Repairing My Tooth Sensitivity With Sensodyne® ($100 GIFT CARD!)

Raise your hand if you've had sensitive teeth over the years and you've just tried to live with the problem? Yep, that's me and I'm sure some of you, too.

Because really, who likes going to the dentist? Other than my routine appointments, I typically try to avoid going at all costs. Unfortunately though, I've suffered with sensitive teeth for years. I am no stranger to the uncomfortable sensitive sensation I get after a scoop of ice cream or sip from a cold drink.  If you suffer from tooth sensitivity too, you know it's not fun at all. 

As of this past year, I've been using Sensodyne® Repair & Protect toothpaste and it’s provided me with so much relief. Sensodyne® is the #1 dentist recommended brand for sensitive teeth, and it also provides all the benefits of a daily toothpaste so you really can't go wrong! When brushing with it twice a day every day, I've found that my sensitivity issues are much more manageable or gone all together.

One of the reasons why Sensodyne® works so well is because the active ingredient (stannous fluoride) forms a reparative layer over the sensitive areas of the teeth, with twice daily brushing. Using Sensodyne® Repair & Protect is such a simple change in your oral care routine that it's really silly to just try to live with the tooth sensitivity pain. Take care of yourself, and your teeth, and give it a try if you haven't already! You'll be happy the next time you have that ice cream craving!

GIVEAWAY (WOULD BE GREAT TO PUT TOWARDS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!) >> Do you suffer from tooth sensitivity? Tell me in the comments for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!

Entry Instructions:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 11/21/2016-12/31/2016
Be sure to visit the Sensodyne® brand page on SheKnowsMedia.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Sensodyne® or GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

Connect with Sensodyne® on their official website, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Take Care of Your Skin with Garnier SkinActive® Clearly Brighter™ {+Giveaway!}

Happy Monday! I really hate to say this but my skin has definitely suffered after being pregnant for nearly two years in a row. With both pregnancies I failed to properly take care of it (out of pure laziness) and I was unable to use some products in my cabinet that I was used to using due to the ingredients. Now, I'm left with an uneven skin tone and some pesky melasma spots that I knew had to be my focus once I had Grayson. I wanted to make it a priority to myself to get my skin in tip-top condition again.

For the past month I've been using two products to help brighten my skin and make it look healthier. I didn't have success with the first one (Neutrogena's Visibly Even Moisturizer), but I did want to share the one I'm still using and finding the best results with, which is Garnier SkinActive® Clearly Brighter™ Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer SPF 15.

Garnier SkinActive® is a brand that I've used for years and I've loved many of their products so I was excited to try this. I've been using this moisturizer every morning and within a week I noticed a difference in my skin. It claims to even out tone and texture for brighter, smoother skin and it did just that. My skin has felt so much more hydrayed. healthier, and it's oil-free formula so I don't have to worry about breaking out. My melasma and dark spots are fading away so I know that by continuing to use this product these trouble areas will look even better. Another reason why I love this moisturizer is because it has antioxidant Vitamin C in it, which is so beneficial for your skin.

For a mom that has very little time to take care of herself, using this product has been simple enough to give me results I want without breaking the bank. Highly, highly recommend you give it a try if you've been neglecting your skin like me!

You can find this moisturizer at Target, Walmart, Amazon, CVS, Rite Aid, etc! Head on over to Garnier SkinActive®'s website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, and Google+ to learn more about their products.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, tell me: what is one step in your beauty regimen that you never skip? Your comment will enter you to win!

Entry Instructions:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 9/26/2016– 10/22/2016
Be sure to visit the SkinActive Brand Page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

Little Roo Studios Giveaway

Hey guys! Happy hump day!

This week has been crazy busy, but I wanted to pop in and share a little bit about a local giveaway that is going to be happening this Friday, June 24th. If you live here in Columbus, you will want to enter this one so listen up!

My friend and amazingly talented photographer, Rachel, is hosting a fun giveaway to celebrate the launch of her new website Little Roo Studios! There will be some great gifts up for grabs, including a 1 month free yoga pass. You will be able to enter on her website starting this Friday and it'll go until July 4th.

I would also encourage any of you local gals to keep her in mind for future photography sessions, if you're looking around for a Columbus Newborn Photographer! You can read more about her and see some of her work here. She's one of the best here in Columbus and I know you would love the pictures she takes! (She actually just did a maternity/family session for us a couple weeks ago-I'm really excited to show you the pictures from once I get them!) 

