MommyB Knows Best

My Medifast Progress – Week 27 #journey33

MommyB — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:10:02 +0000

Thanks Medifast for allowing me to be a brand ambassador and receive product and tell my readers about my challenges and victories with health.

Today, I thought I would give you some tips on how not to gain weight.

Do not go on a press trip and indulge in all of the tasty offerings they have to offer.

Do not drink your calories. {I really only had a couple of mixed drinks}.

Do not travel again the next weekend and give yourself slack to eat not so great.

Good tips huh? Seriously though, those are 3 of the things I have done wrong in the past two weeks when it comes to my weight loss.

It’s really easy to focus on the negative, so I’m going to step out of my box here and list a few things that I did right these past two weeks.

I didn’t go off plan for every meal. I did exercise in the form of some pretty intense dancing. I did get plenty of rest. I drank more water than I usually do at home.

So there you have it, I’m not perfect, {but I’m willing to bet you already knew that}, and even though the scale did go up this week, it honestly could have been a lot worse had I not had any self control, so I am proud of myself for the things I did “right” this week and will continue working on the reasons behind my not-so-healthy choices. I know circumstances won’t always allow for me to eat on plan, especially with my job and having to review food and attend events, but I’m going to try my best and keep on learning.

What’s you’re biggest struggle with weight loss? Is it your will power? Finding time to work out? I would love to hear!!

I recently asked all of my Instagram followers (if you’re not following click HERE), what flavor of Medifast on-the-go shake they would like to see and here are some answers. Feel free to tell me what you would pick.

Here are my weigh in results from the past two weeks:

Weight Prior to Medifast: 168.5 lbs
Weight Lost This Week: +2 lbs
Weight Lost on Medifast: -19.5 lbs
Current weight: 149 lbs

Pant size: Started at 14 now at 8-10!!!

My First Goal: -33 lbs/135.5 lbs {since I’m 33, I thought that was appropriate}
My Final Goal: -16.5 lbs/119 lbs {half of 33}

Check out my thoughts on the Medifast Foods I’ve tried so far: http://www.mommybknowsbest.com/medifast-food-reviews/

If you want to join in my journey here’s how: Medifast has some deals for you! If you use my code, MOMMYB56, and sign up for Medifast Advantage when you order $250+, you’ll receive 56 free Medifast Meals and free shipping! You’ll receive 28 free meals with your first Medifast Advantage order and ANOTHER 28 free meals with your next order! This offer is only valid if you enroll in Medifast Advantage, and it’s limited to one per customer. It’s not valid with prior purchases, any other promotions or discounts, or for Medifast Ready-to-Drink Shakes. Not ready to enroll in Medifast Advantage? You can use code MOMMYB28 to receive 28 free meals with your purchase of over $250. Limit one per customer. This offer is limited to new customers only and not valid with prior purchases, Medifast Advantage, or any other promotions or discounts. Both codes expire on 12/31/2013. See website for complete details on program and discounts. Consult your physician before beginning a weight-loss program. Click HERE to head over to Medifast’s website and learn more about the program I’m starting and begin your own journey.

Also check out the progress of these other great bloggers and follow their journey!

The Divine Miss Mommy

Kelly with Makobi Scribe

Single Mom on a Budget

Gaithersburg-Rockville Macaroni Kid

Jenni from the Blog

Escape from Obesity

- A Very Busy Mama (currently pregnant!)

- The Turnip Farmer (maintaining)

- The Adventures of Goober Grape and Monkey Man (maintaining)

- Unemployed Mom (maintaining)

I receive free product in order to evaluate and comment on my experiences on the Medifast Program. Medifast products and the Medifast Program are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any medical improvements noted while on the program are related to weight loss in general, and not to Medifast products or programs.

Why Superman Man of Steel Should Visit Atlantic City’s Steel Pier #jerseylove

MommyB — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:48:04 +0000

Big, HUGE, thank you to the Steel Pier Amusement Pier for the #jerseylove hospitality and tour. We loved meeting you and even though you are super awesome, this post reflects my own honest opinions of my visit and my thoughts on the Steel Pier are based on my experiences at the park and not influenced by the fact that I indulged in the most delicious, complimentary cotton candy before visiting the park.

