Monday, February 28, 2022

Home Bathroom Spa Makeover Ideas for Mom

At Home


MBE partnered with Bathroom Butler who provided content for this post

Creating a Spa Vibe to Help Mom Escape, Relax


There can be no denying it: modern moms are busier than ever, spending nearly all their waking hours taking care of loved ones. Today's mothers frequently juggle it all -- from caring for children and working full-time, to potentially homeschooling and/or simultaneously caring for elderly parents.


Spa Home Bathroom Trends


So How Hard Do Today's Moms Work?


  • Women spend an average of 21 hours per week doing household chores, while men spend fewer than 7 hours, on average
  • Almost half (49%) of employed women in the US, including 42% of working mothers, say they are the family's primary breadwinner

Clearly, it leaves no time for rest and relaxation. Actually, in this mad rush of never-ending responsibilities and obligations, it's no wonder that many moms feel burnt-out and find themselves craving an escape from their endless daily duties. It's time for moms to stop neglecting themselves and start practicing some badly needed self-care. After all, how can these busy mothers do a good job of looking after everyone else, when they're feeling tired, stressed and depleted?

While it may be tempting to dream of a far-away escape and luxurious vacation, that's simply not a realistic option for most modern moms. Instead of taking off on an actual getaway, what if they could -- with far less effort -- simply turn a bathroom at home into a place where mom can pamper herself, de-stress and relax? 


Home Bathroom to Spa DIY Ideas



Bathroom Spa Upgrade Inspiration & Trends


Check out these ideas to uplift mom's spirits and revive her energy level by adding a touch of luxury that transforms your bathroom into a spa-like resort  

Heated Towel Racks

A heated towel rack (like the one you see pictured above) is a great way to create a spa vibe in a residential bathroom. After all, following a relaxing long bath, what could be better than stepping out of the tub and wrapping yourself in a warm towel? Not only does a heated towel rack elevate the body's enjoyment after bathing, it also provides the added benefit of killing bacteria commonly found on towels, even clean ones. This heated towel rail technology is a good way to combat germs and enhance your level of comfort. Besides, what mom wouldn't appreciate a feature that also keeps her home cleaner, right?

Elegant Bathroom Accessories

There is no denying it, bathroom remodels are expensive, averaging a cost of around $20,000. That price tag alone might even tempt  you to cut corners and do things cheaply. Before cutting expenses, though, remember high-end bathroom accessories can ultimately deliver a higher return on your investment not only because of the more luxurious look created but because these accessories usually last longer, too. From well-chosen faucet fixtures to towel bars, soap dishes, toilet paper roll holders and other luxe functional and decorative bath accessories, there are a multitude of ways to achieve a bathroom that feels like a spa.

Heating Flooring or Tiles

Few things are worse than getting out of a warm bath and stepping onto a cold floor that quickly can  make the rest of your body feel cold. That's why heated flooring is a popular solution with modern consumers. Not only is this an excellent way to maintain comfort and body warmth. If combined with slip resistant features, it can also make your floor safer to walk on, even when exposed to excess moisture or steam.

Upgraded Shower Heads

With so many jumping on the bath remodeling bandwagon in 2022, converting a home bathroom into a wet room is a good option to consider. After all, the wet room look is inspired by spas and is easier to clean than a traditional bathroom. Even if you don't want to completely transform your bathroom into a wet room, you might still like to upgrade the showerheads or add dual showers to your space.

Organization and Accents

Just as a spa embraces minimalism, a clean look with a clutter-free environment, and is often inspired by nature intended to relax the mind and body, you can easily translate that sort of vibe into a bathroom. With a little thought to enhance your space with a better organized spa-like area which includes out-of-view storage, that busy mom in your family can enjoy a luxurious bathroom experience without ever leaving home.


Bathroom Transformed to Home Spa


The Choice Is Yours


It's all up to you, the options are endless to suit your family's lifestyle. Depending on the time and budget you have available, you might decide to undertake a complete bathroom rennovation, a more moderate bath remodeling project, or simply add a few luxurious features. Whichever route you choose, it is possible to carve out the perfect at-home mom spa spot for her to escape, recharge and enjoy some badly needed me-time.

About Bathroom Butler

A family-owned business founded 35 years ago, Bathroom Butler manufactures top of line luxury bathroom accessories and heated towel rails to meet the changing demands of  contemporary designers and trend conscious consumers. For more information and to find a retailer near you, visit the official Bathroom Butler website. Learn more about the brand by also following them on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Blaze Monster Machines: Dino Derby DVD

Movies


MBE partnered with Paramount Pictures; post contains affiliate links

Nickelodeon Kids Movie Review + Giveaway 


Guess what? The popular Nickelodeon kids series Blaze And The Monster Machines is back with another new family-friendly DVD for kids to enjoy at home. This time around, it's Blaze And The Monster Machines: Dino Derby (2022, US: Not Rated, CAN: Rated G).


