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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

NickMom Has “The Right Stuff” for Moms

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Because I’m a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community and mom who enjoys a good laugh, I’ve been asked to share a little MotherFunny on the behalf of NickMom. And if you find all the references to boy-band songs in this post, you are pretty MotherFunny too. Now back to your regularly scheduled blog…

#shop
Photo courtesy of Nickmom.com


A few months ago, I sat in front of the TV and the computer to begin my night (which coincidentally only comes after everyone else has finished theirs.) So tired from all my daily “mom dos and dats,” I hadn’t even bothered to change the station from the ending credits of Team Umizoomi to something more adult appropriate (you know something mature and intelligent like reality TV), when I heard a little song come on “advertising” for a new music album. 



 About :10 seconds in the song when the “boy band” Sons II Mothers started to belt out about “doing my dishes and my laundry,” I got excited (from both the song and the idea of a man wanting to do my dishes.) What I realized is I actually wasn’t just watching my 10th infomercial of the day or that my dreams of a clean sink were coming true. This was actually MotherFunny. 

After a little Google session, I discovered this wet-my-pants kinda of fun was from NickMom, a new block of mom-appropriate late night programming for when moms actually get to watch TV. Aimed at mamas just like me, NickMom is made for those of us that sing Yo Gabba Gabba songs when are kids aren’t home, haven’t washed our hair for a least  two, three or four days, and our Facebook status shows we’ve attended a boy-band concert…in the last month or two and didn’t take our daughters.  
Alas – These were my people. 
You see, I’m an admitted New Kids on the Block fan from way back. I mean WAY back. And I really haven’t gotten over it yet, even more than two decades later. I still have my giganto Jordan pin, a few posters and the entire trading card set (no judgement, ok?) 

Just to show my true dedication, I have spent much time over the last six years showing my commitment to the words of “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” for the New Kids like when: 
  • I drove four hours one night to have the chance to meet Jordan Knight. But backed away once he came over to meet me like my daughter does when she fills up a diaper but doesn’t want me to see. (Coincidently, I got the chance to meet a member of 98 degrees and Color Me Badd at the same time, but that’s a whole ‘nother MotherFunny story.)
  • I attended two NKOTB concerts (one of those very pregnant) and still did all the moves to “Hangin’ Tough.” Yeah, you should have seen the guy in front of me wondering if a kid was going to fly out any minute. He just sang “Hold On Girl” all night.
  • And I even admitted on a radio show that if my husband had let me, I might have named our first-born child Jordan. Glad I lost that battle to naming him something more prestigious like after the hottie in Steel Magnolias instead.
Knowing I’m not the only mom with a little obsession for remembering the good ole days, I looked to my friends at NickMom.com and thought there’s got to me someone else that’s just as twisted as me. And of course, they didn’t let me down. 
#shop

Just like my own personal Miss Cleo, this said a lot about me and answered those things I had wondered for a long time, but didn’t have anyone else to discuss this very important matter with. And that’s not all NickMom is dishing up – they also have stand-up comedy that only a mom can appreciate (however, a dad will enjoy even if he only half gets it.) 

But don’t worry it isn’t all just fun stuff, they get to the serious stuff too. I mean just check out this episode of Parental Discretion with Stefanie Wilder-Taylor and her focus on O’Mama Care. If you don’t laugh with this girl, well you need to pour yourself another glass of vino (and check out what your wine says about you.) 

Apparently, mine says I should just attach the glass to the bottle and it would save me a step… 

So are you looking for a little Motherfunny to liven up your sacred Pinterest time? Need a “friend” to debate why Donnie is better than Jordan (not)? Or just want to watch something besides Monica, Chandler and Ross for the nth time while you throw your baby a little late-night boob action? Then turn that dial to NickMom where they know every day is “Step by Step,” so why can’t it be MotherFunny? 


It’s TIme for a Little Potty Talk: Let’s Talk Bums

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Mama Mondays: 

We’re starting off the week with a little “potty talk.”

Brittany from Brittany Estes, Becky from The Java Mama, ME – Autumn from Mama Challenge, Jamie from Roubinek Reality and Esther from Laugh With Us Blog.


