When we asked our kids what they'd like to do for our summer vacation, the answer was unanimously "LegoLand!!!". This was our second time as a family visiting the park, and we all had a great time.  If you're looking to go with your family, I have a few more tips we've learned through our visits to make the most of the time you have there.

1. Save on your tickets.  Tickets can be expensive if you have a family going, but there are ways to save.  You can buy your tickets online ahead of time to save some money, as well as time as you don't have to wait in the ticket line.  Or, there are coupons that circulate throughout the year, like "buy an adult ticket get a child ticket free".  They are sometimes on food products, in flyers, on mini figure packs in Target, etc.  You can also order discounted tickets from Costco.

2. Purchase parking ahead of time online to save $2.

3. Pack your lunch, snacks, and drinks.  You don't have to do this, but the food and drinks are expensive, so if you'd like to save some money I would suggest doing this.  You can pack the food and even place in a locker at the front of the park until you need it.  However, be aware coolers are only allowed in a small size, the larger coolers are not allowed.

4.  On some rides you will get wet, so you may want to bring a poncho, water shoes, etc.  Also, if you go to the water park, you will definitely need swim suits.  We didn't go to the water park this time, but last time we did and the kids absolutely LOVED it.  This time, they wanted to be sure to do all the rides they could, so we stayed in the main park.

9.  Check out the water park!  If you do go, you can easily spend a LOT of time there, so some people like to save a whole day just for the water park.  It definitely has things for all ages.

10. Don't forget to walk through Mini Land.  My kids always love looking at the Lego creations.

Use UPC code 9916359823 to play this new Dunkin’ Bingo Instant Win Game! They’ll be giving away a 56,160 FREE $5 Dunkin’ gift cards! There will be one winner every minute, so hopefully a ton of Mommy of 2 Embracing Life winners! Come back daily through August 31st to see if you’re a winner. Limit 3 gift card prizes per person. Good luck! 

We recently got a Boneco Air Purifier P400 and I am so excited to share with you all about this product.  If you or anyone in your household struggles with allergies, asthma, poor sleep, etc., this could be a game changer for you.  My 3 kids share a room, 2 of whom have allergies, and 1 has asthma, and having this air purifier in their room has really helped.  I noticed the first night an improvement in the stuffy nose of 1 child and coughing in the other.  

With all the allergens and pollution in the air and environment, it can be even worse inside your house.  The reason for this is that most homes do not have much ventilation; at least not like the outdoor environment.  Because of this, homes trap particles like dust, which become magnets for bacteria and viruses, which can all cause major trouble for those with reactive airways.  The allergy air filter helps to filter out the allergens, dust, pollen, viruses, dander, smoke and odors from the air.  The filter contains a HEPA filter and active carbon.  It is quiet, especially on the lower modes, and I don't even notice it running.  The fan has 5 different speeds to choose from.

I also love how the backside of the purifier has a spot where you can add fragrance such as essential oils.  The pre-filter can be cleaned by either vacuuming or washing and allowing to dry.  This keeps out larger particles to allow the inside filter to last longer.  The filter inside is very easy to change out.  The front cover opens up and allows you to remove the old one and insert the new one.  The filter indicator light will come on when it is time to change them out.

As you can see in the pictures, the slim design allows it to fit nicely in any room with any decor, all without taking up too much space.  It can provide immediate relief for those with allergies, and can really improve the air quality of any home.  I highly suggest you check out the Boneco Air Purifier.  You can read more about it on their website here, and make the investment to improve your home's air quality.  You won't regret it.

*Sponsored Post

We recently had our driveway and side pavers cleaned and sealed by Forever Sealed, and we are thrilled with the results.  Not only does it look 1000% better right now, but the sealant they use to seal it will keep it looking that way for years to come with little maintenance.  They also offer a 25 year warranty to give you an idea of how long this will last.  

Initially, I met the Tampa owner, Curt.  He was very knowledgable and friendly and came out and gave me a free estimate in under 20 minutes, as well as explained the process they use.  Curt and Don were very prompt, professional, courteous, hard working and friendly.  It was a 2 day process, because everything had to have a day to dry out before the sealant was put on.

Side Pavers

With 3 kids with allergies, asthma and respiratory issues, I've been researching natural ways to help alleviate their symptoms, especially when they get respiratory infections and sinus infections.  I kept coming across salt therapy and all the many benefits, but couldn't afford to go to salt rooms as often as my kids would need it.  Then I discovered the AirSalter by Healovation and it was exactly what I was looking for as a way to combat these issues from home on a daily basis.  

