Naturepedic Organic Cotton Changing Pad Giveaway at Formality of Frugality!

I'm counting down the days until March 2nd when my 1st baby should be born (or somewhere around then!). One of the things I still need to get is a changing pad. The more research I did, I learned about the importance of getting an organic cotton changing pad. Babies have such thin skin, so chemicals and dyes can be hamful to them.


The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Changing Pad has a waterproof organic cotton cover that is non-allergenic and easy to clean. It's also chemical-free. It retails for $99 in stores, which is a bit more expensive than the regular type, but I truly believe it is worth it!

Formality of Frugality is giving away a Naturepedic Organic Cotton Changing Pad! To enter the giveaway, just head over to http://formalityoffrugality.blogspot.com/2011/12/naturepedic-organic-cotton-changing-pad.html

Today is the last day to win free maternity clothes at Real Mom Real Reviews!

As many of you know, I am expecting my 1st baby due March 2nd. With a few months to go, I am running out of clothes that fit. It's tough for a lot of women to have to buy a whole new wardrobe when maternity clothes can be so expensive.

Kiki's Fashions is a maternity clothing webstore that I really like because the clothes are cute, comfortable and AFFORDABLE! :)

Even better, Real Mom Real Reviews is giving away a $25 gift certificate to Kiki's Fashions! The giveaway ends tonight so enter today! To enter, go to http://realmomsrealviews.com/2011/11/29/cute-trendy-affordable-kikis-fashions-review/

Win a $50 Gift Card to the Shops at Mission Viejo from Sugar Pop Ribbons

One of my favorite blogs, Sugar Pop Ribbons, is holding a giveaway for a $50 gift card to The Shops at Mission Viejo. This is a great opportunity for all of my San Diego and even Riverside friends to jump on since Christmas is right around the corner!

The Shops at Mission Viejo has Macy's, Forever 21, Anchor Blue and tons of other stores. Last year on the way to Palm Springs we got my husband some jeans for 50% off!

To enter the giveaway (before it ends on December 8th), go to:
http://sugarpopribbons.blogspot.com/2011/11/shops-at-mission-viejo-simon-mall.html

American Express Gift Chain (and giveaway)

Do you have Christmas shopping to do? Have an American Express card? If you register your American Express card at the gift chain website
. Then, when you spend $25 or more at participating retailers until 12/21, you'll be sent a gift! This gift could be a $25 gift certificate, or even a $500 American Express prepaid card!

To celebrate, Two of a Kind Working on a Full House is giving away three $100 American Express Gift cards! To enter the giveaway, go here:
http://www.twoofakindworkingonafullhouse.com/2011/12/american-express-gift-chain-300-in-gift.html

Win a Kozii Breastmilk Warmer from Mommy and Me Giveaways

As an expectant mom of my 1st, I've been researching as much as I can about different tools to make caring for a baby easier. I know that I want to breastfeed and if I choose to pump I'm going to need to warm up that milk.

Yesterday, I learned about the Kozii Breastmilk Warmer from Kiinde. And now I want one! I've added it to my baby registry.

Check out the video for all the details:



To read the review and enter the giveaway, go here: http://mommyandmegiveaways.com/?p=1332

And the winner is...

Congrats to Kathy! Random.org chose comment #2 as the winner for the My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software.

Remember, everyone you can get a $10 discount my clicking the button on the top right of my blog or using the code given in the giveaway post below.

Thanks for playing!

My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software Giveaway!

If you're like me, you love to capture special family moments with pictures and enjoy looking back at them together. But if you're like me, you probably lose those scrapbooking papers and cut-outs amongst piles of bills and to-do lists!

Times have definitely changed! I remember waiting for my Polaroid pictures to magically appear, but now I can snap quality pictures on my cell phone in seconds.

This kind of technology is why I love My Memories digital scrapbooking suite software. You can quickly and easily create beautiful, thoughtful pages capturing those special moments in your family's life.

