Big News!

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media.

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If you are not following me on Instagram, what are you doing with your life?! Only kidding, but I did share a pretty big announcement yesterday which leads me to today's post. 

A photo posted by Jenn - a traveling Wife (@atravelingwife) on Sep 21, 2016 at 9:54am PDT

As a first time expecting mom, I am faced with loads of research regarding pregnancy and childcare. It can be beyond overwhelming and most of the time I feel completely lost. Babbleboxx found out I was expecting and offered to send me loads of goodies to give me a jump start on maternity and postpartum care. Below is a list of products that might be of interest to you if you are a new or expecting parent! *When it comes to all things regarding your health, or your family's health, always consult a health care professional. 

Click to tweet: Six products you should consider during #maternity or #postpartum care.

FUJIFILM INSTAX Mini 70 Camera (retail $139.95)
This instant camera produces credit-card-size photos instantly. It's the perfect size to have in your diaper bag to get pictures immediately of the new baby. The INSTAX pictures can be used to decorate by creating wall art or a baby mobile, and the photos could also be shared instantly with family or friends. INSTAX Mini instant film is sold separately for $19.95 for a double pack with 20 exposures.

Gerber® Onesies® Brand One Piece Underwear
Gerber® Childrenswear keeps babies covered from day to night - safe and quality products at a great value. The solid white garments are wonderful for layering and the solids or prints can be worn alone or paired with pants for the perfect outfit. The Gerber® Onesies® one piece underwear is available in short or long sleeve lengths and in sizes from newborn to 24M.

You can save on Gerber® apparel at your favorite retailer with money-saving coupons to use in-store only: http://goo.gl/RYGA6D.

You can also order online at www.GerberChildrenswear.com and receive FREE $6 standard shipping on your order with code 'BBOXX16FS' at checkout. *Offer expires 10/8/16.

TempTraq® Wearable Bluetooth® Temperature Monitor (retail $19.99)
TempTraq® is the ONLY wearable Bluetooth® temperature monitor that continuously monitors body temperature. It can easily be applied to the underarm area and provides alerts to compatible mobile devices through the free TempTraq® app. The app displays temperatures with easy-to-follow colors that indicate different temperature levels that is recorded over a 24 hour time frame. The data can simply be emailed to a health care professional or family members.

You can receive 10% off when you use code 'BABBLEBOXX10' at checkout. *Offer expires 10/31/16

illumai® Biome Care System for Hair
illumai® is a three-product system that helps you detox your locks from everyday environmental toxins. There are only 7 ingredients and contains no sulfates, silicones, parabens, preservatives, or plasticizers. The are also gluten-free, nut-free, 100% vegan, and cruelty-free. Best yet, the products are 100% color safe and work with every hair type.

This system is ideal for the whole family and is well-designed for new moms. You can enjoy 40% off of the travel pack or full-sized set by using the code '44ATRAVELINGWIFE' at checkout. *Offer expires 10/31/16.

Boudreaux's Butt Paste - Original (retail $19.19) & Maximum Strength Formula (retail $6.79)
Boudreaux's Butt Paste products are free-from parabens, preservatives, dyes, phthalates, and talc. Available in three targeted formulas to help protect against and improve diaper rash. The original formula contails 16% zinc oxide and the maximum strength contains 40% zinc oxide for increased rash fighting power.

Rainbow Light 35+ Mom & Baby
This uniquely formulated pre and post-natal multivitamin for Moms aged 35+ delivers scientifically-based potencies, nourishing superfoods, and a digestion-enhancing blend to ensure you get the best nutrition for you and your baby. Rainbow Light prenatals are vegetarian - containing no gluten, wheat, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, eggs, fish, and shellfish. It can also be taken on an empty stomach, which means it is gentle - very important when you are pregnant I've learned.

You can receive a 20% savings with code 'HappyBaby' on Rainbow Light prenatals or a 20% savings on multivitamins with code 'HappyFamily' at http://www.rainbowlight.com.

Those with experience, what are some must have products I should purchase?
Have you had any experience with any of these products?
Stay tuned for more maternity posts to come, but not too many. :)
Know any new or expecting parents, PIN this post for them.

Four Reasons To Smile More

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When you first meet a person, what is the first thing you notice? Their eyes, height, hair color, what they're wearing, or their smile? I know for me, I like to look at people's teeth. It's kind of like an obsession. 

