July 31, 2019 · 5:54 pm

Christmas In July at the Ugly Christmas Sweater – Jumpsuit Pajama Giveaway

I know it is the last day of July, please don’t remind me. The summer is going way to fast, and I am actually heading out to jump in the lake. It’s okay, I live on one. However, I could not let July end without bringing you a special giveaway from The Ugly Christmas Sweater.

I was asked to host a giveaway for all of you. Would you like the chance to win  your choice of pajamas from their website? Who wouldn’t? Today is your lucky day then, because we are kicking off our giveaway.

The Ugly Christmas Sweater website is so easy to navigate, and you will find all your favorite characters. Whether you are looking for Pajamas, Sweaters, Sweatshirts or more, check out their inventory. I love the jumpsuit pajamas. Popular Youtuber PewDiePie even has a limited edition pair on there. Wow, life goals, to get a Mommy Ramblings limited edition pajama jumpsuit on the site! Baby steps, baby steps guys.

I did choose the Bunny jumpsuit pajamas from A Christmas Story.

These PJs are  super soft and comfy. I even did my YouTube live last night wearing them. Check it out!

Here is another video where you can see more about them:

Giveaway:

Ugly Christmas Sweater is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky winner will win their choice of Pajamas on the site (no customs and subject to availability). Thank you to the Ugly Christmas Sweater for the review pair of PJs and for sponsoring this fun giveaway on Mommy Rambings. Open to US residents.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Jumpsuit Pajama Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget. Good Luck!!!

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July 26, 2019 · 2:28 pm

The Worst 6 Foods For Your Teeth

 

Emergency Dental Care

Do you know that tooth decay leading to cavities is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the world? The World Health Organization noted in their 2016 Global Burden of Disease Study that oral diseases like cavities affected almost half of the world’s population.

Moreover, when it comes to global incidence, cavities rank as the most prevalent of all conditions evaluated. In fact, the agency estimated that 2.4 billion individuals have developed tooth decay or cavities of their permanent teeth, while some 486 million children have developed cavities/tooth decay of the primary teeth. That’s a pretty sobering finding to be sure, considering that cavities lead not only to constant bouts of toothaches, but also to tooth damage and loss, as well as other serious oral conditions like periodontal disease, which attacks the gums.

The fact that cavities are so common also means that they’re quite easy to acquire. Chances are, you’ve already had them more than once in the past. However, it’s also quite easy to protect yourself against dental caries. Simply brush your teeth after every meal, floss every day, visit your dentist in Anaheim or in your local area every six months, and limit your intake of food items that make you prone to cavities. In this short guide, we’ll fill you in on some of the foods you need to careful of if you want to avoid developing tooth decay and cavities.

Bread

Bread may be a quintessential lunch staple, especially when it comes to making scrumptious sandwiches, but eating bread can also lead to cavities if you’re not careful. That is because bread is made mainly of starchy white flour, a simple carbohydrate that can easily break down into simple sugars—the favorite food of plaque bacteria. As you chew bread, it turns into a gummy paste that can then get stuck in all the nooks and crannies of your teeth, creating an ideal environment for the growth of plaque bacteria that synthesize acidic by-products. Over many months, these substances can wear away the enamel of your teeth, eventually creating the telltale holes that characterize dental cavities. If you really can’t stop eating bread, stick to the whole wheat variety, and be sure to brush and floss after every meal.

Chewy sour-flavored candies

Everybody loves candy, but even as kids, we are taught that too much could give us cavities. However, there’s one type of candy in particular that really increases the chances of tooth decay, and that’s the chewy, sour-flavored sort. This type of candy contains the kind of acids that can really have a corrosive effect on your teeth enamel. The fact that they’re chewy also results in them sticking in the corners, sides, and gaps between your teeth, making them harder to brush off. All this can eventually result in a bad case of tooth decay.

Soda pop or carbonated drinks

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the occasional glass of soda pop or carbonated drink, but you should know that sugary, fizzy drinks are also among the biggest culprits of tooth decay. This is because the ingredients in many types of soda encourage the bacteria in plaque to produce more acidic substances. As you may know, these acidic by-products are strong enough to slowly eat away at the enamel of your teeth, thus causing cavities eventually.  To prevent this, skip sodas entirely or clean your teeth right away after enjoying the occasional glass of your favorite soft drink.

Potato chips

There’s nothing like snacking on potato chips. Not only are they tasty, but they also give you a delightfully satisfying crunch that just makes you reach for more. Unfortunately, they’re also known to cause tooth decay due to their starch content, which breaks down into simple sugars when exposed to saliva. Then, as with the pasty material that results from chewing bread, this sugary substance can stick to the crannies and gaps between the teeth, enabling plaque bacteria to feed on them and cause cavities to form in the long run.

Dried fruits

Dried fruit products may seem like a very healthy snack. While they do have many of the same vitamins and minerals that their fresh counterparts do, that doesn’t change the fact that they’re processed and still loaded with sugar. The drying process also makes dried fruit chewy and sticky, and just like many types of candies, once it’s chewed up, it’s likely to stick in the small spaces between your teeth, creating an ideal environment for plaque bacteria to proliferate in.

