Staying Safe With Teenage Driving #DriveItHome #CGC

May 29, 2013 By 22 Comments

Did you know that one of the most dangerous years in a person’s life is the first twelve months after getting a driver’s license? With a teenager in our house who’s just a little over 18 months away from getting her license, the thought is terrifying. It leaves me wondering what we can do to make her first year of teenage driving easier for her.

Thankfully, I had the opportunity to take our teen, as well as a few of our family members to our local Drive it Home event put on by The Allstate Foundation, where we got to take a fun look at something as serious as teenage driving.

teenage driving

In Texas, there were 1,122 fatalities in crashes involving at least one 15-19 year old motor vehicle driver from 2009-11, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A total of 414 teen drivers (15-19), 183 teen passengers (15-19) and 121 other age passengers (15-19) in the teen’s vehicle and 403 others were killed in those crashes.

Research also shows that inexperience is the number one cause of teen crashes, but only 17% of Texas parents believe this is the top cause. This is slightly lower than the 18% national average.

Lifesaving Tips For Teenage Driving

1. Spend at least 30 minutes each week driving with your newly licensed teen.

2. Practice specific skills with your newly licensed teen in the following areas:

  • Scanning the road ahead to recognize and respond to hazards.
  • Controlling speed, stopping, turning, and following distance.
  • Judging the gap between vehicles in traffic — such as exiting parking lots and left-hand turns.
  • Managing the highest driving risks, such as night driving and driving with young passengers in the car.

3. Be the type of driver you want your teen to be. They are watching you and learning. Are you texting or talking while driving? Are you wearing your seat belt? They will do the same.

4. If it’s raining out, put your teen behind the wheel. They need the extra practice in dangerous situations, knowing you are there to guide them. More than half of all Texas teens wish their parents had spent more time teaching them to drive in demanding situations.

Nearly 30 percent of parents are not setting rules around some of the most dangerous behaviors including nighttime driving and passengers in the car. Did you know that the accident rate doubles with each passenger in their car? It’s a scary thought.

Sixty-four percent of parents are actively looking for resources to help manage their teens’ driving experience and driveithome.org has you covered. You can sign up to receive weekly driving practice tips and suggestions via e-mail, and print, discuss and sign a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement.

With Texas law requiring teens to log a minimum of 50 hours of driving practice before they can obtain a driver’s license, I’m convinced it’s not nearly enough for our teen. Thankfully, we now know ways to help make sure she gets where she’s going safely every day.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Filed Under: Kids, Spreading the Word Tagged With: , ,

Let’s All Sleep All Night With Parents Choice Overnight Baby Diapers

May 28, 2013 By 18 Comments

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Parents Choice Overnight Baby Diapers, but I’m super excited to share my own thoughts and opinions with you all!

When I was early on in my diapering days about 4 years ago, I remember my mom telling me several times when my oldest was with her that his diaper would leak at night. Even with using premium baby diapers, I was having the same trouble at my house and couldn’t figure out what the problem was. My mom would constantly say, “Jamie, why don’t you just get some overnight diapers?” My response was always the same. “I just hate having to do that. They’re more expensive and I just can’t stand having to pay more for diapers.”

Several of my friends were able to solve the problem by going up a size at night and sometimes that worked for us, as well.

In less than three years, we added two more kids to the family and that made the idea of expensive overnight diapers even further removed from our budget because they were all three in diapers at once. I have no desire to think back on those diaper changing days. What a whip! As I’m sure you can imagine, there were many sleepless nights involving feedings and diaper changes.

