I helped The Christmas Fairy last year round up sponsors, through your
generosity and that of others we were able to help over 150 kids and it
was their first year!
A little about the process:
You can find her blog here http://thechristmasfairyfb.com/
and her facebook page here www.facebook.com/thechristmasfairy
Applications are taken
in groups of 10 families at a time. The Christmas Fairy goes over each
application, checks references, situations and then matches the children
up with sponsors. To fully sponsor a child you would commit to doing 10
gifts. Most of the families ask for clothing, shoes, underwear etc.
that the kids are in need of. They always include some toy or something
that their kids may enjoy. Clothing and shoes are accepted in new or
like new condition. You ship directly to the children in need and send
photos of what you sent along with shipping receipt and they get marked
off the list as done. While you are doing your shopping and shipping she
collects another group of kids and sponsors. Your word is what is
counted on, and following through is super important.
You can fully sponsor a child, a whole family, partially sponsor or even just donate funds, coupons, freebies etc. There are currently children waiting, and there will be more waiting shortly.
So, I said I had a confession right?
We are struggling, big time actually. Brian was out of work quite a bit this summer and we still struggle with bills and being able to pay them, clothe our kids, make sure they have all they need for school, food on the table, a roof over our heads. With all of that, we will not be able to afford to do anything for Christmas for the kids. I know it's not about buying stuff for them but as a parent I wish we could give them all the things they are dying to have. They are really great kids and do deserve a reward for all the great things they do and have accomplished this year.
I have applied for assistance for them and they got accepted.
I am so grateful for the people who give of their time and hearts to make a child's christmas memorable. I am especially grateful for who ever helps me make my children's christmas memorable. I am grateful there are programs out there to help when you are in a situation of struggle.
For me I struggle and worry that they will have warm clothes, winter uniforms, shoes, underwear, socks etc. I would love for them to have their dream toy or what ever it is they wanted because again they are great kids who do not think only of themselves.
They asked me if they could do the Christmas phantom that I used to do when I was a child. We will try to get one or two families and spread that love. Christmas phantom is a basket of homemade goodies, poetry, artwork etc. Then with the message to pass on the season of thanks, love, and celebrating our Christs birth.
Madilyne and James are cleaning out their old un-played with toys to donate for kids who do not have toys at all. They want to donate clothing that doesn't fit etc. To them they have no idea that we don't have any money, they are always looking for other people to help.
So I'm not writing this to beg for anything, well maybe I am... but not to beg for personal help. If you could give just a few dollars to The Christmas Fairy or a program like that, it could change someones life and bring joy and laughter to a family who is in need.
If you have even a little extra please consider helping The Christmas Fairy or some other organization to help underprivileged families. My kids and many others will be helped by your generosity this year. The holiday season is to recognize and share love, hope, peace, and joy.
Many blessings to you and yours...
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Working on some more give aways...
I am always working on rounding up give aways, as well as looking for new things to share with you. I"m hoping to find a happy medium. I want to be informative as well as give you guys fun things to do!
I'll be looking around for what I want to do. I want to be more then just free stuff.
I of course still want to bring you fabulous items to review and fabulous items to win. But what else would you like to see?
I'll be looking around for what I want to do. I want to be more then just free stuff.
I of course still want to bring you fabulous items to review and fabulous items to win. But what else would you like to see?
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Boogie Wipes
About how they started:
Mindee Doney and Julie Pickens, often referred to as The Boogie Moms®, developed Boogie Wipes in 2007 as a solution for their kids’ runny, red noses. Months of market research led to the invention of the Boogie Wipe: a saline-infused wipe that soothes chapped, rough noses while dissolving mucus. After a six-month development and manufacturing process, Doney and Pickens shipped their first orders of Boogie Wipes in December, 2007. By the end of 2008, Boogie Wipes were available in 30,000 U.S. stores
You can totaly save the sleeve too!
