Getting Started With Investments: A Guide For Parents

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It is a well-established fact that raising a child is expensive, so it makes sense that most parents tend to focus their financial thoughts on the here-and-now when they first choose to have children. However, over time, many parents begin to think about their future finances too, with concerns over the need to fund college courses and property down payments in future slowly becoming all the more pressing while also trying to set up their retirement.

If you have previously been focusing on present-day financial matters, turning your thoughts to the future can initially seem overwhelming, especially given the massive variety of available investment opportunities. This is why many couples go to financial advisers middlesbrough so they have help on planning their investments and savings. They know their money is safer if they get advice from a professional rather than trying to do it themselves. In an effort to provide a little clarity, below, we have detailed the types of investments that you may wish to consider…

Peer-to-peer lending

Peer-to-peer lending is a relatively new innovation, but one that has enjoyed increasing popularity over recent years. The idea is simple: you, via an intermediary, lend money to another person; hence “peer”. The person you lend to will then pay back that loan, along with interest; the rate of which is usually higher than that offered by standard savings accounts. The idea is that everyone benefits: applicants can access the funds they require far more quickly than they can through conventional lending methods, and you – as a lender – receive a good return on your investment.

When all goes smoothly, peer-to-peer lending works exactly as described, and both you and the person you loan to can enjoy the benefits of this innovative practice. However, the downside is that the process doesn’t always go smoothly, which can mean that your funds are never returned – the platforms that facilitate peer-to-peer lending do not usually take responsibility if your funds are not repaid, nor are there any government protections in place. Due to this risk, it’s usually best to only turn to this form of lending for relatively small amounts, to thoroughly research peer-to-peer companies and only opt to use platforms that do all they can to ensure their applicants are able to repay.

Stocks

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When people hear the word “investment”, nine times out of ten they will immediately imagine the stock market – and then immediately cringe. Most of us know that the stock market is inherently volatile, and there’s every chance that you might lose a significant amount of money, so why would we even suggest it?

Quite simply, because it works, and the returns can be far higher than you would see with a conventional savings account. While the stock market can crash, and substantial sums can be lost, there are ways and means of preventing your entire savings going up in smoke – primarily through diversification. When you are looking to safeguard your portfolio try investing in the best dividend stocks. It is a combination of the fruits of capital gains and regular income payments.

However, it’s important to note that investing in stocks is every bit as tricky as you have heard, so you will likely need the assistance of an experienced expert in order to protect your investment and see good returns. While it is possible to take a DIY route, this adds extra volatility and risk to an already-risky proposition, so it’s best to play it safe and seek the advice of the experts (click here for more information).

Overseas real estate investment

Overseas real estate investment enjoys similar benefits to domestic property investments, such as good rates of return and a relatively low risk profile, but a few added bonuses. For one thing, local property tends to be expensive; in contrast, overseas properties can be far more reasonable, which helps to ensure you get the most bang for your buck, so to speak. Secondly, any property you buy overseas can also function as a vacation home for your family for a few weeks each year, which could save you a small fortune on holiday costs. Last but not least, when you’re not staying, you can let the property to other travelers – a choice that can often be far easier to manage, and cause less stress, than earning an income from long-term tenants. If you’re looking to invest in real estate investment in Australia (for example, Warrnambool), you could invest in apartments or hotels warrnambool so that you could enjoy your vacation and also, get revenue out of it when you’re not in the city.

Most first-time overseas investors will find the process simpler if they choose an English-speaking country; so Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are worth considering, with the opportunities available in Singapore via a resale HDB portal also potentially lucrative. It’s worth noting that the UK would once have been on the list of countries you could potentially invest in, but unfortunately, the uncertainty of Brexit makes it less favorable, so it’s best to focus on the English-speaking countries who are enjoying more settled times.

Passive income investments

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In their simplest form, investing involves using a sum of money in order to achieve a financial return. As a result, investing does not necessarily mean putting money into something separate and external; it can mean investing in your own small business. The result of doing so will largely be the same: you pay a certain amount of money and receive profits in return.

If you’re not looking to actively start a business, then investing in the establishment of a passive income stream is likely to be the best choice. The idea of a passive income is relatively straightforward: an income that you receive with little to no regular effort. Check out click bank affiliate marketing as a form of income. While you may have to create the source of the income, when it’s set up and in place you should be able to look forward to a continual rate of returns – which makes investing in establishing a passive income form an unusual, but viable, type of investment.

There are a number of different types of passive income to choose from, with affiliate marketing perhaps the most common choice. You’ll then need to spend some time getting your chosen passive income stream up and running, which can be time-consuming, but most investments require some form of time dedication either in terms of research or searching for the right opportunity. After this initial setup period, however, you should be able to look forward to a continual income with minimal extra effort required on your part. An unconventional form of investment, but one that could well work for you.

Money market or investment accounts

Money market and investment accounts have enjoyed continued popularity and, upon inspection, it’s easy to see why. This type of account tends to earn higher interest than a standard savings account, are easy to access, and most accounts are FDIC-insured. There are many banks providing different kinds of accounts for investment purposes, with some you can even choose where the investment goes. For example, if you are interested in the environment you could Make sure your money is invested in sustainable businesses with Atmos Financial.

The one issue with money market accounts is that you’ll usually need a decent amount of money to invest if you wish to use one. You’ll also be somewhat limited in terms of the number of withdrawals you’re allowed to make, with up to six per month permitted – more than enough for most people, but still worth noting.

While you wouldn’t want a money market account to be your only form of investment, the fact that funds are relatively easy to access is undeniably beneficial if you’re just getting started with investments.

Gold

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Investing in gold is one of the oldest forms of investment in the world, but its continued popularity is a testament to how reliable it is believed to be.

