Summer Safety Must-Haves for Children!

April 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Getting ready for summer travel? You’ll want to know about these items to help keep the kids healthy and ouch-free.

BugBand Be Prepared Kit
www.bugband.net

BugBand Insect Repellent Wristbands and BugBand Towelettes have been combined in a unique insect repellent kit, perfect for your child heading off to summer camp or enjoying outdoor activities! Licensed by the Boy Scouts of America through their prestigious “Be Prepared” Brand, BugBand has combined the long-lasting power of their Insect Repelling Wristbands with the potent heavy-duty protection of BugBand Towelettes in one kit. Perfect for weekend outings or summer camp, this DEET-Free Insect Repellent Kit has it all. http://www.bugband.net/guide_scouting.html

CUROXEN
www.curoxen.com

Cuts, scrapes and boo boos… with little ones, these are inevitable! Be prepared at all times by tucking CUROXEN into your first aid kit at home, or into your purse, diaper bag, or backpack while on-the-go! CUROXEN is a safe, organic, & natural wound cleaning product for your child’s cuts and scrapes that effectively kills bacteria. Providing a safer alternative to petrochemical and drug-based wound care that actually works, CUROXEN is made with just three ingredients you’ll recognize from nature, which include Olive Oil, Calendula, and Lavender Essential Oil. CUROXEN does NOT contain synthetic drugs, including antibiotics, petroleum-derived products, artificial chemicals, or silver.

For those who are careful about what we put into and onto our — and our children’s — bodies, CUROXEN’s ultrapure, ultrasafe formulation is a relief. All-natural and safe for adults, children and even pets, CUROXEN kills more than five times the amount of bacteria as its competitors. To learn more about CUROXEN, please visit www.curoxen.com.

 

BuddyPhones PLAY Headphones
www.buddyphones.com

With summer on the horizon, playing is top of mind! The NEW BuddyPhones PLAY Headphones were created to encourage safe play so that little ones can play, explore and learn without parents having to worry about their hearing safety. BuddyPhones PLAY headphones have four distinct safe listening modes for different listening needs to minimize the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, including Toddler Mode, Kids Mode, Travel Mode, and StudyMode. Like all BuddyPhones, PLAY are extremely durable, made from strong, sturdy materials and designed to last. The foldable headband is made of specially calibrated polypropylene so it can be bent and pulled without snapping. They can be fully adjusted to different sizes and are tailored to fit kids comfortably with pillow-soft hypoallergenic ear cushions for maximum coziness.

Adding to the fun is an option for kids to share a single device by connecting up to four headphones with the BuddyCable sharing system. This sharing capability minimizes the need for multiple devices and encourages kids to play together. Each BuddyPhones PLAY also comes with an extensive set of illustrated colorful stickers that give kids the opportunity to decorate the headphones themselves, encouraging creativity. The optional travel kit includes a protective hard case with a water-resistant zipper and an airplane plug that makes the BuddyPhones easy to transport. Learn more at www.onanoff.com and www.buddyphones.com.

Filed Under: health, review, safety Tagged With: , ,

Travel Tips for Young Families

April 16, 2018 by Leave a Comment

It’s that time of the year again. Summer is quickly approaching, and it’s time to plan your next family vacation.

After you select your destination, you must plan the logistics of your trip. This is especially true if you are traveling with young children.

With careful planning, your trip can be exciting and stress-free. Here are a few travel tips for young families.

Pack the Essentials


It’s easy to get carried away when you are packing for a family vacation. If you’re not careful, you might pack more than you and your family need.

Take a moment to think about your destination. Make a list of essential items that your family will need to make the trip enjoyable.

For example, essential items for a beach trip include swimsuits, goggles and water shoes. Although it would be nice to pack inflatables, they might take up too much space in your luggage or your car.

Purchase Snacks Before the Trip


Whether you are traveling by car or airplane, buying snacks on the road can be expensive. For a family of 5 people, one trip to the convenience store could cost you over $25. Spending large amounts of money on snacks isn’t as cost-effective as getting title loans in Rock Hill.

Before you leave for vacation, take a trip to the grocery store. Purchase your snacks in bulk. By taking this action, you can select healthy snack options and save money in the process.

Dress Casually


When you travel with young children, you must be able to move around freely. Keep this in mind as you are packing your attire for the trip.

Be sure to pack plenty of casual clothing including tennis shoes, athletic wear, flat shoes and t-shirts. It’s okay to pack a few pieces of dress clothing for a special outing.

