As we’re wondering what we should get our kids for Christmas, how about we opt to buy one less toy and instead put $25 in a college fund? Don’t have a college fund for your kids yet? Don’t worry — I’ve got the perfect incentive!

I’m working with CollegeAdvantage again to offer you a chance to win $100 for your kid’s college fund. 

Here’s the deal: The CollegeAdvantage plan makes it easy for families to save for college. You’ll get a diverse choice of investment options and the best part is that any money you invest in CollegeAdvantage can be used at any college in the country to pay tuition, fees, books and room and board.

You can open a CollegeAdvantage account by going online at www.collegeadvantage.com or by calling 1-800-AFFORD-IT (233-6734) and requesting an enrollment kit. Another plus? Opening a new account online takes less than 10 minutes.

BONUS OFFER: If you open an account with at least $100 by Dec. 31, you’ll get a $25 bonus contribution. It’s a pretty good deal, right? Just enter the promo code SAVINGS at sign-up.

So would you like to win $100 for your kid’s college fund? Here’s how to enter:

Giveaway now closed. Congrats to Krystel, Mell, Shelly and Mrs. Deveter for winning!

A couple days ago I teased you about the “juicy” giveaway I had in store. If you pay any attention to my sidebar over there, you’ll know that I am a Tropimomma, working with Tropicana to spread the word about their commitment to providing families with nutritious beverages.

Of course, I grew up drinking orange juice and that image of the orange with the straw is a familiar one. But even though I’m a OJ drinker from waaaay back, I didn’t know the benefits.

One 8-ounce serving of Tropicana Pure Premium provides two fruit servings and four essential nutrients:

Who knew you could get all that from a glass of orange juice?

So for the giveaway, I’m hooking up your physical health and your wallet. Tropiciana has given me TWO SETS of coupons for my lucky readers.

I have:

·         1-year supply, Tropicana Pure Premium (2)

·         1-year supply, Trop50 (2)

So four folks will find themselves chugging on free OJ for a year, sure to make a little dent in the grocery bill, right? (Shoot, orange juice is like $5 a gallon around here and we go through about one a week!)

To win, do the following:

1) Become a fan of YML on Facebook.

2) Leave a comment saying you’d like to win!

That’s it! The contest ends on Monday, November 7 at 5 p.m. Good luck!  

As a participant with Tropicana’s Tropimomma program, I am responsible for complying with any applicable rules, laws and regulations that might apply to giveaways. 

Update: Giveaway closed! Congratulations to Aisha and Jasmine for winning!

I’ve never been much of a jewelry fanatic, although I wish I was. I used to spend so much time figuring out the perfect outfit, when I should have been focusing on the accessories. My new look is a basic one: shirt or tunic, leggings, sandals (soon to be boots). Sounds pretty plain, but if I throw on a tribal necklace or some “Look at me now” hoop earrings, it elevates it to the level of, “Oooh, she’s cute!”

So I’m happy for today’s giveaway! I’ve partnered with Poshlocket.com to give two lucky readers a piece of their beautiful jewelry collection. Poshlocket is a new jewelry site, founded by a beautiful 20something with a passion for fashion. She decided to open a fashion jewelry store of her own to sell quality merchandise at an affordable price. Her goal is to provide people with great jewelry without putting a dent in anyone’s wallet. When she told me this, all I think was, She totally gets me!

She was gracious enough to send me the Cadence bracelet for a product review and I love it.

It’s almost deceivingly simple, but it’s gorgeous and the best part is it goes with everything. Everything. It retails for about $30, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it’s solid and sturdy and makes me feel a little more polished, even when I’m just wearing my “uniform.” You really can’t beat that.

Check out the two items up for grabs:

The Jun Stretchy Wrap Bracelet is goregous! Wouldn’t you like to have that on your arm?

I’m also giving away a pair of the Elizabeth Drop Earrings (available in four colors), which seem perfect for a date (hint, hint).

To enter, all you need to do is:

1) Leave a comment below saying you’d like to win!

