Social Media Guidelines to Keep Your Kids Safe

Are your kids on social media? Social media is a popular means for kids and adults alike to communicate and connect. Because of the popularity of social media, your kids could be at risk. As a parent, you can use these social media guidelines to help keep your kids safe on the Internet.

Outside Spring Activities for Kids

Spring is finally here! Your kids have been cooped up inside all winter long, so start planning some spring fun outside. Not sure what to do? Here are a few outdoor spring activities you can do with your kids.

Blow Bubbles

With the warmer weather that comes with spring, it’s time to break out the bubbles! Your kids have been waiting for months to be able to be carefree outside and bubbles give them the perfect excuse. You can have even more bubble fun by setting up bubble machines around the yard so that your kids are surrounded with fun.

Plant a Garden

Another great spring activity you and your kids can do outside is to plant a garden. Your kids will enjoy getting dirty as your prepare the ground for your spring flowers. They’ll also have a blast picking out the flowers they want to plant in their new garden.

Build a Stick Fort

After a long winter, your yard probably looks a little rough. Leaves and sticks probably litter your yard, revealed after the snow finally melts. This spring activity will help you get your yard in order, all while letting your kids have fun outside. Tell your children that you’re going to build a stick fort. Your kids will then need to collect all of the sticks from the yard. You can then weave yarn between the sticks to help build a small stick fort that your kids can play in.

Dance in the Rain

We all know that, “April showers bring May flowers,” which means that you can plan on a lot of rain in the spring! Take advantage of this and the next time it starts to rain, head outside for an impromptu rain dance. Your kids will love dancing in the rain and splashing puddles during this spring activity.

Spring is a fun time for kids. They’ll love their taste of freedom after a long winter indoors.

What are your favorite spring activities to do with your kids?

MARVEL's The Avengers: Age of Ultron - GIRL POWER! #AvengersUnite

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

#AvengersUnite #CollectiveBias

Are you excited to see the new MARVEL's The Avengers: Age of Ultron as we are? Who says that the Avengers are just for boys. Just this past October my daughter was actually Captain America right along with her big brother Mikael. She loves doing everything the boys like doing and I'm only too happy to allow her to experience the joys of childhood. We are huge Avengers fans and we are anxiously awaiting the movie to come out in theaters on May 1st. So what do you do when you're waiting?

Mini Taco Stuffed Peppers With Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce #Recipe

We love tacos and we usually have a taco night at least twice a month. While we love having tacos using the normal shells sometimes we like changing things up a bit. This recipe today shows just one variation of how you can make taco night extra special. If you also love stuffed peppers and tacos you might also love this mini taco stuffed peppers with cilantro lime cream sauce.

Yields: approximately 32 servings

Time: 45 minutes

Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 package taco seasoning mix

¾ cup water

1-1/2 lbs mini bell peppers

1 cup shredded cheese

Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce

½ cup sour cream

½ cup fresh cilantro

½ teaspoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons lime juice

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Slice 1/3 of each pepper off lengthwise, reserving for later use. Remove seeds. Try to slice off the curvier side of the pepper, so the flatter side remains – making it easier to stay put while stuffing.

3. Dice the reserved peppers and set aside ¾ cup.

4. In a large skillet, cook beef and reserved ¾ cup diced peppers in medium high heat until beef is brown; drain. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let mixture slightly cool.

5. Fill each pepper as full as possible with the beef mixture and place on a baking sheet. Bake peppers for 13-15 minutes.

6. While the peppers are baking, make the Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce. In a food processor, pulse the sour cream, cilantro garlic, and lime juice until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

7. Remove peppers from oven and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Return to the oven for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

8. Place the Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce in a small plastic bag. Snip the corner off with scissors and drizzle the peppers with the sauce.

Notes: The peppers can be assembled in advance and placed in the oven when ready to bake. If time permits, make the Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce a day ahead of time to give the flavors more time to blend.

Fresh Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells #Recipe

Every once in a while I want something meatless, something that also doesn't take a lot of time to prepare. Whether you've been at work all day or had a long day at appointments etc., you want to spend as less time in the kitchen as possible. This meal that I'm sharing with you today is not only delicious but also doesn't take too long to prepare or cook. If your kids aren't big fans of spinach, mixed together with Ricotta they might actually enjoy this. Today I bring to you our Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. It'll be a hit with your family and you.

