Category Archives: Original Content

Raised by a single father? Tips here!

5 Things I Wish I Realized While my Single Father was Raising Me

My parents had a tumultuous divorce – and the marriage was not much better. When I was about 5 years old the separation process began. I remember my father moved out, and I stayed with my mother. Lucky for me there were apartments near my bus stop and that is where my father moved into. Every morning I would go to the bus stop, wave at mom down the hill and then go up to my dads house for breakfast.

This is arrangement did not last long, and before I knew it I was driving off in a car, with my mother on our way to Illinois while my father waved goodbye.

As time passed it became clear that I wanted to be with my father in California, so one Christmas about a year after the initial move I was put on a plane to California. I did not know it at the time, but that would be the last time I would see my mother for many years. As it turned out, to this day, I have only seen her 3-4 times (almost 35 years later!)

What this means is that I was raised from about 6 years of age by a single father and I have some advice for my young self.

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Meet the Reviewer/Blogger

Getting to Know You!

I was sitting here and it occurred to me that I many of you visit but many of you don’t know me and I want to change that!

I am going to be starting to share parts of my life with you all, including the silly things I do, the things that I buy, the crafts I am working on. I am not leaving the reviews and giveaways, but I want to get to know you all better.

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So in that spirit, let’s get to know each other – as many of you know my name is Jennifer. I am in my early 40’s. I would love to tell you that I went into this new decade with ease and grace, but I have entered kicking and screaming. I was not quite ready to turn 40, so I will be sharing those struggles with you all as well.

I am married to Jason, who I have actually known since I was 16 – yes 16! Jason was my male best friend and we lost touch for many years. I moved away, had an entire different life, and shortly after I moved back to San Diego, Jason reached out to me on Facebook.

As with old friends we began to hang out, and in a short amount of time we discovered that we had the same goals, and wanted the same things out of life. We began a relationship and once the reminents of my past life were gone, we married. We have been married 5 years this past December.

We live in a beach community in San Diego in what is best described as a shrinky dink house. We live in our tiny home with our two cats – Maggee and Murfee. Each of these cats were adopted from our local shelter when they were young.

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A couple fun facts about me – I watch Jimmy Kimmel every night after my local news, I love blankets and have quite a collection despite living in California and I am still friends with my two best friends from high school – going on over 25 years!

So, as I venture into this new phase what do you want to know? Do you want to see the crafts I do? Do you want to see the cats? What do you want to see?

I am excited to give you all a glimpse into our life – it is quite wonderful and wacky!

Until next time – Jennifer

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Gluten-Free Android Applications Available

Gluten-Free Android App’s Roundup!

5 Different Android App’s: 5 Different Experiences

As I was sitting tonight, Jason and I got to talking about the upcoming Gluten Free Expo and what companies I am looking forward to seeing the products of. This, of course, spawned into talking about gluten-free restaurants as well as the grocery shopping challenge in locating gluten-free products.

As I began looking I saw many summaries online for I-Phone applications, but not many critical lists/reviews of the available Android apps. It is with that thought in mind that I present you with my review and overview of some of the more “popular” Android apps for gluten-free location, as well as my choice for favorite. Be sure to comment at the bottom if you have a favorite!

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Random Saturday – Trademarks

Random Saturday – Trademarks

I was reading an article in an entertainment publication that was about Taylor Swift filing a trademark application for the words “1989.”, “Blank Space” as well as 18 other phrases related to her album and tour. This got me thinking about other Trademark filings.

I went on a search of the more interesting of the trademark filings and I thought I would share with you my favorite and one I found interesting with you here:

Target might be developing a new house brand – Made By Design. The application covers foot items, to kitchen and bedding.
Kris Jenner recently trademarked her name for use in the cosmetics field, which is what Kim also did back in 2011 – maybe she will partner with Target and have the Kris Kollection for Target.
Were you a Steve Irwin fan? Do you wish you could see the Irwin’s famous Australian Zoo? The United States may soon have their own Steve Irwin’s Australia here in the US!
Have you ever wanted bacon in your pizza sauce? If so, you might be in luck soon! Baconara might be coming to a store near you!!
Emoji’s are a staple of messaging and now if you suffer an offline injury you can still use Emoji’s to express how you are feeling with Emoji Bandages.
Cap’N Crunch has a new product: Cap’N Crunch Bites – Using their Crunch Berry Cereal around a sweet filing. They came out in July 2015 – have you tried them!
This one I have not words for… the thought of the Los Angeles Chargers makes me ill.. and it is still up in the air where our team will end.

