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Sunday, November 30, 2014

Sofia The First Preschool Playdate #DisneyKids

***Disclosure-thanks to Disney Parks and MomSelect for sending me a Sofia The First Preschool Playdate party kit.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Did you have a 4 day weekend like I did?  Bored out of your minds, why not plan a preschool playdate for your little princess and princes?  That is exactly what we did.  We received a party kit with all the things with needed to entertain some of our daughter's preschool friends.  Mu daughter was excited when the package came in.  She rip the box open and started pulling all its content out on our couch.  Party planning time....
First we made a list of friends we wanted to share the fun with, and invitations went out.  We wanted to find a perfect day for everyone to come and enjoy themselves.
 I made labels for the water bottles that read "Gia's Royal Water".  I made magic wands for each person to enjoy.  I made rice krispie crowns too and place them in plastic sandwich bags I found at the dollar store.  I also covered the cupcake tower that came in the party kit with a custom made Sofia the First sign so it all would match.  It was all too perfect for the princess and princes showing up to have some fun with us.
 We also sampled some cheezy crisps that are Gluten FREE, whole grain, and actually good.  I like how cheesy and crispy they are.  What kiddo doesn't like cheese?
Playing games is always alot of fun.   Fun with Doc McStuffins puzzle sure had us thinking hard.  Helping the kids find like shapes and matching colors had them working together.
Next we took a break and tried Clif Kid Zbar Protein.  These have protein, fiber, and are made with organic whole grains.  The kiddos didnt even know these are good for them, it just tasted like chocolate to them.  My kiddo loves chocolate, so to her it was like having a candy bar.
These kids have so much energy.  Keeping preschoolers busy can be hard most of the time.  We decided to let the kids dig for gems and jewels in Kinetic Sand.  This stuff is amazing.  I do not like sand and kids and sand do not mix in my book.  But this stuff is awesome.  No mess at all.  It does not stick to them or make a mess.  It does not fry out which is a plus for me.
We also watch Sofia the First - The Curse of Princess Ivy.  This is my daughter's favorite show.  And apparently, she is not the only one.  Games, food, and lots of fun....too bad they all had to go home.
Playdates are so much fun....especially when my daughter doesn't have any sisters to play with.  This is a great way if you need a playmate for your kiddos.  You can take turns playing at each others' houses.  One of our friend's said mommy needed a break.  The holidays are here and these times can be overwhelming for us.  But they can also be overwhelming for the kiddos.  They are use to their schedule at preschool.  Playing with others helps them burn energy they have built inside.  Playdates don't have to be a full day.  They can be as long as you want them or care for them to be.  Most of the kiddos did not want to leave our house, but most kids never want to leave our house.  I love that our house is a playhouse.  We are already planning more playdates with all this Holiday time coming and the kiddos school's being closed. 

Do you do playdates?  What games do you play?  What food do you serve? 

Stocking Stuffers-Sofia The First Holiday in Enchancia

***Disclosure-Sample product was received for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal opinion.

The holidays are here.  Did you get all your shopping down on Black Friday? 

I like to make a list of all the people we are going to buy for and maybe a suggestion next to their name of something I would like to buy them.  Do you do stocking stuffers?

Growing up we didn't have much to open but open a lot of little things made it so much fun.  We have a lot of little ones in our family.  It is so much fun seeing them open presents one by one.  I love to stuff their stockings with little fun things I know they will enjoy.

My daughter is so in love with Sofia the First.  Sofia is a new princess who loves adventure, reminds me of my little one.  She was not always royal since her mom married the KING.  I like all the adventures that she goes on with lessons attached.  This is a series she loves and can watch over and over.  It is not only for girls but for boys too.  Sofia's step-brother Prince James and the rest of the royal kids from all around the kingdoms are always around.

Just in time for the holidays-Sofia The First: Holiday in Enchancia has been released.  This DVD contains adventure, 4 additional episodes, and a FREE light up holiday ornament. 
Synopsis:  When a snowstorm prevents King Roland from returning home in time for the holidays, Sofia leads her family on a brave expedition to find him.  Princess Aurora from Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" makes a special appearance to help Sofia and her animal friends reunite the royal family.

