tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64862455831519202492024-03-13T12:56:54.298-07:00ILYMTC PR and ReviewsAshley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-19024823785022609062015-05-15T05:04:00.000-07:002015-05-15T05:04:46.756-07:00Stress-Free Swimsuit Shopping For Boys (I'm Envious!)<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Speaking of pools, we tend to go through one inflatable pool every summer season so it was only right that we kicked off the hottest day of Spring to date with a dip in the <a href="http://www.target.com/p/intex-90in-x-20in-round-party-pool/-/A-16362242#prodSlot=medium_1_14&term=intex+90+inch+pool" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backyard pool</a>. The big boys had a blast, whereas Collins would have much preferred the water feel more like bath time than a dip in, say, the arctic. I can appreciate a big inflatable pool as well, thus allowing me to take a quick dip with the boys without looking all sorts of Redneck Nation in one of those tiny plastic ditties (been there, done that, FYI and <i>it wasn't pretty</i>). </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While I love a good set of <a href="http://www.iloveyoumorethancarrots.com/2015/03/dressing-toddler-boys-for-easter.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">matching brothers</a>, sometimes it's fun to let them each express a bit of their own style and I think these matching rash guard sets allow them to do just that. Maclane picked out his own </span><a href="http://www.target.com/p/just-one-you-made-by-carter-s-174-baby-boys-shark-rash-guard-and-matching-swim-trunks/-/A-16541672#prodSlot=medium_1_34&term=little+boys+swimsuit%2C+shark" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">swimsuit</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.target.com/p/infant-boys-aviator-sunglasses-teal-coral/-/A-16334636#prodSlot=medium_1_5&term=kids%2C+sunglasses" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">sunglasses</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.target.com/p/luxe-beach-towels/-/A-16569693#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=beach+towel" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">beach towel</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, with his own free two-year-old will. <i>A will that is quite strong these days, might I add</i>, while I picked out baby brother Collins' </span><a href="http://www.target.com/p/just-one-you-made-by-carter-s-174-toddler-boys-anchor-rash-guard-and-matching-swim-trunks/-/A-16541663#prodSlot=medium_1_43&term=little+boys+swimsuit" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">swimsuit</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.target.com/p/newborn-infant-toddler-boys-wayfarer-sunglasses-navy/-/A-16340366#prodSlot=medium_1_17&term=kids+sunglasses" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">sunglasses</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> while I still had freedom of an opinion. After all, how can you go wrong with baby Wayfarers and Aviators? You can't. You just can't. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And kudos to Maclane for picking out quite possibly the softest beach towel, ever. Sometimes you can pick a super soft towel that doesn't do a lick of drying but this <a href="http://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=luxe+towel&category=0%7CAll%7Cmatchallpartial%7Call+categories&lnk=snav_sbox_luxe+towel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Luxe Beach Towel</a> not only looks good but gets the job done. It's also quite over-sized which is perfect for more than one little boy tushy that might want to sit on it and I definitely can't complain about the awesome print. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While we won't be heading to the beach this year for July 4th (<i>sad face</i>), we will be pool-hopping between a few of our neighborhood friends' houses and I couldn't resist these patriotic suits for the boys. I especially love how the baby's suit is one-piece which eliminates the rash guard from riding up and the trunks from sliding down when water-logged. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've gone ahead and rounded up a few more favorite swim-necessities that can be found on</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://target.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Target.com</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. From cover-ups to swim sets, pool toys and water shoes, Target has everything we will need to not only kick off a Summer of Fabulous Fun but keep it fun and fabulous all summer long.</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-db66b133-554e-0e55-3723-45d9296869d2"><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>I’m sharing our cute swimwear looks from Target Baby as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #TargetCrowd</i></span></span></span></div>
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-84936387630881288292015-04-17T12:00:00.000-07:002015-04-17T12:00:02.122-07:00A Modern Mom Must-Have (Laptop Tablet Giveaway!)<!-- Lenovo: YOGA 3 Pro Tastemaker Experience / Clever Girls Snippet --><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Before I became a mother, I had one job. That job was working as a registered nurse in an acute care setting. I juggled very few things during that time- mostly striking a balance between long hours at the hospital and keeping a happy house and husband as a newlywed. Soon enough, the fog of newlywed-ed bliss cleared and with career shifts came major life changes such as a move south and a baby on the way. It wasn't long before I became a mother and a stay-at-home one at that! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As we began to settle ourselves down with deeper roots, I tested the work-from-home waters. In addition to being a brand new mother, I also became much more dedicated toward engaging brands and businesses within my blog. Over the last several years, not only did my blog become a working passion of mine but I also launched a photography business (in addition to adding two more babies to the mix!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our life looks much, much different now than it did just five years ago and if you ever mentioned that I would not only be a mom of three boys but also the owner of not one but <i>two </i>businesses, I would have laughed and said, "not a chance!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>"Never say never," am I right?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love every single second of our crazy busy days and I wouldn't trade them for the world. As a mom of three and business owner, it's been a difficult road to navigate. Sure there are contracts and deadlines to be met but at the same time, my family has been and always will be my number one priority. I've spent many long nights burning the candle at both ends, learning not only how to run a business from my home but also how to do so successfully and without detriment to my family. It hasn't always been easy and I'm sure I've failed both my family and a client on more than one occasion but in every instance, there's been a lesson learned and growth as both a mom and business owner. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As a mom and business owner, I'm always on the hunt for technology that allows me to transition seamlessly between roles. Whether I'm in Kindergarten prep-mode scouring Pinterest for readiness activities, in the pediatrician's office for a unforeseen fever, on the road doing some hands-on research for a brand or sitting down with a freshly swaddled newborn and her family in my at-home studio, I need to not only <em>be</em> accessible but also access email, apps and the Internet in a way that benefits myself, my family and my business.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The <a href="http://clvr.li/1wO8l9V" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lenovo YOGA 3 Pro</a> is a tablet laptop mash-up that in layman's terms is "simply freaking amazing." It's ultra-thin, incredibly lightweight and boasts an incredible 6-hinge design that allows it to fold back a complete 360 degrees. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1jVWN1j-4SbOPBMyiaKNptCw4Kgcozi3trSIRdc77KMHC9pk8u4GQrOHDFUGwf7rqlVgAXZVMrQzTLfzggQr8aqiuHBiKUMemclFCEG6WLfsBRUbpRXTDgF3XYnm7QauOD8j8IEwE9S6/s1600/Lenovo_YOGA-2157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1jVWN1j-4SbOPBMyiaKNptCw4Kgcozi3trSIRdc77KMHC9pk8u4GQrOHDFUGwf7rqlVgAXZVMrQzTLfzggQr8aqiuHBiKUMemclFCEG6WLfsBRUbpRXTDgF3XYnm7QauOD8j8IEwE9S6/s1600/Lenovo_YOGA-2157.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOAoLRTCUzjqQwWXbYEtTaxhV25nVij4-5x5aPOFqF9KLf49fmZkeOMjM262Eu1FwYCwwnXLW69TmIMYBJISxRfS0LQ-6eOr5rMUYr2paBVcPs3d4p-gZ4mdi5UG2XXiNRz-jiF_WGFWt/s1600/Lenovo_YOGA-2158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOAoLRTCUzjqQwWXbYEtTaxhV25nVij4-5x5aPOFqF9KLf49fmZkeOMjM262Eu1FwYCwwnXLW69TmIMYBJISxRfS0LQ-6eOr5rMUYr2paBVcPs3d4p-gZ4mdi5UG2XXiNRz-jiF_WGFWt/s1600/Lenovo_YOGA-2158.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yes, you read that correctly! The Lenovo YOGA 3 Pro can be used as a traditional clam shell laptop but with a swift fold of the screen, becomes tented and furthermore lays completely flat. I can't lie, this was an enhancement that definitely took some getting used to but an enhancement that I absolutely love and appreciate once I got over the "oh my god it's going to snap and break" feeling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The high resolution 13" screen is crisp and clean, great for streaming videos (in the waiting room of the pediatrician's office) or browsing a client's gallery of inspiration during a consultation. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1AuTBz6SJEqG3L9BAoa7mqlJP0nrQgvMNfMyZM9mKTr6EiXKMRgAQhDJisWLU-HyT-VC5xcomL3r8YsLKGG0zAF4kpaeZHoAdiVBM3qkDAbAmSs5b-PN9ivsU_sXcrDHfLUye8WSl_nA/s1600/Lenovo_YOGA-2166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1AuTBz6SJEqG3L9BAoa7mqlJP0nrQgvMNfMyZM9mKTr6EiXKMRgAQhDJisWLU-HyT-VC5xcomL3r8YsLKGG0zAF4kpaeZHoAdiVBM3qkDAbAmSs5b-PN9ivsU_sXcrDHfLUye8WSl_nA/s1600/Lenovo_YOGA-2166.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8imHJ_QYd9e6Cn5-6B8sDV3Gg_sBhYOXhzMRR80-O4fSzel9B_XaqESoMA25TEeLZvfhh8-WLedflqMbnf8TF5YQYgTdI7egu-cmg_4yapQ9b991TecjcSs2Q7tG5lke8-bEKmGl6RARx/s1600/Lenovo_YOGA-2174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8imHJ_QYd9e6Cn5-6B8sDV3Gg_sBhYOXhzMRR80-O4fSzel9B_XaqESoMA25TEeLZvfhh8-WLedflqMbnf8TF5YQYgTdI7egu-cmg_4yapQ9b991TecjcSs2Q7tG5lke8-bEKmGl6RARx/s1600/Lenovo_YOGA-2174.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I imagine this machine operates similarly to the female brain- as it rises to the challenge of multitasking with a capital "M." The machine outdoes itself while running multiple browsers and streaming music while I simultaneously write and edit documents in MS Offic (or cook dinner).</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Lenovo YOGA 3 Pro transitions quickly and easily between Business Mom mode and Mom of 3 mode. Whether I'm at the table answering emails during nap time, standing at the oven for an impromptu cookie baking session or on the go chauffeuring three small boys from school to story time at the library and beyond, the YOGA 3 Pro makes me a better mom AND business mom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lightweight, convenient and easy to carry/slip into a diaper bag, the Lenovo YOGA 3 Pro is a welcome addition to our crazy, beautiful and busy family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Want to win your OWN Lenovo YOGA 3 Pro? Entry is easy. Please be sure to read terms and conditions within the Rafflecopter widget below or <a href="http://clevergirlscollective.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ad0eab069c1a6535670768879&id=bd9f59f25d&e=56ae597af5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">visit this link</a>. For more information on Lenovo, visit </span><a href="http://clvr.li/1wO8l9V" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia;" target="_blank">this link.</a><br />
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com282tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-13490832232406062382015-04-15T07:16:00.000-07:002015-04-15T07:22:46.390-07:00Steppin' Out, Summer Style with Target Baby<center style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Today I'm sharing summer wardrobe staples from Target Baby </i></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #TargetCrowd</i></span></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OEvyNHv40QQysXHkF_euYxEe4bjR9J0qD1squ-ndKPCSSqrOx0HxbdGVwjf_dSkMWqN07_BWD-N254_YQ_xjF_y1N91mHWT0spXbJneVeXrDv8mC7Co7CPnGOsHuYqmadRIujwBMJGqh/s1600/Target_Crowd_Summer-4097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OEvyNHv40QQysXHkF_euYxEe4bjR9J0qD1squ-ndKPCSSqrOx0HxbdGVwjf_dSkMWqN07_BWD-N254_YQ_xjF_y1N91mHWT0spXbJneVeXrDv8mC7Co7CPnGOsHuYqmadRIujwBMJGqh/s1600/Target_Crowd_Summer-4097.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When it comes to putting together seasonal wardrobes for the boys, each season I head to </span><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fc%2Fbaby%2F-%2FN-5xtly&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFx3wZ6lIa99TaaSawq7Y7sqoJ4ig" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Target Baby</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> for the essentials; basic, quality pieces at a great value that I can mix and match all season long. Now that some of Target Baby's clothing runs from newborn up through big boy's size 7 (online), it's a great destination for matching/coordinating pieces for all three of my boys. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My plan for this summer is to stock up on both solid and patterned shorts that are not only stylish but also functional, especially since I'll have a three-year-old potty trainer and one little baby still in diapers. <i>Even though he's about to turn a year old I can still call him a little baby, right?</i> </span></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83KmheQV0otzJAT-gWyAhOFIIcUApr6Zc6tQegMmdDFHSXqUK7PLlcucSGmwyaXqu1hk2TS0ysKl4w0J9_Gxg8py28M99pLljQADEjQPezT8lK635reOUTJt7dLTUePU7nM0tzd0GALgN/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83KmheQV0otzJAT-gWyAhOFIIcUApr6Zc6tQegMmdDFHSXqUK7PLlcucSGmwyaXqu1hk2TS0ysKl4w0J9_Gxg8py28M99pLljQADEjQPezT8lK635reOUTJt7dLTUePU7nM0tzd0GALgN/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" height="570" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Speaking of one still in diapers, how ridiculously cute is this brand new, exclusive bow tie print from Honest Company? Stashing a few of these diapers in our go-bag for the park makes changing diapers on the run all the more fun! Not to mention diaper changes during staged photo sessions <i>(as if we would know anything about that...)</i></span></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkctge53HJJYKoGT003mx5Jm0Gqk9-NuDP3ONsxPA0dsOFuq8XdfMwrC69wsw2XANGc-eBI0B7Fr7Ch5a_U1fAtkp0lDQYPYevBEczlTNGxT_FPHNH1lsTtbUzfFYvUph0Ze_38Wrhy9rK/s1600/Target_Crowd_Summer-4154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkctge53HJJYKoGT003mx5Jm0Gqk9-NuDP3ONsxPA0dsOFuq8XdfMwrC69wsw2XANGc-eBI0B7Fr7Ch5a_U1fAtkp0lDQYPYevBEczlTNGxT_FPHNH1lsTtbUzfFYvUph0Ze_38Wrhy9rK/s1600/Target_Crowd_Summer-4154.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZwifqxfGe1sk9wEpGSJcl2POElNW5zerr-YGUVzzbNwNcyGMsLf2T7coj8O3MqXKHs6gaE92otNUdAADnjfrf56lrGRXrRQgxvIP2MZuRMqpk4eT8pvztbZgO6r-E8ctvb4q5-EyyZ-T/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZwifqxfGe1sk9wEpGSJcl2POElNW5zerr-YGUVzzbNwNcyGMsLf2T7coj8O3MqXKHs6gaE92otNUdAADnjfrf56lrGRXrRQgxvIP2MZuRMqpk4eT8pvztbZgO6r-E8ctvb4q5-EyyZ-T/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage5.jpg" height="496" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic71AJYrtFi0QwoFTqSLgShI3HmvkigcqH5ASLIeWSuvIh4NrUYoJuCr3ghy-iwL6l7Dlr0gkKkw5pSYRkEB0to-CVOIJ30TsrRbq8t9vxiie_6nzGDd78PblWIUP6FCRt3T1HxKPjbV1j/s1600/Target_Crowd_Summer-4097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic71AJYrtFi0QwoFTqSLgShI3HmvkigcqH5ASLIeWSuvIh4NrUYoJuCr3ghy-iwL6l7Dlr0gkKkw5pSYRkEB0to-CVOIJ30TsrRbq8t9vxiie_6nzGDd78PblWIUP6FCRt3T1HxKPjbV1j/s1600/Target_Crowd_Summer-4097.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These easy pull-on (and off) shorts really hit the mark when it comes to looking stylish but remaining functional and since they're available in both </span><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-striped-chino-short-metallic-blue/-/A-16586458#prodSlot=_1_40" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">chino</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-jean-short-gray/-/A-17187804#prodSlot=_1_21" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">denim</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, I had to snag one of each! </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being able to coordinate the boys' outfits lends itself to some pretty adorable photo opportunities and as both a mom and a photographer, I can't pass up a single chance I get to dress the boys alike and take their picture, much to their dismay, I'm sure.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shopping at Target for summer wardrobe staples is easy on the budget, especially since I have three rough and rowdy boys to buy for. It doesn't take long for them to find the nearest creek and run through it, climb to the tippy top of the rock wall at the park and scrape a knee while doing so, or take a running leap before rolling down the grassy hills in the fields behind our house. A lot of the essential pieces that I find at Target Baby stand up to their incredible boy-ness and it's the most I could ask for from a pair of shorts or </span><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-polo-shirt-gray-heather/-/A-16680626#prodSlot=_1_28" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">polo shirt</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, that's for sure!</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Target really does have it all- a one stop shopping mecca for everything I need to keep my house full of boys happy, healthy and looking good! Stay tuned for next month's post all about finding stylish and age-appropriate swimwear (for all three boys!). I can't wait to tackle that challenge! </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Maclane</b></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-striped-chino-short-metallic-blue/-/A-16586458#prodSlot=_1_40" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Striped Chino Shorts</a></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-jean-short-gray/-/A-17187804#prodSlot=_1_21" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gray Jean Shorts </a></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-polo-shirt-heather-blue/-/A-16680623#prodSlot=_1_41" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Polo</a></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-plaid-button-down-refresh-blue/-/A-16531935?lnk=Rec|pdp|viewed_bought|pdph1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Button Down</a></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boy-s-cherokee-danny-sandals-brown/-/A-16642479#prodSlot=_1_21" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sandals</a></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Collins</b></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-striped-chino-short-metallic-blue/-/A-16586458#prodSlot=_1_40" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Striped Chino Shorts</a></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-chino-short/-/A-16710071#prodSlot=_1_20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gray Chino Shorts</a></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-polo-shirt-gray-heather/-/A-16680626#prodSlot=_1_28" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heathered Polo</a></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-plaid-button-down-tranquility-green/-/A-16531917" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Button Down</a></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boy-s-cherokee-david-sandals-assorted-colors/-/A-16592167#prodSlot=_1_24" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flip-Flops</a></span></center>
