Make Playtime Fun with Cubbie Lee Toys

As Scarlett gets older, the types of toys she has interest in has certainly changed.  Gone are the days of shape sorters, baby rattles, and stacking rings.  Nowadays, my girl loves pretend play and is most happy pushing a fake vacuum or dressing up in princess costumes.  Since I stay at home with her, we spend a lot of the day playing with fake makeup or putting on pretend costume jewelry. Scarlett is very girly and enjoys all things meant for little girls!

Cubbie Lee Toys offers adorable quality made classic wooden toys that are built to last.  If you're a parent who enjoys battery-free toys for your little one, you've come to the right place.  Your child can dive into puzzles, train sets, building blocks and more starting from 6 months all the way up to 5 years old.  

Your daughter will be delighted to play with a tea set or fruit chopping set, while your son can enjoy a pull along alligator or wooden Noah's Ark.  The toys feature bright, eye-catching colors that will offer hours of fun and entertainment.  Any toy from Cubbie Lee makes a fabulous baby gift or present for any occasion for a lucky boy or girl.  Keep the brand in mind for any of your future gift giving needs. 

Our third floor loft has been Scarlett's playroom since she was born.  When you walk into the playroom, you'll instantly notice that it's any child's toy dream come true.  We have lots of fun toys that are electronic and play music, and any child who comes over to play gravitates towards them. Although we have a lot of battery operated toys, what we lack is wooden toys.  There's something so simplistic and interesting about wooden toys, and I know our playroom could benefit from them.  On the plus side, it gives my ears a break! 

Scarlett was lucky enough to receive the Afternoon Tea Set and Animal Truck.  The tea set is for 3 years and up and the truck is meant for ages 18m+.  Both toys are adorable and Scarlett was instantly drawn to them.  

The tea set offers a tray, three cakes, two tea cups, a teapot, and a set of cutlery.  You'll notice that it's made from durable and sustainable wood with long-lasting velcro to secure the cake pieces together.  Not only is this tea set perfect for improving hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, it's ideal for children who love imaginative play.  You'll love the pretty pink color that it comes in and it would surely make any little girl happy.

As soon as we opened the box, Scarlett wanted to play right away.  I told her we were going to have a tea party and she was very excited.  I set up the set on our play table and she pointed to the fake desserts and smiled.  She's just like her mom and enjoys sweets, what can I say! For our pretend tea party, Scarlett had peppermint tea in her cup while I sipped on chamomile.  She enjoyed stirring her tea with the included spoon, but she thought I should stir mine with a fork.  I did have to remind her that the desserts were fake and we could only pretend to eat them! Next time, I should include a few real cookies to make her happy.

We spent about 45 minutes playing with the tea set which is a long time for a 2 year old! I'm happy that Scarlett enjoyed it so much and I know she will love to have a tea party with her friends when they come over soon.

Over the past few months, Scarlett has become a huge animal lover.  She loves our dog Lynnie and constantly wants to hug and pet her, as well as excitedly pointing to dogs who are out for a walk when we're out.  I'm passionate about animals myself, so it makes me happy that we share that connection.  When I found out Cubbie Lee makes an Animal Truck, I knew it would be perfect for her.  Your child will enjoy the beautifully crafted truck complete with a chunky zebra, hippo, crocodile and giraffe, each perfectly sized for little hands to grab.  The truck is made from durable and sustainable wood, with smooth edges and wheel motion.

What I like most about this truck is that it's gender neutral, since all children like animals.  The flatbed holds the four animals securely when they are driven and Scarlett enjoys driving them all around the playroom.  There was a pitstop at one point where she thought each animal was hungry and tried to give it crackers and water.  I love how caring she is! 

Since the animals are large, even the smallest of hands can hold them with ease.  Their chunky size is ideal for hours of fun.  

Wooden toys allow children to use their imagination and creativity to come up with their own fun, instead of pushing buttons which preprogram them with entertainment.  It's a nice change to see how Scarlett plays with a toy without batteries.  

Thanks to Cubbie Lee Toys, we'll have hours of fun and memories that are sure to come! 

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Cubbie Lee Toys for providing product samples in order to facilitate this review, all thoughts are strictly my own.  

