100% Natural Baby Products Alternatives + 5 Things to Leave OUT of Your Diaper Bag!

February 19, 2017 by Jenni 1,141 Comments

Are you looking for some natural baby products and alternatives to some of the products you’re using now?

I’m sharing some excellent ALL natural baby products and ideas with you! You need to put these things inside your diaper bag, vs. what’s typically packed inside!

100% Natural Baby Products Alternatives + 5 Things to Leave Out of Your Diaper Bag!

As a mom, you want to protect your babies from anything and everything harmful. Right?

{INSERT MOMMA BEAR ROAR!}

Did you know that some of the most toxic, poisonous, and harmful things that can affect our babies, are things that we splash on them often, every. single. day! It’s true!

Moms. Please know that I am 100% guilty of doing the VERY same thing! I know how you feel! I’m slowly learning that some of the products we use, seem safe and healthy – but they are truly toxic and even cancer causing. And I have them inside my home. Slathering these things on myself and my kid!

NO MOM GUILT ALLOWED!

No MOM guilt allowed, moms! EVER! You do what you do, because you love your children. Parenting and life in general, is a learning process. I just want to let you know that there are SAFE products that you can use. Empower you with information that is or can be, life-changing!

Never. Ever, ever, ever, ever — feel guilty about doing what you think is best for your kids! EVER! Deal?!

5 REAL – 100% Natural Baby Products Alternatives!

Below, are 5 products that are probably inside your diaper bag. These are toxic. You can actually google each product and/or the MSDS sheet for each and find out why! I’m sharing excellent alternatives that you can re-stock your home and diaper bag with right NOW!

1. Ditch Talcum Powder and/or Baby Powder (linked to ovarian cancer and lung diseases)

Switch to this talc-free, fragrance free 100% all natural baby powder HERE!

Why ditch and switch?! With t alcum powder being so recent in the news after a couple large lawsuits surrounding its use, it’s time to switch to something SAFE! This info. below comes from ConsumerSafety.org. You can also read more by clicking on the links above.

Talcum powder, a common ingredient in personal hygiene products, has been linked to life-threatening diseases and conditions, such as ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and respiratory complications. The connection to the these health risks has been suspected for decades, but no action was taken to protect consumers. The lack of any type of product warning sparked a surge of lawsuits resulting in 3 major verdicts in 2016, and thousands more in the legal system.

2. Ditch Traditional Baby Oil (they limit skin breathability and toxin release!)

Switch to one of these all natural alternatives below! Viva Naturals is a great alternative, as well.

You can find these oils below, on Amazon…just by clicking on them.

Coconut Oil
Olive Oil
Almond Oil

Switching to an all natural oil like the ones listed above, guarantees that you’re moisturizing your babies with only goodness. Did you know that traditional baby oils are made from mineral oils that act like a “liquid plastic”. Imagine slathering liquid plastic all over you?! Right? Eww. Your skin cannot breathe and it doesn’t allow toxins to leave your body.

Also, most baby oils contain fragrances. Did you know that brands do not have to list in their ingredients lists, what the fragrances are made from?! Chemicals. That’s what those fragrances are made from. Nasty chemicals.

3. Ditch the Anti-bacterial Soaps and Gels (they contain triclosan, which is carcinogenic. Don’t believe me? Google it!)

Switch to an all natural product like Young Living Thieves Spray or Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier to clean and purify virtually everything!

I mean, let’s face it. I’m NOT going to clean my hands or a baby’s toy with something that could potentially cause cancer. Period. Thieves products are excellent for our immune systems. They contain clove, cinnamon bark, rosemary, lemon, and eucalyptus radiata essential oils.

4. Belladonna (found in teething remedies) – linked to seizures!

Switch to natural remedies like a chilled damp wash cloth, or pressure from your finger on their gums. Essential oils like Thieves and Copaiba have been used for thousands of years.

We all know the torment that comes with teething babies. I’m sticking to doing what my ancestors did. They had it all figured out, after all.

5. Fragrances (can cause respiratory, neurological, and skin damage. May lead to asthma!)

Switch to fragrance-free, organic, or sensitive products. Naturally fragrant products like pure, therapeutic grade essential oils – is the perfect alternative!

Look for the word “fragrance” in the ingredients list in your baby products. Did you know that manufacturers do not have to tell you what ingredients are used in their “fragrances”? You can bet that those fragrances are completely chemical ridden.

There are so many DIY recipes out there on the net that are 100% natural, using pure therapeutic grade essential oils as the fragrance component. If you’re looking to make something homemade with essential oils for you, your home, and your baby – just look online and find one that works for you.

I hope that you decide to Ditch & Switch some or all of these items in your diaper bag, and home! You’ll be SO glad that you did. It will give you peace of mind too, knowing that you’re doing something healthy and important in the long run. Years from now, your children will thank you!

Tell us, what products have you ditched and switched? We’d love to know!!

Disclosure: The infographic and some information was provided to me by consumersafety.org. This post was not compensated by them, in any way. I am however, a distributor for Young Living Essential Oils. All opinions are 100% my own.

7 Life Changing Healthy Habits for Men

September 9, 2016 by Jenni 713 Comments

This post is sponsored, in partner with Smartypants Vitamins. All opinions are 100% our own and honest, as always.

I often talk about women’s health and aging — but I’ve realized that my husband isn’t getting any younger either. He’s no spring chicken, although still just as hot {wink wink}. However, with age comes a whole other set of “rules”, so to speak. That’s where these life changing healthy habits for men comes into play.

Healthy Habits for Men

1) Do a few stretches before putting on your work clothes, uniform, or suit and tie.

Men often hold a lot of stress (physical and mental) in their shoulders and back. Getting straight out of bed and ready for work – doesn’t really work out as well as it used to in your younger years.

2) Eat a protein packed breakfast (or smoothie).

Even if it’s on your way to work. Some quick and easy ideas are hard boiled eggs, greek yogurt, a breakfast sandwich, all natural protein breakfast bar or smoothie, etc. These are perfect options to eat quickly!

3) Pack a healthy lunch to work.

Most men used to be able to go on caffeine and a candy bar all day but as they get a little older, they need something more substantial mid-day. Fast food options aren’t always healthy options, so bring your lunch with you.

4) Don’t forget your vitamins!

Since men don’t typically follow their body’s lead when it comes to nutrition, taking daily vitamins ensures that they get what they need. SmartyPants Men’s Vitamins are my husband’s favorites. He loves the gummies and he loves the flavors!

5) Walk the dog OR cat, or goldfish. 🙂

Men who work – especially behind a desk all day — DO NOT get enough walking in. After dinner, go for a walk around the block or neighborhood. You’ll release some tension and stress – and maybe even lose a few pounds! If you’re up for it – join a gym!!

6) Read a book or magazine for 20 minutes before bed.

Turning the TV off and just reading before bed will allow you to fall asleep faster and statistics have proved, that you get a more restful nights sleep. Worth a shot, fellas!!

7) Schedule annual checkups with your doctor!

Men tend to only go to the doctor when they literally think they’re dying. At least, that’s what MY husband does. As we get older, we need to be more aware of our bodies – and scheduling those checkups keeps…well……things in check.

Why my husband loves Smartypants Vitamins.

He has never been the kind of guy to take multivitamins of any kind. EVER. Until fairly recently when he started noticing that by noon, he was feeling very run down. He started taking a daily men’s vitamin – but never really noticed any changes in how he felt.

When we had the opportunity to try Smartypants Vitamins for the whole family, he quickly noticed a change overall with the Men’s Complete. He felt better, had more energy, and just felt better as a whole.

