FREE Coffee is Something to Celebrate!

Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Dunkin’ Brands. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

I recently shared my love for Dunkin Donuts with you and their awesome DD Perks program in this post. The Lil Divas recently got their report cards. They or course rocked it at school & made the Honor Roll. I am such a proud mom. 

Of course we had to celebrate our successes and Dunkin Donuts is one of our "go to" local places for a celebratory treat. A donut, a few munchkins or some other treat is such an easy (and affordable) way to say "well done girls". 

Dunkin Donuts is also this mama's "go to" place for a quick pick me up. Nothing makes me smile after a long day in the classroom like a big cup of iced coffee - yum! DD always has something to treat each member of my family happy. That's no easy feat with 2 picky Lil Divas. 

It's no surprise that DD Perks is celebrating BIG these days. It's their 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! They have lots to make noise about, too.

Over the past year, the DD Perks program has awarded it's loyal customers, like me, lots of rewards. I've earned lots of free coffee and many other discounted offers and coupons via the app. I never pay without it. It's so convenient and easy to use on my phone - one quick zap and I'm done. Every purchase brings me closer to a FREE beverage of my choice.  

Thanks for all the FREE coffee DD Perks!

If you haven't joined the DD Perks generation - what are you waiting for? 

You'll earn 5 points for every qualifying dollar you spend at DD when you pay via a DD card or using the handy app.  You'll also receive personalized special offers and coupons and a FREE beverage (any size!) on your birthday. 

Once you accrue 200 points you earn a FREE (any size) beverage of your choice - redeemable at a participating DD store near you.

Click here to get started with DD Perks NOW -

remember to use the special code - BLOG at sign-up.  

Happy 1st Anniversary DD Perks

from one of your most loyal customers!

Bern

Dunkin Donuts DD Perks: FREE Coffee, Super Savings & a Convenient Way to Pay!

Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Dunkin’ Brands. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

As a busy teacher and mom my fast-paced mornings (and sometimes afternoons) require coffee to get me going. I am a DD girl - through and through. My local Dunkin' Donuts store employees know my order as soon as they see me - large iced coffee w/caramel swirl, skim milk and sugar. Yes, the skim milk makes me feel better about that decadent caramel swirl which I can not do without. It's just so good!

Making 1 and sometimes 2 trips a day to DD for coffee and the occasional donut (I do have 2 girls in tow on most occasions) as a loyal customer does add up.  Dunkin' Donuts knows that loyal customers like me deserve to get something back. Dunkin' Donuts launched their rewards program, DD Perks, in January 2014 to reward customer loyalty with points towards every dollar spent. Currently, guests earn 5 points for every dollar spent when you pay using an enrolled Dunkin' Donuts card, either plastic or via the ever so easy and super convenient app which I personally love. Once you accrue 200 points (I manage to do this quite quickly/often)  you earn a FREE beverage of choice. Can you say "FREE iced coffee" for this girl, YAY! Who doesn't love FREE? 

I started using the DD Perks mobile app this summer and have never looked back. I don't know why I didn't start sooner - it was easy to sign-up and super easy to use.  It makes paying so fast and easy. I simply show them my phone, they scan it and we're done. Perfect for those of us always on the go and running short on time. They recently started auto-reload (my 1 and only complaint before - Yay, they heard my cries!) so now you never have to worry about how much is available on your balance. You set your desired re-load amount and you're always ready to pay via the app and earn those rewards. Another added value to using the DD Perks app is that they give you valuable coupons which are geared towards your preferences (so that it's relevant for each loyal customer).  FREE coffee, valuable coupons, an easy way to pay and auto-reload - what's not to LOVE? I {heart} DD Perks. 

So, why am I sharing my unabashed love of DD and DD Perks with you today? Aside from the fact that I am obviously a DD fangirl (I'm not ashamed to admit it), during December 1st thru December 5th you can enroll in DD Perks using the unique Promo Code BLOG to earn a $5 enrollment bonus on your card! How can I NOT share that with you? It's a bonus $5 for your fave DD products. This offer is only valid Dec 1 - Dec 5th so be sure to enroll now to receive this special offer. 

Happy Coffee Drinking & DD Perk-ing!

