Lifestyle

Free Things To Do With Kids In New Mexico and Beyond

by Jenn May 26, 2015

written by Jenn

Schools are out for the summer! Are you armed with free things to do with kids in New Mexico? Most of you know I’m a New Mexico lifestyle blogger, born and raised in New Mexico. I know most of you don’t live in good old New Mexico, but you never know; you might just visit and need something fun and free to do with the kids, right? So I’m going to include plenty of great free things to do with kids in New Mexico and elsewhere.

Free Things To Do With Kids In New Mexico and Beyond

Here are a few fun and free things to do with kids in New Mexico and beyond.

Picnic: Whether you live in New Mexico or anywhere else in the world, you can totally plan a picnic with the kids. Grab an ice chest loaded with ice, sandwich stuff, and plenty of great snacks, like one of our new favorites from CVS.
Surprise nature walk: load the kids up and don’t tell them where you are going. If you live in New Mexico, there are plenty of great places to go on a surprise nature walk with the kids, and if you live elsewhere in the US, I’m sure you can find a nice place to surprise the kids with a walk through nature.
Old Town Plaza: If you’re looking for free things to do with kids in Albuquerque, NM, you can try the Old Town Plaza, which includes food, jewelry, artwork, and more from the Native American, Spanish, and Anglo heritages.
Indian Dances: Looking for more awesome things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico? Try visiting the Indian dances located at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. You’ll find them in the Cultural Center’s courtyard on the weekends during the summer months.
Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center: If you live in southern New Mexico, the Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center is worth checking out.

Sunset: Watch the sunset. New Mexico is known for it’s amazing sunsets, but sunsets are beautiful everywhere I’ve ever been lucky enough to see them, and they’re something so many of us miss out on. Grab the kids, some healthy snacks, and watch the sunset.
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site: If you live or will be traveling by Carrizozo, New Mexico, be sure to stop by Three Rivers Petroglyph Site and see the trails that lead to several thousand petroglyphs that date back to 900 A.D.
Carson National Forest: If you live close to or will be visiting Cimmaron, New Mexico, be sure to enjoy the National Forest; it’s amazing.
Free Family Films: There are lots of theater chains that offer free or crazy-discounted movie days. I think the most we have paid is $1; it’s normally older movies, but the kids don’t mind. It’s still a blast.
Water time: It’s warm in New Mexico and many other places, so why not put some sunscreen on and play in the water? If you don’t have a pool, grab the sprinkler!

lorena brockman vayda worden carlsbad caverrns

Carlsbad Caverns: This is one of the most amazing places to visit in New Mexico, and children 15 and under get in free, and they also have free days. You can learn more by calling or visiting their website. There are tons of adventures to be had at Carlsbad Caverns.
Carlsbad Caverns Bat Flight: Watch almost 400,000 Brazilian free-tailed bats come out of the cave during the summer nights to eat bugs. It’s one of the most amazing things I’ve seen. You can also watch the bats return from 4 to 6 am at 25 mph or more. It’s a sight worth seeing and it’s located where I live, Carlsbad, NM.

madisyn worden riding a rooster in roswell nm

Spring River Park and Zoo: This is by far one of my favorite places to gather with the family. Everything is free, besides the $0.25 it costs to ride the carousel or mini train, but the zoo filled with native and exotic animals is free, and the park is free for everyone and extremely beautiful. It’s the perfect way to spend the day with the family.
Fiesta Day: In early June, take part in the rodeo, bands, bicycle race, and parade in Aztec, New Mexico.
New Mexico Wing, Confederate Air Force : This is a hanger filled with discarded vintage aircraft and parts open for the public to view. You can find this at the Lea County Airport in Hobbs New Mexico.
Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge: Love ducks, cranes, and geese? Catch them during migration at Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge in Roswell, New Mexico.
International UFO Museum and Research Center: I was born in Roswell, New Mexico, but shhhhhh. I don’t like to tell people because I have to hear UFO jokes and such. However, the International UFO Museum and Research Center is pretty cool and can’t be beat for the price. It tells the story of the UFO crash from 1947. Donations are accepted.

Face painting: It’s messy, but so much fun! Let the kids go crazy with some face paint or pull out your old makeup that you no longer use and let them have some fun. Everything starts out sweet and innocent, like with the above picture of the nose. I wish I had a picture of what things really ended up looking like.
Zoo: Check with the zoos in your area; they often have free days, and many have activities at night too.

abound dried craberries and water in park

Camping in the backyard: There’s nothing like camping, especially in the comfort of the backyard. Load up some snacks and blankets, pitch a tent, and let the kids have fun. My kids love it, they don’t normally make it all night, but it’s fun to try.
Gardening: Do you love to garden? Why not share your love for the outdoors and play in the dirt with the kids? They’ll love watching the beautiful things that come from all their hard work.
Crafts: Crafts are a blast for everyone, and you can do just about anything from tie-dye shirts to building a scrapbook. Have fun and let your kids creativity go wild. Plus, it doesn’t matter whether you are looking for things to do in Alaska or California; crafts rock!
Take the dogs for a walk: If you have a dog, be sure the kids take them for a walk. Great for the : puppy and your kids.

Cloud watch: Watch the clouds and tell each other what you see. Loads of relaxing fun and a great way to get some sun.
Look at the stars: Look at the stars! There are even some amazing apps you can download to help you identify constellations.
Newspaper: Get the newspaper each day and see what is going on in your area that you can do for free with kids in New Mexico or anywhere else for that matter.

Baking: Find a fun recipe and bake something the kids will like. You can even have a little fun and add some math in there and make them create their own list, so they’re using their little minds. We recently made some Cranberry Orange Muffins that were super easy, and the kids thought they were amazing.

free things to do with kids in new mexico

Go to the park: One of our favorite things to do is grab some snacks and head for the park. The kids get to burn some energy being outside while having a whole lot of fun; it’s a win-win!