The process of investing in gold is incredibly simple; you buy gold, keep it, and then sell it as you see fit – most commonly as a result of a market rise. People tend to be drawn to gold investments because they are tangible rather than just numbers on a screen and because the market is relatively stable. However, buying gold should be after proper research on the value and specifics like how much is a gold bar worth. If your goal is an investment, see which is the more viable option, a gold bar or jewelry.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed, and there may well be a future in which gold is no longer in demand, and thus you’re left with a lump of metal. However, such a scenario seems unlikely, and if you buy gold at a good price, then there is a strong chance you’ll be able to generate a good return on your investment.

In conclusion

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It’s important to note that the investment ideas listed above can work in concert with one another. There’s no need to choose just one approach; in fact, it’s actually preferable to spread your investments across a few different channels in the name of diversification. It’s therefore best to pick a couple of ideas from the options above to explore further, which should then allow you to embrace a secure financial future for you and your family.

Leading Causes of Baby Dry Skin Rash And Simple Remedies

 

Baby dry skin rash is a common skin condition that typically affects newborn babies but can be experienced by children of all ages. Although most skin irritations are harmless and easy to treat, the discomfort, pain, and fever that accompany a baby dry skin rash can cause distress to both children and parents. If not treated immediately, a diaper rash can result in fungal infection, bacterial infection or more serious medical issues. In rare cases, babies and toddlers can die from severe diaper rashes that escalate to untreatable infections [1].

 

Instead of fretting over every red spot, parents should familiarize themselves with common types of rashes and simple home remedies.

 

Types of Baby Rashes

 

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash, also called nappy rash, is a skin inflammation that generally occurs in babies’ diaper areas. However, it can travel up the torso. Its symptoms include swollen or raised red bumps that sometimes include skin breaks or ulcers. The more severe the rash, the redder in color. Moderate or severe diaper rash can cause discomfort.

Cause

Nappy rashes have many causes. However, one of the main culprits is the prolonged wearing of a wet or soiled diaper. The combination of the friction of the diaper, irritants in the urine (ammonia) and feces (bacteria) causes redness and irritation. Sometimes, the skin irritation can also cause small openings in the skin’s surface that allow bacteria and fungi to generate a secondary infection.

 

An allergic reaction to the diaper material or diaper wipes may also result in a diaper rash.

 

Remedy

The best way to avoid a diaper rash is to keep a baby’s diaper area clean and dry. Choose baby-friendly diapers that do not include harmful chemicals that further irritate the skin’s surface. Also, avoid using soaps and detergents with harsh chemicals that aggravate itchy skin. Finally, do not use wipes that are made with harsh chemicals that can be absorbed into a baby’s sensitive skin [2].

 

If a baby has a persistent diaper rash, schedule a visit to the pediatrician. Some rashes are caused by fungal infections. These must be treated by specific anti-fungal creams and may require prescriptions.

 

Prickly Heat

Prickly heat or heat rash appears as small, red blisters on a baby’s skin. It can cause extreme itching and spread around the head, shoulders, neck and the folds of the skin [3].

 

Cause

Prickly heat is caused by a high humidity level. When a baby’s sweat glands are blocked, sweat is trapped under the skin. This irritates the surrounding areas and results in a rash.

Remedy

The best treatment for prickly heat is prevention. Dress babies in lighter clothing that is preferably cotton. In warmer climates, keep babies cool by turning on the air-conditioning or a fan. To eliminate sweat, use only fragrance-free skin care products specially formulated for babies.

 

 

Impetigo

Impetigo is highly contagious. Symptoms of this skin infection include red, itchy, raised and pus-filled sores or blisters. These sores develop for a couple of days before erupting, then they turn into honey-colored scabs. Scratching the sores and touching other parts of the skin can spread the infection to other parts of the body. Pain and discomfort due to impetigo range from mild to severe [4].

 

Cause

Impetigo is ordinary and harmless in children aged two to six, but it can be fatal for newborn babies. Impetigo is a superficial infection caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria. It can develop from any break in the skin including a cut, rash, insect bite or scratch. The infected wound becomes moist and red, then it develops pus. After four to six days, yellowish scabs form.

 

Remedy

The best treatment for impetigo is prevention through proper hand-washing. Since this skin condition is contagious and caused by a bacterial infection, affected children should use their own drying cloths or towels. Consult a pediatrician as some doctors prescribe an antibiotic tablet, cream or ointment.

 

 

Baby Acne

Baby acne is normal among children, especially in newborn infants. Newborn baby acne, also known as neonatal acne, is similar in appearance to teenage acne. Symptoms include rough, bumpy rashes that exhibit anywhere on the face and can also affect that mouth and back [5].

Cause

Baby acne is thought to develop during pregnancy. Mothers can pass acne-causing hormones to their babies while they are still in the womb. These hormones can also cause acne in mothers during pregnancy and after birth. Milk, spit, harsh soaps and rough fabrics that come into contact with a baby’s skin can also cause skin reactions that further aggravate baby acne.

Remedy

Neonatal acne is harmless and usually clears up in a few weeks or months without applying any cream or treatment. Only use gentle baby skin care products during bath time.

Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that causes inflammation, dryness, redness, itching and scaling on the neck, hands, mouth and folds of the skin. There are three known types of eczema. The first is atopic dermatitis which causes itchy patches and is common in babies with food allergies in their families. The second type is seborrheic dermatitis. Unlike atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis does not itch, but it can cause scabbing on the scalp called cradle cap. Contact dermatitis, the third type, is similar to hives but with symptoms such as moist blisters [6].

Cause

The exact origin of eczema is unknown. It is believed that baby eczema results due to many factors. The most popular belief is that eczema is hereditary. If either parent has recurring eczema, chances are the baby will likely develop the same skin problem. Atopic dermatitis and cradle cap can also be triggered by allergens such as dust, mites, pollen, detergent, foods and itchy fabrics.

Remedy

Since eczema in babies tends to create cracked skin, apply anti-inflammation barrier cream or skin care products that have moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil. A moisturizer for babies can be used after every bath or two to three times a day if the child has an ongoing eczema episode. For persistent eczema, consider talking to a doctor about other healing creams or treatments.

