Wednesday

Let's Talk Bums. Yep, let's talk about your bum.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cottonelle.


Bums and bathrooms are not a topic I love to talk about, unless we are talking toilet training and 2 year olds. (Which we have covered here on FV before. Want help with your toilet training? Check out Toilet Training Part 1 and Part 2). So the thought of chatting about bums and big people is a little, well, out of my comfort zone.

But...

A few months ago our family was introduced to a fantastic new product that your family should know about.

SO stick with me, we are talking bottoms, bums, rumps, and backsides today on Family Volley.

Our household has been trying to save money. We are always trying to save, but we are getting more and more serious about it as our kids are getting older and their activities cost more money. One of the things I can't stand spending money on is toilet paper. Why? Because you just throw it away. Ugh! But at the same time you just can't live without it.

We attempted to save on the less expensive brands and found that our kids struggle to use toilet paper that is too thin. So it is one place where we have a few standards.

Then, I was introduced to the Cottonelle Care Routine. The routine consists of using toilet paper and a wet flushable cleansing cloth to give you clean you can really feel. Now, I know that for our kids, wet wipes by far work the best and get them the cleanest. This is not just the case with their bottoms, but wet wipes work the best for dirty faces, dirty hands, and even dirty feet. I know that cars get much cleaner when you use water with the towels and soap, and our dishes get much cleaner when I use water to wash them, not just a dish towel. And my body gets cleaner when I use water with the soap.

Makes perfect sense that it would work the same way with adult bums too? Come to find out, it does. And, on top of that, our family uses a ton less toilet paper. A ton. The flushable wipes have cut our toilet paper usage in half. Especially with the kids. (They tend to use a lot of toilet paper to get clean.)


The Cleansing Cloths are available in a sleek, newly designed, upright dispenser, which looks inconspicuous, even in our guest bathroom)

Now, I will admit, I have swiped a few wipes from our kids over the last 11 years. And when I help take girls to camp for our church, wipes are a staple for a week in the dirt, but, the kids wipes always feel so wet to me when I use them "down there". I cringe a little when I use them because of it. This was my first concern with the Cottonelle Flushable wipes also. I didn't want to be left wet. TMI. Sorry.

Imagine my excitement when I realized these weren't too wet at all. They were comfortable and easy to use, time saving and money saving. Not to mention, they really help the kids keep clean too.

I can also see them being a heaven send if you have just had a new baby. Bathroom after babies just isn't fun, no matter how you look at it.

Enough bum talk for one day. If you are looking for a way to clean up your bathroom routine, look no further. Nothing will leave you feeling cleaner and fresher than the Cottonelle Care Routine. I now know from personal experience. And I am a believer.

SO.. would you consider using a cleansing cloth?


P.S. Cherry Healey, who is gutsy enough to talk about anything, is getting people talking about how they "wipe". You have to check her out. She is a superstar to take on something so personal. Maybe if I had her accent, I would feel more confident about talking about the topic.



Cottonelle wants to get you talking about your bum and on a better way to clean “down there” by using the Cottonelle Clean Routine. By combining the use of Cottonelle Toilet Paper and Cottonelle Flushable Cleansing Cloths, the Cottonelle Clean Routine is a revolutionary way to keep your bum cleaner.
Are you ready? Don’t be shy! Visit http://www.facebook.com/cottonelle to learn more about the Cottonelle Clean Routine and join the clean routine conversation.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cottonelle.


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Monday

5 Tips To Make Back To School Shopping More Fun


It is sad to even consider that it is almost time to send the kids back to school. I feel like the summer is just beginning. But, the truth is, school starts for our kids in less than 4 weeks. Ugh, where has the time gone.

This year we will have a 6th grader, a 3rd grader and a kindergartner. It is nearly impossibly for me to consider that this is the stage of life we are in. I am sure we just had our first child. And now he is starting his last year in elementary school.

There is still a ton to get done before we are ready to head back. On the top of the list is back to school shopping.

Shopping isn't usually on the top of kids "favorite things" list. In fact, it can often feel like pulling teeth to get them to participate. The challenge is to get them excited so the experience isn't miserable for everyone.

Here are a few tips to help make back to school shopping more fun for the whole family.

