Misadventures in Baby Raising

WallMonkeys Wall Decals Helped Bring Paris to My Daughter's Bedroom!

2014-08-31T21:16:00.000-04:00

A while back I posted some before pictures of our new (well, it was new at the time) house and while I did manage to post some after photos of our living room (still my favorite room), I haven't really updated you guys on the rest of the house...until now! While I do have sooooo many rooms to share with you, I just did a review for a super cute wall decal from WallMonkeys which completed the makeover of my middle daughter's room so I thought that I'd share her room first.

To refresh your memory, this is what the room looked like before we moved in...gotta love the pea soup green walls!

Yeah, the pictures are way blurry and totally off center (my photographer was having some issues it seems), but you get the gist of how bad the room actually was...totally heinous! Of course, the fact that the room was so awful before, only meant that the finished product had to be completely awesome, because, let's be honest, it was so bad before that anything would have been an improvement! Savanna wanted to go with a Parisian theme for her room and chose most of the elements for her new room on her own, including the paint. I have to admit, I love the end result and it suits her so very well!

I wasn't aware until just this moment how completely different the pink walls look in every single picture, lighting does wonders I guess, but that's completely irrelevant as her room looks ah-mazing...right? She was so please with how everything came out and I know that it's a room that she will love for years to come!

I do want to spend a little time focusing on the super cute and very chic wall decal from WallMonkeys, since Savanna went for a Paris theme in her room, we knew we wanted the Eiffel Tower, but were having no luck whatsoever finding a decal that she liked, enter WallMonkeys and problem solved! They had so many Eiffel Tower decals to choose from that it really was difficult to choose just one, but in the end Savanna went with the one above (and below) which is just a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower with beautiful yellow pansies in the foreground...I think it goes perfectly with the bright pink walls!

Of course, WallMonkeys has SO many different decals to choose from, literally millions of images to chose from, it would be difficult not to find what you were looking for, they definitely have way more than any other decal company that I've ever seen. While I am not the best at applying decals, I've honestly spent way more than I am willing to admit before on decals that never made it to my walls because they were just way too complicated and ended up looking awful, this WallMonkeys decal was so easy to apply that my twelve year old daughter placed it on the wall by herself...yes, it was that easy! If you're looking for wall decals and you haven't checked out WallMonkeys...what are you waiting for? Just a bit of a warning though, you will spend hours searching their decals and you will find so so many that you love...they're just that awesome!

And there you have it, Savanna's room makeover, brought to you in part by WallMonkeys!

Until next time y'all...

Disclosure: I receive the product above in order to facilitate my review...all opinions are 100% my own!

Going Through Changes: Our Summer Recapped

2014-08-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

And of course that title should most definitely be sang exactly like Ozzy Osbourne does it...I love that song!

Wow, it's been a long time since I've written a blog post, it seems like the majority of my time is spent working and trying to keep my house from looking like a hurricane came through that I just don't have time for much else...sadly. Since I have missed blogging so much the past few months, I decided to clear my schedule and do some writing and honestly, I couldn't be happier!

In June I resigned my position at The Popcorn Factory to start another work from home position with my dream company, which was both sad and exciting, sad because I loved the people that I worked with and the customers that I had the pleasure of helping every day, but it was also exciting because in leaving that job, I had the opportunity to work for my dream company...Apple! While I am still very (very, very) new and still learning each and every single day, I know that I made the right decision for me and my family and I couldn't be happier!

June also brought the official end of the baseball season for my husband's Tee Ball team, The Rockets! In the span of a few short months I had the pleasure of watching a group of amazing little boys become awesome baseball players and getting to see my husband do what he loves best, teaching kids about baseball, was worth all of the long, hot games and running around that I did. I have to say, I am so proud of how far our team came in such a short amount of time. I cannot wait to see what next season holds!

July was a tough one for all of us, as it marked one year since my Dad passed. It still seems unreal and often I find myself making plans to stop by and see him, before I catch myself and remember that I can't. Since it's still a little too much for me to talk about, I'll stop there.

August so far has been a blur of school shopping, work and getting myself mentally prepared for my youngest baby Lil Diva to head off to kindergarten...oh my gosh y'all where has the time gone. Given that this blog was created when Diva was just a month old, way back in 2008, it puts a lot of things into perspective for me. I can't believe that in just a few short days I will find myself alone at home for the first time in seven years, part of me is excited for the alone time, but the other part is terrified to let my baby go. Thankfully Lil Diva is super excited about kindergarten and making new friends and just everything that starting a new chapter in her life entails, which makes it both easier and so much harder on me, but I have faith that she'll do amazing and that I will learn to relish the quite time before the school bus stops in front of my house and unloads all my kiddos!

And that's about it...changes are a comin' and while I am nervous to see how those changes are going to impact life at our house, I'm excited for what the future holds for my family!

Until next time...

Tummy Stuffers Fun and Functional!

2014-07-29T09:30:00.000-04:00

If you have little ones at home, then chances are pretty good that you've seen the commercial for Tummy Stuffers once or twice (or a million and three times) and chances are probably even better that your little one has asked for one of them at least a million and three times! If you've never heard of Tummy Stuffers, then I can't wait to tell you all about a "toy" that will not only make your little one happy, but just might help with getting them to clean up after themselves!

About Tummy Stuffers...

The best-selling Tummy Stuffers collection features furry plush pals that double as the cleverest and cuddliest clean-up containers a kid could ever love! Terrific for helping children of all ages keep their bedrooms, playrooms and even camp bunks neat and tidy, Tummy Stuffers’ mouths open wide to keep kids’ things inside – and they “eat” everything right before their eyes! The brand-new Tummy Stuffers Wild Ones line-up features six fun and funky styles, including a spotted Dalmatian and Blue Leopard, polka-dotted Bunny and Giraffe, purple and pink striped Cat, and awesome argyle Monkey! Kids and tweens can store it all in the new Tummy Stuffers Wild Ones, from clothing and toys, to blankets, books and much more!

I have to admit, Tummy Stuffers are absolutely adorable and the fact that they do seem to help make my daughter clean up all of the random stuff she has lying around the house, is just a win-win as far as I'm concerned! We were sent the 13" Giraffe Tummy Stuffer to review and it didn't take long before I was putting it to the test seeing how much stuff it could hold and I was genuinely shocked by how much room it actually had inside! Check it out...

Here's our cute little giraffe before we stuffed her full of Lil Diva's stuff.

And here's our BIG giraffe stuffed full of more stuff than I imagined she could hold...check out the picture below to see what we managed to fit inside!

That's 2 pair of jeans (one pair of mine and a pair of my son's), 3 pair of shorts, 2 shirts, 2 scarves, and a pair of slippers...and we still had room for more!

I think it's pretty clear that Tummy Stuffers can hold quite a bit of stuff! If you have little ones at home, then you definitely have to check out Tummy Stuffers, they are available in an array of many different animals options and will definitely provide hours of entertainment for your little one! You can purchase Tummy Stuffers online at https://www.buytummystuffers.com/ for $19.99!

Disclosure: I received the product mentioned above in order to facilitate a review...all opinions are my own!

Show Your Team Spirit at Any Age!!!

2014-07-28T22:02:00.001-04:00

Do you belong to the type of family that puts their love of baseball high on the list of priorities? If so, you may be thinking of all the ways that you can show your Detroit Tigers pride at home and on the go. A great way to get the whole family involved in your love of the game is to start shopping for Detroit Tigers baby clothes even the littlest members of your family can be in on the action every summer. There are a number of different items you can buy that will have your baby a Tigers fan in no time.

Game Time Apparel
If you are planning to go to a game on a family outing or simply going to your local park for an afternoon of fun, you can dress your little one up in some game time apparel. Babies and young children will want to be comfortable and mobile in their outfits, so it is important to find rompers, short and shirt sets or jerseys that keep them comfortable and give them plenty of room to still have fun. And when it's sunny outside, don't forget to find a great hat for your little one to wear as well.

