Bedtime Wars: Getting the Kids to Bed!

Does getting your child to bed seem like a daunting task? It doesn't have to be. Try some of the tips below to assist you in your bed time war!

Tip #1: Create a Routine and Follow it!
Children are creatures of habit. They love watching the same movie over and over. They love the same bedtime story night after night. They even request the same snacks day in and day out. Bedtime is no different. Create your routine and stick to it every night! You will notice that your child will no longer protest (or at least not as much).

Tip #2: Feed and Conquer!
Children always try to find any excuse not to go to bed. Make sure they eat a nice dinner about 2 hours before bedtime. You will notice that they are satisfied and won't complain. And remember, sugar is your enemy! No sugar after 5pm is my motto! That way it has time to get through their system.

Tip #3: Where's my Rubber Ducky?

Warm baths are very soothing. Make sure your child takes a nice warm bath before bed. Let them play a little! This process gets any last need to play out (hopefully). It also relaxes them and gets their bodies ready for slumber.

Tip #4: Comfy PJ's
Make sure that their pajamas are comfortable. Whether its warm and soft or cool and free, just make sure that your little person finds them comfortable. Don't put them in feeted pajamas if they don't like it. They will just protest.

Tip #5: Who Turned Out the Light?
Darkness promotes sleep. If your child is afraid of the dark, let them pick out a cool night light that they love. Make it fun! This way they will beg you to cut the light off just to see their new cool night light glow in the dark.

Tip #6: No Play Zone!
All activities leading up to bed time should be calming. No wild jumping on the bed or wrestling or any other physically or mentally stimulating activities. Think zen.

Tip # 7: The Princess (or Prince) and the Pea.
Make sure their bed is nice and cozy. Whatever that means to your child. Whether its with lots of pillows and a thick blanket or no cover at all. Whatever it is, let your child's sleeping place be specially tailored to their wants and desires. After all they will be spending many hours there getting their beauty rest!

Hope these tips help you to get your little angel off to slumber land! Also, here are some products that you might find useful!

Survival Guide For Shopping During the Holidays

Shopping can be a stressful time during this time of year. Follow these steps to help you survive the holiday shopping blues.

Step 1: Make a budget and stick to it.
Many times when we go shopping, we grab everything that we see and don't consider our budget. This is a mistake because you don't want to go into the new year with fresh debt.

Step 2: Be realistic about how much you have to spend.
If you can't afford it, DON'T buy it!

Step 3. Make a list and check it twice!
Santa's not the only one who needs a list! Make a list of everyone you want to get a gift for. On that list put what you want to get them and how much you want to spend. This way, you will have a plan of what stores to go to and what you are purchasing.

Step 4. Shop around!
When I say shop around, I don't mean actually travel to a bunch of different stores to compare prices, I mean look online. Google it! You will be able to see a range of prices and stores that offer what you want at the best price. You may even find that purchasing your item online is more feasible.

Step 5. Map out your trip.
Plan what stores you would like to go to and then map out the best route. Head over to Google maps if you need to. You can add multiple destinations and map the shortest route. With gas prices being so expensive, you don't want to waste gas and money. Also, you'll be more eco-friendly by conserving gas!

Step 6. Plan ahead!
You don't want to wait until the last minute to get your shopping done. Being caught in a crowd of people fighting over the same item is no fun!

Step 7: Plan for backup!
Always have a backup plan. This way if you can't find an item that you are looking for, you can just purchase something else! No use in stressing about it!

Step 8: Buy online.
Online shopping is the way to go if you are pressed for time or can't get to a store. A great place to start is Amazon. There are many great deals and multiple sellers so that you can get the best deal!

Step 9: Never shop on an empty stomach!
This is the easiest way to spend more than you planned and increase your waistline. Either plan a time to eat during your shopping trip or eat before you head out. Also, you want to have a clear head while shopping and many times people don't think straight on an empty stomach!

Step 10: No Bebe's Kids allowed!

Leave the kids at home (if you can). Shopping is much more enjoyable and more efficient when the munchkins are left at home. We all love them dearly but "Mommy, I have to go potty" and "Mommy, I'm hungry" is going to slow you down.

Step 11: Relax, Relate, Release!
It's just shopping! Don't let it be stressful, let it be fun! If you encounter a bad attitude along the way, just know that they didn't get the memo on the "Survival Guide For Shopping During the Holidays!" :-)

Happy Shopping!

Treat Yourself!

Indulge yourself in this spa in a basket. As mommy's, we sometimes forget to treat ourselves. An evening of relaxation beckons from this picnic basket! Bath gel, soap, lotion, and bath salts in a delicious "Pure Pleasure Honey Vanilla" scent are combined with a wood massage tool and a sponge.