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Free Educational Apps For Children

May 21, 2015 5 Comments

5 Tips For New Moms

May 4, 2015 16 Comments

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Mustela through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Mustela, all opinions are my own.

With Mother’s Day coming very soon I wanted to take a minute to speak to all the moms out there. Specifically I wanted to talk to the new moms or soon-to-be moms. Having a baby and stepping into the world of motherhood is so stressful and I am sharing 5 tips for new moms that will hopefully help make it a little easier.

{one} Don’t put too much stress on yourself. Being a mom is a BIG job but stressing out about all the little things that are out of your control is not productive. Tackle one thing at a time and don’t overwhelm yourself.

{two} Pamper yourself. Definitely take some time for yourself every day or you will lose your mind. Whether you are a brand new mom or still pregnant doing little things for yourself is so important. For instance, even taking 5 minutes out of your day to put on your stretch mark oil. When I was pregnant with Raegan, and even after I had her, I would rub the Mustela Stretch Marks Care Oil. You can actually purchase Mustela products at Diapers.com!

{three} Have systems. If you don’t have a set routine or systems for certain tedious parts of your day then they can get the best of you.

{four} Use multi-tasking products. Cutting down on the amount of products you are using can save you so much time. The Mustela 2 in 1 Hair and Body Wash is a life saver. I wrote a post about a year ago taking you through the Mustela products I use on her and that one is a favorite for sure.

{five} Use SPF! I know it sounds funny, but baby skin is precious skin. They are so much more sensitive to the damaging rays of the sun because their skin is so new so protect it any time you go outdoors. I really like the Mustela Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen Stick because it is so small and easily thrown into a diaper bag or purse.

Overall, just take it easy. You and your baby will benefit from a cool, calm and collected you.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Mustela wants to hear from real moms like you! Head on over to their Facebook page to enter into their Mustela Moms Know Best contest to win a bundle of products (over a $100 value!). There are two winners every day, so be sure to enter into the contest daily with your tips, tricks and advice!

Also there is a Diapers.com Mother’s Day sale: Buy 2, Save 25% off Mustela maternity products through 5/10/15! Promo code: BUY2MOM

So tell me in the comments below: What are some tips or tricks that you do to stay efficient or just to relax?

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

Summer Brights | FabKids

May 1, 2015 7 Comments

THE SUN CAME OUT AGAIN! Summer is just around the corner here in WA which means that the weather will finally GET OUT OF THE 50S! WOO! Anyway! I am on the edge of my seat waiting to bring out the summer brights. Neons and all kinds of eye popping shades are ready to be worn. FabKids has a ton of great options for bright outfits. For this outfit I put together the Striped Skater Dress and a comfy legging.

For accessories I chose a yellow bow and Raegan chose her shopping bag that folds into a purse! LOL She is so girly. I swear I didn’t teach her to love bags. It is deeply embedded into her DNA.

I tried taking her bag away to snap a few pictures but she started throwing a fit so I handed her little handbag back to her and she LITERALLY DANCED FOR JOY! Adorable.

The dress is so cute and it is really high quality. The fabric is made of 95% Cotton and 5% Spandex and it has a really good weight to it. There is a button close detail at the back of the neck leaving a cute little keyhole.

And can we talk about the shoes for a minute? These are the Neon Cutout Sandal, also from FabKids. They were so bright and fun that I couldn’t resist pairing them with the outfit.

The metallic cutout over the front section is such a pretty detail. To me, metallic has become the new neutral and allows you to wear these sandals with just about any color combination!

Definitely check out FabKids for cute kids outfits. They are a subscription service that offers you a complete outfit for $29.95 a month. Most outfits include 2 pieces — so you can get a fabulous dress, paired with leggings OR a top and a bottom, etc. They make girls and boys clothing with a wide range of sizes. My daughter is wearing 2-3T but this company can even fit my 9 year old! YES!!

So tell me in the comments below: What are you doing to pep up your summer outfits?

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

5 Tips To Conquer Bed Wetting

April 25, 2015 10 Comments

Thank you UnderJams for sponsoring today’s conversation. All tips are my own!

Bed wetting is one of the most frustrating things that parents and children go through. I believe that everyone has done it at least once during their childhood. I actually went through it on a reoccurring basis with my son. It was like a never-ending series of waking up in the middle of the night and washing sheets and giving a bath. MISERY for everyone involved. Thankfully I learned 5 tips to conquer bed wetting and I am ready to share them with YOU!

{one} Restrict liquids before bed. The first thing I learned in this whole process was to DEFINITELY cut out drinks and food close to bed time. If they go to bed with full bladders they are more likely to wet the bed.

{two} Boost Self Esteem. A parent’s first reaction to bed wetting is being annoyed. It is natural, but I URGE you to not let your kid see it. They are already embarrassed that they wet the bed so don’t make them feel worse.