Pajamas Showing love for your favorite team doesn't have to stop at the end of the day. Your kids can also show pride in their team while dreaming away in their team logo pajamas. These pajamas come in a variety of sizes and styles to keep any little Tigers fan cool and comfortable at night.

Accessories
No Detroit Tigers outfit is complete without the right accessories. If you want your little fan to show their true colors, you can get a number of accessories that include hats, pacifiers and blankets. If you want to go beyond fashion, you can also find some great decor items for your baby's room. These accessories can include storage boxes, furniture and personalized decorative items.

Giving your baby the chance to be a fan of your favorite sports team is the privilege of all parents. Showing your team love throughout the family is a fun way to bring your love of sports together with the love of your family.

How Shopping for Yoga Clothes Changed My Outlook on Weight Loss!

2014-07-22T19:47:00.000-04:00

Something that a lot of you may not know about me, is that over the past few months I've lost a considerable (for me anyway) amount of weight! Since my youngest daughter was born, five years ago, I've struggled with losing the extra baby weight, having always been a "skinny girl", it was extremely hard for me to come to terms with gaining and not being able to lose those extra pounds. I've never been the type of person who liked working out and I absolutely detest going to the gym, but I knew that in order to ever see my pre-baby weight again, I was going to have to make the necessary positive changes to make that happen and yes, much to my dismay, that included exercising.

As silly as it may sound, when I decided to start exercising more, the first thing I realized was that I didn't even have the proper workout attire...always thinking like a woman, worried about what to wear. I mean, I did own an insane amount of yoga pants (mostly because they are so comfortable and have an elastic waistband...don't judge, you know that's why you have so many in your closet too), but I didn't even own a sports bra, I told you I didn't like exercising. So, in an effort to stick to my guns, I decided to shop online for some clothes worthy of working out, you know, because online shopping for those types of clothes is so much easier than walking into the actual store and looking like a deer caught in headlights...at least it made sense to me. I'll be the first to admit, I literally had absolutely no clue what kind of clothes I needed to work out, I mean the last time I actually did it had to be in high school, unless you count that one time when I was trying to impress this guy I was dating so I kinda, sorta pretended that I was like some sort of workout queen...yeah, that didn't end well. All I knew is that I needed yoga clothes, well, at least I thought that sounded like a decent enough search term to get me to where I wanted to go so I headed off to Google and stumbled across Sweaty Betty...I know, you love the name, right!?! Before I knew it, I was knee deep in sports bras and yoga shorts and while I was completely out of my league, I did have to appreciate how cute all of the clothes were. Right then and there I decided that if the working out thing fell through, then at least I'd have some majorly cute clothes to pretend to workout in...it's the little things y'all! Another positive to ordering workout clothes online is that it buys you some more time and if you choose standard shipping, well, that buys you at least a week..always thinking ahead is the way to go in this situation.

While I could go on and on about how cute the clothes were and my absolute and total resistance to the entire working out and losing weight thing I won't, instead I will say that I did buy workout clothes and yes, I actually put them on and got sweaty in them! And you know what...I lost the weight! I didn't do an insane diet, I didn't workout until I couldn't see straight, instead I made little changes like walking instead of driving and drinking more water and less sweet tea (this one I attribute to 99% of my weight loss) and it worked! I am down 15 pounds and 4 pants sizes since deciding to make the necessary changes in my life and it all started with looking for cute workout clothes...yes my friends, we all have to start somewhere!

Until next time...

Burt's Bees Outdoor Essentials: A MUST For Summer Fun!

2014-07-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love summertime; the gorgeous weather, relaxing all day with my kids in the pool, BBQ's and campfires at night, but the one thing I absolutely detest about summer, is the bugs and I'm sure I'm not alone in my dislike for all of the creepy, crawly, flying annoyances that summer brings with it. Since we do spend a lot of time outside in the summer, I am always looking for products that keep those bugs away and since it's inevitable that someone is going to get bit by something before summers end, I'm always looking for products that help deal with the aftermath of those bites.

I've always been a big fan of the Burt's Bees brand, I mean their lip balms have been some of my favorites for as long as I can remember, but did you know that they also have a full line of outdoor products that are designed to help make summer more enjoyable by keeping the bugs away? If you have little ones going away to summer camp, or if you have a camping trip planned for the family this summer, you're definitely going to want to check out this line! Burt's Bees was kind enough to send me all three products from the Burt's Bees Outdoor products line to check out and share my thoughts about with all of you!

The Burt's Bees Outdoor products are designed to help keep the bugs away while you're outside enjoying all of the amazing summer activities that summertime allows, but they also have you covered just in case you get any bug bites, bumps or bruises. I received the Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent,
Burt’s Bees Bug Bite Relief, and the Burt’s Bees Res-Q Ointment recently to try out and this review couldn't have come at a better time as we've been outside enjoying all that summer has to offer, as often as possible. I've always been a strong believer in wearing an insect repellent in the summertime, but it's so hard to find one that I don't mind the smell of, that actually works. I'm really liking the Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent, it has a nice smell and I can definitely tell a difference in the amount of insect bites I see on myself and my kids when using this product. The other product from the line that really impressed me is the Burt's Bees Res-Q Ointment, I swear, I've found a hundred and one uses for this stuff and it really does seem to lessen the annoyingness of bug bites...major score!

If you're looking for some great outdoor products to throw into your child's overnight bag for summer camp, or maybe you're looking for a new insect repellent to try for yourself, I'd definitely recommend giving the Burt's Bees Outdoor Essentials a try! You can pick up all three of the products mentioned above, wherever Burt's Bees products are sold, products range in price from around $6 to $8.

Disclosure: I received the products mentioned above in order to facilitate my review...all opinions are my own!

Julep Nail Polish: Hit or Miss?

2014-07-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

I feel the need to first say that I really dislike posting negative things about products here, honestly, if I receive a product to review and I really dislike it, I normally just skip posting about it because I don't like the negativity, but when I've personally purchased something that I then mention to all of you and it turns out to be really, really bad, well I think that I need to let y'all know!

About a month ago I posted about a nail polish brand called Julep and the awesome deal that I scored when I signed up to be part of their Maven program. Now, I love all things beauty related and I live for nail polish so when I found out that I could get a few full-size nail polishes and a bonus beauty/nail product for less than $3 I was definitely going to do it! And since it was such an awesome deal, I wanted to share that with all of you! For those of you who are unfamiliar with Julep or their Maven program, you can read more about it in my previous post. Basically it's a monthly subscription box service (much like Ipsy or Birchbox) where you pay a monthly fee (they have two options but it's around $20-$25 per month) and each month they send you a personalized box with a couple of their nail polishes and usually some other nail related product. Honestly, I signed up to be a Maven because I basically received the first box free (not counting the $2.99 I paid for shipping) for over $40 worth of products, I love nail polish so it was a no-brainer. When I received my Maven Box I was over the moon excited and couldn't wait to use the polish, but I immediately noticed that my box did not contain the items that I had chosen (I was suppose to receive 2 nail polishes and a blush, instead I received 2 nail polishes and a cuticle oil), not a super big deal because the polish colors were gorgeous and who doesn't need a good cuticle oil. Unfortunately that is where the excitement ended for me.