I mean we’re getting to the real core of the matter – we’re going to talk about bums. And this ain’t about your kids, either. 

Join me today for some fun talk about your Clean Care Routine over on Mom2MomDFW.com.


Fast and Fantastico: Sorrento-Style Tilapia Spaghetti {Recipe}

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I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  I made this Sorrento-Style Tilapia Spaghetti for a shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client.

I love to cook. Unfortunately, my schedule doesn’t allow it often, especially during the week when my family needs it most – at dinner. Between my work, the kids’ school, dad’s school and work and all the other “fun” things that mama has to do…dinner is a challenge. However, each school year I make the plan to at least have some quick and easy options for healthy meals that I at least made homemade…halfway. So it’s important for me to stay stocked up our staples, so I head to Sam’s Club to get our necessities for quick breakfasts, faster lunch-box making and almost-immediate dinners. Attempting to make healthier recipes, I grab items in the freezer section that can help me create meals that my family will love by just adding a few ingredients to create a real “dinner winner.” 



 Since my kids are young, getting them to eat fish is hard. However, when it looks and has the consistency of chicken nuggets, the are little more amenable to trying something like this amazing parmesan encrusted tilapia from Treasures from the Sea. You can have delicious fish from the freezer to the table in less than an episode of Mickey’s Mouse Playhouse with no preparation. And considering it has 9 grams and fat and less than 300 calories per serving, I was stoked that the tilapia was hitting up all our preferred food profiles!

 While you totally could serve it by opening just up a can of veggies, I was feeling reminiscent of my favorite vacation I took about a year ago to Italy so I decided to dress it up a little. Add some spaghetti, tomato sauce and a few fresh veggies I had sitting around in the fridge and presto – we had a Sorrento-Style Tilapia Spaghetti in less than 30 minutes! 

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Sorrento-Style Tilapia Spaghetti

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 Treasures from the Sea Encrusted Tilapia, frozen
  • 1 ½ cups Hunt’s Tomato Sauce
  • 1 lb. Daily Chef™ Spaghetti
  • 1–2 sm. squash/zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbsp. capers
  • Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tilapia according to package directions. (Approximately 25 minutes in the oven.)
  2. While the fish is cooking, boil spaghetti. (Tip: Add a little bit of salt to your water before boil to increase flavor. Olive oil isn’t needed until after the spaghetti is cooked to prevent stickage.)
  3. Sauté squash/zucchini in pan with 1 Tbsp. olive oil until tender. Then add minced garlic, capers and tomato sauce to the pan/skillet.
  4. Heat sauce for 15 minutes on low-medium heat to allow flavors to come together.
  5. Serve tilapia on bed of pasta and top with sauce.
  6. Garnish with shredded cheese.


 Are you tempted to pick up some Treasures from the Sea Encrusted Tilapia at your Sam’s?  Consider trying it or another great recipe like this one during an upcoming demo at your local Sam’s Club: 

 September 17:  Italian Style Fish and Pasta

September 19: Smoked Sausage Pasta OR Quick ‘N’ Easy Chicken Parmesan

September 24: Chicken dippers

 To find a Sam’s Club location near you, visit the Sam’s ClubLocator and type in your zip code. 

Gustare la ena (enjoy your dinner!) 

Yabba – Dabba – Doo! Bedrock Brownies {Recipe}

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Disclaimer: This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Post Pebbles but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PebblesBTS http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO. 

Sharing bits and pieces (and in this case Pebbles) with your children is part of the fun of being a parent. However, during a trip to Walgreens I picked up a box of Post Cocoa Pebbles and my son pointed to Fred and Barney on the front of the box and asked, “Who’s that?” 

Oh, Hanna Barbara. We had work to do. 

 Kinda a fail on my part I felt for never airing an episode of “The Flinstones,” until I was able to find only  few clips of the classic cartoon online. Thankfully, iTunes gave us some options to make a real formal introduction, but it seemed like unlike the recent surge in my favorite childhood boy bands reclaiming the limelight, the Bedrock buddies I watched as a kid, had slipped into an oblivion. 


