Amaze-mom Round-up

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Here’s are our top picks for things to stock up on at a good price. This article contains affiliate links which mean if you make a purchase I get a small portion of the sale. Hey, you save some money, maybe get a laugh as you read and I pay some bills, win-win. Now on with the round-up!

Premier Protein Drinks (Assorted Flavors) on Amazon

Dear Lord – Save me from the temptation of another drive-thru run! I love these because this for several reasons. First, they taste good! Some drinks are way to sweet (ironic, I know). Second, momma ain’t got no time to find the protein mixer bottle, pour some milk, scoop some protein powder – shake my arm till I lose all feeling and in the end, it’s not mixed that well anyway… These babies may or may not help you lose weight, but they will give you an alternative to the drive-through and gain you some sanity. See all the flavor choices.

An Instant Slow Cooker?

Mmm-Kay, sure… I don’t own an instant pot. I think I burn enough food without one. My version of instant cooking is ordering pizza. But, I have many friends who do love theirs… they are also the ones who read cookbooks and blog about food (ugh… food bloggers- amiright?) As for slow cookers – mine has this beep that everytime I set it sounds louder than the smoke alarm that I set off when I am regular cooking. So right now my choices are regular and loud and slow, but louder. Orrr… make that instant dinner I referred to using my favorite cooking device… my iphone. For a change of pace and the discount that this one is offered at right now… I would consider trying an “Instant” Slow Cooker…sorry… still laughing.. I am going to buy this for the shear irony….

Give your husband a head start.

Let’s face it… sometime we want to chase our husbands down. For various reasons. If you husband is a slow starter or not very active… it’s only fair that you give him the following:

#1 A verbal warning

#2 30-Second head start

#3 Some decent running shoes.

To help with #3 these Under Armour shoes are now available at a good price (about 40% off retail) and they have good reviews from others who probably at times have had to run away from a wife on a mission. And let’s face it. In a time of being together 24-7, the gyms may/may not be closed and with little sports left to watch, guys are going to find themselves in trouble at some pointand it’s only fair to make sure he at least has good support on his feet when he does.

How to Watch Live TV in Your Vehicle using the Amazon Firestick

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Want to know how to watch live TV in your vehicle?  Here’s how we did so using the Amazon Firestick.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links so if you click on a link and make a purchase I will receive a portion of the sales from Amazon if you choose to buy the items needed to watch live TV in your vehicle… if your significant other is a tech junkie…you may even have some of this stuff on hand already.

how to watch live tv in your vehicle

Psst… Want to do this with a Roku Stick instead?  Click Here

We recently went on a 10 hour drive to the beach and anticipating a long 10 hour drive, my tech-junkie husband purchased an Amazon Fire Stick.  While I originally thought he wanted it to replace one of our Chromecasts, it turns out he wanted it so the kids could watch live TV in the van to keep them occupied on the trip.  While we did create some vacation binders and have other in car activities to keep them busy, the TV, was definitely a help.

We have lots of DVD’s but over the many trips to grandma’s and grandpa’s over the years they have seen them…alot, so they don’t hold quite the stay power that they used to.  Plus, some of my son’s favorite shows now that he is almost 8 are not necessarily DVD’s that we own.

We also used the Firestick at the beach house to provide some entertainment when we just wanted to veg out in the evenings.

So, how did we modify the van for live TV?  It’s actually pretty easy once you get the right equipment.  Here’s how to add live TV to your car, van or SUV, that already has an entertainment system, using the Amazon Firestick.

First,  what you will need.

Here’s what you need in order to use the fire stick to get TV in your Van or Car:

        1.  Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote | Streaming Media Player
        2.  HDMI to RCA Converter Adapter (if your van/car doesn’t already have HDMI input)
        3.  Fast USB Car Charger Adapter

Once you have these four items then it’s time to get to work.  If you have a tech-savvy hubby like I do… he may have some of this already.

