LÍLLÉbaby Incredibles-Inspired Complete Airflow Baby Carrier Review

I think The Incredibles is my favorite animated movie of all time. My husband and I are planning a family movie date very soon to see the new Incredibles 2 in the theater. We have a six and an eight-year-old, both boys, and the newest family member is just four months old. I just got a LÍLLÉbaby Complete Airflow baby carrier made with Incredibles 2 fabric and I love it. It will be perfect for bringing our littlest one to the movie.

I couldn't wait to test it out as soon as it arrived at my door. I took all three kids to my local splash pad and it couldn't have worked out more perfectly to keep me hands-free at the park. The LÍLLÉbaby Complete Airflow carrier has breathable 3D mesh to keep both my baby and me cool in the warm summer temperatures.

The carrier also has a lumbar support in the back, which was super helpful since I ended up wearing baby on me for more than 2 hours. It can normally get pretty hard on the back, but this kept me comfortable the whole time. The shoulder straps are also well-padded for comfort.

The carrier can be worn in six different ways and I found it easy to maneuver from one position to another. The waistband is adjustable so that you can be comfortable while losing the extra baby weight. The seat width adjusts narrower and wider to accommodate a growing baby. And I know as my daughter gets older she will love being carried forward facing since she always wants to have a good view of what is going on around her.

There is also a buckle for baby to keep your little one snug and secure, while snuggled up next to you. All you have to do is adjust a few straps. You and your little band of supers will be ready for the next adventure. Make sure to check out the other Disney-based carrier designs at the Disney Baby Collection by LÍLLÉbaby.

Product received, thank you to LÍLLÉbaby and to PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

#DGSummerSnacks #CollectiveBias Coke Gold Peak and Peace Tea at Dollar General

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and the Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone.

Coca-Cola & Kellogg’s are partnering for an exclusive summer treat bundle offer at Dollar General!

In perfect time for prepping for the Fourth of July, you can pick up the perfect snack, pairing Gold Peak Tea with Cheez-Its or Peace Tea with Pringles.

You want to enjoy every minute of the holiday weekend and the summer - so don’t waste time - stop by Dollar General to take advantage of the discount and get your perfect pairing so you can Sip, Snack and Go!

From now until July 29th, you can Save $1 when you purchase a delicious snack bundle at Dollar General.

Available bundle offers include:

1 Gold Peak Tea AND 1 Cheez-It Baked Snack Product

1 Peace Tea AND 1 Pringles Full Size Cans

The steps are simple:

●      Text SNACK to 34898 to SAVE $1 when you buy 1 Cheez-It® Baked Snack Product and 1 Gold Peak® Tea*

●      Text SNACK to 34898 to SAVE $1 when you buy Pringles® and Peace Tea®*

*MUST BUY One Cheez-It 6oz or larger and one Gold Peak 18.5oz

*MUST BUY Pringles Can (5 oz or greater) and 1 Peace Tea 23 oz

If not enrolled in Dollar General Rewards program users will need to quickly sign-up to receive the offer.

Pets in Distress: How to Help Your Furry Friends When the Weather Gets Warm

Now that summer is here and temperatures are starting to soar, you might be preoccupied with figuring out how to stay cool. But you mustn't forget about any four-legged friends you have at home. Because our pets can't verbally communicate in a language we totally understand, it's essential for pet owners to anticipate their animals' needs and protect them from the damage excessive heat can cause. Otherwise, you could put your pet's well-being at risk and even be potentially charged with animal cruelty. To help keep your pet safe and comfortable even on the hottest days, be sure to follow these tips.

Never leave them in the car

Local government agencies are starting to crack down on residents who leave their dogs in their vehicles alone for any length of time. Experts say that leaving an animal for just 15 minutes, even with cracked windows, can be extremely dangerous. The temperature in the vehicle will be at least 20 degrees higher than it is outside, a situation that can quickly turn fatal. In just 10 minutes on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can climb to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (or 48.8 degrees Celsius, a conversion made by subtracting 32 and dividing by 1.8). Currently, 28 states have laws pertaining to pets left in hot cars -- but even if your state doesn't yet, make it habit to never leave your dog behind in your car without you. If you happen to see another dog locked in a parked car, you should call local law enforcement or animal control (though you may be able to legally break a window if you see evidence that the dog is in distress).

Keep them indoors when you can

It's important to note that dogs and cats don't sweat like humans do. Panting is one way they try to regulate their temperature, but it's really not as effective (or necessarily normal, particularly in cats). When temperatures get to the 80s and 90s, animals start to feel the effects. It's best to keep pets indoors most of the time (making mornings and evenings the best time for walks). If they do need to be outside, make sure they're in the shade and have plenty of water.

