Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Comcast's RISE and more of their latest news!

*This post was created in collaboration with Comcast. Though I received compensation, all opinions are and always will be, 100% my own. Thank you for supporting Prim and Propah!

It’s been a hot minute since I checked in with what my friends at Comcast have been up to! They sent the latest and greatest over to me this week and as I was reading through the materials, I was thinking about how incredibly important our connections have been this year… not just our connections with other people (yes, that’s imperative!) but also the technological connections that are keeping us together in so many ways.

When I think of how I have kept up with my most important people and all the businesses that I love, it’s because of that technological connection… I’m so fortunate that I have access to the resources to be able to support my son’s remote schooling, Facetime with my family regularly, stream endless entertainment and all on a high speed internet (high school Amanda’s mind would be blown by how fast my internet is now!). The impact of the pandemic has been felt in so many different ways and with a lot of nuances. One area that has had me concerned since earlier this year is the survival of our small businesses… and one of the things that Comcast is currently doing is certainly going to make you say WHOA because it really shows their continued commitment to supporting communities in a real way (remember their virtual call on racial justice efforts and their internet essentials plans?). Check out Comcast RISE:

From Comcast: Small businesses have been dealing with the ongoing impact of the pandemic, social unrest, and environmental events. Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned small businesses have been some of the hardest hit. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, between February and April 2020, the number of active Black-owned businesses declined by 41%, Latinx-owned businesses declined by 32%, and Asian-owned businesses dropped by 25%, versus just 21% for the general population. Comcast RISE was created to invest in the success of these critical businesses by providing valuable and practical support.





Comcast RISE – In October, Comcast launched Comcast RISE, a multi-year initiative created to help strengthen and empower small businesses, starting with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color owned businesses; those hardest hit by COVID-19. The Comcast RISE program will help thousands of small businesses over the next three years through grants, marketing and technology upgrades, including media campaigns and connectivity, computer and voice equipment, as well as free marketing insights to all applicants. For more information, visit www.comcastrise.com.

I’m crazy about the idea of long term, tangible assistance to small business owners, especially those owned by Black, Indigenous and BIPOC. The way that Comcast has looked at where it can offer meaningful assistance and turn that into a program like his, impresses me. It’s pretty incredible so if you’re reading this and think your business might fit this program, applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through February 7th, 2021!

In addition to Comcast RISE, Comcast is still doing a lot of the things that they’ve been investing in for quite some time, to increase equity in our communities. Being connected to the internet is essential and should not be considered a luxury. I’ve talked about it before but Comcast has continued to support communities in need by keeping customers connected through Internet Essentials, Network Investment expansion, School Programs, Xifinity WiFi hotspots that are free for everyone (For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi), free educational resources and more!




Even on the local level, Comcast is chipping in. Just recently, they teamed up with Telemundo to provide laptops to local families through the Boston Centers for Youth & Families Blackstone Community Center in the South End. You can read about that effort here

And if you’re into the tech-y type news, Xfinity Mobile, rated #1 in customer satisfaction, is “available to Xfinity Internet customers and includes up to five lines of unlimited nationwide talk and text, no activation fees, and no phone line access fees. When combined with free access to millions of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, Xfinity Mobile customers can save hundreds of dollars per year on their wireless bills.

Xfinity Mobile customers can choose from two straightforward nationwide 5G data options – By-the-Gig shared data starting at 1GB for $15, 3GB for $30 and 10GB for $60, or Unlimited for $45 per month per line.* Unlike most wireless carriers, Xfinity Mobile gives customers the flexibility to mix-and-match data options per line on an account and switch any line on an account between data options, at any time during their billing cycle.” <-- via Comcast


Learn more about Comcast RISE, Internet Essentials, Xfinity Mobile, fantastic new equipment, and so much more that Comcast is doing on their corporate site. In a time when we are voting with our dollars more than ever, seeing a company doing so much good, cool stuff, is hard to ignore!



Sunday, December 13, 2020

Persona Nutrition Review

 *This blog post was created in collaboration with Moms Meet and Persona. All opinions are 100% my own and as always I appreciate your support of Prim and Propah.



I've been teaming up with MomsMeet for quite awhile now and they're consitently introducing me to new brands that are in my realm of interest and this blog post is no different. I have always wanted to try a vitamin regimine that is catered to my needs and with Persona, I was able to try just that!  Persona is a personalized, high-quality supplement subscription service that delivers your packs to your doorstep every 28 days.


So first of all, you take an assessment so you can see what the right suppliments are for you and your needs! You answer a variety of questions about your general health, your concerns, medications you may be taking, what your goals are and other issues you may have had in the past. I felt that they were taking a lot into consideration when creating my "plan" and so I felt good about the regimine that they sent over to meet my needs. The daily vitamins are split into a cute box that makes it easy to pull out one at a time, unless you have kids who pull them all out at once, in which case, good luck getting them back in the way from which they came! But in all seriousness, the kit is really neat.


Here's what Persona put together for me:




Cordyceps • Supports Energy Production • Promotes Liver Health • May Enhance Libido Cordyceps contains numerous constituents responsible for its health-promotion actions including polysaccharides, cordycepin, and cordypyridones. 


DHA w/ Vitamin D • Promotes Brain Function • Supports Healthy Inflammatory Response & Eye Health Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important brain boosting Omega-3 fatty acid. Since the body can’t produce it, getting enough in the diet or by supplementation is crucial. When the brain receives adequate amounts of DHA, it is able to produce hormones as needed which makes cell communication easier. 


Daily Probiotic • Supports Healthy Digestion • Replenishes Gut Flora • Supports Immune System Our Daily Probiotic contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus, one of the most popular probiotic strains to help restore good bacteria in the gut. By encouraging a balanced biohm, our Daily Probiotic can support gastro-intestinal complications, diarrhea, and the immune system. 


