BumpNews

20 Last Minute Things to Do Before Baby Comes

Posted on October 22, 2016

Are you in your last month of pregnancy and flustered about what you need to do and worry if you have the time? No fret, cousin JJ is here to give you a checklist of crap you need to haul ass and get done.

A list should ease the stress:

What to Pack in the Baby Bag:

1. A warm and comfortable blanket but one you don’t mind getting ruined with all the juices, balms and secretions that accompany labor. It won’t be the same after. errrr.

2. Mint or lollipops – You may be restricted from eating. The sugar in the lollipop can help curb hunger pangs and keep you from stink breath. Stink breath is no bueno.

3. Lip balm – You may get dehydrated. Keep your lips moisturized. I like ESOS!

4. Moisturizer – Get a very thick tube of moisturizer. I recommend Aquaphor because you don’t need a lot to do the trick.

5. Smart phone camera or digital camera – No explanation necessary

6. A couple pair of granny undies – But no more because you will get the mesh disposable undies plenty at the hospital. You can even take home extras the nurses bring in your room. They’re the best!

7. Baby going home outfit – This is the outfit you dress baby in when the hospital photography company comes by.

8. Gifts for the nurses – Some go above and beyond to make your short stay pleasant. Purchase a box of candy, or a mini spa kit or a journal or cards. I love Steep Seep’s Grapefruit Bergamot gift set which costs under $20!

9. Music – have a playlist of soothing music on a CD or on your phone’s portable speaker that you can plug in and help you calm down and get through a long labor.

10. Breast pad – You may leak so breast-pads and some Lansinoh Nipple Cream may come in handy for cracked or sore nipples from nursing.

LAST MINUTE NESTING

11. Get the carpets cleaned and get rid of any cat or dog hair and other allergens.

12. Create a music playlist for labor and delivery.

13. Buy all the creams, lotions, medicines, and miscellaneous items you need for yourself and baby.

14. Buy clear plastic containers to organize baby clothing, accessories, toys and a label maker

15. Organize baby’s clothes and label the bins: newborn, 0 to 3 months, 3 to 6months, 6 to 12 months.

16. Create a “call list” on your smart phone so your hubby, spouse or partner knows who to contact after you give birth.

LAST MINUTE GROOMING

You have to make sure you are presentable for labor and delivery, photos after baby arrives and just for feeling good about yourself and the end of the 40 week journey. Don’t know who said letting yourself go was okay during pregnancy, but they lied. If you feel fresh, clean, primmed and prepped, you will feel energetic and ready for pushing out that baby.

17. Get your nether regions waxed. You really don’t want doctors and nurses seeing your business looking like the Brazilian rain forest. Opt for a Brazilian wax instead. If it’s out of the budget, consider going with Nair Bikini removal gel which will not require you to use a razor and nick yourself, but be careful.

18. Wax your eyebrows. You’ll feel better and look great in the post birth pics. But if you’re going for the Anastasia the Russian Gladiator look, then no.

19. Get a Mani and Pedi – A mani because your hands will be in pics and you don’t want to cut baby with your hang nail. Not good. A pedi because your toes may be in the air and/or in stirrups during the pushing stage and you don’t want to be embarrassed by crusty and ashy hammer toes in people’s faces.

20. Get a hair appointment and get your hair in braids and/or cornrows. You need a low maintenance style bc you will not have time to do your hair after baby arrives and braided styles look great in pics.

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Parenting

Head to Toe: Keeping Your Newborn Clean Between Baths

Posted on September 28, 2016

Everybody knows that babies get dirty, however, only parents know the true extent of just how dirty that can get. New parents are in for a wild ride of drool, tears and the occasional diaper explosion. It can get messy and stressful, but those tender moments when your baby looks up at you and smiles make it all worth it. Baby’s bath time is important, yet for the first few months, you aren’t going to need to bathe them every day (until they start getting dirty, it’s recommended that you bathe them only two or three times a week).

However, hygiene is still an important part of their daily routine that you are going to want to instill in them. So, how do you keep your newborn clean between baths?

