Tag: tips and tricks | Baby Doodah!

Turn It Up Tuesday a Blog Link-Up – #84

Posted on April 27 by Jillian416 • 3 Comments

Welcome to the 84th week here at Turn It Up Tuesday! This is the last week of April…and the last week for our Just to Say Thank You Giveaway!!!!

So happy to have you here with us this week!! Lots of exciting posts being featured this week – We have posts about Pinterest Tips, to gorgeous kitchen makeovers. Definitely some posts you want to check out! Link-up below and show us what you’ve got!

Last week, we had an awesome time on Turn It Up Tuesday with 315 links – another amazing week! We’d like to thank each and every one of you for making every week so amazing! Keep sharing your amazing posts with us here on Turn It Up Tuesday!

Turn It Up Tuesdays is all about being happy, excited, energetic…and having fun! Link up your favorite posts (old or new) and meet some awesome bloggers in return! Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, recipes, mommy moments — anything at all. We want to laugh, be entertained, be inspired, and have a good time!

Thanks so much to everyone that joins us each week and makes this blog hop the best that it could be!

SPONSOR OF THE MONTH

Our sponsor for April is Great Escapes Travel Agency.

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Great Escapes Travel is a full service travel agency specializing in Leisure and Group Travel.
We plan land based vacations, cruises, destination weddings, and honeymoons to U.S. destinations, as well as the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico.

At Great Escapes Travel, we are not mere order takers who book your trip and then leave you on your own. We are “Escape Artists”. As Escape Artists, we act as an adviser and a resource for our clients. We take the time to talk with our clients to really get to know them. Then we are able to create the perfect vacation experience created just for them. We provide personalized service that is tailored to meet each of our client’s needs. We work with our clients every step of the way – before, during and after the trip. We make ourselves available to our clients by phone, text, email, and Facebook. And we guarantee that someone will respond to you within 24 hours.

Are you looking to get your blog or website in front of numerous people per week? Do you enjoy Turn It Up Tuesdays? Interested in having your blog or website featured for an entire month?
Then, sponsor Turn It Up Tuesday for a month by clicking here!

Welcome the lovely ladies of Turn It Up Tuesday!

(from the top – left to right)

And welcome our awesome guest hosts for April!

TUT Apr 2015

(from the top – left to right)

Mionna from Just Mi! | Kori from Just Another Mom | Cathy from Brand New Mom Blog | Rachel from Rae Loves | Free from Couponin Diva

(not pictured)

Minnie from The Country Cooking Queen’s Weight loss and healthy eathing blog | Christina from Super Mommy-n-Me

Interested in being a guest host for the month or becoming a permanent co-host?

Complete the form here! Monthly guest hosts will be chosen on a first come first-serve basis.

Here are the Featured posts from last week!

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Kori chose 7 Powerful Pinterest Tips from Tabler Party of Two. “I chose this one because I’m trying to learn more about Pinterest and this post was very practical as far as the advice that she gave.”

Jillian also chose this post. “I am always looking for more tips to master Pinterest and this post is seriously full of them!!”

Kimberly (Being a Wordsmith) also chose this post. “Andrea’s post has some great tips about using Pinterest to attract traffic to your blog. I am always looking for new ways to improve this method of social media.”

Kori chose Bite Size Beignets from Lou Lou Girls. “I was born in New Orleans, famous for it’s beignets so when I saw this post, I was drawn to it instantly. I can’t believe how easy that recipe is!”

Cream Puffs with Strawberry Cream Poster

Lisa chose Cream Puffs with Strawberry Cream from A Sprinkle of This and That. “Cream puffs with Strawberry Cream inside. Enough said! I can’t wait to make these!!”

Lisa chose Kids, Social Media and Bullying – What Should A Parent Teach? from Not Your Ordinary Psychic Mom. “I love this post! Informative and every parent needs to read it and share with their children. Social Media bullying is now the new old bullying and it needs to be stopped and we need to better educate our children about it. Great post.”