Parent’s Choice Overnight Baby Diapers

With three in diapers, I was willing to try anything as long as it was budget friendly and safe on my babies’ skin, of course. When I was asked to try Parent’s Choice Overnight Baby Diapers, I was super excited. Thankfully, my oldest is now out of diapers and his younger brother is nearing the end of his diapering days (WOOHOO!). But, at 9 months old, our sweet girl will be in baby diapers for a while and with the eczema we’ve been battling, I’m extra cautious about what touches her sensitive skin.

baby diapers

 

I’m so happy to report that I LOVE this diaper and so does little Brantley! She’s happily sleeping all night and I don’t have to worry about her sensitive skin being soaked all night and red in the morning.

baby diapers

 

Parent’s Choice Overnight Baby Diapers have an enhanced dryness layer that will allow your little one to rest longer. That means more sleep for Mommy and Daddy, too!! The soft inner liner is also hypoallergenic and treated with Vitamin E and aloe for skin protection. I love knowing her skin is safe without having to worry about extra diaper cream protection.

baby diapers

My very favorite part about Parent’s Choice Overnight Baby Diapers is the price. Since Brantley is in a size 3, I can get an 86 count box of diapers for $13.97. I am not kidding y’all! This is a price that just about anyone can afford. And now that these diapers have come in to my life, you won’t hear me complaining about the cost of overnight diapers again.

I’ve found the answer to my problems and we’re all happily sleeping all night without worrying about leaks or diaper rash. My wallet is thankful, too! I’d say it’s obvious what Brantley thinks about it all. :)

baby diapers

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Night time protection for babies is an important consideration for parents as their little one grows. Ordinary diapers may not have enough absorbent capacity to handle multiple voids over long periods of time with older babies. When wet mornings become the norm, parents start looking for more protection to guard against overnight leaks.

Parent’s Choice Overnight Baby Diapers are super absorbent for overnight and long-trip protection. This is an overnight diaper at prices that everyone can afford!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Parent’s Choice Overnight Baby Diapers.

 

Filed Under: Baby

5 Things I’ve Learned About the New Fitness Enthused Me #RevoltNowFitness

May 25, 2013 By 15 Comments

I’ve been on this journey with Revolt Now Fitness for about 4 weeks now and not only do I like it, but I LOVE it! It’s challenged the heck out of me and it’s fun to see the girl I’ve been missing for about the past 5 years, while I was busy with pregnancies and babies. It’s also nice to see muscles I forgot I had. Shute, it’s just nice to see muscles, period. :)

Not only am I starting to see a difference on the outside, but I like the girl on the inside, even more.

I’m making the decision, everyday, to stay committed to this program. There is often a battle going on in my head. The lazy me wants to put my workout off until “later” (whenever that may be), but the new fitness enthused me says, “C’mon, just get it over with. You’ll feel so much better when you’re done and have another workout behind you!”

Truth be told, I like the new fitness enthused me. She’s kinda whippin’ my booty! ;)

What I’m Learning About the New Fitness Enthused Me

1. Sadly, I’ve discovered my upper body is super weak. The pushups and free weights about kill me, but I love the burn when I’m finished. I love feeling sore in my chest and back because it just means those exercises are working and I’m getting stronger.

2. I’ve learned my body LOVES clean eating. I have more energy and I just feel better all around. As a girl who always loves to try fun new recipes, it’s nice to see how my new Revolt recipes take a fatty recipe I’m used to and make it clean and healthier for you, without sacrificing awesome flavor.

The breakfast meals have been my favorite and this one has made me happy every morning of this past week!

fitness enthused

 

The key elements to making this burrito healthier are egg whites, whole wheat tortilla, and fat free turkey sausage.

3. As much as my body likes clean eating, my MIND wants to cheat and eat foods that are BAD for me. :) Thankfully, we have a day built in to the program that’s for that — CHEATING! Knowing I have a cheat day to look forward to helps keep me on track when it comes to my meals. Saturdays are cheat days for me and this is what I was looking forward to last night as I went to sleep. :)

fitness enthused

4. With 2 rest days per week built in to the program, I can keep pushing myself hard on each workout, giving it my all. We don’t do workouts on Wednesdays and Sundays and I think those rest days are my reward for working hard.