Veeda Personal Products – Tampons Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Veeda Personal Products. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Veeda Personal Products – Tampons Review and Giveaway

As I get older and time passes me along I really realize the important of our impact on the earth we inhabit. This impact can be a small as using a napkin to wipe wet hands instead of a cloth to using natural personal hygiene products.

Veeda Tampons come in a few varieties; Applicator and Non-Applicator Tampons, ranging from regular, super and super plus absorbancy as well as sanitary pads. Veeda Tampons and Pads are 100% natural cotton and have no chemicals, no synthetics and no dyes.

I received a package of both the applicator tampons and non-applicator tampons. I will be totally honest and say that the tampons with the applicators have always gotten my attention before their applicator less counterparts. The hardest part for a woman, is on average we use a box or two of tampons a month, and that is a lot of plastic applicators entering the sewer and trash systems. While it takes some getting used to, the non-applicator tampons do have a positive. The environmental impact decreases and can make a otherwise negative time, a bit brighter.

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7 Things You Need to Know about Plenti

Plenti – 7 Things You Need to Know

I am sure you have heard about a new program that is available called “Plenti”. This is the first coalition loyalty program in the United States. Currently Plenti is available at Rite Aid, Nationwide, Direct Energy, Exxon, Mobil, Macy’s, Nationwide, Direct Energy, Hulu, National Car Rental, Alamo Car Rental and Enterprise Rent A Car.

Here are the 7 things that you need to know about Plenti:

1. Launched in May 2015 to over 25,000 retail locations and it is the first United States based coalition loyalty program ever offered. Inaugural companies include American Express (the operator of the program), Rite Aid, AT&T, Exxon/Mobil, Macy’s, Nationwide, Direct Energy, Hulu and Enterprise Rent A Car. It is anticipated that this list will grow over time.

2. Generally speaking every 1 point is worth 1 cent, which means 1000 points equals $10.00 that can be used for shoes or to pay your electric bill. The amounts range and can be 2 points per cent or more, depending on activity and retailer. This means that you can now have an excuse to buy that new purse at Macy’s, and then you can use the Plenti points to pay your electric bill.

3. Points stay active for 2 years, so there is time to accumulate points and use them as needed. There will be chances to earn points faster with activating special promotion offers thru Plenti’s online offer center and online marketplace. There is no limit to the points you can earn!

4. When you sign up your card online you get access to special welcome offers such as $100.00 of savings and special offers to use your points. Sign-up is easy and quick!

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My visit to The Suzy’s Zoo Gallery at Sharp Mary Birch

A Bit of Whimsy In A World of Caring

I have been a fan of Suzy’s Zoo since I was a child. I remember coloring pictures from the coloring books and loving how happy the characters always looked. To this day I collect Suzy Zoo items for my collection which ranges from plush, stickers, note cards and books. This is a collection that is almost 30 years in the making and it is a labor of love for me.

A couple years ago Jason and I heard that there was a gallery of original work and new work at Sharp Mary Birch in San Diego: The Suzy’s Zoo Gallery at Sharp Mary Birch. We made plans to make a trek down there but reality always got in the way and it became a wish to see. Flash forward to almost 3 years later and my 40th birthday and we finally made the trek down. We had called ahead to make sure that the gallery was still there and we were told by 2 separate people that it was not longer there. I am not going to lie, I was disappointed and in a effort to curb that disappointment Jason suggested we check anyway, in case the person on the phone did not know what we were talking about. We drove to the drop off/pickup so that I could run in and ask and before I was able to get out of my car I saw the gallery. I was thrilled and immediately parked and went in.

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6 Tips For Traveling and Being Gluten Free

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge in consideration of a post from Glutino/Boulder Brands. This in no way will influence the post & all opinions are my own.