 

Drool Rash

Drool rash is typically found around a baby’s cheeks, mouth, neck and chest. This commonly appears as flat or slightly raised red bumps on the skin. Sometimes the rash may appear as chapped and flaky skin. A drool rash is not contagious [7].

Cause

The number one cause of drool rash is saliva. Too much saliva left on the skin for a prolonged period of time creates the perfect condition for drool rash. Teething or fevers are possible causes for outbreaks since these both increase the amount of drool created.

Remedy

The best remedy and prevention for drool rash is to secure a soft cloth for burping, and promptly wipe saliva whenever it is present. If a baby develops the rash, wash the affected area with gentle skin products to avoid any further irritation. A doctor will also recommend healing creams or moisturizers that act as barriers and treatments for the baby’s skin.

References

  1. Common Skin Rashes in Children. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26280141
  2. Skin care for your baby. U.S. National Library of Medicine;  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2528704/
  3. Babies and heat rashes. U.S. National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus; https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001966.htm
  4. Impetigo: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. The Nemours Foundation; https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/impetigo.html
  5. Is that acne on my baby’s face? American Academy of Dermatology; https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/newborn-acne
  6. Infant Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis). https://www.skinsight.com/skin-conditions/infant/atopic-dermatitis-eczema?Imiw9cApl
  7. How Best to Treat and Prevent a Drool Rash. Jessica Timmons; Karen Gill, MD. (2017, August 7). Retrieved from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/drool-rash#treatment

 

Being A Fulfilled Mother In Today’s World

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As a mother, you have a duty to your children, but you also have a duty to yourself. This is something that many moms forget. In this article, we’ll talk about ways in which you can start being a fulfilled mother in today’s world.

 

Find job satisfaction.

You can start to become a fulfilled mother in today’s world by finding job satisfaction. As we’ll discuss in the next point, plenty of mothers forego their personal happiness and health because they focus on their children, but you can be a much better mother when you take care of yourself too. Don’t dismiss the importance of your personal fulfillment. That’s the whole point being made in this article. You need to find a career that suits both your personality and academic sensibilities. If you’re a caring individual then you could go into teaching. Perhaps you could even look at healthcare roles. You might want to study for a nurse practitioner program online. That would give you the qualifications necessary to pursue a career in healthcare.

 

Take care of your health.

Whether you have a newborn baby or your children are close to leaving home, it’s so important to take care of your health. Many mothers neglect their personal well-being for the sake of looking after their families, but this is counterintuitive. If you want to be the best possible mother to your kids then you need to be happy and healthy; you need to be in a fit state to care for them. That should be your incentive to take care of your health if you struggle to prioritize your well-being. You need to watch your dietary habits, for starters. That doesn’t mean you should switch from overeating to undereating; it means you need to eat more of the right food. Opt for an organic diet that’s full of nutritious whole foods. Consider supplementing with some of the top rated cannabidiol oils for weight loss, as outlined in this HMHB.org post. Finding these oils near me was made easy thanks to the local store guides also on HMHB. You can also find other CBD oil for sale.

Keep building your relationship with your children.

No matter the age of your children, it takes work to maintain a good relationship with them. Love is always unconditional in any family, but friendships aren’t always guaranteed. Obviously, as young children, your kids need to view you as a responsible and authoritative figure rather than a friend, but this can change once they gain their own independence in later life. During their formative years, however, the important thing to remember is to get the balance right in terms of disciplining your children whilst maintaining a loving and caring relationship with them.

 

Remember that you have to prepare your children for the world. You might like the feeling of them depending on you in terms of your personal relationship, but it is your responsibility to think about their future. If you want your kids to be able to adapt to the adult world then you need to give them the tools to do so. It’ll benefit your relationship in the long run. It doesn’t make you redundant as a mother to teach your kids how to look after themselves. It’ll make them well-rounded and happy individuals, and that will benefit your relationship with them both in the present and the future.

How to Encourage Your Kids to Be Way More Active

If you know that your kids aren’t too active, then as a parent it is understandable that you would want to do something about this. If you want to get some help with that then you can take a look below.

 

Give them Control

 

It’s important that you don’t push your child towards a specific activity. You need to let them find something that they are going to love, and you also need to encourage them to try a lot of different things too. They may opt for an activity that you don’t know much about, and that’s okay. As long as you support them, there is no reason why they won’t end up sticking it out.

 

https://www.pexels.com/photo/boy-child-clouds-kid-346796/

 

Promote Teamwork

 

When your child joins a team, you need to encourage them to become friends with their teammates. You also need to encourage them to join in with celebrations as well. The more you do this, the easier they will find the sport and the more they will relate to the people who they are playing with. Team sports are ideal for boosting your child’s psychological health and they can also help them to interact more. Trust and conversation is also boosted when your child partakes in team sports, so there really are endless benefits.

 

Encourage

 

You need to let your child develop at their own pace. Sure, they may not be as good as their teammates and they may make a mistake from time to time as well. This is completely understandable, but if you want to help them the most then you need to encourage them regardless. Show them that you care about them, and never criticize.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/shallow-focus-photography-of-child-1688253/

 

Equipment

 

If your child finds a sport that they absolutely love, then you need to be willing to invest in it. Don’t delay buying them the equipment they need just because you are worried that it “won’t last”. The main reason for this is because your child will pick up on these emotions and it will demotivate them. Show them that you have faith in them by paying the enrollment fee for the team, and also find out what equipment they need. When you do this, you can help them to feel as though they are part of the group and that they are not being left behind. If your child is taking part in a high contact sport then it helps to have the number of CHIP doctors as they can work with you to make sure that every bump they take does not turn into something more

serious.

 

Set an Example

 

If you want to help your child be more active, then it is so important that you set a good example. You need to show them that you are willing to push yourself too.  One way for you to do this would be for you to go out on walks with them, or get both of you a pair of roller hockey skates and go skating together, you could also take part in team sports yourself. The more you do this, the more you show your child that being active is always a good thing.