2) Sign up for the YML mailing list.

If you’ve already done #1 and #2, you can

3) Sign up for Poshlocket’s mailing list (bottom of the home page, on the right) for an additional entry.

Sounds good? Now go! Giveaway ends Tuesday, September 27 at 5 p.m.

Updated: Giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Katelyn and Kanesha for winning the two coupons! 

It’s back to school time and you know what that means. Textbooks. Ugh.

But I’m doing my best to make sure that my readers have fewer headaches this year and here is an opportunity to have one less drain on your wallet!

I’ve partnered with CampusBookRentals.com to offer two of my readers 50% off their textbooks this semester! I used the site earlier this year, when a casual search for my statistics textbook reported that it was $250. Um, no. Even my trusty Chegg.com listed it for $75, which was a steal, but CampusBookRentals had it for $45. Oh yes.

Want to save even more? Then this giveaway is for you!

To enter: 

1) LIKE the Young Mommy Life on Facebook.

2) Sign up for the YML newsletter.

Leave a comment below telling me you’ve done those two items. 

Simple, right?

Contest ends this Thursday, August 25 at 5 p.m. Good luck to all who enter!

I just finished my first semester of grad school and I’m tired. Beat down mentally. But I’m pushing forward because I know getting that degree will so worth it in the end. (Plus, I get to learn about all the research that policy makers depend on, so we can all get more family-friend policies and programs.)

I think we all agree that education is important. Not just our education but our kids’ education as well. We all want our kids to grow up and be smart and have opportunities. We all know how many opportunities are easier to reach if you have that piece of paper that says, “YOU DID IT!”

But how do you even begin to think about your kids going to college? It just seems….so far away for most of us. My daughter is 4 and my son is 2. I’m really trying to think about next semester, not 14 years from now.

But we all know that college is expensive NOW and is only going to be more expensive as time goes on. The time to start saving is now, when you have more time to accumulate the funds necessary to make that tuition bill go away.

So you know I have the hook-up, right? The good folks at CollegeAdvantage contacted me and gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse. (Insert *Godfather* voice here…wait, it was the Godfather, right?)

They are offered YML readers a chance at one of THREE $100 college scholarships to place in your 529 college savings plan. {Don’t have one? It takes five minutes to set up – takes more time to buy a DVD on Amazon.}

This is an amazing opportunity to jumpstart your kids’ college savings plan. Also, if you don’t already have an existing account, you can use the promo code GETSTARTED upon account signup and $25 will automatically be deposited in your new account. Also, if you opt to sign up for the auto pay feature, you will receive an additional $25 after the third $25 deposit you make. That’s $50 right there!

So it’s simple. You don’t need to be rich to set aside money for your kids. Can you swing $10 a month? Then you can begin saving for college.

Want to win one of three scholarships? Here’s how to enter – I’ll keep it easy with two three options!

1) “Like” the Young Mommy Life fan page if you haven’t already.

2) “Tag” the Young Mommy Life in a status update:  ”The Young Mommy Life is helping young moms save for college!” {Simply type the “@” symbol and the Young Mommy Life fan page should come up in your list – it should be a link to the YML fan page so I know you did it! If you get confused, just leave a comment here. }

3) Send out the following tweet: “@TheYoungMommy is helping young moms save for college! http://bit.ly/gWnHx8″

Do all three for the best chance to win! I’ll pick the first winner on Friday at 5 p.m. Good luck!

You all know I don’t do many reviews and giveaways on this site. I created it not to become all “commercialized” but to have a community of young mothers who understand each other and can give each other advice. Now, if I do review something, you know it’s gotta be good, right?

I received a reviewer code from Mixbook.com to create my own photobook, which is something I can’t get enough of. I love having something that looks and feels like a book, but is starring my two favorite people – my kids. I usually use Shutterfly for all my photo needs (didn’t that sound like straight out of a commercial? LOL) but I was more than willing to give Mixbook a try. Sometimes I feel Shutterfly is a little too complicated, even though the photo quality is gorgeous.

