#Sacramento Made The Top 10 2013 Eye Healthy Regions

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on June 10, 2013

I was able to hang out a bit with the lovely reps for VSP at BlissDom in Dallas this year, and I am excited to partner with them.


Not too long ago, I published a few tips from a local VSP provider to improve your eyes’ health during allergy season. I am now excited to share some exciting news – and a giveaway – with you!

Are you ready?

VSP Vision Care announced today the results of the 2013 Eye Health Index. Boise City, Idaho is the top city where more residents took care of their eyes in 2012. In fact, Boise City had the highest rate of eye exams compared to any other city on the index for the past two years.

The Eye Health Index reviews tens of millions of VSP claims from more than 100 geographic areas across the country to identify which cities and regions are the most focused on maintaining their eye health. VSP, the largest not-for-profit vision benefits company in the United States with 59 million members, began analyzing claim data in 2012 to recognize the top cities whose citizens are getting eye exams as part of their healthcare routine. In addition to helping identify vision correction needs, eye exams also help ensure that the eyes and body are healthy, as eye doctors are often first to detect signs of serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The data was based on the percentage of people covered by VSP who received an eye exam in 2012 in greater city areas in which at least 95,000 people have VSP.
So, I just told you that Boise was rated #1, but guess what city area came in at #2?

SACRAMENTO!


When was the last time you and your family had eye exams? How does your city area rate?

The Top 10 2013 Eye Healthy Regions in the United States:

1. Boise, Idaho
2. Sacramento, Calif. (No. #10 in 2012)
3. Oklahoma City-Tulsa, Okla. (No. #9 in 2012)
4. Wichita, Kan. (No. #2 in 2012)
5. Columbus, OH (No. #6 in 2012)
6. Des Moines, Iowa
7. Birmingham, Ala.1 (No. #4 in 2012)
8. Denver, Colo. (No. #5 in 2012)
9. Raleigh, N.C. (No. #3 in 2012)
10. Bay Area, Calif. (San Jose was No. #7 in 2012)

Now, for the giveaway!

See those super cute designer sunglasses I’m wearing up there? Well, I have a brand new pair to give to one of you!

Share with us in the comments below one of the ways you keep your eyes healthy. I will choose a lucky winner on June 24th, so you can receive your pair of sunglasses just in time for the sunny summer weather.

Keep those peepers protected!

Disclosure: I have been compensated for this post and giveaway.

 

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45 Rules for Moms of Sons

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on June 9, 2013

From the moment I read Michael Mitchell’s 50 Rules for Dads of Daughters, I knew I wanted to put together my own set of rules, but for moms of sons. After all, I do have a bit of experience and I figured it would be easy. But, each time I sat down to write my list, my mind went blank.

I asked some of my good blogging friends with boys for some help, thinking I would be inspired. And, still nothing but a few ideas came to me. Until now. Perhaps it was being away from them this last week that made me realize the things that are truly important.

So, without further ado, I bring you my Rules for Moms of Sons, including some of those from my friends.

Rules for Moms of Sons

1. Hug, kiss, and squeeze your baby, no matter how old he gets.


2. Cherish every moment your son shows you his affection. It will become harder to snag that precious time with him as he grows older.


3. He will reach an age when you should not tell anyone that he still loves to snuggle with you. (Lisa Morris Frame)


4. Never, ever call him that cute pet name you have for him in front of his friends. (Lisa)


5. Teach them to know their Father. The One in Heaven. Because their biological one may not always be around and they need the One who will always be a true role model. (Kadi Prescott)


6. Don’t be afraid to argue with his dad in front of your son, but always make up, within his earshot, as well.


7. Show your affection for his dad. Kiss, hug, and cuddle your husband in front of your son.


mother reading to son

8. Read to him. Every day. The Bible is a great place to start, even before he understands the words. Knowing his family is rooted in God’s Word will be the foundation on which he builds his faith.


