Basic Invite Adorable New Baby Stationary Line & 50 Card Giveaway Open To US & CA

Basic Invite is a wonderful online store dedicated to providing customers with beautiful quality stationary. From save the date cards to wedding invitations and baby shower invites to birth announcements, they have all of your stationary needs covered. In fact, Basic Invite just launched over 50 new designs in their baby stationary line and they are just adorable! Take a look at some of the new cards in our post and then, to further celebrate, be sure to enter our great giveaway.

Birth Announcements
Introduce the latest member of your family in style with a birth announcement from Basic Invite. Once you have selected the design that you want, personalize it to match your babies personality with over 168 different color choices.

Stamp Of Approval

Formal Photo Birth Announcements

Baby Shower Invitations
Impress your guests at your next baby shower with these fully customized shower invitations. Choose a traditional or unique mini fold and design. You can personalize with your choice of colors and fonts to match your party theme perfectly.

Confetti Mini Gate Baby Shower Card

Owl Parents Boy Baby Shower Invitation

Aren't these cards, invitations and announcement just adorable? We are huge fans of Basic Invite here at Children Teaching Mama and that's why we are so excited to work with them on this great giveaway.

Ready For A Giveaway?

One Lucky Reader Will Win A Code For 50 Cards Of Their Choice From The Basic Invite Baby Stationary Line!

Summer Fun Family Travel Guide 2014 Begins Soon #summertravelguide

Hi all! School will be out soon and the kiddos will be home all day, every day. I'm excited to have both my boys home, but I know after a week or so, we'll be going insane and looking for things to do. That's why I decided to put together a list of fun travel ideas for the entire family. I'm putting it all together now and we'll have some great reviews, giveaways and other travel features for our readers all summer long.

Our Summer Family Travel Guide will officially kick-off at the end of the month and I'm so excited to not only share our adventures with readers, but give you a chance to visit the same places and have some fun, too.

Stay tuned! Summer will be here before you know it!

Sponsors Still Needed
We are still seeking sponsors to add to our roster for the Summer Travel Guide. If you have a great summer activity idea you'd like to include or know someone who does, please email us at childrenteachingmama@gmail.com! We'll be closing the list in a week, so get those requests in soon.

Teaching Children About Thanks & Giving This Holiday Season #GivingTuesday #sponsored

The holidays are finally here and I absolutely love this time of year! As Thanksgiving nears, we start to think about our family, who and what is important to us and all the things for which we are so very thankful. The holidays also invite the spirit of giving. I think it is so important not only to give back, but to also teach my own children about the importance of giving. This is why I was so excited when The Motherhood contacted us about #GivingTuesday and teaching my own children the importance of giving.

My son, Liam, has been through so much this year and we've repeatedly seen the spirit of giving in action. It's such a wonderful feeling to be supported, understood, and loved. Friends and family members have stepped up to give us support and I've learned that even a simple hug or 'I love you' can really help raise spirits and make a day much better. For all of these reasons, this year I am more grateful and want nothing more than to give back this holiday season! We are celebrating the holidays a bit differently this year because I want to teach my children to truly appreciate what we have as a family and how/why we give back to others. I am a big believer in learning through participation and experience. That's why we are going to work hands-on to learn about giving. How can we do this? Here are some of my ideas:

1. Volunteering - Find nonprofit organizations around your county who need volunteers. We will be volunteering our time at a local soup kitchen this year. We will set up, serve others and clean up afterwards. I think this is such a great way to introduce children to volunteer work and encourage them to do so for years to come. You are never to young to lend a helping hand. There is always something you can do, even if it is just by coloring a card for overseas soldiers or singing Christmas carols at a nursing home.

2. The Big Thank You - Each year The Bert Show puts together this amazing program. The idea is for every single soldier overseas to receive a piece of mail during the holidays. Each year people from around the country send in letters and cards for these soldiers, including us. Since the ages of 3, Liam and Josiah have participated in The Big Thank You by coloring cards.

3. Educate - Sit down with your kids and explain the different between basic needs and wants. Go around the house and ask them to point out items that are necessities for living and others that are not needed, but wanted, such as toys. This great starting point for teaching them that others do not always have these items and that's why it is so important to give to others.