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Mari chose Ways to Enjoy a Simpler Lifestyle from Little House Living. “I love things that will allow me to stay present and enjoy each moment. When I began to practice Yoga and Meditation a few years ago focusing on breathing, just breathing was an awesome freedom. We take our breaths for granted, so her tips really made me smile and enjoy the read.”

succulent cuttings collage

Mari chose Succulent cuttings from Sum of their Stories. “I couldn’t pass on Julie’s share because if you visit my blog you will see I am obsessed with Succulent Plants!!!! They are easy to maintain and multiply and a lovely addition to brighten any room in your home. This post made me get up and work on some more cuttings! Thanks Julie!”

Workplace outside in the sun with a break memo

Free chose Why You Need to Take a Break from Just Another Mom. “As a mom to two toddlers my life is always on go mode. I always want to relax but never take the time to do so. I know I need a break.”

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Free chose How to Customize Jetpack Related Posts from The Lady Errant. “I love learning how to do something new for my blog and making the most of the things that matter most to me and my blog.”

Jillian also chose this post. “Personalizing my blog as much as possible, will help me build a brand. This post has taught me how to personalize my Jetpack “related posts,” which is something I had no idea could be done!”

Ginger also chose this post. “I have jetpack but I rally had no idea how to use it. This post was very informative and I will definitely be referring back to it.”

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Zografia chose The Kitchen – Back to the Future Style from Family and the Lake House. “I wish our kitchen was as beautiful as this one! I love the backsplash!”

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Zografia chose 5 Fun Cleaning Games to Play with Your Kids from Cornerstone Confessions. “Our 18 month old loves cleaning and helping when i cook. These games will come in handy!”

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Stacey chose Rocky Road Cookie Bars from Lou Lou Girls. “These look absolutely wonderful! For me there is nothing better than chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts! Thank you so much for sharing!”

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Ginger chose DIY Movie Theater Sign from Lou Lou Girls. “I have a movie themed party coming up and this would make a great decorative touch.”

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Kimberly (Being a Wordsmith) chose Titles I Would Have So Owned, If I Wasn’t “Mom” from Laugh Out Loud Mommy. “Brittany gave me a good laugh at her numerous character roles before she was a mom. I found myself wondering which ones I would “so own”!”

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Tina chose DIY Stenciled Hot Pad Holder from View from the Fridge. “What a wonderful idea, I love this tutorial,nice and easy?,thanks for sharing.”

Homemade-Protein-Popsicles

Tina chose Easy Popsicle Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Popsicles from Gym. Craft. Laundry. “I love these protein popsicles. A great way to treat yourself!Thanks for sharing.”

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Natasha chose Teaching Kids About Money from Three Kids and a Fish. “What a great idea to take your child to the bank to build a relationship with money! I’m definitely going to have to do that with my son. Thanks for sharing!”

Natasha chose 14 Different Ways to Increase Your Blog’s Pinterest Traffic from MBA SAHM. “I’ve been looking for ways to increase my Pinterest traffic, and these are definitely some great tips to help me on my way. Great post!”

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The post with the most clicks is The Absolute, Best Thing About Blogging! from Earning & Saving with Sarah Fuller.

Stop by and show some love to our featured bloggers this week! I’m sure they’d all appreciate it!

If you were featured above, feel free to share the badge below with pride on your blog or website!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitupbuttonfeature1_zps09bd5c75.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

And the Best of the Best is…

We have a tie for 1st place…

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7 Powerful Pinterest Tips from Tabler Party of Two

jetpack-related-posts

How to Customize Jetpack Related Posts from The Lady Errant

And a tie for second place…

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Rocky Road Cookie Bars from Lou Lou Girls

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5 Fun Cleaning Games to Play with Your Kids from Cornerstone Confessions

Show some love to our Best of the Best bloggers this week!!!!

Best of the Best Bloggers – make sure to showcase the button below on your blog!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitupbuttonbest_zps00692ef1.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Giveaways!

This month, we did something a bit different with our giveaway! Each week this month, we selected one entrant to win $50 Paypal cash! You increase your chances of winning by stopping by each week and entering to win!

$50 Paypal Cash Giveaway

The winners from the 1st 3 weeks of the Just to Say Thank You Giveaway have been announced!

Week 1 Winner: Kelly L.

Week 2 Winner: Carrie from The Frugal Foodie Mama

Week 3 Winner: Stephanie K.

There is still 1 more chance to win this week before our Just to Say Thank You Giveaway officially ends…make sure to enter to win!