You can even create special gifts like photo calendars or burn your digital scrapbook onto a DVD to watch! I personally plan on using My Memories digital suite a lot more over the next year, since my husband and I are expecting a baby boy in March. My first time using My Memories scrapbooking software, I was in the Christmas mood, so I decided to scrapbook some pictures of a previous Christmas with my family. I used the "Holidays Snow Pack" template and found out quickly that this program is perfect for beginners like me!

My Memories is generously giving away a FREE copy of the software download. But, if you're not the one lucky winner, you can still win by getting $10 off!
To purchase My Memories digital scrapbooking software with $10 off, click on this link: http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software
BE SURE TO ENTER THE EXCLUSIVE COUPON CODE: STMMMS60256

Here's how to enter the giveaway:
Please be sure to leave your email address with each entry.

MANDATORY ENTRY:
Visit www.MyMemories.com and find your favorite digital paper pack or layout. Then come back and leave a comment telling me what it is.

BONUS ENTRIES: (leave a separate comment for each additional entry)
• Add me as a friend on facebook and let me know your Facebook name (2 entries)
• Like My Memories on facebook and let me know your Facebook name (2 entries)
• Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect and leave your google name (2 entries)
• Follow J4C via Google Friend Connect and leave your google name (2 entries)
Good luck!

Winner will be chosen using random.org on November 27th. Deadline to enter is midnight, November 26th, 2011. Winner will be notified via email and must respond with mailing address within 24 hours or a new winner will be selected.

Disclosure: I was given a free copy of My Memories so that I could review the product. All opinions are entirely my own.

$200 Amazon giveaway from the Suburban Jungle

It seems like November and December are always a little tight on money - that's because I'm buying Christmas presents. We try not to go over-the-top in our family. In fact, sometimes we do a secret santa gift exchange.

You can read plenty more money saving tips (and leave your own for a chance to win $200 to Amazon.com!) at the Suburban Jungle:

http://thesuburbanjungle.blogspot.com/2011/11/200-amazon-giftcard-giveaway-save-money.html

Just an update...

Since we've gone through 365 days of service projects and volunteer ideas (yay!) I'm going to continue posting but not every single day. Instead, I plan to post giveaways, important articles and opportunities as often as possible while balancing work and a baby on the way :)

I have a pretty cool giveaway coming up in the next week so stay tuned.

Thanks for your support!

My latest flyer - Short Sale Specialist in San Diego

Links My website Description Are you concerned about making your mortgage payments? Is your house worth less than what you owe? As an experienced Realtor working with a team of real estate attorneys, I can help you navigate through the potentially rough waters of your financial situation by negotiating with your bank. This service will not cost you a penny. Maxum Realty is an attorney-founded and run brokerage which is distinguished in our legal standards and high ethics. We can educate you on the foreclosure process and determine what is best to meet your needs. For more information about a pending auction date on your home, to find out about your options or for a free consultation with myself and a real estate attorney, call me today. I look forward to serving you. Profile Service Area: San Diego County Service Type: Real Estate Powered by vFlyer.com vFlyer Id: 107746017

Lessons from a Realtor

Thinking about buying or selling a home? Head over to Money Under 30 to check out my newest article, "Lessons from a Realtor: 7 Dos and Don’ts for Buying or Selling a Home"
http://www.moneyunder30.com/lessons-from-a-realtor

Here's what's in our fridge!

Vegan Month of Food is doing a giveaway (today only) for a fridge full of Lightlife vegetarian "meat" prodcuts - our favorite!!  So as my entry, you all get to see what's in my fridge right now!
http://www.veganmofo.com/a-fridge-full-of-meat-lightlife-giveaway/

and a better shot -

YES THAT REALLY IS A GALLON OF FRANK'S RED HOT. And no, I don't touch the stuff! Hubby loves it so he buys it at his favorite store, Costco!

