When Words Just Aren't Enough: Luvs Momoji Keyboard App {$100 AMEX Prize Pack Giveaway!}

Out of all of the motherhood knowledge I've gained in the last nine years, the most prevalent lesson has to be that this is one wild and crazy adventure.

To add to it? No matter what you do in terms of preparing, reading, taking classes, meditating, gathering advice, and more, you'll never really know what you're doing. While initially I thought that maybe once I survived the newborn stage, I'd be more surefooted... then toddlerhood hit and I was back to square one. And don't even get me started on the ups and downs of the preschool years, school-age conundrums, and tween drama.

But could I really describe it all, even if I wanted to? The laughter, the tears, the lack of sleep, and the overall abundance of emotion that comes with parenting? Nope.

Which is why I'm loving the lighthearted way that Luvs has taken the fact that sometimes words just aren't enough by creating the first custom emoji keyboard specifically for moms and dads, the Luvs Momoji Keyboard.

Inspired by experienced parents and their affinity for emoji use, the Luvs Momoji Keyboard gives parents more ways to easily express all the emotions that come with real-life parenting. We're all using emojis as a part of daily language these days, so why not lighten the chaos of the day by communicating a diaper blowout or your toddler's public meltdown in photo form!

Simply download this FREE app (from the Apple App Store for iOS devices or on Google Play for Android devices) and, after a quick tap or two in Settings to have the keyboard displayed, you are all set to use the Luvs emojis characters in SMS and MMS iMessage, Hangouts, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Tango, and Gmail.

How much more fun is it to portray the emotional roller coaster of parenting with your partner, family, and friends with the Luvs Momoji Keyboard rather than just a plain text or message!

As well as having a fun way to communicate with these cute "momojis," the Luvs Momoji Keyboard app is the first to offer access to the latest in emoji technology – the Promoji (promotional emojis) – which helps busy moms hunt for diaper deals on the go. That's right! Along with taking a break to send a message, you can find deals and promotions at the same time!

These Promojis can be accessed directly within the Momoji Keyboard on the Android operating system or via the main Momoji Keyboard app landing page on the iPhone operating system. With this technology, Luvs has now defined itself as the first brand to share coupons, deals and special offers with consumers in a whole new way and make it faster and easier to unlock a bargain. Talk about efficiency!

Experienced parents already know that Luvs diapers provide larger stretch tabs for easy fastening, ultra-leakage protection, and a money-back guarantee, but did you know how much savings they can provide over the premium brands? When parents choose Luvs with NightLock over Huggies Snug & Dry, they get outstanding superior overnight protection that locks away wetness 2X better, and they turn diapers into dollars by saving up to $150 per year!

Combine that with the unique new Luvs Momoji Keyboard and the way that its innovative Promojis can save you even more money and it's a win-win for parents on every level.

Speaking of win, if you wouldn't mind talking even more about these fun Momojis with Luvs and entering to win some great prizes at the same time, then you'll want to be sure to join in the Luvs #Momoji Twitter Party with @iConnectIm on December 15, 2015 at 9pm EST!

For more information and to download the Luvs Momoji Keyboard, visit the App Store or Google Play today. To find out more about the quality and savings provided by Luvs Diapers, visit LuvsDiapers.com and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will be even more prepared for superior diaper protection and shopping for deals this holiday season, because...

One lucky person will win a $100 Amex gift card and

(1) package of Luvs diapers in winner's choice of size 1 - 6!

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This review and giveaway was made possible by iConnect Influencer Management and Luvs. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Celebrate Amazingness in the Pampers Thank You Nurses Awards Program {$100 AMEX Gift Card Giveaway}

There is no doubt about the fact that doctors are amazing. These incredible miracle-workers have the ability to save lives, heal the sick, mend broken bones, and more with their own two hands. I can only describe my feelings as being in awe.

But, let's face it. The people who are just as important in terms of taking care of patients of all ages and in all stages of health, illness or injury are nurses. These men and women put in hour after hour after hour to ensure that you are taken care of in the best possible way and often clock out at the end of their shift exhausted and under appreciated.

It's time to change that!

I love nurses and, while I don't have the ability to go back to each and every one that has made a difference in my life, I can at least participate and share the word about the awesome Pampers Swaddlers Thank You Nurses campaign!