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes

Here's what you'll need:

Best Ways to Handle Separation Anxiety

I remember the days of my military career, there would be times when I had to leave my now 3 year old for weeks on end. It was tough for me but especially tougher on her. I remember the first time I left and came back, she looked at me like I was a total stranger. It was then I decided that as soon as I was able I was leaving the army and I was going to spend more time with her. Leaving your children is hard enough, but when you have a child with separation anxiety, it can be even more challenging. If your child has a hard time being left behind, there are ways you can handle the situation so that separation anxiety becomes a thing of the past. Check out these best ways to handle separation anxiety.

Prepare Them

If you’re planning on leaving your child at a daycare or with a family member, be sure to prepare them first. It can be shocking for your child to be suddenly dropped off somewhere unfamiliar with no warning. This can cause separation anxiety to develop, especially if they don’t know what to expect. To help keep this from happening, be sure to prepare your child first. Let your child know where they’ll be going and what they’ll do while there. You’ll also want to let your child know when you’ll be back.

Give Them Something Familiar

If your child is anxious about being left behind, be sure to give them something familiar to be comforted with. This could be anything, including leaving your child with a familiar caretaker or sending them off with a favorite toy or blanket. By giving your child something familiar, they’ll be more likely to adapt to unfamiliar situations. This can help lessen their separation anxiety so that you can leave them for a few hours.

Get Them Excited

To help handle your child’s separation anxiety, you’ll want them to get excited about being left behind. Arrange to have a grandparent or close family member take your child somewhere fun, like the zoo or park. For the hours or days prior to this excursion, continue to hype up your child about the event. Let them know how much fun they’ll have so that when it’s time to leave, they’ll be excited to go.

Practice At Home

If your child is extremely anxious when you leave, you might want to practice at home. Follow all of the previous steps, but instead of leaving the building, you’ll only be leaving the room. You can still let your child know what to expect and get them excited. Give them a new toy or something exciting to do in the room by themselves while you step out and then return within the time frame you’ve given them. This last part is extremely important so that your child can learn to trust that you’ll return after you’ve left.

It can be very hard to leave your child when they’re feeling anxious, but this is an important step in their development.

What are some ways you handle your child’s separation anxiety?

Potty Training With Pampers Easy Ups #PampersEasyUps {Giveaway}

This review and giveaway was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Pampers. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.

As a parent of 4 children I thought it would be easy to potty train my toddler. After all I already had 3 older children right? WRONG! It turned out that my toddler was actually the most difficult of all my kids combined. It was actually a chore to potty train her and I have to be honest that my work schedule didn't really help much either. It certainly confused her that on weekends when I was home she was in underwear and then during the week while I went to work, she was in the familiar diaper. It was one of the reasons why I decided that Pampers Easy Ups was the way to go. It was a way to transition from diaper to underwear since it was more like underwear to her. Potty training isn't easy and as most parents know there can be set backs. So together with Pampers Easy Ups and Dr. Laura Jana a pediatrician we've put together a few tips to help you with your potty training goal and make it a success.

I received a gift package from Pampers to help make our potty training go a little smoother. Included was a pack of Pampers Easy Ups, a Little Looster Step Stool, a Potty Ring, a "It's You and Me against the Pee... and Poop too!" book and a $50 AMEX gift card. One of the thing I love about Pampers Easy Ups is the fact that I never have to worry about leaks. I am confident knowing that my toddler can go for hours without a diaper change. They have an absorbent core that holds 25% more than other leading training pants helping to ensure that she stays dry. Plus, with up to 12 hours of protection, it works during the day AND night, enabling toddlers and moms to confidently and completely transition from diapers towards underwear.

Now I've shared a few potty training tips along the way and while they have been working for me here are 3 others that Dr. Jana wants to share with you and what resonated with me.

