Find The Perfect Hotel & Great Prices With Room 77

Thank you to Room 77 for sponsoring my post. Room 77 is an intelligent and easy to use hotel search engine that allows travelers to find and book the best rates from across the Web in one fast and simple search. 

I love traveling with my family, but every once and a while it sure is nice to get away without kids! My husband and I celebrate our anniversary every year in December by going on a small trip for the weekend. You cannot believe how excited I am about this trip and it really couldn't get here soon enough. After a year of school, doctor's visits, MRIs and all the joys of being a stay at home mom, this trip is well deserved!Two nights without kids waking up early, without them trying to pile over us in bed and interrupting our conversation mid-sentence is pure bliss for parents and Room 77 is helping this dream to become a reality!

Room77 is an amazingly powerful search engine, helping people find the best hotel prices across the internet. I was excited to put Room 77 to the test to see what kinds of deals I could fin. Even though I want our vacation to be nice, we are still on a budget, so I have to plan accordingly. We wanted to plan our trip nearby just in case something unexpected happened, so we are going on a trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee. On the Room 77 site, I just typed in the location where we wished to travel, the dates and how many people would attend. I was also able to find AAA Hotel Discounts since we are members!

I found the best deal for rooms at The Chattanoogan for only $117 per night, which just happens to be my favorite hotel in Chattanooga! The regular hotel rate is $175+, so this really is an awesome deal. Unlike other hotel search engines, with Room77 there are no hidden fees. It tells you exactly how much you can expect to pay after taxes and a total for the days you wish to stay. I love knowing exactly how much I will pay ahead of time instead of owing even more than planned from the beginning.

I hate to admit it, but when we are on vacation, this is the perfect quiet time to get some work done. Many hotels charge absorbent rates for wi-fi, so I used the Room 77 search option to find only hotels that offer free hotel internet. The Chattanoogan has free wi-fi an many other amenities which I absolutely love, including room service!

A picture from our last trip to Chattanooga! We rode to the top of a mountain on the Incline Railway!

I think getting away is important for all parents. We want to keep our sanity after all, right? Never wonder whether you've gotten the best deal on your hotel room again. Check out Room 77 when planning your next travel adventure!

Disclosure: I was selected for participation in this campaign as a member of Clever Girls Collective.

Learn More About Staying Healthy With the Life...supplemented App

As someone who was always sick as a child, it is very important for me to live healthy and do what I can to keep my body stress-free, happy and thriving! When I was pregnant with Josiah, that was the first time I'd taken daily prenatal vitamins and, after only a month, I felt amazing. I've never been so healthy and since then I have learned more about other supplements and ways to be healthy! WannaBeWell also seeks to help others live healthy and that's why they created an amazing app called Life...Supplemented!

From my own experience, finding the right supplements can be overwhelming. There are so many when you go to your local drug store and it's hard to know just where to begin! The Life...supplemented app helps with this and much, much more! You can learn about different supplements and how they help make your body healthier by clicking on the "Library". In addition, you can keep up with the supplements you currently take, including reminders for  when it's time to purchase more and directions for taking them correctly. I currently take a daily vitamin as well as echinacea and calcium since I do not like milk.

My Wellness scorecard from the Wellness Quiz!

In addition, you can create your very own personalized Wellness Coach! I made mine wear a matching red workout suit! Each day he offers important advice, such as "Make sure to eat a healthy diet, take supplements as needed and exercise regularly! I love being able to click on my app to see what new advice or educational message my Wellness Coach may offer each day. Plus, I can earn trophies for accomplishing the tasks given each day! Since I ate healthy today, took my supplements and did exercise, I was rewarded for my hard work with a well-deserved trophy. It's nice to feel rewarded for all the hard work and dedication being healthy can! This has definitely help me want to be healthy and serves as a reminder for why I really want to do this for myself and my family.

The Supplement Resource Center has so much information about vitamins and dietary supplements and, unlike trying to figure out what to take at the drug store or through reading pamphlets that seem as if they are in a different languange, the Supplement Resource Center breaks everything down for you in very easy to understand words and terms. I love that I can easily access this from my iPad when going to the store. By clicking on "Blog" there are thousands of articles to help others make educated decisions, too. I read some great articles on reducing salt intake and also improving my sleep routine, both of which I need help with. For sleeping, I bought some melatonin to try out and am hoping this really helps establish sleeping habits. My fingers are crossed for this one!

By the way, did I mention the Life...supplemented app is completely FREE? You can click the image above or the link to download it. You can also get it on your iPad through the app store. The Life...supplemented website has even more fun and educational  information. You can test your health like I did to find out if you are an AlphaWELL or an OhWELL.  When I took the quiz, my results say I am a WELL, which means good scored across the board with some slip-ups. Yes, I do like my sweets, but I eat in moderation and make up for it with all the veggies and fruits I eat. You can also access the Supplement Resource Center on the website. Take the quiz and let me know how you score!