Since we've started using it nightly, I've noticed a reduction in their symptoms.  My daughter also had a cold that usually settles in her chest, but with using the AirSalter, she was able to clear the cold quickly without a secondary infection settling in.  On their website, you can find all sorts of articles on research that's been done showing the benefits of Halotherapy.  Here are just some of the issues it can help with:

The saline solution is sourced from the Dead Sea, which is one of the saltiest bodies of water. However, it only contains 12-18% sodium chloride.  The rest is a high concentration of minerals that help to cleanse and detoxify.  That's why it is so beneficial for common ailments as it provides hydration and reduces inflammation. 

The kit comes with:

• The AirSalter™ Device
• Adult-Size Face Mask
• Child-Size Face Mask
• Mouth Pipe
• USB Wall Charger
• USB to Micro-USB Cable
• Travel Case
• Instruction Manual
• Bottle of Dead Sea Saline Solution (4 FL OZ) – Good For Up To 60 Sessions

If you or anyone in your family struggles with any of the conditions listed above, I highly recommend checking out the AirSalter.  It's truly a unique product that I have not been able to find anywhere else.  You can get your own from Healovation here.  Plus right now it is $20 off the original price if you use my link above and coupon code SPECIAL20 at checkout. 

Last year, I used H&R Block for the first time, and was so impressed with the ease of filing taxes, but also the assurance I got with H&R Block's Tax Pro Review.  Their tax professionals will review, sign and e-file your taxes, so you know everything is double checked, officially signed, and you are getting your biggest refund possible.  The professional I worked with was prompt in responding to any questions I had, and it made all the difference knowing my return had been professionally reviewed.

The average amount of experience that these tax pros have is 15 years.  I also liked how you can have private, protected conversations with your professional through a messenger type correspondence, and you don't ever have to step foot in an office.  You communicate on your time and schedule.  Even if you have a really complex tax situation, they have all forms available and the experience to help you get it done right.

I also love how H&R Block has Price Preview so there's transparency in the pricing and no surprises, from start to finish.  There will be no confusion over the cost when you get to checkout.  Also, they offer the option to have your payment deducted from your return, so essentially you pay no money out of pocket for the services.   You can check your refund status online in real time.   They can also do direct deposit so the refund is in your bank account in as short of a time as possible. 
 
For tax filing season, I've been so impressed with H&R Block and the professional services they offer.  I highly recommend you check out the Tax Pro Review for the confidence and peace of mind in filing your taxes this year.

You CAN Remineralize Your Teeth Naturally!

Whether you're an adult trying to avoid that filling of a cavity (or 10), or you have a child with weak enamel and you're trying to save their teeth, don't loose hope! You can do this at home naturally.  I have successfully healed my sons cavities with natural products, as have many others, and I'm here to share what worked for us.
 Step 1: Cell Salts
The number one thing that has helped the most, is the use of homeopathic cell salts.  I will list the ones below that we used, and why they help.  Within a few days, my sons pain was drastically reduced, and with time, the dentist confirmed he no longer needed fillings.  I believe this was what helped the most.  

​Cell salts were discovered by Dr. Wilhelm Heinrich Schuessler, a German doctor, in the late 1800s. He discovered 12 mineral salts in the ash residue of human cells. He theorized that many diseases and maladies were actually caused by mineral imbalances within the body (a lack of these necessary minerals), and the body would be brought back into balance by using these cell salts over a period of time.

​These 12 minerals are essential to our bodies. They are given in homeopathic form and work at the cellular level (“cell” salts). They are absorbed by your mucous membranes and not the digestive system, which is often faulty and has trouble with absorption.
​

Step 2: Stop Using Fluoride 

All your life you've been taught fluoride is what helps prevent cavities.  However, it is a powerful neurotoxin that causes more damage and does nothing to protect your teeth.  Here are some remineralizing toothpaste options that will help to remineralize, decrease cavities, and prevent future decay.  If you click on the name of the product it will take you to Amazon where you can read more about them and see customer reviews.

Step 3: Add in Cod Liver Oil 
​It is recommended to get your nutrition from food, but since that is often difficult to do, the easy way to start is to use a cod liver oil supplement. The Vitamin A content is very high in liver in general, and cod liver oil provides much needed vitamin D as well.  Both of these help in supporting healthy teeth and bones, and as an added benefit they also help boost the immune system.  Parents used to give their kids a spoon full of Cod Liver Oil every day, and this is why.  Turns out they were on to something.  For those of you who struggle to get down the fishy taste, I highly recommend these chewables.  My kids ask for them, and have no problem taking them, when I used to try and try with the oil and just could not get it in them

And that's it, with implementing those 3 steps, we were able to reverse cavities in my 8 year old.  There are other things you can add in too if this alone doesn't work, but for us, it really worked!  Does anyone else have experience remineralizing your teeth naturally without dental procedures?  I'd love to hear what worked for you!