1. Start with the school supplies.

Teachers have probably started sending home the lists of school supplies each of your children need. Most kids still get excited about backpacks, new binders, crayons, pencils and markers. Instead of starting with clothes shopping, start with the fun stuff. Plus, school supply shopping takes less time than shopping for clothes which means kids will have more tolerance for the process. This is also a great place to let your children express their personalities. There are clothes we won't buy our kids, and trends we won't follow. But if our daughter wants her backpack to be tie die with peace signs, so be it. Better than on her pants. :) (Not that I have anything against tie die or peace).

2. Make it special.

When possible, leave the other kids at home and make back to school shopping a special experience for each child. Make a day of it. You could even add a fun treat like an ice cream cone before or after, or a quick lunch at your child's favorite restaurant. This can give you and your child a few minutes to chat, break the ice and bond. It can also take a lot of the focus off the shopping and put it on the fun stuff.

3. Ask for their options and feedback.

When our children are small we can make more of the decisions without consulting them. As they get older, give them choice. Ask them what stores they would like to visit. Ask them what items they would like to add to their wardrobe. Ask them what they need and what they want. Giving them choices, wherever possible will help our children feel in control and they will be more likely to cooperate and support shopping for back to school.

4. Have clear expectations before hand.

Take a few minutes to have a conversation about what is going to be acceptable and what isn't. Can your kids buy any style clothes they want? Are there certain stores that are not acceptable? What about a budget? If your kids are old enough you can talk about how much can be spent. Making expectations clear before hand gets you and your children on the same page and can save you from dressing room melt downs.

5. Leave the kids at home.

There are many children who don't care about back to school shopping at all. That is okay. They do not have to go with you. Measure them for sizing, and sit them down for a fun "what do you like" quiz. Take inventory of their favorite colors and styles and save the stress. Keep your receipts so you can return the things they don't like, or that don't fit. Then when you get home, have a fun "try on session".

With three kids to clothe for school, we are always looking for great deals. This year we added a new favorite store to the list, Gordmans. After visiting last week, it is already one of our daughters favorite places to go. Gordmans carries name brand apparel for all ages at up to 60% off. They carry everything! Footwear, fragrances, furniture, clothes, even toys.

On top of that, their stores are fun! Our whole family had a blast. They have a coloring station where younger kids can watch TV while older kids are shopping, and a "grandstand" in the men's department where you can watch sports. Plus, Gordmans wants to save you money and thank you for shopping. Their gRewards loyalty program gives you points for every dollar you spend and a $10 reward for every 200 points you earn.

Remember, when it comes to back to school shopping, it is all about making it a good experience for everyone. The last thing we want is for our kids to look back and have bad memories of being dragged from store to store or being forced to wear things they didn't like. They will never like back to school if that is the case.

Could you use a little extra spending money for back to school? Be sure you enter the sweepstakes for $1000 + $100 to Gordmans. All you have to do is reply to the conversation. Quick and Easy. Good Luck!

Official Rules

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Gordmans. The opinions and text are all mine.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Gordmans.  The opinions and text are all mine.

"Sparkle On"- Where I Race a Host on Local TV to Eat a Marshmallow

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Glaceau fruitwater®


Over the last few years I feel like I have grown stronger than every before. I feel I have been tested and tried and much has been required. I have had need for strength I didn't know I had. And still I have tried to "sparkle on."

A few weeks ago I was given the opportunity to work with fruitwater®. Their campaign message is to "sparkle on." To share times and situations where you have been faced with unexpected challenges, funny situations, when life happens, and you shine on, sparkle on, and keep going.

Well today, even though it makes me look silly, I had the opportunity to sparkle on. I had two segments on our local TV show, Studio 5. The first segment was two really fun games for families. Unexpectedly, the host asked me to play along with the second game. Not what I was expecting at all. I wanted so badly to say "no" but knew that I had to say "yes." I am not in the habit of putting myself in public situations where I embarrass myself. You can see for yourself what happened.

I asked my husband after the segment if I made a fool of myself. He said "no, it was great." I tried to believe him, but worried. I re-watched the segment, and you know what? It felt good to let my guard down and be myself. It felt good to be a little goofy and roll with the unexpected. It wasn't half bad

How exciting that there is a company who believes in letting our guard down and being strong when things get uncomfortable, or difficult. I think the challenges over the last few years made today easier. The experiences have given me courage and a sense of humor about myself and life.

