Preparing for a First Bike Ride

Safety First

When I bought W’s bike, I also ordered her a helmet. I knew that she loved girly things and picked out a ladybug for her, complete with legs! I didn’t want to take a risk with 

her falling and injuring her head. I also found a padding set that included knee pads,

elbow pads, and wrist pads. She will be well covered when riding her bike. If she’s anything like me, she will need them!

Ride with a Friend

Quilla was a birthday present to W from my parents. She does everything with W. There was no way I was letting her miss W’s first bike ride. So we attached a doll bicycle seat from Ride Along Dolly to the back of W’s bike. W had decorated it with

stickers that were included and we easily strapped Quilla in. A little more leg room would have been nice for Quilla, but she didn’t really complain. W enjoyed having

her best friend riding with her. I think it gave her extra confidence when attempting to pedal for the first time.

Practice Makes Perfect

Bike riding skills don’t develop overnight. I’m sure that W will have to practice many times before she’ll be able to ride without training wheels. But I’m confident that she’ll 

be bike savvy in no time! I had so much fun riding my bike as a child. I hope that both my children enjoy it as much as I did. They just have to take baby steps as they learn.

Does your child know how to ride a bike?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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We are leaving for a week long vacation this weekend and I have been trying to pack the last couple of days. Panic is starting to set in as I realize we could use an extra pair of shoes or a different accessory. I hate to go out to the store because I know I wouldn’t be able to find what I want. Fortunately, I starting browsing Sears online and discovered that they have store pickup. In fact, Sears guarantees that the order will be ready in five minutes or less. How great is that? Now I have a solution for my last minute shopping.

True to my nature, I find that shopping online can be a wee bit distracting. I really needed to find some shoes, but instead I found myself looking at scarves. It’s almost summer! 

Last Minute Shopping

Sears has a number of name brands online that they don’t carry in the store. With brands like Tory Burch and Steve Madden, it’s no wonder my fingers are wandering, right? Check out there featured marketplace offers and decide for yourself.

I finally got down to business and began looking for some shoes that I can wear with most of the clothes I packed. It’s definitely sandal weather where I’m going and I think these will be perfect:

I can find everything I need to complete my packing list on just one site. Plus, there are many more items that I can use for the summer. It goes beyond just clothing and accessories. Some of Sears’ newest arrivals include tools, furniture, and camping gear. Oh the plans I could make with those!

Luckily, I found the perfect accessories before I had our entire summer mapped out. This bracelet reminds me of some earrings my mom had when I was young. Isn’t it darling?

I think I’m now set with everything I need. Now if only I would actually start packing… Visit Sears.com yourself and see the new things you could get for an upcoming vacation, then tweet aabout it to your loved ones.

What are your go to items for a vacation?

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Road Trips with Kids

Leave Early

Neither of my children is a morning person. They become most active and alert around 10am. Leaving when your children are still sleeping, or at least sleepy, can give you a few hours of peaceful driving time. The rhythm of the road can also be quite soothing when they wake up. To keep things quiet, play soft music or a book on tape.

Entertainment

Although many families own portable DVD and MP3 players, those are often best as a last resort. Instead, pack games and activities that will keep your children mentally occupied, so that they will refrain from fighting with each other. Small coloring sets are great, especially if you use no mess ones such as Color Wonder. You can also pack simple art sets such as beading kits or lacing cards. The video below shows you additional things that I am packing for my children.

Frequent Stops

You can save money on meals by making your own sandwiches and snacks for the trip. However, you may find yourself still needing to make several potty breaks. Don’t fuss over these; this will give your kids ample time to stretch their legs. Sitting in the car for several hours in a row can make children a bit antsy. You will find that they are more cooperative if they can walk around for a few minutes.

Road trips with children don’t have to be scary. The important thing to remember is proper preparation. Have plenty of things for the kids to do and remind them of the upcoming trip often. You’ll find yourself making plenty of memories!

What trips have you taken with your children?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

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Mothers Day is only a few days away! I’ve already given you some ideas on how to celebrate the day with your mother. But perhaps you want something that will last longer than a single day. I have some gift ideas for Mom that you can give all year long.

Gifts for Mom

My mom always made my lunch for me, even in my early college years. No one could make a cheese sandwich like her–believe me, I’ve tried. I remember the one year that she kept putting Girl Scout cookies in my lunch and all my food would taste like mint! She still makes my favorites whenever I see her, even though I’m a big girl now. I’m still a little girl at heart when I see my mom. Here are some ways you can appreciate the special mom in your life.

