Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts

"Raising Little People" - Perfect Mom Shirts #EtsyShopReview

"Raising Little People" - Perfect Mom Shirts #EtsyShopReview



After another long holiday weekend or a trip to the grocery with multiple littles, sometimes as a mom, we don't want to explain...our hair, our outfit, our attitude, etc. Raising little people is a hard job that wears many hats.

This is where finding the perfect mom shirt can help capture our mood - if only for a moment - and maybe even remind us why we do what we do as moms. The Bronzed Boutique Etsy Shop has all of the perfect mom shirts to explain our mood and be cute and comfy at the same time. 

The "Raising Little People" mom shirt is a fantastic reminder of why we referee the sibling disputes, negotiate dinner, and are in constant cleaning mode. We all love our littles and raising them right takes time, effort, and resilience. There is nothing wrong with doing it in a comfortable style with a bit of sass.

These mom shirts are Bella + Canva jersey short crew neck tees that are soft and comfy. The Bronzed Boutique offers several colors and styles. The basic heather gray, black, or white will go with any pair of shorts, jeans or yoga pants to fit your style.

Keep these mom shirts in mind when buying a gift for your favorite mom friend. She offers several other slogans, colors, and styles (I'm totally digging the Golden Girls Squad Goals tee!)


BONUS for My Mom Spark readers can get 15% off by using "MomLife" at checkout!

If you could make a mom shirt slogan, what would your mom shirt say?

Until Next Time,

Katie



This post is sponsored by Southernsupply. All opinions are 100% mine.

Perfect Power Strip for Families #Review



Perfect Power Strip for Families #Review

Is your family as connected as mine? We have devices for everyone, in all sizes, and brands. Keeping everyone charged and connected has become a labor of love, cords, and finding enough power outlets. 

I've tried creating a "technology corner" to keep all devices charging in one place. I've let the kids run off with their own power cords. It just seems there is never a power outlet where we need it or enough of the right types of plugs to accommodate all our devices.

So, when I found the LDNIO 3 Outlet Power Strip with 6 USB Ports.This power strip that has 3 outlets and 6 USB plugs, it seems that I have found a way to extend my family's charging abilities. This handy little power strip is perfect for our office area to keep everyone's laptops charged, plus all the cell phones.

Adding one in the "technology corner" gives all the tablets and kids' laptop a power center that won't overload a standard wall outlet. 

One of my favorite features is the intelligent charging technology that detects when a device is fully charged. It will automatically adapt and allocate power to each USB ports in order to provide the best power efficiency.

Plus, as an Amazon Prime product, it arrives quickly!

Does your family struggle to keep the technologies in your life fully charged?

Until Next Time,

Katie



This post is sponsored by keezzz. All opinions are 100% mine.


10 Reasons Not to Talk About Your Kid on Facebook #GuestPost

We're pretty sure overshare-y new parents are the worst thing to happen to Facebook since our parents. To that end, today's special guest blogger is Alex of Loveawake dating site, a painfully hilarious post dedicated to the parental overshare.

10 Reasons Not to Talk About Your Kid on Facebook #GuestPost


I can't count the number of times I've been on Facebook, shaken my head and thought, "I haven't seen you in 10 years, but I know your infant son is constipated?" or "Where did we meet again? And why do I know that your 4-year-old is still breast-feeding?" 

You don't have to be a parent to overshare, and not all parents do. But to those moms and dads out there telling the world every detail about little Catharyn or Jackson, this list is for you. 

Here are the Top 10 Reasons Not to Talk About Your Kid on Facebook:

1. The Gross-Out Factor / I'm Eating Over Here
Just because you're a parent now doesn't mean you're allowed to gross me out. As tempting as it may be to show the world Mackynzie's potty-training accomplishments, her bathroom habits do not qualify as news. And if what you're eating for lunch can be classified as 'afterbirth,' I don't need to know how it was prepared (or that you ate it at all). Keep your gag-worthy observations to yourself, please.

2. Our Parents Didn't Do It
Our parents' generation didn't make daily announcements to all of their friends about diaper explosions, so why should you? "Because I can" isn't an answer. Tell us what we want to hear: First steps, first 'I Love You's. The nice stuff. Then maybe tell us about you. Your friends miss you.

