There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. I have found that the love of books is the best of all. Since Kennedy was a baby Chris and I have made it a point to read to her daily from short stories, to novels, to interactive books... we read them all. Reading became essential in our home as it became a special time we came together as a family daily to just slow down and enjoy a good read!  is the gateway to learning anything you want to know and allows your imagination to sore. 6 years later and Kennedy is now reading to McKenna; which literally melts my heart. Shamefully most of the books that McKenna now loves were once Kennedy's and has yet to have any to call her own. And as Kennedy gets older and her reading capabilities grow making sure she has the best books I know is important. With so many new books being published all the time sifting through to see which ones are the best fit for her can be a challenge. Between cooking, filming, homeschooling, laundry, running errands and everything else in between sitting down and researching the best books for the girls just isn't realistic.

Thankfully, I stumbled upon Literati that does all the research for me. This monthly subscription based service creates curated boxes for children 0-12 years old by a dedicated team of experts to send your children the best books for their age. Your children will find vibrant stories, unforgettable characters, magical themed experiences that will be sure to engage even the most relunctant of readers. 

For just $10 a month the box includes 5 age-appropriate books, original art, personalized book accessories and much more. One of the best parts about the subscription service is you have the ability to just keep the ones you love and send the rest back; only paying for what you keep at prices that are lower than Amazon. (sayyy what?!?!) But I doubt you will send any back as I have loved everything we have received for both girls. To sign up now and receive 25% click HERE. 

Hope you enjoyed this LIFE HACK for the week. Your time is precious let the experts do the work for you while you enjoy being present with your children. :) 

Until next time stay sane and chic, 

Lauren 

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of CeraVe

Do you or your baby have sensitive skin? If yes then read on! 

I have always had super sensitive skin and it was enviable that my girls would too. So when Kennedy was diagnosed with eczema as a baby it was no surprise. Thankfully, I was able to find something that really worked for her skin and kept her flare ups to a minimum. Now she is 6 years old and has grown out of it but she is still super picky when it comes to her skincare even more than me. Now, when I had McKenna Reign I did not know what to expect when it came to her skin so I initially bought a few different brands. Unfortunately, nothing that I bought really worked for her skin. Overtime her skin became anything but baby smooth. When I came across CeraVe's baby skincare line I could not wait to try it. It has so many beneficial ingredients in it including but not limited to ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, dimethicone and vitamins. With just using it for a week McKenna's skin is not only super hydrated but it's now baby smooth. I could not be happier and I can tell she is too. 

And what is even better is their adult line is just as great. Most of the time I never put lotion on my legs after shaving because everything makes my skin itch or become super irritated. When I tried it I was actually shocked that it felt good on my legs and kept them moisturized. Hubby is definitely happy about that! What is even better is the line is super affordable; you don't have to spend hundreds to achieve moisturized beautiful skin. Now that is a win in my book. 

Two awesome products to try:

Hydrating Facial Cleanser: A super hydrating cleanser that cleans even the toughest of makeup yet gentle enough for sensitive skin. It will continue to hydrate for up to 24 hours. 

Daily Moisturizing Lotion: This lightweight oil free moisturizer is not only gentle, non-greasy but locks in moisture for 24 hours. And it won't even clog pores. 

3 products for baby to try:

Baby Wash & Shampoo:This all in one wash is perfect for baby it is tear free, gentle and hydrating all at the sametime. It will leave baby's skin fresh and clean. 

Baby Moisturizing Lotion: This lotion not only hydrates baby's skin but maintains it for 24 hours. It is both paraben and fragrance free. 

Baby healing Ointment: This ointment is like no other it actually prevents diaper rash and keeps skin super hydrated. And if baby does have a rash it will be gone super quick thanks to the key ingredients in it including ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

BEAUTY TIP OF THE DAY: Just because a product on the market is expensive does not mean it's worth it or that it will work. 

Kennedy has been asking forever to go to Chuck E. Cheese and we finally went for Rancho Cucamungo's Grand Re-Opening and much to my surprise it has really improved since I have been there. It is funny how life comes full circle because my memory of this place was when I worked there when I was 16 (at the Kent, WA location). I was the party host that made sure the parties ran smoothly while thankfully never having to be Chuck E. lol. Anyways, Chris and I were both happy to see that there has been some major changes and improvements to a classic place for kids to go and just be a kid as they would say! First of all the FOOD is great; the pizza is now made fresh in house with tons of dietary options and being that it is an open kitchen concept kids can watch how the pizza gets made. They also have an unlimited salad bar which is where I was most the evening. The AMBIENCE has also greatly improved its appearance as it has more of a modern feel; showcasing warm wood, neutral tones and streamlined graphics creating a truly welcoming environment that is great for the WHOLE family.

Of course as soon as we walked in Kennedy immediately noticed the light up dance floor and ran straight for it. This is now where they do birthday party shows and hourly dance parties that gives all the kids more space to jump around and have fun. And last but not least I am loving that they have decided to offer "ALL YOU CAN PLAY". Kennedy got to play unlimited for two hours of non-stop fun she was definitely in her seventh heaven. This made it way easier than constantly keeping track of coins and always having to get more when you would run out. All she had to do was scan her wristband and the games would start! 

I would definitely recommend bringing your kids here for an afternoon of endless fun! And who knows you might end up having fun too I know Chris and I both did. So what are you waiting for book your next party at CHUCK E. CHEESE. #sponsored

Xoxo,

Lauren 

Can you believe Christmas is only a month away? Where does the time go? As a mom we always want to give our kids the best jumpstart in life and it all starts with the learning at home. When our children are very young we automatically buy our children all the learning toys but as they get older it is easy to get side tracked with ones that are less educational. That is why I am making it a point this holiday season to tell you about Learning Resources. They are a leader in hands on educational products that have been trusted by teachers, parents and children for over 30 years. I am still putting together Kennedy's Christmas list and narrowing it down but one thing is for sure is that I wanted to give her the gift of learning. She is at the most crucial age for learning and knowing that means that every opportunity can be a learning one even when it comes to toys.

Check out the latest ones we are loving:

Coding Critters Rumble & Bumble:  This one is probably my favorite as I love the fact it is teaching her about coding 100% screen-free! By using the storybook coding challenges you can make the Critters come to life. Kennedy loved learning how to make Rumble chase down the boulder from his volcano and she could even make them play hide and seek. She even created her own code games by using the play set and made Dino dance and sing a silly song! I love the fact not only is she learning but she is truly having fun.

ABC Party Cupcake Toppers: Who doesn't love learning their ABC's in a fun way. This set helps children master beginning sounds, build their vocabulary skills and much more. Kennedy at this point already knows her ABC's but what she is working on is learning the sounds of each letter and how to spell two to three letter words. Since she loves her kitchen set and of course baking this made for the perfect addition to her collection these cupcakes double as a learning set and cupcakes to use in the kitchen. What is even better is the 52 toppers can be stored inside the cupcakes making for super easy cleanup. Now what mom doesn't love that? 

So join in with me and let's give our children the gift of learning this holiday season! 

xoxo, 

KTS