The park is one of our very favorite things to do because the kids get to have fun, mom can meet a friend or two and enjoy an early morning or evening walk, the kids get tuckered, and we can bring along great snacks like CVS Gold Emblem Abound products, which you can grab at one of the 7,800 CVS locations. CVS Gold Emblem Abound products have quickly become some of our favorites because they are delicious, located at CVS, and perfect to take along on any adventure or daily activity to fuel the family. Want to know something else? There are plenty of gluten-free, heart-healthy, diet-friendly, high-fiber, and protein snacks. They have something to fit everyone’s lifestyle.

Not only are they great snacks to take with you while you’re on the go, they’re great for your daily meals and even creating some of your favorite snacks. One of my personal favorites is my new Easy No Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls Recipe made with CVS Gold Emblem Steel Cut Oats! Talk about SUPER YUM, and the whole family loves them. I have to hide them in the freezer to keep everyone out of them, lol. So whether you’re heading for the park, a day at the zoo, or just hanging around the house with the family, be sure to check out CVS Gold Emblem products on your next trip to CVS. Oh, and if you don’t live close, you can shop online at CVS.com.

Summer has just started, and we have lots of plans with the kids, but there is no way we can afford to spend money on activities daily, so finding free things to do with the kids is awesome, and bringing along our own snacks is a must to save money for our family vacations. Do you have any free things to do with kids in New Mexico and beyond that you would like to share? Remember, it doesn’t have to be in New Mexico, just some fun and free things to do with kids this summer because I know there are parents hunting for new ideas.

Disclosure: I’m proud to partner with CVS/pharmacy as one of the “Gold Emblem Abound Trail Makers” this year! I am being sponsored by CVS/pharmacy for my Trail Makers posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.

May 26, 2015 0 comments

Lifestyle

Reasons To Love The Baked, Gluten-Free Snack Goldfish Puffs

by Jenn February 27, 2015

written by Jenn

If you’re looking for an awesome gluten-free snack idea for the kids or yourself, you have to give Goldfish®Puffs a try. That’s right our favorite baked snack is now baked and gluten-free!

People are going gluten-free for more reasons than a wheat allergy or celiac disease. I’m sure many of you have at least heard about or noticed all the new gluten-free products popping up in the supermarkets. Maybe you are considering going gluten-free because you know someone who has or your favorite celebrity has decided to go gluten-free.

Without a doubt, there are plenty of great reasons to go gluten-free, and there are more and more great gluten-free meals and gluten-free snacks for kids and adults potting up in supermarkets. Which helps make living a gluten-free lifestyle easier than ever before? So many of us live an on-the-go way of life, which can make snack time difficult, especially if you’re searching for gluten-free snack ideas. Thankfully, one of our favorite snacks has decided to go gluten-free. Yes, Goldfish Puffs recently went gluten-free.

Many are forced to live the gluten-free lifestyle, but thankfully there are more and more foods becoming available. I have a child who has to eat gluten-free, so it’s become something we have begun to blend into our lifestyle, especially when it comes to kid’s snacks. I regularly cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so when it’s time for snacks, I want something easy. I’m excited that one of my kids favorite baked snacks has decided to come out with a gluten-free product—Goldfish Puffs are delicious too.

Reasons To Love The Baked, Gluten-Free Snack Goldfish Puffs

I bought Goldfish Puffs for the first time yesterday, and they are by far one of my children’s gluten-free snacks because they taste fabulous and come in many flavors. If you haven’t tried Goldfish Puffs here are a few reasons my kids, and I have totally loving them.

They are Gluten-Free – Of course, if you or someone in your life needs to or choose to live a gluten-free lifestyle Goldfish Puffs are a baked snack they can add to their list of awesome snack ideas. Or you could even use it as a breading on your chicken, which I have used normal Goldfish for several times. It turns out fabulous, and I’m going to bet that Goldfish Puffs turn out just as awesome!
They Taste Great – I’m super excited with how good the Goldfish Puffs taste. There have been a few products I have tried in the past that just didn’t seem to have much flavor or had a funny after taste, but Goldfish Puffs are super YUM!
Baked – I love that Goldfish Puffs are baked and not friend. It makes them a better option for my family and me at snack time.
Create tons of fun recipes – Whether it’s a snack mix of some sort or some breeding Goldfish Puffs will make a great addition your recipe.

It’s a Great Excuse to Have Some Fun—Aside from Goldfish Puffs tasting fabulous, they’re without a doubt a reason to get your Goldfish Puffs face on. My daughter and I had a blast trying to make our fish face last night.

There is currently an increasing demand for gluten-free products not only for allergies but health and wellness options as well. Well, if you’re a fan of those crazy little Goldfish crackers that come in many flavors, you’ll be excited about the Goldfish Puffs too. I’m excited, and Goldfish is proud to bring you awesome Goldfish Puffs, and they are YUMMY! Not only are they yummy, they are BAKED and gluten-free for anyone trying to live a gluten-free lifestyle.

Head on over to the Goldfish website and learn more about these yummy treats and all their other awesome products.

Will you be trying Goldfish Puffs a yummy, baked and gluten-free snack idea for the kids and of course yourself!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Goldfish®Puffs. All opinions are our own.

February 27, 2015 0 comments

Lifestyle Social Good

Clothing Donations Give Back: 10 Reasons To Donate Clothing to School

by Jenn January 12, 2015

written by Jenn

Schoola is an online retailer which carries gently used clothing and accepts kids and now women’s clothing donations. The clothing donations at Schoola are extra special because they not only help schools but also help parents who are in need of quality clothing but can’t afford retail prices. They also help anyone who does donate online by providing them with a 100% free way to donate kids and women’s clothing online. Most importantly, the schools in our local communities.