This week is our Instagram week – so be sure to follow the host, co-hosts, and guest hosts below for your chance to win $50 Paypal cash!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
So now that you’ve met our Sponsor for the month, our hosts and guest hosts, our Featured, the Best of the Best, and checked out our Thank You $50 Paypal Cash Giveaway,

let’s get started!

– Show some love to your hosts and co-hosts simply by following them on social media and leaving a comment so they can follow you back. – Link up as many posts as you’d like! The more, the merrier! – Check out some of the other posts and make some new friends! – Grab the button below and showcase on your sidebar! Invite your fellow bloggers to join the fun!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitup1_zps05216d89.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Link up your posts, make some friends, and earn the chance to be featured or become the Best of the Best on Turn It Up Tuesday! We will feature the favorite posts each week! **Disclaimer: Adding your link to this link party gives permission to Epic Mommy Adventures, along with co-hosts, guest hosts, and participants of Turn It Up Tuesday, to share your posts and pictures via social media and as features, roundups, etc. with an explicit link back to the original source.**

An InLinkz Link-up

Interested in reading all of our favorite posts on Turn It Up Tuesdays – past or present? Or do want to know if your post was featured before we go live next week? Follow Natasha Peter’s board Featured on Turn It Up Tuesdays! on Pinterest.

Filed Under: Link-Ups

Tips for Toddler Tooth Brushing

Posted on April 6 by Jillian416 • 11 Comments

When it comes time to brush their teeth, does your toddler run screaming for the hills? Or better yet, maybe they don’t run, they just scream?

We’ve been there! Emmett is a pro at holding the toothbrush and pretending to brush, but when it comes time for mommy or daddy to get in there, it’s a battle. Since we’ve struggled so much over the last several months, I thought I’d share some of the tips that I’ve come across in my search for toothbrushing GREATNESS! My hope is that you will find success with at least one of them, or maybe a mix of several.

When it comes to brushing their teeth, most toddlers are more interested in sucking the toothpaste off of the brush, chewing on the bristles or just plain splashing in the water. But, there are ways that you can correct this behavior, and get their pearly, baby whites, brushed.
… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Toddlers

How to Run – When You Think You Hate Running

Posted on March 25 by Jillian416 • 20 Comments

Running is one of the best forms of cardio activity around. But, many people struggle to succeed, or even find the motivation to get moving. Running’s no joke! It’s hard work, but even if you desipise the beginning stages of running, using some of these tips will help get you started on the right foot.

I have always loved runners. My uncle and sister were runners, and I was always so envious of the smooth and easy way their bodies moved when they ran. Running to me always seemed like such a chore, one that I dreaded ever having to do. That is, until I started training for a half marathon, around the time that I was getting ready to get married. It was definitely tough, in the beginning, but after training for a few weeks, I found my groove and never looked back!

Obviously, I’m not currently running, and I’m struggling to get the motivation to get moving again, so I want to share with you my tips on how to enjoy running even if you think you hate it!

Filed Under: Health / Fitness Tips, Uncategorized

Getting Started with No Sugar, No Grains

Posted on February 3 by Jillian416 • 0 Comments

Preparing to follow the No Sugar, No Grains lifestyle (NSNG) should be fun and exciting! I want to share our process for getting started, in hopes that it will make your transition easier and more effective.

So, you’ve been giving the idea of eating better some real thought. You’ve come across NSNG and it sounds like something you could really excel at and even enjoy! But you’re unsure how to get started because your house is currently full of food filled with sugar and grains. Have no fear! I’m going to provide you some tips on how to get focused on your goals, clear your kitchen and re-stock, without breaking the budget.

Getting Started

It’s important to have a good foundation set-up for yourself before you begin the No Sugar, No Grains lifestyle. If you leave your kitchen full of the tempting food that you’re now going to be avoiding, it will make this lifestyle even tougher.

My advice? Get rid of anything that you can’t eat (except for those items that your children may be eating). Give it away, you don’t need to throw it out. A food kitchen likely won’t take opened food, but a friend might. Ask around, there’s likely someone who will be interested in those cheez-its you’ve been hoarding.