Alright, sorry for the short post today but I'll be back tomorrow! xo

6 Steps To A Healthier, Happier You

I received free product from Truly Radiant to review.

Happy Monday! Monday's get a bad rep - I mean, they give us an opportunity to show this week who's boss! We all want to be happy, but sometimes keeping a positive attitude day in and day out is much easier said than done. These might be small steps, but don't doubt their effectiveness!

Step 1. Exercise first thing in the morning.
If you can turn your alarm clock up to squeeze in a workout first thing-it's worth it! Not only will you burn more calories and be less tempted eat junk food throughout the day, but you will feel so much better. Endorphins are a great great great thing.

Step 2. Don't use your phone in bed. You will gain a few extra Zzz's and I promise you, your inbox can wait!

Step 3. Try a new smoothie recipe. 
I don't know what it is about smoothies, but they always make me feel so refreshed (especially in the mornings-it's never a good idea to skip breakfast!) and summer is the best time to experiment. Visit your local farmer's market and go crazy.  (I plan to share a bunch of recipes soon that we've made in our Blendtec!)

Step 4. Get rid of the negativity.
Surround yourself with people who encourage you and inspire you.

Step 5. Keep a food and goal dairy.
Have a notebook for each, if you want. In order to get healthier, it's important to evaluate where you might be going wrong when it comes to what you're putting into your body. Tracking what you're eating is a great way to look at a full day and to hold you accountable. To help keep your goals on track (new job? looking to save up for a big move?), putting them down in writing always seems to help.

Step 6. Don't put off your appointments with your doctor and dentist.
Not many people enjoy these checkups, but do you know what's worse? That feeling of being SO behind. Stay on top of your appointments and try not to reschedule them (who's guilty of this? besides me!) so that you can get them done and move on to the next thing!

Try the new ARM & HAMMER Truly Radiant Collection for a radiant smile. Below are a few of their great products! These rotating toothbrushes are legit, ya'll. Love them!

 

What makes you feel happier and more radiant? Leave a comment below to enter for a chance to win a $100 VISA GIFT CARD!

Entry Instructions:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 8/3/15 – 9/30/15.
Be sure to visit the Truly Radiant brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts! 

SwaddleSure by HALO (Giveaway)

 Happy Tuesday!

I've mentioned and worked with HALO here on the blog in the past so you guys are well aware how much I love and standby their products! I'm happy to say that Camden is no longer in a swaddle or sleep sack anymore (which is bittersweet because he looks like such a big boy when he sleeps now!), but I did use them literally everyday on Cam for longer than I care to admit. 

I was actually just talking to my friend/blogger, Lindsay, who just had her beautiful baby girl the other day and she was telling me how the swaddle blankets weren't working for her. I immediately told her to run out and buy a SwaddleSure by HALO, their newest velcro swaddling pouch. 

They are different than receiving blankets (and in my opinion way more effective and easier) because they ensure a perfect fit and minimize breakouts. The SwaddleSure supports hip health and has a patented three-point fastening system! Another advantage is that you have easy access to the diaper for those middle of the night diaper changes. How cozy does le babe look in his?!

SwaddleSure is now available here on Amazon, so keep it in mind if you plan to shop the huge upcoming Amazon Prime sale! You can also buy/register for one at Babies R Us or Buy Buy Baby.

Now for the good stuff...HALO is offering to giveaway a SwaddleSure to one reader! All you have to do is follow the steps below to enter. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow HALO on social media here:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

Kissy Kissy (+Outfit Giveaway)

Kissy Kissy Tugboat Footie

One of my favorite baby brands is Kissy Kissy. I remember seeing their baby clothing in stores when I first found out I was pregnant and pretty much fell in love! They stood out to me almost immediately because of their darling, classic designs and just how soft each piece was! They use Peruvian cotton for baby's sensitive skin and their embroideries are all hand-made. 

I adore this tugboat footie that Cam is wearing (perfect for our summer weekends, right?). It has snaps that go down one leg so it's easier for dressing and I just want to snuggle him all day long because he feels so soft in it.

Their collection also makes great gifts because the quality is fantastic and they have special occasion outfits from christenings to take-me-home outfits (we actually brought Cam home in the cutest little prince footie by them as well!). 

Kissy Kissy is giving away one baby outfit (size preemie to 18-24 months), valued up to $50.00, to one lucky reader! All you have to do is follow them on Instagram and comment below with your favorite outfit. You can find their collection here. Enter below!

thank you Kissy Kissy for an awesome giveaway and of course, that cutie up there for being my lil' model...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*You can also follow them on Facebook to see new pieces that they add to their collection.

