5 Tips for Potty Training!

For Emily, potty training started about a week ago. So far, it's been....fun. There have been a lot of successes, and a few...not so successful moments. But every day it seems easier! 

Here are 5 tips that will come in handy when your child is ready for potty training!

Model Behaviour-  Children learn best by copying the people around them. Take them into the bathroom with you so they can see how it's done! Talk them through it so they can connect the action to the words you're saying (ex. tell them you're flushing the toilet, when you flush the toilet, so they know what you mean). By nature, children want to do what they see their parents doing. You'll be surprised at how quick they catch on!

Be Patient- Patience is key. The first time Emily used the potty successfully, she sat on it for a good ten minutes before anything happened. But after asking her a few times if she needed to pee, she did it. Then we celebrated!

Celebrate the Successes!-  Even the little ones! Get your children excited about the process! We clap, bump fists, high five....then if we feel so inclined, there's the super fun potty dance! :)

Positive Reinforcement- Refrain from scolding/punishing your little one's not so successful potty moments. There are bound to be a few accidents along the way. It's all a part of the learning process. Scolding is discouraging and usually leads to children not liking potty time. Instead, use positive reinforcement to reward good behaviour. Rewarding the good potty achievements will help children connect the good feeling that comes along with good behaviours. A great example would be to keep a potty chart on the wall and every time your LO successfully uses the potty let him/her put a sticker on the chart. Over time the need for the chart will dissipate and your child will most likely be dragging you to the bathroom when it's time to go.

Develop a Routine- Children strive on routine. It's important to establish a pattern, and be consistent so they know what to expect and when. We have tried to keep to a routine of 7 or 8 tries a day. Once when Emily first wakes up, after breakfast, before lunch, after lunch/before nap, after nap, after dinner, before bed and before we leave the apartment for any outings. 

Of course, every family, and every child is different, so find what works for you! I hope at least one of these tips is helpful for when potty training time comes in your family! Just remember that potty training can be fun......even when there is poop on the floor!!

Have you and your little one already tackled potty training? Leave me your best tip for us first time moms in the comments! :)

BlazePhoto Giveaway (10 Winners!)

Welcome to the BlazePhoto Giveaway!

Finding good software for your photo editing needs can be tough, especially for those of us who are slightly tech-challenged. I've tried a few before, not having much luck, but this one looks like it'd be a lot of fun to use! Today, you can win a great photo editing software - for free! BlazePhoto is a powerful, easy to use photo editing and managing software. The program will find all the photos in your computer and help you organize them easily. Plus, the photo editor is so powerful that you will easily be able to edit imperfections on your photo - from reducing blur to making cool effects. If you really want to take things up a notch, with a few easy clicks you can make a professional looking photo slideshow DVD!

Prizes: 10 Licenses for BlazePhoto (A $300 value)

Giveaway is open worldwide! There will be 10 lucky winners.

Hosted by: International Giveaways Our wonderful co-hosts: Home Life Abroad, All the Frugal Ladies, Tenacious Tinkering and Love My 2 Dogs

Enter below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Participating blogs are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment/fulfillment. Please contact ronnie@internationalgiveaways.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured in the next giveaway!

Blogger Opp: Keep Calm Candle Giveaway

Sign-up and offer your readers the chance to win a Keep Calm Candle ($28ARV)! Winner gets to choose their scent. Open to US and Canadian residents. Run Dates: August 19th through September 2nd, Sign-ups close on August 17th. 

Bloggers!
Receive 2 free links w/Announcement post for posting and promoting this giveaway or pay small fee.
2 additional links are available for a small fee.

Co-Host Referral Program!
The Blogger to refer the most sign-ups will receive 2 additional links as well as 2 follow pages.
If we can recruit enough bloggers, additional Co-Host spots may be open for $5 and include the same as stated above. 

SIGN UP HERE!

Blogger Opp: 2 Red Hens Diaper Bag

Hi Everyone! 

Sign-up, offer your readers the chance to win and help me promote this awesome giveaway!

Prize: 2 Red Hens Rooster Diaper Bag! ($50ARV)

Event Dates: 8/16-8/31

Open to US & Canada

Sign-Ups will close on: 8/14

Bloggers

You will receive 2 Free links w/announcement post OR for a small fee w/o post. 

