How To Throw An Amazing Kids Birthday Party

Even if your little ones are usually total angels, if their birthday party doesn’t go to plan you soon could have some tiny devils on your hands. Planning the perfect birthday party for your child can soon turn into an incredibly stressful event. Not only do you have to keep your children’s requests in mind, but also organizing entertainers, catering and gifts can soon turn into an expensive and stressful exercise. With so much to order, it’s no wonder that Moms feel overwhelmed before they’ve even picked up the phone. However, there’s no reason why you can’t have some fun too! Check out these tips to throw an amazing kids birthday party.

photo credit

Invites
Be sure to get your party invites out several weeks before your child’s birthday – kids have a hectic social schedule too! Kids are easy to please and will be happy with either a large party or a small gathering of just family and close friends. You could also consider hiring a party planner to help design and issue invites if time is a little tight.

Themes
This is where the fun truly starts, plus it encourages you and your kids to work together to deliver a memorable and magical birthday theme. From aliens to cowboys and Indians, or princesses and mermaids, make sure that you discuss any potential themes with the birthday boy or girl first. If you are on a tight budget, then why not get your kids involved in making homemade decorations and props to turn your living room into the surface of the moon or the bottom of the ocean? Check out your local dollar store and charity stores to pick up props and arts and crafts materials that won’t break the bank.

photo credit

Fun Food
When it comes to catering for your child’s birthday, keep it simple and colorful. Try chips and dips with some vegetable crudités. You could also create some mini hot dogs or hamburgers with homemade sides, to cut down on salt and sugar. Kids aren’t fussy when it comes to food. Just make sure that you don’t put out too much candy if you want to keep the day under control!

Entertainment
Remember that any entertainment has to match your theme. From a home screening of their favorite movie to getting a professional entertainer to visit your home, the entertainment can be as lavish or extravagant as your budget. Party games cost nothing and are a great way to tire out energetic little people.

Remembering a special day
The candles and cake are long gone, so how do you remember your child’s special day? Consider using a birthday collage maker to turn all those happy memories into a work of art. This is a great way to keep the day alive for many years to come.

Once you’ve planned the day, sent out the invites, sorted your theme and arranged the food make sure that you enjoy the party too! No one likes a stressed host, so be sure to remain calm and relaxed and enjoy the birthday mood.

Be Prepared For Those Holiday Germs + $25 Visa GC Prize Pack Giveaway

This post has been sponsored by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. All thoughts and reviews are my own.

The holiday season is officially here! Many of us are busy shopping, and getting our homes prepared for entertaining. It's a hectic time of year, that's for sure. It's also that dreaded time of year again-- cold and flu season. It seems like your child can go from being perfectly healthy and energetic, to feverish and sniffling in a matter of minutes. I have seen this happen way too often over the years, and have learned to do all I can to prepare for those moments.

We always keep some cold and flu supplies on hand year 'round. To help relieve some of those symptoms, we include these items in our cold & flu survival kit:

• Digital thermometer
• Extra toothbrushes so you can toss the old one out 
• Vaporizer  
• mentholated rub, clean washcloths, flexible ice packs stored in freezer 
• books and movies for entertaining your sick little one
• a washable plush toy and blanket 
• paper drinking cups that are disposable so germs don't hang around 
• extra tissue boxes around the house
• A variety of children's *medications including: Children's Advil, Children’s Robitussin DM Day/Night Pack, and Children's Dimetapp. *Remember to follow instructions on packaging for correct dosage. 

Children's Advil Suspension does the trick when this little guy gets a fever, or feels a bit achy. It's good for kids as young as 2 and up to 11. Children’s Advil comes in several great-tasting flavors, including: Sugar-free Dye-free Berry, Bubble Gum, Grape, Blue Raspberry, Fruit and Dye-Free White Grape flavors.

It's virtually impossible to keep our kids away from germs, especially during the holiday season, but they can get some relief with Pfizer Pediatric medications. You can visit the Sick just got real™ site for cold and flu relief tips, as well as product information and money-saving coupons. You can even use their helpful "Sick Sense Relief Finder" to search your child's age, and specific symptoms to find out which medication they need.

***Giveaway***

One lucky Mom Files reader will win a prize pack including: a $25 virtual Visa gift card and (1) Children's Advil® Suspension (various flavor), (1) Children’s Robitussin ® DM Day/Night Pack and (1) Children’s Dimetapp® Cold & Cough. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and ends on November 302017. Must follow rules in Rafflecopter. One winner will be chosen randomly. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Unroll The Fun With Welch's Fruit Rolls This Halloween

If you're still not ready for trick-or-treaters or classroom parties, there's still some time left to grab those goodies. Give kids something they will love this Halloween like the new Welch's Fruit Rolls. They are the perfect treat to pass out on Halloween or to trade with friends in the classroom.

Welch's Fruit Rolls come in 3 delicious flavors: Berry, Tropical Punch, and White Grape Strawberry. They come with 6 fruit rolls per box so it's easy to keep an accurate count for how many you need, especially for class parties.

One of my favorite hand-outs to my kids' friends has always been a halloween or fall-themed pencil, erasers, a small bag of pretzels, and a fruit snack pouch, all tucked inside a decorative cellophane bag with a personalized tag saying who it was from. I wish Welch's Fruit Rolls were around when my girls were little. 