Recently kicked off, Pampers has launched the Thank You Nurses Awards program* in an effort to give a big thank you to every nurse who has made a difference in our lives. What could be better?

As the first phase of the campaign, Pampers is honoring nurses across three award categories: Labor & Delivery, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and Postpartum. Parents are invited to share their stories of nurses who helped make life #BetterForBaby by submitting a nurse nomination between November 9th and December 14th.

Three finalists, one in each category, will be announced in March and the grand prize honoree will be announced in May. The three finalists will be honored with short documentary videos showcasing their unique and inspirational nursing stories. Even better, each of the three finalists will receive a one-year membership to the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), attendance at the 2016 AWHONN Convention, Procter & Gamble care packages, and more!

As an added bonus, in honor of these nurse winners, three Pampers Swaddlers scholarships will be made available to help nurses from underrepresented groups complete their studies toward a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

Do you already have a favorite nurse in mind to nominate for this campaign?

I had a few unbelievable nurses that helped me when I gave birth to Big Sister E and Little Sister B (have I mentioned lately that my children weighed 10 lbs 5 oz and 9 lbs 13 oz at birth, respectively? We're talking lots of help needed) and, looking back, I hope that I thanked them profusely for all that they did for me as well as for my newborns.

Where would I have been if not for these amazing women when I was clueless and lying in bed with an infant the size of a 3-month-old? Thank you, Nurses!

Do you have a story to tell about an incredible nurse that has made a difference in your life? Come share it (while possibly winning amazing prizes at the same time) at the Pampers #ThankYouNurses Twitter Party!

When: Thursday, November 19th at 8:00pm CST

Where: #ThankYouNurses

Host: @iConnectIM

Prizes:

• Prize 1: $50 AMEX plus diapers and wipes
• Prize 2: $75 AMEX plus diapers and wipes
• Prize 3: $125 AMEX plus diapers and wipes
• Grand Prize: $350 AMEX plus diapers and wipes

Don't miss it!

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Ready to nominate your favorite nurse(s) for a Thank You Nurses Award? Head over and do so today!

And, thanks to the generosity of Pampers, one person will have one more thing to be thankful for in their lives, because...

One lucky person will win a $100 American Express prepaid gift card and a pack of Pampers Swaddlers diapers!

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*See more information, full prizing details, and official rules at spr.ly/6181BPvMF. Winner must be a resident of the US or Puerto Rico, 18 years or older. Nomination period ends 12/14/15 at 3PM EST.

This review was made possible by iConnect and Pampers. I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Stay Warm this Winter with Fun Indoor Activities for Kids and Tasty Jack's Pizza {#RealCheeseRealLife}

This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Jack's Pizza. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.

What is the chance that if I continue to tell myself that winter won't arrive that it will come true? One percent? Zero? Sigh.

While I will prepare for the (unfortunately) upcoming winter with standard actions — digging out boots, mittens and snow pants — experience has also taught me that having a variety of indoor activity ideas pays off for the long, dark, cold days when the kids are bored and the stuck-insideness begins to drive us all a little batty. You can't ever have too many crafts, apps, recipes, games, books, and more to fall back on!

With that in mind, here are five fun ways to "Win the Day" this winter and beyond...

Indoor Obstacle Course

Kids have energy; lots of energy. Along with turning on music and having a dance party, we love to pull out chairs, blankets, pillows, cardboard boxes, toys, and more to create an obstacle course to crawl in, climb on, shimmy through, jump over, and, in general, get us up and moving.

There is no wrong way to do this and kids love helping build as well as participating. It all adds up to hours of entertainment while also using up some extra energy!

Paper Snowflakes and Cut Paper Winter Art

We all grew up making snowflakes out of a piece of paper, right? Simply fold in half, in half again, in half again, etc, and then make different shape cut-outs. Just unfold the paper to see the results and, if your snowflake needs tweaking, fold it back up and continue expressing your artistic skills!

But then why not take things a step further and use all the little paper scraps that were cut out from your snowflakes? All it takes is some construction paper for the background, glue to attach, and creativity to design just about any sort of winter scene a child can imagine!

Paper Snowmen

Even though I have lived in the Midwest all of my life, I'm just not a fan of playing out in the snow. Therefore, I much prefer to join my kids in making snowmen when we can do them in the warmth and comfort of our living room in the form of paper snowmen!