Don’t you think that the “Man of Steel” should visit Atlantic City’s Steel Pier?

No??

Well, you’re right he is busy saving lives, but…

Okay, I guess I see your point.

The Steel Pier is Super Fun, and here are some reasons that, the Man of Steel, aka Superman, or really any awesome hero like person {including yourself} may enjoy a visit to the Steel Pier.

Super Ticket Prices: Steel Pier gives you the option to purchase as little as 1 ticket or an all day wrist band. So heros can choose the amount of money they spend based on the rides they want to get on, and the amount of time they have to spend at the park. Often times the park stays open very late into the night. {Great for super hero families too!!}

Superific Rides: If you’re bringing the little heros they’ll enjoy the Double Decker Carousel, Ferris Wheel, and the swings. For the people who are mildly adventurous Steel Pier features super roller coaster rides like Crazy Mouse and Loco Motion, and some pretty awesome rides. A few of us #jerseylove girls enjoyed the Flying Dutchman, which is a pirate ship type ride, Freedom Flier, a true wolf in sheeps clothing of amusment park rides, but super fun ride that goes upside down, and basically all over the place, and Rock-n-Roll, which you may have seen at other fairs or amusement parks, this ride is like a carousel for adults, spinning forward and backward as the cars freely swing side to side, my only wish for this ride was that the music was a little more upbeat to match the style of the ride.

Here are some of my pictures of the rides at Steel Pier {no one was riding yet because we braved a torrential downpour {{or something similar} for a tour of the facilities, see water on the ground before it was quickly cleaned up after the storm stopped.}} – Please do not use this photo, or any photos in this post without my written permission.

Along with the rides listed above, and a few more in the park, there are a couple of rides that you won’t want to miss, especially if you are a thrill-seeker.

The helicopter is a BIG attraction and Steel Pier is ~~the secret lair~~ home to the only helicopter ride in Atlantic City, making it a busy stop for performers and celebrities flying via helicopter into AC. This is one of few attractions at the Steel Pier that is not included in the all-day pass.

Speaking of additional attractions, Steel Pier is also home to the Slingshot, where you can experience Up To 5 G’s and you are shot into the air and “fly” 0-225 Feet in 1.5 Seconds at over 100 MPH. Yeah, only a super hero would want to ride this, see:

Okay, I’m not a superhero, but I sure felt like one riding this ride. Elizabeth from Edvacation.com and I rode together {pictured left}. We even saw a rainbow while we were bouncing in the air, which made this #jerseylove trip even greater. {I’ll be writing more about my experiences throughout the next couple of weeks so stay tuned!!}

Yummy Amusement Treats to Rescue your Tummy: That speak for themselves, WHAT?! I had to try it, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to tell you how yummy it was!!

Amazing History: The Steel Pier in Atlantic City originally opened on Saturday, June 18, 1898, which in just a couple of days will be 115 years!!! How amazing. During it’s hay-day, Steel Pier was where Miss America was crowned for several years and was once called the “Showplace of the Nation” and included such acts as the High Diving horse; Rex the Wonder Dog, a water-skiing canine in the 1930s; and musicians, Frank Sinatra and Al Jolson among others.

Don’t miss the next upcoming performance with Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses featuring Sarah Spiegel – Performing three shows July 27th, 2013 at 7:PM, 10:PM & Sunday July 28th, 2013 at 3:PM.

Awesome Things to Come for 2014 and beyond: Steel Pier has been touting some great new attractions and changes coming our way. Their plans include ideas to make the Steel Pier a year-round attraction, offer indoor banquet and event facilities, achieving a few theme park ride records, and adding some new rides.

Super Fun for Everyone!! I speak for all of the #jerseyshore attendees {without their permission} when I say we had a BLAST during our visit to Steel Pier. Even though it was raining, that didn’t stop us from wanting to check out the rides, take pictures and because the weather cooperated, were able to enjoy the park in it’s entirety.

I promise if you are in Atlantic City and you do not go visit the Steel Pier you will be kicking yourself. This family-owned operation is not only one of the most successful in the country, but it’s also got a lot of heart.

