Hi FOX 31 team! Baer & Oak ❥
Category: Lifestyle
FOX 31 News – Toy Fair 2020
Hey y’all! For my third year in a row I’ll be promoting the New York Toy Fair on FOX 31 Denver! This year we’ve got some amazing products to promote – Ones that enhance creativity, reinforce screen-free play, and STEM based toys that provide educational fun!
With the rise in awareness among parents and the same being taught at schools, it has been noticed that most children are shifting to sustainable choices and that includes toys! Green Toys™ is a line of eco-friendly toys and children’s products Made in the USA
from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs.
Green Toys™ Stacking Cups are colorful and fun, and teach basic counting and math concepts. Six graduated cups, dozens of possibilities for bath and play time. Scoop and pour water, build towers by turning upside down, or just sort sizes to nest. Fill cups 1 and 2, for example, and it will equal the volume of cup 3. Ages: 6 months + MSRP $9.99
Green Toys™ Tide Pool Set is a set includes a starfish, scallop, abalone, snail, squid, and jellyfish. Scoop up water with the abalone and create a cascading waterfall with the holes along the edge, or fill the jellyfish and watch the water run down and out each of the legs. The palm-sized shells are the perfect size for scooping and pouring water to wash little ones in infant tubs, while also great for the beach and backyard, too. Ages: 6 months + MSRP $9.99
Green Toys™ Tugboat allows kids to embark on a cruise across the bathtub. Navigate the
wading pool and even splash around in the occasional mud puddle. There’s
no end to the fun! Ages: 6 months + MSRP $9.99
Twinkling Twilight Turtle – New Calming Lights + Soothing Sounds! Now with 2 soothing MELODIES and 100’s of stars that TWINKLE on and off in a colorful, magical light show. Projects constellations in blue, green or amber. Fun, vibrant light effect on shell. Two soothing melodies built in, with adjustable volume control. Available for all ages. MSRP $34.99.
Lil’ Shuckies Large Shell Case from WeCool – Unboxing, blind bags and slime continues to captivate children nationwide. This colorful clam shell is also a carrying case complete with all the essentials one needs to shuck their Lil’ Shuckies and store their discoveries. Includes clam tool, two glitzy slimes, magic and 60 colorful pearl beads and
a necklace string. MSRP: $19.99, AGES: 4+, is available at Walmart!
What’s Wrong with Grown-Ups?, a new card game from Authentic Agility
Games because adults like to have fun too.. How often have you wished that your teen would stop playing video games, sending friends videos you can only hope are appropriate, and going out, and instead, share what they’re thinking… with you?
A fun way to engage kids of all ages, the 500-question card games creates an
open two-way dialog that allows you to make new connections and deepen
your bond. It’s simple to play as each participant rolls the dice and then selects the category in which you are asked to answer a related question.
There’s plenty of research out there reminding parents how important screen free play has become. From toys that teach fine motor skills to STEM, screen free play is essential for the growth of our children.
That’s where smART Pixelator comes in. The smART Pixelator empowers kids to design and build 2D and 3D projects using Bluetooth connectivity, easy-to-follow lights, and smART Pixel Beads, Sequins or Pegs. Right out of the box, kids have a choice of creating 50 step-by-step designs using Pixel Beads. A smART Pixelator app and any mobile device also let them engineer their own projects, encouraging customization and experimentation. Additional beads, sequins, pegs, and projects are available to keep the fun flowing. Ideal for kids 7 to 107 years old. MSRP: $59.99
Construction toys can help kids develop cognitive and social skill as well as fuel creativity.
CREATTO™ Light-Up Crafting™ Kits is a simple yet versatile building system that consists of just two primary components that can be woven together into countless 3D creations. The flexible yet durable plastic tiles interlock quickly and easily for all skill levels; no additional materials or hardware required! Each Creatto kit includes assembly instructions for four different configurations, but the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Add strings of colored LED lights to illuminate your works of art from the inside out. Five Creatto kits will be available Winter 2020. Creatto will be available in 3 fun sizes: mini, medi, and maxi.
Kids can choose to build the Moonlight Elephant Safari (MSRP $9.95; ages 6+), Magical
Moose & Forest Friends (MSRP $9.95; ages 6+), Starlight Kitty & Cutie Crew (MSRP
$19.95; ages 8+), Shimmer Shark & Ocean Pals (MSRP $29.95; ages 9+), or Sparkle
Unicorn & Friends (MSRP $29.95; ages 9+).