Use any sort of paper you have — we like to recycle old newspaper — and crumple, adhering with masking tape when needed. Just like in the snow, start with a smaller ball and add on to make it bigger and bigger... then stack, decorate, and enjoy your happy snowman. Added bonus: no melting!

Indoor Ice Skating

A friend introduced us to this unique way to ice skate indoors and the interest has yet to lessen! Just have your child stand on a piece of wax paper, bunch it up around their ankle, and hold in place using rubber bands.

The "ice rink" is just about any type of flooring, but be warned that some are much more slippery than others. Little Sister B prefers to stay more on the carpet or rug so that she can slide and spin while Big Sister E is more of a daredevil and can sometimes barely stand up on the hardwood!

Cooking and Baking

I have yet to meet a child that doesn't love to help out in the kitchen! No matter if I'm baking cookies, cooking spaghetti or simply chopping veggies for a salad, my kids want to be involved in every possible way. Along with appreciating the help (mostly), being a part of the cooking process has a way of making kids extremely excited to eat the finished product!

So, while we oftentimes have to compromise on what flavor muffins or exactly which toppings will be offered in our sandwich buffet, there is never any question on what brand of pizza to pull out of the freezer. Nothing beats the quality, value, and taste of Jack's Pizza!

Created from 100 percent real Wisconsin cheese and a preservative-free crust, Jack's is made here in the Midwest with pride and never receives a single complaint. My entire family will happily come to the table to reach for a fresh slice and I'm always thrilled that in just 15 minutes I've got a meal on the table that everyone will enjoy!

Want to talk more about how stocking up on Jack's Pizza is a quick and easy solution for family dinners? Then be sure to join in the #RealCheeseRealLife Twitter Party this week!

When: Wednesday, November 11 at 1 p.m. CT

Where: #RealCheeseRealLife

Hosts: @TheMotherhood, @TMChatHost, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann

Prizes: Four prize packs will be handed out to randomly selected participants who answer the trivia questions correctly. Each prize includes a $50 Visa gift card! (Prizes limited to U.S. participants only. See official rules for more.)

RSVP: Find out more and RSVP here.

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The next time you are looking for a meal option that will let you customize it perfectly to meet everyone's tastes, check out the full line of Jack's Pizza varieties – they even offer great pairing ideas to include your pizza in a complete, well-balanced meal!

Find out more about the quality, value, and time-saving delectable options that Jack's has to offer by visiting JacksPizza.com and connecting with them on Facebook. When you're feeding your family, give them the best!

Keep Your Family Healthy with the Braun No touch + forehead Thermometer {Giveaway & Twitter Chat!}

Even though I will readily admit that winter really has just gotten started here in the Midwest, I still need it to be over soon.

But along with the cold weather that is threatening to drive me insane, it's the runny noses and sneezes that come along with cold and flu season that need to end. As soon as I start to revel in the fact that no one has a fever or is coughing at all hours of the night, it seems to begin again. Someone make the cycle stop!

However, there has been a bright side to the sniffles this year thanks to Braun. Although they haven't cured us of our sicknesses, they have made life easier in our house and for parents everywhere with the new Braun No touch + forehead thermometer.

Talk about convenience! The new Braun No touch + forehead thermometer is the first ever thermometer to combine two clinically proven options to take a temperature – completely non-invasive no touch, or the traditional forehead touch. It offers the same professional accuracy in either mode and is proven clinically accurate for all ages!

Can this innovative device be any quicker and easier to use? Simply position the No touch + forehead thermometer between the eyebrows and EITHER hold on the forehead or up to two inches away from the forehead (the built-in accuracy sensor actually guides you to the right distance to take a reading). Press the temperature button and within two seconds, the large, color-coded screen will display the temperature.

Voilà! The Braun No touch + forehead thermometer is safe to use on all members of your family, but its non- invasive feature of taking accurate reading from even up to two inches away makes it even more perfect for taking the temperature of a sleeping child.

Plus, the large, color-coded screen allows for instant fever detection, day or night. A green screen indicates no fever is detected, yellow suggests a slightly elevated temperature, and red signals a possible high fever may be present.

Isn't it about time that we all were able to ease a tiny bit of worry by maximizing the ease and convenience of temperature taking?


To find out more about the Braun No touch + forehead thermometer, be sure to head over to the Braun website where this device retails for $65.99 (but is currently a great deal on Amazon for only $49.96).