4. Making Donations- Just last week we went through all of our clothes, toys and items we either don't use or no longer need. The boys sat in their room with me and we went through each and every toy, deciding which ones to give to other boys and girls who would enjoy them and, after finishing up, we had over 5 boxes of toys, clothing and other goods to donate.

From this point on we will participate in #GivingTuesday and invite all of our readers to do so!

What is #GivingTuesday? 

#GivingTuesday is a movement dedicated to create a national giving day, which will officially kick off the giving season on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. The 2nd annual #GivingTuesday will be on December 3rd, 2013. There are so many different ways for you to give and this wonderful movement really depends upon the participation of YOU! Do your part to support #GivingTuesday by sharing this information with others and giving back in some way. All families and individuals are encouraged to be generous in whatever ways matter to them, whether that means volunteering at a local charity or donating to a favorite cause. 

Disclosure: This post was written for The Motherhood and #GivingTuesday. Compensation was provided, though all written opinions are my own.

Enjoy The Holidays With Suave Products #suavescents #sponsored

The holidays have always been my very favorite time of year and I get so excited as they near. Thanksgiving is just next week and my boys have already been talking about our big dinner feast and everything they want to eat. It makes me think back to my own childhood and the delicious foods my mom would make and all of the scents that started in the kitchen and spread their way throughout the entire house. Pumpkin pie and all-spice, cinnamon apples and, of course, turkey and ham all have a distinct smell and each are guaranteed to make your mouth water. Every Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve I would help my mom prepare everything for the next day and she taught me so very much, including my most favorite snowball cookies that she still makes every single year. What are your own favorite scents around the holidays?

The holidays also bring in many guests from out of town, so not only does our home have to look beautiful and smell great, but I want my hair to look great and smell wonderful, too. I have a secret I don't tell many people... I love going to Walmart and smelling all the different shampoos on the hair care aisles. I remember picking out Suave products as a child and particularly loved their shampoo. Just like my parents back then, we are on a budget, but I still want quality products and Suave fits the bill.
Searching at Walmart in-store and online, I have been amazed at all of the different scents Suave offers. I remember my favorite shampoo back then was Strawberry, but now I really like Suave Professionals Rosemary Mint, one I think is perfect for the holiday season. My kids love Suave Cowabunga 2 In 1 Shampoo and so do I because of the coconut scent. They smell so delicious after a good bath. We just recently decided to try a different shampoo and Josiah picked out the Suave Kids Natural Soothing Lavender Head to Toe Wash. It has a very light lavender smell with other sweet flowery tones. A variety of scents can be found not only with shampoos, but also with Suave body washes and body lotions. Suave Naturals Sweet Pea & Violet Lotion has to be my favorite right now and I use it every single day. It smells so sweet and flowery!

With the holidays quickly approaching, we went  and stocked up on Suave products at Walmart this weekend not only for us, but also for our guests. My parents, cousins, nephews, nieces and grandma will be visiting and I want our home to feel just like their own. I can pamper them with Suave products without spending a bundle! I even purchased some Suave For Men Deep Cleaning Shampoo for my dad, husband and nephews because it smells so great. I can't wait to see what they think. I know the holidays can sometimes be stressful and busy, but I know one thing is for sure: we will all smell great!

Be sure to check out the huge selection of Suave Products at Walmart this holiday season. Give them the sniff test, come back and then tell me which is your favorite!

Disclosure: This sponsored post was written for Global Influence and exchange for monetary compensation. All opinions provided are my own.

Look Good, Feel Good Everyday

Suave® offers products for the entire family so everyone can look good and feel good everyday! The best part – Suave® products are available atWalmart so you can get the best value locally.

Discover Suave® Scents

Suave® Naturals offers a variety of delicious smelling body washes and body lotions perfect for this holiday season! Have guests coming into town? Stock up the bathroom with Suave® to make them feel right at home.

Join the Conversation

The holidays are all about different scents – pumpkin pie, fall foliage, turkey dinners – each smell brings up different memories of the holidays. Spark a conversation with your readers by asking them what their favorite scents are and what holiday memories those scents evoke. Use the hashtag #suavescents to share with your followers via Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

Shop all Suave® at Walmart for the best value

Head in-store or online to shop for all Suave® products at the best value!

