My son is now three weeks old. He was born weighing 5lbs 13oz, lost some weight and has gained some back – but not near the 7lb mark needed for most carriers. With a 2 1/2 year old daughter who requires a lot of play time, I knew I would need something to be hands-free but still be able to hold my three week old son. I did research this time around. Most carriers still requires a 7lb weight limit. I have read reviews/raves about wraps. Therefore, I researched the best wraps – which there are plenty out there. The two most popular wraps are the Boba Wrap and the Moby Wrap. I read forums, weighed pros/cons, and even asked mothers at play-groups to find out which wrap was the best. After thorough research and many nights pondering the pros and cons, I chose the Boba Wrap.

The Boba Wrap we received to review is 100% organic cotton. The difference between the Boba Wrap and other wraps on the market is the fabric. This is the reason I chose the Boba Wrap. The Boba has a heavier higher quality knit, which means more durability, stability, and support while holding your little one. The wrap adjusts perfectly to your body without any guessing games. As mentioned on their website:

The material of other wraps is less dense than the Boba Baby Wrap, and there actually isn’t so much elasticity to it. It’s more a t-shirt kind of material that only stretches one way and bags out (like a stretched out t-shirt) after you take the baby out of the wrap, so you have to tighten it and retie it. The Boba Baby Wrap bounces back and clings to your body and your baby.

I wanted the best, easiest, and most durable wrap while holding my newborn. Now, I am going to be honest and say that it took me a couple of hours to figure out how to actually use the wrap when following the directions in the booklet. I am more of an audio learner than a visual learner, so I did find a video on YouTube to learn how to use the wrap. After watching the video a couple of times, I feel like a Boba-Wrapping pro. I also watched a video on how to do the newborn hold with the Boba Wrap and can click here to watch that video. I practiced using the Boba Wrap and learning how to tie it multiple times before actually using it with our newborn. So, practice, practice, practice until you feel comfortable. I used baby dolls – big and small, along with stuffed animals before I placed my newborn into the Boba. Now, I feel super comfortable putting the Boba Wrap on and wearing my newborn.

Some of the benefits of the Boba Wrap include:

*No pressure points on your baby – no pressure on developing hips or spines like other hard baby carriers which place pressure on your baby’s pelvis

*No baby is too small – the baby wrap is designed for the tiniest of babies

*Natural sleep solution – no plastic, no music, no bouncy seat-just you- calming and soothing your baby with your warmth, your voice, your scent, your movement and your heartbeat. There is no more natural way to put your baby to sleep

*Discreet nursing is no problem – no need to take the baby out of the wrap baby carrier or use any special attachments for privacy

We started using the Boba Wrap when our little man was 5lbs 11oz. I started using it around the house at first to fold laundry, color with my daughter, or read books. Now, I am confident to use it while grocery shopping or playing with my daughter at the park. I have found it is easier to put the wrap on at home over the clothes I will be wearing and just wear it while out and about with my children. The wrap actually comes with a storage bag, so it’s easy to place into the car where it will always be handy. Although I do not breastfeed, I have bottle fed our newborn while in the wrap especially when I didn’t want to take him out in crowded places. I have also discovered that you can put pacifiers in the middle panel while baby is not using them. We are always losing pacifiers, so this was a great way for us to have easy access to the pacifier and tuck it away when not in use. I have really enjoyed the freedom I have with the Boba. I can complete chores, spend more time with my daughter, and still have the opportunity to hold my little one. The Boba has been a blessing and I definitely recommend it to any parent. Since my husband isn’t a “baby-wearer” I didn’t have the opportunity to review how the wrap would work with mother and father, but the Boba website states that the wrap is designed for adult bodies of all types and works great for both mom and dad.

The Boba Wrap retails for $48-$65 and can be purchased online and in stores. Pajama Mommy is participating in a giveaway with other bloggers where you as a reader can have the opportunity to win a Boba Baby Carrier!

GIVEAWAY

Enter for your chance to win a Boba Baby Carrier and one of two Boba Wraps! All products can be seen at www.bobafamily.com. With Boba products it is easier than ever to enjoy Freedom Together as a family and Boba wants YOU to get a chance to use their products. To enter to win, “Like” them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boba) and for an additional two entries, follow them on Twitter (www.twitter.com/boba).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I did receive the Boba Wrap free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

The Big Splash Waterpark features:

-Water slide and spinning water wheel
-Catapult diving board flips the swimmers into the pool
-Raised design helps keep feet clean and dry
-7 piece accessory set: bucket, tower, spinner, 2 figures, catapult board and cup
-Drain plug
-Minimal adult assembly required

The set-up was super easy and only took 10 minutes from box to finish. Also, the table is super light weight and was easy to move from one area of the yard to another. When we first received the Big Splash Waterpark, it was rainy outside for a few days. Therefore, we used the slide, spinning wheel, bucket and cup in the bathtub. We loved that the toys can double up as bathtub fun for our daughter.

The Big Splash Waterpark is easy to use. All you do is fill up the table with water and let your child’s imagination work from there. My daughter enjoyed pouring water into the green bucket and watching the wheel spin. Unfortunately, our box didn’t come with the two figures so we weren’t abel to review that aspect of the Big Splash Waterpark. But, the two figures expand your child’s imagination to the next level and allows them to launch the figure from the diving board and slide down the slide. The table is easy to fill up, drain, and store in the backyard. The table is only big enough for 2 (maybe 3) small children, perfect for the age of 2-4 and small enough to fit into a yard without taking up too much space. We plan on purchasing an umbrella for the water table just to block out the sun and to protect her fair skin.

We were very pleased with the Waterpark and cannot wait for her little brother to join in on the fun.

Disclosure: I did receive the Big Splash Waterpark free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

Buying a piano can be a daunting process if you are looking for the best quality possible. Researching companies is important to find a reputable one that will sell you a quality piano at a price you can afford. It becomes especially difficult if you are looking to purchase a used piano, because you have to trust that the company is selling you one in good condition. Steinway & Sons takes pride in their new and used pianos, and their technicians put the utmost care into inspecting all used pianos, sometimes to the point of a full restore to bring them to top quality.