1. Watch for the signs. There are several characteristic signs and developmental abilities you can watch for that suggest children are ready to potty train. These signs of potty training readiness typically include the ability to use their words to express themselves, toddle their own way to the bathroom, pull down their own pants, and to be aware of the sensation of peeing or pooping (characteristically noticeable when young children suddenly stop what they’re doing as they feel themselves start to pee. Or when they start hiding behind the sofa or standing in a corner to poop. It is also helpful (and increases the likelihood of potty training interest) when children start to be bothered by their poopy and/or wet diapers, as that can serve as a good motivation for using the potty instead!

2. Promote potty learning. Instead of referring to your child’s transition from wearing diapers to using the potty as “potty training,” consider calling it “potty learning.” After all, mastering this eagerly anticipated milestone of childhood takes time, teaching, and plenty of practice and patience!

3. Take a teamwork approach. From the outset, I find it helps to keep in mind that potty training is a team sport. If you simply remind yourself that you are (and always will be) on the same team as your child, it can really help you stay calm in the face of potty accidents and be a much more positive and effective potty training coach.

So tell me: What other potty training tips do you have to share? What worked or didn't work for you?

Please join @Pampers on April 21st from 9-10pm EST as they host a Twitter Party with Dr. Laura Jana, pediatrician, award-winning parenting book author and potty training expert who co-authored to Its You and Me Against the Pee…and the Poop, Too! Dr. Jana will be sharing her tips to help simplify and improve the potty training experience for little ones and their parents. RSVP here.

Pampers wants to make your potty training to go smoothly so they want you to also receive the same gift package I got. Yes one of you will also win a pack of Pampers Easy Ups, a Little Looster Step Stool, a Potty Ring, a "It's You and Me against the Pee... and Poop too!" book and a $50 AMEX gift card. Winner will be randomly selected by PromoSimple and you will have 48hrs to respond to the email sent. Failure to do will mean forfeiting your prize and a new winner will be chose. Good luck!

What to Do When Your Child's Toys Go on Crazy Adventures

You love your little munchkin and you know they love their toys. There are the ones they have to have with them at all times, the ones they have to have at bedtime, and those they like only when someone else is showing interest in them. Unfortunately, kids are not always the best at taking care of their beloved toys. There are many reasons toys can quickly become well worn and it is important to know solutions to these problems. Below you will find some common toy mishaps and what you can do to be the parent of day and save their precious toys.

Drawing on Toys

One common occurrence in the world of toys involves a child vandalizing the surface of their toys - or in their minds, making the toys prettier. If your child has decided to mark up their toys, you may be looking for ways to remove their drawings. Here are some proven ways to clean up some of these creative moments.

Crayon: When it comes to crayon, you will want to be careful with how you remove it depending on the material it has been drawn on.

Vinyl Dolls: Baking soda and water
Wood: WD-40
Any: Liquid Detergent

Pen: hairspray; rubbing alcohol; nail polish remover

Permanent Marker: For smooth surfaces, the following are options for removing the marker. Note that some of these may leave residue or may need to be washed off before you give it back to your child to play with:

dry erase marker,
whiteboard marker
pencil eraser
rubbing alcohol
toothpaste
aftershave
hairspray
sunscreen
nail polish remover
coffee
windex
WD-40

Toys in the Toilet

Toys, pens, phones and other objects often find their way into a child’s favorite place: the toilet. If you are lucky, the object they decide to send for a swim is big enough you can reach in and take out on your own. However, if the toy is small enough to go down further you now have two problems: a sad child who has lost their toy and a clogged toilet.

Your first order of business will be to purchase a tool called a closet auger. You can find detailed directions online on how to use it. However, it can be a little tricky, especially depending on the toy, so don’t hesitate to call a plumber to help you out if needed. As toilets are not usually something you can allow to be out of commission for very long, make sure you have the number handy for a plumber available 24 hours a day.

Disinfecting

If there is one thing moms and dads know, it is that kids get messy really quick. Whether it is food, paint, makeup, bodily fluids or mysterious, unknown sticky-ness, you can count on your kid getting it all over themselves and their toys. Here are some great ways to clean and disinfect your child’s toys.

Dishwasher: The dishwasher is a great tool for cleaning your kid’s toys! This works well for toys that do not have batteries or electronic parts and are not plastic, as these could potentially melt. Be sure to keep the toys on the top shelf.

