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About Cleverly Changing
Hi, I'm Elle Owner of CleverlyChanging. My blog seeks to encourage, empower, & inspire others to live cleverly, changing when necessary. Perfect parenting, doesn't exist, but informed and attentive parenting does. I desire to regularly share savings tips, wisdom, and experiences I gain from everyday life as a wife and mother of twins with others so we can empower each other to become better parents and better people in general.
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Explore Archive
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Warning It only takes a few seconds: Child Proof & CPR guide
Posted on April 4, 2012 | No CommentsHearing about Tiffany Hebb’s son, Ollie, who experienced a fatal Washing Machine Accident sent chills down my spine. Of course, w, as parents and caregivers, always want to keep an eye on our children, but that is not always possible. As Hebb’s family grieves over their toddler who climbed into the washing machine while his mother was in another room reading a magazine ,we may be quick to point fingers. However, we have to keep in mind that it only takes a few seconds for children to get hurt. Therefore, I wanted to send out a child proofing reminder checklist... -
Guest Post: Start a New Decade With a Better You
Posted on April 3, 2012 | 2 CommentsIt suddenly struck me as I enjoy the last year of my twenties: I’m going to be 30! Strangely enough, I’m actually excited and almost impatiently waiting to step into my next decade of life. I know other women aren’t quite so enthusiastic about this milestone as I am, but they’re not looking at turning 30 (or another year older) as a chance to better themselves like I am. In my 30s, I see the things that hold me back from fulfilling my potential far behind me. I see a better me. So, to help me make my vision my... -
Nascar
Posted on April 3, 2012 | No CommentsGuest written by our friend Clara Castro “Vrmmmm….”, the consistent background noise of the spring, since before I can remember. My dad is a NASCAR fanatic; he knows all the antics and the reason behind the chaos of the sport. He can talk to you for hours on end about how each motor is made and each drivers plan to be the champion. As for me and my mother we would rather hear the light sound of music as we lay by the pool as warmer weather pulls itself in. Dad is entirely too obnoxious during this season we always... -
April iPad Mania Giveaway!
Posted on April 2, 2012 | No CommentsWELCOME TO THE APRIL iPAD MANIA GIVEAWAY!!!Bay Area Mommy has teamed up with some awesome bloggers to bring you this amazing chance to win the two hottest tablets in the market today! Grand Prize: The New iPad (or $550 cash) Second Prize: Kindle Fire (or $200 cash) Entries will be accepted from April 1 at 12:01am EST until April 21 at 11:59pm EST. There are no mandatory entries but there are lots of ways to gain more entries to to the giveaway. The more tasks you complete, the more chances of winning! Open worldwide. Must be at least 18 years... -
Crayola Outdoor Colored Bubbles gift pack Review and Giveaway
Posted on April 2, 2012 | 13 CommentsCrayola is a go-to brand for moms and dads around the world. I really like most of their creative products because I remember enjoying their crayons and other items when I was a kid. Crayola recently created an Outdoor Colored Bubbles product and it is a blast for kids. My girls love playing with bubbles like most kids, but these bubbles provide color and give them an opportunity to get messy and have fun. My daughters really enjoy playing, so I am always looking for safe toys that will keep them entertained. One part of learning for children is learning... -
Women’s Health Tips: How In-tune are we? (FREE App Info)
Posted on April 1, 2012 | No CommentsAfter having kids, going to the doctor regularly became one of the top priorities in my life. Sure, I am busy trying to help make sure my family is maintaining good healthy habits, but it is hard to watch-over them if I am not taking care of myself and my own needs. I also pride myself in looking young and healthy, so I want to make sure that my inside matches my outside. As females, we are usually the nurturers and care-givers of the home, so it is important for us to do our best health-wise, so we can be... -
Gearing Up For Easter: 5 Easter ideas for Families with Kids
Posted on March 29, 2012 | No CommentsEaster is approaching and like most holidays, it is a great time of year to get children involved. If you are religious, it is a time to share with your children, the knowledge about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you are not, it is still a time to enjoy. Below are 5 Easter Celebration suggestions: 1. Visit a play or reenactment that celebrates the message of Easter. I once visited SonRise Resurrection Pageant in Collegedale, TN on Easter. The play was amazing, it changed the way I saw Easter. In the past Easter was a holiday... -
