Summer '19 “Dream! Explore! Do!”

This post in partnership with United Way's Allegheny Partners for Out-of- School Time (APOST).

Well, school has been out for a few weeks and my kids have already proved they can't exist in the same room because SOMEONE MIGHT BREATHE THEIR AIR. 😲 One of the best ways I've found to combat conflict and stress in the summer is LISTS. My kids have a list of things they have to do every morning. It includes cleaning their room, doing chores and daily reading. It helps them feel like they know what to do and accomplished when they've completed their morning list. Kids thrive on structure and knowing what is expected of them. Summer days can be really hard when routine looks different each day. So we try to keep on track with morning routine and then plan something fun for the afternoons!

A list that is even more fun for your family to create is a Summer Bucket List. 

Some of the things on our family list this summer:

✅Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

✅cooling off at Sandcastle

✅free summer night movie with Cinema in the Park

✅family bike ride

Print off the Bucket List below and have fun with your kids checking various activities off the list!

Once again this summer, I am partnering with Mayor William Peduto, Allegheny Executive Rich Fitzgerald, the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania's Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) and various child-serving organizations are teaming up for Summer19 Dream! Explore! Do! The youth-centered campaign will provide thousands of local children, grades K-12, with fun, educational learning activities. 

Summer19 partners hope to boost academic performance, promote physical health and provide a safe, structured environment for youth through meaningful summer learning programming. Research shows that participation in summer activities can improve classroom behavior, school attendance, academic aspirations and reduce the summer learning slide. So while summer is a fun way to break away from our typical routines, it also provides opportunities to learn in new and creative environments.  

Bottom line, we as parents know that education continues through the summer, but that doesn't keep us from having FUN while continuing to learn. 

One of the best resources we in the Pittsburgh region is the Summer19 website. It gives you thousands of opportunities all around our region. As soon as your kids offer those famous summer words "I'm bored", you'll know exactly where to look for some fun! Check the Summer19 website throughout the summer for opportunities around the city. 

This summer, as you and your kids are out exploring and completing your Summer Bucket List, share your photos with us and tag #APOST on Facebook & Twitter! 

Join with us this summer as we......

Dream! Explore! Do!

#PGHSummer19 

Our summer travel adventures

I've been quiet on the blog this summer because...kids. :) They are now 9, 7, 6 & 5 which is still a very full time job! 

Summer. It's an awesome thing. It's a frightening thing. My kids don't do great with extended periods of time without a consistent routine. So summer can be a challenge at times. This summer I started a new experiment.....travel! Although most of the time I lament that our extended families all live far away, the one advantage is that travel to see them gives us some new adventures + a free place to stay! So this summer's agenda became visits to family in 4 states:

North Carolina

New York

Minnesota

Colorado

The first two states were individual trips, the second two states were put together in a 55 hour road trip! Our saving grace? Kid's podcasts! (More on that later.)

First stop was The Outer Banks in North Carolina. 9 cousins + surf + sand = win win!

Our next trip was to NYC. We had a very special reason for our trip there! As you can see, two of our children joined our family through adoption. But we have worked hard to maintain personal connection with their first family and so it was a joy to travel there and spend some time with some of them, including their sister.

Governor's Island was an awesome find! It's a $3 ferry ride (free for kids) to a car-free island with playgrounds, slides, a 30-park hammock, food vendors + a great view of the Statue of Liberty.

Maintaining connection with their first family is a whole blog in itself, but it is a beautiful gift to see these siblings spend time together!

Next it was off to Minnesota! I grew up in Minneapolis and my siblings all still live there. My kids had a great time with all their aunts & uncles. Also, travel tip....scooters are great! They fold compactly, but are great for saving little legs on treks. 

One more 15 hour car ride and we arrived in Denver, where my parents now live. The beauty of the mountains is so spectacular!

We did tons of biking and hiking in Colorado....it was the best!

My husband was able to fly out and join us in Denver, just in time for the 25 hour ride home. :) Which we stretched out into a 5 day drive to make it less difficult.

Riding the street car in Kansas City, you never know what creatures you'll run into!

Our next stop was St. Louis which had lots of fun options. I think if we do this drive again, we would definitely stay longer in this city. The City Museum was highly recommended!

Our final destination on the way home was the Ark Encounter. It's a life-sized ark according to the Biblical record and wow, it was big! They also have a small zoo outside, restaurants, zip line tour + more. Tickets are a lot for adults ($48!), kids are more reasonable at $15. But overall, it was an interesting experience!

