I Made my 6-year-old Eat Soap

And I’m not afraid to admit it!

My husband and I are pretty cautious when it comes to using foul language around ANY body. Some people think we’re old school, I prefer to think that we have high-morals. Regardless … it’s just the right thing to do. Don’t get me wrong, I have the mouth of a sailor. But never around children. Mainly when I’m driving – sans my children.

So you can see how it can come to a shock that our six-year-old has been using some language that we find very inappropriate but I’ll get to that in a minute. In our home, we’ve never said "fart". It’s always been toot. And no I don’t think "fart" is a bad word. It’s just a word I don’t like. And I don’t like hearing it … figuratively and literally. But they’re boys. My boys definitely have their fair share of toots. And we definitely giggle a lot about it.

Parenting ... and Me ...

Me, Parenting…..

Don't throw that!
Don't climb on that!
Don't eat that!
Don't sit on your brother!
Don't touch that!


Also…..


Stop Running!
Hurry Up!

Sit Down!
Stand Up!

I Caught Santa ... Will You? (Plus a Giveaway)

I totally caught Santa sleeping on our sofa!!! Pretty sure my kids will be believers for life after seeing the photo when they wake up Christmas morning!

And now you can catch Santa in your house on Christmas Eve also!

Imagine the look of wonder and surprise when your child receives a photo of Santa and/or Rudolph caught in the act in his or her very own home.

What is it?
ICaughtSanta is a unique website that helps visitors create those memorable keepsake photos.
A Houston-native, Steven Lockhardt has found a way to catch Santa's magic in the act and create lasting memories for your family.
Lockhardt's inspiration came to him one year when he, like many families, realized he forgot something and ran to complete his "Santa duty", quickly eating cookies and drinking milk at 5:30 in the morning. That's when the idea of "I caught Santa" was born.

A Letter to my Son on his 6th Birthday...

Dear Cassius,

My sweet, sweet 6 year old boy who is now a Kindergartner. You made it, dude! You’ve waiting all these years to ride the bus to Kindergarten and you’re finally there. I hope that it’s everything you hoped it would be and more. The fact that you are excited to wake up in the morning to go to school makes me think that you’re having the best time! You’re rockin Kindergarten babe. I knew you would! It only gets better too. I promise.

Today is your 6^th birthday. I have a six-year-old. I can’t possibly be that old can I? When I look at you … I don’t always see a tall and skinny six-year-old boy. Sometimes I see you in your past ages as well. I see you as a newborn, struggling to breathe but fighting so hard to get those lungs moving. Then I see a blonde little toddler looking up at his dad as they play Rock Band together (you with your fake guitar). I see a pint sized version of his daddy running down the hallway on Christmas morning to start looking for his name on the presents. I see an ornery little boy singing KISS louder than the stereo can go up. And then I see a handsome Kindergartner, putting his folder in his backpack, tying his shoes, and grabbing his lunchbox before heading out the door to catch the bus.

Save 25% on the new MommyMDGuides to Losing Weight and Feeling Great

I’ve been trying to lose weight for the past several years. I have this issue of loving food more than I love my health evidently and I’m finally starting to get the right mindset to help me lose this weight.

I was recently contacted by a PR company asking if I’d be interested in reviewing a guide to losing weight and obviously I couldn’t turn down advice on this subject. It’s not just the number on the scale that matters … it’s a way of life. And I need all the willpower and help I can get!

The Mommy MD Guide to Losing Weight and Feeling Great is the fourth book in the successful Mommy MD Guides book series. This new book features more than 700 tips that 50 doctors who are also mothers use to slim down, shape up, fight fatigue, boost mood, look great, and live better!

Help the TMNT get in to the National Toy Hall of Fame!

What was the top costume you saw this Halloween season? I don’t know about where you live but I’m pretty sure I saw every Ninja Turtle.

Since the late 90's, the Turtles have been mainstays of pop culture. In fact … I don't think they've ever been off TV or out of the comic book stores.

