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5 Quick Tips to Making Family Count TODAY

February 27, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Want-it Wednesday:

This Want-it Wednesday, all I want is a BREAK from the crazy. And of course when mama’s crazy, so is the rest of the family.

And then I found her and it – at least a way to close down the crazy and to make our family make those valuable moments count.

Susan Sachs Lipman, founder of slowfamilyonline.com, writer for Christian Science Monitor‘s Modern Parenthood, is also author of Fed up with Frenzy, which teaches parents how to incorporate Slow Parenting into their family’s hectic lives and trade in frenzy for quality family time. She shared a few quick tips to help me take a deep breath through special techniques and tips like:

1. Slowing Down the Morning Rush- Instead of battling the busy drop off rush at your child’s school, take time to park the car a few blocks away and walk your child to school. This strengthens family connection and starts the day off in a relaxing and peaceful way.

2. Make Meal Time Meaningful- Dinner is one of the few times families get to spend time together during the day. Make the most out of dinnertime by picking a family question to share, for example, “What’s the funniest thing that happened during your day?” Families can also create fun bonding time by picking recipes, and preparing meals together throughout the week.

3. Say No to More Things- Parents don’t have to serve on every school committee and children should not sign up for a lot of activities. More pleasure comes from devotion to one thing at a time and free play, rather than organized activity.

4. Give Your Electronics The Day Off- Call for a family “day of rest” from technology. This can be incredibly restorative, to give full attention to your loved ones. Even cutting out a 30 minute TV show and substituting it with a family walk or game can add joy to your life.

5. Do a Fun Activity or Craft- Many wonderful activities like making sock puppets, pinecone bird feeders, or singing around a campfire have gotten lost in the hustle and bustle of our overly scheduled lives. These fun activities can bond families and create lifelong memories.

Source: etsy.com via Cherae on Pinterest

While I’m rarely the one to “take time out,” this book has empowered me to be a better role model for my kids to take time to making it count. It’s about honoring life’s simple pleasures in the relatively short time we’re all here together. It’s about connecting to that part of ourselves and our families that somehow got lost in the shuffle of our busy lives.

Slow down the frenzy. Enjoy the family.

Fed Up Frenzy

Susan Sachs Lipman

Sourcebooks

Buy on Amazon.com

ISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Find Fido: New Technology to Find Your Pet 24/7

February 19, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Try-it Tuesdays:

This week is set to be all about protecting the ones you love and today we’re talking about one of the most beloved members of your family, your pet.

Meet our (other) baby, Birddie, pictured here in our family photo 2011.

Our family pet is a black lab named Birddie. She has been with our family almost from the birth of our son in 2008. And like my other children, she also has a mind to go exploring – especially when our gate or front door gets left open, which unfortunately is more often than I wish. She has a tendency to get out so much that even my neighbors know her by name and bring her back to the house without even checking out her collar. And I can’t even remember how many times I’ve ran down the street to try to catch her. I won’t admit how many times she’s been out, but I decided it couldn’t happen any more.

Birddie meet Tagg.

This little thing is everything I had been looking for… Tagg—The Pet Tracker is an advanced pet tracking system equipped with GPS and wireless capabilities that enables pets to stay in touch with their owners. The Tagg tracker is designed for dogs and cats over 10 lbs. and is a small, lightweight and durable device that attaches securely to an existing collar.

Built to withstand all the running, digging and jumping of a pet’s busy day, the tracker is meant to be worn at all times, even while swimming. The long-lasting battery can last up to 30 days, but actual battery life will vary based on usage patterns. And best of all you can track your pet from your IPhone! I know where my pet is at all times and what she’s doing. And if she gets out of the “home zone” the program alerts you that your pet is out, as well as low battery and other alerts. (The only thing I can even say negative about this product is its battery life,which could stand to last a little longer, so make sure you follow the instructions in hope to maintain its maximum longevity.)

While the cost is around $100 for the Tagg tracker, it costs around $8 per month to maintain GPS services with Verizon (you don’t need another phone plan, it is embeded with the program.) But that’s a small cost to pay to have the freedom of mind to know I can always find Birddie!