“I wrote this blog post while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Life…supplemented. As a thank you for participating, I received a $25 promotional item, and a $25 donation was made on my behalf to Vitamin Angels.”

Dark Shadows Blu-Ray Combo Pack Giveaway!

I remember watching the reruns of Dark Shadows with my dad when I was a child and we also enjoyed the remake of the show in the 80s! I am a huge Tim Burton fan, so when I heard the Dark Shadows movie was remade, I was so excited! I had no idea it was a parody and now I cannot wait to see it. Johnny Depp outdoes himself in every Burton film I have seen. We just watched Edward Scissorhands recently and, though Johnny Depp is not in Beetlejuice, that is one of my favorites also.

To celebrate the Warner Brothers release of Dark Shadows on DVD and Blu-Ray, Partnershub has an awesome new Dark Shadows blog app with some fun activities, such as the "Are You Creepy Enough? Quiz" and your own HorrorScope! Take a look for yourself and enjoy:

To further celebrate, we have an awesome giveaway for Children Teaching Mama Readers!

One Lucky Reader Will Receive the Dark Shadows Blu-Ray Combo Pack!! This includes the Blu-Ray, DVD and a ultraviolet digital copy! There are some awesome special features included, too. This a must-have for any Tim Burton and Johnny Depp fan!

Trying the Crest Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Plaque Control Regimen #CrestSponsored Vlog

This is our first year trying out homeschooling and, as a last-minute decision, we are learning quickly just how much dedication it takes. Establishing a routine is very important for our kids and something to which we are quickly adapting. One of the most important routines we have is keeping our teeth and gums healthy by brushing every night, flossing and using a great mouthwash. Thanks to Mom Central, I was able to participate in the Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Plaque Control regimen to keep my teeth pearly white, free of plaque and gums healthy!

I received these awesome items to help aid my regimen:

• Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Protection Floss

• Crest Pro-Health Plaque Control Toothpaste

• Oral-B Pro-Flex Toothbrush

• Crest Clinical Mouth Rinse

Learn more at Crest and Oral B ProHealth Clinical Website

 I loved these products so much, I have a video to share with you about my own experiences with these products. Keep in mind that I have been sick with the flu for the past few days, so I am not looking my best, but at least my teeth feel amazing! Without further ado, here it is:

I wrote this review while participating in a blogger review campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Crest and received product samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central Consulting sent me a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Moving To A New Home

Moving houses is always a difficult task, especially if you have a family to look after at the same time. There are so many different things to think about: will you have nice neighbours? What theme do you want to design your house around? Should you have a guest room or a study? How will you coordinate the move?

There are a few key things to consider when moving to a new home. While these aren't the only factors to keep in mind, they definitely will make the stress of moving far easier on your family (and especially on the little ones).

Plan, plan, and plan some moreThe key to orchestrating a move that is relatively stress-free is to plan ahead, and plan as much as you can. If you are moving one month from now, try to pack a little every day and have a packing day on the weekend so everything isn't done at the last minute. Book the movers in advance, and make sure that you still have the keys to your house for up to a week after you move, just in case you forget any tidbits or you want to fix your old home up for the next owners. If you are buying new furniture as well, ensure that you arrange for beds to be delivered to your new home on moving day - you don't want to be sleeping on the floor, after all! It's all in planning the detail, but attention to detail is what will save you from a mountain of stress on moving day!

Window-shop before you buyRemember when you were buying property and you looked at all the sections, including listings in real estate, Armadale, and real estate, Ellenbrook? Well, buying furniture is much the same. If you're a little bit uncertain about what theme you want to decorate your house with, window-shopping at different furniture stores is your best source of inspiration. Furniture stores always have layouts and designs for every room in the house, so why not begin by looking at these? Get catalogues from every store and circle the items you like, then gather the family around with a cup of tea and talk about what you think would be the best for your new home.

Make the move easier on the kidsIt doesn't matter what age your kids are - moving will always be difficult. Make the move easier on them by talking to them every step of the way, and tell them about all the great things they will find when you move to your new neighbourhood. Also, get them involved in decorating their room and ask for their opinions; they'll be far more comfortable moving to a room they picked out for themselves.

Anita Broome is a writer and mummy who absolutely adores going to open homes. She's currently studying a course in property and hopes to be a real estate agent one day.

This is a guest post brought to you by Sienna Wood.