Pack an Activities Bag


Most children are active. They like to be occupied at all times. One way to satisfy their need to remain active is by packing an activities bag. Here are a few things that you can include in the bag.

  • Crayons
  • Coloring books
  • Reading books
  • Electronic tablet
  • Playing cards

Use Curbside Baggage Check


Walking through the airport with young children and multiple bags of luggage can be stressful. Although bringing luggage on the airplane can save money, it can be a chore to keep up with the luggage and your children. It might be worth the cost to spend the extra money to take advantage of curbside baggage check. 

Enjoy Every Moment


It seems as if time passes quickly when you have children. For this reason, you should make the effort to enjoy your vacation.

You should be mindful that some parts of the trip will be challenging no matter how carefully you plan. Try not to get upset when things don’t go as planned.

Traveling with young children doesn’t have to be stressful. These travel tips can help you enjoy every minute of your family vacation.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: , ,

When Your Kid is Having a Public Meltdown #GroceryHero #ad @Walmart

February 20, 2018 by 3 Comments

This might seem like a strange photo- but he wouldn’t stop crying until I gave him this carrot and that potato. We’ve all had those moments where our children are little beasties in public- and where we will do ANYTHING to make it stop and just get out of wherever we are in one piece.  What can we do to make shopping easier with little kids?

Impatient leg swinging from the shopping cart seat is often followed by a litany of Mom, Mommy, and MOM! Even when I respond there are times that my little one just doesn’t stop. Then there are the forceful kicks to emphasize his impatience. Maybe you avoid those dangerous little feet, maybe you wind up with a dirty shoe scuffing up your white shirt. Or maybe you share my experience… a day when those scuff marks were more than just dirt.

I confess that I don’t love all things poop related and blown out diapers and clothing. What, you know someone who does? Diaper days were not my favorite. So that day between the tantrum throwing toddler in a store I visit regularly, what I can only figure was dog poop (please?) transferred from his shoe all over my embroidered white shirt, and an otherwise too stressful week- there was a scene of epic proportions. I was almost in tears myself by the end of the shopping trip. And of course- THE LOOKS you get from other shoppers, ugh.

When I discovered Walmart’s Online Grocery Pickup I was elated. I get to stay in the car, cut my errand time by 80%, and save myself from the grocery store drama. I have always loved shopping, but that is one thing my munchkin did not inherit. Now I can browse from the comfort of my home, get everything my family needs, and just drive by and pick everything up. Someone looked at my life and found a solution for one of my biggest stressors. Now first time users can use promo code WOWFRESH for $10 off and find the bliss I have discovered with Walmart’s Online Grocery Pickup.

Once you and your child have bawled your eyes out in a shopping aisle it is hard to go back to traditional shopping and now there are other options to save me from my shopping terror.

Next time you shop? Use promo code WOWFRESH for $10 off your first Walmart Online Grocery order, and save yourself some cash and hopefully some sanity.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Walmart. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: , ,

Magnaflex – Fun Building Toys

January 10, 2018 by 2 Comments

In the landscape of building toys available there, are a few characteristics which make the greats stand out.  Originality, simple, form, function, and ease of use as well as of course use of colors.  One of the most interesting building toys available right now is the Magnaflex by Wowwee.  These building pieces are magnetic, flexible, and easily stick to one another to make anything your imagination can put together. From buildings and robots, to flowers and animals, even faces and a crown.  Make them in 2D or 3D, these shapes can make just about anything with the right amount of imagination and creativity.

Some of what we like most about Magnaflex is its ability to be used anywhere. The pieces are big enough to not get lost easily, yet small enough to keep hands busy in the car.  Also, Magnaflex are brightly colored and make for a wonderful gift.  Magnaflex uses the power of magnets to hold themselves together, so your works of art can last for as long or as short a time as you would like.  Pieces separate with ease.  These pieces can be incorporated into a metal surface like a filing cabinet or refrigerator door, adding to the places you can play with them.
Kids can build 2D or 3D creations anywhere with this innovative, educational toy that promotes creativity, visualization, and fine motor skills. Magnaflex high-quality building pieces are interchangeable and can be combined with different colors from other sets for more complex projects. Neodymium rare-earth magnets safely enclosed inside the Magnaflex strips ensure a strong magnetic connection. And when playtime is done, Magnaflex strips can be stacked together for easy storage and transport.  Magnaflex ae available now at fine retailers everywhere including Amazon, where you can get a starter animal set for $19.99 which includes 14 pieces.

Filed Under: toys Tagged With: ,

The Other F Word Series is Back With Season 2!