I grew up having many different oral contraptions that lead me to braces. Since then, I religiously wear retainers to bed. Not only do I value having a good smile, my oral healthcare is pretty important to me. We get one original set of teeth and it's one of the first things that people notice. 

This year (2016) is the year of taking my health into my own hands. I've shared with you the importance of practicing self-care techniques and how critical it is to schedule your annual professional eye exam. Now let's talk about oral health. 

Click to tweet: Four reasons to smile more TODAY!

Think of the daily strain you put your teeth through. We all know the saying, "But first, coffee". Coffee definitely isn't the best thing you could be drinking for your oral health. We cannot forget juices, smoothies, tea, sugar, etc. can wreak havoc on our pearly whites and can erode your enamel. So let's talk about two important things that help maintain good dental hygiene - a toothbrush and toothpaste.

I recently started using Colgate Enamel Health Mineral Repair Toothpaste. Just like I use a moisturizing lotion to replenish my skin, brushing with Colgate Enamel Health Mineral Repair Toothpaste twice daily can strengthen weakened enamel by replenishing it with vital minerals for stronger, healthy enamel. Plus it helps absorb essential minerals, such as natural calcium, for that stronger, healthy enamel.

Outside of discussing the importance of taking care of our teeth and dental hygiene, we should also talk about why it is beneficial to smile. There are so many great reasons to smile, see below.

Smiling can help reduce stress.

It's really that last thing you are thinking about when you are stressed or feeling overwhelmed. But if you can just force yourself to smile, it could actually help reduce stress. I like to think of it as positive thinking. 

Smiling can encourage others to smile.

It's like a sneeze - they are contagious. The same goes when someone smiles towards you, you tend to flash them at least the smallest of grins back. 

Click to tweet: Smiling can reduce stress. See why else you should smile more!

Smiling can add years on to your life.

Having a happy disposition can have an impact on your health and your life expectancy. There are two types of smiles, Duchenne and Non-Duchenne. A Duchenne smile is a true, genuine smile. You know, smiling with your eyes and this is the type of smile we want to aim to have to increase our life expectancy.

And most importantly, we are born with the ability to smile.

This is not something that is learned as a child. If a baby is born blind, they still have the ability to smile. So you have no excuse!

I'm encouraging you to smile more today, and every day. And if you are looking for a new addition to your oral healthcare routine, try Colgate Enamel Health Mineral Repair Toothpaste. The invigorating toothpaste tastes great and makes your teeth feel squeaky clean. Plus, having a strong and healthy enamel, you'll be able to Smile With Strength™.

What are your reasons to smile more?

Share a funny joke in the comments to make us all smile!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

The One Product That Could Add Years To Your Life

With a title like that, I bet you are expecting something amazing and I'm going to bring it! Sitting for a long period of time can be uncomfortable and dangerous for your body. Find out the real dangers of sitting and the one product that could add years to your life.

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 
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I'm guessing that you are reading this while sitting down - possibly at work. Over 80% of working Americans work desk job. That's about 8 hours a day sitting around on their bum causing themselves nothing but harm. Are you one of those individuals? If not, I bet you've taken a weekend or two to binge on some tv or Netflix. I'm not judging, I've been there before. But are you aware of the harms of sitting for long periods of time?

The health hazards of sitting.

Working as a blogger from home means I sit most of the day. However, I have the luxury of a few different options - sofa, kitchen table, desk, bed, etc. Don't be jealous of the work-from-home amenities. But prior to working from home, I worked in an office sitting in a teeny, tiny cubicle. I would get feelings of guilt from sitting all day or mental fog that would make it difficult to drive home. Sitting for hours on end isn't good for anyone.

Click to tweet: Do you know the dangers of sitting for hours?

I experimented with walking around the office multiple times a day, different chairs, and even a standing desk. Outside of the standing desk, there was one item that saved my life, but first let's talk about the dangers of sitting for multiple hours at a time.

Can lead to heart disease.
Prolonged sitting has been linked to high blood pressure and those that are more sedentary, are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. That's scary right?!

Can cause weakened abs.
We tend to get really comfortable, or lazy, while sitting in a chair. This means that our ab muscles are relaxed and not being used. And by sitting with poor posture your back muscles get tight creating all sorts of problems.

Causes hips to get tight.
Ever get up after sitting for a long time and you need to give your legs a good shake before taking a few steps? Yep, your hips are tight. When you are sitting, your hip flexors are constantly flexed. Then you get up and start walking around but your hip muscles are short resulting in a shorter stride. And it's been said that decreased hip mobility with age leads to more falls.

