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How to Treat Eczema in Kids

“Making the decision to have a child – it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body.” – Elizabeth Stone

We all know that babies have sensitive skin – but so do many toddlers, too. I kept noticing rough patches on Abby’s skin – a bit here and there, on her legs or arms. But when it started showing up her adorable little cheeks, I knew it was time to figure out what was going on. It wasn’t bad – but it was noticeable. Luckily, that week was our 18-month check-up, so I was able to show it to our pediatrician, who I totally love. I was confident that she’d know what it was, and how to fix it.

eczema treatment for kids

“Hugs can do great amounts of good – especially for children.” – Princess Diana

Turns out, Abby had some patches of eczema – that’s what those rashes were that kept popping up! It made sense – each time she’d get a rash, I’d try to figure out what she’d been around that was out of the ordinary, but hadn’t found anything that could be bothering her. Our doctor said that it’s just an incredibly common problem in kids – but with a few easy treatments, it should go away, and hopefully she’d grow out of it as she got older.

How to treat eczema in kids

Our doctor said that there is a lot of misinformation out there about childhood eczema, and cleared up a few rumors for us. She also gave us some great tips to follow too, and recommended her favorite products.

  1. You should avoid giving baby a bath: This is totally not true! She said that you want to avoid using scented products when your little one suffers from eczema, {check out the Johnson’s Natural line for babies} – but there’s no reason at all to avoid a bath. In fact, that could even make it worse, by not keeping the skin clean and healthy!
  2. Diet can affect eczema outbreaks: She said that this really isn’t proven at all. There’s no reason to avoid any specific foods – and a healthy diet helps lead to a healthy system and healthy skin. So get those fruits and veggies each day.
  3. Use a medicated cream: Using a great topical cream on eczema patches when they pop up can bring big relief to your little one! There are many choices out there that are available over-the-counter, so no need for expensive prescriptions. A great option is the new Neosporin Eczema Essentials line, since there’s a full system that you can use to prevent, treat, and sooth eczema in your family.

Why the Eczema Essentials Line Rocks

We decided to check out these Eczema Essentials products because they were one of the ones that my doctor recommended. Sometimes it’s so hard to choose which products to use on a baby or toddler – there is an overwhelming amount of stuff to choose from! But I think that this system is a great option for any family – our doctor likes it, we like it, and I think you’ll like it too. Here’s why:

  1. It’s easy to find. You can get it at any local Walmart store, or at Walmart.com.
  2. This line is from Johnson & Johnson. The people who make all of the most mom-trusted brands, things like Band-Aids and Baby Care products.
  3. It’s affordable. You don’t need to spend a ton of expensive prescriptions, this full system of products works together to sooth sensitive skin at a great price.
  4. These products are perfect for the whole family. That saves time and money, since you can treat all of the problem skin in your family with one set of products.

The Neosporin Eczema Essentials system can give your family clearer, softer skin in just 3 days. It includes a Daily Body Wash, a Daily Moisturizing Cream, and an Anti-Itch Cream {the last one is only for kids 2 and up}. They’re all fragrance free, and recommended by doctors like mine. We’ve been using the daily cream, and I’ve noticed a big improvement in her cute little cheeks!

If you want to try it too, visit Walmart.com to get a high-value coupon for  your purchase.

{Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, brought to you by One to One Network and Walmart. All photos and opinions are totally my own.}

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3 Tips to Avoid Overspending on Daily Deal Sites

 

Source: lescomposantes.com via Victoria on Pinterest

Moms are Smart Shoppers

Moms love shopping, right? It’s a good thing too, since we’re in charge of taking care of the majority of the shopping in our families. From groceries to school supplies to new curtains – it’s pretty much up to us. Which is why so many brands are marketing heavily towards moms these days – We might be on tight budgets, but we still want to find the best stuff. We clip coupons, we use rewards cards, and most of us are total junkies for daily deal sites too.

How to Avoid Overspending on Daily Deal Sites

Signing up for accounts at daily deal sites like Groupon, Zulily, and nomorerack can help you find some super low prices on really high quality gear for your family and your home. BUT – it can also lead to some big overspending on impulse purchases if you’re not careful. Here are a few tips on how to use them:

  1. Use a separate email address. Set up a new email account, one that you dedicate JUST for deal site emails. Then, when you really do need something – New school clothes, holiday gifts, or maybe some fun new patio supplies to get ready for summer – You can log in to that email and check out all of the recent offers. That way, you still get the updates, but they’re not in your face each day tempting you to buy things you don’t need.
  1. Change your email settings. Some sites will allow you to change your settings, and get an email only once a week, or stop the email updates altogether. Then find your favorite deal sites on Facebook or Twitter, and stay updated that way. You’ll still see what events are going on, but you’ll be less likely to shop all of them then you would be if they were all waiting for you in your inbox.
  2. Only shop when you have credits. Did you know that almost all deal sites give you some sort of reward for sharing their amazing deals with your friends and family? Every site is a little different, but work in a similar way – You get a personal referral link that you can share on social networks, by email, or on your blog. {It’s usually found on your account page.} Then, for every person who joins from your link, you’ll earn credits to spend on the site! Many sites also have an option to share a specific item or deal that you find – so if you find something totally cool, you’ll get rewarded when your best friend buys it too!

Share your best tips!

I’d love to hear your best tips for saving money – and preventing overspending and impulse purchases! – when using daily deal sites. Do you have favorite sites? Any favorite sweet deals you’ve purchased lately? Share in the comments…

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The Danger Lurking at Target….

Source: jennifermariemiller.tumblr.com via Sunshine and on Pinterest

Anyone else relate?

Do you find Target stores hard to resist? Ever walk out with no idea how your cart got filled with $100+ of pretty things? You’re not alone….

Oh Target, how I love thee. Trendy fashions for home and family, at prices affordable for middle class mommas on a budget. You bring designer lines to the masses, offer perfectly modern home decor that’s not over the top, and the cutest stinkin’ baby clothes around. {Have you seen them? Seriously.} And I know it’s not just me…. There’s a whole website devoted to them  – SlaveToTarget.com. Because truly, we are ALL slaves to Target. They even have their own nickname -“Tar-zhay” – how many stores have their own nickname? Only ones you spend so much time with….

The safest way to shop at Target – and it’s still dangerous, don’t get me wrong – is to shop online. It’s easier to stay focused. The mysteriously hypnotizing Target eye won’t be as easily able to trick you into those new curtains… and matching throw rugs… and cute boots… and did you see those pretty new drinking glasses? No – online you’ll have a chance to get in, and out, with only what you truly need. Be strong.

Share your Target Story in the comments. I know you have one. We all do…. 

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Busy Mom Skincare Solution

Beauty products, cindy crawford, meaningful beauty, skin care

“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.” – Gwyneth Paltrow

I am a total junkie when it comes to beauty products. I have so many creams, and serums, and scrubs, and masks – plus all of the pretty colors of shadows, and glosses, and shimmers. I’ve mentioned before that I’m a total girl… And a quick glance around my Master Bathroom confirms it real quick, lol. {Hey, I do save one drawer for the Mister, too!} But – while I have loads of great products, they’re all different brands, and formulas, and types – so I have no idea if they are really working well together. When I learned about the new Meaningful Beauty system, I knew that I wanted to try it. I’m only a wee bit past 30, {I’ll be 32 this summer. That’s still just a wee bit, ok?} but I already am seeing some pretty serious lines on my forehead. I figured that it was probably time to bump my skincare routine up a notch – Since I became a mom a year and a half ago, I swear my lines AND gray hairs have almost doubled! Not cool.

Meaningful Beauty: A next generation advanced skincare system

The secret weapon of this system is the Crème de Serum—a triple potency product that combines the super-power of a serum with the moisturizing feel of a cream. It’s packed with amazing stuff – and as you can see in the photo, all 3 heavy-duty ingredients are swirled separately in the container, then combine into one powerful anti-aging potion once dispensed from the container. Awesome, right? It’s like if Batman were a skincare product….

Cindy Before and After

“I’m tired of all this nonsense about beauty being skin deep. That’s deep enough. What do you want, an adorable pancreas?” – Jean Kerr

 If you want to learn more about Meaningful Beauty online – You can get the entire skincare system for only $39.95 – Shipped Free!The kit comes packed with every single product that you need, for morning and nighttime treatments. You even get a cool guide to show you when and how to apply each of the products – so if you’re a busy mom like me, who doesn’t have time to figure it all out, this system is a perfect solution. I just received my kit – and after I use it for a couple of weeks, I’ll come back and let you guys know how it worked for me. Meaningful Beauty also lived up to it’s name, and sent over a second gift package too – So I was able to share it with someone who means the whole world to me – My momma. I’m incredibly lucky that she is a beautiful woman, is ageing as gracefully as can be – and that she passed those lucky-lady genes on down to me too. People have always thought I was MUCH younger than I am – and I’d like to keep it that way. Stay tuned in two weeks for results….

{Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf Meaningful Beauty and received a 5-step treatment kit to facilitate my review, a second 5-step treatment kit to giveaway, and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.}

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Weekly Bloggertunities – 2/22

Sponsored Posts, Reviews, Freelance Writing, Bloggers, Mom Bloggers, Blogging Opportunities

“Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands, but not you. Not you.” – Jim Rohn

Go big, or go home, right? I love this quote above…. Some people blog as a creative outlet. Some bloggers use it to promote a cause or idea that they’re passionate about. For others, {like me} it’s more of a business. Whatever your motivation for blogging – You probably spend a ton of time on it, and are always looking for new ways to grow and improve. I have some really cool projects coming up that I think you guys will love – some things to help boost your blog up to new levels, and bring you new opportunities. Until then, I hope that these weekly Bloggertunity posts are helpful to you. And as always – if you have a fun event open for sign ups, a linky or blog hop, or an opp that you have permission to share – I’d love for you to leave a comment below!

Reviews & Giveaways

  • OXO: Join their Blogger Outreach program – Get opportunities to review some of their super cool gadgets and tools, which are some of my VERY favorite items for the kitchen!
  • Rafflecopter: They’re starting Round 2 of connecting bloggers and brands for fun review and giveaway opportunities. I was a part of several of these last time, and they went really great. Since they’ve made improvements since then, I’m sure things will be even better this time around! Sign up to partner with Rafflecopter for Blog Giveaways.
  • MomFuse: Sign up for POP Alerts – {Post Our Pitch} – to be notified of cool new opportunities for bloggers. These are random and cover tons of different topics – so there’s always something for everyone, no matter what you blog about.

Sponsored Posts

  • Beauty Review: Apply to sample a new beauty product, and be compensated for a sponsored post to promote the launch of this new item. Sign up to apply here, and you can use me as a referral if you’d like, Meagan Paullin – Sponsored Beauty Post Sign-Up.
  • Blog Frog: I’ve had a ton of people asking me lately how to get started working with Blog Frog. It’s very simple – Just fill out the Blogger Partner form with all of your info, and they’ll get in touch with you if they have a campaign that’s a good fit for you!
  • The Motherhood: Sign up to join this amazing network. I’ve partnered with them on a few projects, and have had a wonderful experience. Find their form here – Join The Motherhood.
  • zuuzs.com: Sign up as a blogger affiliate today with zuuzs to earn cash back on your own purchases, while also earning a steady income from referral purchases too. You earn not only on your own referrrals – but from THEIRS too. Learn details here – How to earn with zuuzs – or sign up directly here for a personal account, then scroll to the bottom to convert it to an affiliate account. You earn bigger bonuses, and have opportunities for sponsored posts and giveaways too.
  • Social Spark: One of my favorites. Sign up, and they’ll send you new sponsored offers that are a good fit for your blog – Accept only what you want. Pay ranges from $15 – $200+ per post, and the longer you’re with them, and the more your blog grows, the bigger your payouts get. Once you hit $50, request PayPal payment, and it posts within minutes. Love that!

Guest Post and Writing Jobs

  • Guest Posts: Oh My Gosh Beck! is looking for new guest bloggers to post to her site. She’s awesome, with a huge fan base – so it’ll be a great way to get your name out there, and get some new fans too.
  • Examiner: Pick a topic that you’re an expert in, and write your own column on Examiner.com. {See an example here – I’m the Frugal Living Examiner}. You can apply here – Examiner.com Application – It can take up to 3 weeks to hear back, but if you are referred by a current writer, it’s usually much quicker. Feel free to use me – Meagan Paullin, or another writer you know. If you are not approved, feel free to email me with questions, and maybe I can help!

Blogger Tips and Resources

  • Pinterest: Want to learn how to Pin Like a Rockstar? Read my post for some great tips on getting started, and how to maximize your Pinterest account by cross promoting it on your other sites and pages too.
  • Twit Cleaner: This is a really cool, free online tool that helps you clean the junk out of your Twitter followers. Accounts that aren’t active, that only tweet affiliates, possible spam, and more. Plus – learn what it says about your own Twitter style too.
  • Free Blog Images: This is a big list of sites you can use to get free images to use in your blog posts – if you don’t have an image to use, this is a huge help. Remember, no one can pin your amazingly helpful info if there’s no photo in the post!
  • Speaking of Pinterst… Find new, helpful posts and resources added almost daily on my Blogging & Social Media Pinterest board.

