Mommy Has to Work

Kids will have a BLAST on the GOTRAX HOVERFLY ECO Hoverboard

July 11, 2018 By Marijean

I was very intrigued when Hoverboards first came out. They sound so fun and were very cool to look at. My kids were still little so I knew I wasn’t going to get one right away. With my oldest now almost 10, she has been asking about Hoverboards since some of her friends have them. We were very excited to review the GOTRAX HOVERFLY ECO Hoverboard.

Safety Certified with a Powerful Glide

The HOVERFLY was constructed by our top spaceflight engineers to provide the utmost safety for every commander and citizen of the GOTRAX GALAXY. All electric, battery, and charging systems are tested and certified to UL 2272 safety standards for self-balancing electric scooters hoverboards. For additional protection, we added non-slip foot platforms, and system safety features including Auto Shutdown.

Few hoverboards can boast the power and seamlessness provided by the GOTRAX HOVERFLY. The dual 250W motors combined with the space-age gyroscopic self-balancing electric scooter technology create a smooth and controlled hoverboard riding experience.

UL CERTIFICATION INFO

The GOTRAX HOVERFLY self-balancing scooter is tested and certified to UL 2272 safety standards for e-Mobility devices. This certification means that electrical, battery, and charger systems have been thoroughly tested and certified for safety. To learn more about UL safety standards, please visit http://www.ul.com/hoverboards/.

GALACTIC HOVERBOARD FEATURES & SPECS

ELECTRICAL SAFETY CERTIFIED: Electrical, battery, and charger systems tested & certified to UL 2272 safety standards.
THRILLING TORQUE: Get a powerful and smooth, self-balancing glide with dual 250W motors.
BECOME A MASTER FASTER: Quick and easy hoverboard learning with simple operation.
ENJOY LIGHT-YEARS OF FUN: Space travel up to 7.4 mph and for up to 12 miles on a single full charge.
STELLAR FIRST-CLASS DESIGN: LED lights, cosmic colors, high-quality space materials built to last.

When you receive your Hoverboard, it will come in a really fun designed box my daughter loved. The hoverboard will be inside, a charger, protective bumpers, commander’s manual, and the quick launch galaxy guide. The overboard weighs about 23 lbs. The hoverboard comes in 7 colors. I decided to get the Neptune Blue which to me is just like a really pretty “baby blue.”

The hoverboard came fully charged, which was a plus since my kids wanted to try it out right away! We read over the quick launch galaxy guide and put the hoverboard into training mode. We have a very large downstairs living area, so she tried it on the carpet first incase she fell. Make sure your child has a helmet, knee and elbow pads when they are using the hoverboard. It does take a bit to balance on it when you first try it out. I held her hand until she figured how to balance properly. It only took her an hour or so to learn how to balance and ride herself. We have had it a week now and she uses it every day! It is super easy for kids and adults to use.

The minimum weight limit is 44 pounds and the max is 220 pounds. Perfect for children and adults to have fun. I know my husband loves it!

Before I decided to review this product, I did some research to make sure this hoverboard didn’t have any fire or safety issues. All of the electrical, battery, and charger systems are tested and certified to UL 2272 safety standard guides.

This would make an out of this world birthday gift or holiday gift for any child or adult! The GOTRAX HOVERFLY is on sale right now for $179.00.

You can purchase this awesome Hoverboard from GOTRAX or Amazon.

PRIME DAY is coming up on 7/16! Use the code 15mommyworks for 15% off all gotrax electronic rideables until July 21st! https://www.amazon.com/gp/mpc/A3TSWC0WN5AMIL

*I received a product 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.

Top Home Improvements for Summer

July 2, 2018 By Anne

Photo Credit

Summer is officially here. Aside from having some fun in the sun or sipping Margaritas by the pool, it’s time to do some work around the house. You don’t need to go through a major overhaul of your home unless you haven’t done so in decades. Even small improvements can make your crib look completely different and make the neighbors want to keep up with you. Here are the top five things you can do in the following months.

Get Ready for Winter

When the sun is shining the last thing on your mind is the leaky roof. However, as the saying goes, you should prepare for the foul in fair weather. Your top priorities should include insulation, roof fixing, and central heating systems. The good news is that during summertime you can survive a few days without hot water if you need to shut it down for upgrading.