October 23, 2017 by Leave a Comment

The Other F Word

Last year I shared with you about The Other F Word, an edgy comedy about a group of friends who find that the angst of raising kids may be nothing compared to the angst of starting over after they are grown.  The show, written and producer by Caytha Jentis, was met with so many rave reviews I’m thrilled they’ve just released Season 2! My only possible complaint is that it ended too soon but I loved being about to binge watch for free through Amazon streaming.

The Other F Word proves that we don’t have to be afraid of getting older – there’s nothing scary about “forty.” And these four friends certainly bring a fun, comedic perspective to the issues surrounding midlife for women. You’ll love the cast including Judy Gold, Steve Guttenberg, Gilbert Gottfried, Michael Boatman, Alysia Reiner and Nancy Giles. Plus, former Comedy Central EVP and comedian Judy Gold joins Jentis as an Executive Producer. The chemistry between these characters is brilliantly portrayed and highlights the importance of friendship at every age. With such an amazing group there’s no doubt Jentis has another hit season on her hands.

The Other F Word

Jentis will say it’s not a success that she achieved on her own, however, as she enlisting the help of some wonderful writers and contributors. While Caytha Jentis wrote the show, she had help from other moms behind the scenes and women entrepreneurs. One of the scenes was co-written by Emmy award-winning tv writer Judy Rothman Rofe who authored Neurotic Parent, while the musical within the series is written by the award-winning playwriting team Pam Weiler Grayson and Alice Jankell.

She also gave back to woman-owned businesses and when you watch The Other F Word, you’ll see many of these products featured: 10th Studio, peach, Adam & Eve Unbound Box, SheSpark, Pink Truck and much more. I love that! Head over to Amazon Prime Streaming and check out the show today. Together we will prove to Hollywood that midlife women matter and we are a demographic tired of ageism and sexism.

The Other F Word

As one Amazon reviewer wrote: “Humorous, realistic, and completely well cast series. Actors had great chemistry and it’s about time someone talked about the post mid-life crisis in a marriage dynamic and how life changes but get’s better!” And I agree – it’s about time! Click here to binge-watch (I mean check out) The Other F Word today absolutely free.

http://www.theotherfwordseries.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theotherfwordseries/

https://twitter.com/tofwseries

 

**Disclaimer – I was compensated for watching this series and giving my honest review. All opinions are my own and do not reflect compensation.

Filed Under: entertainment Tagged With: , , , ,

Sick Just Got Real #SummerTravel #SickJustGotReal #sponsored

August 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment

This post has been sponsored by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. All thoughts and reviews are my own. It happens . . . it might even be inevitable: when you’re in strange environments traveling with the kids, they come down with a cold or the flu. With all the time, money and energy you’ve poured into planning your family vacation, it seems such a shame to have everything be ruined for everyone. And, of course, nobody wants to see their little ones in pain and under the weather. And so, you’re faced with the fact that Sick just got real.™

The smart thing to do is to plan ahead of time. After all, whether you’re on the highway, camping or in a secluded area devoid of pharmacies, you still want to be able to come to your child’s rescue! Be prepared for a number of contingencies, a variety of potential illnesses.

Depending on how old you are, you may remember squirming and hollering when it came time “to take your medicine”. It tasted awful! It added to the painful experience. Now, there’s Children’s Advil®*, a great solution for kids as young as 2 and up to 11. Children’s Advil® comes in several kid-friendly flavors, including: Sugar-free Dye-free Berry, Bubble Gum, Grape, Blue Raspberry, Fruit and Dye-Free White Grape flavors. There’s also Infants’ Advil® White Grape, which provides unsurpassed fever relief (among OTC pain relievers) with a syringe for easy dosing for children 6-23 months. These are the kind of mild, sweet flavors that will make your job easier.

Almost nothing is as sad to listen to – or as wearing for you – as hearing your child with a heavy cough that keeps everyone up all night. And, since you’re in charge of either driving or getting everyone to the train or plane, it’s crucial to nip that hacking in the bud. For your child’s cough, you’ll be glad you packed Children’s Robitussin® Extended-Release 12 Hour Cough Relief to control and relieve symptoms all-day or all- night. Available in grape or orange flavor, for children ages 4 and up. Please note, certain Children’s Robitussin® products are only suitable for children ages 6 and up.

With careful preparation, your family vacation will be carefree.

