The 413 Mom

ENTER TO WIN: Country Life Gut Connection KIDS #GutHealth #ItsAllConnected

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

Our kiddos need more support than ever right now with all of the demands being thrown at them as a result of changes in education, lack of social activities, and of course a whole host of rules to remember every time we leave the house. And we're ALL looking to boost our immunity any way we can, regardless of our age. Which is why I'm excited to team up with MomsMeet and Country Life to spread the word about their new Gut Connection Kids Line which supports kids' health with gut and immune supplements. 

Did you know that a balanced microbiome is important because 70% of the entire immune system is found in the gut. A healthy intestinal microbiome is a major factor in children’s growth and development. The new Gut Connection Kids by Country Life collection is a scientifically formulated range of supplements that connects the gut to individual health issues that matter.

The Gut Connection Kids Line collection includes:

• Gut Connection Kids Immune Balance (100 chewable tablets) which supports a strong, healthy immune system through improved gut microbiome health. 
• Gut Connection Kids Digestive Balance (60 chewable tablets) which reduces occasional digestive stress and bloating and improves gut microbiome health. 
• Gut Connection Kids Cognitive Balance (100 chewable tablets) which helps promote focus, attention and memory and improves gut microbiome health.
• Gut Connection Kids Sleep Balance (5.1 oz powder) can be mixed with water or milk to make a bedtime drink that promotes relaxation, can help little ones fall asleep faster and improves gut microbiome health. This can also be sprinkled on a bedtime snack -- into a bowl of cereal, over ice cream, or into yogurt or pudding. 

All of the chewables come in fun animal shapes and the taste is like a sweet and tangy candy -- the flavor actually reminds me of bubblegum. Also, they are not overly chalky like some "chewables." They break down really easily and do not have any yucky aftertaste. The daily dose is 2-4 chewables which is totally doable considering each animal-shaped tablet is small. The kids will not mind adding this to their diet -- it's a fun addition, not a punishment. 

Not only will the kids enjoy taking these supplements, you will feel good about boosting their health thanks to all of the benefits of Country Life research:

• Gut Connection Kids by Country Life is one of the first children’s formulas containing clinically studied Epicor® Whole Food Fermentate prebiotic shown to support immune and gut health.
• This whole food fermentate prebiotic is balanced with clinically researched ingredients for your overall health.
• All products contain Epicor® yeast fermentate which reinforces the immune system’s first line of defense and provides FAST ACTING (within 2 hours) immune support!
• Each product also includes clinically studied functional ingredients to support a growing child’s unique needs.
• All products are probiotic free, gluten free, and free from preservatives, artificial flavor or sweeteners.

One bottle/container of Gut Connection typically retails for $22.99. Use the code MOMS20 at checkout at countrylife.com  or MomsMeet.link/countrylifeshop to save 20% on your entire order! (FREE standard shipping applies on any order over $25 as well).  All products come with a money back guarantee. 

If you'd like to enter to win a Country Life Gut Connection KIDS Prize Pack valued at over $75, use the comments field below to share how you're helping your family stay balanced during these unprecedented times. We want to hear how you are using nutrition, stress relieving activities, or quality time to stay connected and healthy. One winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. Entry period ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2020. 

#momsmeet, #CountryLife, #GutConnection, #ItsAllConnected, and #GutHealth

Road Trip Worthy: Cedar Hill Cemetery (Hartford, CT)

In the early to mid 1800s there was a trend of creating park-like cemeteries which included beautiful landscaping, inspiring monuments and wide open roads for walking and pondering. We are lucky to live within driving distance of several of these incredible spaces, but my all time favorite is in Hartford, CT -- Cedar Hill Cemetery. 

I know, I know...hanging out in a cemetery is not everyone's idea of a pleasant afternoon. But for those who enjoy the peaceful surroundings only a spot like this can offer, you'll find the drive down to Hartford worth the miles. Cedar Hill includes 270 acres of gently rolling hills and beautiful sculptures and memorials. It's such a beautiful place to get some fresh air, exercise and get away from all the drama of the world. 