Graco's DreamGlider Is a Perfect Choice For All Babies

If you're pregnant and due to have a baby in the next few months, I'm sure you've been getting everything ready for your newest addition.  Once the nursery is done and you have all of the finishing touches completed, it's time to think about the baby gear.  You'll want a stroller that is lightweight and compact, yet stylish and easy to fold when on the go.  As for your baby's swing, you'll want something that is safe, reliable, and comfortable for your little one.  This is where Graco steps in.

Graco is the headquarters for everything and anything you could need for baby.  This brand is surely one of the few that instantly come to mind when I think of baby products.  Graco's product line-up includes strollers, high chairs, pack 'n plays, car seats, swings, and more. The best part about Graco is that their products transition with your child as they age and grow, so you really get many years of use from them.  If you're attending a baby shower in the next few months or know someone who has recently given birth, a Graco product makes the perfect present. 

The brand that starts with G has been a favorite in our household for a long time now.  All of Scarlett's baby gear was Graco and we wouldn't have it any other way! I trust the brand immensely and would highly recommend it to anyone.

When Scarlett was a newborn, our Graco swing was a lifesaver.  It would calm her down when she was fussy and crying, plus she loved to hang out in it.  It was used day and night for a solid 6 months and was truly a workhorse.

When I heard about Graco's DreamGlider, I knew it would be the ideal swing for when I have a second child very soon.  It comes unassembled, but can be easily assembled in no time.  The unit comes in a few different color patterns, depending on your preference.

The Dream Glider is the only swing that easily converts from playtime to nap time.  Baby will love the gliding swing seat that doubles as a sleeper.  They will be soothed with the same gentle motion of a nursery glider, the seat will easily recline into a sleeper with a pull of a lever.  You can use batteries or plug the glider in depending on your choice.  With a toy mobile bar, 10 melodies and 5 nature songs, what's not to love about this swing? Parents will be able to choose from 6 gliding speeds that allow you to find the right pace for baby's needs.

You can securely strap your baby into the glider with the 3 point harness for a nap, or they can sit up and watch you.  Since the glider doesn't take up much room and is lightweight, you can easily transport it from room to room when needed.

The DreamGlider is fantastic and hopefully my second child will enjoy it just as much as my first.  I'm sure seeing the glider in my living room will bring back memories!

If you're on the fence about what glider to buy or register for, this should be at the top of your list.  You'll be recommending it to other parents in no time!

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Graco for providing a product sample in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own

Luxury Without The Insolvency

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It’s no secret that people like to spend money on themselves. Putting your hard earned dough into things that make you look and feel beautiful is a great experience. But, unfortunately, it always feels like you’re one or two paychecks away from the treats you actually want. Nice things tend to be expensive. And, this can cause some issues. So, to help you out with this, this post will be going through some of the best ways to treat yourself to luxury, without breaking the bank. So, now, you just have to get out there and do some shopping.

When it comes to shoes and clothing, you have loads of options. Typically, going to charity shops and rummaging around isn’t very uncommon. A lot of people see the value in these places. And, they can provide you with a lot of options. You might not find something you like on every trip, as they will restock regularly. A modern version of this sort of shop has come about recently, though. Instead of charity, companies like Depop allow users to sell their own clothing. With an emphasis on designer brands, websites like this have loads of options which will make most girls very happy. Both of these methods will be much cheaper than buying your clothing new. Of course, you will have less choice. But, you may be able to find items which no one else will ever have.

Once you have some nice clothing sorted out, you’ll want to find some items to decorate it. And, this is where jewellery comes in. It’s very easy to tell fake and real stones apart. For example, diamonds reflect light in a very different way to glass. So, opting for cheaper alternatives might not be the way to go. Instead, you should look for a business which sells the items you want for reduced prices. You can find a great James Allen review here, to give you a good idea of the sort of company you could use for this. Businesses which operate solely online are able to charge less for their goods because they have lower overheads. Usually, though, you have to find the biggest company that operates this way to get the very best prices.

Cosmetics are one of the most expensive items of the market, for the amount of actual substance you get. And, this can make it hard to find options which suit your desires and your wallet. Thankfully, though, there are some great ways to save money on this area. Companies like Lush sell handmade options which are designed to last a really long time. Their prices are fair. And, their products smell great. There are loads of businesses like this around. So, it’s just a matter of finding one that sells products you love.