Leads to poor circulation in legs.
A slowing of blood circulation occurs when you sit for a long period of time and this can cause fluid to pool in the legs. This can lead to more serious issues, such as swollen ankles, varicose veins, blood clots, and deep vein thrombosis.

Click to tweet: Sitting for long periods of time can lead to heart disease.

Creates a strained neck.
Unless of course you are deep couch sitting! But, sitting staring at a computer can be a pain in the neck, literally. Whether you are leaning forward to focus on your computer or shrugging your shoulders while typing, neck stains can lead to permanent imbalances.


What is the one product that could add years to your life.

Now that we know the dangers of sitting, how can we combat this while still working or enjoying a few episodes of our favorite tv show? Get yourself a stability ball. Sitting on a stability ball forces your ab muscles to contract to balance. It will also force you to sit up straight and be more alert. And don't be embarrassed to bring one into your workplace. I used to keep two stability balls at my desk along with the pump. Sure, I got a lot of looks for coworkers, but who cares.

Click to tweet: The one product that could add years to your life.

To this day, I still keep a stability ball in my home office. It has been a game changer in my work day and with my health!

Do you work a desk job?
Have you ever tried sitting on a stability ball while working or watching tv?
Don't forget to pin for later. 

Are You Working Out The RIGHT Muscle?

Living a healthy lifestyle is all about our spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental health. And our eye health is a huge part of our physical health. Let's not forget the importance of professional eye exams to help our eyes maintain their maximum performance. This post was sponsored by Think About Your Eyes as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received compensation as a thank you for my review.
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By now, you all know that I strive to live a healthy lifestyle. This doesn't mean I strictly eat a plant-based diet, workout every single day, get 10 hours of sleep a night, and limit my exposure to harmful chemicals. Let's be honest - I like to maintain an 80:20 lifestyle. Eighty percent of the time I am behaving well, eating consciously, and maintaining a good physical health. The other twenty percent, I'm drinking wine, eating cookies, deep couch sitting, and watching Netflix. This all helps my sanity which is part of my emotional health. 

Click to tweet: Physical health & eye health go hand-in-hand.

While I've already talked about the importance of self-care to better well-being and why I started incorporating more vitamins into my daily routine,  we should discuss eye health. Most days we are straining our eyes by working on the computer, staring at our phones, or searching things on our tablets. Let's start thinking about our eyes more and take care of some of our strongest muscles. 

I am hoping that all those recent lifestyle stories resonate with you and maybe motivate you to live a better life - whatever that means to you. Just like finding the perfect pair of jeans, finding the perfect lifestyle that fits your needs is going to be different for everyone.

When was the last time you had a comprehensive eye exam? You can see from the graphic above, those that lead a 'healthy' lifestyle by exercising, tend to neglect their eye health. That is, despite being very conscious about their physical health. Think About Your Eyes is a national public awareness campaign that promotes the benefits of eye health and the importance of getting an annual comprehensive eye exam. On their website, you can get all types of eye health information as well as why eyes need regular care to maintain maximum performance. 

Click to tweet: More the reason to digital detox!

One item I found very interesting was how harmful digital devices can be for our eyes. I think this is a great excuse to allow myself a weekly digital detox. Anyone else with me?

I urge you to take your eye health in your own hands. By getting an annual comprehensive eye exam, issues can be detected at their early stages when they are most treatable. That means, don't wait until you have a problem! And just to make things even easier, Think About Your Eyes has a locator finder to make your appointment with a professional. You can search as close as 5 miles from your house. 

Click to tweet: Are your working out the RIGHT muscle?

Tell me, when was your last eye exam?
Do you regularly practice detoxing from the digital world?
Do you suffer from headaches, tired eyes, neck or back pain, burning/stinging eyes, and/or difficulty focusing after extended periods of time? 
Check out Think About Your Eyes website to learn more about eye health. 

Eight Easy Self-Care Practices

April is Stress Awareness Month and I want to share with you some simple self-care practices. Taking care of yourself doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By incorporating one or more of these practices into your daily life, you are one step closer to a more wholesom life. 

This post is in partnership with Tuft & Needle. Tuft & Needle sent me a mattress to help facilitate this post. This post also contains affiliate links that help support the blog. 
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I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I used to be a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, but I haven't practiced in well over four years. Thanks to moving around the country, each state doesn't recognize my certification and they usually require something state specific. Well guess what? Getting recertified is expensive and I just couldn't qualify the cost not knowing how long we would live in each state.