9. Teach him the importance of opening and holding doors for girls, especially for you and his sister(s).


10. Make sure he knows how to do the things that older generations may expect only women to do – cook, wash dishes, do laundry, clean toilets, hold a baby, change diapers. Some of these skills will come in handy if he ever lives alone, but they will all be priceless if he plans to find a good girl to marry.


11. Never check their pockets when doing laundry. Make them check their OWN pockets. (Angela England)


dad and son

12. Allow time for him to spend alone with his dad.


taking risks

13. Encourage him to take risks, no matter how small. (Julie Meyers Pron)


14. Let him wrestle and rough house. He needs to be a boy.


15. Rough house with him. It teaches him early when it goes too far with mom (a girl) what the lines are. (Carissa Rogers)


be still and quiet

16. Teach him when and how to be still.


17. Pray with him and for him. Pray for his mind, body, and soul. Pray he puts on the full armor of Christ, while teaching him what it means to be a warrior for Him.


a boy and his cape

18. Make him a cape and encourage him to be the hero and save the day.


19. Say “I love you” often.


20. Let him wander.


21. Explore with him.


boys running

22. He must be allowed to peek behind walls, skate without holding your hand, and run ahead on the trail. His curiosity and sense of adventure cannot be nourished when he’s attached to your hip. (Amy B-Hole)


23. Even when he’s tiny, let him know that he can talk to you about anything and everything.


23. Listen to him and really hear his thoughts and try to understand his opinions, even if they differ from yours. And they will, as he gets older.


24. Don’t be afraid to talk about sex with him. If you start early and establish relaxed, open lines of communication, he will feel comfortable coming to you with his questions and concerns. (Janice Croze)


a boy and his dream

25. Listen to his dreams and encourage him to go after them.


26. Ask him how his day was. Even if he spent it with you.


a boy and his dog

27. Buy him the dog he so desperately wants. Before he has to beg.


28. Learn to love reptiles and amphibians and insects. You will have to catch them, find lost ones, and conduct memorials for them after they are dead. (Kadi)


29. Keep a notebook and document all of the fun and witty things he says from the time he utters his first word.


30. Don’t sugarcoat anything. Tell it like it is. (Sharon Rose Mays)


31. Celebrate all of his accomplishments. There are no such things as “small” victories.


32. Show them that girls can play just as hard as boys. (Jessica Rubin Cohen)


cuts and scrapes

33. Do not be alarmed when he falls and bumps his head, scrapes his knee, or cuts his finger. Boys were made to be rough and tumble and are bound to get hurt. Many many times.


34. A band-aid always makes it better. Even if there is no blood.


a boy being silly

35. Allow opportunities for him to be silly.


36. Try to like his girlfriends. Or at least be nice to them. (Kadi)


boys get messy

37. He will get dirty. Let him without freaking out. Soap and water work wonders.


38. Go on a monthly date with him. Let him be the man and open doors for you, pick the movie/restaurant, and pay. (Tina Kelley)


39. Teach him how important a simple “thank you” is.


40. Give him your trust. But let him know he can lose it.


41. Start approximately one in five sentences with the word “Dude” and end one in five with the words, “okay, Buddy?” (Jessica)


sports

42. Encourage him to learn how to play a sport well. Or an instrument.


expression through art

43. Show him how he can express himself in different ways. Through his spoken and written words, through his body language, and even through music or art.


44. Be willing to use physical force to get the love you need. You may have to pin your son down to get a kiss, or pin his arms to his side to get a hug. Getting cuddles may require a full-contact tackle. You can’t get by with doing that to another adult, but it’s perfectly fine for you to do it with your son. (Amy)


45. Remember this: the days may seem long, but the years are short.


Photo credits ::

#8 David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
#13 africa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
#16 chrisroll / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
#18 Peter E. Lee via photopin cc
#22 chrisroll / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
#25 photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
#27 Tina Phillips / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
#42 Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
#43 papaija2008 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Tweet With Us for a Chance to Win a #D6SurfSkimmer

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on May 31, 2013

I shared with y’all a while back that I was joining an incredible group of women to help bring a bit of social good to the Jersey shore. Well, we’re packing our bags and getting more excited every day, as we prepare for a fabulous few days.