Their on-going promotion is called Save The Sleeve! It’s a fun, interactive way for kids to learn to put their boogies in a Boogie Wipe and not on their sleeves! You can learn more at SaveTheSleeve.com . They have a Teacher’s Kit available for classrooms!
fun contests too:
GO AHEAD AND BRAG! We are looking for 3 Extraordinary Kids to be featured on our Fresh, Grape and Unscented canisters, during the 2012 cough and cold season. We will begin taking Extraordinary Kid contest submissions, beginning August 1, 2011. For more information, please visit: http://www.boogiewipes.com , or SaveTheSleeve.com. (Official rules will be available August 1, 2011.)
They make wiping noses so much easier. Ansel likes to wipe his own nose, but he doesn't like tissues. He likes to wipe everyone elses nose too. Now something I didn't know about was their new line for older kids and adults called Saline Soothers.
I got samples of these along with our boogie wipes in grape. LOVE the product I am so excited.
So in our house we have boogie wipes now every where. I love that they come in different scents,
He likes to sniff the wipes ALL the time. SO here is what happens in my house, Ansel grabs the wipes, brings them to me and asks for one, or like this picture. Turkey just opens them himself.
The best thing about that is I dont' have to freak. It's all natural saline. Other times he not only wipes his nose, but he wipes other peoples noses too.
We love our boogie wipes. They come in the 30ct packages, travel packages and the new canisters!
They are super great! Soothing, and cleans up the crud with little to no whining.
A very lucky fan will win their own boogie wipes prize! Contest ends Nov. 11, 2011 12:01 am est.
Willow House with Kerry Traveria
Kerry is just a fabulous person to work with. Amazing products can only take you so far. She is personable, kind, and does exactly what she says she's going to do. She let me choose my item, ordered it very promptly and the shipping was super fast.
Kerry even suggested I choose a higher priced item. I would have normally gone for something a little less expensive. I LOVED her suggestion though. This cinnabar baker is just fabulous.
I will be using it much this holiday season. It's a great piece of glazed stoneware. I am a stoneware-aholic. I love to use it. It not only bakes everything well, but it keeps it toasty warm for ever! Daddy Digs It works from home, and his hours are kinda wonky. Sometimes he's eating dinner up to an hour or more after we eat. I made this oh so yummy chicken veggie casserole in it, and it stayed toasty warm for like an hour.
Willow House has this amazing deal, when a customer spends $39.96 or more, they qualify to purchase anything in the catalog that costs $39.96 or less at half price! (They qualify for this customer special even when shopping in the outlet or weekly deal sections of her business website, but the half price item must be chosen from the catalog).
Holy cow half price just for shopping... LOOOOOVE IT!
So what kinds of things can you get for $39.96?
SOO much more. The products are very nice, and they have several different styles so you can pick something that is just you.
One super duper lucky person is going to get their very own $39.96 credit. You can choose anything for your prize but it needs to be at least $39.96. Then if you choose you can get your half price item as well! Contest ends November 10, 2011 12:01 am est. Kerry is going out of town so you will have to respond like right away or you will have to wait until after the 20th of the month for your prize.
The Sili Squeeze, It's not a bottle. It's a Squeeze
The Sili Squeeze...can we say ingenious? I had a whole slew of things I wanted to give Ansel, it just wasn't happening. I wasn't up for the mess, and he wasn't up for the confinement of the high chair. There were things that he'd eat only if he could help himself to them, apple sauce, yogurt; you know the messy stuff that mom's want to spoon feed ever so carefully?
I am so happy to found this! Ansel not only can have the things he really likes, but I can let him wander and roam with them like he wants. It doesn't spill, it doesn't leak, and he can't squeeze it out! The spout requires compression along with sucking in order to get anything out. It only took Ansel a minute or two before he had it down perfectly.
Sili Components:
- Detachable, clear, plastic cap keeps the nipple protected while storing your Sili Squeeze™
- Silicone nipple with built-in plastic base attaches smoothly to the Sili Squeeze™ 'home' ring, locking in place, completing the squeeze-controlled/spill-proof, patent pending design
- Silicone body is soft, easy-to-squeeze and easy-to-clean due to the naturally non-stick quality of the silicone. The wide opening makes it easy to fill with your homemade purees and smoothies.
I just take it apart like that and put it on the top shelf of the dishwasher, put the two lid parts in with the sippy cup stoppers and bottle rings and nipples and all is clean.