Regular Diaper Changes

Newborns under a month old should have their diapers changed right around ten times a day – definitely not less than six. They will typically have around three or four bowel movements a day. As they get older this number will change, below is a table detailing estimates of how many times a day you should change your baby and how many diapers a month that equates to:

Age	Diaper Changes Per Day	# Diapers Per Month
0-1 Month	10-12	320
1-5 Months	8-10	240
5-9 Months	8	240
9-12 Months	8	240

Remember, the above numbers are just an estimate – some babies will require more, some will require less. Diapers also need to be changed as soon as it is noticed that they are soiled. Urine and bacteria can lead to painful rashes that take time to treat.

Trim Their Nails

One of the most dreaded parts of taking care of your newborn is when it comes time to trim their little nails. Just like the rest of them, their nails have been growing since before they were born – so they may need a trim during the first week (and every two or three days of the first three weeks, until the nails harden and stop growing so quickly).

While one of your older relatives might suggest nibbling on them, you may peel them too far back which is, obviously, immensely painful. When clipping, hold your baby’s finger tight and press the the fingertip pad down and away from the nail – and of course, always using special baby clippers or scissors. Snip while following the gentle curve of their fingernail.

Wipe Them Down

No matter whether you’re at home or at the grocery store, you should always be sure to keep some baby wipes handy. You never know when they’re going to spit-up or have some other kind of fluid disaster – so be prepared for everything! It’s also a good idea to keep clean swaddling cloths on you at all times, too. Just like the top sheet on your bed keeps your blankets from becoming dirty, these handy baby sheets can be quickly swapped out for a clean one upon soiling.

When it comes down to it, you want to keep your baby as clean as possible to give them the best possible hygiene for a healthy and happy life!

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Celebrity

We Check in on Tatyana Ali’s Adorable Pregnancy

Posted on August 25, 2016

First-time mom-to-be Tatyana Ali is having the most adorable pregnancy…well if one can judge by the cute pics the Fresh Prince of Bel Air alum has been posting on her Instagram.

Most recently, the Harvard University graduate hit the beach with her new husband Stanford University English professor Dr. Vaughn Raspberry to celebrate a birthday.

Happy Birthday Beachday “zouji”. #beautifullife ?? just getting started too…
A photo posted by Tatyana Ali (@tatyanaali) on Aug 16, 2016 at 7:28pm PDT

And learning about how that belly can disrupt normal life…

After the gym this morning I thought I’d relax in the study and paint my toenails. Ha!! Imagine my surprise when I realized I can’t even see my toes. #bumplife
A photo posted by Tatyana Ali (@tatyanaali) on Aug 12, 2016 at 1:18pm PDT

And also has been styling in Pink Blush Maternity Clothing…

And joining a campaign to promote literacy with the hubby…

And keeping on her fitness…

And nesting, sewing curtains and prepping for baby, due this year…

Follow her on Instagram for more.

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Celebrity

Tika Sumpter Radiates at Premiere of Obamas’ First Date movie, ‘Southside With You’

Posted on August 19, 2016

First time mom-to-be Tika Sumpter looked radiant in white while attending the Chicago premiere of her new Michelle & Barack Obama love story movie, Southside With You. The gorgeous and talented actress walked the red carpet and posed alongside her co-star Parker Sawyer who plays Barack and executive producer John Legend.

This movie could be the breakout role for the Gossip Girl alum who, up until now, has been known for supporting roles alongside Kevin Hart in the Ride Along movies or other small screen roles. She also stars on the OWN Network hit show The Haves and Have Nots.

The film is a fictional portrayal of the first date of the president and First Lady back in 1989 when President Obama was a Harvard Law Student and a community organizer and Michelle was an associate in a big Chicago law firm. And from watching the trailer, we must say that Sumpter got inflection down pack. It was part of her plan.

“I wanted to make sure you heard inflections of Michelle,” she told Nylon magazine in an August feature. “I studied every word, how she curved her tongue, how she kind of sings when she talks.” The result is a carefully drawn and recognizable portrait of Michelle Robinson, an ambitious and whip-smart lawyer who would go on to become one of the world’s most famous women, Nylon summarized.

