TakeLessons.com Helps Bring Music & Joy To Your Family

One of the first things I can remember about my childhood is listening to music with my mom and singing songs in the car. I come from a long line of gospel singers, so we spent many weekends on the road attending concerts and practicing for performances! That's why music became such an important part of my life at such an early age and why it still is. In middle school, I began playing flute and taking piano lessons. By high school, I was taking percussion lessons, playing drums in the marching band and performing for chorus and school plays. I also started taking voice lessons, which was one of my most favorites! Once I started college at UGA, I became a part of Glee Club, too!

I think music expanded my horizons and offered me opportunities that I would not have received otherwise. Not only was I able to travel to many places around the world for competitions, such as New Orleans and London, but I gained confidence in myself as a person and a musician. These are the reasons why I want my own children to have these opportunities with music. Josiah has taken music appreciation at school already and, after attending a music concert recently, he said he wants to learn how to play piano. I've taught my children the rhythm basics, but they will need more instruction to master instruments. This is why I was excited to find TakeLessons.com.

TakeLessons.com is the place to find local music and singing lessons. I did a search for our small town of Canton, Georgia and found 25 results within 20 miles of our house! I had no idea there were so many options. I was also able to learn about each of the instructors, giving me more insight into the person so we could find someone who was the best fit for our needs and a great match for Josiah's personality. You can even find in-home and on-line instructors!

Prices vary depending on location and length of each lesson, but TakeLessons.com has a great deal going on right now! You can receive 20% off any of their lesson packages from now until April 1st with the code: SPRINGMUSIC.

This is such a great opportunity for your children and I highly recommend checking out the website. Since 2006, TakeLessons has worked with over 30,000 students nationwide! Plus, there is a 100% money back guaranteed, so if your child does not enjoy the first lesson, they will find another instructor or refund your money. Not only can you find the lessons your child wants, but you can pay for the lessons and manage your account just by logging. It's so easy to use!

I remember when I needed to find a voice instructor and it was so difficult to find someone in our area. I actually had to visit a local college and search the music department in order to find someone, but not anymore! I love this resource and found it so helpful. I know it will be in the future when looking for Liam's lessons, too. He has already expressed an interest in learning the guitar and I would love for him to give it a try!

Do your kids express interest in learning how to play an instrument? Or do they love to sing? Check out TakeLessons and see what is available nearby! Don't forget to use the code SPRINGMUSIC for 20% off your purchase of lesson packages! 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for TakeLessons.com in conjunction with Mom Bloggers Club. All opinions written are my own.

Celebrate National PB&J Day With @Welchs #PB&JYourWay

There are many things that remind me of childhood and I find that, as I grow older, I become more and more nostalgic. Certain foods are triggers for happy memories as a child with my mom, sitting in the kitchen, helping her prepare a big feast or even just a small lunch for us. One of my favorite foods to make with my mom was a PB&J! Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

Now that I have children and am currently homeschooling, making lunch together occurs on a daily basis and one of the foods most often requested by the kids is, of course a PB&J sandwich. I never argue with that choice and always indulge in one for myself. I mean, why not? They are so delicious that I can't resist.

I used to think that PB&Js could only be made one way, but boy was I wrong! Just by asking a few family members, I realized that everyone has their own signature PB&J and, of course, we have our own. Since National PB&J Day is April 2nd, we decided to celebrate with several different signature PB&J sandwiches from our family. Welch's sent two jars of jelly, their Natural Strawberry Jelly & the Natural Grape Jelly to help out with our own creations! I was so excited to give these a try because Welch's Concord Grape Jelly and Natural Grape Spread are made with Welch's very own Concord grapes, which are grown in Canada and the US! Plus, Welch's Natural Spreads contain no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavoring, artificial coloring and no preservatives!

Here are some of the ways our family members like to make their own PB&Js:
1. Grandma's Mixed PB&J - Mix up delicious Welch's Strawberry Jelly with your choice of peanut butter in a mixing bowl. Then, spread it on bread for a great sandwich!

2. Auntie Maimee's Fruity Delight PB&J- First, toast up your slices of wheat bread. Then, slice up some ripe bananas and add them to a mixing bowl. Then add in a few Tablespoons of peanut butter and SQUISH, SQUISH, SQUISH! (The kiddos LOVE this part!). We prefer it a little chunk. Lastly, we spread the peanut butter/banana mix on one slice of bread and just enough Welch's Grape Jelly to coat the other slice. Put together, cut off the crusts and voila! Instant deliciousness!

Mama's Crunchy PB&J

How do we make our own PB&J? Well, my children like the old-fashioned PB&J with Welch's Grape Jelly, peanut butter and white bread. However, I prefer something a little different. When I was pregnant with my first son, Josiah, I craved peanuts and peanut butter more than anything else in the world. Something about the saltiness along with grape jelly just made my tummy rumble! So, as I was sitting, thinking of making a sandwich late one night, the idea popped into my head to make a supreme crunchy-style PB&J, so that is exactly what I did! I had some unsalted peanuts that I crushed up into smaller pieces in a bowl. I made my delicious PB&J with peanut butter on one side and Welch's Grape Jelly on the other. Then, I added the crushed peanuts on top of it. The result? Pure bliss! If you love a crunchy PB&J, this is THE way to do it. Click Here to view my awesome video!