The same day that my box arrived I decided to give myself a manicure and I chose the Madison (which is a neon orangey coral color that was beautiful in the bottle) to paint my nails. Immediately I noticed that the bottle was awkward, being tall and skinny made it very difficult to dip the polish brush into the bottle without it tipping, but again, I tried to see the bright side so I shrugged it off since the bottle has very little to do with the color and how well it applies. Next thing I noticed (and immediately disliked) was the super runny, streaky, messy formula and I was instantly confused because this polish sells for $14 a bottle, this had to be a bad bottle...right? I mean there is no way that all of their polish is this bad...right? After three (very messy, very streaky) coats of polish, the color on my nails looked absolutely nothing like what was in the bottle and the "highly pigmented" polish that Julep describes, is not at all what I had on my nails. As a matter of fact, my nails looked like a five year old painted them...it was bad, really, really bad. Since I wanted to be fair to the polish and give it a chance to redeem itself, I threw on a top coat and went on about my day. I woke up the next morning with sheet marks (like the marks you get on your face when you wake up in the morning from the pillow or sheets) and chips on nearly every single nail, keep in mind that I applied the polish around noon and it was completely dry within 30 minutes, yet I still woke up with marks. Now either I was fighting someone in my sleep (and they won) or this nail polish is just the absolute worst polish ever. Completely discouraged, but still wanting to love it, I decided to try the other color that came in my Maven Box, Maddy, which is a gorgeous pink color that I thought would be perfect for summer...sadly, my results were exactly the same. It took 3 coats to even cover the nails, the outcome was a streaky mess, the next morning there were marks in all of my nails and chips within 24 hours. You can check out a little bit more indepth and detailed review of the Julep polish in the video below.

I am definitely not an expert on nail polish, but I'm pretty sure that if you're selling something as small as a bottle of nail polish for $14, it better be damn good, I mean MAC polish is $16 a bottle so you'd expect a very similar result from something that was only $2 less...or maybe that's just me. Honestly y'all, I wanted to love this stuff, I really did, but at the end of the day, there are SO many other great nail polish brands out there that I'm not sure why anyone would spend $14 a bottle on this stuff. If you're looking for a good polish, try Essie you can get it at the drug store, it's around $8 a bottle and it's amazing!

Unfortunately I will be cancelling my subscription with Julep Maven, because at this point, I don't feel like spending even another $3 (let alone $20) for nail polish that not even my 12 year old nail polish obsessed daughter will use.

Sorry Julep Maven, but the nail polish is definitely a miss!

Until next time y'all...

The Wonder Bib from Mum 2 Mum

2014-07-19T17:54:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since we've had a new baby in the family, but I am beyond excited because my favorite cousin Tiff is pregnant with her first baby and that means lots of spoiling is going to be going on by me...I just love babies! Since I found out that she was pregnant, I've been keeping an eye out in my email for all of the coolest new products for baby so that she can try them out. Recently I received an email that simply said "New Zealand's Favorite Baby Bibs Hit the US" and you just know that I had to know all about it! The product is called Wonder Bib and with a name like that, I just had to know if they held up to their name!

About Wonder Bib...

The Wonder Bib line of baby bibs (brought to you by the distributors of the much-loved Moby Wrap), protects hungry babies from newborn, up to age three. Their product line includes bibs in four easy-to-use styles to suit all ages and stages: infant, standard, bandana and sleeved.

Perfect for keeping little ones clean, dry and eczema-free at mealtime, Wonder Bibs are designed by moms and made from 100-perent cotton. Wonder Bibs feature super-absorbent velour toweling with a nylon water-resistant backing. Even better, the machine-washable bibs actually become softer and more absorbent over time--something that both moms and their babies will appreciate!

I received both the Standard and Bandana style bibs from Mum2Mum. I have to admit, when I first saw the standard style bib , I wasn't 100% convinced that it was unlike every other bib I'd ever seen, it looked pretty similar to many that I used for my little ones. The bandana style on the other hand, is quite unique and instantly I knew that it was my favorite of the two, it seems to be the perfect size (especially for smaller babies) and the shape isn't too bulky, which I love. Of course, style means nothing if the bibs don't perform as they say they do...right? Since I didn't have a little one around to try these out before I finished my review, I decided to give their claim of being able to hold "1/4 cup of liquid" to the test...check it out!

As you can see from my little demo, the claim that the Wonder Bib holds up to 1/4 cup of liquid, didn't exactly prove true for me when I tried it, granted you do have to take into consideration that the bib I used had not been washed (the company actually claims that the more you wash the more absorbent the bib becomes), as well as the fact that most babies are just going to slobber and drip milk and food onto the bib and not pour 1/4 cup of liquid onto it all at once, so it could very well, over the course of a day, absorb that much liquid, that's just not the results that I had. With all of that said (and holy run on sentence by the way), I do really like the design of the bibs and how soft they are, they were definitely designed with the comfort of baby in mind, which as a mom I can definitely appreciate!

If you or someone you know is expecting, make sure you check out the full line of Wonder Bib's from Mum 2 Mum! You can purchase the Wonder Bib online at the Mum 2 Mum website, you can snag one for less than $10 so it's definitely worth checking out!

Until next time...

Tips for Shopping with Teens!

2014-07-10T12:47:00.002-04:00

I'll be the first to admit that it is not always easy shopping for/with teenagers. Having not one, but three teens in the house, I have plenty of first-hand knowledge about the evils, oops, I meant challenges, of shopping for them and since I do have a little experience on the subject, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite tips for shopping with teens, with all of you!

First and foremost, feed them before you go shopping! I know that this seems like it should be just common sense, but you'd be surprised how many times I've told myself, "We'll just eat after shopping, it will be fine."...it was NOT fine, they are mean and nasty and even harder to deal with than normal. So feed them at all costs!

Second, let them shop at the stores they want to shop at! My girls love rue21, it's one of their favorite places to shop and when we can't make it into the store, we can just shop online (we just placed an order at the end of the month). Letting them shop at the stores they want to shop at, ensures an easy, almost drama-free (and if you have teens then you know that there's no such thing as 100% drama-free shopping) shopping experience!

Do not try to talk them out of buying the latest fashions. I don't care if the idea of high waisted denim shorts makes you want to bang your head against the wall, it doesn't matter if you'd never be caught dead in a high low skirt, let them decide what their style is and let them rock it! Trust me, if you give them the freedom to express their personality and individuality in their clothes, they'll thank you for it, it may be later (much, much later) but they will!

Set expectations regarding budget! If there's anything I've learned over the years when it comes to taking my kids shopping, it's that they need to know that there is a budget before you even step into the store! If a budget is never discussed, your child will start throwing everything from the "oh my goodness that shirt cost how much" section of the store into your cart (buggy) and then throw a level 5 temper tantrum (especially the teenage girls) when you tell them no. If you set real expectations up front about how much they can and cannot spend, it will make the shopping experience a whole lot less stressful on both of you!

Last but not least, have fun! I don't know about you, but I cherish any time that I have with my kids where we can just hang out and have fun and clothes shopping can definitely be one of those times! Don't let the thought of shopping with your teenager(s) be negative, go into the experience with a positive attitude and you'll be surprised at how much fun you have!

Keep Momming

2014-07-08T20:48:00.000-04:00

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of MomCentral Consulting (#MC) for Shire. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

Raising a child at any age is challenging, and when it comes to mothers and daughters, the dynamic can be even more complex. What some may dismiss as “typical tween girl behavior” can sometimes be symptoms of something more serious. Research suggests that girls are more likely than boys to report having mostly inattentive Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Since inattentive symptoms can be less noticeable than hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, it is important that moms know what to look for.

That’s why I’m pleased to be joining Shire, CHADD and Holly Robinson Peete to announce the launch of keep momming, a new public service initiative geared towards the moms of tween girls to raise awareness of ADHD.

The campaign is anchored within a new digital hub, KeepMomming.com, where you’ll find tips, tools and other go-to resources for moms, including a checklist to help recognize the symptoms of ADHD – inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity – and then encourages moms to talk to their daughter’s doctor. The keep momming initiative can help moms learn about ADHD and provide ideas on how to spark a conversation and stay connected with their tween.

Check out Holly’s message about how she keeps momming http://goo.gl/MR8HL2, and don’t forget to visit KeepMomming.com.

Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting BB Bronzer from Physicians Formula #BronzerwithBenefits #StyleHunters

2014-06-29T10:00:00.000-04:00

If you're like me, there's nothing you love more in the summer than healthy, glowing, beautiful skin! I've always been a sucker for a great bronzer and some of absolute favorites of life have come from the isles of the drugstore! One of my favorite drugstore makeup brands has always been Physicians Formula and their new Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting BB Bronzer is quickly becoming my go-to bronzer for summer!

About Physicians Formula Bronze Booster BB Bronzer...

* Glow Activator Technology
* Instant and Lasting Bronze Glow!
* First EVER BB Bronzer
* It has BB Cream + Bronzer Benefits
* It Protects, Mositurizes, Smoothes, Brightens and Softens Lines
* It is also Stain-Free, Streak-Free, Orange- Free, Odor-Free.

I was recently accepted as a member of the People Style Watch Style Hunters Network (they basically send you beauty related products to try out and share your opinions about with your friends, family and social media audiences) and the very first product that they sent for me to try was the Bronze Booster BB Bronzer from Physicians Formula. Being a huge Physicians Formula fan to begin with, I couldn't wait to try the bronzer and share my thoughts and since I always think it's best to hear it from the horses mouth (wait, did I really just call myself a horse!?!?!) I thought I'd do a little first impressions video to show y'all the bronzer and tell you a little more about it...check it out!

As you can see, I really liked the bronzer! If you'd like to try out the Physicians Formula Bronze Booster BB Bronzer, you can pick it up wherever Physicians Formula products are sold, it retails for around $14.00! Make sure you check back soon for more great product reviews, recipes, DIY projects and lots more!

Until next time...

Fun Ways to Support Your Favorite Sports Team!

2014-06-28T20:26:00.003-04:00

We are big sports fans around here; from supporting our hometown baseball and football teams, to rooting for our favorite college basketball team the Blue Devils, we're always looking for new ways to support the teams we love. Since I know that we can't be the only sports fanatics of there, I thought I'd share with y'all a few unique and fun ways that you can support your favorite sports teams!

Sports Memorabilia and Accessories

True sports fans want to show off their loyalty with themed merchandise, apparel and other items. On game day, spectators can wear jerseys and T-shirts bearing the official logos of the teams that are playing. There are replica jerseys that are available in the team's home and away colors. Such apparel also has the names of the players on the back. Official league logos might also be embroidered right onto the front of the jerseys.

Fans are also encouraged to bring any themed products to support the home team. For example, a 3D foam logo sign can be waived around proudly as a display of support. Additionally, such an item may stir up some other fans to start cheering on the team that is playing in a home venue. Foam signs usually have colorful logos featuring a team's mascot. These items can be raised up high above a person's head in order to get as much attention as possible in a crowded stadium. Three dimensional foam signs also make excellent displays along windows in a home or office.

Banners are also used to support home teams during competitions. Some of these displays can be attached to a handle that is used to create a waving motion. From a distance, large banners may look like flags bearing a team's official logo.

Toys are also popular collectible items for sports fans. There are plush stuffed animals that have designs inspired by mascots of professional teams. Additionally, there are bubble heads that replicate professional players in a wacky and fun way. Mini sporting equipment also make popular decorative items at home or at the office. For example, there are tiny football helmets, baseball caps and hockey sticks that are licensed and themed with professional leagues.

Home and office supplies are available in unique sports themed designs. For example, a baseball helmet can be used for a design of a mug, cup or pencil holder. There is also a ton of decorative items that bear the logos and other representations of professional teams. Even computer accessories are now made specifically for sports fans. For example, logos can be placed on mouse pads, flash drives and even mice.

Last but not least, sports fans can also purchase professional size balls that are used in actual games. High quality upholstery makes up replica basketballs, footballs and baseballs that are used by professional throughout the regular seasons.

I hope this has given you some ideas and fun new ways to support your favorite sports teams!

Until next time...

New House Redo: Our Living Room

2014-06-26T14:11:00.000-04:00

I showed y'all the state that our new house was in when we started working on it...pretty bad huh!?! I'm very happy to report that we have gotten a ton of work completed and that it looks completely different now...thank goodness! While I'm pretty sure that I hated this house every single second, of every single day, when we were working on it, I'm so glad that we didn't give up because now it's truly home to us and I couldn't be happier!

I decided to share with you pictures of our new house one room at a time, mostly because we still have a ton of work to do, but also because I think it's more fun that way. So I'm going to start with our living room, which is my very favorite room of the house, it's not completely finished yet (there is still trim that needs to be painted and replaced), but for the most part it is perfect...at least to us!

And there you have it, my favorite room in the house our living room! Sure, it's not all the way finished yet, but I really love how it came together! I can't wait to show you the next room so stay tuned!

Until next time...

Help For Addiction is Out There!

2014-06-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

Growing up in the 80’s, when every school had huge “Just Say NO” posters plastering the hallways, it was easy to think “I’ll never do drugs!” or “No one I know does drugs!”, but those posters just provided us with a false sense of security, a ridiculously naïve point of view that would one day become a lot more clear and a lot more real.

I can’t tell you the number of people I know, people that I went to school with, people I grew up admiring, people I love, who I have watched struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. Growing up in such a small town, you get to know everyone and as in most small towns, you also usually get to know everyone else’s business too. It’s hard to keep secrets around here, everyone knows who has problems with drugs, everyone knows who has been to the various drug rehab centers in neighboring towns, and everyone knows when someone has slipped up and used and it’s a horrible feeling to know any of those things.

I’ve seen friends fight (and thankfully win) the battle with heroin addiction, I’ve seen family members destroy their lives and become homeless because of various drugs and sadly, I’ve seen more people than I care to admit, overdose and die because they couldn’t beat their demons. Addiction is a disease that slowly, overtime, destroys families, faith and friendships, but thankfully, there is help out there, people just have to be willing to admit that they have a problem and seek that help! If you suspect a friend or loved one of having a drug or alcohol problem, don’t be afraid to try to help, all the other person can do is refuse it. There are a number of drug and alcohol treatment centers all over the country who specialize in getting addicts the treatment and counseling that they need to stop using and lead a happy, productive, drug-free life, you can find many of them online, Advanced Health and Education in New Jersey is one that offers treatment for all types of addictions and they also have a lot of resources on their website if you’re in need of more information on a specific type of addiction or treatment options.

Recently I ran into the family member I mentioned above, I hadn’t seen him in several months despite him being a very close family member, I was shocked at the state of his health and how badly and with no mercy his addiction had taken over every single moment of his life…it was heartbreaking! Honestly, I don’t know if he’ll ever seek help for his addiction, all I can do is hope that one day he realizes what his life has become and want better, but in the meantime, I won’t stop trying to help him come to that realization and if you know someone who is going through similar issues, I hope you don’t stop trying either!

Until next time…

Expert Tips on When and How to Get Your Kid to CLEAN UP!

2014-06-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

With the kids home for the summer, it becomes extremely important for parents to lay down the ground rules early and let their children know what is expected of them while they are on summer break...seriously, do you know how fast a house can go from "so clean you can eat off the floors" to "OMFG I'd rather move than clean up this mess" when the kids are on a break from school? My children range in age from 15 (yes, it's hard for me to believe too) all the way down to 5 and I don't know about y'all, but it's always been so hard for me to try and figure out what age was a good age for my children to actually start doing chores. While all of my children do have chores now that they are expected to do every day before they are allowed to do the "fun stuff" ( we won't get into if they actually do them every day without a fight or not...that's another blog post), it wasn't easy figuring out when the right time was for my kids to start helping out around the house. Since I know that I'm not the only Mommy out there who struggles with making this decision, I thought I'd have Gregg Murset (CEO of My Job Chart) to weigh in and give us a little insight!

