8 Ways to Give Your Home a Fresh New Look!

This is a Guest Post from Marsha Hosein. I only share information that I find fun, informative, or helpful! Enjoy!

Home is a place where family gathers, where it feels good to sit down and relax at the end of the day. For a home to fulfill that purpose, it needs to feel warm and welcoming. That`s why it’s so important that your home decor appeals to you.

When starting a revamping project, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure how or where to start. Here are a few tips to help you get started and inspire in choosing a new home decor project.

Find Your Style
The first thing you need to do is find your style. Which look represents you most? Which environment are you most comfortable in? If you’re not sure, search for inspiration. Look online, go to home decorating shops. There`s no need to buy anything, simply take note of what draws your eye.

Declutter
Before starting any big project, declutter your house. Get rid of what you don’t use or no longer like, even if it’s furniture.

Plan
Once you’ve decluttered, go through the whole house, room by room. Determine what you don’t like about the space and what you could possibly do to improve it. Keep in mind that this is a long-term project. Take the time to shop around, look for deals, and do as much of the work as possible yourself.

Paint
Painting the walls is one of the first steps in redecorating. Covering that old cobalt blue with a soft grey can change the entire look of a room. Not sure where to begin? Visit your local hardware stores and look through their free paint catalogs. Or better yet, find a piece you truly love and decorate the room around it. Choose a color from a throw cushion, for example, and match it with a paint sample.

Change Light Fixtures
Lighting has a huge impact on the mood of a house. Is a room dark and stuffy? Add more light by installing extra fixtures or adding a table lamp or floor lamp. Are your light fixtures outdated? Switch them for something fresh and modern.

Revamp Your Fireplace
Do you have a fireplace? Is it in need of a makeover? A fireplace is the focal point of any room. There are many ways to revamp a fireplace, depending on your budget. To keep it simple and the cost low, consider painting the mantel and the bricks surrounding your fireplace. If your budget allows, consider buying a new mantel and have your fireplace refaced. Before starting any work on or around your fireplace, make sure to consult a professional to ensure that the materials used aren’t a fire hazard. Consult the We Love Fire website for useful tips and safety information.

Rethink Your Furniture
Does a couch need upholstering? Do you have old furniture that could be painted? Use your imagination to recycle old items. Or perhaps all your room needs is to be reorganized by moving the furniture around.

Buy Accessories
Use accessories like cushions, throws and vases to add splashes of color to your decor.They are normally inexpensive and can make all the difference! Regroup pictures and artwork and display them on your walls.

Now it's time to sit back and enjoy. The sky is the limit when your creativity runs wild! Take things one room at a time, step by step, and things will fall into place. Before you know it, you’ll have a house that truly feels like home.

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How to Save Money on Groceries this Winter!

This is a Guest Post from the Finance Writer for 24Cash.ca. I only share information that I find fun, informative, or helpful! Enjoy!


With winter approaching, most of us spend more on groceries. Not only do we buy larger quantities of food for hosting family gatherings, but also many foods are out of season. Fortunately, there are some ways to save on your grocery bill over the cold winter months.

Start by giving the following 4 tips a try!

Start Canning
Fruits and veggies in the grocery store are more expensive and not as fresh during the winter. A great way to avoid these high prices is by canning fresh produce before winter. All you need is a
couple of mason jars and a little know how. Why not invite a friend over who has the knack for canning? Buy boxes of tomatoes, cucumbers and bags of apples, pears and plums to make your own canned foods.

Clip Those Coupons
Many manufacturers offer coupons on a lot of different grocery items. Coupons have been around for years, but now they have gone digital. There are several websites that offer digital coupons that you can use directly in the store. You can simply “clip” them from the website and save them on your phone. Some people even find ways to get free grocery items with these digital coupons! You can also cut paper coupons from your local Sunday paper. A great way to save even more money is by joining a coupon club, where you will be able to exchange coupons with others.

Sign Up for Loyalty Cards
Most grocery stores have loyalty cards that can help save you a ton of money. These cards will often give you discounts and some even have cash-back options. Loyalty cards are free and only take a few minutes to apply for. Remember when going shopping to always bring them along with you. They will save you a lot of money over time that you can use for other things.

Opt for Potlucks
Winter often means large meals with family and friends. If you are the one hosting, a great way to save money is by asking others to bring a dish. Not only will this diminish the amount of food
you need to provide, it also reduces the stress of cooking for big crowds and diversifies the types of food and cooking styles. Have your family and friends bring side dishes and you can focus on the main course.

Remember to plan meals ahead of time and look for local specials. These suggestions along with the tips above are only a few ways that you can save money on groceries this winter. If some months get especially tough, however, small online loans are available from trusted lenders like 24Cash.ca. Borrow an amount that you are able to pay back little by little, with the goal of being debt free within the next few months.

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3 Trendy Christmas Gift Fashion Ideas for New Moms!

This is a guest post. I only share information that I find fun, informative, or important. Enjoy!

Do you have that one special woman in your life, a new mom, who has always been a fashionista? Even motherhood won’t distract her from keeping up with the latest trends, but this leaves you in a quandary over just what to get her this Christmas. Some of the things you would have given before motherhood just don’t seem appropriate at the moment, but she is fashion-conscious, nonetheless. Here are a few Christmas gift ideas for new moms who pride themselves on keeping up with the latest trends – and maybe even setting a few themselves!

1. Oversized Blouses
One of the things which most women lament is the fact that their once trim body isn’t quite as trim as they remember it before pregnancy. Also, with nighttime feedings and infant care around the clock, it is more difficult than ever before to find the time and energy it takes to get back into a regular fitness routine. What about an oversized shirt or blouse? There are some lovely designer selections available such as those in the Plan C collection. A white oversized shirt with a complementary brown collar is trendy enough to suit the most discerning fashionista yet loose enough to hide those extra curves until they are worked off again.

2. Dual-Purpose Trendy Accessories
What about that big and cumbersome diaper bag she is now toting? Don’t you think she’d like something a bit more fashionable? Have you considered the lovely (and trendy!) array of big Saint Laurent bags? Many of these bags by Saint Laurent as found on the SSENSE website can serve a dual purpose. This particular site has offerings from all the currently trending designers so this is a gift she’ll surely love! They are fashionably large so they can serve as a diaper bag but trendy enough to work as a day bag when out and about.

3. Stylish Leather Baseball Caps
When it comes to getting ready to hit the stores or spend a day at the park, what new mom really has time to do her hair as she once did. Yes, there will come a time when she can hit the salons regularly but, in the meantime, what to do with her hair? You can’t lose when giving a black brushed leather baseball cap designed by rag & bone. These are high-end leather caps so anyone who sees mom donning a trendy cap will think it’s a fashion statement for female sports enthusiasts and not a way to conceal hair which badly needs a stylist!

