Biggest Investments For Families

There are many investments that we, as parents and adults, make as we grow older, but some of these have more of an impact on our lives than others. When I think of huge investments, I automatically think of buying our house and buying a new car. These are big ones, but there is another investment that is even bigger. What is it? Your own children! Yes, that's right! According to a report by USDA, it costs an estimated $295,000 to raise a kid from birth to the age of 17. That's a great deal of money and that isn't even factoring in the cost of a college education. I think my husband would pass out if he saw that total. The cost of raising a child seems never-ending, but you can ensure that your children have a better concept of the value of money by including them in family spending ideas and actions.

When I was growing up, I remember watching my parents sort out bills each month and knew we lived on a budget, but as far as how much money was spent and how money was saved, I was clueless. So, when it came time for me to move out and attend college, I had no idea my bills and rent would be so expensive and I certainly didn't know how to budget everything. I learned the hard way that teaching children about spending and money is a must to prepare them for their own futures.

How can we teach our children about money? Well, there are some great ways to include them in family money discussions according to Gregg Murset, owner of MyJobChart. Parents should never be afraid to discuss the costs the experience on a daily and monthly bases. For example, gas prices are so high these days, so this is something to talk about with kids because going to school and other after-school activities directly effects the amount of gas used. Take a look at the graphic above for more great ideas.

Do you engage your children in the discussion of money? Just by following some simple steps you can help them understand and grasp the concept of money much better. Plus, they will be more prepared when the time comes to move out one day. I sure wish my parents had included me in money discussions!

Important Steps To Creating A Bedtime Routine With Children

Before my son started preschool, we really didn't have a set schedule, which meant complete chaos in our home, especially around bedtime. However, Josiah is now in kindergarten and everything has completely changed. Now that we do have a set routine, I've noticed how much more we get out of our days. Every night I feel like we have accomplished quite a bit and this is very satisfying. What's more satisfying is having kids go to bed without struggle or reading ten books before they settle down. This used to be a nightly issue. I've come to find that a bedtime ritual is, indeed, the key to good sleep and happy kids ready to get up and go in the morning.

Here are my suggestions for establishing a daily routine preparing kids for bed:

The first part of our night always begins with bath time. It is a great way to begin the process of slowing down and relaxing muscles. You can also follow the bath time with a massage. I do this often with my youngest son who sometimes has growing pains and this seems to help him sleep much better.

About an hour before bedtime, encourage quite "me" play time, which means no running around, screaming or playing competitive games. This gives children a chance to slow down, relax and wind down from a long day. Once the hour is up, its time to begin your nighttime routine. My husband and I talked about our routine for the boys ahead of time so we were both on the same page. You should keep a routine that generally lasts around 15 minutes: putting toys away, brushing teeth, using the potty, etc. You may want to keep a chart kids can check off each night as they complete tasks. We have a chore chart the kids check off each day and they get $1 at the end of the week if they have every space filled. This just gives some extra incentive for them to follow the routine.

Once all of the chart items are complete, it's time to pick out a book and get into bed. I've found that the types of mattresses we have really make a difference in restful sleep, which is why we found adorable toddler mattresses that are not only comfortable, but also fun for the kids. We turn off all bright lights and just have on a lamp during this time. Our reading time is my favorite part of our nightly routine and is our special bonding time as a family.

After story time, I always give kisses and tuck the boys in, one by one. Then, I turn off the lamp and turn on their little night light. Of course, routines should be personalized to your own children's needs, but as long as you stick to the schedule, you should see a huge change in attitude and happiness. My boys were much more rested and ready to play in the morning, which just made getting up that much easier for all of us.

Do you have a nightly sleep routine? If so, how does it differ from ours? 

Happiness is a Aden+Anais Daydream Blanket: Review & Giveaway

Last year we worked with aden+anais on a review of their unbelievably soft Dream Blankets for babies. The muslin material is not only breathable, but so soft that I couldn't help but be a bit jealous of my little ones for getting such a cuddly blanket. In fact, I had spoken with some other friends about their products and we all agreed that they should also offer products for adults. Can you imagine having their soft muslin sheets on your bed? How about a muslin blanket? Well, imagine my surprise when I found out about the aden+anais Daydream Blanket!

The aden+anais Daydream Blanket is the adult-sized version of the Dream Blanket for babies. This amazing blanket has four layers of 100% cotton muslin and I couldn't wait to get my hands on one! The great thing about muslin is that the more you wash, the softer it gets, so as soon as it was delivered, I put it in the washing machine so we could use it that night.