Hopefully, this post will give you a good idea of the options you have available when you’re looking for discount luxury. Not a lot of people use methods like this to save on the items they love. But, in some cases, it could be the only way that you afford the very best.

Life With a 2 1/2 Year Old

Scarlett is now two and a half years old.  Time is really flying by.  I know it's a cliche to say that, but it's true.

In the last five or six months, I've really seen a change in her development and growth.  Her personality is shining through and I love to spend time with her.  Everyday Scarlett surprises me with new words and really has a grasp and understanding of the world around her. You have to watch what you say around her because her little brain soaks everything in like a sponge and she repeats everything she hears!

Scarlett recognizes herself and her family in pictures and gets very excited.  She has a very animated personality and loves to be silly and make you laugh.  I think Scarlett will do anything for a laugh! Her big loves in life are animals, food, her family, and Elmo.  We're very grateful for her progress with her speech because at the beginning of the year she wasn't speaking at all.  Now she probably has close to 100 words.  Her speech is constantly improving, but we still have a ways to go.  I give credit to not only her speech therapist, but her growth and maturity as she ages has something to do with it too.

It sometimes surprises me how much she can grasp and remember.  We had cupcakes the other day and she told me she enjoyed having cupcakes with her friend at her house.  That was well over a month ago and I was shocked that she recalled that fact! 

Not only does she know her colors, shapes, animals, numbers, and letters, but she loves to tell you what she sees when we drive in the car.  She will point out a red house, a blue car, or even a sign on the road.  Life is never dull with a toddler!

Scarlett's love of the outdoors knows no bounds.  I'm not as much of a fan of being outside as she is.  She'd spend the entire day out there if she could.  Her explorer mindset is interesting to watch and she really enjoys nature.  Seeing everything through the eyes of a child is magical and she lights up whenever she sees a bird, squirrel, or bunny. 

For as much fun as Scarlett is, she has a ton of energy and doesn't always listen.  We're working on discipline and time-out seems to work most of the time.  She gets frustrated easily and will have a tantrum and fall on the floor if she doesn't get her way.  This behavior is not ok and we work on a daily basis to correct it.  We put her in timeout and we tell her why she's in there when she goes in.  When the time is up, I go back in and ask her why she is in time out.  She can tell me so I know she understands then she gives me a hug and says sorry.  Parenting is never easy!

Manners is something that is important to me, and I constantly remind her to say please and thank you when necessary.  It's a wonderful feeling when she says it on her own.

Scarlett is one affectionate girl and loves to give hugs and kisses.  She has started telling my husband and I recently that she loves us.  It's about time since I've told her 100 times a day since the day she was born.  She also loves to tell Elmo and our dog Lynnie that she loves them too.  Her sweet personality is precious and I love her tiny hugs!

Parenthood is a wonderful journey that has highs and lows, but I wouldn't trade it for anything! 

Get Rid of Pesky Bugs With Dynatrap

Summer is the one time of year where you can sit outside and entertain friends or family with a BBQ or pool party.  There's nothing more fun than making memories with the people you love most.  What's not fun is being attacked by mosquitos and bugs that leave you constantly feeling uncomfortable.  Mosquito bites are terrible! It's also irritating to have flies swarming your food too.  Wouldn't it be nice if you could enjoy your backyard without having to worry about pesky bugs during the warmer months of the year?

DynaTrap is a technology-driven indoor/outdoor insect trap that protects against mosquitos, biting flies, moths, wasps, and more.  The unit relies on UV light and Co2 to mimic human beings and maximize predatory insect attracting, rather than pesticides or harmful sprays.  Its strong yet silent fan that vacuums the insects into a retaining cage will make you happy. You'll enjoy how safe and simple DynaTrap is to use, just plug and hang it to stop the bug life cycle.  With no pesticides, chemicals, odors, noise, or hassle, it's perfect for your backyard this summer and beyond.  The DynaTrap makes a perfect gift for any friend or family member who enjoys the outdoors. 

The DynaTrap comes fully assembled and can be plugged in and put anywhere you please in your backyard.  You'll quickly fall in love with the large black unit that's ready to zap any bugs that come in its path.  There are many different sizes depending on your backyard size and needs.