The one thing to always remember is that even new moms like to keep up with the latest fashions and trends in apparel. You know her likes and dislikes, so this year give her something that is perfect for a new mom while helping her retain her sense of fashion. From a trendy baseball cap to dual-purpose designer accessories, you can easily find the perfect gift for the most discerning of women. Just because she’s a mom now doesn’t mean she’s lost her taste for fashion. Give a fashion statement as usual but temper it with a flavor of motherhood. Make it a Christmas to remember.

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How To Manage Your Baby's Food Allergies

This is a Guest Post. I only share information that I find fun, informative, or helpful! Enjoy!

If you have noticed that your baby does not tolerate conventional infant formulas very well, then perhaps he or she has a food allergy. Unfortunately, since they are not able to communicate exactly what is wrong, it can be frightening for a parent to see their child feeling sick after eating standard foods. While food allergies require that you take a little extra care when providing for the nutritional needs of your child, this does not have to cause you too much grief.

Fortunately, there are several ways that you can provide for your child regardless of what their allergy may be. Explore the options outlined here are you can ensure that your child receives all the macro-nutrients, minerals and vitamins they need to reach their developmental milestones.

Let’s look at some effective ways to manage any baby food allergy your little one may be experiencing.

Consult With Your Doctor
When looking to manage your child’s food allergies, your first stop should be your family physician. In order to determine that your child’s intolerance to certain foods is actually an allergy and not simply a distaste for a particular food, you need to get an informed medical opinion.

Your doctor will verify what your child’s specific allergy is through conducting some simple tests. Then, he or she will provide you with some alternative food options you can use to plan a proper dietary protocol for your baby.

Use A Specialized Infant Formula
Once you have discovered the source of your child’s intolerance or allergy, you can head to the supermarket. Look for specialized infant formulas that are designed to meet the needs of sensitive babies.

There are several different options available to suit any dietary restrictions. For example, lactose intolerance or milk allergy is fairly common in many infants. There are alternatives to cows milk formula preparations to suit this condition.

Reduce Your Baby’s Risk Of Developing More Allergies
Your newborn’s digestive system takes some time to develop. Some care and knowledge are needed to avoid creating allergy problems that could last for years down the road. While breastfeeding, it is usually best to avoid foods that are common allergens. For a comprehensive list of these items, you can consult with your doctor or nutritionist.

Use caution when introducing solid foods or foods that contain some of the more common things that give children allergy issues. These include peanuts, eggs, fish, tree nuts, soy, and wheat. Once your baby is able to eat solid food, you can introduce these things slowly and in small amounts. If you notice that they cannot tolerate them well, pull back and stick with what has worked in the past.

Emergency Situations
If you notice that your child’s mouth, tongue, or throat is swelling up, or if they are having difficulty breathing, or have gone pale after eating a potentially problematic food item, then do not hesitate to call the emergency line and take your baby to the hospital right away. It is far better to be safe than sorry and severe allergic reactions in babies are a potentially life-threatening situation.

Continue To Learn More
Noticing that your baby has a food allergy can be frightening for a new parent. However, you have already taken the first step towards caring for your child properly by seeking more information.

Continue to learn more about your child’s condition. Just because your child has an allergy does not mean that they cannot enjoy a healthy variety of foods as they develop. In some cases, babies grow out of their allergies and can come to enjoy foods that they could not tolerate before.

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Benefits of a Child Attending a Charter School!

This is a Guest Post. I only share information that I find fun, informative, or helpful. Enjoy!

Parents now have more choice than ever before when it comes to their child’s education. Instead of having the decision made for them based purely on location or having to opt for a private school that has significant fees – other schooling options are now available. There are lots of charter schools that could be the right fit for your family. Here we discuss the main benefits.

They Tend to Have Smaller Classes
One of the biggest benefits of charter schools is that they have smaller class sizes than public schools. This means that your child could benefit from more attention with their teacher than they normally would. As the teacher is able to focus more on each individual child – it means that they can ensure that they are progressing as they should be and address any issues should they arise.

They Have More Independence
Charter schools have much more freedom in what they choose to include as part of their curriculum as well as how they run. They do need to follow the same laws and legislation as other public schools – due to their nature, they are able to plow more resources into ensuring their students reach their academic potential.

They Can Specialize in Certain Subjects
A charter school can choose to specialize in certain subjects – which is great for those of you who want to ensure there is a significant focus on a particular topic. It could be that you want your child to explore academies of math and science – in which case you would look for a charter school that offers this as a specialty. For instance, there’s AMS which is an Arizona Charter School that specialize in the two, as well as providing a well-rounded education for students. This again allows you to customize your child’s education further.

There is a Higher Level of Accountability
As there is more flexibility in charter schools, with them comes responsibility and accountability. A Tucson charter school needs to work very hard to ensure that the parents, students and members of the community are happy. If they aren’t then it would be very easy for parents to take their kids to another school that is achieving more. They also have certain goals set when it comes to achievements. It’s their responsibility to ensure they maintain that level of excellence – otherwise they run the risk of losing their charters. This isn’t something that happens with public schools.

A Good Diversity of Students
There is a common myth that charter school’s segregate students. In actual fact, they actively promote diversity. This means your child will be open to all types of cultures and are inclusive of surrounding neighborhoods – which is something that again tends not to happen with public schools.

If you are in the middle of weighing up your options while getting ready to send your child to school – consider the benefits of selecting a charter school for their education. With more choice, diversity and accountability without hefty private school fees – it could be the best prospect for your family.

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Ten Natural Remedies for Sinus Congestion And Pain

This is a Guest Post. I only share with my readers information that I find fun, informative, or important. Enjoy!

Many people have experienced sinus pressure and pain in their lives and most people also
recover from it without making use of prescribed medications. Whether your symptoms are due
to sinus infection, allergies or the common cold, there are many natural remedies that can offer
relief. If you want to do some research before you buy natural sinus relief supplements, click
here for real customer reviews.

What Are Sinuses?
The sinuses produce mucus which often drains into the nose. If there is inflammation in this
area, the sinuses can be blocked and can then cause facial pain, tooth pain, a cough, post-
nasal drip or congestion. Sinusitis can either be acute or it can be chronic, lasting for months or
even years. Acute and chronic sinusitis can be caused by cystic fibrosis, nasal problems or
allergies.

The following remedies can be tried in order to break the sinus cycle and to offer sinus pain
relief:

Flush The Nasal Passages
Even though there is a lot of debate about what sinus remedies work and what don’t, everyone
agree that saline washes and sprays work. Saline washes or sprays thins mucus and helps to
flush it out of the nasal passages. These solutions can be used daily in order to keep the
sinuses moist.