Hand Washing: If you are concerned about toys melting or they can quickly be cleaned up, there is nothing like good old fashion hand washing. A little warm water, soap, and a rag should do the trick!

White Vinegar: A little white vinegar is a great way to clean and disinfect toys that have batteries and other electrical components. Spray the white vinegar onto the toy and then wipe off with a paper towel or cloth.

Washing Machine: For plush toys, your washing machine works great to clean those guys up. They may retain a lot of water, so it could take an extra spinning cycle to get the water out. Be careful of putting these into the dryer, as they may have plastic pieces or synthetic filling that could melt.

A day in the life of a kid means some toys will be going on many adventures and sometimes that is going to require some special clean up. These tips will help your kid’s toys get back to their former glory.

Do you have any other tips that you'd like to share with us?

Benefits of Outdoor Play with Gymboree HopnRoll

Living in Colorado it's been said, if you don't like the weather, wait 30 minutes, it'll change again, and that has been true for the past 2 weeks. I've been sick for over a week but before that I was able to enjoy a full day of play outdoors. This week however can you believe that we've been having snow and hail. I can't wait to be able to go outside again and enjoy the beautiful sunshine that Spring has to offer. There is nothing I like better than playing outdoors, going down the slides and swinging in the swings. Actually it's been said that children who play outdoors are not only healthier but stronger and happier too. Thanks to the new Gymboree HopnRoll play line not only can I enjoy my outdoor play but I can look fashionable while playing as well. Today I want to share with you some of the benefits of playing outdoors.

Mommy and I decided to take a trip to the military army base in Fort Carson, Colorado. We visited the Iron Horse Park and had a lot of fun there. It was a great day that day. The sun was shining and I was getting my daily dose of Vitamin D and fresh air. I want to share with you some of the benefits of playing outdoors.

Playing outdoors increases your child's fine gross motor skills. Just climbing up and down the the jungle gym, going down the slides all increases and helps your little one's coordination. They gain self confidence when they realize that they can do things on their own and everyone loves to feel confident!

Pushing your little one on the swing helps them to understand cause and effect. They learn the difference between up and down and going backwards and forwards. It's also a lot of fun being swung in the air and trust me no-one knows how much fun it can be like me.

Did you know that children who go outdoors and play are not only healthier, happier and stronger than their counterparts who only stay indoors, but they are also leaner and fitter. They also have a lot more active imagination and are able to play together better with their peers. After all the playground is usually filled with other kids. They learn how to play cooperatively with others. It's also a free playdate for mommies and daddies.

Gymboree's new HopnRoll line keeps up with my play. Their new line of mix and match styles is not only well made like all the others but coordinate well with all their collection and is available for boys and girls in sizes 6 months to 10. It's so easy to mix and match. Since its beginning in 1976 with Play & Music centers, Gymboree has proudly watched kids learn and grow through the power of play and seen firsthand the desire from Mom for cute, comfortable, coordinated style at an everyday great price. From playdates to picnics in the park, Gymboree is proud to help dress the cutest kids in the sandbox.

Gymboree is partnering with KaBOOM! – a national non-profit organization that works to ensure that all kids have a childhood filled with active play, especially those in underserved communities. From 4/6 – 5/31, Gymboree will be supporting KaBOOM! through a series of programs and activities, with the goal of raising enough money to build a place to play for 10,000 deserving kids in 2015. A percentage of proceeds from the sales of Hop ‘N’ Roll in-store and online will benefit KaBOOM!

Gymboree has also created a Playdate guide on Pinterest —an incredible resource for families to discover new and exciting places to play, from the best playgrounds to the best museums around the country. Check it out today!

Here are the ways you can connect with Gymboree:

Disclosure: Growing Up Madison receives products in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission for payment from in exchange for referrals. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for delivery of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. Giveaways are not sponsored by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ or any other social media site. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

My Struggle With Depression

This is a rather personal post and it took everything within me to write this. Remember earlier this year I promised that my blog will be taking a new direction. Posts will get more personal and they did. You may remember the one where I wrote about how my marriage was on the rocks. Most people see (think) of me as the rather strong person, after all, I was running a blog, I was an American Soldier, and who's tougher than our American Soldiers?! It might surprise you to know that the US Military has a very high suicide rate among active duty and veterans alike. The stress, it can really get to you. You sacrifice a lot for your country including your family but let me start from the beginning.