There are two sizes, a 6oz and 4oz size. I will say the 4oz one has the two jars of pictured baby food in it. There is just a touch left in one of the jars.
So the nipple gets a little discolored with use. I put carrots in it, Ansel ate them up and it is not a touch orange. But that's to be expected! He is prefectly happy with them, loves them infact. He walks around saying SQEEEEZE...
I will definitely recommend it to my friends, and will for SURE give it as a gift.
One very lucky person is going to win a sili squeeze gift pack! Contest ends November 11, 2011 12 am est.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Jen's Mark
I have been sold on this and will not buy anything but from now on, it's by far the best that I've used.
The exfoliate is amazing. A little goes a long way. I use it daily and it barely looks used! It's got natural exfoliates in it, and it's not a harsh scrubbiness. I just put a little in my hand and mix it with the gel cleanser and vioala beautifully exfoliated skin that isn't red from harsh scrubbers.
When I told Jen that I loved the smokey eye look but had a hard time achieving it, I was pleasantly surprise to find this lovely It Kit in my box.
The price of all the products make it extremely affordable, and the quality makes it something you will want to buy again! Working with Jen just makes the experience all the better!
Jen is giving away this lovely Super Flip Kit to one lucky reader.
To enter complete the Mandatory entry below, contest ends October 17, 2011 11 pm est.
Each entry should be entered as it's completed. All entries will be verified before the winner is chosen at random via rafflecopter The winner will be emailed and posted
on Mama Digs It facebook page . Winner will have 48
hrs to contact me before I draw a new winner.
DO NOT contact the sponsor directly, I will be the facilitator.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Katie Long- It Works Independent Distributor
q1
Katie was so generous and gave me a wrap to try. I was excited because the results that I had seen in pictures looked promising. She was VERY prompt with shipping and super helpful and kind. I wasn't sure that it was going to do anything for me really. Once it got here I had to wait a week because AF decided to make a stop and apparently results aren't as profound, so I waited. The first thing I noticed though when I did get to use it was, it smelled DIVINE and had a nice little tingle to it. I took my before hand measurements, put the wrap on, and left it on for 15 hours took measurements again. Commenced in drinking tons of water and took measurements again two days later.
I saw results! I was really skeptical to start with, I was amazed that there was a difference. Granted I didn't get the huge results that some did but I for sure got results!
After only 15 hours I had a 1" difference. 48 hrs later I had a 3" total difference. I would definitely consider using more of the products in conjunction with a total fitness program. I think that would be the way to get optimum results.
I didn't take pictures of me using the wrap... I KNOW no one wants to see ALL that lol I did borrow some pictures of others proudly displayed results.
Katie was great, she answered questions, checked back up on me and was a pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend working with her!
She has graciously offered up a wrap to one lucky reader! Katie is also currently running a special of a free wrap when signing as a loyal and 4 wraps when signing as a distributor.
Katie was so generous and gave me a wrap to try. I was excited because the results that I had seen in pictures looked promising. She was VERY prompt with shipping and super helpful and kind. I wasn't sure that it was going to do anything for me really. Once it got here I had to wait a week because AF decided to make a stop and apparently results aren't as profound, so I waited. The first thing I noticed though when I did get to use it was, it smelled DIVINE and had a nice little tingle to it. I took my before hand measurements, put the wrap on, and left it on for 15 hours took measurements again. Commenced in drinking tons of water and took measurements again two days later.
I saw results! I was really skeptical to start with, I was amazed that there was a difference. Granted I didn't get the huge results that some did but I for sure got results!
After only 15 hours I had a 1" difference. 48 hrs later I had a 3" total difference. I would definitely consider using more of the products in conjunction with a total fitness program. I think that would be the way to get optimum results.
Katie was great, she answered questions, checked back up on me and was a pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend working with her!
She has graciously offered up a wrap to one lucky reader! Katie is also currently running a special of a free wrap when signing as a loyal and 4 wraps when signing as a distributor.
To enter complete the Mandatory entry below, contest ends October 7, 2011 11 pm est.
Each entry should be entered as a separate comment, a winner will be chosen at random via random.org. The winner will be emailed and posted on Mama Digs It facebook page . Winner will have 48 hrs to contact me before I draw a new winner. DO NOT contact the sponsor directly, I will be the facilitator. To be contacted via email please leave your email address in each comment.
