since she started back in December 2006. Contact her at maromans AT verizon.net or visit her personal blog http://homeinawoods.wordpress.com

Christmas is on December 27th this Year

In case you haven’t heard, there has been a change in the calendar for Christmas Day. No longer celebrated on December 25th, as it has been traditionally. This year, Christmas falls on December 27th. News Year Eve will be celebrated on December 30th or on January 3rd. Is this for real? Yes. That is, it is for real for many people who decide to save money, into the hundreds of dollars by celebrating Christmas and New Years on days that most of us don’t. Celebrating the major holidays on off-days is a trend that has been embraced by more and … Continue reading →

How to Stay on Christmas Budget and Teach the True Meaning of the Holidays

How do you keep your children happy while staying on budget, curbing the gimmies and teaching the true meaning behind the holidays? Read on for some practical, easy-to-follow advice. Did you know that in 1977, the number one requested Christmas gift for children was slime? For those of you who weren’t alive in the 70s, or as a refresher, slime was this mysterious gooey substance, usually made of fluorescent green. It came in its own tub, but usually once it got out, there was no putting it back. Slime was a toy that lived up to its name. It oozed … Continue reading →

How to Be Prepared for Black Friday 2013

Shopping for the best 2013 Black Friday Deals? This year, things may be a little different. Be prepared with the following tips, and you’ll get the best prices without being overwhelmed. It is solid advice to get you through the most important shopping day of the year. By making the following preparations now, you’ll be sure not to lose out on those bargains and at the same time, have everything be a positive and fun experience. Prepare for the Changes Swallow that turkey and be out the door by early evening if you want to start your Black Friday shopping. … Continue reading →

Get Your Porch Organized and Decorated for Fall

Fall is fun! There is nothing like the crisp air, the bright colors, and the last push for outdoor adventures before the cold winds of winter start bringing everyone in doors. While you can still enjoy the outside, why not get your porch organized and decorated for Fall? Fall is a great excuse for decorating, but who has the motivation when the front porch is filled with clutter and debris? This area sets the first impression whenever anyone visits your home. Start by removing everything from your porch, so you can clean the floors. Shake out those rugs, use a … Continue reading →

How Does the Government Shutdown Affect Me?

How have you been affected by the government shutdown that took place on October 1, 2013? Read on to find out what the shutdown means to you and your family. Why Did the Shutdown Occur Lawmakers are at an impasse on a bill to finance the government. As a result, only functions that are deemed essential will operate, while all others will be shutdown, and workers in those areas furloughed or experience a delay in pay. Ironically, the shutdown may wind up costing taxpayers money down the road, since the process to initiate a shutdown does not come cheap. Mail … Continue reading →

How to Find Free Products

Get it free today. Here are the strategies that you can use to get free products, from shampoo and toothpaste to restaurant meals. Freebies are fun, and with this guide, you won’t have to pay for any of it. Follow Companies on Facebook and Twitter Free product coupons are often given away on Facebook and Twitter, and sometimes these promotions even include free full-sized products mailed to your door. Like and follow your favorite brands, and you’ll be rewarded with plenty of freebies. Enter Contests and Promotions Sure, it would be great to win that all-expenses vacation trip to Hawaii, … Continue reading →

Kids Eat Free, Free Movie, and Tons of Coupons

Who doesn’t like to save money on their family expenses? Check out this week’s deals and take advantage of some good things that will make your budget happy. Chili’s Coupon: Kids Eat Free  I love kids eat free deals, because they help me take my family out for a meal, while still making it affordable. (Okay, really, I love it because it is a night when I don’t have to cook.) Now through October 2, 2013, Chili’s is offering a Kids Eat Free Coupon This coupon is valid for one free kid’s meal for adult entrée purchased and is valid … Continue reading →

Earn Money Selling Children’s Clothing

Selling children’s clothing can be an easy way to earn money! You can make your own hours and work as much or as little as you like. Whether you need an income that will allow you to stay home with children, a fun project that will earn money, or some extra cash to put toward debt, consider earning money by selling children’s clothing. How to Get Started The nice thing about selling children’s clothing is that, if you have children, you can start with the items that they have outgrown! This means that initially, there is no cost to you. … Continue reading →

6 Steps to a Simple, Nonmaterialistic Life

Six easy steps you can take, starting today, to live a more simple and debt-free life  Live Below Your Means Did you know that the average American spends $1.25 for each dollar he or she actually earns? Scary isn’ it? We live in a culture where living above your means is so normal, so casual, that we don’t even realize it. Create a budget and aim to live below your means, not above. Value Usefulness Over Status The clothes we choose, the cars we drive, the homes we live in and the electronics we carry sometimes are often purchased for … Continue reading →

Is It Right for Babies to Have Pierced Ears?

Whether or not to get your baby girl’s ears pierced remains somewhat of a controversy in the United States. Some parents, especially those from a Latin culture, believe it is not only customary to piece a baby’s ears as soon as possible (in Latin American, it is often done moments after a daughter is born) but less painful. Ear piercing, is painful, though, no matter when it is done. Anesthesia isn’t usually given, even when the piercing is done by a doctor. Some doctors will agree to a topical pain numbing medication, but this usually has limited results. Personally, we … Continue reading →