Simply Made With Love (Promo + Giveaway) CLOSED

Leah's shop Simply Made With Love is one of my favorites.

I might not be from the South, but I still love getting personalized items for Camden and for myself! Leah's items are absolutely adorable and you can't beat the softness of the fabric she uses.  I reach for her bibs and burp cloths more than any of the others we own!

I posted about her shop here and found that you guys love it as much as I do, but we never ended up doing the giveaway that I mentioned. Today we are changing that!

Leah is offering a $25 SHOP CREDIT to one reader!

She has adorable oufits for both boys and girls (like the navy romper below-I love that it matches his nursery too!) and just started carrying monogrammed tumblers and other personalized items for those who aren't mama's!

But she also has personalized items for you, too! I carry this tumbler with me every day to make sure I'm getting my daily water intake. Kind of obsessed with it...

She also has these ones available...how perfect are they?



Want to shop now or for a friend? 
You can also get 15% OFF any order with code CJK15 which is good for one week!

Entering the giveaway is easy. Just follow the steps below! Good luck guys!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Miracle Night Cream (+$100 Gift Card)

If a product tells me it'll help hide my wrinkles and make me look younger, who am I not to try it? It's like they know I have a newborn and am a little sleep deprived on occasion, or something.

You guys are aware by now how much I love trying out face creams and beauty products. But this one... this one is a winner that's going to stay in my nightly routine for months to come. Garnier's Ultra-Lift® Miracle Sleeping Cream™ Anti-Age + Anti-Fatigue Night Cream is by far the best out there. I wanted something that was light for the spring/summer and that made me look more awake and fresh in the morning.

I've been using it after I wash my face at night before bed and love it for a couple of reasons. First, the smell. It's infused with lavender essential oil and rare plant extracts, which make it so calming. Second, it's hydrating enough to last throughout the night and it fights wrinkles and signs of fatigue while I sleep. I wake up and my skin isn't dry or tired looking... it actually feels really smooth and soft. 

Here are some results from a survey taken by people who've used Garnier's Ultra-Lift® Miracle Sleeping Cream:

Results:

• 1st Morning: 96% said skin felt softer. 85% said skin looks rested
• In 4 weeks: Wrinkles are visibly reduced. 81% said skin felt firmer and looked revitalized. 88% said skin felt smoother.

Another thing I like about it is that you get a lot for the price. It's inexpensive (I got it on sale at Target for around $15) and you only need to use a small pea sized amount every time. If you want an eye cream to go with the night cream, Garnier has one of those too that you get for $16.99. It depuffs bags and reduces dark circles!

Next time you're in your favorite drugstore, make sure you add Garnier's Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream to your cart and thank me later. :)

Lastly, Garnier has you covered with prizes that will make you look like you didn't miss a wink! Enter the Sleep With This Sweepstakes now for the chance to win Garnier's Ultra-Lift® Miracle Sleeping Cream, a Westin Heavenly® Bed and more. 

Plus receive a $1 coupon* to try Garnier's Ultra-Lift® Miracle Sleeping Cream out for yourself. Enter daily for a chance to win a Miracle Sleeping Cream product prize package.

Time for an awesome giveaway! Do you plan to try Garnier’s Ultra-Lift® Miracle Sleeping Cream™ Anti-Age + Anti-Fatigue Night Cream to help fight wrinkles and the signs of fatigue? Tell me in the comments for a chance to win a $100 VISA gift card.

Entry Instructions:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 4/8/15 – 5/10/15.

Be sure to visit the Garnier brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

renewed hope in a jar for the New Year ($100 Gift Card!)

 

Happy 2015 everyone!

New Year... New You. Isn't that how it goes? Something like that?

Aside from making some personal and professional goals, one thing I love to do at the beginning of a new year is switch up my beauty routine and try some new products (which also includes tossing out all those products that I never use!) It's nice to switch up my routine every once in a while and it's the perfect time to do so! Besides, your skin deserves a little renewing and pampering too, am I right?

I'm happy to share with you all today the best moisturizer ever...philosophy's renewed hope in a jar.

No, really, you will never need to shop around for one again! You might have heard rave reviews about this moisturizer by now since hope in a jar/classic has been a best seller for years, but trust me when I say that you will not regret trying renewed hope in jar and you will be hooked.

There is no other moisturizer out there that can top what renewed hope in a jar has to offer, and trust me I've tried a few, to say the least...

Allow me to explain why I love it so much, and why you're bound to as well!