Avoid asphalt and concrete

As you might remember from your childhood, parking lots and other paved areas can get extremely hot in the summer sun. Unfortunately, our pets don't have foot protection like we do. Walking on the hot concrete or asphalt can burn their sensitive, soft foot pads. Refrain from walking dogs on asphalt when the temperatures climb into the 70s or above. You can test the ground's temperature with the back of your hand. If it's painful for you, it will be damaging to your dog.

Take caution with sun exposure

Pet owners need to take special care with older dogs, especially if they have health problems already. These animals typically require vet check-ups twice a year and can be affected even more substantially by the heat. Overweight dogs or dogs with thick coats are often very uncomfortable when the weather warms up too, but they're also more vulnerable to heat damage. You might think shaving your dog's fur will help, but this actually increases their sunburn risk. That said, keeping their coat well-groomed can help them feel better. But don't assume you can simply use sunscreen on your pet. While it may be important to protect their skin, human sunscreen often contains chemicals that may be harmful to dogs. Be sure to use safe sunscreens that are actually made for animals instead.

Play in a pool

For dogs who love the water, having a kiddie pool or sprinklers can allow them to enjoy being outdoors without putting their health at risk. But keep in mind that not every breed is built for doing the doggy paddle. Some just aren't great swimmers, which is why you should fill up the kiddie pool with only six inches of water to ensure their safety. You should also make sure that the water in their kiddie pool is cool and fresh, as stagnant, warm water could make things worse for them. It's generally not a great idea to let your dog swim in a big pool anyway, particularly if they have any infections or shed profusely.

Give them a cold treat

Some establishments will serve doggy ice cream (you may also be able to find frozen dog desserts at your grocery store). Dog-safe popsicles can be great too, which are made out of low-sodium chicken broth and vegetables or other ingredients. The idea that giving ice water to your dog to drink can be dangerous is actually a myth. However, cool water from the faucet will do just fine.

Recognize the signs of overheating

Even if you think you're doing everything right, it's possible your pet could start experiencing symptoms of heat stroke. These can include panting, lethargy, rapid pulse, glazed-over eyes, vomiting, staggering, or a red/purple tongue. Be sure to have a rectal thermometer on-hand and take their temperature if you suspect something's wrong. Normally, your dog or cat's normal body temperature is anywhere from 101 to 102.5 degrees; if it's 105 or above, take them to the emergency vet right away. You should try to cool them off en route to the clinic or your vet with cool towels or ice packs on their neck, water, and air conditioning. And if you're ever in doubt, call their office. They'll be able to advise you as to whether they think you should bring them in or keep them cool at home.

Although we may be focused on ways we can beat the heat ourselves, we need to remember that our pets need our help, too. By keeping these tips in mind, you should be able to keep your furry family member cool, comfortable, and happy during the dog days of summer.

Novice to Pro: How to Grow Your Drawing Skills Faster

Drawing is an essential part of art that involves creating a picture or illustration on a specific surface. Papers are the most commonly used surfaces, and different materials can be used to draw diagrams. Colored pencils, graphite pencils, charcoal, dry pastels, and erasers are some of the materials that can be used to create drawings. Drawings can be used in marketing, illustration, entertainment, and also as memorabilia.

Some companies can help create the perfect drawings for you. One of them is ilustra drawings, which can design drawings for your advertisements. Mastering this art may not be as easy as you think. It requires years of practice for one to be perfect. There are a couple of things you should do to better your drawing skills very fast. They include the following tips.

Try Simple Designs

You should first try some easy designs to perfect your drawing skills. Start with the basic shapes like cylinders, cones, pyramids, and rectangles to improve on your accuracy. You should try to use various drawing tools that have different levels of thickness. This will help you understand which one is the best for you. You should also practice shading during this stage to improve on your balancing. Repeat the different shapes over and over again to perfection.

Try Various Surfaces

You should also try drawing on different surfaces. Do not just limit yourself to one type of surface. You should choose the right kind of paper or surface depending on the pen you are using. Some of the fantastic drawing surfaces you can try include mat boards, pastel papers, wood, and printmaking papers. Trying different paper sizes is also essential in improving your drawing skills.

Use a Grid

One challenge most artists face when it comes to creating a drawing based on an image is keeping up with the correct proportion. To avoid such a problem and reduce guesswork, you should use a square grid on your image. Make sure it is of the right measurements. One is advised to use a light pencil so that it can be erased with ease later. Using a grid will help you keep up good proportions.