1)      Open your post with a brief paragraph on what your favorite scents are and what holiday memories those scents evoke. Please encourage readers to their own favorite scents and memories.

2)      Let readers know about the many wonderful scents available with Suave Naturals products and that they are available at Walmart as they prepare for holiday guests this season. Complete information and assets are available at: http://resource.lbox.com/epk/suave-november/

3)      Banners and images for your post can be found at: http://resource.lbox.com/epk/suave-november/

4)      As always, please disclose that your post was sponsored as per FTC regulations and be sure to share on your social channels. You can use the hashtag #suavescents

Our Fall Vacation Destination: Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Sandestin, Florida

It's rainy and 40 degrees at our house tonight and I'm wrapped up in a blanket. Boy am I missing summer weather and could use some nice days in the sun. Luckily, my wish is coming true and tomorrow we leave for our fall vacation to Sandestin, Florida! I love vacationing on the Gulf Coast because the sand is so beautifully white and the water is almost always clear and blue. Although we have on the Gulf many, many times, we've never actually vacationed in Sandestin, so this will be a completely new experience for the family and I cannot wait.

During our 4 day, 3 night vacation as a family, we will be at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, a 2,400-acre full-service resort for seasons and full of fun for the entire family. Yes, there is much to explore around the area, but you may never even want to leave the resort. This is a completely different world with 30 neighborhoods, 16 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a marina, children's programs, fitness center and spa, and much, much more.

We will arrive Saturday afternoon and there will still be plenty to do, including a bonfire that night. I think I am most excited about the Village of Baytowne Wharf, a unique village with boutique shops, casual and fine dining and nightlife venues! Plus, resort guests can enjoy a variety of complimentary amenities during their stay, including bicycle rental, fitness center access, tennis court time, resort transportation, seasonal water amenties (kayaks and boogie boards) and more. Also, for all  you golf lovers, Sandestin is home to 72 holes of golf on four championship courses!

My husband will be working up until Thanksgiving, so I will be on my own the the two kiddos during this trip, but that's okay! We are going to have a blast and they have been asking every day if it is time to go to the beach yet. They love going to the beach and Liam was just a baby the last time we went to the beach in Florida, so he has no idea what to expect. We will be staying in a 2-bedroom condo in the Beachside Towers I building within the resort. The first day we are there, the weather will be nice and warm, but for 2 days, the temperature will dip down into the 60s. That's okay, though, because there is a heated pool and hot tub in the building, as well as a fitness center and restaurant! We can also catch a ride to the Baytowne Wharf for some additional shopping.

Beachside Towers

The more I write, the more excited I get about visiting Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort! We are getting up at 7am in the morning and will be off to the beach in no time at all. It will be a six hour drive, so hopefully we will get there with plenty of time to go for a walk on the beach and take a look around the area. When we get home, I'll be sure to write another post with some great photos and let you all know just how much fun we had!

Ready to go to the beach now? Be sure to check out their current specials and save 30% off  your rental pricing. They also have events year-round. The next will be the Thanksgiving Brunch on the Bay for a delicious holiday feast.

Disclosure: This post was written for Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in exchange for accommodations. All opinions provided are my own.

The Contours Bliss 4-in-1 Baby Stroller System: A Must-Have For Parents & $100 Babies 'R Us Gift Card

As first-time parents, we are unprepared for many things to come, but one thing I never expected was the need for a quality stroller and how much it would be used. I've admittedly spent too much money over the years on strollers and I've learned that you definitely get what you pay for. When Josiah was a baby, he went through three strollers! Some strollers just don't make the grade, but the worst waste of money is having to purchase a new stroller when the other is outgrown. If only I had known what I know now! The Contours Bliss 4-in-1 Stroller System is all you need for your baby all the way up to 40 pounds, so there is no need to purchase a new stroller every few months. We all know babies grow so quickly and, unlike clothing, strollers can be super expensive. Now you can save yourself from the daunting task of stroller shopping and also save money!

About the Bliss
This all-in-one stroller is an innovative system and the first of its kind. It is a stroller, pram and on-the-go carrycot. In addition, the system includes an infant car seat adapter that fits over 20 different car seats, so you can easily use for your travel system when on the go.