Back To School With U By Kotex Tween Products #KotexMom

School is officially back in session and the kids are having a great year so far! While Josiah is homeschooled, Ry has enjoyed being back in school with all of her friends and is super happy that softball is back in season, too. She can already hit a home run and can outrun all of us, that's for sure! I was a tomboy just like Ry when I was her age and was always running around the neighborhood with all the boys trying to beat them at basketball and every other sport. I remember the first time I heard the word 'period'. One of my friends started having cramps and backaches for the first time. Our favorite teacher, Mrs. Oxford took her aside and told her all about getting her period and the signs that it would be starting soon! That's the first time I really thought about getting it and just how embarrassing it would be if I got it at school for the first time!

Thanks to U by Kotex, back to school time doesn't have to be scary for girls. If they have had their period or even if they haven't just yet, they should be prepared. There are some great ways to prepare our girls so they are ready just in case their period decides to show up at an inopportune time. Here are some tips:

• Let them know what to expect.  Have a nice talk with your daughter to let her know what to expect when their period is nearing. There are signs (the cramping and such) she can look out for. Once she does get her period, she can track it each month to estimate its arrival and be prepared. 
• Pack an Emergency Kit! You never know when your period will show up. Tracking can give you a good idea, but it's just an estimate. That's why it is best to be prepared with products. Ry has a pencil case and many other girls carry cosmetics cases, so I let her pick out one at the store. It's inconspicuous and so are the pads from U by Kotex. I put a few in there along with some lip gloss and other items I knew she would enjoy and put them in the pouch of her bookbag. This way it is there just in case. It can be her emergency kit!

• Let her know you are there. Moms and daughters have a special bond. I love letting my daughter known I am there for her when she needs to talk. Period talks are so important and I want her to not only feel comfortable asking questions, but to also be ready when the time comes. 
• Show her helpful products! Another thing I remember worring about as a tween, when wearing a pad, if others could tell. The ones we had back then felt like a diaper because they were so HUGE! I remember them rubbing my legs to the point of being sore, too. It was horrible! I would hate for Rylee to have an experience like this and thankfully she doesn't have to.  The U by Kotex pads are small and easily fit into her emergency kit, too! 

How have you prepared your own daughter? Or how will you in the future? Check out the Kotex website for some amazing tips so you can prepare for a talk with your own daughter. There are many useful tools and sections with helpful information that really helped me out with our talk.

I wrote this review while participating in a Brand Ambassador Campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of U by Kotex Tween and received products to facilitate my post and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Witchy Lawn Inflatable Giveaway Event

Halloween is quickly approaching! Decorating yards can be a tedious task, but not with a lawn inflatable. Simply plug it in and let it inflate for an instantly spooky yard! The Three Witches & Cauldron Lawn Inflatable measures approximately 6' high x 50" wide. Made of weather-resistant vinyl that can be used indoors or outside! The power cord is 52" long, so you have plenty of room to reach an outside outlet.
The Witchy Lawn Inflatable inflates when plugged in and deflates when unplugged. Made of Nylon, Plastic and Metal. You also get 8 stakes, 4 tethers, 1 Spare Bulb and 1 Spare Fuse to keep your Witchy Lawn Inflatable looking awesome for the years to come! Mom Powered Media wants to help one lucky reader decorate their yard this year! Please make sure you read the Giveaway Rules before you enter! Giveaway is open to US and Canada! Ends on 10/14 at 11:59pm! Good Luck!

Okay, I Admit It: I Am NOT The Perfect Mom... Far From It, Actually!

Yesterday, Jen from Life with Levi posted the picture below on her Facebook page. For once, someone posted a picture supporting all parents and their decisions instead of lashing out and thinking one way is the best way. Unfortunately, as soon as it was posted, the snarky comments began. The focus was taken off of the support of parents to a comment war about circumcision with more judgement that I've ever seen in the past.

Here's the thing, folks, I may not agree with the way some people parent and the decisions they make, but I try not to judge anyone. Some of my friends formula feed while others breastfeed. Some friends have circumcised their sons and others haven't. Do I stop talking to them if I disagree? No, they are my friends and they do have the right to make their own decisions (as long as they aren't illegal, of course).

So, with all of that said, I know I am not a great mom and their are many wrong decisions I have made over the years... and I will make many wrong decisions in the future, I am sure. Here are many reasons I am a crappy mom:

1. I didn't take my prenatal vitamins every day.
2. I had a cup of coffee almost every morning when I was pregnant.
3. I circumcised my first son.
4. I gave up on breastfeeding my first son after only a week.
5. I supplemented with formula with my second son.
6. I have not vaccinated my 3 year old other than the ones they gave him as a newborn... and don't plan on it in the near future.

Great Baby & Toddler Gift Ideas For Special Occasions

As a parent, it is very important to me to look for eco-conscious alternatives when purchasing items for my children. Since we live in a rural mountain area, there really aren't any local shops nearby with eco-friendly products unfortunately, so we do most of our purchasing online. I am sure many of you can relate. Purchasing online often actually saves me money and, when I purchase from Babe-Equip, I can receive free shipping when the items equal over £49.99!