Seek Advice

You should seek advice from other artists or people who have vast knowledge in drawing. Seeking the opinion of others will help you understand your progress, which is essential in growing your drawing skills. You should be ready to accept criticism to make improvements where they are needed. This will help you become a much better artist.

Regular Practice

Putting your skills into practice will help you become better at drawing. You should not just do one project and settle on it or take a long break before doing the next one. Make drawing a habit and also do it with passion. Set a target of the particular number of drawings you should do over a specific period. Two to three drawings sound ideal for a week. Practice makes perfect. Therefore, practicing regularly will help sharpen your skills

Best family car rental with Silvercar & Peg Perego makes summer travel easier!

Everyone has that rental car nightmare story. My most recent one was a work trip to Houston area where my group of colleagues and I arrived late in the evening only to find that our major rental car carrier had overbooked their inventory of vehicles. After waiting for 30 minutes to pick up the minivan we had reserved for our group of 6, we were finally presented with an option to either squeeze into a standard car or take a 15-passenger van. Two bad choices, but we were desperate and took the van (it was awful, btw). When we began planning our family vacation to Daytona Beach last month, we were looking for a better option. We knew I'd be traveling solo with our two kids and facing the long drive between Orlando and Daytona Beach, so we wanted to make everything as easy as possible.

I have to admit, I was completely unaware of the Silvercar sensation until I read a press release about their new partnership with Peg Perego to provide car seats at no additional cost. What? As those parents out there know, getting car seats with your rental car always feels a bit dodgy. The rental fees add up fast and yet the seats themselves always seem to be beaten up and usually the cheapest brands. So Silvercar definitely got my attention by partnering with one of the most respected brands of quality car seats and strollers.

For those of you, like me, that that haven't heard, Silvercar began as a start up serving mostly sunbelt airports. Its founders wanted to take the guesswork out of car rental by offering only one car, the Audi A4, in one color, silver (now the name makes sense!) with free premium features like WiFi and navigation systems. They also wanted to harness technology to streamline the whole experience of picking up a rental car (no lines!) while also taking advantage of the lower costs of off-airport rental locations. The company was very successful and, not surprisingly, has since been acquired by Audi and expanded their fleet to offer the Audi Q5 (and just this month, they added the Audi A5 Cabriolet to some locations as well).

I was still a little skeptical and did a bit of price shopping to compare the Silvercar prices with those from the major car rental company that so recently left us in the lurch (literally) in the 15-passenger van. Of course, all car rental costs vary by airport, but when looking at Orlando airport rentals, a similar size SUV with 2 kids' seats was only a few dollars cheaper from the major rental firm. After adding in the additional premium features that Silvercar offers, the price was over 2x the Silvercar price. The Silvercar website also offered a 20% discount for first-time renters, so that made it an even better deal.

I was sold on the value of booking with Silvercar, both financially and the peace of mind knowing exactly what car I'd be driving on my trip. I created an online account in just a few minutes and made the reservation. I followed instructions I received in my confirmation to download the Silvercar app on my phone and easily found all my how-to information there regarding pick up.

I wasn't so sure how the off-airport logistics would work with two kids under seven and a decent amount of luggage. As soon as we deplaned, I received a text message from Silvercar with reminder directions to the Silvercar rental facility. That was a great help, since of course we had to stop for a couple of potty breaks (not sure why those kids can never seem to go at the same time!) as well as wait for our luggage at baggage claim. It was a bit of a walk to the shuttle pick up, but it wasn't a lot further than the airport car rental companies. The directions were really clear and easy to follow.

Silvercar Audi A4s waiting in the shade at Orlando WallyPark 

Silvercar Orlando is located in the WallyPark parking facility and their shuttle driver was super helpful. Once we arrived at WallyPark, the Silvercar site was only a few steps away from the shuttle drop off. The Silvercar Concierge was obviously on the lookout for me as he walked me directly over to my car and told me the car seats were inside (of course not installed due to liability reasons). That was a huge relief since usually when I've rented car seats, I've had to pick them up and lug them to the car on my own (with the kids and the luggage). He checked my ID and credit card since this was my first time renting with Silvercar and then walked me through the process of using the Silvercar app to scan the QR code on the windshield. About 15 seconds later, the beautiful 2018 Audi Q5 unlocked for me and showed mileage of only about 6,000 miles Viola! Next time, I won't need to check in with the Silvercar Concierge and can just scan and go. That's pretty convenient!