Foundational Multivitamin Heart Health • Optimal form of Folate • Fills nutrient gaps, supports overall health Food preferences, allergies, prescription medications, digestion issues, and age can impact your nutritional status. Our vegan, non-GMO multivitamin is highly bioavailable to help you fill in diet gaps and achieve a healthy nutrition profile while supporting your immune system. 


Green Tea Extract• Supports Healthy Energy • Fights Oxidative Stress • Supports Brain Function Green tea extract has been used for centuries to provide a variety of health benefits including energy productin, athletic performance support, healthy weight, and overall immunity.


Spirulina • Immune Support • Super Powerful Antioxidant • Anti-Inflammatory Spirulina is an algae that can help fill nutritional gaps from diets lacking fruits and vegetables. 


Vitamin D-3 1000 • Bone Support • Cell Growth Support • Neuromuscular and Immune Function Support Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be produced when the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. For this reason, geographical location, use of sunscreen, and lack of outdoor activities impact vitamin D status in the body and may lead to a deficiency. 


I will say that in taking these supplements, some of them were larger than I am used to taking so it was a bit of a struggle at first to get them all down each morning but I challenged myself to drink more water and taking my Persona supplements certainly helped with that goal! Another thing I might mention, and this is not a very attractive thing to admit, but one of these supplements was 100% giving me gas and the thing is, it's hard to narrow down which one it might be. The great thing about Persona is that they do have nutritionists that you can email, call or chat with so if I really did want to get to the bottom of it, I could have a talk with a member of their team. So just something to consider when you are taking a new vitamin or supplement, that you may have some side effects like gas, doh! So make sure to pay attention to your body and what is happening with it!


So would I recomment Persona? Yes! Actually, even though I got this first supply for free, I am on my way to get another month filled (that I'm paying for!)... so that should give you an idea of what I thought! I have been really trying to take care of my body. I am nursing a back injury in PT. I am having regular appointments at the chiropractor and I am taking my nurtition more seriously.


You can find Persona online, on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter... oh and have $25 on me to place your first order, shop here!



Sunday, November 8, 2020

Norm’s Farms ElderKids Organic Elderberry Gummies

 *This post was created in collaboration with Norm's Farms and MomsMeet. All opinions are 100% my own and as always, thank you for supporting Prim and Propah.


ELDERBERRY ME! Norm's Farms sent me and the kids each a bottle of their elderberry gummies to prepare us for the upcoming cold and flu (and more!) season. You may have heard that I love a good elderberry gummy because I am all for trying to combat illness or lessening it this time of year, so was pretty stoked to be introduced to a new (to me) brand called Norm's Farm.




Norm's Farms ElderKids Organic Elderberry Gummies and Norm's Farms Organic Elderberry Gummies are made with organic elderberries, Vitamin C, Zinc and probiotics. The other ingredients are things you would recognize as well, like organic tapioca, organic cane sugar, pectin, organic sunflower oil and the like. It's important to me to take a look at an ingredient list and see that I won't have to google what an ingredient is. Mama doesn't have time for extensive research. In most cases, I'll just move along. 

Now I don't have proof that taking my elderberry gummies every day has helped me or my kids but I do know that I survived last Winter without getting strep throat (even when both my kids test positive for it) and even managed the last year with only a mild cold (allergies aside of course which don't even get me started on!).  I don't want you running out to buy elderberry thinking it will cure all your ailments but it does have benefits dating waaaaaay back. "The berries and flowers of elderberry are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They could help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart, too." via WebMD That helps inform my decision and as with anything you take or want to give your kids, it's important you do your research and ensure that you're looking at all the info.

As far as the taste and consistency of these gummies, they are pretty spot in. My kids have no issue taking these and I rather enjoy my little treat in the morning. The kids call it their "berry vitamin" and I give it to them with their daily multivitamin daily. When I checked out the Norm's Farm website, I was excited to see that they have different offerings too, in case that gummies aren't your thing, like syrup form. Are you a jelly or jam kinda person? Norm's Farm has Jams and Jellies! Totally next on my list to try.



If you're looking for an elderberry option, I think Norm's Farm would be great to try. They seem to take the process of making their product seriously and we are enjoying it here in the Propah household. You can find all their products on Norm's Farm and peek below for a special discount code!




Follow Norm's Farm on Facebook, twitter, Instagram and Pinterest! Oh and use code  MOM10 on their site to receive 10% off your order!



Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Think-ing about Sunscreens with Think!

*This post was created in collaboration with Go Think. All opinions are my own and as always, thank you for supporting Prim and Propah!



When the folks at Think contacted me to try some of their products, I was excited to check them out! When it comes to providing products for my family, that take into consideration the ingredients that we put on our skin, I’m incredibly impressed with brands like Think. Their commitment to quality is listed in their products descriptions, specifically the sunblocks for babies, kids and adults.

  • First Sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care Requirements
  • Top Rated on EWG 's Skin Deep with a "1" rating since 2010
  • Free of biologically harmful chemicals. No PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals. No animal by-products or testing (Leaping Bunny member).
  • Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
  • Does not contain any known chemicals harmful to coral reefs. Achieved the highest level of biodegradability testing.
  • Water resistance (80 minutes)
  • Non-aerosol formulation
  • Designed for everyday use
  • Sunscreen produced in the USA
  • A member of the Safe Cosmetics Campaign Compact

Even though we’re headed into the Winter months, that doesn't mean that you shouldn’t be careful about sun exposure, especially if you’re into outdoor, snowy activities! I always have sunblock on hand for me and the kids because I once got a sunburn on my face, while snowboarding, that rivaled some of my worst Summertime burns. I’m loving the variety for everyone in my family’s needs as well as the ingredients free of biologically harmful chemicals.