It did well at the Sundance Film festival earlier this year. The film wasn’t sanctioned by the White House. The film’s screenwriter and producer Richard Tanne said the White House was “aware and slightly puzzled” by the existence of the film, but officials there did verify locations and the menu of their first date.

This is just but one of a plethora of untold stories of historic African American figures yet to hit the big or small screen. Sumpter also jumped in early as one of the producers .

“The great part about being a producer is you’re in the room when decisions are made,” she added, especially given that good roles are so hard to come by for black female actresses. “Usually, there aren’t any black people in the room…I’m in a place where I want to create because these characters aren’t being written for me.”

And she plans to do more.

“I have stories I want to tell,” she says. “My thing is making sure women know how dope they are, regardless of what the story is.”

She didn’t reveal who her boyfriend and father of her child is to the interviewer but did say he is also a lawyer who is mature, and representing the Obamas in her new film, Sumpter says they are “Relationship goals.” Sumpter also accidentally revealed she is having a baby girl on a radio show while promoting the film.

Southside-With-You-pic-Parker-Sawyers-and-Tika-Sumpter

The New York Times did a write up recently too, revealing that, to prepare the actress worked with a vocal coach to master Mrs. Obama’s speech patterns, and watched videos to see how she walked and carried herself.

“Once we started rehearsing,” said Mr. Sawyers, “I was like, oh, that’s it! She nailed it.”
In one scene, Michelle talks about the racism she encountered at Princeton and Harvard — some subtle, some less so — and how, even at her current firm, she has to navigate between “Planet Black and Planet White.” Ms. Sumpter admitted that there were parallels in her own field. “You see the differences in the way certain movies are treated,” she said. “But once you come to terms with that, you have to go, O.K., I’m not going to allow that to hold me back. Which is what I love about Michelle. She never allowed the color of her skin and all the things she was up against to keep her from breaking through.”
A lot of that confidence came from Mrs. Obama’s family, just as it did for Ms. Sumpter, who is expecting her own daughter this fall. “Because of my mom, I never felt less than,” she said, looking back on her early days trying to make it in the business. “I never came into this world thinking, I’m a brown-skinned girl going to Hollywood. I was always like, I’m talented and I’m beautiful and I’m smart. Why wouldn’t you want me?”

The movie opens this Friday, August, 26 nationwide. Date night movie for sure!

Photos: Miramax, Twitter, Starcast

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African ‘Fertility’ Waist Beads 101

Posted on July 25, 2016

I went on a weekend getaway and rediscovered the waist beads my mom brought back for me from her trip to Sierra Leone, Africa earlier this year. It reminded me to share more about the beads on the blog because there is a long history in the beads that include fertility.

In fact, they are called “fertility beads” in some cultures. It is thought that they originated with the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria, West Africa but other West African nations like Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone have adopted them. They are considered to be “of the earth” or the source of life as many women wear them during pregnancy to protect the baby from evil spirits and ensure a safe labor and delivery.

Some wear them to encourage fertility. It’s not scientific of course, but steeped in tradition. Others believe the beads have healing property. Some African women wear them to ward themselves from negative energy.

Erotic Nature of Beads

In some parts of Ghana and Nigeria, people have a belief that the waist beads possess some erotic appeal and have the power to incite desire or deep emotional response on men.

They Symbolism of the Colors

The colors and stones or beads used in the beads have different meaning too. Colorful rainbow beads are considered to have balancing properties.

~Yellow- Symbol of wisdom/knowledge, clarity, increases awareness & stress relief.

~Blue- Symbol of knowledge, healing, peace, truth & harmony.

~Orange – Symbol of optimism, positive mood & promotes self-confidence.

~Pink- This color is associated with unconditional love, romance, purity, femininity & healing.

~Green – This color is associated with prosperity, hope, harmony & healing.

~Red – Self-confidence, vitality, sexual energy, passion & courage.

~violet – Color symbolizes intuition, power, inspiration & royalty.

~Gray – Symbol of wisdom & communication.

~Brown – Symbol of comfort, security, practicality.

~Black- Symbolizes energy & strength. (source)

Beads can be made with semi-precious stones thought to heal certain ailments. They are sold, made with all types of materials shell, gemstone, glass, plastic, pearl or even clay or wood.