The Peg Perego car and booster seats were no disappointment either. The Primo Viaggio Convertible car seat was brand new and the Viaggio Flex 120 looked barely used. I hadn't installed either before (next time I will review the instruction manuals online in advance since I know which models will be in the car), but they both had LATCH connection systems, so it only took me a few minutes to get them installed properly. Of course, the Silvercar Concierge couldn't help me with the install, but he stayed close by and then when I was ready to go, he helped me pair my phone with the car's Bluetooth and made sure I knew how to use the key features of this fully-loaded vehicle. The Concierge also told me about Silvercar's 'fair fueling promise' which bills at the current local premium fuel rate for exactly what you use, plus a simple $5 fill-up fee (unless you prefer to fill it yourself), showed me where to return the car and we were off!

Peg Perego premium convertible and booster seats offered at no cost by Silvercar

I won't rave too much about the car itself because of course a $50,000 car is expected to be pretty awesome! The WiFi seemed like a decadent luxury, but it was a great way to keep the kids happy while I concentrated on driving. I also realized once I arrived in Daytona Beach and turned off the car that my cell phone service was awful locally. Since I would have relied on my cell phone for navigation without the premium navigation feature in the car, I might have had trouble finding my way. I enjoyed driving the Audi Q5, it was a comfortable, quiet ride all around. There was plenty of space for luggage and the kids were comfy in their Peg Perego seats as well. The only downside was that the car was so nice and the leather interior so perfect that I refused to let the kids eat in the car for fear of desecrating it!

A great time was had at the beach with the family and of course, all too soon we were on our way back to the Orlando airport. Dropping off the car was super easy and the Concierge was there to help as soon as we parked. He took our luggage to the waiting shuttle van and, just like that, our first Silvercar rental experience was over.

Saying goodbye to our Silvercar Audi Q5.

I have to admit, I loved renting with Silvercar. They've really streamlined the rental process and removed several of the most annoying pain points of car rental. The simplicity of having only a few premium car models gave me confidence that I knew what I'd really be driving off the rental lot. Offering top quality Peg Perego car and booster seats at no additional cost is sure to make Silvercar a hit with traveling families (though Silvercar may benefit from adding the Audi Q7 3-row SUV to their lineup to attract larger families). I'll be sure to look for Silvercar first whenever I need to book a personal rental car and I'll even ask at work if we can add Silvercar to our preferred vendor list. The Audi Q5 wins over the 15-passenger van every time!

Product received, thank you to SIlvercar and to PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

#Giveaway Making Science Fun with the Beaker Creatures Liquid Reactor Super Lab

With summer well underway in most of the country, most parents are constantly on the lookout for activities and products that are economical and can keep kids busy and entertained for as long as possible. If there is actual educational value to the activity as well, then that makes it even better. The Beaker Creatures Liquid Reactor Super Lab from Learning Resources gets close to hitting that sweet spot. This set is very much in line with Learning Resources’ focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) toys that help children learn, problem-solve, prepare for future success, and have fun at the same time.

The Beaker Creatures Liquid Reactor Super Lab set has everything you need to perform your very own mini science experiment to reveal two of 35 small and cute Beaker Creatures from far away planets, each one with its own unique backstory, classification and characteristics. The set includes the following: 2 Reactor Pods with Beaker Creatures, 1 base, 2 Hydroplungers, 2 beakers, 1 set of tongs, 1 stir rod, 2 classification cards, 2 mini-posters, 1 experiment guide, and 1 full-size poster. The directions for setup are pretty easy to follow and our boys were very excited in helping put it together. The main idea of this set is to use the beakers to house different liquids that can be transferred to the plungers and then combined in the main base cylinder. Watching the liquids mix in the base cylinder is the real payoff: the bubbling reaction taking place when the liquid covered the ‘reactor pods’ was very fascinating for our kids, as was the cute alien creature revealed after the bubbles settled down. One word of note here: the creatures are pretty small relative to the size of the reactor pods, so better to set the right expectations for the little ones so no one is disappointed.

When the two ‘reactor pods’ (we call them creature eggs) that come with the set have been used up (which can happen real fast), there are suggestions for many other ‘experiments’ that can be conducted using household products (e.g. water with food coloring mixed in, baby oil and water, vinegar and baking soda, etc.) The set is pretty sturdy and can be used over and over to creatively combine different liquids into the base cylinder.  You can also buy additional reactor pods to continue collecting the alien creatures. Our kids also want to try this out in the tub and in our water play table outside.

To spark STEM creativity at home for one of our fabulous readers, the good folks at Learning Resources are offering one of the Beaker Creatures Liquid Reactor Super Lab sets as a giveaway:

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Product received, thank you to Learning Resources and to PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own. Mommykatie.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The Truths About Shelter Dogs

This post is sponsored and written by me on behalf of Petcurean through a campaign managed by their PR. All opinions are my own.