Although my girls are adults now, they still love these fruit rolls and have shared with their college classmates and coworkers. It was a big hit and brought out the kid in them all. My son was so excited to share a couple boxes with his best buddy next door as well as some of his friends from karate class. It's amazing how much the little kids' faces would light up over something so small. 

Welch's Fruit Rolls have fruit as their first ingredient, and are only 70 calories per roll. They are also gluten free, 100% DV Vitamin C per serving, excellent source of Vitamins A & E, contain no artificial flavors & colors, and are preservative free. Parents can feel a little better giving these to their children as a lunchbox treat or part of an after school snack. All of the flavors are so good, but the Tropical Punch is the best! Everyone in my family agrees. We all love that they aren't super sweet, but are sweet enough to make you feel like you had a treat. 

Welch's Fruit Rolls are widely available at most grocery stores and big box stores. To find out more about these fruit rolls and other Welch's products, check them out online. Be sure to follow Welch's Fruit Snacks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for yummy updates and to be in the know about their newest products. 

Keep Your Family #GermFree24 With Zoono GermFree24

CLOSED
Today's conversation is sponsored by Zoono USA. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you're a mom, you know how much effort goes into planning and packing for a trip or quick getaway. It might often times look like you're going away for two weeks when it's just a weekend trip. I mean, you can't leave home without all of the essentials, right?

It's almost the same situation for when we get ready to leave the house just to go to the grocery store. Moms have to make certain to be prepped for those just in case moments. We have experienced times where we took our little one out for a quick grocery run, and he came home sick out of the blue. I mean, we homeschool so how did he get sick? Germs can linger anywhere and it's unfortunate that you can come in contact with them without any clue.

There's a great way to combat germs before they take over by using Zoono GermFree24 Hand Sanitizer.

This hand sanitizer is an FDA-compliant, water-based formula that kills 99.99% of germs on contact and keeps killing them for up to 24 hours. Yes, you read that correctly, 24 HOURS! It bonds to your skin’s surface and sets up a nano-molecular layer of “pins” that physically impale and destroy germs on contact. Can you believe that it stays on even with hand washing or sweating? This is so far from your traditional hand sanitizer that stops working the moment water hits your hands.

GermFree24® has been proven to provide long-lasting antimicrobial protection against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses (such as influenza), fungi and mold. Over that time period, you might touch hundreds of surfaces, each covered with tens of thousands of microbes, half of which will stick to your hands. Here’s a breakdown on some of the germs you may encounter over a 24-hour period:

• Doorknob: 8,643 bacteria
• Computer mouse: 79,000 bacteria
• Remote control: 17,000 bacteria

Yikes! That's a whole lot of icky germs and bacteria and think of how often you come in contact with those everyday items. My son loves that it doesn't have a bad scent since he's very sensitive about smells. It's also not sticky at all and leaves no feeling of a film on your hands. The fact that you only have to use it once a day means you are using less, which makes it a great value. 

Zoono products are available on Amazon. You can currently purchase Zoono GermFree24® 50ml Foam Hand Sanitizer ($6.99) here, and the 9ml Spray Hand Sanitizer ($13.99 for a 4 pk) here. I keep the spray in my purse for when I am on-the-go and is perfect for travel. I think this is the perfect hand sanitizer for teachers to keep in their desk for their personal use. It's great for the workplace as well. They make wall dispensers that I wouldn't mind having in my house. 

Reader giveaway: Would you like to try Zoono GermFree 24 for yourself and your family? Enter to win a gift pack for Zoono GermFree24® 50ml Foam Hand Sanitizer, and the 9ml Spray Hand Sanitizer as well as a $25 virtual Visa gift card so you can stock up on more Zoono products for the flu season. Enter below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on October 16, 2017. Please follow all rules in the Rafflecopter widget and be sure to use a valid email. One winner will be selected and contacted via email to claim prize. Please be aware that Mom Files is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged prizes. Good luck!

Why Your Child Will Love Magic Sketch!

There's no denying that we live in the digital era. Everything from ordering our groceries, asking Siri or Alexa questions for help, and scheduling our doctors appointments can be done instantly from our digital devices. There are some things that can not be replaced by technology and that is good old-fashioned play time. Kids really need to be engaged in hands-on activities that encourage using their imagination to really learn and grow. 

We recently received the Magic Sketch for review, and my son was thrilled when we opened the box. Magic Sketch is a very simply yet super cool art tablet. There is no real assembly involved, so your child can start using it right away. Magic Sketch comes with a battery already installed, and lasts for years. This means your child can doodle and erase as much as they want! 

How does Magic Sketch work?

You simply use any of the included writing instruments or art tools to write or doodle on the the liquid crystal screen. There are templates included that offer a variety of games, drawing stencils, and learning stencils to practice handwriting, math skills, and more. The stamps and roller are very fun for learning patterns and repetition for younger kids. 

When your child is done drawing or writing, they simply push the button on the top and everything is magically erased!  

My son loves Magic Sketch as a tool to use for practicing or working out math problems. It is super convenient to use during his homeschool lessons. He is not big on art, so he enjoys using the drawing templates to trace pictures and shapes as well as creating his own works of art. Magic Sketch is very helpful to encourage fine motor and writing skills in younger children. The templates are easy to take out and replace, so kids can use it independently depending on their age. Another great thing is that you can make your own stencils according to what your child is interested in or learning at the time. 