In honor of National PB&J Day, Welch's is celebrating with the "PB&J Your Way" contest! Go to the Welch's Facebook page and tell them your creative spin on this classic sandwich for a chance to win $500 and a one year supply of delicious Grape jelly! Plus, 50 others will win a sandwich keeper!

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Welch’s. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.

Getting Rid Of Unsightly Moles For Good!

When growing up, I noticed my dad had very sensitive skin and freckles all over him. My mom, on the other hand, had no freckles, but had many, many moles on her skin. What are moles? Chances are, if you have them, you know exactly what they are and wish you could get rid of them. I know that is exactly how I feel about them. Moles are blemishes on the skin that appear darker due to a high concentration of melanin. I noticed at a young age that although I did not have freckling of the skin, I did have moles. When I was younger, they were small and not at all bothersome, but now that I am older, some have grown, raised up on my skin and darkened. There is one on my arm that is most unsightly and, to my dismay, even has hair that grows out of it! It is embarrassing and I wish I could do something about it.

I've heard of ways to get moles removed at a dermatologist and all include painful mole removal methods I would rather not subject myself to, such as laser therapy and going under the knife. No thanks! Luckily, I found a much better alternative that I can use at home. As someone who uses mostly all-natural products, I was so excited to find H-Moles because it is an all-natural mole removal product. It does not cause pain and also does not leave scarring of the skin where the mole once was. Plus, you can begin to see results in as soon as 2 weeks. The mole will appear smaller and smaller until it disappears like magic. 

I love having a natural way to get rid of moles that does not cause pain or scarring. My mom actually had a mole removed at the dermatologist last year and has a huge scar on her skin, which looks worse than the mole! That defeats the entire purpose. Next week we are going to the beach and I will be in a swimsuit for the first time this year. I am usually a bit embarrassed by my moles, but now I honestly don't have to be. By the time summer rolls around and we go back to the beach, I can be confident and show off my body. 

Do you have moles, too? 

I know genetics plays a role, but we don't have to suffer from these unsightly blemishes or go through pain just to remove them. Isn't that nice to know? 

Celebrating National Poison Prevention Week With Great Tips For Keeping Children Safe

Back when I was pregnant with Liam, I had horrible heartburn and stomach issues. Oh, the joys of pregnancy! For that reason, I kept Tums by my bed and took some before going to sleep each night. One afternoon, I walked into our bedroom to find my son, Josiah, sitting beside the bed with something all over his mouth. He had eaten 3 of my Tums and I almost had a heart attack. Immediately, I dialed poison control because I was worried that this might make him sick since he was only two years old at the time. Luckily, Tums was not toxic to his system, but this was a wake-up call for me. I knew kids got into everything and thought I had baby-proofed our house, but did not take medicines into account.

Did you know that 500,000 children each year get into medicines or get the wrong medicine dosage? For this reason, there are several things we do to prevent accidental poisoning and we recommend you do so, too!

1. Keep all medicines stored up high, out of reach from children. This includes ALL medicines, such as eye drops, vitamins, Tums, etc. You should keep every type of medicine out of reach because they could get into that, too. In 80% of emergency room visits for medicine poisoning, it is due to children getting into an adult's medicine, so be safe.
2. Keep a kids lock on cabinets that store toxic cleaning materials. Bleach, ammonia or any other potentially hazardous items can easily be locked away so children do not get into them. 

We actually keep all medicines sorted in a container and stored in our highest kitchen cabinet now. This way Mama and Papa can reach them when needed, but the kids cannot reach them without our help! Even the gummy vitamins are stored there because we want to be as safe as possible! Here is an infograph with some great information about medication safety:

Safe Kids Worldwide also helps families with poison prevention tips, including the first one I mentioned above. Another one of their suggestions is to learn about your own medications. It's important to know what is in the medicines you keep in your home. This is especially helpful when children are sick because you do not want to take (or give them) two medicines with the same ingredient. This can cause an overdose, which is something you never want to experience. They also recommend keeping the poison control number handy because you never know when you might need it. The number is: 1-800-222-1222.

National Poison Prevention Week was March 17-23 and exists to teach everyone the importance of proper medicine storage, dosage and disposal. You can find all kinds of great tips on the Safe Kids Worldwide website, including keeping medicine away from children and even being away of your own other medicines visitors bring into your home. Below is a great video about medicine storage, dosing and keeping your kiddos safe!

What do you do in your home to help prevent medicine poisoning? Do you keep medicines out of reach of children? We would love to hear your own tips!
I wrote this review while participating in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Safe Kids Worldwide and I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Aunt Jemima Frozen Mini Pancakes Lil' Griddles: An Easy & Delicious Breakfast #AJLilGriddlesCG #spon

Just like many Mamas, I am always on the go! Whether it is a dr's appointment, field trip or grocery shopping, it feels like I am constantly up and have something to do immediately! However, breakfast is not a meal we can skip or skimp on since it is the most important meal of the day. That's why it am so excited when I find something delicious and nutritious for breakfast that the kids love and will eat without a fuss. I remember my mom buying Aunt Jemima products when I was little and now I can buy them for my own kids. Only now, I don't have to stay in the kitchen all morning to make a great breakfast. In Fact, their newest addition to their frozen breakfast items, Lil' Griddles and, make breakfast fast and easy.