Being a massage therapist is kind of like starting a blog. Once you pay all the money required to get your website up and running, you need to build trust. Moving from Michigan to California, I had to build new clientelle. That aint easy! So once we moved to Indiana, I realized that spending thousands of dollars up front might not be worth it after all.

My license just expired at the end of last year and when I got the email I was a little sad. Not only did I have a lot of fun in school - hello, daily massages! But I also missed working with clients. There is nothing like the feeling of getting your room set up, turning on some soft, relaxing music, and dimming the lights. It was just as relaxing for me as it was for the clients. Hopefully!

There are dozens of things that I can take away from my massage schooling, but one of my favorites is the imporant of self-care. Many people think that the career length of a massage therapist might be small because it is taxing on the body. However, any career could have a short life expectancy if you don't take care of yourself in the process.

Click to tweet: April is Stress Awareness Month. Try these self-care techniques.

Since April is Stress Awareness Month and I believe that stress and self-care go hand-in-hand, let's talk about some self-care techniques that I love.

Drink lots of water.
Whether you need to infuse your water or you like to drink it warm with lemon, just make sure you are staying hydrating. Dehydration makes you tired and less alert. It's always good practice to drink half your body weight in ounces of water.

Get fresh air.
Maybe you work in an office or work from home like I do. Being indoors all day can really mess with your brain functionality. Set a timer or make it a ritual to get outdoors at least once a day. Use this time to reflect on your day or exercise. You can go for a walk or run, but be sure to breathe in all that fresh air.

Get a massage or give yourself a message.
Sure getting a massage might not be in the budget for everyone, but you can always give yourself a massage. By rubbing your shoulders, you are bringing awareness to them and you might notice they are tight. Now that you are aware of the tightness, you are able to help fix a problem you might have otherwise avoided. And if you aren't comfortable with self-massage, you can always just take a nice relaxing bath.

Laugh.
In college, I took a class call Laughter as Therapeutic Modality. It was a very intriguing and we learned the effects of laughter on the immune system, how it can be used for pain reduction, and utilize laughter to help with stress management. Think of how you feel after you have a good laugh. You feel good, right? Even on your worst days, remember it's important to laugh.

Click to tweet: Laughter is great therapy!

Breathe.
I've talked about square breathing many times and use it all the time. You can learn many different breathing techniques or practice some yoga. Breathing is very imporant in yoga and can help you learn more about your breath. Breathing and focusing on your breath help to center your mind - a type of meditation.

Sleep and sleep well.
You'll see tons of numbers thrown out about how much sleep you should get a night. I say, as long as you are waking up well rested, then you are getting enough sleep. I try to go to bed between 9:30 and 10 to start quieting my brain. This allows me to get my 8 hours of needed sleep. Not only do you need to be getting a certain amount of sleep, but it needs to be quality sleep. That might mean you need to purchase new sheets, set the house to a lower temperature while you sleep, or purchase a new mattress.

I was elated when Tuft & Needle offered to send me a new mattress to help facilitate this post. My previous mattress was 8 years old. I knew it was getting time to get a new mattress because A was walking up nearly every single night to use the restroom and I was waking up feeling like I barely got any sleep.

Tuft & Needle mattresses are designed and crafted in the United States. They provide comfort, support, and a cool sleeping experience. I've had my mattress for over a month and I can attest to all of the above. The best part about Tuft & Needle mattresses - they are delivered for free right to you door in a small box.

Create a routine.
We are creatures of habit and do best with routines. Create a morning ritual that you follow every morning such as coffee and the news or get a sweat sesh in. Don't forget about the evening, create a routine then too. Maybe enjoy a cup of tea after dinner and always head to bed the same time each day.

Lastly, hang out with family or friends, or snuggle your furry friend. 
Have you ever heard, misery loves company? Well, happiness is contagious. So spend time with friends or family to share stories with or create fun memories with them. And if all else fails, snuggle with your furry friend, on your new mattress.

What are some other self-care techniques that you practice?
When's the last time you got a massage?
How old is your mattress?

Building Healthy Habits

This post was sponsored by Nature Made® as a part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. It takes practice and repetition to build a healthy habit. Start where you feel comfortable and don't give up.
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We are now mid-way through March. How many of you still think about your New Year's Resolutions?