Perks of the Magic Sketch

• No messy markers or crayons involved
• Perfect as a practice tablet for homeschoolers
• Great for travel and long road trips
• Kids can entertain themselves and parents don't have to supervise
• It's waterproof, unlike traditional tablets
• No recharging ever, and long battery life (7 years!)
• Makes a great gift for birthdays or holidays 

Where can you get Magic Sketch and what do you get? 

Each Magic Sketch retails for $29.95 and includes:

• Magic Sketch
• Protector Guard
• 1 Roller
• 3 Stamps
• 20 Learning Stencils
• 20 Games Stencils
• 20 Art Stencils

You can purchase it here and this is expected to be a HOT item for the 2017 holiday gifting season. My child loves his Magic Sketch and I think yours will, too. Any child would love to find this under the tree! Just be warned: Adults LOVE Magic Sketch, too! 

SCE&G’s “The Peanut Gang” Celebrates 25 Years of Service at Camp Happy Days’ Annual Summer Camp

Earlier this month, “The Peanut Gang”, a group of South Carolina Electric & Gas (SCE&G) employees and retirees celebrated 25 years at Camp Happy Days’ annual summer camp in Summerton, South Carolina by serving over 275 children their signature peanuts.

From July 2 – July 8, South Carolina children battling cancer and their siblings attended Camp Happy Days’ summer camp at Camp Bob Cooper. The entire week was filled with new and exciting adventures that allowed campers to escape the trials of battling cancer for a week and simply be a kid.

On Wednesday, July 5, campers and counselors got a special visit from SCE&G’s very own "The Peanut Gang." The group served five bushels of boiled peanuts and cold soft drinks to more than 275 children.

“Camp wouldn’t be the same without a visit from The Peanut Gang," explains Cindy Johnson, Director of Camp Happy Days. "They add something a little extra special for the kids during the week, and we couldn't be more grateful for their continued support." The group has also raised over $31,000 for Camp Happy Days this year.

The group of SCE&G employees and retirees first brought their peanuts to Camp Happy Days’ summer camp in 1994. “Seeing how much good camp does for these kids and the smiles on their faces is what keeps us coming back,” explains Bill Ellis, member of The Peanut Gang. “They have an absolute blast, and it makes us all feel good to be able to do something for these kids and Camp Happy Days.”

For more information about Camp Happy Days, please visit CampHappyDays.com or find them on Facebook at Facebook.com/CampHappyDays.

6 Ways for Busy Moms to Get in Better Shape Than Their Kids

Every busy mom knows how hard it can be to fit exercise into their daily routine. We spend so much time cleaning up spills and settling sibling disputes that finding time to exercise can seem impossible. We all know what a physically demanding job it is to chase after kids all day, but sadly, that’s not all the exercise we need in a day.

We worry about our kids eating the right foods and getting the perfect amount of exercise, but sometimes we forget to take some time out strictly for ourselves and our own health. Read on to find some quick and easy suggestions for exercises that will fit perfectly into any busy mom’s daily routine.

As a busy mom, quick bursts of exercise throughout the day are your best friend. These little sessions might not seem like much at the time, but they add up fast. Take a lesson from your toddler: Your house is a gym waiting to be discovered.

1. While cooking breakfast in the morning, use the time in between preparing food for the little ones and washing dishes to get in some reps. Do some standing push-ups on the countertop. This is a great way to work out your shoulders and arms. Start with 10, then add 5 more push-ups every couple days. Your arms will be toned in no time!

2. Invest in some cheap dumbbells. Most big box stores carry reasonably priced weights, which are great for fitting in a quick workout while your kids are watching TV or playing. It’s easy to keep an eye on them while fitting in a few sets of reps after breakfast.

3. Turn your exercise routine into fun for the whole family. The kids will never complain about getting outside and stretching their legs, so work an afternoon walk to the park into your day whenever it’s nice out.

4. Jumping jacks are a great way to get a full body workout anytime, anywhere. Your kids will love doing them too! It’s a great way for you to get in shape, and for them to let out some of that pent up energy.

5. Wear clothing that can easily transition from your daily look into workout clothes. That way if the opportunity presents itself, you’re workout ready and can easily jump into a routine without having to find the motivation to pick out athletic attire. If you’re looking for some affordable, cute athletic wear that seamlessly blends fashion with functionality, check out the athleisure brand Fabletics. They offer fashionable athleisure that looks just as good when you’re wearing them to the grocery store as they function during your workouts.

6. Become a sports coach for your new favorite team: Your family! Depending on their age, the kids will love playing soccer or basketball in the yard to end a perfect day of exercise. It’s a great way for you to burn off calories after dinner, and most importantly, it’ll keep them busy.

As you can see, there are countless ways for busy moms to get in shape throughout the day. We just need to be creative and see the world as our playground, just like our kids do

Dealing With Illness When You’re A Mom With A Crazy Life

When you’re a mom with a hectic life, the last thing that you want is to get sick. Whether you catch a stomach bug, get the flu or end up with a kidney infection, the last thing you want is to be feeling under the weather when you have a household to run and little ones to look after. But unfortunately, the chances are that at one point or another that will happen, and you will fall foul to some illness or other, especially when you spend a lot of your time surrounded by little ones who are germ magnets. (Kids spread germs like no tomorrow - it’s all that touching everything and anything that does it.)