If you are looking in to plastic surgery for whatever reason, did you know there are non-surgical alternatives out there?  I will list a few below, that can offer benefits like less down time, less money, and non invasive options.

1. Non surgical Nose Job Did you know you can get the effects of a nose job in 5-10 minutes by adding volume with injectable fillers?  It can camouflage small humps and bumps, raise a flat bridge, fill indents,  make your nose more symmetrical, etc. It's also a great option to look into if you want a more temporary option, as it would need to be repeated around 6 months to 2 years.
2. Laser Hair Removal This process uses targeted lasers to reduce the growth of the hair folicle permanently.  The more sessions results in more of the follicles being targeted for lasting permanent results.  
3. Microdermabrasion This is basically an intense exfoliation that removes the top superficial layer of cells to reveal clearer skin.  Doing this regularly can keep your skin more healthy, hydrated, clearer, and keep away wrinkles.
4. Botox Botox uses botulinum toxins injected typically into the face to temporarily paralyze the muscles that cause wrinkles and fine lines.  Each procedure typically lasts a few weeks to a few months.
5. Chemical Peels This is a great option to instantly revitalize your skin and help with dark spots, acne, wrinkles and sun spots.  The solution reacts with your skin and causes it to shed the top layer.  Underneath will be fresh, beautiful, less wrinkled skin.
6. Cool Sculpting This method can reduce visible body fat by 20% and uses crolipolysis to eliminate fat cells underneath the skin.  It's painless, fast, and you see results in under 3 weeks after treatment.

With new technology comes new ways you can now essentially get whole body plastic surgery, without even needing surgery. 
​

As someone who has struggled since college with insomnia, this is a topic I found myself googling often.  I needed to find ways to get better sleep, because now, with 3 young kids, not sleeping is not an option.  If I want to keep up with them during the day, I need my sleep at night!  Here are some tips I've found along the way that help me get sleep.

No caffeine after 12 (noon).  I know this is earlier than most people need to stop, but for me, if I keep sipping my coffee past 12, it will be very hard for me to get to sleep.

Try to keep a consistent bed time schedule.  I know it's not always possible to go to sleep at the same time every night, but when you can try to keep it more consistent, your body will start to recognize ok, this is bed time, and will cooperate a little better.

I like running a white noise sound machine when I sleep because not only does it block out the sounds my snoring husband makes, but it is also soothing and helps me sleep more soundly.  Now this one is not for everyone, some people it seems to make it harder for them to sleep.  But for me, it definitely helps.

Here is one that is hard for most, no screens 2 hours before bed.  Instead, try reading a book, or journaling, or something else relaxing.  The blue light from the screens signal to your body that it's day time and makes it hard for you to produce natural melatonin needed to make you sleepy.  If you simply MUST check emails and Facebook before bed, get some blue light blocking glasses.

Sleep in a comfortable bed.  Ok, this may seem like a no brainer, but if you're sleeping on an old mattress that doesn't support your body, and toss and turn all night because your uncomfortable, then it may  be time to look into getting a better mattress like this memory foam mattress. 

Anything that helps you relax before bed is going to help calm your mind and body and help you get better sleep.  For me, that's a relaxing bath with epsom salt and sometimes lavender essential oils.  The epsom salt can soothe muscle aches and pains as well as detox and help your body to relax.  It also supplies your body with topical magnesium (which is what epsom salt is) that plays a part in the relaxation capabilities of epsom salt.

Which leads me to the next thing that really helps me, is make sure you're getting adequate magnesium.  Most people are deficient, and magnesium helps promote relaxation.  I like to take Magnesium Glycinate before bed, and Magnesium Malate during the day.

When all these lifestyle choices fail, and you still can't seem to doze off, I use liquid melatonin drops.  The pills don't seem to work as well, but the liquid works well and fast.  Usually within 30 minutes I'm asleep.  But don't take it until your ready to start trying to get to sleep.  Otherwise it doesn't seem to work as well.

Also, when I've had caffeine before bed, or been on my phone, and I feel so awake and KNOW it's going to be hard to get to sleep, then I will take 1/4 to 1/2 of a Unisom.  Not the kind made from the ingredients of Benadryl, but the kind with doxylamine succinate.  This has been something that has yet to fail to help me get a full night's sleep, but I try not to use it nightly or I become dependent on it and can't sleep without it.

Some of these things may take time to help break the cycle of insomnia, but if you start implementing them, you will be on your way to sleeping better every night and waking more refreshed and energized.