He loves the flavors and he swears that he’s eating candy! There are 3 flavors in each bottle, lemon crème, blueberry, and blackberry. They’re all the same color though. Why? Because SmartyPants doesn’t believe in using synthetic dyes and colors. ONLY PREMIUM ingredients, not the funky stuff.

You can find SmartyPants Vitamins for the whole family online and in stores near you!

You’ll want to follow SmartyPants Vitamins on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter to stay up to date with the latest and greatest!

Ways To Keep Kids Healthy in the Fall #LoveMatys #MomsCheckIn

November 6, 2015 by Jenni 744 Comments

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Maty’s Healthy Products. All opinions on the yuckies and snotties are my own.

Ways to Keep Kids Healthy in the Fall

Do you try to stick to natural ways to keep kids healthy in the fall? We do! We’ve tried the OTC medicines over the years, but honestly…the side effects just aren’t friendly. I hate the idea of giving these to my kiddo. Most of the time, our allergies, colds, flu viruses and bugs just take time to run their courses. Finding natural ways to ease the symptoms is better all around.

Our Moms Check In moms are talking about our favorite more natural ways to keep kids healthy in the fall. We’d love to hear your tips too. Drop us a comment below or chat with us on social media using the hashtag #MomsCheckIn and #LoveMatys!

Ways to Keep Kids Healthy in the Fall…

– Eat a well balanced diet with lots of fruits and veggies. Hide them in their favorite foods, if you have to!

– Take lots of extra Vitamin C! Also, something like this immune boosting tea would be perfect!

– Keep a humidifier and/or essential oil diffuser going.

– Stay on top of their seasonal indoor/outdoor allergies.

– Get them used to always washing hands and using anti-bacterial hand gel or wipes.

– Dust and vacuum more often in the fall.

– Choose a more expensive furnace filter in the fall. The heftier ones trap more allergens.

Ok! Here are more tips from our moms…

“Eating well is so important. Of course you need to eat fruits and veggies, but also some spices have been shown to have awesome health benefits. A good multi-vitamin can help fill in any missing nutritional gaps. We also make sure that we are practicing good hand washing. Lots and lots of hand washing!”

– Amanda is the mom to Joshua and owns It’s a Fabulous Life. If you are looking for a one stop place for all things mom, It’s a Fabulous Life is it! Full of recipes, fashion, DIY projects, recipes and parenting articles it’s the place for all of Mom’s favorites to come together! Follow her on Twitter here!

“Mike, Sam and I have been battling some icky symptoms already this fall. My advice: lots of fluids and rest! I’ve also been mindful to disinfect things whenever I’m able. If you can’t always make it to a sink, a little bottle of hand sanitizer nearby is excellent.”

– Stephanie is the mom to Sam and the author of Spaceships and Laser Beams. If you ever need party ideas her site is the place to visit! Specializing in all things boy, it’s full of inspiration! Follow her on Twitter here!

“Staying on top of seasonal allergies is huge for us. Increasing their vitamin C intake + hiding lots of fruits and veggies in our meals for the extra vitamins that are essential to our immune system. We do have to hide them, to get the kiddo to eat them, haha! We also use natural remedies vs. most OTC cold/flu medications because honestly, the side effects are just awful with those. We encourage lots of warm and hot liquids too, especially hot tea and chicken broth.“

– Jenni is the mom of one and the author of Sweet Pennies From Heaven. A hearth and home website, Sweet Pennies From Heaven focuses on recipes, crafts and creating a comfortable home. Follow her on Twitter here!

If you’re on the hunt for natural and organic products to help ease cough, cold and congestion then check out Maty’s Healthy Products. They make excellent products for the whole family! Read our recent Maty’s product review here. Maty’s created their line of products when their daughter, Maty, was born with severe heart defects. They were dedicated to finding and creating natural ways to get healthy.

You can find Maty’s Healthy products at most retailers, including Walmart – or you can shop online! I invite you to follow Maty’s on social media as well. You’ll find all sorts of great information on natural health and wellness. Follow Maty’s on Facebook, Maty’s on Pinterest, and Maty’s on Twitter!

What is Moms Check In?

Who are the moms of Moms Check In? We’re 3 moms who are also professional bloggers. We chat about a new topic each week. We talk about things from dirty diapers to date night, and everything in between. Moms love to talk to other moms and let’s face it…MOMS know everything!!

Before you leave, let us know…

What are your best ways to keep kids healthy in the fall?

9 Tips to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

October 8, 2015 by Jenni 559 Comments

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Breathe Right^®. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

I’m the first to admit that I love sleep. Lots and lots of sleep! Like, if there were an ambassador for sleep — it’d be ME! I’m one of those that has to have 6-8 hours of sleep in order to function well the next day. There are times that I really struggle with getting enough sleep.

Those are the days I cling to my coffee pot.

I also deal with nasty seasonal allergies, which causes lots of nasal congestion. THAT totally affects my sleep, which in turn, affects my husband’s sleep!

I have 9 tips to get a good night’s sleep that might help you too.

1. Turn off the TV and your devices 30 mins. to an hour before bedtime.

2. Make a To-Do List for the next day.

3. Limit caffeine before bed.

4. Read a book.

5. Take a lavender bath.

6. Lay out clothes/shoes/backpacks for the next day.

7. Turn thermostat down a couple of degrees for a more comfortable sleep.

8. Use a sound machine for white noise. You can even find phone apps for this!

9. Use Breathe Right^® nasal strips for nasal congestion.

If you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep because of nasal congestion — Breathe Right^® nasal strips are a lifesaver! They even have lavender scented strips which are perfect for bedtime! Just so ya’ know…Breathe Right^®nasal strips are drug-free and they’ve been clinically proven to help you breathe better so you can sleep better! Yes-sir-ee-Bob.

If you’re dealing with a cold or allergy symptoms – add Breathe Right^® nasal strips to your regular regimen – and you can instantly open your nose up by 38% more than decongestant sprays alone. Plus, they have a variety of options for everyone including a calming scent or those with sensitive skin.

How to Apply:

Clean: Just wash and dry your nose well so that the adhesive on the strip will stick well and stay in place.

Place: Place the shorter top band on the midline of your nose and the longer bottom band on the nostril flare.

Apply: Just press to apply once in place. It’s normal for slight lifting to occur at the edges as it opens your nose.

To remove strips:

The best way to remove the Breathe Right^® nasal strips is by washing your face with warm water or while you’re in the shower. Remove slowly by loosening the ends then gently lifting the strip from both sides.

Make sure to follow Breathe Right^® on Facebook and on Twitter to stay up to date and receive any promotional savings and news! Use #NightsRight to join the conversation!

Ways to Deal with Your Insomnia and Get a Good Night’s Sleep

September 25, 2015 by Jenni 932 Comments

I participated in an Ambassador program on behalf of Influence Central for Pernix Therapeutics. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Do you remember awhile back I shared these tips to get a good night’s sleep? I’ve been using these tips, and wanted to share them with you too, so we could all catch up on some much needed rest. Dealing with the symptoms of insomnia stink, so any help I can get – I’ll take!

Some of these tips included signing off social media at least an hour before I head to bed. Using lavender to create a sense of calm, and reading a bit of my favorite books or magazines to help me doze off. These tips have been working wonders for me. Especially stopping the social media that one hour before bed!

4 Tips to Get a Restful Night’s Sleep

Since I’ve been getting that extra rest, I’ve noticed my mornings are running smoother and I’m not nearly as tired and run down in the afternoons. I don’t get up as often throughout the night either! Peaceful, peaceful sleep.