All of this should run you about $60, about the price of 3 -4 new DVD’s but will have a lot longer entertainment value on your next trip.

A couple notes before we begin setting the system up.

Before anything else, you vehicle will already need to have an entertainment system built-in… I am sure they is someway to fanangle something if you don’t, but this tutorial is for those who already do.

You will also need a hotspot to connect to once everything is set up.  Streaming the show therefore will also run up your data plan so please make sure to account for this before deciding to create a set-up.  We watched the TV quite a bit on a 10 hour drive and back and used about 5 gig of data in the process.

Finally,  make sure to review the Fire TV stick manual to set up so you kids are spending money on on demand content while you are driving… hard lesson learned for us after our son chose 4 episodes of Star Wars Rebels to buy.  Luckily, he unknowingly only spent about 12 dollars, but still, didn’t make my husband or I really happy and essentially it was our fault for not checking this setting sooner or giving him better instructions before letting him use the remote.

Now that you have all that, let’s get started with the set-up.

Step 1:

First, you will need a power source.  To do this, plug the Dual USB Plug into a cigarette outlet.

Step 2:

Connect both the Fire TV Stick and the Convertor to the dual USB plug.

Step 3:

Plug-in the Fire TV Stick into the HDMI port in your vehicle.

Step 4:

Connect the Composite Cable to the vehicles entertainment system, making sure to match the colors on the cord to the colors in the entertainment system

Step 5:

Plug the other end of the composite cable into the converter, again, making sure to match up colors.

Step 6:

Turn on the entertainment system and then connect to your own personal hotspot.

Step:7

Connect to the personal hotspot, sign into your providers and your backseat passengers can enjoy live TV on the road!

Read more: How to Use Tech to Get Kids to Do Their Chores

This post is not promoted by Amazon.  Opinions are my own and if you click on a link to make a purchase I will receive a portion of the sale as am Amazon Affiliate.

How to Cure the Winter Blahs

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Do you have the “Winter Blahs?” Does winter leave you drained, tired and grumpy? Here’s some ideas of how to cure the winter blahs and brighten both your day and mood.

[Contains affiliate links]

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, short days in the winter mean more darkness and cooler temps. That combination can leave you feeling tired and lacking ambition. If you find yourself missing sunshine, but don’t have the money to flyer somewhere south, here are some solutions we found to help brighten your days and maybe even your mood.

Light Lamps

The first items is this ultra-thin, portable light therapy lamp and great for those who travel or want to transport between home and office. It helps provide the effects of sunshine without the harmful UV rays. It is estimated to last about 80,000 hours giving you lots of extra light for many winter seasons.

If you are looking for a lamp with a more artistic flair, this lamp (as seen on Shark Tank) may be a good option. It features a geometric design, single touch operation and 3 light levels.

Weighted Blanket

If you find yourself more anxious during winter weather you may want to try a weighted blanket. The idea of weighted blankets it to give you a feeling of warmth and being “hugged” which helps to calm anxiousness and provide deep touch pressure stimulation to give you the feeling of being “hugged.”

Vitamin D

When you can’t get our daily dose of Vitamin D. from the sun, it may be a good idea to try a Vitamin D supplement. These gummy Vitamin D tablets make it easy to get your daily dose of D each day. Consult with your physician on whether this is an option for you.

If all else fails.. take a vacation.

For most of us, we don’t have the option to vacation for months at a time, but even a few days in a warmer, sunny locale may make a difference, give you something to look forward to and some much needed R&R as well. Many people claim the value of a mid-winter vacation to help break up the long stretch of cold “blah” winter days.

Check out some of our Vacation Planning Articles

We hope that this article helps inspire you on how to cure the winter blahs. What are your favorite ways to beat the winter blahs? Share in the comments below!

Author’s note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, please seek professional medical help for a formal diagnosis or treatments.

5 Gadgets to Get Kids to Do Their Chores

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The challenge of getting kids to do their chores has only gotten more difficult with the evolution of technology. Here are 5 Gadgets to get kids to to their chores and keep them “on task”.

