5 Potty Training Travel Tips That Really Rock!

Summer is probably the hardest time to potty train, in fact it’s the time when I see a lot of parents fall off the proverbial potty training wagon. Summertime is touch-and-go—you literally touch down just long enough to wash a batch of laundry, answer some emails, then go off again on another adventure.

But don’t let traveling stop you or your little one from potty training. Consistency is KEY when it comes to successful potty training and we’re teaming up with Pull-Ups Training Pants to give you some helpful tips when it comes to potty training on the go.

5 Potty Training Travel Tips That Really Help

1. Bring your potty seat with you.

No qualms about it, pack that potty seat with you on your road trip. We’ve been known to stop at mile-marker 181, pull the potty out of the back, and even hold a blanket up for privacy. You can’t predict when your kiddo will need to go potty, but you can be prepared with something he feels comfortable going potty in.

2. Easy on, easy off.

Speaking of comfort, I love the convenience of Pull-Ups Training Pants and my little guy loves how comfortable they are. When going on a trip, you really don’t want to wash dozens of pairs of underpants. But rather than take a step back in potty training, pack some Pull-Ups along for the ride! They are easy on, easy off, and disposable which is a must at gas stations and pit-stops.

In fact, 3 out of 4 moms prefer Pull-Ups©! We like Pull-Ups because they offer much-needed independence that my very independent little guy needs, along with super fun activities that keep him engaged. We all know how looooong those road trips can seem! Pull-Ups help us stay on our potty training track, even while traveling.

3. Sit sideways in public restrooms.

Public restrooms can be scary when you’re a child and they may be the reason your little one doesn’t want to go potty on trips. I’ve noticed that whenever we stop for a restroom break on family road trips, my little guy is reluctant to sit on those big toilet seats. (And let’s face it, rest stops aren’t like home.)

Here’s a fun potty travel hack—have them sit sideways on public toilets so they don’t fall in!

4. Have a travel rewards system.

Don’t put the rewards on pause while you travel, keep them coming! Bring the sticker chart along, the treat jar, and check out the fun incentive ideas on Pull-Ups.com including the potty training treasure chest {so cute!}.

5. Prepare vehicle for…accidents.

3-2-1 blast-off to road trip adventure! But before you go, prepare for accidents along the way because they will happen and as my kids like to say, “Accidents happen, and that’s okay.”

For long car rides, place a disposable changing pad (the kind you find in hospitals) in your child’s carseat. Best hack ever! Pack wipes, towels, Pull-Ups, and plastic sacks to make cleaning and disposing, and getting back on-the-go as easy as possible. Let your little one know it’s okay to have accidents, especially while traveling.

Our Epic Disney Road Trip and a Disney Contest

This fall we’ll be taking an epic family road trip to a magical destination—our first Disneyland experience! That’s 14 hours of driving with four kids, including one potty trainer. I plan on using the above tips, along with any other ones you’d like to throw my way.

In the magical spirit, Pull-Ups is hosting a Disney contest and you could win BIG! Share your Big Kid’s Moments on Instagram or Twitter using #DisneyAndPullUpsSweepstake for a chance to win a Walt Disney World vacation for your family, but hurry! This sweeps ends on August 4th and you definitely don’t want to miss out.

Happy travels and be sure to check out Pull-Ups.com for more helpful tips, games, and incentives to make potty training fun!

Photos by Maggie Grace Photography

This post is sponsored by Pull-Ups® Training Pants.

(*Pull-Ups offering includes in-pack prizes, product, packaging and activities vs. Pampers® Easy Ups®.)

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by Nicolette via Home And Garden

Labor & Delivery Story w/ My Second Baby by Rachel Talbott

Labor & Delivery Story w/ My Second Baby
Thanks for your patience in waiting for this video. I started filming again last week, and I will start posting videos again this week. =) Today I wanted to share with you the story of how my second son Isaiah came into this world.. =) ♥MY WEBSITE: http://www.racheltalbott.com ♥TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/racheltalbott ♥INSTAGRAM: http://followgram.me/racheltalbott ♥MY PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/racheltalbott/ ♥MUSIC CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/user/SingingProudAndLoud ♥VLOG CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/user/RachelTalbott ♥HUBBYS COOKING CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/ByronTalbott ♥FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.talbott ♥MAILING ADDRESS: 18653 Ventura Blvd., #655, Tarzana, CA 91356 * DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed are true &my own. I link affiliate links to make it easier for you to find the exact products I mention.....and... I LOVE YOU!!!! =) Thank you for supporting what I do!! ♥♥♥ THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED VIDEO

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Why Disneyland is the BEST way to spend Halloween

When is the best time for a trip to the Disneyland Resort? During Halloween Time of course!