{three} Teach. Read a book about bed wetting with your child. Help them learn good routines in a fun way. You can also download these awesome coloring pages.

{four} Use Pampers UnderJams. UnderJams are comfortable and have a low waist so they don’t poke out from the clothes. This gives them confidence and

{five} Be informed. Knowing some simple facts about enuresis will help you know what you are dealing with. It will also empower you because you will learn that you are not alone.

UnderJams are easy to find at your local Walmart, If you go to PampersUnderJams.com you can watch videos and read articles with helpful insights from Moms who are leading pediatricians – who have dealt with their own children suffering from bedwetting!

Tell me in the comments below: what tips do you have to conquer bed wetting?

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

Tree Top | Raising Good Apples

April 13, 2015 16 Comments

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Tree Top, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #TreeTopInc #raisinggoodapples http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

I have been having the best time lately with my kids. Since moving from FL, where the humidity and heat LITERALLY takes your breath away, to WA, where it is slightly colder and windy, I have had the best time getting out doors and showing my kids the way I grew up. I was raised in on a dirt road surrounded by the woods and cliffs. I look back and remember not having much compared to what my kids have now but I don’t think that is a bad thing.

As a kid, I LOVED running around in the woods and building forts and climbing cliffs. I feel like that actually gave me an advantage in some ways. I knew what it was like to get out of the house and be active for the fun of it and I really connect with nature. So while I have been getting my kids outdoors I have also been stashing away some delicious snacks I know they will love which are the Tree Top apple sauce pouches.

My husband finally joined us here in the gorgeous state of Washington a week ago and I couldn’t wait to take him to all of my favorite spots on the island we just moved to. I actually wrote about Deception Pass a few weeks ago and just couldn’t wait to get back there. Such a gorgeous spot and if you are ever in the Pacific Northwest it is honestly a place I would recommend visiting. The island is sort of special to me already. It is the only place I know that combines farm land, mountains and the sea. It is something that is more than magical, it is home.

My husband is in the Navy and we are going to be stationed here for 3 years, but I can already tell that this is a place that I think we would be happy to live for the rest of our lives. The island really reminds us both of how we grew up, which is less hustle and bustle and more just enjoying the world around us.

I guess what I am really trying to say is kids are never too young to appreciate what this Earth has to offer. That is the main reason I pack Tree Top Apple Sauce Pouches that I bought at the local commissary on base as the snack for when we go on our outdoor adventures. I have seen them everywhere here, like Walmart and Haggan grocery stores. They tastes great, are conveniently packaged, and they are doing good things in the community.

Tree Top Apple Sauce Pouches are made with wholesome, simple ingredients and help increase fruit in your family’s diet. Tree Top has a long-standing passion for growing, producing and innovating world-class fruit products. Tree Top Apple Sauce Pouches taste great and are made with 100% USA grown apples and local ingredients.

In effort to bring awareness to “Raising Good Apples”, Tree Top is partnering with the National Gardening Association’s KidsGardening.org to help educate kids on gardening. For every box of Tree Top Apple Sauce Pouches purchased through 5/31 Tree Top will donate $1 to help KidsGardening.org to help build and grow youth gardens.

Tree Top is giving away one “Kid’s Gardening Kit” to one of my readers.

The giveaway kit will consist of: “My Gardening Journal”, Red Tubrug pail, Kids gardening gloves, Watering can, Soft touch hand tool set, Favorite Five Sprouting seeds, and Tree Top Apple Sauce Pouches!
The giveaway will be live from Monday, April 13 through Monday, April 20th.

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment here telling me what you do to make sure you are Raising Good Apples. Going outside more, bringing plants indoors, or even just teaching kids the goodness of growing things.

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

Spring FabKids Jumpsuit

March 28, 2015 10 Comments

Press Sample. Affiliate Links.

Spring is officially here, but in WA the temperatures have remained in the high 40s/low 50s. When the sun is out and shining the weather feels wonderful so I have started dressing my kids a little lighter. This ADORABLE tribal jumpsuit from FabKids is probably my favorite piece in my daughter’s collection.

The material is so soft on her skin and when I am toting her around when she wears it I am secretly wishing I had one myself! haha

So the funny thing about the weather here is that the sun is out one minute and all is right in the world and then you can blink your eyes and #alltheovercast skies set in and the temperature drops about 10 degrees. This usually happens in the afternoon when we take our walk to the beach. I have been grabbing a quick sweater to throw on Rae and we are all set.

When we were at the beach on this particular afternoon a fleet of dogs joined us and Raegan was so excited. Puppies are her favorite. If you look closely at the photo below you can see one of our friends! You can also see that my sweet baby lost her shoe and then refused to put her foot down on the wet sand. That’s my girl.

