Personally, I consider shopping a dedicated skill that takes a great deal of patience, a keen eye and a wonderful sense of style.  Of course, if you take shopping and bargain hunting as seriously as I do, then perhaps it could be equated to a sport, just like hunting or fishing.  In order to bag the best game out there, you have to know which hunting grounds to frequent.

This is where stores such as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls come in.  They offer first quality, name brand merchandise for a fraction of the prices charged at high-end department stores.  How are they able to offer you the exact same name brand merchandise for less?  Their buyers are on the hunt over 40 weeks a year for the hottest items of the season. So when a designer overproduces and department stores overbuy, they swoop in, negotiate the lowest possible price, and pass the savings on.

Also, because T.J. Maxx and Marshalls are constantly purchasing great merchandise, unlike department stores who buy seasonally, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores have thousands of fresh items delivered every week.  So, the best shopping strategy is to pop in often.  Recently, I popped in to the nearest Marshalls to see what big deals I could nab.  Keep reading to find out what I bagged on my latest hunting trip!

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Like many other Americans, my quest for improved physical fitness will begin with an all new vigor on January 1st.  Of course, I'd like to improve my overall health and well-being by becoming more physically fit, but more than anything else, I want to look better in my clothes and shed those holiday pounds I've managed to put on.

For me, my midsection is my number one enemy and one that I plan to attack full force in 2011.  I have to admit though, that I absolutely HATE doing crunches because of the strain that is put on my lower back and neck.  Is there any other way to get sculpted abs?  Apparently, YES!  Jackie Warner has created an all new workout video entitled, "Personal Training with Jackie: Crunch-Free Xtreme Abs", which I had the opportunity to review.  Keep reading to find out more!

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Colossal Christmas Countdown: 23 Days Until Christmas!

Even though Riley is only a toddler, I can already tell that I've got a little daredevil on my hands!  She is constantly on the move and loves to run, jump, climb and play as hard as she can.  A child as active as this needs clothing that can try and keep up with her.  Zio Sport is a company that makes performance wear designed to handle whatever your child dishes out and do it all with the utmost of style.  I had the opportunity to review a complete Zio Sport athletic outfit with Riley.  Keep reading to learn more about it!

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If there's one thing that concerns me as a parent, it's the physical health and well-being of my child.  I am always appalled to hear the latest stats and figures concerning the rapidly declining health of the children in our country.  Poor diet and lack of physical exercise have resulted in several generations of children whose outlook is not as bright as it should be.

For this reason, I was very excited to discover a company whose aim is to educate our children in a fun and informative way about how to make smart and healthy choices regarding their bodies.  The OrganWise Guys sent me a comprehensive Back to School Kit to review.  Keep reading to find out more and how it could be just the ticket to a healthier kid!

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With all of the high-tech toys and computer games for children these days, sometimes it's difficult to get them up and moving around outside.  I believe it's incredibly essential for children to remain physically fit and active, so I love it when a toy comes along that is just so much fun, they don't even realize how much energy they're exerting while playing with it!

The PlasmaCar from PlaSmart Inc., offers kids an option to move and groove while riding along and it requires no batteries whatsoever.  This toy is 100% kid powered!  How does it work and was it easy to do?  Keep reading to find out!

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Colossal Christmas Countdown: 47 Days Until Christmas!

I first discovered the Lug brand of bags when I won a sweepstakes from a popular magazine.  My prize was a large gray carry-on bag from Lug that I absolutely fell in love with!  My husband and I still fight over this bag anytime we travel, for it is so roomy and well-designed.  Recently, I was contacted by Lug and asked to review the Puddle Jumper Overnight/Gym Bag, geared for moms on the go and also featured on the Oprah show.  Of course, I jumped at the chance!  Would my second encounter with Lug bags be as good as my first?  Keep reading to find out!

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