Next, look at the windows and try to find the most energy efficient solutions. Great glass can set you back between $1000-$5000, depending on the size of your home, but you will get in back in time by spending less on heating.

Don’t neglect cleaning and fixing your gutters which could be clogged from springtime.

Upgrade your Backyard and Driveway

Maybe you’ve always dreamed about a gazebo or a patio. Now it’s the perfect time to make it happen. Take some inspiration from this Amish community and invite your neighbors and friends to help you build the picture-perfect backyard. Of course, don’t forget to ask them afterward with their families to enjoy the fruits of the hard work.

Repave your driveway with Asphalt Driveway Paving if you think it needs a breath of fresh air. Not only is the work easier during summertime, but you get better adhering and longer lasting results. Upgrade any walkways while you are at it. When it’s time to tear up an old driveway and replace it, you will need to find the right dumpster for concrete disposal if this aspect is your responsibility. Generally, there are two sizes available for concrete removal, with the most popular size being the 10 -yard dumpster.

The Bathroom and the Kitchen

You don’t need to break the bank to take your kitchen from the 80’s to present. You can keep the internal structure of wall cabinets and only replace front panels in the kitchen. A modern sink can transform the entire room and make it more contemporary.

For the bathroom, you might want to take a home improvement loan. Replace tiling, fixtures and functional furniture. Try to use bright colors and few items to promote cleanliness. Mix enamel with more natural essences like wood. Bamboo looks luxurious and resists better in a humid environment.

Paint Your Home and Surroundings

This is one of the safest DIY projects. Sometimes a drop of fresh pain can upcycle and brighten any wall or fence. Make this a fun weekend project with the entire family. Give everyone a brush and a paint mask and let them have fun. In the end, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about time spent together with your loved ones. In a few years, you will remember that time when all of you painted the white picket fence together. If you’re feeling artistic, you can use acrylic paint on cupboards or tables for extra character.

Keep Cool

The most important thing during the summer is to keep cool. Depending on your budget you could install a full HVAC system, or make due with a couple of ceiling fans. If you already have AC installed be sure to clean it regularly at the beginning of each hot season. Dirty AC systems can be a threat to your family’s health due to dangerous bacteria.

As you can see, there is a project for every family and every budget. The only rule is to plan before you start so that you don’t feel overwhelmed or run out of money before you finish. Always count in an extra 10-15%.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

Childproofing 101: Making Your Home a Safe Place for Kids

July 2, 2018 By Anne

Parents often worry endlessly about how to protect their children from the harmful elements of the outside, such as violence or abduction, that they fail to overlook one huge threat that can befall on their child: their own home. According to statistics, unintentional injury—which may be because of burns, falls, drowning, and poisoning—leads as the cause of morbidity and mortality among American children.

This should encourage people to ask themselves: is their child safe in their own home? If you’re having second thoughts, you can start childproofing your home by applying the following tips.

Take a Baby’s-Eye View

The best first step to take when childproofing your home is to scope out the territory through the perspective of your child. This means you may have to get down on your knees and to see how things look from there. Check out what’s within reach that may fall or which spaces your baby may get into. You’ll have to check every once in a while, as your child grows and starts walking and climbing sooner than later.

Keep or lock away any hazard substances and objects, such as cleaning products, medications, or cutlery, far from your baby’s reach. Even seemingly harmless substances like beads, paper clips, or coins should be off any table or furniture, as your baby can easily choke on them. Once you see your home the way your child does, you will be surprised to discover more things that can potentially be harmful to your little one.

Cover Electrical Outlets

Make sure to protect your child from electrocution by covering all electrical outlets at home. However, don’t rely on removable plug-in caps as they can easily be swallowed by your child. In this case, you can use a safer alternative, such as ones that have a sliding safety latch.

There are different ways that you can childproof your outlets, but you can also just block off any access to them by covering them with furniture. This way, you can protect your child from harm even when an outlet is used.

Be Careful with Furniture

You’ll want to be careful with the placement of fixtures and furniture around your home, though. Many children’s injuries are caused by furniture and appliances falling on them. To keep your kids safe, push back any appliances away from the edge of furniture, and secure them well.

Also, place heavier items on bottom shelves or drawers to keep your furniture less heavy on the top and less prone to falling over. Position floor lamps so that they are behind furniture to keep your babies from easily knocking them over. Moreover, cover all sharp corners in your furniture with child-safe bumpers as additional precaution.

