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Uncategorized – Luv Saving Money

Self Care Gifts For Mother’s Day

Mom’s do a lot and often end up putting their kids and significant other first. All too often I hear moms saying they feel guilty for buying something for themselves, especially if it’s a want rather than a need. As a mom of 4 who also works outside of my home, I know that feeling all too well . It wasn’t until my kids got older and some started making their own money that I felt more willing to splurge on myself a little bit.

I learned later that self care actually made me a better mother and wife. If I could do something for myself that helps me relax, like maybe a long hot shower with some relaxing scented shower steamers, or splurging on a good pillow that gave me better sleep, then it actually helped me with energy, mental fatigue, and stress.

So here are some of my favorite self care gifts that would make a nice gift for any mom that just doesn’t want to splurge on herself. And as always, ideas for all budgets.

Shower Steamers

This one is budget friendly but really ups the relaxation of a regular shower. Shower steamers are similar to bath bombs but you can use them in the shower. You set the disk on the floor of the shower and the hot water dissolves the disk. While it dissolves the disk, it emits lovely scents like lavender, mint, tangerine etc. You can buy variety packs or packs specific for relaxation or energy. I particularly love using mint or eucalyptus when I’m congested. That scent mixed with the hot water of the shower will clear my congestion right up, at least temporarily.

This is also a budget friendly gift. You can get a pack of shower steamer for under $10 but can vary depending on how many is in a pack and name brand so they can go up as high as $30.

Shower steamers on Amazon

Shower steamers at Walmart

Shower steamers on Etsy

High Quality sheet set

Taking a nap or getting a good night’s sleep is definitely self care. I never really understood why a certain set of sheets might be better than another until my husband insisted on high quality sheets for our bed. I went from “good enough” sheets to, “I can’t believe the difference” sheets. Now I think most of us know some sheet sets can get pretty expensive depending on material, thread count, and name brand. Super high prices doesn’t always mean they’re better.

One brand I love that is more budget friendly is Mellanni. I’ve purchased Mellanni sheets for different beds in our house and they’ve worked out great. They come in so many different colors and patterns so you’re sure to find one to match the decor.

Mellanni sheet sets on Amazon

I’m also a fan of Tommy Bahama sheet sets. These however can get a bit pricier and don’t always include as much.

Perfume

This can be a tricky topic. Especially if you don’t know what fragrance to get. I wouldn’t splurge on a bottle of perfume for myself for the longest time. But one option I like is a fragrance subscription. Scentbird has a fragrance subscription that allows the recipient to choose which fragrances they want to try . It comes in a nice size vial and a free case with the first box.

Scentbird offers gift subscriptions as well. I actually just signed up for this myself. I got my first box and my 2nd one should be shipped within the next week. I got to line up which fragrances I want to try, I can always swap them before they’re shipped if I change my mind. The best part is. After the promos and everything are done, it’s only $17/mo. But you can get even better deals with gift subscriptions.

Scentbird fragrance subscription get 50% off first month + a free case

Scentbird gift subscriptions available in 12 month, 6 month, or 3 month.

You can find Scentbird exclusive scents, luxury fragrances, and small boutique fragrances on Scentbird. FYI they also have it for colognes for a great father’s day gift idea.

Save the Memories

Remember to take pics that include moms during the year. So often i hear mom is usually the one taking the pics at the park, at events, on vacation, etc. Make sure to snap some moment with mom. Mom on the beach, mom holding her grandbaby, mom in her new dress she’s been excited about. Honestly I’m that mom that never gets pics taken of her unless it’s a selfie or I have to specifically ask. I would have loved to have some random pics of me sitting on the couch holding my babies or on a ride with my kids.

So here are some ideas to share pics with mom:

Skylight digital picture frame – I got my dad one of these for father’s day several years ago. What i like about this one is you don’t have to have a subscription unless you want to include videos. The picture frame itself will be assigned an email address when you register your frame. Anyone that you give the email address to will able to send digital picture to the frame via the email address. This worked out great for us with siblings living in different states.

Ring light stands – these are great because many come with a little remote so the whole family, including mom can get in the pic. Just use the remote to snap the picture. Just don’t make mom be the one to initiate pictures all the time please.

Selfie Sticks – This is another way to get everyone in the pic while on the go. Amusement park, spur of the moment family photo opp, travel pics, these are great and generally inexpensive

Relaxation treat without alcohol

There are a number of products on the market now that can help with relaxation that don’t involve alcohol. One of my favorites is Apothekary products.

These supplements can be taken either dropped under the tongue or mixed into a drink like sparkling water, juice, or a mocktail. I’ve tried the “Wine Down”, “Take the Edge off” and “Rose Colored Glasses” They’re all great. If I had to pick a favorite though, it would probably be “Take the Edge off” I love mixing a dropper full into my juice and sometimes adding a little sparkling water for an elevated relaxation drink without the alcohol.