3. No One Cares 
Everyone is thrilled you've made the ultimate sacrifice and become a parent. But no one is as thrilled as you are. Keep that in mind. 

4. They Will Grow Up to Hate You
There's one sure way to ruin the years of trust you've built with your children, and it's putting their puberty on blast. It is not OK to post about your adolescent daughter's reproductive milestones, nor will your son think it's funny if you joke about his "long showers" on the Internet. 

5. We Don't Want to Go to Jail
Your toddler is in a naked phase, and it's totally healthy and adorable. But creepy perverts don't exclusively visit "pervert Web sites," so keep the crotch shots -- innocent as they may seem -- to a minimum. Thanks. 

6. You Sound Like an A-hole
Don't bring your child to an adults-only event, and definitely don't brag about it on Facebook. Announcing gift registries when you're pregnant or for your kid's half-birthday party over your status is just plain tacky.

7. Uh, Shouldn't You Be Doing Something Else?
If your child accidentally bonks his head or falls off the couch -- especially while you're on the computer -- it's a bad time to update your status. 

8. You're Scaring Us
The girl we were friends with would not upload a birthing video where we can see her "Britney" or photographs of her newborn's "exit." You are frightening your friends. Who are you?

9. It's Just Weird 
Starting a Facebook page for your kid is as weird as starting one for your cat. I don't want 8-week-old Elijah to "comment" on my status about health-care reform. And please stop using sonograms or pictures of your kid as your profile image. It's one thing to post a picture of the two of you together; it's another for your identity to completely disappear the minute you get pregnant. 

10. Your Child Comes Off as Annoying
Less is more. I'm happy to hear about your child, but using Facebook as a prop to remind me of his every development ("OMG, Aiden just rolled onto his back!!") kind of makes me resent him. Not to mention, why would I want to babysit your rambunctious toddler when I know he prefers to poop in the grass? Some things are better left unsaid. 

My Top 5 Kitchen Tools for Busy Moms + Pampered Chef #Giveaway

My Top 5 Kitchen Tools for Busy Moms + Pampered Chef #Giveaway

We are finishing up the final stages of a kitchen remodel. Through this process, I have slowly purged old kitchen wares that were broken, old, or just never used. Wanting my new kitchen to be stylish, functional, and efficient for our family’s needs, I’ve slowly updated (or upgraded) the types of tools and equipment. 

But, as a busy mom…I need those kitchen tools that make life in the kitchen quick, easy, and family-friendly!

One tried-and-true place to find the right stuff for your kitchen is Pampered Chef. I remember growing up with my mom hosting Pampered Chef parties. Now, you can host a party…or just order online (which fits my schedule after everyone is in bed). Pampered Chef is a fantastic place to get all of those updated (or upgraded) kitchen tools to make your busy mom life a little bit easier. 
  
Here are a few of my favorite Pampered Chef items that every busy mom needs in her kitchen:
PSSST….keep reading for the details about our giveaway of one of these PamperedChef items. Details are below.

ROCKCROK® 2.5-QT. SLOW COOKER SET
Every busy mom needs a slow cooker, crockpot. These handy-dandy sets allow you to throw all of your ingredients into the pot, turn it on, and go. Six to eight hours later, dinner is served. For those with multiple kids on multiple eating schedules, a crockpot keeps everything warm and ready when they are ready to eat!






BASIC KITCHEN TOOL SET
No kitchen is complete without a basic tool set. With this Pampered Chef set, it has all of the coated knives, spoons, spatulas, and cutting mats that you need. One set gives you all the basics. It is a great starter kit for new cooks, but also works for those busy moms who need to have a quick make-over of all the basic tools. Throw out those old, cracked, basic black kitchen utensils and add a pop of color with these.