Bern

Soar with Reading via Magic Tree House and JetBlue!

As an educator and mom, I know the importance of keeping children reading over the summer. Why? The "summer slide" is real! I have seen so many children regress over summer break. This makes the school year more difficult and students feel discouraged and lacking in confidence. Encouraging your children to read during their summer break is a simple but extremely beneficial endeavor. I understand that amidst all the fun and carefree days of summer, getting kids interested in reading isn't always easy. That's why I was so excited to participate in this sponsored campaign for JetBlue's Soar With Reading program. (I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for JetBlue. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.)

JetBlue has partnered with Random House and beloved Magic Tree House author, Mary Pope Osborne to bring you this summer's Soar with Reading program. The Lil Divas and I were SUPER excited when we saw the Soar with Reading display in the airport during our recent travels to San Francisco. The Magic Tree House series has been one of our favorite series for years.  Personally, I have been sharing Jack & Annie's adventures with my students for many, many years. These books are perfect for the classroom because they impart historical facts in a way that is just so captivating to young readers. My students always wanted to know more about the topics covered in the books. Isn't that what it's all about - igniting that spark and nurturing a child's curiosity and desire to know more! 

The Magic Tree House books were among the first chapter book series that the Oldest Diva embraced. She became so engrossed in Jack and Annie's adventures that she wanted to read them one, after the other. Finding an amazing chapter books series early on that she could read independently while readily identifying with the characters (Jack and Annie were kids just like her!) and that contained adventures that she not only learned from but that kept her turning the pages is one of the reasons that she went from a reluctant reader to an engaged reader - thank you Mary Pope Osborne. 

These days, the Littlest Diva is happily reading through her big sister's copies of Magic Tree House.  Our book shelves are lined with books and both girls have embraced many series but Magic Tree House remains one of our favorites and we always look forward to reading new titles from the series. 

Looking for a way to extend your current Magic Tree House book? Enriching your child's reading experience with fun activities, crafts and discussion is a great way to aid their comprehension and get them even more excited about reading. Hop over to the Soar with Reading site. 

There's lots to do including getting your own printable passbook that you can use this summer. You can download great printable activities based on various Magic Tree House books. You can even listen to excerpts of Magic Tree House books being read-aloud. Don't forget to vote for your favorite book, send some fun e-cards and read through a complete list of ALL the Magic Tree House books in order to help you plan your perfect summer reading list. The site also offers details about upcoming events (the next event is in my old hometown - New York) and you can watch a message from Mary Pope Osborne which gives more details about the program. 

This summer, as you and your child(ren) explore all that the Soar with Reading site has to offer don't forget to watch Mary's clues and take a guess about where Jack & Annie are headed next. We have been making our daily guesses.  Every guess you make will be helping get books to children in need. How awesome is that? What an easy way to help other children get the books they need to keep reading this summer. To date, JetBlue and the Soar with Reading program have donated over $331,350 worth of books and counting. You can guess every day and help JetBlue reach their goal of donating $500,000 in books to children in need. 

Be sure to enter the Soar with Reading sweepstakes for a chance to win one of six first-prize trips throughout the summer, which will include a JetBlue Getaways Travel Certificate for two and an autographed copy of Magic Tree House #52: Soccer on Sunday, or a grand-prize drawing, with first prize being a JetBlue Getaways vacation for up to four people and a Magic Tree House boxed set of books. Second prizes, which include a Magic Tree House boxed set, will also be awarded. 

If you haven't had the opportunity to explore a Magic Tree House book yet, the website is a great place to start. These books are a great way to encourage summer reading and engage your child(ren) in a reading adventure that will captivate their minds with thrilling stories that involve travel, history, science, friendship and more. 

We still have lots of books on our summer reading list and we're looking forward to reading more of the Magic Tree House series. The great thing about books is that you can take them anywhere, even during your summer travels. Books have definitely made our long car rides, airplane rides and waiting times pass by in a blink this summer.

What books are on your child's summer reading list? Do they have any favorites they are looking forward to reading this summer?

Disclosure: All opinions expressed in this post are my own. I was genuinely excited about sharing this #sponsored #MC #soarwithreading program because Magic Tree House books have been a favorite in our home and in my classroom for years. 

