Shop For Your Student Athlete {Guarantee Delivery By Christmas}

Posted on December 18, 2019

This post contains some affiliate links. If you click thru and purchase any of the products I suggested, I will earn a small commission from referring the sale to the brand.

I know I promised to just do one gift guide this year but since I also re boosted my mom-to-be guide and posh parent gift guide from last year, I thought I should update my fitness gift guide for kid athletes this year.

I polled some friends on Facebook and asked them what their kid wanted for their sport for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and generally, for the holiday season and beyond.

I then conducted some online and in store research and came up with the following list of 13 items.

ALL athletes

1 Noise cancelling headphones: First, for all athletes, in between events, traveling to away games or for just tuning out the distractions and noise, there is noise cancelling headphones to help them get in the right mind set to compete. Now these headphones can get pretty pricey so I would only recommend getting the higher end on the list for the very responsible kid who isn’t going to leave it around carelessly, on the floor by the pool where it can get wet or damaged or forget it out in the open on the field in a public park.

The best out there, which is going for the lowest price right now per my research, is Sony’s WH-1000XM3. It is on par with Bose’s, the gold standard in home audio equipment. It’s $278 right now on Amazon and the cheapest you will ever see them this year.

Now if that is out of your budget, Wired magazine says best of the lower cost headphones is TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling headphones which is just about $49.99 and has 45 hours of battery life and it pretty light weight. Get it at Amazon.

2. A Sports Back pack: Student athletes got a lot of gear, uniform and sport-related equipment they have to lug to school, to practice and to games, meets, tournaments and competitions. They need a back with a lot of compartments internal and external so they can organize all their stuff. The UA Hustle 4.0 Backpack is the ultimate back pack for any student athlete. It has a front pocket for shoes and lots of interior pockets to separate all the gear and keep the soiled stuff separate from the clean. The side pockets can hold large 24 ounce bottles of water or recyclable water bottles. It’s light weight and sturdy for a sports bag only. Don’t have it double as a school backpack. This backpack is usually $55 but is down to $40 for the holidays. I’m getting three: one for my soccer player daughter, my track and field middle kid and my cross country eldest kid. That’s three sports.

You can personalize it and add your kid’s sport or name to it too!

BONUS: All athletes need training apparel and there is no need to break the bank stocking up on them. Hit the overstock stores like TJMaxx, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshalls and Ross to get some after market deals.

Alternatively, all of the major brands have Factory Stores that are also online if you want to avoid the crowds or do not have one near you.

Nike Factory Outlet has sales going on now.

Adidas – Free shipping on Orders over $49 and Use Code 20EXTRA for extra

UnderArmour- Take an Extra $30 off all orders over $100

New Balance has free shipping on orders over $50

Puma – Use code Extra10 for an additional 10% off items and there is a sale of up to 50% off

Reebok – Take an Extra 55% off select items including sale ones.

Umbro– Get on it! Save 25% when you spent $75. Tomorrow is the last day to ship for Christmas delivery!

Cross Country/Cold-Weather Training

3. Athletic Outdoor Training Shirt: For your Cross Country or Outdoor Track kid (or for any kid who engages in a winter or cold weather sport), Nike has its Sphere Element Running long sleeve shirt with thumb cut out to keep the hands warm and made of the company’s patented Nike® Therma fabric which offers lightweight insulation and warmth, while keeping sweat off the skin via the Dri-FIT® technology..

The shirt is a steal at $50, down from $70 at Dick’s right now.

Today only, you can spend $100 worth of gear and pay just $80 at DICK’s

4. Running Shoes: For running, there are many brands that offer superior quality shoes. My two sons’ high school is sponsored by Under Armour and we have had success for three years in the HOVR Infinite which lasts an entire season of training runs and meets. Don’t just take my word for it. The HOVR won Runner’s World Magazine’s recommended running shoe recognition this year! The best tech in the shoe is the ‘zero gravity feel’ to maintain energy return that helps eliminate impact step after step. It’s a good shoe overall and has great reviews.