I like the message of the movie.  The holidays are about family and being together.  Sometimes we forget all that with everything else going on in our lives.  This movie is great for those that are traveling this holiday as it is approx. 118 minutes.  This will keep your little ones entertained as they follow the adventures of Sofia and her family.  Along the way Sofia will discover the inner character of kindness, generosity, loyalty, honesty, and grace.  And of course, this are the things a real princess is made of!  You can also catch the series on Disney Jr.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Flick Friday-Disney’s INTO THE WOODS

Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

We are such fans of all the fairy tales stories coming out this year.  I have another one to tell you about coming this December....In The Woods



 “Into the Woods” is a modern twist on several of the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories and exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. This humorous and heartfelt musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Jack and the Beanstalk (Daniel Huttlestone), and Rapunzel (MacKenzie Mauzy), all tied together by an original story involving a Baker and his Wife (James Corden and Emily Blunt), their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the Witch (Meryl Streep), who has put a curse on them.

“Into the Woods” will be released in theaters December 25, 2014.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

***CLOSED***Giveaway-Safely Traveling Booster Seat

***Disclosure-As a Britax Latina Blogger/Advisory Board Member (and in partnership with Mami Innovative Media), this post is part of a sponsored outreach.  All opinions expressed are my own based on my personal experience. 
As a Britax Latina Blogger/Advisory Board Member (and in partnership with Mami Innovative Media), this post is part of a sponsored outreach. All opinions expressed are my own. - See more at: http://www.independentmami.net/2014/09/introducing-britax-affinity-stroller.html#sthash.0tyPf0eB.dpuf
As a Britax Latina Blogger/Advisory Board Member (and in partnership with Mami Innovative Media), this post is part of a sponsored outreach. All opinions expressed are my own. - See more at: http://www.independentmami.net/2014/09/introducing-britax-affinity-stroller.html#sthash.0tyPf0eB.dpuf

Many families will be traveling this holiday season, are you?  What precautions do you take to prepare for traveling to relatives homes?  When we are rushing around trying to get things packed and everyone to fit, we should not disregard safety.  Do you have kids under 4 ft 9 in tall?  Did you know they should be in booster seats?  Do you have a booster seat, what kind?

Every Britax Harness-2-Booster seat  received the BEST BET rating:

  • Britax Frontier 90 (highback)
  • Britax Pinnacle 90 (highback)
  • Britax Pioneer 70 (highback)
What does BEST BET mean?   A BEST BET booster correctly positions belts on a typical 4-to-8-year-old child in almost any car, minivan or SUV.

BRITAX Combination Harness-2-Booster seats can accommodate children forward facing in harness mode from at least 2 years and 25 pounds, up to 90 pounds, depending on the seat. They can then convert to a belt-positioning booster and accommodate a child to 120 pounds.

Before traveling, check your booster seat.  Here are some safety tips:
Britax encourages parents to call representatives at its Consumer Services department at 1-888-427-4829 or visit a local car seat checking station with any questions regarding the fit or installation of any child car seat at any time.

Are you in need of a booster seat?  Thanks to Britax, Independentmami readers can enter to win one of the Britax IIHS "Best Bet" carseats: •Britax Frontier 90 •Britax Pinnacle 90 •Britax Pioneer 70.  How to enter:

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will end on 12/8/2014.  A winner will be randomly selected.  US only.  Winner will receive their carseat from the sponsor after January 2015.  Britax WILL CHOOSE WHAT CARSEAT, WHAT COLOR AND PATTERN THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE.  This prize is valued over $300.00.  Independentmami reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the criteria specified in the giveaway entries.  Good Luck. 