There will be two additional link options for a small fee each. 

Referral program!!

The blogger who refers the most sign-ups for this opp will be one of our co-hosts! Co-Host will receive 2 additional free links into the RC form as well as 2 follow pages! Refer as many bloggers as you know to this sign-up form and remind them to let me know Living As We sent them! Why be a co-host? It helps boost your follow base as well as your page views!

SIGN-UP HERE!!

Blogger Opp: Kindle Fire Giveaway Event

 

Sign ups are open for a fantastic giveaway from Mom Loves 2 Read and MyPerfectGift.com!

Dates: August 10th - 31st

One Free Link: Twitter Only (other paid options)

Open Worldwide (Winner outside the US receives PayPal Cash equivalent)

There's a $50 referral prize given to a RANDOM blogger who refers others to sign up! So if you sign up be sure to spread the word for your chance to win. That being said, I would love if you'd say Sarah @ Living As We referred you. Thanks! :)

To sign up head over here.  

Review: 200 Best Ice Pop Recipes by Andrew Chase

Disclosure: I received the item mentioned in this post at no cost, in exchange for my honest opinion.

My very first experience with Robert Rose books was with their book 500 Best Sauces, Salad Dressings, Marinades and More. I have relied heavily on that book for the last few years for some flavourful additions to our family meals.

I knew I had to check out more Robert Rose cookbooks! In searching their website I came across a wide variety of books available. Books from pretty much every walk of life, and for almost any occasion you can think of.

I had the pleasure of reviewing 200 Best Ice Pops Recipes by Andrew Chase. It came just in time for a nice, hot week ahead of us too. Talk about perfect timing!

This book shows you how to create 200 delicious, nutritious and easy homemade ice pops! The author goes into great detail about the freezing process for a number of different styles of ice pops, and shares some invaluable tips.

I loved that most of these recipes are combinations, or flavours that I didn't even know could be used in ice pops. With spins on the classics and so many new flavour combinations I don't think we'll get bored of ice pops any time soon. The use of fresh ingredients is music to a mothers' ears. I have felt guilty in the past about feeding Emily store bought popsicles because of the lack of nutritional value and the high sugar content.

Ice pops are a great way to keep cool. They have pretty much been a vital part of every childs' summer, for decades. So now I'm happy to say that I can still provide Emily that same childhood memory, without all the guilt that came with the massive amounts of sugar in the storebought version.

Andrew Chase gives readers some important insiders tips on how to prepare a multitude of ice pops. One of my favourites is his section dedicated to Less-Drip Ice pops, specifically designed to be less messy. So helpful for kids!

I can't wait to try some more of these tasty sounding treats! Even if it takes us through the winter, I would love to eventually try making each flavour at least once. :)

Would you like to try making some for yourself? Here's the recipe for Carrot Orange Less-Drip Ice Pops! If you give it a try, come back and let me know what you thought!

Carrot Orange Less-Drip Ice Pops

Orange Carrot Less-Drip Ice Pops, page 204, Less-Drip for Kids
Makes about 3 cups (750 mL)
9 to 12 ice pops


Unless your kids are carrot lovers, just call these orange ice pops — they’ll never know the difference. The pops are bright orange, sweet and a good healthy treat, especially on a hot day. 

Tip: Freshly squeezed juice is always best, but you can also use juice in cartons or from concentrate. 

 * Blender
 * Fine-mesh sieve

1 1⁄2 tbsp unsweetened gelatin powder 22 mL
2 cups orange juice, divided 500 mL
3⁄4 cup chopped carrots 175 mL
1 cup water 250 mL
3 tbsp granulated sugar 45 mL
2 tbsp honey 30 mL

 1. In a large measuring cup, sprinkle gelatin over 1⁄2 cup (125 mL) orange juice. Set aside until gelatin is softened, about 3 minutes.

 2. In blender, purée carrots, 1⁄2 cup (125 mL) orange juice and water. Transfer to a saucepan and stir in sugar and honey. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.