Ice

Finally, if you’ve got a habit of chewing the ice that usually comes along with your chilled drinks, you might want to stop doing that. While it’s true that ice doesn’t have any sugar in it, it is a hard enough that regularly chewing it can cause your teeth to chip, crack, break, or loosen. Chewing ice when you already have cavities may also cause your teeth to split where the cavities are.

Protect your smile by preventing cavities

Cavities may seem like a normal part of growing up, but you shouldn’t have to deal with the pain, the tooth damage, and the gum disease that they usually come as a package. By brushing your teeth, flossing regularly, visiting your dentist twice a year, and avoiding the above-listed foods, you can enjoy a life free of dental cavities.

This is a guest post by Dr. Douglas Kim of First Dental Care, a trusted dentist in Anaheim and surrounding areas. Dr. Kim believes that good oral health starts at home, that’s why he is committed to teaching parents on how to properly care for their kids’ teeth in between office visits. Outside of the office, Dr. Kim enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and their 2 adorable sons.

dental visit

This is a collaborative guest post that may or may not reflect the ideas or views of Mommy Ramblings.


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July 18, 2019 · 3:02 pm

7 Tips for Getting into the Dynamic of Sleep as a Family

It’s easy to get plenty of rest when you’re a single individual, but the family dynamic can present some real challenges that might make it more difficult to stick to a preset sleep schedule. Everyone seems to have their own interests, hobbies, and habits that influence what time they wake up and fall asleep. If left unstructured, the sleep schedule can become quite erratic and inconsistent in a household with multiple people. Luckily, with a few simple measures and a bit of discipline, you can get everyone back on a good sleep schedule and prevent the increasingly common problem of family sleep deprivation in your home. With that said, here are seven tips you can use to get into the dynamic of sleep as a family:

1. Address Sleeping Disorders First

First and foremost, if any members of the family have sleeping problems such as apnea, insomnia, or circadian rhythm disorders, it’s imperative that you address those problems before doing anything else. Likewise, if anyone snores or does loud mouth breathing at night, this could be affecting not only their own quality of sleep but also that of their spouse or other family members. Mouth breathing is a common problem for people who use CPAP machines to treat obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP mouth breathing tape is one easy solution that you can use to train yourself away from breathing loudly through your mouth while sleeping.

2. Set a Bed Time and Wake Up Time and Stick to It

Consistency is key when it comes to promoting solid sleeping habits as a family. If you’re letting the kids fall asleep at odd hours and not enforcing any kind of sleeping schedule, it’s going to be difficult to ensure everyone is getting a good 8 hours of sleep per night. As a result, you’ll have people sleeping in late, staying up late, missing breakfast, and feeling drowsy in the day time. All of this can be avoided by simply having a set bed time and wake up time that everyone in the house must adhere to. Generally speaking, this should be no later than 10-11 PM to allow for 8 hours of sleep time before 6-7 AM.

3. Soak Up the Morning Sun

You might be wondering why the aforementioned hours were recommended for sleep and wake times. Well, studies have shown that rising at about the same time as the sun and being exposed to morning sun rays increases the production of serotonin and other sleep-related biochemicals. The sun also has an energizing effect that will help you stay awake throughout the day, which means you’ll be tired enough to fall asleep easily at bed time.

4. Eat Foods That Improve Sleep Quality

Certain foods can enhance the quality of your sleep when eaten within two hours of bedtime. However, try not to overindulge, as eating too many calories before bed can lead to weight gain. Sleep-enhancing foods include kiwis, cherries, fish, turkey, almonds, walnuts, and chamomile tea.

5. Don’t Take Naps Close to Bedtime

Many people find themselves feeling tired during mid-day or in the afternoon. If you feel drowsy early in the day, then take a short nap, but don’t wait until the afternoon or evening . Napping within 6 hours of bedtime will make it much more difficult to fall asleep.

6. No TVs or Devices After Bedtime

As a family rule, you should forbid the use of any electronic devices or toys after the set bedtime. While it might seem like leaving the TV on is an okay exception, a completely silent and dark room (with the exception of a gentle night light) will always be most conducive to sleep, which brings us to our next point.

7. Create an Environment That is Conducive to Sleep

Doing all of the above will set the tone for your family’s sleeping schedule and habits, but you still need to make sure the bedrooms are ideal sleeping environments throughout the night. This includes equipping beds with highly comfortable bedding and maybe having some very gentle music playing throughout the night.

 

Sleep is One of the Most Important Factors for Health and Growth

As a family, the top priority should be making sure the children are given everything they need to thrive and grow strong. While it can be easy to fall into the mindset of thinking that fancy toys, designer clothes, junk food, and video game systems are what your kid needs to be happy, in reality what they really need is love, food and water, shelter, guidance, protection, and good sleep. Remember that the body grows and heals during sleep, more so than at any other time of the day.

 

This is a collaborative guest post. The ideas expressed may not be the views or ideas of Mommy Ramblings.


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July 15, 2019 · 6:41 pm

7 Things No One Tells You About Blended Family Life

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review. My words and views are 100% my own as always.