About Gregg:

As the Chief Executive Officer of My Job Chart, Murset has committed the last four years to building the largest online community and fastest growing website teaching kids about work ethic and making smart money decisions.

MJC was born from real life experience. Murset is a father of six children (ages 6 to 16) and needed a way to teach them about earning, saving and spending money. With no system available for a family with a large range in ages, Murset came up with the idea to combine modern technology with the traditional allowance system to teach responsibility, accountability and the fundamentals of financial literacy.

Now with over 556,000 members, 19.3 millions chores completed by kids and an economic impact over $3 million, My Job Chart is leading the battle to reverse the culture of entitlement and credit addiction that plagues American families today.

Well then, now that we've established that Gregg is indeed qualified to give us a little better understanding of when and how we can get our little ones to help us out around the house, I'd like to share some of my favorite tips from Gregg with y'all!

Little ones are liked crazed little monsters when it comes to toys, it seems that in just five short minutes they come crashing in and turn a living room into a mass destructed mini town. So when is the time that you get stop cleaning up and your two year old finally chills the heck out? How do you even tell a three year old to pick up? My Job Chart creator has created a list of tips that will help parents of young kids valuable tools about when it is time to teach these beasts a little housekeeping.

When

1. You Can Feel It … Most parents get “the feeling” when their children are capable of learning something new or taking on a task. It’s no different with picking up responsibilities around the house. Don’t ignore your gut and begin recognizing that your kids can be a get help to you.

2. Start Them Young … The basic rule is - if your children are old enough to take toys out to play, then they are old enough to put them away. The same goes with most other things around the house, even clothes, dishes, video games or items used out at the pool.

3, It’s Your Call … Don’t let so-called experts put an age range on particular jobs your kids could be doing. While it might not make sense to someone living in big city why a 10-year old would ever run lawnmower, in America’s heartland, it’s not uncommon for a 10-year old handling equipment on the farm. If you know they can complete harder chores safely, maybe you should let them try. It’s your call.

How

1. Understand Why It’s Important To Have Kids Do Chores & Receive Rewards … Using chores & rewards to teach our kids about responsibility, accountability and money has been around for decades. It’s easy, effective and can change as your child grows. Kids need structure and providing them with a daily routine or responsibilities, only help them later in life.

2. Be Consistent … When it comes to kids doing chores around the house, often there is only one thing stopping the kids - parents. Whether it’s because we get busy and forgot, get tried of nagging or just find it quicker to do it ourselves, parents are often the reason kids stop doing chores. Parents need to be consistent, demanding and set proper expectations when it comes to chores.

3. Be Fair … Kids understand right and wrong or fair and unfair. Separate the chores evenly or rotate them so the worst chores aren’t always with one child. If you are rewarding your children for jobs well done, don’t be afraid to compensate one child more than another if the chores they handle are more difficult or are less attractive.

4. Don’t Let Other Things Get In The Way … Dance practice, music lessons, football games, baseball practice and homework are just a few things your child has on their plate each day. As a parent, teach your child from an early age how to manage time and set priorities, by doing all these things plus the daily chores. There are life lessons in everything, don’t drop off things around the house because outside activities make life busy. We certainly can’t do that as adults, can we?

5. Stress Saving & Sharing … If you provide a reward for your kids, make sure to stress saving and sharing. Everyone knows how to spend … it’s like breathing … you just do it. Saving and sharing takes practice, a plan and often some research. In the long run, however, your kids will see the benefits and continue to do these things as adults. It’s like riding a bike - learn it early in life and you can always do it again later. Learn it later in life and it’s more difficult.

I hope these tips will come in handy when you're trying to decide if your little ones are old enough to start helping out around the house. I know that even thought my children already do help out, reading them made me feel so much better about my decision to have them start helping out when I did.

Until next time y'all...

Glow Stick Pool Party: Stayin Cool Has Never Been This Much Fun!

2014-06-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Summers in Ohio are HOT and after that never-ending winter we had, I couldn't wait for summer to get here, of course now that it's here it's miserable...go figure. When we moved into our new house in March, I was a little disappointed that our new yard wasn't as big as our previous yard and dreams of lazily floating in the pool all day this summer were fading fast, thankfully my husband rearranged some things and we were able to get a decent size pool for the family (insert crazy loud screaming from the kids here).

I cannot tell you how much of a lifesaver this pool has been and I also cannot tell you the last time I heard, "MOM...I'm bored!!!!", it just hasn't happened! The kids have been spending nearly every day swimming, playing and just staying active and occupied (two things that all of us Moms want to be able to say every single day). Here are a few pictures of the kids having a blast and staying cool!

Then I earned the status of "Coolest Mom Ever" the other night when I suggested that we have a Glow Stick Pool Party! Can I just say that it really was the coolest thing ever even though the pictures do NOT do it justice, it was so pretty and just a ton of fun swimming at night with the kids with tons of glow sticks in the pool! Check it out!

If y'all have a pool, I definitely suggest trying the whole Swimming at Night Glow Stick Pool Party! You can pick up a ton of glow sticks super cheap (we picked up almost 50 of them at our local Dollar Tree for less than $5), make sure you get the kind with lanyards to tie them around the pool, we also just let a bunch of them sink to the bottom which created a really neat effect that the kids loved!

Until next time...happy swimming!

Electronic Cigarettes: What's the Hype All About?

2014-06-19T15:03:00.001-04:00

Something that a lot of you, the vast majority of you actually, may not know about me is that I smoke. I know, I know, it’s like the worst habit there is and one that I have tried (unsuccessfully) for years to kick. A few years back my husband and I bought some electronic cigarettes just to see what all of the hype was about (this was back when electronic cigarettes just hit the market so the buzz was huge) and were a little disappointed by them, but that was then, now ecigs are so much closer to the real thing that I though they deserved another go. So why am I telling you this? Because as with most new things that I try, I thought that there may be some of you who are interested in learning a little more about electronic cigarettes, the annual savings versus the real thing and just my personal experience with them.

First and foremost e cigs are a flameless, tar-less, smoke-free version of a traditional cigarette and most of them produce a vapor (you know, the stuff that looks like smoke when you “smoke” them) made up mostly of water. There are many e cigarette brands to choose from, 21^st Century Smoke is one that comes to mind, and most, if not all, offer as many different products as traditional cigarette brands do. One of the advantages smoking electronic cigarettes is that you can do it almost anywhere, if you’re a smoker then you already know that the freedom to smoke traditional cigarettes in public is becoming a thing of the past in most places, so it’s nice to know that you can go into most bars and restaurants and smoke ecigs with little or no trouble at all. While being able to smoke in public without feeling like a murder (and if you smoke, then you probably know exactly what I’m talking about) is definitely a big plus with electronic cigarettes, the cost savings is the biggest advantage and one that can almost immediately be felt on your wallet! The average cost savings of smoking ecigs (taking into account the expenses that comes with it; e cigarette refills, rechargeable batteries, etc.), compared to traditional cigarettes can be upwards of $1600 annually and I don’t know about you, but it sure would be nice to put that extra money in my pocket instead of handing it over year after year to big tobacco companies.

As I mentioned above, my husband and I tried electronic cigarettes when they first came out and we were less than thrilled with the ones we tried, but we decided to give them another go recently and were actually pleasantly surprised with the results. While we haven’t totally made the switch to electronic cigarettes, the freedom to smoke when and where we want, the savings and just how much more pleasant they are (you know, not smelling like cigarette smoke or having to worry about subjecting other people to it), are definitely all huge advantages to smoking traditional cigarettes. If you’ve tried ecigs in the past and just weren’t satisfied with them, I definitely think it’s worth giving them another try. If you’ve wanted to try to make the switch from traditional cigarettes to electronic cigarettes, my advice is just do it, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Until next time…

Korres Wild Rose Lip Butter Just in Time for National Rose Month!