Making the Bathroom Safe

Bath time is often an enjoyable time for your child, which is why it is highly important that this space is safe for him. Aside from installing safety latches on your medicine cabinets and drawers, you can childproof your bathroom by installing toilet locks to keep the lids closed. Children can drown even with one inch of water, and since they are more top-heavy than adults are, they can easily fall into the toilet when they happen to lean on it.

Meanwhile, older kids, who are curious about everything, can get something stuck in your toilet more often. This can cause the water to stagnate (emit foul odor) and eventually overflow, and children may slip while walking into the bathroom.

If you don’t have any know-how about plumbing, you can have a macerating upflush toilet installed instead. This type of toilet spares you the hassle of complex demolition or plumbing, and can be installed in just a few hours. Toilet waste will be ground into a pulp, so you won’t have to worry about clogging.

Always Think of Safety

Don’t wait until your baby learns to crawl and climb before ensuring that they are protected within your home. These might just be simple pieces of advice, but they can mean a lot to your child’s safety.

Photo URL: https://unsplash.com/photos/j0hEqRoTywo

Anne

Treylor Park Restaurant opening in Nocatee (Ponte Vedra) on July 7th!

June 29, 2018 By Marijean

*Article from Jacksonville.com

The Savannah-based restaurant, Treylor Park, announced a July 7 opening for their Nocatee location.

Guests can indulge in unique items such as PB&J Chicken Wings and Chicken and Pancake Tacos, as well as Shrimp and Grits Tacos, Crab Cake Sliders, and a selection of burgers, sandwiches and salads.

The restaurant also offers cocktails such as Treylor Park, made with Aperol, Prosecco, club soda, orange juice and Fernet-Branca, and the Peach Pit, made with peach bourbon, lemon juice and peach cider. There will also be an assortment of wine and beer including cans, bottles and drafts.

Owner Trey Wilder opened Treylor Park in October 2014 in Savannah and it has since been featured on “Food Paradise” on the Travel Channel.

The restaurant is located in the Nocatee Town Center at 158 Marketside Ave. in Ponte Vedra Beach.

The 3,200-square-foot location boasts 150 indoor seats and a 900-square-foot patio.

The hours of operation are Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to midnight.

The kitchen is open daily until midnight.

http://www.treylorpark.com

Marijean

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

How To Throw A Kid’s Party On A Budget

June 27, 2018 By Anne

Throwing a party for your child’s birthday is not going to be inexpensive these days. They always want to do something a little more interesting, something a little different, and with 30 or more children to invite, that interesting and different thing can become costly. Here are some useful tips for throwing a kid’s party on a budget.

Get The Timing Right

If you can get the timing of the party just right, you won’t need to provide much food; you’ll just need to give everyone a snack rather than a proper meal. That can save a lot of cash. Book the party for between 2pm and 5pm, and that way the children will already have had lunch at home before coming out, and they’re likely to have dinner waiting for them later on, so a few nibbles will suffice.

Plan Early

When you know that your kid wants to have a party, start planning as early as possible. That way, not only will you secure the venue or event that you want, but you’ll have more time to pay as well. Book early enough, and you’ll only need to pay a deposit and you’ll have months to save up to pay the rest. You can also spread the cost of other things such as table linens and decorations, buying just a few each month. Although in the end you may have paid the same as you would if you had bought it all at the last minute, you will be paying less each month, making cash flow better.

Make Your Own Invitations

Rather than buying readymade invitations or having a printer make them for you, you can find printable birthday invitations online that you can personalize and send out. Not only will this save you plenty of money, but you and your child can design them together, making them totally unique. It’s a good way to get them involved in the early stages and can be a fun and exciting thing to do.

Make It A Joint Party

Is there another child in your kid’s class who has a birthday around the same time? If so, what about having a joint party? You and the other parents can then split the cost, halving how much you would need to pay – you’ll only need one venue, for example, and one set of decorations. Remember, though, that you’ll want to get each child their own cake to be fair, and there is no point in doubling up with someone who your own child doesn’t like, as that won’t be much fun for either of them.

Bake Your Own Cake

You don’t need to be an expert baker to make a lovely cake for your child’s birthday party. If you feel confident to do it, then go ahead and enjoy the process. It’s true that your cake may not look as professional as it would if you bought it from someone who specializes in that sort of thing, but the love and care that has gone into it will more than makeup for that.