It's hard to not have lunch or dinner outside in warm weather, it's almost impossible! Lately my family and I have been eaten alive when dining outdoors and were really getting fed up.  We knew we had to get something to control the amount of bugs and make outdoor dining more enjoyable.

The DynaTrap is just what we needed and has truly revolutionized being outside.  As long as you have an outdoor electric outlet, you're good to go.  The cord is long and allows you ample room to hang or place it anywhere.  The best part about DynaTrap is how extremely quiet it is, you won't even know it's on.  Of course you will notice a decrease in the amount of bugs in your backyard though!

I chose to put the DynaTrap on my fence since there's a plug right beyond it.  It captures and kills bugs on contact which is fantastic.  If you think having a citronella candle is helpful, just wait until you try the DynaTrap.  With just one day of constant use, the amount of bugs that were inside was impressive.  I couldn't get over how many were in there! Simply empty the catch cage whenever needed to keep it clean and problem-free.

I've heard from others that if you keep the DynaTrap running all the time that it greatly reduces mosquitos and makes your backyard enjoyable again.

It's time to reclaim your summer and make it enjoyable and memorable from here on out.  

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to DynaTrap for providing a product sample in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.  

The Guide To Choosing And Settling Into A New Home

Moving home is often a tough step to make in itself, so rest assured that you’ve already done the hard part when it comes to this big change in your life. Now, before you choose a new home to move into, you need to think about what it is you want from this new chapter in your life. Whether you’re just moving with your partner or you have children to think about, it’s important that everybody’s voice is heard. This new home needs to be a place in which you can all feel comfortable. Here are some tips to help make that a reality.

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Choosing your new home.

Before you start making big plans as to how you’re going to settle into this new home, you need to choose the home itself. It has to be a decision that suits you not only in that present moment but for your foreseeable future in that new location. Perhaps you and your partner want to move in together but you don’t plan on sticking around in that area for more than a few years if you big aspirations for your careers. In that case, you might want to rent a house because you don’t necessarily want a long-term commitment if you don’t see your future in a long-term location; still, it’s important to find somewhere cozy enough to settle into for a few years.

If you do have dreams of turning your new home into a permanent base on which you can grow into a larger family in the future then you might want to look into houses and making the commitment to buy so that you’re not just pouring dead money into the place. It all depends on how much you think you’re going to need to grow into your property during the span of your time there. It’s very important that you choose a place in which you feel you can be comfortable before you start thinking about how to improve the place as a whole and settle into the community. It’s a big decision to make.

Making a ‘To Do’ list.

Now you’ve moved into your new home, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed by the number of things you feel you have to do. The best way to approach the task is to make a list of everything that needs to be done. You need space to breathe so that you can actually enjoy the novelty of living somewhere brand new. If you have a list that you can use to gradually tick off important items then you won’t worry about the possibility of forgetting all the crucial things which need to be done. It’ll probably only take a couple of weeks to get all the important stuff sorted, but you don’t have to worry about what the next thing that needs to be done may be if you can see it all in a physical list form. It also makes you feel far more productive when you get the satisfaction of putting that big tick next to something you’ve dreaded doing.

An organized unpacking routine.

The one hurdle nobody ever thinks about until they’re actually faced with it is hundreds of packed boxes. If you’re lucky enough that this is your first new home or flat with your partner then your possessions might be relatively few, but you’ll probably still have a sizeable collection of things from college or your room at home with your parents. The point is that you can very easily find yourself drowning in a mess of unorganized boxes that you’re too afraid to tackle if you don’t plan ahead. The best way to do this is to write descriptive labels on each box (not just “clothes”) because you’ll be able to categorize boxes and keep related things together that way. You’ll be able to get your new home set up far more easily if you know which box contains specific items. You might find that you want certain kitchen utensils and bathroom supplies within the first few hours of moving in, so you don’t want to spend a few hours trying to find them.

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Small personal flourishes.

The hardest part of moving into a new place is that, whilst it might look modern and pretty, it doesn’t feel like home. It might feel like you’re staying in a beautiful hotel if it is modern, clean, and aesthetically-pleasing, but that doesn’t mean you necessarily feel comfortable and cozy in it just yet. It can be hard to rid yourself of that feeling that you’re a guest in your own home, but it’s all about focusing on the small things rather than making grand and overblown changes to your house (especially if you’re only renting). Adding small features such as throws to your couches or cute candles to your bedroom can make all the difference when it comes to turning a house into your home.