 So, a 55 hour car trip....how does everyone keep their sanity? 😉 That is the question! We definitely had our moments of insanity. The biggest difference in our travels now is simply that our kids are getting easier in travel as they get older.
We try not to rely on screen time, but we did get a kindle for each of our kids in traveling. The thing I love about kindles is that you can do a variety of activities on them - movies, music, books & podcasts. So we would rotate activities on them. Our kids really fell in love with podcast listening this summer - and actually learned some cool stuff! Their favorite podcasts are:

Brains On

Wow in the World

Smash Boom Best 

Story Pirates

Storynory

Short & Curly

Fierce Girls

Stories Podcast

Chompers

Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian

This Podcast Has Fleas

Highlights Hangouts 

Eleanor Amplified 

Travel is one of my favorite things to do with kids. I know that my travels throughout high school and college really helped expand my world view and I want my kids to experience the same. We don't have unlimited funds and often look for free things to do in the places we visit. We try to pack a lot of our food or stop at grocery stores. We're definitely always looking for ways to cut costs and save money. The more we are able to do this, the more places we'll be able to travel. Everyone had their own rolling suitcase which they were able to manage on their own. The nice thing about summer travel is that summer clothes don't take up as much space as bulky winter items!

So, till next summer, when I hope we'll be able to experience more travel adventures!

Cleaning with less chemicals (+ a giveaway!)

Cleaning. I don't think I ever realized how much of my life would be spent cleaning with 4 kids, haha! Anyone with kids knows it's kind of like vacuuming in the midst of a tornado, but yet, you gotta keep up with it or it gets out of control quickly. 😰
I'm always looking for ways to cut out toxins and chemicals for our family, so I was intrigued when my friend, Jennifer, began sharing more about Norwex. I love how their cloths clean with water only! They are really amazing! Jennifer gave me the EnviroCloth and Window Cloth to try.

Window/Mirror cleaning is one of my daughter's favorite chores around the house. (And it's something that fairly young kids can do). Look at those dirty mirrors! 😲

Usually I just spritz the window for her instead of handing her a bottle of cleaner. With the Window Cloth, she loves getting a spray bottle of water and getting to do it herself. My mirrors have never been cleaner! The Window Cloth works so well! So as a newbie, I later realized these cloths can actually be used without any spray at all. So extra bonus on an easy job for kids to do!

The Norwex microfiber is unique because it is equivalent to 1/200th the size of a human hair (vs traditional microfiber you can purchase in the store which is often 1/6th the size of a human hair).  Because of how fine the Norwex fiber is it removes 99% of bacteria from a surface (that’s why you can replace all of your chemical cleaners...think about the money savings when switching to Norwex) and is SUPER absorbent (think about never having to purchase paper towels again!).  When you use traditional chemical cleaners you are leaving a residue behind that attracts dust, dirt, and grime and you have to clean frequently.  When you use Norwex microfiber and just water, you leave nothing behind and will not have to clean as often because it stays cleaner longer!  Not only are you saving time & money when using Norwex but you are protecting your health because you are not exposing yourself to toxic chemicals (over the past 50 years 80,000 new chemicals have been created and only 200 have been tested for toxicity...so all chemicals are considered safe until proven otherwise) AND you are protecting the environment because Norwex offers items that are reusable vs disposable!

Another feature of Norwex (which is a patented technology) is the Baclock (used to be called Antibac) technology….microsilver that is physically embedded in most of the cloths.  Silver is not new and is used in the healthcare environment!  When the Norwex microfiber cloth is wet the silver is activated which then self sanitizes the cloths by inhibiting the growth of bacteria!  This means that you don’t have to launder the cloth as frequently...HUGE savings!!!

Here are some ways to use the EnviroCloth (wet with just water) and Window Cloth (dry to polish) together....

• Windows (house and vehicle)
• Mirrors
• Stainless Steel appliances
• Fixtures in the sink & bathroom
• Flat, glass-top stove

Whenever you are inclined to reach for any chemical cleaners, go for the EnviroCloth instead.  You can clean ANYTHING…

• Microwave explosions
• Refrigerator cleanout
• Surfaces in the kitchen
• Bathroom (yes, including toilets)
• Spills on furniture, carpet, rugs

I admit, I'm a major paper towel user. And we have a lot of spills and messes in our house!
Enter my new solution: Counter Cloths. These ultra-absorbent, reusable cloths feature a unique new weave to quickly pick up spills and messes in the kitchen, bathroom—really anywhere! Constructed from Norwex Microfiber made from 50% recycled materials in the same size as a half-sheet of paper towel, each set contains almost a whole recycled plastic bottle (500 ml), so you’re helping to clean up the world every time you quickly clean up! They dry fast and you can use them multiple times before laundering. Best of all, they look great in their stylish Counter Cloth Box, where they’re always ready when you need one.