In the midst of all of our excitement, we have the great honor of helping D6 Sports launch a brand new product – the SurfSkimmer – and we would love for YOU to join in the fun.

This Monday evening at 6pm (PT) hop on Twitter, follow @D6surfskimmer, learn more about this fun new “toy,” and chat with us about family fun at the beach. Be sure you enter to win one of two brand new SurfSkimmers (must enter via Rafflecopter below) and tweet with us using the #jerseylove hashtag.

See you then!

Surf Skimmer #JerseyLove Twitter Party

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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More Disney Magic

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on May 21, 2013

There are some big things happening at the Disneyland Resort!

Will you join me (here and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) as I attend Disney’s media event this week? Here’s a preview of what we will be checking out –

Fantasy Faire – an enchanting, immersive storybook world that extends Fantasyland. Disney Princesses await Disneyland park guests at the new Fantasy Faire and brings their timeless tales to life in fun and surprising ways.

DL fantasy faire sketchesGuests will be treated to an interactive storytelling experience with vaudeville-style Renaissance storytellers at the Royal Theatre. There will be two different shows at the Royal Theatre: the tales of Rapunzel (“Tangled”) and Belle (“Beauty and the Beast”).

DL Royal Theatre

In addition to all of this magic in Fantasyland, Mickey Mouse and a cast of beloved Disney characters will embark on a series of musical adventures through the magical powers of a sorcerer’s map in “Mickey and the Magical Map,” the all-new, live show debuting May 25 at Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park.

But, there’s more! It’s a Monstrous Summer at Disneyland Resort!

Spaceship Earth Transforms into “Monsters University” Star M

Disney parks on both coasts are bursting with unforgettable thrills and enchantment from new shows and attractions — starting with a 24-hour all-nighter for us here on the West Coast at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park!

  • Kick off a Monstrous summer on May 24, 2013, at an amazing 24-hour all-nighter in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Scream with delight as monster hosts Mike and Sulley drop in from Monsters University.
  • Shop for limited-time special All-Nighter merchandise
  • Put the pedal to the metal at CarsLand — now going full-throttle at Disney California Adventure Park!
  • Check out the entertaining vibe on Buena Vista Street at the newly reimagined Disney California Adventure Park.
  • Immerse yourself in timeless Disney tales at Fantasy Faire.
  • Join Mickey on the exciting new magical, musical adventure, “Mickey and the Magical Map,” in the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park.

Image Credit :: Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland

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Blogging With My Daughter :: 22 Words to Describe Me and You {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 12, 2013

For yesterday’s challege, we were to “write 20 words to sell ourself.” Julia wanted to list 10 words to “sell me” so, in return, I described her in 10 words. We ended up each listing 11. We were so busy at Magic Kingdom yesterday that we had to wait until today to post this. Actually, [...]

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A Magical Day with Janice (@5minutesformom) and Julia (@JulzBGiggles)

May 11, 2013
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Merida’s Induction Into the Disney Princess Royal Court at DisneyWorld {Video}

May 11, 2013

Merida was welcomed on stage by the entire Disney Princess court and was crowned by her mother, Queen Elinor, in a touching moment of love and respect that highlighted the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter. And we were there! That was just the beginnging of another magical day here in Florida… Check out our [...]

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Fun with Julia at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

May 10, 2013

Do you sometimes wonder what to do with all of those photos and videos on your iPhone? Well, wonder no more. Disney has just launched a brand new app that will compose your memories in to a beautiful story. Disney’s Story app is free! I’m already addicted!! Full disclosure: I was not compensated in any [...]

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A Moment Of My Day {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 9, 2013

Julia and I are playing in Florida this weekend. Thanks to the wonderful Janice, who has adopted us as her family members for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! It’s a hard life! – Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

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Advice From My Daughter :: 10 Things to Do to Be a Better Mom {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 8, 2013

I was talking to my mom and she said she was doing a thing called #BlogEveryDayInMay. Today’s assignment is to “give your advice about anything” so I hacked her blog and want to give you advice on how to be a greater mom than you already are now! 1. Always listen to your kids. If [...]

