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6 Tips to Make Long Car Rides with Little Kids Easier

July 26, 2017 by Larisha Campbell 1 Comment

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RoadTripOil #CollectiveBias

Taking trips with kids can literally be the nightmare of a parent’s mind. There’s so much to pack, so much to figure out, so much chaos.

You’re not in Kansas anymore.

I remember the first time I need to pack for a trip with just one baby. I pulled out all my stuff and packed it in a bag. Personally, I like to pack light so I just had a super small bag. The started to grab the stuff that I needed for the baby and before I realized it, I had three different bags, a pack-n-play, a bag just for snacks, a booster chair, all her toys she “may need”…and more. I was exhausted and we hadn’t even started driving yet. It got worse when there were two of them.

Over the past 4 1/2 years, we’ve taken a few trips and while I definitely don’t think we are experts, I want to share with you some of our tips to keep young kids busy. Obviously, we all pray they will just sleep the entire time, but that’s never going to happen!

6 Tips to Make Long Car Rides with Little Kids Easier

  1. DVDs
    • Listen, I’m all for minimal screen time, but this isn’t the time for that to happen. Pop in a DVD and you an usually get an hour of quiet time. Make sure that you have enough different DVDs for the length of the trip.
  2. Tablets with New Apps
    • Again, I know, screen time.  Hear me out.  Sanity is more important on long rides than screen time.  Balance it with keeping them off the screen the entire vacation.  We love adding new apps that they haven’t seen before to their tablets so they have something that’s fun and shiny to do.
  3. Magnadoodles
    • These are great and mess free way of fun in the car. We love asking our oldest to draw what she sees out of the window onto her magnadoodle. If she gets bored with that, we ask her to draw something specific or even to work on her writing.
  4. Presents
    • Yup, presents! Listen, you don’t have to go broke.  Walk around a find a few dollar items at Walmart. Go home and wrap them in wrapping paper.  Kids love the element of surprise.  If this is a really long car ride, do one present every hour and tell them when the timer goes off they can have a new one.  They love it!
  5. Toy catalogs
    • Save the toy ads from the holidays that come from Walmart into your suitcase so you have them for your next trip.  When you are driving, hand your kids the catalog and a pen and ask them to go through and circle things they might like for their next birthday or holiday (whichever is closest to when you are traveling)
  6. Let them pick out their own special snacks.
    • Preferably something they know they love and then something that is new and special.

Bonus long trip tip!

You want to make sure you get to your destination as fast as safely possible. Minimal interruptions is what you are aiming for here. There’s nothing worse than your car breaking down while your kids are in the car. Make sure before you car that your car is ready and up to the challenge of a long ride. Head over to your local Walmart auto center and get your oil changed with Pennzoil® today.  While you are waiting for it to get done, you can grab your presents, let the kids pick out their own snacks, and grab any last minute vacation needs! This is especially important if you have a high mileage vehicle (over 75,000 miles). Right now Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® motor oil change is on roll back to just $35.88.  It helps clean out the sludge other oils leave behind, which reduces wear and tear to keep you running strong.

As we embrace for our longest car ride with them in a few weeks, I’m going to print this list to reminder my self to do them.  We hope these tips to make long car rides with little kids easier lets you enjoy your next trip! With less stress you can focus on what really matters – family time!

Filed Under: Home, Travel, Travel Tips Tagged With: tips, travel

5 Tips For Wasting Less Produce

May 26, 2017 by Larisha Campbell 13 Comments




Disclosure: This post on 5 Tips For Wasting Less Produce is sponsored by Rubbermaid® BRILLIANCE alongside SheSpeaks.  Thoughts and opinions 100% our own.

I remember growing up my mom would tell me that I couldn’t waste food because children around the world were starving. I was a kid though, so I haphazardly listened to her then. In college, I remember a friend telling me that while he was deployed in Iraq, he saw children starving and begging for any food they could get. He said it completely changed his mindset about wasting food.  It was something I’ve held on to ever since.  It’s also something that I’m working to instill in my children.