 

Orbeez Wow World Giveaway

Welcome to the Worth Melting For Giveaway Hop

 

 

Hosted by: MamatheFox

Prize Sponsored by: Orbeez

 

Mindful Organization

We live in a pretty small house.

My kids share a room and our office is in our master bedroom so that our extra room can be used as a guest bedroom.

We really are trying to make the most of our small home. I’ve been getting rid of the clutter and organizing like crazy. Everything in our house has a home; there is a designated spot for ev-ery-thing.

 

Having some good tools to help the organizational process is key; bins, crates, baskets, etc. Because our office is in our master bedroom, its very important that the office is always clean.

 

The MindSpace line of organizational products are perfect for any home, large or small.

Uncluttered Mind.

Uncluttered Space.

The organization that the MindSpace products bring gives me peace of mind. I am able to see each and every piece that is resting on the organizers, ensuring that I don’t overlook any papers or documents.

Keep the stuff you need at hand, all while staying out of your way.

With two available colors, silver and black, these organizers will fit in any room, on any desk or shelf.

The rubber non-skid foot grips are actually really helpful. These grips allow the organizers to stay in one place and not move around. I especially like this feature when I am putting papers and books into it. It literally doesn’t move at all. Even when adjusting the organizer, you need to pick up a portion of it because it simply won’t slide. The grips really make it non-skid.

Letter & File Desktop Organizer

Six vertical and two horizontal compartments ensures that you will have ample space to store, sort, and organize anything you’ll need.

My favorite feature of this organizer is the backing that is added to the horizontal compartments. The back bars give extra strength and added support. This backing also prevents files and/or books from falling behind the organizer or slipping off.

This organizer takes up a lot of space on our desk. Although I’m ok with the little amount of space I have left on my desk, it’s so worth it to be organized and less cluttered. If you’re looking for something smaller that doesn’t take up much space, I would recommend a different piece from MindSpace.

Desktop File Organizer Sorter

This sorter is great for basic filing. Having six compartments on the solid base, you will surly have enough room for your papers and files.

I especially like this sorter because it is a smaller piece that doesn’t take up much room on your desk/shelf. Even with the large amount of compartments this sorter offers, it is still a very low profile piece.

The MindSpace organizer and sorter have defiantly made my life (and my husbands) much easier. I love that everything I need is right where I need it, close to me, but still out of my way.

Be sure to check out the rest of the MindSpace collection. They have a bunch of organizational products that will make your life so much easier.

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Easter Gift Guide

Easter is one of MamatheFox’s favorite holidays. Celebrating the gift of salvation which is obtained from Christ is celebrated and remembered during this holy time. Jesus died on a Friday, taking the sins of the world with Him into the grave, then conquering death and rising again to life on the 3rd day, Easter Day! John 3:16 tells us that “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Happy Easter to all

 

 

Finding the right items to put inside all those Easter Baskets and Easter eggs can seen daunting and time consuming. This year MamatheFox found a great collection of products to place in your Easter Baskets for children ages 0-18

 

Easter Egg Stuffers

Pencil Grips from Firesara

For children who are learning how to write using a pen or pencil the huge selection of pencil grips from Firsesara will make the coolest Easter egg surprise this year. They not only fit perfectly in an egg, but are useful and will encourage them to practice their penmanship with the fun grips they now can use. Firesara grips help your child grasp the correct writing grip. They can also be used for special needs like poor motor skills, occupational therapy, developmental disabilities, autism, dysgraphia. All of the Firesara pencil grips are made of natural silicone, soft, safe, and comfortable to grip – Non Toxic, Latex free and odorless. They offer grips for right handed and left handed writers in so many fun styles…styles like: dolphins, butterflies, snails, rings, owls, monkeys and more!

Click here to purchase Pencil Grips from Firesara

Easter Reusable Wooden Eggs

This set of wooden Easter eggs comes in an 8 pack. They are brightly colored, reusable wooden eggs that are perfect for Easter hiding eggs. You can hide candy, trinkets and slips of paper with scripture on them in side each egg. My kids love finding Easter Eggs, and having these beautiful wooden eggs enhances the thrill of finding them.  They also make a perfect decor items. You can easily set them on a table or on your mantel. They give  any home that warm Easter feeling you crave for this holiday – a holiday that showcases Christs love for His children.

Click here to purchase Easter Reusable Wooden Eggs 

 

Babo Botanicals Lip Tint

MamatheFox’s daughter loves all things girlie, and that includes makeup. Being a younger girl I dont want to encourage her to over-do her makeup and use too much. So, as a compromise we allow her to use lip gloss and lip tints. By gifting our daughter Babo Botanical Lip Tint this Easter (can fit in larger sized plastic eggs) we are giving her a product that I dont have to worry about what is inside of it. Babo Botanicals products are designed for the most sensitive skin, from babies to adults and are 100% gluten, soy and dairy free. They contain SPF 15 and are rich in anti-oxidants & vitamins.

Click here to purchase Lip Tints from Babo Botanicals

 

 

Egg Surprise with Toy Dinosaur Inside by Live It Up!

Live It Up! knows what parents are busy and stuffing those eggs can be time consuming. Keeping track of the 2 halves of all those tiny plastics eggs, then finding the right toy or treat to stuff inside them takes time.  Make things easy on yourself this year by ordering a set of 12 pre-stuffed eggs that contain dinosaurs and a tattoo.  Kids love small toys they can hold in their hands and these small dinosaurs are the perfect size for the children in your life.
Click here to purchase Egg Surprise with Toy Dinosaurs

 

Easter Basket Stuffers

 

 

The Easter Story Egg

This unique product has quickly become a favorite in the Fox house. The Easter Story Egg comes with a book and a set of 7 wooden nesting eggs. The eggs are a visual tool to use in addition to the Easter Story book in this set. The Easter Story Egg takes you through the 7 Holy days leading up and includes Easter Day. Palm Sunday, House of Prayer Monday, Teacher of Love Tuesday, Give and Take Wednesday, Last Supper Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday & Easter Sunday. AS the child opens the next Egg they are reminded of the next step in the journey of Easter that focuses full on Jesus and His amazing gift of salvation.

