How to get your family ready for vacation

February 1, 2018 By Marijean

Going on family vacation is a brilliant opportunity for you and your loved ones to escape the demands of daily life. It should be the perfect chance for you to reconnect as a family and to create memories that will last a lifetime. However, failing to have a clear plan in place will make it extremely difficult for you to relax. Instead, you will be forced to deal with everything at the last minute. It will send your stress levels skyrocketing and could undermine your entire experience. If you want to prevent this from happening, you will need to work through the following steps.

Plan your family outfits

When you are deciding what to pack for your family getaway, you should make the most of the opportunity to purchase some treats. Why not splash out on a couple of new outfits for you to enjoy on a night out? You could also purchase some new and exciting clothes for your family members. It will provide them with an incentive to get packing and to take pride in their appearance. You could plan a family outing to your local mall or save time by visiting Nicki’s online store to find quality items.

Prepare for the climate that you are visiting

Another important step is to prepare for the climate that you are visiting. If you are traveling to a cold location, you will need to invest in thermal pajamas, purchase hand warmers, and bring along plenty of layers. Alternatively, if you are exploring a warm climate, you will need to take bug spray, sunscreen, linen clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.

Think up activities to enjoy in your hotel room

During your vacation, it is vital that you get out and about as much as possible. You need to interact with the local community and keep your eyes peeled for any sites of natural beauty or cultural significance. However, it won’t be possible for you to spend all your time outdoors. That is why you should think up plenty of activities to enjoy in your hotel room. It will prevent your family from becoming bored and arguments from breaking out. If you are struggling for ideas, why not talk to your hotel reception? Perhaps they have an indoor games room that you could enjoy. Or maybe they have a selection of second-hand books that have been left behind by previous guests.

Purchase a scrapbook or photo album

Finally, you should think about how you are going to document your travels. Before you set off, why not purchase a scrapbook or photo album? If you decide on the former option, you should also invest in craft materials that will come in handy when it is time to decorate your pages. It would also be an excellent time for you to evaluate your family camera and consider an upgrade. If you are enjoying a once in a lifetime experience, it is vital that you can document them effectively.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

NANO METALFIGS Collectible Figures Review

January 29, 2018 By Marijean

Do you have a Harry Potter, Disney, DC Comics and/or WWE fan at home? If so, you must check out the new NANO METALFIGS! They are small collectible figures made out of 100% die-cast metal.

About NANO METALFIGS:

From Jada Toys, the company who created a new category of collectible figures with their Metals Die Cast line, comes an all-new line of collectible die-cast figures called Nano Metalfigs!

Each posed Nano figure is made of 100% die-cast metal and stands about 1.65″ tall and weighs about 30g or roughly 5 quarters. Although they might be small, each is finely sculpted and has premium metallic paints to achieve a high-quality appearance and durability, all at a Nano price.

These collectible figures come in single packs and also packs of 5, 10 and 20. I was able to review some of the Harry Potter Metalfigs single packs and also a Disney 5-pack. The figures are so character lifelike and make a great addition to any collection! There are also Nano Scenes which right now are available in Harry Potter Gryffindor Tower and DC Comics Batcave. You can create your own scene and show it off, how fun! I am so excited to purchase more of these for my 9 year old who absolutely loves Harry Potter.

There are also Nano Scenes which right now are available in Harry Potter Gryffindor Tower and DC Comics Batcave.

These would also make great birthday and holiday gifts for kids/adults of all ages! These are available for purchase at Target, Toys R Us and Walmart.

*I received the mentioned items in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

“Science Unboxed” Monthly Subscription STEM Science Box for Kids!

January 27, 2018 By Marijean

Do your kids love Science? Do they love hands on activities that involve Science specific creations? If so they will LOVE a monthly subscription from Science Unboxed!

What is Science Unboxed?

A science-themed monthly subscription box for kids ages 6 to 12. Each box contains a project or model that kids build, plus guided-reading activities that help develop critical thinking skills.

Created by credentialed teachers. That means students will learn.