My depression actually started after I had my daughter in January 2012. I was diagnosed with post-partum depression and having to go back to work just 6 weeks after she was born didn't really help me much. Sure my husband was at home taking care of her during the day but I felt like I wasn't doing my part. Like as her mother I should be the one taking care of her. I felt like I was a bad mother for going to work while she stayed at home, but I was a soldier and soldiers have to be strong. Just a few months after Madison was born (May 2012) my dad was diagnosed with cancer and told he only had about 5 months to live. What a blow that was. How can the person who meant more to me than anyone decide to die at the time I needed him most? Was I being selfish for wanting him to be with me forever? You bet I was!

I was able to go to the Caribbean by taking leave and going to see him for 2 weeks with Madison and my oldest daughter so I can see him one final time. Those 2 weeks were some of the most bittersweet moments for me. While I was happy to be there with him, I was also sad knowing that this might be the last time I ever get to see him again, and I was right. In November just 2 days before my son's birthday I called to speak to my dad while speaking to him and before I got to tell him I loved him, he died right there on the phone with me. My life fell apart and my depression increased. I left a few days later and spent another week being strong once again for my mother but deep inside I wasn't strong. I was dying myself.

After burying my dad I came back and instead of taking some time off from work to heal, I went right back to work. After all, that's what the American Soldier does. It's our creed that we live by. If you don't know we do have one and I'll share it right here with you. We're supposed to be physically and mentally tough. We're supposed to be able to survive whatever adversity comes our way.

"I am an American Soldier.
I am a warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier"

By now my marriage was suffering. It may have been suffering before that but I was in my own world called depression and I didn't care. I stopped doing the things I used to do. I stopped taking care of myself, I stopped taking care of my kids the way they needed to be taken care of. I stopped paying attention to my husband and I even stopped taking care of the house. I stayed in bed for as long as I could and if I didn't have to get up I didn't. In the meantime, everyone took care of themselves. After a few months of this, I decided that things weren't working and I needed help. I reached out to a therapist and after a stint in a psychiatric hospital, I started feeling better. What I've come to realize is that feeling better doesn't mean that you're actually better.

In the meantime, my husband found a mistress and then I found out my mother was dying. Guess what that meant again for me? Yup! Another dose of whatever it was that was keeping me in that spiral started all over again. For me, it was the two persons I loved dearly with my everything who was supposed to be there for me was leaving me and I couldn't handle it. I have to admit that I still can't handle it.

For the past two weeks, my depression has gotten worse. I'm constantly a wreck. I may look like I'm happy on the outside but inside I'm falling to pieces. When Robin Williams took his life I truly understood what he was feeling because I've personally been there and I'm still there. I've decided that I'm going to take some time off from blogging because while this has been a great outlet for me, I'm not in that good place where I can do this. I do have commitments that I do intend to fulfill so you'll see posts popping up here and there but I need to take care of myself and my family.

So what can you do to help someone suffering from depression?

Be there for them and don't judge!

Realize that depression can last a very long time and they need all the support that they can get. Don't pack up and run because it's not going the way you want to. Trust me the person dealing with the depression knows that it's not going the way he/she wants it to either.

Encourage them daily with words of love and affection. Be a true friend and listen to them, they are actually crying out for help.

If you are active in their care, help them with their medication. Remind them to take it daily.

Take them out, do fun things with them. Help them to realize that life can be fun again.

Now if I had someone there for me to do these things with I might have been better but it's going to take a while. I know that and I accept that. Now I just need to accept that life has meaning and I'm here for a reason. I look forward to seeing you all when I get back.

Make it a #BestMomsDayEver with American Greetings

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

#BestMomsDayEver #CollectiveBias

By now everyone knows that my mom is very ill and today I want to dedicate this post to her with a big thank you to American Greetings. As most of you know I grew up originally in the Caribbean. I was born on the beautiful island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and had a very lovely childhood. My mom was a stay at home mom and I remember coming home from school to a nice home cooked meal ready and waiting. I only wish I could be half the woman my mom is, notice I didn't say was because I'm hoping that I get her a little longer.