I know that these shut-eye strategies don’t work for everyone. Every person is different and sometimes, all of the natural remedies, tips and tricks just aren’t enough to help you manage your problems with getting a good night’s sleep. The really great news is that there are some effective treatment options that you can speak with your doctor about. I’ve never been a fan of sleep medications, but only because of the fear of becoming dependant on them. There’s one treatment, that has NO risk of abuse or physical dependence called SILENOR^®.

It works with the wake-promoting mechanism of the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. What this means, is that it helps you stay asleep throughout the night and the early morning. Again, with no fear of abuse or dependence!

Just have a chat with your doctor about your symptoms, your routine and lifestyle and see what options are best for you. You can learn more about how to get a good night’s sleep at Wanttosleepmore.com!

· Full SILENOR^®ISI: SILENOR^® is a prescription sleep medicine that is used to treat people with insomnia who have trouble staying asleep. Call your doctor if your insomnia worsens or is not better within 7 to 10 days. This may mean that there is another condition causing your sleep problem. Be sure that you are able to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. SILENOR^® should be taken within 30 minutes of bedtime. Do not take with alcohol or with other medicines that can make you sleepy. If you are on a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken a MAOI within the past two weeks, you should not take SILENOR^®. You should not take SILENOR^®if you have an eye problem called narrow angle glaucoma that is not being treated, if you have severe urinary retention, or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in SILENOR^®. You should not drive or operate machinery at night after taking SILENOR^®. Until you know how you will react to SILENOR^®, you should be careful in performing such activities during the day following taking SILENOR^®. Before you take SILENOR^®, tell your doctor if you have a history of depression, mental illness or suicidal thoughts. You should call your doctor right away if after taking SILENOR^® you walk, drive, eat or engage in other activities while asleep. Drowsiness is the most common adverse event observed in clinical trials. For more information, please see the complete Prescribing Information, including the Medication Guide, athttps://www.silenor.com/Content/pdf/prescribing-information.pdf. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

4 Shut Eye Strategies to Encourage a Restful Night’s Sleep

August 25, 2015 by Jenni 1,162 Comments

I participated in an Ambassador program on behalf of Influence Central for Pernix Therapeutics. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Sleep. Did you get any last night?

I tossed and turned, however, this time it wasn’t really due to my insomnia – it was because I’m fighting this nagging cold, and the cough that lingers is a nasty one. Let me tell ya.

Last month we talked a little bit about insomnia. The statistics I shared in my blog post were CRAZY! I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that 72% of Americans are missing out on 470 hours of sleep a year. WHAT?! I’m definitely one of them…are you?

There are some great sleep strategies that can encourage a restful night’s sleep and I’m going to share them here with you. I’m going to be doing these WITH you and we’ll be talking about how they worked for us in an upcoming post.

Get Active Early: We can get a good night’s sleep by exercising early in the day. Yes! Exercising early can strengthen our circadian rhythm, which helps to bring on sleepiness at night!

Get Comfy: Let’s tell our body 2 hours before bedtime that it’s time to wind down. Let’s do some relaxing activities like taking a warm lavendar soak/bath, even with some Epsom salt. Ahhhhhh. Just typing those words almost made me yawn.

Sign Off: Let’s quit lurking on Facebook and Pinterest and other social media an hour before bed. Did you know that the LED lights from our phones and other devices send signals to your brain, keeping it wired and awake?! Opt for a book, devotional or some relaxing music.

Go dark: Block out the light! When it’s dark and quiet, sleepiness naturally sets in. Lights during the night can send messages to our brain telling us to “wake up” before we’ve even had the chance to go to bed!

I know some of these sound SO un-doable. I really do. I’m a Facebook lurker, and I check my email with every “ding” my phone makes. It makes me nervous and gives me a bit of anxiety – but I know that how I feel in the morning is more important than seeing how many people liked the pic of the yummy hummus I just posted on Facebook. Seriously!

More than anything, I look forward to those lavendar/espom salt bath soaks. Yes ma’am! If you’ve never tried it, do it. You will thank me. If you have some lavendar essential oil, put a dab on each wrist too or spritz some on your pillowcase. It’s heavenly!

Use these strategies for yourself and then soon, I’ll be writing up another post and we’ll see how these sleep strategies are working for us. Sound like a deal? Sleep well tonight, friends!

To learn more about how to achieve a full, uninterrupted night’s sleep visit Wanttosleepmore.com

Do You Suffer from Insomnia?

July 16, 2015 by Jenni 2,240 Comments

I participated in an Ambassador program on behalf of Influence Central for Pernix Therapeutics. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Do you suffer with insomnia?

Sleep. It’s a beautiful thing isn’t it. It’s even more beautiful when you can get a solid uninterrupted night of sleep. One without getting up and down all night.

We don’t realize how critical an uninterrupted night of sleep is to our mind, body and soul. It’s imperative for our immune system, our memory and other things that keep our bodies going.

I love having the excuse to drink tons of coffee during the day, but the truth is I’d gladly trade my coffee in for a good solid night of sleep. Sleepless nights are so common and it’s actually a health issue. 4 million Americans suffer from chronic insomnia. We have a difficult time falling asleep and staying asleep through the night. Tending to my family and running a business is difficult, especially when I’m having sleepless nights.

Here’s what my typical night looks like…..

Lay down on my side, with one leg sticking out of the blanket.

For the next 15 minutes, my mind is racing over the days events and what I have to do the next day.

Then I may fall asleep………

….for an hour or so.

Wake up.

Go to the bathroom.

Lay back down.

Doze off and on for 2 or 3 more hours.

Wake back up…..

….. turn on the TV or grab the current book I’m reading.

Fall back asleep.

Wake up when the hubby’s alarm goes off.

Yawn. Stretch. Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.

Do it all over again the next night.

Seeeeeeeeeeeee! People cannot function when they’re not getting a good solid night of sleep!

Check out these sleep stats:

– On average, nearly three-quarters of Americans (72%) are missing out on almost three weeks of sleep per year. That’s a whopping 470 hours of sleep ya’ll. Can I have that all at once?!

– Even though 62% of Americans suffer from symptoms of insomnia regularly, only 20% believe they have the condition and merely 12% have even been diagnosed by their doctor. That’s crazy!!

– Over 50% of Americans believe sleeplessness is glamorized – and that successful people who boast of needing less sleep – do so to express their “importance.” Well, I’m here to tell you that I WANT and NEED sleep!

There’s good news though!

There are effective treatment options that are available if you’re suffering with insomnia. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night, just talk to your doctor. Explain to them your routine, lifestyle and your symptoms to come up with a solution for you!

You can get more information on the importance of getting a full, uninterrupted night’s sleep when you visit WantToSleepMore.com!

Do you personally suffer from insomnia?

9 Tips to Avoid Swollen Feet While Traveling

July 7, 2015 by Jenni 1,385 Comments

Looking for tips to avoid swollen feet while traveling?!

Every time I travel, my feet and ankles swell. I think the combination of stress, flying or traveling long hours with my feet hanging, too much sodium and not enough water are all culprits. Not to mention the fact that I’m overweight…but we won’t talk about that! {ahem.}

The last trip I took to LA earlier this year, I still had some feet/ankle swelling but nothing compared to my previous trips. I did quite a few things differently this time around too. I know so many struggle with that and it’s SO uncomfortable. How can you enjoy your time traveling, when you feel like your feet are gonna pop?!

9 Tips to Avoid Swollen Feet While Traveling…

1. Epsom Salt and Lavender Oil Soaks

Oh My Word. Yesss! This combination is fantastic. Dissolve a couple of cup fulls of epsom salt in some warm bath water along with 10-20 drops of Lavender Oil and soak. Or you can buy the Dr. Teal’s Sooth & Sleep Epsom Salt mixture that already has lavender oil in it. Soak your whole body in the tub or just soak your feet. Your feet and muscles will thank you and you will feel SO much better. Plus, you’ll sleep like a baby! Seriously…this knocks me out.