5 Ways to Use Technology to Get Kids To Do Their Chores

1. Garmin Vivofit

This kids version of Garmin Vivoactive allows kids to not only keep tract of their activity, but with an added app, allows parents to assign chores and manage rewards. The watches come in a variety of Disney, Marvel and StarWars characters, with corresponding apps to the watch. They are waterproof and recommended for ages 4-9. The biggest downside we can find is that the silicon watch bands tend to not last long, but replacements are available for purchase. Overall, this is a great way to get your kids to do their chores, be more active and start them on the path to setting and achieving goals.

2. Set Reminders on Their Phones

Just like we set reminders for ourselves… schedule reminders for your kids on their phones and iPods. They will have the option to ignore it, so as extra motivation, in the description of the reminder, make sure to include a consequence and deadline for completing the chore. If they don’t accomplish it – you need to follow through with the consequence. Having some offline charts posts as the overall plan is also a good idea, that way you have a reference for all chores, who is supposed to do them and when they are supposed to be done by. Again you can post a list of consequences and rewards if these are accomplished or not.

3. Use the Wunderlist App

This app allows you to share tasks with family and friends and create a digital networked to do list. While this might be a bit much for younger kids, it’s a great way for older kids (and even you spouse) to be on the same page and to help make things move more efficiently. The app is free to download and you can use your Microsoft or Skype account to login.

4. Use Alexa or Google Assistant

If you kid doesn’t have a phone (or has been banned from theirs) Alexa and Google Assistant can help remind them to complete your chores, even when you aren’t there. (Psst.. There’s a version created for kids and younger ears) [Affiliate Link]

Kids at home while at work? Use the Alexa announce feature through the Alexa app to send a verbal reminder to your kid. The first time you do this may have enough shock value that have the house clean when you get home (okay probably not). But it’s fun to think of them getting a verbal reminder from you when they least expect it. The downside of that is you don’t really know if they actually get that announcement or reminder if they aren’t in the room near the speaker. Still, this technique is another tool to help you keep them honest when it comes to doing their part.

5. OurHome App

The Our Home Chores and Rewards app focuses on a points system rather than making chores related to money. This helps make it more like a game and doesn’t set kids to think that they should be paid for picking up their own dirty laundry off the floor. By earning points kids get instant gratification for positive behavior, which as a whole can be turned into tangible rewards later that you can set up in the app as well. Overall it is simple and easy to use (great for parents and kids). OurHome features calendar functions, shopping lists, reminders, rewards,. Kids can see the tally of their “points” and how they break down. You can even give kids a “nudge” to get an assign tasks done.

While the list could certainly go on, hopefully this will get you thinking of some ways that you can use gadgets to get kids to do their chores and save some sanity in the process. Try different things and see what works best.

Also, let us know what works for you!

How do you keep the kids on task? Share your favorite ideas and success stories in the comments below!

How to Save 50% on an Amazon Prime Membership

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Want to know how to save 50% on an Amazon Prime Membership?

Then you’ll need to go to college.  No, really.

[Post Disclosure: Contains Affiliate Links]

If you are currently going to college, then you are about to be the envy of all Amazon Prime members.  As a college student, you can save 50% on an Amazon Prime membership.  This means that you get free shipping on all the essentials, which is especially great when you don’t have a car or the time to go to the store. Here’s more on how to save 50% on an Amazon Prime Membership.

In addition to the free shipping, you can stream thousands of TV shows and movies, get exclusive college deals and all the goodies that come along with an Amazon Prime Membership.


Right now, new members receive a 6-month free trial and get 50% on an Amazon Prime Membership after the trial.  Click here to get full details and to sign-up for a free trial.

Is Amazon Prime right for you?

If you hate dealing with shipping costs and but can’t always make it to a store or want to drag kids in the store with you, an Amazon Prime membership can be a great option.