How to Wear Them

Waist beads are created to be worn below the belly. I have worn mine at my mid-riff as well. Some prefer to wear them under their clothing only to be seen by themselves or their spouses or partners. Others flaunt them on bare bellies or even over their clothing.

Waistbeads for tracking Weigh Management

Many women wear the beads as an instrument in losing weight. When the strands begin to be too tight, the wearer knows it may be time to cut back and start exercising if they want to maintain their weight. Also, for those on a weightloss journey, as the beads become looser, they know they are definitely on a downard trajectory as the scales do not always indicate loss when one is building muscle at the same time as muscle weighs more than fat.

Modern Use

In modern culture, waistbeads have been adopted to flaunt and draw attention to a trim midsection or tight abs. Women in Ghana have worn them to accentuate their hips.

They are more of a fashion element though those who wear them ought to be aware of their cultural origins and significance just in case they are questioned or asked about them while out and about. It is the best thing to be aware when donning an item of clothing or style that originates in a culture that is not their own. You don’t want to be accused of “cultural appropriation.”

Cost

If you don’t have a family member or friend coming back from Africa, certainly, you can grab yourself some from Etsy shops. I found them sold Here, Here and Here for about $10 and up. If you spot any on sale for $5, they may not be authentic and genuine but a mass-produced copy. Beware!

Lupita Nyong’o, a Bellyitch Blog fave was spotted wearing one (above) back in 2014 when she was in Maui for the Maui Film Festival. She was seen looking tone and effortlessly chic in a Marysia Swim bikini and even Instagrammed a pic from the locale.

SHOP THE LOOK!

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Celebrity

Vanessa Bryant Bumps it Up in Crimson at The 2016 Espys

Posted on July 16, 2016

Vanessa Bryant bumped it up in crimson at the 2016 ESPN ESPY Awards held Wednesday, July 13 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.

Accompanying her husband veteran retired NBA player Kobe Bryant, the third-time mom-to-be looked absolutely radiant in a red low cut wrap dress that revealed a tiny bump. We are loving her blush colored nails and butterfly ring.

It was only this week that the couple announced they were expecting after a pretty long lapse. Their current youngest daughter, Gianna, just turned 10 but is about got be de-throned when daughter number 3 arrives later this year. In red carpet interviews, the couple gushed that they are“very excited” about their third child on the way!

GET THE LOOK!

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We’re Loving Angela Simmons’ Bikini and Maternity Style (PHOTOS)

Posted on July 7, 2016

Angela Simmons has been babymooning in the islands and on a boat with her mystery fiance. She shared a trio of bikini pics recently on her Instagram account that reveal her growing baby belly.

Simmons is expecting her first child with a person she has yet to reveal to the public. But she did reveal back in May that she expecting a boy.

“I can’t wait to kiss your little toes baby boy,” she captioned an Instagram photo of an ultrasound.

Before confirming the pregnancy, Angela hid her bump and dodged rumors and since then has been showing it off more.

She is aunt to her sister Vanessa Simmons‘ daughter with her beau Michael Wayans and her brother JoJo Simmons’ first born child with his girlfriend. Vanessa gave birth to her first child, daughter Ava Marie Jean, in 2014 and younger brother JoJo just became a father earlier this year with his girlfriend, Tanice Amira.

We enjoyed bumpwatching Vanessa but I must admit Angela is so much more fun because she posts often in social media and her maternity fashion game is on fleek. Check it out. And this is just the early second trimester.

This sheer top with embellished adornments and black pencil skirt paired with cute black pumps is a super cute look. I love the slimming effect of the slim skirt. She went with the glam waves to the side for a bombshell look.

In another sheer and denim mini dress with a slight slit in the front with these nude Louboutins is adorbs. I love her plum lipstick and baby blue nails.

The off-the-shoulder shirt is trending this season. She could still wear distressed jeans in a non-maternity style in this pic even though she is a bit advanced in her pregnancy. Lucky girl.

The crimson medicine bag captures your attention but this black bump-hugging t-shirt dress is boss. Tossing the fatigues army shirt jacket over this dress makes this outfit set off and tres cute. And the Dwayne Wayne (A Different’ World character reference) shades rock. The blue sneakers give this look a sporty yet casual vice.