I am loving it here in WA so far and I look forward to the Spring and Summer season! If you are interested in this jumper that Rae is wearing in this post, it is from FabKids! They are a subscription service that offers you a complete outfit for $29.95 a month. This is a jumpsuit, but most outfits includes 2 pieces — so you can get a fabulous dress, paired with leggings OR a top and a bottom, etc. They make girls and boys clothing with a wide range of sizes. My daughter is wearing 2-3T but this company can even fit my 9 year old!

Tell me in the comments below: What is your favorite style for the spring?

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

SoCozy | Salon Hair Care for Kids

March 25, 2015 18 Comments

This post is sponsored by SoCozy at Target through BeautyStat.com , but all opinions are my own!

Like many of you, I run into issues with my daughter’s hair routine all the time. She has a head full of that baby fine hair that decides that it likes to snarl and tangle and cause #alltheproblems. I try to avoid as many unnecessary tears as possible and I find that a good place to start is with salon quality hair products like the SoCozy line.

Like I mentioned above, SoCozy is a salon quality hair care line for kids that is now available at Target! I love the convenience of being able to pick up great quality personal care products while running regular errands. Also, I am very impressed with the ingredients but even more so with what this line DOESN’T contain like parabens, phthalates, synthetic color, sulfates, propylene glycol AND its gluten, wheat, and nut-free! Kind of amazing, right?

So let me tell you a little bit about all of the things that are currently in Rae’s routine!

The SoCozy Cinch 2 in 1 Shampoo + Body Wash in the guav-o-rama scent is really awesome. I love that I can use the same product for washing her hair as well as getting her entire body squeaky clean! The key ingredients in this product are as follows:

– Keratin – Protects hair, helps to increase hair strength and minimize damage caused by brushing and overuse of hair accessories.

– Silk Proteins – Adds shine, manageability and body.

– Hops Extract – Anti-bacterial effects on scalp soothes.

– Aloe Leaf Extract – Moisturizes and soothes hair, scalp and body.

– Kiwi Fruit Extract – Conditions, nourishes and protects hair. Leaves hair soft and silky.

– Arnica Flower – Helps stimulate and circulate hair growth and nourishes scalp.

That list is just amazing. AND it smells amazing.

The SoCozy Cinch Super Hydrating Conditioner in the scent berry-whip is another amazing product. I apply it to the bottom half of my daughter’s hair and it washes out and leaves hair that is smooth as silk. The key ingredients in this are Jojoba Oil which is similar to the natural oil produced in the scalp, nourishes hair and promotes growth. Adds softness and shine, improves elasticity of hair. There is also a fruit acid complex (Lemon, Orange and Pure Sugar Cane) that promotes healthy scalp. This does NOT weigh her hair down. It is so bouncy after using this and I love that.

The most important step in the routine is the SoCozy Cinch Detangler + Leave-In Conditioner in the scent fruity-tutti. I spritz it in when I am combing her hair out and she LOVES the sound it makes (check out the video below for the noise LOL) and I love how easy it is to smooth out her hair. The key ingredients in this are:

– Keratin – Protects hair, helps to increase hair strength and minimize damage caused by brushing and overuse of hair accessories.

– Soy Protein – Promotes hair growth and makes hair soft, smooth and shiny.

– Kiwi Fruit Extract – Conditions, nourishes and protects hair. Leaves hair soft and silky.

– Fruit Acid Complex (Lemon, Orange and Pure Sugar Cane) – Promotes healthy scalp.

These three products has made bath time one her her favorite times of the day. She doesn’t dread getting her hair combed out afterwards and in general is at peace with the entire routine. I mean, look at that face!

Watch the video if you want to see myself and Raegan in action!

Click the link to find out what products are available at Target.com, get more details on the products at SoCozy.com, and sign up for SoCozy Stylers!

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

Reebok ZigTech Big N’ Fast EX

March 5, 2015 7 Comments

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Reebok and Finish Line. I received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

My son is the hardest on shoes out of the entire family. He is so active due to football practice, recess and roughhousing outdoors in general. He also goes through growth spurts left and right. It is kind of amazing that he is almost as tall as me already and he isn’t even 10 yet. It really is so important to have a pair of shoes that fits your child’s lifestyle as well as ones that offer support and wont wear out quickly! My son wants them to look good, too. The Reebok ZigTech Big N’ Fast EX fits all of those categories.

My son’s favorite college football team happens to to share the colors of these shoes, so when I was shopping on FinishLine.com these were the ones he was adamant about getting. They are my personal favorite too because of the innovative lightweight foam that look like they would be seriously comfortable and absorb a lot of the impact of his feet hitting the pavement. The checkout process was super fast and easy and he LITERALLY asked me about his shoes every few hours until the box arrived in the mail. I have NEVER seen him so excited about a pair of shoes.