The company offers a rental program, as well as a program for instructors to use their recital hall, and educational seminars and classes. Piano instructors in the Los Angeles area should look into the “Steinway Educational Partnership Program.”

They have their own iPad app for sheet music, as well as a piano buyer’s guide on their website.

Start your fitness regime with the food you eat, it is important that food is a family orientated matter, this is vital not just to review what your kids are eating but you can really set a good example for your children in this scenario.

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But remember to give treats when they are deserved; everything in moderation will give your kids the best start and will give them a healthy outlook on food for the future.

Try to make food interesting and have your children try different cuisines from around the world, you could have themed nights for different countries, this not only broadens their horizons gastronomically but teaches them about other cultures.

Ditch the gym for a while. This might sound like a crazy tip but if you want your children to follow in your footsteps they have to see them first! If you disappear off to the gym for a couple of hours, they have no visual representation of exercise to strive for.

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Seek out neighbourhood and community health initiatives and sports clubs for kids. Nearly every community has them, from ballet to trampolining to tennis and team sports. Crazy golf is a great way to get children introduced to an adult’s sport while keeping it fun for them. Sports clubs keep your children active while teaching them the value of sportsmanship and the importance of being a team player. Teams and clubs also give children the opportunity to socialize with other children outside of school; exposure to an array of different people when you are younger makes you a rounder more tolerant adult.

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If your children really do love their video games there are loads of fitness and sports related options out there. Try to stick to ones that actually accelerate your heart rate through movement. Don’t let the game do all the work though, remember children learn by example and you don’t want a child raised by a games console. It is important to mix up the indoor and outdoor activities as well; one of the best things for a child is simply getting some good old fashioned fresh air!

This article was provided by Joan Waterhouse on behalf of premier golf holiday supplier YourGolfTravel.com. I’m a busy mother or three who loves to keep active. I also enjoy travelling and compete in various sports.

The “A Princess Wish” fragrance collection consists of shimmer body lotion, body wash, body mist, and eau de toilette, as well as two boxed sets.  A Princess Wish fragrance collection is available now at Disney Stores nationwide and online at DisneyStore.com.  In lieu of their new fragerance line, Pj Mommy has teamed up with Disney to offer our readers a chance to win A Princess Wish Eau De Toilette (SRP $24.50)!

For  your chance to win, please leave us a comment below telling us about your favorite thing about Disney.  Whether it be the characters, theme parks or items in general– we want to know!

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CONTEST ENDS ON MAY 19TH @ MIDNIGHT EST.

ANTI AGE Multi-Function Eye Cream combines powerful peptides to minimize the appearance of crow’s feet, help reduce the appearance of both puffiness and dark under eye circles while special optical diffusers instantly brighten the eye area. Ophthalmologist tested, this formula is ideal for treating the delicate skin around the eyes.

Wake up to eyes that look youthful and refreshed. Developed as a powerful eye area treatment and gentle makeup remover, the ANTI-AGE Eye Cloths deliver a one-two punch, removing makeup without tugging, and depositing cosmetic ingredients to combat the visible signs of aging. The difference: what they leave behind is just as important as what they clear away. Featuring a unique blend of powerful peptides, these cloths diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles and under-eye puffiness while dissolving stubborn eye makeup, even mascara. ANTI-AGE Eye Cloths complement every Rodan + Fields skincare system and work with ANTI-AGE Multi-Function Eye Cream for maximum results.

A little bit about Rodan + Fields skin care: Rodan + Fields is quickly gaining attention as a beauty must have. Featured on the Today Show as the “must have anti-aging product for 2011″ and also in Featured in Allure Magazine’s Best of Beauty and “A-List” for 2011. Product praises can be found every month in one magazine publication or antoher. All products are backed by a 100% money back guarantee in 60 days, even with an empty bottle. For more information contact Lindsey Smith at lindseyhsmith@live.com or order directly from lindseysmith.myrandf.com.

To win your very own Eye Love You Mom set, please leave a comment telling us about your experience with the Rodan + Fields Solutions Tool.  Extra entry options will not count if the mandatory entry is not completed. We do verify.

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3.  Blog about this giveaway!

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CONTEST ENDS ON MAY 19TH @ MIDNIGHT EST.

Both of my children love to play with cars and y’all, this play set is definitely no exception!  With this play set you can use a clamp to hang in space, playing on multiple levels and ride elevators.  You can attach the play set to tables, doors and other flat surfaces.  My son likes to attach it to their play room table, while my daughter likes to attach it to the door.

 While it does not have all the bells and whistles so many play sets have today, it does encourage children to use their imaginations.  Definitely a worth while buy for any parent and a guaranteed hit with children!

Thankfully, someone at Mattell had a genius idea!  They took a standard Hot Wheels play set from the floor to the wall.  Not only did they solve part of my cluttered floor dilemma, but they also helped me keep my son’s car tracks in one place–eliminating our missing track parts/trash can issue. We attached the wall track approximately a week ago and already have noticed a great improvement.  Not only has we not lost any pieces to the track, but they have actually remained intact.

Not only am I, the parent in love with the play set, but my children are too.  Both my son and daughter have enjoyed playing with cars on the wall rather than just the floor.  They no longer have to pretend that something is on the wall because there actually is now.  It has already provided our family with hours of fun!

Putting together the track took approximately ten minutes, with the help of another adult.  We attached it to the wall using 3M Command Strips.  Occasionally we run into the issue of the track coming apart after several hours of play, but have remedied that issue with a little bit of extra tape. Despite that one minor issue, we are very happy with the play set and would recommend it to anyone!

• A copy of the beautifully illustrated, award winning book The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life from nationally recognized life balance expert, Renee Peterson Trudeau
• A free teleclass with Renee on The Transformative Power of Self-Care (meet Renee here)
• A chance to win the Yummy Mummy Year-of-Self-Care Package (winner will be announced on Mother’s Day).

CONTEST ENDS ON MAY 12TH @ MIDNIGHT EST.