Bromelain
Bromelain is a protein that is found in pineapple stems. It is sold as a supplement and is used to
reduce swelling. It, therefore, helps to reduce any swelling in the nasal passages as well. It may
interact with other medications, so make sure to speak to your doctor before you start using it.

Steam Up
The vapor of hot water can help to moisten the sinuses. You can steam up your bathroom after
a few drops of menthol or eucalyptus has been sprinkled in the shower. A steamy, hot bath or
shower can also help loosen up debris and mucus that are stuck inside the nose.

Stay Hydrated
Your sinuses will remain moist when you’re getting enough fluids. Try to drink a lot of water
throughout the day and stay away from alcoholic or caffeinated drinks which might cause
dehydration. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day and check the color of your urine to make
sure whether you are hydrated or not. You can use these few tips to stay hydrated.

Eat Spicy Food
Try spicing up your meals by including foods such as wasabi, horseradish, curry, hot peppers
and mustard to your diet may help to clear the sinuses. Consider adding a few “hot” flavors to
your diet in order to open your nasal passages.

Curb Allergies
You can control your home environment by keeping pets out of the bedroom, using allergen-
barrier bedding, installing an air filter and getting rid of dust mites. Read more about how to
control seasonal allergies.

Make Use Of A Humidifier
Even though a humidifier can keep the air moist, you should pay special attention to keeping it
clean as dirty humidifiers can breed mold. Only make use of it during dry months and keep the
humidity level at around 35-50% for ideal conditions.

Apply Warm Compresses
Applying a warm compress will help to keep the nasal tissues moist. If you follow a warm
compress with a cold compress it might even relieve sinus pain.

Don’t Use Antibiotics Immediately
If you are using antibiotics too often it can lead to antibiotic resistance and it might not even be
effective in treating most of the cases of sinusitis as less than three percent of these infections
are bacterial. As most sinus infections are viral they should be treated without antibiotics. Wait
for at least seven days to see whether the symptoms do not improve on its own.

Go To The Doctor
If you experience that nothing seems to relieve your sinus-related symptoms and if the
symptoms do not improve with over the counter medicines, you can ask your doctor to perform
a CT scan of the sinuses and nose in order to look for any anatomical blockages such as nasal
polyps or a deviated nasal septum. If you have a fever and if your sinus pain lasts for more than
a week, you should see a specialist as you might need more aggressive treatment.

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Grow Your Own Spices!

This is a guest post by Wendy Dessler from MySeedNeeds.com. I only share information with my readers that I find interesting, helpful or fun! I hope you enjoy!

Having access to a wide range of herbs and spices could be a dream come true! These flavoring agents perk up the blandest of foods and are extremely healthy for our digestive systems as well.

Finding just the right ones in the market can be a time-consuming and expensive excursion, though. Plus, running out of them just when they're needed is highly frustrating.

Luckily, growing your own herbs and spices is an easy task if you know the best ones to grow and how to go about it.

Are you a complete beginner in home-grown spices?

We’ll get you started below!

Ginger
Ginger is an excellent spice for those who’re on a fitness regime or just like the zesty, potent taste. You can use ginger in your everyday cooking to reduce the effect of inflammation in certain foods.

Other than savory items, we’ve grown to love ginger in sweet stuff like cookies, cake, and even the occasional candy. Plus, the herbal tea concocted from ginger is an excellent way to relieve cramps, colds, and have a satisfying substitute for caffeinated beverages.

If you have a piece of natural ginger with around one ‘eye’, bud, or rhizome, you have your ginger starter. Place several such pieces (around 1-2 inches) around six inches apart on a bed or tub of potting soil/mix.

Make sure these stay in a well-lit place. Water them when the soil seems dry. Pour in a general fertilizer every fortnight. Once the ginger starts to grow, you can break off as much as you want and leave the rest to multiply more!

Coriander

This is another staple in Indian cuisine, as well as Mexican and Chinese dishes. Coriander can be used as the herb when you only use the leaves; or a spice if you use the dried seeds. Both choices are quite different in taste. It’s simply amazing how you can get two flavorings in one!

Luckily, coriander grows quite quickly. Get some coriander seeds, which should be glucose. Rub them between your hands—they'll break in half. Plant 3-4 of these halves in one large pot of soil. The soil should be kept moist at all times.

Eventually, you’ll get some simple leaves. With more time, there would come those familiar lacy, delicate, and divided leaves. They’ll also grow flowers, which will then fall to reveal fruit, which we know as the coriander seed.

All you have to do then is dry the fruits (with stem) in brown paper. Dry them more in the sun, then make a powder for spicing up your dishes. You can even toast the seeds for a more potent and nutty experience.

Out of seeds or have no reliable store nearby? Check out the variety here. There’s always some online help when you need the right seeds.

Saffron
If you can manage to grow this spice at home, you’re actually treating yourself as a royal! Saffron is by far one of the most expensive spices in the world, and the crocuses that house it are best grown indoors.

When you do get your first successful crop, you’re in for a world of treats. Just a few strands will make any dish aromatic. You can even use it as an exotic air freshener or for soothing aromatherapy.

Grab some corms of a mountain crocus called Crocus sativus. Since the outcome is quite costly, you may have to watch out for scams. Make sure you get a reliable vendor.

Get some large pots and cover their bottoms with gravel or sand. Layer rich potting mix on top. Finally, push around 2-3 corms per pot inside the mix. Cover up with a mixture of soil and sand.
The pots should go in an unheated area and under the direct sun.

Once you get your crocuses, allow them to wilt. You’ll get a precious few strands/stigmas from each crocus. Dry these and store in air-tight container.

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Amber Necklaces: Magical Myth or Medicinal Legend?

This is a Guest Post by Jenn Sanders. I only share information that I find fun, informative, or important. Enjoy!

I recently purchased an amber teething necklace for my niece who was 8 months old, new to this world, and already upset that things weren't peaches and cream every single day. What could possibly make an 8-month-old's smile turn upside down, you ask? Pull up a chair, plop in your earbuds, and learn how to read my lips because you won't be able to hear me over the teething baby anyway. That's right, we are now in the inevitably miserable stage of teething.

I say "we" because I'm the person responsible for watching my teething niece while her mom goes back to work. Do you know what that means? That means that I made it my personal mission to cure her teething woes, not only for her mother's sanity and her pain relief but for my own eardrums, as well. I pulled up my handy assistant, Google, and asked what magical teething remedies would restore my sister's sweet baby's personality. What google manifested in front of my eyes was not magic but science-based medicinal relief.

Amber teething necklaces are not just a modern mom's mythical cure. In fact, amber has been used for centuries for many ailments. Amber contains a compound called succinic acid, which is the key component responsible for relieving not only your teething infant's swollen gums and cranky bouts of insanity, but due to it's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich, and mood-boosting effects, it can soothe many of your household ailments. Modern, nature-based moms are calling amber Mother Nature's Ibuprofen and with good reason. It's got centuries of success to back it up!