ROCKCROK® CASSEROLE
For any busy mom, a close second to the crockpot is the trusty casserole dish. It works for large families, easy one pot dinner recipes, or even for the neighborhood potluck on the weekend. Every family needs a casserole dish that is dishwasher safe, comes with a tightly fitting lid, and is large enough to feed the family. {Sneak Peek – Win the RockCrok Casserole dish – details below!}





SILICONE COLLAPSIBLE STEAMER & STRAINER
A hallmark of a busy mom’s kitchen is the fact that it serves a multitude of purposes. This silicone collapsible steamer and strainer is a space saver and serves multiple functions. Throw out that clunky old colander and equally clunky steamer add-on. Combine the functions of both tools with this one tool that is flexible and collapsible to take up less space in your cabinets. 





SALAD & BERRY SPINNER
My kids love their fruits and veggies, but mom is the one who cleans them. This spinner is a fun way to have the kids help with cleaning their fruits & veggies. Plus it is much faster than washing everything by hand!

There you have it! A few of my favorite Pampered Chef items to help busy moms in the kitchen. 





Now for the good stuff…below is a fantastic giveaway offered by Pat, a PamperedChef consultant. She is generously raffling off a RokCrock Casserole dish for one lucky My Mom Spark reader.

Follow the instructions below in our Rafflecopter giveaway tool and grab all the chances you can for this exclusive My Mom Spark giveaway.

RockCrok Casserole Pan Giveaway


Expires at 11:59pm CST on Sunday July 22nd. Drawing for winner will be announced July 23rd and contacted by our giveaway sponsor – Pat with Pampered Chef.

Get started with 5 entries for commenting on this post by answering this question:
What Pampered Chef item is on the top of your kitchen wish list?


Don't Forget: Pampered Chef has great recipe books, cooking tips online, and great gift ideas for others in your life. Their grilling sets are masculine and durable. Their wedding gift ideas are sleek and classic – perfect for the new bride & groom. 

Thank you for reading My Mom Spark. Be sure to subscribe by email to stay up-to-date on the latest updates!

Until Next Time,

Katie

Large Coloring Posters for Tons of Fun from ColoringPages #Etsy Shop Review

Large Coloring Posters for Tons of Fun

There was nothing I loved more as a child than coloring. Crayons, markers, pencils, I remember spending hours at the table carefully choosing the right color for the next section of my newest creation.

Now, as a mom, I love the days my kiddos pull out their coloring box to create a new picture for me. But as they've gotten older, the coloring books have become a little too childish for them. So, I'm so happy to have found some unique coloring pages where they can choose something that fits their current interests.

Etsy Shop - ColoringPages - provides a selection of fun and whimsical coloring posters that you can download and print for tons of fun. When printed, posters measure approx 16.5x23.4 inches so they are larger than standard coloring pages for more hours of fun!

Etsy shop owner, Moria, started this shop with another mom to give kids coloring page designs they are sure to love. They even surveyed families to find the right designs that everyone will love.

For my oldest, combining unicorns and donuts is guaranteed to make her smile. This Unicorn in Candy World is definitely a winner for us!

Do your kids love to color?

Until next time,

Katie



This post is sponsored by architrack. All opinions are 100% mine.

Quick Tips for Preparing Your Family for a New Pup

Quick Tips for Preparing Your Family for a New Pup




So, you’ve decided to get a dog for your family! Congratulations! It is a quintessential part of the American dream, right? A four-legged furry family member to love and adore with wags and kisses. 

If you had asked me a year ago, I would’ve told you that I’m not much of a “dog person”. However, with one kid begging for a pet (and old enough for the responsibility) and the other allergic to cats, we embarked on the journey of finding the right dog for our family.


Quick Tips for Preparing for a New Pup

Find the right space in your home for a crate. 
Crate training is a must for a well-behaved dog. Choose a crate for your home that will fit your pup when she is full grown. I like to have a collapsible crates that is easy to clean – especially in those first days of your puppy adapting to her new home.
 



Fill the crate with cuddly (but washable) bedding. 
We all want our pups warm and secure at night or while we are away. Take an old t-shirt to put in with her while you are gone.