And, to talk about all things thermometers as well as get answers to all of your questions relating to preventing and treating colds and the flu this season, join in the upcoming #HealthyWishes Twitter Chat this Wednesday, December 10th!

This Wednesday at 1pm EST, Braun Thermometers (@BraunTherms) is hosting a Twitter Chat with nationally recognized pediatrician, Dr. Tanya Altmann (@DrMommyCalls), who will be discussing her must-have tips for staying healthy during the holiday season.

Not only will you want to join in at #HealthyWishes to find out all sorts of great information for keeping your family healthy, but Braun will be giving away four Braun Holiday Survival Kits at the end of the Chat which contain the new Braun No touch + forehead thermometer, a Vicks Vapors Plug-in and a Vicks Mini FilterFree CoolMist Humidifier!

In order to be entered to win, you must RSVP, so do that HERE now and then join in at #HealthyWishes on Wednesday!

This holiday season and beyond, be prepared to get through cold and flu season as easily, painlessly and quickly as possible. Can you really put a price on your family's health?

Thanks to the generosity of Braun, one person will soon be prepared to experience the convenience of accurate, simple temperature taking as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Braun No touch + forehead thermometer!

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A big thank you to Braun for providing a Holiday Survival Kit for me to review as well as a No touch + forehead thermometer for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Just Between Friends Milwaukee County Consignment Sale and Twitter Party! {#JBFMilwaukee}

I had a conversation recently with a mom who mentioned looking online to see what the suggested number of outfits was that she should have for her 3-year-old son. First of all, what? Second of all, her internet research told her that the answer was seven. That's all. Seven.

The idea that either of my own children would own only seven outfits made me feel taken aback for a multitude of reasons, namely that I might be a wee bit addicted to buying them clothes. I can't seem to help it! They are both so cute, have nearly opposite senses of style and I can't bring home something for one without getting something for the other...

Before you get too far thinking that I'm out spending a fortune on my kids' wardrobes, here's my secret: I buy nearly everything at a fraction of what it would cost in the store or at all the mall.

That's right! Instead of spending far too much money on overpriced apparel that will be worn for one season or toys that will be passed over when the next fad comes around, I fully say no to wasting money and say yes to Just Between Friends Milwaukee.

If you have never attended a Just Between Friends event before, you're missing out. These nationwide consignment sales help families and communities across the country save money and make money by providing quality items at bargain prices for kids.

No matter if you arrive to shop with designated purchases in mind or simply want to browse to beef up your child's closet or pick up gifts for birthdays, the holidays and more, JBF is a not-to-be-missed sale for everyone. These bi-annual events provide exactly what you need for the upcoming season, whether that be snow pants, soccer cleats, a Halloween costume, dolls and accessories, a jogging stroller or more.

I spent quite a few hours at the JBF Milwaukee sale this past spring and still can't get over the pure enormousness and variety of what was available at rock bottom prices. Every age, every color, every style, every everything!

Need any of this?

Or how about some of this?

There is just no reason to buy retail when these bargains are waiting and I, for one, am giddy with anticipation for the upcoming fall sale. If you're within driving distance to the Milwaukee area (if not, you can find an event near you), then mark your calendar because you're not going to want to miss this!

Held at the Wisconsin Expo Center on the State Fair Park grounds in West Allis, Wisconsin, sale hours include:

Sunday, September 21st 10am-7pm ($3.00 admission)

Monday, September 22nd 10am-7pm

Tuesday, September 23rd 10am-7pm

Wednesday, September 24th 10am-6pm

Thursday, September 25th 10am-5pm (*25% off day!)

Friday, September 26th 10am-7pm (*50% off day!)

Saturday, September 27th 10am-1pm (*50% off day!)

*Items with a star will remain FULL price! Consignors decide which items go 25% and 50%.

But, wait! While you're making your plans on when you want to head over to shop, shop, shop at JBF Milwaukee, come join me to chat about all that is awesome about consignment shopping at the #JBFMilwaukee Twitter Party this week!

Why wouldn't you want to win Front of the Line Passes and a ton of JBF Bucks?! I sure do! Head over and RSVP now and then I'll see you tomorrow at noon at #JBFMilwaukee on Twitter!

