Finally, I have something in common with politicians (well, some).  The fact that they are taking a strong stance on the importance of breastfeeding.  Just recently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that they would reverse a ruling that didn’t qualify breast pumps and other lactation supplies as a medical care expense.

For someone like myself who has a flexible spending account (FSA), I would not be able to claim or get reimbursed for a breast pump, under the old tax ruling.  After the recent announcement by the IRS, however, breastfeeding mothers can now claim it.  This is a huge victory.

After lawmakers, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Representatives Sander Levin (D-MI) and Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), wrote the IRS commissioner to reverse the ruling and allow breastfeeding equipment to be tax deductible, they came out with a big win (especially after the IRS denying the American Academy of Pediatrics’ request, at the end of last year). 

Read the entire post at Savings.com.

If you are in Los Angeles or in town for the NBA All-Star game, check out the Jam Session at the Los Angeles Convention Center. 

One thing I have to warn you about is traffic.  And don’t get ripped off and park in those independent lots that are charging anywhere from $20-$35.  The lowest I saw was for $5 all day parking which would be a long walk in the rain, on the corner of Pico and Olive (they were advertising in small signs on Figueroa that it was a short 4 blocks, do not believe that).  I parked inside the Convention Center for $12 and did not have to get rained on.

At first entrance, I saw different basketball courts, a beer station, and a bunch of adults and thought my kids would be bored out of their minds.  However, the more we walked into the venue, we started to see more kid friendly activities.  

Some of the more kid friendly areas were Cartoon Network that provided cartoons on screen and had a tattoo area, the Pepperidge Farm playing area, and a general playing area for all kids that were under a certain height limit (this was the perfect place for my kids).

My children who are 4 and 1 wanted to go into the general playing area.  My 4 year old had a blast jumping in the jumper, bouncing on some balls that looked like larger basketballs, and playing with her sister, in what I call the “infant to toddler area.” 

Some of the bigger hot spots at the event were the T-Mobile court (get there early as it was chaos and I could not see a thing. Plus, today and tomorrow DeMar DeRozan and Al Horford are scheduled to appear), the Adidas court where all the big basketball action was happening, and Taco Bell who were handing out free tacos at different times throughout the day.

There was also a lot of retail activity going on with people buying jerseys, basketballs, and a whole lot of NBA licensed products.  Plus, if I was hearing this correctly from T-Mobile’s speakers, they were offering 50% off their phones during the event.  This was not great news to me because I just bought the MyTouch 4G one month ago, for full retail price.  But it’s great news for those that are in the market.

The NBA All-Star Jam Session was the perfect event for the whole family to enjoy during the All-Star weekend.  Take advantage of the fun until Monday February 21st.  Next year, it’s going to be in Orlando.

Thank you T-Mobile for inviting me!

After welcoming a new baby, one of the biggest costs that goes towards that baby is the purchase of diapers.  Depending on the brand, the size, and features, the prices can increase dramatically.

According to TheLaborOfLove.com, on average most families spend between $80-$130 on diapers. For most working class families across America, this is a lot of money. 

So how do you save money on an item that you definitely need but sometimes can’t afford?

From my own experience, buying online is the way to go.  We now live in an age where everything could be bought over the web and if you plan ahead, you can save a lot of money.

Amazon.com and Diapers.com both offer diapers for significantly lower prices.  If you join their membership programs Amazon Mom (combined with Subscribe & Save) or Share the Savings Program, you also get an additional 30% savings on top of their already reduced prices.  Both memberships are free.

While both stores save you money, one actually save you more money.  I took three popular diaper brands and did a side by side comparison of price, discount, and shipping.  In the end, I came up with a winner.  Who will it be? 

Look at my side by side comparison.

Go to Savings.com to read the entire post.

From now until February 13th, go to Orbit Baby’s facebook page to enter to win an Orbit Baby product of your choice below:

• Stroller G2: $750 Value!
• Stroller Travel System G2: $900 Value!
• Bassinet Cradle G2: $280 Value!
• Sidekick Stroller Board for Stroller G2: $120 Value!

Plus, second prize winner receives a $100 credit voucher to use on shoporbitbaby.com towards the purchase of any Orbit Baby product.

My choice would be the Stroller G2!  For any momma whose been wanting an Orbit Baby G2, make sure you enter to win.  I definitely will!