Get to know the neighbors.

A vital part of settling into your new home actually has nothing to do with bricks and mortar. You need to think about the people living around you because getting to know them is important to helping you feel comfortable in your home; it’s important to helping you feel a part of the small community in which you’ll find yourself. Throw a housewarming party and invite over everyone on your street; ask people to bring food and drink so that everyone chips in, and get to know one another.

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Thinking about security.

Security may not be a fun thing to think about like other aspects of your settling-in process at your new home, but it’s certainly an important one that you need to consider. If you live in a rented property then you should really discuss this matter with your landlord and they’ll tell you how safe the property is. Obviously, there’s no harm in expressing any concerns you might have; you might simply want to install additional locks into doors or windows or you might want to install a burglar alarm if you think the flat or house needs that additional protection.

Again, you have to discuss all these things with the owner of your home. Of course, if you do own the property then the responsibility lies completely on your shoulders to ensure that your house is as safe as it can possibly be. Unrelated to burglary, you might want to think about things such as ensuring you have a working smoke alarm; this should be an absolute essential for any home. It’s also vital that you check your alarm regularly to ensure it’s functioning as it should be.

Settling a pet into their new home.

As a final point, you and your partner (or your family, depending on what kind of move this is), might have a pet that you’re worried about moving to a brand new home. Of course, before anything else, if you’re renting then it’s vital you ensure you rent a property which accepts pets. Once you’ve crossed that bridge then you only need to worry about how to ease your pet itself into their new abode. The best way to do this is to set boundaries from day one. They might be frightened, but you don’t want them to slip into bad habits of wetting rugs or their bed; reward their good behavior, and slowly guide them into warming to the place. Bring their old bed from your old home and fill it with all their favorite toys. Give them some way to form mental links and realize that this new home is their home.

Your Sleep Matters Too: How You Can Get More

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The one thing everyone loves to tell you about having children is that you'll never sleep the same again. While they're slightly gleeful that other parents will have to experience the same sleep deprivation they did, no new parent looks forward to the sleepless nights. And it doesn't end once the child is no longer a baby. Young children often love to get up at the crack of dawn, and they're not always too keen on going to bed, either. All this impacts your sleep, and it's true that things may change a lot. However, just because you have to alter your sleep patterns, it doesn't mean you'll never get enough sleep. There are some things you can do to be well-rested.

Have Your Own Bedtime Routine

Babies and children tend to do well with set bedtime routines. It helps them get to sleep and gives them expectations. But your child isn't the only one who can benefit from a routine at bedtime. You can also help yourself get a good night's sleep by following the same schedule every night. You might do some things like reading a book for a while, having a hot (caffeine free) drink, or even doing some deep breathing exercises. Try to relax before you go to bed, so it's easier to fall asleep. You can't guarantee you won't ever be interrupted, but you can try your best to follow the same pattern each night.

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Design a Sleep-friendly Bedroom

Your bedroom can play a huge part in how well you're able to sleep. Whether you've still got the baby in your room with you or you've got it all to yourself, you can make choices that help you fall and stay asleep. Start by having a comfortable mattress that supports your back and joints. Have a look at a mattress site to compare the available options, such as memory foam and latex mattresses. Think about the environment of your room too, including the temperature and lighting. The room should be cool for comfortable sleep, as well as dark. Try to avoid having any artificial lights, even tiny ones from chargers and devices.

Prioritize Rest

How much importance do you place on sleep? You might complain that you don't get enough, but when it comes down to it, how much do you try to get? Spending time on the sofa at the end of the day helps you to wind down and can give you time with your partner too. But an hour watching TV could be an extra hour when you're in bed, catching up on sleep. Make sleep a priority if you want more of it.

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Have a Night Off

Being separated from your kids for the night can be tough for both them and you. However, it's healthy for you to have time apart. Your children can spend time with other family members, or with a friend or babysitter. Without them around, you could have the best night's sleep in a long time.

Kids need plenty of sleep, but so do you. Make sure you don't forget about your own sleep when you're trying to get the kids to bed.

Dipped Strawberries From Gourmet Gift Baskets Are Perfect Any Day Of The Week

Gift baskets make the best presents.  I've given many gift baskets as birthday presents over the years and the recipients absolutely loved them.  What's not to love about a beautiful basket filled to the brim with items that you enjoy? The best part is how they are decorated.  Make sure you select a basket that's big enough to hold everything you want to give.  After that, put clear cellophane paper around the big and tie with a gorgeous bow.  It will be almost too pretty to open, but they won't be able to resist! It would be a smart idea to make some one's day extra special with a gift basket today.

Gourmet Gift Baskets is the mecca of gift baskets for any type of occasion.  A relative or loved one would enjoy a gift basket filled with tasty treats like candy, brownies or even popcorn.  There are so many gift basket choices like coffee, chocolate, tea, meat and cheese, and even sports themed! If gift baskets aren't on your radar, you can choose from dipped berries, popcorn tins, cheesecakes, and other delectable goodies to delight your taste buds with.  

How about care packages for your niece or nephew away at school or summer camp? You can't forget about the gift towers that are filled with items that will make any one's belly smile.  A gift basket would be the perfect corporate gift to thank a client, not to mention they make ideal presents for any occasion.  Go ahead and order one for a friend or family member today, or maybe even yourself!

Chocolate is my one weakness in life.  I can resist soda, fried foods, and even fast food. When it comes to that sweet and rich chocolate though, I cannot seem to say no! It's essential to indulge in chocolate on only days that end in Y.

The Summer Sports Berry Sampler is exactly what everyone needs to make their summer a delicious one.  You'll love these 12 oversized strawberries that are hand dipped into baths of rich imported Belgian chocolate.  All of the berries are decorated with signature chocolate drizzle, buttery toffee, or sweet sport candies.  They'll be almost too pretty to eat, but I'm sure you'll be able to push past that thought quickly.

These berries are not only gorgeous but large and in charge too! I've had dipped berries before but have never tried a toffee berry before, so it was a unique and welcomed surprise when I saw toffee berries.  The sports candies are cute and would be an ideal gift to give any sports fan.

Not only were these berries extremely juicy and ripe, but bursting with incredible chocolate flavor.  The beautiful vibrantly colored coating of the berries was rich, thick, and ideal for chocoholics! I absolutely loved the toffee and milk chocolate berries best.  The berry instantly curbs your sweet tooth and is a wonderful mid-day pick-me-up.  The nuttiness of the toffee provided an irresistible crunch that was delicious, while the smooth and rich milk chocolate berry was unbeatable.

Since there are 12 berries, the portion size is conducive for sharing with friends or family.  I completely understand if you don't want to share though, it's hard to share your chocolate.  I'm looking forward to enjoying the remaining berries in the coming days, and I know my stomach will not have a problem with that at all.

Keep Gourmet Gift Baskets in mind for all of your sweet treat needs both present and future.

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Gourmet Gift Baskets for providing a product sample in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.  

Your Vacation Fashion Woes- Fixed

Going on vacation with your loved ones should be one of the most exciting times of your life. However, it can also be extremely stressful for women who aren’t comfortable wearing next to nothing each day, or just don’t have a clue what to wear in general. Let’s talk about some common vacation fashion woes and see what we can do!

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Outfits To Take You From The Beach To The Bar

You don’t want to take your entire wardrobe in your suitcase. Well, maybe it would be a little easier, but there are restrictions on that kind of thing. You’re going to have to size down. This means you need outfits that can take you from the beach to the bar. These outfits do exist!

Playsuits are super comfortable, and can be thrown on over just about anything. Not only are they comfortable and versatile, they can be super flattering, which is perfect for anybody with a ‘mummy tummy’. It could also be a good idea to take a pair of comfortable trousers that you can throw on over your bikini, along with a few tops that mix and match nicely.

