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.