Nickelodeon Blaze And The Monster Machines



The Storyline

Boys and girls are invited to rev up their engines and climb on board for an exhilarating ride like no other in the newest animated movie release. In this installment, Blaze, AJ, and their prehistoric bud Pal Zeg -- and the rest of the always-on-the-go gang -- set out on four exciting dinosaur adventures. 

ROAR!!! From the Dino Derby to a dinosaur parade, to a rip roaring ride on the Dino Coaster, children will be treated to non-stop action. It's fun, thrills and shenanigans. Most definitely it's a jungle out there! 



Tyrannosaurus rex Dinosaur Cabazon Built 1964


4 Episodes Included on the DVD

  • Dino Derby
  • Dinosaur Parade
  • Dino Coaster
  • Dino Dash

Now... keep reading  for your chance to WIN this new home entertainment release for your kids and the whole family to watch together.

 

GIVEAWAY

 
Blaze and the Monster Machines:
Dino Derby DVD

Exclusive MBE Giveaway


Blaze Monster Machines Dino Derby Movie


How to Enter MBE's Giveaway

Thanks to Paramount Home Entertainment, ONE (1) lucky MBE giveaway participant will win the new Blaze and the Monster Machines: Dino Derby DVD. To enter this exclusive movie giveaway Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest is open to US residents only and qualifying winner will be selected at random.

Hurry, this giveaway ends February 27, 2022 at 11:59 pm EST. This contest is not affiliated with Instagram in any way. Paramount is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to winner.

More About Blaze and the Monster Machines
The new Blaze And The Monster Machines: Dino Derby DVD (2022) is available now.  Learn more about Nickelodeon's Blaze and the Monster Machines, the popular CGI-animated children's TV series focused on teaching STEM skills (science, tech, engineering, and math) which premiered on Nickelodeon in 2014. For more fun and activities, visit the brand on Facebook to stay up on all the news about this fun series.





DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. This allows our site to earn a bit of compensation -- without any extra cost to consumers -- for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Valentines Day Kids Books Review + Giveaway

Books


MBE partnered with Simon & Schuster, post contains affiliate links

New Kids Titles With Heart Review + Giveaway


Last year around this time, MBE reviewed and gave away a Simon & Schuster book bundle for Valentine's Day 2021. Once again, we are thrilled to be collaborating with the children's division of this major publishing house to share S&S's newest books (and well as a few recent releases) with heart for kids of all ages ranging from 1 year-old to 12 and up to enjoy year-round. Keep reading to learn about the newest kid's book titles as well as find out how you can enter to win a book bundle for your child's reading level. These are all good student books for teachers and school libraries building their collections, too.


Heart Eyeglasses Readers Pink



BABY/TODDLER BOARD BOOKS


Simon & Schuster is one of my personal favorite publishers for kids' board books. So I couldn't be more excited to share with you about their beautifully illustrated new titles in this category -- featuring themes of love and affection -- which are perfect for reading with boys and girls on Valentine's Day as well as any other time of the year.

My Heart Grows (Board Book, 12/7/21, Ages 1-5)

by Jeffrey Burton, illustrated by Joanne Liu
This is a story kids, moms, and dads will all definitely relate to. We all love our kids, and every child wants to be loved, right? In this book it's all about showing how a parent's love for their child grows with each and every day.

Kisses, Kisses, Head to Toe! (Board Book, 9/28/21, Ages 1-5)

by Karen Katz
Little ones will enjoy playing peekaboo in this interactive lift-the-flap book which even has a mirror on the last page for boys and girls to see themselves. A really fun one for older toddlers to page through on their own or to be read again and again to younger children or for older kids to "read" to you.

I Love My Teacher (Board Book, 1/18/22, Ages 4-8)

adapted by Maggie Testa, illustrated by Jason Fruchter
Both preschoolers and early elementary school age kids will enjoy this new book. Includes a removeable insert with five cards for young students to write notes of appreciation to their teachers.


Kids Books With Heart All Ages



DANIEL TIGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD 


For older little ones, check out this duo of adorable new paperback books celebrating love, from the series inspired by the popular Daniel the Tiger's Neighborhood animated children's TV show.

Celebrate Love Day (Paperback, 12/7/21, Ages 3-7)

adapted by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz, illustrated by Jason Fruchter
Kids can celebrate Love Day on any day of the year of their choosing with this cute 8"x8" soft cover book. Comes with eight cardstock love notes for kids to make love notes for their family and friends.