5. The best part about this whole program is I’m starting to feel strong again and I. LOVE. IT! It’s so motivating and keeps me going. Not only that, but it makes me feel more confident and helps me walk a little taller. I really like the new “strong” me {except for my upper body, of course}. ;)

My Progress

I haven’t lost inches and I’m ok with that, but I did hit a major milestone. I dropped in to the 130s. I’m at 139 right now. I honestly can not tell you when I was in the 130s before. I’ve lost a total of 5 pounds so far on the program, but I know I’m losing fat, too, and turning it in to muscle!

My father-in-law saw me the other day for the first time in a few weeks and told me I looked taller and thinner. I’ll take it! ;)

If you’re interested in doing Revolt Now Fitness for yourself take a peek around the website and learn a little more. If you scroll down on the home page, there’s even a video for you to do a free workout. Want a free week? You can sign up for that, too, just to try it out.

Disclosure: I received a compimentary subscription to Revolt Now Fitness in exchange for sharing my experience with you. All opinions are my own. This post does contain an affiliate link.

Filed Under: Fitness Tagged With: , ,

Pretty Muddy Mud Run Gives Back #GetActiveWithON

May 24, 2013 By 4 Comments

This post is sponsored by Old Navy, however, all opinions are my own.

Last week, I told you all about a new fitness adventure I’m embarking on June 1st. The Pretty Muddy Mud Run is coming to Dallas and I’m all in! I have no experience in mud runs and really not sure what to expect but I know one thing, for sure. It’s going to be FUN!

pretty muddy mud run

Pretty Muddy Mud Run

The Pretty Muddy Mud Run is a 3.1 mile race full of mud for women (sorry guys) to enjoy together! The course is filled with 10 obstacles including, among others, a 20-foot inflatable mud slide, an A-frame cargo net climb, and, of course, mud pits! The whole race is untimed, which allows you to just focus on getting through it, instead of how fast you can do it.

The best part may be what’s waiting at the finish line! Following three miles of achievement, the ladies will have music, entertainment, drinks, and a Pretty Awesome celebration waiting for them!

Following the race, runners will be treated to a fashion show by Old Navy Active. Participants turned muddy models will walk the catwalk showcasing the latest in active wear trends.

Women of all fitness levels are encouraged to join teams, wear costumes, and just have an all around awesome time together!

Pretty Muddy Mud Run Gives Back

To celebrate the Pretty Muddy Dallas debut, Old Navy is supporting Pretty Muddy’s partnership with Susan G. Komen Dallas County by donating to the charity $5 for each of the first 2,000 participants.

The money raised will support programs that provide no-cost breast cancer education, screening and treatment for area women.

In addition to the donation, Old Navy and Pretty Muddy are offering free registration to the Pretty Muddy event to 250 breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer survivors simply need to visit www.prettymuddy.com to secure a complimentary slot.

Pretty Muddy Mud Run

So what you need to do to relieve the stress from everyday life is to run yourself through some MUD!! Who’s with me?? :)

Filed Under: DFW Tagged With: , ,

7 Tips for Sending Kids to Summer Camp + Giveaway

May 24, 2013 By 54 Comments

This post is sponsored by Kiddo Tags, but all opinions are my own.

One of my very favorite things to do as a kid was to go to summer camp. I literally looked forward to it all year long and loved the time I spent away from home. I started out as a first grader spending one week away from home. Over the next 6 years, I added a week each year to my stay. By the time I was at the end of my 7th grade year, I was spending 7 weeks away from home, and loving every minute of it!

Sending Kids to Summer Camp

Sending kids away from home for summer camp can be rewarding for both parents and kids, but it’s not always easy on either party. I’ve compiled a list of 7 tips to make the process a little easier.

summer camp

1. Trunks can be better than suitcases because they are sturdier and more durable. They can also be great for allowing your child to have a little freedom with personalization with stickers. Make sure to pack some pictures of family to give them something to show off to their new friends.

2. Even though summer makes you want to spend your days barefoot or in flip flops, it’s always a good idea to have closed toe shoes and even rubber shoes, which are perfect for the water.

3. Mesh laundry bags are always a good idea because they can help your child keep all of their dirty clothes together and they help to air out the clothing. One thing I had to learn early on is how important it was to let my wet towels air dry before throwing them in with my dirty clothes. Opening up a load of mildew smelling clothes is no fun! I had to learn that lesson the hard way.