Walking around Cedar Hill is like experiencing a Who's Who of Connecticut History. Memorials for notable politicians, business magnates, civil leaders, inventors, religious leaders, and actors who helped shape the state and the country can all be found here. 

Notable folks buried at Cedar Hill:

Isabella Beecher Hooker (suffragist)

Samuel Colt (inventor of the Colt revolver)

Katharine Hepburn (actress)

JP Morgan (financier)

Henry Barnard (educator)

Francis Ashbury Pratt (inventor & co-founder of Pratt & Whitney)

Gilbert Heublein (family known for bringing A-1 Steak Sauce to America)

Even though the property is deemed as belonging to Hartford, most of the acreage is actually in Wethersfield and Newington. That fact does not make it any less surprising though when you stumble upon a flock of geese or a few majestic deer while visiting Cedar Hill. 

Although right now any special events are on hold, when we're not under a global pandemic, there are many fascinating programs that are open to the public here. In years past we have attended a healing ceremony on the winter solstice, competed in a scavenger hunt, and attended "ghost" tours while learning about the lives of those interred here. Any event that takes place is a history nerd's delight. You can find out more by following the Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation. 

Set the GPS for 453 Fairfield Avenue in Hartford, CT. The property is open to the public from 7 a.m. to dusk daily. No dogs allowed. #newenglandlife #getoutside #explore 

10 Minute Recipe: Easy Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry #FortuneCares

There's no end to my love for quick and easy stir fry meals so I was overjoyed when Fortune Noodles asked me to participate in their #FortuneCares recipe initiative where $5 from each recipe shared is donated to a charity supporting Americans in need of food. 

Happy to share my recipe for a super easy Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry. It's literally ready in 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

1 t cooking oil

1/4 chopped onion

One green pepper

Half pound stir fry beef

2 packages of Fortune Yakisoba Stir Fry Noodles

One bag of frozen vegetables

 

1. Heat oil in pan and add sliced green pepper and onions.

2. Stir until pepper and onions are lightly browned. Add stir fry beef. Cook until no pink is visible.

3. Add Fortune Yakisoba Stir Fry Noodles and Teriyaki seasoning packets to the pan. Stir until noodles are golden brown and Teriyaki seasoning powder is completely incorporated.

4. Microwave frozen vegetables until full defrosted, add to the pan. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed. 

5. Enjoy! 

This makes a quick and simple Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry that is not overpowering in flavor. Simply delicious. #FortuneCares

Halloween Confetti Popper (perfect #brainbreak tool) #craftingwithkids

Halloween Confetti Poppers are where it's at this autumn season when we are focused on remote learning.

I love these little crafts because you can make them from materials from around the house, the kids get to practice their motor skills while creating them, and they make perfect little distractions when your little one needs a break from remote learning. 

Here's what you need to make a Halloween Confetti Popper:

paper cup

balloon

scissors

marker

scrap paper

Step 1: Cut the bottom out of the paper cup

Step 2: Draw a spooky face on the cup

Step 3: Tie off the balloon, and then cut off the rounded (untied) edge. Fit the cropped balloon around the narrow end of the cup:

Step 4: Use the scrap paper to cut and mold little paper balls. You can also used pom poms or a ping pong ball if you have one. Fill the cup with the balls.

Step 5: Pull down on the balloon tail to make your confetti go flying! Enjoy! #craftingwithkids

ENTER TO WIN: Wishbeads Kids Collection Bracelet

It's back to school at our house today and we're celebrating with a special giveaway -- use the comments field below to share how you helped your children prepare for this very unusual school year. One lucky winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries to win one kids recycled glass bead bracelet from Wishbeads.

If you're unfamiliar with the magic of Wishbeads -- you can read our full review here. 

Entry period ends at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16. ARV of prize is $30. Good Luck to all who enter. Wishing you a peaceful new school year! #entertowin #giveaway

Easy Beaded Seasonal Corn Craft #craftingwithkids #happyfall

We have such an easy, fun and affordable seasonal craft idea to share: Beaded Fall Corn.

All you need are pipe cleaners and pony beads.

