Potty Perserverance and a Cool App

Posted by PapiBlogger on Monday May 20th, 2013 at 08:05 PM

As my co-dad blogger in chief, Octavio, mentioned in his previous posts, having perseverance is a MUST in successful potty training. This holds true even if there’s regression and you experience set-backs. Regression is normal. Four million toddlers will embark on potty training each year. Hispanic moms & dads often feel pressure from friends and family to potty train their child as early as possible but don’t understand the process so they stop once setbacks occur. We shouldn’t get mad at our child. It can happen that your child reverts at a moment of stress. If at that time he cannot control his urine, he will most likely revert so he/she can advance later on.

Don’t give up! You’re not the only one. I felt relieved when I received a package from Pull-ups that included a softee potty seat, pull-ups training pants, flushable wipes, activity sheets, stickers, and party hats. I mean, talk about encouragement in a box. This also helped my daughter and I celebrate milestones, because every try deserves a little celebration. It is normal to feel discouraged, so having the support of a brand and the Latino blogging community during this process has been extremely beneficial. Speaking of beneficial things, I must say technology can help in all areas of life–even potty training! I know, it sounds nuts but you have to check out the Pull Ups Big Kid App (http://www.pull-ups.com/na/app.aspx). The Pull-Ups app actually makes taking potty breaks even easier by providing your child with games, tips, tools, and more. Plus, this app will bring your child’s favorite Disney characters to life ( Briani’s favorite movie is Monsters Inc., so this was perfect for her).

The main conclusion of my own potty chronicles and that of Octavio’s is to persevere and you will succeed. After all, when have you seen a 12 year old that doesn’t know how to use the potty by himself? Exactly, it’s rare..so keep on doing what you’re doing. You WILL get there. Download the app for extra help..and entertainment. And remember: celebrate their first, second and every time they go to the bathroom… because when you least expect it, they’ll succeed.

For more tips about Potty Training your children, stay connected to Pull-Ups by visiting them on
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pullups
To learn more about Pull-Ups and check out the video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCS-fQU0Tcc

This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Pull Ups. However, all opinions expressed are my own.


PAPIBLOGGER GIVEAWAY!!!
READERS: Comment with YOUR best potty training tip for a chance to win:
o Pull-Ups training pants; preferred size and gender
o Flushable wipes
o Disney softee toilet seat; preferred gender

Facebook followers:
Like the Pull-Ups FB page: http://www.facebook.com/pullups
Tweet about the giveaway using the #EveryFlush hashtag

Posted in Parenting Tricks | No Comments »

RE-SCHEDULED: PapiBlogger & Friends Somos Verizon FiOS “The Kings Are Back” Twitter Party

Posted by PapiBlogger on Tuesday May 14th, 2013 at 04:51 PM

( Para espanol, haga clic aquí)

Out of respect for all of those affected by the storms in Oklahoma, we will be postponing the May 22 “The Kings Are Back” Twitter Party until June 6th.

I’ve always been a fan of service providers that can guarantee me fast, reliable Internet and unbeatable TV picture quality. Which is why Verizon FiOS is at the top of the list, especially because they deliver 100% fiber optics straight to my door. But it’s not just about the picture quality; it’s also about delivering great content. That’s exactly what Verizon FiOS aims to do by being the provider with the most Spanish language channels. As if that wasn’t enough to make me a fan, they’ve added additional soccer channels to the list!

They added beIN SPORT, and beIN SPORT HD en Español, both multi-platform sports destinations that will bring the passionate fan, like me, all the live game action, news and analysis of the top leagues around the planet. If you’re a soccer fan, or just a sports and tech fan in general (I mean, who doesn’t love Pele!?), come join us on Wednesday, May 22 for “The Kings Are Back” Twitter Party. The prizes are pure GOL!