So I logged on Mixbook and was pleasantly surprised at some of the layout options. They were very cute and sophisticated, something that is missing with some photo-sharing sites.

I quickly uploaded photos (time-saving tip: put all the photos you want to use in your book in a separate folder on your hard drive) and click and pasted the photos on the pages. Add some cute captions and you’re done.

Color me impressed.

If you’d like to win a FREE 20 page, 11×8.5 hardcover landscape photo book with FREE  shipping (meaning it’s really, really free), please leave a comment saying what kind of book you’d like to make (baby, wedding, year in review, etc). I’ll announce the winner tomorrow at 5 p.m.!

If you’d like to try out Mixbook.com (and perhaps make someone a holiday gift?) here’s a discount code for 20% off with no expiration date: PROMAMX20

I swear I wanted to.

I wanted to be one of those moms who sent out cute birth announcements after their baby was born. I wanted people to know that MY little ray of sunshine had made her debut and they should all be in awe.

But alas, I was tired, the kid never slept and wouldn’t you know it? Any plans for any fancy baby announcements went out the window and a mass text message instead took its place. Heh.

But if I had known that Hallmark.com not only lets you upload your cutie’s photo and customize the announcement, but then it also handles the mailing for you. How freakin’ simple is that? No stamps, no addresses to worry about, no running out of envelopes. Just click and done.

Visit Hallmark.com/baby to check out their sample announcements.

To hook you up in time for the holidays, one very lucky Mom will win a $50 Hallmark.com gift card to be used on its Personalized Baby Announcements line. (The gift card is also good for personalized birthday, holiday and other everyday greetings.)

TO ENTER: Leave a comment below saying what you love most about being a young mom (or a mom in general). For one extra entry, become a fan of The Young Mommy Life on Facebook. (If you’re already a fan, say so in your comment.)

Giveaway ends Friday at 5 p.m. Winner will be announced on Facebook so stay tuned!

To whom much is given, much is expected

I try my best to instill in my kids that they are capable of great things, and great things are expected of them. The above quote was repeated to me almost daily by my parents while I was growing up and I carry it around with me to this day. I surround my kids with positive people and experiences, and cross my fingers that it’s enough to compel them into the world as confident men and women with something to achieve in life. If nothing else, my kids will know they are loved and supported beyond their wildest dreams.

The products at CocoaBabies.com all have that same positive message – that same, ”You can do anything you put your mind to, baby” mantra that I have whispered in my babies’ ears since before they came out the womb.

Check out the line of “When I grow up…” onesies. Too cute for words!

My favorite shirts on the site, though? These beauties:

L-O-V-E it! Gotta get ‘em started early, right?

Nia Tillett, the owner of Cocoababies.com, contacted me a few weeks ago with an amazing giveaway – and I’m beyond thrilled to share it with you.

ONE lucky winner will receive one (1) adult “I am my child’s role model” T-shirt and travel mug

AND

ONE lucky winner will receive one (1) personalized placemat

To enter: Leave a comment saying what you think your kids will be when they grow up – do you have future doctors or hairdressers, teachers or fashion designers?

For extra entries, become a fan of the Young Mommy Life on Facebook (be sure to mention it in your comment – if you’re already a fan, let me know and your extra entry will count!).

Contest ends Thursday, August 19 at 5 p.m. Best of luck!

I hate birthday parties.

Well, I don’t hate them, but I always feel like they come out of nowhere and the closer we get to the actual day, the less I feel like doing anything. I love my kids and seeing them turn another year older is probably one of the highlights of my year. But I’m just not really a party-planning type of gal.

I gave my son an Elmo theme for his second birthday. You should have seen me in the aisles of Party City, getting overwhelmed with all the choices and trying to figure out what decorations should go on top of his homemade cupcakes. I gave up and just settled for the Elmo cupcake liners. Can you see Elmo below?

Yes, I used a pastry bag for the frosting. Fancy, fancy!

