May 21st, 2013

Summer 2013 Trends Fashion – Black and White

A great spring into summer style trend for 2013 is the black and white color combination. I love this since black is a big part of my wardrobe. But adding a pop of white gives it a freshness that takes the black from winter to summer in a flash.

Again, this is an easy fashion trend to follow, as the picture below shows. Just take a basic black maxi dress and add a white flower that you can find on Etsy or in any accessory store. I like the flower because it is a nod to another style trend: florals. Alternatively, just add a white belt or add a white scarf. To dress it up more, add a white blazer, which can be perfect for work or a quick meeting with the preschool teacher. Yet, still an easy dress to chase after the kids.
 
Black and White Spring 2013 Trends Fashion
 
Another idea is to wear a pair of black shorts and a black tee-shirt. The key is to keep the blacks the same color tone, or add another element, like this shirt that has with some lace detailing to break up the blacks. You can glam it up by having the fabrics more fluid. Then add a pair of black and white heels to keep the glam factor in high gear. Or switch to black and white flats for a more casual take on the outfit, which can be perfect for a lunch out with friends.

These next two outfit ideas are ones that should already be in your closet. Especially the yoga pants. You know you have them. Just put them on with a white tee-shirt but add a black and white scarf. Or put on a pair of white jeans (you can get cheap ones at Old Navy if you are worried about the longevity with kids) and top it off with a black tee-shirt with a print. Then in both cases, splurge on trendy flip flops, like these from Tory Burch to keep the elegance up.
 
Black and White Casual Spring 2013 Style Trends
 
All in all, this is a fresh yet easy trend to follow and whether it is a Old Navy Maxi Dress or a high end pair of flip flops, any Mom can incorporate this look into her wardrobe without much financial investment and can still chase after the kids on the playground. All while looking on trend in the process.

You go!
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Image Credit: My Own. All Rights Reserved. Created on Polyvore.com
Disclosure: This post was not compensated.

 

May 20th, 2013

How to Get Your Toddler to Floss Teeth

For the six months, we have been diligent about making sure our 3.5 year old toddler brushes his teeth every night before bed. However, on a recent trip to the dentist for his first dental cleaning, we learned that we should be also floss his teeth every night too.

Now, if I had thought about it, that would make sense, but since my own flossing is sporadic, it is not something I really did think about teaching my son.

I don’t floss often because I hate how the floss gets stuck in my teeth and then I have this string of floss that I try to shake off to throw away, and it keeps getting stuck on my hand as I try to do that. Making it a big pain in the butt. I mean, as a busy Mom, brushing my teeth is a feat enough before I pass out flat on my face at night. I should get a pass, right?

Hmmm.

Okay, better set an example for the kiddos.
 

Toddler floss teeth

 
So I signed up for a blogger sponsored campaign where I would try the Oral-B® Glide Glide Floss. I’ve heard it is good in that is “glides” through your teeth making it easy to floss – about 50% easier. (Number one concern of mine addressed.) So I figured I’d give it a go and then also teach my son how to floss too, since we all know it helps fight cavities, plaque, gingivitis and other mouth monsters (that is what we call them). Plus, if we (and you) upload a picture of us each flossing on the Oral-B Facebook App, we can be entered to win cool prizes. Sweet!

Now I keep it in my purse for those steak-stuck-in-your-teeth-dinners-out and next to my toothbrush at home, and it is a nightly routine (okay, more-often-than-not nightly routine) for all of us.

Next up? My ten month old.

Well, when she finally gets her teeth….

But here are some ideas on how to floss your teeth with the kids:

1. Set an example. Let your kids see you brushing and flossing your teeth.
2. Start early. The earlier you start the habit and they get the sensation of flossing, the easier it will be to do with the kids.
3. Take it slow. Teach them to hold each end of the floss and to put it in between their teeth. Once they get that, then teach them to glide it back and forth.
4. Consider alternatives. If they can’t handle floss, then get the floss picks for easier handling.

You may have to do it early on for them, but over time, they should the hang of it. Just know that you might need to stock up on the dental floss, as my 10 month old shows in this video, (they make take more than they need.)

Happy Flossing!