You can see that we also have kirkland soy milk, ground coffee, tofu, Lightlife Ground Original, tofu, soybeans, tortillas, homemade bread, lettuce, carrots, asparagus, dates, and a variety of sauces (none of which I use!) haha!

What we really need in here is some Lightlife Smart Dogs and Lightlife Smart Bacon!

Citrus Lane giveaway for new moms at BabyRecs

As you might know, my husband and I are expecting our first baby, a boy due March 2, 2012 :) We're so excited! I'm always looking for ways to save money on baby items since they are so expensive. Here's a way that you (or I) could win free baby products:

BabyRecs blog is hosting a fall giveaway. They'll be giving away a 3-month subscription to Citrus Lane (a company that mails monthly care packages with goodies and tips specifically designed for your babies age).

To learn more about Citrus Lane, click here

To enter the giveaway at BabyRecs, click here

California - What you need to know about Senate Bill 458 in regards to short sales

Have you heard about SB458? It’s huge! Passed in July of this year, the law effectively eliminates deficiency judgments against homeowners who short sale their property in California, even from junior lienholders!  In other words, if you have more than one loan on your property and you short sale it, the lenders may not come after you for a deficiency judgment.

  Additionally, the short sale lenders are no longer allowed to ask homeowners to add cash or a promissory note in order to complete the short sale. 

This law only applies to residential dwellings of one to four units, so commercial properties are not included.  Also, the law specifies that if a homeowner doing a short sale damages the property, the lender may still seek damages.

Keep in mind that this law states that no deficiency judgment will be owed if  a short sale is done with the written consent of the lender, but  it does NOT apply to foreclosures. You may want to talk to an attorney about the legal implications of foreclosures.

To view a copy of the bill, click here.

Mikey Show Auction items for the Rady Children's Autism Discovery Institute- TODAY ONLY!!

Today, October 6th, my favorite radio show, The Mikey Show on FM 94.9 in San Diego is doing 28 straight hours of the show in order to help raise money for the Autism Discovery Institute at Rady Children's Hospital.

Please follow the link to check out a ton of awesome items that you can bid on for the cause. They have everything from signed baseballs, massage gift certificates, fresh fruit baskets, clothes, pizza gift certificates, etc, but the bidding is TODAY only! I've already got my bids in for quite a few :)
http://mikeyshow.com/?view=update&upid=303

And don't forget to listen to FM 94.9!

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Walks - San Diego and throughout the US

Photo from http://www.pancan.org/purplestride/event_photos.html

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is helping raise money to fight pancreatic cancer with the purple stride walks. In San Diego, the walk will be held on October 9th. Walks will also be held in Madison, Iowa, Maryland, Detroit and many other areas. To find a walk near you go to http://www.pancan.org/purplestride/

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - Support Emily Hubbel

Photo Courtesy of www.EmilyHubbel.com

 

Emily Hubblel was only three years old when she was diagnosed with cancer. Today, she's four and still fighting stage IV, High Risk Neuroblastoma. Emily's trials and treatments are shared on Emily's Journey on Caringbridge. 

 

 

Emily's blog explains how to donate:

 

"We really appreciate all the love and support and prayers from everyone, I can't tell you how much they mean to us, and how they help so much. THANK YOU! Many are asking how & where to donate:
1. All donors may mail funds to the account at: Dominion Credit Union PO Box 26646 Richmond, VA 23261 Write "Emily Hubbel" in the check memo. Dominion Employees may go through the bank.

2. Chip in: http://www.chipin.com/contribute/id/618c746feb889516
3. Checks can be mailed to our PO Box with Emily's Name on the check to PO Box 5383, Midlothian, VA 23112."

The San Diego Brain Injury Foundation Fundraiser

The San Diego Brain Injury Foundation helps improve the quality of life for San Diegans with brain injuries, and their families. They are having their annual fundraiser next month and the public is invited. There will be wine tasting, a silent auction and more..