The reason cleaning out the kitchen is so important, is because when you’re hungry and you stroll into the kitchen, you’re likely going to reach for the first thing you see, or something that you can grab quick. When we’re hungry our resolve to eat the right foods weakens, if your kitchen is free of them – then you have no choice but to go for that delicious Honeycrisp apple, instead of the Reese’s Peanut Butter cup.

You may be wondering whether it is worth changing your habits to eat this way, right?!

For me, it has been absolutely worth it! I am losing weight and not starving. I am NOT obsessing over calories, or points – I don’t worry about when my next meal is (because I never feel hungry).

One other reason you might consider making the switch… My body feels AMAZING! My brain is clear, I can think easier and come to solutions faster and my body doesn’t ache like it once did, when it was full of gluten. I’m telling you, it is SO worth it!

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again… nothing will happen if you don’t make the switch, you’ll likely continue living your life quite happily – but by switching you may find that you feel 10 times better, and that you don’t even miss the sugar or grains.

How We Did It

We certainly don’t know everything, but I wanted to share how we went about adopting this lifestyle, in hopes that you may benefit from our experiences.

Seamus and I had heard of NSNG from a radio show we listened to. At first we were skeptical, we felt like there was no way we would do it. I mean, when you think, no more brownies, or no more crusty bread with your pasta, it can feel a little overwhelming. However, one day after Seamus had a particularly sucky week and couldn’t concentrate, he decided to give NSNG a try.

Sidenote: You will hear a lot about all the problems that gluten can cause in your body. It’s true! That’s part of why your mental clarity returns when you stop eating it.

Within a month of starting, not only was he thinking clearer, Seamus had lost 20 lbs with little effort, other than changing his diet. He’s kept losing, and now my husband, who is 6’5″ weighs 182 lbs (and trust me, he is not starving). This lifestyle really works!

After seeing his success, I was instantly motivated to give it a try. I attempted a start on several different occasions, but always quit by lunch time. Why? I wasn’t prepared, my house was full of the foods that I couldn’t eat, and my willpower to avoid them was weak. But then the new year rolled around and I decided to make a change, and to challenge myself.

On January 1st I made the choice to be dedicated to the NSNG way of life for 31 days. It was enough time to see how I would feel, and short enough where my mind didn’t start to panic about the change. My 31 days are now over, and I have no plans on stopping. I still feel great, and I’m losing weight (I’ve lost 8 lbs in 4 weeks). Why stop!?

What’s unique about NSNG?

We’ve been told for SO long that fat is bad, that it’s the enemy and that we should avoid it. But, my husband is living proof that fat isn’t bad – sugar and grains are.

Implenting NSNG is simple. Just stop eating sugar, substitute sugars and grains and you’re locked and loaded. But, of course it is more complicated than that, you have a brain who is addicted to sugar and believes that without grains (specifically pasta or bread) you’ll never make it. I’m here to tell you, you don’t need bread – with the amount of healthy fats that you’re allowed to eat, you won’t miss it.

Still Struggling to Get Started? Here are Some Easy Actionable Steps for You to Follow

Clear the cupboards. Go through your cupboards and get rid of everything that contains a sugar or a grain. No, you don’t need to throw it away – donate it or give it to a family / friend who has not adopted the NSNG lifestyle.
Meal plan. Before you go shopping to restock those now empty cupboards, spend time making a meal plan (you can see my tips on making one by clicking on the link).
Eat breakfast / lunch, before shopping. Make a shopping list and eat breakfast / lunch before heading out the door, you never want to shop on an empty stomach.
Stick to the list. Seriously! At least for the first few weeks, buy exactly what you wrote down. Your resolve may not be strong enough to say no to the junk, otherwise.
Food prep is key. Spend some time prepping what you can, cutting veggies, washing fruit – making certain meals ahead of time.
Eat the fat. Eat lots of yummy fat and protein and don’t let yourself get too hungry so you begin craving foods you shouldn’t eat. The one thing this does not mean is, eating fast food. You want fats that do not include grains or sugars!
Allow for imperfection. This one is HUGE! Don’t beat yourself up if you have a cookie at the company pot luck, or if you need to grab something on the run and you have a bun from a burger. This is life, it is going to happen – what is important is that you cut grains and sugars out of your life for the majority of the time.

