tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9281034937332761462024-03-16T14:52:59.388-04:00Take Time for TodayWelcome! I'm Lori... a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, school counselor, meal prepper,
cleaner, launderer, crafter, brand ambassador, and social media lover! That's a lot... can you relate? I'm on a journey to slow down and treasure each minute as it comes along, no matter how many hats I'm wearing at the time. I invite you to join me! Here you'll find some of our family's favorite activities, recipes, products, and brands... a little glimpse into our world. Thanks for stopping by!Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-49853761405603507702018-11-10T19:33:00.003-05:002018-11-10T19:34:00.025-05:00Spirit: Riding Free ~ Season 7 now streaming on Netflix!<div style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">We are pleased to partner with Allied </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 15.455999374389648px;"><i>Marketing</i></span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;"> and DreamWorks Animation </i></div>
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<i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">to help promote this release.</i><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;"> </span><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">We were provided with gifts </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">to thank us </i></div>
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<i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">for our participation, </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">but all opinions expressed are our own.</i></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">My girls have had a blast spending time with Lucky, Spirit, and their friends this weekend on Netflix! The debut of Season 7 of Spirit: Riding Free was yesterday, November 9, and it is fantastic. </span></span></div>
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When we're not watching the show or listening to the theme songs, we're playing with this amazing Playmobil Spirit: Riding Free set featuring Lucky, Spirit, and horse stall, and all the supplies needed for Spirit to be well taken care of. It's a huge hit!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhAIozvNJrk/W-d1v0wfzbI/AAAAAAAALbc/K509iof2tL8jWvbQsZSVI1y_hTnYp9eAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4778.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhAIozvNJrk/W-d1v0wfzbI/AAAAAAAALbc/K509iof2tL8jWvbQsZSVI1y_hTnYp9eAACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4778.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Run wild and free with Spirit Riding Free today - </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Season 7 is now streaming on Netflix! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Share your Spirit love online using the hashtag #SpiritRidingFree!</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xmTkRo04SDI/W-d1vE3khcI/AAAAAAAALbQ/wW1z68htWyI0z7uiRhgXo8TN9Js6xompgCLcBGAs/s1600/0-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="791" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xmTkRo04SDI/W-d1vE3khcI/AAAAAAAALbQ/wW1z68htWyI0z7uiRhgXo8TN9Js6xompgCLcBGAs/s640/0-1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-31474215396737290472017-12-13T11:47:00.000-05:002017-12-16T11:48:00.059-05:00Preparing Our Home for the Holidays<div style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: 15.5px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ffffe5;"><i>We received free product to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. </i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></span></div>
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As you know, I'm on a mantle decorating kick. Needless to say, as much as I loved my Thanksgiving mantle, I was super excited when it was time to make the swap for <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/christmas-a1-550904.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas decor</a>! I'm truly feeling like this is decreasing clutter on my mantle and helping to create a more peaceful space in my living room. I'm so excited at both the simplicity and festivity of this Christmas mantle!<br />
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/christmas/christmas-decorations-a1-553184.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An60zrvP_0o/Wi2FBbfx1aI/AAAAAAAALOk/a9ahfebAkHoopQJl07K4bULqVWFa_JJ3QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2856.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love the homey, rustic, details of this Holiday Handicraft Wood Tree Set. The trees are beautiful yet simple and the perfect size for my mantle. Combining wood with metal, they are sturdy, and I expect them to be a staple Christmas decoration in our house for years to come.</div>
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<br /><a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/christmas/christmas-decorations-a1-553184.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="175" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ML6iEUDoMrU/WjVNsE2VZ3I/AAAAAAAALPY/m04YKWpBrhMWRsw0bgsYoC430uH9N7ImgCLcBGAs/s1600/holiday-handicraft-wood-tree-set%257E13783690.jpeg" /></a></div>
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The Merry Christmas Tabletop Sign adds a pop of festive color to some rustic Christmas charm. It's a sturdy wooden sign and actually has a built-in stand so you could use it as I have on the mantle, or right in the middle of your Christmas dinner table as a free-standing centerpiece.</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/christmas/christmas-decorations-a1-553184.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="175" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQtUItRNU2A/WjVL-JN15sI/AAAAAAAALPM/RNVsQyS9dLMIawJztYqPw1nPvm6dePowQCLcBGAs/s1600/christmas-tabletop-sign%257E13780897.jpeg" /></a></div>
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The Vintage Christmas Tree to the left is a favorite Christmas decoration that I scooped up last year.<br />
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Our mantle always seems to be full of little trinkets - they all deserve a spot there, but all of them together is just too much. Switching things out seasonally is making a big difference in simplifying our space and helping us focus on one thing at a time. Right now we're focused on Christmas and I'm loving these new additions to our <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/christmas/christmas-decorations-a1-553184.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">decor</a>!<br />
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You can find these Christmas decorations and more on the <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/christmas-a1-550904.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading website</a>.<br />
<br />Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-33994973846445438262017-12-10T13:53:00.002-05:002017-12-10T13:53:58.016-05:00DIY Christmas Ornaments - Perfect Gifts for Friends and Teachers!<div style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: 15.5px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ffffe5;"><i>We received free product to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. </i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></span></div>
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I've shared before that my oldest daughter is a giver. She can find any occasion to give gifts to her friends. <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/christmas-a1-550904.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas</a> is one of the more obvious times of year where she starts planning months in advance for the most perfect, thoughtful, true-to-her, gifts for friends and teachers.<br />
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This year she chose to make ornaments for gifts. She knew she wanted them to be "winter color" themed ornaments with blue, turquoise, purple, white, and of course, anything sparkly. She loves to be creative and I love to be low-maintence these days, so these <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/craft-and-hobby-supplies/adult-crafts/ornament-crafts/clear-a1-550165+1535-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DIY winter themed Christmas ornaments</a> were perfect for us both!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc-Rtr3p24c/Wi2BusI4l1I/AAAAAAAALOQ/vPq8M7gVxug9w34pf17JqKl5OZ06ifPQwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc-Rtr3p24c/Wi2BusI4l1I/AAAAAAAALOQ/vPq8M7gVxug9w34pf17JqKl5OZ06ifPQwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2880.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We started with some Clear Christmas Ornaments and then simply just filled them up with blue and pink Snowflake Beads, Winter Pony Beads, Silvertone Jingle Bells, Winter Fun Loops, Snowflake Jewels, Tiny Pom Poms, Glitzy Buttons, and Foam Snowflake Craft Shapes.<br />
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<br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LFhMa5EcjXg/Wi2Bum7fQZI/AAAAAAAALOU/k2OmGHLDhaEazYH6p9sLuICQ2VehV7PDgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LFhMa5EcjXg/Wi2Bum7fQZI/AAAAAAAALOU/k2OmGHLDhaEazYH6p9sLuICQ2VehV7PDgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2803.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What we got were some colorful (just like my daughter!), wintery, super cute ornaments that will look great on Christmas trees this year and for years to come!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCRagkfgyD0/Wi2ButYhzFI/AAAAAAAALOM/xjDo23TtswUg9Ed6xc0_7KA0xy-VRqzDwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCRagkfgyD0/Wi2ButYhzFI/AAAAAAAALOM/xjDo23TtswUg9Ed6xc0_7KA0xy-VRqzDwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2808.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What a simple and fun way to ring in the holiday season and help us gift a lasting memory to our friends and teachers this year!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9I7cyBymWsI/Wi2BvI6wL_I/AAAAAAAALOY/bPan4MuwsZATYymVl0QpShKsVlJWpMbiwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9I7cyBymWsI/Wi2BvI6wL_I/AAAAAAAALOY/bPan4MuwsZATYymVl0QpShKsVlJWpMbiwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2886.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We got all the supplies for these super easy DIY Christmas Ornaments online from <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/christmas-a1-550904.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/christmas-a1-550904.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Shop the Oriental Trading Christmas Sale today!</span></a></div>
Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-56951579550046215962017-11-08T12:46:00.000-05:002017-12-16T12:46:53.689-05:00Our Home (and our Hearts!) are Ready for Thanksgiving!<div style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: 15.5px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ffffe5;"><i>We received free product to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. </i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></span></div>
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I love warm weather, but there's something to be said for the shift in New England seasons and the gradually change to cooler air, colorful trees, and limited edition pumpkin-everything throughout the grocery stores! Thanksgiving is my husband's absolute favorite holiday so we always do the holiday up big when it comes to food. We've always slacked a little (or a lot) on decorating, though. We look at the table on Thanksgiving morning and realize that we forgot to decorate! Thankfully the food takes up a lot of space and fills the space, in some ways serving the decorating purpose well enough!<br />
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This year though, we wanted to switch things up, both literally and figuratively. We decluttered our fireplace mantle and added some new <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/thanksgiving-a1-90000+1238-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thanksgiving decorations</a> to prepare our spirits - and this year our home too - for giving thanks!<br />
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I'm so excited about some of our new additions. I think we have the perfect combo of pretty <i>and</i> fun - because with two little ones you can't skip the latter!<br />
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/thanksgiving-a1-90000+1238-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vEcQBdl_XgU/WjVWYFUCWWI/AAAAAAAALPw/TwlMUF0i-y0UusgKuSkE60pdSWl9B2ABQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2627.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/thanksgiving-a1-90000+1238-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sweet Fall Sign</a> showcases white paint on brown wood. It's sturdy and reminds us of what Thanksgiving is truly all about - giving thanks! Several Fall Burlap Pumpkins add a pop of fun color to the simplicity of the sign. This pumpkin set comes with 12 pumpkins so we were able to spread this bit of charm throughout our home which was a really fun touch!</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/thanksgiving-a1-90000+1238-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1600" height="506" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VyP6NzdXR8E/WjVWYKQ2LcI/AAAAAAAALPo/PFaYv04rzx4UzuU50xdcLWcBqtiAX6aZgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2629.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/thanksgiving-a1-90000+1238-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Carved" Thanksgiving Pumpkin Set</a> is beautiful. Again, reminding us of the spirit of the season, these sweet pumpkins are the perfect touch. </div>
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Of course, we couldn't skip the colorful <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/thanksgiving-a1-90000+1238-1.fltr" target="_blank">Plush Turkey</a>! This cute little guy keeps moving from room to room around our house. He's pleasing to the eye and a huge temptation for my littlest to play with! He certainly adds just the right amount of fun and silly to our Thanksgiving decor. We'll miss him when we pack him up after the holiday passes, but how fun it will be for him to visit again year after year!</div>
