Life With a Toddler: Why Toddlers Scream #toddler #tantrum

Brianna, © 2015 aspicyboycatandmyfatass.com

Many toddlers scream when they want a parent's attention... it's their way of saying "Hey, look at me!" Others scream when they want something they can't have. If that's the case, it usually means, "I want my way... now!"

Sometimes the volume of your toddler seems to be louder than usual, not to annoy you, but because they're extra excited. They love to explore the power of their voice, and experiment with using it. My daughter is currently at this stage, and LOVES to let out shrieks every time she sees the cat. Most of the time it's just funny to see and hear, but at times it's been quite a nuisance.

What you can do about it...

Screaming at your toddler won't help the situation, and would just make it worse. It would send a message that whoever is loudest prevails. If you can, try to avoid situations that can tempt your toddler to raise her voice. Try and divert her attention when she starts screaming.

Holiday Gift Guide: $50 Giveaway From #NOVICA #HolidayGiftGuide2016 #Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

It's that time of year again, when people start thinking about shopping for the holiday season. I'm famous for having all my shopping completed early, and this year is no exception to that. In the spirit of Christmas, I'm working with a number of companies who have joined in my Holiday Gift Guide 2016... and this is my sixth post!

I'm born and raised in Canada, but I have to say I've always had a love for other parts of the world. I love living in Canada and being Canadian, and have a love for all types of art. I guess you can say I'm a bit of a dreamer, and wish to someday travel the world to enjoy a wider range of art. I came across an awesome website that showcases artists from around the world, where you can purchase their art: Novica. Novica is in association with National Geographic, and everyone has heard of them!

Novica features artists from around the world: Andes, Bali and Java, Brazil, Central America, India, Mexico, Thailand, and West Africa. By purchasing from Novica, you're helping those smaller companies and artists that may not have that much money. Visit Novica Live and find out how you can become a consultant, or even host your own Novica party!

Dancing to the Beat Wearing My Wireless Earphones from #SoundPeats #holidaygiftguide2016

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Growing up I was a huge fan of music, but I'm sure what I listened to used to drive my mother nuts. I spent most of my teenage years listening to my tunes full blast using earphones, so I wouldn't completely torture my family with what I was listening to. I listened to music so much, that I would even fall asleep wearing the earrphones... which meant that I was replacing them quite frequently. Since a fair amount of time has passed since I was in high school, technology has advanced a lot. Say goodbye to annoying earphone wires attached to your mediaplayers, as we're now in the age of wireless using Bluetooth.

My latest find is the company SoundPEATS, that offer a wide range of earphones to suit everyone's needs. Whether you're looking for earphones to make a hands-free phone call on your cell, or to enjoy some of your favorite tunes, they offer top quality products without hurting your budget.

Moving Checklist #moving

I'm super excited and stressed at the same time, as I'm moving over the next couple weeks. I go tomorrow to meet with the lawyer to sign and work out the final details, and then hopefully get the keys within a couple days. Since I've been planning the move for a while, I've decided to come up with a checklist to help make sure I've covered everything regarding it. Hopefully I haven't forgotten anything...

Life is Easier with the #GlowPacifierClip from Baby Goose!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Photo credit: Baby Goose website

My daugther will be 16 months old tomorrow, and I can't believe how quickly she's growing. It seems like I notice a difference on a daily basis, and I can't believe the time has passed so quickly. It still feels like just a few months ago I brought her home from the hospital, and now when I look at her I see a toddler. Even though she's growing like a weed, we still LOVE testing out baby products and sharing our feedback regarding them. Our latest find is a glow in the dark pacifier clip by the company Baby Goose.

Baby Goose was created by Mr and Mrs Guzenfeld, when his wife wished her current pacifier clips glowed in the dark... and that's when the company was born!

The Unknown: What Does the Future Hold? #freetarotreading

Many people have questions about life, love, and the future. For people about to have a first free love tarot reading, it’s important to know what to expect. In a tarot reading, the questioner holds his or her primary questions in mind but doesn’t need to tell the psychic.