Crockpot meals are low cost. The idea behind a crock pot is to drop your protein and let it cook and marinate. You can add anything you want to your crock pot meal like veggies, grains, sauces, spices and more veggies! And the added bonus is that dinner will be done when you get home.

An easy way to save on money is stick with proteins like chicken and beef. Chop up lots of vegetables and purchase some chicken stock or flavored salad dressing that sound delicious to you. You can also freeze in a zip lock bag and later drop in the crock pot later in the week for an easy, inexpensive dinner. Here are two low cost recipes that are under $3 per serving to get you started:

Triple-Layer Lasagna (from Prevention.com)

Prep: 20min Cook: 6hr 10min

• 1 lb extra lean ground beef
• 14 1/2 oz diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 C sliced mushrooms
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles
• 28 oz tomato sauce
• 16 oz fat-free cottage cheese
• 2 C shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 C grated Parmesan cheese

NOTE: Ingredients for a changed serving size are based on a calculation and are not reviewed by the author or tested. Please also consider scaling up or down cooking containers as needed.

1. Combine beef, tomatoes, onion, mushrooms, and garlic in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until meat is no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Coat 4-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray. Place 3 noodles, side by side, in bottom of cooker. Top with one-third each of the tomato sauce, cottage cheese, beef mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers two more times, ending with mozzarella. Sprinkle Parmesan on top.
3. Cover. Cook on low 5 to 6 hours, or until lasagna is cooked through and cheese is bubbly.

Barbecue Pulled Chicken (from EatingWell.com)

Prep: 25 minutes Cook time: 5 1/2 hours

• 1 8-ounce can reduced-sodium tomato sauce
• 1 4-ounce can chopped green chiles, drained
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sweet or smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chile
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced

1. Stir tomato sauce, chiles, vinegar, honey, paprika, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ground chipotle and salt in a 6-quart slow cooker until smooth. Add chicken, onion and garlic; stir to combine.
2. Put the lid on and cook on low until the chicken can be pulled apart, about 5 hours.
3. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred with a fork. Return the chicken to the sauce, stir well and serve.

Author Bio:

This is a guest post from Laura Backes, she enjoys writing about all kinds of subjects and also topics related to internet providers in my area.  You can reach her at: laurabackes8 @ gmail.com.

C-Preme, makers of the infamous Raskullz 3D helmets for kids, have recently launched their new 3D helmet line called KRASH.  My son was recently given the opportunity to review their Liberty Spikes helmet.  C-Preme utilizes their patended 3D technology with a soft, rubber-based material and then draws inspiration from various sources.  For the guys, a helmet with ‘liberty spikes’ recalls the punk music scene of the ‘80s. For the girls, the company looks toward current fashion and cultural trends to interpret into unique designs.

Being a stunt devil, my son was able to put his new helmet to the full test within the first two days of wear.  The helmet not only protected his noggin from serious head injury, but it also managed to keep itself together.  We did manage to get a few small scratches to the helmet, but that is impressive considering the blow it took when it hit the ground.  To me, that says a lot about a product.  Not only is it fashionable, but it’s protective.  KRASH helmets are here for Spring/Summer 2012 at Target, Toys R Us, independent bicycle stores, toy stores and sporting goods retailers for $24.99. Bike-related products and back-to-school products such as backpacks are set to follow later this year.

As an adult, looking back on my childhood, I feel completely jipped.  We did not have the luxury of talking doll houses and toys, nor toys that could be changed out in the blink of an eye.  Toys today are just insanely awesome.

My daughter was recently given the opportunity to review the Pinypon Caravan.  As any child would, my daughter tore that box open like she’d just won the toy lottery.  So what exactly is Pinypon you might ask? Pinypon is a new line of collectible and customizable mini dolls, pets, play sets, and vehicles that has just made their US debut, after a very successful launch in Europe.

It is hard to put into words just how awesome these dolls, pets, play sets and vehicles truly are. You can mix and match the doll’s outfits and accessories simply by taking the dolls apart, as well as rotate the dolls heads to reveal alternate personalities and expressions. No more digging around for a million little pieces– Hallelujah!

The Caravan Play Set is quite literally a fully loaded house on wheels and includes a Pinypon friend, loveable pet, lounge chair, surfboards, picnic table and accessories, paddle boat, slide and swimming pool with a working shower (just add water).  Normally I get frustrated with toys like these because there’s too much stuff for such a small space, but everything in this play set has a place!  Which as a mom, does your heart good to know that the creators actually put a lot of thought into the design and function of this toy.

Now for the part I am always focused on– the affordability!  Pinypon customizable mini dolls, pets, play sets, and vehicles range in price from  $2.99 for the figures and up to $29.99 for the sets.  What a steal considering everything that is included and the hours of imaginative play your child will have.

Not only are we giving away a Caravan play set and two figures, but we wanted to share with all of you a fabulous savings opportunity offered by Pinypon.  By going to their website, you can download and print two coupons to: save $2.00 off the Pinypon Caravan playset and a coupon to receive one Pinypon figure free after the purchase of two!  To get your coupons, please click here.

To win your very own Pinypon Caravan Play Set, please leave a comment telling us about an item you like on their website.  Extra entry options will not count if the mandatory entry is not completed. We do verify.

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CONTEST ENDS ON MAY 19TH @ MIDNIGHT EST.

If you are sexually active, condoms can protect you against some of the STDs, but not all of them. In case you suspect that you have contacted something, you should get tested immediately. The majority of the STDs are more common among teenagers than older people.

Chlamydia
According to official information, teenagers are more likely to contact Chlamydia than older people. Teens can be infected through oral, vaginal or anal sex. The bad thing about the disease is that usually it doesn’t have any symptoms. Nonetheless there are some girls who have a burning sensation when urinating, vaginal discharge or abdominal pain.

In case of guys there could be a burning sensation when urinating or a discharge from the penis. Chlamydia is easy to cure with the help of antibiotics. To decrease your chances of contacting Chlamydia you should be properly using a condom during intercourse.