The shoe costs $120 but if you purchase it for the holidays you can get it for $30 at the UA website off if you use the code FRIENDS30 at checkout!

You can still have it delivered by Christmas if you order it up to this weekend!

5. Training Compression Pants: For training runs in the cold, the UA Qualifier Compression Tights works best! It’s made of compression material and made to feel like second skin. The pants comes with a pocket large enough to fit a big mobile phone like a Samsung Galaxy or iPhone X or Plus size. It has the traditional wicking material which keeps sweat off your skin and dries what accumulates fast as you run. The best is the anti-odor tech that staves off the growth of funky odor causing microbes. It’s the best and a steal at just $65 compared to more expensive running pants that I’ve seen out there sold by other athletic brands! Gift these to your XC Runner or other sports trainer who runs outdoors in the cold weather!

Basketball Player

You’d think every student basketball player athlete would want an official Spalding NBA Basketball and a portable backboard to practice at home with. Yes, those too, but the serious ones are thinking ahead.

6. Agility Ladder: Per the experts, an agility ladder like the SKLZ ladder is a great tool for ambitious basketball players who want to improve their footwork and coordination. It’s just $25.49 on Amazon and can be delivered well before Christmas if you order soon!

7. Shooting Sleeve: Throw in a Nike Pro Combat Elite Shooting sleeve for $19.90 and your aspiring basketball NBA or WNBA star will be one happy kid!

Swimming

8. Swimming Goggles: All of my three kids swim, in the Summer rec league and one year round for a club and for his school so we are always in the market for swimming gear. Goggles are always in demand and Speedo’s MDR 2.4 googles delivers performance with its Innovative Elastomeric™ technology which reduces goggle pressure against your kid’s face and Clearsight lenses eliminates distortion for a clearer view without eye fatigue. These goggles also offer a middle eye fit with liquid silicone seals and an adjustable strap and is just $24.99 at Dick’s

9. Flippers: Or get em a pair of Floti’s flippers with an extra long blade to emphasize the kick, a flexible foot pocket with ankle support and easy on and off functionality on sale at Swim Outlet for just $19.99, which is 23% off the regular price, and just $15.99 if you used the code GIFT25 at checkout!

Gymnast

10. Balance Beam: For your gymnast, there is still time to get an FBSPORT floorbeam from Amazon in time for Christmas. This adjustable and foldable portable beam has a 5-inch to which is the same width as those used in competitions but has a 6 inch base to stabilize it so it won’t topple over. Per the manufacturers, it’s made of “high density EVA foam, our padded beam is covered in suede-like material with a nonslip rubber bottom for a soft sturdy practice surface that won’t flatten over time.” Get it for $59.99 today!

Lacrosse

11. Rebounder: To help your lacrosse player hone his or her passing and catching skills, a lacrosse rebounder is a great gift for a goalie, offensive player or for team practice drills to increase your kid’s reaction skills. Dick’s has an exclusive deal for the PRIMED rebounder for $129.99 right now. It can also be picked up if it is available at a Dick’s near you.

But if that price point is not in the budget, Champion Sports sells one for half the price at $59.99 on Amazon. Both can be ordered and delivered before Christmas.

Soccer

12. Cleats Dryer: For the active soccer player who either plays in various travel teams, or year round rec leagues, a cleats dryer I hear is an in-demand item. Amazon Prime members can get Lavieair Shoe Dryer shipped for Free before Christmas for just $36.99.

If you are not an Amazon Prime member, it’s free to join! Sign up here for 30 Days FREE!

Tennis

13. Nike Workout Gear: Nike’s Court line has these popular hoodies for after play starting at $60. It’s made of French Terry cloth and has a boxy shape that makes it unisex though Nike sells a female and male version of the hoodie! It comes in other colors than the traditional Tennis white and you can still get it in time for Christmas!