When it comes to our families, we find that families come in all various forms. Where some families have children or fur babies, to those who have both growing up together. And like many who love having fur babies in the home growing up with the children, we have found that finding those fur babies, which include both the dogs and cats, from our local shelters and rescues is what we prefer. I say this because when we have headed to our local rescues and shelters, we have found those fur babies who seemed to be waiting for us to come and add them to our family. I like knowing that when we adopt from our local shelters or rescues, that we are adopting a pet that will find their forever home with us. I also like knowing that the proceeds from the adoptions, go to help more pets who are needing to find their forever homes as well. So when the people from Petcurean shared some interesting myths and facts about shelter dogs with us, I was excited to share them with our readers. You can read these below after enjoying a photo of Nakoma, our puppy whom we adopted last year from a rescue, jumping on the trampoline with our kids, which is one of their favorite activities to do in the back yard! 

Myth 1: Shelters only have mutts. There are no pure breeds available.

Fact 1: Shelters have their fair share of mutts – no doubt about that. But there are rescue dogs that are purebred. You might just need to have some patience and wait for one to be brought in. There are also rescue groups that are breed-specific, so if you really want a certain breed, you can look into adopting from one of those organizations.

Myth 2: Shelter animals have more health issues that will be costly for me to address.

Fact 2: Many shelters ensure pets that are adopted have seen a veterinarian and are given a clean bill of health before heading home with you. And if something is wrong, they will let you know ahead of time so there are no surprises – at least none that you could have potentially been aware of or predicted at the time of adoption.  In addition, many health issues are easily treatable so don’t dismiss a potentially great pet whose condition may be temporary or easily resolved – simply switching their food to a premium recipe like Petcurean’s GO! Solutions could make a world of difference. And there are many affordable pet insurance options that can help offset costs over the life of your pet. 

Myth 3: Shelters are full of old and/or ugly animals.

Fact 3: You can find dogs and cats of all ages at shelters! And there’s nothing wrong with taking home an adult dog or cat. Puppies and kittens are certainly cute, but they aren’t for everyone. They require lots of attention, training exercises and socialization to become well-behaved adults, and not everyone wants or is able to make that kind of commitment. Older pets on the other hand, are often better behaved, potty trained and less energetic. Whichever your preference, you should have no problem find a pet in your desired age-range. 

As for looks, why not look beyond what’s “conventionally cute” and celebrate every animal’s individual uniqueness? Our friends at Petcurean just held an amazing contest called “Uplift the Underdog,” which shone a light on rescue dogs in Seattle, Portland, Toronto and Vancouver that are often overlooked due to age, looks, and/or dietary needs. The goal was to help find these deserving dogs their forever homes and help break down the stigma often associated with shelter animals. Contest prizes included Petcurean pet food for the finalists and their shelters, a makeover grooming service, and a Petcurean gift basket filled with supplies, toys and more. Talk about not judging a book by its cover – Petcurean just helped crack the book wide open for so many “underdogs”!

Myth 4: All shelter animals have experienced abuse or neglect, making them “damaged goods.”

Fact 4: Shelter animals have so very much love to give. Even with abuse or neglect in their past, these animals can make a full emotional recovery in due time – especially when they’re placed in a loving home and given the right care and attention. Many of these animals are just so happy to finally end up in safe, caring environments that they are even more loving and loyal to their adopted families. Others came from loving homes but were surrendered by their owners due to unexpected circumstances, like relocating for a job.

Myth 5: Shelter pets have behavioral problems and won’t adapt well to living in my home.

Fact 5: There are so many reasons, beyond behavioral issues, that pets are brought into shelters – owners could have moved to a place that doesn’t allow pets, they may have been overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to go into training their pet, the animal could have been a runaway, or it could have been born on the streets. Most of the animals that are dropped off at the shelter would make wonderful additions to a loving family. And those that wouldn’t, usually aren’t eligible for adoption!

If you, a family member, or a friend are thinking about welcoming a new pet into your family, I encourage you to do a little “digging” into your local shelters. If you are not sure if you are ready to adopt, or unsure which type of dog/cat you are looking for, many rescue groups and shelters have foster programs.  Fostering allows you to learn more about the animal you are looking to adopt, and if your lifestyle/personalities are a match. It also helps you gauge if you are ready for the commitment and responsibility of caring for a companion. It also helps the animal by getting them into a temporary home, making space for a new animal at the rescue or shelter, and increases their chance for adoption. And if you fall in love with your foster, you can adopt - it's a win win!  You never know – the dog or cat you’re meant to bring home may just be the complete opposite of what you expected!