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To take our decorations beyond our living room, we've hung this <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/thanksgiving-a1-90000+1238-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Autumn Leaves Barn Star</a> on our front door. I am super duper excited about this. I adore having a beautiful wreath on our door each winter, but that's the only time we ever really have pretty, and welcoming, door decorations. Just adding it to the door makes me feel more hospitable. I love the rustic charm of this star! It's perfect for fall in New England.</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/thanksgiving-a1-90000+1238-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NVvoxFidTUs/WjVWYug0ydI/AAAAAAAALP0/aGKMltPQeHcHx7wzyaX0JVz4ZFjQD3TSgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2902.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Everyone is well aware of my oldest daughter's commitment to gifting her sweet friends with holiday treats. She can't pass up the opportunity to let them know that she's thankful for them! This <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/thanksgiving-a1-90000+1238-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Give Thanks for Friends Craft Kit</a> is what she chose this year and it is perfect. She has created one for us to hang on our mantle and is bringing these individually packed craft kits to her class so that everyone can make one of their own. Super sweet!</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/thanksgiving-a1-90000+1238-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMwsPuXaw28/WjVWYCIPP2I/AAAAAAAALPs/aooRmk77YzQpoeBX06JmY8f6EPodD9D_gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2633.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm so pleased with these new additions and how they've already added to our Thanksgiving spirit! </div>
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You're likely not surprised that I was able to find all these festive things online, shopping from my cozy couch! <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/thanksgiving-a1-90000+1238-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> has a huge selection of Thanksgiving items that will help you embrace the spirit too! No matter what your theme or decor, I'm sure you'll find something you love!</div>
<br />Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-91843802760122141262017-10-09T19:31:00.001-04:002017-10-09T19:31:30.454-04:00Order Your Halloween Candy and Treats Online!<div style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: 15.5px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ffffe5;"><i>We received free product to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. </i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></span></div>
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If I'm given the option to complete a task of motherhood without leaving the house, I'm taking it! Life is busy. I'm a full-time working mom and time for myself is very limited. I'm certainly not complaining, but I am being realistic. The last thing I want to do when I get home from work is go to the store!<br />
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This year I got all my Halloween candy shopping done with one quick stop to <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/halloween-a1-550760.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> - online! No matter what you're planning to hand out during trick-or-treat, they've got you covered. Name-brand, chocolate, fruity, sweet, salty, even non-food items to give away, I promise you'll find something for everyone. The options are plentiful, the prices are great, and the convenience can't be beat!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUqnRXcJTCY/WdwFtxREemI/AAAAAAAALLc/nXTou8f9dXQxGtsKeixs4ucpySqboVhngCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4bed.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="717" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUqnRXcJTCY/WdwFtxREemI/AAAAAAAALLc/nXTou8f9dXQxGtsKeixs4ucpySqboVhngCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_4bed.jpeg" width="398" /></a></div>
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This year we chose a combination of chocolate favorites and fruit snacks with the <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/party-supplies/candy/halloween-a1-551289+1237-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hershey® Halloween-Shaped Chocolate Candy Assortment</a> and the <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/party-supplies/candy/halloween-a1-551289+1237-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Welch’s® Fruit Snacks Halloween Medley</a>. I know these will be enjoyed by our trick-or-treaters this year and I certainly won't be sad if there's some left over for me!<div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i46EhfUC10M/WdwEPbqcbbI/AAAAAAAALLQ/i5qZZsdMRnwGENwAqBhCHRj3uWWgm8lnACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4b80.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="580" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i46EhfUC10M/WdwEPbqcbbI/AAAAAAAALLQ/i5qZZsdMRnwGENwAqBhCHRj3uWWgm8lnACLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_4b80.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/halloween-a1-550760.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Order your Halloween Candy online today!</a><br />
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<i>Photos courtesy of Oriental Trading</i></div>
Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-17235236128095263762017-10-08T19:27:00.000-04:002017-10-08T19:27:10.382-04:00Halloween Party Planning with Animal Print Glow Sticks... and more!<div style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: 15.5px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ffffe5;"><i>We received free product to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. </i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></span><br />
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In anticipation of our trick-or-treat fun with friends this Halloween, we just made a stock-up on glow wands, glow necklaces, and glow bracelets! Halloween is just no fun without glowing treats. </div>
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Last year we had a glowing mishap... we snapped our glow wands in the kitchen before we left the house and glowing liquid squirted all over the place! Needless to say, this year I tested a few of these before the big night to be sure we don't end up with glowing ceilings, countertops, costumes, and children this year! Thankfully, I think we're in the clear!</div>
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Check out these amazing <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/glow-products/halloween-a1-550265+1237-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Animal Print Glow Sticks</a>! They are the perfect compliment to my daughter's Snow Leopard Costume! We were so excited to find them. She and her girlfriends are going to love carrying these around during their trick-or-treating adventure. They come with a string so you can use them as a necklace or tie them onto whatever you tote your candy in. The colors are so vibrant and the prints are super fun!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x0OxXNxCpHU/Wdqyy0wb77I/AAAAAAAALKw/JqoDJrbmRAc0PIJ0U9HdaleZ-tStDuFHgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4b7d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x0OxXNxCpHU/Wdqyy0wb77I/AAAAAAAALKw/JqoDJrbmRAc0PIJ0U9HdaleZ-tStDuFHgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4b7d.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/glow-products/halloween-a1-550265+1237-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Glow Party Assortment</a> is the perfect mix of colorful glow necklaces and bracelets. It comes with 50 pieces - 25 necklaces and 25 bracelets - and includes the little attachments necessary to attach the ends. They are long-lasting, colorful, and just perfect to share with our friends this Halloween.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2HNeQNKLXM/Wdqyy7clK0I/AAAAAAAALKs/JQdTtF9aLzUZHMfq3IFNB1NpeXq2A9MhACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4b7a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2HNeQNKLXM/Wdqyy7clK0I/AAAAAAAALKs/JQdTtF9aLzUZHMfq3IFNB1NpeXq2A9MhACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4b7a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Save yourself a trip to the store and order all your glow accessories online from <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/halloween-a1-550760.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> this year!</div>
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Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-32105294110397475022017-10-03T19:39:00.000-04:002017-10-03T19:39:02.704-04:00Halloween Costumes for All Ages<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15.5px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: #ffffe5;"><i>We received free product to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. </i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></span></div>
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Halloween is coming! You already know we're ready for our party that night, and now we're ready for trick-or-treating too! My oldest daughter typically begins preparing her costume plans on November 1 of each year. As soon as she takes one costume off, she starts planning for the next. Historically, I've made her costumes but now that I have a toddler as well and am working full time outside the home, my time and energy is more limited. Off to the internet we went, searching for costumes for both girls.<br />
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/halloween-costumes-a1-555601.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> has so many costume options for trick-or-treaters of all ages! Whether you're looking for something for a baby, a grownup, or anyone in between, you'll find it. Group costumes, family costumes, themed costumes galore. On the top of our list when we look for costumes is a costume that works practically for us. Halloween night is typically cold in New England but no kid likes to wear their jacket on top of their costume. We were on the hunt for something cozy that we could layer underneath for warmth. Stylish, fun, and practical - that's what my girl was looking for.<br />
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Introducing our <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/halloween-costumes/girls-costumes-a1-555606.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">snow leopard</a> and our <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/halloween-costumes-a1-555601.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">duck</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MxXpu9Jpnro/WdQdF81Ti2I/AAAAAAAALKI/QXtdb2AuxvoFrqlgPufdlBbvIlJGB0ZRQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4b69.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MxXpu9Jpnro/WdQdF81Ti2I/AAAAAAAALKI/QXtdb2AuxvoFrqlgPufdlBbvIlJGB0ZRQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4b69.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'd love to be able to convince my I'm-not-2-yet-but-I'm-in-the-terrible-twos toddler that she should wear her costume, but her favorite word right now is "no" so that's not happening. Fingers crossed she changes her mind by the end of the month!<br />
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I love these costumes and look forward to making memories with them this year! They are creative, fun, cozy, and high quality.<br />
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If you're looking to save yourself the hassle of a store trip to picked-over, messy costume aisles, browse <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/halloween-costumes-a1-555601.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading online</a>. I guarantee you'll find something that works for you and your whole family. Happy Memory Making this Halloween!<br />
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Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-81252896866058156522017-09-24T13:08:00.002-04:002017-09-24T13:08:32.047-04:00Hero Nutritionals - Yummi® Vitamins for Kids - And Their Grownups!<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; text-align: center;">
<i>I received this product for free from <a href="http://momsmeet.com/" style="color: #aa0033; text-decoration: none;">Moms Meet</a> to use and post my honest opinions. </i></div>
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As a mom, health and nutrition is important to me. It's important to me that my kids are healthy but sending them to school and daycare doesn't always work in my favor. It's only September and the germs are already in full swing around here! There's not a whole lot I can do to avoid their exposure but I can do a little to help make sure their bodies are healthy and strong so that they are more ready to work on at least attempting to fight off whatever comes their way. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">Yummi Bear Organics Complete Multi-Vitamins from <a href="http://heronutritionals.com/" target="_blank">Hero Nutritionals</a> feature 16 essential nutrients for a child's healthy grown and development. The first and only organic and GMO-free gummy vitamin for children with nothing artificial added, I can feel confident that when my child is taking these, they are only taking in goodness! Yummi Bears</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">®</span><span style="font-size: 15.455999374389648px;"> truly are yummy, containing natural strawberry, orange, and pineapple flavors. My picky-taste-buds daughter hasn't tried a flavor she doesn't like! These vitamins are fruit pectin based, and free of gelatin, gluten, and dairy.</span></div>
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<br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R508P6qZwes/WcfiVIRN_gI/AAAAAAAALJE/etoCPM2VWzU65ycDiSD7REW-lJPLunhXwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4b56.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R508P6qZwes/WcfiVIRN_gI/AAAAAAAALJE/etoCPM2VWzU65ycDiSD7REW-lJPLunhXwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4b56.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">I know that in order to take care of my kids, I need to be taking care of myself. Easier said than done, right? My kids are always my priority, and I honestly put myself on the back burner quite a bit. Taking a daily vitamin myself can improve my health - and with <a href="http://heronutritionals.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hero Nutritionals</a> Slice of Life Organics Energy + B12 - I just might improve my energy too! That's a pretty exciting prospect! These delicious vitamins contain all natural berry flavors and organic colors. They, like the Yummi</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: x-small;">®</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, palatino linotype, palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.455999374389648px;"> Bears, are fruit pectin based, and free of GMOs, gelatin, gluten, and daily. They contain Vitamin B12, along with folic acid and B6, to form a potent supplement to support heart and circulatory health as well as energy metabolism. I feel good about taking these daily vitamins - they taste good, are good for me, and improve my daily life - so that I can improve my family's!</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, palatino linotype, palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">Hero Nutritionals Vitamins are available to purchase at Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Ralphs, Kroger, Smart & Final, GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Jimbo's, amazon.com, costco.com. To find Hero Nutritionals in your area, <a href="http://heronutritionals.com/store-locator" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">visit their website</a> for a full list of locations.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">You can also connect with Hero Nutritionals on </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, palatino linotype, palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.455999374389648px;"><a href="http://facebook.com/heronutritional" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/HeroNutritional" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://instagram.com/heronutritional" target="_blank">Instagram</a>!</span></span><br />