I bought my niece her first necklace, from http://www.balticwonder.com, in light lemon due to the fact that it was a polished bead. Polished amber has a harder time heating up and pulling the succinic rich oil from the bead. This means you will need to purchase a lighter color like lemon and light honey if you're wanting the same healing effect as your raw beads. Raw beads, however, are not suggested for infants and younger children due to the porous surface of the bead. Some mothers have reported skin irritation when rubbing against it for too long, so I chose to go with the polished bead like suggested.

About two weeks into my niece wearing it her mother, my sister, calls and tells me that the teething phase wasn't as bad as everyone had made it out to be. She said that her daughter had stopped crying, drooling everywhere and that her chewing habit had dropped significantly. I told her that I had done some research on Baltic amber teething necklaces and found that mothers from around the world had reported the same experiences. Convinced that the necklaces were the reason sanity had been restored to our households, we each bought one for ourselves. My sister has suffered from sciatica issues since she became pregnant and I have insufferable periods. Both problems should be fixed by amber necklaces due to the anti-inflammatory properties.

Both of our families have been wearing our necklaces for over 7 months now. We not only survived my niece's teething stage but amber necklaces have cured several other ailments within both of our households. From my sister's sciatica issue to my intense cramps, to my husband's headaches, and my niece's teething issues. With such a wide range of healing properties, why wouldn't you give baltic amber a try, too? Find out what has kept the magic alive for centuries with Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces!

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How to Maximize Family Time!

This is a guest post by Kiley Morrow. I only share information that I find fun, informative, or important. Enjoy!

Family time can take a serious hit if stress begins to creep in. Busy schedules, working, and traveling can leave family members worse for wear by the time they return home. You want to pay close attention to the status of your family time, because without proper maintenance it can wither away. From creating stronger emotional bonds to improving grades, family time has a number of positive effects on your life.

In this article we will go over ways you can help to increase the amount of time you spend with the people you love most.

Make A Family To Do List

Making a list of the things that need to be done will help to parse out the important from the unimportant, and also make sure everyone is pulling their weight. Ensuring that everyone is doing family duties like taking out the dog or buying groceries will safeguard against all of those responsibilities falling on one person’s shoulders. Also, sometimes having children perform duties that are typically relegated to parents helps them to mature and widen their skill set, which has undeniable long term benefit.

Take Advantage Of Resources

Don’t feel like you need to do everything yourself. Sure, you don’t want to become a burden on other people by always asking them to do things, but in moderation it just makes sense. This may mean asking a babysitter to prep dinner, or do other duties that are jamming up your schedule. The good thing about the ubiquity of phones is that you can coordinate these duties with nearly anyone at pretty much any time.

If friends or family have free time and access to a car don’t feel like you have to be the one driving around town because you’re afraid to ask for help. Availability is a big factor and what goes around comes around; if you have free time one day and they ask you to do something then you can return the favor. This also helps everyone in your family’s social circle work as a cohesive unit.

Begin New Traditions

Every now and then, families just need a little bit of time to drop their responsibilities and enjoy each other. Consider looking into a family-friendly resort, which offers peaceful respite from your job and other stressors. There are plenty of things to do and can become a regular addition that everyone looks forward to. If kids are not part of the picture, an adults-only resort is a great alternative as well.

Reduce Wasted Time

Just about anyone can afford to trim away a few time-wasting habits. If you have a habit of losing important items in your everyday life, create a more rigid system that reduces the odds of that happening, like placing your wallet and car keys in the same place every time you come in the front door. If you are compulsively checking emails every few minutes, instead delegate a time in the morning and afternoon when you allow yourself to check emails and fight the compulsion to do so throughout the day.

Social media is another perpetrator of time wasting, especially among younger generations. While like email it can serve a useful purpose, it benefits you to understand that much of its use is wasteful utilization of your time. In fact, excessive use of social media has physiological consequences to your brain.

To help counteract the muddiness of thought and organization that accompanies incessant use of things like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, consider implementing meditation. Doing so may help to remedy pathological inattention in your daily life.

Explore Alternative Job Options

This does not necessarily mean you should find a new job, but see what type of work you can do in the comfort of your own home. Many employers and employees alike utilize working from home to great effect. It can substantiate the amount of time you can spend with your kids and save time and money, all while still being productive.

You can also see if you can negotiate different work hours to help cut down on time needlessly stuck in rush hour traffic. If you can be in and out an hour or two earlier, that’s a big win for the time you can spend with your family.

Let Technology Help You

While we briefly covered the downsides to mindless use of technology, there are also certain benefits to be had from proper utilization. Smartphones can be the source of great distraction, but they can also help you. Apps like Waze can help expedite your daily travels so you don’t get stuck in traffic.

Making Meals At Home

Making dinner doesn’t need to be a hassle; in fact the act itself can help bring families closer together. You can also make meals in advance at home and bring them to work to save money. As an added bonus, you can more closely monitor exactly what you’re eating, which your body will thank you for.

Be There for One Another

The last thing you want is to waste so much time at work that you miss out on important moments within your family. You want to spend as much time as possible with your children before they move out and have families of their own. Take these tips into consideration if you want to spend more time with your family. It may take some time to get used to, but the adjustments will be worth it in the long run.

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Three Parenting Hacks That Make Life Easier!

This is Guest Post. I only share information that I find fun, informative, or important. Enjoy!

We all know a mom who works full time, heads the PTO, coaches her kids' swim team, and still manages to make it to the gym five days a week and serve a home-cooked dinner every night. You might think you have to be that sort of mom for your children to be happy and successful, but the good news is that you don't. The following three strategies are guilt-free ways to make parenting easier, without sacrificing your children's best interests.

Choose Convenience in the Kitchen
Picking up dinner at a fast food joint every night is undoubtedly not a healthy choice for your family, but you can prepare a quick meal without sacrificing nutrition. There is nothing wrong with serving up frozen vegetables or rice tossed in the microwave for a few minutes. Pair these side items with a burger cooked on the grill or chicken cooked in a crock-pot, and dinner will be ready soon after you walk in the door from work. You can also simplify school lunches by packing pre-packaged fruit cups along with ready-made turkey and cheese lunches. Many food manufacturers are now offering these pre-packaged items without preservatives, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners, so you can choose convenience without loading your child up with unhealthy ingredients. Quickly prepare dinner and pack lunches for the next day, and you can enjoy more time relaxing with your family instead of spending hours working in the kitchen every evening.