In the meantime, be sure to visit the JBF Milwaukee website and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter so that you'll stay in-the-know on all of the amazing happenings and updates from this fantastic event!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Just Between Friends of Milwaukee. This program is in partnership with Real Mom Media (www.RealMomMedia.com). All opinions are my own.

It's Time To Go Back To School with HEALTHY ESSENTIALS! {#Moms4JNJConsumer}

With summer winding down and a buzz of anticipation in the air for school to begin, I love seeing my kids' excitement. But as great as it is going to be for them to immerse themselves with new teachers, new friends and new learning, I know that back-to-school also means that life will be busy with lunches, field trips, PTO meetings, homework and more, adding up to a hectic few months.

Which is why right now is the perfect time for us to refresh and re-energize our daily routine! Instead of rushing around like crazy, we're slowly getting back into the swing of things by going to bed a little earlier, having closets and drawers organized and clear of outgrown items, labeling and storing school supplies, looking at upcoming lunch menus and more.

Along with these steps, we've found that now is also the perfect time to stock up on the great Johnson & Johnson products that the whole family depends on – from filling the medicine cabinet to encouraging healthy habits in all of us! Even better, HEALTHY ESSENTIALS is offering amazing printable coupons, tips & tools and so much more so that we all can save more than $40 by visiting HealthyEssentials.com!

From products for your skin, hair and mouth to following a healthier diet, Johnson & Johnson cares for the world one person at a time. So when it comes to re-energizing your routine for back-to-school, there are so many great HEALTHY ESSENTIALS items that we all know and love.

We're thrilled to be heading into a new season and school year with this great assortment:

LISTERINE HEALTHY WHITE GENTLE Rinse: The unique formula safely whitens teeth and is the only whitening product on the market that does not contain peroxide but includes the added benefit of fluoride to restore enamel, offering a gentler, non-irritating whitening experience while simultaneously preventing cavities. It also provides 12-hour cavity protection and strengthens teeth 99% better than brushing alone.

CLEAN & CLEAR ADVANTAGE Acne Spot Treatment: Shown to reduce pimples in just four hours. This medication starts to clear pimples immediately with maximum strength 2% Salicylic acid so that pimples are reduced in size, swelling and redness, and the formula won't over-dry skin.

JOHNSON'S Baby NO MORE TANGLES 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner: A baby's hair may double in thickness by their second birthday, but remains more delicate than adult hair. Baby hair is more prone to breakage, and for this reason, this product's regimen is formulated with hair conditioners that gently moisturize as they cleanse to help hair grow.

AVEENO POSITIVELY RADIANT Skin Brightening Daily Scrub: Helps improve skin tone, texture and clarity to reveal brighter, more radiant skin. Its unique formula combines ACTIVE NATURALS moisture-rich soy extract with microbeads to gently exfoliate while you cleanse, leaving skin soft, smooth and even-looking.

SPLENDA Sweetener Products: SPLENDA Sweetener Products can contribute to a healthier lifestyle by helping to reduce calories from added sugar. SPLENDA Sweetener Products can be used almost anywhere sugar is used, including cooking and baking.

LUBRIDERM Daily Moisture Lotion: Daily Moisture Fragrance-Free Lotion is a family-friendly solution (for kids 4 and up) to replenish and moisturize dry skin. It is fragrance-free, fortified with Vitamin B5 and skin-essential moisturizers. The clean-feeling, non-greasy formula absorbs in seconds and moisturizes for hours – in fact, it's clinically shown to moisturize for 24 hours.

NEUTROGENA Oil Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit: Revolutionary MicroClear technology pushes medicine deep into pores to fight both the acne you see, and the acne that is forming below the surface.

RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream: Contains an exclusive combination of pure Retinol and an essential mineral complex that is clinically shown to visibly reduce even deep wrinkles after 12 weeks' use.

With back-to-school around the corner, these (and many other) Johnson & Johnson brands are going to be on your shopping list anyway, so why not save some money while purchasing them? Be sure to head over to HealthyEssentials.com to grab some fantastic deals on these (and more) products!

Ready to celebrate all things back to school? Then be sure to mark your calendar to join in the upcoming HEALTHY ESSENTIALS Twitter Party to share your suggestions for re-energizing your routine for the new school year!