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Iggy Azalea Squelches Pregnancy Rumors, Cardi Style

Posted on December 17, 2019

Rapper Iggy Azalea has recently been reported to be 6-months pregnant with her rapper boyfriend Playboi Carti.

Several gossip outlets like RadarOnline sourced Hollywood Unlocked with the story from insiders about that news.

However, since then, the “Fancy” recording artist has attempted to indirectly debunk the rumors by posting videos and pics from rehearsals for her upcoming performances.

View this post on Instagram
If you are an #IggyAzalea fan, then you might care abt this news. She is not pregnant.
A post shared by @ saucyk33 on Dec 15, 2019 at 6:55pm PST

In video, she is seen looking fit and trim with a tiny tummy ant resembling nothing close to 6 months pregnant.

Although, as we’ve blogged before, it is quite possible to not look traditionally pregnant at 6 months because all women carry differently and many carry small. [See all the posts from this blog about Iggy’s fellow Australians doing just that here and here and here and here)

Nonetheless, Azalea showed up to the International Music Awards in Berlin on November 22 lightly subconsciously tapping her belly, yet in a performance in Brazil last night, you wouldn’t think she was pregnant in those outfits either.

View this post on Instagram
she‘s so stunning ?? #IggyAzalea
A post shared by Iggy Azalea Website (@iggyweb) on Dec 15, 2019 at 6:16pm PST

But on the flip side, Cardi B did the same thing when news of her first pregnancy with daughter Kulture leaked.

She posted a video with her belly looking flat’ish to squelch rumors but was clearly pregnant at the time as we later learned she was three months along in that video.

Time will tell….

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Cassie Ventura Welcomes Daughter, Frankie Fine

Posted on December 14, 2019

What a fine looking family!

On Wednesday, Cassie and Alex Fine treated their fans to pictures of their newborn daughter Frankie, who was born on December 6.

“She’s just different. Frankie Stone Fine. My BFF,” Cassie captioned her post, where her baby girl can be seen holding her hand. For his part, Alex shared a bedtime selfie of his wife and daughter, writing, “My greatest Loves. These two girls made me the luckiest man on earth. #TheFines.”

View this post on Instagram
She’s just different. Frankie Stone Fine. My BFF.
A post shared by Casandra (@cassie) on Dec 11, 2019 at 9:10pm PST

Cassie’s mom squad was quick to adore over her little bundle of joy. New mom Shay Mitchell, who welcomed her baby girl Atlas in October, commented, “YES!” Mom of three Ayesha Currychimed in, writing, “Omg,” along with a string of heart-eyed emojis. Cassie also got some love from mommy-to-be Malika Haqq: “Frankie Fine. And she’s FINE!”

Now an official member of the mommy gang herself, Cassie is already loves being a mother. An insider close to new mom revealed that she and baby Frankie are “doing great” and that she’s enjoying “soaking in time at home with Alex.”

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Baby’s First Hannukah and Other Holiday Shopping Faves for Families

Posted on December 13, 2019

As you shop this Holiday season, I encourage you to shop small, shop local, support the little guys and those who have a social cause attached to their ecommerce brand or shops.

Wild Dill is the perfect affiliate partner because I really love their products and really support the concept behind fair trade commerce.

They source their goods direct from the creators in Africa, South America, Israel and all over the world and sell them online for a fair share of the profit which is different from what a lot of companies do: they steal the concept, create duplicates in China made of sub par material and market them as authentic.

Here are my picks of my Fave Wild Dill poducts.

I really love the plush and soft look of the Nui Organics Augustin Sweater. It is made from 100% GOTS organic merino wool the thermal properties are further enhanced by the many air pockets created by the beautiful honeycomb knit structure. The Augustine sweater is mid weight, durable and warm but also very soft to the touch.