Although getting sick when you’ve got kids to look after is never nice, the good news is that it doesn’t have to be a total nightmare. The important thing is to know how to look after yourself while you recover as well as ensuring that your little ones and home are taken care of.

photo credit 

See your doctor 

When you’re feeling unwell, the first step that you take should always be to see your doctor. The fact is that with many illnesses, from stomach bugs to infections, the sooner you see your doctor, the better as this means that you are able to treat the condition more quickly and get well sooner. Even if there’s not a medicine that can treat what you’re suffering from or cure it completely, your doctor can still advise you on what to do. For instance, coughs and colds don’t tend to be treated with antibiotics, but your doctor may be able to recommend some natural or over-the-counter treatments to try. Or, say you’re suffering from a kidney infection, as well as prescribing your antibiotics, your doctor may also give you a website link and tell you to read these kidney treatment tips to help speed up your recovery. It’s tempting to put off a trip to the doctor’s office, but if you want to speed up your recovery time, it’s best to make an appointment as soon as possible. 

Rest and recuperate 

If you’re going to get well again quickly, you need to get plenty of rest. When it comes to recovering from being unwell, sleep is the best healer, so aim to get plenty of sleep. Obviously, when you’re a mom this is easier said than done, but it is still possible. Perhaps you could see if your little ones could spend some time at their grandparent's house while you get better? Or maybe you could see if your partner could take some time off of work to look after the kids while you recover? Or, as a last resort what about hiring a babysitter to take care of the kids for a couple of hours while you get some much-needed rest. 

Look after yourself

When you’re unwell, you need to put yourself first for once. This means ensuring that you’re eating plenty of fresh, nutritious foods, such as lots of nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated - aim to drink at least two liters of water a day, and you will feel much better for it and beat whatever you’re suffering from more quickly. 

There’s nothing worse than being unwell when you have little ones to take care of, but hopefully, the above advice will help to make your next bout of illness much easier to deal with. 

Try New Softsoap Hand Wash Plus Lotion

Softsoap has added an all new hand wash to their product line-up, and you must try it when it becomes available in stores March 1, 2017. Introducing Softsoap Hand Wash Plus Lotion. This hand wash gives you the cleaning and sanitizing power you expect from Softsoap, with the added touch of lotion. I know I am a habitual hand washer and usually immediately have to put lotion on afterwards. Now I can wash my hands in one step and skip the lotion! 

Softsoap Hand Wash Plus Lotion is available in three luxurious fragrances, including Shea & Cocoa Butter, Aloe Water & Lime, and Orchid & Coconut Milk. I love all of the fragrances and so does my family. My little one keeps all of a sudden needing to wash his hands frequently. He has taken a liking to the Aloe Water & Lime hand wash and I am not even mad about it!

If you are an avid cook, baker or gardener, this new hand wash is a great choice. They come in 8 oz pump bottles and retail for $2.49. I am hoping Softsoap will make a large refill for these hand washes. Be on the lookout for it in select stores, March 1st. Also, grab this money-saving coupon whiles supplies last.

Products were provided to me from Colgate-Palmolive for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

How Having Kids Changes Your Taxes

Having a child changes everything. Your relationship with your partner, your work schedule, your sleeping patterns—there are few things a new baby doesn’t have an effect on. Many parents are prepared for the sleepless nights, the need to switch to the minivan, and the decrease in social hours with friends, but have you thought about how your new little bundle of joy will affect your taxes? While you often hear how expensive it can be to raise a child, there are also numerous tax breaks and credits to take advantage of. Keep the following facets of the tax system in mind and give your finances the boost they need, from your little one’s birth to their college days.

Use Exemptions to Your Favor

After having a child, you’re allowed to claim them as a dependent on your taxes to receive an extra exemption. This can help reduce your AGI, or adjusted gross income. The government uses your AGI to determine how much you owe, therefore, the lower your income (after exemptions), the lower your tax bill. There are limitations to this, but most can look to save thousands of dollars. Siphon those saved dollars into a college savings account and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes in paying for your child’s upcoming educational career.

In the Case of Adoption

Perhaps you’re adopting a child. This process is not an inexpensive one, but the IRS recognizes these costly expenses by offering the opportunity to claim these expenses on your income taxes. Last year, any adoptions completed in 2015 allowed a federal adoption tax credit of up to a $13,400 per child. The amount you receive depends on your income. If you and your spouse make less than $291,919, you’re eligible. However, there are limitations. Because this is a tax credit, it isn’t refundable. That means you must owe the federal government some type of income tax, and you won’t be paid out the extra money left over, if any. The adopted child cannot be a stepchild, and they must be under the age of 18 or unable to take care of themselves to qualify.

Child Tax Credit

This refundable credit is designed to reduce the taxes you’re liable for, and can be awarded in amounts up to $1,000 per child. The amount of the credit awarded depends on income and the number of children living in your home. If you claim singly or as the head of the household, you’re ineligible for this credit if you make above $75,000. If you’re married, filing jointly, you must make less than $110,000 to qualify. If you’re confused about what will best work in your financial favor, speak with a professional who can help you determine your filing status.

When it Comes to College

If your child is already in college, take advantage of the American Opportunity Credit. This credit covers certain expenses associated with the first four years of college. There are regulations about how and who qualifies for this tax credit: your child must be in pursuit of a credential or a degree, and must be enrolled as a half-time student at least for tax year. They must also have no felony drug convictions on their record. For each student, the maximum credit you can procure annually is $2,500.