Click here to purchase The Easter Story Egg

 

Story Egg Scripture Cards

If you love the item above, The Easter Story Egg, then you need to check out their add on item of Scripture Cards. This set of 30 cards can be paired with the Easter  Story Egg set or used alone. You can read the cards daily as the days tick down to Easter, they can be used as fun memorization cards for the family throughout the year and make a fun surprise to find in a lunch box. All the verses on the cards are from the NIV translation.

Click here to purchase Story Egg Scripture Cards

 

 

A Great Life Kites

When I think of spring I think a a lot of things, warmth, sunshine, parks and kites! Welcome in this spring with a new set of kites from A Great Life. Their kites are not only made with superior materials to last the test of kids and time, but are very affordable, allowing you to buy several shapes and designs to make kite flying even more of a thrill.  They are well-built with weather-resistant rip-stop polyester fabric and sturdy fiberglass rods with extra reinforcement on areas where most kites rip. Kites make a fun Easter gift and are such a fun and useful item. We love the funny hot dog kite they make, however they also have gorgeous rainbow colored traditional shaped kites too. Check out all their styles on Amazon

Click here to purchase A Great Life Kites

 

Buddha Board – Enzo

Kids love to draw and create, but all those pieces of construction paper flying about can be a cluttered mess. If you want to let your kids explore their creative side, but want to cut down on the use of paper then check out the Buddha Board collection. We love the Enzo model. You fill the writing/drawing tool with water and simply paint to your hearts content on the reusable board. As the water dries the picture disappears, allowing you to relax and let go of the past, and look forward to the potential of the future. Using only high quality materials this board will not bubble or peel after use.  The Enzo model simply closes by shutting the case in half, making it great for storage and travel. Kit comes with a 10″ x 10″ Enso, sturdy stand (board and case) & water brush (refillable handle).

Click here to purchase a Buddha Board

 

Wild Republic Rubber Ducks

Nothing beats a new bath time rubber duck! Wild Republic, a trusted name in children’s products, has a huge collection of rubber ducks that make perfect basket stuffers. At 4 inches in size, they float, squirt and contain all the classic fun you associate with a rubber duckies in your bath.  They come in all types of animals and creatures, like giraffe, mermaid, dinosaur, tiger and even a zombie one!  But you dont have to keep them contained to the bathtub, take them to the pool the splash pad and the beach too.

Click here to purchase a Wild Republic Rubber Duck

 

MAM Baby Brush

Finding appropriate Easter basket fillers for small children and babies can be tricky – so get them what they need and what you want them to receive. MAM, one of MamatheFox’s most trusted brands, has an exciting new baby toothbrush – the Baby’s Brush. This toothbrush has a guard that keeps your child from gagging on the toothbrush by getting too much of it into their mouth. This allows them to get the oral simulation to sooth their gums without the gag reflex causing a mess. If you have a smart phone, then you can download the app that features Bushy Bear.  The stories are designed to help raise awareness of the importance of early oral care using a playful approach. Brushy, a young bear that lives in a bear’s den with his mother already has some of his baby teeth and he loves to brush them.  His favorite item is his toothbrush which he carries around all day.  Brushy is a role model for young children and shows that brushing your teeth is fun.

Click here to purchase MAM’s Baby Brush

 

Stuck On You Easter Hunt Bag

What have your kids been using to collect their Easter eggs in? An old bucket? A plastic bag? Give your kids an upgrade this year with the adorable and affordable Easter Hunt bag from Stuck On You. They custom make each bag with your child’s name making it unique and fun. With loads of fonts, Easter themed images and font color options, you can make the bag that is just perfect for your little one. Stuck On You celebrates the individuality of every name, bring joy to new parents with unique, timeless products for every child, save families time, energy and money and help them to lead a more organized life.  In addition to a broad offering of labels, the Stuck On You collection includes activity and personalized books, durable and stylish bags, lunchboxes and drink bottles, stationery, bag tags and gorgeous gifts for all ages.

Click here to purchase an Easter Hunt Bag from Stuck On You

 

Covered Goods

If you have a baby to shop for this Easter season hook yourself up by getting them a cover from Covered Goods. They specialize in making high end just affordable multi-use covers for your baby and you to use all day long. It  functions as a car seat cover, scarf, and shopping cart cover. We love to use it for breastfeeding but some women even use it as a skirt! This versatile cover is just what you need. They have a giant selection of prints, designs and now have a buttery soft style too.  Their stretchy material makes it simple and fast to put on and take off.

Click here to purchase Covered Goods

 

Me4Kids

I love to add fun and functional items to my kids Easter Baskets and this year we are adding in some Me4Kid products. Their Medibuddy First Aid kit. This first aid kit set contains 50 items. The bandages are latex free. Me4Kids products are USA Mfg of recycled, lead free plastic and each purchase gives back to the disabled community.   These kits are great for backpacks, gym lockers, purse, glove box, baby bag. We keep on in my car and another in the wagon for on-the-go use if we are at an amusement park or picnic. The kit is slim and easy to store, it is very well organized to get so many items in such a small case. Comes in 8 designs so you can find the case that is the most fitting for you kid. Our other favorite item is the Cool It Buddy Instant Pack. This is a 2-pack of ice packs for kids that can be used on-the-go. These are great for sporting events, to take along on vacation and to keep in the glove compartment of your car.