The second they came in the mail they were on his feet. I think the look of them is what really appeals to my son but as most moms would agree, the fit is really the important thing.

He jumped up and ran right out the door as soon as his shoes were on. He was practicing kicking the football and running around like a regular kid.

I feel like both of my kids take after me at least a little bit because I get excited about new shoes, too! LOL And since my foot is the same size as my son’s I am KINDA thinking about getting the brighter, girlier pair for myself. HAHA

So tell me: What gets you and your children most excited about new shoes? Is it the look of them, comfort, or durability?

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

Living The Suite Life

March 4, 2015 12 Comments

Press Sample. Affiliate Links.

I am sure you have heard me rambling on about moving across the country for the last month or 5. Well, the time has come. We have moved out of our home and are now living in hotels. Life has definitely been turned upside down but it is what it is! haha

I must say, the kids have been LOVING living in a hotel. I think it is the adventure of doing something different. Sleeping in different beds, IN MY BED. I must say that having breakfast ready and cooked right downstairs isn’t half bad either.

There is a pool at the hotel we are currently staying but the weather is just too cold, even in Florida. What would be really nice is if they had a hot tub. I would TOTALLY ditch the family for the evening to soak in the hot tub. This entire moving-across-the-country ordeal has been a little bit too much for me. We have moved to different states a few times (military life) but never have I left the east coast/south. And I am flying with the kids across the country by myself for weeks before my husband meets us. He is driving the cars up; driving his and pulling mine.

So much crazy. I try to keep things as normal as possible though. I have been getting Raegan dressed up in her normal cuteness, going to local shops and window shopping, letting her watch Minnie’s Bowtique! LOL You know, the normal stuff. Living the suite life has definitely been interesting.

This outfit is from FabKids! In case you aren’t familiar, they are asubscription service that offers you a complete outfit for $29.95 a month. Every outfit includes 2 pieces — so you can get a fabulous dress, paired with leggings OR a top and a bottom, etc. They make girls and boys clothing with a wide range of sizes. My daughter is wearing 2-3T but this company can even fit my 9 year old! I call that a win!

So tell me in the comments below: When you are traveling and living in hotels (err… the suite life), what do you do for fun?

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

Raspberry Banana Split Smoothie

February 11, 2015 25 Comments

This #MullerMoment shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

I have a sweet tooth that is borderline out of control. I am always trying to find ways to cut corners and trim down on the not-so-good-for-you stuff and ice cream happens to be on that list and in turn, milkshakes. I was so excited to find out that Müller® now makes Ice Cream Inspired Yogurt which is totally a better-for-you option!! There are a few flavors to choose from but I was inspired by Raspberry Chocolate Chip to make a Raspberry Banana Split Smoothie!

The flavors in the new Ice Cream Inspired line are Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Mint Chocolate Chip and Vanilla Bean. Each one is pretty darn amazing. In the Vanilla Bean flavor you can see the little specs of vanilla beans throughout and in the Mint Chocolate Chip and Raspberry Chocolate Chip you can see small pieces of shaved chocolate suspended throughout. No mixing necessary! YUM!

I actually really enjoy eating them right out of the cup and love how pretty they are. They are perfect for eating on the go snacking or adding them into your breakfast routine.

So let’s get right into the recipe!

Raspberry Banana Split Smoothie

Prep time

1 min

Cook time

1 min

Total time

2 mins

This is a quick and easy smoothie alternative to an ice cream milk shake.

Author: Laura Gallaway

Recipe type: Smoothie

Cuisine: Dessert or Snack

Serves: 1

Ingredients

1 banana
1 handful of raspberries
1 cup of Muller Raspberry Chocolate Chip yogurt
Whip Cream

Instructions

In a blender combine the yogurt and the fruit and blend until combined.
Add whipped cream and garnish with a raspberry and serve.

I really love this smoothie and so does my daughter and I have no guilt in giving it to her. The banana really added the thickness I was looking for and the chocolate and raspberry flavor is already in the yogurt. I liked the punch of tart that the fresh raspberries added, too!

I bought all of these ingredients at my local Walmart when I saw the in-store demo for the new Müller® Ice Cream Inspired Yogurt. I found out that their yogurts are on rollback for $.88. Follow them on Facebook to see new and fun things from them.

Love Muller? Visit www.Mullerquaker.com to sign up on for their mailing list and receive the latest news and offers. As a thank you, you’ll also get a coupon to use toward your next purchase!

So tell me in the comments: What sort of ice cream treats would you makeover using the Müller® Ice Cream Inspired Yogurts?

My Newest Addiction at times reviews products provided by PR companies. This is disclosed at the top of those posts. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

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