Mommy Lifesaver PURELL® Hand Sanitizing Wipes - #PurellWipes

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PurellWipes #CollectiveBias

Now this post was done before my toddler got sick so before hitting publish I decided to change a few things. As you know my toddler has been sick for quite some time with a very horrible stomach virus. There has been fluids coming from both ends and I'm talking projectile fluids. Now everything has to be wiped down because we have no idea what's going on with her. Everyone is at a loss but we do know that she's terribly sick. We've had numerous hospital visits which includes visits to her pediatrician and also to the ER. So today I want to share a few tips on what to do when your toddler is sick with a stomach virus.

These are all tips that we got after our initial visit to the ER.

Give Plain Water or Electrolytes:

Apparently plain water is a lot easier to digest, we were even told to give her ice chips, and once he/she is able to keep water down you may want to introduce electrolytes. Something such as Pedialyte. We even got the pops since she loved those. Give small portions. Do not introduce juice or milk right away no matter how much your little one says that she wants it. Trust me I learned the hard way.

Keep Tylenol and Motrin on hand:

Most stomach virus comes with a low grade or even high fever. Make sure that you keep either one on hand to help with the temperature.

Introduce the BRAT diet:

Once your little one is able to digest solids, it's a good time to introduce the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Apple, Toast) diet. However only do it for about a day. If he/she is able to keep this down then there's a fine chance that they'll be able to keep down their regular diet. Don't over do it though.

Sanitize:

Sanitize every thing that may come in contact with your little one. Wash hands after using the bathroom and follow good hygiene.

This is where the PURELL® Hand Sanitizing Wipes comes in. They were definitely this mom's lifesaver. I have to admit that while I always make sure that my little one wash her hands, with everything that has been going on, it was good to have something handy for when we were outside and one of her episodes erupted.

I decided to go to Walmart and pick up a package and was able to find them in the Household Cleaning Aisle. I immediately picked up the 70ct Clean Refreshing Scent Canister and headed to the check out aisle.

While my toddler still has a stomach virus I now no longer have to worry about sanitizing. These PURELL® Hand Sanitizing Wipes can be stored in every room that my toddler visits. They are safe for both her hands and face and they are easy to use. I even keep one in the car. You never know when an accident can occur. I can't wait for her to to start feeling better and be back to her happy go lucky self.

So get rid of those germs with PURELL® Hand Sanitizing Wipes. Pick up your 70ct or 35ct canisters at your local Walmart and you can even Save $1.00 on any PURELL® Wipes canister or on any two PURELL® Products.

What do you do when your little one is sick? What tips do you have to share?

Here are the ways you can connect with PURELL®

Baby Alive Sips 'n Cuddles Doll - #PlayLikeHasbro

You may have remembered I shared with you the Benefits of Playing with Dolls a few months ago. There are so many of them and dolls aren't just for girls, boys can learn a thing or two from playing with them as well. I personally love playing with dolls myself and have quite a collection of them. I don't care what they look like, I'm in love with them. Today's post though is brought to you my Hasbro. I'm a Hasbro #PlayLikeHasbro Ambassador and was recently sent their newest Baby Alive Sips 'n Cuddles Doll. This doll is recommended for ages 3+ so perfect for those little ones in your life who love to pretend play. It's something that I recently got the hang of and you can usually find me in my room for hours pretending with my toys, having tea and just being a kid. Now let me share a bit about this new doll.

Pico De Gallo (Chunky Salsa) #Recipe

It's Monday morning and today I want to share with you another recipe. I'm sure you've noticed by the title of this post that it states Pico De Gallo (Chunky Salsa). I have to admit that I love anything chunky. You might remember my Chunky Guacamole that I did a few months ago. It's one that I just love making over and over. If you love salsa and if you also love chunky, I would suggest giving our chunky salsa a try. I guarantee you that you'll love it. It is super easy to make and tastes just as delicious as it looks.