Looking for something a little simplier to know where your pet is?

Another way to keep your dog safe is with a LED collar and leash set from Dog-E-Glow. Dog-E-Glow collars and leashes illuminate their entire length and are seen up to 1,000 feet away for maximum visibility.

Collar and leash lights are visible when turned on in a steady or flashing mode
All products contain batteries that last up to 150 hours of use
ALL of the Dog-E-Glow products are:

Safe
Lightweight and highly durable
Weather resistant
Made of high quality nylon sewn around (100,000 Hour) LED bulbs
And did you see you can get your favorite college mascots or other fashionable designs?

Don’t you love what technology can do to keep your family safe?

DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

5 Ways to Make Your Home Safer

February 18, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

When I moved into my neighborhood several years ago, it looked much like the perfect scene out of a movie – nice houses, beautiful wooded area and a great place to begin my family…

Now as a parent of two children, I’m much more alert to hearing about crime issues, especially when it’s happening close to my zip code and when it’s too close for comfort. Between changes in the area as well as social media allowing me to stay on top of all the crime happening around me, my picture-perfect neighborhood doesn’t seem to be the place it once was… Especially when families I know just like mine were becoming the victims of burglary.

Burglary Facts infographic

So began my research into safety precautions I can do to create a safer home for my family. Did you know that according to the FBI, a home burglary happens every 13 seconds? While thankfully my home hasn’t been broken into, I have had things taken from my car in just a matter of minutes. Crime happens so quickly, we have to do what we can to either prevent it or at least deter it.

While there are countless ways to proactively TRY to create a safer home, here are 5 simple ways to creating a safer home while still living life (since living in a bubble is not possible.)

BE INFORMED!

Stay on top of crime in your area with crime reports with online sites like CRIMEMAPPING, an online system that tells you what type of crime are happening at a certain address in a specific time frame. I’m also signed up to text alerts from my city police department and am informed about programs that my city offers to help prevent crime. Make sure you’re alert to what is happening around you, so you can make decisions to prevent them from happening to you.

GET A SECURITY ALARM!

This should be a no brainer. While the thought of someone breaking into your home while you’re home should be alarming enough, most robberies actually happen during the day when you aren’t home. And now with today’s technology, not only can you get alarm system for as low as $30, you can also get one with access on your IPhone (so you can make sure you’ve turned it on) and even take a peek at your home while you’re away with cameras. I also learned many insurances companies will provide a discount for having an alarm system, so you may actually save some money by installing one.

Most importantly, make sure you put the sign in the front yard that says you have an alarm system. Time and time again, both criminals and cops say that sign is a huge deterrent for people looking to break into a home.

CREATE A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH!

My neighborhood is not in a HOA, so I don’t have the luxury of having a gated community or a security team to watch my home. But we do have a community watch group that daily patrols the neighborhood for suspicious activity through volunteers. It’s easy to work with the police department to form one and the benefit is you get to take control of your safety.

CLEAN OUT YOUR CAR.

I hate this one honestly, but it works. While yes a car is stolen in Texas about every 5 minutes, many times it’s not the car they want, but the stuff inside it. I know my car is like my office with laptops, purses, and other valuables, it doesn’t take long for a criminal to see you either walk out of your car without a purse for a quick trip into daycare to break in your window and take it. And at home, it may be easy to leave your stuff in the car for the next day, but it just invites criminals to break into your car and nab the things you need most!

CONSIDER A BODYGUARD?

Seriously, a bodyguard? Yes, what may have seemed only something for the rich and famous, bodyguards are becoming a convenient way to take charge of your safety – especially when you’re hosting a party or event at your home. Unfortunately, some friends of mine were victim to a burglary and the thief left with their gun. Afterwards, the family didn’t feel safe for many weeks and wondering if the thief would return to their home to get more goods. A bodyguard would have been an easy way to keep watch over the home when they were there or not and also watch for any suspicious activity that might help them find clues to getting their stuff returned. While the police department can assist, there’s just no way they can plant their car in front of your house. With a company like guardNOW residential services are possible to feel safe wherever you go, you can have the peace of mind that comes from having someone watching your home when you can’t and feel safe sleeping at night.