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Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-3992042831488450812017-09-22T18:07:00.000-04:002017-10-08T19:27:26.402-04:00Peanuts® Halloween Party Planning<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15.5px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: #ffffe5;"><i>We received free product to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. </i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></span></div>
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When I was young, I lived in a neighborhood full of friends my age, and trick-or-treating was truly a group affair. Everyone would eat a quick dinner and head out into the darkness (there were not even street lights!) for treats and fun.<br />
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We've carried on the same tradition in our family now that I have children of my own, but there aren't many kids my kids' ages that live in the neighborhood so the fun factor is not quite as high. Last year, thinking about our own situation, and knowing that we have several friends from school who live on busy streets that are unsafe for trick-or-treating, we invited some school friends over to our house and then headed out together for trick-or-treating. For one friend, it was her very first time trick-or-treating, because she'd never had a safe place to enjoy the tradition! </div>
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<span style="font-size: 15.5px;">Our little get-together last year was so much fun so it was an easy decision to make this an annual tradition! This year, we plan to invite even more friends, and even picked a theme for our pre-trick-or-treating <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/peanuts/halloween-a1-90000+2500+1237.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Halloween party - Peanuts</a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/peanuts/halloween-a1-90000+2500+1237.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">®</a></span><span style="font-size: 15.5px;">! We're hoping to catch a peek at the Great Pumpkin this year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15.5px;">We've gathered together some simple decorations to set the mood. They are so fun!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 15.5px;">We'll cover the wall in our dining room with this a-m-a-z-i-n-g</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 15.5px;"> <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/peanuts/halloween-a1-90000+2500+1237.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great Pumpkin Backdrop</a>. It's made of three strips of plastic that stick to our wall with static electricity - I didn't even need to use tape! There are </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 15.5px;">only</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 15.5px;"> two of the strips hung here because I couldn't fit all three in this space. The completed set is 9 feet x 6 feet. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 15.5px;">I expect that we'll put this life-sized</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 15.5px;"> <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/peanuts/halloween-a1-90000+2500+1237.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great Pumpkin Cardboard Stand-Up</a> outside on Halloween, but for now, on this rainy day, it's set in front of the Backdrop. Won't this make for some super fun photo ops?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 15.5px;">We'll serve </span><span style="font-size: 15.5px;">pizza because it's quick and easy, and we'll set our table with this</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 15.5px;"> <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/peanuts/halloween-a1-90000+2500+1237.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peanuts</a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/peanuts/halloween-a1-90000+2500+1237.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">®</a></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 15.5px;"><a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/peanuts/halloween-a1-90000+2500+1237.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> themed Halloween Plastic Tablecloth</a>, along with these themed </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 15.5px;"><a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/peanuts/halloween-a1-90000+2500+1237.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dinner Plates</a>, and <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/peanuts/halloween-a1-90000+2500+1237.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Napkins</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 15.5px;"><a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/peanuts/halloween-a1-90000+2500+1237.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hanging Paper Lanterns</a> and <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/peanuts/halloween-a1-90000+2500+1237.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Halloween Cutouts</a> will complete the look!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: 15.5px;">We can't wait to have our friends over again this year... and can't wait to surprise them with this fun Peanuts</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">®</span><span style="font-size: 15.5px;"> themed party!</span></span></div>
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All of these items - and more - can be found at <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/halloween-a1-550760.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a>! Plan your holiday get-together easily with goodies to match whatever theme your heart desires. There are tons of fun and affordable options available!</div>
Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-91854769711992017752017-09-22T09:32:00.000-04:002017-09-22T17:16:25.960-04:00Canobie Lake Park - New England Fun for All Ages!<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>We were provided with complimentary tickets to Canobie Lake Park to facilitate this review. </i></div>
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<i>All opinions expressed are my own.</i></div>
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Last weekend we took our annual summer trip to <a href="http://www.canobie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Canobie Lake Park</a>! It's always a relief to make the final arrangements for this super fun day trip because I'm asked almost every day of the summer, "Can we go to Canobie Lake this weekend?" Being another crazy summer that included broken bones, we had no choice but to again wait until the end when we were all cast-less and ready to play.<br />
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<a href="http://www.canobie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Canobie Lake Park</a> is conveniently located in Salem, New Hampshire, just a couple of minutes from Route 93. It's easy to get to, parking is free, and if you plan to spend the entire day there, I can promise you won't get bored!<br />
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We have a seven year old and a 19 month old and they both, not surprisingly, had a blast at the park this year.<br />
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Our big kid will ride most all the <a href="http://www.canobie.com/explore/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">park rides.</a> A few of this year's favorites were the Canobie 500 Cars, the Kiddie Dragon Coaster, the Caterpillar, the Policy Pond Log Flume, the Boston Tea Party (SO WET!), and the Pirate Ship. We decided to wait one more year before riding the biggest roller coasters like the Yankee Canonball, the Corkscrew Coaster, and Untamed.<br />
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Our little one enjoyed her first carousel rides(s) this year! I lost count of how many times she rode the Antique Carousel but the nice things about Canobie Lake Park is that once you've paid for admission to the park, you're good for the day and can ride what you love an unlimited number of times!<br />
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Our entire family loved riding Over the Rainbow.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It is so fun to have rides that can be enjoyed by the whole family!</span></div>
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Although our youngest was big enough to ride the rides in the kiddie section of the park, I didn't quite trust her to ride alone and my oldest is a tad too big for those rides. For the most part, these rides have a 48" max height. If this girl wasn't in a phase filled with "no" and some pre-terrible-two defiance, I may have trusted her, but climbing out of cars and boats mid-ride wouldn't be good! Next year!<br />
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The <a href="http://www.canobie.com/explore/food/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">food</a> at Canobie Lake Park is always delicious and this year was no exception. In fact, this year was better than ever before with the new Smokin' BBQ! My husband and I enjoyed delicious pulled pork sandwiches with baked beans, coleslaw, and iced tea. My parents tried out the BBQ chicken. My southern husband is pretty critical when it comes to barbecue and he was impressed in this authentic, delicious meal! Smokin' BBQ is only open Friday through Sunday, starting at 1pm, and only until the food runs out. We got there at 1:00 to get the freshest of the batch and we'll do it again next time for sure.<br />
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You can't bring food or drinks into Canobie Lake Park, but there truly are tons of options for meal and snack time! We enjoyed popcorn, cotton candy, and ice cream throughout the day. We'd been looking forward to them all year and they surely didn't disappoint!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDsLkd4_7Sg/WcULSsfujMI/AAAAAAAALHw/Go6a3cUp968SzhzduCIo83HuQTCJoEUfACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4b2a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDsLkd4_7Sg/WcULSsfujMI/AAAAAAAALHw/Go6a3cUp968SzhzduCIo83HuQTCJoEUfACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4b2a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you haven't had a chance to make it up to <a href="http://www.canobie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Canobie Lake Park</a> yet this year, it's not too late! There is still tons of fun to be had at Live Shows, the Canobie Petting Zoo, and Screemfest, which begins this weekend! Start planning your trip today!Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-23337339684373242292017-09-22T08:31:00.001-04:002017-09-22T08:39:32.965-04:00Flexible Seating with Jumbo Floor Pillows<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15.5px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ffffe5; font-kerning: none;"><i>We received free product to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></span></div>
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I had so much fun getting the <a href="https://taketimefortoday.blogspot.com/2017/08/setting-up-school-counseling-office.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">school counseling office</a> ready for this school year. I added some new organization, activities, and wall decorations. It was an amazing transformation, but I still felt like something was missing. It's important to me that the office is a fun, safe, and comfortable place for students to visit. All the credit for what may have been the best update goes to my husband, who had an instantaneous answer when I told him I felt I needed just one more thing. His answer was <a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/teacher-supplies-and-resources-a1-555381.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">flexible seating</a>!<br />
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The addition of a soft, cozy place for students (or staff!) to relax was exactly what I needed in this space. We have a couch and some chairs, but there's just something special about a place to comfortably plop down and ponder difficult moments.<br />
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<a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/teacher-supplies-and-resources-a1-555381.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2ILjfn5Htg/WcT-VLPDocI/AAAAAAAALG0/cszdeNIuWmYK3jh3aRFJ9pRRhCgyHqL3gCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4afc.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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These <a href="https://taketimefortoday.blogspot.com/2017/08/setting-up-school-counseling-office.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jumbo Floor Pillows</a> are the best - I knew it as soon as I saw them and I know my students would vouch for them now too! They are so super soft and fluffy and their pillowcases are easily unzipped to remove and machine wash. At a size 30" x 30", they perfectly filled this empty space in the office. The colors are so vibrant - besides the green, purple, and red pictured above, they are also available in blue and yellow. They've been great for friends to sit on as they play a game on the rug, some have used them on the couch for some extra padding, but mostly, they've been great for lounging while we chat. I highly recommend them as a flexible seating option - either in your classroom, office, or home! I actually may need to get a few more for us at home... I think my girls (and I!) were sad to see them go to school!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZj_ZJdCxEQ/WcUEdv5-oXI/AAAAAAAALHE/fGhZOwbIKEU7QKqZDJefCVDibK6-_U6pQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4b00.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZj_ZJdCxEQ/WcUEdv5-oXI/AAAAAAAALHE/fGhZOwbIKEU7QKqZDJefCVDibK6-_U6pQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4b00.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I ordered these jumbo pillows from <a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/teacher-supplies-and-resources-a1-555381.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Learn365 by Oriental Trading</a>. They also offered options of medium (16" x 12") and large (23" x 18").</div>
Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-32643174753415347152017-09-17T17:27:00.000-04:002017-09-17T17:27:04.325-04:00Safe Nausea Relief from Sea-Band Mama!