What better way to celebrate fall than with your family at the Happiest Place on Earth? This year, Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is going to be better than ever with so many new additions. The best way to kick off your trip is by booking with
Get Away Today!  They have discount Disneyland tickets and reduced hotel rates, making it easy and affordable to book your Disneyland packages You can even use promo code HOWDOESSHE to get an additional $10 off your Southern California vacation package.

Disneyland is always a magical place for your family to get away to, but Halloween Time is the perfect fall escape. Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort will begin on September 15th and run through October 31 st . There are so many ways you can celebrate together, but we have gathered the top three things for you to experience for an ultimate Halloween vacation.

#1: Experience spooky décor in the parks.

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is known as the most spooktacular time of the year. Jack-O- Lanterns will line Main Street U.S.A. in the annual Pumpkin Festival and you’ll find Halloween touches throughout the park. Dia de los Muertos is celebrated in Frontierland with bright decorations that are so fun to see. This year will be a little different in the parks, but definitely for the better! Happy haunts are finally making their way over to Disney California Adventure Park. Oogie Boogie will greet you as you enter the park towering overhead and surrounded by circling bats. Eerie décor can be found throughout Buena Vista Street, including a Headless Horseman statue. Not only will the entrance of the park be decked out, but Cars Land will be getting a makeover as well. Radiator Springs will become Radiator Screams and your favorite characters will be dressed in their Halloween “car-stumes.” Vampire Mater and super hero Lightning McQueen can’t wait to greet you this fall. Filmore’s Jack-Oil- Lanterns and Witchy Miss Lizzie’s will be fun stops in this frightfully festive land. The photo-ops available during “Haul-o- ween” in Radiator Screams will be perfect for remembering all the thrills!

#2: Hit Halloween exclusive rides

When you are visiting Disneyland during Halloween Time, you can’t miss the reimagined rides. Classic rides include the Haunted Mansion Holiday with a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay and Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy. With that Cars Land transforming for Halloween Time, the will be too. Mater’s Graveyard Jam-BOO- ree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O- Ween are debuting as the first Halloween rides in Disney California Adventure park. It is going to be such a festive change for these favorite rides.

#3: Treat yourself to some ghoulish grub

If this year is anything like last year’s Halloween celebration at Disneyland, you are in for a real treat – literally. Disneyland ups their game when it comes to Halloween Time treats, which is impressive considering their food is already magical. Last year they offered butterscotch beignets, cookies and cream mousse coffin cake and apple pie funnel cakes. Don’t forget all the pumpkin goodness that you can imagine! Think pumpkin cheesecake, muffins, lattes, twists and more. What’s Halloween Time without a little – or a lot of – pumpkin? If you are looking for something with a little more substance, they have that too! Themed meals like the Anti- Vampire Chicken Pizza, a pulled pork dog or a blackened spicy chicken sandwich. There is sure to be something for everyone in your family to love. Keep in mind that Mickey’s Halloween Party will be happening select nights during Halloween Time. The party is a separate ticketed event that closes Disneyland a few hours early. Make sure you get Park Hopper tickets so you can hop over to California Adventure to continue your Halloween fun. Or, if you have 1-Park per Day tickets, plan accordingly.

You are in for an epic family vacation this year with Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort .We are so excited for all the fun changes coming this year. When you are ready to plan your trip, book
with Get Away Today . They guarantee the best price and all of these fun Halloween experiences (besides Mickey’s Halloween Party) are included with your ticket! Give their agents a call at 855-GET- AWAY or book online at
getawaytoday.com . Don’t forget to use promo code HOWDOESSHE to get $10 off your package!