Simply chic and elegant. I love the mauve pumps too.

This layered tent top is perfect and I am lusting after those black and white pumps. Cute.

This striped dress with a cropped top revealing her bump is fab.

This track suit with the big floral print is so unexpected and are those Converse wedges on her feet?

Another fatigues print dress. Digging her sandals too. And all this is just the second trimester! Follow Angela on Instagram HERE! She announced plans to open up a retail store in Brooklyn for her previously online-only boutique Angela I Am.

photos: courtesy Instagram

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40+ Mother’s Day Freebies and Cheapies

Posted on May 8, 2016

Happy Mother’s Day from Bellyitch Blog. To help you celebrate your mom today, we’ve compiled a list of freebies and cheapies offered to moms today at national restaurant chains and online merchants. Enjoy today, moms!

Arooga’s Grille House: Moms eat free on Mother’s Day at participating locations at this restaurant and sports bar chain with outlets in Pennsylvania and a few other Mid-Atlantic states. The purchase of another meal of equal or greater value is required.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s: All moms get a complimentary meal (value up to $10) on Mother’s Day.

Bob Evans: Mothers who eat at a Bob Evans restaurant on Mother’s Day get a voucher good for free coffee on four future visits.

Caribou Coffee – Caribou Perks members will see a BOGO offer for any beverage valid on May 7th or 8th.

Chicken Salad Chick: This deal for moms is actually available on Friday, May 6, not Mother’s Day. And on Friday, all moms get a free scoop of Classic Carol, the most popular style of chicken salad at this chain with locations through the South and Southeast. Presumably, they’ll put it in a bowl or in a wrap or something, rather than just plopping it into your hand.

Chuck E. Cheese’s – Print a coupon for a large one-topping pizza, 4 drinks, 30 tokens and a single salad bar for $29.99.

Flemings Steak House: With a minimum purchase of $75 for brunch on Mother’s Day, you’ll receive a $25 gift card valid for a future visit, valid through June 16.

Fogo de Chao: Moms who dine at this Brazilian steakhouse chain on Mother’s Day get a bonus complimentary lunch or dinner on a future visit.

Hooters: Last year, approximately 40,000 moms got free meals on Mother’s Day at Hooters, according to the company. And this year, the chain is again offering a free entrée for moms. The options include buffalo chicken salad, 10-piece order of wings (boneless or original), and the Hooters Burger. Some locations may also give moms a coupon for a free appetizer on a future visit.

Hurricane Grill & Wings: On Mother’s Day, moms visiting Hurricane Wings locations in places like Cedar Rapids, Iowa, get free dessert.

Ker’s Winghouse: Moms get a free meal (value up to $10) on Mother’s Day.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Moms who are brunch customers on Mother’s Day are treated to a free chocolate-covered strawberry.

Mimi’s Café: When moms eat at Mimi’s on Mother’s Day, they receive a coupon good for a free entrée on a later visit, valid through May 29.

MOD Pizza: At 125 MOD Pizza locations around the country, moms have a choice of a free 11-inch pizza or free salad on Mother’s Day.

RAM Restaurant & Brewery – Moms get their choice of a free appetizer or dessert with purchase of an adult entree – just show this post on May 7th or 8th.

Ruth’s Chris: Each mom who dines at Ruth’s Chris on Mother’s Day is handed a $25 gift card good on a future dinner visit.

Shoney’s: All moms eating at Shoney’s on Mother’s Day get a slice of strawberry pie on the house.

Spaghetti Warehouse: Moms who are customers on Mother’s Day will get a free order of lasagna or spaghetti on a future visit.

Texas Steakhouse & Saloon: Moms who dine here on Mother’s Day get a coupon good for a free entrée on their next visit.

Wienerschnitzel: Moms who bring in a child, or a photo of their children, will be lucky enough to dine on a chili dog, small fries, and small soda, free of charge on Mother’s Day.

Wildflower Bread Company: This Arizona restaurant and bakery chain awards each mom dining at one of the 14 locations in the state a free loaf of bread (or shortbread cookies, in one spot) on Mother’s Day.

