Adventures in Squirmy Changes.... How to deal

Diaper time, its never been easy in this house,

 since the minute she was born, 

Annabella has much preferred to be sans diaper. 

So when I saw the new Huggies commercial, I instantly found a name for her "The Streaker" 

(that's not to say its the first time she's been called that one!) She much prefers running around naked to a princess dress, and its pretty much for sure that if I take my hands off for a second, she's already up and left the room (don't worry  we diaper change on the floor)

So over these two years, and especially since crawling took over to rolling.

I have come up with some great ways to keep the little ones in place...

1. All hands on deck: If you have an older baby like me, you have probably mastered the art of the one handed diaper change, if not, practice makes perfect, keep one hand holding those legs firmly and DON'T let her move, trust me, they're not gonna move so far as to let you hurt them! 
2. Distractions: Some people think mobiles are for cribs, but when Annabella was an infant you could find it directly above where she was changed. I wound it up and she would just watch the animals going round and round in the circle, she would forget all about getting the diaper changed.
3. Utilize "No": Its a parental word that we have to use and I use it.. a lot. When Annabella gets frisky or seems to not want to listen to a word I say, I tel her 'no' at times this is irrelevant, but most of the time she listens when I tell her this (note: this probably won't work on younger kids)
4. Start Potty Training now: Some people say its to early but in my opinion with a squirmer you can start at about 18 months, that's not to say that you should force them to sit on the potty every few minutes, but let them come in the bathroom when you go, talk about the potty, read books about the potty, planting these seeds will (hopefully) make potty training easier!
5. Oh DADDY!: Annabella is always better for potty related things when Daddy does it, I'm not sure why, but when he changes the diapers she just wants to sit still, if your child is more well behaved for the other parent, then why not put them to use!
6. Songs: Make up a diaper changing song, I have seen some great ones HERE on the diaper swappers forum I make my songs as silly as possible and its lots of fun these days to hear Annabella sing along with me! If you're not that into hearing yourself sing, then just make up a fun rhyme to go along with the change!

If you're super frustrated with diaper changing, just remember potty training is right around the corner.

Be patient and remember that a diaper is probably not a very comfortable thing to wear! Make the changing time fun for the baby and it will make it easier for the both of you! I hope that some of these tips can be used by you and your family! Good luck!

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Huggies blogging program, for a gift card worth $35. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

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StoryTime!

I was read to a lot as a kid.

My family has 'fond' early morning memories of me asking my gramps to "Read the Book?" 

(at times this prompted them to hide the book but I've healed... )

So I'm always excited when I'm offered a kids book to read and share with my daughter.

"Flicka, Ricka, Dicka and Their New Skates" was no disappointment. Its an adorable story about three sisters from Sweden that was originally published in 1950.

This adorable Updated 32 page full color book comes with a sweet set of paper dolls! Its about three girls who get a new set of skates on Christmas morning, when the girls take them out for a spin, they are met with unexpected events that turn them into heroes! 

Annabella loved the book. Even though its reccomended for ages 5-8 (preschool-grade 2) Annabella seemed to enjoy the whole thing (she referred to the girls as princesses). I like reading this book, its great for bedtime, just long enough for Annabella to relax, but not long enough for her to get sick of it. It also isn't exceptionally silly so I don't have to worry about a case of the giggles. Thats not to say it doesn't have a great story and wonderful ending, we have read it as a bedtime story everynight for the last week, her choosing it over two other books! 

I  can't wait to check out the rest of the series. Maj Lindman also wrote a series about three boys names Snipp Snapp and Snur! The books are available on Amazon or through the pulisher HERE

I was sent a copy of "Flicka, Ricka, Dick and Their New Skates" for this review, I received no monetary payment for this review. All the opinions here are 100% mine.

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10 Tips for a Healthy School Year

This year this topic has a double meaning. 

Not only will my little one be in preschool this year, but mama herself will be attending Massage school. So I have been looking hard for some easy, healthy recipes to keep the both of us going for the school year. 

I've found that planning and healthy shopping can help make the transitions easy!