Just be forewarned, that if you try to take your bag of epsom salt through airport security, you might get checked. Ahem. I did. I think they thought I was trying to smuggle drugs across the border or something! Sheeesh! It’s only salt, people!

2. Water…Lots and Lots of Water

Yep. Drop the pop, tea, sports drinks and opt for plain old water. You can still have your morning coffee, but make sure to drink lots of water while you’re traveling and/or on vacation! Soda pop has lots of sodium in it which makes swelling worse. Also, it’s worth mentioning that caffeine tends to dehydrate, so try not to drink too much coffee or tea.

3. Pack a Diuretic

I brought some diuretics with me on this last trip and I am SO glad that I did. I could tell a big difference in the amount of swelling I had so this is definitely one of my top tips on how to avoid swollen feet while traveling!

4. Go for the salad when you can…

If you’re traveling and on vacation – of course you want to enjoy some delicious food! Just swap every once in awhile. For lunch, have a salad with your burger instead of the fries or onion rings. Much less sodium. Just really watch how much salty food you’re eating.

5. Move, Move, Move…

When driving or flying long distances, stop or get up every couple of hours and move around. If it’s a shorter flight, roll your ankles in circles while sitting in your seat every once in awhile just to keep circulation moving. Try to avoid crossing your legs. Here are some other tips for flying long distances.

6. Tennis Shoes…

Tennis shoes and socks contain the swelling in your feet. When you wear open shoes or sandals, your feet have more room to swell and expand. Wear your cute shoes at night for dinner, but for the daytime, opt for the tennies! This trick really works for me!

7. Prop feet when you sleep…

When you’re sleeping – use the extra hotel room pillows to prop your feet up at the end of the bed. Keeping them elevated (after your nice, warm epsom salt and lavender bath) is key.

8. Get a Massage…

Have your fella rub your feet at night OR opt for a massage at the spa! A massage just makes your feet feel better plus it helps relieve some of the swelling.

9. Compression socks…

Compression socks are a life-saver. They’re just super duper DUPER tight socks that help keep the circulation moving so that swelling doesn’t occur, or at least limits the swelling.

Do you have any tips to avoid swollen feet while traveling?

We’d love to hear all about them!! Make sure to leave us a comment so we can all hear! Your tip may just make someone’s next trip MUCH more awesome because of it!

5 Summer Break Essentials To Keep Everyone Happy – Your Summer Survival Kit

May 4, 2015 by Jenni 610 Comments

This post brought to you by Dollar General. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Sweet Pennies From Heaven.

Folks…it’s HOT outside today! I think Spring forgot to drop by and stay awhile! In less than a month, the kiddos will be out for summer break and summer break with the kids home isn’t for the faint of heart. Here are summer break essentials EVERY home needs. Think of this as your summer survival guide!

Our local Dollar General is the place we load up on for most things, including all things “Summer Survival”. You can’t beat their prices plus you can use their ad deals and add their digital coupons for even better deals! Save on summer essentials with Dollar General!

1. Getting Waterlogged

If you have a swimming pool, SWEET! Make sure to load up on pool toys or water toys! Floats, beach balls, goggles, game sets, noodles and squirt guns or soakers make for hours of fun! We snagged some squirt soakers and a Frozen beach ball. The kids love these and always have so much fun.

2. Sunscreen & Soothers

I know that summer just isn’t summer without a flaming sunburn but we DO need to try to prevent them! We’re all really fair skinned around here and burn wayyyy too easily. I loaded up on some sunscreen, lip protector and sunglasses at Dollar General. Make sure to grab extra to keep in your beach bags for on the go too! Don’t forget to grab some Aloe gel for soothing sunburns (just in case!).

3. Grillin’ and Entertainin’ Essentials

Cooking outside is fun. We love to grill…the food just always tastes better, right?! We got everything we needed in one trip! Paper plates, condiments like ketchup and mustard. Those are the biggies at our house! Don’t forget the disposable cups, silverware and ohh, ohhh…don’t forget the aluminum foil! We always run out when we do tons of grilling!

4. Drinks & Freezer Treats

If your house is like ours, the kids can run in and out, and in and out, alllll day long. Usually after something to drink. We keep bottled water on hand all the time anyway, and we always stock up on the Clover Valley bottled water from Dollar General. They always have really great deals on juice, Kool-Aid, and those boxes of freezer pops!

5. Keep the Kids from Getting HANGRY

Always, ALWAYS keep snacks around so the kids don’t wig out! My kiddo gets super cranky when he’s hungry so I make sure to have healthier snacks on hand between meals for him. Dollar General always has such a great selection of snack foods and groceries! Now, mommy will sneak and get the Clover Valley cookies. Have you had them? Mercy!! I keep a stash hid for myself.

Will you be snagging some deals for your own Summer Survival Kit? What kinds of things do you have to have to get you through the summer?! Save on summer essentials with Dollar General! Do what we do and shop the Clover Valley and DG brands plus use the DG digital coupons when we can for even more savings!!

Get Social with Dollar General. Visit them:

Facebook

Instagram

What are some of your summer essentials?

7 Healthy Sandwich Spreads – Great Substitutes for Mayo

February 16, 2015 by Jenni 1,317 Comments

Need some substitutes for mayo?

I’ve got some healthy sandwich spreads ideas!

I’m a big fan of a really great sandwich. A couple of our favorite sandwiches are this Copycat Starbucks Egg Salad Sandwich recipe and this Copycat Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille. I like to place myself on the same level as Joey Tribianni from the show Friends. He too, loves a really good sandwich!

Most women love a great plate of pasta, but for me — just give me a good sandwich! For the past year, I’ve been trying new healthier alternatives for some of my favorite recipes. I’ve come up with a nice list of healthy sandwich spreads which are great substitutes for mayo or Miracle Whip. We usually feel as though we’re getting ripped off if we don’t slather a little sum’n sum’n on our sandwiches. Who wants to eat an old dried up sandwich anyway, right?! I use and love EACH and EVERY one of these options below.

1. non-fat greek yogurt

The greek yogurt can be dressed up if you like by adding some seasoning. Any kind of seasoning that you like. A little salt and pepper, some garlic powder, some cayenne. You get my drift. I usually just stick a butter knife down in the container of greek yogurt and lay on a plain even layer of it to my favorite club or turkey sandwiches. It’s non-fat and it adds a bit of tang and texture to my sandwich that’s different from the norm. NOM!

2. hummus

Ohh yes, please! If you’ve never tried hummus as a sandwich spread — you MUST. Of course, you probably won’t like it if you don’t like hummus but I looooooove hummus. It’s another fun flavor and texture added to your sandwich instead of mayo. Much healthier too. I buy different flavors of hummus but my favorite is the roasted red pepper. Mmmm.

3. mustard

Yep. You heard me right! You might already use mustard as a sandwich spread but if you’re also using mayo — just forget the mayo altogether. The mustard overpowers the flavor of the mayo anyway so it’s like “ghost” mayo. Like it’s not even really there. So why eat those calories when you can’t even TASTE it. Save those calories for something else!

4. pesto

Do you love pesto? My brain always connects pesto with pasta, though. However, I have been known to spread a little bit on a grilled chicken sandwich and it’s really really good. If you make your own, you can razzle-dazzle it up anyway you like.

5. salsa

It adds some spice to your turkey or chicken sandwiches. I also love it on my breakfast sandwiches in the mornings. I just cook an egg and a turkey sausage patty in a non-stick skillet and toast some bread. Put the sandwich together and spread a little salsa on. Just a little “southwest” spin on a good sandwich.