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<i>I received this product for free from <a href="http://momsmeet.com/">Moms Meet</a> to use and post my honest opinions. </i></div>
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<i>Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links. </i></div>
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As I entered pregnancy with my youngest daughter, I didn't expect to struggle with much morning sickness or nausea at all. My first pregnancy was a breeze in that regard. I had a little bit of morning sickness in the very beginning but it truly was minimal - no vomiting, and easily managed with a little lemonade and some oyster crackers. However, since no two pregnancies are alike, the pregnancy nausea hit me a little more than I expected the second time around! It was like clockwork. I'd get up in the morning and jump in the shower hoping it would be gone by the time I got out. Nope. Not a chance! I tried special lollipops and candies, all promising to relieve my nausea, but even just the taste of anything in my mouth just made it worse! Every morning for months I was plagued with morning sickness that was only relieved by vomiting. Yuck. </div>
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I wish I'd known about <a href="http://www.sea-band.com/">Sea-Band Mama!</a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zxKR-Y-YQG0/Wb7jlVcWU8I/AAAAAAAALGE/g2GsQUa7wugU-QbpuDMuR14Nad5O8opGACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4a70.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zxKR-Y-YQG0/Wb7jlVcWU8I/AAAAAAAALGE/g2GsQUa7wugU-QbpuDMuR14Nad5O8opGACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4a70.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />The Sea-Band Mama! product line includes Ginger Lozenges (fortified with iron), a pocket-sized Aromatherapy Rollette with essential oils of lime, ginger, and spearmint, and Acupressure Wrist Bands, all to aide in nausea relief.<br /><br />Recommended by midwives and pregnant women around the world, the Sea-Band Mama! wrist band uses acupressure to provide a natural choice for effective - and safe - nausea relief. Simply wear two knit elasticated wrist bands and position the plastic studs to apply pressure on the P6 Nei-Kuan acupressure point between the two central tendons near the wrist. It's easy, convenient, safe, and effective.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7h4MwLRDS0/Wb7jlffVnTI/AAAAAAAALGI/CprNdV2bTvQ-Iy8CJaqQuqs8iCBiDHxfwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4a73.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7h4MwLRDS0/Wb7jlffVnTI/AAAAAAAALGI/CprNdV2bTvQ-Iy8CJaqQuqs8iCBiDHxfwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4a73.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />Now, we all know nausea doesn't only effect pregnant women. Sea-Band offers nausea-relief products for non-pregnant people of all ages including wrist bands - for both adults and children - and drug-free ginger lozenges to aide in nausea from travel and motion sickness. I used these acupressure wrist bands when I was experiencing some stomach upset just last week before bed and I was able to fall asleep comfortably in no time. We also used bands on a recent amusement park trip that was packed with stomach-dropping rides and didn't hear one motion-sickness complaint. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UALlUxrS0kU/Wb7jlf7YEGI/AAAAAAAALGM/JeojMOQxQfUoZDKInroNwKw0gXfy5osHACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4a76.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UALlUxrS0kU/Wb7jlf7YEGI/AAAAAAAALGM/JeojMOQxQfUoZDKInroNwKw0gXfy5osHACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4a76.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />Easy, safe, and effective - that's how I'd describe Sea-Band products. Sea-Band Mama! is available to purchase at CVS pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and many other drug stores and pharmacies. To find Sea-Band Mama! in your area, <a href="http://sea-band.com/where-to-buy-in-the-usa">click here</a> for a full list of locations.<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://sea-band.com/why-seaband">Sea-Band online</a> to learn more. You can also connect with Sea-Band online on <a href="http://facebook.com/seaband">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/sea_band">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://instagram.com/sea_band">Instagram</a>!</div>
Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-63472133308955879792017-08-31T08:19:00.000-04:002017-09-01T10:16:44.619-04:00Setting Up the School Counseling Office<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; text-align: center;">
<i>We received free product to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. </i></div>
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<i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></div>
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School starts next week and the counseling office is ready for visitors!<br />
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My role as a school counselor started partway through last school year so although I did what I could to make the space my own, I really didn't put too much time or energy into it until this summer. I reflected on the year and gave some thought to what was really needed in this space. I reflected on the things my students struggle with and what they are looking for when they visit me. I am so pleased with how this safe space has turned out. It has the perfect combination of peace and fun with some really great tools mixed in. Stay tuned for more posts about the therapeutic games I added to our mix as well as our new flexible seating!<br />
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Although I use books a lot in my social skills lunch groups, I find that I don't use them quite as often in individual meetings with students. I think one of the reasons is that neither the student or I think of them when we're meeting! Having student books hidden high on a bookshelf is impractical... we forget about them! As an educator, I love to see students inspired to spend time with books. There are so many good books out there that address the issues we work on so much in the counseling office. I hope that placing books in an accessible, eye-catching spot will encourage us to use these books more often. Classroom Organizer Book Storage Bins were exactly what I needed.<br />
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<a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/classroom-decorations/wall-decorations-a1-555420-1.fltr" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJ5HkHwCGLE/WacVwdWKb7I/AAAAAAAALEQ/DdqpYDBXkYMlQaItcXvxlweSwMLsvzO3QCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_49e1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The same Book Storage Bins I'm using for student books are a perfect way to store our coloring sheets too. I have tons of coloring sheets and we use them all the time - some with inspirational quotes, verses, words of encouragement, or favorite animals and designs. They've been stored in file folders in a pile on the shelf. We all know where they are, but making them a little more visible really added to the look and feel of the space. They are welcoming and seeing them makes me want to spend a lot more time in our coloring corner!<br />
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<a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/classroom-decorations/wall-decorations-a1-555420-1.fltr" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yy_NUEEfOSI/WacVxMgxguI/AAAAAAAALEY/9D9ohRUTYAEKNM1tczNjvBO88-GTtd1jQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_49ec.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm also using the Book Storage Bins to store the grown-up books and counseling worksheets on my desk. Even just that extra pop of color makes the space feel more welcoming!<br />
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<a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/classroom-decorations/wall-decorations-a1-555420-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dyquGRVvt04/WacVwXQFthI/AAAAAAAALEI/wjg8m95LFU0lPViEceOEECC9QS-bTwkRwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_49e4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Adding some wall decor this school year was important to me. I've had bare walls - which isn't awful - but it doesn't add anything special to the counseling office. I wanted something special for the walls and when I found these Jumbo What Can I Do Cutouts and these Jumbo How To Be A Friend Letter Cutouts, I knew they were exactly what I needed for this space!<br />
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<a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/classroom-decorations/wall-decorations-a1-555420-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zy1Ugcqp3QQ/WacVwrXBlOI/AAAAAAAALEM/hJBC8UXqhgMKSm4wMk0DgXziXX_c8ntPACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_49d6.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Not only are these colorful, welcoming, and fun to look at, they are perfect to help us work through the issues we address most often in the counseling office. We now have tools, literally right in front of us, that can help us quickly come up with plans to address the hard times and get back to class, and life, more efficiently and effectively. We all benefit from some simple reminders about how to be a good friend and how to solve everyday problems in healthy ways. I received so much good feedback on these at our recent open house and can't wait to see how my students use them on a day-to-day basis once school starts back up next week!<br />
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<a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/classroom-decorations/wall-decorations-a1-555420-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n2vLfE29Bn4/WacgPhz9SPI/AAAAAAAALEw/kxuZ0DDTDGkivOr4yxOhMy1pNUZdhZFVQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_49f5.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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All of these additions to the counseling office were available online through <a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/classroom-decorations/wall-decorations-a1-555420-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Learn365 by Oriental Trading.</a> I'm always excited at the assortment, quality, and affordability of options there - and I never have to step foot in a store!</div>
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Next up... new counseling games and flexible seating! Stay tuned!</div>
Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-24712523841114387222017-08-04T12:43:00.002-04:002017-08-04T12:43:56.866-04:00Rainbow Unicorn Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; text-align: center;">
<i>We received free product to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. </i></div>
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<i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></div>
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My oldest daughter just turned seven and threw the most amazing Rainbow Unicorn birthday party to celebrate! This is actually the second time we've had a rainbow themed birthday. If you met her you wouldn't be surprised! Summer birthdays are always a little tricky because we love to plan outdoor shindigs. Thankfully the weather cooperated this year and even though we woke to chilly air and cloudy skies, we ended up with a hot summer day which was exactly what we hoped for.</div>
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We swam in rainbow pools with rainbow banners hung in the yard.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QPYhhROy2Ys/WYNmUG-klWI/AAAAAAAALCY/H605wupjZVkktPoZs8sNm5-n-D35vPM4QCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48b1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QPYhhROy2Ys/WYNmUG-klWI/AAAAAAAALCY/H605wupjZVkktPoZs8sNm5-n-D35vPM4QCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_48b1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We decorated with rainbow balloons.</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/occasions-and-events/birthday-party-supplies-a1-550507.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MtjhZmEdBDk/WYNmU2Ml1EI/AAAAAAAALCk/bPBYyljp8zM3eXzhbprZ31B9_aFCTwJJwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_48b6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We served our favorite snacks in an assortment of rainbow colored bowls. Of course we even served up rainbow cookies and cake!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll9RrZBl7xk/WYNmTZxOJHI/AAAAAAAALCQ/4lYctadNJ9ICMMatLQM35ceD7PV6lS4pACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48a8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll9RrZBl7xk/WYNmTZxOJHI/AAAAAAAALCQ/4lYctadNJ9ICMMatLQM35ceD7PV6lS4pACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_48a8.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We created water bottle labels to go with our rainbow theme. If you've never done this before, it's such an easy way to add something special to your party. Y<a href="https://taketimefortoday.blogspot.com/2014/05/make-your-own-water-bottle-labels.html" target="_blank">ou can find a tutorial here</a>. The rainbow birthday labels we used can be downloaded free from <a href="http://party.catchmyparty.com/files/birthday/rainbow-birthday-printables-by-printabelle.pdf" target="_blank">Catch My Party</a> and the polka dots from <a href="http://www.piggybankparties.com/downloads/lotsodots/LotsODotsBottleLabels.pdf" target="_blank">Piggy Bank Parties</a>. The stickers we used on the polka dot labels came from <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/occasions-and-events/birthday-party-supplies-a1-550507.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a>.</div>
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We served up our foods on rainbow plates, with colorful plastic utensils. Aren't these rainbow straw cups the cutest? They were such a big hit with all of our guests!</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/occasions-and-events/birthday-party-supplies-a1-550507.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d26-QBSVu94/WYNmRgOygwI/AAAAAAAALCI/aj0DhQAwEfUboZg8YWTO3NNTPfGy1llSgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_48a1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My creative daughter loved customizing her cake picks by decorating clear picks with sharpies. She drew rainbows, flowers, hearts, sunshines, etc. and they added a fun personal touch.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWHfR05-_lE/WYNmT3-wTTI/AAAAAAAALCU/BjJWIUJtExsZzuV7xGRIu4x8YI4S7RoTwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48ae.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWHfR05-_lE/WYNmT3-wTTI/AAAAAAAALCU/BjJWIUJtExsZzuV7xGRIu4x8YI4S7RoTwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_48ae.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We customized these colorful chevron party favor boxes with rainbow unicorn stickers which perfectly matched our theme, and we filled the boxes with an assortment of colorful treats!<br />
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/occasions-and-events/birthday-party-supplies-a1-550507.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J4MEzcJASAE/WYNmP_CGWZI/AAAAAAAALB4/pk4klDWbqrEcd740rkZwwgzewP68v200gCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4895.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love ordering party favors and supplies from <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/occasions-and-events/birthday-party-supplies-a1-550507.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> because they come in sets of a dozen which tends to be perfect for parties. I'm always impressed with the number of options we have to choose from no matter what theme we decide upon. They are always fun and high quality. I prefer novelty toy favors over candies. After studying the website, we chose Rainbow Cake Necklaces, Rainbow Mechanical Pencils, Fish-Shaped Ring Toss Water Games, Rainbow Heart Rubber Bracelets, and Plush Tie-Dyed Dogs. The adorable dogs are my favorite and I started getting texts asking about where to buy these ring toss water games within an hour of the party ending!<br />