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by Andrea via Home And Garden

As parents we often feel the need to shelter our kids from things that are hard. Our helicopters hover over them, ready to swoop down at the first sign of our child’s discomfort. I got just a taste of this when my eight-year-old daughter decided to try out for the school talent show. With over 800 students in her elementary and four sign-up sheets full of names, I knew her prospects were grim. I fought the impulse to tell her to wait until next year. I didn’t want her little heart to break when she didn’t make it.

Kids need to be allowed to do terrifying things. Let’s try turning off our propellers and letting our children take a stab at some of these scary but good-for-them activities.

7 Terrifying Activities You Should Let Your Kids Try

1. Try-outs

Trying out for any team, club, talent show, play, or student council position can be terrifying. But our fear of their failure should never get in the way of our kids trying. Never discourage your son from trying out for that elite baseball team because if he doesn’t make it, he may cry. Don’t scare your daughter away from vying for student body president because you are worried she may not win.

Kids are stronger than we give them credit for and if they don’t succeed, they will learn a valuable lesson in the process. If they do make it on their own accord, the victory is that much sweeter. This year my daughter danced her little heart out but she did not make it in the school talent show. She walked up to the final list and her name wasn’t on it. Surprisingly she wasn’t devastated, but she was came away a more brave individual for trying.

2. Shooting for a Big Dream

Whether it’s an Ivy League university, their dream job, or starting a business of their own, kids should get a chance to shoot for a big dream. When my son tells me he wants to be an astronaut when he grows up, I fight the urge to recommend a slightly more practical job. After all, what if Neil Armstrong’s mom told him to be a lawyer instead?

Applying for that job that feels over your head can be terrifying, but how are we ever going to know unless we try? Getting on The Voice may be a shot in the dark, but you never know what could come from it. We learn a lot about ourselves when we stretch our comfort zones and those are valuable lessons our kids learn best on their own.

Photo Credit: Cristi Dame

3. Something new they’ve never done before

Yes kids can be fickle and we never know how serious to take some of the things they say. On a recent boating trip, my six-year-old son saw some teenagers jumping off a large rock into the lake below and said, “Mom, I want to do that.” I nodded and replied, “Yeah buddy, that would be cool wouldn’t it?”

“No mom, I want to do that now,” he said. I looked at him more seriously this time and asked, “Really?”

And so together, equipped with life jackets, we climbed the jagged rock and when we got to the top, my son completely surprised me by jumping in first. When he came up, he was grinning and his eyes lit up. “Come on mom, it’s awesome!” And that’s when I realized that it’s okay to let kids try scary things.

So whether it’s a new class or activity (like parkour or ice skating) or sledding down a massive hill, sometimes parents need to let go of the reins and just enjoy the ride.

4. Making new friends

Your child’s friends are important. And the older they get, the more important their friends will become. If only we could hand-pick our kids’ friends for them, sigh. As much as we want to control their friendships, it’s also important for kids to learn how make their own. We can guide them in the right direction by setting up play dates and introducing them to children their age, but an essential life skill is learning which types of people you want to be around and which types you don’t.

You can’t always control their relationships, but you can be there for your child to talk about them.

5. Showcase something they’ve created

Showing off our talents can be scary—for some people even terrifying. But singing that solo, displaying that original art display, or letting the whole family taste your first-ever cheese soufflé can also be exhilarating. When we showcase our talents as adults, we nonverbally tell kids that it’s okay for them to do the same.

Even though letting other people see their creations can be scary, it sets kids up for future growth and learning.

Photo Credit: Cristi Dame

6. Speak in public

From my observations, you are either a person who doesn’t mind speaking in public, or you are a person who hates it. Not many fence-sitters in the public speaking arena. But being able to talk intelligently in front of people is a great skill to acquire. Or at least attempt. Because the more you practice, the better you get at public speaking and it could come in very handy in your child’s future.

This year in second grade, my daughter was assigned a speech topic that she had to write and deliver in front of the entire class. That first speech she was terrified. She even asked if I could write her a sick note that day! But over the course of the year she became more and more confident, often leaving her notes at home, saying she wouldn’t need them. If the opportunity arises for your son or daughter to speak in public, give them a gentle and encouraging push and cheer them along the entire time.