Establish a regular schedule for health habits. 
Get in the habit early of establishing those routine cues that help your pup know when it is time to eat, time to go outside, and time to go to bed. Feeding schedules help with a regular bathroom schedule. Be sure not to feed your pup too close to bedtime to avoid messy crates or a midnight wake up call. Remember to reward to behavior you want with treats! Find Healthy Dog Food Options

Find a vet who can help you monitor your new pup’s healthy growth milestones. 
Be a responsible pet parent. Get your new family member properly vaccinated and well acquainted with your local veterinarian. The local vet’s office is a great place to make sure your new-found friend is happy, healthy…and if he were to ever gets lost a great resource for Fido making it back home.


Plan for your pup’s grooming and hygiene. 
Depending on your pup’s breed, you may need to have grooming items on hand for daily care. Three must-have items for your new pup include:

* A dog brush or one of those cool gloves that have the brush teeth are handy (ha! Pun intended!)
Nail clippers keep those claws from scratching up your hardwood floors.
Organic shampoo is gentle on Fido’s skin and coat.

Choose a variety of chew toys….and save your shoes! 
A teething pup is your shoe collection’s worst nightmare. Keep you Jimmy Choo’s safe with a variety of chew toys to fit your dog’s mouth, challenge his attention, and meets his mood. We keep a few soft toy’s with squeekers (p.s. Hear Doggy Flatties with Chew Guard Technology Dog Toy has a silent squeaker and is awesome!) plus a few of the Kong ® Brand chews on hand. If you fill the Kong chew toys with treats or peanut butter, it will keep your pup busy for hours!

Assign roles and responsibilities. 
This is a great way to share responsibilities and for young kids to take part in chores of taking care of your new pup. Part of adding a furry four-legged family member to our household was clear cut responsibilities. We have clear rules and rotations for who is responsible for which pet chore each day.  It has made my transition to being a doggy mommy so much more enjoyable.

Need more ideas...check out these Must Have Dog Supplies  


Adding to your family is a fun and exciting time! Embrace this change like each new phase of your own children’s lives. A pet can create wonderful memories and bonds for the kids, the dog, and the parents. 

Remember, a dog is a commitment. Don’t take it on lightly. Take your time finding the right family member. We took over a year to finally decide on our Giovanni Winston. 


Until next time,

Katie


Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links which means, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only share links of products that I trust. All opinions on My Mom Spark are 100% mine.


How to Deal with Baby Sleeping Issues #GuestPost

Remember the struggles of getting into a good sleep routine with your newborn? It is always great to find sound advice from experts - like those at babypillars.com. Today's guest post shares some great tips on how to deal with your baby sleeping issues.

How to Deal with Baby Sleeping Issues

For new born babies it is well known and expected that they will get up many times at night. Newborn babies that are just now entered the world need their time to adjust, adopt and realize and gain good sleeping habits. For more mature babies this is not the case and they should sleep through the night.

A lot of new parents have a lot of questions regarding baby care, questions like: How to take a baby to sleep? When do babies crawl? What are infant growth spurts? and much more. In this short article we will try to explain and go over things that might be affecting your baby sleeping patterns and what can you do as a parent differently.

Pre-fixed patterns and routines

Your new born baby needs fixed patterns. Your newborn biological clock is not yet set up and if you don’t set a well-known and well establish routine for your newborn they will find it difficult to settle down or to fall asleep. We as parents must follow a fixed pattern in our day by day care of our baby. When you maintain fixed day by day patterns, when they eat, when you play together, when they sleep, they will almost automatically begin to understand when they are supposed to play, when to sleep and so on.

"Start a routine as soon as possible. Help your baby by setting a routine and follow the routine as much as possible"

Sleep during the day

It is very important that you will track your baby sleeping patterns and the times they sleep during the day.  A lot of times sleeping issues in babies' accrue at night and that is because your baby is not tired enough due to long period of sleeping time during the day. You must play with your baby sufficiently to make him or her tired by the end of the day so they will fall asleep due to tiredness and natural fatigue.

"Help your baby in discovering new stimulates and habits during the day that will help them sleep soundly at night"

It varies with the age of your baby, but in any case try not to take your baby to long naps during the day. A baby who is just a few months old should at the most sleep for an hour at a time. For a new born baby that is about 0-3 months old they should sleep for a longer periods of time and up to three hours. Don’t allow your baby to sleep as much as they want during the day. If you do so you are just maintaining their sleeping issues and they are sure to have problems at night time.