Crickets.
Crickets.

That's kind of what I thought. And if you can remember way back to January, I shared my reminders for 2016 because I think resolutions tend to be very negative. 

One of my reminders was to consciously take care of my body; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. One item I already checked off my list is getting my annual wellness exam. My body appears to be in wonderful working condition and now I can go enjoy all the other ways of taking care of myself. 

Since the weather has warmed up a bit outside, I have already gotten out to log a few running miles. It has felt great to stretch my legs and to remember the joy that running brings me. If you aren't aware, I don't have a gym membership and I don't own a treadmill. All of the running I ever do is outside and I prefer temperatures above 50 due to asthma. 

This year I am really trying to up my vitamin and supplement intake. Who knew you couldn't get all your nutrients from your food each day? Especially when you tend to eat the same foods day in and out. 

Well I guess I knew this all along but never took the initiative to start. One vitamin I have started including into my daily routine is B12, specifically NatureMade® VitaMelts® Energy from Walmart.  I knew it was well known for supporting cellular energy production, but had no clue it was really beneficial to take as a runner. 

Click to tweet: Do you know the primary role of vitamin B12?

B12 vitamin is only found in animal products; fish, meat, eggs. There are some days that I don't even consume any meat sources and I am missing out completely on this wonderful vitamin. Plus, its primary role is to aid other nutrients. Sounds pretty important, doesn't it? *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases. Please seek medical advice prior to taking vitamins or supplements.*

Click to tweet: You too, can build a healthy habit in 30 days.

You too, can build a healthy habit with NatureMade® Healthy Habit Builder program. There you'll find additional motivation and tips to help you achieve your specific health goals. And just for joining the program, you will be automatically entered to win a grand prize of $5,000*.(*For full rules and regulations visit NatureMade.com/Challenge)

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C) 18 YEARS AND OLDER.VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Enter by 3/31/16. Internet access required. 1 Grand Registration Prize (actual value $5,000) and 30 Challenge Prizes (each actual value $250) available to be won. For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit HealthyHabitBuilder.com. Sponsor: Pharmavite LLC, 8510 Balboa Blvd. Suite 100, Northridge, CA 91325.

The sponsor of this sweepstakes is Nature Made. WebMD is not related to or responsible for the sweepstakes.


Nature Made Wellness 3
*I-C will randomly select 20 winners from all program entries and will handle fulfillment of the winning prizes.


For more information to further your health goals, you can check out NatureMade® Daily Boost Program.

Food Allergies & Latex-Fruit Syndrome

What do a banana, kiwi, avocado, and latex have to do with each other? Keep reading and find out why I become envious of food posts on Instagram. 

Have you ever heard of Latex-Fruit Syndrome? It is an allergy or immune system reaction to the proteins of latex - more specifically chitinases and hevein-like proteins. What does this mean for people that have a latex allergy or intolerance? It typically means that they need to avoid particular foods that also contain proteins found in latex. Symptoms can vary from a severe allergic reaction to a simple sensitivity or intolerance to the proteins.

Click to tweet: What do banana, kiwi, avocado, and latex have in common?

A little unknown fact about me, I am a victim of Latex-Fruit Syndrome. It all started years ago with a reaction to bananas. I would eat fruit and yogurt parfaits every morning and top the yogurt with berries and bananas. I kept getting severe stomach pains and thought I might have a lactose issue. Upon removing lactose from my diet, but still eating the same fruits, I was having the same issues.

I changed up the way I was eating and would make eggs each morning. Go figure, the same stomach pain occurred. It was immobilizing and frustrating. Being a 20 year-old, why was I in so much pain?!

After doing a bit of research, I had anything from appendicitis to cancer. << More the reason to never research symptoms via Google.

It appeared when I avoided certain foods I was just fine so I opted not to seek professional advice. Let's face it, I didn't want to be tested and poked and prodded only to find no answer. Perhaps I didn't have much faith in medical advice based on past experiences.

Then one day I started my day with a plain old banana. I thought I was going to die, or that my insides were going to explode, or that someone was twisting my organs like they were wringing out a towel. I laid in fetal position for hours researching banana reactions. Then I remembered when A proposed and we celebrated with guacamole, like one does after getting engaged. I felt the same pain.

Everything was adding up and that is when I knew I suffered from a Latex-type allergy or intolerance - Latex-Fruit Syndrome. Bananas, avocados, eggs, etc were all causing the same pain with different severities.