What are Lil' Griddles? They are bite-sized breakfast treats for the family "every batch made from scratch"! In fact, they are made from the same ingredients you would use to make the items at home, including milk and eggs. There are three options, including the Aunt Jemima frozen Blueberry Mini Pancakes & regular mini pancakes and Aunt Jemima frozen Cinnamon French Toast Sticks. Yummy! We went to our local grocery store and found the Aunt Jemima frozen Mini Pancakes Lil' Griddles mini pancakes. Of course, Liam was all for giving them a try because he loves pancakes! He is quite the picky eater and, since he has been sick, he is pickier than ever. Pancakes are one of the only things I can get him to eat. So naturally, we had to give them a try the very next morning.

Upon opening the box, I was surprised at just how many of the mini pancakes were in there. The entire box was stuffed full of them, so you definitely get your money's worth!

To make breakfast, all I had to do was put them on a plate and heat in the microwave for all of 35 seconds. Can you imagine a delicious breakfast in 35 seconds?! I knew they would be a fast meal to make, but I had no idea just how easy it would be to make them.

Liam loves prefers eating with hands instead of using utensils, so these are great for him. Bite-size makes them perfect for the kiddos and easier for them to handle, but mama and papa can enjoy them just as much.

We usually go for syrup on top of our pancakes, but it just so happens I had just made some delicious strawberry mix for shortcake to have later that day and the kids wanted that on top instead. Here's a picture of the results:

I was impressed with just how fluffy they are and the kids devoured them down to the very last bite! These were a definite hit in our home and I am positive we will be purchasing again in the near future. No more stirring ingredients and sweating over a hot stove for me! Lil' Griddles are perfect for our on-the-go family and taste just as good as the homemade pancakes my mom used to make me. Give them a try and let me know what you think!

Thank you to Aunt Jemima Frozen Breakfast for being a sponsor. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Self-Publishing: A Primer for Authors

Regardless of whether you're trying to publish your first book or are an established author seeking to expand his audience, digital distribution is one of the most attractive methods of distributing your work. It is a relatively young market, but it develops and evolves rapidly, especially when it comes to eBooks. Where people would once buy a book at a bookstore, they now frequent Amazon and its sizable online catalog of titles. However, what are the hurdles associated with self-publishing?

Quality is Key

The first and most basic problem is quality, not only of the content, but of the entire eBook. Even if you have written the next Great American Novel, you're not going to achieve success if your book is badly formatted or has a poor quality cover.  To get around this, consider hiring an editor to proofread your text and help you correct errors in punctuation, awkward sentences, and improve formatting. To ensure a good quality cover, consider commissioning a graphic designer to create it from scratch. While hiring outside help may conflict with the concept of creating a book all on your own, it will benefit you in the long run.

Publishing the Book

Before anyone can buy book, you need a platform through which to distribute it. The biggest eBook distributor currently is Amazon.com, which also has its own dedicated reader, the Kindle. Publishing an eBook through Amazon can be done yourself, via Kindle Direct Publishing. By doing it yourself, you have full control over data related to the book and its price. An alternative is Smashwords, one of the pioneers of the eBook market, or Lulu, the official Apple eBook aggregator. There are dozens of other websites dedicated to self publishing. Your best bet is simply checking out them all and seeing which offer the best terms and reach. People buy book, but only if they can actually find them in a store.

Setting the Price

Once you upload the book, you have to set a price (avoid all distribution services that do not allow you to set your own price). The consensus is that an eBook price between $2.99 and $5.99 is optimal, as it generates the most sales. Going lower than $2.99 will usually increase downloads even further, but may be too little to generate noticeable income. This becomes evident when you factor in the royalties paid to the distribution service, which can get quite high. Amazon, for instance, takes a 30% cut from sales of books priced between $2.99 and $9.99.

Promoting the Book

Finally, once the book is out there and available for purchase, the hardest part begins: promoting your work. This is by far the most consuming part of self-publishing, as you have to raise reader awareness, commit to marketing, and engage your readers, activities typically handled by publishers.

However, although it can be a demanding business, self-publishing works is incredibly satisfying and can generate real benefits in the future. For example, Dmitry Glukhovsky, author of the highly rated Metro 2033 and Metro 2034, had trouble finding a publisher, as they were unwilling to publish his book. Finally, he published it by himself, making it available for free on his personal website. Readers flocked to his work, prompting publishers to offer Glukhovsky a publishing deal and allowing readers worldwide to buy book. Keep that in mind when starting your work on self-publishing.

Celebrate Spring With The New Pajanimals Games & Puzzles Giveaway (US & Canada)

We just recently hosted a review and giveaway for the newest Pajanimals DVD, Playdate, which the kids absolutely loved. Not only do they have a new DVD out, but they just released some awesome games and puzzles, too, and we want to tell you all about them!