After my enjoying my own moment of nostalgia, I decided to use the opportunity to talk about the Flinstones’ prehistoric period (how people did it then) with a little Cooking 101 using our box of Post Cocoa Pebbles  – with both the almost-two-year old and five-year old. (I’m pretty sure my head was full of rocks.) 

After a huge fight about who got to stand next to mama in the chair, who got to crack the egg and who got which apron (they are exactly the same color), we began putting together a dessert that we later would call “Bedrock Brownies,” a layered “rocky-road type” desert using brownie mix, cheesecake filling, crushed Cocoa Pebbles, marshmallows, chocolate chips, nuts and icing. And you’re right, it ain’t fat-free. 


We talked about measurements, learning patience (all of us during the process), taking turns putting in the ingredients and of course, stiring the mix. Things were going pretty well at this point until my oldest asked if we created another episode of “his cooking show.” Always happy to share my blogging adventures with my kids, I was elated to go behind the camera to direct while he set up for his intro…

 Unfortunately after about the 20th take, I gave up on this time creating the next Bobby Deen. He was tired, I was tired and by this time the toddler had escaped with a couple of tastes of the mix and fled to the living room to play with her dolls. We just needed these sweeties to get done, so we could break “brownies” together. 

 You too can create this Yabba-Dabba delicious dessert that is creamy, chocolately and crunchy. It’s so good you might consider running your car around the block with your bare feet in order to burn off the calories just so you can have another one. 

 It’s a whole new way to eat your milk and cereal!

Bedrock Cheesecake Brownies
Ingre­di­ents
  • First layer:
  • 1 pkg favorite Brownie Mix

  • Second layer:
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup gran­u­lated sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter–softened
  • 2 table­spoons flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup semi-sweet choc chips
  • Third Layer:
  • 2 crushed Cocoa Pebbles
  • Fourth Layer:
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
  • Fifth Layer (Frost­ing):
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup milik
  • 3 cups pow­dered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup Cocoa Pebbles
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instruc­tions
  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. But­ter the bot­tom and sides of a 9×13 pan.
  2. In mix­ing bowl, com­bine the ingre­di­ents for the bot­tom layer until mixed well. Press/spread bat­ter into the bot­tom of the pre­pared 9×13 pan. Set aside.
  3. For the second level, in mix­ing bowl, beat the soft­ened cream cheese, gran­u­lated sugar, 1/4 cup soft­ened but­ter, 2 table­spoons, 1 tea­spoon vanilla and 1 egg at medium speed until smooth. Stir in the 1/4 cup pecans and pour over choco­late layer in bot­tom of pan. Sprin­kle the choco­late chips over the cream cheese layer. 
  4. Now layer the crush Cocoa Pebbles over the cream cheese covering the last layer. 
  5. Bake 26–28 min­utes, until fill­ing is start­ing to lightly brown on top. Take out of the oven and sprin­kle the mini marsh­mal­lows evenly over the top. Bake an addi­tional 2 minutes.
  6. Mean­while, in a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup but­ter over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa and milk. Heat to boil­ing while stir­ring con­stantly. Remove pan from heat, and whisk in the pow­dered sugar. Stir until well blended. Add the vanilla, 1 cup Cocoa Pebbles (and 1 cup chopped pecans.) 
  7. When the two min­utes of roast­ing the marsh­mal­lows is fin­ished, remove the pan of rocky road bars from the oven and imme­di­ately pour the frost­ing mix­ture over the marsh­mal­lows. Spread evenly to cover and let cool 30 minutes.
  8. Refrig­er­ate about 2 hours to set. Cut into small squares. Store in the refrigerator.

Last-Minute Road Trip to Texas Hill Country with #Toyota – First Stop:West, Texas

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Travel Tuesdays:

Disclaimer: I was provided the use of of Toyota Highlander for the purposes of this review and adventure. No other compensation was provided and all comments here are my own. 

This sign we started to take down in my son’s room last week inspired me to take my son on his first road trip after he made a sweet statement about Texas. I felt it was important he not only go on an adventure with me, but he needed to understand what Texas is and Texas was. 




So being that he now was five-years old and I was in need a little mini-vacation, it was time to venture out on the highway and show Jackson what Texas had to offer him. Hence our first road trip – just mama, the boy and my mama. Three generations ready to take on the open road. (Buckle up!)