2. For mom, this colorful and bright floral Pink Rose Bag made by artisans in Thailand caught my eye! It has a zipped main pocket for security and is lined in kelly green and made of an interior wipe clean nylon inside.

3. Because I am originally from Africa, I just adored the Red Fan African Wax Print Baby Sundress by Dsenyo for babies 18-24 months old. This 100% cotton dress is made by a women’s cooperative in Malawi, Africa. Pair with coordinating bloomers for the full look. Fair trade clothing for babies and toddlers. Dsenyo is a social enterprise partnering with artisan communities in Malawi, Zambia and Brazil, enabling women to become economically empowered through the sale of fair trade gifts and ethical fashion. I also like the Butterfly Monarch print version.

4. My First Christmas shirts are plentiful for baby but you rarely see My First Chanukah onesies or clothing and that’s why I was digging this Israeli-made Baby’s First Chanukah Organic Body Suit as part of Wild Dill’s Hebrew Baby Collection.

5. Because I believe in learning from birth, I was really digging this World Map Fabric Decal Mural that you can affix to baby’s nursery and keep in his room through pre-school so he can learn from the start that the world is larger than the confines of the four walls he is in! American Pop & Lolli creates these chic fabric wall stickers made of nontoxic materials, lead free ink and free from the PVC’s used in the manufacturing of vinyl. The decals maintain a very eco-friendly water based adhesive and the colors are printed with the new Eco-Sol Max inks, which are solvent inks that provide durability and UV resistance, but do not contain the harsh chemicals used in mild and full solvent printing.

6. I also love the handmade 100% cotton Batik Global Mama’s Teal Floral Dress created by artisans in Ghana, West Africa!

There you have it! My faves and head on over to Wild Dill where you will discover a world of top quality fashion and products from all over the world that are quite unique and will have all your family and friends admiring them and wanting to know where you got them!

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JJ’s Favorite Things {2019 Gift Guide}

Posted on December 12, 2019

This year, instead of producing 15 holiday guides with tips and suggestions of products I’ve learned about from others, marketing materials sent to me or from what social media says is the hottest “must-have” items, I’m publishing just one guide/list.

This list includes items that I have either 1) purchased or was gifted personally and I use and love; or I have researched and inspected and want on my personal “wish list”.

Therefore, followers and readers of this blog will get my authentic, genuine and unbiased perspective on what items I believe are great gifts!

1

First up is this Naipo Shiatsu neck and upper back massager. The makers gifted this to me over a year ago to review and I must say it is the absolute best. My husband and I are still using it today and it has not malfunctioned and continues to provide almost daily relief to our achy necks and backs after a long day at work, sitting at a computer desk all day or after waking up from a restless night sleep. The massager cover is made of leather and has oscillating balls and three settings that deeply kneed into your muscles to break up knots, soothe aches and pains.

An expecting or new mom would absolutely love this as she experiences the aches and pains of carrying a baby and caring for a new born.

It’s $49.99 at Amazon.com with free shipping for Prime members.

I absolutely recommend this massager as a gift. Tell the recipient it came highly rated by me! They will love you for it

2

Second, as a work at home mom blogger and solo-preneur who works from home, I am always on the go, covering events, shuttling my kids to sports, music activities, practices, meeting up with clients at coffee shops, blogging from cafes and lounges and local libraries and just hustling about.

Although my children are t/weens now, not long ago, I used to buy them toys and books for Christmas. I discover some at the library, book stores and am pitched several. My fave books for a baby or new mom are these 18 board books for Baby’s First Library

But if you want a book that is visually stunning, stimulating to a young brain and eye popping as a gift, I highly recommend the ABC 3D pop up book by French designer and artist Marion Bataille that I discovered while thrifting and vintage shopping one day. Each of the 26 three-dimensional letters move and change before your eyes. SEE It for yourself up close in this YouTube Video!

You can buy it for just $10.55 on Amazon!