6. avocado

……or some guac! YES! Mash up a little avocado with a fork and spread on your sandwich. I love the texture of it and of course it’s fun because it’s green. This is an easy way to trick the kiddos into eating it too. Kids just think anything green is fun. If I don’t have any fresh avocados, then I usually always have some guacamole in the fridge.

7. honey mustard

Okay now I know what y’all are thinking. But don’t knock it till you try it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a little bit of sweet with your tangy when it comes to a dressing. I personally love a little bit of honey mustard on a sandwich. We dip chicken in it right? Why not put a little dab on your sandwich? If you buy bottled honey mustard, you’ll probably notice that they’re not as low-fat as you’d think so I usually make my own at home. I don’t make a lot at once…just usually enough for my sandwich or for our chicken tenders at home. There are plenty of recipes out there, but I tend to shoot for easy and literally just mix a bit of dijon mustard with a bit of honey and stir it up. Voila.

Don’t miss these healthy posts on the blog…

Low Fat Fudge Brownies (only 2 ingredients)
Greek Yogurt Recipes (dips, cakes, cookies and more)
Sweet and Sour Tuna Salad
Skinny BLT Pasta Salad
Low Fat Muffins (using canned pumpkin)

So, what do you think? Are you interested to try any of these healthy sandwich spreads? Do you have a different healthier substitute for mayo? If so, we’d love to hear!!! Drop us a comment.

5 Simple Ways to Prevent Dry Winter Skin

November 19, 2014 by Jenni 409 Comments

This post brought to you by Vaseline. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Sweet Pennies From Heaven.

We just went from 70 degree weather to sub zero temps with wind chill, like….overnight. I just got back from my trip to Florida and we went straight into full on WINTER mode. So, with that – I’ve already started my regimen to prevent dry winter skin! Itchy, dry and scaly skin in the winter is NO fun. My husband tends to fight it more than I do, but I still have my fair share. So does our little man. If you fight the terrible itchy winter skin woes, then make sure that you’re doing these few simple tricks to combat it.

5 Tips to Prevent Dry Winter Skin

1. Turn down the heat. The warmer your house is, the drier your skin gets. We keep our thermostat set somewhere between 67 and 70 degrees.

2. Use a humidifier. I sing praises to our humidifiers! They put moisture back in the air that your heat is taking away. The moisture is excellent for your skin AND your sinusus. Keeping a little moisture in your home can also prevent sinus infections? True!

3. Take warm (not hot!) showers. Even when you come in out of the cold and want that super hot shower….don’t do it! It may feel good, but that hot water is drying your skin out.

4. Gloves! Yes…I know that seems like a no-brainer but how many times have you gone outside without gloves on? Then complain that your hands are cracking?! I know…I do it too but I’ve gotten to where I keep gloves IN my coat pockets so I can easily slip them on. More than just keeping your hands warm, they’re a protective barrier against cold wind chapping your skin.

5. Use an excellent moisturizing lotion – like Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair. This moisturizer is “The Official Lotion of Winter”! It’s clinically proven to heal very dry skin in 5 days!

More about Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair

It’s a deep moisturizer that relieves very dry skin from the first use. It contains a specially designed blend of glycerin and micro-droplets of Vaseline Jelly, plus dimethicone which locks the moisture in! It’s perfect for anyone who fights severe dry skin all year long, especially in the winter months!

Vaseline sent me an awesome package a few days ago and I instantly put it to the test, considering I already had signs of really dry skin starting. Included in the package, were test strips to test how dry my skin really was. So, in order to get an accurate comparison for this post, I only used the lotion on my right leg for 5 days. I didn’t apply any to my left leg. You can see for youself the difference in the strips. The one on the left was used on my left leg (with no lotion) and the one on the right was used on my right leg which I had been applying the lotion. Pretty cool and gross at the same time, huh?! HAHA!

They also sent me a yummy container of Godiva Hot Chocolate Mix and an awesome mug personalized with my Twitter handle @sweetpennies. How awesome is that!!

Omgee! I have a new coffee mug personalized with my Twitter handle!! Gahhh!! Thank you @VaselineBrand and @Godiva. I'll be enjoying these goodies this week! #Vaseline

A photo posted by Jenni Eaves (@sweetpennies) on Nov 11, 2014 at 2:55pm PST

I can really tell a massive difference in my skin overall when I use it daily and at night. I love to put it on my feet and then put on thick socks before going to sleep. It makes my feet feel so good! The Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair retails for just $4.99 for a 10 oz. bottle and can be found at your local stores.

20 Natural Remedies – Healthy Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar

May 20, 2014 by Jenni 449 Comments

Healthy Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Let’s get back to the basics folks. What’s wrong with what our grandparents, and their grandparents used? Did you know that there are so many awesome AND healthy ways to use Apple Cider Vinegar (aka: ACV)?

I’ve heard nothing but awesome things about this organic, raw and unfiltered Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar. Many rave reviews!

It even helps to get rid of fleas on your dogs, for goodness sake!

Now, here are 20 uses for us humans to help get us and keep us – healthy! Literally, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. So many awesome uses!! Thanks to Maggie at Family Frugal Fun for sharing this awesome list of remedies!

1. Dissolves kidney stones

2. Aids in prevention of the flu and stomach viruses

3. Is a natural acne-preventative

4. Regulates your body’s pH balance naturally

5. Gets rid of nail fungus

6. Lowers cholesterol

7. Lowers blood pressure

8. Reduces inflamation

9. Helps relieve heartburn

10. Helps reduce chronic acid reflux

11. Helps break down fat

12. Serves as a natural appetite supressant

13. Eliminates buildup on the scalp such as dandruff

14. Helps relieve gout

15. Reduces sinus pressure

16. Naturally helps fight migraines

17. Reduces arthritis symptoms

18. Relieves allergy problems

19. Supresses nausea symptoms

20. Prevents flare ups of athlete’s foot

Now, do you have any awesome ways that you use apple cider vinegar? I’d sure love to hear about them, maybe even add them to this list!

If you enjoyed this post, you’ll love these! Check’em out:

15+ Homemade Cleaner Recipes That Will Rock Your Socks

25 Awesome Household Uses for Borax

20 Uses for Peppermint Oil – Natural Remedy to Keep Mice Away and So Much More!

20 Uses for Almond Oil from Skincare to Hair Treatments

20+ Ways to Reuse Diaper Wipe Containers #Recycle

Homemade Eye Makeup Remover with Only 2 Ingredients – Costs Just $0.32 Per Ounce

How to Get Rid of Bugs on Your Plants and Rose Bushes – Natural and Thrifty Alternatives

How to Container Garden – A Vegetable Container Gardening Guide for Beginners

15+ Homemade Cleaner Recipes That Will Rock Your Socks

May 1, 2014 by Jenni 1,731 Comments

Don’t diss the homemade cleaner recipes!

Have you ever read the labels on the back of your household cleaners? Seriously. Not only do you need to be a scientist to MAKE the cleaners, you need to be one to understand the labels too! Honestly though, the biggest downfall for me is the cost. Before you know it, that $3 bottle of window cleaner is gone and you don’t have the clean windows anymore to prove you used it all. Right? I see the smeared peanut butter, the sticky fingerprints, evidence of a dog lick or two….

….and OMG!!! Is that…..dried snot???!!! WHERE’S THE WINDEX!?! And the bleach??!!

I’ve found tons of awesome homemade cleaner recipes that are green, cheap, and half of which are even safe enough to EAT! Not that I would. Except for the vinegar. That’s pretty decent on salad. 🙂 Check these out and save yourself some cash! There are still some cleaners that I will continue to buy, but for the most part…I try to stick to the natural stuff!