You should also keep the Lifetime Learning Credit in mind. This can help cover undergraduate costs for a student that does not qualify for the American Opportunity Credit, whether that be because they have a limited course load (are enrolled in school less than half-time status) or they’ve already completed their first four years of college credit. This credit can cover expenses including tuition and enrollment fees, along with books and course materials.
Child Care Credit

If you work full time and you must enroll your child in day care, most of those expenses are deductible on your income taxes. This is a nonrefundable tax credit. In order to qualify for the Child Care Credit, you must show proof of payment to a licensed childcare provider while you’re working or in search of employment. The child must be under 13 years old, and you cannot claim this credit if you’re married, but filing separately. This credit can award more than $3,000 per child per year.

The ins and outs of the tax process become more convoluted after having a child. If you’re unsure about which credits and exemptions you qualify for, don’t be afraid to talk with a professional to discover how you can get on the right financial foot- there are probably more than you think!

School Trips Becoming Too Expensive for Parents

School trips are part and parcel of school life. We all remember going on residential visits with school. I know I do. When I was 11, my entire Year 6 class flew to Switzerland for a week and we had a fabulous time learning about glaciers and listening to the cow bells jingle in the early mornings. I am sure my parents probably had to scrimp and scrape to be able to afford the trip, but they managed and I was lucky enough to go.

A Once in a Lifetime Experience

That was an exceptional trip, a once in a lifetime experience, and something I still remember many years later. Back then, trips like this were a rarity and were often subsidised by the school. These days it is becoming increasingly common for schools to organise prohibitively expensive field trips for students. Parents often have to borrow the money to pay for the trip (for more information about the latest loan rates, click the link), but a survey carried out two years ago has found that many parents are saying they cannot afford the cost of school trips.

Examination Course Field Trips

The older your child is, the more likely they are to be asked to go on field trips as part of their examination course. Some subjects, for example geography, expect students to conduct research out in the field. This type of educational trip is a valuable part of the course, but the problem is that many parents cannot afford to pay and are discouraging their child to take the subject, even if they are interested in doing so.

Schools are even asking parents to fund other, non-essential field trips to museums, art galleries and the theatre. Music lessons also fall into this category. To study music, students usually have to play an instrument, which means parents have to pay for lessons, instrument hire, and examinations. The cost of this can be exorbitant.

Expensive Foreign Trips

The cost of educational trips to foreign countries is also on the rise. It is not uncommon for parents to be asked to find £1,000 or more to pay for a trip abroad. For many families, this represents their budget for a family holiday, so if the child is allowed to go, nobody else gets a holiday that year.

For kids with two parents who both earn a good living, paying for school trips and educational extras is not a problem, but if a child comes from a single parent family subsisting on benefits or a low income, the cost is prohibitive. Consequently, it is not surprising that many parents say they can’t afford it and refuse to let their child participate. Expensive field trips are simply not accessible for many parents.

There is very little parents can do if the school asks them to fund an expensive field trip for their child, other than say no. Some schools have a hardship fund, which is designed to subsidise children from poorer families, but if you both work, you probably won’t qualify for assistance.

4 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Your Child a Youth Baseball Bat

If you want to help your child hone their baseball skills and make a real go at America’s favorite sport, it’s essential to outfit them with the materials they need to develop into a better baseball player. Your child’s bat could be an integral component to their success on the baseball diamond, so before purchasing a youth baseball bat, keep these tips in mind.

1. Bat Legality

Yes, you can inadvertently buy your child an illegal bat, which will find them not up to bat and you out of a ton of cash. Make sure you look for a bat that’s legal for play in your league. It may need to have the stamp of an official supplier logo, as this indicates the bat is made of the right material, and fits the approved length, barrel size, and knob specifications. Little League rules require baseball bats be no longer than 22 inches, while Junior League wood bats must measure shorter than 34 inches. There are detailed rules depending on the league your child’s involved in, and often a simple Google search will give you the parameters to work with, but it’s always a good idea to check. An easy question volleyed at your coach or league before purchasing will make sure you buy a legal bat.

2. Wooden Versus Metal

There are many facets to consider when deciding between a wooden and metal bat for your child. You’ll find numerous articles and opinions expressing the strengths of one or the other, but the decision comes down to weighing the pros and cons of each and choosing the material that will help your child excel. Metal bats tend to be the most popular, regardless of league. They are definitively easier to swing, weigh less, don’t break, and can provide more power. However, if honing your child’s skills is your aim, metal bats may not be the way to go. They can mask poor technique and will make it harder for your child to improve his or her hitting technique.

Many parents elect to have their child train with a wooden bat, because it has been purported to help develop better swinging practices and techniques. While heavier, wooden bats offer better balance, and will help your child better understand the ways to make powerful contact with the ball. Using a wooden bat will require your child to learn and practice the fundamental swinging patterns that make for a successful hit. If you do elect to grab a wooden bat, you’ll need to decide between the types of wood. Ash tends to be the most popular option, but you’ll find a bevy of options.

Check out Woodbat.org for an interesting scientific breakdown of the history behind the woods used for baseball bats and send your child onto the diamond with in-depth knowledge of just how their new wooden bat is designed to help them hit that elusive homerun.

3. The Importance of Practice Before Purchase

Before deciding between the two mediums, give your child plenty of practice with each. Head to the batting cages a few times a week and each time have them work with a metal bat or wooden bat each time. If it gets too pricey, use Groupon. They often have discounted batting cage prices depending on your area and you can pay half of what you might have—your child will definitely thank you for all the extra practice time, and you’ll be able to make a more informed decision when it comes to your bat.

