Power Their Dreams: Racing with Heart and the 2016 Olympics

This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/P&G. Thanks for supporting The Next Kid Thing

Having just finished up an exciting summer packed with sports and outdoor fun, staying active is what keeps my boys busy and content. It’s such a luxury to have so many different youth sports available within our town and community. You name it, my boys probably play it, but it’s track and field that truly challenges both of my boys.

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Last year, both of my boys gave track and field try, and it was an exciting change to the other organized sports that are offered in our area. At just 8 years old, Biggie, is my uber competitive athlete who thrives on the thrill of any sport. Littles is my dreamer and uncoordinated daredevil. Because of Little’s unique medical needs, his seizure disorder left scarring on his brain where coordination originates. Needless to say, his drive outpaces his physical speed. Because of this, I love that both of my boys are able to harness their different athletic abilities and shine in their own way during our community track season.

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We often celebrate Bigs for his many achievements, including his recent completion of a kids’ triathlon. He swam, biked and ran his way to 2nd in his age group. Though competition was fierce, I caught myself as we cheered and overdid the competition aspect at times. I was reminded to check myself when I noticed a mom running along side of her 5 year old who was struggling to finish the running part of the race. At this age, these activities are all about trying new things and having fun, despite what the super competitive kids (and their equally driven parents) might say. I strive to be that mom running alongside of her kid, regardless of where they come in the race.

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No matter the sport, Littles is always alongside of us cheering for big brother. If his athletic ambitions match his drive, I know he’s going to shine in his own unique way. He will be the kid that gets out there and races his heart out every single time. Even though he was a bit young to compete, last year, Littles participated in a timed run. The coaches called the race, and they were off! Many of the kids were 3-4 years older than him, but my guy ran as fast as he could and finished the race with a beaming smile.

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If there’s anything I learn from having two totally opposite kids: it takes a lot of courage to get out there, it takes even more heart to finish a race.

And speaking of racing, we will be all eyes when decathlete Ashton Eaton has his chance to shine on August 17 during the Olympic Games. These athletes not only have one concentration, but 10 different events to compete and champion.

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And with these accolades and achievements we’ve been watching during The Olympics, I constantly stress to my guys that these athletes have worked multiple years to get to where they are today. Many athletes forgo traditional jobs to focus on training for their sport. By purchasing products from sponsors such as P&G, we’re able to help athletes such as Ashton Eaton race to the finish line or leap even higher.

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The hus is currently using the Gillette Fusion ProShield Razor with FlexBall Technology, which is one of the many P&G products that can be found at Walmart http://bit.ly/2aDcGeR  and supports Team USA. This razor’s FlexBall Technology helps with full contact to keep my husband’s beard trimmed and groomed. 


Whether it’s running a triathlon for fun or racing for Gold in The Olympics, I hope my kids learn that hard work and heart go a long way. Let’s power their dreams. Buy brands that support Team USA, such as P&G products at Walmart.

KidzVuz Back to School Bash

Heat wave aside, school lists and back to school bargains are starting to roll out! Thank goodness for our friends at KidzVuz, we had the chance to check out more back to school trends at their recent Back to School event.

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At KidzVuz’ events I love bringing along my bigger guy to help scope out all the cool stuff. This time around though, my guy was busy with summer sports, so I attended solo. Nevertheless, I met with so many great brands, two new brands had young spokespeople and entrepreneurs at the helm. 

 

LuckyBar

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LuckyBar protein bars was a product of a mom’s ingenuity. When one of her sons wasn’t eating much, she was elated when he ate a protein bar. Because of this, she wanted to share these bars with other families so that kids could enjoy a great tasting protein bar while placating a finicky palate. I absolutely enjoyed the Chocolate Campfire and it was no surprise that my own finicky eater devoured the LuckyBar sample I brought home. I had the chance to chat with the founder’s son, which I’ll share in another post.

Classroom Direct

 

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Back to school also means shopping for new supplies, not only for students, but for teachers, too! Classroom Direct is a one-stop online shop for teachers’ supplies, school supplies and other educational supplies. I loved learning that Classroom Direct has all kinds of learning resource supplies for teachers such as Common Core Curriculum kits and posters; classroom management tools such as, really cool timers, certificates and charts; and even gear and supplies for special needs students. I loved checking out the sensory animals stuffed with a beady-like material. They were a bit weighted, so toys like these double as tools for students with sensory issues. 