·       My Growth Chart Puzzle: ($14.99 SRP): Build your own puzzle and measure away, marking your height as you grow.  The Growth Puzzle chart includes 17 sturdy self-correcting puzzle pieces and teaches numbers, counting and easy math principals.  Ages: 3+

·My First ABC Floor Puzzle” ($14.99 SRP): ABC Floor Puzzle includes 27 jumbo self-correcting puzzle pieces to form a 6 ft. long puzzle that teaches ABC’s, matching words and visual recognition. Ages: 3+

·My First Adventure Game ($14.99 SRP):  Follow the path by matching objects and reach finish in this “path” board game designed for toddlers. Featuring two play patterns for extended play, the game develops visual discrimination, sequencing, hand-eye coordination and language skills. Ages 3+

·My First Word Game ($14.99 SRP):  Match the picture tiles and find the objects in the illustration with this matching game for toddlers with two playing levels. The game, featuring 6 double-sides playing boards, 18 picture tiles and a parent guide,develops visual discrimination, early learning word skills and hand-eye coordination. Ages 3+

Don't all of these look fun? I love that they are not only fun for kids, but educational. I wish all products were like this.

How would you like to WIN one of these awesome items?

One Lucky Children Teaching Mama Reader Will Win One of The New Pajanimals Games or Puzzles!! 

$200.00 Diapers.com Gift Card Sponsored By BellyHood

Children Teaching Mama is very-excited to give YOU the opportunity to WIN a $200.00 Diapers.com Gift Card!

Are you a woman who is trying to conceive, pregnant, or a brand-new Mommy? If so, you need to look into BellyHood.com. Have you not heard of BellyHood.com? Well, it is an online meeting place to talk to and get advice from other moms. The forums are easy-to-navigate and full of useful information. Plus, they have monthly drawings for $10.00 babies"R"us gift cards! It's a great online resource and I wish I'd known about it earlier!

 Blog with Mom and Adventures of 8 have teamed up with a wonderful group of Bloggers to offer you a chance to WIN a $200.00 Diapers.com gift card from BellyHood.com! (Diapers.com has a great selection of baby products and cloth diapers, too!)

  

 This giveaway:

• Will run from 12:01 am CST on Monday 3/18 until midnight on 4/7
• Is opened entrants 18 years and older living in USA, Alaska, or Hawaii (anywhere Diapers.com can ship to)
• All mandatory entries MUST be completed
• See all disclosures in the entry form

⇩⇩⇩⇩Enter Giveaway Here⇩⇩⇩⇩

Entry-Form

**DISCLOSURE** Children Teaching Mama is acting as an advertisement for the Sponsor and is not responsible for prize. Prize will be given by BellyHood.com. This event is brought to you by Blog with Mom and Adventures of 8 through Advertise with Bloggers! If you are interested in sponsoring an event like this, please contact Advertise with Bloggers.

Pixie Vacations 256 Days of Mickey - 52 Will Win a Magical Mickey Mouse & One Will Win A Disney Vacay

Every week in 2013 one lucky winner will be drawn for a Magical Mickey during the 365 Days of Mickey on the Pixie Vacations! This adorable Mickey Mouse is not just a plush animal... it is extra magical. This is not an ordinary Mickey, each Mickey Mouse plush has a little extra magic. Plus, one lucky winner of these 52 Magical Mickeys will also win a four day, three night stay at the Walt Disney World Resort with four days of Disney Park Admission for up to four adults!!! Wouldn't that be awesome? My kids would be so excited to win this amazing prize. 

Also be sure to take advantage of the latest Disney Vacation Packages here at Pixie Vacations. If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise, or an Adventures by Disney Vacation, we will make sure to create the best Disney vacation package for you at the lowest possible price.

Celebrate National Nutrition Month This March With Delicious Mushrooms

Healthy eating is very important for our family and I try to make sure each meal is nice and balanced. Did you know March is National Nutrition Month? The theme for this month is "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day" and that is exactly what we plan to do. As a southern family, I always include vegetables with our meals and I'm very lucky because my boys both love them as much as I do. One vegetable that is often overlooked is the mushroom. It just so happens that I love mushrooms and often add them to meals in creative ways that the kids enjoy. Josiah just received a kit to grow his very own oyster mushrooms and is so excited to not only grow them, but to use them in our dinners when they are ready. How fun and educational is that? 

What are our favorite ways to eat mushrooms? I love sauteing them and eating them as a side dish, but the kids love them in veggie soup and on top of pizza! I also always add them to spaghetti since my mom did the same when I was growing up. I'm getting hungry just thinking about this! Even if you don't particularly enjoy mushrooms, there are ways to add them in foods that don't make them overpowering or even noticeable, but you can still gain all of the great vitamins and such, from including them.

Speaking of mushrooms, the Mushroom Council is made up of fresh-market mushroom producers or importers and is dedicated to promoting the consumption and usage of mushrooms in a variety of delicious meals! The Mushroom Channel refers to the council's website and social media channels. Check them all out to find some awesome mushroom recipes for healthy delicious meals and to keep up with current mushroom news. I found a great recipe for Mushroom Steak Fajitas. You can also find a swapability resource for more ideas. You can follow via Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest! 

Why eat mushrooms? 

Did you know they are fat-free, low-calorie, nutrient-dense, have natural antioxidants, as well as essential vitamins and minerals? Mushrooms can give your immune system an extra boost, something we can all use this time of year when the flu is running rampant. They really are quite a treasure and can add so much to meals for our families. Quite simply, mushrooms are superfood! They can enhance flavor of meals, make for bigger portion sizes, as well as provide an extra serving of veggies! Plus, they can be used in dishes for all meals, breakfast lunch and dinner. I love mushrooms in omelets for breakfast.  Oh, and did I mention the price? Mushrooms are very affordable, which is quite important for a family on a budget like mine! I often find them on sale at the grocery store and love when I find the manger's specials for them. 