When the toys started to become popular again, a piece of me wanted my boys to get into the very same thing that I played with when I was a kid. My oldest is all about superheroes and old school toys so I was sure this would catch on and stick. But it just didn’t. And that’s ok. He is a mini clone of his Dad and my husband was too old for TMNT by the time they released (he’s 9 years older than me).

Review & Giveaway: Zapp Xtra by Quinny

Finding a stroller that fits your personal needs is not an easy task, especially when it comes to traveling. Who wants to lug that big ol’ stroller around a busy airport only to have to fold it back up once you’re ready to catch your flight? I know I don’t! And how aggravating is it to have a stroller take up half the room in the trunk meaning that you’re going to have to pack a few less pairs of shoes. Definitely not me.

We are the (proud) owners of a Hyundai Sonata. Which is great on gas mileage for our many roadtrips … but not so great when it comes to week long vacations that require extra packing, and of course a stroller for the toddler. Luckily after reviewing the new Quinny Zapp Xtra stroller, I’ve found a solution to not only the airport dilemma, but also the trunk space/shoe dilemma.

With its sleek, modern design and compact fold with seat attached, the Quinny® Zapp™ Xtra with Folding Seat is ready to go wherever life takes you. When used with either the Maxi-Cosi Prezi® or Mico® infant car seats, your child can profit from the exceptional ease of use of the Quinny® Zapp™ Xtra with Folding Seat from birth. The Quinny Zapp™ Xtra with Folding Seat lets you enjoy a hassle-free life with your child. Its reversible and reclining seat allows you and your child to travel your way.

October Ocean Adventures at SEA-Life Kansas City

SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium is getting into the Halloween spirit by treating its customers to an October Ocean Adventure, complete with underwater pumpkin carving and the new dive com.

Every Saturday and Sunday during the month of October, divers will suit up in their skeletal diving gear and treat guests to a fun adventure while the aquarists interact with the sharks and show off their mad pumpkin carving skills.

Bash and the Pirate Pig BOOK REVIEW

While my son is only five … he has been into chapter books since he was four. It started with a scooby doo book and ever since then, he’s been a chapter book kind of kid. Obviously he’s just learning to read so obviously I am the reader of these books so, in all honest, the chapter books we read together have to keep me entertained as well! But we love reading the books and then using our imaginations as to what the characters look like, what they’re doing, etc.

So when BH Publishing contacted me about reviewing their newest chapter book, Bash and the Pirate Pig by Burton Cole … the name alone had us hurrying up to finish our current read.
_______________________________________________________

It's Time for a Tech Timeout. You up for the Challenge?

Have you seen one of those ecards that says, "Wow, Honey. The house is clean! Was the internet down today or something?" It makes me laugh. My family use to be that way. The only way I could get dishes done or the house swept was to let my kids sit in front of the TV and watch what they want to watch.

I will be the first to admit that I am pretty addicted to anything technology related. And I also consider myself pretty tech-savvy. I just bought myself a new cell and I find the night passing by as I download new apps, play with the new apps, and bury my head with all the new games I’ve downloaded.

But I’m not the only one. My boys are three years apart and with that age range comes a LOT of fighting. They fight over toys, they fight over food, they fight over who gets the last grape. But the thing they fight over the most is…. Yep, you guessed it. The television. The (almost) 3-year-old wants to watch monster truck movies while the (almost) 6-year-old wants to watch the Avengers. It’s a constant battle. I’m talking knockdown, claw the face, kick you in the head battle.

Pariotism & Family Values at KC's Favorite Fall Tradition

Did you know that Foursquare recently ranked Kansas City as one of the top ten "most patriotic cities in America"? According to The Examiner, "children learn patriotic attitudes from their parents." While you could tell your kids about patriotism, they might best understand by seeing it in action.
On September 28, 2013, the American Royal, one of Kansas City’s longest running fall traditions will provide a fun and vivid example of patriotism, public service and good old-fashioned family values with the 88th annual parade themed "A Star Spangled Salute".

LEGOLAND KC and SEA LIFE KC Aquarium Annual Pass Special

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City and SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium are running a September Annual Pass special that allows guests to visit either attraction all year long for only $40 per pass per attraction. This is $15 off the regular Annual Pass price!