Yes, did you know EVERY $2 out of $5 spent on school goes right back to our schools? Want to know something else? When you request a free donation bag online, you can select the school you would like your donated items to support.

The best thing about making clothing donations to Schoola is that you know your gently used clothing will be helping another person, possibly their child, and giving back to a school of your choice.

schoola buy clothing online donate online

Before we get started on Schoola Clothing Donations and why you should start donating, I wanted to remind you that Schoola also provides gently used clothing for kids and soon women. Vayda and Catie received an outfit from Schoola, and as you can see, they both look super nice and love their outfits.

Clothing Donations Give Back: 10 Reasons To Donate Clothing to School

If you have ever wondered how much your clothing donations matter, the answer is yes, especially when you’re donating clothing places like Schoola. It’s not secret; we love and support Schoola 100%! We’ve worked with them several times and will continue to do so going forward.

YES, clothing donations matter; they can have a tremendous impact on the people who buy them, wear them, donate them and the schools! Here are ten reasons to donate online with Schoola.

1) Giving to your child’s school has never been so easy

I mean this 100%! Schoola sends you the postage-paid bag to fill; you fill that bad boy, seal it, and send it back. You don’t even have to leave your home if you don’t like it; just give it to your mailman!

2) Helping your child’s school has never been so easy

Now you can get rid of all those gently used outgrown clothes and support your child’s school.

3) Start something new in your hometown

Trust me, other parents are going to love this; there is power in numbers, and all parents need to do something their gently used clothing. Why not tell everyone and see how much you can raise for your kids schools..

4) Always having a school bag in my home helps me stay organized.

I used to toss kids clothing in a pile, which got moved, got washed again, ended up back in the kids drawers, and it’s been this ongoing cycle. Now that I have the school back in my laundry room, I toss everything into the bag, and when it’s full, I seal it up and send it out… Don’t forget to request another bad too; it’s free.

5) Schoola is now including women’s clothing

SAY WHAT!!!! I almost fell out of my chair with excitement! This spring Schoola will be launching a women’s category! While you’re shopping for your kids, you can nab something for yourself as well, all while supporting schools.

6) You now have the perfect reason to clean out your closet

If you’re like me, you’ve been waiting for the perfect reasons to clean out your closet… I have clothes from 10 years ago that I keep because I might fit them one day, LOL. Honestly, I might’ve been losing a lot of weight, BUT I would rather reward myself with a shopping trip and ship my gently used clothing to school along with my kids to help their school!

7) You now have an excuse to have that organized, clutter-free closet that you’ve been talking about.

Yes, this is me, Guy! Until now, because I’m cleaning out my closet, donating clothing online, and helping my children’s school! Talk about a feel-good feeling!

8) Shopping and donating online with Schoola just feels right.

Most of you know I’m all about paying it forward and giving back… That’s what I like about Schoola so much. Whether you’re purchasing the kids some new clothing or donating the clothing you and the kids have outgrown, it just feels right because you know you’re doing the right thing.

9) We LOVE and feel good recommending Schoola to our readers

If you couldn’t tell, we 150% LOVE Schoola and everyone we have worked with from there. If enough of us jump on board with this school, we could do even more amazing things, help even more school, and even more parents get gently used clothing at affordable prices.

10) Using Schoola to help schools in your community is as easy as 1-2-3, & you can request a donation bag for FREE!

Step 1: Visit Schoola.com and request a donation bag. IT’S FREE.

Step 2: Fill your bag with kids and women’s gently used clothing to help your child’s school. It’s rather exciting to see that Schoola is now accepting women’s clothing as well as children.

Step 3: Send the postage-paid bag back to Schoola! BAM, don’t forget to tell your family, friends and other parents from your child’s school so they can

Join Us and Schoola and #PasstheBag.

Right now you can join us, Schoola, and tons of others all Donate Clothes and Give Back To Schools! It’s easy, fun, and a great way to help Schoola tell others who they are and what they do.

Schoola challenged me and I’m going to challenge everyone who reads this post to do the same…

Here’s my challenge to you! The idea is pretty simple:

Step 1: Go online to Schoola.com to request your donation bag.
Step 2: Fill it out and send it in for the benefit of your child’s school. REMINDER: Schoola is now accepting women’s as well as children’s clothing. It’s a great opportunity to clean out your closet, start the new year fresh and feel good knowing your clothing helped!
Step 3: Challenge at least 3 friends or family members to do the same by posting on Facebook or Twitter and using the hashtag #PasstheBag. If you need an example of something to share on Facebook and Twitter, here are a few examples:

Grab your FREE bag and donate online now

You can grab your FREE bag and donate online now! It’s seriously easy; you don’t have to purchase anything first and once it’s full, you can request another bag. Don’t forget Shipping is paid for, and you choose which school your clothing supports. I honestly don’t know why anyone wouldn’t take a few minutes and request a donation bag from Schoola.com because it does so many great things for parents, kids and school.

Please remember you can shop online with Schoola to score great prices on kids clothing (women’s clothing coming soon) and your purchase will also help a school. The two outfits my two girls are wearing are 100% from Schoola and if you ask me, they’re looking pretty darn awesome and sporting the brands they love, or colors in Vayda’s case. She loves the BRIGHT colors…

The two outfits my two girls are wearing are 100% from Schoola and if you ask me, they’re looking pretty darn awesome and sporting the brands they love, or colors in Vayda’s case. She loves the BRIGHT colors…

Learn more about buying and donating gently used clothing at Schoola.com.