I learned that approximately 1/3 of the food that is produced in the world gets wasted. That statistic to me was appalling.  How do we have hunger in this world, if we are wasting that much food.  It’s mind blowing really. I’ve done my best in ensuring our family wastes as little as possible. For the foods we do have to waste, I try to compost as much as I can back into our garden for the next year. Today, I wanted to share some tips with you about how we work on wasting less.

5 Tips For Saving Money on Produce

  1. Only Buy What You Need
    • This probably sounds a bit cliche, but it’s true. I found that when I buy certain foods, they always go back before we end up using them.  Unless it’s something that I’m going to use that day, I know based on my household experience that those produce items will go bad. Every year, for example, I buy a bag of fresh cranberries with hopes of making a homemade dish for the holidays.  Every year I forget. So, I’ve stopped buying them.
    • Likewise, if you know you grocery shop every week, there’s no needed to buy 12 different vegetables for dinner and to buy bulk in each.  Just buy enough to feed your family.
  2. Watch and Freeze
    • Every 2-3 days, take 2-3 minutes and glance at the produce you have on hand. Take note if you need to use up something sooner than you thought. In the event you won’t be able to use it right away, pop it in the freezer.
    • Almost all vegetables and fruits can be frozen (some need a little more work than others to prep before freezing). One of my favorite things to freeze is bananas.  Besides eating a fresh banana, a frozen banana can be used in anything just the same once thawed back out.
  3. Use clear containers, like , at eye level
    • Don’t hide your produce in the drawers if you have a tendency to waste food.  Keep them in containers at your eye level so you are more apt to grab them before grabbing anything else.  This also helps to cut down on waste because you see it right in front of you.Use clear, see through containers, like Rubbermaid BRILLIANCE, and store at eye level.

      **Enter to Win a 10 pc Rubbermaid BRILLIANCE Set Below**

  4. Meal Plan!
    • I can’t say this one enough.  It’s one of my favorite things to do.  It saves time, causes less stress, and ensures that you are rotating through the food that you’ve purchased. Grab our simple weekly meal planning printable here!
  5. Wash and Cut Immediately
    • This tip not only helps me waste less, but helps me eat healthier too.  By having things washed and able to grab immediately, I find myself not grabbing for the chips and candy. Wash and pat dry your fruits and vegetables and store in  containers.
    • Tips: If you wash berries of any kind, and you aren’t immediately eating them, you will need to store them in a container with a paper towel to soak up moisture and prevent mold growth.

About Rubbermaid BRILLIANCE + Giveaway! 

Rubbermaid BRILLIANCE food storage containers are

  • 100% Leak-Proof Guaranteed
  • Stain Resistant Material 
  • Crystal Clear 
  • Splatter-Resistant Microwaving 
  • Stacks Perfectly 
  • Available in five sizes to hold all types of foods.
  • Also available in multi-piece sets, which stack perfectly together.

Andrew is obsessed with how clear these food storage containers are and I am obsessed with the airtight leak-proof seal.  These have innovative latches to ensure no leaks. They are really awesome!  We love them so much we’re giving a set away!  One lucky reader is going to win a 10 pc set for their own house!  Must be 18+ to enter and a United States resident. Void where prohibited. Enter the form below.

Entry-Form

Filed Under: Home Tagged With: produce, saving money, tips

What do you REALLY need for breastfeeding?

May 15, 2017 by Larisha Campbell Leave a Comment

If you’re pregnant and plan to breastfeed, you’ve likely asked yourself this question.

What do you REALLY need for breastfeeding?

It’s really quite simple.

  1. A baby
  2. A boob

That’s actually it. You don’t even need two boobs (though it helps). Just one will do.

However, I know you really want to know what will help your transition go more smoothly. I’m not going to lie, the first 4-6 weeks is tough as you adjust and anything that you can do to make your life easier, I highly recommend. I’m not going to sit here and say that those first few weeks are sunshine and rainbows, and that breastfeeding isn’t going to hurt.  Who actually ever said that never breastfed before. While I’m being honest in that it isn’t an easy transition, I will say that it’s 100% worth the tough days.  I nursed our firstborn until just over 4 years old and I’m currently nursing our 23 month old.  Those strenuous days are well behind me and most of the time, I can barely recall those moments.