Celiac Test – LetsGetChecked
Disclosure: The links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Bear in mind that I link this company because of my genuine belief in their service and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases!
I’ve been sick for a little over a month now without any explanation and no remedies. It has unfortunately affected my ability to be as active with my children and it kills me.
So I am officially on the hunt to figure out the cause, with my biggest suspicion being celiac disease; Thanks to Let’s Get Checked I’ll be able to do my test from the comfort of my home.
Now.. What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically predisposed people.
In simpler terms, celiac disease is defined as moderate to severe discomfort following the consumption of gluten-containing foods. The only way to find out if you have celiac disease is to take a celiac disease blood test.
Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye and barley. If you are living with celiac disease, your body’s immune system will reject the protein in the food you eat.
If you have celiac disease and eat gluten, the villi (hair like projections that line your intestines) will be damaged.
Villi are responsible for absorbing nutrients when you consume food. When the villi get damaged, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly into the body.
Damaged villi puts the small intestine under attack and leads a wide range of signs and symptoms associated with celiac disease.
This diagram shows the difference between those who suffer from celiac disease and those who do not.
On the left, you see what villi and epithelial cells look like in those who have a healthy small intestine. The structures are rounded and fit for purpose in enabling healthy digestion.
On the right, you see what damaged villi and epithelial cells look like. As the structures are flattened, they are less able to carry out their role in digestive function. This creates a negative domino effect for other physiological functions, including reproduction. (Read: Does celiac disease cause infertility?)
A wheat allergy differs from celiac disease. Those who are intolerant to gluten will experience similar symptoms to those with celiac disease, however, there is no autoimmune response and the lining of the intestine will not be damaged to the same degree.
Let’s Get Checked will hopefully allow me to pinpoint my illness one test at a time. With the gluten free craze right now, have you wondered if you’ve got celiac disease? Try the Coelic test and get 20% off with code SIMPLYKARALIZ
They’ve also got a TON of other tests from hormones, thyroid tests, to Men’s/Women’s sexual health, and more.
(I was compensated for this post, all opinions are my own)
Breakfast with Santa at the Hard Rock Cafe Denver
Don’t Miss Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe Denver on Sunday, Dec. 15th from 10 – 11:30 AM! Celebrate the joy of the season as your little legend decorates their very own doughnut with Holiday-themed treats and toppings, plus enjoy pictures with Santa Claus, special holiday surprises and family fun!
• Santa will be in the building to take pictures with children and hand out some special treats
• Circus Collective from Denver will be bringing some elves to put on a special show
• Kids themed DJ spinning all the Christmas favorites
• Family Style Breakfast Buffet
• Donut station so your little legend can design their own yummy Christmas creation
• Holiday themed coloring station
• Stocking decorating station - and some treats to fill them up
We’ll be there – Any opportunity there is for the kids to interact with Santa I LOVE because it’s something they’ll always remember or at least always associate Christmas with a time when Mommy and Daddy took them to do fun and festive things. Family time during the Holidays, that’s what most important!
(I was compensated for this post, all opinions are my own)
Scrape-A-Round
If you’re like me you’re TIRED of scraping your windows the old fashioned way. So join the Scrape-A-Round movement! You will secure your family’s safety, access new gift ideas and scrape your windows cleaner in half the time!
They currently have a holiday promotion offering a 6 pack and FREE shipping for just $27 (A $43 value)! Scrape-A-Round is the perfect holiday gift idea for stocking stuffers, neighbor gifts, work gifts, and family gifts. Simply turn the Scrape-A-Round up side down, fill with selected items, wrap it up and have a unique gift as varied as your imagination. Visit http://www.scrapearound.com and use code: BSAFE to get FREE Shipping on your order.
simplykaraliz’ new direction
🌲 I’ve decided to make a change. My Instagram and blog will be taking on a new vibe.. I constantly find myself stressing to find new pictures about food and health because that’s what I originally started writing about.
But as I’ve grown I’ve realized what I’m truly passionate about is being outdoors and taking adventures with my kids. I love to travel but I always felt so scared to post about it because that wasn’t my original “niche” and didn’t wanna lose followers.
I don’t wanna feel pressured or limited on what I post so from now on I’ll just be posting WHATEVER I want ✌ Y’all can feel free to continue following me and join in on our adventures or not.. The choice is yours 😘 I appreciate you ALL and I’m so excited for this more freeing perspective 🌸
Kids Yoga – A Tool For Back To School
Hey y’all – My friend Angela over at Mountain Mama Wellness posted this amazing article on a way to help your kiddos destress after all the back to school craziness and I wanted to share it with y’all because I love it and will be using it for my own kiddos who start school this week! *Eeek!