Being TheCoasterCritic’s wife, I geeked out a little when I got to meet Steel Pier Owner/President Anthony Catanoso, {Don’t you think he looks a little like Scott Baio?}, in all seriousness, the entire staff from management to ride operators and food vendors were so pleasant and really seemed like a family. I can’t wait to visit again, rain or shine!!

Make sure you check them out Steel Pier on Facebook and Twitter too and let them know you have #jerseylove!

Celebrate Father’s Day with Cardstore

MommyB — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:40:59 +0000

Thanks Cardstore for the chance to tell my readers about your products and for providing me with a gift card to check them out myself too.

My girls are daddy’s girls. They love their mommy, but they’re “stuck with me” all day, so whenever they get daddy-daughter time it is a big deal. DaddyB tries to take them on dates and have special moments with them often.

If we had to pick one special activity or outing that they do, we just wouldn’t be able to choose only one. DaddyB is a great daddy and not only has a lot of fun playing blocks, and building forts with the girls, but he also teaches them responsibility, encourages learning, shares about health and taking care of themselves inside and out and shows them how someday, their husband should treat them.

Because we think DaddyB is a super daddy, literally, we want to show him how much we love him this Father’s Day. One way we are showing our love is by using Cardstore’s easy photo card website and services. Cardstore allows users to create custom cards by adding personal photos, personalized messaging and your signature for a personal touch. Cardstore can also print, stamp and send your card via US postal service for you. And you can make and send your card in most cases, for the same price or less than you can purchase in stores, but this way they’re even more personal and a keepsake, rather than heading to the recycling bin.

We had fun looking through pictures of the girls and DaddyB and we chose this card as our favorite:

With 323 Father’s Day cards to choose from you are bound to find one that’s just right no matter if you’re looking for your children’s father, your father, or a special man in your life who has played the role of father. Head over to Cardstore’s website: www.cardstore.com and take a look for yourself. Also make sure you check them out on Facebook and Twitter too!

What special moments with your father do you remember? What do your children love to do with their daddy? Which card is your favorite???

I received product gift cards as a thank you for this post, however all thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own personal opinions. I really like Cardstore products, but if I did not I would tell you so. Your opinions may vary.

My Invisalign Treatment Progress and Refinement Plans

MommyB — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 19:31:14 +0000

*I am a member of the Invisalign Mom Advisory Board, I receive complimentary Invisalign treatment, but am posting my own, personal opinions.

Hey there! I love giving tips and talking about Invisalign, but it’s been a little while since I last updated my personal progress, so this post is dedicated to just that.

I’m sitting here Invisalign-less, no attachments, no aligners, nothing, but I’m not done yet. I know it sounds like a riddle, but basically I have finished my initial set of 51 top and bottom aligners and while I can see MUCH improvement in my smile, there is still some fine tuning that will complete my perfect smile. These adjustments are called refinement.

Let’s go back a little. Here’s my last Invisalign progress post: MommyB’s Invisalign Progress. Since the beginning I have been able to watch my smile transform, and even though I don’t have many crooked teeth, my smile was not filling up my mouth. I have enjoyed watching my smile change and even noticing the differences when I brush and especially when I floss my teeth.

My last few trays focused mainly on correcting the overlap of my bottom front teeth. For as long as I can remember those teeth have crossed over, so to feel a much flatter, smoother surface on the back of those teeth is incredible. While I’m not super excited for refinement {to be completely honest}, I am excited about the end results, those results are what compels me to follow my treatment plan and those results are what will encourage me to keep up my dental care after my treatment is completed.

Back to refinement. If you read one of my earlier Invisalign posts, I mentioned the process of impressions, at the time the only option available at the orthodontist were the “goopy” impressions. They weren’t the worst thing in the world, but having a stuffy nose and getting them done didn’t mix well. I have heard a lot of people mention how they hated the process. Fortunately, I have been able to experience both sides of the coin, and with this refinement, was able to have my impressions taken via Invisalign Technology iTero scanner.