Do you know how?
Some of my readers know and some do not.... We had the unfortunate privileged of dealing with a burn crisis in our home. Ansel my 21 mo old was in the kitchen with me, right at my heels while I was cooking. He was beyond ready for lunch, bombarding me with his array of , "I want to eat, I want a dot dog, I want noonles, dot dog, dot dog," I clearly wasn't moving fast enough for him. All the while I kept telling him to go sit at the table, get away from the stove because it was HOT. I had just finished making the Mac N Cheese for him, had moved the pot from the front burner to the back burner, and turned the front burner off.
By some miracle I was able to catch his hand before he put his WHOLE hand on the burner, but not quick enough to avoid it all together. Ansel touched that screaming hot electric stove burner with his little cute chubby fingers. All the while he reached up he said "no, hot, don't touch" and then screamed in tremendous pain. Brian rushed in and took him to run cool water on the burn, I was on the phone talking to my sister as well, and I heard Brian say, "Heather gotta go NOW, it's bad." My heart sank.
After the call to the pediatrician, visit to the ER, and a dx with an rx, I realized...I didn't know exactly how to treat my poor little ones emergency.
I started on google when I found the need to know how to wrap his hand and keep it dressed. He was pulling his dressing off quicker then I could get it put on. Then I expanded, determined that I would KNOW what to do if, heaven forbid, it should ever happen again.
This is information that EVERYONE should know, not just Mom's, not just care takers... EVERYONE.
Burns are classified into three degrees...
First-degree burn
The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is burned, but not all the way through. The skin is usually red, with swelling, and pain sometimes is present. Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn.
Second-degree burn
When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is called a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling.
Third-degree burn
The most serious burns involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white.
While not all burns of course require emergency medical help, do you know the most effective way to treat them?
Did you know that most 2nd degree burns are treated as minor but there is a line where you treat them as urgent as a 3rd degree burn?
Uh yeah I didn't know all this information either, and the Mommy guilt is KILLING me!
So the line to be drawn... when is it more emergent?
1st degree burns- Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint, which requires emergency medical attention.
2nd degree burns- If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately.
Keep in mine proportions as you are reading this. These proportions are going to be subjective. Substantial on an infant or toddler is not going to be substantial on a 10 yr old or an adult.
While Ansel's burn was the majority a 2nd degree burn, it was .5-.75 cm on his finger, sounds minimal but that was 3/4 of his finger! There was a minimal area that was classified as 3rd degree as well.
So how to treat MINOR burns:
1. COOL IT DOWN! Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10 or 15 minutes or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cool water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn. Doing so can cause frost bite, skin damage, and in some cases hypothermia.
2. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, or other material that may get lint in the wound. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Treat with an antibiotic ointment. Bandaging keeps air off the burn, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
3. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 2, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. Sometimes they'll be a different color for a while. You shouldn't try to tan the discolored area, and always use a sunscreen. If the area increases in redness, pain, or swelling seek additional medical attention.
DO NOT apply butter, eggs, honey, spit, or anything of the like to a burn. It needs to be kept clean and relatively dry to avoid infection.
Do NOT pop any blisters that may appear, that introduces the risk of infection. They will burst on their own, at which point continue to keep them clean and dry and watch for signs of infection.
What about major burns? Is treatment different? YES!!!
For major burns, call 911 or emergency medical help. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:
1. Don't remove burned clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
2. Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause a drop in body temperature (hypothermia) and deterioration of blood pressure and circulation (shock).
3. Elevate the burned body part or parts. Raise above heart level, when possible.
4. Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist towels.
As most 3rd degree burns are a result of fires and other usual high risk situations, you will want to also check for the ABC's which is Airway, Breathing, Circulation... report to emergency and start CPR if you are trained to do so if the need is there.
It is a scary thing when you don't know what to do, or how to know when it's emergent and when it's not. If you think it's more emergent, get help don't just sit and wonder! NO ONE will fault you for being overly cautious...
I have made this information accessible to my family, and in an area should any baby sitter need it. I hope to heaven I never need it again, but dang it I KNOW it now if I do!