1. The Sneaky Chef: This website is indespensible for getting kids (and adults) to eat healthy, We devour the  Cold Sesame Noodles, and the honey bbq chicken nuggets. They would all be great for a school lunch!
2. Set Limits: Every kid is going to want some snacks. Try out healthy options like fruit leather, my little one is quite sure that the Cliff Z Bars are equal to a chocolate bar!
3. Make Extra, choose dinner options that easily transfer to lunch. Brown rice is good cold, as is roasted chicken. We often will make potatoes here that are great added to a lunch meal. I'll saute veggies leftover from dinner and serve with some soy sauce and leftover rice! Be creative!
4. Cook for the week: I'll make a pasta salad loaded with veggies and serve it every day, I'll mix up the veggies to different ones everyday and add some cheese. Its a big favorite around here, and I can never seem to make enough of it.
5. Get your checkups: Get your well child visits out of the way, make your appointments now, everybody is going to be racing to make their last minute appointments after school begins, if you start them now you'll be ahead of the crowd, and your child won't have to worry about last minute vaccines. Last year Annabella was forced to get four shots in one day because I had to start work. I want to avoid those situations as much as possible
6. Get active: Start exercising together!, its easy to loose track when it comes to homework and school friends and hopefully kids are playing sports. But for the bookworms, try to plan family activities like a weekly hike. Not only is it great exercising, but you can notice all the different Seconal changes that occur!
7. Limit TV: Start limiting hours in front of the television now so that kids are ready to forfeit time in front of the screen for time in front of the books, start family reading hours! Everyone in the family will benefit!
8. Eat Breakfast: It is the most important meal of the day, practice getting up early and cooking whole meals, whether it be a quick oatmeal or some hearty pancakes! Practice getting two to three food groups in! 
9. Get Bedtime in order: Healthy Bedtime routines lead to healthy sleep, experts recommend turning off the television at least an hour before bedtime (hmm great time to get that family reading in?)
10. GO VEG!: Try eating one vegetarian meal a week, its good for you and the environment. Also its EASY! Substitute meat for tofu, or just eat veggies for the night. Want a real challenge? Try going RAW one night a week!

Good luck with the school year! Remember after 30 days it REALLY becomes a habit. So start those habits now and it will be second nature by the time school comes around! Starting these habits are good for not just the school year but good for life!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Transitions Lenses blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here

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Straight-Talk 2 an affordable Cell phone for all

This post brought to you by Straight Talk. All opinions are 100% mine.

hook, line and sinker

I'm pretty sure that all of us have accepted that a cell phone these days is a necessity. The only people I know without cell phones, are probably too young to call anybody on them.  At times I'm even surprised at the young people I see with phones attached to their...... fingers.

Those bills can be high, and when you start adding extras to a phone, they can add up quick. Adding on text messaging, internet, international rates. I use 411 often and because of it I find that my cell phone bill can go through the roof on some months! It just tends to get so expensive paying for cell phone plans these days, not to mention the price of a new phone once if you or your child looses it (OUCH!)

For those of us who hate paying high priced cell phone bills, or are a bit weary of signing on for 2 plus years of a service plan. Or they just don't have the credit to get approved. We have been introduced to the prepaid cell phone. Until recently; a prepaid cell phone meant that you had to buy cards and pay overpriced rates per minute

everything you need

Thankfully there is Straight-talk. With Straight talk you can find a prepaid plan that is right for you or for the member of your family that you are looking for.  And there are no contracts, no surprise bills and no credit checks! The coverage is nationwide and they feature phones from top phone companies!

Unlimited services for calls, text and picture messaging, and web is just  $45 a month!  That's only $499 for a whole year!  That number is not only small in comparison to most phone bills but its won't change so its so easy to budget! You even get 411 at no extra cost! No activation, no reactivation and no termination fee!

Check out their international plans as well!

call a friend

Phones start at just $10, and you can get all the latest feature. Including cameras, music, and instant messaging. To find out more about straight talk head to your nearest Walmart. (Yes Walmart making it easy to pay your bill in cash wherever you are!)

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Star Rock for Kids.... Music for little ones for your little one

Its no secret that Annabella would rather hear a kid sing then she would hear an adult sing.  If you doubt me just put on a kids CD and then put on an adult CD, she'll let you know that she wants 'nother' one.

At times she even does this

"Yo Gabba Gabba Gabba Gaaahhhbba!"

Yes that's right like her mama and daddy, my little Bella is picky when it comes to her music. 

