Baby Gift Guide

So, the holidays are here again and depending on where you live, you're either swimming and spending lots of time outdoors or you're stuck inside your house with the heat on, wearing hooded sweatshirts and bundling up in blankets. I'm in PA so we're sort of in-between but closer to the sweatshirts, cranking the heat up at nighttime, and buying what's left of the greenhouse produce at the local farms. No matter where you are, you probably already started shopping for gifts or maybe you're dreading the whole shopping deal. I kind of dread it but I do a lot of shopping online so it's not so painful or even dreadful.

We have a new grandson in our family! We're trying to get him to his first hockey game but this probably won't be starting until after the holidays. It's been a few years since I've had to search for baby gifts since our granddaughters are already in school so I've been checking out some of this season's best deals for the tiniest ones.

My granddaughters absolutely love to go for walks and go to the park and their new little brother will be joining them again as soon as the weather is a bit warmer. I've been checking on good quality strollers and reading reviews for different children's strollers and stumbled upon a website that sells not just strollers but toys, clothing, bath products, and even baby laundry products from some of my favorite brands! This makes it so much easier since I don't have to order everything from several different websites.

I found these super sturdy, Bugaboo strollers which are perfect for families with more than one child since some of them can be converted to a double stroller and they all have tons of storage space! (Even families with one kid could always use bonus storage!) There are even options for runner strollers too.

If you're looking to create a gift basket or pick up essentials for a new baby or for someone who will be welcoming a new baby soon, you can find products from BabyGanics and The Honest Co too! They even sell baby-friendly cleaning wipes, dryer sheets, Pacifier and Bottle Wipes from Dr. Brown, Noodles & Boo Ultra-Safe Laundry Detergent, gentle foaming hand soap, and dish soap. Violife has some adorable toothbrushes as well!

You can also find books for baby, push toys, puzzles, lots of learning toys, bikes, dollhouses, rattles, tents, playmats, surely something for every baby and toddler on your list! (If you're a parent, you could take advantage of creating your baby registry on this website and easily send to family and friends to make your life and their lives easier.) There is a great variety of types of learning toys and from some top brands too.

If you're nursing or buying for a nursing mom, they have everything from nursing covers to bottles to nursing pillows. You can plan ahead and grab sippy cups or a high chair or buy for the baby's older sibling.

There are lots of brands and so many great options for clothing and shoes, gift sets or if you're stuck or overwhelmed or unsure of what is needed, they make it easy to just purchase a gift card. (Or you can check out their registry if they created one!) This is especially helpful for grandparents because even if we live close by, it is sometimes much easier to receive a list so you know you're buying the right gifts. It's also very easy to store multiple shipping addresses in your account so you can ship your gifts directly to the recipients. This also comes in handy if you want to get something delivered in time for a new baby or a birthday.

I'd love to know what you've found on the Kids land website! Please leave a comment and let us know if you found your favorite brand or maybe a new favorite brand!

Is Business Data Necessary?

These days, everything seems to be about data. From social media to advertisements to small businesses, we are actually all a part of the data that is being collected and analyzed. While this may freak some of us out, (especially when there are breaches!) this is how businesses, no matter the size, determine the best products and services to sell us and the best ways to target those products or services to a specific group or groups of people. 

I’m sure you may have noticed Facebook ads that seem to pop up immediately after discussing say, being hungry for pizza or needing to buy body wash or diapers. Maybe you were searching online for a certain product and Google decided that they can show you numerous ads for those products for the next couple of days. It’s obvious that data is being collected every minute of every day. 

If you own a business, you’re most likely collecting data of some kind so you can decide the best ways to move forward. There are so many programs available online for us to keep track of data. These programs are also great for marketers, non-profits,  webmasters, and bloggers too! There are plenty of options out there depending on how big or how small or how much data you need to keep track of to succeed. If you have other employees or partners who also need to keep track of data, it may be in your best interest to find a program or service that will help you better share this information across your network. 

What is data governance? One of the best definitions you’ll find out there is this: Data governance is a set of principles and practices that ensure high quality through the complete lifecycle of your data. It is imperative that the people who need to can have access to the data they need to have access to without fear of being locked out. Essentially, how you govern your data will determine whether you succeed or not. What is business data?