Happy Reading,

Bern

Summer Time = Precious Mommy and Daughter Time

This has been a very busy school year for us. Going back to full-time teaching left me with very little time to do all the extra things we had become used to and loved doing together. This summer is very important to this working mommy. It means 8 weeks of precious time spent with my Lil Divas. 8 weeks where they don't have to share me with 20+ other littles who need me.

So what do we have planned? LOTS! The Lil Divas are attending 2 half-day camps for the first time ever. They are both only a week long but they are super excited about them. One week will be at an Art Camp (I'm so excited to see what they learn and create) and the other week will be spent in a fun Frozen (yes, the movie!) Inspired girls camp - how cool is that?! 

We also have lots of our own adventures planned. We will be exploring places in South FL (our own backyard), heading to Busch Gardens in Tampa (woot!), journeying to San Francisco (I am beyond excited about this year's vacation friends!) and naturally we have to fit in some Disney time (how could we not?). 

Of course being a Teacher Mommy I plan to take advantage of our summer days and fill them with many book/reading adventures, some fun learning and arts and crafts (the Lil Divas' fave). 

I have lots I hope to share with you this summer.  I thank each and every one of you that has stayed with us and hung in there as I transitioned back this year into full-time teaching. I know my sharing on this space was very minimal. I simply had to cut back in order to keep afloat with the many demands in my life. I won't lie to you - it was hard! 

We had a lot to adjust to over the school year. This mama dealt with lots of angst, fear and feelings of simply not being "good enough". I sorely missed this creative outlet but even more than that I missed the all time with my girls. 

I thought more than a few times of simply walking away from this blog. Then I'd come here and look at all of our posts, read your comments and lovely emails and my heart would be full and I knew that I couldn't do that. This is another way for me to do what I love. You all kept me going so much more than you could ever know. 

So thank you for not giving up on us and what we have to offer. Thank you for reaching out - it always seemed to be just when I needed it most. This blog is a little piece of me and it means so much to have it embraced by others. 

Hugs to the most wonderful readers in the world - YOU!

Bern

8 Years Ago Today

You know that saying "life can change in an instant"?

It's 100% true.

My life was forever changed 8 years ago 

when I held my baby girl for the first time.

This tiny baby stole my heart and it is now forever intertwined with hers.

In the past 8 years, my world has been completely transformed.

You think you know what it means to love someone.

Then you hold this tiny being in your arms

and the love you feel is more powerful that anything else.

I'm so proud to be your Mom.

You are a free spirit who loves to sing and dance.

Our house is always filled with the sounds of your made-up songs.

I love listening in as you come up with your latest lyrics.

You are shy around people you do not know

but once you are comfortable with someone

you have no problem letting them in.

You adore your family and you are a wonderful big sister.

Your sister is lucky to have you looking out for her.

You are intelligent, witty and curious.

When you are motivated, nothing can stop you.

You're kindhearted and generous and would stay with nothing 

if it meant giving someone else what they need.

You fill my heart with joy.

I hope you know that each and every day of your life.

Happy 8th Birthday Baby Girl.

I Love you!

xoxo Mommy

Finding Balance and Happiness in Life

Happy New Year lovely readers and thank you so much for sticking with me the last few months while things have been sparse around these parts. I'm hoping to remedy that in 2014. It's all about finding a sense of balance. 

My goal is to find some sort of balance that works for me. Let's face it, it's impossible to do it all. I've tried and fallen flat on my face, miserably. Time and time again. It's time to pick myself up, dust myself off and keep moving forward. Will things be perfect? Of course not! Here's the big change though - I'm ok with that. I don't need or want to be "super woman". I don't have to have the perfect house, the perfect after school activities, the perfect (insert your answer here).... I just have to be happy! That's been missing in my life folks. I've been stressed, overwhelmed, feeling inadequate, tired - everything except just plain old happy the past 6 months. Why? Why accept that? I don't have to. It's been self imposed really. Yes, to be completely honest - I have done it to myself. How awful is that? I know many of you do the same thing. Why do we do that? Why do we put all this pressure on ourselves to be "perfect". It's unrealistic. Let's face it, no one is perfect.