Here's what you'll need:

Take Your Kids on a Tour of 7 Asian Countries from Home

I love traveling and remember when I was younger it was the one thing I looked forward to doing every summer with my mother. Now that I'm older and have kids of my own it's something that I look forward to doing with my own kids as well. The first thing I did when my own kids were born was to get them passports. Yes, Madison got her very first passport at only a month old. On my bucket list is visiting every state that the US has, yes all 50, and there are a few international ones on there as well. So far we have visited a few of the Caribbean islands and Canada and have plans to visit a few more international countries including a few in Asia. So what happens when you don't have the money to travel?

Have you ever wanted to visit seven countries in seven days? The good news is you can take your children on a tour of Asia at home in just one week. This tour will teach your children fun facts about seven Asian countries, give you an opportunity to learn more about each country together and provide a fun activity that ties to what you are learning about each nation.

So check out the fun itinerary below and travel to Asia this week.

Mongolia

Fun Fact: The first dinosaur egg ever discovered was found in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia.

Learning Moment: Search images online for pictures of dinosaur fossils from the Gobi Desert. Ask your kids how the landscape shown differs from the place you live in.

Fun Activity: Hide plastic eggs around your home and yard. If weather permits, bury some of the eggs, or hide them in a sandbox. Let your kids search for the “dinosaur” eggs.

China

Fun Fact: The Chinese invented paper and many things made out of paper including paper cups and paper napkins. The Chinese also invented the process of printing on paper.

Learning Moment: Do some research online together to learn about other inventions that can be traced to China. Talk with your children about how people invent new things to make life easier and better.

Fun Activity: Pull out various forms of paper, markers, and ink stamps. Let the imaginations of your children run wild as they practice calligraphy, stamp “printing”, and inventing new things with paper. You can even ask your child to sketch out on paper an idea they have for a new invention.

Thailand

Fun Fact: Kite flying is a competitive sport in Thailand.

Learning Moment: Check out pictures online from kite flying competitions in Thailand. Ask each child to choose their favorite kite from those shown.

Fun Activity: Purchase kites or help your children make their own. Head to the local park and practice flying the kites. If the wind is cooperating and your children are doing well, ask them for suggestions to create fun contests that involve kite flying. Make sure any contest you begin is safe for everyone.

Singapore

Fun Fact: October 1st is a holiday dedicated to children in Singapore. On this day, school is canceled and children are spoiled with gifts and treats from their parents.

Learning Moment: Search online together to learn how other countries celebrate holidays dedicated to children.

Fun Activity: If possible, hold your own children’s holiday. Allow all of your children to miss school on the same day and choose a simple gift and a fun treat for each child. Spend the day together as a family doing activities that celebrate childhood. When you tuck each child into bed, tell them three special things that you love about them.

Vietnam

Fun Fact: Vietnam is the largest exporter of cashew nuts.

Learning Moment: Do some research online together to learn more about how cashew nuts grow. You will most likely be surprised by what you learn about cashews.

Fun Activity: Make your favorite cookie, bar cookie, or brownie recipe together. Instead of using typical mix-ins like chocolate chips or raisins, try adding cashews and caramel bits instead. Allow your child to participate in the process as much as possible, based upon their skill level.

Cambodia

Fun Fact: Cambodian parents often choose a name for their child that is symbolic and rhymes with the name of another family member.

Learning Moment: If you have not done so already, research the meaning behind the name of each person in your immediate family.

Fun Activity: Give each member of your family a new name for the day. Place names of extended family members such as grandparents and aunts and uncles in a hat. Draw out a name for each family member and then work together to choose a name that rhymes with the name on the paper. When the name is selected, research online to find out what the chosen name means.

Japan

Fun Fact: Some Japanese coins have holes in the middle of them.

Learning Moment: Click here to read an article that explains why these coins have holes.

Fun Activity: Grab some Fruit Loops cereal and pull out all of the yellow rings. These rings will now be your Japanese coins. Teach your children that many countries use different forms of money. Then give your children opportunities to earn coins throughout the week. At the end of the week, let the children use their well-earned coins to purchase Japanese treats.

So tell me which country would you most be interested in visiting?