Skip the Activities They Don't Enjoy
Extracurricular activities like sports and music lessons are beneficial for children, but you shouldn't feel pressured to enroll your kids in every program available. Let them pick and choose a few things that interest them, and forget the rest. The kids will be fine if they skip out on piano lessons or ski club if they don't enjoy doing them.

Getting your child involved in too many activities could even cause unwanted stress; a 2007 study published in The High School Journal found that the more time adolescents spent in organized activities, the higher their anxiety levels were. Another study, included in a 2001 edition of Child Development, found that children who spent time engaged in hobbies at the age of 10 were less likely to be depressed, and they also tended to have better grades.

Children were also less depressed when they spent more time with their parents. Time spent at home hanging out as a family, or time spent exploring hobbies such as drawing, reading, or making crafts can, therefore, be beneficial for children. Choose one or perhaps two extracurricular activities at a time, but don't feel guilty if your child isn't involved in an organized event every day. By filling up the open days with hobbies, family time, or free play, you'll also free up some of your own time, since you won't be shuttling the kids to and from practices, lessons, and clubs every day.

Set an Early Bed-Time
The kids might resist going to bed, but getting them into the routine of going to bed early every night benefits them, and gives you time to breathe, too. Don't worry about trying to be the cool mom who lets the kids stay up as late as they want; it won't do them any good in the long run. In fact, a 2016 study in The Journal of Pediatrics found that preschoolers who went to bed after 9 p.m. were significantly more likely to become obese than preschoolers who went to bed before 8 p.m. were. Put the kids to bed, and enjoy some guilt-free time to yourself. Take some time to try out a new workout DVD, or catch up on your favorite TV show. You need some kid-free time to unwind, and the kids need plenty of sleep for proper growth and development.

Putting the kids to bed early is one way to make parenthood somewhat less stressful because even the best parents need time to themselves in the evening. Simplify life even further by making meal preparation easier and by allowing the kids to opt out of extracurricular activities that just don't interest them. You might think that you have to do it all to make your kids happy and prosperous, but in reality, having a calm, content mother benefits them more than organic dinners or guitar lessons ever could.

For more information you can view: Why Parents Should Also Volunteer In Community Services For Kids. 

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Recommended Exercise During Pregnancy!

This is Guest Post. I only share information that I find fun, informative, or important. Enjoy!

Routine practice during pregnancy can improve your overall health, make birth easy, and lower the risk of you putting on more weight. Additionally, your infant will have a healthier beginning. Even when not pregnant, workouts assist in improving stamina and heart health, reducing constipation and fatigue, improving sleep, supporting muscle strength, and enhancing your energy levels and mood. If you choose a befitting exercise to perform while pregnant, there is no doubt that you will have these advantages all for you and the baby. Check these recommended activities for pregnant women.

Swimming
This is a good exercise that does not exert pressure on your joints and is fun to learn. Swimming and exercising in water give a healthier range of movement without putting pressure on the joints. The cheerfulness that water offers may give you some reprieve from the additional weight. Walking in water, aqua aerobics, and swimming provide you with health benefits during your pregnancy. Although this is a safe exercise during pregnancy, jumping or diving into the water might impact your abdomen. Also, avoid steam rooms, saunas, warm pools and hot tubs, to reduce the possibility of high temperature.

Low Effect Aerobics
Aerobic workouts maintain the muscle tone and strengthen your lungs and heart as well. The low- effect aerobic exercises do not include fast running, jumping, leaps or high kicks. Unlike high-effect aerobic activities, for these exercises, one foot needs to remain on the ground always. The low-effect aerobic exercise assists to keep balance, limits stressing the joints and also assists in reducing the risk of debilitating pelvic floor tissues. This might result in leaking urine. If you are already in any aerobic training, ensure to inform your instructor that you are expectant. It will help your instructor to recommend the appropriate movements for you.

Brisk Walking
This is one of the most natural exercises that can be ideal for any pregnant woman with a busy schedule. It is an exercise you can do up to the last minute of your pregnancy. What makes brisk walking even the best is that you do not require going to the gym or having specific equipment for you to exercise. All you need are good training shoes, and you are good to go. In case you choose to hike, uneven, slippery conditions, high altitudes, and terrains are not good for your health. Walking around the neighborhood would be a good start.

Stationary Bike Cycling
This is also referred to as spinning. It is a safe workout for everyone, even for those who have never exercised. It assists in raising the heart rate minus putting or stressing the joints. The bike holds the weight of the body and thus there a low risk of falling.

Even if you have never exercised, these workouts are safe for you. You can do them while pregnant and even after your child is born. Consistent physical exercise may improve both fetal and maternal health. It can also make everything simple from labor to pregnancy to recovery after delivery. With all these mind, it is also vital to be safe when exercising.

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5 Cool Things You Should Own This Winter!

This is a guest post. I only share information that I find fun, informative, or important. Enjoy!

The winter season is exciting for both shoppers and retailers alike; as Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas are just around the corner! To enjoy this winter to the fullest, you need to have the right accessories and, of course, we’re here to help!

Here's 5 Cool Things You Should Own This Winter:

1. Earmuffs

If you don’t want to have frozen ears, you may need these cute earmuffs. Head over to Amazon.com and shop various styles.

2. Ice Skates

Winter also provides great conditions for skating. Shop this Lake Placid Wizard 400 Adjustable Ice Skates on Walmart.com and have fun this winter!

3. Heating Stoves

Wayfair offers a variety of premium, free-standing stoves to provide powerful, efficient heat. The 1,000 sq. ft. Vent Free Electric Stove is only $92.99, that's 37% off!

4. Vacuum Bottle

It’s important to keep your body warm during the winter months and the same goes for drinks. Own this 16oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug, and you’ll always enjoy a nice, warm beverage.

5. Christmas Tree

Impress Santa by trimming a beautiful Christmas tree! The North Pole Trading Co. 7 1/2 Foot Highland Pre-Lit Christmas Tree is just $319.99! It's 60% Off at JC Penny.

Hope these ideas helped to inspire you! Before you check out online, be sure to find coupons on Amazon, Wayfair, or JC Penny on HotDeals.com. Save money and enjoy a cool winter!

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What Type of Mom Are You? Find Out In This Fun Infographic!

This is a guest post by Thoroughly Reviewed. I only share with my readers information that I find helpful, fun or informative. Enjoy!

We parents experience them every day. Whether we’re at school, on the playground, or even at the store, we unwittingly catch them in the act. They are the omnipresent ‘Mom Types’. We find them fixing their kid’s hair on the playground, bellowing from the bleachers, and speed dialing the doctor. We’ve identified 12 unique Mom Types that you’re sure to have encountered in your daily life. Who do you know that’s one the these moms…and more importantly, which mom are you? We won’t tell. :)



Mom Types by Thoroughly Reviewed.