Traveling While Gluten Free

Let’s be honest for a moment, being gluten-free and traveling is nothing short of a frustrating. From finding snack items that are gluten-free at unfamiliar stores, to locating restaurants that have gluten-free options traveling can be a challenge. The struggle then becomes the added cost to the gluten-free menu items or menu changes for gluten-free that might not have been worked into your original budget.

In light of this struggle have compiled some tips to make travel a little easier and hopefully a little less frustrating.

1. My first tip also comes with a fun project that you can have kids help you with. Pre-package snacks in plastic bags, count them out and tie them with cute or color coded ties. This makes for easy grab and go accessibility whenever needed.

How To: I opened each bag and counted out 5 of each flavor. I took 4 plastic bags and cut 4 green and 4 yellow raffia into 5 inch sections. I placed 5 pretzels of each flavor in the bag and the tied the bag with one green and one yellow tie. I chose to place my completed bags into the freezer for a cool easy treat to take on road trips.

2. Do your research and look ahead for gluten-free restaurants in the area in which you are traveling. Many places have a gluten-free menu and are local places are not only unique places to eat but generally care about the food the serve and use the highest ingredients which many times means organic, fresh and locally grown.

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Pet Gift Box – Cat – Subscription Box – May Review & Giveaway

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Pet Gift Box. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Pet Gift Box – Cat – Subscription Box – May Review and Giveaway

When I was young I had a tabby cat named Rebecca, named after my middle name. I really loved Rebecca and despite the allergies my father suffered he let me keep her, or so believed at the time. Now to this day I do not remember the day or circumstances but one day Rebecca was replaced by a Guinea Pig. I remember at the time promising myself that when I was on my own I would get another cat and be the best guardian of all time.

Flash forward 30 plus years and anyone who knows me knows that I love my Muggles – Murfee and Maggee like they are equal residents of our house as the humans (yes, I know they are not). I love to have a lot of things around our house for stimulation since they are strictly indoor cats. I believe the more toys they have to play with, surface to scratch and treats to eat the happier cats they will be.

My philosophy of how my cats should live is not always appreciated or supported in society but I am constantly seeking new things for them to enjoy. In my search I came upon a monthly subscription box with Muggles in mind. Pet Gift Box is a specially curated box with dogs and cats in mind, tailoring the boxes from petite dogs, hefty hounds and cats.

The boxes are addressed to the animal and is personalized to your pet on the outside, giving the immediate feeling that this collection was put together for your pet. I loved seeing something in the mail for the cats, and thought it was a very cute personalized touch. The box was nicely organized inside, and upon first opening you have to move the tissue paper to see what is contained inside, which included the following:

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A 6 Month Check-In: Updates and A Look Ahead

I am very happy to say that DealsAmongUs.com is 6 months old and in honor of this milestone I thought I would give you all a update on what is coming to DealsAmongUs.com and where we sit at almost 6 months in.

First off, we have a bunch of up-cycled clothes projects coming. As I was cleaning the closets I saw a couple things that can be up-cycled into something that can and will be worn. Stay tuned, I will be posting pictures of each of the projects before, after and during.

Next, reviews, reviews and then even more reviews and giveaways. I have a bunch of reviews coming including subscription boxes (with chances for you to win a box of your own), more gluten-free products, technology, crafts and many others. I have a couple giveaways coming that I am really excited about that include a craft company and a cookie company!

I love this blog, and I love writing for you all! I genuinely love to review these products for you and give you my honest opinion. I also love to take something that otherwise would be useless and turn it into something that can be something useful. These 2 loves coincide wonderfully on this blog, and I look forward to the future.

I really would like to know what it is you want to see reviews and up-cycled, so please comment below and let me know!

In honor of this 6 month milestone we are giving away either a Starbucks or Walmart gift card!I I will be choosing 1 person on June 7th to receive one $5.00 gift card of their choice!!! To enter please fill the form below or your email your information to (jennifer at dealsamongus dot com)! Winner will be notified the the second week of June 2015! Prizes will be fulfilled by DealsAmongUs.com GOOD LUCK!

Win a $5.00 Walmart or Starbucks Gift Card