Make sure you know it too, don't wait until the unthinkable happens, google it now, find out NOW so that you are prepared when the situation arises!
Thanks to the mayo clinic web page and University of Utah web page for the information gathered.
By some miracle I was able to catch his hand before he put his WHOLE hand on the burner, but not quick enough to avoid it all together. Ansel touched that screaming hot electric stove burner with his little cute chubby fingers. All the while he reached up he said "no, hot, don't touch" and then screamed in tremendous pain. Brian rushed in and took him to run cool water on the burn, I was on the phone talking to my sister as well, and I heard Brian say, "Heather gotta go NOW, it's bad." My heart sank.
After the call to the pediatrician, visit to the ER, and a dx with an rx, I realized...I didn't know exactly how to treat my poor little ones emergency.
I started on google when I found the need to know how to wrap his hand and keep it dressed. He was pulling his dressing off quicker then I could get it put on. Then I expanded, determined that I would KNOW what to do if, heaven forbid, it should ever happen again.
This is information that EVERYONE should know, not just Mom's, not just care takers... EVERYONE.
Burns are classified into three degrees...
First-degree burn
The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is burned, but not all the way through. The skin is usually red, with swelling, and pain sometimes is present. Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn.
Second-degree burn
When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is called a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling.
Third-degree burn
The most serious burns involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white.
While not all burns of course require emergency medical help, do you know the most effective way to treat them?
Did you know that most 2nd degree burns are treated as minor but there is a line where you treat them as urgent as a 3rd degree burn?
Uh yeah I didn't know all this information either, and the Mommy guilt is KILLING me!
So the line to be drawn... when is it more emergent?
1st degree burns- Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint, which requires emergency medical attention.
2nd degree burns- If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately.
Keep in mine proportions as you are reading this. These proportions are going to be subjective. Substantial on an infant or toddler is not going to be substantial on a 10 yr old or an adult.
While Ansel's burn was the majority a 2nd degree burn, it was .5-.75 cm on his finger, sounds minimal but that was 3/4 of his finger! There was a minimal area that was classified as 3rd degree as well.
So how to treat MINOR burns:
1. COOL IT DOWN! Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10 or 15 minutes or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cool water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn. Doing so can cause frost bite, skin damage, and in some cases hypothermia.
2. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, or other material that may get lint in the wound. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Treat with an antibiotic ointment. Bandaging keeps air off the burn, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
3. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 2, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. Sometimes they'll be a different color for a while. You shouldn't try to tan the discolored area, and always use a sunscreen. If the area increases in redness, pain, or swelling seek additional medical attention.
DO NOT apply butter, eggs, honey, spit, or anything of the like to a burn. It needs to be kept clean and relatively dry to avoid infection.
Do NOT pop any blisters that may appear, that introduces the risk of infection. They will burst on their own, at which point continue to keep them clean and dry and watch for signs of infection.
What about major burns? Is treatment different? YES!!!
For major burns, call 911 or emergency medical help. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:
1. Don't remove burned clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
2. Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause a drop in body temperature (hypothermia) and deterioration of blood pressure and circulation (shock).
3. Elevate the burned body part or parts. Raise above heart level, when possible.
4. Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist towels.
As most 3rd degree burns are a result of fires and other usual high risk situations, you will want to also check for the ABC's which is Airway, Breathing, Circulation... report to emergency and start CPR if you are trained to do so if the need is there.
It is a scary thing when you don't know what to do, or how to know when it's emergent and when it's not. If you think it's more emergent, get help don't just sit and wonder! NO ONE will fault you for being overly cautious...
I have made this information accessible to my family, and in an area should any baby sitter need it. I hope to heaven I never need it again, but dang it I KNOW it now if I do!
Make sure you know it too, don't wait until the unthinkable happens, google it now, find out NOW so that you are prepared when the situation arises!