4. When It Comes to Pricing

If you want to find the best price on a baseball bat, you’ll need to head online instead of to your local sport’s store. There’s simply no beating e-commerce prices, but that’s not to say you should head straight to Amazon. Use a website that has a plethora of baseball bats for sale from a variety of companies to make sure you can find the right fit for your child. Using a site dedicated to baseball bats will help you filter out the different options and make it easier for your child to offer their input.

The type of bat your child practices with can greatly affect their game. Their bat is their indispensable tool; it affects swing velocity, the contact they make, dictates how far and where the ball will travel, and their ability to make a sprint for first base after a successful hit. It’s important to put the time and monetary investment into finding the perfect youth baseball bat for your child.

Tech to Get Kids Moving

Getting kids to be active is not as easy as it used to be. So many tweens and teens are enchanted by their tablets and smartphones that they would rather hang out on the couch texting or playing a game than heading to the park or riding their bikes.

Rather than banning electronics from your home, savvy parents can take their kids’ love of gadgets and turn it into a way for them to get and stay active. For example, check out the following devices and apps that will help inspire your kids to get their tushes off the couch:

Active Video Games

Video games do not have to be played sitting down. If you own a Nintendo Wii or XBOX 360 Kinect or other active game console, treat your kids to a few new games that will get their hearts pumping. Great examples are the "Just Dance Kids" series that lets your kiddos mirror dances to pop hits and songs from their favorite TV shows. "Zumba Kids" is another great game that gets kids moving, as is "Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure"—in this game, kids can throw, steer, swing and run around while exploring games set in Pixar movies. If your kids love the show "Wipeout," "Wipeout" (Create and Crash) for the Wii, WiiU and Kinect will have them going through obstacle courses filled with jumping, dives and twisting and turning—anything to avoid having their on-screen character plunge into water. Although this game is technically for ages 10 and up, if the whole family plays together even younger kiddos are sure to have a blast moving around.

Fitness Tracking Devices

If you already own a fitness tracking device like a Fitbit, you might have noticed that merely wearing it inspires you to take more steps during the day and be more active. Getting your children kid-friendly devices will probably have the same effect on them. Or, if you don’t already have one, consider investing in fitness tracking devices for everybody, so you can set goals and encourage healthy and fun fitness and health competitions between all of your family members. A great example is the Apple Watch Sport from a retailer like T-Mobile; the nifty little device helps keep track of your exercise, heart rate and other health-related data. If you are not sure about your kids using such a fancy device and would rather have only the adults use it, no worries—there are plenty of kid-friendly activity trackers including the UNICEF Kid Power Band. The device will measure your kids’ steps and movement and also allows them to go on missions that they can track through the accompanying app, earn points and unlock food packets that will go to malnourished children in the world.

Sworkit Kids

Another great way to get kids moving is to transform their love of apps into motivation to exercise. Let your kiddos download some free fitness apps like Sworkit Kids. This app guides them through fun exercise routines that are demonstrated by kids. You’ll enjoy watching your kiddos crab crawl across the living room floor for 30 seconds or see how quickly they can do 10 squats. The app is so fun, chances are good your kids will inspired you to download it and play along with them. The app will sync with Apple Health and your kids can also use it to create custom workouts that improve their strength, agility and fitness levels.

Peppa Pig’s Big Splash Live Tour Headed To 40 U.S. Cities

Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, Peppa’s first North American theatre tour resumes on September 14. By popular demand, 40 additional cities have been added to the tour schedule for 2017, including coast-to-coast stops from Anaheim and Oakland to Newark and many more. In addition, the hit live show will make an exciting visit north of the border for the very first time with stops in major Canadian cities, including Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. The new tour dates will give fans throughout North America one last chance to see Peppa Pig live on stage during this final leg of the Peppa Pig’s Big Splash tour. Tickets for select cities are on sale and available now at www.peppapigliveus.com.

Citi® Cardmember and Facebook presale tickets as well as VIP packages that include a meet and greet, are available for the 2017 tour dates starting Monday, September 12 at 10:00 a.m. (local time).

The Peppa Pig stage show, based on Entertainment One’s (eOne) top-rated TV series airing daily on Nick Jr., is one of the most successful family tours this year. It has sold 250,000 tickets in the U.S. to date with 75 venues completely selling out. The fun-filled show brings the hit TV series to life on stage, giving families the opportunity to engage with their favorite characters like never before for in an unforgettable first live theater experience.

In Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, the nursery roof is leaking and Peppa and her friends need to fix it quickly. They set up a fair to raise money so Mr. Bull can do the repairs. There’s plenty of fun to be had as Peppa, George, Mummy and Daddy Pig, along with Danny Dog, Pedro Pony and Suzy Sheep work together to organize an exciting day out complete with a Champion Puddle Jumping Competition judged by Mr. Potato, where everyone gets wet! An interactive experience full of singing, dancing, games, and muddy puddles, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash is a guaranteed oinktastic blast for the whole family.

For more information about Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, please visit www.peppapigliveus.com, Facebook and Twitter.

