You’ve Got Mail! 9 Subscriptions To Get Kids Excited About Learning

You’ve Got Mail! 9 Subscriptions To Get Kids Excited About Learning

Do you ever look at your kids at Christmas and just see them overwhelmed by all the bills that surrounds them? For small kids, especially (my teen doesn’t have this problem because I can only afford one gift from his wishlist). The beauty of a subscription service is to spread that joy out ALL year long.

There are lots of time a subscription service can be great:

• Birthdays and holidays
• If the child is going through a rough patch and could use something to brighten them every few weeks.
• A new sibling
• Distance grandparents who want to be remembered extra all year long
• If you’d like to spread the payments out a bit instead of one LARGE gift with one LARGE payment (see my Christmas on a budget post).

Here are some of my personal best subscriptions for kids. In full disclosure, a lot of these have been sent free for my review. And other full disclosure — I have more than 9 here, I’ve added a few more lately.

Highlights Magazine — if you’re looking for a low-cost option that still comes monthly you can’t BEAT Highlights. Great for kids of all ages — you can save a ton off the cover price.

My sister in law bought me a highlights subscription at some point along my parental journey. It is a GREAT magazine for quiet time, and as always — when kids get something in the mail it’s exciting!

Green Kids Crafts — this one has a lot of nature-inspired crafts for your kids to enjoy. We’ve had kits about flowers, and our most recent one was all about rocks and minerals.

Stitch Fix Ad

It got my seven year old totally excited about rocks and minerals. It was pretty cool!

Pipsticks — holy cow. This is SO fun. Princess P got her package after a total post-school melt down. It’s all stickers and paper. Basically everything at little girl wants. Great price, great products, this is a winner.

Awesome for summer, or even spring break!

BitsBox If you have a kid interested in coding, this is the box for you. They have 2 options, you can have it shipped to you, or you can print out the coding on your own. My kid is SO excited to code, I might just print it out at home and let him do his thing. GREAT for the 9-12’ish year old that’s interested in computers. They’ll have a deal coming up soon that’s $89.99 plus Free shipping for 3 boxes! Coding doesn’t come cheap!

The materials are super colorful and exciting. You get the coding book (new each month) along with some trading cards/promotional stuff each month.

Kiwi Co — Oh man, I think this might be the one I got most excited about. REALLY high quality crafts, with great educational material as well! They come for varying age ranges. Koala Crate is for ages 3-4 (although Princess P was super excited about their crafts as well, I think this could easily extend up to 1st grade if you had ages that range that high and you’re wanting them to share).

This kit had a jewlery box to make, and your own snake to stuff and make your own!

The Kiwi Crate is for ages 5-8 and HOLY COW she was excited about that. Our box was about how to make shadow puppets.

Our Kiwi craft showing us cool things about light and shadows.

Then there’s the Tinker Crate for kids who like STEM — recommended for ages 9-16 (I would agree, it looked like some of the things might be too hard for someone less than 9). I may be hiding these for Christmas presents, but I know my son will really like learning about this. I’m actually thinking of getting him, his own subscription.

This tinker create is about creating a circuit.

And then there’s the Doodle Crate which takes an art slant, also for kids 9-16. Our kit came with ways to make your own stamps. High quality materials and great ideas for creativity! I’m excited that they can come up with their own ways to make stamps (it even has its own exacto knife, which is pretty exciting).

This Doodle Crate helps you make your own stamps with an exacto knife!

They are high quality products which I would totally recommend. If you get a whole year they’re under 20 bucks/kit. Great deal! I think you’ll absoluetly love them!

Check out my other gift guides:

Gift Guide for the Overwhelmed Mom

Beauty Stocking Stuffers for the Busy Woman

Best Gifts for Busy Families

The VERY best in Family Gift Guide

Gifts for a Pregnant Woman: It’s the gift that counts.

A Clutter-Free Christmas

Best Life Planners: The Planner Guide for Organized Moms

Clutter-Free Kids Gifts

The Man’s Man Gift Guide

Gift Guide For Your Techno Tween

Gift Guide For The Crafty Girl

Family Games: For Kids of All Ages!

Original article and pictures take www.pullingcurls.com site

Wood Plank TV Wall

Wood Plank TV Wall

We built a wood plank TV wall as our solution to hiding electronics cords! It was an easy DIY project that could be done in just a weekend!

At our last house, our living room had vaulted ceilings with a brick fireplace that was the perfect focal point of the room. It made it easy to know where to center the furniture and was the perfect starting point for holiday decorating.

I’ve struggled a bit more with our new living room. As part of our renovation, we tore down 7 walls. While I love the open concept, it left me with a gray wall that extended from the front corner of the house the whole way to the back corner.

It just was such a loooong wall of nothing but pale gray. It’s also the wall that our TV is on. To be honest, once the renovations were done, we just plopped down a TV stand and never really did much else.