+First, it's not one of those heavy moisturizers, which I can't stand to wear all day. It's a lightweight moisturizer and from the second I put it on I feel instantly refreshed, which is so nice especially in the morning. An instant pick me up, if you will!

+On top of that, it reduces pores, fine lines, and gives you this awesome dewy glow that I love.

+My skin feels and stays hydrated throughout the day. Like I mentioned earlier, some moisturizers are so heavy and those typically make me break out, but this one doesn't. Who has time for breakouts, anyways?

I honestly can't find anything I hate about this moisturizer... it is now officially in my daily routine and my skin loves me for it.

If you're one of those who likes to know about the ingredients... you'll be happy to know that it has a triple blend of alpha-hydroxy acids or AHAs (this helps get rid of dead, dull skin). It also has an Asian fruit extract that gives you a natural healthy color that tricks you into thinking you just got a facial. :)

P.S. A little bit goes a long way with this product, so don't be turned off by the price tag (it's still under $50!) because you will definitely get your money's worth with this one as it will last many, many months.

You can also follow philosophy on their social media channels here: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

To be entered for your chance to win a $100 off offer code to philosophy.com, leave a comment telling me what you like to focus on in the new year!

philosophy also has a hope & grace initiative where 1% of all philosophy product sales supports community-based mental health efforts. Any product, anywhere. Pretty awesome.

Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 1/1/15 – 2/23/15.
Be sure to visit the philosophy brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

Pink Blush - Black Friday Sale + Giveaway

Happy happy happy Black Friday ladies!

Today it's time for giveaway #2 (enter #1 if you missed it, here...)

I'm sure most of us have heard, ordered from, and become completely smitten with the online women's shop, Pink Blush, by now right? But if you haven't, I just want to make sure you know that while they have awesome maternity options for us pregnant ladies, they also have regular women's clothes too! And cute ones at that...

Pink Blush is having a killer Black Friday Sale right now...40% OFF + free shipping AND that's on top of the current markdowns! There are so many items already on sale, so this is in addition to that.

Use code "BLACKFRIDAY40", valid until 11/30!

My picks? Here's 4 of my favorites:

Plaid Knit Scarf

(AFTER SALE PRICE-$9!)

 

Tribal Print Cardigan

(AFTER SALE PRICE-$22!)

 Black Knit Nursing Top

(I got this for nursing! AFTER SALE PRICE-$20)

Striped Dolman Top
(AFTER SALE PRICE-$17)

 They also have $5 leggings and these awesome lounge pants that I currently wear almost every SINGLE night.

>>For the giveaway, one $25 Gift Card is up for grabs!!
Enter below ladies and enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HALO SleepSack (Giveaway!)

CLOSED: Winner is Natalie M.

 Happy {1st} giveaway day! 

One of the very first items I put on our baby registry were the ever so popular SleepSacks and swaddles. A product to help baby sleep longer...who would I be NOT to try it?

HALO was the brand that I kept consistently hearing good things about from friends, family, other mom's-to-be (not to mention, all over Pinterest!), and once I read about them and got a few of our own I knew it was for good reason...

Not only are they cute and high quality, but they are so warm and help make babies feel secure, warm, and snug. Chances are you've heard how important swaddling is, but if you haven't here's a quick run down...

Swaddling can help calm many fussy or crying babies and even help them sleep longer in the first few months of life. They are also great because they can prevent a newborn baby from scratching himself with his nails!

Here are some quick tips from HALO on safe sleep for your baby:

ALWAYS

• Place baby to sleep on his or her back at nap time and at night time.
• Room-share, but don’t bed share; the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend against bed sharing as it can lead to an increased risk for accidental suffocation.
• Use a crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards with a firm mattress that fits snugly and is covered with only a tight-fitting crib sheet.
• Remove all soft bedding and toys from your baby’s sleep area (this includes loose blankets, bumpers, pillows and positioners). The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using a wearable blanket instead of loose blankets to keep your baby warm.
• Offer a pacifier when putting baby to sleep. If breastfeeding, introduce pacifier after one month or after breastfeeding has been established.
• Breastfeed, if possible, but when finished, put your baby back to sleep in his or her separate safe sleep area alongside your bed.

NEVER

• Never put your baby to sleep on any soft surface (adult beds, sofas, chairs, water beds, quilts, sheep skins etc.)
• Never dress your baby too warmly for sleep; keep room temperature 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby or take your baby into a room or car where someone has recently smoked.