The current tour schedule includes:
2016 
September 14 Greenvale, NY Tilles Center for the Arts
September 15 Syracuse, NY Crouse-Hinds Theatre at John H. Mulroy CC at Oncenter
September 16 Binghamton, NY The Forum Theatre
September 17 Morristown, NJ Mayo Performing Arts Center
September 18 New Brunswick, NJ State Theatre
September 21 Portland, ME Merrill Auditorium at City Hall
September 22 Orono, ME Collins Center For The Arts
September 23 Waterbury, CT The Palace Theater
September 24 Kingston, NY Ulster Performing Arts Center
September 25 Williamsport, PA Williamsport Community Arts Center
September 27 Durham, NC Durham Performing Arts Center
September 28 Cleveland, OH Playhouse Square - State Theatre
September 29 Charleston, WV Clay Center for Arts & Sciences
September 30 Norfolk, VA Chrysler Hall Theatre
October 1 Roanoke, VA Berglund Performing Arts Theatre
October 2 Charlotte, NC Belk Theater at North Carolina Blumenthal PAC
October 4 Savannah, GA Johnny Mercer Theater - Savannah Civic Center
October 5 Chattanooga, TN Tivoli Theatre
October 6 Asheville, NC Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
October 7 Columbia, SC Township Auditorium
October 8 Richmond, KY Eastern Kentucky University - EKU Center for the Arts
October 9 Columbus, OH Palace Theatre
October 11 South Bend, IN Morris Performing Arts Center
October 12 Kalamazoo, MI Miller Auditorium
October 14 Merrillville, IN Star Plaza Theatre
October 15 Appleton, WI Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
October 16 Waukegan, IL Genesee Theatre
October 18 Lincoln, NE Lied Center for Performing Arts
October 19 Ames, IA Stephens Auditorium – Iowa State Center
October 20 Davenport, IA Adler Theatre
October 21 Bowling Green, KY Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center
October 22 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theatre
October 23 Augusta, GA Bell Auditorium

2017 
March 25 Anaheim, CA The Grove of Anaheim
March 26 Santa Barbara, CA Arlington Theatre
March 28 Bakersfield, CA The Fox Theatre
March 29 Sacramento, CA Sacramento Community Center Theater
March 30 Santa Rosa CA Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
March 31 Fresno, CA Warnors Theatre
April 1 Modesto, CA Gallo Center For The Arts
April 2 Oakland, CA Fox Theater
April 4 Redding, CA Redding Civic Auditorium
April 5 Portland, OR Schnitzer Hall
April 6 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre
April 7 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre
April 8 Kelowna, BC Kelowna Community Theatre
April 9 Calgary, AB Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
April 11 Edmonton, AB Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
April 12 Regina, SK Conexus Arts Centre
April 13 Winnipeg, MB Burton Cummings Theatre
April 14 Grand Forks, ND Chester Fritz Auditorium
April 15 Sioux Falls, SD Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science
April 18 Toronto, ON Sony Centre For Performing Arts
April 19 Kitchener, ON Centre in the Square
April 20 Hamilton, ON Hamilton Place Theatre
April 21 Montreal, QC Place Des Arts Theatre
April 22 London, ON Budweiser Gardens
April 23 Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre
April 25 Lowell, MA Lowell Memorial Auditorium
April 26 Burlington, VT Flynn Center For The Performing Arts
April 27 Newark, NJ New Jersey Performing Arts Center
April 28 Scranton, PA Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre at Scranton
April 29 Staten Island, NY St. George Theatre
April 30 Lancaster, PA American Music Theatre
May 2 Bethesda, MD Music Center at Strathmore
May 3 Sewell, NJ TD Bank Arts Center
May 5 Asbury Park, NJ Paramount Theatre
May 6 Rochester, NY Eastman Theatre
May 7 Springfield, MA Symphony Hall

Show Credits:
• Directed by Richard Lewis
• Composer Mani Svavarsson
• Matt Lewis is lyricist
• Simon Scullion is designer
• Andy Booth is music director
• Produced by Red Light Management, Fiery Angel and eOne

The Fresh Market supports No Kid Hungry this September to fight childhood hunger in U.S.

This September, The Fresh Market will continue its national partnership with No Kid Hungry® during the fourth annual Cupcakes for a Cause campaign. The event will raise funds and awareness for No Kid Hungry, the campaign from the nonprofit Share Our Strength dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children to healthy food where they live, learn and play.

September is National Hunger Awareness Month, and No Kid Hungry is rallying its community of supporters and partners, including The Fresh Market, to take action for the one in five kids who struggles with hunger.

In support of making no kid hungry a reality, The Fresh Market will host its Cupcakes for a Cause campaign from August 31 through September 20. The Fresh Market guests can support the fight against childhood hunger by purchasing paper cupcakes at store checkout counters for as little as $1, which connects a child to 10 healthy meals through No Kid Hungry’s programs and partnerships. One hundred percent of the paper cupcake dollar donations will benefit the cause.

Beginning Wednesday, September 14 through Tuesday, September 20, The Fresh Market stores will also host an in-store Cupcake Bakery Sale to benefit No Kid Hungry. Guests may purchase a single gourmet cupcake or a four-pack of cupcakes found in the store’s bakery. The Fresh Market will donate $1 from each gourmet cupcake purchase and $2 from each four-pack cupcake purchase to No Kid Hungry.

With the support of our customers, The Fresh Market has committed to contribute a minimum of $150,000 to No Kid Hungry during its Cupcakes for a Cause campaign this year. To date, the company has raised over $1 million to support the campaign’s effort to connect children in need with nutritious food, while teaching their families how to cook healthy, affordable meals.