Each of which you can get at Dollar Tree. Total cost: $2. 

Step 1: Lay out 3-5 pipe cleaners in a star shape and give them a gentle twist around the middle to hold them together:

Step 2: Load beads onto each pipe cleaners. We did 15 beads on each stem. You can be consistent with patterning or go crazy and create a different pattern on each stem. Afterall, Indian corn comes in all kinds of colors and patterns.

Step 3: Once you have all the stems beaded, just gather them up together and twist the tops of the pipe cleaners together. You can take the longest stem and wrap it around all the others to make it more secure. 

This craft is so satisfying to create as an adult, but also provides excellent fine motor skills practice for little one. It's suitable for any age -- as long as little ones won't put the beads in their mouths. These colorful, little corn cobs look so cute gathered in a basket or displayed on a mantle or as part of a centerpiece. We hope you enjoy this craft as much as we did. Happy Fall! #craftingwithkids 

Fall 2020 -- a list of socially distanced possibilities for Fall Fun!

Fall is my favorite season of all and there's no way we're going to let it go by without some seasonal memory making opportunities! We might not have many of our usual traditions this year but there are still some opportunities to enjoy the season. If you have any to add to this list please LMK! Bookmark this page and check back often for socially distanced family fun activities available in the area (we may have to drive a bit further but there are still some outdoor events to enjoy). Happy Fall Y'all! 

Fall 2020 Socially Distanced Family Fun List

Gotta Visit: Eyrie Ruins & Goat Peak at Mt. Tom (Holyoke, MA) #hikingwithkids

Mount Tom State Reservation is one of the most popular hiking spots in this area but as we head into fall exploring the top of this mountain should be put on your Must Do List. Pack the snacks and water, make the kids put on real shoes, and get ready to reconnect with Mother Nature. 

If you can devote the better part of the day to this explore you can complete two hikes in one atop Mount Nonotuck in Holyoke  -- traversing up Goat Peak and taking in the beautiful vista and exploring the old ruins of the Eyrie House. 

Once you drive into the reservation, keep going up the road. Ignore all of the turn offs. Keep driving until you get to the top of the road where you HAVE to take a left or a right. Park in one of the lots near the playground. With your back facing the playground start up the road to the right. You'll see a sign pointing to the Eyrie Ruins. Go that way.

Most of this hike is paved road (crumbling though it is) which makes it easier for new hikers, but not quite good enough for a stroller. Definitely want to use a carrier for the babies. All the hike in is uphill, which of course promises the walk back to the car at the end of the trek to be all downhill. Remind the kids of this fact. 

Just keep walking up the paved road until you see the right hand turnoff for Goat Peak. (Don't like heights? Skip Goat Peak. Just keep following the road to the Eryie Ruins.) Fire up your quads as you billygoat it up that trail for a while and you'll come to an amazing overlook where you can take in the Pioneer Valley in all of its glory. Once you've had your fill of photos there, turn around and climb up the steps to  reach the lookout tower. 

The scenic overlook side of Goat Peak provides a few benches to rest on. Your legs will thank you. If you have a thing about heights, stop here. Turn around and traverse back down the path to the main road. 

If you don't have a thing about heights turn around and follow the stair path up to the lookout tower. Climb up the fire tower and cool off in the wind. Take some amazing photos. Enjoy. When you're done, traverse back down the steps and back down the path to the main road. This is probably one of the best places to be during peak foliage season. 

If you've been needing a leg day workout, this hike will provide it. Your quads will be burning by the time you head down from Goat Peak. 

Once you return to the main road, hang a right to continue up to the Eyrie Ruins. Just keep walking up the road until you see the small turn off for the Eyrie House Ruins. Follow that path and be transported back in time to explore the ruins of a 19th century hotel that used to be a popular resort.

You can scramble around the ruins for a while peeking in windows and trying to imagine what life was like for the residents of this resort. And what a job it must have been to get all the supplies and building materials up here. 

The walk to the Eyrie House ruins from the parking lot is about two miles. Adding the trek up to Goat Peak probably adds another half mile to the hike. The kids will definitely sleep well. Everyone will.

