Exciting New News from The Stork OTC

This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are mine. 

I've shared previously about Hubby's and my struggles to have a family. It's disheartening to learn that something that seems so natural and easy can be extremely elusive for some couples. While discussion of infertility is becoming more common, there is still a certain amount of sadness and shame that women in particular feel about not being able to easily conceive.

www.storkotc.com 

Last year, I learned about an over-the-counter fertility device that, if it had been around when I was struggling to conceive, I would have tried. The Stork OTC Home Conception Kit is a clinically proven, promising option for couples or singles trying to conceive. The first and only conception device to meet the U.S. Food and Drug administration's strict requirements and be cleared for over the counter sales without a prescription, The Stork OTC is the product of years of meticulous design and testing.

Obviously, it's more fun to make a baby the "natural way," but this isn't always possible for all couples. The Stork OTC is specifically designed for in-home use, making it a private, first step in overcoming infertility.

And now there's an exciting new clinical study which demonstrates that the Stork OTC Home Conception Kit is more effective at delivering a higher concentration of sperm to the cervix than natural intercourse when trying to get pregnant. The peer-reviewed, ten-month study was conducted by Dr. Michael J. Pelekanos and is published in the Surgical Technology International, Issue XXVII. The results are:

• In 85% of participants, the Stork OTC delivered a 3.23x higher value of sperm concentration at the cervix compared to the value of sperm concentration with natural intercourse.
• The remaining 15% of participants saw no change in sperm concentration between the Stork OTC use and the natural intercourse method. 

The Stork OTC uses cervical cap insemination (CCI), which has a proven success rate of 10-20% (IUI has a success rate of 10-20%). The FDA has cleared the Stork OTC for help with common fertility problems such as sperm motility issues, low sperm count, unfavorable vaginal environment, and unexplained infertility. 

In an age when reproductive treatment options are largely high-cost and complex, The Stork OTC offers an elegantly simple way to optimize chances for conception, in the privacy of one's own home, and at a price point ($79.99/single-use device) that is far less costly than invasive procedures such as IUI, IVF, etc.--procedures often not covered by insurance and that many simply cannot afford. Hubby and I spent much of our savings on fertility treatments, so I'm happy to bring news of this affordable option to couples and singles trying for a family.

Join us in a special one-hour Twitter chat as we discuss tips for conceiving naturally and what you can do when that doesn’t seem to be working. We’ll share information on how The Stork OTC can help in a non-evasive and cost-effective way.

During the final chat of this series, you’ll also have a chance to win $25 gift cards to CVS/pharmacy by answering some trivia questions. And as a grand prize, we’ll be giving away a $50 CVS/pharmacy gift card and a trial of The Stork OTC! For more information on The Stork OTC, please visit their website.

My heart goes out to everyone wishing to start a family. I know firsthand the heartache associated with infertility and what a strain it puts on all aspects of your life. I'm offering one reader a chance to win a Stork OTC kit valued at $79.99. Just comment below with your interest in winning (don't worry, you don't need to share personal information), and I will pick one winner at random by Friday, December 11th. Be on the lookout for the reply notification from Disqus. If the winner doesn't respond in 24 hours, I will pick a new winner.

Visit the Stork OTC website for more information on the study results and what The Stork OTC can do for you.

*This content is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.*

Image via Shutterstock.com





The giveaway is over now. The winner is Sarah Anne J. 

How I Became a Real Artist (with help from Vino Van Gogh)

When I was in college, I was in a sorority. Each of us welcomed a "little sister" by making her a door sign for her room. They were all the same - each had our little sister's name, our sorority name, and our mascot, which was a bear. We were even given a pattern to create it.

Despite that, my poor little sister's door sign looked like it had what can only be described as a cross between a mutant mouse and Jabba the Hut on it.

Needless to say, I am not artistic or crafty AT ALL. And I reeeeaaaallly wish I could be. I see the beautiful and clever things that other people create, and I know there is no way I could do that. I don't even have a craft board on Pinterest, because - duh. Not crafty.

So when I had the opportunity to attend a Vino Van Gogh event, I was intrigued. Vino Van Gogh is a way for participants to create art while socializing at a restaurant, wine or coffee bar, or other local venue. The instructors are artists, art teachers, and others with a passion for art who use certain instructional techniques to help the participants create real art.