Tips for throwing a party that both adults and kids will enjoy
Posted on March 27, 2012 | No CommentsOnce you become a parent, all of a sudden you are expected to become an expert party planner. Also, you will need to feed, entertain, and host memorable parties that everyone will enjoy. Honestly, my kids first birthday party was a flop. Instead of getting discouraged, I learned how to throw a fabulous party that I could be proud of by learning from other parents and party planners around me. 1. Write your guest list. You need to start inviting people 3-4 weeks in advance. Before anything else you need to decide if your child’s birthday party will be unisex. Evites... -
March 2012 Earthquakes Felt around the World: USA, Chile, Iran, France…
Posted on March 26, 2012 | No CommentsI am always intrigued when I hear reports about earthquakes in the U.S. on the east coast. Last night there was an earthquake in Mineral, VA that was felt as far as Chesapeake. Within the last 24 hours Earthquakes were felt around the world. Everyday, there are usually hundreds of minor earthquakes all of the time, which don’t make it onto our local news stations. In fact, on Friday South Australia, experienced one of their biggest earthquakes within the last 15 years. The earthquake was a magnitude of 6.1. Similarly, within the last 24 hours, many countries are reporting earthquakes... -
Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea Release Official Statements Regarding #TrayvonMartin
Posted on March 24, 2012 | 2 CommentsThe tragedy of the 17 year old American teenager, Trayvon Martin, continues to tug on the hearts of Americans across the US. Rallies, Marches, and Vigils are being organized in many states. People are taking a second look at Florida’s and their own states Self-Defense laws, and trying to determine whether or not these laws do more harm than good, but while all of this is taking place there is another phenomenon going on as well. People are buying products (Skittles, Arizona Iced Tea, and hoodies) to demonstrate their outrage, support, and express solidarity. While these companies are definitely benefiting... -
Sears Family Fun Builders Class for kids 4-10: Saturday, March 24th from 12-3
Posted on March 23, 2012 | No CommentsSaturday, March 24th, Sears is having a Become an Expert Builder class for kids (recommended ages 4-10) and their parents. The kits (goggles and an apron) cost $5 per child. Click here to see if they are hosting a expert builder event close to you. Some locations include: California Cerritos Mall Cerritos, CA See Upcoming Events Northridge Mall Northridge, CA See Upcoming Events Westminster Mall Westminster, CA See Upcoming Events Illinois Fox Valley Mall Aurora, IL See Upcoming Events 1601 N Harlem Avenue Chicago, IL See Upcoming Events Orland Square Mall Orland Park, IL See Upcoming Events Woodfield Mall Schaumburg,... -
#Trayvon Martin
Posted on March 21, 2012 | 24 CommentsWhen I first heard the story about Trayvon Martin, I felt like there just had to be something missing. Really how could George Zimmerman kill 17 year old Trayvon Martin who was unarmed, confess, and not be arrested and forced to stand trial? How could Zimmerman follow Trayvon after being advised by the police not to and then Trayvon end up dead, without charge or investigation? Unbelievable, right? A part of me didn’t want to believe the story, but another part of me knew I had read correctly. There are some people in this world that are heartless. There are... -
Classes for Parents @greenberriesco (breastfeeding, cloth diapering, fitness, & more)
Posted on March 21, 2012 | No CommentsOne of my favorite shops offers classes for parents. Location: 6925 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD 21045. Facing Snowden River Pkwy, between Dogs & Co. and Edible Arrangements. Phone: 410.290.6253 Web: www.greenberriescompany.com, Facebook, Twitter Standard Store Hours Mon – Fri 10-7 pm Saturday 10-6 pm Sunday 12-5 pm Remember to like them on Facebook and on Twitter: Also don’t forget to let them know that you found out about their store and programs from CleverlyChanging.com Here is their 2012 schedule for March and April’s Classes BREASTFEEDING Breastfeeding 101 – Right from the Start! | Sunday, March 18 from 5-8 pm... -
Review: 4 Vtech Innotab Apps
Posted on March 20, 2012 | No CommentsI finally got over the fact that I never received any Vcoins and purchased a gift card to buy Innotab Apps. I wanted apps that were not too flashy and engaging for my 3 year-olds. I started searching by the cheapest e-books and games. How long have we played these apps: 3 or 4 weeks Were they easy to download to the device? Yes Did you need anything special to download the apps? Only Vtech’s Learning Lodge Navigator and a memory card. Does Vtech offer Free apps for the Innotab? On Vtech’s site it says ” Select a platform listed... -
Parents How Well Do you Know You? Are you fulfilled by Your Career?