If you want a heads up about HALO's newest product (maybe to add to your registry or Christmas list for baby?), they recently came out with the Bassinet Swivel Sleeper - which is the only bassinet that moves to bring baby to mom as it rotates a full 360 degrees!

I won't be doing a product review on it today since I haven't actually got to try it out yet, but be on the lookout after Camden comes for a full review! I'm so excited to try it out, here's what it looks like...

Looks awesome, right? OK, enough from me. Time for the giveaway deets...

HALO is kindly offering one of my readers a chance to win one of their 100% cotton or micro fleece SleepSacks! The winner can pick size and color preference. Giveaway will be open until Sunday evening, 11/30. Enter below and GOOD LUCK! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Don't forget that I will have another giveaway (hint: gift card to an awesome women's clothing shop!) later this week!

Follow HALO on social media to learn more about their products:

·Facebook

·Twitter

Vintage Inspired Letters {Giveaway}

You know how you have that one shop you always turn to for great gifts?

That's Embellished Living for me. I like to buy all of my friends who are getting married these personalized coasters as a cute little gift! I know I've mentioned them before a couple times here on my blog, but today they have a great giveaway for you guys for something else....

 They are now selling these vintage inspired letters (handpainted and distressed), and are offering to give away a set of 3 to one reader!

You could get your initials and an "&" sign or any 3 letter word in any colors you'd like!
(EAT for the kitchen...JOY for Christmas...and so on...)

Find something else you like from their shop? (That's not hard)
Maybe a Christmas gift for someone or those coasters I keep rambling on about time and time again?!

 Get 10% off with the code KEEPCALM10.

Enter the giveaway below-easy peasy!
This giveaway will be open until Friday and winner will be notified via email. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Childproof" Your Finances {$50 Target Gift Card!}

Happy Tuesday!

Most of you know by now that aside from this lovely blog that I'm an insurance agent. You're probably thinking...how boring. It's really not, though! Helping others with their insurance needs is wonderful, especially since a lot of people my age don't understand the importance of it. It's my job to help them understand, and to get them covered.

Having kids is one of the greatest joys in life that's full of celebrations and surprises but sometimes, those surprises aren’t always happy. Of course, all parents work hard to keep their children safe, but unfortunately, life happens! According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, parents spend an estimated $11.5 billion annually on injuries to children. Parents who are aware of the safety risks and insurance implications of raising kids are in a better position to reduce injuries, save money, and save lives. By making smart insurance decisions early, new parents can “childproof” their finances BEFORE the unpredictable happens.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has some quick tips that are definitely worth reading:

Childproofing My Finances — What Should I Consider?

Insurance needs can vary greatly, but when it comes to having kids, there are some important things to consider, including:

-If you’re expecting, it’s important to know how your health plan covers screenings, procedures and any unexpected costs.

-If you have little kids, it helps to contact your insurer before installing backyard play gear and to consider increasing your liability coverage should someone get hurt on your property.
-If your kids are approaching driving age, consider the make and model of your family car (or their new one!) and discuss options for lower premiums and optimal vehicle safety.

Whether you are raising young kiddos, pregnant or thinking about having kids, the new Get Ready: New Parents resource kit from Insure U can help you get smart about insurance now to avoid costly decisions later. Insure U also offers a Take Action Now checklist to help you get ready (love this!). Resource kits for other life events, such as buying a new car or changing jobs, also are available online.

For more child-related information, including tips, videos, apps and games, you can visit www.insureuonline.org. Being prepared is never a bad thing, right?

As a little thank you for letting me to get into your brain with some insurance related info today (I know it's not the most fun topic in the world but hey, it's important!)... 

*Enter below to win a $50 Target Gift Card!*
Yup-to spend any way you'd like. I've made the entering as simple as can be, so you better get to it...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Baby Age Blocks {Giveaway}

{small peek in our little boy's closet}

Happy Monday!

It's a special day over here because I've got a great giveaway for you today! When we announced the gender of our baby, I knew I wanted to use these personalized name blocks from Pretty In Polka Dots to also reveal his name. I wanted something that would look cute in photos, but that could also be used later on in his nursery. Bingo!

Korie, the sweet owner behind Pretty In Polka Dots, also makes these awesome baby age blocks that are completely customizable. You can select your own colors (to match your nursery?), font outlines, block finishes, and more...

What makes these blocks stand out from others is that they print directly on the blocks with a flatbed printer, which means you don't have to worry about peeling stickers or chipped paint! Korie and her husband (with the help of her 3 little kiddos!) do ALL the printing themselves in their home. They also gift wrap every set of blocks that goes out!