Living in the Family Blender ~ Book Review #blendedfamilyproject #MySillyLittleGang

Movies like, Yours, Mine and Ours, and shows like, The Brady Bunch  showed blended families. The Brady Bunch certainly did not focus much on the blended part of the family. Never did I see an episode with the kids being shuffled to another parent’s house. In fact, we really never learned where Carol’s first husband was. It was assumed both ex-spouses died. That certainly sanitized things for the show right? Well, blended families are becoming more the norm now, and the merging of families is certainly not sanitized as many parents and step-parents know.

If only there was a guide-book. Well, there is, Living in the Family Blender is filled with inspiration and insight. If you are struggling with this, this book can be a valuable resource to help you navigate through what could be a tumultuous journey.

 

Living in the Family Blender is a great book that tackles the stress and sticky situations blended families face. This book is filled with real-life, personal accounts that make it easy for other to relate with. Finally, find out you are not alone in what you feel and see. Learn strategies and get advice from a wonderful couple who understand the challenges you are facing. You can have harmony, well, at least some of the time.

You can purchase Living in the Family Blender: 10 Principles of a Successful Blended Family at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite major retailer.

Blended Family Insiders:

Seven Things No One Tells You About Blended Family Life

 

By Clark Rich and Leah Dee Burbidge

Fourteen years in the family blender has brought us a nearly non-stop series of insights, challenges, shocks, joy and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful nearly from scratch. Six of our most valuable, but frequently unspoken, learnings are listed below.

Keep in mind that a lot of the challenges of blended family life will sound familiar. But they play out with different dynamics because blended families and individuals have perspective, experience and insight that gives them a fragile mix of volatility, skepticism and wisdom. Respecting these dynamics dramatically increases the probability of success. Ignoring them nearly always spirals the family into soul crushing train wrecks.

Nobody Talks About It. Our dating and marriage experience revealed shockingly little available blended family ‘How To’ guidance. Pop culture, literature, movies and media produced a wasteland of mostly useless stereotypes. Family and friends seemed uncomfortable discussing the reality we faced. The elephant was in the room, but the conversation always tended to migrate toward the reasons people find themselves suddenly single. Divorce, death and abandonment are uncomfortable topics. We found taking the lead in turning the conversation toward positive aspects allowed more constructive interactions.

First Steps Determine Results. Success in the family blender is most often determined by how a couple structures their personal relationship and their interaction with the children from the beginning. Casual, careless, loosely committed and primarily physically driven relationships almost never have sufficient strength to withstand the blender. Children won’t buy-in if they think it’s going to lead to another let-down. Blended family life requires an undeniably higher standard and level of commitment. Children get this, parent must also.

Blended Families Done Right Save Souls. We have devoted an entire chapter in our book to the statistical benefits for children by being part of a two-parent family (blended or otherwise). There is no question that such children have dramatically better chances of building a healthy foundation enabling them to be successful in life. Lower rates of poverty, drug abuse, problems with the law or in school, unemployment, depression and general acting out behaviors are well researched. That is not to say there aren’t successful single parents, but it pays to play the odds where you can.

Start Where Your Child Is. Parents cannot start with a child where they are supposed to be or where you think they are but ARE NOT. This dooms your efforts to unrealistic expectations, falling short and builds a culture of regular failure and disappointment. Parents must ‘listen to understand’ and patiently respect what they learn. You will come to appreciate where they believe they are in life and in the family. Once you know where they are then every step is automatically a success because it is a re-enforcing step forward.

The Bio-Compass. There is an especially deep and natural relationship that exists between the bio-parent and their child. This is okay. The non-bio parent will, over time, be allowed to earn their way into that space. However, there will be moments when only the bio-parent can address the child’s needs, trauma or struggle. The non-bio parent must patiently step back, but remain in the picture and supportive, and allow their spouse to take the lead. This is why prideful or selfish attitudes struggle with blended parenthood. It absolutely demands selflessness. Respecting this relationship always wins in the long-term.

You Are Not Alone. Because it is not a social topic of conversation does not mean it isn’t common. Research illustrates that a sizable majority of Americans are touched by blended family life in one way or another. They understand you are not broken. This is especially true of single parents. Rest assured there is an individual out there with a healthy, kind outlook who can understand your complex family situation and love you and your children unconditionally. Both single and blended parents can experience happier more fulfilling lives.

It Is Worth It. Blended family life can be rewarding, exciting and fulfilling. Seeing these tender souls, who were once so wounded, blossom with love and kindness in their own increasingly productive lives is worth every struggle, every late night, every heartfelt conversation, every tear and every prayer. Most of all know that you are good enough to be successful.

About the Authors

Clark and Leah live in the high mountain valleys of the Rockies where they enjoy their ever-expanding blended family of ten children and seven grandchildren. They enjoy travel, hiking, road and mountain biking, and serving in their community and church. Clark received a BS in Finance from the University of Utah and an MBA from the University of Southern California and spent 35 years traveling the world as a banker, investment banker and Chief Financial Officer. Leah earned an Associate Degree from Ricks College and what arguably could be considered a doctoral-level real-life education in blended families. Clark and Leah treasure their blended wild ride of 14 years together, firmly believing that any challenge is manageable when you have someone you love to walk beside.