I absolutely love the pram feature of this stroller system. I can imagine my little baby napping comfortably as I walk go on a walk or even as I fold clothes at the house because the carrycot can be removed! The seat has 3 reclining positions and there is a removable padding on the seat, which makes it soft like a mattress and is the softest I've ever felt on a stroller.

As baby grows, the stroller changes, too. You can adjust the 5-point safety straps to different levels as the baby gets older. So, from birth all the way to 40 pounds, your child will be comfortably safe in the Bliss! In addition, there are front wheel locks, which are very useful when walking in hilly areas. Other features include an adjustable cup holder and a storage basket underneath the seat.

Our Review
On the 14th of September, my family had the opportunity to visit Disney World through Make A Wish Foundation. We'd never been on such a huge a family vacation and for entire week! A few days ahead of time, I made my lists and began to pack everything we needed. Luckily, we received the Contours Bliss 4-in-1 Baby Stroller System to review because we needed a sturdy stroller for the trip and knew it would come in handy, but we didn't realize just how much we would appreciate it!

Before leaving for our trip, my husband and I assembled the stroller in no time. Seriously, it was one of the easiest strollers we've had to put together. The instructions were straightforward and showed via photos how to transition the stroller to the different positions. Before we knew it, we were strapping in Liam and adjusting everything to fit him perfectly.

Our first stop was the airport and we decided to keep our stroller and check it at the gate. We immediately learned why it's important to have a good stroller when traveling. Since the stroller has extra room underneath for carrying items, we were able to keep our carry-on luggage there instead of hauling it down all the different halls and trams while trying to keep up with the kids at the same time. Considering we had to take off shoes and go through security with two kids, the stroller actually ended up being extremely helpful for lugging things. When entering the airplane, we easily folded the stroller and hopped on the plane. When we got to Orlando and off the plane, our stroller was waiting right outside for us, so the others who stored it under the plane also figured out how to close and open the stroller with ease.

We spent an entire week in Orlando, visiting 3 of the Disney Parks, SeaWorld and Universal Studios. The stroller fit perfectly in our trunk each day and was ready to use when we got there just by the touch of a button and a pull of the handle. The parks allowed the Bliss to double as Liam's wheelchair the entire time we were there. Let me just say, this was really a blessing because Liam would be unable to walk very long without having a stroller. Plus, with the wheelchair pass, we were able to push him right up to a ride, put him in and the stroller was there right when we got out. Not all strollers can double as a wheelchair at parks, but the employees inspected the stroller and were quite impressed with not only the features, but how sturdy it was. I cannot imagine carrying a small child or baby around such a big park for miles and miles. The Bliss was seriously an amazing stroller that made each day easy, fun and exciting for Liam.

A few of my favorite Contours Bliss Features:

1. Liam is on the bigger side of the spectrum for this stroller, weighing in around 34 pounds. Luckily, the 5-point harness has three points in which you can adjust the straps to fit around your child or baby's shoulders. I also feel like Liam is very secure in his stroller with this sturdy harness and think this makes it perfect for smaller children as well.

Strapping Liam in!

2. The stroller is very easy to fold and break down for storage. We could easily fold and place in our trunk. Plus, when parking at the Disney parks, we'd have to ride trams occasionally. There is a side handle so we could lift up the stroller and haul it just like a piece of luggage. It's not light-weight, but it's not extremely heavy or hard to lift either. I had no problem folding, lifting and placing the stroller each time we needed to.

3. Brakes are a must-have for strollers, especially when you live in the mountains like us. The first time I pulled the Bliss out of our trunk and placed it, in folded form, on the ground, the stroller shot down the hill and I went screaming and running after it like a crazy person. That's when I learned to always put the brakes on when not pushing, especially when Liam is in it!

4. I never knew how much I'd appreciate the extra storage underneath the Contours Bliss stroller system. There was more than enough room for a diaper bag, jackets, a purse, and more. In the airport, we were able to place two carry-ons, a pillow and 2 stuffed animals in it with room to spare!

Look at all the storage room!