After the orthodontist filed down my attachments, scans were taken to be sent to Invisalign to create my refinement trays. {My actual first impressions from January 2012 on the left and a stock image of the iTero scanner in use.}

Here are some differences between the two impression techniques:

iTero impressions are cleaner (no goop)
iTero takes a few minutes longer
iTero has no bad taste
iTero gives you opportunities to take a break
iTero allows you to rescan in the office right away where the other form of impression may be sent back to the orthodontist and another appointment required
iTero technology gives Invisalign a more in-depth look at your teeth and bite

If I had a choice between the two I would probably choose the iTero scan, mostly because of the quality of impression it gives Invisalign but really, I’m not too picky.

And last but not least, here are a few pictures of my teeth before Invisalign and currently, be warned, lots and lots of pictures of teeth coming up…

For the next 4 months I’ll be Invisalign-less, but am excited to continue to talk to you about the treatment and my personal progress too. Refinements are normal after the initial Invisalign treatment is done, not everyone has refinements, but it’s also not something to freak out about either.

Do you see the progress?? Which impression method would you choose??

If you think you may be a good candidate or want to improve your smile, take Invisalign’s free smile assessment: HERE.

For more information straight from Invisalign and Invisalign Teen visit their website Invisalign.com and check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Keeping Your Family Safe with The Lassy Project

MommyB — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:00:59 +0000

As the saying goes, “Safety first,” and when it comes to my girls, I’ll admit I’m a little bit of a helicopter parent, but that’s my parenting style. While I have loosened up a bit as they’ve gotten older and shown maturity and responsibility {as much as a 3 and 6 year old can that is,} I will always be concerned about their welfare, but am working on not being a worrier and trusting that God is in ultimate control.

It’s my job to take care of these kiddos, so I feel that it’s important to teach them things like looking both ways before they cross the street, what to do in an emergency {Miss A knows my phone number and Lil C is only 1 extra number off}, and of course, potential danger when it comes to strangers.

My girls are still pretty young, but being that we are a very online family we are very on top of learning age-appropriate safety rules for the internet when it comes to strangers, and real-life is no different. We talk to them often about what to do in different situations whether it’s being separated from mom and dad or if someone tries to cause them harm or God forbid take them. Though we can’t always be with our children, and know that God is looking over them, we’re always looking for ways we can best be prepared for different circumstances.

When I heard about The Lassy Project, I knew that this was something I wanted to tell my readers about the work they are doing. Check out this video:

If you want to find out more about how The Lassy Project works, head to their website here: www.thelassyproject.com. There you can watch videos, read more statistics, and of course join the village, the most important step in the process of helping lost children.

Even if you are not interested in other aspects of The Lassy Project or you have children who are still too young, I encourage you to sign up: www.thelassyproject.com/signup to join the village and be an active part of your community and helping children in need.

This is not a paid post, and I received no compenastion. I thought this project was too great of an idea not to share with you. Your opinions may vary, but check it out first before you decide.

Unique Father’s Day Gift Guide {Giveaway}

MommyB — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 04:52:34 +0000

This is a sponsored post, however all of the products in this post are products that I feel are great, unique, gift ideas for Father’s Day.

Looking for gifts that aren’t your run-of-the-mill Father’s Day gifts? You’ve come to the right place. Here are a few, not-so-common Father’s Day gifts that you may consider getting the special dad in your life. Check it out…

Do you have a camouflage loving dad? How about a dad who loves to golf? No matter what dad’s interests are, Cafe Press has unique Father’s Day Gifts for any papa. You can also choose from a variety of mediums like beer mugs, t-shirts, golf balls, water bottles and more!

Here are some of my favorites:

I always love the wide variety of gifts you can purchase on CafePress, my problem is narrowing down the selection, but seriously you’re bound to find something you love on CafePress, check out their Father’s Day gift selection here: www.cafepress.com and pick out something extra just in case you win this giveaway for $25 gift card from CafePress!

Enter by commenting in a separate comment, which item(s) you would buy with the gift card.

*Must be 18 years or older and be a resident of the United States. Giveaway ends 6/10/2013

As we get older, the things we eat and drink tend to stain our teeth, slowly changing from pearly white to…not so white {to say the least}. It’s important to take care of our smiles and focus on oral hygiene. Give dad the chance to make his smile brilliantly white with smile Brilliant!