Those mom's you secretly envy who look like they have it all together and have the "perfect" life - they don't. No one has a "perfect" life but we can make our life perfect for us. It will be flawed, imperfect and sometimes contain failures but it will be ours. We can pick ourselves up and learn from the mistakes (not beat ourselves up for them) and move forward. We can focus on what it truly important to us and know that it's ok to let some things fall to the wayside sometimes. The world won't come to an end if our children have cereal for dinner, if we don't have time for a bedtime story or if the laundry has to wait another day or two. I promise you it won't. I know from experience. I've done all those things and we are still here, still standing strong. My girls didn't say, "what a bad mom giving us cereal for dinner". The actually cheered and thought it was cool. We have since embraced breakfast for dinner around here every now and then, even my husband. They get it. They know sometimes I have too much on my plate and they were able to adjust. I love them so much it makes my heart full to bursting.

Here's a BIG one - It's ok to say 'NO!". That's huge for me. It probably is for you too. Why do we feel like we must say yes to everything? If we honestly can't do it - why don't we just say so. Why stretch yourself thin and then feel miserable, stressed and overwhelmed. Who benefits from that? Certainly not me or my family and in the end no one else around us does either. Yet, I have always been a "yes" girl. Never wanting to admit that I can't do it all. Never wanting to let people down. Once again putting unnecessary pressure on myself. Pressure no one else even knew about because I kept it all to myself. I didn't want to show my cracks, my flaws. It gets harder and harder to hide them. I'm done hiding them. It's ok to say, "I have a lot on my plate and I really can't commit to doing anything else today" or "I can't do that today but I can help you (insert day) if you can wait". They will understand and if they don't - too bad. I'm done putting everyone else ahead of myself and my family. I matter.

It's ok to ask for help. Another hard one for me. Why - asking for help means admitting I can't do it all. Yikes! What will people think of me when they find out I don't have it all together? It's simple really - they will think I am human. I am just like them. When we reach out for help we get so much more that just help. We find acceptance, camaraderie and allies. When I've put down pretenses and let people see my cracks and flaws, they were willing to share theirs. It feels so good to know you are not alone. Don't let the pretense of being "super woman" isolate you.  Being a working mom and wife is hard enough. I need my allies, my friends and my family. Think about it - even super heroes have trusty side kicks.

(clip art image courtesy of dreamstime.com)

So, this year I am going to focus on finding a form of balance that works for me. It won't be perfect, and I'm sure I'll fail at it at times and (gasp!) even lose sight of my goal and revert back to my old ways every now and then because let's face it - old habits die hard.  I'm hoping that in those moments my mind will focus on this one word - BALANCE. I'm hoping that by choosing to embrace it this year it will act as my reminder, my beacon so to speak, and lead me back on my path because I matter. So do you.

I may be imperfect and fall short of the mark sometimes. That's ok. What matters is that I do "my" best. My best may not be your best. That's ok. It's good enough for me and my family. They love me for who I am, not who I think I am supposed to be for them. To my girls, I am supermom. I am the #1 mom. They tell me that all the time. I just haven't been listening. Know what - you are super to your children as well. Let's focus on that instead of the mistakes. Let's take time to celebrate our successes each day instead of our failings. Let's find our balance. Let's be happy with who we are. We are good enough. In fact, we are actually pretty darn spectacular! If we weren't we couldn't care about all this "stuff" so much. 

Bern

Finding Balance - I Didn't Plan to be Gone This Long

I didn't plan to be gone this long. I always think - "I can do it all". I figured I'd take a few weeks to get acclimated to being a full-time teacher while juggling being a mom, wife, etc and then I'd be back to blogging and sharing with you all. It's now been 7+ weeks and as I sit and write this I'm worrying I'll never find a way to really get back at all. I'm worried I won't be able to navigate my way through this puzzle and find a way to make it all fit - harmoniously.

Here's the thing - teaching isn't an 8 to 3 job. Not many non-teachers realize that but it's true.  I'm always thinking, creating, planning, grading, doing. I should be doing that right now. I have a pile of "stuff" sitting here next to me and lesson plans to write. I need the break though. I'm feeling overwhelmed and tired. So here I am. Blogging instead. Not my usual sort of post but a post I "needed" to do versus one I "wanted" to do.