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Planning parties for my littles is one of my favorite things to do! My daughter has such fun participating and coming up with the plan she knows will be just perfect for her friends. This year was no exception. Our Rainbow Unicorn Birthday Party was a huge success and I'm looking forward to next year already.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gz0hKyXx9e8/WYNmUZl3BXI/AAAAAAAALCg/_Lxs9NC9UisYEwMDZopo19hbe9XaNR2xQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48b3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gz0hKyXx9e8/WYNmUZl3BXI/AAAAAAAALCg/_Lxs9NC9UisYEwMDZopo19hbe9XaNR2xQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_48b3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-36321953998551593972017-08-02T20:07:00.001-04:002017-08-02T20:07:22.846-04:00New Play Sets for Outdoor and Indoor Summer Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; text-align: center;">
<i>We received free product to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. </i></div>
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<i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></div>
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This summer has been the first in a long time that I've been free of out-of-the-home work so the kids skipped camp and we've been enjoying our summer off with lots of stay-at-home days!</div>
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I don't shy away from some extra screen time in the summer - tv, iPad, iPod, etc. are okay with me within reason, but getting outdoors and moving our bodies takes the priority. </div>
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I pulled together a list of some of <a href="https://taketimefortoday.blogspot.com/2014/06/fun-spring-summer-outdoor-activities.html" target="_blank">our favorite outdoor activities</a> on the blog a couple of years ago which I encourage you to check out if you're looking for some new ideas.</div>
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We are so thankful to have a big yard and a refreshing pool but even with those treats, summer days can get monotonous so we were excited to get a few new <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/play-sets-a1-550217.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">play sets</a> for the yard this year to add to the fun.</div>
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Here's what we chose...</div>
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We are big fans of ladder ball but our old set broke, so we picked out this new one (with LED lights that are super cool for nighttime play) online from <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/play-sets-a1-550217.fltr" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a>. Ladder Ball is a great two player game in which players take turns tossing balls, connected to strings, and try to land them hanging on the horizontal ladder rungs. It takes some practice to get just the right toss but it's fun for kids and adults alike!</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/play-sets-a1-550217.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDYfb4dxfj0/WYIss9gnnsI/AAAAAAAALAM/m84RUWs-aVIKUrVQfSduBwyD04LuH3exQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4879.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We also found some good old fashioned Lawn Darts because those are fun for all ages! Another great game for two players who take turns tossing their "darts" through the air and try to land them in their ring. This is tricky! I haven't figured out the special touch with these yet. They always bounce out of their ring when I throw them. My husband, on the other hand, has mastered it!</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/play-sets-a1-550217.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_2bUz9zm6kw/WYIstC_8pyI/AAAAAAAALAQ/VO0g4hoTJ88PzCMPBqr_tCXsZy6h3V_AwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_487c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bean bag toss games and some good whiffle ball never disappoint. I think we go through a whiffle ball and bat set each summer. My daughter is notorious for breaking balls when she hits to hard and my husband is notorious for breaking the bats when he hits too hard! This one is holding up so far this year and it's certainly gotten a lot of use!</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/play-sets-a1-550217.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kz9Um1okCtA/WYIsmYlLstI/AAAAAAAAK_4/rVbD-B_U2SMa61-SN_-ex28Jbgam4H2bwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4710.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Perhaps the highlight of the summer has been this Inflatable Water Slide! I'll be honest, the anxious mom in me cringed at the idea of it, but truly that has been so fun and we've avoided injury thus far!</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/play-sets-a1-550217.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BKuZBI_cdZ8/WYIspRTd_uI/AAAAAAAALAE/DFODJgR-xTwDwaBpdXBJCEhCA3-baiymACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4869.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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New England summers always come with their fair share of thundering, rainy afternoons, so we thought it would be good to add a little something new to our indoor play sets as well. </div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/play-sets-a1-550217.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLxY8Omlmvk/WYJjngoRrxI/AAAAAAAALBE/FAwGTrdCAmYOne7KAf_nUY86AfbE_DsRACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_48b9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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All kids love to play house - at least my two do! With this super cute, amazing quality play set from Melissa & Doug, they can play house, and help with chores all at once. </div>
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<br /><a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/play-sets-a1-550217.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lq7-lnKsBhg/WYIspP1b-AI/AAAAAAAALAA/uTqvYedPQWE1_dCngA7EfB_EO-J0Uz8-QCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4871.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My big girl is a big helper - she loves to help with housework. My one year old has recently started to look for chores she can do. She helps empty the dishwasher, throws every little crumb on the carpet into the trash, and puts away laundry without being asked (I find her Daddy's socks in her sock bin all the time!). Both of them adore this new set and it's been perfect for our days inside.</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/play-sets-a1-550217.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cePLplSlDs0/WYIsmXlptAI/AAAAAAAAK_w/-eNKbJ97tJIxemWvsoQPJt9BWaNLntIsACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4863.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's hard to believe we'll all be back to school in just a month's time! I'm glad we've had the opportunity to make a lot of fun memories this summer - both inside and out!</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/play-sets-a1-550217.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You can find all these fun play sets online at Oriental Trading.</a></div>
Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-69233718145713898562017-08-01T09:00:00.000-04:002017-08-02T21:29:34.996-04:00Road Trip Must-Haves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; text-align: center;">
<i>We received free product to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. </i></div>
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<i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></div>
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This summer, my husband and I did something we said we'd never do. We took two kids, one age 7 and one age 1 on a road trip! Don't get me wrong. We actually love road trips and have taken more than we can count. Before kids, we would leave for our trips late at night, stop for coffee, and drive through the night until we reached our destination. Who were we?! </div>
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We road tripped (is that a verb?) twice with our first daughter and knew we'd have to start breaking up our trips into two days and staying overnight in a hotel. And then we flew to our destination once... and it was sooooo easy! And we said NEVER AGAIN will we do a road trip. </div>
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And then we saw the outrageous price of airline tickets to our intended destination and planned a road trip again. 12 hours. With two kids. With a 16 month old. And we knew we were crazy. But WE DID IT! And actually, it went so well that we'd do it again for sure. </div>
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We split our 12 hour trip into two days again and stayed overnight in a hotel in between. We made sure the hotel had cribs available and thankfully our daughter slept - probably even better than we did!</div>
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We packed well - and we packed a lot. I think my husband thought I was a little nuts for packing as much as I did but I was so intentional about making our travel time work. It's hard to occupy kids for 6 hours at home, in their house, with all their toys. I needed to find a way to do it in a car, with them strapped in, and confined. They did so well that we did not have to stop even ONCE on our first leg. We drove 6 hours with no stopping and only minimal fussing. </div>
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The two things that saved our travel sanity were...</div>
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<b>SNACKS AND TOYS!</b></div>
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We went to the store and got all sorts of special snacks. I know my snack packing technique will make some of you cringe because I used approximately one million disposable zipper lock bags, but it worked like a charm. I promise that I actually use reusable snack bags during the school year but I don't have one million of them so I had to break all green-living rules to make this work. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mnok3SSSBdM/WYJx06Ws6jI/AAAAAAAALBY/zK8M5WnlE6oIr9H5N22QvVdqRe7huf5qgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_488c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mnok3SSSBdM/WYJx06Ws6jI/AAAAAAAALBY/zK8M5WnlE6oIr9H5N22QvVdqRe7huf5qgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_488c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each snack was separated into small serving sizes in the baggies. All those baggies were then packed into a large bag. And all the different large bags filled with small bags were packed into a small carry-on size suitcase which was stowed, unzipped, between the two car seats in the back seat. GENIUS. The 7 year old served up snacks to the whole family throughout the drive. </div>
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New toys are a must for both road trips and plane rides. Their newness is intriguing and they don't tend to get bored quite as quickly. I surprised the girls with some new travel-friendly toys and activities that were perfect for the trip. <a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/melissa-and-doug-a1-90000+2098.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> had a lot to choose from.</div>
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We love these <a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/melissa-and-doug-a1-90000+2098.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Farm Friends Hand Puppets from Melissa & Doug</a>. They are so cute, soft, and fun! They made for a lot of silly interactive play, especially with our youngest daughter. I'm pretty sure I sang "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" no less than 100 times during one particularly traffic-y part of our trip. Every time I stopped, she started baa-ing and we'd sing it again with our puppet friends dancing to the beat!</div>
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<a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/melissa-and-doug-a1-90000+2098.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qKhbVt74uIg/WYJxzVUZb6I/AAAAAAAALBQ/7ZYlyTpJB5cg5-_mW-Tsl7DQs7bcGUJmACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_487f.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Oomee cube (pictured on the left below) is a fantastic invention - a puzzle with pieces attached so nothing gets lost! It's rubbery so no one gets hurt when it's thrown. It's made of 100% food-grade silicone so it's safe for teething too. And of course it encourages shape learning. It's a win on all levels and was well loved by our toddler.</div>
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<a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/melissa-and-doug-a1-90000+2098.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-T1krBlYng/WYJxy04fpNI/AAAAAAAALBM/RAEHpQ3MsA8Ic0yB8c7ngUn67EreZWacwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4889.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Find It! Seek & Find Game, travel-sized Perplexus, and Extreme Dot to Dot book were enjoyed by our 7 year old. We also had crayons, colored pencils, and coloring books. </div>
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Another big hit were Water Wow! books from Melissa & Doug. I've been eyeing these little books online and in stores for a couple of years. I finally took the plunge, purchased a few, and we're all hooked. I've purchased two more since this road trip for another vacation this summer. They are an amazing invention! Simply fill the little paint brush with water, and colors show up as you paint the cardboard pages of the book. When they dry, the color disappears, and you do it again! These are so fun. Both girls (and even I!) enjoyed them.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_Ol25e8inI/WYJxzwFoExI/AAAAAAAALBU/T2tx4zvmWc4JKzk77xvwrYDzPUPPJ-61wCEwYBhgL/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4884.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_Ol25e8inI/WYJxzwFoExI/AAAAAAAALBU/T2tx4zvmWc4JKzk77xvwrYDzPUPPJ-61wCEwYBhgL/s640/fullsizeoutput_4884.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our road trip was a huge success, but lest you think it was all hearts and butterflies, this is how it culminated...</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-la3CWyZkpdQ/WYJx1Rixg6I/AAAAAAAALBg/Sv38kHJMoDUQB04Tyg5Fyq7qhJ7bRYIbACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4892.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-la3CWyZkpdQ/WYJx1Rixg6I/AAAAAAAALBg/Sv38kHJMoDUQB04Tyg5Fyq7qhJ7bRYIbACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4892.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Real life, my friends, this is real life. My boisterous toddler has, just since school got out in June, lost a fingernail, had eye surgery, and broke her leg. I won't list all the things she did during the months between her birth and then! She keeps us on our toes... even when she can't be on her own!</div>
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Thankfully these travel-friendly toys are not only perfect for carseat-confined kiddos, but ones who are confined in other ways as well!</div>
Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-85350069524688792017-07-26T09:21:00.001-04:002017-07-26T09:21:14.566-04:00Save 25% on Customized Labels from Label Daddy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>We were provided with free product for featuring this brand. No other compensation was received. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.usfamily25.labeldaddy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4XeIsGeW-I/WXiUPDWQWTI/AAAAAAAAK_Q/AMRcCXPd8Eko9O5NvD4eDKItwGWIYBDBQCLcBGAs/s1600/usfamily25-labeldaddy-slide-revised070617.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We're trying to work our way into back-to-school mode over here. School supply and new clothes shopping has begun and now it's time to order labels so that none of that new stuff gets lost! We've used <a href="http://www.usfamily25.labeldaddy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Label Daddy</a> for our custom name labels in the past and love them. Label clothing, supplies, toys, lunch containers, and more. They don't even come off in the washing machine! </span><br /><br /><div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Right now, you can save 25% on Label Daddy peel and stick custom name labels! No ironing or sewing... just peel and stick. Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection. They are super durable, peel-and-stick, washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also super fun with tons of personalized options - choose the colors, sizes, logos, and icons you love. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.usfamily25.labeldaddy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to shop today!</a></b></span></div>
Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-61028936740017019342017-06-28T08:13:00.000-04:002017-06-28T08:13:34.512-04:00Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BF0o3v2d0Rk/WVOaytR7biI/AAAAAAAAK9o/slM5S8L_u3MRgCDrArzJ4VvZ-kmnxR3GgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4749.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BF0o3v2d0Rk/WVOaytR7biI/AAAAAAAAK9o/slM5S8L_u3MRgCDrArzJ4VvZ-kmnxR3GgCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_4749.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This sign was hanging in my kitchen yesterday from my daughter as a reminder that it was Taco Tuesday! We love tacos in our house. It's one meal everyone will eat and it's super fast and easy, so it has made its way into a weekly rotation and earned itself a dedicated day!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i8RAmQCwf5s/WVObgvsly2I/AAAAAAAAK98/14tZXSh3df8-9nrKxilka2GAxCsRSseEQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4745.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i8RAmQCwf5s/WVObgvsly2I/AAAAAAAAK98/14tZXSh3df8-9nrKxilka2GAxCsRSseEQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4745.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been making my own taco seasoning mix for quite a while. I started one day when I went to grab a packet of store bought seasoning and realized we were all out. I found a recipe online and have tweaked it to our liking over time. We try to limit salt intake when we can and I love that I can do this with my homemade taco seasoning - there's no salt at all! I feel better about serving this to my family, and honestly, it tastes better. I've tried to use packaged mix once since using this recipe and I didn't enjoy it! Taco mix isn't expensive but I'm all about saving even a dime and I'm doing that by making this at home.</div>
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So this homemade taco seasoning mix fits the categories of healthier, yummier, and cheaper. Actually, it fits the category of funner too because little kids love to help with cooking and this recipe provides lots of opportunity for measuring, mixing, and sniffing. Win, win, win, win!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1A6uta3r0M/WVOay7hTDkI/AAAAAAAAK9w/rzkfXeJh24Qvz6MgfEYBIrua5EWut6zNgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_474f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1A6uta3r0M/WVOay7hTDkI/AAAAAAAAK9w/rzkfXeJh24Qvz6MgfEYBIrua5EWut6zNgCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_474f.jpeg" width="400" /></a><b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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<li>1 tablespoon chili powder</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon garlic powder</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon onion powder</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon paprika</li>
<li>1 1/2 teaspoons cumin</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon black pepper</li>
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<b>Directions:</b></div>
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<li>Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl</li>
<li>Sprinkle over 1 to 1 1/2 pounds cooked ground beef (already drained of fat)</li>
<li>Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup water</li>
<li>Simmer 5 to 10 minutes until beef is coated and heated through</li>
<li>Serve on your tacos!</li>
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<i><b><a href="https://taketimefortoday.blogspot.com/2013/10/incredibly-easy-homemade-tortillas.html" target="_blank">You can make your own tortillas too! Here's our recipe!</a></b></i><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKitiDKC3bQ/WVOayqy4g3I/AAAAAAAAK9s/UYvGOMvnby8I-1XYwQWr0_ug6gluUijowCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_474c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKitiDKC3bQ/WVOayqy4g3I/AAAAAAAAK9s/UYvGOMvnby8I-1XYwQWr0_ug6gluUijowCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_474c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Enjoy!</div>
Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-63469508669719915762017-06-24T17:37:00.002-04:002017-06-24T17:37:21.851-04:00We Love July... We've Gone Red, White & Blue Already!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif;">We received free product to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. </i></div>
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I cannot believe it's almost July! This is my first summer off from work in a long time and I am living it up. We are doing our best to venture out of our own backyard at least a couple times a week for some new adventures such as the playground, or our favorite children's garden. We are loving lazy days too, though, and are enjoying the sunshine right outside our own door.<br />
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We've had a great month, but the countdown to July has already begun! One week from today we enter our favorite month of the year! July is always an exciting time for us - multiple family birthdays and parties, tons of day trips, a road trip, cookouts at least every weekend, and of course (because we would never miss a reason to celebrate...) the 4th of July!<br />
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/party-supplies/party-themes/patriotic-a1-554606.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCb0i100_DI/WU7U2wGLRiI/AAAAAAAAK8s/fPE2nQWYfoE3lyIpMtH8DuQNt_ltOS0dwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_470c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are in 4th of July mode already around here! A quick online <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/party-supplies/party-themes/patriotic-a1-554606.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> order (I avoid shopping in stores if I can help it!) had us all ready to go.<br />
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We have a super fun <b>Large Patriotic Bean Bag Toss Game</b>, some <b>Patriotic Traffic Cones</b> to be sure we're playing fair, and a <b>Patriotic Ball & Bat Set</b> to replace the two whiffle ball sets that my husband and daughter destroyed last summer by hitting balls too hard.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBD87osskDM/WU7U2-iP9PI/AAAAAAAAK8w/DntBLqNsyNkBeWWE0B5CLYkJvcdlyyqSgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4710.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBD87osskDM/WU7U2-iP9PI/AAAAAAAAK8w/DntBLqNsyNkBeWWE0B5CLYkJvcdlyyqSgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4710.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the littlest family member, we have an adorable <b>Inflatable Patriotic Pool</b> full of <b>Patriotic Mini Rubber Duckies</b>.</div>
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Because you really can't celebrate right without candy, we've got some of that too... some <b>Patriotic Candy Corn Fun Packs</b> and some <b>Red, White & Blue Tootsie Pops</b>!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpzrmuA99xg/WU7U4xfQ-7I/AAAAAAAAK88/_tia5rWfnpQbMRiuV3n7BJoGGqkpYRrTgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_471b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpzrmuA99xg/WU7U4xfQ-7I/AAAAAAAAK88/_tia5rWfnpQbMRiuV3n7BJoGGqkpYRrTgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_471b.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And to get us ready for <i>actual</i> 4th of July Festivities like fireworks, we got some <b>Mini Star Premium Glow Wands</b>, in red, white, and blue. They will be perfect for the big night!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQgQMlUAxyA/WU7U4v58suI/AAAAAAAAK84/iL78jY6Zzk47ds_EEag6Oo5zILxFdz1IQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4717.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQgQMlUAxyA/WU7U4v58suI/AAAAAAAAK84/iL78jY6Zzk47ds_EEag6Oo5zILxFdz1IQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4717.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/party-supplies/party-themes/patriotic-a1-554606.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> is having a great sale on patriotic goodies right now - up to 50% off! Order in the next two days and you're guaranteed to get it by July 4th! Woohoo!Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-28989494090140811992017-06-22T10:35:00.002-04:002017-06-22T10:35:19.086-04:00Fidget Spinner Counseling Games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif;">We received free product to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. </i></div>
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<i style="font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif;">All opinions expressed are our own.</i></div>
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Being a mom to a 6 year old and working in a school, I've experienced the <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/fidgets-and-spinners-a1-555558-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fidget spinner</a> craze in a very real way. When I initially heard of fidget spinners and their use to help ease anxiety and increase focus, I was all in. These are the things I believe in! Sadly, it wasn't long before I found myself banning them during structured social skills groups, and asking students to put them away until free time. I'm not sure if they were more of a distraction for me or for them, but they weren't working the way I envisioned and I was ready for them to go!<br />
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/fidgets-and-spinners-a1-555558-1.fltr" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0E-O08YdPU/WUvTktPdIDI/AAAAAAAAK78/ktC6PupU8PkUan4C2D483eZ46F30NpF-gCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_46fb.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well... I've given the helpfulness of fidget spinners some thought and I've come to the conclusion that with fidget spinners - as with most things - appropriate and structured use is, in fact, a good thing. So, my students will be excited to know that I'm welcoming these little gadgets back into the counseling office with excitement. I have some new games up my sleeve and I can't wait to put them to the test!</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b>* * Fidget Spinner Feelings * *</b></span></div>
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Fidget Spinner Feelings is a game in which we'll spin the fidget spinner, and use an I-statement to describe a time we've felt a certain way. For instance, if the sticker on the end of the fidget spinner lands on "happy", one might say, "I feel <u>happy</u> when <u>I'm playing games with friends in the counseling office</u>." You could customize this by using a blank pie chart, laminating, and allowing the student to choose some emotions they experience most often and writing them in with a dry erase marker. I've included links to download this game as well as a blank game board below.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MgtpxWHFufg/WUvL6GZi5NI/AAAAAAAAK7Y/XqmFHvwd2nwAFuE2LiswZQezLLrLWLU_gCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_46f8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MgtpxWHFufg/WUvL6GZi5NI/AAAAAAAAK7Y/XqmFHvwd2nwAFuE2LiswZQezLLrLWLU_gCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_46f8.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4ibHwLQIUT-aW5ocTRmQXVjWDQ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to download a free Fidget Spinner Feelings game</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4ibHwLQIUT-MjZ6WUJJeHdCd0k/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to download a free blank game board</a></b></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b>* * Fidget Spinner Friend Chat * *</b></span></div>
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When I have social skills groups with students, I often like to offer some structured conversation starters to our time together. It gives the opportunity to students to get to know each other (and me!) and to practice appropriate social skills such as taking turns, listening, and speaking with peers. Fidget Spinner Friend Chat is perfect for this. Again, we'll place the fidget spinner in the center of the circle, spin, see where it stops, and respond accordingly! You can customize this with questions or sentence starters appropriate for your group. I've included links to download this game as well as a blank game board below.</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4ibHwLQIUT-dFV0TkhzYkdJZ00/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="685" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2WDPsX1GoxM/WUvRBZTyaLI/AAAAAAAAK7s/tv2wauCboFo_tEb_6hn4oeg8RIW98W8kQCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-06-22%2Bat%2B10.15.01%2BAM.png" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4ibHwLQIUT-dFV0TkhzYkdJZ00/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><b>Click here to download a free Fidget Spinner Friend Chat game</b></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4ibHwLQIUT-MjZ6WUJJeHdCd0k/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to download a free blank game board</a></b></div>
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We received our fidget spinners from <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/fidgets-and-spinners-a1-555558-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a>. You'll find several fidget spinner options and other fidget toys in stock on their <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/fidgets-and-spinners-a1-555558-1.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a> right now. My favorite are the emoji ones! They are perfect for all the emotions we explore in the school counseling office. </div>
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Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-7544378986929103642017-06-07T14:51:00.000-04:002017-06-09T15:39:04.968-04:00School Counseling Resources from Oriental Trading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">We received free product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. </i></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; text-align: center;">
<i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></div>
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In October of last year I was presented with the opportunity to take on the role of School Counselor at the school that both my daughters attend. My response came easily! I have a graduate degree in counseling and have worked in numerous different, fairly intense, capacities within the field. I had most recently taken a break from direct care to give my mind and heart a break, but the opportunity to work with students in a setting so important to our family was so exciting!<br />
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The role of School Counselor is new in our small private school. Having taken a break from direct care for several years and having never done counseling in a school setting before, I had to do some quick work to remind myself of all my favorite child and adolescent interventions and group activities. I had what I needed to get myself started but was on the lookout for new and fun ways of incorporating mental wellness into a school setting. I was in the market for products that I could add to my new school counseling toolkit!<br />
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I guess I'd say I'm pretty creative when it comes to my work with children. My students would tell you that I can turn any game into a counseling or therapeutic game... and they would tell you that my favorite are games with colors!<br />
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<a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/curriculum-a1-555421.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LasfGKVB7BU/WThDICLvKpI/AAAAAAAAK6M/YvYjv5bUrgAurgR5oGqUYUnOIJkXlKdwQCLcB/s640/fullsizeoutput_4640.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Take these blocks for example. They are different colors and shapes. As we build with them in the counseling office, we have each color or shape represent a different emotion. For instance maybe blue represents sadness, yellow represents happiness, and so on. Each time we choose that color to build with we share about a time that we've experienced that feeling. I got this set Geometric Connecting Shapes online from <a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/curriculum-a1-555421.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a>. It was one of several options of building toys. These high quality, plastic shapes connect to each other and you can build every which way with them - up, down and all around. I have several creations displayed in my office right now!<br />
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<a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/curriculum-a1-555421.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> has more resources for school counselors than you may realize. I was very pleasantly surprised to look online and find a plethora of games, activities, and supplies that would fit perfectly into my work with students.<br />
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For group work with students, I love, love, love, love, any type of conversation starter activity. Creative questions or sentence starters are perfect for engaging groups of all ages. Whether I'm meeting with just a couple of students, a lunch group, or an entire classroom, everyone is always well engaged in these activities which include fun, thought-provoking, often outside-the-box ideas!<br />
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<a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/curriculum-a1-555421.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9cFOG6IJy3c/WTg9-wj3ZfI/AAAAAAAAK50/jwSeW78CUcc6nqd9mzFmmDMtvbcdVij1gCLcB/s640/fullsizeoutput_4646.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've used this <b>Icebreaker Owl Box and Question Card Set</b> with middle schoolers, early elementary students, and everyone in between. It is perfect as a lunch bunch activity but I've used it in the classroom setting as well. There is truly a question for everyone and I love having a cute storage box to keep them all contained. This is much more visually appealing than the handwritten scraps of paper I had been using and I love the creative questions!<br />
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These <b>Get to Know Your Class Pocket Dice Cards</b> have sentence starters on them and this fun <b>Pocket Dice</b> with clear sleeves allows you to insert the cards and roll for added fun! This set comes with just the right combination of silly and serious - and there are 100 of them included!</div>
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<a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/curriculum-a1-555421.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJ0kFCg8JgA/WTg9_QPGHiI/AAAAAAAAK58/80gvr-ZRnOYA9z6ASSmAP4GUxrvm2aLJACLcB/s640/fullsizeoutput_464e.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Both students and teachers need brain breaks every now and then. This <b>Classroom Brain Break Activity Dice</b> set is perfect for a rainy day, a standardized testing break, or really any time that something active and different from the mundane might help clear the air. We used this set with first graders this week when it became clear that the task of end of year assessments - on a rainy day with indoor recess - was getting the best of them. Each student had a turn to pick a block and roll it to share an activity that everyone would do together. My favorite was clapping Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, instead of singing it! Some of these activities have a time listed on them so I got a package of <b>30, 60, 90, 120 Second Sand Timers</b> to go along with this game.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf7DeMsnIDE/WTg9_MnvKoI/AAAAAAAAK54/IKZQHF-P2ncAdg7C3AsS5jK1BEQGGAaiACLcB/s640/fullsizeoutput_464b.jpeg" width="640" /></div>
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Stress balls are a great addition to the counseling office. They are perfect for those times when students need to refocus their brains. Sometimes they will use them as they talk with me and other times they will use them as they complete their classwork or homework. Oriental Trading has tons of good stress ball options - all different colors, shapes, sizes, and themes. These <b>Mini Neon Smile Face Stress Balls </b>were perfect for us!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-49z5NEE7qkk/WTg9-gCx9zI/AAAAAAAAK5s/ts-FL7UtGv8yRYTlvkR041-OTESfbyeIgCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4647.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-49z5NEE7qkk/WTg9-gCx9zI/AAAAAAAAK5s/ts-FL7UtGv8yRYTlvkR041-OTESfbyeIgCLcB/s640/fullsizeoutput_4647.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I adore these <b>Emotions Dice</b>. How could I not snatch up something so feeling-related?! The set comes with dice with different faces on some and feeling words on the other. It doesn't come with formal game instructions but the possibilities for using these are endless! The facial expressions are fun and relatable and the feeling words are familiar. Perhaps roll the word dice and share about a time you've felt that way - then find the matching face to go with the feeling.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42UZ4fvYAPw/WTg9-_D7bMI/AAAAAAAAK5w/7Td2_DfyejYalPdNC0U2xdH9EcQ-Wo5ygCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4643.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42UZ4fvYAPw/WTg9-_D7bMI/AAAAAAAAK5w/7Td2_DfyejYalPdNC0U2xdH9EcQ-Wo5ygCLcB/s640/fullsizeoutput_4643.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My students were so excited to see these new additions to the school counseling office! I love the quality and creativity of these products and are proud to be able to include them in my work. Tomorrow's our last day of school but I'm already excited for next year's fun!</div>
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And by the way - don't you love the little baskets I'm using to organize?! These <b>Round Classroom Storage Baskets</b> come in a set of 12. They are the perfect shape and size for pretty much everything. I highly recommend!</div>
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You can find all sorts of school counseling and classroom supplies on the <a href="http://www.learn365.orientaltrading.com/curriculum-a1-555421.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> website. Stock up now for next year!Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-29174583120965530332017-04-05T15:51:00.002-04:002017-04-05T15:51:37.842-04:00Bunnies, Chicks, Candy, and More... Easter with Oriental Trading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">We received free product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. </i></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; text-align: center;">
<i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></div>
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There's another holiday coming up, and <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/easter-a1-550675.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> is again my one stop shop! Without ever leaving my house and braving a crowded store, we're ready for Easter.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnbI5rI3xE8/WOVGLlvbD3I/AAAAAAAAKuw/8U5_8b4VKgMcDZGPrChmjb8P9c5MbNZ3wCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_448b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnbI5rI3xE8/WOVGLlvbD3I/AAAAAAAAKuw/8U5_8b4VKgMcDZGPrChmjb8P9c5MbNZ3wCLcB/s640/fullsizeoutput_448b.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For our family, Easter is a fun time to celebrate the start of spring, the gift of Jesus’ resurrection, AND all things cute and cuddly like chicks and bunnies! My six year old daughter, who recently wrote in her school journal that her greatest temptation is candy, also sees every holiday as an opportunity for some new candy treats! <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/easter-a1-550675.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> has you covered no matter what you’re celebrating this spring!<br />
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I love that when I’m shopping online with Oriental Trading, I can get everything I need for crafting, snacking, decorating, and gift giving all in one place. In fact, I’m often surprised at what we can find! My daughter was in charge of our most recent Oriental Trading order. She loves to browse through the different sections of the Oriental Trading website and come up with her list of must-haves. Not surprisingly, sweet snacks were on the list. We were able to do a complete stock-up on name brand candies - there’s a huge variety, bulk packaging, and reasonable prices. We have so much candy this Easter that I’m pretty sure the Easter Bunny just may borrow some when he fills eggs for our kiddos this year!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rC53m2H66v0/WOVGL7vAlQI/AAAAAAAAKu0/dOSD3xT7UQog7B0R6FqHar_IV5S0-bb3gCLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_448e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rC53m2H66v0/WOVGL7vAlQI/AAAAAAAAKu0/dOSD3xT7UQog7B0R6FqHar_IV5S0-bb3gCLcB/s640/fullsizeoutput_448e.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We love crafting anytime, but especially at holiday times. It’s a great way to get our house decorated and ready for entertaining family and friends. We love hosting holiday meals at our home and part of that is just making the space special for the occasion. We will use our Sand Art Easter Shapes and Self-Inflating Easter Mylar Balloons to do just that. Both of these come in a set of 12 - an assortment of 4 different Easter themed designs in each.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74N6KvCFol4/WOVGLl2OUSI/AAAAAAAAKus/4dWAN70QWwMO3Sb14OuIlKAiVjcHCbsYACLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_448a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74N6KvCFol4/WOVGLl2OUSI/AAAAAAAAKus/4dWAN70QWwMO3Sb14OuIlKAiVjcHCbsYACLcB/s640/fullsizeoutput_448a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d64eha8bOU4/WOVGML4yxmI/AAAAAAAAKu4/LEI5k27OuNMBhIvLsTWzUusOMFl_MJtuACLcB/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4490.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d64eha8bOU4/WOVGML4yxmI/AAAAAAAAKu4/LEI5k27OuNMBhIvLsTWzUusOMFl_MJtuACLcB/s640/fullsizeoutput_4490.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Because it feels good to give to friends, gift-giving is always a part of our holiday celebrations. I think my daughter would make it a part of every single day if she could! She chose some adorable Mini Easter Cameras and Jumping Bunnies to gift to her classmates for Easter this year. The Mini Easter Cameras remind me of the old viewfinder toys we had when I was a kid. Each click of the camera reveals a sweet Easter image. These little cameras are sold in a package of 24 so we have plenty to enjoy and plenty to share! The Jumping Bunnies are super cute and very fun! Just press down on their backs and they hop across the floor! We are having so much fun racing them and challenging them to see who jumps the furthest! This set comes with tons of bunnies - 144 to be exact! These are a hit in our home so we know for sure they’ll be a hit with our friends as well.</div>
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We love a lot of things but there are three things we REALLY love. Well… way more than three… but this next item was the perfect compilation of three current favorites: stickers, bunnies, and emojis! Seriously?! YES! Are these not the best? This roll of 100 stickers is almost too cute for me to handle. We adore them. They are individually perforated so easy to share too!</div>
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My bunny obsessed six year old could not have been more excited to find that although Oriental Trading does not sell LIVE bunnies, they do sell bunny ears. This Plush Bunny Ears Headband is the perfect way to let the world know her love for bunnies and let the Easter Bunny know her desire to get one soon. </div>
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We can’t wait to celebrate Easter this year, largely in part to this huge assortment of goodies from Oriental Trading to help us get ready! If you’re looking for supplies to celebrate Easter this year - at church, home, school, or anywhere - Oriental Trading has what you need! Crafts, supplies, snacks, toys… you name it. As always, there’s a huge variety at an affordable cost. The only issue you might have is narrowing down your list! <b><a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/easter-a1-550675.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading is offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders through April 6 - just enter the promotion code EASTER17 at checkout</a>.</b> Happy Easter!</div>
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Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-74397217049248868292017-02-04T18:25:00.001-05:002017-02-04T18:25:26.006-05:00Valentine's Day Crafts with Oriental Trading<div style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; text-align: center;">
<i>We received free product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. </i></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; text-align: center;">
<i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></div>
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With a gift-giving, craft-loving first grader, it's no surprise that we start preparing for most holidays well in advance. Valentine's Day is no exception! We started our Valentine's Day planning extra early this year with the help of <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/valentines-day-a1-550626.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a>. My daughter has always enjoyed crafting her own Valentine's rather than getting store bought ones, and this year she stepped it up a notch. Instead of DIY Valentine's alone, she also prepared some super cute, simple, and fun goody bags for each of her classmates. </div>