Zoo- Free Zoo Admission – Check this list of zoos that offer free admission for moms during Mother’s Day weekend.

Cheapies and Discounts

Amazon – Get free 1-day shipping on jewelry, watches and more – no Prime membership necessary.

Applebee’s – Buy $50 in gift cards, get a free $10 bonus card.

AMC Theatres – Purchase a digital gift card worth $25-$100 and they’ll add 10% to the balance with coupon code MOMMA.

Best BuyGet a $10 savings code when purchasing an item from Best Buy’s “top tech for mom” list through Sunday. The $10 savings code will be provided via e-mail on May 22 for use toward a future purchase made through June 19.

Bonefish Grill – Give $50 in gift cards and get a free $10 bonus card for yourself.

Chipotle – Purchase $25 or more in gift cards, then bring in your receipt on a future visit for a free burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos.

CoachGet 25 percent off online purchases with code MOM2016.

Noodles & Company – Get a $5 bonus card with every $25 gift card purchase.

Olive Garden – Get a free $10 bonus card with every $50 gift card purchase.

Half Price Books – Get a free $5 bonus card with each $25 gift card purchase through May 8th.

Noodles & Company – Get a $5 bonus card with every $25 gift card purchase.

Olive Garden – Get a free $10 bonus card with every $50 gift card purchase.

Outback Steakhouse – Get a free $10 bonus card when you buy $50 in gift cards.

Panera Bread – Get a free $10 bonus card for every $50 of gift cards purchased in-cafe.

P.F. Chang’s – Receive a $10 bonus card when you purchase $50 in gift cards.

PishPosh Save 20 percent on certain baby products by 4moms, the company that makes high-tech baby gear, like the 4moms Mamaroo bouncing and swinging chair. It has five unique motions, including one that mimics a car seat, five different speeds and four built-in sounds.

Shutterfly – Use the coupon code CARD4U to get a free photo card for Mom (you’ll need to pay $0.99 for shipping).

Spa & Wellness – Get 15% off + free shipping on all Spa & Wellness gift cards with coupon code HAPPYMOM16.

Starbucks – Buy a $10 gift card with VISA Checkout and you’ll get an additional $10 added to your card for free.

source

http://time.com/money/4318640/mothers-day-deals-free-food-gift-cards/

Mother’s Day Freebies & Deals 2016

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Family Travel: 5 Ways to Entertain the Kids In the Hotel

Posted on March 22, 2016

If you’re on vacation, chances are there will be a lot of down time in the hotel room. Your child may find the lack of space in the room restrictive, which could prompt unruly behavior or temper tantrums. Help them avoid boredom or cabin fever with some fun games and toys. It’s unrealistic to bring the contents of the playroom with you on vacation. However, you can bring along some compact game and toy options, or you can create your own activities that require little to no equipment. Here are some ways you can keep your little ones entertained during your hotel stay:

Dress-Up

If you have a little girl, have a mini-fashion show in your hotel room. The two of you can get her prepared for her debut with outfit preparation followed by spa services. Perform a special facial, paint nails and create a fun hair-do. You can easily pack a few accent pieces in your suitcase, like ribbon, costume jewelry or your daughter’s favorite dress. This activity is ideal for the child who enjoys planning and is enthusiastic about dress-up. It will require some patience on her part– but if you keep the energy high and have fun, it will keep her occupied and the two of you will have a blast.

Puzzles

Puzzles are time-consuming activities that can keep a child’s attention. If you have enough room in your luggage, pack some jigsaw puzzles. The two of you should pick out a jigsaw that is your child’s favorite animal or animated character, so they’re excited about the final product. The more enthusiastic they are about the content, the more time they’ll commit. If you have limited space for jigsaws, you can bring along some printed word puzzles. Design your own word puzzles at Busy Teacher. Include terms or words that are at your child’s reading level. You can make the theme of the puzzle reflect your child’s favorite hobbies, books or movies.

Card Games

Cards are compact and can be easily transported–they make a great alternative to board games. You can bring along a pack of regular playing cards for games like go fish, speed or gin rummy. Bicycle offers a six pack of kids card games that include Go Fish, Slap Jack, Memory, Matching, Old Maid and Crazy Eights. These cards are well-illustrated, colorful and designed especially for kids. Uno is another fun card game that is great for the entire family, as you can incorporate many players.