The Daydream Blanket comes in three unique designs, including ocean's edge, circle dance, and branch out. We received the beautiful ocean's edge blanket, which is a beautiful blue-green color. I knew the Daydream Blanket would be big, but I had no idea just how big.

This is a King-sized bed and blanket almost fits entirely across! I absolutely love my blanket and have been carrying it around everywhere with me. The kids have tried to steal it away from me and so has my husband, but I'm not going to take my eyes off of my blanket. The mornings here are still a little cool, so I bring it to the living room to keep warm and, at night, it is always on my bed at night.

Snuggling in the living room watching cartoons in the morning!

The great thing about muslin is that it is breathable, but also warm, making it the perfect blanket for all seasons. If adults had blankies to carry around like children, this would be it. I've even packed it when we go out of town and know I will do so for our summer vacations as well. This would make a wonderful Mother's Day gift or a present for any occasion. Anyone would love this blanket! Be sure to check out the other great items on the Aden+Anais website, too. I'm sure you will be hooked as I am, which is why I am so excited to share this awesome giveaway with you...

Giveaway Time

One Lucky Reader Will Receive Their Very Own Aden+Anais Daydream Blanket (A $125 RV)!

Dunkin' Donuts Coffee With New Delicious Seasonal Flavors

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom CentralConsulting for Dunkin' Donuts. I received a Dunkin' Donuts Party Kit to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Living in a rural area, our dining options are quite limited. So, when we noticed a sign posted near home announcing the opening of a new Dunkin' Donuts, the boys were so excited, especially Josiah. I have to admit, I was excited, too. The boys love the Donut Holes and I am a Boston Creme fan. Of course, when our Dunkin' Donuts opened, we were there within a day and I decided to try out their coffee for the first time.

Let me back up and say I am very picky about my coffee, so liking Dunkin' Donuts is really saying something. Some coffee is not strong enough and others are too strong for me, but their coffee is just right for me. After trying their coffee in-store, I noticed it at our grocery store, too, and had to give it a try. I was amazed at how great it tasted. Being able to make a cup of Dunkin' Donuts coffee anytime is just satisfying and I love brewing it when we have special guests! I actually made it for my parents when they were visiting earlier this year and my mom also loved it. When I was asked to throw a fun party with friends and family to introduce the new Dunkin' Donuts Spring line of seasonal flavored coffee, I was so excited and couldn't wait to give the new flavors a try!

What are the new flavors?

• Coconut 
• Triple Berry
• Strawberry Shortcake

Who came to our party?
Well, I threw the party in conjunction with my nephew's 2nd birthday party. What better time for all the mamas to try some delicious coffee, right? We always give out gift bags for the kiddos, but at this party, the mamas got a gift bag, too, and they could not have been happier. Plus, we all needed a little pick-me-up after running around all day!


First, we made the Triple Berry coffee to start the party. As we all sat around chatting and watching the kids go crazy playing with each other, the coffee was actually relaxing and really did have the essence of spring time.

The kiddos being entertained while we mamas enjoyed our coffee!

To go along with the chocolate cupcakes for dessert and fruit cups, we made the Strawberry Shortcake blend Dunkin' Donut Coffee, which was a HUGE hit. Even some of the husbands chimed in to say it was delicious. I was shocked when my own husband agreed and he doesn't even drink coffee! While some of the ladies had tried the coffee in-store, some had no idea it was available at the grocery store. They were excited to not only find out about it, but to receive a coupon in their gift bags.

The delicious eats! The strawberry shortcake coffee was perfect with the chocolate cupcakes!

Each of the guests also got a one full-size bag coffee to take home with them and try out, too. My sister-in-law ended up with the Coconut blend and said she was a little skeptical, but gave the Coconut Iced Coffee recipe a try that was included in the gift bag. What did she think? Her exact words were, "It was so yummy!" I cannot wait to give it a try.

My sister-in-law said she enjoyed the coconut flavor and thought it added something special to the coffee that was not at all overwhelming. In fact, that seemed to be the consensus about all of the new seasonal flavors. The flavor was part of the coffee and did not overpower the coffee flavor mixed in with it. The flavors mixed well together to make three great coffee blends that I think everyone would enjoy. They definitely have a hint of spring in them and I think they are perfect for this season.