Gonorrhea
Just as in the previous case, teenagers are more likely to have gonorrhea than adults. There are a lot of infected people who don’t show any symptoms of the disease. Nonetheless the symptoms could include a burning sensation when urinating or defecating.

There could be some other symptoms as well, such as a yellowish discharge from the penis or vagina, bleeding between periods and abdominal pain. Just as Chlamydia, gonorrhea can also be cured with antibiotics and the best way to avoid it is to use the condom properly during intercourse.

Herpes
You could contact the infection through the mouth, genital area, rectal area, thighs or buttocks. All that is needed for this infection to spread is the body parts to get in contact with someone else’s skin. The symptoms that you could have look like open sores, bug bites, jock itch, burns, irritations or other kinds of infections. Although there is no actual cure for herpes, you could keep it under control with the help of medication. Several outbreaks could occur in a year, and this is when other people can get infected.

Genital warts
Genital warts are also known as human papillomavirus and it is considered to be the most common STD in the U. S. In case women get infected by HPV, it could cause cervical cancer. It is transmitted through sexual intercourse, and there are numerous infected people that don’t even know they have it.

It is easy to control and treat in case your doctor finds it. Symptoms include growths or bumps in the rectal or genital area. However, there are vaccines that can protect people against some forms of HPV.

Author Bio: Liza is an avid blogger and freelance writer. She loves writing on health – women’s health and pregnancy, to be more specific. Don’t forget to check out her Women Health articles on womenhealthzone.com, where she writes on topics relating to Women’s Health, Anemia, Depression, Women’s reproductive health, Women’s self care, among others.

1. Wear them out before you leave – Before you hop in the car or hop on a jet or plane, take the kids to the park and let them run around for a bit. Letting them release some of their pent up energy before the trip begins will help prevent them from becoming restless as you travel to your destination. If you’re taking a long road trip, be sure to stop every few hours to let the kids run around outside for a bit. Kids have a natural need to be active. So, don’t expect them to sit quietly in the back of the car for eight hours, without any breaks, and be happy about it.
2. Let them know what to expect – If your children have never flown on an airplane before, let them know what to expect in terms of turbulence, ear popping, and what it feels like to take off and land. If you’re going on a long road trip, make sure your kids know exactly how long it’s going to be. Kids don’t quite view time in the same way we do, so you might want to explain how long the car ride will be in an accessible way. For instance, you could tell them that you were going to be in the car for about as long as they might spend at school on any given day (for a 6 or 7 hour trip).
3. Book hotels with plenty of space – Trying to cram your family of hour into a tiny hotel room with two twin beds isn’t necessarily a good idea. Try to stay in the largest hotel rooms your budget allows for. The whole family will feel more comfortable staying in larger rooms, and making sure your kids are comfortable throughout the trip is one of the most important things you can do to prevent any difficulties.

So, next time you travel the seven seas, go up in the air, or hit the road with your kids in tow, try out the tips above. No family trip will be perfect, but there are definitely ways you can make the overall experience more enjoyable!

Author’s Bio: Logan is a frequent traveler and guest blogger who writes about family trips, international networking, and private jet charters.

You’ve probably bought books online. Who hasn’t? But if you’re looking for great books for your children and you’re lucky enough to live near a bookstore, especially an independent (non-chain) bookstore, consider heading over there. Children’s booksellers read widely, keep up with reviews, and hear what other customers are saying. We can get you beyond the bestsellers and help you find something that’s just right. Indie bookstores often have other perks too — they keep track of gifts you’ve bought (and wrap for free, which can be a huge help during the holiday season), they hold in-store book fairs to benefit your local school, and they hold weekly story times for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Independent bookstores usually have websites for online ordering, too, when you’re just too busy to get into town. To find a store near you, visit www.indiebound.org.

Bookstores and libraries also host children’s authors. Usually these events are free. And they are often much more than read-alouds. Illustrators give drawing demonstrations or do hands-on activities. Writers talk about how a book gets made, show lots of visuals, and hold themed parties. And perhaps best of all, they give children the chance to ask their favorite authors questions about their books! When I was a child, authors seemed very mysterious. I look at the children who come to events, watch them interacting with writers and illustrators, and wish I could have done that as a child.

Now I’m an author myself. In the past year and a half, I’ve had three books published, and for each one, I’ve gone to stores, libraries, and schools to talk to children about writing, give writing workshops, and answer questions about my books. And I want you to know that I still really want to talk to you and your children. There is still nothing better than seeing children get excited about a book (bonus when it’s a book I wrote, of course). So please, don’t be afraid to Google the authors of the books you read. Check out their websites and Facebook pages. See if they will come to your school or your town for a visit. Send them your child’s questions, or encourage your child to write his or her own letter. I can’t speak for all children’s authors here. Some are so inundated with mail that they can’t answer it all. But many of us would love to hear from you. We’d love to help your family connect with a book.

Bio: Jane Kohuth graduated from Brandeis University with a degree in English and Creative Writing and from Harvard Divinity School with a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies. She has worked as a Jewish educator, a children’s room library assistant, a writing teacher, and a children’s bookseller and organizer of author events. Jane’s first book, Ducks Go Vroom, was one of Parents Magazine’s 20 Best Books of 2011. Her picture book Estie the Mensch is a PJ Library selection. Her new book Duck Sock Hop will be published by Dial in May 2012 and she’ll be holding real live sock hops in stores and libraries. She also visits schools to talk to students about writing and to run writing workshops. To find out more, please visit her website, www.janekohuth.com.

Here are a few ways in which modern homes are becoming smarter:

1. Smarter security systems.

Today’s home security systems are much more advanced than those of just two decades ago. Back then, a home security system meant magnet-based sensors connected to a centralized control panel via hard wiring systems. Today, home security systems are primarily wireless and offer much more than simple magnetic sensors.
For example, home security cameras are cheaper and much more powerful than ever before. Some work on a motion-sensitive basis, only turning on when there’s actual activity. There are also advanced glass break sensors that use sound and motion to determine whether a window has been broken in the home. All of these systems can then be accessed via computer or smartphone applications, giving homeowners an amazing amount of versatility. In some cases, you can even view home security cameras remotely with your smartphone.