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-60816697414084934612015-04-01T05:00:00.000-07:002015-04-09T10:20:05.508-07:00Love My Veggies With Help From Happy Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bit.ly/1DdBfDj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h1Bshj3co_VMCDaO2oOffrLlkParpngiQz_hZo3d55ZM6Uu6Fk20eOErnhwBhLdWP6mDfNt4DJNzsmlzCdEphzoWNmI_hnmeUfWrGABITjd4aoGOtOfYuWnITocU2kvoH3SoT7HbAAsk/s1600/LMV_BLOGGER_IMGS1.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last you heard, <a href="http://bit.ly/1DdBfDj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Happy Family®</a> was gearing up to launch a brand new line of pureed food pouches this month called Love My Veggies. </div>
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To help celebrate the impending launch, the boys and I traveled to NYC last month to participate in a photo shoot. We had such a blast hanging out with some of the folks behind the scenes and the boys thoroughly enjoyed playing with their fruits and veggies! When it came time to pose with the carrots, it was only fitting that all three of the boys ate their weight in them!</div>
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The Love My Veggies pouches will be available exclusively at Target, as one of 31 innovative wellness brands to be featured in the Made to Matter campaign which offers a product collection full of leading natural, organic and sustainable brands. Happy Family® foods feature non-GMO ingredients, no trans-fats, no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial flavors, no synthetic food coloring and all products are sold in packaging made without the use of BPA. A 4-pack of 4.22oz Love My Veggies pouches will be available at Target for $5.89.</center>
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Necessity is the Mother of invention, or so the saying goes, and I would bet the farm that it was a mother who thought up the idea of pureeing organic fruits and veggies in daring yet delicious combinations and offering them up to kids in independent little pouches to encourage exciting, adventurous and independent feeding the way that <a href="http://bit.ly/1DdBfDj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Happy Family®</a> does. </center>
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Thanks Happy Family® for being a part of my village and for helping me raise, happy, healthy and independent veggie lovers with products whose ingredients I can read and understand. </center>
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<i>All images c/o Tara Donne. Thank you, Happy Family, for sponsoring today's post.</i></div>
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To enter to win one incredible SNACK HAPPY Gift set from our friends at <a href="http://bit.ly/1DdBfDj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Happy Family®</a>, enter using the Rafflecopter widget below! </center>
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-40420904811285301262015-03-28T11:23:00.002-07:002015-03-28T11:23:30.609-07:00Dressing Toddler Boys For Easter: Casual and Dressy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With a handful of events taking place during the week leading up to Easter, I wanted the boys to have a couple of options available when it came to Easter attire. Not only was I able to put together a dressier option for them to wear to church but also a more casual, comfortable option for them to wear to play dates and egg hunts.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fc%2Fbaby%2F-%2FN-5xtly&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFx3wZ6lIa99TaaSawq7Y7sqoJ4ig" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Target Baby</a> outfit details can be found at the end of this post. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Naturally, I am a sucker for matching brother outfits so this next ensemble duo was a must. The turned-up patterned sleeve cuffs remind me so much of Cam from Modern Family which makes this outfit all the more amazing. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think it's safe to say that I'll have the best dressed boys both in Church and on the field for egg hunting this year! The versatility of these pieces also means they'll get a lot more wear throughout the Spring and Summer season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks, Target Baby, for making this mom's job just a little easier. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-seersucker-suit-easter-collection/-/A-16907088" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seersucker Suit, Entire Collection</a>- Cherokee, Target Baby</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boy-s-cherokee-doug-boat-shoes-brown/-/A-16658986#prodSlot=_1_5" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Boat Shoes</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> - Cherokee, Target Baby</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/just-one-you-made-by-carter-s-boys-3-piece-top-and-bottom-set/-/A-16718884#prodSlot=_1_6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Infant Oxford Set w/ Bow Tie</a> - Just One You, Target Baby</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-plaid-button-down-caspian-sea/-/A-16597560?lnk=Rec|pdp|viewed_viewed|pdpv1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plaid Shirts, Entire Casual Collection</a> - Target Baby</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/toddler-boy-s-circo-derek-fisherman-sandals-assorted-colors/-/A-16541067#prodSlot=_1_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fisherman Sandals</a> - Circo, Target Baby</span></div>
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<i style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Brought to you by Target Baby for Socialstars, </span></i><i style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">#TargetCrowd</span></i></div>
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-73153057813175056982015-03-22T10:13:00.000-07:002015-03-22T10:13:50.381-07:0018 Bottle Wine Cooler Review Air-N-Water AW-180E <div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is sponsored review content in partnership with Air-N-Water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Free standing wine coolers are an important addition to the home of any wine lover. Not only do they offer extra space to store bottles but they also do so safely and at the perfect temperature. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Before I met my husband, I knew very little about wine. I knew I liked to drink it and I knew I preferred white over red but I was unaware at just how fragile certain blends and certain vintages could be when not stored at the correct temperature. Store my bottles upright in the fridge? Sure, why not? Keep them chilled to whatever degree the refrigerator was set to? Sounds good to me! Chill the Chardonnay right next to the Chianti? Don't mind if I do!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Little did I know what disservice I was doing to the wines in my possession. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not all wine should be stored at the same temperature. Improper storage affects the flavor of the wine and if you are a true wine enthusiast, you want to thoroughly enjoy the many facets of your wine.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YTK75i0LgMW-kNECQYFwQQanImqHLiGI5acAB4ysXPD0A5V6NRaZw4Twzo9wLwMXK82MHvTVVUk4qxFEHygieWRrKKkgLlpjwZvrE9TZRr-oE0qMepK5wP-twoag80IS4eKsmOsDdog3/s1600/aw-180e-open-left-2-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YTK75i0LgMW-kNECQYFwQQanImqHLiGI5acAB4ysXPD0A5V6NRaZw4Twzo9wLwMXK82MHvTVVUk4qxFEHygieWRrKKkgLlpjwZvrE9TZRr-oE0qMepK5wP-twoag80IS4eKsmOsDdog3/s1600/aw-180e-open-left-2-l.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Utilizing a free standing wine cooler allows you to do just this by giving you complete control over the temperature of your wine. Personally, I like to use the 18 Bottle Wine Cooler from NewAir to keep my white wines chilled and readily available. You'll notice that I have both red and white wine in this fridge and that was done for the sole purpose of showing you how the unit would look with numerous bottles of wine inside. Because this unit is not a dual zone unit, we do keep various blends of our favorite red wines chilled in a separate wine fridge that accommodates</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> dual temperature zones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Upon setting up this wine cooler, I was initially impressed by the sturdy chrome shelving and the ease with which the shelves slid in and out of the cooler. User friendly push buttons and soft blue-hued lighting make adjusting the temperature of the unit very simple.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp228I2opa0EH4ei7DOGd3UsmjIrpEuuMiBsC_-0fYJMkMky8NH1M9wO6ueBNnU19wWcVW3QryhHmskHvOz3jpFqZmW1pdpWqGHd99k_0eZnTIIONTid9RFHaLNGpm72GwhQexKsXjk7hg/s1600/New_Air_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp228I2opa0EH4ei7DOGd3UsmjIrpEuuMiBsC_-0fYJMkMky8NH1M9wO6ueBNnU19wWcVW3QryhHmskHvOz3jpFqZmW1pdpWqGHd99k_0eZnTIIONTid9RFHaLNGpm72GwhQexKsXjk7hg/s1600/New_Air_1.jpg" height="465" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All NewAir beverage cooling systems use environmentally friendly thermo-electric technology. This is very important when chilling wine! The unit is never loud nor does it use harsh coolants to maintain the desired temperature. It also doesn't use vibration to cool the wine which keeps sediment from settling on the bottom of the bottle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Set up was easy. The unit arrived fully assembled, with only the handle to attach. It was an easy task to manage with a simple screwdriver and a little elbow grease. Within an hour of being plugged in the cooler reached the desired 58 degree temperature setting. As mentioned above, the unit is basically silent. With the normal din of our household (three kids and a dog) additional noise was undetectable. That said, if it was to be run in a completely quiet setting, a slight "hum" would be detected. I also noticed over the course of a few days that the unit appears to continuously run as opposed to cycling on and off. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I cannot speak much to the reliability of the unit as it has only been in my possession now for a few months but during the course of those months, I have experienced zero issues with the cooler's performance. It has been a great addition to our kitchen and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend NewAir to anyone interested in purchasing a wine or other beverage cooler. This type of product would make a great gift for the wine enthusiast in your life! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Speaking of gifts, use code "<b>Save20</b>" to save 20% on any NewAir, Avalon Bay or Luma Comfort product!</span></div>
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-6629978681500176112015-03-15T10:32:00.001-07:002015-03-15T10:32:08.901-07:00True Or False? 30 Days to Thicker, Fuller Hair... Find Out Here! <div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">This post is brought to you by my working </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">relationship with the One2OneNetwork </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">and NIOXIN.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's this saying, "you always want what you can't have," and if I had to guess, the person who coined that phrase was someone with stick straight hair, much like myself, who pined for wild, crazy, curly hair and so to describe their predicament, they came up with those exact words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"But you have curly hair! Why can't I have curly hair? I waaaaant curly hair, MOM. It's just so...pretty," I would say, each morning as my mother would fix my stick straight, kind of mousy brown hair before school. And every morning she would reassure me that, in fact, my stick straight, kind of mousy medium brown hair was just as beautiful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Ha, mothers.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After years of watching my mother tame her wild Sicilian tresses, after years of whining and begging for curly hair, my wish came true with my very first perm at the age of 11. I was so excited. So excited that the smell of skunk, or rather the perming fluid, didn't even bother me for the entire three hours it took to give me curly hair. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was beyond thrilled with my new, curly hair for about seventy-two hours, or until the first time I had to wash and dry it myself. It was awful. I finally had the wild and curly hair I so terribly craved but with it came hours of brushing, tears streaming down my face as I willed the tangles to free themselves from my hair. I longed for my straight hair again and vowed to always be happy with what I was given for the rest of my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until I discovered highlights and how easily it was to achieve the change I so desperately craved by just adding a little (or a lot) of color to my hair. Honey, amber, blonde, red and eventually, black, depending on the season of life I was in, I found myself spinning the color wheel and changing my hair to match. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not one of those instances, however, prepared my hair for the drastic changes it would undergo during pregnancy and the following 6-12 months after giving birth. Don't get me wrong, my pregnant hair was TO DIE FOR. It practically grew right before my eyes and its length was only surpassed by the gorgeous thickness that came with those glorious pregnancy hormones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But much like ripping a band aid fresh from a wound, my gorgeous pregnancy mane quickly became dull and brittle mere months after giving birth. Around the six month mark, it began falling out at an alarming pace and at this time after my third baby, I swore there was something wrong with me. I had lost so much hair that I had visible bald spots and when I pulled back into a pony tail (the no. 1 hairstyle of exhausted mother's worldwide) you could see. my. scalp. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I freaked. I went to my doctor. She reassured me that it was all due to hormone changes and once my hormones evened themselves out, so would my schizophrenic hair. I tried to wait patiently. To soak in my rapidly growing and changing little family but every time I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror or flushed another handful of hair down the toilet, I nearly cried. I needed to try something. Anything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grasping for straws, I took the NIOXIN 30-day Challenge. For more than 20 years, NIOXIN has been committed to providing real answers for thinning hair and has recently designed a new range of six different scalp and hair care systems. Using NIOXIN's <a href="http://www.nioxin.com/en-US/consultation-tool-page.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">convenient online consultation tool</a>, I was quickly able to determine which hair care system was best suited to me. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0yEJffUnZefjYD7R6qATUW-EUg7mDuHyzcWjlbatCzhuhOX-QC_9HHRlz2TB19OtiTXgi6_bJTt9Tk7YKnoXry3y41VlUyob9RXgES1jtM25m3Q3BOzkdLgP-fSXYhofuG12mwUUpbZA/s1600/IMG_5184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0yEJffUnZefjYD7R6qATUW-EUg7mDuHyzcWjlbatCzhuhOX-QC_9HHRlz2TB19OtiTXgi6_bJTt9Tk7YKnoXry3y41VlUyob9RXgES1jtM25m3Q3BOzkdLgP-fSXYhofuG12mwUUpbZA/s1600/IMG_5184.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Each of the NIOXIN hair care systems addresses three key factors that are crucial in understanding and treading the appearance of thinning hair: scalp and hair environment, the role of hair health, and the change of the hair structure over time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The best part? Using the easy 3-step system didn't require any extra work on my part. I need to shower and this was something I could quickly and easily do while getting ready for the day. As a busy mom of three boys under five, I don't have a lot of ancillary time on my hands so it was nice that this challenge didn't require any additional "time" on my behalf. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, before I started, I promised myself that I wouldn't expect grand results. I'll admit, I was leery from the get go- but I was desperate and desperation will try anything. As soon as my kit arrived in the mail, I wanted to use it, even if that meant getting in the shower, for a second time that day, at 4:30 in the afternoon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was pleasantly surprised by the smell of both the shampoo and condition. Very minty and within minutes of applying, my bathroom smelled kind of like a spa. Within seconds of applying the shampoo, my scalp began tingling. Actually, it began burning but that feeling quickly faded to a pleasant, almost-refreshing tingle. After a few days of this, "hmm, that must mean it's working," I thought to myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Halfway through my 30 day challenge, I began noticing small changes in my hair. Not only was the texture changing from dry and brittle to soft and voluminous but I began noticing a surge in the regrowth of baby hairs around my hairline. Certainly the hair care system couldn't be working so soon, could I? I pressed on. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had never been so happy to see baby hairs (and so many of them!)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My hair was most definitely beginning to look thicker and fuller, specifically around the root section. This new development was putting the ends of my hair to shame. Suddenly they were looking dry, split and quite unpolished compared to the rest of my hair. As I'm known to do, I made an appointment at my local salon for a, you guessed it, change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite being created specifically for color-treated hair, I had been noticing that the NIOXIN was slowly stripping the black box-dye from the roots of my hair. By the end of the challenge, not only could you see loads of regrowth at the hairline, but the entire crown of my head was back to my natural color. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I chopped off eight inches of my hair and decided to, quite literally, return to my roots. That's a whole other story for another day but as I took a seat in my stylist's chair, even she noticed a difference in the appearance of my hair. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcAkpB01rCZX9QqyWg9q28cQ3SKOgQfsanlLH_DgFh669wYQuc00jUdoWOc1tlT7hQtfAQvbjCaQmr4l9jqLqhCFcPssE_pIaMdF-PQ_TN2Hdrdj9DRQg-JBwlcAr6ql6n471CPO9bYLm/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcAkpB01rCZX9QqyWg9q28cQ3SKOgQfsanlLH_DgFh669wYQuc00jUdoWOc1tlT7hQtfAQvbjCaQmr4l9jqLqhCFcPssE_pIaMdF-PQ_TN2Hdrdj9DRQg-JBwlcAr6ql6n471CPO9bYLm/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the NIOXIN 30 Day Challenge and After (hello fuller hair!)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I used the NIOXIN Hair Care System for thirty-five days, or as long as it took for me to run out of the conditioning product. Not only did I notice changes in the shape and texture of my hair but also incredible regrowth at the hairline. Thirty days to thicker and fuller hair, guaranteed, said the box. And NIOXIN delivered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite the uncomfortable tingling/burning sensation in the beginning, as well as the occasional itchy scalp due to sudden dryness (easily remedied by using my own personal conditioner 1-2x per week) I would absolutely recommend taking the NIOXIN 30-day challenge. (#NIOXINChallenge)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, whether my hair is pulled back in a pony tail or styled for date night, when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I no longer cringe at the sight. I no longer look as if I'm going bald. Now? I only cry at the thought of my baby rapidly approaching his first birthday and no longer the rapid thinning and loss of my hair. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXYV7zVbawCKkcS3LQ8toWoJj0-dT0xL8hjCIQifknG98zbIAvRzdqMuad3_c44dBVip2_lbZOfNLH1sDhEuMq6ul3jnwxvaxNXkZQ1LSblGlzN97Ms3cWgNNGlyZN6gWhvM2zM398-h-/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXYV7zVbawCKkcS3LQ8toWoJj0-dT0xL8hjCIQifknG98zbIAvRzdqMuad3_c44dBVip2_lbZOfNLH1sDhEuMq6ul3jnwxvaxNXkZQ1LSblGlzN97Ms3cWgNNGlyZN6gWhvM2zM398-h-/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have you ever experienced fine, thinning hair or hair loss? As women, we are quite literally (and figuratively) attached and it can be a sensitive subject to talk about. I'd love for you to take the NIOXIN 30-Day challenge and share your results on their Facebook and Twitter pages. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To enter for a chance to <b>WIN</b> your very own customized NIOXIN Hair Care System, see below. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To enter, please leave a comment below telling me about a time in your life when, perhaps, you didn't make the greatest hair decision! </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Giveaway ends Friday March 20th, 2015. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No purchase necessary to enter. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Giveaway is open to US residents only.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Must have a valid email address and US mailing address.</span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a member of One2One Network, I received a NIOXIN hair care system kit in exchange for compensation but all opinions are my own</span></i></div>
Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-71733392753432254592015-02-19T11:21:00.000-08:002015-02-19T11:21:07.472-08:00Riding in (Kid-Proof) Cars With Boys<!-- Chevy Kidproofing / Clever Girls Snippet --><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When I think of the word <em>kid-proof</em>, I immediately think of those silly doorknob covers that make it nearly impossible for a grown adult to open their own bathroom door without busting into the pee-pee dance while they simultaneously twist, turn and squeeze that plastic contraption. Sound familiar to anyone else? Anyone? <em>Bueller....?</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One thing I do not think of when the word <em>kid-proof</em> comes to mind, however, is cars. Which, if you think about it, is rather silly because believe it or not, cars <em>are</em> kid-proof. At least, so are the ones made by <a href="http://clvr.li/1BmmvUP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chevy</a> or <a href="http://clvr.li/1BmmvUP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GM</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">GM designers and engineers are inspired by the actions of their very own children to make features within the vehicle "kid-proof." For instance, the plastic backing to the vehicle's seats is one of 7 aspects of a vehicle that consumers might not know was designed with kids kicking, fighting and making messes in mind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In addition, the location and quantity of cup holders was also influenced by the needs of kids to not only make sure their drinks were easily reachable from typical kid seats but also held in place firmly and securely. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After The Great Milkshake Debacle of 2014, I was never more thankful to be riding in a chocolate milkshake-covered Suburban. Why? Because <a href="http://clvr.li/1BmmvUP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GM</a> works with suppliers to make sure that vehicle fabrics are durable and resistant to all sorts of stains. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It wasn't the fault of my Suburban's cup holders nor the responsibility of the driver in question, but rather a very sleepy toddler who fell asleep mid shake-slurp, resulting in the release and tumble of an unsecured milkshake. From the outside, it looked as if my SUV was involved in a cocoa dairy homicide of epic proportions. Who knew milkshake could splatter that fast and that far?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Quick thinking (and the fear of driving around for the next few months in an SUV reeking of spoiled milk) led me to pull off into a nearby strip mall where I hopped into the backseat and went to work with whatever cleaning tools I could scrounge from the confines of the backseat. A swaddling blanket and a handful of half-frozen baby wipes was all it took to rid the SUV of the mess. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So.. <em>kid-proof or milkshake-proof, they're almost one in the same if you ask me!</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I thought it might be interesting to get a kid's take on what it means to be kid-proof, along with some other ideas on riding in cars safely and I'm so glad I had my four and a half year old on hand to take on the task. I'm also quite proud of him for knowing who the better driver is in our family. I'm sure his answer had nothing to do with the fact that the named driver is responsible for feeding him 3+ meals per day... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here he is again talking about what it means to be kid-proof. Gotta love a four-year-old's thoughts on the matter!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Has there ever been an instance in your experience when you've been thankful for a kid-proof car? I'd love to hear about! Share your story in the comments below! </span><br />
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<i>I was selected for this opportunity as a member of <a href="http://clvr.li/OHjC82" target="_blank">Clever Girls</a> and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.</i></div>
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-26217047556799302302014-11-15T07:00:00.000-08:002014-11-17T07:54:07.121-08:00A Fabulous Fall Giveaway! {Calling All Moms and Moms-To-Be!}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of our favorite brands have joined forces in this Fab Fall Green Scene Mom Giveaway! Our personal favorites include the NuRoo Nursing Scarf, Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches and the Magnificant Baby Bear Fleece Hoodie! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And check out that Everywhere Crib from Guava Family! Any of these fantastic products would make a great gift for a new, experienced or expecting mother this holiday season! Enter below for the chance to win this amazing prize package!</span></div>
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Prize Gift Set</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://guavafamily.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Guava Family</a> Lotus Everywhere Crib - $249.95</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://linajake.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lina.j</a> Diaper Bag - $119</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://tegu.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tegu</a> 14-Piece Tints magnetic wooden blocks - $35</span></div>
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-77341781067256132152014-11-12T07:08:00.002-08:002014-11-13T12:47:37.953-08:00Homegrown Inspiration: DIY Christmas Centerpieces and A Champagne Cocktail<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>This is a sponsored post brought to you by Mrs. Meyers Clean Day</i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">®</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>, </b>in an effort to</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>encourage finding just a little but if your own Home Grown Inspiration.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband and I have always loved entertaining friends and family at our home. I can remember in the very early months of our marriage hosting a holiday dinner party in our <strike>very small</strike> quaint two bedroom apartment. From setting up plastic folding tables and metal folding chairs to using our wedding china place settings, we made sure to pull out all the stops. I'm fairly certain I even convinced my husband to trim our Christmas tree long before Thanksgiving in order to "set the tone" for the occasion. I wanted everything to be perfect and let's face it, although much has changed since that very first dinner party, my expectations of food and decor have waned but little.</span><br />
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Over the years our holiday entertaining style has grown and changed with the addition of babies into our social circle. Our gatherings have not only necessitated the addition of kid-friendly decor but also menu items that were more toddler-palate pleasing. </span><br />
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Filling our home with friends and family during the holiday season is not only festive and fun but it truly gives me great joy to be able to celebrate the end of another year in the busy season of our lives together. I love being able to gather around a table and catch up on each others' lives, share holiday traditions and, of course, spend the majority of the time talking about our children, as only parents of little ones are prone to do. </span><br />
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This is the first year since becoming parents four years ago that we will be hosting an "adults only" cookies and cocktail party. While we love getting together with our children in tow, it will be nice to be able to focus on conversation without wondering which child is screaming "Mommy?!" from the playroom or having to leave the table several hundred times to cut up turkey, fix juice box straws or break up meal time skirmishes.</span><br />
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Even though our gathering isn't for another month or so, I've already begun seeking inspiration from within our home and planning everything from the menu down to the decor. With little time to execute the grand plans swirling around in my head, my goal for this year's festivities is to keep them merry and bright but above all, simple. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Speaking of bright, our mantel, server and table tops will each be adorned with these easy festive floating candles. Whether by themselves or as an accent to a larger centerpiece, these easy DIY decorations will add just the kind of ambiance to our home that I'm seeking. Not to mention the sweet smell of evergreen is an added bonus! All you need is a vase or mason jar, fresh evergreen, pine cones, cranberries and tea light candles. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Place your branches in the bottom of your vase or mason jar. The more you stuff down in there, the heavier the weight will be and the less likely they will float to the top once you add water. Add water and a handful of fresh cranberries. Carefully place your tea light candles on top and take extra care when lighting them. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As for the second most important part of our Cookies & Cocktails gathering, I plan to serve a signature Champagne cocktail that began making an appearance at holiday family gatherings of my youth but because it contained alcohol, obviously, it was always off limits to me as a child. I couldn't wait until I was old enough to imbibe in these delicious bubbly "spirits" of Christmas and I'm excited to share them with friends and family early next month.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Soak a single sugar cube in bitters before dropping it into a chilled champagne glass. Pour over it a Brute champagne of your choice. Garnish with a fresh lemon peel before serving!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Something else I've been focusing on as we get party-ready is getting our house, especially the kitchen area, <i>or the heart of our home</i>, in some semblance of order to host forty of our closest family and friends. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1suJuGj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mrs. Meyers Clean Day</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">®</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> cleaning products have always inspired me to put in a little extra elbow grease when it comes to making our house a home. Inspired by a backyard garden deep in the heart of the Midwest, sweet and savory ingredients such as Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Basil and Geranium are often front and center of these cleaning products and bring an added dimension of warmth to "just cleaning the kitchen."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With a house full of small children, especially ones that are known to lick the occasional tabletops and counter top, not only is it important to me to keep a clean house but to keep a clean house using safe products without harsh chemical additives. <a href="http://bit.ly/1suJuGj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mrs. Meyers Clean Day</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1suJuGj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">®</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is a collection of household products made with essential oils from flowers and herbs that not only smell great but also pack a hearty punch against dirt and grime. Each of <a href="http://bit.ly/1suJuGj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mrs. Meyers Clean Day</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1suJuGj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">®</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> products are earth-friendly, cruelty-free and not tested on animals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Each time I stand at my sink and use <a href="http://bit.ly/1suJuGj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mrs. Meyers Clean Day</a></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/1suJuGj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">®</a></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Lavender dish soap, I'm immediately transported back to the kitchen of my Great Aunt Laura where the smell of fresh lavender, that she often grew out on the metal grate of the fire escape, would permeate the entire first floor of apartment. It's a sweet pause in the middle of an otherwise busy and chaotic day that brings me back to why I love making our house a home in the first place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A place where friends and family can gather, to support, celebrate and encourage one another.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Whether it's homegrown inspiration from your backyard, your Great Aunt Laura's fire escape, or a DIY project, Mrs. Meyers Clean wants to know about the home you're making. For more tips and home inspiration, visit the <a href="http://blog.mrsmeyers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mrs. Meyers Clean Day</a></span><b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1suJuGj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">®</a></b><a href="http://blog.mrsmeyers.com/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank"> blog</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How will you be seeking inspiration to entertain this holiday season?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Thank you, Mrs. Meyers Clean Day</i></span><b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">®</b><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"> for inspiring me to continue entertaining in our home. </i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">All thoughts expressed above are honest and my own.</i></div>
Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-78346494970666681732014-11-04T07:40:00.003-08:002014-11-06T08:09:43.298-08:00A Bottle All Nursing Mothers (And Babies) Will Surely Love.<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>This is a sponsored post in accordance to a working partnership with the SITS Girls and Munchkin brand. All opinions expressed are my own.<img alt="Tracking Pixel" src="http://ec2-54-244-107-86.us-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/tracker.php?cid=00DE0000000eHXcMAM&pixel=1E000000ThIi9IAF" /></i></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's true what they say about babies- each baby is different and that's something that's never rang truer than when it came to the methods of feeding each of my three sweet boys. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a first time mother, I struggled with breastfeeding. It wasn't something that came naturally for either of us and our nursing relationship was a rocky one for the four months it survived. As our nursing journey came to an end, I think that we were both so relieved and eager to switch over to a bottle that I'm not sure it really mattered what kind I ended up choosing. I purchased a myriad of bottles in the beginning- expensive ones with a million parts, cheap ones with zero frills and even a few middle of the road ones that boasted a happy medium of the two. It took a few weeks but we eventually got the hang of it. Our breastfeeding journey was over and we never once looked back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When my second son was born I didn't set any lofty nursing goals. If it didn't work for us, I told myself, it wouldn't be the end of the world. We started off strong- much stronger than my first experience. I waited to introduce a bottle, perhaps in retrospect, I waited too long. I just didn't want to jinx our success. Sometimes that golden window of opportunity is so small, however, that if you don't jump on it, it's gone forever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite trying a myriad of bottles, the window of opportunity was gone. In the course of the next twenty-three months, or how long our nursing journey lasted, my second son would go on to take a few bottles here and there, under duress mostly and involuntarily but as many nursing mothers will attest, sometimes we just need a break. I'm beyond grateful that my experience nursing my second baby was vastly different from my first but at the same time I knew that when my third was born, I'd want to try to do things a little differently. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Perhaps strike a happy balance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When my third son was born, he too eased right into nursing. In fact, the first few weeks were a dream and I truly couldn't have asked for better. I knew, however, that our magical window was quickly approaching and I didn't want to necessarily make the same lapse in judgment as I did the last time. Once again I invested in a few different types of bottles and around 3 weeks old we began to introduce them on a weekly basis. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I suddenly remembered three things about bottle feeding:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1. I hated washing bottle parts. </b>It was bad enough I had to wash pump parts but add to that bottles that required multiple valves, rings, caps, etc. and it was just too much. Enough to almost sway me from having to take part in the process to begin with. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2. It was kind of glorious.</b> It was a wonderful break from constantly being needed every two hours. If I wanted to nap, I could nap without worry of waking up in time for the next feeding. If I wanted to take the older boys out for some one on one time, I could do that, focusing solely on them, not always wondering what time it was and when I'd have to get back to feed the baby. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3. It gave my husband extra time with the baby,</b> something he didn't always get at the end of a long day at work and it became something that he really looked forward to. There isn't a whole lot our husbands can do for baby in those early weeks aside from rock and change diapers- so giving them the ability to feed baby also is an extra special bonus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even though he was my third baby, I wanted to make sure that introducing the bottle didn't alter our nursing relationship in any way. Sure I needed to take a break here and there and it would undoubtedly be a nice alternative for someone else to feed him occasionally but in the long run, I wanted to nurse him for as long as we both could happily endure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I knew what whatever bottle I ended up introducing needed to meet two very important criteria: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1. It didn't include a bazillion parts.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2. It was as close to the real thing as possible</b> and would easily allow baby to switch back and forth between bottle and breast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The <a href="http://bit.ly/WyFJEA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Munchkin LATCH</a> bottle system, available at <a href="http://bit.ly/1zdKjIP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Target</a>, was the answer to my bottle feeding prayers. Developed with Lactation Consultants, the <a href="http://bit.ly/WyFJEA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LATCH bottle</a> mimics the real thing by releasing more breast milk as baby pushes against the nipples base, the same movement that occurs as baby nurses at the breast. While other bottles may look like the breast, the unique LATCH nipple <b>moves, stretches and functions</b> like the breast by allowing baby to latch easily and correctly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Without tons of miscellaneous pieces, the LATCH bottle also offers a simple way to reduce colic. The anti-colic valve, located at the bottom of the LATCH bottle, allows for breast milk to flow while ensuring air bubbles don't travel through. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Immediately, the <a href="http://bit.ly/WyFJEA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LATCH bottle</a> met and exceeded my bottle-feeding criteria. With only three parts- the bottle base, o-ring and nipple, I didn't have to worry about tons of bottle parts needing to be washed, dried and pieced together. With it's unique shape and function, the nipple looked and felt like the real thing, more so than many of the other bottles I've tried. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When left in the capable care of others, I also didn't need to worry about their ability to piece together the bottle parts correctly to avoid leaks and spills. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And this ham? He was the bottle's biggest fan. At six months old, he uses the 3+ month flow nipple and it's the perfect size and flow for him. it's also nice that the bottle comes with a pump adapter that I can hook directly to my pump, eliminating the need for a "middle man" bottle of sorts, and extra parts to have to later wash and dry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As mothers we have plenty to worry about. The Munchkin LATCH bottle system goes one step further by reassuring us mothers that we have one less thing to worry about when it comes to happily feeding our babies, ensuring a safe and easy transition from bottle back to breast. <b>Tell me, have you experienced any challenges or funny moments when it comes to feeding your little ones? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Use coupon code<b> LOVELATCH </b>at <a href="http://bit.ly/WyFJEA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Munchkin.com</a> for Free Shipping on your purchase. U.S. residents only, expires 12/31/14.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For more information on Munchkin LATCH as well as feeding tips and all around encouragement and support for moms, join us for the #LOVELATCH Twitter Party, Wednesday, November 12th, 8am-9am PST/11am-12pm EST. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>This post is brought to you by Munchkin LATCH as part of the #LOVELATCH campaign.</i></span></div>
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-50887569960445483822014-10-26T20:00:00.000-07:002014-10-26T20:00:46.417-07:00Getting Your Kids To Eat More Veggies, The Easy Way!<!-- Birds Eye: Step Up to the Plate with Melissa d'Arabian (Content Series) / Clever Girls Snippet --><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Kids, eat your veggies!" is a phrase that's on constant repeat on our house. Every day, for two meals a day, I practically beg and plead with my boys to "eat your vegetables, please!" I've sung the songs, danced the dances and even tried my hand at creating those little artistic masterpieces you see all over Pinterest- what with their googly-eyed toothpicks and creatively cookie-cutter sandwiches. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But to no avail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In our house there is never a more drama-filled dinner than that caused by the appearance of greenery on one's perfectly portioned plastic plate. You see, very few foods will my boys turn up their noses at but if it's leafy and green or it grows in the ground, chances are it's not one of their favorites. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a mom I've learned to pick and choose my battles and I will be the first parent to take one for the team all the while singing "Let It Go" under my breath. However, when it comes to eating healthy, that's not exactly an arena I'm willing to turn a blind eye to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Surely I can't be the only mom out there who struggles with dinner time drama, after all, according to the State of the Plate report, 9 out of 10 people in the United States aren't getting the proper amount of vegetables! I know I'm not the best with numbers but I'd say that's just about all of us who aren't eating our veggies! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Everyone knows it can be tough to get a balanced meal on the table every day, especially <a href="http://clvr.li/1xZVx0a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birds Eye</a>. That's why their line of frozen vegetables helps us moms by providing nutritious, delicious vegetables that kids will love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://clvr.li/1xZVx0a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birds Eye</a> continues to make eating more vegetables a reality by showing families how to fill half the plate with veggies in fun and simple ways that both moms and kids will enjoy. By providing more than forty unique vegetable blends year round at affordable prices, Birds eye continues to be an ally in the dinner time dilemma. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You know who else knows the dinner time veggie woes? Melissa d' Arabian, celebrity chef, mom of 4 and host of FoodNetwork.com's web series The Picky Eaters Project. Together with <a href="http://clvr.li/1xZVx0a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birds Eye</a>, she lends her expertise in getting children to eat more veggies, one bite at a time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Try at least two bites," I'll plead and while most days my boys are quick to appease, as their mother I'd love to see them start expanding their palate on their own accord. After all, 9 out 10 veggie eaters in America isn't something to be proud of! That's when I break out the big guns and take to disguising vegetables in some of their favorite dishes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take for instance, "Chicken with the Crunchies on Top," or Curried Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. This is a dish that my kids go crazy over and one that they hardly realize is chock full of one of their least favorite veggies, the dreaded broccoli. What's even funnier is that the broccoli isn't even hidden in this dish but thanks to the creamy sauce and crunchy topping, they hardly notice they're scarfing it down. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6GDmbon1xa2tgPr2yUPlhSA3hMklQRjT3WP3e5NZ1-N2oyRV84qN3o2m5D1QxcfOa_0WVe_hlZmmsLKqNcHTfpzC4qH7VTghkGnLdyujcHDE4A9-HJ-nI-wkbiBAVOaEs9Pd8mYjpGWx/s1600/BirdsEye_SteamFresh+(9%2Bof%2B10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6GDmbon1xa2tgPr2yUPlhSA3hMklQRjT3WP3e5NZ1-N2oyRV84qN3o2m5D1QxcfOa_0WVe_hlZmmsLKqNcHTfpzC4qH7VTghkGnLdyujcHDE4A9-HJ-nI-wkbiBAVOaEs9Pd8mYjpGWx/s1600/BirdsEye_SteamFresh+(9%2Bof%2B10).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You'll Need: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 rotisserie chicken, picked clean</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 can Cream of Chicken soup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 bags Birds Eye Streamfresh Broccoli Florets</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tbsp curry powder (more or less to you liking)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tsp lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/3 cup lite mayonnaise </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 box Stove Top Stuffing (for Chicken)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 stick of butter</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ3x0bzRIHu-T22rvnWFnR2xub6epUYavTqSZqPzZwcbJQWngzaHueD6w2absgd1VqPtQ6yrQvDYSRHL2LaUmcni_jLWPYHo2fBS5zxOryOKQbQcL8KpfLiYCOqJVoyb6LG18VXvmVwYz/s1600/BirdsEye_SteamFresh+(1%2Bof%2B10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ3x0bzRIHu-T22rvnWFnR2xub6epUYavTqSZqPzZwcbJQWngzaHueD6w2absgd1VqPtQ6yrQvDYSRHL2LaUmcni_jLWPYHo2fBS5zxOryOKQbQcL8KpfLiYCOqJVoyb6LG18VXvmVwYz/s1600/BirdsEye_SteamFresh+(1%2Bof%2B10).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Preheat oven to 350*. Grease the bottom of a casserole dish with butter and pour in both bags of steamed and drained broccoli florets. (I will typically only steam these veggies for half the recommended time in order to avoid mushy broccoli later on). In a separate bowl, mix pulled chicken, soup, curry powder, lemon juice and mayonnaise together. Pour over broccoli. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJoBRTTfT1EQWJAmxtQFKFuosr3GWqKQBEwIjZtGWcghNmAEZCnMESCFukC5h7-Q5tiz8cjrTmvmpZOaFMdKILPwU0pwu-zeQuEXcJFqZjqeSIWsY9M-Zw6Fklj5sV3S0jJt28O9ydqGj/s1600/BirdsEye_SteamFresh+(3%2Bof%2B10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJoBRTTfT1EQWJAmxtQFKFuosr3GWqKQBEwIjZtGWcghNmAEZCnMESCFukC5h7-Q5tiz8cjrTmvmpZOaFMdKILPwU0pwu-zeQuEXcJFqZjqeSIWsY9M-Zw6Fklj5sV3S0jJt28O9ydqGj/s1600/BirdsEye_SteamFresh+(3%2Bof%2B10).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSdqkEF3D6WBT12X_Dfv0UxT7wtGfoCny9lJggThs2X_RjB4Td8kRMviJlcRWH62x5TV7D9mFkWdnUzjNBazasEYo7C43S0kPQxZ7XghLTffpkqDRlNUNoVcNw30efjlsjtZpYuWKr8br/s1600/BirdsEye_SteamFresh+(4%2Bof%2B10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSdqkEF3D6WBT12X_Dfv0UxT7wtGfoCny9lJggThs2X_RjB4Td8kRMviJlcRWH62x5TV7D9mFkWdnUzjNBazasEYo7C43S0kPQxZ7XghLTffpkqDRlNUNoVcNw30efjlsjtZpYuWKr8br/s1600/BirdsEye_SteamFresh+(4%2Bof%2B10).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1bNmRr_SA7iKjzWgyCPxML6RD7ObfUO-C1rWctjhLRtN955IDPZ-Nsjon9M9vWBrVEjWvoSAr2y_CNaOrJs-YpCzVFZVmwlqK3Uuv0xaljMW8Vb6jx5uJKQjW2ok3M84XBuuWsoDdKv3/s1600/BirdsEye_SteamFresh+(5%2Bof%2B10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1bNmRr_SA7iKjzWgyCPxML6RD7ObfUO-C1rWctjhLRtN955IDPZ-Nsjon9M9vWBrVEjWvoSAr2y_CNaOrJs-YpCzVFZVmwlqK3Uuv0xaljMW8Vb6jx5uJKQjW2ok3M84XBuuWsoDdKv3/s1600/BirdsEye_SteamFresh+(5%2Bof%2B10).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sprinkle Stove Top stuffing evenly over the top of the casserole. Cut butter into 3-4 pats and place in top of casserole. Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes. Serve and sit back and watch while your kids devour one of their least favorite veggies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Here's to being one of those 9 out of 10! Tell me, what are your tips to conquering a house full of picky eaters?</i></span><br />
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<i>I was selected for this opportunity as a member of <a href="http://clevergirlscollective.com/" target="_blank">Clever Girls Collective</a> and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.</i><br />
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-58019724933819771502014-10-09T12:19:00.000-07:002014-10-09T12:19:19.392-07:00A Back to School Lunch Idea with Hillshire Farms<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>This is a sponsored post in working collaboration </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>with MomItForward and Hillshire Farms.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Every day that I scroll through my <a href="http://instagram.com/lvdmorethncrrts" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://pinterest.com/ilymtctheblog" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> feeds while waiting to pick my oldest up from school is another day that I am reminded of my sub-par parenting skills. Actually, scratch that. I'd like to believe that I have earned badges for the important parenting skills such as "How To Remove A Splinter From A Toddler's Foot," "How To Potty Train Boys," "How to Handle Meltdowns in Target, Aisle 7" and "How to Clean Up Your House in the Five Minutes Before Your Spouse Walks Through the Door." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What I haven't yet mastered, a skill that Pinterest and Instagram constantly remind me of, is coming up with creative healthy ideas for my kids' lunches. They say you are what you eat and if that's really true then my kids are walking talking peanut butter sandwiches with a side of string cheese and apples. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They also say variety is the spice of life and I <i>am</i> getting a little burnt out from making peanut butter sandwiches day in and day out. That's why I decided it was time to step a little outside of my boring Peanut Butter comfort zone and spend a little extra brain power on coming up with one of those cute-sy Pinterest-y lunches. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Without one of those fancy bento boxes that are all the rage lately and with only a handful of minutes to whip up something healthy and delicious while simultaneously worrying about signed Field Trip slips, "O" Show and Tell Day <i>(really? O?</i>) and Class 4A's recent head lice outbreak, it was Hillshire Farm's brand new line of lunch meats, <a href="http://www.hillshirefarm.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hillshire Farm Naturals,</a> to the rescue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With no artificial ingredients, preservatives, colors or added nitrites/nitrates (except those occurring naturally in celery juice), Hillshire Farm Naturals is the natural choice for this busy mom during back-to-school season. The line features four varieties including Slow Roasted Turkey Breast, Hardwood Smoked Turkey Breast, Honey Roasted Ham and Black Forest Ham.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxo53EGVcHHrGIBlu6eP2xWJoE2x77Y89jTw6bANvU44Fwx1iyPcjIN9_oHoa3WbV3eIIMPA_ujpJrsAC3CsmJpd7utguN_xrAmxlkME52SThi_Mq0zKpCVjsd8BhuG5UM4t68elQfD8zk/s1600/Hillshire_Farm_Naturals+Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxo53EGVcHHrGIBlu6eP2xWJoE2x77Y89jTw6bANvU44Fwx1iyPcjIN9_oHoa3WbV3eIIMPA_ujpJrsAC3CsmJpd7utguN_xrAmxlkME52SThi_Mq0zKpCVjsd8BhuG5UM4t68elQfD8zk/s1600/Hillshire_Farm_Naturals+Pinterest.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's Hillshire Farm Naturals Slow Roasted Turkey Breast that was the star of my kids' new favorite lunch, Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels and I'll be the first to admit, it felt great making something fun for a change, outside of our typical Peanut Butter rut. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>To make this quick and easily back-to-school lunch roll-up, you'll need</b>: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 Whole Wheat soft Tortilla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2tbsp spread (I use a vegetable cream cheese or greek yogurt cucumber dill dip)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 slices deli cheese (I use Meunster but can be subbed for any favorite)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 slices Hillshire Farm Natural Smoked Turkey</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spread your dip on the tortilla, layer lunch meats accordingly, roll tightly and slice into 1 inch rolls. If you're feeling particularly artsy, create little scenes with your roll ups by adding apple slices as flower petals and bell pepper strips as stems. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's true, not all sandwich meat is created equal and I'm happy to report that not only does Hillshire Farm Naturals lunch meat taste delicious, but its freshness is also comparative to the meat you would order sliced from a deli counter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do I let my kids have junk food? Sure. I'm a firm believer in <i>most things</i> in moderation but it's also up to me to set the foundation now for their food choices later on. I strive to choose the best option of what's available for my kids- that means lunch meats that are made from real meat, contain no artificial ingredients and aren't too salty or slimy. Hillshire Farm Naturals hits the ball out of the proverbial lunch time park with their new line of lunch meats.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As for the fun presentation? I know I won't always have time to make flowers out of Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels but I also know I won't always have these little impressionable toddlers and preschoolers underfoot and if it gets them to try new foods and step outside of their comfort zone? <i>Pinterest-y lunches, for the win. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hillshire Farm Naturals are pre-packaged in a double-sealed, re-sealable tub to seal in freshness and great taste. You can find the new line in the packaged deli meats section of grocery stores nationwide. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Keep up with the Hillshire Farm brand on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hillshirefarm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/HillshireFarm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HillshireFarm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://twitter.com/hillshirefarm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Thank you, Hillshire Farm brand for sponsoring this post </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>and giving this busy Mom of 3 a great healthy alternative</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>to the same ol' Peanut Butter school lunch. All thoughts</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>expressed are honest and my own. </i></span></div>
