Before I start this post and assumptions fly, I wanted to let you all know that I’m not pregnant and not trying at the moment. But, I really wanted to share some information on this subject since I have struggled with similar in the past. I’m currently on Birth Control, but I remember a time when trying to conceive was a struggle for me. You see, I have had several difficult pregnancies and miscarried quite a few times as well, but I also experienced trouble when trying to get pregnant. My twins are now 7 years old and while it’s been a few years since my last pregnancy, I’m constantly worried about what my body will do when and if my husband and I are ready to have another child and add to my family. With so many great products on the market today to assist in trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy altogether, I thought it would be a great idea to share with you an advanced Ovulation Kit called KNOWHEN.
So, what is KNOWHEN? KNOWHEN is an Advanced Saliva Ovulation Test Kit that pinpoints your 5 most fertile days so you’re in control of your fertility. In 2016, the KNOWHEN kit was rated #1 Ovulation Test Kit and it’s easy and safe to use.
How does it work? This innovative test tracks your ovulation using only a drop of your saliva. It identifies your five (5) most fertile days and the best days in your Ovulation Cycle if you’re trying to conceive. With a 98.9% accurate rate (100% proven correlation with a doctor’s ovarian ultrasound examination), this test is 100% Safe, Natural and OB/GYN recommended.
How to use the kit:
Remove the lens cover.
Remove the lens housing.
First thing in the morning before eating, drinking, smoking or brushing your teeth, apply a thick drop of saliva (without bubbles) to the glass surface.
Wait for the saliva to dry. This will take about 5 – 15 minutes (the saliva must be completely dry for accurate results).
Replace the lens housing onto the tube.
Hold the monitor up to your eyes to view the image.
Compare the image to the chart supplied with the kit (see right-hand side of chart.)
The KNOWHEN Fertility Monitor APP is the leading fertility tracking and ovulation monitoring app worldwide. Users made the KNOWHEN Fertility Monitor App #1 because it is:
FREE – you get full access and functionality included in the KNOWHEN Advanced Ovulation Test Kit.
DIFFERENT – tracks and records when you ovulate or have sex over your lifetime.
INNOVATIVE – Identifies your most likely days to get (not get) pregnant.
ACCURATE – information based on your actual daily test results
EASY TO USE – quickly and easily monitors your ovulation test results daily.
REVEALING – shows the fertility pattern of your unique ovulation cycle
PRIVATE – stores your results on a secure server forever
FLEXIBLE – access to your secure date when needed, even if you lose your mobile device
INFORMATION – sends you message alerts on your ovulation status. Provides access to exclusive educational materials and keeps you up-to-date on the latest news and innovations in the fertility field.
The KNOWHEN Fertility Monitor APP is available in the iTunes store and Google Play for both iPhone and Android.
While all the obvious things make KNOWHEN Fertility Monitor APP and KNOWHEN Advanced Ovulation Test Kit ideal for conceiving or avoiding pregnancy, for me there are many things that stick out. As someone who struggled to get pregnant many times and some of my pregnancies resulting in miscarriage I find that documenting and keeping proper files and records are always important to provide to your doctor. A kit and app like this one from KNOWHEN will allow you to keep track of these things easily and provide that information to your physician should you need it. Tools like KNOWHEN allow you to track your ovulation cycle so that you can make informed decisions about your body and whether or not to plan accordingly.
The KNOWHEN Advanced Ovulation Test Kit retails for $49.99 and with the purchase of the kit you get the Fertility Monitor App included. When used careful and taken cared of, your KNOWHEN Ovulation Test can last for years, so long as you do not get it wet, drop it or interfere with the light housing unit. Please note that results are not necessarily typical so while one product will work for some, it may not for others. However, there are a number of positive reviews on the KNOWHEN Advanced Ovulation Test Kit, so I highly suggest checking it out and get informed before making a decision to purchase.
When the time is right, I’ll be using this Ovulation Test Kit to help me with planning my next pregnancy – should there be one. I wanted to share this with all of you because I thought it was a genius product and while I haven’t personally used it, any information that I provide is simply my own.
You can get more information or purchase your own KNOWHEN Advanced Ovulation Test Kit here: https://www.knowhen.com/
Disclaimer: This product was sent for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. I was not paid to share this product with you. Affiliate links are posted through out.
I love Christmas shopping, especially for my children. When it comes to Christmas, my boys are so laid back and easy to shop for, that it makes surprising them each year that much easier. I think children should have a wide range of gifts from clothes and toys to books and games and I’m always excited to write up my list of treats for my boys each year. Shopping for kids can be a challenge, at any age… so I have compiled a list of presents that are reasonably priced for any child. No matter the age, I’m sure you will find something in my list that your children may enjoy. Let’s get started, shall we?
Trekz Titanium Mini Wireless Headphones ($129.95) – These headphones from AfterShokz are the ideal gift for my teenager. Kevin Ka’eo is at the age where he works on projects for school on his iPad and Tablet and needs a quality headphones that can take the beating that teens dish out. He also runs and jogs so I really want to ensure I have a product that will work for him and provide him with quality sound.
The Trekz Titanium Mini Wireless Headphones are lightweight and comfortable. The are stereo headphones which are the safest alternative to traditional sport headphones and earbuds. With bone conduction technology, an open ear design and a suite of convenient features, the Trekz headphones deliver premium music play and crystal clear calling without any compromise. This headphone is designed with athletes in mind and are sweatproof and secure – making them ideal for my son. They will allow you to hear your surroundings – no matter where life takes you.
4id Power Spurz Light Up Heels ($19.95) – If you have little ones or even teenagers (heck, I even use them), Power Spurz are a great gift. They keep you safe and visible through your outdoor training, walking, running or everything in between where you need to be lit up so you are visible. The lightweight heel spur has two available settings – pulse and continuous light. The piece slides conveniently on the back of your shoe and glows in a vibrant LED light. Since my family and I often do night time walking around our block, or are out and about at the local festivals, these work perfect for the boys and they were a hit at Halloween. They come in five different colors and I definitely suggest it. They fit on my shoes as well as the boys so you have many options to utilize these.
LUX – The Principled Block Lux Blox ($29.99 +) – All three of my sons LOVE Legos or anything that will allow them to build creations to their heart’s desire. I love encouraging their imagination and the fun without the screen, so Lux Blocks are definitely a fun toy for anyone to play with – kids and adults too.
Lux is Made in the USA and was created by artist/inventor Michael Acerra because he and his wife Healther wanted to give the world a block that could bring everything as nature does. These construction blocks allow you build and make structures that curve, bend and move. The come with a unique, patent-pending snap and lock hinge system that allows you to build a structure that flexes, twists and turns.
There are different sets available and like I mentioned before, it doesn’t matter your age or your child’s age – they will love Lux as much as we do. While we still LOVE Legos in our house, Lux has easily become a building block we enjoy and I have it on my list to purchase several sets for my nieces and nephews.
Magic Sketch Art Tablet For Kids ($29.95) – I love As Seen on TV finds and the Magic Sketch is definitely one of them. This fun and new way for k8ids to draw, play and learn is flexible with an LCD screen that is transparent. The Magic Sketch allows kids to trace with the provided stencils or from their own images and creating all kinds of amazing art is fun for all ages. Unlike most tablets, the Magic Sketch is super kid proof. Kids can drop it, toss it, even step on it and it won’t break. It’s completely water resistant, so if they have a spill, it will wipe off and they can keep going. It’s got advanced internal electronics so you can clear the screen with just a push of a button.
Each Magic Sketch retails for $29.95 and includes:
Magic Sketch
Protector Guard
1 Roller
3 Stamps
20 Learning Stencils
20 Games Stencils
20 Art Stencils
I especially love this as a gift because it’s perfect for travel, mess free and I don’t have to worry about replacing an expensive device if it breaks or gets lost or stolen. It’s an ideal gift for all ages and I can’t wait to doodle on it myself.
Books & E Readers Make Great Gifts ($10 +) – My sons all love to read, so a great book (or two or three) or an E Reader like the Amazon Fire Tablet make great gifts. These items make fabulous stocking stuffers or fun gifts for unwrapping. Each year, I select at least two books for each of my boys and wrap them up. This year – I’ll be purchasing an Amazon Fire Tablet for the three of them to download some of their favorite Kindle books (that way there is more room for my books on mine… lol) and with Amazon Prime and Amazon Underground – many books are free to read and download. A basic Amazon Fire Tablet will make a great gift because it provides a plethora of apps and internet capability at reasonable costs. You can easily get a Tablet for $50 now a days and it’s worth it.
A few books that the boys have been loving lately – The Adventures of Camp Nana Papa and The Spinfords are great classics that I think any child would like. My eldest is currently reading The Kingdom Oceana (not currently pictured) and highly suggests that one.
Stompeez Slippers ($19.99) – Slippers with Personality. These slippers are absolutely adorable and perfect for my twins. They are fun, soft and comfy. Walk, stomp or jump and Stompeez will pop to life.
I thought these would be the perfect gift for Luke & Isaiah because they love soft and cuddly things. They come in different sizes and a variety of different designs – 9 total. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Batman, Nemo, Dori, Shopkins, Happy Puppy, TRex Dinosaur and so much more.
Buddy Balls ($19.99) – Zip it, Flip it, Love it! The boys and I have talked about Buddy Balls here on the blog before and it was a rave for a product. We love Buddy Balls and definitely thought it would make a great Holiday Gift to include in our gift guide. Buddy Balls are soft, cuddly and so sweet. They are little bears that you can zip up and flip into a ball to play with. The boys love them and I love them so much, I’ve purchased several of these as gifts for the holiday.
You can read about Buddy Balls and our review on these sweeties here.
I realize that most of the gifts I listed in this post are really for boys, but hey – I grew up a tomboy and I loved to play with all the boy things when I was younger, so I guess many of these things really gravitate in my mind as fun gifts. The fact of the matter is – they are all unisex and the gifts like Stompeez and Buddy Balls are sweet presents for little girls as well as any of the items I’ve chosen here. Each of these were selected because we have tested them ourselves and the boys and I really went through and found the ones that we would love to get or enjoy. At the end of the day, gift giving is about love and the thought is always what counts in our house.
I do have something fun for all of you. The boys and I are working in collaboration with AfterShokz and giving away a Trekz Titanium Mini for someone this holiday season. Check out the Giveaway Widget below to enter.
Looking for more ideas for your holiday shopping? Be sure to check out the following links for my guides and inspiration: (this list will be updated periodically as new guides become available)
So, what about you? Are any of these items a part of your children’s wish list this holiday?
Disclosure: Some of the products featured in this post were sent for editorial consideration, while others were purchased by Honeygirlsworld.com. This post may contain affiliate or referral links. For more details and outline of my product review disclosures and policies, affiliate links, etc. please visit my Disclosures page.
I am participating in an Ambassador program on behalf of Influence Central and hosted by Claritin®. I have received compensation to thank me for my participation. All opinions expressed are my own.
I love the Fall and Winter seasons and anyone that knows me, knows it’s my favorite time of year. However, with the change in season, I’m always on high alert because my three sons also return to school. And, as all parents know, with back to school comes colds and allergies. Determining which my sons are experiencing at any given time can be a challenge and a runny nose and cough go hand in hand with any of the above. We live in Hawaii and all three of my sons (as my husband and I do too) experience seasonal allergies. The fall and winter months tend to be the hardest time of year for us because that is the time of the year when its a little more of a challenge to determine whether the symptoms they experience are caused by colds or allergies and any help in the situation is always appreciated. Until now, we didn’t have that knowledge readily available without going to our physician, so I’m excited to share this invaluable tool with all of you. Today, I introduce you to the Smart Allergy Mom™ Toolkit by the makers of Claritin.
Managing your children is already a full time job – as parents we know this all too well. But when our kiddos are sick or not well, it can keep us on our toes. Any little help in that area can assist in more ways than anyone can imagine. My boys experience allergies year round, but it’s a lot harder to determine whether it is allergies or a cold during the fall and winter months because cold season can and does have similar symptoms. During the Spring, I usually can figure out which is which – but the cooler months can be challenging. As if our schedule wasn’t a challenge already, shuffling the littles to and from the doctor in an already hectic day can make for unhappy people so I try my best to make the boys as comfortable as possible. The Smart Allergy Mom™ Toolkit is a resource site that offers you tools to learn more about seasonal symptoms to allergy relief options. This site provides information you may need to help you understand kids’ allergies and even includes an allergy forecaster to help track the pollen count in your area.
If you are looking for a little more information or some help to determine whether your child is suffering from allergies or cold – you can find a lot of information on the Smart Allergy Mom™ Toolkit that truly is invaluable. You can find information to help you understand your child’s symptoms that can occur due to allergies and tips to help manage your child’s allergies as well. My favorite part about the site is that this Toolkit provides you with talking points to help guide your conversation with your pediatrician, allowing you to focus on allergies for kids so that you are able to get the proper information in the time allowed at your doctor’s visit.
When it comes to allergies, my family and I choose a brand we are familiar with. Since we are already users of Children’s Claritin® in our household, the Smart Allergy Mom™ Toolkit by the Makers of Claritin is a great resource available and goes hand in hand. When it comes to a non-drowsy allergy medicine that provides all day relief, Children’s Claritin is my choice for my kids. Children’s Claritin is the #1 Pediatrician Recommended Non-Drowsy Oral Allergy Brand for kids ages 2+. With 24-hour relief of runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and itchy nose and throat, Children’s Claritin, you get that all day relief for your kiddos. Children’s Claritin is available in Chewable form in the flavors Grape and Bubble Gum and Syrup form in the flavor Grape.
Allergies can be a challenge, especially for kids and I am never a happy person when they are so uncomfortable. Since my sons experience allergies year round, I try to make sure to give them all the necessities to keep them comfortable and happy and cheerful as possible. Sometimes arming ourselves with a little information to tackle the issue at hand can be a valuable tool for us. Having something handy like the Smart Allergy Mom™ Toolkit surely helps so that we are not so lost when trying to care for our children. If you have a child that suffers from allergies, I highly suggest checking out this toolkit and get informed.
With the boys back in school and in the middle of this year’s football season, we are busy trying to keep ourselves on task and focused while still finding time to enjoy those “life” moments. Our daily schedules keep us on our toes and we are constantly looking for ways to not only unwind but help assist us in our productivity and our daily tasks. It doesn’t matter if your a student, teacher or parent… the day to day can get the best of us so any help… counts! With everything we have available at our finger tips, I knew that there just had to be a way to find something that would not only keep us on task, but also help us relax, focus and unwind some. Thankfully, there is a solution and a little assistance to help us out. Whether it be on an android smart phone or tablet, free apps (actually free) from Amazon Underground are to the rescue.
When you’re looking for something to keep your kiddos busy or to help with learning their alphabets or reading, there are apps that can help. Interested in getting a bit more organized or need something to unwind and relax your brain for the day – hey, Amazon Underground Always Free apps got you covered. You never have to worry about your kids downloading apps and games that will cost you money and you can get access to over 3,000 apps and games that are 100% FREE. Simply download them from Amazon Underground to your Amazon Fire tablet or Android smartphone and you are good to go.
There are so many apps available in the Amazon Underground catalog that there is something there for anyone – my whole family is enjoying the selection. 100% free apps & games are a part of the Amazon Appstore with access to great content that you would normally have to pay for in “other” App and Playstores, but they are at zero cost through Amazon Underground. I am loving that some of my favorite games are available through access to premium apps and my family and I get to take advantage of the fun and convenience while we take a break from our busy day.
As a mother the Amazon Underground apps allow me to take my coloring on the go – letting me take a few minutes to focus on me while coloring – utilizing an easy app I love called Adult Coloring or Zen: Adult Coloring Book. When my family and I like to work our brains and have some fun together, we enjoy playing Brain It On! or some of our favorite games called Cut the Rope, Sonic Dash and Zootopia also make for some family enjoyment. For drawing, sketching and note taking, the app Notepad+ is also a great selection for fun as well as productivity.
On night that I need to unwind and relax and fall asleep soundly and easily, I love using the White Noise Sleep Aid – the Forest Noise is ideal for falling right asleep and feeling rested the next morning when I awake. You see, the options are endless and the Amazon Underground app store offers you a variety of selections for the busy mom and dad, student and school performance and studying and even the college bound teen that needs a little help making the transition.
If you are looking for something fun to do, get productive or organized or just have a little “me” time, I highly suggest checking out Amazon Underground. It’s easy to use and many apps and games are available at your fingertips.
A video posted by Honey 🌺Honeygirlsworld.com (@honeygirlk) on
If you’re interested in checking out the Amazon Appstore and learn more about what it has to offer, click here and check out the Amazon Underground catalog of 100% free apps and games. You can also access the Amazon Underground on your Android smartphone by visiting here.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
With all the kiddos heading back to school for the 2016-2017 school year, Target has you covered. The “Made to Matter – Handpicked by Target” product collection includes leading natural, organic and sustainable brands for you to choose from. At the heart of Made to Matter is an assortment of great products made with simple, recognizable ingredients that are designed to be higher quality for everyone and accessible to anyone. Are you a Target shopper? If so, read on and check out some of these brands that you can add to your list the next time you’re out shopping.
Target is one of my favorite stores to shop at and I’m excited to share a few fun brands for you to check out as a part of the “Made to Matter Handpicked by Target” collection. These brands and products offer an assortment of great products and today I’m going to share them with all of you.
Pacifica is a brand that I know and love and I’m very thankful to be a Pacifica Beauty Ambassador. The Made to Matter product from Pacifica is the DreamBIG Lash Extending 7 in 1 Mascara ($15.99) which I wrote a review on previously (you can find that here). This mascara provides instant amplification with natural plant fibers that build and build plus fortify your lashes with an innovative peptide serum. It also includes a magic wand that changes up your mascara game with a twist. Fake it till you make it with this awesome mascara.
Shea Moisture Made to Matter Products – Peace Rose Oil Complex Nourish & Silken Shampoo and Conditioner ($10.99 each). I’m a huge fan of the Shea Moisture products but have not tried this particular line from the brand until now. These nourishing recipes are made with natural and certified organic ingredients and are designed to hydrate and soften dry, brittle hair. Key Ingredients include: Peace Rose Oil Complex (Alpine, Damask and Must Rose Oils) to help soften and silken dry hair. Date Pam Extract to provide protective moisture barrier with sensitivity pathway blockers and Camellia Leaf Extract contains antioxidant properties, soothing minor skin and scalp irritation. I have been LOVING these hair products and plan to have a full review up on the blog in the coming weeks.
Method Rebecca Atwood + Method Pumpkin Clove Gel Handwash ($3.49) is a design-driven, planet-friendly home and personal care product that was designed in collaboration with Brooklyn-based designer Rebecca Atwood. The line includeds four custom painterly patterns and fragrances that span a variety of method products in this limited edition collection for fall – bringing sophisticated style to everyday products. The bottle is gorgeous with a chic design that is show stopping and the scent of the soap is awesome. Method met the clean label challenge for the Made to Matter program by sharing all product ingredients with Target’s Sustainability Index team so that they could verify the safety and sustainability.
Suja Pressed Probiotic Waters in Raspberry, Orange, Ginger Pineapple, Pineapple Lemon Cayenne & Ginger Lime ($2.99) are the perfect back to school drink. Suja has created the first enhanced water on teh market with no additives of any kind and no natural or artificial flavors. Suja’s Pressed Probiotic Waters are Organic, Non-GMO and Cold-Pressured. Suja’s waters are the first-ever enhanced water made with nothing but organic fruits, vegetables and vegan probiotics. 10 calories and one gram of sugar or less, the pressed probiotic waters offer a subtle sweetness and no additives of any kind. They also contain 2 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of vegan probiotics, these waters provide a clean dose of immune and digestive benefits.
Annie’s Snacks ($3.45/box) and Justin’s Peanut Butter + Banana Chip Snack Packs ($1.99) are delicious snacks that are perfect for back to school. These treats are conveniently packed to put into the lunchbox and are a nutritious snack for the whole family. They are tasty and fun and I love that they are perfect for on the go.
Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Paper Masks ($2.99) are single use Ultra Hydrating paper masks that naturally hydrate and provide the skin with and extra dose of tropical scented moisture.
Tom’s of Maine just launched their first natural antiperspirant for Men – Naturally Dry North Woods. Selected for the “2016 Made to Matter-Handpicked by Target” Program. 48 Hour odor and wetness protection with no petrochemicals or artificial fragrances. It’s also non-irritating and with every purchase Tom’s of Main donates 10% of profits back to helping people and the planet. Tom’s Main Naturally Dry Deodorant ($4.49) is reasonably priced and smells nice. But I especially like that it will not cause irritation to my husband who has sensitive skin like me.
Tom’s of Maine Luminous White Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste ($4.99) is their newest, most advanced natural whitening toothpaste designed exclusively for Target. Luminous White offers effective whitening with only naturally derived ingredients that work to remove surface stains. Most importantly, it’s safe on enamel and selected for the 2016 “Made to Matter – Handpicked by Target program because it contains no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or artificial sweeteners like saccharin. It’s also gluten free with no animal testing and clinically proven, dual silica whitening technology.
The Honest Company has been one my family has really grown to love. The Organic Healing Balm ($12.95) is a favorite mainly because it is very similar to those that I currently use from other brands. It’s an all purpose salve for dry, chafed or sensitive skin and a favorite in our household because I can easily carry it in my purse and take on the go for when I need it most. It’s all natural, soothing and hypoallergenic which make it all great for my sensitive skin and my family. Award winning, this balm is a must have, super versatile salve to help soothe my very dry and sensitive skin and so much more. With organic sunflower, olive and coconut oils along with shea butter to nourish and moisturize, my dry skin gets the relief it needs. It’s also made without petroleum, mineral oil, parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances, dyes and most ingredients that cause common allergies.
The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray ($2.98) is also a favorite in our house. It smells so refreshing and bright with an orange citrus scent and moisturizes with aloe vera. Kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria, this antiseptic + moisturizer offers antimicrobial protection made with plant-based ingredients. Soothing botanicals help to reduce drying, redness and chapping and there are no harsh chemicals. I love that it is in a convenient (easy to travel and use on the go) packaging and it’s a favorite to always have on hand.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Vinegar Gel Cleaner ($3.99) is something new to our family and I have not used it prior to this. Heritage-inspired specialty cleaners that are bleach-free but still work hard on grease, grime and soap-residue. Mrs. Meye’s Vinegar Gel Cleaner in Lemon Verbena smells nice and is naturally thickened vinegar with the Lemon Verbena fragrance to help clean stainless steel to a bright, brilliant shine without needed to rinse. Use to clean countertops, the refrigerator, handles, knobs and all those little do-it-yourself vinegar jobs but with more of a pleasant scent. I love it… I am someone who keeps a bottle of vinegar on hand just for cleaning the house and this product is awesome.
Happy Family Organics Brand Happy Tot Super Smart Organic Pears, Peas & Mangos ($1.60) I have been seeing kiddos around our neighborhood and at football practice sipping on these pouches over the last couple of weeks and I was excited to be able to try one. Since a toddler’s brain doubles in size from birth to age 2, it’s essential to give them the proper support for a tot’s growth. These Super Smart pouches contain 20mg of DHA and 100mg of choline, both important nutrients to help support brain health in a growing toddler. But, while these are formulated mainly for toddlers, the boys tried them and really enjoy it. I know they have a variety of flavors for older kids too so we’ll be checking those out in the next week or so and stocking up.
Babyganics Moisturizing Lotion ($7.29 for 11oz bottle) is the only baby lotion designed specifically for baby’s developing skin, featuring NeoNourish Natural Seed Oil Blend and the 100% natural scent of chamomile verbena (also available fragrance free). It’s free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, dyes or synthetic fragrances and the boys enjoy it as well as I do. Non-allergenic, pediatrician & dermatologist tested and never tested on animals, this is a really nice brand that includes Shea butter, Aloe, Vitamin E, Olive and Avocado Oil and the Babyganics 100% natural NeoNourish Seed Oil Blend.
Bitsy’s Brainfood Smart Crackers ($3.99) has been a fun new treat for us. Clean Label, USDA Organic, Non-GMO, nothing artificial and low in sugar, high in nutrition with 1/2 serving of vegetables. Smart Crackers are baked in a zero waste die and no scrap dough and the boys love that there are puzzle games on the 1005 recycled paperboard. The crackers are made with real organic veggies and come in three yummy flavors: Cheddar Chia Veggie, Mapple Carrot Crisp and Sweet Potato Cinna-Graham. They are made with love in the USA in a peanut and tree nut-free bakery. My sons really enjoy them and I think they taste really good… YUM.
Nature’s Path Organic EnviroKidz Granola Bars ($4.99 / 6 bars) are made with gluten-free rolled oats, chocolate chips and chocolate drizzle. The first and only granola bar made totally organic, gluten free and peanut free so they’re the perfect allergy-friendly lunchbox snack. The boys love these and love the way they taste, plus – the cute monkey on the packaging is a total fun way to snack.
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs ($12.99) include Seventh Generations trusted Free & Clear laundry formula that is now available in EPA safer Choice certified all-temperature laundry packs. These bio-based laundry packs use quadruple-enzyme power to remove stains and leave your clothes looking good as new. The product includes 45 toss-and-wash single-dose pods to make laundry day simple and mess-free. Their EPA Safer Choice certification means that every ingredient in their laundry packs have been reviewed by the EPA to ensure it meets their stringent human health & environmental criteria. What I enjoy the most about these laundry packs is that they are perfect for sensitive skin and my family is full with sensitive skin bodies. I think this will become a favorite our ours in the future and you may see a full review on this in the months to come.
As I mentioned before, “Made to Matter – Handpicked by Target” is a collection of products of leading natural, organic and sustainable brands. At the heart of Made to Matter is an assortment of great products made with simple, recognizable ingredients that are designed to be higher quality for everyone and accessible to anyone. It is always a great thing to walk into my local Target store to see the “Made to Matter” logo and emblem on product displays because I know what they are about and am proud to support these brands. This year I was introduced to brands I have never tried before and some that I have loved over the years and my family and I have been enjoying them all.
It’s always great when a company offers such great quality but higher standards and I’m excited for my readers and friends to try some of these brands for themselves.
Make sure to shop all of these amazing #MadeToMatter favorites on Target/MadeToMatter website: http://www.target.com/c/made-to-matter or at your local Target Store.
Thank you Target and Pacifica Beauty for sending my family and I this awesome gift of goodies, we surely love them and look forward to trying more.
Disclaimer: The products discussed in this post were sent for review and feature consideration and as gifts. All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased. Affiliate links are posted through out.
As the season starts to change and the weather gets a tad bit chillier, the kiddos make their way back to school for the 2016-2017 year. I remember as a kid, going back to school was my favorite time of year because it meant that I would have the opportunity to impress a new set of teachers and meet new friends. My boys returned back to school at the beginning of August and while it has been a busy month so far, we are so excited and they have been absolutely loving school. Today I share with you a few of their favorite finds for Back to School from affordable selections that we love and a few Celebrity faves. Since back to school can be a fun time for kids or some may feel a bit uneasy, it’s the perfect time to pick up some new goods that will surely put a smile on your littles’ faces.
Going back to school after a fun summer break isn’t always easy for littles. But, finding cool Back to School gear and supplies always make for a great start. This year I wanted the boys to be able to develop their own sense of style (see the twins with their mohawks and sunglasses in the photo above? lol), but I also wanted them to select basics that would make their year fun and functional.
A quality made backpack is always an important part of back to school. My eldest Kevin has a full schedule of classes and a heavy workload and homework sometimes. It’s important that he has a backpack that can take him to and from school while still offering him the option to use for extra curricular activities and sports. His choice of gear for this year was the Mountainsmith Approach 25 backpack (retail: $89.95).
This multi-pocket backpack is perfect for on the go for work and office, school or sports, or for a hike to climb the highest summit. It features a dual-anel loader system which is idea for travel and trail), a front panel stretch-mesh pocket with daisy chain attachment loops, Anvil Airway ridged EVA back panel padding which make it comfortable on the back no matter what you carry in it, tool / trekking pole carry, side compression straps, dual side-panel mesh pockets, an internal hydration sleeve to hold 3 liters and an eleastic sternum strap and bit valve catch with a safety whistle.
This backpack is sturdy and unisex. He has it in burgundy with brick red trim and it looks stunning and manly. It’s comfortable on and Kevin can stuff this backpack with his school supplies and homework without worrying about it falling apart. It’s a great backpack to have for anyone of any age and is not only for school but anything. I plan to pick one up for myself as well since it will be great for my forest treks.
Luke opted for a fun and stylish backpack from Chooze. Chooze is a brand selected and loved by celebrities alike. Matthew McConaughey’s little girl is a huge fan of the versatile and affordable clothing and accessories Chooze offers. Luke wanted the reversible ChoozePack in Quest(retail $43.95).
These ingenious packs feature a reversible design that has two functional sides to give your kiddos the power to choose which print to display. It offers padded convertible straps (which Luke says are BOMB because they are so comfortable) and you can flip each strap from side-to-side to provide a different look.
Of course, no back to school list and gear would be complete without a way to carry your lunch and snack to and from school. Kevin opted for something he could use for school and sports and went with the Mountainsmith Takeout insulated lunch pack (retailing $17.95). It is the perfect sized carry-all for school, office and tailgating and has a look that any teen would enjoy.
To help carry his favorite mom’s delicious soups to school for lunch, he also selected the Hydro Flask Food Flasks. He has them in the 12 oz. (retails for $29.99) and the 18 oz. (retails for $34.99). These flasks are perfect to carry his favorite soups or a hot cocoa on those chilly mornings. They fit perfectly into any lunchbox and are the perfect way to give kids a balanced healthy meal. They offer improved temperature control technology and can keep hot food items made in the morning steamy until lunchtime. He also enjoys holding his milk in these and pours a small box of cereal inside for breakfast on the go.
Luke & Isaiah decided that getting a traditional lunchbox was the way they wanted to go this year. Each of them selected a Personalized Lunchbox from I See Me! (retailing for $29.99 each, currently on sale for $17.99. Isaiah chose the Kick, Score, Run Lunchbox and Luke chose the Outerspace Lunchbox. I See Me! is a brand and leader in personalized storyboks and gifts for kids, offering over 30 customizable book titles. They also offer lunch boxes, stickers, growth charts, puzzles and so much more. This fun company is a favorite of celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba and Brooke Shields.
Did I ever mention how much I enjoy Quinoa? Well, I couldn’t resist putting some of these yummy snacks in the boys lunch boxes. I Heart Keenwah snacks are perfect for any kiddo on the go or to pack with their lunch. These Grab n Go (1.5 oz) snacks are great afterschool or lunch treats that taste great and are fun and nutritious. I Heart Keenwah quinoa Clusters and Puffs are a healthy alternative to chips, crackers or sweets. They are made of organic, Non-GMO ingredients. They are a protein-rich superfood snack and gluten-free with the perfect crunch to fill and fuel your little ones bodies. I love them myself and the boys think they taste great. We find them at our local Safeway and Wholefoods at a reasonable cost.
Setton Farms International Premium Quality Snacks are also a great buy. Our favorite are the Creme Brulee Blend that has cashews and toffee peanuts. The Creme Brulee Blend incorporates all the creamy sweetness and crunch of the traditional Creme Brulee without the spoon. It combines freshly roasted cashews and toffee peanuts with creamy butterscotch and white chips for an irresistible treat. They are available in 5 oz resealable bags and available in major grocery store chains across the country – Price Chopper, Market Basket, King Kullen and more. Setton Farms sent us a variety of treats to try but the Creme Brulee Blend is our favorite. I hope we can find more of these in our local stores, so far I’ve only found them at http://www.puritan.com/ and I’ll need to be purchasing more soon.
When it comes to back to school, the boys are simple shoppers which makes my job easiest. I remember as a child wanting to have all the pretty notebooks and pens for back to school supplies. This year, when I did the boys school supply shopping, I also took advantage of some discounts for myself too. Whether it’s Crayons or Pens, Notebooks and Planners or a tablet, the options are endless and come in a variety of price points. Some of our favorites included:
Crayola Crayons 24 Pack – these are perfect on the go or to keep in the desk or at home. When shopping during the sales you can get these for about $0.25 each.
Calendar or Planners – some of my favorites are the Blue Sky Planners from Target. Of course, you can’t go wrong with an Erin Condren Life Planner, Happy Planner or your traditional binder planners like Kikki K, Filofax or Dokibook.
Pencils – Oh, how I love me some pencils. Currently my favorites at the moment are any type of Mechanical Pencil with 0.5mm lead, BIC Pencil 0.7mm (the metallic ones have won me over), Dixon Ticonderoga #2 Pencils (have you seen the beautiful metallic ones?) The Ticonderoga pencils are perfect for sketching as well as writing and erase cleanly.
Notebooks – Spiral, composition tablet… you name them and they are available in all kinds of paper style and cover design.
Folder / Filler Paper – ah, hand me a ream of college ruled please! The twins use Wide Ruled, Kevin uses College Ruled. I love that they are available from a variety of brands and price points.
Amazon Fire Tablet – for less than $50, you can get your hands on a Tablet that acts as a Reader or Internet hub. The Amazon Fire Tablet is affordable but gives your student (or you) the option to get online, use amazing apps or just play games. It’s definitely a great tool to have for the student or the mentor.
Now – you don’t need to pick up these particular items. Honestly, I just wanted to include some of my favorite school supplies (or mommy supplies) because I was feeling a bit left out. lol
Last but certainly not least in our Back to School finds are some great threads. Each child is an individual and I really love seeing them shop and select their own clothing, accessories and shoes – even their own hair cuts. All three of my boys are simple guys but they do enjoy fun pops of color to their outfits and clothing selections. Whether it be plaid shorts with a solid color shirt or fun hats and accessories, the boys take pride in finding something to wear that is not only comfortable and functional – but reveals their style. Isaiah is absolutely enjoying his Rocket in Listen modern sneaker boot style shoes from Chooze ($54.95) and he wanted to show them to our readers today.
This modern sneaker boot style shoe comes with a side elastic gore added for comfort. It has a signature dual design with easy access side zipper entry making the shoe easy to take off and put on. It has padded throat for extra comfort and soft canvas uppers. The flexible support offers comfort while the removable, padded, anti-stink insoles make these the perfect footwear for an active little guy. They wipe clean easily with a damp cloth or can be washed in cold water and air dried. Chooze offers a variety of footwear designs for both girls and boys and they are stylish and fun to allow your child to make a statement all their own.
Luke likes a shoe that can allow him to run and play with a little swagger and Kevin, well – if he’s not in his Nike Basketball shoes most of the time, you can find him in a pair of flip flops (rubbah slippahs as we call them here in Hawaii) and a cool pair of shades to finish off his look. The boys were quite ecstatic to return back to school because the new school year meant that they were all beginning their football season for Pop Warner but most importantly, they got to go back to school and learn… I mean, hang out with their friends, just kidding lol. The boys love school and love learning new things so shopping for new gear for back to school is always a huge highlight.
No matter what you decide to get for your child (or yourself) this Back to School season, make it fun and colorful and let it represent your own individual style. Have your kiddos gone back to school yet? If so, do they sport a relaxed and casual style or do they really like to dress up and have some fun? Wishing all the students a wonderful 2016-2017 school year filled with lots of fun, friendships and learning. From our house to yours… Aloha!
Disclaimer: Some of the products mentioned in this post were sent for review and feature consideration. All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased and I was not paid to feature these products. Some products were also purchased with my own money. Affiliate links are posted through out.
The boys and I have been enjoying our summer months together since my husband is usually working on the weekdays. Come on now, we live on Maui, which has been rated the number 1 Vacation Destination by Conde Nast many years in a row, so we do have a plethora of sites to see and lots of fun to be had. While we live on the mountain, we experience really hot days so I decided to pack the boys up into the car and take a drive up to Kula to cool down – since the air is much cooler there. Our journey led us to the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, a place we have visited many times before – but it’s been years since I bought the twins here, so I decided it would be a perfect place to venture.
The Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is located on the slopes of Haleakala and overlooks some of the most beautiful views on the South side of the island. It is a 25-30 minute drive away from the Kahului Airport (the main airport into Maui) and a popular spot for visitors to stop at and have lunch after watching the sunrise at Haleakala or hiking the crater. At one time, it used to be free to enter the Lavender farm, so I was surprised to see a guard house at the entry (it was not there my last visit a few years ago) and entry for adults is $2.00. It’s well worth the cost however. You can bring your own lunch and have a picnic or hike the grounds for a great adventure. The air is so cool up there, it was a perfect place for the boys and I to getaway to beat the heat.
There is a little shop that sells tasty delectables featuring the fresh picked lavender, but the boys and I decided that we would just take in the sites and cool down and head home to eat lunch instead. We walked around the gardens and admired the fragrant lavender as we took in the sites.
It was a short little adventure, but a beautiful day out so I took this opportunity to take some shots of the boys and my eldest son Kevin helped take a few photos of my casual outfit I wore.
The best part about our little drive and excursion today was that I was able to spend it with the boys. They go back to school in about 2 1/2 weeks and this summer break flew by too quickly. The twins are off to 1st Grade and Kevin is off to 7th Grade. With Football season starting for all three boys August 1st – I know that times like these will be few in between, so I’m glad we made great use out of our Summer break.
Kimono Cover up – Forever 21 Plus
Ribbed Tank – Old Navy
Linen Shorts with pockets in black – Torrid.com
Flip flops – Guess Jeweled Slip ons
Watch – Invicta Angel
Sunglasses – Maui Jim Maui (style no longer available)
Nail Polish – Sinful Colors Kylie Jenner Trend Matters Collection in Kozy
My embedded video above also showcases our dinner for that evening… I made my homemade poor man’s rissotto (recipe coming soon) and we watched a beautiful sunset from our porch to end a wonderful day. If you’re not following me on Snapchat – my code is in my side bar, come and follow me on my daily journey. What about you, are you enjoying the summer months? I’m thankful to live in Hawaii and blessed to have a lifestyle where every day is an adventure and a vacation.