7. Stand up for what they believe

The brightest, most golden nugget a parent can get is witnessing their child stand tall for something they believe in. Whether it’s helping someone in need, fighting for a noble cause, or expressing their opinion on deforestation, standing up for our beliefs can be scary. A lot of times we see our kids in these situations and we want to swoop down with our life flight helicopters to save the day.

But before you do just that, take a close look at the situation. If your child is not in any immediate danger, let them problem solve their options. Give them a chance to stand up for what’s right. 99% of the time, our kids can handle it themselves. We at least need to give them the opportunity to try.

The distance your child can run and the height he can jump might surprise you if you’ll just give him the chance.

 

The post 7 Terrifying Activities You Should Let Your Kids Try appeared first on How Does She.

by Nicolette via Home And Garden

Free Printable Binder Covers to Color

It’s that time of year where we start thinking about preparing for back-to-school.  Printable binder covers are something that you might want to consider adding to your list! Last year the week before school started, I was walking the aisles of Target with kids in tow picking up supplies. It seemed as though every list my kids had indicated they needed a clear front binder. My daughter had her eyes set on a fun striped binder with glitter – but sadly there was no clear front. She settled on a navy binder with a pop of color on the inside. I convinced her we could make it fun with a printable binder cover that she could color!

What’s more fun than creating your own art?! I printed out several binder covers for her to choose from and she got to work coloring.

Color These Printable Binder Covers for Back-to-School

I was surprised by the fast food design she chose – I was sure she would choose the flowers. She told me she would be coloring all of the printable binder covers and would switch them out when she wanted something new. I’ll make a hundred different designs if that means she’s okay with the boring blue binder!

We go through binders like CRAZY!! Stock up on these Amazon Basics ones – they are perfect for the printables and you can’t beat shipped to your door for FREE with Amazon Prime. This is a good price for customizable binders.

We LOVE THESE….

Twistable Crayons DON’T BREAK!!

Twistable colored Pencils = NO SHARPENING!! The. Best.

Download our free printable binder covers to color and let your kids start creating their own art.

Just click on the image below to get your FREE PDF DOWNLOAD:

 

See more of my adventures and projects at www.lifewithfingerprints.com

We’ve got a lot of fun ideas for getting creative with your kiddos. Have you ever tried these fun, crafty, and kid-friendly ideas?

The post Free Printable Binder Covers to Color appeared first on How Does She.

by Kara via Home And Garden

Nice Things To Do For Your Man: Page 2

Continuation of Nice Things to Do for Your Man

26. Cook him dinner in just your apron, chances are that he will find this one of the best things to do for your man!

27.  Pull off a themed date, like Facebook follower Connie:

“I gave mine a Chinese date night…  looked up Chinese writing online and I made a Chinese menu.   Cooked Chinese food, put pillows on the floor and ate, had Chinese music going, then watched Kung Fu Panda.”

28.  Mow the lawn.

29.  Have a dry-erase board somewhere visible and write encouraging words, quotes, or some of the reasons you love and appreciate him.

 

30.  Get his car detailed, or do it yourself!

31.  Get up when he gets up, even if it’s early.

” I make him breakfast every morning when he comes in from milking and sometimes I’ll get up at 330am and have a cuppa with him and just spend quiet time together before he goes to work and before the kids wake up.”–Kathy C., via Facebook

32.  Take his shirts to the cleaners.

33.  Text him a picture during the day…you decide the rating;)

34.  Buy tickets to an event you’ll both love and surprise him.

35.  Do one of his “chores” for him.

36.  Thank him for something specific.

37.  Give him a gift certificate for something he likes to do (shooting range, driving range, movies, etc.), then let him do it.

38.  Send him on a romantic scavenger hunt.

39.  Make his lunch to take to work.  *Put something fabulous in it for bonus points!

” I make extra big steak sandwich for his work lunch. It makes his coworkers jealous. Once a guy said, ” your wife must really love you!”–Gretchen E.  via Facebook

40.  After you’ve had some me-time, bring him home his favorite frozen treat.

41.  Pick up a special treat at the grocery store…like a gallon of egg nog, or fresh apple cider.

42.  Meet him with a hug and kiss…let him know you’re glad he’s home.

43.  Turn off all distractions (cell phones, computers, etc.) and just focus on him.

44.  Draw him a bubble bath.

45.  Learn how to cook the perfect steak.

46.  Read our 8 Ways to Spice Up Your Dating.

 And here are many more ways to keep the romance in your relationship!