Daniel Misses Someone (Paperback, 12/7/21, Ages 3-7)

adapted by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz, illustrated by Jason Fruchter
Written and illustrated by the same duo as Celebrate Love Day, this story is all about the youngesters might be missing friends, family, grandparents and other loved ones. A soft cover book that resonates, especially in these times.


PICTURE BOOKS


As I mentioned at the top of this post, I'm a big fan of the many lovely illustrated children's titles Simon & Schuster continues to roll out and these three titles are no exception.

Angelina & The Valentine's Day Surprise 

(Paper Over Board Book, 1/4/22, Ages 3-7)

by Katharine Holabird, illustrated by Helen Craig
The newest book in the whimsical Angelina Ballerina is this title. Inside, children are invited to interact with the book's pull-tab valentines simulating the fun of sending and getting cards in the mail.

Slug in Love (Hard Cover Book, 12/14/21, Ages 4-8)

by Rachel Bright, illustrated by Nadia Shireen
Authored by the bestselling writer of Love Monster, this rhyming picture book is a sweet read for Valentine's Day as well as year-round. Kids will likely enjoy reading about this cuddly snail's search for love again and again.

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch 

(Paper Over Board Book, 12/7/21, Ages 4-8)

by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Paul Yalowitz
This book revolves around a lonely man named Mr. Hatch. One wintry day the mailperson delivers a mysterious package with a big pink bow. Kids will want to follow along and see what happens next.


Young Adult Books With Heart



YOUNG ADULT BOOKS


From first loves to mending hearts to contemporary romances, these five chapter books will encourage older youngsters to read more as they move through the teenage years. 

The Meet Cute Project (Paperback, 1/12/22, Ages 12+)

by Rhiannon Richardson
In this rom-com novel, a teen girl goes to unbelievable extremes to do whatever it takes to ensure she has a date for her sister's wedding.

Fall Into Me (Paperback, 12/7/21, Ages 16+)

by Mila Gray
A recording artist and her ex-Marine bodyguard who is trying to outrun a difficult past embark on a suprisingly and romantic adventure together with lots of drama and tension. By the same novelist who brought us the book Come Back to Me and Run Away With Me.

Aristotle And Dante Dive Into The Waters of The World
(Paperback & Hard Cover, 10/12/21, Ages 14+)

by Benjamin Alire Saenz
The is the sequel to the award-winning novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets to the Universe. It's the story of an emotional roller coaster romance that fans of Adam Silvera and Mary H.K. Choi will appreciate.

For All Time (Paperback & Hard Cover, 9/28/21, Ages 14+)

by Shanna Miles
This romantic debut novel is about two teens, Tamar and Fayard, who relive their tragic love story again and again until they figure out what they have to do to change their fate and create their own happily ever after tale.

As If On Cue (Hard Cover Book, 9/21/21, Ages 12+)

by Marisa Kanter
Jenny Han and Morgan Matson are teenagers who once were enemies. Now they find themselves forced to work together to save their school's arts program and a romance emerges.

A Pho Love Story (Hard Cover Book, 2/9/21, Ages 12+)

by Loan Le
Two Vietnamese American teenagers fall in love with their sweet new relationship taking place against the backdrop of their families' fueding restaurants in the same neighborhood. In their review of this book, PopSugar says "Will leave readers swooming." 

All the books listed above are also available as eBooks. For more titles see the Simon & Schuster Spring 2022 Digital Catalog.


GIVEAWAY


Simon & Schuster
Kids Heart Books Bundle

Exclusive MBE Giveaway


Kids YA Book Bundle Spring 2022 Giveaway


How to Enter MBE's Giveaway


Thanks to Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, ONE (1) lucky MBE giveaway partcipant will win their choice of ONE (1) age-appropriate book bundle.  Winner can choose their prize from any one of the kids book categories in this review: Board Books or Daniel the Tiger's Neighborhood or Picture Books or YA Books. To enter this exclusive giveaway Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, VISIT THIS MBE Instagram post. Contest is open to US residents only and qualifying winner will be selected at random. Hurry, giveaway ends February 14, 2021 at 11:59 pm EST. This contest is not affiliated with Instagram in any way. Simon & Schuster is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to winner.

More About Simon & Schuster

Founded in 1924, Simon & Schuster is a subsidiary of ViacomCBS. With worldwide distribution, the company publishes 20,000 new titles annually under 35 different imprints. To learn more about their huge collection of literature for youth and see current titles, visit the Simon & Schuter Children's Publishing Catalog. To stay up on what's new in books for all ages of kids from 0-14, also follow the brand on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.



DISCLOSURE: MBE participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn a bit of compensation, without extra cost to consumers, for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.