The back to school transition can be hard on everyone! Structure returns in many forms: morning routine, school routine, after school activity routines and lunch making routine! Children are small humans and need time and help to adjust to change just like adults. As adults, we deal with change in a variety of ways but for me allowing the time and space to process the change is so important. I need to feel all the feelings about the change to be able to move forward. When I give myself this space I often process the change much faster. Yoga is a tool I use for this often. I can use the time to move my body and then settle into the quiet space to process my emotions. If we can pass some of this wisdom on to our kids the back to school transition will be easier for everyone.
Yoga is a great tool to help kids transition too. Here is how you can use it with your kids!
1. Do a 10-15 minute asana movement together. This could include some cat and cows, some sun salutations and some balance poses. If you have a regular yoga practice it would be fun for you and your kids to create a flow together. If you would like to follow along with a video check out Cosmic Kids on YouTube, they have a lot of fun themed yoga adventures!
Tree Pose – a kid favourite!
Partner Boat Pose
2. After you flow spend 5-10 breaths sitting quietly just focusing on your breath. These breaths should be slow and deep. Inhale for a count of 5 and exhale for a count of 5. We love using our Hoberman sphere to help the kids visualize the inhales and exhales. You can click here to find it on my amazon list. These breaths are an important practice and will transition to their everyday life. My two year old utilizes her Magic Breaths when she is frustrated or scared!! Magic Breath with Hoberman Sphere
3. Settle into a quiet meditation. Have your kids lie down with something over their eyes, this helps removed one distraction. We love listening to New Horizons meditation on YouTube to help the kids stay focused. It guides them through a visualization that will take them out of their thoughts and into their imagination. This should be time for them to just relax and disconnect. I would suggest starting with just 2-5 minutes and working up from there. Also, gage your child. If you think they need more or less then adjust as needed.
Meditation and Visualization to finish!
Adding a yoga routine to your kid’s weekly routine will help give them the tools to manage the transitions and changes in their life. It is so important to empower them to take control. If they can recognize their feelings they can better communicate how they are feeling and what they need.
Sun Basket Meal Delivery
Disclosure: The links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Bear in mind that I link this company because of my genuine belief in their service and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases!
Y’all already know my insane obsession with eating paleo – But now that I’ve had my twins it’s becoming increasingly harder to stay on track when I am busy tending to my home and my three little princes.
But, I need to make sure I also tend to myself so that I’ve got enough energy and strength for my kids, so I decided to begin a meal delivery service to give myself a little break AND help stay on my health track! I’ve tried several companies before but none of them could quite give me the paleo options that my family needed.
That’s when I found Sun Basket and it seemed as though it was made for me. They locally source all of their meats, all of their packaging materials (Besides the ice packs) are completely recyclable and they have many different diet accommodations!
Soon I’ll be posting all about our new delicious paleo recipes that I would’ve probably never thought of because I’d have to hunt the aisles for ingredients and take the time to prep (Which I don’t have at all) so be on the lookout for delicious recipes and pictures SOON.
I loved them so much I actually began a partnership with them! So NOW I’m able to give my readers $80 OFF their first 3 orders! That’s $80 off incredible, nutritious foods that makes life easier. Treat yourself y’all – Try it here!
(I was compensated for this post, all opinions are my own!)
Twindom Necessities
I’ve survived! Oak and Bäer are turning three months old.. It went by incredibly fast and as much as I’ve enjoyed the newborn phase it’s a LOT harder with two, so I am excited they’re getting older 😉
I’m a huge research person – If I’m going to be buying anything I do as much reading up on it as I can, because I like to be prepared. So I did all my hunting for “Twin/Newborn Must Haves” as it’s been awhile since Hudson was a little babe..
But even those lists didn’t prepare me for the chaos that is being a multiples Mama.. That being said I wouldn’t trade it for the world! So to help other Mamas expecting twins soon – Here is a list of products and tactics that got me through! *None of these are affiliate links, I’m genuinely just trying to let y’all know what worked!
Y’all, NOT even kidding this was a lifesaver! If you know you’re going to have a cesarean buy these now. With Hudson I had a natural birth so I was in no way prepared for undergoing surgery but these panties not only made me feel human again immediately after because of its slimming compression support but because of the silicone patch that applies pressure to your scar to make it feel less “vulnerable” and sensitive. The silicone actually treats your scars for a flatter and softer appearance.