January 12, 2015 0 comments

Lifestyle

10 Reasons Everyone Should Have An Air Fryer

by Jenn December 4, 2014

written by Jenn

In today’s world, with everyone wanting to get healthier does an Air Fryer sound like a great way to cook healthier? It is, I can’t tell you how awesome it is, and the fact that you can cook healthier is the BOMB! I’m sure many of you are already thinking about your New Years Resolutions. Yes, I am too, and I’m going to continue mine from last year. To be healthier, happier, but this year I am going to get rid of all my extra weight! OH YES, I am going to do it.

I’m sure you can imagine how happy I was to get my Phillips Air Fryer, which I’m going to share my thoughts about my new Air Fryer and why I love it so.

10 Reasons Everyone Should Have An Air Fryer

Healthy – I know so many people want to be healthier. The Phillips Air Fryer is just the machine to help you. It’s perfect for all your HEALTHY cooking needs. Those fry’s that you love so much, they no longer have that oil!

Baking, Roasting, and Grilling – OH, yes you can bake, roast, and grill using your Phillips Air Fryer.

Digital – I can’t help it, maybe it is the tech geek in me, but I love the digital control panel. It makes it super easy to use – select time and temperature. Plus, it looks pretty cool too.

Timer – Yes, I’m one of those moms. I have to have a timer because I am always trying to get 50 things done at once. Lucky for me the timer reminds me when my food is ready.

Size – I was surprised how much the Air Fryer could actually hold. It has an extra-large 1.8-pound capacity frying basket, which is stainless steel.

Cook two things at once – I honestly have not used this feature because we have such a large family, but it is possible to cook two kinds of food at the same time with the rack.

Easy clean up – The frying basket, inside of the fryer, and the baking tray all has a nonstick coating, which really helps in the clean-up department.

Accessories – I couldn’t help it, I had to purchase the Air Fryer nonstick Grill Pan the other day. I had to idea they made such an accessory, but I guess you learn something new daily. They also have a baking dish, and the double layer rack with skewers.

Price – I don’t know how long you’ll be able to pick one up for only $299, but that is the price now. The suggested retail price is $400, but either way it’s worth every penny, especially if you want to live a healthier lifestyle.

Good food – My husband used the Air Fryer for the first time the other day, and he is hooked. It’s easy to use, and make some darn good steak in only 10 minutes. The Air Fryer cooks food super-fast, makes it yummy, but when it comes to making our steak we tend to go about 3 minutes less than the recommended 10 minutes, because we like ours a little less cooked than some.

With everything that has gone on in my life these past few months I honestly haven’t been able to use the Air Fryer as much as I like, but now that things are finally settling down and I am HOME with no plans to leave again in two days I can safely say we’re going to be using the Air Fryer more. However, there might be a bit of a fight since I husband now knows how easy it is to use, and how great it cooks things. He has all sorts of ideas now, I don’t think I am going to argue I’m going to just sit back and enjoy him cooking for a bit lol. Wouldn’t you?

See gals, the Phillips Air Fryer makes husbands want to cook too! I should have added that to my list, lol.

Want to learn more about the Phillips Air Fryer? Check out this video for Meatball Recipe for Philips Airfryer- From Luca Manfé, MasterChef Season 4 winner and swing by their website here. Trust me there is plenty to love about the Air Fryer.

December 4, 2014 0 comments

Children Lifestyle

Benefits of Having a Video Baby Monitor To Help Watch Kids

by Jenn November 14, 2014

written by Jenn

Do you use a baby monitor for things other than watching the baby? I recently started using a Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor to help me watch my kids. I think there are several great benefits to having a video baby monitor to help watch kids. I know having the Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor in my home has helped me sleep better at night for several reasons.

I have kids ranging from 3 all the way to 16, and soon my sister will be living with my husband and me, so that means more kids! You may already know we built on to our home, and I love having a larger home, but there have been a few things I don’t like about having a larger home. One of them is being so far away from my children. I still have young children, and my husband’s bedroom is on the other side of the house, which is going to be great once the kids are older. Until the kids are older, I’ve had to find other ways to keep an eye on them, because not only is our bedroom on the other end of the house, so is my office. If I do not use a video baby monitor like the Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor, I can’t work, sleep, or think because I can’t see or hear my children well enough.

Before receiving the Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor, I slept on the couch in the front room for a while because I was worried I wouldn’t hear my children if they needed me in the middle of the night. I cannot tell you how much easier life has been since we received our Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor. Which opened my eyes to other benefits of having a video baby monitor to help watch kids. Sure, we’ll need one in the baby’s room when it gets here, but until then, I think most parents would say it was safe to ditch the monitor. So I figured I would share a few reasons parents should have a video baby monitor in their home, even without a baby!

Benefits of Having a Video Baby Monitor To Help Watch Kids

There are several great benefits of having a video baby monitor to help watch kids! We’re loving our Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor so much I’m planning on taking advantage of the fact that it’s expandable up to four cameras! Which is PERFECT for my house; I can have one in my sons room, daughter’s room, front room, and when the baby gets here in the nursery!!

Here is why we’re loving the Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor so much and how having a video baby monitor helps me watch the kids.