Living in the Family Blender is Clark and Leah’s first book together, but Clark has been writing for years with 9 books in different genres including Middle Reader, Teen and YA fiction, adult non-fiction and a beautiful Christmas/Easter Family read together storybook.

2019 Mom’s Choice Awards Gold Medal Winner

Blended family issues impact the vast majority of Americans. Yet, society often sidesteps the topic, while literature leaves a bleak landscape nearly void of practical advice from those who have lived in the trenches. With over 68 combined years of direct blended family experience, including 14 years with their own family of 10children, authors Clark and Leah Burbidge are uniquely qualified to fill this void. Their combined autobiographical/how-to guidebook weaves a humorous, tender, uplifting, and critically insightful fabric of 10foundational principles upon which any family may confidently build. Every blended family can have happier, more fulfilling lives where disruption, disorientation, and contention are replaced by teamwork, progress, and overcoming-oriented achievement. Living in the Family Blender also provides practical guidance upon which any family may build better relationships and a life filled with joy and purpose. Join them on their personal journey and discover glorious possibilities in your own family.

 

 

 

 


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July 11, 2019 · 9:51 pm

Choose the Right Washing Machine For Your Family

Washing mасhіnеѕ hаvе соmе a lоng wау аnd аrе аn essential раrt оf a wеll-funсtіоnіng hоmе. Whеn thеrе іѕ a рrоblеm wіth thе wаѕhіng machine, thе сhаоѕ оf thе lаundrу happens. Choose thе rіght wаѕhіng mасhіnе, knowing thе pros аnd cons оf еасh tуре, аnd whаt fеаturеѕ аrе еѕѕеntіаl fоr уоur family.

Tор Lоаd Washers

Tор lоаdеrѕ wеrе thе standard wаѕhеr fоr a lоng tіmе, аnd mаnу реорlе ѕtіll uѕе thеm. Thеу hаvе a dооr thаt ореnѕ аt thе tор fоr loading, аnd a stirrer іѕ іn thе mіddlе оf thе tank. Thіѕ аgіtаtоr mоvеѕ thе сlоthеѕ thrоugh thе wаtеr tо clean thеm. The kenmore 41302 washing machine is the best machine for all families.

An advantage оf thе tор lоаdеrѕ іѕ thе рrісе. Thеу аrе thе mоѕt есоnоmісаl choice аmоng wаѕhіng mасhіnеѕ bу fаr. Alѕо, thе dооr dоеѕ nоt lосk оn thеѕе models ѕо thаt users саn рut оn fоrgоttеn сlоthеѕ аftеr thе start оf thе сусlе.

Unfоrtunаtеlу, tор-lоаdеrѕ tурісаllу dо nоt gеt thе bеѕt еffісіеnсу rаtіngѕ whеn compared tо frоnt-еnd lоаdеrѕ, оr thе nеw, hіgh-еffісіеnсу tор-lоаdеrѕ. If gеttіng clothes аѕ сlеаn аѕ роѕѕіblе іѕ еѕѕеntіаl, уоu mау nееd tо consider оthеr орtіоnѕ. Alѕо, thе tор lоаdеrѕ uѕе thе hіghеѕt аmоunt оf wаtеr, аnd thе аgіtаtоr саn bе hаrd оn thе сlоthеѕ, ѕоmеtіmеѕ causing ѕtrеtсhіng аnd trасtіоn. Wаѕhіng hеаvу оr bulkу іtеmѕ саn аlѕо саuѕе balance рrоblеmѕ іn thе mасhіnе.

Front-loading washers

In addition tо thе obvious dіffеrеnсе іn роrt lосаtіоn, thе front loaders dіffеr frоm thе tор lоаdеrѕ аѕ thеrе іѕ nо аgіtаtоr. Inѕtеаd оf рullіng clothes thrоugh thе water, thе сlоthеѕ аrе pulled uр аnd thrоwn іntо thе wаtеr rереаtеdlу. Sіnсе thе bаthtub dоеѕ nоt nееd tо bе fіllеd wіth еnоugh wаtеr tо соvеr thе lаundrу аnd rinse, thе front loaders соnѕumе аbоut 40% lеѕѕ wаtеr. Bесаuѕе lеѕѕ water іѕ uѕеd, lеѕѕ dеtеrgеnt іѕ nееdеd аѕ wеll (using high-efficiency dеtеrgеnt іѕ rесоmmеndеd).

Wіthоut аgіtаtоr, front loaders hаvе rооm tо hаndlе a lаrgеr lоаd оf clothing. Mаnу аrе dеѕіgnеd tо ѕtасk a drуеr оn tор tо ѕаvе ѕрасе, аnd аѕ thеу ѕріn muсh оf thе wаtеr оut оf thе clothes, thе drуіng tіmе decreases аѕ wеll.