I’m wearing one as we speak even because it’s still working it’s magic at getting my tummy back to pre-pregnancy size!
I could not IMAGINE our twin life without our Brezza. Our kids help us make bottles, we aren’t making a mess every time which keeps us from wasting formula, it’s the perfect temperature EVERY TIME and it makes nighttime wakings a brezza (Pun intended). Seriously, if you’re expecting twins GET A BREZZA. (They’re usually really affordable on Facebook Marketplace! Got ours for TWENTY dollars!
I didn’t have this pillow for the first two weeks and MAN was that rough.. As the link above states it literally has 6 uses in one pillow. We’ve used it mainly for bottle feeding and having them together (They can’t sleep without being arms length from each other) **One con is that it is causing their heads to not shape properly, so our Doctor recommend us to discontinue use 😦 But it’s great if you’re only using it in small doses!
4. The Weego TWIN Baby Carrier
Okay.. I am terrified of having a carrier on my back – I never did it with Hudson and I can’t imagine doing it with two babies to keep track of so I was SO excited to find a carrier that had slots for both babies in the front – This has been a LIFESAVER.
We. Love. Our. Twin Table for Two! An amazing way for our boys to sit up and eat together! They sleep in it, eat in it and lounge in it. It’s a little pricier but MAN it’s so worth it! And it goes towards an amazing cause, a charity for parents who cannot afford prosthetics because of the creators own beautiful daughter, London.
6. Formulate Shampoo/Conditioner
Obviously we don’t have much time for ourselves after having a baby so I’m really glad that I had found this company before I had my TWO babies.. It’s a subscription service that sends you regular supplies of your own perfectly formulated shampoo and conditioner! Hair feeling drier after babies? Get hydration goal added to your formula! Hair really oily after babies? Add oil control! It’s an awesome subscription service and the only beauty one I use!
Twindom is an amazing roller coaster ride that I wouldn’t change for the world. These two little guys are the biggest blessings and these products have made it SO much easier than I could’ve imagined!
Venturing Into A New World of Health
Disclosure: The links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Bear in mind that I link this company and their services because of my genuine belief in their program and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases!
Throughout my health journey these past six years I’ve had many people approach me and ask, “How do you do it?” or “Where do I start?”. I’ve always had the answer when it came to the way I ate. Wholesome foods, natural foods – Meats, fruits, and vegetables! Easy enough right?
Well, when I realized that my food advice wasn’t enough it took me a long time (Til now, honestly!) to realize that it’s really not that easy. Knowing what to ingredients to use and what “meal plan” to follow is a great first step – But the biggest part of weight loss / beginning a healthier lifestyle starts with a persons psychological mindset when it comes to food.
Everyone has a different relationship with food. I used to have a very toxic relationship with it where I was incredibly negative towards my body and starved myself. But when I began to realize what wholesome foods really did for me I started to see it in a new way. And from that blossomed a beautiful respect and love that made transitioning into exercise and healthy long-term habits that much easier.
Now – I am one week away from having my twins.. And it’s been an incredibly long and exhausting pregnancy. Unfortunately, I have not been nourishing my body the way I should’ve been or exercising which I had promised myself I would.
BUT.. I am very proud of myself for creating two little sweet boys and want to reward myself with getting back on track – Not just for weight loss but also for energy and confidence. I already know the foods I need to keep my body strong but where I know I’ll need an extra pair of hands (Because I’ll literally have none with twins) is my recommitment, which is why I’ve decided to start this journey with Noom.
You may have seen their commercials and thought, “Oh – Another diet / weight loss fad.” But they actually touch on exactly everything I had mentioned above. They’re not just about losing the weight, they’re trying to help each unique individual understand their needs to develop those healthy food relationships and habits with psychological encouragement.
They keep you on track, quickly answer any and all questions that arise, and give you the information you need to grow and move achieve your goals! You get paired with the right expert whose picked based on your personality and destination and they’re with you for the long haul! So you get real human interaction with a person you build a foundation and relationship with. I love that aspect.
I’m really excited to officially become partners with this company because I genuinely believe wholeheartedly in their psychology-based program and mission. You can start this journey with me and join their proven-lasting program right now with their two week trial*.
Noom – It’s a smarter way to lose weight!
*After the trial, it is $149 for a six month subscription. Which is less than $1/day!
(I was compensated for this post – All opinions are my own!)