I couldn’t stand the open back that showed all those cords, so I never even put much of an attempt into decorating it. I knew I wanted to do something to break up the long expanse of pale gray, and until I decided what, I just didn’t care to fiddle with anything else on this wall.

I love dimension on walls like the board and batten we added to our foyer/mudroom. It just adds so much character as opposed to just painting a flat wall. I also like planks because of the depth it adds, but didn’t really want them stained because there are already enough wood tones going on in this room.

When I saw this fireplace surround from Thrifty Decor Chick, I knew I wanted something very similar. I liked the idea of a bump-out from the wall, since it added dimension to my long, flat wall. I also loved how it not only hid the cords, but it also hid the wall mount for the TV.

It was purely coincidental that our paint colors ended up being so similar. Last year, I painted our basement and French doors this deep gray from Sherwin Williams. While I loved the way they looked, they didn’t seem to flow very well with the room, because nothing else was that color. Painting the TV wall the same color really helped it all blend together. Plus, I still had over half a gallon left so score for not having to pay money for more paint!

How to Build a Wood Plank Wall

• 2×4’s (how many you need depends on how wide your wall will be)
• Corner molding
• Crown Molding
• Paint

Start by screwing your 2×4’s into the existing studs in your wall. We used the 3″ screws, drilled in at an angle to attach them to the existing studs. You’ll need to do as many of these as you want your plank wall wide.

(Obviously I took this picture a few steps in, but it still gives you an idea of how we attached the studs and cut them around the baseboard)

Decide where you want your TV mount to be and cut the studs to allow room for that. We used scrap wood to build the mount out from the wall so that it would make the mount flush with the new plank wall. This will really depend on the type of mount you buy.

Make sure you use a level when you’re on the TV mount step. That would be pretty frustrating to go to all this trouble and end up with a crooked TV!

Because of where our outlets are in this room, we cut a circle in side of the outer stud to pull our cords through.

We placed the power strip in the bottom of the wall knowing we would be cutting an access hole in the planks so that we could always reach it. This really depends on what type of stand you will have in front of it if you will be able to cover this hole. The other options is to keep the pieces of planks you cut out and turn it into a “door” that attaches with hinges to hide it.

Then we pulled the cords up through the TV mount and taped them in place so they wouldn’t fall as we were working. We really did do all this before we started screwing the planks in, but I wanted to show you a picture with the planks so you could see that access hole we cut out for the power strip.

You can also see in this picture how we bumped out the electrical outlet so that it would be flush with the new wall.

Attach your planks to the new studs using the 1.5″ screws. We attached the front pieces first, being sure to cut around where the TV would mount and any electrical outlets.

Then attach your side pieces, corner molding and finally the crown molding to finish it off.

Use the wood putty to fill any nail holes. Tape it off using a quality painter’s tape.

And start painting! We had to use a brush and a roller because of the grooves in the planks. It went very quickly, though! Only took about 45 minutes for one coat of paint! The plank kits that I link to in the supply list are stain-grade, if you wanted the look of a stained plank wall instead.

One thing I do want to point out is this finished picture before we started painting. Do you notice anything that makes you scratch your head?

The TV mount is very off-center. We wanted our TV mount to be attached to the original studs in the main wall. That meant that the mount wasn’t centered on the wall. But we chose a mount that we could slide the TV left to right a few inches on, so in the end the TV itself is centered even if the mount isn’t.

We LOVE the way it turned out! It was exactly what this room needed to add a defined focal point!

Now I just need to make some artwork for the empty space above it, and we can call this room done! We had a pine garland hanging there for the holidays, and I loved the way it looked!

Be sure to PIN this post, because I just know that you’re looking around your house trying to find a spot for it! I’m currently trying to convince my husband we should build one for our bedroom and add sconces for over our nightstands!

Original article and pictures take www.aturtleslifeforme.com site

Why I Don’t Have a Cleaning Lady

Why I Don’t Have a Cleaning Lady

Hiring a maid is a big step — and one I’ve certainly considered — but this post is going to tell you why NOT to have a maid.

Is getting a maid, house cleaners or a cleaning service worth it?

I’m guessing your life is busy. Mine is too. Between kids, school, work. My house sometimes falls to the bottom of the pile.

And with kids — well, that pile is often pretty dirty.

Embarassingly so. Sometimes I look at their bathroom and just sigh a tired sigh — and walk away. #squalor

I’ve certainly asked myself “Should I get a maid?”. I’m guessing you have too. I think most women lust after the idea.

And frankly — hiring a maid would be AWESOME. In my head. But there are five big reasons I don’t have a maid. Let’s talk about them.

Why to not hire a cleaning service

What would a housekeeper do?