Since we only had three days, we made a plan to venture south to some of my favorite parts of Texas – Hill Country.

Our route included: 

  • a stop at the other Texas stop sign, Czech Stop in West
  • Lunch and quick look at Austin (one of my favorite cities, ever)
  • two-night stay in San Antonio at the fabulous JW Mariott San Antonio, so we could explore a new adventure together, Schlitterbahn (nope, I have never been) and the historic Riverwalk
  • we’d also do some of those unplanned stops along the Texas loop (I-35 to San Antonio and back up 281 to DFW) like the Hard Eight BBQ.

But before we could get going, it was time to get acquainted with the 2013 Toyota Highlander! I can tell you checking out all the fun features of this seven-passenger vehicle was an adventure in itself and over the next few posts in our #ReoRoadTrip (the official hashtag of our escapade), we will share our favorites.


First of all, it was definitely the space the Toyota Highlander provided. Like any mama, I’m always preparing for the things that are going to happen, so I need lots of space for STUFF like a first-aid kit, napkins, games, shoes, bags, wipes, snacks…well, you get the picture. We want space. I loved that there was tons of room and many adjustable cup holders (that can be changed to fit the size of the cup.) An added bonus is that my son’s feet aren’t able to kick the back of my seat while I’m driving (total plus for me.) You can tell accomodating a family was a #1 priority in the design of this SUV.


Once we were loaded up the car, we were ready to get on the road – the perfect opportunity to see what “Nancy the Navigator” could do (our family name for the Highlander’s GPS and technology control center.) We pushed button on the steering wheel for the first time and by just answering “Nancy’s” questions, we were able to map out our first stop, the Czech Stop, in a matter of seconds. The directions didn’t just include voice instructions, but graphics like the exit sign and an overivew of our route. This is a must-have for me since I’m totally directionally challenged. (Really.)

And we could even turn it down when we had a great song we wanted to hear along our road trip fun. 


If you’ve never been to the Czech Stop in West, Texas, you are in for a real treat (literally.) Starting by my husband’s family, this required stop before reaching Waco is must-do for any trip that gets you anywhere close to I-35. You normally can’t miss the cute bakery/convenient store, but I will share that construction made this stop almost impossible. After traveling about six more miles south, we were able to make a U-turn to get back. In most cases, I would have said it was no big deal, we would hit it up on the way home, but like any good road trip, we wouldn’t be returning this way, so we had to stop NOW. 

While it sounds like a lot of trouble for a bakery, once you open the door, you understand immediately why this place is a must-do! And apparently now, even if you are gluten-free they have you covered, so everyone could enjoy the love of these baked goods, candy and more. 

Unfortunately, the little town was known for its amazing Czech culture and heritage until earlier this Spring when a large fertilizer plant exploded. It was a horrible accident with mass destruction, many people killed and several hundreds more hurt. Since the explosion, the town has been rebuilding itself for months now and thankfully through many donations (including ours that day), the town will continue to rebuild and carry on the traditions they have kept alive for so many years.


We weren’t exactly starving, so we just picked up a few tasty treats including a mandatory strawberry-cream cheese kolache, sausage kolache, honey bear and for this trip, a Texas-shaped sugar cookie, complete with red, white and blue sprinkles. I was able to snag the photo before my son gobbled it up. But that’s about how long Czech Stop will last for you too unless you get the frozen ones for you to take home so you can enjoy them anytime you want. (Be careful, kolaches aren’t low-fat or low-calorie, but high in flavor!) 




Now in the words of Willie Nelson, it was time to get “On the Road Again.”

Follow us on the rest of our #ReoRoadTrip adventure in the Toyota Highlander 2013 over the next few weeks! 





Disaster Diaper Diaries: How Huggies Slip-Ons Saved Us + $25 Target Giftcard {Giveaway}

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Try-it Tuesdays:

 Disclaimer: This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Huggies, but all my opinions are my own. #HuggiesSlipOn #pmedia http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

 It was one of those days that I woke up thinking, it might be a great day. The house was clean, I had a warm shower all by myself and I actually wasn’t dreading anything in the next eight hours. I could hear a little Mary Chapin Carpenter singing, “I Feel Lucky” in my head.  