Filed Under: health Tagged With: , ,

Back-To-School Ready With Understood.Org

August 17, 2017 by Leave a Comment

The back to school season can be a trying time for both parents and children. You have to get your child re-accustomed to waking up at a certain time, picking out their clothes the night before and then there is the dreaded new school year paperwork that seems to never end. But the beginning of a new school year can be an even more challenging time for families with children who struggle with reading and writing, math, focus, and organization.

Understood

One in five children in the U.S. have learning and attention issues, like ADHD and dyslexia. Children with these types of challenges can feel especially stressed during the back-to-school season as they face new subjects, teachers, and schools. Together the Ad Council and Understood.org have partnered together to promote ways children and their families can be First-Day Ready. Understood.org is offering a free First-Day Ready Guide to help parents with students at every age successfully navigate back-to-school transitions and manage challenges with academic, organization and social skills. Below you will find some tips from the guide.

Every child has a different story – some may love school, some may dread the thought of going back, and for some, it may scare them enough to cause real issues for them. Starting school can be an exciting, confusing and even scary time for kids with learning and attention issues, and for their parents. New teachers and classmates, new schedules and demands—these changes can be a lot to prepare for and absorb.

Plan early – A few weeks in advance, make checklists and calendars, and start settling into the school year routine with earlier bedtimes and wake-ups. If your child is starting a new school, schedule a walk-through to learn the lay of the land and help your child feel more comfortable finding their way around

Connect with teachers ASAP – If possible, reach out before school begins to discuss your child’s needs or learning style. You can fill in this card in advance to help guide that conversation If you can’t meet with the teacher in person, send your child to school with an introduction letter that can help your student speak up about his challenges.

Get support – Many parents and students are going through the same experience. Ask around at your school to make connections and build your support network. You can also follow Understood’s Facebook page to connect with parents across the country to share information and learn from each other.

So, no matter your child’s age or needs, make this Back-to-School season a seamless transition and positive experience!  If you could use some help getting started on the right foot this school year, Understood.org is a great place to start. 

All kids learn in different ways and at different paces. With the right support, all kids can thrive in school and in life.

 

Filed Under: education Tagged With: , ,

How to achieve bickering-free and safe travel with your kids

June 23, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Traveling with kids is seldom easy. Whether you’re going to a family-friendly destination or a far-flung holiday spree, you need to plan in advance how you’re going to keep the kids entertained and safe while traveling.

From quick fun-inducing tips to the crucial cheap travel insurance has to offer, this article has you covered.

First aid supplies. Nothing can spoil a family travel faster than someone getting hurt or sick. Therefore, before leaving home, ensure that you are up-to-date with your first aid kit in your travel pack. This should include pain reliever, band-aids, an assortment of bandages, first aid cream, an instant cold compress, and bring sunscreen and insect repellent as well.

Prepare them for the different climate. Whether you are going somewhere hot and sunny, or cold and snowy, you need to make sure they keep their sunscreen on or their cold climate gear clad. Instruct them the basics, such as drinking adequate water in hot countries and applying their sunscreen to avoid any sunburn.

Get a travel insurance ahead of time. If you’re looking for cover appropriate for children under 16, you have plenty of options available online for quotation. Travel insurance Singapore for instance, will give you choices depending on how your child or children will be traveling.

If your children are traveling with you, the appropriate type of cover can usually be found via a family policy, but, if your children will be traveling with their friends, you might need to purchase a separate cover for them.

Always bring a handy snack. This tip will save you a lot of money. As you travel abroad in the car, parks, tourist attractions, and other locations, pack snacks in plastic Ziploc bags then keep them in a small bag or cooler within you or your oldest child’s reach. This way, you won’t need to turn around to pass the goodies while you’re driving or doing something.

In-car entertainment. Your kids – especially younger ones will need something to occupy their time while traveling. If you have a video player in the car, it can be tempting to play the kids’ favorite program, but take note that watching TV for the duration of the travel can overload them in time to arrive at your destination. If you want to play shows in the car, ensure that you break up their use with other activities, like books or puzzles.

Toys and gadgets. A few days before your trip, walk around the house and get a bunch of small toys that your kids will play while in the vehicle or your destination. You don’t need to go out and purchase something new. Better yet if you have kid’s meal prizes laying around. Store the items out of sight until the trip. The kids will think they’re “new” when they see them again.

It’s also a good idea to bring the kid’s play gadgets like PlayStation Vita, Switch, or whatever they’re using. And invest in a good power bank to keep it going. Of course, moderate their use.

That’s it. These tips should significantly lessen the bickering, keep your kids safer abroad, and ultimately lead to a more exciting travel. Have fun!

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: , ,