Blue’s Clues & You! Caring with Blue DVD Release & Giveaway

Nickelodeon’s hit interactive preschool series is back on DVD with Blue’s Clues & You! Caring with Blue. Available October 6th, 2020, fans can join beloved puppy Blue and live-action host Josh (Josh Dela Cruz) as they play Blue’s Clues to find the best way to help Blue and her friends deal with different feelings.

Blue’s Clues & You! Caring with Blue DVD includes Episodes: 

Laugh with Blue 

Getting Glasses with Magenta 

Sad Day with Blue 

Getting Healthy with Blue 

Blue’s Clues & You! Caring with Blue Special Features: 

Silly Town Skidoo Skidoo to Blue’s School Josh & Blue’s Superhero Skidoo Josh & Blue’s VLOG! 

Nursery Rhymes + Guessing Game! Healthy Snacks Song + Magenta Gets Glasses! 

Find the Snail + Play Time Sing Along! Play Hide & Seek + Music Guessing Game! Science Experiment + Sing Alongs! 

Learn Sign Language with Josh & Blue Learn How to Wash Your Hands with Josh & Blue

In the Blue’s Clues & You! Caring with Blue DVD, Blue and her friends play Blue’s Clues to learn about all kinds of emotions–-Josh is feeling silly, Magenta is so excited to get new glasses and Blue is feeling a bit sad. 

Who wants to WIN a copy of Blue’s Clues & You! Caring with Blue???

Enter Giveaway HERE

Tips for going Peach Picking

Had a lovely visit to the North East Stage's Peach farm U Peach stand.

Crossing another fun fruit to harvest off our list

We LOVE fresh peaches and I honestly never knew farmers would let you pick your own. We frequent the local produce markets and side of the road stands. Facebook seems to be the place to find "things to do" because I found this idea on a friends page!

Once I shared our trip I got several questions about peach picking so here goes:

**Wear comfortable clothes

**Bring something to keep them in. While the stand we visited gave us baskets to use while picking we still needed our own way to get them back home with us. I suggest a basket or bucket.

**They price per Quart and bushel

** Search your local area and find farms then keep notifications on because many of the "U PICK" items are seasonal and weather permitting. The dates are ever changing and seem to sell out quick!

During the pandemic I tried to find fun things to do while still practicing social distancing and be outside. Picking peaches seemed like another great thing to try! I can't wait to go out and find other things to pick!! I think apples are next?!

Have you picked peaches before??

Sausage Stuffed Peppers with Mushrooms

  

With our busy schedules I run out of meal ideas. I love using Home Chef for some inspiration! I love the quality of the ingredients and the recipe ideas. This is inspired by one of the meals they sent us with a few twists, enjoy.

If you are interested in Home Chef I will leave you my referral links, which scores you a $35 credit off your first purchase! The best part...they delivery everything you need right to your door, no grocery shopping required! You can easily pause or deactivate your account like we do and nothing is charged!

What you will need:

8 oz. Cremini Mushrooms (sliced)

2 Green Peppers (halved)

8 oz. Italian Sausage Links (sliced)

6 fl. oz. Marinara Sauce

2 oz. Shredded Mozzarella

 Place green bell pepper halves on prepared baking sheet. Add 1 tsp. olive oil and mushrooms to hot pan. Stir occasionally until lightly brown. The remove from burner. Transfer sausage to a plate and wipe pan clean.

Return pan to stove over medium heat. Heat 1 tsp. olive oil in a medium non-stick pan over medium heat. Add Italian sausage to hot pan. Stir occasionally, breaking up meat, until browned. 

Stir in Italian sausage, marinara, and a pinch of salt.

Distribute filling evenly among pepper halves and top with cheese. Roast until cheese is lightly browned and bubbly, and peppers are tender.

Serve & Enjoy!

4 Tips for Growing your Ideal Instagram Audience

I see so many people flocking to Instagram and TikTok over quarantine. We personally read a TON and created IG TV videos! If you are a student, in college or maybe a parenting swiping for fun, IG has something for everyone! I actually teach how you can use Instagram for your business but so many people ask questions on how to even get started.

Here are some ideas on how to grow your audience. As your kids get older these will help you get a grasp of the new apps out there! 

This post is sponsored by Sam Haskell.

1️⃣ MINDSET - If you’re not grateful for the audience you currently have or you’re comparing yourself to others in a negative way, this won’t help you grow. When you’re grateful for and are serving your current audience, you’ll attract more & when you’re looking at competition in a healthy way, you’ll feel inspired and can take away tips & inspiration on what’s working! ⁣I often tell my clients in my Business Master Class find accounts that inspire you. By seeing what your target followers are viewing it will give you an idea to the content that attracts them.
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2️⃣ PAGE LAYOUT - if your ideal audience lands at your page, or your BIO profile, will it convert them into a follower? Are you speaking directly to your ideal audience and showing them exactly what it is that you do? What they should expect if they follow you? ⁣These things need to be simple, easy to find and front and center of the kind of person or business you are.