2. Smarter energy consumption systems.
One of the newest and most useful trends in home technology has to do with the way that we consume energy. For example, some energy companies are piloting programs that show in-home energy consumption displays. What this does it to let residents know just how much energy they’re using at any given time. That means homeowners can take their energy costs into their own hands. If they’re using more electricity during peak, more-expensive hours, they can adjust their consumption by adjusting the thermostat, or by turning off appliances.

In some ways, this is like driving a car with gas mileage detection technology installed. Those systems show you the mileage you’re getting based on how you’re driving. This helps shape driving habits and save money. These home systems help you shape your electricity habits so as to use less and save money.

3. Smarter heating, cooling, and lighting.
For quite a while now we’ve had access to programmable thermostat technology. That’s allowed us to set the home’s temperature based on how it’s being used. Rather than cooling the home to 70 degrees during the day when the kids are at school and you’re at work, these devices let the temp climb during those peak daytime hours and cooled it off in time for you to come home. The same goes with timers for lights.
Now, there are a number of technologies making this process even easier. Some homes now have the ability to have their heating and cooling system controlled remotely via a smartphone app. The same goes for the lights. So, if you’re on vacation, you can leave the thermostat turned down until you’re an hour from home, when you can turn it up remotely.

Even more advanced are systems that detect motion and/or entry to the home. Connected with the home security system, they automatically adjust the thermostat to the temperature you indicate when you arrive, and then readjust it when you leave for the day. Motion-sensitive lighting systems work in a similar fashion for your lights.

What’s still to come
With all of these advances, it’s important to recognize the fact that our homes are continuing to become more versatile. Today, researchers are looking into systems and options for homes that make things even more interesting and automated, including:

• Voice-based interfaces for your home.
• Centralized home management systems that control everything from security and HVAC to your entertainment system.
• Homes with built-in computing power, allowing you to surf the Internet, watch TV, or do whatever you need or want to do from various interface panels located throughout the home.

And those are, in many ways, just the tip of the iceberg.
While some of these “smart home” ideas seem like little more than novelty, the fact of the matter is this: these advances improve our lives in a number of ways. They make live more convenient, but they can also help realize significant energy savings. On top of that, they can help make our homes more secure, protecting us from those who would wish to do us harm.

Author Bio: Nick Simpson is Social Media Coordinator at Kontron, a leading designer of theindustrial computer and industrial computer products, including the single board industrial computer.

I use coupon codes online every time I shop, when they are available, and they usually are. APCodes is a website for these coupon codes for Amazon, so they make it easy to find the codes and save more on top of the savings Amazon already offers. Like most promo code websites, APCodes offers the ability to mark if a coupon code worked for you or not, so as to let other shoppers know their chances. You can search for promo codes for products you want to purchase, and you can submit and share a code if you find one that isn’t already listed.

If you follow APCodes on Google+, you can keep up to date on when new coupons are posted, as well as news from APCodes. A current update involves the chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card!

My attorney took payments and when all was said and done, he sat me down in a chair to ask if I was sure that this is what I wanted.   Divorce is such an ugly mess.  He held onto my money and paperwork until I was certain this was what I wanted.  In fact, he was even the person who recommended my husband and I try marriage counseling before going through extremes.

My husband and I had problems with communication, his  job insecurity and his mental health problems.  We could have easily filed for divorce, walked away from each other and split custody of the kids, but then we would have been giving up.  Our goal was to give it another go, but slowly and with the help of counselor.

While marriage counseling or temporary separations may not work for everyone, they did for my family.  For some couples, divorce is the only solution.  That being said, I highly recommend obtaining a good attorney when the time comes.  If you’re from Michigan (like myself), you’ll want an excellent attorney who knows Michigan divorce laws and if you’re from Arizona, you’ll want an attorney who knows Arizona Divorce Laws.  It’s important you have someone that has your best interest at heart, especially when it comes to children, your assets and your future.

When my son entered into kindergarten this year, the teacher sent home a small list of things the kids would need to bring to class with them and snacks that parents could purchase to ensure the safety of all the children.  Quite honestly, I was nervous about sending food and/or snacks to school with my son.  With food allergies in children on the rise, I did not want to be that mom.  You know, the one who unintentionally caused another child to get sick.

Having a list directly from the teacher helped ease my nerves.  But what if your child’s teacher, coach or caregiver are unaware of your child’s allergies?  Below you can find a few basic tips to help ensure your child’s safety, in case of an emergency.

Tips

1. Logistical Coordinator – let friends’ parents, coaches and field trip chaperones know of your child’s specific food allergies, how to recognize an allergic reaction and what to do in case of emergency. The best way to do this is to schedule an advanced one-on-one meeting.

2. Wrist Candy – Medical safety bracelets have saved hundreds of lives since EMTs are trained to look for them. The only way a bracelet can save your child’s life in an emergency is if they are actually wearing them. Nowadays, many companies, like Medical ID Marketplace (www.hopepaige.com) are creating trendy bracelets that kids no longer have to be embarrassed for wearing them. They have hundreds of designs fit for every kid’s personality. The bracelets also come with a complimentary engraving and allow parents to include emergency contacts and health info.

3. Play Ball – allergies should never come between your child and their extracurricular activity. Make sure to pack a smart snack and a proper medicine kit (i.e. EpiPen, Inhaler, etc). This is where the one-on-one meetings come in handy. Make sure the coaches/staff know how to use the medicine kit correctly, so there is no fumbling around in emergencies.

4. Smart Snacks – kids will be kids and should not be deprived of a mid-afternoon snack because they have allergies. Instead load them up with “safe” alternatives like Oreos and Skittles that are all peanut-free.

WHAT: 23^rd ANNUAL SUSAN G. KOMEN GLOBAL RACE FOR THE CURE®

 WHEN: SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2012 – 8:00 AM EST

 WHERE: NATIONAL MALL, WASHINGTON, D.C.