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Image Credit: My own. All Rights Reserved with the exception of the Oral-B® logo.
Disclosure: I received a small stipend and product for this post. All content, however, is my own. 

 

May 18th, 2013

Fruit2O Helps You Dial It Back in Social Media

I don’t know about you, but I have seen a lot of Facebook sweepstakes over the years, but this one called Dial It Back on the Fruit2O Facebook page is pretty cute.

I get a lot of requests to post about various Facebook contests, and I usually pass, but this one I said yes to because it has a message that resonated with me. It is about “Dialing it Back” in our online life and in our personal life. But especially our online life…and especially on Facebook. We’ve all done it: everything from baby bragging, sports smack talk, workout woo-hoos, and vacation envy. So Fruit(2)O created an app on Facebook to help us quell the inclination to over share in the social space, and have the chance to be rewarded with a trip for two to the Florida Keys to unplug from the social media scene.

The fun app monitors your Facebook posts and updates to create a humorous dashboard that highlights the areas you overshare and where you might want to “Dial it Back”. In my case, I have too much kiddo convo and may want to cut back on the cute kid photos.

Dial it back app

Why is Fruit(2)O doing this? Because the brand has always been about balance. ”With zero sugar, zero calories, zero carbs and zero artificial flavors, the Fruit(2)O brand shows it’s ok to have a little restraint in a world overwrought with excess,” said Mike Burton, Vice President, Sunny Delight Beverages Company Shelf Stable Brands. The same can (and should) be said in the realm of social media.

You can check in to track and communicate your progress in various areas of your Facebook habits. Every day you log in, you increase your chances of winning the sweepstakes grand prize trip to the Florida Keys. You will also be entered in to Fruit(2)O’s instant win drawing every day you check to see how well you’re doing at dialing it back. The app is also shareable, allowing you to gently nudge family, friends or co-workers into dialing it back too.

Visit www.DialitBack.com to check it out, and start finding ways to find your personal balance! And here is what I decided to dial back:

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Disclosure: This is a compensated video and post.
 

May 17th, 2013

Disney Storybook Apps on Sale!

Disney has several of its popular Disney Storybook apps on sale this weekend! Stock up for summer travel and school summer vacation!
 

Disney Storybook Apps

 

  • Finding Nemo Storybook Deluxe – Through engaging narration, authentic underwater sound effects, and original graphics from the Academy Award winning movie, families can explore the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbor, and the world of reading together.
  • Brave Storybook Deluxe – Experience the magic of Disney/Pixar’s Brave as an interactive storybook app.  Read along and discover beautiful art, stunning animation, and special effects.  Even hunt for hidden arrows and take aim in a Medieval-style archery game!
  • Wreck-It-Ralph Storybook Deluxe – Relive the incredible story of the Disney animated film Wreck-It Ralph – and, create and race your very own kart against other racers in the film!  Wreck-It Ralph longs to be as beloved as his game’s perfect Good Guy, Fix-It Felix, Jr.
  • Tangled: Storybook Deluxe – Disney’s “Tangled” is re-imagined  in this interactive app.  Read along and explore the magical world of Rapunzel through vibrant animated scenes with interactive tap-and-play surprises!  Multiple reading modes include Follow Along, Read and Explore, Record Your Own Voice.
  • Cinderella: Storybook Deluxe – Disney’s Cinderella has enchanted generations with its spellbinding story, charming music, and endearing characters that live in your heart forever. The Cinderella: Storybook Deluxe app includes a full retelling of the film with fresh illustrations, engaging narration, music and sound effects, as well as whimsical interactivity on every page.
  • Cars 2 Storybook Deluxe – Experience the action-packed story of Disney/Pixar’s Cars 2 in this supercharged children’s book app filled with vibrant art, professional narration, exciting music and sound effects, plus A-list celebrity voices from the film.
  • Monsters, Inc Storybook Deluxe – Relive the incredible story of the highly acclaimed film classic Disney-Pixar Monsters, Inc. and find hidden Scare cards throughout the story.  Navigate your way through a Monsters, Incorporated scare simulator training room to collect scream energy!

The sale runs from May 17 – May 21, 2013 and all Storybook apps above will be $4.99 only!

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Original Images courtesy of Disney.
This post was not compensated