Big House: Okay, it doesn’t matter how old your child is if something happens you want to know right away. I remember my 16-year-old daughter cutting her foot about a year ago; she was scared because it was a deep cut and there was a lot of blood. I’m grateful she’s okay, b. Who wouldn’t be, and I’m thankful I was able to hear her because I cannot imagine one of my children needing me and me not knowing. If you live in a large home, you might consider a video baby monitor or two, like the Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor, which is expandable up to 4 cameras!
Special needs: My son has special needs and we couldn’t do it without a video camera in his room. He is getting older and loves spending time in there alone playing video games, but if something happens, I need to know right away. Also at night he cannot roll over and needs our help! A video baby monitor has made things easier and less stressful for us because I am sure you can imagine how hard it is to sleep when you are not sure if your special needs child will need you. I can’t sleep, and by the monitor making things easier and less stressful for us, it improves his quality of life because we are able to be there to help me get comfortable and sleep well.
Work from home: I work from home and like I mentioned, my office is on the other side of the house. Having the Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor has made it easier for me to keep an eye on my kids when they’re watching a movie, playing, or down for a nap, which allows mom to get a little extra work done so she can go to bed earlier.

Sick: I think most parents will agree; it’s heart breaking to have a sick child. Having a baby monitor can allow you to check on them without risking waking them up. When we are sick, sleep is important, but it also allows you to hear if they wake and need something.
Health: If you have a family member who has health problems, the Motorola baby monitor can help you keep an eye on them.

Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor

The Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor is perfect for keeping an eye on your little one and more. We use our Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor for more than just keeping an eye on our little one, but the bigger ones too! Since we built our house, I don’t think I could sleep comfortably, knowing I couldn’t hear my kids if they needed me. Thankfully, the Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor provides two-way communication that is crystal clear, as well as an LCD screen that showcases full color! Oh, and who can forget the fact that you can use the zoom, tilt, and pan via remotely? It’s AWESOME!

No need to stress the dark rooms either; you can make sure everything is okay with your Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor because it’s equipped with infrared night vision and use the picture-in-picture feature to help keep an eye on multiple rooms! The Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor can help you keep your baby and other children safe and sound and offer parents the peace of mind they need to sleep at night.

Don’t think that’s all the Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor has to offer parents Check out all these amazing features:

5” diagonal screen makes checking on the kids easy
Wireless technology 2.4 GHz FHSS
Crystal clear two-way communication
What’s not to love about the Remote pan, tilt and zoom?
Infrared night vision is awesome; it’s something you need to see!
Room temperature display helps keep everyone comfortable
5 lullabies, which help put the kids to sleep.
Sound level indicator
I’m loving that the range is up to 590 feet
Don’t worry if you’re out of range; you’ll get an alert thanks to the Out-of-range alert
Volume control
Rechargeable battery
Low battery alert
Flip out stand (on parent unit)
View two baby units simultaneously with picture-in-picture technology
Expandable up to 4 cameras (additional baby units sold separately, Model: MBP36BU).

I love that the Motorola video baby monitor is expandable up to 4 cameras because I’m planning on expanding so I can have one in the front room, my son’s room, my daughter’s room, and when a baby gets here, in the baby’s room.

I don’t get a lot of work done until my husband gets home from work because my kids are on the other side of the house and I can’t see them to know what they are doing. Having the Motorola MBP26S video baby monitor has been nice because, during the day, I move it into the front room so I can hear everything the kids are doing. They’re in the front room 90% of the time, so I can see what they’re doing, and when they’re in their bedroom, I am so glad I can at least hear them.

November 14, 2014 0 comments

Lifestyle

Save The Baby Potatoes And Get Popchips

by Jenn November 3, 2014

written by Jenn

I watched this YouTube video from the people at popchip, and it made me really start thinking about all those sweet little potatoes that are just tossed into hot oil only to create a snack that is not healthy, loaded with fat, and all sorts of other stuff. What kind of life is that anyway? Seriously, its potato cruelty and I can’t help but think there is another way.

Save The Baby Potatoes And Get Popchips

There is another way to keep little baby potatoes and big adult potatoes out of greasy fryers, and it’s not only safer for them, but better for us. They’re called popchips!

Why are popchips Popped?

Besides the fact that they’re saving potatoes from being fired, well let’s talk about popchips. Have you ever popped a potato? According to popchips, it’s easy, but they don’t take full responsibility! They give credit where credit is due – The Hero Potato!

That’s where everything started, with popchips Hero Potato. Popchips knew that too many potatoes were being forced to the fryer, with barbaric endings to become greasy chips! They knew there was a better way, a ways to keep potatoes from the deep fryer! Therefore, they heat them up in an awesome pressurized chamber and then quickly release them, and their first breath of fresh air makes them go POP!

That pop means they’re a happy potatoes because they are healthier, lighter, and more well potato-y (as popchips says). Bye Bye friend chips, and hello popchips the NEVER EVER FRIED chip with a dash of great high oleic oils, and great massage with seasoning and spices, and POP! The yummy, much better for you, ½ the fat, all the flavor popchip is popping up everywhere! Did you know they might even already be taking over your neighborhood? Yes, and you might not even know it, don’t be the last one on the blog to have popchips in your house!

Popchips are a family of yummy potato and veggie chips popped crispy; loaded with flavor, but more importantly no baby potatoes were harmed while making popchips! They start with all the finest ingredients, a little pressure, and POP. A popchip is born, and you can grab them in both single and family sizes.

Learn more about PopChips here.

Be social check out popchips on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, Pinterest, and YouTube.

#popchips. all the flavor. half the fat.

November 3, 2014 0 comments

things you can eat with skinnygirl hummus

Lifestyle

13 Things You Can Eat With Hummuys

by Jenn October 14, 2014

written by Jenn

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Skinnygirl. I received a product sample and a promotional item to facilitate my review.

Hummus, it wasn’t that long ago I was introduced to hummus, and now I hear about it all the time. I remember wondering what I was supposed to eat hummus with. I had no idea what it was, or what I was supposed to do with it lol. I’m almost a pro when it comes to eating hummus nowadays, because I love good hummus.