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This set of <b>DIY Valentine Cards</b> was just what we needed to get started on our project. This set comes with 24 cards and 24 envelopes. It includes pink, white, and red folded cards as well as white envelopes.<br />
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For decorating, we chose a hefty assortment of stickers and decorative jewels. <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/valentines-day-a1-550626.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> had so many different options to choose from!<br />
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We are loving these <b>Emoji Stickers</b>! Aren't they amazing?! We used them as stickers, but as you can see, they double as Valentines! They come in a set of 12. Who wouldn't love to receive one of these for Valentine's Day? Super duper cute!</div>
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These <b>Fabulous Foam Self-Adhesive Valentine Cookie & Candy Shapes</b> come in a bag of 500! Just peel the backs and decorate to your heart's content (no pun intended)!<br />
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There's nothing more exciting to a first grader than <b>Heart-Shaped Jewels</b> and with <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/valentines-day-a1-550626.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a>'s package of 150 there are plenty of these sparkling gems to add to our cards! They are not self-adhesive so you'll need a glue stick handy but once they are glued down, they stay put, and certainly add a special something to Valentine crafts!<br />
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Aren't these turning out great?</div>
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We found the perfect <b>Mini Red Gift Bags</b> for our treats! They are tiny bags, but so cute, and perfect for our project and the goodies we chose to gift our friends. The outside of each bag was decorated with <b>Peanuts Valentine Stickers</b>. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">We've gotten these themed stickers every holiday over the past year and love them. A big roll of 100 perforated stickers means lots for decorating and plenty left for gifting as well.</span></div>
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We chose items for our goody bags that were fun, age appropriate, and generally gender neutral so that everyone would enjoy them. I love that <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/valentines-day-a1-550626.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> makes it so easy to get a bulk selection of one item affordably! We know our friends will love their <b>Heart Rings</b>, <b>Glitter Heart Tattoos</b>, <b>Valentine Monster Pop-Ups</b>, <b>Mini Heart Stress Toys</b> (makes the School Counselor in me proud!), and of course, <b>Hershey's Hugs & Kisses Chocolate Candy</b>.</div>
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We love making the holidays special for our friends - because it makes it special for us at the same time! <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/valentines-day-a1-550626.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> always has what we need for crafting and gift giving - fun for the kids with just the right price for Mom. Oriental Trading saves me a trip to the store (a huge plus for a busy mom) and offers such a huge selection of affordable fun. So save yourself a last minute trip to the store to buy Valentines for your child's classmates this year and place a Valentine's Day order with <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/valentines-day-a1-550626.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> today!<br />
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Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-43043670671363689922016-12-14T21:39:00.000-05:002016-12-14T21:39:20.490-05:00Celebrate Christmas with Oriental Trading this Year!<div style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; text-align: center;">
<i>We received free product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. </i></div>
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<i>All opinions expressed are our own.</i></div>
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'Tis the season for decorations, crafts, gift giving, and so many other good things! I have always been excited to celebrate Christmas but this joyful season has taken on a whole new excitement with young children in the mix! I always turn to <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/sale/christmas-a1-90000+1604+1240.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> as I prepare for holidays and Christmas is certainly no exception.<br />
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/sale/christmas-a1-90000+1604+1240.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a> has crafts, party supplies, gifts, and more to help ring in the season and get you in the holiday spirit! Our Christmas shopping spree included Christmas tree ornaments, crafts, gifts for family and friends, home decorations, and even goodie bags for our holiday cookies.<br />
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I'm always pleased with the variety, quality, and affordability of Oriental Trading products. Here are some of the goodies we chose to help get us ready for Christmas this year!<br />
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I fell in love with this Vintage Christmas Tree the moment I saw it on the Oriental Trading website. When it arrived at my home, I loved it even more. It is adorable and added the perfect, simple, Christmas touch to the shelf above our front doorway.<br />
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We added these fun Christmas Goodies Ornaments to our tree this year. Reminiscent of all our favorite holiday treats, this set of 12 resin ornaments comes with colorful, glittery ornaments in the shapes of cupcakes and decorated sugar cookies. </div>
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We are always looking for new craft ideas around here and the holidays are the perfect time for crafts - to use as both decorations and gifts! There is no shortage of holiday craft ideas, supplies, and kits available through Oriental Trading. </div>
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This craft that my daughter has spent hours working on so far, is a life-size, cardboard, playhouse! Our Color Your Own Santa's Workshop is still not complete, but our goal is to have it fully colored and built by Christmas Eve! This little girl who loves imaginative play is so excited for this new fun house to play in with her newly crawling baby sister. This playhouse even has windows and doors that open and close. We can't wait to see the finished project!</div>
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We've also been hard at work coloring these Color Your Own Christmas Ornament Bulbs. These plastic bulbs open and close easily to reveal a two sided snowman picture for coloring. This pack of 12 ornaments is plenty for us to decorate our own tree and gift some colored masterpieces to friends and family!</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/christmas/christmas-craft-and-hobby-supplies-a1-550936.fltr" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9631vfof6k/WFHtadPC09I/AAAAAAAAKo4/v1xRj3pCAeweU_KnXCcKmCkvbvNsqisRACLcB/s640/IMG_9355.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Beaded Christmas Tree Ornament Craft Kit comes with all the beads and pipe cleaners necessary to make 12 super cute and festive ornaments. I adore these. They are so easy to make, with just the right about of fancy! They make for a fun activity, and a great gift!</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/christmas/christmas-craft-and-hobby-supplies-a1-550936.fltr" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMb-lbvluFQ/WFHx6PcdbkI/AAAAAAAAKpY/5qOf0CH67E8x77Twhzb4GPQgoIuzpLHXQCLcB/s640/IMG_9452.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stickers, stickers, stickers. It's become a tradition for us to get new Peanuts themed stickers for each holiday! The Peanuts Christmas Stickers were a perfect addition to our Christmas card mailing this year and they have, of course, made their way onto many a note or picture for school friends. These stickers are fun, festive, and come in a roll of 100!</div>
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/teaching-supplies-and-stationery/stationery/christmas-a1-551460+1240.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-obEVij715NU/WFHtbhlldfI/AAAAAAAAKpA/LS5Vw7sjjMQVqKWHJGN4QfJlQ8U5DPwmgCLcB/s640/IMG_9424.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I am so grateful that my sweet 6 year old daughter loves gift giving as much as I do. Before Christmas vacation every year since she was 3 years old, she has requested to bring cookies to her friends and teachers at school. This year is no exception. Oriental Trading has a huge assortment of seasonal goody bags. These Snowman Goody Bags will be perfect for our cookie gifts this year!<br />
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<a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/party-supplies/party-favors/gift-bags-wrap-and-ribbon/christmas-a1-551707+1240.fltr" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1S2wfuCAeQo/WFHtb9SWKYI/AAAAAAAAKpE/qhG4UFMLCyA7WrlpvT2J34TbI_njIRHMwCLcB/s640/IMG_9448.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She also plans to gift her friends some Mini Gingerbread Men. These sweet little vinyl toys look just like the real thing (keep out of reach of the little littles!). They are so cute and I think my daughter is right that her friends will adore them. There are 48 little decorated gingerbread men that come in this set so I'm guessing she'll be giving each classmate a few. Aren't they the perfect little gift?</div>
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Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928103493733276146.post-85546241405155259012016-11-16T10:34:00.003-05:002016-11-16T10:34:53.339-05:00Mother Nurture: Treats for Mom, Nutrition for Mom & Baby<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This post was sponsored by MomSelect and Mother Nurture. All opinions expressed are my own.</i></div>
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I'm almost at the nine month mark breastfeeding my youngest daughter. When I think back on how difficult the first few weeks were, I'm in awe at how far we've come - how natural it feels to breastfeed now - and how amazing that we've been able to reintroduce so many previously allergenic foods to both my and her diet. I can't think about this breastfeeding journey without being in awe of the fact that one person can provide life-sustaining nutrients to another. The fact that what I eat and drink gets passed along to my baby to help keep her healthy and strong is incredible. That's why it's so important that nursing moms stay committed to keeping themselves hydrated and snacking on nutritious things. The benefits to baby are real.<br />
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<a href="http://madebymothernurture.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1iKHr6Grh5s/WCx3HsButLI/AAAAAAAAKm4/_Rh1sdO8lyInNWbBjwgRyb2rJMnyRzOQwCLcB/s1600/mother_nurture-1.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://madebymothernurture.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mother Nurture</a> is a new solution to prenatal and postnatal nutrition for moms. Their line of chocolate truffles (yes! chocolate truffles!) and enhanced waters combine two things that all pregnant and nursing moms need - nutritious ingredients and delicious taste! What a treat to not have to choose one of those things over the other!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pf26IwF9Fk/WCx3HhYSc-I/AAAAAAAAKnE/21LAcKKqGuUrN0zkfKUlVZ2XLsn2T3qRQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pf26IwF9Fk/WCx3HhYSc-I/AAAAAAAAKnE/21LAcKKqGuUrN0zkfKUlVZ2XLsn2T3qRQCLcB/s320/IMG_9147.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCNHRMJsmqg/WCx3HeHDepI/AAAAAAAAKmw/2EW-zZLwixIeloUaa8GwtU_FtXAB_UvJwCLcB/s1600/IMG_9146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCNHRMJsmqg/WCx3HeHDepI/AAAAAAAAKmw/2EW-zZLwixIeloUaa8GwtU_FtXAB_UvJwCLcB/s320/IMG_9146.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'll be honest - I was excited to try Mother Nurture products, but I was skeptical as well. I've tried "delicious" pre- and post-natal "treats" before and have found the "pre- and post-natal" part of the description to be stronger than the "delicious treats" part. I tried Mother Nurture expecting that I'd get something a little tasty with a lot of vitamin-y flavor. You know what I'm talking about - that grassy, grainy, powdery, medicinal taste that comes along with supplement-type foods and beverages.<br />
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So, my opinion after trying Mother Nurture? These treats truly are delicious - not just palatable. It's not just "okay, yeah, vitamin-chocolate...", but more like, "Wait. Did they forget to put the healthy stuff in?"<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6J0-ryBVZM/WCx3HWe87PI/AAAAAAAAKm0/LoX0EvU1V1cV0yWJ4lRSpjEUkLuz4OAMACLcB/s1600/IMG_9148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6J0-ryBVZM/WCx3HWe87PI/AAAAAAAAKm0/LoX0EvU1V1cV0yWJ4lRSpjEUkLuz4OAMACLcB/s400/IMG_9148.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://amzn.to/2dTXH2m" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mother Nurture Enhanced Chocolate Truffles</a></b> come in two delicious flavors - Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Raspberry. They are rich, creamy, and full of chocolatey deliciousness. They are also full of nutrition for mom and baby - folic acid, DHA, calcium, and vitamin D. They are non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, and contain all natural ingredients.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-corre81vvsM/WCx3Hludu4I/AAAAAAAAKm8/vik0AJNR6P8Q1id5pAk6VsJ45HvHxxwtACEw/s1600/truffle_med-300x271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-corre81vvsM/WCx3Hludu4I/AAAAAAAAKm8/vik0AJNR6P8Q1id5pAk6VsJ45HvHxxwtACEw/s1600/truffle_med-300x271.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://amzn.to/2eBHqy9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mother Nurture Enhanced Waters</a></b> come in three delicious flavors - Tropical Splash, Mixed Berry, and Pink Grapefruit. These delicious drinks encourages pregnant and nursing moms to stay hydrated while providing a boost of folic acid, calcium, vitamin B12, and choline. They are non-GMO, allergen free, and made with all natural ingredients.<br />
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Growing babies - while in the womb and out - is hard work. Treat yourself! Although neither Mother Nurture product replaces the nutrition received from prenatal vitamins, they both provide beneficial nutrition and truly are a treat you'll look forward to enjoying regularly.<br />
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<b>Visit Mother Nurture's <a href="http://madebymothernurture.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a> to learn more and purchase some goodies for yourself today.</b><br />
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Find Mother Nurture on <a href="http://facebook.com/madebymothernurture" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/MyMotherNurture" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://instagram.com/MyMotherNurture" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.Take Time for Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322839330658293605noreply@blogger.com0