5. A shade is great for babies, especially in the summertime when the sun is hot, hot, hot. We used this often when on our trip and Liam highly enjoyed the comfort of it. What I liked about it was the little window, which allowed me to peek through at him while pushing the stroller so I could continue pushing while checking on him instead of having to pull over and stop.

6. When outdoors I, more often than not, have a drink with me. This cup holder is not your typical holder. Some clip on loosely and other strollers have holders built into the top of the handles. This cup holder snaps securely into place, so I know it isn't moving. The cup holder is down on the side of the handles and is at a much better place for reaching it when needed.

The Contours Bliss is available in Wilshire Black (the one we reviewed) or Valencia Gold color options and has a suggested retail price of $399.99. It can be found in select retail and online stores. The Bliss is not your typical stroller and, as a well-built 4-in-1 system, you can expect it to last a very long time. From birth to preschool age, the Bliss is sure to provide everything your baby needs and more. I honestly cannot say enough about the Contours Bliss 4-in-1 Baby Stroller System. This system will be put to good use for many years to come.

Liam wants to send a special thank you to Contours for this wonderful stroller! He had such a wonderful trip and it would not have been the same without the Bliss! 

Sleepy & relaxing on our last day of fun!

Wouldn't you love to own one of these beautiful strollers? Contours wants to help out our readers on the purchase of their very own Contours Bliss! So...

Are You Ready For A Giveaway?

Thanks to Contours Baby, One Lucky Children Teaching Mama Reader Will Receive a $100 Babies 'R Us Gift Card! 

This giveaway is open to US readers, 18+ years of age and will end on Sunday, November 10th at 11:59pm. To enter, use the GiveawayTools form below. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: A giveaway and Bliss stroller was provided from Contours for the writing of this post. No other compensation was provided and all opinions written are my own.

Summer Fun With The Family At Our Bomb Pop Party #BombPop #sponsored

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Bomb Pop. I received  product samples, a party kit, and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

We have a huge family and are very close, which means we are constantly getting together, celebrating and having a great time. The summer is such a busy time and it has been much harder for all of us to get together lately. Our little softball player, Rylee, is on the all-star team this year, so she stays on the go. We are so proud of all her hard work this year and we've wanted to throw her a party. Since we were all free this weekend, we decided to throw a big cookout party complete with delicious Bomb Pop ice pops, a favorite treat to help us cool down during all of this hot Georgia weather.

We spend a great deal of time outdoors playing and this day was no different! While our steaks were marinating for later, we started up the party once our guests arrived. Who came? Me, my husband, Josiah, Liam, Rylee, Ethan, Aimee and Jeremy! Our neighbors also came over to join the party with their two kids. While I was setting up some surprises in the backyard, Liam hopped on the swing set and the other kids took turns driving around the yard in the police car. These are two of their favorite things to do outdoors. Since we live in the country, they can drive the police car all over the place and have so much fun.What they didn't know was that I was sent an awesome Bomb Pop party kit containing all kinds of goodies! I'd managed to keep that a secret all week somehow.

Did you know Bomb Pop is an official sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball? I played softball for over 7 years and look back fondly on those years. That's why I am so excited and proud of Rylee since she plays Little League softball, too. I've been watching Rylee progress as a player from the year she started t-ball and boy has she improved! It's amazing how well 7 and 8 year-olds can hit the ball into the outfield and round the bases. It makes me nostalgic for my days on the baseball field and the first time I tried a Bomb Pop. 

We couldn't invite Rylee's entire team over for a game, unfortunately, but we did set up an awesome Bomb Pop Home Run Toss for everyone to play. We are all huge baseball fans and my husband watches the Braves every single time they play, so even the adults were excited to give this game a try. Josiah was so excited to get 6 home runs, but my aim, on the other hand, was in need of practice.

The kit also included Bomb Pop Key Chains and foam Bomb Pop baseballs that the kids loved. We usually play a family wiffle ball game, but this time we used the foam balls instead and they worked perfectly. Plus, it didn't hurt as bad when someone inevitably got hit in the forehead (ahem, and when I say someone I mean ME)! 