Twitter Party Date & Time

Wednesday, June 6, 2013 9 pm (EST) / 8 pm (CST) / 7 pm (MST) / 6 pm (PST)

Twitter Party Hashtag

#SomosFiOS

Blogger Panel

Moderator:

  • @papiblogger

Co-hosts you must follow:

Prizes (Winners will be selected at random, for a total of five winners. You must RSVP below to qualify. See complete rules here )

  • Franklin MLS X-Ramp Pro 2-in-1 Soccer Trainer ($58.42)
  • MacGregor Multi-color Soccer Prism Pack ($64.98)
  • Brandi Chastain Autographed Jersey ($153.99)
  • Sceptre E245BV-FHD 24″ 1080p 60Hz Class LED (1.81″ ultra-slim) Full HDTV ($177.50)
  • Pele Autographed Soccer Ball ($588.98)

Stay Connected!Make sure you follow @SomosFiOS and Like them on Facebook for the latest updates and Twitter Party prize hints!


 

About Verizon FiOS
Verizon FiOS, an all-fiber-optic-based network that delivers America’s fastest, most consistent, and most reliable broadband connection, as well as TV service with HD picture quality that tops cable in customer satisfaction, offers home communications (Internet, telephone and television) service in parts of 12 states and the District of Columbia.
Verizon has received top ratings in major studies and from a leading national consumer magazine among cable television and Internet service providers. With bundles available to suit your needs, FiOS TV offers over 575 channels, including more than 160 HD channels. The FiOS network of Verizon surpassed 17.4 million premises as of the end of the third quarter of last year.
At the end of the fourth quarter of last year, the company had a total of 5 million FiOS Internet customers and 4 million FiOS TV customers. FiOS Internet penetration reached 37.3% at the end of the fourth quarter of last year. In the same period, FiOS TV penetration reached 33.3%.
 
About beIN SPORT
beIN SPORT, the English-language 24/7 international sports network, and beIN SPORT en Español are the multi-platform sports destinations that bring to the passionate fan all the live game action, news and analysis of the top leagues around the planet, as well as exclusive and never-available-before content. From American, European and Latin American live games to general sports news and in-depth analysis, beIN SPORT guarantees first-row access to top leagues and major sports properties through TV, online and mobile platforms with games that can’t be seen on any other channel. For more information, please visit www.beinsport.tv and follow us on Twitter @beINSPORTUSA for breaking news and real-time updates.

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Posted in Product Reviews, Contests & Giveaways, Twitter Parties | 3 Comments »

Sony stores reboot with engaging, airy redesign

Posted by PapiBlogger on Thursday May 2nd, 2013 at 08:36 PM
We were recently invited to the newly redesigned Sony Store in Miami, and we really love the new layout which offers customers an opportunity to explore the best of Sony all in one place.

 

As part of a national relaunch of the stores, Sony has designed the stores to look and feel more open, accessible and modular than ever before.
We also liked how products are organized with their complete selection of accessories. Video cameras, lights, lenses and other accessories can all be found in the same exact location which makes it super easy for people to test and try their favorite Sony products.
One of the cool features of the new store is that it includes fixtures and sections that can be reconfigured in different ways to change the look of the store.
Overall the newly redesigned stores offer an exciting, interactive and entertaining shopping experience.

 

The only downside to the store redesign is that the products now look even more tempting to purchase than before.
 I received a Sony NEX-3 camera free of charge by the the company to take the photos that were included in this post. All opinions expressed are mine.

Posted in Product Reviews, Contests & Giveaways | No Comments »

How to strike the balance between Softness and Strength in Parenting

Posted by PapiBlogger on Monday April 29th, 2013 at 09:35 PM

The thing about being a parent is that children don’t come with instruction books and most of them are so unique that anything you learn with one you almost have to relearn with another.  As a dad – and someone who is by nature both laid back and decisive – I find that understanding when to be soft and when to be strong with my children is very difficult.

The other day I was reminded of this parenting dilemma when my son came back with a report card that just plain stunk to put it mildly.  My son Jonathan, now 13, is entering those puberty filled emotional days when everything revolves around him so when I saw his report card I was forced to calibrate my response. 

Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted in Keeping it Real | No Comments »

Being a Father of Four… is what makes me 2x stronger! #AngelSoft

Posted by PapiBlogger on Sunday April 21st, 2013 at 08:30 AM

If ever there were a cliche that rings true for me as a father of four it’s the one that  says “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”

I don’t know what kind of person I would be without children but I know that being a father has made me twice as strong, efficient and wiser than I would have been without kids.