When: October 22, 2011
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: Mission Trails Regional Park
One Father Junipero Serra Trail
San Diego, CA 92119
RSVP: 619-294-6541
Cost $50.00

Hor D'oeuvres will be served along with live music, astronomers and telescopes for seeing the stars. For more information, go to http://sdbif.org/events.html

Help OXO with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer!

OXO was founded by a married couple whose son was battling pediatric cancer. According to the company, over 25% of kids diagnosed with cancer don't survive. Thus, more effective treatments are needed and more research needs to be done. But how do more effective treatments come about? They require funding.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer by OXO began as a means to help fight pediatric cancer though local bake sales. In recent years, over $2.5 million has been raised for pediatric cancer research. This year, the organization is looking to raise even more than ever before.

You can help by:

• Buying a "good cookie" spatula
• Sending a virtual cookie on facebook
• Finding a registered bake sale in your area
• Hosting a bake sale

You can find out how to do these and more at  www.oxogoodcookies.com

Order Pizza, Support Autism Speaks!

On Sunday, September 10th, walkers will be gathering at Liberty Station in Point Loma, San Diego, to raiser awareness and funds for Autism Speaks.

Don't live close enough to participate? How bout ordering a pizza from Pappa Johns! When you order a pizza online at PapaJohns.com and enter the promo code ASWALK, $1 will be donated to Autism Speaks.

FreeKibble.com

Do you ever have times during the day when you're waiting for a file to upload or waiting for someone to answer the phone? I do!

Here's a great website - freekibble.com! Play a quick trivia game and for free, you will automatically donate dog food to dogs in need.

It doesn't take more than a second... Check it out now!

For The San Diego 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb

On September 3, 2011, San Diegans will gather at the Hilton Bayfront to remember those who lost their lives in 9/11. Teams of both firefighters and civilians will climb 110 floors, which is the same number of stairs that were in the twin towers.

In addition to the memorial stair climb, there will be a charity silent auction, activities for kids and food and drink available.

	• 9-11 Memorial Stairclimb	• Fire apparatus displays
	• Presentation of 9-11 Steel recovered from Ground Zero	• VIP tent and beer garden featuring local brewery
	• Food and drink	• Firefighter-themed fair & booths
	• Activities for families and kids	• Charity silent auction

For more information on how to register, go to http://sdfra.org/stairclimb.html

Contemporary Women of North County (CWONC)

Contemporary Women of North County (CWONC) is part of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, which is the oldest, largest community service organization for women in the world. Contemporary Women of North County seeks to better the community of San Diego through the Arts, Education, Conservation and more. Click here: http://www.cwonc.org/HOME/how-you-can-help to take a look at the variety of open service projects available.

Win a $100 gift certificate to Seraphine Maternity & Nursing Apparel

It must be that time of year... I have 5 friends that are expecting! And I'm realizing how expensive it is to buy new clothes, let alone baby care items.

Here's a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Seraphine Maternity & Nursing Apparel, an online retailer with some beautiful clothes.

Head on over to The Shopping Mom: http://www.theshoppingmom.com/seraphine-maternity-giveaway for your chance to win!

Project Parenthood at Eastlake Church

For those of you who live in the South Bay or East County of San Diego, I encourage you to check out this excellent new series at Eastlake Church!

Project Parenthood is a series that focuses on helping parents, future parents and anyone who has had parents :) grow spiritually.

Eastlake Church is located in Chula Vista and Imperial Beach, with a new branch opening in Rancho San Diego next month!

For more infomation go to
http://projectparenthood.eastlakechurch.com/
http://www.eastlakechurchonline.com/

Save Babies

Save Babies Through Screening Foundation seeks to reduce the equalize access to vital health screenings for babies, across the United States. Save Babies provides free information about screenings to physicans and parents and can even provide free health screenings to low-income parents of newborns.