Thanks to the mayo clinic web page and University of Utah web page for the information gathered.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Accountable Kids
Accountable Kids is a unique program designed to teach
accountability and responsibility in the home. No more entitlement. My kids were off the charts on this frame of thought. They were consistently demonstrating their thoughts on entitlement and how they had RIGHTS, the right to do this, the right to do that... no more! It is a back-to-basics
system which includes parenting principles and concrete stepping
stones that strengthen relationships and build a foundation for raising up good hard working people. Children learn to balance choices and consequences
in a fun, productive manner. They experience the joy of being a vital,
contributing member of the family and develop confidence and self-worth. The
Accountable Kids program includes a book, Quick Start streaming video, Progress Board, 50
Reminder Cards, 3 blank Reminder Cards, 10 Tickets, 10 Bonus Bucks, 3 Special
Date Cards, 4 Best Behavior Cards, and 2 Privilege Passes, and 2 sticker
sheets.
All of this was included in my basic package. I also got additional sets for the rest of the kids.
It took me an evening to read the book, it gave me an understanding on how to gauge what level of thinking my kids were capable, while not perfect it was pretty darn close to right on.
I will say the changes have been enormous, some easy, and some very hard. There are days that there are major melt downs, but those are becoming fewer and farther between. I am not perfect, it's not just a program for the kids, it helps me to be a better mom too. The hardest part has been on Grandma, she doesn't like to not have the TV on, but really it HAD to be done. Now my kids don't just veg in front of the TV, they read, they get their homework done, most of their chores, and are from what I can see happier. We are all more productive because the entitlement mentality has been removed.
The basics of the program:
1. Chore Cards-There are chores that are a MUST, they are the basics they must complete as a contributing member of the house hold. Right now it consists mostly of getting dressed and personal hygiene because we were having struggles with that, the kids getting teeth brushed, hair brushed etc. Soon all of those individual chores will turn into one card to encompass getting dressed etc. They do a chore in the afternoon along with homework and practicing music, and then in the evening they have a chore along with all the bed time stuff, (ie getting ready for bed, brushing teeth, showering etc.)
There are TONS of different chores to choose from, and some that are general enough that you can use and modify to make them work for you!
2. Reward Tickets- the kids get a reward ticket for each time of day they complete their chores, so up to 3 tickets a day. Morning, Afternoon, Evening. If they complete each designated chore in the area they earn a ticket. If they do not complete each chore, they get thanked for what they did complete but no ticket. That one has been hard, they don't like not getting their tickets. They then turn the tickets into activities they want to do, such as, playing video games, watching tv, going outside to play etc.
3.Date Cards- for every week of completion they get one sticker added to their special date cards. Once the cards are filled up they get to plan a special date with just them and either Mom or Dad. This teaches them the difference between planned rewards and instant gratification. The program suggested doing the date card stickers for each day they did with perfection, I chose to do it weekly because they are older and perfectly capable of doing their chores easily.
4. Bonus Bucks- these are paid chores. Things that I need help with, and need to be done and that I am willing to pay them for. What we do is take what they were getting as a weekly allowance and turned that into what we are now rewarding for paid chores. Things get done so much quicker and easier then if I had just given them the money.
5. Helping Hands- not only do they have their basic chores, they also have a helping hands card. This card is apart of their basic chores, but it's more then that. They use helping hands to provide at least one act of service for a family member. This is random and unprompted, they get to choose what they do. It is so fun to see them provide an act of service for one another.
6. Family Meeting- we incorporate the family meeting in with our Family Home Evening. We go over how we thought the week went, what we can do to contribute more and to make the week better. We still have a LONG way to go but we are working hard to make our family one that Heavenly Father intended it to be.
Overall the program has helped us immensely, we have been able to incorporate it into our household fairly easily. There has been change, there has been tears, there has been laughter. Overall they are learning that things had to change. We started Ansel on it now because it will be easier for him to go with it later when we get full into it with him then if we just introduce it and start fresh when he is 3.
On a scale of 1-5 I would give Accountable Kids a 4, and only because it would be SO much easier if I could keep track of tickets online as well as the boards.
We love that the boards were such that we could personalize them, the kids had fun picking out images to put on their boards that represented them.
You have the option for ordering it laser etched with your child's name
Or customizing it yourself
Or leaving it natural. We opted to decopage ours with the kids names and an image that they chose.