 REGISTER: www.globalraceforthecure.org

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure and Komen 3-Day for the Cure, we have invested more than $1.9 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

Here are a few steps you can take to prepare your body for pregnancy and to improve your fertility:

Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat has a significant impact on your hormonal balance and your overall health. Known hormone wreckers include alcohol, excess caffeine, sugar (including artificial sweeteners), hormone-laden meats and dairy, and processed foods.

Try to focus on eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, preferably organic. Choose lean proteins that have not been treated with hormones or other chemicals. Drink a lot of water, and reduce or cut out caffeine and alcohol.

Following these simple rules for your diet will not only improve your fertility, but it will also make your body stronger and healthier for pregnancy.

Choose Healthy Supplements
There are many supplements you can take that specifically help to both balance hormones and to prepare your body for pregnancy. Maca (a root used in South American cultures) and Vitex (from chaste berry) have both been touted as fertility-promoting supplements for their properties that help balance hormones. Both can be taken in powder or pill form.

Red raspberry leaf tea has also long been touted as a wonder tea for pregnancy, from conception to post-partum care. The tea is said to have a toning effect on the uterus, helping to strengthen the muscles to both support a healthy pregnancy and to encourage a speedier delivery with fewer complications. Experts recommend drinking a few cups a day from pre-pregnancy all the way through breastfeeding.

Exercise
Exercise is the foundation for good health, and it is critical to a healthy pregnancy. Make sure you are exercising at least a few times a week to help you get pregnant and sustain a healthy pregnancy. Exercise will not only make your body stronger, but it will also help you to reduce stress, improve your mood, and balance your hormones and other chemicals in your body.

You don’t have to run a marathon to be healthy. Walking a three to five times a week is enough to put you on the road to fitness and to reap all the benefits of exercise.

Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting 8 hours a night (or more) isn’t just for beauty! Getting enough (quality) sleep is essential to maintaining health, reducing stress, and even improving fertility. Sleep deficits have been shown to reduce fertility, increase stress, and impair healthy functioning of many of the body’s systems. Make sure you get enough sleep each night to ensure optimal health! (Catching up on the weekends doesn’t count…)

Reduce Stress
Stress is a silent killer. It affects every system of the body negatively. Your body’s stress response was designed to save you from dangerous situations – like being eaten by a bear, not being berated by your boss – but chronic exposure to stress has a debilitating effect on the body.

When you experience a stress response, your body shuts down basic “non-essential” functions such as digestion and ovulation. Yes, ovulation. Chronic stress has a direct impact on your fertility. After all, if you’re about to be eaten by a lion (the type of situation for which this system evolved), you don’t need to worry about making babies.

Improve your fertility and your overall wellness by eliminating stress where you can. Find ways to relax through meditation, exercise, increased sleep, and even a healthy diet.

Getting pregnant requires a lot more than making sure you know when you’re ovulating. You must ensure that your body is prepared by following a healthy diet, exercising, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep. Doing so will ensure that your hormones are in the right balance for fertility and that your body is healthy and strong to sustain a pregnancy.

About the author:
Sarah Rexman is the main researcher and writer for BedBugs.org. Her most recent accomplishment includes graduating from Florida State, with a master’s degree in environmental science.  Her main focuses for the site involves teaching people how to eliminate a whole bed bug population as well as showing them where to find a bed bug exterminator.

I am a big fan of Chinese culture.  Something about their perfectionist ways, intelligence, work ethic and moral code/values is admirable.  Truly, they are some of the more respectable people.  To showcase my love and admiration for Chinese culture, I purchased Terracotta Army statues to display on shadow box shelves in my guest bedroom.

These figures mimic the 8,000 plus life-sized terracotta figurines of soldiers and horses discovered in 1974 in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China after they were buried underground for more than 2200 years.  My collection of figurines is very small, six to be exact, but I plan to continue purchasing them.  I generally find my figures online at Terracotta-warriors.com- where the statues are high quality and affordable.  Their clay warrior statues are reproduced based on the soldiers of Qin Shi Huang Di’s Army of Terra cotta Warriors.

I had a day off from work coming to me so I decided to go ahead and take it and have some fun with my daughter and my two grandchildren. My daughter had a great idea for us to go to the strawberry field just a few miles from her house. It is a place that you go pick your own strawberries, and you pay by how many buckets you pick. Before we went there we went to a local restaurant to have a late breakfast of pancakes. Then we headed out to the field and spent about an hour and a half with the kids picking the strawberries. Then we headed back to her house with lots of ideas of what to do with the strawberries. As we drove down her street we saw a police car in her driveway. Apparently someone had tried to break in to her house while we had been gone. Thank goodness she had gotten one of those home security systems that had alerted the authorities when the attempted break-in happened.

Using casino bonuses to play for free can be a way to enjoy a little fun casino time (from home!) without having to worry about losing any money, the main reason I gamble and visit casinos very rarely.

Check out casinobonus2.com to see how you can use a casino bonus to play for free, and for tips on how to earn real money from the free bonuses.

And remember – Be safe and play for FUN.

So how can you be open to choosing ‘differently’ and BETTER? For once, be clear about what it is that you DO want. Have a sense of purpose. With a target to aim for, you’ll know what will serve you best.

This One Amazingly Simple Step, that really successful people take, is to plan their lives in detail on paper (to start)… AND THEN, they actually work their plan.  And when I say detail – I mean EVERY detail.   They wrote down a plan for every aspect of their lives and then they went after it.  Step, by step, by step!!

Now let us get down to business! Here is a tough question for you. Are you working someone else’s plan for your life? If you are NOT getting what you want from life, it is probably because you have allowed someone else to design your life plan.  This could be your parents, your spouse, your boss, the government, even your friends, that might oblige and be happy to plan and map your life FOR you. BUT, this is not the fast track to success – if anything, it is the slow boat to mediocrity.   Success is a do-it-to-yourself proposition, that comes from designing the life you want and deserve and then taking significant action to achieve it.