You can help by handing out information: http://www.savebabies.org/handout_information.html

or by participating in research http://www.savebabies.org/research.html

Paws’itive Teams

Paws’itive Teams trainss service dogs for disabled people in San Diego County. When the service dogs have completed their training, Paws’itive Teams places them into homes based on the specific needs of the people.

To watch a video of the dogs at work, or to sponsor a dog, go to http://www.pawsteams.org/index.php

Conforming Loan Limits at Stake - from the California Association of Realtors

Thinking about buying a home or investing in a rental property? Now is truly the best time to do it. Below is a California Association of Realtors article (full link at the bottom) that expalins yet another threat to homebuyer's ability to qualify for loans in California:

Drop in conforming loan limits would raise cost of housing financing, hamper housing recovery
LOS ANGELES (June 23) – More than 30,000 California families will face higher down payments, higher mortgage rates, and stricter loan qualification requirements if conforming loan limits on mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac are reduced beginning October 1, 2011, according to analysis by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.). 

“By reducing the conforming loan limit, thousands of California home buyers will be shut out of homeownership,” said C.A.R. President Beth L. Peerce.  “The higher mortgage loan limits are critical to providing liquidity in today’s housing market and are essential to our housing recovery.  We urge Congress to maintain the current limits and make them permanent to provide homeowners and home buyers with affordable financing and help stabilize local housing markets.” 

Barring Congressional action, the maximum FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac conforming loan limit will decline to $625,500 beginning Oct. 1, 2011, from the current $729,950 limit, though the majority of counties will fall far below the $625,500 maximum.  The conforming loan limit determines the maximum size of a mortgage that FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) can buy or guarantee.  Non-conforming or jumbo loans typically carry a higher mortgage interest rate than a conforming loan and require a higher down payment, increasing the monthly payment and negatively impacting housing affordability for California home buyers.

Under the new GSE loan limits, Monterey County would see the greatest drop in the loan limit at $246,750, followed by San Diego ($151,250), Sonoma ($141,550), Solano ($140,500), and Napa ($137,500) counties.  Under the new FHA loan limits, Monterey County would see the greatest drop in the loan limit at $246,750, followed by Merced ($201,450), Riverside ($164,650), San Bernardino ($164,650), Solano ($157,300), and San Diego ($151,250) counties.

C.A.R. and the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) have long advocated making permanent higher conforming loan limits.  As a result of C.A.R.’s and NAR’s efforts, in 2008, Congress temporarily raised the conforming loan limits from $417,000 to $729,750 and has extended them annually through fiscal year 2011.

Regionally, Marin County would be impacted the most, with more than 12 percent of home sales rendered ineligible under the lower GSE loan limit, followed by Contra Costa (11.5%), San Mateo (10.7%), San Francisco (9.9%), Monterey (8.8%), San Diego (8.2%), Sonoma (7.9%), and Santa Clara (7.8%) counties.  Under the lower FHA loan limit, San Francisco County would be impacted the most, with more than 14 percent of home sales rendered ineligible, followed by Santa Cruz (13.9%), Orange County (13.3%), Marin (13.2%), San Mateo and Ventura (both at 12.7%), Santa Clara (12.2%), San Diego (11.9%), Alameda (11.8%), Riverside (11.5%), and Contra Costa (11%) counties.
Leading the way...® in California real estate for more than 100 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States, with more than 160,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Los Angeles.
# # #
Impact of Lower Loan Limit for GSE-backed Loans 

