Autumn and the Start of Cold & Flu Season

The weather has been crazy this year! Am I right? The temperatures have been all over the place. Now October is here and it seems like it's finally starting to feel like fall.

With all of the cold rain and shifting temperatures comes ... insert horror flick music... Cold and Flu season *cough*.

Oh boy! Time to buy stock in tissues!

On Saturday after soccer, we were driving to the library and Renee got stung in the belly by a Honey Bee.

She was so upset because

1. It was unprovoked
2. She knows how important honey bees are
3. She knew that the honey bee was going to die
and she wanted to make sure we knew she didn't do anything to the poor honey bee.

Poor kid! We felt so bad. While she didn't seem to have a big reaction to the bee sting, the next day she came down with this cold that has just been hanging on and making her feel miserable.

Cough, stuffy head, nose and sinuses... pretty much everything but the fever.

Some of my family's Go-To Cold & Flu Season Products:

• Honey
• Children's Tylenol
• Children's Advil
• Puff's Tissues
• Ricola Cough drops

Disclosure: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work. Thank you!

It's Official- Second Grade

It's official. We have a Second Grader!

Renee was a little disappointed that her teacher left a couple weeks before school started. She kept talking about how strict her teacher was going to be. And she seemed to REALLY relish that.

But... they found a replacement. No problem- a new graduate at the top of her class who came home to teach. School started off great. We got rave reviews from the Principal and Renee's teacher at Open House. We couldn't ask for anything more.

Renee decided she wanted to play soccer this year. She looooves it!

It's just that pesky matter of position and where she is supposed to stay on the field that has been a bit confusing... I can't say as I blame her when she gets switched around every five minutes. Ha ha ha!

With most of the kids it looks like a big free for all anyhow.

I love watching her play. The name of the game is fun and exercise and that's the way it should be -- especially at this age.

She's grown leaps and bounds in this past year. I'm barely over 5 feet and she's up to my shoulder. Coming up on 8 years old I find this incredible!

We went from a little girl who came home excited to tell Mom everything she did at school that day to like just having this attitude Ugh! I don't even know what to say about it. It's a little frustrating and kinda depressing. But I'm relieved to report that it's at least average from what I gather.

We both love the Greatest Showmen! Renee's dad has come to kinda hate it because she sings This is Me everyday - morning, noon and night.

Ha ha ha! It doesn't bother me if she sings a little off key. She's a kid. The only way she'll learn and get better is by practicing.

So I say - Hey, Dad... get over it! Enjoy it :) She'll only be young a little while longer.

Disclosure: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work. Thank you!

 

Salad Cutter Bowl Review

60 Second Salad shows step-by-step instructions right on the box.

The Salad Cutter Bowl arrived nicely packaged. It is larger than I expected.

Easily cut heads of lettuce. I tried cutting up other vegetables (Peppers, Onions) using this product and found it a bit difficult. It produces a coarse chop: perfect for lettuce and cabbage!

The bowl doubles as a strainer: you can rinse your veggies after they are chopped up or before.

Important: when using the Salad Cutter you will still need to exercise caution and be aware of where you put your hands and fingers. Choosing the correct knife for the job will make cutting up your salad vegetables much easier and safer.

Disclaimer: I received this product at a discount price in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way. I am in no way affiliated with the seller.

If you would like to check out the product I reviewed you can find it on Amazon

#Stuffies4Kids

 

I won our Christmas tree from Capitol Christmas Trees, a business that gives back
by donating to and collecting donations for foster kids.

Renee with her dog, Lola

Our daughter Renee, 7 wrote a letter to Santa last week. I’m such a proud Mom!
We decided to start a fundraiser for local foster kids.

Renee has a big heart! This holiday season she wants to give Stuffed Animals to foster kids (who might not otherwise receive much or anything at Christmas.) Let’s help Pay It Forward!

Did you know thanksgiving or giving (gratitude) can contribute to healthy living?

It’s true! Dr. Robert Emmons, a Professor of Psychology at the University of California says:

Give something away. When we are givers, we reflect more clearly on what it is like to be a receiver. Also, we are grateful for the opportunity to give, knowing that giving brings happiness to self and others.

Please consider making a donation. Any amount helps!