3

I have several stylish and colorful oversized bags that I chuck all my stuff, laptop, umbrella and other remote office stuff in before hitting the road, but I really need a deep sturdy laptop backpack instead.

I found the Incase Icon Pack in black online that I like because it has several compartments I can use to store an umbrella, pens, make up, my phone, a water bottle, and other items separately so I can find them in a pinch. I am otherwise always digging and rummaging around a big abyss when I need to find something.

I also like it because it looks sleek and has a sexy silhouette. Get it for $90 from Amazon.

This backpack would be much appreciated by the blogger, student, mom, dad or anyone in your family who need to stay organized and is always on the move.

4

When my son was being incubated in my belly during my first pregnancy, I played The Nutcraker Ballet’s “Dance of the Sugarplum Faeries” song regularly and when he was born, whenever he would fuss while in the back seat during travel, for example, he would immediately stop crying, cock his head towards the music and calm down. Music miraculously can calm, soothe and wire our babies brains for intelligence, I believe.

Invest in some belly buds to gift to a mom to be. The results will be long lasting, I think. There are a lot of brands out there and a relatively new comer to the market is mbrio which stands out because it pipes out music at a lower volume than its competitors for a safer level for the baby. Moms-to-be can clip the soft medical-grade silicon covered buds to their pants and connect. The buds are just $34.95 and are compatible with apple iPhones and devices.

5

I am not certain a woman exists on earth who would not appreciate a trip to the spa. I know some people out there dislike strangers touching their bodies and face, yes, but they are the minority. A Spa Gift Cardis a perfect gift for any expecting mom could use a massage, facial and some good old fashioned pampering while she waits for her bundle of joy.

You can purchase a card starting at $25+ and add on from there, depending on the cost of spa services in areas where you live

6.

Anything personalized is usually more cherished and loved because the giver obviously had forethought to seek out something just for the receiver. At this late stage in the game, time is running out to purchase a personalized item. I’ve given each of my kids when they were younger a personalized book and they loved it and still have it in their bookshelves today.

You can still get a personalized children book in time for Christmas from Uncommon Goods for US buyers for just $35.

7.

I just got an iPhone 11 and purchased a basic black Otter Box case which works functionally. I only use Otter because it is the only case that I can rely on to keep my phone safe but the black is not cutting it because it gets lost in the bottom of my purse too easily and I lose track of it all the time because it blends in with counters, and tables. I’ve left my phone several places and luckily got it back but I really blame the cover’s color for this problem. So I’m hoping to get an Otter case in a bright color for Christmas.

It sells all sorts of colors but I would love to get it in yellow for $50

8.

Because slow cookers have been updated and now it’s quicker and easier to whip up a nutritious meal for the family with minimum effort, Instapot is the hottest thing around. The holiday season has revealed the lowest prices ever for them now as well. Currently, an Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker which is almost $100 can be purchased for half off at $49 over on Amazon.com!

9.

Here is a personal thing. I am in love with Caroline Herrera scent “Good Girl“. It is my new second fave to Jessica McClintock’s self-named perfume which works with my chemistry and gets me compliments every time and all the time. If you are familiar with a fave scent, get it because many come with a free gift at the department stores. If you order Good Girl from Ulta for $69.99 you can get a free gift, a luxurious soft throw or robe. Nice! It’s like two gifts in one!

BONUS.

Finally, I would love a new leather wallet. I have a very cute square coin purse wallet my brother in law gifted me from Brooks Brothers years ago. I get a lot of compliments because of the odd shape but it is not practical. I think anyone would love a nice quality new wallet for the new year!

I’m eyeing Booney & Bourke‘s Saffiano Large zip around wallet which the brand sells on its website for just $69! Woot!

There you have it! My 9 (10) favorite things for 2019!

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Woman Killed By Exploding Gender Reveal Pipe Bomb

Posted on December 10, 2019

A 56-year-old Iowa woman was killed [in late October] by debris from an explosion during a “gender reveal” party, according to authorities.