How Do I Know this Will Work?

As I mentioned earlier, Seamus has lost 65 lbs simply by following the NSNG lifestyle. I can’t even attribute much of it to exercise, because he injured his back and hasn’t been able to run since August. He’s just followed NSNG, walked and has lost the weight.

If you’re interested in learning more about NSNG, or are maybe want to start following this lifestyle, Vinnie Tortorich has a book, Fitness Confidential and a self-titled podcast. There’s a wealth of information, all stuff I’ve personally benefited from!

I plan on sharing more about NSNG around these parts, possibly even recipes so be on the lookout for those!

Your turn!

Have you tried any diets and failed?

What’s your favorite way to eat healthy and lose weight? Have you ever thought about eating a diet high in fat and protein, in order to lose weight?

What other questions do YOU have about this way of life?

Looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to get your news? Check-out theSkimm and sign-up for your daily email box delivery of the world’s news, plus if you share your birthday, you get it listed at the bottom of the newsletter on your day. It’s like celebrating with thousands of people!!!!

This post may contain affiliate links. This does not change the cost for you, simply helps to provide for my family. Thank you!

Filed Under: All About Me, Food & Recipes

How to Choose the Best Diapers for Your Tot

Posted on September 1 by Jillian416 • 8 Comments

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. Thank you for supporting my family!! #CollectiveBias

If you’re pregnant, you know that diapers are a given. There are a bunch of different options out there, you can go the cloth route, or any one of the disposable options that are available. I knew, when Emmett was born, that we would go with disposable, I commend those that use cloth diapers, but it just wasn’t for me.

We started with a name brand, but found it to be very pricey and no more effective that Wal-mart’s brand Parent’s Choice diapers. When we decided to give the Parent’s Choice diapers a try, I’ll admit to being skeptical. I had heard horror stories of how some store brand diapers didn’t work very well. However, I was pleasantly surprised! They fit Emmett’s little tush as well as any other diaper we tried, and they were (and continue to be) SUPER absorbent.

The true test for me was when we would take his diaper off after a nap and it would be full of pee, but his bottom would still feel dry. No one wants their baby or toddler sitting in a damp diaper, that’s what causes a diaper rash. There’s none of that with Parent’s Choice diapers.

Let me also let you in on a little secret – these diapers are so SO affordable!! Depending on the size of diaper your child wears, will determine how much you’re paying per diaper. But, as a for instance, Emmett currently wears a size 6, if you look at the graphic below, you will see that each diaper in a size 6 costs $0.26!! That’s kind of insane! Considering a competitor brand can cost $0.44 a piece. That’s almost double!! By switching to Parent’s Choice, we’re saving about $240 annually. That’s well worth the switch!!

And if you’re looking for the new and improved Parent’s Choice diapers, here are the Walmarts that carry them!!

How to Choose the Best Diapers for Your Tot

Determine What Will Fit into Your Budget – Realistically, you’re going to be paying for diapers until your tot is at least two. Some toddlers will potty train early, but others will not. So, don’t get your heart set on a brand that is out of your price range, and you won’t want to pay ~$50 a month for 2 or 3 years.
Try Several Different Brands – Once you’ve determined what you can afford, try different brands that fit in your budget. This will give you the opportunity to see what will fit around your cutie’s legs and waist. My advice is to get very small bags of each brand you try, you don’t want to waste money by buying too many and having none of them fit.
Look for a Gap – Sure, when your baby is brand new, diapers may seem a little giant on them, but be sure to check around the legs, ESPECIALLY, to ensure little to no gapping. Blowouts are common in tiny babies, and I’m sure you’d rather avoid the mess coming out of the leg holes. 🙂
Pay Attention to the Weight Guidelines – If you look at the packages of all Parent’s Choice diapers, they have the weight guidelines for each size of diaper. Remember, it is a guide, so your tot may not be ready to move up when they hit a specific weight, but in the same token, they may need to jump ahead early. Just make a mental note.
Baby’s Comfort – If you’re noticing any red indentations around your baby or toddler’s waist or legs, it may mean that the current diaper you’re using is too tight or just doesn’t fit your child well. Don’t leave them to be uncomfortable, make the switch to a different brand.