3️⃣ CONTENT - Are you posting a mixture of content that relates to your ideal audience as well as content that shows them why you do what you do? We personally read a LOT in our house. From audio books to physical copies these are great things to share on a lifestyle account if you like to read as well. When your audience relates to your content, they’ll engage with it. Helping your content to potentially get in front of more of your ideal audience by being consistent. 

Side note: If you are looking for a great parenting read? Check out Sam Haskell's, Promises I Made My Mother.

4️⃣ HASHTAGS - this does require a lot of constant research and mixing up. Look to see which hashtags your ideal follower is using and following. If you were your ideal customer, what hashtags would you be looking at? We can use 30 hashtags at a time.... New update from Instagram experts, is to use up to 15 and very niched down, so keep them small to give you the chance to feature in the top posts. I always recommend hashtags describing the photo, location and who you are as a company or person. 

An example of the photo above, would be:

#waterfalls #westernnewyork #travelwriter

What tips do you have for growing your Instagram audience??

How many followers do you have and are we friends??

If not head to @westernnewyorker 

Nick Jr.: Fantastic Fall! Movie Review & Giveaway

Who is ready for a  fun-filled  DVD from Nick Jr. featuring Fall moments?? 

The Nick Jr.: Fantastic Fall! DVD will be available from Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment on September 22, 2020!! Best part? You could WIN a copy, just enter BELOW!!

Featuring episodes from Nickelodeon’s hit series PAW Patrol (produced by Spin Master Entertainment), Blaze and the Monster Machines, Bubble Guppies, Butterbean’s Café, and even two never-before-seen episodes of Blue’s Clues & You!, the DVD release lets fans join their favorite preschool pals on awesome autumn adventures.

Nick Jr.: Fantastic Fall! episodes: PAW Patrol: 

Pups Save Thanksgiving Blue’s Clues & You! 

Spooky Costume Party with Blue Blue’s Clues & You! 

Thankful with Blue Blaze and the Monster Machines: Truck or Treat! 

Bubble Guppies: Trick-or-Treat, Mr. Grumpfish! 

Butterbean’s Café: Fairy Happy Thanksgiving!

Nick Jr.: Fantastic Fall! Synopsis: The season filled with tricks, treats and thanks, is upon us! Help Josh and Blue figure out what Magenta wants to be for Halloween. Blaze and AJ are excited to “truck or treat,” but Crusher tries to steal their candy! Then, it’s time to give thanks as Josh plays Blue’s Clues to discover what Blue is thankful for. The PAW Patrol pups rescue Mayor Humdinger and his kittens from a bouncy Thanksgiving turkey. And The Bean Team shows Ms. Marmalady what Thanksgiving is all about. All of these adventures and more add up to one fantastic fall!

Enter to win your very own copy HERE:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

6 TIPS FOR TAKING A CHILD TO THE DENTIST

From a young age I had a fear of the dentist. Though I never suffered from anything serious the idea of visiting one would send me into an emotional spin. When having my son I felt dental care was vital but with hopes of eliminating the fear of dental work. Here are some of my tips to help introduce dental care to kids and ways to make it an enjoyable experience.

This is a sponsored post featuring Frank Roach Dentist.

1. Schedule a dentist appointment: Starting young allows kids to get used to the routine of going to the dentist every 6 months.  The earlier your child begins the dentist visit routine the better. I found a great dentist by asking my friends and family their experiences. Facebook is a great way to find dentists in your area to research around. A great one would be Frank Roach Dentist for example.

2. Giving kids a head’s up: Tell them when appointments are on the way, that will give them time to express feelings that might come up ahead of time. I always write it down on our Kitchen calendar to help remind us but also so he can see it.

3. Talk about healthy dental care: Healthy teeth and gums are vital. Let's teach our kids healthy dental practices from a young age.  Including regular visits to the dentist, proper brushing and flossing. Remember they soak up everything you do. I always invite my son to come brush when I am in the bathroom doing the same.

4. Keep it simple: When preparing for a visit, especially the first time, try not to include too many details. My son loves everything about the human body so I allowed him to ask questions while in the office.

5. Prepare to a meltdown: Some kids love their dentist (my son surprisingly) others do not. Bring a stuffy or toys to help them feel comforted and safe. Many offices (including Frank Roach Dentist) are well equipped and used to this happening. 

6. Let them ask questions: Be sure to answer any questions they do have about the dentist. Also, discuss their appointment afterwards. This allows for open communication with you and can help ease their fears.

What are you tips for taking kids to the Dentist?

Do you enjoy trips to the Dentist ( I know several people have a fear of it)

Crispy Prosciutto and Spinach Marinara Penne

 This dish was inspired by a meal we had thanks to Home Chef, called Crispy Prosciutto and Spinach Marinara Penne. We tweaked the recipe to fit our personal tastes, hope you enjoy!!

Home Chef is a meal kit delivery service - order and receive home food delivery weekly. Choose from 18 fresh recipes featuring steak, chicken, pork, fish, vegetarian options, and beyond to meet your cooking needs each week.