Here's all the different color combinations you can chose from for the blocks...

{I got Little Sailor!}

I plan to use these blocks in Camden's newborn photos and also for my weekly/monthly updates, which is absolutely crazy to think about! Soon I will have a baby boy to take countless iPhone pictures of?! Sounds good to me! :) and hey, at least these blocks make me feel a little bit more prepared for when that time rolls around.

The fun doesn't stop with the baby age and name blocks either...if you're looking for a unique way to announce your pregnancy Pretty In Polka Dots also has baby announcement blocks that are adorable!

OK, enough rambling from me, now for the really good stuff....

**Korie is offering a 15% off coupon code for all KC%CO readers that is valid on anything on her website which will be good for 1 month: use the code KEEPCALM. Also, for the giveaway today one reader will win 1 set of baby age blocks in the color of your choice! All you have to do is enter below-Good luck! This giveaway will be open until Friday, 9/12**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Baby Moccasins {Freshly Picked Giveaway-CLOSED}

Happy Tuesday friends! 

Baby moccasins are just about the cutest things ever, no? So tiny. So cute. Too hard to resist!

Long before I found out I was pregnant, I kept seeing mama's post pictures of their babies in these Freshly Picked moccasins all over social media, and I secretly couldn't wait for the day to get some for our baby! Fast forward some time and the first pair of shoes I picked out for Cam was a pair of these limited edition butterscotch ones! (also really wanting to get him this color...ok...most of the colors is more like it!)   

  

Freshly Picked moccasins are made from 100% genuine leather and they have an elastic feature at the opening which makes them easy to put on, take off, and (the BIG one) to actually stay on your child's foot! I don't know about you, but after hearing many things about most baby shoes not staying on and being a serious pain in the butt, these fit the bill when it comes to saving my time and having your child look all kinds of adorable.

I've also heard from other mama's that these moccasins last a very long time.

If you've been wanting a pair of moccs for your child (they can be worn by both infants and toddlers), or maybe you have a mom friend who you want to gift these to, today is your lucky day! Freshly Picked is offering you a chance to win a pair! Any color your heart desires...any size...your complete pick! I'm officially jealous of all of you. You better hurry and get to entering below...

Note: the winner can not have won any other Freshly Picked moccasins giveaway within the last 60 days.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

World Breastfeeding Week-Dr. Brown's Giveaway!

I would be lying if I said I wasn't intimidated about breastfeeding. Nipple covers....nipple creams....nipple shields...pumps! It's pretty much like a foreign language to me...

What I do know is that it's hard and takes a lot of dedication. I do plan to breastfeed with Camden and really want to give it my best effort since it provides the best and most natural nutrition for babies. I know it's not for everyone and situations can arise at any time so I make no judgement on those who choose not to. 

This year, Dr. Brown’s is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) by recognizing the efforts of moms in celebrating breastfeeding. 

I've teamed up with them today before I'm off on vacation to celebrate all the hardworking breastfeeding mama's or mama's to be out there! 

The winner will be gifted a Dr. Brown's Gia nursing pillow, pillow cover of your choice, and an assortment of breastfeeding accessories. All you have to do is enter below! This giveaway will be open until next Thursday and the winner will be notified by email. Good luck!

*Interested in following our adventures in Charleston? Follow me on instagram!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Swanson Health Products {Giveaway!}

We've made it to Thursday everyone! And a happy day it is over here!

Since starting this blog, I've had the opportunity to work with some amazing companies and brands. It's honestly one of my favorite parts about blogging. Some brands I knew about prior to blog life, and others I would've never know about if it wasn't for this space I've created...

Today, I've teamed up with one of my favorite companies, Swanson Health Products to celebrate their 45th anniversary week! They were kind enough to send me a whole assortment of baby supplies, including some mama-to-be necessities (one word: breastfeeding!) the other day, and now they are offering YOU a chance to win a $45 Gift Certificate!

That's $45 to spend any way you'd like.

Don't have kids and not pregnant? No worries, you can spend it on anything. Stock up on vitamins, Quest bars that I'm always mentioning, or baking essentials-they have it all! Or maybe you are newly pregnant like me and are wanting to stock up on some products you've heard about? Now is the time, ladies!

And trust me, I'm sure you'll find plenty of ways to spend it (speaking from experience here-my cart was overflowing...)

This giveaway will be open until Sunday evening and the winner will be notified via email. GOOD LUCK!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Also, check out Swanson’s Sweepstakes page for a chance to win 45 Healthy Foods and $500!