Glaceau fruitwater® is a great tasting, naturally flavored sparkling water beverage that contains no juice. They are available in flavors such as black raspberry, orange mango, strawberry kiwi and watermelon punch. They are delicious and perfect for a middle of the day pick me up. Not to mention, I love the shape of the bottles. 

As important as 
fruitwater® great flavors, is their message. We all have what it takes to sparkle through unexpected challenges, brushing off our shoulders in sparkling style.

What is your drink of choice?
So, did I make a fool of myself? It's okay, you can be honest. :)
When have you had to be strong and "sparkle on"?



Glaceau fruitwater® is a great tasting, naturally flavored sparkling water beverage that contains no juice.
Now that you’ve read about my “sparkling truth”, it’s time to share yours! A sparkling truth is a moment when you sparkle through unexpected challenges, brushing yourself off in a bubbly style. How do you sparkle on when life throws you a curve ball? Leave a comment on this post or jump in the conversation on social media by tagging your amplification with the hashtag, #sparklingtruth.
Visit http://fruitwater.com for more information and to help you discover your favorite sparkling truths.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Glaceau fruitwater®.



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Thursday

Netflix for the Summer - It's all about Family

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Netflix.

I love having our kids home for the summer months. It is wonderful to be together each day. But it is also challenging. "I'm Bored" can start to burn a hole in your ears and it can be a struggle to keep everyone happy and busy. 

TV can naturally become the go to activity if we are not careful. I don't mind the kids watching tv, I just like to keep a good balance and make sure that they are watching shows and movies that are age appropriate and steer clear of violence. I also appreciate when there are movies our family can watch together every once in a while. Especially when what we watch can inspire creativity as we interact in other ways. I love it when movies inspire the kids to start new projects, build lemonade stands, and show more kindness to one another. 

A few years ago we started using Netflix and just recently, they launched a fantastic new resource that makes parenting and TV decisions a lot easier. They have created lists and lists of movies just for children and families. Their new Netflix.com/Families features several new categories including Family Movie Night, Are We There Yet and TV for Curious Kids.




The family page is available for both Netflix members and non-members and let's us enjoy all our favorites without commercials, anytime, anywhere.

Some of our favorite lists are...
Just for Kids: Adventure
Just for Kids: Disney 

and my favorite, Just for kids: From Books.


The lists also save a lot of time when I am looking for something for the kids to watch. I don't have to search or make lists of my own. That has all been done for me. 

When used wisely, TV and movies can be a great activity for our families. Let Netflix make it easy for your kids and family to find something great to watch at your house, or on your next family road trip.

Do your kids want to watch TV all summer?

Netflix.com/Families is a new destination designed to meet your family’s summertime entertainment needs. On Netflix.com/Families, parents can find lists of movies and TV shows for all kinds of special summer moments.

Visit www.Netflix.com/Families for more information on the best ways to stream as well as videos from families using Netflix.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Netflix.
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The Video Where I Am Very Vulnerable - My LTYM Video!


It don't think it comes as a surprise to those who know me well, that I try very hard NOT to be vulnerable. I keep my struggles and stresses and worries to myself. Until now...

For the first time, during the Listen To Your Mother Show in May, I took the stage with 16 other women, and poured my heart out.

It doesn't get more vulnerable than this for me right now. I have a story to tell. A story that I finally had the courage to share.

I hope you will watch. ( It took me 36 years to open up like this.)
I wonder if you can relate?
I am sorry I cry. (But I couldn't have told my story without tears.)
I hope you will share this with others, because I found out after the show that night that I am not the only one. As women came up to talk to me, they assured me, they too were struggling with this very same issue.

Producing/Directing the Listen To Your Mother Northern Utah Show has been one of the greatest and most amazing experiences I have ever had. As one of our cast members put it during our last rehearsal, "this has become a spiritual experience for all of us." And it has.

"Motherhood is my Style"


 Is anyone else in mourning?

Want to see all the amazing women and their videos from the Northern Utah Show? Find them here.

LTYM 2013 VIDEO LAUNCH thanks to national video sponsor The Partnership at Drugfree.org. We're proud to promote their message of preventing prescription drug misuse and abuse. Join the growing number of parents pledging to end this epidemic. http://www.drugfree.org/medicineabuse

 
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