One of the most interesting ways that having this many kids has had on my life is that it’s forced me to be creative about how I manage EVERY part of my life and work.  For example, on a personal level, I have learned to accept that no two days are ever going to be alike.  Sometimes all the kids seemed to be magically in sync and cooperative, and on other days they are fussy with each other and/or with me and no amount of discipline seems to make a difference.

The biggest challenge my wife and I face has to do with how we manage our businesses and our family.  I wish we had a magic wand for this but there isn’t one.  The way we manage both is simply by being very flexible with each other and by using our time and resources very creatively.  Managing a household full of children means I may schedule meetings a little later in the morning than most people do, or that we make a dinner meeting conditional on bringing one or two of the younger children whenever a babysitter is not available.  If one of the kids has to go to the doctor, well, that won’t be easy on our schedule but my wife an I deal with it as best we could by moving our schedules around.

All in all, being a father of four and a business owner has made me twice as strong and better at both tasks.  I have learned to be more efficient with my time and to live a more organized life (believe it or not).  I may have to plan ahead anticipating what morning pitfalls may occur but knowing this is normal makes the adjustments that constantly have to be made less stressful.  Despite the many personal sacrifices and hard work of it all I wouldn’t trade having my four children for anything else in the world because they have made me 2x stronger than if I never had them.

What was the last challenge you overcame? What has made you made stronger? Share your comments with me about your personal experience that made you 2x stronger. In addition to sharing your comments, our friends at Angel Soft want to make you 2x stronger – one lucky PapiBlogger reader will receive one Angel Soft product pack and a (1) $25 Target gift card and one (1) Angel Soft 2x Stronger pack with 4 rolls (Valued at $1.99).  To be eligible, please leave a comment about a recent challenge that you overcame that made you 2x stronger. One winner will be selected at random via random.org.

To learn more about how Angel Soft is 2X stronger, visit their Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/AngelSoftLatino. Or, follow Angel Soft Latino on Twitter:@AngelSoftLatino.  

Have a shopping trip planned? Purchase, Angel Soft 2x Stronger!Grab the coupon! Click on http://angelsoft.com/#/coupon

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Angel Soft.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Posted in Keeping it Real, Parenting Tricks | 5 Comments »

Potty Odessy Part Dos and some great tips from Dr. Andres Cotton and Jeannette Kaplun

Posted by PapiBlogger on Monday April 1st, 2013 at 10:56 AM

In my last post about potty training Jacob, I didn’t emphasize enough how important it is to make potty training a family affair. Imagine, if abuela takes Jacob for the weekend, she must implement the same rules and training tips we’ve been using with Jacob. Same with a nanny or daycare professional, or even babysitter or aunts. Everyone must be on the same page so the child doesn’t become confused and gets used to his routine.

Dr. Alberto Andres Cotton is a well-respected Miami based pediatrician with 17 years of experience. Dr. Cotton has dedicated his career to the well-being of children, as well as providing Hispanic mothers with the right information to give the best care. Dr. Andres Cotton has teamed up with the Pull-Ups® Every Flush program to share his expertise with Hispanic moms by offering tips and advice that challenge some of the preconceived notions of potty training.

During the #EveryFlush Pull-Ups Teleconference that I participated in last week, I learned quiet a few tips about engaging and educating friends and family about training pants, the process and the fun rituals that make sticking with the process easier.

Jeannette Kaplun is an award-winning journalist and internationally recognized parenting expert, has over 17 years of experience on TV, radio, online media and as a published author and conference speaker.