I highly recommend you use these 5 tips when trying to ensure a diaper is a good fit for you child. However, before you go out and splurge on expensive diapers, I highly recommend you give Parent’s Choice a try.

Right now, you can use this coupon and get a discount on your next purchase of Parent’s Choice diapers. #BabyDiapersSavings

Your turn!

Have you ever tried Parent’s Choice diapers? If so, what are you thoughts?

How did you determine which brand of disposable diapers to go with, or if you use cloth, how did you choose that route?

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. Thank you for supporting my family!

Filed Under: Emmett, Family

Turn It Up Tuesday – #45

Posted on July 28 by Jillian416 • 2 Comments

Welcome to the 45th week of Turn It Up Tuesday!

Thanks so much to everyone that joins us each week and makes this blog hop the best that it could be!

This is the last week for our July sponsor and guest hosts – so please stop by and show them some love!! We’ll be introducing some new guest hosts and a new sponsor next week!

As you may know, Turn It Up Tuesdays is all about being happy, excited, energetic…and having fun! Link up your favorite posts and meet some awesome bloggers in return! Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, recipes, mommy moments — anything at all, as long as it is family-friendly. We want to laugh, be entertained, be inspired, and have a good time!

SPONSOR OF THE MONTH

Rhonda from Mother 2 Mother Blog

Rhonda is a single mom blogger from the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. She writes on parenting and family, home gardening, and her thoughts on life.

Stop by and check out her blog…it’s definitely a great read!

Are you interested in having your blog or website featured in this spot? Then, sponsor Turn It Up Tuesday for a month! Click here! It’s only $5 for an entire month!

Welcome the lovely ladies of Turn It Up Tuesday!

(from the top – left to right)

And welcome our awesome guest hosts for July!

(from the top – left to right)

Interested in being a guest host or becoming a permanent co-host?

Complete the form here! Monthly co-hosts will be chosen on a first come first-serve basis. We’re now accepting guest hosts for August & September.

Here are the Featured posts from last week!

Victoria chose What Moms Are Really Thinking When You Want to Visit Their Newborn from Wirl Mamas. “I chose this post because it was entertaining and spoke the truth. There are some things that guests have to keep in mind when visiting a mom who has just had a baby. I especially agree that they should hold back on the lies about saying that you look good when obviously you do not after hours of being in labor.”

Katie also chose this post. “This article is hilarious … And SO TRUE!! Having recently just had our third child, I can totally relate! This should be sent as a public service announcement to all before anyone goes to see a newborn! Tell us we look good … And bring food (ha!).”

This post also received the most clicks.

Cathy chose Lemon Sugar Scrub from Melanie Gets Married. “I love everything lemon … and I have wanted to try making my own scrub. I love the ingredients and simplicity of this scrub! Can’t wait to make some!”

Silvie also chose this post. “I chose this as my favorite post this week because I am a big believer that you must take care of your skin. When ever I find something that will allow me to pamper myself while taking care of my skin, then it’s an automatic win! I tried Melanie’s recipe and I absolutely love it, the results and the scent is amazing!”

Cindy chose How to Make a Giant Outdoor Water Bed from My Frugal Adventures. “I chose this because it looks like it would be a lot of fun for kids of all ages. It is also a project that I think I could actually make!”

Katy chose Top 10 Christian Pinterest Boards from Satisfaction Through Christ. “I’m a big fan of roundups that help me focus my energies when I head into a time-sucking platform like Pinterest. Knowing these particular boards have the backing of a respected blogger makes me that much more excited to check out their content, knowing I am headed in the right direction and will find lots of inspiration. For as easy as it is to find just about anything on Pinterest, that sometimes makes it feel overwhelming and I like that I can use posts like this to streamline my searches.”

Rhonda chose I Got 99 Problems But Perky Boobs Ain’t One from Pig and Dac. “I found this post hilarious! We all know life changes after childbirth, but it also changes our bodies and not for the better. Accepting these changes requires a look back and a look forward, and that’s exactly what this blogger did as she tells her story.”

Natasha also chose this post. “This post is so hilariously funny! My boobs went poof too, and I only have 1 child. Our bodies definitely change after having a baby, and it is so important to accept our new bodies once they develop. Regardless, I enjoyed this post! Still laughing! Great post!”