 

 

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Juicy Juice

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Never one to miss out on delicious snacks and treats, I loved that Juicy Juice was at the Kidz Vuz Back to School event. I loved having a chance to taste the Juicy Juice Splashers, which is a mix of filtered water and juice. Juicy Juice Splashers has 50% less sugar, no added sweeteners and definitely no high fructose corn syrup or unnecessary colors. Flavors in the Juicy Juice Splashers line up include: Berry Lemonade, Peach Mango and Tropical Twist. I had the Tropical Twist and couldn’t get enough.

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Zandra

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I have to say, meeting Zandra and testing out this young entrepreneur’s line of natural beauty products was probably the highlight of the KidzVuz Back to School event. I loved learning that she started her business after constantly asking her dad for new lip balm, and frustrated with buying her so many lip balms, he told her to research and make her own. And she did.

IMG 4383The fact that Zandra researched the benefits of natural ingredients and fragrances makes her products even better. Her big balms, sugar scrubs, soaps and lotions boast delicious scents such as: Almond Alfresco, Japanese Kumquat, Lavender Vanilla Chai, Lemon Tea Tree and For the Love of Mint. These products are currently available Be on the look out for Zandra’s Beauty Products at select retail locations and online because they are absolutely divine!

 

Philips 

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The Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush for kids is one of my all time favorite toothbrushes for my guys. The brush allows for personalization, as well as a powered, more efficient toothbrushing experience,  with upwards to 500 strokes per second. The built in timer is helpful, especially for those brushers who finish after 3 seconds of brushing. Need even more help to get the kids brushing their teeth with more care? There’s an app for that!

 

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Philips has an interactive app for kids to brush along with, to help them keep the task at hand while coaching and motivating them along the way. What’s even cooler? The Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush for kids has a super cool Ice Age themed brush to go hand in hand with the latest release of Collision Course. 

Mabel’s Labels

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As always, KidzVuz has such a fun swag bag filled with gear and gadgets to try out on our own to share on our sites. I love that Mabel’s Labels Write Away Labels found their way into the bags. These handy labels are durable labels that can be customized by you. These writeable, self-laminating labels are perfect for when you don’t necessarily need a singular name to label your belongings. I often use these for containers that my boys use interchangeably. 

Full Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I am being compensated to share my experience at the KidzVuz BTS Event, however all opinions on NKT are my own. 

Free Thank You Printable: You’re The Balm

School just ended and we had so many things to celebrate with our wonderful teachers. Littles had a lot of help with his transition into preschool. I was so grateful that these wonderful educators always take such great care of my boy. I felt we could go a bit further than a gift card or generic card. So, I combined some fairly inexpensive beauty items that I absolutely love with a catchy phrase, and voilá!

 I made a super easy thank you gift that conveyed my thanks for multiple teachers and aides who took care of my special needs preschooler all day.

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For this gift, I bought multiple flavors of EOS lip balm and lotions. I then bagged and added a ribbon and a tag. I really think the tag turned out super cute for something I whipped up in just a few minutes. End result: You’re the Balm thank you gifts! EOS balm and lotions can be found at Target and Bed Bath and Beyond. And when they’re on sale or if you have a coupon, it makes them that much sweeter.

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I noticed that there’s a few new flavors and loved being able to incorporate them into my gift. I definitely want to try the tangerine medicated lip balms for myself. As for the lotions? I can’t get over the easy to grab and portable packaging. The scents are fresh and sweet; the only thing about these lotions is that I’d love to see even more scents!

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And these You’re the Balm thank you gifts can be used beyond teacher gifts! I shared the printable on Facebook and my friend used it for her friend’s bachelorette and bridesmaid’s gifts. When it comes to giving small beauty gifts to show your gratitude, the possibilities are endless. And because I’m all about sharing the love, please download the printable here! If you do use it, don’t forget to Pin it or comment below or on Facebook and tell me how you used it!

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