2014-06-18T08:00:00.001-04:00

Did you know that June is National Rose Month? It most certainly is and if you're as big a fan of rose (everything) as I am and are looking for a few fabulous products to try out this month, Korres has some great ones!

I am a huge fan of Korres; aside from their products being made from natural ingredients, they are also Eco-friendly and absolutely amazing, seriously, I haven't tried anything yet that I didn't love! Korres use of natural rose oil in these products makes for great smelling and ultra moisturizing must-have beauty products! Whether you want to look fabulous for a hot date this June or you just want to pamper yourself a bit, Korres Natural Products has a collection formulated with wild rose oil, a natural source of Vitamin C, to help moisturize and brighten your complexion!

Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial: A facial treatment to address uneven skintone and dark spots while improving skin quality for a brighter, more luminous complexion. ($48)

Wild Rose Daily Brightening & Refining Buff Cleanser: A gentle skin brightening cleanser powered by wild rose that exfoliates skin naturally using a dual-action process to uncover even, luminous skin. ($24)

Wild Rose Lip Butter: A rich, buttery lip balm that melts on the lips and offers a shiny, tinted finish. ($12)

Korres sent me their Wild Rose Lip Butter recently to try out, in honor of National Rose Month of course. I'm a big believer that lip balms are the best way to keep your lips soft, smooth and feeling amazing all year long, so I am always on the lookout for something new that I can fall in love with and I definitely wasn't disappointed by the Wild Rose Lip Butter from Korres. This lip butter is described as a buttery lip balm that melts into your lips and I can't think of a better description as that is exactly what it does! Aside from having a slight rose smell that will make anyone who lives for rose scented products have to have it in their lives, the Wild Rose Lip Butter leaves your lips with a gorgeous rose colored tint that is perfect for just a hint of color and bonus, it makes your lips feel ah-mazing!

You can pick up all of the products mentioned above online at Sephora.com just in time for National Rose Month!

Until next time...

Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above from the brand (or representing PR) in order to facilitate my review...all opinions are 100% my own!

My New Go-To Fragrance: ALIEN by Thierry Mugler

2014-06-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

What's the one thing that every girl has in common? Wanting to smell great of course! If you're in the market for a new fragrance, that is out of this world, then you are definitely going to want to stick around and check out this review!

Some of you may be familiar with the ANGEL Eau Sucrée fragrance by Thierry Mugler , it's one of my absolute favorites, but they have another fragrance that is absolutely perfect for summer and one that will make you feel a little otherworldly...ALIEN Eau Extraordinaire. Is that name not just everything!?! Even though this is a review for Alien, I couldn't resist giving you a little more info about Angel, it's just fabulous and you are going to want to own it...like seriously, what are you waiting for!

ANGEL Eau Sucrée , $69-$89

Playful, yet chic, this limited edition Eau de Toilette blends mischievous charm with mouthwatering facets. Comprised of red fruits, caramelized meringue, vanilla and patchouli, Eau Sucrée will create an irresistible sensation making you feel good enough to eat.

Describing a fragrance is always a bit tricky, but that one is right on the money, it literally does smell good enough to eat! Of course, ALIEN isn't too shabby either and it has honestly become my new go-to summer scent...I cannot get enough of it!

ALIEN Eau Extraordinaire, $69-$89

ALIEN Eau Extraordinaire - a floral, woody, amber creation in three revelations
A luminous floral revelation

Tunisian neroli - an essence described as liquid gold by perfumers because of its olfactory richness, with hints of orange blossom.

Italian bergamot tea – a combination of the essential oil of bergamot combined with a tea accord.
An incandescent woody revelation

Tiare flower - a symbol of love and happiness from the Pacific islands where it grows; this flower adds subtle honey-toned accents and a touch of exoticism.

Cashmeran – a warm and woody feeling, borrowed from the original ALIEN Eau de Parfum creation.
A extraordinary amber revelation

White amber - the emblematic signature of ALIEN, it brings a feeling of plenitude and well-being.
Heliotrope - the perfect addition of soft and comforting tones.

Doesn't that all sound so exotic and gorgeous and perfect for summer!?! I cannot tell you how many compliments I receive when I'm wearing ALIEN, it always gets someones attention no matter where I am and I've never met anyone who doesn't fall instantly in love with the smell! And come on, is that bottle not just the prettiest bottle ever (yeah, I'm totally, totally a sucker for packaging). I have to admit, I don't splurge on many things (makeup and fragrance are usually it) and the price tag is a bit pricey, but honestly, I spent that much on my husband's Dolce&Gabbana cologne for Valentine's Day and I would definitely spend it on ALIEN!

If you're in the market for a great fragrance, that's a splurge item that you will have for seasons to come, I definitely think you should check out ALIEN and ANGEL by Thierry Mugler, they are most definitely worth spoiling yourself! You can pick up both fragrances online at the Thierry Mugler website!

Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above in order to facilitate my review...all opinions are my own!

ClipSee: Hands-free Speakerphone for iPhone {Review and Giveaway}

2014-06-17T01:00:00.000-04:00

Even though Father's Day was this past weekend, I am still on the lookout for the perfect gift for my husband..why? Well, because I am notorious for buying gifts after the occasion and Father's Day is no different...sadly. If you're like me and still have no clue what to get the man in your life, have no fear, I'm here to help!

My husband spends nearly 3 hours, every day driving back and forth to work and he usually spends a good deal of his car ride home hanging out on the phone with me (yeah, he's sweet like that) and that's great, but he's completely anti-Bluetooth headset (he says they are for old people) so that means he spends all of that time holding the phone, which is both annoying and a little dangerous. Of course, holding the phone isn't nearly as dangerous as his habit of texting and driving (which I HATE), so I'm always trying to keep him on the phone rather than having him text me and it's a challenge! Given his long commute, I am always trying to find products that help make keeping us connected during that time a little easier, so when I received an email for a product called ClipSee (a handfree, speakerphone for iPhone) I just had to check it out!

About ClipSee...

The ClipSee speakerphone for iPhone® is a new hands-free option for your car. It provides secure and convenient positioning for your iPhone® 4 or 5 - easily clipping onto your shoulder belt - and it works with most standard-sized iPhone® cases too!

The ClipSee is also designed to amplify the speaker sound by up to 3x and direct it toward your ears, so you are more likely to hear the voice on the other end even with significant road and wind noise. What's more, when the ClipSee is attached to your shoulder belt, the top microphone of the iPhone® is just inches from your mouth, greatly improving your voice clarity on the other end.

Product Features:

	Amplifies speaker sound up to 3x so you can hear better
	Places top microphone just inches from your mouth, assuring your voice is transmitted clearly to the other end
	Provides a secure and conveniently accessible holder for your iPhone
	Sturdy seat belt clip holds ClipSee firmly on shoulder harness, while still allowing easy and quick attachment and removal
	Compatible with all versions of iPhone 4 and 5, including with most standard-sized cases*
	Finger guides and easy Home button access allow hands-free, voice-activated operation while keeping eyes on the road
	Height adjustment in back assures your phone will align appropriately with the Home button and in-call menu screen

Pretty cool...right?!?! If you know anything about me and how I like to test products around here, then you probably already know that I am truly a fan of the whole "seeing is believing" thing, so naturally, I decided to hop in my car with my camera and try the ClipSee out for myself...check it out!

While I have to be honest and it admit that it didn't blow me away as being the absolute best iPhone accessory on the market, I was impressed by how well it worked! The phone call was clear and definitely louder than normal thanks to the design of the device and I can see it being something that I would use to make calls while on the go (I do so dislike having to hold the phone to my ear...can we say messed up makeup? and using the speakerphone in a car full of very loud kids is just usually not ideal). The one thing I did dislike about the ClipSee is that if the phone is in the device, it's sort of at an awkward angle to answer the phone and then place the call on speakerphone (as you can see in the video), but those things aside, I do think it makes taking and receiving phone calls on the go so much easier than Bluetooth headsets and I can definitely see my husband using the ClipSee on his long drives to and from work! You can pickup a ClipSee here for less than $30!