3. Place sieve over gelatin mixture and strain carrot mixture into it, pressing out as much juice and pulp as possible. Discard solids. Whisk until gelatin is thoroughly dissolved, about 1 minute. Whisk in remaining 1 cup (250 mL) orange juice. Set aside to cool.

 4. Give mixture a quick stir. Pour into molds and freeze until slushy, then insert sticks and freeze until solid, for at least 4 hours. If you are using an ice pop kit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Excerpted from 150 Best Ice Pop Recipes by Andrew Chase © 2013 Robert Rose Inc. www.robertrose.ca May not be reprinted without publisher permission.

Find Robert Rose Online:
Website  *  Facebook  *  Twitter  *  Pinterest 

To Purchase this book:
Amazon  *  Barnes and Noble  

Our Love for Animals: Winnipeg Humane Society Fundrasier!!

Animals hold a very dear place in my heart. We have a couple of cats in our family, and hope to one day add a dog into the mix!

Having a pet (or another family member in our case) has been so important to us. It just didn't feel like home when my husband and I first moved into together. There felt like there was something missing, even once we had everything out of the boxes and in its' place. Within a week we decided that we absolutely needed to have some little paws scurrying around.

Having suffered from Anxiety and Depression, I can speak from experience, and say that having a pet is so beneficial to your mental health. I can't tell you how many times I've held my cats to calm myself. And it's funny how they can sense if you're feeling down. My cats always come to comfort me when I'm feeling bad. If we had a dog, it would be so motivating to have a companion to go walking with, no matter what. Since exercise is very helpful in battling depression, those walks could be just what some people need to lift them out of their slump.

It's unfortunate that some animals don't get the home, and love that they deserve so much! That is where the Winnipeg Humane Society comes into play for us here, locally. They help find homes for all of those animals who have ever been turned away, and for those who have been abandoned. This Saturday, July 27th, there will be a fantastic fundraiser event held at Princess Auto on Panet Rd.

 

Whether you're from Winnipeg, or in the Winnipeg area just passing through for the weekend, I encourage you to stop by and show your support for a wonderful cause! There will be lots of music, food and fun for your entire family :) They have some great T-shirts for sale, and all proceeds go directly to the Winnipeg Humane Society and helping all of those animals that need to find homes! Plus, meet some adorable dogs!

Need directions to Princess Auto on Panet Rd.? No problem! You can find it here on Google Maps.

Blogger Opp: College Bound Giveaway Event

Love from Elle has a great Blogger Sign Up Event that will also be Coming Soon to Our Readers!!

We’re looking for bloggers to join and help promote our latest giveaway event. 

Sign-up for free or choose from any of our paid options below!

Blogger Opp: The College Bound Giveaway Event 

Hosted by: Love from Elle 

We are in need of Sponsors, Co Hosts and Blogger Promoters to participate in a great blogger event! 

The prizes will be dependent upon sponsors. So far we have a $25 Target, $25 Walmart and $25 Old Navy Gift Card ready!! 

I'm hoping to add a few GREAT College themed products to the giveaway in addition to the gift card prizes. This can be in the form of school-related, college-related, fashion or gift cards to general stores. 

College Bound Event Sign Up! #Sponsors Cohosts & #Bloggers needed. Great Prizes already, more to come! Sign Up Here: http://t.co/8gFgPedcc0
— Love from Elle (@lovefrom_elle) July 11, 2013

The more people involved, the better the giveaway!

Here are the Details

Giveaway begins 9/1 and ends 9/30
Open to US & Canada Residents

• Sponsor Spots: Free with Product (No product? $25 - if you would like to sponsor without a product) - Sponsors inquiries please click HERE - (Sponsors will receive a back link to their company website, a Facebook and Twitter link in the entry form along with the picture of the Giveaway product with back link to the product page.)
• Co Host Spots: $15 (Co Hosts receive 4 Entry Form Links- including FB, 1 Vote Entry Form link, Free Host page and a back link to their site at the top of the post) 
• Host Page Spot: $10 (Host pages receive 1 host entries page with your own individual Entries Form)
• Blogger Promoters: One Free link (Twitter, Pinterest or BlogLovin) with Blogger Announcement (or pay a $5 Announcement Waiver Fee)
• Facebook Link can be purchased for $5, Vote links are $3 each and additional Entry Form Links can be purchased for $2 each