The nice thing is that the walk back to the car is all downhill. By the time you reach the car, the kids will probably want to check out the playground for a bit. If anyone still has still has any steam left, you can check out Bray Tower which is just up the road from the parking area -- in the opposite direction from where you just hiked. This is a another lookout tower similar to the one at Goat Peak but it's easier to get to. 

There you have it! A perfect day on the mountain. The nice thing about exploring here during Covid is that with the wide road there is plenty of space for safe social distancing. The usual parking fee is $5 for in-state vehicles (usually $20 for out of state residents) but I have not seen this fee collected on any of our recent visits. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Don't forget to pack plenty of snacks and water. Set the GPS for 125 Reservation Road in Holyoke. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. See you on the trail! 

Road Trip Worthy: Scantic River Park South (East Windsor, CT) #hikingwithkids

Super fun explore ALERT!  Time to review the third leg of the Scantic River State Park, this trail is in East Windsor, CT. 

If you want to explore the entirety of the Scantic River State park, you can read my reviews of the Powder Hollow Loop and the Bailey Road trail both of which are in Enfield, CT. 

This is a gently sloping, easy hike with very clear, well marked, wide trails -- so much gratitude to the collection of volunteers who must spend many hours maintaining this site. 

When you arrive at the parking lot at 101 Melrose Road in Windsorville, CT (better known as East Windsor) you see this:

Even though the bridge is tempting, DON'T GO THERE! The bridge only leads to some rambling, brambly paths and some swampy ponds. There are no good trails here. Instead, head to the actual trail head here -- this is where the good hiking is:  

You'll start off walking along the river before you turn into the woods and get into some small hills. This is a loop trail so stay on the River Path and you'll eventually end up back at the parking lot. Follow the yellow diamonds. Along the way you'll see things like the cool teepee shown above and an old car graveyard. There's a geocache here in one of the vehicles but don't tell anyone I told you. There's also a few owls who might say hello. The loop trail is a little over two miles. 

Unlike other sections of the Scantic River trail, there are no rapids along this trail. There are some good spots to splash and and cool off your tootsies. This is the calmer, quieter section of the river.  

There is plenty of available parking on site, but no facilities. Bring a carrier if you have a little one, the trail is not stroller friendly. The park closes at sunset. The teepee is towards the end of the hike -- you can bribe your reluctant hikers along with the promise of this super cool added attraction. See you on the trail! 

Wishbeads launches Kids Collection just in time for Back to School

Write. Wear. Witness. 

The mantra of the Wishbeads jewelry collection can now be shared with kids of all ages as the company has launched a new Kids Collection -- just in time to bring an added level of comfort to this unpredictable Back to School Season. 

We're grateful to have teamed up with Wishbeads to share how their unique jewelry line works. And how it's especially appropriate during this season of life. 

Wishbeads allows you to wear your wish on your wrist in bracelet form, or around your neck incorporated into a necklace. This way your goals are always at hand, literally. You have a constant reminder throughout the day of what your end game is. 

Make a Wish. Do the work. Watch it come true. 

It's a simple as: Write. Roll. Place. 

First, write your wish on the wish paper that comes with each piece:

Then, roll the wish paper tightly around the toothpick, also included with each order:

 

Finally, use the toothpick to place the wish scroll inside the clasp on each bracelet (or in the cylinder on each necklace).

Enjoy having the daily comfort of a tangible reminder of your goal right with you each day. 

The adult styles work well for teens. Eden picked the Matte Rose Quartz Necklace.

 

Faith and I match with our Recycled Glass - Rainbow Bead Bracelets. For anyone needing a bit of encouragement you can tuck a special wish or goal, or even your words of encouragement, inside the special cylinder. Each time they peek at their wrist, they'll remember what's inside. Perfect for calming hearts and minds, so they can focus on what they want to create in this world.

I love that we have these special reminders to stay positive throughout each day. 

Wishbeads Kids styles start at $30. To learn more, or order one for your student, visit their website.  

#ad #wishbeads #backtoschool