Thank you to all of you that have reached out - wondering where I am and how we are doing. It's amazing how awesome our readers are! To put it simply - we are adjusting. The Lil Divas love having me at their school. They think it's awesome when we bump into each other walking in the halls. Their little faces light up and they get all excited and wave. Ok, they sometimes run out of line to give me a hug too. We're working on that but secretly - I love it. They won't always be so excited to have mom at school with them so I'm soaking it all up while I can. Thankfully, their teachers are very understanding (tolerant). I'm grateful.

They aren't as excited about the hours I've been putting in (10+ hr days) and the lack of free time we've had together. It's been a BIG change for all of us. I'm still trying hard to find a way to balance it all. I'm very hard on myself. I have a hard time not being able to do something or needing help. It's been a difficult journey - adjusting to not being able to do it all. Most days I feel like I'm losing that particular battle. I'm struggling to keep up. I mix-up the days the girls have P.E. I forget when we are supposed to meet for Girl Scouts. I am always running late to dance class. We eat out way too often. My house is in need of a good cleaning. I haven't had a real conversation with my best friends in months. The list of things I promised the girls we'd do together and then ran out of time to do - is getting long. All these things have me feeling unhappy and like a less than stellar mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, etc.

Here's the thing though. We need to find balance, don't we. It's wonderful to want to give your all at work (and I truly do) but it shouldn't be at the expense of my family or myself. I feel like a first year teacher all over again because this time I'm a mom too. I'm juggling way more than I did before I had my precious girls. The result -  there have been way to many calls left unreturned, invitations turned down and simple moments with my girls missed. Those moments matter and I'm missing them. I hate missing them. 

I don't want regrets to be a big part of my life so I'm making a simple promise to myself. Starting next week - no more 10+ hr days 5 days a week.  No more working at home every single evening. It's too much and it's taking a toll on me. It's taking a toll on all of us. I'm going to work hard to manage my time more effectively and a few days a week I will leave on time.  I will leave it all behind. I will pay attention to everything else besides work. My family and I both deserve that. 

Hopefully you will see a bit more of us - soon. I miss blogging. A lot. Though this too can be time consuming (any blogger will tell you that) - it was something I truly enjoyed doing. The Lil Divas miss it too. They have been crafting a lot on their own lately. It makes me both happy and sad. Happy that they truly enjoy being creative and I sparked that in them but sad that I've stepped away from it for so long. We need to find our way back to it - together.

Here's to finding balance. Hopefully. Soon. 

Thanks for sticking with me. 

We appreciate it.

Bern

Bye, Bye Baby - Hello Big Girl! The Littlest Diva turns 6

Today my Littlest Diva turns 6. It is a bittersweet day for me. I am proud of the girl she has become and it fills me with pride to watch her grow. Yet, I am sad to see those baby days moving behind us.

Over the past year she entered (& rocked!) Kindergarten, learned how to read and developed a fondness for Junie B. Jones. She lost her first tooth, learned to ride a scooter and rode her bike minus training wheels.  She was addicted to nail polish, adored bracelets, the color pink and all things sparkly. She favors dresses and skirts over pants, became a pro at tying shoe laces and is fond of texting on any phones or devices she can get her hands on. She is a loving, loud, feisty and free-spirited little girl.  We love her more than mere words can ever express and I marvel at the fact that she is mine.

Happy 6th birthday baby girl. Your sweet smile, funny ways, diva antics and sparkling personality make you shine.  May you always feel as happy, loved, hopeful and confident as you do at this stage in your life. You enjoy each and every day to the fullest and you embrace all that life has to offer. Thank you for add so much energy, joy and love to my life.  It's an honor and a blessing to be your mom. Remember that you will always be my "baby" - no matter how old you are!

With Love,

Your Mom

Happy 7th Birthday to My Big Girl

"Time flies when you're having fun!" 

No truer words can ever be spoken in regards to parenthood. 

The past 7 years have flown by as this adorable and tiny baby girl.....

has grown into this lovely little lady. 

You are intelligent and curious, 

kind hearted and loving, 

playful, energetic and full of life.

I am blessed to be your mother.

Happy 7th Birthday my Darling Daughter.