Click here to purchase Me4Kids

 

pediped Shoes for Babies and Kids

Kids seem know how to play right. They love to run fast, jump high and skip like there is not a care in the world. Their enthusiasm for play inspires me as a parent to provide them with quality footwear so they can play with healthy happy feet. This is why we trust and use pediped throughout the year.  By offering of more than 120 designs for boys and girls between its three lines, Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex® you are sure to find the perfect pair for your children. The shoe shown in the image is the Grin N Go style in Fushia. This particular pair is machine washable, making them priceless to a parent with active kids. Even better, pediped® footwear has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development. Kids are always in the need for new shoes, so adding a cool new pair of kicks to an Easter basket just makes since.

Click here to purchase pediped

 

Pic’s Peanut Butter Slugs

For a tasty and healthy treat that is sure to be a kid favorite, you can add in some Pic’s Peanut Butter Slugs to your Easter baskets this year. Pic’s Peanut Butter Slugs are convenient single serving peanut butter packs.  Pic’s is all-natural, is gluten and sugar free and has no additives – simply peanuts and a trace of Kiwi salt, the unsalted version containing 100% peanuts.  You simply mix the peanut butter around by squishing the Slug before opening, this way the oils that naturally separate can get mixed back in with the peanut butter. You can eat it straight from the package, add to an apple, celery or banana. Perfect for snacking on the go, picnics and day trips to the park. You can going to love having this convenient and tasty snack on hand.

Click here to purchase Pic’s Peanut Butter Slugs

FaceTory

Teen girls and guys are very into face masks. They are one of the hottest gift items this year – they are useful but still exciting to receive. FaceTory is a subscription service that finds different, classic and new face masks for you to try each month. Their 7 LUX box contains seven carefully curated sheet masks includes a more diverse selection of high functioning sheet masks such as hydrogels and multi-step masks that contain high quality ingredients. It has all the new Korean masks that teens are going nuts for. You can buy them monthly, in a 6 month subscription or a 12 month subscription. They also offer a few other monthly boxes, like the 4-Ever Fresh Kit that has 4 masks, and the Lux Box Plus that has 3 full-sized skin care products, 3 sheet masks, and 1 specialty item. It’s the perfect box for trying the newest and most luxurious skin care and body care items.

Click here to purchase FaceTory

 

The Mouse Merch Box

Disney lovers – take a look at this! The Mouse Merch Box is a subscription box service that contains Disney licensed products, books and more. Each box is packed with amazing products any Disney lover will flip for. From travel bags, to special Mickey ears, tee shirts and toys. Each piece is chosen because it is of true Disney quality – that is beautiful, fun and one that the whole family would love. You can purchase a (1) time box or sign up for a subscription service, the choice is yours. Items in each box are also for sale on their website, in case your friends see it and want for them themselves or the siblings need their own too.

Click here to purchase The Mouse Merch Box 

 

b.box Insulated Drink Bottle

Having a quality, spill proof drink bottle is key to parenting success. Kids need to stay hydrated throughout the day and not leave us parents worrying about spills and leaking cups. We highly depend on the quality and easy of use with our b.box bottle and we know you will all love it too. Simple to clean, easy to open and drink from and affordable make this the new bottle you have been searching for. The double walled stainless steel keeps liquids cool for up to 7 hours and warm for up to 5, so now your little one can stay hydrated whatever the weather. It comes in 4 color options so you can get different color for each of your kids, making them easy to differentiate.

Click here to purchase b.box Insulated Drink Bottles

 

Easter Bunny & Friends Squishies

The hottest toy right now in the lives of elementary aged kids are squishes! These squishies are super soft, slow-rising  and the cutest animal designs. This Easter set features a bunny, a chick and a basket of Easter eggs. The squishies you see in this image here are the actual squishies that you get and in the popular Kawaii-style . They are vacuumed-packed to fit into a smaller package to save on space. This Easter set comes with a BONUS of (1) sheet of scented stickers, (2) sheets of assorted teacher reward stickers, a sheet of 3D puffy stickers, and a sheet of rainbow scratch paper with a mini wooden stylus to create doodles and designs. 

Click here to purchase Easter Bunny & Friends Squishies 

Rainbow Scratch Paper Art Kit

One of MamatheFox’s favorite things when I was a young girl was getting a fresh piece of rainbow scratch paper. It was a treat, and I only ever got it at school from my art teacher. It was a magical time to slowly use the wooden stylist and slowly but deliberately scratch my hard out. The thrill of unveiling the colors and making a pretty design, from my own imagination, was now found before me. Man, those were special times. Now I am so excited to show my children this Easter how to use and how to understand the special place this type of craft left in my heart. Purple Ladybug has super high quality scratch pads that come in a spiral pad to stay organized. This set contains (1) Scratch Notepad with 20 pages measuring 8.25″ x 11″, (2) stylus-style scratchers, instructions & ideas plus a FREE BONUS sample pack with some of their other FUN products.

Click here to purchase a Rainbow Scratch Paper Art Kit

 

Night Night Bible Stories

Books are my favorite Easter Basket filler! They are useful, education, and a spread joy to share those cuddle time moments with your kids.  Thomas Nelson just released a great new book, Night Night Bible Stories that is wonderful for gifting this Easter. It has 30 stories for bedtime that share the gospel, both old testament and new testament. Each story has a rhyming takeaway to help your little ones remember how much God loves them and cares for them. Also, at the end, there is a simple pray you can pray together that touches on the main truths from the story that was just told. The soft pages and cover, along with the pretty images found among the stories insure that this book will be a winner in the Easter basket you make this year.

Click here to purchase Night Night Bible Stories

 

Touch and Feel – God Bless You & Good Night

Small children seem to gravitate towards touch and feel style books. Very small children, ones who have not yet learned to read, can engage physically with a book and understand a connection between them and the story. By feeling the soft, rough, fuzzy, bumpy textures they can help connect the words to the picture and begin to develop a love of books. This book features a bunch of animal families getting ready for bed. You can cuddle with your little one as you read this book together and feel secure in God’s love.

