Pull-Ups® and The Potty Training Adventure {Sponsored Post}

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pull-Ups® Training Pants.

When I first started potty training Nolan, I thought I could just use his diapers at night.  I figured no need to buy Pull-Ups® when I can just use the same ole diapers I had been using.

However the big problem with that was that he always would potty in his diaper. I couldn't seem to figure out how to get him to do #2 in the potty.  He always seemed to do it during nap time no matter how many potty breaks we took.

So I decided it was time to try something different, so I headed to the store to buy some Pull-Ups®.  I was amazed at all the different choices and that they were gender and size specific.  I decided to go with the Learning Designs®, since I knew Nolan would enjoy the Cars and Monsters Inc. characters.  He would always say the "monster is on the back!"  Magically, Nolan stopped having accidents.  I'm not sure if it was a mental note to himself that Pull-Ups® were not diapers and more of a "big boy" option, or maybe he didn't want to mess up the fun designs.  Whatever it was, I was finally happy to not clean up #2 accidents because this little boy can go.

I was seriously scared of the potty training process.  I knew that diapers were much easier than stopping a million times to go to the bathroom while we were out or planning trips out of the house accordingly.  However, I was really surprised how fast the process went and before I knew it I had a fully potty-trained boy.

If you are about to start the potty training process and have no idea where to start check out the Pull-Ups® tips for potty training success.  You can keep track of your child's progress with the Big Kid Calendar® and even customize a celebration for each success.  They even have an easy to access app, the new Big Kid® App to help keep up with your child's progress and to help celebrate those victory moments.

Right now you can get some pretty awesome coupons, so be sure to print some when you go to the store!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pull-Ups® Training Pants.  Save up to $3 on your next purchase of Pull-Ups® by registering at the Pull-Ups® website.

Natalie

Talkin' About Bums!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cottonelle but all opinions are my own.

In my household, I am outnumbered 3-to-1.  With three males in the house, the bathroom and bathroom habits are constantly a topic of conversation whether I like it or not.

As most of you know, I just potty trained my oldest son.  In doing so, that's when I discovered Cottonelle Flushable Cleansing Cloths.  And after cleaning his bum a few times (also the floor), I realized that these cleansing cloths mean serious business and should be moved into the "adult"' bathroom as well.

I mean let's be honest, I really don't have a lot of time on my hands---let alone use the bathroom alone.  So anything that can make my life easier, quicker, and cleaner then I'm all for it.

Of course bathroom routines aren't something you really want to talk or hear about, but the fact is we all do it, and we all want to be clean.  That's why Cottonelle is partnering with Cherry Healey to get people talking about how they take care of their bums.

Cottonelle Toilet Paper and Cottonelle Flushable Cleansing Cloths are designed to work together for a clean you can feel.  Obviously you all use toilet paper, so why not really feel clean by using the Cottonelle Flushable Cleansing Cloths?

We use wipes for our hands so why is it so crazy to think about using them for our unmentionables?  Honestly, I can't believe we've lived so long without them.

Incorporating cleansing cloths in your bathroom routine may feel weird at first but ultimately, it will leave you with a clean and fresh feeling.  I know that's exactly how I feel now that I have made the Cottonelle Clean Routine a "must" in my bathrooms.  Seriously, where have they been all my life?

And they now come in a very cool and sleek design to blend in with your bathroom!  (Please ignore the ugly yellow bathroom walls that need a new color ASAP!)

Cottonelle wants to get you talking about your bum and on a better way to clean “down there” by using the Cottonelle Clean Routine. By combining the use of Cottonelle Toilet Paper and Cottonelle Flushable Cleansing Cloths, the Cottonelle Clean Routine is a revolutionary way to keep your bum cleaner.

Are you ready? Don’t be shy! Visit http://www.facebook.com/cottonelle to learn more about the Cottonelle Clean Routine and join the clean routine conversation.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cottonelle.

Natalie

Potty Break...Monster Style!

This is a sponsored post written by me for Huggies Pull-Ups, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

When I began potty training with Nolan, I really had no idea how it would go.  We had never been able to get him to go on the big potty just as practice, so this was going to be a whole new world.

I had dreaded the transition to potty training because I knew it would be difficult with have a baby and a toddler to watch over.  I thought how am I going to be able to be with Nolan every second to catch an accident while I am nursing, changing a diaper, or putting Conley down for a nap?  He really had no concern about wetting or pooping in a diaper....so how would I convince to be a "big boy" now?