While nothing can guarantee your safety, this is a great place to begin to create a plan that might be able to prevent your family from a crime in the future.

More about guardNOW

guardNOW is an easy to way to get security guards to your front door, nationwide. Whether it be a wedding, party, or an eviction, guardNOW is you one stop shop for security personnel and patrol. You no longer have to worry about how you are going to get hold of someone when you need security because guardNOW will be there. Call 877-guardNOW to book a guard today.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of guardNOW. The opinions and text are all mine.

This blog post also appears on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Mom2Mom.

“I Ate All Your Cookies!” and other things you wish you could tell your kids {Book Review}

February 15, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

After all the fun of Valetine’s Day crafts, cupcakes and cuddles, there was the aftermath of children very “high” on sugar from cookies and candy running crazy around my house. While I love my children more than life itself, it is days like these that make me want to tell them the things I’m really thinking like:

If honesty is the best policy, then getting a copy of this book from your pediatrician or OB should be a requirement.

“I Ate All Your Cookies” admits all the secret truths that parents are thinking in their head, but will (probably) never share with their children. From blowing the cover on who Santa really is to revealing that the dog is not actually living on a farm chasing bunnies, this book shares hundreds of relatable thoughts for any parent who has ever considered letting their kids know they really feel.

I Ate All Your Cookies: (and Other Things You Wish You Could Tell Your Kids)
Quinn Conroy
Sourcebooks
Buy

Looking for other other books to read? Check out some of my recents reads here!

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Giving it to You Down and Dirty: The Gross-O-Pedia

October 27, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Sharing Sundays:

When I was growing up, I looked forward to watching Saturday cartoons including a show called Beakman’s World. It was full of tons of information about real stuff and demonstrated in a way that kids could easily understand. Actually the best way to describe it was a “kid-version of Dr. Oz.” I distinctly remember how one episode showed you how scabs formed by using red and white balloons to symbolize red and white blood cells. But it didn’t stop there – he talked about all the things that make you go “huh?”

Don’t have a clue what I’m talking about or remember Beakman fondly? Check out YouTube or you can order him on Netflix.)

Anyhow, my point of this was he did some amazing explaining about things no one wants to talk about but does” like farts, scabs and other gross stuff. While as adults we do our best to be appropriate about the topics, but as kids they don’t categorize it as gross, nasty or whatever. They just want to know “WHY.”

The Gruesome, Disgusting, and Absolutely Vile Gross-o-Pedia by Rachel Federman is the perfect treat for anyone with an interest in the bizarre or an offbeat sense of humor. There’s a chapter on every subject that you might want to know a little too much about, like bugs, the human body, science, festivals, and even an entire section devoted to farts. (yes, I’ve mentioned that word like three times already.)

So with Halloween just around the corner and a four-year-old who asks “why” at least a million times a day, this book gives me a reference to explain things to him as well as some great factoids that Beakman would be proud of – 20 years later.

The Gruesome, Disgusting, and Absolutely Vile Gross-O-Pedia: A Startling Collection of Repulsive Trivia You Won’t Want to Know!
Rachel Federman
Skyhorse Publishing

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Making Sick Time a Little More ‘Hoppy’

October 24, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Wow Mom Wednesdays:

I received one of those dreaded calls today every parent hates to hear: “Your kid is sick. Come pick him up.”

And when I finally cut through traffic and bolted to his school, I found my little boy pail, sad and pretty dang pathetic (which I witnessed the level of his patheticness each time he hurled into the garbage…which was a score as a mother within itself rather than to land all over me…but I digress.)

He didn’t want food, toys or cartoons, so I knew it was the real deal. So had to do something to make him happy or at least break a smile as I nursed him back to health.

Thankfully, for Angry Birds bandages (which I picked up at Wal-mart this week on a whim) and a softy and fuzzy frog ice pack I was given from Mommy’s Kisses, I was able to “doctor” him up while his tummy sorted itself out. While it is sad to watch your kiddo be sick (I have LOTS of experience with this), it’s the little things like my mom used to do (serving me a grilled cheese with Ramen noodles and a Sprite in bed) that make it bearable – for both of you.