Onе disadvantage оf a front loader іѕ thе рrісе, whісh саn bе mоrе thаn double thаt оf a trаdіtіоnаl саrgо wаѕhіng machine. Itѕ high-speed wіrіng саn аlѕо саuѕе vіbrаtіоnѕ thаt саn bе dіѕturbіng іf thе wаѕhеr іѕ nеxt tо a lіvіng аrеа оr bеdrооm.

High-Efficiency Wаѕhіng Mасhіnеѕ

Thе HE tор сhаrgеrѕ аrе thе nеwеѕt сrеаturе іn thе home appliances corridor аnd thеrеfоrе hаd lеѕѕ tіmе tо develop a reputation. Thеу lооk lіkе trаdіtіоnаl tор сhаrgеrѕ, but thеу dо wоrk аѕ a frоnt loader аѕ thеу dо nоt hаvе a ѕtіrrеr; thеу turnеd аnd turnеd tо mоvе thеіr сlоthеѕ асrоѕѕ thе wаtеr. Thеу ѕріn аt hіgh speeds tо rеduсе drуіng tіmе аnd uѕе lеѕѕ wаtеr аnd dеtеrgеnt lіkе thе frоnt loader. An аdvаntаgе оvеr thе frоnt сhаrgеr іѕ thаt thе user wіll nоt hаvе tо bеnd dоwn tо gеt thе lаѕt ѕосk іn thе bасk.

A typical complaint аbоut thеѕе wаѕhеrѕ іѕ thаt thе hіgh ѕрееd оf rоtаtіоn саuѕеѕ thе сlоthеѕ tо bесоmе excessively wrіnklеd, but thе wіrіng ѕееmѕ tо vibrate lеѕѕ thаn thе frоnt lоаdеrѕ.

Wаѕhіng Mасhіnе Features

Tаkе a lооk аt a hallway оf nеw wаѕhіng machines, аnd уоu wіll ѕее аll ѕоrtѕ оf buttons аnd lіghtѕ thаt dо dіffеrеnt thіngѕ.

Consider ѕоmе оf thеѕе features bеfоrе уоu shop tо fіnd оut whісh оnеѕ аrе іmроrtаnt tо уоu іn a nеw wаѕhеr:

  • Automatic dіѕреnѕеrѕ fоr detergent, fаbrіс softener аnd blеасh
  • Extrа rіnѕе cycle (uѕеful fоr rеmоvіng еxсеѕѕ dеtеrgеnt fоr реорlе wіth sensitive ѕkіn)
  • Autоmаtіс tеmреrаturе соntrоl
  • Manual / dial-up соntrоlѕ. еlесtrоnіс соntrоlѕ
  • Pоrсеlаіn lіd tо resist ѕсrаtсhіng
  • Stаіnlеѕѕ steel оr рlаѕtіс tub tо discourage rust
  • A steam rеѕоurсе thаt claims tо sanitize
  • Stаrt dеlау
  • Prеwаѕh оr іmmеrѕіоn fеаturе

Thеrе аrе plenty оf сhоісеѕ іn thе wаѕhіng mасhіnеѕ tоdау, аnd еасh fаmіlу hаѕ dіffеrеnt nееdѕ. Bу considering рrісе, аdvаntаgеѕ, disadvantages, аnd desired fеаturеѕ, fаmіlіеѕ саn еаѕіlу fіnd a kenmore 41302 wаѕhіng machine  thаt wоrkѕ fоr thеm.

This is a collaborative guest post. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.


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· 4:10 pm

The Top 5 Places You Should Visit in NYC

Known as the city that never sleeps, New York City is a fast-paced, exciting place that offers attractions for every interest. Whether you are planning a family trip or a weekend getaway for two, you can check items off your bucket list and enjoy everything the city has to offer. During your visit to this exciting city, here are five places everyone should visit to get the full experience. I know I’d like to!

The Westgate New York Grand Central Resort

Got an itch to hit the big city but stay kinda local? If you are looking for a place to stay in the city that is close to the hustle and bustle of Grand Central Station, the Westgate Hotel NYC is the place to go. Not only will you have access to luxurious rooms and plentiful amenities to make your stay as relaxing and comfortable as possible, but you will also get to experience majestic, grandiose architecture that combines modern renovations with elegant gothic revival elements. A true Midtown East hotel, the Westgate Resort overlooks majestic Tudor City and offers spectacular views of the bustling nightlife from its balconies.

Times Square

Everyone has heard of the iconic Times Square, which makes the place a must-see for anyone visiting New York City. The square has something to offer everyone. Enjoy musical performances, attend Broadway musicals, shop in giant department stores and dine in iconic restaurants all located in the square. Whether you choose to visit the square during the day or at night, the experience is sure to be memorable.

Rockefeller Center

With its diverse plethora of fun attractions, Rockefeller Center can keep you entertained all day. Adventure lovers can visit the iconic skating rink located on top of the building, while music enthusiasts will enjoy the Radio City Music Hall of Fame. Stop by the Observation Deck to take in breathtaking views of the city below or take a peaceful stroll through the Channel Gardens. You can also take a tour to learn about the history of the attraction.