I knew though that I wanted him to be potty trained before he went back to Mother's Day Out in late August. So the plan was to start in July so that I would have plenty of time to test out my potty training skills.

We of course made it fun with using some M&M's as a reward.  Or as he calls it "chocolate candies." (And by the way he's way too tall and actually can reach inside the pantry cabinet and get these....note to self put them higher!)

Nolan was super excited about the Pull-Ups when he saw the monsters on both sides and ran around the house making monster noises.  And anytime after nap he would say, "I kept the monsters dry!"  Not only was he excited about it, but this helped make the potty training process fun and not like a chore for him.

(Why yes that is my husband holding him in place since this boy is on the go and says, "No picture mommy" all the time!)

Pull-Ups helps take the scare out of potty training by making it fun and easy with new Monsters U character training pants! You can help make potty training easier by staying consistent and using rituals like the potty break.  Make it a game and ask your toddler, "What does a little monster take?..."A Potty Break!"

Visit Pull-Ups.com and “like” Pull-Ups on Facebook for more potty training tips and resources.

Natalie

How to Beat the Summer Blues with Netflix

****This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Netflix.****

Now that we are in the heat of summer, I am like many and grabbing at straws on how to keep my little ones entertained.

Oh and summer TV in general??? AWFUL!  My husband and I are constantly going through the channels trying to find something to watch.

Ta-da! The answer to our problems...Netflix!

Did you know that Netflix.com/Families page is available for members and non-members?  This page features several new categories including Family Movie Night, Are We There Yet, and TV for Curious Kids.

And with the kids being out of school for summer...well that means most families double their budget on entertainment during this time period.  Have you seen the cost of a movie ticket these days?  YOWZA!  Netflix delivers big entertainment without breaking the bank for only $7.99/month.

As Nolan and I browsed the selection, he immediately was drawn to Cars and The Tigger Movie.  I was also very impressed with all the different wildlife/animal selections.  Nolan is one of those kids that if he watches a show he really takes it in and will repeat parts over and over.  It's always great when we can combine entertainment with learning.

The Netflix.com/Families page is easy to navigate and also provides a summary of the movie as well as a member rating.

Because when the heat rises...so does the inside play time.  So to avoid this face that says, "Mom it's too hot can we go inside?"

We will be spending those 90 degree + days enjoying some great entertainment from Netflix.

Netflix is also a great companion for on the go...waiting for appointments...long trips in the car. Netflix makes it easy for you as a parent to be informed when making a selection for your child. And for me, I want all the tools and resources when allowing my child to watch certain programs.

Because keeping a smile on this boy's face during the summer months...isn't always easy.

But definitely worth it!

Netflix.com/Families is a new destination designed to meet your family's summertime entertainment needs.  On Netflix.com/Families, parents can find lists of movies and TV shows for all kinds of special summer moments.

Visit www.Netflix.com/Families for more information on the best way to stream as well as videos from families using Netflix.

Just Call Me a Coffee Addict...

Every morning usually after I have retrieved at least one of the boys, I head to the kitchen to make coffee.  Until I have that first cup, I feel like I am not really awake.  I drink on a cup while I get Nolan's breakfast ready and Conley is playing in his activity center.  I know this will be the only time I have a chance before the chaos begins.  Below is one of my favorite coffee mugs, because it is a tall one and can take a mega dose of morning coffee.

When I was sent my Tonx box of coffee, I was ecstatic to give it a try.  Not only did it have some delicious coffee beans, it came with some pretty cool swag.

I mean this shirt?  It's that super soft T-shirt that you just want to live in.  Not to mention a French Bulldog making coffee?  Now that's just an added bonus.

Tonx delivers fresh beans to your house every other week with beans from exceptional coffee bean farmers who are fanatical about tasty coffee.

So if you are a busy mom like me, who usually has a case of the mom brain and will constantly forget to buy coffee beans, then you need to check out the Tonx subscription where all you have to do is open your front door for your fresh coffee beans.  Not to mention, the coffee beans are fresher and way better than what you can even buy at your grocery store.