Everything, literally everything, that has anything to do with your business is business data. For instance, my husband and I own a small trucking company. It still amazes me at the amount of time we spend on compiling data for so many different aspects of the business. From events to new laws for each state to fuel purchased for each truck, where it was purchased, how much the fuel costs, how many miles were driven in each state on which day, and much, much more. It is a very tedious process but without this data, we could have a nightmare on our hands whether it comes to state audits or our taxes. We each keep track of certain things and on different computers. A couple of our employees work from their homes as well so it is crucial that we are all on the same page and able to access each other’s data at any time. 

People, places, things. Rules, contracts, laws. What is important to you and your business. Data is the core of your business or organization. Banks and investors and anyone who has any interest in your business or organization will sometimes require this. Collecting business data is expected anymore so rather than pulling an all-nighter (and hoping you can find a few others to do the same.) to gather this information for an audit or even a bank if applying for a line of credit. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way over the years and now I am very meticulous and sometimes maybe even overbearing at times when asking my husband where or when data for a different department will be entered. Being prepared and always being on top of everything will be extremely beneficial for your business! Not only does it help with your stress levels but it shows potential clients, investors, customers, that you are on top of your game. Beyond that, having your business data governed and functioning properly across all levels and departments could help you with any potential legal issues and will always make you look more professional. 

Instrument Care Tips

An instrument is a major investment. Taking on a new hobby or adding to an existing collection in the form of an additional musical instrument is not to be taken lightly, so it's important to understand how to properly care for one. Below are some basic ways to extend the life of an instrument and ensure that the music continues playing as long as possible, from pianos in southern California to guitars Boston MA. 

Temperatures

This may seem obvious, but for new instrument owners, it's worth mentioning that climate control can be absolutely critical to the longevity of an instrument. When temperatures drop too low or grow to extreme highs with changes in humidity, the results can be devastating. These kinds of dramatic changes can warp the body of the instrument, especially string instruments that are made of wood in highly specific ways. If an instrument is being transferred from the cold into a warmer room and vice versa, let the instrument warm up on its own before playing. Keeping the instrument in a space with the steadiest temperatures possible will help the integrity maintain. 

Cleaning

Believe it or not, cleaning an instrument is about more than just making it look nice. Cleaning and polishing an instrument helps to prevent rosin and dust from piling up in places where it shouldn't. Neglecting this habit can lead to sticky keys, damaged strings, and instruments sounding generally less than stellar and out of tune. If strings need to be replaced, doing so one at a time is actually better for an instrument. 

Repair

Lastly, if an instrument needs repair, it is much better to take the instrument into the hands of a professional. Instrument repair can be extremely complicated, and trying to fashion a repair at home can lead to more damaging results. While a professional may seem more expensive in the moment, it is significantly better in the long run. 

Snow Day Survival Fun For Kids

Winter is one of my most favorite times of the year! I guess it kind of depends on where you live since there are some places that rarely even see snow or even worse, never see snow! I've lived in East Central PA and Northeast PA all of my life so we typically have plenty of snow days each year. We live in a much more rural area now then we did previously so it did take a few storms for us to realize we needed to plan and stock just a bit more than we used to if we want to have a Cozy Winter!

If you have children or grandchildren then you already know how crucial it is to have an abundance of games, snacks, toys, books, tissues, toilet paper, diapers, first aid supplies, and a gazillion other items on hand. Even when you're not stuck indoors! I always like to keep a list of everything that's vital to being stuck indoors whether it's for the kids to be occupied or my own sanity.

Plan For Outages

Remember when we didn't have cell phones and WiFi? Actually, I miss those days! I think that's one of the reasons I really don't mind being stuck indoors during a storm. The kids even look forward to it too! Well, with the exception of thunder according to my youngest,,, 

Even if you have a generator, it isn't too much fun if you lose power for too long. You don't want to have to throw away anything from your freezer or fridge and you will start getting cold soon enough if it's a winter storm. When you have a few hours or overnight without power, you can still make the best of it. 

Slumber party in the living room! Hopefully, you have some batteries, flashlights, and lanterns to use and lots of pillows, comforters, sleeping bags, or just big, comfy blankets anything that can provide hours of warmth!  Candles are a bonus in some cases but you certainly don't want to have any candles lit while you're asleep. (Or in a blizzard or any kind of storm with wind!) Not only will a sleepover in the living room help keep everyone warm, but kids are also usually more comfortable making a game out of it and doing something special. Use that time to read stories, eat snacks, play card games, (even board games if you have enough light!) 