The #EveryFlush Teleconference answered some questions that I myself have wondered about. For example, ” At what age should I start to worry that my kid is not yet potty trained? Dr. Cotton answered, that there is no age to worry in particular. There is no adult that wets the bed. What does it mean that potty training deals with maturity? Because it has to do with maturity. For example, we cannot ask a 5-month-old baby to walk or talk because they are not mentally prepared. Well. This is similar to potty training. If the child is not mentally ready, they will not be able to go to the restroom even if you persist or if the daycare tells you they should be ready. They will not have control over it. You cannot force it upon your child either his mind, nervous system, and/or bladder is not ready. Also, something I often pondered before buying training pants was when to make the switch from diapers to training pants? To underwear? Dr. Cotton said that when the child is able to go to the restroom, stage 2. The child asks to go to the restroom and uses it without a problem. At that point it is easier for the American Pediatrics Association to say the child is ready because he/she can pull their underwear and it is more comfortable than putting on and taking off diapers. You waste more time with diapers.
Have you ever wondered about the chances of all your hard potty-training work becoming irrelevant if your child regresses? Well, Dr. Cotton also addressed this issue during the teleconference. He said regression is very normal. We shouldn’t get mad at our child. It can happen that your child reverts at a moment of stress. If at that time he cannot control his urine, he will most likely revert so he/she can advance later on.

Ever felt on the verge of giving up? You’re not the only one! I felt relieved when a blogger asked “Did you ever feel like giving up on your potty training endeavors? What made you kept going? How did you keep your sanity?” I can personally say I have felt like giving up..but this teleconference and talking to other Latino Dads and Moms about my personal proccess made me realize it was normal to experience set-backs, important to get family involved, and that there is no certain age where you should feel the child is “too old” and should have learned by now. Every child is different and as long as he isn’t 11 and still using diapers, I think we are good and need to keep on trying! For more tips about Potty Training your children, stay connected to Pull-Ups by visiting them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pullups to learn more about Pull-Ups and check out the video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCS-fQU0Tcc   This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Pull Ups.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Posted in Parenting Tricks | No Comments »

Potty Odyssey

Posted by PapiBlogger on Monday March 4th, 2013 at 07:23 PM

Recently, a friend called me and said he had great news, that after 4 and a half years of buying diapers, his youngest was finally potty trained.  His joy was multi-facetted: First, was monetary—no more spending on dippers.  Second, he was glad to not have to change another dirty diaper again (he has a weak stomach).  And third, was gaining back some time because his daughter was more independent. Of course, every parents dream is to have a child that is potty trained by 2 years old, but you can’t rush a child.  It is estimated that about four million toddlers start potty training each year, that means that there are about 12 million opinions of how to do it because in Latino families, everyone has an opinion. My son Jacob is turning two and a half in April and there are indications that he is ready to be potty trained, but I didn’t know where to start.  Luckily I have the opportunity to be part of (don’t laugh but there aren’t that many Latino Daddy bloggers) “Mardinas del Bano” campaigned aimed at helping Latino families navigate the path to potty training with information and resources to make it less painful for both parents and child. From what I have read, Jacob is at the perfect time to start training because, according to pull-ups.com, your child is already when they show some of these signs:

  • Your child can stay dry for two hours at a time during the day or is dry after a nap.
  • Your child is uncomfortable with soiled diapers and wants them changed. (pronto!)
  • Your child shows increasing interest in the bathroom.
  • Your child’s b.m.’s are regular and predictable.
  • Your child wants to wear Big Kid® pants.
  • Your child can indicate by words, facial expression or body language that he or she is about to go.
  • Your child can follow simple verbal directions.

Jacob is definitely exhibiting item one and two from above.  The third item is not so clear.  Here is what I mean; I can’t go to the bathroom in peace!  If I lock the doors, Jacob stands at the door toggling the handle and screaming Da Da…  If I don’t lock the door, then he comes in and hangs out until I am done.  This is ok when I only have to pee, but sitting down is an entirely different matter.  Most Dads might agree, that this was usually my only “alone” time, not it is share time.  But children learn from example, and I chock this up to a learning opportunity and bear it. I have further read that potty training doesn’t have to be a pain and can in fact be fun.  Jacob definitely learns faster when a chore or task is masked in “fun-time” verse “work-time.”  He also appreciates being rewarded for a job well done; whether it is a simple “good job” or high-five to a sticker or cookie.  The idea is to celebrate every attempt, even the failures. If you know of any other parents getting ready to start potty training, encourage them to visit www.facebook.com/pullups to learn more about Pull-Ups and the resources they can provide. Jacob also loves using a tablet and seems more proficient at it than me, so I am excited to incorporate a new mobile app from Pull-Ups® that provides guidance with potty training and yet make it fun for Jacob.  The dream of watching videos while using the bathroom has finally arrived—every man’s dream. The major thing I’m preparing for is being patient.  It is easy to try to rush the situation or to get frustrated because after a few attempt the child has an “accident.”  The first thing will be to get him to start using pull-ups, since it will be the first “sign” that he is transitioning.  And that is what he has to learn, that it is time to transition from “baby” to “big boy.” Stand by for more updates and any tips I learn along the way.