Think also has some awesome body products like deodorant, body wash, haircare and more, all with the same standards. I’m also loving their waterbottles, especially during hot spin sessions where cold water is the ultimate. I am extremely pleased with what Think sent along, and I am happy to say so in this blog post!


You can find Think on their website, Facebook and Instagram oh and also at Target and Wholefoods!






Monday, October 12, 2020

Peach and a Continually Cool Partnership

 *I have been a Peach ambassador for a couple of years now so you know that when I am talking about Peach it is due to a great partnership where both parties sincerely value one another!




I have been working with Peach for a couple of years now and I am always grateful when they reach out for another campaign or capsule collection. As someone who doesn't fit the mold when it comes to "high style, thin type" influencer, their focus on real, active women, in their real, active lives, is something that always impresses me. They work as a team, for their team and for their community of stylists, ambassadors and customers.




You'll continue to see me sporting their gear, talking about their initiatives, like their Thrive Workshops and how they are contributing to their community through cool events and virtual meet ups. When a brand isn't just trying to sell you stuff, but actually cares about creating a relationship, I pretty much love that.


On October 15th, you can join one of their signature Thrive Workshops! Yes, they are opening it up to their community beyond stylists and ambassadors. How cool is that? I loved this workshop when I participated last year. You basically take an assessment that helps you dig into your internal strengths, tapping into what you're truly good at, whether you know it or not!


Thrive Workshop: Unleash Your Superpowers

October 15th at 7PM ET
Tickets $35

Use promo code: AMANDA10
This will treat you to $10 off the ticket price for the workshop!


Get excited to dig into discovering your internal strengths and celebrating the uniqueness that is YOU. The outcome of this work can help you to discover your true north in the headwinds of today.

In a 75-minute interactive presentation, we will explore:
1. How to identify your signature internal strengths
2. How to operationalize and optimize these strengths for growth
3. How to flip the script on “weaknesses”

Each attendee will receive a link to take their own strengths assessment ahead of time so your results can be discussed at the event.

Attendees will also receive an exclusive discount to purchase our Strengths Bracelets so you can wear your strengths with pride and remind yourself that you are uniquely YOU!


Taking the character traits assessment through Peach's Thrive Workshop was so interesting and fun, too! The assessment itself didn't take very long to complete and once I was given my top strengths, I sort of felt encouraged by what I have always found to be one of my best qualities (honesty) coming up right on top of my list.


The team at Peach explained that this strength, and the others, can be more than just the literal interpretation. Yes, I am honest but I also approach things in my life in an honest and authentic way. That totally resonated with me. It's very cool how once you know what your top character strengths are, that you can see how you are actually living them. And maybe something I thought I represented, like being full of Zest, landed closer to the bottom. It's OK if "Zest" isn't one of my top strengths and focusing my energy there, isn't a valuable use of my time. The workshop really gave me some things to think about and great insight.


They break down your Top 5 and explain what each means and could mean for you. My Character Strength report came with individual highlights of my top Strengths (Honesty, Gratitude, Kindness, Humor and Fairness) and short journaling prompts for each one. This workshop was great, especially if you're looking to dive deeper into what makes you tick! I would recommend it for sure!





Shop my most recent Peach looks!


In this post I am wearing the 7/8 reversible leggings, in deep blue camo, the Harper Bra in deep blue camo,  the Akari Anorak, the Peach signature branded cap. and the Kristina Seamless Legging.




You can find Peach online, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!


Friday, October 9, 2020

Country Life Gut Connection™ Kids

*This post was created in collaboration with MomsMeet and Country Life. All opinions are my own and like with anything, please do your own researcg before purchasing a product for yourself... and thank you, as always, for supporting Prim and Propah. 



You may remember that I talked about Country Life before, when I tried the Gut Connection supplements specfically designed for adults. Well this time around, Country Life sent me the supplement line designed just for our kids. Country Life is introducing Gut Connection™ Kids, which is a natural extension of the popular adult line. With fun and tasty animal-shaped chewables, and a delicious chocolate powder, they designed these so our kids will love taking their supplements. They come with different variants for specific issues that your kids might be experiencing. 


Digestive Balance™ focuses on providing your kids with the nutrients they need to maintain good gut and immune health, help reduce occasional bloating or discomfort, and even improve weekly bowel movements.

Cognitive Balance™ contains a powerful prebiotic blend to maintain gut health and support communication between your kids central nervous and digestive systems.

Immune Balance™ is a scientifically formulated blend of prebiotics balanced with other immune-supporting ingredients to support a strong & healthy immune system and improve gut microbiome health.

Sleep Balance™ a seamless combination of helpful gut-focused ingredients, each serving contains Lactium, a patented bioactive peptide coming from milk, used widely in Europe to help reduce stress so that your kids can fall asleep faster & longer




I will say that with anything you're putting in your body, and especially the bodies of your growing children, it's important to do some of your own research to determine what, if any, type of prebiotic supplements that your kids might need to take. What are prebiotics? Prebiotics are special plant fibers that help healthy bacteria grow in your gut. This makes your digestive system work better. via WebMD


For instance, we do not have any real issues getting my kids to sleep (knock on wood) so we do not need to use Sleep Balance. But on the other hand, am I looking for ways to safely boost my kids immunity at this stage of the game? Yes, so Immune Balance piqued my interest right from the get-go. This wouldn't be appropriate for my youngest because it is important to note that these are for children 4 years old and up.


What I love about Country Life is that they have a Money Back Guarantee. You can literally fill out a form if you aren't happy with the product for any reason. So if you feel like you have done your research, spoken with your pediatrician and these supplements are something you're interested in, you can be sure that you'll be able to try without too much worry about wasting money.



You can find Country Life on their site, Facebook, twitter and Instagram! Use code MOMS20 for 20% off of your order!