Since my DSLR hasn’t been working, it’s been really nice to find reasons to take my phone out to practice shooting with it… all the images that you see in this post were taken with my Samsung Note 4.
Disclaimer: Everything mentioned or featured was purchased with my own money. Affiliate links may be posted through out.
The last few weeks have had me talking about relationship advice on my Thirsty Thursday episode I do each week but I have been saving some motherhood topics for today. As many know who follow my blog or YouTube channel, I am a Stay at Home / Work from Home mom and honestly, I’m proud of it. I wish each mother could experience staying at home with their children and spending the time with them watching their child or children grow. But, being a stay at home mom comes with a certain personna, or stigma I shall say, that can sometimes hit a few nerves. Today we are going to do a “Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom” segment – something I used to do a lot on my channel and blog in the past and we are going to touch base on the following subjects. These questions were emailed to me for advice and topic consideration…
” Do you think Sta at Home Moms are lazy? What do you think about what is said about Stay at Home Moms, calling them lazy or that they have an easy life and don’t do anything.”
” Do you feel you push your kids too hard to be successful? Do you think some parents can push their kids too hard to be great?”
Be sure to watch the video embedded above or click here to watch the episode directly on YouTube. Remember that this is just a chill and relaxed conversation and I’m simply stating my opinion as a person and not bashing on anyone else’s opinion on the subject.
Thanks so much for joining me on this episode of Thirsty Thursday. Don’t forget – if you are interested in submitting questions or topics for future episodes, you can email them to thehoneygirlk@gmail.com. As a reminder, I am not a professional at all and do not get paid for my advice. All opinions are my own – my honest thoughts on the subject and I am in no way judging anyone for the choices they make or their own opinions, these are just mine.
Let’s face it, raising a child at any age can be a challenge – but the first few years of a child’s life are a learning curve. As my children grow each and every day, I’m reminded of how different they are – all three of them have their own personalities. My eldest, well – as a baby and a toddler, he was very easy going and after he was a month old, he pretty much slept through the night allowing me to get rest and still go to work full time while caring for him. The twins… well, that’s a whole different story. They were up at all hours of the day and night and at different times. They nursed differently – though they did everything together and still do – they have consistently kept me on my toes, well – they still do that too. But, one things for sure… as a parent, while all advice may not be specifically geared to be a “fix all” for each child, they are great stepping stones for you to develop a pattern and a solution to fit your needs. Today I share with you a really cool and interesting read called The Natural Baby Sleep Solution by Polly Moore, Ph. D. This book has been a great addition to my library and I’m going to share a few of my thoughts with you on it today.
If you are a mother… then you know that we have all been there… a time when we are feeling a heavy dysfunction and disarray that plagues our daily thoughts. The lack of sleep due to a crying or fussy baby or the stress of feeling like we have failed. Mothers (fathers too) often experience these times within the first year of their child’s life or right around the age when your baby starts teething. It’s natural but no matter how many times I tell you that we’ve all been there, it doesn’t make the situation any better. The Natural Baby Sleep Solution literally is the answer to many parents’ prayers. This book is written by a scientist whose mind is naturally geared towards scientific research and connection, but also by a mother who an relate to how we as mothers are feeling. Polly Moore understands the ins and outs of being a parent and this book is a great approach at working a little bit of experience, science and research and love into an equation that parents have struggled with for years.
By utilizing the N.A.P.S. Plan in the book – Polly Moore explains that this simple plan will help in encouraging longer sleep periods. It’s basically a mother’s natural instinct in science form. The plan is relatively simple: When your baby wakes up – keep a clock for 80 minutes and then start winding your baby down for a nap when it hits that time point. By the 90 minute mark, get your child to bed. Even if the naps are short, back to sleep at 90 minutes to establish not only a routine but a cycle.
When my twins were younger, they NEVER took a nap. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not because I wanted to keep them up – but because they just wouldn’t fall asleep. Later in the day when they were beyond exhausted, they either fell asleep unable to keep their eyes open or they were so wired from the lack of a nap, they stayed up all night. The Natural Baby Sleep Solution allows you to use a few tips in guiding your child into sleeping so that they know what it feels like to be tired and want a nap – therefore giving your child the skills needed to stay asleep longer at night. The concept is genius and one I wish I had known about prior to having my children. Should I have any more kids in the future, I’m glad that I was able to read this book and hope to incorporate the teachings in this book for later.
By reading this book, I think it’s a great asset in teaching a parent to watch for the signs of when a child is ready to rest. It’s not a sleep training type of book but instead gives you the tools to be able to better see the cues from your child to help with that type of situation. It also helps in you guiding your child to be able to sleep easily – “goodnight” and close the door, etc. Like with anything else you read that are “baby help” books, you must have an open mind and know that what might work for you and your child may not work for others and vice versa. Again, each person is an individual – as are their children and books like these should be used as a guide and a tool – not a strong arm.
I enjoyed reading through The Natural Baby Sleep Solution by Polly Moore, Ph.D. and I am glad I was able to experience this book and the N.A.P.S. Plan. I look forward to including this book for other mothers at baby showers or baby gifts as I think it would make for a great read for anyone with a new born or little one. I look forward to trying out some of this technique should I have any more children or nieces/nephews in the future.
Have you read or heard of this book before? If so – what are your thoughts, if not – is this something you could utilize or incorporate into your mommy guide library?
Disclaimer: The product mentioned in this post was sent to me for review consideration. All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased – as with anything on this site. I was not paid to provide my thoughts on this product or to feature it. Affiliate links listed thorugh out.
