Using Personalized Home Decor to Decorate for the Holidays

When I was growing up, I remember searching souvenir racks for something with my name on it, and I seldom found anything... so when I was giving the opportunity to cozy up my home with personalized home decor for the holidays, I jumped at the chance. You may remember the video of my boys unboxing our goodies from Personalization Mall*. Well, today I am sharing photos of how I used the items we received to transform the front of our home and our TV room into cozy-cabin themed spaces.

*Note: I received free items from Personalization Mall in exchange for my blog post showing how I used the items in my home. However, as always, the opinions on this blog are 100% my own.

First, I updated the front of my house. I love the idea of creating an entrance that is warm and inviting for the holidays, don't you? I hung a wonderful rustic "Cozy by the Fire" sign and laid out a charming personalized mat that includes the names of my three boys.

Then, I moved to the inside of my house... continuing with the "cozy cabin" theme. The TV room is my favourite place in the house. It's the space where my family cuddles up and relaxes together. It's so inviting with all of my new holiday decor, don't you think?

How adorable are these pillows? And the blanket is soft, warm, and perfectly on trend for the holidays. I also adore the personalized "candy cane factory" and "Santa stop here" signs.

And if you are going to be cuddling up with the people you love, you are going to need treats. PersonalizationMall.com has gorgeous monogrammed wine glasses and personalized wine label stickers that are super fun!

And the kids will love drinking hot chocolate from personalized mugs served on this charming acrylic tray.

Don't these sweet smiles say it all? To me, this is what Christmas is all about.

My boys also have their own personalized Santa sacks (from PersonalizationMall.com). I wonder what Santa will fill them with this year.

I am absolutely in love with all of my goodies from PersonalizationMall.com. I think the "Cozy by the Fire" sign is my favourite, but they are all festive, fun, and high quality. If you have never checked out PersonalizationMall.com, I highly recommend it for your holiday shopping needs. Personalization is free on all their products, they have fast shipping (1-2 day turnaround) and their exclusive designs are fantastic.

Happy shopping!

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy) 

How I am learning to provide cleaner air for my kids

*sponsored post*

Several weeks ago, I posted about my new ally in my battle against my son's airborne allergies. I was sent a Philips 2000i Air Purifier to try, and I have been testing it in my 9-year-old son's bedroom for several weeks. I have been impressed with the unit and how it removes potential allergens from the air, and today I am sharing what I have learned in the hope that it might help you too.

As someone that has never had to deal with airborne allergens, it has been a bit of a learning curve for me. How do you battle something you can't see? The key for me has been the ease of use of my Philips 2000i Air Purifier. My new appliance lets me see what had previously been invisible (in two ways):

1) The Philips 2000i Air Purifier has a colour coded ring display (blue = good, blue-violet = fair, red-purple = poor and red = very poor) and a numerical display (1=good and 12=bad) that indicates the level of allergens and pollutants in the room. Then, the Philips AeraSense technology continuously monitors the air and automatically adjusts the fan speed when it detects a change in particles. (In fact, there are three modes on this appliance, so you can make it work for your particular needs. There is an allergen mode, a general mode, and a bacteria & virus mode.)

2) The AeroSense shows the air quality through a connected app. The app looks at indoor and outdoor pollutions and pollen and gives you a complete picture of air quality. It even gives you advice to help with your allergen management regimen.

The app also lets you know when it is time to change the filters, which is a huge bonus for me. One less thing I need to remember!  

My son is an active boy who spends a lot of time outside, which I love, but it makes it difficult to manage his allergies. There is very little I can do to limit his exposure to outdoor allergens, but I can control the air quality in his room while he is sleeping. The Philips 2000i Air Purifier senses, reacts, and visibly works to reduce the allergens in my son's room. (It also works to reduce odours, volatile organic compounds and even certain bacteria.)

As a mother, it is so comforting to know that I am doing everything I can to ensure that my son gets the best sleep possible. Lately, he has been sleeping well, and I haven't heard him coughing at night, so I am going to take that as a "mom win".

If you want to read more about our new Philips 2000i Air Purifier, you can do so here. You can also leave me any questions you have in the comments (below), and I will do my best to answer them.

Do you or your child who struggles with airborne allergens? What are your tips for managing indoor air quality? I'd love to hear what works for you.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Disclosure: I have partnered with Philips Canada and have received compensation for this post. However, as always, all opinions expressed in this blog are my own. This post reflects my own opinions and experience with this product and does not necessarily reflect claims from Philips Canada.