Sunday, September 6, 2020

Black Elderberry Power with Sambucol

*This post was created in collaboration with Moms Meet and Sambucol. All opinions are 100% my own. Thank you as always for supporting Prim and Propah and my partners! 



Before being invited to participate in this MomsMeet program, I had already been a daily user of the Sambucol Black Elderberry gummies. I have been taking them for a couple of years now at least. I guess someone had recommended taking them through cold and flu season, and once I did, I just never stopped. I swear that through many a kid's cold, sniffles, and yes even strep throat, I have made it through relatively unscathed. Of course, my blog is in no way a health blog. I am not a doctor. But I can tell you what my experiences has been with black elderberry products, specifically Sambucol.



So, per the Sambucol site:  Elderberries have an extremely high concentration of certain flavonoids called anthocyanins which are responsible for the berry’s signature deep purple color. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that work within the immune system to enhance the body’s response and keep it functioning at its best. According to the United States Department of Agriculture the highest concentration of anthocyanins are found in black elderberries, nearly double the amount found in any other fruit. This gives black elderberries twice the natural antioxidant capacity of blueberries and significantly more than cranberries.


I think the thing that first drew me to Elderberry Gummies was the idea of boosting immunity but once I did more research, not just on the Soambucol site, it became clear that added antioxidants is a major plus. "Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or when you're exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation." -Mayo Clinic... Especially as we head into a cold and flu season unlike any other, I don't see why we shouldn't be adding elderberry to our daily vitamin or supplement routines.


Sambucol has created multiple ways to get your elderberry! You can use the gummies (my personal favorite), take a syrup by spoon, add tablets to your water, use lozenges and even pop a quick capsule. There are even options for kids as well. You're sure to find the best way for you and your family.


You can find Sambucol online, on Facebook, twitter and Instagram!


Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Priddy Books, Staples on any Child's Bookshelf

 *This post was created in collaboration with MomsMeet and Priddy Books. All opinions are 100% mine. Thanks for supporting Prim and Propah and the brands that help us go and grow!



When I had my first baby shower, we got so many books to fill the little corner bookshelf that we'd built for the nursery. Classic children's stories and colorful little board books filled the little baby library basket during gift time. It was amazing to see so many people wanting to encourage reading to my new little baby. We've read so many over the years but Aamong some of the favorite books that my kids have "read" from even the earliest age have been board books from Priddy Books. You've likely seen these books yourself when looking for kids' gifts or to enrich the lives of your own kids. They're timeless in that they can be passed from kid to kid and then on to other families without losing their value!



These books have always brought a smile to my face because they're wholesome and actually help our kids learn in the most fundamental ways, by viewing shapes, letters, numbers, animals etc. Some of our favorites have even incorporated touch into the equation, giving an added sensory bonus to the reading experience.

As my kids have gotten older, we've seen books come and go but I've had a hard time handing these awesome board books onto other kids. I taught my oldest all about colors and animals every night laying in bed when it was just me and him. Now my oldest works with my little guy on the same things, though they do get into more disagreements than I would. But I love seeing them read together even if it's just talking about what they're seeing.



I've also taken to adding books like this to baby shower gifts heading out to friends having new little ones. These are awesome additions to little collections because you know they're going to be great, even when the babies are only just sitting up and looking at things. The bright colors and familiar objects make for a fun introduction to books that will hopefully encourage a lifelong love of reading. Out of all the Priddy Books, which ones are your favorites?


You can find Priddy Books online, on Facebook and Twitter! Purchase easily on Amazon!



Monday, August 17, 2020

An Update on Comcast's Internet Essentials Program

*This post was created in collaboration with Comcast New England. Any opinions are my own.

I’ve written about Comcast before. I’m sure you’ve even read a post or two. I have loved working with them and continue to be interested in all the things that they are doing entertainment-wise and also within the company. I’m continually impressed with them and the initiatives that they feel are important. Last week, Comcast made announcements about their Internet Essentials program that will most certainly make a huge difference with low-income students and families, especially headed into this new school year where so much is unknown about how our kids are going to be learning.



As a parent to at least one school aged child, I do not know what we would do without reliable access to the internet. Literally every piece of remote learning is done via an app or through shared drives. Thinking about families struggling to have access to the internet makes me so worried for them. But thanks to programs like Comcast’s Internet Essentials Partnership Program (IEPP), cities, schools and nonprofits can work together to ensure that large numbers of school aged children, grades K-12, are able to access internet service and also be connected to devices like laptops and tablets. When the pandemic hit, Comcast jumped to and they have already signed up more than 70 schools across the country, serving more than 200,000 students. Distance learning may be a reality for a lot of Americans as we head into Fall. Access to essentials should not be an added worry for these families.

“We’ve seen firsthand that low-cost Internet access is an important part of improving digital equity and creating positive opportunities for low-income students and families,” said Dana Strong, President of Xfinity Consumer Services. “Through this new partnership program, we are accelerating the efforts of cities, schools, philanthropies, nonprofits, and private citizens to collaborate and open the doors of Internet access for more families in need.”

 


 

In nearly ten years, Internet Essentials has become the nation’s largest and most successful low-income Internet adoption program and has connected millions of people to the Internet. It offers households low-cost, broadband Internet service for $9.95/month, the option to purchase a heavily subsidized computer, and multiple options for digital literacy training. Comcast continues to offer new Internet Essentials customers two months of free internet access if they sign up before the end of 2020. So here’s where they are making this accessible to so many more people. They are providing a necessary service at an extremely affordable price. The Comcast team is bringing these resources to the communities that need them the most. And I’m here for it.


You can see the cities where Comcast has already secured partnerships here. If you are finding that you think you may need to apply for the Internet Essentials program, you can access that information here. The team over there really does want to expand and provide internet access to as many people as possible and I find that admirable, especially in such an uncertain time when people need to have access to their communities, families, friends and remote education.