About No Kid Hungry

No child should go hungry in America, but 1 in 5 kids will face hunger this year. Using proven, practical solutions, No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger today by ensuring that kids start the day with a nutritious breakfast and families learn the skills they need to shop and cook on a budget. When we all work together, we can make sure kids get the healthy food they need. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of national anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength. Join us at NoKidHungry.org.

Protect Your Little Ones From Mosquitoes This Summer With Fairy Tales Bug Bandit Spray

It's that time of year again where we have to make sure we stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, take safety precautions with the high temperatures, and protect ourselves from those pesky mosquitoes. We have had more than our fair share of rain this year and with the extra rainfall comes the abundance of mosquitoes. I am very particular when I let my little boy go outside in the evening when the mosquitoes are most active, because he gets attacked like crazy. It's not unusual to see those enormous red patches all over his skin. 

It is essential that I use a good mosquito repellent on him. I received a bottle of Fairy Tales Bug Bandit DEET-Free Bug Spray to test out. This product does not contain chemicals or pesticides. It has a blend of lemon eucalyptus, soybean oil, and citronella to proved hours of protection against mosquitoes, fleas and no see-ums. 

As a mom, I love the idea of insect repellent that is free of harsh chemicals, toxins, parabens, and sulfates. Even better for those with allergies, it is also free of dairy, gluten and nuts. I have been using it on William for about a week and it has been working amazingly well. The one mistake I made the other day was not applying it to his neck. He was fine everywhere else, but the mosquitoes are so bad that they found his neck and had at it (sad face). I learned my lesson and sprayed some product on my hands and rubbed it along his neck for extra protection. I really appreciate that it does not leave a lingering pesticide odor and is very effective. You can't really put a price tag on protecting your little ones and this product is well worth it!

Fairy Tales Bug Bandit has become a summer must have! Even my husband uses it when he goes outside to work in the yard towards the evening hours. You can find Fairy Tales Bug Bandit on their website, at salons, specialty stores and retailers across the U.S.. An 8-ounce bottle retails for $13.95. Be sure to follow Fairy Tales Hair Care on Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates.

I received a product sample in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 

For A Limited Time, Kids Eat FREE At IHOP

With soccer games and dance practices, it’s seldom that families have time to eat a meal together anymore. Moms and dads can save time cooking in the kitchen and let IHOP handle the cooking… and doing the dishes!, From April 11 through May 6, with every adult entrée ordered, kids can eat free daily from 4pm to 8pm at participating IHOPs. That’s right… EVERYDAY!  Kids can choose from a myriad of fun and delicious plates, including: kids’ size chicken and waffles, grilled cheese sandwich, or they can make their own “funny face” chocolate chip pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar, and a whipped cream smile…because at IHOP, breakfast for dinner is not only just accepted, it’s encouraged.

Silver 5
The perfect portion for little ones, these five silver dollar-sized buttermilk pancakes come with a scrambled egg and crispy New hickory-smoked bacon.

Jr. Chicken & Waffles
Two all-white meat chicken strips, battered and fried to a golden crisp paired with two Belgian waffle quarters. Served with whipped butter and your choice of dipping sauce.

Funny Face® Pancake
Kids give two thumbs up to this big chocolate chocolate chip pancake, sprinkled with powdered sugar and a whipped topping smile.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled just right, this IHOP pick will have even picky eaters digging in! Served with Mott's Applesauce.

Run over to your local participating IHOP and get this deal before it's gone! Be sure to connect with all things IHOP on Facebook and Twitter.

Kid's Room Interior Design Guidelines

There are quite a few ways you can help work on room design if you have kids, but you will need to keep quite a few things in mind when you work on said designs. Kids will need a special place where they can sleep, play, study and generally have fun while being connected to their room. To make that work you will need to have a creative and practical solution that will serve a purpose for your kids and yourself when the time arrives:

• One of the more important parts and choices of what you need to do will be the colors of the walls you can choose as well as those of your ceilings and other smaller colors. You can make use of the softer hues and colors out there to make studying and sleeping far easier and free of distractions.

• You can keep your kids art around or some family oriented photos as well to fill the empty space on your walls, as well as possibly the ceilings too if you have what you think will work. You can work on this by yourself or you can combine your cleaning efforts by asking your kids about what they would like as well.

• You could get some chalkboard paint to make an art corner where the kids can draw and paint without worrying about making a mess. It will take some painting and thorough house cleaning, but in the end it will be a job well done and your kids will have a chance to enjoy a creative outcome you can rely upon.

• There is a great way to make your very own reading corner or even a gaming area, but you will still need to work hard on it if you want to make it last a long time. Make sure you have a nice set of seating spaces to work with and it will pay off quite nicely.

• You may need to consider using a set of organizers for potential school supplies, textbooks and so much more. Kids will often figure out the details themselves, but you can help them out to make cleaning after them easier to handle as well. Boxes for toys, as well as other organizing items will make it fun instead of some unbearable chore.

• Improving the storage capacity of your home and using a mirror to create the illusion of space will make things easier to handle. This will also serve to allow the kids to be able to see themselves and to have fun while you work on things together.

• You will need to also work on rooms that allow kids to move unimpeded as they go about their day. Ask some questions about potential design solutions so they can enjoy it. Kids will are shorter than grownups so that means you will have a great chance to use smaller and shorter pieces of furniture that would fit their size and needs more accurately.

Read more helpful tips and advice on: barnetcarpetcleaners.com