Click here to purchase God Bless You & Good Night

 

Touch and Feel – An Easter Prayer

This beautifully made touch and feel book is a sure winner this Easter. It has a fun, bumpy boarder to the actual board book pages, giving it a fun outside for the kids to feel when they are carrying the book around their home. This story showcases a bunny who has met a new friend and together they will help your children discover all about God’s Easter blessings. By using the features of the world that small children are noticing, like colors, weather and nature this book will be an instant favorite in your home.

Click here to purchase An Easter Prayer

The Cow Said Neigh! A Farm Story

If your kids like silly books and know how to giggle then this new book by Rory Feek is going to fill your home with laughter and smiles. Kids learn about what noises farm animals make at a young age. That a cow says ‘moo’ and a duck goes ‘quack’…but what it they didn’t?! What if those animals wanted to make another animals sound? This chaos filled story will get you snicking right from the start. As a mother I think it’s such a fun book but I really fell in love with the amazing illustrations by Bruno Robert. If you are looking for a book to read at your children’s story time at school this year, grab a copy of this book to read to the kids and then donate another one to the classroom so that the kids can enjoy the silly tale over and over.

Click here to purchase The Cow Said Neigh! A Farm Story

 

The Gift That I Can Give

Kathie Lee Gifford is a trusted voice, who feels almost like a friend to many American’s.  Kathie Lee has voiced her love for Jesus and the blessing which God gives us and in her new book, The Gift That I Can Give, she showcases God’s love for all children. This book helps kids understand that they have the ability to be kind and help others at any age. They they dont need to be a grown-up to make an impact on the world around them. That the smallest act of kindness shared from the heart is a truley beautiful gift. 

Click here to purchase The Gift That I Can Give

 

Big Love

Big Love is a children’s book that features a moody Baboon as the protagonist. The savanna of Africa where he roams is  dry and desolate.  Hungry, miserable, and mean animals seek only their own interests. Baboon watches as, one by one, Rhinoceros destroys Termite’s castle in his race to find food, Hare chooses not to share food with her family, and Lion steals food from his pride. This new book’s beautiful message makes it a wonderful gift for those who want to build a loving WE community–from home to school, neighborhoods, church, or travel. If people can begin to encourage one another to pursue their passions–with kindness, sharing, listening, and care–we can overcome anything and achieve extraordinary dreams together.

Click here to purchase Big Love by Kat Kronenberg

 

Nectar Bath Treats

If your child or teen likes fun bath products, especially bath treats like bubbles, soaps and bombs then Nectar Bath is going to be your new go-to brand. Their products are the most beautiful bath items I have ever used, and that includes large name brands that are known. Nectar bath and body products are made with plant-based formulations and are without parabens, sulfates & tricolosan. Handcrafted with love by artisan skin care specialists, you will know you are getting the highest quality products. MamatheFox’s kids are obsessed with their ice cream shaped bubble scoops. They can be crumbled or held under the faucet to create a luxurious bath for your special little loves. They are filled with shea butter and oils to leave your kids skin silky smooth, making bath and bed time even more snuggly. Head over to their website to see all the amazing products and offers they have.

Click here to purchase Nectar Bath Treats

 

Strictly Bricks – Rubik’s Briks Toy

Finding toys that are screen free is always a plus for MamatheFox. We love to create and build things, and since finding Strickly Bricks we have been designing up a storm. This toy is a 3D building experience that comes with tiles that can be snapped on the base to allow your kids to think outside the cube. AlphaBriks and Mathbriks are great for fun and learning at home, as well as classrooms and all kinds of educational settings. Younger kids can practice spelling new words and constructing fun sentences. Older kids can use AlphaBriks for messaging in their bedrooms and lockers. The tiles are small, so this toy is not for babies.

Click here to purchase the Rubik’s Bricks Toy from Strickly Bricks

 

Strickly Briks -Pixel Sets

Using tiny Brik tiles this set allows your kids to make images of fun wildlife animals like fox, chick, lions and ducks. The kits come in a themes, like ocean, transportation, outer space and more. This set is made for smaller kids which includes the 2 X 2 pixel Brik tiles as opposed to the  1 X 1 pixels which are easy to grasp. They are perfect for younger children to play with! The bottoms of these 2 X 2 pixels are sloped to make it quick and easy to build and remove pixels without hurting fingers and nails. The base and bricks are compatible with other bricks on the market.

Click here to purchase Strickly Briks – Pixel Sets

pediped Penny Egg Hunt!

pediped – Sitewide Penny Egg Hunt! ?

 

Win a pair of shoes for ONE PENNY & FREE SHIPPING when you find an “Egg Hunt” egg on pediped.com! Each day they will hide three eggs on the site between 10AM and 2PM PST at random times Monday-Friday.

 

Step 1: Search pediped.com for a colorful “Egg Hunt” egg.

Step 2: Select your size/gender, add to cart.

Step 3: Place your order FAST!

 

Each Penny Egg will redeem a NEW Spring/ Summer style in your size and gender selection for ONE PENNY & FREE SHIPPING!

 

⭐Follow along on Facebook and Instagram stories, as we will be announcing when a new Mystery Egg has been hidden!⭐

 

 

 

Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort, and distinctive styling have made the award-winning company the fastest growing children’s footwear brand in the United States. pediped® footwear has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development, and preeminent orthopedic medical professionals, Dr. Mininder S. Kocher and Dr. Thomas W. Vorderer, deem pediped® shoes an excellent choice for parents/caregivers who want their children’s feet to develop naturally and healthily. pediped® has received numerous industry awards and accolades including recognition from Earnshaw’s, the premier media resource serving the children’s market. In 2015 pediped® was recognized by the Footwear Industry Awards as the Children’s Footwear Brand of the Year and earned a 2016 Earnie Award from Earnshaw’s magazine as the Footwear Brand of the Year.