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center Annual Pass allows unlimited admission inside LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City for 12 months and priority entry into the attraction. Annual Pass holders will also receive a 20% discount on all purchases inside the LEGO Café and a 10% discount on all products inside the LEGO Store.

Pleygo: A Netflix-like rental service for Lego® sets (+ 1-Month FREE subscription!)

If you're a boymom ... you're stepping on lego's in the middle of the night (or day for that matter). And at the time, you are madder than a wet hen in a tote sack - whatever the heck that means - I just know it sounds like you're really mad.  But when it comes down to it ... those lego's also keep your little man busy long enough for you to get dishes, and if you're lucky, the laundry done.

I don't know about your dude, but I know mine builds so many sets, he starts to get bored with the same ones. But they get sooooo expensive and I hate buying them when it's not a birthday or Christmas. Obviously we could always borrow or exchange with the neighbors ... but then we may end up losing a piece and what good is a pirate ship without the skull flag?And then came along my sanity savior and my son's boredom buster.
The kind people at Pleygo are generously working with USFG bloggers and letting us try out a free 3-month subscription to their service and I can't WAIT to get started!

Fall Maternity Clothes from MomoBaby.com

When it comes to fashion … you can never go wrong with classic pieces. The same is true about maternity clothes. I absolutely loathed shopping for maternity clothes because what I would’ve word when I was non-preggo … looked absolutely horrid on me. So I vowed that I’d stay open minded when it came to trying on maternity clothes.

When it comes to classic, stylish, timeless, chic, and affordable maternity clothes … Momo Baby has you covered. Literally.

Consumers that want comfortable, healthy and stylish choices in baby foot wear and baby food storage and diaper bags turn to Momo Baby online products. Momo Baby is the essential store for those seeking options for babies, toddlers, and maternity mommies that want to wear something special for a birthday or something unique each day.

$100.00 Kohl's Gift Card from GiftCardRescue.com

The Procrastinating Mommy is happy to join Adventures of 8 and Blog with Mom in a new Advertise with Bloggers Event!

How many gift cards do you have sitting around? Do you have gift cards to stores or restaurants that you either don't visit often or are not near you? Well, stop letting that money just sit around, instead go to GiftCardRescue.com and turn that unwanted gift card into cash or into the gift card that you could use! Cool, right?

GiftCardRescue.com’s mission is to assist you in getting something from your cards. The company buys gift cards from those who don’t want them and sells them to those who would use them.

You have two options, you can sell your gift cards and get up to 90% cash back or you can save from 4% up to 30% on discounted gift cards to over 350 national merchants. Plus, GiftCardRescue.com guarantees that all transactions are backed by the best customer support team in the industry.

Mix Things Up at Girl's Night In with Mommy Tonic (& Giveaway)

When was the last time you had a girl’s night in? When was the last time you DESERVED a girl’s night in?

The bags under our eyes and the roots showing on the top of our heads are a cruel reminder that we seldom make time to indulge ourselves. Regardless of the number of children you have, you’re a busy mom who is spending every waking moment making sure the laundry is done, the kid(s) fed, the husband is happy, the dishes are clean, and, and… the list goes on.

As much as we love our husband and our kid(s), we all know that it’s nice to get out of the house, enjoy a couple drinks, eat junk food, and hang loose with the girls.

Plus … I honestly feel it’s healthy for you as well! It renews energy and patience levels and gives you a chance to forget all about what’s next on the "to do" list and what appointments you have coming up which rids the body of those nasty stress toxins – temporarily. It’s always nice to know that other people out there share the same pain as you. And that you are in fact, a normal mom!

The Love Dare for Parents Review & Giveaway

My husband and I are always questioning whether or not we’re raising our boys the right way and doing the right thing. We make promises to quit raising our voices and offer more communication and understandings. We’ve made sure that our boys know what it means to pray and that even though it may not seem like it at the time, God is ALWAYS paying attention and listening. To us, it’s a great bonding experience to have conversations about God and the power of prayer. But just because we talk often about Him, doesn’t make us good parents. And we’re definitely works in progress!