I have begun to love reaching for the Norwex cloths instead of my typical cleaners and they are so easy for my kids to use as well. 

The EnviroCloth and Window Cloth.  These two cloths come in a package called the Basic Package (item # 1505) for $34.99.  These 2 cloths will replace most of your traditional chemical cleaners.  The EnviroCloth is used wet with JUST water to clean EVERYTHING!  The Window Cloth is used dry to create a shiny, streak-free surface!

Want to try the EnviroCloth and Window Cloth?  Here's an awesome opportunity to start your Norwex journey!  These could be yours, just ENTER BELOW!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SHOP
So who is ready to try these right away??? Most of us can do more in removing more chemicals from our homes (I know I can!).

1) visit the website: www.jenniferkang.norwex.biz
2) shop (check "I'm not here for a party")

3) at checkout you will be prompted to search for your host, please use KELLY HUGHES to continue to support the Pgh Momtourage.

Norwex is a global company, started in Norway in 1994, and is spread through the direct sale industry.  You can purchase products from a Norwex Consultant OR earn your wishlist for FREE when you host your own party.  My hosts earn, on average, $360 in free products, with some earning $500+!

This post sponsored by Jennifer Kang. It is very rare for me to spotlight a direct sales company, but I think these products are very valuable in helping our environment and being more chemical free in our homes. And I'm all about supporting a Pittsburgh mama and her beautiful family! All opinions remain my own.

Use the app, avoid the doctor's office!

OK, fellow parents, anyone else ready to put this winter and sick season in the rear view mirror? 🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋 We just came through a week of a virus that went through all six in my family. Thankfully, it wasn't the flu, but whew, it wasn't a picnic. Now that every piece of bedding has been washed and everything has been sanitized, my fingers are crossed for avoiding any more viruses this season. 😷

I know I'm not alone as we're in the peak of cold and flu season, one of the worst flu seasons ever. :( We LOVE our pediatrician, but right now I'm trying to avoid her office if at all possible! It's a busy place as we recently waited 50 minutes to be seen (this is extremely rare, so I know there were a lot of sick babies there!) But hey, selfies took up at least 5 minutes of our waiting time. ☺

And that is why I'm extra excited about the new UPMC AnywhereCare app! The UPMC AnywhereCare can connect you with health care providers on all devices to help with symptoms like colds, coughs and sore throats. Your child wakes up at 2AM with symptoms? How great to first check in remotely with a medical professional to determine if they need to be seen! Anyone can sign up for UPMC AnywhereCare online or download the app at UPMCAnywhereCare.com.  One thing to note: UPMC AnywhereCare cannot be used for children under three.

UPMC AnywhereCare offers patients with non-emergency symptoms quick online access to high-quality care — anytime, anywhere. If needed, we can send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy.

It only takes a moment to download the app, so do it now and give it a try!

NEED AN EXTRA INCENTIVE?
You’ll also have a chance to win a free digital thermometer when you sign up here by March 5.

 Here's to healthy kids and the help of an app when they're not!

This post sponsored by UPMC Health Plan. I only endorse companies or products that are beneficial to our families.  

Photo Shoot Giveaway

The days are long and the years are short. This quote certainly sums up those baby and toddler years! Then it seems like they hit elementary age and the days and years start flying by amidst a swirl of homework, sports, birthday parties and a myriad of other activities.
I don't know about you, but typically around this time of year we start thinking about family pictures and whether we have the one for the Christmas card. ☺ I've been spoiled because my sister takes beautiful photographs and we've been the lucky recipients of her work most years. But she lives in another state and I recently realized she wasn't going to be able to help us this fall! So I was excited when Portrait Innovations reached out to me about their studio options. Typically, we do outdoor photographs and we hadn't been to a studio in about 7 (?) years! So I was a little nervous about how the pictures would turn out. (I've seen some terrible studio pics, y'all! 😆

But at the end of day, I was thankful to catch the sweet memories of our kids at this age. I'm totally biased, but I love each of their sweet faces in the pictures. Cuz we're in that season where time is starting to fly! 😢

If you're not familiar with our family, yes, 2 are adopted! We are blessed with 8, 6, 6 & 5 year olds. They keep life exciting!

We think the "perfect picture" involves a little bit of personality peaking out from everyone. ☺

One of the great things about Portrait Innovations is that we got to choose all our favorite photos, print the studio ones AND take the CD of pictures with us all in the same night! 👌

We also got a great deal on ordering Christmas cards right from the studio! They have a variety of options for Christmas gifts: photo books, calendars, mugs + much more.