The reality is, about 80% of my “cleaning” time is used putting stuff away. A maid can’t do that — because they don’t have a clue where any of it goes.

Or, they’d put it in the wrong spot and then I’d be really screwed if I needed something at a particular time.

What am I teaching my kids?

My kids are 100% not going to have a maid in college, or for the vast majority of their early adult life. If I hire a maid now, is that what are they going to think life is like?

I need to teach my kids how to deep clean NOW.

THEY ARE MY MAID. Or, they should be. Especially for their own spaces. Kids need to learn how to clean.

Honestly, this one’s my BIG reason.

Clean before the maid comes

A lot of my friends have maids, and I think it’s funny that many of them end up cleaning before the maid comes. Maybe they mean just tidying up so they can vacuum or whatnot — but HONESTLY, a lot of what you’re doing is what cleaning is.

The actual CLEANING part isn’t too much.

How much time would a maid really save me?

When I use my cleaning schedule, I spend MAYBE 30 minutes/day cleaning. Most days, a lot less.

Stitch Fix Ad

I know plenty of people (especially bloggers) who feel like they “can make much more money in that time” and hire a cleaning lady.

One of the best parts of cleaning is the solitude time. Time to think about changes I want to make in my life or with my kids.

It’s mindless, quiet work and often allows your mind to wander to other things you’d like to improve.

Anyway — that’s why not to have a maid.

Honestly, once it’s just Drew and myself I might hire one. I won’t have kids to teach or do the dirty work. But, honestly – with just him and I… maybe I won’t need one anyway.

And this truly isn’t to judge someone who DOES have a maid — but if you’re considering it — I think you should really consider WHY you want one.

What it will REALLY do for you?

And then, by all means — get one if you feel it’s worth it.

While you’re here — grab my cleaning printables to help make cleaning even easier, and check out my other household tips below that:

Handy Clean Tips for Busy Families

Original article and pictures take www.pullingcurls.com site

When Will I Go Into Labor Quiz

When Will I Go Into Labor Quiz

This is the when will I go into labor quiz. It’s going to tell you signs of labor, predictors, possibilities of preterm labor, and early labor signs from an L&D RN.

When will I go into labor quiz

When WILL I go into labor is something everyone asks. I will admit that this post is no labor predictor (because nothing can truly do that) but this quick will give you some signs of labor, and maybe a little predicton for when the big day will happen!

When will I go into labor?

I’ve so been there. My mom wondered when to book her plane ticket. I mean “it’s my job” to know when ladies will go into labor. Turns out, it’s not. �� I think only mother nature knows that one. ��

Am I in labor?

A lot of you might be wondering “how do I know if I’m in labor” — don’t forget I have a whole page called Am In Labor that goes into all of this a whole lot more. Be sure to check it out!

signs of labor quiz

Labor Predictor

How did I create this labor predictor?

Good question! I’ve been a labor nurse for over 15 years and I am thrilled to offer high quality pregnancy information. I find it my goal in life to share more about pregnancy to everyone out there. I’m thrilled to share all of it with YOU!

As a reminder, all the information here at Pulling Curls is not tailored to you and your situation. Please be sure to take the advice of your doctor over the advice you read here. For instance, if you have a long drive, or you’ve had previous quick deliveries, your answers might be different.

Keep in mind this post is really a labor prediction quiz for the third trimester. You really want to be past 36 weeks before you even start to think about going into labor!

When Will I Go Into Labor Quiz

Once you answer them all, click submit — and then see your score. You’ll see your score as well as what you should be watching for!

There are 58 points possible — so, the higher you are — the more likely you are to either be IN labor, or to be headed there soon. Of course, labor can change quickly — at any minute your water could break (which adds 30 points to your total). ��

If you are wondering if you’re in labor — check out the Bloom Monitor. You can even get more info on who I think this is a good idea for right here:

And finally, looking for some more tips for labor-land — check out my friend Katie’s post all about how to surviving labor and delivery.

Other posts you might like:

By the way — if you ARE in labor — these are my top three to include in your hospital bag (here you can get a free hospital bag for delivery packing list).

Top three things for your hospital bag:

1. You don’t want to look like simba….
2. I never leave home without this thing
3. Moist. The keyword is moist.

Grab my totally free hospital packing list:

Other posts you might enjoy:

Did my water break quiz

When will I go into labor quiz | labor and delivery | pregnancy | dilated | mucous plug

Original article and pictures take www.pullingcurls.com site

When Breastfeeding Isn’t Working

When Breastfeeding Isn’t Working

First off, let me state CATEGORICALLY, I am a STRONG proponent of breast feeding . I think it is the A#1 best way to feed your child. There are so many wonderful things about it. I won’t get into all that here, maybe another post. But suffice it to say that I push breastfeeding hard.