You can find Apothekary products at Ulta

OR directly from the Apothekary website and get $20 off your first purchase

Summary

In the end, whatever you choose with her in mind will be great. Think about her favorite flavors, the things she enjoys doing, or even just time together with a dinner is good.

This post does contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission from sales made through my links. Any opinions expressed are my own.

Ever Wonder What Plants Are Native to You?

It’s getting to be about that time. Time to start thinking about our yards and gardens.

I have a small annual garden, I have a ground cover hillside garden, and sometimes have a vegetable garden. I keep thinking about starting an herb garden but I have to wonder if I can keep up with it all.

I plant one tree each year. Last year it was a weeping cherry tree. The year before that it was a Japanese Maple. I have multiple fruit trees in my yard.

I keep thinking I also want to plant some flowering bushes on the one side of our garage. Maybe some butterfly bushes or rose bushes. I’m not sure yet.

One thing that can help is figuring out which plants are native to your area. Planting native plants can help the insects, birds, and other wildlife. It can also ensure you’re planting the right plants for your area. I know I can’t plant banana tree in my area for instance. They’d never make it. Well, unless I could grow them indoors somehow (which I’m not good at)

I also enjoy have a Citronella plant on my front porch and a few hanging baskets. What do you like to plant in the spring?

Need help figuring out what plants are native to your area? Check out this handy guide from Nature Hills Nursery.

View Native Plants by State

Have you ever wondered if your fruit tree need a friend? Check out this handy post from Nature Hills Nursery

Does your fruit tree need a friend?

I’ve bought a number of plants from Nature Hills Nursery. My blue Wisteria, my honeysuckle vine, and witch hazel. Their plants are always top notch and carefully packaged. They don’t send them to you until it’s time for planting in your area.

Tell me what you’re planning on planting this year. What kind of gardens do you keep?

This post does contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission from sales made through my links.

Early Fall Paypal/Amazon Giveaway

I can’t believe it’s September already. The kids are back in school. Friday night lights have started. And we’re here with a fall giveaway

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Good Luck! Enter Below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This event is not sponsored or endorsed by Amazon or PayPal Company. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to Versatileer at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! Once a winner is drawn and confirmed, the name will be announced on the Rafflecopter form. Versatileer will be responsible for sending the winners their prizes. By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by Rafflecopter through the use of Random-dot-org. Twitter and Facebook dummy/fake accounts are ineligible for entry and will be blocked. Authentic accounts only are eligible to win. Next seasonal giveaway starts 3 hours before this giveaway ends, and the two giveaways will overlap for the three hour period. More giveaway Contact Form” href=”https://versatileer.com/contact-form/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener”>Contact Form. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

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Harlem Globetrotters World Tour 2024 – Save 20% off your tickets!

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I’ve had the pleasure of attending several Harlem Globetrotters games throughout the years. All of my children have experienced several games. They love the mascots, the crazy tricks, the comedy bits, and meeting the players after the game. Here’s a pic from the last time we attended.

Here’s a hint, they do have Harlem Globetrotters merch to buy at the game but if you don’t want to purchase items you can take an autograph book and pen with you to get autographs after the game.

For my Pennsylvania peeps there are lots of games in Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Wilkes-Barre, Philadelphia, Reading, Hershey, Allentown, Erie, and State College.

Break the boredom of the cold months with an exciting Harlem Globetrotters show. I’ll be heading to the show in Johnstown, PA on February 22, 2024. Hope to see you there!

Check out the tour dates, Is there a show near you?

As a US Family Guide blogger, I will receive complimentary tickets to attend. No other compensation has been or will be received.

Ritter Sport Chocolate Tasting Party #Tryazon

I’ve been a fan of Ritter Sport Chocolate for several years now. The creaminess of the milk chocolate, the unique flavors like marzipan, cornflake, and honey sea salt for example. The quality of the dark chocolate. Man it makes me crave it just typing this out. If you’re not familiar with Ritter Sport chocolates you’re missing out. You can check out all their products on the Ritter Sport website

I had the opportunity to host a Ritter Sport chocolate party thanks to Tryazon. We decided to do it as a laid back chocolate tasting party. We told everyone that could make it just to show up in comfy clothes. We offered coffee, milk, and water to have with the chocolate tastings.

If you’re not familiar with Tryazon you can check out this video here:

Tough I’ve personally had Ritter Sport chocolate a number of times, some of my guests were tasting for the first time. I had never tried the honey sea salt flavor so I was excited about that one.

All in all the party was a success. Most guests had picked a favorite by the end of the tasting. There were comments about the uniqueness of the Marzipan flavor. We talked about how these would be great to stuff in a stocking for the holidays too.

Another thing we liked about Ritter Sport chocolate is their effort to create their chocolate sustainably. You can read more about Ritter Sport sustainability efforts here.

**We received the party pack at no cost from Tryazon to help spread the word about Ritter Sport Chocolate**