Because these busy parents gotta multi-task everything! 😉

A long day at school, an hour drive through traffic and then a photo shoot? Without a doubt, we pushed them a little extra this day. :) I was thankful that our photographer certainly understood the challenges in working with kids. She worked quickly, moved things around and got us in and out as quickly as she could! 

GIVEAWAY:

I've seen a lot of posts recently of moms looking for suggestions for photographers and I know this is a season where many of us are getting family pictures. So I am excited for the chance to offer a FREE photoshoot to another family! You're free package will include:

• A complimentary photo session for you and your loved ones with one of our experts
• Six (6) pose collection with 2 sheets of each pose
• Two (2) 10x13 special effects Decorator Portraits
• One (1) high resolution CD of your portrait images

Head to link below to enter to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here are some local options to find a Portrait Innovations studio near you.

• The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley
• The Shoppes at Susquehanna Marketplace
• The Shoppes at Montage
• The Shoppes at Wyomissing
• York Town Center
• The Streets of Cranberry
• The District at Monreville Mall

Thank you, Portrait Innovations for sharing your studio with our Momtourage readers! 

 I received compensation, but I never promote anything my family doesn't thoroughly love!  

Gear Up With Sears for Back2School!

I don't know about you, but no matter how much I know that school is coming, Back2School shopping always seems to sneak up on me! Anyone else?? With 4 kids in school now, we have to be very strategic about where and how we shop. So when Sears invited us to shop their Back2School sales, we were excited for the opportunity! I confess, I've never done our school shopping at Sears, but we certainly found that it has everything kids need + more! From active wear to denim to footwear, backpacks and more, Sears has everything you need to make sure your family kicks the school year off in style. If your kids wear uniforms for school, they have a great selection of high quality Lands' End uniforms on sale. 

The first thing that I will always look for is the SALES. And we found some great ones at Sears! Lands' End and many other kids items were all 30%, 40% or 50% off. Score!! We also found some awesome deals on backpacks & lunch boxes. 

Sears is also running some extra great savings this month:

• Week 3 of August:  Make back to school shopping more rewarding - get an extra 20% off when you use your Sears card or 15% off with any other payment.
• Week 4 of August: Bring the cool to school…time to get an extra 25% off a purchase of $40 or more.

Sears provides shopping convenience – letting members shop wherever, whenever and however they choose.  They also offer a seamless connection between the in-store, mobile and online shopping experience.

My kids all have very different personalities and styles which is clearly reflected in their outfits of choice for the first day of school. 😍

SWEETNESS........

FUNNY GUY......

SUGAR & SPICE........

SPORTS GUY.........

I was very pleasantly surprised at the great deals on shoes. We even found tennis shoes for $10!! Whether you’re looking for flashy hightops or comfortable sneakers, new shoes can help your kids put their best foot forward. Sears is here to help you gear up with all kids’ shoes on sale starting at $9.99.

Shopping online has become a mom's saving grace, right? So be sure to check out the Sears shoppable back to school digital catalog for fun looks and outfit inspiration!

Check out our video of Back2School shopping fun at Sears! 

I spy that twinkle in your eye...... 😉

I think we moms are always a little extra nostalgic as our first borns hit those milestones first. While there is a special sweetness to the baby days, I wouldn't trade them for the great conversations I get to have as this guy grows and matures each year. He's even hit the age where he doesn't wear out the knees of ALL his pants. 😊 So when we found jeans for under $13, I knew it was a deal that we could stretch! 

There's still time to hit some great sales and get your kids ready for those exciting first days of school! (Always a little more fun with new outfits to rock!) 

Sears is having a Summer Blow Out Sale that runs from 8/20 through 9/2! Make sure to shop at Sears in-store or online for additional 10-70% off on apparel and footwear!

#GearUpWithSears, #Sears

This post sponsored in collaboration with Sears. I received compensation, but I never promote anything my family doesn't thoroughly love! 

Eating with kids at Bravo Cucina

My family was recently invited to dine at Bravo Cucina to try out their new Farm to Table summer menu. I'll be honest, eating out at a sit down restaurant with four kids can give me real trepidation! What if the food takes forever to come? What if my kids start getting hangry?! :) But I didn't need to worry because, soon after our order was placed, out came a piece of dough for each of my kids to play, create and entertain themselves. It was truly brilliant! I've never seen them so occupied through our waiting time! 

Bravo also has a great kids menu with offerings such as lasagna, buttered noodles, ravioli pizza, grilled chicken, fresh fruit, veggies and more! 

Our food was delicious and everyone left the table full and satisfied!

Bravo makes both a fun family dinner out or a fantastic date night as well! 

Thank you, Bravo Cucina, for a delicious dinner and not being afraid to extend your invitation to a family of six! :) 

Although our dinner was provided in exchange for review, all opinions remain my own.