PS Don't forget you could also charge your cell phones in your vehicle so you can keep up to date with important information and updates!  

The Essentials 

Besides batteries, an ample supply of food and water, toys, games, first aid kits, any prescription medication, whatever it is you and your family need in the event you're stuck for a few days, the best advice I can give is to prepare! 

Most weather gives some kind of warning these days. We may not be told exactly what or when but, we kind of get a warning or see an advisory pop up. I take those advisories and warnings seriously because you really never know. 

One of my biggest fears is to be stuck inside without power and not have any clean dishes, laundry, bottles of water for brushing teeth, drinking, cleaning and not having enough food. I keep a list of specific things we would need over the course of a few days and always keep those things on hand. Most importantly, prescription medications, feminine products, cleaning wipes, etc. But, I also run around catching up on laundry, dishes, making sure all of the blankets are washed, dried and available and batteries, flashlights, and weather radios are closeby and in proper working condition! You wouldn't want to run out of clean underwear during a power outage, right? 

Besides having a clean, spotless house with plenty of clean undies, make sure you also have something to occupy your time! Whether it's pen and paper, books, magazines, games, it's good to keep a box or a basket close that has all of your favorite goodies too. Your little ones will be having so much fun "camping out" and will be content with crayons and cookies but, depending on the severity of the storm, you may need something to keep yourself content. Make sure not to forget about the grown-ups! 

The Legend Of Mr. Ween Review (And Link For Your Own Free Copy!)

It has been quite some time since I've actually read a genuine, Halloween, story. I'm not sure what happened over the past few years or maybe decade but, the horror movies and books just don't seem to be as creative or original as they used to be. Well, there were a couple of really unforgettable horror movies now that I think about it. But only a couple as compared to dozens in previous years...

Halloween is one of my very favorite holidays! There are decorations that stay up all year and we always find new decorations to add to the mix! We often take trips to our local drive-in to watch horror movies and take part in the haunted woods and other fun things they have set up for Halloween fans. (Depending on the weather of course!) Halloween is just a fun time of the year that doesn't have to only take place on October 31st. You can plan parties, movie all-nighters, trips to local haunted houses, it's a holiday that can involve everyone no matter your age! Of course, no Halloween is complete without a good ghost story or a spooky tale!

The Legend Of Mr. Ween takes place in 1905 with a gentleman named, Hal.  He is traveling to Boston to seek work and ultimately finds something in Treattown. Hal is misunderstood by some of the locals but, he does win some of them over too! The author doesn't waste any time. You'll be brought to the story immediately and your imagination will run wild! It is a fantastic tale of how some of our most loved Halloween decorations came to be. (I'll give you a hint... it has to do with pumpkins!) This is a great story to add to your Halloween tradition, whatever that may be. Yes, it is kid-friendly although, I've noticed there is a kid version out there somewhere too! I am a horror fan but, I also appreciate fairy tales and classic literature and all kinds of books and The Legend Of Mr. Ween is definitely an unforgettable story! (and at 58 pages, you will be able to read this with your children quite easily!)

This story is for all ages and very easy to follow along. It is beautifully written and Daren Ross is a flawless author! His style of writing will remind you of good, old fashioned novels and this story will take you back to visit Treattown in 1905 yourself! There are a few times you will become so deeply immersed in this book that you'll start to wonder, "Is it 2019 or did I travel back in time?" If you aren't a horror fan or a gore fan, you will be delighted! If at times you start to wonder if this will turn into something dreadfully scary, have no fear! There are tons of little twists and tricks and turns. Don't worry horror fans, you will be pleasantly surprised with this fascinating tale of one of Halloween's most prized possessions! (Trust me here, the author adores Halloween as much as the rest of us!)

Click here for a free copy and don't forget to let me know what you thought of this spectacular cook!

Don't Make These Keto Mistakes

If you haven't heard of the keto diet by now, well, you're obviously not online, you don't read magazines or newspapers or watch television or listen to the radio or communicate with people at all! The keto diet is more than a fad. It's been being used to help people who suffer from diseases such as diabetes and epilepsy. Even some cancers and Alzheimers are thought to be helped by the keto diet. (Of course, you should always check with your doctor before starting any diet plan.)