While all of this was going on, my husband was cooking steaks and the smell was killing us! It was finally time to eat and that is exactly what we did. Unfortunately, I was so swept into the moment that I forgot to snap a picture until afterwards. Apparently it was pretty good because this is all that was left:

After eating, we were back to playing and the boys thought it was time for some golfing. Liam and Ethan are golfing buddies, after all, so they took turns swinging their clubs and whacking the ball across the yard. Ethan has quite a swing for a little one!

About this time I brought out the real treat of the evening... Bomb Pops! We were sent a variety of delicious flavored pops, including the Original Bomb Pops, Hawaiian Punch Bomb Pops, Sour Wower Bomb Pops and Sugar-Free Bomb Pops!

I will never forget the first time I tried a Bomb Pop many years ago. It was a hot summer day and we'd just gotten finished playing a softball game at our local field. As always, we ran to the concession stand for drinks and treats, but on this day they had Bomb Pops!

There are certain items I associate with summer and Bomb Pops are definitely part of that group. I love all of the different flavors, especially the blueberry, and I don't feel like they are too sweet. With the temperatures well into the 90s here, sometimes air conditioner doesn't quite do the trick, but a Bomb Pop not only tastes great, but cools you down, too. 

Rylee had never tried a Bomb Pop before, but by the end of the weekend she had eaten many and was a quite a fan. She was asking if we could get more of the Sourer Wowers since they were gone. How could I say no? I've been eating Bomb Pops every time they do, so I'm definitely up for more. We had such a great time at the party and it carried through the entire weekend. I love making special memories for the kids and that's exactly did this weekend with Bomb Pops! 

What do you and your family love to do outdoors during the summer months? Have you ever had a Bomb Pop? 

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Bomb Pop. I received  product samples, a party kit, and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Making The Family Move As Stress-Free As Possible For Children

Moving home more than once is a fact of life for many of us, and whilst it can be a stressful time with its fair share of worries, there are things to do that can minimize the upheaval. Cutting ties with a much-loved district and heading off for pastures new may seem daunting, but it needn't be. A positive outlook, plenty of planning and organization and realistic expectations all help to make moving home a rewarding experience.

Involve the children

Families on the move successfully go the distance when all members of the team are kept in the loop - and that includes the children. Right from the outset, involve the children as much as possible in planning for the move; this will help dispel any anxieties about their new lives in a new place.  Also encourage the children in sorting through and packing up their belongings, and discuss what their new rooms may look like. Have fun planning together the new layout of their bedroom.

The more time youngsters have to get used to the idea of a new home, the easier they will find it to adapt and accept the change. Most children will be reluctant at first because the idea of leaving all that is familiar can be frightening. But there is an intrepid explorer inside all children and soon they will become curious about their new home. Be prepared with lots of answers to questions about all the fun things and great activities to be enjoyed at the new house!

Remain positive

Remember to put the best possible spin on the situation, without being misleading – keeping any doubts or misgivings about relocating hidden, as children pick up on these and will worry. Accentuate all the great reasons for moving home, such as being closer to other family members, making new friends, having a bigger bedroom or garden, being closer to the shops, playground, beach, etc.

There will be a million and one things to do in the run up to moving day. Involving the children in the planning and packing reinforces the reality of what is happening and helps them adjust to the situation in an involving, non-passive way. Transporting all the contents of a house or apartment is a huge job but significant savings can be achieved by doing things independently, organizing the hire of convenient shipping pods that offer a cost effective and simple way of self-moving belongings either right across the country or just into the next town.

Once safely installed in the new home children can explore and begin to enjoy their new environment. At first children may be a little clingy and it's important to be reassuring and there for them. Quickly establish routines at the new house, getting meal and bed times regular is important as this semblance of normality will be comforting.  Find local clubs for the sports or activities that children enjoy and take them along for a look, but don't expect too much enthusiasm at first, there may well be a little shyness to overcome.

Attitude is everything when moving home. Keeping things happy and upbeat, accentuating the positives and embracing the new - there is no reason why a change of location shouldn't be a fun adventure for all the family.

The Benefits Of Insception Lifebank Cord Blood Service

Having a child is such a special moment in your life and one we have experienced twice. With our first, Josiah, he was born without issue, was happy, healthy and came home from the hospital shortly after delivery. Liam's birth, on the other hand, was a little more complicated. He was born 5 weeks early and his lungs were not fully developed. This caused a variety of issues and set the scene for what was to come in his life. Since then he has been diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, brain tumors and may cause a variety of other issues in his future.