• What: #Moms4JNJConsumer

• When: Wednesday, August 27th at 1pm ET (12pm CT/10am PT)

• Hosts: @theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann, @TheMotherhood25

• Prizes: There will be 15 prizes throughout the party, randomly chosen from all eligible correct responses to trivia questions. Each prize includes an assortment of Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies HEALTHY ESSENTIALS products with an estimated retail value of $50! 

• RSVP: Find out more info and RSVP at the twtvite!

Be sure to head over to HealthyEssentials.com to sign up for savings for your family and get your back-to-school season off on the right foot!

This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

Join Champions for Kids and Become a Hunger Hero! {#HungerHeroes}

I participated in this program on behalf of Champions for Kids and The Motherhood. All opinions are honest and my own.

With the new school year only weeks away, I have already caught myself falling into my usual woe is me about having to come up with ideas of what to pack in my kids' school lunches day after day. Why is it so difficult to come up with something other than the same old sandwich and yogurt?

This year, however, I have vowed to cut out much of my whining and complaining by looking at the big picture and being realistic. Is it really so hard for me to look through our fully stocked refrigerator and overflowing pantry and cupboards to decide what to feed my kids when there are 16 million American children living in poverty?

Many of these kids don't have reliable access to the nutritious meals that help them thrive and succeed both academically and socially and here I am moaning about having to separate fruits and veggies into separate containers?

No more.

Instead of turning our heads at heartbreaking statistics likes these, it is time that we all did our part to help out and give back, even in simple, small steps. And right now it is even easier than usual to give children in local communities the resources they need to thrive thanks to Champions for Kids and the ability to be a Hunger Hero.

A national organization dedicated to helping kids across the country, Champions for Kids knows that helping others does not have to come in large doses. In fact, instead of making helping others seem like an overwhelming prospect, this non-profit seeks to ignite generational change by fostering a 'habit of giving' among youth and parents in America.

The core values of Champions for Kids are simple, yet profound, and drive their efforts to "mobilize millions" to help children. All children should have: Someone who cares; a Place to belong; Hope for tomorrow and provisions for their journey. All children.

Right now it is even easier to turn your own family into superheroes and tap into the incredible power of giving through the Be a Hunger Hero campaign with Tyson Foods and KRAFT at Sam's Club.

Through the month of August, it is easy to "Be a Hunger Hero" for local children while doing your regular shopping at Sam's Club. Simply purchase any of these participating KRAFT and Tyson foods products to help feed a child in need – with the goal of donating 1 million servings of nourishment this year:

• Tyson Fully-Cooked Chicken Nuggets (5 lb. bag)
• KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese (7.25 oz, 12 count)
• CAPRI-SUN Juice Variety Pack (40 pouches)

How easy is that? You'll be able to purchase delicious items from companies that are dedicated to fighting hunger, help children in need, show your kids the importance of giving, and feed your family all at the same time!

As your own children are heading back to school, it's time to give all kids the ability to not worry about if or when they will next receive a healthy and nutritious meal!

Please join me on August 21st to learn more about Champions for Kids and how you too can become a real-life superhero and tap into the incredible power of giving!

What: More than 16 million American children live in poverty. For these kids, access to nutritious foods can be a big challenge. A nutritious, balanced diet that includes healthy meals helps equip kids to succeed both academically and socially. That's why The Motherhood is joining Champions for Kids, along with Tyson Foods, Kraft and Sam's Club, for this Twitter party to spread the word about hunger relief.

When: Thursday, August 21, 2014, at 1p ET / 12p CT / 10a PT

Where: Join the #HungerHeroes hashtag on Twitter.

Hosts: @theMotherhood, @theMotherhood25, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann and sponsor, @Champions4Kids

Prizes: Five $50 Sam's Club gift cards will be given to randomly selected participants who answer the trivia questions correctly for a total of $250 in prizes!

RSVP: Find out more details and RSVP at the twtvite.

It is time that we all took the small step to become a Hunger Hero today! Remember that you'll not only be enhancing the life of a child in your community, but you'll be helping to instill the importance of giving in your own children as well.

Be sure to visit your local Sam's Club (use their club locator if you aren't sure of your nearest location) and join Champions for Kids by making your purchases from KRAFT and Tyson Foods. Each and every one of us can make a difference!