Rachel chose Magnolia Leaf Wreath from Canary Street Crafts. “I chose this post because I love the elegant simplicity and personalization of this wreath. It is perfect any time of year and can the monogram really adds a special touch to any front door.”

Ashley chose DIY Rice Bag from The Crafty Side of Sarcasm. “Rice bags are one of my favorite blogging tools. I use one to right my wrist on when working on the laptop and can’t wait to make one for my office desk!”

Jillian chose The Only Picture I Regretted Taking // iMO from Logan Can… “I love this post because I feel the exact same way as Logan. I can’t help but take every single photo possible of my son, and I love how she shares how important it is to her and why.”

Alycia chose Let’s Start A Revolution! from B Marie Photography. “I love the message in this post. Finding the beauty in ourselves will help us to teach our children that everyone is beautiful and to find things they love about themselves. I am guilty of this for sure, but after reading this, I am going to start making a conscious effort to see the beauty!”

Jessica chose Unplugging From Technology For Healthier Family Living from Urban Naturale. “This is sooo true!! I also liked how she refers to 3 year old’s using some sort of technology today too. That totally hit me bacause I have a 3 year old who loves youtube videos! Since health has been my number one concern these tips are spot on to get the family involved and “unplug” for a couple hours. At the same time, it promotes family time which we all want and need :).”

Stacey chose Homemade Honey Wheat Bread Recipe! from Thrifty NW Mom. “I have really been giving strong consideration to starting to bake my families bread from scratch. My family can really go through 6 to 8 loaves during the two weeks between grocery store trips, of store bought bread and curious if it would be cheaper to make it fresh. This recipe looks wonderful and I am looking forward to giving it a try! Thank you so much for sharing!”

Tara chose DIY Door Frame Chalkboard from Latte Everyday. “When I saw this I thought, “what a genius idea!” I would have never thought of that. So creative how Megan turned a door frame into a chalkboard sign, I just love it! Love the message that she wrote on it too!”

Stop by and show some love to our featured bloggers this week! I’m sure they’d all appreciate it!

If you were featured above, feel free to share the badge below with pride on your blog or website!

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And the Best of the Best is…

I Got 99 Problems But Perky Boobs Ain’t One from Pig and Dac

What Moms Are Really Thinking When You Want to Visit Their Newborn from Wirl Mamas

Show some love to our Best of the Best bloggers this week!!!!

As the Best of the Best, you win free ad space on Epic Mommy Adventures for 30 days! Please showcase the badge below with pride on your blog!

Please send an e-mail to Natasha at 1EpicMommy@gmail.com and she will provide you with all the details!

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So now that you’ve met our sponsor of the month, our hosts and co-hosts, and the Featured and the Best of the Best…

let’s get started!

Show some love to your hosts and co-hosts simply by following them on social media and leaving a comment so they can follow you back.
Link up as many posts as you’d like! The more, the merrier!
Check out some of the other posts and make some new friends!

Grab the button below and showcase on your sidebar! Invite your fellow bloggers to join the fun!

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Link up your posts, make some friends, and earn the chance to be featured or become the Best of the Best on Turn It Up Tuesday! We will feature the favorite posts each week!

An InLinkz Link-up

Interested in reading all of the Featured Posts on Turn It Up Tuesdays? Or do want to know if your post was featured before we go live next week? Follow Natasha Peter’s board Featured on Turn It Up Tuesdays! on Pinterest.

Filed Under: All About Me, Link-Ups

Preparing Your Toddler for a Move

Posted on February 16 by Jillian416 • 86 Comments

Tips for Preparing Your Toddler for a Move

I don’t know about any of you, but I get super unsettled when I know I’m moving in the near future and won’t feel “at home,” for several weeks. While you pack your clothes, or in your toddler’s case, their toys are packed up, they will know things are changing. You at least have the ability to comprehend the changes that are occurring around you, your toddler likely has no way to understand without your help.

Emmett’s pretty bright, but I could tell that he was feeling a little off yesterday when we first started cleaning, throwing things away and putting stuff into boxes. He seemed a little on edge and was more cranky than normal. Plus, he refused to go down for a nap, which rarely happens. It got me thinking, I have NO idea how to prepare him for a move, so some research was in order.