So as you make that decision to add a fur baby to your family, consider heading to your local shelter and or rescues, where you can find an amazing selection of fur babies who are ready to join your family today. And also be sure to pick up the products from the line up at Petcurean, so that you can give your fur babies the treats and foods that they will be sure to appreciate!

Big Hero 6 The Series: Back in Action on DVD June 26th!

That big huggable robot, Baymax along with Hiro and their friends are back and ready to share more adventures with you and your family in the new dvd, Big Hero 6 the Series: Back in Action, which will be available to bring home on June 26th! 

With this series, you and your kids can watch as the team picks up where they left off from the movie. Hiro finds that he believes his healthcare friend is lost forever, that is until he comes across the chip Tadashi, which was designed to create Baymax. Hero finds that with the chip in hand, he can begin recreating his friend Baymax right away, but with his impatience he finds that he is in trouble. 

We found the series to be a great one to watch, where you get a 44 minute Disney Channel movie, Baymax Returns, along with 6 other episodes and a collection of 6 bonus shorts! Making the choice to add the new, Big Hero 6 The Series: Back in Action on DVD to your next family movie night, a choice you will be glad you made!

Product received, thank you to Disney Home Movies and to PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

How to Help Your Child Get to Sleep Easier in Summer

As parents, it's our job to make sure our kids get enough sleep at night. It can be hard enough to get the proper amount of sleep throughout the school year. But when summer rolls around, getting enough shut-eye might seem almost impossible.

Each night, adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep. However, your kids may need 10 or more hours of sleep.

• Toddlers need 11 to 14 hours of sleep
• Preschoolers need 10 to 13 hours
• Children ages 6 to 13 need 9 to 11 hours
• Teenagers need 8 to 10 hours

And while it may be hard to go to bed early during the summer months, there are some simple ways to promote healthy sleeping habits within your family. U.S. News and World Report has a few suggestions.

The first step to enforcing healthy sleeping in the summer is to establish a bedtime routine. Setting limits like going to bed at a certain time or participating in soothing activities with your kids just before bed can help get everyone on a set sleep schedule. For example, have them brush their teeth, put on their pajamas, and read a book before bed at the same time every night. You should also put the electronics away 30 to 60 minutes before you want your child to get under the covers. Phones, iPads, and televisions are okay for use throughout the day, but there’s no need for them in the bedroom.

Just as it’s important to get your child to sleep at the same time, they should be waking up at the same time every morning. Even though it may be tempting to let your child sleep until 11:00 a.m., especially on weekends, get them up at a reasonable hour. Getting them up every morning around 7:00 a.m. will make their transition of waking up early for school come fall a lot easier. If your child is a teenager and doesn’t want to be bothered with a wake-up schedule, encourage them to try it out for a week and tell you how they feel after.

Of course, it can be tough sticking to a healthy sleep schedule when life gets in the way. In the winter, cold and flu season can disrupt your kids' nightly routine, while allergies can do the same in the summer. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation estimates that that nasal allergies affect 50 million Americans. However, getting your family used to a sleep schedule will actually help them fall asleep when issues like these arise. As the body grows accustomed to falling asleep and waking up at certain times, the body will naturally adjust to this daily rhythm, promoting better health overall.

U.S. News also recommends explaining to your child why you’re setting rules. Don't make it seem like you’re trying to be mean, but that you’re looking out for their well-being. Explain to them that sleep is important to help them feel better and have more fun during the day.

If your child is prone to waking up throughout the night, don’t make it a big deal. Brief awakenings are normal, so if they wake up and come running to you, tell them that there’s nothing to worry about. The more they get used to it and know that it’s okay, the easier it will be for them to fall back asleep quickly.

Getting your child to sleep during the summer is just as important as getting them to sleep during the school year. To get them to fall asleep during their time off from school, get them to bed and wake them up at the same time, and remind them that waking up throughout the night is nothing to fret about.

#Giveaway Celebrate Summer with Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation + Enter to Win a Hotel Transylvania Prize Pack

Like many, when it comes to the summer and finding those fun family movies to watch in theaters, we like to seek out the ones that everyone can enjoy. So when we heard about the new movie, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, which will be in theaters on July 13th, we were excited to mark the date on our calendars and also add to the excitement by sharing the Hotel Transylvania movies during our family movie night.