4. Label, label, and label some more! You’d be amazed at how many pieces of clothing go missing, but having your child’s name on all of their belongings can increase your chance of getting those things back. Kiddo Tags has some awesome clothing tags, which are perfect for labeling each of those clothing pieces.

summer camp

 

5. Allergy tags could save your child’s life! Make sure camp administration, you child’s counselor, and the camp nurse are all aware of your child’s allergies or medical issues. Kiddo Tags has a great product called Health and Safety Allergy Alert tags, which stick to almost everything.

Estimates say that in the United States, thousands of people visit the emergency room annually because of allergic reactions to food. Somewhere around 150 to 200 people die in the U.S. each year because of food allergies. It’s estimated that around 50 percent to 62 percent of those fatal cases of anaphylaxis were caused by peanut allergies. by - Discovery Fit and Health

Because of this, Kiddo Tags is offering a 20% discount on their products by using the code awareness. This code will expire June 30, 2013.

6. Write letters to your child. It’s even a fun idea to write a letter to your child before they leave home and slip it in to their suitcase so it’s waiting for them when they get to camp. One of my favorite memories from camp was hearing my name called during “Mail Call.” One thing to note, though, is to make sure your letters focus on your children and the fun time you hope they are having. Try to avoid talking about what they’re missing at home. This will keep the homesick blues at bay.

7. As a camper, the next best thing to getting a letter in the mail is finding your name on a fun care package from home. Send a couple of fun treats, but make sure any food you send can be eaten in one sitting. Open food packages and crumbs are invitations for unwanted animals or rodents.

Summer camp can be an amazing time away from home for your children and a nice break for parents. I have nothing but the fondest of memories when I think of my time spent at camp!

Kiddo Tags Giveaway

Kiddo Tags is offering you the chance to win a $40 gift card to their store. This giveaway will end May 31st at midnight! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Kids

Free Fun at the Fairview Splash Park

May 20, 2013 By 26 Comments

I’m not sure how I’ve missed this hidden little gem, but there is an awesome splash park tucked away at the back of The Village at Fairview. Thank goodness, some of our playgroup friends introduced us to this free fun last Friday!
 
When we got there, the boys were a little timid to head for the water. I’m blaming it on the fact that this was our very first water activity for the “summer” season. To be honest, I had to borrow a swim diaper since I’m totally unprepared for all of our water activities that are about to begin. :) Plus, I keep wishing Riverson will just magically wake up and decide to start using the potty. Wishful thinking, I know. ;)
 
fairview splash park

 

They both quickly fell in love with the random fountains shooting water in to the air.

 

fairview splash pad

 

I loved how Riverson never failed to be surprised when the water shot in to the air.

 

fairview splash park

 

And every time, he got just as excited as the time before.

 

fairview splash park

 

I loved seeing this happiness on his face. Knowing how much he loves the water, he was in heaven here.

 

 

fairview splash park

 

They could have played here for hours and it was so nice for me to be able to sit on the side with my friends and catch up on what’s going on in our lives.
 
fairview splash park

 

I DID learn a few things that are good to know for the next time we make our way back there.
 
For starters, it’s good to get there early because there are a few tables with an umbrella covering them, but they fill up fast and from what I’ve heard, if you don’t get there by 10:30 in the morning, they’ll more than likely be taken.
 
Of course, if shade isn’t an issue for you, there is plenty of space to spread out a blanket and have a little picnic setting.
 
fairview splash park

 

Next time we come, I’m also planning to bring a water toy or two. The boys seemed to be jealous of everyone who had their own toy.
 
It’s so nice to find free activities around Dallas where I can take them to get worn out and be ready for an awesome nap by the time we’re finished. Those are always my favorite acitivities! :)

 

Filed Under: DFW

Getting Fitness Crazy with the Old Navy Pretty Muddy Mud Run

May 17, 2013 By 3 Comments

This is a sponsored post as part of the Pretty Muddy Mud Run and Old Navy Active Gear wear.
 