<br />Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-72553253685357262122014-09-12T06:29:00.002-07:002014-09-12T06:29:35.620-07:00Document Life Together, Even When You're Far Apart :: Seahorse App <!-- Seahorse: App Experience / Clever Girls Snippet --><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If I lived in a perfect world, I most certainly wouldn't have bought a house and moved to Maryland, four hours away from my parents and most of my extended family when I was six months pregnant with my first baby. Having babies of your own when you live any distance from your family isn't easy and no matter whether it's your first baby or your third, it doesn't get any easier after that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What does make the distance a bit easier to manage, however, is brand new social sharing apps, like Seahorse from <a href="http://clvr.li/seahorseapp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seahorse Inc</a>., that allow you to collaborate with friends and family to build photo and video albums that are shared privately amongst your invited contacts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Whether it's photos from the boys' birthday parties, our family beach vacation or just playing outside in the backyard, friends and family can easily access the app to find all of the photos in one neat "scene." What's more is that they too can add their own photos from the same event to be shared with invited users. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Using the <a href="http://clvr.li/seahorseapp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seahorse app</a> allows you to never again miss a milestone or celebration. Even if you're living states away from family and friends, users can upload photos in real time and I can login and access the photos immediately, making me feel like a part of the party, like I'm a little bit closer to home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Designed with organization and sorting options by date, location, friends and "scenes," the app provides a cohesive and creative way to collect and enjoy photos across the web and mobile devices. Users can set the app to automatically sync photos and videos from their camera roll so they'll never have to worry about losing another photo or memory to share. Photos and videos can also be imported from Instagram, Dropbox, Facebook, Picasa and Flickr. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What makes this app different from so many other photo storing and sharing apps out there is that the photos and scenes created through the app are co-owned by all of the users who were invited to share in it. More specifically, it doesn't matter necessarily who shot the photos but rather the content of the photos and the story they tell. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">For up to a week, anyone can delete photos from a "scene," no matter who added them in the first place. Everything that is uploaded into the app is stored in its original resolution in a safe and secure cloud server within Seahorse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So, how does the app work? Easy. Just follow these 4 easy steps to get your collaborative scenes up and running: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>1. Download the app using either your mobile device or desktop computer. (</strong><a href="http://clvr.li/seahorseitunes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><strong>iOS</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://clvr.li/seahorsegoogleplay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><strong>Android</strong></a><strong>)</strong></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sPza8L0NtvtWlmp_LFftSNEU9ht2mDm9p9JuXqwYN8H0CEufJvoXUJK9oVOTc1dqbfeS2tLkf7xdZIO0Zh1HoYvliTo834HRfWyEDfbtLbkIDOvxcQ__YcVykalvbUHo1H5FXHTwE_IZ/s1600/Seahorese_App_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sPza8L0NtvtWlmp_LFftSNEU9ht2mDm9p9JuXqwYN8H0CEufJvoXUJK9oVOTc1dqbfeS2tLkf7xdZIO0Zh1HoYvliTo834HRfWyEDfbtLbkIDOvxcQ__YcVykalvbUHo1H5FXHTwE_IZ/s1600/Seahorese_App_2.jpg" height="530" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>2. Create an account by entering your information. App purchase and sign up is free but with code "CLEVERHORSE" you gain an additional 5GB of storage. (Tap the icon on the top left corner to access account settings, tap "redeem," tap "write code," and enter "CLEVERHORSE," tap "go" on your keyboard to complete upgrade. </strong><em>(offer expires 10/31/14)</em></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsZWlD6m2HmR7v_P7IjRdar40cOZonChZAJNv3UFxyjVSXzCVqXCerJDTfcJbVsuw0bTeux9wMMNPNW50drcNwRdnUECDrYEqm2ucnc1-KRLn0fZno3M7mQZ1_syzjgszHJIRwDuhJT85/s1600/Seahorse_App_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsZWlD6m2HmR7v_P7IjRdar40cOZonChZAJNv3UFxyjVSXzCVqXCerJDTfcJbVsuw0bTeux9wMMNPNW50drcNwRdnUECDrYEqm2ucnc1-KRLn0fZno3M7mQZ1_syzjgszHJIRwDuhJT85/s1600/Seahorse_App_1.jpg" height="530" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>3. Create your first</strong><strong> "scene" by entering a Title and invite family and friends to share the album by entering their email address or searching their contact information on your phone.</strong></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4K2xR3HoYn8oZgglzEJouqZzvc5ls8zjEoebfzOgEm_-h0ZLcVmHXPIM4ai9O38vy3tBUYSiE1qbFOzXh3BaQY0Y50i9xfCp75F2AVi9yBrMJ_VokWmTyCO3A9bpLp07-OAgNHwCF-T8O/s1600/Seahorse_App_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4K2xR3HoYn8oZgglzEJouqZzvc5ls8zjEoebfzOgEm_-h0ZLcVmHXPIM4ai9O38vy3tBUYSiE1qbFOzXh3BaQY0Y50i9xfCp75F2AVi9yBrMJ_VokWmTyCO3A9bpLp07-OAgNHwCF-T8O/s1600/Seahorse_App_3.jpg" height="530" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>4. Upload photos to your scene and wait for family and friends to do the same.</strong> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYmooLd32HpWUiuZRyR6BYVG48zmNODPxuJaIIw3YYf-MvDKul4z6oDVM7F9FAXXFLntO2az-IeZOVJ8zwxldfl9O-RbTkG_UD6nHy5gNf713283RRjSADzYqRlBhA25t7RfqvLOT5xg_/s1600/Seahorse_App_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYmooLd32HpWUiuZRyR6BYVG48zmNODPxuJaIIw3YYf-MvDKul4z6oDVM7F9FAXXFLntO2az-IeZOVJ8zwxldfl9O-RbTkG_UD6nHy5gNf713283RRjSADzYqRlBhA25t7RfqvLOT5xg_/s1600/Seahorse_App_4.jpg" height="530" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Have even more fun using your app by selecting the "Magic" option to shake your phone to display random moments from across all scenes so as not to ever for forget a moment in time. Use the Flashback, Map or Timeline option to also rediscover your photos in new and exciting ways. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What are you waiting for? Start sharing your moments, from milestone to mundane and everything in between with the new <a href="http://clvr.li/seahorseapp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seahorse app</a> by Seahorse Inc. </span><br />
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<i>I was selected for this opportunity as a member of <a href="http://clvr.li/OHjC82" target="_blank">Clever Girls Collective</a> and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-87792966269232548342014-08-18T18:19:00.001-07:002014-08-18T18:19:22.789-07:00Photo Organization and Storage, As Easy as L-Y-V-E.<img src="http://ooh.li/9b60ea3" />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>This post is sponsored by LyveHome</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As both a mom and a photographer, I often feel this deep seeded need to document my kids' lives through pictures. If you were to look through the folders on my computer, you would find hundreds of thousands of images documenting everything from their first giggles to their first steps to their first days of school and everything (<i>and I mean everything</i>) in between. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What I'd rather not think about, however, is how many "first moments" I've missed as I've reached for my phone and opened up the camera app only to be met with "Not Enough Room To Take Pictures." I am not proud of myself but I will admit that I've muttered many a four letter word when greeted with that tiny little message. Every day I tell myself I will plug my phone into the computer to back up my pictures (and then back them up again to an external hard drive) and every day it gets pushed farther and farther back into the depths of my eternal "To Do List." As if <a href="http://ooh.li/16f4db8" target="_blank"><b>photo organization</b></a> is my number one priority with three kids under the age of five. <i>I wish</i>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thus begins a stressful game of Eenie Meenie Miney Mo as I quickly begin to determine which pictures and videos I can delete from my camera roll in order to make space for the new ones. Let's be honest for a minute with ourselves here. Videos are never, ever all but rarely deleted. That's pure gold right there! So it's the following internal debate that ensues:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Do I delete the picture of the baby smiling the biggest smile he's ever smiled? Or do I delete the picture of the baby smiling just a little less smiley than the biggest smile he's ever smiled? The light is better in the second picture.. but his smile is much bigger in the first.. And his nose is doing that super cute wrinkly thing.. And.. And..." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As they say, <i>"the struggle is real."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, of course there are many other moments when the capture in question will be repeated. I know my kids will continue to laugh and grow and try new foods with or without the camera in their faces but there's just something about capturing that very first <i>newness</i> on film that is so special. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKzZmaVCwMEdOVZEHfPihtdQRiHGcrk6bItauDlVIYz1FuIa4h9_6UkNuoiAyHhptv43Do5LP437z5J67_qa9xzF4E6kvkCD84LwDk5EsUlmsLZmUqz4hT36Av7x9tyol4aqS8IhBLVp4/s1600/LyveHome_Photo_Storage+(1%2Bof%2B6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKzZmaVCwMEdOVZEHfPihtdQRiHGcrk6bItauDlVIYz1FuIa4h9_6UkNuoiAyHhptv43Do5LP437z5J67_qa9xzF4E6kvkCD84LwDk5EsUlmsLZmUqz4hT36Av7x9tyol4aqS8IhBLVp4/s1600/LyveHome_Photo_Storage+(1%2Bof%2B6).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that my pictures automatically sync with <a href="http://ooh.li/16f4db8" target="_blank"><b>LyveHome</b></a>, I don't have to worry about choosing which photos to delete to make room for the new ones. I don't have to worry about constantly backing up my photos from my phone to the computer and I don't have to search through numerous folders on my computer when grandparents stop by and ask to see pictures of their grandson's first giggle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now we gather around our LyveHome (or I pull up the Lyve App) and the entire first moments are immortalized right there. LyveHome is our perfect solution for collecting, protecting and rediscovering the family moments that mean the most to us. It is the ONLY cross-platform solution on the market today and with the Lyve app on both my phone and desktop computer, I can quickly and easily log in to manage and share my <a href="http://ooh.li/16f4db8" target="_blank"><b>LyveHome</b></a> photos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Life shouldn't stop because your memory card is full. You shouldn't need to play Eenie Meenie with special family moments. With Lyve you can continue to capture your favorite moments knowing your photos and videos are automatically protected on your <a href="http://ooh.li/16f4db8" target="_blank"><b>LyveHome</b> </a>from wherever you are. Lyve allows you to have one view of your entire collection, even photos and videos posted on Facebook, or those kept in cloud storage services like Dropbox, regardless of the space you have available on your mobile device. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Imagine: Hundreds of thousands of memories viewable on any size Android or iOS device. Just. like. that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love that <b><a href="http://ooh.li/16f4db8" target="_blank">Lyve</a> </b>thinks about keeping my photos and videos safe, sorted and accessible so that I can focus on living in and capturing the moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Lyve wants to take the guesswork out of your family photo organization by giving away one LyveHome to a lucky ILYMTC the Blog reader (ARV: $299). To enter, v</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><b>isit </b><a href="http://ooh.li/16f4db8" target="_blank"><b>Lyve </b></a><b>, click on the “watch product video” and leave a comment below, letting me know what you enjoyed most about the video.</b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><i>(No Purchase necessary to enter. Open to US residents only. Must be 18 years or older to enter and have a valid email address. Winner will be contacted via this email and product will be shipped directly through mailing address provided. Giveaway is open until August 26th, 2014).</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><i>If interested in purchasing your own <a href="http://ooh.li/16f4db8" target="_blank"><b>LyveHome</b></a> and revolutionizing the way you take and share pictures, use code "LyveUnleashed" for Free Shipping. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><i>Thank you to Lyve and Linqia for sponsoring this post. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><i>All opinions expressed above were honest and my own.</i></span></span></div>
Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-65250811112972536862014-08-07T08:26:00.000-07:002014-08-07T08:26:18.382-07:00His and Hers Movie Night with Mars Ice Cream. <div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>This is a sponsored post in partnership with One2One Network</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>and Mars Ice Cream. All opinions expressed are my own.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I cannot remember the last time we sat in a movie theater and watched a movie. Actually, scratch that. I can remember, I'm just too ashamed to admit it. It was two weeks before Carter was born and if you're keeping track that was way back in the year... 2010. The movie was Marley & Me <i>and yes</i>, we both cried. We also stuffed ourselves silly with movie theater popcorn (seriously, it's never as good anywhere else except the theater) and Milk Duds. But not together in the same bucket. <i>No one mars my popcorn.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I miss two things about that night. One being my super awesome pregnant belly shelf and two, being able to eat delicious movie snacks without a hoard of tiny hands bombarding me from every turn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that we've added another baby to the mix, movie night looks a lot different. For starters, it typically takes place in our basement long after the kids have gone to bed. It involves a little bit of fighting over which movie we'll choose to watch because long gone are the honeymoon days of having to impress one another and succumb to <i>their </i>favorite things. He wants action and fighting and loud explosions! <i>I just want to laugh.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We often spend so much time looking through the new release titles that at least one of our kids has woken up and either crept downstairs and scared the bajeezus out of us or from the dimly lit monitor, beckoned me from my comfortable place on the couch for a midnight snack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One thing we can agree on, however, is the snacks we'll choose to enjoy our movie with. Sort of like how we often choose a "His and Her movie," we also have "His and Her snacks," and during the warm summer nights, our first choice is always, <i>always</i> ice cream. Perhaps it's the one thing we <i>can </i>agree on without question. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When it comes to finding the perfect frosty treat to accompany our movie selections, we immediately choose Mars brand. Why? Because it's real ice cream. Unlike so many "imitation" ice cream products, Mars Ice Cream's portfolio of frozen treats pairs delicious REAL ice cream with the delectable chocolate flavor of candy brands you know and love.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C7Sv0O887aRwGIYkWdKyXf_SkNvBfxTSKHloowCNx7uKj2OlJ_gQpeS1lqNLwjmfoqjk4O1xxu2ovodlOXOQPegSTk2kPnT0cvpkXtjW7vyTG7kKz9ONw7QyXLHiNMjT_moowqp6dL6s/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C7Sv0O887aRwGIYkWdKyXf_SkNvBfxTSKHloowCNx7uKj2OlJ_gQpeS1lqNLwjmfoqjk4O1xxu2ovodlOXOQPegSTk2kPnT0cvpkXtjW7vyTG7kKz9ONw7QyXLHiNMjT_moowqp6dL6s/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He prefers dark chocolate while I'm a fan of the milk chocolate variety. Chocolate or vanilla, they're both winners in my book. On a stick or in a bar, we welcome all different kinds. In fact, our freezer looks more like the Melting Pot of ice cream treats. From Snickers bars to DOVE Bars, it's safe to say we like variety. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even though we can't always agree on the movie we'll watch, our movie night is made better with Mars.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mars Ice Cream products make a great treat to accompany <i>your</i> next movie night- adding a tasty layer of fun to an already much anticipated, exciting event. Pick up your favorite flick (or his) and a box of Mars Ice Cream tonight! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6ap29GIdlXqeU3lUnibmHu0XPxMedkkYESDnschVkNZRbKJsrLBdntRG0C89STvATzfF172Q0xhKkMEFA2Dyg6HntDBqIPDIUsP4z_GL6pDNiiLjJzmpCg6Nli3mZKiMO8yIKnbxysBb/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6ap29GIdlXqeU3lUnibmHu0XPxMedkkYESDnschVkNZRbKJsrLBdntRG0C89STvATzfF172Q0xhKkMEFA2Dyg6HntDBqIPDIUsP4z_GL6pDNiiLjJzmpCg6Nli3mZKiMO8yIKnbxysBb/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For FREE treats, you can enter to win 5 full value coupons for Mars Ice Cream products! </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just leave a comment below telling me the name of the last movie you saw in theaters!</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Be sure to include a valid email address which will be used to contact the winner and dispense the prize. Open to US residents only. No purchase necessary to enter. Giveaway ends Monday, August 11th. (Mars Ice Cream products include DOVEBAR Ice Cream Bars, M&M Brand Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, SNICKERS Brand Chocolate Ice Cream Bats and TWIX Ice Cream Bars. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>This is a sponsored post in partnership with One2One Network</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>and Mars Ice Cream. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></span></div>
Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-65439857970853206832014-07-14T02:00:00.000-07:002014-07-15T14:31:16.390-07:0014 Day Slim Down From The Waist Down With Slimfast.<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Slimfast, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#14daystoslim</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV" style="text-align: right; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #386eff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am not one of those women who magically loses all of her baby weight in the first couple of months postpartum. Despite how much I might wish that I was, after three babies, I've finally come to terms with the fact that, often times, 10 to 15 pounds hands around for a good six months. I do try to remind myself that my body has done a miraculous thing, growing a human, not once, not twice, but three times and that does make the sting a little less sting-y, the soft, squishy spots a little less, well, <i>annoying</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In fact, I've <a href="http://www.iloveyoumorethancarrots.com/2013/02/the-state-of-weight-postpartum-and.html" target="_blank">written before about the state of weight postpartum</a> and after baby number three, it looks like I'm traveling down the same road once again. This time, however, it's a little bit different. Collins was born in late April which had me thinking that, come swimsuit time, I'd be able to squeeze myself into a bathing suit and not feel too down on myself about it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, we're smack dab in the peak of swimsuit season and I can't say I'm too happy and with what I'm shoving into a swimsuit. Think: a popped can of biscuits wrapped up in a tankini with side ruching. I really have no one else to blame other than myself, however. It's not like I've been making the wisest of meal choices, indulging way more than I should in things like donut holes for breakfast and carb-loading snacks throughout the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With my husband's side of the family's </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First Annual Family Beach Trip just around the corner, I'd really like to ditch a little of the bloat and a few extra pounds before donning a swimsuit for the majority of the week and in order to do so, I've realized I need to start with snacking better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During one of my recent trips to the local drug store, I noticed these <a href="http://goo.gl/IPGB25" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slimfast</a> bars on the shelves boasting a "14 Days Slimdown" that promised a loss of up to 6 pounds in the first two weeks. This, along with daily walks around the neighborhood and trips to the park, sounded like a great way to jump start a healthy weight loss of just a few pounds before our beach vacation. I've used Slimfast products before, in almost the exact same manner, just a couple of years ago after the birth of my second baby, and saw fairly decent results. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGwNIkGWpMk4ERX9K5Inl7en5S5Ej6MeJiRaHfU31RBccMpC-_5VQTu3tR1E1C0xwnwQRA3tOlZGi7Irjlauiz3PDAy8_dx18iTXa74Len1k7OrW9MHrMIajPxoXYpnlN3HKEjgg7tlIT/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGwNIkGWpMk4ERX9K5Inl7en5S5Ej6MeJiRaHfU31RBccMpC-_5VQTu3tR1E1C0xwnwQRA3tOlZGi7Irjlauiz3PDAy8_dx18iTXa74Len1k7OrW9MHrMIajPxoXYpnlN3HKEjgg7tlIT/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The 14 Day Slimdown entails swapping 2 meals daily with a Slimfast meal bar, 3 100-calorie snacks, snack bars or pieces of fruit throughout the day, a third meal of 500 calories (I allotted</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> myself a bit more since I'm nursing), 30 minutes of exercise daily and plenty of water to drink. Unlike many other weight loss suggestions out there, this one not only seemed realistic but like one I was capable of doing while mothering my very active lot of three boys under four. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, I gave it a whirl. I am ten days into the <a href="http://goo.gl/IPGB25" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slimfast 14-Day Slimdown</a> and I've lost an entire inch around my waist as well as 4.5 pounds. I also find myself curbing my snack attacks with the tasty snack bars and increased water intake. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9t-cYg3bYGqW8TZ1ozA2KYiDbChrTWeyeKGuUZwmNs9hyr4ruU6aWJjJPXU4ptWUQTlEdaEH1WmlbiPkEUF9XZRjeOxJsXqhGtmEK9zgaon6RAJhr8KbLRqbz4rmg6DA1Zp3BrfsBCP9/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9t-cYg3bYGqW8TZ1ozA2KYiDbChrTWeyeKGuUZwmNs9hyr4ruU6aWJjJPXU4ptWUQTlEdaEH1WmlbiPkEUF9XZRjeOxJsXqhGtmEK9zgaon6RAJhr8KbLRqbz4rmg6DA1Zp3BrfsBCP9/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The new Slimfast gimme some Greek Yogurt & Honey snack bars feature the goodness of Greek yogurt and delicious honey and are only 110 calories per bar. I'll be honest here- there are much better flavors out there than this one- it isn't my favorite but it does add a little variety to the mix and you know what they say... "Variety is the spice of life," or something like that. <i>Because I know you'll ask, my favorite flavors are Peanut Butter Crunch and Double Dutch Chocolate. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-odRrk7XSF8eMkWKJt7itLXFvwVuiuVHwhRGJSGwZPMyZNzou6SCUiMeSUZf8UIfO54_PYT_4TcFwRTnSsBddPls08AHHNLGsYumzAZXwB7_isG6v61jvT5Uf4aFKDT9PFryOPhaUtBam/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-odRrk7XSF8eMkWKJt7itLXFvwVuiuVHwhRGJSGwZPMyZNzou6SCUiMeSUZf8UIfO54_PYT_4TcFwRTnSsBddPls08AHHNLGsYumzAZXwB7_isG6v61jvT5Uf4aFKDT9PFryOPhaUtBam/s1600/photo.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Snacking has always been my downfall- with not much time on my hands and no real motivation to snack healthy, I'm always grabbing sugar-laden snacks and treats when I should be eating more filling meals and choosing healthier snacks. With the Slimfast snack bars, I find myself feeling satisfied after eating just one and not suffering the usual rampant "snack attacks" I've grown accustomed to indulging. They also do a pretty great job at satisfying my sweet tooth!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgq9wZsCPRIk5y_rvk48l_FAygcw7dAT7XLepSU_W8NhQcmoOTOwyh9p5Fw_zM-_wEqO2kSUYEzAwbra5546Exik6YXH1ufPtAqQrvtvcMPje7by2kqvwnxdK8KZ-Vsm7RCvPT5cmS6oN-/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgq9wZsCPRIk5y_rvk48l_FAygcw7dAT7XLepSU_W8NhQcmoOTOwyh9p5Fw_zM-_wEqO2kSUYEzAwbra5546Exik6YXH1ufPtAqQrvtvcMPje7by2kqvwnxdK8KZ-Vsm7RCvPT5cmS6oN-/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" height="322" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For more information, consumers can visit Slimfast on <a href="http://goo.gl/vqA5eZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://goo.gl/dcVQVL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and <a href="http://goo.gl/AEuYyp" target="_blank">sign up for Slimfast Coaching</a> complete with tips from experts, funny videos and motivational encouragement throughout your slim down journey. <i>Thanks, Slimfast, for making me feel less popped-can-of-biscuits in my swimsuit this summer!</i></span>Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-66446320416852277052014-07-10T12:45:00.002-07:002014-07-10T12:49:17.047-07:00Cool Down With A Mango-berry Fizz: Featuring Fruttare Fruit Bars!<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Fruttare, but all my opinions are my own. #itsallgood #pmedia </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #386eff; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: right; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV</a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What's that saying about having kids... the days are long but the years are short? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, in the dead heat of mid-July, the days feel even longer than long. As little boys will tend to do, mine have bucket loads of energy. The kind of energy that must not be contained within the walls of a house each day unless one is willing to lose their minds trying to tame it by playing just one more game of <i>"no, don't climb on that you'll crack your head open."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's to avoid those moments that we spend much of our mornings and expend much of that restless boy energy outside before the weight of the hot heat settles in for the day and we are practically strangled by the humidity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a matter of fact, we have a standing morning play date at the park with our neighborhood friends that I look forward to each day. It's what gets me through the chaos of breakfast and the early morning <i>can't believe it's only 9am feelings</i>. After our play date, often times we'll head back to the house to cool off with an ice cold drink and, if I'm being completely honest, do</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">nut holes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In an effort to </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">clean up</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> our cool down snack time routine, I recently whipped up this delicious Mango-berry Fizz featuring </span><a href="http://goo.gl/ubVzQo" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Fruttare</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> fruit bars that was a hit all around. It's the perfect part sweet and refreshing, bursting with real fruit juice, and just the right amount of fizz that has you forgetting all about that suffocating humidity in no time. The freezer case at our local Safeway was chock full of delicious flavors- I had a hard time choosing just which ones I would bring home. For this treat you'll need Mango but somehow even a box of Coconut and Milk fruit bars jumped into my cart, too! These Fruttare fruit bars are sold in many stores nationwide so you shouldn't have much trouble picking them up!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcj3KPsuaUNcpIy8vj7XHQbv6Z618OIvLVMm__WTkwM13FMXZzTKlQijpCJNOWm9OodKwr2mfiO9epC1tyzmZ900QiRC8_-7oVR49T3FA1BCOjrqq2VjFOlmGL5xs3oPZEYTZ-FfEq98z/s1600/Strawberry_Mango_Fizz+Pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcj3KPsuaUNcpIy8vj7XHQbv6Z618OIvLVMm__WTkwM13FMXZzTKlQijpCJNOWm9OodKwr2mfiO9epC1tyzmZ900QiRC8_-7oVR49T3FA1BCOjrqq2VjFOlmGL5xs3oPZEYTZ-FfEq98z/s1600/Strawberry_Mango_Fizz+Pin.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Recipe:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Mix the following ingredients together in a blender</b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 box Mango Fruttare fruit bars, sliced from the stick</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup skim milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 tbsp half and half</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(to thicken, add handful of ice cubes if desired)</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the "fizz" add 1.5 cups Club Soda. </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It will fizz and foam up a lot. Allow soda to settle before pulsing the blender a few times to mix thoroughly. Garnish with fresh fruit skewer and enjoy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whether you're looking for a new summer treat to enjoy poolside with family and friends or to cool down with after a sticky, sweaty play date with the neighborhood kids, I would absolutely suggest Fruttare fruit bars. Whether you decide to enjoy them straight from the stick or creatively in a fizzy fruit smoothie is up to you! <i>Happy Summer!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For more on Fruttare, visit them on <a href="http://goo.gl/9HJ1AV" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Ffruttarefruitbars&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGk-ILELO6HU8_JIzxDihqtJpfj5Q" target="_blank">Twitter </a>and <a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Ffruttarefruitbars&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGk-ILELO6HU8_JIzxDihqtJpfj5Q" target="_blank">Instagram</a>!</span></div>
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-38529058528682461192014-07-05T16:22:00.000-07:002014-07-21T14:27:22.829-07:00First Aid Kit Go Bag For Kids Featuring Stylish Baby Wipes<img src="http://ooh.li/84cf9a3" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If there are three things I should buy stock in as a mom to three (boys) under four, it's diapers, <a href="http://ooh.li/f61af45" target="_blank">baby wipes</a> and band-aids. Not a day goes by that I don't use each of those items multiple times and as far as band-aids go, I've had to start implementing the "if it's not bleeding, there's no need for a band-aid" rule because those suckers can get expensive after a while- especially if they're of the character persuasion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's also no secret that boo-boos, bruised knees and mess-making isn't just limited to the confines of our home either. Since we spend much of our day outdoors, on walks, playing at the local playground and exploring the walking trails throughout our neighborhood, it's imperative that each of these items, among a handful of important others, accompany me on all adventures outside the home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whether we're hiking through the woods turning up rocks and checking for bugs or walking down the street to stretch our legs and shake the sillies out at the local tot lot, it's not always conducive that I lug along my trust diaper bag. Because of that and because "Danger" just so happens to be the middle names of my older two boys, I've had to put together a smaller go-bag that can handle any and all "emergencies" that may arise when we're on the run. And thus I created our handy dandy "First Aid Kit Go-Bag for Kids."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Thanks to Huggies for sponsoring this post.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUJaSGKPmYe3yFmCI1DzGhvh34ATRvjuUfja29ilIB9pHJoop7NYKGa_UHdUhwv9l8-U4AbQZhoZKowLRwCeYszb-5vxEYmj5nPcxnFR4D4FcMBT0g3gJuHtMsAFRRY1qYM8wlcKNrMIb/s1600/First_Aid_Go_Bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUJaSGKPmYe3yFmCI1DzGhvh34ATRvjuUfja29ilIB9pHJoop7NYKGa_UHdUhwv9l8-U4AbQZhoZKowLRwCeYszb-5vxEYmj5nPcxnFR4D4FcMBT0g3gJuHtMsAFRRY1qYM8wlcKNrMIb/s1600/First_Aid_Go_Bag.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1. <a href="http://ooh.li/f61af45" target="_blank">Huggies Clutch N' Clean Wipes</a>: </b>Second to only the diapers, these wipes are the most important piece of the go-bag. For messes big and small, muddy fingers, cuts and scrapes, tiny hands that just petted the latest catch, these are the first things I grab from our First Aid Go-Bag. The fun strap makes this pack of <a href="http://ooh.li/f61af45" target="_blank">stylish baby wipes</a> both ultra portable and accessible. Not only are they an integral part of our Go-Bag but I also keep Huggies Clutch N' Clean Wipes in my car and diaper bag. With bright, bold prints and fun patterns, there's a style for everyone. What's even more to love is that these clutches are refillable so you'll always have your favorite Huggies brand of wipe within reach. Our personal favorite? One and Done Refreshing Baby. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2. Diapers</b>: Just a few extra in each necessary size is enough for peace of mind while we're on the go. Occasionally, depending on the day's adventure, I'll even throw in a swim diaper or two! Since my oldest is in underwear, I keep an extra pair rolled up in the bottom of our Go-Bag for good measure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004B23WH6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004B23WH6&linkCode=as2&tag=iloyomothca05-20&linkId=5WT5BOGLXNPNZ6ZI">MediBuddy - First Aid Kit</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=iloyomothca05-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004B23WH6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />: </b>These adorable kits are chock full of First-Aid necessities such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, sting relief cream, burn relief cream, gauze and even fun stickers to take the "ouch" away. A great item keep duplicates of in your purse and car.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>4.</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AN4AS2S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AN4AS2S&linkCode=as2&tag=iloyomothca05-20&linkId=RYHTYPKSDH7F5I5R"><b>Babyganics Sunscreen + Natural Bug Spray</b></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=iloyomothca05-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AN4AS2S" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />: Our favorite sunscreen and bug spray for kids with sensitive skin. I've used this brand for nearly four years now and have never once been disappointed in either product. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>5. Tweezers</b> and a digital Thermometer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003807VGK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003807VGK&linkCode=as2&tag=iloyomothca05-20&linkId=DLTHUHQMQEKWTE5T"><b>Nosefrida Baby Nasal Aspirator</b></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=iloyomothca05-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003807VGK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />: With a little one in tow, you never know when you're going to need to suck some boogies. In fact, it's always been when I needed it most that I find myself without one. I first came across this nasal aspirator when my second was born and it's now become my go-to gift for all new moms. The premise of it seems gross (sucking boogies out with your mouth) but I promise, it's one of the best baby products on the market and you do not get <i>any</i> boogies in your mouth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>7. Lollipops</b>: Because lollipops are the Great Distractor and Make Everything Better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>8. Children's Pain Reliever and After Bite</b>: Whether it's Motrin or Tylenol, it's always good to have a bottle on hand. In addition, I also keep a tube of After Bite in our kit for those pesky insect stings and bug bites.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Alright, so now you've got all the necessities for your First Aid Kit and Go-Bag for kids. What do you put it all in, right? I keep ours in this amazing plastic lined wet bag/<a href="http://peekawhoo.com/boutique-baby-clothes/monogrammed-accessory-bag/" target="_blank">accessory tote</a> from <a href="http://peekawhoo.com/" target="_blank">Peekawhoo</a>. It's the perfect size to fit in the basket beneath my jogging stroller, our beach bag, diaper bag and even just a regular ol' medium-sized purse. It also has a handy tab on the side that can be affixed to a stroller handle bar using a Mommy Hook for even easy accessibility. Not to mention the ridiculously adorable print it comes in!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Thanks to Huggies for sponsoring this post. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>All opinions expressed above are honest and my own</i></span></div>