Want to give them a try? These delicious spring seasonal flavors are only available for a limited time in grocery stores, so go get yours today. Do not delay because you do not want to miss out on these. Believe me!

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom CentralConsulting for Dunkin' Donuts. I received a Dunkin' Donuts Party Kit to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Make Some Delicious Recipes With Lactose-Free #Lactaid & Giveaway

Disclosure: This sponsored post was written for LACTAID in conjunction with The Motherhood. All opinions provided are my own.

When I was about 8 years old, I came home with a stomach ache almost every day. My parents were at a loss until going to the doctor and finding out I was lactose intolerant. The chocolate milk I had to drink each day with school lunches was a big no no for my stomach and something I had to forgo from them on. Luckily, I've never been much of a milk drinker, but some of my favorite foods are made with milk and those are things I just cannot do without! It just so happens that I not only married someone who is lactose intolerant, but we also have a lactose intolerant son. We, as a family, love to eat and try new dishes, so we don't let this issue stop us at all. After all, I cannot live without my blueberry muffins and pastas, especially pasta with cream sauces!

I had a very informative discussion with Melissa d' Arabian, a celebrity chef and LACTAID Brand Spokesperson along with Michelle Harrington, R.D. and LACTAID Regulatory and Nutritional Affairs Manager all about what it means to be lactose intolerant and what LACTAID can do for those who suffer from it. I learned so much from them and had to share the information with my readers!

What does it mean to be lactose intolerant?
By definition, it means the small intestine does not make enough of an enzyme called lactase and, in order to digest lactose, the body needs this enzyme. Since lactose is in the sugar of milk and other dairy products, these cause adverse effects when ingested. What type of effects? It varies depending on the person and while I can handle small amounts of milk, my son can get very sick to his stomach just by drinking it.

What is LACTAID?
This delicious product provides the delicious creamy taste of dairy without stomach discomfort! LACTAID actually provides the lactase our bodies need to break down lactose! This means LACTAID products are 100% real dairy. The only difference is the added natural yeast-derived lactase enzyme! They have many great lactose-free products, including milks, cottage cheese, ice-cream and eggnog.

LACTAID has provided a freedom of food choices for our family. We are not limited in our daily meal selections because we can use LACTAID products in place of those with lactose. Plus, there are some delicious recipe suggestions on the LACTAID website that I cannot wait to try out. We will be trying out LACTAID all this month and reporting back shortly with more thoughts, information and our favorite recipe we've tried with it. We've already made blueberry muffins with it and, of course, they were a hit. Actually, the boys seemed to like them more than usual because they were gone 2 days later!

In our next post, we will write all about cooking with LACTAID, so check back for the next post. Until then, how about a giveaway?

Giveaway Time

One Lucky Children Teaching Mama Reader Will Receive A Coupon Good For Any One Free LACTAID Product! That includes milk, cottage cheese, ice-cream, eggnog and dietary supplements.

How To Enter

Leave a comment below telling why you would like to win OR a recipe you would like to try out with LACTAID! Be sure to leave your email address, too, so I can get in touch with the winner.

This giveaway is open to US Readers 18+ years of age and older. It ends on Monday, May 27th at 11:59pm. Good Luck!

Calculate Future Financial Possibilities With The Aflac Real Cost Calculator

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Aflac. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Illness is something we never like to think about and something we generally do not talk about unless it happens. Unfortunately, illness struck our family in many unexpected ways that blindsided us last year. For this reason, I believe it is best for others to educate themselves about the possibility of medical emergencies and illnesses. Just because they haven't happened doesn't mean they won't in the future. Why not educate yourself about the costs and possibilities? This way you are already prepared if the situation arises. If I had done this, I believe everything would have been much less stressful for our family.

My son Liam has been diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis for about two years and every 6 months we get MRIs to track the growth of his brain tumors. Until last August, they had stayed the same size, but all of a sudden they started growing. The doctor's wanted to take action immediately. So, on top of the expenses of 3 doctors, MRIs and travel expenses, we added on his port placement operation and chemotherapy every single week. It was a complete life change for our family and one that hit the bank much more than expected.  We read that medical debt is the leading cause for bankruptcy, so we wanted to take action immediately to prepare for any future costs.

Luckily, Aflac has something called the Real Cost Calculator, which helps people prepare for their own financial future in case of an unexpected illness or medical emergency. Yes, our insurance luckily covers a great deal of our costs, but we also have to factor in out of pocket expenses as well as our monthly household costs. All of these add up very quickly and the Real Cost Calculator has helped tremendously with our budget planning. Plus, it is very easy to use.