Please note: No more than 2 blogs per person allowed

Requirements: 

1. Posting an announcement post. Grab the announcement post here. 

2. Posting about the giveaway event on the date it begins. The HTML code will be provided via email. Please add elle@lovefromelle.com to your Contacts/Safe List 

3. Promoting the giveaway AT LEAST 4x per week on at least ONE social media channel (Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest)

**Blogger Incentive**

The Blogger with the MOST referrals will win their choice of either a Cohost spot in Love from Elle's next giveaway, $20 Amazon e-Card or a 6 month 125x125 ad spot on Love from Elle (over $40 value)

Blogger Sign up HERE

(Blogger Co Hosts/Host Page/Blogger Promoters ONLY. 

Sponsor Inquiries please click HERE)

Blogger Opp: Seth Kornegay Luxury Perfume Giveaway

Sign-ups are open for the fabulous Seth Kornegay Luxury Perfume Giveaway

This event is free to join with an announcement post. 

For participation, you will receive 2 free links (Facebook and Twitter)

Giveaway begins August 9th and ends August 23rd

Sign-ups for the event closes on August 5th 

Sign up for the event Here

Blogger Opp: 50 Shades of M.O.O.N

People every where are different!  We all have our likes/dislikes; We have our favorite hobbies and interested;  We look different and dress different;  We are parents, children, siblings, and friends.  This is what makes up the Make Our Own Network team of bloggers!  We are the "Strange Kids on the Block" because we do things differently than any one out there.

For our first birthday, we want to celebrate individuality and independence from following the norms.  This giveaway event will be all about exactly that!  Anything goes - prizes can be anything from adult products to childrens' toys to outdoor gear to entertaining gadgets and more.  If you want to see it let us know!  Each blogger will pick their favorite products AND their readers favorites as well!

Sign-ups close 8/1

**The blogger with the most referrals will receive the additional links at no cost

Click HERE to sign up and for more html info.

M.O.O.N. has now added several perks/discounts for frequent participation in our events but you must be a member of our Facebook group to be eligible.  Please visit the M.O.O.N. group if you are a blogger and would like more information regarding these perks and other group events.

Blogger Opp: BlazePhoto Software Giveaway!

Blogger Opportunity: Take part in the BlazePhoto giveaway!

Prizes will be 10 licences to BlazePhoto Software ($300 value)

Bloggers: Advertise the giveaway on your site & social media and get an entry option in the giveaway! Participants like/follow your social media in exchange for an entry. It's a great way to increase your followers!

Get one free follow on: Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. This opportunity is limited to only 30 blogs (minimum of 1000 followers on all social media combined)

Giveaway runs from July 28 - August 17. Open worldwide!

 

JOIN HERE

Beauty Essentials Giveaway!!

  Disclosure: This blog complies with FTC advertising guidelines. Participating bloggers other than Spectacular She are not responsible for fulfillment of prizes.

Spectacular She is wanting to spoil two lucky fans with prizes totaling about $400!

Thanks to the Host and all of the Co-hosts who helped! Click on their beautiful faces to check out their blogs and see what other goodies you might find.

 

Who could use a little home-pampering? Up for grabs are two prizes: The Thairapy365 Tri-Curl Curling Wand set, and tons of other goodies in a prize pack! This giveaway is brought to you by Spectacular She and about 45 other amazing bloggers who make such awesome prizes possible. You can see the list of all bloggers who signed up to sponsor this event here. Please welcome our Co-Hosts and their marvelous suggestions as seen below. You can see a list of current prizes by visiting here. This giveaway will run from 7/19 to 8/2 and is open to the United States and Canada. Please enter on the Rafflecopter below. All entries will be verified and anyone with false entries will be disqualified. Good luck to all! a Rafflecopter giveaway

iPad Mini Giveaway

Welcome to Bay Area Mommy‘s 2nd anniversary iPad Mini Giveaway! Cohosted by Milk and Cuddles, Shortcut Saver, and Java John Z’s!