Do you do something special for your kids while they are sick to make them feel a little better?

DISCLAIMER:

A Better Way to Bathe Your Baby

October 17, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Don’t you just love the smell of baby lotion? There’s something about that little pink bottle and massaging it all over my little ones that reminds me how innocent, sweet and soft they are. For a brief moment I forget how bad their diaper wreaked throughout the house and how the mere scent of “baby” is almost enough to get one thinking about popping out another bundle of joy…almost.

Anyhow, I’ve never questioned my go-to baby bath products. They’ve have been old reliables for my two kids and many, many families before us have used them (their campaign even refers to them as “ the classics.”) However, while the scent is amazing and it has proven to me time and time again that it won’t sting my kiddos eyes when mom accidently lets it, when you turn over the bottle to the list of ingredients, there’s a lot of things I don’t know how to say and certainly don’t know how to read. And since unfortunately, I’ve decided to be more cognizant of what I’m putting in and on our skin, it made me wonder, “what the heck is in here?”

When I went online I couldn’t even find a breakdown of the ingredients, but I did find a full breakdown of all the reasons that the product is “safe.” While I expect safe from my baby products, I really want to find something that not only smells good, but is organic, natural and doesn’t use anything artificial. And baby, did I find some really good smelling stuff with Dolphin Organics.

Photo courtesy of Dolphinorganics.com

The line recently rolled out their new Norfolk Lavender™ Shampoo Body Wash, Bubble Bath and Lotion line and it smells simply heavenly (have you picked up on the fact that olfaction is important to me?) When I turned off the bottle, the coconut and sunflower oil-based formula was nothing but impressive. Not only were the ingredients listed (and understandable), but the label had broken down what was organic, natural and artificial (note nothing was listed in the artificial column.) Additionally, it was tear-free like my “old standby,” and because lavender has naturally calming effects, it helped to soothe my baby (which is nothing but a happy thing in my world.) One thing I did learn Dolphin Organics products is that its Shampoo/Body Wash is based in organic aloe leaf juice, which has excellent healing properties, so it is perfect for the most delicate skin (which is important to us since both my kids have dry skin.)

Photo courtesy of Dolphinorganics.com

Unfortunately, Dolphin Organics products are a little harder to get in Texas at this time, but thanks to the Internet you can have these large-sized bottles sent to your home directly from their website. I’d suggest getting the whole line, so you can really appreciate the benefits of lavender aromatherapy while you get in the kids clean. (That’s mom multitasking!)

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Love Your Kid’s Laces with Shoe Fobbz

October 10, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Wow Mom Wednesdays

While I’m on top of the cool things for five-year olds, I’ll admit, I’m not the authority on what makes six-year olds (and up) say, “That’s cool mom.”

Earlier this summer I got the chance to get my hands on 16 sets of Gutzy Gear, a line of backpack straps and patches to personalize and accessorize your kiddo’s backpack. I shared them with my son’s class as a back-to-school gift and the class went wild. I wasn’t ready for the reaction, but I’ve learned that I should keep my ear to the ground when it comes to what’s the next big thing. (You remember those rubberband bracelets, right?)

Gutzy Gear gives kids a chance to personalize their backpack with removable patches.

So when I caught wind of Shoe Fobbz, I was willing to see what the buzz was about. As a Croc-wearing family (we have dozens, really), I was already aware of Jibbitz (the genius idea to personalize your Crocs with little charms that your kids will bug you to have.) However, Fobbz are the equivalent of Jibbitz, but for tennis shoes.

Since we were currently are embarking on “real shoes” for winter versus our sandals for summer, these made our transition from our “Lego and Thomas Crocs” to big-kid shoes much easier. Best of all, at less than $5 and cute packaging, I’ve be using these as favors for birthday gifts, so the kids then switch them out at school.

So when my kid found out I had the Halloween monsters pack, I got a “cool, mom!,” so it’s totally means it’s worth a share for “Wow Mom! Wednesdays!”

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Chase the monsters out of your kids room with “Marlow and the Monster”

October 7, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Weekend Whatever

With a four-year old and a one-year old, thankfully, we haven’t entered the phase of “monsters,” YET. However, it’s nice to prepare myself with something as easy to have as a book to add to our staple “parenting” kit.