 It was a nice birthday party (small and intimate, the way I like it!) and it was simple, which is always key for me.

So I was contacted by the good folks at Birthday in a Box – have you heard of them? Basically, you type in www.birthdayinabox.com and poke around for a bit, and you’re done with the party planning. Just like the name implies, they have everything you need for a party in a box. Plates, cups, napkins, decorations, candles, etc. One click and you’re done! Shoot, I wish I had clicked around a few weeks ago – would’ve saved me some headache!

They’re looking to get some input from African-American moms on what themes we’d like to see available when we buy party supplies – more diversity in skin tones, realistic hair textures, etc. To thank us for our opinions, they’re giving away a $50 giftcard to Birthday in a Box to a lucky YML reader.

To win, simply take the quick survey at the link (I just took it – not even two minutes), sign up to receive the weekly newsletter (full of great party planning tips and ideas) and you’re done!

Take this survey to enter — >http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/youngmommylife

 Giveaway ends August 14. Good luck!

When I wrote the review for the book, Professor, May I Bring My Baby to Class?, I had no idea how many readers had just graduated from school, were currently enrolled, and how many were planning to go back soon.

There’s TONS of you. And suddenly, giving away just ONE book didn’t seem to be able to cut it.

So I contacted the author and asked if we could work out a bulk rate or if she’d like to donate a few additional copies.

She agreed to give me FOUR more books, bringing the total to FIVE books to give away! How sweet is that?

So the winners of the giveaway are:

1) Heather

2) McKenzie

3) Ms. Stacy

4) Sheena

5) Rebecca

Congrats! I’ll be e-mailing you to get your mailing addresses. Please note: Winners have FIVE days from the time I send the e-mail to send me their information or I will have to pick another winner. Thanks!

When I was pregnant in college, I was just hoping, hoping, hoping that I would never have to bring my daughter to class. I wanted to fit in and be like everyone else. I didn’t want to be the “mom.”

I wanted to be normal.

But alas, one cold March day, I had no choice. My boyfriend had to work, my parents were too far away, I had no babysitter. So I bundled her up, put her in her baby carrier and off we went.

I eased into class about five minutes late, hoping if the lecture had already started, then there’d be less need to explain why I had a kid in my arms.

But no. My professor was a chatty woman, and she hadn’t begun class yet. I settled in my seat and got my daughter out of her little snowsuit. She has been comfy and half-sleep, so she was pissy. She started fussing. My attempts to shush her and rock her were failing and if I didn’t get her wound down, then I’d end up spending class in the hallway – and what was the point of that?

My professor heard the ruckus and sauntered over to me and cooed at my little one. “Hey, sweetie,” she said. She reached out her arms. “May I?”

I hesitated for a moment, only because I knew she was going to start class soon and I didn’t want to keep passing her back and forth. But I handed her over.

Immediately, my daughter quit crying and snuggled on my professor’s chest. My professor smiled and headed to the front of the class.

And do you know, she taught class that day while holding my daughter? And I was free to take notes and listen and take my exam without a baby in my arms. How awesome was that?

But all professors aren’t as understanding and not all college students feel like they can bring their kids to class with no repercussions.

This book, written by Sherrill W. Mosee, addresses this and other issues student parents face as they chase that degree. Filled with essays from student moms on how they overcame obstacles and made the impossible happen, it also gives practical advice surrounding child care, support systems, and college programs.

In truth, I wish I had this book when I was in college. It’s that helpful.

I’m giving away a copy to a lucky reader – all you have to do is leave a comment saying you’d like to win. Simple, right?

The giveaway ends Friday at noon so enter now!

Who here has never struggled with self-esteem? Or knowing what you wanted to do in life but being scared to start? How many of us have fallen in love with the wrong man, but realized it too late? How many of us don’t know our true worth and settle for things that are beneath us?

If you have your hands in the air, then I urge you to pick up a copy of this book, On All the Things That Make Beautiful. Nadirah Angail has written a beautiful book dedicated to the women who are almost there, who still struggle from time to time with doubt and confusion.