Some psychics specialize in one or more types of readings. When there’s a conversational exchange between the questioner and psychic, it’s wise to have questions prepared in advance. If possible, ask the psychic about how he or she works. Knowing something about the psychic’s particular capabilities can help the questioner get the most from a reading.

Is Your Home Properly Insulated? #Homeimprovement

Wherever you live, your home's insulation plays a big part in keeping your home comfortable year-round. It keeps you warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and helps to provide even room temperatures throughout the house.

Home Insulation

Proper home insulation makes a big difference in home comfort. Without it, you may experience rooms that are too hot, too cold, drafty or damp. There is no way to control even temperatures throughout your home without adequate insulation. By making sure your attic is correctly insulated and installing insulating window shades that provide light, heat and cooling control, you can ensure a comfortable, energy-efficient environment for your home.

Attic insulation, as well as energy-efficient windows and insulating window shades are rated with R-value, a number that manufacturers use to measure a material's ability to resist heat transfer from the outside. Proper R-value is usually determined based on geographic location and climate conditions. In areas where summer temperatures average in the upper 80's and 90's, it's essential to use proper insulation and energy-efficient products that protect your home. Intense heat and sun coming through your windows all day will increase cooling requirements, resulting in higher energy bills each month. It will also fade hardwood flooring, carpets, interior furnishings and valuable art work hanging on your walls. When installing insulation and shopping for window treatments, it's important to consider energy-efficiency and protection from heat and sun. If you're uncertain about your home's R-value requirements, contact a local contractor to get a free estimate now.

Win an Ela Rechargeable Couples Vibrating Ring from #GoodVibrations #holidaygiftguide2016

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

It's that time of year again, when people start thinking about shopping for the holiday season. I'm famous for having all my shopping completed early, and this year is no exception to that. In the spirit of Christmas, I'm working with a number of companies who have joined in my Holiday Gift Guide 2016... and this is the fifth post!

I'm a woman in my mid 30's, and I feel like I have two children: my daughter who's a 15 months old toddler, and my partner who at times is harder to take care of than the little Munchkin! Since having a toddler, it's been quite busy and hectic around the home. I seem to be running on the minimal sleep amount of sleep, and it seems like there's never enough hours in a day. My day usually starts around 5 am, and my head doesn't hit the pillow until at least 11 pm every night. What has having a toddler done to our sex life? It's almost non-existent at the present moment. Yes, most of the time I chose sleep over romance... so as a couple, the need for a little extra spice is important. That's why when I contacted one of my favorite adult novelty sites that I've worked with in the past, I was sent their Ela Rechargeable Couples Vibrating Ring. I've reviewed a number of items from Good Vibrations in the past, and they carry a wide range of items specifically aimed at couples.

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Holiday Gift Guide: Feeling Refreshed With #annmarieskincare #Holidaygiftguide2016 #Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

It's that time of year again, when people start thinking about shopping for the holiday season. I'm famous for having all my shopping completed early, and this year is no exception to that. In the spirit of Christmas, I'm working with a number of companies who have joined in my Holiday Gift Guide 2016... and this is the fourth post!

I'm someone who for the longest time, has had sensitive skin. I have to be so careful about what I put on my skin, especially when it comes to my face. On top of that, I also prefer stuff that's organic and all natural. Years ago I came across an awesome skin care line: Annmarie Skin Care! I have reviewed a number of their amazing products in the past, and was fortunate to get the opportunity of doing so again. For those of you who don't know about the company Annmarie, here's a little background regarding it...

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts For the Holiday From #UNICEF $50 #Giveaway #Holidaygiftguide2016

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

It's that time of year again, when people start thinking about shopping for the holiday season. I'm famous for having all my shopping completed early, and this year is no exception to that. In the spirit of Christmas, I'm working with a number of companies who have joined in my Holiday Gift Guide 2016... and this is the third post!

I'm born and raised in Canada, but I have to say I've always had a love for other parts of the world. I love living in Canada and being Canadian, and have a love for all types of art. I guess you can say I'm a bit of a dreamer, and wish to someday travel the world to enjoy a wider range of art. I have been working with an awesome website for a number of years now, which is a site that showcases artists from around the world, and you're able to purchase their art: NOVICA. They are in association with National Geographic, and everyone has heard of them! There's also another site powered by NOVICA and that's the UNICEF Market... which is a similar site like the others, however, their mission is to save and protect children from around the world.