Of course, you never expect anything like this to happen to your own family. Before this, we'd never thought about banking cord blood, but now that Liam has gone through so much, this is definitely a consideration when having our next child. The viable stem cells found in cord blood can be used to treat 75 conditions and medical experts are working to find more ways cord blood can be used to help families like our own. 

Yes, banking cord blood can get expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Doing our research, we found that Insception Lifebank is offering a $100 off coupon for cord blood services for Canadian residents. The amazing thing about the cord blood service is that you can reserve your spot just by entering your baby's due date and your name. Then, when your baby is born you have 10 days to use the coupon and save the cord blood with Insception. 

If you are wondering about how this effects your baby, there is nothing to worry about. This is a noninvasive procedure, which in no way effects the birth or health of your baby. However, the cord blood is there if ever needed in the future. For example, cord blood has been used to treat a variety of issues, from autism and diabetes to spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy. 

Of course, we hope nothing like this will ever be needed, but wouldn't you rather take this step now than wish you had later on? We never knew what we would go through with our little Liam and, with all of the new treatments using cord blood, we are positive this may be able to help his diagnosis in the future. 

Have you used a cord banking service or do you plan to after having your child?

Disclosure: I was compensated for this sponsored post made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. Coupons for this promotion are available to Canadian residents only. American registrations are welcome but unfortunately do not qualify for the coupons. 

Keep Up With Love, Life & Happiness With The New Twyxt App

Being a mom means staying on the go pretty much all the time. My husband is a lawyer and works a great deal of the day, so this does not leave much time for us to be together. Together alone? That's even less likely! Keeping up with our weekly schedule has become quite a problem and we often cannot remember what is going on with each other's schedules. It's simply and utterly frustrating. Well, it was, but now we have the situation under control with Twyxt, an app currently available at the iTunes App Store.

What is Twyxt? It is a modern and fun way to keep up with your partner! Twyxt a unique private network allowing couples to share information with each other. You don't have to deal with text messages that mysteriously disappear in cyberspace. With Twyxt you can message, share moods, photos, schedules and much more.

Our Thoughts
I cannot tell you how many times I've tried to text message my husband and never get a reply. I end up getting so angry at him and he didn't even do anything wrong... he was in court or meeting with a client. I just totally forgot! I love that Twyxt offers such an awesome way for us to keep in touch and share our schedules with each other through our couples calendar.

Couples Calendar

Since I am homeschooling the kids now, we participate in many fun activities and go on field trips often. With Twyxt I have been able to take nice pictures and send them to my husband so he can experience them with us. I can document our days and it's like he is there with us and can experience everything, too. He loves this feature!

Photo Album

Twyxt also allows couples to open up a bit to each other by sharing moods. Having a bad day? Need a hug? Just let your loved one know and maybe they will surprise you with something! My husband doesn't share his feelings aloud often, something I think many men do, but in the app they can do so without feeling embarrassed or like they are sharing too much. Knowing my husband had a long, tiring day is actually refreshing to me because I feel the same way sometimes. Plus, I can do something extra special for him when he gets home.

With Valentine's Day nearing, romance is definitely in the air and, after 6 years our love continues to grow. With Twyxt, we are, once again, able to keep up with our hectic schedules, send love notes to each other and have private conversations! Twyxt has been so helpful, romantic, and fun because it's something just for us, which is rare when you have children! Be sure to click the link above and give Twyxt a try with your partner to spice things up a bit and have some fun.

Disclosure: This post was written for Twyxt in exchange for compensation. All opinions written are my own. 

Would a Family Enjoy an RV Vacation?

Families are always looking for fun activities to do that are outside the norm.  One thing that comes to mind is renting an RV for a family getaway to various destinations, including camping, the beach, and more.  But would a family enjoy an RV vacation together?

Would Dad Enjoy It?

Dad would probably enjoy an RV vacation, because even though he would be the primary driver, it would be less work than, say, camping.  Taking an RV vacation is great logistically, because everything you need is right on the vehicle.  Plus, renting an RV is pretty cheap, even once you get simple caravan insurance and everything else you need. 