{Get the entire PRINTABLE LIST HERE!}

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by Nicolette via Home And Garden

50+ Nice Things To Do For Your Man Just Because

You don’t need an excuse to do nice things for your man.  Let him know how amazing he is with w of these thoughtful gestures, generated with help from our fabulous Facebook followers! Let’s get started on the 50 nice things to do for your man.

{Get the PRINTABLE LIST HERE.}

Special Things to Do for Your Man to Show Your Love

1. Buy him car wash coupons.

2. Or, wash his car yourself.

3. Write him notes and stick them in his pants pockets when you fold them.

4.  Read The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, and find out his love language.

{Try this Love Language jar}

5. Come to bed in your birthday suit.

6. Give him a foot massage when he gets off work.

7. Stay with the kids or put them to bed and let him catch a nap.

8. Make him a “man bouquet” with his favorite things, like HDS Facebook follower Sarah.

 

9.  Let him sleep in.

10.  Send him a quick text during the work day to let him know you love and appreciate him.

11. Find out something on his bucket list and make it happen for him!

12. Iron his shirt the night before.

13. Surprise him with a gift card to his favorite store.

14. Let him have the last piece of cake.  (Have you tried our German Chocolate Drizzle cake?)

“I always give him the bigger helping, the last piece…and when I cook grilled cheese and burn the sandwich, I eat the burnt one.  It may sound small, or dumb, but I always want him happy and the best for my man!”

–FB follower Jessica S.

15. Cut his hair, or learn how to do it.

16. Give him a “Man”icure and pedicure.

17. Make his favorite weekend breakfast.  Try our extremely popular Cinnamon Bun pancakes!

18. Take the kids to grandma’s and make a romantic dinner for two, including candles and very little clothing.

19. Buy his favorite candy bar and leave it in his car.  Check out these cute candy bar saying from The Dating Divas.

20. Sneak out early to buy him donuts and chocolate milk (guys are kids at heart, right?).  Put them in his car or enjoy together.

21. Buy bathtub crayons and write special messages to one another on the shower wall.

22.  Bring home a rented movie and take out that he likes (not necessarily what you like).

23.  Surprise him at work by dropping off a small treat.

24. Surprise him by taking him out for lunch.

25.  Make his favorite cookies so they’re warm when he gets home.   Here are our favorite cookie recipes!

The remaining 25 fabulous things to do for your man HERE!

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by Nicolette via Home And Garden

Lauren Liess Has a New Show on HGTV: “Best House on the Block”

I’m sure a lot of you are fans of blogger/designer/author Lauren Liess like I am, so I wanted to make sure you knew about her new show. The pilot for “Best House on the Block” is set to premiere on HGTV Sunday, July 30, at 2:00 ET, so set your alarms or DVRs if you don’t want to miss it!

Lauren explains:

“Best House on the Block” will follow me & my husband, David, (who’s the project manager in our interior design business) as we redo ‘typical’ houses in the VA-MD-DC area, turning them into unique & special homes completely tailored to the clients who live in them. The process entails designing, renovating and decorating, which I’m so excited about.

We’ve filmed one pilot episode and my understanding is that it will air a couple of times, and depending upon how it’s received/ how many viewers it gets, HGTV will determine if it goes to a full season.

It’ll be nice to see some houses in a different part of the country than are typically featured on HGTV. And I think a lot of us can relate to the frustration of living in a neighborhood where the houses all look like clones of each other.

Two years ago I featured the amazing makeover she gave her own house:

Since then she’s written a popular design book called Habitat:

Here’s a trailer for her new show, “Best House on the Block:”

Will you be watching? You can read more about the show on her blog and in an interview she gave the Washington Post. Best of luck to Lauren and David — I hope it finds an audience on HGTV!

P.S. Visit my Home & Garden Television page for more HGTV scoop, including:

*There are Amazon affiliate links in this post — thanks!

The post Lauren Liess Has a New Show on HGTV: “Best House on the Block” appeared first on Hooked on Houses.

by hookedonhouses via Home And Garden