Announcing MegaBlok Winner

Congratulations.... Janet comment #15
Lauren said...
3
I'm a follower

laurencoto2008@gmail.com
- See more at: http://www.independentmami.net/2014/11/giveaway-mega-bloks-collectable-car-kit.html#sthash.I24b6FKt.dpuf
Lauren said...
3
I'm a follower

laurencoto2008@gmail.com
- See more at: http://www.independentmami.net/2014/11/giveaway-mega-bloks-collectable-car-kit.html#sthash.I24b6FKt.dpuf

Lauren said...
3
I'm a follower

laurencoto2008@gmail.com
- See more at: http://www.independentmami.net/2014/11/giveaway-mega-bloks-collectable-car-kit.html#sthash.KRWob98v.dpuf

Lauren said...
3
I'm a follower

laurencoto2008@gmail.com
- See more at: http://www.independentmami.net/2014/11/giveaway-mega-bloks-collectable-car-kit.html#sthash.KRWob98v.dpuf

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Sunday Skincare-Oat Traditions and Home-made Wisdom

***Disclosure-Sponsored post.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

This the season for tradition.  Today we are going to talk about oats, what they do, and how they can help our body.

What is oat?  It is a grain.  It has been found to be a health food that can also be used as a skincare product.
I like to eat oatmeal for breakfast.  It is low in fat and under 150 calories.  Oatmeal may help reduce the risk of heart disease.  And we have a history of heart disease in my family.  So eating oatmeal is a healthy choice I make for preventative maintenance for my body.  Oats are a good source of protein, calcium, iron, and other vitamins.  A good bowl of oatmeal can warm you right up too.  
Oats are a good source of protein, B vitamins, calcium, iron, fiber, Vitamin E and zinc. Oats may also help lower cholesterol, and are low in fat. If oats are not processed with the same machinery used to process gluten-containing grains like wheat and barley, they are gluten-free.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/about_5378123_oat.html?ref=Track2&utm_source=ask
Oats are a good source of protein, B vitamins, calcium, iron, fiber, Vitamin E and zinc. Oats may also help lower cholesterol, and are low in fat. If oats are not processed with the same machinery used to process gluten-containing grains like wheat and barley, they are gluten-free.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/about_5378123_oat.html?ref=Track2&utm_source=ask


Oats are an essential ingredient of AVEENO® Active Naturals Oat and have helped me to also improve my skin-care routine.  

Did you know that ACTIVE NATURALS® Colloidal Oatmeal can serve as a skin protectant?  It has the ability to attract moisture to the skin and to form a protective barrier.


Did you know that when carefully extracted from the oat kernel, ACTIVE NATURALS® Oat Extract, can provide a soothing effect while gently nourishing delicate skin.

One day when I was in high school I develop a serious rash.  I had no idea what it was.  It kept getting worse and worse as time went on.  I, of course, kept scratching at it.  When we visited the doctor, it was Eczema.

What is Eczema?  Eczema or atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders. There could be many causes of atopic dermatitis, including allergic or immune mediated components. In adulthood, the disease typically worsens and the skin becomes thicker and drier.

My skin was so horrible.  At first it was red.  Then it itched.  It got scaly.  It dried and cracked.  My doctor recommended I bathe in oat bath water to soothe my skin.  I soaked in oats for days.  It finally got better.  One of the reasons I have such dry skin is because I love to take HOT showers but this dries your skin.  Also as a teen, I never moisturized.  So even if this winter temps you to get into that hot water, the tips here is to use room temperature or warm water which to me is like cold water.

Now that I am a mami to my 2 babies, I know what to do if this happens to them.  My daughter was born with extra sensitive skin and we always have to moisturize her, sometimes twice a day.  I use Aveeno products that I know won't harm her skin.
Specially formulated with ACTIVE NATURALS® Natural Colloidal Oatmeal, AVEENO® Baby products help nourish, soothe and protect baby's sensitive skin, including toddler eczema, and the AVEENO® Baby Brand has been pediatrician recommended for over 60 years.

Other uses for oats:

-face masks
-scrubs
-exfoliates

Also, after I delivered my daughter my mom said to eat a bowl of oatmeal every day to keep my milk supply consistent.  I had a low supply at first but I increased my bowls of oatmeal and guess what, my milk production increased.  Like I said I normally eat a bowl for breakfast but when I would notice my milk supply low, I would add extra bowls at my snack times.  

What do you use oats for?  Do you have any home remedies?