 

pediped® is sold in over 750 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 120 designs for boys and girls between its three lines, Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex®. The award-winning footwear is available in EU sizes 17 to 38 (US newborn to 6 Youth). For more information, visit www.pediped.com.  LIKE on Facebook at /pedipedfootwear and follow on Twitter and Instagram @pedipedfootwear.

 

 

Fresh Approach with Ankomn

Meet Ankomn 

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Ankomn is a team of innovated problem solvers. Their expert staff includes engineers and designers working together to not only solve problems but do it in a sleek and modern fashion.

Their mission is to create simple and functional solutions to those annoying inconveniences. Currently Ankomn’s biggest success has been recreating food storage.

Turn-N-Seal

I had the pleasure of testing out Ankomn’s Turn-N-Seal containers and spoiler alert…they did not disappoint!

The Turn-N-Seal is a special designed food storage container like no other container I’ve had. The thin lid has the power to create a string vacuum with just a simple twist. No machine, special bags, or time consuming methods to create a long lasting and reliable storage solution.

Simply fill, twist, and store!

I was especially impressed with the ability to keep leafy greens fresh! I stored spinach in store bought back with a clip and the rest in a Turn-N-Seal container. The difference was powerful! Now I only wish they made a gallon size container to store my Costco size amount of lettuce!

Vacuum storage is the key to keeping freshness locked in. The Turn-N-Seal lid comes with a silicon button that sinks down to indicate the vacuum is present. To release the vacuum, just simply press the button to allow air to rush back in. I found the twist and release were both very simple to use. I appreciated having an indicator to know my food was stored properly.

As a mom, I also loved these containers were “locked.” I’ve had a few problems of my toddler helping himself to anything on the bottom shelf of our pantry. Turn-N-Seal keeps him out of the chocolate chips as well as preventing accidental spills!

For all of you grill masters, Ankomn containers can be used to marinate meat! A perfect blend of your favorite marinade with the magic of a vacuum seal makes for more tender meat faster.

The Turn-N-Seal also protects food from moisture and humidity making it great for keeping food fresh, crispy, and a longer shelf life! I especially love this feature for the humid summers. My Turn-N-Seal is a great place to store rice or even crackers in the car.

Ankomn covered its bases by making sure the Turn-N-Seal keeps working at a high quality level. The innovative vacuum lid was designed to be easy to clean, preventing dust braking down the vacuum seal.

For more instructions you can visit their website to watch an instructional video on basic cleaning instructions.

Ankomn products are all made with BPA free plastic. Their instructional guide also includes a material test report in reference to the Japan Ministry of Health and Welfare Notice. This would be my only real big change for Aknomn. As a family trying so hard to move away from plastic, I would love to see a glass or stainless steel vacuum seal container.

If you fall in love with an Ankomn product you will be happy to know they work great together as a “team.” The uniform square shape keeps your Ankomn collection in a perfect clean line wherever you choose to store.

With the stack-ability feature, each storage container can securely stack upon one another. You can make the most of your space; 6 liters of food can fit in a space just 13” square thanks to Turn-N-Seal.

Overall, we love how Ankomn has saved us from tossing out spoiled food! The shelf life of our fruits, vegetables, grains, and leafy greens have expanded to almost 6 times longer! With the simple stacking solution, Ankomn has kept us tidier in the kitchen making meal time simpler.

If you are looking for an innovative storage solution Ankomn is definitely worth checking out today!

 

Five Things People Don’t Tell You About Getting Pregnant

Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash

 

Starting your own family is an incredibly exciting journey to take, but for those that are first-time parents, it can be a little bit daunting, whether conceiving was easy or you required help from the best fertility clinic. Not know what to expect throughout your pregnancy can definitely lead to a little bit of worry and a lot of stress, especially if you haven’t had anyone close to you go through pregnancy too. To help prepare you for nine months of pregnancy, here are five things people don’t tell you about getting pregnant:

 

– It Can Takes Years And Years Of Trying Before You See A Positive Test

 

If you have been trying to get pregnant for a long time and you’re not seeing the result you want, it’s important not to get disheartened. Whilst it would be amazing for it to happen the first time, some people can try for years before they finally see that positive result on a pregnancy test. Try not to let it deter you and keep trying. You might just be stressing for no reason. If you’re concerned something is wrong, it may be best to speak to a women’s infertility doctor who can give you test-based accurate results on your situation. Many times, it can simply be anxiety and paranoia, but it would be advisable to get the confirmation. They will be able to run tests and if you are unable to conceive, they can give you an IVF guide.

 

– There Is Such Thing As A False Positive

 

When you’re trying you will most likely take a million tests, all of which will have conflicting answers. If you do find you have a positive result, make sure you’re taking a couple of tests to be sure. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to book a doctors appointment where they will confirm the good news.

 

– You Will Start To Doubt Whether Or Not You’ve Got The Symptoms

 

When you’re trying to get pregnant you will start to doubt whether not you have got any of the symptoms, and whether or not your rests have given you the wrong results. Whilst this is normal, it’s it important not to let it panic you. If you find something that worries you, speak to your doctor and they will be able to confirm everything for you! It may just be that you’re not experiencing the same symptoms as everyone else.

 

– You Will Be Offered Lots Of Advice And You Definitely Don’t Need To Take All Of It

 

When you announce your pregnancy you will find that absolutely everyone who has ever been pregnant will try to offer you their little bit of advice. Whilst some of the tips will be absolutely incredible, you really don’t need to listen to all of them. Everyone experiences pregnancy in a different way and what may work for some, won’t work for others. Be sure to take everything you’re told with a pinch of salt – unless it’s coming from your doctor!

 

– It Will Be The Best And Worst Experience Of Your Life

 

Finally, whilst pregnancy can be uncomfortable, scary and stressful, it will also be one of the best things you ever do. Whilst you’re growing your little one you will develop a bond that no one can replicate, and it’s something you’ll cherish forever.

 

Are you thinking of starting a family? What are you most looking forward to about pregnancy? Let me know in the comments below.