This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Pull Ups.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Posted in Product Reviews, Contests & Giveaways | No Comments »

Letterman’s Hilarious Top 10 List of Department Store Santa Pet Peeves

Posted by PapiBlogger on Wednesday December 19th, 2012 at 12:41 AM
10. No time off for Hanukkah
9. Dumb people think I’m Kenny Rogers
8. Whenever triplets show up, I have to snap on a third knee
7. January through November
6. One year, Macy’s tried to pay me in cologne
5. Restless Beard Syndrome
4. Parents, you’re in line for 40 minutes – maybe you have time to learn how to operate your cameras
3. Lap Rash
2. Pretending to be jolly gets old pretty fast
1. How come no one ever asks what I want for Christmas
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Posted in The Way Things Are | 1 Comment »

7 Thoughts on the Sandy Hook Elementary Murders

Posted by PapiBlogger on Saturday December 15th, 2012 at 11:19 AM

Evil incarnate: Sandy Hook Elementary reminds us that like the genocide in Rwanda, skeletons of which are pictured here, evil really exists. Let’s not mince words. (Photo by Manny Ruiz)

BY MANNY RUIZ (@MannyRuiz)

1. The Sandy Hook murders were plain and simple EVIL.  Yes, it may well be that Sandy Hook murderer Adam Lanza had a history of mental issues, Dyslexia or whatever will soon be psychologically attributed to him but the Sandy Hook murders – like all murders committed throughout history – were EVIL.  They need to be labeled as such.  When hundreds of thousands of Nazis systematically exterminated 6 million Jews that was EVIL.  When nearly 1 million Rwandans were raped and murdered during a 90-day gun-and-machete killing spree in the 90s that was EVIL.  Columbine, the Colorado movie theater rampage, last night’s local neighborhood killing in your town and mine…all of them have EVIL in common.  

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Posted in The Way Things Are | 2 Comments »

Holiday Gift Guide Twitter Party Part II: Tuesday, Dec.18th 8pm ET

Posted by PapiBlogger on Wednesday December 12th, 2012 at 10:52 PM

Back by popular demand is the second installation of our annual Papiblogger & Mama Contemporanea Holiday Gift Guide Twitter Party! For those who attended our Holiday twitter party last week, you know it was a great time. Papiblogger drank too much eggnog and was sent to jail for dancing salsa! Don’t miss this party as we discuss Holiday Traditions and give away some awesome prizes along the way. Joining us again will be our GOLD Sponsor, COVERGIRL. They’ll be tweeting with us and available for any beauty questions you may have. And this time they are giving away FIVE #Covergirl beauty baskets & we are giving away a $50 Target Gift Card! So by now you know the drill: Download the guide and tweet along with us on Tuesday. Don’t forget to RSVP Below!

HOSTS Rory – @mcontemporanea Manny Ruiz & Octavio – @PapiBlogger Lance Rios- @BeingLatino Urban Jibaro- @UrbanJibaro Dania from La Familia Cool- @LaFamiliaCool Follow our sponsor: @COVERGIRL Date: Tuesday, December 18th, 2012 from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET  Twitter Party Details

Required Hashtag: #COVERGIRL Language: ENGLISH and SPANISH You MUST RSVP below to participate. 