Do you love mushrooms as much as I do? You should give them a try in different recipes to see what your family enjoys the most! If you have picky eaters, there are some recipes where the mushrooms are not even noticeable. In the meantime, want to party? There is an awesome Twitter Party next Wednesday, March 20th at 8-9pm EST with the Mushroom Council and we would love to see you there! The hashtag for the party will be #MushroomDish

Leave a comment below telling me your favorite dishes with mushrooms! I would love some new ideas to try out with my family. 

Disclosure: This post was written for the Mushroom Council in conjunction with Global
Influence. All opinions written are my own.

BabyComfyNose Infant Nasal Aspirator Is A Favorite

I remember the days of stuff noses and colds, especially with Josiah since he went to daycare. I felt so bad for my little babies and only wanted to offer them some sort of relief. The only way I knew to suction out the snot was with one of those bulbs the hospital gave us and, they, unfortunately, did not always do the trick. Sometimes they sucked too hard and made my babies cry more. Other times, the bulb just didn't suck hard enough and didn't do anything. Now that I've heard about BabyComfyNose Infant Nasal Aspirator recently, I will definitely get one of this for our next baby. I've heard some amazing things about it from other moms and they all love it.

What's different about BabyComfyNose? It uses your own suction through a straw-like piece that connects to the receptacle. Okay, it looks a little gross, but there is a filter, so you aren't going to actually suck up snot. If you really think about it, this is a more natural way to clear your baby's nose and is much more effective than other methods. No batteries needed because your lungs provide the vacuum power.

Why use BabyComfyNose? Pediatricians are recommending BabyComfyNose to moms and dads. Plus, Dr. Sears of The Doctors TV Show recommended it as the BEST way to clear babies' noses. It's so easy to use, see for yourself.

Want to purchase one for your baby or someone you know? You can get 20% off right now!

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Giveaway

I am a HUGE Hobbit fan and went to see all of the the Lord of the Rings movies in the theater. Of course, I couldn't wait for the newest movie to come out, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. It was, as I thought it would be, amazing. The great thing is that it will be released on Blu-Ray & DVD this coming Tuesday, March 19th, which just happens to be my birthday! What a great birthday present, right?

About The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an amazing quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers.

From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” the first of a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.

How about a little fun? Take the quiz to find out if you are 100% Hobbit! What has a tendency to be very brave, is around 4 ft. tall with sharp eyesight, little to no facial hair, and loves cake? If you thought we were talking about you, then you might be a Hobbit Indeed! Take the quiz to find out just how much of a Hobbit you are!

To help celebrate this awesome movie, we have a great giveaway!

One Lucky Children Teaching Mama Reader Will Win The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack ($35.99RV)!!

Just use the GiveawayTools form below to enter. This giveaway is open to US Readers, 18+ years of age and will end on Saturday, April 6th at 11:59pm. Good Luck!

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Disclosure: This giveaway was sponsored by Warner Bros. All written opinions are my own. 

Last Chance To Save With the Cart Buster Saving Event at Kroger Family Stores

Last week, I mentioned my favorite grocery store, Kroger. It has been my go-to store for groceries for as long as I can remember. Why? Because, in my opinion, they always have the best deals and always save me money. I also love when they have great promotions like right now!

Just like last Friday, the Kroger Family of Stores Cart Buster Sale Event  is still going on and will continue until March 16th! I get so excited when Kroger runs this event because you can save so much money. Many P&G products are on sale, including Pampers, something we buy every time we go to Kroger. Yes, diapers can be expensive, but it definitely makes me feel better when I don't have to pay full-price for them! The Cart Buster Sale Event can save you even more than usual, especially when you stack on any addition coupons you've clipped or added to your Kroger card!

On top of the Cart Buster Sale, there is another surprise for shoppers right now and TODAY is your last chance to go for it! Login to your account for extra savings with Select Your Deal! Once logged in you can really pick your deal. You are given a choice of three items from which to choose. Last week I got a great coupon for Iams Cat Food. Want to know what I got this week? This week I had the deals below and decided on the Buy One Get One for Kraft products. I love Philadelphia Creme and use it to make delicious pasta dishes. Once I selected that coupon, it immediately uploaded onto my Kroger card, so the next time I go shopping, it will automatically deduct when I check out and scan my card.

How can you resist these deals? Click Here to Select Your Deal! Remember, today is the last chance to do this, so don't delay! Be sure to come back and let us know which of the coupons you choose. Also, remember that you must register your Kroger card online (if you haven't already) to take part in this promotion. It's very easy to do and only takes a few minutes. I've been registered for several years now and have saved a great deal with all of the coupons. I am positive you will love it!

Disclosure: I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Official The Bible History Channel Book Companion Giveaway

About two weeks ago, we wrote about the new The Bible series on the History Channel. Since then, we've watched two amazing episodes and the show is in full swing now. Have you been watching? It has been amazing so far and I cannot wait until Sunday night to watch the next one. There will be 10 parts to this miniseries, so there is much more to come.

There is a great quiz you can take right now to test your Bible skills. How much do you know about the Bible? Take the quiz below to see what you score! Okay, so I didn't do so well, but my husband did!