County	2011 Limit	HERA Limits (GSE)	$ Difference	% GSE Loans Ineligible	% Calif. Households Represented
Alameda	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	6.30%	4.30%
Contra Costa	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	11.50%	3.00%
Los Angeles	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	2.30%	25.70%
Marin	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	12.20%	0.80%
Merced	$472,500	$417,000	$55,500	0.00%	0.60%
Monterey	$729,750	$483,000	$246,750	8.80%	1.00%
Napa	$729,750	$592,250	$137,500	3.80%	0.40%
Orange	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	6.20%	7.90%
Placer	$580,000	$474,950	$105,050	4.40%	1.10%
Riverside	$500,000	$417,000	$83,000	1.70%	5.50%
Sacramento	$580,000	$474,950	$105,050	1.10%	4.10%
San Bernardino	$500,000	$417,000	$83,000	0.70%	4.90%
San Diego	$697,500	$546,250	$151,250	8.20%	8.60%
San Francisco	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	9.90%	2.70%
San Luis Obispo	$687,500	$561,200	$126,300	6.40%	0.80%
San Mateo	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	10.70%	2.00%
Santa Barbara	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	5.80%	1.10%
Santa Clara	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	7.80%	4.80%
Santa Cruz	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	7.10%	0.70%
Solano	$557,500	$417,000	$140,500	1.60%	1.10%
Sonoma	$662,500	$520,950	$141,550	7.90%	1.50%
Ventura	$729,750	$598,000	$131,750	5.80%	2.10%
Average/Total				5.90%	84.90%

Assumptions:

• Analysis covers all major counties affected by a change in the loan limits, 22 counties covered.
• 22-county analysis covers 85% of the households in California, according to the Dept. of Finance 2011.
• Based on projected level of annual existing, single-family home sales in California for 2012.
• Down payment of 20% for GSE analysis.
• Share ineligible based on the calculated loan amount given down payment assumptions at the current loan limits versus HERA loan limits.
• HERA loan limits from http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=FHA_Loan_Limits_HERA.pdf*Fresno included in FHA analysis but not GSE because under the GSE loan limits, there would be no change.

Impact of Lower Loan Limit for FHA-backed Loans

County	2011 Limit	HERA Limits (FHA)	$ Difference	% FHA Loans Ineligible	% of Calif. Households
					Represented
Alameda	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	11.80%	4.30%
Contra Costa	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	11.00%	3.00%
Fresno	$381,250	$281,750	$99,500	6.50%	2.30%
Los Angeles	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	5.40%	25.70%
Marin	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	13.20%	0.80%
Merced	$472,500	$271,050	$201,450	3.20%	0.60%
Monterey	$729,750	$483,000	$246,750	9.70%	1.00%
Napa	$729,750	$592,250	$137,500	7.80%	0.40%
Orange	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	13.30%	7.90%
Placer	$580,000	$474,950	$105,050	4.20%	1.10%
Riverside	$500,000	$335,350	$164,650	11.50%	5.50%
Sacramento	$580,000	$474,950	$105,050	1.10%	4.10%
San Bernardino	$500,000	$335,350	$164,650	5.30%	4.90%
San Diego	$697,500	$546,250	$151,250	11.90%	8.60%
San Francisco	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	14.40%	2.70%
San Luis Obispo	$687,500	$561,200	$126,300	10.30%	0.80%
San Mateo	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	12.70%	2.00%
Santa Barbara	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	7.40%	1.10%
Santa Clara	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	12.20%	4.80%
Santa Cruz	$729,750	$625,500	$104,250	13.90%	0.70%
Solano	$557,500	$400,200	$157,300	4.80%	1.10%
Sonoma	$662,500	$520,950	$141,550	9.30%	1.50%
Ventura	$729,750	$598,000	$131,750	12.70%	2.10%
Average/Total				9.30%	87.20%

Assumptions:

• Analysis covers all major counties affected by a change in the loan limits, 23 counties covered.
• 23-county analysis covers 87% of the households in California, according to the Dept. of Finance 2011.
• Based on projected level of annual existing, single-family home sales in California for 2012.
• Down payment of 3.5% for FHA analysis.
• Share ineligible based on the calculated loan amount given down payment assumptions at the current loan limits versus HERA loan limits.
• HERA loan limits from http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=FHA_Loan_Limits_HERA.pdf*Fresno included in FHA analysis but not GSE because under the GSE loan limits, there would be no change.

http://www.car.org/newsstand/newsreleases/2011newsreleases/loanlimits/