Now let us get down to business! Here is a tough question for you. Are you working someone else’s plan for your life? If you are NOT getting what you want from life, it is probably because you have allowed someone else to design your life plan.  This could be your parents, your spouse, your boss, the government, even your friends, that might oblige and be happy to plan and map your life FOR you. BUT, this is not the fast track to success – if anything, it is the slow boat to mediocrity.   Success is a do-it-to-yourself proposition, that comes from designing the life you want and deserve and then taking significant action to achieve it.

Stop and ask yourself in-depth get-real type questions, like: “Why am I doing this? What do I want to achieve?”

Write down your answers. Use your journal. Get in the habit of carrying and using your journal as a success tool. Be more conscious of how you are spending your precious time, because this is your life passing by. This will help you start to recognize where you’re doing well, and when you are headed down the wrong path altogether. I spend a good amount of my time writing out what I wanted, because it helps me stay focused on the goal everyday. I look at it and I know how I am going to spend my time that day.

I want to encourage you to step out with confidence and really give it your all.  DO NOT  let ANYBODY stand in your way! A ‘victim’ mentality will typically keep great people from coming into your life. Only YOU can decide to stop being a victim and start living today!

Be open to possibilities for yourself. Select one area of your life where you are unsatisfied, and choose something new, something more for yourself. Do different things and do things differently. Risk more.

The following is a guideline that can help you achieve your goals:

State your goal as a positive statement (“do”, instead of “don’t”)

example : “ I will earn $150,000 a year” instead of “I won’t make less money than I deserve.”

Be precise about your goal (state dates, and a measurable amount of achievement so that you can know when you have achieved your goal).

Set priorities(so that when you have several goals, you won’t feel overwhelmed, you’ll know which ones are the most important).

Write your goals down (this solidifies them and makes them feel more important).

Keep your operational goals small (having many smaller goals is better than one large goal, since it’s easier to see your progress and stay motivated).

Instead of setting an outcome, set a performance goal (this way, there is a control factor to your achievement.  Nothing is more dispiriting than failing due to reasons beyond your control, such as bad business environments, or just plain bad luck).

Be realistic about your goals (set goals that you can achieve, and don’t be influenced by others, who try to set goals beyond your abilities.  You can always set another goal if you discover that your first goal was not reaching high enough).

Don’t set your goals too low (otherwise, you will slow down your progress, become lazy, and simply won’t achieve your maximum potential).

When you do achieve one of your goals, make certain that you have taken the time to enjoy the satisfaction of having accomplished your desire, by allowing yourself a well deserved break or reward. (It can be as small as an afternoon off to go see that movie you have wanted to see).

It is also important to make certain to absorb the implications of the achievement of your goal, and have a look back at the progress you have made.  You should also look at the progress that you have made towards other goals.  If the goal was especially noteworthy, make sure that you reward yourself appropriately.

Article written by Tara Brooke, author of Beautiful Ambition.

It was not until recently, within the past year or so, that I learned about different avenues of making additional money while working from home.  Opportunities that would not necessarily make you a fortune, but would allow any stay-at-home mom or mom-entrepreneur to stay home and bring in additional income.  Below are a few tips from Farnoosh Torabi, personal finance expert and host of Financially Fit on Yahoo! Finance.

• Good at scheduling and organizing? Look for work-from-home administrative jobs through sites like Elance, Odesk, Guru and Freelancer.  Hiring in this sector grew 120% in 2011.

• Strong knowledge of a particular subject matter? At tutor.com qualified tutors work with students via video conferencing and online chats, earning an average $10 to $14 per hour.

• Love pets and have room in your house or backyard? Pet sitting and pet boarding, that can bring in an average $20 per pet, per day. Parents can even involve their kids with this stay-at-home business.

• Own an up-to-date computer and a landline phone? Start your own home-based call center or transcription service.  Many companies hire at-home customer service reps, such as Hilton Hotels and 1-800-Flowers.

• Think locally. Taskrabbit.com is an online service that connects busy professionals with local “rabbits” who offer help in all kinds of ways from running errands to organizing to data entry.

We chose the Front and Back Snugli as an option for a carrier and it’s perfect for our Father’s Day Gift Guide. The Front and Back Snugli:

*Fits babies 7-32 lbs
*Has comfortable padded shoulder straps
*Breatheable fabrics
*Easy to clean
*Adjustable back straps
*One-handeded buckle for ease of use
*Adjustable seat
*Lumbar Support to distribute weight to hips

Since baby boy hasn’t made his arrival yet, we actually attempted to use the Snugli on our daughter.

sorry for the blackout, we don’t expose our faces

She is 2 1/2 years old and 24lbs. We were not able to use the carrier for her as the carrier would not close with her in it. When attempting to use the carrier with her and multiple teddy bears and baby dolls, we discovered a lot about the Snugli we liked and disliked.

PROS:

Most carriers aren’t designed for a man’s body, it’s more geared toward the woman. The Snugli fit my husband’s body well and the straps were easy to adjust. The one-handed buckle was easy to operate and open to place our daughter inside. The adjustable seat has two adjustments that are snaps. The snaps were easy to adjust for our daughter, as she is on the bigger side. If you were using the carrier with an infant, you would want to keep the snaps on the highest level. We really liked the breathable fabric, the ability to fold the neck support down for baby to see whether being carried forward facing in front or on the back, and the lumbar support for baby.

CONS:

Even though there are two seat adjustments that grow with baby, the actual inside of the carrier doesn’t adjust. Therefore, we weren’t able to figure out how a larger baby could fit on the inside as the width stayed the same. Our daughter’s weight is 24 pounds and we weren’t able to fully close the carrier with her in it. We followed the directions and looked over all the adjustments and still could not figure out how to make the width wider for the carrier to actually close. Also, my husband found it difficult to adjust the carrier around his waist. You will need a second person to help you with the back adjustments so baby will be safe in the carrier.

OVERALL:

I believe the Snugli is a great carrier for the newborn/early baby stages. As baby grows, I believe the Snugli might be a little more difficult to use especially with the width adjustment. The price for the Snugli is less than half the price (retailing at $59.99) of most carriers, so the purchase ability is definitely more beneficial for most parents. We plan on using it for the newborn stages when our baby boy arrives.