The outdoors

It is a best practice as they say to take your baby somewhere during the day. You can take your baby to a family or friend’s house, or even to a park. Your baby would love the change to be stimulated by the environment in which he or she is in. For newborn babies try to find an environment that is not full with a wide range of stimulates rather just a few, a large and hectic shopping mall is not the best place for your little one.

"Nature and the outdoors is a great place to stimulate your baby"

Conclusion

Your baby sleeping habits can be affected by a lot of things that are surrounding them. By keeping a close eye on your baby sleeping patterns, by instilling patterns and routines and by playing and stimulating them during the day you can change your newborn sleeping patterns and issues and teach your newborn baby to sleep through the night.


Loving Traditions To Express Your Love To Your Mom #GuestPost

It's Mother's Day weekend and there are so many ways to make the moms in your life feel special. Here is our weekend guest post by Dr. M Clayson with some ideas on how to show your mom she is loved on Mother's Day.

Loving Traditions To Express Your Love To Your Mom 

We don't need to wait for a specific day to express our love to our moms because they deserve to feel it everyday! But if you do something special for your mother it will defiantly make her happy. What you will do on this Mother's day. This is the time to show your love and remind all the hard work our moms.Mothers do everything for her kids. 

Show her that you care and pay attention to her and you are not a vacant vessel lacking sentiments, emotions or feelings. Tell your mom how much you care and concern for her. The precise words can brighten her day.

It doesn't take much to express our mom appreciation and love. 

You can express your love and gratitude to her by doing simple things for her that she likes, like taking her out, making her a cup of coffee in the morning, cooking her favorite food once in a while, and going to the salon which is her favorite. Be expressive and emote your feelings very often. You can make special cards, cooked for her, write poems, surprise her with gifts and more. Moms love homemade gifts mostly.

Nordstrom brings you the great ideas and gifts for your mom. Use Nordstrom.com coupons to shop items on great price.You love your mom. She will love this stuff. Easy as that!

  • You can use codes to shop bags, bath & body sets, body cream & lotions, boots, candles, bracelets & bangles, brushes for eye, phone cases, rings, shirts, dresses, skin care products, slipper, mugs & tea cups, watches, books, hand phones, gift cards, fragrances and much more. Order now and make the day about her. Ask her what she wants to get and get it for her.Express your love with a gift. It’s not about the money, it's the emotion. 
  • You can also give her flowers and feathers vase because she needs something to put those flowers in.Buy some nice and classy dresses for your mom. A casual Petra bag is good if she has stuff to carry. She will use it every day.
  • You don't always have to purchase something to express your feelings. A meaningful gesture can do this for you.Get her a gift from your heart, one that connects to her heart. You can give her an old photo of the two of you framed.

Get gifts for her and remind her how much you love and appreciate her, always. She deserves this. 

You can never do enough to show your mom how grateful you are but you still try because you know there is nothing better than a smile on my mom's face.Our mother is our best friend and security blanket!It would be really hard if she is not around helping us. You can express your love to her by doing simple things for her that she likes. Always say thank you to her, for all her love and do something specific to her, something that really shows you care!

Mother's day is great,to show your mom love but don't wait! Show love anytime, she deserve to get care and love from you everyday. 

Lilly Pilly Baby – Organic Gear for Moms & Babies #Review

Lilly Pilly Baby – Organic Gear for Moms & Babies



There is no denying the organic parenting trend that is happening on all fronts right now. The focus on reducing chemicals in the products we use has been stronger in recent years than ever before. While big corporate brands have found shortcuts to producing more products at lower costs, they have sacrificed customer safety and health.

I love seeing the movement of consumers making a stand for getting what is right and natural in the products we use. We shouldn’t sacrifice our own health to save costs for these big corporate brands.

So when I see entrepreneurs promoting the organic and green options for products we need and use as mothers for our babies, I love sharing with you. Lilly Pilly Baby is an online boutique focused on bringing you’re the best selection of organic and green living mom and baby items. From cloth diapers to baby carrying wraps to adorable children’s clothes.