Would Mom Enjoy It?

Mom would definitely enjoy taking an RV out with the entire family, and the biggest reason is togetherness.  By being in the RV, you’re all together!  Plus, mom would have all of the things she normally uses around the house – a full kitchen, plenty of storage, and more.  Having all of the amenities of home is a huge time saver for mom, especially if you’re going camping.  Instead of having to prep everything on a camp stove, you have everything you need in the kitchen.  

Also, there is the nice bedroom with bed in the RV.  If you’re like most mom’s, having a nice bed is much better than roughing it in a tent.  I’m sure mom will appreciate having a nice bed and bathroom to sleep and get ready in each day.

Would the Kids Enjoy It?

Finally, the kids would love to take an RV trip!  Especially if you have younger children, they would enjoy going places like camping in the forest or going to the beach.  Kids love just being able to run around outdoors and exploring new places.  Plus, you can travel with fun activities, such as board games or other entertainment, to keep them occupied while you’re driving.  Some RVs even have television and entertainment centers, which are great for families with kids.   Renting an RV is a great way to travel as a whole family. 

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.

Taking A Cruise As A Family For The First Time!

Traveling is a passion of mine that will always be important to me. When I was younger, I was able to travel to many different countries, including England, Italy and the Czech Republic. I also studied in Germany for a semester. Now that I have a family, traveling is a little trickier and also more expensive. That's why my husband and I have looked for a less expensive way to travel as a family. We have taken small road trips in the past, but now that the kids are getting older, we've decided to purchase a cruise from Cruise Kings.

Cruises provide a fun way to travel and see beautiful places around the world! I have been on several cruises in the past and Cruise Kings has a variety of cruises at amazing prices. You can take a world cruise, cruise one way and stay in an exotic location and travel via luxury cruise liners. There are so many options that you can really make your trip just the way you want it.When the kids are on their own, my husband and I will definitely take a world cruise.

I know from experience that once you go on a cruise, you will definitely want to go again and again. These prices allow families on a budget to see and visit places only imagined! I recommend paying a little extra for your own balcony. It's such a wonderful feeling to open your door, sit outside in the moonlight watching the waves crash all around you.

My husband has never been on a cruise before and didn't even have a passport until recently, so I wanted to make this trip special for him. I found some great Late Deals with discounted prices, which would allow us to go on an 11-day cruise. I cannot wait for him to see Venice and the Greek Isles for the first time. Greece will be a first for me, too, and somewhere I've always wanted to visit.

Have you been on a cruise before? If not, where would you love to go?

Scott Shared Values Program : Sign Up & Save

We have used Scott brand products since I was a child because they are affordable and work very well. I am always on a budget, but that doesn't mean I have to give up quality. With Scott brand products, I have always been happy with the quality and that's why I buy them again and again.

Speaking of great values, they've created an awesome new program, Scott Shared Values, a program that provides all of you deal-savvy people out there with totally exclusive access to deals, coupons and rewards! It's an easy way to save money and it becoming a member is also very easy! Just sign up at ScottBrand.com!

We just signed up and immediately got a choice of a $.75/1 coupon for Scott Toilet Paper or $.75/1 Paper Towels! Those are great deals. Plus, if you share with friends like I did, you receive a high-value coupon. Some people are receiving as much as $1.25/1 coupons, making these items completely free at Walmart! Isn't that awesome?

Rewards for Saving

Scott actually rewards you for saving! Once signed up, you can get a variety of rewards. Like what?

• Free Admission Family Fun Pass – A free admission to amusement parks, skating rinks, zoos, miniature golf and more!
• 3 Free Rentals by Mail from Blockbuster Total Access
• Various Hertz Car Rental Discounts

This program will go through December 31st, so sign up today and take advantage of all the amazing deals, coupons and rewards! We never pay full price for anything and, when you sign up for Scott Shared Values, you can save even more. To make it even easier to sign up, Scott has provided us with a widget, so you can actually sign up for the newsletter from this post! Just put in your info below to sign up for your own Scott Shared Values account or click here to sign up from the website!

This is post was written for Mom Central in conjunction with Scott Brand. All opinions written are my own.