Homemade Laundry Detergent
This is the detergent I use ALL the time. I love love love it. My husband is a welder and his clothes are filthy dirty when he comes home from work. This detergent cleans his clothes and removes the stinky smell too. Best part is…it only costs around $0.02 to $0.03 per load! Say WHAT?! Yep!

Homemade Streak Free Glass Cleaner (copycat Windex)
As much as we (and I’m sure you too) use glass cleaner, this recipe will save us a ton of cash! She also has this Homemade Tub Cleaner that works great! My tub and shower are always pretty grimey. This is a very simple recipe that works wonders! One of her commenters on the post said that they had a stain they thought was permanent for 3 years, and this recipe removed the stain!!!

Homemade Carpet Deodorizer
Even though we have mostly hardwood floors, we do still have area rugs and one room that is carpeted so I still like to keep carpet deodorizer. This recipe is also perfect for couches, chairs or any other upholstered furniture. We have dogs so it’s nice to keep the furniture smelling fresh too!

10 Homemade Household Cleaners
This post with 10 homemade household cleaners includes the following recipes:

Kitchen Counter Scrubber
Window Cleaner
Glass Shower Cleaner
Carpet Spot Cleaner
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Disinfectant
All Purpose Cleaner
Floor Cleaner
Oven Rack Cleaner
Furniture Polish

Homemade All Purpose Citrus Cleaner

Teresa also shares some more great tips including how to make your own wool dryer balls and a fun little tip for your shower!

7 Things in Your Pantry You Can Use to Clean With
Ellen shares some great tips here. She talks about several different things we usually already have in our cabinets that we can clean with. She also goes into a little detail about what each product is and how it works to tackle the jobs.

If you’re looking for something to clean your stainless steel appliances, check out Dina’s homemade stainless steel cleaner! She also shares a few other homemade cleaner recipes that you’ll love! While we’re on the subject of natural and non-toxic, you have to check out Kim’s natural weed killer recipe! I’ve used it and I won’t be buying the expensive stuff in the store anymore! Do you have any natural or thrifty homemade cleaner recipes that you use? We’d love to hear all about them! Leave us a comment and let us know what your favorites are!

If you’re looking for more helpful ideas, check some of my other posts out:

How to Make a Winter Emergency Survival Kit for Your Car

February 5, 2014 by Jenni 780 Comments

Has this just not been the worst winter ever?! Okay, I’m sure it hasn’t really been THE worst, but it sure feels like it. One snowstorm after another and bitter cold temps. We live in a rural area and my daddy is always preaching to others about keeping an emergency winter survival kit in our vehicles. He don’t fool around!

We have a van and an older SUV, but we’d love to have a new truck. They’re so much easier to drive on snow and ice, and would just be more convenient for us overall. Still, regardless of what kind of vehicle you have – it’s better to be safe than sorry. You just never know when you might get stranded in below freezing or negative temps. Or how long you’ll have to wait on help!

Winter Emergency Survival Kit for Your Cars!

I’m agreeing with my daddy – everyone needs an emergency winter survival kit in their cars and below are some things to include. If you think of other items that should be included, please leave us a comment and let us know! I can add things to this list. I just want to make sure that you’re prepared in case you DO get stranded!

Tips: Make sure that you have plenty of gas at all times. Don’t let your tank run low! Also, if you’re stranded – stay inside your car unless there are houses or businesses really close by.

bottled water
packaged food (protein bars, nuts, etc.)
blanket
package of body and hand warmers (these work well inside gloves and shoes)
flares
flashlight
jumper cables
rope/chain
small shovel and windshield scraper
kitty litter
battery operated weather radio
batteries
extra clothes (including socks/insulated shoes)
thick jacket and hat, gloves, ear muffs
extra cellphone charger (or battery backup)

If you usually travel with babies or small kids, then you will want to include these extras:

extra food and water
extra clothing and blankets
diapers
dry formula you can mix with water
infant or children’s Tylenol
toy or game that can keep them occupied

Keep your winter emergency kit in the trunk of your car or in the backseat through the winter months. If you can think of anything else that should be added to this list, please let us know!!

2 Secret Weapon Ingredients to Make Your Favorite Foods Healthier

January 24, 2014 by Jenni 270 Comments

There are 2 secret weapon ingredients that I keep stocked in my kitchen at all times. One sweet, the other savory and they’re BOTH very good for you. They’re both great ways to lower the fat content in some of your favorite recipes! Here they are…from my secret weapon arsenal to yours.

Pumpkin. I use canned pumpkin to make virtually fat free muffins. These are my go-to dessert…make them all the time! There is something really awesome that happens when you mix canned pumpkin with a boxed cake mix. Seriously! This killer low-fat muffins recipe uses NO oil or eggs. All it calls for is a can of pumpkin and a boxed cake mix. We always use devils food for fudgey muffins or a spice cake mix for a fun twist. They’re really dense and moist.

…and Greek Yogurt. YESSS!!! This stuff is awesome-sauce! There is NO fat and it’s slap dab FULL of protein! Here are all of the things you can do with it.

Use instead of sour cream for baked potatoes, tacos, dips, etc.
Replacement for mayonnaise in salads, dressings or dips – and even on sandwiches.

I love it for salads, dips and especially as a sour cream replacement – but I have to say that I haven’t quite nailed down a good recipe for ranch salad dressing using it. Let’s just face it…not much else compares to full fat ranch dressing. Others have great success making Tzatziki sauce with it. I’ve made it – and it IS good! I love to snack on that with some crackers or chopped veggies.

Great for breakfast or snacks in place of regular yogurt. It’s delicious with honey and your favorite granola. I love to layer granola and this yogurt. Add fresh fruit…and it’s the bomb {dot} com!

Here are a couple of the recipes I’ve created using Greek Yogurt in place of mayonnaise or dressing.

Sweet and Sour Tuna Salad

Skinny BLT Chicken Pasta Salad

Do you have secret weapon ingredients that you can’t live without? If so, I’d love to hear all about them!! I’m always looking to add new weapons to my healthier foods “arsenal”. Please be sure to share them with us!!

This post was sponsored by Alomune, a daily pre-biotic supplement that helps you stay strong all year long. For more healthy living ideas & inspiration, please visit the Alomune Healthy Living blog, their Facebook page, Pinterest or join the conversation on Twitter.

20 Uses for Peppermint Oil – Natural Remedy to Keep Mice Away and So Much More!

December 23, 2013 by Jenni 1,657 Comments

We live in the country and now that winter is here, the field mice are starting to visit more frequently than we like. Ew. They are cute and all…on TV. But not in my house! I found out that peppermint oil is a natural remedy to keep mice away! There are also several other really great uses for peppermint oil! Thanks to FamilyFrugalFun for sharing these with us!

Not only does the peppermint oil keep certain critters away, but there are also some nice health benefits to using it. Ahhhh….thanks peppermint for being more than just something to freshen my breath! AND thank you for being such a cheap and awesome product! You can find Peppermint Oil here on Amazon!