One lucky reader will win an iPad Mini (winner’s choice of color)! Giveaway runs from July 10, 2013 at 12:01am EST through August 4, 2013 at 11:59pm EST. Open worldwide. Void where prohibited. Must be at least 18 years old to be eligible. No purchase necessary. Please see full terms in the widget below. To enter, use the GiveawayTools widget below. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: Living As We is not responsible for prize fulfillment. For questions regarding this giveaway or if you notice errors in the links, please contact Bay Area Mommy at isis@bayareamommy.net.

Long Time, No Post....

Well, Anxiety reared it's ugly head again this month, very much unexpectedly. It seems when things start going really well I get more and more anxious. I fear everything that comes along with being successful. This line from the song Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls says it so well for me.

"I just don't want the world to see me, 'cause I don't think that they'd understand."

 It's hard to show yourself to people when you're body reacts to the fear before your mind even registers its' presence, and you just wind up sick. I've just been able to eat and keep down solid food for the first time since the 6th, so I'm still not a hundred percent yet, but I'm on my way.

In the meantime, I would like to extend the sincerest of apologies possible to everyone that I didn't come through for over the last week and a half. I failed to promote your companies to their fullest potential, and I failed to post a few posts that I had agreed to. I appreciate your patience and your understanding as I catchup on things, and continue to recover. I won't ever be able to predict when I'll get sick, but I can always guarantee you my honesty in getting back up and running normally as quick as possible.

My readers, Thank you all for your continued support! It has helped more than you can ever know :)

Please, if you've attempted to contact me since the 5th of July, I will be getting back to you as soon as possible.

I'm hoping everyone is having a fun and safe summer with their friends and families!

$100 Amazon GC or PP Cash

Welcome to the $100 Amazon Gift Card

or PayPal Cash Giveaway

Hosted by Money Saving Deals

Co-hosted by: Mommy Knows What's Best, Mama Papa Barn, Living Frugal in Georgia, Romania and Missions, Spectacular She and The Frugal Exerciser!!!

Who couldn't use an extra $100 to spend this summer?! :) I think I'd have to spend it on some craft stuff! I've been wanting to get back into doing some fun DIY things and to share with readers, so this would be a great opportunity to get a head start! What would you spend an extra $100 on?

One lucky winner will receive either a $100 Amazon Gift Card or take $100 in PayPal cash instead-Winner's Choice!

This giveaway runs from 12:01 AM CST on 7/5 and ends on July 19 at 11:59PM CST.

Open Worldwide (would have to take PayPal Cash if outside US)

Please Enter Below & Good luck!

All Entries are optional

Entry-Form

Disclosure: LIVING AS WE is not responsible for prize. If you have any questions about this giveaway please send an email to moneysavingdeals2011@yahoo.com. All entries are optional, if you do any of the tasks you can collect the entries, but if the winner task is a task you did not complete, a second winner will be chosen. Winner has 48 hours to respond by email to claim prize or a second winner will be chosen.

Blogger Opp: iPad with Retina Display Giveaway

Bloggers sign up

Come and join us on this great giveaway.

July 29 to Aug. 19

We are giving away an iPad with Retina display 32GB color Black

 value $599.00

We will have a max. of 200 bloggers for sign up, it will be a big giveaway.

The RC is not long because each co-host has there own RC with their links.

Here are the details to sign up:

-Free Link (Twitter or Pinterest)  

The first 50 bloggers to sign up will get a link free with announcement. 

Announcement is require or you have to pay a waver fee of $5.00

Please get your announcement here.

(Please read the sign up form on the top to know if we still have free space available)

-Link/ or extra links $4.00 each (if the free spots are gone, to be part of this giveaway you will need to pay $4.00 for each link you want on the giveaway)

Announcement is require or you have to pay a waver fee of $5.00.

Please get your announcement here.

-Co-Host $20.00

The co-host get 2 host page.  

10 links on the RC.

No announcement require.

Please send payment to melisurveys1978@gmail.com as a gift.

Sign up here

Blogger Opp: GiftHulk 4- $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

GiftHulk Summer Event

Organized by: Mom to Bed by 8

Prizes: Four $50 Amazon Gift Cards

Event dates: 7/15 - 7/29

Bloggers Wanted ~ SIGN-UP HERE!