Have you noticed the popularity of hummus seems to be increasing? I sure have, and it’s not surprise because Americans want to be healthier and are seeking healthier food options to complement their lifestyle. I recently tried Skinnygirl Hummus, and I’m going to admit I was a little worried, because it’s made with non-fat Greek yogurt, is reduced calorie, all-natural, gluten free, and kosher certified. Oh, don’t me wrong, it’s great, but new to me. I have tried several Skinnygirl products, they have all been good, and I wasn’t disappointed by the hummus either.

You can get Skinnygirl Hummus in several different flavors:

Skinnygirl Classic Hummus – The Classic Hummus is an awesome combo of flavor perfect for veggies. There is only 50 calories per serving.
Skinnygirl Roasted Red Pepper Hummus – Don’t it just sound amazing? Well it is, and the best part is the 50 calories per serving, it’s an awesome substitute to the old-fashioned hummus.

Roasted Garlic Hummus – Garlic and Hummus go together great, the Roasted Garlic Hummus taste fabulous and still only have 50 calories per serving.

Skinnygirl Cilantro Jalapeno Hummus – I love that you can get hummus in Cilantro Jalapeno and it still only has the 50 calories per serving. I don’t know what you think, but that is a lot of flavor for only 50 calories!

13 Things You Can Eat With Hummus

My husband and I were talking about all the things good hummus can be paired with, and the possibilities are endless.

Veggies of all shapes and sizes, and don’t forget about
Wheat Thins
Wheat Crackers
Ritz Crackers
Pizza sauces (have not tried this, but my sister-n-law loves it)
Add it to your sandwich
Add to pasta
Pretzels
Breadsticks
Stuffed Romain lettuce heart leaves so it’s nice and crunchy.
My husband loves it with his pizza crust
Use it to make a low cal yummy dinner – eggs, broccoli, carrots, and Skinnygirl Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is amazing together. Just add a little hummus to give it flavor. Add enough to give it the flavor you like. It really depends upon how much you enjoy hummus.
Use it in place of Mayo on sandwiches and in wraps

We invited over my brother last week, and I decided to break out the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus by Skinnygirl because I knew my bother has never tried hummus. As you can see by the pictures we had our hummus with a variety of veggies, and crackers. My favorite veggie with any hummus is bell peppers, something about the bell pepper and hummus together – its’ a match made for dipping that is for sure. Of course, it was a huge hit everyone loved it, and my sister-n-law was going to buy some for our next football gathering at her place. Which is fine by me, because it’s super yummy, and more importantly you cannot go wrong with only 50 calories per serving!

As you may already know Skinnygirl is known for their amazing low-calorie cocktails, and they have recently decided to expand by including snacks, microwave popcorn, and non-alcoholic drinks to their portfolio. I’m glad they decided to add fresh, amazing, party-ready dips too.

“Everyone loves indulgent snacking while enjoying a cocktail with these dips there’s no need to feel guilty. Each flavor is more delicious than the next. It’s hard to believe they’re low-calorie! I love using them in recipes too!” – Skinnygirl’s creator, Bethany Frankel

You can grab Skinnygirl Hummus from Walmart, Gelson’s, Kroger, Hy-Vee, Bristol Farms, Fairway Market, learn more by visiting the Skinnygirl website here. Oh and before I forget, be sure to grab this coupon and save $0.75 off your next purchase of Skinnygirl Hummus, Dips, and Salsa at select Walmart stores.

What do you eat with your hummus?

October 14, 2014 0 comments

Lifestyle Mommy

10 Things Every Busy Mom Should Have In Her Handbag

by Jenn October 13, 2014

written by Jenn

I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence-Central for Jif To Go® Dippers. I received a sample to facilitate my review and a thank you item for participating.

Being a busy mom to four children, I am always on the go, it’s never ending. Even on the days I think I’ll be able to stay home and relax, I’m running somewhere for someone, or something crazy. Rather than getting upset, I have learned there are things every busy mom should have in her handbag to be prepared.

Since I still have little ones who are not in school I have to be prepared, and forget thinking about everything I need before I leave, because it never works. If I try to remember everything I need before leaving the house, it never fails I forget my child, lol. Not really, but I forget all sorts of things. After years and years of toting around children there are certain things I keep in my handbag to make those get up and go trips to wherever less stressful.

10 Things Every Busy Mom Should Have In Her Handbag

Here are a few things every busy mom should keep in her handbag.

Lotion – This is for me, because I must have lotion to put on my hands after I wash them. Plus, it comes in handy more often than not.

Body spray – Again for mom, because stuff happens – especially when you hang with 3 year olds all day.

Toys – Hey, don’t be dogging on my toys. I like to pull the car over from time to time and play dolls. Not really, the kids sure do appreciate the fact they can get toys of moms handbag. Wait, it’s not really my handbag, it’s theirs, because it carries all their belongings. Oh, well another part of being mom, you have nothing private, EVER again. I promise, it’s worth it.

Sunscreen – The last thing I want are sunburned arms. Okay, busted yes I don’t want sunburned children either, and we tend to stop at the part on a moments notice. Better to have it, and not need it than to have a sunburned kid I always say.

Hand sanitizer – Humm, because my children cannot stop touching EVERYTHING! I need this all the time!

Antibacterial Wipes – Yes, I do need these too! Don’t worry I also have a stash of baby wipes in every car we own, lol.

Stain stick – I don’t really think I need to explain this one..

First Aid Kit – Okay, so maybe not the kit, but basics because it never fails the second I don’t have a band-aid in my handbag, BAM I need one. They make small travel sized first aid kits, which fit great in my bag.