It’s pretty simple, actually. Engage students, give them something interesting to do, then challenge them to improve it. We’re teachers, and we’ve created what we wish we had time to do in our daily classrooms.

THE MONTHLY TOPIC

We’ll provide both digital and physical resources to either introduce or refresh the given topic. It’s up to your child to apply what they learn. Don’t worry, we provide guidance!

BUILD

THE PROJECT

Depending on your child’s age and abilities, he or she will either work independently or follow the provided instructions to construct an awesome project. No matter what, they’re flexing critical thinking muscle!

REVIEW

& VIA INCLUDED MATERIAL

“Right-tighty, lefty-loosey” … “the human heart has 4 chambers and a combination of electric and neurological signals”. Your child picks up tactile skills and core ceonceptual knowledge. Best of all, our projects are actually fun!

REMIX

& THE FUN PART 🙂

We create big picture thinkers, so it’s important that students be able to go from what we’ve given, to creating their own projects. Every package is specially designed to help kids do that.

My kids (ages 9 and 6) were so excited to review this box. They are both really big into science and love doing science experiments and projects. This month’s box was based on Pressure. They received a booklet with information all about Pressure, and instructional booklet to create a really cool Pressure Robot, and the Pressure Robot kit. The instructions were very simple and easy, my 9 year old put together the robot with no help. This project utilizes syringes with water to connect and make your creation move! There are many different robot creations to make from the booklet, but also my children loved making their own unique creations out of the cuboid blocks. The booklet explains everything in details and gives your child knowledge on the project instead of just following directions. They are enjoying this so much. Each kit includes step by step instructions in printed format and video format. You can choose a month to month plan costing $29.99 per month, and you can also do prepay plans which will save you money. You can also give a subscription gift to someone.

This subscription box is perfect if your child loves Science! It would also make a great gift to give.

My readers can receive $5 off their order PLUS free shipping! Use code: MHTW at checkout. Click here to order!

*I received a box in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra Giveaway

January 27, 2018 By Marijean

Mommy Has To Work is excited to partner with Simple Wishes to host a giveaway for their Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra! Do you have a baby or are you expecting a baby? Are you a working mom or a mom on the go? Read all about how this Hands Free Pumping Bra will make your life a lot easier on the go! *Please note that a beast pump is not included in this giveaway, just the pumping bra.

Comfortable, Convenient, Versatile

This innovative bra gives moms the valuable gift of time by freeing up their hands for other tasks or allowing them to simply relax while using their breast pump. The patented design is adjustable in size, using high quality Velcro, to sustain a perfect fit over time as a nursing mother’s size changes. The XS/S/M size fits a wide range of bra sizes from 30AA to 34J.

About the product:

HANDS-FREE BREAST PUMP BRA – Impeccable design, maximum comfort, and the freedom for you to work on tasks or simply relax while pumping.
FULLY ADJUSTABLE – Comes with a convenient 10″ adjustable Velcro back panel to ensure a perfect fit as your body goes through natural changes during nursing.
WORKS WITH ALL MAJOR BRANDS – Including Medela, Philips AVENT, Lansinoh, Bellema, Evenflo, and Spectra Baby.
CUSTOMIZABLE & CONVENIENT – This bustier style, hands-free breastpump bra has a zip-in center panel in the front that allows for 1″ of side-to-side movement for proper positioning of pump flanges.
ENJOY NO FUSS AND NO MESS – With a reliable, tight seal of breastshields and flanges from our four-way layering support system. Machine Washable.
BRA RETAILS ON AMAZON FOR $39.41.

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Freedom = Hands-Free Pumping Bra

Breastfeeding mothers who need to pump on a regular basis know how time-consuming it can be. The Hands Free Pumping Bustier Bra gives mothers more freedom during pumping by holding the bottle firmly and securely, so mothers can keep their hands free for other tasks.

With this bra, mothers can type, talk on the phone, or read a magazine while they pump. An added bonus, the bra’s secure bottle-holding design helps reduce milk spillage, making for easier, more efficient pumping and increased breast milk production.