Marlow and the Monster by Sharon Cramer

Monsters hide under beds, in closets and lurk outside closed doors. No matter where these creatures take up residence, most children go through a phase when they worry about monsters, ghosts and other creepy-crawlies being in their room at night. So how can parents help them cope?

Author and mom of three, Sharon Cramer, has dealt with her fair share of monsters with her own sons. She tackles the subject in her latest children’s book Marlow and the Monster, a book for parents to keep on hand for those spooky nights. Cramer takes the intimidation factor away from monsters and helps children and their parents form a more lighthearted view of these creatures.

Illustrated with quill pen and ink, the only splash of color is reserved for the monster to depict that only the children can see him. (It’s a cool concept, however, I’ll admit it makes it a little harder to read.)

And just in case reading this book doesn’t take the monsters out of your kid’s closet, then consider these tips from the author, Sharon Cramer.

About the author

Sharon Cramer is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and avid competitive equestrian. She is also the author of Cougar Cub Tales, an award winning children’s picture book series that follows the adventures of a brother and sister cougar cub, and is working on a new young adult series called The Cerulean Star.

Marlow and the Monster

Sharon Cramer

Talking Bird Books

Buy It

This Year’s Must-Be Halloween Costumes

October 3, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo 22 Comments

Wow Mom Wednesdays – Making Your Kids Say Wow
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I’m not quite Roseanne Connor level, but I do enjoy the costumes, décor and of course, the treats!

Now with kids of my own, it’s not just about my costume, but finding the coolest and cutest ones out there. While my 4-year-old knew exactly what he wanted to be (he’s at the Superhero stage in his life), where do you even start when your kiddo is one or you’ve outgrown that witch getup you’ve been sporting since your 20s?

Like every 4-year-old this year, Spiderman and other superhero types are the must-have costume.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the most popular and sought after Halloween trends for the whole family:

Political-themed masks: Political masks will be one of the bigger trends this election year, with industry experts keeping a watchful eye on mask sales. Historically, it has become an unofficial but accurate predictor of who will win the election (the candidate mask that sells the most, usually wins the election).

Masters of the Universe: Choose from He-Man Classic Muscle Adult($49.99) or Skeletor Classic Muscle Adult($49.99) or Women’s She Ra Deluxe Adult ($49.99).

WINX Club: Based on the hot new Nickelodeon show, your daughter can be Stella, Bloom or Flora! Deluxe costume includes dress, wings and pair of glovettes ($29.99).

Disney’s Shake it Up: Your tween will love being Rocky or Cece for Halloween! Cece Deluxe includes top with attached jacket, leggings and pair of boot covers ($31.99); Rocky deluxe includes dress, leggings and pair of boot covers ($31.99).

Disney’s Cinderella: Choose from Cinderella Shimmer Deluxe ($39.99), Cinderella Tween ($47.99), Cinderella Light Up Deluxe ($48.99), Deluxe Sassy Cinderella for adults ($59.99) and Cinderella Baby.

Marvel’s The Amazing Spiderman : Adult and child costumes and accessories, including the Lizard Classic Muscle and Spider-Man Movie Classic Muscle (costumes/accessories range from $5.99-$59.99).

Disney Junior-Jake and the Neverland Pirates: Jake Deluxe includes jumpsuit, bandana and pair of boot coverings ($29.99) and Izzy Classic includes top, pants, head scarf and pouch necklace ($19.99).

Online shopping not for you? Then get over to Kmart for their “Orange & Black Friday” event, Friday, Oct. 5 & Saturday, Oct. 6. Just as “Black Friday” is the perennial start to the Christmas holiday shopping season, this year Kmart’s “Orange & Black Friday” is the start of spooktacular savings for fans of Halloween and trick or treating with 50% off Halloween costumes and Halloween kitchen textiles, tabletop, décor and more. Also, check out their new social tool at www.Kmart.com/kreator, where users can create their own Halloween “Kreature” using costumes and accessories available at Kmart.

I’d love to know what your costume plans are for Halloween?

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

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