Gifts That Keep Giving

1. Spa Gift Certificate Many spas now allow you to buy services in bulk. Perhaps Mom would like a monthly massage or a different service each month.
2. Grocery Delivery There are several online grocery delivery companies, based on location. Save your mother an exhausting trip to the store and purchase a gift certificate so she can have groceries delivered.
3. Lawn Service If you find a landscaping company in her area, you may be able to pay for a year of maintenance service.
4. Monthly Clubs Subscription services are all the rage now. You can buy your mother a monthly subscriptions for beauty products, books, or food.

Subscribers to the Goodies Co. Taster’s Box receive a monthly box of 5-8 snacks for $7/month (includes shipping). Customers are asked to review products they’ve received, and can accumulate points to redeem for a free Taster’s Box and other rewards. Since trying new snacks can be risky and time-consuming, the Goodies Co. Taster’s Box gives everyone a chance to discover their tastes. Text provided by Goodies Co.

Items included in a Goodies Co. Taster’s Box can be cereals, nuts, and a number of other delicious treats. It’s a special way for mom to sit down and relax every month. To order your mother a Goodies Co. subscription:

1. Go to the Goodies Gifting page and select a plan {3 months, 6 months, or 12 months} by clicking on the corresponding button.
2.  Enter the gift recipient and gift giver details. 
3. Enter the gift recipient’s mailing address (please note: this is where they will receive the monthly boxes)
4. Enter the gift giver’s billing information.
5. Review order details and click on “place order”.

Even when you’re far away, you can show your mother just how much you care. Mothers Day no longer has to occur on one day a year. Celebrate all year long!

Full disclosure: this article is financially supported by Goodies Co.

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My children love presents. It doesn’t matter if it’s a coveted LEGO set or a new outfit; they appreciate everything we give them. It is this appreciation that puts them in the giving spirit. I am also receiving some little token or another. I love it. Here are some of my favorite gifts that they’ve given me.

My Favorite Gifts from My Kids

1. Stuffed animals wrapped in bath towels.
2. A performance of an original song.
3. A dance demonstration.
4. Help carrying groceries.
5. A flower from a bush outside.
6. Assistance with dinner.
7. Help hanging up clothes.
8. A homemade card.
9. A story complete with illustrations.
10. A picture drawn just for me.

I have actually taken one of C’s pictures and turned it in to an iPhone case. Uncommon will take any artwork or photo and transfer it to a case. This really adorable picture:

can be turned into this equally adorable phone case:

Notice that the picture has a snake painting a picture of a snake. I love having this picture close by. Plus, the bottom portion of the case is removable so that I can easily charge it:

Uncommon is offering a $50 credit to their store to one reader of Let’s Go on a Picnic!   Please complete the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Void where prohibited. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to claim prize. Incomplete or false information on the entry form will void entry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a free case in order to facilitate this review.

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This Mothers Day, I actually get to spend time with my mother. The kids and I are taking a road trip to Texas to visit for a week. The kids and I are very excited and so is my mom! I don’t really care what we do Sunday as long as we get to spend time with her. 

Social Blackout for Mother’s Day

Whatever our plans turn out to be, I plan to join MetLife in their #SocialBlackout movement. As part of the movement, I will be putting down the smartphones and closing my laptop on May 12. I will spend the day enjoying my mother’s company and that of the rest of my family. Are you willing to do the same? This a great gift to mothers everywhere.

We’ve all felt disconnected from time to time. That game your child is immersed in or that tweet you just have to answer. I know that it’s sometimes hard to reach my children when they’ve found a new game. Participating in a social media blackout, even for a day, is a wonderful way for your family to reconnect. Find out more about the MetLife #SocialBlackout here.

I don’t know if I can even remember the days before social media. I think it’s time that I go back to the roots of communication and talk to live people for a day. It can’t hurt can it? Plus, I’ll spend some quality time with my family and they matter more than answering an instant message.

If you had one day without social media, how would you spend it? A week?

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In my mind, I’m a neat freak. I have the entire house organized that way. Unfortunately, things don’t translate so well on the outside. Did you know that clutter can affect your outlook on life? Little stacks here and there tend to, well stack up. I know that things tend to run more smoothly when the house is organized. However, I’m working on it one pile at a time and clearing clutter out of my house.