When you get hungry, Rockefeller Center has several restaurants on site so you can enjoy a delicious dining experience without leaving the building. From casual meals to fine-dining experiences, you are sure to find something that will satisfy your taste buds. With numerous shops located throughout the building as well, you can browse unique inventories in between snacks and meals.

The Museum of Modern Art

This museum is on every art enthusiast’s New York itinerary. Known for creative exhibitions and inspiring live performances, this attraction showcases audio and visual art from thousands of artists from all over the world. Because the museum is constantly cycling artists in and out, you will never visit the exact same attraction twice, allowing you to experience more with every trip.

The Empire State Building

No visit to New York is complete without experiencing the spectacular views offered by the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building. While the observation decks located on the 86th ad 102nd floors are the main attraction for this world-famous building, it also houses a variety of shops, exhibits and restaurants to cater to every interest. The Dare To Dream Exhibit allows you to explore the building’s rich history in an immersive way, while both fine dining and casual restaurants wait in the main lobby to treat you to a delicious meal. To complete your experience at the Empire State Building, make sure you take a stroll past it at night to view the breathtaking tower lights.

Because the city is home to so many amazing attractions, it may be difficult to choose which ones to visit on your trip. These five places are exciting and iconic, making them must-see destinations that will keep you coming back to this beautiful city.

This is a collaborative guest post.


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July 3, 2019 · 8:38 pm

Before And After with My New Sun Joe Electric High Power Pressure Washer

My husband has a gas-powered pressure washer. I love pressure washing, but it was a huge hassle to use the gas-powered unit myself.  I used to have an electric pressure washer but my husband gave it away when we got the gas-powered unit.

Over the last few years I have told him that I was going to buy a new electric power washer. When I found the Sun Joe 2030, I put it in my cart and checked out online. I ordered accessories like the power broom and the surface washer.

Check out our unboxing:

 

See the before and after of our deck

 

Check out more before and after power washing.

So what do you think about this Sun Joe Pressure Washer? Let me know in the comments.


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June 10, 2019 · 4:52 pm

19 Ingenious Travel Hacks for Busy Families

19 Ingenious Travel Hacks for Busy Families

Whether you’re getting ready to explore the country in your RV or you’re flying out of town for a much-needed getaway, traveling with kids can be great fun, but equally hectic! Getting the whole family packed and ready to go can try the patience of even the most even-keeled parents, sometimes detracting from your enjoyment of the experience. 

If you’re already frazzled thinking about navigating the family from Point A to Point B, here are 19 ingenious travel hacks to help make your next family vacation smooth and seamless. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.

#1 – Ship, Don’t Pack

If you’re planning to be away for more than a few days and are feeling stressed about fitting all your daily essentials from snacks to diapers to baby food in your suitcase, there’s another way. Instead, order these items ahead of time and ship them to your final destination, so they are ready and waiting when you arrive. 

This will be particularly helpful if you’re renting a house and want to have everything you need at your disposal once you get there without needing to take time away from your vacation to shop.  

#2 – Send Souvenirs Ahead

If you’re going away on vacation and know you’ll likely be picking up plenty of souvenirs on your trip, save yourself a headache. Send those bulky items home through a shipping company instead of trying to fit everything in your luggage. 

Souvenir stores don’t typically have an issue wrapping up and shipping your items to your home. Some may even put them in the mail for you so your goodies are ready and waiting when you get back from your trip. 

#3 – Ziplock Packing 

Make wardrobe planning for the kiddos 10 times easier, and use ziplock bags to put all their outfits together ahead of time. Each day, they can simply grab a fresh bag with shorts, a shirt, undies, socks, etc. No need to worry about mismatched socks this time!

 #4 – Stockpile Games and Activities 

Whether you’ll be going on a short or long trip, always plan ahead by bringing a bunch of games and activities to keep the little ones occupied—at least for a few hours. Check out the dollar store before your trip for things like coloring books, craft supplies, puzzles, card games, and other fun activities you know your kids will love. 

#5 – Send Yourself Mail

A special way to commemorate your vacation is to mail postcards or notes to yourself back home as you travel to various destinations. Just throw some envelopes and stamps in your suitcase before you go. 

When you visit a museum or other nifty spot, buy a postcard, have everyone sign it, and mail it back home. Those post-vacation blues won’t seem so bad when the kids have mail to return to, postmarked from all the cool places they’ve visited. 

#6 – Make Copies of Everything 

If you’ll be flying anywhere on your trip, whether domestically or abroad, scan and copy your driver’s license, ID card, passport, itinerary, and so forth. Email yourself a copy of everything and print out one of two paper copies of each (one to store in your luggage and the other to keep with you). That way, if luggage gets lost or someone steals your purse, all your essential documents will be safe. 

#7 – Lists Are Your Friend

Don’t stress yourself out trying to remember every little thing you need to bring in your luggage. Instead, make your own ultimate packing list, print it out, and keep it with you to use for this trip and ones in the future. If you do forget something one trip, be sure to add it to your list so you remember it for the next vacation. 