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How Infant Acid Reflux Solutions and TummyCare Max Was Created!

Dr. P (Jeffrey Phillips)

This is a Guest Post by Kira Volpi from TummyCare Max. I only share information with my readers that I find interesting, helpful or fun! If you are a parent or caregiver of a baby who is experiencing acid reflux, this article is for you. Health and best wishes for your family.

It all started at the University of Missouri where Jeffrey Phillips, Pharm. D, was developing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for adults called Zegerid. It remains the only immediate release PPI on the market today. That alone was an incredible undertaking but because of Dr. P’s passion for helping people he soon became the acid reflux whisperer. It’s also where the first versions of TummyCare Max were created to help little babies suffering from infant GERD.

He had treated a few infants and children at the beginning stages of his research and development of Zegerid when a Mom who had the pleasure of receiving Jeffrey Phillips’ assistance with her little baby suffering from infant GERD contacted him (what was this Moms name?). There was a family in trouble. Children and Family Services was threatening to remove the Mom’s baby because she had brought her son in multiple times for dehydration, and it was apparent the baby had been vomiting and there were other signs such as inconsolable crying. The pediatrician that the parents had been seeing turned them in for potential abuse.

Devastated and afraid the parents reached out to a Mom that just happen to know a little bit about acid reflux and recognized the symptoms right away. She called Jeffrey Phillips. Because of his incredible passion to help he jumped on a plane and flew to the family’s side, did some diagnosing and began treating for infant acid reflux. Yes, this story had a happy ending. The baby refux was treated the doctor that reported them for abuse was retracted. Today their son is close to 20 years old and is happy and healthy even after two whole years of treatment, which included PPI’s.

Mama’s started coming out of the woodwork and this was all before the Internet so mostly by word of mouth, which is pretty incredible. Thousands of Moms over the years all touched by his passion to help. It wasn’t long before Jeffrey Phillips was endearingly called Dr. P and his reach to treat infants with acid reflux was far. Moms finally found help from someone who actually listened and had answers. The answers that were created and backed by the clinical trials done by Dr. P and Marcella Bothwell ENT at the University of Missouri. Those clinical trials soon became known as MarciKids dosing.

The acronym for MARCI having a dual meaning:
It’s short for Marcella – MARCI
It stands for Midwestern Acid Reflux Children’s Institute

The University of Missouri ran the program treating infants with reflux under Dr. P’s guidance for close to 15 years till one day the University decided to close it down. As you can imagine Moms cried out because they no longer had anywhere to turn for effective treatment. Babies were getting sick and began suffering again. The emails were pouring in begging for help.

That’s when Dr. P stood up and took matters into his own hands. He couldn’t withstand the cries from the Moms. So he decided to produce TummyCare Max on his own. And that’s how it all began. Much like anything else, it started with a good idea and a ton of passion.

Today Dr. P can still be found in our Facebook group helping Moms and their baby’s overcome the insurmountable pains and difficulties associated with Infant Acid Reflux and helping confused and desperate Moms find answers, support and help.

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DIY Gift Ideas for New Moms!

This is a guest post by Michael Peggs. I only share with my readers information that I find fun, informative, or helpful! Enjoy!

Anybody can just buy a new mom a nice gift, but it takes a special friend to actually make one. Even if it’s something as simple as editing family images in Photoshop and displaying them in decorative frames, the fact that you spent a bit of time working on it means that your gift comes from the heart.

Many new moms are not prepared to deal with all of the stress of caring for a newborn, so receiving special DIY gifts from loved ones gives them encouragement.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Homemade potpourri - All you need for this gift are some dried flowers, essential oils, and any spices or herbs you want to include. Lavender oil and cloves are commonly found in homemade potpourri recipes. You can dry the flowers out by gathering a bouquet and tying the stems together with twine. Hang the bouquet upside down and wait a couple of weeks for them to dry out. Place it all inside of a pretty container.

Felted stuffed animals - These make great baby shower gifts. The toys can range from five to eight inches, depending on what kind of animal you want to make. All you need are a few basic pieces of felt plumped up with batting. Add the appendages, such as tails, floppy ears or wings while sewing. MarthaStewart.com gives a great tutorial on how to felt wool.

Lemon body scrub - Make this simple DIY scrub with ¼ cups of melted coconut oil, approximately 15 drops of lemon juice or essential oil, and 1 cup white sugar. First, combine the coconut oil and sugar, and then add the lemon juice or essential oil. Mix the ingredients until they are blended completely. Store the scrub in mason jars and decorate them! Learn how to paint and decorate mason jars at ItAllStartedWithPaint.com.

Gift basket - A gift basket is still considered “DIY” as long as you pick out the items to put in yourself. If you don’t have enough time to actually create, sew or paint anything, just grab an empty gift basket and place several, nice little gifts inside of it. Add items that mommy and baby will both be able to use: rattles, baby cloths, baby wipes, restaurant coupons, spa gift card, diapers, hand lotion, baby nail clippers, and so forth. Just head to your nearest arts and crafts store to grab an empty basket and materials to decorate it with (ribbons, bows, organza, etc).

Handmade diaper bag - You can find many customizable diaper bag patterns online, just check out AllFreeSewing.com. Be sure to add plenty of interior pockets. You’ll need to add at least one exterior pocket for keys and cell phone. Add velcro tabs to the pockets to keep things in place. You can make a bag out of any type of material. Suggested fabrics include denim, corduroy, cotton, or twill.

Baby subway art - It’s possible to create very pretty pieces of art with this simple project. Just look at many examples of baby subway art on Pinterest. Go to your nearest arts and crafts store and get all of the materials you need: craft paper, cardboard, alphabet stickers, etc. You’re limited only by your imagination. Display the final art pieces in gold frames.

These are just a few of the useful, pretty things you can create for new moms. It’s time to get creative!

Michael Peggs is the founder of Marccx Media, a digital marketing agency specializing in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM). Before Marcxx, Peggs worked at Google in business development, forming digital media and advertising partnerships in the United States and Asia. He is also a contributor to The Huffington Post, FastCompany and Business Insider as well as and podcaster, hosting the iTunes Top 10 New & Noteworthy Podcast You University.

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Screen Helps You Take Back Control Of Your Kids Electronics With One Simple App!

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Tired of your kiddos spending wayyyy too much time on their phones and with other electronics? Then I have the perfect solution for you, and probably your friends too! It’s called Screen and it’s going to turn you into the Good Cop again!

It gets old having to constantly remind your child(ren) to put down their phone… or to put down the gaming controller. Thanks to Screen, you can manage the amount of time your kids spend on all their electronics with one simple-to-use app. Connect your TV, gaming system and even your streaming devices and it doesn’t even matter if they are on wifi!

