Ten Tips for Planning a Unique Baby Shower

Twittermoms has kept me busy today.  As my followers know I've had some lapses in between posts at times.  I love that Twittermoms inspires me and introduces me to new products.  Twittermoms is teaming up with Tiny Prints to challenge bloggers to share their 10 tips for planning a unique baby shower.

This is one of my favorite designs and can be found at Tiny Prints by clicking here .

It's been a little while since I've had to plan a shower but I love that baby shower's are changing with the times and incorporating the father more.

1. Think outside the box.
2. Include Dad and other male relatives incl. children.  Having a baby is so exciting for the entire family you must share this shower with everyone.
3. Recruit helpers and delegate tasks.  Most of the time you will find plenty of people willing to help if you just ask.
4. Don't break the bank.  Money spent on decorations may be better spent on gifts for the new mom.  Consider a theme that you can use household items or toys you already have to decorate with.  You can also use the nursery theme as your parties decorations.  If the Mom to be has registered for a particular pattern, you can use your gift as the decoration.
5. Focus on the Mom to be.  Again, don't break the bank.  Have someone make the cake, ask close family members to bring items and assign them to bring nuts, mints, finger sandwiches etc.  Don't underestimate that Aunt So and So may be more than willing to help out.
6. Secure a place to hold the shower that will accommodate the guests comfortably.  Family homes, Churches, recreation centers etc may be available for low or no cost.
7. Order invitations from Tiny Prints for as low as 59cents/each! Here Below are two examples of the awesome options available.

8. Don't forget to go GREEN just like Tiny Prints "In addition, our high quality cardstock is made with fine craftsmanship using luxurious materials that are also easy on the environment."  Consider using towels, receiving blankets etc. in lieu of wrapping paper.

9. Playing games may be old school for showers but you can mix it up by posting guests guesses as to arrival date, sex, weight, length etc. on a decorative poster and take it to the hospital when the baby arrives to decorate the room with and to help the winner boast!

10.  Have fun and go with the flow!  Is that a unique tip?  It is if you are a perfectionist like I am.  Be sure to plan as much as you can and expect little things may come up but if you have utilized your volunteers Aunt ? last minute change of food she brings won't be noticed.

I haven't ordered from Tiny Prints personally but have read many blog posts about them and haven't seen a negative review yet.  Check out their Baby Shower Invitations for yourself.  You can even order samples before making your decision.

Not having a baby shower?  Visit  http://www.tinyprints.com/  to see their selection of cards for all occasions!  I hope to send out Christmas Cards this year and to have a family picture for one of Tiny Prints beautiful choices.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Tiny Prints blogging program, making me eligible to get a Tiny Prints gift code worth $50, plus 25 FREE Tiny Prints greeting cards—a total gift value of $149.75! For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Five Simple Things you can do for your Child to help keep their Smiles Healthy and Bright

TwitterMoms and Trident have teamed up and challenged twittermoms to post five simple things that you can do for your child to keep their smiles healthy and bright.  You can see the challenge here: http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/share-five-simple-things-you

1. Start dental care early.  It is best to start when your child first gets their teeth.  Since this happens early you will have to take responsibility for brushing and assist then through the toddler years to insure proper brushing.
2. Encourage brushing.  We have our daughter brush after every meal. 
3. Make brushing fun.  We have used minute times, music etc to keep brushing fun as well as to encourage brushing correctly.
4. Offer healthy eating habits.  Snacking on veggies and fruits are best for teeth.  Don't forget to brush after those blueberries and staining fruits!
5. Floss:   Make sure your child flosses daily.  Parents who practice good oral hygiene habits help their children pick up these good habits.  There are plenty of flosser gadgets and flavors of flosses to help keep your child motivated to floss.

I've always been a gum chewer especially when I am out and not able to brush after a meal.  But I learned from Trident and Twittermoms that I am actually I am practicing good oral hygiene by doing so.  Here are some facts they shared:

"Chewing Trident sugar free gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help fight cavities.

Xylitol, a sugar free sweetener in Trident, has been shown to loosen plaque."

For more information:


Visit Trident on Facebook and click our ‘Chew 4 Smiles’ tab
Visit the website
Check out the latest Trident commercials on YouTube
Get some Trident Gum Coupons

My husband always purchases Trident by the case at our local warehouse club.  Thanks to Trident and Twittermoms I know that this isn't just a treat that satisfies our sweet tooth but a treat that is good for our oral hygiene.  I can tell you that we love the White variety of Trident and I am convinced it really works.  I am an avid coffee and tea drinker but Trident actually keeps my teeth white.  We always have a pack in our car, my purse at home.  We have Trident stashed everywhere!  I can say that I'm disheartened that they no longer allow gum chewing at my daughter's school as it is perfect for after lunch since there is no time to brush at school.  I will provide the school with the benefits of gum chewing when brushing isn't an option and see if they will review their policy.  Trident's website offers abundant information to advocate for gum chewing.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Trident blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”