This at-home teeth whitening system, not only has proven results, but is super easy to use. Using the LED Teeth Whitening System takes 20 minutes a day {or less depending on the desired results} and is more affordable than in-office whitening at $39.95 plus shipping and handling.

Purchase your smile Brilliant kit to give dad that gleaming smile here: www.smilebrilliant.com and win one for yourself or someone else you love. Comment on one thing that makes you smile for a chance to win a smile Brilliant! LED Teeth Whitening System of your own.

*Must be 18 years or older and be a resident of the United States. Giveaway ends 6/10/2013

Love making crafts or handmade gifts for Dad, but not so crafty?? I fell in love with these flattenme personalized gifts. You can choose to add your child’s face to any of their products, t-shirts, books, wall art, and dad will have a fun keepsake that’s extra special.

Two of my favorite products that make great Father’s Day gifts are the My SuperSomeone books, {of course every daddy wants to be their child’s favorite role model}, and the Owl Always Love You name book, {great for bedtime bonding}.

Pssst, there are only 4 more days to order your flattenme gifts for Father’s Day!!! So head over now and place your order: www.flattenme.com

And for those of you who want to get a t-shirt for your kiddo, flattenme is giving one lucky MommyBKnowsBest reader a chance to win one of their personalized photo t-shirts!! Enter to win by commenting letting me know which shirt you would choose if you won.

*Winner pays the flat rate fee of $3.99 shipping – Must be 18 years or older and be a resident of the United States. Giveaway ends 6/10/2013

Do you know that I love Uncommon Goods? They have some really cool gifts, some are a little on the pricey side, and others are perfect for smaller gifts. Here are three that I found and really loved:

First is a beer chiller, you can drink and chill your beer at the same time, never drink a drop of warm beer again! To the right is a cool molecular gastronomy set, if he’s into Top Chef or Iron Chef this is the perfect gift for him! And lastly, bottom left, a cool map for the traveling man. He can scratch off places in the world that he’s travelled to, better than push-pins by far!!

Don’t forget if he’s a Sci-Fi fan, take him to see the new Star Trek movie or buy him a couple of movie tickets, DaddyB loved the movie in the theater and highly recommends seeing it!

Winners!!! Cafepress: Alaine, Smile Brilliant!: Krys Davis, FlattenMe: Michelle P.

Thank you to the companies who participated in this Father’s Day Gift Guide and contributed product for placement.

Social Media Moms Jersey Shore Trip for Social Good #jerseylove

MommyB — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 01:45:57 +0000

I am beyond excited to head to New Jersey at the end of this week. I haven’t had much extra time on my hands to write a post on this, but if you’re following me on Facebook and Twitter, I’m sure you’ve seen my #jerseylove references.

On Thursday, I’ll be driving North with Lisa Frame of A Daily Pinch {wahoo!!} Once we get to New Jersey, we’ll be dropping our bags off at the beautiful, Cesar’s Palace Atlantic City and enjoying a great dinner at Mia’s with these awesome moms from Social Media Moms and NJ Digital Moms. {Can you find me??}

I’m very excited to spend some time catching up with, and making new friends, but will be happy to lay my head down at the end of the night after what will be a long, but I’m sure fun, drive North.

Friday we’ll be beach bound, heading to Belmar Shore. I am excited about this trip, although I have not been in person I have the images of the damage done by hurricane Sandy engrained in my head, it will be nice to fill them with new images of a place that is restored, and while not completely back to it’s “old” self, rising from the destruction and reclaiming home.

I’m honored to be a part of a group who will be presenting the Mayor of Belmar, Matt Doherty a check for rebuilding the town and to help those still in need and suffering from the effects of this tragedy. I know too well, how much others help can lift you up when you live through a situation like this, and that is why this trip is tugging at my heartstrings.

It’ll be nice to also show off some amazing businesses that have rebuilt and are trying to get back on their feet, I can’t wait to Instagram and tweet about the triumphs they are experiencing too!