Giveaway Time
Since everyone has really enjoyed The Bible $15 Walmart Gift Card Giveaway, we have another awesome giveaway to add! One Lucky Winner Will Receive the Official The Bible Miniseries Companion Book! There are three different versions from which the winner can receive:    A Story of God and All of Us (HARDCOVER)
        A Story of God and All of Us (REFLECTIONS)
        A Story of God and All of Us (YOUNG READERS) Just use the GiveawayTools form below to enter! This giveaway is open to US readers 18+ years of age and will end on Wednesday, March 27th at 11:59pm. Good Luck!!

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Return To Nim's Island Premiere 3/15 & Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack Giveaway

Have your kids seen Nim's Island? Well, if they have, chances are they absolutely loved it. I even enjoyed watching it! We are proud to announce the newest adventure Return to Nim's Island, which is premiering on Hallmark Channel March 15th, 2013 at 7/8C! You do NOT want to miss this one. Set your DVRs if you won't be around.

About Return to Nim's Island
This is the sequel to Walden Media's 2008 box office hit Nim's Island and picks up the story a few years later. 14 year old Nim is even more determined to protect her island and all the animals from resort developers and wildlife poachers. Nim realizes she cannot defend their home alone and combines forces with an outsider named Edmund. Only with his help does she stand a chance of stopping the villains and saving the island!

To celebrate, be sure to take the quiz below to see which adventurer you are!

Return to Nim's Island marks the debut of Walden Family Theater, presented by Walmart and P&G! This is a new destination for family entertainment exclusively on the Hallmark Channel.

In addition, be sure to pick up your copy of Return to Nim's Island on Blu-Ray & DVD exclusively at Walmart Stores only 4 days after the premiere! OR go ahead and reserve your DVD copy via Amazon.com for only $16.99!

Love To Party?
Return to Nim's Island star Bindi Irwin will be participating in a Live Twitter Q&A on Saturday, March 9th at 6pm EST! Ask @BindiIrwin anything! She is already collecting questions. Be sure to tag with #nimsislandchat and check back Saturday for answers and fun!

Don't forget to tune in on the Hallmark Channel Friday, March 15th, 2013 to watch the premiere at 7/8C! We'll be watching, will you?

Ready For A Giveaway?

To help celebrate this awesomely fun movie, we are giving away a Return to Nim's Island Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack!

MyMemories Scrapbooking Software Review & Giveaway - US & Canada

My future sister-in-law, Dena, is a scrapbooker and so is her entire family. I tried it once with her and we had to buy pre-assembled kits with only one layout. So, to say the least, I'm not much of a scrapbooker. Well, I wasn't until recently! Having Miss A and taking a zillion pictures of her has made me want to display those pictures EVERYWHERE so I once again thought about scrapbooking.

Well, digital scrapbooking software is exactly what I needed to get going with scrapbooking. 
I actually write up monthly updates about Miss A and MyMemories Suite, has been amazingly perfect to work with!

This is my first and very favorite creation yet. I know it's so simple but it is exactly what I want! Imagine a 2nd page with all the words she's learned along with other milestones. I'm working on taking all the monthly updates I've put on my blog to create something amazing with MyMemories Suite. I want to make a book full my daughter's first 2 years and all of the joys along the way so I can display it in my home for others to see. Plus, it will make a great keepsake to give her in the future. 

About MyMemories

MyMemories Suite is the #1 rated scrapbook software for a reason. It is very affordable and easy to use! MyMemories Suite is also a powerful and creative tool. Tutorials are also offered, which provide ideas to get the most out of this award-winning scrapbook software!

My Thoughts

This software has been great to use! I have to admit, I was a little intimidated at first when I opened up the program, but I immediately caught on and figured everything out. I love that there are tutorials on the website, too, which really helped me out. 

I also love that the software comes loaded with an amazing amount of digital background papers (1500 to be exact!) as well as digital embellishments (1300 of those, too!). It's a great start to creating scrapbooking and really helps get the creativity flowing. Along with the tutorials, the website also has a picture gallery, so if I need inspiration, all I have to do is look around to see what others have don before. I am so happy with this program and can't wait to make many scrapbooks in the future.

Ready for a Giveaway?

One Lucky Children Teaching Mama Reader  Will Win the MyMemories Scrapbooking Software ($39.97 RV)!

Take a Family Shopping Survey For a Chance To Win Totsy.com Credits - 8 Winners

How many of you moms out there are responsible for all of the shopping in your family? I know I am! As our family and environment changes around us, of course, our shopping habits do, too! Please take a few minutes to complete this brief online survey! Why? 6 Lucky Moms will win a $40 credit to Totsy.com!! Plus, Two Lucky Grand Prize Winners will receive a $200 credit to Totsy!!

Click Here to take the survey! Many thanks for all who take a moment to fill it out. We just took it ourselves.

Enter To Win A KitchenAid Mixer & Kitchen Suite Prize Package from h.h. gregg and KitchenAid

Now that we've moved to a bigger city, we have many great stores nearby, including one of my favorites, h.h. gregg. We've been several times and, since we are redecorating our home and adding new appliances, h.h. gregg has been a lifesaver. That's why I am so excited to tell you h.h. gregg and KitchenAid have teamed up for an awesome promotion called Mix Up Your Kitchen!