I know I found myself in its pages and I know you will too. Nadirah was gracious enough to send me three copies and I will be keeping one for myself. That leaves two copies for my dear readers.

To win a copy of the book, simply leave a comment answering the question, “What makes you beautiful?” I’ll pick two winners on Monday, July 5. Good luck!

If you missed the interview with Nadirah on why she decided to write the book, and what she hopes young moms get from it, click here.

Hi ladies!

I thought I’d start off your week with a giveaway – just in time for Mother’s Day. You all seemed to love the last giveaway I did with Cafepress so I’m bringing you another one. I only wish everyone could win! You might remember from the last giveaway that you can find millions of personalized gifts at CafePress –  seriously. If you can think of it, you can find it. And if you can’t find it, you can design it yourself.  

Cafepress is offering a lucky reader a chance to win a special keepsake box, a cute little place to keep some of your favorite items.

I’ve got  my eye on this one, for obvious reasons:

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment saying what your favorite Mother’s Day gift has been so far (maybe you’ll give someone else an idea of what to get for their mom *smile*) . Winner is announced Tuesday at 5 p.m. Good luck!

UPDATE: Lisa is the winner! I will contact you to get your mailing address! Congrats!

I don’t know much about autism, but I know several parents whose children are affected. Their daily struggles still seemed kind of foreign to me, but then I read Holly Robinson Peete’s article, 8 Facts About Autism the Media is Not Covering. In it, she discusses, quite frankly, how treatment for autism can be expensive, how it can test marriages, and make siblings feel left out. After reading it, I felt I had a better understanding of how difficult and misunderstood autism can be.

I know several readers who have children with special needs, so this may come as no surprise to you. But I was stunned with my ignorance on the subject. Why didn’t I know more about this?

So when Dina (who always offers the best giveaways when it comes to books worth reading) contacted me about a giveaway of My Brother Charlie, written by (who else?) Holly Robinson Peete, I jumped at the chance to offer my readers a giveaway.

The book (co-authored by Holly’s daughter, Ryan – how cute is THAT?) looks at the issue of autism from the sibling’s perspective. I won’t give too much of the plot away, but it’s a beautiful story.

So what’s the giveaway?

ONE winner will receive an autographed copy of My Brother Charlie, with TWO additional winners winning a copy of the book as well. {I’d LOVE that autographed copy – you guys are so lucky!} So that’s three chances to win – are you ready?

To enter, leave me a comment saying how autism has touched your life or why you’d like to learn more about the condition. I will announce the winners next Wednesday. Contest ends Tuesday, April 20 at midnight. Good luck!

When I was doing research for my book, I was searching for books that spoke to young moms specifically and I found this, Execumama: A Pocket Guide for the 20something Mommy on the Go, written by the always fabulous and right-on-the-money Akilah Richards.

Akilah is a big believer in life balance. In making sure that you manage all aspects of your life in a way that allows you to stay true to yourself. In not losing sight of what goals you had before you had kids.

Can you see why I love her? 

Her upcoming workshop, With Mom in Mind, is just around the corner and she wanted all Young Mommy readers in Atlanta (or the Greater Atlanta area) to get the hookup:

With Mom in Mind™ is the first in a series of women-focused workshops designed to help new, veteran, and eventual moms embrace the concept of proactive living by infusing the concepts of Health, Food, and Self into their everyday lives.  On Saturday, April 24th, my company, Execumama Enterprises, will team with the talented culinary artist Shelley Chapman of Naturi Beauty Concepts (@Naturibeauty) to bring some incredibly valuable and potentially life-changing resources to metro Atlanta women!

I.WISH.I.COULD.GO. Curse you Ohio and your long, cold winters. Blah!

But one of my lucky Atlanta readers will get the chance. Akilah is graciously giving one of my readers a ticket to the event (a $40 value). 

To win, all you have to do is leave me a comment saying you’d like to go. No muss, no fuss. Contest ends Monday, April 5 at 5 p.m. Good luck!