There are a ton of latex cross-reactive foods, these are just a few: banana, avocado, kiwi, mango, papaya, mushrooms, mustard, bamboo shoot, apricot, eggs, and many, many more.  *I am not a medical professional or dietician. If you feel you suffer from similar symptoms, seek professional advice.*

This brings me to Instagram. Because I cannot eat two of the most photographed food items, banana and avocado, I despise browsing through Instagram - my favorite social media outlet. Everyone is eating avocado toast with a side of oatmeal topped with bananas. Or a smoothie bowl made with bananas, topped with bananas. Or 'nice cream' made with blended bananas. See, it's impossible to scroll through all my friends without some sort of envy.

This makes me think about all those individuals that choose to follow a particular diet either because they need to for their health or just because they want to. I want to be more sensitive to other's views on food and share well rounded meals and recipes. Some people choose to eat vegan, some choose to eat gluten-free, and others HAVE to eat that way. My only hope is that you too can see how food creates certain emotions for someone else and their first response might not be, 'Oh, that looks so GOOD!'

Click to tweet: Become more sensitive with the types of food photos you post on social media. See why.

Do you know anyone that has a latex allergy or suffers from Latex-Fruit Syndrome?
Have you ever had an allergic reaction to a particular type of food?
What are your favorite photos to see on Instagram? What don't you like seeing on Instagram?

DIY No-Sew Pillow Wrap

This DIY No-Sew Pillow Wrap is brought to you with the help of Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser by compensating this shop. All opinions are mine alone. #RinseMadeRad #CollectiveBias
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When you think of fall, what comes to mind first? My mind instantly drifts to pumpkins, falling leaves, cooler temperatures, apples, mums, and candles. But fall wouldn't really be fall without some plaid.

I used to think of plaid as simply a fashion item only. Who knew that Target would blow my mind and carry all the things plaid. I highly suggest blocking 1 hour from your schedule to go peruse all the plaid items. You will not regret it!

One of the coolest plaid items I have seen is the LISTERINE® plaid wrap. Cheers to better oral care because you cannot help but grab this adorable bottle twice a day. And because of this fabulous packaging, I have been inspired to incorporate more plaid into my house. I mean, it's a great way to prepare for the upcoming holidays. 

Since I joined Pinterest, I have seen all of these pillow covers but never got the courage to try them out. One of my biggest fears is that I don't have a sewing machine and please help me if I ever decide to hand stitch one by hand. I have worked through those fears and I want to share with you the easiest way to create a pillow wrap - all without having to sew. It's beyond simple. 

* I used a tablecloth in this tutorial, but you can purchase fabric of your choosing. If you opt to purchase by the yard, you will likely have 4 unfinished edges rather than one - just keep that in mind.

What you will need:
- Fabric or tablecloth that is roughly 3 times larger than your pillow
- scissors
- throw pillows
- fabric glue

I am wrapping two pillows that are 16 x16 so I will need two pieces of fabric that are at least 48 x 48 inches. I used a tablecloth that measured 60 x 102 and folded it in half to cut into two pieces that measured 60 x 51 inches. It's not perfectly square but will work all the same. 

I glued the unfinished edge of the fabric on both pieces. The glue will likely need 24 hours to dry completely so the fabric is no longer tacky. 

Now the fun part begins - wrapping your pillow.

How to wrap a throw pillow:
1. Place your fabric in a diamond shape with your pillow directly in the middle. 
2. Fold the bottom half up onto the pillow, tucking the top corner under the pillow.
3. Fold the top half down, tucking the corner under the pillow.
4. Fold the top half down so that it meets half way on the pillow - just like wrapping a present.
5. Fold all four corners down slightly - just like wrapping a present again. This will give a clean face to the pillow.
6. Tie off your wrapping. I used the left-over-right then right-over-left knot - also known as the square knot.

Click to tweet: Who else is mad for plaid? Try this DIY no-sew pillow wrap

Now that the throw pillows have been updated, you can display them with the knot side facing out or the flat surface, or a few in multiple directions. Have fun with it and get to wrapping.

Now I know you want to run out to recreate your own wrap pillow, but don't forget the LISTERINE® plaid bottle is only available at Target until October 31st. There is also a Cartwheel offer to get 10% off LISTERINE® products. As you can see, the plaid was a very popular item.

What's your favorite way to incorporate plaid into your every day life?
What's your favorite thing about fall?