Posted in Seasonal Gift Guide | 47 Comments »

Nissan Car Expo and my car of choice for our 2013 family road trips

Posted by PapiBlogger on Tuesday December 11th, 2012 at 02:42 PM

Written by West Coast Papiblogger Octavio Navarro

If you’ve been reading Papiblogger for a while you know that Manny takes a lot of road trips with this family. Although I haven’t taken as many or as “extravagant” road trips as he has, I have taken a few memorable road trips with my family. The most important thing I consider before embarking on the road is the safety of my family. And that begins with the type of car I drive. I know Manny has endorsed other cars in the past, but I was personally invited to attend the NISSAN car expo this last week and I was pleasantly surprised and amazed by their new cars. I think I’ve even found the next road trip car for my family. The Nissan NEXT event, located at the Los Angeles International Auto Show , gave me an opportunity to explore the wide variety of innovations that Nissan brings to the automotive industry. I was able to check out the the all-new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder with its multi-touch interactive displays, and also had  a chance to drive a wide variety of Nissan vehicles including the Nissan LEAF, the first mass produced 100% all-electric vehicle.. So what is my new road trip car? Hands-down, the new 2o13 Nissan Pathfinder. ( I know Manny, you swear by others, but you have to try this car!) Just look at the beauty of this vehicle via my instagram pics:

The car was popular. Had to wait in line to get a closer look.

Checking out the console. Temperature control and HDD Navigation system. Bluetooth handsfree system and USB adapters..perfect for techie dads!

 

Have children? Want safety? The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder has you covered. Safety locks, plenty of room for car seat ( or seats) dual 7″ head restraint family entertainment system with wireless headphones…that means no more ( or at least less) temper tantrums and having to pull-over for entertainment!

In addition to all the cool features I just described, the Pathfinder gives you back something that is easy to lose once you become a father and that is: your hipness. This car is not for “nerds”. It’s hip and cool and when you’re alone and without the kids, your “me time” will make you feel like a young bachelor again. This isn’t like a van, it has  SUV capability to deal with unexpected weather conditions. Again, safety safety safety–awesome.

If you want to find out more about the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, I suggest you check out their Facebook page. You’ll find lot’s of pictures and more details about its functionality and features.

Like Nissan’s page FB and if you’ve test-driven a Nissan Pathfinder or plan on making it your 2013 family car, let me know! Tweet Manny and I ( Octavio) @papiblogger using the hashtag #Nissanespanol and #Nissanpathfindr.

 

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Nissan. However, all opinions expressed are my own. 

Posted in Parenting Tricks | No Comments »

Join us this Thursday for the 2013 Holiday Gift Guide Twitter Party

Posted by PapiBlogger on Tuesday December 4th, 2012 at 02:19 AM


With Thanksgiving now behind us what better way to welcome the holidays than with Papiblogger’s and Mama Contemporanea’s annual Holiday Gift Guide Twitter Party! Come celebrate all that the holidays’ can be with the help of a little planning. This guide will help you get some ideas and will come in handy when you do your holiday shopping. As parents, Rory and I have tested most of these products and know they will make great gifts for your tweens, kids, toddlers, babies and we’ve even added some cool stocking stuffers.

And of course we’ll be giving away some awesome prizes during our Holiday Gift Guide Twitter Party!


Our sponsor @CoverGirl will be giving away (1)Clump Crusher, (4)shades of CG eye shadow, (4)COVERGIRL Outlast All-day Lip Color (1) Cheekers Blush! All make perfect stocking stuffers for that special someone, or even for yourself.

We’ll also be giving away a $100 gift card toward ticket purchases on SuperBoletería..perfect gift for yourself or a special someone!

To join in the Holiday Gift Guide Twitter Party you must follow the Hosts & our sponsor @COVERGIRL

HOSTS

Rory – @mcontemporanea

Manny Ruiz & Octavio – @PapiBlogger

Lance Rios- @BeingLatino

Urban Jibaro- @UrbanJibaro

Dania from La Familia Cool- @LaFamiliaCool

Follow our sponsor: @COVERGIRL

Date: Thursday, December 6th, 2012 from 9:00 to 10:30 p.m. ET 

Twitter Party Details

Required Hashtag: #COVERGIRL

Language: ENGLISH and SPANISH

You MUST RSVP below to participate.

Winners will be chosen randomly from those answering Holiday Gift Guide questions and using the #COVERGIRL hashtag.

Open to US Residents ONLY.

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Posted in Parenting Tricks, Seasonal Gift Guide | 26 Comments »

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