The site features artists from around the world: Andes, Bali and Java, Brazil, Central America, India, Mexico, Thailand, and West Africa. By purchasing from UNICEF Market, you're helping those smaller companies and artists that may not have that much money. They sell all kinds of items that would make for perfect gifts... women's robes, sarongs, floral bracelets, sterling silver filigree earrings, and much more! I personally have a love for anything unique, that would be hard to find anywhere. I like decor items that make for excellent conversation starters, and I love adding to my collection. What I love about both sites, is that you're able to create and share collections to your friends... almost like a wishlist. Create your collection on the UNICEF Market site, and you have a chance to win a trip for 2 to Machu Picchu with Smithsonian Journeys!

Beauty DIY: How to make lotion bars (the perfect gift for yourself or someone else!)

As fall transitions into winter and we enter gift giving season, the mind turns to… lotion bars.

Yes, simple but utterly scrumptious lotion bars that literally caress the skin to buttery smoothness and leave behind the most beautiful glow.

And you can so easily make them at home, customized to your own specific tastes. Plus, unlike the store-bought versions, there are no added chemicals, making them beyond perfect for your skin.

You will need

1 cup beeswax pellets
1 cup grated shea butter, kokum butter or cocoa butter
1 cup almond oil or extra virgin olive oil
25-30 drops essential oil of your choice
A collection of molds (empty Altoids tins are just the perfect size but cupcake molds, cookie cutters and yogurt containers work just as well)

Holiday Gift Guide: #KidloLand Is The Greatest App For Toddlers #Giveaway #Holidaygiftguide2016

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

It's that time of year again, when people start thinking about shopping for the holiday season. I'm famous for having all my shopping completed early, and this year is no exception to that. In the spirit of Christmas, I'm working with a number of companies who have joined in my Holiday Gift Guide 2016... and this is second post!

My little monkey Brianna is 14 months old, and even though at times it seems to be getting tougher, it's actually getting easier. She's up and about on her feet, and if she wants to move faster she speed-crawls. Her current words that she's able to speak are "baby", "dadda", "mamma", and "hi"! It seems like she's learning more and more with each passing day. She's a curious little monkey that's growing like a weed, and she never ceases to amaze me.

She's loves when I read to her, and also loves to steal any and all electronics that she's able to pick up! Yes, she's a little TV remote, game controller, cellphone and tablet thief...  so when she does manage to grab my iPad or cellphone, she loves the new KidloLand application that I installed. This app is the PERFECT app for anyone with a child, whether they're a baby or toddler.

The application takes up a fair amount of space on my phone, but it's worth it... it's the price I pay for peace and quiet. What type of application is it? It's meant for babies, toddlers, and young children. It has over 570 nursery rhymes, songs, stories, games, and phonics. "Old MacDonald" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" has saved me several times while out in public... the perfect tantrum remedy.

Holiday Gift Guide: Another Great Find From #SwaddleDesigns #Giveaway #Holidaygiftguide2016

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Brianna, © 2015 aspicyboycatandmyfatass.com

It's that time of year again, when people start thinking about shopping for the holiday season. I'm famous for having all my shopping completed early, and this year is no exception to that. In the spirit of Christmas, I'm working with a number of companies who have joined in my Holiday Gift Guide 2016... and this is the first post!

I can't believe how quickly time flies by... my little monkey Brianna is going on 16 months, and she's growing like a weed. I no longer swaddle her, but that doesn't mean that we don't LOVE all her gorgeous blankets from SwaddleDesigns, that we've been fortunate to review in the past. I have a nice collection of swaddle blankets from the company, and they're used on a daily basis. There's one that I always toss in the diaper bag, and there's one that is always in her crib. There's even one at grandma's home, because you never know when you may need one. They make for the perfect baby shower gift, and you can never have too many... it's always good to have a few as a backup... you never know when your little one might spitup or have a diaper accident.