If you’ve been keeping up with my latest fitness updates, you know I’m smack dab in the middle of a serious workout and diet plan and I’m loving every minute of it. Earlier this week, I shared a couple of pictures that made me cringe to put up there, but one of them is a girl from my past, a girl I hope I never see again. It’s a much larger ME!
 
I’m working out in my living room 5 times a week and walking around with sore muscles the rest of the time. For some reason, it totally motivates me when I feel that pain. It helps me know those workouts really are kicking my body in to gear!
 
And speaking of kicking my body in to gear, I’m about to do something way out of my comfort zone two weeks from tomorrow. I will be participating in the Pretty Muddy Mud Run in Dallas!

pretty muddy

Pretty Muddy Mud Run

The Pretty Muddy Mud Run, sponsored by Old Navy, will take place on June 1st, at Skyline Ranch, which is located at 1801 E Wheatland Rd Dallas, TX 75241.
 
This mud run is a 5k adventurous obstacle course mud run for any woman who wants to get outside, spend time with friends and have fun getting a little dirty. And most importantly, it’s just for women! Sorry boys!
 
But, they wouldn’t care about the post-race Old Navy fashion show as much as we do, anyway. That’s right, Old Navy will be showcasing their latest active wear fashion trends! Here’s a few things to know about the Old Navy Activewear line:

  • Old Navy Active collection offers an assortment of styles and colors at an affordable price.
  • Old Navy Compression Collection features everything from solid color leggings to color block capris, sports bras, tanks, shorts and jackets, and offers performance fit for added support and a slimmer silhouette.
  • Designed with the highest level of technology, active items are made with cotton, spandex and GoDry Fabric, which quickly wicks away moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable.
  • Flat lock seams and tag-free labels prevent chafing to ensure you stay focused on fitness.
  • Old Navy Active pants offer fuss-free storage of keys, iPods or any other workout essentials.

Within the next couple of weeks, I’ll be posting a review of an Old Navy Active Gear outfit, as well as providing you with a little more race information.
 
Until then, why don’t you sign up to run, too!! I’m getting way out of my comfort zone on this one but I couldn’t be more excited!!

Filed Under: DFW, Fitness Tagged With: , ,

Allstate Foundation is Teaching Teens & Parents Driver Safety

May 17, 2013 By 1 Comment


 

Now that our oldest is almost 14 and a half, we are so close to being forced to let her drive. It scares me to death to think of everything that will be involved in taking this HUGE step for our family. Not only that, but the girl is like any typical teenager in that she’s attached to her cell phone, and THAT scares me more than anything! Fortunately she’s very responsible and I know she’ll be ready when the time comes, but it’s still so hard to believe it’s actually time for this.

I’m so thankful for an upcoming opportunity for us to learn a little more about the best ways to teach her to be a successful driver.

 

If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I’d love you to join me at the Drive it Home Show, presented by the National Safety Council and Allstate Foundation, Thursday, May 23, If you have tween, teen, or are concerned about teen driving safety, it will be an informative (and entertaining!) event. Please feel free to share this post with anyone who might like to attend. Details are as follows:

 

What: Drive it Home Show, presented by the National Safety Council and Allstate Foundation

When: Thursday, May 23 from 7pm – 8:15pm

Where: Plano Courtyard Theater (1509 H Ave, Plano, TX 75074)

Price: FREE!; no tickets required

 

BONUS: You can enter in the sweepstakes at the event for a chance to win gas cards and a brand new car!


If you’d like to attend, click here to register and when checking in, let them know that Clever Girls Collective sent you. Hope to see you there!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Filed Under: DFW Tagged With:

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

May 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment

I attended my very first musical not too long ago when Jeff and I had a date night to see Mary Poppins. And, until then, I really had no idea what I was missing out on.
 
Theatre was one of my favorite classes in high school, so I feel a little disappointed that I’ve waited this long in my life to enjoy such amazing productions. I’ve never been to New York to see a show on Broadway and with three kids under 4, it’s not really on the short list of things that must happen in the near future. Maybe in a few years, though.
 