Honestly, I thought there was no way I would be able to recreate the work of art, which for this event was Sahara Elephants. 

This is what we were to recreate. 

But I was excited to try because my (now four-year-old!) loves elephants. The event was held at a place called Wine Styles, so of course loving wine and inviting my BFF Diane made it more appealing.

Diane and me. 

Our instructor, Carl, is an artist who splits his time between our city and NYC, where he paints sets for Broadway shows. He was a great teacher. True to Vino Van Gogh's model, he led us step by step through the painting. He told us which colors and which brushes to use and advised us on which stroke techniques would be best.

We all started out the same. Four colors
seems less intimidating. 

Already all looking slightly different. 

The class was filled with a variety of people: best friends, couples, a mom and daughter, and some single people. Next to me was a professional cake decorator and across from her was a young woman who considered being an art teacher. Theirs turned out so good! According to Carl, it's not about duplicating the painting, but interpreting the art in your own way. Really, everyone's painting looked similar to the original, but enough different to be original. One woman even left the elephants out of hers.

This is the "would-be" art teacher's painting.
Show off. ;)

I had a blast. For me, drinking wine definitely helped. Diane said drinking wine made hers worse; but Carl gave her lots of help and direction without ever once judging. I would definitely attend one of these events again - what a fun girls' night out! Wine Styles was a great location for this. The girl working recommended a perfect wine for us, and - as I started to get a little too loopy - also recommended the perfect cheese and crackers to go with it.

Diane and me with our paintings. 

Vino Van Gogh has events in several cities across the Midwest in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, and Kansas. Check their website for a location near you. They also run coupon specials frequently, so sign up to receive their newsletter so you can know when and where events are. Sign up according to a preferred venue, artist, or painting - it's your choice! You can also follow them on Facebook.

I can't stress enough that even if you don't think you're an artist, you can do this. If I can, anyone can! And if for some reason it doesn't turn out, just remember Vino Van Gogh's motto: Paint, drink, and be merry!

*Diane and I received complimentary tickets for this event. All opinions are my own, and I would totally pay to go again!

Cheap textbooks and a side of philanthropy

College is a time of great excitement, discovery, and adventure. It's a time during which you feel as though you can conquer the world and anything is possible.

I remember back in my college days I had lots of hopes and dreams. I wanted to write great poetry. I wanted to teach underprivileged kids in Houston. I wanted to travel to foreign lands.

What I mostly did was hang out with my sorority friends, study a lot, drink keg beer, and flirt with boys. Then repeat, repeat, repeat.

Money was really tight for me. My parents and I chose the college I attended based on a scholarship I had received. It paid my full tuition for one year, and it was renewable every year as long as I maintained a certain grade point average.

Despite all my boy chasing, beer drinking, and sorority schmoozing, I did manage to keep that GPA and that scholarship every year. I only had a part time job my senior year - my parents felt my "job" was to get that scholarship back every year.

We still had to pay for room and board and textbooks, which were a lot of money! There was no money left over to pursue any of my college dreams. I could sell the books back at the end of every year, but only at a fraction of what I had paid for them. Luckily, times and textbook acquisition have changed.

Back in my college days, renting textbooks wasn't an option. You bought them for a hefty price and if you couldn't sell them back, guess what? You got to keep a $93.50 copy of Art from the 18th Century. I bet some of us still have that "art book" on our coffee tables. Wheee!!

I have written about Campus Book Rentals in the past. I have even used Campus Book Rentals in the past. I paid no more than about $20 for the textbooks I rented. They even sent me a reminder when my book was due back. It's easy, affordable, and it gives back. Here are the details:

• you can save 40-90% off of campus bookstore prices
• the shipping is free both ways
• you can highlight in the textbooks as if you own them
• the rental period is flexible and there is a 21 day risk free guarantee (ever change your mind about a class you've taken?)
• top notch support staff is available via phone or chat box

Campus Book Rentals is one of the pioneers of online textbook renting. Since 2007, over one million students on 6,000 campuses across the country have used CBR.  That's pretty impressive. You know what else is impressive? Their commitment to giving back. Campus Book Rentals partners with Operation Smile, an organization that provides life-changing surgeries for children who were born with a cleft lip and/or palate and cannot afford the surgeries otherwise. Operation Smile is near and dear to my heart as my son, Slim, was born with a cleft lip and palate and will be undergoing his fourth surgery this summer. CBR promises to donate a minimum of 80 additional surgeries for these kids this year.