4 Things I Highly Recommend to Everyone 

  1. Nipple Cream.
    • I personally tried half a dozen or more brands over the two children. My #1 preference is Motherlove, however, for money saving I typically just buy the 3 pack of Earth Mama Angel Baby Brand.
    • Looking for a cheaper option?  You can use coconut oil or even just expressed milk on your nipples after every feeding.
  2. Reusable Nursing Pads
    • Don’t waste your time on buying disposable ones.  Not only are reusable better for the environment, they are so much softer and stay in place better.
  3. Boppy/Nursing Pillow
    • Tip: Buy this early on in your third trimester and use to support your growing belly throughout the last trimester. The shape really helps support your belly and baby once here.
    • Need a cheaper option? Just use the pillows you have in your home.
  4. Breastmilk Storage Bags
      • You will likely need to hand express in those first few weeks just enough to relieve the engorgement. Having breastmilk storage milks handy, will allow you to save the milk in those early days.


4 Things I Think Able Helpful but not Necessary

  1. Breast Shells
    • I had never even heard of breast shells before I was about to leave the hospital after having our first. Our nurse gave them to us and they saved me. They stop your nipples from rubbing on your clothes. During those first few days of adjusting, especially with your first, it allows you to be comfortable.
    • Need a cheaper option?  Just stay topless as often as possible.
  2. Milk Savers
    • This is the one product I regret not getting for either pregnancy.  I didn’t know about it with my first, but did with my second. Milk Savers collects milk from one side while you nurse of the other side.  Typically, this milk would just be lost in your nursing pad, but with Milk Savers it’s saved inside. Then, you can transfer to a storage bag and save. I have friend’s who use them and swear by them.
  3. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding Book
    • The holy grail of breastfeeding books.  If you really want to read everything about breastfeeding this is the book for you.
    • Need a cheaper option? Almost all libraries carry this book.
    • Also check out KellyMom.com for a ton of breastfeeding information if you can’t afford the book
  4. Baby Carrier
      • I think every parent needs a baby carrier. It’s so much better for getting around, but it also makes breastfeeding a breeze.  I personally never used breastfeeding covers because our first daughter freaked out. However, using a carrier, allows me to nurse discretely and still keep going.


3 Things I Think Able Necessary Depending on Life

These last two things are either absolutely necessary or not depending on your life. If you are a mom who works in the home, then you don’t necessarily need a a breastpump or bottles. I personally never left for me than a few hours for the first 6 months of our girls life, and in those cases had a better outcome hand expressing; however, I know that’s not a realistic expectation for many.

  1. Manual Pump
    • I highly recommend if you are a working mom outside the home, you keep a manual pump inside your car.  You never know when you will forget a piece to an electric pump, but having a manual back up will always come in handy.
    • Standard Manual Pump like Medela is highly recommend.
    • New silicone pumps are taking over for easy use and storage purposes.
  2. Electric Pump
    • There’s so many options to have. We personally used a Lansinoh Double Electric.
    • Many moms love Freemies because you can discretely use them and keep working
  3. Bottles
      • Some kids are picky so you may have to try a few options.  We love the Kiinde system for storage and bottle usage.


Working Mom?

Check out our 25 Tips for Working Moms Who Want to Make Breastfeeding Work.

I personally never used nursing bras, tanks, or other clothes.  Instead, I opted for soft bras, regular tank tops, and regular shirts like v-necks that allowed for easy access. You can definitely grab all those if you like them more, but I chose to save money and not use them.

Here’s everything we mentioned in this post:

An InLinkz Link-up


Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding 101, Home, Parenting, Pregnancy and Postpartum Tagged With: breastfeeding, postpartum, pregnancy, tips

The New Moms Morning Routine

May 8, 2017 by Larisha Campbell Leave a Comment

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media® and Hyperbiotics, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #HealthiestDaysAhead   http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH.”

I remember sitting at my baby shower with our first.  My sister made me up this awesome gift basket basket for things I would need postpartum.  Most of it, I understood.  There were pads and snacks, a notebook, chapstick, and so much more.  But there were a few things, like tucks pads and a peri bottle, that I looked in confusion as all the moms in the room busted out laughing.  They were all in on this secret that I had no clue about. But soon I would learn.