My NEW ally in my battle with my son's airborne allergens

*sponsored post*

I have never suffered with allergies, so it is not something I have ever given much thought to. I have heard people talking about allergy symptoms, and I have seen TV commercials about allergy medications, but allergies were never something that concerned me... that is, until my youngest son started coughing at night and complaining about having itchy eyes. So, when Philips* approached me recently about trying out the Philips 2000i Air Purifier, I jumped at the chance to test it out in my son's bedroom.

My lack of experience regarding airborne allergies is tough for me as a mother because I want to do everything I can to keep my children healthy and happy. I love the idea of cleaning the air in my son's room. I can't control the allergens he comes into contact with outside our home, but I am hoping that reducing airborne allergens in his bedroom will help his dry, itchy eyes... and allow him to get the sleep he needs to succeed as we move into another busy school year (and hockey season). (Note: While in night mode, the Philips Series 2000i Connected Air Purifier stays quiet and turns off all the lights so that your child can have a restful sleep.)

I have never used an air purifier, so I didn't know what to expect. When it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to set up and operate. I basically took the plastic off the three filters (the washable pre-filter, the active carbon filter, and the true HEPA filter) and plugged in the machine. It was super easy.

There is even a simple app that you can download that helps you analyze the air quality outside and in the room. The app makes it really easy to easily see air quality... it makes the invisible, visible!

The Philips Air purifier senses, reacts, and visibly works to reduce allergens, odours, volatile organic compounds and even certain bacteria. It automatically monitors and purifies the air, and it gives you a visual cue that your air is cleaner.

Are you interested in learning more about the Philips Series 2000i Connected Air Purifier? Do you want to reduce the allergens, gases and odors in your house? 

Over the next couple of months, I will be sharing some of the product's features with you, and I will be letting you know how we are liking it. In the meantime, you can find the Philips Series 2000i Connected Air Purifier at Canadian Tire, Hudson's Bay Company, Amazon, and specialty appliance retails. Or you can just purchase it online here.

Do you have an air purifier? Do you like it? Got any tips for me? Feel free to leave any advice or questions in the comments below.

♥ 
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Disclosure: I have partnered with Philips Canada and have received compensation for this post. However, as always, all opinions expressed on this blog are my own.

Summer Hockey Fun... our review of the GONGSHOW Sauceoff Party Set

Recently, my boys were given the opportunity to try out (and review) some fantastic games from GONGSHOW*. All three of my boys are passionate about hockey, so during our summer break from the rink, they were excited to try out a couple of fun outdoor hockey games. You can read our review of the SAUCEOFF Party Set below.

The Sauceoff Party Set comes with two games (which you can also buy separately). They both fit in a canvas bag that can easily be taken to the beach, backyard, tailgate party, campground, or cottage.

The first game we tried was the inflatable Saucer King Kit. This game includes a blow up net and floating pucks. (Two shooting pads are included with the party set, but if you are only purchasing the inflatable Saucer King Kit, you'll need to purchase a shooting pad if you don't already have one.) My boys had a lot fun with this game in the pool, and they are looking forward to taking it to the beach soon.

My boys also tried the SAUCEOFF game set. At first glance, it looks like a bean bag toss, but it is so much more than that. The game comes with two game boards, two mini shooting pads, 8 GONGSHOW floater pucks (4 per team), 4 bean bag pucks, 1 canvas carrying case, 1 replacement mesh and rope, and a booklet explaining how to play the game.

My boys have been playing this game every day since they got it. You can play it alone, with two players, or with two teams of two. When you play with two teams of two, the players can help their teammates by "tipping" the pucks into the nets. (There is also an option to play with bean bags instead of the plastic pucks.)

My boys (and my husband) have been playing this game in the backyard, but it is highly portable, so I know we will be taking it to the beach, the cottage, and camping. It's perfect for all ages.

If you have a hockey-lover in your house, I highly recommend these fun games. The SAUCEOFF party set comes with everything you need to play both games, and if you have never purchased from GONGSHOW before, you can save 10% with this link: SAVE 10%.

Have you tried either of these games? What did you think? My boys are definitely fans!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)


*Disclosure - I was given the GONGSHOW Sauceoff Party Set for free in exchange for my honest review of the product. As always, the views expressed on this blog are 100% my own... and my boys genuinely love these games.

How I Improved My Sleep... and why I should have done it years ago

For the last 20 years, my husband and I have been sleeping on a cheap mattress that we purchased when we first moved in together. To say we were in desperate need of a new mattress is a huge understatement. So, when I got an email a couple of weeks ago telling me that I won a new mattress*, I was super excited.