As of now, we have Aflac insurance and have been so happy with our coverage and with the service they have provided. In fact, my son gets his chemotherapy at the Aflac Cancer Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta! So, we are not only thankful for Aflac, but appreciative of all they do for customers. The calculator is just one of many things they have done for us. For once I actually feel empowered by my insurance because I am covered well and have been educated on what to expect cost-wise.

Have you taken a look at the Aflac Real Cost Calculator? I was just playing around with it tonight and was amazed at some of the prices to be expected. For example, a family with a child who has leukemia can expect an estimated $62,910 in medical expenses based on previous Aflac payouts in the past with about $9,700 out of pocket payments. Although Liam does not have leukemia, his treatment is very similar, so this really hits home. The calculator also estimates household expenses, which end up being around $8,963. I love that the calculator not only estimates the medical and out of pocket expenses, but also takes other bills into account. These are often overlooked and this has caused us to underestimate expenses in the past, which has lead to overspending. Fortunately, this does not happen any longer!

Take a look at the Aflac Real Cost Calculator, come back and let me know something you learned. I'm sure you will be amazed at how much information is provided! Take it from me, it is best to research and be prepared for your family and yourself.

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

Mother's Day: EatSmart Precision Retro Mechanical Kitchen Scale Review & Giveaway

My husband has high blood pressure and so does my mother-in-law, so we are trying harder than ever to eat more at home and to eat healthier. Last year we worked with EatSmart Products for our Mother's Day Gift Guide and received a great kitchen scale, which has gotten much use from my husband when cooking salmon and chicken especially. This time we received the EatSmart Precision Retro Mechanical Kitchen Scale and I am so in love with this one that I put it out on our counter for everyone to see.

About the EatSmart Precision Retro Mechanical Kitchen Scale

This retro kitchen scale is a beautiful and bright red color that is sure to liven up any kitchen. The scale comes with a removable stainless steel mixing bowl, so just add items to the bowl and sit on top of the scale for quick and accurate measurements. Plus, the mixing bowl is dishwasher safe!

Our Thoughts

I love retro kitchen items and am always scouring stores for vintage items. I just recently added some owl containers and a mushroom recipe holder to my collection, so when I saw this beautiful scale from EatSmart, I knew I had to have it. I've gotten so many compliments about the EatSmart Precision Retro Mechanical Kitchen Scale. It's such a pretty red color that it really stands out and catches everyone's attention.

I didn't realize before receiving the scale, but the stainless steel bowl is separate from the scale, so this means we can weigh fruits and multiple items in the bowl or even liquid items. It also means I can place other containers, plates and bowls on the scale, too. I'm not just stuck with the bowl option. I can pretty much use this for all of my measuring needs in the kitchen. Plus, the bowl easily fits into our fruit bowl, so I could slide it and use it there if needed. 

Since we've been cooking more and I've been trying more recipes, I've had to also measure out items more often. We make meals for a family of four, so measuring by pounds is often a must when cooking meats, veggies and sometimes fruits. I absolutely love the EatSmart Precision Retro Mechanical Kitchen Scale and couldn't be happier!

Now that you've read all about the EatSmart Precision Retro Mechanical Kitchen Scale, would you like a chance to win one?

One Lucky Reader Will Win a Red EatSmart Precision Retro Mechanical Kitchen Scale ($50 RV)!

Take the AvoDerm Challenge with AvoDerm Natural Premium Pet Food #ad

 I was compensated for this sponsored post made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. 

Do you have a cat or a dog? My boys love all animals and, at the moment, we happen to own cats and dogs In fact, one of our cats just had the cutest little kittens. Our cats and dogs are like our babies and, just like with other family members, we only want the best for them. Our family has begun eating healthier and we eat mostly all-natural foods. For this reason, I've been looking for a natural food for our cats and dogs, too. When I heard about the AvoDerm Challenge, I had to tell my readers about it!

One of our new baby kittens!

AvoDerm Natural premium dog and cat food formulas are complete with high quality meat proteins rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids from natural avocados to provide a balanced and nutritious meal for pets. Take the AvoDerm Challenge to see your pet's hair get softer and shinier in only 6 weeks... guaranteed!