With the Hotel Transylvania 1 and 2, my family and I can watch those movies we have enjoyed in the past over and over again as we await the new movie to hit theaters. Where in the movies, we can first get to know the group of monsterous family and friends along with the strange outsider who is introduced to the bunch. We can continue to follow their story in Hotel Transylvania 2 as more members are added to the unique group of family and friends. Along with the movies, we can also enjoy the fun bonus clips which include the Mini Movie, "Goodnight Mr. Foot" and more! Then on July 13th, we can head to our local theater and make it a family movie night out as we watch our favorite group of monsters take off for summer vacation on a luxury monster cruise ship. Where Drac can relax and enjoy catching up on his moon tan, playing games with his friends and family on the ship and more! Making the choice to add the line up from Hotel Transylvania to your summer fun, a choice that you and your family will be glad you made. And to help with your next family movie night, we will be giving one lucky reader their own Hotel Transylvania Prize Pack which will include the DVD's, Hotel Transylvania and Hotel Transylvania 2.

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Product received, thank you to the PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

Go hands-free with the Nuk Simply Natural Freemie Double Electric Breast Pump

All nursing moms know that breastfeeding isn't always a bed of roses, and there are many times when a good breast pump can come in very handy. That is where the new breast pump from NUK comes in. The NUK SImply Natural Freemie Double Electric Breast Pump is truly hands-free pumping. When I opened the box I couldn't believe how small the pump is. You can clip the pump right to your waistband or your belt and you are good to go. The pump comes with three programmable settings to personalize the pump to your body and comfort and also has a timer.

I love that the Nuk included three of the Simply Natural bottles with the Freemie breast pump. The bottles are designed to be as close to mom's nipple as possible. I tried the bottles with my little girl who is three months old and she had no problems drinking from it and transferring right to the breast afterward. I know what a worry it can be for working moms if your baby will take a bottle while you are away and this can potentially allay that concern.

I do recommend taking some time at home to try this pump out before taking it outside and also to watch the instructional video from the company, on how to correctly assemble the Freemie collection cups. I found the video to be extremely helpful. It does take a few hours to charge the pump battery, and the company recommends boiling some of the cup parts, but not all of them before use. Make sure to try it before you take it to work with you. I recommend wearing a loose fitting top and maybe a scarf for pumping at your desk.

I wrote the post while pumping with both hands-free! I also made dinner for the whole family while pumping. I have three kids at home so sitting down to pump is inconvenient. Now I can grab a snack for the older kids while pumping a bottle for later.

Unlike some other breast pump companies, the Nuk Freemie comes with three different sizes of the funnel (the part that goes directly over your nipple) because one size does not fit all. With other brands, if the one that's included doesn't fit, you have to purchase another. Because multiple sizes are included you can try each size on to find the best fit for you, without extra purchases and returns. I call that a win!

Product received, thank you to Nuk and to PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

Summertime With Hood Calorie Countdown

This post was sponsored by Hood as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

When it comes to the summer months and those hot days spent outdoors, we not only enjoy starting our days out with the varieties available from Hood Calorie Countdown, but also making cold treats that the kids can enjoy as well. See, since we started drinking the Hood Calorie Countdown dairy beverages in my house, I found that the selections were a great alternative to the traditional milk and chocolate milk beverages that we had enjoyed. This is because we can get the dairy beverages that offer lower sugar and calorie contents than others we might have gone with in the past. Where with the Hood Calorie Countdown Whole, we get 33% fewer calories, 75% fewer carbs, and 75% less sugar per cup than traditional whole milk. Or where with the Hood Calorie Countdown Chocolate, which happens to be a favorite with my kids, we get 56% fewer calories, 67% fewer carbs, and 75% less sugar than traditional chocolate milk.

Along with those facts that come with making the switch a simple one, I also found that my entire family can appreciate that we can enjoy the dairy beverages from Hood Calorie Countdown in place of the traditional milk, without sacrificing the flavor. This is because the drinks from the Hood Calorie Countdown selection are made from ultra-filtered milk with water, cream, along with other ingredients to give us that delicious and creamy taste minus all of the calories, sugar and carbs. And I can appreciate that when it comes to the Hood Calorie Countdown, that it is made with milk from farms where the farmers pledge to not use any artificial growth hormones. Making it not only a tasty choice to go with but a healthy one all around.

Then when it comes to enjoying the flavors, such as the Hood Calorie Countdown Chocolate, on those hot summer days or during cookouts, we found that the kids can enjoy it frozen! To make these pops, we simply fill the frozen ice pop molds with the Hood Calorie Countdown Chocolate, place them in the freezer for at least 5 hours, then take them out to enjoy and cool down with. Giving the kids a delicious, low calorie, low sugar, and low carbohydrate treat that is made from their favorite chocolate dairy beverage!