Then I went upstairs. 

 I had spoken too soon. 

 My daughter had done her business. Then she peeled the tabs off her diaper and ripped it off. 

 And then proceeded to use my carpeted staircase as her personal roll of Quilted Northern. 

 I was devasted. Maybe because I had just gotten the carpets cleaned. Maybe because I had just taken a shower and I didn’t want to get dirty. Or maybe it’s because poop all over my almost-white carpet is just gross. 

While cleaning it all up was my next step, I had to figure out what I was going to do to make sure this wasn’t going to happen again. NEVER. EVER. AGAIN.


Then like a little Diaper Fairy Godmother, Huggies Slip-On diapers came in to my life. 

What’s so different about Huggies Slip-Ons? 

This diaper has a perfectly snug fit for my busy little kiddo with stetchy sides and Stopping Guards to keep her adorable chunky thighs comfortable all while keeping all the other stuff IN her diaper. Best of all, since they are easy on and off whip these on/off easily without fighting to make her stop to change her diaper (which is helpful since she isn’t stopping and runs faster than me.)  And we’ll even be able to use them as a transition for potty training – our next messy step in toddlerhood. Lucky me. 

Then just like that — mama was able to redeem her day…for the most part. I prevented another snail trail incident from happening all over my carpet all thanks for the Huggies Slip-Ons. 

 Now I just need to work on getting the Mr. Clean Fairy to show up to help me with the carpet. 

 Are you ready to make your diaper diasters turn into diaper dreams? 

*****************************************************************
COUPON ALERT: 
You and your little one can try Huggies Slip On Diapers too 
with this special coupon from Target for $2 off! 
*****************************************************************

Now consider this your special Fairy Godmother with a giveaway for $25 Giftcard from Target so you can try your own Huggies Slip-Ons (and maybe a little something for mama, too!) 

Family Drive-In Movie Night with Netflix

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Wow-Mom Wednesday:

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Netflix.

 When I was growing up I always had drive-in theatre in my own hometown. I have many fond memories of our family watching movies, sitting in the car with the crackle of the attached speaker on the window and a bucket of popcorn in my lap. 

Fast forward to now. While drive-in theatres are back in vogue even in the big city, my kiddos are still not ready (or at least I’m not) to take on the summer fun adventure of two children under 5 in the car for two hours plus and at least $40 out for refreshments.

So we’ve opted for the next best thing – our own drive-in movie night at home using Netflix.

Rolling out the TV to the back patio, the kids rolled up their cars and mama brought out the popcorn.

Now to choose what to watch!


Using the NEW Netflix.com/Families features, we were able to look through so many categories on our Apple TV including Family Movie Night, Are We There Yet and TV for Curious Kids. While there were so many to choose from, the love of Mickey Mouse won them over with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally. (And at only 48 minutes and no commercials it was ideal for my two-year-old!) 

And just for the occasion, we broke out the ears! Even our Lab, Birddie, got in on the fun. 

We had so much fun with just changing where we were watching TV with Netflix, we decided to make it a double-feature and watched The Very Hungry Caterpillar. 

What an inexpensive night of fun – and all for $7.99 a month. (That’s still less one ticket to the movies!) And doing the math for a family of four and treats, it’s a big budget item for only two hours out of the house when with Netflix, you can get it unlimited! 

I’ll admit I don’t know if we will roll the TV out come August in Texas, but it doesn’t matter where we watch Netflix. Between our iPad, iPhone, Apple TV and the good ole laptop, Netflix is just a few clicks away for family night fun.

About Netflix

Netflix.com/Families is a new destination designed to meet your family’s summertime entertainment needs. On Netflix.com/Families, parents can find lists of movies and TV shows for all kinds of special summer moments.

 Visit www.Netflix.com/Families for more information on the best ways to stream as well as videos from families using Netflix.

 This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Netflix.

Enjoy the Sweet Life with Quick Almond Joy Brownies #WhatsYourID

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Want-It Wednesday:

 This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.


The summer time brings a much-needed slower pace for moms. Well, not really, with all the activities and events planned from the moment the kids are out of school until the day they get back. However, it does give you a reason to enjoy some of the sweet things in life like brownies. 