 


Monday, July 13, 2020

Lean into Community: Local Farms

We'll see if this actually turns into a series but I wanted to start talking about leaning into community. To me, this pandemic, among other things, has increased my awareness of the importance of community and not just in a fluffy way. We are all so intertwined in our communitites whether we are actively "involved" or purposely try not to get involved. Our actions, our involvement and our dollars spent here (or wherever you are) help to shape the environments in which we live, to some extent.  One of the biggest and impressive steps that our family, and a lot of other families in my area, has taken is to throw our full support behind local farmers and food providers.



Now I am going to be talking specifically about Springdell Farms in Littleton, MA (and a handful of other farms/stands are included in this) but I know that your community has offerings like this as well... you just have to look! In just a matter of months, we have moved to a meat share and a Summer CSA (with a Winter share on the docket). Our family's goal was to see the majority of our food, especially during the Summer, come from a local source. I mean, I still have to buy my Diet Coke (don't judge) and Graham Crackers somewhere but I wanted the majority of our food to be locally sourced if at all possible.

This plan has many reasons. Knowing where your food comes from is a big one. I love seeing the fields full of green, or the tomatoes ripening or my boys picking berries for themselves, sometimes leaving their shoes and masks in their wake lol. It's a really good feeling, to be honest. Knowing your farms and farmers is amazing. Jamie and her team at Springdell might not grow everything themselves but they bring in amazing items from all over New England. Our most recent obsession is the pudding from Echo Farms in Hinsdale, NH that Jamie brings in for our farm. My kids love picking it up weekly with our CSA share and something about that just seems special to me. Like my dream is to have my kids remember annual berry picking and share pickups. Doesn't that just seem nice? I like being able to show them in one of the simplest ways, how we are a part of our local community.




For a family that eats meat, it's also really important to know that our consumption is as healthy for our world as possible. My husband and I had been talking about it for quite some time and we finally jumped in on a year meat share, deciding that it was more important for us to know where our farm animals were living and how they were being cared for... and since May we haven't bought any meat from the grocery store, instead experimenting with what surprises we get in our monthly share. You might think that the meat share is more expensive but with the rising prices in the grocery store, especially due to Covid and meat processing plants,  it actually hasn't been that much more so. And we can feel good about the support/money that is staying local.




Our farm, and many others like it, have created a space that's welcoming to families and their neighbors. When the pandemic "hit" in March, our local spot opened up early and brought in pantry items for people to grab from the open air stand. This felt safer and when a lot of people were afraid to go into grocery stores, Springdell was providing the service our town needed. Since the beginning, solid communication has been coming from Springdell Farms about their offerings, what they're doing for our farming community, what other farmers and vendors are popping up and plans for the future.

Jamie hasn't been shy about posting about the offers to buy her land and the farm. I would assume that her situation isn't special and that other farmers are getting similar offers. Developers all over New England are looking at local farms and wondering how much they could build, sell and turn a profit on that very land... and it makes me sad. If we don't support our local farms (and other small businesses), they will no longer be, it's just as simple as that. I don't want to live in a world where we value factory farms, especially for meat, and let our world become more developed and environmentally unstable in the process. It's just not something I want, and you shouldn't either. But I'm not here to scold you. I'm here to encourage you.



When we talking about leaning into community, there can be so many ways to do this. Visiting your local farms and farmer's markets, is one amazing (and quick) way to send a jolt of support right into your local economy and community. I encourage you to find a farm stand in your area right now because we are in one of the best seasons of the year for amazing produce, veggies, homemade items and fresh offerings. You'll thank me when your dinner table has amazing corn, friggin' delish squash, tomatoes and blueberries that won't last two days in your house. Plus, you'll just feel good about it, too. I promise.

How else can I talk about leaning into community that makes sense right now?




Thursday, June 25, 2020

What's the Latest with Comcast New England?

*This post was created in collaboration with Comcast New England and Xfinity. All opinions are my own and as always, thank you for supporting Prim and Propah and my partners.

Last week, as I could hear my husband struggling to get our kids to bed, I poured myself a glass of wine and hopped on a virtual call with the team from Comcast New England. In the past, I have attended in person events with this team, but obviously due to COVID-19, we had to do the thang over the internets… which I suppose is fitting because Xfinity provides stellar, strong internet services? OK ok, I am getting off track quickly here. We sat down for a call with the team and some other local bloggers to learn about what they’re doing in the face of COVID and Racial Inequality, and let me just say that I was impressed to learn about Comcast’s efforts moving forward.

There were some of my favorite familiar faces on the call, so I pulled out all the stops and brushed my hair because I knew I’d be seeing them! It sort of feels like being with some good friends, even though we are definitely at a blogger event. We started off getting intros out of the way but quickly turned to talking about Comcast’s work, given the current landscape of our world.


I’ll start by sharing Comcast’s Press Release, announcing a $100 million multi year plan to advance social justice and equality. They’re literally putting their money where their mouth is. There will be $75 million in cash and $25 million in media that will be distributed over the next three years, in addition to the existing commitments their company currently makes to thousands of organizations supporting underrepresented communities through the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation and social impact programs. I haven’t researched all of these programs but making this statement and this commitment is a great first step in showing that they are taking this issue seriously. I am asking this of all of the companies that I work closely with to ensure that we are all operating with integrity and the greater good in mind.

We heard from Jackie Gadsden, VP of Diversity & Inclusion and Customer Experience for Comcast’s Greater Boston Region. She was super knowledgeable but also a straight talker. She knows that this more than a moment, it’s a movement. Other Comcast team members were talking about the difference that Jackie has made within the company to not only educate their peers but to actually help them learn too. They were singing her praises in a true and sincere way. You love to see it.