Screen is a mobile app that can turn off all connected electronic devices, as well as show how and where devices are being used. Genius!! Now you don’t have to worry if your kids are using their phones in school, or while they are in their room and supposed to be studying. Now the eyes on the back of our heads can extend all the way across town (and beyond), as Screen will be able to tell us what our child(ren) are doing and for how long they have been using their devices!

Plus, if you have concerns on how they are using their time on their phones, etc… you can use Screen to see at any given moment what your kids are doing. That’s right! You can see a screen shot of the PC, Chromebook, and even the Android device anytime you want!

Parents can set times during which devices can be used, and when they should not. For example, you can set up a laptop to be available for homework from 6:30pm-8:00pm and if they need additional time to complete their assignment, you can add it to their device so it won’t shut off.

Only want your child(ren) to use their gaming console for an hour, before its time to eat dinner together as a family? Just schedule the time on the app that the gaming console can be on… and then when time’s up… it will turn off for you! Now, you don’t have to hound them to put down the controller and hear them say… “just one more minute”… which we all know really means about thirty!

Screen offers another feature that made me go “ohhh, that’s another great idea!” It’s their “shake” option and how it works is that all connected devices can be turned off with a simple shake of the main device! So now if your kids are getting loud or rowdy while playing on their Playstation or Xbox and they don’t want to settle down after you ask them too (for what seems like more than a handful of times), no worries! Shake your phone and voila, it will turn off!

I really like how Screen can grow with your family and be tailored to fit each child’s needs. As your child grows, and the devices they are interested in (and/or need) change, you can make the necessary adjustments. It’s nice that Screen isn’t telling our kids that they can’t use their electronics, they are just reminding them that there’s more important things in life… and that’s spending time with their loved ones.

With all the amazing electronics that are available to all of us, every day, it’s hard not to get caught up in it all. This way, with Screen, you don’t have to worry about how much time your kids are on their devices and hey, I don’t think it would be such a bad idea if us parents were to use it too! We all could use a little reminder to put down our phones once in a while!

Connect: Find out more about Screen by visiting their website. Then make sure you “like” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Buy It: You can purchase Screen on their website. You will receive a Parents app for iPhone or Android, unlimited apps for kids’ devices and set top box for up to 3 TV connected devices for a now discounted price of $99! A $60 savings!

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Tips For Saving Money On A Baby Shower!

This is a Guest Post that was written by Julia Ross. Read on to save money, time and energy! Enjoy!

Having a baby is a great thing for a family. When you introduce a new life into the fold, there is a great deal of joy that comes with it. Alongside that, you’ll no doubt want to have a baby shower. Baby showers are great events because they bring together family, friends, and many others to enjoy the beauty of having a new life come through. There’s only one minor downside, the cost associated with throwing a baby shower could very well be a big hit on the budget. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend, or perhaps you just want to keep things a bit frugal, then by all means, consider the following great tips that are going to save you money on your baby shower.

Don’t Book An Expensive Venue
Here’s the biggest mistake that people make when they are throwing a baby shower, picking the wrong venue. If you ask around, you’re going to find that there’s a lot of places to have a baby shower, but the costs are going to spike. Unless you can get a free location, don’t go with any pay solution. A lot of venues are going to charge you for more than just the venue, and may even require you to spend a certain dollar amount on food, drinks, and possibly cleaning. Instead of spending money here, consider a park, someone’s house, or even a local church if you’re religious. The key is to go free with this option.

Go With Free Baby Shower Invitations
Unfortunately, people don’t realize that invitations don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. If you’re not familiar with free options, then make sure that you look into digital platforms, as a resource and see how easy it can be to make free baby shower invitations, send them out, and utilize some great elements overall. The big thing that you are going to find about digital solutions is that you will not have to spend a great deal of money on stationery. If you’re not quite sure about this, consider that it could cost you 10% of your budget if you try to go with antiquated options. Use social media and other sites to give you more tips as to what to do here, as you’ll find great options overall.

Make Your Own Decorations
Moving towards the baby shower itself, you’ll want to decorate for the occasion. The problem with this is that you could end up spending a lot of money on the set pieces. To make sure that you are not spending too much, go with neutral colors, and visit local dollar stores, and thrift stores. These places have low cost options that are generic in nature, and you could possibly decorate your whole home or any area for your party, on the cheap. If you are a member of a warehouse store, you may be able to purchase items in bulk. Making your own decorations doesn’t have to take a lot of artistic ability, as some of the simple things go a long way.

Simple Foods Save You Big Money
Another great way to save money when you’re throwing a baby shower is on food. You’ll find that you can save upwards of 40% or more of your budget if you spend a little time working on a menu that you can make with relative ease. You don’t have to order pizza, you don’t have to get catering, you can easily go forward with making a few things. Remember, it’s a baby shower, not a reception or something too grandiose. If you’re not sure what to serve, or you aren’t good at cooking, don’t panic, simply look at a few options that could help you save time and money. If you’re not sure where to start, consider what sites like Money Crashers talk about, giving you ideas on how to save money on baby shower foods, without having to get catering or anything like that. Look, you don’t have to spend a lot for food, you can do it all on your own, and still have great food.

Use Streaming Media For Entertainment
An added expense that people don’t always think about at first is entertainment. People get bored at parties, and events, which is problematic. With that in mind, people sometimes spend a bit more than needed on entertainers, musicians, and more. You don’t have to do that. You can easily use HughesNet internet to stream media sites like Spotify, Pandora, and others to make playlists. Use those services to set a playlist for music that will play in the background, and stream videos that are family friendly on a television so that people have a little something to be entertained by. Or you can use Don’t spend any money on entertainment, as it could easily break your budget fast.

Look For Simple Games and Prizes
For the baby shower, consider looking into simple games and prizes to give away. You can save a lot of money on games with this solution. For instance, you could have a raffle, you could do a little trivia, or other types of simple games. Games should allow you to have a little fun, and give away simple prizes that will help you engage your visitors a bit. This goes hand in hand with the entertainment options that are mentioned above. Mixing things up, and going DIY will help you save money, and have a good time with your guests.

At this point, you have a great starting line for creating a stand out baby shower. You don’t need to spend a lot of money. People often assume that you have to spend a lot of money throwing parties, and events. You don’t have to. You simply don’t need to spend a lot of money on moving forward when throwing any baby showers. Use the ideas above and see how simple and fun throwing this type of event can be today.

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Beautiful Infographic Featuring Nursery Design Trends for 2017!

This is a guest post by 76th & Newbury. I only share with my readers information that I find helpful, fun or informative. Enjoy!