Sign up for the AvoDerm Challenge and you will immediately get a $5 off coupon for your purchase. In addition, you will also have an opportunity to enter a giveaway to win a year's supply of AvoDerm! So, sign up to take the challenge and, in 6 weeks, AvoDerm will check in on your pet to see how he/she is doing.

Liam with his new kitten he named "Applesauce"!

You can also follow AvoDerm on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with all the latest news and promos! After you take the challenge, be sure to come back and tell me how it went! We want to know about all those cute pets out there.

 I was compensated for this sponsored post made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. 

Spray 'N Splash 2 Inflatable Water Park Giveaway

Welcome to the Spray 'n Splash 2 Inflatable Water Park Giveaway hosted by Sweet Silly Sara, Sublime Media Connection, It's Free At Last, Simplified Saving, With a Side Of Thriftiness, and The Adventures of My Family of 8.

The Spray 'n Splash 2 brings all the fun of a the water park to your backyard. This inflatable will bring hours upon hours of enjoyment to your family and it will save you time and money. Imagine not having to spend a lot of time in the car, a lot of money on gas or admission to a water park and still hearing  delighted laughter from your kids. The Spray 'n Splash 2 from Blast Zone can accomplish all of that and then some.

This is a durable, high quality inflatable that is super easy to set up. Within minutes you can have this inflatable water park set up and ready for summer fun with your family. The fun doesn't have to end when swimming season does. You can add play balls to the pool area and create super sliding ball pit style fun for your kids, making this a great multi-season source of recreation. Sweet Silly Sara had the chance to review this really cool product from Blast Zone. You can check out her review and find out if this product lived up to her expectations of family fun by clicking here. One very lucky reader is going to win the Spray 'n Splash 2  inflatable water park just in time for summer! This giveaway begins on 5/10/13 and ends on 5/17/13. This prize is valued at $299.99. The participating bloggers are not responsible for the delivery of this prize, the sponsor Blast Zone will handle shipment of the Spray 'n Splash 2. Blast Zone offers a variety of commercial inflatables and bounce houses in assorted sizes and prices to bring endless hours of fun to your family. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook. I hereby release Facebook from any possible liabilities.

Ready for a Giveaway?

WInner of this giveaway will receive a Spray 'n Splash 2 Inflatable Water Park ($299.99 Retail Value) from Blast Zone!

Come Join The MetLife #SocialBlackout Movement With Us On Mother's Day

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

Growing up, I remember my mom would get so excited when May came around because her birthday was right before Mother's Day, so we are had two reasons to celebrate! Now that I'm a mom, I have to admit I get very excited when Mother's Day gets closer, too. Why? Because the day is always centered around being together as a family. We are such a busy family, always on the go, at work or on the road, so having a day devoted to family time and mom is exactly what I need. For Mother's Day this year, we will be grilling out at Grandma's house with the entire family. That means there will be a house full of love and laughter for the day. My nephew's 2nd birthday is actually the day before Mother's Day, so we will party all weekend! My boys are growing up so quickly and I don't want to miss any special moments with them. Mother's Day is just another chance for us to make those special memories they will one day tell their own kids. What are you doing to celebrate for Mother's Day this year?

My Two Sweet Boys Are Growing Up So Quickly!

 MetLife has a special way to celebrate Mother's Day this year and would love for you to participate. They have created the #SocialBlackout movement. What does this mean? It is a challenge to log off of ALL social media on Mother's Day, May 12th, to spend time as a family and give Mom all of the time and attention she deserves! I completely support this idea and love the thought of us staying offline for the day and purely enjoying each other's company. Be sure to check out the MetLife Facebook page for more info about the #SocialBlackout event!

Our last special occasion that was spent offline was Easter & we had a great time!

As I write this, my husband is on his iPad reading the newspaper, which is a nightly occurrence. In addition, my six year old enjoys playing on his Nabi during the weekend. When they are playing or reading I know they will not listen to a word I say. I could basically say anything and my husband would just smile, say "uh-huh", and nod is head. It's fun to mess with him sometimes, but other times it is just plain annoying. This is why it will be nice to participate in the #SocialBlackout and also why I was so happy that he RSVP'ed for the event! You can RSVP, too, by clicking here. You should get your other family members and friends to join the event as well. This will be your pledge to stay off of social media on Mother's Day. Can you do it? I know that it will be hard for some of us to resist, but I guarantee you will have a great time as a family and can make it a day of great memories.

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