In addition to learning about what Comcast is doing in the current climate, we also got some cool product updates, most specifically the Peacock TV Xfinity partnership. Peacock (available since April 15th as a preview for Xfinity X1 and Flex customers) will launch nationally across multiple platforms on July 15th. However, advantage Xfinity customers as X1 and Flex customers will continue to get Peacock Premium ($4.99/m value) included at no additional cost! The programming is killer and I personally can’t wait for the Saved by the Bell and Punky Brewster reboots, I know, I’m dating myself haha but as I have gotten older, who cares, I enjoy what I enjoy… which is currently watching The Office for the 5th or 6th time through, I can’t remember. Learn more about all the offerings and content on Peacock here and let me know in the comments what you’re watching right now!

Comcast is continually impressing me with their commitment to providing the best service possible, not by reacting to the needs of the market but looking to the future in anticipation of what their market might need. Between the Internet Essentials program I covered last, to the new commitments made to advance equality, Comcast is not shying away from tough convos and doing the work. Just last week, Comcast announced that they once again extended the 60 day free Internet Essentials offer to any new, eligible customer who qualifies! I’ll be watching Comcast’s moves and helping them amplify voices now and in the future. That’s what teammates do!


Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Living in Loungewear, Aren't You?

*I received product from Femme Luxe Finery. All opinions are my own.

As I have been home the past few months, I have slowly transitioned from mostly activewear (afterall I was going to the gym multiple times a week) to lots and lots of leisure and dresses. It's starting to feel like a permanent transition seeing as how being comfortable has been extremely key while being at home. Femme Luxe Finery sent me some awesome loungewear sets and to say that I have been living in them would be an understatement.

Short Sleeve Boxy Loungewear Set

I haven't been seeing too many people, well except for myself in the mirror so catching a glimpse of a good matching loungewear set it as good as it's getting right now. I do miss going out and getting dressed up, but there will come a time for that again. The sets are cute and comfortable. I do wish they came in larger sizes but at the same time, it's no big deal to me.

V Neck Boxy Loungewear Set

It's to the point where my husband is like "do all your clothes match like this now?" and I was like "yeah, basically!"... I have my eyes on some of their tie dye loungewear sets as well as this cute butterfly shorts set! I feel like as this quarantine has gone on and I know that my family is going to stay put for the most part, why not be cute and be comfortable at the same time? I really do feel like this has been a defining point in my wardrobe's history, for better or for worse.

Maria Loungewear Tracksuit Set
Even when the kids eventually go back to school, I'll actually put a bra on and some track sneakers and we'll truly be all set. What do you think the Moms in town will think of the lady who only wears matching tracksuits? Well guess what? I don't really care. I feel good in them, I look good in them (to me!) and that's really all it comes down to! Do you think that matching loungewear sets are here to stay? I sure hope so!

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Little DaVinci mighty vite

*This blog post was created in collaboration with Little DaVinci and MomsMeet. All opinions are 100% my own and this blog post was written from my point of view.


MomsMeet has introduced me to some great suppliments in the past and they're back with a nice alternative for our kids. I know it's a strange time to be writing about lifestyle topics and reviewing things on the blog but I've mentioned before that when I make committments, I most certainly keep them. This is no different. The team over at Little DaVinci sent me a great selection of kids supplements to take a peek at and see if they would be a good fit for my family.


I am always very careful about what I give my kids, even though they're healthy kids, who don't have any known allergies, I always suggest that you take a look at products, do your research on ingredients and ensure that if you question something, check in with your child's doctor. Our doctor's office has a great telehealth and email system so I can easily ask questions without going to the office in person. Make sure to give them a heads up if you want to put your kids on a new supplement.

Mighty Vite  This is possible supplement to replace the gummy multi vitamin that so many of us give our children. This is a "delicious, fruit-punch-flavored multivitamin that packs together critical nutrients to support your child’s health." This supplement is a harder sell for my kids in that it's a powder that you dissolve into food or drink. My kids like a good gummy but this seems like it would be perfect for parents that have issues getting their kids to take anything. This could be easily put into a moring yogurt or smoothie, though I wasn't able to get it to dissolve into water completely, that could be an option too.

Immuni- Z   This is something that I could possibly give my kindergartner (not my three year old) and seems like a good option, especially now when people are accutely aware of keeping our immune systems in tip top shape. If your kids aren't getting all the vitamins and minerals through the food they're eating then the DiVinci Kids Immuni-Z might be a good option for you. "A tasty lemon zinc lozenge that promotes healthy immune system function."

Calm- This was probably the most intriguing to me. My kids are rough at bedtime. I'm sure that a lot of parents have issues getting their kids to settle down. This spray bottle touts "Calm settles the brain, relaxes the body, and leads to a good night’s sleep for your little one"... we plan to try this out this week, though my youngest is too young to try and he's our main wild one but we're hopeful that this may be a natural option in the future!

All in all, DaVinci Kids looks like they have a great selection of vitamins and supplements for the kids in your family and perhaps some specific needs you're looking to help address.



 Save 20% on any purchase on Little DaVinci®’s website at momsmeet.link/davincishop with the promo code MOMBLOG. Offer ends June 3, 2020.



Saturday, March 28, 2020

Wakunaga of America Kyo-Dophilus Kids Probiotic

*This post was created in collaboration with MomsMeet and Wakunaga of America Kyo-Dophilus Kids Probiotic. All opinions are 100% my own.

I have to say, what a weird time to be writing a post about a Kids Probiotic but I had made some committments prior to everything going on and we go on with life in the small ways that we can, am I right? I have worked with MomsMeet on a lot of campaigns before but as a family, we have never really looked into probiotics. When they asked me if we'd like to take a peek at Wakunaga of America Kyo-Dophilus Kids Probiotic, I was like sure, why not? I've been meaning to research some probiotics.