#8 – Safety First

If you’re traveling with kids, particularly young ones, one simple safety measure is to write out your name and number on a piece of paper, business card, etc. and put it in their pocket. You can teach your little ones to show that card or paper to a law enforcement officer or another dependable adult.

Staying at a hotel on your trip? Take the hotel’s business card at the reception desk and write your contact information on the back. In the event you and your child get separated, they’ll not only have your name and number but the hotel’s contact details. 

#9 – Buy Travel-Size Hygiene Items 

Don’t lug big bottles of shampoo and tubes of toothpaste on your next trip. Instead, purchase travel-size hygiene and personal items ahead of time (i.e. mouthwash, body wash, shampoo, toothbrushes), that you can easily throw away when you’re done and ready to go home. 

#10 – Use Backseat Organizers for Road Trips

If you’re going on a road trip, whether for a few days or a week, backseat organizers will be your (and your child’s) new best friend. Organizers like this one are a great way to keep everything from snacks and drinks to games and tablets easily accessible and orderly.

#11 – Make Your Own First-Aid Kit 

Just in case anyone gets any scrapes along the way, put together your own first aid kit with all the essentials like bandaids, antiseptic wipes, Tylenol, etc., to ensure you’re prepared for any unanticipated boo-boos. 

#12 – Listen to Books 

Listening to audiobooks is a fantastic way to keep everyone in the car occupied on long road trips. From gripping stories to educational content, books on tape can be a dual-purpose learning and entertainment experience for the kids. 

#13 – Movie Time

If you’ve listened to your favorite book for a few hours and the kids need a change of pace, pull out your laptop and play their favorite show or movie. You can set up your laptop on the car console so everyone can enjoy. 

#14 – Plan Ahead

Whether you’re catching an early morning flight or hitting the road before the sun comes up, plan to download and pack up your kids’ game and movie entertainment the night ahead. You’ll likely be running about the morning of the trip attending to last minute details. 

Make sure your iPad or laptop is finished downloading and ready to go, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about. 

#15 – Use a Vacuum Seal Bag 

When you’re going on a lengthy getaway, it can be daunting to figure out how to fit all your clothes into your luggage. This is where vacuum-sealed bags can save the day. Put your clothes in the bags, seal them with your vacuum cleaner, and voila! The bag has shrunk down to a minute size, giving you much more room in your carry-on and suitcase. 

#16 – Pick Up Some Quirky and Bright Baggage Tags 

As fun as it is playing the waiting game standing at the luggage carousel, straining your eyes to pick out your suitcase amongst the sea of other identical baggage, why not simplify things? Before your trip, pick up some bright and colorful tags for your baggage to jot down your contact information on. Not only will you have an easier time spotting your luggage right off the bat, but the kids can compete to see who can find their quirky baggage tag first. 

#17 – Pack Empty Water Bottles to Fill Once You Get Through Security

Pack a couple of empty water bottles that you can refill after you get through airport security. Not only will you save a little money, not having to purchase airport bottled water, but you won’t have to worry about thirsty kiddos on the plane after the drink cart rolls off. 

#18 – Fix Some Meals In Your Hotel

If you’ll be staying in a hotel, consider booking a room with a kitchenette featuring a few kitchen essentials that you can prepare some easy meals in. Not only can you stretch your budget a little further, but when the kids are hungry or in dire need of a snack, you can easily whip something up. 

Check out the grocery store nearest your hotel to pick up a few favorite food items for the whole family. Your hotel room coffee maker can easily do double duty to make some instant oatmeal and ramen for those last minute snacks.

Need to stretch your legs after the long car or plane ride? Check out these 5 tips for family fitness to keep everyone active and help the kids release some of that pent up energy. 

#19 – Navigating the Airport With Ease

Okay, so this final hack is really three rolled into one. 

First, if you’re trying to get seats with your family on the plane and are unable to when you book the flight, continue to reach out to the airline in the week, 48 hours, and 24 hours preceding your departure. Airlines have been known to reserve seats just for families, then release them a week before the flight. Once you hit the 24 and 48-hour point, elites frequently upgrade, which opens up more seats in economy. 

Second, skip lengthy airport security waits by heading to the family lane at TSA. The majority of major airports have family lanes to streamlines the process for travelers with children. Finally, do yourself a favor and pre-book an airport transfer both to and from your accommodation. You’ll save money on airport parking and have one less component to worry about. 

 

This is a guest post, the ideas and views are not necessarily those of Mommy Ramblings.

Rachel Warren is a Research Analyst and Writer for CarInsuranceComparison.com. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies from the Liberty University School of Law. Rachel leverages nearly a decade’s prior experience in the legal field and her diverse digital marketing background to create data-rich, informative, engaging content for readers regarding car insurance, legal, finance, career, and lifestyle topics.

 


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May 30, 2019 · 9:26 pm

Teaching Your Children About the Relationship Between Time and Money

Sadly, we’re rarely taught in schools about money. Sure, we learn about Pythagoras Theorem but when was the last time that was useful in real life? Never, right?! Your children face the same dilemma with confusing messages about what money is and how it relates to time. It’s up to you as a parent to fill in the blanks for them, so they get a more well-rounded education. Here are some ideas on how to teach your children the connection between time and money.

