LillyJames

Need help balancing your bills from month to month or even day to day? We recommend you follow our friend Pete the Planner!  In this blog entry, Pete gives a great break down of how your monthly expenses SHOULD be divided.  Its safe to say, I could do a better job at staying on budget each month.  Nevertheless, this article is a great reality check and a good benchmark to consider when you look ahead to September’s expenses.

Check out Pete the Planner at:  www.greencandy.com

Or follow him on twitter at @petetheplanner

I have to admit, my son has my genes when it comes to back-to-school shopping.  I am not sure who was more excited to pick out folders and number two pencils, me or him?  We spent hours pondering which rounded tip scissors to buy and which pencil case to pick.  Did we want “Toy Story 3″ or “How To Train Your Dragon” folders?   There were so many choices!  I had totally forgotten how crazy and hectic this event could be.

I believe if I gone into the store with a game plan (instead of running through each aisle like my hair was on fire) it would not have been such a big production.  Reflecting on the evening’s trip, I decided to do some research to help my fellow LJ Moms survive back-to-school.  I found these guidelines to be very helpful.  This review is for all the moms out there that are trying to stretch the dollar and keep their sanity for back-to-school.

10-tips-for-smart-shopping.gs?content=292

Read the rest »

OK, so being that I am 11 weeks pregnant, this week it became apparent that I need a little help with my clothes.   As I have heard many of my friends who were pregnant say their belly “popped,”  mine officially did this past week.  A good friend of mine told me about the Bella Band and Monday I had to make an emergency purchase.  Being that I wear business suits the majority of time, buying these for my pregnancy would cost me a fortune and the Bella Band is an economical way to make your clothes last longer into your pregnancy.  For $26, it has made a huge difference.

Monday, my day started off great. I got dressed and was able to button my pants, but noticed they were a little snug around the midsection.  By 1:00 pm I knew I wasn’t going to make it the rest of the day.  I went to a local boutique, went straight for the Bella Bands and threw that baby on in their dressing room.  I only got the black one for now, but will be purchasing a white one soon.  I’m excited that I can continue to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes and not have to invest a lot in maternity work wear.  If you are expecting and haven’t invested in a Bella Band, I strongly recommend it!  It’s a pregnancy must!

http://www.ingridandisabel.com/

The “LJ Mom: Reviews” page will be our opportunity to share the tips, products, and opinions that we find valuable for all moms.  Whether its a review of Pixar’s latest movie or a tip to help you protect your babies against pool side sun burns, we hope you will read our reviews and post your own opinions and comments for a more interactive experience.