I've never given my kids a probiotic before and in order to give anything to my kids, and well, me and my husband too, I make sure I do a fair amount of research. 

From WebMD: So what is a probiotic? Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, especially your digestive system. We usually think of these as germs that cause diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. You can find probiotics in supplements and some foods, like yogurt. Doctors often suggest them to help with digestive problems. How Do They Work? Researchers are trying to figure out exactly how probiotics work. Some of the ways they may keep you healthy: When you lose "good" bacteria in your body, for example after you take antibiotics, probiotics can help replace them.--They can help balance your "good" and "bad" bacteria to keep your body working the way it should.




I would feel most comfortable emailing my doctor if I needed the advice on a specific type of probiotics for my needs. Our physicians use email and telehealth, especially right now, so that we could ask questions that don't require a trip into the office. My kids just had strep throat and were on antibiotics so that might be something that I would inquire about or if any of us might be having digestive issues, maybe difficulty with our poop schedule. I also understand that there is a connection with gut health and immune support, so especially now, it would be great to check in with your doctor to see if there's something you can be using as a supplement to help your family.

Info from Wakunaga of America KyoDophilus® Kids Probiotic for when you're searcing for a probiotic for your kids:

  • KID-FRIENDLY PROBIOTIC: Taken daily, these tasty vanilla-flavored chewable probiotic tablets may help maintain bowel regularity, relieve occasional digestive discomfort and promote immune function.
  • TRUSTED PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENT: No Refrigeration Required. Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Dairy Free. DNA Sequencing Verified for each strain. Stomach acid-resistant strains. Guaranteed live at expiration date.
  • BALANCED DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: This probiotic is specifically formulated to maintain good colon health, relieve occasional digestive discomfort, promote healthy digestive balance and general well-being.*
  • THE FRIENDLY TRIO BACTERIA: Our proprietary blend of three clinically studied strains, L. gaseri, B. bifidum and B. longum, that have been shown to be efficacious for digestive and immune health.*
  • EXPLORE WAKUNAGA: With a mission to promote good health throughout the world, Wakunaga offers nutritional supplements including Kyolic Aged Garlic products, Kyolic Specialty Items and Kyo-Green Greens & Superfoods.

Learn more about your probiotic needs on Probiotics.com. Wakunaga of America Kyo-Dophilus Kids Probiotic is available to purchase at local health food stores, Sprouts Farmers Market, Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers, as well as online at Swansons Vitamins and Amazon. Visit momsmeet.link/wakanugalocate for the full list of locations.

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets *Sponsored Post*

*This post was written in collaboration with MomsMeet and Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets. All opinions are 100% my own.

I was gifted a great set of Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets in working with MomsMeet, which prompted me to do some research on what the benefits of fish oil and subsequent supplements could do for my family. I will start by saying that based on what I have read and listened to in podcasts and also based on common sense, my best advice is to get your vitamins from the foods that are vitamin rich. In this case, this would be by eating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines that are rich in these omega-3s. Some plants are rich in another type of omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, which the body can convert to DHA and EPA. Good sources of these are flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and canola oil. But we all know that kids won't eat a lot of the stuff that we want them to, am I right? Enter the idea of giving our kids vitamins and supplements.


Per the Harvard.edu Health Blog: "Omega-3 fatty acids play important roles in brain function, normal growth and development, and inflammation. Deficiencies have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, some cancers, mood disorders, arthritis, and more. But that doesn’t mean taking high doses translates to better health and disease prevention." Make an educated decision on whether or not you think you'd like to give your kids the supplements and then look for the best product for your needs.

So the product that I recieved, Kids Smart Fish Oil, contains a high amount of DHA fish oil (133 mg) which is higher than many options on the market. They come in burstlets in a "chewable" form and I started giving each of my kids one of these with their regular multi-vitamin. My oldest is not into these at all and I get it. I have tried them myself and as an adult, I can understand the taste is still fishy and the chewable casing is not quite chewable in the sense you'd expect. That said, my youngest loves taking these and specifically asks for his "fish vitamins". Like with anything, I would say that whether or not your kids would take these are all dependent on your kids' tastes and whether or not they have issues with consistencies and the like. I don't force my oldes to take these because he's willing to eat salmon. My youngest would live on yogurt if I let him, so you see where my head is at.

The bottle itself sells for less than $8 on Amazon, which to me, is very reasonable for a bottle of 30, a month supply, plus there's a deal below if you are interested. I'd have to say that my overall feeling is that these are good supplement for my youngest until he is willing to eat more fish and perhaps seeds in his diet. But our kids are always growing and changing so just be willing to alter the way you're calculating these types of things based on their diet and food intake.

Save 20% when you purchase a 30-count bottle of Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets on Amazon at momsmeet.link/kidssmartamzn with the promo code 20MM20KS. Offer ends March 14, 2020.




Friday, February 14, 2020

Boston Calling, Creating a Family Experience

*I attended Boston Calling last year via a media pass. This post is about my experience and what families can expect going into this year and coming years. All opinions are mine.


When I first became a mother, I was did what a lot of us do, and I cut back on some of the outings that I most loved to do before becoming a parent. This included seeing concerts and heading to outdoor festivals. Living outside of Boston, we have a pretty great music scene and knowing that Boston Calling supports a lot of local artists, I had always wanted to go...but, KIDS. But wait, people are bringing their kids to Boston Calling? Yes. Boston Calling is actually pretty kid friendly, with a bit of preparation from savvy parents.