Snacks – I don’t care if the kids has lunch right when we left the house, they’re going to want something to eat while we are in the most inconvenient places. Rather than stopping for something horrible for them, I keep things in my purse. If I have time I’ll cut up an apple, peel an orange, or toss grapes in baggies. However, I don’t always have time for that, and lucky for me not only my kids, but my husband also loves the new Jif To Go® Dippers! I do admit they’re pretty yummy, but even better they made having an easy snack for my on the go lifestyle easier than ever. Perfect for a busy mom, and they fit perfectly in my handbag!

I know I’m not the only mom who’s always running, especially now that schools started back up. We have soccer, gymnastics, dance, football, girl scouts, and whatever else the kids can manage to sign up for. I have to pick up one of my children from school and head straight for practice, which means I have to take her after school snack with me, or she will starve to death lol. No, she really is hungry, and going from school to practice she needs something in her tummy, and Jif To Go® Dippers have been an easy grab and go, yet tasty option for us.

Jif To Go® Dippers

If you’re looking for a convenient snack for life on the, or at home for that matter be sure to check out Jif®, because they now have an awesome peanut butter snack to keep everyone going – Jif To Go® Dippers!

Jif To Go® Dippers are fabulous! They have yummy Jif® Peanut Butter with pretzels for dipping! They come in the perfect grab and go containers, for those times when the kids need an on the go snack. See, the cool part for mom is the easy all-in-one portable snack is perfect for on the way to soccer practice, holiday travels, school lunch, and any other time the kids need an easy and delicious solution.

I’m not a huge fan of the kids eating in my car, because let’s face it they are messy. Another reason I like Jif To Go® Dippers is because they are not messy, too big to carry in my handbag, and the kids love them. You can get Jif To Go® Dippers in Creamy Peanut Butter with Pretzels and Chocolate Silk with Pretzels in grocery stores nationwide. They are both great and the perfect snack anytime, anywhere!

If you’re not already be sure to follow Jif on their social outlets – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Have you tried the new Jif To Go Dippers? What on the go snacking issues have you faced?

October 13, 2014 0 comments

REASONS TO FORGIVE PEOPLE WHO HAVE HURT YOU

Lifestyle Self Care Self Help

Reasons To Forgive People Who Hurt You & Open Your Heart

by Jenn September 15, 2014

written by Jenn

This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/The Power of The Heart

Have you ever stopped to think just how powerful the heart really is? We know it keeps us alive, and helps us feel, but beyond that have you listened to your hearts wisdom? Forgiving, forgetting, and moving on has never been something I was good at. It’s hard to think of reasons to forgive people who have hurt you is something I have never been good at, but it truely is for your benifit.

Reading The Power of the Heart opened my eyes to the power of the heart, but the chapter that inspired me the most was on forgiveness. I learned that forgiveness is liberating!

Forgiving someone isn’t easy, and it may seem ridiculous, but if you listen to your heart what does it tell you? By forgiving I don’t mean hanging out, or even talking to, but simply letting go of whatever is holding you back, hurting you, and turning your bitter. Forgiving isn’t easy, but it can set us free from holding ourselves prisoners of pain, hate, and fear. Forgiving isn’t for anyone’s benfit but your own, it’s to release you from all the negative emotions, so you can move forward with your life.

I’m guilty of holding on to hurt, because it doesn’t mean you have failed, been defeated, or that you’re forgetting about an event. By forgiving and allowing yourself not to be controlled by negativity you win, because you’re taking back what’s rightfully yours – your future – to move forward, and leave the past behind you, and opening the door to your heart again.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you’re condoning someone else’s behavior. This is a really important point. Forgiveness merely means that you are freeing yourself from the energy blogs that you are holding, those resentments that you are carrying. – Marci Shimoff

I learned several years ago that I had to forgive my husband for anything he did that hurt me if I truly wanted to move forward with him, and he had to forgive me. Let the past be the past, open back up, because you can never truly be happy if you harbor a grudge against someone. It was easy to see why I needed to forgive him to move forward, because I love him. I didn’t want to hold on to the past, because the future looked so bright. We were both able to forgive and move forward, because we love one another.

There are other people in my life who I never thought I would forgive, but after reading The Power of the Heart I learned that forgiving someone isn’t for them, it’s for me. I don’t have to love someone to forgive them, and forgiveness is ont admitting defeat. Now that I understand what forgiveness does, it’s easy to see why I should forgive those who have hurt me. There are parts of me that have been left battered and bruised, and it’s that way because I choose to hang on to those emotions. I have forgiven everyone in my life who’s hurt me, that doesn’t mean I’ll be calling them for lunch next week.

Reasons To Forgive People Who Hurt You & Open Your Heart

I know learning to forgive isn’t easy, and opening your heart after you’ve been hurt might sound impossible, but it’s not. Here are a few reasons to forgive and open your heart.

When you forgive you do it for yourself, your spiritual well-being, and physical health. The person whom you’re forgiving doesn’t even need to know, because you forgive them doesn’t mean you need to welcome them back into your life.

Is there someone in your life who has done something to hurt, betray, or upset you enough to keep yourself hostage?

It’s up to you to forgive someone. You can choose not to relive the paint, but to go on with your life. Nobody else can choose for you, and in the end nobody will benefit more from the choice than you.

Forgiving allows you to stop lingering in the past, and focus on the present moment.

All yourself to be happy again because you’re letting go of something that hurt you, and leaving it behind you.

We all deal with painful situations differently; it’s easier for some to forgive than others. There is no set time that you need to forgive, and nothing says you have to until you’re ready.

You don’t have to tell anyone.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have been defeated by the person who hurt you. By forgiving someone, you’re taking away any control they had over your life, and taking control yourself.

Forgiveness is unblocking all the roads to your heart to allow love to flow freely.

Forgiveness is an act of liberation. When you forgive, you free yourself from the bitterness inside yourself.

It is never too late to forgive someone.