</center>Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-82054354597493103692014-06-24T11:49:00.000-07:002014-06-24T11:49:08.874-07:00"Escape The Scrape" with Crest Pro-Health Tartar Protection Rinse!<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">This is a sponsored post written in partnership with One2One Network </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">and Crest Pro-Health. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are few things I hate more than going to the dentist. In fact, going to the dentist might be high atop the list of Things That Make Me Want To Run and Hide. Why do I hate the dentist so much? Oh, it could be the clean-scraping inside of my mouth that feels like the hygienist is scraping the insides of my brain. Or, maybe it's the whole having to hold your mouth open and do that swallow thing with the back of your tongue which makes you kind of choke on your own saliva. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whatever it is, I detest the dentist but I go because, well, that's part of being an adult and something you have to do if you want to keep your teeth from rotting out of your head. <i>So I'm told.</i> I'm also a mom which means I have to set good examples in life. Examples like, don't run with scissors, play nice with friends and go to the dentist so he can make sure you brush all of the sugar bugs from your teeth each day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm always on the lookout for products that I can use at home that will not only keep my teeth and oral health in tip top shape, but products that will also make that bi-annual dreaded dentist appointment bearable. <i>As in, no scraping and drilling inside my brain-feeling.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We all know that brushing and flossing isn't enough when it comes to proper oral care and that we should always be using a mouth rinse for optimum benefit. If it were up to me, I would still be using that bubblegum flavored rinse from my childhood, the one that came in that nifty little squeeze bottle with the self-filling cap but since I'm a grown adult with a grown up mouth, grown up mouth rinse is a necessity. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My dentist recently suggested <a href="http://bit.ly/TartarProtectRinse" target="_blank">Crest Pro-Health Tartar Protection Rinse</a> since it's the only mouth wash on the market with both anti-cavity and anti-tartar benefits in one without the burn of other popular mouth rinses. I've always been a fan of Crest products, specifically their 3D White toothpaste and Whitestrips so I decided to give it a try. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dr. Travis Stork, that dashingly handsome tall guy and board-certified emergency medicine physician on the show The Doctors, has recently partnered with Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health to help others understand that a healthy mouth is part of a <i>healthy body</i>. My dentist is currently pushing seventy but if Dr. McCutie says it's a good idea too, <i>sign me up</i>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dr. Stork not only maintains that we should invest in good oral care but also stay active, eat healthy and waste no time in making small changes that will better ourselves and our bodies in the future. Isn't that how the saying goes... "happy mouth, happy life?" </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">After a few weeks of rinsing twice daily with <a href="http://bit.ly/TartarProtectRinse" target="_blank">Crest Pro-Health Tartar Protection Rinse</a>, my mouth feels cleaner and believe it or not, my teeth are less sensitive to cold beverages like smoothies and, <i>let's be honest</i>, slushy summertime margaritas. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This makes sense since Crest Pro-Health Tartar Protection rinse freshens breath, fights unwanted surface stains and strengthens weakened enamel. You can purchase your own bottle in drug stores, mass retailers nationwide and on crestprohealth.com for around $5.49. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">$5.49 for less scraping and brain-drilling at the dentist each time? For a healthier mouth and a healthier me, setting a healthier example for my kids to follow? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Seems more than worth it to me!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For more updates from the brand as well as tips on better dental care, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow Crest on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Crest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/Crest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</span></div>
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-36837507673299534582014-06-23T19:14:00.001-07:002014-06-23T19:14:14.320-07:00The One Baby Product I Never Knew I Really "Needed." <div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of VTech and MomItForward.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>All opinions expressed are my own</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With each pregnancy, long before the baby was even born, I vowed to do things differently. I made these pacts with myself that I was going to teach them early on to self-soothe. That they wouldn't spend more than 6 weeks sleeping in our room and most <i>certainly</i> not in our bed. I told myself that I would encourage pacifiers, swaddle them at nap and bedtimes and as they got older, I would introduce straw cups over sippies and cultivate a food culture of baby-led weaning as opposed to making their own purees. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With each pregnancy, despite these vows and pacts that I made with myself, my babies inevitably end up sleeping in our room and although they start out in a bedside bassinet, they most <i>certainly</i> end up in our beds sooner or later. My middle baby never once took a pacifier and my third baby is heading down that same road. None of my babies loved to be swaddled and I've come to accept that, despite how adorable tightly wrapped baby burritos look or how incredibly they may sleep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So maybe I haven't veered too far from my traditional pregnancy and child-rearing ways, no matter how many times I've said <i>"but with the next one, I'm going to do it differently."</i> One thing is for certain, however, that with each pregnancy and new baby, I have found different baby products that I don't know how I ever made it through a prior baby or pregnancy without. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For instance, the video monitor. When I was pregnant with my first baby, a little under five years ago, you registered for the traditional audio monitor. I can't even remember if video monitors were available <i>way back then </i>and if they were, they certainly weren't a <i>thing </i>and they were probably a bajillion dollars. On the audio monitor there were no fancy bells or whistles, but for those not familiar with such menial technology, there was simply a baby unit that stayed near the baby and one or two parent units. For this brand new mom, it worked pretty darn good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fast forward two very technologically advanced years and I found myself pregnant with my second baby debating whether or not I would need one of those fancy new <a href="http://on.fb.me/1wIgaOQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">video monitors</a> that were all the rage both in store circulars and baby product blogs, which, by the way, were not nearly as popular as they were five years ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the end, I decided that no, it would be silly to buy one of those fairly expensive monitors to alert me that my baby was crying in the nursery when I had a very capable audio monitor available and two healthy legs to carry me up and down the stairs of my home when necessary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And then I became pregnant with my third baby and laughed in the face of my formerly pregnant and naive self. Concurrently, my then-twenty-month-old decided that it was ripe time to start climbing from his crib and, in a show of death-defying acrobatics, fling himself from the crib rails onto the floor of the nursery. And when I said "pregnant with my third" I mean <i>really</i> <i>hugely pregnant.</i> Like so pregnant that using that set of healthy legs I was blessed with to huff myself up two flights of stairs at the sounds of whining and fussing and potential climbing was just not going to happen quickly, let alone at all and certainly not before he flung himself onto the ground breaking one or both of his arms. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My solution, in a hormonal haze and the days before being admitted to the hospital to have our third baby, was to quickly move both boys into a shared Big Brothers Room and while doing so, transition my middle baby from his crib to a twin size big boy bed. My saving grace during this time? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The fancy <a href="http://bit.ly/1oKcwQ1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">video monitor</a> I swore I wouldn't need. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The monitor that <i>I didn't need</i> that allowed me to witness every single moment my middle baby tried to escape from his bed during nap time. The one that allowed me to carefully and closely watch him as he stacked pillow on top of pillow and flung himself onto them from a standing place on his bed frame.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The monitor that allowed me, from a comfortable sitting position while nursing my newborn, to watch him sleep peacefully and at the same time, be alerted to when he was ready to come downstairs from a nap, before he was able to fling himself from the crib and precariously climb down a flight of stairs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was the same </span><a href="http://bit.ly/1oKcwQ1" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">video monitor</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> that also let me in on the sweetest moments of sharing a room with his big brother. How his older brother would creep out of bed at night, long after we thought he was fast asleep, to plant a kiss on his little brother's sleeping head. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How, during Quiet Hour, I could watch the two of them make up games to play together, my oldest somehow always being "the good guy" while my middle baby was "the bandwit." I watched them read books together, play blocks together and build the biggest cities from Legos that their tiny little eyes had ever seen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's no secret that I can't be everywhere and everything to everyone, something that, as a new mom of three, I'm learning to accept. I'd like to think, that without a video monitor, specifically the <a href="http://bit.ly/1oKcwQ1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">VTech Safe and Sound Baby Monitor</a>, I may have missed some of those sweet moments and even some of the crazier ones. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With its ability to pan, tilt and zoom, I'm able to scan the room in its entirety which has been especially helpful during games of brotherly hide and seek. It can pan up to 270 degrees side by side and as many as 124 degrees up and down. The 2x zoom allows me to zoom in on their precious sleeping faces and with the ability to support up to 4 total cameras from one parent unit, I've been able to install a second camera in the baby's nursery and a third in the downstairs playroom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The full color screen is the clearest I've seen and I like to think that it's helping me to be "present" during the moments of motherhood that I may have otherwise missed. To see more from VTech, you can visit them on <a href="http://bit.ly/1mDya6c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, <a href="http://bit.ly/1mDy8Lu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Google +</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/SQp8Kh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. To see the VTech Safe And Sound Baby Monitor in action, watch the video below! </span><br />
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-37791283277125497532014-06-11T16:21:00.000-07:002014-06-11T16:21:11.514-07:00Why My Dad Is Awesome (And Why His Writing Is Tattooed On My Arm)<!-- Oral-B at Target: Father's Day / Clever Girls Snippet --><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If there's one question I'm constantly asked about blogging, it's how I came up with the blog name "I Love You More Than Carrots." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The answer is simple and like many things in my life, I owe it all to my Dad. As Father's Day quickly approaches, I couldn't think of a better story to share here on the blog, however, I will warn you, you may want to grab a box of tissues. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>[Side note: While looking through photo albums for pictures of my Dad to include in this post, I shouldn't be surprised at just how many I have of him with my boys. I'm beyond grateful for these photos and for his smile that graces every. single. one. of. them. You'll soon see why.] </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It all started back in 1985, at the ripe old age of 2 and during my routine bedtime. I kissed my Dad goodnight and told him I loved him, just as I had every other night before that. Without thinking, he asked "how much do you love me?" and with wisdom far beyond my years as well as a serious apparent adoration for the vegetable, I promptly responded, "I love you more than carrots." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was because of that moment, this silly little phrase stuck and became something quite special between us. Over the years, and as cards, emails and phone calls were all closed with the saying, "I Love You More Than Carrots" became simply, "ILYMTC" and eventually just "LYMTC."</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71GjX5CEB0DEFNHe2Joac7JzEnhMALAqDu6C-VS6abeDg4OSwcdH5TfNG2um7Xs4gBSnHfCEeF7cOLcYM0TZWcmUICzxcWt1QKKFO_8500UlQMJsuryITZv0KCMKfeBAOUVVkFRzZD4Gz/s1600/Fathers_Day_Oral_B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71GjX5CEB0DEFNHe2Joac7JzEnhMALAqDu6C-VS6abeDg4OSwcdH5TfNG2um7Xs4gBSnHfCEeF7cOLcYM0TZWcmUICzxcWt1QKKFO_8500UlQMJsuryITZv0KCMKfeBAOUVVkFRzZD4Gz/s1600/Fathers_Day_Oral_B.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I first started blogging in 2008, I couldn't think of a better title for the adventure I was about to embark on. After all, it's my Dad who has always encouraged me to pursue even the craziest ideas in my head. But as I mentioned earlier, "ILYMTC" is so much more than just our little saying or the title of my blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In February of 2010, when 4 months pregnant with my first baby, I received a phone call at work that I wouldn't ever wish on my worst enemy. It was my Mother, telling me in <i>that mom voice I now know all too well </i>not to worry but that she was sitting in the ER (<i>and had been for a couple of hours, geethanksmom</i>) with my Dad who appeared to have suffered a stroke at the base of his brain stem. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Although his left side was marginally affected, by the grace of God himself, he ended up making an almost full recovery. If you asked my Dad what devastated him most about the residual weakness, he would likely tell you that it was the effect that the stroke had on his handwriting. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZ5ZdvEOkAC6OJOKjcOtCifOirttbwZzDJJ2WlMsQ4w9ABmI6aNv5YH_6LUlqUCnF8cOApVUk0QmaNtPrHVe12EFQBsQGVat2C9HbDASU_TYHT2rMMm2-4bvEfvzXRVWgUeb0LWFRr9_d/s1600/Fathers_Day_Carter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZ5ZdvEOkAC6OJOKjcOtCifOirttbwZzDJJ2WlMsQ4w9ABmI6aNv5YH_6LUlqUCnF8cOApVUk0QmaNtPrHVe12EFQBsQGVat2C9HbDASU_TYHT2rMMm2-4bvEfvzXRVWgUeb0LWFRr9_d/s1600/Fathers_Day_Carter.jpg" height="344" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my thirty years I've never met a man with more beautiful handwriting than my father. Out of thousands of letters, those who knew him well could pick out his writing from miles away and as he recovered from the stroke, he worked his tail off, spending hours scribbling on newspapers, hospital menus, napkins.. anything he could get his hands.. hoping to strengthen that left hand of his. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Talk about motivation and perseverance in the face of great obstacles. Although i</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">t made me ill to see his handwriting look like that of a 4th grader and to witness how upset that deficit made him, I will never be prouder of my Dad for putting on a brave face and dedicating himself so passionately, so determined to regaining that strength. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eventually, through hours of practice and relentless physical therapy, my Dad's strength in that left side fully recovered. His handwriting, once again, is unmistakably his own. Beautiful and unique. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was shortly after my Dad's stroke that I wanted to honor him, remembering not only the miraculous recovery he made but also paying tribute to him as the remarkable man he is in my life. Having already come too close to losing him once, I didn't want to wait until it was too late. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGKmYRYwDvI-_siU0sw-kX6bX6azg4sZQM4OUrFsqhVu7qad0ytw3vTFx0gkFoD2NZrQI7n-Jb0IF4v3DpPg2sv8T4ZC1CrqAnvNEtVBJ4ullrB3vKHgL0IOWYGdTGAtyfj2xdAAfKDiL/s1600/Fathers_Day_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGKmYRYwDvI-_siU0sw-kX6bX6azg4sZQM4OUrFsqhVu7qad0ytw3vTFx0gkFoD2NZrQI7n-Jb0IF4v3DpPg2sv8T4ZC1CrqAnvNEtVBJ4ullrB3vKHgL0IOWYGdTGAtyfj2xdAAfKDiL/s1600/Fathers_Day_2.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>So, I got a tattoo</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not only is this the story of how I came to name my blog but it's also the story of how I got my very first tattoo at the age of twenty-seven. How, despite telling my Dad I wanted to get a tattoo, that it actually put the biggest smile on his face, one that I'll never forget. You know, once he got over how I was permanently marking my body and with his own handwriting no less. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPLvKPOgTXEIPFwmb62SspiODeJ-PnKnJ-zz-hBE3O9iFvu-P4KCKtxqifxspoxhgdiSbZIuOqoEeKGtu96KJGoC3x_hJXruQ7g_NVxUx7agQL8FPyp9ju_sCIWgd4Ic6BSnLsrBANTmw/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPLvKPOgTXEIPFwmb62SspiODeJ-PnKnJ-zz-hBE3O9iFvu-P4KCKtxqifxspoxhgdiSbZIuOqoEeKGtu96KJGoC3x_hJXruQ7g_NVxUx7agQL8FPyp9ju_sCIWgd4Ic6BSnLsrBANTmw/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In his very own handwriting on the inside of my left wrist sits the letters, "LYMTC." It is a constant reminder of true passion, strength, dedication, bravery and most of all, the unconditional love that my Dad has always blessed me with and continues to bless my family and his three grandsons with. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlH03wWlbZVQqgfmLshClOAwlsmedeHSMAtVNlXHKz4KjLFLMLCaqV9dEkfKVVz5B3VCniGJmY-kMQwerULPJOkt1F3EVTIOtKZpbVppCn71bK3V7I0AADHPH9PEze9x77ht08A_81GqA/s1600/IMG_2838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlH03wWlbZVQqgfmLshClOAwlsmedeHSMAtVNlXHKz4KjLFLMLCaqV9dEkfKVVz5B3VCniGJmY-kMQwerULPJOkt1F3EVTIOtKZpbVppCn71bK3V7I0AADHPH9PEze9x77ht08A_81GqA/s1600/IMG_2838.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tell me, is there a Dad in your life that you want to celebrate a little extra this year? Maybe one that always brings out the smiles in your family or whose constant strength, dedication and unconditional love for his family motivates you to be a better person?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oral-B, </span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the #1 dentist-recommended toothbrush brand worldwide,</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is working together with Target to host the <a href="http://clvr.li/1jbiitK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Power Dad's Smile Everyday Sweepstakes</a> with over $1000 in prizes starting June 2! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To enter, all you must do is share a photo of you and your Dad on <a href="http://twitter.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="http://instagram.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> using <a href="http://clvr.li/1oFSje7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#oralbsweeps</a> between June 2 and June 15. You could win the Father's Day Power Bundle which includes the<b> Oral-B Black ProfessionalCare 1000 Rechargeable Toothbrush</b>, the <b>Braun Series 7 760 Shaver</b> and <b>a $250 Target gift card</b>! From </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, for the Dads in our lives that most likely have it all, that's a pretty great gift idea! Especially considering that, if your Dad or husband is anything like mine, they don't replace their razors or their toothbrushes often enough! Thanks,<a href="http://clvr.li/1ncinjH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Oral-B at Target</a>! Good luck to all those who enter!</span><br />
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<i>I was selected for this opportunity as a member of <a href="http://clvr.li/OHjC82" target="_blank">Clever Girls Collective</a> and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.</i>Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-55931063908195512962014-05-29T08:17:00.002-07:002014-05-29T08:17:53.629-07:003 Healthy Eating Tips For The Busy Nursing Mother<!-- MARS Healthy Living (Contributing Posts) / Clever Girls Snippet --><p class="none"><script data-cfasync="false" type="text/javascript" src="http://member.clevergirlscollective.com/track?u=528&g=784"></script><img style="display:none; width:1px; height:1px" src="http://assets.clevergirlscollective.com/pixel/p.png?a=campaign&gid=784&uid=528" /></p><!-- END Clever Girls Snippet -->
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a busy mom of three boys, 4, 2, and 4 weeks old, I find myself struggling on occasion to make the healthy eating choices I know I should be making, not only for myself but for my baby whom I am exclusively nursing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With so much on my plate, <i>pun intended</i>, it’s easy to grab something processed and from the pantry, something that is less healthy and nutritious, than say take the time necessary to choose (or prepare) something that would be a wiser choice with the extra allotted 400-500 calories per day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a nursing mother it’s important to remember that not only will the food choices you make affect your energy level but also your production of milk. That’s why it’s important to maintain a healthy, balanced, well-fed diet while breastfeeding your baby. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For <a href="http://marshealthyliving.com/node/68" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">three healthy eating tips for the busy nursing mother</a>, check out my post on the <a href="http://marshealthyliving.com/node/68" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MARS Healthy Living</a> blog and for additional resources aimed at helping families lead healthier and happier lives, check out the <a href="http://clvr.li/17uOVfO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MARS Healthy Living</a> website! </span></div>
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<p><i>I was selected for this opportunity as a member of <a href="http://clevergirlscollective.com" target="_blank">Clever Girls Collective</a> and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.</i></p> Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-46931555699087535762014-05-19T12:57:00.000-07:002014-05-19T13:06:08.799-07:00Why My Cell Phone Rides In The Back Seat And Yours Should Too.<!-- AAOS & Auto Alliance: Distracted Driving (Content Series) / Clever Girls Snippet --><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"A call or text isn't worth taking a life." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We've heard this all before. We've seen the commercials and we've heard the tragic stories of families who've said goodbye too soon to loved ones all because of a simple text message.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But did you know that by putting away your phone or other electronic device while driving you're helping to save thousands of lives and prevent hundreds of thousands of injuries due to distracted driving per year?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of the nearly 33,000 roadway fatalities in 2012, there were 3,328 fatalities and approximately 421,000 injuries in distracted driving-related crashes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was around the time that I gave birth to our first baby back in 2010 that I wised up and decided to make my car a "no phone zone." Prior to that I was among the many men and women who didn't think twice about sending a text message to a friend. Who didn't think twice about taking their eyes off of the road to send a simple "LOL" or "Let's meet for lunch."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Did I ever cross a double yellow line in doing so? Maybe drive over those rumble strips and skirt a little too close for comfort to a concrete divider? Yes, I have. I've done both of those things and am truly embarrassed to admit it. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Were the text messages I was so engrossed in sending important? No. Were they stupid and selfish? Absolutely.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In doing so, I was shamelessly putting not only my life at risk but the lives of other drivers around me. Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers. Grandmas and Grandpas. Innocent drivers and bystanders. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Unfortunately, it took the birth of my first son to make me understand how precious life is. As soon as his tiny body was tucked into that car seat for our inaugural ride home from the hospital as a brand new family of 3, I made the decision that no text message was worth taking a life, especially the life of my brand new baby boy. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Since that day in 2010, I made a commitment to myself and my family to never put them in danger of distracted driving while riding in the car. As soon as our now three boys are tucked safely into their car seats, my purse or diaper bag, along with my phone, is tossed into the back seat of the car, out of my reach, dismissing any temptation I may have to grab my phone and text while driving. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Do I sometimes forget and falter, accidentally climbing into the front seat with my phone? Of course I do, after all, I'm only human. But one glance in my rear view mirror, one look at those sweet, smiling innocent faces staring back at me, and I'm immediately reminded how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken for granted with one simple mistake. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">After all, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">the most advanced safety feature of any vehicle is the driver. The <a href="http://clvr.li/1fpoKaa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons</a>, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">the specialists who put bones and limbs back together after road crashes and traumas,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"> and the <a href="http://clvr.li/1jxuV0z" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Auto Alliance</a> urges all drivers to keep their most sophisticated safety features engaged at all times: eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">In an effort to bring to light the dangers of distracted driving, the AAOS and Auto Alliance have rolled out a pretty awesome <a href="http://clvr.li/1jxuV0z" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Decide to Drive Campaign</a> and Catchphrase Contest. The contest will run May 30-June 13, 2014 and additional information can be found on their website. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">The <a href="http://clvr.li/1h0UlP7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Decide to Drive </a>program is unique in that it </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">aims to empower drivers and passengers to speak up about distracted driving, continue the conversation at home, work and play, and reduce distracted behaviors behind the wheel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Be honest, what was the last text message you sent while driving? Did you think about how those words could be your last or worse, the cause of someone else's tragedy? I encourage you to put down the distractions and decide to drive, if not today then make the decision to change your habits tomorrow. </span></div>
<i>I was selected for this opportunity as a member of <a href="http://clvr.li/OHjC82" target="_blank">Clever Girls Collective</a> and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No text message is worth taking a life.</span></div>
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486245583151920249.post-82128871495731784812014-05-19T04:00:00.000-07:002014-05-19T04:00:00.210-07:00Vanilla Melon Mint Smoothie<div style="text-align: right;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-3312b6c8-0091-c906-9c19-4615348c7b3c"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">with Pollinate Media Group® and Nestle, but all my opinions are my own. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#pmedia </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#BreakfastEssentials </span><span style="color: #386eff; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV" style="text-decoration: none;">http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXfB15LZ9GrRcQiahy1ahBcoN_6ESD5pWOb3bL-NTBaYWlPyXAXN16Ip-UDa7Ajmsd7FqCP0hPCiqtBKOxODb0r9Es7M7zlLI0jAB5bNuBZE-H2egYwjKihtYlNuS7a6RUcGFRQvRTzqb/s1600/Vanilla_Melon_Smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXfB15LZ9GrRcQiahy1ahBcoN_6ESD5pWOb3bL-NTBaYWlPyXAXN16Ip-UDa7Ajmsd7FqCP0hPCiqtBKOxODb0r9Es7M7zlLI0jAB5bNuBZE-H2egYwjKihtYlNuS7a6RUcGFRQvRTzqb/s1600/Vanilla_Melon_Smoothie.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Call me crazy but whenever the temperatures start heating up around these parts, I can't bear to start my day by eating a hot meal first thing in the morning. Now that the summer heat has arrived, gone are the mornings where I slave away over the hot stove flipping pancakes or stirring up a batch of chocolate chip waffles. Even the thought of making instant oatmeal makes me cringe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As the temperature rises outside, I tend to want to start my day with something that is not only light and ice cold but also something that is filling enough to get me through a busy morning of outdoor play and chauffeuring my kids around to whatever camp, sports game or play date the day brings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Having just had our third baby a mere three weeks ago, I also need something that I can not only prepare relatively quickly (extra points if I can do so one-handed) but also something that is packed with protein and vitamins and can serve as a healthy dietary supplement in addition to other healthy meal choices. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Therefore my go-to breakfast most mornings of late has been a delicious smoothie. With endless options as to what goes into the cup, I rarely find myself getting bored or tired of them in the mornings. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9byCx6NxB2wOdEj4zUlh_N100341s97qheDq4MMn0whGUmiofieJJBbpFHxlEsJ_HSi0rBVgOTm4GqbZQHWfdMVIBMLGlc1kjWnbxQXwBkKTbLi7fAHTiXHlMqKA3gKWXsCZMEbpLM9-d/s1600/CBE_Smoothie+%25281+of+3%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9byCx6NxB2wOdEj4zUlh_N100341s97qheDq4MMn0whGUmiofieJJBbpFHxlEsJ_HSi0rBVgOTm4GqbZQHWfdMVIBMLGlc1kjWnbxQXwBkKTbLi7fAHTiXHlMqKA3gKWXsCZMEbpLM9-d/s1600/CBE_Smoothie+%25281+of+3%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One constant, however, is the addition of <a href="http://goo.gl/1cR26I" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carnation Breakfast Essentials</a>. Available at your local Safeway with a variety of ready to drink shakes, powders and bars, Carnation Breakfast Essentials is the perfect protein-packed punch to kick start my busy day. It is an excellent source of protein to help build muscle, calcium and vitamin D to help build strong bones and has 21 vitamins and minerals in each prepared serving. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my most favorite smoothie recipes to make each morning is a Vanilla Melon Mint Smoothie! It has not only become a favorite of mine but there's two little boys in our household who also love it just as much! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What You'll Need</b>: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 Packet Carnation Breakfast Essentials, Classic French Vanilla Flavor</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup Cantaloupe melon (Cut into cubes and frozen the night before) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup Honeydew melon (Cut into cubes and frozen the night before) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup orange juice of your choice (Could also substitute Vanilla Almond Milk for creamier flavor)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 or 2 small mint leaves</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A handful of ice cubes can also be thrown in if you prefer a "slushier" smoothie</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What You'll Do</b>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Toss all ingredients into your blender of choice (mine happens to be a Magic Bullet because there's less to clean and I can grab it and go) and blend to desired consistency. Pour into a fancier cup for those mornings when you need a little extra pep in your step and enjoy! It's even toddler tested and toddler approved.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1fXJ85PEu0f3cIoEFLbDQjgwNjoNh0L4mQydKLEc7tVtLYIsg4Makdyp3-NSTnd-qqFomjEyaNmeKD0vxTq-SbyEwldz-myQARb0_leTCthuEQgg1xs9-THiQQ5H3oaqS3fm7dfosoCf/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1fXJ85PEu0f3cIoEFLbDQjgwNjoNh0L4mQydKLEc7tVtLYIsg4Makdyp3-NSTnd-qqFomjEyaNmeKD0vxTq-SbyEwldz-myQARb0_leTCthuEQgg1xs9-THiQQ5H3oaqS3fm7dfosoCf/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Looking to switch up your morning smoothie routine? I urge you to give the Vanilla Melon Mint Smoothie a try! Light and refreshing, it's the perfect way to start your morning right and I'd be lying if I said it didn't taste a lot like a Creamsicle! Interested in other delicious recipes using Carnation Breakfast Essentials? Check them out </span><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carnationbreakfastessentials.com%2FRecipes%2FAdvanced-Search.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFXpGvfe0bVeoK4pfQWb-VMeHQ0sg" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Looking to connect more with Carnation? Find them on </span><a href="http://goo.gl/WNxzPj" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Facebook</a> too<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">! </span><br />
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Ashley Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13704815842567582229noreply@blogger.com1