 Guster has a special place in my (and Boston's) heart dating back to my teenage self so I most definitely wanted to go and as a fan, my 5 year old son had started listening too. He had very loosely inquired as to when he would get to see Guster and since I'm no fool, I was like kid, you get very cranky after 7pm so I don't know when we'll get to see Guster together.  So when I heard that they were playing the 2019 festival, and at 4pm no less, I knew that I wanted to go and try to take Wes as well. But was/is Boston Calling really family friendly?


So first, I'll start by saying that in order to go to Boston Calling, or any event as a parent with children who wants to enjoy themselves, you're going to want to go prepared. I mean, I prepare myself to a trip to the grocery store so since I knew that we were going to be gone, literally all day, that I'd need to beef up the bag I was packing. Keep in mind that they do not allow backpacks, I think I got away with mine because it's more like a purse. Next time I would probably bring a bag and consider a locker inside the festival. But all that said, Boston Calling has done a good job of making the atmosphere very family friendly, especially during the day. Let's start by saying that kids 10 and under don't need a wristband. I saw kids of all ages, from people baby wearing to older kids and then of course, little guys like mine. Boston Calling is welcoming of kids but you know your children best so keep their thresholds in mind for any of the things I'll mention in the rest of the blog.

What can you expect

You can expect to take either public transportation or catch a ride share to the Harvard Athletic complex.  I usually drive and park almost anywhere I go but there is literally nowhere to park close to the grounds. We took the redline from Alewife into Harvard Square then caught a Lyft back and forth to the train. It was easy peasy. If we could do it, anyone can. There's bike parking on site if that's your style or if you're kids are older, you can walk from public transportation to the grounds. More info on this piece can be found in the BC FAQs.

You can expect to be in the weather. Whether it's raining, very cold for May or extremely hot for May (which was our experience), you're going to be outside the majority of the day. There are a few places of "shelter" but you shouldn't plan to be able to take refuge there for good portions of time as they are being used for different acts and performers. With kids of any age, they will no doubt get whiny so just be prepared to listen to it a bit (or alot depending on your kids lol) and give them time to chill in between the things you want to see.

You can expect there to be crowds. Obviously, right? With kids, you may not want to rush the stage for obvious reasons but the beauty of the layout is that there is plenty of space to sit back, a good distance from any given stage and enjoy the music. I took Wes fairly close to the stage for Guster but it was a decision I made based on the crowd, the timing (it was daylight), I had my cousin there to keep an eye out and I had made friends with the group around us who sort of took it upon themselves to create space for him. Had it been the evening, I would have hung back so that I could keep any eye out. As much as Boston Calling welcomes people of all ages, these are still outdoor concerts so you'll want to make the best decision for your crew. I have been to other festivals, like Lollapalooza, and Boston Calling does not have a drunken, druggie or messy vibe to it. Though there were crowds, I did not feel unsafe, even as it got later into the evening.

You can expect a good amount of walking. The stages are not miles away from eachother but you do have to walk to and fro depending on what acts you want to see. This is a music festival afterall... but with kids, their legs are smaller, their attention spans are somewhat shorter and you're going to want to give them time to sit, even if it's in the shade on the ground, before asking them to move on.

You can expect there to be plenty of food and beverage vendors. We had our choice of so many different types of food and drinks. My little guy chose ice cream and Sprite but I was able to choose from a variety of different meals, all of which accepted cash and credit cards when purchasing. I, as a prepared mother, had snacks like fig bars and applesauce pouces in my bag but when faced with all the awesome options, Wes wanted nothing to do with my ho hum purse food.

If you're a nursing/pumping parent, keep in mind that I checked in with the team and there is no designated area for this purpose at this time. I'd say that there may be the opportunity to use the Arena area between shows or even during as it's dark in there during shows and there are actual bathrooms in there, not portable toilets. At best, you'll be figuring this out on the fly but I'd wager that if you're adventurous with your baby, you're up for it!



What should you bring

A lot will depend on your kids' needs and wants but there are some general things that I would suggest you bring. Wear comfortable shoes, bring hats for the whole family, sunglasses if need be and pack factory sealed snacks and water. If you require special sunscreen for sensitive skin, you'll want to pack that but I was happy to see that Boston Calling provided dispensers, much like you'd find in bathrooms, that actually had sunscreen there on site. Even the most prepared parents might pack an almost empty tube of SPF so I loved watching all the people taking advantage of the free sunscreen there.

You can bring a factory sealed water bottle or an empty one to fill at the hydration stations that Boston Calling has spread across the grounds. You'll want to stay hydrated and keep your crew hydrated no matter the weather. That's just good festival etiquette. I brought my Nalgene and just attached to my backpack strap for the day and it worked like a charm.

I bought Wes a pair of concert headphones and I'm glad I did. It was very loud for him but with the headphones, he was living the dream and I could enjoy the music without having him whining at me. We even used these same ones for Kidz Bop later in the Summer. I think these are a good bet for any parent bringing their kids to a show. I tried using the little foam ones with Wes and they just did not fly. Better safe than sorry, especially when you're spending good money on tickets.

Lockers are available if you need to bring more than you can actually carry throughout the day. Lockers will be available as a safe & secure place to store your belongings while at the festival. For your convenience, they have lockers available both inside and outside of the festival. You can reserve your locker INSIDE the festival in advance here. Lockers are $15 per day or $40 for the three day weekend.


I didn't regret bringing Wes to Boston Calling. If you're the type of parent that wants to take the time and opportunity for adventure with your music loving kid, then this is as good a festival as I've been to that creates a welcoming atmosphere for the crew. With some normal family preparation, you can head to some of your favorite acts one day with kids, then head back in evenings for headliners wit friends. With the wristbands, your flexibilty is right there, so it's what you make of it. We're headed back this year to see some awesome acts, so would love to hear about your plans to take in some Memorial Day weekend music!

Have any questions about Boston Calling? Check out their FAQ page for more info on the day. You can search for tickets here. You can follow them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook