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What Are The Biggest Expenses When Preparing For Your Baby?

Children don’t have to cost a fortune, but there are some essential purchases you will need to make before welcoming your baby home. According to the U.S Department of Agriculture’s ‘Expenditures on Children by Families’ report in 2013, the cost of raising a child until the age of 17 years is $245,340. Now this seems like an awful lot of money, but there are ways to cut back and spend sensibly. Children are affordable for nearly everyone, as they are brought up within your own ways and means of living. Here are the basic essentials you will need to ensure you have before bringing your baby home.

preparing for a baby

Clothes

Although it may be tempting, you don’t need a full wardrobe of outfits ready before your baby is born. A few of the basics, such as long-sleeved onesies, cotton pants, tops, pyjamas, bibs and socks are fine. Children grow out of their clothes so quickly, make sure you have a couple in each size. Some babies don’t fit in newborn at all and others go straight up to 0-3 months immediately.

Bed

Your baby is going to need his own place to sleep. A moses basket or crib is essential for the first few months, moving on to a cot or cotbed. You can put your baby straight into a cot and avoid purchasing a moses basket. But, these cannot be moved around the house, so naptimes will take place in their own bedroom. The Lullaby Trust advises that the safest place for your baby to sleep is in his own bed, on his back, so either are essential to buy.

Toys

Newborn babies don’t have a lot of need for toys and playthings. But as they grow, toys become essential in their exploration and development. None of these need to be expensive, and they don’t need lots of items. But a few colourful toys will stimulate their minds and distract them for a few precious moments. Many people also buy interactive DVD’s which will work in a similar way.

Transportation

You’re going to need to get out with your baby, in a safe way. Prams and pushchairs are crucial in making your life easier. Some designer brands are becoming more and more expensive, but you only need a strong and reliable model with plenty of space for your and your baby’s things. A car seat is also a must now, with baby’s now required to travel in a rear-facing car seat. A solid review of the Graco Contender 65 convertible car seat proves it a dependable investment. But look around and take time before you make your selection.

Savings

It is advised that you have some savings to fall back on in case of hard times. Bringing your new baby home is an excitement time, and you want to enjoy it as much as possible. Do all you can before the birth to ensure there are as little financial worries as possible. You will need enough funds to cover your maternity leave and possible childcare if you decide to go back to work. Some people also start a savings account for their baby, so when they come of age there is a trust fund available to them.

CozyPhones Product Review

cozy phones headphones Photo courtesy of cozy phones

Hey there! I recently was able to review this amazing product called Cozy Phones. My oldest son is six and loves using his iPad. He especially loves to turn the volume all the way up when baby brother is napping. When CozyPhones contacted me and asked to conduct a review I was so excited because I knew that my son would love them and now he could turn up the volume as loud as he likes.

So A little about CozyPhones, they are a US Based company, family owned and veteran operated. They are very easy to work with and answer questions immediately. Great company to work with for me.

When I opened the box, I noticed immediately how soft and comfortable they are (Hence the name CozyPhones). I even tried them on for a bit and I see why they are a big hit with the littles. One of the things that always concerned me about headphones is the volume level, especially with ear bud type headphones. I have seen how these can affect kids ears, so Cozy Phones caught my attention.

On these headphones, because of the soft cushion surrounding the headphone, it sounds clear but not too loud. Which is perfect for little ears.

My son Isaac using his cozy phones

After my son used it for a while, he complained of being too hot while wearing them, luckily we’re in Southern California so it tends to get in the triple digits in the summer. So the material of the head phone is not very cool and my son was sweating. I would like to see something with more of a mesh material on their site sometime soon. Overall, this product can be enjoyed in any season and my son really loves it.

CozyPhones are so easy and fun to use

Other than that we definitely love these and enjoyed trying them out. They are a fun product and definitely a must have to help protect and keep our kids comfortable in the process.

Now something bigger and better…Thanks to CozyPhones, they are giving away one of these awesome headphones to one of my readers/subscribers! So stay tuned for this very cool giveaway.

Cozy Phones are available in multiple styles and colors and are very affordable. You can find them by clicking on the links below.

I hope you enjoyed this review, be sure to share and comment if you have any questions, I am happy to help in any way I can. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to be on the lookout for more cool freebies from successfulmommyadvice.com!

Amazon

http://www.cozyphones.com/products/ids-headphones-super-comfortable-and-soft-fleece-headbands-perfect-for-travel-and-home-from-cozyphones-green-froggy?variant=9428071557

Frugal Family Fun-EBook Review

Frugal Family Fun-E Book Review

frugal family fun E-Book Review

First let me begin by saying that I am so honored to be a part of this week’s Frugal Family Fun Party. I love this opportunity and I am so excited to be here!

When I first found this book, I knew I had to get my hands on it. As a busy mom of three kids, finding fun things to do that we all agree on can be challenging. I find myself leaning more toward my eldest son who is six. He is the one with the ideas and knows what he wants, while my younger ones (ages 3 and 2) kind of go with the flow.

So I started reading and to my surprise I couldn’t put it down. I read it on my breaks (in between meals and bed times). I am going to go through a list of things I love about this book and how learn more about it.

As a family of five it can be difficult to find things to do that cost us little to no money. Going to McDonalds is easily 40 dollars. Frugal Family Fun taught me that anything can be an adventure. From Gardening to board games, you can make anything fun as long as you’re together. As busy parents whether you’re a working or stay at home, you tend to lose sight of the most important things.

I love absolutely adore the fact that this book was simple and easy to read and understand. I felt like I was talking to a girlfriend, which is what kept me engaged. Each chapter gives a great description of the activity and why it’s important. One of my favorite things about it, is at the end of every chapter you have a chance to make notes or reflect on what you want to do with your family. I also love that it included opportunity to build relationships with other family members like grandparents. Since I am a mom to two boys and one girl it can be difficult to spend time with them individually and this book really showed me that it is not impossible.

Being creative in your family outings can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be. There are enough ideas to last you an entire year. I love that. One of the things we must remember as parents is keep our families close, lead them by example by creating those memories to last them a lifetime.

I definitely recommend this book. It has great insight and tips to help you and your family grow and ultimately have fun together; while saving money doing it.

I am including all links to purchase the book, but definitely be sure to check it out. I hope you guys have enjoyed this amazing week full of fun frugal activities.

https://www.amazon.com/Frugal-Family-Fun-Parenting-activities-ebook/dp/B01C3OXSMC?ie=UTF8&keywords=frugal%20family%20fun&qid=1457572224&redirect=true&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

The Pencil Grip

The pencil grip product is a great tool for kids learning to write and develop their fine motor skills. I was lucky enough to work with The Pencil Grip for my oldest son who is six and still learning the proper way to hold a pencil. It’s been very helpful, especially now in school with the common core curriculum, they are required to write much more than before. I am going to go through a few questions some of you may have about these products.

So what is this tool?

It’s a soft silicon like pencil topper, that goes on the head of the pencil, pen, marker, or colored pencil. I tried them on all writing utensils and it works. Allowing the child to grip on a softer tip helps them grip it with two fingers, rather than three or four. My son struggled with writing throughout kindergarten. Although we are still working on his writing goals, this pencil gripper helps tremendously.

How does it work?

There is an insert at the tip of the gripper which fits writing tools and you just slide it on through. Its super easy to use and comfortable for little hands.

Is it only for kids?

No! This tool can be perfect for administrative professionals who need to write a lot, it prevents you from getting the dent in your index finger. It makes writing much more comfortable. They have an assortment of sizes for the pencil gripper for different size fingers and hands. Perfect for all ages.

How can I purchase these products?

You can order these products directly through The Pencil Grip website or through Amazon.com. They are really reasonably priced and simple to order. I am including all the links below for your convenience. Direct purchases from their website is great because there are multiple payment options, such as PayPal.

Well I hope you enjoyed this review and that you will be sure to check out all their awesome products. Be sure to share this review and comment with any questions.

http://www.thepencilgrip.com/k/top-categories

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=the+pencil+grip&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=70591540485&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13516455475877057166&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_18iylt2cly_e

Traveling To A New Destination With The Family? Here’s Some Helpful Hints

Traveling with the family can be such a fun thing to do. It enriches their lives and allows them to experience new cultures and see different things. However, without making proper use of the time you are there, traveling can be a little stressful and daunting. Even for some of the most well-traveled people. So I thought it would be a good idea to share with you some of the ways you can make the most out of traveling to a new destination.

family vacation

Do your research

Doing your fair share of research can be an essential attribute to any trip away. It will allow you to make sure you get the most out of your vacation without wasting any time. The research will open your eyes to the attractions that are available, the restaurant you may want to eat and in the places you want to see. So it’s worth investing some time in advance to make you get the most out of it all. Some people only get to travel once a year so you may as well make the best of it.