Blogger Opp: Beauty Essentials

Blogger Opp Signups: Beauty Essentials Giveaway by Spectacular She

>>>>>Free/Paid Blogger Event<<<<<

 

OPEN TO US AND CANADA – Event Dates are from July 19th to August 2nd. Signups close July 17th

The more bloggers pitch in = the better the prize = the more traffic/fans brought in = the bigger the success!

Prize: Beauty Essentials – A basket of must-have products suggested put together using a list of suggestions from participating bloggers.

 

Check out the current prizes here.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Think of your favorite must-have beauty item.
2. Gather links that you would like promoted through the entry form.
3. Fill out the form and send money via PayPal (if applicable).
4. I will purchase from the list of suggestions I receive from bloggers who have signed up, and the rest will be out of my pocket.

FREE link with Announcement post. You can use the post found at (http://www.spectacularshe.com/beauty-essentials-giveaway-signups/) and edit it to suit your blog. If you do not want to post the announcement, you can still purchase links below.

Sign up here.

Kinderfeets Giveaway

Giveaway is hosted by: Elitemama and Sponsored by: Kinderfeets

Co-hosted by: Easy Green Mama, Java John Z's, Mami's 3 Little Monkeys, Tessacotton, Kitchen of a Singer, Couponing Momma, Simply Sherryl, Spring Of Health and Oh just stop already, Iowa Mom

If I were in the US I would be all over this giveaway. That's why I decided to promote it. The Kinderfeets looks like a perfect tool that's also going to so much fun for your little ones! I know my daughter would go nuts for something like this :) Good luck everyone.

About Kinderfeets:
The Kinderfeets is a balance bike, training bike and also a running bike. It provides a great starting point for children to prepare them to ride a conventional two-wheeled bike. The bike is a cleaver alternative to training wheels and it is considered a superior form of learning to balance on two wheels. Kinderfeets was designed by a Dutch designer living in California. He had originally made the bike fore his son because what he wanted was not available.
The Kinderfeets bike has some key features compared to other push bikes: foot pegs for cruising, low step through frame allows for lower setting of the seat, no need to fill any tires, has a washable seat cover and has Chalk-board finish colors. The bike is available in a natural wood finish or in six different colors in Chalk-board finish. The Kinderfeets is for ages 2 and older and it can carry a maximum weight of 70 lbs. It's also patented.

You can read Elitemama's review Here.

One lucky reader will win a Kinderfeets wooden balance bike in their choice of color ($109.00)

Giveaway is open to US residents only. You must be 18 years or older to enter. Giveaway ends 7/22. Enter the GiveawayTools form below for your chance to win. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: (Living As We) received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. I am not responsible for the shipment of the prize. 

Florida Vacation Giveaway

Organized by Adventure Into Domesticland
Sponsored by Alice On Vacation

A big thanks to the co-hosts: Savory Savings, My Sweepstakes City and Joans 5 Star Reviews!!!

Who wouldn't love a Florida vacation? :) Florida is definitely one of those places I need to visit. It's been on my bucket list since I was really small and I've had lots of friends and a few family members tell me it's a place that I have to see. I'm so excited that this is open to US, Mexico AND Canada :D Good luck all!


Prize Package includes:
3 days and 2 nights accommodations for 2 in Florida!

City Choices: Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Key West, Miami Beach, New Smyma, Orlando, Palm Beach, St. Augustine or St. Petersburg.

Giveaway ends July 31th at 11:59 pm PST. Open to USA, Canada and Mexico. Must be at least 21 years old to enter. Certificate only covers hotel accommodations. Winner will be responsible for all other expenses, including without limitations: any taxes, fees, transportation, gratuities, meals and surcharges. Hotel will require that you present a major credit card to cover other possible charges. Winners are chosen at random by random.org. and will be notified via email, be given 48 hours to respond (or another winner will be chosen). To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. Living As We is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact Alice Kingsleigh with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event! If your a blogger that would like to host a vacation giveaway please visit www.AliceOnVacation.com. This giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.