I’m not going to just make noise; I’m going to come up with a viable solution that is Gaines family approved. Our Baby Trend Retreat Nursery has been a family staple. This single product was used by each of my children and has served as a bassinet, crib, changing station, and play area over 5 years. 
 
Knowing what I know now, I would have never spent money on a crib because this single item successfully performs in multiple manners. The following benefits are amazing ways to get full use of this product. As I usually mention, I am not an expert. I’m just a mom trying to help other moms become efficient while saving a buck or two. 

Fisher-Price Infant to Toddler Rocker was a complete score. It retails at about $45 and I was able to purchase a brand new one for $25. It is lightweight so carrying it around is a simple task. The seat vibrates with 2 C batteries. There is a stabilization bar to prevent rocking which is a good thing if your infant has siblings with no rocking chill. There are two adorable toys to grab your infant's attention. I bought it or my infant but my 19 months old loves getting in it and rocking away.  ​

I was introduced to Kiinde a few years ago when I was considering a complete system that would permit me to pump, store, and feed. The bags attach to multiple pumping units, the bags are re-sealable making use of plastic screwcaps, storage is simple and permits for freezing, and defrosting is fast!
The company is presently giving away starter kits for FREE ($50 value)! All you need to do is pay $5.99 for shipping. The starter kits contains: 

• 1 – Twist Pouch, a direct-pump, recyclable breastmilk storage bag
• 2 – Standard Direct-Pump™ Adapters
• 2 – Spectra/Avent Direct-Pump™ Adapters
• 1 – Twist Squeeze Natural Feeding Bottle
• 1 – Twist Active Latch Slow-Flow Nipple with Case
• 1 – Coupon valid for a Free 40 count pack of Twist Pouches
• 1 – Coupon valid for 50% off the Kiinde Twist Breastfeeding Gift Set ($99.99 MSRP)

Visit www.kiinde.com to take advantage of this amazing deal!

I noticed that once I became a mom, the amount of space a child takes up seems insurmountable. I'm blessed to own a four bedroom home, but even with all of the space I have, it never seems to be enough! In speaking with other mothers, I saw a trend in home upsizing. This post will hopefully help parents looking to jump into the home ownership market. I enlisted Real Estate Agent, Business Owner, and Mother, Chryselle Williams to help us out with some tips!

There are various reasons why considering to purchase a new home or upgrading into a larger living space becomes essential.  Have you ever found yourself trying to reorganize an existing living space to accommodate additional household items or growing family? Or purchasing twin beds to accommodate multiple children in a small room? Or asking your partner to move the excessive exercise equipment, furniture, other household items, tools or storage containers into the garage to empty out a room?  

Everyone’s living situation and reasoning for the environmental change is slightly different but most common are individuals relocating from another state, growing families requiring additional livable space, room to entertain guest, increasing income due to a job promotion, oversize furniture or personal preference of higher education. 
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If the time is right for you to upgrade your living space consider prioritizing your new purchase based on your family’s lifestyle, needs, and interest. Discuss with a real estate professional the pros and cons of Renting a House vs. Buying a Home to invest in your future.
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Here are a few things to consider:

• Renting is short-term option to reach a worthwhile goal towards home ownership.
• Thoroughly research the neighborhood to eliminate any concerns regarding crime, schools, afterschool activities, and shopping centers.  
• Selecting the right location to reduces stress from spending extra time commuting. 
• Choosing the right home within 20 to 25 minutes of work is ideal.

Finances
What financial resources are available to purchase a new home?

• Choose a knowledgeable and patient Realtor.
• Select between two to three lenders and shop for the best interest rate and  great rapport.
• Determine credit worthiness for homeowner assistance.
• Have established savings to assist in purchasing cost.
• Ask your Lender about receiving a One-Time Gift to help with down payment assistance.

Space

• Single story or Multi-level dwelling to include staircase
• Great room, living room, family room, split floor plan or loft area
• Extra bedrooms between four to five  
• Bathrooms between three to four
• Kitchen space, extra cabinets, Breakfast Island or oversize pantry, etc.
• Guest room or a mother in law space
• Optional Swimming pool gated or no gate 

Energy Efficient 

• Appliance usage gas or electric 
• Solar paneling etc.

Entertainment

• Optional Private Swimming pool vs. Community Pool  (Gate safety)
• Landscape
• Room for pool table etc. 

Hope this information was helpful. The genie found a new home. I hope you find yours! If you have any additional questions in regards to First time home buying programs, upgrading to a new house, renovating investment properties or relocating to Arizona, please do not hesitate to contact me.  

I know some of you are saying. “What is microblading?” Microblading is a practice where an artist uses a tattooing like method to draw hair strokes mimicking the natural shapes of individual’s eyebrows. You can go swimming, rub your eyes, and microblading is a smudge proof solution to keeping your eyebrows on point. This means no more money or more importantly, time spent drawing in eyebrows. You could literally, “woke up like this” and go. ​​

I used my new camera and followed these main tips:

• Autofocus is your friend. The inner artist in me wanted to use manual focus, but autofocus gave me better results especially when using the continuous shooting feature. 
• Use the display viewfinder preview. Great determination of how your shots will come out. 
• Have a toy handy that makes your little one laugh! My son is a habitual photo mean mugger. The only way to get a pleasant smile from my son is by making Big Bird dance.

The provided tips were handy, and the proof is in the pudding! On a low key Sunday, I got my camera out and proceeded to snap these dope images of my favorite male models.

I was hanging out with one of my single mother friends who works hard at a job to provide for her family. We were scheduling an activities day for our children when I learned about the benefits of having an EBT card. For those of you who don’t know about this magical device, it’s to provide low-income families with a way to feed their children. Not only does it deliver a means to maintain food supply but you can receive discounts on activities! Concessions on Zoos, Aquariums, and Museum visits. 
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If you’re a parent that falls within this group research and see how you can make the most of your card! You can use Google to determine EBT card participants. You can create delightful experiences and memories for your children economically!

Click the image below to display special discounts in your area, that provide low income families with additional assistance.