The mattress was coming from Logan & Cove*... and to be honest... I didn't really know much about the company or their mattresses. With a little research, I discovered that the Canadian company is fairly new, and the mattresses are getting great reviews. 

I ordered the mattress, and it came quickly... rolled up in a long box. I took the mattress out of the box, removed the plastic, and it started expanding immediately. I was impressed with the thickness and plushness right away.

We have been sleeping on the new mattress for couple of weeks now, and we love it. 

One reason we waited so long to get a new mattress was that we never seemed to have the time to go to a store to try out different models. These mattresses come with a 120 night trial, which is helpful and takes the stress out of the decision.

We also couldn't agree on the firmness of the mattress to get. My husband likes soft mattresses and sleeps on his back, and I like firmer mattresses and sleep on my stomach. This mattress works for both of us. It doesn't need a box spring, and it fits well on our inexpensive IKEA bed.

Even my boys are impressed with the new mattress. They are already asking us if they can get new mattresses (like ours) for their beds.

Ordering and setting up our mattress really was an easy process, and my husband and I are sleeping much better. I can't believe we didn't get a new mattress sooner! If you are sleeping on an old, uncomfortable mattress, I highly recommend giving this brand a try.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Disclosure: I won a mattress from Logan & Cove, but I was offered an upgrade to a King mattress in exchange for an honest blog review of the product. As always, the reviews and opinions on this blog are 100% my own.

Simple Holiday Brunch Ideas

Recently, I was given the opportunity to sample some fantastic products from the NEW PC Holiday Insiders Collection*. I tried a lot of delicious things, and a few of the items inspired me to put together a fantastic brunch menu. I love brunch, don't you? The key to a hosting a successful brunch is to use quality ingredients and keep things simple. Today, I am sharing my easy brunch menu, and telling you everything you need to know to make it in your own home.

My brunch menu included:

• PC Brioche French Toast (with powered sugar and real maple syrup)
• PC Honey & Sea Salt Flavoured Naturally Smoked Bacon
• PC Pomegranate Lemon Sparkling Beverage (garnished with PC Pomegranate Arils and Fresh Orange Slices)
• Fruit

To make PC Brioche French Toast: For each two pieces of bread, I beat together 1 egg, 1 tbsp milk, and a 1/8 tsp cinnamon. Then, I dipped the PC Brioche slices into the egg mixture, and cooked them in a lightly buttered pan until they were brown on both sides. I served them with a light dusting of powered sugar and real maple syrup.

The PC brioche bread is made with real whole eggs and whipped butter, and it makes the most delicious french toast I have ever had.

For the bacon, I used PC Honey & Sea Salt Flavoured Naturally Smoked Bacon. I didn't think it was possible to make bacon more delicious, but this product does not disappoint. It's the perfect combination of sweet and salty, and it pairs perfectly with french toast.

To make a festive PC Pomegranate Lemon Sparkling Beverage: I started with PC Pomegranate Lemon Sparkling Beverage. Then, I garnished it with PC Pomegranate Arils (that you can find in the freezer section) and orange slices.

If you want to get a little fancier, you can mix up some other PC beverages and serve a crowd with alcoholic or non-alcholic sparkling pomegranate citrus brunch punch.

As you can see, this is a simple menu, but when all the items come together, it's impressive. It's easy enough to make for your family, but fancy enough to serve to guests.

Note: While you are shopping for your brunch ingredients, you should check out the PC "Home Collection for the Holidays". The dishes and napkins I used came from this collection.

Want to learn more about the NEW PC Insiders Collection... AND have a chance to win fantastic prizes? All you have to do is RSVP to the #PCInsidersCollection Holiday Twitter Party (below), and meet me there on November 28!

I hope to see you at the party... and in the meantime, check out pc.ca/insiders for more new products and recipe inspiration.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)


*Disclosure: I have partnered with President's Choice and have received compensation for this post. However, I really did love all these products, and all opinions in the post are my own.

7 Healthy Life HACKS for Kids

A big part of being a parent is making sure you do everything you can to raise healthy and happy kids. It's not always easy to get kids to eat right and exercise, but today, I am sharing 7 healthy life hacks that are guaranteed to help make this job a little easier for parents.

1) Feed kids breakfast everyday - Everyone has heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so it is no surprise that growing kids need to start the day with a healthy breakfast. In my house, scrambled egg wraps (a whole wheat tortilla filled with scrambled eggs and cheese) and homemade "instant" oatmeal are popular choices. Note: Using a chip clip from the dollar store to secure the bottom of a wrap is a hack that will make you wonder... "Why didn't I think of that?"