From March 8th to March 17th, ten lucky winners will be selected to receive a KitchenAid Stand Mixer! Wouldn't you love to win one of those? Click here for a great video tutorial on how to make delicious German Apple Pancakes! Sehr gut! I know I would!

One Grand prize winner will win a Kitchen Suite, which includes a Refrigerator, OTR Microwave, Range, Dishwasher, and Mixer!!!
Aren't these prize amazing?

Click HERE to enter the contest! We just did and have our fingers crossed! 

I participated in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of h.h. gregg. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating

Real Kids Shades Sunglasses Review & Giveaway

Liam is my preemie baby and he is very sensitive to many things, including soaps, lotions, foods and the sun! Don't get me wrong, my boys love being outdoors, but the beautiful sunshine is just a little too much for Liam's sensitive eyes. Plus, his tumors are actually on his optic nerve, making his eyes even more sensitive to sunlight. This is why I was so excited to work with Real Kids Shades on a review of their sunglasses for children!

About Real Kids Shades
Real Kids Shades is the world's leading innovator of premium quality, 100% UV protective eyewear for infants and children up to the age of 12. They are specifically constructed to fit kids' faces and their lifestyles. Kids need to be active, outdoors and in their sunglasses. Made to be work year-round, Real Kids Shades banded frames fit just as well under hats as they do bike helmets! The patented brands with adjustable closures keep glasses secure and in place on the court or in the yard.

My Thoughts
We received several pairs of Real Kids Shades and the boys were so excited! The weekend after they arrived, my nephew, Ethan, spent the day with us and, since the weather was nice, we stayed outdoors for quite a while. The boys were more than happy to put on their cool shades and start playing.

The great thing about Real Kids Shades is that they have different sizes depending on your child's age, so Ethan was wearing the 0-36 months size and the older boys wore the 3-7 years size. They go all the way up to fit children 12 years of age! Liam especially loves wearing sunglasses everywhere we go, but they have a tendency to either be too small or too big, resulting in them sliding off constantly. This is so annoying for him that he usually just gives up. However, Real Kids Shades come with straps that go around the head to keep glasses in place. Plus, they are adjustable with velcro on the side, so you can make them the perfect size for your child.

Here is a picture of Ethan and Josiah showing off their shades as they get ready to go outdoors:

The sunglasses come in a variety of colors and designs. Is your little one sporty? Try the XTreme Sport sunglasses. Does your little one prefer sunglasses without bands? Look at the Flex sunglasses! There are several different types of sunglasses to suit your child's preferences and needs. Not only do the sunglasses have a foam padding that makes them super comfy for children, but they come in a variety of styles and colors. Plus, they are very durable. This is definitely a plus for our boys who have a tendency to break their toys. They are waterproof, rustproof, shatterproof and impact resistant. In addition, they are made with professional grade polycarbonate, making the frames super strong for our little ones.

Ethan loved his glasses so much that he refused to take them off after playing outdoors!

Just by touching and feeling the glasses, I can tell they are durable and safe for my kids. The one thing I immediately noticed was that there aren't any metal hinges or pointy parts that can pinch fingers are snag clothing. I absolutely love that! I don't have to worry about the sunglasses hurting my boys and can feel confident that the glasses will protect their eyes 100% against UV rays. Not to mention, they come in a bag, so the boys can tote them around without scratching up the lenses. Liam loves carrying his around in the bag.

As you can see, these sunglasses were a huge hit in our house. Even as I write this, Liam is pointing out other sunglasses from the Real Kids Shades website, telling me what pair to get him next! These have been perfect for the sunny weekends we've had recently and the boys don't leave the house without picking them up. They look so cute and they are protecting their eyes from UV damage. What more could I ask for?

Ready For A Giveaway?

One Lucky Reader Will Win Their Choice Of Real Kids Shades Sunglasses! Winner can choose size, color and design! 

UmiSports 40% Off Sale - 3 Days Only

We love our Umi shoes, so I had to share this with you! Umi Shoes has a great sale going on from now until Wednesday, March 13th. Their UmiSports tennis shoes are 40% OFF!! This is such a great deal and makes them only $33.00 to $34.80! Wow! Now is a great time to purchase these comfy shoes with the nice Spring and Summer weather coming. Use Code: Sport13 to get 40% off at checkout!

Fundraiser Auction For Liam Begins Wednesday at 10am

Hi, everyone! I hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather this weekend. I wanted to let everyone know that Liam's Fundraiser Auction will go live on Wednesday, March 13th at 10am! We have some amazing items up for bidding that I think you will love. We have Zipz Shoes, a Aden + Anais baby package, gift cards, a Sibu Beauty Spa Kit, and much, much more!

We are holding this fundraiser on Facebook. Be sure to check it out by liking Children Teaching Mama's Facebook Page and going to our Fundraiser For Liam Photo Album. All the rules are under the first picture.

What will the money be used for? Liam has something called Neurofibromatosis, which causes tumors to form in his brain. He currently has 3 tumors and is going through extensive chemotherapy treatment to shrink the tumors. All money collected will go towards travel and medical expenses for Liam.

We thank all of the amazing sponsors who donated items and hope you will take a look and bid! Also, if you would like to donate for our next fundraiser or know someone who would, please email me at childrenteachingmama@gmail.com.