Events to Join

  • Photography: Join our weekly photo challenge – Learn some new tips, share your favorite photos, and get some new traffic when you link up your post. Color, Click, Capture.
  • StumbleUpon: Join us each week, and link up your favorite post. Learn how StumbleUpon can be an amazing tool for driving traffic to your site – it’s always in my top 10. Join here.
Are we friends yet on Facebook? Stop on by – and leave me a comment to introduce your blog!

Want an easy way to share this info with your blogging buddies?

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Color, Click, Capture: Fall Flowers

THIS WEEK’S COLOR IS GREEN

Welcome to Week 3 of the Color, Click, Capture photography challenge hosted by East9thStreet, A Helicopter Mom, Nap Time Is My Time and Sunshine and Sippy Cups. Each week we have a new color theme – and this weeks color is green!

Nature, flowers, photography

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu

This is another picture from my garden – this time taken in the fall. I was learning to use the Macro setting on my camera, and I love the way the picture captures the tiny prickles on the flower stems and leaves.

This Week’s Photography Tip

This week’s photography tips comes from Emily Anderson of Emily Anderson Photography.  Emily has been photographing children and families in the Northeast Arkansas area for several years.

“Don’t forget the details. Include more than just one image of the overall view. A wide shot of the entire object or scene may be necessary, but you can make it more interesting by including detail shots, too. Take a close up of an interesting button on a sewing project or one corner of the cake you baked, showing the texture of the icing. It can be very tempting to snap one or two images when you are in a hurry to get them uploaded to the computer for a blog or Facebook post, but challenge yourself to take several different images. This also applies to photographing people. Think about what details tell the story – wrinkled hands, grass-stained jeans, flip-flop tan lines, etc. You may find that you can take several different images in a row before you run out of ideas. Don’t give up then. Keep shooting. That’s when you turn on your creativity.”

WANT TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE?

Want to participate in our challenge?  It’s super easy!  Here’s how It Works:

  1. Take a picture the represents the color of the week.
  2. Write a blog post that features your picture and link it up.
  3. Visit other people’s posts and hopefully find some inspiration!
  4. You can put the button and link code on your blog if you wish but it’s not a requirement.

Join the Party – Link up your favorite Green photo

Here is the linky code:

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Join the StumbleUpon Party!

StumbleUpon, Stumble upon for bloggers

Stumble Tumble Tuesday

This fun weekly event is hosted by Acting Balanced, Sunshine and Sippy Cups and Wyoming Girl Turned Coastie Wife! The goal of this hop is to use Stumble Upon to help you promote your blog posts and get more traffic. It’s fun, it’s a big boost to your best posts, and you can find new great friends to follow too!

Even if you think you are stumbling correctly, please read this post on how to check and see if your stumble was successful. Some stumbles aren’t showing up, thanks!

It’s Simple to Join the Party

  1. Add a link to a blog post that you would like people to stumble to the linky below. It *must* be a link to an actual post and NOT your main site. Please do not list giveaways, time-sensitive coupons or deals, or other content that is not appropriate for StumbleUpon.
  2. Stumble as many other posts as you care to, check to make sure that your stumble went through by clicking on the “Info” icon. If you’d like to, you can leave a comment on their post saying something like, “I’m stopping by from Stumble Tumble Tuesday and just stumbled you – great post! My post is _____(add link)”. That makes it easier for them to return the love! The great thing about Stumble Upon is that it is fast and easy to do with the Stumble Upon toolbar.
    PLEASE DO NOT ADD YOUR LINK IF YOU AREN’T GOING TO STUMBLE ANY POSTS – Let’s all have fun and play fair :)
  3. Remember, link directly to the actual post, not your home page.
  4. PLEASE – Don’t list any giveaways. StumbleUpon is for Evergreen posts.
  5. PLEASE – Only one link per blog.

Feel free to post about Stumble Tumble Tuesday on your blog too, and help us spread the word – The more people are stumbling, the more traffic we’ll all get, and, hey – the more, the merrier, right? It’s easy to add it, you can grab the code right under the linky below! {Feel free to use my image and copy too, just be sure to link back to the hosts. If you join us let me know in a comment so I can promote YOUR post too!}

Let’s Get to Stumblin’ – and Have some Fun!

The first person to “like” a post on StumbleUpon assigns it a category. If your post has not been discovered yet, please leave the category you would like, in your link to help the discoverer assign it correctly. Example: Strawberry Shortcake Recipe (food).

If you have ANY questions on how this works – remember to read the post above, which covers some great basics. If that doesn’t answer it, leave me a comment here or on my Facebook wall – and I’ll get back to your right away. StumbleUpon can be an uh-MAY-zing new way to increase traffic to your site – and this is a fun way to use it!

Stumble Tumble Tuesday Linky

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