2) Always pack a lunch or a cooler - My boys are always on the go, so for after school activities and weekend trips, I always pack healthy food options. Having a few simple food choices and healthy snacks on hand eliminates the temptation to grab items from vending machines and fast food restaurants.

3) Keep kids active - In this age of technology, it is more important than ever for parents to encourage their kids to get active. Signing kids up for organized sports is great, but it is also important to get kids to run around outside, organize their own games, and ride their bikes. Make exercise fun for kids, play with them, and be their biggest cheerleader!

4) Encourage kids to drink water - Drinking water and keeping hydrated is important for kid. And, as an added bonus, drinking more water means drinking less sugar and caffeine-laden drinks. I always stick water in my boys' lunches and sports bags, and it has become their beverage of choice!

5) Ensure kids get enough sleep - Getting enough sleep is critical for growing kids. There are a lot of sleep recommendation charts online, but I have found that kids will tell you how much sleep they require. Use online suggestions as a guide, but if your kids are cranky and don't have a lot of energy... they probably need more sleep.

6) Take care of kids' teeth - Good oral hygiene is very important for children. If you teach them good habits when they are young, they are more likely to continue to brush, floss and visit the dentist regularly as adults. To make sure kids spend enough time brushing, you can use a timer, or get them to brush for the duration of their favourite song.

7) Give your kids supplements - Fussy eaters (like my boys) may not always get the nutrients they need from the foods they eat. Adding supplements can be the solution to this problem. For example, Nature's Way OmegaSea* is a great tasting, ultra-pure Omega-3 supplement available in chocolate and lemon flavours for families and bubblegum banana for kids (and you won't be left with fish burps!)

One tasty teaspoon a day will give each member of your family a healthy dose of liquid Omega-3 and vitamin D which maintain good health, cardiovascular health, and brain functionality. Additionally, OmegaSea kids helps support brain, eyes, and nerve development in children up to 12 years of age.

OmegaSea is in liquid form, so it is easier to take than capsules, and it can be added to shakes and smoothies.

Discover more about OmegaSea products at www.omegasea.ca, and find them in the pharmacy section at your local Walmart, Rexall, Superstore, Fortino's, and more.

What are some simple ways you are helping your children to live a healthy lifestyle? I'd love to read YOUR healthy life HACKS in the comments below.

♥ 
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Disclosure: I have partnered with Nature's Way OmegaSea and have received compensation for this post; however, as always, all opinions in the post are my own.

Lunchbox Shortcuts for busy moms and dads

Packing healthy lunches doesn't need to be stressful for busy moms and dads. Sometimes a few little shortcuts is all that is needed to make life a lot easier. Today, I am sharing a few lunchbox shortcuts that will help you make school lunches like a boss!

1) Pre-made or "make ahead" smoothies - My boys are always in a rush to get outside and play, so they like when I pack them things that they can eat quickly. Smoothies are perfect!

Hans Dairy* makes a pre-made smoothie with all natural ingredients that your little ones are sure to love. My boys are big fans of the strawberry flavour.

Or you can make a big batch of homemade smoothies, stick them in the freezer, and pop them in the kids' lunchboxes each morning.

2) Lunch of snacks - My boys aren't huge fans of sandwiches, so I often fill their lunches with their favourite healthy snacks. Using individual containers makes it easy to customize lunches for picky eaters. Check out this lunch of carrot sticks, strawberries, Hans Dairy's* rice pudding, a hard boiled egg, pretzels, applesauce, and a homemade ginger cookie. 

A yogurt parfait is another fantastic choice for a healthy lunch that feels like a snack. You can mix fresh fruit and Hans Dairy* natural yogurt with some granola for a tasty and nutritious lunch that kids will love!

3) Quick grab bins - When it comes to making lunches, a little prep goes a long way. Pack your own single serving snacks and lunch staples in bins so that the contents can be easily "popped" into lunch bags.

4) Fill a freezer - Filling a freezer with individually packed homemade goods can save time and money... and it will help you avoid filling lunch boxes with processed snacks that contain unwanted preservatives. Freezer staples in our house include: lunchbox biscuits, chocolate chip cookies, and ginger cookies.

What are your favourite lunchbox shortcuts? I hope you find my tips helpful, and I encourage you to check out Hans Dairy's* healthy choices for school lunchboxes. You can feel good about their products because they are free of any artificial sugars, flavourings, colourings, and preservatives.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Disclosure: I have partnered with YMC and Hans Dairy and have received compensation for this post. All opinions in the post are my own.