Everything in this shop is perfect for baby shower gifts or to stock up on your own supplies for your little ones. Stop by and let the owners at Lilly Pilly Baby know you heard it on My Mom Spark.

Do you make it a point buy organic items for you or your kids?

Until Next Time,

Katie






























This post is sponsored by Lilly Pilly Baby. All opinions are 100% mine.

Love Your Pregnancy with Essential Prenatal Yoga by Yoginiology #Review

Love Your Pregnancy with Essential Prenatal Yoga by Yoginiology


Do you do yoga or take classes? For me, I love a good yoga workout. It stretches, strengthens, and centers my mind. I wish I had known more about the benefits of yoga when I was pregnant with both of my children. For the most part, I had easy pregnancies. However, exercising during pregnancy can be hard to find motivation and energy. 

I do believe if you can find a way to stay motivated to exercise it will help ease your pregnancy. Yoga is a great way to get the benefits of extra stretching and strengthening as your body is going through massive changes.

Essential Prenatal Yoga by Yoginiology is an online prenatal yoga class for expectant moms. Founded by Julie Schoen after discovering how much better she felt physically and mentally during her first pregnancy. Julie is a mom of 3 who takes her passion for yoga and motherhood to help expectant mothers embrace and love their bodies during pregnancy. 

You can learn to love your pregnancy through these prenatal yoga classes. Simply sign up at Yoginiology’s Prenatal Yoga page. Hear more about Julie’s story and get started on your prenatal journey to loving your pregnancy.

What prenatal workouts helped you through your pregnancy?

Until Next Time,

Katie
























This post is sponsored by Julie Schoen. All opinions are 100% mine.

Maximus' Sweet – Lactation Cookies for Breastfeeding Moms #Review

Maximus' Sweet – Lactation Cookies for Breastfeeding Moms

For new moms, the information about breastfeeding is plentiful. There is a lot to think about when you are breastfeeding. Nutrition for you and your baby is top of mind during the months you are breastfeeding your baby. What about your supply? Managing your supply and making sure your milk supply stays as long as you choose to breastfeed is important.

Madelaine at Maxiumus’ Sweet Etsy store sells lactation cookies that help stimulate your supply so you can continue breastfeeding as long as it is right for you and your baby. These lactation cookies are all made to order with high quality ingredients. Each order comes with 22 cookies and recommended to eat cookies per day.

Born out of her necessity to maintain her supply during a stressful time during her newborn’s first year, Madelaine has perfected her recipe of lactation cookies so they are delicious and packed with the exact ingredients to stimulate your supply.  She even has a dairy free/vegan cookie for those moms with allergies or babies with allergies.

Have you ever tried lactation cookies?

Until Next Time,

Katie





























This post is sponsored by Madelaine. All opinions are 100% mine.

Changing Seasons – Time to Update the Kids Wardrobe in an Affordable Way

Changing Seasons – Time to Update the Kids Wardrobe in an Affordable Way at Lil Jelly Beans Online Consignment Shop


Finally spring is here! Weather is warming up. My kids are chomping at the bit to start wearing shorts every day to school. As the weather starts to change, I know its time to switch out wardrobes and update our warm weather clothing ensembles.

Thank goodness for Lil Jelly Beans – an online consignment shop where you can find fashionable and affordable kids clothes. Literally there tag line is “Designer clothes at family prices”. 

What mom or dad wouldn’t want that? 

I love searching through Lil Jelly Beans website for clothes. They have boys, girls, and maternity clothes. Plus, shoes for those fast growing feet of your little one. Lil Jelly Beans combines the ease of online shopping with the perfect prices of going to a consignment shop. I can’t wait to grab some essential springtime clothes for my kiddos.

...and don't forget to look into how to consign those clothes your little one has out grown. They have a consignor program so you can get some cash back on those old clothes. See Lil Jelly Beans' How to Sell Items for more details.

Do you shop consignment shops? Have you tried them online?

Until Next Time,

Katie
























This post is sponsored by Lil Jelly Beans. All opinions are 100% mine.

 
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