Datexx The Miracle Cube Timer

I just bought this cool little timer on Amazon, and it's a must-have. So, my kids have recently discovered video games - and they are obsessed. The first month or two was a little out of control and I knew we needed to cut back on game time. This was new territory for me and I knew that we needed some boundaries set.

I decided that they can play twice a day for 20 minutes at a time. They love playing after breakfast and in the evening with Dad. So.... after they have eaten their breakfast, got dressed, brushed teeth, etc., I let them play while I get ready for the day... it works out great for them ... and for me.

Before I got this handy timer, was just using the timer on the microwave, but the microwave is upstairs and their game system is down in the basement, so they wouldn't hear it go off. So when I found this timer, I was in love. It is modern looking, has four times to choose from, and it's easy to use.

I keep it in the basement in the game room and it's loud enough that I can hear it from upstairs and the kids hear it well too. You turn it on, choose the setting (by facing the side with the time you want up towards the ceiling), and once you set it down, it starts timing. Once the alarm has sounded (it beeps several times), be sure to switch it "off" so that you won't waste batteries. Check it out here:

Datexx The Miracle Cute Timer

There are other ones available that have different time selections and colors. To find them, just do a search in Amazon for Datexx The Miracle Cube Timer. These would make great gifts, especially for Mom's ... and Mother's Day is just around the corner.

Nordstrom is the BEST!

I love shopping but it's very hard to do with two little ones who refuse to sit in a stroller. So I shop online a lot, or shop when my Mom can meet me and help with my kids.

My most favorite place to shop is Nordstrom because of several reasons; amazing customer service, high quality items, incredible return policy (no questions asked), plus free shipping and free returns... all the time!

Rarely do I buy anything that's not on sale. I am pretty frugal and so I like to keep an eye on my favorite items by adding them to my wish list online. When I see them go on sale, then I buy them, and I earn points by using my Nordstrom debit card.  When you use your Nordstrom card, every time you make a purchase you earn points. Obviously they offer a credit card too. But whether you have the Nordstrom debit card or the credit card, for every 2000 points you receive a 'Nordstrom Note' ($20 to spend at Nordstrom; online or in-store, and Nordstrom Rack too - which I love).

When you are a cardholder, they offer special days throughout the year where you can earn double or even triple points, and one day a year where you can choose your own personal triple points day. But my most favorite thing about Nordstrom is that if you purchase something and it goes on sale within 2 weeks of your purchase, they will credit you the difference. So... anytime I buy anything from Nordstrom, I put it in my wishlist and keep an eye on it for the following two weeks, and if it goes on sale, I just call or do the 'online chat' and I get a credit for the difference. Now that's what I call smart shopping!