Enteric coated pepperment oil capsules break down slowly, and are very good for numerous GI illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, and indigestion.
When taken orally, peppermint oil is also great for morning sickness….wish I had known that when I was expecting!
Rub peppermint oil on your temples to relieve tension.
Peppermint oil on the temples is also an excellent natural remedy for migraine headaches.
Treat motion sickness by rubbing peppermint oil on your abdomen and wrist for a few minutes.
Looking for a natural way to get rid of mice? Soak cottonballs in peppermint oil, then lay them where you see “evidence” of mice. In a matter of days, your mouse problem will be solved because they can’t stand the strong smell.
It is also an effective natural defense against mosquitos.
Ants won’t cross a line of peppermint oil; for an interesting experiment, lay down a line of peppermint oil where you have seen ants and watch what happens…no ants!
Peppermint oil can be combined with almond oil for a great muscle-friendly massage oil.
Diffuse peppermint oil in the air; this provides both nausea and headache relief. Great for migraines!
Add a drop to your favorite food or beverage for a minty twist (try it in hot cocoa this holiday season, YUM)
Capsules of peppermint oil provide menstrual pain relief as quickly as most name-brand medicines.
Mix a potion of half lavender oil and half peppermint oil to stop bug bite itch.
The same lavender and peppermint mixture will also keep you from getting those nasty bug bites in the first place
Allergic rash? Help ease symptoms and make it go away faster by applying peppermint oil.
2-3 drops of peppermint oil added to hot tea or ice cold water after meals will make a big difference in your digestion.
The next time you have trouble focusing put a drop on each index finger and massage your temples and below your nose. The smell will perk you up.
Applied to the back of your neck a few times during the day, peppermint oil works like magic to boost your energy level naturally.
If you are fighting cough and cold symptoms, use a little peppermint oil in a vaporizer or in a pan of water steaming on the stove. Take a few deep breaths and you will notice an immediate clearing of your sinuses.
Oral consumption of small quantities of peppermint oil helps with gas and bloating.

See…I told you peppermint oil was awesome!! I love when I can find a single item that does so many things. You can save a fortune by trying the peppermint oil vs. buying all of the products to remedy the problems mentioned above! Mouse traps, migraine medicine, PMS medicine, mosquito repellant…and on and on! Let us know how the peppermint oil works for you!!!

I posted an article the other day here (click here) –> 20 uses for Almond Oil. You wouldn’t believe how much money you could save by using almond oil in place of beauty and hair products! I love to share great ways to save money. Be sure to check out my other money saving ideas and thrifty household tips!

What thrifty tips do you use regularly? Don’t by shy….tell us about them! Leave us a comment below and share your awesome tips with everyone!

20 Uses for Almond Oil from Skincare to Hair Treatments

December 13, 2013 by Jenni 1,214 Comments

20 Uses for Almond Oil

Do you know that nearly half of the makeup of an almond is oil? Natural almond oil can be used for so many things so we’ve shared a nice roundup of uses for almond oil to make it easy! I love to use natural and thrifty products to replace more expensive and “chemical” ridden ones. The problem is, most people don’t realize that they could save so much money and have such healthier alternatives. That’s why I’m happy to share these tips with you!!

There are a couple of different types of almond oil. Bitter and then the sweet almond oil. All of the uses below focus mostly on the sweet kind of almond oil but bitter can easily be substituted if that’s what you already have on hand. This list below of awesome uses for almond oil is courtesy of Family Frugal Fun.

Use a few drops on your skin before shaving to prevent cuts.
Also, dip your razor blade in almond oil – this prevents it from rusting.
A dime-sized amount in the palm of your hand rubbed through hair will tame flyaway curls.
Massage almond oil on split ends.
2 Tablespoons a day administered orally act as a great natural laxative.
A few drops on the skin gently massaged in the area under your eyes helps to soften and tone your face.
Almond oil works well to nourish the skin without clogging pores.
The high amount of Vitamin E protects skin from harmful UV rays.
When taken orally in small amounts, almond oil also boosts your immune system.
Add one teaspoon a day to your cooking; folic acid and potassium-rich almond oil helps regulate blood pressure.
The folic acid and potassium content are also excellent for heart disease prevention.
Sweet almond oil is considered “brain food” and is thought to aid in concentration.
It makes a great substitute for olive oil, too – try it the next time you do stir fry at home for a wonderful flavor change that has lots of health benefits.
Almond oil is also a good “base” for mixing with other oils. Add some peppermint oil and use it as an invigorating massage lubricant that also soothes achy muscles.
It works well as a base with most any aromatherapy or essential oil for burning. Try lavender to relax, or peppermint or spearmint to get you moving.
Mix almond oil and sea salt together for a terrific all-natural salt scrub. Who needs pricy spa treatments?
Did you know almond oil is an excellent wood conditioner, and has been used for many years on musical instruments such as the oboe and clarinet?
It’s a wonderful natural moisturizer for dry skin, thanks to the many anti-inflammatory vitamins in almond oil. You can use it topically or orally and achieve good results.
If you make your own soap, add a 5% concentration of sweet almond oil and your skin will thank you for it!
If you have dandruff or a very dry and flaky scalp, massage a few drops of sweet almond oil into your scalp for a few minutes, then let it sit for 45 minutes to overnight before rinsing with your regular shampoo.

So whether it is used topically, in food, or mixed with other things, almond oil can help your body in all sorts of ways. Do you have other uses for almond oil? If so, we’d love to hear about it. Leave us a comment below!!

Steer Clear of Swimmers Ear with Aqua Ears this Season + Giveaway Ends 8/8

August 1, 2013 by Jenni 545 Comments

No More Swimmers Ear!

Steer Clear of Swimmers Ear with Aqua Ears!! Wow…I’m a poet and didn’t even know it! Okay, in all seriousness. Swimmers ear is NO fun!! Back when I was a kid and swam in the local pools and lakes, I’d end up with swimmers ear EVERY year. It’s so annoying and painful. My son was born with hearing issues, so we try our best to keep his ears nice and dry just to avoid infections and irritation.

Aqua Ears are silicone earplugs that basically mold to the shape of the inside of your ear. It basically seals out water which in turn makes for safer, happier ears! Did you know that the CDC says that germs along with water loving bacteria such as Pseudomonas found in pools and other water venues are one of the most common causes of swimmers ear (aka otitis externa). If you’ve never had it, what happens is that water gets trapped in the ear canal for long periods of time and causes pain, itching, redness and even infection. It’s misery!

That’s why we like to use some sort of earplugs when swimming, just because it makes ME feel better knowing that I’m at least trying to keep my little guy from getting any unnecessary ear germs! I was excited to find out that Aqua Ears has a new line of fun and colorful licensed character earplugs! These include:

Finding Nemo
Hello Kitty
Spongebob Squarepants
Dora the Explorer
…and other Disney characters!

We were sent a variety of characters and little guy always had a difficult time choosing which one to use when we’d go swimming. I think his favorite was the Finding Nemo though 😉 They fit his ears great and were nice and comfortable for him to wear. We didn’t have any issues with them falling out. If your child’s ears are smaller, you can also tear some of the silicone off so that they fit better.

AquaEars are available at your local retailer for an average retail price of $4.00, and include a convenient carrying case. You can also find Aqua Ears here on Amazon if you like to shop online! For more information, visit http://www.cirrushealthcare.com/AquaEars-C6.aspx.

Okay…now who’s in the mood for a fun giveaway??!! Aqua Ears is giving ONE lucky reader a set of Aqua Ears. Winner can choose which character they’d like! US residents only, age 18+. Giveaway ends Aug. 8th at 11:59pm EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received Aqua Ears for free in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received. Aqua Ears will fulfill one prize to a winner.

List of Seven Daily Habits to Make You Feel Your Best

July 2, 2013 by Jenni 958 Comments

List of Seven Daily Habits to Make You Feel Your Best

Do you ever get in a rut with your health and beauty habits? As a mom, it’s easy to do. I personally have been feeling this way for awhile and I’m determined to dig my way out of that hole. I found these pharmacy Boots offer codes online and it dawned on me…when was the last time I bought some new makeup, skincare, or a new outfit? Pfft!! Between buying toys for birthdays, getting groceries, mowing the yard and paying bills, I couldn’t tell you when!