Cheap textbooks and a side of philanthropy? Yes, please.

Thank you, Campus Book Rentals.

Visit the Campus Book Rentals website for more FAQs and watch a video of how it all works:




*Feature image from shutterstock.com


I was compensated for this post. Facts are facts, but the opinions are all mine. 

I wish The Stork would have been there for me

Hubby and I got married when we were 31. All of our siblings had families, and we were surrounded by dozens of nieces and nephews. One of us was really anxious to start having lots of babies right away. Since the other one wanted to wait a while, we compromised and waited about six months before trying. 

Six months turned into a year filled with so many pregnancy tests I lost count, sex that felt more like a chore than a pleasure, misguided advice from my primary care doctor, pointless temperature taking (it was always the same), and a devastating miscarriage. 

The worst thing was probably the whole year's worth of questions and comments: Why haven't you guys had a baby yet? We thought you'd be pregnant by now. You'd better hurry up and start having babies if you want to keep up with your husband's family. Aren't you guys planning on having a family?

I was so ashamed to admit that we had been trying, but it wasn't working. Since nothing was found to be wrong with my husband or his ability to produce sperm, I felt like it was all my fault. I felt broken, and I didn't feel like there was anything I could do about it or anyone I could talk to.

On the same day that I visited one of my best friends and her new baby in the hospital, Hubby and I had our first fertility appointment. Five months and thousands of dollars later, we were pregnant with twins. It took me years to finally admit that we experienced problems. 

Today, with the popularity of blogs focusing on fertility, we know that there is no shame in admitting that a couple is experiencing fertility issues. In fact, a CDC study found 10.9% (6.7 million) of women ages 15-44 have impaired ability to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term. 1 in 6 couples are unable to conceive after 12 months of trying (National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development). 

Every time we had an appointment with the fertility doctor, I was terrified someone would see me and know that we were struggling to get pregnant. If there would have been more home options a decade ago, I definitely would have tried them. 

I recently heard about an over the counter device that can be used as a first step for couples experiencing infertility. It is called The Stork OTC. The Stork OTC, the only conception assistance device cleared by the FDA for over-the-counter sales to consumers without a prescription, uses an established and effective conception technique—cervical cap insemination—which helps with many common fertility difficulties. With The Stork OTC, consumers finally have an easy, drug-free, economical conception aid they can use at home, without a prescription. You can watch a demo video and learn more about how it is used at www.storkotc.com.

I must disclose that I have never used this product. However, I really wish that The Stork OTC had been around when Hubby and I were trying. I can say with certainty (and not just because I am being compensated for this post) that I would have tried it. It appears to be a sensible and easy first step to use in the privacy of one's own home before heading out to seek more costly and invasive procedures at a specialist's office. It is now available online and in CVS/pharmacy stores. 

If you are on Twitter and want to learn more about The Stork OTC, come participate in a Twitter chat hosted by The Motherhood and The Stork OTC where you will also have a chance to win one of five $50 CVS Pharmacy gift cards. Join us on Thursday, January 15 at 12:00 pm EST. You can also follow The Stork OTC on Facebook. 

I am giving away a trial device to one reader. Just comment below  - it can be anything. You don't have to tell anything too personal (because believe me, I know how hard it is). Just indicate your interest in winning. I will pick a winner totally at random. Honestly, I will put all your names in a jar and have my little fertility baby - my 11 year old - pick a name. Then watch for my comment notification from Disqus. If you don't reply within 24 hours, I will pick a new winner. The product will be sent to you directly from the hosts at The Motherhood. Enter by January 22. 

Having a baby and becoming parents are wonderful experiences. Let The Stork OTC give you some help and hope when you need it. 

This post was brought to you by The Motherhood and The Stork OTC. I have not used this product, but am endorsing it as something that I would try in my opinion. 


The contest is over. The winner is Nicole Dziedzic. I wish everyone could win. Prayers and healthy thoughts to you all!!!