So when I found out that I was going to have the chance to review "The Love Dare for Parents "by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick thanks to BH Publishing Group, I couldn’t wait to receive my copy and get started with the challenge! The Kendrick brothers are the makers behind the films Fireproof and Fly Wheel and are authors of the New York Time’s best seller "The Love Dare" – which has sold more than 5 million copies!

Avoiding the Summer's Heat with Netflix Family

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Netflix.
 

We’ve hit that part of the summer when I’ve run all out of ideas to keep my boys busy and it’s just too hot to walk over to the neighborhood pool because we all know that eventually … we’re going to have to make that (what seems like) never-ending walk back home.

A couple months ago I admitted that I sometimes use Netflix as a babysitter. I was giggling at some of your responses and it also made me realize that I. Am. A. Normal. Mother.
Especially during the summer when we’re cooped up inside and have painted everything but the walls (which if I don’t keep my toddler busy long enough … would eventually happen).

"PING" - And there it was...

I’ve been struggling with the fact that my oldest is starting Kindergarten in a little over a month. Like, struggling bad. I hyperventilate, drink a lot of wine, cry myself to sleep, get teary-eyed just thinking about it.

I finally just started to get past it and build myself up so when it came time for orientation, I would be ready (because Lord knows, he already is!).

And then I received this and it hit me like a ton of bricks! AL-FRICKIN-READY?!?
Slow down Unified School District!! Quit trying to steal my baby away from me!!!

 

How many People with ADHD does it take to...

Every day is chaos and confusion. I have two boys. But then you throw a husband with diagnosed ADHD in the room, and you’ll understand why I self-medicate with the fruits from the Gods (aka Moscato).

I often make fun of being married to a man with ADHD and make jokes about it. It’s the only way I know how to express what it’s like. And cope.

I say things like: "Wanna know how many people with ADHD it takes to screw in a lightbulb?"

"How many?"

"Want to go ride a bike?"

So imagine these types of conversations, every day, all day long.

Now imagine being married to someone like this.

When we first started dating, I honestly wasn’t sure if I could be with him. This was before he told me he had ADHD. But I hated that every time I tried to have a conversation with him, it went into a completely different subject. And I’d often ask him, "How did we get here in our conversation?" But to him, we had been on the same wave link the whole time. I just thought he wasn’t interested in what I had to say … EVER.

I Have a Date Tonight....

It’s been awhile since I’ve been on a date with him.

He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. He has sandy brown hair, light blue – almost gray – eyes and a smile that makes my heart flutter. No joke … he still does this. Regardless of the number of times he’s upset me to the point of crying.

Our date actually started today. We played in the rain and laughed and giggled until our stomachs hurt. I try to be cool … but sometimes he just makes me turn into a kid again.

Tonight though ... is our real date. We’re going out to dinner and a movie later. His choice.

During the movie I plan to have one eye on the screen and the other one on him. I can’t help it. He’s just so handsome and I can’t believe he’s mine.

Life Insurance for Women: Why is it Important?

Last month I mentioned the buzz over the rise of women and the decline of men. That’s not saying that more women are being born than men … no. Currently, the percentage of women in the workplace is at an all-time high! But what we’re finding out that’s concerning, is that a high percentage of those women working do not have life insurance or do not have enough. And the scariest stat of all: Most of those women are mothers!

Information for this post is sourced from Genworth Financial in partnership with the SheHeard Influencer Network. All opinions are my own.

In Case You Ever Wondered....

Disclaimer: Yes the children in this video are mine - as far as I know anyway. They groove just like me!

July Instagram Photo Challenge

Are you on Instagram?  If not … what are you waiting for??  Surely you’ve caved and switched to a SmartPhone by now, right?  I urge you to get on it, download the Instagram app, and start taking pics!  It’s a great way to showcase the beautiful state you live in, your recent travels, your amazing family, etc.