Ultimate Comfort, Cover, and Support

This machine-washable bra is made of 83-percent soft cotton and 17-percent spandex for lasting comfort. Additionally, the seams have been designed specifically so that they do not irritate sensitive skin areas.

Four overlapping layers of fabric secure and maintain a tight seal for bottles as well as providing a modest, discreet cover for the breasts.

Versatile and Easy to Use

The Hands Free Pumping Bustier Bra can be used with all electric pumps and accommodates the pumping of both breasts simultaneously. For added versatility and support, the bra’s convertible design allows it to be worn as a strapless band or in tank, racer-back, or halter style.

The bra slips on easily with or without removing nursing bra and shirt. Elastic reinforcement has been built into the top of the bra for a secure fit, ensuring no slipping.

Adjustable – Perfect Fit Guaranteed!

Designed with a nursing woman’s body in mind, the bra’s back panel can adjust its width by up to 10 inches, while the optional front zipper panel provides two inches of additional maneuverability between the breasts. This combination will allow mothers to customize the bra to their changing body and breast size guaranteeing a perfect fit from their 1st pumping session to their 1,000th.

The Hands Free Pumping Bustier Bra simplifies your life around-the-clock.

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7:00 AM – Get Ready For Work While You Pump

Simple Wishes makes it possible for you to do two things at once. Get a little extra beauty rest now that you can save time pumping while you get ready for the day.

2:00 PM – Only Have 20 Minutes? No Problem

Simple Wishes makes it easy to complete your pumping while you are on break. Eat a snack or read a book while our bra holds the pump securely on your breast.

3:00 AM – With Simple Wishes, at Least One of You Can Sleep Like a Baby

Pump comfortable at night without needing to wake your baby to nurse. You could even find a book or magazine to help pass the time.

This pumping bra would also make a great gift for a baby shower/new mom gift! Check out the Amazon listing here!

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader will win the Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra in soft pink color and their choice of size (XS-L or L-PLUS). To enter, please comment on how this pumping bra would make your life easier as a new mom? U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends on 2/12/2018.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Achieving a Better Work/Study/Family Balance

January 26, 2018 By Marijean

Photo Credit

As you are already probably well-aware, being a parent on its own is challenging enough without fitting in other things! Perhaps you are running your own home business at the same time or you have decided to go back to studying again. When you are trying to juggle different responsibilities at the same time, there is no doubt that things can get very challenging, very quickly. But it is possible, and this blog post is here to give you five tips that will hopefully show you how.

Organisation is Vital

First and foremost, you need to be very organised to make sure you are devoting enough time to all your different priorities. Keep a timetable of what your different family members will be doing during each day of the week. Next, find a block of time that you can devote to working or studying. Perhaps there is a time when your kids can be looked after by your partner, they are at school or a club. When you have the time available, you need to make sure that you are making full use of it.

Study Online

Online studying helps to give you a lot more freedom when you can fit in the time to learn. Rather than having fixed class times, you get much more of a sense of balance. And there are so many different options from language courses to a masters imc that there is bound to be something for you. Of course, there are still likely to be deadlines, so you need to ensure that you are organised enough to hit them.

Make a Work/Study Spot

Ideally, you will be able to find a spot in your house where you can close yourself off and devote some time to working or studying. This way, you can signal to your family that when you are here, you are to be disturbed as little as possible. Your mind will also come to naturally associate this place with work. If you can’t get a whole room, a corner of an existing space will work as well.

Recruit a Study Buddy/Business Partner

If you are struggling to get the motivation that you need, a study buddy or business partner can help to keep your mind on track. You can find people online if you don’t know anyone in person. Take the time to coordinate your schedules so that you can spend time working on your goals together.

Remember to Give Yourself a Break

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Don’t be too hard on yourself if there are times when you don’t get as much done as you wanted during your study time. There are also likely to be occasions when something crops up and throws your schedule out of whack. Remember, it is all about the big picture. Keep your goals n mind and you can get things back on track again in the future.