5 More Reasons I Love Whole Foods Market

When Hubby was diagnosed with Celiac Disease back in 2008 (2007? Hubby help me out), I started shopping at Whole Foods Market. It was really the only place to find any decent gluten free food. Plus, if he tried something and didn't like it, we could always bring the unused portion back for a refund. That was nice, because back in 2008 (2007?) gluten free food wasn't very good. At all.

Now in addition to my local grocery store, I shop at Whole Foods at least once a month to stock up on Hubby's favorite gluten free foods, his gluten free beer, and a $6 wine I have found that I absolutely love! I have also been buying a lot of natural beauty items and soaps, have found a vitamin that I love for myself, and the only probiotic that my kids actually want to take!

While other stores have jumped on the natural product/whole food/gluten free train, I still like shopping at Whole Foods. Even with my local grocery store's Health Market sale, Hubby's four favorite gluten free items are still less expensive at Whole Foods. This might shock the people who call it "Whole Paycheck." But last weekend I got to attend a blogger event at my local Whole Foods, and even I learned quite a few things I didn't know about one of my favorite stores.


WFM is not a regular grocery store. It's an experience. :) 

In addition to being able to return things that you didn't like, did you know that sales associates will open something on the floor that you want to try? They will open a box, cut into an exotic fruit, or even open a glass of wine for you! Yep, you can ask for a sample of anything and get it. They may even write "Try Me" on it and let you take it home for free. They realize that some of their items are pricey, and they want you to be happy with it. They will cut specialty pieces of meat for you, give recipe and cooking suggestions, and have handouts available that detail which foods are allergen-free. And for the guys (and YOU, stressed out Mamas), they let you walk around and shop with beverage in hand - even if that beverage is alcohol! You better believe I'm going to take advantage of this!

They care about everyone's health. . .

WFM takes their food seriously. They always put organic produce above non-organic, so the organic does not get contaminated. Likewise, they never cut organic food on the same board as conventional, which is super important to some people. While my local market can't guarantee gluten free food on made on site (no separate kitchen, which is key for allergy free food), they can guarantee the foods made off site are allergy free.

They also started the Whole Kids Foundation which works to put salad bars in schools with the highest need, works to create school gardens, and provides free resources, recipes, and activities for families to learn about healthy eating. If you want to apply for a salad bar in your school, click here to learn more about it.

WFM also operates several global initiatives that help communities, neighborhoods, and the environment by showing communities how to stop the cycle of poverty and live sustainably off the land. I always give the pennies I save by bringing my recyclable bags back to these foundations. Every little bit helps!

. . .and they care about our wallets!

Many people think it is too expensive to eat organic and naturally. Not so, says WFM.  They are constantly moving toward value. They sell a range of products, both conventional and organic; and they have their own 365 Everyday Value line. In addition, you can check out The Whole Deal link on their website and find coupons, budget-friendly recipes, meal plans, and money saving tips. Plus, they have an amazing bulk section for those people who do food prep and meal plan. How many times have I bought a whole bag of some exotic flour to make a gluten free recipe and only used a small portion of it? Never again now that I know this secret! Make sure to search your local store's website to find coupons that are unique to your WFM (they do strive to make each store unique).

They want to make shopping convenient for us.

They have all sorts of yummy food stations set up for lunch or dinner (I used to take Knox to lunch at WFM on the regular when he was in preschool. He loved their pizza, and there was always something healthy for me. . . okay, okay, I ate pizza, too.). They have sandwiches and pizza and a salad bar. They have sushi and a deli, AND a coffee bar. If you're hosting a holiday dinner, let WFM do the cooking. You can order delicious healthy meals online. When Joey was sick and people were bringing us family meals, a lot of people went to Whole Foods. They knew of Hubby's allergy, and we were sure we'd get a healthy meal the whole family could enjoy.

They want us to hang out with them.

Here's the part where I talk about the events that my local Omaha WFM has to offer. To find out what's going on at your local Whole Foods, check out this link on their homepage and search for a store near you to access their newsletter.

• Taste What We're All About: This is a rebranding of their sample Saturdays, which happen every Saturday from 12-3. Holy cow, you guys, they had some great samples the day I went! They had stations set up in produce, meat and seafood, grocery, prepared foods, the bakery, and the spirits department. Honestly? This is where I spent most of my time. Can you say, "Mama loves her wine and cheese?"