Organic Baby Clothes vs. Non-Organic: Which is better?

The debate rages on as to whether Organic Baby Clothes are really worth investing in, or whether they are in fact nothing more than a gimmick designed to part naïve consumers with their hard-earned cash. Needless to say, opinions vary quite extensively and those on both sides of the fence have their suitably strong points to make, but when it comes to the hard fact on paper it is rather difficult not to side with the organic options.

Sensibly, the only real way to evaluate the subject is to look at each of its facets in turn:

Designs

Right off the bat, organic clothing across the board no longer means dull, dowdy and largely monotone designs – contrary to popular belief. In fact, such is the sophistication of modern production techniques that organic baby clothes are literally 100% limitless in terms of scope for designs and creativity – anything that can be done with non-organic clothes can be done with the organic alternative.

As such, the two are on a level-pegging on the design front.

Durability

There was a time when synthetic fabrics and clothing lines were trusted as the most durable on the market and thus guaranteed to better stand the tests of time. However, this is quite contrary to the modern clothing market where mass-production techniques have led to synthetic lines in general delivering nothing close to the strength and durability of organic lines. In fact, 100% organic baby clothing has been found to last up to five-times longer than non-organic equivalents, adding up the wiser investment of the two by far.

A clear point in favour of organics.

Benefits for Baby

By its very nature, organic baby clothing offers superb hypoallergenic properties, incredible comfort, unparalleled warmth and the complete and total exclusion of harmful chemicals and toxins during the production stages. By contrast, synthetics have the potential to contain traces of dozens of toxic chemicals and treatments, that can be both breathed in by baby and absorbed through his/her skin.

If health and safety matters, organic lines are unbeatable.

Benefits for the Environment

Because the production process involved in organic baby clothes manufacture uses absolutely no harmful or non-organic products whatsoever, the effect on the environment is practically zero. Sadly, mass production techniques used in the creation of synthetic lines see thousands of tons of chemicals and toxins dumped into rivers and streams every single month, doing nothing for the health of the environment or the people who live in it.

Another point in favour of organics.

Costs

Last but not least, organic clothing specialists have proved once and for all that 100% organic lines can be offered for the same low prices as their synthetic counterparts, despite offering a myriad of additional bonuses and benefits. As such, there really is very little reason for siding with the inferior option when organic baby clothes and lined can be found for the same low prices.

Another point in favour of organics and a clear whitewash in terms of the most sensible options for those of a proactive persuasion.

By Paul Woods

Paul Woods is a part-time data analyst working for South Yorkshire Police who dedicates the rest of his time to green issues and challenges surrounding parenthood. He also makes and sells Organic Baby Clothes at a number of local markets with his wife of six years.

BISSELL CleanView Vacuum Makes Vacuuming Easier & Faster!

We just recently moved to a new town for my husband to start his own business. For the past few years we've lived in a cabin that has hardwood floors and I'd begun to really miss carpeting. Hardwood just never seems like it is clean! However, carpet seems to suck things up and you don't realize just how dirty it is. My old vacuum was used to the hardwood, apparently, because it died shortly after moving. When the opportunity came around to review the new BISSELL CleanView Vacuum, I couldn't wait to try it out because I'd heard such great things about BISSELL products and my mom loves hers.

I have to admit, I am not someone who enjoys cleaning and vacuuming just happens to be my least favorite. Mostly because it is loud and I can't hear what the boys are getting into... and they always get into something when I am not around. BISSELL's CleanView Vacuum has OnePass Technology, which means I spend less time cleaning and more time relaxing... and keeping my eyes on those sneaky boys! I always leave vacuuming until last, so when I am finished with all my cleaning, it's my time to sit back in my lounge chair, sip on some tea and watch some tv for a little while. I put that extra time to very good use, believe me! There is a brush inside that rotates in such a way that it cleans deeper into the carpet, cleaning more on the first pass. As if that isn't reason enough to love this vacuum, there is much more to this little vacuum than you could imagine.

When I say the vacuum is little, I mean is it so lightweight, something I absolutely love. Remember the old clunky vacuums that weighed a ton and made your back ache just by looking at it? This is nothing like that! It easily glides across carpet as if it knows exactly what to do. Plus, it has a Bottom Easy Empty™ dirt tank, so no gross vacuum bags to deal with either. I had no idea how great this would be. It's so easy to dump out the dust, trash and dirt from the tank and feels much cleaner than what accumulates in a bag.

When vacuuming, I also clean my couches both on top and under the cushions. Something different about this vacuum is the TurboBrush, which is used for furniture, stairs and more. This unique brush is designed with a rotating part that cleans down close to the area being cleaned. With the attachments, cleaning my couches has become easier than ever before. I have some great pictures of this vacuum in action and will post them tomorrow! Something is wrong with my SD card and my computer guru is not around to help me unlock it. Eek! Come back and see these in a day or two.

Most simply put, I am absolutely in love with this vacuum. My last vacuum had nothing on this one. All of the great things I'd always heard about BISSELL were confirmed and I'm now a fan for life. Parenting isn't always easy and keeping a house clean with babies, toddlers and children running around is almost impossible. Why not make life easier with the BISSELL CleanView Vacuum? I know I would much rather have some me-time than spending extra time cleaning. Wouldn't you?

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for BISSELL. I received a product sample to help facilitate my review.