Music Video

Get the creative juices flowing and produce a music video with your kid. They can choose their favorite song, and the two of you can storyboard the visual elements. You can orchestrate outfits and practice choreographed dance moves. The video can be recorded on your tablet or smartphone. Many smartphones have video editing capabilities or apps, so you can instantly assemble the footage and polish it up for presentation. Your child will love to watch themselves perform and it is a fun, creative activity the two of you can do together.

Bath Adventure

Liven up bathtime and make the tub an adventurous oasis. The tub is like a mini pool where your kids can hang out and play with their bath toys. Bring along the essential rubber ducky or foam figures, so your child can entertain themselves with these toys. You also can go one step further and create an exciting bath adventure. You can purchase themed bath kits at toy stores. The Pirates of the Tub play set includes 36 foam pieces that make pirate figurines, islands, a raft, boats and the Jolly Roger flag. The pieces will stick onto tiles, the wall or sides of the bath tub. The set also includes three pirate squirters that your kid will love.

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50 Leap Year Freebies & Deals including 10 just for ‘Leap Year Babies’

Posted on February 29, 2016

There are 187,000 leap year babies currently living the United States and since their birthdays only come around once every four years, several brands and companies use the opportunity to celebrate these special babies by offering them freebies!

Others have jumped on the wagon and extended offers to the rest of us, who equally are happy to get one extra day in February because, ‘why not’?

Here are 10 freebies just for Leap Year babies and 40 deals for the rest of us.

1. Benny’s Chop House (Chicago): Guests with Leap Day birthdays receive a complimentary 8 oz. filet mignon on 2/29/2016, for parties of 2 or more.

2. Great American Cookies –Leap year babies get a free cookie cake to celebrate your birthday if you have an ID to prove you were born on February 29.

3. Holsteins -Guests with Leap Day birthdays receive a free Birthday Cake Bamboozled Milkshake and a Classic Burger with proof of ID on 2/29/2016.

4. Houlihan’s:All customers with Leap Day birthdays can have one free entree on Monday, Feb. 29, and that’s only the start. Leap Day babies are welcomed to 28 additional free entrees–one per visit–over the following 30-day period, for a possible total of 29 free entrees. Bring photo ID with proof of DOB.

5. Olive Garden –If your birthday is Feb. 29, use the linked coupon for four free “Dolcini” desserts, valid for dine-in orders at Olive Garden restaurants from Feb. 29 to March 6.

McAlister’s Deli: Show an ID proving that you’re a Leap Baby born on February 29 and you’ll get a free cookie on Monday.

7. Hard Rock Cafe: Is giving away a free meal for anyone celebrating their birthday.

8. Pizza Hut: Anyone who shows a valid government-issued photo ID proving they were born on Leap Day will get a free, one-topping Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut. The deal is for carryout only.

9. The Plaza Hotel (New York): Guests with Leap Day birthdays can receive a special $229 package, rate only valid for 2/29/2016.

10. Villa Italian Kitchen: Guests with Leap Day birthdays receive a complimentary slice of pizza at participating locations on 2/29/2016.

OUR PICK FOR THE BEST DEALS For the REST OF US ON LEAP YEAR DAY!

1. Verizon: Coupon code VZWDEAL will save you up to $50 off select smartphones through Feb. 29. New device payment is required and upgrades are excluded.

2. Frontier Airlines: $29 flights to select cities. Must book by 2/26, 2/29 or 3/2

3. Caribou Coffee: Buy one beverage and get the second for just 29 cents on Leap Day.

4. Chick-fil-A– Check with your local Chick-fil-A, but we’ve caught wind that some locations are offering free chicken sandwiches if you stop by 29 minutes past the hour all day on February 29.

5. Legal Sea Food: Get two one-pound lobsters (and two sides) for $29. (Typically, a one-pound lobster at the restaurant costs $25.95.)