I'm Inspired by Pampers to Say "Thanks, Baby" to Both of My Children {$75 Target Gift Card Prize Pack Giveaway!}

With Mother's Day quickly approaching, the focus tends to center on finding the right gifts, cards, flowers and more to show Mom just how much she is loved, right?

And, while I'm sure that each and every one selected is appreciated, it's really the thought behind it all that matters most to Mom. After all, it is undeniable that there is a incomparable bond between Mom and Baby — it takes the birth of her baby before Mom becomes a mom and her life will never be the same!

In celebration of this amazing event and the 100th anniversary of Mother's Day, Pampers has put together an incredible video thanking Baby for the life-changing love they give every day. Highlighting the wonderful and sometimes unexpected things Mom learns from Baby on the journey of motherhood, you're not going to want to miss a single second of this...

But, wait! As well as the touching, heartwarming message, every view that this #ThanksBaby video receives between May 2nd and May 25th will result in Pampers donating one diaper to Feeding America (up to one million diapers)!

PRESS PLAY!


Dear Big Sister E and Little Sister B,

Although I did exist before you two were born, I'm not wholly convinced that it wasn't a completely separate lifetime than after you arrived. How is it possible that there was a time that you weren't around? That my understanding of Elizabeth Stone's quote...

"Making the decision to have a child - it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."

...would not only happen once, but twice?

No matter how much I learned in my years before becoming a mother, the two of you have taught me an immeasurable number of lessons about life. I'd never be able to list them all, of course (who knew that eating the frozen peas while they were still frozen would be better?), but the five that come to mind first are:

There is more than one way to do things. As adults, we think that we have all the answers (or can Google them, at least) and know all of the best ways of doing things. But from the time you were babies, you showed me that everything from making homemade baby food to taking a walk to the park can be done differently. And that's okay. Be flexible!

Forgive and forget. If anyone can teach me about not holding a grudge, it's the two of you. No matter what the situation or how offended you may have been (usually at each other), you're able to bounce back to being perfectly happy and content a minute later. Would I be much happier if I could move on just as quickly? Absolutely.

Love people for who they are. One thing that has always amazed me is the way that the two of you can make friends with anyone, anywhere. Boys, girls, younger, older, every possible race, it doesn't matter, there is no judgement. Child you've never met in the sandbox? Two minutes in and you'll be laughing and building together as if you've known each other for years. New kid has transferred into your class? Instant BFF's.

Who cares what people think? Seeing the two of you grasp life with both hands, use your imaginations and make the best out of any situation no matter what has always inspired me. Why waste time and energy worrying if I'll look silly or what other people think when I should be confident in myself? Besides, it's much more fun to pretend that there are alligators dressed up as old ladies while waiting at the bus stop instead of just standing there!

Love and laughter truly is the best medicine. No matter what kind of mood you two are in, all it takes is a pointless knock-knock joke, a crazy face or even the merest hint of a burp or fart, and you two convulse in giggles. Laughter has a way of connecting us and bringing light to any situation, so if we all stopped taking every single thing quite so seriously, the world would be a happier place!

Bonus #6: Patience. You both know that this one is a work in progress and a continuing struggle of mine. How is it possible that the people that mean the most to us are the ones that frustrate us so much more than anyone else? It takes so much more patience to be a parent than I ever could have imagined, but you know what? You're both so, so, so worth it.

When a baby is born, a mother is born and, my darling Big Sister E and Little Sister B, you two have made the past 7½ of motherhood more remarkable, memorable and completely exceptional than I ever could have dreamed. Thank you both for everything you've taught me. You're my heart, you're my soul, you're my everything.

Love, Mama

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Ready to talk even more about the amazing bond between mothers and babies? And win prizes at the same time? Then join in the #ThanksBaby Twitter Party!

When: Thursday, May 8th at 9pm EST (that's 8pm CST and 6pm PST).

Where: #ThanksBaby

Hosts: @DoubleDutyDivas, @BridgetteLA, @CeceliaMecca, @AngieKcom, @WhatMommiesNeed, @RamblingChick and party sponsor @Pampers.

Prizes include:

• 2 packs of Swaddlers and a $50 Sephora Gift Card
• 2 packs of Swaddlers and a $100 Kohl’s Gift Card
• 2 packs of Swaddlers and a $100 Gallery Direct Gift Card
• 2 packs of Swaddlers and a BOB Revolution Jogging Stroller ($350) Stroller and FitBit Zip ($50)

Find out more and RSVP here!