Since the whole point of my blog is to share my experiences as a first time mom, here are some of my tips for preparing your toddler for the upcoming move.

Ways to prepare your toddler for a move

Fill Your Little One in – They’re more perceptive than you might think, so take the time and get down to their level and explain what’s going on in short sentences they’ll understand. We did just that!
As soon as we found out that we would have to move, Seamus spoke with Emmett and told him we’d be living in a new place soon, but that we loved him so much and would do our best to make it easy for him
Involve the Little One in Viewings – I know some folks may disagree with me here, but I think it’s a great idea to bring your child along to go visit the homes they may be living in. It’s their home too, and they deserve to see it.
We took Emmett with us to the viewings we had the other day, and intend to include him each time. I really want him to know how important he is.
Comfort Immediately – With all the changes that are bound to be going on, your toddler is likely to have some rough days where they just need a long hug and some kind words. Don’t hesitate with these! Yes, you are busy and there’s a lot going on, but nothing is more important than the care and needs of your toddler. Hug them, talk to them, heck, even play with them if they need a change of scenery.
Stay Happy and Upbeat – I totally get it, maintaining a positive attitude when you have eight thousand different things going on is tough, but around your toddler hide the anxiety and put on a happy face. Toddlers mimic the behaviors of you and the other loved ones in their lives, so keep everyone happy.
Keep the Consistency – Your toddler craves consistency. That means, if at all possible keep them to the same routines. So if the bedtime routine starts at 7:30 each night, stick to that. Try not to flip around too much or the changes already going on, mixed with a sleep-deprived toddler, will lead to some massive meltdowns.
Share the Details as They’re Happening – Your child may not understand every word that comes out of your mouth, but they really can understand much more than they can communicate, so as you find a place or as you book the movers, share those details with your toddler. It will encourage them to adjust faster, by knowing that no surprises are coming.

Moving is rough, but being armed with these tips you can ease the transition for you and your family.

Your turn!

Have you moved with little ones? What are some tips you can share? Share in the comments below!!

Linking up with Skip to My Lou.

Filed Under: All About Me, Family

Tag Archives: tips and tricks

Turn It Up Tuesday a Blog Link-Up – #84

SPONSOR OF THE MONTH

Welcome the lovely ladies of Turn It Up Tuesday!

And welcome our awesome guest hosts for April!

Interested in being a guest host for the month or becoming a permanent co-host?

Here are the Featured posts from last week!

And the Best of the Best is…

Giveaways!

let’s get started!

Tips for Toddler Tooth Brushing

When it comes time to brush their teeth, does your toddler run screaming for the hills? Or better yet, maybe they don’t run, they just scream?

How to Run – When You *Think* You Hate Running

Getting Started with No Sugar, No Grains

Preparing to follow the No Sugar, No Grains lifestyle (NSNG) should be fun and exciting! I want to share our process for getting started, in hopes that it will make your transition easier and more effective.

Getting Started

How We Did It

What’s unique about NSNG?

Still Struggling to Get Started? Here are Some Easy Actionable Steps for You to Follow

How Do I Know this Will Work?

Your turn!

Have you tried any diets and failed?

What’s your favorite way to eat healthy and lose weight? Have you ever thought about eating a diet high in fat and protein, in order to lose weight?

What other questions do YOU have about this way of life?

How to Choose the Best Diapers for Your Tot

How to Choose the Best Diapers for Your Tot

Your turn!

Have you ever tried Parent’s Choice diapers? If so, what are you thoughts?

How did you determine which brand of disposable diapers to go with, or if you use cloth, how did you choose that route?

Turn It Up Tuesday – #45

SPONSOR OF THE MONTH

Rhonda from Mother 2 Mother Blog

Welcome the lovely ladies of Turn It Up Tuesday!

And welcome our awesome guest hosts for July!

Interested in being a guest host or becoming a permanent co-host?

Here are the Featured posts from last week!

And the Best of the Best is…

let’s get started!

Preparing Your Toddler for a Move

Tips for Preparing Your Toddler for a Move

Ways to prepare your toddler for a move

Your turn!

Have you moved with little ones? What are some tips you can share? Share in the comments below!!

How to Run – When You Think You Hate Running