• Birthday parties: Yup, Whole Foods does birthday parties. With themes like "Build Your Own Pizza," "Spa," and "Gross Out," there's bound to be something for every kid.
• Girls' Night Out: Last month's GNO filled up so fast that you know it had to be a good time.
• Cheese Night: Does this really need an explanation?? But Tuesday, September 16th, it's about grilled cheese. Gourmet grilled cheese and suggested wine pairings? Umm, yes please.
• College Value Tour and Whole Moms Store Tour: Teaching these target groups how to shop the store affordably.
• Beauty DIY classes
• Kids' Club Classes
• And some new events for September, The Whole Kids Foundation Fundraising Carnival. This free, in-store carnival takes place on Saturday, September 6 from 9-11 a.m. It benefits the program I mentioned earlier that helps to bring salad bars and gardens to local schools. Truck Farm Omaha and Omaha Bee Club will be there to teach kids about gardening and pollination. There will be kids' games in the cafe, giveaways, and raffles for awesome kids' prize packages. Donations for the foundation will be accepted. 
• Thursday Night Hullabaloo: September 4th, the Kris Lager Band kicks off a new free concert series.
• Happy 9th Birthday, Whole Foods! Head over on Sunday, September 21 from 12-2 for free cake, face painting, and balloon creations by Balloon Brigade.

Watch the WFM Omaha website for an entire list of September activities coming soon. And Be sure to follow Whole Foods Market Omaha on Facebook so you can be in the know about all their great deals and activities. 

If you've never been to Whole Foods Market, now's a good time to check it out. If you've been there before, maybe it's time to look at it with new eyes. Armed with all this great information about events and money saving tips, it will be a win for the whole family! I know we'll be there. Hope to see you!

*I was compensated with a WFM gift card for this post (well, and THESE bad boys!),

but all opinions and my continued devotion to Whole Foods are my own. 

Teaching Kids Fire Safety: A Parent's Peace of Mind

My boys were tiny when we lived on Long Island. I had three under the age of two.

It was actually Joey's idea - of course- that everyone crawl in here with Knox.

But that didn't stop me from going places - I had to! One of my frequent destinations was Target (naturally). To get to the Target, I had to drive about 20 minutes up the Meadowbrook State Parkway, which was surrounded on both sides by water for part of the distance.

As I drove, I would wonder what I would do if my van ever plunged over the side of the expressway and into the water. How would I get everyone out of the van? I don't think that made me crazy, just a typical mom who worries about the safety of her children ALL.THE.TIME. Planning things out just gives us peace of mind, right?

I never did figure out a plan for getting the baby out of the car seat, unbuckling the toddlers, and swimming us all to safety. It makes me sick to my stomach to even think about it now.

Our boys are older now, and we have definitely taught them ways to keep themselves safe. Stranger danger? Kick, scream, and run. Water safety? Wear a life jacket, never swim alone, and keep taking swim lessons (that's one of Mom's "non-negotiable" items). Fire safety? Exit the house immediately and meet the family in our designated spot.

Easy peasy.

Until, that is, my ten-year-old and I watched this FEMA/NFPA fire safety video, and we realized that we only have one planned escape route out of our house.

This video, called "What's that Sound?"  by Recess Monkey is geared toward second and third graders. It reminds your kids to "move their feet when they hear that beep." But it also talked about knowing two ways out, which is so important. I know my boys would panic if their main exit was blocked. When we finish building our new house, we will definitely go over all possible escape routes with the boys.

Another video, called "Little Rosalie" by Steve Songs, was actually my favorite of the two.


Geared toward pre-k to first graders, it goes over the four steps you should take after hearing the fire alarm. The tune is catchy, the four steps are repeated several times, and it made my boys want to create a big chart illustrating our escape plan (put that on the list of things to do!).

There are more videos, songs, stories, games, interactive e-books, and lesson plans for teachers on the website Sparky's Schoolhouse. This site is a wealth of information to everyone from parents to teachers to homeschooling mamas. If you need a fun and interactive way to teach any child about fire safety, this is place to be. You can never be too safe when it comes to anything concerning your child - fire especially!

This comes close to my heart, as we had a small fire at our house last fall. Luckily, it did not get out of control, I was the only one home at the time, and a quick thinking (and smelling) neighbor alerted me to the danger; but if it had happened while we were all sleeping, it could have gotten out of control very quickly.