If you don’t already know, I’m a blogger over at Traveling Mom as their traveling mom with toddlers expert.  And I LOVE it.  We are an awesome group of traveling women who know their stuff! Check out our new website!

Anyway, last month we did a June Photo Challenge on Instagram and it was a big hit!  Thank goodness other people out there aren’t such slackers because I pooped out in the second week. Shame on me!

Luckily, I have another chance.

SEA LIFE Aquarium in KC Debuts "SEA LIFE Academy"

Ever felt an alive Sea Star or a Sea Urchin or come nose to nose with a shark? I have. And you can too at the SEA LIFE Aquarium next to LEGOLAND in Crown Center.

SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium opened in April 2012. SEA LIFE Kansas City takes visitors on an enthralling two hour journey from the fresh waters of the Missouri River, into the mighty Mississippi River then out into the warm blue coral strewn waters of the Caribbean Sea, ending in the deep dark abyss of the Atlantic Ocean. Prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from humble starfish and seahorses to graceful rays. In addition, a stunning centerpiece is a huge tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel. To get any closer you’d have to get wet!

For my Dad on Father's Day...

I remember you building snowmen and forts in the snow. I remember you teaching me how to ride my bike. I remember you bringing home garbage bags full of popcorn and me thinking that was the best thing in the world. I remember you telling me never give up when I was learning how to roller-skate.

I remember piggyback rides and riding across the state to pick up film for the next movie. I remember fishing and camping and every vacation you took me on every. single. year. And I remember holding your hand when we were in an unfamiliar place so I wouldn’t get lost.

I also remember the speech you gave me when I stayed out a little too late.
I remember the speech you gave me when I came home drunk.
I remember the speech you gave me when I lied and you caught me.

My Gym Celebrates 30: Fit & Healthy Family Sweepstakes

*Advertisement*

Throughout 2013, My Gym locations across North America will celebrate thirty years of providing fitness and fun to families by offering money saving membership and class discounts, conducting a search tocrown My Gym’s Fit & Healthy Family and hosting fun and fitness-filled My Gym 30^th Birthday party/ Open Houses.

How to get the Family involved in Organization (Guest Post)

Home organization during the summer months can be difficult; with kids in and out all day, finding time to organize can feel next to impossible. The best way to stay organized over these next few months is to get everyone in the family involved and excited about it.

Keep and giveaway
To begin organizing a home, start by sorting through items. If it can be hard to let go of items that aren’t needed, ask a friend to come over and help. This creates a situation of responsibility and helps determine what items should be kept or given away.

Then, go through each child’s belongings with them. Create a keep and a giveaway pile. Make sure to ask questions like "When was the last time you played with this?" or "Is this something another child could use more than you?" this helps a child develop organization skills and determine what they need or just want to keep.

Have You Noticed?

The Procrastinating Mommy blog has a new look!

She's still a work in progress. I'm doing all of it myself all while trying to run a household and maintain my sanity.
Plus I have some upcoming travels for work AND play so I'll be in and out.

Just be patient with me, you guys! :)

I'm not going anywhere ... I'm just getting started!










 

5 Things to Kick Off Father’s Day Weekend

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Warner Bros.

Oh shoot ya’ll … Father’s Day is literally like … almost here and I have yet to even begin to think of something to do for my husband on the day I truly realize how grateful I am he is the father of my children. Surely I’m not alone, right? I mean … at least make me feel like I’m not the "worst wife EVER" for not purchasing anything yet. Luckily I remembered NOW instead of waiting until the day before. It gives me time to think of some ideas on how to plan a Father’s Day he hopefully won’t forget.

Here are the 5 things we’re planning on doing to kick off Father’s Day weekend in our house.

I Just Took the Pledge at ItCanWait.com

Mobile phones have become a universal tool for information seeking and communicating, In fact, 83% of adult American’s own some sort of cell phone. What’s crazy is that my husband is actually part of the 17-percent that does not. He can not stand cell phones. He feels it’s a time-waster, communication-blocker, life-sucking device.