What you will need:

1 small can of Marinara Sauce

1 tsp. Chimichurri Seasoning

Cheese and Garlic Croutons

Baby Spinach

Grated Parmesan

Penne Pasta

3 oz. Prosciutto package

 Cook pasta according to the box instructions. 

Place prosciutto on a plate and microwave until crisp, 2-3 minutes. 

 Let cool, then break into small pieces Combine penne, spinach, seasoning blend, and marinara in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until warm, 3-4 minutes. 

Top pasta with cheese, crushed croutons, and prosciutto. 

Bon appétit!

Have you ever used prosciutto in your pasta dish??

Let me know your favorite pasta recipe in the comments!!

PAW Patrol: Jet to the Rescue Movie Review & Giveaway

Get ready to zoom back to Barkingburg with the pups in this all-new TV movie. When the scheming Duke of Flappington steals a powerful levitation gem from the royal castle, it’s up to the PAW Patrol to jet to the rescue before the town is lost forever. Then, join the PAW Patrol for even more high-flying adventures where they’ll save a stunt pilot, one of Mayor Humdinger’s kittens and even Skye when she breaks her wing flying to Jake’s Mountain.

PAW Patrol: Jet to the Rescue episodes: 

Jet to the Rescue 

Pups Save a High-Flying Skye 

Pups Save Skye 

Pups Save a Flying Kitty 

Pups Save an Ace

The PAW Patrol: Jet to the Rescue DVD will be available from Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment exclusively on Amazon on September 3, 2020, and nationally on September 8, 2020, for the suggested retail price of $13.99.

Win your copy of PAW Patrol: Jet to the Rescue today!!

Enter the PAW Patrol: Jet to the Rescue Giveaway here

10 Baby Hacks to Save Money

I can remember the day I found out I was pregnant. Joy was my first emotion but panic soon filled me. Becoming a parent is a HUGE responsibility. Not to mention babies require a LOT! They don't say it takes a village for no reason. Here are some great ways to prepare for a baby.... while also saving money!!

Here are my 10 Baby Hacks to Save Money:

 "This post is sponsored by Sivan Social. All comments and opinions are my own."
1. Try Amazon. It is fast shipping, with Amazon Prime, plus they have great deals on baby related items. Did I mention you can order from your home in your PJs with FREE shipping right to your door! No getting the baby in and out of your car or walking isles during nap time! 

 2. Shop Clearance sales! Buy a year in advance during sales and holiday clearances. I often buy winter clothes for next year. I store them in totes and bring them out when we need them.
3. Sign up for baby tracking stuff when you are pregnant! Companies often share info with other baby companies who send coupons and deals to your email.

 4. Don't turn your nose up to off brands of food. Try Aldi's Baby snacks and their organic section. The prices are a lot cheaper and some are even tastier then the well known brands! If you have school age kids check out the Dollar store for lunch snacks. best part they are only a $1!!

5. Don't run your baby to the doctor at the first sign of a runny nose. If your baby is a fairly healthy child. Each mom knows her own baby. Take advantages of wellness visits and ask about other concerns at those appointments. That way it's 100% covered visit by insurance. Wellness visits can be moved up too! If you little one does have a runny nose and it is not going away just move your visit up. I am not saying don't bring your baby in if they have a serious condition or your gut is telling you something is wrong. I am a firm believer in going with your gut because again you know your baby!

 6. Purchase used baby items. I often shop lawn sales and or Facebook Marketplace for items. Clothing AND toys are going to be out grown and or worn through fairly quick in the baby stages. Don't waste money if you can buy it used.

7. Take advantage of Baby registries! They often give you a coupon for the rest of the items that were not purchased (even Amazon gives a percent off)! It also really helps your family members buy what you need!

8. Enter giveaways! I can't tell you how many times I entered to win some baby products and actually WON. I happen to have one you can enter right now! Savings.com's is hosting a #LoveWithBabyMagic giveaway. You could win a $100 Visa e-gift card from Baby Magic, enter here!!
9. Return what you do not NEED. This might strike a cord with some but my son was very small when he was born. He was in preemie outfits until 3 months. When he finally grew he skipped right to 6 month clothing. I had so many unused outfits I simply exchanged and returned them to purchase things we needed.

10. Use coupons! When my son was little we used coupons for everything! You know what we saved so much money! I learned from him that it is a good practice to learn how to use coupons whenever possible. Not only did I have enough, we ended up donating a lot. Extra formula, wipes and other baby items we couldn't use went to our local Shelters all thanks to coupons. 
 Speaking of coupons, enjoy this $1 off any Baby Magic product!
Baby Magic nourishes your baby's skin with wholesome ingredients. Baby Magic has been loved by protective parents for over 65 years, including us! We have used it since my son was small!  Dermatologist have recommended it for baby's delicate skin. Best part? It's  also free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates & dyes!!  

What baby hack to save money did I miss??