Clearing Clutter with Rwanda Path to Peace

One Step at a Time

Like I said, I tend to think big and fail even bigger. That’s why I’ve started focusing on one area of the house at a time. This week, I tackle on of our book towers. This area is the go to place for mail, keys, and loose change. And it usually looks quite a mess. Envelopes are always falling off and I’m certain a pair of my glasses are hiding somewhere behind the shelf. I really needed something large enough to hold all of it.

Rwanda Path to Peace

Rwanda Path to Peace sells beautiful baskets that would be perfect for my project. Every basket is handmade from sisal leaves and sweetgrass that the weavers harvest themselves. Rwanda Path to Peace was started in 2005 to help families affected by the genocide of the early 90s and the current AIDS/HIV epidemic. Mothers are now able to afford health insurance for their families, send their children to school, and have clean water to drink. Tutsi and Hutu women work side by side weaving baskets. This program has brought about real change for Rwandan families.

The Perfect Solution

I received a “New Spirit” fruit bowl from the collection. At 12 inches, it is definitely large enough to hold all the week’s mail and change. But how will it look?

Clearing Clutter Accomplished

The basket holds everything with room for more. I like how the red and white pattern adds some color to the black tower–it needed it! I feel like that corner of the room has some new life and I can’t wait to get started with the rest of the house.

How do you tackle clutter?

Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society. Everywhere has provided me with product; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.

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Mothers Day Brunch in New Orleans

The Crystal Room

Waldorf Astoria Ballroom

The Roosevelt Hotel ~ 123 Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

Formerly the Fairmont, The Roosevelt is another lovely New Orleans hotel. I actually used to cut through it on my way to work. They will be having a total of 11 stations, including a raw bar. You can also satiate your sweet tooth with a long list of desserts. ~$85 per adult and $41 for children ages 6-10

The Grill Room

Windsor Court Hotel ~ 300 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Some people have dream cars; I have dream restaurants. I have been wanting to eat at The Grill Room ever since I read a review years ago. Their menu this year is fixed prix with selections for four courses. ~$75 per person

Orleans Ballroom

Bourbon Orleans Hotel ~ 717 Orleans Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

I went to a wedding several years ago at the Bourbon Orleans and I can tell you that the food is delicious. This brunch offers several Southern and Cajun favorites, including a chicken and waffles station. It’s sure to please! ~$55 Adults and $25 Children 5-12 years

If you are in the New Orleans area this Mothers Day, be sure to look up one of these fine restaurants. You mom is sure to love it as they will treat her like a queen and feed her like a king. 

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Unique Gifts for Mother’s Day

Perfume

I know what you are thinking. Perfume for Mother’s Day has been done before. However, Pure Natural Diva™ Botanicals are simple perfumes made without harmful neurotoxins and hormone disrupters. Made with essential oils, they are designed for people with perfume sensitivities. 

Chocolates

I think chocolate should be a staple for any holiday. I know that my own mother believes that chocolate is the fifth food group. I wouldn’t mind a box of quality chocolates myself. I reviewed Dear Coco chocolate truffles at Christmas and would love to sample their Mother’s Day box of Provence Lavender and Persian Carpet Ride truffles. They are guilt free without corn syrup, trans fats, gluten or dairy.

Jewelry

Another thoughtful gift for your mother or wife is jewelry. Imagine her surprise when you tell her these designs from Bottled Up Designs contain recycled glass from mason jars, beer bottles, and even Noxema bottles. A treasure made from another’s trash!

GIve your mom a gift that’s anything but ordinary this Mother’s Day. Recycled, eco friendly and healthier gifts are the way to go. And if you must give her a card, try one of these.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

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PB&J Smoothie Recipe

This is one of the easiest recipes I can make in the morning. It started out with only three ingredients until C suggested I put some honey (from Amazon)
in it. It was a hit with both children and they have requested it for breakfast a few times.

All you need is a blender and four ingredients–instant breakfast or snack!

Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie

2013-05-04 11:48:22

Serves 1

All the deliciousness of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in a smoothie!

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Prep Time

5 min

Total Time

5 min

Prep Time

5 min

Total Time

5 min

Ingredients

1 cup vanilla almond milk

2 teaspoons fruit juice sweetened jelly, any flavor

1 tablespoon natural peanut butter

1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

Put all ingredients in a blender.

Pulse for one minute.

Serve cold.

Notes

You can also add ice for a thicker smoothie.

By Laurel

Let's Go on a Picnic! http://www.headant.com/

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