James chose an archer and a pokemon dude, Madilyne chose a fairy ballerina, and Ansel chose the sharks from finding Nemo.
Accountable Kids program is for SURE something that I'd reccomend, and have seen it change our household for the better. We are only a month in but I see positive changes already and can only see where my kids can go from here!
Accountable Kids has been generous and offered a 10% off coupon for EVERYONE who'd like to purchase their system!
www.accountablekids.com
use code 9728B at check out.
It took me an evening to read the book, it gave me an understanding on how to gauge what level of thinking my kids were capable, while not perfect it was pretty darn close to right on.
I will say the changes have been enormous, some easy, and some very hard. There are days that there are major melt downs, but those are becoming fewer and farther between. I am not perfect, it's not just a program for the kids, it helps me to be a better mom too. The hardest part has been on Grandma, she doesn't like to not have the TV on, but really it HAD to be done. Now my kids don't just veg in front of the TV, they read, they get their homework done, most of their chores, and are from what I can see happier. We are all more productive because the entitlement mentality has been removed.
The basics of the program:
1. Chore Cards-There are chores that are a MUST, they are the basics they must complete as a contributing member of the house hold. Right now it consists mostly of getting dressed and personal hygiene because we were having struggles with that, the kids getting teeth brushed, hair brushed etc. Soon all of those individual chores will turn into one card to encompass getting dressed etc. They do a chore in the afternoon along with homework and practicing music, and then in the evening they have a chore along with all the bed time stuff, (ie getting ready for bed, brushing teeth, showering etc.)
2. Reward Tickets- the kids get a reward ticket for each time of day they complete their chores, so up to 3 tickets a day. Morning, Afternoon, Evening. If they complete each designated chore in the area they earn a ticket. If they do not complete each chore, they get thanked for what they did complete but no ticket. That one has been hard, they don't like not getting their tickets. They then turn the tickets into activities they want to do, such as, playing video games, watching tv, going outside to play etc.
3.Date Cards- for every week of completion they get one sticker added to their special date cards. Once the cards are filled up they get to plan a special date with just them and either Mom or Dad. This teaches them the difference between planned rewards and instant gratification. The program suggested doing the date card stickers for each day they did with perfection, I chose to do it weekly because they are older and perfectly capable of doing their chores easily.
4. Bonus Bucks- these are paid chores. Things that I need help with, and need to be done and that I am willing to pay them for. What we do is take what they were getting as a weekly allowance and turned that into what we are now rewarding for paid chores. Things get done so much quicker and easier then if I had just given them the money.
5. Helping Hands- not only do they have their basic chores, they also have a helping hands card. This card is apart of their basic chores, but it's more then that. They use helping hands to provide at least one act of service for a family member. This is random and unprompted, they get to choose what they do. It is so fun to see them provide an act of service for one another.
6. Family Meeting- we incorporate the family meeting in with our Family Home Evening. We go over how we thought the week went, what we can do to contribute more and to make the week better. We still have a LONG way to go but we are working hard to make our family one that Heavenly Father intended it to be.
Overall the program has helped us immensely, we have been able to incorporate it into our household fairly easily. There has been change, there has been tears, there has been laughter. Overall they are learning that things had to change. We started Ansel on it now because it will be easier for him to go with it later when we get full into it with him then if we just introduce it and start fresh when he is 3.
On a scale of 1-5 I would give Accountable Kids a 4, and only because it would be SO much easier if I could keep track of tickets online as well as the boards.
We love that the boards were such that we could personalize them, the kids had fun picking out images to put on their boards that represented them.
Accountable Kids program is for SURE something that I'd reccomend, and have seen it change our household for the better. We are only a month in but I see positive changes already and can only see where my kids can go from here!
Accountable Kids has been generous and offered a 10% off coupon for EVERYONE who'd like to purchase their system!
www.accountablekids.com
use code 9728B at check out.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Happy New Year!
A year ago today I wrote my very first blog post on Mama Digs It. I dove into the review and give away blog scene full on. In one year I have gained over 2000 fans, 307 blog subscribers, and a couple few twitter followers.. though I still need to figure twitter out, but I digress.
I still love writing, I still LOVE reviewing, and I now have MORE time to dedicate to it!