Officials responded to a report of an explosion just after 4 p.m. in rural Knoxville, which is about 40 miles southeast of Des Moines, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.

Local fire departments, emergency medical services and law enforcement responded, and found victim Pamela Kreimeyer dead at the scene.

An investigation found that Kreimeyer had been hit from about 45 feet away by a “flying piece of debris” that was being used as part of a “gender reveal announcement.”

The release said that members of the Kreimeyer family had been “experimenting” in the days before the party with “different types of explosive material,” and eventually developed what authorities called an “inadvertent” pipe bomb.

The gunpowder did not shoot out of the top of the stand as the family expected, and instead, the stand exploded, with a piece of metal striking Kreimeyer in the head and killing her instantly, authorities said.

“This family got together for what they thought was going to be a happy event with no intent for anyone to get hurt. What ended up happening was that Pamela Kreimeyer, a wife, mother and grandmother, was killed,” Sheriff Jason Sandholdt said in a statement.

He continued, “This is a reminder that anytime someone mixes these things there is a high potential for serious injury or death; please do not take these unnecessary risks. My condolences go out to the family.”

The sheriff’s office said the incident is under investigation.

reprint

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Study: Newborn Infant Boys Are Affected By Mom’s Pregnancy Depression

Posted on December 9, 2019

Women who have symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy do not report concerns with their infant sons’ behavior – but do with daughters, a Cardiff University study has found.

As many as one in four women experience depression and/or anxiety in pregnancy and evidence suggests it can increase the risk of emotional and behavioral issues, particularly in boys.

The study focused on the children of mothers who had reported symptoms of depression and anxiety in pregnancy. Specifically, researchers looked at what early indicators of difficulties were apparent in these children at the age of one.

Researchers identified language delays and evidence of emotional difficulties in male infants but not in female infants, similar to findings from other studies.

The surprising finding of this study was that the affected mothers did not pick up on their infant sons’ difficulties – but did perceive issues in their daughters.

Professor Rosalind John, senior author on the study, said: “A key finding of our study was that mothers reporting higher depression and anxiety symptoms in pregnancy reported poor bonding, higher aggression and lower soothability for their infant only when the infant was female, and not when the infant was male.

“In contrast, our objective assessment found that male infants were more affected by maternal prenatal anxiety or depression, but this was not picked up by their mothers.”

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Get Fresh Groceries Delivered to Your Door All Year FREE

Posted on December 5, 2019

This post contains affiliate links. If you elect to click and sign up for some of these services, I will earn affiliate commission from your sign up.

If you are expecting and standing on your feet and walking aisle to aisle to go grocery shopping might be out of the question, especially if you are on bedrest.

Thank goodness for technology and the gig economy, a lot of apps and services have cropped up to take the work out of it for you. For a small delivery fee, you can have someone do the shopping for you.

If you play your cards right, and organize accordingly, could arguably get free deliveries for a year. Sign up for each of the services for the first free months and try a new one each month then cancel before you are billed. Then when you’re done researching which store has the best prices and best delivery services, you can re-ignite your membership at the winning service!

There is a way to get free groceries for life. Keep reading this roundup to find out which will give you that option:

Instacart is the go to service for quick and effective grocery delivery. Customers select groceries from various retailers, then a personal shopper does the shopping and deliver the groceries to them when they are finished. This service started several years ago but only recently took off to become the industry disrupt or and standard. You can try it for the first month is FREE.

I first used Instacart a few years ago when my husband and I were away on a couple’s vacation and we wanted to deliver food home for our babysitter (my mom). It was easy to pick fresh ingredients and have them delivered thousands of miles away! It was soooo awesome! I’ve since used it again in crunch times.

This option is great for those who live in cities and who don’t have cars also.

Also, if you want to make extra money for the holidays for an upcoming trip, consider being an Instacart shopper.