So let’s take a look at; what is gluten?
Gluten is a composition of four types of proteins called prolamins, glutelins, albumins and globulins.

Albumins and globulins are real perpetrator as far gluten intolerance is concerned. Source of these types of proteins are wheat, barley, rye, spelt. A study found that these grains contain eighty percent of gluten composition. And other two type of proteins i.e. albumins and globulins are commonly found in grains such as corn and rice. Taking all these proteins into your meals makes you prone to be hit by the disease called celiac. The most common blood test for celiac disease actually looks for anti-gliadin antibodies in your bloodstream.

What is gluten free Food
It is not easy to find out if your food is gluten free or not and how to avoid gluten if it is so all-encompassing and sinister in our food manufacturing. But if you are smart or if you keep a little vigil around, you can keep eyes on these intricate things. First and foremost you need to avoid packed food. It would be good to you if you eat natural food that has been prepared by you. Because mostly premade or packaged foods have hidden source of gluten. So if you want to be healthy and free from gluten free it is important for you to take on more activities of cooking and food preparation.

Gluten free foods will exclude anything that has wheat, rye, barley, kamut and most of the oats. All these grains are full of gluten in them. Make it habit to have fresh vegetables and fruit to your diet. As these fresh vegetables don’t have gluten and contain proteins that are not harmful to a person suffering from Celiac, and keep you fit and healthy. Gluten free frozen waffles, plain frozen fruits and vegetables, ices are some ingredients that you can take into your regimen. These are not only free from gluten but taste delicious. Instead of cereals grains like simple rice, wheat, barley or any other cereal food that contain gluten, I would suggest to you take Wild Rice, Brown Rice and Brown Rice Flour, Bean Flours, Buckwheat into your diet.

Next comes why should take these gluten free food in you eating routine.
As has been discussed above that having gluten into your food makes you prone to attacks from diseases like celiac. Your immune system can also misfire, causing various diseases. So if you are attacked with celiac disease, taking food laden with gluten is very risky to you. A study of Medical researchers in America found that symptoms of celiac disease are so widely that diagnosis is difficult. A gluten-free diet is the only way to heal your damaged intestinal villi, The diet does not cure sprue, but manages it.

Not only gluten that’s laden into your food cause celiac disease but it is the main problem of people suffering from wheat allergy. The easiest way to avoid the allergen is to adopt a gluten-free diet. This problem commonly outgrows between the ages of three to five, wheat allergy is rate in youth and adults.

There may be other reason that you are required to take gluten free food habit into your eating routine such as weight loss, treatment for irritable bowel syndrome and relief of autism symptoms.

In nutshell taking gluten free diet not helps you to prevent several sever ailment but help you to add few more days into your life by keeping you fit and healthy. It will increase nutrients that may make your body thrive, and in the short-term you will see increased energy levels and overall increase in health levels. If you suffer from other medical conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Parkinson’s disease or Osteoporosis, then choosing a non gluten diet is a great way of losing weight, and getting healthier quicker.

The author is an expert in writing on topics like Food, health and Medical Issues. She is a fitness freak and believes that nutritious food and good health are the essential elements of life that help a human being lead a quality life. Being gluten intolerant she is a big time advocate of a Gluten Free Food and Gluten Free Recipes.

Prepare for the baby cost.
Once you bring home your little bundle of joy, expect that you will have to shell out more money than usual. Things to add to your money expenses are: milk formula, baby clothes, diapers, food and toys. Food, diapers and formula will have to be replenished on a weekly basis, sometimes even twice a week. These are the important things that you will have to buy on a regular basis. Parents always want to have the best for their kids but if they cannot afford to get the best formula or baby food, you can always improvise. Breastfeeding is still the way to go and mashing up fruits and vegetables is way better than buying the top of the line baby food. It helps to be creative in order for you to work around your budget.

Baby’s stuff doesn’t have to be brand new.
The excitement of being a new mom and dad will make even the most hardcore penny pincher splurge while shopping for the baby. You don’t have to buy baby shoes and clothes every time. Babies grow fast during the first months, and if you bought 10 pairs of shoes, chances are; some of it won’t be opened because they no longer fit your child. There are stores that sell quality baby items that won’t cost you much. The local church usually has baby clothes available. If you’re lucky some of them may even be unopened, like the aforementioned shoes. Breast pumps can cost a pretty penny because even if mom decides to breastfeed, she has no assurance that she’ll produce milk in the long run. If you have friends or relatives that have baby things that are no longer being used, you can ask them. Babies cry because they’re either hungry, sleepy or have wet themselves not, because they’re not wearing the latest designer clothes.

Medical bills are expensive.
Having a health care plan is important to help you prepare before the big day comes. Aside from that, would-be parents should have saved up for incremental hospital payments, during and after going into labor. A hundred bucks or more for 9 months should net you at least $1000 dollars when the baby is about to come out. You should also make sure what your plan covers, because finding out that the hospital you chose is not accredited by your insurance can wipe the smile out of your face even after holding your kid for the first time.

Plan for the future.
Even though your baby still hasn’t learned to talk, it’s always advisable to start choosing a nice college plan early on. Planning ahead is always a great policy. It will save you the stress of worrying where you get the money to pay your kid’s tuition. Choosing a college plan should be scrutinized very carefully because you will be making payments for your child’s future. The thing to consider first and foremost when choosing the right educational plan is stability. There are lots of companies offering lower rates easy payment schemes but as parents you should really be careful where you’ll be putting your hard-earned money. Stability always trumps convenience and affordability, with regards to insurance and educational plans. Secondly, you should also think about how much of your monthly income you will put in the plan. This is more of a budgeting decision that parents should know. It is suggested that you should put in at 10% of your monthly income because it won’t be too high to make a dent in your finances and is not too low to have a good plan.

About the Author: Johann is a marketing consultant for Purechecks, a company where you can order checks online that have a personalized design.