Stuffed Steak Rolls #Recipe

Last week was a rather stressful week for us. We had quite a lot of personal things going on including a few hospital visits. You may have noticed that we were missing all of last week with no posts. We didn't blog visit or even work on our own blog. The week was spent taking care of sick toddler who just seemed to get worse. Hopefully things will calm down a bit this week and to start it off right, we have a few things scheduled for you. I don't normally post on the weekend but since we didn't do anything last week, I figured why not. Today I want to share with you something that I think you and your family will love as much as mine did. If you're looking to try something new for dinner, how about these delicious Stuffed Steak Rolls.

Here is what you'll need:

Celebrate Earth Day with Toms of Maine - #NaturalGoodness

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NaturalGoodness #CollectiveBias

April is Earth Month and you may have noticed since we started blogging here on Growing Up Madison that we like to highlight all natural products. We're a family who go against the grain when it comes to all natural products, whether it be organic clothing, laundry detergent and even to the toothpaste that we use. We love to recycle and our trash company offers a great incentive to recycle which we absolutely love. My toddler is only 3 but she knows that the paper and cans go in the recyclable trash and all others go in the regular trash. You're never too young to learn that simple fact.

I have to admit that I haven't always been "Earth Month" or "Earth Year" friendly, meaning that I didn't always do these things. When I lived in NY I just went with the flow. We moved to Colorado 4 years ago and moved into a neighborhood that was more "green" than we have ever seen. For those city dwellers who live in a concrete jungle you know what I'm talking about. I wanted to keep the environment and the community clean. After all I had kids who are going to grow up in a couple of years and I want them to be able to breathe in clean air.

One of the things I started doing was to start looking at what was in the products we've been using. There were lots of ingredients that I couldn't pronounce in most of them. I decided that if I couldn't pronounce it, I wasn't going to use it. So began a start of our journey. One product that we started using and have been consistently using is Toms of Maine. What better way to make every day Earth Day by starting at the bathroom sink.

I love that Toms of Maine products are all natural and with a toddler there are a few things I look for in a toothpaste. All natural ingredients and it has to be fluoride free. Yes Madison is still at that age that she eats her toothpaste and think that it's delicious. The Toms of Maine Toddler toothpaste which she has been using since she first got her teeth is by far her favorite and it's always right beside our adult Toms of Maine adult version. I am a huge fan of the fluoride-free Antiplaque & Whitening toothpaste. Not only does it whiten my teeth, help fights tartar, freshen my breath but the peppermint flavor isn't too powerful and actually tastes pretty good. Maybe just as good as Madison's toothpaste which I've personally never tasted, but it must taste pretty good if she's always wanting to brush her teeth. Just look at how far gone it is. Did you also know that they had a mouthwash as well. Yes they sure do and I guarantee that you'll love it!

Now my boys have their own bathroom and they are no exception to the rule. If I'm going to go healthy so do my boys. My 10 year old is autistic and I'm very particular in what he uses. It's also one of the reason why Toms of Maine has been my go to for the bathroom for him. He's much older than Madison and so needs the fluoride in his toothpaste and he's also old enough to spit. So I got him the Tom's of Maine Silly Strawberry Fluoride Toothpaste, while Kyle who is 14 uses the Whole Care also with fluoride. He's also of the age where deodorant is needed so he uses the Unisex Long Lasting Apricot Deodorant and believe me, he needs it!

So why do I endorse Toms of Maine products. Well not only are they natural and good for you but they don't test their products on animals and they believe that what's inside is what truly matters. They share every ingredient that is in their products on their website tomsofmaine.com, there you get to learn what the purpose of each ingredient is for and the source they came from.

Now if you're wondering where you can pick up these Toms of Maine products for yourself and your family, they're actually available at Walmart in the Health and Beauty Aisle. You can also get $1.00 off any Tom's of Maine product purchase at Walmart.

It's never too late to start healthy living and to encourage your little ones to do the same. So for a start how about making a Toms of Maine Gift Basket for your family. They will love it and so will you. Let's make the Earth a better place for all of us to live in.

So tell me: How does your family celebrate Earth Day or Earth Month? What do you do to make the Earth a better place?

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