Fresh Direct is another competitor to Instacart and it will give you 60 days of free delivery but the other draw back is that it is limited and doesn’t’ serve all areas. Click HERE to see if your home is covered and if so, enjoy this deal!

Amazon got into the market with its Amazon Pantry offering which is quite identical to Instacart in every way. However, the bonus for Prime members is their membership gets them free deliveries all the time so long as they order over $35 (or $50 in expensive NYC) .

Also, customers in Amazon Fresh cities will be able to order fast 1-2 hour delivery windows, which is much faster than the usual 3-4 hour window.

You knew Target would get on the bandwagon and via it’s shopping partners at Shipt, you can get your first delivery order FREE!

And the good thing about using Target is that you can have other essentials and not just groceries delivered to your home. Sign up for Target FREE delivery via Shipt HERE!

If you live in the states with Safeway Grocery stores, you can get your first order delivered free and a $20 credit towards your groceries. Use promo code Save20 on your first order.

Also, people who live in states and cities with a GIANT grocery store can also get the benefit of a month’s worth of free grocery delivery when they sign up. SIGN UP for Peapod by GIANT here!

Not everyone is comfortable having others do their grocery shopping for them and so these options are not the cup of tea for all, but for those who are cool with nixing one more thing off the weekly to-do-list, take every advantage now!

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#GivingTuesday: How the Entire Family Can Participate

Posted on December 3, 2019

As Cyber Monday sunsets and people are wrapping up or enjoying their Black Friday deals or the great things they got from local merchants on Small Business Saturday, non profits nationwide are hoping to fundraise today, Giving Tuesday.

The global event is in its fifth year and is celebrated each year the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It is the brainchild of 92nd Street Y, a cultural center in New York City and the United Nations Foundation.

Giving Tuesday is intended to be the launch pad for the charitable giving season. While the time period around the holidays is often about celebrating Christmas, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other holidays that involve getting gifts, it is also a season for sharing and giving.

Thus the name #GivingTuesday is appropriate and is observed each year by giving to nonprofits, charities and other organizations that are raising funds, including schools, churches and other charitable groups.

Beyond just collecting monetary donations, a lot of local orgs organize food and coat drives and many individuals celebrate it by committing random acts of kindness such as paying for the drink of the person behind them in the coffee line at work.

In 2015, 700,000 people from 71 countries came together to donate $116.7 USD million in cash. An additional $1.08 million USD was spent on gifts.

Children can give by volunteering at their local shelter or food bank or doing something nice for elderly neighbors like mowing their lawn, shoveling snow from their driveway or helping them with groceries.

At home, younger kids can acknowledge the day by helping out with a chore like folding laundry, helping to cook dinner, or even reading to a younger sibling.

To help spread the message, snap a photo of your kids doing something good and use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to spread awareness and encourage others to get into the spirit as well!

Parents can use the day to donate to their area school, youth camp or other organization that works with familie

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American Music Awards Red Carpet {The Moms}

Posted on December 3, 2019

In continuing the tradition of showcasing moms on the Red Carpets at Award Shows all year long, here is what the moms we’ve covered on this blog wore at the 47th Annual American Music Awards show which took place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California on November 24th.

Heid Klum dressed the best I have ever seen her and less pageantry in a cute feathered mini dress by Monsoori. It was my fave look of then all actually.

Christina Alguilera appeared in a white caped draping gown by Jean Paul Gaultier.

Ciara covered up her svelte shape in an electric blue pantsuit by Balmain.

Meanwhile, actress and director Regina King showed up and showed out in all black regal look by Ashi Studio and 2nd-time mom-to-be Jenna Dewan outfitted her bump in Emporio Armani.

Carrie Underwood rocked a high split with her purple gown by designer Stephanie Costello.

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ALL athletes

Cross Country/Cold-Weather Training

Basketball Player

Swimming

Gymnast

Lacrosse

Soccer

Tennis

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7.

8.

9.

BONUS.