Here's a quick run down about Tonx:

The Tonx team is made up of experts with years of experience from seed to cup.  They know that home-brewed coffee can be just as good as your favorite cafe.  It's not as hard as baristas make it out to be--but it all starts with fresh beans, which you can't get if you buy bags of beans from grocery stores.  Pre-ground coffee is even worse.  Great coffee actually has very little to do with fancy gadgets and expensive gizmos.

The best part? Your Tonx Coffee subscription is very easy to manage, and they have great customer service because we appreciate every customer.  They will always be transparent with how your subscription is being managed, and it's very easy to pause, cancel, or adjust your quantity for your needs.  If you need tips or advice on how to get the most out of your coffee, they are always available to chat.  

Everyone can sign-up for a Tonx free trial...all you need to do is head over to Tonx and sign up.

Full disclaimer:  Tonx will ask for a credit card and automatically subscribe users to the lowest monthly subscription unless they cancel.  They provide very clear messaging and reminders (via email) before moving users to a paid subscription.  They believe that once you try their fresh coffee, you'll want more!

I had the opportunity to try the Ecuador beans, and let me say from the nutty smell to the taste was absolutely perfection!  I wouldn't say that I'm a coffee snob...ok maybe I am but it takes a lot to impress me with a good cup of coffee.  It's got have great flavor with a richness that lasts to the bottom of the cup.  Tonx believes wanting good cup of coffee doesn't make you a coffee snob just like you wouldn't call someone that wants to wear clean socks a "laundry snob."

And since I'm feeling like sharing the love, I will send one lucky reader their very own free sample of the Ecuador coffee beans that I received in my Tonx box.  All you have to do is comment and let me know how much you love some good coffee!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tonx Coffee.

Natalie

A Mom on a Budget

My last day of work was October of 2010, the day I went into labor with Nolan. Until that point, my husband and I were used to two good incomes. We had always planned for me to stay at home once we had children, but we had no idea what kind of sacrifices we would have to make to allow this.

And even if your are a working mom or a part-time working mom those kiddos are expensive! So that's why we're always looking for the best deals. Here's my 5 tips on how to save money once having kids:

1) Eat at home more--of course when they are babies you don't buy them food at restaurants, but even just you and your spouse's meal can add up. We rarely eat at a restaurant unless it's somewhere quick and somewhere we don't have to tip. Plus if you make food at home you can have leftovers that you can use for the next day. Not to mention it's healthier to eat at home and less processed. We also have our own square foot garden to grow some of our very own veggies.

2) Shop for clothes in the off season. I can't tell you how many deals I've found by just getting next year's size for my boys. We're talking like $2 for shirt or pants. Sometimes I find that to be a better deal than shopping at a consignment sale, plus it's new!

3) Find free activities to attend in your community. I've mentioned before we have a store called that has featured events that are free. Also visiting parks and many other museums are free. I think a lot of people miss out because they don't know these events exist--I stay connected by receiving newsletters or from Facebook pages.

4) Shopping stores that offer variety--like Family Dollar. I find that a store that isn't just a "specific item" store has more of a chance to offer you a bargain on many products because they have variety and more buying power. Where I grew up, we only had a few stores and Family Dollar was one of them. We found many great deals there.

5) DIY it. I know sometimes it can be more expensive to do it yourself, but most of the time you can find better deals on the materials for the project. We have completed a lot of our home improvements ourselves including: renovating our kitchen (cabinets, tile, paint, sink, etc.), building our own deck, renovating our guest bathroom (new vanity, tile, towel bar, paint, and toilet). It's amazing the money we've saved and how much we have increased the value of our home.

Now if you do have a baby in the house...like me, with two in diapers here's a great product and deal from Family Dollar:

Introducing the newest addition to the family of Kidgets products: Kidgets Baby Wipes! Available exclusively at Family Dollar, Kidgets baby wipes are made with a special three-layer fabric that is Thick, Strong, and Soft. Available in Unscented and Fresh Scent, they are the perfect addition to your changing table, car, or diaper bag. Convenient press-open lids make on-the-go changes a breeze!

Family Dollar's line of Kidgets diapers is also second to none. Family Dollar realizes that you want the best for your baby. That's why they developed Kidgets--a soft, absorbent diaper that's also a great value. With an ultra absorbent core, stretchable grip tabs, and cloth-like outer core, they are so sure that you'll love the Kidgets diaper that they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee!

Check Kidgets Diaper and Wipes products out today--only at Family Dollar!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Family Dollar.

Natalie