I LOVE you more than you can possibly know.

Mom

Merry Christmas to You & Yours

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays to you & yours!

Bern

Easy & Convenient Holiday Baking #MaytagMoms

There is just something about the holidays that puts us into a baking frenzy, isn't there? I know it's not just me because I see the recipes and photos of baked goods floating all over the internet and social networks.

Confession - I am not a huge fan of cooking except for breakfast. I love cooking breakfast and making fun pancakes, french toast and omelets but I will be honest with you and admit that I find cooking dinner to be a chore. An unwanted chore that I endure, like doing the laundry and cleaning. I am however a huge fan of making desserts. I am especially fond of baked goods - yum.  I enjoy whipping up cupcakes, cheesecakes, cookies, muffins, etc. Maybe it's because I enjoy eating them but it doesn't feel like work. It's fun.

My new Maytag 6.2 cu. ft. capacity range has been the perfect kitchen assistant for all our holiday baking, aside from the Lil Divas of course. It has so much space and I absolutely love the even air convection which means that things cook uniformly. I have always had issues with that in the past so I am really loving this feature. It has helped make my holiday baking a breeze. The range is super easy to use and I have room for multiple trays at once so I have been spending less time baking in a hot kitchen and more time enjoying the treats with my family this year.

The Lil Divas love helping  me in the kitchen. Baking is one of the things we really enjoy doing together. They take part in each step from the measuring, pouring and mixing to the decorating. One of their new favorite spots in the kitchen during our baking sessions is right in front of the oven. They love the see through door so they can watch our recipes bake. It's so cute to peek at them watching the oven. They pull up their small chairs and literally watch our cookies, cupcakes and muffins bake. Apparently, it's the best seat in the house. Maybe it has something to do with having first dibs on what comes out of the oven.

Cooking and baking with kids is fun but let's be honest, it can also get pretty messy. All those little hands "helping" always lead to spills of some sort. Spills or leaks in the oven are a nightmare. Especially when you live in South Florida and it's warm most of the year. I am not a fan of having to clean the oven. Luckily, the Maytag range has an innovative coating with AquaLift Self-Clean technology that activates with water and heat to release tough baked on soils. Wiping away food and debris is a cinch.

Thanks to our new spacey Maytag range we have been enjoying lots of yummy baked goods. Now if only I could find some easy dinner recipes to try as well. If you have any, please share. Now that I have this fancy range I feel like I should get adventurous and cook dinner more often (or at least attempt it a bit more frequently).

So what category do you fall into? Do you love to cook or find cooking to be a chore? Do you whip up fancy meals, like to bake or are you a take-out kind of person?

For more information be sure to check out Maytag on Facebook and Twitter.

Bern

Disclosure: I wrote this post participating in an Maytag Moms Dependable Kitchen Ambassador program by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Maytag. I was provided with a Maytag kitchen appliances set, including a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and range to facilitate my posts.

Silence and Support for Sandy Hook Elementary

Thinking of the 26 victims & their families.

Bern

A Day of Silence for the Victims of Sandy Hook Elementary

As a mother to a Kindergartener and a 1st Grader, the events at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday, December 14, 2012 touched me to my very core. I sat listening to the news in the carpool line, waiting to pick my girls up from school and I wept.  How could I not? There were 20 mommies that would never get to do what I was doing again. Twenty mommies that dropped off their kids with a hug and a kiss and promises of "I'll see you after school" that would never get to see that promise fulfilled. There were children whose mommies would not be returning home from the school day. Teachers who were heroes that day. Teachers, Administrators and School Personnel who died trying to protect the children under their care.

I switched off the news as my girls got into the car, not ready to share the news with them yet. I hugged them both tightly. I hugged them so tightly, they giggled and begged me to let them go - I couldn't. I was so thankful that I had this moment. This moment that 20 other mommies would not have that day. It was heartbreaking.

I can not begin to imagine how the families of the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary feel. An entire community is getting ready to bury 26 of its loved ones as we go through our daily lives - working, dropping off and picking up our kids from school, finishing our Christmas shopping, cooking, running errands, tidying up our house and doing laundry - let us take time to hold them in our hearts.

On Tuesday, December 18th many bloggers will be observing a day of silence for the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary. We will be posting the button below & that's it.