Preschoolers and Kindergartners

You might think the little ones don’t notice how you spend money and what you do with it, but they do. In fact, many habits around money are created when only a few years old. As we know, kids model their parents’ behavior, so parents must set a good example.

Use a Mason Jar for Savings

While a piggy bank is more traditional, a mason jar is better because a preschooler or kindergartner can see the money inside. A small amount of savings can go a long way by slowly filling up the jar and having them see how much is in there.

Work = Money

Even a young son or daughter can begin to understand the importance of money. That mommy or daddy go out to work to earn money is something they can begin to understand. Their teacher at school makes money when teaching them too.

Things Cost Money

Showing how different items in the store cost different amounts is helpful. Even connecting which candies are tastier but cost more is a useful concept to share.

Cash

Middle School

Middle school students begin to see and touch money more often. However, that doesn’t mean that they understand how time equals money. That’s especially true when parents just hand them an allowance without having to do anything to earn it.

Pay vs Free Allowance

Kids shouldn’t be given a free allowance. This sets the stage for money being something they can just expect for free.

There’s plenty of age-appropriate chores around the house that middle schoolers are perfectly capable of doing, no matter how much they might moan about it. This might include tidying up their room and putting their toys away when they’re younger. Mowing the lawn when older and being supervised for safety reasons is another one. Dealing with the trash also makes clear that not every chore is necessarily pleasant, but rewards come from putting in the time.

Get Them Involved with Finding Bargains

Turn family food shopping into a game. Start with a budget for the week and let them plan out what should be purchased. Depending on their maturity and knowledge about what ingredients are needed for different meals, it might be necessary to create several meal plans with a list of ingredients, so they have a place to start.

They can then be allowed to choose between different meal ideas depending on the deals in the store that day. Offer them a financial incentive when they save money, as long as the meals are nutritious and sufficient for everyone in the household. Then have them save half of the money for a medium-term goal like buying a smartphone or a tablet.

Sale

Teenagers

With teenagers, aim for the bigger things to make an impact and let them feel more in control.

Free Samples

Teenagers love to get things for free but often don’t appreciate the time it takes to secure them. It’s true that many free samples require a time investment. And that’s perfectly okay. Most bargain hunting or coupon cutting takes time out of the day too.

Advise Against Student Loans

Teach teenagers to work part-time to make money to save for college. They’ll have an early financial goal to work towards and value the education far more. If they can get a scholarship, great, but don’t let them rely on that. Tell them that taking out student loans isn’t the answer because of all the hours of future work to repay the loans.

As long as children make a clear connection between time spent and money earned, they’ll be in a better position when they become adults. This connection avoids them spending frivolously without realizing the consequences down the line.

Student Loans

This is a collaborative guest post. The thoughts and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.


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May 29, 2019 · 10:41 pm

Your Smile Health = You Body Health – Oral-B Giveaway #SmileHealth

Your smile says so much about your personality, but do you know it speaks volumes about your health? It’s not only what we put in our mouth that matters, but how we take care of it, that leads to a healthy heart, mind and body. Good oral health can limit your exposure to heart disease, stroke and memory loss. This is why it’s so important to start taking care of your oral health early, a healthy mouth equals a healthy you!

From a young child the importance of not eating too many sweets, making sure to brush and floss morning and night, see the dentist twice a year for cleanings and take care of any problems immediately. I remember when I had braces, that the importance of brushing effectively was stressed by my orthodontist.

photo smile-health-download-450x583_zpshmbjq2vn.png

The people at Smile Health Dental Plans know this and they have come up with one of the most simple and affordable Dental plans on the market today! Smile Health Dental Plans would like to know how you take care of your oral health and what you do to ensure a healthy smile! Check out their website at https://smilehealth.com.

About Smile Health Dental Plans:
Smile Health Dental Plans are an affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance. Members pay an annual fee to receive discounts all year-long. And with Smile Health Dental Plans there are no hidden costs, just savings of 20% or more on many preventative, restorative and cosmetic dental treatments. You get immediate benefits, no health restrictions, no waiting periods, no claims, no maximums, and more!

We tossed our conventional toothbrushes years ago. Instead we replaced them with electronic versions from Oral-B. Our teeth and gums feel so much cleaner and healthier, we have never looked back.

Oral-B Toothbrush

Giveaway:

Exciting news, you can enter for your chance to win a “Your Smile Health = Your Body Health” Care Kit. Check out below for all it includes and then enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. 

Your Smile Health = Your Body Health” Care Kit for you and one to giveaway to a lucky reader that includes:

1 – Oral B Vitality Electric Toothbrush
1 – Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste Travel Size
1 – Oral B Glide Floss
1 – Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Oral Rinse
1 – Smile Health = Body Health PDF pamphlet

You can see our video unboxing below:

Your Smile Health = Your Body Health” Care Kit Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Each household is only eligible to win “Your Smile Health = Your Body Health” Care Kit via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.The prize will be sent via FedEx or USPS. No P.O. Boxes please.

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