But, if I can’t go to New York to see a show on Broadway, I’m more than excited to catch the latest musical right here in Dallas, in Fair Park, actually. Thanks to Dallas Summer Musicals, we still get the opportunity to see amazing shows!
 
On stage now, is Priscilla, Queen of the Desert!

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

 
 
priscilla queen of the desert   This is the perfect opportunity to grab a couple of girlfriends, get all fixed up, and head out for a great show together!
 
This show tells the story of three friends on the roadtrip of a lifetime, who hop on a battered bus in search of love and friendship in the Australian outback and end up finding more than they could have ever imagined. It’s an uplifting story with a great message about standing up for your friends and being true to yourself!
 
Featuring more than 500 dazzling, award-winning costumes, Priscilla features a hit parade of dance-floor favorites like “It’s Raining Men,” “Finally,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “I Will Survive.”
 
Amazing costumes, fun music, and an uplifting story — it sounds like a show you just can’t miss! I know I can’t wait to see it!
 
priscilla queen of the desert
 
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert will be showing at Music Hall at Fair Park until May 26th. You can read more about the show and  purchase your tickets here. Please note: This show is not recommended for children, as some topics are not appropriate.

Filed Under: DFW Tagged With:

Taste Addison Ticket Giveaway

May 15, 2013 By 15 Comments

This weekend is the annual Taste Addison, in Addison, of course, which will offer a tasty weekend blend of food, music, and family fun. I’m so excited about taking my family to experience it all for ourselves. I’m actually not sure what I’m more excited about? The food! No, the music! Or maybe it’s the carnival rides!
 

Taste Addison

Taste Addison

Photo Credit: Town of Addison


 
If you’ve lived in DFW for a while, you’ve probably heard of Taste Addison because it’s been a popular yearly event for as long as I can remember. With over 70 restaurants involved in offering generous sized samples at reduced prices and national breakout musical entertainment like Reckless Kelly and Turnpike Troubadours, it’s sure to be an amazing 3 day event!
 
And let’s not forget everything for the kids! Taste Addison will be offering carnival rides, midway games, award winning children’s entertainment, crafts, and more!
 
Maybe you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to participate in the Tasty Run 5K & Fun Run, taking place on Saturday. Bite sized samples from Addison restaurants will keep runners satisfied and entertained as they race through the streets of Addison. How fun does THAT sound?!?!
 
And for the extra adventurous, how about the Blazin’ Challenge! Presented by Buffalo Wild Wings, “It’s like walking on hot coals, except you eat them!” You can sign up at the Buffalo Wild Wings booth at Taste Addison to participate in the hottest challenge around. 12 wings, 6 minutes. All I can think is, “Ouch!”
 

Taste Addison Specifics

May 17-19, 2013
 
Addison Circle Park
 
Friday, May 17, 2013—————6:00pm to Midnight————–$15

Saturday, May 18, 2013————Noon to Midnight—————–$5 before 5:00pm; $15 after 5:00pm

Sunday, May 19, 2013————–Noon to 5:00pm——————-$5
 
Children under the age of 4 are free
 
You can also buy one ticket and get your second ticket for 25% off at any DFW Albertsons.

What to Bring and Not Bring

Bring:

  • Cash/ATM card {There will be 7 ATMs on site.}
  • Strollers
  • Your Appetite

Don’t Bring:

  • A lawn chair
  • Your Pets
  • A full belly

Giveaway

You have the chance to win 4 free tickets to Taste Addison and a restaurant gift card to continue tasting Addison even after the weekend festivities.
 
All you need to do is leave a comment on this post telling me what you’re most excited to experience at Taste Addison.
 
This is a FLASH GIVEAWAY and will end at 2:00pm tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon.

Disclosure: I was given the same prize pack as I am giving away, in exchange for promotion of Taste Addison.

This giveaway is now closed and the winner has been notified and confirmed. Thank you so much to those of you who entered!

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