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet which is quite similar to the Atkins diet. With the right exercise plan and following the proper menus, this could prove to be a very successful plan. However, there are always some myths out there and some mistakes that beginners make and maybe some that a seasoned dieter may have overlooked.

Typical Keto Mistakes

We're always told to drink lots and lots of water. We should be drinking a sufficient amount of water each day. This is especially crucial when you're on the keto diet. Your body won't be able to store as much water without carbs. Starchy foods hold water and with keto, you're eliminating the starchy foods. 

1) If you're not a huge water-guzzling fan, you could take a few simple steps to keep hydrated! 

Ice-pops are a great way to stay hydrated and you could create your own concoctions at home. Fruits, water enhancers, even vegetables are a great way to add to your ice-pops and make them your own and get creative! 

Water enhancer drops are a super easy and convenient way to flavor your water and in a healthy way! Be sure to double-check the ingredients and nutritional values on the bottle! While most of the water enhancer drops are all-natural with no sugar added, somehow, my kids managed to find some with added sugar. Not a lot but enough to throw your diet off track if you don't pay attention. 

If you're anything like my husband or probably the majority of people on the keto diet, you might enjoy some vodka once in a while. Especially since you can't drink beer anymore! There aren't a whole lot of mixers available that will work. (At least according to my husband!) But, you can use this as a good way to add even more water by filling your glass with ice. (Bartenders and bar owners also use this trick but for other reasons!) 

2) Growing up, we were told, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away!" and "Eat your fruits and veggies!". Sure, there are tons of reasons why fruits and veggies can be extremely beneficial for anyone's health. But, be cautious since there are fruits and vegetables with sugars and carbohydrates already packed in there naturally. However, produce is very helpful for your diet and maintaining your health. Keto or not. You just need to be sure to eat the right types of produce. You can still have blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. just smal amounts. Non-starchy vegetables such as; cauliflower, cucumbers, and broccoli are also OK choices. Always do your research, consult with your doctor or anyone you may trust regarding which foods are or are not safe to eat. 

3) I've seen memes and read people online who think to be on a keto diet must be "fun' and oftentimes, they'll discuss how they are planning on starting the diet so they can, "eat as much bacon" as they want. While that would be such a glorious dream come true, it's definitely NOT a good idea to just eat a pound or more of bacon each day. (Yes, this is the same for butter fans too!) This isn't an easy diet and it most certainly doesn't give you a pass to just be careless and eat the wrong foods or a lot of the wrong foods. Yes, yes, you can eat bacon and sausage but, be reasonable and rather than eating saturated fats, trade some in for unsaturated, very healthy fats. 

Nuts and avocados are great for keto dieters and for use in all sorts of recipes! (For instance, if you're a cheese lover who is, unfortunately, lactose intolerant, you could easily make cheese from cashews!) You can also obtain a good amount of unsaturated fats from olive oil and flaxseed oil. 

As long as you do your research and chat with your doctor, you'll most likely have much success with this diet! There are a variety of boosters, protein powders, accelerators, all kinds of help in the market. I would suggest doing research and reading reviews on the best exogenous ketones before making a decision on who you want to give your hard-earned money to. (Another check with the family doctor wouldn't hurt either!) You'll find that there are trustworthy, quality brands out there who are helping others just like you! 

IG Charcoal BBQ Fall Grill GIveaway

IG Charcoal BBQ Fall Grill Giveaway! (1 Winner ~ $459 RV) Ends 10/31 @IGBBQ @SMGurusNetwork

Welcome to the IG Charcoal BBQ Fall Grill Giveaway!

1 Winner ($459 RV)

This giveaway is part of our Fall Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

Host is Deliciously Savvy

My co-hosts for this giveaway are Michigan Saving & More, My Silly Little Gang, Sweet Southern Savings, and Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews

Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide giveaways.

A Rain of Thought, Deliciously Savvy, Java John Z’s, Lisa-Queen of Random, MarksvilleandMe, Michigan Saving and More, My Crafty Zoo, My Silly Little Gang, SaraLee’s Deals Steals & Giveaways, Tales From A Southern Mom, This Frugal Family

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This giveaway's Sponsor is:

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ INSTAGRAM ~ AMAZON

Available on Amazon

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1 Lucky Winner Will Win An IG Charcoal BBQ Grill Valued At $459! 

See the review HERE.

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THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 10/31/19. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to mcushing7 at hotmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Melissa Cushing at mcushing7 (at)hotmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

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