If you would like to donate to those tragically affected you can make a donation to Newtown Family Youth and Family Services. 

"Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING."

Bern

Cottonelle "Name It" Contest and Giveaway

This isn't my usual type of blog post. We have never talked "potty" here because my girls are well past that stage but frankly, it's something that affects all of us in our everyday lives. The Littlest Diva has very sensitive skin and suffers from eczema so I have to be very careful and selective (a.k.a picky) of the products I bring into our home for bathing, laundry, skin care and toiletries.  

My go to brand of choice for all of our bathroom "fresh care" needs is Cottonelle. Using Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care Toilet Paper in conjunction with their Fresh Care Flushable Wipes is how we keep fresh and clean on a daily basis in our home. I don't know about you but wiping with toilet paper alone never leaves me feeling as clean as I'd like and that is important to me. It's also something I have taught both my girls, so we all make regular use of Fresh Care Flushable Wipes.

I make sure we always have both toilet paper and wipes available in all of our bathrooms for ourselves and our guests. I enjoy providing our guests with everything they need to feel both at home and fresh and clean. I make sure that everything is readily available so that no one feels awkward or has to ask for anything, especially in the bathroom. How embarrassing is that? I've been there and certainly don't want our guests to be put in that awkward position.

Now that I've shared my family's "fresh care" routine with you. I have to ask - do you have a "Fresh Care" routine? Cottonelle is asking us all to rethink our bathroom routines.

The Cottonelle Fresh Care Routine Name It Contest
Cottonelle wants everyone to feel cleaner and fresher by using both Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care Toilet Paper and Fresh Care Flushable Wipes. They call this combination the "Cottonelle Care Routine". What would you call it? Join the conversation on Cottonelle's Facebook Page  and name it for your chance to win a year's worth of Cottonelle products. I would be pretty excited to win that, wouldn't you?

I visited the page and played with the randomizer and got these names for the Cottonelle Care Routine -
1. Crazy Fresh
2. Fresh Up
3. Hydro Power

Pretty funny, right! They have lots of interesting choices. I actually like Crazy Fresh - it definitely seems appropriate. Check out the Name Generator on Cottonelle’s Facebook Page and you can Name It three ways yourself:

1. The Randomizer: click and get a random name instantly
2. The Personalizer: answer a few questions to generate your personalized name
3. The Customizer: create your own name to add to the Book of Names and be entered for a chance to win a year’s supply of Cottonelle products.

Visit Cottonelle.com for more on Cottonelle toilet paper,
flushable wipes, coupons, and more.

My customized name would be - The Feeling Fresh Duo. What name did you come up with? 

Cottonelle Care Routine Pack Giveaway - (2 winners!)

Share your customized name with me by leaving a comment below (in this post only) before November  23, 2012 for your chance to win 1 of 2 Cottonelle Care Routine Packs being given away here on the blog. Each pack includes a pack of Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care Toilet Paper and a pack of Fresh Care Flushable Wipes. 

In order to qualify for the year’s supply of Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care and Cottonelle Fresh Care, entrants must create a name through The Customizer on Cottonelle Brand’s Facebook Page between now and February 28, 2013. Winners will be selected in a random drawing on a weekly basis. There is a limit of one prize per person. See full terms and conditions on Cottonelle Brand’s Facebook Page or Cottonelle.com.

Stay Fresh and Good Luck,

Bern

Disclosure: I participated in this Ambassador campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Cottonelle. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.

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Wordless Wednesday - Future Soccer Star?

The Littlest Diva started soccer this past weekend. It was her first official time on the soccer field and her first attempt at an organized sport. She LOVED it!

The Oldest Diva tried soccer over two years ago without much success. She strongly preferred socializing on the field with the other players and gazing at the sky versus actually chasing after the ball.

I was concerned we would have more of the same with the Littlest Diva. Boy, was I wrong. My little aggressive, go getter of a Diva was out there full throttle the entire time. She fought her way through the throng of children and was right in the midst of all the action, kicking the ball and taking part in every aspect of the game. I was a proud mama. She gave it her all & enjoyed herself. I couldn't ask for more.

