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How to Help ‘Let’s Play’ Give Schools a Sports Equipment Makeover!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Let’s Play, an initiative by Dr Pepper Snapple Group that provides kids and families with the tools, places and inspiration to make active play a daily priority by building and improving playgrounds and donating sports equipment to groups in need. Although I received compensation for this post, all opinions are my own.

“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” -Diane Ackerman

As moms, we all want the best for our kids, right? And, becoming a mother means suddenly your heart thinks of all kids, not just your own. What if I told you that there was an easy way, right now, to help support kids, to encourage them to be active, to help them thrive? Well, keep reading ladies, because I have some ideas you’re going to love!

Let's Play inspires play in communities around the country

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” -Kay Redfield Jamison

Studies continue to stress the importance of play to children’s development. They learn almost as much on a playground or in a gym as they do in the classroom. Play and sports help kids learn to problem solve, build creativity, the importance of teamwork, and – it gets them moving.  All kids deserve safe playgrounds with cool toys, awesome gyms and sports equipment, as well as parents, educators and coaches to encourage them. [Read more…]

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The Importance of Outdoor Play – and How to Support It!

Kids should have time to play — at home and at school. We know that creative play can make kids happy and healthy, but some kids aren’t getting enough of it. That’s why the makers of Children’s Claritin are teaming up with the national nonprofit KaBOOM! to help bring innovative play spaces to schools in need. And since I’m a member of the Children’s Claritin Mom Crew, I wanted to be the first to tell  you all about this exciting program.

The Importance of outdoor play for kids

Why this is a great partnership to support play [Read more…]

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How Much Does it Really Cost to Pay It Forward?

“If you wait until you can do everything for everybody, instead of something for somebody, you’ll end up not doing nothing for nobody.” – Malcom Bane… I’m a big believer in giving back. I donate regularly to support the amazing work that Heifer International does for families and communities around the world. I’m excited to have recently been chosen as a year-long ambassador for one of my favorite charities supporting US families – and can’t wait to announce who that is very soon. And, I give back to my own local communities… Food drives, helping with our local Eagles club kids events, and other events. It doesn’t matter how little time you have, or how small your budget or resources are – everyone has something they can do to make their world around them a little brighter. So, with back to school season here, I was incredibly excited to join an awesome #payitforward event, and fill a backpack up with some fun supplies for a kiddo in need.

Pay it Forward for back to school

Back to School Pay It Forward Event – How it works [Read more…]

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Supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospital’s Talented Kids

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of White Cloud for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop… I am very passionate in my life about giving back. Whether it’s a small thing like dropping change in the Ronald McDonald house donation box when I pick up a Happy Meal for Abby – or something big, like helping to organize a charity benefit here in town {we’ve helped with several now!} – I think it is so important for each of us, every day, to find ways to give back to the world around us. Everyone complains about so many things – “Why doesn’t someone do something about that?” Well, for most problems, all of our small actions combined can really make a difference. Which is why I get super excited when big brands use their power, influence, and funds to do good things. Let me tell you about a new initiative from White Cloud that makes me smile…

 photo 01f0897f-6a91-4a61-95fb-94759c6ebeea_zps51f4bbe6.jpg [Read more…]

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Say Cheese for a Good Cause – #Giveaway

Save, snap, and donate – that’s what you can do this month with the help of Johnson & Johnson… You know that I am a BIG fan of brands that give back, right? I love to see powerful people use that influence to do positive things. And I love using my voice as a blogger to share causes that I’m passionate about. And one campaign this spring that I think you’ll love too is from Johnson & Johnson – they’re helping you save big on the spring supplies you need this month, while also giving you a really fun way to help support some incredibly worthy causes. Check it out:

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What if your child had just 5 more years?

The world has stopped moving… That’s the motivation behind a new campaign called Designed To Move. It launches today – and it’s a new way to bring more attention to the lack of physical activity that our kids are getting, the consequences from that inactivity, and what we can all do to help. Nike’s President & CEO will join First Lady Michelle Obama in announcing this campaign, which is a national commitment to bringing physical activity back to our nation’s schools to ensure the health and longevity of America’s kids.

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How the Quack Gives Back this Holiday Season…

You know the Aflac duck, right? The little star of all those commercials… I’m sure you can hear it in your head now, “AFLAAAAC!!” On TV, he’s always trying to help someone out – by teaching them about the benefits that Alfac insurance can bring. Well now, there’s a holiday version of our feathered friend who’s doing even MORE to give back… The Aflac Holiday Duck makes a great gift for anyone – it’s the perfect combination: A super fun plush duck that will make everyone smile, from the young to the young at heart. And every purchase helps raise money for a great cause too! Learn more about why you’ve got to add the Aflac Holiday Duck to your shopping list this year, and where to buy one…

SheSpeaksbutton [Read more…]

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