One of our family favorites, I was looking to jazz up the baked chocolate concoction with something a little more fun, flavorful AND QUICK. But it’s too hot to sit in the kitchen for hours, so with the help of a brownie mix, some cupboard staples and my International Delight Almond Joy Creamer, I was able to whip up a dessert like our family favorite 7-Layered Bars, but this time was even better with Almond Joy Brownies. 

 QUICK ALMOND JOY BROWNIES

 Ingredients:
1 Box of Fudge Brownie Mix (I used Betty Crocker)
1 cup almonds (I used slivered, but you can use chopped)
1 cup chocolate chips 
1 cup flaked coconut 
1 cup of International Delight Almond Joy Creamer

Directions: 
Make brownies as instructed on the box, but opt for the cake-like brownie recipe.) 
Bake for about 15-18 minutes until the brownies are set, but not necessarily cooked. 
Take the brownies out of the oven and begin layering. First with the coconut and then the chocolate chips. 
Next add the creamer over the brownie mixture. 
Last add the almonds. 
Bake the brownies for 20-25 minutes at the same temperature or until the toppings look browned. 
Take out of the oven and allow to cool before cutting. 



TIP: 
Unlike chocolate chip cookies, these brownies get even better after some time out of the oven. We ended up putting these in the refrigerator for a day and when they came out again, I couldn’t get everyone to stop eating them. The added coolness gave it a little crunch and with the heat of summer, it was nice to bite into a cool brownie. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! 

 What’s Your ID? International Delight is looking for their most passionate flavor fans. Put your ID on the map to enter to win a Magical Trip, play games and discover more unexpected delight. Share your ID flavor at http://whatsyourid.com. 

 This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.


The Clear Choice: Don’t Call Me Brace Face

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This is a sponsored post on the behalf of Invisalign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

Everyone (except maybe Heidi Klum) has had their ugly duckling period. 

 Normally it is also the time puberty kicks in around junior high and to make your self-esteem really go downhill, your parents decide this is the right time for braces. Then thankfully about your senior year of high school you get your braces removed just in time to show your new perfectly straightened pearly whites for graduation photos.


I wasn’t that lucky. Although I was so glad to get braces, I didn’t get mine “installed” UNTIL the end of my junior year of high school. To make it even more fun, I got my first pair of glasses the following week. While my top row were “clear” ceramic braces, my bottom set were the traditional metal braces and my graduation photos would definitely have me with my braces and so would my first year of college…

 Super. (That’s not what I said at the time, but you can imagine what I was thinking, right?) 

While I wasn’t happy to be “Braceface” and “Four Eyes” all of a sudden, I didn’t mind it near as much as the pain I had when my wires needed adjusting and started poking me in the sides of my mouth. I can still remember the feeling now as well as the huge amounts of wax I just kept sticking into my braces so it would stop hurting just for a little bit. During the first four months I had those babies on, I ate nothing but egg drop soup because it hurt too much to eat and/or would probably get stuck in my teeth anyhow.

 Thankfully technology has changed and made days of throbbing teeth, ugly graduation photos, and wondering “what’s stuck in my teeth” a thing of the past. For instance with Invisalign, patients can watch their winning smile evolve instead of waiting to see the final result when the traditional metal brackets come off. Invisalign patients can start to see improvements and progress in as little as 90 days.

 And best of all, no more wires and brackets required – Invisalign is the clear alternative to metal braces that uses a series of virtually invisible and removable aligners that gradually move teeth over time. The benefits include no food restrictions, ability to easily maintain healthy dental brushing habits, minimal interference with sports or other activities, and teeth get straightened without most people knowing you are in treatment.


 When compared to metal or even ceramic wire bracket braces like I had, a clear aligner option like Invisalign has many advantages. Although the cost is roughly about the same as traditional braces, the Invisalign treatment usually requires fewer office visits, shorter appointments and no “emergency” visits for broken wires or brackets.

Oh, if I could only do it over again. Oh wait, I get to – in just about 8 years with my kids. At least they’ll have Invisalign.

Have you or someone you’ve known used Invisalign? 

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