While we are at the beach, I’ll be ~~making a fool of myself~~ learning how to surfing and finding out more about D6 Sports, having lunch at D’Jais {gonna try to stick with the salad, but the menu looks boardwalk-tastic}. For those of you who are foodies, you can spot us at the Taste of Atlantic City at Harrah’s , where we’ll be celebrating our Ladies Night Out on Saturday as well. {I heard Joey Lawrence was just there…WHOA!!!} Wonder how many autographs I’ll have to sign…

As for earlier in the day on Saturday, I know Hubby, aka Coaster Critic is a little jealous that I get to head to the Steel Pier on without him, but I’ll be taking lots of pictures and video and sharing with him and you too!!

After brunch and goodbyes on Sunday, Ms. Frame and I will be heading back South to report to you all the amazing things we did, and saw, and I fully plan on being filled up with inspiration for my own life on the progress and hope that you will consider helping restore New Jersey in any ways that you are able to, whether it be to pray, serve, or donate.

In the meantime, if you are a twitter kind of person, join Social Media Moms and NJ Digital Moms as we party with @D6SurfSkimmer tomorrow night 9pm ET (6pm PT, figure it out), and give away some cool prizes, and talk about our trip! RSVP to join us and be eligible to win prizes here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***Thanks in advance to all of the hospitality our group will be receiving from the above mentioned companies and services!!

My Medifast Progress – Week 25 #journey33

MommyB — Fri, 31 May 2013 18:26:34 +0000

Thanks Medifast for allowing me to be a brand ambassador and receive product and tell my readers about my challenges and victories with health.

Hi, I’m Jenn and I’m an addict. I am addicted to food. I am not joking or making light of other addictions. I have seen other addictions take over people’s lives and how it effects everyone around them. I am addicted to food.

I don’t know to what extend I am addicted, but I know that I will always struggle with food temptations, and that it will always take a conscious effort on my part, every minute of the day, to choose health over what my mind tells me.

When it comes to food I hear voices. No I’m not crazy…at least I don’t think I am, but I rationalize, “one bite of this won’t hurt” “you can work out and work it off later”…and one bite turns into three, and after I know it I end up binging and scraping the hard work I had done in previous weeks.

In my head there are days where I am so on board, I stick to plan and have few thoughts of veering off path, then there are other days where, I swear, my brain wants to sabotage me. I’ve even thought, “how long am I here on earth for”, “there are other people that are less healthy than me and they seem okay”. Then it’s a matter of reminding myself why I’m trying to lose weight, and why I’m using the Medifast plan.

I KNOW how to lose weight, I know the things I’m doing right and the things I’m doing wrong, there are so many things I can and will be implementing to help me in this journey. My excuses aren’t helping, and I know those voices and thoughts won’t easily go away, if ever. I will fall off the wagon, I will get back on, banged up and bruised, and possibly a few pounds heavier, but I need to keep going after this, I choose health, but I am addicted to food.

I’ve always known that I have had an addictive personality and addiction (in many forms) runs in my family, however that is not an excuse for any behavior including my health and weight, and I’m a scrappy lil momma who intends to keep pushing, even when my brain convinces me otherwise.

So if you can’t understand what I’m going through I beg you to please still hang in there with me, and if you have it in you, even though you may think I’m not doing a great job, I hope you are able to send sincere encouragement to push me forward. If you, can empathize or if you are a food addict, this is a day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute process.

I am a food addict and I am not quitting.

My plans are to start to replace things that I eat or do slowly, but build them up as habits. I am trading coffee for Medifast Calorie Burn Strawberry Lemonade Flavor Infuser™ or another caffeine replacement that doesn’t have the calories that my beloved coffee does, or the temptation of picking up a donut or bagel while I’m there.

So here goes!!!

Weight Prior to Medifast: 168.5 lbs Weight
Lost This Week: -0 lbs (but none gained in the past 3 weeks either)
Weight Lost on Medifast: -21.5 lbs
Current weight: 147 lbs

Pant size: Started at 14 now at 8-10!!!