Fire safety isn't something to mention once and then never again. A fire can happen to anyone. I just donated money to the family of a long time Kissing the Frog fan who lost their home and belongings in a fire. Show your kids the website, sing the songs, do the activities. You - and your peace of mind - will thank me for it later.

*And I thank WeAreTeachers, FEMA, and NFPA for sponsoring this post in which all of the opinions were my own.

He Won't Be This Little For Long

*This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Huggies Diapers. All opinions and stories are my own. Please read on!

This is absolutely one of my favorite sights to wake up to. I love it when any of my boys cuddles with me, but there is nothing like a small toddler cuddling in my bed (plus, he doesn't take up much room!).

I never intended that he would sleep with me - ever! None of the other boys did. But, when he wakes up in the middle of the night and calls out, "Mah-meeee!?" I have to say, "I'm in here. Come in." Then, I hear the little feet running in the hall, and that familiar 'swish, crinkle, crinkle' of his diaper as he runs. I pull him up on the bed, flip him over to the middle between Hubby and me, and we cuddle in. In just a moment, I hear his heavy and steady breathing again; and I go back to sleep, too.

He won't be this little for long. I know this. He won't want to know where I am all of his waking hours - he'll actually be trying to avoid me, right? So I cherish his every little bit of wanting Mommy.

No matter what it brings.

The morning after he crawled into bed with me last, he ran into the kitchen and practically leapt into my arms. We started our morning squeeze, and that's when I felt it - his diaper had soaked through. I was all dressed for the day, and now I had two huge wet spots on my shirt. I had to change him AND me. That doesn't happen often, but of course it would have to happen on a rare morning when I was already dressed.

Later that day, we found ourselves at Target, and I remembered that Huggies had reached out to me to try their Huggies Snug and Dry with Sure Fit diaper. It had to be better than the one I was using.

And what a pleasant surprise for Edgie that his current favs - Mickey and Minnie Mouse - were on the package. "I wear the Mickey and Minnie diaper," he kept insisting every time I changed him.

With a price point of between $9.99 and $19.99, Huggies Snug and Dry are less expensive than the brand I was using.

We're both digging the comfy waistband and the softness of the diaper. I don't think he'll ever want to go back to his old brand. Some of you might know this, but in addition to the same trusted Leak Lock® protection parents have come to love, only Huggies® Snug & Dry Diapers have SureFit*Design, to provide long-lasting fit for up to 12 hours of leakage protection.

And lo and behold, the next morning, no leaks! Yay!

Upon further investigation, I discovered another reason to love Huggies:  the Huggies® Challenge – you complete challenges and win prizes! When you take the Huggies Challenge, you can win Huggies Rewards Points which can be used toward free diapers and free samples. Two lucky testers will win Huggies diapers and wipes for an entire year!* Wouldn't that be awesome?! Even if you don't have someone still in diapers, think about what an amazing gift that would be to give someone. Drawings for these prizes will take place on May 12th and August 25th.

And, I loooove this - with every challenge completed, Huggies Every Little Bottom Program donates diapers to babies and toddlers in need. I will never forget one summer when I was working as a teacher's aide in a preschool summer program. Many of the little 3-year-olds that we had would come to school in the diaper they had worn all day the previous day. The parents would send them like that because they knew we had diapers, and they couldn't afford them. Huggies wants to make sure they can.

Huggies wants children to be happy, comfortable, and dry. And they want you to take a little break and do something for yourself (and maybe someone else, too).

I'm going to enjoy lots more dry cuddles while I can. After all, he won't be this little for long.


*This giveaway has ended. 

Back to School at 43

Last week, it was Lil' C's turn to be "Star of the Week" for his kindergarten class. The day he was most excited about was the day he could invite a guest to read to the class.

Of course the guest was me.

Books in hand, I took my place at the front of the room and stared at the eager faces of 30 kindergartners. Suddenly, it was as if I had not missed a day of the past ten years in a classroom. The Master teacher in me took over, and I read the three books with expression, tilting them in just the right angle so all the children could see the pictures.

I asked questions in the appropriate places and complimented my rapt audience on their good manners and listening ears. Honestly? I had a blast, and it was just one of the many times I actually miss being in the classroom.