Make the most out of the internet

Of course, while you are there it is handy to speak to the staff and locals to make sure that you are aware of what is on offer. But sometimes the internet is just the best place to find out about local things to do. Websites like www.nearbyspots.com are a fabulous resource. They can let you know great places for breakfast and keep you in the know of up and coming places to try. If you don’t manage to do this in advance, most smartphones have the capacity to bring up websites on the go.

family destination vacations

Picture source

Make plans

The best way to maximise the time you have is to make plans. Sit down with the family and each has a say on what you want to do and see. Factor that into your plans so everyone is kept happy. A plan makes sure that you don’t miss out on anything. It may seem boring, but for families I think it can be the only way to experience everything on offer.

Make sure you think of the whole family

When making plans make sure you factor in all the family members. This might mean being back near the hotel for nap times, or just factoring a good mix to keep everyone entertained. The last thing you want is bored or tired children.

Consider transport options to get around

The last thing to do would be to work out your transport options. Your accommodation may not be close to everything you want to do so a car hire or bus might be worth considering. Booking these things in advance can save you quite a bit of money. A lot of public transport have discount cards or pay in advance methods. Again this might be worth researching before you head out to the destination.

I hope these hints might help you when you next travel with the family.

Top Tips For Creating A Perfect Kitchen

If you’re becoming more and more frustrated with your kitchen, you’re not alone. Many of us have looked around our homes and found things we wish we could change. But kitchens seem to be so permanent. We rarely rip them out and start again. Perhaps there are only one or two things that get on your nerves. Maybe the cupboard handles are impractical? Or the color clashes too much with the furniture? Of course, when you’re fighting for space, a practical kitchen is essential. Here’s how to fix those problems and create the perfect kitchen:

What’s Wrong?

Over the next week, keep a list on the fridge of all the things that annoy you when you’re in the kitchen. There may only be one or two things, or you may need several sheets of paper! Think about how you use the dishwasher, the hob, and the oven. Are they in the best position? What about the sink? Is it as usable as you would like? Perhaps the taps aren’t quite what you’re looking for. Is the room warm enough or cool enough? Do you have space for a breakfast table? Consider what you would love in there, and what you hate in there.

kitchen redecorating

Plan And Design

Now you know what you want and what you don’t want, it’s time to plan a new design for your kitchen. If the layout needs to be changed, measure the room, and create a sketch to illustrate your intentions. You can also find apps that will help you design the kitchen. Have a look through a few kitchen brochures to see what kind of cupboards and worktops suit you best. Pick out some taps and the sink. Maybe you need some new fitted appliances? You can use apps like Pinterest to find great kitchen ideas, and you can also use it as a scrapbook of all the things you would like in your own kitchen.

kitchen upgrades

Suppliers And Fitters

Once you know what you want, it’s time to consider how you’re going to make the change. If you just want different cupboard doors, you may be able to tackle the fitting yourself. But if you’re moving the sink or changing the location of your plumbing, it’s time to find a plumber. If you’re not sure what work may be needed, check out specialist websites like http://www.theplumbinginfo.com/plumbing-expert/ to find out more about your particular plans.

kitchen dreams

What Makes Your Kitchen Perfect For You?

Even if you want to rip it all out and start again, you need to consider more than just a new kitchen. You need to think about your lifestyle and how the kitchen fits into that. A perfect kitchen allows you to use the room in many ways. Think about entertaining. You’ll be feeding the kids too. Where will the children be while you’re making the dinner? Do you want to be able to see what they’re up to with an open plan design? Or do you prefer all your culinary processes to be hidden in a separate room when you’re entertaining? Love your kitchen.

Simple Steps You Can Take To Make Preparing For A Move Easier

When it comes to preparing for a move I have a lot of hands-on experience. Until you start preparing to move to a new home, you don’t realise how stressful it is – there’s just so much to do. Of course, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. If you prepare properly, you can make your move more enjoyable and less stressful. (It is possible, I promise!)

steps to making moving easier

Make a moving plan

Step one, you need to make a moving plan. This means writing down today’s date and the date that you move and planning out how to effectively use the time in between. If you have a plan in place that details what needs to be done when, you will find that your move becomes a lot less stressful. This is because you’re not worrying that you’ve forgotten to do something as you have everything that needs doing written down.

Order your materials in advance

Whether you plan on using cardboard boxes or plastic crates for your move, make sure to order them in advance. As well as your tape, marker pens, bubble wrap, and anything else that you need. Moving materials are much cheaper online, so if you want to keep costs low it’s essential to order them in advance. A moving kit from Amazon can cost half of what one from a supermarket or estate agents would cost.

Hire a removal service

Unless you are moving just down the road and have family and friends willing to help you move all of your stuff, it’s best to hire a removal service. Not only will this make your move easier but it will also help to ensure that everything goes to plan. Plus, if you’ve got a removal service on hand, to help you, you won’t have to worry about doing all the lifting and moving yourself. Instead, you can focus on your little ones – moving can be hard for kids.

Declutter

The next step is to declutter. Far too many people make the mistake of taking their unwanted junk to their new home with them – don’t do this. This will not only cost you but will also clutter up your lovely new home. That’s why, before you start to pack, it’s essential that you declutter. Start at the top of your home in the loft and work your way down, focusing on one room at a time. Any items that you no longer want or need get rid of. Anything that you want but don’t need for your new home, put in storage. Get in touch with a company like Fox Moving and Storage, and get any items that you don’t need, put into storage.

Be a smart packer

Last but not least, be a smart packer. This means being organised about your packing, such as starting at the top of your house and working down. It’s best to stick to one room at a time to avoid it all getting too much. To ensure that you know where each crate needs to go in your new home, use a colour coding system. It’s also worth leaving yourself plenty of time to get all the packing done – at least two weeks.

There you have it, the simple ways you can make preparing for a move easier and less stressful. Good luck in your new home!

What Mom’s Need to know About Owning a Computer

What Mom’s Need to Know About Owning a Computer

Attribution Post

Nearly every family in America now owns a computer as they are perfect for all the family. But there is some essential information moms need to know if they decide to buy a computer.

Good for kids homework

One of the top things moms need to know about computers is that they are ideal for children to do homework on. A lot of schools have computers now in classrooms, so they might have work they need to do on there. They often have to research online for a subject, so it’s necessary to have one for this. Make sure you put the computer in a quiet area so they can complete it without distractions such as a television. Make sure they stick to doing their homework, rather than playing games online.

technology and computers

You will encounter problems

Another thing you need to know about owning a computer is that things can easily go wrong. Computers can pick up viruses while you are online that are hard to get rid of. You should keep the name of a company who can provide computer repair in a safe place, so you can contact them quickly when you need help. Try and save documents on an external hard drive so that you don’t have to worry about losing them if the computer stops working.

computer problems

Good for working from home

Another reason why a mom might want a computer at home is so they can work from home. Once you become a mom, a lot of ladies decide to go self-employed so they can be at home with their children. Having a computer at home opens up a lot of opportunities, as you can get online to find work to complete. Having a computer is also essential if you are starting a business as it’s a perfect place to record your accounts as well as market your business.

Moms and technology

You should get kid-friendly software

When getting a computer, you need to ensure you put a good kid-friendly software on there, so that your kids can’t get on inappropriate sites. As discussed here, services such as net nanny will record if they go on anything they aren’t meant to be and can also limit them spending too much online. You should also sit with them while they are online if they are little so you can ensure it’s all kid-friendly website. You can sometimes call your provider who will be able to stop certain search results coming up. Remember to talk to your child about the dangers of going online.

children and the computer

Image Source

You can store all photos and videos

One good thing about owning a computer is that it’s a great way of storing all your pictures and videos. You may want to put them on social media sites such as Facebook. Remember to store them on an external device as well, just in case something goes wrong on the computer!

technologically savvy

You may prefer a laptop if you think it will be easier for your kids to move around the house. Just be aware you won’t know what they are up to if they take it to their room.

The Pencil Grip: Kwik Sticks

kwik sticks

I recently had the pleasure of working with a company called The Pencil Grip, let me start by saying that this company has some awesome products. What does the pencil grip do? “The Pencil Grip was invented in 1992 by Dr. Lois Provda, a prominent educational therapist. Two decades later, the company has grown to offer hundreds of unique and innovative products for the home, school, and office. The Provda family is incredibly grateful to the millions of parents, teachers, and therapists who have put their trust in The Pencil Grip, Inc.’s products” (Thepencilgrip.com, 2016).

All of the products on their site are geared to meet the educational needs for little ones. As a mother, I struggled with the writing process with my kids and these products can truly help. The pencil grip offers a great tool that helps child learning to write grip a pencil. This is something that attracted me to this company. I had searched far and wide to find something to help my son.

So not only did I get to review this awesome pencil gripper, I also received the Kwik Sticks. What are kwik sticks? They are paint sticks, the look and feel like a marker and write on like a paint.

pretty rainbows

Here are a few things I love about this product:

Mess free paint (Little to no clean up)
Large enough for little hands
little hands working hard
Bright vibrant colors (Perfect for teaching the basics)
Dries in 90 seconds (great to display art work immediately)
Perfect gift for teachers and educators

These sticks are a great tool to have my kids and I loved trying them out. I look forward to see what future products they put out there. This product is definitely mom approved. The great thing is that you can purchase the pencil gripper and Kwik sticks on amazon.com and their products are available through amazon prime shipping.

I am so excited to share these products with you, because they work. I am not only a mom, but an advocate for early childhood development and these tools will help kids develop the skills they need and ultimately have fun doing it!

easy to use and grip

Below are the links for their website and amazon be sure to check them out! I hope my review encourages you to check out this awesome site. Thanks for stopping by and let’s continue to strive for mommy success!

http://www.thepencilgrip.com

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=the+pencil+grip&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=70591540485&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16376938166664340692&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_18iylt2cly_e

The Two Things You Cannot Skimp On When Moving Houses

The Two Things You Cannot Skimp on When Moving Houses

Attribution Post

tips to buying a new home

Moving house can be one of the most exciting new chapters in our lives. We and our family may need more space. We may wish to be closer to good schools or a better job. We may simply crave a change of scenery and a new neighborhood. Whatever the reason we are moving, it can rapidly become an expensive affair. If we have a family, we will often be familiar with sticking to a tight budget, but moving home can become complicated. We will have to spend on travel and may need to replace furniture. We may have to set extra money aside if our little ones have to stay with a friend or family member while we move too. There are always areas that we can keep the cost down. Instead of hiring cleaners we can get the job done ourselves, for example. Enlist family helpers if necessary! If we or our partner is good at DIY, we can often save money on small repairs too.

But there are two areas in particular that it is never wise to skimp on when moving house. Read on to discover what they are.

A Removal Company

Finding a reliable and experienced removal company should be our top priority. Many people make the mistake of considering the job a simple one. Loading items into a van and moving them cannot take all that much skill, right? Wrong! The difference between a reputable company and any old provider can be hundreds of dollars worth of damage. Missing items, broken items, and delivery to the wrong address are just some of the problems of poor companies. As important as the removal job itself is, many families leave booking this service until the last minute. Give yourself enough time to research the service and read their reviews. A good company will recognize that a house move is stressful and that you need a reliable, efficient service. They will pack your items carefully and deliver promptly. Many families still receive additional help from friends and family. But the contribution of a professional company can take away much of the stress of moving. That way, we can focus our energy on the positive things like keeping the kids entertained and imagining all the new adventures that await!

Home Surveys
Many potential buyers of our home will request a full survey. We should do the same for the house that we are seeking to buy. It is essential to know in advance whether foundations are stable, if damp has set in, or what has fallen into disrepair. Many people will even have a survey taken of their own home so that they can be upfront with potential buyers. We shouldn’t worry if there are a few problems. Many buyers are happy to correct these as long as they know about them well in advance. By skimping on surveys, we can face a nasty surprise when we move in, or when a potential buyer surveys our own home. Don’t take the risk of finding your valuation must be lowered or that you have moved into a home that requires a lot of expensive corrections.

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