But, there are times when breastfeeding isn’t working – it didn’t work for Conner and me (or any of my other kids). And I didn’t know it for days. I had a constant screaming baby, bleeding nipples and emotions that could’ve exploded our 2 bedroom apartment. I had been told that breastfeeding ALWAYS works. I was not a labor nurse when I had Conner and I will say that it just doesn’t always work. here are 5 ways to tell that Breastfeeding ISN’T working.

Good nursing is certainly helped by good products. Two of my favorites are a good nursing bra, like this one. Also good nipple cream, and a good lactation consultant friend swears by these.

1. Wet Diapers

Babies should have 6-8 wet diapers/day. Newborns should have a wet diaper per day of age up until they’re getting 6-8). If they’re not producing that much, you need to think about what is not working. There are reasons BESIDES breastfeeding, why this might be — but breastfeeding is something you should consider. Babies poop should also start to change from the black tar to another color (depending on your feeding method). These are my favorite newborn diapers, love the line that shows if they pee’d!

2. Engorgement.

On day 2-5 (sometimes longer) you’ll feel your breasts “turn-on” and fill with milk. If you don’t feel that, they might not be filling up. I get hot boobs, but I never feel them fill. I never have them over-fill, they just don’t fill. Don’t forget some washable breastpads while we talk engorgement!

If you pull them off, you should see milk in their mouth (once your milk has come in). Make sure you use your finger to break the latch, don’t just yank them off. Babies tongues already look a little white, but if you SEE milk, you know you’ve struck gold. Mind at ease.

4. Weight gain.

I would guess most pediatricians will come let you do a weight every day to see if they’re gaining. At Kaiser (where I had my last 2 babies) they do a weight, let you feed, and weigh again — to see how they’re doing. If your insurance covers it, I think a lactation specialist is a great investment (even if your insurance doesn’t cover it, check their cash price, the peace of mind might be worth it). Princess P was such a great sucker. I’d latch her on for half an hour and she’d go to town. I thought for sure she was getting milk and it was GOING TO WORK that time! She would lose weight instead of gaining — just because she was working so hard to suck with no reward.

I recently found the Hatch Changing pad that could make this REALLY easy. BUT, if you’re a strongly wanting to breastfeed, and the money isn’t as much of an issue — I would check into it. It allows you to weigh/feed/weigh in the convenience of your home. It’s super cool — check it out!

GAT 125 down

Also, did you know you can get a free breastpump? AeroFlow makes it easy:

5. Swallows.

This is actually one of the very best, and easiest ways to tell. Conner never swallowed. You need to have a quiet room to hear this one, but you’ll kind of hear a whispered letter “C” sound when they swallow. You can also, sometimes — depending on your position — see their Adams apple bob when they swallow. Babies should swallow every 3-4 sucks. If they’re not, either you’re not noticing it, or something is wrong.

If you’re still pregnant, there are things you can do to prepare yourself for breastfeeding. I also have a couple of online classes I recommend:

I have even found a great lactation consultant who does online consults (man, I wish those were around back in the day). The price is SUPER reasonble!

The thing, with nursing is that the more you stress out about it, the worse the problem gets. You’re the cow. You need to be healthy and happy to produce for your little wonder. But, the worse it got and the more he cried I just felt like the biggest failure that God ever created. The simple truth is that sometimes breastfeeding doesn’t work. It’s a small percentage (although I hear it is on the rise), but it’s true.

I say try, try, try, but if it’s not working you’re lucky that God gave us formula. It isn’t poison, it won’t kill your baby and it may put your mind at ease remembering it’s an option.

**If you do think a lack of production is your problem, I recommend seeing a lactation consultant. There are things they can recommend to increase your supply (fenugreek, increasing fluids, I even tried Reglan). But, at a certain point you may need to throw in the towel and do what works for you. Some lactation consultants aren’t very good at remembering that you aren’t a cow, and you have feelings and a brain. Take their advice as just advice. You need to do what works for YOU (I had one tell me to wake up and pump every 2 hours all night… seriously, I cried the ENTIRE phone call with her and SHE told me to wake-up every 2 hours all night, yes. that makes sense). Hang in there new moms. It’s a tough, long, journey.

Hilary is a nurse who has worked in various medical fields for the past 14 years, however, none of the information on this blog, should be substituted for the care of a physician. The information provided on this blog is informational only and shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. If you have questions, please ask your doctor. Also, please don’t delay contacting a physician due to something you have read on here. Pulling Curls doesn’t take responsibility for your health. That’s your job. We’re just a nice read.

Do NOT miss my new post about what you REALLY need for that new baby!

Be sure to get my newborn sleep tips, and check out other similar post below that:

baby sleep (1)

Or my other Postpartum posts:

Postpartum Period: What to have on hand

Freebies for New Moms

Is my Water Broken Quiz

Original article and pictures take www.pullingcurls.com site