Thursday 26 April 2012

Favors and Flavors: Breastfeeding resources and supplies

“How can something that’s supposed to come naturally be so hard?”

Countless new mothers have asked themselves that question. When I think back to the early days of motherhood, I remember frustration the most. Well, that and sleep deprivation. I delivered via c-section, something known to hinder the production of breastmilk in the early days. I knew breastmilk was the best food for my baby, but my body didn’t get the memo.

I was tempted to pack it in a bunch of times, but something inside me told me I had to keep going. A combination of Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle and A LOT of time with the baby and the breast pump finally did the trick. I went on to have a two-year breastfeeding relationship with my daughter and I don’t regret a single second I spent making it work.

There are a lot of places you can order herbs from online, but I haven’t seen selection like the one available at Favors and Flavors anywhere. Products to increase milk supply, new mom essentials and supportive articles for new parents – it’s all there!

If you’re a new mom in need of breastfeeding resources NOW, check out Favors and Flavors for the help you need at home, without leaving your home.

Disclosure: This content is sponsored by Favors and Flavors. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Monday 23 April 2012

Incentria pays you to pass the time online

There's roughly a zillion "get-paid-to" sites out there and from what I can tell so far, Incentria is no different. A couple of users have posted testimonials You're never going to be able to quit your day job while earning a penny at a time, even if it is only for 10 seconds of "work."

A word of warning: The ads available for view in the paid to click area have set off my virus protection warning twice. I didn't catch which ad(s) were the culprit, and at the risk of a lengthy restoration process I think I'll avoid trying to duplicate the error.

Having said that, there's banner ads available that I'm testing to see if they have any low-effort, highly lucrative results. I'm running one until the end of May to see if there is any reward. If I do suddenly become a rich beyond my wildest dreams with my Incentria efforts, I'll be sure to fill you in on the details.


Disclosure: This post is not sponsored by Incentria. However, as a member of the program I do earn a small commission if you register using the links provided.

Sunday 15 April 2012

Hotel Review: Hampton Inn, Niagara Falls

Two bedroom family suite. Image from HERE
We were repeat visitors to The Hampton Inn by Hilton at the Falls for Easter weekend. Traveling with children presents unique challenges. When a very little person is tagging along, you've usually got an early bedtime on your hands. A traditional hotel room dictates a vewy, vewy quiet evening for Mom and Dad. For a  reasonable rate, the Hampton offers a two bedroom family suite. I don't know if it's true of all of these rooms, but for both of our stays the room has also had a balcony in an indoor atrium. This allowed us to put our daughter to bed and still have some time together.

The Hampton is located behind the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark Resort. They offer packages for waterpark passes and discounted dining at the resort restaurants. A hearty breakfast is included in the room rate, complete with eggs, omelets and sausage patties. The most pleasant surprise was the fresh fruit station. Fresh fruit? From a free breakfast buffet? It's true! There is otherwise no restaurant in the hotel, but the dining and attractions of Clifton Hill are just a few minutes walk away. Oh, and so are the Falls. It's just up the street from the Rainbow Bridge crossing to Niagara Falls, NY.

The staff is helpful and friendly, even when the request is kind of odd ball ("Where can we find a night light?") and little touches like chocolate Easter eggs for the kids at check in are greatly appreciated. As is the free coffee and tea available when you need a morning pick-me-up. Or an afternoon one. Because though my sleeping quarters were very comfortable, when your child decides 5:30 is the best time to start the day, multiple cups of coffee are the only way to survive. There is also a pool, hot tub and sauna in the indoor atrium. It's a bit noisy sitting on the balcony while the pool is in use, but the 10:00 pool closing time is strictly enforced.

The only thing that made me nervous about the room itself was the TVs on the dressers. For child safety, and since they're flat screens anyway, I'd feel more comfortable if they were wall mounted. Overall, the hotel is reasonably priced, clean, in a great location with free parking, near all the popular, family-friendly attractions of Niagara Falls. I know I'll be staying at The Hampton Inn by Hilton at the Falls for years to come, and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Niagara Falls.


This is not a sponsored post, no compensation has been received. All opinions expressed are my own.