Comfortable Footwear

When going on vacation, there’s nothing worse than painful feet. Painful feet can strike at any time, for a multitude of reasons. Maybe you’ve taken ill fitting shoes, or you’re doing a lot of walking. You need shoes that are going to support you, not leave you with angry blisters and bunions. By taking a look at The Iconic you can find comfortable flip flops that are perfect for casual day wear, especially a day at the beach. They keep your feet cool and comfortable, and can often prevent many of the issues people experience with their feet on holiday. It’s not uncommon for feet to swell while on vacation, especially if it’s very hot and you’re indulging in alcohol and delicious foreign food. The body tends to retain water, and as a result, the feet swell. A pair of flip flops are an absolute must for these situations.

Heels are find for night’s out, but make sure you’re not going to be doing a lot of walking in them. If you are, then a pair of low heeled mules is probably better for you. Make sure you take lots of gel cushions and foam with you, just incase you do encounter a painful sore. You can never be too prepared!

Keeping Comfort In Mind

Keeping comfort in mind is important with your outfits. Remember that towards the end of your vacation, you may be feeling a little bloated from all of the fun you’ve had. There’s no shame in it, but this is what alcohol and all you can eat buffet’s does to the body. Make sure you take something you feel comfortable in, such as a nice floaty dress, or even a shirt dress. These things usually skim over the body and look super flattering, so you don’t have to worry about any lumps and bumps showing through.

Life is Easier with DBest Products

I've noticed recently that I have a lot of cleaning products that are in different rooms in my house.  I may have Windex and Soft Scrub underneath my kitchen sink while I have a Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner in my bathroom vanity.  Of course I need the Windex to clean my bathroom mirrors too.  It's inconvenient to have to go retrieve each product from various levels of the house each time you need them.  Wouldn't it be nicer to keep everything together and organized?

DBest knows that life is tough and they are here to make it easier.  The brand has been made famous on the television show Shark Tank.  You'll quickly notice that their products encompass several traditional categories with the main focus being storage and organization.  I'm sure you'll instantly fall in love with their smart backpacks, coolers, pet carriers, and various collapsible rolling carts that will keep you organized and happy.   

One of my favorite DBest products is the Smart Cart.  This multi-purpose folding basket is perfect and convenient for anyone on the go.  Unlike an ordinary cart, this folding cart has wheels and an extendable handle for easy maneuverability.  The product is available in a variety of prints and patterns including solid colors, zebra and leopard print depending on your style.  I'm sure you'll easily find a use for a Smart Cart in your house and beyond.  Keep the product in mind for a gift for friends and family that they'll truly love! 

What I love most about the Smart Cart is how versatile it is.  Whether you're packing up for the beach for the weekend or taking a trip to the grocery store, the handy basket is built to hold a lot and give your arms and shoulder a break from carrying heavy bags.  Why deal with a heavy bag when you don't have to? The product is made with a durable, flexible water proof material making it ideal to haul important or sensitive items such as paper files or electronic equipment.  

The Smart Cart is perfect for an elderly friend or relative who lives in walking distance to a grocery store.  If they need just a few items but don't want to carry heavy bags, they'll enjoy putting everything into the Smart Cart to roll home.  With the easy to push handle, what's not to love? It has a front pocket for easy access items like a phone or money and folds down for compact storage.  Since it weighs less than 4 lbs and can be folded up to a mere 2 inches, it can easily be stored on a shelf or in a closet for use whenever needed.  It's all environmentally friendly since you can put your groceries inside and not use plastic or paper grocery bags.  

I'm sure you'll wonder how you ever lived life without the Smart Cart once you own one.  It will revolutionize your life and give you a break.  Go ahead and treat yourself to one today.

*DISCLOSURE* I received a product sample in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Gift Ideas For The Cook In Your Life

Whether you’re a man or a woman, the chances are that the way to your heart is through your belly. There are few experiences more satisfying and intimate than sitting down together to a lovingly prepared meal together. If your significant other loves nothing more than to spend hours in the kitchen perusing recipe books, experimenting with colors, flavors and ingredients then chances are they’ll also love receiving new toys to excite their culinary imagination and make their cooking even easier and more pleasurable.

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Erica Butea will tell you that there are some gadgets that no kitchen should be without, so we’ll assume that your loved one already has the essentials. Here are some more luxurious gift ideas that will make them feel like a 5 star chef and make you look like a 5 star lover! It’s also an established fact that couples who cook together tend to stay together so there’s no excuse not to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in with them.