Read & Share: https://GoFundMe.com/stuffies4kids

Be a part of what makes the holidays magical  = )

All donations are greatly appreciated! 
Thank you for reading our story.

Affordable Fashion Jewelry

Looking for a simple and affordable gift for the upcoming holiday season? I recommend this diverse array of heart pendants!

-Nice colors: 12 assorted pendants
-.78 inch pendant
-Affordable gift/jewelry supplies
-Simple yet elegant

Disclosure: All opinions are 100% my own. I am not affiliated with the seller.

Want to browse or purchase these pendants? Find them here on Amazon

Review: LakiKid Weighted Lap Blanket

I review products from several websites. I've been an ambassador for a number of brands and products and participated in several discussion panels including Remington, Spectrum Brands, and Mattel to name a few. 

My experience with founder Jason Hsieh and LakiKid has been on par with big name brands!

With LakiKid you can expect:

• Exceptional Customer Service
• High Quality
• Products Made in the USA
• Free Shipping

Benefits of Weighted Sensory Lap Pad for Kids & Adults

SUITABLE FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM, ADHD, SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER - 

Weighted lap pad can assist with aggression, attention, homework issues, anxiety, focusing, sensory seeking, trouble at school and more!

About the Product:

VERSATILITY – 

The plastic pellet filled lap pads can be used as a warming and/or cooling pad when warmed in the dryer or cooled in the freezer. 

EASY TO CLEAN - 

Sensory lap pads are machine washable and dryable - Gentle cycle highly recommended

NATURAL SOLUTION FOR KIDS WITH THE WIGGLES - 

Helps kids stay calm and still during test-taking, classwork, homework and more! Kids love the soothing, deep pressure these lap blankets provide.

DESIGNED AND ASSEMBLED IN USA - 

LakiBargain Lap Pads are made of polyester fleece and filled with plastic pellets. All lap pads are assembled in Illinois.

Is your child a wiggle worm? Does your child have difficulty staying put in a chair? 

Weighted lap pads are often incorporated into learning environments in which students need sensory feedback. Weighted lap pads may help diffuse tension, decrease restlessness and assist with focus. 

Easily Cleaned

Sensory lap pads are machine washable and dryable - Please use gentle cycle.

Which size should I choose?

For Pre-school aged kids Size Small or Medium is recommended 
For Young elementary aged kids Size Large is recommended

Sizing

Small - 9 x 13 inches; 2 lbs.
Medium - 13 x 13 inches; 3 lbs.
Large - 13 x 19 inches; 4 lbs.
Bear Sensory Blanket - 13 x 13 inches; 3 lbs.

12 x 12 inches; 3 lbs Sensory Blanket

Dual Purpose

These plastic pellet filled lap pads can also be used as a warming/cooling pad when warmed in the dryer or cooled in the freezer.

Designed and Made in the USA

Products are made of polyester fleece and filled with plastic pellets. All of our lap pad are assembled in Illinois, USA. Solid color and simple design is ideal for promoting calm without distraction. 
Free shipping to all 50 states in the USA. Products typically ship within 3-5 Business Days.

Founder Jason Hsieh says, they "are actively creating more additional products as they are building [their] brand."

LakiKid Fidget Foot Band can help kids with ADHD focus in the classroom with minimal interruption

Interested in LakiKid Sensory Products? Visit LakiKid!

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way.

Back to Blogging :)

Hi, folks!

I hope you all are well and enjoying the start of autumn!

I can't believe Renee is in First Grade! She loves school and I'm glad!

First day of School

Autumn officially started: Friday September 22nd- but with the weather we've been having it looks like it'll be a little bit longer until the seasons really change.

We've been enjoying spending time with family and friends.

My handsome man: "Uncle Mo" and nephew "Ri" 2 months post surgery. Nothing's getting in his way!

We visited Boston Children's Hospital while my nephew was recovering from his third (and hopefully his last) Open Heart Surgery. We got there and he was sooooo happy to have another kid to play with and some fresh faces. It was heart wrenching: he wanted so badly to go home with us, to be at home with his Mom and dogs.

Fall

Fall is my favorite season! When the weather gets a little cooler, animals and pets tend to be a little more feisty :)

Fryeburg Fair, Maine

I'll be headed to the Freyburg Fair again this year. If you're planning a trip to New England for leaf peeping, October should be beautiful in color and temperature!