I can totally see what he means. I often catch myself with my head buried in my cell phone at home for what seemed like only a couple of minutes … was actually fifteen minutes. Most of the time it’s because I’m checking emails from PR reps or other emails related to my website. But still … life has passed me by.

Is that the same with you? Or maybe you can relate to this...

Who Wants to MoonWalk .... in their Bras?

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own, as always.

 

Where else can you find thousands of strong, athletic, courageous women and men as they power walk a marathon in the middle of the night, wearing uniquely decorated bras? The city that never sleeps, obviously!

On July 20^th, 2013 – New York City will be hosting this mega event known around the world as MoonWalk presented by Empire BlueCross Blue Shield all in support of breast cancer initiatives.

Sometimes Love is Half a Piece of Gum

Sometimes love is a dozen roses or a gift that came from the heart or from a wish list. Love to me, however, is my husband breaking his piece of gum in half and giving me the bigger half. Love to me is my husband emptying the dishwasher early in the morning before he leaves for work. so that it's a surprise when I wake up. Or sometimes it's just a note left on the counter with nothing more than a "Have a good day".

I call it fate that I met you. I became your friend because I wanted to. But falling head over heels in love with you … was beyond my control.

Through the past 12 years we’ve been together, you have wiped my tears, squeezed my hand in reassurance, picked me up when I didn’t think I could stand any more, calmed me down when I saw red, and made me smile when there was no reason. I can hardly remember what it’s like to not have you in my life. Nor can I imagine not having you in my life.

The Relationship between Women and Money

Last week news broke that women are now not only the primary caregivers in the family … but also the primary breadwinners. Nearly 30 - 40% of American household’s contain Mom/Wife as being the primary earner for her family. With the salary increase among females … also comes financial responsibility. And that is kind of scary. At least it would be in our household.

Information for this post is sourced from Genworth Financial in partnership with the SheHeard Influencer Network.

 

 

My husband and I have a difference of opinion when it comes to spending our money. Not enough that it’s a strain on our relationship … but one that causes us to discuss our budget on a bi-weekly basis. He thinks we can do without the fruit snacks, I say he needs to spend a couple days with two growing boys who want snacks all day long and get sick of apples and grapes. My husband would rather try to get over a sinus infection on his own. I’m all about high-tailing it to the doctor to get a prescription to feel better the next day! Evidently, we’re not alone.

Hey Megan D ... YOU WON!

Thanks Megan D … for "liking" The Procrastinating Mommy on Facebook! Because of that, you won the healthy giveaway from Sambazon and #MomsMeet!

I’ll be emailing you soon to get your info.

Congratulations!

And thanks to everyone that entered the giveaway. Keep following me as I’ll have more awesome giveaways very soon. I just need a break from them for a tiny bit, y’know? You guys wear me out ;)
 

Welcome to the Wichita Riverfest (Video)

For once ... I have no words...

Disney Medley by the UMass Amherst "Doo Wop Shop"

Those that know me well know that my family is Disney OBSESSED! We watch, on average, 4 Disney movies a week. We own every Disney DVD that has been released from the vault since 2001 and have now started the process of replacing them with Blu-Ray.

I've also been known to find hidden Mickey's in odd places out of the blue. But I promise - if you have clouds in the sky and take the time to look - you'll find at least one Mickey head. Or maybe that's just for us Disney-holics.

So if you know of a Disney’s Anonymous … you might want to give me their info. Although I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t attend a single meeting. We like being Disney obsessed in our house. Did I mention we have a bathroom decorated in Mickey Mouse paraphernalia? Yeah … o-b-s-e-s-s-e-d! Thank God I married a man that understands my obsession. Otherwise I’d have to sign the divorce paper’s reason as "He’s a Disney Doofus".

June Photo Challenge on Instagram

Are you on Instagram? If not … what are you waiting for?? Surely you’ve caved and switched to a SmartPhone by now, right? Get on it, download the Instagram app, and start taking pics. It’s a great way to showcase the beautiful state you live in, your recent travels, your amazing family, etc.

If you don’t already know, I’m a blogger over at Traveling Mom as their traveling mom with toddlers expert. And I LOVE it. We are an awesome group of traveling women who know their stuff! Check us out!