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My Biggest Fears {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 7, 2013

There are most certainly things that make me uncomfortable, but I’m not afraid of many things. Those of which I am afraid, scare the living daylights out of me… Spiders more than just make my skin crawl; I am terrified of them. I couldn’t even search for a photo to include in this post without [...]

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You’re Invited to a Girl’s Day Out!

May 7, 2013

I have been asked to host a Girl’s Day Out. I’m being compensated for my time and energy to plan and prepare for this event. There is a CLEAR Scalp & Hair Therapy Event at Walmart on Sunday, May 19th, nationwide. I’m making an afternoon of it, and I’d love for YOU to join me! [...]

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“What do I do?” {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 6, 2013

Well, first I have to answer the question, “Who am I?” I am a follower of Christ. I am a wife. I am a mother of seven. I am a sister to four. I am a daughter. I am an aunt. I am a grandaughter. I am a friend. I am a teacher. I am [...]

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Friends for Life {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 5, 2013

When I began blogging almost eight years ago, I didn’t even imagine all that would come of it. How perfect my timing was. How I happened to be at the right place at the right time. Not only was it a fabulous way to stay in touch with friends, and display our familiy happenings with [...]

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#TeachersChangeLives :: REAL Change with Office Depot

May 5, 2013

As you may know, my four oldest kids attend a public charter school. Our teachers spent countless hours preparing their classrooms at the beginning of the year. They spend much time preparing lessons for the kids. And, each day, they pour themselves in to the children. I’m working with Office Depot to recognize the contributions [...]

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Like No One Else {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 4, 2013

There are many quotes I favor – verses from the Bible I treasure, poems I love, excerpts from books I have memorized – all favorites for different reasons. So, I really didn’t think it’d be that difficult to choose one for today’s challenge. But, it was! I chose the following quote by Dr. Suess simply [...]

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3 Things That Make Me Uncomfortable {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 3, 2013

There aren’t many things that make me uncomfortable. But, those that do, make my skin crawl. I know. Seems drastic. But, for me? These things are real deal breakers. For example… If I get your voicemail when I call you, I most likely will not leave you a message. If I do, it will probably [...]

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Finding Balance on Vacation with #TMOM

May 3, 2013

There is so much to think about when planning a vacation. All of the many things I think about here at home, I have to keep in mind on the road, too. As the mom of a large family, it’s vital to find accomodations that are comfortable enough for all of us. Is there a place [...]

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What I Know About Big Families {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 2, 2013

I am the grand-daughter in a big family. I am the daughter in a big family. I am the mother in a big family. I may know a thing or two about big families. we make big noises. we make big messes. we eat big meals. we have big personalities. we make big plans. we [...]

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The Story of Me {in 250 words or less} #BlogEveryDayinMay

May 1, 2013

I was born nearly thirty-six autumns ago. Four little ones came after me, and I became a mini version of my mother. I never played with dolls, since I had real babies to help feed, dress, bathe and tickle. Of course, I wanted to play mommy and loved every minute of it. In fact, I [...]

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O-Duster to the Rescue!

April 30, 2013

As a self proclaimed “Type A Neat-Freak”; nothing quite gets Andrea’s blood pumping like a new cleaning product. While others may spend their time in the shoe or makeup isles of Walmart, she can be found in the cleaning section. Sniff, spray, smell, repeat. She could spend hours in search of the next great product [...]

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Allergy Relief for Your Eyes

April 29, 2013

My allergies get worse and worse every year, it seems. Itchy, watery eyes. Runny nose. Scratchy throat. Sinus pressure. Exhaustion. Ugh! I’ve done lots of research and try everything I can to feel better during allergy season. Have you ever wondered how we can improve our eyes’ well-being during this allergy season? I hadn’t, really. So, [...]

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