And right now, be sure to get your coupon and save $0.75 on your next purchase of Hood Calorie Countdown by going here: http://bit.ly/2DMWamF

Summer Camp Considerations: Can My Child Still Go If They Have a Severe Allergy?

Now that summer is right around the corner, families are starting to think ahead to sending their child off to day camp or sleep-away camp. This is considered to be a rite of passage for many kids. But parents who have children with severe allergies -- to peanut products or plants, for example -- might wonder whether it's even safe to send their child to summer camp. The good news is that it can be done, provided that you conduct some thorough research and take ample precautions. Here's how to make sure the summer camp experience will be a healthy and happy one for your child.

Make sure their records are up-to-date

With so many staff members at any given camp, the best source of information for them will be your child's medical records. At this point, camp staff is likely used to consulting allergy records, as 4% of children under the age of 18 have known food allergies. But you'll need to make absolutely sure that the medical records and prescription information you provide are accurate and clear. You should also go over meal information and camp activities in detail with key staff members -- and get everything in writing -- to ensure that your expectations will be met every step of the way.

Ask about training protocols

When your child is away at camp (particularly if it's in a remote area), you'll need to depend on knowledgeable staff members as the first line of defense in the event of an allergic reaction. Although up to 65% of all ER episodes can be treated in urgent care facilities, an allergic reaction can be a true medical emergency. Therefore, you'll need to assess whether the camp you've chosen is truly up to that task. Any well-run facility should have very specific protocols in place for dealing with allergies and you should absolutely ask what these protocols are. You need to know for certain that these situations are handled as recommended by experts and that you will be notified along every step of the way. You need to know that all staff members are properly trained and will know when to call 911 in case of an attack -- even with medication on-hand.

Visit your doctor beforehand

Although nearly six out of 10 households report that at least one of the residents has gone camping, things become a bit more complicated when you need to bring medication along. To alleviate the possibility of running out of medications or being caught without the right kind, it's important for families to visit their designated doctors well in advance to ensure the camper has everything they need before going off to camp. Considering how difficult many families have found it to find and buy EpiPens at their local pharmacies, you should prioritize this and take care of it ASAP. Since many camps will accept only the EpiPen brand due to differences in training, you may not be able to get away with a generic brand here. Your doctor may be able to provide an EpiPen sample until your prescription is able to be filled, but that won't do when it's time to head off to camp. So give yourself plenty of time to get what your child needs.

It's understandable that you may have concerns about sending your child away to summer camp, regardless of whether or not there are health issues at play. But by planning ahead and asking a lot of questions, you can gain valuable peace of mind and know your child is in excellent hands this season.

Natural Bath Oils To Help Your Kids Sleep

Any mom will know that getting your little ones to sleep can sometimes be problematic. This can have a knock-on effect to how you are feeling, in fact, a survey showed that moms of young children reported feeling tired 14 days out of every month. With every additional child in the house, the probability of not getting enough sleep rose by 50%. No wonder everyone is exhausted. Using natural oils in a bath before bed can help you and your little ones to get more sleep. Even better, these three oils are really good for the skin: natural healing that is great for the whole family.

 

 

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is a really gentle essential oil. Because it is chemical-free, it is perfect for helping you to get to sleep, certainly no hangover feeling the next day! Clinical studies on people with insomnia showed that the use of lavender oil as a sleep aid did indeed improve sleep by 2.5 points on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. It is also excellent for the skin, as a natural antibacterial oil - particularly good for those grubby little monkeys. Lavender has anti inflammatory qualities, great for tired muscles and growing pains. Put a few drops into the bath and your children will be relaxed before bedtime, with soft and beautifully clean skin.

 

Chamomile Oil

 

Chamomile is a natural sedative, it calms the body, slows the heart rate and helps give an overall feeling of relaxation. Roman chamomile has a pleasant fruity smell. It is often used in aromatherapy to relieve stress, as well as help you to sleep better. Chamomile is often used for soothing the skin, and particularly good for eczema. It is so gentle that it’s perfect to help protect baby’s soft and fragile skin. You can also put a few drops of oil in the bath to help relieve and itchy, dry or irritated patches too. Such a good all-rounder.

 

Valerian Oil

 

Like chamomile, valerian is often taken in a tea to help promote good sleep. A few drops of oil in the bath will do the same thing. It can also help the whole family look after their skin. For parents, valerian has been shown to help prevent wrinkles and dryness. For little ones it helps promote healing - it can be used to treat cuts. It also helps with dry patches, giving skin a nice, even tone. 

 

Natural oils that can help everyone sleep better, and give you great looking skin at the same time! These should be a staple in everyone’s bathroom cupboard, good for the whole family.