There’s great excitement surrounding the addition of a baby to your family! There's a lot of preparation to be done and nursery rooms are a top priority. One might need a little creativity to put together an interesting and peaceful area for your newborn. If so, this infographic will guide you with wonderful ideas to build and implement your perfect nursery. Whether you prefer boy, girl, or gender neutral styles, everything can be easily planned out thanks to this infographic. Know the best of 2016 and the nursery trends for 2017 when it comes to elements such as themes, color, and so much more. Learn from the experts in nursery room design and impress your friends and loved ones.

With the help of this infographic, you can provide an outstanding welcome for the newest member of your family!



Nursery Design Trends for 2017 by 76th & Newbury

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Cool Children’s Costume Ideas for Winter Parties!

This is a Guest Post that was written in collaboration with Funidelia. I only share with my readers information that I find fun, interesting, or helpful. Enjoy!

Whether you’re throwing a birthday party or your child has been invited to a party this winter, you may find yourself in need of a costume. Theme parties are popular at this time of year, whether it’s a winter wonderland type of theme or something more specific. If you’re in need of a fun child’s costume idea for a wintry festival or birthday party, here are a few ideas to help you get in the winter spirit!

Narnia’s White Witch
Do your children love The Chronicles of Narnia? Although Lucy, Susan, and Edmund, and Peter are popular characters, their costumes don’t match the style of the White Witch. There are many different types of snow queens in fairy tales throughout the ages, but the White Witch a good costume idea for winter parties in particular. She casts an evil spell that puts Narnia into a perpetual state of winter, in classic tale The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. For this costume your child can wear white flowing robes, white faux fur, and an icy tiara.

Frozen
It probably won’t take much convincing to have your children agree to dress up as their favorite Frozen characters. Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and all of their friends are some of the most popular fun fancy dress costumes at shops like Funidelia, which makes them easy to find. The Frozen characters are ideal for any sort of Disney-themed party, as well as princess parties and general winter themes.

Snowman
A snowman costume is a good idea for numerous types of winter events, and you can go several ways with it. If you need snowman costumes for the whole family, there are both cute and funny adult fancy dress costumes. You could opt for a classic Frosty costume, or go for the more modern Olaf!

Abominable Snowman
Another direction to take with the basic snowman costume is the scarier abominable snowman. For this, you’ll probably want to purchase a pre-made costume for your child to get the full effect, unless you’re handy with sewing shaggy fake fur. Look for white fur costumes, because if you choose brown you’ll end up with more of a Bigfoot effect instead of the snowman.

Jack Frost
The lead character in Rise of the Guardians, Jack Frost is also synonymous with the winter season. You could look for a store-bought costume, or choose to make your own. If you go the DIY route with this one, you’ll need a blue base layer of clothing to decorate. A hoodie and comfortable leggings works fine for this. Purchase some white glitter paint to decorate your outfit with frosty snowflake designs, and then cap it off with a tousled hairstyle. You could also get a white wig for your child, particularly if he or she has longer hair.

From Disney characters to wild beasts like the abominable snowman, there are plenty of cool children’s costumes that you could choose for winter parties. If your party invitation doesn’t mention a particular theme, these are a few ideas to help you brainstorm.

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Infant Acid Reflux Solutions - A Mother's Story

This is a Guest Post by Kali Newby who's son had acid reflux. This is her story and experience with TummyCare Max. All opinions are her own. If you are a parent or caregiver of a baby who is experiencing acid reflux, this article is for you. I hope the information that follows will give you the help and guidance you need. Health and best wishes to your family.

Here we go again with yet another doctor telling me my sweet baby has colic… Here comes another “He’s gaining weight, so he's fine.” NO. My baby was not fine. These doctors weren't at home watching my son scream like a fire breathing dragon as the projectile vomit came up. These doctors were not at home when my sweet baby was crying in pain while arching his back as you could smell the sourness coming from his breath.

Acid reflux. GERD. My baby was in pain because he has GERD, NOT COLIC!

Nobody understood what my son and me were going through, not the doctors or the pediatric gastroenterologists. I was tired of seeing my baby in pain, an innocent baby that didn't deserve to be anything but happy. I found the group Infant Acid Reflux Solutions on Facebook, and that day our whole world changed… I found mothers who were going through the same exact situations that we were going through when I thought I was all-alone.

I finally had hope for the first time in a long time.

I received support from Dr. Jeffery Phillips (Dr. P) and Kira, and they helped my sweet Kylan’s life change for the absolute best! I started researching in the group, reading posts and such made by other parents. I kept seeing parents post about this magical thing called TummyCare Max® and at first I was so lost! But with help and support from others in the group, I finally found out that TummyCare Max® was a buffer that you mix with a PPI (Proton Pumps Inhibitors such as Prilosec®, Prevacid®, Nexium®, etc) and the best part about it is that you don't have to time it around feedings!

I was amazed!

I dove right in and ordered a starter kit. I was amazed at the research and work behind this amazing product and wondered why I hadn't found out about it sooner. We have been through so much before finding TummyCare Max®, and I had no idea how much it truly was going to help my baby and how this treatment would continue to work when other treatments stopped working after a month. Four months into TummyCare Max® and I have a happy baby, a thriving baby, a 6 month old who is happy and healthy, has 4 teeth, weighs 18lbs, sits up, crawls, and can say mama, hug, and “ba ba”.

My sweet Kylan no longer screams in pain, projectile vomits, has sour breath, and never arches his back in pain anymore after a bottle. I have gained friendships with mamas all around the world. I have helped a lot of mamas through the beginning to the end of a baby that is in pain 24/7. I watch the first posts from mamas who are going through the acid battle and don't think they don’t think TummyCare Max® is going to help because so many other treatments have failed them and then I read how their babies are no longer in pain, and that TummyCare Max® saved their babies! It happens every time and every time it makes me so excited to hear a happy ending and about another smiling baby.

Infant Acid Reflux Solutions group on Facebook is not just a group, it is a community of friendships, mamas that help each other through a lot, the only thing that hasn't been seen in a long time on social media which is a mix of women from around the world who do not judge yet give great advice!

Acid Reflux isn't just a baby that spits up a lot, it's much deeper than some people make it out to be whom have never experienced it first hand. When you have children, you do anything and everything to protect them, keep them out of harms way, and to keep them out of pain.

I'm proud to say that Acid Reflux did not take over my baby boys entire first year of his life like what happens in most cases. If you go through this, you are NOT and NEVER will be alone! I will continue to do my absolute best every single day talking to parents that are going through the battle of acid reflux and helping them get their babies better!

I thank God, TummyCare Max®, Dr. Jeffery Phillips, and the Infant Acid Reflux Group. They make babies bellies better and I'm so thankful Kylan is now a precious, active, happy six month old baby!

Disclosure: Kali Newby wanted to share her experience with other parents and wrote this article specifically for Love, Mrs. Mommy readers. Love, Mrs. Mommy received Kali's full permission to post the article, as well as the included pictures.

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