Luckily we find compromises, she loves Reggae of all sorts, and if I throw on some Wu-tang or a little bit of Punk Rock she's happy as a clam.

When I was sent "Star Rock for Kids" I was very excited to share it with Annabella, she was just as happy to get her little ears filled with some new music. And what a relief from the usual CD's that are filled with repetitive songs by some dude who really shouldn't have a recording contract.

I really appreciate that Lisa Dimiani uses real children for her album. In fact there is a entry form where parents can enter their own kids, and have them be on the next "Star Rock for Kids CD" 

The children on the album are talented for sure, hitting notes like the adults that originally preformed the songs. My favorites are the Frank Sinatra "You Make Me Feel So Young" (belted this one out) and Bill Haley and the Comets with "See You Later Alligator" (such a fun song). Had Annabella singing.

This song is edited for kids to a certain point, while they don't swear, I do feel that a few of the songs such as 'Glamorous' (Fergie), "Everytime We Touch" Casandra and "S.O.S." Rhianna . Were a bit inappropriate for a children's CD. But they are easy to skip over in the car, so I had no problem doing that. Obviously with any kids CD you should listen BEFORE you let your kids.

 To find out more about "Star Rock for Kids" check out the website "www.starrockforkids"

I was sent a free copy of  "Star Rock For Kids" for this review, I received no monetary compensation for this review All opinions are my own.

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Dream Big with UPromise

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of UPromise. All opinions are 100% mine.

Everybody has dreams that they want to achieve.

Some are easier then others, and its always refreshing to see an organization that is willing to help people achieve those dreams.

Upromise is a site that helps turn everyday spending into savings for whomever you choose.

They are celebrating 10 years and are teaming up with Sallie Mae with the UPromise Dare to Dream contest!

Enter by telling them about your dream! Post it on their wall at  www.upromisetodream.com   here you can enter your story for a chance to make your dream come true!

I entered my dream which is to finish school and open up a business where everybody can afford to get massage and wellness services. Having this center would not only allow me to help the community but to be able to afford a future for my daughter, and myself. I would love to have a place to grow and to help other people starting careers in this field grow not only professionally but personally by working with people who truly need and appreciate the services that they are receiving because there isn't many affordable places like that.

If you have a dream for yourself or for someone that you know, be sure to enter the Upromise to Dream contest. If you don't, head on over and check out some of the dreams that are listed on the site.

 

For the official rules check out the dream wall official rules

 

 

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Easy Freezer Meals

Some women are homemakers.

They can whip up casseroles, pies and lasagnas that can make your heart sing. They can pull of dinner and keep the house clean, after doing their hair, visiting friends and of course working out.

I can do one or two of those a day. But wouldn't it be nice to have a yummy meal hidden away in the freezer,  a delectable meal that you can just pop in the oven and in an hour or less you're done! 

It all seems intimidating, how to fill a freezer with meals, won't it take just as long to cook diner as it would to make a meal and freeze it? Vegetables taste funny when frozen.

Now, now its all easier then it seems! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Easy Freezer Meals, there are chapters to answer all your freezing questions. Right down to what to do if you have a power outage (ever considered using dry ice to keep that freezer cold?)

Learn how to avoid freezer burn and how long is too long to keep your foods in the freezer.

There are recipes for every meal of the day, breakfast to dessert. 

I love the idea of having appetizers in the freezer just in case some company comes over the "Honey-baked Brie an Croute"  or "Wonton Shrimp" with "Pineapple Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce" are quick ways to impress unexpected  or last minute guests.

"Buffalo" or "Teriyaki" wings are great to keep on hand for quick snacks for after school or when friends stop by to check out a game.

"Spinach Stuffed Shells" or "Shrimp Creole" would be great to bring to a new mom fresh out of the hospital, throw in some instructions and a loaf of bread and hubby can make a quick and delicious meal with little effort.

This book is wonderful as I find most of the  "Complete Idiot's Guide to" books to be (they taught me how to  crochet). Not only does it make it weeknights easy with information on how to cook for a whole month in a weekend. But you also save lots of money and packaging buy buying your items in bulk instead of individually.

So get out your zip-lock baggies and your tin foil, because its time to get that freezer stocked so that you can have some free time on your hands!

I received a free copy of  "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Easy Freezer Meals" for this review. All opinions are  100% mine, I received no monetary compensation for this post

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