The Power of the Heart

The Power of the Heart is a beautiful book, designed to help readers reach their full potential and overcome obstacles. The Power of the heart will help you tap into your full potential with great spiritual leaders like – Maya Angelou, Isabel Allende, Paulo Coelho, Marianne Williamson, Marci Shimoff, Gary Zukay, Neale Donald Walsch, and more.

There are different ways to connect with your heart, and this only touches on a little of what’s inside The Power of the Heart, and was something that settled nicely with me. It’s true, your heart is powerful, it has a voice, and it’s provides you with wisdom when you hear it. The book also explains how you can develop your intuition, clarify your intentions, create synchronicity, and exercise the power of gratitude, because they too are all powers of the heart.

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful things anybody can do. It’s hard to do, it’s one of the toughest things, to forgive, especially when we feel justified that we had been wronged. – Howard Martin

Before I forget, after you’re finished with the book be sure to catch the movie. I haven’t seen it yet, but it looks amazing. It features inspiring and influential icons of our age, like Paulo Coelho, Maya Angelou, Isabel Allende, Deepak Chopra, and Eckhart Tolle. The Power of the Heart movie does tie back to the book, and is said to be an experience, which will help you uncover and rediscover… So you can see it for yourself, I included the YouTube video for Power of the Heart movie which will be available

For more about the book or preorder your copy be sure to swing by ThePowerOfTheHeart.com. I’m not the only one who’s loving this book, be sure to check out The Power of the Heart on Twitter and Facebook you can also follow the hashtag #PowerOfTheHeart to see what others are saying.

September 15, 2014 0 comments

Giveaways and Sweepstakes Lifestyle

Tips To Feeling Sexier Through A Carefree Lifestyle #CarefreeChallenge

by Jenn August 14, 2014

written by Jenn

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Sverve and Carefree as part of their Carefree Freshness Challenge. Each day from August 12 – September 10, 2014 that you , you can enter to win their Grand Prize of $5,000 for a FRESH new wardrobe as well as daily prizes! Check out wearing Carefree Acti-Fresh Liners to help keep you feeling fresh, confident and carefree and kick of your challenge!

Here are a few ideas that encourage a sexier, carefree lifestyle! What makes you feel sexy?

Something that many women struggle with on a continual basis is sexiness. We like to look at other women and compare ourselves. Come on, admit it, you do the same thing! Actually, I think men do the same thing, at least to some degree, but we aren’t discussing men today; we’ll stick with the ladies. Often we don’t feel as though we “add up!” The most important thing, at least for me, is to find those little things in life that brighten the day and make me feel at my best, and make me feel carefree.

It is such an amazing feeling when you put on your favorite pair of high heels! You just know that you can rule the universe from those extra three to six inches of height that these sexy shoes create. From the time you place them on your feet you just know it will be a good day! Give yourself that little extra boost, if your favorite pumps are a pair of peep toes, paint your toes a bright red, and the world will be your oyster!

Photo Credit: Flickr Advanced Search

Do you have that one shade of lipstick that highlights everything about your face from your lips to your eyes? No matter where you are you get complimented on how full and sensuous your lips look! Every lady wants to have those perfect, kissable lips. If you don’t have that feel and you need an extra little something why not splurge and go buy yourself a great shade to enhance your beauty and to help give you those lips that any lady would kill for! Finish your lipstick off with a slight sparkle of a lip gloss! With the right shades for your skin tone you can and will be unstoppable in any conversation or social setting!

Photo Credit: Flickr Advanced Search

There is nothing worse than a day where it feels as though the entire world has been fighting against you from the start. You walk in the door, take off your bra; let’s be honest, most of us love the moment we take off our bra, and let out a sigh of relief. You go into your bathroom, light a few candles, put on your favorite relaxing music, and turn the shower on as hot as it goes. The room fills with the perfect mix of steam, music, and the aroma of your candles. Ah, perfection! You step in and allow the water to rush over your body and you let the day just wash down the drain. If a bath is more your thing put in some bath oils that make your skin touchable soft. You take a little extra time to slowly shave your legs and make sure they are just perfect instead of rushing through your routine as though you are running late for an appointment. And you just breathe! Sexiness is not always bout dressing up, sometimes it is just letting your hair down after the days stresses are over.

Photo Credit: Flickr Advanced Search

You’re driving down the road with all of the windows down, your hair is blowing in a swirl around your face, and you have the music turned up so loud the people 5 cars back can hear it, and you are belting out the words even though you know they aren’t right! That is when you feel at your best, the world has no judgment because it’s just you and the tunes on the radio … not to mention, you wouldn’t be able to hear the judgment since the radio is so loud! Whether the sun is shining bright and you have your sunglasses on, and regardless of your marital status the man next to you smiles and you give him a little smirk before you drive off; you just know that you’re hot! Or, if you are driving down a country road on a warm summer night, and nothing else exists but you, the road, the stars, and the music, you just know that nothing in your life matters but the curves up ahead. You feel truly at your sexist in those small moments in life.

Photo Credit: Flickr Advanced Search

The pushes us for the next 30 days to be our best us that we can possibly be. Try something new and put new habits in your life that make you the sexist woman that you can be. No matter how big or small those changes may be, it doesn’t matter because it is all about YOU!

Join Carefree in committing to their 30 Day Carefree Freshness Challenge between August 12, 2014 and September 10, 2014. Visit the for 30 days of fresh tips and ideas to stay fresh for longer. Also, while you are there, enter to win their GRAND PRIZE of $5000 for a FRESH new wardrobe! Today, you can enter to to a top retailer of women’s lingerie. Stay tuned for new tips and daily prizes through September 10, 2014!

August 14, 2014 0 comments

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