6. Dell Refurbished Computers: Take $600 off servers of $2000 or more with code SERVER$600 through Feb. 29.

7. Aeropostale: Extra 29% off your order with code LEAP29.

8. Airport Express Get 20% off shared-ride shuttle services.

9. Betsey Johnson: Take 29% off your order with coupon code LEAP and have it shipped to you for free. Some exclusions apply.

10. Urban Outfitters: Shop a selection of products priced at $29 or less.

THE OTHER GREAT LEAP YEAR DEALS

11. CheapOAir: Use code GETAWAYS30 to save up to $30 on Getaway Vacations through Feb. 29.

12. Destination Hotels: Make reservations on Feb. 29 to receive 29% (or more) off room rates in the weeks ahead, and/or $29 daily credits at this group’s hotels, which include locations in Snowmass, Colorado, San Francisco, and New Orleans.

13. Marriott Stanton South Beach: On Feb. 29 use the code ADP when making reservations to get 29% off rates for stays between March 3 and May 31.

14. Travelocity: Get $29 off a $229 hotel with the code LEAP29 and $129 off a $1229 hotel + flight deal with the code LEAP129.

15. Arby’s: The fast food chain is offering a special vegetarian menu all day.

16. Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Get any small plate for $2.29 with every $10 spent with this coupon. Or you could receive 20% off your check with this coupon.

17. Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More: Get a free Leap Year 2016 t-shirt at any of the retailers participating locations on Feb. 29 — no purchase required.

18. Columbia Sportswear: Save 30% on select sale items with code COLSALE30, ends 2/29/2016.

19. Dog Haus: Free patty upgrade from a single to a double on all burgers on February 29! A $2.49 value.

20. Honeybaked Ham: Free or discounted sandwich on 2/29/2016.

21. Hungry Howie’s: Get a large, one-topping pizza for 29 cents with the purchase of a large pizza with one or more toppings at its regular price, Feb. 29 and March 1.

22. Krispy Kreme: On Monday, February 29, 2016, buy a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts and get a second dozen for $2.99.

23. Margaritas Mexican Restaurants: The Fried Ice Cream Dessert (normally $6.49) and the Leap Year Margarita (normally $7.99) are both $2.29.

24. Noodles & Company: Save $4 off a $10 purchase with code LEAPTHELINE on 2/29/2016 when you order online.

25. Olive Garden: Receive four free Dolcini desserts with coupon offer, valid from 2/29/2016-3/6/2016.

26. Starbucks: $29 Off Orders $100 on 2/29/2016.

27. Tropical Smoothie Café: Loyalty program members can get a a Classic Smoothie for $2.29, instead of its regular price of around $4.49, at its 465 locations.

28. Dollar General: Use code FEBSAVE to get $5 off orders of $50 or more through Feb. 29.

29. Folica: Use code LEAPYEAR16 to get 25% off Solia, Theorie, Nth Degree and AbsoluteHeat products or 30% off Sedu products through Feb. 29.

30. Foot Locker: Use code LKS16F3L to save 15% on purchases of $70 or more through Feb. 29.

31. The Greene Turtle Chow down on 29-cent wings all day on February 29.

32. Golfsmith: Take $20 off orders of $125 or more with code 86PUB022 through Feb. 29.

33. Lands’ End: This coupon will save you 20% off regularly priced swim merchandise at all Sears locations through Feb. 29.

34. Lane Bryant: Save $35 off your online purchases of $150 or more, plus free shipping, through Feb. 29 with coupon code FEBDRTLB.

35. Lids: Enjoy free shipping on orders of $50 or more through Feb. 29. No coupon code required.

36. MOO: Get 15% off greeting cards with code 7C2W8B through Leap Day for new customers only.

37. OneHanesPlace: Save $10 off purchases of $50 or more through Feb. 29 with this printable coupon or follow this link to have the discount automatically applied to your online order.

38. OshKosh B’gosh: Save 25% off orders of $40 or more with code CARU2F29 and 15 percent off site wide with code CARU2F19 through Feb. 29.

39. Target: $5 gift card with an online movie pre-order of Mockingjay Part 2, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, or The Peanuts Movie from Target.com/preorder through Monday 2/29/2016.

40. Urban Outfitters: Shop a selection of products priced at $29 or less.

http://www.clarkhoward.com/

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