Her favorite part? In my opinion, it had to be the kicks! Ok, maybe that was my favorite part but take a peek at the height of these kicks. It's got to be the dance classes she takes, right? I love it. It was pretty amazing to watch my baby in action. She really isn't a baby anymore, is she? No matter, she will always be my baby.

These are the moments I hold dear. Watching her grow, try new things and spread her wings fills my heart with pride. Her joy was evident as she played, as was her sense of accomplishment at the end of the game. 

She keeps asking when she will get to play again. I just might have a future soccer star on my hands. :)

Do your children participate in organized sports?

I'd love to hear about it.

Bern

My Wordless Wednesdays aren't very wordless are they?  

My apologies but I just can't seem to stay quiet.  

School Anxiety - How Do You Help Your Child Deal With School Fears?

Things have been a bit hectic around here. Emotions are running high and this Mama is feeling a bit stressed out and over protective of her girls. The past few weeks my mind has been a bit scattered and even now, it's hard for me to even sit here and type even these first few sentences.

Why? Where to begin? How to explain? How to share without sharing too much? My Oldest Diva is having a rough time at school - not academically but emotionally. She is unhappy, anxious and nervous in her classroom environment and it's gotten so bad that she is showing physical symptoms like upset stomachs, headaches, etc. Her school anxiety is very real. It has developed over the past month and half  and is of great concern to me.

Academically she is doing great and I have nothing against her teacher personally, it simply seems as if this particular classroom just isn't a good fit for my daughter. She is an emotional child and very sensitive. Things affect her deeply and are not easily forgotten. My heart is breaking as I watch my usually happy and enthusiastic girl transform before my eyes into a girl that doesn't find any joy at school anymore.  This is new for us. She has always enjoyed school before now. She always gotten along well with her teachers and her classmates. This anxiety is unchartered territory for us. I am trying to figure out how I can help her thrive academically and be happy emotionally at school? She has lost this & more than anything I want to help her find it again, before it's too late.

These early years at school set the foundation for everything to come. I do not want her to be "turned off" of school in the 1st grade due to this anxiety. Can you imagine the lifetime of struggles we would have? As a teacher, I know that these years are so important, so crucial. You can spark a child for life or distinguish their flame. I have seen it happen. I do not want to see her flame extinguished. I want my happy and excited girl back.

I went to the school and once I was able to speak to the Administrators and voice my concerns they were very understanding and offered us a few options (for this I am very grateful!). One of our options is to change her current class. Do it, you might quickly say. It's a no-brainer. If this class makes her feel so anxious, move her. It makes sense, right?

Yet, I struggle with the decision. Why? This is a big move for our girl. My daughter is very sensitive. She is afraid of the "unknown" (this is a girl who will not enter another room in our house by herself) and moving now would mean starting over for her. This would be something she would also have to deal with - leaving the friends she has made and being back at square one. When I spoke to her about it, she cried. She told she was afraid to go to a new classroom. Yet, when I ask her if she could be happy staying where she is - her answer was no. The anxiety is very real for her. It has made her fearful.

My gut tells me that having a fresh start may be a good thing for her, in the long run.  She has these fears and anxieties that are wrapped up in that classroom - for whatever reason. Maybe a fresh start will present a clean slate so to speak. I don't doubt that the first few weeks might be difficult for her socially but she is a friendly girl and I know that she will make friends given some time. I just worry about adding to her school anxiety by thrusting her into a new situation. I want her to feel better, not more anxious.

So parents & teachers - what would you do? How do I deal with this new school anxiety? My biggest concern is for my daughter's emotional well being. I want her to be happy and excited about school. If faced with such a situation, what would you do?

I can not tell you the sleepless night I have endured fretting over how she is feeling and generally worrying about my girl. I want to make the best decision for her. I think I have gotten to the point where I am over thinking it.  For every positive, I find a negative, etc. Know what I mean? Please tell me I am not the only crazy Mama that does this. I so need to hear that I am not alone.

As we struggle with our issues, I am sure you can forgive my lack of content here. My mind is focused elsewhere right now. Please keep my little girl (and me) in your thoughts & prayers. All I want is my happy and excited girl back.

Bern

Clipart was found via goole free images and is courtesy of  www.marktoon.co.uk.