If you’re anything like me though, thinking about buying things for yourself makes you feel guilty. Like you’re being selfish. The bottom line though is that if you want to be a blessing and of good use to your husband, kids, family and friends…you have to take care of you first.

Yes, those things are only a part of taking care of you. We need to be physically healthy too, but our self image is a big part of our all around health. If we don’t feel like we “look” good then more than likely we won’t really “feel” good either. That just starts an ugly snowball effect. So, here is a list of seven daily habits to make ourselves feel our best. They say if you do things for 14 days in a row, they’ll become habits. Let’s see if that’s true!

1. Wake up early. At least 30 minutes earlier than you normally do. That’s a hard task, I know, but that extra 30 minutes in the morning can totally be what you need to make your day go so much smoother. Definitely one of the best habits to get in!

2. Start your day with a devotional. I enjoy a daily devotional every morning while sipping my coffee. It gives you a new and positive perspective every day. You don’t have to have a physical devotional book. There are so many free apps that you can check out for Android or Apple devices.

3. Move for 30 minutes. This is super duper important. Hop on your treadmill or exercise bike and read your devotional, watch TV, listen to your iPod. Take a morning Zumba class, check your tv channels for morning yoga or take a walk up and down your street. It doesn’t have to be in the morning if you can’t fit it in. Maybe on your lunch break or after work. Just fit it in somewhere in your day! This is one of the most important habits to start. Good for your mind and body!

4. Spend at least 30 minutes on your appearance. Fix your hair, apply some makeup and put on a cute outfit. I always feel better when I look good. Always! If your makeup and skincare products are old, consider clearing out and making over your makeup bag with some new colors. Find a new skincare regimen that you’re happy with. Looking good and taking care of me are both really good habits to start…don’t you agree?!

5. Eat breakfast and take a multivitamin. I know that’s a given for most but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t eat breakfast – or take vitamins (including me). That’s one thing I really have to work on. I do tend to stick to eating breakfast though when I have quick options like snack bars, cereal, or something like toast and peanut butter. One of my worst habits is drinking coffee all morning long with no breakfast, then by the afternoon I’m famished. No more!!

6. Make a To Do list…and stick to it. I feel really accomplished when I’ve written a to do list and can mark things off of it. You can even add some of your new daily habits to it so that you’ll be more apt to DO them and mark them off.

7. Family ONLY Time. Life is busy, right?! How many times have you lost an hour or 2, or 3 online or watching tv when you could have been spending that time with your spouse or kids? I’m guilty!! Turn off the tv’s, shut your laptops, and put away your cellphones. Candy Crush and Facebook notifications can wait!

These things are all great new habits to create to make yourself feel your best.
Consider the following things as extras.

Smile! Smile at the cashier, your next door neighbor, even the guy who cut you off in traffic! Okay, that might be stretching it but you get my drift! A smile given usually yields a smile in return which makes you feel good.

Do what you like. Spend a few minutes of your free time doing what you enjoy. Journaling, reading your favorite magazine, checking out your favorite blogger’s latest blog posts. These are nice ways to wind down at the end of the day.

Plan a date night or a girl’s night out. Has it been awhile since you and your love have been on a real date? Schedule a date night with the hubs…go for dinner and a movie. Plan a fun girl’s night with your besties for drinks, dinner or a shopping trip.

Do you have things you do each day to make you feel better? We’d love to hear your comments and tips!!

Tips to Packing a Healthy Lunch That You and the Kids Will Love

August 21, 2012 by Jenni 285 Comments

How many times have you forgotten about your own lunch when you’re scrambling to pack the kids’ lunch boxes in the morning? Did you know that 73% of moms have eaten their child’s snacks in a pinch. If you’re one of these statistics, then think about stocking up on snacks that the whole family will enjoy. That should alleviate THAT issue!

Dole Real Fruit Bites are a great addition to your family’s cupboard! These combine 3 healthy favorites among kids and adults alike – fruit, yogurt and whole grain oats – into one delicious taste. These are offered in three yummy 90-calorie flavors – apple, pineapple and mango, you and your family will be sure to find a favorite flavor.

Below are some additional lunch-packing tips to make the mornings run smoothly.

Leverage last night’s leftovers. Add instant rice to leftover chicken or transform leftover steak into a hearty chili
Share a smile. Cut sandwiches into different shapes with cookie cutters, or write a note on a napkin
Camouflage healthy snacks. Dole Real Fruit Bites are made from real dried fruit, coated with yogurt and sprinkled with toasted whole grain oats – Kids won’t be trading this snack
Keep it cool. Think outside the thermos, and try freezing a yogurt cup or a juice box
Snack attack. Grab snacks for your desk drawer or purse so you can have a quick bite

100% Natural Baby Products Alternatives + 5 Things to Leave Out of Your Diaper Bag!

NO MOM GUILT ALLOWED!

5 REAL – 100% Natural Baby Products Alternatives!

1. Ditch Talcum Powder and/or Baby Powder (linked to ovarian cancer and lung diseases)

2. Ditch Traditional Baby Oil (they limit skin breathability and toxin release!)

3. Ditch the Anti-bacterial Soaps and Gels (they contain triclosan, which is carcinogenic. Don’t believe me? Google it!)

4. Belladonna (found in teething remedies) – linked to seizures!

5. Fragrances (can cause respiratory, neurological, and skin damage. May lead to asthma!)

Tell us, what products have you ditched and switched? We’d love to know!!

Ways to Keep Kids Healthy in the Fall

Ways to Keep Kids Healthy in the Fall…

Ok! Here are more tips from our moms…

What is Moms Check In?

Before you leave, let us know…

What are your best ways to keep kids healthy in the fall?

I have 9 tips to get a good night’s sleep that might help you too.

Do you suffer with insomnia?

Here’s what my typical night looks like…..

Check out these sleep stats:

There’s good news though!

Do you personally suffer from insomnia?

9 Tips to Avoid Swollen Feet While Traveling…

1. Epsom Salt and Lavender Oil Soaks

2. Water…Lots and Lots of Water

3. Pack a Diuretic

4. Go for the salad when you can…

5. Move, Move, Move…

6. Tennis Shoes…

7. Prop feet when you sleep…

8. Get a Massage…

9. Compression socks…

Do you have any tips to avoid swollen feet while traveling?

1. Getting Waterlogged

2. Sunscreen & Soothers

3. Grillin’ and Entertainin’ Essentials

4. Drinks & Freezer Treats

5. Keep the Kids from Getting HANGRY

What are some of your summer essentials?

Need some substitutes for mayo?

I’ve got some healthy sandwich spreads ideas!

1. non-fat greek yogurt

2. hummus

3. mustard

4. pesto

5. salsa

6. avocado

7. honey mustard

Don’t miss these healthy posts on the blog…

So, what do you think? Are you interested to try any of these healthy sandwich spreads? Do you have a different healthier substitute for mayo? If so, we’d love to hear!!! Drop us a comment.

5 Tips to Prevent Dry Winter Skin

More about Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair

Healthy Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar

It even helps to get rid of fleas on your dogs, for goodness sake!

If you enjoyed this post, you’ll love these! Check’em out:

Don’t diss the homemade cleaner recipes!

If you’re looking for more helpful ideas, check some of my other posts out:

Winter Emergency Survival Kit for Your Cars!

20 Uses for Almond Oil

No More Swimmers Ear!

List of Seven Daily Habits to Make You Feel Your Best

These things are all great new habits to create to make yourself feel your best. Consider the following things as extras.

Quick Links

These things are all great new habits to create to make yourself feel your best.
Consider the following things as extras.