If you're looking for something unique for the man in your life and you kinda, sorta didn't get him a Father's Day gift (I'm not pointing any fingers y'all) then I'd definitely check out ClipSee! I also have great news for one of my amazing readers...one of y'all is going to win a ClipSee of your own! If you would like to enter the giveaway, check out the Rafflecopter widget below!

WIN IT!

One MIBR reader is going to win a ClipSee on his/her own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a ClipSee to facilitate my review, all opinions are my own. Fulfillment of giveaway is being handled by sponsor.

Top 3 Makeup Must-Haves: Desert Island Edition!

2014-06-16T15:30:00.000-04:00

Everyone who knows me, knows how obsessed I am with makeup and beauty products, so it is very common for people to ask me for advice on products, tips and tricks, and just crazy questions pertaining to one of my favorite topics. A couple of days ago one of my friends ask me, “If you were stuck on a deserted island and you could only take 3 makeup items with you, what would they be?”, honestly it was a hard question to answer, but I thought that it would make a great topic for a blog post so I thought I’d share my answer with all of you!

So, if I were stuck on a deserted island, which 3 makeup products would I take with me?

Hmmm….this is hard, seriously, it’s like being asked, “If you had to pick a favorite child, which one would it be?”, thank goodness it’s only makeup!

Alright, so first and foremost I cannot live without my waterproof mascara! I have teeny, tiny, barely there lashes and without mascara they are just a hot (or not so hot actually) mess and since I’d be on an island, with lots of water to splash around in, it only makes sense to bring waterproof mascara…right? My favorite mascara at the moment just so happens to be the tarte limited-edition lights, camera, splashes™ 4-in-1 waterproof mascara, it’s ah-mazing, if you haven’t tried it…you must!

Next on my list of island must-haves would definitely have to be a good lip gloss! I’ve never been much of a lipstick girl, I prefer lip gloss any day of the week, but I do like to have something on my lips to make them stand out and lip gloss is my go-to product. Plus, if you happen to be rescued, you want to look your best…right?

Last, but most certainly not least on my list of deserted island must-haves would have to be…drum-roll please…sunscreen! Alright, this one should be a no-brainer and it’s not exactly a makeup product, but a lot of people skip this seriously crucial skincare step and it’s so important! Think about it, you’re out in the hot sun all day long and while your tan may be killer, it could actually be a killer, so a great sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is the way to go to make sure that your skin is protected from the harsh sun and will look great for years to come!

And that my friends, is my 3 deserted island must-have makeup/skincare products. While I don’t plan on being stuck on an island in the middle of the ocean anytime soon, it was fun to think about which items I couldn’t live without!

So I want to ask all of you the same question. If you were stuck on a deserted island and you could only take 3 makeup/skincare products with you, what would they be?

Until next time…

Easy Father's Day Gift: Free Printable Dad Coupon Book

2014-06-13T13:59:00.000-04:00

If your children are anything like mine, then they live to make a homemade gift for a special occasion and Father's Day is no exception! Here's a quick, heartfelt, easy homemade printable Father's Day Coupon Book for Dad, just in time for Father's Day!

Just in time for Father’s Day, Kiddie Academy has created a free downloadable coupon book that children can easily create with a bit of help from an adult. Designed with Dad’s unique perspective in mind, the coupons feature activities for children to complete, such as “I will brush my teeth – without faking it, Dad can tell” and “I will load the dishwasher – or wash them by hand like the Pilgrims.”

The last coupon on the printable gift provides space for a child to add a personal promise to Dad. Even if you already have the perfect present picked out, these kid-centered coupons are a nice addition that Dads will appreciate.

After printing, the coupons can be cut out and assembled into a book with a few staples, or left loose and slipped into a card. No advanced Pinterest degree required for this project!

You can download the FREE Printable Dad Coupon Book for Father's Day here.

Have a gret Father's Day weekend y'all!

Until next time...

Bet on Your Baby Season 2 Starts May 31st + LUVS Diaper #Giveaway

2014-06-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

When my kiddos were little, they were as wildly unpredictable as winter's in Ohio can be and if you're not from around here, well let me tell ya, that's pretty darn unpredictable! If you're a fan of the ABC Family show Bet On Your Baby, then you've probably watched (as I do) and think, "Oh my goodness, if this were my kid, I'd be in trouble!". I'm so excited for the second season of this show, it's a favorite in our house and always leaves us laughing our butts off at how adorable and silly the babies can be!

About Bet on Your Baby...

All parents think they know their baby well, but are they willing to bet on it? Find out when actress/comedienne and working mom Melissa Peterman, star of ABC Family's Baby Daddy hosts this adorable, hilarious and surprisingly suspenseful game show. Parents try to predict their toddler's next move in an effort to win money for their child's future education.

Airs Saturdays at 8pm ET/7pm CT on ABC starting May 31st.

“Like” BOYB on Social Media!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/betonyourbaby
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetOnYourBaby
Instagram: http://instagram.com/abcbetonyourbaby

Here are some adorable GIFS from the show. WARNING: Total Cuteness Ahead!

I told ya...too cute for their own good! Is your family a fan of the show? Are you excited for the second season of #BOYB? I know that we cannot wait for May 31st!

Now I have an even better question for ya...wait for it...are you excited yet? How would you like to win a three pack of coupons for Luvs Jumbo Pack of diapers?!?! I told you it was exciting! If you'd like to enter to win this awesome giveaway...keep reading...giveaway details are below! Make sure you enter via the Rafflecopter Widget below for your chance to win!

WIN IT!

One MIBR reader is going to win a 3 pack of coupons for FREE Luvs Jumbo Diapers! Please Note: Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Pack of Three Luv's Coupons via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. US Only Please!

Enter Below!

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Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post...all press materials and prize and prize fulfillment is the responsibility of and being handled by the sponsor (Bet on Your Baby)!

Nominate the Father in Your Life to the Superman Hall of Heroes!

2014-06-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

What could be a more appropriate gift for the man in your life for Father's Day than nominating him as a your personal hero on the Superman Hall of Heroes website? Um....I got nothing! Seriously, does that not sound like every single, Superman fanatics dream come true?

Inspired by Superman and the character attributes that define the world's first and most recognized Super Hero--unwavering morals and en endless pursuit of truth and justice--the Superman Hall of Heroes site offers a fun and inspirational way for fans to pay tribute to their heroes by submitting their photo and story online at www.SupermanHallofHeroes.com.

As part of the tribute, consumers can choose from multiple gift-giving options and levels. Through Father's Day, a portion of the proceeds from sales of Superman Hall of Heroes packages will go to The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

I don't know about yours, but my husband has nearly everything and it becomes harder and harder every year to find something that he will like and use, but this gift is one that keeps on giving and those are the best kind! If you're having a hard time choosing a gift this year for the Dad in your life, you should definitely consider nominating him as your own personal hero on the Superman Hall of Heroes website!

Until next time y'all...

10 Rules to Live By

2014-06-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

Last night I decided to take a little trip down memory lane via my blog, so I clicked on the Family link in my menu bar and was instantly transformed to when I first started my blog way back in 2008; I cannot tell you how many laughs (and even a few tears) those posts caused, it was so much fun to look back and really see how much my family and I have grown in the past 6 years! One of my favorite posts was one that I called my "Allisonisms", which were just basically what I'd consider "Rules to Live By", my rules of course, they don't have to apply to everyone, though I do kinda think they totally could! So, I thought it would be fun to revisit my "Allisonisms", only this time I want to call them...