Anyway, last month we did a May Photo Challenge on Instagram and it was a big hit. Thank goodness other people out there aren’t such slackers because I pooped out in the second week. Shame on me!

Luckily, I have a second chance.

Wichita River Fest 2013: "Let the Good Times Flow"

FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS the Wichita Riverfest has been a tradition for people who live, work & play in Wichita. Riverfest features nine days of great musical entertainment, fun, safe kid’s activities, festival food & cultural events.

Regardless of what it’s been called over the years, Riverfest has always been about bringing people together. From the beginning, as part of the City’s Centennial celebration in 1970, the goal was to bring the entire community together, to build community pride and focus on Wichita’s beautiful natural resource, the Arkansas River.

Music continues to play a major role in the festival with several popular artists entertaining festival crowds including Daughtry, Nick Lachey, Huey Lewis and Kansas.

6 Ways to Teach your Child Money Management

Benjamin Franklin said, "a penny saved is a penny earned." In today’s economy, this expression could not be any more of value. Literally. Wise financial planning encourages wise spending and saving for the future and in the long run can have a profound impact on your child’s life. But when and how do our children learn about money, financial responsibilities, savings, budgeting, debt, and credit? Perhaps some in high school - but for most children … they learn at home.

Information for this post is sourced from Genworth Financial in partnership with the SheHeard Influencer Network.

 

There are many ways to incorporate smart financial decisions into your child’s life that will help teach them the importance of money.

Disney World's New Fantasyland: A Tot Mecca

What if you focused your entire Walt Disney World vacation around your toddler? Walt Disney World can be overwhelming -- not only for babies and toddlers – but also for the adults who cannot take their little ones on many of the rides. But, here’s the kicker, you ready for this? Disney World isn’t all about the rides. In fact, the Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland is tot mecca and it only has a couple of rides.

Having been to the park about a dozen times, first one being when I was around five, I figured I was qualified enough to review their newest (and largest) expansion in their 41-years, the New Fantasyland. Memories of the old Fantasyland flash back as I remember me, cautiously wrapping my arms around Minnie Mouse. I remember walking past the gates of the Haunted Mansion and begging my parents not to take me inside and instead take me directly to the carousel. I remember being thoroughly amazed and almost overwhelmed on the boat of It’s A Small World. So obviously, when I heard about the expansion of Fantasyland, I couldn’t wait to check it out.

A Day to Remember. Because our Veterans will never Forget

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." - John F. Kennedy

 

Not just every day, but especially on Memorial Day, we reflect on how great a price we have paid with the loss of incredible young people - people of strong moral fiber, hardworking, and overall good people who would have continued to contribute to the greatness of this nation after their days of military service were completed. They were/are not battle points. They are individuals who were brave enough to put on their uniform every day and go in harm's way to protect this beautiful country, their families, our families, and their fellow soldiers.

4 Reasons Why I LOVE Sambazon PLUS a #Giveaway

Sambazon sounds like a country I’d like to add to my bucket list when in fact it’s not that at all. Sambazon is the first smoothie/drink brand to feature a full suite of certifications including organic, fair trade, non-GMO, vegan, gluten free and B Corporation.

 

Since the beginning of the year, my family and I have been trying to eat better. We were terrible at eating fruits and vegetables and we have been trying to change the way we snack too. That’s when we were introduced to Sambazon.

Hey Wichita Ladies ... Let's Get Dirty!

This event has unfortunately been canceled. Boooooo!

Alright Wichita (and area) Girls … it’s time to get off your rears and come get dirty with me!

Recently I was contacted by a Dirty Girl to become a Blog Ambassador for the Dirty Girl Mud Run coming to Wichita, Kansas in July. With this comes a unique opportunity for me to share their cause, which raises money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation! Not a bad gig, eh? And you think I just sit around typing on my little computer and eating bon bons. Shame on you!

I’m not athletic at all. And maybe you aren’t either! Evidently that’s perfectly fine!

Here’s the scoop…