If I have learned anything over the years, it's what items and toys babies and toddlers will love! That's why I have put together some gift ideas.

Here are some of my suggestions for great baby and toddler gift ideas:

Strollers Accessories To Keep Baby Warm
We like using our baby carrier, but sometimes it's not possible. For these times, we use our stroller and, with the upcoming cold weather, warm stroller accessories are a must! Cosie Toes, Cocoons, and footmuffs are perfect for keeping baby warm.

 

Eco-conscious Wooden Toys
I love purchasing toys for babies and toddlers! Wooden toys are the way to go because they are eco-friendly and long-lasting. We have several great wooden toys in our house and many of them are either Melissa and Doug or EverEarth! Both of these are favorites with my boys. These make great presents and always please. The walker in the picture is perfect for babies 18 months and older!

Balance Bikes
When my oldest, Josiah, started showing an interest in bikes, I did some research and found that wooden balance bikes were the perfect way for toddlers to improve balance and prepare for learning to ride a real bike. The Kiddimoto Kurve is the one we purchased with the Union Jack print. Josiah loves it!

Training Potties
We have used cloth nappies with both children and highly recommend parents giving them a try. However, now that Liam is getting older, we've started the potty training process! He is so resistant, but there are some great potty training products that can help the process, including travel potties for the upcoming holiday season when we are in the car so often. This may not sound like a go-to present, but we gave Liam his for Christmas and he was thrilled to receive such a big boy item! 

What products or toys do you recommend as presents for babies and toddlers? Liam's birthday is coming up soon and I need some help deciding on what else to buy!

Five health tips for children

No matter a child’s age, special attention must always be given to their health and overall well-being.  It is a parent’s job not only to ensure the health and safety of their child, but also to teach that child about healthy habits and why such habits are so important.  Here are five health tips for children that will help.

#1 Eating right

It is no secret that a healthy, well-balanced diet is the key to growing up strong and healthy.  Maintaining healthy eating habits is important far beyond childhood and can help ensure a long, healthy life.  First and foremost, parents need to learn what a balanced diet is before they can teach their kids.  Healthy diets include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, plenty of protein, and lots of fluids.  

Once parents know what a good diet consists of, get the kids involved.  Start each day with a healthy breakfast that will refuel the body and provide plenty of energy.  Then, let the children help plan at least one meal each week.  This is a good way to let kids learn what foods are healthy and which ones aren’t.  And remember, kids learn by imitating their parents, so set a good example by eating right!

#2 See the doctor regularly

Routine medical check-ups are essential for staying healthy.  Often, parents make the mistake of only taking their child to the doctor when he or she is sick – that’s a big mistake.  Regular medical, dental, and vision examinations will identify any potential problems and help children to stay healthy.  Vaccinations are also a good idea, as they help save lives through the prevention of many diseases.  Parents concerned about the possible risks and side effects of having their children immunized should talk to their doctor and never be afraid to ask questions.

#3 Banking the baby’s cord blood

Banking a baby’s umbilical cord blood isn’t a frequent presence on “top health tips for kids” lists, but it should be.  Unfortunately, cord blood banking isn’t as universally known about as doctors would like and many expectant parents just don’t know how critical a matter it actually is. A baby’s umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells, which can be used to treat a number of diseases including cancer and Sickle Cell Anemia.  Even when there is no obvious indication that a child is sick or will become ill at some point, the cord blood could ensure its survival at some time in the future. It can be carefully stored and preserved for future use by that child or any relative.  Parents may also opt to donate the cord blood for public use by suitable recipients.  If parents want to learn how umbilical cord banking works they should consult their doctor before the baby is born.

#4 Healthy choices do matter

Good personal hygiene and making healthy choices often means the difference between getting sick or hurt and staying healthy.  Parents need to help their children develop good personal hygiene skills and encourage making healthy choices everyday.  Parents should emphasize things like proper hand washing before eating or handling food, coming in from outside, and after using the restroom.  Other healthy choices include not touching the face and avoiding close contact, wearing a helmet when cycling and a safety belt in a vehicle, applying sunscreen, and brushing their teeth.  The list is endless and the more a child is taught, the healthier he or she will be.

#5 Staying active

An active lifestyle is a healthy lifestyle.  Parents should lead by example and include children in their exercise activities.  That means taking the kids on a walk or bike ride and other similar outdoor activities.  It is a good idea to get between 30 and 60 minutes of physical activity every day, or several smaller sessions equaling that time.  Parents can encourage more activity by limiting television and computer time and encouraging the kids to play outside at least once a day.