Posted on March 19, 2012 | No CommentsRecently, I have been trying to decide whether or not I will enter a different career path after my children start school. My ultimate desire is to find something that I love to do, helps people, and pays well. The other night, I found a FREE Humanmetrics test online, based on Jung and Briggs Myers personality approach. I was so pleased I could not wait to share the test with you all. The test is great because: It’s short, the test asks about 72 questions Provides the description of your personality type Gives you a analysis based on your answers... -
7 Reasons I Love Being A Mom of twins
Posted on March 13, 2012 | No CommentsI love being a Mom to twins, I really love spending time with my girls and learning about their likes and dislikes. Most of all, I enjoy watching there curiosity in action. I feel like being a parent is a special honor and privilege that was bestowed upon me. Here are 7 reasons I love being a mom to twins: 1. Double the love. At first having twins is hard work. When you bring your little ones home for the first time it is overwhelming, but once you get the hang of it, you have the double hugs, kisses, and... -
It’s National Nutrition Month & I’m sharing our family menu
Posted on March 9, 2012 | 4 CommentsIn honor of National Nutrition month, I am sharing our one-week menu as well as my thoughts on the importance of teaching your child how to develop healthy habits that will contribute to living a healthy lifestyle. One of my favorite quotes is by William Londen ,“To insure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.” My goal this month is to shed some light on nutrition when it comes to our lives and our families. According to NVCC.edu Nutrition is “the science of food, the nutrients in foods and how the... -
March is National Reading Month: Books on our Shelf
Posted on March 7, 2012 | No CommentsMarch is National Reading month and I love books. As a child, my house was surrounded with books, my mother viewed them as her treasures. When I had my own children I too, wanted them to learn to treasure books. Here are some of their favorites on our shelf. I have listed the books by age, this range is based on my evaluation of the words and content. Mommy Hugs (age 0-3) My children love being hugged, kissed, and told how much they are are loved. Mommy Hugs, is a board book they received at birth and continue to enjoy... -
JOHN CARTER in theatres this Friday, March 9, 2012
Posted on March 6, 2012 | No CommentsJOHN CARTER opens in theaters this Friday, March 9, 2012. This movie is dedicated to the memory of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs (1955-2011), who loss his battle with pancreatic cancer on October 5, 2011. Theatre Release Date: In theaters March 9, 2012 Cast: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Samantha Morton, Mark Strong, Ciaran Hinds, Dominic West, James Purefoy, Bryan Cranston, Polly Walker, Daryl Sabara, with Thomas Haden Church and Willem Dafoe Director: Andrew Stanton Rated: PG-13 Run time: 137 min Website: www.johncarterarrives.com From Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton comes “John Carter”—a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of... -
Inside the Crayon Box” live chat Wed, Mar 7th @ 9 p.m. EST
Posted on March 2, 2012 | No CommentsThe first “Inside the Crayon Box” live chat is Wednesday, March 7 at 9 p.m. EST. Join Crayola and musician, children´s author and mom, Lisa Loeb for a 45-minute live streaming video chat on the Crayola Facebook Page. Interested in the topics to be covered during the chat? Why Does Creativity Matter? Creativity is not about who´s the best artists or becoming an architect. It´s a way of thinking that encourages kids´ original ideas and develops their confidence. Growing Up Creative. Lisa will share stories about growing up in a home where creativity was encouraged. Simple Tips. Easy Ideas. Like...