In the last year Amazon has upped its game by making many items 1 day shipping!  The con is that if you still need it same day – A LOT – then prime might not be the best option for you.

Another great alternative is Target’s Drive Up option, which allows you to place your order and pick it up at Target without getting out of your car.  There is no additional cost to that so if an annual fee if something you are trying to avoid I would highly suggest checking it out.  Wal-Mart has something similar as well and of course those are both aimed at competing with Amazon for both speed and convenience.  … oh the times we live in!

Along with free shipping you also get access to prime video which has probably my favorite current binge watching… The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel… ahH… dreams of stand-up…

Free Shipping.  We should probably talk about free shipping for a minute.  Sometimes that free shipping isn’t really free.  It often depends on the Amazon seller.  They may up the price to make up what is lost on the “free shipping” or simply mark it up because they know people really, really don’t want to go to the store sometimes.

The Hybrid Method…  We use both prime and target drive up…because sometimes believe it or not you can’t find what you are looking for at target or we can’t even make it to do a drive up order.  I like them both for different reasons.

Try both and see what you like.  If you are in college, then lucky you… You can click here to save 50% !  If you aren’t in college or a Prime Member and haven’t seen The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel… then click here to sign up and get a free 30 day trial then start bingeing!

Read More:  How to Save Money When Planning a Birthday Party

How to Switch to Cloth Diapers for under $100

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Here’s how to switch to cloth diapers for under $100.

Or just not sure about plunking out money for expensive cloth diapers?

Here’s how I made the switch to cloth diapers without spending a fortune.

 [Disclosure: Contains Affiliate Links.]

how to switch to cloth diapers

Update:  The website I had purchased them from seems to no longer be in business… so… I have updated this post with another resource to find the econobum starter kit and additional economic options I found online to help you get started into cloth diapering.

What I used for my LO’s awas the Econobum covers and insert pack which worked for 8-35 pounds so no having to rebuy diapers as they grow.  I thought they were great and were my go to verses an all-in-one which are bulkier to carry around IMO harder to clean.

These diapers are designed for 8-35 pounds, so they will last you beginning to potty training. I have used these on both my 2 month old daughter and my 3 year old son and they have worked great for both!  The earlier you use diapers the better as other moms will tell you the bigger babies and toddlers get the bigger the “mess”.  If they are a late potty trainer there may come a time where you decide to switch back to disposables.  And that’s okay.  But you can definitely save some money in the first year with cloth diapers as smaller baby dirty diapers are super easy to (clean most of the time) and so its a lot easier to cloth diaper.

Yes.  There is alot of washing in cloth diapers, but its really not that bad once you have a system in place.  And if you can, hang diapers out on the line and Mr. Sunshine will help keep them white.

If you plan on washing diapers every other day, order about 6-8 of these Econobum trial kits which comes with a cover and 3 prefolds.

These sell for about $12 each I used a company called Tender Cargo – great customer service and prompt shipping and now unfortunately it seems out of business, but if you Google search Econobum you will find other retailers who sell starter kits for about $50 and individual diapers.

 This kit costs around $50 at most vendors which comes with:

3 Covers
12 Prefolds
1 Wetbags

 

 

While doing this post update I came across  several option that are even cheaper than what I found a few years ago.  Here are some of my picks that came close in price to the Econobum kits I originally purchased and should still let you cloth diaper for under $100.

ALVABABY Baby Cloth Diapers One Size Adjustable Washable Reusable for Baby Girls and Boys 6 Pack with 12 Inserts giving you more outer covers and the ability to go from one size to the next without buying new diapers.  At this time this set runs about $30 and people seem to like the product so I at that price I would feel confident in giving them a try, especially at that price point.  There are lots of colors to choose from… this is just one example.