I will be getting more products for review, as well as adding in some other things, like deals steals, and just general fun.
I am thankful for my readers, and grateful to my sponsors. Much love and dedication goes out to each and everyone of my readers and fans, without you, I couldn't do what I LOVE doing.
I had intended on a birthday celebration, alas... time got away from me. I will do something fun though for October!
Thank you for your continued support!
I still love writing, I still LOVE reviewing, and I now have MORE time to dedicate to it!
I will be getting more products for review, as well as adding in some other things, like deals steals, and just general fun.
I am thankful for my readers, and grateful to my sponsors. Much love and dedication goes out to each and everyone of my readers and fans, without you, I couldn't do what I LOVE doing.
I had intended on a birthday celebration, alas... time got away from me. I will do something fun though for October!
Thank you for your continued support!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Flexi Clip Winner
Congrats! Ansley, you have 48 hrs to email me at mamadigsit@gmail.com with your choice and address to pass on!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Adrienne Smith: Lilla Rose
***CLOSED***
Adrienne asked me if I would be interested in reviewing a flexi clip. I LOVE hair clips, bows, pretties of all kinds for Madilyne. When I said yes, I ordered something for ME instead of her. I love these flexi clips. They are easy to use, easy to figure out which size is right for you, and for someone who wears their hair up most of the time, gives me flexibility and variety without too much hassle.
From Adrienne's facebook fan page: "The Lilla Rose product line centers around unique, functional, and well made hair jewelry. From the Flexi Hair Clip, Lilla Rose expanded to Hair Sticks, O-Rings, Hairbands, and Bobby Pins. Lilla Rose also offers complimentary designed Eyeglass Holders, Badge Holders, Necklaces, and Earrings." I love the products and can easily see myself expanding into trying their other products.
We all know the famous, or should I say infamous, plastic claw hair clips? You know you all have at least 5 like this and all have broken teeth. They hurt, are uncomfortable, and don't really hold the hair well.
I have a hard time with elastics even sometimes, I have baby fine hair but tons of it. My hair is long, past my shoulders. I used a large clip and was able to get it all up, tight and secure and with no extra hair pins.
But I lost it... I am sure it's behind my head board or something on my bed. I'd go to sleep forgetting I had it in and would take it off in bed. I will go on a search and rescue mission later. So then I purchased two more, one for me and one for the princess.
I got another Large for me and a small for Madilyne. She LOVES pink, pretty, and dangly. It held up well in her baby fine hair. There are so many different ways you can use this clip to style your hair. From french twists, tails up, pony tails, half up and more. You can see different style ideas at the website too.
Here is a comparison picture for sizing that I found from Adrienne's pictures.
And a picture of what it looks like open. This is THE BEST hair clip I've ever used!
They aren't priced like gold either, $15 for the non dangly ones, and $20 for the dangly ones.
Thanks to Adrienne for introducing me to these amazing clips, and one lucky person is going to win!
Winner chooses a clip of their choice from the $15 styles.
To enter complete the Mandatory entry below, contest ends September 14, 2011 11 pm est.
Each entry should be entered as a separate comment, a winner will be chosen at random via random.org. The winner will be emailed and posted on Mama Digs It facebook page . Winner will have 48 hrs to contact me before I draw a new winner. DO NOT contact the sponsor directly, I will be the facilitator. To be contacted via email please leave your email address in each comment.
Mandatory Entry:
Visit Adrienne Smith: Lilla Rose and tell me what flexi clip you'd choose- 1 entry
Additional Entries:
Become a fan of Adrienne Smith: Lilla Rose on facebook- 1 entry
Become a fan of Mama Digs It on facebook- 1 entry
Follow my blog publicly- 1 entry
Follow Mama Digs It on twitter- 1 entry
Share this give away limited to twice a day-1 entry
Purchase a carrier from a retailer for Adrienne Smith: Lilla Rose, email me the invoice and receive one extra entry for every .50 spent excluding taxes and shipping. MUST be dated during the give away.
Purchase a carrier from a retailer for Adrienne Smith: Lilla Rose, email me the invoice and receive one extra entry for every .50 spent excluding taxes and shipping. MUST be dated during the give away.
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