I hope that you'll join this great Twitter Party next Thursday so that you can talk even more about the incredible lessons that babies everywhere are teaching us daily (and hopefully take home a great prize at the same time)!

In the meantime, be sure to visit Pampers.com to find out more about all of their high quality products, as well as connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be ready to celebrate the special bond with their children as well, because...

One lucky person will win a "Thanks, Baby" Prize Pack*
from Pampers (ARV $100)!

*Prize Pack includes a $75 Target gift card, Pampers size 5 diapers, Pampers Wipes, a silver picture frame and a Gymboree Baby Play book.

Entry-Form

This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Pampers. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine.

HEALTHY ESSENTIALS Products Have You Covered for Earth Day! {#Moms4JNJConsumer}

With Earth Day right around the corner (April 22nd, 2014), there is no better time of year to reflect on what steps we are each taking to do our part in helping the world be a better place.

We all know to recycle our cans, bottles and paper, but are you striving to take things just a little bit further? And not just with empty containers from the kitchen, but all over the house?

One room that is often overlooked is the bathroom. Just take a look at the number of items in recyclable containers — shampoos, conditioners, lotions, contact solution, cleaners, mouthwash, skincare, makeup and much more — and make the effort to keep them from going in the garbage can when they are empty!

As well as remembering to recycle packaging from the bathroom, another measure that can be taken to help the earth is to start with products from companies who care and do all that they can as well. That's just another reason that I love HEALTHY ESSENTIALS products from Johnson & Johnson!

As well as producing only the best products for the entire family, J&J embodies sustainability in everything they do, from the sourcing of their suppliers' materials to the formulation of each item to reducing the footprint from every single package.

I don't know about you, but I adore knowing that the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS products that we already use and love are also made in the most efficient, least wasteful possibly way!

Right now is the perfect time to stock up on your favorite HEALTHY ESSENTIALS products as well, as you can save over $55 when you visit HealthyEssentials.com and sign up for program coupons and offers.

Just look at a selection of the fantastic deals that you'll find there!

• Save $1.00 on any JOHNSON'S Baby Intense Moisture Cream
• Save $1.00 on any LUBRIDERM product (6oz or larger)
• Save $1.00 on any (1) CLEAN & CLEAR product (excludes trial and travel sizes)
• Save $1.00 on any (1) NEUTROGENA Sun product (exclude trial size)
• Save $1.00 on any (1) LISTERINE SMART RINSE Anti-cavity Mouthwash, 500 ml
• Save $1.00 on any (1) REACH Total Care Floss, REACH Gentle Gum Care Floss, REACH Dentotape or REACH Access Flosser

In addition to the great savings you can find on HEALTHY ESSENTIALS products, you can support Earth Day by taking part in the wonderful initiatives sponsored by Donate A Photo.

The free Donate A Photo (DAP) app allows consumers to make a difference by raising money and awareness for causes that they care about through one simple act – taking a photo. For every photo shared through Donate A Photo, Johnson & Johnson will donate one dollar to one of its non-profit partners, which each consumer can choose from a rotating list.

You can donate one photo a day, every day and make a difference by raising money and awareness for causes you care about. Whether your picture helps fix up a public park, get medicine for an infant, or help kids play sports safely, your quick and easy act will be contributing to a great cause.

Ready to celebrate all things Earth Day? As well as donating your photos and filling your home with your favorite products, you can also join in the upcoming HEALTHY ESSENTIALS Twitter Party all about shareable moments with friends and family — anywhere from online to in the store to your own medicine cabinet!

• What: #Moms4JNJConsumer

• When: [Edit: This Twitter Party has been rescheduled, so stay tuned for a new date and time!]

• Hosts: @theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann, @TheMotherhood25

• Prizes: There will be 15 prizes throughout the party, randomly chosen from all eligible correct responses to trivia questions. Each prize includes an assortment of Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies HEALTHY ESSENTIALS products with an estimated retail value of $50!

Hip, hip hooray for Earth Day!

Help support and protect a clean environment by visiting HealthyEssentials.com this month for printable coupons, tools, tips (including great tips for recycling in the bathroom), Earth Month content, and so much more for all the products you and your family love. You can also find recycling solutions near you as well as additional tips and facts on what and where to recycle.

This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.