 

4 Pack Adjustable Size Waterproof Washable Pocket Cloth Diapers with 4 Inserts and Wet Bag at around $20

Baby Cloth Pocket Diapers 7 Pack, 7 Bamboo Inserts, 1 Wet Bag by Nora’s Nursery

This one is a little more expensive option at $59, but these patterns are completely adorable…

This similar (but not as cute) set  of 7 Reusable Pocket Diaper All In One  is a little more affordable at $29.

 

I would recommend having at least 2 of the kits seen here and then washing every or every other day depending on how often you need to change diapers.  You may actually want to get a couple different kits, see what you like best and then purchase additional kits when you find your favorite.

For overnights and extra protection, or for not so messy diapers you can get some pre-folds or pocket inserts that will help keep baby dry.  That way you can keep the cover and just change the insert.

Hopefully this saves you the insanity of the research process …saving you both TIME and MONEY, all while saving the environment one diaper at a time!

 

Please let me know how you made the switch to cloth diapers in the comments below.

 

 

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How to teach your baby to nurse after bottle feeding: One Mom’s Story

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How to teach your baby to nurse after bottle feeding: One Mom’s Story

how to teach your baby to nurse after bottle feeding

How to teach your baby to nurse after bottle feeding.
Have you started to bottle feed and pumping but wish there were times you could get your baby to nurse?  Here is how I taught my son to nurse after 8 weeks of bottle feeding/pumping.
Before my first child was born, I was grossed out by the whole thought of breastfeeding, but knowing how good it was I decided “Sure, why not try it the first 2-4 weeks to give the baby a good start.”
While my son nursed okay in the hospital (we were only in a day after delivery because of a death in the family), once we got home feeding became quite an issue. One part was probably, just being a first time mom and another part of it was a bad latch that caused soreness and bleeding. At any rate, we found nursing to be extremely painful and emotionally draining, with my son screaming and refusing to latch onto the breast.By the third day home and concern for him not getting enough nutrition, I sent my husband off to Target to purchase the Medela Freestyle pump. At least if I was going to having to pump I would be able to do so hands free – LOL. My pump turned me into a champion milk producer and pretty soon I was able to produce enough at a time to freeze a bottles worth for each fresh bottle I pumped.

Finally, it came time to go back to work. To my amazement I did not cry the first day back, in fact, I enjoyed the ability to have a cup of coffee without interruption and conversations with other adults. While I treasured this time to be out of the house, I still missed my son very much and quickly became frustrated with the little time I had to spend with him in the evenings, between pumping more milk, cleaning bottles and sharing him with loving grandparents on the weekends.

 After about three weeks of this I had had enough and was determined to figure out what I may have been doing wrong, so he could learn to nurse from me when I was home in the evenings and weekends.

Here are some of the key things that helped me teach him to nurse at 10 weeks old.
Kangaroo Time. This has helped me with both my son and now my newborn daughter. For those that have not heard of “kangaroo time”. It involves skin to skin contact between your belly or chest with the baby’s face/belly/chest to provide them with your warmth, the feeling of closeness and develop a bond with them.Support pillow: Don’t feel obligated to use a “nursing pillow” they do work, but find a position that is relaxing for you and the baby. Sometimes sitting on the bed or couch is easier than a rocker so find whatever most comfortable for you.

Being relaxed: This mainly comes with time, so don’t get hung up if things don’t go right. Just keep trying.

Don’t force your baby: While there is a little bit of coaxing involved pushing a baby’s head onto your breast will often lead them to fight back more than accept nursing. Instead try thinking about your breast as “a bottle” holding it to their lips like you would a regular bottle. (There may be some positioning adjustments that you may have to make to accommodate this.) This technique has really helped me while nursing my newborn daughter.

Give yourself a break: It may not work the first, second or even tenth time. But keep with it. Do what you need to make sure baby is getting their needed nutrition and you some peace of mind. Remember, there is absolutely nothing wrong with pumping exclusively and if anything it may give you a much needed break and a bit of freedom you wouldn’t have if they nursed from the breast. But for those that may have found themselves frustrated the first time around, know that there is hope and you can teach an older baby new tricks.