The Joyce Chen Carbon Steel Wok

If your beau is stir-crazy about stir fry then this round base, carbon steel wok is for them! The uncoated carbon steel surface allows for rapid and even heating and cooling that are essential in high-heat cooking. They won’t need to worry about burnt hands either, since the blond wood handle is completely non-conductive. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee!

The Osaka Coffee Cone Dripper

Coffee shouldn’t just be a muddy tasting instant powder that you mix with hot water to give you a jolt in the morning. It should be something that is slowly savored and this reuseable stainless-steel filter not only eliminates the need for environmentally wasteful filter paper, it also helps to seal in every last drop of flavor with its double filtration.

Enjoy a cup of coffee made with this after your culinary creations and you’ll have the perfect ending to a perfect meal.

The Uuni Wood-Pellet Pizza Oven

“I’m just not into pizza”- said nobody ever! If your partner has a passion for pizza then this compact and affordable wood fired pizza oven allows you and your partner to prepare delicious artesanal pizzas in your own backyard. As summer’s just bedding in now, why not enjoy a balmy summer’s evening together enjoying your pizzas, sipping a nice easy red and watching the sun set together. Romance and pizza in the sunset? You’re welcome!

Mac 6.5 inch Vegetable Cleaver

Chopping vegetables can be easy and effortless or it can also be tedious and laborious. The difference is all in the kind of knife you use. With this high carbon, stain resistant, v-bevelled steel blade, your beloved will be able to easily slice through the toughest of sweet potatoes, cabbages and squashes.

Edible Candles

If the love of your life has a birthday coming up, then these edible candles will be more than just the frosting on the cake. Crafted from real chocolate, they’re a delicious and fun addition to any birthday celebration.

Image by Pixabay

Raising Healthy Children Shouldn't Cost A Fortune

Most modern parents find that juggling parenthood with financial factors is an ongoing battle. But if there’s one part of your child’s upbringing that deserves to be kept at the optimum level, it surely has to be their health. Still, any opportunity to keep your son or daughter in great health without blowing your budget away should be grabbed with both hands.

 

In truth, promoting health and happiness doesn’t need to be nearly as expensive as you might first fear. Here are five simple tips that highlight those sentiments to perfection. Incorporate them today, and you’ll see positive results in no time.

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•  Start by establishing healthy sleeping patterns for your child. A good night’s rest doesn’t only improve the energy levels and emotional health. It will additionally aid your son or daughter’s physical development. The significance of valuable recuperation time is so vast that it sets the foundations for a far better upbringing in general. If that doesn’t inspire you to focus on getting this aspect of parenting right, what will?

•  Seek support to reduce the financial burdens surrounding family health. A discounted prescription drugs card can cut medical bills by over half. For many families, this means that you’ll no longer have to wrestle the guilt of not being able to afford the right treatments. Given that we all encounter health issues from time to time, this is essential for long-term success. Meanwhile, the savings can be actively used to bring positivity to other aspects of the ongoing challenge.   

•  Focus on building a happy and healthy home environment with help from Thrifty Mom. Growing up in good surroundings will go a long way to boosting emotional happiness and stability. The direct benefits of those mental rewards also encourage kids to take the smarter approach in physical aspects too. In addition to the atmosphere, you must ensure that the property is properly protected. Aside from keeping your child safe, it’ll work wonders for your peace of mind.  

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•  Quit taking the easy option with regards to nutrition. The importance of a balanced diet is unquestionable, but many parents feel that it costs a small fortune to feed kids in the right way. It doesn’t need to be that way as fresh ingredients can be grown at home. Moreover, coupons can reduce the cost of your grocery shop without sacrificing the quality of food. When combined with meal prep ideas and other cost-effective methods, maintaining the balance is simple.

•  Seek affordable and fun days out. Rather than hitting the local paid attractions, why not head to the beach or park? Pack your lunch to keep the costs down and focus on family sports and other activities to burn off calories while laughing together. If you’re looking for inspiration, Jump Bunch has you covered. It’s certainly better than staying indoors, and it’s a lot cheaper than paying high ticket prices. You can even use the garden to great effect with similar ideas in mind.   

 

A little creative thinking coupled with a responsible approach to parenting will serve you very well indeed. More importantly, though, it’ll serve your son or daughter well too.