I was an elementary school teacher for 8 years before working in administration for a year and a half. When I became pregnant with my twins, and learned one would be born with a cleft lip and palate, I knew without question I would stay home with them. I haven't regretted a day of the past ten years being at home with them.

But, looking ahead, I think maybe I will return to the classroom someday (after all, college for four boys isn't cheap, amiright?). Since my teaching certificate has long since expired, I am taking classes at our local university to renew it. Did you know that one graduate class at a public university is over $1,000?? Ouch.

Throw in a book that the bookstore wants to charge me $126 for and it's a huge expense just to renew a piece of paper saying that I can teach. But, it's a hoop I have to jump through, unfortunately.

You know what is making it easier for me? CampusBookRentals. After the initial sticker shock of the book I would need for my current class, I checked out CampusBookRentals. The price was way less to rent the book, and $4 less than other book rental sites. Score!

The site is super easy to use - just plug in the name or ISBN number of the book or even just a keyword and voila! Start saving! If you are thinking of taking classes or know a current college student, CampusBookRentals can save you a lot of money. Here are some other benefits:

•  save 40-90% off of bookstore prices
•  free shipping both ways
•  can highlight in the textbooks
•  flexible renting periods
• 21-day risk-free return period (you know, if you change your mind)
• no sign-up fees
• live customer support

You know what else warms my heart about CampusBookRentals? With each textbook rented, they donate money to Operation Smile. Operation Smile is an international medical children's charity teamed by medical professionals and volunteers who provide safe, effective reconstructive surgery and related medical care for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate. They work in over 60 countries to heal children’s smiles and bring hope for a better future. Obviously, this is a cause near and dear to my mama heart.

One more great thing about CampusBookRentals: they know that being a college student is expensive, so they offer a RentBack program. RentBack is a new initiative that allows students to rent the textbooks they own to other students, which is awesome because it makes them 2-4x more money compared to what they'd make through buyback options! Sounds pretty great, right? Check out the video for more info:






Going back to school doesn't have to be difficult or expensive, no siree, not for me. Not with a little help from CampusBookRentals and RentBack.

 

 

This was a sponsored post, but all opinions were definitely my own! 

Around the Pond with the Frog~Weeks Ending 7/28/13

Ho hum, I'm sitting here all sad this weekend because I am not in Chicago at BlogHer '13. If ever there was a time to go for me, it would have been this year, after getting chosen as one of the Voices of the Year for my post, Pictures Can Lie.

BUT, I am continuing to foster relationships with lots of wonderful bloggers, and I'm excited to meet many more through my new Grief Series launching this Thursday with a beautiful post from Meredith of Mom of the Year. If you are a blogger who is interested in contributing, see my top tab about the series.

So, the past couple of weeks, here's where I have been and what I said:

• I participated in a HUGE giveaway with several other bloggers. If you didn't win, stay tuned. I have some other giveaways coming up. And if you are new here because of it - WELCOME! I'm so glad you're here.
• I shared a post from last summer about kids' behavior at the pool - yours and mine!
• I wrote a sponsored post about CampusBookRentals - an awesome website that helps those in college acquire books cheaply and make money by renting them out. They also partner with Operation Smile to donate life saving operations for kids with facial deformities.
• I also made Huffington Post Parents Best Parenting Tweets again last week. This tweet was more "cute" than funny; but oh well! I'll take it!

Some stuff I loved from my bloggy friends this week:

• This post from Bethany at Bad Parenting Moments that basically tells people to STFU about breastfeeding.
• This post from Steph of I'm Still Learning on Today's Mama about how we and other adults talk to children - there IS a right and a wrong way.
• This post from Outsmarted Mommy about how parenting is not easy.
• The movie Planes is coming soon. Are you dreading it as much as Mama, Schmama?

Okay, I think that's it for now. See you all soon!!

Smile! School is Almost Here!*

The boys and I went school supply shopping the other day. There is something about crisp unbent folders, pencils sharpened to a fine point, and unbroken crayons that always gets me excited for school.

Yep, the school year will be here before we know it. Kids will be flooding the hallways again, and parents will breathe sighs of relief.

My college-age babysitter and I were talking the other day about how expensive textbooks are these days - in the hundreds of dollars (and I thought dropping $75 for three kids at Target was steep!). I guess some things never change. I remember being so dismayed about paying big bucks for a brand new textbook and getting a few dollars for it at the end of the year.