*Goal to new running shoes: -2.5 lbs
My First Goal: -33 lbs/135.5 lbs {since I’m 33, I thought that was appropriate}
My Final Goal: -16.5 lbs/119 lbs {half of 33}

Check out my thoughts on the Medifast Foods I’ve tried so far: http://www.mommybknowsbest.com/medifast-food-reviews/

Also check out the progress of these other great bloggers and follow their journey!

The Divine Miss Mommy

Kelly with Makobi Scribe

Single Mom on a Budget

Gaithersburg-Rockville Macaroni Kid

Jenni from the Blog

Escape from Obesity

- A Very Busy Mama (currently pregnant!)

- The Turnip Farmer (maintaining)

- The Adventures of Goober Grape and Monkey Man (maintaining)

- Unemployed Mom (maintaining)

Turning our Ordinary Days into Adventures

MommyB — Wed, 29 May 2013 05:36:20 +0000

I’m the kind of parent that likes to sit on the floor and play with my kiddos, and create worlds of fun with household items. We love turning ordinary days into adventures, and especially now that it’s summer…all I have to say to the regular days is, watch out, here comes the B family!!

Whether we are making blanket forts, playing dress up and pretending to be queens of make-believe kingdoms, grocery shopping in tutus…we keep it simple, but using our imagination and sharing the love we have for each other helps us turn our ordinary days into adventures.

As you can imagine all our play takes a lot of energy, so we make sure to fuel up on a good, hearty breakfast. Lil’ C loves oatmeal and some days can eat seconds and thirds! We’re so glad that Quaker® Perfect Portions is available, that way we’re not making several packets to fill her belly or wasting any extra that’s left over. Perfect…it’s in the name…plus there’s no sugar added so we can sweeten as much or little as we like {erring on the side of less sugar of course.}

Every day is an adventure and with Quaker® Perfect Portions I know I am providing my family with the fuel they need for their epic adventures.

Share how you make everyday an adventure and see other storieson Everyday Health.

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

Why We Love Raggs Kids Show

MommyB — Tue, 28 May 2013 18:19:19 +0000

**Thanks to Raggs PR for sending us some great products to try out.**

15 years before they appeared on broadcast television Raggs was created, by a parent, for their six year old. Luckily, the idea grew and now my children, and yours are able to reap the benefits of learning and laughter from Raggs television shows, DVDs, concerts/performances, an interactive website, and even Raggs themed products.

My girls enjoyed watching The Wiggles and often on the same station we would continue watching programming, which included Raggs. They liked how diverse the characters were and of course the fact that Raggs and his friends were in a band didn’t hurt either, {my girls love singing and dancing}. Although, I must admit we never really made it one of our regular shows…until we got a chance to check out more episodes on DVD recently.

Upon opening the package from Raggs, my girls fell in love with the plush Raggs stuffed toy {which you can purchase on their website}. Not only was he a great size but he was very soft, and features a “hidden” pocket to store treasure {say my girls}.

We are very mindful of what our girls watch and want it to be not only entertaining but educational as well. After watching Raggs with them, I truly feel that this programing in wholesome and worth watching for any family. Not to mention that some of the songs featured in the show are also on their CD. We love dancing to the Raggs music and it’s also a safe CD to have in for children’s parties and play dates as well.

Raggs and his friends, Razzles, Pido, B. Max, and Triby not only love to play music, but they love to be active and are always learning from situations they stumble upon. We love that their website features so many activities, videos and information for us to learn and play more with Raggs and his friends.

Miss A regularly asked for Raggs as her video and music choices in the car on our trips, and this girl has a lot of choices so that certainly means a lot coming from her. Both of my girls, were laughing and really getting into dancing and listening to Raggs and the other characters on the show, so much that we have truly become fans of Raggs and no longer occasional watchers.

Make sure you check out Raggs for your family by visiting their newly updated and super interactive website at Raggs.com, we love Pido’s Rockin’ Code printable sheet, Raggs TV games, and their shop! Miss A and Lil C are loving the activity and sticker books we got, perfect for summer rest time, so they can calm down, focus, and relax with their favorite characters.

I received products from Raggs in order to give my honest, thorough opinions on their services and products. The words and thoughts expressed in this post are my own, however yours may vary.