1. Learn to depend on yourself! Let's face it even the best of friends may not have your back when things fall apart! Knowing you can look at the world and say, "You know what I've got this on my own." will make you so much stronger than looking to someone else to pick up the pieces!

2. Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in! Some people mistake my willingness to stand up for what I believe as my being bitchy, but I don't pay any attention to that. Knowing I have the courage to voice my opinion no matter what the consequence means more to me than ignorant people who judge others for having a backbone!

3. Live everyday like it's your last! I really believe this because nothing is guaranteed, life is short and you never know when your number will be called, but if you live everyday to the fullest then you'll more than likely leave this life with no regrets. (And there's a good chance you won't have to come back and haunt the shit out of someone...lol)

4. Make sure you say "I love you" often. This is another one that I insist on doing! My fiance and kids probably think I'm completely mental because I seriously tell them "I love you" three million times a day. I look at it like this, if I tell them I love them more than I need to then I know that there's absolutely no question in their minds that they are loved by me!

5. Learn from your mistakes. I know this one seems like just plain old fashion common sense, but you'd be surprised at how many people (myself included) seem to repeat the same silly mistakes over and over again. I look at it like this; if I've done something and I know it was a mistake chances are doing it again is going to produce the same results. So try hard to make every mistake a learning experience and once the lesson has been learned the chances of you repeating the mistakes that you've made is a lot less likely!

6. Know that this too shall pass! This one seems a little more difficult for me to believe in than the rest the reason? When things are going horrible it's very hard to believe that things will ever get better, but I've learned that even the worst situations do eventually get better you just have to give it time and believe that there are better things to come in your life. Trust me it will get better.

7. Believe in love even when it seems like your prince will never come. Alright so this is one that I have done extensive research on (and by research I mean I have been in countless failed relationships). I've learned that love does exist, but most of the time it happens when you least expect it! True love is a love that you never have to question, it's a love that feels exactly right from the start, and it's a love that will make even the harshest cynics believe in prince charming!

8. Being a parent will be the hardest job you'll ever have! This one is definitely true! Kids don't come with handbook and there will be times when you have no clue what to do; like when your newborn is up crying for hours on end and nothing seems to calm her down or when your 6 year old asks where babies come from and you'd rather cut off your own foot than try to explain it to her. But in all the chaos and crying comes the realization that parenthood is the most rewarding job you will ever do!

9. Life isn't easy, but it's the struggles that make you stronger! If life were easy then you'd never make mistakes and then learn from them, you'd never be challenged to find out what you're made of, and you'd never appreciate the little things because you know how truly special they are.

10. Having people who love you and truly care about your happiness is one of the greatest gifts in the world. I live with this in mind always, because it's the people in my life that make it so incredible and I am thankful every day that I have such great people in mine!

- See more at: http://misadventuresinbabyraising.blogspot.com/2008/11/so-my-birthday-is-getting-increasingly.html#sthash.jSJ9E99m.dpuf

#1. Learn to depend on yourself! Let's face it, even your best friends may not have your back every time life falls apart! Being able to look at the world and say, "You know what, I've got this on my own!" will make you so much stronger than looking to someone else to help pick up the pieces!

#2. Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in! Some people mistake my willingness to stand up for what I believe in, as me being bitchy and you know what? I can deal with that! Knowing that I have the courage to voice my opinion, no matter how unpopular it may be and no matter the consequences, means more to me personally than being judged by people who have no backbone!

#3. Live every day like it's your last! NOTHING in life is guaranteed!!!! Life is short and you never know when your number (or the number of a loved one) will be called! If you live every day like it's your last then you'll more than likely leave this life with no regrets and there's a good chance you won't have to come back and haunt the crap out of someone! I wrote that post 6 years ago and while I believed it then, it didn't really hit home how true it is until last summer when my father died. I repeat NOTHING in life is guaranteed...make every, single moment count!

#4. Make sure that you say "I love you!" often! This is something that I insist on doing every single day! My husband and kids probably fully believe that I am mental (I'm convinced they do), because I seriously tell them I love them at least 50 times a day. I look at it like this, if I tell them that I love them way more than I need to, then there should be absolutely no question in any of their minds that they are always and forever loved by me!

#5. Learn from your mistakes! This one is one of the hardest rules for me to live by because I'm just so dang stubborn! I fully know that repeating mistakes will only produce the same awful results, but a lot of the time I do it anyway...why? Well, because I'm human and though I may repeat a mistake (and instantly regret it) I do eventually realize that I probably shouldn't do it again and that's what counts! The ability to learn from the mistakes that I've made (even if I don't learn the first...or tenth...time) always, eventually, leads to me understanding a whole lot more about myself and about life in general. So, if you're having a hard time not repeating silly mistakes, just give it time, don't be too hard on yourself and eventually, you'll learn the lesson and never repeat it again!

#6. Know that "This Too Shall Pass"! This one is a little harder for me to believe in on a consistent basis, because honestly, when everything that could go wrong does go wrong all at once, who really believes that it's going to get better...but ya know what? Doesn't it always? Of course it does and though sometimes it may seem like your life is just one big pot of messy, it WILL get better, just give it time and keep an open mind and a positive outlook on the future and you'll be surprised by how quickly things turn around!

#7. Believe in love even when it seems like your prince will never come! This is one that I've done extensive research on (and by extensive research I mean that I have been in countless failed relationships) and what did I learn? I learned that love, true, real love, does exist and that most of the time it happens when you least expect it! My husband and I went through hell in our relationship for a lot of years (honestly, at the time I wrote my original post we were probably going through it then) and there were times when I wasn't even sure we'd make it through another day together let alone another year, but then one day everything changed and we both seemed to realize at the same time that we were each others true love. As mushy as that sounds, it couldn't be more true and while we wasted so many years and so much time not seeing that true love was right in front of our nose, I wouldn't change anything that we've been through, because those things are what led me to my true love! Keep believing...true love is real!

#8. Parenting is the hardest job that you'll ever have, but it's also the most rewarding...DO NOT take it for granted! This one is so true! Kids do not come with handbooks (it would be most awesome if they did) and there are times when you're going to have absolutely no idea what to do; like when your newborn has been up all night long crying for hours on end and you've had 20 minutes sleep in the past 2 days, or when you're 6 year old asks you where babies come from and you'd rather cut off your foot than have to try to explain it to her. But I promise you that somewhere in all of the chaos and crying comes the realization that you are shaping someone's life, that it's your job to take that crying newborn and turn her into a productive citizen who can go out into the world and conquer whatever it is she wants to conquer and that my friends is both a pretty friggin' awesome feeling and one that you should never take for granted!

#9. Life ain't easy and it's the struggles that make you stronger! If life were easy, no one would ever make mistakes that they needed to learn from in order to grow...makes sense right? If people never made mistakes and then learned from them, we'd never be challenged, we'd never really know what we're made of or how strong we truly are and we'd never appreciate the little things, because we'd have no idea how truly awesome and special they are!

#10. Surrounding yourself with people who truly love you and care about your happiness is the greatest gift there is! Knowing that you are surrounded by a great group of people (no matter how large or small) kind of makes you feel like you're ten feet tall and bulletproof! Knowing that there are people in your life who will not judge you or hurt you and who have your back no matter what makes all of the challenges and struggles that life throws your way so much easier to deal with...so, surround yourself with people who bring value to your life and forget the ones who don't...it's much easier to deal with life without all of the dead weight!

And there you have it, 10 rules that I try to live by every single day...not much has changed in 6 years so that must mean that they're a pretty good bunch of guidelines for me and my life! What are some of your rules to live by? Do we share any of the same rules?

Until next time...

- See more at: http://misadventuresinbabyraising.blogspot.com/2008/11/so-my-birthday-is-getting-increasingly.html#sthash.jSJ9E99m.dpuf