I recently heard about a great website called CampusBookRentals, and I can't wait to tell all the college-age people in my life about it. A student can go to their website, search for the book he needs, and purchase it for 40-90% off bookstore prices! There is free shipping both ways, risk free returns within 30 days, and an option to keep the book longer if needed. You can even highlight in it!

Where was this program when I was in college?!

Here's a little more about how it works:



They also have an awesome program called RentBack which can actually earn you money by renting your books to other students - every time your book is rented, you make money. What college student doesn't love extra cash?

Do you know what I love even more about CampusBookRentals? They donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented. Operation Smile is an international medical children's charity that provides reconstructive surgeries for children all around the world who are born with facial deformities such as cleft lips and palates.

These are life-saving medical procedures for these children. Without repairs, many of these children die before their first birthday because they are unable to eat. Others are shunned by their communities because they are unable to communicate effectively, socialize, or even smile.

Because my son, Slim, was born with a cleft lip and palate, this is a cause near and dear to my heart. He has already had three surgeries and is gearing up for orthodontia and implants. These surgeries simply make a child's mouth work the way it's supposed to and improve his quality of life.

If you or someone you love is taking college classes, do yourself a favor and check out CampusBookRentals.com. It will definitely make you smile and help a child smile.


*I was compensated for this post, but all of the opinions are my own.

Keeping Kids Healthy with Culturelle®

I will never forget the time that five of us got Rotavirus, a super fun disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, often with vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. In babies and young children, it can lead to dehydration.

It was in early 2006 when we were living on Long Island for Hubby's residency. Joey and Slim had just turned two and Knox was about 5 months old. I kid you not, it was like the Apocalypse had come to our tiny rental. All three of the boys were projectile vomiting and pooping like there was no tomorrow. I couldn't keep up with all the carnage.

Luckily for me, we didn't have carpeting, so I rolled up the area rug, moved all of the toys out of the living room, put sheets on all the furniture and cruddy play clothes on the boys, got bowls and lots of diapers, and just waited it out.

Poor sick little babes.

Of course, once they were done, Hubby and I got it, too - luckily, in succession so we weren't both down for the count with no one to take care of the boys.

It was so awful. I will never forget that week in our lives.

Thank goodness, the rotavirus vaccine for infants was introduced later in 2006. My fourth and fifth sons have never had rotavirus.

In addition to hand washing and hand sanitizer, I am now vigilant about my family's use of probiotics. According to experts at WebMD, probiotics can cut infectious diarrhea by half a day to about two days. In the last two years, my boys have not gotten sick as often as they used to before we began religiously taking probiotics; and if they did, their illnesses lasted only about a day.

That's why, when I was introduced to Culturelle® Probiotics, I was excited! Yet another product to help keep my family healthy.

Just looking at the information on the package, I knew this was going to be the right product for us: naturally sourced color, sugar, dairy and gluten free, helps reduce occasional digestive upset by supporting kids' natural defense systems. Sounded good to me.

And the Bursting Berry Flavor chewables, recommended for kids 3 and older, made my kids do this:

Culturelle® Kids Probiotics is the #1 most pediatrician recommended probiotic brand because it contains 100% Lactobacillus GG, the most clinically studied probiotic strain, proven to work safely and naturally to restore digestive balance.

Culturelle® Kids also comes in single serve packets for younger kids. They are flavorless, and dairy and gluten free. I sprinkled some in my younger son's milk, and he happily gulped it down, unaware.

At roughly $26 per box for a 30 day supply and available at all major retailers, I would definitely buy Culturelle® Kids products again. I'm always looking for any way I can to avoid major illnesses!

Culturelle® Kids Probiotics is a natural solution for better digestive and immune health. Not only does it support a child’s digestion, helping to reduce occasional digestive upset, but it also helps to boost digestion and overall digestive health.

Considering that 70% of your immune system is in your digestive tract, a healthy and balanced digestive system plays a vital role in strengthening a child’s overall health and well-being.

To learn more, check out the Culturelle® website now.

And if you are interested in receiving $2.00 off your next Culturelle purchase, click here. (Offer expires April 30, 2013.)

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Culturelle® Kids Probiotics.