My sister, to the best of her ability, would guide me those 41+ weeks through my pregnancy.  Teaching me about what to expect both during pregnancy and postpartum.  Still, there was so much that she could never teach that I would just have to experience on my own. So much of parenting is learning as you go, however, you can also learn so much from others’ experiences.

Today, I want to share with you our New Moms Morning Routine.  Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, each time you have a new and unique adjustment period.  One of the best things that you can do for your mental health is to establish a morning routine as quickly as you can. Getting into a groove will leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle every day with energy.

Here’s our New Moms Morning Routine in 5 simple steps.  

I promise if you do each of these things, you will feel much better every day. Not going to lie, not everyday will be sunshine and rainbows, but overall, much better! 

       1. Wash Your Face. 

  • Okay, if we are being honest here, you likely aren’t going to have time to shower every morning. While many other sites recommend meditating, exercising, or journaling, the truth is we don’t always have time for that.  We think those are great ideas, but simply washing your face in the morning will have you feeling like a new person.

      2. Make Yourself Breakfast. 

  • This doesn’t have to be something outrageous.  I’m not asking you to make yourself poached eggs with crepes and berry compote every morning (although that does sound delish). Make yourself a smoothie.  Hard boil eggs once a week and eat two throughout the week. Or even avocado toast. Breastfeeding?  Check out our lactation recipes. 

      3. Take a probiotic.

  • I honestly wish someone told me about probiotics when I was a young adult, even before having kids, but it wasn’t until I had given birth with my first that I learned about them. Probiotics have multiple functions, but in this scenario they provide temporary relief for anxiety, depression, and overall mental health. Hyperbiotics, a probiotic brand found at your local Target, encourages healthy, regular bowl movements (which if you’ve given birth know just how important help in that department is!).  The Pro-Moms blend is prefect for both pregnant and nursing moms because it encourages full nutrient absorption which aids in a healthier immune system. Pro-Moms also helps produce essential B vitamins and contains natural folate. It also doesn’t have to be refrigerated, so you can keep it by your bedside and always remember to take it.

      4. Take a postnatal vitamin (or continue your prenatal vitamins). 

  • You just had a baby! You body needs all those vitamins and nutrients replenished as quickly as possible.  It’s really important to continue taking your vitamins every day, but especially a quality postnatal or prenatal for the first 6 weeks after childbirth.

      5. Fill up a water bottle. 

  • I know some of you are going to hate me for this, but you need water. Put down the juice and soda, and pick up a bottle. Fill it with water as often as you need.  You should continuously feel hydrated and not parched. Drink until you feel quenched. Don’t care for water?  Try flavoring it (Pinterest has a bajillion different ideas) or try coconut water.  If you are a breastfeeding mama, I try to aim for 64oz a day.

A bit more

Everyone has heard to do the things above, except maybe the probiotics. Let me give you a bit more information about them. Hyperbiotics, a premium probiotic blend, is now available at Target. Their blends help by:

  • supporting your immune system response
  • optimizing your best digestive health.
  • promoting improved immunity
  • leading to more energy and clarity

Specifically speaking about Hyperbiotics formulas – they are vegetarian, non-GMO, free of lactose, gluten, and sugar. There’s also no soy, nuts, iron, artificial flavors or colors, and no preservatives. Also, unlikely many other probiotic companies, Hyperbiotics blends don’t have to be refrigerated, which means you can take them with you anywhere.  They use a patented manufacturing process called LiveBac® that guarantees their blends for 18 months after manufacturing with no refrigeration.

Hyperbiotics isn’t just for MOMS!  There’s a blend specifically for women and one for kids, as well as two additional blends for I encourage you to live healthier days by taking Hyperbiotics blend daily. #FollowYourGut to Target and purchase them today! To learn more about Hyperbiotics, visit www.hyperbiotics.com.

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media® and Hyperbiotics, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #HealthiestDaysAhead   http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH.”

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Probiotics support many facets of overall health when taken regularly as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Filed Under: Home, Parenting, Pregnancy and Postpartum Tagged With: lists, motherhood, postpartum, pregnancy, tips


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